10

DOUBLE UPDATE!

Make sure you read the last chapter (on LeoFiat tournament doubles and singles)

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This chapter warning: mention of death, abandonment, and bullying

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As promised, the entire week Leo waits outside of their class with breakfast. At first Leo teases him with a full on meal before easing up with a breakfast sandwich, paired with a different danish each time. The big accomplishment by the two of them has already roamed around the school as it was the first time to win in three categories: male singles, male doubles and coed doubles. What also adds to the school to know about it, is Leo. Everyone knows or knows of him. He is just that kind of person and Fiat is tagged along for locking in the finals for them.

"Hey, Fiat. Is the secondary reference for the finance class available? I think I need the extra help for the course. I'm not getting the unit we are on," Leo walks up to the desk at the library. Fiat looks up from the checklist in front of him and turns to the computer to check the logs.

"It's there. I can go get it for you. If you need help though, I can lend you my notes right now while I work," Fiat pulls out a notebook and holds it out for Leo to take. "If you want to study together before the exam we can meet up."

"That'd be great. Can we start tomorrow after our classes?" Leo asks holding the notebook in his hands. Fiat stands while taking note of the book's location and nods in agreement to the study time. "You're the best, Fiat. I didn't realize how much I didn't understand until the last couple of quizzes. Did you do well?"

"Mm," Fiat nods, affirming his comfort in the class without sharing the fact that he never got lower than an A. Leo follows Fiat all the way down the library aisles and towards the economics section. "The secondary reference can be helpful, but it's for the entirety of the class. If you need help just with this unit there's some others you can take a glance at. Is it the balance sheet as a whole or is it the receivables and the payables?"

"The what and the what?" Leo asks. Fiat turns away from the shelves to find the bigger man looking at him like a helpless teddy bear. Fiat takes a deep breath and nods realizing where he needs help on. Figuring that Leo is going to stay to study, Fiat not only pulls out the requested book, but some of the other books he found to help him when he reviewed the section a couple weeks back when they started the unit. Fiat proceeds to walk him all the way to the back table and Leo takes his spot while Fiat opens a few of the books to sections that would cover what Leo needs to review.

"Skim through the section in the recommended reference book and if you still don't get it, these have a bit more information on the topic," Fiat sets out the books in order of detail and then scans them in thought. "Mm, these should help the most. If you still need help while you're here, write down questions or concepts you want to go over tomorrow. I don't work here so we can meet here or anywhere else as soon as our last class is over."

"You're amazing, Fiat. Have I told you this?" Leo compliments and Fiat rolls his eyes and says that Leo has indeed told him how amazing he is. The two chuckle before Fiat leaves Leo to his studies and returns to the front. The library is uneventful as usual and Fiat checks the time to find that it is time for him to clock out. He lets the head librarian know and gathers his things. Knowing he did not see Leo leave, Fiat walks to the back table. Fiat chuckles seeing Leo asleep with notes and books sprawled around him. He glances over the written notes and nods his head approvingly. In quiet movements, Fiat works to gather the books and notes before shaking the sleeping form. "Hmph?"

"Class time," he simply informs. Leo barely has his eyes open as he sits up and looks around to find his area cleaned. Leo mumbles a thanks and stands as he hurls his bag over his shoulder. He grabs the books and tells Fiat that he will check it out to study at home. "I already have them checked out in your name. Just return them by the day after the exam. I doubt you'll need it for the entire two weeks, but just in case."

"How do you do it, Fiat? I only ever hear you talk about school and work. When do you have time for yourself other than the club, which also takes up quite a bit of time from our personal times," Leo questions as they walk to their class.

"Badminton is my 'me time' and if I want something more relaxing, on my days off I read or watch a movie. On the rare occasions, Ann drags me to the mall when she needs a guy's opinion," Fiat shrugs. He has accustomed himself to a life that did not require much socializing outside of what is necessary. Fiat spares Leo a glance to find him being judged as most people would when they hear his daily life. "No need to look at me like that. There's nothing wrong with wanting to wind down with things you can do on your own. Going to parties and such are just not appealing to me. Especially when I hardly know anyone."

"Well, you know me, Ann and some of the others from the department retreat now. There's a party after this session of exams. You should come and just experience it while you can. At least you can say you tried," Leo suggests. A look of distaste reaches Fiat's face, followed by a shake of the head. "Oh, come on. I'll stick with you the entire time. So will Ann. It can't be that bad if your with us, right? It's just a small kickback. Nothing crazy."

"Not my kind of scene, Leo. I'll think about it, but no promises," Fiat gives an unsure shrug. While not an affirmation, Fiat's response puts a smile on Leo's face. The conversation switches briefly to the class they are about to walk into and they join the hum of murmurs in the classroom before the instructor walks in. "Hey, I forgot to say. I can't make it to the club meeting today. I already let coach know, but remind him for me."

"What? What do you have to do? You just said you don't do much outside of that," Leo questions as they pack up from their class.

"I forgot, alright? I have to drive to my parents. It's my dad's birthday. They usually plan a dinner," Fiat sighs, dreading the probably useless drive. Every year and every special day, Fiat drives to his parents. Every time has gone without success as he arrives and is left to loiter outside or in his car. "Don't miss me and don't get a big head for being the best player while I'm gone."

"To be deemed as the second best player is already enough for my head to grow," Leo chuckles. Fiat checks his watch. They did not have the next class together, so this would be the last that they see each other until the morning. "Drive safe. I'll see you in the morning?"

"Yeah, of course," Fiat nods and the two split ways. On the road, Fiat taps his wheel as he prepares himself for the evening. He glances over to the seat beside him and finds the wrapped box, ready to be presented and handed over. "Por, happy birthday! Hi, Por. Happy birthday! Happy birthday, Por."

Fiat recites different versions to greet his parents all throughout the drive. He sighs and rubs his hands against his jeans as he feels them clam up during a break in traffic. It is two years now since Fiat has felt like he is intruding on his parent's affairs. When he pulls up to the familiar street, he has half a mind to keep going straight instead of stopping in front of the green gated house. Fiat cuts the engine as he parks in the lot and sighs. He checks his hair in the mirror and grabs the box as he steps out. He he takes a deep breath and slowly exhales as he walks towards the front door. Knocking on the door, he teeters on his feet and smiles as the door swings open. "Mae!"

"You don't need to come here for birthdays and holidays," she speaks sharply and Fiat bites his lip awkwardly. He raises his gift and says he does not mind making the drive. He questions where his father is. His mother looks behind the door before turning back to him. "He's busy."

All the while, Fiat is still standing outside while his mother blocks the entryway and never asks for him to enter the house he lived in for seventeen years. She asks for him to leave and shuts the door at his face. The wooden door fills his vision before he takes a step away and heads for his car. He cradles the present in his hands as he leans against the sedan. Fiat kicks the floor with his toes and sighs. He should be use to this as it has been a few years already, but it hurts every time. Knowing they are going to exit the house at any moment for their dinner, Fiat waits. He straightens himself the moment he sees the door open. They hardly spare him a glance as they lock up. Fiat tightens his hands around the box and walks over to his father. "Por, I came. Happy Birthday!"

"Why do you come here? You seem to have a lot of free time on your hands. Do you even go to school?" His words are like knives to his chest. Fiat tries to hand the gift over only to have it shoved back at him. Fiat tries to force it into his father's hand only to have it thrown at his face. The skin at his cheek stings. "I told you I didn't want it. I guess your doing well on your own to waste money like this. You would not have gotten hurt if you just listen! You always go against us. Why can't you be a normal child and listen when we tell you to not show yourself to us?"

"What is normal, Por? Isn't it normal for a parent to love and accept their child? To forgive their mistakes if they make any? To be there to support and be proud of their child's accomplishments?" Fiat's voice wavers with each word. His father points out that there is nothing that Fiat can do that will make him proud. "I won first place in two categories for our badminton tournament! Men's doubles and singles-"

"Men's. Are you a man, Fiat? Can you call yourself a man? Just take your stuff and leave. Be gone by the time we return or I will report you for loitering and trespassing," Fiat's father speaks harshly. Fiat watches his parents enter their car and drive out of the lot. He collapses to the floor the moment they are gone and he cradled his face in his hands. A hiss escapes his lips as he touches the scratch on his face and groans as he drops his head between his shoulders and lets it hang in defeat.

Fiat pushes back the tears and hits his tightening chest. Closing his eyes for a moment, he stands with determination. He leaves the box at the door and enters his car. For a moment he deliberates on whether or not he stays, but fears that his parents will really act on their words. The engine roars and he regretfully pulls out. His hands grip the wheel as he raises the volume of the radio. He cannot let his mind have the space to think on its own. It is dangerous.

The next morning, Fiat drags himself to campus. His morning at the market is cut short as his dark mood worried the grandmothers and aunties. His sullen expression confuses the pair that is waiting outside the building. He plops onto the bench without a word and he only raises his eyes when a hand cups his face to raise and turn it side to side. "Fiat! What happened?"

The few scratches on his face are covered with a small plaster, but a light bruise still peaked around his cheekbone. Fiat sighs at Ann's overly dramatic reaction. He pushes her hand away and turns the injured side away from the watching eyes. "Silly accident. I am just a klutz and hurt myself a bit. No need to get so excited, Pip."

Ann seems to buy it and hits his shoulder while complaining that he should take better care of himself. Fiat forces a smile and nods. He stares at the muffin in his hands. What is normally devoured in minutes, stays untouched along with his cup of coffee. He tries to participate in the conversation, but finds himself distracted as he zones in and out. It annoys Ann when she is asking him a question, but she moves on to continue her conversation with Leo. Eventually, she leaves for her class and Fiat is left with Leo. "Spill. We won't go to class until I hear what really happened. You said you were going to visit your parents for your dad's birthday. What kind of crazy celebration did you guys have to give you a cut and bruise?"

"My parents are kind of over the top. Happened so fast that no one could prevent it," Fiat answers while tossing the full cup of coffee and complete muffin into the trash. The loud thump of the objects makes him sigh. "There's not much else to share. No need to be dramatic as well. Let's go to class."

Fiat moves to walk towards their class only to be stopped by Leo. He shuts he eyes and takes a slow breath before turning and flashing a smile as he questions why. "I won't force you to talk, but don't think you're alone and do not have anyone to talk to."

"Maybe next time," Fiat lowers his eyes, unable to meet Leo's. He twists his arm out of his hold and gives a crooked smile. "You still need me to help you later for finance?"

"Yeah, that would be great," Leo answers with a sigh. Fiat nods and turns back to continue to walk, ignoring the boring stare at his back. He is and he does not know when he will be ready to open up more than what he has shared with Ann. All she knows, and well, Leo as well since he over heard, is that Fiat has experienced people turning on him when he needed them most. That people had looked at him with disgust and judgement when rumors started circulating. They know the general events, but who and the exact reason why is still kept in the dark.

Throughout the day, Fiat hangs around Leo on edge. The constant hesitant glances that Leo is giving him lets him know that he will be asked about it again soon. When they meet again at the end of the day, they head to a cafe outside campus to study. It was easier for them to talk in comparison to the library and can keep themselves caffeinated with the convenient access. Fiat was going over a few concepts when his ears suddenly pick up a familiar voice. "Ugh, it really is him. I thought he locked himself somewhere."

"Wasn't he kicked out of the house? Thought he would have became homeless. Maybe he sold himself for support or something. That guy looks pretty affluent."

Fiat grips his seat as he blinks quickly in attempt to ignore the voices of the people at the other table. Fiat is starting to feel overwhelmed and he stumbles over his words while he tries to continue explaining. He feels as if the voices are getting louder and he apologizes as he stands to excuse himself to the restroom. He locks himself into a stall and leans his head against the door while he hugs himself. A shaky exhale releases as he tries to relax himself. A knock at the stall door makes him gasp and he feels his body freeze.

"Hiding there? Thought your kind hides in a closet, Fiat." Fiat's body rubs cold as he hears a familiar voice and chuckles fill the bathroom. "Fiat? You remember us? Come on out. We use to do everything together. We were best friends, remember? All three of us?"

"Wan, don't remind me. That was all before we found out the truth. Man, we use to change in front of him."

"Watch what you say, Jay. We might end up like Nannon." Fiat's eyes widen at the name and his entire form shakes. "Not only does he take it in the back, but he forces himself on someone and then pushes them into ongoing traffi-"

"I didn't do it!" Fiat swings the door open as tears run down his face with his eyes shut. When he finally opens his eyes he finds that it is not only three people in the restroom. His eyes catch Leo's and he feels himself exposed. Leo stares back at him and he it is as if he is back in the past. Fiat roughly, wipes his face from the tears and shoves his way past them all. He ignores the stares of the people in the cafe and carelessly gathers his things. He can faintly make out his name being called, but he rushes out. Fiat is unable to stay in a public space. He falls into the seat of his car and lays his forehead against the wheel. His tears openly fall as sobs rip out from his throat. Memories fill his mind and the emotions from the night before grow with the events just now.

"Shhh." Fiat did not even notice someone enter his car as he gets pulled into a warm embrace. His hand searches for purchase and he grips onto the soft fabric. His sobs grow louder into the confinement of the car, overpowering the soft comforting words coming from the one holding him. The person who seems to always see him in his most vulnerable state. The person who heard more than he wanted to reveal, yet still followed after him and is hugging him right now. The person giving him the sliver of strength to hold on just a little bit more. Leo. Leo is that person.

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ʕ•ᴥ•ʔฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

thoughts??

Big 180...

We just learned a bit more about Fiat's past. The reason for his sudden panic attacks. The reason why he never really shares more than he needs to. The reason he is alone and earning for his education and living.

I apologize if this may be triggering to any reader. The death may or may not be addressed again with more details in future updates, but for now, this is all I will write for this death in the next few chapters.

Do you think Leo heard everything? How do you think he will act with Fiat after this? Will Leo be able to help Fiat resolve the issues from the past that is greeting them in the present?