It was surprisingly easy for Freddie to talk himself out of overthinking his reaction to Leo at the pool. There was, he decided, a level of hot that transcended gender. Leo was so obviously above and beyond that threshold. So by the time Leo joined Freddie in the gym, fully clothed, Freddie was already laughing at himself for completely crumbling at the sight of one attractive person in their swimmers. 

"Nice shower?" Freddie asked Leo. 

Leo looked at him with an expression that seeped with confused concern. 

"I don't like mixing chlorine and sweat," Leo said and he sounded almost defensive. 

"I get it dude don't worry."

Leo still seemed a little confused but soon enough they slipped into a rhythm.

They worked out in silence, mostly. Every so often Freddie would make a comment and Leo would look at him with a tiny subtle changes in his expression that Freddie was beginning to be able to read. The company was comfortable, it reminded Freddie of working out with his dad even though it felt completely different. He missed the company, but not just any company, Freddie missed the company of someone comforting. Someone who felt like they fit beside him. Leo was starting to feel like that. 

"Later loverboys," Sadie shouted as they walked past her on the way out.

Freddie flipped her off again, and Leo didn't say anything but even Freddie could feel the wave of disapproval flowing out of him towards Sadie. She didn't seem bothered though, and Freddie was impressed because he was already sure he never wanted to get that feeing from Leo.

Outside they found themselves walking side by side almost accidentally. They weren't heading anywhere in particular but they moved together anyway. Freddie didn't want to let go of the evening yet so he threw a question out trying to seem casual but desperate for Leo to bite the hook.

"Do you think burnt enough calories for an ice cream?" 

"No," Leo replied matter of factly.

"Hmm do you want to get one anyway?" Freddie asked knocked his shoulder against Leo's.

The tiny smile appeared on Leo and Freddie took that as a yes. They ended up in Freddie's car again eating McDonald's soft serve ice creams together, listening to Triple J on the radio. Not talking but still enjoying each other's company. Freddie tried to make it last but an ice cream only goes so far, soon they were back in the car park.

"Where's your car?" Freddie asked.

"At home," Leo replied like it made sense.

"What the hell dude? Were you just gonna let me leave you here?"

"Its a five minute walk."

"No way I'm driving you," Freddie insisted.

There was a moment when Freddie thought Leo might fight him but seemed to give up before he stated. He shrugged and did his seatbelt back up.

Freddie only felt slightly stupid when they arrived at Leo's apartment building less than two minutes later.

"Wow yeah okay this is close," Freddie said awkwardly.

"Thanks for the ride," Leo said and he sounded sincere.

Without another word he climbed out the car and Freddie had to shout his goodbye to a figure retreating in the dark. He was still a weirdo, Freddie thought, but he was a weirdo Freddie liked.