Spoilers up to Hold on to Sixteen.

thanks to courtnialovin and Lupin111 for betaing.

Blaine Anderson had been an ever lingering presence in the Dalton Academy hallways, long before Sebastian joined the Warblers.

At first it was frustrating, having every action he took being measured against the apparently unreachable stature of Blaine's legend.

Sebastian was never one to take second place. He wanted the spotlight, he craved the attention that he knew he deserved. And having the ghost of the former soloist breathing down his neck at every turn had been annoying to the nth degree.

When he had joined them, the Warblers were like a pack of chickens with their heads cut off, blindly stumbling about in the last precious moments before death. Sebastian had taken that unruly, leaderless mass and started molding it into something magnificent, resembling its former glory. But still, all his best efforts were met with a wall of "Blaine used to say that" and "Blaine would do that." They literally worshipped the ground Anderson walked on. But Sebastian was not about to let them linger in the past.

So, when he had first laid eyes on the dark haired boy, who was watching them perform quietly, he did not immediately realize it was the same person. Maybe he had expected Blaine would be 15 feet tall, with a force field around him and the ability to make people weep and bent at his will just by looking at him or something. He had walked up to him, looking him straight in the eye and pulled him into their perfectly synchronized performance, not out of knowledge of who Blaine was, but just because he thought the guy was hot, honestly. It was later that he noticed how the rest of the group was watching Blaine intently, with their eyes lit up like Christmas lights. By the time Nick wrapped up Uptown Girl, he had caught up.

And what a happy coincidence that he did.

He managed to get Blaine away from the others with little effort. Rather quickly he realized that a simple "I want to fuck you against my dorm room wall" wouldn't suffice in this case. Blaine needed to be won, wooed even. It was a nice change.

It wasn't that Blaine was not interested. He clearly was. Sebastian would be surprised if he wasn't, anyway. But something seemed to hold him back. So then came the confession about having a boyfriend, and then came the actual boyfriend, who looked at Sebastian like he was the most disgusting thing to ever grace the bottom of his fashionable boots, and Sebastian knew this was going to be even more of a challenge than he had expected.

Kurt was intimidated by Sebastian's presence, as he should be. He kept clutching at Blaine's arm, trying to engage him in conversation away from Sebastian, and twirling him out of reach on the dance floor at Scandals, a few days later. If it came to that, Sebastian was sure Kurt might start pissing around the corners to stake his claim. His fear was delicious, and it made Sebastian want Blaine even more.

Soon he found himself organizing a plan. Not only was he going to have Blaine, but he was also going to make him come back to Dalton, where he belonged. There was no point antagonizing the memory of him, when he could have the real thing with him as the perfect arm candy and trophy. Together they could rule the Warblers, just like Sebastian was supposed to be doing ever since he joined.

And maybe ruin one of New Directions' founding members' heart in the process.

He cornered Nick, Jeff and Thad that morning, and filled them in on his plan. He was sure they would pass the message on. They seemed reluctant at first. Sebastian suspected guilt wasn't the only thing holding Nick back. He clearly enjoined the opportunities for solos, now that Blaine was gone.

"Do you want to win nationals this year or not?"

"Of course we do." Nick admitted.

"Then we need Blaine. There's no way around it."

"But… he's happy where he is. With Kurt."

"He'll be happier here. He said he missed Dalton every day."

"He did?" Thad asked, with a hand clutching his chest and sighing, honest to god sighing, like a lovestruck 12 year old.

"Yes. So, what I need now, is all the information you can get. On Blaine, McKinley and the boyfriend."

"How are you even sure you're going to get him away from Kurt?" Jeff asked, almost angry. "They're in love." Oh. So, Sebastian had to fight against the nay sayers and the Hummel worshippers alike. Great.

Sebastian stifled a snort. "Kurt Hummel? Not exactly a challenge."

Step 1: Get to know him-

or how to awe and amaze without getting friend zoned.

First order of business was getting to actually see Blaine on a regular basis. Which was about to prove difficult, with Kurt stalking like a faithful guarddog at his side all hours of the day.

The night at Scandals was a failure. Kurt had wedged himself in between them and occupied Blaine's attention most of the night.

Sebastian was mildly impressed. He never would have thought the kid had it in him.

So, he attended West Side Story. That proved wise and useful on a whole different level as it gave him the chance to spy on the competition. Because unhealthy obsession with Blaine aside, Sebastian was still the self proclaimed leader of the Warblers, and checking out New Directions' goods had been in his itinerary for a long time.

There was some talent there. That overdramatic Maria had a decent voice, and Anita was ok he guessed. She had copious amounts of sex appeal, which Sebastian could appreciate since it was a shared trait with him, but still. Most attendees at show choir competitions were either straight women or gay men. There was no reason to be worried that a foxy brunette would be more of a hit than an all boys a capella group. Hummel had some talent too, difficult as it was for him to admit. But all in all, the whole production had been one miserable attempt at second class, just like he had expected. With their meager budget, their cheap costumes and even cheaper staging, it was almost endearing that they tried so hard.

And then there was the matter of Blaine. Sexy, bashful, amazing Blaine, who proved easily that the rumors of him singing like a dream were utterly true. Sebastian couldn't tear his gaze away. The thought that Kurt was probably somewhere backstage shooting daggers at him made a smirk grace Sebastian's face through the whole thing.

If it wasn't clear before, after watching the show it was evident that Blaine belonged back at Dalton with him. Where he could shine, second only to Sebastian of course, and away from those hick town corn bread Lima losers.

He managed to talk to Blaine after the show for a whole 2 minutes before the swirling buzzing crowd of New Directions pulled him away. In that time he only had the opportunity to extract Blaine's email address and facebook profile. It was as if Blaine was worried that his precious little boyfriend would be beyond upset if he gave Sebastian his phone number. It was kind of cute, in an annoying way. Sebastian already had his phone number of course, provided by the ever helpful Warblers, but he was not going to use it unless Blaine gave it to him himself. Can't afford to come off as too much of a stalker.

They talked a bit on Facebook and on one memorable instance on Skype for about two weeks or so, until Blaine disappeared from the face of digital Earth.

Fucking bastard had blocked him.

So Sebastian started hanging around that god-awful Lima Bean more than he would ever want in his life. And surprise surprise, the next time he spotted Blaine, Kurt was at his side.

He made his way to their table anyway. Kurt had finally let his holier than though Grace Kelly persona slip, as he told Sebastian what was on his mind.

"I don't like you. I don't like the way you talk to my boyfriend. I don't like your smirky little meerkat face. I don't like your obnoxious CW hair."

And "You smell like Craig's List."

Sebastian had almost found that last snark kind of smart.

Kurt had probably picked it up from the Internet.

At least the gloves had come off. He was more than ready for a showdown.

Next time he saw Blaine, the boy was blessedly alone.

"So how about that phone number?" he asked after 10 whole minutes of unnecessary chit chat.

Blaine was nothing but a gentleman. "I'm not sure that's a very good idea."

"Oh come on. Doesn't that leash Hummel's got on you itch any time?"

Blaine's eyes shone with an angry gleam, even though his polite smile hardly failed. "There is no leash. I can do whatever I want."

"Then why not give me your number? I swear my intentions are good. Very, very good." He gave Blaine a sultry smile, one that he had practiced in the mirror many times growing up, one that was challenging and fetching at the same time, the one that never failed to get him laid.

Blaine smirked back, before he caught himself and faintly blushed, like he was embarrassed at what he was doing.

Sebastian loved that about him. Because where as the happily married couple appeared boring and domesticated beyond repair when together, there was a clear distinction between them. That virginal nun-like Hummel kid, with his back ramrod straight and that expression like he had something up his ass- and not at all in the good way- was no match for what Sebastian could spy lurking behind Blaine's preppy exterior and ridiculous bowties. Where Kurt was cold, Blaine had something dark and raw waiting to be unleashed, waiting for Sebastian to coax it out, to bring it to the light with grabbing hands and carefully placed touches and intense kisses. Blaine had passion.

"Fine." Blaine said after a minute, grabbing Sebastian's cell. He looked up from long eyelashes and smiled almost secretively once he gave it back. "Don't call me with inappropriate offers at 2 am."

"I'll do my best. Cross my heart."

He had to change tactics.

He had to take advantage of what he knew. Blaine was extremely friendly. He couldn't help it. He had good manners and a kind heart. He would always help someone in need, even if he was suspicious against them.

Sebastian waited a couple of days, before setting the plan in motion.

Blaine picked up at the third ring.

"Hello?" he sounded distracted. Sebastian could hear a characteristic high voice whining in the background. It sounded like he had interrupted a make out session.

Good.

"Blaine, it's Sebastian. I…" he paused for dramatic effect, doing his best to sound awkward and intimidated. "I was wondering if we could meet. I have to talk to you."

"Is everything ok?" came the reply quickly.

"Well… no. Not exactly." Sebastian sighed pointedly. "I need your advice on something. Blaine… please. Could you meet me at the Lima Bean this afternoon? Please?"

"Sure, of course…" He hesitated. "What is this about?"

"I can't really tell you over the phone. Just.. I wouldn't bother you if it wasn't important. Please?"

"Yes, yes, ok. I'll see you there."

He disconnected the call with a sense of achievement. It was very important to keep coming back to familiar places for Blaine and Kurt, just like the Lima Bean. That way, he knew, soon those places wouldn't be "theirs". Blaine will have different, hopefully better memories of him being there with Sebastian when this was all over.

He quickly made up some ridiculous story about the Warblers on his way there. How Sebastian was not fitting in, how he couldn't seem to gain their respect, how he had to fight tooth and claw to get some attention, and only Blaine was in a position to help him cope with this cruel cruel world.

Blaine had listened attentively over a steaming cup of coffee. He had looked earnest and understanding and like he was trying his best to help.

Soon enough, Sebastian stopped pretending, and started talking about the reality of his situation. Blaine's fierce hazel eyes were able to draw up all kinds of insecurities he didn't know he had. He really had trouble adjusting at Dalton. He just never in a million year thought he would be talking about it.

"Their archaic rituals and protocols aside, they're just like vultures fighting over the last piece of meat. You should have seen how they acted when Trent grabbed that gavel. It was like he was demanding the right to rule England or something."

Blaine smiled/chocked on his gulp. "It's fake."

"What?" Sebastian asked confused.

"The gavel. Wes took it home with him after graduation last year, and replaced it with a fake. He has it on a specially designed wooden pedestal in his dorm room at Eaton. It's pretty scary."

Sebastian laughed, a loud throaty laugh that he hadn't heard from himself in a long time. "That's even worse. A fake symbol of power, controlling the lives of us commoners with an iron grip."

Blaine smiled, and kept quiet. He had a nice smile. A little too big and honest, but bright and heart warming.

"So how is life at the glorious McKinley High? Is public school as horrifying as they make it out to be?"

"You've never been to public school?"

"Never had to." Sebastian shrugged.

"Well. It's… ok I guess. Honestly it could be really worse." He sounded like he was speaking from experience.

"But it's no Dalton?"

"Definitely not. And not only because of the absence of creepy attachment to wooden artifacts. The people there, in New Directions… They're very… unique. They have learned to fight to have their voice heard, and things can get a little intense. Which I guess isn't that much different than Dalton anymore, from what you're telling me."

"So they are not the warm welcoming family you always dreamed of?" Sebastian asked playfully.

"No." Blaine let out a little laugh. "But, we're getting there. I think."

"What about bullying?"

Blaine looked at him with a mixture of surprise and confusion.

"No wedgies, no swirlies, nothing?"

"I thought you never went to public school."

"I watch teen TV."

"Ah." Blaine gave that little laugh again. Sebastian couldn't get enough of it. "Well, yes, all those things do exist. And slushies. Slushies to the face are apparently the worse."

"I bet you and Kurt get a lot of vicious looks. Especially Kurt, with the way he is." He quickly rectified his statement, because Blaine seemed about ready to turn into the invincible Hulk at the dig towards his boyfriend. "I mean, that in a school like that, an out gay couple must be about their worst nightmare."

"I guess. But it's just some whispers in the hallways. Nothing we can't handle." And Blaine was back to little tight smiles and suspicious gazes.

Sebastian of course already knew about Blaine's history. He knew that Blaine had to transfer to Dalton, with its zero tolerance for bullying, because things had gotten too hard at his former school. And since he was counting on praising the many merits of Dalton, the fact that Blaine was not having a hard time in public school was a setback he had not foreseen.

Didn't matter. He had many more tricks up his sleeve.

In their next coffee dates Sebastian had to find that elusive balance between non threatening and flirty. Because of course he needed Blaine to start trusting him, but he was not about to slide in to friend zone, thank you very much.

So he made sure to make lots of compliments and suggestive dialogue, while keeping it PG and easy. It wasn't hard to come up with any of it, when every time he saw Blaine the urge to feel that body writhing beneath him or sitting heavily on top of him, or many many other combinations that his mind helpfully provided increased. And the list kept growing. He even managed to bypass a few light insults to Kurt here and there. Those weren't hard to come up with either.

Step 2: Prey on weaknesses or

how the cold hand of the law extends to the innocent too.

Blaine considers himself a level headed person.

Sure, a few drinks never fail to have him lose his inhibitions, and he had lost his temper with Finn a few days ago (which in retrospect was only proof as to how infuriated he was considering Finn looks and sometimes acts like Goofy) and maybe he had been a little creeped out when Rachel suggested she hold a pillow over his head so he could get Tony's death scene right, but all in all he's been the perfect image of stoic calmness since he came to this school.

But when Sue Sylvester barges down towards you during lunch period, "calm" is definitely not the word that comes to mind.

"Me?" he looks around at hallway, crowded with cheerleaders in their status symbol uniforms, hoping against all hope that she had been calling to someone else.

"Yes, you, Ankles. Now get a move on. I want that trophy in my office, stat."

Blaine doesn't understand why she doesn't ask one of her damn cheerios to do it, but he picks up the trophy none the less, with the help of a blonde cheerleader. They haul into Sylvester's office, and it's the heaviest goddamn thing he's ever had to carry in his life. His biceps are killing him by the time they finally dispose of it- after coach Sylvester has changed her mind 50 times about where she wants it to go.

But his mind is too busy making up scary scenarios for him to really care. He knew this day was coming, he just did. He had slipped under the bullies' radar for far too long, and now their over queen was preparing to strike.

"Off you go then." She says distractedly, while he's sitting there waiting for the blow that doesn't come.

"That's it?" he can't help but gape like an idiot.

"What you want a gold star?"

"No just… aren't you going to insult me?" he cringes at how stupid that sounded as soon as it leaves his mouth. "I mean, you called me into your office and… I thought that's what you wanted to do." Yeah, like that sounds much better Anderson.

Sue Sylvester looks at him like she's clearly questioning his sanity. Blaine doesn't blame her.

"I called you here because I needed someone to carry the trophy for me and apparently some of my cheerios have been buying into the whole "3 meals a day" health crap and are starting to look more fitted for the football players to toss around on the field than performing jaw dropping acrobatics on my team - Madeleine" she looks pointedly at the cheerleader clutching her chest and trying to catch her breath "and you were the only thing around resembling a male. Plus I wanted to see if breaking a sweat would make that thing on your head extra shiny. But I had no grant scheme to insult you, since I have no idea who you are."

Blaine blinks. Then he blinks again. "I'm Blaine Anderson. I transferred here at the beginning of term?" She shows no sign of recognition. "I'm Kurt's boyfriend." He says finally, knowing that's the only way most people know him at McKinley.

She cringes. "Well that gave me some graphic mental images I never wanted…" She looks at him, weighing and assessing him. "Are you in Glee Club?" her voice drops at a horrifying drawl.

"Yes."

"Fine." She sighs. "I'm going to have to make a folder for you…?" she looks at him expectantly, snapping her fingers, while she pulls out a blank folder from somewhere on her desk.

"Blaine Anderson."

"Right." She scribbles the name quickly on the front of the folder. "I don't like reusing my caustic remarks and you're going to be a challenge, little Will Schuester lookalike." She adds skeptically while putting the folder on top of a high stash. Blaine spies Artie's name under his.

"Do you have a folder for everyone in Glee?"

"Of course Freda." He stares blankly until she explains. "Freda Kahlo. Because of the eyebrows." She clicks her tongue disapprovingly and opens the file with his name on it. "Yeah that was terrible. You see that's why I have to keep the folders!"

"Can I go now?"

She looks up at him, like she had forgotten his existence. "Yes, you're boring me. I'll have something ready by Monday." She almost looks.. accommodating.

As he makes his way out of her office, feeling relieved and a little stupid, he becomes the unsuspecting victim of a biting cold attack. He's had his share of humiliating experiences but a slushee to the face definitely comes close to the top. He is so shocked he barely registers the second slushee being poured over his head until he feels the slimy liquid making its way into his butt crack and all the way down his legs to his sockless feet and shoes.

"Welcome to public school preppy!"

He doesn't know the name of the guy that did this to him. They've never even spoken to each other before now. And as the corn syrup is burning his eyes and the embarrassment is making his face turn red even through the cold he is wondering what he's done to deserve this. Is it his relationship with Kurt? Is it the clothes, even though he stopped wearing his beloved bowties after Santana made fun of him for them? Or is it just something else entirely, something in his small posture and the way he looks that will always make him a target for ridicule?

A warm hand is in his and he follows the lead to wherever it's taking him. Water is being poured over his head and goddamnit he doesn't even have any gel here, how is he going to survive the rest of the day with his hair looking like a bird's nest? Maybe he can borrow some of Kurt's product. Yeah that could work. Kurt probably has a set of spare clothes as well in his locker, just in case.

It's the injustice of knowing that Kurt had to go through this before, that he was here on his own, his prized clothing ruined and his pride trampled on that makes anger take over from his embarrassment. His Fight Club instincts are kicking in and he's one step away from going all Eduard Norton on every single jackass at this school. If he can beat Thad he sure as hell can rip a new one for that stupid guy with the mullet. He's so angry than he's ready to take up anyone really.

Let Sue Sylvester use that stupid folder come Monday.

Well. Not that he'd ever hit a woman.

Especially one he's seen falcon punching her way into knocking out state representative's spouses.

God, he's a bit fucked in the head isn't he?

"I find fueling my anger into my singing to be very sufficient." Rachel's voice says somewhere beyond his still closed eyelids. "I'm sure you can find some emotionally charged Katy Perry songs out there. You can open your eyes now."

Blaine blinks his eyes hesitantly open and finally takes in his surroundings. He's pretty sure he's in the girls' bathroom. Rachel has him seated on a chair that for reasons unknown is there, and is sitting on his lap smiling sympathetically down at him.

"I've texted Kurt, he should be on his way."

Blaine groans. "I really wish you hadn't done that Rachel." Part of him doesn't want Kurt to see him like this. He's been projecting this knight in shining armor image ever since they met, and it has been cracking very fast recently. But another part of him just really wants Kurt there, so he can whine childishly at him until Kurt agrees to skip class and go make out somewhere.

"You can cry if you want you know. Even Noah was close to tears the first time he got slushied."

Blaine lets out a bitter laugh. "I don't feel like crying right now, don't worry."

"Well good."

"How do you do you guys do this? How can you stand it?"

She seems to contemplate for a while. "You just have to remember you're better than them I guess. And that they'll only be a footnote on your celebrity autobiography in the future." She concludes very solemnly. Blaine attempts a smile for her sake.

The door opens and a very upset Kurt walks in. It's only a few seconds before Kurt recollects himself and is the very picture for assuring and collected, but it's there, and it makes Blaine want to crawl in his arms and never leave.

"I better be going, since you're in good hands now." Rachel gets up and leaves with a slight nod of acknowledgement Kurt's way.

Kurt sighs heavily and takes her place quickly. His weight feels right and more than welcome on top of him.

"I should have known this would happen." He takes up the wet cloth Rachel left behind and starts passing it lightly over Blaine's face, even though it's barely necessary anymore. It's evident that he's done this before. Soak at the sink, pass it over Blaine's face, rinse, repeat. Blaine feels his anger dissipating by the second. "Are you ok?"

"I'm better now. It could have been worse."

"Really, like what?"

"At least it's strawberry. It could have been like, I don't know, grapefruit or something."

Kurt smiles. "Trust you to see this as a good thing." He puts the cloth down, and stares into Blaine's eyes, like he's looking for something that Blaine can't quite figure out. "Well. It's official. You really are a part of New Directions now."

"If I was aware this was a rite of passage I might have thought harder about coming here."

Kurt's smile falters. "I'm sorry you have to go through this. I know you're probably regretting the transfer…"

"What? No, no, I'm not regretting coming here. I'll never regret coming here." He takes Kurt's right hand in his, because he needs him to know, to be absolutely certain. Kurt lets his hand there for a while.

"No but I can understand you regretting it. I… I'm kind of regretting transferring from Dalton too actually."

"Seriously?"

"Yes. I think the whole "distance makes the heart grow fonder" thing is really onto something. I mean I came back here and what I got was a whole lot of drama, and Quinn going psycho and Puck going after teachers and… ugh… the Troubletones." He sounds disdained, but Blaine can see the little sparkle in his eye, the one that says he finds the confusing inner matters of their little group of misfits far more exciting than the strict rules and the uniformity of Dalton Academy.

"You love them."

"Yeah I do. It's true." He shrugs, as if admitting a dirty little secret. "They're crazy but I love them." He sighs. "You sure you're ok?"

"Of course!" Kurt arches an eyebrow, clearly not buying into his over enthusiasm. Ok, maybe Blaine is lying a little bit, just so that Kurt would stop worrying. But that seems far more important to him right now. "Come on, first of all this thing tastes delicious! It's strawberry see?" he gathers some of the liquid pulling at his collarbone and brings it to his lips. "Mmm. Yum."

Kurt laughs and leans in to kiss him, sharing the taste. "It's kind of disgusting actually."

"Yeah it is."

And at this moment, Blaine feels so, so lucky. Oh he's miserable and wet and sticky all right. And he'll probably see his anger go through the roof when he thinks about the slushee incident later. But for now, Kurt is here, and his hand is warm as he pulls Blaine on his feet, and he doesn't make fun of the squeaky sound of Blaine's liquid-filled shoes as he they make their way out of the bathroom. And for now, everything is good.

"Hey, do you have any spare clothing I can borrow?" Blaine asks.

"Of course." Kurt looks mildly insulted at the implication. "I always come prepared. Though we'd probably have to um.. turn the sleeves up a bit."

"Watch it." Blaine puts up a digit in warning.

"And the pants. Yeah the pants have to be altered definitely to fit your … special height."

"I am not that short."

"Sure you're not."

The next time Blaine gets slushied no one is around to guide him to the girls' bathroom.

"Hey killer. You done with school yet?"

"Yeah… we're just… we just finished." Blaine sounds distraught. Sebastian can hear a tap running in the background.

"Great. You up for a bite? I have this great place in mind, that's only just out of Lima, if you can believe it. We can go there… with Kurt of course." He adds trying to sound casual, even though the mere name brings a sour taste in his mouth.

"Oh, Kurt's been sick the last couple of days. He didn't come to school."

"Really? Poor thing." Sebastian says, even as a smirk plays around his lips. He knew Hummel was sick of course. He had been counting on it. "I guess it's just you and me then."

"Yeah I guess… shit." Sebastian hears the sound of something metallic hitting on the tile floor.

"You sound a little upset, is everything all right?"

"What? Yeah, yeah, everything's fine." Blaine sounds distracted. "Where do you want to meet?"

"Oh I'm right outside." Sebastian says, and sure enough he can see the gray walls of McKinley just a few feet away.

"You're outside the school?"

"I was in the neighborhood." He makes himself comfortable, leaning on a tree just outside school grounds. "So, are you coming?"

"Yeah. Just, gimme ten minutes. I'll be right out."

"Great." He hangs up quickly before the approaching guy can eavesdrop on their conversation.

"You got the stuff?" the guy with the terrible hairdo asks secretively as soon as he's at Sebastian side.

"Relax, you're not in a gangster movie. This isn't a drug deal." Sebastian says, pulling out a couple of twenties from his leather wallet and handing them over. "Did you get him today?"

"Of course I got him. Just after school was over, you should have seen his face. He didn't know what hit him." The lowlife whose name Sebastian is not interested in knowing says, as he pockets the money. He contemplates Sebastian for a bit, measuring him. "I don't know what you get off from this. And I'm sure plenty of people would slushie Anderson for free by the way."

"Ah, but I only want the best for the job." Sebastian smiles.

"And the best you get." The guy smiles back, and it makes Sebastian's stomach turn.

"Enough chit chat. Go away before anyone sees you."

"Sure. Boss." The guy winks, leaving, and Sebastian feels the urge to wipe that shit eating grin right off his face.

Soon Blaine will realize what an awful mistake he made in leaving Dalton. How selfish Kurt was to have him transfer to McKinley. The doom of his little romance with Hummel was already signed, sealed and delivered. Sebastian would make sure of that.

TBC

Thanks for reading and/or reviewing ;)