*trigger warning- assault, derogatory terms, mentions of suicide. Please read at your own volition.
Dakota’s POV
“Bye Tucker! I’ll see you tomorrow!” I said my goodbyes to Tucker cause it was the end of my shift. I stopped by Hunter’s office and kissed him goodbye, before heading off.
I was almost to my car when I was grabbed all of a sudden and lifted up and shoved. I kept trying to hit them and get out of their grips to no avail. I screamed out in pain as I was thrown on the ground. I looked around and saw that I was in an alleyway right next to the gym.
“Please just let me go. I’ll do whatever you want” I tried to plead with them as they kicked me.
“Stop spreading your homosexuality. I can’t believe people like you even exist” I recognized the voice as Dave Orville’s. I should have known.
“Please Dave, what did I ever do to you?” I cried out in confusion.
“Don’t say my name faggot!” I screamed when he stomped on my wrist, “There’s nothing that you could do to make me like you! God, I just wish you would do us all a favor and kill yourself. The world doesn't need filth like you polluting it!”
I grabbed my wrist as it throbbed in pain and flinched at the spit that flew from his mouth as he yelled. I endured a few more punches and kicks before I fainted from the pain.
⯀
Hunter’s POV
Fucking brat! He left his phone in my office on the charger. I rushed after him, but got really confused when I saw his car still parked in his usual spot. I got even more confused and concerned when I found his keys and purse on the floor next to his car door.
I walked around, and heard some yelling. I rushed over there, and went pale at the sight before me, “What the fuck is going on here? Dakota?”
There were three guys, but only one of them was kicking what looked to be an unconscious Dakota. I ran over to him, turned him so he was facing me, and clocked him in the jaw. I smirked as he knocked out from the one punch, before focusing on my brat. I checked for his pulse, but as I grabbed his left hand he whimpered. I called the police and alerted them of the situation. They told me that they were on their way with an ambulance . I waited with baited breath.
The police showed up, but relaxed when they saw the suspect was still unconscious. They cuffed the guy, before trying to shake him awake. The paramedics came over to Dakota and checked him out before deciding to take him to the hospital. I grabbed his purse, climbed into the ambulance, then texted Jen to tell her the situation. I was a little nervous to be completely honest, he doesn’t look too good.
On the way to the hospital, Dakota woke up and looked around. I could tell that he was really confused, “It’s okay brat, you’re in the ambulance and we are on our way to the hospital to get you checked out”
He nodded and calmed back down a little, but he was still pretty tense. They rolled him into his room and the doctors ran x-rays and a whole bunch of other tests on him while I was stuck in the waiting room.
After a while they called me back into his room, “Okay so besides major bruising, the only big injury that Mr.Jones suffers is a broken wrist. He is going to need a cast, and lots of bedrest. No extreme sports or physical exertion of any kind”
He left after a couple of other directions and Dakota looked at me and sighed, “I guess that means no more sex”
I laughed and gave him a big kiss, “You fucking brat! You made me so worried”
“Well it’s not like I went up to Dave and said hey can you bully me for my whole life, and then try to kill me when I’m an adult!” I was not expecting that answer, but I guess I deserved it.
“You were bullied...are bullied?” I grunted as I imagined a little redhead getting shoved around and treated like shit.
“Yeah, turns out people don’t appreciate things that are different. And me being a boy wearing girl’s clothing is very different” He explained to me.
“That’s fucking bullshit! I hope this Dave kid rots in jail” Right as I said that a knock on the door revealed the police. They asked Dakota for a statement and all that jazz. I wanted to kill those guys the more and more I learned, but I wanted to be here for my boyfriend more.
I squeezed his good hand tightly, “Hey brat, I think you should call your parents and let them know what happened” He nodded and I handed him his phone. I could tell that the person on the other line was panicked and talking really fast.
Dakota hung up, “They are on their way over here. I told them not to worry about it, but they insisted”
About twenty minutes later a redheaded man and blonde woman stormed into the room, “Oh my poor little baby. What happened to you Dakota?”
“Um...Dave Orville and his friends attacked me” A look of understanding and rage flashed through their eyes.
“You would have thought that he would have learned his lesson by now with how many times he’s been suspended. I just don’t get it. His parents are both so sweet. How is it that they have such a rotten child?” His mom ranted before her gaze turned to me, “Oh I didn’t see you there. Who might you be?”
“Hunter Ford Ma'am. I’m Dakota’s boyfriend” Her eyes widened in shock before she gathered herself.
“Oh so this is who you’ve been sneaking out with. Not that I can blame you” She winked at him
“Ew mom. Stop hitting on my boyfriend. You’re married” He scrunched up his nose in disgust
“Just because I’m married, doesn’t mean I don’t have eyes Dakota” She grinned before turning to me, “Sorry let me introduce myself first, I’m Denise and this is my husband Connor. It’s really nice to meet you”
I shook hands with her and his father as well. He seemed to like me enough, but was just quiet. We talked about small things before someone burst through the door, “Hey dad, I rushed over here as soon as Jen told me what happened!”
Of course Blake has terrible timing, “Dad? You have a son? Just how old are you?”
I grimaced before facing his dad who had his arms crossed, “Yes this is my son Blake. I am 42 years old”
Both of his parents' eyebrows shot to the roof and I could tell that his dad had something to say, but Dakota cut him off, “Stop making that face you guys. I’m an adult now, and before you say anything about him taking advantage of me. I’m the one who went after him, he tried to turn me down, but I wouldn’t take no for an answer”
Connor sighed before relaxing his shoulders, “I’m not exactly happy about this, but if he treats you right and makes you happy Dakota, I’ll learn to be happy with it. You better not hurt my son, Hunter. I don’t care how muscular you are, muscle can’t beat a gun”
“It would never be my intent to hurt him sir. I can’t promise that I won’t because I’m an asshole and an idiot, but I’ll certainly try not to” He nodded in acceptance.
“Okay now that that’s over with. Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself Blake?” Denise beckoned a sheepish Blake over to her.
The next thing I knew a couple hours went by, Dakota was discharged from the hospital, and we were invited to dinner tomorrow night. Joy.
⯀
I was wearing my nicest grey button up shirt, and the brat better appreciate because I fucking hate button ups. I always feel like I’m going to burst out of them at any given moment. Blake was wearing a similar outfit to me except his shirt was blue. I made sure to pick up a bouquet of flowers for Denise.
I let Blake drive which was a mistake in and of itself, but luckily we got there in one piece. I knocked on the door, and Connor was the one to greet us. We shook hands and he ushered us into the house.
“Hey Hunter, my mom’s in the kitchen. Come with me” I gave him a quick peck before I followed him.
“Hello Denise, I brought these for you” I handed her the flowers
“Aww how sweet. I’ll put them in a vase right now. Why don’t you guys go hang out while I finish making dinner” We left and walked back into the living room.
The four of hung out and talked for a little before the doorbell rang, “Oh I think your brothers are here”
“What? You invited Callum and Brady?!” Dakota exclaimed before shying away into my side. I rubbed his back to comfort him silently
“What is up homies!? C-dawg is in the house!” A male voice rang out.
“Shut up Callum, you are so annoying!” I assumed it was Brady who yelled.
I felt Dakota tense up as they walked into the living room. Brady noticed us first, “Who are you guys?”
“Oh that must be Dakota’s boyfriend. Not sure why his dad is here though.” Callum guessed.
“Ew! Me and him. No way man!” Blake exclaimed which confused Callum
“Gee thanks Blake. I love you too” The brat blew Blake a kiss.
Brady stared at me even harder than before when a look of realization came across his face, “What the hell, Dakota! You didn’t tell me that your boyfriend was Hunter Ford!”
“How was I supposed to know you knew who he was?” the brat sassed back.
“Wait isn’t he some kind of famous bodybuilder dude? I thought he was old?” Callum butted in and Blake was enjoying this.
“Hunter is not old!” Everyone looked at him unamused, “Okay so he’s a little old, but what do you guys care. I really like him, and he treats me really nicely”
“I don’t know about this Dakota. How long has this been going on? How did you meet? How old are you? Are you serious about this relationship?” I was prepared to answer all of his questions when Dakota stood up abruptly.
“Stop asking him so many questions Brady! You’re not my dad! I’m not a baby anymore!” He yelled at him.
Brady looked confused at his outburst, “I’m just trying to look out for you Dakota. I care about you and I don’t want you to get hurt”
“Yeah well it doesn't seem like it!” Dakota was crying at this point and I held him to me.
“I think you guys should talk this out in private” I suggested and Brady nodded. Dakota tried to bring me with them but I shook my head, “No, you guys have to do this on your own brat”
“Well that was interesting. Who wants to watch the game?” Connor suggested and we all agreed.
⯀
Dakota’s POV
I couldn’t help myself. I just blew up, and I kind of regret it, but what’s done is done.
“What was all that back there, Kota?” He hasn’t called me that in forever, “You think that I don’t love you or want what’s best for you. I’ll admit I wasn’t being the nicest or most respectful, but I do care about you”
“It’s just that ever since you went to college it feels like you never have time for me anymore. You used to always take care of me and hang around with me, and all of a sudden it all stopped. It’s like I wasn’t good enough anymore, but now that I have someone else in my life then you’re all interested again. I’m just really hurt and confused, Brady” I tried not to cry but a few tears leaked out.
“I never stopped caring about you Kota. I guess I was a bit of a jerk, and I guess I stupidly thought that in order to get the most out of college you had to forget everything about your home life and past. I never meant to leave you in the dust, but I did. I guess I am a little jealous more than anything that you have Hunter now and worried that you won’t come to me anymore if you need help. I had to find out from mom that Dave attacked you, and my feelings were really hurt. I’m really sorry for making you feel like that Kota” He hugged me and wiped away my tears.
It felt so good to hug my brother again after so long, “As much as I rely on Hunter, you’re my older brother and I need someone to complain about Hunter to. But you have to promise to be nice to him, no matter how grouchy or mean he comes across as. He’s bad with words most of the time”
“I’ll do my best if you promise to come to me if he ever mistreats you” He made me swear to him, “Good, now let’s get downstairs. I’m starving”
I’m really happy to have talked things out with Brady. Things aren’t perfect and I just didn’t magically erase my feelings because he said sorry, but I’m not nearly as upset. It’s going to take some time to reestablish our relationship but I’m willing to work on it. It feels really nice to have this weight off my shoulder.
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