Agony (GEMINIFOURTH)

Chapter 28: A Quiet Apology

The night was quiet, the soft hum of the city outside barely audible through the window. Fourth lay in his bed, his breathing slow and even, but sleep didn't come easily. His mind was still heavy with the events of the day, replaying the argument with Gemini over and over again. He hated the tension between them, the feeling that something had fractured in their usually solid relationship. As much as he tried to push the thoughts aside, they clung to him, keeping him on edge.

At some point, exhaustion must have finally taken over, and Fourth drifted into a light sleep. But it didn't last long.

He heard the soft creak of his bedroom door opening, the familiar sound of footsteps padding across the floor. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was—he felt it in his bones. The bed dipped slightly as someone climbed in beside him, and within seconds, he felt warm arms wrap around his waist, pulling him close.

Gemini.

The tension that had been sitting in Fourth's chest all evening began to loosen as he felt Gemini's breath against the back of his neck, warm and comforting. They lay there in silence for a moment, Gemini's hold on him tight but gentle, as if apologizing without words.

"I'm sorry," Gemini whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."

Fourth smiled a little, though he didn't turn around right away. He could feel the regret in Gemini's voice, the vulnerability he always showed when he realized he had gone too far. Without saying anything, Fourth turned slowly, shifting in Gemini's arms so that they were face-to-face in the dim light of the room.

"It's okay," Fourth whispered, his voice soft but steady. He reached up, brushing his fingers gently along Gemini's cheek. "Just know this—nothing, and I mean nothing, can make me turn away from you, Gem. No one, not even Mark."

At the mention of Mark, Gemini tensed slightly, his expression tightening for just a moment. The jealousy that had consumed him earlier was still there, simmering beneath the surface, but now it felt different—more manageable, less overwhelming.

Gemini's voice was quiet when he finally spoke. "I just don't like him being so close to you. I know I overreacted, but... it's hard seeing someone else in your space, acting like they belong there."

Fourth's heart softened at the raw honesty in Gemini's words. He knew that, underneath it all, Gemini's jealousy came from a place of fear—fear of losing something they had fought so hard to build. And as frustrating as the situation with Mark was, Fourth understood where Gemini was coming from.

He smiled softly, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to Gemini's forehead. "Then I'll make sure he's not an issue," Fourth said, his voice full of warmth and reassurance. "You're the only one I want, Gem. You don't have to worry about him."

Gemini's eyes searched Fourth's face, his expression softening as he took in the sincerity of Fourth's words. Slowly, the tension began to melt away, replaced by the familiar comfort that always existed between them.

"You mean it?" Gemini asked quietly, his hand tightening slightly on Fourth's waist.

Fourth nodded, his smile never wavering. "Of course I do. I'll talk to him, make sure he knows where the boundaries are. I don't want him to come between us."

Gemini let out a slow breath, the weight on his chest finally lifting. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against Fourth's, their noses almost touching. "I'm sorry I doubted you," Gemini whispered, his voice full of regret. "I trust you, I really do. I just..."

"I know," Fourth interrupted gently, his thumb brushing soothing circles on Gemini's skin. "It's okay. I get it."

For a while, they stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, the silence between them no longer heavy but filled with unspoken promises and shared understanding. Fourth felt the familiar warmth of Gemini's presence settle over him like a blanket, and for the first time that night, the tension in his body fully disappeared.

"Thank you," Gemini whispered, his breath warm against Fourth's skin. "For always being patient with me. I don't deserve you sometimes."

Fourth chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Don't be ridiculous. We've got each other's backs, remember?"

Gemini smiled, his heart swelling with affection for the boy lying beside him. He tightened his hold on Fourth, pulling him even closer, as if to reassure himself that everything was going to be okay. And in that moment, with Fourth's soft breath against his skin and the quiet night surrounding them, he knew it would be.

"Always," Gemini murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Fourth's lips.

As they lay together, the weight of the day fading away, they both knew that no matter what came their way—whether it was jealousy, rumors, or even someone like Mark trying to get too close—they would face it together.