26

It had been a week since Ti moved in with Reece and Zaire, and things felt as natural as ever. The apartment was small, but it was home. Ti's clothes were strewn about in the corner, his barber tools on the counter, and Zaire's toys scattered around the living room. Reece had set up their room just the way Ti liked it, and every night, they fell asleep side by side, the warmth of each other's presence filling the space.

Ti was sprawled out on the couch, scrolling through his phone, when Reece slid into the seat beside him. Without saying a word, Reece leaned against Ti, his head on his shoulder as he let out a deep sigh.

"You alright?" Ti asked, glancing down at Reece.

Reece grinned, his fingers trailing along Ti's leg. "Yeah, just tired. Been a long day."

Ti raised an eyebrow, sensing something more. He set his phone down and turned toward him. "What's up?"

Reece hesitated for a moment, his eyes flicking over to Zaire who was playing with his toy car in the corner. He shifted, sitting up a little straighter, before speaking low. "I'm good, just... you know, work's been crazy lately."

Ti didn't push, but he knew what Reece meant. "You still runnin' things on the block?"

Reece's lips twitched, his usual cocky smirk turning into something a little more serious. He shrugged, as if it didn't matter. "Yeah, a little here and there. You know how it is. Ain't no way out of it."

Ti stayed quiet for a moment, watching the way Reece's fingers drummed absentmindedly on the couch. He knew the drill, knew what Reece did to keep things running, but the more time they spent together, the more Ti didn't like it. He hated the danger that came with it, the possibility that one day, he might not come home.

"You thinkin' about quittin' anytime soon?" Ti asked, his voice soft but serious. He moved a little closer to Reece, brushing his shoulder with his own.

Reece looked at him, eyes a little sharper now. "Nah, I ain't ready for that. Zaire needs me. I'm makin' sure he's good. I gotta make sure you're good too."

Ti nodded, but he didn't like the thought of Reece being stuck in that life forever. "I get it, but you don't need that shit, Reece. You've got other options. Hell, you could work with me at the shop. I'll teach you everything you need to know."

Reece chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice. "Ain't nobody gettin' me behind a counter. I like what I do."

"I'm just sayin'... you could get out. We could be good," Ti said, his hand sliding to rest on Reece's knee, a small but intimate gesture. "But it's your choice. Just don't get caught up in it forever."

Reece shifted again, his hand resting on Ti's. "I hear you. Just... Zaire's future's gotta be straight. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure he's got a chance. It's all for him."

"I get that," Ti said softly, squeezing his hand. "Just don't let it take everything else, too."

Reece didn't answer immediately. Instead, he leaned in, brushing his lips against Ti's. It was a soft kiss, but there was something more in it—an acknowledgment of what they both knew, a bond that was growing stronger with each passing day. When they pulled away, Ti's fingers traced the side of Reece's face, the stubble there scratchy against his skin.

"Thanks for lookin' out for me," Reece said quietly, his voice low and sincere.

Ti smirked, his thumb brushing over Reece's lips. "Always. I'm lookin' out for you and Zaire. Always."

Reece's smile softened, and he relaxed back against the couch, pulling Ti closer to him. "I'm gonna keep doin' what I do, but... I like having you around. Makes it all worth it."

Ti leaned his head on Reece's chest, closing his eyes for a moment, letting the calm of the moment take over. "Yeah, well, you better keep me around. I ain't goin' anywhere."

Reece's arm wrapped around Ti's waist, pulling him even closer, and for a while, they didn't say anything more. The sound of Zaire's laughter filled the space, and Ti couldn't help but smile. Despite everything, despite the chaos of Reece's life, they had their own little world, and in this moment, that was enough.

Later that night, after putting Zaire to bed, Ti and Reece found themselves lying side by side in their bed, the city lights flickering through the window. Reece pulled Ti closer, the quiet of the room settling around them.

"I like this," Reece murmured, his fingers tracing Ti's arm.

"Yeah, me too," Ti whispered, his fingers grazing over Reece's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "It's ours."

Reece looked down at Ti, his eyes soft, the weight of everything else lifting for just a moment. "I know. And I'm gonna keep making sure you're mine. You got me, Ti."

Ti leaned up, brushing his lips against Reece's, letting the kiss linger. "I'm yours. Always."