"Hey there, Tiger. It's time to wake up. Unless you want me to fireman carry you to my room," Sebastian murmured next to Dave's ear. Combing through Dave's hair with his fingers, Sebastian worked to wake Dave up after the hour long trip to Westerville.

"We're here?" Dave asked sleepily, covering a wide yawn with his fist. Sitting up, he clumsily pulled his arms from Sebastian's school blazer, handing it over to the other teen who promptly flung it onto the back seat. Fumbling for the door handle, Dave managed to climb out while still waking up, immediately slapping his hands against his arms to ward off the frigid temperature. He didn't pull away when Sebastian wrapped his arm around Dave's waist, walking him towards a brick building.

Guiding Dave through the wooden door that led to the dormitory, Sebastian stopped at the desk just inside and pulled a card from his wallet, running it under a scanner.

The round-faced young man behind the desk offered Dave a wide smile. "Hi," he said looking at Dave before switching his focus to Sebastian. "Should I log a guest in for you, Seb? Or will he be leaving before lights out?"

Leaning down on his elbows, Sebastian smiled conspiratorially at Trent. "Trent, this is Dave Karofsky. Dave, Trent Nixon, Dalton Academy student and fellow Warbler." After Dave and Trent shook hands, Sebastian cleared his throat. "Dave's gonna be crashing here for a bit, Trent. You know – until things get better," he said, emphasizing the last two words. "So I was kinda wondering …" He left the rest unsaid.

Trent studied Dave for several long moments. "You went to school with my friend Kurt," he said finally.

Pressing his lips together, Dave nodded. "Yeah. Hummel's a friend." Dave looked off down the hallway for a moment before meeting Trent's gaze again. "He wasn't when he came to school here. I'm the reason he transferred. But we're cool now."

"I know," Trent said significantly. "And that's good. Because I'm not sure Sebastian's word is good enough to use as a personal reference," Trent teased, frantically typing away at the computer keyboard in front of him.

"Hey!" sputtered Sebastian.

Trent held up a finger, waving it back and forth. "Oh, don't even, sweetheart. Sebastian Smythe may have announced he is turning over a new leaf, but you've been a jackass far longer than you've been this newer, better, nicer version. Still waiting to see if this sticks," he explained honestly.

He picked up a piece of plastic, running it through a card reader, and began typing once again. "But, like my friend Kurt … I believe in giving people the benefit of a doubt and a second chance if the situation warrants," he glanced up and met Dave's eyes, sharing that he knew exactly who Dave Karofsky was and his history with one Kurt Hummel.

After a moment he handed a key card to Dave. "This will get you into the dormitory, Sebastian's room, the dining hall, and athletic facilities. You're officially a visiting cousin of Smythe's – so keep that in mind. If you're gonna be here longer than seven days, then come back and I'll fix things. Dalton students can't have overnight guests longer than that – but I can make you the guest of someone else. Just let me know."

Dave stared down at the plastic card in his hands and then back up at Trent. "I don't know what to say. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"What about …?" Sebastian began to ask.

Trent scoffed loudly. "There's a reason you came to me. Done. Taken care of."

"I owe you," Sebastian said seriously.

Waving away the comment, Trent muttered, "Who doesn't?" while picking up a well-read copy of some fantasy novel. Looking up, he smiled again at Dave. "It was nice meeting you Dave. If you need anything or have any questions, let me know."

"Thanks," Dave answered softly.

Sebastian threaded his fingers through Dave's, pulling him towards the dorm rooms. Stopping after a few feet, he turned around. "Trent? Do you think you might have a pair of sweatpants we could borrow?"

Looking over the top of his book, Trent nodded. "Middle drawer, left. Probably the blue or the grey pair will fit. Thad's in – he can grab them for you."

Unaware of the tension that shot through Dave at their conversation, Sebastian walked Dave to the staircase. "I'm in room 302. Third floor. First door on the right. Can you find it or do you want me to take you there?"

Dave shrugged, looking up the staircase instead of at Sebastian. "I'm good."

"Okay, then. I'll be right back," Sebastian said with a smile, walking off towards another hallway.

Dave found Sebastian's dorm room with no problem, opening it with a swipe of the electronic key card. Toeing off his shoes, he lined them up near the door where Sebastian had three or four pairs of dress shoes laid out. The room was larger than Dave would have expected for a dorm room, but with the amount of money his parents were shelling out for a private school education, Sebastian was probably entitled to some additional space.

Walking to the far edge of the bed, closest to the room's one window, Dave laid down, facing the brick wall. He wasn't aware he'd fallen back asleep until he felt the bed dip as Sebastian lay down next to him, wrapping an arm around Dave's waist and pulling him away from the edge.

"I don't take up that much room," Sebastian murmured.

Dave was filled with a sudden rush of nerves. What if Sebastian didn't intend for them to share the bed? What if he expected Dave to crash on the floor? "Do you want me to sleep on the floor?" Dave asked quietly, staring at the brick.

"No," came Sebastian's immediate reply. After a few moments, he added, "But … but if you would feel more comfortable … I can get a mattress moved in here for you. Tomorrow, if that's what you want. I mean, Trent could probably get one tonight, but it would be easier to get one tomorrow."

Dave shook his head against Sebastian's pillow. "It's fine. I'm okay sharing, if you are."

Sebastian cleared his throat, and tightened his hold on Dave slightly. "I'd like that. But you can always change your mind, David. You know, if I talk in my sleep or steal the blankets or something."

"'Kay."

They were quiet for a few minutes, Sebastian's hand occasionally running over Dave's chest. Wondering if Dave intended to change out of his street clothes, Sebastian finally asked, "Do you want to change out of your clothes? I've got a t-shirt and some sweatpants for you." Sebastian was surprised to feel Dave tense at his words.

Voice stretched tight, Dave muttered, "Nah. I wouldn't want to stretch anything out. You know … because of my size."

The only light in the room came from the soft glow of the school's exterior lighting shining through the window. Sebastian scooted over so he could tug Dave onto his back, staring into his eyes. "What the hell are you talking about, David?" When he tried to roll back over, Sebastian stopped him by placing the palm of his hand on Dave's chest. "No. Tell me."

"You borrowed sweatpants from that other kid, 'cause he's fat, like me. Because I'd ruin your clothes, stretching them out over my excessive poundage," Dave explained, angry at himself when he felt moisture gathering in his eyes.

Realizing this had to do with Dave's body image and his own cutting words from all those months ago at Scandals, Sebastian leaned down to kiss Dave's forehead. "I borrowed sweats from Trent because I don't have any clean ones to share. I wore my last pair to lacrosse practice this afternoon. Otherwise, you'd be decked out 100% in my clothes and I'd be 1000% okay with it. Please tell me you're not still hung up on what some drunk asshole said to you at Scandals. Because I promise you, I beat the crap out of that guy for what he did to you. He was a prick, feeling shitty about his life, and he said things he knew would get you to back off."

"Whatever," scoffed Dave, rolling out of the bed. Seeing the pile of clothes on Sebastian's dresser, he scooped them up. "Is there a bathroom nearby?"

"That door there," Sebastian pointed to a door that was mostly shut. "Benefit of having the RA's room. Private bathroom."

Nodding, Dave walked inside, shutting the door behind him. Sebastian, who'd changed into a t-shirt and basketball shorts before climbing into bed with Dave, waited anxiously for his return. Normally, he slept in just his underwear, although, occasionally during the especially cold months of winter, he'd acquiesce to wearing a thermal undershirt.

When Dave finally left the bathroom, Sebastian admired the other teen, deliberately moving his hands behind his head. Dave had forgone the sweatpants, wearing one of Sebastian's lacrosse team cotton t-shirts that fit close to Dave's body, and his pair of boxer briefs. While he didn't have the lanky body of a lacrosse or soccer player, Sebastian found himself fascinated by the muscles stretching and contracting as Dave walked back to the bed and laid back down.

"Fuck," Sebastian groaned, reaching out to place his palm on Dave's stomach, rubbing softly. "Seeing you in my shirt … I don't know what to say."

"It's a little tight," Dave admitted, biting on his lower lip anxiously.

Sebastian slid his hand up to grip Dave's bicep, squeezing gently. "The fuck it is. It's perfect. You're perfect."

Shaking his head, Dave argued, "I don't –."

Covering Dave's mouth with his hand, Sebastian slid closer, allowing Dave to feel the effect he was having on Sebastian. "Sshhh. Stop arguing, Bear Cub." He hovered over Dave's body, having a silent argument with himself over whether to give in to his desire and kiss Dave.

"What?" Dave asked anxiously when Sebastian stilled, gazing down at him for several long moments.

At Dave's question, Sebastian seemed to startle and flopped back down on to his side. "I wanted to kiss you. Want to kiss you."

His voice climbed an octave as Dave asked, "So why didn't you?"

Sebastian thought about the question for a long time, caressing Dave's arm with his fingertips. "This is too important for me to fuck up," he admitted into the darkness. You called me for help and I don't want you to think I expect anything in return – least of all something physical."

Dave found it easier to talk when he wasn't looking at Sebastian, so he rolled to face the wall again before asking, "Our friendship is that important to you?"

"You are. It is," Sebastian shared, snuggling in behind Dave.

"Do you … do you want to kiss all your friends?" Dave emphasized the last word.

Sebastian chuckled against Dave's back. "Just the ones who make me drool because they look so hot in my clothes," he teased, lips brushing across the back of Dave's neck.

"Oh."

Hooking the blanket with his toe, Sebastian pulled it up and over his and Dave's shoulders. "Night, Babe," he murmured, closing his eyes and enjoying the feel of Dave's warmth.

"Bast?"

"Yeah, Tiger?"

"I haven't. I've never. Well, see."

"David?"

"Yeah?"

"Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Think about what you want to say. I'm here when you're ready."

"I've never kissed someone. Sorta. Well, that's not exactly true. I mean, it kinda is, but isn't. Shit," Dave breathed deep again and let it out slowly. "I forced myself on Hummel. Fuck, okay, not like that. We were in the locker room and he was all in my face yelling and I told him to back off and he didn't and I just grabbed him and kissed him. It wasn't … I don't mean to sound like it was his fault at all. I just … I was angry and frustrated and scared and wanted to know … you know, if I was gay."

Sebastian's eyes grew round as that information sank in. Wanting to support Dave in his confession, he continued to trace patterns on Dave's arm and chest.

"Then I fucking threatened to kill him if he said anything about it to anyone. I didn't mean it, but I said it. That's how he ended up here. Anyway, other than that fucked up incident … I've never … done anything with anyone. Guy or girl."

"David?" Sebastian pressed his lips to the spot where Dave's neck and shoulder met, leaving them there. "I don't want to pressure you," he said against the salty skin, using his teeth to scrape the sensitive skin before soothing it with his tongue.

"Fuck!" gasped Dave, burrowing his head further into the pillow to allow Sebastian more room.

"Like I said," Sebastian rasped, fighting to keep his hands relatively still, "there's a huge leap from admitting to yourself that you might … like cock to … well, sharing a bed with a guy."

Sebastian raised his head so his lips were feathering against Dave's ear. "A guy you … might possibly … find attractive. That you may or may not … have some feelings for. But at some point, you're gonna realize that the tongue in your mouth, or the one wrapped around your cock, belongs to another guy and not a girl."

He could feel Dave's heartbeat racing under his hands. "It's an adjustment we all make … at our own pace, Davey." Sebastian allowed his fingers to just slip under Dave's t-shirt, knowing he wasn't going to allow this to go much further, even if Dave pleaded with him.

"What if … what if I think I'm ready?" Dave asked quietly.

"I'd say that if you're only at thinking you're ready, then you should probably wait until you know you are," Sebastian admitted.

Dave wriggled in Sebastian's arms until he was able to look into Sebastian's eyes. Risking rejection, Dave swallowed hard as asked, "Does the idea of kissing me … does it turn you off?"

"Fuck, no, David," Sebastian protested. "That's not it at all."

Taking a shaky breath, Dave let it out slowly. "Then would you? Kiss me? Because I've had an absolutely shitty day, complete with a mom who thinks that what I feel, that it's a choice – a choice I can change. And instead of accepting me and loving me for who I am," Dave began to choke up, "she invited strangers in to take me away and do God knows what."

"Ssshhh," Sebastian soothed, rubbing his thumb against Dave's lips. He cupped the back of Dave's head, flicking his tongue out to wet his lips before leaning in to capture Dave's mouth. Sebastian took his time gliding their lips together, playfully nipping and sucking, reveling in Dave's sudden gasps of air and breathy groans he tried, but failed, to keep quiet.

Sliding a leg between Dave's, Sebastian guided Dave to lie back, never breaking the kiss while he slid part of his body on top of Dave's. Abandoning Dave's lips, Sebastian carefully made his way up Dave's jaw line, biting and sucking, until he came to the soft spot under Dave's ear. The moment Sebastian's lips touched there, Dave keened loudly, thrusting his hips under Sebastian.

Using his tongue to play with Dave's ear lobe, Sebastian smirked. "Storing that piece of information away for another day, Davey." He pulled back to admire Dave's swollen lips and mussed up hair. "Davey? I'm gonna taste you now."

"Bast," whimpered Dave.

When he flitted the tip of his tongue along Dave's upper lip, it had the desired effect of Dave gasping for breath. Using that opportunity, Sebastian dipped his tongue in, ever mindful that this was Dave's first time kissing anyone. They could save the really wet, messy kisses for another night.

Breaking away, Sebastian pressed his forehead against Dave's as they both fought to catch their breaths. "Still think you're into guys?" he teased.

Bringing his arm around Sebastian's neck, Dave smiled widely. "Know I'm into guys. Yeah. I'm sure. C'mere." With that said, Dave tugged Sebastian back down, wanting to lose himself in this moment for as long as he possibly could.