Days later, when Wednesday finally arrived, Dave followed Sebastian into the store at the mall. He'd picked Sebastian up, deciding he'd drive since Sebastian was buying him clothes. But he was feeling a little awkward. He hadn't been out in public much since he got out of the hospital. Going to Scandals was one thing but the mall? Sometimes in crowds he still felt like people were staring at him, judging him. Like they knew. He stayed close to Sebastian but also tried not to look like they were 'together'. He didn't want to attract any attention.

Sebastian on the other hand, Dave noticed, was walking like he owned the place. Sauntering, holding his head high, hands in his pockets though like it was a lazy motion. Like he didn't really care.

"You need a shirt that shows off your arms." He remarked, with a glance at Dave.

"Why?" Dave asked, looking down at his arms. He shoved his hands in his pockets, though looking more like a turtle hiding in it's shell than cocky like Sebastian, and flinched away when he saw the guy behind the counter looking at him. He didn't recognize him, but that didn't mean the guy didn't recognize Dave.

"Because they're hot." Sebastia said, casually, and like it was obvious. Dave had big strong arms. He draped a button up, black, over his arm. "Find a light shirt you like, then you can leave this unbuttoned over it." He pointed to the dress shirt, looking at Dave. Then seemed to notice how uncomfortable Dave looked. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Dave said. He glanced over at the guy. He wasn't looking at Dave anymore. "I just. . . Nothing." He started looking through the shirts, hoping Sebastian would stop asking. It was bad enough he was so pathetic he needed help finding a guy, he didn't want Sebastian to think he was scared of being around people, too.

"Try those jeans too." Sebastian added, ignoring the weirdness from Dave again. They were blue jeans with some gold fading, in patchy areas. "Get your size, and one smaller."

"Why smaller?" Dave asked, taking the clothes. They were okay, not really his style, but he trusted Sebastian to tell him what he looked good in.

"Form fitting, Davey. I told you this. As long as they're not too small, it can be good." Sebastian winked. He grabbed a few more things, looking random to Dave. "Plus, different brands and styles fit different. Dressing room. Come on."

"Okay. . ." Dave headed off with Sebastian. A woman let them into the changing rooms and Dave went into a stall. He put on the pair of jeans in his size first, along with he shirt, which he thought was way too small. It was straining over his chest and it clung to his biceps. He stared at himself, frowning some as he pulled the black button up over it, which he wouldn't have been able to button if he wanted to. But at least it went over his shoulders.

Dave came out then and said, "Um. . Okay?"

"Good. . . Good. I like this." Sebastian got close, looking up over analytically then tugged on the shirt. "How do the jeans feel? I don't know if you need a smaller size now that I'm looking at you, lots of my focus is up here." He motioned to Dave's chest.

"I don't know. . ." Dave said. The jeans were the size he usually got but he could tell they were a bit smaller than his usual brand. "But I think the shirt is too tight," he complained. He didn't like the way it clung to his chest and arms.

"No, it's just tight enough." Sebastian argued, getting closer and ran his hand over Dave's chest. "It's one of your hottest attributes. This shows it off. Arms too."

Dave blushed a little as Sebastian pat said arm. "Okay, but what -"

"David?"

Dave turned, startled to hear that voice, one he'd know anywhere.

"Kurt?" he asked, shocked.

Kurt was standing in the entryway to the dressing rooms, Blaine beside him, arms full of clothes. Though he noticed Blaine was giving a very. . Weird look at Sebastian. Dave couldn't figure it out.

"Hey boys." Sebastian purred out. Not removing his hand from Dave's chest. Dave noticed when Sebastian didn't move away. In fact, Dave took a tiny step closer, partially for comfort.

"Hi, guys," Dave said too, feeling a little awkward. "What're you doing?" Stupid. They're shopping.

Kurt glanced at the hand on Dave's chest. "Shopping," he said, his voice sounding a little off. "I wasn't aware you two were, . . acquainted."

"We're very acquainted." Sebastian said, cocking his eyebrows then winked at the other two boys. Dave went pink but before he could say anything.

Blaine blurted out, "Are you guys dating?" Kurt gave him a look, to which Blaine shrugged. 'What'? he mouthed at him. Kurt shook his head, then turned back to Dave and Sebastian, clearly interested in the answer. Dave looked down at Sebastian, unsure of what to say.

"Yep." Sebastian smirked. Dave's eyes widened some and he tensed. Sebastian had answered that very, very quickly.

Dave looked at Kurt, who seemed to be unable to completely process this news. Dave put his hand on Sebastian's hip because, why not, they were pretending, weren't they? Kurt stared at them for a moment.

"Really?" he finally said, voice surprised and not completely pleased.

"Really." Sebastian said, tilting his head forward. Eying the other two boys reaction. Kurt tilted his head up, looking down his nose at the two of them. Mostly Blaine just looked surprised . "We're going out, so thought some new clothes were in order."

"Like on a date?" Kurt asked, voice almost sarcastic. "You don't date," he continued. "You spend twenty minutes in a bar bathroom."

"Hey," Dave spoke up, frowning. "You don't have to be mean." It hurt him to see Kurt talking to someone like that. It was so. . . bullying.

"He did say he was trying to change. ." Blaine pointed out, though not looking at his boyfriend.

Sebastian nodded, then eyed Kurt. "I am. And Dave is a catch. I'm not stupid enough to let him

Dave saw Kurt's jaw clench. He looked pissed. For some reason, they way Kurt was reacting upset him.

"What's your problem?" Dave asked him. "I thought you wanted me to be happy." He'd been hoping for maybe a little jealousy, but that wasn't what this was. At least Dave didn't think so. It felt like Kurt was. . . surprised he had a boyfriend. And that hurt. Clearly, Kurt didn't think he could get one. And why did he have to insult the guy who was with him?

"You're right Dave. We are happy for you." Blaine spoke up, even smiling, then looked at Kurt, expectantly. "Right Kurt?" Kurt shook his head however, turned and walked out. Blaine looked embarrassed and said, "I'm sorry," then hurried after him. Dave deflated a little, unsure of what to make of Kurt's reaction, just that it didn't feel very good. It felt off.

"That. . boy," Sebastian stressed, "Is a mystery to me. He's very weird. Especially when the world suddenly doesn't operate like he thinks it should."

"I don't. . . Know why he was upset," Dave said, voice quiet. "I mean I know you guys don't like each other but I don't like Blaine very much and I don't act like that."

"He hates me. I'm not surprised. I told you it would probably piss him off, didn't I? All I am to him is an evil meerkat who wants to steal his boyfriend." Sebastian tutted. "Seeing me with you probably isn't sitting well with him either."

"Yeah well. . ." Dave didn't like it. He didn't like the way Kurt had talked to Sebastian. "So, what next?" he asked, turning to Sebastian and changing the subject. He wasn't sure why it bothered him so much, and he didn't want to examine it right now.

"We buy you these clothes. So change back. I'm going to try these on." Sebastian indicated his own clothing he was holding. He seemed pretty glad for the subject change, actually. At least he didn't try to drag it on.

"Kay." Dave went back into the room and changed back into his loose clothes. Looking in the mirror, he had to admit, they did make him look heavier. He came out and leaned against the wall to wait for Sebastian. And when he did. . .

Good God.

Sebastian emerged in a red white and blue plaid button up, the top few buttons open, nothing underneath and slightly faded looking fusha pants. That were tight against his hips, but not entirely being flaunted due to the shirt covering some of that. If he'd decided to bend over however. . "What do you think?"

Dave's mouthed dropped open and he was silent for a moment before getting out, "Goddamn." He turned pink and added, "You uh. . . It looks good."

"Perfect." Sebastian grinned. He looked down at himself then nodded. "Think I'll get it." He went back into the stall, changing out of the clothes then came back, in his more casual clothing. "Okay so these, and these." He took the clothes from Dave, then beckoned him to follow with him up to the register.

"Are we still going tonight?" Dave asked as the clothes were rung up.

"Definitely. . . We can go change in the bathrooms and go. You're not trying to back out on me now, are you?"

"No." Dave looked at his feet. Truth be told, he was just nervous as hell. The clothes Sebastian picked for him looked good, but the ones Sebastian got for himself? It made him look so hot. And Sebastian looked hot anyway. It wasn't fair.

"Question.' Sebastian asked, once they were changed and back in Dave's truck, heading off to Scanalds. "Are you not glad Kurt was unhappy?" He asked, raising his eyebrows. "I kind of thought that was the point, you wanted him to not want you in a relationship."

"I. . . Don't know," Dave said slowly. "I mean, if he'd been jealous, that would have been cool I guess. But I don't think he was jealous. And I didn't like the way he talked to you," he added, voice a little quieter.

Sebastian looked over at Dave, head tilted back. "Awwe. . Is Davey trying to look out for me?" He snorted. "Trust me, both Kurt and I have insulted each other on levels higher than that. Like I said, he hates me. I just don't like him."

Dave frowned a little bit. Now he felt stupid for defending Sebastian. "It's not just that," he said, aggressive. "He should know better than to be mean to people."

"Kurt's mean to everyone. I've seen him be rude to Blaine in ways even I didn't expect out of him." Sebastian shook his head. "Like I said, he's a little ice queen. . . No, more like a bratty ice princess." He grumbled, crossing his arms. Pouting.

Dave glanced at Sebastian. "Like you're any better," he said, still feeling defensive. "I mean you're nice to me now, kind of, but I've seen the way you are."

"I know." Sebastian muttered, then huffed. "But I'm trying to change that. I knew I was doing something wrong while I was doing it. Because I didn't care. I don't know if Kurt even realizes it."

". . .Yeah." Dave reached over and put his hand on Sebastian's thigh. He could tell that Sebastian was trying, and he knew form experience that it was a hard habit to break. He still sometimes fell back into being mean.

Sebastian tensed up under Dave's hand. He looked away. But he didn't push Dave's hand off either. "Whatever. It doesn't matter. You can do better than Kurt, I know you can. Until then, just try to enjoy yourself."

"Okay," Dave said, not wanting to argue, not wanting to point out that having sex with strangers wasn't his idea of a good time. He pulled up to Scandals. "Just don't run off to the bathroom with some guy and leave me all alone out there, okay?" Dave asked, tightening his hand slightly on Sebastian's leg.

"I'll try to at least alert you first." Sebastian joked. "And you let me know if you need a condom or two." He patted Dave's hand. "Come on." He told him, getting out of the car once they'd parked. Both of them were able to stroll right in, the doorman knowing their faces. It wasn't packed, but it looked, and sounded, like a usual night in Scandals. Dave headed right for the bar and ordered a beer. He planned on it being his only one of the night, knowing what a depressed drunk he was, but he wanted something to do while he worked up the nerve to talk to people. He ordered Sebastian one, too.

"So?" Sebastian said after a minute passed.

Dave turned and looked around the bar. Not a whole lot of people tonight. And he knew he was supposed to be looking for a guy to hit on but he kept thinking about those pants Sebastian was wearing. . .

"Him," Dave said, nodding his head in the direction of the jukebox. There was a young man there, about their age, though probably early twenties, who was slim and delicate, his sharp hip bones visible above the line of his jeans. He had sandy brown hair and was. . . Not handsome. He was pretty.

Like Kurt.

"Not sure you want that one. He's a screamer. And it doesn't sound sexy. It sounds like a cat being run over." Sebastian said before taking a swing of his beer.

"You and. . . Him. . .? Ugh. Okay." Dave scanned the room again, this time finding a blonde with a little more meat on him. He wasn't exactly Dave's type, but he also seemed like someone he would have things in common with, which is a good thing. "How about him?"

Sebastian looked at the blonde and was shaking his head in a matter of seconds. "Not sure you want him either. First, he's usually a drag queen, surprised he's not in character. Second, his hair? No. Just. No, you can do better. Keep looking."

Dave gave Sebastian an exasperated look. "Okay," he said. He looked around then said, "Oh. Him." He nodded towards a young man he'd noticed before. He didn't want to point him out but Sebastian said he could do better. This guy was better. He had the sort of mouth you only see in porn, plump and pretty. His eyes were a bright green, visible from across the room, and he was slim but athletic.

"He's gorgeous," Dave said quietly.

". . .Yeah I guess." Sebastian ended up saying after way too long, taking another drink.

Dave cocked his eyebrow at Sebastian's tone. "What, haven't slept with him?" he teased. "Come on, he's good, right?" He really wanted Sebastian's approval.

"I haven't actually.""Sebastian admitted. "I guess so. I mean he looks good."

"So. . . I should talk to him. Okay." Dave cleared his throat. "What do I say?" He shook his head and held up his hand though, making Sebastian pause. "No, don't answer that. I'll just. . . Go." He put down his beer and headed over, nervous.

Dave approaced the guy, feeling fluttery. When he got there, before he could open his mouth, the guy said, "Tell your friend I said no."

Dave tilted his head. "Uhm . . What?" he asked, his heart pounding. The guy looked at him and damn, his eyes were pretty.

"Tell your slutty little friend over there I said 'no'. I'm not interested."

Dave bit his lip to keep from getting angry over the way the guy referred to Sebastian. He would have defended him. . . But Sebastian made it clear that he thought that made Dave look dumb. So instead, Dave said, "I'm not talking to you for him. I'm talking to you for me."

The guy turned and eyed Dave. Then a small smile spread across his face. "Okay," he said, tone nicer. "Let's have a drink."

Dave nodded at the bartender, who sent a waitress over to take their drink orders. They sat down at a booth and Dave introduced himself. "I'm Alex," the guy said, shaking Dave's hand. Dave noticed the guy's eyes on his arms and he silently thanked Sebastian for buying the shirt. Apparently he was right.

Dave sipped at his beer, while chatting with Alex. The guy was funny and charming, and did indeed like sports. He and Dave spent twenty minutes talking about hockey. They supported different teams and joked about it, playfully arguing. He actually kind of liked this guy. He was like someone Dave could see himself hanging out with on a regular basis. Going to games, watching them together from home, going to movies, playing video games or just. . Guy stuff. Dave glanced at Sebastian and- What? Sebastian looked almost upset. Brooding over on his stool. Was he doing something wrong? Dave turned back to Alex because he thought everything was going great, and decided to ignore Sebastian. What did he know? Dave was doing this right. Maybe he just didn't like that Dave was proving him wrong, he really was ready. But then, shouldn't Sebastian be proud of him then? He was the teacher, after all.

Dave was laughing at something Alex had said then noticed Alex making a face at something. Dave turned to look, out onto the dance floor- only to see Sebastian grinding with some guy. Some cute, smiley, little guy. Dave felt his chest go tight, and he swallowed as he turned back to Alex. "Hey," he said, voice a little more on edge. "Wanna dance?"

Alex broke in a blindingly pretty grin and said, "Hell yeah!"

Dave took his hand and led him onto the dance floor, surprised by that reaction. It was a distraction from Sebastian at least. This guy liked him that much? Really? Dave wrapped his arm around Alex's waist, noting how lean he was. Alex was on him right away, grinding and sliding his hands into Dave's hair. Dave shivered and leaned into it because. . . This was the point, wasn't it? Getting laid. And besides, Dave was actually having fun, dancing with Alex. He was a good dancer. It was sexy, the air around them warm, until they turned and - Oh. It felt like he'd been slammed in the chest when he saw Sebastian kissing that guy. Making out with him so. . Blatantly, in front of everyone. He knew it showed on his face when Alex sighed.

"I should have known," he said softly.

Dave looked down at him. "What?"

Alex smiled sadly. "Do you have a thing for that guy? I've seen him around. He fucks anything he can get his hands on and then leaves before the guy can get his pants on. Trust me, you're much better off dancing with me."

Dave was about to try and argue that, but then Dave glanced up at Sebastian just in time to see him start off toward the bathroom with the guy he was dancing with. Dave set his jaw, nostrils flaring, and then looked at Alex.

"You know what? You're right," he said, and then kissed him. Alex melted into it right away, arms going up around Dave's neck. But. . Dave pulled back from the kiss before too long. It didn't feel right.

Alex must have seen the look on his face because he said, "It's okay. I get it. Why don't we get another beer and talk about hockey some more?"

Dave grinned. "Sounds great." He glanced around but. . . Sebastian was gone. Probably in the bathroom, that guy on his knees in front of him. Or. . Bent over a toilet. It hurt to think about, so Dave tried not to think about it. He just let himself fall back into comfortable conversation with Alex instead.

Dave and Alex had fun talking for the next half hour, and even exchanged numbers, with Alex telling him that if he was ever interested in anything more than friendship, he'd be interested too.

Dave looked over to the bar and. . There was Sebastian. And that other guy. Sebastian was saying something, looking unimpressed, which followed with the guy taking a step back. Looking hurt. Dave narrowed his eyes. What the hell was Sebastian doing? He got up, going over there to sit down next to him, a hollow feeling opening up in his chest. "Hi," he said voice a little rough.

The look Sebastian's little 'friend' gave him was pure venom. "Have fun with your friend," He spat, then was stalking away.

"Hey. You're still here? Where's your new man?" Sebastian ignored the other guy entirely, just looking at Dave.

"He left,' Dave said, watching the guy walk away. He bit his lip. "You uh. . . Have fun?" he asked, watching the guy as he went back to his friends, who seemed to be giving him a mixture of sympathy and 'I told you so'.

Sebastian shrugged, non-comitted. "He blew me. Took forever to get me off, should have just let him do it without the condom in the way with his skill. Or lack there of. Then I just jerked him off against the stall door. Took less than five minutes for him to come." Sebastian sat up some more, tilting his beer back and forth. Dave gripped his beer hard. He'd. . . He'd actually. . . Sebastian carried on. "Why did your guy leave? I saw you two getting cosy then getting hot right after. What happened?"

"He was nice but I wasn't into him. Not really." God, he was so stupid. For a minute there he'd been thinking. . . but no. Sebastian had made it clear from the beginning. If Sebastian had any feelings or real interest in him at all, he wouldn't have gone into the bathroom with that guy, would he?

"So?" Sebastian stared at Dave. "I wasn't into mine either. Thought I told you to have some fun."

Sebastian was sounding more playful again, even nudging at Dave. It just made it worse. It didn't mean anything to him. And neither did Dave. "I'm not like you," Dave snapped. He drained his beer, then slammed it down on the bar."Can we go, or do you need to find another guy to fuck?"

"Someone's all pent up. Even after the weekend?" Sebastian teased him, laughing. "I don't need to find someone to fuck. But if you do, I'm avaliable." He put his hand on Dave's thigh, leaning in close.

It was like he'd punched Dave in the gut. That was the last thing he wanted to hear. Dave clenched his hand on the empty bottle to keep from shoving Sebastian's hand off. "I just want to go home and get some sleep," he said firmly. "So, let's go. I have to take you home first." He didn't want Sebastian to come home with him, couldn't sleep next to him while he smelled like another guy.

Sebastian sighed. Lifting his hand. "Look. Really. What are you pouting about? You did good. You probably could have gotten him if you. . were into him. And he was hot. Really hot." Sebastian grumbled the last bit. "So what's wrong?"

Dave stared at him for a long moment. What was wrong? Dave could admit to himself now that he was starting to have feelings for Sebastian. And some part of him had been hoping that Sebastian would return them. But he won't. And it was Kurt all over again.

Dave shook his head. "Nothing," he said cooly. "I just don't feel like having sex with you right after you fucked around with some other guy. Sue me."

"I wasn't even going to do it but I saw you with your guy. . I don't know." He shrugged. "Fair game."

"I thought that was the point," Dave said. "Getting some experience with guys. Why would that have anything to do with you?" The bartender placed another beer in front of him and Dave started drinking it, not even caring that he might get drunk.

"It was- is. It is the point." Sebastian shook his head, leaning back. He watched Dave drinking another beer, but said nothing about it. "But when I saw you and him kiss I was. I uh. . ." He paused. Sebastian looked uncomfortable, which was new to Dave. Mostly. The only time he got that expression was when Dave had asked about the ex-boyfriend. "I thought fooling around with that guy would make me feel better. And. It didn't."

Dave looked at him suspiciously. It sounded like. . . But that couldn't be it. Could it? "What do you mean, feel better?" Dave asked slowly. He knew he was about to get hurt again. But he couldn't help but ask.

Sebastian took a deep breath. "I didn't want to ruin your shot with him, but I kind of wanted to at the same time. So I sort of. . used the guy I was dancing with as a distraction."

Dave turned fully to face him. "Why would you want to do that?" he asked, feeling a little betrayed. "I thought you wanted to help me." Was Sebastian just messing with him?

"I do." Sebastian nodded. "But I didn't want you to kiss him."

Dave scooted closer, to the edge of his bar stool. "Why?" he asked. Something was fluttering all hopeful in his chest and he tried to tamp it down, knowing that if he gave into it, it would hurt more when Sebastian made him feel like a lovesick idiot again.

"Because." That wasn't an answer. It made Dave frown. Sebastian looked away, out into the bar, like he couldn't look at Dave when he said it. ". .I wanted you to kiss me instead. Because. I think I actually like you. In more than just a friendly way." He added, softly.

Dave froze. He was sure he'd heard him wrong. Dave glanced over at the guy Sebastian had been with. He seemed. . . upset. Dave felt bad for him but. . . Had Sebastian really said that? Dave wasn't sure what to say. He wasn't sure he believed it. But. . . Oh god, it was hard to tell in this light but, was he blushing? Sebastian? Blushing? Holy hell, he was!

" . . .Your place is closer than mine," Dave said slowly, to break the awkward silence. "And this is like my fourth beer. I probably shouldn't drive very far." He hesitated then said, "Wanna get out of here?"

Sebastian looked back to Dave, then smirked. Looking more like himself. Except his cheeks still looked dark. "My place it is." He nodded. "Give me your keys and let's get going."

Dave stood and handed his keys to Sebastian. He wasn't sure that what he was doing was a good idea. He knew it could very easily blow up in his face. Sebastian could be using him again. Lying. But. . . He liked Sebastian. He did. And maybe they could have something. If Sebastian meant what he'd said. Dave wanted so much to believe him. And if Sebastian really was telling the truth, Dave couldn't pass up this chance.

No way.