The mansion was quiet, an unusual stillness settling over it. Everyone was exhausted from the events of the night before, but sleep had escaped most of them.

Fourth remained in his room, curled up under the blankets, barely moving. The bruises on his skin had darkened, proof of his uncle’s cruelty. But what worried everyone the most was the emptiness in his eyes.

Gemini sat in a chair beside the bed, arms crossed, his jaw tight. He hadn't left the room, not even once. He refused to let anyone else take care of Fourth, silently keeping watch. His usual sharp, confident presence was gone, replaced by a deep, burning frustration. Not at Fourth, but at himself.

He had failed to protect him. And that was something Gemini could not forgive.

A soft knock at the door broke the silence. Prim stepped in first, followed by Tu, Phuwin, and Pond. Their faces were heavy with exhaustion and concern, dark circles under their eyes proof of their sleepless night.

"How is he?" Prim asked softly, her voice careful.

Gemini didn't answer right away. He glanced at Fourth, who still hadn't moved, then let out a slow breath. "He hasn't spoken. Barely moves."

Tu sat at the edge of the bed, hesitant but determined. "Fourth?" She called gently. "It’s us. You’re safe now."

Fourth's fingers twitched under the blanket, but he didn’t respond.

Phuwin and Pond exchanged worried looks before Phuwin stepped forward. "Fourth, we’re all here for you. You don’t have to be scared anymore."

At those words, Fourth's breath hitched. His chest started rising and falling too quickly, his hands trembling beneath the blanket. His fingers curled, his entire body tensing. A sharp, choked breath escaped him, his shoulders shaking. His heart pounded like it was trying to escape his chest, and his vision blurred at the edges.

Gemini noticed right away. He stood, his chair scraping against the floor, and without thinking, climbed onto the bed beside Fourth. The others froze, eyes wide with shock. Gemini was never like this—never soft, never this gentle.

"Fourth," Gemini said, his voice quieter than anyone had ever heard. "Look at me."

Fourth's panicked eyes darted around the room before finally landing on Gemini. His breathing was still fast, his lips trembling. Gemini reached out, hesitating for just a moment before taking Fourth’s shaking hands in his own.

"You’re not there anymore," Gemini said softly, his voice steady and sure. "You’re here. You’re safe. Breathe with me."

Prim covered her mouth, eyes filling with emotion. Tu and Phuwin exchanged stunned glances, while Pond just stared, unable to believe what he was seeing. This was Gemini—the cold, distant Gemini—now holding Fourth like something fragile, speaking with a kindness none of them had ever seen from him.

Gemini took a deep breath, slow and steady, exaggerating the movement. Fourth tried to copy him, but his breath still caught. Gemini didn’t let go. He kept his hands firm, holding Fourth steady.

Prim knelt beside the bed, her voice soft. "You’re not alone, Fourth."

Tu placed a hand on Fourth’s shoulder, his touch gentle. "We’re here."

Fourth gasped, a quiet sob slipping out, but slowly, painfully, his breathing began to steady. His shaking lessened, though his grip on Gemini stayed tight. His fingers dug into Gemini’s skin, clinging desperately.

Outside the door, Tay, New, Earth, and Mix stood silently, watching through the small gap. None of them stepped inside, sensing that this was something Fourth needed to go through with those closest to him. But their presence was there, a silent promise of support.

Minutes passed before Fourth finally slumped forward, exhaustion overtaking him. Gemini caught him easily, holding him against his chest. Fourth’s grip didn’t loosen, even as sleep took him.

The room stayed quiet, everyone still trying to process what they had just witnessed.

Phuwin leaned toward Pond and whispered, "Did Gemini just... comfort someone?"

Pond nodded slowly, his mouth slightly open in shock.

Gemini exhaled, resting his chin lightly on top of Fourth’s head. "We’re not going anywhere," he murmured, barely audible.

And Fourth believed him.

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