Dinner is quite the event. Rachel and Wes are talking almost nonstop, trying to micromanage our schedules for tomorrow. But really, how can you plan out a day at an amusement park with this many people involved. David is lamenting his displeasure at spinning rides, he gets motion sickness. Mercedes doesn't like roller coasters. Tina doesn't do water rides but Mike wants to go to the water park instead. Finn is trying to convince everyone that it would be a good idea to race go carts. We have a whole week, so why plan so much at one time.

Me, I've been here before so I'm just sitting back. Eating and observing.

This isn't my event.

I'm just here.

From my vantage point I can hear and see Sebastian getting very excited as he talks about New York, his wishes for when he gets to the city.  Blaine and Thad are throwing in ideas as well, since Blaine won't be that far away when he ends up at NYU next year.  Thad seems to be pushing hard for he and Sebastian to be roommates.

I lock eyes with Hunter as all of these conversations swirl around me. He raises an eyebrow at me, sipping casually on his drink. I'm still very unsure if I will be in New York or Los Angeles come the fall and he knows it. The offer from UCLA is honestly more lucrative and beneficial for me, for my future when you really think about it. Full tuition paid plus stipends for books, room and board. They're basically trying to pay me to attend their school, that is how much they want me in the program.  He knows all of this and he is pleading, begging me with his eyes to come with him.

To be with him.

To choose him.

Honestly it is quite the intriguing offer.

Because I can picture it entirely in my head already.  Living off campus in a cute little beachside bungalow.  Flip flops and sunglasses all the time. The sun bringing out the natural red highlights in my hair, giving me a coppery glow. Hunter's skin darkening in a tan like it did when he was in Florida. His hair getting a bronzy tinge, perfectly complimenting his green eyes.

In a word, paradise.

Living beachside has always been a dream of mine. And it is there, a fingertips length away. Just within my grasp if I wish to reach for it.

A touch on my right arm shakes me out of my daydreams.  I glance to my right to see Quinn and Santana looking at me expectantly.  Brittney is happily munching on her fries occasionally glancing my way as well.  I blink a few times, blush growing on my face. "Um, wha??"  Quinn shakes her head while Brittney giggles behind her hands.  Santana looks perturbed with me.  "Water Sprite we asked if you wanted to go around with us tomorrow.  But you were too busy gazing off into the distance and eyefucking your dance partner to notice anything else.  Do I need to take out the razor blades?"

I'm shocked.

Puck and Hunter are snickering at me from across the table. I could slap them both right now because it is my life on the line with these girls. "I was not eye..." Realizing how loud I'm speaking I lower my voice some and start again, "I was not eyefucking him. I was thinking about something and just happened to be looking in Hunter's direction."  Brittney blinks her pretty blue eyes at me, so innocently.  "What were you thinking about Shanny?"

I sigh.

"Nothing really. Random thoughts.  Next year. The future. College plans. The beach..."

My eyes momentarily flicker from Brittney to Hunter. So quickly that it would be easier to see the individual wing beats of a hummingbird than my action. The girls don't catch it but he certainly does. At the mention of beach Hunter's moss green eyes take on a new glow.

He knows what I mean even if they don't.

I shake my head, shaking away those thoughts.  "But anyway, of course I'll go around with you girls tomorrow.  I've been here before so I know all the tricks.  Plus if it's warm enough we can stop at the beach at the lake right outside the hotel before the day ends." The three girls are very excited about that idea.

I find myself breathing easier as they go back to their own conversations. The rest of dinner goes off without a hitch until everyone starts ordering desserts. Sebastian gets us this absolutely decadent looking chocolate sundae loaded with nuts, whipped topping and a cherry to share.  He's got a giddy grin on his face as he hands me my spoon. I can't help but smile in return. Seb's just so adorable.

Hunter also ordered a sundae, although a much smaller. With fresh strawberry topping and whipped cream. He lifts the cherry by its stem off the top and my hand moves upon its own accord, arm stretching across the table as he passes the offending maraschino cherry to me. Softly I murmur across the table as I pull my hand back, "Hunt, you really need to start telling them not to give you one of these." He shrugs and picks up his spoon, "Why Shann? You've never complained before."

It isn't until the cherry is in my mouth and Hunter is taking a bite of his ice cream do people start saying things.

"Clarington, what the hell was that?"

"Water Sprite explain or I swear I'm grabbing them..."

"Belle??"

I pick up my own spoon, lowering my eyes to the dessert Sebastian got for us to share.  I can feel the eyes of everyone at the table on me.  Sebastian puts his arm over my shoulder, kisses my temple and whispers softly in my ear, "You up for telling them Princess??"  I give a small shake of my head as I set my spoon down.  In a small voice all I say towards the table of our friends is he doesn't like maraschino cherries.

Blaine looks at me with a raised eyebrow before switching his glare to Hunter seated beside him. "Guys that was like a well practiced action. What is up with you and my cousin, Clarington?" A flash of panic must flicker through my eyes because Hunter is quick with a logical response. "Chill you guys. It's nothing. We dance together, it's exhausting so sometimes we get lunch afterwards to decompress. There is a diner within waking distance from the studio. I have a penchant for milkshakes. And I hate when they put cherries on them. I got sick of her complaining about wasting them, so I just give them to her if she's there. No biggie."

"I don't complain..."

He just gives me a smirk as he picks back up his spoon.  Blaine laughs, "That sounds like my cousin to me."

I'm pouting now as I eat my dessert.  Sebastian squeezes my shoulder, side hug while we're still seated at the table.  "That's okay Pretty Girl. I don't think you complain.  I think you're completely adorable."  I can catch Hunter bristling at Sebastian's comment, he wasn't trying to insult me, just trying to find a way to explain our actions without stating the obvious.

We're dating.  Have been for a while, secretly at least.  That we may be more familiar with each other's bodies than Sebastian and I are.  Because even before we started having sex we had to study each other's movements.  Dancing will do that to you.

But I can never say that.  Not here.  Not now.

I'm surprised our friends are so naive about all of this.  Hunter and I are much more comfortable around each other than we let on.

He makes everything so easy but having to hide things is exhausting.

I yawn.  Dinner is basically finished.  Sebastian notices and immediately rises from his seat, grabbing my hand to pull me up with him. "I think that's our cue to call it a night. Come on Love, I'll walk you back to your room." You nod up sleepily to him and allow him to lead me out of the restaurant. Our friends follow behind at their own pace. Brittney rushes ahead of us to unlock the door, I didn't bring along my key card.

The door is open when we reach it, the shower already running. Sebastian stops at my door, pulling me tightly into his arms. He leans his forehead against mine, "Princess, that was really close. Are you sure you don't want just me?" I raise on my tip toes and kiss him sweetly. He tightens his grip on me, deepening our kiss. My voice is breathy when I speak, "Bastian, I love you. We have now, we can think about the future later." He sighs and steps back into the hallway. One more squeeze of my hands and a whisper of but I want forever too and he is walking towards his room.

I feel horrid as I close the door. Quickly I change into pajamas before Brittney finishes her shower. I'm trying to plan a first day amusement park outfit when there is a small knock on the door.

I'm confused as I go to open it. A very nervous looking Hunter is standing on the other side. "I'm sorry I almost blew our cover Angel." I grab his hand and give him a soft, quick kiss on his lips. "It's okay Hunt, we just need to be more cautious, especially this week." He nods at me squeezing my hand again, one more kiss. Quick, small, soft but nevertheless full of as much passion as he can muster in this instant.

"Sleep well Angel. I'll see you in the morning."

And then he is off to his room.

I shut the door and turn around, just as Brittney emerges from the bathroom in her pajamas.

That was super close...

A/N: Feeling like this right now. Bet a lot of you are too.