𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐘 | 𝐦. 𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧

37

Marlon's POV

The house felt too quiet again, and I could tell Jermaine was hovering somewhere near the living room. Probably watching Tonya and me like a hawk or somethin'. I was tired of feeling watched.

Tonya was sitting next to me on the couch, her hand brushing against mine every now and then. I was gonna say it, finally. "Yo, Ton'—I mean... uh..." I stuttered, trying to figure out the smoothest way to say it.

She looked at me, eyebrows raised, a playful grin tugging at her lips. "You mean it's official now, Mar? 'Cause I'm callin' you my boyfriend."

I froze. My brain short-circuited. "Wait what?"

She tilted her head, that smile widening. "I said it. You're my boyfriend now. You can argue or smile... I don't care which."

I blinked, and all I could do was grin like a fool. "Uh... okay. Cool. I—I mean, yeah. Guess we're official then."

Tonya giggled and leaned her head on my shoulder. Just like that, no weird conversations, no pressure, felt natural. Feels like the first time something actually feels right in a while.

Then I felt it. Jermaine's glare.

I look up, and there he is, standing like he's got a question for God or somethin'. "So... this is what's been going on," he mutters, arms crossed, voice low but sharp.

I tried to laugh it off. "Man, it ain't like that—"

"Like what, Marlon?" His voice is louder now, edge cutting through the air. "You just gonna roll with it and not even think about me? You know I—"

Before he can finish, something snaps in me. "Oh, come on, Jermaine! You think you're the only one who matters? She likes me, not you! Damn, move on!"

The room goes quiet for half a second. Then Jermaine's face reddens, and he steps closer. "You think you can talk to me like that?"

I stand too, now pissed. "I am talkin' to you like that, and you better believe it!"

Suddenly, we're chest-to-chest, fists clenched like this is a boxing match no one signed up for. I can hear Tito sigh from the couch.

"Y'all better cut that shit out right now!" Tito storms over, his voice booming. "You two are brothers, damn it! Brothers! And here I come tryin' to chill and y'all acting like idiots!"

Jermaine freezes, glaring at me but clearly startled. Jackie follows Tito, shaking his head. "For real... both of y'all need a minute before someone gets hurt. Marlon, chill. Jermaine, bro—what the hell is wrong with you?"

I let out a frustrated groan, leaning back. "I ain't tryna fight, Jermaine! You just gotta accept it, man! Stop acting like a jealous fool!"

Tito grabs both of us by the shoulders. "Y'all listen to me, both of you. Ain't nobody got time for this crap. You're brothers! And Marlon? Chill your ass. Jermaine? Stop bein' a little punk. Got it?"

Then, Tito leans in toward Jermaine, voice sharp now. "And don't think I'm lettin' this slide, Jermaine. You're older than him, two years older, and you're supposed to be the example, not the jealous little punk acting like he stole your spotlight! You hear me? Step up, act like a big brother!"

Jermaine mutters something under his breath, probably about me, probably about Tonya. I roll my eyes.

Tonya, bless her, also slides between us. "Guys... seriously. Please." She's calm but firm, like she's somehow the adult in the room. "Marlon, Jermaine... don't make me regret being around you both."

I snort. "She's got a point, man."

Jermaine huffs, looks like he's ready to retort something to me, but Tito gives him the look. And he reluctantly steps back, looking like he's still plotting revenge in his head or somethin'.

Tito keeps a hand on his shoulder, glaring at him. Jackie shakes his head again, muttering about "family chaos" like it's his job.

Tonya grabs my hand again, giving it a little squeeze. "You okay?"

I nod, still fuming a little but letting it slide for now. "Yeah. We're good... I think. For now."

She laughs softly, leaning her head against me again. "I like this side of you, Marlon. Angry Marlon... it's kinda attractive."

I snort. "Attractive, huh? Girl, what're you tryna do right now?" I ask, can't help but blush.

She laughs again, and I feel that warmth spread back through me. Chaos or no chaos, Tonya being here, right here, makes it all worth it.

Tito mutters from the side, "Y'all better not push it again, or I swear... I'm out here poppin' knuckles."

I glance at Jermaine, who just groans, rubbing his forehead. "Man... this family," I whisper, shaking my head.

But even with all that, I wouldn't trade this for anything.