Third Person's POV.
The rich smells of the sea and the leftover spices of dinner mingled in the evening air. The main deck had been cleared, and now the group was clustered on the aft deck, where a built-in hot tub steamed invitingly. Above them, the stars were beginning to emerge, huge and bright, undimmed by city lights. The air was cool and crisp, a perfect contrast to the heat rising off the water. Cole, ever the enthusiast, had already shed his shirt and was waiting impatiently on the steps.
"Come on, people! This water isn't going to soothe our existential dread by itself," he called out.
Penelope laughed, carrying a silver tray with glasses. "Existential dread? You had three servings of steak, Cole. You're fine. And, look! I brought Champagne for the crew!"
She handed a flute to Daphne, then to Cole, her eyes twinkling when she turned to Gemini, who was lingering near the rail, her smile softened. "And one for you too, sweetie. It's tradition. Champagne and the hot tub. Just a bit to celebrate the evening."
Before Gemini could take the glass, Percy's hand settled gently on Penelope's arm. "Not for Gemini, Pen." His voice was low but firm, brooking no argument. "A ginger ale will do just fine."
Penelope, after a brief flicker of surprise, nodded easily. "Right. Of course." She gave Gemini an apologetic smile. "My mistake, sweetheart. I forgot you're the baby of the group. I'll get you a soda."
Cole, naturally, was the first one in, splashing enthusiastically. "Come on, guys! This is what the weekend gateway mega-yacht experience is all about!"
Daphne settled into the water near the edge, her gaze momentarily finding Gemini's. She didn't say anything, but her earlier tension had completely melted away, replaced by a quiet sense of inclusion. She looked tired, the day's emotional waves finally giving way to exhaustion.
Percy guided Gemini toward the steps, a hand on the younger boy's back knowing his tendency to trip on his own foot.
"Relax! Don't let them intimidate you. They might've been drinking champagne in hot tubs since before they could hold a flute, but they're not bad people."
Gemini managed a small, embarrassed smile. He was grateful for Percy's intervention. The idea of drinking alcohol in this intimidatingly glamorous setting had made him feel even more out of place. He slipped into the water, sinking into the luxurious heat as Penelope returned and handed him a glass of sparkling ginger ale.
The gentle rocking of the yacht and the churn of the jets created a soothing rhythm. Cole and Penelope were soon deep in a debate about some obscure yachting protocol, their voices muffled by the bubbles, creating a comfortable, distant soundtrack.
Gemini took a slow sip of the crisp soda. The warmth of the water was already dissolving the last knots of anxiety that had tightened in his chest all day. He had survived the dinner. He was here, on the water, beneath the stars. He was safe. Percy settled in beside him, close enough for their shoulders to brush, yet without any sense of imposition.
After a long stretch of silence, Percy finally spoke, his voice low enough that it wouldn't carry over the jets.
"You did well today."
Gemini opened his eyes and turned his head. "I don't know," he murmured, looking down into the water. "I feel like I caused a lot of friction."
"They're a lot," Percy admitted with a slight smile. "But they're also good people. They just have a way of needing to test the boundaries. You handled Cole better than I would have." He paused, then added gently, "And you have to remember, you didn't cause any friction. You just walked into a room where it was already swirling around. It wasn't about you, us fighting was bound to happen sooner or later."
Gemini considered that, feeling a small weight lift from his chest. He looked at Percy, who seemed utterly relaxed, his profile strong and calm in the moonlight.
"Thank you," he said softly.
Percy simply nodded, raising his glass in a small, silent toast.
About thirty minutes later, the first signs of fatigue began to pull at Gemini. The warm water, and the sheer exhaustion of the long, stressful day were combining into a heavy, peaceful weariness. He rubbed his eyes, leaning his head back against the edge of the tub.
Percy, who had been watching him subtly, noticed the shift immediately. He glanced over at the others, who were deeply engaged in a whispered debate about the merits of one private school versus another—the kind of trivial conversation that showed just how comfortable and oblivious they could be in their bubble.
"Alright," Percy said, his voice quiet but loud enough for the younger boy to hear as he turned he turned to him. "That's enough for tonight. It's been a marathon day for you."
Gemini looked at him gratefully. "I am pretty tired."
"I know." Percy rose smoothly from the water, dripping slightly. He offered his hand. "Come on. Let's get you back to the cabin. You need a proper sleep."
"Oh, already?" Cole called out, pouting. "Don't be a buzzkill, Percy!"
"He's exhausted, Cole. We're heading for the night." Percy stated, not bothering to argue.
Cole waved a dismissive hand. "Right, grumpy. Night, Gemini. Sleep tight. Don't be a stranger, kid!"
Gemini took Percy's hand and pulled himself out of the tub. The cool night air hit his skin, but he was too tired to shiver. Percy didn't bother to get a word from the others; he simply ushered Gemini back toward the cabin. He led the way down a short set of carpeted steps to the lower deck.
"This is us," Percy murmured, stopping outside a cabin door. He pushed it open to reveal the spacious, well-appointed room. The cabin was dominated by a large bed that was clearly set up for two.
"Go on," Percy said, pointing at the large bed. "I don't feel sleepy yet but I'll be on the couch if you need anything. The sea can get a bit rougher at night, so just brace yourself."
Gemini sat on the bed, his weariness replaced by a new rush of slight nervousness at the intimacy of the new space. He turned to Percy, a sincere gratitude in his eyes.
"Thank you." he whispered, already feeling the pull of the soft bed.
Percy nodded. "Get some rest," Percy said, his tone was gentle but final. He paused, ensuring Gemini was settled, then retreated to the couch and grabbed some reading material.
When he returned a while later, he found Gemini already sound asleep in the large bed, the duvet pulled up to his chin. Percy quietly slipped into the bed beside him, closing his eyes, the gentle, rhythmic motion of the yacht beneath them promising a deep and peaceful night for both of them.