Chapter 26- Just Because

Trey had been up early, handling business. He wasn't the type to sit around and waste time-had to stay moving, stay productive. But today? He had something else on his mind.

Zay.

That boy had been in his ear heavy lately, poppin' up at his spot, talkin' his usual shit, gettin' all up in his space like he owned it. Trey ain't mind, though. Not really. If anything, it was startin' to feel normal.

So when he got done running his errands, instead of heading straight home, he made a detour.

When Zay finally got that call, he answered on the first ring.

"What you doin'?" Trey asked, his voice low like always.

Zay smirked through the phone. "Damn, you miss me or sumn? Ain't even hit me with no 'yo' or nothin'."

Trey exhaled. "Man, where you at?"

"My spot. Why, you tryna slide?"

"Come outside."

Zay frowned but hopped up quick, pulling on his slides before heading to the door. As soon as he stepped outside, Trey was there, leanin' against his car like he wasn't just tryna act unbothered over the phone.

Zay looked him up and down, taking his time. "Damn, you lookin' kinda good today. Who you tryna impress?"

Trey ignored him and jerked his chin toward the passenger seat. "Get in."

Zay's smirk deepened, but he ain't argue. He slid in, letting Trey pull off before he asked, "Where we goin'?"

Trey gave him a quick glance. "You talk too much."

Zay leaned back, crossing his arms. "And you don't talk enough. Balance, love."

Trey shook his head, but he ain't correct him on the 'love' part. Zay been slippin' it in more lately, like he was testin' Trey to see if he'd say somethin'. Trey let it ride.

The drive was smooth, music low, the city moving around them. Zay stayed messing with the volume, changing songs, trying to get a reaction out of Trey. But Trey just let him.

When they finally pulled up, Zay looked around, confused. "The mall?"

Trey put the car in park. "Get out."

Zay twisted in his seat to look at him. "Hold up. You tryna take me on a lil' shopping spree?"

Trey unlocked the doors, ignoring the way Zay was grinning at him.

"Oh, you really tryna spoil me," Zay teased, hopping out the car. "Don't be actin' tough now, pa. You already showed your hand."

Trey side-eyed him but didn't say nothing, just walked ahead while Zay fell in step beside him.

Inside, Zay was talkin' nonstop, pointing out shit, trying on whatever caught his eye. Trey let him do his thing, just noddin' along when Zay asked if somethin' looked good.

"This one tough," Zay said, holding up a hoodie. "You like it?"

Trey gave him a once-over, then nodded. "Yeah. Get it."

Zay raised an eyebrow. "You not gon' argue wit' me first? Act like I don't need it?"

Trey looked at him like he was slow. "If you want it, get it."

Zay grinned, tossing it over his arm. "See, I knew you liked me."

Trey didn't even react, just kept it pushin' while Zay trailed behind, smiling like he won something.

By the time they left, Trey had paid for everything, and Zay was feeling himself. Bags in hand, he walked close, bumping Trey's arm on purpose. "Ain't nobody ever did this for me before."

Trey glanced down at him. "Ain't nobody me."

Zay stopped in his tracks for a second, lips parting like he wasn't expecting that. Trey kept walking, but Zay caught up quick, reaching out and grabbing his wrist.

Trey looked down at him, brows raising. "What?"

Zay pulled him back a little, just enough so they weren't moving. Then, without any warning, he leaned up and kissed him-quick, but firm.

Trey ain't pull back. If anything, his hand found Zay's waist, fingers pressing just enough to keep him close. Zay lingered for a second before pulling away, looking up at him with that same cocky smirk, but his eyes? They was soft.

Trey smoothed a hand over Zay's dreads, shaking his head before they started walking again. "You a trip."

"Yeah, yeah," Zay said, grinning as he clutched the bags Trey just bought. "But I'm your trip now."

Trey ain't argue with that either.