Hi! So obviously I am taking this update sooner thing seriously, mostly because I finally have some spare time to write, but also people are getting in to the story and giving feedback again which motivates me a lot. I'm glad you like the pairings, I hope everyone is satisfied. Thanks to everyone who has sent prompts and of course keep them coming. This is the last chapter of Insufferable.
''I don't even have your-'' number. It doesn't really matter, does it? She lives just above you, it's not like she will move this instant and you'll never see her again. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea, never seeing her again. They've only spent an hour or so together and already he feels himself falling in love with her. First Blair Waldorf and now Serena van der Woodsen, this can't be right. He isn't supposed to be that way, these are the girls he used to be repulsed by, he hated everything they stood for and now he is head over heels in love with both of them? Mark this day, Daniel Humphrey has finally lost his mind.
He stays in the café for a while longer. He isn't quite ready to face the real world yet. Leaving this place means doing exactly that, back to problems, back to over thinking everything to the point of screwing it up, back to his old egoistic self. Still, his own company isn't satisfying enough, maybe he doesn't like being alone after all. He reaches for his phone and speed dials one person who can set him straight in times like this (at least she used to).
''Come meet me at Cafe Noi, you know where that is right?'' he asks impatiently. Probably not the best approach.
''What? Why?'' she asks ''Where are you?''
''I just told you.'' he exhales and rubs his forehead, did she even notice he left?
''When did you leave?'' she sounds upset, yeah she definitely didn't notice.
''Are you coming or not?'' he isn't in the mood to explain every single move he makes today, he just needs a good talk to clear his head. If she can't offer that, goodbye then.
''If you asked nicely.'' The snark is working both ways. Eventually she caves. ''Fine, I'll be there in ten.''
''I'm sorry, I have to go.'' She apologizes to the project coordinator. The woman barely even flinches, waving her hand goodbye as she walks away. Vanessa quickly collects all her belongings, stuffing them in to an old worn out but her favorite camera bag.
''Excuse me, I may be wrong but you're the girl who took our pictures and filmed us and everything?'' Vanessa is about to answer but the girl, what was her name…Patricia…Pam…Penelope, waves a hand in front of her face to stop her from saying anything. Okay then. ''I wouldn't know 'cause I usually avoid eye contact with average people – no offense-'' none taken, bitch.
''What do you need?'' Vanessa snaps not being able to listen to this nonsense any more. All she wanted to do was smack her above average face with a camera. It's a wrap!
''I was wondering if I could get the tape and give it to my own personal photographer, he's a professional''- she says with the most annoying attitude known to man ''-and he can take care of it-''
''Sorry, can't happen.'' Vanessa brushes off with s stoned smile. Penelope's eyes widen at her refusal, something she's not used to.
''Excuse me? Do you know who I am?''
''A student from Constance and judging from the files that your headmistress gave to me as a background story filler, not a very good one. So why don't you move your perked up ass and get out of my way please.''
''You-'' the brunette fires up but drifts off mid sentence trying hard to come back with something smart ''-you're stupid.''
''Oh honey, you should stick to things that you know better than insulting people, like shopping for instance, yeah go do that, they have lives on sale, you should get one.''
''That took forever''
''Okay I didn't just escape form a crazy bitch to get to another one so you better clean up your act.''
''What's got you so worked up?''
''Me?'' she laughs sarcastically, she almost forgot she should be mad at him, or shamelessly judge him at least.
''Whatever-'' he cuts her off before things get out of hand ''-I called you because I need some reason pounded in to my head and you seem like the only person sane enough to do it…it's either you or my housekeeper and she speaks Spanish, so, reason away.''
She can't help laughing at his little rant, if only he wasn't so adorable all the time.
''What's wrong?'' she already knows she'll regret this later but hey, what is life if not one big disappointment?
''There's this girl-'' regretting it already ''-and I don't even know what I think about her…or feel about her, I'm not sure I even know her, but it feels so good to be around her and I just want to be with her.''
''For god's sake Humphrey-''she lashes out ''-you're starting to sound like a psycho, seriously? Get your shit together, she has a boyfriend, she made it pretty clear earlier today-'' he wants to cut in and correct her obvious mistake, but has no time to ''-what does it take for you to understand? She's not in to you! Get over it! Spending time with her? Being around her? Ogling her every time she walks by and drooling from the distance does not count as being with her!''
When she's finally done with her yelling he simply stares at her, a smirk playing around his lips.
''What are you talking about?'' he asks, he chuckles a little, it is a real rarity to see Vanessa this worked up, she's always so peaceful and put together, but other than that it makes him wonder what the hell with the overreaction.
''I'm talking about Blair Freaking Waldorf, you're pathetic.'' She crosses her arms over her chest, her bottom lip slightly trembling from the adrenaline. His eyes widen, if he is about to play stupid once again, she swears, she will not hesitate from detaching his head from the rest of his body.
''Blair? Who said anything about Blair?'' he narrows his eyes with wonder.
She shakes her head in confusion. ''There's another girl? Wait, who were you talking about?''
''Serena van der Woodsen.'' He says as if obvious. At first Vanessa doesn't respond, she simply closes her eyes for a moment, getting herself together. Another socialite, this time the blonde one, well this keeps getting better and better.
''Seriously, what the hell is wrong with you'' she mutters under her breath and gets up.
''Wait, wait, what? Why would you say that…what the hell is up with you today?''
''Just do me a favor Dan, don't talk to me until I'm out of UES, even afterwards…just don't.''
He opens his mouth to speak but she is out the door before he gets a chance to. ''Fine.'' He yells angry, nowhere in particular because she is no longer there. ''You're insane.'' He adds quietly.
''Miss Blair said not to be disturbed.'' Dorota repeated herself.
''Come on, this is me Dorota, you have to let me get to her, it's really important.'' Serena won't give up, her lungs still hurt from all the running she did to get over here and now Dorota won't let her in. Eleanor is away from home so Blair's maid really is the only person she can talk to.
Dorota gives her a sad look, she understands the neediness behind her words, but can't disobey Blair's orders, she already did the mistake of letting Nate Archibald in an hour ago, they've been fighting ever since.
''I have to get in, I really really do. Look, I've messed up big time, and if I don't make it right now, she may never forgive me…even worse, she may turn against Nate-''
''-Uh-oh'' Dorota says with widened eyes.
''What?'' Serena asks worriedly.
Dorota gives her an uneasy look, there's hesitation but she speaks nevertheless ''It's a bit late for that…Mister Nate came an hour ago-'' her eyes widen even more, she leans in and whispers ''-they've been fighting ever since, I even heard glass shutter.''
''No…'' Serena shakes her head, the second thing she feared the most already happened, and it was all her fault.
''Yes, I didn't listen after that, it's been quiet for a while, maybe Mister Nate left, I don't know, Miss Blair won't open the door.''
''Just let me go upstairs, I'll talk to her.'' She pleads once more.
''Uh, fine-'' she finally lets in ''-but if she asks, I have no idea.''
''Don't worry-'' Serena says with gratitude ''-I'll take the responsibility.''
''Just make things right, okay?''
''Don't worry.''
Quickly she makes her way up the staircase. The entire hall is quiet, unusual given the circumstances that there's been a fight up here. She tiptoes to her door, she prepares to knock,yet her hand drops in the last second. Blair didn't even want to let Dorota in, there's no way in hell she'd let Serena enter. Carefully, her shaky hand reaches for the brass knob, slightly turning it right until the door pops open. With closed eyes she pushes in until it's open wide. Hoping Blair isn't there ready to kill her, she opens her eyes.
''Serena-'' Blair's eyes widen ''-what are you-how did you get in here?''
Serena doesn't dare to move, in her head she is trying to remember the speech she had prepared, but seeing Blair's flushed face messes with her head so much she forgets it completely.
'' I told Dorota not to let anyone in.''
''I know, it's not her fault-''
''If you're here to yell at me or tell me how horrible of a human being I am, you're late and I know. Now please, go.'' Her face is emotionless while her eyes pierce coldly, no depth evident in them.
''B that is not why I'm here-'' she finally gathers the much needed courage ''-and you're not horrible, I am.''
Blair opens her mouth to repeat herself but stops when she hears the rest. Confused, she doesn't say a thing. She doesn't know how to respond to that.
''I knew…I refused to admit, but I knew all along.''
Blair furrows her perfectly arched brows ''What are you-''
''Nate is in love with you, he has been since…ever. I pretended to be blind and not see it, but I did and I never dared to tell you because I knew that if you were aware how he felt it would be over for the three of us.''
Blair's eyes tear up. She's dealing with so much emotions she isn't sure it's possible for her not to. This is so wrong…their lives shouldn't be a teenage soap opera,but they can't find a way out of it. It is too late now, what's done is done.
''No it wouldn't. I would never touch Nate if I knew you had feelings for him, I never did!''
''I know you never did-'' the words are ripped from her ''-but you should have. He's your guy Blair.'' This is the first time she truly believes in everything she's saying. It feels amazing, it feels like she's freeing herself from everything.
''It still feels like I betrayed you.'' Blair says sadly.
''Well stop feeling like that then-'' she stops, slightly choking on her tears ''-I missed you.''
''I missed you too.'' Blair can't contemplate what she feels when Serena wraps her arms around her and crashes her against herself in a tight embrace. She returns with just as much force, it feels like this hug is here to make up for all the lost time these past few months.
''Oh my God-'' Blair says trough laughter when they pull away.
''Blair are you crying?'' Serena asks wiping her own tears.
''Yeah I know, weird.'' Both girls start laughing. ''It's horrible, I started to have, well, feelings. It sucks. I think I'm going back to being a straight up bitch.''
''Oh I think you showed everyone your straight up bitch earlier today in school.''
''Everybody hates me...not that this is something new-'' There is so much she has to tell her, she doesn't have an idea where to start, she doesn't have to think for too long because Serena comes up with a topic seemingly favorite to her.
''Blair you have to get Nate.'' She says seriously. ''If the two of you don't end up together because of me-''
''Is it okay if I come out now?'' a deep voice comes from the bathroom. Blair's face blushes, she bites her lip while sending S an apologetic look.
''Yeah about that-'' her bedroom's bathroom door open revealing no other than the knight in shining armor (who almost ended their 18 year long friendship, but hey, they'll let this one pass him).
''Wait, I don't understand, I thought-'' she searches for an explanation.
''No, we're fine.'' He assures her.
''But the two of you fought-''
''I know-'' Blair confirms.
''-and Dorota said she heard glass shutter.''
''Oh-'' Nate's cheeks turn pink ''-um, we knocked over her lamp.''
''How could you knock over-oooh.'' Serena shuts herself, holding back her grin ''I see.''
''Hey, I'm really sorry about earlier, I was so out of line.'' Nate apologizes.
''Don't even mention it.'' She says sincerely. '' So…I'll see you guys later, I guess.'' She says, barely suppressing her laughter.
''No, you should stay-'' Blair says wanting to make sure things are really okay. They didn't really talk through it, she can't know for sure how on board Serena is with the whole situation.
''You know what, you two will make some awfully adorable stubborn babies one day.'' She says with a grin and walks away.
''Serena!'' they say in unit. It isn't the answer Blair expected, but it is the one she was hoping for. Just like that everything seems alright with the world again.
''I'll tell Dorota that the two of you aren't killing each other-''she yells from the hallway ''-for now.''
''We heard that.'' Nate yells back.
''Wow.'' Blair drops on the mattress when the door shuts ''This is it, we are officially free to be together. Unconditionally.''
She loves the way it rolls off her tongue so easily.
''I know-'' he lays next to her ''-do you feel any different?'' his hand reaches down and plays with her own.
''Nope, you?'' she turns her head to face him. He shakes his blonde head no.
''Hey, do you think we will change now that it's this easy, I mean think about it, our whole relationship is based on secrecy and excitement, do you think it's possible we'll get bored now that the thrill is gone.'' She is getting way ahead of herself, but she can't help it.
''Baby, as long as you have me, the thrill will be here, trust me.'' He winks at her. She laughs at his charm, letting herself go completely when he pulls her on top of him.
''You know what Nate Archibald?'' she leans over him.
''What?'' he asks, smiling widely at her.
''I think I love you.'' this time there's no pressure, she doesn't have to think twice before saying it, and whatever his answer is, she's not taking it back.
''Well, Blair Waldorf-'' he uses the same flirty tone she used on him, his heart is pounding so hard he is sure she can feel it against her own chest ''I think I love you too.''
''Are you sure?'' Serena insists, when the waitress convinces her that the '' really cute dark haired curly guy'' left half an hour ago, her happy grin changes to a disappointed frown.
''Thank you.'' she mutters quietly while marching out. The cold New York air hits her with full force when she exits, it is not quite the only this hitting her with full force.
''Jesus, watch where you're going lady.'' A nervous guy in a suit hisses, not even stopping for a second to help her collect her shattered belongings.
''Son of a b-''
''Now that's not very ladylike, is it?'' A deep voice behind her speaks. She freezes in place. Slowly she turns around, she isn't able to hide her smile when she sees him bending down to hand her her bag.
''Oh-'' she smiles foolishly when she finally notices Dan's holding it out to her.
''Thank you.'' she says while shyly taking it from him.
''Well that guy is a jerk.''
''I can't argue with that.'' She smiles back.
''Everything okay, you look…distressed.'' He notices.
''Oh no, I mean yes, yes everything is perfect.''
''So are they-'' he silently curses himself for being so pushy.
''Yes, they're back together.'' A short silence fills the space between them. ''I just wanted to thank you. If it weren't for you, I would never have realized what a huge mistake I made, I think you just saved my friendship and a really important relationship.''
Surprisingly, the thought of Blair and that prepped stoner doesn't give him the chills anymore, on contrary, he feels satisfied that for once he put someone else's well being before his own.
''I'm glad. They do kind of go together right?''
''You have no idea.'' She beams.
''Hey, let me walk you home…it's kind of close to my neighborhood so.'' He jokes making them both laugh. He can't explain what it is about this girl, it's something new and exciting. Vanessa was right, he did change, but contrary to her beliefs, he thinks this change will do him good. Who knows what may come out of this, for all he's sure, she could be very special to him.
''I'd love that.''
He offers her his arm which she gladly takes. Her mouth stretches in to a smile so big her cheeks hurt. It's difficult to fight what you can't control, it took her a long time to finally stop being stubborn and not fight it. The only thing she needs to control right now is her imagination, everything else is perfect to the fullest. At last her heart is light, her life no longer insufferable.
Okay I know the ending is kind of cheesy but I like it:D so yeah, this is the end of my story. Thank you all so much for your support, couldn't have done it without you! I hope you enjoyed every bit of this fic and that you'll be here for my new prompt story. I am almost done with the first chapter and it's going to be a holyday one. Please send in more prompts that you'd like to read. They should be Nair friendly, but don't have to feature them as a couple, it can be friendship Nair, relationship, angsty, anything you'd like, also you can include any other characters or pairings you want. I'll post the first chapter around Christmas, maybe even by Monday. Till then, xoL