3

Fiat goes towards a hiking trail he heard about earlier from some of the people in his cabin. There are a few others who walked it with friends ahead and Fiat grimly smiles at the sight as they constantly stop to take photos. While he too enjoys taking photos for memories, taking one after a few steps is a bit much. As he catches up to them, he quietly excuses himself and tries to pass them, but they stop him and ask to have their photo taken. A stiff smile and a nod was all he could give as he is handed a camera. The group of friends pose and Fiat holds the camera up to peek into the viewfinder. He ends up taking a few while they switch up poses. During one of the photos, he spots someone in the back. He was about to ask them to move when he notices who. He lifts his head with furrowed brows to find them looking right back at him. "Leo, mind moving a bit?"

Leo nods his head and moves as if pulled out of a trans and ends up walking right up to Fiat. Fiat tries to ignore him and finishes taking photos for his fellow schoolmates as Leo lingers around him. He hands back the camera with a thin smile before walking away. Ja, someone he forgot was beside him, falls into step with him and hums. Fiat mentally questions why he waited and did not go ahead. Fiat had intended to walk the path alone in order to clear his head. It had been a while since he last had just stepped out into nature and away from his books or work.

"Uh, not trying to be rude, but did you wait until I finished taking photos?" Fiat finally asks to relieve himself from the awkward feeling. Leo gives an affirmative nod as he sticks his hands into his front pockets. It makes Fiat tilt his head as he looks to the other side. He expects a bit more of an explanation following his answer, but receives none. The awkward feeling grew rather than dissipating and Fiat decids to continue walking as if he was alone. He takes a deep breath to enjoy the fresh air and glances around to find flitting birds, in search for food or twigs for their home. As they reach the top of the path in silence, the view puts them in awe. It would probably look even better when the sun rises, Fiat thinks and he makes it a plan to get up tomorrow just to see it and prove his point. Wanting to record this moment, Fiat starts to take photos, unaware of his own photo being taken. A lingering smile is on his face as he tries to capture the sight before him. An open spot on the grass called for him and he finds himself plopping down and stretching his legs as he leans back against his hands. The weather seemed perfect. The sun was warm against the skin rather than the prickling heat and the wind cooled the air as it brushed against the cheeks. It was almost too perfect and Fiat wishes he had someone to share it with.

"So, did you actually want to take something as tedious as economics? You seem to be quite the architect or structural engineer type." Leo's sudden question followed by him sitting beside Fiat startles him, but he welcomes the unexpected curiosity. While he is a bit confused himself as to why the classmate of his had suddenly shown interest in him, he too could not deny that they have quite the chemistry to get along. The bus ride over is enough to show how they are able to last hours beside each other even if a majority of it was spent asleep.

"I actually thought about doing architecture, but I stuck with economics because studying fees didn't require so much money for supplies." Fiat shrugs. He does not mind the change of path he took as he approached applying for university. People tend to hear the reason of choosing his major and pity him. Fiat prepares himself to hear the usual questions about scholarships and support from his parents, but is surprised by where Leo took the conversation.

"It's a reasonable trade. You know, it's a major that allows for flexibility for your future and when you get the chance in the future, I think you would become a great architect," Leo boosts Fiat's ego and morale without even knowing it. Fiat could not help the tug at the corner of his lips as he hears Leo speak. This side of him was never expressed through Ann's rants about him and Fiat wonders if she realized that there was more to Leo than his good looks and handsome smile. "I for one am glad you took economics. I wouldn't have been able to meet you otherwise."

"Don't be a sap now. We're in the same club. We would have met regardless of what our majors were," Fiat chuckles. Feeling as though he spent enough time in nature, he stands and brushes off the dirt from his clothes. Leo follows his lead and the pair head back with a sudden competitive spirit as they talk about having a rally in the morning before any of the activities start. "You are yet to beat me, Leo. Just try! Don't think being outside will make a difference in my swing. You got nothing on my flicks."

"Alright, all mighty, Fiat. Careful, you might not be able to carry yourself with how big your head is getting," Leo scoffs as he bumps his shoulder with the smaller body. The comfortable atmosphere and playful minds result in them shoving each other back and forth and chasing each other as they make their way down. Their boisterous laughter garners the attention of the people around. The joyous and foolish behaviors causes curious smiles onto the faces of their audience. It takes a while before they notice the attention they are receiving, but for some reason they did not care.

"Fiat!" Just finishing a comment about a terrible play that Leo had done during a previous practice, Fiat whips his head to find Ann approaching them with her friend in tow. Her eyes are trained on one person in particular and he prepares himself. "Can I speak with you, for a bit? Is it okay if I borrow him, Leo?"

An amused expression fills Leo's face as he nods and Ann was quick to drag Fiat away with a firm grip on his arm. When they reach a spot far enough for Ann's liking, she faces him with wide crazy eyes. "Okay, I know I asked you to help me out, but are you actually getting close to Leo? This is amazing! This is absolutely perfect, Fiat! I knew I could trust you. He's amazing right? Do you approve? You can help me right? Oh my gosh, you guys looked like good friends! If I didn't know you I would have thought you guys are best friends! This is why you need to go out more and let yourself be more approachable, Fiat."

"Only for you, pipsqueak. Leo seems like a great guy, but I can only do so much. You ready for the chance that he doesn't like you, right? I'm not cupid." Fiat crosses his arms over his chest as he looks at his friend. She starts to ask about Leo as if she did not already know his likes and dislikes. "He's just like any other guy, Ann. I don't know what you want me to say. He's definitely more than just a pretty face, that's for sure. I think he's got a great character based on just the time I've spent with him today. He seemed to like those biscuits you bought a bit more than the rest. It's really easy to have a conversation with him, so you would not be bored when you spend time with him. Man, you're really making me out to be a rat here."

"You're doing great, Remy. Now just pull at his hair and get him to fall for me," Ann jokes with a reference to an animated film. Fiat grits his teeth and messes with her hair and the two have at it. When they return to the two they left, they are glaring at each other while having their arm around the other in a friendly manner.

"You know, I never saw you as a playful type, Fiat. Ann, you gotta teach me your ways to get him out of his shell. He'd be even more popular if he would just loosen up a bit," Leo smiles at Ann and she beams. She throws off Fiat's arm and excitedly lists all of his quirks. Fiat reclaims his friend and tries to silence her.

"Why talk about me when we can talk about, Ann. She loves to talk and loves to think she is always right," Fiat groans as he gets elbowed in the ribs before regaining his composure to continue. "But she is also a great friend who you can put your complete trust in. She doesn't take peoples nonsense and it just makes you trust that she is being honest with you. Anyone who ends up being her lover is lucky."

"At least you know that," Fern scoffs and the two glare at each other. Ann raises her hands to block them from each other's sights and complains that it will be her forever mission to finally get the two of them to get along.

"And you've never considered to go beyond friendship?" Leo asks the two friends and they laugh and shake their head with firm words of distaste for the suggestion. "You guys say such great things about each other. You would think you would want to."

"We know the good and the bad things. Why would anyone have to publicize the other's flaws? It's nothing to hide, but what is the purpose for any of that?" Fiat reasons and Ann nods her head proudly. Leo raises a brow at them with purses lips and nods his head with them. "Anyway, I think I'm gonna lay on my bed a bit and read."

"What kind of books do you read? I also enjoy reading, but I never thought of brining books to the trip," Leo says and somehow they end up walking back to their cabin together. They debate over the what would be a big break for them to drop a story whether it be in literature or film. Leo loved to get lost into the lives of the character while Fiat was in it for the entire plot. What they both agreed was that a good message really seals the deal to a good one. "I honestly think that a badly written character that has no development is a lot worse than a story with a bad ending. I would not even make it to the end if the main character has no shift."

"Okay, but hear me out. An amazing character with every kind of development you need, but is stuck in a world that just makes no sense or gets killed off right at the good part?" Fiat reasons as they step into their cabin. A few others were in there with them, but were in the middle of their own activities to bother. Instead of hopping up onto his bed, Fiat sits at the foot of Leo's bed while the owner takes the head. The plan of reading was far back in his mind as they talk about their favorites. Leo reasons that he would not care if the character was not developed and their conversation makes a full circle.

"Just think of it like this, if a character sucks, you can just drop it halfway through. If the story has a sucky ending then you just wasted all of that time just to be frustrated. I think it is best to watch for the characters because you can just drop it," Leo sticks with his thoughts. "I mean think about this, when you meet people would you stick with them if there is nothing surprising or new to them? Wouldn't you get drawn to them more if they have an interesting personality?"

"But what if, and it's a big if, you have the most amazing time with a person who has no change. As in they're boring and live in a routine lifestyle. Would you stick with it because of how great it felt or give it up just because the person was bland?" Fiat tucks his legs under him as he waits to hear Leo's genuine answer. Leo stares at him for a moment with a thoughtful look. Fiat feels himself feel exposed under his gaze and shifts in his seat.

"Honestly, I really doubt I would ever experience an amazing time with someone boring, but if there's ever a chance that it does, hmm," Leo mirrors Fiat and leans forward on his elbows as they lay over his knees. Fiat sees him tilt his head back and forth and wonders if it really was a hard question to answer. It was all hypothetical yet both felt as though the question and answer had more weight than they expected it to have. "Honestly, they'd be one heck of a person for me to have an amazing time and not have much of a personality. If someone could put me in such a position I would never let them go. Whether it be platonic or something more. Maybe they are just the right kind of boring for me."

"Interesting. I guess it would be a rare case, so in real life, I can see what you mean on how you would act depending on the type of people you invest yourself in," Fiat nods his head and before the conversation changes, someone peeks in to let them know it was time for them to eat. Leo nods his head towards the door and they walk to the meet the group. A group of friends wave over to call Leo and the two exchanges nods before going their separate ways. Fiat finds Ann and slips into the empty seat at her table and politely greets the others sharing the table. "Do we still have activities at the end of this?"

"I think it's just suppose to be a true bonding activity as the first night. I saw the leaders carrying some firewood and snacks out to the open area. Might be doing the classic campfire grouping," Perth, a fellow batch mate explains. Fiat nods and fills his plate with food. He honestly wants to just turn in early, but he will probably be called out before he even reaches the cabin. The leaders this trip are a lot more attentive to the participation and who knows if they will use attendance against their group points. "I honestly thought you wouldn't come, Fiat. You always seem busy."

"Yeah, aren't you the one who works at the library?" Prae asks as she takes a bite of her food. Fiat's lips pull to a tight line and nods. These people were people he has classes with, yet they all seem like strangers to him while they know plenty about him. Ann was kind enough to throw in facts about them and informing him a bit about them. It was no surprise to any of them that Fiat knew little about them as they themselves hardly see him chatting casually with friends other than Ann. "So, are you actually close with, Leo? I've never actually seen the two of you interact?"

"Prae, Leo is friendly with everyone. It'd be weird if they weren't-"

"I am actually not that close to him," Fiat admits. Shocked and confused faces look at him and he glances at Ann, wondering if he said something wrong. "We're in the same club, but I had not even known he was in on of my classes until like a week and a half ago."

"I'm in three of your classes, actually, and you don't notice most of the class because you sit towards the front." A hand lands on Fiat's shoulder, startling him and he just looks at Leo confused. How does he not notice that they have three classes together? Leo smirks down at Fiat and repressed squeals were heard. "I heard we got that campfire thing later, but you up for a little warm up rally before we lose the sun? Some of the club members want to play a fun game. No stakes, no bets. What do you say?"

Fiat blinks before glancing over to Ann who stares back at him crazily, urging him to go. Fiat offers a small smile as he nods and Leo returns it as he pats his shoulder again. He explains they'll be doing doubles and to meet them after he finishes eating. When Fiat looks back at the table, they were in awe. Prae was the first to speak, "Damn, Leo is honestly a catch. He literally captures anyone's attention. Is he good at badminton, Fiat?"

"Leo, is a God. Of course he is good, but Fiat is actually better. Fiat could go pro if he wanted to, but he wanted a proper education," Ann answers for him. Fiat only lowers his head and continues to eat. Ann starts her rampage on everything she knows about Leo and did not hide her infatuation with the man. Fiat could not help but listen here and there as Ann talks about Leo's interests in photography, nature and literature - which he was able to learn today first-handedly. Ann expresses how Leo was good at anything he wants to do and how great of a person he is. Other people at the table could only agree and add their own observations. It seems that Fiat was of the outlier in the group and he quickly finishes his meal before.

"Pipsqueak, if you want to go see your guy get beat by me, you better get your butt out of that seat and finish your food. I'm going to my cabin to change and pick up the equipment," Fiat knocks onto the table to get his friend's attention and nods to the others before leaving. He changes into shorts and ties his hair to resemble an apple before heading to the area he was told to go. Upon arriving, he finds Leo with some of the other club members warming up while an audience has formed around the makeshift court. Fiat huffs as he walks over with a bothered look as he glances around.

"Nervous to play a light game in front of an audience?" Leo makes his way over to Fiat and he was left to roll his eyes and scoff.

"I've got no reason to be nervous. You might want to stretch out your shoulder. We both know you need to do a full swing just to match my flick," Fiat retorts and it only makes Leo smile wide. The expression disturbs Fiat for some reason and he tries to ignore it and warm up himself. "Since we're doing games for fun, let's bring on some novices from the audience one game. Think it'll be fun."

"Sounds good to me. Let's bring on Ann and her friend. Fern, right?" Leo suggests and it makes Fiat smile wide finding the best opportunity for his friend.

"Sure, but I'll take Ficus. I love Ann, but we can't handle being in the same team like this. We'd only argue and the game would never move on until we settle ourselves," Fiat reasons. It was the truth. One thing the two could never do was dabbling in something the other was either really good at or more knowledgeable of. They expect more for the other and they end up arguing with hurtful words. At least in this case, it would not be as bad as they were competing against each other and Ann was in Leo's care. "We'll deal with that later. Let's play? Best out of 3, first to 21? No deuces to keep the game going and we can alternate out."

"Sounds good to me," Earth, another member, voices and the others follow. They start setting the double teams and the order of alternations. The games begin and the crowd grows. Even the leaders come by and it becomes a mini event. At one point Fiat hears Ann cheering for the opposing team and he looks at her confused. She gives an arrogant shrug and he shakes his head before serving the shuttlecock over. If only she knew what he had planned for her.

********

ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

thoughts??