A/N: In celebration of me turning sixteen today, here's a new chapter with a little birthday celebration of its own. ;)

Comments would be lovely!

xxx, Elizabeth

Chapter Twelve

Where I come from, we learn to make the best of things, but since we met, you know you've had the best of me.

Kurt was humming as he walked into the house later on in the day. He was so dazed that he almost walked straight into his father. "Oh! Dad, hey!"

Kurt beamed and leaned in to hug his dad, but Burt slowly leaned back. "Kurt, where've you been all day? I texted you maybe three times. And I had Finn call."

Kurt bit his lip, "Oh, I was at Rachel's in the morning, then I went to hang out with Bas."

Burt nodded slowly, "So, Sebastian." Burt averted his eyes and sat down in a chair in the living room, not sure how to continue.

"What about him?"

"Well, I've noticed you two seem to be spending quite a lot of time together lately. I was just—wondering."

Kurt broke into a smile, "Wondering?"

Burt sighed, "Wondering if you and he—"

Kurt broke out in laughter, "Yes, Dad. We started seeing each other recently. I just never really knew when I should tell you, I guess."

"Isn't Sebastian that boy that almost blinded Blaine?"

Kurt rolled his eyes. "Why does everything always have to be about Blaine? I mean, I know you liked him and all, but it seems like everyone's forgetting that he's the one that broke my heart."

Burt massaged the back of his neck as he thought, "Well, I still don't know if I like the boy. And I liked Blaine. He was good for you."

Kurt groaned, "Dad, I've heard this several times. I don't need it from you, too. I like Sebastian and he likes me back. I don't get what the big deal is. It's not like I'm dating him because he hates Blaine. Up until Blaine broke up with me, Sebastian had a sort of school girl crush on him, actually. And, no, I don't think I'm his second choice either. He chose me. He never wanted Blaine the way he wants me. I know. He's told me."

Burt opened and closed his mouth a few times before he could articulate something worthwhile to say. "Well, I don't know if I trust him."

Kurt turned away, shaking his head. "That's why I want you to meet him. He's coming over for dinner next weekend," Kurt called over his shoulder as he walked down the stairs to his room. He closed the door before his father could argue against it. He figured it was important for the two to properly meet at some point, and he figured Carole would help convince his father that it wasn't going to be completely terrible.

He quickly texted Sebastian that the dinner plan was a go, then decided to spend the rest of his evening going through an extensive moisturizing routine and relaxing to the sounds of Streisand and various musicals.

As Kurt was getting home on Saturday, Dave was just saying farewell to his own father. He hopped into his red pick-up and made the drive to Dalton that he seemed to be making more and more frequently. The entire way to Dalton, he listened to the country station—something he only did when alone because no one really could understand why he liked country music at all. He was half-way through Beers Ago when he pulled up in the driveway closest to where Landon's dorm room was located.

Dave smiled as he watched the small boy with curly hair run down the stairs and to the car. "Hey, David!" Landon said breathlessly as he relaxed in his seat. Dave fumbled to change the radio station, but Landon's hand stopped him. "Why are you changing it? I like this station," the boy admitted with a grin.

If Dave wasn't already sure that he liked Landon, this just enforced his feelings. "You like country? Really? Can you be any more perfect?"

Landon rolled his eyes as he sang along to the end of the song. "Sixteen hundred and fifty-three beers ago."

Dave laughed as he wrapped an arm around Landon. "Okay, this just makes my plans for today even better. I have a feeling you'll like it."

Landon leaned against Dave as he drove; smiling as he imagined what he was in store for. "Any hints?"

"You'll see in a minute. Patience is a virtue, Lan."

Landon laughed, "Yes. A virtue I don't have."

Dave laughed with him as he turned down a path leading toward the beach, silently thanking the weather for being on his side. It was very warm for an evening in early May in Ohio—almost 80 degrees. He drove down the path until the truck was literally in the sand.

The area they stopped at was secluded by trees, and it was obvious that there was some pre-planning. The trees were all decorated with fairy lights and there was a bonfire going further down the beach. "David, is this all for me?"

Dave smiled as he looked around the site. "Well, I figured you might want a bit of a surprise for your birthday."

Landon practically squealed with delight at the comment. "I can't believe you remembered! I don't even think I ever told you."

"Jeff texted me a couple days ago. He actually wanted everyone to be here to surprise you, but I convinced him to give us some alone time. They're all down by the water right now—all the Warblers—and we're gonna join them in a while. For now, I have another little surprise for you."

Landon smiled as Dave helped him out of the truck and up into the bed. To his surprise, in the bed he found Mexican blankets spread out and a box set to the side. As he sat down, Dave pulled an extra blanket out that was tucked to the side and spread it out across their laps. He then reached for the wrapped box and handed it to Landon. "Here's a little something I got for you. If you don't like it, you don't have to wear it. I just thought it was kinda cool."

Landon smiled and leaned his head on Dave's shoulder. "You didn't have to get me anything."

"I know," the larger boy said simply as he wrapped his arm securely around the boy next to him. "I wanted to, though."

Landon smiled as he unwrapped the box. Inside, there was a folded up McKinley football sweatshirt that appeared to brand new and a soft-looking, brown stuffed bear. Around the bear's neck, a bracelet was tied. It looked to be a homemade bracelet with the word SAFE sewn into it. Landon's breath caught as he looked at the gifts, tears forming in his eyes as he recognized the meaning in each item.

Immediately, he picked up the sweatshirt and pulled it over his head. He was thankful for it because he had forgotten to bring one and it was still a smidge chilly outside. As he pulled it over his head, a note fell out of it and into his lap. He cocked an eyebrow t Dave who motioned for him to read it.

Landon nodded and carefully unfolded the paper.

Dear Landon Thompson,

Since the moment I first saw you, I knew you were special. There was something about you that made me forget anyone else was even in the room. When you sang, your voice captivated my entire being, and you've had a hold on me ever since.

You are the single most amazing boy I've ever met. The fact that you accept me unconditionally is more than I could ever ask from you, and you do so without a second thought. Knowing that I can always talk to you is what helps me make it through.

I just wanted to say happy birthday, but now I've written quite a lot, so I suppose I will continue by explaining my gifts. I'm sure you already know the meaning, but I just thought that reaffirming your guesses would be a good idea.

First, the sweater. This, obviously, is from my school. It also has my jersey number on the back, so every time you wear it, it will remind you of me. And if you ever want to come see one of my games, now you'll have something to wear so you don't stick out in your blazer. Besides that, I hope that it will keep you warm and comfortable whenever I'm not around to help with that.

Next, the bear. I actually went to Build-A-Bear to make it for you—I brought my little cousin with and said I was making it for her, so people didn't think much of it. Inside the bear, there is a blue heart. It's blue because I paid extra for it to donate to the World Wildlife Fund. I thought you'd appreciate that since you have such a big heart and always seem to be worried about everything but yourself. Also, if you press its paw, I recorded a song for you. I thought you'd enjoy that. The song's a bit of a surprise, I guess. So you should press it now.

Listen to the song while you finish the letter, alright?

Landon smiled and hugged the bear to his chest as he pressed its paw and the sound of a guitar began to play.

Today is gonna be the day

That they're gonna throw it back to you

By now you should've somehow

Realized what you gotta do

I don't believe that anybody

Feels that way I do about you now

Hopefully you're listening to the song now. You see, this song always kinda reminded me of you. I guess it's because I really think that if anyone were able to save me from myself, it would be you. You are my wonderwall.

Backbeat the word is on the street

That the fire in your heart is out

I'm sure that you've heard it all before

But you never really had a doubt

I don't believe that anybody

Feels the way I do about you now

So I really hope you like this song. It might get annoying if you don't, but I guessed you'd like it since it seems to be similar to the rest of the music I hear you listening to. I asked Nick, and he said he's heard you listen to it before. I guess you can blame him if you really don't like the song.

And all the roads we have to walk are winding

And all the lights that lead us there are blinding

There are many things that I would

Like to say to you

But I don't know how

Now, the song isn't the only reason that I gave you the bear. You see, I've noticed that you seem to love cuddling, and I figure that when I'm not around and Nick's busy with Jeff it can be hard to find someone to cuddle with. So when I'm not there, think of this bear as the replacement me. Whenever you're sad or lonely or looking for a cuddle, the bear will always be there.

Because maybe

You're gonna be the one that saves me

And after all

You're my wonderwall

I don't know if I've ever told you this, but me and Kurt go to this bar sometimes with Seb. It's a gay bar and the people there really like me. The call me "Bear Cub". I guess that'd be another reason for giving you the bear. Hopefully you'll think of me every time you see it.

Today was gonna be the day

But they'll never throw it back to you

By now you should've somehow

Realized what you're not to do

I don't believe that anybody

Feels the way I do about you now

Now, I'm not sure if you've realized this yet, but I added a little extra stitching to the bear. Look on its left foot. There it says SOUND. You have no idea how many issues I had with stitching that. In the end, I had Kurt do it for me because he's just a lot better with that type of thing.

And all the roads we have to walk are winding

And all the lights that lead us there are blinding

There are many things that I would

Like to say to you

But I don't know how

The reasoning for SOUND may be understood if you look to the bracelet around the bear's neck. The bracelet says SAFE on it—sorry for pointing out the obvious. Together they make "safe and sound" which is basically how I feel when I'm with you. I know that sounds sappy, but it's true.

I said maybe

You're gonna be the one that saves me

And after all

You're my wonderwall

Now I only have one thing left to ask. So when the song ends, look up so I know you've finished reading and such. Happy Birthday, Lan.

Love,

David

You're gonna be the one that saves me

Landon's head shot up as the song came to an end. He became aware suddenly of tears forming in his eyes and fought to keep them from spilling over. The letter was more than he could have ever asked for, and to see that Dave clearly was that fond of him was just overwhelming.

Dave smiled nervously and Landon fought the urge to kiss him then and there. "You had something to ask me?" Landon murmured as he cuddled into the football player's side.

Dave tightened his grip on the boy beside him as if he would disappear if he let go. "Yeah. I—I was just wondering. I was wondering if—well. Do you think that—umm. Landon, will you be my boyfriend? Officially?"

A single tear finally fought its way down Landon's cheek at the question. The British boy bit his lip and nodded. "Of course, love." Landon crawled onto Dave's lap and nuzzled into the boy's shoulder. "And I loved my presents. They're perfect." Landon paused and looked into Dave's eyes. "You're perfect."

Dave smiled, "Not even close to perfect, Lan."

Landon frowned. "What the gifts? Fine I agree. They aren't a ten. They're a nine-point-nine. But you? You're a definite ten. If you argue, I will win every time, so there's really no point."

Dave frowned, "What's wrong with the gifts?"

"Absolutely nothing. It's just—I can think of something that would make my birthday present complete. I'm just—I'm not sure if it's okay to ask for it."

Dave's face contorted as he turned Landon's words over in his mind. "Well, by the end of the night, I want you to ask for it. Okay?"

"Alright. Let's go find the rest of the guys now, okay?"

Dave nodded and took Landon's hand as the jumped down from the bed of the truck and walked the rest of the way to the beach where the other Warblers seemed to be wreaking havoc.

Later, back by the truck, the group was dancing to the country station—attempting to make up line dances—when a song that Landon knew well began to play. Nick and Jeff smiled at each other as they moved closer and began to slow dance. The rest of the boys went and sat around, waiting for a quicker song to come back on.

Dave noticed that Landon was singing and pulled him close so they were dancing together as well.

Lyin' here with you so close to me

It's hard to fight these feeling when it feels so hard to breathe

Caught up in this moment

Caught up in your smile

Landon looked straight into Dave's eyes as he sang, silently asking for what he wanted since he first met the boy.

I've never opened up to anyone

So hard to hold back when I'm holding you in my arms

We don't need to rush this

Let's just take it slow

As Dave sang the second verse back to Landon, he finally understood what Landon wanted to ask for earlier. He had been turning over possibilities all night, but none seemed to fit the way this did.

Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight

Just a touch of the fire burning so bright

No I don't want to mess this thing up

I don't want to push too far

Just a shot in the dark that you just might

Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life

So baby I'm alright with just a kiss goodnight

As the chorus ended, Dave leaned in close to Landon and whispered into his ear, "I think I figured out what you wanted for your birthday." With that, he looked straight into the smaller boy's eyes and brought his lips to meet the pair in front of him. Landon's reaction was immediate—melting completely into the touch. The kiss wasn't long or extremely intense, but it was perfect. It was exactly what Landon had wanted.

As Dave pulled away, he smiled, "Happy birthday, love."

Songs:

Wonderwall- Oasis

Just A Kiss- Lady Antebellum