13

"You came!" Fiat hums in response to Leo's exclamation. Chan gives him an acknowledging nod and he sighs as he adjusts the shirt that they all matched with. Up until a a few days ago, Leo has been talking Fiat up for joining them at the 'Flower Boy' stall. To help raise money for a gift to the seniors, a mix of students from lower years have come together to make a cafe with 'Flower Boy' waiters and baristas. A personal vendetta hinted by the seniors. It proves to be counter productive as the seniors crowd and linger around during the year end festival.

"P'May, you and your friends are funding your year's present by doing this," Chan groans while he caters to their table. Fiat chuckles before turning to his own table and placing their drinks and sandwiches before them. He smiles awkwardly at them as they completely ignore their order and stare at him. An arm around his shoulder startles him and he turns with relief to find Leo. Leo grabs their attention and Fiat slips away. This happens multiple times during their shift and Fiat silently cheers as Chan lets them know that they are free. "Thanks for helping guys. I won't forget this."

Leo pulls Fiat with him, drawing unwanted attention to them and drags him towards the games after buying a few snacks for them to eat. The two disappeared within the crowd and slowly, Leo makes Fiat relax as they spend their time together. They laugh and goof around at the ring toss and Fiat leans into Leo from laughing too hard. Leo is using his long arms as an advantage causing the students working the stand to make new rules against him. As a result, Leo messes around and tosses the small rings in funny ways. It makes Fiat laugh so much that he feels the need to relieve himself. "Hey, I'll be back. I gotta go to the restroom."

Leo nods and Fiat slips away through the crowds. He finishes his business and washes his hands. Just as he exits the restroom he hears some girls talking in their restroom. Leo's and his name gets mentioned and he freezes.

"Leo's so hot, but why is that guy always with him? Leo doesn't eat with his friends either during lunch. Does that Fiat guy have something on him?"

"I don't know, but Leo is with him again today. He seemed happy."

"I seem happy when I am with my boyfriend. Am I? Of course not. It's called acting. I just want  to be able to fawn over Leo without seeing that ugly-"

Hands over his ears, cut off the rest of the sentence. Fiat looks up before turning into him and hugging him. He gets pulled far away from the restrooms and he questions why people talk like this. When they stop, Fiat puts on a smile that only earns him am unbelieving look back. "I'm fine. How long were you there, anyway?"

"Long enough to know that those words do not need to be said and that you don't need to hear any of that," Leo huffs. They were between buildings, just outside the festival grounds. Leo leans against one of the tables and Fiat sighs with a shrug. "No, no. Don't give me that, Fiat. You really don't need to be hearing these things."

"Well, you really haven't been eating with your friends. Don't they ask?" Fiat asks standing in front of Leo. Leo gives a small smirk and reaches out for Fiat's hand. Fiat looks down at their joined hands and shoots his eyes up as he gets pulled forward to settle between Leo's legs. He puts a hand onto Leo's chest to push away, but Leo just keeps a firm hand on him and gives a small whine as he shakes his head. "Leo, we're in public."

"So, what? I am serious about my intentions, Fiat. I really have been enjoying spending my time with you. Haven't you been feeling the same?" Leo asks with a hopeful look in his eyes. Fiat bites his lip as he stares into his eyes and sighs. He nods his head and a wide smile rises onto Leo's face. "Be with me, Fiat? For real?"

"But.." Fiat has no excuse to deny Leo except for his own insecurities. Leo notices and pulls Fiat even closer as his hands hold his waist. "I'm scared."

"I know, but I promise you that I will be with you the entire way. You will never be alone again," Leo tries to reassure Fiat. Fiat drops his head against Leo's shoulder. He is conflicted.

"And If Leo ever does do anything, I'll be there to beat his sorry self and anyone who goes against you." Both of them pull apart immediately as they turn to find Ann and Fern. Fiat's mouth opens and closes, unable to formulate words. The two girls chuckle as they approach the two. Leo straightens out and greets them. Ann takes the warmed hand of Fiat and smiles. "So, maybe this entire wingman thing did not go as planned, but it still turned out pretty great. I had an inkling the two of you had something going on since after the department retreat. I knew even more when you guys suddenly avoided each other like the plague. Garfield, thank you for respecting my feelings, but if you like someone feel free to tell me. We would have worked it out. I would never let some guy come between us- unless you do me real dirty and even go for P'Chan. Then I definitely will not forgive you."

Fiat blushes, recalling the original intention. He glances over at Leo who just smiles at him.  Leo gently pulls Fiat to him again, returning to their previous position. Fiat's eyes go wide and try to pull away, but Leo hugs him. "I promise, Fiat will not look at any other person. The moment he agrees to be with me, I will make him forget other people exist- Except for you, Ann. He will always remember you and have time with you."

"Way to rub it in my face," Ann rolls her eyes while Fern chuckles at her side.

"Wait, Fiat, you didn't agree to be with Leo yet?" Fern asks with surprise. All eyes turn towards Fiat who bashfully looks down at his hands that rest between them. "Well, why are you making him wait!? No wonder you confuse my name for Ficus. You're so freaking slow and dimwitted!"

"Hey, don't say that," Leo frowns, encasing the flushed young man into him. "Even if he is, he is my slow, dimwitted person that I love."

"Hey!" Fiat leans back and slaps Leo's chest that rumbles with laughter. Fiat's whines get caught in his throat when he feels lips against his cheek as he gets a sniff-kiss from Leo. His eyes widen while Ann and Fern squeal with each other. Fiat cowers into Leo's shoulder. He feels overwhelmed and while Leo is the reason for it all, he could not help but seek comfort and protection from him. "You're such a mean boyfriend."

Fiat smiles as he feels Leo's body stiffen. Leo pulls him at arms length and asks him to repeat what he just said. Fiat tries to act coy, by feigning ignorance, but Leo is not having it as he pleads Fiat to repeat it and when he does, Leo squeezes the life out of Fiat. "Oh my gosh! I'm so happy. You don't understand! You make me so happy, Fiat."

"I think I'm going to be sick," Fern groans. The new couple turn to find Fern desperately holding onto Ann while Ann smiles proudly at them.

"Well, as sweet as all of this is. We actually followed you guys because we wanted to head over to the photo booth that they have and take photos. Maybe take your first photo as a couple?" Ann says. Leo and Fiat exchange glances and while Fiat is unsure, Leo agrees immediately. The four of them reenter the festival grounds and Ann leads them to the mentioned booth. Ann makes them wear props before pulling them into the frame. A series of photos are taken before Ann makes the two take photos together. She gives Fiat a firm look as he tries to get out of it. "No, Fiat. You take my dream man, you take these pictures."

"Come on. It'll be fun and a good memory to our official beginning," Leo whispers into Fiat's blushed ear. Much to Fiat's relief, Leo keeps their poses friendly with simple hand gestures and a casual arm around his shoulders. By the end of it, they scan a paper to retrieve their photos in a few days. The four spend the rest of the festival together and excitedly pass through the food stalls before they close. A variety of dishes fill their small table and they pass them around as they devour their dinner. They were all laughing when someone bumps into First's back causing him to spill his drink. He coughs as it goes down the wrong pipe and Ann pats his back while they all turn around to find some guys messing around. They are Leo's friends and to all of their surprise, they hardly give them a glance. "Yo, Tae, watch it, yeah?"

"Oh, Mister Leo remembers my name. You know everyone is wondering where you've been. See you're hanging around these guys again. Hello, Miss Ann, Fern, and... Fiat, right?" His tone and the chuckles from the others made the four uncomfortable and Leo tightens his lips with a sigh. "See you guys feasted. What's good? This looks good."

Tae picks out of the dish in front of Fiat and leans uncomfortably close to him. Fiat leans away and avoids looking at him. Ann must have had enough as she speaks up. "Hey, Tae. You should really go check if the stalls are open if you want to go eat or something. This stuff is better when it's freshly made."

"Oh, sorry. Is Fiat possessive about his things? It would suck if something you are so use to having suddenly just disappears or find something or someone else to play with," Tae pats his hands over Fiat's shoulders and gives a little scoff before stepping back. "This is a cute little group here. Have fun, Leo. Don't want to pull you away from the reigns."

The four watch the group walk away before three pairs turn to the frowning man picking at his plate. "Hey, what is with your friends, Leo? They seemed cool during the retreat, but now they just seem like ass-"

"I'm sorry," Leo reaches for Fiats hand and Fiat looks up with an indifferent expression. "A bad choice in friends. I'm not trying to give them an out on their insinuations, but they've always been like that. They're pretty click-y."

"They aren't wrong, Leo. You don't hang out with them anymore. Even the girls earlier said that. I'm not the clingy type that you need to be with me at every moment," Fiat mumbles lowering his eyes again. He hears a sigh and he flinches when he feels his head get patted. He looks up to find a frown on Leo's face.

"Don't say that, Fiat. You may not be the clingy type, but I am. I really do like hanging out with you. Especially after hearing that come out of my friend's mouth, I don't think I'd like hanging out with them." Leo's words give Fiat the bit of reassurance he needs and he gives a hopeful smile. "We just got together, Fiat. I'm not about to walk out on you. Not now not ever."

"You guys are so cute," Ann pouts while holding onto Fern. Fiat ends up chuckling and the four are in a better mood. Before they head out, they scan their little card and start looking through all of the shots as they pick out their favorites. They split off at the lot and just before Fiat is able to get into his car, Leo holds his hand and turns him to face him. Fiat bites his lower lip shyly and just looks up at Leo through his lashes.

"Can I come pick you up tomorrow? We have to stay late anyway for practice?" Leo asks him and Fiat feels his ears heat up as the thought of it makes him happy. He gives quick, short nods and the two of them smile at each other. Leo glances around before tugging Fiat close and the two enjoy being in each other's embrace until they start to hear people. They pull away and just smile at each other. "I'll message you when I leave my place. Drive safe, okay?"

The next morning, Fiat takes extra care into his appearance and rushes down to meet Leo at his car. Leo greets him outside his car and welcomes Fiat into his arms before settling a soft kiss at the crown of his head. Fiat flushes and quickly slides into the car and hugs his bags on his lap. A light chuckle leaves Leo's lips and he calls for Fiat's attention. It takes a couple tries before Fiat actually looks at him. "What? We should go  before we're late- Leo!"

Leo swooped in and kisses his cheek before starting the car and driving the two of the to campus. Fiat cradles his cheek with his hand as he stares at the other person stunned. A smug smile settles on their face and Fiat blushes more as he shifts in his seat and stares out the window to distract himself. The affection and attention that Leo is giving him made him feel too many things. While he feels a bit of deja vu and fear from his past, Leo has been constantly reassuring him that he is honest and true. Fiat has to bite his lip to prevent a smile from ripping his face as he feels fingers lace around his own. A soft hum is heard from Leo and the two blissfully make their way to school.

They make a quick stop to buy breakfast, even for Ann and dutifully hand it over the moment they reach the building front. Fiat hides behind Leo as Ann riles up with teasing remarks and finally whines when she does not stop. Ann pulls him to her side and narrows her eyes at the two of them. "I don't want to be left out okay? You date him, you date me. Alright, Leo?"

"Of course, Queen. That is why we got a special order for you," Leo gestures to the nice combo that they had gotten for her. Fiat smiles and wraps an arm around Ann. "I promise to take care of both of you. Now, when P'Chan finally asks you out, then it will be the four of us until the end."

"Oi! Don't say that! He probably only sees me as a junior," Ann flushes and now Leo and Fiat have their time teasing the girl. They talk for a bit longer before Ann needs to leave for her class. The couple stand and Fiat smiles as Leo brushes off some crumbs off his face and make their way to class. The difference between now and before as they attend their classes, is that Leo would often reach over under the desks and clasp onto Fiat's hand or simply lay it on his lap when Fiat was using his hand to write. The new couple try to keep their relationship subtle, but do not stop themselves from the small gestures.

Fiat feels at ease for once as he sits at the cafeteria with his friends and boyfriend who distract him from the passing eyes of the people who are yet to get use to the new group. "So are you guys going to go on your first date yet?"

Fiat chokes on his water at Ann's obnoxious whisper and he looks around cautiously before pointing at her accusingly. Fiat looks over at Leo shyly to find him already looking down at him. Fiat's eyes widen as Leo asks, "How about this weekend? Are you working?"

"During the day, I'm doing bookkeeping for the library. I'll be out in the afternoon," Fiat mumbles causing Leo to smile and decide on a dinner date. Fiat just stares at him in a daze while Ann and Fern tease him. He flushes and looks down at his lap. "Do I have to dress up?"

"No, I was just thinking of something casual. Nothing too formal. I think I'd feel too nervous if we go somewhere fancy," Leo chuckles lightly. Fiat nods his head and focuses on his meal as he avoids looking at the teasing gazes. Their lunch finishes and while the others go to their classes, Fiat goes for his shift at the library. He is in the middle of returning books when he hears a stack of books tumbling to the floor. He gasps to find that a pile on from his cart was knocked over. Chuckles meet his ears and he finds a couple girls and some of Leo's friends.

"Oh, whoops," one of the girls smirks and Fiat holds back a sigh as he steps around the cart to pick up the books. The group just watch him and Fiat finds that one of the books is under one of their feet. Fiat asks for them to remove their foot and they twist their foot off the paperback, causing it to warp.

"Sucks to have something turn crooked don't it. No one wants it now," Fiat hears. He gulps as he fears what is to come and silently continues to straighten out the books. "I guess you would care for stuff like that, since you're not much different."

"Careful. Don't you remember what Wan told us." The name rings in Fiat's ears and his body goes rigid as he continues to do his job. He tries to leave, but they take small steps to block his way. "It's always the quiet ones. You think they're innocent and then they bite in the vicious ways. Maybe we should warn Leo about it. Save him from the dangers that come with this."

"He made his decision. You think I didn't try?" Fiat clenches his jaw and forces his way past the group. He tries to flee far enough, but they always seem to find him as their voices are heard nearby. Tears threaten to fall as he grips tightly against the cart and books. It is not until Fiat returns to the desk by the main librarian, that he gets aways from them. They give him disgusted looks as they leave and Fiat keeps his head down as his boss gives him a confused glance. History is repeating himself and he just wishes for it all to stop.

Fiat drowns himself in his work and is startled when a hand shakes him. He looks up with a frightened expression and finds Leo standing over him with a concerned look. Fiat looks at the clock and realizes that it is time for their class. Leo pulls up a chair and sits beside him with worry. "Hey, did something happen? Why do you look so out of it?"

"Leo," Fiat deflates and pulls Leo into an embrace. He buries his face into Leo's shoulder and takes in a deep breath. Leo's scent calms him along with the warm hand that is soothing his back. Fiat does not want to lose Leo, but also does not want to taint Leo's reputation. A sudden change to one's lifestyle can ultimately ruin a person. Fiat was well versed on that topic. His hold tightens around Leo as he tries to calm himself, completely ignoring the fact that they can be seen. When he finally pulls away he just looks at Leo's face and frowns. "Tell me if you ever want out or if you ever feel overwhelmed. I hope you can always be open with me."

Leo clears Fiat's hair from his face and nods. "I don't know what happened, but I don't plan on leaving you. I'll always tell you how I feel. Right now, I feel that I really like you and that I feel that you feel the same about me. I really like what we have even if it just started yesterday. I am willing to keep it within the four of us and I am willing to shout it to the world. I am just happy to be with you, Fiat. I hope you can be open with me too with everything that you feel and everything that is making you feel this way. Doesn't have to be now, but just know you can bare your soul with me. I want to learn anything and everything about you. Even the things you wish to hide."

Fiat stares at Leo with so much emotion. He wishes he can be able to say everything that Leo makes him feel, but even he does not know the words to describe it. Fiat squeezes Leo's hands in his own and hopes it is enough. A smile rises on Leo's face and he squeezes Fiat's hands back. A moment of just looking at each other before They realize that they really do need to start heading to class. Leo helps gather Fiat's things while he clocks out and the two of them head out of the library.

*******

ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

thoughts??

OMG! Leo and Fiat are finally together! There are obviously people who always have something to say, but why should we care if we are happy? Right?

How do we feel about Leo's friends? Do we still call him Leo's friends though? And did we hear the name Wan? Something doesn't feel right...

—

I'm feeling I should not drag the story for too long. So, do I skip around in the next few chapters to resolve some aspects of the story or take it easy, soak in on their relationship, and then gradually touch on some topics? Also do we dive into Fiat's past more with Wan, Jay and Nannon? His parents? Let me know, so I know how to plan out the next chapters please~

•••

Sorry for the delay! Had a bit of a writers block and then I got my 2nd vaccine the other day. While I didn't get any really bad symptoms, I did sleep a lot the day after. I just had some chills here and there and an annoying headache. It honestly felt like one of those times when you got sick, but your parents would tell you "mind over body" and still make you go to school.

Anyway, I hope everyone stays safe and healthy. Don't go out if you don't feel well. This isn't the time to play the "mind over body" thing. It's not about whether or not you have been having symptoms, but spreading to those who are immunocompromised.

ANYWAY....

I hope this chapter was good enough for the delay. If you read until hear I love you and I hope you have an amazing day, afternoon, night, week, weekend, month, year. You all deserve the world ❤︎