Chapter 37

Sebastian's POV

"My parents actually like you." Hunter said as he followed me back to my car where I had forgotten my phone.

"What?" I gave him a look.

"My parents, they like you. Raquel has brought a lot of guys here, and they've never liked a single one. They also never like the girls that Dom and I bring here either."

"So Dominic isn't gay?" I arched an eyebrow as I shut the car door behind me.

"No," Hunter snorted, "He most definitely is not."

I narrowed my eyes and walked past him.

"Sebastian, I'm just telling you the truth."

"Whatever." I shot back.

"No, listen to me. Dominic is not gay; trust me, I've known him for years. So whatever the hell you two have going, it's not real. He's just using you."

Those last four words made me stop in my tracks. A memory threatened to invade my thoughts, but I pushed it away. I turned back around to face Hunter. "Why would he do that? What could he possibly be using me for?"

"Dominic is a really good person, one of the best I've ever met, but he has one outrageously big blind-spot; he seems to have this strange need to hurt himself in like every way possible-"

"But what does that have to do with me?" I interrupted.

"You're uncharted territory, Sebastian. You're his newest weapon against himself." He explained.

"Are you saying that he's using me to hurt himself?" I asked incredulously.

"I think so."

"But that-that doesn't make any sense." I suddenly felt sick. Really sick.

"Look, I didn't tell you this to hurt you. I told you this to prevent you from getting hurt," Hunter took a step closer to me, "You know, there is also the possibility that I'm wrong, that I got this whole thing messed up…but in the off chance that I am right, you need to be careful."

"Oh trust me, I'll be careful." I replied through gritted teeth.

I was just about to walk back inside, when Hunter grabbed my arm to stop me, "But you have to promise me that you won't hurt Dominic either. If he is doing this for the reasons that I believe, then you have to know that he doesn't even realize he's doing it; he would never intentionally use someone like that, trust me. So just go easy on him."

Without replying, I pulled my arm out of his grip and headed back into his house.

Mr. and Mrs. Clarington had already gone to bed, and Raquel had left to go to a friend's house. That only left me, Dominic, and Hunter. Before I had gone out to fetch my phone, Dominic had been in the kitchen drinking tea or something, but I noticed that he was now nowhere to be seen.

I sighed and decided to just go back to Blaine's house. I suddenly felt really uncomfortable here, and just wanted to leave. I was halfway to the front door, when I heard Dominic speak from behind me, "Where are you going?"

"Home."

"Oh. You don't have to go yet, it's not that late. Unless of course you really want to go, in which case, I won't try to stop you…that would imply I have people locked up in my basement." He chuckled.

I heaved another sigh and spun around to face him. "I don't actually have anywhere to be, but I don't think I should stay here any later than it already is."

"Why?" He frowned, "Oh wait, I know what this is about. It's because I kissed you, isn't it?"

"I wouldn't say that so loud if I were you; your parents might hear." I warned.

"Do I look like I care?" He shrugged.

"You should." I replied softly.

"I think we should talk." Dominic walked forward and grabbed my hand. He then led me outside, around the house, and finally stopped when we reached a small gazebo that I hadn't noticed before. Dominic was still holding my hand as he climbed up the two steps and sat down on the small bench inside the gazebo.

"Is this private enough for you?" He smiled.

"It wasn't for me that I urged you to speak quietly, it was for you. We both know that you're not gay, so trust me, you do not want people falsely believing that you are. Take it from me, that is not a misunderstanding you want to be involved in." I explained.

Dominic looked down at the floor as he spoke, "Did Hunter say something to you?"

"Yeah, he did." I decided it was pointless to lie to him.

"What did he say?"

When I didn't say anything, he instantly picked up on my hesitation. "I'm not going to be mad at either of you, I just want to know what he said. Please."

"He said that you were using me to try and hurt yourself…is this true?" I wondered.

"I-I don't know. Sometimes my judgement gets clouded, and I don't know what I'm doing anymore. But honestly, I think Hunter's right; I think I'm an asshole."

"No, you're not; I think you're just confused. I'm not angry, Dominic, but I've been used before, and I can't go through something like that again." I told him.

"I'm sorry, Sebastian. For what I did, it wasn't right of me; no one should be treated like that." He said sincerely.

"Don't be sorry, you didn't actually do anything wrong. And you're one hell of a kisser." I nudged his shoulder.

"You're the first guy I've ever kissed. And you wanna know what's weird?" One corner of his mouth curled up.

"What?"

"I really liked it…does that make me gay?" Dominic asked me.

"Do you like kissing girls too?"

He reluctantly nodded his head.

"Then no, you're most definitely not homosexual. You might be bi, but I think it's more likely that this is just another way for you to hurt yourself. Sometimes this kind of emotional pain can be a million times worse than anything a knife could ever do to you."

"What do you mean? All I did was kiss you…why would that hurt me so badly?" He frowned.

"Pretending to be someone you're not, being with someone you don't actually want to be with, doing things that make you cringe inside; all these things are both self-destructive and painful as hell. I would know."

"But how do you know that this isn't who I am?" He wanted to know.

"You're 18 years old and you've never been attracted to a guy…trust me, this isn't who you are."

"Attraction is more than just a physical thing, though. I like you for you, not for the body parts you possess." Dominic disagreed.

"You like me?" I blinked.

"I thought that was obvious when I planted one on you." He chuckled.

"I guess I hadn't really given any thought as to why you did that. Well, until Hunter talked to me anyway. Then it made sense."

"So it only makes sense to you when I kiss you to manipulate and/or use you, but it doesn't make sense that I could actually like you?" He arched an eyebrow.

I didn't know how to answer that, so I instead remained quiet.

"In my opinion, we're a perfect fit, we both have serious psychological issues." Dominic shook his head, grinning.

"I feel like I should be insulted, and yet…" I returned his grin.

I looked down when Dominic once again took my hand in his. "I don't know what this is," He gestured to the two of us, "But I do know that I like you, and I know that I like holding your hand, and I definitely know that I liked kissing you, and I think I might have an idea of how we could clear things up a bit."

"Oh yeah? And how's that?"

"I want you to go out with me. And before you say anything, I know that you don't really do the whole dating thing, but I think that's just because you've never tried it. So, what do you think?" He asked me nervously.

I stared at him blankly for a few moments; no one had ever asked me out on a date. Granted, I would have said no if they had. But lately, I was starting to question everything that I had once so strongly believed, and it was making me question myself as well. I had never been involved in anything that even resembled a relationship, and I couldn't remember even having something as simple as a crush on a guy before; this made it really difficult to decipher my feelings for Dominic, and even Blaine. What I did know was that I had never felt anything like the way I felt about Dominic, and I had definitely never felt anything as complex as the way I felt about Blaine. But what exactly did that mean? Did it mean I had romantic feelings for either one? Or maybe I didn't feel anything like that for either of them; maybe I was just confusing myself? Oh no, I was definitely confusing myself.

"I don't know, Dominic. I don't think I really have space in my life for a relationship right now, and I know that's the oldest excuse in the book, but I mean it. Things are really complicated right now, and I'm still busy figuring things out. I don't think I could deal with any further complications." I replied.

"I'm a complication?"

"I didn't mean it like that. I have never ever been in anything that even came close to a romantic relationship, hell, I have a hard time with all relationships. And trust me, I would find a way to screw it up one way or another; and then one of us, or both, would just end up getting hurt and any chance of a friendship will be down the drain." I explained.

"But that's the risk for all relationships, Sebastian. And sometimes you just have to find the courage to look past all the things that could possibly go wrong, and instead focus on everything that is already right. Just promise me you'll at least think about it?" Dominic smiled warmly.

"I-yeah okay, I promise." I nodded slowly.

**…**

I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. I grumbled something about a purple fish before I was awake enough to register the incoming call. I sat up on my bed and looked around for my cellphone before finding it under the bed. The call was from Blaine. I had half a mind of pressing 'ignore'. He had never came back last night, and when I tried to call him, he'd decided to not pick up. But my curiosity got the better of me and I answered, "So you are still alive, then? Not sure how I feel about that."

"I am so sorry, I lost my phone for a while and then I got busy and-"

"Spare me your lame excuses. Is there a reason you called me or can I get back to my life?"

Blaine was silent for a few seconds, "I just wanted to say sorry, that's all. But if you're busy-"

"I am." I said and hung up the phone. I knew that he didn't deserve that, but I couldn't help but be really pissed off at him. I had been really worried when he didn't come back last night, and I hated him for making me worried.

I was just about to go back to sleep when I saw that he was calling me again. I groaned but answered it anyway, "What now?"

"Look, I get why you're pissed, well actually I don't; but please don't be. It's not like I did anything on purpose, I swear I was just busy."

"With what?"

"Huh?"

"What were you busy with?" I asked.

"Ummm, well…"

"Seriously? If that's the best you've got, then you're just wasting my time." I was about to hang up again, but before I could, he answered my question.

"I was with Kurt."

I felt my knuckles go white, my jaw tighten, and my eyes narrow. I forced myself to take a deep breath before I said something I would regret. Instead I said, "I thought he had a new boyfriend."

"He does, but apparently the two aren't really exclusive." Blaine said somewhat uncomfortably.

"Where is Kurt right now?"

"He's uh, he's probably at home." I instantly knew that he was lying.

"Don't even try to lie to me, Blaine."

He sighed, "He's asleep…behind me."

I snorted humourlessly, "I knew you were a lot of things, but cheap wasn't one of them." This time when I hung up the phone, I made sure to put it on silent, so even if he tried to call again, which I doubted he would, I wouldn't have to hear it.

I lay down and tried to go back to sleep, but my damn thoughts wouldn't grant me a second of peace. I heaved a sigh and got up for the second time today.

As I sat in the kitchen feeding the fish and drinking coffee, my mind kept wandering back to Dominic. I kept thinking about the things he'd told me; about his severe masochism, about him possibly being bisexual, about him telling me that he liked me, about him shooting that guy when he was a kid, about him not knowing his real family, about him being tossed around from foster home to foster home, even his comment about him not being physically attracted to him. He was without a doubt the most interesting person I had ever met, and probably one of the most intelligent. He was also beautiful, nice, unique, kind, different and amazing…so why didn't I say yes when he asked me out? What was stopping me?

The answer came to me so suddenly that my eyes widened in horror. It had been right in front of me for so damn long, and I never had a clue. But this newfound realization was everything but good news; quite the contrary, I couldn't think of anything worse.

There was no way I was going to let this control my life or my actions.

I quickly grabbed my phone out of my pocket and dialled the desired number.

"Sebastian? I honestly did not expect to hear from you today."

"I want you to meet me at The Lima Bean in an hour; could you make that?" I cut right to the chase.

"Yeah, sure. But uh, why?"

"You're just going to have to wait and see." I shrugged, despite the fact that he couldn't see me.

"You're intriguing, I'll give you that."

"I'm a lot of things…like I'm sure you'll soon figure out." I grinned.

"I think I'm figuring that out right now."

"See you soon." I pressed the red button and headed back upstairs to take a shower.

**…**

An hour later I had parked my car outside the notorious coffee shop. I could tell by the looks of the parking lot that The Lima Bean was having a busy day. I had almost reached the entrance doors when a particular vehicle caught my attention. I slowly turned around and saw that I was right; Blaine was here. I groaned inwardly. I knew that if Blaine were here, so were his friends. And I had a strong feeling that those friends included a certain NYADA student.

I heaved a sigh and went inside. I hadn't been wrong when I predicted that this place would be busy; they were indeed packed. Despite this, I instantly spotted the two people I had hoped to avoid for the rest of my life: Kurt Hummel and Santana Lopez. I also spotted Rachel Berry, Finn Hudson, Tina Cohen-Chang, Mike Chang, Quinn Fabray, Mercedes Jones, Artie Abrams, Marley Rose, Jake Puckerman, Ryder Lynn, Noah Puckerman, Brittany Pierce, Sam Evans, and of course, Blaine Anderson.

I made sure to stay as far as possible away from them; I was not in the mood for any kind of confrontation right now.

I had just taken a seat at the opposite side of the room, when I heard a voice from behind me. "You look kind of familiar; do I know you from somewhere?"

I grinned as Dominic took the seat opposite me.

"Nope. I would definitely remember a face like yours." Was my response.

"Is that your subtle way of telling me I'm funny-looking?" He returned my grin.

"Not at all. It's my subtle way of telling you that you're hot." I told him. This made him crack up.

"You're acting so different. What changed?" He wondered.

"Let's just say I had an…epiphany."

"Epiphany? I didn't think people actually had those. Huh. So if I may be forward, why exactly did you ask me to meet you here?"

"It was my unique way of saying yes." I explained.

"What do you mean?"

"I told you I would think about it, and I thought about it. And I decided that I do want to go out with you."

His eyes widened slightly, "Are you serious?"

"You seem more than moderately surprised." I noted.

"Well I thought you had just agreed to humour me, I didn't actually think you meant it. I'm really bad at asking people out…especially guys, apparently." Dominic said feebly.

"No, I think you were perfect. But there is one thing I have to ask you; are you sure about this? If people find out that you're going out with another guy, then people are going to start saying that you're gay, whether you are or not. You're going to be teased, made fun of, laughed at, possibly harassed, and some people might even try to hurt you. Are you sure you're ready for all of that?" I asked earnestly.

Dominic stared at me for a few seconds before a small smile crept onto his lips, and he put his hand over mine. "It's really nice of you care so much, but trust me, I can handle it."

"Good." I smiled back.

"So, Sebastian Smy-I mean Sebastian No-Last-Name, will you go out with me? I know you already said yes, I just want you to say it again." He had a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Yes, Dominic Winters, I will definitely go on a date with you…ouch, I think that's the gayest thing I've ever said. Excuse me while I go and get coffee. Black and no sugar; a man's drink." I laughed at the look he gave me.

I had just placed the order for two coffees when I heard a familiar voice beside me, "And you know, I was having such a good weekend."

I turned around and stood face-to-face with Santana Lopez. For the millionth time today, I groaned on the inside. "Well if it isn't my favourite person on earth." I smiled sarcastically.

"So I see you still actually believe that there's a point to your existence." She returned my provoking smile.

"Aww, shame. Aren't you just the projector? But I feel like I have to inform you that not everyone is such a bad girlfriend that they change their ex's sexuality."

That comment wiped any traces of a smile clean off her face. She narrowed her eyes and flared her nose, "Yeah well, most of us can actually take rejection; we don't throw a tantrum and assault the person who rejected us. No, that's all you."

"Really? That's the best you got?" I raised my eyebrows expectantly.

"What's wrong? Am I making you uncomfortable?"

"Quite the contrary. I'm feeling pretty good right now; it seems you've lost your touch, Santana." I smirked.

"Oh please don't say my name, words seems to lose all worth when they exit your funny-shaped mouth. I would also appreciate it if you could stop saying words altogether; it kind of puts a damper on the pride I have for possessing vocal chords…and lungs. You know what? You should become a hermit; for the sake of America's eyes, you need to stop showing your face in public."

"And for the sake of America's ears, you should stop singing. Someone must have been high as a kite when they told you that you actually have talent. And the person who told you that you actually have a shot at making it in New York must have been somewhere near the heavens, because I know a goldfish with more aptitude than you, and I'm pretty sure he's having a mid-life crisis. Why don't you do us all a favour and move to Honolulu?"

I could tell that my insulting her abilities had seriously pissed her off, "And why don't you do us all a favour and just drop dead? Oh wait, I heard that you did; but then hell sent you right back."

My breath hitched. How could she possibly know? Who would have told her?

"Yeah, Satan sent me back with a message for you; he said he wants his face back."

Just as I said this, I saw Kurt coming up behind Santana. The closer he came, the more I wanted to punch his face in.

"What the hell is taking so long? Are they brewing the coffee beans- Oh you have got to be kidding me! Now I remember why I don't come back more often." Kurt narrowed his eyes at his when he saw me. Trust me; the gesture was more than returned.

"Hiya, Princess. Congratulations, by the way. They said that there was no way you could possibly look more gay, but you showed them alright." I pasted a smirk on my face, despite the fact that my blood was starting to boil. Before captain of the gay squad could respond, Dominic appeared at my side.

"I think it would be faster to just plant the coffee beans ourselves." He grinned at me. Seeing his smile and having him beside me made me calm down slightly.

"Who's this? The newest range in gay prostitutes? Because there is no way in hell he would sleep with you unless he was payed." Santana snorted.

Right now, there was nothing I wanted more than to punch her in the face; my arms were literally aching for it. But I knew that I couldn't, I was brutally outnumbered; not to mention that somewhere very deep inside, Santana was still a girl. Although right now, her resemblance to a demon was way more noticeable.

"What did you just say about him?" Dominic's eyebrows went up, "And me too, for that matter. Who the hell gave you the right to talk to people like that?" I had never seen anger present on Dominic's face before. It somehow didn't suit him.

"She didn't mean it, okay? Her mouth gets carried away sometimes." Kurt said, casting a dark look at me.

"I wasn't talking to you," He glared at Kurt, "I was talking to her. Apologize to Sebastian."

"You have got to be kidding me; I'd rather throw the boiling coffee down my shirt." She replied.

"Either one is fine by me, bitch." Dominic glared.

"What did you just call her?" Kurt took a step forward.

"I believe he called her a butt-sniffing, grass-crapping, mutt-screwing bitch." I said as venomously as I could. I knew it made me an asshole to say, but right now I was so angry at both Santana and Kurt that I didn't care.

There was a split-second where both their mouths fell open, but the next thing I knew, someone had punched me in the face. I staggered backwards and fell against a chair. I clenched my teeth in pain as the edge of the seat caught me in the centre of my spine.

"Santana!" I heard Kurt exclaim, indicating that it had been her who had thrown the punch. Well that's emasculating.

With shaking arms Dominic helped me up. He was obviously just as angry as I was right now.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" He yelled at Santana. Only he didn't say 'hell'.

"A lot apparently." I mumbled.

"What's going on here? Sebastian?" Blaine approached us, followed by the other members of New Directions, past and present. They all stared at us, wearing expressions of either shock or confusion.

"The psychotic bitch punched me." I said through gritted teeth.

"What?" Blaine blinked at Santana.

"She was provoked! You should have heard the things that he was saying about her; if she hadn't hit him, then I would have." Kurt was still glaring at me.

"Oh please, she started it. You can't just go around saying things like that about people." Dominic responded.

"I agree. But Sebastian doesn't count, since he's not a person. I don't know what the hell he is, but it ain't human." Kurt's eyes remained narrow.

"If you keep saying things like about him, I'll be the one punching you." Dominic warned.

"Don't talk to my brother like that." Finn took a step toward him.

"Don't tell me what to do." He replied, also taking a step forward.

"Dom, don't. These freaks aren't worth it; let's just go." I placed my hand on his arm. He looked at me, then nodded.

I took his hand in mine, then led him away from the members of New Directions, and didn't stop walking until we had reached my car.

"Who were those people?" He frowned.

"New Directions. I'm sure Hunter must have told you about them." I leaned against the hood of the car, and made sure that my nose wasn't bleeding. It wasn't.

"Those guys are the competition that everyone keeps going on about?"

"Yup. They're also a bunch of D-bags." I said bitterly.

"Are you hurt?" Dominic asked as he gently touched my face.

"Nah, she's a girl, remember?" I grinned, "Let's go somewhere else for our date."

"As long as I can drive." He smiled hopefully.

"Fine." I agreed, and handed him my keys.