11

Unusual to many, even to the ones involved, Leo is seen with Fiat at all points in the day except for the times that they do not have class together. Even then, Leo is rushing down the halls to greet Fiat outside the class. The excuse is that Leo wants to take every chance to prepare for the exams, but the conversations that they have, or lack of any, hardly involves the topic of their classes.

Fiat is well aware of what Leo is doing and he is willing himself to not get use to it. He is glad that Leo is avoiding the topic for now and is glad for the help to take his mind away even if it is all temporary. Right now, they are talking about the newest superhero film that is about to be released. In the back of Fiat's mind he is thinks about the people around them staring. Often times Leo would catch his mind wandering and would say something that requires his focus. Other times his eyes are flickering around to find some people are turning their way. To him he feels like it is because something of his past is revealed, just like before. In actuality, it is just because of the odd sight of seeing them together so often. Fiat is always seen to be zooming from point A to point B or found in the classrooms, the library or the courts. Leo, however, is usually seen strolling around campus, greeting and talking to everyone he knows or knows him. Now he is not even giving anyone else a moment of his attention as he focuses on Fiat.

"Let's play a rally after this class? Grab a snack and then go straight to the court. Kind of want to sweat a bit," Leo suggests. Fiat just nods with a barely-there smile. A little bit of exercise should do him well. There are a few days before exams start and for the past week and a half, his head has been in the books with Leo. Leo smiles with his response and throws an arm around Fiat's shoulder. "The only good thing about exams being near is that instructors aren't giving us crazy assignments."

"Yeah, I guess so. I didn't really mind them," Fiat shrugs as he looks out as they pass the bridge between buildings to look out at the opening of the campus. Assignments fill the hours he cannot sleep. Leo shakes his body and Fiat turns to him. The tall man is so close to him. "What?"

"Have you gone to the pond near campus?" Leo's question makes Fiat look at him confused. He shakes his head, not even knowing there is a pond nearby. Leo grins and looks with determination. "Alright, we're playing hooky. Just for this last class. Come on."

"Wait! This is the last class before the exam-"

"It's fine, Fiat. You've got the exam in the bag. Let's go for a nice walk. There's this nice uncle that sells ice cream around there. I'll take you to meet him." Leo does not let Fiat decline any more as he drags him in the opposite direction of their class. Fiat looks back at the room that is slowly going further and further away. Leo's hand guides Fiat's face away from the room and makes it turn to him. "No more thinking about anything else. I'll claim my wish right now. From now until I say, think of me and only me. Me here with you as we spend time together. No school. No Ann. No parents. Nothing and no one else. So, from now until I say. Just focus on me, alright? Maybe school here and there when the exam comes, but for the most part, just me. Can you do that for me?"

"Just you?" Fiat repeats as if Leo did not make himself clear enough. Leo nods as he looks ahead. Fiat keeps his eyes on the taller man and hardly notices that they arrived until Leo looks back at him with a questioning gaze. Fiat flushes and turns forward to find themselves a quaint pond. There are a few stragglers, but for the most part, the area is empty. "This place is amazing. How did you find this?"

"I wandered a lot during first year. Even I can be overwhelmed with big crowds and meeting people. This place is where I like to go when I'm stressed and just want to lay down and just exist," Leo removes his arm around Fiat and leads the way further down. Fiat's eyes flicker around to find the land around the pond to be well manicured. A bird flies over and his wandering eyes follow it, only to be interrupted as he bumps into a wide barrier. He looks up embarrassed. "Enjoying yourself?"

"There was a bird," Fiat foolishly says as he points up to the sky. Leo humors him and squints as he looks up to the bright sky. Leo just hums and nods at him with an amused smile. "I was just distracted, okay? I really did see a bird. Have you ever wondered how it feels to just soar in the air like them?"

"I've gone zip lining once. Does that count?" Leo tilts his head and guides Fiat to the ice cream cart. Fiat asks how that was and Leo explains that it was a nice short experience that he does not mind to do again. Fiat nods finding himself wanting to try it. Leo charismatically greets the uncle he spoke about and introduces Fiat. "This is uncle has the best melon ice cream."

"I'll take a mango," Fiat says looking into the cart. The orange color is calling to him. Leo reiterates to the uncle as if he did not hear Fiat. Two cones of green and orange are brought out of the cart and the brightest smile sits on Fiat's face. He is so distracted by the dessert that Leo covers the bill and thanks the uncle before guiding Fiat to a flat area. Both of them settle on the ground and enjoy their dessert. For a moment, Fiat is feeling relaxed. The sweet, cold dessert brightens his mood and the skipped class is pushed far back in his mind. "I think I love this ice cream. I will never be satisfied with any other."

"Okay, no need to be dramatic now," Leo chuckles. Fiat turns to him with a cheesing smile. Evidence of his ice cream remains on the corner of his lips and Leo points it out. "You're a messy ice cream eater, huh?"

"Hmph," Fiat pokes his tongue out and swipes it across his lips and catches the bit at the corner. "I wouldn't say so. It's just cause it's hot and it's melting pretty fast. It's not like it's dripping down my face. I would never waste it like that."

"Of course, sorry," Leo chuckles. Fiat lifts his chin confidently before going back to his melting ice cream. When both of them finish, Fiat falls onto his back and just stares at the blue sky that has bits of clouds floating across. Without much thought, he raises his hand and traces around the passing cloud. He goes into his own world as he stares at the sky. It never seems to match his mood like this in books and movies. Whenever he seems to be at his lowest, the sky is bright and the weather is perfect. When he is at his absolute happiest, the sky is gloomy and a storm is bound to come. Fiat sighs as he drops his hand and flinches when it hits something. He realizes it is Leo's hand and apologizes. His eyes trail from the bumped hand up to the owner's face. Leo is unbothered as he keeps his eyes on the blue sky. "I wonder how the stars feel when they are outshined by the sun during the day."

Fiat looks at him confused before turning his head back to the sky. "Well, they take turns. While the sun guides the day, the stars guide the night. The sun is just a large star anyway. They all shine differently."

"Like people?" Fiat looks over at Leo again, but the man has yet to turn his way. "I mean we are all uniquely ourselves. Even twins have things that distinguish one from the other. If what you say is true, then do we as people have the right to be jealous and talk bad about others if we are all different and shine in our own special way?"

Fiat catches the underlying message and he sighs as he straightens out his neck and closes his eyes. He does not answer and he assumes Leo does not expect one. If people are stars then it's only a matter of time before someone gets so filled up with things that they are unable to hold it all and die. Fiat shakes his head. He hates where his mind goes during these times. It is so easy to make something that should be endearing and motivational, dark and uninviting. They lay there for a while, until the bell of the hour rings. A usual indicator of a class ending. Leo stands first and offers a hand in which Fiat takes, only to be easily pulled up and need to hold onto Leo for balance. Fiat scowls at the amused face and pats down his clothes from the dirt and grass. They grab their things and head for the food stalls. Grabbing a rice dish for them both and a nice cold drink, the two settle onto a vacant table to eat. For the most part, the meal carries on silently with a few comments here and there about the food.

Fiat's mind wanders with his eyes momentarily to find curious eyes turning their way. His eyes avert quickly every time they pass another pair and he sighs as he looks down at his nearly empty dish. Flashes of sitting at a cafeteria and having names thrown at him with food hit him and he clenches his hand around his fork. At the time he would look at his friends for help only to find them sneering at him and laughing with the others. Fiat tightens his jaw as he falls deeper into his memories. Movement at the table hardly goes noticed and he is soon in a warm embrace. He is being asked to open his eyes, but he can only shake his head. He is unable and unwilling to see that everything is not a just his memory playing, but reality. Suddenly his head is pressed against something firm and his hair is slowly being patted as soothing hums fill his ears. "Shhh. I'm here, Fiat. Just focus on me. Just focus on my voice, my breathing, me warmth and my heart beat. Ground yourself, Fiat. You're okay. You are in my arms right now. There's no one else. Just me and you, okay? Just me and you."

Minutes pass until Fiat's breathing evens out. A firm hand grips his shoulder and has him lean back. His eyes stay down at his lap as his hands fist tightly. Escaping from his mind, he can feel his nails dig into his skin, but he is unable to release his hold. Larger ones cover his and gentle fingers help him pull each finger away from breaking his skin even more. Deep red crescents remain at his palm. Evidence of the self inflicted pain caused in effect of the panic attack. A sigh fills his ears and a repeated apology leaves his lips in a soft and broken voice. "I don't want to do this. I don't like this. I don't. I just. I want it all gone. I want-"

"Shhh, Fiat. It's alright. You're okay. I'm here now. If you feel the need to do that again, grip onto me. Hold my hand if you need to, Fiat. You're not alone. I'm not going anywhere," Leo cups Fiat's face to bring his attention away from his hands and to the taller man's face. Fiat notices that Leo has long lashes amongst his double lids followed by a high bridge to his nose. He questions why Leo is saying this. Why is he stay? Why is he helping him. Fiat is sure that Leo heard what the guys said in the restroom. "I won't say I don't care about your past, Fiat."

Fiat's eyes widen with hurt and fear. Is this where Leo will tell him and say that his past, his being in itself is an issue? Thoughts similar to this whirl around in Fiat's mind and he begins to cower. He pulls away from Leo, ready to run away. He does not want to hear that Leo will also turn his back on him. This is why he does not want anyone to know. He wants to be hidden amongst the crowd. He wants to be the least of anyone's concern. Fiat is happier behind the scenes. He shifts his weight to stand only to be held down.

"I said I will care about your past, because it is a part of you. Whoever you are and who you make yourself to be. They are all you and I accept it all. I accept it all, because they are all an amazing part of you. Do you hear me, Fiat? You can tell me you are actually a shapeshifting kitten and I would accept it. I will believe everything you say if that is what you want." Leo's words stun Fiat to his spot and he blinks at the person before him. Who is this person? "Fiat? Is there something you want to say? I give you this time to tell me absolutely anything. You tell me who you want me to see you as and I'll believe you. You just have to promise me to fulfill my wish. Until I say so, you think and focus on me."

"I want you to see me as you did before the department retreat. Treat me the way things were before that day in the library," Fiat mutters. His fear pulls him further away from the hand that Leo is holding out for him. Leo physically freezes by Fiat's request. Fiat knows that his words surprises him. "I want to go back to how I was before. Just don't go back on how you treat Ann. Just me. Please, Leo. That is what I want you to do for me. Take these words as you say you will."

"But-"

"You said you will, Leo. Just see me as you did before. Before the day you asked me about the department trip. Before we went on the department trip. Before you saw, heard, and witnessed anything," Fiat pleads as his eyes water, looking at the one person who seems to still look at him as a person after knowing even a part of who he is and his story. Leo sighs and the idea of him actually agreeing to it makes Fiat feel even worse than he wants.

"The thing is, Fiat. If I see you as I did before, you will be the kid in the front of the class who aces every exam and quiz. You will be the kid who beats me every game of badminton. You will be the kid who works at the library. The one who smiles at something his best friend says. The one who never seems to have a moment to himself," Leo lists off the things that makes Fiat feel safe. Fiat becomes confused as Leo takes his hands in his larger ones. "That Fiat, is still the same Fiat even after all of that. To me I still see you as that Fiat. The only difference now is that I see that I have a chance. Do you hear what I am saying? I am saying that I liked you then and I like you now, Fiat. I will eventually approach you. I will take your hands like this. I will look at you in the eyes and give your hands a tiny squeeze. I will make sure your eyes are locked on mine and I will tell you that you have caught my eye from the beginning. You are a good looking person and as I got the chance to know you more and more, I fell for you even more. I notice you more than you notice me. I feel as though, without Ann, you would never look my way other than across the court just to show me my place. I am well aware that Ann has feelings for me, but is it bad that I have feelings for her best friend? Will that best friend let me pursue them? To be there as they fight their demons? To remind them that there is someone beside them that will not abandon them? I will be the home that welcomes you and provides you with a sense of warmth, safety and comfort. Fiat-"

"My wish is for you to be with Ann. At least try to be with her and forget about me," Fiat blurts out.

"What? No! Didn't you hear me-"

"My wish, Leo. Fair and square. You have to do this or else I will never trust you." Leo stares back at Fiat in shock.

"But what about my wish?" Leo challenges. Fiat nods his head with a shrug.

"Your wish is for me to focus and think of you and the times we spend or spent together. I can still do those things while you try with Ann and forget about me," Fiat points out the loopholes. Leo's mouth drops. Fiat feels that he succeeded in pushing him away. He stands while brushing off Leo's hands. He takes his things and is ready to leave, only to stop and turn back to the still stunned person. "I'll take a rain check on the game later. I think you can also handle the rest of the studies on your own. I have you the notes and pointed out the sections that are bound to have a lot of questions. Take care, Leo."

Fiat turns. He takes a deep breath and makes confident strides. He ignores the gazes of the people around and heads straight for his car. He slips in and does not make the same mistake of lingering and breaking down. Fiat immediately starts the car and pulls out of the parking spot before heading to his apartment. It is so much earlier than normal and his roommates are shocked to find him home already. He barely gives them his attention as he heads to his room. He changes, slips on his earphones and spends the rest of the afternoon studying. It is not until his small alarm at midnight that he realizes the time. Cleaning up and flopping onto his bed, Fiat stares at the ceiling. He pictures the dejected expression of Leo and sighs. His heart swelled when Leo confessed and that scares him. Leo does not deserve to be involved in his internal demonic battle. He does not need to be tagged to him and be tainted by a nobody. Fiat throws his arm over his eyes and lets out another sigh. He hears movement from the bed near him and quietly apologizes. Fiat turns in his own bed and hugs a pillow into his chest. It is time for him to sleep. Tomorrow is another day and if all goes well, everything will go back to the way it was. Maybe even better. If Ann is with Leo, then Fiat's days will be calm and quiet. He will be alone and really will be able to camouflage with the surroundings. A mere extra to a storyline. Yeah, an extra. Someone who fills a space to help move the story on for the leads. Someone who is the wingman of his best friend. If Leo really follows his wish, then he is an example of a wingman done right. He will have successfully brought the two together. There is no doubt in his mind that Ann will be the best girlfriend anyone could ask for. With the thought of being successful, Fiat finally falls asleep with a bitter smile on his face. He did it.

*******

ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

thoughts??

Leo is a total sweetheart from the very beginning. He does not pry and still acts like an amazing person to support and comfort Fiat in any way that he can. He wishes for Fiat to find solace in him and it's an amazing build for their relationship. All until Fiat has a panic attack.

Panic attacks hit at the weirdest times and trauma can affect a persons senses and train of thought during a regular day. Fiat is a victim to them both and I think the way Leo helped Fiat escape the bubble is a good way to help. Even if they do not respond to you initially, just the constant soothing and existence helps them ground themselves and come back.

Even after seeing, hearing and witnessing Fiat's past and present, Leo still finds himself falling for him. Leo confesses to Fiat once he senses that Fiat is trying to pull away, but he never expected Fiat to use his wish like that. Should Leo follow what Fiat says for the sake of respecting ones words and the threat of being deemed untrustworthy to Fiat? Or should Leo ignore it all and go against the bet and wish just to have the possibility that Fiat will still let him be by his side?

Which choice has the better pros?