You and Me (GEMINIFOURTH)

Chapter 21: New Beginnings

It had been a whirlwind few months. Fourth's life had shifted in ways he never thought possible, and as he stood in front of the mirror, his hand resting gently on his growing stomach, he marveled at how far he had come. His stomach had started to show more prominently now, a gentle curve that had changed the way he moved. His walk had slowed, his body adjusting to the weight of the life growing inside him.

They had graduated just a few weeks ago. The ceremony had been a bittersweet moment for Fourth, knowing that he was leaving behind the chapter of his life where so many painful memories lived. But it was also a moment of triumph—he had made it through, despite everything. Now, with the future stretched out before him, he felt a strange mix of excitement and nervousness.

His friends—Winny, Satang, Pond, and Joong—had taken the news of his pregnancy surprisingly well. At first, there had been shock, disbelief that their friend was going through something so life-changing so early in life. But after the initial surprise wore off, they had rallied around him and Gemini, offering their support and even expressing excitement about becoming "uncles" to the baby.

"You better believe we're gonna be the coolest uncles around," Satang had joked one day after graduation, grinning from ear to ear. "This kid is going to have the best support system ever."

Fourth had laughed, though part of him had been overwhelmed by how easily his friends accepted the situation. He had spent so much time worrying about what people would think, but in the end, their love and support had been stronger than he'd expected.

Now, he and Gemini had moved into their own apartment, a graduation gift from Gemini's parents. It was a modest but beautiful space, with just enough room for the two of them and the baby that was soon to come. Fourth had been hesitant at first, worried about accepting such a large gift, but Gemini had reassured him, reminding him that his parents just wanted to give them a good start in life.

Today, as Fourth stood in their new apartment, the afternoon light streaming through the windows, he felt a sense of peace that had been missing from his life for a long time. The apartment was cozy, filled with little touches that made it feel like a home. A few baby items were scattered around—gifts from friends and family who had already started spoiling the baby before it even arrived.

He heard the front door open, and a moment later, Gemini appeared in the doorway, his face lighting up when he saw Fourth.

"There you are," Gemini said, walking over to him and placing a gentle hand on Fourth's stomach. "How are you feeling today?"

"Tired," Fourth admitted with a small smile. "But good. The baby's been moving a lot lately."

Gemini's eyes softened, and he leaned down to press a kiss to Fourth's belly. "I can't wait to meet you, little one," he murmured, his voice filled with love.

Fourth's heart swelled at the sight. Gemini had been so supportive throughout the pregnancy, always there to reassure him, to make him laugh when the fear and anxiety started to creep in. He had stepped into the role of a father so naturally, it filled Fourth with confidence that they could really make this work.

"I still can't believe we're here," Fourth said quietly, his hand resting over Gemini's. "After everything that's happened, I didn't think I'd ever feel this... happy."

Gemini straightened up, his eyes meeting Fourth's with a soft smile. "We've been through a lot," he said gently. "But we're building something new, something just for us. And I know it's not going to be easy, but we've got this, Fourth. We're going to give this baby a life full of love and safety."

Fourth nodded, his eyes filling with emotion. "I just... I'm scared sometimes. Scared that I won't be a good father, that I won't know how to give this baby the life they deserve."

Gemini's expression softened, and he cupped Fourth's face in his hands, his thumbs brushing gently over Fourth's cheeks. "You're going to be an amazing father," he said, his voice filled with certainty. "I know you've been through a lot, but that doesn't define you. You've got so much love to give, Fourth. That's all this baby will need. And we'll figure the rest out together."

Fourth closed his eyes, leaning into Gemini's touch, letting the warmth of his words sink in. He knew Gemini was right, but the fear still lingered, just beneath the surface. The fear of repeating the cycle of violence and neglect he had grown up with, of not being enough.

But Gemini's love, his unwavering support, was the anchor that kept Fourth grounded. Together, they had built something stronger than the past—a future where they could be the parents they wished they had had.

"I love you, Gem," Fourth whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"I love you too," Gemini replied, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Fourth's lips. "And you'll never have to find out, because I'm not going anywhere."

They stood there for a few moments, wrapped in each other's warmth, the future stretching out before them. For the first time, it felt like the weight of the past was starting to lift. The apartment, their new home, was a symbol of everything they had worked for—a fresh start, a place where they could build a life together, free from the pain and fear that had once defined them.

As the afternoon light shifted, casting a warm glow over the room, Fourth felt a sense of peace settle over him. It wasn't just about surviving anymore. It was about living, about building something new and beautiful with Gemini by his side.

They had a lot to look forward to—the birth of their child, the future they were creating together. And though there were still challenges ahead, they knew they would face them together, just as they always had.

Because now, they weren't just surviving.

They were thriving.

And that made all the difference.