Third Person's POV.
The morning arrived with a tender hush, a soft, gold light that didn't just filter but poured through the bedroom's sheer drapes, painting the silk sheets with warm stripes. Gemini awoke slowly, a long, languid stretch that ended with a contented sigh, his senses immediately recognizing the comforting weight of Percy's arms wrapped securely around him. He turned his head, his gaze tracing the strong, serene lines of Percy's profile in the peaceful light. A deep sense of fulfillment—of belonging—settled over him like the plush duvet.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," Gemini mumbled, the word muffled as he leaned in to brush his face against Percy's stubbled chin.
Percy stirred instantly, his grip tightening as his green eyes fluttered open. They were dark and heavy with sleep, but immediately softened upon recognizing Gemini. "Mmm... good morning, Bunny," he murmured, his voice a low, gravelly vibration that sent a familiar thrill through Gemini. He pulled him closer, burying his face into Gemini's hair, inhaling the clean, familiar scent. "Did you sleep well?"
"Like a stone," Gemini confessed, resting his hand against Percy's chest, feeling the slow, steady beat of his heart. "I was out so fast I could barely remember what happened after we got home..." He paused, a playful glint entering his eye. "And just so we're clear, it's your fault I drank so much last night. You owe me a very detailed explanation about what exactly happened. I woke up with zero recollection of how I got from the car to this bed."
Percy's mouth curved into a slow, wicked smile. He shifted, pinning Gemini beneath him gently. "I can give you a live demonstration, right here, right now," he teased, his hand sliding provocatively along Gemini's thigh.
"Stop, you menace! Don't you dare," Gemini laughed breathlessly, pushing playfully against Percy's sculpted shoulder. He reached up, smoothing Percy's tousled dark hair back from his forehead. "As tempting as that is, I think a long soak in the tub would be a wonderful way to kick-off our weekend. Let's save a lot of energy by staying in. I want a lazy weekend, just us."
The ensuite bathroom was a cloud of aromatic steam, the sound of the spa jets providing a soft, white noise as they settled into the magnificent, oversized tub. The water was hot and fragrant with a blend of cypress and cedar, a scent that now felt irrevocably linked to Percy's presence.
Percy reclined, watching Gemini's face across the bubbling water, his expression one of complete adoration. "Are you still trying to figure out how to enjoy your new-found freedom, Bunny?" He asked, flicking a playful stream of water at Gemini's knee.
Gemini leaned back, resting his head against the cool marble edge, a look of complete peace on his face.
"Honestly, there's nothing much to figure out. I'm just going to simply enjoy the fact that I don't have to answer to anyone except you—and you only care about my happiness," he confessed, trailing his wet fingers along Percy's arm. He took a slow breath, the steam feeling clean in his lungs.
"A lot has changed, and yet, I feel... weightless, and at peace. When my parents died, school was my coping mechanism; I threw myself into it, thinking it would be the same this time too. But it's not. I'm okay. Like, really okay. Is it wrong to feel that way?"
"Of course not, it's completely alright to be okay," Percy affirmed, his thumb tracing a loving line on the inner curve of Gemini's elbow. "You've been through so much. I just want you to be fine now. I want you to live freely, not struggle. You deserve to live freely." He pulled Gemini gently across the warm, bubbling water, bringing their bodies together. "I promise, I'm going to make sure nothing hurts you anymore."
Shivering slightly from the transition to the cool air, they made their way into the walk-in closet—It was less a storage space and more of a personalized boutique, filled with racks of designer clothes in every conceivable color and style, all of which Percy had acquired for Gemini.
Gemini stood before a rack dedicated solely to loungewear, his brow furrowed in concentration. He bit his lip, overwhelmed by the sheer number of options.
"What is the dilemma, Bunny?" Percy's voice was laced with amusement as he emerged from his side of the closet, already dressed in a perfectly dark silk pajama bottom and a simple white t-shirt. He noticed Gemini's paralyzed stance. "You've been staring at that spot for five straight minutes. Are you going to be this adorable level of difficulty every morning?"
Gemini whirled around, throwing his hands up in mock exasperation. "Oh, do not even start with me, mister! This is entirely your fault!" he cried, gesturing wildly at the overflowing racks of cashmere robes, soft joggers, and luxurious knitwear. "Before you, my closet was five pairs of decent jeans and a stack of university hoodies. Now it looks like a magazine spread! I have too many options! I never know what to wear!"
Percy let out a satisfied laugh—a sound that made Gemini's heart do a little flip. He walked over, his eyes twinkling. "My deepest apologies for ruining your life with clothing, Bunny. But, since I am the cause of the problem, allow me to be the solution. Since we aren't leaving the house, we're dressing for maximum comfort... and maximum ease of removal."
He stepped close, his presence immediately making Gemini feel warm and at ease. He reached past him, his hands moving with practiced ease. He selected a pair of incredibly soft, heather-grey cashmere joggers and pulled out a matching hooded top, both so luxurious they felt like liquid.
"These," Percy declared, holding them up, his gaze meeting Gemini's in the full-length mirror. "Perfect for staying indoors, and... other strenuous indoor activities."
Percy gently took over, sliding the joggers up Gemini's legs, his hands lingering briefly on his waist. He then pulled the hoodie gently down over his head, smoothing the fabric down his arms.
"There," Percy whispered, leaning down to press a warm, gentle kiss just behind Gemini's ear. "You're all dressed up, and looking irresistible. Ready for breakfast and the laziest weekend of your life, Bunny?"
Gemini turned, his entire face filled with adoration for Percy, a feeling far stronger than any designer label. "More than ready. Now, I vote we start with breakfast and then a very long movie marathon. I'm not doing any reading today."