Third Person's POV.
Gemini felt a dizzying mix of panic and pleasure as Percy intensified the kisses on his neck. He knew he should push him away; they were supposed to be taking things slow, and this was decidedly not taking things slow. But the scent of Percy's cologne and the warm pressure of his body made every logical argument impossible.
"We need to go," Gemini finally managed, his voice a tight whisper against the pillow. "If we don't leave now, we won't have time to see the river before the sun starts to set."
Percy sighed dramatically, the sound vibrating against Gemini's shoulder. He reluctantly released Gemini's neck but didn't move his body.
"Fine. But you owe me at least three more minutes of uninterrupted cuddle time."
They compromised, as always. Three more minutes, and then they were up, Gemini smoothing down his shirt, Percy looking entirely too composed for a man who had just been trying to leave hickeys on his neck.
The walk to the river was quiet, yet the air between them crackled with the unresolved tension from the bedroom. Gemini led Percy down a narrow, winding dirt path, past thickets of willow trees until they reached his favorite spot: a small clearing right on the riverbank. The late afternoon sun slanted through the trees, turning the slow-moving water into a sheet of liquid gold.
"This is it," Gemini said softly, his tension easing as he took in the familiar, peaceful view. "My spot. I used to come here when I was completely overwhelmed by school or work."
Percy didn't comment on the simplicity of the location. He walked to the water's edge and gently crouched down, trailing his fingers through the cool water. He seemed utterly peaceful, his usual restless energy momentarily subdued.
"It's beautiful," Percy murmured, his voice low and reverent. "It smells clean. Not like city air."
They sat down side-by-side on a large, smooth boulder overlooking the river. The silence stretched, comfortable this time, thick with shared space and unspoken understanding.
"I haven't brought anyone here before," Gemini confessed, picking at the moss on the rock.
Percy turned his head, his gaze intensely focused. "Thank you for bringing me here." He paused, his expression softening into something more earnest. "I know I sometimes rush things, Gemini. I know it seems like I'm trying to force definitions. But being with you...especially on days like this, eating breakfast with you and Nana..."
He reached out and took Gemini's hand, lacing their fingers together. "It makes me want to really slow down, but it also makes me more certain that I want you in my life. You keep trying to run, thinking your life isn't good enough for me. It's not true. You're perfect for me."
Gemini felt his throat tighten. "It's not just about that! It's—it's that you're Percy. You don't like guys, you like me. That's the part that scares me."
Percy squeezed his hand, his thumb tracing soft circles on Gemini's wrist. "Do you like guys?" he threw Gemini's question back at him and Gemini looked a bit startled at first but then he sighed.
"I...I don't know" Gemini replied sincerely and Percy nodded with a small smile.
"See? That's not important here and we both know it. Maybe you're the one who needs to stop thinking in definitions, Bunny. Maybe I just like what I like. And what I like is you. All of you."
The intimacy of the moment was overwhelming. The sun dipped lower, casting long, soft shadows over the water. Percy shifted, moving closer on the rock. He didn't ask permission; he simply leaned in, his intent clear. Gemini didn't pull away. He couldn't. He met Percy halfway, his eyes fluttering shut as their lips finally met.
It wasn't a tentative, careful kiss. It was deep, surprising, and hungry—a release of all the pent-up tension, confusion, and desire from weeks of longing. Percy tasted faintly of coffee and Nana's meals, and the sheer physicality of his touch made Gemini gasp, a soft sound swallowed by the quiet woods.
Percy pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against Gemini's, their breaths mingling. His eyes were dark, filled with a triumphant satisfaction that made Gemini's heart race.
"I think," Percy whispered, his voice thick and low, "I'm in love with you."
He leaned in again, and this time, Gemini kissed him back with equal fervor, his hands finding their way up to tangle in the smooth, blonde perfection of Percy's hair. Every touch was an admission, a confirmation that this was exactly where they were supposed to be. The river flowed on, oblivious to the fact that Percy had just effortlessly obliterated Gemini's last defense.