From The Beginning
Author's Note: I had been watching a lot of you tube videos about Dan/Blair and throughout the comments I had seen some people had always thought in the first season that the writers were going to do Dan/Blair and although in the first season I was Dan/Serena, I thought that was interesting because both of those characters embody the two different worlds colliding sort of deal. Part of the reason I stopped watching Gossip Girl was because I felt it was going too much for the OMG factor and not telling the genuine hardships of dating someone who is basically in a different social class than you, morally inept when it comes to certain things, and just the struggles of loving someone that has grown up in a different world. I was never a fan of Chuck/Blair together but I loved them separately so I'm sorry if this story trashes the memories you loved about them. So this idea strictly came from comments I've read on you tube, and me just wanting to try something different. I won't change the episode title, so you'll pretty much know what the title of the next chapter will be, but it will just have a different take with or without a few things that actually did happen in the episode. Also, I will include the summary of the original episode, just in case you forgot and need a bit of refresher, that way you can see how its been remade. This story is catered towards Dan/Blair and will feature them heavily with a little bit of a secondary couples. So I hope you enjoy, and please on top of a thousand pleases let me know what you think because that really does help. Enjoy :)
"Pilot"
Pilot Summary: Serena van Der Woodsen has returned to Manhattan after a mysterious and self-imposed exile. Neither the cause of her departure nor the reason for her return is widely known. Serena's best friend, Blair Waldorf, has conflicted feelings about her friend's return since she has enjoyed being the Queen Bee during Serena's absence and might not be ready to relinquish her new position on the social ladder, not to mention the fact that she has always suspected there may be unspoken feelings between Serena and her longtime boyfriend, Nathaniel 'Nate' Archibald. Social circle outsiders and siblings, Daniel 'Dan' Humphrey and Jennifer 'Jenny' Humphrey move in with their dad, Rufus in Manhattan when they come back from visiting their mom in Hudson. Dan has a longtime crush on Serena and his wishes are answered when he scores a date with her and decides to take her to his dad's band- Lincoln Hawk concert while Jenny works for Blair to get an invitation to the long awaited Kiss On the Lips party.
Standing across from his destiny or more like his chosen job, Dan Humphrey looked on at his scripted directions to the said destination and back at the said destination. So this is how the other half lives? He asked himself as he just couldn't believe that she owned this whole building. The last name still threw him for a loop though, he had heard many tales about the Waldorf family more in particular when it came to Blair Waldorf, who was the quote on quote Queen Bee of the Upper East Side. That was never his crowd due to geographical reasons and the pure fact that it wasn't his cup of tea. Once again his eyes drifted back to the sheet of paper as he truly questioned if this was the right thing, was this the only job that he could get to help his dad out….was this the route he had to take. Crumpling up the piece of paper into a tiny wad, he found himself going back and forth in his head just trying to really think if this was his only option. He began to imagine himself coming home with a big fat check along with the juiciest steaks that New York had while his dad and sister relished in the possibility of having the finest. Opening up the piece of paper once again, he knew he'd hate himself for it but he was slowly began to lead to one side even more so with all this thought. Beginning to make his way across the street, Dan was quickly caught off guard by the sudden appearance of Nate Archibald. Dressed as if he just came from a party at Sean Combs house, Dan couldn't help but think that these people always dress like their going to a party even when they're crossing the street. Ending a phone call that he seemed to be all smiles about, Nate joined Dan at the cross light just looking on at the dark haired boy with much delight even more so when he saw the crumpled up application along with directions.
"You going in the same direction?" Nate asked as he extended his hand out to hit the crosswalk sign
"If by that you mean going to the Waldorf building….yes" Dan replied reluctantly
"Oh, that's right. Eleanor is hiring again" Nate smiled
"Again? Does she do this often?" Dan nervously replied
"She tends to give seasonal work, that's what we like to call it, but the truth is that the new hire doesn't make it in that house too long. Some have said that's its like entering into the lions den" Nate said as the light turned red and the signal came up for them to cross the street safely
"Thank you for your words of encouragement. I'm officially freaked out now" Dan laughed to himself "Why is it called the lions den?" he asked
"For reasons I can't explain" Nate smiled as he looked on at him in a way that said to tell you would be nothing as opposed to you finding out for yourself type of smile "My name is Nate, by the way" he introduced himself
"Dan. Dan Humphrey" Dan replied as they quickly came upon the building "We go to the same school" he then mentioned
"Oh, yeah" Nate smiled as if he were posing for an Abercrombie and Fitch commercial with his playboy like smile "School is not really my thing, its more of to appease the parents…so I'm not quite aware of who goes there yet" he replied honestly
"It's okay. I'm not quite aware either, but its just that….I'm rambling, I'm sorry. I've clearly let this whole lions den quote get to me, and now I'm rambling and coming off like a school girl" Dan said as they entered the building before Nate casually made his way over to the security desk leaving Dan behind to scramble to find his interview confirmation number so he'd get access to go upstairs to the penthouse floor.
"Yeah, that's all I owe you on the Dartmouth game. Next week though, I'm taking USC" Nate laughed with security guards as he handed out money like it were mere sheets of paper "Thanks, and don't worry about him" he said looking over at a frazzled Dan "He's with me" he said as he slowly backed away to make his way over to the elevator before signaling for Dan to come over towards him
"Thanks for that back there" Dan said as they stepped onto the elevator. Playing with his fingers nervously, Dan did his best to calm himself down but all he could hear was the words lions den going through his head. What was he getting himself into?
"No problem" Nate smiled "Dan. From school" he teased
Sitting on her stool chair as she did her usual routine of glamming herself up in front of the mirror, the young woman listened on to the soundtrack of the day that consisted of her mother constant berating of the latest shipment of designs. Being the daughter of Eleanor Waldorf let alone a designer in general was a daunting task that had the pressure of always being fashion forward. Getting up from her seat in front of the mirror after applying her lip gloss, she stepped back to look over her appearance once more as she wanted to look perfect for Nate. Hearing her mother's rants coming closer by the minute, Blair swiftly tried to spring perfection to her very body in hopes that she wouldn't be next on her mothers belittling list for the day. Entering the room, Eleanor looked on at her daughter as she halfway listened to the cries of her associates coming from the end of the phone. Ending the phone call due to her instant boredom, Eleanor walked over towards the mirror and quickly took a seat on the stool. Unsure of what to do when it came to her mother's surprising action, half of Blair wanted to tell her mother not to put anything out of place because she liked her stuff to be neat unlike her mother.
"What's wrong with you?" Blair asked as if she were obligated to after the moment of silence between them
"Gee, thank you for your concern" Eleanor replied as she turned to look at her daughter "That isn't becoming of you, that shade is all wrong and the fit isn't exactly showing off your body in the best light" she soon critiqued as Blair felt a moment insecurity come upon her even more so due to her mother sharp as knives insults
"I like the dress" Blair simply replied unzipping the dress from behind
"The dress doesn't like you though" Eleanor replied before turning back to the mirror to adjust her mirror "Will you be leaving for the day?" she then asked
"Darota! I need you now!" Blair called out like a child with a temper tantrum "I have plans with Nate. Why?" she asked
"Because it'd be best if you weren't home. I'm interviewing for house assistant" Eleanor said
"House assistant? Really mother, are we just inventing jobs now" Blair said as Darota scurried into the room, wasting no time in helping Blair out of her dress.
"It's called keeping the house in line, and since I have my line coming out…it'll pull me away from doing the necessary tasks that need to be done around here" Eleanor replied
"I can do the necessary tasks, better yet, you could scale back at work and do the necessary tasks" Blair replied as she stepped out of the dress while Darota neatly put it away
"And I'd do that because?…" Eleanor asked hoping that a hint of delusion hadn't come over her daughter
"Never mind. I'm sure this one won't last, they never do" Blair replied
"Due to your antics, but I will not tolerate your behavior on this one. I have a lot on my plate and I need you to be on board" Eleanor said
"You've always got something on your plate mother, my behavior might be a little better if your plate carved out a portion for me" Blair said
"And in time it will, but fashion week is coming upon on me as we speak and I can't domesticate myself just for the heck of it" Eleanor said as she got up from the stool "Darota is on board with it" she then mentioned as Blair turned to glare at Darota as if she were betrayed by her trustee housekeeper
"Ms. Blair, it might not be as bad as you think" Darota replied as they heard the elevator doors open
"Darota, I'll need my clipboard with the information on the applicants. Also give me an up to date schedule of appointments this week and the following week" Eleanor instructed as Blair slipped on yet another dress before storming out of the room to meet the so called help while Eleanor and Darota followed behind. As she descended the staircase she saw a better image of her boyfriend and the scruffy looking boy beside him
"Who is this?" Blair asked so coldly as stopped at the final step
"Blair Waldorf, the highlight of my day" Dan said sarcastically to himself after Nate made his way over to greet Blair
"This is Dan" Nate introduced to both Blair and Eleanor
"I know who he is" Blair replied coldly as she examined Dan not letting her icy stare melt not one bit causing Dan to feel more uncomfortable by the minute before Blair turned to her mother "You can't be serious? I go to school with him" she stated
"So you attend St. Jude's, that's interesting to hear" Eleanor played off her daughter's rudeness as she made her way over towards Dan to shake his hand
"As in he's the same age as I am. You can't possibly think he can handle a job like this, do you?" Blair chimed back in which only made Eleanor contort her face in manner that Nate detected and knew it was time for him to jump in and get Blair out of the way and out of the house
"We should be going" Nate suggested to Blair "They'll be expecting us" he said as he grabbed Blair's hand while Blair continued to glare at her mother, letting it be known that she didn't approve of this hire let alone hiring yet another staff member to parade around the house. Taking a sigh of frustration, she reluctantly went along with Nate's suggestion as they made they're way over to the elevator doors
"I'm so sorry about that. Please, Daniel take a seat over in the sitting area" Eleanor said as Darota lead him over to the sitting area
"There's a sitting area, you have names for everything" Dan said to himself before taking a seat on the overpriced antique sofas finding it a bit hard to get comfortable on such stiff seating while Eleanor over looked the paperwork that was on her clip board
"It says here you do attend St. Jude's, how'd that come to be?" Eleanor asked as if she were truly surprised that he actually attended the school
"I'm on scholarship, both my sister and I" Dan replied
"And your goals?" Eleanor asked
"I want to become a journalist. I hope to attend Yale University in the coming years" Dan replied
"Yale, you have such big aspirations" Eleanor smiled "And what do your parents do Daniel?" she then asked as Darota handed her another set of paperwork
"My dad is a musician, and he owns a gallery. My mom is an artist" Dan answered
"A gallery, where?" Eleanor asked
"It's a couple blocks away from our loft in Brooklyn" Dan replied
"Interesting" Eleanor replied as Dan was soon discovering that the word interesting was becoming more and more of a dagger to him the more he heard it "So you do know what this job entails, right?" she asked
"The jist of it" Dan replied
"Well, I consider it like this…I'm a businesswoman with a lot on her plate. I own two companies that are important to me and one is this house. I trust people to run and overlook the functioning of my business, and that's what your job would be here. I need you to make this house function" Eleanor told him "If we have dinner parties, then you make sure you cover all ends from security passes to catering…everything that would go into managing a party is your responsibility. Supplies, incoming and outgoing packaging, appointments for either myself or my daughter…you manage the house" she told him
"Okay" Dan shook his head as he comprehended what she expected of him "I'm very capable of doing that for you Ms. Waldorf" he told her
"I'm sure as well, which is why I'm going to take a chance on you and give you the job" Eleanor said as she got up from her seat
"Thank you, thank you so much" Dan praised her just as her cell phone began to beep and she looked on at the cell phone to see what it was
"I have to get to a meeting, so Darota will give you the rest of the tour of the house as well as other information you may need" Eleanor said "It was nice to meet you Daniel, and I look forward to seeing your work" she said before she made her way over to the elevators to leave. Darota and Dan looked on at the woman as she boarded the elevator and then descended down.
"Come Mr. Humphrey, I will show you around" Darota said as he followed behind her until his cell phone went off with an update from the blogger sensation, Gossip Girl. Pulling his cell phone out he opened up the phone to read the latest and found himself in complete and utter shock to see the message posted that he was sure was going viral at this very moment to everyone in Upper East Side as the once slated Queen had now returned.
Gossip Girl: Hey Upper East Siders, Gossip Girl here... and I have the biggest news ever. One of my many sources, Melanie91, sends us this: Spotted at Grand Central, bags in hand: Serena van der Woodsen. Was it only a year ago our It-Girl mysteriously disappeared for quote 'boarding school'? And just as suddenly she's back. Don't believe me? See for yourselves: Lucky for us, Melanie91 sent proof. Thanks for the photo, Mel!
Looking on at the actual image of her estranged best friend, Serena van der Woodsen, as was everyone else at the table. Blair felt her heart racing, she'd assume that it would be due to the excitement of her friends arrival but she knew better than to think that was the reason she would be in such a panic mode. Her Queen Bee status, her pedigree, and even her relationship with Nate flashed before her eyes as they were each in jeopardy of being over with the very arrival of Serena. Zoned out into her own little world, she could hear little rumblings from her friends as they too were shocked by the sudden appearance of Serena, but she knew it was all for the sake of talk that they were so ecstatic. Glancing over at Nate, who seemed to be intent on looking on at the blonde bombshell, Blair felt the immediate feeling of anger boil within her as Serena hadn't even made a real life appearance and all ready everyone was getting so worked up over her.
"My God! You'll never believe what's on Gossip Girl" Katy declared at the table like she was some screaming teeny bopper
"Someone saw Serena get off a train at Grand Central Station" Isabel chimed in on the excitement as Blair focused in on Nate's cooling reaction
"Good, things were getting a little…." Chuck replied in his usual laid back manner as he looked on at Nate and Blair in utter boredom before taking a sip of his champagne "Dull around here" he sighed
"I wonder if she'll show for cocktails?" Isabel quickly questioned
"Serena never misses out on a good party" Katy smiled as she went on texting frenzy "Tonight is going to be epic" she praised
"Who are you texting?" Isabel asked
"Everyone" Katy replied "This cocktail party has become the event of the century" she said
"I hope your texting everyone, who has a delusional thought that they could just show up, to stay clear or fear utter humiliation. My mother's party will not be turned into a meet and greet…guest list still applies, no exceptions" Blair turned towards her friends to tell growing more annoyed with all things Serena
"There goes the party of the century" Isabel uttered to herself
"Care to share with the rest of us?" Blair asked ready to discipline her minion if necessary but only received a moment of silence
"I think what our dear friend meant to say was…brunch was on her" Chuck smiled devilishly as Isabel grimaced at the fact of paying
"All four hundred and eighteen dollars worth?" Isabel asked in disbelief
"Plus tip, that should be in your ballpark" Blair replied before she turned to grab Nate's hand "Can we talk?" she asked as she rose from her seat as he reluctantly got up from his to follow her off into deserted spot in the restaurant
"It's crazy that she's back, huh?" Nate asked to start off conversation between them
"Yeah, crazy and Serena go together well" Blair sighed
"But she's back. That's a good thing" Nate smiled
"I need you to stay away from her" Blair quickly stated
"What? Why?" Nate asked
"I have my reasons, but as my boyfriend…I need you to just trust me and stay away from Serena if she shows up tonight or at the Kiss on the Lips party" Blair said
"I'm going to need a reason. She's your best friend Blair" Nate said as Blair put her hand up to his cheek to begin caressing
"I love you. Nate Archibald. Always have, always will" Blair replied as if she were in trance like state that consisted nothing but him
"I love you too" Nate replied with a little uncertainty in his voice
"Good, then you'll stay away" Blair replied before she turned and walked away leaving Nate behind to look on his girlfriend in a quizzical manner. Pulling his cell phone out, Nate scrolled down his recent contacts and hit Serena's name to begin a text.
Nate: Cn't wait 2 c u 2nght
Nate wrote to Serena before he took a moment to think about his text. Looking over at Blair, who was now scolding Isabel and Katy, he took the chance to send the text before he quickly closed his phone to go back towards his friends.
For a first day on the job, Dan found this weekend in particular a major crash course in the life of luxury for the Upper Eastsiders. To his surprise he had to help manage and throw together a scheduled cocktail party that was all for the promotion of Eleanor. Running around the corridors of the penthouse, Dan was eager and determined to make this the event of Eleanor's dream. When Eleanor had come in from her meeting, she hadn't said much during the set up so he was just thankful that he had least made it past the set up, but he knew just by the look of her that she would expect much greater things than just a great set up. Since he really wasn't all too prepared for the event, Darota had shown him to Harold Waldorf's, Blair's father's closet, to grab a casual suit so that he would at least look a bit like the rest of the staff. Heading into the kitchen to look over the food choices that were selected by Eleanor herself, Dan went down the checklist to make sure that each guests requests were met. A moment of time was all he needed because he just couldn't wait to fill his dad in on the life of the rich and famous, oh the jokes that could be had between them when they got together
"Your doing good Mr. Humphrey" Darota praised him as she walked over towards him
"Really? Your not just saying that to me?" Dan asked "Because I can take a you suck and you shouldn't even be doing this" he then said making Darota laugh
"No, your doing good. The suit even looks good on you Mr. Humphrey" Darota complimented him
"So is this a regular thing around here?" Dan asked as he looked over his list once again as the servers began taking the food out
"Very much so Mr. Humphrey…" Darota said before Dan interrupted
"You can call me Dan or Daniel" Dan told her "The Mr. Humphrey thing makes me feel like my father" he then said
"Well, Daniel. This is regular…this is routine" Darota replied
"And the whole Blair thing? I'm guessing she's the lion in the den" Dan asked
"Ms. Blair is not like that…most of the time. She has many layers, layers that no one has managed to pull back quite yet" Darota told Dan
"I wonder why" Dan replied as the final server went out
"The guests are starting to arrive, so If you have any last minute things to do, then you better take care of them now. Ms. Waldorf doesn't like for staff to be wondering about" Darota warned him as he slowly backed out
"And I will take that as my queue to do my last minute thing" Dan said before he made his way up the staircase. Looking around in search of the restroom, Dan did his best to find the restroom while he scrolled through his contact list to make a quick call to his father. Opening and closing the doors, he was becoming hopeful that the next door her came upon would be that of the restroom. In one swift motion he opened the door only to find Blair and Nate in a compromising position in her bed. Quickly closing the door behind him, Dan could hear them scurrying about in the room before Nate finally came out of the room looking disheveled.
"Humphrey!" Blair yelled as she stormed out of her room "What the hell are you doing just coming into my bedroom! Have you lost your mind!" she yelled at him as Nate buttoned up his shirt as Dan did his best to forget what he had just seen
"I'm sorry. I was looking for the restroom. It was…I'm sorry" Dan babbled until they each heard Serena's name being said from downstairs. Freezing in the moment, Blair looked over at Nate, who seemed to be thrilled, giving Blair a quick glance, Nate soon took off downstairs with Blair close behind. Slowly descending the staircase to see the girl that he had spent a lifetime admiring from a far.
Wasting no time in pulling Serena in a cautious embrace, Blair stood back for a moment looking on at her best friend and her boyfriend hold each other as if they were long lost lovers or something. Standing at the bottom of the steps, Dan looked on from both Blair and the two so called friends. Breaking away from Nate's embrace, Serena could feel all eyes on her as she slowly approached Blair.
"It's so good to see you" Blair said mustering up a smile for her friend
"It's good to see you" Serena said as leaned in to give her friend a hug
"Come, we're about to have dinner" Blair said as she broke away from her embrace
"I'll set a place for you at the table next to Blair, I'm sure you two have so much to catch up on" Eleanor said as she walked over towards the girls before Serena slowly backed away
"Yeah…that sounds good" Serena obliged as Blair grabbed her hand once again before Dan made his way over towards the doorway of the kitchen
"Daniel…" Eleanor looked to him to tell him but he quickly chimed in
"I'm on it" Dan replied before he stepped into the doorway of the "Can we have another place setting next to Blair please?" he asked as the servers immediately came out with the plate and utensils in hand as they went to set the table in the dining area. For a moment, Serena gave a lingering look at Dan as if she were trying to recognize him from somewhere at that point.
Dinner had ran smoothly for everyone as the whispers slowly came to a halt once Blair had made it clear that for now things were good with Serena. As of now Blair still remained the Queen Bee, so when it came to her laying down the law it was pretty much final amongst all and her minions. On occasion Katy and Isabel would text a few tid bits of information to their social following but not much of anything negative was being said. As the guests began to filter out, Blair grew tired of wondering what was going on in Nate's head so when he offered to stay behind, she urged him to go out with Chuck for the evening. It was all becoming too much, too much for her to take in one day as she feared what Serena's presence would do to her but the whole social hierarchy that she had put into place. If one thing was for sure, she had to handle the matter that was Dan Humphrey…there was no way that she could deal with him, let alone deal with Serena. A good dismissal was what she needed and if it meant coming at the expense of a poor Brooklyn boy than so be it. Immediately walking into the living area where her mother was still entertaining guests, Dan slowly made his way out of the kitchen as he finished up for the day.
"I want him fired!" Blair demanded as Eleanor turned her attention towards her daughter
"Will you excuse us for a minute?" Eleanor asked as she rose from her seat to usher her guests off into another room that Darota took them to
"He's got to go" Blair said sternly to her mother once the final guest had entered into the entertainment room while Dan stood back listening in on the conversation
"Why? Why does this one have to go now Blair?" Eleanor asked becoming annoyed with her daughters rant
"He walked in on me in my room. He didn't even knock, he just walked in like he owned the damn place" Blair replied
"Maybe he was trying to find his way around, the boy just started today" Eleanor replied
"And that decision I find makes your decision making a bit sketchy mother" Blair replied "I get that you want to help the poor, but give to a charity, don't hire one" she stated as Dan found himself clenching his fist tight together
"You haven't exactly made it so easy to just hire anyone. I mean honestly, you act like a common child" Eleanor said
"Because I'm tired of hire help running amuck in a place that is my home. A home that I'd like to feel comfortable in" Blair replied
"A home that contains a roof, that I work hard to keep over your head" Eleanor said
"And I'm eternally grateful to you for that, but this is getting ridiculous….he has to go" Blair told her mother once again before Dan had finally reached his breaking point and just had to step out from within the shadows and out into the open
"I'll go" Dan said as he walked over to grab his coat causing the two women to turn in shock that he had heard them
"Daniel" Eleanor said as began to put on his coat
"See, he just lurks around like he owns the place" Blair stated before Eleanor brushed past her daughter and over towards Dan
"Look, I don't know what happened…" Eleanor said before Dan quickly interrupted
"I was looking for the restroom. I couldn't find it, so I kept opening doors….I should have knocked but I just thought everyone was downstairs. I opened the door and saw Nate and Blair on the bed together" Dan said as Blair's eyes nearly bulged out her eyes with his reveal of her actions in her room
"Doing what in your room?" Eleanor turned to ask Blair
"Privacy, you know I should be able to have that in my house, my room…but with Humphrey that's been under attack since the moment you hired him" Blair said making Dan even more annoyed
"If I could just get my pay for the day, I won't cause a scene…I'll quit" Dan told Eleanor who seemed to be in a bind
"Would you like that in quarters?" Blair asked as she reached for her purse "You know for bus purposes" she said
"No" Eleanor simply replied leaving both Dan and Blair confused
"No, to what?" Blair asked "I can give him my singles, but I hear on public transportation they prefer the coins" she said
"No, as in your not quitting" Eleanor told him as Blair stood in disbelief
"Does my opinion not matter around here?" Blair stated
"You will get used to him because I'm not firing him nor is he quitting" Eleanor said "Daniel, I hired you because you are by far well suited for this position and for your age I think you are wise beyond your years" she said
"Which only amounts to sixteen, how much wisdom do you get at that age?" Blair said sarcastically
"Darota will get you aware of the house as far as where things are and how things go tomorrow, so that will take you out of Blair's way" Eleanor said as she looked from both Blair and Dan "I expect my daughter to be on board with this decision, and I pray that she will not cause any problem because if she does…I guarantee that there will be consequences" she said
"Consequences? That's a joke if I ever heard one" Blair sneered at her mother as she walked over to the staircase "You wanna lay down the law…then be a mother and stay at home, then maybe you wouldn't have to hire so many people to tend to your responsibilities" she said before she stormed off upstairs to her room. Hearing the elevator doors open up, both Eleanor and Dan turned back a bit surprised to see Serena make her way inside. Walking cautiously over to the two, she began to wonder if she was interrupting a moment.
"Should I come back later?" Serena asked cautiously
"No, no. I think you might be the only one to calm her down" Eleanor sighed
"What happened?" Serena asked as Eleanor looked on at Dan then back at Serena
"I'm sure she'll inform you" Eleanor sighed "I have to get back to my guests, but I will be expecting you tomorrow Daniel…am I right in that assumption?" she asked
"No, I won't be here tomorrow because its my day off. I'll be here Monday, after school" Dan replied as Eleanor smiled at him before she headed into the entertainment room to join her guests leaving Daniel and Serena behind.
"So your name is Daniel?" Serena asked him
"Yes, the name is Dan Humphrey" Dan introduced himself
"My name is Serena…" Serena began to introduce herself before he cut her off
"I know, I know who you are" Dan replied
"Right, because of Gossip Girl" Serena concluded "I told her to use my best pictures, so that's our trade off on me constantly frequenting her blog" she said as Dan and her just laughed
"I should be going, it's late and I'm pretty sure Blair hates me by now" Dan siad
"I wouldn't worry too much about Blair. She's a bit much, but she's worth it" Serena smiled weakly
"Well I have quite seen that side to her, and I'm not sure its there for a Brooklyn boy like me to see in the first place" Dan told her "It was nice to meet you Serena" he said before he made his way over to the elevator
"Could you do me a favor?" Serena asked as she turned towards him
"Yeah, anything" Dan replied quickly realizing that he sounded pathetic "I mean, what?" he corrected himself
"Pick me up at eight" Serena told him "The Kiss on the Lips party is tomorrow night, and with me coming home at a late time made it nearly impossible for me to find a date. So will you please do me the honor of being my date?" she asked with a look as if she were begging him, which was surprising to him since he should have been the one begging her
"Sure, I'll go with you" Dan replied as a slight laugh came to his face "You really go out with some guy you don't know?" he then asked her as she just flashed her million dollar smile that made her the Serena van der Woodsen he had loved fo so long
"Well you can't be worse than the guys I do know" Serena smiled as she ascended the staircase with a bit of flirty smile on her face as she looked on at Dan.
Things were trying to get back to normal or at least Blair was trying to let it be, but she couldn't help but have a firm hold on her present, which made her the Queen Bee. If she had to go over what scared her the most, she feared that losing Nate may have been high on that list of what Serena intended to get back. At time she thought she was crazy, but it was the way he looked at Serena that made her question herself over and over again. Ever since they were little, Blair had always been behind Serena when it came to everything anything in their lives. She had accepted that she would always be second best to Serena van der Woodsen, but when she had left…a part of her didn't feel as overwhelmed with sadness like she had though, but she felt like it was her time to step into the role she always knew she could be. Now, sitting at breakfast with Nate, she began to wonder once again if her relationship was as strong as she thought.
"Are you going to finish your food?" Nate asked
"I'm not that hungry" Blair replied "I talked to Serena last night" she then mentioned
"Oh, what did she say?" Nate asked becoming intrigued with the conversaiton
"Nothing much, we mostly caught up" Blair said as they continued to eat on in silence before she looked over at him to see that she had once again lost his interest "She asked about you though" she said deciding to take the route of lying to see where that got her with her boyfriend
"What about?" Nate asked as he put his fork down to look at her before wiping his mouth with the napkin
"Just how you were. She was concerned, is there any reason to be concerned?" Blair asked
"We're all friends. I mean its only natural that we'd be concerned about each other" Nate replied
"Yeah, but it just seems like she knew something I didn't" Blair said "Is there something you should tell me?" she asked
"Nothing that comes to mind" Nate said "Look, Blair…" he said grabbing ahold of her hand before her cell phone went off and she reached for the phone
"It's Isabel. Some girl asked her for an invite to the Kiss on the Lips" Blair scoffed at the notion that some random thought they were welcome
"I thought you had extra's made by that freshmen?" Nate asked
"You mean that Jenny girl…yeah, but I only gave those extras to a few of the Dalton girls…their fathers happen to be board members on the Yale Alumni" Blair smiled proudly
"Did you give one to Serena?" Nate asked
"No" Blair replied "S, barely came back when the invites were issued…I can't just up and have one made" she said
"Why not? She's your best friend…and its Serena for crying out loud" Nate said
"So? Nate, she had ample amount of time to confirm her appearances. I can't just make exceptions" Blair replied
"What's this really about? Because we both know you can if you wanted to, and it just sounds like you don't want to when it comes to Serena. It's like your trying to ignore her or something" Nate said
"Maybe I'm not ready to be her lackey again, Serena left and now she expects people to fall in line because she's returned…it doesn't work that way, and you shouldn't expect me to" Blair said
"Serena doesn't deserve this" Nate replied
"And neither do I. Your suppose to be my boyfriend, and yet you sound like hers. Am I missing something here?" Blair asked as she glared at Nate
"Like what?" Nate sighed as he asked her
"The truth. I want the truth, because I have this feeling like I don't have it" Blair said "So I'm asking you Nate Archibald, what is your deal with Serena?" she asked
"I'm just tired of you being hot and cold with her, that's my deal" Nate said as he got up from his seat to throw his napkin down "I'm gonna go get the check" he muttered before he walked off leaving her by herself
Looking over his ties in the mirror, Dan still was in disbelief that he was actually taking Serena van der Woodsen out to the Kiss on the Lips party. He was just surprised in general that he was being near Serena let alone taking her out. His perception of Blair and Serena seemed like night and day. With Blair it was everything he hated in the Upper East side, and with Serena…it was like she was giving the Upper East side a new face, a face that seemed so welcoming and that it didn't matter your parent's income in whether you were worthy or not. As a writer, Dan had wrote stories upon stories about the beautiful blonde and how she had captured his heart the moment he laid eyes on her at a tenth birthday party. It had been an accident that he was even there in the first place, but of all the people there she was the only one that had even said a word to him, and in that moment he fell hard for her. Coming out of his room with his tie selection in hand, Dan joined his father and sister in the kitchen for their daily banter.
"Guess who's dad is cool?" Rufus asked his son as he took his seat on the stool
"It's a trick question" Jenny laughed at her father
"Yeah, because it can't be ours" Dan replied as he began to play with his tie once again
"Look at this!" Rufus declared as he handed over an issue of Rolling Stones
"Top ten forgotten bands of the nineties" Dan read aloud
"And check out who's number nine" Rufus said proudly
"He is very proud" Jenny smiled
"Way to be forgotten dad" Dan laughed at his father as he closed the magazine
"Thank you, thank you very much" Rufus said as he began to bow as if he had an imaginary audience "Being forgotten on is list is how you get remembered" he then said
"Or it could just mean your forgotten" Dan teased
"Maybe he'd care if it was on Gossip Girl" Jenny teased her brother
"What? I don't read Gossip Girl….that's for chicks, and I don't…" Dan said before Jenny chimed in
"Sit up until the wee hours of the morning reading about Serena van der Woodsen" Jenny said
"Way to go dad, I mean this is a big accomplishment" Dan said turning his attention towards his father
"Where are the little cards that you were working on?" Rufus asked
"You mean the Kiss on the Lips party" Jenny said "I gave them to Blair all ready. Everyone who is anyone is going to that party" she said
"Uh, if I never hear the name Blair Waldorf again" Dan groaned
"Blair Waldorf" Jenny quickly replied "Do you not know who she is?" she asked
"She's something I don't care to call a woman, but with her its completely justified. She's like a mini dictator, who tried to get me fired. Luckily her mother likes me" Dan said
"Mini dictator" Rufus laughed to himself "Makes me think of Napoleon Bonaparte" he smiled as both Dan and Jenny looked at him confused by the reference "What? That was the only thing I picked up in high school….anyways, continue about this Blair girl" he said trying to cover on his awkward
"Blair Waldorf is essential to your imaginative future with Serena" Jenny said
"How is that?" Dan asked becoming amused with her dramatization of Blair
"Because Serena and Blair are best friends" Jenny said
"Didn't seem that way at work today. Blair seemed like her worst nightmare had come to life" Dan said
"That's right…you hob knob with the rich and famous now" Rufus laughed
"As well as deal with the many scowls of Blair Waldorf. Hell has created a job and sent its favorite demon to lurk over it" Dan joked as both Rufus and him laughed while Jenny looked like he was insulting her idol "It's a joke, Jen. Laugh. Chuckle. Do something" he said hoping his sister would lighten up
"She's really nice once you get to know her" Jenny defended
"I'm sure, after the many, many, many layers you have to peel back she is" Dan said "Besides, Blair is not my concern because I am going to have the night of my life tonight" he then said
"And why is that?" Rufus asked
"Because I'm amongst the anyone, who will be going to the Kiss on the Lips party" Dan declared as Jenny nearly fell over in shock
"How?" Jenny asked
"Serena van der Woodsen's date is how" Dan smiled "See, I'm all ready going around the whole Blair issue" he smiled as he took a bite out of his pancakes that Rufus had put out for them
It had been a days worth of planning for the brunette because tonight was going to be one that she would never forget if it went according to plan. She began to think that it was all in her head, that maybe she had truly had her best friend back and that her being back would be the icing on the cake to her being the Queen. Tonight of all nights had to perfect just for her sake. On the ride over to the Kiss on the Lips, they were living it up like they were rockstars. They were the Upper Eastsiders, they did things that only people dreamed they could do at that age. Finally pulling up in front of the party, they had made their way in like they were royalty with all eyes on them. Grabbing a few drinks from the bar, they all gathered around looking on at the extravagance that was Kiss on the Lips party. Enjoying the laughter and the all around good time with her friends, Blair was quickly torn away from her happiness when she saw Serena come in with Dan Humphrey. Turning towards Nate, who motioned to walk over towards them but she quickly put her hand up to stop him. Blair found herself in a state of confusion because she swore she saw the same look she had been seeing every time he saw her face.
"She brought the help, unbelievable" Blair said to herself before she turned to look over at her boyfriend who once again seemed to be in awe of Serena van der Woodsen like she was the Queen or something "Did you do this?" shethen asked
"What?" Nate asked in confusion "Blair c'mon, don't start this" he replied not wanting to get into another argument about what she suspects is going on
"Did you do this?" Blair asked ignoring his plea for peace "Did you invite Serena?" she asked
"I'm sure she knew about the party, we have it the same time each year…nothing has changed" Nate defended himself
"Something has changed because its on your face every time she comes into a room" Blair replied
"Your being paranoid" Nate replied
"Don't patronize me" Blair replied
"I'm not" Nate refuted
"Stay away from her" Blair said
"You have nothing to worry about" Nate replied
"Really? Because I never thought I had anything to worry about, but when you get that look on your face…it makes me think, are you being honest with me? About everything? About Serena?" Blair asked as Nate took a moment to think before answering
"Yes. I'm being honest" Nate replied unconvincingly
"Why don't I believe you?" Blair asked as tears welled up in her eyes as Nate couldn't think of a thing to do that would make her satisfied at this moment. Turning towards Chuck, who was flirting with a batch of newbies, she made her way over towards him. "I want some" she told him
"Some? Your going to have to be specific" Chuck replied
"You know what I'm talking about. Meet me in the back room in ten minutes" Blair told him as she brushed past Nate and made her way to the back room.
He had told his father of his day climb of the social ladder, but never in a million years did he think that he would have gotten to escort Serena van der Woodsen to the Kiss on the Lips Party. Though he had practiced over and over in his mind the funny things he would say to her that would make her swoon, he found the night to be a bit of a cat and mouse chase. One moment he would he would have Serena in his midst but then she'd drift off giving the excuse that she was going to freshen up. This had gone far from his dream date, but he knew that along with the pressure of returning back to Gossip Girl territory, Serena couldn't just slip back into her old life like it was nothing. He could hear the whispers in the crowd that would speak of the prevalent rumors and even the newly created rumors that had formed about her. A piece of him felt for her because no matter what she tried to do, there was always going to be some part of her past that was going to haunt her. Heading over to the lounge area to grab his wallet from his coat pocket. Finding the door a bit jammed, Dan gave the door another budge before he opened it up to see Nate and Serena together.
"Dan" Serena said as she broke away from Nate's embrace
"I should go" Dan said as he walked over to grab his coat after a moment of silence came between them all.
"Dan, you can't…you can't tell Blair" Nate said as Serena quickly hit him
"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me" Dan replied sarcastically but found their actions to be repulsive
"Dan, this isn't what you think" Serena replied
"I really don't care what you have to tell me in this moment, but I think I understand why you asks guys you don't know out" Dan said "Because you use them as a cover to see your best friends boyfriend behind her back" he said as he put his coat on
"Dan, I'm sorry" Serena apologized
"Don't apologize. Just…just forget I was even here" Dan said before he left the room.
Making his way through the crowd of people, Dan had finally managed to get outside. He could curse himself for actually thinking that he could fit in this world, he was a boy from Brooklyn and that's where he wanted to remain and tonight only reinforced that. Standing out waiting for a taxi to pull over, he could hear rumblings from the group of girls next to him about Blair. A bit of laughter came to his face as the Queen Bee herself wasn't even that well liked by her fellow classmates. If only they knew what she was like at home? He thought to himself, well she deserves it because you can't go around treating people like crap and expect to be liked. His jokes turned to a look of concern as the conversation the girls were carrying on turned to what she was doing in the back room. There was no reason to care, but he could hear Eleanor in his head reprimanding him for not seeing that Blair wasn't keeping herself out of trouble. Why should he have to care about Blair? He asked himself a million times, but then he realized that maybe rescuing Blair from herself would look good in Eleanor's eyes and only solidify to her that he was a good hire. Taking a deep sigh of frustration, he made his way back into the party to where she was rumored to be. Shaking his head in disbelief, he could only imagine what she was doing that was all sorts of illegal. Opening up the door to the back room, he rolled his eyes in annoyment as he just thought that this was all they did…cheat on each other, do something stupid, and cheat on each other.
"Get off of her" Dan said as he grabbed Chuck and pulled him off of a passed out Blair
"What the hell is your problem!" Chuck yelled
"At this moment, it's you" Dan replied "Back away" he said as they were becoming close to throwing down
"Or what?" Chuck asked before Dan let out a laugh then pulled back to punch Chuck
"I don't like you" Dan said as he stood over Chuck's body before making his way over towards Blair to help her up while she still remain knocked out. Supporting her body up against his, he took the back way out so that no one would see the quote on quote Queen Bee in this state. Stepping out to the sidewalk carrying an unconscious Blair Waldorf seemed to have done the trick in hailing a taxi because it took no longer than two minutes before a taxi pulled over towards them. Putting her into the car first, he could only imagine what the driver was thinking as he saw how passed out she was but luckily the driver had seen enough drunken rich kids that it was almost abnormal to not see them passed out. As they drove back to her building, Dan looked out the lights of New York wondering just what exactly the cruel joke of the weekend was supposed to be for him. Trapped in a cab with a passed out Blair Waldorf. Getting played by the girl of his dreams. Working for Blair Waldorf. Oh, and the thing that made him curse at himself even more…thinking this world would fit with the world he knew.
Gossip Girl: Looks like B had too much, too soon that the help had to carry her home. Too bad that there's school on Monday, and you know what they say when you go home early….you always miss the good stuff, and what went down I'm sure she'd love to know about. Welcome back Upper Eastsiders, I can see this year is going to be full of surprises. So until next time. You know you love me, XOXO, Gossip Girl.
Next Chapter: "The Wild Brunch"
In the wake of the scandalous Kiss on the Lips party, Serena receives an icy cold reception from her best friend Blair, who reveals that she knows what happened between Serena and her boyfriend, Nate. Dan does all he can to keep Jenny out of the elite world, but Chuck provokes Dan. Blair finds that Jenny may be useful in getting rid of Dan.