The Lesser Humphrey

Chapter 3: Kiss on the Lips part 1

Serena found herself standing outside of Blair's penthouse. She didn't know what to say or how to begin this very awkward conversation, but she knew it was something she had to do. She sucked in a breath and rang the bell. She flipped her long blonde hair and smiled as she was greeted by the East-European maid that was more of a mother to blair then her own was.

"Miss Serena. This is surprise. I go get Miss Blair,"Dorota said as she scurried off to call Blair.

Blair was sitting on her luxurious bed flipping through a fashion magazine. She was hoping to find some inspiration for tonight, but nothing in her closet was impressing her and this magazine was no help at all. She sighed in frustration.

"Miss Blair?"

"What do you want Dorota?"Blair screeched.

"You have a visitor."

"Who is it?"

Dorota stuffed her hands in the pocket of her maid's uniform and glanced up at Blair and softly said, "Miss Serena."

"What? Speak up Dorota."

"Miss Serena is here to see you."

Blair's faced dropped for a millisecond, but she composed herself like only a Waldorf could and smoothed her skirt. She brushed past Dorota and slowly walked down the spiral staircase. At the bottom stood the girl that had been the source of a lot of pain over the past year, but the sight of her still brought her lots of joy as well. She plastered a smile on her face and tried to remember that this girl had abandoned her when she needed her the most.

"Serena, you're back. It's so great to see you,"Blair said as she embraced the other girl. Serena hugged her back, but was a little thrown by how she greeted her. She had expected her chilly ice queen act not this warmth. It through her for a loop and she wondered when the other shoe would drop.

"How are you? I was wondering if you wanted to go for a drink?"

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I'm all booked up for the week, "Blair said frostly.

There's the Blair I know.

"How about next week?"Serena asked.

"I'll text you to let you know if I have a little time."

"Isn't tonight the Kiss-on-the-lips party?"

"Yes, but I didn't know you'd be in town. But, I'll leave your name at the door. I really have a lot of things to do; you can see yourself out right?"Blair said mischievously.

Dan was still on his high from the other day. He was practically skipping around the loft and Brad was convinced something short-circuited in his brain because his brother was never this upbeat. It upset the balance he had become accustomed to. He was the one who was relaxed and happy and Dan was the resident emo-boy. Recently, his brother was unusually chipper and walked around like he was floating on a cloud. Every time, he tried to pry the reason for his new found happiness he simply shrugged and went about his day. Brad stormed into his room and lay on the yellow bean bag. "So, Bro what's up?"

"nothing,"Dan said as he whistled whiled typing away on his laptop.

"Whatchya writing?"

"Stuff,"Dan replied.

"Can I see?"he said as he got up from where he sat and attempted to peak a look. Dan closed his laptop and looked at his brother with irriation. "What's with the third degree Brad. You've been asking me all sorts of questions all week."

"you haven't been yourself. I was just curious."

"And what exactly is that?"

"I don't know you seem upbeat, that's never been your thing, bro."

"Its not like I walk around with a cloud of depression hanging over me."

"Ugh, actually you do. Or you usually have some sarcastic remark ready to use at a moments notice."

"Sarcasm is the spice of life, man."

Brad picked up a book that was lying on the floor and threw it at his brother. Dan ducked just in time and screamed at his brother. "What the hell is wrong with you? Are you always such a douchebag?"

"Do you have to ask?"Brad replied with a smirk on his face. "There's a party tonight. You coming?"

"You nearly decapitated me and now you're inviting me to go to some lame party with you? You're brain is a mystery Brad."

Brad shrugged and said, "So you coming or not?"

"Sure."

Dan really had only one reason to go to this stupid party and it was Serena. He knew that it was the kiss-on-the lips party and he also knew that Blair Waldorf was her best friend. So, the chances of running into her again were pretty high. Not even the lame antics of his brother could deter him fro his little mission. There was just something about this girl that made him feel good. She gave him confidence, he felt like life wasn't so dreary whenever he thought about her. She was all legs and long blonde locks. She was a goddess and he just had to speak to her again.

Blair opted for one of her mother's designs in the end. It was a black off-the-shoulder dress that clung to her petite frame. Nate came to pick her up and he looked dashing as usual. Blair was so excited for tonight and nothing would ruin this evening for her not even Serena. She had made sure that her name was not added to her list. Serena couldn't expect to be able to waltz back into her life so easily. She knew how things worked in their world. It was all about subterfuge and games. Nothing was ever as it seemed. A part of her knew it was probably hard for Serena to suck up her pride and come to her, but she couldn't expect everything to just magically go her way like it always did. Things were different now. She'd found her rightful place at Constance once Serena had left, a place she had always longed to be. But, somehow the victory was hollow without her best friend. She especially needed her since her home life was disintegrating into a pile of dust. Nate wasn't much of help. He just stood around and dimly nodded his head. Sometimes she wasn't sure if he was high or simply disinterested in her problems. She turned around to see him leaning against the doorway smiling wistfully at her. She smiled back and waved him over.

"Hey, baby."Nate said.

Blair hugged him and said, "hey."

"You ready for tonight. I know you've been looking forward to it for ages."

"Of course. I'm always ready."

Chuck sauntered in and as usual had a dirty remark handy. "So, how's my favorite domonaitrix."

"Pig!"

"I love it when you talk dirty,"Chuck said.

Nate giggled and said, "You two fight like children."

He nodded towards Chuck and the two of them went out back and lit up a joint and shared it as they talked. Nate continued to go on about his father misunderstood him and Chuck ignored him as per usual. He was getting sick of his friend's whining especially since he did not have it nearly as hard as he did when it came to disdainful fathers. By the time the two of the m returned the party was practically in full swing. Nate spotted his friend Brad and his brother. He didn't know much about Dan Humphrey other than that kid stuck to himself, occassionaly coming with his brother to parties, and was pretty smart. He was a bit awkward and overly sarcastic, but Nate thought seemed pretty cool.

"Hey, Bro what's up?"Brad asked.

"Nothing much, just had spliff with Chuck."

"How's the serial rapist these days? Still cruising for his latest victim."

Apparently acerbic wit was something that ran in the family. Nate laughed and said, "He's not that bad."

"He is that bad. He's a douche."

"Just give him a chance. Once you get to know him, he really isn't all that bad."

"Whatever dude. Point me to the chicks."

Nate and Brad disappeared into the crowd as Dan found himself sitting on a coach with a drink in hand and some strange girl looking at him as if he was her next five course meal.

"Hey,"he said in an attempt to be polite.

"Hi,"she said.

The girl continued to stare at him awkwardly so he got up and walked about again. The place was crawling with people who either annoyed the crap out of him or who simply ignored him. He'd been there for a little under an hour and he was already going crazy with boredom. All he wanted was to see Serena and maybe talk to her for a few minutes. He finished off his beer and made his way out the back and let the sights and sound of the city carry him away. There was still a stream of kids trying to get into the party. The bouncer looked through his list and either gifted them entry to what he deemed the most asinine party he'd ever been to or told them to go home. He was about to head home when the sight of the girl he'd been waiting all night for begged the bouncer to check the list again.

"Come on, check again. I'm on that list. I have to be. Don't you know who I am?"

The bouncer looked at Serena sternly and said, "Listen girlie. You are not on the list."

Dan decided to step up because he hated seeing her be humiliated like that. "Actually she's with me."

"And who are you?"

"Brad Humphrey."

The bouncer look at the list and moved out of the way. Serena linked her arm in his and said, "I thought your name was Dan."

"It is. Long story."

"I've got time,"Serena said as she grabbed him by the arm and led him to a cozy corner. There was just something about him that had her curious and she was greatful for his little act of heroism. It wasn't much, but it said a lot about him. He also happened to have the most beautiful brown eyes she had ever seen. He just made her feel all warm inside.

"So, Dan. Tell me the story? Who is Brad and why are you pretending to be him."

"Oh that's my brother. He goes to St. Judes too, but we don't hang in the same circles. I don't exactly hang with anyone."

"A loner? If you're such a loner, what are you doing at a party like this?"

"I don't know. My brother is always dragging me to these things. He thinks his cool will rub off on me like osmosis or something."

"Osmosis? You're funny," she said as she slapped him gently on the arm. Dan smiled back at her and shrugged. They sat there talking and he knew that this girl would be and could be about as special as they came. He still had trouble believing that his big crush was sitting here chatting him up. Over an hour later, Serena got up and said, "well I should mingle. I have to go talk to Blair anyway."

"Don't let her psyche you out. You're great. Just remember that."

Serena swung her head back and said, "Thank you. You're pretty great too."

Serena went looking for Blair, but she was nowhere to be seen. She found herself feeling a little depressed and frustrated so she ordered a drink at the bar and took a seat. She was on her second vodka tonic when a tall, lanky blonde guy came up to her. "Hey, there."

"Hi," she said nonchalantly.

"You're far too beautiful to look so sad."

"You're sweet, but I'm not really in the mood."

Brad held up his hands and said, "I was just trying to make some conversation. How about we exchange names before you reject me out right?"

Serena laughed and said, "Serena."

"Brad."

She crinkled her eyes and said, "Do you have a brother named Dan?"

Brad rolled his eyes and said, "Yep. I'm surprised he talked to you. He usually keeps to himself."

"He is sweet."

"Looks like my baby brother beat me to you."

"I'm sensing a little jealousy."Serena said.

"No, no. I don't do jealousy. It's a waste of time."

Brad took a seat beside her and they chatted about all sorts of things. Serena couldn't help but compare him to his soulful brother. They were both very charming, but there was just something about Dan that drew her. He had an air of mystery and as nice and fun as Brad seemed, she kept thinking about his brother. She stayed with Brad for a little while longer, eventually leaving him to go find Blair just as she had his brother.