Title: Chapter 13 - Rumor Has It

A/N: Anthony's back in Florida. Ian's new life in California. Split-screen POV. A small time jump of two weeks.

"Oh no...", Anthony mumbles and immediately hides behind Shayne.

"What is it?"

"Simon."

Shayne looks across the huge dining hall and sees Anthony's ex at the far end, sitting with some other boys and girls at a table.

"Dude... He's like 10 miles away. You're fine.", he says and sits down at an empty table. "Sit. Eat."

Anthony obeys, taking a seat opposite of his friend, yet still tries to hide his face by letting his hair fall into his eyes. He doesn't have to hide long, though, since both of them are soon joined by Keith, Noah, Courtney and Olivia.

"Noah, no! Sit over there!", Anthony orders, pointing to the free spot next to Shayne. Noah looks at him quizzically, but then Keith nudges his elbow and makes a short movement with his head.

"Simon.", he whispers, clearly audible for Anthony.

"Yes, Simon. I'm sorry, okay? I know it's been two weeks, I should be talking to him, but I can't. I just can't right now. I have swimming practice, I have three essays to work on already, one presentation and JD wants me to tutor the new swimmers.", Anthony defends his actions. "I don't have time to deal with him right now."

"Hey, no one's blaming you.", Olivia says, shooting an angry look in the direction of Simon's table.

Only now does Anthony notice that all of his friends are in a really strange mood today. As if they are silently raging over something. Or someone?

"Guys, if you have a problem with the way I treated Simon, I understand-"

"It's not that! We're glad you broke up!", Courtney exclaims suddenly, her statement throwing off Anthony completely. "It's just...There is kind of a strange rumor going around."

"What rumor?" Anthony is clueless, he has had so much to do since he got back from spring break, he hasn't been paying too much attention to gossip.

"That you... Well, it's not like it is true, but rumor has it you...", Olivia begins, but halts, as if she doesn't want to continue speaking.

"Olivia, what is it?", Anthony pressures her and looks into uneasy faces. "Shayne?"

"I don't know where it came from, but I think we can all figure that out.", his friend begins, putting down his glass. "There's a rumor that you cheated on Simon with a hooker."

Anthony's fork makes a terribly piercing and clinging sound when it falls onto the plate. His jaw drops open and his eyes widen in shock.

"Yeah, I know, right?" Keith huffs, shaking his head. "This is really fucked up. I don't believe a word of it."

"There have been no names mentioned so far, but Simon – you bet you ass I think it was him! - well, he basically calls your new boyfriend a hooker. Ian, isn't it? Shayne told us a bit about him since you won't spill the beans.", Courtney says, nudging Anthony's shoulder. "He seems like a really nice and kind boy. I can't believe Simon would spread such a horrible rumor! We are all outraged!"

Anthony gulps. Hard.

"Don't worry, Anthony. It's just a rumor. There is no evidence. And basically no one believes it.", Noah comforts him and looks at him sympathetically.

"It's a good thing you broke it off. Who knows where this relationship with that nerd kid would have led you.", Shayne says, and smiles friendly at him. "I saw you with Ian. I think you've made the right choice. You deserve each other."

A huge lump is building up in Anthony's throat. No. He doesn't deserve Ian. Not a bit. He has trusted Simon with something. A secret, believing that Simon would keep it to himself. He chose to believe that Simon would not betray him. That he would be fine with their break-up. Anthony thought back then that by explaining Ian's situation that Simon would understand. He would get that Ian needed Anthony, and that he needed that time apart to help Ian get back on his feet. Apparently, that wasn't the case.

He has made a terrible mistake.

Ian jumps onto Anthony's bed, hugging the pillow and closing his eyes. A few more minutes and he will be skyping with Anthony. It's his favorite time of the week. They have talked it over and have made a plan. Since Anthony has a very strict schedule – his lectures, swimming practice and tutoring new swimmers – they meet up online on Wednesdays, then Fridays and Saturdays. It's Friday today, so this means they will chat longer than normal because both of them can sleep in tomorrow.

He opens his eyes again and checks the time. 7 pm, meaning it's 10 pm in Florida. Ian reaches for Anthony's laptop, types in the password and opens up Skype. Seconds later he can see Anthony's screen name pop up – freestyle16. Ian's username that Anthony has picked for him is sketchboy because of his drawings.

The familiar ringing sound goes off and Ian hits the video camera button.

Ian: "Hey there!"

Anthony: "Hey, Ian. How are you? How you've been since Wednesday?"

Ian: "I'm fine, thanks. I got a job at a bookstore! It's only part-time, but at least I got something to do. And I got time to draw." (smiles)

Anthony: "That's great! I'm happy for you." (seems to be distracted)

Ian: "Anthony? Is something bothering you?"

Anthony: "Huh? No, no, it's fine. I just have a lot of stuff to do for my classes. And JD is torturing us with more swimming practice next week."(huffs, annoyed)

Ian: "Oh, sorry to hear that. You kind of look exhausted to be honest."

Anthony: "Yeah, I'm pretty slumped."

(PAUSE)

Ian: "Do you wanna go to bed? And we'll talk tomorrow?"

(Anthony looks away, as if pondering deeply over something)

Ian: "Anthony?"

Anthony: "Huh?"

Ian: "You are not fine. Something is up. Can you please tell me? You might feel better after-"

Anthony: "Ian, I'm sorry. You're right. I'm really tired. I promise we'll talk more tomorrow, okay?"

Ian: (sad) "Okay, no problem. See you tomorrow."

Anthony: "See you."

(END OF CALL)

Anthony's face disappears from the screen. Weird. Anthony is always the one to prolong their conversations. One time Ian fell asleep during one call and Anthony couldn't force himself to end the call. He had watched him sleep for a while before softly speaking to him again and waking up.

This just has been really not like Anthony at all. To hang up like that. Although, he really didn't look good at all. Exhausted? Maybe. Worried. More like it. But about what? Ian tells himself to ask Anthony during their talk tomorrow. His mind is suddenly filled with strange and negative thoughts. What if Anthony has gotten tired of him? And he doesn't want to be together anymore? Well, it's not like Anthony has promised him anything, there is no label on their relationship. Or friendship. Or whatever this is. Ian is not even sure if Anthony loves him. He hasn't told him yet. They have talked so many times since Anthony has gone back to Florida but the l-word hasn't come up so far. Maybe Anthony simply doesn't love him. Maybe it's the guilt and pity that keeps him glued to the fragile and broken boy. And this thought scares the shit out of Ian.

Anthony is five minutes early. Just in case. He looks around the huge library and sees students deepened into their books and taking down notes. He should by doing that, too, actually. With him being all busy with studies and swimming practice there won't be much time to study right before the exams. He needs to start early.

"Sorry to keep you waiting.", a familiar voice suddenly says, coming from behind him.

He turns around and sees his ex-boyfriend leaning against the bookshelf.

"Thanks for meeting me.", Anthony says. He has picked the library as a meeting place so that Simon couldn't make a scene.

"No problem. I assume you want to talk?"

No, not talk. Not at all. I wanna scream and hit you and beat the shit out of you for badmouthing Ian, you sick bastard!

"Yes, come with me."

Anthony leads them to the far back of the library where they can talk in peace and won't disturb anybody.

"So? What is it?", Simon asks innocently.

"You know exactly what is up. Don't act all stupid!", Anthony shout-whispers, towering over the smaller boy like a furious giant.

"You mean the rumor?"

"No, I mean my gigantic cock! Of course the fucking rumor!"

Anthony can't help it but sarcasm seems to be the only thing to be working for him right now.

"Okay, okay, I get it. I heard the rumor, too. And, frankly speaking, if this is really true, I am even more hurt than I already was, Anthony. A hooker? Seriously?"

Simon's scornful smirk drives Anthony almost over the edge.

"Simon! Don't play dumb! I know it was you! No one else knows about Ian... Ian's past. It had to be you."

The smaller boy doesn't answer but shakes his head slightly.

"What? Are you mocking me?", Anthony exclaims, quickly shutting up again. That was way too loud.

"Got me. It was me."

"Why, Simon? I mean... I confided in you! I thought we were still friends!"

"I never wanted to be just friends. I wanted you. Nothing more, nothing less. Just you. Your love. I thought when you went home over spring break that you would somehow miss me. So, imagine my surprise when I get a call from you, the first call since our goodbye, and it's not about missing me, but about breaking up with me. You know how hurt I was, Anthony?"

"And that's why you told everyone that I cheated on you with a hooker? For the record, Simon, I did NOT cheat! We were over when I started dating Ian. And I never really planned it. It just happened!"

"So, break up with him then! Come back to me! He doesn't deserve your generosity and your kindness, Anthony. You told me the story over the phone, remember? He left you! He decided to leave everything and everyone behind, including you, and went off to being a hooker! That was his choice! And now he's back all of a sudden? Haven't you asked yourself why he came back? After three years? Why now? You just took him in like a stray dog! Does he really care about you?"

Anthony hesitates to answer, but shakes off his doubts and continues to speak.

"He missed me. He wanted to make up. He wanted me to forgive him, although there was no reason to."

Simon takes a step back, hands in the pockets of his trousers, head facing down.

"If that really is the truth, then fine. I can understand that. That you wanted to be there for him, be his friend. But what I don't understand is why you are dating him all of a sudden. He never came up in our talks before. There is not one single picture of him anywhere in your room. Have you always loved him? Or do you love him at all? Or do you pity him? Do you feel guilty that you left California? Why are you with him, Anthony? Do you know that this affair may ruin your career if anyone ever finds out the truth about him? Are you willing to risk your dreams for him? Can't you just be his friend and come back to me?"

Anthony clenches his fist, already thinking about punching Simon hard in the face. But you just don't punch smaller boys, especially when they wear glasses.

"Fuck off, Simon. That's none of your business. And it never will be. I am done with you. If I hear about that rumor EVER again, I'm gonna beat you up so badly you will not be able to walk, talk or write for weeks. Are we clear?"

"I understand. I'll try my best to make the rumor disappear.", Simon answers quietly, looking up, staring into Anthony's eyes. "But I want you to think about it, Anthony. Really think about it. Do you love him? Really love him? And is he really worth it?"

Anthony wants to talk back but Simon whirls around and runs out of sight and earshot.

Of course, Ian is worth it.

Or isn't he?

"I was surprised to read your text.", Ian murmurs into the phone, stretching out on the bed.

"I can imagine that."

"Where are you now?", Ian wants to know, voice soft.

"New York. I've been to that diner... you know, the one we've met?"

Ian smiles at that memory.

"I remember. I was telling Anthony about that only a couple of weeks ago."

"Anthony, huh? Is that the friend you wanted to meet? Is he the reason you wanted to come to Sacramento?"

"Yes. Although, we haven't spoken to each other for so long... but it went well, our meeting I mean. He was overwhelmed to see me. And so was I."

"I'm glad to hear that.", Josh answers, and Ian imagines him smiling. He always had a weakness for Josh's gorgeous smiles.

"I also met up with my Mom, but... well, that's another story for another time. I live at Anthony's, his parents let me live here. And I also have a job at a bookstore."

"Hey, that is great! I just remembered that I'm all out of reading material..."

Ian laughs out loud. That is such a big lie. Josh has always something to read, and even if it's printed toilet paper. He has a vast collection of books, always refilling his stock, never running out of new books to read.

"Well, next time you're in Sacramento, you can stop by and I'll show you some books I am sure you haven't even heard of yet."

"You got yourself a deal."

There is a slight pause in which Ian considers the fact that it might have been a bad idea to reply to Josh's message. And to answer Josh's call. But also, it feels good talking to him. They were always good at that.

"So, I guess you are not in the business anymore?", Josh asks, sounding a bit disappointed.

"Officially, yes."

"And unofficially?"

"I could make an exception for you."

Why the hell have I just said?

"I'll take you up on that offer." Josh laughs. "Okay, I gotta go back to the office. I just wanted... Well, I just wanted to see how you're doing. I'm glad to hear you're fine."

"Yes, I am."

Am I?

"So, see you soon maybe. Take care, Ian."

"You, too."

Ian hangs up and puts his phone aside. What is he doing? This is wrong. So wrong. So very fucked-up wrong. He sits up and looks around the room. Saturday evening. Usually, he would be skyping with Anthony right now, but there has been no message or text or phone call from his friend all day long. Ian reaches once again for his laptop and signs in. He needs to distract himself and decides to browse the internet for some funny videos and cooking advice.

Suddenly a funny pinging noise attracts his attention, telling him that someone has sent him a text in Skype.

A: ian r u there?

Ian's heart skips a beat.

I: yes i am. r u okay?

A: wanna talk to u

This sounds serious. Too serious. Is it already time to say goodbye to Anthony?

I: okay

Seconds later the Skype phone is ringing and Ian hits the video camera button.

Ian: "Hi."

Anthony: "Hi."

(PAUSE)

Anthony: (rubs the back of his hand over his eyes) "I'm sorry, Ian. I am so sorry-"

Ian: "It's okay. I understand. I'm just glad we met, and could make up. (wipes away some tears building up in the corners of his eyes) I'm happy that you're okay and are chasing your dreams. I'm only in your way and I-"

Anthony: "Ian, stop! What? No! That's not what I was... (confused, shakes his head) Ian, I am sorry because of yesterday. Me acting all weird. I wasn't tired. My mind was occupied with certain things... I found out that Simon, my ex-boyfriend, had spread a horrible rumor about me – and it was kind of about you, too."

Ian: "Why would he do such a thing?"

Anthony: "He was jealous, and he couldn't deal with our break-up. I talked to him and it should be fine now. (runs a hand through his hair) Ian, I want you to know, that you matter to me, a lot. And I miss you every single day. I fill my days with tasks and practice and studying so that I don't think about you that much, to keep myself distracted. But that rarely happens. (chuckles) You are everywhere. In my head. Under my skin. In my heart."

Ian: "Anthony..."

Anthony: "I want to see you. Soon. I will try to get a flight back home in about a week or two. I will let you know when exactly. JD is gonna flip, but I don't care. I want to hold you in my arms. You mean so much to me, Ian."

Ian: "I want to see you, too, but only if it doesn't get you into trouble."

Anthony: "I will take care of that. Don't worry."

(both boys smile)

Anthony: "So, tell me about that job of yours."

And then they talk, like nothing ever happened. Ian tells him about the bookstore, and Anthony tells him more about university life. They laugh and chat, and Ian doesn't want it to end. He shows Anthony a new picture he has drawn of him which makes Anthony blush. When it's time to say goodbye none of them want to hang up.

Anthony: "Good night."

Ian: "Sleep tight."

Anthony: "Don't let the bed bugs bite."

Ian: "I won't. I'd rather you to bite me." (winks)

Anthony: (pause, stares at the screen) "I will try to get a flight next weekend."