Chapter 14

3rd person pov:

The revelation of their shared past lingered between Fourth and Gemini like an unspoken thread tying them together. Fourth had begun to let Gemini into his world more freely, speaking to him about his favorite books, little memories of his childhood, and even sharing quiet jokes that made the other boy laugh. Yet, beneath the surface, something held him back—a wall that refused to crumble completely.

It wasn't that Fourth didn't trust Gemini. On the contrary, Gemini had proven time and again that he was dependable, that he cared. But Fourth couldn't shake the fear that came with letting someone in. What if he became too dependent? What if his fragile heart grew attached only to have it broken later? The possibility of being hurt scared him more than he was willing to admit.

One afternoon, the two sat together on the porch. Fourth was curled up on a cushioned chair, a blanket draped over his legs despite the warmth of the day. Gemini was seated beside him, nursing a cup of coffee. The silence between them was comfortable, yet charged, as though words were waiting to be spoken but neither of them knew how to begin.

"You've been quiet today," Gemini finally said, his voice breaking through the stillness. He glanced at Fourth, his gaze gentle yet searching. "Is something on your mind?"

Fourth hesitated, his fingers playing with the edge of the blanket. "Not really," he murmured, though his tone betrayed the truth.

Gemini leaned back in his chair, studying him. "You know you can talk to me, right? About anything."

Fourth nodded but didn't meet his eyes. "I know."

The quiet stretched between them again, and Gemini resisted the urge to push further. He had learned that with Fourth, patience was key. But there was a part of him that wanted to reach out, to break down the invisible barrier that still separated them. He couldn't ignore the growing feelings he had for Fourth, feelings that went beyond the bond they had rediscovered. But he also knew that Fourth wasn't ready—not yet.

"I was thinking about Nong Si," Gemini said suddenly, hoping to ease the tension. "Back when we were kids. Do you remember the treehouse?"

Fourth glanced at him, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Of course. You wouldn't let me climb it alone, even though I insisted I could."

Gemini chuckled softly. "You were so stubborn. I was terrified you'd fall, but you wouldn't listen to me."

"I didn't fall," Fourth pointed out, a hint of pride in his voice.

"No, you didn't," Gemini agreed, his tone warm. "But I stayed close just in case. And I'd do the same now, you know."

The words hung in the air, heavier than Gemini had intended. Fourth's smile faltered, and he looked away, the walls around him visibly rebuilding themselves.

"I don't need anyone to catch me," Fourth said quietly, his voice tinged with an edge of defiance. "I'm not a kid anymore."

Gemini's brows furrowed, but he kept his voice calm. "I know you're not. But that doesn't mean you have to go through everything alone."

"I'm used to it," Fourth replied, the vulnerability in his tone betraying the strength of his words. "It's easier that way."

Gemini leaned forward, setting his cup down on the table between them. "Easier doesn't always mean better," he said softly. "I get it—you're afraid. But Fourth, you don't have to be. Not with me."

Fourth's hands tightened around the blanket, his knuckles white. "You don't understand," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "People leave. They always do. It's easier not to get attached."

Gemini's heart ached at the raw emotion in Fourth's words. He wanted to tell him that he wasn't like the others, that he wouldn't leave, but he knew that words alone wouldn't break down Fourth's walls. Trust had to be earned, not demanded.

"I'm not going anywhere," Gemini said quietly. "I've waited years to find you, Fourth. I'm not giving up that easily."

Fourth looked at him then, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. For a moment, Gemini thought he might say something, might finally let him in. But instead, Fourth shook his head and turned away, retreating once again behind the safety of his emotional barriers.

Gemini sighed, leaning back in his chair. He knew this wasn't something that could be resolved in a single conversation. Fourth's walls had been built over years of pain and fear, and it would take time to break them down. But Gemini was willing to wait, no matter how long it took. Because Fourth was worth it.

As the sun began to set, casting the porch in hues of orange and pink, Gemini reached out and placed a hand gently over Fourth's. He didn't say anything—didn't push, didn't demand. He simply stayed, offering his quiet presence as a reminder that he wasn't going anywhere.

And for the first time, Fourth didn't pull away.