A/N: Can't say I'm too happy with how this story turned out. There still needs to be work on the romance between the two mains - there isn't enough of a build up to get the end result. A future me problem and something I need to think about some more.
Fourth and Paul sat opposite each other at their usual table on campus, study books open as they waited for the arrival of their boyfriends. The past few months had been not without pain and trauma. Gemini had not fully recovered from the shock his father had tried to kill him and his grandfather and although his mother was back working, the pain they shared together would take time to heal.
The trauma the situation created wasn't only Gemini's but also lingered among them all. The fear of Gemini disappearing still lingered in the back of Fourth's mind and he often woke terrified Gemini had vanished. As a result Gemini and Fourth had recently moved in together which had allowed them both to heal.
Ken, having had to lie and hide the truth for too long, now needed to know where every one was, especially Paul. For Paul, he'd accepted the situation much sooner and it was Paul who helped everyone to return some normality back into their lives.
"Should we meet this evening and work on our assignment." Paul asked Fourth as he slammed his book closed. Fourth let out a sigh as he too closed his study book.
"Might as well. I can't concentrate here." Fourth replied.
Paul's phone vibrated several times and Paul sat up to check his messages.
"Ken?" Fourth asked.
"Who else." Paul replied, as he sent a message back.
Several moments later Gemini and Ken arrived at their table and both sat down beside their boyfriends.
"Studying hard." Ken asked Paul, who shook his head in response.
"Nope. We're going to study together tonight instead." Paul told him.
"That's good." Ken responded as he glanced at Gemini.
"You haven't eaten yet." Gemini asked lifting the plastic bag with food onto the table.
"I haven't." Fourth said opening the bag and pulling out the wraps inside, enough for the four of them.
"You'll be okay to get home after class?' Gemini asked Fourth as they began to eat.
"Mmmm. I'll go home with Paul." Fourth replied.
That afternoon the verdict against Gemini's father would be made and although all four knew this no one had the courage to mention it. Instead, plans were made around the fact.
"What time will you be home?" Fourth asked.
"Not sure." Gemini replied staring at the wrap in hand, making no attempt to eat it.
"I'll let you know when we're done." Ken replied.
"I'll have dinner ready for the four of us when you get back." Paul told them, then added, "Let's not let this food go to waste."
They all ate silently, all hoping the outcome of the afternoon might put an and to the trauma and allow them to move on.
Later that evening, as Fourth lay against Gemini in their bed, Gemini stroked the top of Fourth's head as Fourth nestled against his chest.
"Gemini." Fourth asked.
"Mmmm." Gemini responded, his eyes closed in the darkened room.
"How is your mother?" They had not mentioned the outcome of his father's case during dinner, rather they kept the conversation light until Ken and Paul left.
Gemini wanted to say okay but she was far from that. "Angry. Bitter. Disappointed."
"Mmmm." Fourth replied, "That's understandable. The betrayal must be overwhelming and intense."
"I still don't fully understand father's motives." Gemini said as he continued to stroke the top of Fourth head.
"Do you think you'll ever be able to forgive him." Fourth asked.
Gemini thought only a moment before replying. "Never."
Fourth understood.
"I spoke with my parents the other day and they've invited you to visit the next holidays. Would you like to come?" Fourth asked moving the conversation away from Gemini's family.
"I'd like that. I want to meet your brothers. I've always wanted a brother and now I get two." Gemini said.
"You'll regret saying that. They're monsters." Fourth replied and Gemini gave a light chuckle.
"If they're anything like you, I'm sure I'll like them."
"You can like them but I forbid you from loving them." Fourth scoffed.
At this, Gemini let out a laugh and Fourth leaned up to look at him.
Gemini glanced at Fourth and quietly said, "Thank you for coming into my life. Although we'll never understand why or how it happened. I'm glad it was you."
"Mmmm. It's as you said, we'll never understand why but I'm also thankful that you came into my life." Fourth leaned up and gently placed his lips against Gemini's.
As he pulled back, Fourth told him, "I love you."
"I love you too." Gemini said back as Fourth once more snuggled against Gemini's chest and Gemini went back to stroking Fourth's head.
The outcome of the days events had resulted in Gemini's father going to jail for premeditated murder. Grandfather's previous decision regarding the business and properties had now been handed over to his daughters, freeing Gemini off any responsibility previously placed on him. Gemini's mother had moved out of the main house and into an apartment to be closer to Gemini and Gemini had returned to university having been able to quietly manage classes during his absence. Life was still not without challenges ahead of them but Gemini and Fourth had each other and they would overcome those challenges together.
The End.
There's an immense satisfaction writing the words 'The End'.
Having a clear ending helps to write every story, even if the ending is abrupt or lame.