The Apprehensive and The Optimistic
Chapter 7
AN:: Here's chapter seven! Updates will go back to normal Wednesday! Enjoy
APIH
Anthony groaned and pulled on the collar of his sweater. Why was it that every holiday he went to his dad's, his step mom made and forced him and his brother to wear dorky sweaters. He liked his Step mom, she was nice and understanding, unlike the step-moms in the movies and books. She was pretty too. But sweaters? He wasn't twelve anymore. Then again, it was kind of a routine, something he knew would happen. Anthony sighed as he gave one final glance in the mirror and tug on the sweater.
He walked out of the bathroom his younger step sister running up to him, "Anthony! Daddy said dinner will be ready in ten minutes."
Anthony leaned down and picked her up, "Okay, Suzy, what do you say we go down stairs together?" He grinned at her.
She pouted, "I have to get Daddy's wallet!" She began squirming in his arms.
Anthony let her down, "Okay, I'll see you downstairs." She sped off down the hall and Anthony walked down the stairs.
He glanced at his step mom, "Hey, Karen, I'll be outside. I have to make a call."
She nodded as She continued to set the table, "Okay, food will be ready soon though, so hurry up."
Anthony nodded and walked to the back door, opening it and walking into the back yard. His sweater providing protection against the cool night air. He walked up to the swing set and sighed. For some reason, being at his dad's felt like he was at square one again. He felt like he was alone, he could easily text Josh, or Matt. But he kind of wished one of them were with him. He sat down, and began to swing back and forth. He kind of missed Ian's company. They hadn't talked in almost four days.
Anthony wanted to text him, or call him, but he didn't want to interrupt his time with David and his family. He didn't want to intrude, or have Ian tell him that, no, he can't talk. He just didn't want Ian to say no to him, he wondered if that was weird. Would Ian even answer the phone? Since today was Thanksgiving would that be an exception? Was Ian even doing anything important? The only way Anthony would get any of the questions answered was if he tried to call the other teen.
Anthony pulled out his phone and went to his contact List clicking on Ian's name. He stared at the picture and shrugged his shoulders, selecting call. He lifted his phone to his ear, it only rang about three times before he heard the familiar voice of his best friend, "Anthony, hey man!" It was loud on Ian's side, there was music and laughter and it sounded like Ian was having a Good time.
Anthony felt himself brighten automatically, "Happy Thanksgiving!"
"Merry Turkey day." Ian replied, chuckling, "You could've texted me that, silly."
Anthony shrugged and began swinging again, "I guess I was feeling a little down and wanted to hear your voice." He felt himself blush, even though Ian wasn't there.
"O-Oh.." Ian said, sounding a little bashful himself, then suddenly the background noise was fading and it was almost silent, "Sorry, I just went into me and David's room. What's wrong?" He sounded concerned, and Anthony smiled fondly. He didn't understand how he went so long without a real friend.
Anthony leaned his head against the metal hooks of the swing, and sighed, "It's nothing to worry about in all honesty. Just after being around you and everyone else for the past few weeks being alone kinda sucks. Kinda feels like I'm back at square one." He looked at his shoes, a cold wind hit him and he shuddered.
"You know that's not the case right?" Ian said, "We're all still here, and we'll chill when everyone's back in Sacramento, but everyone needs a break once in a while." He laughed lightly, "If we were around each other constantly we'd be annoyed and then, well, there wouldn't be a friendship to miss."
Anthony nodded, shutting his eyes, "Yeah, I guess your right." He opened them again, "Are you about to eat dinner there?"
"We ate hours ago, there's a time difference of three hours between us." Anthony could all but hear Ian's teasing smirk, "Right now we're all just socializing and having fun. David has a big family. I'm guessing you're about to eat?"
"Sorry, I completely forgot, Yeah, we are." He glanced into the kitchen of his father's house, "So, what? It's like seven, eight o'clock there?"
"Yep." Ian sang, "David and I were about to go on a walk to the beach and hang out there for an hour or two."
Anthony had a feeling what the two would be doing in that hour or two, "Sorry if I interrupted the romantic escape." Anthony said, trying to keep his tone normal.
Ian laughed, "David can wait for me to have chat with you, if not, he can go to the beach himself. I'll just hang out with his Grandma."
Anthony smiled, chuckling, "Maybe you should just stick with his Grandma."
"Maybe, she's not-" Ian suddenly stopped talking and Anthony heard another voice, there was shuffling and Ian's voice was muffled, "..Anthony...Yeah, he did...I guess, why...important?" Anthony heard a thump and then laughter.
He raised an eyebrow, "Ian?"
A few seconds later Ian picked up the phone, "Sorry!" He said, his tone full of laughter, "It was David." He hissed out, before laughing, "S-Stop! Anthony, I have to go!"
Anthony frowned, "Yeah, okay, bye."
"Wait, hey man, I'll text you when I wake up tomorrow! I promise." He sounded genuine, and pleading, as if it was an apology that he couldn't say with David in the room.
Anthony stood up, "Okay, that works. Remember to keep the timezone in mind." He heard Ian laugh. Anthony wasn't sure if it was at him or whatever David was doing to him, "Bye, Ian."
"Goodb-" Suddenly there was thump again and the call was ended from Ian's side. Anthony rolled his eyes, annoyed David couldn't wait until Ian was off the phone to fool around with him.
Anthony walked back to his Dad's house and threw open the door, slamming it behind. His family blinked at him and his step mother frowned, "Anthony, is everything okay?"
Anthony scoffed, taking a seat, "Everything is peachy."
APIH
Ian laughed at David's hands moved further up his shirt, tickling his sensitive waist, "St-Stop, David, please!" David continued, laughing with Ian, pushing him back against the bed and moving over him, "David, I'll fucking piss myself stop!"
David laughed, but removed his hands from inside Ian's shirt, smiling. As Ian's laughter died down he layed back, shutting his eyes and relaxing. David's lips brushed the corner of his mouth, and moved to his neck, spreading kisses around the area. Ian sighed contently, "David..you know you shouldn't have done that."
"What?" David asked, his hand finding it's way under Ian's shirt again, caressing his smooth skin.
"Fuck with me while I was on the phone with Anthony." Ian grabbed his hand before it could invade any further, he sighed, "I'm serious, David."
David rolled his eyes, and leaned up, staring down at him, "Ian, what does it matter? It's not like Anthony is going to cry about it, and if he is so what? You met him two weeks ago, babe."
"He's been through a lot and I don't wanna take the chance of pissing him off." Ian frowned, glaring at David.
David groaned, "Ian, you know the reason he acts like that, getting that pissed off look when I'm around is because he has a crush on you."
The bowl haired man rolled his eyes, "I highly, highly doubt that's why he acts like that, David!" He frowned, "And what does it matter? It's been more than two weeks...Why have you been such an ass lately?!"
David scoffed, and rolled off Ian, "Well excuse me, my boyfriend meets some random guy and starts spending all his time with him, that's a little suspicious! I think I have the right of being an ass, Ian, you're acting like your not in a relationship with someone." David paused, and barked out laughter, "Oh, wait. You're not even my boyfriend, and we're not in a relationship, I'm sorry, I guess I am an ass."
"You know It's not frigging like that with Anthony, David, he's straight. Just because I'm gay doesn't mean I'm gonna jump for every guy! You of all people should know that." Ian said, his expression pained as he lifted a hand to his lovers face, "You know I'm sorry. I just..I-I can't, I'm scared to rely on someone, and commit myself to one person, I can't do it." He forced David to looked at him, and smiled sadly, "I want to. I swear."
"Then do it." David said, tone almost begging, "I want to point at you and say your my boyfriend Ian, I've wanted for so-"
Ian leaned forward, pressing his lips to David's to silence his wavering voice. David kissed back, running his fingers through Ian's hair. Ian shuddered and pulled away, "F-fuck..."
David slid to fingers under Ian's chin and lifted it up, looking into Ian's eyes, "I'm tired of waiting around for an answer, Ian. And your lips aren't distracting me anymore."
"David-" Ian pleaded.
"I can't do it anymore, Ian." David raised his voice a little to get his point across, "Ian, I honestly love you, I do. And want to spend the rest of my life with you. And it hurts not to.."
"It hurts me too, don't do this!" Ian frowned, taking David's hand and holding it in his, "Please, David. J-Just...give me a week to decide."
"I'm sorry. You have to pick, I want to be able to celebrate an anniversary, Ian. You know, we would've been, like, two years in September." David sighed, "I don't wanna do this, but you need to know I can't just sit around for you anymore."
Ian nodded, "O-Okay." He felt the corner of his eyes sting.
David sighed and nodded, trying to control his emotions, "So, what do you say? Are we boyfriends, or just friends."
Ian shifted, sitting in David's lap, he wrapped his arms around his neck. He leaned down nudging his nose against David's, shutting his eyes. David sighed. Ian leaned down and pressed his lips against the others, he kissed him deeply, and moved his fingers into David's hair, and parted his lips as David kissed back. After about a minute David pulled away, face sunken, "Was that a goodbye kiss?"
Ian smiled slightly, "More like our first kiss as boyfriends."
David looked shocked for a moment. Like the answer was unexpected, as if he really thought Ian didn't want him. He made Ian's chest tighten in pain, he didn't want to cause David discomfort and pain. David suddenly pressed another kiss to Ian's lips, "Wait here, I have something for you." He let Ian slid off him, and got up leaving the room and Ian with his own thoughts.
Ian sighed as he fell back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Thinking about his decision. Wondering about his decision. Had it been the right one? Maybe wanting David to be more assertive was a mistake. His chest was tight with an abundant amount of emotions. He was scared, and worried..the last time he thought he was in a relationship... No. No. He wasn't going to think about him, or that. He was just so nervous. Was it bad that he was more scared and worried than happy? He wanted to be with David, he wanted to be able to be his boyfriend, but he just felt so...wrong. Like waiting was what he needed.
Then again, David waited two years for this. One year both of them in a state of confusion, and the second as a noncouple, couple. David deserved to call Ian his boyfriend. Was he being selfish right now? Ian took slow breaths, trying to help himself calm down. He was over thinking this, it was natural to be a little wary of a relationship...or...maybe the rules didn't apply with his and David's two year roller-coaster?
The door opened again and Ian sat up as David came into the room, "Shut your eyes." He said and Ian complied. Letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, David was suddenly very close to him, and Ian felt cool metal on his collarbone. David pressed a kiss to his temple and moved away a little, "All right, open them up." Ian blinked his eyes open and immediately took the metal in his hand, examining it. His lips parted in shock at the Necklace, with a topaz gem. He looked at David and opened his mouth to say something but David spoke instead, "I'm not sure if It's appropriate for a boy to get another boy a necklace, but I figure it doesn't matter with us."
Ian smiled genuinely, "It doesn't matter with us." He wrapped his arms around his boyfriend and sighed softly.
David hugged back, chuckling, "What do you say we had to the beach and fool around as boyfriends for the first time?" Ian snickered, ignored that painful feeling in his chest and let David lead him from their bedroom.
APIH
"Dad what's going on?" Anthony asked as his father and him walked down the streets of the town.
"It's a surprise, Anthony, now shut up and just follow me." His father gave a hearty laugh.
Anthony rolled his eyes and stuffed his face into his phone, replying to Ian's text. He had texted him, like he said, after Anthony was out of his shower a text from Ian was awaiting him. Their conversation was becoming dull though, like Ian wasn't in the mood to talk. He was definitely acting a little off, like something was bothering him. Anthony attempted to pry, and sent the message. He pocketed his phone and followed behind his dad, sighing.
"You've been doing that a lot lately. What's on your mind, kid?" His dad asked, slowing his pace so he walked next to his son.
Anthony shrugged, "It's not important."
"Hm." His dad tapped his chin, small smile on his lips, "Does it have to do with all your new little friends?" At Anthony's shocked expression, his dad gave him a pointed look, "Do you honestly think you're mother wouldn't call me to voice her concern about your new behavior?"
"New behavior? I'm leaving the house, isn't that a Good thing?" Anthony groaned, "I have a friends now, a best friend, I'm not a lonely kid and that's a bad thing now?"
His dad chuckled, "She thinks your having sex and smoking pot."
Anthony actually snorted and smiled with his dad, "Nowhere close to either of those."
His dad pulled out keys And unlocked the door to a parking garage. Anthony blinked as he peaked inside and saw the car sitting there, he looked at his dad who was smiling at him, "Ta-DA."
"No way." Anthony gasped and he walked completely into the garage. He walked up to the vehicle and placed a hand on the Hood, "Dad..whoa..what's the catch?" He laughed as he dad tossed the keys.
"How about we talk as you give her a spin?"
Anthony caught the keys and ran to the other door, pulling it open. As he sat he actually sighed contently. His own car. His dad got in the passengers seat and soon They were on the road, driving around. "Specific location?"
"Let's head for the supermarket." His dad said and Anthony nodded. After a few minutes his dad sighed, "Do you want to hear the deal now?"
"Sure." Anthony nodded, swallowing a lump in his throat. He was a Tad nervous at what his father wanted. His father was kind, though. He may be strict, but that was only when It was necessary.
"Your mother can't afford yours and your brothers tuition anymore." His said flat out, he looked at Anthony, "You're mom wants you two to move here with me." Anthony blinked, his mouth becoming slack. He felt his whole world crush and he was thinking too fast he swerved and itched his neck nervously. "Pull over." His dad said, although it sounded like a demand.
Anthony did as he was told and looked at his dad, "A-Are you joking? I can't...I...my life is actually fun now. I have friends, I can't move Dad. I can't! You don't -"
"I do understand, Anthony." His dad frowned, "So you have to make a choice. Move here, or go to the public school where you live."
"I'm going to the public school." Anthony said without thinking, his voice filled with confidence. He didn't know he had so much. All he knew was that he didn't want to leave the friends he just made, especially Ian.
"Anthony...I get your friends go there. But you really have to think. It's what you want, not where your friends are." Anthony stared at him for a few minutes. Expression not changing. His dad sighed, "You're brother is moving in with me."
Anthony felt himself fall back in his seat and stare at the wheel, a wave of depression hitting him. "Matt's..."
"So, the car. There's no catch, and I'm offended you thought there would be." His chuckled, "It's a late birthday present, since I had to go to that conference in Arizona. I'm sorry I missed your birthday, Anthony."
Anthony sighed. He wanted to go to public school. That was his choice. He had all these great friends now, and he really didn't want to lose them. But, imagining being at his house, without his brother and just his mom made his chest feel like it was swelling. He didn't want to lose his brother, even if They didn't talk much. Just knowing Matt was there was enough, but now, his house would legit be empty. Anthony sighed, "I..I still want to live with mom. And go to the public school."
APIH
the end to this chapter! As always, Thanks for reading, and I'll see you at the next chapter.
