Third Person's POV.
The final, wistful notes of the string quartet faded into the hushed elegance of the rooftop, leaving behind an intoxicating scent of truffle oil and possibility. Percy caught the waiter's eye, a silent signal that the evening, perfect as it was, had reached its close.
Gemini was luminous, his eyes reflecting the candlelight, not just full from the Cordon Bleu creations they'd savored, but overflowing with the profound, steady sense of belonging Percy had gifted him.
"Thank you, Percy. Truly, I—this was the most incredible thing anyone has ever done for me," Gemini murmured, his voice a soft, almost a whisper, as Percy carefully settled his coat around his shoulders. The rich fabric felt like a comforting embrace.
Percy's hand paused on the lapel, his gaze intensely loving. "Nothing is too incredible for you, Bunny," he replied, his voice a low, gravelly current of devotion. He leaned down, pressing a tender, possessive kiss right onto Gemini's forehead. "You deserve everything money can buy... and a whole lot more."
The ride home was enveloped in a profound quiet—a luxurious, contented silence only achieved after a long evening spent in deep security. Gemini settled into Percy's side, his head resting perfectly on the solid landscape of his shoulder. Hand-in-hand, they watched the dizzying cascade of city lights streak past the tinted window, a blur of motion outside their still, safe world. He was tired, yes, but it was the most beautiful kind of exhaustion—the sweet aftermath of a massive stress release and an exhilarating rush of pure, unadulterated happiness.
When the car finally pulled up to the house, the atmosphere shifted. The place instantly felt warm, familiar, and welcoming—a true sanctuary compared to the glittering, almost unreal height of the restaurant they'd just left.
"You smell so good," Gemini mumbled happily, wrapping his arms around Percy's neck, not even noticing the driver as Percy scooped him up effortlessly, a low laugh rumbling in his chest as he carried him across the threshold and into their shared space.
"And you smell absolutely intoxicating," Percy countered, his voice catching slightly on the word. He set Gemini gently onto a plush couch. "I could honestly eat you right now."
Gemini's cheeks flushed a delightful pink. The formalities of the evening melted away in the sitting room as they shed their coats and shoes, the comfortable silence filling the space with domestic ease.
Drawn by an inexplicable magnetism, Gemini wandered to the large picture window, gazing out at the vast, twinkling expanse of the city below.
Then, he felt it—Percy's warmth, solid and enveloping, as he came up behind him, wrapping his arms securely around Gemini's waist and resting his chin on the crown of his head. They stood there, suspended in a moment, simply breathing the same air.
Gemini relaxed, letting out a soft, content sigh against the glass.
He realized the familiar knot of anxiety that had lived in his stomach for years was gone. The city outside looked different now. It didn't look like a place exclusively meant for powerful figures like Percy's mother anymore; it looked like his city, too. A place he belonged, forged by Percy's choice. He fought his way out, not just for himself, but for both of them.
"What are you thinking about, Bunny?" Percy's breath feathered gently against his ear.
"I guess I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything," Gemini murmured, tilting his head back to meet Percy's gentle, inquiring gaze. "Like...how you're able to do all the things you do without any trace of fear."
"When you grow up the way I did, the material things—the company, the deals, all the things I'm able to do—are easy. It's like a second nature, a script I was born to play," Percy confessed, rubbing his cheek against Gemini's soft hair. "Our grandparents made sure there's no limit to how much we're allowed to spend. But stepping out of the shadow of someone whose words were the laws you've lived your entire life by... that's another thing altogether."
He turned Gemini around in his arms, holding him loosely but completely, his hands resting on the small of his back.
"I used to be so scared of what might happen if I said no to my mother's demands. But not anymore," he admitted, his eyes holding Gemini's with absolute conviction. "I'm more afraid of losing you. You mean the world to me, Bunny. That's why getting this place, leaving the company, and tonight... it's all so important. Tonight wasn't just our first date. It's a celebration of the beginning of our free lives together. I wanted it to be perfect because you deserve that level of certainty. I'll always be on your side. We're a team."
"Thank you," Gemini affirmed, his throat tight with emotion. He reached up, his fingers gently tracing the strong line of Percy's jaw. "Tonight was perfect. And thank you for saying I can do whatever I want after graduation. That means everything. I think I will travel and do some research before starting my Master's."
"Excellent," Percy said, his approval clear in his voice, the small smile in the corner of his mouth turning his eyes to emerald slits of happiness. "More vacations, research, a Master's degree, whatever you want. I'm going to be there every step of the way, okay?"
Gemini nodded, a bright, genuine smile lighting up his face. He leaned in, closing the small distance between them and kissing him slowly, pouring all his gratitude, love, and newfound security into the soft, unhurried contact.
Then, a sudden, playful spark ignited in his mind. He pulled back just an inch.
"Percy?"
"Yes, Bunny?" Percy's voice was already husky with anticipation, his thumb stroking a slow path on Gemini's back.
"So," Gemini whispered against his lips, his voice dropping to a teasing purr. He let a grin spread slowly across his face. "I know you're tired and all, but... I wanted to know if this is the right setting for me to call you Daddy?"
Percy's green eyes darkened instantly, catching a hungry fire that swallowed the last vestiges of formality. He pulled Gemini flush against his body, eliminating every single inch of space between them. The contented security in the room was instantly replaced by a thick, consuming heat.
"I am never too tired for you, Bunny." Percy growled, the word resonating low in his chest as he swept Gemini up into his arms, earning a surprised, excited squeal that was instantly muffled against his neck. He began walking steadily toward their bedroom, the stream of city lights casting long, soft shadows through the window—illuminating the start of a very long and very passionate night.