Third Person's POV.
The first thing Gemini felt was warmth. Not just the blanket, but the heavy, safe weight of Percy's arm across his middle. He was curled tight against Percy, his head resting on his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. The air still smelled like sandalwood and last night's passion, a comforting mix.
Gemini sighed, happy and quiet. A slight, pleasant ache in his muscles was a sweet reminder of the night before. He opened his eyes and saw Percy's face, relaxed and softer in sleep. Gemini smiled, gently tracing the line of Percy's collarbone with a finger.
Percy's eyes fluttered open at the touch. They were dark with sleep, but immediately focused on Gemini. A slow smile spread across his face, settling a warm feeling in Gemini's heart.
"Morning, Bunny," Percy whispered, his voice rough with sleep.
"Morning," Gemini replied, his own voice sounding husky. Percy lifted his head and leaned in for a gentle kiss.
That kiss was dangerous. It started as a simple greeting, but the moment their lips touched, the memories of last night exploded into immediate fire. The look they shared, the sudden change in the air—it was too strong to ignore.
In the fast, beautiful rush of morning desire, they didn't need words. Percy rolled, gently pinning Gemini beneath him, his weight a welcome pressure. It was a quick, urgent collision—a hungry, necessary repetition of last night. It wasn't slow and careful like the night before; it was fast and intense. It was raw relief and clear recognition, a quick reminder of the deep connection they had just hours ago.
The short act was full of gasps and hurried whispers of names, ending in a breathless, exhilarating release. They clung to each other afterwards, laughing softly in the quiet morning.
They lay still for a few moments, catching their breath, tangled in the blanket. Percy finally sat up, running a hand through his messy hair.
"We need to shower and then eat. I want to keep you in this bed all day, but duty calls," he said, his tone light but with a serious undertone. He swatted Gemini's thigh. "Come on. You need food."
Gemini chuckled, sitting up and taking Percy's hand. "I think you need food more than I do, considering how you attacked me this morning."
Percy laughed, pulling him toward the bathroom. "You make it sound like I was the only one! I would have behaved if you hadn't looked at me like that."
Gemini's cheeks immediately felt hot, and he tried to hide his blush, but Percy noticed and laughed again. Instead of a quick shower, Percy filled the bathtub with warm water and scented wash, telling Gemini to relax while he took a fast shower and made some calls.
After his bath and getting dressed, Gemini found Percy in the bright, modern kitchen. Percy was already dressed in nice pants and a crisp white shirt, looking professional and focused as he spoke fluent French into his headset. He looked like the perfect future CEO.
Percy ended the call, saw Gemini in the doorway, and his serious expression instantly softened. He walked straight over, put his hands on Gemini's waist, and pulled him close for a slow kiss.
"Hey," he greeted, his eyes warm. "Are you okay?"
Gemini leaned into the hug. "I am perfectly fine," he whispered. He looked at Percy. "You didn't tell me you spoke French."
Percy chuckled. "My mother is half French, remember? Pen and I learned as kids. It's useful now that I'm working in Geneva." Percy handed him a coffee mug. "Now, come have coffee. I've put your laptop and books out on the kitchen island. No rush, but you have a morning class."
"Percy, about all of this…" Gemini started, nervously holding his mug. "I mean, you dropping everything, buying this apartment… Are you sure you're okay? It's a huge change for you."
Percy leaned against the marble counter, his gaze gentle and steady.
"Listen to me, Bunny," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "The moment you left, my life was just something I had to endure, not something I lived. This isn't a sacrifice, it's what I should have done from the start. This is me taking my life back. Everything else is secondary. The only thing that matters is that you are here, that you are safe, and that we are together."
He stood up and took Gemini's hands. "I'm not going anywhere. We are starting fresh. No more running. The only thing that matters is us, okay?"
Gemini felt his last worry disappear. He squeezed Percy's hands tightly. "Okay," he said, smiling brightly. "Just us."
"Good! Time for breakfast." Percy led him to the food.
Percy had made a big breakfast: fluffy scrambled eggs, buttery toast, and crispy bacon. They sat opposite each other, the feeling between them easy and intimate.
"This is so good," Gemini said, impressed. "I almost forgot what a good cook you are."
"I'm also good at other things," Percy replied with a smirk. Gemini blushed slightly but met his eyes warmly.
"I'm happy with the way things are," Percy said simply.
"Me too," Gemini admitted. The quiet that followed was comfortable, the sound of cutlery the only noise—the easy quiet of people who felt utterly safe together.
As it got closer to the time Gemini had to leave for his class, Percy checked his phone. "Right. What do you have today?" He sounded a little sad they would be apart.
"A nine a.m. seminar," Gemini informed him, finishing his coffee. "And two more classes that end after lunch."
Percy stood up. "I'll drive you." It wasn't a request, but a firm decision.
Percy drove Gemini to the university. This time, there was no fear, only commitment.
"I'll be back for you after your class," Percy promised, leaning over to kiss Gemini's temple. "I'm having lunch with Pen. Call me whenever you're free, okay?"
Gemini nodded, smiling, the worry lines gone from his face. "Will do."
"Good," Percy murmured, kissing him gently on the lips. "Be good and eat something proper for lunch." He let Gemini out near the architecture building.
Percy immediately drove to meet Penelope, and they headed straight for the family mansion. The necessary meeting with their mother was about to happen.
Mrs. Moore met them in the formal sitting room. The air was thick and cold. She was perfectly dressed, but her face showed complete displeasure.
"Percy," she began, her tone filled with controlled disappointment. "You left town without asking, canceled two important meetings, and flew back here without telling anyone."
"I apologize, Mother. There was no time for a formal request," Percy replied calmly, sitting down. Penelope sat beside him for support.
Mrs. Moore continued, giving her son a look of pure disapproval. "And now I hear you've taken an apartment near the university and told the Geneva office you will work remotely. That is unacceptable for your role, and I know it's all because of the little distraction you've involved yourself with."
She made it clear she disapproved of Percy moving back for Gemini.
"I am not a child who needs your permission for my personal life, Mother," Percy stated, his voice steady and calm. "My work will not suffer. If anything, my focus will improve now that I've handled my priorities."
Mrs. Moore's lips tightened. "And what priority is more important than the legacy your grandfather built? You are throwing away years of hard work for someone who has nothing to offer you but—"
"Stop," Percy cut her off, his eyes becoming hard. "I am not listening to anything you have to say this time." He leaned forward, showing his firm resolve. "Gemini's grandmother just died. He is all alone, and I am his family now. I am staying here as long as Gemini wants me to. This discussion is over. You can tell your friends whatever you like, but I am not moving back to Geneva. And please don't go looking for him; he's already stressed enough."
Penelope nodded, backing up his statement. Mrs. Moore, faced with her son's firm refusal, could only stare. His usual willingness to obey was gone. The time of Percy's compliance was officially over.