Tangled Hearts And Classroom Smiles

Dinner

Gemini arrived at Fourth's apartment a little after 6 p.m., holding a bottle of wine as a polite gesture. He was nervous, more than he'd like to admit. This was the first time he'd been in such a setting with Fourth—just the two of them, plus Nan, of course. But that made it all the more important.

Fourth opened the door, dressed casually but still looking effortlessly put-together. "Hey," he greeted, stepping aside to let Gemini in.

"Hey," Gemini smiled, holding out the wine. "I figured this might go well with dinner."

Fourth chuckled softly, accepting the bottle. "Thanks. You didn't have to, but I appreciate it. Come in, make yourself at home."

As Gemini stepped inside, the smell of food wafted from the kitchen, something warm and familiar. He glanced around the cozy living room before a small voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Teacher Gemini?" Nan stood in the hallway, her wide eyes filled with surprise at seeing her favorite teacher in her home. "What are you doing here?"

Gemini's heart warmed at the sight of the little girl, her curiosity and excitement radiating off her. He crouched down to her level, smiling. "Hi, Nan. I'm here for dinner. Your mama invited me."

Nan's surprise quickly turned into joy, and she bounced on her toes. "Mae, you didn't tell me Teacher Gemini was coming!"

Fourth laughed from the kitchen. "It was supposed to be a surprise, sweetie."

"Well, I'm surprised!" Nan exclaimed happily, grabbing Gemini's hand and pulling him toward the living room. "Come play with me while Mae finishes cooking!"

Gemini followed her lead, finding himself quickly roped into an impromptu tea party with Nan's stuffed animals. They chatted as if they were old friends, Nan's infectious energy making it easy to relax. He could see why Fourth adored his daughter so much. Nan was bright and full of life, and it was impossible not to be charmed by her.

Dinner was ready shortly after, and the three of them sat down together at the small dining table. It felt intimate, comfortable in a way Gemini hadn't expected. They talked easily, about everything and nothing—Fourth sharing stories about Nan's antics, Gemini laughing and offering bits about his own childhood. Nan, ever the chatterbox, contributed with random facts and questions, making the entire evening lighthearted and fun.

By the time dinner was over, Nan was starting to yawn, her energy finally dwindling after a long day.

"I think it's bedtime for you, young lady," Fourth said, gathering the plates and standing up. Nan pouted but didn't argue, clearly too tired to protest.

"Can Teacher Gemini read me a bedtime story?" she asked, her voice small but hopeful.

Fourth looked to Gemini, who smiled and nodded. "Of course. I'd love to."

Nan beamed, leading them both to her room. Fourth tucked her in, smoothing the blankets over her, while Gemini picked up one of the storybooks on her nightstand. He read in a soft, soothing voice, Nan's eyes slowly drooping as she listened. Before long, she was fast asleep, her small chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm.

Gemini looked at Fourth, who was watching from the doorway, a soft smile on his face. They shared a quiet moment, both filled with a sense of warmth that came from the simplicity of the scene.

Back in the living room, the two settled onto the couch, flipping on Netflix. They chose something light, a rom-com neither of them was paying much attention to as they talked softly, shoulders brushing. At some point, they began cuddling, Gemini's arm around Fourth's shoulders while Fourth leaned against him.

It was peaceful, the kind of quiet that didn't need to be filled with words. Gemini couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this at ease with someone, and it surprised him how natural it all seemed with Fourth.

By 9 p.m., Gemini realized Fourth had fallen asleep against him, his breathing slow and steady. He smiled, watching him for a moment, his heart swelling with affection. Gently, he shifted and scooped Fourth into his arms. Fourth stirred slightly but didn't wake, too deep in his slumber to notice.

Gemini carried him to the bedroom and tucked him in, smoothing the blankets over him just as Fourth had done with Nan earlier. He stood by the bedside for a moment, looking down at him fondly, his feelings for Fourth stronger than ever. He bent down, pressing a light kiss to Fourth's forehead before quietly slipping out of the room.

As he left the apartment, Gemini felt a strange mix of emotions—hope, fondness, and a sense of something new blossoming. He wasn't sure where things would go, but tonight had felt like a step in the right direction.