Work Text:
Dylan took a deep puff of the cotton candy-flavored nicotine. The cool autumn breeze stung his red cheeks. Fuck, why was it so damn cold?
It was early, maybe too early for him to be up on a Saturday. He just needed to get out of his house. His mom was already yelling at him when he walked out his door. He couldn’t wait to graduate and go to college.
He wandered before deciding to just chill on the swings at the park. Nobody should be at the park at this hour either, a perfect place to plan.
Glancing at his phone he debates if he should text Kaitlyn to meet up.
Kaity Kait Kait!
He stares at his phone as Kaitlyn types.
What’s up DJ?
I’m heading to the park. Wanna meet up?
Sorry DJ can’t. I got practice. I can try and swing by after 11 if you’re still there.
No worries man, have fun at practice :).
Dylan sighed, shoving the phone into his pocket. He forgot about damn cross-country practice. Why did they even run during fall, shouldn’t it be too cold?
He wonders if Kaitlyn will see the football team doing drills. What he wouldn’t do just to see Jacob work out. God, he was so hot.
He’s had a crush on the jock since sophomore year. He originally only became friends with Kaitlyn to get close to Jacob but she was also way cooler than he thought she’d be.
As he came up to the park he spotted a girl on the swings. Frowning, he debated if he should just turn around and walk somewhere else. She was just sitting there back towards him. Maybe if he sat at the swing she’d leave or ignore him.
As he approached he heard sniffles coming from her. Wait, was she crying? He froze, unsure of what to do. Before thinking he moved his mouth.
“Hey, are you okay?” He asked.
“Hmm? Yeah, yeah.” She used her sleeves to wipe away the tears. Turning to him, he instantly recognized her. It was Abigail from art. He didn’t know too much about her other than she was pretty quiet.
“Pretty early to be at the park.” Dylan cringed at himself. What kind of shitty subject changer was that?
“Yeah, guess I just needed to get out.” Her voice was still a bit shaky. Dylan nodded as he sat down on the swing next to her. He hoped she didn’t have a shitty home life too.
“I can relate to that.” He nodded, rocking himself on the swing. They sat in silence for a while. God this was awkward. He should have just let her be.
He could tell she was holding back her tears. He didn’t want to pry since he didn’t know her well. They had worked on a project together but she only exclusively talked about the work. She never elaborated on her life outside of art.
“I know it doesn’t mean much since we don’t really know each other but I’m here if you need to get anything off your chest.” He offered a smile. She nodded, staring off, the same look she had when she was thinking hard.
“I just… I don’t want you to think I’m some sort of freak.” Some tears slipped through as she looked away from Dylan.
“I’m not gonna judge you and if you tell me anything I’ll take it to my grave.” Dylan held out his pinky like it was some sort of elementary school secret. She stared blankly ahead not seeing his gesture. She took a deep breath, the exhale shaky.
“Ihaveacrushonagirl” She said it so fast that Dylan almost didn't catch it. Almost. He raised his eyebrow. Was that why she thought she was a freak? Because she likes a girl?
“Did the girl hurt you?” He asked, she avoided his eyes.
“No. Not yet at least.” Her lip quivered. Dylan just nodded.
“Why did you think you’re a freak?”
“Because girls aren’t supposed to like other girls. It’s what my preacher and the Bible say.” Bingo. It was for religious reasons.
“You know I don’t think you’re a freak. Because if you’re one then I’m one. I like men. They’re big, strong, and handsome.” He smiled once again thinking about Jacob and his chiseled abs. A blush swept through Abi.
“I like men too and that’s what confuses me.” She started picking at her nails, still looking forward.
“So you’re bisexual, so what? Men are great and from what I heard women are great. It’s natural ya know? Doesn’t make you any less human. You like what you like and it’s not anyone else’s business.” Dylan was out. He didn’t care who knew if anything talked shit Kaitlyn and Emma dealt with them. Maybe he could talk them into doing the same for Abi.
They sat there once more in silence, the creeks of the swing filling the air around them. He hoped his words were able to comfort her just a little.
“Do you mean it?” Dylan nodded to Abi’s question.
“Hell yeah dude! You’re totally normal and valid. I know religious stuff is scary but if it’s supposed to be ‘unnatural’ then why did god make us? And if anyone says anything bad about it I’ll beat them up.” The last part earned a chuckle from Abi.
“You don’t have to tell me but who are you crushing on? I’m crushing on Jacob Custos, the quarterback of our football team.” He mimics throwing a football then flexes. She giggles at his attempt.
“Kaitlyn.” She mumbles almost embarrassed.
“Kaitlyn? As in Kaitlyn Ka, who is on the cross-country team? That Kaitlyn?” He had to admit Kaitlyn didn’t really seem like her type. Granted he didn’t know her type.
“Yeah.” She nods.
“You didn’t hear it from me but she’s totally into chicks. I’m sure she’d fall apart if you talked to her.” He chuckles as Abi turns beet red once again.
“Dylan?” She turned to him.
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.” He smiled, glad to be able to make her feel slightly more comfortable in her skin hopefully.