PERCY.
The afternoon sun filtered softly through the kitchen window, casting warm golden hues across the island that has now become our cluttered workspace. Tools and woods were scattered all over the place and for some reason I didn't mind. Gemini sat hunched over his half-made modular project, his brow furrowed in concentration as his fingers fidgeted with the pieces, trying to fit them together just right.
"Am I doing this right?"
He asked softly, his eyes flickering with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty as he waited for my response. I nodded, reaching out to tap on one side of the modular we'd been working on together.
"But this goes here," I said, pointing at the small pieces he was trying to fit. "And don't add too much glue to that—we need to be able to remove it later if we want to make adjustments." I watched him carefully, gauging his reaction. His brow furrowed slightly as he took in the instructions, then nodded again, more confidently this time, before returning his focus to the task at hand.
He's so attentive, so focused when he works—that's impressive. I couldn't help but observe him more closely. He bites on his bottom lip, a habit I've noticed whenever he's deep in concentration. His tongue sticks out just a little, almost involuntarily, as he tries to get everything right. His eyebrows knit together in this adorable manner, like he's trying to puzzle out a complex problem.
Sigh. That's definitely not what I should be thinking about right now. We're supposed to be working on his project, after all. Focus, Percy!
But honestly, it's tough. My mind has been a mess ever since I met him. That initial encounter was pure coincidence—nothing planned, just a chance meeting that somehow turned everything upside down.
Whenever I look into his eyes, I feel this strange sense of familiarity, like I've known him forever. His voice, the way he smells—these little details settle into my mind as if they belong there. Having him around feels natural, almost like a part of me I didn't know was missing. It's almost as if I crave his presence.
And then there's that nagging question—should I continue keeping him around? Just until I figure out why I'm acting this way, of course? Is this really a good idea?
Suddenly, Gemini lets out a big yawn, stretching his arms and blinking sleepily. I chuckle softly.
"Looks like you're getting tired," I say, observing his posture.
He rubs his eyes and stifles another yawn. "Yeah… I guess so. We've been at this for hours," he murmurs, eyes drooping.
Maybe I should get him some coffee—no, better than that. I have a different idea. Standing up, I stride over to the fridge, retrieving a tub of ice cream. The coolness of the container feels cold in my hand. I return and hold it out to him.
"Hold out your hands," I instruct, my tone gentle but firm.
Gemini looks at me in confusion.
"Huh?"
I raised my brows, urging him to comply. He hesitates for a moment, then slowly extends his hands. He's less cooperative than he was last night—an observation that makes me think I need to work on that. Can't have him doubting every move I make.
"We should take a break," I said, handing him the ice cream. I could see him about to protest, but I shushed him. "Just eat it. You've earned it."
He hesitated for a moment, his eyes flicked from the ice cream to my face, still looking unsure. Then he started eating it, the tension in his shoulders easing just a little.
Interesting—he's willful and stubborn, but at the same time, obedient. Not bad. At least I won't be bored when I'm with him, I thought with an amused grin.
Then, I decided to test the waters a little.
"Good boy!" I said, loud enough, making sure he heard.
Immediately, a faint blush crept onto his cheeks, and he looked down, cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red.
Well, well, what do you know? Turns out he's a stubborn boy who likes being praised for being a good boy. I think I've just found a way to get Gemini to cooperate a little more willingly.
I watched him enjoy his ice cream, my gaze drifting to his messy brown curls. I remember last night when I ran my fingers through them—helping him dry his hair after getting him out of the pool. I did it so willingly then, almost instinctively. It felt strange, like I was doing something I wasn't supposed to but couldn't resist. Maybe I did it because I felt sorry for him—that was what I thought, anyway.
I told him to rest more after he finished his ice cream. My plan was to go upstairs to my room and rest while he watched movies or something. But then an idea struck me, I hadn't used the hot tub in a while. Might as well kill two birds with one stone.
"Uhh, what are you doing?" Gemini's voice broke my train of thought, stumbling over the words as he looked at me wide-eyed.
"What does it look like I'm doing?" I responded, trying to keep my tone steady. Seriously, I need to work on how I handle his questions.
Questions are like little landmines for me.
He looked confused, eyes darting from my face to what I was doing.
"You're undressing?" His cheeks turned red, and he looked away quickly, embarrassed.
"If you knew what I was doing, why did you ask what I was doing?" I shot back, raising a brow. Honestly, what's his problem? We're both guys, and I've only taken off my shirt.
He hesitated, then stammered, "I meant...why are you suddenly undressing?"
Great. More questions. I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.
"Listen," I said firmly, "I'm only going to say this once. I hate questions, even more so, explaining myself. I know it's a lot to ask, but you're going to be around me for a while, so I suggest you pay close attention to what I do. That way, you won't keep asking me questions or doubting everything I do. Do you understand everything I just said?"
He nodded slowly, a hint of something unreadable flickering in his eyes.
"Good. As for your question—we're going to use the hot tub. The heat will help you relax."
Thankfully, he doesn't seem to be sneezing anymore, so I figure his fever's gone. Still, I need to stay cautious—after all, I gave him ice cream, and who knows what kind of reaction that might cause.
Gemini looks uncertain, shifting on his feet.
"Umm… I don't have something to change into," he mumbled.
"I'll get something for you. Come on!" I beckoned, heading toward my closet. He followed without questions this time—much better.
That's the kind of cooperation I was hoping for. Just as I like it—smooth, easy, and obedient. This little progress made me feel like I was finally getting somewhere with him.