Chapter Text
Fall is here, hear the yell
Back to school, ring the bell
Brand new shoes, walking blues
Climb the fence, books and pens
I can tell that we are going to be friends
I can tell that we are going to be friends
Sean did alright in school he wasn’t the best at math but he was good with his other subjects he had friends he was head of the track team only thing missing was the romance and he’d be living that perfect high school life. He’d asked Jenn to tutor him in math she was cute and seemed to like him too but the sparks hadn’t exactly flown or anything so he decided better to just stay friends she’d started dating Derek since, they made a cute couple in Sean’s eyes but Lyla didn’t think they were going to work out.
He closed his locker and started walking down the hall to class his phone rang opening it to a text from Lyla “Still on for the skatepark later?” He was texting back when he ended up walking into someone.
Looking up from his phone he went to apologise and choked on his words looking at the guy in front of him he recognised Finn everyone knew who he was how could you not he didn’t exactly blend in with the crowd his reputation as a bit of a bad influence and a player didn’t help. He had 3 triangles under his right eye a stripe down his chin, scar on the bridge of his nose a septum ring, a lip ring that lined up with his tattoo, both of his ears had piercings up and down them his hair was a pixie bob long in the front and dyed a light blue the same colour as the many tattoos on his arms the back was short and coppery, he wore necklaces, bracelets and rings along with patchwork jeans and a denim vest covered in patches and badges.
“Y’all right there?” Finn spoke after Sean still hadn’t said anything for a while.
“Yeah sorry I didn’t mean to crash into you sorry Finn”
(Shit we’ve never even met and you’ve already stuck your foot in it)
“Wait do we know each other?”
“Spanish class” (But everyone knows who you are)
“Well you have me at a disadvantage, you know my name but I don’t know yours”
Finn flashed a smile then showing off a missing tooth it made Sean’s heart flutter and he only then realised how close he was standing to him he took a step back trying to get to a reasonable distance.
“Oh, um I’m Sean Diaz”
“Well it’s nice to meet you Sean Diaz, so how is your Spanish?”
“Soy el mejor de la clase, así que podrías decir que soy fluido”
“Yeah, I got like none of that, fancy giving me lessons?”
“Sure, man I got you”
“Could I get your number so I can arrange a study session?”
Finn reached into his back pocket then and pulled out his phone unlocking the screen before handing it to Sean who hadn’t even answered the question yet
“Oh yeah here it is”
He typed in the number and handed it back leaving the name blank for Finn to fill in.
“I have to get to class but it was nice meeting you.”
“You too sweetie”
Finn grabbed Sean's left shoulder then and brought him in for a brief one-armed hug before separating, and heading off in opposite directions.
Sean tried to fight down the blush that threatened to creep onto his cheeks.
(Seriously dude you’re such a loser blushing from a hug and being called Sweetie; he probably does that to everyone)
His phone went off again he’d been holding it the entire time but only now remembered it opening it to see a new text.
“Dude where did you go? I saw you typing then you vanished”
Fuck he’d forgotten about Lyla, not wanting to risk walking into someone again he stopped and leant against the wall.
“Talk after class something happened, I’ll meet you outside”
At this rate he was going to be late for his next class it was Math he hated the subject but at least he had friends there and Jenn's lessons actually had been helping she knew her stuff, he took his seat beside her and started taking out his items for the class switching his phone to silent, Lyla was in a different math class and was sure to be texting him wanting to know what was going on.
Class boring same as always the numbers not wanting to make sense to him it wasn’t as bad as before the tutoring sessions but definitely still room in improve, mostly he was distracted he’d given the school “Bad Boy” his phone number and gotten called Sweetie too, the number was for Spanish lessons sure but the nickname was making him think maybe it had all been an elaborate prank or something. As soon as the bell rang Sean was so eager to talk to Lyla that he nearly sprinted to the front doors before he heard her calling him from the doorway of the math room, he turned on his heel and walked back to her.
“Where you off to in such a rush?”
The two of them started walking then ready to go home.
“To find you, I thought you’d be outside already”
“You weren’t checking your phone, were you?”
“Uh no I was in class”
“That hasn’t stopped you before” She nudged his shoulder with hers then
They reached the double doors and opened them heading out into the front of the school and down the steps.
“So, what happened you have to tell me everything”
“Um you know Finn?”
“Skinny guy, blue ginger hair, piercings, tattoos? Duh everyone knows him”
Sean leant against the wall at the bottom of the steps the plaque announced Peacock High School. Lyla followed suit lighting up a cigarette they should have time before the bus and her Mom or Momster as she called her would kill if she caught her smoking at home.
“I kinda gave him my number” Lyla gasped “It’s no big deal he just needs a Spanish tutor but he called me Sweetie and gave me a hug”
“Dude I think he likes you”
“Ha I doubt it I mean have you seen me I’m no one special just Sean”
He gestured to himself then his short black hair the fringe nearly touching his eyebrows, his light brown eyes the two moles on his right cheek bone, his tanned skin and slim frame. He couldn’t see himself as attractive even if others did low self-esteem was shit.
“Did you get his number want me to text him for you?”
“Fuck. You know I didn’t”
He facepalmed then, he’d come out not too long ago but only to close friends and family he didn’t feel the need to announce it to everyone, his Dad had bought him a Bi pride bracelet which he wore everyday but most people didn’t know what it stood for which meant a lot of his friends still didn’t know. Lyla knew though she was the first person he’d spoken to about it when he started questioning his sexuality and again when he decided to come out to his parents Dad in person and Mom over one of their weekly video calls.
So, Lyla knew his type and knew that Finn was exactly it, he didn’t have much time to dwell on it though before she was speaking again.
“Well looks like now's your chance to get it”
“What you talking about?”
He looked up then to see Finn wave goodbye to his group of friends and start walking in their direction he didn’t know all of their names but he knew them to see; all tatted up, pierced alternative clothing and hairstyles.
“Fuck he’s walking over what do I do?”
“Act normal you idiot”
“Yeah, yeah normal got it”
Sean went to sit down on the wall he’d been leaning against pushing himself up with the palms of his hands until he hovered just above the top of the wall before sitting back down and pushing back against the brick the rough surface dug into his hands but it was only for a second.
Finn reached them then.
“Hey so I forgot to give you this earlier”
Sean was dumbstruck then as he reached out a hand and held a folded piece of paper of in it. He reached out to take it and Finn closed Sean's fingers over it then. Again, the urge to blush was intense despite the innocent contact Finn just seemed to bring it out in him, he was everything that Sean wasn’t confident, cool in that I don’t care what people think of me way unlike his own cool but desperate to fit in way, out and proud.
Finn let go of his hand then and suddenly his hand felt much too cold when just before it felt much too hot and he was afraid of sweating under the touch. Sean opened his hand up to look at the paper he’d been given inside was a phone number and Call me Sweetie written underneath it.
“Oh thanks”
Lyla spoke up then stubbing her cigarette out on the wall beside Sean as he took out his phone to add Finns number.
“I’m Lyla by the way since this one didn’t bother to introduce me”
She elbowed him then right in the ribs his phone held in his hand's elbows resting against his thighs.
“I’m Finn sorry I should have said sooner”
“We’re good dude don’t worry about it”
Sean slid his phone back into his pocket and looked up just in time to see the school bus pull away.
“Fuck Lyla we missed the bus”
“Shit Moms gonna kill me”
Lyla put her face in her hands then and Sean reached over and rubbed her back gently trying to ease some of the tension she was feeling.
“Do you guys need a ride?”
Finn asked helpfully, fishing keys out of his pocket.
“I don’t want to be a bother”
“Speak for yourself man we got plans tonight if I’m home late I’m gonna have to cancel”
“Ok well I guess we’re taking the ride then”
Sean pushed himself back up from the wall and stood up then.
“Follow me mi amigos, see I know some Spanish”
Finn laughed a little there before showing them to the car it was a 99 Chevrolet s10 with a faded red paint job.
“Sorry it’s a bit of a mess keep putting off cleaning it”
Finn unlocked the car then and opened the door. Getting in first. Lyla usually called shotgun but didn’t this time.
“You take the front you guys are vibing”
She said it quietly so that Finn wouldn’t hear despite him already being sat behind the wheel and them still standing beside the car after throwing their backpacks into the large trailer.
“You’re the best Lyla thanks”
“You owe me, I hate the back of cars”
Sean walked around to the front of the car and opened the passenger side door noting the junk on the back seat he really did owe Lyla, he looked behind his shoulder to watch her get in she grimaced as she pushed aside an old pizza box, takeaway burger boxes and empty sodas, that had been stacked on the side. It seemed like he really had forgotten to empty out the car and that it wasn’t just some excuse.
Lyla pulled out her phone and headphones and put them in giving Sean and Finn some privacy to talk on the drive home.
“So, where we heading?”
“Do you know how to get to Lewis avenue?”
“Yeah I think so might need some directions though”
“Ok can do”
Sean had a look around the front of the car other than the mess it was well loved little knickknacks here and there. On the mirror hung a skull shaped Air Freshener, there was a picture tucked into the sun visor that looked to be of Finns family, another of him and his friends. There was a book on the dash board the bookmark sticking out of the top of it indicated that he was about halfway through reading it, not for the first time by the look of it either it seemed to be a well worn copy of Lord of the Flies.
“Got some CDs in the glovebox if you want to put on some tunes”
Sean opened it up and was met with a stack of CDs, a lighter, rolling papers, a tobacco pouch with several drawings on it, a box of condoms and some snacks that were trying to spill out of the open door, he pulled out the stack of CDs to have a look through them.
Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Trouble, Gorillaz, Rage Against the Machine, Abba.
The last one seemed strangely out of place by comparison before Sean could even ask Finn had already said “It’s my Moms favourite album” Sean pulled the Gorillaz album out the stack and opened up the box Demon Days it wasn’t his favourite of their albums but it was a great one he put it into the CD player and the first track came on as he closed the box and put the CDs back into the glovebox.
“Great choice man”
“Thanks, I love the Gorillaz”
“You’ve got good taste”
Finn said as the Intro track played it was definitely the weakest song on the album at least as far as Sean was concerned but it ended soon and The Last Living Souls began to play he watched as Finn drummed his fingers against the steering wheel as they reversed out of the parking lot to head back home.
“Left, or Right?”
“Take a left”
“So, when suits you for that first Spanish lesson?”
“I work Saturdays and I have track after school Tuesdays and Thursdays, but any other day suits me”
“Aight that suits me does Sunday work for you?”
“Yeah that works just fine for me, do you want to hang out at mine?”
Sean could almost hear Lyla thinking “You thirsty bitch” and was certain she was burning holes into the back of his head through the seat rest.
“Fuckin A”
Well it looked like Finn appreciated the eagerness anyway what with his reaction.
“I mean you’ll know where I live after today, oh take a right here. Plus, I don’t drive yet so it’s easier if you come to me.”
“It’s a date sweetie when do you want me to come over?”
Again, with the trying not to blush.
“Does 3pm suit you?”
“Yeah that’s perfect for me looking forward to it. Nice bracelet by the way”
“Thanks, my Dad got it for me...” (Don’t be so shy come on he’s not going to judge you he’s Bi too) “After I came out. Most people don’t realise what it is but I guess you recognise it since your Bi too” (I hope that didn’t sound bad or presumptuous)
“I’m not bi dude”
“Oh, fuck I just assumed since you know, rumours I’m sorry”
“Naw don’t be sweetie I see people not gender so I’d call myself Pansexual if anything but ugh I’m not big on labels my dude”
“So, any truth to the rumours then?” He laughed a little nervously “Oh turn left here”
“Depends on what you heard?”
Lyla was thankfully still quiet in the back he half expected the music to be paused and for her to be eavesdropping but at least she hadn’t interrupted
“Shit man I don’t want to repeat them some were awful”
“Look I’ve heard all of them most are bullshit a couple are true. Yeah, I was seeing a college student Hannah for a little while but she decided I was too young she’s with my brother now, I also dated my friend Penny for a few months until he met his boyfriend Jinx honestly couldn’t be happier for them, they’re really happy together. I even know about the rumour that I started an orgy in the gym room no fucking idea where that one came from though”
“Fuck I hadn’t heard that one, that’s horrible man.”
“It’s alright I got a thick skin, but yeah people see this" He took a hand-off the wheel to gesture up and down at his face and torso “Then they hear about my…” He trailed off before continuing “And they just assume I’m a bad guy”.
“I know the feeling people can fucking suck sometimes”
The atmosphere in the car seemed to have changed then it was sullen and intense in a way they seemed closer and further apart Sean couldn’t relate to those types of rumours but he’d had his own fair share of abuse racism was an ever-present reality unfortunately and it had only gotten worse in the last few years.
O Green World finished and the CD played the next song Dirty Harry Sean ended up singing along to it Finn laughed a little at him before he joined in Sean’s singing was off key and out of tune but he sang along anyway he stopped as soon as the rapping started he couldn’t do that bit he’d tried a few times he always ended up tripping over the words but Finn was surprisingly good at it rapping along with ease.
The tension in the car seemed to resolve itself then, just as they rounded the corner on to his street.
“That’s me over there”
Lyla finally spoke up pointing out of the window to her own house. Finn stopped the car outside of her house then
“Thanks for the ride seriously you’re the best”
“Happy to help any time” Came Finns cheery reply.
Sean watched her get out of the car walk around to the side, grab her backpack from the back of the truck, walk to her house and give a wave to them both before going inside.
“I live just across the street so I guess I should probably go” Honestly Sean was reluctant to leave this was nice the two of them talking, singing and laughing together it was easy and comfortable. “Um we’re going to the skate park after this you could come with if you like?”
“That’d be great. Sure, you’re not just asking cos I’ve got a car though?”
“It’s not the only reason” He chuckled then. “Want to come in?”
Finn considered it for a minute then weighing up the pros and cons before deciding that’d he’d wait in the truck in case Lyla came back out. “You go ahead I’ll stay here”
Sean got out of the car and grabbed his bag before crossing the street to his house he opened the door but didn’t see anyone at first.
“Dad I’m home”
“In the garage be right up”
He went to his room and dropped his school bag on the floor beside his bed grabbing his skateboard and helmet he walked back to the kitchen holding it under his arm he got there just as his Dad came up the stairs into the small office off of the kitchen.
“You’re home early”
“Yeah missed the bus so me and Lyla got a ride home from a friend, where’s Daniel?”
“Over at Noah's who’s the friend?”
“You don’t know him, but he’s called Finn I’m going to be tutoring him in Spanish is it ok if he comes over on Sunday for a lesson?”
“That’s fine do you need me to drive the two of you to the skatepark?”
“No, I’m good he’s gonna take us there he’s parked outside Lyla’s now”
“Great gives me a chance to meet him before Sunday see what he’d like for dinner”
Sean looked to his feet for a moment then what if Dad didn’t like him or got mad, he’d gotten a lift home from someone who was pretty much a stranger, it was Lyla's idea though at least he could say that if he did get in trouble. Sean readjusted the board under his arm before heading back to the pickup truck Esteban following behind him. Lyla was already sitting back in the car chatting away to Finn who was smoking.
Sean put his board and helmet in the back of the truck before opening the door he stuck his head in the car but didn’t get in the cd was still playing.
“My Dad wants to talk to you”
“Shit what’d I do?” Finn actually sounded concerned there but he got out of the car regardless stubbing his cigarette out in the ashtray beforehand. Sean stepped back out of the car and stood beside his Dad leaving Lyla in the passenger seat.
“You must be Finn nice to meet you”
Esteban’s hand was out stretched ready for Finn to shake it Finn looked at it for a moment as if it was a coiled snake ready to attack him but he took it anyway the handshake was firm and friendly, Esteban looked him up and down when he let go of his hand though.
“Yeah I’m Finn pleasure to meet you Mr Diaz”
Sean could see the gears turning in both of their heads Dad wondering what to make of this punk kid in front of him with his tattoos, piercings, blue hair and alternative clothing. Finn looking uncomfortable trying to make a good first impression he scrunched up his brow as if he was trying to think of something to say the way it crinkled the bridge of his nose was adorable and Sean knew he’d be drawing it out later. Esteban spoke before Finn said whatever it was that he had been thinking of saying.
“What time should we expect you on Sunday?”
“Is 3 o clock alright with you?”
“Perfect will you be staying for dinner?”
“That’d be great thank you”
“Anything you don’t eat?”
“Nope if it’s edible I’ll eat it”
He chewed on his lip ring then slightly. Sean wondered if it was something, he even knew he did the act seemed subconscious.
“Alright well you three have fun, Sean be back for 6 okay?”
“Sure, Dad see you later” He went to get in the car
“I think your forgetting something Mijo”
Sean turned back around and gave his Dad the hug he was fishing for it was brief but loving, by the time they separated Finn was already back in the driver's seat and pulling the seat belt on. Sean opened the back door and slid into the seat belting up as he waved goodbye to his Dad.
The drive to the skatepark was shorter than the drive to home Lyla and Finn chatted in the front while Sean was in the back he spoke occasionally when he had something to say, but mostly he was just jealous that he didn’t have Finns attention all to himself. When they got to the skate park Lyla grabbed her board and ran to the ramps ready to skate.
“You gonna stay or head back home?” He asked, Finn turned his head round to look at him his blue hair falling over his left eye he reached up and brushed it behind his ear before speaking.
“I got nowhere else to be might as well hang here for a bit could be fun to watch”
Sean picked up his board and went to join Lyla Finn hung back for a second Sean looked behind him when he didn’t hear footsteps he was on the phone he couldn’t hear the conversation but he was frowning Sean reached the ramps and began to skate he didn’t know how long it had been when he saw Finn again sitting on one of the benches and smoking it didn’t look like watching was as much fun as he hoped it would be Sean came to rest at the top of the ramp and headed over board tucked under his arm. He sat down beside Finn and placed the skateboard at his feet.
“Having fun?”
“Yeah, I could show you if you like?”
Finn looked hesitant for a moment before he stood up and stubbed out the last of his cigarette on the bin nearby.
“So show me how to do this”
“Oh yeah sure” Sean took his helmet off then “Safety first” he tried to make it sound like a joke but he felt like a nerd regardless. Finn put it on with a sigh.
“Aww your not gonna like me with helmet hair” he pouted exaggeratedly Sean wanted to kiss those full lips he looked away instead as Finn brushed his long hair back with his hand put on the helmet then stood on the board neither trusting him on more than the flat surface of the park, ramps would definitely have to wait.
“Ok you steady?”
“Yeah I think so”
“Alright put your feet like this” Finn mirrored the action
“Now what?”
“Alright kick off with whichever foot you prefer, yeah just like that”
Finn wasn’t too bad at it for a first time he seemed to be getting the hang of it easy enough until he didn’t, he kicked off once too quick and the board shot out from under him thankfully Sean was close by to catch him.
Finn’s arms flung out to his sides to try and steady himself, Sean already had his arms underneath his armpits so when he fell his back crashed into his chest seconds passed until he stood up fully, back sliding against Sean’s chest slightly dazed from what happened, Sean had the air knocked out of his lungs not just from the impact. Finn took a moment to right himself before pulling away and standing up straight Sean’s fingers lingered on his arm slightly longer than was strictly necessary.
“You ok?” He asked breathless as Finn turned around to face him
“Yeah man I’m good, but I think I’ll let the pros get back to it”
“Nah I’m tired gonna take a break”
It was a blatant lie but Finn had seemed really sad after his call earlier he didn’t want to leave him alone, Sean walked over to where his board had rolled off too and grabbed it up walking back to the bench that Finn was sitting on he could see Lyla having fun she’d barely even noticed his absence, he didn’t mind not really she got into the zone like that sometimes.
Sean went to sit down beside Finn who was leaning forward elbows resting on his knees and his face in his palms long fingers just under his eyes, he looked pretty more delicate than the clothing and piercings would suggest he sighed mournfully Sean heard it more than saw he wasn’t even sat yet, taking his seat beside him he ran his fingers through his hair it was longer than he usually let it get he’d need it cut soon, he interlocked his fingers behind his head and leant against the back of the bench.
Finn reached up and unclasped the helmet then, putting it on the bench beside him, the shorter parts of his hair stuck out in all directions but the long parts had fallen over his eyes he hooked the thumb of each hand behind the strands of blue hair and tucked them behind his ears. He took out his phone then to check himself in the screen.
“See told you helmet hair” He said as he shoved his phone back in his pocket.
“Still looks good though”
“So, Lyla what’s the deal there?”
“What do you mean?”
“You know are you two together or something?”
(Shit he must like her not me. I was right he was just being friendly)
“Oh no we’re not together just friends” Sean hoped he didn’t sound too disappointed. He didn’t want to be with Lyla she was like a sister to him, but maybe Finn wanted to ask her out or something and he didn’t want that to be true.
“Cool, cool”
The reply was nonchalant guarded even he reached up and twiddled a strand of hair between two fingers Sean watched captivated as he looped it over one ringed finger and under another passing the strand back and forth between them over and under in one fluid motion he didn’t even seem to realise he was doing it.
“So, you said you have a brother is it just him?” He didn’t know what to say and the silence was deafening now when earlier it had been so comfortable. Finn dropped the strand and looked up he seemed in a daze when he answered.
“Oh, huh no I got two other ones, Kens the oldest then John and Scott are the same age an I’m the baby”
“So, John and Scott are twins?”
“Nope just less than a year apart, what about you any siblings?”
“Daniel he’s 9, I guess you’ll meet him on Sunday”
“S’pose so, your Dad seems nice”
“Thanks”
Finn still seemed tense he’d stop playing with his hair but now he was chewing on his lip ring, they barely knew each other asking what’s wrong felt like it would be intruding in some way. Finn took his phone out and checked the time.
“Fuck I gotta go. I’m not sure if I can take you back home or not shit, I’m sorry”
“It’s alright man I can skate home don’t worry about it”
“Look I am really sorry honest. It was nice hanging with you” He started walking away then waving goodbye with both hands. Sean watched him go he saw Lyla skate too the top of a ramp and come over to him.
“Where’s he going I thought he was our ride?”
“He had to go; you could always run after him if you want?”
She checked her watch then
“Nah I got time; we can chill for a bit if you want to?”
“Sure whatever you like”
She saw right through his attempt at being nonchalant.
“Alright spill what’s wrong?”
“I don’t know why I even try and hide things from you anymore.”
“So what’s going on?”
“Finn seemed really freaked out since we got here and then he took off so quick, I’m worried”
“I’m sure it’s nothing maybe he lost track of time or something”
“Yeah maybe I dunno didn’t seem that way though, I’m probably reading into it too much like normal.”
“Try not to dwell on it”
“Yeah you’re right. Think I’m gonna head home”
“Come on dude, you barely even skated, just ran off to be with Finn”
“Fiiiine you win but I’m gonna have to leave sooner than we planned too since there’s no one to drive us home now”
“Fuck yes come on dude lets hit the ramps 20 minutes then we’ll go”
Sean stood pulling the discarded helmet back onto his head, not failing to notice the strands of blue hair that were still there, he smiled sadly.
(Ok, ok skate for 20 minutes with Lyla, get home and study try not to think about what’s wrong with the cute boy you hardly know.)
Sean got home just as dinner was being dished up.
“I thought you were getting driven home mijo”
“Yeah me too but he had to go”
“Ok eat up, and don’t forget about your homework”
“I know Dad”
The food was bland in his mouth he chewed and swallowed without really tasting it, Dad took him eating quickly as him enjoying the meal but he just wanted it to be over, he kept thinking of how much fun their time together was, how nice holding him even for just those few moments had been and the sad look on his face when he had to go as if he was going to be disappointed in him. Homework was easy enough even with his mind wandering and being distracted. He took his phone compiled a message deleted it started again deleted it again then just closed it, he could wait till Sunday.