The Apprehensive and the Optimistic.

Chapter 4

AN:: Im sorry the spacing is weird on this chapter. I have no clue what's going on. If any of the paragraphs are off im really sorry, chapter 4 is being dumb. I blame Jovenshire.

All mistakes are mine.

APIH

This was probably about the only weekend Anthony was excited for. This was probably the most excited he'd been on a Friday. Ian had brought up the idea of having Anthony join in on a sleepover Ian and his friends were having. Anthony was a little on the fritz at the thought of new people, but if they were friends of Ian than they had to be a lot of fun, and he should be fine. Still, he was Anthony Padilla. And Anthony didn't do well with...anything, except maybe Mario and Zelda. He hitched his backpack on his shoulders and grabbed his phone. There was a knock on his door and he groaned, "Mom, I have to leave now. I don't..." As he opened the door he was shocked to see Ian, instead of his mother.

Ian laughed and pushed aside Anthony as he walked into his room, Ian collapse on his bed and smiled at him, "Hey, Anthony."
"Uh, hi, Ian." Anthony returned the smile, and shifted the weight of his backpack.

Ian sat up, and sat at the edge of his bed, "Your mom doesn't like me does She?" He asked suddenly and Anthony blinked in shock, "I, uh..." He grabbed his computer chair and sat facing Ian, "Why do you say that?"

"The look She gave me." Ian nodded, he looked like he didn't care about his mom's feelings toward him, but Anthony could hear the slightest change in pitch, a pitch of worry, "She looked like I was stealing you away to do horrible things to you. Which, I have quite the opposite plans." He chuckled.

Anthony shrugged his shoulders, "She doesn't know you, and we haven't been friends for awhile, yet we've hung out almost everyday." He stated, smiling some, "She just worries about me, and whether or not you're a good influence. Just normal mom stuff, I'm sure you understand."

Ian had a strange look in his eye, "Oh yeah, mom stuff, I totally understand." He ran his fingers through his hair, "Well, how about we ditch this joint? David's in his car outside waiting."

When Anthony stood he froze, "David is gonna be there?" He didn't know David, but he didn't like him. The thoughts of Monday night made his stomach tighten. Ian seemed to like David though, because when they hung out Tuesday Ian decided to talk about David, for almost a whole hour. Anthony listened though, very closely, trying to figure out one thing; if what he thought happened Monday night really happened. He thought, and he wished it weren't true, that Ian and David were gay. And dating. If it was true, it made no sense, because Ian was cool. And Anthony really liked Ian, and his mom always told him that gay people were just sick people, going through stages. That they had a disease, and associating with them was how you caught it.

Anthony didn't know if this was true, he never talked to any gay people. He really read up on it online, here and there, so his mom didn't get suspicious, and saw stuff on the news about it. But he wasn't sure where he stood on the topic. He didn't think his mom would lie, but then again, gays just sounded like regular people who wanted what everyone else did. And Anthony had no problem with people like that. So, if Ian was gay, he hoped that his mom was wrong about gay people. And he also kind of hoped David and him weren't a couple.

"Yeah." Ian said, stuffing his hands in his grayish jacket, "He drove me here, I didn't want to drive my mom's old car with the condition it's in." Ian frowned some, then sighed, "Look, I'm not an idiot. I know you don't like him, and I can tell he's a little wary of you too. But, Hey, your my best friend.." Anthony felt a smile tug at his lips, Ian returned it warmly, " And David's my.." Ian paused, phone playing a catchy tune. He held it to his ear, "Sorry, David. We're coming down." Ian turned away from Anthony, "Nah, His mom just wanted to know a few things. We're coming." He hung up, and looking at Anthony, "You good to go?"

Anthony nodded, "Sure." Ian didn't finish his sentence, but he didn't have to. He knew exactly what David was. It was a new feeling, he kind of felt fuzzy. His stomach was tight, which he had become a familiar sensation. But this time his heart did an uncomfortable flip, as he walked behind Ian, out the doors to David's car, he almost felt like he was dreaming. He sighed as he got into the backseat.
David looked into his rear view mirror, "Hey, Anthony."

"David." Anthony forced a smiled and buckled his seat belt.

After Ian got situated, David started the car. Ian turned in his seat to face Anthony, grinning, "So, I guess we should tell you a little about the guys."
"Ian, seatbelt." David said, and Ian rolled his eyes, not buckling up and smirked at Anthony.

Anthony returned the grin as Ian continued, "So, you know David. But then there's Matt, Josh, and Mari." Anthony nodded for Ian to continue, "Matt is the lanky one who is a try hard at everything he does." David laughed, and Ian grinned more, "Like seriously, if you're good at something, Matt is better. He's like wickedly good at gaming."

"He's got some sweet dance moves." David laughed, rubbing his eyes.

Ian leaned back in his seat properly, "Don't bring up our Just Dance competition." Ian groaned, but there was a playful tone to it.
"Why not?!" David teased, "That's when we had our big duet."

"Don't remind me!" Ian scoffed, smile still apparent on his face, "You grabbed my gooch with so much force it was sore for weeks!"
Anthony couldn't help but bark out laughter and hold his stomach, placing a hand over his mouth to quiet his totally manly giggles. David smiled at him through the rear view mirror, "We're having a rematch tonight." Ian groaned, and Anthony actually froze too. He was a terrible dancer. David chuckled, "Anyway! Let's talk about Josh. The best way to impress Matt, is to embarrass Josh...which isn't hard."

Ian nodded in agreement, "Josh makes it easy. He thinks he's the funniest, and the biggest ladies man. But in all actuality We're all virgins for life. None of us are getting any. Especially Josh."

David shrugged, "I dunno about that.." Ian whacked his arm, Anthony tried to ignore the playful, couple like bantering. "Ouch! I was referring to Matt and Mari."
"Oh..." Ian said dumbly, Anthony smiled at the back of Ian's head with fondness, "Well, that brings us to Mari. She's great." He sighed softly, "Nice girl, funny, totes has a thing for Matt."

"Oh, totes." David mimicked Ian, receiving another whack, "Haha, she's sweet. She sucks at video games, but She knows her stuff. Don't hit on her, though. Her and Matt have something going on. Kinda like an awkward, 'I have feelings for you and you know it, but let's act like I have no clue and wait for you to make the first move.' Thing." David took a deep breath and sighed. Ian laughed, and Anthony actually found himself chuckling at David as well.
Anthony leaned back and asked, "So, did you all meet in high school?"

"Um, kind of?" Ian frowned, he turned to look at Anthony, "I failed the forth grade, so I was held back, which is why I'm going to be 17 soon. Kinda the same story with Josh, but he was held back in first grade because he broke his arm. Josh and I were friends when I started going to the public school. I met Mari and became good friends with her, and Josh met Matt. Then we fit together."

David shifted in his seat, "I was a junior when they were freshman." He said, "During a pep rally I was sitting in front of them and they were all, I dunno, nerding out, Haha. I overheard and made my way into the group."

Anthony smiled, "That sounds nice."

Ian frowned suddenly, "Hey, wait, what about you? You've never mentioned friends."

"Oh.." Anthony shrugged, "There's Trevor, he use to go to your public school."

Ian narrowed his eyes, "Trevor Beckett?"

"Yeah! You know him?" Anthony asked and Ian just shrugged, and faced the other way. David glanced at him and smiled sadly at him, then apologetically to Anthony, mouthing 'continue', "Uh, well, there's Trevor, and Jill, his girlfriend." The car was silent for a while, waiting for Anthony to continue.
David blinked, "That's all?"

Anthony blushed, and itched his cheek, "Well, yeah. I mean, I wouldn't call either of them my friends. I just sit with them at lunch. And the only reason Trevor even talked to me is because he's my chemistry partner...but yeah." Anthony noticed Ian shift and look back at him.

David pulled into a drive way, the house was nice and big. David got out and so did Ian, rushing over to his side. They were talking about something Anthony didn't hear, but when Anthony was out of the car and around it, only Ian was standing there.

"I had David let them know we were here." Ian walked to the back of the SUV and Anthony followed. Ian pulled on his backpack, grabbing David's he froze. He looked at Anthony, and Anthony blinked back. Ian chewed his bottom lip, "You really don't have any friends?"

Ian's words shocked Anthony, and his tone did as well. It was full of concern, and guilt. Why guilt? Anthony shifted and smiled reassuringly at Ian, "What? I have you; best friends remember?" He attempted to be comical, but Ian just stared. Ian let the smallest smile fall on his lips as he searched his eyes. He chuckled and moved forward. Anthony felt his arms around him, and Anthony could feel the blush work itself on his face. Were boys allowed to hug each other like this? Without thinking, like it was instinct, Anthony's arms wrapped around Ian.

Ian pulled away, and shut the door, locking the car. He looked at Anthony and nodded, "Best friends. I don't care if we've only hung out four days. And met a week ago." He chuckled, and walked toward the house.

Anthony followed close behind, "Honestly? You're the only person I've felt was a friend. I've always been..."

"I'm sorry." Ian interrupted, turning to face Anthony, they were right outside the door, "Can we have the heart to heart when we're alone? I don't want to be interrupted."

Anthony nodded, blushing again, "Y-Yeah, of course." He felt like a girl.. Why was it Ian could make him blush with just saying or doing the stupidest things? Ian nodded, smiling. He opened the door, and Anthony could hear some soft music. He followed Ian into the Living room, he could hear the laughter and he felt himself close up entirely, even though he didn't want to. He honestly wanted to get to know Ian's friends, and he wanted to look cool and impress them. But he just couldn't win, could he? When they entered the room, the group cheered and Anthony blinked.

One of the guys, who had spikey black hair and glasses snorted, "Hey, Ian and his new boyfriend decided to join us."

Anthony let a small smile fall on his face, as the group, including Ian laughed together. Ian set his bag down and moved to the couch, sitting on the floor in front of David, "Josh, you're just jealous that you're not getting any, and I've got everyone begging for a piece." When Anthony took the seat on the floor beside him, Ian scooched closer and drapped an arm around him and leaned closer pursing his lips, "J-E-A-L-O-U-S." He leaned back laughing, along with everybody following, he moved further away, but close enough for their knees to brush together occasionally.

The girl, and Asian that Anthony found hard to look away from, grinned, "Introductions!" She announced in a rough, absolutely terrible British accent, lifting her arms in the air, "I am Mari Takahashi! This is Matt Sohinki, And that's Joshua Ovenshire!" She laughed at herself.

"Yeah." Anthony said, voice a little more nervous then he intended, "David and Ian were saying Josh was a loser in the car. I should have believed them." The group laughed and Anthony smiled softly, feeling slightly more comfortable. He felt Ian's hand pat his shoulder, "Well, I'm Anthony Padilla, I'm here to try and embarrass Josh, and chew bubble gum. But I'm all out of bubble gum." Laughter filled the room again, and Anthony smiled more, Josh was covering his face, laughing obnoxiously loud and odd. Anthony made a face at him.

"Walrus laugh." David said, grinning, "It's a curse Josh is stuck with."

"Such a shame." Matt shook his head, smiling, "They shouldn't let a curse be wasted on him."

"Will you all SHUT UP!" Josh laughed louder and gasped for breath.

As Josh's laughter died down, Matt spoke up again, "Now that we've all laughed our asses off, what do you say we get started with the competition gaming? Halo first, who wants to be team captains."

"Me!" David automatically yelled, sticking his hand up. Ian laughed fondly, and shook his head. Anthony was hoping Ian would stick his hand up, asking to be captain, but no such thing happened, instead Mari spoke, "I'll be a captain." She said, nodding her head.

David grinned, "Ladies first, pick your first teammate."

Mari smiled at Anthony, "I'll choose the new kid." Anthony smiled some, and noted Matt's look of hurt which he aimed at Mari, like he expected for her to choose him first.

David scoffed, "Well, I'm obviously picking Ian!" He held out his hand and Ian high five him.

Mari grinned, "Matt!"

David let out a string of curse words, "Shit! We're stuck with Josh!"

Ian laughed as Josh moved over to the middle of the couch and leaned against David, "Thanks for the vote of confidence, babe." David faked gagged.
Matt got Halo ready and sat on the last couch space. Anthony moved and sat between Ian and Mari, all three of them on the floor in front of the couch. Anthony wasn't going to lie, he was a bit nervous about not being on the same team as Ian, he knew he would still have fun, he just would have preferred to be on his friends team. When the game started, Anthony forgot he was nervous and just jumped in. He laughed as typical jokes and insults were tossed into the air and cheered whenever his team got a kill, especially when Mari got a kill. It got to the point where, because Mari's team was so far behind Anthony took a chance and snatched Ian's controller out of his hand.

"CHEATER!" David screamed.

Matt laughed, "Pass it here!"

As Ian jumped at Anthony to steal his controller back Anthony passed it back to Matt. Josh attempted to grab it from Matt's hands and the two wrestled over it, while Ian tried to pry Anthony's control from his hands. David laughed as he focused on hunting down Mari during the game.

"Guys!" Mari yelled in a panicked voice, "I need serious help!" She yelped when she saw David and shot off a storm of bullets in his direction. David laughed as he ducked behind cover and peaked out making a quick kill against Mari, "You dick!" She yelled and dropped her control, "You better run!" She leaped up and chased after David, who stumbled off the couch. Josh, Ian, Anthony, and Matt and froze and laughed at the scene. Anthony was on his back holding the controller underneath him, Ian on top of him. While Josh had Matt in a headlock. The pairs separated to watch David and Mari. When David attempted to run past Ian and Anthony, Ian reached out and caught his ankle causing him to trip. Mari landed next to him and put him in a headlock, "Apologize! You caused my team to lose, you scum!" David stuttered over his words as he apologized, "Good!" She smirked, "Now volunteer to go first for Just Dance!"

David's look changed to horror, "What!?No!" Mari gave him a nuggie, Causing David to groan, "Uhg, fine!"

Mari grinned, "Good, now say your my bitch!"

"Seriously?!" David's voice cracked as he spoke the word.

Mari laughed and released him, "Haha, no, you're Good." She moved and put Just Dance in, "I'll go grab the hat and get the papers." She left the room.

Ian shook his head at David, "That was pretty impressive." He moved off Anthony during the mist of the chaos and was kneeling next to him smirking.
David stuck out his tongue and walked on his knees toward him, pushing him in his chest with his finger, "I would've got away if you didn't grab my ankle."

Ian shrugged, teasing back by mimicking the move and pushing him back, "You deserved Mari's wrath upon you."
"I swear if you two start making out I'm kicking you out of my house." Matt laughed, quickly joined by Josh and Anthony even found himself laughing, trying not to care that Matt had all but pointed out the two were a couple.

Ian's cheeks warmed into an appealing pink color, "Shut up." He crossed his arms over his chest and David smiled fondly at Ian.

Mari walked in, a fedora in hand, "All right gayfest is over, pick your poison David."

APIH
oh geez. I'll admit it was fun writing about the Smosh game guys and Mari all together, sorry if they're a little OOC, it was my first time including them or writing them in anything. And sorry if everything seemed hectic!
I'll see you at the next chapter where we finish up the sleepover!