Part 20: New Rhythms

The weeks fell into a new pattern. Ti started spending more mornings at Reece's, braiding both their hair in the early light while Z ate breakfast. He loved these quiet moments - Reece sitting between his knees on the floor, practically purring as Ti's fingers worked through his hair.

"Too tight?" Ti asked one morning, though he already knew Reece's preferences by heart.

"Perfect," Reece murmured, leaning back against Ti's legs. He'd gotten more openly affectionate lately, at least when they were home.

"My turn!" Z bounced over once Reece was done. "Can you do the cool design like last time?"

"Got you, little man." Ti patted the spot Reece had vacated, catching the soft look in Reece's eyes as he watched them.

At the shop, Reece started dropping by more often, usually around closing. He'd lean against the counter while Ti cleaned up, trying to act casual even as his eyes followed Ti's every move.

"Ain't gotta wait up," Ti told him one night, though they both knew he loved having Reece there.

"Like watching you work," Reece admitted quietly, then added even softer, "Like being where you are."

Things shifted at soccer practice too. Reece stood closer now, not hiding how he leaned into Ti's touch. Some parents definitely noticed, but one look from Reece kept any comments at bay.

Their Tuesday family dinners became a tradition. Z would chatter about school while Reece pressed his leg against Ti's under the table, shooting him those soft looks that made Ti's heart race.

But it was the quiet moments Ti loved most - late nights on Reece's couch when Z was asleep, Reece curled in his lap while Ti ran gentle fingers over his fade.

"Never thought I could have this," Reece admitted one night, face hidden against Ti's neck. "Someone who... who sees all of me. Who lets me be soft sometimes."

"Love all sides of you," Ti said quietly, tightening his hold when he felt Reece shiver. "The tough guy everyone else sees, and this sweet side that's just for me."

"Just for you," Reece agreed roughly. "Never wanted to show anyone else."

They were careful around Z, keeping things appropriate, but the boy clearly noticed the change. He started including Ti in his future plans naturally - "When we go camping this summer" and "For Christmas can we..."

One night after Z was in bed, Reece brought it up. "He thinks you're staying," he said quietly, curled against Ti's chest. "That you're... that you're part of us now."

"Want to be," Ti answered honestly. "If that's what you want too."

Reece was quiet for a long moment, fingers playing with Ti's shirt. "Want that," he finally whispered. "Want you here. Want... want to be yours."

Ti's heart jumped at the naked vulnerability in his voice. "You are," he promised, tilting Reece's chin up for a gentle kiss. "You and Z both. You're my family now."

The way Reece melted at those words, all that careful strength surrendering completely to Ti's touch, said everything that still went unspoken between them.

They were building something real here - morning braiding sessions and soccer practices, family dinners and quiet nights. Something that felt a lot like forever.

And watching Reece drift off in his arms, peaceful in a way he only ever was with Ti, he knew they were just getting started.

"Love you, little daddy," he whispered, pressing a kiss to Reece's forehead.

Reece smiled in his sleep, snuggling closer. "Love you too," he mumbled, the words slurred but unmistakable.

Yeah, Ti thought, definitely just getting started.