Get me out of here.

Dave glanced at Sebastian, seated next to him, who was staring straight ahead with a vacant expression. Jenn, sitting on his other side, shot a look his direction and pressed her lips together in a slight frown before returning her focus to Professor Robertson. Dave scrawled out a reply and passed the note back to Sebastian, making sure the professor wasn't watching.

But class only started 10 minutes ago!

Rolling his eyes as he read, Sebastian quickly began writing.

That means we have 40 minutes left. Not that I don't think Socrates is cool and all, but do we actually have to spend three class periods talking about him?

Seb. This is the first of the three classes.

Exactly. We'll just miss all the intro stuff we already know. Look, I've got a plan. You fake a seizure; I'll get us out.

You're crazy.

Okay, it doesn't have to be a seizure. Just some kind of medical emergency.

No.

All right, I'll fake it. Although at this point, I'm not so sure you wouldn't just tell the professor I'm fine and leave me twitching on the floor.

Tempting.

"Mister Karofsky, I haven't seen such conspicuous note-passing since I was a guest speaker in my granddaughter's third grade class. If you're planning to ignore my lectures and the in-class discussions, you might as well stay home."

Dave's eyes widened and he opened his mouth to apologize, but Sebastian beat him to it. "So sorry, Professor. I'm afraid it was my fault," he cut in. "I was asking him why Socrates was in such staunch opposition to the Sophist movement."

Professor Robertson raised an eyebrow. "All right, Mr. Smythe. Mister Karofsky, did you have an answer for him?"

Dave swallowed heavily. Jenn, sitting on his other side, looked as though she were struggling to refrain from answering the question on her friend's behalf. "Well, er, the Sophists – they taught for money, and Socrates – he thought that was like prostitution. And he didn't like how they promoted relative truth. It was deceitful."

"Good," Professor Robertson acknowledged. Dave and Jenn both let out a sigh of relief. "And it will be even more relevant when I discuss Protagoras next class. Mr. Smythe, perhaps you can contain your unquenchable thirst for knowledge just slightly, so you and Mr. Karofsky can pay attention and contribute to discussion. Does that sound manageable?"

"Of course, Professor. Won't happen again."

"I somehow doubt that," Professor Robertson sighed, "but I certainly encourage you to try."

Dave shot Sebastian an exasperated glare as the lecture resumed. Sebastian just smirked. He tried to pass Dave another note as soon as the professor's back was turned, but Dave stuffed it into his backpack without looking. He saw Sebastian slouch slightly in his chair, pouting, but he knew he'd be over it by the time class ended, so he wasn't too concerned. He tried to emulate Jenn, sitting with good posture and fervently transcribing the professor's words. By the end of class, he surprised himself with three pages of detailed – albeit sloppy – notes.

Sebastian, he noticed, also had paper out on his desk, and his elegant script covered nearly the entire page. Maybe he decided to pay attention, too, thought Dave, mildly impressed. As soon as Professor Robertson dismissed the class, however, he realized he should have known better.

"Okay, I made a list of all the stuff we could do tonight," Sebastian started.

"Seb, we already have plans tonight," Dave reminded him.

"Correction – I made a list of all the stuff we could do tonight that won't make me want to push someone out a window."

Dave pressed his lips together. "Sebastian, you said you were okay with this," he implored. "Besides, you've been here nearly two months – if we keep putting this off, it'll look like you're avoiding them."

Sebastian snorted. "Good. I am avoiding them." He turned to squarely face Dave. "Come on. How is this not going to be the most awkward dinner ever?"

Dave sighed in exasperation. "You're being dramatic."

Sebastian's eyebrows shot up. "Usually, I wouldn't argue with you on that one, but seriously?"

Jenn, who had been standing by her desk looking at the two boys quizzically, spoke up. "Um … what exactly are you doing tonight?"

"We're cooking dinner for a couple we know from high school who hates us, and – just for shits and giggles – we also invited the self-proclaimed Queen of the Hobbits and Dave's lesbian ex who may or may not be a member of the Mexican mafia," Sebastian told her. "Sounds fun, huh?"

Before Jenn could answer, Dave cut in, shooting Sebastian a dirty look. "We've got a few friends from high school who are also living in New York, and we haven't seen them in a while, so we invited them over for dinner. Sebastian's just whining because he's going to have to fight for the spotlight."

"Oh, I see," laughed Jenn, nodding. "Honestly, it sounds like a great time!"

"Do you want to come?" asked Sebastian eagerly. "Seriously, I need to know there are at least a few people in the apartment who aren't going to spontaneously burst into song."

"I wouldn't want to cut in on a high school reunion –"

"No, Jenn, Seb's right – you should totally come!" said Dave eagerly. "My roommate Matt's going to be there too, so it's not like you'll be the odd one out or anything. In fact, Matt would probably love the company!"

"I'd love the company," Sebastian pointed out. "Besides, you'd get a free dinner and front-row tickets to the freak show from McKinley High – not a bad deal, on your end."

"Well, when you put it that way …" Jenn considered. "I'll be there! What time?"

"Awesome!" Dave grinned. "We told everyone 6:30 – see you then!"

"No no no, you should definitely be there by 6:15, in case the others are as annoyingly prompt as I expect them to be," Sebastian countered.

Jenn laughed. "My last class ends at 6, so I'll just head over afterwards." She checked her watch. "Oops, gotta run. See you tonight!"

As their friend left, Sebastian's attention shifted back to the list he'd made. "Okay, I know you seem set on this whole dinner thing, but hear me out. Instead, we could have a romantic picnic in Central Park!"

"Seb, you hate the park. You think it's a pathetic attempt to get people to forget they're in a city."

"Fair point. How about this - we could go to the airport and buy tickets for a random flight – surprise weekend getaway!" Sebastian suggested.

"You're crazy."

"Okay, new idea. We walk out of this classroom and start hitchhiking. Change our names, leave behind all contact with our past life. Start fresh with only each other."

"Seriously?" Dave said, raising his eyebrows. "You would never. Are you really dreading the dinner that much?"

"If I say I am, does that mean we can cancel?"

"No," Dave snorted.

"Fine, then, if there's really no way out of it, I guess we can do the dinner," Sebastian sighed. "Exactly how nice to you expect me to be to them?"

"Just don't start anything," Dave implored. "You don't have to act like they're your best friends, but I'd really appreciate it if you could at least be civil."

"When am I not civil?" Sebastian scoffed. "Okay, don't answer that," he amended after a look from Dave, "but seriously – I promise not to start World War Three or anything."

Dave nodded. "Good enough."

"However," Sebastian cut in, "I do reserve the right to fight back if fired upon."

"That sounds reasonable to me," Dave agreed. "Now, let's go get our last-minute shopping done for tonight!"

Sebastian brightened. "Now this, I'm excited about. I think I've figured out our menu!"

"The menu cannot include poison. Or anything our guests are allergic to," Dave cut in quickly.

"You take all the fun out of everything," Sebastian pouted. "What if I … 'forget' about an allergy? There are just so many to keep track of these days."

"Which is why Rachel sent us an email with all of her dietary restrictions clearly laid out," Dave reminded his boyfriend.

"I deleted the email?" Sebastian said hopefully.

"Nice try. She sent it to me."

"Fine," Sebastian sighed. "I'll just have to get creative," he muttered.

"What was that?"

"Nothing!" Sebastian said brightly. "Let's go to the store!"

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Several hours later, Sebastian was carefully browning a few pounds of ground beef and directing Dave and Matt in the assembly of the rest of the ingredients for his taco bar. "I can't believe you don't have a tortilla warmer," he said impatiently.

Dave sighed in exasperation. "That's totally not a normal thing to have. You're lucky we've got enough bowls for the rest of this stuff."

"It's not even that much!" Sebastian protested, taking the meat off the stove. "I just needed bowls for the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream, plus the casserole dishes for the black and refried beans, and then the dishes for the chips and guac."

"You just listed, like, eight things," Dave pointed out. "You know what we owned last year? Two knives, three plates, and a spoon."

"Yeah, but you were in a dorm. You didn't even have a kitchen. It was kind of okay to live like savages."

"I would like to point out, for the record, that the spoon was mine," Matt chimed in. "And I also had a fork and a cup!"

Sebastian grinned at Matt. "I knew I liked you!"

"Most of the stuff you're using tonight is mine, too," Matt bragged.

"My hero!" Sebastian cried, dramatically throwing his arms up and pulling Matt into a hug.

Dave rolled his eyes. "Sorry my culinary supplies aren't up to your lofty standards."

Sebastian moved away from Matt and put his arms around his boyfriend's waist. "Don't worry, you've got me. I'll do the cooking in this relationship. Honestly, what would you do without me?"

"I don't know," Dave shrugged, "a lot of places deliver."

Sebastian's look of mild horror turned to one of genuine alarm as they heard a sharp rap at the door. He glanced at his watch. "6:20. Fuck."

"Want me to answer?" asked Dave.

"Nah, I've got it," said Sebastian, moving towards the door with a look of grim determination. He took a second to brace himself before pulling it open. Rachel Berry stood front and center, hand raised and ready to knock again. Kurt and Blaine stood right behind her, and Santana was slightly further back, looking about as excited as Sebastian felt. Jenn stood slightly to the side, a nervous smile plastered across her face.

"Why hello, Sebastian," Rachel said politely. "It took you a while to answer the door. Do you need help with anything in there?"

Sebastian pressed his lips together before speaking. "You're early," he said, looking in her general direction. "And you're late," he added, looking directly at Jenn.

Jenn opened her mouth to reply, but before she could speak, Rachel had spun around to face her. "Oh, you're coming to dinner, too? I thought you might be a weird neighbor or just someone who followed us up off the street! I would've introduced myself sooner if I'd known." She stuck out her hand. "Rachel Berry," she announced.

"Uh, Jenn Allbrook. I'm a friend of Dave and Sebastian's – we have class together," Jenn introduced herself. She looked as though she was beginning to regret accepting the couple's dinner invitation.

"How nice!" Rachel exclaimed. "I didn't realize there would be other guests," she continued. "The rest of us went to high school together, so it's kind of a reunion."

Dave and Sebastian were still standing in stunned silence, trying to recover from the sudden onslaught of Rachel Berry, but Matt had retained his wits and jumped in. "I didn't go to high school with you!" he cut in. "I just live here. Matt Tompkins," he said with a wave. "You three must be Kurt, Blaine, and Santana?" he guessed, looking past Rachel at the remaining guests, who had all put as much distance between themselves and Rachel as they could without leaving the doorway entirely.

"Yes," said Kurt, taking the opportunity to push past his friend and into the apartment, reaching out to shake Matt's hand. "Kurt Hummel. Dave's been talking about you for ages – it's nice to finally meet you!"

"I've heard a lot about you, as well," Matt grinned. "Glad you could finally make it over here!"

"Come on in, everyone," Dave said welcomingly. "I think all the food's ready – right, Seb?"

"Yep, so let's hurry up and eat," Sebastian said warmly, "so we can get this over with," he muttered.

"What was that?" asked Kurt, a thin smile plastered on his face.

"Nothing, just want to eat before everything gets cold," said Sebastian blandly. "Dave doesn't have a tortilla warmer."

"Really?" Kurt seemed highly concerned by this piece of information. "They're so useful!" he exclaimed, turning to Dave. "I guess I know what you're getting for Christmas!"

Kurt followed Dave towards the kitchen, still babbling about various cooking supplies. Rachel quickly caught up, interrupting to ask Dave about her dietary restrictions. Blaine and Jenn followed a bit further behind, talking enthusiastically about some obscure band they apparently both loved – Blaine had seen them in concert, and Jenn had a button on her backpack. Matt had already made it to the kitchen and was serving himself a plate of tacos.

Meanwhile, by the door, Santana was circling Sebastian, looking ready to pounce. "Sebastian," she said in greeting, eyeing him critically.

"Santana," he said with a nod, holding eye contact. "You seem … tense."

"Got any slushies?" she asked accusatorily.

"No, but there's a 7-11 right around the corner – are you thirsty? I could go get one," he replied innocently.

Santana's eyes narrowed. "You did the cooking?"

"Yep," Sebastian nodded. "Why?"

"You eat first. If I'm poisoned, it's going to be by La Eme, not some pasty-faced tap dancer," she said, poking his back and marching him towards the kitchen in front of her.

Sebastian rolled his eyes. It's going to be a long night, he thought.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Despite Sebastian's qualms, the dinner was going relatively well. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the food, and the McKinley kids were trading stories and catching up. Jenn and Matt would chime in occasionally, adding an anecdote about Dave or New York. Kurt kept staring at Sebastian pointedly, and Blaine would send nervous glances his way every now and then, but most of the guests seemed to be going along with Sebastian's plan, allowing him to sit quietly and keep his thoughts to himself. Even Santana seemed more relaxed. Apparently, she's decided this isn't a trap, he thought wryly.

Sebastian forced himself to refocus on the conversation – he'd done a decent job listening most of the night, cataloguing various pieces to mock later with Dave. He zoned back in on the end of Rachel's account of a particularly bad date she'd been on recently.

"I just give up!" she sighed dramatically. "There are no good men left in New York."

"Maybe no good straight men," Kurt cut in quickly, "but the gay dating scene is pretty extensive – wouldn't you agree, Blaine?"

"Wha- OH, yeah," Blaine agreed, only wincing slightly when Kurt kicked him with a loud thump under the table. He looked directly at Dave. "There are a lot of good guys out there."

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. There's no way they're actually doing what it looks like they're doing, he thought, stiffening. A loud buzzing started in his head.

Matt looked quizzically between the Kurt and Blaine. "Wait, haven't you two been together since high school?"

"Yes," Kurt replied quickly. "Blaine and I are very happy together. We've got some very nice single gay friends, though, don't we, Blaine? Like Dmitri, from our modern dance class!"

"Oh, and there's Michael, who sits by me in Diction," Rachel cut in. "He broke up with his boyfriend before our midterm last week."

"Yeah, and that cute guy across the hall, Andrew, isn't he single?" Blaine chimed in.

"He is! You'd really like him, Dave," Kurt said, smiling and turning towards the other boy. "I think he's on the football team at Columbia."

Dave looked uncomfortably back at Kurt, shooting a glance at Sebastian. "Uh, you guys – you know Seb and I are a couple, right?"

"For now," said Kurt, "but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be keeping your options open."

Jenn drew in a sharp breath. The buzzing in Sebastian's head grew louder. He felt Dave tense up next to him. Kurt kept talking.

"Look, you know how … surprised we all were to hear you were hanging out with Sebastian. And then you were moving so fast, putting labels on it …"

"You're not in Ohio anymore," Rachel added. She reached across the table to put her hand over Dave's; he didn't move away. Sebastian couldn't stop staring at their hands. "We all know how difficult it was for you in high school," Rachel continued. "You were closeted, there weren't many options. It's easy to see why you'd go for Sebastian at first – other than Kurt, he was basically the only other gay guy you knew."

"But it's different here," said Kurt earnestly. "New York's so progressive, there are tons of gay clubs – good ones, not like Scandals – and there are plenty of people on those dating apps, too. I know a bunch of guys who have found boyfriends just by swiping!"

"Why don't you sign him up, then?" Sebastian said, the ice in his voice hiding the shakiness he felt. "Set up a profile! You might as well do the swiping for him, too, since you clearly know what's best for him."

Kurt seemed momentarily taken aback at Sebastian's outburst, but he quickly regained himself. "What, do you really think you're what's best for him?" He snorted. "Please. You're nothing but a spoiled little rich boy who thinks he's entitled to whatever he wants because he wasn't hugged enough as a child."

"At least I'm not a self-righteous meddler who's two show-tunes shy of a matinee in the park," Sebastian spat.

Dave tried to intervene. "Seb, take a breath, just calm down and –"

"I need to calm down? So you're siding with them on this?" Sebastian accused, staring at Dave incredulously.

"That's not what I meant."

"Well, it sure as hell sounds like it," Sebastian asserted.

Kurt rolled his eyes dismissively. "You always have been prone to temper tantrums."

"You think this is a temper tantrum? God, you're lucky I promised Dave I'd play nice, because this is nothing," Sebastian retorted.

"Ooh, you promised to play nice, did you?" Kurt said scornfully. "Really, though, why are you still acting like you give a damn?"

Because I do, you fucking moron. The buzzing intensified. Sebastian closed his eyes and bit his lip, fighting the urge to fire back. "Look, let's all just listen to Dave and take a minute, slow down before –"

"Before what?" Kurt interrupted mockingly. "Before you threaten me? Before you assault me? What's it going to be this time?"

"Kurt, you're not being fair –"

"Oh come on, Dave," Kurt said. "This is Sebastian Smythe. The guy who tried to blackmail Finn and Rachel with that horrible photoshopped picture. The guy who nearly blinded Blaine with a rock-salt slushie. He doesn't actually care about you. He doesn't even know how to care about anyone but himself!"

Sebastian stood up quickly. "Okay," he said brightly, his breaths coming short and fast. "Well, Kurt, since you know so much about me, about what's best for Dave, there's no real reason for me to be here." He faced Dave, eyes glazed and pulse beating wildly. "It was only a matter of time before you realized you deserve better than me. These guys just sped things up a bit – saved us some energy. We should probably thank them!"

"Seb, what are you saying?" Dave asked, eyebrows furrowed.

"I'm done." Sebastian spun away from the table and walked swiftly to the door. He thought he heard Dave call his name, but the buzzing in his ears had reached a roar, and he didn't look back. The door slammed behind him.

There was a moment of stunned silence. Dave was frozen, half out of his chair and staring at the door. Jenn and Matt were looking at Dave with concern while Santana was sitting up straight, looking between Kurt and Dave with her eyes narrowed. Blaine and Rachel had the decency to look slightly embarrassed, but Kurt was smug.

"Well, that just proves my point, doesn't it?" he said with a small, sympathetic smile. "He doesn't even have anything to say for himself. He's just out the door. It's for the best, Dave. Like he said, it was bound to happen sooner or later –"

"No, it wasn't. We've been doing really well, we're happy!"

"Oh, are you going to tell me he's changed?" asked Kurt with disdain.

"He has –"

"He really cares about you?"

"Yes –"

"Don't be naïve, David. You're smarter than that," Kurt urged. "You had to realize he'd do something like this eventually. He's not the kind of guy who sticks around. You're better off –"

"No," Dave growled, causing Kurt to jump. "You're making it sound like he just decided to leave – you pushed him out!"

"I –"

"I'm not done," Dave interrupted. "Seb was being polite, he cooked dinner for all of you, and then you come in here and act like he doesn't even exist! He is my boyfriend. We are in a real relationship, we care about each other, and I'm lucky to be with him. You don't even know him! Everything you brought up – that was years ago. He's not like that anymore!"

Kurt let out a long sigh. "Dave, people don't just change."

"Well, then, I guess I haven't changed either," Dave said coldly. "I wasn't exactly a great person in high school, either – or have you forgotten?" Kurt paled slightly. "I was worse than he ever was! But you've forgiven me, for whatever reason, so now I deserve better, huh? Well that's bullshit, Kurt, and I think you know it." He turned to Blaine and Rachel. "The two of you definitely know it. You guys never thought I was that great." Dave paused, taking a moment to catch his breath. "You know who does think I'm great, though? Sebastian. These past couple of months with him – it's been amazing. I've never been happier." He looked back at Kurt. "You might have noticed that if you'd actually been paying attention instead of making a mental list of reasons you hate him."

"We were just trying to help, to make sure you know there are other guys –"

"I know there are other guys. I dated other guys last year – you knew that. I've been on the dating apps, gone to clubs, gone out with people, and none of them were right." Dave laughed. "That's the worst part. All of this – you coming in here, telling me what I deserve – it all just means you don't trust my judgment. You think I'm too stupid to know whether someone's good for me or not. Well, I've got some news for you: Sebastian is good. And now you've driven him away."

"Dave, I'm sorry, we shouldn't have –" Blaine started.

"No, you shouldn't have," Dave agreed. "Now get out."

"What?" asked Rachel, looking startled.

"You heard me. Leave. You were guests, you came in here, you attacked my boyfriend and you insulted me, and now you're uninvited. Get out of my apartment." Dave softened. "Santana, Jenn, the two of you are welcome to stay with Matt and me. You haven't done anything." He turned coldly back to Kurt, Blaine, and Rachel. "But the three of you have to go. Now."

Rachel and Blaine stood up quietly and started towards the door, but Kurt hesitated. "Dave, please, let me –"

Dave held up his hand, lips pressed together and eyes blazing. "I don't want to hear it."

"If I could just explain –"

"Don't you think you've done enough?"

Kurt held his gaze for a minute before looking down and nodding. "Okay." He quickly followed Blaine and Rachel out the door.

Santana was also standing, and she backed slowly towards the door, a small smile on her face. "Proud of you, Karofsky," she said before turning to follow her friends.

As the door swung shut, Dave collapsed back into his chair, feeling the weight of what had just happened sink onto him as the adrenaline faded. He's gone. Seb's gone. The silence was overwhelming.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Sebastian blindly took another left, walking quickly through the crowd, his head down and his thoughts spinning. He had known the dinner was a bad idea. He'd told Dave. Begged him to cancel. But Dave had insisted, and he'd gone along with it, he'd tried to be nice. He had been on his best behavior, and it still wasn't good enough.

I'm not good enough.

That was the worst part – the sinking feeling that everything they'd said, everything they'd accused him of doing and being, was true. Dave deserved better. He deserved better than – what had Kurt called him? – a self-centered rich boy with daddy issues and a superiority complex? Something like that.

And now, not only was he all of those things: he was the kind of coward who runs away at the first sign of trouble. It's good that I left, he thought. Dave's better off without me.

"Hey, Meerkat, wait up!" Santana? Sebastian spun around to see the Latina striding quickly towards him, pushing through the other pedestrians.

"How did you find me?" he asked in surprise.

"Easy. I can hear your designer shoes clacking down the street from a mile away," she said dismissively. "Anyway, I wanted to tell you Porcelain and his band of hobbits are gone, so it's all clear – you can go back now."

Sebastian let out a bitter laugh. "What, go back so Dave can dump me in person? Sounds like fun, but I'll pass."

"No, go back so you can talk to your boyfriend," said Santana, rolling her eyes in exasperation. "You stormed out before his rousing speech – he said some pretty nice things about you, between the parts where he was yelling at Kurt, Rachel and Blaine and telling them to get the fuck out of his apartment."

"He – really?" Sebastian asked, his eyebrows shooting up.

"Yep," Santana confirmed. "It was too nauseatingly adorable for me to listen – you're going to have to ask the hot roommate or the nerdy girl for a more detailed account." She grimaced. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go harass a homeless person to make sure I don't go into a diabetic coma from all that sweetness."

She pivoted to walk away, but Sebastian quickly reached out and put a hand on her shoulder. "Hey. Santana, I … thanks."

"Don't mention it," she said brusquely. She looked at him for a second, her gaze softening. "You're good for him. He's stronger, more confident, now that he's with you. Don't let the Three Stooges barge in and convince you otherwise."

Sebastian watched as Santana walked off, disappearing into the crowd. He smiled slightly before orienting himself, checking the street signs and walking back towards Dave's place. Maybe he still had a boyfriend, after all.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Dave sat at the kitchen table, head in his hands. Jenn had quietly excused herself shortly after the McKinley group left, but Matt was still nearby, standing in the kitchen, watching his roommate.

"I should've listened to him," Dave said quietly. "I never should've forced him to have this dinner – it was a bad idea. He knew it was a bad idea. God, what was I thinking?"

"You were thinking it would be fun to see your friends," Matt answered. "You couldn't have known they'd attack him like that."

"Yeah, I could've," Dave countered. "Back in high school, Sebastian was … well, you heard what Kurt said. It's true. But they don't know Seb the way I do – they don't know how much he's changed. Hell, they don't know how much I've changed." He sighed heavily. "I should've known better than to put them all in the same room and expect everyone to get along."

"That was more than just 'not getting along,'" Matt pointed out. "It was an ambush."

"God, and I was worried about Sebastian's behavior. I kept telling him to be polite, not to start anything, and they came in here and just –" Dave sank lower in his chair. "Seb must be so pissed. He's probably never going to speak to me again."

A soft, hesitant rap at the door caused Dave to sit up straight. Matt grinned. "I think he'll talk. Want me to get the door, or are you going to?"

Dave stood up slowly, eyes wide. "I can get it."

"Cool. I'll be in my room if you need me," said Matt, leaving the kitchen.

Eying they door apprehensively, Dave took a deep breath then slowly pulled it open. Sebastian stood on the other side, looking smaller than Dave had ever seen him. "Seb," he breathed, the corners of his mouth gradually turning upward into a smile. "You came back."

Sebastian let out a shaky laugh. "You wanted me to?" he asked, looking up hopefully.

"Of course," said Dave, looking stricken. "Come on, Seb, come inside so we can talk." Sebastian silently followed the other boy into the living room. Dave sat down on the couch; Sebastian perched on the edge of the cushion, keeping a palpable space between the two of them, his hands clasped and elbows on his knees. Dave angled towards him and reached out to cover Sebastian's hands with one of his own. "Did you really think I wanted you to leave?"

Sebastian shrugged, his mouth agape, searching for a response. "Well, Kurt made a pretty compelling case against me. And it's not like he had to make stuff up – everything he said about me was true."

"Not everything," Dave argued. "Sure, he was right about the stuff you did in high school, but he was wrong about who you are."

"Sounded about right to me. I'm an arrogant, self-centered prick who definitely doesn't deserve anyone half as good as you," said Sebastian, staring straight ahead. "But none of that should matter to me, because I don't care about other people anyway."

"Seb, look at me. That's ridiculous. You're confident, you're ambitious, but don't think for one second that means you don't care."

"What makes you think I care?" asked Sebastian, his eyes hollow.

Dave laughed incredulously. "You're kidding, right?" Wordlessly, Sebastian shook his head. Dave blinked in surprise. "Okay, well, for one, if you didn't care about me, you wouldn't be here right now. You wouldn't have put so much effort into our first date, at that pizza place, and you wouldn't cover for me every time Professor Robertson catches me off guard in class. You wouldn't sneak out of bed in the mornings to make breakfast for us before I wake up. And you sure as hell wouldn't have cooked a big dinner for a group of people you hate if you didn't care about me an awful lot."

Sebastian had gradually begun to smile as Dave spoke, and the last item on the list drew a quiet laugh. "I told you the dinner was a bad idea."

"Yeah, you did. I should've listened to you," Dave apologized.

Sebastian waved it off. "No, you should be able to have dinner with your friends."

"They're pretty crappy friends if that's the way they're going to act," Dave snorted.

"I think they meant well."

"Okay, are you seriously defending Kurt Hummel right now? After he came in here, ate your tacos, and insulted you to your face?" asked Dave, eyebrows raised.

Sebastian frowned, wrinkling his nose slightly. "Ugh, I think I was. Thank god you stopped me!'

Dave laughed. "Any time."

Sebastian scooted back on the couch, maneuvering until he was leaning against Dave's chest, his head resting against the crook of his neck. "Next time we have them over, can I please include at least one ingredient Rachel's allergic to?"

"You want to invite them over again?"

"How else are we going to prove we're vastly superior human beings?" Sebastian smirked. "So, can we poison them?"

"I'm pretty sure that would be illegal," Dave said, holding back a grin.

"But so worth it," Sebastian said confidently. "No matter – it's probably best you don't know anything about it, anyway. That way, you won't have to testify against me! Forget I said anything."

"Consider it forgotten," said Dave, pulling his boyfriend closer and resting his head against Sebastian's. "Seb? I'm glad you came back."

"Me too," Sebastian whispered.

"Next time you get upset like that, can you maybe avoid leaving in the first place?"

"I'll work on that," Sebastian promised. "I'll try not to run."

"Good. I like it better when you're here."

"So do I, Bear Cub," Sebastian closed his eyes and slowly exhaled, feeling the tension slide out of his body. He still had a boyfriend – a boyfriend who wanted him to stick around. And there's no place I'd rather be. "We've got a lot of 'next times' ahead of us."