Third Person's POV.
Gemini didn't dare move from the kitchen counter until the faint sound of the shower upstairs had stopped, signaling Percy's return to the world of the living. His heart still felt like a hummingbird trapped in his ribcage—a chaotic response to the spontaneous hug. He busied himself, clearing a mug, trying to appear useful, trying to settle his own vibrating nerves.
When Percy finally came back down, he looked less like a scary CEO and more like a very tired, very handsome man. He was wearing soft, dark sweats and a simple white tee—a domestic sight that made Gemini's stomach do a funny flip.
"Hey," Gemini started, forcing a calm tone as Percy paused near the kitchen island. "You must be starving. Can I make you something to eat? I could make pasta, or maybe just some eggs?"
Percy's eyes were heavy, fixed on Gemini, a slow, deep kind of focus. He didn't answer the question. Instead, he simply walked into the kitchen, and straight towards Gemini.
Before the younger boy could even process the direction of travel, Percy reached out, his hand gently finding the small of Gemini's back. He steered him, not roughly, but with an unmistakable intent, away from the warm, fluorescent light of the kitchen and toward the living room's plush sofa.
Then, he did something completely unexpected. Percy pulled Gemini down onto the sofa cushions, following him down and immediately wrapping his arms around him—a tight, possessive closure that tucked Gemini securely into his side.
"Food can wait," Percy murmured, the deep resonance of his voice vibrating against Gemini's ear. His chin rested lightly on Gemini's hair. "I need quiet. And rest."
Gemini froze, then melted. He settled instinctively into the solid warmth, letting his head rest against Percy's shoulder. The anxiety that had plagued him for days finally retreated, replaced by an almost dizzying peace. The confusion was still there, of course, but now it was wrapped in a comfortable security.
A long while passed in blissful silence, marked only by the slow, steady rhythm of Percy's breathing. Gemini felt half-asleep, utterly content just existing in the cocoon of Percy's arms.
Then, Percy broke the silence, his voice a low rumble.
"Penelope sends her regards. And some gifts."
Gemini stirred, lifting his head slightly to look at him. "Pen? I thought she was coming back tomorrow?"
"Correct. She wanted to be the first person to give you gifts for your birthday."
Gemini blinked, completely caught off guard. "My birthday? But... Percy, my birthday is almost two months away, January twenty-third. Why so early?"
Percy's grip tightened briefly, pulling Gemini closer again. He didn't move to look at him. "She is highly organized and enjoys planning things ahead. I am merely the messenger, alright? Accept the goodwill and do not overthink it."
Gemini felt a grin spread across his face—a genuine, unguarded expression. It was nice to be thought of, especially by someone in Percy's orbit. He decided to seize the small window of comfortable vulnerability.
"So, Penelope got me early birthday gifts. That's... really nice of her. But what about you? Are you getting me anything for my upcoming birthday?"
Percy finally made a sound, a low, thinking 'Mmm' that vibrated deep in his chest. He took his time, considering the question with a serious expression.
"Yes. I have decided on a car."
The words were spoken with the same flat, confident finality Percy used when concluding a business deal. Gemini's eyes almost popped out of their sockets. He scrambled to sit up straight, finally breaking free of Percy's embrace.
Gemini's voice filled with panic. "A car? Percy, no! Absolutely not! I don't need a car. I can walk just fine within campus, and the train station is right there if I'm going somewhere far. Please, you cannot buy me a car."
Percy calmly met Gemini's frantic gaze. "It is a practical necessity in this climate, and it will save you considerable time commuting when I'm not on campus. However..." He paused, a hint of something almost like amusement in his eyes. "You are free to specify an alternative. But it has to be something of the same value."
Gemini put his head in his hands, feeling utterly overwhelmed. A car! For his nineteenth birthday! The sheer scale of the gift was terrifying.
"Percy, I'm serious. I don't want a car. It's too much. It's truly too much! Promise me you won't do it."
Percy simply looked at him, his expression now unreadable and composed. He didn't make a sound, and he didn't offer a promise.
Silence hung heavy between them, the quiet suddenly fractured by the possibility of yet another extravagant gift. Gemini swallowed hard, his heart now thumping with a mix of awe and genuine terror. He has made it very clear that he didn't want a car, but he has absolutely no idea if Percy would listen to his desperate plea or simply proceed with his decision, regardless of the protest.