Look at me

Part 2

Fiat rubbed his eyes as he felt the morning sunlight on him. He  reached out for Leo but found the space empty. He slowly opened his eyes and saw that he was alone on the bed. He wasn't surprised, considering Leo was an early riser but he was certainly disappointed. As he got out of the bed and started freshening up, the events of last night started coming back to him- him in the bar, then him tied up and blindfolded, scared. He remembered Leo holding him and comforting him He remembered him confessing that he loved Fiat, words he had wanted to hear for a long time. As the cold water of the shower ran5 through his hair, he felt a clarity dawning on him. He remembered how last night, Leo had refused to go all the way with him. Fiat was beginning to understand the reason now, when he had a much clearer head. It was time to talk to Leo.

As Fiat made his way downstairs, he saw Leo in the garden watering his plants. Leo had his back turned to him and despite himself, Fiat couldn't help feel a warmth in his heart. Those strong arms that had carried him last night and held him to make him feel safe. 

As if sensing his presence, Leo turned around and smiled when he saw Fiat. He took Fiat's hand and kissed it. Fiat felt the previous warmth rise to his cheeks.

Leo saw Fiat's cheeks turn pink and that made him very very happy. 

"Let's eat breakfast?", asked Leo.

Fiat smiled and nodded. He could use some food to gather the energy for what was coming.

After they had both eaten, a meal where Fiat was uncharacteristically quiet, Leo knew it was time to talk about last night.

"Fiat, I think we should talk about last night.", said Leo.

"Leo......"

"Fiat, I will only say one thing. I understand that last night was extremely overwhelming for you which is why I did not want to be taking advantage of you. Even now, we can talk about it whenever you want. I won't force you or hurry you up. We can address it at your comfort.", said Leo, all the while holding Fiat's hands in his.

Fiat smiled. He said, " Leo, I can talk about last night. And I need to tell you something." Fiat paused as he looked into Leo's eyes and said, "I love you Leo. I have loved you for as long as I can remember."

It was Leo's turn to smile. "I love you too Fiat. I will never leave your side."

Fiat smiled before slowly pulling his hands out of Leo's. "Leo, you were right. Last night was extremely overwhelming and I am glad we did not go all the way. That wouldn't have been right."

Fiat was not joking. The fact that Leo had understood and respected a boundary that Fiat had been too confused to comprehend made Fiat love Leo a little more.

Leo nodded at Fiat's words. But he could not understand why Fiat had put this distance between them. That was very unlike him.

"Leo, I need you to do something for me. Can you do it?", asked Fiat.

"Anything you want Fiat. Tell me.", Leo answered.

"Leo, I need you to not be by my side.", Fiat said, looking away for he was afraid that he would cry if he looked at Leo.

Leo felt something stop. He didn't understand this. He grabbed Fiat's hand and turned him around to face him.

"Fiat...."

"Leo, I love you, always have. The reason I have always wanted you by my side is because you are the one person who I trust to never hurt me, to never leave me. The one person who I feel understands me.", Fiat said.

"Fiat I....."

Fiat pulled his hands out of Leo's grip and took a step back. "I was wrong Leo. I was wrong to chase after P'Type when he had a boyfriend and that is a regret I will always have. But why was I kidnapped?"