Thanks again for your lovely and hugely appreciated comments. I know a few people wonder why they haven't started fighting or whatever, but I don't think it's all that realistic. As far as I can remember, Dan has hit him twice in the past and both were to protect Jenny's honour (lol). I don't think it's all that likely they'd get into a fistfight if put into this situation, especially knowing they're both people who definitely take pride in their minds over matter.

Hope you enjoy this - it's funny, this is just what is going on between these two in my head as I compare Dair and Chair, it's nice that people actually enjoy to read it! :D

As usual, all disclaimers apply.

CHAPTER THREE -

"I know you two had this whole epic Cathy-and-Heathcliff thing going on the past three years, but people change. What you have to realise is that when you fell in love, she was a teenager. All the schemes and playground battles, that was her world then. And there, you thrived. But do you really think she's happy with it all now? Wuthering Heights isn't actually a love story, Chuck. It's a gothic horror novel. What does that tell you?"

Chuck was biting down on his lip, although whether this was to hold in what he wanted to say - or fend off Dan's unwelcome words - was not clear to either of them.

"You are no good for her. You spend all your time chipping away at what she is until you consume her. It's like you can't bear for her to be independent of you, because you pile everything onto her. But think about it for one minute, Chuck. Her dad left, her mum consistently lets her down, even Serena is in and out like their friendship has a revolving door. She can't rely wholly on Dorota for emotional support that you can't provide, which is what she's been doing for years now. How do you think if feels that the one person that you are yourself around is part-time staff? She needs me much more than you can admit to yourself, even now. What are you doing here Chuck?

First there was Eva, then Raina. God knows how many hookers filled in the gaps. You want to know what Blair's been up to since last summer? She had one date with someone in France, and a few meaningless cups of coffee. You've been professing love to these women after a matter of days as though it was nothing, having put her through years of uncertainty. How do you think that makes her feel? Worthless, that's what. You turn up here anytime you get lonely, or decide you have daddy issues, and use her like some sort of emotional punchbag. She can't cope. Her own home life isn't stable enough to be a foundation for your problems. She's trying to carry you while wading through quicksand, and it's just not fair. She deserves so much better than you. And if you can't see that, you don't understand her at all."

Dan exhaled deeply, hardly believing that he'd said so much to Chuck while at the same time satisfaction rose through his body like adrenaline. This needed to be said.

"I know I've hurt her, Dan, you don't think I know that? Every day I have to wake up and realise that my own actions have rendered me alone. Blair knows that she is the only person I've ever loved, and she also knows that we are inevitable. This isn't about a logical choice, Humphrey. Sure, you might be better on paper. But how can you compete with what Blair and I had?"

"What Blair and you had? You were teenagers, and teenagers with an unfeasable amount of power and wealth. You constantly played games, and got off on manipulating those around you. That's not a relationship, Chuck, and the sooner you understand that the happier you'll be."

"Happier? You think I'm happy now? You think I've been happy at any point in the last few months?"

"Don't come crying to me because Blair got out. You can't resent her for trying to stabilise her life."

"Who wants stability?" Chuck sneered, although there was uncertainty colouring his voice. The balance of power within the elevator was slowly shifting.

"Blair does! And that's the point! She told me herself, she envies Dorota and Vanya. Can you honestly see those two in your sort of twisted relationship?"

There was nothing that could be said to that. Dan knew he was right. Chuck hated him for being right. He kicked the wall viciously, and as the realisation snagged again that he was still stuck in a box with his least favourite person, he sank down resentfully against the back wall of the elevator, trying to think of how to put his own perspective across. Chuck had a lot of charisma, but hadn't ever been that good with words. Humphrey, with his pseudo-intellectualism and literary allusions, may think he had the upper hand, but eventually it was about who was right for Blair.

Chuck wholeheartedly believed that he was the one. He took a deep breath, and tried to explain.