Leo gulps when suddenly eyes are uncovered. He wonders if Fiat has been awake the entire time and he never finds out as Fiat checks the wall clock before gesturing for Leo to stand and grab his things. Leo hands over the laptop without a word and Fiat tucks it into his backpack. "You should have told me the time-"
"Did you finish what you needed to do?" Fiat cuts him off. Leo just confirms and is like a lost puppy as he follows Fiat out of the bar and waits for him to lock up. "There aren't any taxi's that pass by here anymore. You'll ride with me."
"But you drank-"
"Well do you know how to drive a bike?" Fiat raises a brow challengingly. Leo smirks and gestures for Fiat to lead the way. For a moment, Leo is given a new expression of surprise from Fiat, before it morphs back to his usual stoic one. A sleek black bike appears before them and they strap on helmets. Wordlessly, Leo throws his leg across the body and kicks back the stand as he balances the bike with his feet. Fiat stares at him for a moment before joining at the back. It makes Leo smirk and boldly take the other man's hands and bring it around him.
"Hold on," Leo instructs even though he is well aware that Fiat knows what to do. Leo revs the engine as soon as he starts the bike and they zoom along the road. The change in environment is clearer to Leo even though it is already night. The blinking streetlights seize to exist in the bright lit city streets of his neighborhood. He pulls into his building's underground parking and stops at his allotted slot. Shutting off the bike confuses it's owner.
"I was trying to tell you earlier to stop at the front," Fiat says hopping off in order for Leo to follow. Leo raises a brow.
"You didn't expect me to let you drive yourself back after already stopping you," Leo crosses his arms, hands keeping the bike keys tight in his hands. Fiat has a look of annoyance on his face and it makes Leo smirk. "When was the last time we had a sleep over, Fiat. Wait, do you go by First now? Is that a thing?"
"Just for work," Fiat mumbles as he takes of his helmet and ruffles his hair out. For a moment Leo is silenced as he is awed by his friend's beauty. When Fiat looks back at him Leo quickly averts his eyes and removes his own helmet. "What?"
"Nothing. Let's go. My place is bare, but I've got a bed. You're still fine with sharing right?" Leo begins to lead the way and glances back to make sure Fiat is following and nodding his head. They take the elevator up and Leo stares at their reflection together. When was the last time they were in the same frame?
"You weren't kidding when you said bare," Fiat points out as they enter the apartment. Leo chuckles and explains that things are to be shipped. "Do you have food at least?"
"I went grocery shopping earlier," Leo nods and his eyes follow the curious boy and sees him stop at the large windows that overlook the city. "Thought you might like that part. Did you want to go out on the balcony?"
"You have one?" Fiat eyes shine and it makes Leo want to see them all the time. He nods and takes Fiat's hand boldly as he pulls him along. They walk towards the masters and Leo unlocks the door, allowing Fiat to go first. He watches the awe morph onto his face. Fiat walks up to the railing and leans against it as he looks down and out at the city.
"I feel like I should be the one in awe. You're the one who has been living here all this time," Leo mentions with amusement. Suddenly Fiat's face turns sour and he heads back inside. Leo, confused, rushes after him. "Wait, hold on. Did I say something?"
"Nothing. I'm tired," Fiat mumbles and helps himself to Leo's clothes and pantry. Leo is left to just follow his lead and they lay side by side on the bed. Leo is confused. They are so close, yet why do they feel so far away.
"Are you not happy I'm back?" Leo whispers. The moment of silence kills him and he shuts his eyes. He is about to turn his body away from Fiat when a weight is added onto his chest. He slightly gasps as his eyes shoot open to see a head full of hair. It makes Leo smile as he wraps his arms around the small frame and embraces him. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm here now, Fiat."
"Don't make empty promises, Leo," Fiat nuzzles his face into Leo's chest and it makes his heart swirl. This is something he can get use to. That night, he slept better than he could imagine, but he did not wake up the way he wished to.
"Fiat?" He rubs his eyes as he stands and searches around his place. When he returns back to his room he notices the note on the nightstand.
Had to leave first. Don't come back to the bar. Stay on your side of the city. Don't come looking for me or wait for me, Leo. I'll come to you. Also, don't ask questions or report back to the parents. -F
Leo gawks at the scribble on the paper. Rather than making him feel assured by the note left, Leo feels even more uneasy and frustrated. "He expects me to just not look for him? Like hell!"
Leo throws the paper down and storms to get himself washed up for the day. He throws on his more casual attire to match the environment he is about to enter. His joggers and basic shirt is simple enough to the untrained eye. His once styled hair is now falling flat over his forehead. He makes his way back to the streets and wanders along the other side of the city. Inputting the address onto his phone and slipping on earphones to listen to the walking directions, Leo makes his way to Fiat's home. When he was in the taxi, he was unable to directly pass it as the driver refused to linger long than necessary.
As the GPS announces that he has arrived, he looks up and is silenced. While he has seen his fair share of rundown homes and apartments, he never expected someone he knows to live in one. Someone comes out of the main doors and he stops them. "Does a man named Fiat or First live in this building?"
"Mind your own business," the man barks. Leo's eyes widen as he watches him stalk away grumbling.
"Alright, no asking questions..." Leo mumbles to himself. He glances back at the three floored apartment complex and sighs. A heavy force bumps onto his shoulder and he nearly falls over from surprise.
"These goddam tourists. GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Leo cringes at the stench and glares at the staggering couple.
"Get off the road if your lost!" the other yells.
"I'll wait until the bar opens.." Leo grumbles and brushes his bumped shoulder. His perfect plan that he has been looking forward to since confirming his move has been shattered. He had a taste of something great, only to have it ripped from him. If it was not for the note, Leo would have believed that it was all a dream.
Feeling the hunger of the lack of a proper meal since his flight, Leo heads back to his part of the city and slips into a home style restaurant. He orders his favorites and sighs. He wishes to enjoy his meals with someone across from him. As he eats, his phone rings.
Mom
He puts down his chopsticks and brings the phone to his ear. He was suppose to call her when he arrived.
"Mae-"
"I get you want to see Fiat as soon as possible, but you need to remember that me and your father need to hear that you arrived safely."
"Sorry, Mae. I safely arrived to my place. It's just as the realtor showed us through video." Leo says as he takes a bite out of his meal. These kinds of calls are something he has gotten use to.
"Oh good you're eating. Is Fiat with you? You chose a place near him didn't you?"
"Fiat's busy, but I saw him last night. He slept over..." Leo winces as he wonders how much he is not suppose to tell the parents.
"You did!?" The shock in his mother's voice confuses him more than it should. "You really saw him? How is he? Is he healthy? Doing well?"
"Mae, don't you talk to his parents? Why is it such a surprise that we've seen each other? We're Leo and Fiat," Leo tries to sound like there was no problem. That he did not just get walked out on. Pushed away, if you will.
"Right. Leo and Fiat. Well, I miss him, too. I need to be just as up to date and you are the last to see him. So, what has he been up to?"
"Uhh, we didn't get into too much detail. I didn't see him until around dinner time. So there was eating a bit of talking. Then I had to do something for work-"
"You said you don't start until Monday."
"I don't, but you know Tan. He got confused and he didn't want to ruin someone's entire life by investing wrong," Leo rubs his chin.
"I can't believe you couldn't even decline. It's been a while since you've seen Fiat. Why is it so hard to get you guys to share anything these days? You really did not catch up? Didn't you say he slept over?"
"Just a little bit of talking, really. When we got back to my place, we just enjoyed the view for a bit before conking out. You talk to his mom much more than I've had the chance to talk to him. Ask her for details."
"Trust me, Leo. What us parents get from the two of you is only a fraction of what really happens. It's unbelievable. Next time you see him, make sure to remind him to visit home some time." And with that, the call ends. Leo rolls his eyes and drops the phone onto the table as he finishes the last of his meal. A glance to his watch and he realizes how much longer it will be until the bar opens. He already tried sending a message to Fiat, but the message is remains without a response.
As his finger swipes through the chat log, the majority of the bubbles were all on the right side. Tonight he wants answers and he will get them this time even if he has to force it out of Fiat.
Leo spends his time organizing his stay and making sure that his first day at work on Monday will proceed without a hitch. He checks the subway lines and makes a mental note to visit a car dealership soon. Maybe Fiat can accompany him.
As the sun begins to set, Leo grabs dinner before making his way back to the other side of town. Tonight he needs to make sure he has the energy. He spots a line outside and it is easy to tell which were regulars and which wanted to get a look at the famous bartender. First. Leo scowls at the name and hates that he is told to call his childhood friend by another name. But as he joins the others he realizes that he is the only one from the sea of people here that gets to call him otherwise outside. These people have no connection with him. Not like he does. No, he has years on them.
With new confidence, he stands tall and crosses his arms as he waits for the bar doors to open. Leo even hums to himself until he sees a tall man with thick wavy hair walk up to the door and slip right in. Leo's brows furrow as he lowers his arms. He taps the person ahead and asks, "Who was that guy that just walked in?"
"Ah, that would be Type. He is the only person close to First. He visits every so often and usually hangs around during the opening hours," the hipster explains. He gives Leo a once over and smirks. "Type is the kind that flirts around. I heard he tried to woo First, but they wanted different things. Type is a one night stand kind of person. Nothing serious and would tie him down. First wants more and probably can't get over him. That's why he still welcomes Type kindly. Seeing you, Type will probably try you out. Fair warning, though. If you aren't into that type of thing, avoid at all costs. If you're into that kind of thing, get whisked away."
A string of emotions rile Leo up as the hipster does not even realize what he has done as he turns to face the front. The doors open and all Leo can see is red. His jaw clenches as he follows the line of people into the bar.
The moment he steps in his eyes go straight to the counter only to find the two smiling at each other. He hated the look of admiration in Fiat's face. He hated how knowing that Type guy is as he strings Fiat along while he scans the people crowding around for a good catch.
Leo takes the same spot as the night before and gets a good look at Type. Thick dark brown brows to match his hair. A pool of mischievous, yet charming eyes. A well defined nose that draw you into those chestnut lips. The way it curls up into a smile breaks the chic appearance as it makes him look boyish. Leo cannot deny that Type is handsome. Beautiful, some might say. The way he carries himself exudes confidence.
Leo does not realize how long he has been staring, but is unable to avert his eyes as Type meets his. A glint appears in Types eyes and it makes him shiver. The smiling lips turn into a ravenous smirk and Leo is pinned to his seat. He barely registers that Type had said something to Fiat when suddenly the man appears before him, offering a hand. "Hey, handsome. I'm Type. I can only assume you're new here, but what are you doing all the way here? You'll get the best service over at the front."
Leo tentatively takes his hand. "Leo. I think there's enough people at the front as is."
"Well, lucky for you, I'm friends with the bartender. His name is First-" It's Fiat. That's what puts us in different categories. I'm not the same as you. I'm special. "I can grab you a drink, a meal, you name it. He usually likes to ask the questions before leading up to a personalized drink, but I think he'll make the exception."
Leo wonders if he should play along to get to know the guy more as he smiles at the offer. Type has made himself comfortable on the stool beside him as he casually leans against the table. "I've eaten, but I'd love a drink. Have something in mind?"
"You seem like the hard liquor kind, but there seems to be a twist to you. Moscow Mule?" Type tilts his head with a smirk. Leo internally hurls at the choice of drink. While he does enjoy a bit of hard liquor, ginger beer is never a good taste to him. Leo glances over at the bar for the first time since Type made his way over and sees Fiat staring him straight in the eyes. "Sure. If you can get the bartender to make me that."
"Easy," Type knocks on the table. "I'll be back with our drinks and a few snacks for us."
Leo nods and smiles at Type. He watches him approach Fiat. Leo pays attention to their mouths move and smirks at the scoff that comes from his friend. He is met with a raised brow and he shrugs in return. To be honest, Leo has never drank with Fiat and they have never discussed the topic in the past. However, his dislike for ginger in drinks is a well known fact between the two friends. The only thing making Leo on edge is if Fiat will make him a drink he will enjoy.
Fiat turns back to Type and shakes his head. Leo is ready to stand when he sees Type clutch onto Fiat's arm as he makes a drink for another customer. The crowd enjoys seeing the friendly interaction, much different from the one in the distance. Leo continues to smile as he sees Fiat shake his head repeatedly and smirks when he sees Type throw his hands up in frustration. Seemingly to come to a compromise, Type smiles before disappearing to the kitchen.
It does not take long before someone joins Leo at the table again. He smiles at Type, but tilts his head as he recognizes the drink. A Moscow Mule. He looks over at Fiat to question, but Fiat never looks his way. Type begins to speak, regaining his attention, "First can be such a handful at times. He almost didn't want to make the drink. A few sweet words and he finally gave in. Regardless, he makes a good drink and is undoubtedly easy on the eyes."
His statement makes Leo scowl, but he slides the drink closer to him. The ginger smell is strong under the citron and liquor scent. It makes him cringe, but he lifts the cup anyway to be polite. The taste burns and he has to force himself to not spit it back out. He spots the bowl of chips and immediately catches the taste with it. Type smiles, believing that Leo enjoys it as he takes a sip of his own drink. "How did you get to know..First?"
"Ah, that cute boy got smitten by my charm. Kidding, sort of. You see, underneath all of that cool boy things, First is a softy. He takes relationships seriously and I haven't been able to get rid of him since. He's a young soul that is nice to come back to every once in a while," Type smiles as he leans back on his seat unbothered as if he did not completely ridicule another person in front of a stranger. "But you're a lot more gorgeous. A bit boyish, but has this alluring appeal to you."
"Flattered," Leo chuckles. There is no harm and enjoying a bit of compliments. Type must have liked his response as he leans closer. Leo scratches the side of his neck awkwardly. "So, is this bar just your place to hang out, or..?"
"Ah, this bar is a gem and a great place to wind down after work. You know when I'm able to actually get off early." Type rubs his chin. For the first time since meeting him, Type gives him a sincere response. "You know, you've got a bit of an accent. I can't seem to pinpoint what district your from."
"I just moved back actually. I've been living abroad for a long time. I didn't realize I formed a bit of an accent," Leo was deep in thought that he forgot what the drink in his hands was and automatically cringes at the taste.
"And I guess this drink is actually not something you like," Type takes the glass away with a chuckle. Leo mutters an apology and Type waves his hand. "First had mentioned you would not like it. I don't get how he was so sure when he probably never spoke a word to you. He's amazing."
"He is amazing," Leo nods as his eyes trail back to where the bartender would be only to find him away from his spot. Fiat is walking over with a hard look on his face. Type smiles wide while the two hold cold stares.
"Whisky sour," Fiat slides the crystal glass in front of Leo. He glances at the barely touched glass of the mule and smirks. "Figured. This will be a much more suited beverage."
"How do you possibly know so well, First? I never knew you to know someone's taste buds without even talking to them," Type lays a hand over Fiat's and Leo could not help but let his eyes zero in on them. He waits for the boy to push it away, but he never does.
"Without knowing them..." Leo raises his eyes to stare into the pool of brown eyes. "...Would it be considered that?"
"Obviously. Leo just said he's been living abroad. There's no way you know him," Type shifts and his hand on Fiat is removed as he reaches back to lay an arm across the back of Leo's chair.
"P'Type, he was here yesterday. I know enough even though he got a club soda then," Fiat explains distractedly. Leo narrows his eyes at him. Why is he not telling Type that they have known each other since potty training days? Why is he not saying the kind of relationship they have? What kind of relationship do they have?
"Why didn't you say that?! I must have seemed like a fool to you," Type easily moves his arm over Leo's shoulder and shakes him.
"Well, like F..Khun First said, I just got a club soda. I would be surprised if he matched my taste correctly with an alcoholic drink," Leo says as he holds Fiat's stare, not even removing Types arm. Fiat's eyes are stern and cold as he stares at Leo.
To an outsider, they would assume that his glare is because of his attraction to Type. To an outsider, Fiat is jealous of Leo.
For them, it is different. Leo hopes that Fiat has the same thoughts running through his head. Get away from him. Every moment of skin-ship, whether calculated or not, picked at Leo's patience. To hear that Fiat has possibly touched base with this guy already made him alert. Leo reaches out to Type and lays his hand onto his forearm. "Phi, you can just learn my taste over time. I'm still new around here. Would it be okay to ask to meet up or ask for suggestions on where to eat or go?"
Type in turn, smiles wide and slides over his phone. Leo glances over to Fiat with a raised brow as he inputs his number. He even has to hold back his smile as Fiat tries to grab Types attention. "Phi, you don't live around this part of town."
"Well, then you can tell me where I should take Leo. You know how to read people," Type clasps a hand around his. Leo can see the twitch on Fiat's face and smiles. "Actually, you're off tomorrow. Shall we all go to the club? My treat."
The two friends exchange glances before turning back to him. "Yes."
**
ʕ•ᴥ•ʔฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ
thoughts??
Tension between the two already and Type is even here to get between them.
I think it's fun to add a bit of the other characters into the story. The last chapter had a certain couple, but I didn't put their names in, can anyone guess who?
Do we like how this story is leading towards? It really is different than what I had originally intended, but my mind finds it surprisingly easy to write this kind of tension and teasing. Will I write anything further than playful words and longing gazes, I don't know, but I'll be sure to leave a warning beforehand.
Side note:
My birthday is on Wednesday and I'll post again then.
I just had to make sure to post today to remind everyone that Leo and Fiat have a special episode tomorrow on Line TV! There will even be a Live for the official trailer release on the MeMindY FB page and YT channel right after the special episode.
I hope you all show your love and support to this story and the the Ja and First who have worked hard and continue to work hard to give us such special things.
Sending all my love and wishes for you to stay safe and healthy this next half year. May the it be better than the last~
xxdctuan