Rome's Bit Of Life

Rome kissed him fast, arms wrapping around Sutton like he was scared he might disappear. Sutton cupped his face, thumb brushing his cheek before pulling him into a kiss—deep and slow and desperate, like they were starting over.

Rome’s eyes widened. “You’re… forgiving me?” Sutton finally smiled—a small, tired, beautiful thing. “We weren’t even technically together when it happened. And… I love you too much to let you go.”

Sutton didn’t speak for a long moment. He just looked at Rome, really looked at him. And he didn’t see a gang member. He didn’t see a liar or a mistake. He saw the boy he loved. “Don’t ever lie to me again,” Sutton said, his voice softer now.

Sutton nodded slightly. “Do you wanna stay in that gang?” Rome hesitated. That pause was everything. “I don’t know,” he said. “It’s dangerous, yeah. But… it’s the first place where people like X and Victor see me and treat me like I matter. Like I’m worth something.”

But then, slowly, he moved. Not away but toward. He shifted behind Rome and wrapped his arms around him from behind, head resting on his shoulder like it was the only place that made sense. “Are you in love with her?” Sutton asked. Rome didn’t even hesitate. “No. Not even close.”

“I’m sorry,” Rome whispered. “I’ll do anything to fix this. Just say something. Please.” Sutton stayed frozen, the silence between them like a blade.

Rome rushed to speak again. “I regretted it. Right after. I swear to you, I regretted it so bad. I wasn’t in love with her. I don’t want her. I want you. I’ve always wanted you.” Still, Sutton didn’t speak. He was staring straight ahead, jaw tight, breath shallow.

“After we fought… I thought you were gone for good. I thought I lost you forever. I went to Gia’s. She’s the only one who knows everything, about the gang, about X, about me. I went to vent, but…” He looked away, ashamed. “We slept together.” Sutton’s face didn’t change. He didn’t move.

He finally looked at Sutton, who still hadn’t spoken. “But there’s one more thing,” Rome said, voice barely above a whisper. “And if you wanna hate me after this… I’ll get it.” Sutton blinked, bracing himself.