17

"You can't go on blaming me for not reaching out anymore. This last month was you canceling on me and you didn't even tell me the progress you've had with P'Chan," Fiat looks at Ann pointedly while returning books to their rightful spot on the shelves. Ann guiltily looks back at him as she leans against the cart and pushes it behind him as he moves to the next section.

"I'm sorry, okay? It's new and I wanted to spend as much time as I could before classes start up again. He's in a different department and at a higher grade than us. Who knows when we would have as much time as we did during break," Ann reasons. Fiat can only sigh as he knows how she feels. This section of classes, the two of them have more classes together, but now he has less classes with Leo. They all share one class together and even Fern is in it. Schedules do not always match up and Fiat's time with Leo has grown slim. "Are you really planning on staying at the beat up apartment?"

Another sigh leaves Fiat's lips. Against everyone's opinions, Fiat chose a closer location in a less than adequate condition. It is cheaper than the other places he found closer to school, but it comes with the price of the living conditions. His reasons were, "It's just a place to sleep in and based on my previous habits, I really only ever sleep or study. I can always study here at the library, so I just need a bed to lay in and a roof over my head."

He is able to keep his market job and even take on a serving job on the weekends at the restaurant at the corner of his street. It's a win if you really look at it. "There's mold on those walls, Fiat. It's as big as the dorm rooms here on campus, but in worse conditions. Do you even have air conditioning?"

"The water is clean and the place is small, so a couple fans is enough to cool the place down. The mold is the size of a penny and isn't even the harmful kind, so if it really bothers me I can just have someone tend to it, but the place is livable," Fiat shrugs. Leo had to bite his tongue and will himself to not just grab all of his things and take it back to his place and away from there. Fiat can tell Leo was trying hard to not make decisions for him and to not force anything. In order to calm him, Fiat promises that if he really has a hard time, he will take up his offer to stay in the guest room until he is able to find a better place. It is the first place he can call his own and while most want their first's to be something to show off, he is trying to be practical for the sake of saving money for the next school year that requires interning and results in less time to work his part times.

"You're impossible, Fiat. Absolutely impossible," Ann mumbles as she quietly follows him around the library. They had a gap before their next class together and Ann decided to spend it with Fiat as she claims to never seeing him outside of their classes. When Fiat's shift finally ends, he helps hold her books and the two of them walk to their classroom. "Oh, before I forget. P'Chan said he wants to hang out after classes. Will you let him know about you and Leo?"

"Do you trust him?" Fiat raises a brow as he holds the door open for her. She purses her lips in thought before giving a decisive nod. "Then sure. If you trust him, then I should trust him too, but if he reacts badly-"

"Then it's over between him and me-"

"He makes you happy, Pip," Fiat sighs as they fall into their seats.

"He won't make happy if he does not accept you. You're my best friend, Fiat. I won't let some guy come between us. I'm not going to just turn my back on you like those useless excuse for human beings that you knew before. Love is love and it shouldn't matter if they go by a he, she, or they. I won't settle for someone who does not agree on that. Even if he's perfect in every other way," Ann clasps a hand over Fiat's and gives it a reassuring squeeze. He turns his hand over to hold hers and returns it. He does not know what he did to deserve Ann, but he is grateful to have her in his life. The duo go through class with a warm feeling inside before stopping outside at the end of it and sharing a parting hug as they split for their next class.

"I'll borrow him. Is that okay?" They turn to find Leo with his hands clasped behind him as he teeters on his feet. The couple have the next class together and even though Leo's class is far, he makes it a point to pick Fiat up from this class.

"I guess..." Ann sighs and Leo goes to her and plead with her. The sight makes Fiat feel extra warm as he chuckles. Knowing that Ann's words are practically law, Leo tries to cater to her as much as Fiat usually does. The idea in itself is hilarious, but heartwarming at the same time. "Alright! Alright, already. Gosh, you've got this man, whipped out of his wits, Garfield! Take him away before I get sick."

"I'll walk you to your class first?"

"Please, no. Just go to your next class with him. I don't think I can handle any more of that. Glad I skipped out on that," her look of distaste makes the couple laugh as Leo steps beside Fiat. Fiat gives her one last hug and lets her know he will message her at the end of his last class. She gives him a thumbs up and struts away with a single wave.

"Are you guys doing something after classes?" Leo asks as they start making their way to their own class.

"P'Chan wants the five of us to hang out after classes. Are you free?" Fiat questions while with a tilt of his head.

"Yeah. I don't have work or anything," Leo shakes his head and grabs Fiat's books and joins it with his that he is holding.

"Okay.." Fiat mumbles as he thinks about coming out to Chan.

"You okay? Do you not want to go?" Leo catches the sudden mood change. Fiat nibbles on his lip and hums as he thinks about how to address it. "We don't have to go if you don't want to. We can just hang out together at my place and not have to avoid getting caught."

"Actually," Fiat cuts in. The couple stop in their tracks as Fiat turns to look at Leo. People hardly turn their way now as the sight of the pair has normalized since the session before the break. Leo looks at him both confused and worried. "I want to come out to him. Not the entire world, but to him for now. Ann says he trusts him and I will believe her. So, what I'm saying is, we don't have to really hide. We can be a little more open, but you know, not have complete PDA since we would still be in public and-"

"Okay."

"Huh?" Fiat looks at Leo confused. Leo chuckles before glancing around and grasping Fiat's wrist and pulling him towards a pocket within the building that leads to the janitorial room. The two stand face to face in a slightly more private area. Leo releases his hold on Fiat and apologizes.

"I said okay, because I am really happy right now. I want to twirl you in my arms and it's taking a lot for me to not do that. Just doing that much is enough for me. I said we would go at your pace. However, if P'Chan has the slightest hint of distaste or disapproval I'm taking your hand and we are leaving. I don't care if Ann wants you to stay-"

"Ann said it would be over between them if that does happen. She said it is a deal breaker and a major one at that. She'd probably leave with us," Fiat laughs and Leo soon follows.

"I like Ann. She's amazing." Leo states as if Fiat did not already know that.

"That's why she will forever be my number one person and my best friend," Fiat boasts and Leo throws his head back, unable to retort or complain. The sight makes Fiat smile and he quickly goes on his toes to peck Leo's face before turning away. "Come on, we don't want to be late for class."

"Fiat!" Leo groans and Fiat can hear him quickly following to catch up. A slight bump to his shoulder when Leo does and Fiat gives him no mind as he smiles ahead. "You're going to kill me, love."

Although he said it quietly, Fiat's eye go wide as it darts around to see if anyone heard. After confirming that it was just him, he glares up at the taller man. "And you are surly out to get quick revenge."

The cheesing smile never leaves Leo's face and the two are oblivious to the disgusted stares coming from the group of students leering over the second floor of the building. The couple go through their class with flickering glances and secretive smiles on their faces. The class seemed to be shorter than they wished as they slowly gather their things before splitting ways. "I'll meet you outside of your class?"

"Parking lot," Fiat shakes his head, "I think we are all going to meet there and then figure out rides."

"Oh..okay," Leo looks down with a tiny frown as he puts the last of his things into his bag. Fiat smiles and pats the other's arm.

"Hey, don't forget the plan tonight. All will be fine," Fiat reminds Leo and it seems to brighten his mood. "I'll see you then. Study hard."

"Yes, sir!" Leo gives a little salute causing the shorter to laugh. They wave at each other before splitting ways at the door. Fiat was at a happy place, mentally whenever he is with his friends and boyfriend and is looking forward to better days. When the day finally ends, Fiat lingers in his class in order to send a message to Ann and fixes his things in his bag. Approaching the door he finds Leo's friends gathered. Snickers leave their sly mouths and he can hear them talk amongst themselves. Not wanting to pay them any mind, Fiat lowers his eyes and attempts to walk pass them without any troubles.

"I heard there are some places that have conversion centers that help people like that become normal."

"He belongs in jail. Surprised he didn't go to a juvenile detention for killing someone."

Fiat's hands ball up as his vision blurs. He dreads this last class because he shares it with them. While they leave him alone during class, the before and after usually ends up like this. With his head still down, he does not realize he is about to bump into people when hands stop him. His head shoots up and he finds Chan. His mouth moves like a fish when Chan gives him a pitiful smile. His hair gets ruffled before getting pulled behind the elder. "You guys talk a lot of smack for people with little intelligence. I bet you just heard this information from one set of people and never cared to do your own research. I really pity the new generations that solely depend on the internet and the first thing they see. You guys know that you have a lot of people adore you and that you have influence on people. Try using it for something helpful. The school's actually creating a week dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community to help bring awareness and hopefully normalize it. I'll make sure this instructor hands out flyers and talk about it all. I'm sure P'Kit will gladly talk about his community and fully inform you all about it."

Fiat is muted as he stares at the back of Chan's head in shock. The group mutter nonsense as they leave and Chan turns to him with a triumphant smile.

"Ann must be waiting for us. I know you're her best friend and you can get away with being late, but I can't even if I'm the boyfriend. So, for my sake we should hurry along," Chan suddenly looks afraid and small as he begs for them to hurry. Without waiting for Fiat to respond, he leads the way, leaving Fiat to trail behind.

Just before they reach the parking lot, Fiat calls out for him, "P'Chan?"

"Yeah?" He looks over his shoulder and stops when he notices Fiat has stopped as well. "You okay?"

"Thanks, P'Chan. You hardly know me, but you stood up for me against them. It isn't even your battle to fight," Fiat mumbles. The elder sighs and turns to face him. With a relieved smile he places hands onto Fiat's shoulders.

"Listen here, Fiat. First of all, your Ann's best friend in the entire world, so by affiliation, your business is my business. However, even if it wasn't that way and I saw that happen, I'd still do the same. Sorry if I seemed like I overstepped since in a way you are right, it's not my battle. I am not part of the community, but I can support it and still be an activist as long as I stay within my lines and respect the people I am around. Did I make you feel uncomfortable-"

"No! Absolutely not, P'Chan," Fiat rushes out before calming down and rubbing the back of his neck. "I was actually nervous of coming out to you. I'm not completely out, so I don't really parade it or act openly about it and it's for reasons that you witnessed earlier. I was going to today actually since you and Ann are going steady and Ann is able to firmly tell me that she trusts you. Now I can really see why she trusts you. Thank you. I hope you and Ann have a strong and bright future."

"I don't know your whole story, but I'm sorry you have to go through things like that. There shouldn't even be a need for coming out. It just supports the idea of there being a difference," P'Chan gives a reassuring smile and then sees his watch on his wrist and his smile suddenly disappears.

"I'll calm her, P'Chan. Lucky for you, I saved this box and carry it with me for times like these," Fiat pulls out the container filled with the goods. P'Chan sees it and laughs, knowing all too well on the special chocolate. He holds his hands together in thanks and Fiat tugs him along to finally meet with the others.

"Why are you guys arriving together? Doesn't matter. You guys better have a good reason for making us wait! I'm starving!" Ann blows up the moment she spots the two. Fiat and Chan exchange camaraderie glances before Fiat excitedly presents the container and Chan soothes her by the shoulders. "You guys better have a good reason. You'll have the chance to explain yourselves when in the car. P'Chan you'll drive. We always have Leo drive."

"Of course!" Chan agrees without missing a beat and follows Ann to his own car like a lost puppy. The three left behind burst into laughter and Fiat stretches his body, overjoyed that he is not at the receiving end of Ann's hangry fit.

"I don't know why I still go with you people," Fern rolls her eyes and starts walking after the couple. Fiat rushes beside her, with a single glance to Leo to follow and throws an arm around her shoulders. "Ew, get off, ugly."

"Don't be a such a downer, Ficus. We're all friends before any of us were together. That's not going to change anything," Fiat picks at her while reassuring that she should never feel left out. He groans with a jab to his side and chuckles as he sees the smile fight to form on her lips. "You'll find your person. What's a quality you want her to have? Want her younger? Older? Cute? Chic? Sexy-"

"How?" Fern stops and looks at him with wide eyes. He rolls hi eyes and shakes her body against him as he makes her keep walking. He glances back to find Leo giving a respectful distance and smirks down at her. "Since when?"

"Since you've always had a lingering look on Ann. You've got a big heart just like her. There's plenty of great people out there. Far better than her. Sure they won't have the best quality of being my best friend, but they'll be good. Just make sure I meet them before you get too serious," Fiat ruffles her hair and she grumbles in annoyance before wrapping an arm around his waist, gratefully. "Don't worry your little head. Someone is bound to be blind and ignorant to fall for you, Ficus."

"Fiat!" Fiat cackles as he books it and shoves Ann to the front seat as he slides into the back seat, letting the couple know he wanted to sit in the back with Leo.

"Will he fit?" Ann asks as she still remains standing outside the car. Fiat looks at the two spots beside him as he claims the center and shrugs.

"I'll manage," Leo comes in sliding behind the front passenger seat and pulls his knees close. The group finds the sight hilarious and Ann tries to pull her seat as forward as possible while still keeping a safe distance for herself.

"Will you really be okay?" Fiat mumbles as he slides his hand into Leo's. Leo's eyes widen as he stares ahead to Chan and shakily nods his head. Fiat chuckles and glances at the rear view to meet Chan's eyes and winks. Chan just clears his throat with an acknowledging nod and pulls out of the parking. Ann continues her interrogation and with a bit of vagueness here and there, the two explain why they were late and arriving together. "P'Chan passed by my last classroom when he saw I was walking completely out of it."

"Yeah, I actually know Fiat's instructor. I've had him one year and is working with me on one of the projects I'm trying to push for with the school council. I just handed over some paperwork when I Fiat nearly walked into me. He must have been exhausted from the class since he didn't really pay attention to his surroundings. We talked until he was fine, so that's why we were a little late and together," Chan finishes, following Fiat's lead. Another exchange of acknowledging eyes occur between them and Fiat gives Leo's hand a squeeze when he senses his concern.

"Surprised you're considered a 'reaction god' on court," Fern snorts and Fiat shoots her a glare. The two bicker and the car ride is noisy and fun while continuing through dinner with everyone joining in on the conversation.

"He's a keeper, right?" Ann clasps onto Fiat's forearm as the group takes a walk around the commercial center. Fiat glances back to find their partners still teasing Fern with her latest post. Fern is a novice fashion influencer as she tries to post a nice photo of her and her outfit every day while tagging brands in hope to get promotional items or sponsorships.

"Yeah, Pip. I hate to say this, but you've got great taste in men," Fiat chuckles and Ann joins along with him. Fiat explains to her that a big reason why they were late was that Fiat came out to Chan. He changed a few details on how it came to be, but explained how Chan reacted and how touched he is for the words Chan told him. "You make sure to hold onto him. You guys are going to be amazing together."

"As will you and Leo. I can tell he will stay by your side throughout it all," Ann hugs his arm and the best friends enjoy their happiness. "Now I just need to find a guy for Fern."

"Maybe not," Fiat mumbles. Ann looks at him with confusion and he just smiles. "Fern's a different case. While she is a great friend, I don't know if she has the same taste as we do."

"I honestly do not understand your friendship with Fern. One moment you're at each other's next and calling each other names and the next you're being thoughtful and calling her by her real name," Ann waves her hand in the air and Fiat just chuckles.

"Don't you worry, Pip. You'll always be my number one," Fiat sighs and looks up at the sky with closed eyes as he enjoys the warmth of the sun. The days might not be perfect, but it's the moments like these that make it all worth it.

*******

ʕ•ᴥ•ʔฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

thoughts??

P'Chan is unsurprisingly a good man with a good heart. Ann chooses well and has her own words of wisdom to share with Fiat. She's the best friend we all need. The five are becoming a strong formed group, so all we need is the sixth.

Are you shocked by Fern's preference, or did you always have an idea? Kind of always thought of Fern to have a thing for Ann since the department retreat and was planning to turn her into a bad person, but I kind of like how her character is after keeping her in the group of friends. The story would have been completely different as she would be involved with messing with Leo as the goal was still to get Ann closer to him at the time. I kept the preference and the crush on Ann, but I kept her civil and understanding.

—

I've actually had this draft sitting for a couple of days because I didn't want to post so close to a previous one and then have such a long gap before the next one, but I've received such cute comments that I just had to post. AAANNND I've already started the next one, so while it won't be as close to updating as close as this one, it should be up within a week's time as that seems to be the usual update intervals that I've been having.

Surprising enough I've made each of these at least 3000 words, can you believe it? Hopefully the moments where I try to drag a chapter longer isn't too bad and the ones I try to cut shorter flow nice enough.

Thank you again to all of my readers. Silent or active, it means a lot to me.

Until the next update~

xxdctuan

PSA!

The new series of JaFirst is called "Don't Say No: The Series". They just released the rest of the cast, so send some love! They all seem to be young and bright! They seem to have a little bit of experience, so let's wish them all the best and make sure they feel the love from the JaFirst nation! I always believe that the positive reactions before a big event brings out the best results. Always remember, there is a big difference between constructive criticism and hate comments. ❤︎❤︎