Unspoken Bonds

Part 22: What Comes Next

The next evening, AJ and Kion sat on the balcony of Kion's apartment, the city stretching out beneath them in a haze of streetlights and muffled noise. The air was cool, and the faint smell of rain lingered from a storm earlier in the day. AJ leaned back in his chair, one arm draped casually over Kion's shoulders, fingers lightly playing with the ends of his dreads.

Kion was quiet, staring out at the skyline. He hadn't said much since dinner, and AJ could tell something was on his mind.

"What you thinkin' about?" AJ asked, his voice low as he shifted closer, brushing his lips against Kion's temple.

Kion exhaled, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his thoughts. "I don't know... just everything. This life. Us. Where it's all headed."

AJ tilted his head, his fingers still tracing lazy circles against Kion's neck. "You tryna say somethin'? Or you just talkin'?"

Kion turned to look at him, his eyes searching AJ's face. "I been thinkin'... maybe it's time to get out. Out the gang, outta all this shit."

AJ's eyebrows lifted slightly, but he didn't say anything at first. He just leaned back, watching Kion carefully. "You serious?"

Kion nodded, his jaw tightening. "Yeah. I mean, what's the endgame here? Either we end up dead or locked up. Ain't no retirement plan for this shit."

AJ chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Nah, there ain't. But you know it ain't that easy, Pa. Big Boss ain't lettin' us just walk out like that."

"I know," Kion said, his voice firm. "But I'm tired, AJ. Tired of lookin' over my shoulder. Tired of wonderin' if the next run is gonna be my last. I want somethin' better for myself. For you, too."

AJ stayed quiet for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he leaned forward, pressing his forehead against Kion's. His hands slid to Kion's waist, holding him close. "You think we could make it work? Like, for real?"

Kion swallowed hard, his hands resting on AJ's chest. "I don't know. But I know I gotta try. I can't keep doin' this forever. And I ain't tryna drag you down with me."

AJ smirked, his fingers tightening on Kion's waist. "Ain't nobody draggin' me nowhere. I'm with you, whatever happens. You know that, right?"

Kion nodded, his lips curving into a faint smile. "Yeah, I know."

AJ closed the distance between them, kissing Kion softly at first, then deeper, his hands sliding up Kion's back. The kiss was warm, familiar, and Kion leaned into it, letting himself forget the weight of their conversation for a moment.

When they finally pulled back, AJ rested his forehead against Kion's, his voice low. "If we do this, we gotta be smart about it. Plan it out. You know Big Boss don't take betrayal lightly."

"I know," Kion said, his voice steady. "But I'm done livin' like this. We'll figure it out."

AJ's hand slid up to cup Kion's jaw, his thumb brushing against his cheek. "Alright, Pa. I'm with you."

Kion smiled, a genuine warmth spreading through his chest. "I knew you would be."

They sat in silence for a while after that, AJ's touch grounding Kion as they watched the city lights flicker in the distance. For the first time in a long while, the future didn't seem so bleak.

Later that night, back inside, AJ stretched out on the couch, pulling Kion down with him. Kion hesitated for a moment, but AJ just smirked, tugging him closer until Kion was practically lying on top of him.

"You gonna act like you don't like this?" AJ teased, his hands slipping under Kion's shirt to rest against his warm skin.

Kion chuckled, shaking his head. "I ain't actin' like nothin'."

"Good," AJ said, leaning up to kiss him again, slow and unhurried. "'Cause you ain't goin' nowhere."

Kion relaxed against him, his head resting on AJ's chest as AJ's fingers idly played with his dreads. It was quiet, peaceful, and for the first time in a long time, Kion felt like they might actually have a chance at something better.

Whatever came next, they'd face it together.