A/N: Finally a new chapter. It turned out okay, although I wasn't sure exactly what I was doing with this beforehand. But at least I got it done. I have one and a half more chapters written. Those should be coming soon too. Anyway, enjoy! R&R! Thanks! (voteinmypoll) –Mac
Disclaimer: I don't own Gossip Girl.
Chapter Five
For The Love Of Progress
"You're not going to speak to me?" Serena questioned, "Because you have to admit, that's a bit childish."
Blair continued to shift through a rack of dresses, not acknowledging that Serena had spoken. They were out shopping again, though this time Serena was the one in need of a new dress. Bass Industries had some huge celebration planned for the hand over of the company to Chuck—and of course the entire van der Woodsen-Bass clan was expected to be there. Serena had called Blair back after receiving her message. She apologized repeatedly and then explained her dilemma, asking for a quick shopping trip. She then proceeded to hang up before Blair had a chance to decline, forcing her to show up as her proper etiquette required her to do so. Serena hadn't even given Blair the chance to mention that she herself would be attending.
The invitation had arrived by personal messenger and contained a personal note from Chuck himself:
"Note the plus one. Please feel free to bring Nathaniel; it would be wonderful to see you both there. Should he decide not to attend, it would still be a great pleasure to have the distinguished Blair Waldorf grace us with her presence. Hoping to see you there. Unconditionally yours, C."
Chuck's indulgent sentiments had brought a smile to Blair's face. Allowing herself a small moment of time to savor that lifting feeling, she had yet to tell Nate about the invite. Blair was already planning the night that was still a week away. She had a dress in mind—one of her own designs—and was going to be there for Chuck, whether Nate was her escort or not. She knew she probably should have been worried that she was already moving Nate out of his position as a top priority, but she just told herself it was because she was trying to be a good friend to Chuck. That was enough for her to put any unease aside.
Blair felt no desire to share any of this with Serena. Her anger over Serena's slip of tongue made her unwilling to say even a word to her flighty blonde friend. She agreed that her behavior could be considered childish, but that was what she had to resort to so that she didn't completely blow up over the small indiscretion. So she continued to search for an appropriate dress for Serena. Serena let out a long sigh.
"B, I didn't mean any harm," Serena said, "Honestly."
"Honestly, Serena," Blair whipped around, "You couldn't keep your mouth closed for a week while I figured everything out?"
"Now you're talking to me?" Serena raised an eyebrow.
Blair pursed her lips, letting out a small huff of disapproval. Her arms crossed over her chest automatically.
"I was looking out for your best interest," Serena insisted, "And I might dislike him with every fiber of my being, but Chuck doesn't deserve to be lied to."
"I wasn't lying to him!" Blair exclaimed, "Besides Nate's okay with it. Chuck's okay with it. If you had let me deal with it myself, everything would have worked out fine."
"I'm sorry B, really. I wasn't trying to step over any boundaries," Serena responded, "I just thought you might need the little push to come clean to everyone."
"Come clean!" Blair scoffed, "I wasn't doing anything wrong."
"I know that, but it feels better to be honest doesn't it?" Serena gave Blair a small smile.
"I would feel better if I knew I could trust my best friend," Blair glared pointedly at Serena.
"I'm sorry!" Serena repeated with a bit more force, "How many more times do I have to say it before you believe me?"
"A few hundred more should do," Blair responded evenly, turning back to the rack she had been browsing.
"Blair, this is ridiculous."
"No, this is completely sane," Blair corrected, "What's ridiculous is your tendency to interfere when it comes to my personal life," She pulled a dress off the rack and shoved it into Serena's arms, "That one's perfect. I will see you at the party."
Blair then turned on her heel and strode out of the store. She knew Serena hadn't been intentionally trying to go against her. She also knew, if put in the same position, she would probably do the same thing. However, she hoped if she kept up the cold shoulder routine for a little longer, Serena would get the hint and not cross that line again in the future. Because, much like Chuck once did, Serena had a knack for coming in between Nate and her—and she didn't want that happening again.
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"So I'm sure you've heard that there's going to be a huge party to celebrate Chuck taking over Bass Industries," Blair finally broached the subject over her next dinner out with Nate.
"It's the talk of the town," Nate nodded, "Super exclusive, I've heard. I doubt I would be on that guest list. Why do you bring it up?"
"Well," Blair began, "I am on the guest list, and Chuck asked me to bring you."
"Because he wants me there or because he knows you want me to be your date?" Nate asked.
"The latter," Blair answered, "I know there is still a lot of bad blood between you, but he's put it aside for one evening as a token of his friendship with me. Do you think you could do the same for one night?"
"Blair, he doesn't really want me there," Nate replied.
"But I do. I am going whether you do or not," Blair responded, "But I would love it if you came with me."
"If this is some farfetched plan to try and get us to reconcile, I will tell you now: it's never going to happen," Nate said, "You're not going to lock us in a room together and not let us out until we have a talk about our feelings, are you?"
Blair laughed lightly, "I would never do that to you."
"Let me get that in writing," Nate chuckled with her. "If you really want me to go, I guess I can do that."
"Thank you," Blair smiled, reaching across the table to take his hand in hers and give it a small squeeze. "That means a lot to me."
"Anything for you," Nate responded.
"You're so sweet," Blair breathed, giving his hand another squeeze.
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Nate arrived outside her apartment right on time the night of the party. He was grinning as she came into view. Blair knew she looked positively delicious in her dress, but to see his appreciation written all over his face made her heart jump in her chest. Once she was in front of him, she allowed him a small hug and a quick peck—as not to wrinkle her dress or smudge her freshly applied makeup.
"You look gorgeous Blair," Nate replied.
"Thank you," Blair responded.
"Shall we?" Nate gestured toward the car he had come in. Blair smiled and gave a small nod.
Nate waved his driver off and opened the door for Blair. She slid inside and he followed after. It was no limo, but the fancy car and personal driver was extravagant enough for the night. The driver took his place in the front seat and they were on their way. When they arrived, the party was in full swing. Blair was met with many familiar faces upon her entrance, but there was only one that she picked out of the crowd instantly. From across the room Chuck had sent the two come in and was already weaving his way toward them. Before they were even ten steps in the door, Chuck was in front of them.
"Blair," Chuck turned his attention on her first, "You look absolutely ravishing this evening. One of your own designs, I would imagine."
Blair smiled at his recognition, "It is. One of a kind. It's been officially excluded from my collection."
"Of course," Chuck agreed, "A one of a kind dress for a one of a kind woman."
"You're as eloquent as ever," Blair commented.
"I try my best," Chuck responded. Then he turned to Nate, "Nathaniel. I'm pleased you decided to join us."
"It's a happy occasion," Nate kept his tone light, not matching his instinctive move to pull Blair closer to him. "I couldn't miss it."
Blair sent Chuck an apologetic look, before changing the topic, "It looks like a lovely party, Chuck."
"Lovely is the right word," Chuck nodded, "I would have preferred something more…exotic, but the Old Man put his foot down in name of tradition."
"Well, you wouldn't want your reputation to be tarnished right out of the gate," Nate replied. "That wouldn't leave you in good standing with the board."
"Right," Chuck said curtly.
"Have you seen Serena?" Blair cut in, putting an end to what would have been an awkward conversation.
"She's around," Chuck answered, "She wasn't exactly keen on being here, but Bart and Lily insisted."
"I'm going to get a drink," Nate piped up. He leaned in close to Blair, "Do you want something?"
"Yes, that would be great," Blair nodded.
"Okay, I will find you in a minute," Nate said, heading in the direction of the bar.
Blair turned her full attention, "Well, I don't want to distract you from your other guests. You should get back to your hosting duties. I am going to find Serena."
Chuck nodded, "I'll catch up with you in a little while."
Blair began to make a round of the room, keeping a sharp eye out for her best friend. She found Serena in the corner, sipping a glass of champagne. Seeing Blair approach, Serena smiled—she had been looking for an excuse to get her mother from badgering her about "mingling." She met Blair halfway and did a little spin.
"I bought the one you suggested," Serena replied, gesturing at her dress. "It was perfect, just like you said."
"Why wouldn't it be?" Blair responded, "I do have impeccable fashion sense."
"Speaking of fashion sense, I love your dress. One of the pieces in your collection?" Serena asked.
"As of now, not anymore," Blair laughed lightly and Serena joined her.
"Just like you," Serena commented, "So I guess I'm forgiven, right?"
"Of course," Blair answered. "I can't stay angry with you for too long, especially when the gossip hounds are prowling."
Serena followed Blair's gaze to the bar where she spotted Nate, who was waiting for drinks. She then glanced over to where Chuck was speaking to a couple members of the board. Then she turned back to Blair, "They're in the same room and neither has caused the other physical harm. That's progress."
"You could say that," Blair agreed.
"What about you and Nate? Are you making any progress?" Serena changed the subject. "Are things moving any faster?"
"Not yet," Blair admitted. "We actually—"
"There you are," The appearance of Nate interrupted their conversation. He came to stand beside them. He handed Blair a glass of champagne, "Your drink."
"Thank you," Blair smiled.
"Nate Archibald," Serena replied, a smile lighting up her face. She moved forward and gave him a tight hug. "How is it that you've been back as long as you have and I haven't seen you once?"
Blair frowned but neither of them noticed.
"I've been pretty busy since I got back in town," Nate responded.
"Oh?" Serena raised an eyebrow, "With what?"
"Well…" Nate began.
"Job hunting, I've heard," Chuck's voice suddenly piped up. Blair turned slightly to see him coming up beside her.
"I have been looking for the right job," Nate agreed, not looking at Chuck even as he responded to his comment. "I've gotten a few offers, but I haven't found the right fit."
"You could come work for me," Chuck offered, causing three sets of wide eyes to turn onto him. "I'm sure we could find you the 'right fit' at Bass Industries."
"Do you mean that?" Nate frowned.
"It's a legitimate offer," Chuck nodded. "Come in on Monday, and we'll see what we have for you. Now that's enough business talk for the evening."
"It's great to see all four of us back together again, isn't it?" Serena replied.
"Yeah," Blair murmured, her gaze moving back and forth between Nate and Chuck, "It's great."
"This is wonderful, isn't it Nathaniel?" Chuck agreed. Nate only cleared his throat and gave a quick nod in response. "Well, are you going to ask your date to dance or can I have the pleasure of taking Miss Waldorf on a spin around the dance floor?"
"I…" Nate started, "Well, I guess…you can."
"What do you say, Blair?" Chuck asked her, offering her his hand. "For old times sake?"
Blair looked to Nate for approval and he gestured, to her, his confirmation. She smiled and took Chuck's hand, passing her drink back to Nate as she did. "It is your party after all."
A slower song began as Chuck led Blair out to the dance floor. He took her into his arms, keeping his hands in the polite places. Once situated with the close proximity, the two began to move in time to the music. But Blair's attention, unusually, was not on her dance with Chuck. Instead, her focus remained on the outskirts of the dance floor where her boyfriend and best friend were still standing. Whenever possible she snuck glances at the two. Neither were playing attention to Blair or Chuck, though Blair imagined Nate would have been strictly following every move after his less than confident approval of Chuck's request. Instead, he seemed to be involved in an animated conversation with Serena. That was enough to get Blair fuming.
"You don't need to worry about them," Chuck suddenly said.
For the first time since they began dancing, she looked Chuck in the eye, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Don't lie to me Waldorf. It's unbecoming," Chuck replied.
"I'm just keeping an eye on them," Blair conceded, "But I'm not worried. I have no reason to worry about anything."
"If you say so," Chuck smirked, "But you honestly don't need to keep watching them. They're not going to do anything, especially not here. They won't hurt you like that again."
Blair smiled softly, "You think so?"
"I do," Chuck nodded.
"How do you know?"
"Nate just got you back, he's not going to deliberately do something to lose you," Chuck explained, "And Serena hates when you're angry with her, as evidenced by how off kilter she was this past week."
"You're probably right," Blair agreed.
"That's a change," Chuck laughed lightly, "You're the one who is usually right all the time."
Blair smiled, "That hasn't changed."
"Then I've just progressed," Chuck responded.
"That you have," Blair nodded in agreement. "You're better for it."
Blair was completely serious in saying that Chuck was better for the progress he had made as a person. He had grown up and she was sure she wasn't the only one to notice. Knowing that he didn't think he and Nate could ever get along again, his offer of a job to Nate seemed all the more generous. It was a step in a direction that would allow the two to relate to each other without strife, even if they couldn't be friends again. She was proud of Chuck for that. She knew she had grown in the past few years and it was wonderful to see that the one person people expected to act like a child for the rest of his life had become a functioning adult. She just wasn't sure yet whether or not Nate had grown in such a way.
