Why Don't You Make Me

8

Leo checks the clock and finds it to be a decent time. Fiat should be having a break between his jobs right now. Leo thinks to himself.

There are few rings before there is an answer.

"Hmm?" the receiver of the call greets him

"Nice to hear from you too," Leo makes a face. "But I guess I should be grateful that you answered."

"Is there a reason you called? I'm about to take a nap," Fiat speaks lazily and Leo can imagine the little pout on his lips.

"Are you free four months from next Saturday?" Leo twirls in his seat and looks out the window. The view from his room is a lot better.

"No, I've got work," Fiat responds and it makes Leo's brows furrow.

"I thought you don't really work Saturdays. How do you know your busy four months from then so quickly anyway" Leo recalls. "Is your coworker out?"

"Lisa? No she's working also. Unlike you, working by the hour makes you want to take as many jobs as you can. Anyway, I'm busy that day. Is there anything else? I only have a few hours to nap before I have to get ready for the bar," Fiat begins to sound annoyed and Leo knows that he really is tired.

"Alright. Rest well. Maybe I can pass by after work?" Leo suggests. He actually gets out just in time for them to close. If Fiat stays a little longer, Leo can meet him.

"I'm exhausted, Leo. I won't entertain you if you come at closing. Just have a good day at work okay? Bye." Leo does not even get to put a word in when the call ends and he frowns.

The rest of the day went uneventfully and Leo glances at the clock tiredly after rubbing his tired eyes. He taps his index finger against his desk before grabbing his things and exiting his office with a purpose.

After a tiring drive with his unintentional usual morning taxi driver, he exits at the bar. "You okay? This is my first time to take you here. Are you familiar with this place?"

"Ah, no worries Uncle. I'll be alright. Thank you!" Leo bids him farewell and makes his way inside. "Fiat? You here?"

Leo's brows furrow as he looks around confused at the empty bar. He looks back and knows that if Fiat has left, he would have locked up. He tries to call out for him again and turns towards the kitchen doors when he sees a disheveled Fiat appear.

"Get out. Now! Take my bike." Keys are tossed into Leo's hands, but he hardly takes note of the instructions given to him as he rushes over.

"What the heck happened, Fiat? Are you okay?" Leo reaches out for him, only to get pushed away.

"I said get out!" A crash is heard from behind the kitchen doors. Fiat looks up at him pleadingly. Bruises scatter his face and cuts adorn his lips. "Please, Leo. Go. I'll be okay. Just please go and leave. Go far away and fast."

"Fiat..." Leo whispers and Fiat begs him again. "I'll drive around my place for half an hour and come back. I don't know what's going on, but I'm going to come back for you. I'm here for you, Fiat."

"An hour, Leo. I'll let you come back in an hour," Fiat shakes his head. "Now go!"

Leo lingers for a second longer before his is pushed again. "One hour."

Clatter is heard again and yelling soon follows. Fiat pushed him again and disappears into the kitchen.

The bike roars beneath him and he sets off after setting an alarm. Leo wonders if leaving was the right thing to do, but he does not want to being more issues to Fiat. He heads straight for the pharmacy and buys all sorts of ointments and first aide items and shoves it into his bag. Leo passes by his home to change out of his work attire and grabs an extra jacket.