GEMINI.
"Are you in any kind of trouble?"
I asked Percy, fearing for the worst. And he just looked at me like I'd grown two heads, his expression incredulous.
"What are you talking about?" he asked, his eyes still fixed on me and I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts.
"You've been gone for two days without a word, and you just said you punished those guys for what they did to me." I explained, my voice barely above a whisper. Percy sighed, looking upset at the mention of those guys.
"I'm not in trouble," he reassured me, his voice low and calm. "Those guys only got what they deserved. No one messes with what's mine," he said, his eyes gleaming with a possessive intensity as he spoke. My heart skipped a beat as I processed his words. Why does he keep saying that?
"That little incident just now was bound to happen anyway," he continued, "and you're right. I had to claim you in front of everyone. No one will mess with you if they think you're mine."
It sounds crazy when he explains his reasons for doing what he did and yet, it makes perfect sense. He's been here longer than I have, he knows these people. I'm going to trust that he knows what he's doing. Besides, it's not like I'm actually 'his' or anything. We just need people to believe that so the don't mess with me, right?
But for a moment, I wanted to protest, to tell him that I wasn't a piece of art he'd bought at an auction. But something told me I shouldn't.
"But, do you know what this means for your reputation?" I wanted to make sure he knows what he's getting into. "This could literally ruin everything you stand for in this school. I'm a nobody, just the scholarship kid you met not even up to a month." Percy's expression turned serious, his shoulders stiffened, and I could tell he was upset.
"And why exactly should I care about my reputation?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of anger and something else.
Surprised by his response I asked. "What?" narrowing in confusion. Did he really not care about his reputation, or is there something I don't know?
Percy's gaze met mine. "This school and everyone in it has created this illusion of what I'm supposed to be because my grandparents founded this place and they believe that's who I am. That's on them, not me. I couldn't care less what anyone think about me," he said, his voice dripping with disdain for the opinions of others. I didn't know he felt that way about expectations that had been placed upon him.
"And you earned your scholarship because you deserve it, so I don't ever want to hear you say that again, got it?" he added, his voice taking on a warning tone. I felt a shiver run down my spine and I nodded quickly.
He seems to be tired of the whole charade, tired of being bound by the expectations of those around him. This is why I can't help but feel drawn to him. He doesn't see anything wrong with me being here on scholarship. He doesn't view me as somehow lesser or inferior. Instead, he sees me as an equal, someone who had earned their place at this school through hard work and determination.
Percy looked at me with a serious expression, the intensity of his eyes made me wonder what was coming next.
"We have a more pressing matter at hand," he began, his voice low and husky. The air seemed to thicken with anticipation, and I felt my heart beating faster in my chest.
What could be more pressing than the drama that had unfolded over the past few days? I stopped pacing, my curiosity piqued, as I waited for Percy to reveal what was on his mind.
Percy's eyes seemed to bore into mine, as if willing me to take what he's about to say seriously.
"I want you to really give it a thought before making a decision, because there's no going back after this, alright?" he said, his tone dripping with solemnity. I nodded eagerly, wondering what life-altering decision he was about to present to me. And then, he dropped the bombshell.
"Should we get Chinese or French for lunch? I miss eating with you." he said, his face completely straight.
I feel like I'd been punched in the gut, but like ...in a good way. Is he being serious right now? I looked at him, flabbergasted, wondering if this was some kind of joke.
"Are you even taking this seriously?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral, but my voice betrayed my amusement. Percy nodded, his expression still serious, but I could see a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes.
"Of course, I am," he said, his voice deadpan. "deciding what to eat has always been an issue between two people, especially when one is a picky eater." I raised an eyebrow, chuckling despite myself.
Who is this guy, and since when did he have the ability to make me laugh even in the most absurd situations?
"It's not called being a picky eater if the meal costs almost your whole academic session living expenses!" I pointed out, trying to reason with him. Percy shrugged, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"Same difference." His nonchalant attitude was both infuriating and endearing.
Percy's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze piercing as he spoke.
"At least, this way I feel like I'm paying you.
"Huh?" I asked dumbly.
"You wouldn't name your price for agreeing to help me sleep without meds so now, I can help you with school work and make sure you eat well." He explained and I hummed quietly.
"It's not a bad deal, I guess." I finally agreed.
"You guess?" Percy repeated raising his brows. "Just say thank you, you brat!" he added making me lunch.
"It's a deal we're both going to benefit from." I reminded him.
"That's true!" Percy agreed with a smile. "Also, you should let me handle everyone my own way, alright? You trust that I can keep you safe," he said, his voice low and reassuring and somehow my subconscious was already on board with his plan.
There was something about Percy's calm confidence that put me at ease, made me want to trust him implicitly. His eyes seemed to bore into mine, as if searching for confirmation.
"You trust me, don't you?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. But as I looked into his eyes, I felt a sense of certainty washing over me. I do trust him, despite the fact that we'd only known each other for a while. There was something about Percy that made me feel like I could rely on him, like he'd always have my back. I nodded slowly, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, I trust you." Percy's face broke into a warm, genuine smile after hearing my words, and my heart skipped a beat.
"Good boy." He said, his voice low and soothing, as he reached out to pet my head gently. The touch sent shivers down my spine, and I felt a flutter in my chest as Percy's words echoed in my mind. There was something about the way he called me 'good boy' that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
I can't explain it, but my heart starts beating like crazy and my breathing slowed down, leaving me lightheaded and giddy. My pride as a man screamed at me to reject these feelings, to tell myself that it was wrong to feel this way about another man. But somehow, I can't seem to shake off the sensation.
"I'm not a dog, you know?" I mumbled under my breath, trying to sound casual despite the giddiness brewing inside me.
Percy turned to me again, his gaze intense and piercing. "What was that?" he inquired, his voice low and husky. My heart continued beating like crazy as I met his gaze, getting lost in the depths of his green eyes. I felt my knees weakening beneath me.
"I said I'm not a dog, you know?" I repeated, my voice louder this time. Oh great, now that came out like I'm whining. Percy's expression turned dead serious, his eyes never leaving mine.
"I never said you were." he replied, his voice calm and measured.
"But you keep calling me 'good boy' I don't like it!" I added, ending my mini rant. Percy's smirk grew wider, and he leaned towards me and I stepped back instinctively, his voice dropping to a dangerously low tone that sent shivers down my spine.
"Are you sure about that?" he asked, his eyes glinting with amusement.
The air seemed to vibrate with tension as he waited for my response, his gaze piercing mine. I felt my pulse pounding in my ears. I took another step back, my heart racing as I struggled to breathe. Does he know? I thought I'd been so careful. Percy's eyes seemed to bore into mine, as if he could see right through me.
"Your mood instantly becomes much better anytime I call you that," he said, his voice dripping with a knowing satisfaction. "And don't think I don't notice how smiley your eyes get and how you try to hide your burning cheeks from me..."
My mind immediately went into panic mode as I realized the extent of Percy's knowledge. Oh my gosh! He knows! I'm so screwed! How was I supposed to play it cool now? What was I supposed to say? Did I really not like it when he called me 'good boy?' Or was it just my pride talking?
I pulled out a chair and sat down with a thud, trying to create some distance between us. I avoided eye contact with Percy, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing how flustered I am.
"You can order French, we had Chinese last time," I said loudly, trying to sound nonchalant despite the turmoil brewing inside me. Percy chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. He picked up his iPad and began placing our order, his fingers flying across the screen with ease.
After a while he asked what drink I'd like and I answered, he nodded and then muttered under his breath, "Good boy," and I felt my face heat up with embarrassment. I was left all flustered again, with no idea how to react except to accept the butterfly-like sensation in my tummy.
Percy cleared his throat mockingly, making it clear that he knew exactly how his words had affected me. I felt a surge of frustration mixed with embarrassment, wondering how he could so easily get under my skin.
The guy I'm supposed to be afraid of seems to take great pleasure in pushing my buttons, and I have no idea how to defend myself against him.