Chapter Text
Two months into their marriage, Fourth received an email. It was from the Las Vegas wedding company where he and Gemini got married.
They sent him their wedding video, something Fourth didn’t even know they would get, he still remembers pretty much nothing from that night. Just a few flashes of them drinking and then dragging themselves back to the hotel, a giggling mess of limbs and clothes that barely got taken off in the hotel room.
He immediately saves the file into his laptop and at first he really wants to wait for Gemini to come home from work, so that they could watch it together, but his curiosity gets the better of him. He wiggles in his seat and presses play, although his finger hovers over the button for a second too long. Even if he knows what happened- clearly, they have been married for quite some time - he’s still nervous to see what they did. And if they kissed.
The camera is shaky at first, struggling to focus and accompanied by a harsh sound of someone putting the camera on a tripod. But then it clears up and Gemini stumbles into frame, Fourth clinging onto his arm for dear life. They’re both clearly drunk off their minds, tripping over their own feet, giggling like maniacs. Their faces are flushed red and neither of them can keep their eyes fully open. The officiant sighs at the sight of them and hands them a waiver to sign, a document where they claim to know and understand what they’re doing and are aware of the results of their actions. It’s more than obvious that they weren’t of clear mind, but Fourth doesn’t even care about that or holds it against the people there. None of this is their fault.
As Gemini and Fourth on the screen are struggling to stay on their feet, the officiant whips out two pairs of rings. Fourth picks one while Gemini keeps snuggling him, hiding his face in the crook of his neck, bending down awkwardly due to their height difference.
In his office, Fourth touches his neck, feeling the phantom sensation of Gemini’s lips against his skin.
The employees of the chapel walk them through the ceremony and ask them if they want to do vows. Gemini immediately says yes. They’re just standing there facing each other, maybe not even listening to the officiant, and giggle every time their eyes meet.
When it comes to the vows, Fourth goes first. He takes both of Gemini’s hands into his, stroking the back of his hands with his thumbs. It seems strangely intimate, which would make sense given the situation, but Fourth has to remind himself that they’re friends.
On screen Fourth doesn’t look at Gemini like that though. Even in his drunken daze, his face is full of tender love for the man before him and Fourth’s heart stings at the sight. He feels like he should look away or close his eyes, maybe if he doesn’t see it, he doesn’t have to admit it to himself. All those feelings he’s harbored since their last year of high school, when they both found out they got accepted into the same university.
At that very moment, Fourth realized that he would like to live with Gemini, not just during their studies, but also after. He would like to have him by his side when they’re both old and wrinkly, to see his face first thing in the morning and last before closing his eyes.
The force of his feelings made him choke up and when Gemini looked at him, concerned, Fourth just lied that he was too excited to study what he had always wanted.
In uni, his feelings only grew stronger. He turned down everyone who ever approached him, hoping that one day, Gemini would see the way he looked at him, how much he cared for him, but he was never brave enough to tell him, to confess.
And so he repressed it, forced these feelings so deep inside, into the darkest corners of his heart, and tried to move on, to date around and see other people, but it never worked out. In the end, he took it for what it was; an amazing friendship with someone he trusted, someone he loved deeply. And he made his peace with that.
And then he woke up in a hotel room, married to the love of his life.
On the screen, Fourth is still looking at Gemini like he just met an actual angel, and then he starts talking. Surprisingly, his speech is clear, no sign of drunkenly slurred words. “When we were little, our parents told us that we would grow up and be best friends until the end of days. And I would love to think that they were right. You are the best friend I could ever ask for. You give me energy, have been my source of it since our university days, when you would study with me and quietly made me more coffee to keep me awake. You’ve always made me laugh when I needed it, listened to me and never judged me. You-“ he gets choked up and Fourth, watching him, feels tears pooling in his eyes as well. “You’re the sunshine in my life. You’re willing to save me from dogs even though you’re allergic, you are someone I can depend on. Gemini, you’re like a lit candle in my dark days, bright and warm. And I- I love you. I’m in love with you.”
In the current time, Fourth is sitting by his desk crying. He confessed, after years and years of repressing his feelings, he spilled everything. And Gemini doesn’t even remember that. He didn’t remember it. And it’s probably for the best. If Gemini knew that their life right now, the domesticity and playing house, that this is everything Fourth has ever wanted, he'd probably be repulsed by him.
~*~
And then Gemini starts acting a little weird around him. It’s sudden and unexpected. He had kept his distance before, kept to himself when they were alone, usually working in his bedroom or when spending time with Fourth, keeping a friendly distance of about three inches. But after they came back from Gemini’s mom’s house, something shifted. After the night of cuddling, when Fourth accidentally admitted that Gemini was everything Fourth might ever need, he became a bit more keen on being lovey dovey in front of other people, and even in private he became a little more touchy. Their knees keep touching when they watch a movie, he wants Fourth around more, when he’s working at home and when he’s relaxing, too. And so Fourth takes advantage of it, greedily takes everything he’s offered, gobbles up every ounce of affection Gemini shows him, keeps falling asleep in Gemini’s bed, his senses full of Gemini, his scent and his warmth, and he’s so happy it hurts. This is what he wants, what he’s wanted since he was seventeen. It’s his dream come true and it’s painful to know it’s just for show. One sided.
Every six months or so, his workplace hosts an event. It’s basically a huge party, all the departments are involved, and everyone who’s taken is asked to bring their significant others, if they’re up for it. It’s generally an event for the employees to get to know each other, to form connections or even network, and for some, it’s a way to destress a little, given that it’s usually held after a big project is completed.
He asks Gemini to be his plus one that evening, trying to be casual about it, when in reality, he just wants to show off his beautiful husband, who looks absolutely stunning in the new forest green suit they end up choosing and buying later on. Fourth is ashamed of the unholy thoughts he’s thinking as he watches his best friend turned spouse in his new suit. The cut makes his shoulders look even broader, waist smaller, and his ass looks heavenly. Fourth even runs his hand over the line of his spine, his head spinning at the searing hot rush that he’s feeling. He swallows the lump in his throat as Gemini struts back into the changing room and the store clerk gives him a knowing look.
He picks a suit that matches Gemini’s. He does that on purpose but pretends he didn’t. His heart clenches happily when Gemini points it out.
“Oh so we’re going to be the annoying couple that matches their outfits?” Fourth can’t help but giggle, this was exactly his plan, and Gemini grins back at him and he looks so gorgeous Fourth wants to make out with him.
That night, Gemini sleeps in Fourth’s bed, his back pressed to Fourth’s chest, their feet tangled. His arm goes numb from the weight of Gem’s head lying on it, but he doesn’t care, this is exactly what he wants and needs, for Gemini to be close to him like this, to be comfortable with him like this. Fourth wouldn’t change it for the world. He doesn’t care if it's not reciprocated, he still loves Gemini so much.
~*~
“This is my life partner, Gemini,” Fourth introduces him proudly. His body tingles every time he uses the word husband to describe the other man and tonight he takes it even further, letting himself get lost in the hopeless feelings. It feels unreal. And it sort of is.
Everyone is so nice, at least to their faces, greeting Gem with a smile and shaking his hand. Fourth can’t keep his eyes off his spouse, he looks incredible. He took his time styling his hair and he looks like an A list celebrity. Gemini keeps squeezing his hand and it’s so comforting and comfortable, Fourth never wants to let go.
He shows him off to anyone that would listen, babbling about how incredible his significant other is, just how any husband should. He’s not even exaggerating.
Soon enough, his entire department, whether he knows the people or not, knows of Gemini and his status as Fourth’s husband.
He’s stopped by a few people he’s never seen before but who saw his work and he chats idly with them before moving on. Gemini looks a little lost among all these strangers but he’s still nice and polite and it doesn’t seem like he’s bored or annoyed.
“P’Fourth? P’Gemini?”
Finally, they bump into someone Gemini actually knows, which makes Fourth happy. However, he didn’t even know that Mick, the guy they run into, even works in the same company. And he voices his bewilderment at that. Gemini chuckles next to him.
“Different departments,” Mick explains with a smile. “And I’ve been here for like four months only. I’m still finishing my degree on the side.”
Fourth opens his mouth to ask more questions, he wants to catch up, but one of his higher ups calls him over, so he excuses himself and struts over there. It’s nothing important and he keeps stealing glances at Mick and Gemini who seem to be engaged in a nice friendly conversation. He can’t help but smile at that, his chest feeling a little lighter at the fact that Gemini has someone to talk to here, beside himself of course. He wants Gemini to enjoy himself.
“Mister Jirotchikul?” Fourth suddenly hears and he turns around, surprised. No one has called him that in months, so he feels even a little annoyed.
“Titicharoenrak,” he corrects her politely. Despite his annoyance, he’s still aware she’s holding a certain position of power. But he’s also proud to have Gemini’s last name and will correct anyone who keeps messing it up. “What can I do for you, miss Praeporn?”
She smiles at him but it looks forced. “Can’t I just want to chat with one of our best employees?” Her tone is sickly sweet. It makes Fourth uncomfortable. “You flatter me, miss.”
“Oh not at all, it’s the truth. Even the chairman thinks so.” She moves closer to him, Fourth’s senses are suddenly assaulted by her presence in full force. Her strong perfume that smells of peonies burns in his nose. She gives him a few more compliments, then raises her hand and runs her fingers down Fourth’s arm, giggling at Fourth’s baffled expression. Fourth takes a step back. “I don’t want you to misunderstand, I-“
“I’m not misunderstanding anything, don’t worry,” she’s even twirling her hair. Fourth is really uncomfortable. “You know, I could help you get really far-“
Excuse me?” Someone interrupts her chatter and takes a hold of Fourth’s arm, gentle as ever. “I need to talk to you, Fo.” Fourth is so relieved to hear Gemini’s voice, but he also sees how quickly her expression changes, from overly sweet to a bitter grimace. “I was talking to him,” she spits out. “Who do you think you are to march up here and get between us?”
Gemini tenses up next to him, then lets out a breath and sticks his left hand into her field of vision. “I’m his husband , ” Gemini says, voice dripping with fake sweetness. “So stop hitting on him.” He pulls Fourth closer to him, fingers slipping between his as he takes his hand in an iron grip. “Now if you excuse us.”
And as happy as Fourth is to be as far away as possible from her, he never expected such an outburst from his usually calm best friend. He clenches his jaw, trying to stop himself from smirking. Something about that made his heart flutter, the possessiveness strangely attractive. “What even was that, Gem?”
“As far as I’m aware, you’re married to me,” Gemini says bitterly, it surprises Fourth. He didn’t expect such a tone from him. “And all those people around are aware too! And there you are, letting some woman flirt with you! Do you realize how dumb that makes me look?” He yanks his hand out of Fourth’s hold as if he wasn’t the one who took it in the first place and Fourth holds back his complaints. All he wants is to hold Gemini’s hand some more, his insides are swirling in a hot lava of hope. His palms get clammy with each new word that leaves Gemini’s lips. “We’ve been married for almost a year, Fo! If you hate it so much, if you want someone else, you should’ve just said so!”
At this point, Fourth is almost certain he knows what’s going on. His heart hammers in his chest at a speed that could make him pass out but he doesn’t care about that now. He lets his unreadable facade fall and his face softens immediately. He wants to hold Gemini. “Gem, are you jealous?”
“And if I am?”
Fourth feels like he is going into cardiac arrest. His breathing is fast and uneven and his knees feel like they can’t hold his weight. “Gem, what are you saying?”
“I am jealous, Fourth. And I know I have no right but- I can’t handle it, I hate seeing you with other people. You are my husband, you are married to me, why don’t you see?”
Fourth curls his hands into fists. He’s so overwhelmed with emotions and now he’s not sure what to say. This is what he’s wanted for years. He wants to grab Gemini’s collar and pull him in and kiss him until they’re both out of breath. And yet, he’s completely speechless.
“Say something! ” Gemini cries out. “Curse at me, yell at me, tell me you hate me but don’t be quiet, Fourth, please!”
“Say it again,” Fourth finally gets out. His hands are shaking, nervous nausea twirling around in his gut as he speaks. Gemini stares at him, perplexed. So, Fourth takes a deep breath and reaches for Gemini’s hand. “Say it again, that I-“ he pauses and closes his eyes. “That I’m yours.”
Gemini’s breath hitches. He squeezes Fourth’s hand and runs his thumb over the back of Fourth’s hand. “You’re mine,” Gemini whispers and he sounds so unsure, it breaks Fourth’s heart. “You’re my husband and my life partner and I-“ he gets choked up and Fourth finally opens his eyes to see Gemini’s tear stained cheeks, red and blotchy, but he’s smiling albeit a little sadly. “And I am in love with you. I want to go home to our place and sleep in your bed and make that bedroom ours . I don’t want to pretend anymore, I’m not pretending anymore.” Fourth’s head is spinning and he leans into Gemini, his head on his husband’s shoulder. “I want that too, you know?” His eyes sting with unshed tears and his nose burns as he holds back his tears. “I’ve wanted that since we were kids.”
Gemini takes his face into his hands and makes Fourth look at him. “I know we need to talk, I know we both have a lot of explaining to do, but right now, I just really want to kiss you.” Fourth closes the gap between them before Gemini is really done talking and he sighs into the kiss happily. Gemini tastes like champagne and tears and Fourth licks into his mouth like a man starved, gripping Gemini’s waist so tight that his knuckles turn white. The evening breeze feels cool against his heated face. He pulls away slightly from the other man, a string of spit connecting their lips still. Their breaths mingle between them and Gemini starts laughing, eyes twinkling, such a happy sound, and Fourth surges forward and kisses him again, now that he can. “Let’s go home.”
“But- your work event-“
“Fuck it. I wanna go home and do my duties as your husband,” he takes Gemini’s hand into his. Gemini’s face turns bright red and he slaps at Fourth’s shoulder weakly. “I don’t mean that, what are you thinking about?” He snorts, then bites his lip. “Unless you want to.”
“Not tonight,” Gemini admits. “I want to, but we need to talk first.”
~*~
“You look.. different,” Fourth’s mom points out. Gemini gives Fourth a look and the younger one can’t help but chuckle. “He’s glowing, isn’t he?”
Gemini pinches his thigh under the table, Fourth doesn’t even flinch. “He’s trying some new skincare.”
“Shut up,” Gemini hisses at him.
“Why? Our bathroom cabinet is literally filled with all these new La Roche-Posay bottles and creams. I don’t even know what half of those things are for.” Gemini glares at him but Fourth just shrugs. He played it off well, he thinks. His mom smirks. She definitely knows.