Chapter 49

The apartment feels like a safe haven. It's just them-no distractions, no expectations, just the comfort of being in each other's space. Trey's lounging on the couch, the glow of the TV screen lighting up his face, fingers locked around his game controller. Zay's sprawled out across him, half on his lap, his legs draped casually over Trey's thighs. It's a position they've both grown used to, one that makes Zay feel close, secure.

Zay shifts, and Trey's aware of the subtle weight of him, the way Zay's presence seems to fill the room without ever demanding it. Zay's fingers are tracing small patterns on Trey's chest, each motion delicate, as if memorizing the feel of his skin. When Zay's hand slides up Trey's neck, it's slow and deliberate, like he's trying to study the tattoo on the side of Trey's neck-the one that reads Hassan-his middle name. Trey got it a week ago, no big speech, just a quiet decision that felt right. And now, it's just another part of him that Zay can claim, even if it's permanent.

Zay runs his finger over the tattoo. "You really got my name on you, huh?" His voice is low, teasing, but there's a hint of something else there too, like he's trying to wrap his head around it.

Trey doesn't even flinch. "Yeah. So what?" His eyes stay on the game, his thumb moving over the joystick.

Zay's grin stretches, and he looks up at Trey. "You wild for that, Pa."

Trey shrugs nonchalantly. "I wanted it."

Zay hums, pulling away from Trey's neck to look at him more intently. "You wild, but I fucks with it. You really all in, huh?"

Trey's eyes flicker over to him for a split second before he returns his attention to the game. "Always been all in."

Zay's gaze lingers on Trey for a beat longer, like he's trying to decode his every move. "I can tell." His voice softens, and for a moment, the playful tension between them quiets.

It's quiet for a moment, just the sound of Trey's game and the hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen. Zay shifts again, his hands moving restlessly on Trey's chest, fingers playing with the fabric of his shirt. Then, out of nowhere, Zay speaks again, his tone casual, almost like he's just throwing it out there.

"You think I can go through your phone?"

Trey doesn't even hesitate. "Yeah, go ahead."

Zay raises an eyebrow, surprised at the lack of resistance. He shifts again, getting more comfortable, curling further into Trey's side. It's a natural thing-being with Trey like this. The idea of having access to his phone isn't even a big deal.

Trey doesn't even flinch when Zay grabs his phone off the table. "The password's your birthday," he adds offhandedly, not taking his eyes off the screen.

Zay unlocks the phone quickly, a small smirk playing on his lips as he scans the contents. Trey's so used to Zay's nosiness, he doesn't care. It's not like there's anything to hide. It's just their usual back-and-forth.

Zay scrolls through the messages and photos, his eyes stopping on a few things that make him raise an eyebrow. Trey's been taking care of everything around here-business, whatever's necessary-but nothing's ever really out of the ordinary. Zay flips through with a sense of casual curiosity, stopping briefly at random photos, texting threads that seem irrelevant to him, and he lets out a quiet huff when he flips past something else.

"You're really open with me, huh?" Zay mutters, flicking through one more set of messages.

Trey glances down, only briefly, to see what's got Zay's attention. "Yeah, 'cause there's nothin' to hide from you, love. You can look at whatever you want."

Zay's brow furrows. "You sure? I could find somethin' funny, you know?"

Trey looks down at him, amusement in his eyes. "I trust you, Zay. Ain't nothing I care about, anyway."

Zay's fingers hover over the screen for a second before he tosses the phone back onto the couch. "Alright, Pa. Ain't even tryna snoop like that. I trust you."

Trey feels Zay's gaze on him, his fingers tracing small circles on Trey's chest again. Trey doesn't mind, just lets him do it. It's the quiet moments like these-when Zay's so close, the weight of his presence settling in-that remind Trey how much he's come to rely on the guy.

"I know you do," Trey says softly, his hand moving to Zay's head, fingers weaving through his hair. "You good?"

Zay doesn't answer right away. Instead, he leans up slightly, pressing his forehead against Trey's. "Yeah, I'm good," he murmurs, almost like he's convincing himself. "Just needed to check, you know?"

Trey smiles, soft and knowing. "You don't have to. I'm always gonna be here, Zay. You know that, right?"

Zay nods, his eyes flicking down to Trey's lips, then back to his eyes. For a brief second, the intensity between them shifts.

"I know," Zay whispers, leaning in to plant a kiss on Trey's cheek.

Trey brushes his thumb along Zay's jaw, shifting so that Zay is more comfortably on top of him. His body sinks into the couch, Zay now nestled close to him like it's the most natural thing in the world.

It's these moments that tell Zay everything he needs to know-he's not just a part of Trey's life; he's in the center of it. And with the way Trey's holding him, looking at him, Zay feels that truth resonate deep inside.

"Yeah," Zay mutters again, settling against Trey's chest. "I know."

And Trey just knows, too. They're good. Always good.