Third Person's POV.
The world began for Gemini with a heavy, familiar warmth—the weight of Percy's arm slung protectively across his chest. For a moment, he was just comfortable, wrapped in the quiet peace of sleep.
Then, the memories rushed in like a sudden, warm tide: the riverbank, their conversation, the unforgettable feeling of Percy's lips. He had kissed him. The terrifying, thrilling truth hit Gemini with a physical force: he desperately wanted that kiss again.
The thought was like a sudden electric shock. It scared him senseless.
He shot out of the bed, the mattress protesting loudly beneath him. He grabbed his toothbrush and fled into the tiny bathroom, locking the door with a loud click. He stared into his own reflection: cheeks flushed, eyes wide, breathing erratic. I kissed him. I want to kiss him again. This is real, this is happening. Oh my gosh! What did I just start?
When he finally emerged, brushing his teeth felt like the bravest action of his life. He found Percy already awake, propped up on one elbow, watching him with calm, intelligent green eyes.
"Good morning, Bunny," Percy greeted him easily, his voice low and wonderfully husky with sleep.
Gemini's face instantly caught fire. He felt like a total idiot—an understatement for the ages. He couldn't figure out where to look, what to do with his hands, or how to speak a single sensible word.
He managed a quick, strangled "Morning," and instantly became obsessed with folding the quilt, avoiding Percy's gaze completely. Percy looked utterly composed, handsome, and far too aware of Gemini's internal meltdown.
The next five days blurred by—a whirlwind of shared meals, bonding session with Nana, and some strong tension between them. They went through the motions: breakfast, time with Nana (who Percy continued to charm effortlessly), and strained attempts at togetherness. But every time their eyes met—over a bowl of cereal, across Nana's sunny parlor, or just walking down the hall—Gemini felt that powerful, electric jolt. It was the potent memory of the kiss, rushing back every single time. He found himself blushing hot and wanting to vanish, terrified that Percy could see the raw desire screaming on his face.
Percy kept his promise; he didn't pressure or push. He acted as if their temporary truce was still in place. Yet, his eyes, dark and knowing, constantly whispered a different reality. The truce held, yes, but their undeniable chemistry was fighting a fierce, losing battle against it.
Finally, on the fifth day, their little break was over. They shared tearful goodbyes with Nana, who lovingly insisted on stuffing their travel bags full of baked goods. They were back on the road, Percy expertly driving the Bentley at his usual speedy pace. The drive was eerily quiet, heavy with the shared, unspoken knowledge: the truce was about to officially expire.
Arriving back at Percy's enormous house felt like stepping through a portal into a different world—a world where the rules were bigger, the stakes were riskier, and everything moved much faster.
As they stepped into the grand foyer, Percy called out to his twin sister.
"Pen! We're back!"
Penelope instantly appeared, rushing down the stairs. She was so visibly happy and relieved to have them back that she truly looked like she might cry.
"Oh, thank goodness! I swear, you two manage to cause more drama when you disappear than when you're actually here!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Percy, then giving Gemini a quick, warm hug. "Welcome back, Gemini. Did my idiot brother actually behave himself?"
"Mostly," Gemini murmured, managing a tiny, weary smile.
Penelope shot Percy a final, warning glare. "Well, you both look exhausted. Go get some rest. I'll unpack the car."
They headed straight toward Percy's bedroom, Gemini's heart suddenly hammering against his ribs. He knew, with absolute certainty, the truce was over the second they crossed this threshold.
The door clicked shut behind them.
Before Gemini could even set his duffel bag down, Percy spun him around. There was no hesitation, no gentle question, no more patient waiting. Percy closed the small space between them instantly, his eyes dark with an intense, burning need. He claimed Gemini's mouth with the fierce hunger of someone who has been waiting, starving, for days.
It was a rough, and utterly consuming kiss—a massive release of five days of pent-up desire and forced composure. Gemini gasped into the kiss, dropping his bags as his hands flew up to instinctively cling to Percy's shoulders.
When Percy finally pulled back, they were both speechless and breathless. Gemini's mind was spinning, completely unable to form a single coherent thought. Percy rested his forehead against Gemini's, breathing heavily, a triumphant, satisfied smile slowly spreading across his face.
"I've been dying to do that for days," he finally admitted, his voice raw and low.