Chapter Two

A/N: Here's the second chapter. I don't know if I mentioned this anywhere else, but this is meant to be a N/B/C love triangle thing not just a B/N cause I'm really not into that ship all that much (however, I have not decided yet which she is going to end up with in this). Chuck will make an appearance in the next couple chapters. He's like my favorite, and he hasn't turned up yet. I feel like I'm neglecting him. Anyway, enjoy this. R&R! Thanks! –Mac

Disclaimer: I don't own Gossip Girl. If I did, that little "interior decorator" girl wouldn't have existed.

Chapter Two

Feels Like The First Time

Blair heard the sound of heels coming up behind her on the sidewalk. She held out the coffee cup as she sipped off her own. As the footsteps died out, the cup was snatched out of her hand. Serena plopped down beside Blair, her blonde curls tumbling around her shoulders. Serena's gloved hand pushed her hair out of her face and she took a generous sip off her coffee.

"So, B…" Serena began, "I haven't heard from you all week, been busy?"

Blair smiled that secret smile of hers as she took in Serena's raised eyebrow. "You could say that."

"What I wouldn't give to have Gossip Girl back online! At least then I would have the dish about what's going on with my best friend." Serena replied, "Come on, you have to give me something. I'm single, all alone, an old maid…I'm living vicariously through you. I need details, B."

"Fine." Blair rolled her eyes, acting as if she was sacrificing something to make the effort to tell Serena—when in reality, she wanted nothing more than to tell her best friend each and every little detain and giggle and blush and feel like a teenager again. "It's been amazing. I've seen him every day this week. We've gone to dinner, we've stayed in."

Serena raised an eyebrow, "What happened to taking it slow?"

Blair flushed, and swatted Serena's arm, "We watched a movie! We haven't done anything like that. In fact, we haven't even kissed yet."

"You're lying." Serena's mouth fell open. "You're lying."

"No, I'm not." Blair shook her head. "We said we were going to take it slow and we are. We're not going to rush it."

"I understand not rushing into a serious relationship, but really, a little kiss now and again never hurt anyone." Serena commented.

"I know." Blair responded, "It's just good, you know? Even without anything physical, it's good. Better than it was before. I don't want anything to ruin it."

"Oh, Blair." Serena wrapped one arm around her friend's shoulder and hugged her slightly. "I'm really glad you're happy."

Blair smiled, "I've been planning my happy ending with Nate since we were little, and this is the first time I've actually felt we have a real chance."

"Well, that's great." Serena nodded. "Now we need to find me a guy."

"I seem to remember you saying that you were going to enjoy being single after Cabbage Patch took off." Blair said.

"Yeah, but that was back when you were single too." Serena whined, "Now you have Nate and all I have is the constant presence of my obnoxious stepbrother."

At the mention of Chuck, Blair fell silent. Serena noticed the change in demeanor, "You haven't seen him yet, have you?"

"No, and I'd like to keep it that way." Blair answered, "I don't think Nate even knows he's here."

"You can't avoid him forever. This is a big city, but it's not that big. You run in the same circles, you shop at the same stores, you eat at the same restaurants. Eventually you're going to have to see him."

Blair pursed her lips, "Not necessarily."

"Blair." Serena looked at her pointedly.

"Okay, I know. I know I'll have to deal with him eventually, but until the time comes that it's absolutely necessary to do so, I would like to live in my perfect little fantasy where Chuck Bass doesn't exist." Blair surrendered.

"Do you think I could join you? I don't seem to be as fortunate as you. Chuck seems to be everywhere I turn." Serena joked and they laughed lightly.

"Sorry S, three's a crowd." Blair responded, "I actually have to go. I have to drop off some initial sketches to my mother dearest and then I have dinner plans with Nate."

"Okay, B." Serena replied. She smiled, "Call me, I want to hear all about it."

Serena winked at Blair, causing Blair to laugh lightly and shake her head. Blair gathered her things and said a last goodbye to Serena. She headed off down the sidewalk, already daydreaming about her dinner with Nate.

-+-+-+-

Nate and Blair had returned to her apartment after dinner. After letting then in, Blair had put down her purse and keys before heading toward her kitchen. Nate stood in the entranceway as he slipped off his jacket.

"Would you like a drink?" Blair asked over her shoulder.

"Yeah, that would be cool." Nate answered, stepping into her living room and draping his jacket over one of the chairs.

Blair fixed them drinks while Nate settled in on her couch. She walked back out to her living room a glass in each hand. She handed one to Nate and then sat down next to him, curling her legs up under her. Hey sipped quietly on their drinks for awhile.

Then Blair spoke up, "I had a really great time tonight Nate. This whole week has been amazing."

Nate smiled, "I agree. I've had a wonderful time with you. Like old times, almost."

"Not exactly like old times." Blair said suggestively, tilting her head and smiling lightly.

"No." Nate agreed, then took a deep breath before setting down his drink and taking Blair's drink form her hands, placing it beside his on the coffee table. She looked at him oddly, and he reached up a hand to stroke her cheek. He leaned in closer and whispered, "Better."

Nate closed the distance between them and, the first time since they started dating again, kissed Blair lightly on the lips. Her arms went up to clutch his shoulders as one of his hands tangled in her hair. He deepened the kiss as Blair responded more vigorously. It felt better than any ordinary kiss. It felt like the first time.