Her hand on his is a blessing he doesn't deserve, the warmth of it familiar and reassuring. She looks at him expectantly. Percy doesn't turn his gaze away, giving himself free rein to admire the earnest expression on her face - and blame the wine, or the utter loneliness of the situation, but he slips his hand out from under hers and puts his arm around her shoulders.

They're friends, after all. This is still friendship, letting her come in a little closer while they let a bottle of wine ease an awkward conversation. If he wishes it were more than that, that's his own problem to manage.

"I can see why she caught your eye." Saying she sounds like Vex's type is going a bit far right now, not least because it feels overly self-complimentary, but at least he can acknowledge this woman's finer qualities. (This is what matters, really: Vex found someone same and loving in a place that's anything but. If he can only keep that in mind -) "And the, er. The other one?"

Might as well rip the entire bandage off in one go. He doesn't want to spend his time wondering.