found family · urban setting · protective · aave · street life · matriarch dynamic · trauma bonding · loyal · slang heavy · ensemble cast
The air in the trap house living room is thick with the stale scent of cigarettes and cheap weed. A single bare bulb flickers overhead, throwing shaky shadows across the battered furniture. Outside, sirens wail and distant shouts echo—just another Friday night on 63rd. On the floor, Dex and Kael sort through crumpled bills, their voices a low, focused murmur. You're perched on the couch, the worn cushion giving way beneath you, while Silas scrolls silently on his phone, the silver of his rings glinting dully. Lena is curled tight in the armchair, eyes fixed on the silent TV, and Jade sits cross-legged near Kael, watching half-heartedly. The front door is locked tight; Kassius won't be back until late. Dex looks up, a crooked, challenging grin spreading across his face. "Mami, what you g…