Author's Note: I'm glad you guys got a kick out of the last chapter! That's what I was going for. I've been scouring YouTube, devouring all of the Dan/Blair music videos, absorbing all the inspiration I can get from them. Not that I'm not inspired, but you know what I mean. Anyway, here's chapter eight! Hope you all enjoy it! Thanks for reading and reviewing! Enjoy!

Chapter Nine
"I would hate to disappoint you
But I think- I think I'm gonna fall
'cause I'm scared of everything I can do
And I'm drawn to everything that's wrong
And even though I can, you don't.
Turn around and take a look
Take a laugh at my face
You learn to love the ones you hate
Even though I can, you don't."
-Nine Black Alps

It was later that same night of her double date with Dan, that Blair returned home, feeling elated and content. After leaving Serena and Dan at Starbucks, she and Nate had gone to Nate's house and watched movies. It had been quiet and a little awkward, but she and Dan texted on and off the whole time, so it was bearable. After nearly two hours, though, Blair lied and said she should probably leave and do some homework. She had taken a detour on her way from Nate's house to her own, to a boutique that was always extraordinarily expensive, but her absolute favorite, and treated herself to two new dresses, four pairs of shoes, a new coat, and a new beret. And with shopping bags in hand, a spring in her step, and a smile on her face, Blair stepped onto the floor of the foyer of her home.

"No- No!" she heard her mother say impatiently, oblivious to the opening elevator. "I'm not telling you again, John- I will not allow him any custody!"

She heard a semi-familiar man's voice reply, "Eleanor, he only wants joint-custody-"

"I don't care if he only wants custody of her toenail! He's not suited to be a father."

Blair crept over to the doorway of the living room, hiding behind the wall, listening carefully. She realized her mother was talking with her lawyer, about the divorce and the terms in which it would end, about her father, the man her mother now hated. Feeling as if she were being pulled in two directions, Blair quietly placed her shopping bags on the floor near her feet, crossing her arms and straining her ears.

Did she believe her father was a horrible person? like he shouldn't be her father at all anymore because he cheated on her mother with another man? Or did she have the right to feel separately for her mother? After all, he hadn't done it to hurt Blair. But he had lied, and he had hurt her mother and she felt she should defend her. The life they had had been ruined, he had made everything complicated and horrible, and all the rumors that had followed had been unbearable. And he was gone, he had left her and hardly ever cared enough to visit her or call from France. She felt her stomach roiling and twisting in her body.

The lawyer, Mr. White, sighed, "Eleanor, she'll obviously live with you here in New York, but he'll be able to visit her-"

"No! I don't want him to see her at all!" she barked. "He'll have to call and ask permission through you if he ever sees her or spends time with her."

"That's slightly-"

Eleanor cut him off again, "He was unfaithful and he was the one who decided to leave," she reminded. "He does not have the upper-hand here, John."

"Perhaps we should ask Blair what she wants," he offered.

Blair felt her heart speed up, she wasn't sure she could make the decision for them, or even for herself, she felt so confused.

Eleanor sighed, "Maybe when she gets home- She sometimes stays at her best friend's so we might have to wait- Until then, let's just go over the property settlement."

As it was already ten at night, Blair knew this session between Eleanor and her lawyer could last well into the middle of the night. Especially with the mess that was her parents' divorce, she knew it would take quite awhile for everything to be sorted. She felt like she was a prisoner in her own house though. She didn't want to be stuck choosing between her parents, and she didn't want to hear the arguments over what belonged to whom and who deserved this or that from her bed. So without even a second thought, she got back in the elevator, not even caring if her mother heard and knew she was leaving. Within minutes she was back into the crisp night air, shivering, confused, without a clue as to where she was going to go.

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A movie marathon of art documentaries at the SunView that would run until midnight? 'No thanks,' was Dan's reply as his father and Jenny bundled up for the walk over to the theater. He was surprised his younger sister would even be interested in something like that. He knew she loved art, but he guessed she loved it more than he originally thought. She told him it would be fun, that he should join them, but again: No thanks. They left only moments after he returned from his date, telling him that he was missing out. He was sure that they were wrong.

It was early, only eight o'clock or so, and he was glad he would have the loft to himself for the night.

For some time he listened to music and dabbled with some rhymes in his notebook. But mostly he mulled over his double date. The image of Blair smiling and laughing kept entering his mind, and he found he would smile along with it. He remembered her trying to play footsie with him and the look on her face as she failed. He remembered, with some anger and jealousy, her putting her arm around Nate's waist before Starbucks, in Central Park, a completely territorial gesture that set Dan on fire. But she was just pretending with Nate, right? She was doing that to keep up the charade that they were happily together? But, why keep up a charade? What was the point?

After Blair and Nate left Starbucks, Serena and Dan had stayed there for only a half hour. The conversation dwindled and Dan finally said he had a book report to work on. It was a total lie, he knew, but he was feeling desperate to get out of the clutches of total boredom and pointlessness. He found Serena a cab, pushed himself to kiss her on the cheek, and then said good bye.

And now, here he was, home, watching television, feeling a little dejected and tired.

Suddenly, his phone began to buzz against the coffee table.

He picked it up, finding he had a text from Blair.

Blair: Hey

He smiled and texted back

Dan: Hey. Seduce any table legs since we last spoke?

After a few minutes she replied.

Blair: Yes. Jealous?

He laughed.

Dan: How did you know?

And the banter continued on and off for a few hours, until it came to a mutual pause. During this pause Dan read a bit and then, without meaning to, dosed off on the couch. He didn't wake up until an hour or so later, when his phone began to ring.

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Blair had been walking for nearly forty-five minutes. Her toes were cramped and numb, and she was shaking all over. She contemplated going to Serena's but quickly dismissed the idea, realizing she had had enough of her best friend for the weekend. She thought about going to Isabel's or Kati's but they'd ask too many questions and drive her crazy. She considered going to Nate's but didn't feel like seeing him so soon after their departure either. A hotel? Just go back home? She didn't feel like being alone, or hounded by her mother's lawyer.

She skimmed the contacts list in her phone, and it didn't take long for her eyes to find Dan's name.

Feeling horribly depressed and anxious, and having no desire to walk the cold city streets until the wee hours of the morning, Blair called him, telling herself it was simply a last ditch effort.

It was during the middle of the last ring that Dan finally picked up.

"Hello?"

He sounded groggy and disoriented, as if he had been sleeping.

Blair stopped walking and put a hand to her mouth, "Oh- I'm sorry! Did I wake you up?"

"Yeah," he laughed, his voice thick with sleep. "But it's okay- What's up?"

She didn't say anything for some time, but finally told him, "Look, I'm really sorry to bother you like this, but I have nowhere else to go-"

"Blair? What is it?"

Her voice cracked, as she was near tears and she didn't even realize how it had happened, "I need somewhere to go. I d-don't want to be alone."

"What is it? What happened?" he was suddenly wide awake, concerned and panicky.

"It's nothing- Just- I know it's late, but would it be okay if I came over?" she stammered.

He didn't hesitate to answer, "Yeah, it's fine. My dad and Jenny are out until midnight, and I'll hide you in my room if I have to later on."

She smiled to herself, and let out a watery laugh, "Thanks."

"Just come on over, okay?"

"Okay," she said, and was on her way within minutes.

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Blair had never been in Dan's house, but she was surprised at how comfortable she found she was there. It wasn't dirty or unwelcoming like she had expected a Brooklyn loft to be, but it was cozy and friendly, lived-in and warm. As soon as she entered Dan took her coat and asked her if she was okay. She nodded silently, feeling even more depressed over the circumstances with her parents. Dan asked if she wanted something to eat, or something to drink. Water? Juice? Tea? Coffee? Hot chocolate?

"Tea, if it's not too much trouble."

He smiled and led her into the kitchen, "It's fine," he said and told her to sit at the island counter.

She watched, half-amused, half-depressed as he moved around the kitchen, glancing at her every once in awhile. It seemed like he thought she was about to break or go off at any moment, and he was cautious. Even as he handed her the mug of steaming tea he did it slowly. Like any sudden movement might send the house of cards to the ground.

"Thank you," she told him, sipping the sweet liquid, allowing it to warm her frigid limbs.

Dan wasn't sure what was wrong with Blair, but he wanted her to feel better. From the look on her face and the tone of her voice, he was sure it could be anything. A death in the family? Was she pregnant with Nate's baby? He shuddered. Was Serena mad at her? Did everything in life finally send her into a downward spiral? He hoped it was just a matter of 'I got into a fight with my parents over college.' That was at least, somewhat, okay.

He looked at her, wary, as she drank her tea, looking small and fragile, like a little kid in an adult's chair. "Are you sure you're okay?"

She nodded, "I'll be fine."

Something about the way she said it, about the way she looked so small and vulnerable, about the sadness in her big, doe-like eyes, and about the way she was showing him this weakness, made Dan move around the island, to stand beside her. She turned and looked at him, eyes expectant, as if she was waiting for him to make everything better. He put his hand right below her ear and cupped her face in his hands. She almost shivered at the warmth he offered. She wanted more of it, and, without even thinking, she stood up and gently covered his lips with hers.

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"Does he have a middle name?"

Dan rolled his eyes playfully, "Can we stop talking about this?"

"No," she poked him in the chest with her free hand. "Does he have a middle name or what?"

"Why would he have a middle name?"

She shrugged, looking at him from where she lay, nestled against his side on his bed, "You gave him a first name."

Sighing, Dan gave in, "It's Michael."

"Cedric Michael?" she asked, her eyes alight with laughter.

He was slightly embarrassed, but he smiled all the same.

They sat in a comfortable silence for several long moments. Blair stared at Dan's old Cabbage Patch doll, somehow feeling content and confused at the same time. Dan was being so nice to her, letting her come to his house so late, allowing her to stay as long as she needed, being so quick to invite her over in the first place. It seemed like he genuinely cared about her. She felt a little guilty, but also extremely happy. He cared. She would show Nate and Serena.

Dan was happy as well, but a little worried. Blair wouldn't tell him why she had called him with nowhere to go. Why couldn't she go home? What could have happened that had driven her from her own home, a place that was supposed to feel safe, like a sanctuary? But he was happy he could help her, proving to himself that he was doing the right thing by spending time with her, even while he was 'dating' Serena. He felt as if he was saving her somehow.

Suddenly, Dan's ears perked up, he heard the front door open.

They both froze.

"Dan! We're home!" his father called.

Blair looked slightly nervous, "Should I leave?" she whispered. "Should I, like, sneak out on the fire escape?"

He chuckled, talking low, "Don't be silly."

Standing up, Dan gave her a reassuring look and walked over to the door. He went into the hallway, closing the door behind him. He found his father and Jenny in the kitchen, talking and making sandwiches.

"Dan!" Jenny said excitedly. "You missed out! The documentaries were so cool!"

Dan laughed a little, sarcastically saying, "I'm sure they were."

"How was your night?" his father asked.

He shrugged in response, "Fine."

"What'd you do?"

"Just stayed in- ya know."

His father nodded, concentrating on his cold cuts and bread.

Dan felt like his cue to secure his privacy and leave was now at hand.

He cleared his throat, "I'm kind of tired so I'm gonna go on to bed, but- uh- I've been thinking about it and can you guys just not walk into my room without knocking?" he pretended to be annoyed. "I'm just saying."

Rufus Humphrey and his daughter exchanged a look and smirked at Dan, thinking his behavior was odd, but blaming it on simply being a teenager.

"Okay Dan, whatever you say," Jenny said, her tone snarky and sarcastic.

Dan nodded then, "Okay then. Well, goodnight."

He left the kitchen, retreating back into his room, where Blair was sitting up on his bed, sort of hugging Cedric.

As soon as his door was closed she stood up, "I should go."

"No," he stopped her. "I mean- You don't have to if you don't want."

She stared at him for a moment, and the feel of her eyes locked with his made him shiver slightly.

"I don't?" she asked.

He shook his head.

"I can sneak into Jenny's room and grab some shorts or something and you can borrow one of my t-shirts or something if you want to stay the night," he offered. "They won't even know the difference if you don't want them too."

She nodded, "I'd rather it be a secret."

He agreed, "Do you want me to get you something to wear?"

"Sure," she replied, sounding entirely unsure.

Dan snuck into Jenny's room under the garage door that separated their rooms. He grabbed a pair of pale pink boxer shorts from her pajama drawer and returned with them. After finding a clean St. Jude's shirt of his he gave them to Blair and said she could sneak across the hall to the bathroom.

After making sure the 'coast was clear' she tiptoed across the slim corridor and hastily changed in the bright lights of the messy Humphrey bathroom. It was so typically male that she had to smile. There was a tube of toothpaste curled up and empty along the side of the sink, with the cap missing. At least seven toothbrushes were collected in a chipped mug next to the faucet. The medicine cabinet was open to reveal several razors and shaving cream, and there were some mustache hairs in the sink. She scrunched her nose at the sight of it, turning away and noticing the cardboard toilet paper rolls that littered the floor by the toilet. She giggled a little, finished changing, and then opened the door cautiously.

Dan was waiting for her outside of his bedroom, he looked up the hall and beckoned for her to hurry. She did so, and retreated into the room. Dressed in the baggy boxers, the cavernous t-shirt, and nothing else, Dan couldn't help but smile at the sweetness in Blair's appearance. Without her severe, carefully chosen clothing, in simple, relaxed attire, she looked vulnerable, but sweet. She was practically lost in the fabric of his shirt, but the boxers were short and he could see the long expanse of her legs, giving way to small, perfectly pedicured feet. Her legs were thin, almost too much so, but even from his spot several feet away from her he could see they were smooth and they shimmered in the light of his lamp. She looked up at him, pulling at the hem of his shirt. Her eyes held no sense of confidence, and she seemed to be begging him for some reassurance. He gave her a smile, and an impulsive kiss on the cheek.

Telling her that he'd be right back, he went into the bathroom to change as well.

While he was alone he contemplated his situation.

Was he really hiding Blair Waldorf in his bedroom for the night? Was he really sneaking around behind his father's back, the father he usually felt so close to? Was she really dressed in his t-shirt, his sister's shorts, probably sitting on his bed, vulnerable and small? Was he really feeling so protective of her that he didn't even want to leave her alone in his room for more than a few seconds? Was he really falling for Blair Waldorf?

He didn't want to admit it, but the answer was yes.

To all of the above.

Author's Note: Oh just wait for the drama to be unleashed in the next chapter! You'll probably be able to guess it, but it'll be dramatic all the same! Thanks for reading the chapter. Reviewing is always appreciated!