Chapter 11

The alarm went off Saturday morning and Sebastian quickly shut it off. He didn't want it to wake up Dave. The jock was sleeping so peacefully. Sebastian ran the back of his hand down the side of D's cheek before placing a soft kiss on the boy's lips. Dave smiled in his sleep.

Sebastian kissed him again, this time on the jaw. He trailed soft kisses down the side of his neck and onto his chest. He pulled back the covers, revealing Dave's body to his hot gaze. Seb would never get tired of staring at his boyfriend. With a mischievous smirk, Seb continued to kiss his way down Dave's neck and collarbone, over his chest and down his torso. When he reached Dave's erection he glanced up to see if Dave had awakened but Dave was still sleeping. Sebastian took the other boy into his mouth, reveling in the feel and weight against his tongue, before hollowing his cheeks and starting a slow, wet slide down to the base.

Dave returned to consciousness with a groan as Sebastian increased the speed and pressure. He reached down to run his fingers through Seb's hair. It didn't take long before he felt the familiar tightening in his stomach. His hips arched up on their own as his orgasm consumed his body.

Sebastian crawled up Dave's body.

"Good morning, Dave." Sebastian smiled at the boy below him.

"Good morning yourself. That's the best way to wake up ever." Dave leaned up to kiss Sebastian. "My turn," he whispered against Sebastian's lips.

"Actually, I think I will take a rain check on that." He chuckled at Dave's perplexed expression. "It will keep me on edge for today's game. We can celebrate tonight after the team wins."

Dave asked, "Are you sure?"

"Yes." Sebastian got out of bed and stretched. "Would you care to join me in the shower?"

"Does a bear shit in the woods? Of course I want to join you!" Dave laughed at the look on Seb's face.

"Honestly, those ridiculous phrases!" Sebastian rolled his eyes and headed for the shower.

"I just say 'em because it always gets a reaction out of you." Dave was still laughing as his entered the bathroom.

Sebastian shook his head and stepped into the shower.

As Dave entered the shower, Sebastian smiled at him, "I wanted to eat breakfast with you before I head over to the gym. We are going to have a final strategy meeting before warming up."

Sebastian handed Dave his shampoo while he rinsed his own from his hair.

"Sounds good." Dave lathered up his own hair. "The game starts at 11, right?"

"Yes." The boys switched places so Dave could rinse off. "What time is everyone meeting up with you?" Sebastian asked.

"I told them to be here by 10 so we could get the good seats in front." Dave picked up the soap and started on his body. "Do you want me to wash your back?"

"Later I will definitely want you to wash my back; right now I have to get moving." Sebastian kissed Dave before getting out of the shower.

Dave finished quickly. He didn't want Sebastian to miss out on breakfast. Sebastian was already dressed in his uniform shorts and jersey. He was busy brushing his teeth while Dave dried off and went to get dressed.

Ten minutes later the boys were heading out the door. Dave carried Sebastian's duffel bag for him. They were met by some of the Warblers in the cafeteria. Wesley and Jeff were also on the lacrosse team.

"Good morning, Captain o' Captain!" Jeff sang out when they walked in.

Sebastian rolled his eyes but smiled at the blonde goofball. Dave laughed.

"You're in a good mood Jeffy," Dave smirked.

"Hey! Only Nicky is allowed to call me Jeffy!" The boy was pouting and bouncing in his seat.

"Save all that energy for the field, Jeffrey." Wes smiled affectionately at the boy even as he scolded him.

"Good luck with that, babe." David commented to his boyfriend as he placed his breakfast in front of him.

Dave smiled at the couple. The duo had been friends since elementary school and started dating at the beginning of high school. Anyone could see how much they loved and respected each other. Most of the other boys looked up to the pair and their relationship. Wes and David might have seemed like an odd couple, if you didn't know them. Wes was a stickler for protocol and proper behavior, but he always had a smile or a kind word for those around him. David was quieter, more of the strong silent type. Dave always felt comfortable when hanging out with David.

Sebastian returned with breakfast for both Dave and himself. Nick was right beside him with Jeff's and his own food.

"Aww, Nicky I wanted eggs and bacon. Pancakes are boring!" Jeff whined as his boyfriend set the plate down.

"Jeffy you know you'll throw up if you eat eggs before a game. I'll take you out for eggs after the game if you still want them. Now eat up." Nick's reprimand was the firmest Dave had ever heard the brunette speak to the boy.

"Thanks, Seb. This looks good. I made your coffee for you." Dave pushed the cup carefully to the boy.

Sebastian smiled at Dave and kissed him on the cheek. He turned his attention to Jeff. "Jeff, stop pouting and eat or I will put you on equipment clean-up duty for a week. Nick is just looking out for you."

Jeff stuck his tongue out at Sebastian but he turned to kiss Nick before saying thank you and digging into his breakfast. The others just laughed.

After breakfast the teammates said their goodbyes and headed off to the meeting and warm-ups. David, Nick, and Dave stayed behind since they had about an hour or so to kill.

"How was your first week at Dalton, Dave?" Nick asked.

"Really good actually. It was better than I could've imagined. The classes are challenging and everyone has been very nice. I think I've only freaked out once or twice, so that's something."

"Good to see you settling in and things going so well," David commented.

The boys sat around talking about classes and football. Dave didn't realize the time until he received a text from Z.

Z: bus pullin n parkin lot now :p

Dave: B rght there… bus?

Z: lots of ppl… ezer this way

"The group from McKinley is here. They're pulling in the parking lot now. You guys wanna come with me to meet them?"

"Sure." Nick smiled.

"Sounds good." David led the way out the door.

When Dave reached the parking lot he was in shock. They really did bring a bus load of people, including Mr. Schu and Coach Beiste. The entire New Directions team was there, along with half the football team and half the Cheerios. The cheerleaders had brought their pom-poms.

"Hey Yogi! Is Boo-Boo already on the field?" Santana yelled when she spotted Dave.

Dave shook his head 'yes' at the Latina. "Good morning to you too, Satan!" Dave tried to sound gruff but he was too happy to see everyone to pull it off.

The next few minutes were spent saying hello and catching up with his old teammates. Dave introduced David and Nick to everyone as well. The group headed to the field.

Thad and Trent were already in the stands when the large group arrived. They completely filled the first three rows. Dave told everyone to save room for the parents.

The Karofskys and the Strandos arrived with the Hummels. Dave was surprised Burt and Carole were attending. Momma Kay and Stephen arrived next with Wesley's parents. Mr. Schu and Coach sat with the parents while the kids sat together.

Brittany bounced over to Dave and sat in his lap. "Hi Dolphin Dave."

Puck and Kurt started to laugh outrageously.

Dave glared at them good-naturedly before replying to Britt. "Hi Brittany, how are you?"

"I'm good! Tana made me pancakes this morning after we got out of the shower." The blonde looked around for Santana.

"So, what's with the pom-poms, Britt?" Dave asked.

"Tana said you don't have cheerleaders at your school so I brought some of the Cheerios to help Seb's team win." The girl was smiling so brightly, it was infectious.

"That's very sweet of you, Brittany. I'm sure Seb will be very surprised." Dave hugged the small girl.

"Bear cub, you better keep your hands off my woman! I got razor blades up in this weave." Santana grinned as she pulled Brittany off Dave's lap.

Everyone laughed at her comment. Brittany rolled her eyes before placing a soft kiss on Tana's cheek.

"Come on, Tana, we have to warm up." Brittany led the girls onto the field for stretching.

Z sat down next to Dave while Chris sat directly behind him. Puck, Kurt and Blaine were on the other side.

"Why do I feel like you all have formed a protection detail around me?" Dave looked at them suspiciously.

Chris spoke up first. "Rick and his goons found out everyone was coming out for Seb's game. He made some comment about showing up. We just wanna make sure you, Kurt and Blaine are surrounded."

"I told them it wasn't necessary, that Dalton has a no bullying policy, which is enforced." Blaine shrugged his shoulders. "They insisted."

Dave looked at Z. "I'm not gonna let that asshole ruin Seb's game, Z. I won't!"

"I know, D, I know. That's why we're all here. I'm not gonna let anything happen to Sebastian or you." Azimo held up his fist for a fist-bump which Dave returned.

Puck chimed in with a smirk, "Those douche bags try to start shit and Puckzilla will go Tokyo on their asses."

Kurt rolled his eyes and started laughing. "Oh Noah, Puckzilla? Really?" He leaned his head on Puck's shoulder. "You are utterly ridiculous, cute, but ridiculous!"

Noah wrapped his arm around Kurt's shoulders and wiggled his eyebrows. "Ya, but that's one of the many things you love about me."

"Um, hello! Noah, please quit hitting on my boyfriend!" Blaine whined while everyone else laughed.

"Pipe down, Hobbit." Puck smiled at Blaine. Kurt removed Noah's arm so he could scoot closer to Blaine. Noah just grabbed Kurt's hand instead.

Dave watched the crazy antics unfolding around him. On one hand, it was great to see everyone laughing and comfortable with each other. There were real bonds forming between the glee kids and the jocks. On the other hand, Dave was feeling bummed out that it wasn't this easy when he attended McKinley.

Before he could dwell on it too much the opposing team came out of the locker room onto the field. The crowd across the field was on its feet cheering. The Cheerios formed an arch for the Dalton players to run through as they entered. Everyone started yelling and whistling as Sebastian led his team out.

Sebastian was really surprised to see the Cheerios. When he turned to look for Dave, he caught sight of the entire bleacher section. It was filled with parents and both McKinley and Dalton students. His steps faltered a little.

Dave was front and center, cheering the loudest. Sebastian couldn't stop the enormous smile that appeared on his face. He locked eyes with Dave and mouthed 'I love you' before getting the guys into formation for stretches.

David leaned down over Blaine's shoulder to get Dave's attention. "I've known Sebastian for awhile and I have never seen that look on his face; on behalf of Wes and myself, thank you, Dave, thank you." He squeezed D's arm before leaning back.

Before Dave could say anything, the announcer brought everyone's focus back to the game.

Wes was the goalie. As the announcer called his name, he strolled out onto the field while putting on his chest protector and helmet. He wore a red shin guard and knee pad on his left leg and navy blue ones on his right. The three defenders were the next ones called out on the field. They were followed by the three mid-fielders, one of whom was Jeff. Nick let out a loud cheer as Jeff blew him a kiss from the field. The next group announced was the attackers. This was Sebastian's position. He was also wearing mix-matched colors for his cleats and gloves. He smiled brightly at Dave before putting in his mouth guard and stepping up to the center circle to start the game.

Sebastian won the opening face-off, which reminded Dave of a cross between hockey and basketball. The scrimmage between Seb and the other player was very physical.

"Alright D, I'm ready for my lacrosse lesson. Fill us all in." Chris was shoveling popcorn into his mouth.

Dave chuckled. "The game has four twelve-minute quarters with two minutes between quarters and ten minutes for halftime. Each team is allowed two timeouts per half that are two minutes long each. You get one point per goal and one point per assist. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. In the event of a tie, they go into sudden-death overtime."

David helped out with the lesson. "As the goalie, Wesley's main function is to prevent the other team from scoring. However, it is his job to communicate to the defense what is happening in the game as well because he has the best view of the field. He also fuels the offense by intercepting goals and directing the ball back into play."

"Sounds a lot like hockey but soccer too," Chris said.

"True," Blaine added. "The defenders position is also similar. Those guys don't stray past mid-field while shadowing the offensive players. They need good passing skills and single-minded focus like soccer players."

"Jeff plays the mid-field position. That position covers the most territory and does the most running so their stamina has to be high. They spend a lot of time on their passing technique and stick skills, which Jeffy is excellent at!" Nick looked at Kurt and they both started giggling at his comments.

"Nice one, Nicky!" Puck reached up to high-five Nick.

Z shook his head before asking, "What does Sebastian play?"

"Sebastian's position is called an attacker. Those are the guys that do most of the scoring. The mid-fielder passes the ball to the attacker while the defender clears a path for them to get to the goalie. It takes a lot of concentration to be able to spin free of opposing defenders while they are bumping and stick checking you, while still advancing on the goal." Dave didn't think about his explanation until the guys started cracking up and making wolf-calls. Then he blushed bright red.

Just then a whistle blew and Sebastian was on the ground. A player on the other team was being penalized. Dave was worried because it looked like Seb took a shot to the back of his head. Jeff helped Seb to his feet. Seb waved to the stands to indicate he was alright.

"What was hell was that?" Puck asked.

Dave answered, "The other player was penalized for illegal body checking. Body checking an opponent above the shoulders, from the back, or below the waist is not allowed. A body check must be below the neck, and both hands of the player applying the body check must remain in contact with his crosse. This type of penalty is usually a one to three minute suspension from play for the offender and possession of the ball goes to the team that was fouled."

"Crosse? What's that?" Finn asked.

Dave hadn't noticed Finn had joined their conversation when he started explaining the game.

"The crosse is the stick they use." At Finn's continued confused expression, he added, "It's French for 'the stick' – it's where the game gets its name from."

"Oh!" Finn's light bulb came on.

The game continued. By the second quarter the opposing team was racking up the penalties and Dalton was still ahead 7 to 3. The same player who hit Sebastian before went after him again, this time drawing blood. Coach called time out. Dave could see Seb's lip was split when he took out his mouth guard and rinsed with some water on the sidelines. The players on the bench were yelling for the offender to be ejected from the game.

"What happened?" Kurt looked at Dave for an answer.

"They want the guy ejected from the game for cross-checking Seb in the mouth. Usually when a player gets five minutes in personal fouls they are ejected from the game. The last penalty he only got one minute; this time they are assessing three minutes. If he gets one more large penalty he's gone." Dave's eyes never left Sebastian the whole time he was speaking.

When Seb was done rinsing his mouth he told his coach he was fine to continue. He made it a point to visually find Dave in the stands just so the other boy would know he was fine. Seb smiled and did a quick wave before heading back out.

"You said 'cross-checking,' like in hockey?" Z asked Dave.

"Similar ya, just like hockey it's illegal to use the crosse to make contact with an opponent. Basically, the guy hit Seb in the mouth on purpose. The refs are being lenient. He could have been called for unsportsmanlike conduct or unnecessary roughness as well and been ejected from the game," Dave explained in a shaky voice.

"Are you alright, bro? You seem a little freaked out right now." Z put his arm around Dave's shoulder.

"Not really, but I'll be fine. Sebastian made me watch some professional games so he could teach me a few things. He really just wanted to show me how violent the game can be, so I would be prepared." Dave smiled at Z. "Thanks for asking though, I appreciate it."

"You're my bro and if those two," Z pointed over to where Stephen and his mom was practically in each other's lap, "get any closer Seb might be my bro as well!"

Dalton scored two more goals and then it was halftime. The Cheerios put on an impromptu little show. Most of the guys went to grab food and drinks. Dave went over to the parents to see how everyone was doing.

The third quarter was more of the same. The guy was still just as aggressive against Sebastian and Dave was starting to feel really anxious. It startled him when he felt a heavy hand land on his shoulder.

"Hey bud." Burt sat down next to Dave. "How are you holding up?"

"What?" Dave's eyes drifted to the sidelines where Sebastian was getting an angry looking scrape cleaned and bandaged.

"Well, your guy looks like he gettin' a hard time out there, so I was wondering if you were alright." Burt smiled at Dave. Dave couldn't help but notice how much Kurt's eyes resembled his fathers, but Kurt's eyes were slightly larger and framed by longer lashes.

Dave shook off his thoughts. "It's weird; I'm sitting here trying to calm down, but I feel like the guy's being a dick on purpose and I don't know why. It's like I'm missing something. Sebastian can handle himself out there, but he doesn't seem to be fighting back at all."

"Ya, I kinda thought it seemed almost personal. Do they know each other?" Burt asked.

"I don't know."

Dave looked around for David or Nick to ask. Trent was just returning from the snack bar so Dave waved him over.

"Trent, does Sebastian know the guy on the other team that keeps giving him a hard time?" Dave tried to make the question sound casual.

"Umm, I think you should ask him, Dave. I-I don't… ya, I think just ask Seb." Trent shot him an apologetic look before returning to his seat.

"Okay, not sure what the hell that was about…" Dave muttered to himself.

"Don't get worked up about it, son. Just ask him about it later." Burt squeezed his shoulder again before leaving to return to Carole and the others.

Z and Chris returned a few minutes later with snacks. Dave was still glued to the game. He watched as the other guy checked Sebastian again, getting away with some tripping at the same time. Every time that happened, Seb would get up, brush himself off, and smile over at Dave.

"That's bullshit! Everyone can see the dude is playing dirty." Chris fumed.

"Calm down CJ, Seb's a big boy. He can take care of himself." Z commented as they watched Sebastian score another goal. "See! He's getting even on the scoreboard, where it counts."

"Z, does it seem personal to you?" Dave looked at his best friend.

Z didn't like the look of panic in Dave's eyes. He grabbed Dave's arm and dragged him away from the game toward the restrooms. Once they were inside he checked to make sure they were alone before speaking.

"Dave, the look in your eyes is scaring me. What's going on?"

"I don't really know. I am freaking out. I feel like this guy… like it's personal but I don't know. So my mind is going to all these places. Like is it 'cause he can tell Seb is gay? Or do they know each other? It looks like he knows Seb and he's being aggressive on purpose. And if he does know him, was it a sexual relationship?" Dave grabbed onto the sink until his knuckles were turning white.

He turned toward Z. "Why isn't Sebastian fighting back? Why is he just taking it? Does he feel something for this guy? FUCK. Now I'm sounding like a stupid fucking girl!"

"Hey, calm down. You're upset and worried because you don't know what's going on. It doesn't make you stupid or a girl." Z didn't know what to do, so he just wrapped him in a big hug. "Breathe with me Dave, come on. It will be fine; just wait. When the game is over you will be able to talk to him and then everything will be fine."

"What if it's not?"

"What if it is? What if you're getting worked up for nothing? You don't know and that's why you're freaking out. I can see it. I've known you forever and I know how you get. You're gonna think about all the bad things that could be wrong, but you need to calm down, bro."

Dave took several deep breaths. He splashed some cool water on his face and Z handed him a paper towel.

"Thanks, Z. I feel a little better." But not much, he said to himself. Dave managed a small smile for his best friend. I think I'm having a fuckin' panic attack, he thought.

"It's all good. You have done the same for me a bunch of times. Most recently being my little freak out over Stephen, remember?"

"Ya, I remember." Dave didn't want to alert Z anymore than he already had so he chuckled softly and tried to sidetrack Z. "Come on let's get back before CJ eats everything."

The game ended with only some more minor altercations. Dave was just happy it was over; he wasn't doing too well. Dalton won the game 10 to 4. Nick dragged Dave down to the field.

Jeff ran up to Nick and lifted him into the air, twirling around. "We won, babe, we won! Finally beat those assholes at dickhead academy!" He kissed Nick soundly.

David and Wes stood nearby the younger couple.

"It really was a great game, Wes. Congrats." David hugged his partner close.

"Thank you, David." Wes placed a soft kiss to David's cheek. "Hunter was being a real jackass out there. I am really impressed with Sebastian."

"I kept waiting for Seb to punch him! It was kinda disappointing," Jeff groaned.

Dave's eyes still held a look of panic when he looked at Sebastian. "Hunter? So you do know the guy?"

"Unfortunately, I do. Hunter Clarington goes to our rival school, Brophy Academy. He has been trying to beat me at lacrosse or fencing since elementary school. Last year I went to school in Paris so I wasn't at Dalton. It was the only year either of his teams won. Now that I am back he thought he could make me angry enough to get myself ejected." Sebastian grabbed Dave's hand and squeezed, trying to ease the anxiety he could feel from him. "Hunter didn't count on my boyfriend being in attendance and keeping me calm." The Warbler's smile was glowing.

"Is that it? Is that the only relationship you two have?" Dave's emotions were bouncing all over the place causing his voice to come across shaky. He kept feeling like there was more going on.

"Dave, look at me please." Dave lifted his eyes from the ground. "Hunter is straight. A couple of years ago, I went to a freshman party, had too much to drink and kissed him, which was awful by the way. Anyway, he of course used that as an opportunity to try and blackmail me into throwing the upcoming fencing match at the time. I refused because he didn't know that I was already out to anyone I actually cared about. When it backfired on him, he took to becoming physically aggressive whenever we compete against each other. I don't let him get to me. I hope you won't either."

Dave let out the breath he was holding. "I'm sorry. I am totally freaking out."

"There is nothing to be sorry about. You have every right to freak out if that is how you feel. I would have been worse if I was in your shoes." Seb kissed Dave softly. "Hunter is a spoiled, rich jackass, much like me before you, so I am used to his behavior. Normally I would have even stooped to his level, but I want to be a better person, for you and for myself."

Z cleared his throat. "While I hate to break up this-this… whatever this is! There are adoring fans that would like you all to get cleaned up so we can celebrate the victory."

"Yes! Party-time!" Jeff high-fived Z.

Sebastian looked at Z. "Party?"

"Yup, my mom – your dad, enough said," however Z grinned at the smaller boy.

The boys headed toward the locker room to shower and change. Everyone else went over to Sebastian's.

Seb stopped before going into the locker room. "Dave, I get the feeling you are still not alright. Please talk to me."

"I-I don't know if I can…" Dave wouldn't look at Sebastian.

"I want to, no, I need to make this right with you." Sebastian whispered.

Dave blurted the first thing that came to mind. "Why wouldn't Trent tell me how you knew Hunter?"

"What? Oh!" Sebastian closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "The party occurred a few months after all that shit went down at my old school and I transferred to Dalton. Trent and I were scoping out guys at that party. It was the first time Trent and I ever hung out. I was quickly building a slutty, love 'em and leave 'em reputation. I made some comment about getting any guy in the room no matter what their orientation was. Trent picked Hunter and bet me to kiss him."

Sebastian held Dave's hand tightly, while rubbing his other hand up and down Dave's arm.

"When Hunter decided to try to blackmail me, Trent felt awful. He went to Wes confessing about the bet and that it was entirely his fault and how he wanted to help me. Trent didn't know that I wouldn't care about being 'outed' and he was a mess. He still takes it personally. Every time Hunter does some shitty thing like he did in today's game, Trent gets upset. I would not be the least bit surprised if he starts apologizing the minute I get to the party."

"You should go get a shower so we can get going." Dave tried to smile but it was more of a grimace.

"Can we talk about this more when I am done? I hate to see you so upset." Seb tried to hug Dave but Dave just gently pushed him toward the door.

"S'all good. Go on."

"I won't be long. I will hurry, alright?"

"Sure, sure. Fine." Dave went to lean against the opposite wall.

While Dave was waiting outside the locker room for Seb, he took out his phone and called his doctor's office. When the recording started he punched in his number for a callback. About two minutes later his phone rang.

Dr. Dillion: Dave, its Doctor Dillion. What's happening?

Dave just launched into the conversation.

Dave: So Sebastian had a lacrosse game today. There was this guy who was being really aggressive with him. I had a panic attack; in fact, I am still feeling it now.

Dr. Dillion: Can you tell me why you had a panic attack?

Dave: He has history with this guy. I know Seb's been with other guys but I- sometimes I worry that I'm not enough, that he is going to get bored with me. I fell hard for him in the short time we've been together and I-I'm not, I don't know how to be enough. I'm so angry with myself. I asked him about the guy. He told me the guy is straight but Seb had kissed him once a couple years ago. The guy has had a beef with him ever since. What if the guy changes his mind? What if he's deep into Narnia like I was and is now changing? What if he decides he wants Seb?

Dr. Dillion: Have you told Sebastian how you feel?

Dave: I'm scared and I'm not sure how to say that to him. I don't want to piss him off or push him because I'm so damn insecure. Damn it! Why can't I get my fuckin' head together and be ok with myself?

Dr. Dillion: Dave, I want you to take a few deep breaths for me. Can you do that?

Dave: Ya

Dave slid down the wall. He sat there and took several deep breaths.

Dr. Dillion: Very good Dave. First you said the other boy was aggressive during the game. Is this when the panic started?

Dave: No, not really. At first I just thought it was part of the sport. I've played in football or hockey games with guys that are just overly aggressive. But then it started to seem personal. The guy wasn't like that with any other player except Seb. I could see him watchin' Seb on the field, following his movements with his eyes. He purposely cut off his own teammates to put himself in Seb's path.

Dr. Dillion: Is this when you started to feel like you were having a panic attack?

Dave: Uh huh, Z took me to the restroom to calm down and splash some water on my face. It didn't help but I said it did. When the game was over I asked about the guy and Sebastian told me about their rivalry since freshman year and the kiss. It should have been fine! Big fuckin' deal – it was a kiss for cryin' out loud, right? Normal people would've been fine and let it go but not me! Fuck no! I'm sitting in the hallway outside the locker room on the phone with my shrink 'cause I can't stop being an insecure freak! I'm going to lose my first boyfriend, the first person I have ever – uggghh…

Dr. Dillion: David, you are entitled to your feelings. Keeping it bottled up or trying to ignore it is not going to help. You are doing the best thing for yourself. You called and you are talking it out. Can you give yourself that small victory?

Dave: No offense doc, but I wish I didn't need to be on the phone with you. I feel afraid and angry. I am afraid of screwing up this relationship and then I get angry at myself for being scared. Like I'm on a giant fuckin' merry-go-round and I can't get off.

Dave leaned his head back and looked up to find Sebastian standing there. Sebastian's eyes were bright with unshed tears. Seb held out his hand for the phone.

Dave: Hey doc, Sebastian is here. He'd like to talk to you.

Sebastian: Dr. Dillion?

Dr. Dillion: How much did you hear Sebastian?

Sebastian: I came into the conversation when Dave told you Z took him to the restroom. Do you think we should come in? Or maybe we should go to the hospital?

Dr. Dillion: I don't think the hospital is necessary but you could come into the office. You will have to ask Dave what he wants. He has to take an active role in getting through these things so he can move forward.

"Do you want to go to Dr. Dillion's office?" Some of Sebastian's tears had started to fall.

"No. Give me the phone please, Seb." Dave had yet to open his eyes since Seb started talking to Dr. Dillion.

Dave: Dr. Dillion I'm going to talk to Sebastian. Can I call your service again if I need to later?

Dr. Dillion: Of course Dave. I will leave instructions for them to put you through right away. If you two decide you need to come in, tell the service and I will meet you there.

Dave: Thanks doc.

Dr. Dillion: Anytime Dave.

Sebastian slid down the wall to sit next to Dave. For a moment the boys just sat there, each lost in thought. Sebastian reached over to hold Dave, who had started to breakdown again.

"I'm so sorry, Seb. You should be celebrating right now, not dealing with my shit." Dave buried his head into Sebastian's neck.

"David Alan Karofsky, there is nowhere I would rather be than here with you! I love you and if this is what you need then this is what we will do." Sebastian squeezed the other boy to him securely.

Neither boy spoke for a few minutes. They were wrapped closely in each other's arms.

"Dave, there is nothing romantic going on with Hunter, there never has been. I did kiss him that night but it was more about being fourteen, stupid, and drunk. I need you to know that. I know that I slept around, but I have never had what I have with you. I have never told anyone that I love them. I can't promise you that we will never run into someone I was with but I can promise that if we do that I will be open and honest with you about it." Sebastian was rubbing circles on Dave's back.

"I'm sorry I didn't talk to you before calling the doc. Sometimes I feel like I'm not enough for you. I think you're so confident and comfortable with yourself that I'm bound to get on your nerves with my insecurities. Here at Dalton it's easier because everyone is so accepting. I feel like I'm on a different planet. I don't even want to go home half the time. I thought I was doing so well and I want to be so much better for you. Does that make sense?" Dave looked into Seb's eyes.

"Yes, and the ironic thing is I feel the same way, often. I have been mean, selfish, and an all-around jackass. I see you as so much better than that. Even when you were bullying Kurt it was tearing you up inside because it was going against your nature. You are more than enough for me. I think it's why we work." Sebastian chuckled sardonically to himself.

Dave's head came up and he looked at Seb quizzically. "What do you mean?"

"We are both trying to better ourselves while attempting to support each other. It's like I can appreciate your issues because I have my own and vice versa. I feel like we are both getting better just by being together. It probably will make us co-dependent or something technical like that but I don't really care." Sebastian used both thumbs to wipe away the tears on Dave's face. "Did you know most nights when you sleep you wind up half on top of me?"

"What?! Are you serious? I'm so sorry. I thought I told you to just push me off?"

"No need to, and that is sort of my point, Dave. It no longer bothers me, thanks to you. I trust you completely. While emotionally, that scares the shit out of me, it is really awesome. I feel free of those old nightmares for the first time and it's all because you like to smother me in your sleep." Sebastian laughed softly. "It may seem small or insignificant to some people, but for me to be able to have that is incredible. See that's why we work together, just by being yourself you helped me get past something that really bothered me. You turned something that evoked bad memories into something good that I cherish. When you are snuggled up on me I feel loved and protected instead of threatened."

"So I can sleep on top of you all the time?" Dave wiggled his eyebrows, trying to relieve the tension.

Sebastian looked at him for a moment before cracking up. Dave stared at him in wonder. He had never heard Sebastian laugh like that. The sound was carefree and full. Seb had never looked more beautiful to Dave than he did at that moment.

Dave pulled him close and kissed him. Sebastian held on tight and a soft moan escaped.

"Dave, I know you are going to have panic attacks, but I do not want you to shut me out, please. I need to take this journey with you if we are in this for the long haul." Seb whispered against Dave's lips. "I really hope we are in this for the long haul."

"We are, Sebastian, we are," Dave whispered back.

The boys stayed close to each other, staring into each other's eyes, sharing the air between them. Sebastian was the first to pull back.

Seb searched Dave's face as he asked, "Do you want to go into the office and see Dr. Dillion?"

"We are supposed to be at your victory celebration, Seb. I don't want to ruin it anymore than I already have."

"David," Sebastian growled softly, "You are more important than some party! Our friends and family will understand. If anyone doesn't that's too bad."

Dave chuckled and laid his head on Seb's shoulder.

"What's so funny?"

"Sebastian that is the first time you referred to them as 'our' friends and family. I knew they were growing on you." Dave laughed harder at Seb's shocked expression.

"You sir, are a brat for bringing that up! I will totally deny it if anyone asks." Sebastian's words didn't match the teasing light in his eyes.

"Are we good, Dave?"

"Ya, we're good, Seb. Come on let's get goin' before they send a search party or worse Rachel starts singing at the party!" Dave got to his feet and held out a hand for Sebastian.

Seb groaned, "On second thought, maybe I'll just stay here."

Dave pulled him to his feet. "No can do! You're the guest-of-honor."

Sebastian pulled on Dave's hand, stopping him from leaving.

"I love you, Dave."

"I know you do, and I am really, really happy you do. I love you too."

Seb took Dave's hand as they made their way to the parking lot. "I'll make an appointment tomorrow to go see the doc, alright?"

Dave opened the passenger door for Seb before climbing into the truck. "Ya, I think that would be a good idea. Thanks Seb, for everything."

Sebastian just smiled at him and entwined their fingers.