Unspoken Bonds

Part 5: A Shift in the Air

A week passed before Kion saw AJ again. The boss had kept him busy with solo runs, the kind he preferred—silent, efficient, no one to babysit. But AJ must've stuck in the boss's mind because their next assignment came with a familiar face.

Kion was leaning against his car in the same warehouse lot, hood up, when he spotted AJ strolling up, hands shoved in his pockets, dreads swaying with each step. As usual, he carried himself like the whole world was on his time.

"Yo, Kion," AJ called out, his grin already in place. "Guess who's back, baby?"

Kion didn't respond, just pushed off the car and nodded toward the building.

AJ laughed, falling into step beside him. "Damn, you ain't even gon' act happy to see me? Ice cold, bro. Ice. Cold."

Inside, the boss barely looked up as he handed them the rundown: another delivery, but this one was bigger. Multiple stops, more risk, and more weight in the trunk. Kion took the list and memorized it in seconds, already planning the route in his head.

"Got it," he said simply, turning to leave.

"Hold up," the boss called, his gaze shifting to AJ. "Don't fuck this one up, kid. I gave you another chance for a reason. Don't make me regret it."

AJ's grin faltered slightly, but only for a second. "I got it, boss. Don't even worry about me."

They left without another word, the weight of the boss's warning lingering in the air.

Back in the car, AJ was quiet for a change, staring out the window as Kion drove. The silence stretched, not uncomfortable but not quite easy either. Kion noticed AJ's usual energy seemed dimmed, but he didn't comment on it. He wasn't the type to pry.

The first two stops went smoothly, the exchanges quick and uneventful. By the time they hit the third location, the sun was starting to set, casting long shadows across the empty streets.

AJ stayed in the car while Kion handled the drop. When Kion returned, he found AJ fiddling with the radio, switching between stations like he couldn't sit still.

"You good?" Kion asked, sliding into the driver's seat.

AJ glanced at him, his expression unreadable for once. "Yeah, I'm straight."

Kion didn't press further, starting the car and pulling onto the road.

They were halfway to the fourth stop when AJ finally spoke again. "You ever think about bouncin' out of all this?"

Kion's grip on the wheel tightened slightly. "No."

AJ leaned back, one arm draped over the window. "Just curious. Not everybody stays in this shit forever."

Kion's jaw clenched, but he didn't respond.

AJ sighed, pulling out his phone and scrolling aimlessly. "I get it, though. This life, it don't really let you go, does it?"

Kion shot him a look, his voice low. "You askin' a lotta questions today."

AJ chuckled, the sound dry. "Yeah, yeah. I know. My bad."

The next stop was deeper into the city, in a neighborhood that screamed trouble. Kion parked in an alley, and they both got out, moving toward the back of an old brick building. The contact was already waiting, a tall, wiry man with a sharp jawline and cold eyes.

"Right on time," the man said, his tone slick.

Kion didn't respond, just handed over the package. The man took it, giving Kion a once-over before his gaze shifted to AJ.

"This one's new," he said, smirking. "You his little apprentice or somethin'?"

AJ stiffened, his easygoing demeanor slipping just a bit. "I ain't nobody's apprentice, bruh. Handle your business and move on."

The man's smirk widened, but he didn't push further. "Alright, alright. Just makin' conversation."

The exchange ended without incident, but AJ stayed tense as they walked back to the car.

"You good?" Kion asked again once they were inside.

AJ nodded, his jaw tight. "Yeah. Just tired of people actin' like I don't belong."

Kion glanced at him, something shifting in his expression. "Ain't about belongin'. It's about provin' you worth keepin' around."

AJ looked at him, surprised by the unexpected words. "And? You think I'm worth keepin' around?"

Kion didn't answer right away, his focus on the road. Finally, he said, "You ain't got yourself killed yet."

AJ laughed, the sound lighter this time. "Damn, high praise. Thanks, Kion."

The last stop of the night was the riskiest, but they managed to get in and out without any problems. By the time they were heading back, the city was quiet, the streets mostly empty.

AJ leaned his head back against the seat, his eyes half-closed. "You know, for somebody who don't talk much, you got a weird way of keepin' things steady."

Kion glanced at him, a faint smirk playing at his lips. "Somebody gotta keep you in check."

AJ grinned, turning to look at him fully. "Oh, so you lookin' out for me now? That's cute, bro."

Kion shook his head, but the smirk didn't fade.

As they pulled into the warehouse lot, AJ stretched, his usual energy returning. "Yo, after this, you tryna hit a spot for food? I'm starvin'."

Kion gave him a look. "I don't hang out."

AJ shrugged, unbothered. "Aight, I'll just keep askin'. You'll break eventually."

Kion didn't respond, but as they got out of the car, he caught himself glancing at AJ, the corner of his mouth twitching like he was holding back a smile.

For the first time in years, Kion realized he didn't entirely mind the company.