Again, all of your reviews continue to be amazing. I'm so happy that you all like where this is headed and are excited about the new developments! I wish I could reply to each of the guest reviews but know how much I appreciate each one and how glad I am after reading them :) Hope you all like this chapter!
"Blair!" Dan follows Blair out into the expansive lawn toward the cottages. After staying silent for almost the rest of brunch as Nate and Serena filled them in on all the details of the move, she had excused herself before he could talk to her. "Wait up,"
"No need to run after me Humphrey, you'll have plenty of time to talk to me once we're roommates." Blair looks over her shoulder and calls.
He catches up and is a little out of breath as he tries to talk. "I wanted to say," he pauses to inhale. "That everyone is forgetting the most obvious alternative. I can just go stay with my dad."
"Oh," She seems to consider. "That's not necessary. Contrary to what you may think, that's not why I just left brunch. I merely couldn't endure any more of Serena's false niceties. I swear I've seen wax figures at Madame Tussauds look more realistic than her. Anyway, I was just off to go contemplate what her scheme is with this because I am positive this is all some ploy that'll ultimately benefit her."
"They had the renovations planned before you even moved to town." Dan contradicts her as they walk in sync toward their courtyard.
"Right, but it was planned for weeks from now. Why would it suddenly need to be moved up? They showed us the overview and it hardly looked like intensive work. Plus, she was way too excited about the whole thing. Did you see how she kept looking at us? It was like she was weighing our reactions."
"Okay, I know you think Serena is out to get you but this is Nate's property. Any scheme of hers would have had to have gone through him. I hardly think he's after you, do you?" Dan opens the gate and follows Blair in.
"No, but she probably would have kept him in the dark anyway." Blair comes to sit on the top step and Dan sits beside her.
"So what's your theory then?" Dan tries hard not to insert the word "conspiracy."
"That this is all some elaborate ploy to get me out of here. Obviously," She flicks her gaze away from him.
"Well, I'm going to go over to my dad's and see if I can stay with him. So in all likelihood, Serena won't even get her way." Dan reassures Blair who still looks unconvinced.
"Are you sure?" Blair meets his gaze. "I could see about staying with Dorota or maybe even Georgina. It's not really fair to make you go."
"Trust me, you don't want to stay with Georgina. She gives very detailed, and unsolicited by the way, accounts of her sex life with Serge and I promise you don't want to see or hear their… encounters... firsthand." Dan's nose wrinkles and he shakes away the thought. "And you can hardly stay with Dorota, she has two toddlers. You probably wouldn't get any sleep. This makes the most sense and I don't mind. It's only for a week or two anyway."
After taking in his words, Blair nods. "Okay, well, thank you, Humphrey. That's very noble of you. Let me know what your dad says."
"I will," Dan rises and heads for the B&B.
Jenny is practicing her blind stitch on scraps of fabric when she hears her dad cheerily greet Dan. She presses on the home button of her iPhone to check the time and see it's only one in the afternoon, far too early for dinner. Her curiosity getting the better of her, she turns off the machine and trails into the kitchen where her dad and brother are talking.
"Hey Dan," She greets him. "What's up?"
"Hi Jen, I just needed to ask Dad something." He turns his attention back to their dad so Jenny makes for the refrigerator. She retrieves a cold-pressed juice, Blair got her into these and uncaps it. "So it would be for one or maybe two weeks."
"But there is another option?" Rufus asks.
"You mean staying with Blair?" Dan shakes his head. "I'd rather avoid that. We barely make it through a meal without rivaling Sid and Nancy in yet another dispute. I think living together could be deadly."
"Wait, what's happening?" Jenny looks between them waiting for clarification.
"Your brother apparently is temporarily homeless and he needs somewhere to stay for a week or two while renovations are done on his cottage." Rufus supplies before looking back to Dan. "The problem is, I'm completely booked for this month son. Your room included. Honestly, we could use the money. You know how much I'd love to have you here. But I think it's too last minute to cancel on these reservations."
A crestfallen expression crosses Dan's face as he takes in their dad's words. "I could sleep on the couch."
"I don't think the guests would take to that well," Rufus chuckles.
Jenny takes another sip of her green juice, watching with interest. "Wait, why don't you just stay in one of Nate's extra rooms? That place is practically a palace there's got to be a spare bedroom."
"Apparently they are redecorating. Serena felt that since they were going to be living together, the place could 'use a Pearl's touch.'" Dan huffs in annoyance. "She had all the room's, except for the master bedroom and office, stripped of their furniture and claimed that her redecoration process is far too intense to interrupted"
"Wow, Nate's like the worst landlord ever," Jenny remarks.
"It's not his fault," Dan jumps to Nate's defense.
"I'm sorry, son." Rufus claps a hand to Dan's shoulder. "But I'm sure staying with Blair will be better than you expect. Besides, from what I've seen lately you two are more Harry and Sally than Sid and Nancy."
"You mean minus all the romance, right?" Dan asks with an alarmed expression.
"Of course," Rufus's face doesn't match his words and Jenny sees an amused look on his face. "You better go tell Blair the news. Oh and while you're at it, invite her to dinner again. Maybe bring her next Sunday and we can celebrate your new living arrangement."
"Dad, we aren't celebrating this." Dan pulls his keys from his pocket. "But I'll ask her to come to dinner anyway."
"Good luck, son." Rufus walks down out of the apartment while Jenny stays behind. While he's gone, she goes over to the schedule book, scanning this month's reservations. Rufus returns a few moments later and Jenny doesn't miss the way his eyes are sparkling with something a lot like mischief.
"Dad," Jenny closes the schedule book. "Why did you just tell Dan that his old room is booked for B&B guests all month? I just checked the reservations and there are no overfill bookings listed."
Rufus shrugs, "Sometimes your brother needs a push in the right direction."
"Wait," Jenny's brow furrows and the corners of her lips begin to tug upwards. "Are you implying what I think you are?" When her dad looks away with a guilty expression she gasps. "Oh my god, you totally did that on purpose. You're trying to set him up with Blair."
"Not trying to set him up," Rufus corrects. "Just encouraging him to give her a chance. Who knows? Maybe they'll finally realize they're perfect for each other. I've seen it for a while. I mean she even likes all those quirky movies he's into."
Jenny squeals with excitement and starts babbling. "This is amazing! Blair is going to be my sister, I need to go start sketching possible wedding dress designs. Although she'd probably have her mom design-"
Rufus holds up a hand stopping her mid-sentence. "Jenny, don't get carried away. You don't want to scare your brother off."
"Nope! Can't stop me!" Jenny skips down the hallway, her mind already brimming with a dozen white, tulle confections.
Blair opens her door at five that same evening to see Dan standing with a bottle of wine in his hand and a remorseful expression. She's still wearing her sundress, having been too hot to change out of it and too stressed about Serena to care that it's hardly an evening-appropriate dress. Dan holds out the wine and Blair takes it in confusion. She scans the label and is surprised to discover it's a nice Pinot, he must have gone to the market on Elm. "What's this for?"
Dan sighs and stuffs his now empty hands into the pockets of his dark jeans. "You're going to need it, in fact, you might want to start drinking now."
Blair swings the door open fully and he follows her inside. She retrieves two wine glasses while he opens the bottle and fills the glasses. He drinks immediately to her alarm but she follows suit anyways. It must be bad news, judging by his expression. She refills both glasses before finally asking. "So tell me, what is it? Did you figure out Serena's evil plan? Is it as nefarious as I feared?" She tries for a joke.
"No, not that." Dan pauses and swirls his wine. "My dad's B&B is fully booked. My room included. For the entire month."
It's quiet as Blair takes in this new information. Blair knows his words should incite some sense of dread or complete panic. But instead, a sensation a lot like relief takes hold in her chest with an unfurling of hope coming along with it. But she can't let him see how pleased this makes her. Even she's too shocked by her own reaction. So her face is a mask as she finally replies. "Oh, okay." She looks up at him. "It's not so bad I suppose. I mean, you ply me with alcohol and have respectable taste in movies and art. There are worse roommates."
"That's it?" Dan looks perplexed. "You aren't going to insist I sleep on the porch or tell me you are going to look up fire codes to find evidence that this property has a maximum occupancy of 1 and that by allowing me to stay here you are breaking numerous regulations?"
Blair's lips quirk in amusement. "You know me quite well, Humphrey. That is exactly what I would do if I didn't want you staying here. But I don't mind. So no need. When do you want to start bringing stuff over?"
"Tomorrow?" Dan glances back toward his own cottage. "Nate said that they have the contractors scheduled to start on Wednesday. I won't have much since they're going to work around all my furniture and anything else will be stored at Nate's."
"Sounds suitable." Blair nods. "So I have approximately two and a half days to prepare for being Dan Humphrey's roommate…" Her brown eyes drift off into the distance.
"Let me guess…" When she looks back at Dan, he's got a wry expression. "You're going to draft a detailed house manual with strict rules that if I don't abide by, will result in immediate eviction and destruction of any and all of my personal belongings on your property."
Blair smiles back, "Sounds about right."
"I'll see you tomorrow then," Dan makes for the door. "I'll be sure to leave the flannel shirts at Nate's. I have no doubt Rule #1 will be absolutely no flannel."
"Actually, I was hoping you would bring those and I could burn them while you slept," Blair smirks. "I'll have to come up with a new plan to destroy those."
"No chance, Waldorf."
There's a spark in his eyes that makes her stomach somersault before he turns and walks out the door.
Naturally, Dorota's eyes turn inquisitive the second she hears about the update in Blair's living arrangement. Blair had, after all, tried to avoiding Dorota finding out to prevent this situation but by Wednesday, it was unavoidable. Blair had spent the past two days fretting over how this would unfurl her and Dan's already treacherous dynamic and at this point, she was nearing a breakdown.
She was positive that in one way or another they would undo each other. Blair was hardly certain anymore she could keep her… attraction… under wraps with him sleeping just beyond her door. The more she fought the spark between them, the more she fought with him and wanted to tear him to shred. Thus she reached the conclusion that they would end up screwing or slashing one another to pieces. She feared most that it would be the former.
So now, over lunch, she was in dire need of reassurance that it would turn out just fine. By telling Dorota it would be, perhaps she could convince herself.
Although, by the looks of it, Dorota was even more skeptical than she was. "You going to be bartender boy's roommate?" Dorota's eyes are wide. "You crazy? You need head exam? Maybe I get Dr. Baizen to exam you when we get back."
"Dorota, come on, it'll be fine. We're both college educated adults-" She halts herself. "Wait, did Dan go to college? I just realized I don't even know." Her pondering is interrupted by Dorota.
"There!" She points a finger at Blair. "You call him Dan. No more 'Humphrey,' Dan now. You have crush."
"No, I don't!" Blair replies so quickly that she may have just agreed with Dorota. She tries to quell her growing anxiety and put on a neutral expression. "Dan is his name, that's all. I figured I better use it if we are going to be roommates. No more taunting nicknames. It's a peace offering of sorts."
"Or heart offering," Blair hears Dorota mutter. Dorota looks back up at her a moment later with a more serious question. "Where he sleep? In your bed?"
"Of course not," Blair chides. "Obviously in the living room. Shockingly the couch is a pull-out bed. Naturally, I don't approve of owning such multipurpose furniture but it is useful in this situation so I will wait to replace it until after Dan has left."
"If he leaves," Dorota quips and Blair gives her a sharp look.
"Dorota," Blair implores. "I need you to be supportive. You're supposed to be my person here. You know? The one who always has my back and tells me everything will be okay even if it won't be."
"Of course, that always be me." Dorota pauses. "But I also be person to tell you when you in denial. And you in denial."
"Okay so you told me and I don't agree." Blair begins clearing away her lunch from the picnic table. "But now, tell me it'll be okay, even if it's a lie."
Dorota sighs. "It will be okay." But the foreboding look on her face does little to convince Blair.
Dan has an eerie sense of calm as he packs up the last of what he'll need for the next week or two into a duffel bag. He blames it on Blair's reaction to the news that he would indeed be staying with her. He felt certain that she was going to explode into fury or unleash some rage that would ultimately paint him as the villain. But instead, she seemed almost happy with the arrangement.
He thinks he would have liked it better had she yelled.
The only possible reason he can come up with for her behavior, or lack thereof, is that she's plotting something. He knows the remark about burning the flannel shirts was just a joke, one he happily laughed at. But now, he was wondering if perhaps it would be he would end up burned.
Dan somehow misses the time when they were enemies. At least he knew what the status quo was then. Now he wasn't sure. Sometimes it felt a lot like they were friends, other times things felt less than platonic, and then there would be the moments like at the beginning of brunch where it's combat by words.
He wondered if he'd need body armor to survive this new development.
Letting out a lungful of air, and hopefully his doubts, Dan zips up his bag and throws it over his shoulder. He heard Blair get dropped off a few minutes ago so he knows she'll answer when he knocks on her front door a few minutes later.
As expected she does, motioning for him to come in. She's clearly changed out of her work outfit, now wearing a sweater, likely cashmere, and jeans that somehow make any other pair he's seen look like scrap fabric. "Welcome," She uses a faux hostessy tone. Once he's dropped his bag she outstretches a hand, a key between her fingertips. "I made you a key,"
He holds open his palm and she drops it in. "Thanks, I probably won't use it though. That would be sort of weird, this is just temporary."
"Right," Blair nods. "But if I'm at work or out, then I'd rather not leave it unlocked so feel free to use it. I've already had dozens of cameras installed so I'll know what you're up to anyway." She says sarcastically and he really does hope she's kidding. The idea of Blair watching him 24/7 gives him chills and he's already on edge enough about this arrangement.
They're still standing awkwardly in the middle of the hallway and with it being silent now, there's little else to do. Blair is clearly thinking the same thing as she begins to step away, "So I'll just leave you to you know make yourself at home, or whatever."
"I don't want to kick you out of your own living room." Dan glances at the clock. "It's only six thirty, it's too early for you to go to bed. What are you going to do?"
"Plot all the things I can do to you while you sleep tonight," Blair smiles brightly.
Dan feels a shiver roll over him at her words and shakes it away. "What would you normally do?"
"I just told you, plot against you."
Dan huffs and she finally goes serious. "I don't know. Hang out with Dorota, get drinks with Georgina, or watch a movie here. It's a thrilling existence here on Pearl Island." She remarks sardonically.
"I brought movies," Dan starts digging through his duffle bag, retrieving a stack of DVDs. "We could watch one."
Blair seems to consider this and finally walks toward the coffee table where he's set them down. She picks one up and frowns. "The Wild Party. You would like The Merchant Ivory." She throws it back down as though it's contaminated.
"I have other movies," Dan comments, feeling self-conscious as she judges his collection. "What about Dheepan?"
Blair's eyes flicker with interest which she is clearly trying to hide. "Fine, I'll consider it." She picks up the movie and surveys the synopsis and cover. "This will do," She announces before she goes into the kitchen and starts a bag of popcorn.
"Something as common as microwave popcorn for Blair Waldorf," Dan follows her in. "I'm astonished."
"Shut up, Humphrey or I won't share." She glares at him as she puts out two glass bowls.
Dan goes to set up the movie while she finishes making the popcorn. She returns and hands him a bowl setting it in the middle cushion of the couch, a clear barrier, and he thanks her and takes his end of the couch. As the opening credits begin, he can't help but flashback to that first time they watched a movie together. Before he knew that there was someone else in the picture. He stares down at the popcorn between them, wishing it wasn't the only barrier he'd have to overcome to get to her.
When Blair wakes up at six in the morning, she can hear noise in the kitchen and is surprised Dan rises just as early as she does. She heads straight into the bathroom and starts getting ready for work and by the time she comes out, the cottage is filled with the smell of coffee.
"Hey," Dan greets her as she walks into the kitchen. "I made coffee if you want some," He gestures toward the half-full french press.
"A French Press, of course." She should refuse the so-very hipster style coffee but she could use some. "But I suppose, I could use caffeine. So thank you,"
"I'm leaving soon too, I could drop you off at work on my way to The Loft if you want." Dan offers as she sips her coffee.
Blair shakes her head, "I'll walk. I like it, it's what I miss about New York."
"You know," Dan says now. "I am rather surprised I survived the night."
Blair smirks, "There were a few gems in that film collection of yours. It'd feel wrong to kill you and then watch your movies."
"I better make them last then, I think I'll install a ration." Dan counters. "I won't let you watch the last one until I'm safely back in my own cottage."
"Sounds like a safe bet," Blair agrees with a smile. She takes the last sip of her coffee and rinses the mug before making for the front door. "See you tonight, Dan."
When she walks into the practice, Dorota is anxiously pacing the reception area. Her saucer-sized eyes immediately land on Blair. "So? What happen? Please tell me you use protection. I forgot to give you these yesterday." Dorota reveals a handful of condoms.
"Sh!" Blair urges, eyeing Nelly Yuki who sure enough, was listening to all of that intently. "We did not sleep together." She whispers fiercely as she pushes Dorota into her office, shutting the door behind her. Then, she points to the condoms which Dorota laid out on her desk. "And put those away! I won't be needing them. We did not and will not sleep together. We watched a movie, that was all." Blair uses her most prim tone.
"You two watch movie?" Dorota rolls her eyes. "You dating him and don't even know it." She slaps her palm against her forehead.
"I am not." Blair gives her a sharp look. "Now, this arrangement could go on for up to two weeks so please tell me I won't be walking into daily interrogation sessions from you or sex ed ambushes. If something happens," Dorota's eyes widen. "Which it won't. I will tell you. So no more questioning! Now go on, there's got to be someone who needs their vitals checked."
Blair gathers up the packets of condoms and drops all but one into the adjacent exam room. She pockets it into her lab coat, telling herself that taking it has nothing to do with Dan Humphrey.
Emergency Pearl meeting. STAT.
Serena rolls her eyes at the frantic text from Nelly Yuki. This better be good, she thinks as she walks into Sugarcoates where all the girls have assembled.
Nelly is at the forefront, eagerly drumming her fingers on the table as they all wait for Serena to take her seat. "So Nelly, what is it that was so urgent? Please tell me I didn't just stand up my wedding planner for lunch for some trivial gossip."
"No," Nelly stands up. "This is good."
Nelly pushes up her glasses before beginning. "So, I'm at work today and Dorota was, like, losing her mind all morning. She got in an hour before me and I'm pretty sure that whole time was just spent pacing like a madwoman-"
Serena halts her. "Wait. You called us here to gossip about Dorota Kishlovsky?"
"No," Nelly replies hurriedly. "I'm getting to it. It's relevant, just fifteen. So, finally Blair comes in, fifteen minutes late by the way, and there's definitely a glow to her. Unless she just bought the newest blush from the NARS Orgasm collection, it looked definitely post-coital. And then Dorota starts thrusting condoms at her and asking if she used protection. So basically, one day in and Operation Oust Blair is already a success!"
Kati starts a succession of clapping and the other girls follow suit. They all start chatting cheerily about what geniuses they are until Serena speaks up. "But is there any proof? Besides her looking 'euphoric' and Dorota throwing condoms at her. I mean, it might not have been Dan they were talking about."
"But you said that he was moving in last night?" Kati frowns. "I doubt she'd have some one-night-stand with him in the living room."
"Maybe she didn't have sex with anyone and Dorota was just paranoid about safe sex," Serena says, still unconvinced. "We need proof, Nelly. Get proof and I will officially deem step one of the operation a success." Serena rises. "This meeting is adjourned. I'm off to go beg for my planner's forgiveness. Nelly," She gives her a cutting look. "Next time come with receipts."
Serena is about to walk about the door when she turns around, "Oh and don't forget, girls, feel free to give them a nudge toward each other. Not a gentle one, either."
Blair's relationship with Nelly Yuki goes a little something like this…
Blair walks into the office every morning, she walks up to the reception desk, ignoring the girl sitting behind the desk and being ignored back, checks the schedule and retreats into her office. If and only if it's absolutely necessary, Nelly will occasionally pop in to say there's an unassigned patient Blair needs to take. Or if Blair has screwed up, which Blair suspects Nelly waits on edge for, and say for example is a little late then Nelly will comment on it.
But never, ever, does Nelly Yuki say hello.
So Blair is instantly suspicious when she walks into the office on Friday morning to a smiling Nelly Yuki. "Hi, Blair. Guess what? You got a new patient scheduled for today. Looks like you're finally going to meet the quota!" She practically singsongs.
Blair eyes her curiously. "You're awfully cheery at the prospect… I don't think Dr. van der Woodsen would approve of you aiding the enemy."
"You're not the enemy," Nelly's face is full of innocence. "Why would you think that?"
Blair walks all the way up to the reception desk now, hovering over Nelly. "Okay, cut the shit, Nelly. What's going on? Is it some nightmare patient? Some trick that'll end up with me fired?" She scans over the appointment book and sees an unfamiliar name but it does little to help supply any more info.
Nelly looks taken aback at Blair's crassness and visibly reels. "There is no shit. I- You- You just have your final patient. I thought you would be happy. Maybe even want to celebrate it? Not with me obviously. But with a friend, like," Her finger comes to her chin. "Dan Humphrey? Your friends with him, right?"
A light clicks on and Blair can suddenly see right through Nelly Yuki. Just as she suspected initially, this whole forced roommate situation with Dan had been for an ulterior motive. Blair can just picture Nelly being instructed by Serena to find out how it was going. No doubt thinking Blair will take the first chance she gets to go off about Dan. Then, she and the Pearls will clink champagne glasses at driving Blair mad with Dan's ever-presence. Did they really think Blair would give up so easily?
Instead of calling Nelly out, Blair decides to have her own fun. "Yes, Dan and I are quite friendly." She gives her a broad smile, on that's almost insinuating. "You're right, I should celebrate. Good idea, Nelly." She watches as Nelly relaxes back in her chair, clearly happy with being praised. Blair had suspected that Nelly would be disappointed to hear she and Dan are getting along, maybe even more than getting along, but apparently she's better at hiding it than Blair would have guessed. "Any ideas of what Dan and I should do to celebrate?"
Blair watches as Nelly pretends to think. "Oh, you know what would be so fun? You two should head into Providence. There are so many great bars there and you could go to dinner. Maybe at Camille's? It's very cozy."
Blair does a quick Google search on her phone as she pretends to field a text. Sure enough, Camille's is some candlelit restaurant for saps. What? Does Nelly think she'll accidentally wind up there with Dan and finally lose it? Perhaps burning down the restaurant with Dan in it in a blaze of fury?
Blair feigns interest which seems to please Nelly even more. "Such great suggestions. I'll go call him from my office. Thanks again, Nelly. You and I should talk more often. Lunch sometime?"
Nelly nods vehemently. "Definitely!"
Blair goes into her office and closes the door just enough that she can still see out into the reception area. Sure enough, as soon as Nelly's believed Blair to be gone she pulls out her phone and starts fervently texting.
Such an amateur, Blair thinks as shuts the door. I always have the upper hand and she's about to learn that.
TBC...
Hope you guys liked the start of the Dair roommate situation :) Many more developments to come!
PS I started reworking my 27 Dresses AU, The Bridesmaid and The Journalist, and am hoping to have an update soon for that! Thank you for all of you that continued to read and encourage me to write it, you all definitely motivated me to come back to it!