23

"Maybe we should take this a little more private? If we go back to your place maybe you can have this talk with your parents as well," Leo suggests. Everyone exchanges glances before agreeing. Nannon's father offers a ride and the three slide into the back seat as the roads that they walked breeze by. It did not take long before they pull up to the familiar home and the adults park the car out front.

Still feeling like it is not his home yet, Fiat knocks. They had been gone for over an hour, so they can only hope that his parents have woken up.

Feet patter is heard behind the door, before the latch unlocks and it opens to reveal Fiat's mother. Her look of shock is evident. "P'Rin, P'Lay.."

After a brief greeting, they heard inside to have Fiat's father have the same surprise on his face. With drinks prepared, the two sets of parents sit facing the nervous boy. Leo helps explain the purpose of gathering while Fiat gathers himself. Fiat looks around nervously as he plays with the hem of his shirt. After a while, he finally begins.

"As you know, Jay, Wan, Nannon and I have been friends all throughout high school. They were people I believed I could trust and would be in my life for a long time. I came out to them first, thinking that they would accept me. I felt so relieved when they continued to act like it was nothing. This was in junior year and eventually, I felt that Nannon was becoming closer to me as he took care of me more. I was happy," Fiat has a distant look in his eyes as he smiles at the memory. "Then summer came. Nannon often asked me to hang out and later told me he liked me. I was stunned and was not sure what to make of it. For the entire time that I knew him, I believed he was straight. That he only had eyes for females."

"Was he bisexual?" Nannon's father questions. Fiat observed his face only to find confusion and concern, a much different expression as his own father has when he said he is gay.

"If it is true, I would not be able to tell. He acted as if it is true and eventually I gave him a chance. We laughed together and hung out even more. The only reason I cannot say if it is true, is because Jay and Wan told me after it all, that it was a bet. The reason why Nannon payed extra attention to me and approached me was because of a bet. I want to believe there is a bit of honesty in Nannon's actions, but I can't confirm or deny anything," Fiat explains. "Nannon and I agreed to keep our relationship private, even from Jay and Wan. So, when the school year started, our last year, our time together is short as we are almost always with people. That is why when you went on your trip, Nannon invited me over to watch movies and hang out. I honestly did not think much of it. It was my first relationship. I was just happy to spend time with him. The furthest we've ever gone was holding hands, hugging and a couple pecks here and there."

Fiat glances over at Leo, only to see a sad smile on his face. Fiat knows that Leo's smile is for him. To let him know that he understands the pain and that he is there for him. Fiat lowers his eyes as his hands fist on his lap. "I was not expected Nannon's advances. We were just watching the movie when he turned to me and kissed me. It was innocent at first, but when it escalated, I was scared. I was not ready. I know him and the others are already comfortable with such actions, but I wasn't. I'm not. I tried to tell him to stop. I tried to tell him to slow down. I tried to pull away, to push him away. He was not listening to me. He kept forcing me to respond similarly to him, but I couldn't. He was stronger than me, but I was scared. I pushed with all my might and curled up to the corner of the couch."

Fiat slowly looked up at their eyes. They mirror each other with tears in their eyes. Different emotions run through them, anticipating the rest of the story while already knowing how it ends. "I was confused as to why he suddenly didn't continue pursuing me. I was relieved thinking he finally realized what he had done. However, when I looked back over, I saw it. I saw him. He had just fallen with his head to the corner of the glass table. Shattered pieces on the floor. I freaked out. I called Wan and Jay first before calling the ambulance. I was frozen as I stared at him laying on the floor. I'm sorry. It was an accident. I was scared. I was scared and I just wanted him to stop. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. It was an accident. I didn't mean to. I'm sorry."

The comforting smell of his lover encases him as his shaking body is held tightly. His sobs escape his lips and faint cries of the other people in the room fill the air. Nannon's mother cries, "Nannon, my sweet baby. Why?"

Fiat chants his guilty apology. So much pain is going through each of them. Time passes before shaky breaths and sniffles are the only things heard. Fiat finally raises his head again, eyes burning from the tears. The parents are silent as they are lost in their own thoughts, absorbing the new information. Fiat looks over seeing movement and finds Ann has taken upon herself to grab more water and tissues for everyone. Her nose is red, matching her bloodshot eyes. As childish as she can be, there is no denying that she can be a protector. A hand brushes against his cheek and he looks over to find Leo. Fiat ends up curling into his source of comfort and burying his face into his neck as his hands claps onto him.

"So is this your new lover?" Fiat is startled by the sudden voice and looks over to Nannon's father. Fiat sits straighter as he turns to him. He gives Leo a quick glance and nods. "I want to apologize for the trauma my son has caused you. I am glad that you found happiness. We should have taught our son better-"

"Nannon was an amazing person. While I don't know the truth behind what his past actions were driven by, I will still remember Nannon as a beautiful young man who was my best friend and my first love. You raised him just fine. I'm sorry he was taken away from us. I'm sorry that it has taken me this long to come out and say this. You all deserve to know what really happened. Nannon still deserves to be remembered as a great person. I will always remember him as a great person. My time away and meeting Ann and Leo has taught me to be a bigger and better person. They taught me to love myself and know my worth. To have fun, to love, and be loved. If there is a next life, I hope Nannon experiences this and more."

After a few closing remarks shared with Nannon's parents, they take their leave. Fiat walks them out and has to hold himself together as they hug him and reassure him that they do not have any ill feelings against him. He felt a moment of warmth before he returned back inside. His parents have been silent other than their quiet cries as they hold onto each other. Leo waves him over and guides him to sit closer to his parents. Ann and Leo stay with him as he waits for a reaction, something.

"Mae? Phor?" he calls out as the silence slowly kills him. A low breath is released from his fathers lips and he himself holds his as he waits.

"I've let you down, son. I'm so sorry, my boy. I should have listened to you all those years ago. These years of ill thoughts and feelings could have been avoided," Fiat's father rubs his face in distress. "Will you ever be able to forgive your old man?"

"Phor, I could never hold anything against you. I am just happy that you have accepted me again. This is the best birthday surprise I could ask for. Thank you. Thank you for being my parents," Fiat reaches out to hold their hands and they clasp around each other.

"Fiat has always spoken well of the two of you. Even when I came with him for your birthday and witnessed what I did, he could only talk about the great memories he shares with you," Leo adds.

"I apologize for I treated you before- Leo was it?" Fiat's father apologizes. Leo nods with a smile, easily accepting it. "Thank you, and you my dear, for taking care of my son while I couldn't. I can see that Fiat has become a better man than I remember and chose a fine pair of friends this time around."

"I'll fight whoever comes to challenge Garfield!" Ann holds up her dainty fists making the air lighter as laughter fills the room.

"You two have such interesting names for each other," Fiat's mother chuckles. Fiat and Ann exchange happy smiles. "Actually, Fiat. Since it is still your birthday, we should have cake. Your father and I had bought this when we bought the groceries, but couldn't find the time to bring it out. Leo, would you mind helping me bring it to the table?"

"Of course," Leo stands and follows Fiat's mother into the kitchen. Ann slides in the newly vacated spot beside Fiat and links her arm around his. Fiat smiles wide and pats her head soothingly.

"So you really like that boy?" Fiat turns to his father and nods. "And you are fine with that?"

"Of course! If it makes him happy, who am I to have a say. Fiat always makes sure I am safe and happy. He is like the big brother I always needed to protect me from unworthy men. He helped mend my broken heart, Khun Phor. A lot of people we are friends with find it normal and can only support them and be allies. There will always be people who stand by what is traditional. The only thing we who aren't necessarily a part of the community, is be an ally that helps them be heard. That helps them be seen and accepted. My boyfriend is even advocating for them. He wants to create an event and soon a program that helps build a safer community. He is high up in the school committee, so we are sure to see it come up soon. If you have time, I'm sure Fiat would love if you joined." Ann looks over at Fiat who quickly nods.

"I can come pick you both up and rent you a hotel nearby, so you don't have to worry about being too tired," Fiat suggests.

"I'll come with. I'll drive," Leo grins as he balances the cake in his hands and places it onto the table.

"Do you only have one room at your place?" Fiat's mother questions. Immediately, Fiat glances over at Leo and Ann before a stiff smile appears on his face as he looks back at his parents.

"My place is small. A hotel will help you guys rest better and you can enjoy the city. I can bring you to some really nice spots," Fiat says in attempt to avoid talking about his current place of living.

"We'll talk more about that when the time comes. It's been a while. Let's sing and you can make a wish, Fiat," his mother gestures for them to stand around the cake. Fiat's father lays a hand onto his shoulder and the two of them walk together. The family stands together with watery eyes.

"Stand close together! I'll take a picture," Ann holds up her phone. For the first time in years, the three wrap their arms around each other and smile at the camera. With their flushed cheeks and swollen eyes, the three held so much emotion as they look into the camera lens. Ann lowers her phone as she smiles at them. "It's perfect. I'll send it to Fiat. Shall we sing?"

"There's no need. I'm already old," Fiat mumbles.

"For old times sake," Fiat's father clasps a hand onto Fiat's shoulder. It makes him smile and nod, happy to hear that his dad wanted to really celebrate his birthday. His hand clasps with his mother's and smiles as he finally feels whole. This room is filled with people he would give anything for, to sacrifice for.

"Happy birthday, to you.." Fiat gathers his hands together as he shuts his eyes and leans over the cake.

I wish for everyone here to be happy, healthy and safe.

He opens his eyes and blows out the candle as the group around him claps and congratulates him for growing up amazingly this year and wishes him blessings for the next. Realizing that they should have dinner before diving into the cake, Leo takes the initiative to order for delivery. Everyone gathers in the common room and while eggshells were still on the floor, they try to talk comfortably. Ann helps lead the conversation by embarrassing Fiat and encouraging old stories that even he had forgotten. Fiat is actually surprised to know that his parents were well aware of his times of sneaking out.

"Fiat has always been a great planner and has great spacial skills. He always thinks out of the box," Fiat's mother recalls. "I remember walking into his room and find- what did you call it then?"

"A fort, dear," Fiat's father says.

"Ah right," she nods with a bright smile. "A fort. He made it with his dressers, sheets and bed. I had gotten so mad at him for making a mess, but then he popped out from underneath and had the cutest smile on his face. I then crawled inside with him and he had the wildest imagination as he told his stories."

"Read a bit of architectural books," Ann rolls her eyes. She leans forward to his parents, as if to tell them a secret. "Fiat made the best structure during our department retreat. He had the entire thing planned out. The layout, the process and the technique. People would think he has created building models all his life."

"Pip, don't exaggerate. It was a good structure, sure, but nothing as good as that," Fiat waves his hands to emphasize his disagreement.

"Department retreat. Was it something your department put together? Mandatory?" Fiat's mother asks.

"Uh, department student association put it together, but it wasn't mandatory. You sign up and agree to go if you want," Leo explains. "Since it is not directly lead by the faculty, they do fundraisers and ask for donations from those joining to help with the budget. We were lucky to go to this really nice place."

"I took some photos," Fiat says and hands over his phone to share them with his parents. Ann scoots closer to them to also take a look while Leo stays beside Fiat, having lived through the pictures. Fiat smiles at him, recalling the interesting interaction and the start of their long conversations.

"Why did it take you guys almost five more months before you got together? You obviously had the chemistry since before," Ann glares at them and they exchange confused glances. Fiat's father hands the phone back and immediately, the two become embarrassed. Fiat stashes his phone so fast that it makes the others laugh. "Did you just humor me, Fiat?"

"Well, yes- But not in the way you are thinking!" Fiat realizes how his words can be taken, so he tries to explain himself. "I mean you were head over heels for him. I didn't know what kind of person Leo was at the time so I just went along with your plan to get to know him for you."

"Plan?" Fiat's mother asks and the three kids are frozen. Fiat had forgotten the purposely omitted information from earlier. "Did you really just take her crush? How are you still friends? Isn't there a code for something like that? Fiat, I understand you like guys, but you don't just steal someone else's."

"Khun Mae, I encouraged it. It was obvious from the start that Leo was never really interested in me," Ann explains while Fiat cowers back into Leo. "Fiat is a respectable man and friend."

"He really is. Fiat only talked good things about Ann to me. It was just unfortunate at the time that I had my eyes on someone else," Leo adds and looks at Fiat with adoring eyes.

"So what is the real story?" Fiat's father gruffly asks. Fiat bites his lip and Leo takes his hand. "I'm trying to understand how this whole set up works."

There is more to his father's words and it makes him feel so full. His parents are trying. "Well, Phor, Mae, Ann wanted me to be a wingman for her and Leo. That's why I went to the department retreat. That's why I let myself become closer to Leo, to someone other than Ann, who forced her way into my life. I approached the situation with the intention of using the small connection we had of badminton to help the two get closer, but it went wrong I guess."

"As much as Fiat tried to lead me to Ann, I had always been drawn to Fiat since orientation the year before. I didn't realize how approachable Fiat was as you only really see him in class or in the library working." Fiat looks over at Leo, surprised by his addition to the story. Leo gives his hand a squeeze and smiles. "Being Ann's wingman had gone wrong from the start. I caught on- what they were doing, what Fiat was doing. I played along for a bit, but as Fiat opened up more I began to fall for him more and more. It wasn't that Ann isn't an amazing young woman, but I think we can both agree that there was nothing special when it's just the two of us."

"Agreed. That's when I paid more attention beyond my infatuation with Leo and realized that they were both holding back. There was that exact thing going on between them," Ann smiles at the couple across from her. "I rightfully stepped back and only hoped for them to work it out for themselves, but something happened and it took a while. Why was that anyway?"

"Mister Wingman over here respected the code, Khun Mae. Fiat must have felt what was going on between the two of us and pushed me away. As in he wanted it to be as it was before the retreat. I hated the idea, but he seemed determined. I also knew the reason why. I overheard him talk with Ann one night at the retreat. It was a vague telling of his passed and when I witnessed something a month or so later, he pulled away. I didn't want to hurt him or scare him, so I didn't force myself even when I knew he had some good feeling towards me," Leo says carefully.

"You heard us?" Fiat looks at him surprised. All this time Leo knew. That's why he was so calm then.

"What happened?" Fiat's mother asks. Fiat feels the blood drain from his body as he is suddenly transported back to that time. Leo must have noticed as he moves closer and puts a comforting arm around him.

"His old friends saw him one day and approached him," Leo answers. Fiat can feel his eyes boring into the side of his face.

"Wan and Jay? I did here their entire family moved to the city," Fiat's father recalls, rubbing his chin. He seemed unaffected by their names.

"It seems as so, Khun Phor," Leo grits out and Fiat feels his grip tighten, making him look up at him. "Those people cornered your son though. I wouldn't worry to much about it. They are terrible people. I think is the only real stain in Fiat's life."

"Hey," Fiat puts a hand onto Leo's arm and shakes his head.

"No, Fiat. If you come clean you explain to them how much those terrible people who you trusted to be your friend ridiculed you. How they beat you down with the rest of the people around you at the time. They still taunt you to this day and I'm sorry that even I associated with such people. I don't know how my friends got to know them. I'm sorry they are added people to be avoided. I'm sorry you have class with them, but don't take this in by yourself. Let me pick you up from class and we can face them on together, love. We're in a relationship. We do things together, okay?" Fiat can only mutter his question on how Leo knew. "P'Chan told me a day after he saw what he did. I was just waiting for you to tell me. I'm sorry."

"No, I'm sorry for hiding," Fiat lowers his head.

"How come I never knew about this?" Ann mumbles. "I knew Leo's friends had said a couple mean words that one time during lunch, but I didn't know about those two friends finding you or whatever P'Chan saw. P'Chan is my boyfriend. Why did he keep it from me? Why did you keep it from me, Fiat? I thought we tell each other everything."

"I didn't want anyone to worry beyond the necessary. They weren't physically hurting me like they did in the past," Fiat tentatively glances over at his parents. They were unaware of the school bullying he received then. The additional abandonment that he had felt at the time. "It was the day I was going to come out to P'Chan. Don't hold it against him. He must have not wanted you to worry too much. We all know how extra you can be, Pip- Hey!"

Ann throws a- well, throw pillow at him and he chuckles as he catches it. Fiat is glad to lighten the air a bit, but his smile falters as he sees the bothered expressions on his parents' faces.

"Their words can hurt a little and the fact that I considered them a friend, hurt me also, but to look at it positively, it made me who I am. I learned that through Ann and Leo. Even P'Chan and Fern," Fiat chuckles as he mentions those who are not here. Leo has his arm around Fiat's waist and gives it a small squeeze. "They've taught me to love myself and accept myself. There's still a bit of instances where I am afraid, but they take my hand and help me lift my head. I'd like to think that I've grown a lot since knowing them. The only other opinions I would be concerned of are both of yours. I know a lot happened today and I don't expect for everything to be immediate, but I'll wait. I'll wait, just as I have been for you to easily welcome me into your arms and ac-accept me..."

His parents wrap their arms around him, stunning him. His body is frozen between theirs. He can feel their hands at his back rubbing it, comfortingly, making him break down. His own hands clutch onto the clothes on their backs and sobs into their shoulders. He wails like a young boy in his parents' arms.

Fiat is whole again. Within the past year, he learns to accept himself, go out into the world again and actually converse with people in his class, to love and be loved. He laughs as he recalls how it all started. How he was bombarded by this bubbly and outgoing girl and was forced to be her wingman, but this isn't her story and how he did his job to help her find her love. This is a story called Wingman Gone Wrong and it is his story of how he learned to love.

*******

ʕ•ᴥ•ʔฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

thoughts??

It is that time where we have reached the story's end. As we have closure with the parents of Nannon and Fiat's own parents, there is nothing more to continue on.

Fiat who was introduced as someone nonchalant and focused on the work at hand was later revealed to have a painful past. As we continue the story, Fiat slowly learns to open up and let go as he meets incredible people in his life. Fiat no longer works robotically that has a few moments of broken character as he hangs around Ann. Fiat notices the people around him and resolves misunderstandings. and it is all thanks to four specific people.

Ann, his number one person and best friend, has given him a ladder to help allow Fiat the option to come out of the whole he so desperately tried to hide in.

Fern, someone who Fiat has always butt heads is now someone he has an unspoken understanding with and can be around without many words.

P'Chan, a new addition and an older figure that helped block the burning fire and shoveled a road for Fiat to walk along confidently.

Leo, the man who taught Fiat to love. To love himself and open his heart again. To realize that he is not alone. To take the hands of those around him and strive for what he wants. A home that Fiat can always go to for safety and comfort.

——

Thank you to everyone who has joined me on this journey. Thank you for loving and appreciating my version of Leo and Fiat. Thank you to those who have so kindly voted and/or left messages that encouraged me to keep going. Thank you to the silent readers, your read alone encourages me that I am doing something right with this story.

Now... for other news, a new book will be uploaded! I will have the authors note and the prologue up by the time you finish reading this.

I had people vote on a storyline a few chapters back and decided to go with Idea #2!

It will be a completely different tone in comparison to this one, so be warned! It will definitely be a new genre than I am not use to, but I hope to do you justice!

——

ON OTHER - OTHER NEWS!

Everyone! There will be a LeoFiat Special episode. To be aired on July 4th at 1:00PM (Thailand time). Can you believe it!? It will be on LineTV so don't forget to be a 'fan' on the show category to stay updated!

Much love to all of you out there~

May you be well and happy

xxdctuan