GEMINI.
The cab dropped us off, and we wrestled the mountain of Percy's impulsive buys out onto Nana's neat front lawn. As we opened the door, a sudden wave of quiet washed over me.
"Nana?" I called out, setting the bags down. Then I noticed a note was stuck to the fridge with a magnet shaped like a ceramic peach:My dearest Bunny and handsome helper. Had to run to the weekly book club meeting, they need my expertise on character arcs. Lunch is in the oven (don't burn it!). Be back before dinner. Have fun, you two.
Love, Nana.
I sighed, both relieved and suddenly anxious. No Nana meant no chaperone, and Percy looked entirely too pleased with the news.
"Well, that simplifies things," he murmured, his gaze sweeping over the now empty living room before landing on me.
"Simplifies what? We need to unpack and eat," I retorted, grabbing my cross bag. "I'm taking a bath first. I feel gross from the bus ride."
"Excellent idea," Percy said, grabbing his own bag. "I'll go next."
I didn't argue further, just bolted toward the tiny bathroom. I was already halfway through turning on the water when the door swung open, and Percy was standing there, looking perfectly relaxed.
"What are you doing?" I squeaked, clutching the towel tighter around my chest.
"I need a bath, too," he stated simply, already reaching for the faucet.
"Percy! This isn't your apartment! This tub is tiny! There's no room for two people in here!"
He just smiled, a slow, devilish curve of his lips. "I'm sure we can manage. I've always found that the tighter the space, the more... better use of water."
I swear, he's having too much fun teasing me today. We went back and forth about sharing the tub, personal space and boundaries. After five minutes of futile bickering I hissed, shoving him out, "Just wait your turn!" and slammed the door shut. I finished my bath in record time, heart pounding the entire time, certain he was going to break the door down.
After my bath, I felt slightly more calm. I put on the lunch Nana had left, trying to focus on the simple task. But it was impossible to be productive when Percy was perpetually in my space. He stood behind me while I plated the food, his arms wrapped around my waist, his chin resting on my shoulder.
"Percy, we are not at your place," I kept reminding him, glancing nervously at the window. "Nana could come back anytime. If she sees us like this—"
"Nana left us a note telling us to 'have fun'," he interrupted, his voice a low rumble near my ear. "And if Nana does walk in, I'll simply tell her I'm ensuring you don't drop the pot roast."
I sighed, giving up the fight. We sat down at the small kitchen table. I ate quickly, acutely aware of his eyes on me. I kept hoping he would comment on the food, the house, anything but me but he didn't.
"What is it?" I finally asked, setting down my fork. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
He reached across the table, his thumb lightly stroking the back of my hand. His expression was serious now, devoid of the earlier teasings.
"I told you I liked you earlier, Gemini," he said, his voice quiet. "And you haven't said anything about it."
My mind went completely blank. What am I supposed to say to that? I like you too? That feels like stepping off a cliff. I don't like you? That would be a bold-faced, painful lie.
"Percy, I... I don't know what to say," I admitted honestly, looking down at my plate. "It's a lot. And you know how complicated everything is."
He didn't press me, just nodded slowly, accepting my silence for now.
After eating, I decided we needed a break before I took him to my favorite quiet place—a secluded spot by the river. I went back to my bedroom, planning to lie down and mentally prepare myself. But the moment I stretched out on the bed, Percy followed, dropping down right behind me. He immediately wrapped his arms around me, pulling my back flush against his chest.
"What are you doing?" I squeaked.
"Just relax," he murmured, tucking my head under his chin.
I was trying to relax, I really was. But then I felt his lips and teeth graze the sensitive skin just behind my ear.
"Percy," I warned, my voice was breathy.
He didn't stop. He started nibbling on the flesh around my neck, small, soft, utterly distracting nibbles that sent electric jolts straight through me.
"You're going to give me hickeys if you keep going like this!" I whispered, twisting slightly in protest.
He paused, lifting his head just enough to whisper in my ear, his breath warm and intoxicating. "Good. Then everyone will know who you belong to."
My heart hammered against my ribs. I knew this was dangerous. I knew this was too much. But as I felt his presence, warm and solid and completely devoted, I couldn't bring myself to push him away.