Part 18: Morning Light

The smell of coffee woke Ti from where he'd dozed off on the couch, Reece still curled against his chest. Early morning light filtered through the windows as Reece stirred, lifting his head with an almost shy expression that made Ti's heart squeeze.

"Morning, little daddy," Ti said softly, running his hand over Reece's fade.

Reece pressed into the touch like a cat, then seemed to catch himself, cheeks darkening slightly. But he didn't pull away. "Been a minute since I slept that good," he admitted quietly.

"Same." Ti continued his gentle stroking, loving how Reece melted under his touch. This softer side of him was something entirely new - something Ti suspected very few people ever got to see.

The coffee maker beeped from the kitchen, but neither moved. "Z'll be up soon," Reece said, though he made no effort to leave the circle of Ti's arms.

"Want me to go?" Ti asked carefully.

"No," Reece answered immediately, then ducked his head, embarrassed by how quick the response was. "I mean... could stay. For breakfast. If you want."

"Want to." Ti tipped Reece's chin up, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "Want all your mornings, if you're offering."

Reece's breath caught. For a moment he just looked at Ti, something vulnerable and wanting in his eyes. Then he surged forward, kissing Ti with an intensity that left them both breathless.

"Daddy? Is Ti still here?" Z's voice from upstairs had them breaking apart, though Reece stayed close, practically in Ti's lap.

"Down here, son," Reece called back, voice admirably steady despite the flush on his cheeks. To Ti he added softly, "Ready for this?"

"Been ready," Ti assured him, stealing one more quick kiss before they heard Z's footsteps on the stairs.

Z appeared in his soccer pajamas, face lighting up when he saw Ti. "You stayed! Can you help make pancakes? Daddy always burns them."

"Do not," Reece grumbled, but he was smiling as he finally stood, offering Ti his hand. The gesture felt significant somehow - like he was offering more than just help up from the couch.

In the kitchen, they moved around each other easily, like they'd done this a hundred times before. Ti noticed how Reece stayed close, finding excuses to brush against him as they cooked. Each touch had Reece pressing closer, seeking more contact in a way that made Ti's chest tight with affection.

"These are way better than Daddy's," Z declared around a mouthful of pancake.

"Everybody's a critic," Reece muttered, but he was smiling, leg pressed warm against Ti's under the table.

After breakfast, Z ran upstairs to get dressed for soccer practice, leaving them alone again. Immediately Reece was back in Ti's space, seeking contact like he couldn't help himself.

"Clingy this morning, little daddy?" Ti teased gently, pulling him close.

"Shut up," Reece mumbled against his neck, but Ti felt him smile. "Just... feels good. Having you here."

"Get used to it," Ti promised, pressing a kiss to his temple. "Plan on being here a lot more."

Reece pulled back just enough to look at him, eyes serious. "Yeah?"

"Yeah." Ti caught his chin, kissed him soft and sure. "Wherever you and Z are? That's where I want to be."

The vulnerability in Reece's expression made Ti's heart ache. "Good," he said roughly. "Cause I... we... we want you here too."

They stood there holding each other until Z's footsteps thundered back down the stairs. But even as they separated, Ti caught the way Reece's eyes followed him, soft and wanting in a way that promised this was just the beginning.

"Practice at ten?" Ti asked, though he already knew the schedule by heart.

"Be there," Reece nodded, then added quietly, "After... maybe come back here?"

"Always, little daddy." Ti squeezed his hand. "Always."