My sincerest apologies for the delay in updating this story. I almost gave up on it until IlovesMesomeGlee and Guest coaxed me to continue. So, here you go.
Noon. Dave's shift was about to begin. He nodded politely to the girl at the counter as she put her apron away and left. Now, the cotton candy stand was his.
The Lima Carnival would be ending soon, but you wouldn't know it. Families strolled by with the children in tow, occasional screams from rides could be heard, and raucous cheers of joy could be heard when somebody shot the target and won a stuffed panda bear.
This all would've made Dave smile if it wasn't for Sebastian Smythe.
What happened?
Dave recounted the events with Sebastian at Scandals and in his truck. Just as Sebastian revealed an awful truth, he left him hanging. Sebastian did what Dave used to do – run away. And it left Dave torn.
On the one hand, Sebastian opened up to him in a painful way, probably for the first time with anyone. But then, fear and maybe mistrust took over and he left him. Dave wasn't sure who he was angry with, but he knew he was angry. And an angry Dave Karofsky isn't good.
The sun was high and the humidity was choking. A patron approached and Dave absentmindedly sold a bag of cotton candy. He barely registered the transaction with his thoughts so heavily on one Sebastian Smythe.
Until he saw him.
Sebastian was approaching Dave's cotton candy stand, looking anywhere but at Dave. Sebastian was limply strolling as if he could trip at any second. His hair was flat and he wore a simply white t-shirt and plain khaki shorts. And yet, he looked radiant in the summer sun. Dave very briefly adored Sebastian's good looks until he saw how crushed Sebastian appeared. And, he remembered his anger.
Quickly, Dave looked down at the counter, doing his best to keep busy. He fiddled with the soda pop dispenser, checked the cash register, wiped down a counter, made sure the cotton candy machine was working – anything to distract him from the beautiful man who apparently was about to visit.
Dave would sporadically look up in Sebastian's direction from time to time.
Yup. He's coming this way.
One of the times Dave looked up, Sebastian's head was down, hands shoved in his khaki pockets. His posture was slumped and his sandy blonde hair, although radiant, just didn't look the same.
Dave looked away, somehow amazingly focused on the napkin dispenser. Dave grabbed a bundle of napkins to shove into the dispenser when a sudden breeze released a few into the air. Dave struggled to grab the escaping napkins, but they floated out of his reach.
Snarling, Dave reached over the counter to grab one when suddenly, Sebastian snatched it out of the air. Smiling a little, Sebastian handed the napkins over to Dave.
"Thanks." Dave mumbled. He looked back at the dispenser, angrily shoving the napkins in until it was full.
Satisfied that that task was done, Dave moved to the other end of the counter, away from Sebastian.
Sebastian sighed. His Smirk was gone.
Sebastian placed his hand hesitantly on the counter. Dave was wiping down the other end of the counter, even though it was spotless. Neither boy said anything and weren't looking at each other. Another gentle breeze floated by and carnival sounds seemed distant.
A child came up to the counter, grabbing Dave's attention. Sebastian watched in quiet awe how Dave became a gentle giant with this little girl. Memories flooded his mind of how sweet and fun Dave was with Carolyn, chasing her and giving her Coke. And, cotton candy of course. He watched Dave smile to this little girl as he handed her a small bag of cotton candy, gracefully taking her money and giving her change. His heart blossomed when he heard Dave sweetly say 'thank you' to the little customer. He watched the girl gleefully walk away and couldn't help but notice Dave was watching her, a little smile on his face.
Sebastian sighed again.
"D-dave?" Sebastian asked.
No response. Dave was looking at the cash register and slightly facing away from Sebastian.
"C-could. . .could I talk-"
"I'm busy, Seb."
Silence. Sebastian felt something odd then. Remorse. Guilt. Fear. Anger.
"Well, I'll be over at the picnic bench across the way." Sebastian snarkily began. "I'll be waiting for you as soon as you pull that stick out of your ass!"
"I didn't deserve that Sebastian." Dave quietly, angrily said.
Sebastian hesitated. He saw Dave's eye twitch a little, his full cheeks clench. He knew he needed to say so many things, but didn't know where to start.
"Y-y-you're right. . ." Sebastian stammered, his head dropping a little.
Neither boy said or did anything. Sebastian swatted at a fly near his head and looked up. Slowly, he walked, almost drunkenly, towards the picnic bench. Dave watched him go, a swelling sadness in his heart. He knew Sebastian was troubled, but his anger wouldn't let go. Dave was angry, but wasn't sure at what.
"Seb!"
Sebastian came to a stop. He was halfway to his destination when Dave called to him. Sebastian quickly turned around, a little hopeful smile on his face. Where did that come from?, Sebastian thought. He stared at Dave's blank expression for a second until Dave beckoned him to return. So, he did.
When he reached Dave's cotton candy stand, Dave retreated to the back, partially out of sight. He watched Dave reach for a couple of things, but couldn't see what he was reaching for. Instead, Sebastian watched the arcs and dips of Dave's back and shoulder muscles, straining and bulging with labor. He watched Dave's arms and back, lifting two chairs, carrying them to the side of the stand, and setting them down, folding them down. But Sebastian's eyes were glued to Dave's enormous biceps and shoulders. He blinked a few times as reality reasserted itself.
Dave turned towards Sebastian and noticed how he seemed to be entranced with something. He gave Sebastian a slightly puzzled look before Sebastian, embarrassed, approached Dave and sat down.
"Thank you." Sebastian mumbled, looking down. Still standing, Dave looked at Sebastian from his towering point-of-view. Sebastian just looked terrible, but still beautiful. So, again, Dave was torn. He wanted to touch Sebastian – just touch his hair, his face, his shoulders, his arms. He wanted to caress this pained boy, hold him, tell him everything would be OK. Instead, he shook himself out of that reverie. He was angry.
Dave sat down beside him, resting his elbows on his knees. Sebastian looked over, mesmerized again by Dave's torso and back. Just the barest trace of the Smythe Smirk adorned his face, before it gradually went away. He looked back down.
Again, neither boy said anything. Sounds of the carnival could be heard – screams of people riding the mini-roller coaster. Cries of children who lost balloons to the sky. Bells, whistles, and other celebratory sounds of people winning stuffed animals.
Dave straightened up once in a while, seeing if anybody was at the counter.
Finally, Dave looked over at Sebastian, who was still slumped and silent. Dave sighed.
"If you have," Dave gently began, "anything so say, say it."
"Oh. . ." Sebastian casually said, "I have plenty to say, Dave. I just don't know how to begin."
Dave looked at his hands and clasped them. Sebastian looked at Dave sideways, watching his hand motion. Then, he looked back down.
"Carolyn wanted to come." Sebastian suddenly said, "But I wouldn't let her."
"Why not?" Dave asked, looking straight ahead.
"Because I wanted to talk to you."
Dave's head quickly flipped towards Sebastian.
"Well, here I am." Dave announced, not too friendly. Then, he softly asked, "What happened?"
"Please don't be nice to me."
Dave was floored. "Why not?"
"When have I ever said," Sebastian asked, exasperatedly, "I wanted you to be nice?"
Dave was confused. "Huh?"
Sebastian looked at Dave for the first time. He noticed Dave's hazel eyes were absolutely focused on him and it shook him to the core. Sebastian couldn't understand why this handsome jock was interested in him.
Sebastian tore his eyes away. Something was wrong. He looked straight forward at absolutely nothing. Dave watched him, concerned. Sebastian's eyes looked distant, lost in thought. And as Dave stared, he noticed his posture was leaning towards Sebastian, as if he wanted to suddenly protect him. He watched this struggling, beautiful boy try to gather his thoughts as Dave noticed his anger was now completely gone.
Ever so slightly, Sebastian's lower lip trembled and his eyes were suddenly glossy. Dave couldn't take it anymore.
Without warning, Dave reached for Sebastian's hand. Sebastian looked down at the hand and tried to pull out.
"No." Dave said firmly, passionately.
"Dave, please." Sebastian quietly, pathetically said.
"No." Dave growled.
Sebastian's face cracked and recovered. His glossy eyes produced one tear, perfectly streaming down his adorable face. His lips quivered even more and suddenly the dam broke. He dropped his face, tears and sobs now crushing him. Dave let go of his hand and before Sebastian could get away, grabbed the boy and engulfed him in his arms.
Bursting dams of tears soaked Dave's shirt as Sebastian cried on his chest. Dave gently caressed the back of Sebastian's head as Dave continued to comfort him.
"I'm s-s-so sorrrryyyyyy!" Sebastian wailed.
"Let it go, baby." Dave cooed.
And even more floods of tears and quaking sobs crashed out of Sebastian. His body rocked from time to time, but Dave's arms were strong enough to provide granite-like support. The sobs went on and on, Dave completely forgetting about checking if anybody was at the cotton candy stand. This wonderful, beautiful, troubled boy in his arms needed him. So, Dave would be there.
"Why," Sebastian began, voice muffled by Dave's chest, "are you. . ."
Dave half-smiled. "Because I want to."
Sebastian cried even more. There was no way he could sit up or get away, even if he wanted to. Dave had a firm, bear-like hold on him and wasn't letting go, telling him with his supportive arms that he cared for this boy.
As the sobs went on, the tears lessened. Soon, sobs became chokes for air. Dave lessened his grip a little, so the struggling boy could breathe better. The humid air wasn't helping either. So, Dave just gently stroked his back as Sebastian's breathing gradually returned to normal.
Sebastian motioned to sit up. At first Dave was hesitant. He wasn't sure Sebastian recovered enough to do this. Sebastian looked up at Dave as Dave looked down at him. Their faces were just inches apart, eyes roaming. Dave wiped a tear from his face as Sebastian smiled a little. Pained blue eyes met supporting hazel eyes, messages passed, passion entrusted, lips went unkissed.
Sebastian gently nodded, telling Dave he was OK. Slowly, Dave released his clamp-like hold on the boy and Sebastian slowly sat up. Sebastian wiped his face and then wiped his hands on his khakis. Dave, still one arm around the boy, watched this all.
"You're amazing, Dave. Thank you."
Dave just smiled, arm still around him.
"You have every," Sebastian said, looking straight ahead, "right to be angry with me."
"Sebastian," Dave began, with a slight sigh, "you told me something terrible in the truck yesterday. Was that the first time you ever told anyone?"
Sebastian paused. He could feel Dave's strong fingers caressing his shoulder, tracing little circles and gently squeezing. Slowly, he looked at Dave.
"Yes." Sebastian whispered. Dave nodded.
"Well," Dave began, slowly removing his arm and placing it on his lap, "we need to talk more. But not here."
Sebastian nodded, repositioning himself in his seat so he could sit straighter. On impulse, he wiped his face again and then gently dropped his hand to rest on Dave's thigh. Then, he looked over at Dave.
Dave was already watching him. Little smiles adorned their faces as a kind of mute truce was settled. Dave watched traces of the old Sebastian coming back to life and was pleased he had a hand in it.
"Excuse me!"
Dave whirled around and saw the customer at the counter.
"I'll be back, Seb." Dave stood up and took a step towards the counter.
"Hey Dave."
Dave turned around. Sebastian looked fully recovered as he looked at Dave with the Smythe Smirk.
"Hurry back."
.
"There's nothing I could say that would make the slightest bit of difference!"
Dave sighed. He knew Sebastian was right. Neglectful parents simply don't know what they're doing to their children.
Dave stood up. "I'm getting a Coke. Want one?"
"Sure." Sebastian responded automatically.
Dave left his living room, walked into the hall, and disappeared into the kitchen. Sebastian was left with his own thoughts, totally baffled why Dave liked him. Soon Dave emerged with two glasses, filled with the bubbling, cold, black liquid.
"Thanks." Sebastian said, taking the Coke, rewarding Dave with the Smythe Smirk.
Dave grinned. "Why do you do that?"
"Do what?"
"The Smythe Smirk."
Sebastian grinned at Dave, loving the attention this handsome, strong boy was giving him.
"Well. . ." Sebastian leaned back a little, letting his long legs stretch on the sofa. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Dave watch this motion, eyes glued to his legs. Sebastian smirked. Dave finally looked back at him.
"That's why." Proud of what he accomplished, Sebastian quickly stood up and strolled to a nearby mirror, adjusting his hair.
Dave smiled. "Have you ever considered that people might like you for you?"
In the mirror, Sebastian's smirk turned into a knowing grin.
"Not really." He said this with a laugh.
But Dave's smile quickly vanished.
"You should." Dave passionately responded. Sebastian stopped and stared at Dave in the mirror. He tore his eyes away, going back to his hair.
"Look," Sebastian began, "I know I could have any man I want. I could have him wrapped around my finger. I could-"
"Not for very long." Dave quietly interrupted. Sebastian turned around, smiling, and returned to the couch.
"Dave," Sebastian began, "why would I have a relationship with a guy when I could just get what I want and move on?"
But Dave saw through this little facade.
"Because that's not what you really want." Dave passionately said.
Sebastian was sidetracked. He didn't expect this response and was disarmed by it. Dave knew that and chose the gentle route.
"Because you're lonely. . .like me." Dave gently began. "You want love and trust-"
"They're overrated, Dave." Sebastian said, looking away. "Just like my Dad says – 'boy, take you can get and be happy.'"
Dave looked appalled.
"He said that?" Dave asked, surprised. Sebastian looked sad for just a moment before the Smythe Smirk reappeared.
"I-"
"Don't do that." Dave interrupted. "Don't hide behind that smirk."
Sebastian didn't know what to say in that moment. He looked down at his shorts, fiddling with a loose string near his knees. Dave watched, concern written all over his face. Sebastian's fingers began to increase in their intensity until Dave suddenly grabbed his hand, stilling it.
"Why do you always have to overpower me?!" Sebastian wailed.
"Because I'm trying to drive some sense into you!" Dave yelled.
"I have plenty of sense, you asshole!" Sebastian tried to yank his hand away, but Dave wouldn't let go. "Let me go, Dave!"
The boys struggled like this in Dave Karofsky's living room. Sebastian tried his best to wriggle out of Dave's grip and failed. Soon, feet were connecting to shins and Dave cried out in pain. Snarling, Dave pulled Sebastian's hand hard and he flopped on Dave's chest. Once again, Dave was holding Sebastian close to him and he wasn't going anywhere.
"Sebastian, you're worth more than your hot body!"
Suddenly, Sebastian went still. His thoughts raced a mile a minute as both boys were panting, subdued by Dave's stunning words. Dave too was surprised by his angry, passionate revelation. But it was the truth. Sebastian was cute and awesome.
Sebastian slowly raised his head and stared up into Dave's compassionate eyes.
"Worth more. . .?" Sebastian whispered.
Dave nodded. "You're funny and. . ." Dave slightly turned his head away before returning to Sebastian's searching eyes. "Sweet."
Sebastian didn't hide his surprise.
"I've seen you," Dave whispered, "with Carolyn and with me. You can be so wonderful, compassionate, and fun. I love seeing that in you, Sebastian."
Sebastian's mouth formed an 'o' of surprise. He hesitated a moment, as if hypnotized by Dave's incredibly caring eyes.
"N-nobody h-has," Sebastian quietly stammered, "ever s-s-said that to me b-before."
Dave softly smiled. "They should. . ."
They stared into each other's eyes until they couldn't stand it anymore. They bent their heads towards each other, silently begging to kiss. And then, it happened.
Soft lips met in a tender embrace. Dave tightened his grip, securing Sebastian completely. Tender lips caressed until passion insisted on searching and searching. The tender kiss turned into an engrossing passion and hands tightened around each other, insistent lips pressing harder and harder. Moans escaped from the boys and Dave growled into Sebastian's mouth, owning him in that moment.
Dave shifted his head, pressing his lips onto the other side of Sebastian's pink, thin lips. Sebastian soon found his hands in Dave's hair, stroking and stroking. Soft moans escaped Dave's mouth as Sebastian roamed even further. The kiss shifted and lingered and was so incredibly passionate!
Soon, the boys separated, foreheads touching, struggling to breathe, desperate and needy eyes staring through each other.
"Be my boyfriend." Dave whispered.
Sebastian smirked.
.