15

TW/CW: light mention of death and sexual harassment

*******

"I hate you."

"Oh, come on. You can't hate me."

"I can and I do!"

"Don't hate me."

"Too late!"

"Pip, don't do this," Fiat follows the angry form across the mall. Fiat and Ann has finally made time to hang out with just the two of them, but Fiat has had his attention on his phone. "I'm sorry. I'll stop. You have all of my attention. Don't be mad at me anymore."

"Give me your phone," Ann holds out a hand for him and he bites his lip as he looks at his phone. He quickly sends a message to let Leo know that he will be out of reach for a while and sheepishly places the device onto her palm. She makes a scowl at the quick response that lights up the screen and shoves it into her bag. "Now you will have to accompany to go shopping and I get to buy you one outfit of my choice."

Fiat cringes at the idea, but agrees knowing that even if she gets him an outfit, he does not have to wear it. The two have very different ideas on men's fashion. For hours, Fiat is moving from store to store with bags hung on his arms. Just when he thinks that Ann has forgotten about getting him an outfit, she pulls him towards the men's section. Outfit after outfit, with pictures being taken each time, Fiat is actually surprised at the choices Ann is making for the clothes for him to try on. Regardless, though, Fiat hated it.

He changes into another outfit and raises a brow at his reflection. Black straight cut slacks that meet his ankles, a white graphic t-shirt and creme boat shoes. He tucks in his shirt and steps out as he adjusts it. "You know, this outfit is actually my style. I'm surprised, Pip."

"That's because I didn't choose it," Ann responds, confusing Fiat. He looks up and she has her phone held up. He asks her to clarify and she just grins. "This looks great on you! Change back. I think we're done. You're getting this. My treat for you finally getting a boyfriend even if it is with the guy I've been pinning on and before I could even get one during our university career."

"Shut it," Fiat groans embarrassed as some glances turn their way. He rushes back into the little room and changes. The two reach the counter and while Ann had said she would pay, Fiat hands over his card even though he would never pay for this amount when shopping on his own. His heart literally hurts the moment the transaction goes through, but pays for it anyway as he will never let Ann pay for something like this.

"The fact that you actually paid for this without removing anything and knowing there was no big discount, was there something to celebrate?" Ann asks the moment they are out of the store. Fiat looks down at the only bag of his amongst the rest and gives an airy chuckle. "I expected like the shirt or the pants, not the entire outfit."

"We finished the school year and I haven't bought myself clothes in a while. I've only purchased my sneakers for badminton," Fiat shrugs. They head towards a dessert shop to rest after the hours of shopping. Ann gives him a weird look and he avoids meeting her eyes by looking at the menu. He knows she does not believe him. Truth is, he has been wearing his clothes in a cycle with little variations. In the past he hardly cared, but now that he is with Leo, who is fashionable and popular, Fiat feels that he should at least try and add a little more to his everyday look. Of course one outfit will not be the end of it, but it is a start. His next purchases may not be as expensive as this one, but he can probably allot some money from his sayings to revamp his closet.

"So, what has Leo even requested for his wishes so far?" Ann asks, sipping her shake. Fiat mirrors her as he recalls and blushes at the memory of some. "Oi! I asked to be polite, don't make me feel jealous. P'Chan doesn't even make any advances even when I give opportunities. He's either dense or a total gentleman. I don't know how I feel if he's either."

"P'Chan is a great guy and is probably a gentleman. Mind you, he and almost everyone in our school knows you had strong feelings for Leo. They also don't know about us, so people can be a bit hesitant or confused," Fiat frowns. He feels guilty despite the reassurance that Ann gives him that she is okay with it all. "Want the four of us to go out? Maybe let him know that you're really over Leo and that I'm with him?"

"First of all, Fiat. I'm not over Leo. Just because I'm fine with you being with him does not stop the fact that he is literally a perfect human being," Ann holds up her hand to stop Fiat from speaking and laughs. "I was right to believe that Leo is the perfect boyfriend though. Isn't he just amazing?"

"He is," Fiat flushes as he looks down at his drink and mixes the contents with his straw. He shakes his head to regain focus and looks up at his best friend. "But back to what we were saying, maybe we can see if he really is dense or a gentleman with another outing with the four of us."

"I thought you didn't want people to know?" Ann tilts her head. Fiat forces a small smile on his face. "You don't have to go against yourself just so I can test the waters with some guy."

"Well, Leo also wants to be able to tell people. I'm not telling the whole world, but if you trust him and really like him, then he is bound to know about it anyway, right?" Fiat shrugs. He still fears the chance that people may be like the people of his past. They pretended that they were fine with who he is, but in the end turned on him and ridiculed him behind his back. His face must have turned dark as a hand envelopes his across the table. Fiat's eyes slowly raise to meet Ann's concerned ones.

"You don't have to tell him or show him if we hang out. Honestly, I don't know much about him. I can say that he is good looking and nice, but I can't trust him like I do you, Fern and Leo. I don't want to jeopardize anything just because of that," Ann give Fiat's hand a small squeeze. "How about the five of us, with Fern. We can go as friends and as friends you guys can help me out a bit?"

Fiat turns his hand around to hold hers and smiles gratefully. He feels warm with Ann's words and can feel her honesty and sincerity. She is the best person to enter his life especially after everything. She is and will always be his number one person. "That sounds like a great idea, Pip. Where should we go?"

And like that, the five of them ended up going mini golfing. While bowling was suggested first, the odd numbers were not in their favor. Fiat dresses in his new outfit and lingers beside Leo who just smiles at him. Ann is up to swing and P'Chan is helping her form.

"You know, you might as well hold hands with the looks you guys are giving each other- Ow!" Fiat whistles as he bumps his elbow at Fern's arm. She sends him a glare and he tilts his head feigning ignorance. "You, butthead! I can easily put you guys, you know."

"But you won't. I know you won't because no matter how annoyed you are, you respect people," Fiat swings a friendly arm around her shoulders with a kinder smile. "And I want to thank you for that. I know we didn't start on the right foot, but thanks for being Ann's friend and kind of my own friend in the process."

Fern crosses her arms and rolls her eyes, but a small smile rises on her lips. "Whatever, dude. Stay annoying and a butthead. It suits you more."

"Alright, Ficus- Argh!" Fiat was the one to flinch and groan in pain this time as he gets elbowed in the side. He cradled his side with a fighting smile and chuckles as Fern smirks at him. The day continues with the five working their way down the course. As much as possible, the three tried to hint to Chan about Ann's feelings. By the time they finish the course, they head over to the restaurants just outside. "Hey, Pip. You got a bit."

Ann attempts to wipe the bit around her lips and fails. Chan must have seen and helps her. Fiat looks at Leo with wide eyes and gives Ann an amused glance. "You got some as well."

Fiat turns to Leo confused and before he even has the chance to wipe, Leo reaches out to wipe off the bit of curry from the corner of his mouth and licks it off his finger. "Y-you-"

"That was hot. Should I have done that?" Chan asks causing Ann to choke on her water. Chan, grimaces and pats her back while apologizing. "Bad timing?"

"You think so, P'Chan?" Fiat chuckles with the others. They manage to finish the dinner without any more casualties. As they step out of the restaurant, they hum in a satisfied manner. "P'Chan, can you help us take Ann back home? She's in the opposite direction from us."

"Oh, yeah, of course! Leo, you got Fern and Fiat?" Chan asks.

"Oh, I got a ride. I messaged for someone to pick me up. Thanks though. You guys enjoy your drives home," Fern pats Fiat's shoulder and goes to hug Ann who asks her about the person picking her up. "It's my brother. You four have fun! Message in the chat when you guys get home, okay?"

"I'll walk Fern to her car," Fiat offers, surprising them. He falls into step with her. Her brother is waiting outside his car. Fiat gives a polite greeting and pats Fern's head while thanking her again. "Thanks again, Ficus. You'll join us again right?"

"As long as I don't get ignored by all of you couples," she scowls. Fiat laughs and promises to at least be the one to make sure she is included and makes no promises for their friend. Fern laughs and nods her head. "Point taken. Well, you go back to your man. Don't keep him waiting, however I doubt you'll be going straight home. I think he started to feel anxious around dinner."

"Get in the car, Ficus," Fiat groans. He thanks her brother for picking her up and stays until they drive off. Fiat chuckles and ruffles his hair before returning back. Three heads turn to watch him join them and he grins asking if Ann is okay. "We'll meet up when we're both free, alright?"

"Of course, Garfield. Stay innocent," Ann winks causing Fiat to flush under the confused and curious glances of the other two. Fiat gives a light shove and pushes her towards Chan who leads her to his car.

"You ready?" Leo places a light hand on Fiat's lower back as he leans down to ask. Fiat looks up at him and grins while nodding. Fiat hums with the music as he taps his fingers against his thigh and pauses when he feels Leo's hand take his. "I've been wanting to do this all day. You look even more amazing in this outfit in person than through the photos. I want to be able to not have to stop myself. I know PDA is not your thing, but even the small touches..."

"I know, Leo. Soon. I can't believe Ann sent you all of those photos after taking my phone away," Fiat smiles at Leo who gives him a quick glance as he drives. The couple enjoys their drive and just as everyone expected, Leo takes them to a familiar bridge. The sun was still kissing the horizon when they settle against the railing. "So, I'll be busy after a few days for about a month. I told you right? That I took a part time with a construction company? They're building some commercial buildings on the way to the port."

"Yeah you did," Leo sighs. Fiat frowns and takes Leo's hand in both of his. He knows that Leo is not fond with the kind of work as his days will be busy and his job can be a little dangerous. Fiat tries to make Leo smile with little whines and swinging their joint hands between them. "I can't even say anything to stop you. At least try and let me know when you start and end. Will you let me drive you when I'm off though?"

"Only if you're not tired okay? You've got work and your volunteering at that school," Fiat nods his head. The thing with the two of them is that they agreed to not deny the other's offerings or decisions and only give logical reasons and an out so they do not feel obliged. "Once the month is over, I'll only be at the library. Then you will be the one busy. I'll drive you then, yeah?"

"I'd love that, love. So, How will we spend these next precious days before either of us start being impossibly busy?" Leo leans his back against the railing and pulls Fiat to lean against him. The flirtatious grin on Leo's face makes Fiat flush and unable to meet Leo's eyes.  "Can I meet you in the morning?"

"Morning? I don't see a problem with that? What do you have in mind?" Fiat tilts his head when he looks back at the other. Leo shrugs and Fiat chuckles. "Well, whatever it is, I'd love to do it as long as it's with you and will make you happy."

"You know, you're a lot more forward these days. I absolutely love it, please don't stop, but we do things that make both of us happy," Leo reminds him. It makes Fiat grin wide. Leo was an absolutely perfect person and boyfriend. Something must have been different with the way Fiat is looking at Leo as Leo looks back at him with confusion. "The way you're looking at me is making me feel some things, love. Your gaze is a dangerous thing."

"Thank you, love," Fiat reaches up and cups Leo's face in his hands. A head tilts with confusion followed by a question of what. "For being you. I've never felt so loved and accepted. Any thing that could even resemble a relationship like this was one sided and fake. Remember those guys and how I told you that the people closest to me had turned their backs on me?"

Leo's hands that were settled on Fiat's hips give a little squeeze. "You did. I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that."

"Did you hear the guys talk about, Nannon?" Leo lowers his eyes for a moment and nods before meeting Fiat's eyes again. "He use to make me feel these things that you made me feel now, but the difference is that you actually care about me. Nannon was my best friend. I came out to him because he made me believe I could. Then Jay and Wan found out. They started saying that Nannon was the same as me and actually liked me. It was my first time having someone like me and I wanted to be in a relationship so much and know what it felt like."

Fiat fumbles with the material of Leo's shirt as his eyes begin to sting. Leo does not speak, but rubs his thumbs soothingly onto the exposed skin as hands slipped under his shirt. Fiat seeks strength by looking at Leo's eyes.

"It was nothing than what I am experiencing and feeling now. I don't know if he really was into guys or me, but he took advantage of our friendship and my naivety. He made me believe that I needed to do things for him and forced himself on me. He.. I-" Fiat chokes on his words as images of his past flashes before his eyes. The loving and worried face of his lover starts to blur as tears well up. "I wasn't ready and he wouldn't listen. I shoved him away, but I didn't realize how strong it was. We were in his living room watching a movie and then it happened so fast. I pushed him off of me, scared. He fell off, unbalanced, and he hit his head hard against the glass table. I was crying and I realized that he wasn't moving too late. I didn't know what to do. His parents were away and I was freaking out. I called for the ambulance and then I called for Jay and Wan. I killed him, Leo. I killed him. Everyone found out what I did and the kind of person I am. No one listened to my side and kept telling me that I am the problem. They told me I am a killer who is not normal and a disgrace."

"You protected yourself. What he did was wrong and not excusable. It is an unfortunate event, but you are not to be held for what happened, love," Leo's words are in attempt to comfort him, but Fiat's wounds and scars are far to deep to be saved by them. "I know, these won't solve the pain you have held onto for years, but I will show you the kind of love you deserve. I won't look at you differently, love. Thank you for sharing this with me. I will protect you and love you."

"I'm sorry if I ruined the mood, love," Fiat sniffles and Leo coos at him as he wipes the tears off of Fiat's cheeks. "I want to believe in us, in you. I want to be able to feel confident and show you off like you deserve to be."

"And I'll be ready for the moment you are ready." Leo smiles the most beautiful smile that Fiat has seen. Fiat throws his arms around Leo's shoulders and pulls him in. A hum leaves their throats the moment their lips touch. Fiat daringly nibbles before soothing it with a swipe of his tongue. A firm hold on his waist tightens and he chuckles as he pulls away. "You will be the death of me, love. Imagine the torture the day was to not hold you in my arms."

"Well, then hold me close these next few days, love," Fiat scratches Leo's scalp, drawing out a groan from his honey throat. Leo tightens his hold on Fiat's waist. Fiat chuckles as he feels lighter just being with Leo. "You really just going to hold me?"

Leo did not have to be told twice as he shamelessly pulls Fiat back to him. They hardly care for their location and end up just holding each other as they enjoy the night breeze. It was not until Fiat let out an unruly yawn that they decided to leave. Their hands never separate during the drive, except when Leo needed to switch gears. They take turns to kiss the back of the other's hand and let out small giggles as they are high on endorphins. When they reach Fiat's place, Leo turns off the engine and shifts in his seat. "I'll pick you up after you wake. Sleep well, love. I'll message you when I'm home."

"Okay. Thank you for driving as usual. I will be the one to drive one of these days, love. You drive safe, okay? I'm looking forward to the morning already and I haven't even left the car yet," Fiat grins as he leans over the console. Leo bops his nose causing a small giggle to escape Fiat's lips. Leo puckers his lips causing Fiat to glance down at them and smile. Sending a quick peck, Fiat rushes out of the car while muttering a small, "Love you."

"Hey!" Leo quietly yells from the driver's seat. Fiat chuckles to himself. Every time he separates from Leo, he would quickly say those words and leave, feeling too embarrassed to stay. One of these days, he knows Leo will catch him and make him stay, but for now, he feels like a giddy child. Leo let's him forget all of his worries. He feels like he can truly just stop overthinking and let fate take its course.

Fiat never expected to share Nannon's story tonight, but he wishes he met Leo first. He wishes he met Ann at that time. Maybe things would have been different and he would not feel so alone. Maybe he would not be that isolated from his schoolmates. Fiat's mind wanders to his parents and he sighs as he settles back onto his bed. He takes his phone out and finds the message from Leo, informing him of his arrival back home.

Leo:

Home, love. I miss you already. My hand, arms and body feel cold without you.

Fiat:

I'm glad you made it back safely. We will return back into each other's arms soon. Sweet dreams, love.

Leo:

Looking forward to it. My dreams will be sweet if you visit.

Fiat:

I need rest too, but I would not mind meeting you in our dreams. This reminds me of that anime.

Leo:

I know which one you are talking about. I'm sure our red strings are tied to each other. Good night, love. Make sure to get enough rest.

Fiat:

Good night. xx

Fiat's fingers tap out of their chat and start up a new one with his parent's numbers. He takes a shaky breath and sighs as his fingers dance across the digital keyboard.

Fiat:

The school year is over. I aced my classes again this year. I made some great friends and found a job for the summer. My lease with my roommates will be over by the end of the break. I think we're all finding our own place. I don't know if I will find a place close to campus, but I will manage. I hope you guys are safe and healthy. I love you, Mae, Phor. I'm sorry I could not visit for Songkran, but I visited the temples near here and prayed for you and the family. I'll come by for Mae's birthday, but it might be late. If I come when you guys are asleep, I'll leave the present at the door.

******

ʕ•ᴥ•ʔฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

thoughts??

What do you think Leo's wishes are? were? Do we like Ann and P'Chan together? Poor Fern is dragged between couples, but she is an amazing friend and person. The relationships between Fiat and the other characters in this story have interesting dynamics and it shows in each part that they interact. It gives examples of how being with different people bring out different parts of a person and in this case, Fiat.

With Ann, we see him like a big brother, who dotes and messes with their younger sister. With Fern, they are friendly rivals that feed off of competing with each other. With Leo, Fiat is nearly completely carefree, allowing himself be taken cared of. When he is on his own and in front of strangers, Fiat is calm, cool and collected. He is a mystery as he reveals little. Each side of Fiat is real and when the four are all together, we see that he is his all of them. He is himself. Playful, caring, and competitive.

I dream for healthy relationships that LeoFiat have in this story. While toxic relationships seem to garner more viewership, I wish healthy relationships were the ones romanticized and represented in media. It's probably why we usually have 2nd lead syndrome. They are the epitome of what a healthy relationship would look like, but it always ends up with a toxic lead that circles around their flaws, over and over again.

——PSA——

JAFIRST HAVE THEIR OWN SERIES!

It's called "Don't Say No The Series". MeMindY is producing it, so we can all assume it is following the LeoFiat story as their teaser posters had basketball in their backgrounds and their photos together have their silver bar necklaces. Let's hope for the best! Their story had more details shared in the Netflix version of TharnTypeSS2, so maybe they'll branch out using those details.

Will you wait for the release and watch? Will you follow along to find out more of their story?