Perfect

by Faryn Queens

Somewhat AU future fic. Continuation of "Maybe" Their daughter desperately wants to know why they're divorced. The moments leading up to DB. Flashbacks to the important moments in their lives together.

4. Must Have Been Love

A/N: Hey guys! I'm sorry I take forever to update! I'm very committed to this story I just have issues finding the time for something so elaborate. I'm a stickler for continuity and the webs I weave are complicated. I know I put it on myself when I write a multi chapter fic that includes flashbacks and mysteries but please bear with me. This chapter is a complete flashback. The reason I did this was because I felt like I needed to put out a happy chapter that shows them in the beginning stages of their relationship. Especially after the finale. I just want to anchor myself and this is the best way to do it. Keep in mind there are important points made in this chapter that do infer foreshadows. I made headings for different scenes in their relationship. Thanks to Ivorykeys and Sara for their patience and help, I love you XOXOX. ENjOY, Dan and Blair before Nicky :D this chapter is rated M.

Some feedback to my previous reviews:

horchata: You'll see how their divorce unfolds. I'm laying groundwork and hopefully will be updating much faster now that i'm out of school.

gossipgirl111: I'm not stopping. Promise. I appreciate that you're letting me take my sweet time but once inawhile it's good for reviews that kick me in the butt :P

sarabrowncolorado: You adore my story? I adore you!

Magnus57: I'm glad it's not confusing. Now I just have to worry about if it holds people's attentions.

maggie3325: I'm glad you change your mind about what happened. I'm not sure anyone will guess it. Like I said before it could be considered OOC and I might get some mean reviews after I upload that chapter.

slowpokesheep: I hope I can continue to pull you in! I'm trying my darnest! I have a lot planned and it just has to take time for my mind to place everything in the right order.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

(IT MUST HAVE BEEN LOVE)

BY: ROXETTE

FROM: PRETTY WOMAN

'Pretty Woman' was a movie Dan and I watched snuggled up in his bed. We really put that tv to use in our first month of dating. I thought i'd have to talk Dan into watching 'Pretty Woman' with me but he actually had no objections and ended up enjoying it. I'm not sure what's more shocking, Dan liking "Pretty Woman" or Nate's love for 'The Sound of Music'. 8 out of 10 because let's face it,... it's 'Pretty Woman' * -Blair

* In our first two months of dating, significant changes were made in our lives. I became Serena's number one enemy. I emailed her on several occasions and received half hearted replies. Dan and I reached out to her at least three times. We didn't want our friendship with her to end. Still caring for her a great deal, we felt it was important that we make the effort to keep in touch with her. The day Dan and I decided that she wasn't worth it was the day she spammed my computer with the story Dan wrote about her. '10-08-05', was a short story that detailed the very moment Dan fell in love with my best-friend in high-school. I deleted the spammed emails after Dan told me to ignore her and pretend like it never happened. After the fourth day of constant spamming I decided to bring out old Blair. I'm not proud of myself. I know it was not necessary but she infuriated me. I sent Serena a pretty heavy email that included a scanned note Dan left on the pillow from our one month anniversary. Behind all the profanity of her next email, she basically told me that I was an idiot for choosing a guy over our friendship and that Dan was going to leave me the second he found another muse. At the end she pleaded with me, explaining that I was brainwashed. After reading I felt terrible for my ex best-friend who was adamant that we could not remain friends if I dated "her" Dan. However, breaking up wasn't even close to being an option for Dan and I. We were not breaking up so I could go back to my unstable and often tense relationship with Serena. I made my move and she made hers. * -Blair

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

TWO WEEKS IN

Over the last two weeks, the new couple fell into a comfortable pattern. Blair practically lived at Dan and Nate's apartment now, even went as far to add portions of her wardrobe to Dan's oversized closet every few days. The more it filled the more secure Dan felt with Blair's eventual decision to move in with him. He tried not to push her to make such a drastic move but every now and then he'd hint at his desire for her to move her entire life into his apartment. It wasn't much more than a week into the relationship when Dan ran the idea past Nate. After a little confusion about where she was going to sleep, Nate realized Dan and Blair were much more serious than he originally thought. Once man-bangs learned that Blair would not be taking over his balcony or bedroom Nate seemed completely excited about living with both his best-friends. Blair was much more skeptical of this idea. There was only one way Dan knew Blair was hesitant about moving. Blair kept her very best heels at her mother's penthouse and would give poor excuses why she didn't give them a permanent home at Dan's apartment. The sheer volume of quality heels was her usual excuse for why she wasn't ready to bring them over, but Dan knew it was more than the time it would take to bring them over. He didn't blame her. He knew it was a big change that she wasn't quite ready to make. Still, when she used the excuse that she needed to go "home" because she needed a good pair of shoes Dan rolled his eyes. Often Dorota would find herself at Dan and Nate's, following Blair around as usual and taking on certain tasks Dan decidedly found unnecessary, his laundry for example. Nate was often MIA during the day. But if he wasn't taking another leisure holiday to escape his already leisure filled life, staying at a woman's house overnight or attending a mandatory family affair, he was usually found sitting on the couch in the living-room playing xbox which put him in position as the butt of all jokes. Dan and Blair's busy lives continued to move around Nate as he remained jobless and without goals. Blair moved up at Cosmopolitan so quickly she found herself in stressful situations which seemed to give her the permission to take it all out on Nate. Dan continued writing and seemed to have a job interview every few days that only ended in disappointment. Blair found ways to take Dan's mind off his failed attempts at employment, but during the course of these activities she'd find herself forgetting the initial motive of pleasuring him and not herself.

It was quite possible Dan received more head in the beginning stages of his relationship with Blair than he had his entire life. It wasn't until Blair that he truly recognized the utility of the term 'fellatio'. It wasn't just a blow-job, it wasn't just head, it was like a mind numbing art-form that she had doctorate in. For once in his life he felt as though this was worthy of the latin word that sounded just as esteemed as the act performed. The dirty connotation of the activity seemed to melt away when Blair was focused on this part of him. He was appreciative, probably much more so than anyone else privileged enough to experience her hidden skill. What he noticed was that she didn't do it because she wanted the favour returned like some women he had been with, ahem Vanessa. It wasn't more of a self satisfaction; she didn't fish for compliments afterwards either ahem Serena. Blair gave Dan pleasure because she wanted him to feel good. She took great pride in her talent that made Dan lose his wits. That stoic and calm man that rendered her legs into jelly when they were kissing, could be taken to the same level when she lowered her mouth and offered a different kind of kiss. For a guy that usually didn't make more than a throaty grunt during sex he was moved to real audible moans when her lips surrounded him. Her eyes would look up at him and smile with their twinkle alone. "so beautiful.." he touched her cheek lightly. "you're only saying that because I'm in a flattering position," she smirked before going back to her worship of his manhood. She stuck her tongue out completely flat then licked him slowly but with hard pressure. Her hand then wrapped around his shaft and jerked him as her tongue now encircled the tip of his dick. "mmmm..." he played with some of the loose curls in her hair. Blair picked up her pace a little catching him off guard. He bit his lip but continued to watch her as she squeezed and sucked. His eyes would roll back if he wasn't so mesmerized by her lips. Dan loved Blair's lips more than any other physical feature she possessed. He loved kissing her lips, he loved watching them, he loved when they pouted and when they smiled, he especially loved watching her eat. "Blair..." he trailed off with a gulp. He was breathing heavily now and she smiled devilishly as he tensed up in her hand. "Oh Blair..." he panted as he came. Blair loved this part. She collected all of what he had to offer on her tongue then smacked her lips together before swallowing and smiling with satisfaction. Blair Waldorf was a goddess and goddesses deserved worship. Dan thanked Blair which made her uncomfortable. The moment of heated passion soon felt like an after-school special.

"Would you stop with the...," she signified his hyper verbal tendencies by opening and closing her hand. "I know you're appreciative, trust me," she snuggled up with him.

"But I..." he began.

"Nuh uh...no talking," she kissed along the side of his face. Dan nodded to show he understood that she was tired of his constant babble. Instead of saying another word Dan kissed Blair's shoulder, then on the collar bone, then her breast, stomach, hip, thigh, inner thigh. "What are you doing?" she didn't exactly sound as seductive as before, she actually sounded authoritative and slightly alarmed. "Dan, it's ok..." she ran her hand over his hair in a loving way. "I don't need to be paid back," she laughed at his pursuit. "Dan, seriously..." she felt her whole body tense up as he got closer.

"Why don't you take a piece of your own advice and stop talking," he said in a gruff but near whisper while he planted an open mouth kiss on her inner thigh. His voice was so sexy and alluring, Blair shut up immediately. Dan never talked to her in that manner before. Paired with that little growl she was becoming increasingly fond of, she relaxed her head on the pillow. Thigh, inner thigh, other inner thigh,then ...OH DAAANNNN!

It wasn't uncommon for Nate and Blair to share an awkward breakfast where they would both pretend that Nate didn't hear anything he wish he hadn't. Even though his bedroom was down the hall and the rooms claimed to have nearly soundproof walls they were no match for Blair Waldorf when she was in a state of pleasure. For the most part Dan was never one to make much noise, and for that, Nate was thankful. Once at 3am Nate very loudly yelled and told them to go to sleep which resulted in the first morning where Blair felt the need to address the situation.

"Good morning," Blair sat beside Nate at the table as he munched on a pop-tart, avoiding contact with the brunette.

"I'm sorry about last night..." she began offering a sheepish grin while tying her silk robe tighter. "But to be fair..." her eyes widened. "It's not like you had to get up early," she shrugged.

"No, don't worry about that..." he continued eating.

"I hope it doesn't make you too uncomfortable," she waited.

"No, it's fine," he offered a smile.

"It's not like you've never heard me..." she suddenly felt awkward and wished she could stuff the words back into her mouth.

"Oh, I don't believe i've ever heard anything like that," Blair gulped as Nate stood. Dan casually walked into the kitchen and held on to Blair's chair during this tense moment.

"As your friend, I think you could do better and as Dan's friend..." Nate extended his hand to Dan's. "High-five,"

"Uh okay," Dan's hand smacked Nate's with a loud clap.

"I'll see you two later..." Nate rubbed his crumby hands on his pants before getting in the elevator.

"Did I deserve a high-five or...?" Dan was confused as he took Nate's abandoned seat.

"Yes,..." she moved into his lap. "You deserve a high-five, a round of applause and," she pressed a kiss to his cheek. "...a standing ovation"

"Still confused,...wanna tell me what that was about?..."

"No," she giggled pulling the newspaper towards her.

While their sex lives and living conditions evolved quite drastically, Dan had yet to meet Eleanor officially. Blair had attended a family dinner at the Humphreys where she found everyone to be incredibly nice to her. Too nice for everything she had done or said to Dan in the past. It became apparent that if Dan liked a girl his family welcomed that girl with open arms. Blair wasn't sure she hugged so many people in one night in her entire life. Usually being quite reserved around people she didn't know it was out of her comfort zone but if that was the only thing she had to deal with, he was perfectly fine with that. The Humphreys were big on hugging. Especially Dan's grandparents who just found Blair to be the most precious thing they had ever seen. At first Blair assumed Dan's nana Lucy was just trying to be nice. She stood corrected when it seemed as though Nana Lucy was never nice and always spoke what was on her mind, no matter how inappropriate or rude it might be. For this Blair had a great deal of respect for the woman she could only describe as a more obnoxious version of Serena's grandma CeCe. Lucy's hair was a fiery red that matched her loud but interesting personality. She started her insults by telling Jenny she looked like a racoon while finishing off her first of many glasses of wine. Dan agreed with Nana's opinion of Jenny's makeup but she didn't enjoy that too much. "What are you laughing at? You're the one that needs to shave off those god damn side burns...my god, who do you think you are?" Rufus laughed but shouldn't have, he noticed his mother looking at him sternly. "I really can't believe you made lasagne, you make such delicious dinners but tonight you choose to make lasagne?... I'm embarrassed poor Blair had to come to dinner when you cooked this..." she sighed heavily. Dan quipped that it would have been inappropriate to have waffles for dinner. Everyone laughed, including Blair who was starting to feel comfortable with everyone. Out of all her insults and judgement, Blair thrilled Nana for some unknown reason. Blair didn't know what she did to gain approval from such a judgemental woman but later on in the evening she overheard Nana express her distaste for Serena and her low cut shirts and hiked up skirts.

"I just never liked her!" she defended her opinion about Dan's previous, blonde girlfriend.

"I know, I know," Dan tried to settle her down while he washed and she dried.

"She was a floozy.."

"Nana! enough..."

"Why do you defend her? She left you! Probably for another man. I told you to never trust a woman wearing Lanvin perfume," she sighed loudly.

"She used to be Serena's best-friend..." Dan said in a near whisper hoping she would lighten up.

"My god,...Sometimes I think you live on a soap opera Daniel..."

"You and me both," he chuckled.

"Do you have like four friends between you?" she commented. Blair couldn't help but laugh from the other side of the door. It was true. Dan and Blair moved in the same circles and often it seemed as though they lacked friends other than Serena and Nate.

So how did this all happen with Blair?" she questioned while putting clean plates in the cupboard.

"I don't know," he smiled thinking. "We've been friends for over a year. Everything just clicks with her,"

"Well, I'm happy. You always deserved a girl that appreciates you," she leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Remember that Vanessa?"

"Yes, Nana..." Dan groaned while he was elbow deep in sink water.

"Hold on to Blair,"

"I'm trying to," he nodded.

"Trying to?" she questioned with raised eyebrows.

"I mean,...I don't forsee a break up happening anytime soon,"

"Those sound like marriage words..." she sung.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa,...It's been two weeks,"

"Yes, but you've been best-friends much longer which heightens everything. Oh goodness! I finally approve of a woman joining the Humphrey family. Promise me when you propose you'll give her my sapphire. None of your father's wives were worthy of my ring. Terrible women really..."

"OH-KAY!... Can we please remember that you're talking about my mother," he was shocked that his grandmother would just let things like that fly out of her mouth.

"Oh I can't lie. She is just awful..." Dan couldn't help but laugh that his grandmother was so outspoken.

"You like Blair though?" he cocked his head to the side.

"Are you kidding? I love her!," she smiled.

"Why?" Dan asked curious as what impression she gave them.

"What is there not to love? She's determined, she has goals, she's reserved but has a sense of humour. So far she seems to be classy and sophisticated. And she's just beautiful Daniel,"

"She is," Dan nodded.

"You love her don't you?," she waited.

"Well..."

"Daniel!," she said a little too loud.

"Shh!, I don't think we're at that level yet,"

"To say it or to feel it?"

"uhm,...I really really like her. But it's just not...I think it's too soon for that now"

"Oh for the love of god. You fell in love with Serena the moment you saw her,"

"I know but this is different. This wasn't love at first sight so yeah it might take a little longer before I feel the same kind of,..." he thought about how he should word it, "all encompassing love for her,"

"That's hog-wash, you were obsessed with Serena and that was about her man hypnotizing perfume and low cut shirts,"

"Okay...I get it you can stop throwing the other girls I dated under the bus now? You don't know anything about why I loved Serena so let's change the subject,"

"My god...you still love her?"

"No, no, no..." he groaned.

"Daniel..."

"No. No, I don't." he shook his head and let the sink drain watching the dish water swirl until the sink was completely empty.

"Serena would never get my sapphire,..." she deadpanned. Dan took a deep breath and stared straight at his grandmother.

"Blair wouldn't even want your sapphire," he said almost too stern. "Blair is an upper east snob, elitist with more jewelry than she knows what to do with. I don't think your sapphire ring is something she would get too excited about"

"Every woman in your father's life wanted that ring," Nana said before exiting the kitchen seeing that Blair was standing on the other side of the door, "hello sweets," Nana smiled hoping she didn't hear anything Dan said. "Are you ready for dessert honey? I promise my apple pie will be much better than Rufus' lasagne" she smiled ushering her to the dining-room.

"Blair is an upper east snob elitist?" she said under her breath when everyone had retired to Dan's grandparent's living-room. Dan turned to her shocked that she overheard that.

"Blair, I said that to get her to stop pushing her ring on you. You know I don't think that,"

"Yes, you do," she she inhaled lightly. "Because it's true," she smiled lightly and Dan suddenly felt a huge sense of relief wash over him. "But you're an intellectual snob," she reminded him. Dan laughed with a nod.

"I'll take it," he leaned in to kiss her. When he pulled back from their kiss Dan felt the need to address that other topic he and his grandmother were talking about. "Umm about that bit when she asked me if I..."

"I get it. I feel the same way," she got him to stop talking. "We've been together two weeks. The three words, eight letters haven't even crossed my mind at this point."

"I really like you," Dan bit his lip as a smile spread across his face.

"I really like you too Humphrey,"

XOXOXOX

ONE MONTH IN,

Daisy, It has come to my attention we've been together exactly 30 days today. I was going to wake you up to see if you wanted to come get breakfast with me but you looked so peaceful and I didn't want to disturb you. I can't believe it's been a whole month already. Anyway, Happy one month beautiful. I hope we'll see many many more of these. I truly mean it when I say this is the best relationship i've ever been in. I feel completely satisfied with every facet of our relationship from the most complicated to the most basic. It's pretty great having a girlfriend who is also my best-friend. I wonder what I did to deserve that xoxo-DH

Blair rolled on to her stomach and lifted the note off Dan's pillow. She examined his writing closely. There was something about the lines Dan made in pen. It was if he worshipped the written word not only for it's literary value but for it's aesthetic value as well. Whenever Blair edited for Dan she would much rather read his notebooks than his computer screen. Somehow even typed sheets didn't do his words justice. With a wide smile she rolled on to her back and held the note above her head to read it. Laughing lightly she noticed Dan rambled in his notes, she should have known. She also should have known why he bestowed the nickname, Daisy on her. But of course he would smile and say 'I'll tell you someday'

When she heard had arrived home, Blair's feet moved from the comfy carpet of Dan's bedroom to the chilly tile floor of the kitchen. "How did you sleep?" he smiled at her adoringly while emptying out the grocery bags.

"Oh you know, fine. But I woke up to find I was abandoned," she rolled her eyes playfully.

"I had to get up. We didn't have anything to make waffles with!" he said enthused.

"Right. We've been together thirty days have we?,"

"Not that i've been counting," he smiled earnestly as she walked over to him.

"I guess this means our anniversary is,..." she nearly blushed thinking back to the night where they finally consummated.

"Well, we could technically consider our anniversary the tenth but we did have a rocky start then. We might even have to consider ourselves on and off in that case," he crinkled his nose in distaste as her hands wrapped around his neck. "We'd have also missed our first anniversary if it took place on the tenth. That would be pretty sad no?"

"The twelfth is fine," she gave him an eskimo kiss.

"You better clear your schedule. I'm taking you on the best and longest date ever today," he pressed a kiss to her top lip.

"While that sounds lovely,...I have that meeting with head office," she sighed then pressed a chaste kiss on his lips.

"Okay then we'll work around it," he shrugged.

"No really,...I have to go in for noon and make sure everything is perfect for tonight. The pitch is at two and it could go pretty late," she felt terrible as she watched Dan's excitement for the day fade from his face as he took a seat at the table. "I'm sorry," her big brown eyes were wide and sympathetic.

"I thought you were doing that next week,"

"We were but they called and asked if we could present earlier so we're strapped for time and I need to get to the office in about two hours."

"It's a Saturday," Dan nearly laughed.

"I'm really sorry,"

"It's okay we can do it another day,"

"It's just that I didn't know. I wasn't keeping count on how many days since we,..." She felt awkward again and Dan cocked his head to the side.

"I'm not considering the first time we had sex as our anniversary, you know that right?"

"It was the twelfth,..." her forehead crinkled with what he meant.

"No. I mean,..." He smiled. "I'm counting from the time we decided that we were real and stopped joking about how we were going nowhere,...just so happens we had sex that night," he laughed.

"I have a couple hours before I have to meet Nina," Blair said before making herself comfortable on his lap. "Should we celebrate our one month with what we did last month?" she bit her lip impishly.

"Right here on this chair?," his eyes widened with mock surprise. "With the drapes drawn and hundreds of New Yorkers twenty storeys below us,..."

"And tourists!" she smiled widely.

"Not very discrete are we?" he held on to her hips as she straddled him.

"Mmm, not very adventurous are we?" she kissed his neck. Dan's eyes closed as she worked diligently at his belt. The second his belt was open, a ding came from the elevator. A boisterous voice followed, "Miss Blair!..." Dorota scurried in trying her best to make sure the fascinator she wore was not lopsided. Dan did his belt up and looked casual as Blair practically teleported into the seat across from him. "Sorry I late...I drop Ana off at school. Vanya sick. Come down with food poisoning,..." She huffed. "Told him not to eat leftover sandwich..." she sighed loudly.

"Don't worry about it," Dan comforted the maid which allowed for a glare from Blair.

"I have a list," Blair popped a grape into her mouth and pointed.

"You know I think I can handle the things on your list. You really don't need to get Dorota in here everyday,"

"You think you can handle my list?"

"I have a clear schedule. I think I can handle it," he laughed at her face that expressed her discredit for him.

"By all means," Blair shrugged. Dan stood from the table.

"Dorota,..." Blair heard him negotiate with her. "Everything will be fine. I'll do it all!," he promised. "Go home to Vanya," he practically pushed her out the door. After a quick breakfast Blair got showered and dressed to meet Nina for their big pitch.

XOXOXOXOXOX

Hardly three hours later, Blair was calling Dan.

"Dan Humphrey, Blair Waldorf's temporary assistant," he laughed into the receiver wedged between his shoulder and ear as he searched through Blair's side of his closet.

"Dan..." her voice on the phone was urgent but disguised with a whisper.

"Hey," he smiled into the receiver. "How's your day going?, I'm actually zooming through this list. I just have one question. You need your blush dress dry cleaned...that's like pink right?" he continued to push hangers to the side.

"I don't have time right now," she snapped. "...normally I'd call Dorota but you told her to take the day off..." she sounded irritated, anxious and worried.

"What's wrong," he picked up the dress and laid it over a chair.

"I need..., tampons..." she whispered into the phone, covering the receiver. She was positively mortified and embarrassed for even suggesting such a task for him.

"What kind?"

"Normally i'd be able to leave but we're holding the presentation in ten minutes and everyone has already arrived. It's times like these that I wish I still had minions...," she sighed.

"What kind?" Dan asked grabbing his wallet and heading to the elevator.

"Really? You're not freaked out?"

"Why would I be?" he asked.

When Dan arrived at the office Blair was shaking hands with people as they arrived for her presentation. Today would be the day where Nina and Blair would pitch their ideas to make changes to Cosmo. They needed to be backed up a hundred percent for it to become the classy, woman empowering magazine they hoped it could be. The trashy quizzes and stereotyped men would be abolished and they would rely on real women; powerful women, and men that didn't always look forward to the Superbowl.

Blair's eyes widened when she saw Dan was empty handed. "Hey,..." she looked around, nearly ready to panic.

"Top drawer of your desk," he gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek.

"You're a life saver," she sighed thankfully before he moved his way through the crowd of people. The second Blair had a chance to get away, she rushed to her desk and found exactly what she had requested on top of a few other items. A box of her favourite chocolates and a note that warmed her heart. On the small piece of paper attached to the box it read, She be but small, but she be fierce. Be you. Do what you do baby -DH

It was everything she needed to confidently go into this meeting. When the meeting was over Blair sat back at her desk and celebrated with Nina. Everyone loved them and their new ideas. The one thing the investors suggested was that Cosmo hire more men.

"We have Lint...I mean how much more testosterone do we need in this place?" Blair offered a content smile and relaxed into her chair.

"What about Dan?" Nina asked.

"What about him?" Blair cocked an eyebrow.

"He's looking for a job,...he's a writer. He's a man right?..." she laughed.

"Is he ever," Blair's eyes widened as she pulled a box of chocolates to show her friend.

"Bonus points tonight!" Nina was impressed.

"He's so sweet," Blair sighed opening the box. "It's our one month anniversary today," she crinkled her nose as if to ask if she was the worst girlfriend ever.

"What can you do?" Nina began to file her nails with her legs up on the desk. A light knock on the door turned Blair's attention to a tall woman who stoically walked over to Blair's desk.

"Judith, what can I do for you," she stood properly with her hands folded in front of her.

"You can clear out your desk," Judith said simply causing Blair's heart to skip a beat. "Everyone upstairs was talking about your dedication to this office, the way you keep your team focused when it's not even your job to be in charge,..." Blair swallowed hard knowing she was overbearing at times and often did undermine her boss to get things done. "I wanted to personally let you know that you've been given a promotion,"

"What?" she clasped her hands together. Nina's jaw dropped, her legs swung off the desk with shock.

"You remember Liz don't you?" Judith began. Blair turned her head to see Nina's expression which was frozen just waiting for the point when she would be able to celebrate.

"My boss,...yes" Blair was nearly shaking.

"Well she's been given an opportunity at another magazine,...we want you to take her place,"

"Really?" Blair had nothing left to say. She was unsure how it was at all possible to move up the line in a little over a month.

"Congratulations," she said warmly before exiting the office and leaving Nina and Blair to a screaming party. When they settled down Blair called Dan.

"Hello," he answered.

"Hey you!," she smiled into the phone trying to hold back her excitement. "What's wrong you sound strange?"

"Oh,...Simon and Shuster called me,..." he sighed. "How was your pitch?" he tried changing the subject.

"Fine," she answered without another word about her day. "What did they say to you?" she asked.

"They told me to apply again in five years when I have some experience..., how can I get experience when no one wants to hire me?" he sounded broken and at his wits end.

"It's okay," she said in a soothing voice. "Just keep working on your novel,...you have what a couple chapters written now right?..."

"Blair I don't know,...whatever," he sighed and put on his best 'over it' voice. "How did everything go with you and Nina?"

"...It went alright,.." She lied and looked over at Nina. "I'm going to be home soon and i'll make you forget all about it okay?," she smiled hoping that would make him feel better but sensed it didn't. She hung up and Nina starred at her before shaking her head back and fourth.

"You are NOT going home. We have to go out!"

"Nina,..." Blair pulled and tried to get her arm back. "He's been alone all day doing my errands I can't go out and celebrate with him at home upset,"

"You know what this sounds like,..."

"Don't say it,..." she warned her.

"It's like when you were with Chuck,..."

"Never say that again," she said sternly.

"How is it any different? you said that you put Chuck's sadness over your happiness. I called everyone from the office. You need to come out and celebrate with the girls and Lint," she squeezed her hands.

"He's at home waiting for me,..." she said.

"Do you want to resent Dan?"

"Never,"

"Then don't let him,"

"I don't know,..."

"Come out for a few hours then go home to him and support him. Don't regret that you missed out on being happy for yourself because you felt the need to support him,"

Blair pulled out her cellphone. "Hey,..." she inhaled lightly. "I'm going to be another few hours. Yeah i'll be home for dinner,...sounds good," she smiled into the phone and looked at Nina. "That felt so awful,"

"Are you kidding. What happened to queen B? You told me you used to be the best at lying," she was shocked.

"Not to Dan,"

Blair's remorse seemed to melt away as she and her colleagues celebrated by sliding more drinks across the table. Some even made a few remarks about how easy going Blair was when she wasn't running on a deadline or bossing them around. Luckily Blair was a cheap drunk and it didn't take much for her to get a buzz then sober up. It was about nine thirty when Blair was outside waiting for her cab. Nina leaned against the building puffing on a cigarette. "I wish they gave you the promotion," Blair smiled.

"Shut up," Nina rolled her eyes with a laugh.

"No really. Then I wouldn't feel so bad right now," she couldn't help herself from laughing.

"Well to be honest I'd hate being the person in charge so I couldn't be happier that you're my new boss"

"We're going to have to much fun Nina,"

"Yeah we are," she nodded. "I wish I could believe you though. You sound so depressed,"

"I feel bad for ditching him on our anniversary,"

"You said you were working late. Plus...I can't smell any liquor on you. You should be fine,"

When the cab arrived Blair asked if Nina wanted to catch a ride with her. Nina shook her head no and gestured over to a burly looking guy that Blair saw earlier when they were inside the bar. "Blair this is Gabe," Blair's eyes shifted from her friend to the blonde guy in a formal suit. If Blair loved anything about Nina it was her confidence, that and her total claim to being loose.

"Charmed..." Blair raised her eyebrows then pulled Nina into a hug. "So promiscuous,..."

"I know and I love it," she took a long drag of her cigarette and tossed it to the ground, crushing it with her sky high stiletto. They hugged before Blair got into her cab.

"Goodbye dahling!," they gave each-other side kisses.

When Blair walked in the apartment it was nearly pitch black except for the light glow of the tv from Dan's bedroom. When Dan heard the click of the light switch he rushed to the door to see Blair starring at the table set. "I'm sorry!" Blair shut the light off immediately knowing Dan had planned for her to walk in and see the table lit with candles. "It's okay," he chuckled as he went around and lit the tall candles in the centre of the table. "I was about to give up on you," he walked over and gave her a long, lingering kiss. "Please, sit," he pulled out a chair for her. "I hope you're hungry,"

"Starved," her eyes reflected the orange of the flame.

"We have a couple hours left and I thought we could celebrate this anniversary with how we used to spend our college days,..." Dan was interrupted with Blair's sharp voice.

"With romantic candlelit dinners?" she snorted. "Plus, isn't it too soon for you to be acting all nostalgic over the old college days?" she scoffed lightly.

"...With spaghetti and heated debates," he stared at her while finishing his sentence that she abruptly interrupted with her babble. Blair smiled and Dan went to the kitchen to retrieve their supper.

"This better not be take out,..." she teased knowing it was homemade.

"I wouldn't dare," he smiled happy Blair was such a fan of the one thing he knew how to make. Over the course of the meal things got tense and to the point where they disagreed to such an extent that Dan called Blair 'impossible' and Blair told Dan that he infuriated her.

"Hear me out,..."

"No, you just talk in circles and make no sense,"

"You're being so closed minded it's actually,..."

"Do NOT call me close minded! I am dating a man with a metro card!,"

"Oh so that means you're totally opened minded because I have a metro card? I think the Upper east side apartment and Marc Jacobs wardrobe would trump the fact I own a metro card," he titled his head to the side and dropped his fork.

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that I lean to your side a little more than you lean to mine,"

"UHm..." she desperately tried to think of something.

"Owned," Dan had a smarmy look on his face.

"Okay then I guess you can take me out and i'll show you how open minded I can be,"

"Next week. You're on"

"Alright fine,"

"fine,"

"Now are you going to help me do these dishes?" he stood and waited for a response.

"What do you think?" Blair leaned back in her chair with an exhausted groan.

"I think the guy that completed a full list of errands, brought you emergency items and cooked dinner should get a little help cleaning up," he pulled on her hands until she was reluctantly standing.

"And while I do appreciate all those things,...I think we should entertain the idea of leaving them for Dorota,"

"Go, get out of here," Dan groaned pushing her in the direction of the living-room.

Dan found himself in the kitchen alone cleaning up while Blair slipped into bed and scrolled through the Netflix listings. It wasn't long before Dan made his way into the room and smiled at how comfy Blair looked in his bed. "You seem pretty comfy here," Dan crawled up on to the bed and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Why don't you think about moving in hmm?..." he kissed her shoulder.

"It's only been a month," Blair didn't pull her eyes away from the television secured to the wall in front of her. Dan kissed her shoulder gently and looked to the tv to see she watching 'The Philadelphia story', "Again?" he smiled.

"I love it," she said mesmerized by a large Katherine Hepburn projected on the wall mounted, flat screen. Their list of movies continued to grow until they were running out of options. New releases were often disposable and rarely left a lasting impression of the pretentious film snobs. Once in awhile they'd break their own rules and watch a classic. Implenting a new rule, they decided their favourites were only to be watched once every couple months. They broke the rule when they watched "Breakfast at Tiffanys" for the third time and "The Philadelphia Story" for the fifth.

"I don't understand how she could end up with Dexter at the end...clearly she should have ended up with Mike. Look at them!," she pointed at the screen. "Why write them like that if you're not going to follow through? How did the writers botch that up?"

"That's the big mystery," Dan shrugged. "I'd have to agree with you but the fans are divided. Some people wanted Tracey to be with Dexter and others wanted Mike"

"I just wanted Tracey to be happy," Blair yawned.

Dan kissed her forehead, "And you think she would be happy with Mike?" he whispered.

"I know she would be," Dan kissed her on the lips as she sunk into the pillows and attempted to find something else for them to watch.

"I think I let you choose too often. We should have at least one Thursday a month where I get to choose what we watch," his face was pressed close to hers as he attempted to get the remote out of her hand.

"Notting Hill?" she asked.

"Ugh that piece of work..."

"You liked Julia Roberts in 'Pretty Woman' "

"I also like James Franco in "127 hours". It doesn't mean "Pineapple Express" is worth watching ever again,"

"You usually love movies like this. Why aren't you into 'Notting Hill' ?"

"I hate Hugh Grant," Dan admitted causing Blair to giggle. It wasn't long before they both brushed their teeth side by side in the his and her sinks and decided to turn in for the night. Blair loved how he snuggled close to her when they slept, spooning like they used to when they were 'just friends'. The smell of Dan's fresh bedsheets were so comforting there was no other place she'd rather be than snuggled up with him.

"Dan?"

"Yeah?"

"I got a promotion today," she said weakly. There was a beat as Dan's hand ran up her arm slightly.

"Congratulations," he said softly. Blair turned to face him, she laid a hand on his cheek.

"I want you to apply to Cosmo," she stroked the side of his face with her thumb.

"Thanks but no thanks," he pulled her hands away, a slight chuckle masking his discomfort.

"C'mon Dan. It's a guaranteed job, you're not the only guy in the...,"

Dan interrupted her with a sharp inhale. "If it's a guaranteed job because you're going to hire me...no thank-you," he turned away from her and got himself comfortable.

*Dan had applied to GQ, New York Times, Simon and Shuster and a few small publishing agencies after graduating. I applied to Vanity Fair, Vogue, W and Cosmopolitan. I wasn't exactly keen on working for a magazine like Cosmopolitan but I didn't really have many options when they were the only call-back I received. After I met Nina I realized how fun it was going to be to work there. I must have made a good impression because in a little over a month I already received a promotion and was in charge of an entire floor. This meant I was given special privileges. I got an assistant, I had more say, I also had some control of the hiring. Dan's aspirations were miles above Cosmo but I urged him to get working experience. He hated the idea of me hiring him and working at a magazine that's articles were little to be desired by his enormous intellect and esteemed education. I promised him that things were changing and that I wouldn't be working there if I didn't believe in great changes. This was going to be his stepping stone to becoming an author, and for me, well, this is where I wanted to be for now. I was ready to climb up the ladder in five inch stilettos. Nothing was standing in my way of success. It was Nina who eventually talked Dan into taking the leap * -Blair

XOXOXOXOXOXOX

Just as it should, it came as a surprise when a couple days later Nate threw Blair a surprise party. When Dan entered his apartment it became all the more clear. Nate was using her big promotion as an excuse to throw a party and invite as many tall super models he could cram into one room. Being that Dan didn't know anyone in his home he made his way through the crowd kindly nodding at the strangers.

"Pretty sweet right?" Nate handed Dan a cold bottle of beer covered in condensation.

"What is all this? I thought you wanted to do this for Blair," he looked around confused. The apartment was teaming with people that Dan had never seen before.

"I did," he winked at a blonde who passed by him with a coy smile.

"Awesome apartment," a girl complemented Nate who smiled widely.

"This is the best idea I ever had," Nate leaned against the wall.

"Blair is not going to like this at all. I don't know what you were thinki..." just then Blair walked into the apartment and Nate began with yelling surprise to which everyone followed in their loudest voices.

"What is this?" she laughed looking around. Dan rolled his eyes knowing she was not going to be impressed with the party Nate had thrown. These weren't her people, she'd have enough to do criticizing the band-aid dresses the women were wearing.

"Congrats on your new promotion!" he hugged her tightly.

"Well, thanks...," she looked around spotting very few people she knew.

"Congratulations Claire," a red-head woman passed by her. When Blair laid eyes on Nina she shook her head with a slight laugh. "Well I didn't expect to come home to this, thanks Nate" she smiled widely. Dan rolled his eyes before finding a quiet place. Sitting on Nate's balcony he couldn't help but feel like he should have been the person to throw the party, not Nate. Dan knew he would have thrown her a better party but he there was a part of him, a part he was semi-disgusted with, that really didn't feel like celebrating yet another achievement for Blair. Sighing, he wished he could snap his fingers and rid himself of the slight tinge of jealousy. It wasn't him; at least not usually. He was supportive, he was adoring...he was the guy who was not easily intimidated by successful women; most of the time. Yet there he was, mourning this achievement like the common bottom-feeder he usually sneered at. And he hated that he felt that way, but there it was; eating away at the joy he actually felt for her. God, he needed a drink.

"Shit, you scared me Humphrey," Nina walked on the balcony lighting a cigarette, to see Dan sitting in the corner staring down at the busy street.

"Cruella D'ville," Dan teased with a sigh. Nina wasn't exactly his favourite person in the world. They got off to the wrong foot upon their first meeting. She commented on his clothing which sent Dan off into judgement mode.

"Knock it off. Everyone knows that Dalmatian coats are tacky..." she smirked.

"Think I could,...?" Dan gestured to the pack of cigarettes sitting on the wrought iron table.

"You smoke?" she picked up the pack and handed them to him. Nina barely knew anything about Dan. Blair seemed to keep anything about their relationship very close to her heart for fear of jinxing them.

"Used to," he rested a cigarette on his bottom lip as Nina held her lighter up. Dan inhaled deeply before exhaling a cloud of blue smoke.

"I didn't realize," she looked quite surprised at the ease in which Dan smoked. It didn't suit his character but it was clear that he relaxed instantly.

"I had a little habit when I was in middle school," he explained. "My dad caught me,...I haven't had one since," he stared at the cigarette in his hand and was subsequently disgusted and proud of himself at the same time. "I was about thirteen and thought it would make me a better writer..." he laughed at himself.

"Still crave them obviously..."

"Whenever I watch Mad Men," Dan chuckled.

"Stressed about something?" Nina asked as Dan stood.

"No," he leaned on the banister. "I'm so proud of her,"

"Who said you weren't?" Nina's eyebrows lifted. Dan rubbed his forehead and smiled at Nina.

"I guess I just always wanted us to be equals and right now I feel like we may never achieve that,"

"Can't stand to let your woman be on top?" Nina rolled her eyes while lifting her cigarette back up to her lips.

"No, it's not that at all. It just makes me feel like i'm beneath her. And not in a way that makes me feel inferior but in a way that makes me not enough for her,"

"What do you mean?"

"She spends her days with very successful people. She runs in circles with men that are CEOs and run businesses. I get her dresses dry cleaned and send out her mail..."

"You know it's just temporary until you get some experience. She doesn't expect you to be her assistant, she wants you to be a primary editor,"

"I know that. I just guess I always wanted to get into a business on my own merit,"

"This would be a huge opportunity for you. You can say you edited for a major magazine,"

"I know,..." he sighed looking at the heavy traffic below them.

Dan took a deep drag and exhaled before Blair made her way outside. "There you are," she smiled. Dan held his hand behind him, hiding the cigarette. Nina distracted Blair quickly so he could toss it.

"I tried to convince him that he should come and work with us," she explained.

"And did you convince him?" she asked.

"I'll give it a shot," he nodded. Blair was completely shocked by his change in attitude.

"That's all I want," she hugged him. "As soon as you have a little experience you can go elsewhere,"

"I hope so," he laughed. Blair leaned in and kissed him tasting a little tobacco. Instead of saying anything she ignored it and made them come back inside to join the rest of the celebration.

Amoungst the party goers Blair couldn't feel more out of place. With snide remarks and a few classic Blair Waldorf death glares she made it through the night without calling the police. "Don't let the door hit you on the way out," she said as the very last person left the apartment. Now it was just, Dan, Nate and Nina. "It's way too early to call it a night," Nate commented as he watched Dan and Blair head towards their bedroom arms slung around one another's waist.

"It's two thirty," Dan spoke with absurdity in his voice. How could Nate possibly think it was too early to call it a night?

"He's right. It's way too early," Nina agreed with Nate for once in her life.

"Well, what do you want to do?" Blair yawned.

Ten minutes later the friends were comfortably sitting at the kitchen table playing a card game. Nate accused Dan of cheating everytime he got a good hand. Nina pestered Nate and questioned his intelligence. Dan was rather affectionate with Blair after the four of them polished off three bottles of wine. Blair was tired and kept yawning but that didn't stop her from joining in the loud, boisterous laughter that filled their apartment. Somehow the conversation turned to Dan asking Blair to move in with him for the hundreth time where she declined the offer to move the entirity of her clothes over there. Nate suggested they play 'Truth or Dare' which Nina seemed to get overly excited about. Blair picked truth and Nina asked her how she liked the party Nate threw. "I don't know what you were thinking..." she answered. "Thank for using me as an excuse to have a party I guess,"

"C'mon, That was totally for you!"

"I didn't know anyone here Nate!" she finished off the last bit of wine in her glass.

"Blair, it is your turn,"

"Dan are you nervous about starting at Cosmo?" she asked.

"No, I guess i'm more anxious,"

"Okay this is the worst game of truth or dare ever played," Nate smacked his hands on the table. "Remember when I dared Dan to do body shots off you? The second you guys started actually dating you got totally boring,"

"Oh shut up. Start coming up with better questions then. Dan and I have nothing to hide," without a second's worth of a pause Nina asked Blair a question.

"Blair, do you spit or swallow?" The complete non-chalance in her voice caught everyone off guard including Nate who lifted his hands in the air and clapped.

"Here we go!" He sat up straight waiting for Blair's answer. A blush passed over Blair's face from the wine before she laughed lightly and looked to Dan.

"I,...swallow," she smirked.

"Right on," Nate nodded.

"You didn't know that?" Nina asked Nate.

"Blair and I dated when we were really young. I could probably count the amount of times we had sex on my one hand,"

"Nina, would you ever consider dating Nate?" Dan asked Nina so they could change the subject.

"Ugh, did he put you up to that?..no. I need a little more substance..no offense"

"What do you love the most about Blair's looks?" Nina asked Dan.

Without hesitation or even looking at her, Dan answered with "her lips,"

"That was quick,"

"I know what I like," he smiled at her.

XOXOOXOXOXOX

The first day at the office was quite awkward for Dan. The morning started out fine. At 8 am, Dan and Blair got coffee together as she briefed him on what he should expect. She also gave him the redundant speech about how they must remain professional. She had been telling him this for days but believed he needed a refresher moments before entering the well designed office. Dan agreed with everything she said, he nodded absentmindedly knowing it was easier to go along with her then to question any of her rules. After her very serious talk she sent him to get to work early because he would make a good impression that way. Also, it would be a bad idea if they showed up at the same time. Dan was shown to his desk by Sara. She gave him the once over about the office and introduced him to everyone including Lint, the only other guy. Though Dan was doing everything just fine throughout the day Blair decided that she would give him a little extra "motivation", as she liked to call it, in order to keep everyone in the dark about their relationship outside the office. Dan knew what she was doing but he'd be lying if he said that her constantly being on his case was starting to make him feel uncomfortable. After her last comment about him slacking, Dan's jaw tightened. He had done nothing wrong and Blair was just taking the whole 'secret' thing a little too seriously.

"Think you're taking this a little far?," Dan said under his breath while passing by her in the hallway. Blair settled into her office and had Sara bring him in.

"Blair wants to see you in her office," Dan swallowed and looked over at Lint who became a quick friend.

"I wonder what that's about..." Dan dropped his pen.

"The key to her heart is compliance, as long as you play by her rules and follow her orders, you'll be fine," Dan eyed him carefully and suddenly had this strange urge to blurt out that he thinks he knows her a little better and he can keep the "advice" to himself. Dan bit his lip to prevent from saying anything he shouldn't and entered Blair's office. With the swag in his step you might think he was the boss, rather than her.

"You wanted to see me Miss Waldorf," he said before closing the door behind him. "I've never done anything like this before. I'm not going to lie, it's always been a fantasy of mine to..."

"What are you doing?" she yelled watching him unbutton his shirt.

"Oh this is a real meeting..." Dan sighed dropping into the chair facing her desk and buttoning up his shirt. "Question, what kind of a name is Lint?"

"It's his last name. His first name is Jason and we have three of them in the design department so it gets confusing at times," she said quickly. "I called you in here to talk about being professional in the office...we can't have anyone know yet because i'll be accused of nepotism and we'll have to disclose it to the rest of the office and it's just too much to deal with. So let's try and keep it professional okay?"

"Okay fine," he stood up. "Can I at least have a hug?" he asked walking towards her.

"Oh Humphreys and their hugs," she got up and gave him a friendly hug. Dan's hands dropped a little too low and gave her a good squeeze. "Okay I think you got your hug...and then some," she rolled her eyes.

"Come on," he sensed her smile and leaned in for a kiss.

"You have work to do," she pushed him away before going over to a filing cabinet. Just before Dan exited the office he gave Blair a swift swat on the behind causing her to yelp lightly and attempt to mask a smile.

"Keep it up and i'll make you attend a sexual harassment seminar," she sung.

"Jesus Christ,..." Dan grumbled to himself sitting back at his desk and taking a deep breath. "What did I ever do to her?" Dan chuckled lightly when he noticed Lint focusing in on him.

"Don't worry about it," he said in a comforting tone. "You'll get used to her,"

Dan smirked with a nod. "I'm sure I will." Dan spun him himself in his chair, pen lid resting on the bottom of his lip. He was starting to notice the cigarette he bummed off Nina was a terrible idea. Not asking for another was turning into a daily battle and once inawhile he'd find himself chewing on pen lids.

"When you get used to her,...she's actually really cute," Lint said.

"Pardon me?" Dan's foot immediately stopped him from spinning in his chair. The pen was lowered and he stared at his new "friend"

"She's cute."

"Her?" Dan scoffed a little then rested his head on the back of his chair. "mm.." he couldn't help but smirk as his eyes rested on the ceiling.

Dan had finished editing three articles after his lunch with his new colleagues, sitting back in his chair he found there was nothing left to do for the last hour. He was playing with office supplies to keep himself occupied when Blair surfaced from her office and set her macbook on the printing counter. Blair opened a document when she was surprised with an IM that chimed loudly and popped up on the bottom of her screen.

'You know what I like about you?' - Dan Humphrey.

Blair looked around the office, her eyes settled on Dan who was keeping a good poker face. 'Everything?' -Blair Waldorf.

'Besides that. Something physical' - Dan Humphrey

'My lips?' -Blair Waldorf

'Besides that' Dan Humphrey

'I give up' Blair Waldorf

'Your ass is out of this world in that skirt' -Dan Humphrey

Blair pressed her lips together so she wouldn't smile. Instead of sending anything back she continued to stand with her back to him as she printed pages for the look-book. Purposely, she let her pen roll off the counter and she bent over to pick it up. Dan chuckled so loudly, Lint looked over confused. Dan acted natural and leaned back in his chair. When Blair stood she continued to move her hips side to side. Anything that would bring attention to that area of her body.

'Do it again' - Dan Humphrey.

Blair smirked impishly before setting her pen on the edge of the desk. "Are you done?" Sara approached catching Blair off guard.

"wHA?" Blair smacked the laptop closed with panic as the pen dropped to the floor.

"I said,...are you done?" she looked at her with bright eyes and confusion. Blair's eyes scanned the office and noticed Dan was typing diligently as if he was no part of their little IM chat.

"Um..." she swallowed. "Yes, go ahead. It's all yours" she approached Dan's desk quickly. "Can I please see you in my office?" she smiled at Lint hoping he wasn't going to catch on.

"Of course," he said standing and following her.

"Daniel, come on in...," she said through clenched teeth. "you better start acting like a professional!" she shut the door of her office.

"Or what?" he sat in the chair opposite to her and put his feet up on her desk.

"Dan,..no one can know," she walked over and shooed his feet.

"I'm not saying anything. I'm just a guy who happens to have a big crush on his boss. No harm in that"

"You're making this so hard for me,"

"That's what he said,"

"DAN!" she sighed loudly.

"Blair," Dan chuckled. "You are being ridiculous. I've done nothing wrong. I'm not even sure why you called me into the office this time. Sara didn't see anything. Besides, it's not like you weren't flirting back," a smug smile crept over his face.

"Get out of my office,"

"Make me," he growled. Blair's eyes stared straight at his lip as if something washed over her.

"Sit in this chair," Blair stood from behind her desk.

"What why?"

"Sit!" she demanded he sit in her chair.

"Okay,..." he plunked himself down, always one to obey. "Is this supposed to be some kind of exercise where I see what the office looks like from the point of view of the boss?...I'm not sure that's really going to..." Dan stopped talking and swallowed hard when Blair sat on his lap and pulled her shirt and bra down so her breasts were busting from the top and perfectly alligned with his face. He looked up at her his eyes blinded with lust, his breathing seemed to slow down.

"Well then..." she she blinked at Dan who was at a complete loss for words.

"Is this a trick?" he gulped keeping eye contact as her breast gently glided across his chin.

"No," she teased his hair lovingly and felt him tense up underneath her. "I thought you were a breast man Humphrey," she said in a impish voice.

"I am but i'm i'm...i'm a professional," he inhaled her perfume as she arched her back and pushed her breasts further into his face.

"You don't want them?" she pushed his face into her chest.

"No," he he took a deep breath and looked at the floor.

"Dan," she pulled his face up. "Taste them,"

She didn't have to tell him twice, Dan went straight for her nipple, taking it into his mouth and sucking hard causing Blair to arch her back and squeeze the back of his neck.

"I can't believe you did that," she moaned dragging her bottom lip across his forehead. "You're the worst employee ever," she sighed as he continued to swirl his tongue around her perky nipple. Blair was soon unbuckling Dan's pants as Dan's hand made it's way up her skirt. Blair's whole body was vibrating and in a state of constant arousal. There was something about the risk that made everything sexier. Her legs opened wider to give him better access and he swept her panties to the side so he could feel her. A familiar noise came from Blair, Dan only knew it was going to get louder if he continued so he held his hand across her mouth while he entered her. They were both wearing all their clothing. Not one piece of clothing other than Blair's tiny lace panties, had hit the floor during this office meeting. Blair's chair bounced as she rode him not thinking about anything but the release she wanted so badly. Dan steadied the chair so it would stop making bouncing noises by holding Blair closer to him. It took one more thrust and Blair was done with a shrill sound that was sure to turn into a scream.

"HSHT!," Dan warned her. She went straight for his shoulder and bit him to keep from making any noise. Dan came a moment later with fistfuls of her skirt in either hand.

"Oh my god..." Blair gasped for air as quietly as she could. Dan buttoned up her shirt as she came down from her high, "I think i'll keep you around," she said inbetween heavy breaths as Dan kissed all around her face. Blair stood reluctantly and fixed her skirt. Dan picked his pants up from around his knees and buckled them up making sure his white shirt was tucked in neatly and his tie was on straight. Blair stared at him trying to hold in her laughter. They just broke rule #1 on Blair's list. Absolutely no fooling around while on the job or while in the office. Blair was in such a relaxed state she layed back in her chair and spun herself gently from side to side. Dan was much more serious as he shrugged in his sport jacket to make sure it fell properly at the back.

"You look fine," Blair winked at him. Dan opened the door and looked back at her.

"I'll get right on this Miss Waldorf,"

When Dan dropped back into his desk chair Lint leaned over. "What was it about this time?"

"She's just a little stressed...I took some of her work load," he ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm actually not working on anything right now if you want to unload some of the burden on me,"

"You'd like that wouldn't you?" Dan leaned his head to the side. "I got her covered thanks,"

XOXOXOX

TWO MONTHS IN,

Blair pinpointed the exact moment she and Dan should enter her mother's apartment. They stood in the elevator and waited for a text from Dorota that let them know they could walk in and practically begin dinner immediately. Wasting no time at all they received the text and quickly sat themselves down at the table with Blair's three dads, Harold, Roman, Cyrus, her stepbrother, Aaron and his girlfriend, Laura. Eleanor made a comment about them being so late they missed appetisers and cocktails. The dinner started out just fine. Glasses and cutlery clinking together was the only sound as food was distributed around the table before baby cries coming from the monitor beside Aaron caused Blair to cringe, before Laura stood to excuse herself.

"It's so nice having a baby around," Eleanor mentioned with a smile to Cyrus who beamed proudly.

"Mm,.." Blair violently stabbed a fork into a roast potato when her mother looked over at her.

"Daniel, did you know that Blair doesn't want any children?" she asked looking up.

"Uh," he was confused at why she would bring up something like this. "she uh... she's expressed that," he felt awkward knowing Aaron was still sitting at the table. Blair shot her mother a look and shook her head back and fourth.

"Do you want to have children Daniel?" she smiled making Dan feel highly uncomfortable with the topic. If her goal was to make him nervous she was doing a great job.

"Well,...I..." he tugged on his ear gently. Was this a test? Did she want to know their precise method of birth control they were using? What exactly was this about?

"You don't have to answer that," Blair looked over at him.

"It's not that I don't like kids. I...I do," he nodded with a slight stutter. "I guess i'm more of the uncle type," he smiled and went back to his meal. Blair smiled with his good answer and went back to her food. After a beat of silence Dan decided to get some conversation going so this dinner, Blair insisted on, would feel less forced.

"So, Aaron are you still freelancing?, living the dream?" Dan asked.

"Uh a little. There just isn't the stability in freelance. We have a baby now so it's time to settle with a real job. I often shoot for weddings,"

"Speaking of weddings..." Cyrus sighed. Cyrus was trying to convince Aaron and Laura that they should get married but of course they refuse to carry on with the conversation. They expressed very throughly that they were not planning on getting married despite being very committed to one another.

"Really?" Blair looked up at Laura. "Never?" she couldn't fathom what Laura was saying. "As a little girl you never dreamt about a wedding?" she sipped on her water casually knowing as a little girl she was obsessed with becoming a bride one day.

"No not really," Laura confessed. "I guess I missed that phase growing up," she laughed lightly. "I always wanted to be a mom when I was a little girl. I always had dolls," she thought it was amusing that she and Blair were the opposite.

"How funny! Blair never liked dolls. Doesn't have a maternal bone in her body,..." She glanced over at her daughter.

"I wonder where I got that from," Blair said under her breath to Dan.

"Don't get me wrong. She had hundreds of dolls but they would just sit on shelves. Blair always had her nose in a book as a little girl,.." Dan leaned over and smiled at her knowing his dad would say the same thing about him.

"But the one thing i'll never forget was the wedding phase. Do you remember Harold?" Eleanor looked over at her ex husband.

"Oh I remember," she smiled adoringly at his daughter who was starting to feel uncomfortable.

"I remember a time when all you wanted to talk about was your marriage to Nate and how lavish it would be. I think you were nine..." she laughed heartily.

"Wedding to Nate,.." Dan looked over with a laugh he couldn't stifle.

"I was nine and obviously a little flighty," she smiled at his goofy expression.

"Flighty doesn't even begin to describe what you were. You were obsessed! Did you know that Blair wants to get married on the Empire State building at midnight?"

"I did not..." Dan laughed lightly looking at his plate.

"Mother..." Blair shot her a look. "I was nine,"

"I know darling but you were so precious. You had that scrapbook!," she laid her hand over her chest and laughed heartily. "Harold, do you remember the scrapbook?"

"Do you still have it Blair-Bear?" he asked with a warm smile that reminded Blair they were razzing her innocently. Her father would never embarrass her on purpose.

"I think so,.." she went back to her meal and everyone carried on.

"I remember her telling me she wanted fifty thousand guests...Dom 86' flowing from fountains..." Harold laughed.

"Fifty thousand...?" Dan nodded with a slight laugh.

"Who could afford that right?" Eleanor looked over at Dan.

"Mom..." Blair's eyes widened with distaste.

"Who has that kind of money?" Eleanor continued. "Am I right?" she looked around the table.

"I'm not sure," Dan answered the best he could pretending he was completely unphased by the topic. "Donald Trump?, Prince of Dubai?..." everyone laughed lightly.

"Or you know...Chuck Bass," her lip pursed to the side.

"MOTHER!" Blair yelled loudly which caused the baby to cry from the other room.

"For god sakes Blair," Eleanor sighed. Laura got up from the table to get the baby. "To be honest I don't miss the crying..." she began to drink from her wine glass but noticed it was empty and Dorota was nowhere to be found.

"Daniel, would you be a dear and fetch a bottle from the kitchen?"

"Mom..." Blair said through clenched teeth.

"Of course," Dan stood.

"Dan, please sit" Blair pleaded with her wide eyes and a tight grip on his wrist.

"Your mom asked me to do something Blair," he released her hand from his wrist and continued to the kitchen.

"What are you doing?" she asked her mother sternly, under her breath.

"What?" she laughed. "I can't have a little fun with this scheme of yours?" she scoffed looking around the table.

"What are you talking about?"

"You expect me to believe that you don't have any motives with him?" she said under her breath as everyone at the table continued eating.

"My motive was to invite my boyfriend to a family dinner," she spoke under her breath sternly. "I went to a lovely dinner at his grandparents house where everyone treated me with hospitality and welcomed me with open arms and you were just a witch,"

Cyrus took hold of Eleanor's hand when she looked around the table wondering if anyone else was offended by her behaviour. When she looked up, Dan had returned and placed the bottle on the table.

"Pour it darling," Eleanor smiled at him.

"Mom,..." Blair looked appalled.

Dan continued to do what Eleanor asked without being phased. "That's enough," Blair looked at her mom. "Stop Dan,..." she grabbed his arm. "We're going upstairs," she pulled from the table bringing Dan with her. Dan was kind of confused but followed Blair as she pulled on his arm as they walked up the steps.

"You know I was kind of hungry..." Dan chuckled gesturing to the bottom of the stairs when they were at the top.

"We'll go out and get something. Anything is better than staying here," she sighed heavily looking through her closet for a coat.

"Where is this scrapbook?" Dan asked looking around. Blair pointed at a shelf still confused at what just happened downstairs.

"I'm so embarrassed,..." she plunked down on the bottom of her bed just as Dan opened the old book from her childhood.

"Why?, it's adorable," he laughed flipping the pages.

"No, I can't believe my mother treated you like that," she continued as he sat beside her and continued looking through the book.

"Blair, I filled a couple wine glasses..." he shrugged. "I would have done that at home, it's really not a big deal" he kept flipping.

"It doesn't matter. She treated you like help. Not to mention the unforeseen mention of Chuck..." she covered her face with her hands.

"Like i said,...it's fine. Really" he nudged her. "You know people have treated me much worse than your mother just did. I mean you used to say you needed a tetanus shot to sit beside me" Blair's lips curled at the edges. "You called me 'gross' once,...I've had worse," she giggled lightly through her sulk.

"Come on," he pulled her into a warm hug and rubbed her back gently. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm not concerned if you family doesn't like me...just as long as you like me"

"I like you" she nodded up at him.

"Good" he leaned down to kiss her. "Sorry this is hilarious,..." he pulled his lips off hers and pointed at some of the wedding venues. "I think it would be wise for us to change some things when we get married,.." he teased. Blair smiled lightly at what he said but didn't want the moment to dwell.

"Why don't you put that down and we can do something more fun..."

"What would be more fun then this?" he asked quizzically.

"Oh I don't know..." she leaned over and pressed a kiss to his neck. Dan seemed more interested in the book as he continued flipping.

"Cyndi Lauper? you want Cyndi Lauper at your wedding?"

"What part of nine years-old do you not understand?" she attempted to rip it from his hands.

"Hey!" he continued to flip until he got to the last page. Dan stopped smiling now when he noticed a sketch for a dress and a snipped photo from a hair-style magazine.

"That's..." she swallowed when she noticed he saw a picture of her and Chuck and realized it wasn't all so old. She had updated this book less than two years ago. "That was just for fun..."

"It's cute," Dan smiled.

"Okay now i'm really embarrassed," she covered her eyes.

"Come on! You're cute!," he promised her while putting his hand on the small of her back and kissing her cheek.

"I forgot I did all that..." she trailed off.

"You know what my favourite part is?...That you want Chuck to wear purple..." he laughed.

"Okay!" she grabbed it out of his hand.

"Give it back!...It was getting good!" he laughed.

"Nope," she backed up on the bed and Dan climbed up with her pushing her against the pillows. They began kissing and the book managed to slip off the bed, causing a thump. Blair was in a fit of giggles as Dan pinned her against the bed. With several kisses Dan pressed on her cheeks and made sound effects, "om nom nom nom," he kept kissing. Blair burst into laugher and couldn't stop. Dan was about to kiss her on the lips when a voice caught their attention.

"Blair, can I talk to you?" Eleanor knocked on the door and walked in carefully, causing Dan and Blair part shyly.

"I'll uh,..go out..there," Dan left them alone to talk.

"How could you..." Blair began when she was face to face with her mother.

"I didn't realize..."

"Realize what?...That I actually like him?"

"I didn't know that you..."

"I told you!"

"Blair can you blame me? I've spent years hearing you claim to hate that boy. He used to be Serena's boyfriend. What else was I supposed to assume?"

"Can we just finish dinner?"

"I'm sorry," she told her daughter.

"Don't apologize to me." She slid off her bed and proceeded to regain her spot at the dining-room table.

When Blair and Eleanor went back to the table Dan was already back in his seat engaged in the conversation between Blair's other family members.

"Can we start over?" Eleanor asked Dan once she regained her position at the head of the table.

"No need," he smiled. "I thought everything was just fine earlier,"

"Well, I need to apologize," she said genuinely. Dan just nodded knowing this is what Blair wanted.

"So Daniel, what is it that you do?" Roman asked.

"Oh,.." he put his wine glass down. "I actually work with Blair now," he smiled looking over at her. "So basically she bosses me around," Blair scoffed at him playfully.

"Sounds like a dream job," Harold laughed lightly. Dan swallowed the wine in his mouth with a laugh.

"Fulfilling," he answered seriously causing Blair to smile adoringly.

"So you and Blair have the same aspirations then?"

"I uh,..I'm a writer." Dan cleared his throat at this moment feeling Blair's foot tease his pant leg. "I actually want to get into publishing but this is a good stepping stone. I write little articles and do my fair share of editing. When i'm not doing that I run around for Blair and act as an assistant of sorts" he explained.

"I hope she's not too hard on you," Roman made an innocent comment but paired with Blair's foot running up his pant leg it was damn near inappropriate.

"Nothing I can't handle," he lifted his wine glass off the table and smiled at her. Eleanor couldn't help but smile at them in this moment. If this was a scheme then Blair was a better actress than she thought.

After dinner, Aaron and Laura decided they should go before the storm outside got any worse. "No dessert?" Cyrus commented.

"No, we're fine. Thanks though,"

"Really you should stay," Cyrus warned Aaron and Laura about the rain storm.

"We're a block away dad, it's fine." He promised his father.

As Laura and Aaron were getting ready to leave, baby Liam was passed around to all his relatives. Dan and Harold discussed Yale with pride, Eleanor and Roman gushed over the baby while Blair stood with her arms crossed as Dorota handed out coats to the new parents. Being that the baby was only eight weeks old, Blair declined holding him. "No, that's okay," she cooed lightly as he passed by her. "He's very,...cute and well tempered," Blair said. It came off almost robotic making Dan chuckle as if she rehearsed it. Eleanor gestured to Dan while she had the baby in her arms. Blair nearly laughed out loud at her mother's suggestion knowing Dan would decline the offer. But he didn't. With great finesse he took the baby from Eleanor and held him, supporting his head without needing the briefing that Blair would require. Blair was shocked to say the least as he bounced him lightly. She didn't know what to do, she stood by Dan and stroked the baby's head gently as everyone hugged each-other. Once they were gone Blair grabbed Dan's hand.

"I thought you said you didn't like kids," she blinked.

"I never said that," he cocked an eyebrow. "I said I don't want to have any myself," he explained. Blair sighed with relief. Blair's relief may have been premature for their very new relationship, but it was a comfort knowing that they were always on the same page. Blair opened the closet to retrieve their jackets when Eleanor put her hand on her hip.

"No, you're not going out in that,"

"Mother,..."

"You are not leaving in that," she gestured to the window.

"You just let Aaron and Laura leave,"

"Are they my children? no. You're staying here,"

Dan shoved his hands in his pockets feeling uncomfortable. Blair was in a difficult situation right now. She either had to tell her mother she was living with Dan way before she wanted to, or she'd have to let Dan leave without her. All of which could be solved if Blair ignored her mother and left against her wishes. But she was trying to keep their relationship in a good place for the time being. It had been a good couple months with no issues and she knew something like this would just ruin everything they've been working towards.

"Really, mom...I think we'll be fine," she stared at her with intensity. Dan leaned over and caught Blair's attention.

"I'll just see you tomorrow," he went in closer for a 'goodbye' kiss when Eleanor scoffed.

"You're not going anywhere either,..now let's have coffee and dessert,"

"Daddy and Roman are staying in the guest room where is he supposed to stay?,"

"Blair,..." Eleanor practically rolled her eyes. "Unless you are allergic to sleeping in the same bed as Daniel you'll be a courteous host," she scoffed lightly. As Blair's mother turned and walked away Blair shrugged and went to join the rest of the family for dessert. Later that evening Blair and Dan said goodnight to Eleanor, Harold and Roman before retiring to her bedroom for the first time. Blair changed into well designed silk pajamas, then sat at her vanity mirror and carefully brushed her long hair. Looking into the mirror Blair watched as Dan stripped down to his usual bedtime attire of boxer briefs. The only difference now was the Joe Boxer and fruit of the loom brand had been upgraded to something Blair found more suitable; Calvin Klein. Dan soon found Blair's bed to be very comfortable. Completely fit for a queen but he'd be lying if he didn't wish they were at his apartment snuggled in his king size bed where they were allowed to do anything they wanted. An apartment where they could be as noisy as they wanted and only have to deal with a twenty one yearold stoner who had no where to be. Sheets that they could crumple, a tv that came equip with their netflix queue and the opportunity to walk around without clothing if they so desired. He had a feeling Blair might try and convince him that here it was no different but Dan knew that tonight would have to be a little light reading and actual sleep. For how frisky Blair seemed to be during dinner, Dan was surprised to find Blair get into bed, give him a chaste kiss then turn and settle into her pillow. After a few minutes in the dark, Blair rolled back over.

"Are you tired?"

"Not really," he confessed staring up at the ceiling.

"Magazine?"

"Sure," he would have said 'no thanks' if he knew Blair was going to hand him an old issue of Cosmo. "Yes, this is exactly what I want to read..." he said sarcastically while sitting up. "150 ways to rock your man's world in bed..., Really needed to know how to do this..." he sighed before flipping through with no real interest.

"It's not for entertainment. It's for work. Look through and point out everything wrong with it. I need a male's perspective," Blair was already high-lighting passages from her issue. Dan starred at her blankly. Sometimes this woman stunned him with her motivation. She was truly the most driven person he had ever met. While looking over at this self proclaimed perfectionist, Dan realized his pride for her was leaps and bounds over any girlfriend he had ever had.

"Are you going to stare at me or are you going to work?" she asked.

"Right!" Dan picked up a high-lighter and coloured in the face of the woman on the cover. Blair rolled her eyes when she looked over to see what he had done.

"I'm not joking around,"

"Neither am I," Dan said. "Real women, women with impressive achievments on their resumes. Not always a celebrity. At least twice every year the cover should feature someone real,"

"Like who?"

"Well for starters, you"

"Me?" her eyes were big.

"Yeah, and then maybe Nina,...possibly run through all the women in your office. Or maybe even do a group shoot one month,"

"What else?" she scooted closer to see if he had any other ideas.

"The man section needs to be written by a man," he tapped on the glossy page.

"Will you do it?"

"Why don't you ask Lint?"

"Why don't you and Lint work on it together?"

After a few more exchanges about the magazine. Dan found himself actually reading the articles and laughing. "I never knew this was funny,"

"I'm glad you're learning about what the magazine used to be so we can revamp it in the best way possible,"

"Blair?" Dan didn't look up from the magazine. "What if Vanity Fair called you?"

"I would jump," she smiled. "I'm very focused with this company right now but Vanity Fair would be my ultimate."

"I thought so" he nodded.

"I'm going to show everyone here what I can do and maybe in a few years I can make the jump"

Dan agreed that was her best plan of action before going back to the magazine that was surprisingly very interesting. The tips on how to please your man scared Dan a little and he kept pointing out things to Blair, "Please don't ever do that to me. I promise you it will not feel good. I will not like it, nor would I like to try it. No"

"Okay, okay," she laughed. "Not once?" she ran her hand along his forearm and smirked.

"No,...I'm not talking about this anymore," he tried not to laugh. They fell into a comfortable silence as they both read. Blair kept high-lighting while Dan was emerced in interesting articles targeted towards women.

"Think we should start using condoms?" Dan asked as he stumbled on to an article about birth control. An unnerving scoff came from Blair. "What?" he looked over.

"Why because you're worried i'm not punctual with my pill?" she didn't look up from her magazine. "Listen, i've been on it since I was seventeen. If something was going to happen, it would have," she flipped the page and kept reading.

Dan pursed his lips together. "Birth control doesn't protect you from other things,..."

Blair pulled her eyes away from her magazine in an instant and smacked it to the bed. "What are you saying Humphrey?" she turned to him, fiery eyes bore into his. Before Dan had a chance to say anything Blair was already speaking. "Are you concerned you're going to catch something from me?," Dan opened his mouth but Blair was still talking. "I'll have you know that I go to the health clinic regularly and no,...you won't catch anything," she sounded so mad Dan didn't know how he wanted to word what he said next.

"I didn't mean it like that," he turned on to his side. "I mean,...for your own sake too. Wouldn't you be at all concerned that you could get something from me?" Dan was alarmed to hear Blair let out a light giggle. "Why did you just laugh?"

"You?" she snorted.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," she shook her head and went back to her magazine.

"No, what are you giggling about?," he pulled the magazine from her face and Blair rolled her eyes. "For all you know I could,..."

"It would just be hard to believe that's all,"

"Why because I'm a serial monogamist?,...because I don't have Nate's swag and women don't want to sleep with me? What are you saying?" he looked offended as he sat straight up in her bed.

Blair burst into laughter, "Are trying to convince me that you could contract an STD...do you realize how ridiculous this sounds?" a smile spread across Dan's face when he realized the absurdity. "Do you want me to believe you have an STD?"

"No,...you kind of made me seem lame..."

"I only laughed because I know how cautious you are it had nothing to do with your,..swag," she leaned over and kissed him. "But if you really want to I suppose we can implement a barrier method,..." her eyebrows went up. "I just don't see why if we're in a committed and trusting relationship, we both have been tested since we got out of our last relationships and i'm an excellent pill taker," she kissed him lightly while gently teasing his chest with her fingers. "But we can still use them,..."

"Oh god no," he deepened the kiss. "You take it at the same time everyday?"

"Oh so this really wasn't about STDS...," she sighed. "Every single day," she assured him there would be no babies in their future. "So you wanna..."

"Not in your mother's house," he shook his head causing Blair to pout.

"I'll be quiet," she kissed his neck hoping he'd change his mind.

"You are never quiet," his eyes widened with her claim.

"I will be!, it'll be just like the office!"

"Oh when I had to cover your mouth? Go to sleep Daisy,"

"Tell me right now! why do you call me that?"

"I'll tell you someday. That someday is not today," he turned over.

*The first time I brought Dan to my mother's for dinner was when Liam was born. Surely Dan would shy away from holding the week old baby, I stand corrected. That night I watched Dan walk across the marble floor of my mother's foyer holding the tiny bundle close and supporting his head with great ease, he didn't look scared at all. The thought of being responsible for a human being terrified me. It seemed like after that every Christmas there was a new Rose child and Dan had been there to see every one of them join our family. At the very same time the Waldorf-Rose family added it's first little Rose, we gained a Humphrey. There was something nice about my whole family being together over night. We all said goodnight and retired to our bedrooms. Dan was entering my world now, he was under my covers. In the morning I sat at the dining-room table with my mother and Roman while my father served us his specialty breakfast. Dan insisted that he help my father. I noticed Dan became much more comfortable in the presence of my parents and knew that events like these would not be an issue. My father and Dan could really get lost in conversation which made me proud. Dan became part of my family immediately* -Blair

XOXOXOXOX

A/N: Now, I know it doesn't seem like much happened here but in the next chapter things should start to click. I'm not too happy with this chapter but i wanted to get these things out before the juicy stuff of the next chapter. The drama of my next one will hopefully be enjoyable. I'm showing you that Dan has really emerced himself in Blair's world. The next chapter is going to be Dan trying to bring Blair into his. It won't be such an easy transition. I'm sorry there was no Nicky but she will be ever present in the next chapter. As always if you have any questions feel free to ask me :) I'm going to answer any questions in my author's note next chapter. I appreciate everyone for reading and especially for reviewing. I hope to keep this story going over the hiatus (still not sure if i want to watch when it returns) to keep myself sane and possibly some of you :D XOXOXOX-FQ)