Third Person's POV.
Percy and Penelope made the mandatory stop at their parents' large estate. The mood was immediately formal, filled with the usual hushed chaos surrounding any major Sinclair-Moore event. The occasion this time was their impending twenty-second birthday party.
Their mother, elegant and demanding, instantly tried to draw Percy into a lengthy discussion about the guest list and seating arrangements.
"Percy, darling, now that you're here, you really should stay over," their mother insisted, attempting to steer him toward the west wing. "There are so many details to finalize for the party, and honestly, your presence is required."
Percy offered a polite smile, a skill he had perfected since childhood.
"Thank you, Mother, but I need to get back. I have an early meeting tomorrow, and my notes are back at the house." He kept his tone light but none-negotiable. His presence was required elsewhere, and he knew exactly where. He needed to get back to his own place; he needs to be with Gemini. The thought of staying in this house felt cold and empty without the younger boy in it.
Penelope, sensing his reasons, stepped in quickly. "Yes, Mother, we've reviewed the decor. We'll be back Friday for the final fitting, I promise. Come on, Percy, the meeting won't hold itself."
With a few more smooth evasions, they managed to escape the mansion.
Percy dropped Penelope off back at their apartment—she needed to start packing for her next fashion assignment—and then drove straight to campus. He found Gemini in his dorm room, surrounded by books, already looking stressed and sighed. They just got back and this guy already buried himself in books. It's like he doesn't know how to relax.
"Get up, Bunny," Percy announced, leaning against the doorframe. "You need real food that hasn't been deep-fried. We're going to dinner."
Gemini immediately tried to protest. "Percy, I have so much reading—"
"It can wait another hour or two," Percy cut in gently. "You just spent five days focused on helping Nana around the house; you can spare me one hour for dinner. Besides, I haven't officially celebrated the end of your first year exams."
Gemini sighed, but the resistance melted away quickly. He grabbed a jacket, and soon they were seated in a secluded booth at a quiet, upscale Italian restaurant near the university.
Over antipasti, Percy started filling him in on the family visit. "It was chaotic, as usual. Mother is on the roll. The entire compound is being turned into a botanical garden for the party."
"The party?" Gemini asked, sipping his water.
"The birthday party, Penelope's and mine, actually." Percy explained casually. "Mother throws a rather large event every year. This one is apparently 'The Venetian Masquerade.'"
Gemini's eyes widened slightly. "A masquerade? That sounds... huge."
"It is," Percy confirmed, shrugging. "About four hundred people and counting. The usual corporate socializing disguised as our birthday celebration."
Gemini suddenly became quiet, staring thoughtfully at the water glass in his hand.
"What's wrong?" Percy asked, reaching across the table to cover Gemini's hand with his own.
Gemini blushed faintly, pulling his hand away quickly, ever mindful of the public setting. "Nothing, I just...I haven't thought about your birthday. When is it?"
"Next month," Percy replied. "Why?"
"I don't know what I would get you," Gemini admitted, looking genuinely stressed. "I mean, what do you get the person who literally has everything? I can't afford anything close to what you already own."
Percy smiled softly, finding the dilemma adorable. "Hey, don't worry about the party or getting me a gift. I don't want anything extravagant." He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper. "All I want for my birthday is you."
Gemini's blush deepened, but he met Percy's gaze, the air crackling with the undeniable connection that had defined their time away. He still hadn't fully agreed to 'date' Percy, but every moment he spent with him chipped away at his reservations. The party and the gift were just distractions from the main, thrilling, terrifying reality: Percy wants him, and he desperately wants Percy.