Third Person's POV.
Eight hours later, the jet lag was a mild, forgettable nuisance compared to the sheer, breathtaking beauty that greeted Percy and Gemini. They had arrived in Santorini, taken a private, cliff-edge transfer, and were now standing on the terrace of their cliffside villa in Oia.
The apartment was a study in Cycladic luxury: whitewashed walls, smooth stone floors, and a private plunge pool built right into the cliff face. But it was the view that silenced them both.
The Aegean Sea stretched out, an impossibly deep blue meeting a sky of blinding white. Below them, the caldera curved dramatically, dotted with the famous white and blue houses that tumbled down the cliffs. It was precisely the escape they had dreamed of.
Gemini walked straight to the edge of the terrace, his hands gripping the railing, his past worries finally shrinking to the size of distant fishing boats on the horizon.
"Percy," Gemini breathed, turning back, his eyes wide with genuine wonder. "This is... I can't believe this is real. It's more beautiful than any picture."
Percy walked up behind him, placing his hands on Gemini's waist and pulling him back against his chest. He didn't care about the luxury; he cared only about the look of pure, uncomplicated happiness on Gemini's face. This moment, filled with light and freedom, was the success he had fought for.
"I told you," Percy murmured, resting his chin on Gemini's shoulder, inhaling the salt air and Gemini's familiar scent. "This is going to be the best vacation you've ever had."
After a quick, appreciative tour of the elegant space, Percy dug out his phone.
"Quick debriefing," Percy announced. "I promised Penelope an arrival text, or she will assume we were kidnapped."
He opened the group chat—the one Penelope had forced him to join with his cousins and Ohio—and sent a brief update, keeping his voice dry for effect.
Percy: We have landed. We have checked in. The view is insane as expected. Gemini is currently obsessed with the blue dome churches. It's not too late for you to join us. No, Mark. You're not invited. Do not overwork yourself while I'm gone, Alexis.
Almost instantly, the replies flooded in:
Pen: Thank God. I was literally checking flight paths. Have fun you two, but seriously, send photos. We need proof you survived the flight. Also, Alexis will be fine. I'll make sure she gets a break from time to time.
Mark : aww, don't be like that, Dom. I'll be on my best behavior, promise.
Percy: No means no, Mark.
Ohio : SO JEALOUS. Are there a lot of eye candies? I have a research paper due next week but I can move some things around. Is the nearest beach walkable?
Gemini laughed, shaking his head at Ohio's priorities. He typed a quick, personal reply.
Gemini : Don't you have a boyfriend, Ohio?
Ohio : Just looking isn't going to hurt anyone.
"I need to call Penelope properly," Percy said, nudging Gemini gently before moving to the couch, leaning back and hitting the call button.
Penelope answered immediately. "Hey, big brother. Did you enjoy your first public airport experience?"
"For my sake, I won't answer that," Percy replied, his voice relaxed. "But we're here. Getting away is exactly what we needed. It's pure peace. How is the home front?"
"Quiet," Penelope assured him. "Mother is still sulking in her office. She can't make a move without causing a rift with Uncle Phillip, so she's just steaming quietly. Alexis is running the show perfectly. You don't exist to them for the next two weeks. Have fun, I mean it. Focus on yourself and Gemini."
"I will," Percy promised, smiling as Gemini settled beside him, snuggling in, the phone warm against his cheek. "Tell Alexis to call me if anything urgent comes up. And do not help Mark with our travel details."
Penelope laughed. "I won't. Now, go enjoy yourself. Make sure you and Gemini watch the sunset together. Don't call us unless it's important."
Percy hung up, feeling a lightness he hadn't experienced in years. The corporate battles were continents away. The family drama was muted by the vastness of the Aegean.
"Sunset duty, Bunny," Percy said, pulling Gemini fully onto his lap. "We have two hours until the main event. What's first? Plunge pool, or a nap after that dreadful flight?"
Gemini looked at the pool, then settled his gaze on Percy's eyes, still alight with the excitement of their arrival.
"A nap," Gemini decided, burrowing his face into Percy's neck, the exhaustion of the journey finally catching up. "We can swim tomorrow or whenever. And we should probably order some room service first. I'm starving."
Percy chuckled, running a hand through Gemini's hair. "A nap after a good meal sounds good. I can arrange that. We're on vacation, so we can do whatever you want."