Can My Drink Fix This?
Chuck rose from his wooden seat at the noisy bar and made his way to the back of the building where the bathroom was. Once inside the poorly lit bathroom, he walked up to the dirty mirror and gazed into his bloodshot eyes and at his tousled hair. All he wanted to do right then and there was to scream at the top of his lungs about the problems he was having, but instead of doing that or simply talking about it with someone he chose to come to this bar and drown his problems in alcohol in hopes that it would be a permanent solution to forgetting his problems, but he already knew that wasn't the case and by morning not only would he be gifted with remembering all his problems, but also a heavy hangover. Chuck took a look at the bottle of Corona in his right hand, which was his fifth one, and quickly emptied it into his mouth without any hesitation or regret.
Morning came and Chuck received the gifts from his drink last night he had anticipated per usual, which were the memories and hangover, as he groaned loudly and then proceeded to move underneath his sheets trying to hide from the world safe and sound in his warm, comforting bed. Meanwhile, Blair, whom Chuck was currently dating, has been up for hours preparing herself for an extravagant day, as usual. She currently resides at home with her mother, who's barely there, but her and Chuck have discussed moving into a place together in the near future, so Blair won't have to worry about it for much longer; she hopes. The whole gang from before, including Blair, Chuck, Serena, Dan, Nate, and Vanessa have all graduated from the high school that Eric and Jenny are still attending. Dan and Serena are dating, while Nate and Vanessa are dating and both Eric and Jenny are single for now.
So perfect! Blair thinks to herself, as she stares at her beauty in the mirror and her killer outfit that consists of the most popular pumps and a flowy, purple dress with white polka dots that cost a hefty price. She sends Chuck a quick good morning text while asking him to meet her at this new cafe across town called "The Golden Rose", while also texting Dan and Nate to bring along themselves and their girlfriends to the cafe to join her and Chuck for breakfast. It'll be nice to see everyone all together to kick off the first day of summer break, Blair thinks to herself as she grabs her white leather purse and heads out of her room making her way downstairs. Dan is currently in bed with a sleeping Serena wrapped up in his arms. He cautiously and quietly removes himself from her and her bed and tiredly makes his way to her bathroom.
He splashes cold water onto his face and sighs deeply. Dan thinks about how it's just another day with the divine Serena who never fails in keeping him entertained and satisfied, yet exhausted and, well, perhaps uninterested at times. Dan doesn't know what's changed, but for some reason, she just bores him, which doesn't make sense because she's in the paper every week. Dan walks out of the bathroom and notices a text from Blair as he grabs his phone from the table beside Serena's bed. He groans, but replies with an okay and after changing wakes Serena up gently with a kiss on her forehead. She stirs and when she opens her eyes a smile etches itself onto her face while looking up at the boy she loves.
"Good morning, handsome," Serena says to Dan, as she stares into his beautiful, brown orbs.
"Morning, gorgeous. Blair texted me asking us to meet her and Chuck at a cafe across town and I told her that was okay. It is okay with you, right? If not I can just tell her no; I just figured it would be fine with you."
"It is," Serena replies as she yawns and stretches her arms out above her head.
"Alright, well we better hurry, you know how she gets," Dan says as he rolls his eyes thinking of how awful Blair is.
Serena laughs and then gets out of bed, where she then proceeds to get dressed. Dan heads out of her room and downstairs where he takes a seat on the couch.
"Dan, I'm gonna call Blair and tell her I'll be arriving a little late. I've got to shower and prepare myself a bit for this interview I have in the afternoon, but you go ahead and meet everyone there, okay?" Serena shouts to Dan from her room upstairs.
"Alright!" Dan shouts back as he grabs his car keys and heads out the door and over to the elevator.
He takes the elevator down and walks right out of the building and into his car parked close by in the street. As Dan is driving to the cafe, he notices there's heavy traffic going in his direction and so he parks a little far from the cafe, deciding he'll just walk a little bit to get there. As he exits his car and starts walking he notices Chuck walking alone on the sidewalk across from the one he's currently walking along. Dan wonders what he's doing walking alone.
"Chuck!" Dan shouts as he makes his way over to him.
Chuck stops walking and looks over at Dan. He narrows his eyes as he looks at Dan and then rolls them knowing that Serena's play-thing is walking over to him; as if she'd ever actually have feelings for the joke of a guy.
"Well, good morning. I apologize for my girlfriend and her obsessive need to have everyone together at a lousy cafe at the crack of dawn but that's Blair for you."
Dan looks at Chuck for any sign of joking and when Chuck presents none Dan awkwardly chuckles after a moment. Chuck wonders why Dan is awkwardly chuckling like he was being funny; he should know it's true. Chuck shakes his head and continues walking without Dan in the direction of the cafe. You're just gonna leave me like that? It's okay, I'll just follow you in order to keep infuriating you further, as it would seem, Dan thinks to himself as he hurries to catch up with Chuck.
"So, where's your car?" Dan questions.
"I walked," Chuck replies.
"What?! It's a far walk, though."
"I needed a good, far walk," Chuck responds.
Okay, that' it. This guy may be a jerk, but it's just sad seeing him this way; I have to do something, Dan thinks to himself as he suddenly gets in front of Chuck and pushes his hand on his shoulder to stop him from continuing to walk. What is this moron doing, Chuck thinks as he looks at Dan with a scowl on his face.
"Look, Chuck, I know you and I aren't really friends, but I can tell something's bothering you and if you need someone I'm here," Dan says truthfully.
"And why would you do that for me?" Chuck questions.
"Well, because even though you have constantly made other people's lives miserable, including mine at certain times, that was high school and now that we've all graduated I think it's fair to put the past behind us and turn over new leaves," Dan says, as he sticks his hand out for Chuck to shake.
What? Is he for real? Chuck thinks to himself. Chuck then realizes that even though this guy annoys him to no end, perhaps he's not all bad after all, as he stares at Dan for a moment in disbelief. He then shakes his hand with Dan's and for a moment, doesn't wish to let go. Chuck wonders why Dan's hand is so soft, yet so firm at the same time. He then realizes it feels really good.
Dan feels a weird sensation in his hand, but ignores it and shakes Chuck's hand and then removes it from Chuck laying it by his side. That was weird. Why did it feel nice to touch his hand? Dan thinks to himself.
Chuck clears his throat. "Thank you, Dan. I appreciate the kind friendship you've offered and I apologize if I was a menace in that awful school."
Dan chuckles. "All is forgiven and we should really go now unless you want to see your girlfriend go up in smokes from anger due to the fact we're not yet there."
Chuck chuckles and they both continue walking together to the cafe. Blair has been seated at a table in the cafe for thirty minutes and no one has showed up yet, but of course she just had to get there early to put in the order she didn't bother to ask if anyone was okay with. She huffs to herself in annoyance of no one there yet, but she soon adverts her attention to the the small cafe she's seated in currently. She looks around at the small, yellow lights hanging from the ceiling around the inside and the small, little windows that let you peer outside, while also letting others outside peer at you inside. She takes note of how the whole cafe inside and out is gold colored, with a few splotches of red here and there and the walls inside are decorated with red, little roses, which she happens to find strange, yet also not the most ugly thing she's ever seen; and it's somewhat romantic even. The front door dings alerting the staff someone has come in and when Blair looks over to it she sees Nate and Vanessa walking through. She calls them over and they both smile at her as they make their way to her.
"Finally, I thought everyone had forgotten," Blair says with sarcasm and annoyance dripping from her tone.
Nate scratches the back of his head awkwardly and chuckles under his breath.
"There was traffic," Vanessa simply says.
Blair rolls her eyes and motions for them to sit down. As if, they probably just took their sweet old time getting here to avoid having breakfast with me, Blair thinks to herself.
"I've already ordered a round of mimosas and caviar along with eggs benedict for everyone, but you all can order something else if you'd like; I just figured those would be the best options to start off with," Blair states.
Vanessa sarcastically thinks to herself how great it is that Blair ordered items off the menu for everyone that only people with enough money like her can afford, which makes Vanessa feel even more pathetic about herself. Vanessa wonders just how arrogant a person can be, as she stiffly takes a seat next to Nate after he sits down.
"So, how are you two?" Blair questions.
"Fine, how are you and Chuck?" Nate replies.
"Fantastic," Blair responds.
"Where is he?" Vanessa asks.
"I'm sure he'll be here any minute. There's probably just traffic or something," Blair replies.
Just then, the door dings and the three look over to see Dan and Chuck walking into the cafe together. Blair immediately stands up and waves them over.
Here we go, Chuck thinks to himself as he and Dan make their way to the table. Dan sits down next to Vanessa and Blair kisses Chuck before he sits down beside her.
"Serena won't be joining us as she has an interview today," Blair states.
"Wait, I thought she would just be a bit late. Is she not coming now at all?" Dan questions.
"When she called me she said she figured it would be better for her not to come and focus solely on her interview," Blair replies.
She could have told me that, Dan thinks to himself as he sinks back into his seat feeling a little left out and upset.
"So, what did you order?" Chuck asks.
"Only the best," Blair replies.
Chuck laughs dryly. Soon, after some small talk that almost puts both Chuck and Dan to sleep, the waiter arrives with their feast. Everyone digs in and enjoys their food together.
"This cafe is so cute!" Vanessa gushes.
"Oh, I know. I think they should open chains of it across the state," Blair says.
"Not a bad idea," Nate chimes in.
"I think it's horrible," Chuck says as he looks around in disgust.
Dan chokes on his mimosa and spits some out laughing hysterically. If there's one thing I like about Chuck it's that he can always make me laugh with his brutal honesty, Dan thinks to himself.
"Are you okay?!" Vanessa asks concerned as she pats Dan's back.
"I'm fine, thanks. I just happen to think what Chuck said is funny and it's true. This place is horrible! I mean, golden roses? Could they not come up with a better theme?" Dan says.
"Thank you!" Chuck says.
"You both have no taste or romance for that matter!" Blair says as she crosses her arms over her chest very upset.
"No, Blair. It's the other way around," Chuck says.
"How dare you! I am the most romantic person in this whole city! I am Blair Waldorf, a romance queen! I mean, you should know," Blair replies.
"Really? Should I? Do I? Are you sure?" Chuck says.
Blair goes red in the face, Nate stifles a laugh, Vanessa drops her mouth and Dan starts laughing hysterically again.
"You can pay for the bill, you ogre," Blair says as she walks out.
"Ogre?! Oh, stop, my sides hurt so bad! That's hilarious!" Dan says in between breaths as he continues to laugh.
"I think we're gonna go," Vanessa says as she and Nate walkout as well.
"Well, Humphrey, it's just you and I left," Chuck says with a sigh.
"Is that so bad?" Dan asks.
"Honestly, no," Chuck replies.
"Whatever you say, ogre," Dan says with a chuckle.
Chuck rolls his eyes and then continues eating.
"How do you stand the queen of romance?" Dan asks with a giggle.
"In all seriousness, Dan, I don't. She's always nagging, complaining, scheming, screaming and trying her best to be the best, but she's not. There are a lot of good people out there and she just tramps all over them like they're the dirt on the bottom of her shoes," Chuck replies.
Whoa, did Chuck just diss Blair like that? Dan thinks to himself.
"What about you? Aren't you just like that? And isn't that why you're so good for each other?" Dan inquires.
"I know I'm guilty of just as much as she is, but I'm tired of it. I screwed up in high school and I'm sorry I did. I was a fool and I don't wish to be one any longer," Chuck responds.
"Wow, well I'm glad you had a reality check," Dan states.
"What about you? How are you and Serena?" Chuck asks.
"We're fine," Dan states as he sips his mimosa.
"Just, fine?" Chuck inquires with a raised eyebrow.
Dan sighs and puts his drink down.
"Truthfully, no, we're not fine. Well, I'm not. I love Serena, but lately, I feel like that love is more of a friendly or brotherly love. Serena is always out and about and I feel like I can't keep up. Plus, there's no spark anymore. It's like the candle just blew out," Dan says.
"Was the candle ever even there?" Chuck asks.
"What do you mean?" Dan asks.
"You chase after a gorgeous girl and finally get her, are on and off and now you're still with her, but unhappy, so was there ever truly a spark that lasted enough to be a flame? Maybe you thought there was something there with her, but realize it was only you being caught up in the moment, in what you thought was Serena, in what you thought would be love with Serena, but was only, perhaps, a momentary interest," Chuck replies.
"If I'm not with Serena I don't know who else I'd be with. She seems to complete me, it's just been hard. I don't know, I just don't know," Dan says.
"Check," The waiter says as he places it in front of Chuck.
Chuck quickly pays and the two walk out of the cafe together.
"Need a ride?" Dan asks.
"I'll be alright, thanks," Chuck replies.
Dan nods and heads off in the direction of his car and as he starts to walk he accidentally trips over a large stone on the ground, but instead of falling to the ground he falls into the arms of Chuck.
"You okay?" Chuck asks as he lifts Dan to his feet.
"Yeah, thanks," Dan says.
"No problem," Chuck replies.
The two stare at each other for a moment and then it begins to drizzle.
"Great," Chuck says.
"That ride is still available," Dan says.
"My answer is still the same, but thanks again," Chuck says with a chuckle.
It then beings to pour.
"Okay, you win!" Chuck shouts to Dan over the rain. The two laugh and race together to Dan's car.
Dan fumbles for the keys and once found he drops them.
"Really, Humphrey?!" Chuck shouts.
Dan freezes and then starts laughing. Chuck stares at him in disbelief and then laughs along with him. After a minute they both bend down to get the keys and bump heads falling backward onto the ground. They then start to laugh again. Dan stands up after finally grabbing the keys and helps Chuck to his feet. Thunder rumbles in the distance and Dan is still holding Chuck's hand.
"You can let go now," Chucks says.
"What if I don't want to," Dan replies.
Chuck gets the same strange feeling Dan is currently feeling. Almost like an electric pulse rushing through their hands.
"Then don't," Chuck says.
The two remove the space between them as they move closer to each other and Chuck removes his hand from Dan's placing it on Dan's cheek.
"What's happening?" Dan asks frightened.
"I have no idea, do you want to stop?" Chuck asks.
"Yeah," Dan says as he pulls away from Chuck.
Thunder rumbles in the sky once more before Dan suddenly grabs Chuck's face and kisses him. Chuck kisses back and they make out like that for a while until they finally move into Dan's car to continue their heated make-out session.
They end up staying in the car for an hour getting to know each other really well.
"Chuck, what have we done?" Dan asks with guilt pouring from his words.
"Something nobody has to ever know of," Chuck replies.
"So, is this a one time thing?" Dan questions.
"Of course. We were both just frustrated with our girlfriends, but we're fine now. Right?"
"Uh, ya. Right," Dan replies.
"Good," Chuck states.
"Maybe we should head to your place now," Dan says.
"What? Why?!" Chuck asks shocked.
"To take you home. It's still pouring outside," Dan responds.
"Oh, right. Sure," Chuck says.
Dan drives to Chuck's place and parks sideways in the street out front.
"Well, uh, stay dry!" Dan says with a forced chuckle.
"Ya, you, too, Humphrey," Chuck replies with a forced smile.
And with that Chuck steps out of the vehicle while making his way up to his place. Chuck might be leaving Dan behind for the moment, but not the feeling he just received from being with Dan. Dan can't seem to shake that feeling either, but they both go their separate ways for now, trying to push the thought out of their heads and the feeling out of their hearts. Dan keeps driving to his place and knows that's where his sister is right now who's probably sewing, on the phone, watching television, maybe even sleeping, or perhaps she isn't even home at all. Dan wonders what Jenny is actually doing for a moment and then thinks to himself that whatever she's doing has to be better than what he's going through right now, as he clenches his fists tightly on the wheel.
Dan struggles to breathe properly as his mind races back to that moment in the rain where he hesitated being with Chuck, but in the end his heart won over his mind and he did what felt absolutely right. He then thinks of Serena and slams his foot on the break. Dan hears several loud honks from cars behind him, but can't seem to take his foot off the break after remembering that he just cheated on his girlfriend. After one more second Dan lifts his foot off the break and the car slowly rolls forward. Dan takes a deep breath and hurries home.
Meanwhile, Chuck stumbles into his home and accidentally drops his keys on the floor. He bends to pick them up, but the floor seems to have disappeared to Chuck as his face comes crashing down onto the soft, black carpet beneath him. Tears are now falling down his face without warning and he screams into the carpet begging anyone to comfort him, even though no one is there. Chuck wonders how he can be gay, and for Dan Humphrey of all people.
He then realizes he's never had anyone look at him like that before. Like looking at a devil only to see an angel instead. The way they kissed was unfamiliar and strange, yet Chuck smiled through it all. Chuck knows that the way he ran his hands through Dan's hair and how Dan held him for what seemed like days was something he's never felt with Blair. Sure, they've done things like that, but he's never felt so alive during it until today.
Chuck then shakes his head and tries to tell himself that this was just a momentary mental break down of his and he will pretend it never happened. He knows if he continues to go on remembering it did, he may not wish to forget. Dan finally arrives at his home, exits his car and steps into the apartment he's come to love so well.
"Jenny, are you home?" Dan shouts as he places his keys on the counter.
"Present!" Jenny shouts back as she makes an ugly face at him while walking into the room.
Dan just shakes his head at her and smiles. "Did dad call?"
Jenny shakes her head no in response.
"Me neither," Dan states.
"He's probably having the time of his life with two beers in his hand," Jenny says.
"Jenny, he's not on vacation. He went out of town for work," Dan replies.
"I know that, but still," Jenny says while rolling her eyes.
Dan rolls his eyes back at her and walks into his room, closes the door quietly, flops onto his bed while burying his face into his pillow and cries softly.
Meanwhile, Chuck lies on the floor with red, puffy eyes and tear stains on his shirt. He then lifts his head up momentarily due to his phone ringing in his ear. He looks at who's calling and when he doesn't see Dan light up the screen he wonders why his heart begins to sink. He ignores the call and throws his phone across the room. He then hears another noise from his phone alerting him of a text.
He slowly gets up, walks over to his phone and looks to see who texted him, even though he already knows it's probably Blair, since she's the one who's call he ignored. He reads her text which says how she needs to see him in person and how he needs to find a way to apologize about before, especially considering how tonight they were supposed to have dinner with Blair's mom and new boyfriend at her place. Chuck rolls his eyes and stuffs his phone into his back pocket, grabs his keys and heads out the door to drop everything for Blair because whatever she says goes, just like always. Meanwhile, back at Dan's place Jenny finally knocks on Dan's door after hearing quiet sobs coming from his room.
"Hey, you okay in there?" Jenny inquires as she knocks softly on Dan's door.
Jenny hears some shuffling in his room and then the door opens to reveal Dan with his hair all messed up and tears falling down his face.
"Dan, what happened?" Jenny asks.
"Nothing, I'm fine," Dan replies.
Jenny reaches up to wipe Dan's tear still rolling down his cheek and shows it to him.
"Really?" Jenny says.
Dan sighs and covers his face with his hands.
"I know I'm just your sister and we don't usually talk that much, but Dan, I hate to see you like this. You can tell me anything and I'll be here for you no matter what," Jenny says.
Dan removes his hands from his face and smiles slightly at her. Jenny smiles back brightly, but then frowns.
"Did you have an argument with Serena?" Jenny inquires.
Dan freezes for a moment, but then nods in agreement.
"It's nothing to worry over. We'll be fine, "Dan says.
"Well, if you're sure. But like I said, I'm right here for you," Jenny replies.
Dan smiles more brightly this time and pulls Jenny in for a hug.
"This stays between us," Dan says.
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Jenny replies.
They both laugh slightly and then Jenny leaves the room. Meanwhile, Chuck finally arrives at Blair's place, walks up to the door and rings the bell. Blair opens the door and folds her arms over her chest.
"Don't you have an apology to make?" Blair asks.
Chuck rolls his eyes and clears his throat. "Blair, I am sorry for my behavior at the cafe. I was out of line and hurt the girl I love. Please, do forgive my foolishness."
"Fine. You're forgiven. Now come inside and help me set up for dinner. Apparently this guy is loaded and well known so of course my mother is over the moon for him; let's be sure to make a good impression," Blair says as she pulls Chuck inside and closes the door behind them.