Here is another chapter! Thank you for all the early support!
Yes, I've decided to make Scott present in this fic because the writers seem to forget how they had a storyline built around finding Scott. When they finally find him, he falls off the face of the planet. SMH.
Song lyrics: "I'll Be Missing You" – (Puff Daddy/P. Diddy/Diddy), Faith Evans, & 112 and "Fighter" – Christina Aguilera
R&R please!
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"… Well I'm not surprised Dan. Scott knew what he was doing when he strung all those girls along."
"Yeah, but did Shannelle, Laura-Lynn, and China really need to go the whole John Tucker Must Die route?"
"Your brother will forever be handful, with his subjective views on monogamy. It was about time he got a taste of his own medicine. Anyways, enough about Scott, I'm picking up dinner for our Godfather movie marathon. What do you want? Chinese takeout or gourmet piz-"
Dan heard Vanessa's voice but a loud noise cut her off…. then, nothing but the dial tone…
"Hello? Vanessa? Vanessa are you still there? Vanessa!"
It's 4:25 am.
Dan woke at 4:25 am to him shuddering and panting. Again.
It was the same nightmare.
The same nightmare that's been haunting him almost every night after a big fight at The Pit.
So basically a nightmare that's been haunting him for 4 years.
He just catches his breath and stares aimlessly at the ceiling for 5 minutes, until his alarm clock reads 4:30. On the dot, an incessant beep blared that Dan would unceremoniously shut off.
Not matter how hungover he was, Dan felt the need to wake at 4:30, although he wouldn't start the day until 5.
He spends his first 30 minutes of the day living as a shell of himself; a zombie within his own loft.
No one knew of this ghostly Dan Humphrey; no one knew about him living in the past and his reoccurring nightmare. Not even Scott.
It hurts too much for Dan. He just represses his nightmare and goes through the day as usual. He'll take about her one day and be fine with it.
Just… not today.
Every day I wake up
I hope I'm dreamin
I can't believe this shit
Can't believe you ain't here
Sometimes it's just hard for a nigga to wake up
It's hard to just keep goin
It's like I feel empty inside without you bein here
I would do anything man, to bring you back
I'd give all this shit, shit the whole knot
I saw your son today
He look just like you
You was the greatest
You'll always be the greatest
I miss you Big
Can't wait til that day, when I see your face again
I can't wait til that day, when I see your face again...
Yeah... this right here (tell me why)
Goes out, to everyone, that has lost someone
That they truly loved (c'mon, check it out)
Seems like yesterday we used to rock the show
I laced the track, you locked the flow
So far from hangin on the block for dough
Notorious, they got to know that
Life ain't always what it seem to be (uh-uh)
Words can't express what you mean to me
Even though you're gone, we still a team
Through your family, I'll fulfill your dream (that's right)
In the future, can't wait to see
If you open up the gates for me
Reminisce some time, the night they took my friend (uh-huh)
Try to black it out, but it plays again
When it's real, feelings hard to conceal
Can't imagine all the pain I feel
Give anything to hear half your breath (half your breath)
I know you still living your life, after death
Every step I take, every move I make
Every single day, every time I pray
I'll be missing you
Thinkin of the day, when you went away
What a life to take, what a bond to break
I'll be missing you
It's kinda hard with you not around (yeah)
Know you in heaven smilin down (eheh)
Watchin us while we pray for you
Every day we pray for you
Til the day we meet again
In my heart is where I'll keep you friend
Memories give me the strength I need (uh-huh) to proceed
Strength I need to believe
My thoughts Big I just can't define (can't define)
Wish I could turn back the hands of time
Us in the 6, shop for new clothes and kicks
You and me taking flicks
Makin hits, stages they receive you on
I still can't believe you're gone (can't believe you're gone)
Give anything to hear half your breath (half your breath)
I know you still living you're life, after death
Somebody tell me why
On that morning
When this life is over
I know
I'll see your face
Every night I pray, every step I take
Every move I make, every single day
Every night I pray, every step I take
Every day that passes
Every move I make, every single day
Is a day that I get closer
To seeing you again
Every night I pray, every step I take
We miss you Big... and we won't stop
Every move I make, every single day
Cause we can't stop... that's right
Every night I pray, every step I take
Every move I make, every single day
Normally, Dan would be working at the club, helping set up or whatever for that evening. However, Scott always gave his brother the day off following a fight. Dan spent a few hours in front of his laptop writing, and then headed to the gym for a light workout around lunchtime.
Dan, wearing a pair of black basketball shorts, a simple white tank top, and a pair of red and black Nike runners, began heading to the punching bags with his gym bag and water bottle. As he did so, he was glancing around the rest of the gym, mostly in the cardio and weights section. Dan's glances are more like stares, as he was determined to find the brunette that he hasn't been able to put out of his mind, since they met 3 days ago.
3 Days Ago.
It was a normal workout.
Yet… it wasn't.
His next match at The Fight Pit was in two days so he needed to shape up.
Dan was in the middle of giving the punching bags "love." He took a break but found he was low on water.
The Brooklyn Bruiser walked to the weight and cardio room, where a water bottle filling station was situated.
As Dan knew the gym's schedule and when the regular members would arrive, the gym would be near empty lunchtimes on Wednesday. He was surprised to learn of a brunette fumbling with the weights of a cable machine.
Simply put, she was beautiful.
With her back to him, Dan could see she wore dark grey capri sweatpants that had the word "Juicy" splashed on her butt and wore a sky blue shirt with long sleeves. That surprised him. Most women wear gym clothes that enhance their cleavage or their "assets." Nonetheless, this brunette seemed comfortable with wearing sleeves and that surely impressed Dan.
Hearing her grunt in frustration, Dan stifled a laugh and stepped in.
"Here, let me help. Those weights are always finicky."
He saw the woman jump out of her skin at the sound of his deep voice.
"Geez! You could've informed your presence a little less roughly."
"Whoa! Sorr-y! I was just trying to be helpful… but if you can manage those wei-"
"Ugh… n-no. I'm sorry for jumping down your throat. You're right, you were offering help that I need… and still do. It's… it's just been one of those days, you know?"
"Ah yes! Those days where you glare at someone long enough and hope they will combust into flames."
She silently chuckles as he fiddles with the stuck pin of the weights.
"…and there you go! Don't worry; the pins jam on everyone… even me."
Wiping his sweaty palm on his shorts, he offers a handshake.
"I'm Dan. Dan Humphrey."
She snorts as his last name as she replies, "Blair Waldorf."
"Blair. That's a unique name for such a unique woman."
"Unique? You just met me."
"Yes, but I know the schedule of this gym like I know the back of my hand, and the gym should be empty right now. Instead, I meet you on this rather ordinary day. That makes you unique, by default." Dan said with a shrug of his shoulders as he filled his water bottle.
Blair couldn't contain her blush and she was flustering for a response.
"Quite the charmer, aren't you, Humphrey? Girls are probably tripping over themselves to be around you."
She got back at Dan with that point. But he quickly recovered.
"And you, Waldorf, think you're the one in a million to resist my charms?" He asks with a smirk playing on his face.
"Please. I'm classy like Audrey Hepburn. I'm not one of those flittering ditzes like Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan."
Before he could respond, Blair cut him off.
"Besides, I have a boyfriend."
At this, Dan's heart sank. A girl that he could actually like since Vanessa, had a boyfriend.
He let that though pass and focused on Blair's voice that became of a vulnerable child. Dan could see her body become tense. He never made a point to prod her however. They barely knew each other; yet, Dan couldn't shake this feeling that something was bothering Blair.
"Well, if your boyfriend is a sports fan, he should check out The Exodus."
"The Exodus? Isn't that a nightclub?"
"Yeah, but the party doesn't happen on the dancefloor; the real deal is in the basement, where The Fight Pit is held."
"Now I know…Wait. The Fight Pit… That's some underground, no-holds-barred, fight club. Practically a death sentence."
"I see the word gets around. It's not as bad and barbaric as you make it sound, Blair. Maybe you should check it out for yourself, before judging it." Dan said, as if posing a silent challenge to her. One that he was hoping she'd accept.
"Anyways… my match is Friday night so-"
"Y-you fight?"
"Uhmm.. yeah. But, I think I should let you get back to your workout, while I get back to me. Nice meeting you, Waldorf."
He was already down the hall when he greeted her goodbye.
Blair continued to stand for a few more minutes, mulling over an opinion of Dan Humphrey.
After changing into her street clothes that consisted of a tan trenchcoat and heels, Blair took a detour to the exit. Walking stealthily to the room filled with punching bags, boxing equipment, and a boxing ring in the center of the room, she stood by the door silently observing Dan.
Silently observing a hardworking, sweaty, red-faced, and a very shirtless Dan Humphrey.
Though she was stealthy, Dan was sensing eyes watching him. Hers. His peripheral vision caught sight of her and had him smiling as he continued to give uppercut and straight jabs, mixed with a variety of kicks ranging from head, midsection, to legs.
It was a normal workout.
Yet… it wasn't.
End.
It was a normal workout.
Yet… it wasn't.
Dan fit his hands in his gloves and began a barrage of hits on a black speed bag. He was probably at it for about 5 or 10 minutes until he the sound of throat clearing made him stop, but he didn't turn around.
"I had a feeling you'd be here."
"And I was hoping you'd show up, yourself. I know you watched my match at The Fight Pit last night. You can't lie now. It wasn't so bad, was it?"
Blair answered with a barely audible, "No."
"Are you here to get a signed autograph for your boyfriend, when in secr-"
Dan stopped his teasing in mid-question as he turned to face Blair. She was pale and her eyes were bloodshot; she'd been crying. He noticed she wore a turtleneck. Fall just arrived; it was still warm and sunny out. But Dan didn't fixate on that.
"Blair? Blair, what's wrong? Are you ok?"
"NO! I'm NOT fine! And NOTHING is ok!"
She flinched at Dan's touch as he tried to hug her, but as soon as he enveloped his warm embrace around her, Blair relaxed and sobbed into his tank top.
Dan and Blair simply stayed in the state for a long while.
"Is there anything I could do to help? Maybe your boy-"
"NO! I… I don't want his help… I want…. need yours."
Dan swallowed a lump that was stuck in his throat.
In the most heartbreaking tone of voice Dan has ever heard, Blair stated something he really wished he didn't hear.
"Teach me how to fight."
Dan stood frozen for what felt like an eternity, trying to find his voice.
He managed to croak out, "Wha…What?"
"It seems as if you've been struck in the head too many times." Blair laughs through her tears.
But her face hardens once again.
"Teach me how to fight… like you."
It was a normal workout.
Yet… it wasn't.
After all that you put me through,
You think I'd despise you,
But in the end I wanna thank you,
'Cause you've made me that much stronger
Well I thought I knew you, thinkin' that you were true
Guess I, I couldn't trust called your bluff time is up
'Cause I've had enough
You were there by my side, always down for the ride
But your joy ride just came down in flames 'cause your greed sold me out in shame
After all of the stealing and cheating you probably think that I hold resentment for you
But uh uh, oh no, you're wrong
'Cause if it wasn't for all that you tried to do, I wouldn't know
Just how capable I am to pull through
So I wanna say thank you
'Cause it
Makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
Never saw it coming, all of your backstabbing
Just so you could cash in on a good thing before I'd realize your game
I heard you're going round playing the victim now
But don't even begin feeling I'm the one to blame
'Cause you dug your own grave
After all of the fights and the lies 'cause you're wanting to haunt me
But that won't work anymore, no more,
It's over
'Cause if it wasn't for all of your torture
I wouldn't know how to be this way now and never back down
So I wanna say thank you
'Cause it
How could this man I thought I knew
Turn out to be unjust so cruel
Could only see the good in you
Pretend not to see the truth
You tried to hide your lies, disguise yourself
Through living in denial
But in the end you'll see
YOU-WON'T-STOP-ME
I am a fighter and I
I ain't gonna stop
There is no turning back
I've had enough
You thought I would forget
But I remembered
'Cause I remembered
I remembered
You thought I would forget
I remembered
'Cause I remembered
I remembered