Unscripted Ties

Through the Dark Night

The morning of their last scheduled promotion had been full of energy and purpose. The final task on their list was a charity event at a local orphanage—a gesture of goodwill that, while giving back to the community, also solidified Gemini and Fourth's image as a responsible, family-oriented couple. The day was a blur of laughter, activities, and meaningful conversations with the children. Together, they handed out donations, which included food, school supplies, clothes, and funds for the orphanage's needs. Gemini and Fourth participated in everything, from painting murals on the walls to reading storybooks to groups of bright-eyed kids.

Fourth seemed especially taken with the children, his smile softening each time he knelt down to talk to one of them. Gemini watched him from a distance, feeling a pang in his chest at the gentle kindness Fourth radiated. Fourth's own childhood had not been easy; he'd mentioned that once in passing. It was evident in the tenderness with which he interacted with the children, as if each one reminded him of the boy he once was.

Leo, meanwhile, had been the star of the day. Despite his young age, he fit in seamlessly, charming everyone he encountered. The children had taken to him immediately, his laughter ringing out as he shared his toys and joined in the games. Gemini caught himself watching the scene a few times, wondering how it would feel if this really was their life—him, Fourth, and Leo, a family moving through life together.

By the time they left the orphanage, it was nearly 5 p.m., and all of them were exhausted. The ride back to the hotel was quiet, with Leo dozing off in his car seat and Fourth leaning his head against the window, lost in thought. The day had been fulfilling but physically draining, and it didn't take long for them to settle into their hotel room and order some food. They ate together in comfortable silence, Leo still half-asleep as he clung to Fourth's side, his little hand wrapped around his father's fingers.

When dinner was over, they all slipped into bed without much fuss, the exhaustion of the day dragging them into sleep almost instantly.

Around 1 a.m., Gemini woke with a dry throat, the air conditioning having dried out the room. He got out of bed, rubbing his eyes, and made his way to the small kitchenette for a glass of water. As he drank, he became aware of a soft, muffled sound coming from Fourth's room.

Frowning, he set down the glass and walked over to the door. He knocked softly, listening for any sign of movement, but there was only silence. The soft, broken sounds continued, almost like a whimper, and a prickle of worry crept up his spine. Gently, he opened the door and stepped inside.

The room was dark, the only light coming from the faint glow of the city lights filtering in through the window. As his eyes adjusted, he saw Fourth lying on the bed, his face scrunched up in discomfort, his forehead glistening with sweat. The quiet whimpers he'd heard earlier were coming from him.

Gemini's worry deepened. He approached the bed, placing a gentle hand on Fourth's forehead, and his heart dropped. Fourth was burning up, his skin hot to the touch. It was clear he'd come down with a fever, most likely a result of pushing himself too hard over the past few days.

Without hesitation, Gemini moved into action. He grabbed a clean washcloth, dampened it with cool water, and began gently wiping down Fourth's forehead to bring down the fever. He searched the small first-aid kit they'd brought, finding some fever-reducing medicine and coaxing Fourth to swallow it.

Fourth stirred, his eyes barely opening, and looked up at Gemini with a fevered, confused gaze. "Gem?" he murmured, his voice weak and hoarse.

"Shh, I'm here," Gemini whispered, smoothing back his hair. "You've got a fever, but I'll take care of you. Just rest."

Fourth's eyes fluttered closed again, his breathing evening out as he drifted back into a fitful sleep. Gemini continued wiping him down, careful and attentive, not wanting to leave his side for even a second. Hours passed in a blur as he kept vigil by Fourth's bedside, changing the washcloth whenever it grew warm and making sure he was as comfortable as possible.

Around 4 a.m., a soft cry broke the quiet. Leo had woken up in his small bed, probably feeling disoriented in the unfamiliar surroundings. Gemini slipped out of Fourth's room, going over to Leo, who was rubbing his eyes and looking around in sleepy confusion.

"Papa?" Leo mumbled, reaching out.

"It's okay, Leo," Gemini whispered, picking him up and holding him close. "Papa's just resting. He doesn't feel well, so I'm taking care of him. You go back to sleep, alright?"

Leo sniffled, nestling his head on Gemini's shoulder, his tiny arms wrapping around his neck. Gemini held him gently, rocking him back and forth until he fell asleep again, his small body relaxing as he drifted back into dreams. Once Leo was settled, Gemini went back to Fourth, his gaze softening as he watched him sleep, his face now more peaceful.

By dawn, Fourth's fever had finally broken, his skin cooling to a normal temperature. Exhausted, Gemini finally allowed himself to sit down, his body sinking into the chair beside the bed. He didn't even realize when he drifted off, his head leaning back against the chair as he dozed off in the soft morning light.

Fourth woke up to the feeling of a damp towel on his forehead, the fabric cooling against his skin. He blinked, his mind hazy with sleep, and the first thing he saw was Gemini slumped in the chair beside his bed, his face peaceful in sleep, despite the uncomfortable position.

It didn't take long for Fourth to piece together what had happened. The towel, the medicine bottle on the nightstand, and the exhaustion evident in Gemini's face told him everything he needed to know. Gemini had stayed up, caring for him through the night, not leaving his side until he was sure he was okay.

A small, unexpected warmth bloomed in Fourth's chest, a mixture of gratitude and something deeper, something he wasn't quite ready to name. Moving quietly, he slipped out of bed, finding a blanket and draping it gently over Gemini's shoulders. Gemini stirred slightly but didn't wake, his breathing even as he continued to sleep.

Fourth took a deep breath, feeling surprisingly refreshed despite the previous night's fever. Leo was still asleep, so he decided to make breakfast, a small way to show his appreciation for everything Gemini had done.

An hour later, the smell of eggs and toast filled the small kitchenette, and Gemini finally stirred awake. He sat up, the blanket slipping off his shoulders as he blinked in surprise, disoriented for a moment before realizing where he was.

Fourth turned from the stove, a soft smile on his face. "Morning, sleeping beauty," he teased, setting down a plate on the table.

Gemini chuckled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Looks like you're feeling better," he said, his voice warm.

"Thanks to you," Fourth replied, his tone sincere. "I don't think I'd have managed last night without you."

They shared a quiet smile, an unspoken understanding passing between them. They both sat down, sharing a breakfast that felt unusually intimate in the early morning light, a calm and peaceful moment that neither wanted to break.

Once Leo was awake, the three of them decided to make the most of their last day in the province. With all their official obligations complete, they had the freedom to spend the day as they wished. So, they set out to explore the town, stopping by local landmarks, parks, and small shops. Leo was enchanted by everything, his laughter filling the air as he pointed at sights with wide-eyed wonder.

They visited a small museum, took a stroll through a nearby garden, and ended up at a cozy café, where they shared pastries and hot chocolate. To an outsider, they must have looked like a small, happy family, enjoying a simple day together.

By the time they returned to the hotel, the sun was setting, casting a warm golden light over the town. Fourth carried a sleeping Leo up to their room, his heart full from the day they'd shared. There was a comfortable, lingering silence between him and Gemini as they packed up their things, both of them feeling a quiet sense of contentment.

As they settled in for their last night in the hotel, Fourth couldn't help but glance over at Gemini, a small smile tugging at his lips. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind, but through it all, Gemini had been there, a steady presence by his side.

In that quiet moment, with Leo asleep between them, Fourth felt a spark of something new—a glimmer of a future he hadn't dared to imagine before.

Tomorrow, they would return to Bangkok, back to the noise and chaos of their regular lives. But tonight, they were just them, a family held together by small, unspoken promises and moments of kindness.

And for the first time in a long time, Fourth felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be.