Chapter Twelve
No.1 Party Anthem
A/N: I need to know your thoughts about this chapter! Good and bad!
She saw people jumping up and down in slow motion. Scent of sweat and perfume overwhelmed her. Flashing colorful lasers lightened the typical Saturday scene. Girls waved their straightened hair around carelessly as their head bobbed left and right. Their necks were sweaty, their lipstick sticking on teeth. Boys lifted their arms so high they almost touched ceiling. Everyone was dancing wildly to some music Blair couldn't hear clearly. It blasted in her ear, forcing it's way to her bones.
''Oh, I know this one'' she slurred, swaying hips side to side.
''What?'' Adrian leaned, his nose almost touching her cheek.
''I'm so fancy'' she screamed in his ear, completely out of tune. She faced him and playfully danced. ''You already know- ow! Watch it, cowboy!''
Someone bumped into her shoulder and she almost tripped over heels. Adrian caught her. He surprisingly didn't sway that much. He didn't sway at all. ''Easy now, let's get you seated.''
''I'm the last fane'' she continued to sing. ''From NY to Tokio. Can't you taste this moooold?''
''It's gold'' Adrian choked back a laugh, holding her waist to keep her from falling further. ''Can't you taste this gold. Are you thirsty? Want me to order us something?''
Blair cleared her throat. Only did she now notice the dryness. It slowly started to sting. ''I'm parched. How come you're not drunk. We drank like 2,3,4...''
She counted on her fingers but got lost in midway.''Something bottles of champagne. You mister, got me totes wasted.''
He laughed again at her drunk mode, holding her tightly as they broke through the crowd. ''It's Saturday night and I'm in the middle of a club with Blair Waldorf. Who says I'm not?''
''I can see it in your eyes''- she started to explain until someone caught her attention. She let go of Adrian and waved her arms around, accidentally kicking Adrian in his face. ''Carter! Oh, sorry- hey, Carter!''
''Waldorf'' he said as he got nearer, smiling eyes were red, sleepy and his breath smelled of beer. He was high, as per usual.''I thought I recognized those legs.''
''Carter'' she sang enthusiastically. Blair was on the other hand, dead drunk. She was so drunk she half-hugged him. A voice in her mind whispered she was going to remember all of this tomorrow and strongly regret it. Alcohol deleted all the fucks that were supposed to be given.
''You know what Blair'' he said with that raspy voice of his. ''You should come to my party.''
''Oh my god!'' she responded excitedly, even though he already invited at half of dozen times already. Blair squealed, slapping Adrian on the shoulder. ''Can he come too? Can he?''
''Sure, man!'' Carter consented with even more excitement. ''Dude, I think you're cool. Your report card freaks me out and those scars I saw in gym locker, but you're cool. You should totally stop by.''
Adrian simply nodded, rubbing his nose where Blair hit. ''Wanna hit the bar?'' he asked Blair, wanting to get away.
''Martini bianco'' she said.
''I'd like a beer'' Carter added, raising his almost empty bottle.
''Go ahead, I'll wait for you here.''
His eyes flew from her to Carter, deliberating something. Eventually, he bit his lip and went to get them some drinks. It seemed like there was no need for him to elbow people, they all simply moved away as he passed.
''I didn't know you guys hang out?'' Carter spoke loudly in her ear after chugging down the remains of his bottle. He looked around for a moment or two, shrugged his shoulders and just dropped the bottle on the floor. When it didn't crash, he kicked it away with foot. ''He seems cool, but he also seems like a psychopath.''
''What?''
''You and Adriano?''
''What?'' she repeated distractedly. The music was really loud and she couldn't focus on Carter's large mouth that just pulled a smoke of a cigar. He continued to speak, his shoulders moving in rhythm of the beat.
''Do you want one?'' he asked when he saw her staring.
''Umm'' Blair never smoked and hated smokers. It was repulsive, bad for your health and only mad sexy when Chuck did it. She remembered how his breath smelled, mix of cigars and menthol. Sometimes little bit of scotch. It was strangely alluring. Her pulse quickened and she felt a strong need to kiss someone. That need needed to be washed out with something and Adrian was nowhere in sight with drinks. ''Give me one.''
Carter lit her a cigar. The fire didn't stick on it. ''Pull in'' he said, looking at her plum lips. He got distracted for a minute by the way they kissed the cigarette. ''Come on.''
She couldn't do it. She still felt disgusted with that cancer sticking to her lungs. Carter laughing and pushing her to inhale made it no easier, despite the fact she was drunk.
''Go for it!'' he yelled, not believing his eyes. His hand that held lighter shook with laughter.
She looked at the flame and her eyes focused hard on it. She really wanted to light this cigar, but she didn't want to smoke it. It would be really great if ti smoked it'self, if it kind of burned out slowly. Out of nowhere, a fire blazed from the lighter and burned down the whole thing. It fell on the floor in ashes. Carter dropped the lighter, shaking his hand.
''Fuck!'' he yelped. ''I burned myself. What the fuck was that?''
Once again, he started howling with laughter. It was all very strange and funny to him. What a spectacle. On the other hand, Blair got scared for a moment. Her hands shook. She thought she heard voices when the fire exploded. She brushed her lips and skin around it with fingers. Flames licked it for sure, but it was left untouched. Maybe the alcohol was giving her hallucinations.
''Chuck is looking for you.''
''Give me another one'' she said after a while. He obeyed. ''I don't have a lighter. I lost my lighter. I think I'll cry.''
His shoulders slumped. Carter pulled on his short hair in frustration.
''What for?'' Blair placed a cigar between her teeth but left it unlit.
''It was my favorite lighter'' he cried out, his face frowning.
''No'' she said, bobbing her head up and down. The music vibrated through her, making her want to dance. ''I mean why is he looking for me.''
''Oh, the usual. To make you cry. He wonders how you managed to take down pictures. You know what, how did you do it anyway? Gossip Girl is impossible to bribe. Even though I like them, you're really hot when you're angry. Too bad they're gone.''
World in Blair's head was spinning. She completely forgot the events of today. A nausea came over her, but only for a second. ''What do you mean gone?''
''Gone. Disappeared. Poof. In only one afternoon.''
Blair scratched the spot under her ears. Dorota's result of Mission: BRIBE came out negative. There was no way they all changed opinions in such short amount of time. Someone was helping her out. She strained her neck to see where did Adrian disappear.
''He is in your booth'' Carter laughed.
''Who?''
''Chuck, in your booth. Dragon in your lair.''
''Where'' she pitched voice higher, hoping she got the answer wrong.
''Your booth! He kicked Penelope and your chicks out. They left after you didn't show up. Only Serena and Nate are there, making out like it's 1999. Fuckin' sick.''
She wasn't aware of her legs moving. Blair left Carter in a daze. Her mind was separated from the body. It acted on it's own, almost led by an instinct. The head was far up in the clouds, in passing laughter of party goers, in clumsiness of new waiter and in translucent smoke of cigars going through the vent.
''Oh my God'' Serena exclaimed, her eyes wide upon seeing her best friend. ''What are you wearing?''
''A toga'' Blair simply said, crashing in the sofa next to them. She crossed her legs in usual manner. Chuck was nowhere to be seen, but there were few bottles of white wine on the table. ''Nate darling, be kind and pour me some.''
''Blair, are you smoking?'' Serena's eyebrows knotted together. Her hand shot out and grabbed the cigar from in between Blair's fingers. She stared at it for a moment before ripping into half, a moment on Blair's dress and a moment at the doors behind the booth that led to private room. ''Are you trying on Holly Golightly tonight?''
''It's not even lit, for god's sake. I just like holding it.'' Blair slurred. ''And this sheet looks great on me. It's a nice fabric. It falls over my curves perfectly, makes my boobs look bigger. I swear, if I didn't have nipples - nobody would know I even have them.''
She eyes Serena's cleavage enviously. Her hand reflexively went over her own, stroking the luxurious white cover. It really was nice fabric. It was finest Egyptian cotton, a sheet with gold INRI name sewed into. Blair was so drunk she didn't bother to stop by home after the massage. She talked Adrian into stealing one for her. Or maybe he talked her into it? She didn't remember. All Blair remembered was the amount of fun she had. It was a while since it happened.
''A sheet?'' Nate asked confused, handing her a glass. ''Go easy.''
She sipped at first to try the wine. In the mid gulp, she realized she didn't care about the taste. Blair tipped the glass and emptied it all at once. The buzz was coming in waves, she felt good.
''Blair, you won't be doing anything stupid now, right?'' Serena asked, carefully taking away the glass from her hands.''I understand you're in the Breakfast at Tiffany's tonight. You got your toga made of sheet, you got your cigar, a bun, a party and all you need is a cat.''
''Darling, I don't know what you're talking about. I'm sitting in my booth, having some good time with my friends. Are you scared I might snatch your Queen of hedonism crown?''
''Blair'' Serena persisted. ''I know what you're going through. And how you deal with stuff like that. You tend to escape into Audrey Hepburn cinematographic lives, thinking you're one of her characters. I saw what happened this morning and I'm sorry. He shouldn't have done that. I wish I had called you to check you up.''
''Oh, please. I wouldn't be surprised if you two planned it out.''
''Blair, you don't mean that. You're drunk.''
''I don't know'' she answered, swallowing letter here and there. ''I honestly don't care anymore. Pictures are down, I had some nice time today and look, I'm drunk! If that's not reason to celebrate, I don't know what is.''
She finished the speech laughing hysterically and raised a new glass towards no one in particular.
''Who did you come with?'' Nate asked concerned. ''I hope you didn't come alone, we'll walk you home just in case. You're not used to drinks.''
Blair shook her head and waved her arms in negative sign. ''I came with Adrian, he's taking care of me. Even my mother likes him, imagine that. Hah! And she called Chuck the Satan himself.''
She laughed loudly again, not wondering why didn't anyone join in.
''No worries. He's off, buying us drinks right now. He should come any minute... Anyway, where is the rest of the crowd?'' She cleared her throat, taking a sip.
''I kicked them out. Just like I kicked you out this morning.''
Her head spun so fast she got dizzy. Blair closed eyes for a moment and set her almost empty glass on a table loudly.
''Chuck'' Nate warned his friend. ''Hey man, take it easy.''
''If that white ferret even breathes in the direction of this booth, I'll personally kick him out all the way to New Jersey. Right where he belongs with the rest of the trash.''
''That's enough. Why won't you give her a break?'' Serena stood up, her voice getting louder. ''What the hell is wrong with you? Do you like torturing people for fun? You're making me sick.''
''Serena'' Blair spoke, putting her hand on best friend's shoulder. Partially to stop her from talking and partially to not fall flat on her face. ''It's okay. I can handle him.''
''This is my booth, I payed for it, I can do what I want with the intruders. Get lost or I'll call the bouncers.''
His eyes were dark, his lips set in thin line.
''What?'' Blair said, her head swimming. Her lips still ached for a kiss, now more than ever, and despite everything, he was beautiful tonight. Chuck looked like the avenging angel, his figure tall and proud. His face appeared calm, but eyes were scornful and full of rage. She breathed in and out. Alcohol sent her mixed signals, she couldn't hide the stuff she did while sober. ''Why are you so angry with me? ''
Nobody said anything. Only music played in the background and a group nearby sang along. Chuck was silent His face never showed any emotion. For a moment, she thought he'd answer her. Chuck opened his lips. ''Guards. This drunk wandered in, please remove her.''
Two bulky men dressed in black quickly approached. ''Yes, sir.''
''You can't be serious'' she said, incredulity evident on her face. The bouncers came and roughly grabbed her elbows. What is with him and guard? She put up resistance and their grip only tightened. ''Chuck?''
Chuck turned his back and walked away back to the private room, a glass of scotch in his hands.
Serena stood up and Nate ran after her. She tried to talk a way out of this, but they didn't want to listen to her. After all, they were only following orders. Her charm didn't work this time. Instead, they grabbed her arm too and dragged her away. It was when Nate's fist connected with that bouncer's face. Commotion grew and only more guards joined, grabbing everyone and everything. People were screaming and picking up their stuff, leaving the club.
Blair was still held tightly in a grip by one tall guy with tattoo over his arms. His eyes were mean and his ears deaf to her orders and pleas. Her heart raced like crazy, everyone around was pushing around, throwing punches. She wanted to punch in the face someone too, but he was out of reach. Adrenaline surged through her body, waking her up from drunken haze for an instant.
She resisted as much as she could, spite growing bigger and bigger. She swore, she threatened, she tried to kick him with legs. Blair hated feeling helpless, it only made her angrier. She has had enough of being stomped on. A storm was boiling inside of her ever since Chuck walked out. The chaos around her only fed it more. At one point, she couldn't control herself anymore. Blair cried out with irritation and chained her palms around his neck. At first he laughed, looking her straight in the eyes. Her arms were too weak to do any kind of damage. It was as if a child was choking him. That simply made her even angrier. Her palms wire tingling with strange sensation. Then his smile faltered. Quickly, his arms dropped her and he fell on his knees, clutching the neck. Man was screaming in agony.
Blair didn't stick around, she went running back. On her way, she picked up random bottle and took few swings. She needed to end this. Neither she nor her reputation could endure this torture any further. There were people fighting around her and she didn't care. Her toga was still in place. Only her bun was messed up so she let her hair down and shook it few times with fingers. It was now or never.
She didn't knock. Blair entered the room and locked the doors immediately.
The room was colored in dark purple. There was an ebony wood coffee table in the middle, two white sofa chairs and pink love-seat. He was leaning on the window sill, pouring himself another glass of scotch. He didn't even turn around.
''Don't you know how to knock?''
She said nothing. The alcohol buzz was still present, giving her courage for the thing she never would have done, never would have said.
''I don't know what's your problem'' she said approaching closer. His head snapped at the sound of her voice, his eyebrows shooting up. ''And I really don't care. But you need to stop this nonsense now. Because one day I will explode and murder you in your sleep.''
After a pause, Chuck slowly set the glass and bottle down. He got up and stood still, looking her in the eyes. ''Give me the keys.''
''You really need to learn to behave yourself'' she said as she shamelessly put the key in her bra. The distance between them shortened by each step. ''Do you remember the day you promised me you'll behave yourself?''
His mouth partially opened, but no sound came out. She considered that as an invitation.
''Do you remember that? Because I do. I remember every single thing you said to me.''
This is where his eyes narrowed, pulling the hands out of pockets to spread them in wide gesture. ''Like when I told you to stay away from that nerd Adrian?'' His voice was sharp and unforgivable. ''Like when I said he's not good? And when you agreed? And now you start dating him?''
Blair didn't know how to respond for a moment. Could he be...? This possessive behavior didn't really fit into his description. ''Are you jealous?''
He scoffed, cracking his knuckles. ''Give me a break.''
''You are jealous. Oh, my God.'' She thought of million and two reasons, but this one wasn't one of them. They were standing inches apart, both staring at each other. Blair's heart raced. She felt the pulse between her squeezed thighs. She needed him. She longed for him. Despite everything, she really wanted to kiss him now. There was a fuzzy feeling inside of her, a lust that only he seemed to invoke.
''Blair, give me the key.''
''Take it'' she challenged, lowering down the slip of the toga, exposing her neck completely.
''You know I won't hesitate'' he declared with husky voice, closing the distance between them. His eyes turned darker as they devoured her naked skin.
''Then what are you waiting for'' she murmured back, her half-closed eyes locked on his lips. They stood for a minute or two like that, tension between them occupying the room. Her skin burned. His fists were clenched.
''You're drunk'' he whispered, sharply turning away. ''Go away. You'll regret this later. I'm sure your boyfriend is wondering where you've been.''
''You never had that problem before'' Blair growled, provoking him. ''Intoxication and adultery are your main scores with other girls.''
He sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. ''You're not like other girls. Would you stop comparing yourself to anyone?''
''I know'' she said bit angrily. ''So you keep saying it. Does that mean you don't ruin other girls' lives? Does that mean you don't steal their stuff?''
She now completely closed the distance within them. With every spoken word, Blair pushed his chest with her tiny arms as hard as she could. ''Does. That. Mean. You. Treat. Them. With respect?''
With last words, she pushed him and he fell on the couch, never taking her eyes off of hers. He was as surprised as she was. This wasn't something she'd normally do. She was bold, fearless and knew what she wanted. Being drunk has some really bright sides.
''Does that mean that you don't hate them?''
Silence ensued. He looked at her and she looked back. His eyes changed, they were full of hunger. Chuck licked his lips, grabbed her hand and strongly pulled her on top of him. She pulled the toga up as her knees sank on each end of his waist. He grabbed her other arm and pulled her head to his.
''You were supposed to be mine'' he whispered forcefully, their foreheads touching. ''Mine. I can't stand looking at you with others. I can't stand you not being in my arms.''
Blair inhaled that sharp familiar scent of his. It was so strong it triggered something inside of her. The desire bloomed like cherry blossoms in spring. Lowering herself slowly on his crotch, she kissed him hard and she kissed him good. It took a moment for him to respond. He was stunned at first. But slowly, he returned the kiss with equal passion, letting go of her wrists and hugging her closer. Her hips teasingly moved over his bump in rhythm, straddling him. His bulge was hard and the lightest touch sent shivers all over her body. She snaked her hands behind his head and finally went through his hair with fingers. It was soft and felt good under touch. Oh, how she longed to do that. A moan escaped his throat.
She could feel her fire burning. It was animalistic. It was divine.
Blair broke the kiss, her head was spinning too fast. She inhaled deeply while he kissed her neck gently. ''I am yours'' she purred, the neck kisses only making her more dizzy, fueling the flame. ''I am...''
Chuck slowly lifted his head. His eyes seemed to pierce her soul. He leaned closer, first inhaling the scent of her hair, moving across her cheeks and finally lingering around the nose. She thought he was going to kiss her. Her mouth opened, yearning for him.
But he didn't. Chuck simply brushed his nose with hers several times. ''I'm sorry.'' He continued to kiss every part of her face. Chuck showered her with light kisses that only made her smile like crazy. ''I'm sorry. I don't deserve you.''
His mask was off. He was no bully, simply sadistic attention seeker. His arms refused to let go of her waist. She sighed deeply, lifting up his chin with her hand. He grabbed her fingers and kissed them all one by one. She closed her eyes. Such strong overwhelming feeling came over her, she needed a minute to come to her senses. It was unbelievable how this boy made her feel. All her ups and downs belonged to him.
''I don't care'' she said, playing with his bow-tie. There were lipstick smears on his lapels that matched her make up. She brushed her lips with fingers, that fact making her giddy. Blair tightened her thighs around him and leaned in for another kiss. ''I want you.''
There was a knock on the door. They were followed by several loud thumps. ''Blair?!''
''It's Adrian'' Blair whispered hurriedly, moving her face away. She recognized the voice. Chuck's eyes blazed with fury. He quickly, but with delicacy removed her off him to other side of the couch. He got up towards the doors as she sat gracefully, repairing her lipstick and dress. ''What are you doing?''
Thumping continued, more forceful. ''Blair, are you there? Are you okay?''
''Let me deal with him.'' Chuck's hand reached for the knob, but he quickly froze. ''Blair!'' he whispered, grabbing his chest.
''What?'' she mouthed, confused.
Chuck kept grabbing his own chest, pointing at his 'boobs'. He kept mouthing something but she couldn't understand him. ''The what? Que? Me? Oh, the key!''
In that moment Adrian barged in through the doors, holding his shoulder in place. Door swung with such force Blair thought it only happened in movies. In last second did she pull her hand from her bra. Adrian paused straightening himself, looking around and inspecting every detail.
Chuck turned around, pouring himself a drink to hide the lipstick on the lapels. ''Destroying club's property, Dracony?''
''Blair, I've been searching for you'' he breathed, ignoring Chuck. ''It's madness outside. Let's get you home.''
''She's not going anywhere'' Chuck said sure of himself.
''Okay'' Blair rushed in, not breaking eye contact with Adrian. ''I'm ready to go. See you at school, Bass.''
Adrian exhaled in relief and held doors open for her. She thanked him and threw one last glance towards Chuck. He had his back turned to them, but she could see the tension in the stiff shoulders. She bit her lip hard.
''What happened in there?'' Adrian asked in the limo later. ''I couldn't find you and when I asked Carter where did you go, he passed out on the floor. That guy could use a visit to rehab.''
''Ugh'' was all Blair said. ''I feel sick. Can't wait to crash in my bed.''
Actually, she felt great. She never felt more alive. Her skin burned where Chuck's lips showered her with kisses. There was nervous buzz in her stomach, a fire in her loins and sense of harmony in her head. It was all perfect, she wished they stayed there forever. In that little room, just the two of them. Blair had to leave him. She knew Adrian wouldn't forgive her if she stayed. Chuck would forgive her abandoning him for the night, considering everything she forgiven him tonight. Adrian's repulsion towards Chuck was obvious, and vice versa. She had to think about Mother and her deal with Draconys, Blair said to herself. It was only reason why she didn't stay with Chuck.
''I went around the club and then all hell broke loose'' he continued. ''I was afraid you were alone and someone would do something to you. We drank a lot today. It's not safe to be going around like that. I'm sorry I left you alone with Carter. It got really nasty there. Luckily, I found Serena. She told me where you'd probably be because you weren't outside and they looked themselves.''
''Oh'' Blair sighed contentedly. It was nice to be looked after. But this time, it was her that was the danger. Chuck couldn't resist her. Blair was on top of the world. ''Thanks.''
A smile and blush spread over her face. Adrian looked at her suspiciously. He's be looking at her like that ever since they left the club. ''What happened in that room?''
Limo parked right in front of her building. She didn't want to lie to him, so she just looked out the window.''Good night, Adrian.'' She was still drunk and fuzzy. Good mood didn't leave her. So she kissed him on the cheek and left into the night. He deserved it. Even if she remembered tomorrow, she knew she wouldn't regret it. The key was safely clutched in her fist.
