Living Your Lie (boyxboy)

Chapter 21

"Alright, guys, hit the showers!" Coach Blackwell yelled. As I jogged by him, he clapped me on the shoulder and gave me a nod, causing me to slow down next to him. "Nice work today, Sinclair. Keep it up."

I smiled, proud of myself for redeeming my crappy playing during the game the night before. If only practice actually counted towards the season. "Thanks, Coach."

The older man cracked a rare smile and pushed my shoulder lightly. "Alright, get outta here, kid."

I laughed lightly and picked my pace back up to a jog. I saw my friends were way ahead of me, but noticed that Dakota was near the back of the group.

"Yo, Spicer," I barked out with one of my gloved hands attempting to cup around my mouth.

He turned his head, saw me coming towards him, and slowed down until I caught up. He arched an eyebrow, slightly confused. "Uh, what's up, man?"

We both slowed until everyone had passed us. I glanced behind me and saw the coaches and managers talking on the field.

"Do you think you can get another ride home?" I asked. Then I realized I probably sounded like a total ass and said in a lowered voice so nobody overheard, "It's not that I don't want to drive you, I just promised Dante I'd go over to his place for dinner and it's kind of in the opposite direction."

Those bright eyes looked a tad wounded for a second before he glanced away. I felt a pinch in my chest. I was such a douche.

"Yeah, I'll figure something out," he mumbled.

The disappointment was practically wafting off of him. I watched the door to the gym building swing closed after the last guy in front of us. "You sure? I don't want to leave you stranded."

Dakota reached the door first and pulled it open, walking into the building. "It's fine."

He hadn't bothered to hold the door open long enough for me to grab it so it went to swing shut on it's own, knocking me into the doorframe in the process. I winced.

"Are you okay?" I asked hesitantly.

"'M fine."

I grabbed his arm, the muscles flexing beneath his skin, and he quickly shook my hold off of him. I looked at him in shock and then narrowed my eyes. We both stopped walking.

"You don't seem fine to me..." I said.

"You know, I have half a mind to just give up on you," he hissed quietly.

"Dude, come on," I tried softly.

"Just shut up, Harley."

"I'm sorry, alright? I'll give you a ride if you still want. I don't want you to be upset," I offered weakly.

"You're so stupid." I actually felt a bit hurt at that. "I don't want a ride anymore. Go hang out with Dante, I'm done."

"Whoa, what?" I asked, my voice rising in pitch. My heart started racing uncomfortably. He couldn't mean that.

Dakota rolled his eyes and he looked pissed--I couldn't tell if it was anger towards me, Dante, or himself, though. "Not like that, although I shouldn't even bother with you at all anymore. I'm just done with fighting today. I've already gotta deal with my dad, I don't need anymore crap to worry about right now, okay?"

"Do you want me to call you later?" I asked. Even I wanted to slap myself for being so clueless as soon as the words came out. I honestly felt so bad for continually hurting him, but I didn't know what to do. I always seemed to keep screwing everything up.