Third Person's POV.
Gemini spent days agonizing over what to get Percy for his twenty-second birthday even though Percy had already told him not to worry about it. The question of a suitable gift felt impossible. Anything expensive would be redundant; anything simple felt insignificant next to the extravagance of the Moore world. He needed something personal, something only he could give.
Then, one morning, the answer found him. He woke up before Percy and saw him lying there: shirtless, perfectly sculpted, and utterly captivating in the soft morning light. The sight wasn't just physical; it was an emotional realization. Percy was a masterpiece of focus, intensity, and guarded vulnerability. Gemini realized the best gift wasn't just something money could buy, but something Percy would love because it came from him.
He did something he had never done before: he took a discreet photograph for reference, and with that image, Percy's birthday gift project began.
In the weeks leading up to Percy's birthday, Gemini poured everything into the work. He used charcoal and pastel, dedicating hours to capturing the sharp angles of Percy's jaw, the slight furrow of concentration that often creased his brow even in sleep, and the fierce, protective energy that surrounded him. He worked with desperate focus, determined to capture Percy's complex essence in the final work. He really gave it his all, driven by the realization that this was the truest form of appreciation he could offer Percy.
On the morning of their birthday, Percy woke up to the sound of soft shuffling. He opened his eyes to find Gemini kneeling by the bedside, holding a large, carefully wrapped canvas.
"Happy Birthday, Percy," Gemini whispered, his voice trembling slightly with nerves.
Percy took the canvas, his expression unreadable, and slowly tore away the paper. He froze, completely stunned. The drawing was raw, intimate, and undeniably him. Gemini had captured not just his likeness, but the intensity of his soul.
A slow, genuine smile spread across Percy's face. He carefully set the canvas against the pillows. "Gemini," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "I... I've never received anything so amazing. Not from anyone who means so much to me. Come here."
He pulled Gemini close, kissing him with a sincerity that stole Gemini's breath away.
"I love it," Percy confirmed, his voice dropping to a low rumble that sounded unmistakably seductive to Gemini. "It's perfect. But remember, Bunny," he murmured, his gaze locking with Gemini's, "that was your gift for my birthday. I still want you for my birthday."
Percy's intention was clear, thrilling, and terrifying.
Percy quickly gathered his things after a light breakfast. "I have to leave now. Penelope is waiting, and we have hours of ridiculous preparation at the mansion." He stood at the door, giving Gemini a lingering look. "My driver will come by this afternoon to bring you and Ohio to the mansion. You absolutely must come, Gemini. I want you there."
Gemini's heart slammed against his chest. "Wait, what? I... I didn't think I would have to go to the party."
Percy dismissed the notion instantly. "You are very important to me. I can't celebrate my birthday without you there, please come."
Gemini couldn't argue after hearing those words so he just nodded weakly. Percy left with a satisfied smile, and shortly after, Ohio burst into the house, clutching a garment bag and looking equally overwhelmed and excited.
"Okay, this is happening!" Ohio exclaimed, surveying the sitting room. "The great Moore Masquerade! I've never been invited to those before. I brought my most elegant dress. Did he tell you about what to expect? What is the dress code? We need to get ready!"
Gemini just stared at her, feeling a tidal wave of nerves wash over him. He was still reeling from Percy's words, and now he has to face four hundred of the elite at a masquerade ball. He felt profoundly unprepared for the next chapter of this life Percy was forcefully initiating.
Gemini and Ohio were deep in a shared spiral of anxiety over their attire when Percy's driver arrived. The man was impeccably dressed and carried two garment bags, two shoe boxes, and two masks—all custom-made, of course, knowing Percy's standards.
The clothes were stunning. Gemini's suit was tailored from deep midnight blue velvet, fitted perfectly to his frame. Ohio's gown was equally exquisite, shimmering with silver threads that caught the light. The shoes were polished to a mirror shine, and the masks—delicate lace creations—were designed to conceal just enough to maintain the masquerade theme while still allowing for clear vision.
"Of course, he had everything arranged," Ohio breathed, running a hand over the velvet of Gemini's suit. "This is beyond a standard tuxedo rental. We're wearing literal works of art."
As they were driven toward the Moore family Mansion, Gemini's phone vibrated incessantly. It was Percy, checking in. Are you on the road? Are you nervous, Bunny? Percy needed to know that the younger boy will make it to him in one piece. Gemini found the attention both endearing and slightly overwhelming, a constant reminder that he was stepping into Percy's world.
When they arrived, the mansion was breathtaking. It was packed with guests, a sea of formal wear and dramatic masks. The event was clearly less a mysterious masquerade and more a high-society spectacle.
Ohio immediately went into full social analysis mode, pointing out the most recognizable figures of the high society, even with the masks on.
"That's the CEO of Sterling Tech, and that couple owns all the galleries downtown," Ohio whispered to Gemini, who felt utterly out of place. The masks were transparent enough—sheer lace and delicate filigree—that Gemini wondered if the anonymity was just a pretense for everyone to be openly judged.
The music swelled, and the spotlight focused on the main staircase. Gemini watched in awe as Percy and his twin, Penelope, made their grand entrance. They descended the stairs with practiced grace, looking every bit the heirs they were, commanding the attention of the entire crowd.
They were greeted by their friends before taking to the dance floor for the traditional first dances with family and close friends. Soon, the floor was flooded as more guests joined them.
Gemini stuck close to Ohio, relying on her sharp wit and social confidence to navigate the overwhelming environment. He felt like a tourist in a museum of wealth, completely unseen and unheard—which, given the circumstances, was a small comfort.
But the anonymity didn't last long.
Through the dancing crowd, Percy found his way to Gemini, moving through the sea of masked faces with singular focus. Percy was dressed in an impeccable black velvet suit that matched Gemini's, his own lace mask covering the upper half of his face, making his green eyes even more striking.
He reached them, his hand immediately settling on the small of Gemini's back. He leaned down, his voice warm and intimate amidst the music.
"You made it," Percy said, his relief palpable. He swept his gaze over Gemini's custom suit, his eyes lingering for a moment too long. "You look way better in the suit than I'd imagined, Bunny. Much better."
Gemini looked down, then up, a spark of pure mischief in his eyes. "Well, you made it just for me. The design is flawless. You would've had me arrested for wasting such a masterpiece if I didn't look good in it." The playful wink and the words were enough to get Percy to chuckle instantly.