16

Days seem much longer and the blazing humid heat is not helping. Fiat tries to find relief from it all under the upcoming building he is helping construct. He greets the others who do the same and wipe down the dripping sweat from his hairline. Fiat downs some water before heading right back to work.

It has been about three weeks since he started and with the large amount of help, the progress has been moving at a quick pace. As for life outside of work, Fiat has spent most of his time off in search for a new place to live. Some days Leo would tag along, other days they had to miss out on seeing each other for schedules were not matching.

The sun begins to set and the workers start to clean up to continue the next day. Just as the night greets them, everyone is either bidding farewell to return to their families or heading out for a meal and a drink.

"My boy! Will you join us this time for a meal? Your only on for another week, right?" One of the elder constructors call out to Fiat. Being polite, Fiat tries to decline, but the others seem just as adamant to have young blood to join their outing.

"I apologize, elders. I will have to take this one for the night. He's being called by a loved one." Fiat's eyes widen as hands clasp onto his shoulders. He turns to find Leo looking over at the elders with a blinding smile. It is as if he had powers to swoon as the elders quickly release Fiat and allow him to leave. Fiat just simply says his farewells until the morning and follows the tall man outside of the construction site.

"You know, you shouldn't be walking around here without a hard hat on," Fiat mumbles as he removes his own and hugs it to his side with one arm. Leo smirks as he glances over at Fiat. Being examined by the former, Fiat feels self aware of his appearance and winces as he runs his hand through matted hair. "Oh gosh, I'm a mess. If you drive, I'm going to make a mess of your car. Please tell me you got a ride over and we take my car or we convoy out of here."

"I got a ride. One of my coworkers had something to do around the area and I asked them to drop me off," Leo grins taking his hand despite his attempts to pull away as it is filthy.

"But you end work early. How long have you been in the area?" Fiat questions as he unlocks his car. He waves at a few of the passing workers as he puts his helmet into his trunk and change out his boots for sandals. His toes wiggle with relief as Leo explains that he had simply gone to a bookstore nearby and spent a couple hours there. They slip into the car after Fiat lays out a towel to cover his seat and wipes his hands from the dirt and grime left over from washing his hands prior. "Did you have somewhere you wanted to go? Have you eaten?"

"Mind having dinner at my place? You can wash up there and borrow some clothes?" Leo turns in his seat while Fiat is doing a double take as he pulls out of the lot. "I just want to let you rest. I bought some groceries yesterday. I can cook for us and all you have to do is eat. Will you let me?"

Fiat gnaws on his bottom lip. It has been months since they've been together, but other than the outside of each other's homes, neither of them had really stepped inside. Leo tries to make it seem simpler than it is and Fiat hums with a small nod. A glance to the passenger seat is enough to know his answer pleases the other. With a bit of a refresher on the roads he needs to take, the couple pulls into the building and Fiat finds a vacant spot for guests. Leo takes his hand and the two of them take the elevator up. Throughout the short ride, Fiat fidgets and Leo gently squeezes his hand reassuringly.

As the doors open, Leo sends him a smile as he tugs him towards the apartment. Leo has been living here since freshman year alone with the initial support of his parents. Now he manages to pay for his rent every month. "You can use the guest room bathroom. It's stocked for when my parents or cousin sleep over. I'll just grab some clothes that should fit you and leave it on the bed. There are towels in the cabinet."

"Uhm, okay. Thank you," Fiat mumbles, carefully making his way. He steps into the bathroom after grabbing a towel and takes a deep breath. He makes sure he locks the door and carefully folds his dirty clothes and shoved it into a backpack he grabbed from his trunk. The warm water felt amazing against his muscles and he hums as he stands under the stream of the shower. Realizing that he should not take too long, Fiat finishes quickly and carefully wraps the towel around his waist as he steps out of the bathroom. Clothes were neatly folded at the foot of the bed. He slips it on and chuckles at the new pair of boxer briefs. There was a bit of noise coming from outside and he wraps the towel around his neck as he rubs his hair and goes to check it. "Do you need help?"

"Huh?-Ah!" Fiat rushes to help the falling vegetables. Leo apologizes while Fiat chuckles. "Sorry, I got startled. The clothes seem a bit big. Hey, come here."

Leo guides Fiat to a chair and has him sit down. The waist fits, but the length of the pants and the length of the sleeves were too long. Leo kneels on one leg as he folds the bottom and then helps fold the sleeves. "Do you always have a new pair of underwear at home?"

"Ah, I had bought some necessities a week ago. Good thing I did. I don't know how'd you would have felt about sharing those," Leo blushes as does Fiat. When the clothes were nicely folded, Leo stands and straightens himself out. Fiat follows him to where he was before to prepare the food. "No, no. You stay seated. Go to the couch, relax, take a quick nap, watch some television. You've worked hard, love. Let me treat you to this."

The truth is, Fiat is beat, but how can he simply fall asleep and relax when Leo is cooking for him. Leo must have seen the hesitation as he tugs his sleeves up and personally turns Fiat towards the couch by the shoulders and sits him down. As if unable to fight him, Fiat ends up getting pushed down onto the soft cushions of the couch. Leo hovers over him with a smile and while the sight makes him nervous, Leo does nothing but take the towel from his shoulders and lays a blanket over him. Fiat stares up and his fringe gets pushed back before a small kiss is pressed against his forehead. "I feel like a child right now."

"I'll wake you when I finish. You're eyelids are already dropping," Leo brushes his thumb against Fiat's cheek before standing and leaving him to rest. Fiat is unable to fight his exhaustion as Leo even turns on some soft music to fill the silence.

"Mmmph," Fiat's brows knit as he feels fingers run through his hair. The voice calling his name grows clearer and he opens his eyes to see Leo kindly smile at him as he sits on the floor beside him. A tired smile forms onto Fiat's face as he places his hand over Leo's that rests on his cheek. "Food time?"

"Food time, love. Did you have a good nap?" A tired nod matches his slow movements to sit up. A warm hand helps pull him along and his exhaustion suddenly disappears as his nose and eyes are met with deliciousness. "It's not much, but I hope you like it."

Steaks with a side of vegetables are plated for two and is paired with a glass of wine. Fiat glances over at the sight of alcohol and raises a questioning brow. Leo just smiles and pulls out a chair for him. "I still have to drive home."

"You don't have to finish it or have any at all. I just prepared because it matches," Leo shrugs. Fiat nods, agreeing with the point being made and the two begin their dinner. "So, have you found a place yet?"

"I looked at a few places, but I'm wondering if I give up location or the quality of the place. I didn't realize how bad it is to find a place for myself. I'm close to just asking if there's any dorm rooms available," Fiat sighs taking a sip of the wine. The stress of finding a new place has garnered him to take in alcohol. Leo looks at him thoughtfully before stuffing his face with food. "I still got a month and with the money I get from this construction job is good for a down payment."

"Well, I don't know if my opinion matters, but I wouldn't mind driving if you move a bit farther. A home should be welcoming and nearly worry free. Especially with the fact that any time your out, you are far from resting."Leo shrugs. Fiat sighs and fiddles with his glass. Their meal has been long finished as they slowly sip their wine. "And if you are too tired to travel all the way back or, uhm, don't find a place in time, the, uhm, guest room is available for you to use."

"I'd never let you drive me that far and I don't think I can stay in the guest room. If your parents or cousin pass by, I don't want to intrude in their place to stay. I just really have to give up the job at the market and find a new one I can do," Fiat downs the rest of the red liquid and sighs. He shakes his head, willing himself to change the mood. "Let's not talk about that stuff anymore. How was your work today? Did that lady come by again?"

Leo becomes more animated as he talks about the annoying woman who has been coming into the store for days just to complain about a product that stopped working. The workers and company have no liability for it as it is damaged from use, but the lady would not listen. It makes Fiat laugh and the two are full of smiles as Leo describes the different events that came from the woman and other interesting customers.

Over time, they end up taking the conversation to the couch as the dirty dishes soak in the sink. Fiat leans against Leo in a fit of laughter. Tears threaten to fall as he tries to catch his breath. "I-I- can't! Stop! I can't breathe! Oh my gosh!"

Leo pulls Fiat into his side comfortably and soothingly rubs his back until he calms down. Fiat wipes the corner of his eyes and smiles up at Leo. "I love your laugh. Have I told you that?"

"All the time," Fiat chuckles before cuddling into Leo and laying his head against his chest. He runs his fingers, gently against the material of Leo's shirt before glancing over at the clock and sighs. "I have to go soon. I still have to drive."

Leo's hold tightens, making Fiat pout while looking back at him. "Is it bad that I don't want you to leave, yet?"

Fiat makes a face and hits Leo's stomach lightly. He sits up, letting Leo's hand fall to his hip. "I'll see you next time. We both have work tomorrow, as well. We shouldn't stay up late."

"Stay the night?" Fiat's head turns so quickly that he gets dizzy and Leo holds his arm to ground him. "Well, I intended for it really just be a nice dinner, but now that your here, I don't want you to leave yet."

"I don't know, love," Fiat mumbles looking down at his hands. Fiat could not deny that he also wanted to stay longer. The couple barely had time for each other these days and it feels nice to finally spend more than a couple hours with each other. Leo gives a little whine and shakes Fiat's arm a bit, pleadingly. Fiat raises his eyes to find Leo pouting cutely at him. It makes him smile and look away. More times than not, it is usually Fiat pouting like that. Seeing Leo do it is shocking and makes it even more heart fluttering as it happens so rarely. "I guess I can take the couch-"

"Or the bed?" Leo questions before a thought passes and his eyes widen. "The guest room. The bed in the guest room. I mean, we slept at the cabin sharing a bunk. This shouldn't be anything new, right?"

"We were with other people then," Fiat rolls his eyes. "But, I guess it's not so different. I'll just leave extra early to get ready at home before going to work-"

"I can throw your clothes in the laundry right now! Where did you put your clothes?" Leo does not even let Fiat get a word in as he stands and searches. Fiat stands and follows the taller man around the place and tries to grab his abandoned bag on the floor, but Leo is a lot faster as he has the head start. "I want you to rest well. I'm not going to agree with you driving so early. I know we agreed to not make decisions for the other, but I will this time."

"Leo..." Fiat mumbles as he follows like a clingy cat and watches Leo toss the filthy clothes into the washer. Leo claps his hands after starting the wash and turns to Fiat with hands on hips. "I'll give in this time, since you've already done it, but I'm doing the dishes. Did you leave your car at your work? I can even drive you to work in the morning and go in an hour late. I'll just message my supervisor."

Leo grins and pulls Fiat in. "My car's downstairs. I planned my little visit today, so I didn't drive. Thank you for giving in tonight. I don't know why I want to be a little selfish."

Fiat wraps his arms around Leo's waist and blushes. "You can be a little selfish sometimes."

"Really?" The smirk on his face makes Fiat suddenly regret his choice of words, but he nods nonetheless and gasps at Leo's actions. His body freezes before relaxing and responding to Leo's kiss. His neck grows tired from the height difference and Leo must have realized it as he pulls away just to lift Fiat onto the washer Fiat's eyes go wide as his hands clench onto the other's shoulders. Leo slides between Fiat's legs and rubs his hands against his sides. "I can get use to this and seeing you in my clothes, you know."

"Shut it," Fiat shoves Leo's shoulder causing the latter to laugh and drop his head against his core. Fiat rolls his eyes, but could not fight the smile on his face as he threads his fingers through Leo's hair. Feeling slightly brave, he lifts Leo's head and leans down to press their lips against each other. Nothing more and the two feel each other smile against each other. Fiat feels heat rise up his neck from embarrassment and nervousness, so he pulls away and before Leo could see him, wraps his arms tightly around his neck and lays his head against Leo's shoulder. "Thank you, love. I don't think I will ever stop being grateful for you."

Without words, Leo tightens his hands around Fiat's waist and hugs him while rubbing his back soothingly. Minutes pass as they just enjoy being in each other's embrace. Leo takes a deep breath and pulls away to look at Fiat. "I can't wait until this month is over and we have more time together. As much as I love being on the phone for about twenty minutes before one of us knock out, I would rather do it all in person and have more meals with you. We can even do absolutely nothing and just exist next to each other and I'll be happy."

"You're such a sweet talker. This is what made me originally think you were just a flirt, but this is really who you are, isn't it?" Fiat frowns as he pushes Leo's fringe back.

"Well, I'm usually nice to everyone initially, but words like these are only for you, love. I only ever want to be like this with you," Leo nuzzles his face into Fiat's core, making the smaller laugh and giggle as fingers start to tickle his sides. When Leo finally stops, the two of them just smile at each other. "I hope to keep being the reason for your smile, Fiat. I also hope you always smile. It breaks my heart when I see you cry."

"I've definitely been smiling more," Fiat cups Leo's face and brushes his thumb against his cheek. "You may not be the only reason for them, but you're definitely a big reason for them."

"Will I ever be ranked higher than Ann?" Leo questions dejectedly.

"No. Will that be a problem?" Fiat smirks with a tilt of the head. Leo's reaction makes him throw his head back with laughter. "Ann's my best friend. She not only been an amazing friend since the beginning, but a great supporter all the way. I may not be able to choose my family, but I've chosen my lover and my best friend. Meeting her has lead me to you. We both owe her everything, love."

"You've got the biggest heart I know and it makes me love you more and more," Leo cups Fiat's blushing face to make sure he does not look away. "I love you."

"I love you too."

*******

ʕ•ᴥ•ʔฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

thoughts??

So? Surprise little date and sleep over for the lovely couple. Might skip to when the school session begins again next update and will probably move forward with the relationship while also bringing in their parents in upcoming chapters.

I don't want to drag the story too long as the premise is on them falling for each other during the 'wingman' process. I'm just adding a bit more so it's not the typical love story that ends with "happily ever afters" and fail to bring more to a relationship after they get together. It makes me feel incomplete after a show or a book pull me along with the characters and suddenly end it there. Do you know what I mean? Anyway, thank you to everyone who has been reading along, voting and commenting. It means a lot ❤︎

Until next time,

xxdctuan

——

OOOH!

Also, have you seen the new photos that were released for the new series? The one where they are sitting on the grass was like the parts in this story where they sit by the pond.

And the gazes that they exchange and the forehead kiss is absolutely perfect!

I know they play basketball in the series and I made them play badminton in the story, but I was originally going to make this a JaFirst story. But regardless, they look beautiful in the jerseys. Don't they?