Count on You

XXIX

THIRD PERSON POV

"I still can't believe they're actually going," Zarina said, legs curled up beneath her on the couch, a mug of peppermint tea cradled in her hands. "Mom's usually too paranoid to leave us for more than two days."

Angel grinned, flipping through the mail as he leaned against the wall. "Well, she said Dad wore her down. Bahamas for two weeks, all expenses paid. They're not looking back."

Genesis looked up from her book. "They deserve it. And we're not kids anymore. We'll be fine."

Felix glanced up from his phone. "Speak for yourself. I'm throwing a rager the second they hit airport security."

Zarina snorted. "Right. Your idea of a rager is watching heated fights and one beer."

"Wrong," Felix said with a lazy smile. "This time I'm spiking the cider."

Angel laughed. "You're gonna get caught before you even open the bottle."

"Oh, I won't be the one getting caught," Felix said smoothly, eyeing Angel with a wicked glint. "You will. When Trayvon shows up and doesn't leave till morning."

Angel rolled his eyes. "Here we go."

"You gonna give him his own stocking?" Felix pressed. "Little label that says 'Angel's Boo' with glitter and bells?"

"Shut up," Angel said, tossing a balled up envelope at him. "He's not even coming over like that."

"Not yet," Felix said.

"Would you stop," Angel said, though he was smiling. "You're not funny."

"You're grinning," Zarina pointed out.

"Exactly," Felix said. "You love this man."

Angel opened his mouth, ready to volley back, when Genesis snapped her book closed and looked up, deadpan.

"Can you both shut up? I'm trying to read and the couple's sitcom banter is giving me a headache."

There was a beat of silence. Then all three of them burst out laughing.

Angel settled into the corner of the couch, still chuckling. It felt good. For the first time in a long time, things weren't heavy. No tension in the air, no secrets pressing on his chest. And maybe it was the quiet, or maybe it was the lights from the Christmas tree casting a soft glow across the room, but his thoughts drifted to Trayvon.

They'd spent more time together lately. Real time. Not just city walks and late night talks, but studio sessions, lunch runs, movie nights at Trayvon's place. And Trayvon looked lighter now. Like something had shifted. The weight behind his eyes had eased, replaced with a steadier kind of quiet. Like he could finally breathe again.

Angel noticed it every time he laughed a little easier, every time he looked over with something like calm in his face. It made Angel's chest warm in a way he didn't want to overthink.

"Okay," Zarina said, breaking the silence. "So if no ragers, what are we doing while the parents are away?"

"Christmas movie marathon," Genesis offered.

"Cookie baking," Zarina added. "And actual meals, because if I leave it to y'all we're eating ramen for two weeks."

Felix raised a hand. "I will order Chinese food. That is a complete meal."

Angel smiled. "We'll figure it out."

He didn't say it out loud, but in the back of his mind, he already knew what he was hoping for more time with Trayvon. Maybe invite him over. Maybe see what it feels like to have him here, not just out in the world, but in Angel's space. With his family. Where he could be part of something normal.