Under The Umbrella (Ianthony)

A/N: This is just a oneshot. Enjoy :)

A wave of sadness washed over him as he watched yet another girl drive away from his home. Sitting down on the step outside the house, with the irritating drizzle threatening to mess his hair, Anthony’s mind was plagued with bad thoughts. It wasn’t so much that he would miss the girl; it was more to do with the fact that he was lonely. Aged twenty six and he still hadn’t found someone he could have a serious relationship with. At first it hadn’t bothered him too much seeing as he was pretty busy with YouTube anyway, but after his recent birthday he couldn’t help wondering if things were ever going to change. Would he eventually find someone to settle down with or was he destined to spending Saturday nights alone, curled up in front of his computer? That didn’t sound particularly desirable. But at the same time, he couldn’t see himself with a perfect wife and screaming kids running around everywhere. He had no idea what he truly wanted. Maybe staying single forever would be the best option after all. Shivering slightly as the cold water droplets stung his bare arms, he brought his knees up to his chest. Going back inside the house would be the sensible thing to do at this point as the rain started getting heavier but moving required effort, something which he was not prepared to put in. Besides, the rain was comforting in a way. He couldn’t think of any particular reason why but it just was.

Ian sighed as he looked out of the window to see Anthony still sitting in the cold. He had never seen him look so miserable before, or seen him willingly get his hair wet for no good reason. Grabbing an umbrella, Ian went to the front door and opened it to join Anthony on the step. Anthony hadn’t even acknowledged his presence as Ian opened up the umbrella and sat down beside him.

“Hey,” Ian said softly.

“Hey,” Anthony responded, his eyes remaining glued to the puddle in front of him.

Ian studied the dark-haired man fiddling with the hem of his t-shirt. “What’s the matter?”

Anthony stayed silent for a while as he tried to formulate an answer that wouldn’t make him look completely pathetic. Ian didn’t think he was going to get an answer until Anthony finally spoke. “Katie left,” he mumbled.

A look of sympathy passed over Ian’s face and he gave Anthony a brief hug. “I’m sorry man. I know you liked her.”

“That’s the problem though,” Anthony finally lifted his head up to look at Ian. “I didn’t like her. I mean, she was great as a friend but you know…I want something more than that.”

Ian nodded in understanding. “Don’t let it get you down Anthony. I’m sure you’ll find someone else soon enough.”

“No,” Anthony shook his head. “I don’t think I will.”

“Don’t be so negative. Are you really gonna give up this easily?” Ian said, his eyebrows furrowed as he tried to make sense of what his best friend was saying.

“Why shouldn’t I? I’m twenty six Ian and I still haven’t found the ‘perfect girl’ that I want to be with. I’m sick of waiting and searching. I’m just sick of everything,” Anthony was ashamed to find himself close to tears and quickly brought a hand up to rub at his eyes.

Ian hated seeing Anthony like this. It wasn’t often that he saw his friend get upset and he still didn’t quite know how to handle it. “Is there something wrong with me?” Anthony suddenly asked him.

“Of course not. What makes you say that?” Ian frowned.

Anthony clenched his hand into a fist and hit it against his thigh as his frustrations started building up in his head. He hated admitting these things to himself and more importantly, to Ian. “I just can’t seem to get…close to anyone. Every girl I’ve dated, I don’t know…I guess I just don’t connect to people,” Anthony sighed and ran a hand through his damp hair.