Jay's POV..
I knew something was wrong the moment the doorbell rang three times in a row. Not a normal ring...this was the kind that screamed impatience.
I frowned as I walked to the door, already annoyed. "Who even."
The moment I opened it, I didn't even get time to finish.
"MISS ME BABY SISTAH?"
"PERCY?!"
Before I could react, he pulled me into a tight hug like I had been gone for years. I stumbled a little, surprised, while he just laughed like this was completely normal.
"Of course you did," he said dramatically, pulling back to look at me. "I'm unforgettable."
"More like unbearable," another voice came from behind him.
I looked past Percy and saw Aries standing there, calm as always, arms crossed with that small knowing smirk on his face.
"why are you both her?" I asked, still trying to process this sudden invasion.
"To see you," Aries said casually, like it didn't need explanation.
"And to make sure you're still alive," Percy added.
"I was never in danger."
Aries raised an eyebrow and glanced behind me into the house. "You're living in his house."
"…and?"
"And you're saying that like it's normal?"
"It is normal."
Aries looked at me more carefully this time. "Since when?"
I opened my mouth to answer, but nothing came out. I didn't even know what to say to that.
"Exactly,Aries baby is right" Percy said, pointing at me like he just proved something.
"Hey stop calling me that"Aries said.
I sighed and stepped aside. "Can you both come in instead of interrogating me and arguing at the door?"
They walked in without hesitation, looking around like they were inspecting the place.
"Nice," percy said, nodding. "Rich rich."
"I've heard that already."
"Good. Means it's true."
Aries didn't comment. He just observed everything quietly, and somehow that felt more intense than Percy talking nonstop.
"Where is he?" Percy asked after a moment.
"At a meeting."
"And the others?"
"Not home."
There was a brief silence after that.
"So you're alone here?" percy asked, his tone slightly more serious now.
"Yes."
He exchanged a quick look with Aries, and I immediately caught it.
"What?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
"Nothing," Percy said.
"Say it."
Aries sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's just… weird."
"What is?"
"This. You being here. With him."
I crossed my arms. "I'm fine."
"We didn't say you're not."
"Then what's the problem?"
Percy finally spoke, his voice dramatic but direct. "Do you trust him?"
That question caught me off guard.
"…yes."
"Completely?"
I hesitated. Just for a second.
But they noticed.
Aries let out a small breath. "See?"
"I said yes," I repeated, a little firmer this time.
Aries nodded. "Okay."
Before the moment could get heavier, percysuddenly clapped his hands together. "Anyway, I'm hungry."
I stared at him. "You just came here."
"And I'm already hungry."
"Of course you are."
"Cook something."
I grabbed a cushion and threw it at him instantly, but he dodged it, laughing.
"Violence? Already? I just got here!"
"You deserve worse."
Aries sat down on the couch, watching us with amusement. "Yeah, she's definitely fine."
I went to the kitchen, mostly to escape Aries' nonsense, but obviously they followed me.
"Do you even know how to cook?" Aries asked, leaning against the counter.
"Yes."
"For him?" he added immediately.
I paused for a second before answering. "…for myself."
"Hmm."
"Stop that."
"I didn't say anything."
"You didn't have to."
Percy, who had been teasing till now, looked at me carefully and said, "You look different."
I glanced at him. "…different how?"
"Happier."
I didn't reply.
Because I didn't know how to.
Aries noticed it too, but for once he didn't joke. Instead, he just gave a small nod.
"Good," he said simply.
Later, we ended up in the living room, talking and laughing like nothing had changed. Aries was loud as always, Percy added comments at the perfect moments, and I just sat there, feeling… normal.
It felt like before.
Like everything was the same.
But it wasn't.
Because now, this place felt like part of my life too.
The door opened.
I didn't need to look to know it was him.
"You're back," I said, turning slightly.
Keifer stepped inside, his presence instantly shifting the atmosphere in the room. His eyes found mine first, like they always did, before moving to Aries and Percy.
"I didn't know we had guests," he said calmly.
"Surprise," percy replied, standing up.
Keifer gave a small nod. "Clearly."
There was a brief silence, not exactly awkward, but not comfortable either.
Aries walked a little closer, studying him. "So, Keifer."
"Yes."
"Take care of her."
It sounded simple, but it wasn't.
Keifer didn't hesitate. "I will you don't need to worry"
Something about the way he said it felt… too certain. Too controlled.
Percy was watching him closely now.
And Aries…
Aries tilted his head slightly, his gaze fixed on Keifer like he was trying to read something deeper.
Then after a moment, he stepped back. "Good."
But his expression had changed, just a little.
Not enough for anyone to point it out.
But enough to notice.
The conversation slowly picked up again, laughter returning, but Aries was relaxed now
But his attention...
Stayed on Keifer.
Like he had noticed something.
Something that didn't sit right.
And for the first time, a thought crossed my mind...
What did he see… that I didn't?