This is the shortest chapter I've ever written. But, there's a method to my madness. Trust me. . .

My thanks to IlovesMesomeGlee for edits, reviews, and internet hugs.

Sebastian smirked. And smirked. And smirked.

Dave, at this close proximity, didn't change his passionate stance. He fiercely stared into Sebastian's eyes, pleading his heart. He wanted Sebastian on his arm so badly he could taste it. In fact, Dave's eyes finally left Sebastian's beautiful pair, just to stare at his arms, his hands, his chest, his legs. . .

Dave drank Sebastian's body as if it were his own.

Sebastian watched all of this, smirk intact. He loved it when a boy showed him this kind of attention. Who wouldn't?

Then, Dave returned his gaze to Sebastian. But this time, his stare was fueled with a fiery intensity. He pushed with his passionate eyes for a response. He wanted Sebastian!

Sebastian gradually realized that Dave meant business. He watched Dave's beautiful, hazel eyes pore into him as if he was claiming him already. Soon, both boys were panting, anticipating the inevitable response.

But Sebastian's smirk began to fade. Realizing Dave was completely serious, he studied Dave. His sudden seriousness bowled Sebastian over as he tried to take it all in.

He wants me, Sebastian thought.

Suddenly, he was afraid.

Eyes widened, shaking slightly, Sebastian slowly pulled away. Dave's biggest fears had been realized.

"Seb. . ."

And just like a hunted animal, eyes widened and pulse flying, Sebastian stood up, ready to flee. But Dave, the hunter, was quicker.

"Please. . ." Dave pleaded, latching onto Sebastian's wrist. But he yanked himself free.

Terrified, he took one last glance at Dave before he fled.

All Sebastian could see was fear. Dave, bewildered, pleaded with his eyes. But Sebastian's fear won. He ran.

.

Dave was hot. It was the second to last day of the carnival and, as usual, the hot, humid conditions made Dave's temper flare now and then. An unruly customer tested Dave's patience and he even got a complaint from his supervisor. Dave apologized absentmindedly, his thoughts drifting to the frustrating Sebastian Smythe.

Dave hated that smirk. He hated Sebastian's fear. He hated his hesitation. He hated his father. He hated the heat.

But he loved Sebastian's sweetness, the few times he allowed it to be shown. He loved his blonde hair. He loved how protective of Carolyn he was. He loved his legs. He loved his genuine smile. He loved his tender side. He loved his ass. He loved. . .

Dave sighed.

.

Sebastian sighed. He sat in his car, waiting for Carolyn to get situated in the back seat. He watched her slightly struggle with the seat belt, her delicate, fumbling fingers trying snap the belt together. As he watched her, he thought of Dave's lips, his confidence, his eyes. . .

Sebastian shook his head. He was not smirking.

.

3:30PM. Break time. Dave angrily untied his apron and flung it on the counter. With nobody around, he heatedly grabbed the apron and slammed it again and again on the counter. If anybody noticed, nobody said anything. Besides, all they would see is a huge, angry teenager throwing a temper tantrum. After hanging the "Be Back in 15 Minutes" sign on the counter, Dave sauntered over to the picnic bench and sat under the parasol.

The beginnings of the late afternoon cast its very first shadows on the pavement. Dave moved his foot in and out of the shade from the parasol, lost in thought. And frustrated.

He had no idea why this boy was in his thoughts. Well, he had a pretty good idea. He had to convince Sebastian Smythe that he was worth his time, but not at his expense. While he thought, he heard a girl cry. This wasn't unusual. There were many children crying for a variety of reasons. But this sound was specific. Familiar. . .

Turning around, he saw Carolyn Smythe, walking aimlessly, looking around and around. She was alone.

Dave was alarmed.

"Carolyn?"

Carolyn turned around, teary-eyed. And incredibly afraid.

"Sweetie, what are you doing here?" Dave kindly asked.

Relief flooded Carolyn as she ran to him, collapsing in his arms. She cried and cried on his chest. He soothed her by holding her, one arm supporting her while the other gently rubbed her back.

She kept crying and crying and crying. Dave could barely stand it. Nobody wants to see a young girl bawling her eyes out. He focused solely on Carolyn, soothing and protecting her. Nothing could interfere with his devotion to this little girl. It was if she had stolen his heart before Sebastian did. She was adorable, after all.

"Carolyn?" Dave calmly asked. "Where's Sebastian?"

"Right here."

Dave whirled around to see a sheepishly standing Sebastian. Dressed amazingly as always, Sebastian had a frown on his face.

"Carolyn!" Sebastian said autocratically, "how many times have I told you not to go off on your own?!"

Carolyn squeezed Dave even tighter, trying to hide herself in his chest.

"Seeeeeeb!" Carolyn wailed.

Dave squeezed a little tighter and looked up at Sebastian. He couldn't have conveyed more sympathy if he tried. So, upon seeing this, Sebastian sighed.

"Come here." Sebastian patiently said.

But Carolyn didn't move an inch.

"Come on, Carolyn." Sebastian added, a little more emphatically.

Carolyn flinched a little and looked up at Dave. Dave, sympathy and understanding winning over, nodded to her that it was OK to go to him.

Hesitantly, she slowly released him, turned towards Sebastian, and gradually approached him.

That's when a little smile crept on her face. Her back to Dave, she smiled just a little bit. Sebastian very subtly winked at her.

Just as she reached him, she turned back towards Dave, a show of tears and fear back in full force.

Dave was completely fooled.

He continued to look at her sympathetically as Sebastian's arm reached around her.

"OK Carolyn," Sebastian gently began, "don't run off again."

"OK." Carolyn hesitantly said. She turned towards him, a wry little smile on her face. He very quickly smiled back and then turned stern. Carolyn, for her part, returned to the sad, recently-scolded child.

It worked perfectly.

It's amazing what can be done with the right amount of sympathy, tears. . .and manipulation.

Men are so easy.

.