A/N: So sorry it's been as long as it has been; I started a new story based on the events of Season 4, episode 4 (don't look at me like that, Kurt, I am not cheating!); so, those of you who might want to take a look, check it out, I'd love to have your thoughts, and hope you enjoy it. The title is Don't Tell Me 'Cause It Hurts (probably easiest to find by clicking on my name to get my story list).

And, no, I don't own Glee, or any songs or products you see here; just borrowing!

He hit 'play', deciding to listen to the message he'd avoided earlier. "'Bastian? Um … I guess you're busy or something right now... ah... I just wanted to say thanks for getting me home and all … um... can you call me later? Okay. Bye."

What the hell was he thinking last night? Sebastian moped, mad at himself for not seeing that letting Dave get drunk and groped at Scandals (and probably in way deeper than that if he hadn't dragged him away) wasn't a good idea. A couple of coffees later, followed by a brisk walk in the cold autumn air, and he'd dropped him off at home. He was still haunted by some of what Dave had said, when all his defenses were down.

"You're mad at me," and "No one's ever, well no guy I mean, has ever ..."; Dave had shown that his opinion really mattered to him (he'd known that), and that he was convinced he was unattractive to other men. Not only that, but Dave had revealed (probably only because he was drunk) how sad it made him that he didn't like him that way. Merde. Sober Dave appeared to get it, when he'd explained more than once that he didn't do relationships, he did sex. And that, at least for now, sex and friendship were areas that didn't cross. Drunk Dave pined for him like a spurned teenage girl, turning then to anyone who would give him a second look. How did this get so fucked up?

He didn't know, and wasn't one for process much; he was going to handle whatever it was right now. He texted, and waited. Growly, call me whenever, I'm here now.

Dave smiled at his phone. Hard as Sebastian could be to read at times, he was starting to figure him out a little. The use of either of his pet names usually was a good sign, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't remember all the details of last night, but what he did recall was pretty horrific: the very friendly guy who bought him the delicious drinks (what was his name, anyway?) followed by the very physical flirtations from this guy, who then dragged him onto the dance floor, where he made his attentions known in a way he couldn't mistake, even drunk. But, as usual, Sebastian had been right; in that moment, he'd thought he wanted what looked like was going to happen, but sober that wasn't his style, and he would have regretted it. He wanted someone to want him, no question. But, just like Seb had pointed out to him, he wanted affection, a relationship, romance even; and a random hookup would have left him with either self loathing or an awkward phase of trying to get the other guy to deepen the contact, on an emotional level this time, when that wasn't mutually desired. Horrible.

"Hey, Growly." Sebastian had picked up after one ring.

"Hey, 'Bas. Um, sorry about last night."

"No, listen to me. I made a mistake. That scene doesn't work for you, and I put you in jeopardy. I won't do that again."

Dave was silenced by the other boy's commanding, final tone. "Don't you think that's a bit harsh?"

"No, Growly, I don't. And, since I don't love having to do the apologizing thing, I don't want to do things that lead to a repeat performance. Get it?"

Dave smiled, hearing, even if he couldn't see it, that his friend's smirk was back, and that he really didn't want to sit around all day and analyze it. This was, he realized, one of the things he loved about 'Bastian. He smiled back. "Got it. Hey, 'Bas?"

"Yeah?"

"I kind of liked the coffee I had, whatever kind it was."

Sebastian chuckled. "You think? You had two of them. Told you. Next time you should listen to me."

"Promise. Can we go for coffee soon?" He didn't like thinking about the fact that they really didn't live all that close, but it was reality.

"Count on it. Next weekend? We've got some crazy music room reorganization to do for the Warblers... I think I might make you earn it."

"You're on." He'd never been to Dalton, and was mildly surprised that 'Bas wanted to introduce him to that part of his life, even if only tangentially. "I don't have to like, wear a blazer or anything?"

"To move furniture and junk? Nah, I think not. And, Dave?"

"Yeah?"

"It's not like you think. There's lots of guys that'll want you, you know. Be patient, bear cub."

"Thanks, 'Bas. I'll try to remember. Um … we're cool, right?"

Sebastian sighed, and wished the other boy could see his facial expressions. "Growly, I'm talking to you right now, what do you think?"

"Good point. Hey, 'Bas?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you. You're a good friend."

"Which is why I won't feel too bad about working you like a slave on Saturday. With coffee. And maybe pizza after," he said, his tone now frankly teasing.

"Bring it. Bye, 'Bas."

"Later, Growly."