Quarter Mile

Waiting

TW// physical abuse, alcohol consumption and homophobia

The homecoming football game had been played on Thursday. Beck, Dakota and Eli had watched Parker and Harvey from the stands. It was a tough game, but Parker ended up scoring the winning point.

There was a big celebratory party at one of Parker and Harvey's teammates houses but the boys didn't feel like partying, so they all stayed over at Eli's house. They had fallen asleep while watching a movie, except Beck, who lay awake running his fingers through Dakota's hair, their legs tangled together beneath the sheets. His fingers gently traced the outline of Dakota's lips while he counted each and every one of his eyelashes.

It was now Friday afternoon, and the homecoming dance was that night. Dakota was sitting in the kitchen with his mother, playing a game of cards to pass the time before he had to start getting ready for the dance. Beck was picking him up at seven o'clock.

"Are you excited for homecoming?" His mother asked.

"Yeah," Dakota nodded. "A little nervous, but excited."

"Nervous?"

"No one really knows about Beck and I," Dakota explained. He and his mother were close so he had already told her all about Beck and how he really liked him. "I don't know how people will react."

"Promise me one thing, okay Duh? Don't let other people's opinions affect your relationship with Beck. It's no one else's business but your own."

"I won't," Dakota replied with a smile. Their card game had come to an end. "I'm going to start getting ready now."

"Okay, baby. I can't wait to see you two all dressed up."

~

After school, Beck had reluctantly gone home. He wasn't going to at first; he had planned on going to Parker's to get ready but after his conversation with him the week before, he decided he wanted to come out to his father. He knew it probably wasn't the best idea, but he was sick of hiding who he was.

He opened and closed the door quietly, not wanting to anger his father before he'd talked to him. Beck found him in the living room, lounging on one of the old, battered couches they'd had for years. He was holding a beer bottle in his hand with nine more bottles discarded on the floor beside him.

"Hey dad," Beck said loud enough so he could be heard over the blaring tv.

"The fuck you want?" His father huffed. Beck ignored the acidic tone.

"I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Yeah, what?" His father was clearly already annoyed.

"I have a date to the homecoming dance," he winced.

"Don't care," was all his father could mutter. Beck breathed deeply; in through his nose and out through his mouth before continuing.

"His name is Dakota."

Beck's fathers head snapped up and he placed his bottle on the table beside him as he slowly rose to his feet.

"Boy, you better pray to God I didn't hear you right," he slurred.

Beck stood his ground and clenched his fists.

"You heard me right, dad. His name is Dakota."

Beck's vision went black for a spilt second as the first punch landed against his cheek. He stumbled backward, hands raised to his face in a weak defence.

"Are you telling me you're gay?" His father roared and stepped forward toward the small, helpless boy. Beck lowered his hands and stood as tall as he could.