A/N: Thank you all for your reviews, faves, and follows! They never get old :) I'm going to warn you all that this chapter is a beast. It's pretty expansive. I thought about breaking it up, but once I have it all ready I just want to get rid of it lol I hope you all enjoy it!

It's the tenth blast of water to her head from Derek's water gun that does her in.

"That is it!" She jumps up from her lounge chair and throws down her book. Derek is doubled over in laughter and Dan's shoulders are shaking from trying to hold in his laughter. She screeches and rips her sunglasses off. She glares at Dan. "I am done, Humphrey." She says through clenched teeth and storms into the house.

"Waldorf, come on!" She hears Dan following after her through the house, toward the staircase. "He didn't—" His words are swallowed by his laughter. She stops on the stairs and throws her sunglasses at him. Her eyes widen with annoyance when this only makes him laugh harder.

"I hate you." She narrows her eyes at him before she continues up the stairs. He's delayed by his laughter so she successfully slams the bedroom door in his face.

"Blaaaair." She hears him try the doorknob. "Come on. Let me in." He's still breathless from chasing her and laughing at her. She shakes her head in disbelief and drags her suitcase from the closet.

"What part of 'I hate you' was unclear?" She yells out as she starts packing her clothes hastily, but carefully.

"I think it was the part from this morning when I was going down on you and you were screaming my name and saying you loved me over and over and over again. At least I think you were….it was kind of hard to tell in between your moans." She flushes at the memory and clenches the nightgown in her hands. "Let me in." He says in a deeper, more serious tone and draws her from her reverie. She huffs and opens the door. He nearly falls into the room. He rolls his eyes. "Thanks for the warning."

She smirks. "You're welcome." She turns quickly and folds the nightgown before placing it in her suitcase.

"What are you doing?" He stands beside her and darts his eyes between her and her suitcase. "Why are you packing?"

She cuts her eyes to him and purses her lips. "Seriously, Dan?"

"Wha—Are you really mad?" He starts taking her clothes out of her suitcase. She swats at his hands and puts them back in. "We were just messing with you….it's a sign of affection."

"I just—I've had enough." She takes a deep breath and turns to face him. "I have had enough weed, enough hacky sack, enough boys, enough of your fangirls, enough beer—correction—PBR, enough parties until 4 in the morning, and I have certainly had enough water gun fights." She arches her eyebrow and snatches her bra from his hands. She puts it in her suitcase and zips it up before he can start taking stuff out of it again. "I love you, but I cannot stay here anymore." She places her suitcase on the ground and looks at him expectantly.

He looks at her in disbelief before he busts out laughing again. Her eye starts to twitch in frustration. She brushes past him forcefully and goes to the bathroom to get her toiletries. He follows quickly after her. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. You're just so funny when you're upset." Her mouth falls open as she turns her head to look at him. "You're so adorable." He moves closer and tries to take her in his arms.

"No. Oh, no." She pushes him backwards. "You are not charming you're way out of this. I'm not staying here anymore and I am beyond annoyed with you." She frowns and tries to avoid looking at him. The truth is it wouldn't take much for her to cave, probably only a look, but she so badly wants to get him alone and away from this house if only for a night or two. She has to capitalize on her frustration right now. "So just…..deal with it." She says haughtily and breezes out of the bathroom.

"Deal with what?" He asks amusedly as he continues following her around the room like a lost puppy.

"The consequences." She says pointedly as she puts on a sundress over her bikini.

"Was that a consequence? Because that was cruel." He pouts his lips. She's distracted by her own amusement. His hands are on her hips and his lips are on her neck before she even has time to think about stopping him. She breathes out shakily and her eyes close. Her fingers grip his hair. She wants him so much. He kisses down her neck, over her shoulder. He only stops to slide the strap of her dress off of her shoulder. She watches him as he eyes her skin thoughtfully. His fingertips spark against her exposed flesh before his lips make it burn. "Stay with me." He mumbles against her skin. She moans out and tugs on his hair. Their eyes lock when he raises his head to look at her. They lean in at the same time and their lips crash roughly against each other. He kisses her harder and moves her backwards until she hits the wall. He slides his hands under her dress against her skin, until he hits her bikini bottoms. He tugs them down and stops kissing her to slide them all the way off. She steps out of them anxiously and pulls him back up to her. She gasps out in surprise when he lifts her off the ground and wraps her legs around his waist. She leans in and kisses him deeply. She rests a hand against his neck and buries the other one in his hair. His hands tease against her thighs. She can't take much more. He breaks away and watches her for a moment. She huffs out a frustrated breath and leans in to kiss him again. He brings a hand to rest against her cheek gently and stills her. He kisses her sweetly. "I love you." He smiles before he leans in for a deeper kiss. "Don't joke about leaving." His eyes study hers. "I love you." He kisses across her cheekbone.

"I wasn't joking." She says playfully and smirks at him. He rolls his eyes and kisses her again. His tongue eases into her mouth and slides along hers. He grips her thigh tight. She moans and presses closer to him. She can hear his breathing starting to pick up and their kisses are getting a little more haphazard. His hands move to grip her back and he walks them to the bed. He lays her down gently and moves over her. He slides the top of her dress down and begins working on her bathing suit top. She leans up to kiss him while he works on undressing her. She thinks this might finally be it. They've covered the logistics, they just have to both give in and let go at the same time, the right time. He finally gets her top undone and his hand slides under the loosened fabric to cup her breast. She gasps into his mouth and tightens her leg around him. He breaks away from her. He looks down at her and kisses her between labored breaths, neither of them closing their eyes.

"Hey, Dan—" Their door is thrown open and Dan withdraws his hand from her breast. He stays pressed against her, but turns his head to look at Derek.

"Fucking knock, Derek!" Dan lowers her dress as best he can.

"Dude, I knew that was foreplay." Derek says proudly as he shuts the door. Blair shuts her eyes and tries to remain calm.

"I am so sorry." Dan says softly, nervously.

Her eyes fly open. "You should be." She pushes him off of her and sits up. She ties her bikini top and puts her dress on correctly. This is decidedly not the right time.

"Blair, I am really, seriously sorry." She feels him sliding closer to her and she jumps up from the bed. She hurriedly puts her bottoms back on. "I, obviously, didn't want him to come in either." He says as he moves beside her.

She looks at him and crosses her arms. "I know. I'm not mad because of that. It's not your fault." She shakes her head and takes a deep breath. "I need a break from Saved by the Bell: The College Years." She crosses the room and rummages through her purse. She pulls her cell phone out and texts Kati to come and get her. She's going to lose her mind. "I'm getting out of here." She throws the phone back in her bag.

He moves across the room so he's standing in front of her. "Well, where are you going?" He furrows his brow. "I can't leave the Hamptons. I have a job."

"I know that." She says calmly. She darts her eyes away. "I had my dad rent me a place. It's a cute little cottage a few miles away."

He steps back and jerks his head to the side. "So you were always planning to leave, you were just waiting for the right fuck up to make your escape?"

"No." She says defensively. He looks at her incredulously. "Well, not alone! I wanted you to come with me." She grabs her suitcase and overnight bag. "Now, you have to re-earn it, Humphrey." She smirks and tosses her purse over her shoulder. "If you want to that is." She turns quickly to leave and realizes she can't open the door with a bag in each hand.

He exhales loudly behind her. "Give me those." He tries to take her suitcase and she snatches it away from him. "Fine." He opens the door and steps outside to let her pass through. She gets stuck in the doorway and turns to go out sideways. She still hits the wall. "Oh my God. Just let me take those to whatever minion's car before you hurt yourself."

"I can do it myself." She glares at him and tries to shuffle out diagonally.

He snorts. "You can't even get out of the room." She stomps her foot in annoyance and tries another angle. "Blair, give me the bags."

She jerks her head up. "I said I can do it myself." She says pointedly as she finally makes it out of the doorway. She smiles smugly and walks down the stairs. She gets to the door at the foot of the stairs. She looks up at him on the top of the stairs. "Are you going to open the door for your girlfriend, Humphrey?" She raises her eyebrows.

He laughs to himself as he slowly makes his way down the stairs. "Only Blair Waldorf…." He shakes his head as he throws the door open.

"Thank you." She says nonchalantly as she saunters out of the house as best she can.

"Oh, my pleasure." He says sarcastically as he strides beside her. She snaps her head around and he smirks at her.

Kati is already jumping out of the car, opening the door for her. "Trunk first, Kati." Blair reminds her in annoyance. Honestly, she has to tell them everything. Kati fumbles for her keys and pops the trunk quickly. She puts her bags in and slams it. She looks at Kati. "Start the car." When Kati scurries off, she looks back at Dan expectantly.

"I don't know what you want from me." He shrugs his shoulders and smiles in amusement.

"I'm sure you can figure something out." She says pleasantly and moves to walk past him. He grabs her hand and she stops to look at him. She arches an eyebrow.

"Are you going to tell me where you're staying?" He intertwines their fingers.

She smiles and flutters her lashes. "That wouldn't be much fun now would it, Humphrey?"

He smiles in disbelief. "Seriously?" His eyes dance wildly. "How on earth am I supposed to find you?"

"That is not my problem." She starts to walk off again, but he tugs on her hand and pulls her back to him.

"We're still in love?" He narrows his eyes playfully and presses against her.

"Oh, very much so." She smiles up at him. He leans in to kiss her and she gives him her cheek. He laughs against her skin and it makes her happy. She feels his lips press against her cheek.

"Well, I guess I'll see you eventually." He widens his eyes and runs a hand over the back of his head.

She rolls her eyes. "You're an enterprising young man. And, you said yourself, working hard is more satisfying." She smirks as she uses his words from one of their first conversations against him.

He bites his lip and eyes her. Her breath catches and she seriously considers running back inside with him. "Some things are satisfying regardless." He slides a hand into her hair and kisses her hard before she can stop him. She moans softly and leans into his kiss. He breaks away just as she was getting ready to give in. He clears his throat and crosses his arms as he takes a step back from her. "Don't worry. I'll jump this hurdle too, Waldorf." He winks at her and walks back inside. She frowns and gets in Kati's car. She's not sure who she's punishing anymore.


She feels him enter the party before she sees him. She hasn't seen him in a day, which doesn't seem like a lot, but she's used to sleeping with him and kissing him and talking to him every day. She misses him. She's standing in the middle of the party with Kati and Is. She turns her head slowly and looks over her shoulder discreetly. Their eyes lock and he smiles as he makes his way toward her. She turns her head back around and her heart races in her chest.

"Hi, ladies." Her eyes flutter and she takes a deep breath when she hears his voice. Then he's standing right in front of her. A small smile starts to form on her face and he matches it before he looks down for a moment. He clears his throat and widens his eyes briefly when he looks back at her.

"Hello, Humphrey." She returns coolly, pretending not to know what he wants. She takes a casual sip of her cocktail and looks around the room.

"Of course." He mumbles and shakes his head. "Kati, Is, would you mind giving me a moment with your beautiful leader?" He smiles broadly at her minions. Her hand tightens around her cup. It's taking everything in her not to throw herself into his arms.

They both look at her, unsure of what to do. She sighs dramatically. "It's alright, girls. I can handle him." He steps closer to her until he's decidedly in her space. She looks up at him and gives him a small, confident smile.

"You know, you have yet to prove that you can actually handle me." He grins devilishly and takes her face in his hands. He kisses her chastely and laughs lightly when his eyes lock on hers again.

"Oh, that's never been a question." She slides a finger along his jaw. "Now whether or not you can handle me…..Well." She cuts her eyes away from his and shrugs her shoulders.

"We both know the answer to that." Her eyes fly back to his and they share a knowing look. He smirks and takes her drink from her hands. He sets it on a table behind him and wraps his arms around her. "I've missed you." He rests his forehead against hers. "I don't think I knew what I was getting myself into with this whole relationship thing." He kisses her again.

"You regret it already, hmmm?" She whispers playfully.

"That's not what I said." He smooths her hair and studies her. "I just didn't know it could be so…..consuming." He kisses that spot just below her ear that makes her heart flutter and her knees weaken. It amazes her that just a month ago she didn't know that spot even existed. She lets out a quiet moan and she feels a breathy laugh against her skin. He makes her shiver. "I can't stop thinking about you." He whispers against her ear. She turns her head enough to make brief contact with his lips. "Let me prove that I can handle you, Waldorf." He says softly against her lips.

"Mmmm." She rests a hand against the side of his face and deepens their kiss. She breaks away and rests her forehead against his. "You haven't found me yet, Humphrey." She laughs lightly and pushes away from him.

"Are you for real?" He asks breathlessly and lets his mouth hang open.

"Yes." She says confidently.

"I—" He scrubs his hands over his face. "I did find you. Obviously." He gestures to her.

"You didn't find my house." She reminds him with a sweet smile. "Obviously." She adds as she looks around the room and the cliché, beachy design scheme of the living room. Even if the cottage is only a rental, it's still decorated perfectly to her standards.

"Blaaaiiiiirrr." He whines. "Come on. Let this go."

"Oh, this defeatist attitude is very unlike you. And very unbecoming." She looks at him disapprovingly.

"Yeah, well, this is ridiculous." He crosses his arms. "Even for you." He frowns.

"You are being very cranky." She arches an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"

He cuts his eyes away for a moment and shrugs. "I miss you."

She bites her lip to keep from smiling. "It's only been a day, Dan." She says softly.

"I get attached easily." He mumbles and looks down at the carpet.

She hums to herself and steps back into his arms. "So you do." He sighs and runs his hands down her back. She kisses him a few times in a row. He locks his eyes on hers and kisses her back gently and slowly. Someone stumbles into them and they break apart reluctantly. She smiles and takes his hand in hers. "Let's make the most of tonight." He smiles back at her before she turns and leads him out of the room.

They're laying on a blanket, looking up at the stars. She rolls onto her side and looks him over. He's been quiet and lost in his thoughts more than usual. Actually, unless he's reading or writing or kissing her, he's usually talking a mile a minute. It drives her crazy. She misses it. "Hey." She pokes his side. He looks at her and smiles. "Are you sure you're ok?" He furrows his brow and nods. "Did I mention that we're playing twenty questions? No lying and you have to answer verbally."

He laughs lightly and runs a hand along his jaw. "Uh, I talked to my mom today. Didn't go well." He rolls onto his side and looks at her. "Do you miss me?" She can see his eyes shining playfully in the moonlight.

She brings his hand to her lips. "Terribly." She strokes the back of his hand with her thumb. "Did you fight with your mom?"

"No." He knits his eyebrows together. "No. It was just weird." He waits a long moment. "Why are you running from me?"

"I'm not running from you." She has to stop herself from laughing at the notion. She tightens her hold on his hand. "Are you going to actually tell me what happened with your mom?"

"Maybe." He says apathetically. "Why are you hiding from me?" His voice shakes and she sits up quickly.

"I'm not hiding from you, Dan." She narrows her eyes. "I was annoyed and I needed a break from Derek's. Not from you. I suggested getting away from there and you didn't want to so I didn't tell you I'd gotten somewhere else to stay. And then I just got annoyed yesterday. I'm not used to all of that commotion." She tucks her hair behind her ear. "Are you upset about your mom or are you upset about me?"

"Both." He groans and sits up beside her. "My mom…..she just seemed really disconnected from me and from our family when I talked to her today. It—She's not coming home." He shakes his head.

"Did she say that?" Blair asks quietly. She feels like her heart is in limbo with his.

"No. She didn't have to." He looks at her and shrugs.

"Well, don't jump to conclusions. That's not fair." He nods his head and sighs. "Maybe you should talk to her in person." She suggests and kisses his temple. She doesn't know why it affects her so much to see him hurt. She just wants to make it stop though.

"Maybe." He looks out at the waves before he cuts his eyes back to her. "So, what's going on with you?"

She rolls her eyes and slides over to him. She links her arm through his and runs a hand up and down his forearm. "I love you and I thought we were playing." She rests her head on his shoulder. "You don't like games?" His bark of laughter startles her and she lifts her head to look at him.

"No, I don't. Not games like this." He widens his eyes. "I like flirting and banter as much as the next guy, but when you didn't give in tonight it made me nervous. I mean I really missed you last night and today." He laughs self-consciously. "I saw you and that was it. I just wanted to be with you."

Her mouth falls open. "I'm sorry." She leans in and kisses his lips gently.

He sighs loudly. "It's ok. I think I'm being overly sensitive because of my mom." He waves a hand dismissively.

"For the record, I regretted texting Kati before I even got in the car." She can feel her skin heating up and she smiles nervously. He chuckles and slides a hand into her hair. He kisses her and pulls her forward as he lays on his back again. She fits her hips against his and shifts against him. "Do you want me to tell you where I'm staying?" She asks breathily as she looks down at him.

"Yes. God, yes." He kisses her again. "Do you want to tell me where you're staying?" His eyes watch her attentively. She bites her lip and nods her head. He smiles and brings her face closer to his. "Then don't." His lips find hers and she laughs against his mouth. "I'm serious. I'll pass this test on my own. I just needed a hint."

"I'm not testing you." She reminds him and arches an eyebrow.

He pushes her hair away from her face. "You are." He says casually and tightens his arms around her as he sits up. She frowns. "I'll prove how much I want you before I have you." He smiles smugly and kisses her neck. "Come on. I'll walk you back to your friends." He rises to his feet and extends his hand for her.

She narrows her eyes and takes it. "I seriously hate you sometimes." She watches as he gathers up the blanket.

He smiles at her and grabs her hand again. "Keep telling yourself that." He says teasingly and squeezes her hand in his as they make their way back inside.


"Ok, don't actually touch anything." Blair scrunches up her face as Is rests her arms against the table. She looks around uncomfortably. They're at the restaurant that Dan's been working at. Another day has passed and she misses him. This game is blowing up in her face so far.

"Why are we here if we're not eating, Blair?" Kati asks sassily from across the table. Blair stops her search and turns her head to glare at her.

"Don't ask inane questions, Kati." Blair crosses her arms and studies her. "You have had an awful attitude this summer."

"Oh, that's because you stole Dan Humphrey from….well, all of us." Is shrugs her shoulders.

"He was not Constance's school toy, Isabel." Blair says through clenched teeth. "Besides none of you had a real chance with Dan. Clearly." Blair smiles and tosses her hair over her shoulder. The kitchen door swings open and she sees Dan brushing past people hurriedly. She sits up a little straighter, moves her legs out from under the table and crosses them, and fluffs her hair. She wore her tightest, prettiest sundress for this mission. He said he'd jump this hurdle and pass this test, but, clearly, he needs some kind of encouragement. They haven't had sex yet and she's starting to get a little worried about the distance she forced upon them. He's about to breeze past her when he does a double take. His eyes lock on hers before they travel back down to her legs, make their way to her breasts, take a long pause when they land on her lips, and finally rest on her eyes again. He walks closer to her. She smirks happily as he does.

"It's a good thing you're already my girlfriend, Waldorf." He leans down to kiss her cheek. He cuts his eyes briefly to her minions. "Hi, girls." He smiles politely and they start their own posturing. If he notices he doesn't let on, as he smiles back at her.

She swings her leg lightly and smiles softly up at him. "Is that so, Humphrey?"

"It is." He moves even closer to her. "Otherwise I'd have to make some lame romantic comedy display of affection to get your attention."

"Who says you have my attention?" She furrows her brow and twirls one of her curls around her finger.

He laughs lightly and scans her body again with his eyes. "I have your attention." He says suggestively.

"Hmph." She frowns and turns away from him. He's about to win this round and she can't have that. "Well, not for much longer." She rises quickly and grabs her bag. "Come on." She looks at Kati and Is as she brushes by Dan.

"I'll see you later, baby." He calls playfully after her. She turns to glare at him on her way out. If you can't beat them…..leave.


Kati finally pulls up to her house that evening after a long day of catty comments and she's about to jump out of the car, anxious to see if Dan has made any progress, when she feels Kati's hand on her shoulder. She turns her head to look at her fair weather friend. "I know we haven't been as close this summer, but I still feel like I have to tell you if your life is about to blow up. Even if you are a sneaky bitch." Kati rolls her eyes dramatically.

Blair turns completely in the passenger seat and studies Kati. "What are you talking about?" For the first time in a long time, everything in her life is perfect. It's not exactly what she'd imagined a year ago, but it's what she wants now. She has Dan and she's the kind of happy that makes her feel like a child again. It threatens to spill out of her all of the time and she feels like she's always on the verge of laughter…..It occurs to her that that is not how her life usually goes. Not for long anyway. "Is this—Is this about Dan?" She licks her lips nervously and her heart pounds. It can't be. He's sweet and honest and loving…..He's Dan.

Kati glares at her and sighs in annoyance. "Not directly." Blair releases the breath she didn't know she'd been holding. It scares her to realize that she loves him too much to have a poker face when it comes to him. She composes herself as she waits for Kati to tell her what it's actually about, but she remains silent.

"Kati, if you want to be on freshmen minion scouting, you're doing a great job of getting there." Blair says pointedly.

"That's just it, Blair." Kati smirks and turns in her seat to face Blair. Blair furrows her brow in confusion. "Whatever all of the girls at Constance may think of Dan Humphrey, none of the guys give two shits about him. None of the important ones anyway. That means your reign is about to be over."

Blair wants to laugh loudly at this girl who couldn't plot her way out of a straight line giving her power advice. "Oh, this is hilarious." She smiles wickedly. "I decide who's in power; not the boys." Kati crosses her arms. "For the record, misogyny is never a good look. Come to think of it, neither is jealousy." Blair says pointedly.

"This isn't about jealousy." Blair's eyes widen disbelievingly and Kati rolls her eyes. She leans closer to Blair. "You really think you can just dump Nate Archibald, Nate Archibald, for Dan Humphrey and not have any consequences?" She might have a point, but Blair doesn't even flinch. "You do, don't you?" Kati shakes her head. "Wake up, Blair. As sweet as Nate is, he won't like how this looks and he won't let it go easily. You've been making him look like a fool all summer and all last spring….He may not have been madly in love with you, but he does have pride."

Blair's jaw tightens at her words. Apparently, her relationship with Nate was a joke to everyone but her. She shakes it off. It doesn't matter anymore. "Nate isn't vindictive, Kati. I didn't do anything wrong anyway. I broke up with him before Dan and I started dating."

"Right." Kati scoffs loudly. "You're not the only one who's perceptive."

Blair narrows her eyes and leans closer to Kati. "Maybe I'm not. I am the only one who's able to do anything about what I see and hear though." She arches an eyebrow. "One wrong move, Kati, and you're finished."

Kati looks at Blair nervously. "I haven't done anything. Go ahead and try to banish me."

Blair can't help but laugh this time. "Kati. Come on." Blair's laughter subsides into a sweet smile. "Since when do I need facts to accomplish what I want?"

Kati's eyes flit nervously around her car. Blair can see she's weighing her options. She sets her mouth in a straight line before she addresses Blair in much sweeter tones. "I'm trying to help you. Nate and Chuck are home. They're coming here for the rest of the summer. Even if none of us say anything, it won't take Chuck Bass two seconds to figure out what's going on here; what's been going on here."

How did Blair not know about them coming here? Her hand balls into a fist. She's an awful queen. Distracted by love and romance. She bites her lip. Isn't that what she's trying to protect right now though? She's better and smarter than all of them. None of them can or will best her. "I've never been concerned about Chuck. I'm certainly not going to start paying him any mind now." She's about to climb out of the car when she looks back at Kati one last time who looks like she's about to shake right out of her skin. "Relax, Kati. Nothing is going to come of any of this. Everything will be just as it was. Now that I know about what people are saying and those two coming here, I can keep it all under control." She smiles confidently. "You've made the best decision for yourself. No one is coming for my crown." No one would really dare.

"Blair, Nate won't stay single long. Who says his new girlfriend won't take over?" Kati bites her nail when she finishes speaking.

"My power was not earned on my back, Kati. It's not going anywhere because Nate decides to date some popular sophomore." Blair says dismissively.

"What if it's not a popular sophomore? What if it's someone who had just as much power as you at one point? Maybe…..Maybe even more power." Kati says quickly and looks like she regrets the comments immediately. Serena. Blair is not an idiot. She knows what people said about Nate and Serena. She knows what she saw with her own eyes. She also knows that two of the most important people in the world would never have done that to her. They just wouldn't. Then she never thought Serena would outright abandon her either. She brushes the thoughts aside. It's all ancient history now anyway.

Blair looks down at the floor for a moment before she looks back at Kati confidently. "Serena is gone. I'm not worrying about ghosts who could never keep up with me." With that, she finally leaves Kati's car.


She gets in her house and sits on her sofa in a concerned daze. She doesn't know what to do with any of that information. She doesn't know if she should do anything with that information. Her wheels are starting to turn and spiral when a knock at the door interrupts her. She knows it's him. She jumps up and moves to open the door quickly. "Dan." She sighs out when she sees him standing on her porch and throws her arms around him. He laughs lightly as the force of it nearly knocks him over.

His arms tighten around her. "Hello to you too." He teases quietly.

She pulls back and smiles brightly at him. "You have perfect timing." She kisses him. She grabs his hands and tugs him inside. She hugs him again once they're inside.

He runs a hand through her hair. "Hey, are you ok?" He kisses the top of her head.

"Yes." She kisses him again, more gently. When she opens her eyes and looks at him, she realizes that she always knew this was a risk in one way or another. It's one she chose to take. She trusts him and loves him and she knows in her heart that he's worth it. She's Blair Waldorf though. No one, including Nate, Chuck, and even Serena, are getting in her way. She'll have Dan and she'll keep everything else she has too.

"You're lying to me." He narrows his eyes. "If I have to be honest and whine about my mom to you then you have to be honest too." He moves her hair back from her face and kisses her cheek.

She sighs. "Kati was just talking nonsense earlier." She runs her fingers over the collar of his t-shirt and she hits his skin. It feels so good under her fingertips. She curls her fingers around the collar and tugs it down. She presses her lips against his skin. She hears him suck in a breath and she feels his hands grip her back tighter. His reactions encourage her to continue kissing his skin, along his neck until she reaches his jaw where she presses more kisses. She's about to kiss his lips when he pulls back suddenly. She frowns at him.

He smiles boyishly. "Nonsense?" He rubs his hands over her back and it's so distracting.

Her eyes shut for a moment. "I honestly don't care about her or anything else." She opens her eyes to find his on her. She cups the side of his face and kisses him. "I saw you…." She takes a moment to collect herself. "I saw you and that was it. I just wanted to be with you." She smiles softly as she repeats his words.

He smiles warmly before he leans in to kiss her. "You sure you're ok?" He presses his forehead against hers.

"Yes." She means it. She pulls away and looks around the room nervously. "I don't think I realized it before, but you calm me." She shrugs and smiles at him.

His eyes widen playfully. "Are you saying I'm your center?"

She doesn't take the bait. Instead, she holds his gaze and nods. "You're my peace."

"Blair." His breath hitches and he takes her face in his hands. He kisses her deeply and slowly. She feels every inch of her melting at the contact. She still needs more. She steps even closer to him and grips his waist.

She stops kissing him and looks up at him. "The bedroom's up the stairs." She says breathlessly and slides a hand under his t-shirt to caress his skin.

He swallows hard. "I have this whole really cheesy thing planned for you." His eyes meet hers tentatively.

Her lips twitch upward. "For tonight?" She kisses him again. She can't help herself.

"Mmmm, no. Not tonight." He goes to kiss her back, but she's already pulled away. He furrows his brow.

"Dan, all I need is us. Why do you keep trying to make it about a moment?" She steps out of his arms.

He takes a deep breath. "I don't know if I actually have your attention. I want it. Desperately." He moves to where she's standing at the base of the stairs and cups her cheek. "Either way, you have mine. Always." He presses his lips to hers.

She rolls her eyes before she smiles up at him dreamily. "You know you have my attention, Humphrey."

"I posture and I joke, but I'm keenly aware of how out of my league you are." He says quietly. "I mean I'm confident in who I am and all of that, don't get me wrong. I just—I still can't believe that you're with me. I want you to know how much I appreciate you. I want you to feel loved. Because I do." He nods his head slowly. "Love and appreciate you. Everything about you. I don't ever want you to think that I'm taking you for granted and with everything that's happened over the past few days, I thought you might have been starting to feel that way." He locks his eyes on hers and grips her hips. "I love you." He whispers seriously.

She's speechless for a moment as she watches him and lets his words sink in. "I don't think I'm out of your league. You're cultured and intelligent and I'm sure if you'd ever let me read anything you're always writing, I'd discover that you're very talented as well. Not to mention you're incredibly handsome." She trails her fingers over his jaw.

He takes in a deep breath before he kisses her gently. "So, the fact that I'm from Brooklyn…" He narrows his eyes playfully.

She groans. "I suppose it's a testament to your resilience that you were able to rise above such adversity."

He smirks and nods his head. "That's better."

She smooths her hand over his shoulder. "Honestly, I just think we're right for each other, Dan, and, somehow, amazingly, we found it out." She looks up at him with wide, happy eyes. He laughs breathlessly, shyly and she leans in to kiss him. "And, just so you know, the boy who was in my league or whatever was never like this with me. I think that says it all." She tells him honestly.

"Blair…." He whispers just before their lips touch. His hands cradle her face carefully. She moans into his mouth as he deepens the kiss. She spreads her fingers out over his shoulder blades. She can feel the muscle and tension through his t-shirt. They both need this.

She breaks away from him and opens her eyes to find he's staring at her. He slides a hand down to her neck. She leans into his hand still cupping her cheek tenderly. "I think it's time." She feels it everywhere.

"I want it to be special." He whispers and locks his eyes on hers. She's pretty sure her heart has actually melted in her chest. He's so open and free with her. She's so used to pretense and show. She's never known anyone so genuine. He doesn't even have to speak sometimes. The look in his eyes says it all.

She brings a hand to his cheek and hopes he sees everything in her eyes that she sees in his. "It will be special." She kisses him sweetly. "It's us. I don't see how it could be anything else."

He grins and leans his body back into hers. "I think you've caught my saccharine tendencies." She can't help but laugh. He threads his fingers through her hair and kisses her. His kisses grow more intense and she slides her hands under his t-shirt. "Mmmm, where's the bedroom?" He breaks away roughly and looks at her with dark eyes. She bites her lip and grabs his hand to lead him up the stairs. When they get to her room, they quickly press against each other again. Her hands slide back under his t-shirt and smooth over the skin of his back. She gently sinks her nails into his skin. He grips her hair hard and moves a hand to slide up her dress, against her thigh as his lips move against hers.

"More." She breaks away and looks at him through hooded lids. "I want more." She kisses him again and starts to slide his t-shirt up his body. He stops kissing her and lets her take it off. He slides his hand further up her thigh until he hits her hip. He sucks in a breath and smooths his thumb over her skin. The movement hypnotizes her.

He kisses her messily and works his hands under dress. They trace over her stomach and hips. Her hands run down his waist and trail into his shorts. She rests them teasingly against his lower back, fingers grazing his ass. He stops kissing her abruptly. He eyes her. "Are you sure about this?" He pulls away from her slightly.

She hates the loss of contact and leans her body into his. "Yes." She murmurs as their lips connect. He moans into her mouth and one of his hands clumsily moves over her dress. She breaks away. "Really? You can't find the zipper?" She smirks playfully as she guides his hand to the zipper on the side. "Of all people…." She shakes her head with mock reproach. He laughs lightly and rests his forehead against her temple.

"I love you." He breathes out against her cheek as his hand slides her zipper down. He kisses her cheek before pulling away. They lock eyes and both slide her dress down her body until it pools around her feet. The corner of his lips tug up appreciatively. He wraps his arms around her and kisses her chastely. He presses his forehead to hers and she wraps her arms around his neck. "Be honest." He kisses her forehead and withdraws to look at her. "Have you always been this averse to underwear?"

She laughs and presses against him. She feels him hard against her and she revels in this moment. She arches an eyebrow as she looks up at him. "It's summer; don't let it go to your head, Humphrey."

He bites his lip. "I have a feeling you'll never let that happen." His hands slide along her body appreciatively. She tilts her head back and pouts her lips, waiting for his kiss. He obliges and lifts her so her legs wrap around him. His tongue slides perfectly against hers.

"Mmmm, I might." She whispers when she breaks away from his kiss. He smiles and kisses her chastely. He walks them to the bed and lays her gently on it. He takes his wallet out of his pocket and tosses a condom on the nightstand. She bites her lip when their eyes meet. She watches as he slides his shorts and boxers off. Her heart pounds with anticipation and she gets that feeling between her legs that she always gets when she sees him like this. He crawls over her and settles between her legs. She instinctively wraps them around him tight, keeping him close. She doesn't feel an ounce of nerves, but she can feel them radiating off of him. She strokes his hair and smiles warmly as his eyes seek hers. She tugs him closer so she can kiss him. It's all heavy breathing and hips starting to rock and stroking. She can tell he's getting lost in them. She breaks away and smirks. Her fingers graze his jaw. "Be honest." His eyes light up and he cups her breast roughly. Banter has quickly become their favorite foreplay. "Were you envisioning candles and rose petals and Celine Dion playing in the background?"

He laughs and kisses her. "You would start with me at a time like this." He presses closer to her somehow. "I won't tell you which two are correct. I'm still planning to romance your pants off one of these days."

She can feel her skin heat up and she trails a hand up the back of his head. "I like this better. Just us..." She kisses him. "It's all we need."

"Mmmm." He moans his distracted agreement as his lips begin to explore her body. She arches against him and buries her fingers in his hair when he kisses across her chest slowly. When he reaches her breasts, her heart pounds with delight. She can't help the soft moans and whimpers that he elicits as he continues kissing and licking her body.

"Dan!" She calls out when he reaches her center and she feels his tongue dip into her. Her fingers grip at the sheets and her hips buck. She's losing the delicate hold she has on her control right now. She says his name warningly as his tongue slides along her center. She moans restlessly as he sits up and runs his hands over her legs. He leaves hot, open kisses along her thigh. This is good, too good. "Oh." She says breathlessly and his eyes dart to hers. He moves over her slowly and smiles down at her. She takes his face in her hands and kisses him hard. It helps her re-focus for a few minutes, but it's not long before she needs more from him. "Dan…" She says softly and locks her eyes on his. She wants to be as close and connected to him as possible. She trails her fingertips along his back.

"I know." He nods before he kisses her. "God, I know." He's breathless as he watches her for a moment. He reaches for the condom on the nightstand and her hands shake with anticipation as she watches him put it on. She wants him so much. She's never felt anything even close to this before. It's like he's all she can see or think about right now. She loves how consuming it is.

He's shaking as he positions himself at her entrance. She runs her hands over his back soothingly and takes a deep breath. She kisses him and he gets lost in it for a moment, but he jerks away suddenly. He's watching her so intently, but hasn't made a move to come inside her. The sun is hanging lower in the sky, but it's still light outside and she can see everything from his nervous eyes to his shaking hands. "Dan, are you ok? You're shaking…." She says quietly.

"Yeah." He laughs a nervous, quiet laugh and her heart flips. She brings a hand to his cheek and kisses him. "I just—I've never done this before. Not like this I mean." She furrows her brow and continues stroking his skin. "I've never been in love before. I've never made love I guess." He clears his throat and shakes his head. He leans in to kiss her again, but she stops him for a moment and watches his eyes.

She smiles softly. "We're in this together." She slides a hand down his arm and seeks out his hand. She intertwines their fingers and looks up at him. "I love you so much."

He nods his head and kisses her deeply. She moans into it and wraps her legs around him tight. "I love you." He whispers against her lips and rests his forehead against hers. He eases into her and their eyes lock. She gasps out in a mix of surprised pleasure and pain. He pauses and kisses her softly. "Are you ok?" She takes a deep breath and nods. She slides her hand down his neck to his shoulder and grips him tight. He moves their hands back and adjusts against her. He's even closer to her and he groans as he finishes sliding into her. "Blair….." He trails off as his eyes shut. He's still shaking as he rocks against her gently. She feels like this is someone else's experience. There's pain and surreal pleasure at times. He looks back at her and she can't catch her breath. She feels like she's getting lost in everything. He watches her for a moment before he leans in quickly and kisses her. It grounds her immediately. She thinks she can feel his heart beating fast and strong against her chest. Maybe it's hers. She smiles into their kiss when she realizes she can't tell them apart any longer.


Her eyes open slowly and she realizes it's darker outside now than it was when she fell asleep. It wasn't long after they finished that she couldn't keep her eyes open anymore. She feels Dan pressed against her and his thumb is stroking her stomach. She sighs and he stills his movement. "I didn't want you to stop." She says quietly and he tilts his head back in surprise.

"You're awake." He says happily and adjusts so he's leaning over her. He cups her cheek and kisses her. He lays on his side, facing her and she mirrors the action. He takes her hands in his and kisses them. They watch each other for a moment and she can't help but think of earlier. She feels her skin heat up and she moves closer to him. He lets go of one of her hands and rests a hand against her hip. "How are you feeling?" He asks softly, nervously.

She smiles to herself and intertwines their legs. She takes a deep breath. "Appreciated and loved." She says lightly. It's not what he meant, but it's all she can really think about right now.

He laughs lightly and slides his foot along her calf. "I told you I was good." He says teasingly and kisses her forehead.

"Oh God." She groans and hooks an arm over his waist to pull herself even closer to him. "I really—" He rests a hand over her mouth and she laughs in surprise.

"Let me guess: You really love me?" He withdraws his hand from her mouth and replaces it with his lips. He stays close to her and runs a hand through her hair.

"Yessss, Humphrey." She says defeatedly. She sighs. "Almost as much as I hate you." She giggles when she hears his shocked gasp. He rises to his elbow and pushes her onto her back. He rests against her and kisses her deeply. She moans and wraps her legs around him.

He pins her wrists beside her head and smiles down at her. "I think I'm a masochist because that only makes me love you more." He teases before he leans down to kiss her again. She laughs against his lips and he frees her wrists as he lays beside her again. His hand trails easily along her body and he rests his head beside hers on her pillow. She feels his lips press against her cheek. Her eyes flutter closed at the contact.

She turns her head so she can look at him. She swallows hard. "I'm so in love with you, Humphrey." She kisses him chastely.

He smiles and runs his hand up her side more carefully. He presses his lips against hers again. "I'm so in love with you too, Waldorf." He says quietly. She nods and rolls onto her side so she can curl into him. She hears a breathless, short laugh as he wraps his arms around her. She closes her eyes and feels sleep pulling her in again. Everything is so perfect. She loves it.