Third Person's POV.
Percy kept his word. The truce was absolute. He drove Gemini to and from campus without breaking his promise, the white Lamborghini replaced by the black Bentley, lending an air of business to their commute. He made sure the younger boy ate proper meals—not just ramen and energy drinks—and became more of an even unexpectedly effective study partner, using his superior focus and organizational skills to help Gemini structure his workload.
"You need to approach this area like a business proposal, not some dramatic novel," Percy advised one evening, leaning over Gemini's desk, his finger tracing a line on the architectural sketch. "Clarity, efficiency, and defensible data. Less feeling, more function."
"Easy for you to say, Mr. Future CEO," Gemini muttered, rubbing his eyes. "You don't have to defend the soul of your design in a room full of people you haven't met before in like, less than twenty four hours."
Percy chuckled softly, the sound low and comforting. "The soul is in the profit margin, Gemini. But fine. You worry about the soul; I'll worry about the structure." He gently pushed a mug of chamomile tea toward Gemini. "Drink this. We're done for the night. You'll get a migraine if you push past 1 AM."
Gemini followed the schedule Percy set, and the clarity it provided was a lifeline. He was at peace, deeply focused, yet constantly and acutely aware of their situation. He knew every rule of the truce: no talk of dating, no pushing for commitment. But the truce did nothing to curb the physical intimacy of their nights.
They continued to sleep intertwined, Percy's arms a heavy, protective weight around Gemini's chest. The only difference was the absence of the playful teasing and soft touches. Percy was a monument of self-control. He held, but he didn't kiss or trace or whisper sweet, confusing things. It was a purely functional embrace, designed for two people to sleep better. But every morning, Gemini woke up with a profound sense of missing something that was physically right there.
"You're going to ace this. Good luck." Percy said one morning as they drove to the final exam.
"Thanks to you," Gemini replied, feeling a surge of genuine gratitude. "I really mean it. I would have crashed and burned without your schedule."
"I'm glad I could help," Percy said simply, pulling to a stop near the faculty building. "That's what I'm here for."
The days had flown by quickly, fueled by caffeine, late nights, and Percy's unwavering support. And before Gemini knew it, the final exam was done. He walked out of the hall, the weight of the last two weeks lifting instantly. He met Ohio, and they celebrated with shouts and high-fives.
But as the rush faded, the silence in his mind was replaced by one terrifying thought: The truce was over.
He knew what awaited him at Percy's place: a serious conversation about their "situation." A conversation that demanded clarity and a definition he was terrified to give, because any definition meant risking what they had.
I can't do this right now, Gemini thought, his heart sinking. I can't look at him and tell him that I want him, when I'm too scared of his world, or tell him I don't, and risk losing this.
He did the only thing he thought he could: running home to his Nana.
He called her on the way back to Percy's, his voice laced with manufactured excitement. "Nana, my exams are done! I'm coming home for a few days, is that okay? I just need a break before I start my part-time job."
His Nana, delighted, immediately agreed.
Gemini arrived at Percy's, rushed into his bedroom, and packed a small duffel bag with manic speed. He was folding the last shirt when Percy walked in, looking relaxed for the first time in weeks.
"Hey. Congratulations! We're finally free." Percy said, his eyes alight. He was holding a chilled bottle of sparkling cider—a safe, celebratory treat. "We should order takeout tonight. We earned it."
"I... I can't," Gemini stammered, pulling the zipper closed with a decisive zzzt.
Percy's smile evaporated. He looked at the duffel bag, then back at Gemini. "Can't? Why not? What are you doing?"
"I'm going home," Gemini rushed out, avoiding Percy's gaze and hoisting the bag onto his shoulder. "To Nana's. I need a break. A proper change of scenery."
Percy put the bottle down on the dresser, the movement slow and deliberate. "You're leaving. Now." It wasn't a question.
"Yes. Just for a few days," Gemini insisted, walking toward the door. "I'll call you when I get there. Don't worry about me."
"Gemini, stop," Percy commanded, his voice suddenly sharp, slicing through the air.
Gemini paused with his hand on the knob, not daring to turn around. "I have to go, Percy. I need to catch the train."
"You're not in a rush to catch the train," Percy stated flatly. "You're running away. You are avoiding the conversation we both know we need to have now that the truce is over."
Gemini spun around, his own frustration boiling over. "It's not about that! I need to see my Nana! I haven't seen her since my birthday! You have work to do, Percy. Focus on that. I'll be back."
He saw the hurt flicker in Percy's eyes, quickly replaced by a steely resolve that Gemini had only seen Percy use during work calls.
"Alright, two can play at this game," Percy said, walking straight to his large walk-in closet. He pulled out a black leather carry-on bag and threw it onto the bed. "Where is your Nana's address?"
Gemini stared, his mouth agape. "What? What are you doing?"
Percy threw a few immaculate shirts into the bag. "If you need a 'proper change of scenery' to be okay, then so do I. I need to be close to you if I'm going to sleep, which, as you know, is vital for my academic and professional performance. I'm coming with you."
"Percy, you can't!" Gemini exclaimed, horrified. "It's a tiny apartment. It's not a hotel! It's nowhere near your standard."
Percy gave him a piercing look. "I grew up in my family's mansion, Gemini, not a palace on Mars. And I am perfectly capable of existing outside of a five-star hotel. Give me the address, or I'll just follow your location tracker."
Gemini knew he was serious. He gave a groan of defeat.
"Fine. But you are sleeping on the couch."
Percy zipped his bag, a small, triumphant curve to his lips.
"We'll see about that. Let's go."