Work Text:
Grandfather's words echoed in Perceval's head: "Which one of them do you love more, huh?" This question, like a splinter, tormented his soul, not giving rest. How can you measure the depth of love and friendship? How can you compare priceless feelings, like ripe apples in the garden, choosing something that seems more rosy and attractive? It seemed like blasphemy, a betrayal of everyone he cared about.
He cherished Nasiens and Anne. Both were dear to him, each in their own way. Nasiens, with his indomitable spirit, sharp wit, and penchant for poisons, was a loyal companion on their adventures, always ready to back them up. Anne, with her keen insight and willingness to chastise him for his mistakes, served as a compass, reminding him of the right path. He appreciated her straightforwardness and honesty, even when they were painful. How could he choose whom he loved more? They were both his close friends. Preferring one would mean betraying the other, devaluing their bond.
Exhausted by these thoughts, Percival tossed and turned restlessly on the hard, uneven ground, desperately trying to find some semblance of comfort. To no avail! The ground seemed to be resisting him, reminding him of his inner discomfort.
Suddenly, a soft, soothing snore pierced the silence of the dark night. Percival cautiously turned his head and saw that Donny, who was sleeping right next to him, had turned to face him. Donny's face, usually so lively and energetic, seemed peaceful and serene, as if all the weight of his worries had been lifted from it.
"Donny,"— Percival whispered softly, afraid of disturbing his friend's deep sleep. His voice was almost reverent, as if he were afraid of breaking the fragile magic of the moment.
Percival's mind was suddenly filled with Grandpa's words, spoken after a grueling training session:
"You know, Percival, one day you'll meet someone who makes your heart sing, and only with them will you feel truly comfortable. It's like returning home after a long journey."
Back then, when he was still a naive boy, Perceval asked hopefully.
—“So…they’d just be friends? Really good friends?”
Grandfather smiled warmly, his eyes filled with wisdom and warmth. He gently stroked his grandson's disheveled hair and replied,
—"No, Perceval, it will be more than a friend. It will be much more. You will call this person your beloved. Only with them will you realize that your life has become much better, fuller, and brighter. Only with them will you feel truly alive."
Donny... The first person he met in this brand-new, unexplored world, aside from Lancelot, who appeared to him in the guise of a cunning fox. The man who was willing to risk his own life twice in one day to save him! Donny, who, despite his many mistakes and flaws, always stood by his side, supporting him in difficult moments. Donny, who never once reproached him for being dead for two years. He simply embraced him in a long-awaited reunion, as if there had been no long, painful separation, as if there had been no room for pain, resentment, or bitter disappointment. He didn't even get offended when Percival, in a fit of anger and frustration, blinded by rage, said hurtful, damaging things to him.
Percival enjoyed spending time with Donny. Sometimes, in rare moments of peace and quiet, as they sat by a crackling campfire, gazing up at the star-studded night sky and sharing stories from their past lives, he felt as if he had briefly returned home to his beloved Grandfather. With Donny, he felt safe, supported, and deeply understood.
But did that mean he loved Donny more than Nasiens and Ann? No, of course not. His feelings for Donny were completely special. They were... more than just friendly, deeper, more meaningful... But what did that mean...? He didn't understand. He just felt it.
Perceval looked at Donny's sleeping form and, with a slight smile on his face, quietly turned over on his back. When this crazy tournament was over and they were finally back in their home of Liones , he would invite Donny to share a mug of good, strong beer at the tavern. Or perhaps he should have the courage to seek advice from the wise Nasiens and Ann to help him navigate the complexities of his emerging feelings for Donny. He was confident that they would be more than willing to guide him on the right path. True friends will always come to your aid when you need them. The thought warmed his soul and helped him fall asleep.