Chapter Text
You know, they always say the third time's the charm, but Fit really wanted to bang his head against the nearest wall when the third Monday rolled around. In all things considered, the course itself was going pretty well, no real complaints, and the kids seemed to be having a blast. Some of the parents, on the other hand, were looking a little rough. Cellbit, for one, seemed to be favouring one foot over the other, which, according to Foolish, was the result of a convoluted mess of events that started with Richas and Bobby last week. After that, Fit knew he didn't really need the details to understand what those two could be up to.
Apparently, when Foolish asked if he needed an ice pack, Roier spoke up before Cellbit and said something along the lines of “Gathino is strong enough to withstand a little hit, right Cellbo?” which of course, caused Cellbit to stutter out in agreement. A week later, it seemed to still be tender, but refusing to look pathetic to Roier, Cellbit soldiered on. Which, Roier seemed to be smiling at him with a mischievous glint, no doubt wanting to see how much Cellbit would withstand. All in good fun, but Fit winced as Richas jumped onto Cellbit's back, causing him to stand firmer on his sore ankle.
Those two were certainly….something…
When Foolish came walking towards him with a sheepish grin, Fit almost turned around to flee to the hills, but being the responsible one in charge, he sighed and steeled himself for some sort of bullshit. That’s when Foolosh shifted to the side, and behind him was a familiar face. Surreal, and almost as if seeing a ghost, stood the kid who just seemed to be so mysterious. He wore the same faded purple hoodie that had seen better days from the surveillance footage, and the face mask was fixed on his face, covering everything except for the sharp eyes this kid had.
Fit had been nonchalantly checking his emails throughout last week to see if he'd receive any cancellation emails. When nothing was coming up, he had just resigned himself to cancelling it himself, but now he couldn't do so.
“So Fit, this is…” Foolish paused and turned to the kid, “… uh, what was your name again?” The teen’s eyes flicked over at Foolish before flicking to Fit. His gaze fell to the ground, and a bored voice came from behind the mask
“...Ash.”
“Right! Ash, and no offence to you, but since you kinda missed our first two classes, I was thinking that maybe you should go with Fit here” He gestures to Fit “to know the basics before joining back with us!” Foolish claps Ash’s back happily. The kid shakes his head stiffly but peeks up at Fit through his thick coils of hair. Fit shoots Foolish a look as he meanders back to the studio to start the class, before sighing
“Alright kid, follow me, we’ll go somewhere less crowded,” he begins walking, glancing over his shoulder to see Ash following behind him. The teen was wound up tight, his steps were quick and tentative. Despite his head hanging downwards, his eyes were swift to take in his surroundings. Fit shrugged internally. He’s probably just socially awkward.
Fit took them to a more secluded area of the gym in front of the wall-length mirrors and turned to face him. Ash somehow got stiffer with Fit's full attention back on him.
“Well, let's uh… get down to business, eh?” Fit said, trying to give a teasing tilt to his voice, but another awkward silence bloomed between them. Even with the ambient noise of the gym, the silence in their corner of the building enveloped the mundane noise. Fit cleared his throat. “You can place anything you don’t need up against the wall.” Fit’s hand gently grazed the wall-length mirror, careful not to smudge the cleaned glass. Ash gave him a nod and crouched with his back to the nearest wall, subconsciously keeping Fit in sight as he pulled a phone from his jeans pocket, a crack down the middle of the screen, and placed it gently against the wall before standing up. His eyes gave Fit an imperceptible look before dropping back down to the floor.
Jeez, so much teenage moodiness, I don't pay myself enough to deal with this
“We’re just going to start with some stretches, just to get us warmed up,” Fit told him, turning to the side to face the mirror, and began stretching his arms over his head. Ash mimicked Fit after a second of hesitation, pushing the sleeves of his hoodie above his wrists and lifting his arms upwards.
About halfway through going down the list of basics, an hour had passed, and Ash seemed to be overheating in that hoodie of his. Fit had let him take a break, and Ash had sat down with his back against the mirror as soon as the words were out of Fit's mouth. Fit had let out a surprised chuckle as he watched the teen's chest rise and fall heavily. Fit couldn't help but wonder why he hadn't just taken off his hoodie if he was clearly sweltering under it with just the most basic of moves. Not to mention, the faded jeans were certainly going to get in the way of the flexibility needed. He watched as Ash’s head thumped backwards against the mirror and he placed his arm over his eyes. Fit’s eyebrow furrowed as he looked down at him.
“I’ll be right back, okay kid?” He said, waiting for a response. Instead, Ash just nodded his head from where his head was tucked into the crook of his elbow. Fit turned away and headed towards the nearest water dispenser that he had dotted all over the gym. He reached out to the stack of paper cups on top of the water cooler and poured both himself and Ash some water. His eyes coincidentally drifted over to the studio area just as he watched Cellbit exit with Richarlyson in tow. His eyebrows furrowed as he watched Richarlyson wave goodbye to everyone inside as Cellbit dragged him along to the front of the gym.
Fit looked down at the cup he was filling and was able to narrowly miss the water overflowing off the rim. He was able to switch to the other cup in his hand as he looked up to a brilliantly familiar shade of blue walking through the doors. Fit’s breath hitched as he watched his neighbour greet Tubbo at the receptionist desk briefly before turning to face Cellbit. When Richarlyson noticed Pac, he brightened and ran at him at full force. Fit could faintly hear Richas call out to him and Pac drop down to catch him. The two wobbled at the impact, but Pac seemed prepared and didn't let them topple over, scooping Richas up with a little strain before settling him on his hip. Fit couldn't hear the conversation between Cellbit and Pac, but he noticed when Pac’s eyes wandered and landed on him. His face went from easygoing to a radiant smile; he waved at Fit with the hand not holding Richarlyson up. Even from this far away, Fit could envision the way Pac’s eyes would crinkle. He could feel the tips of his ears heat up as Cellbit's eyes flicked over to him, his gaze knowing, but it was interrupted as Richas waved enthusiastically, nearly hitting him in the face. Fit, realizing he probably needed to respond, lifted the full cup of water in his other hand up in acknowledgement, a soft smile creeping onto his face. He watched Richas smirk, or as much as a little kid could smirk, and lean up to Pac’s ear.
Pac’s eyes went wide, turning to Richarlyson, who was now giggling with a shocked expression before turning his head to look at Fit. His eyebrows furrowed at Pac’s expression, sending the Brazilian a questioning look. Pac, in response, covered his face with his hand, peeking his deep and rich eyes through his fingers before waving at Fit again, this time a goodbye wave. He turned to Cellbit, who had started laughing with Richas and hit him on his shoulder before quickly walking out of the gym. Fit then felt something cold and wet spill over his hand.
Oh shit!
He pulled the overflowing cup away from the water dispenser as fast as he could, spilling some more water onto the floor. He looked up to see Cellbit chuckling at him before walking back into the studio where the course was going on as if nothing had happened. He sighed and looked to where Tubbo was staring at him with disgust in his eyes. He fake gagged at him and mouthed “gay”. Fit scowled at him and walked away, towards where he left Ash. Even the teen was giving him an unimpressed look from where he was slumped against the mirror, his eyes falling to the cups of water in Fit's hand. He watched Ash’s eyes widen just a fraction, then narrow, and turning his head, feigning disinterest.
Fit sat down next to him just a bit away and offered the cup closest to the teen. “Here, kid, for you.” Ash’s sharp eyes gave him a suspicious glance
“For me?” his voice murmured out from behind the mask, “Why?”
Fit’s mouth pressed into a thin line and morphed into a smirk. “It looks like you're melting under all those layers.” Ash’s hand gripped onto the worn fabric of his hoodie sleeve at the remark. Fit chuckled at him, “Just take the damn water, kid,” and offered it once more. Ash eyed the cup before his hand gingerly took it out of Fit's calloused fingers. He brought it to his face before his hand stopped midair, sending Fit a pointed look. Fit, noticing the obvious cue, pivoted his face away from Ash. Despite what Fit thought of the silly mask, he wasn't going to be an asshole and make the kid obviously uncomfortable. He heard the sound of fabric being shifted, and waited patiently as he listened to the water being chugged. The cup made a soft sound as it was placed on the ground between them; a few beats of silence echoed around them, but Ash’s low, quiet voice cut through.
“... thank you for the water...” he mumbled out as he readjusted the mask covering his face. Fit let out an amused sigh
“Don't sweat about it,” He slaps the palm of his hands against his propped-up knees and heaves himself up. “Plus I think break time’s over.” He shoots a smirk at Ash, who groans before stumbling back up, placing a hand against the mirror to stabilize himself. Disapproval evident in his posture as he joins Fit.
Fit rolled his shoulders back as he walked up to Tubbo, who was still sitting at the receptionist desk and leaning against it as he watched the members of the course trickle out of the studio.
He had let Ash out early with an offhanded “Good Job today.”, in which the teen who had been getting used to the new moves curled into himself slightly. When Fit was met with silence, he turned to the teen just as Ash briefly met his eyes and shot down to the floor. In a sense, it played out like their first interaction. Fit opened his mouth to dispel some of the tension that had suddenly appeared but was cut off by a brisk “okay” from Ash. He watched in confusion as the teen shoved his hands into his hoodie’s pockets and slipped out the door without a glance behind. Fit rubbed the back of his neck in response as a sigh formed past his lips.
What the hell was that about?
Fit waved at some patrons from the receptionist desk as they bid their goodbyes, but his thoughts were focused on something else. He was almost taken by surprise when Cellbit and Roier appeared in his line of sight.
“Oiiii Fit!” Roier called out as the couple approached him. Bobby seemed to be running in circles after Pepito, which the couple didn't even acknowledge.
“Well, well, well, if it isn't the lovebirds, what can I do for you two?” He smiled and straightened himself off the desk to face them properly. “Hopefully you're not here to complain about Foolish?” he joked. Roier and Cellbit let out a laugh at that
“Não, não! Nothing like that!” Cellbit chuckled before pausing. “Well, maybe the blatant flirting with Vegetta.. But I wouldn't want to get on my future father-in-law's bad side,” He said with a faux thinking face. Roier gave him an amusedly surprised look
“Oh? Father-in-law? Don't joke about what you don't mean, Gathino~.” Roier bantered back, his elbow digging into his boyfriend's stomach. Cellbit winced at the impact, planting his feet to keep himself from stumbling, but the action caused him to put more weight on his injured foot, making him let out another wince. With a strained voice, he said
“Who said I was joking, Guapito~?”
“Can you guys be gay literally anywhere else?” Tubbo piped up from behind the desk. “I don't need three fruitcakes near me,” he snarked, eyes focused on the computer in front of him. Fit raised an eyebrow and replied condescendingly
“Don’t call yourself a fruitcake, Tubbo, you're more than that!” Which caused Tubbo to whip around to face him, his face growing red
“Don't even get me started on your gay ass! I almost couldn't hear you over Pac’s dick in your mouth”
Fit’s eyes widened, and he could hear both Cellbit and Roier start laughing in surprise at the remark.
“Woah Woah, what the hell, Tubbo?” A hot flush bloomed on the back of his neck, ears turning into a deeper shade of red. “Jesus Christ, Tubbo!” Fit fumbles to grab a lone pen from the desk and fling it at him, causing Tubbo to hide his face and try to swat the pen out of the air.
“I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Look, I'm working!” Tubbo turned back to the receptionist computer and started to open random tabs. Fit huffed and rolled his eyes before turning back to Roier and Cellbit
“Sorry about my employee. What did you guys need?” Fit asked, the heat on covering him slowly dissipating. Roier and Cellbit instinctively waved his apology away with smiles, it was almost humorous how in sync they were. Must be a side effect of being so deeply intimate with another person. Cellbit wrapped an arm around Roier’s waist, pulling him closer.
“Well, me and Guapito wanted to invite you to a get-together we will be having once I get back from a trip.” Roier placed a hand on Cellbit’s chest.
“A trip.” he mimicked. “Cellbo is too shy, hes going to go work on an important case down South!” Roier poked Cellbit’s cheek. “Because my Gathino is so smart!” Cellbit blushed and let out an embarrassed
“Guapito..”
Jesus fucking christ, man.
Roier turned back to Fit with a smirk. “So we are going to celebrate once he’s back, and we want our favorite American there.”
Fit chuckled and rolled his eyes at the compliment. “Favorite, eh? How could I refuse an invitation like that?”
“Perfect! I'll have Pac send the details as it gets closer, yeah?” Roier peels away from Cellbit to try and corral Bobby and Pepito through the doors from where they'd begun posing in front of the mirror. Cellbit turns around to go join him before throwing Fit a smug smirk just like the one from earlier. “I’m sure Pac will be happy to know you'll be coming~” he teases and leaves fast enough for Fit to respond. Fit stands there processing before clearing his throat. He glances at Tubbo, but he seems engrossed in playing an online Pokémon game to make a snarky remark.
When Fit finished the staircase up to his floor, he hadn't been expecting to see Pac’s apartment door wide open and Mike leaning inside the doorway. He was typing one-handed while his other arm was crossed in front of his chest. He looked up briefly, checking his surroundings, and his eyes met Fit's. A relaxed smile formed as he clicked his phone off.
“Oii Fit! How are you, man?” Mike said as Fit walked closer
“Going good, how about you Mike?” He asked, peeking into the open doorway. It was much more decorated than his own apartment, and even then Pac must’ve redecorated since it looked different from just a couple of weeks ago. “Everything alright?” he asked curiously. He could hear thumps from deeper inside. Mike sighed, exasperated but with a smile
“Everything is fine.. I'm just waiting on Pac and Richas to leave. He matched Fit and looked inside. “They are just SLOWPOKES,” he emphasized louder than the rest of the sentence. Fit could hear something in response clearer than the thumps earlier; he couldn't pick out any words he knew, so he figured it must've been said in Portuguese. He chuckled; the two of them devolved into small talk, pleasant and light, before he heard loud footsteps echo through the hallway. Both of them turned to the noise just to see Richas barreling straight towards them pac behind right behind them.
“SLOW DOWN, RICHARLYSON!” Both Mike and Pac yelled out, Mike moving from his relaxed position to a panicked stance to try and catch him. As Richas ran at them at full force, his direction went from running to Mike to swerving in Fit's direction.
“TIO FITTT!” Richas cheered and threw himself at Fit. With heightened reaction times and years of experience as the “fun uncle” for Chayanne and Tallulah, he, with practiced ease, caught Richarlyson from out of the air and slung him over his shoulder. Loud laughter erupted from Richas at the movement, and he flailed about in Fit’s hold. He turned to look at Pac, who had skidded to a stop at the doorway. His cheeks flushed a pleasant pink, and an almost awed gaze was boring into him with those eyes he could never get enough of. The tips of his ears started to burn hot; he moved slightly to the side to place Richas back on the ground and smiled at Pac. Fit saw Mike groan out of the corner of his eye, and Pac unfroze from his position.
“Fitch! Hi!” Pac smiled, slightly out of breath. His finger wrapped around a stray lock of his hair and tucked it behind his ear. A happy chuckle bubbled out of Fit subconsciously
“You doin alright there, Pac?” He teased. Pac let out an amused huff and placed a hand on his hip. Pac’s lips parted to respond but were interrupted by Richas pulling on the hem of Fit’s shirt aggressively
“Tio Fit!! Pick me up again!!” He said excitedly, moving to yank his flesh arm. Both Pac and Mike's eyes widened at Richas’ demand. They moved forward to grab and pull him away from Fit.
“Richas!” Mike scolded, putting a hand on the kid’s shoulder. Pac stepped closer
“I am so sorry, Fit! Here, let me-” Pac stammered bashfully, to which Fit chuckled
“No, no, really it's okay,” He said as he bent forward and scooped Richas up with one arm. “I'm used to it,” he shrugged. He watched Mike send Pac a look, and it was reciprocated with an elbow to the stomach from Pac. Fit couldn't help the deja vu he felt, but it was quickly knocked out of his train of thought, or more kicked out of his train of thought as Richas kicked his wriggling foot into Fit's stomach. Fit winced and suppressed the urge to grab onto his stomach instinctively. Mike cleared his throat and crossed his arms.
“It was nice to see you, Fit, but we have to be going soon, or else we’re going to be late.” He stressed the last part out, a jab towards Pac, who stuck his tongue out at him before softening his features to Fit with a slight pout.
“Unfortunately, Mikey is right...” Pac's hands reached out to transfer Richas from Fit's arm to his. “We’re meeting the rest of the Favela group for dinner, and we are already running behind,” he explains as he adjusts to Richas’ weight. Fit watches Pac hold Richas gently; the cracked hallway does nothing against Pac’s natural glow.
“Right, of course,” his voice deeper than it had been just a second ago, Fit flushed at his own tone, he smiles, trying to clear his voice of the deeper emotion he feels, “wouldn't want to let you be the last ones there,” he jokes.
Pac gives him one of those sweet smiles of his and looks down at Richas, who had huffed out his cheeks in indignation at being taken away from Fit's more precarious hold, “Say goodbye to Tio Fitch, Richas!” When all Richas did was huff and look away, Mike began poking his sides, causing Richas to begin giggling.
“OKAY! BYE TIOO,” he shrieks out as Pac joins Mike in tickling him. Fit smiled at him and ruffled his curls from atop his mooshroom beanie.
“Be good for Pac and Mike, okay?” Fit says as he pulls his hands away. Richas grins
“I can't promise anything!” Which causes all the adults to laugh. Mike claps Fit’s shoulder as he walks past him and begins going down the stairs. Pac follows behind him, holding Richas up, his eyes glance behind him and crinkle.
“Bye Fitchi...” he says lightly before joining Mike down the stairs. Fit watches him go, but instead of watching from afar in the gym, he walks inside his empty apartment with a gooey, warm smile.