I Don't Love You(Ianthony au)

Chapter 2: You're the Only One I Need

As Ian settled into the family dinner, his mom's warm smile greeted him. "So, how was school today, Ian?"

He managed a small smile. "It was okay, Mom, you know, the usual."

His dad chimed in with a grin. "Anthony must be excited to start another year with you."

Melissa, his older sister, nodded enthusiastically, agreeing with dad.

Ian's heart ached at their well-intentioned words. He couldn't bear to shatter their image of his friendship with Anthony, so he lied with a forced smile. "Yeah, we're doing great, and school's fine."

Excusing himself early from the dinner table, Ian retreated to his room. In the solitude, he couldn't escape the turmoil that swirled within him. Overthinking about his friendship with Anthony had become a persistent storm in his mind.

Putting aside the tumultuous thoughts of his friendship, Ian diligently focused on his studies, embracing the age-old adage that people often shared: "The best way to distract yourself is by studying."

After finishing his homework, he rewarded himself with a comforting escape into the fantastical world of "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King." The epic tale provided a brief respite from the complexities of his own life, a reminder that there was still magic to be found in stories, even when reality seemed uncertain.

As he delved deeper into the world of Middle-earth on his computer, his mom's voice drifted up the stairs, calling him downstairs. He paused the movie and headed to her, curious about what could be so urgent.

Descending the stairs, he was met with a surprising sight of an devil in disguise. Anthony was in the living room, a box of donuts by his side and a big, disarming smile on his face. He seemed engrossed in conversation with Ian's mom, as if nothing had happened earlier at school. Ian's mom gave them a knowing smile and excused herself, granting them some privacy.

With a mixture of emotions, Ian led Anthony up to his room, still bewildered by his sudden appearance.

"I got you donuts," Anthony cheerily announced as they settled into Ian's room.

Ian, his emotions still turbulent from the events of the day, responded with a detached tone, "What are you doing here?"

Anthony's reply was almost absurdly casual, as if the events of the school day were nothing more than a passing breeze. "Just hanging out with my friend, you know?" He flashed a smile, as if expecting Ian to embrace this sudden return to normalcy.

Just about to throw a tantrum at Anthony, Ian's frustration wavered when he noticed the state of Anthony's hands, knuckles marred with cuts and blood. Worry overcame his anger, and he gently pulled Anthony's hand toward him, his voice filled with concern. "What happened?"

Anthony, with a nonchalant tone masking deeper troubles, replied , "Just another fight with my dad. And I throw a punch at the wall, the poor thing"

Without hesitation and questions, Ian rushed to the kitchen, retrieving a bandage and naming some medicine for cuts. He returned swiftly, tending to Anthony's wounds with a gentle touch, his concern overshadowing the tension that had lingered in the room just moments before.

-<3-

As Ian tended to Anthony's wounded knuckles in the hushed room, a heavy silence hung between them.

Anthony's family had been marked by the absence of his mother since he was just a toddler. She had left them for a wealthier man, a decision that had cast a long shadow over Anthony's life. His father, burdened with the responsibility of raising a young child on his own, struggled to provide the emotional support and stability that Anthony so desperately needed.

Anthony seldom opened up about the turmoil within his family, and Ian, his best friend, had learned to read the subtle signs of their conflicts. It was a complex and emotionally fraught situation that had shaped Anthony's outlook on life, making Ian's family's warmth and stability all the more appealing to Anthony. Especially, Ian's mom love Anthony as her own child and Anthony loves her too.

In the quiet room, Anthony's voice broke the silence. "I'm sorry," he said, his apology hanging heavy in the air.

Ian, well aware of the meaning behind those words, responded calmly, "Sorry for what?" He met Anthony's gaze, their eyes locking for a moment.

Rather than explaining the apology, Anthony replied, "You didn't listen to me."

Ian felt a wave of emotions crashing over him, threatening to bring tears to his eyes, but he swallowed them down, not wanting to intensify the moment. "You're out having fun with your own friends," he said, voice steady. "What's wrong with me making friends too?"

Anthony's face hardened at the questioning, a response he often disliked. "They're not my friends," he stated firmly. "You're my friend, and I'm yours. You don't need anyone else. You have me."

Frustration welled up within Ian, and he retorted, "But I don't have you. I'm all by myself. Why can't you just treat me the same when other people are around?"

Anthony sighed, the weight of their complicated friendship apparent. "I wish it's that simple, Ian."

Ian found himself at a loss for words, and in the silence that followed, he finished tending to the bandage on Anthony's hand.

Anthony broke the silence again, speaking with a touch of playfulness. "C'mon, Ian, you know my birthday is coming up. Do you really want to give me the silent treatment the whole time?"

Ian gave him a look but remained silent, trying to resist Anthony's use of his irresistible puppy eyes.

"My hands hurt, and I'm tired," Anthony admitted.

Ian, concerned, asked, "Is the bandage too tight?"

Anthony shook his head. "No, tell me you're not mad at me, or else I'll throw a fucking punch at your wall with my hurt hand."

Ian sighed and replied, "I'm not mad at you," it's true, unfortunately.

Anthony grinned, his handsome features softening in Ian's eyes. "What are you watching?" he asked, attempting to change the subject.

Ian shared the title, and then Anthony asked if he could sleep over tonight. The request was one Ian couldn't refuse, and he agreed, offering a nod and a small smile, grateful for that they are making things up.

-<3-

In the quiet darkness of Ian's room, they switched off the lights and settled into bed. Anthony's larger frame enveloped Ian, just like it had countless times before. Despite his racing heart, this familiar embrace brought a comforting sense of security to Ian.

As they lay there in the quiet, Anthony's deep voice broke the silence. "Promise me you won't talk to that orange head again," he whispered.

Ian, without hesitation, signed his agreement. "I won't."

Anthony's smile was almost palpable in the darkness as he closed his eyes. He had always appreciated whenever Ian listened to him without question. His hold tightened around Ian, a gesture of reassurance, and slowly, in the warmth of that embrace, Ian drifted into peaceful slumber.

-<3-

A/N-Help this chapter is beautiful. I'm so into this storyTwT Hope you guys enjoy it too<3