Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl or any of its characters.
This story is my first fanfiction I have written for Gossip Girl and my first posted to . Please enjoy and review! Thank you!
A/N: The fist chapter is basically an extended/alternate version of the scene where Dan reveals to everyone that he is the mysterious writer of Insider. After that this story will incorporate the rest of events of the episode, but I am not going to rewrite them. Enjoy.
New American Classic
Chapter One
Dan had done it. He finally stepped up and claimed the novel as his own. Even though he was terrified of the fallout and black lash that would obviously be headed his way after the book dropped, he was proud. Daniel Humphrey, a published novelist. The book had his heart and soul weaved through it. He knew that most of the people he had included in the book would either be outraged or surprised by his portrayal of them. One of them in particular would probably be a little more than surprised by his musings about them, but he pushed that to the back of his mind. Because if he let the thought of what might happen after they closed the novel and came to the realization that he saw them in that light consumed him, he would eventually give into the little voice in his head saying 'this is going to be a disaster. Stop it!'
He decided the best way to deal with all of this is to put all the cards on the table. To be upfront and forthcoming with his friends, family and acquaintances who were integrated in his novel. So he made the decision to set up a meeting with every one of them in order to give them advanced copies and let them read it before it went public. He knew that he needed to be strong and his true friends would be happy for him, even if they were portrayed in a way that they deemed less then acceptable.
Dan was on his parent's couch anxiously awaiting the arrival of all the people who had said they would be able to make it to his little meeting. His father and Lily were already at the house at the time; and they strutted down the stairs and went into the kitchen to get something to drink. Almost everyone he had got in touch with responded in the affirmative, save for Eric and Jenny, but he decided that their personas were not very surprising or insulting so he would be able to just send them a copy in the mail and wait for their response. The elevator door opened and his head shot up to see a vivacious blonde walking through the door. He smiled up at Serena nervously. 'She will probably be pleased with the first half of the book and then become increasingly pissed off – then by the end she might not speak to me for a while.' He thought before getting up and enveloping her in a hug, "Hey, I am glad you're back! Thank you for coming, I know you are probably busy with your new job, but it really means a lot to me."
Serena released him, smiling and responded, "Well of course. To be honest I am very interested in what you have to tell me or all of us since you said the whole gang and then some will be here. You also seemed really nervous on the phone. I am pretty sure this is how every murder mystery has started. I hope it isn't bad news?"
Dan shifted his weight and ran a hand through his dark curly locks, "Well, I am going to let you guys decide what kind of news it will be."
Serena tilted her head confused by his reply. Then they heard the elevator door again and they both turned to see Chuck and Nate strutting up to them. They all said their greetings, Nate and Chuck hugging Serena and shaking Dan's hand. Chuck looked Dan in the eyes and nodded to him. Even though they weren't very fond of each other, Dan has been helping him, and he can acknowledge that all in all, he is a standup guy.
"This has to be quick Humphrey. I have a meeting at 1 downtown to discuss an acquisition of another property." Chuck stated when he released his hand, taking a seat next to Serena on the couch.
"Well, there is only one person left we are waiting on. Once they arrive I'll be succinct." Dan replied. One of people who had yet to arrive is the one person he hesitated asking to come. He knows she has a lot on her plate right now and adding this to it will probably make her explode with anger that she will take out on him. However, her opinion on his first try at literary genius is the one he was most looking forward to and feared hearing.
As fate would have it once he finished that thought he looked up and saw her, hand in hand with her French prince. She smiled at him and he returned it whole heartedly. 'God she looks so beautiful.' He shook that thought from his head and moved around the couch to hug her and thank them both for coming.
"Of course Humphrey, but you aren't dying are you? You sounded a little stressed out in the voicemail. The last thing I need is too attend a funeral a month before my wedding. It would put a damper on the whole mood." Blair stated a smile playing on her lips.
"I am sure you would find a way to move on. Thank you for coming uh…Lou..Prince..uh your High" Dan said as he struggled to find the correct way to address Blair's Royal fiancé, grasping his hand.
"Louie, please. We are way past formalities. Besides, I would like you to consider me a friend in the future, as I know you are important to Blair's life. She talks about you a great deal." Louie said smiling.
Dan glanced at Blair's reaction, her eyes shot open when she heard that last statement. Blushing a bit she quickly recovered and said, "Yes, I have told Louie all about your cabbage patch doll obsession and your tragic lack of fashion sense. It has been a great way to break the ice at parties, your embarrassing habits make for very funny anecdotes."
Dan nodded and motioned for them to take a seat. "May, I remind you- that you in fact have a cabbage patch kid as well Waldorf? Anyway, I'll be quick and get to the point." He went behind the couch and brought out a cardboard box and placed it on the ground, between the two couches everyone was occupying. "You know all the rumors that are going around about a book that is based on all of you?"
Blair smirked, "Yeah it is probably written by some loser that doesn't know a thing about us."
Dan cringed, "Well, not exactly, it was me. I wrote the novel, and it has been published. It is being sent to every bookstore that would have in the country as we speak."
There was a round of "Wows" and "congratulations" and even an "and I would care about this why?" resonating and Dan had to shush them. "Before you guys say anything, I need to explain to you that I never wanted this to be published. Vanessa stole my manuscript from my loft and gave it to a publisher herself. I was going to stop the book before it ever made it to the shelves, however, after a meeting with a former mentor, I have decided to let the book drop, and also claim it as my own. Again, before you guys say anything, please let me finish." He handed each one of them a copy, handing a special one to Blair that had a personalized note to her in it. "It is based on the past four years I have known all of you. I have changed everyone's name so it isn't completely obviously, but the thing is there is a lot of facts and memories of our escapades in this so you will all know which character is based on you. Some of you might be angry with me, some of you might be pleased, but regardless of how you all respond to it, I have decided I need to see this through, for myself. I will understand if after each of you read this that you might be extremely angry with me but I hope that you will remember that I do care about you all, yes, even you Chuck, and I would hate to see the relationships we have built disintegrate over a plebian novel that will probably only sell about 100 copies at most."
Dan took a breath and then nodded to them all. "I would also love to hear your feedback, even if it's scathing after you have finished it. Because I value all of your opinions and hope you do enjoy it. His eyes lingered on Blair's when he said, "Please, don't hate me for writing this. Because even though I am standing up now acting proud I am terrified that some of you won't want anything to do with me after this comes out, and it would hurt to know that I have ruined everything I hold dear because I couldn't create my own drama in my head so I took from my own life instead." He dropped his head and took a long deep breathe.
Everyone sat silent for a moment as though waiting for Dan to continue. When it was clear that he was finished, Nate was the first one to speak. "So, did you include the time we got drunk and stayed up all night discussing how my chest hair was non-existent while playing karaoke revolution? Because I my rendition of 'Girl's Just Want to Have Fun' wasn't the best I know, but I can actually sing."
Dan smiled down at his friend and hesitated before blurting out, "Nate, I actually wrote you gay."
Nate's eyes widened and then he burst out laughing. "Really? Huh. Never really thought I came off that way."
"Honestly, it happened in the beginning chapters because I thought you were way to pretty and well groomed to actually be straight when I first met you. I am sorry man." Dan said glad it seemed Nate was taking it in stride.
"Well, I can see Humphrey's point of view there." Chuck said.
"I guess I can understand it now that I know the explanation. I am extremely good looking. Do I have game?" Nate said striking a model pose.
"Oh yeah," Dan replied. Everyone laughed. Dan was very relieved for a second and then Blair spoke up. He held his breathe as she said, "But since Nate is not gay, are we to assume that you took artistic license with some aspects of all our characters?"
Dan simply nodded a bit but then said, "It is mostly the way I saw everything. Sometimes I might have been off in the way I interpreted some situations but it is mostly the truth. I wrote everyone from my own viewpoint and put in my feelings for them through every situation we have endured together." He was looking into her eyes when he said that. Regretting the fact it spilled out before he could stop the words. 'God what is she going to think when she gets to the last 200 pages.' Blair shifted under his gaze and looked away.
"Well, I for one am incredibly excited to read it." Serena said grabbing Dan's hand and smiling up at him. "I am so proud of you Dan." Dan looked down at her and smiled tightly, squeezing her hand in thanks and then letting it go. 'You'll be pissed after page 232. God, hopefully she doesn't take it too bad.'
"Well, of course you are excited to read it. It is probably 500 pages of him droning on and on about how your romance and how it is written in the stars. And I am sure you wrote about how I am the antichrist." Chuck said with a touch of venom in his voice.
Dan's head shot to him and gave him a burning look. "I didn't portray you that bad actually, Bass. You might be surprised actually."
"Yeah, okay Humphrey. I'm just going to have to read and find out. This is going to be interesting." Chuck said standing up. "Now, if you are finished explaining to us how much we all mean to you but have written a tell all novel of all our secrets, I really must be going. I have more important things to do rather than sit here and listen to your worries about how you have most likely trashed us but still care."
"Chuck…" Blair started. "I know Dan probably did his best incorporating the truth about our antics but leaving out some details that could be detrimental to our daily lives." She finished with a soft look towards Dan.
"Yes, okay. Well, still I have to dash. Adieu everyone. Humphrey, congratulations on your first and probably only taste of success." Chuck said flippantly while walking towards the elevator.
"Don't sweat it man. I will be here for you no matter what you wrote about me. You know me, I don't really care what people think of me." Nate said while standing and giving Dan a pat on the back. "But seriously, you know I am not gay right?"
Dan laughed and gave him a nod and then a guy hug. "Yeah man, I know. I know."
"Congrats. I am sure it will be a big hit once Gossip girl blasts about it. And if you'd like I can write a review in the paper I work for. I am sure that it will create some buzz." Nate said as he walked backwards towards the elevator to join Chuck.
"I'll get back to you on that. Thanks man. For being so understanding, I am probably going to need a couple drinks when it drops next week so let's get together, okay." Dan said sitting on the couch. Nate simply nodded and waved as the elevator doors closed. Dan looked between Blair and Serena wishing he could read minds.
"So, am I to assume that I am in this book as well, or was I just asked here because of Blair? Because I didn't receive a copy, or am I to share with Blair?" Louie broke the silence as he spoke up for the first time.
"Yes, but you are only in the last couple pages. And I don't really go into detail about your character. You are really only mentioned in passing. And um, I didn't think you would want to read it because you know, you are busy with royal and wedding duties, I assume, which is why I didn't get one for you. But I can have one sent over if you want." 'Please say no. Please say no.' Dan thought to himself. The last thing he needed was to have Blair's fiancé read this book. He really didn't expect him to show up at all.
"I'd like to read it. I would love to hear about Blair's life before I came into it." Dan cursed himself.
"Oh honey, I'd rather finish it before you read it so I can tell you all the things he got wrong about me and my life. Which I am sure are many many things, right Humphrey?" Blair said trying to sway Louie because she didn't really want her fiancé reading this supposed tell-all book either like Dan, but for very different reasons.
"Of course honey. You will probably be done with it by the time I get back to New York from France next week. We can go through it together when I return." Louie said taking Blair's hand in his own and bringing it up to his lips to give a small sweet kiss. Dan's stomach lurched at this sight. 'God, I really need to find some way to get over this…well whatever I am feeling for Blair.'
"Oh lord, I need to run as well. I am going to start this right when I get back from the set today Dan. I promise. I am so excited!" Serena said while enveloping him in a hug. "I will let you know as I am reading what I think, deal?"
"Sure. That'd be great." Dan said with a little uncertainty. 'I wonder when she will stop letting me know because she will start fuming most likely.'
"Serena, we really need to talk soon! How about lunch tomorrow?" Blair said before she left.
"I will definitely try my best! We need to catch up and start planning your bachorlette party!" Serena said excitedly.
As Serena was leaving, Louie got up and said, "Well, congratulations Daniel. I hope the book will become a great success. Blair I am sorry to leave you but I must get to the airport. My family is waiting. Are you going to accompany me or are you going back to your flat?"
"Actually honey, I need to get some shopping done around here before I head back. I promised myself that I would buy myself a new maternity wardrobe and I know of a boutique near here that I would love to check out. And I am going to ask Dan to come with me-a pay back for all the material I gave him for his book." Blair winks and smiles towards Louie then Dan. "I'll miss you honey." Blair said a little fast and leaned in to kiss her fiancé on the cheek and squeeze his hand. Dan turned away thinking that he didn't want to intrude on that romantic gesture.
"Okay, my love. Be safe and call me if you need anything. Daniel." They both nod as Louie walks away towards the elevator. Blair's smile fades as she stays behind which puzzles Dan a little. He starts to get very nervous. As the elevator closes she turns back to Dan with a fiery look in her eyes.
"Humphrey, tell me now if there is anything in this book about that Louie would find distasteful or rude." Blair shoots daggers at him as he sits back down from the weight of her request.
Dan ponders the question for a moment and then realizes that there isn't truly anything in the book that Blair hasn't already told Louie about. Except for the way Dan feels about her, but she doesn't know about it either. "Honestly, no. You told me that you explained your past to Louie and I really didn't portray your scheming in a negative light per say. I know that might not make sense to you now but I think you will understand after you get into it a bit. And Blair, I wanted to tell you personally – you are the only person whose opinion really matters to me. So please, even if you are infuriated with me for something I wrote, please just call and give me your honest critique. I really would value it. But I do have to tell you that story that I had Louie kill. It is in it." 'I am anxious and incredibly nervous for you to finish it but I need to know once and for all. Maybe then I can finally get over this thing and move past it. As friends with you I hope to God.'
Blair bites her bottom lip and crosses her arms, weighing her options here. "Well, I am not going to promise that I will be positive about your book; as I am not particularly dying to read about me being the villain of the story, well at least one of the villains. But I will give it a fair shot. It does seem well punctuated and I like the font. I will let you know what I think when I am finished – and not a moment before, unlike Serena who will be texting you smileys every other page. Oh and I am going to have to decline your invitation to your party tonight. I have a better offer. Louie and I our telling our parents we are expecting tonight."
"I understand…I wouldn't want anything or expect anything less than brutal honestly from you Blair, which is why I value your opinion the most." Dan said earnestly smiling at Blair.
Blair nodded and rose from her seat as did Dan. He walked her to the elevator and when the door opened and she went to step in, he grabbed her hand suddenly. "I just want you to know that I meant everything I said a few weeks ago, that I'd be here for you not matter what. I hope you can show me the same courtesy, even if you hate me after you finish." Dan said before he could stop himself. He just needed to say it in case this was the last time they spoke, because honestly, he thought it might be because even though he wrote her in a beautiful light, he knew that there was a chance she would think of it as him trying to play with her- just like Chuck. He looked deeply into her eyes, pleading with her to understand – though she didn't know what he wanted her to understand yet.
"You are really making me think that you trashed me, Humphrey." Blair whispered back looking up to his pleading gaze.
"No, I truly didn't, Blair. I am just really nervous about what your reaction will be. I did put a lot of work into it. And honestly, you are still a mystery to me Blair. You always keep me on my toes so I can never really predict your reactions." Dan said looking deeply into her eyes and moving his thumb across her hand. "And, even though it drives me crazy, I really enjoy when you throw me a curveball."
Blair looked up to Dan and smiled a genuine smile, which for her was pretty rare. "Well, Humphrey, I am a complicated woman. But seriously, you are a very promising writer. So stop fidgeting and worrying so much. As much as it pains me to say this…I am sure I will love your musings. I am really looking forward to starting it – if you ever let me leave." Blair finished by dropping his hand and moving back into the elevator. She smiled and waved goodbye to Dan. Then the doors closed.
'I hope so, Blair. I truly hope so.' Dan ran a frustrated hand through his hair and walked back into the living room to collect his bag. He thought it went pretty well. He said his peace and now all he could do was wait and hope for the everything will turn out okay. 'Please, don't let this blow up in my face.'