The Apprehensive and the Optimistic

Chapter 3

AN:: Thanks to those of you that favorited and followed! And an extra thanks for my reviewers! Haha, we had some interesting conversations, huh? Enjoy the chapter guys!

All mistakes are mine.

APIH

Anthony huffed as he got off his bike and pushed it behind his house and into his backyard. He shut the gate and pushed the kickstands down, leaning the bike against the wall of the house. He hated days like today. It seemed like everyone in the area wanted to order pizza from his job, so he was out all day, driving the company car. He was exhausted and the bike petal home was even worse. His legs screamed in protest as he walked up to his back door and removed his hat. He needed a car, but he was no where close to the money for that. Anthony couldn't consider getting another job, he wouldn't be able to handle it between his school work and his current job. His life would be completely and utterly consumed. He opened the door, passing through the kitchen, he glanced at his mom, "I'm home. I have some reading to do, and then I'm going to bed, mom."

Anthony's mother, who was at the sink turned toward her son, "Anthony, can I have a moment, please?"

Anthony tried his hardest not to groan and roll his eyes, "Of course." He said turning to face her, and leaning against the island for support, trying to stop his sore muscles from screaming in pain, "What's up?"

She attempted a smile, but it faltered quickly, She sighed, "Uh, well you and Matt will be going to your father's for Thanksgiving. So you boys will be spending the week with him too. Make sure you can take off work." Anthony nodded, and waited for her to continue. The woman looked down at the island and took a cloth, cleaning it, even though it was virtually spotless, "My..job..the hospital is having some changes, cuts I suppose you could say. My hours are going to be suffering. Just a heads up." She didn't look at her son, obviously ashamed of herself, "No worries though! It's just a for a short time, once they work everything out, I'll get my hours back."

Anthony smiled reassuringly, "We'll be fine. We always are."

"We'll be fine." She repeated, taking a deep breath, like She was trying to convince herself. She smiled sadly, "Don't tell you brother, please."

Anthony moved around the island to his mother, and hugged her tightly. He didn't care if he was seventeen, and people might consider it lame. She needed it, and quite frankly so did he. She squeezed him tight before he pulled away, "Oh, by the way, I was wonder if it would be fine for me to go to Ian's after school tomorrow?"

His mother frowned now, cleaning the island again, "Um, Anthony, I trust you." She paused and looked at him, "But, this Ian boy..do you honestly know him? What if he's not a good kid? Where in heavens did you meet him? I haven't heard of him since yesterday. And you said you only met him a few days previous."

Anthony swallowed a lump in his throat which he didn't realize formed, "At Trevor's friends party.."

"The birthday party his parents took you to Friday?" She asked.

"Yup, that one." He pulled at the collar of his shirt, he hated lying to his mother, but it would only hurt her more if she knew about the parties. Even though he didn't partake in the fun. "I was tired and he offered me a ride home. We talked almost the whole time, he's a nice kid mom, believe me.."

His mother stared at him for a few seconds, then nodded, "Fine. You're allowed. If this going to become a regular thing I would like to get to know him, or meet his parents."

Anthony smiled, "Sure thing, thanks." He rushed off upstairs and into his room. He yawned and stretched as he collapse in his bed. A bit excited to be going to Ian's tomorrow.

But, when 3:30 hit the next day and Anthony held his phone in his hand as he got on the bus he wasn't sure how he felt. He wanted to go to Ian's, but his anxiety was taking over and it didn't seem like a good idea to go anymore. He felt nauseous, but not in a sick way, like a nervous impending doom feeling. As he put the money in the slot and grabbed a seat his phone vibrated, awaking him from his thoughts. The name said Ian, and a very dumb looking picture of the bowl haired teen filled most of his screen. Anthony sighed and answered the phone, "Ian, Hey!" He faked excitement for his sake.

"I just got done with my track meeting." He stated, and Anthony was shocked to find out Ian participated in a sport, "Do you wanna come over?"

Anthony swallowed and glanced around the bus, "Well...my mom said I could."

"Cool." Ian said and he heard ruffling on Ian's side, "But I didn't ask if you were allowed. I asked if you wanted to."

Anthony was shocked to say the least, he didn't really expect that kind of answer, "I dunno. I wanted too, but I'm feeling a little sick." He half lied, "I'll text you in an hour or so with an answer."

"Works for me." Ian all but sang, seemingly unaffected by Anthony's unexpected change of plans, "Text me regardless. It'd be cool to at least get a Halo match, or something going."

Anthony felt a small smile work itself onto his lips, "Yeah, of course."

APIH

Anthony shifted on his porch, hands stuffed into his hoodie pockets as he waited for Ian to show up. He decided to go over the other teens house for a few hours. He wanted to, honestly, he was just a bit nervous that everything was going fast. Before Ian, Anthony barely had Trevor and now the teen barely crossed his mind. He actually found himself detaching away from the guy that was supposed to be his closest friend, and finding more comfort in Ian's presence. It was unexplainable, but nice. He always felt like he was standing on the outside, watching his life flash by in front of his eyes. But now, he felt like everything he missed out on was right in front of him, and he wanted to try it, to go for the life he skipped past.

He heard the engine of Ian's car, or his mother's old car, and he looked up, seeing it turning the corner at the end of his street. Anthony hopped down his steps as he approached the curb, Ian pulled up, and Anthony got into the car. "Glad you decided to come out." Ian stated as Anthony shut his door.

"Just got sick of staring at my bedroom walls, don't feel too good about yourself." Anthony smiled at Ian who characteristically stuck out his bottom lip in a pout. He stepped on the gas of his car and it made an ungodly sound. Anthony frowned and raised an eyebrow, "Um..is your car...gonna blow up?" He asked.

Ian shrugged, "Eh, maybe. I should probably get it checked out, but I'm so close to scraping up the cash to get a new one. I want something fast..." Ian let a devilish smirk fall onto his lips and Anthony felt slightly scared for his future self. Ian caught the look of horror on Anthony's face and laughed, "You'll be okay. I haven't crashed yet, and I've only got like four speeding tickets."

"'I've only got like four-'..." Anthony mimicked, and smiled slightly, "I've got none, perfect record."

"You drive?" Ian asked, shifting gears on the stick, "I thought you didn't have a car?"

"I don't have a car, but I have my license." Anthony shrugged, "I work as a delivery boy, and it's much easy to drive a company car around the area instead of riding a bike or something." Ian nodded and they fell into a comfortable silence. It was strange, because Anthony was use to awkward silences. He tapped a beat on his thighs, which it found was a nervous habit of his, he wanted to continue talking to Ian, about anything. But nothing came to mind. So he looked out his window as Ian drove, higher than the speed limit. Anthony didn't say anything though. It wasn't bad, and he didn't want to sound buggy. He rested his head against the window.

After a few more minutes, Ian pulled up a street and into a parking space. He shut off the car and got out, Anthony following in suit. Ian went around the car and went up to an apartment building he stuck his key in the door and pulled it open for Anthony. The darker haired teen chuckled and walked in, Ian shutting the door behind them. They walked through the first floor to the elevator and Ian clicked the third floor. "I didn't know you lived in an apartment. " Anthony commented.

Ian shrugged his shoulders and leaned against the back wall, "It's just me and my mom, we don't take up a lot of room, so no need to buy or pay a shit ton of money on renting a house." He looked at Anthony, smirking, "Also, there's a lot you don't know about me." Anthony blinked and looked up at the floors screen above the elevators doors feeling slightly nervous. He wasn't quite sure why... it was the smirk. That smirk. But why would something like that make him nervous? The elevator dinged and the doors slid open. Anthony waited for Ian to exit first and followed behind.

They stopped outside apartment number 304, and Anthony made note of that. Ian went to turn the knob, finding it was locked. He sighed and mumbled something incoherent and pulled out his keys. When the door was opened he flipped a switch, lighting up the apartment. He knocked on the first door and frowned, he looked at Anthony who had a puzzled look on his face, "My mom's room." Ian explained, "She must have gone out."

Anthony nodded and Ian gave him a tour of the apartment. When he said his mom and him didn't take up a lot of room, Anthony didn't know that any two people could live in such little space. The living room was combined with the kitchen and dining room; if that's what you would call it. A small island protruding from the wall was the only separation between the kitchen and living room.

The television was against the same wall as the door, a few feet from the tv was a coffee table and a foot away from that was a couch and two chairs; one a recliner. A small table with two chairs was stuffed in the corner, but judging by the stack of mail there, Ian and his mother didn't do much eating together. The bathroom was in the kitchen part, tiny like the rest, fitting the theme. The walls were drab and dingy, giving the room a sad feeling. The carpeting was old, stains here and there, some more noticeable than other. The apartment was ancient, and had to be cheap. Anthony honestly felt sad. He liked Ian, the guy was nice and accepting. He barely new Anthony but he didn't seem to care. He wanted to know him, and wanted to be his friend. He didn't want a friend to live in such a depressing place like this...It didn't seem to bother Ian though.

The ash brown haired teen was happily telling him about the apartment and funny things that happened in this place. "...So I thought it'd be a great idea to jump over the island.. my foot got caught and I fell. That's not all though; I put my hands in front of me like this, -" He demonstrated by putting his hand in front of his chest, grinning up at Anthony, "I sprained my wrists, had to wear braces for a few weeks." He laughed and itched his head.

Anthony smiled and looked around the living/kitchen room, he looked back at Ian, "How long have you guys lived here?"

Ian frowned and rubbed his chin, "Um..well, we came here a few months after my dad left us. That was just after I turned 14, so I guess going on three years give or take." Ian nodded to himself, satisfied with his answer, "I lived a few towns over before this." Anthony hummed and folded his arms over his chest. He tried to hide it but he still felt a slight depressed. Ian and his mom probably moved here because it was the cheapest thing his mom could find when his dad left them. Not to mention his dad left just after Ian turned 14. Anthony was about to ask about his dad when Ian ran a hand through his hair, Anthony noticed that he did the habit when he was nervous, "Wanna see my room now?"

Anthony smiled and nodded, "Lead the way." They exited back into the hallway and went to the door at the end of the hall. Anthony paused right before it and glanced at one of the very few pictures on the wall. It was a young woman and man, dressed as if they were getting married. Anthony assumed it was Ian's parents.

As if on cue Ian was at his side, standing so close that their shoulders bumped together and he smiled, "My mom and dad's wedding day."

Anthony smiled, "You're mom's pretty hot."

"Ew!" Ian smacked his arm laughing, then looked back at the picture, "My mom didn't wanna put it back up, but I made her. I like it." Ian stared at the picture for a while.

Anthony frowned after about a minute and bumped his shoulder into Ian's, "Your room?"

"Right." Ian said, cheeks turning a light pink as he turned and walked the short distance to his room. It was small like the rest of the house. Ian had a futon stuffed in there somehow, and a small tv on a coffee table. His gaming systems on the floor and table, hectic and messy. The messiness and carefree placement annoyed Anthony slightly. He had a computer desk right next to it, only about three feet from the door, so it didn't give Ian a lot of room to move so Anthony could get all the way in. But once he was in, Ian pushed him, and Anthony sat back on the bed, assuming that was what Ian wanted. On his last wall, across from his bed, he had his dresser and a large mirror above it.

The walls were covered in video game posters. More shooting games than anything. Mass Effect, Halo, COD, Resident Evil, and a ton others. You could barely see the walls. Anthony wondered if that was because he hated the dingy look of the walls too. "So?" He asked, "Mi casa es su casa!" And gave Anthony a large smile.

The taller teen smiled, "For an apartment it's...homey." He attempted to look truthful.

It either worked, or Ian moved on anyway, "Thanks, man." He motioned for Anthony to move, "This is supposed to be more of a storage space," He shrugged, "But you have to work with what you got."

"Yeah." Anthony nodded, "By the way, how is it you don't have a lumpy futon?" He patted the mattress for emphasis.

"Oh!" Ian grinned, "My mom scored some mattress pads, I have like four on here." He laughed, "She got tired of me complaining about back issues and lack of sleep."

Anthony nodded, "Sweet, man."

"So, What d'you wanna play?" Ian asked.

The taller teen shifted back stealing a pillow, he chuckled as he picked a large Pikachu shaped one, and set it against the wall before leaning back, "Doesn't matter."

"Dead Space?" Ian suggested, moving the the edge of the mattress.

"Never played." Anthony shrugged.

Ian looked back at him, "For real?" At Anthony's nod Ian grinned mischievously, "Puuurfect." He laughed evilly as he grabbed the game and gave the controller to Anthony. He flicked the lights off and leaned over Anthony getting one of the many pillows and copied Anthony's pose. He leaned back so their shoulders were touching again and Anthony didn't mind much.

APIH

"Oh what the shit..." Anthony mumbled and squinted at the screen as he moved his character forward, the figure in the dark made ungodly sounds, "What.." He got his weapon ready and inched closer towards it, "The.." The figured suddenly jumped at him and Anthony shrieked, "Shhhhhiit!" He flailed but paused the game in time, covering his heart and breathing heavily. Ian was beside laughing hysterically, arms wrapped around his sides and eyes squeezed tight. The sight caused Anthony to go into a fit of laughter. He wasn't sure how long the two sat there and laughed, but after they finished Ian shook his head at Anthony. Anthony grinned in response, "It was scary."

Ian opened his mouth to answer when a sudden sound went off throughout the apartment. It was mix between a buzz and a beep, the sound was foreign to Anthony, he covered his ears and Ian smiled at him, wiping a tear from one of his eyes, "That's someone at the door outside, my mom probably forgot her key." He got up and left his bedroom, shutting the door behind him. A few seconds later the buzz-beeping stopped and he could hear Ian talking faintly. He waited a little, but Ian didn't return so he started up the game again and played for a while. Soon he hit the end of the chapter, or something, and Anthony pulled his phone out, he checked the time and he had to leave in about an hour. He sighed and shut off Ian's Xbox.

He sat in his bed for a little and played games on his phone. Soon, ten minutes passed and Anthony stood up, he pocketed his phone, and opened Ian door. He could hear two voices, for some unknown reason he went to his tip toes as he moved slowly down the hall. He didn't know why he was sneaking, but it just seemed like the thing to do he was taken out of his thoughts when he heard Ian's voice, "...mean...things are?"

Suddenly there was another voice, unfamiliar, and it belonged to a guy, "...wondering...this thing...go?"

He could barely make out the words so he moved forward a few feet, hoping that would help. Ian spoke again, "Us? ...not sure. I...know what I want."

Now it was the man's voice, "I don't ...needy. I just...if you're ready...more."

Anthony moved closer holding his breath at this point, praying at his presence was unknown, and he wouldn't be discovered. "I'm not sure." Ian was saying, "...great. But I couldn't tell you for sure if I'm ready yet."

The other man sounded like he sighed, "I'm not angry, it's been so long...you...but you still...for me?"

Anthony heard Ian chuckle and suddenly the room on the other side of the wall grew quiet. Anthony blinked and backed up, a little faster, but still attempting to be as discrete as possible. He wasn't a hundred percent sure of what the conversation was about, but whatever it was it made his stomach start to grow tight. A feeling he wasn't use to. He put a hand over it and ran his fingers through his hair. Without thinking his body was moving forward and he was calling out the bowl haired boys name, "Ian! Hey, Ian!" He turned the corner with no fear just in time to see how quickly Ian moved away from the other guy. The sight set a hard line on Anthony's lips and he frowned at the boy he didn't recognize, he ignored his assumptions and looked to Ian, his expression softening against his will, "Everything okay?"

Ian smiled at him and grabbed the soda on the island, walking over to him, "Yeah, of course. You quit playing?"

Once he reached Anthony he handed him the can. Anthony thanked him and smiled softly, "Got a creepy cut scene and then an autosave afterwards. Didn't want to play anymore." He shrugged.

Anthony noticed the other boy approaching from the corner of his eye and he sighed looked off to the side.

"Hey..." He said, but he said it slowly and quietly. He smiled at Ian and then Anthony, "I'm David...you're...new." Anthony looked up some, and glanced at Ian, who was smiling, then back at David.

He suddenly felt nervous, he clenched his hands into fists, "Um, Anthony." He nodded at Ian's friend. He didn't want to make assumptions about David, judging on what he heard, or what he didn't hear. But he couldn't help it, he mentally took a breath and smiled, holding out a hand, "I-I am new. I just met Ian a few days ago."

David smiled genuinely and took Anthony's hand, "I shouldn't be shocked, you aren't the first stray Ian's found and became fond of." Anthony noted David's hands were sweaty.

Anthony blinked at that, and looked at Ian who blushed and frowned, "What the... shut up David." The ash brown haired teen's voice was raised slightly, and he had an angry look in his eyes before he looked at the floor and ran hand through his hair.

David frowned at Ian and sighed, he stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked past them towards the door, "Hey, I'll talk to you later Ian. Bye, Anthony. Maybe I'll see you around."

Anthony didn't reply as he heard the door shut. He frowned at Ian and lifted his hand, he wasn't sure what to do. Should he put a hand on Ian shoulder for comfort? Should he let him be? Should he speak? Anthony stood there, hand floating in the air just staring at Ian. The other teen was looking at the ground, not saying anything and hiding his eyes from Anthony. This wasn't something he ever dealt with, he wasn't use to this.

Trevor just blew off his problems, and the only actual friend he had before that was a Swedish boy named Felix, but that was elementary and middle school and he hadn't seen him since he moved back home. They only ever spoke every once in a while.

He suddenly heard Ian chuckle, he focused back to reality and blinked, dropping his hand. Ian lifted his head a sighed, he wiped his face with his hand. He looked at Anthony, smile back on his face as if the last ten minutes hadn't happened, "So, uh, I'm guessing you have to head home soon?"

Anthony smiled slightly, "Yeah, you're guessing right."

Ian nodded and headed towards the kitchen, "How about some pb&j and then I'll drive you home?"

"Sounds great!" Anthony grinned and followed Ian. Anthony still didn't know a lot about Ian, but it was obvious that he had a past, which made him sensitive. Anthony wasn't sure how he felt about that.

APIH

AN:: Sorry if Lasercorn seemed like a dick... (David is Lasercorn) When he comes in later he'll be more himself! "OMG you talked about Pewdiepie" Haha..my BROTP is Felix and Anthony. I might bring Pewds in later, I haven't decided. If you guys would like that, I wouldn't mind.. THIS WAS INSANELY LONG. Damn. I'll see y'all next chapter. Bring your blankets and pillows because we're having a sleepover!