High And Dry

Little by Little

this was supposed to be the followup of a cliffhanger ending, but i forgot to post the last chapter on the correct day so here just have the date now im sure you wanted it soon anyway

Ian couldn’t remember the last time he was this stressed out.

First, he had texted Mel about meeting up with Anthony, and second, he had his date.

He still couldn’t tell if it was an official date or not. It was early, the sun had barely risen, but he was already freaking out and trying to get ready. He scrambled frantically through his closet to try and find something nice.

“Dad?” Anthony opened the door a little.

“Hey buddy.” Ian stopped what he was doing and squatted down next to him, “What’s up? You’re never awake this early.”

“I had a dream.”

“Oh, what happened buddy?”

He shrugged, “It was just a monster.”

Ian nodded, “Well, what else happened?”

“It was chasing me.” Anthony frowned and his eyes were watering, “And it was really scary.”

“Come here, buddy. Daddy’s got you.”

Anthony wiped his eyes, “No. I wasn’t done.”

Ian blinked, “Okay.”

“Then, I pulled out my sword, and I stabbed it, but it was hurt, so I felt bad and started crying. Then, I helped the monster feel better and he wasn’t so scary anymore. It turns out, he was just really confused and couldn’t see well and thought that I was trying to attack him.”

Ian smiled, “So you conquered your fear and helped someone?”

Anthony nodded.

Ian let out a low whistle, “You go, Ant. Want to help daddy out?”

He nodded again, wiping his nose.

“I need a shirt to wear to look nice today.”

“The Coat de ivoirrie or whatever.” Anthony shrugged.

“Côte d’Ivoire?” Ian grinned, “The Les Éléphants one? The soccer shirt?”

Anthony nodded.

“I like that one, but I was thinking something a bit nicer.”

“What about the blue plaid one?”

Ian smiled and pulled it out, putting it on, “How do I look?”

Anthony clapped, “Nice!”

Ian did a twirl and a bow, “Now it’s your turn.”

“Why?”

“Kalel and her sister are coming over.”

“Really?” Anthony’s eyes lit up.

He ran back into his room and Ian had to chase him and playfully tackle him down to keep him from bouncing off the walls. Anthony swatted at his father, and Ian began tickling him lightly, making Anthony laugh even harder.

When their giggle fit was done, they both laid on the floor next to each other.

“I love you, Daddy.” Anthony said.

Ian felt his heart swell with joy, “I love you too, Anthony.”

Anthony smiled, “Can we pick out an outfit now?”

“Of course.”

Kalel and her older sister came over, and Anthony was a flustered mess. Ian smiled and said he’d be back later tonight. He trusted the two girls and told them that they could go out to dinner and he would pay them back when he came home.