Hello everyone! This is my first ever fanfic about Ianthony. I haven't included this introductory part when I first uploaded my piece (baka!). Anyway this is about Ianthony, but on a different universe. I don't know how hardcore fans out there would feel about this type of story but I do hope they'll like it. This will be a multi-chapter story which would heavily focus on Ian and Anthony's characters' development and the situation they are in. I'm a bit cryptic and gradual when building the story, so please bear with me when I tend to detail out as much as each characters' new roles in this story. Also others might wonder why I rated this as "M", simply because there would be explicit content on later chapters, which God forbids me I might not tone down the contents (just kidding, I'll use my best judgment to include explicit content as acceptable as possible). But don't worry there would always be warning when those specific chapters are uploaded. Lastly, the characters in my mind is technically Ian Andrew Hecox and Daniel Anthony Padilla, however if you read this chapter, their names are quite different. I decided to do this in order for it to be relative to the universe they existed. Hope you'll enjoy! (^_^)/
CHAPTER 1: YOUR OLD SELF
Anthony watched intently as the sun gradually hid its smile across the thin blanket of clouds. It was a bit hazy this day, he thought. A weak stint of breeze blew across his face giving him brief comfort. Whilst being entranced by the stillness of the place he still puts on his routinely hiding and detecting skills. Even if it was Silent Harrow, the safest place he could ever imagine, he did what he's supposed to anyway.
This turned out to be a habit rather than a duty, he surmised. Being a Sentinel, he is in constant lookout to scan his surroundings. He can do it normally and efficiently thanks to his unforgiving training years ago. The years of ordeal had taught him to exceed expertise against standards. It was strangely contrasting of him. This is because he was more childish and carefree in reality. At least when he's around his subject.
That was before. But was it? Nothing seems too different at all. But there's always a fine line between. He knows how to tread back and forth between those lines. He did it very well…and very carefully.
His strength however remained untested. Though he possesses immense powers and impressive skills, he had not engaged in a real battle yet.
Monitoring his surroundings was much easier now. Scanning was undeniably clearer, even when his eyes are closed. People walking by, insects chirping, birds hopping, cats tiptoeing, trees leaning, grass dancing, children prattling, they were all crystal clear and easy to predict. Although there were hundreds of them, heck even thousands, he can tell right away that each movement was unique from the other. He was fused to his surroundings.
Then a particular movement was very familiar to him. He wore a smile and shifted his phase towards the exterior of an old but aesthetically lavish building. This was an archive sector of Silent Harrow's private school. Humongous as it seems, the building endured generations of Hipstein legacy.
There were tons of ancient stuffs. Very old, dusty and annoying, he mused. Most of all…books. Is he done already?
As Anthony thought nonchalantly, a boy of almost his same age trotted towards him, beaming.
"I got it!" he sighed.
"Perhaps I could just throw it anyway. But I literally don't know what's in it." He muttered.
"Well not everything in your brain is collected yet, so you definitely need it." Anthony joked.
Ian squinted over him and ignored the pun. "What should we eat?" Ian asked, sounding exasperated and bored, gesturing quickly from his wristwatch.
"Uhm…Pizza?" Anthony suggested absentmindedly.
"Hell yeah! I got to take myself some Burittos too!" Ian exclaimed, sounding very excited.
He made a mistake. Anthony just watched him as Ian's crystal blue eyes glinted with enthusiasm. It was not like they rarely eat pizza nowadays, but he knows that Ian would insist to buy it somewhere else. It wasn't until now that this became an issue to him.
Ian innocently grinned at him, creasing his brows clumsily, with his attention all over Anthony.
"I really don't' mind okay? We just have to be quick." Anthony lied.
"Oooh what? You suggested it!" Ian teased. Anthony didn't argue. He just nodded.
Ian triumphantly sneered, reaching his hands over his friend's shoulders and walking towards their car.
It always bothers Anthony a bit when taking Ian outside the Silent Harrow. He always felt a bit uneasy or somewhat strangely awkward when heading outside.
It has always been fine being inside the estate, except that they had to avail deliveries often thanks to Ian's relentless nagging to buy take-outs. It was completely out of Ian's character to just stay secluded. Thus Anthony always expects foreign stuffs. He's just so weird, he thought. Besides what the fuck are my cooking skills for anyway? Anthony gallingly thought to himself.
He's more drawn over these crap take-outs than my home cooking, which I could say so myself is far superior than any other restaurant take-outs.
Anthony drove. Ian scanned Anthony quickly, looking for evidence of protest specked across his face. But all he can see was an apathetic visage, adjacently focused away from him. Anthony noticed this and quickly painted an admonishing smirk.
"Don't even freaking get those huge tomato slices on my item huh?" Anthony declared.
Ian was quick to banter, sniggering over the idea and flashing his bearded smile towards his friend. Anthony just shook his head.
No one knew, at least for Ian, that Anthony despises, with all his heart, tomatoes. He finds them plainly disgusting when raw. He loves tacos but would repeatedly remind any restaurant they visit to exclude them. He would even double or triple check their meal once served. Ian just love to joke and prank him about it.
"It's seems you don't complain but I can't shake the feeling that you don't want to go outside again. It's not like you'll say no because I still win but…" Ian gestured, scribbling his hands in the air towards Anthony, almost like depicting something about him. "This aura you emit dude." Ian shrugged.
There he goes. Anthony regretted. He thought that he could finally shake off the disagreement he felt and just go on Ian's way but he was just witty enough to press the issue. He's careful enough not to upset Ian. But his erratic behavior makes it difficult for him to elude such issue. Whatever psychic ability this bowl-haircut, blue-eyed, mischievous kid has, just keeps on penetrating his thoughts.
"Not really. I just thought you liked my cooking better." Anthony flatly stated.
Ian grinned smugly.
"It'll be alright Ant." He tapped Anthony's shoulders.
Unknown to Anthony as much as Ian wanted to eat lunch at home he just wanted to spend more time with him outside. The bustling people, frenzied sounds of vehicles and buzzing drive of society around fulfills Ian. It keeps him alive. It preserves his sanity. It keeps Anthony strangely close to him.
For fifteen years, Ian always felt confined inside Silent Harrow. Anthony is frequently reminded that whatever Ian wants should be tolerated. It is the only genuine compensation he can truly have from his cursed life. Anthony takes it seriously and would do anything to keep him always happy.
Even when danger is imminent he has to improvise. Not that for so very long that he encountered one a real threat to Ian's safety, but he is constantly heedful. The very thought that he hasn't stumble upon a real danger is what makes him actually apprehensive. The unknown. Who's there? Eyes are always watching, lurking, patiently waiting. Vigilance was embedded in his subconscious mind.
Maybe the fact that he is so good at observing things around him probably keeps these "unknowns" at bay. He was prudent enough to keep that job consistent until now. Aside from being worried he has to seamlessly hide this from Ian. Any form of agitation would distract him, because Ian, whilst being arrogant and ingenuous, can be very observant too.
Relax. Just be watchful. Multi-tasking is just a piece of cake. It's like flashing Tumblr: scroll, like and reblog. Stay calm, observe and do not over analyze. That's it!
Lately, Anthony has the newest intel gathered. The source is indisputable—Michael. This is the second time that Michael personally visited him to share information about a looming threat.
Previously, the probability was just around 40%, but now? It shoots to 65%. It's 35% shy to becoming a prominent danger. Also, Michael is a guy a Sentinel or a Guardian shouldn't doubt. Besides, he was the guy from the very beginning. Anything he says is not baseless. Except that he hated him now.
Other than that, Anthony belongs to the oldest family serving under the Hipstein. Heck even one of the most trusted elite family affiliated to the Hipstein. Born as Anthony Rosnil Heightal, Michael saw the exact character and skill he possessed to hold custody and protection of the 15th successor to date: Ian Andrew Lorien Hipstein.
Relax. He reminded himself again. This is not just any unknown shit looming over somewhere. Remember the hell you've been through with the old guy? Those life and death missions? Those were just out of this world! And even if hell breaks loose over the human world you'll stand your ground and protect Ian.
One of Michael's training phases for Sentinels was a gruesome mission that could mean life or death. It was something that tested both his limits and will. And this explains why Anthony's powers, and any other Sentinel before him, are on a completely different level compared to Guardians. The very fact that his job is neutral across the affairs of Hipstein makes him the guy you don't want to mess with. It was a hidden trick Michael molded throughout generations.
"H-Hey! I thought we should go after the pizza first." Ian interjected, furrowing his brows while pointing at the pizza parlor they just passed by.
Shit!
Anthony thought he would stutter but he collected himself "I just wanted my tacos to be clean of tomatoes…"
Yey! Great excuse you dickhead!
Ian just frowned, ignoring him. "Whatever man, I just wanted that pizza. Besides it would be much better to have it ordered already before we get tacos. You know the prep time for that right?"
When Anthony wasn't answering, Ian pressed. "Are you even listening to me?"
Fuck! Come on! Think! Anthony panicked a bit. Through gritted teeth he muttered finally "It's like your telling me you don't like my cooking." He went on. He didn't really want to say it, except that the words came out already before he could stop it.
Ian looked at him moping. "That's not true."
Anthony sensed that the lack of fervor in Ian's voice when debating against him made him think that he might have upset him.
"I love your guacamole. I just wanted pizza…and…just take-outs." Ian continued.
"I'm not mad. Forget it. That's not what I meant." Anthony explained.
Ian gazed at him for a few seconds, looking quizzical and finally he just rolled his eyes and said lazily "Whaateeever dude." Ian then turned to switch the radio on, listening to Panic! At The Disco.
Anthony quietly sighed.
They went to the drive through and there were three cars queuing before them. Ian shot Anthony an unimpressed look. Anthony shrugged, and they both tuned in "Sitting in the drive through! Sitting in the drive through! Sitting in the drive through! Sitting in the drive through!" and it went on comically. It has been a casual tedium-killing spree for them to sing the "Sitting in the drive through" chant until they are already talking to an obscurely, raspy voice box.
After they ordered tacos and burritos, they went to fetch their pepperoni pizza and decided to eat at a nearby plaza. It was surprisingly quiet. Filled with few people strolling around. They sat on a green bench made of intricate metal design and wooden carvings. Sitting next to it were bunch of protruding snake plants neatly arranged. In front of them stood a roundish marble fountain, gushing water to form a mushroom-like umbrella shape, with erratic streams of water spitting alternately in circular motions around it.
"First bite of this, deliciously delayed pepperoni pizza! Arrrhmmm!" Ian punned. Gobbling a huge bite of the cheesy pepperoni pizza while haughtily eyeing Anthony who wore an uninterested look. Ian chuckled.
"First bite of these tomato-freed, meaty, Mexican tacos! ARGHHMMM!" Anthony shot Ian an approving look. Ian shook his head.
"So…does that burrito pass your standard?" Anthony asked good-humoredly, eyeing the burrito laid in front of him.
Ian was still chewing when he took out his arm and placed it beside the burrito. When he saw that the food's size matched his arm's size he widened his eyes towards Anthony. Ian approves, almost like he wanted to stamp a seal of quality for that matter.
"As I said…" Ian stammered.
"Do not talk when your mouth is full." Anthony interrupted.
Ian chewed quickly and took a huge gulp. Opening his mouth to show Anthony that it was empty. Anthony frowned.
Ian continued talking "As I said earlier, this book is just compressed with fillers. Nothing too surprising. I hate history." He prodded the book he got a few minutes ago.
To his dismay Ian was still forced to read the background of Irish History. This version of text book however looks mediocre for him, not the least remarkable. But many suggested it. Most of the professors in Silent Harrow do. But he was just not convinced. Out of respect however he still reads it. This is where his natural talent comes in display.
Ian, like his predecessors, is naturally intelligent. He may be acting childish and conceited but what sets him apart across his generation was his unsurpassed intelligence. His maturity is twice than his regular age. However this is what his cursed life creates an impediment to his normal life. He gets tired easily. He is incredibly susceptible from any illness, plus his body stamina quickly ages. Though he may not look old, he actually feels old.
The two continue to discuss about the book and when Ian was about to grab another slice he let out a little whimper of pain. Either he was busy scrutinizing the book or his hasty, gauchely hand darting towards the pizza made him fail to notice a threatening sharp edge of the pizza box.
"Ow! Fuck!" Ian hissed. His right hand's lower left palm side was bleeding.
Anthony's heart momentarily stopped. "Shit!" he said.
"It's nothing…" Ian muttered grabbing a tissue.
"What the hell do you mean it's nothing? You're fucking bleeding!" Anthony spat, taking out his handkerchief.
It was at this moment that Ian stopped debating. He looked somewhere exultant but somber. The very sight of Anthony freaking out of him getting hurt was heartwarming but this was happening somewhat exaggeratingly frequent. He can't figure out how Anthony slowly turns out like this. When they were still young he was never like that. He would just calmly look for help and care for Ian the rest of the day. But right now all he can see was an overprotective, almost paranoid friend.
He remembered the time when he and Anthony had serious conversation with Michael. Michael told them about their true existence. Why Ian has a personal bodyguard. Why he feels a bit different compared to normal humans. Why Anthony felt he is different from others and that he needs the specific mentorship of Michael. Why there may be people out there who are after Ian's life. Why they had to together forever.
Maybe that's it? But that was even before he was acting normally like my Sentinel. He would not freak out crazily. And most of all over these simple things?
"Your hand is glistening with blood." Anthony mumbled, quickly drawing his handkerchief. He wrapped it tentatively around Ian's left hand and began to rummage his sling bag for some sterilized band aid.
Ian sighed and declared "Who the hell gets wounded from the sides of a pizza box?" He tried to lift Anthony's spirit with the side comment but realized his friend was too busy patching him up.
"That's fine already." Ian assured.
Anthony shot him a glance and finished up placing the band aid. He knows where this is going now and he dreaded it. The argument in the past almost blew, he thinks it may right now.
There was few seconds of silence.
Only the ruffling of food wrappers was audible, at least between the two of them.
People casually walk around. Ian stared raptly towards Anthony who looked down, focused on the pizza box.
Finally, Ian asked curiously. "Why are you always like this?"
"Like what?" Anthony replied, faking a perplexed tone.
Ian raised his head. Gaze a bit of his surrounding and returned his attention to Anthony. Biting his lip he said "You've been really overreacting about things happening around me. It even elevated to the point that even if a mosquito bit me you would murder it pitilessly."
Anthony remained silent. He hoped Ian was joking but he's not.
"I don't understand exactly what is going on with you. You weren't like this when we were still around seven?" he paused.
"I can't understand the shift in your protectiveness. It's just…so out of place man." Ian said, wiping his mouth with tissue, eyes glued to Anthony.
"I've got a very reliable intel..." Anthony trailed, but before he can continue Ian cut him off.
"I get that. It happened once. That is the real threat to my safety. I get it dude. You always improvise. You find ways and I appreciate that. What I'm pointing out here Anthony is that you easily lose your composure when small things like this happen. I mean what" Ian hesitated, scratching the back of his right ear.
"…where did that came from? Is there something bothering you? Because, if this continues you'll have to tell me right now what is really going on Anthony." Ian finished. He never shifted his gaze from Anthony, absentmindedly rubbing his left thumb over the band aid he applied to his right hand wound.
Anthony breathed heavily and let out a heave of sigh. "I'm sorry if I've been really awkward lately. These things that are after you…" When Ian was about to cut him again, he immediately pressed his sentence disabling Ian from intercepting.
"Let me finish okay? Hear me out." he said, looking at Ian intently.
Ian nodded, signaling him to continue.
"Probably it has gotten to the point that I never encountered something that defied my true responsibility to you…" he trailed off.
"Such thing is not necessary Ant…" Ian slipped.
"It's out of the context, what I meant is a bit different." Anthony explained further, pausing for a moment and scratching his chin.
"You look so…you know…vulnerable. I can't stand it. Not that I'm telling you you're weak and that I'm so fed up caring for you. But that…the sight of seeing you getting easily cut by some stupid pizza box and the rest of simple silly things that might hurt you…just constantly worries me." Anthony swallowed; staring at Ian's perfectly crystal blue eyes which turned almost gray.
"Probably I'm not acting normal anymore, but I'm a Sentinel. Your Sentinel. That's what I lived for. That's my very purpose…" Anthony stopped when Ian slightly raised his left hand, signaling him to just stop.
"That still doesn't explain much why you're overreacting. I just got a cut from a pizza box, is that really a big of a deal? Here's the thing Anthony." Ian shifted his position, leaning closer to him.
"When you're around me just behave like your old self okay? You were so good at that when we were young. Bring me back the Anthony you used to be. You can hang out with me always without worrying too much! Anxiety kills you know? I'm living a very short life here, but I don't care, because what matters the most are each seconds of our lives, just being us." Ian said softly, frowning and finally gave Anthony a reassuring smile.
Another moment of deadpan silence.
"Okay. Let's just forget about this dramatic bullshit and finish our lunch." Anthony said, painting a smile across his face and darting a glance over their food and to Ian.
When Anthony immediately pressed down the sides of the pizza box, Ian sighed mentally, closing his eyes in disappointment. But when Anthony was about to look at him he quickly faked an impassive face, trying to tear Anthony's mindset if he was indeed frustrated or unconcerned.
At the back of Ian's mind, something tells him that Anthony was still hiding things. But he surrendered for a moment. He was tired already. Mentally and physically. He said it himself, anxiety kills. He doesn't want one. His life is too short to make a tall order for that.
Anthony grabbed a slice of pizza, munched it while observing Ian. At this moment his mind drifted back to the past. To the not so distant past that spilled all the revelations Ian's family has yet to reveal. They were revelations that introduced changes and discovery Anthony didn't truly expect.