A/N: I had an overwhelming number of responses after I posted the last chapter both in reviews and in private messages. Some wanted Blair to end up with Chuck and others with Jack. I am not about to give the story away, but I have since tweaked the original ending I had in mind for the story. Whether you are rooting for Chuck and Blair or Jack and Blair, I think you will appreciate my decision. There is quite a journey until we get there though and you will most likely be shocked along the way, but I hope you will stick with me until the end. After all, are happy endings not worth waiting for?

Seven


May 2010

"So, how are things with you?" Nate wondered casually, holding the phone to his ear as he opened the fridge door to get a bottle of beer.

He was glad they were friends again.

"Fine. I guess," Dan answered noncommittally, falling back onto the couch with a sigh.

He rolled his eyes at his answer as he took a sip of his cold beverage.

"I meant with Vanessa," Nate clarified, emphasizing every word.

Silence.

"Well," Dan started, taking a pause in between his words. "We talked. We fought. And then, she dumped me. End of story."

Nate chuckled.

"So, the usual three steps, huh?" he commented, trying to lighten the mood.

Fail.

"Look," Nate started after a while, not knowing what to say to make things better, since technically, he had played a big part in their break up. "I am really sorry she broke things off with you man. I had no right to go and tell her anything about anything. I was just upset with you and Serena at the time and I..."

Dan shrugged before realizing that Nate would not be able to see him do so.

"It was all for the best in the end," Dan explained to him and he truly did believe so. "I think Vanessa and I are better off as friends anyway. She thought so too, which is why she decided to end things between us. We're still best friends though, so no worries."

No. She dumped you because she knows you're still in love with Serena (and because Georgina is going to be having your baby).

"Are you still in love with Serena then?" Nate clarified, wanting to convince himself at the same time that he was alright with the fact that he might be.

Yes.

"I think," Dan decided to answer him honestly. "I mean, I do, but I don't want to upset anyone, you know? Besides, Serena might not even feel the same way about me – not anymore at least."

"True," Nate mused, deep in thought. "If it make you feel any better, I don't think it bothers me."

"As glad as I am to hear it," Dan began, eyebrows raised. "Why is it that it doesn't bother you? I mean, you two have broken up for only how long?"

Silence – this time on Nate's part.

"No!" Dan exclaimed, jumping off the couch into a standing position. "Is there someone else already? Where are you anyway?"

"I...I'm with Jenny," Nate finally answered.

"Her last name better not be Humphrey or I swear..."

He trailed off, slight anger boiling inside of him.

"Yes, but don't get mad alright? I'm serious about her this time around. Besides, I'm not even with her yet. In fact, she's barely acknowledged my existence since I arrived."

A very long pause.

"I'm trusting you Nate," Dan spoke up finally, giving in. "After what happened…"

"Yeah, I know," he assured him, letting him know he could trust him.

"I guess we're both having girl problems now, huh?" Dan added with a grin.

Nate laughed.

"Some bigger than others," he teased, setting the bottle down on the coffee table. "I mean, the spawn of Satan isn't pregnant with my child, you know."

"Touché," Dan grimaced, thinking about the currently pregnant Georgina Sparks. "Touché."


August 2013

Blair twittered nervously at the entrance of the restaurant. What the hell was she thinking agreeing to go to dinner with Jack Bass of all people? If only Gossip Girl could see her now...

"Do you have a reservation?" a voice interrupted her thoughts, eyebrows raised.

"Uh, yes," Blair answered quickly, a rosy color in her cheeks. "Under Mr. Jack Bass I believe?"

He smiled and gestured her towards the table with a wave of his hand.

"Yes, of course. Right this way Miss Waldorf."

One step. Another. And then, another. Whoosh!

"I'm terribly sorry. I..." the person who had bumped into her started.

Their eyes met and Blair gasped. My God. Seriously! Of all the restaurants in Manhattan, Chuck just had to be in this one?

"Blair," Chuck whispered before composing himself, repeating her name in a more indifferent manner. "Blair, what are you doing here?"

Lie to him.

"I..."

It was then that she noticed the blonde by his side. She clung on to him like a child does his mother when she drops him off for his first day of school. Disgusting. Did she have no shame? Screw sparing his feelings. When had he ever spared hers?

"I'm actually here to have dinner with..."

"Me," Jack interrupted her stone cold voice as he moved by her side. "Nice to see you Chuck."

"Oh right," Chuck said with a forced smile, his jaw evidently clenched. "You two are working at the same company now, aren't you? With Jack at the helm now though, I should probably expect the company to crash and burn sometime soon, yes?"

Cherie giggled at his words, while Blair prepared her retort. Fortunately or unfortunately, Jack beat her to the punch.

"Well, some of us prefer people to buildings, dear nephew," Jack took a jab at him, observing both him and Blair to gauge their reactions.

Blair remained calm and nonchalant, while Chuck looked like he was about to throw a punch at his uncle lest someone hold him back.

Stop this. Now!

"Um, Jack, I'm getting kind of hungry..."

"Oh, of course," he answered, moving her towards their table. "Enjoy your date."

"You too!" Cherie shouted back with (of course) another giggle before leading Chuck to their table.

Blair and Chuck, however, both remained silent, glancing at each other with unreadable expressions upon their faces. She looked away a split second later and he? Well, he followed the woman who would keep him company for the night and for that night only. She would never mean anything more to him than just a cure for his loneliness. They never did.