A/N – I'm sorry for the long wait but real life got in the way. I hope it's worth the wait. Also, I've only kept a few of the show's facts not all of them so if any of you get confused with anything just PM me and I'll explain it
Dan stretched out his arms and yawned as he awakened from his slumber. His head pounding, he was getting used to that feeling however. He turned to his side wide eyed with confusion washing over his features when he came face to face with the sleeping brunette. He reacted almost immediately. "Mason? What the hell man?" he shoved his shoulder
"Dude, what the fuck I was sleeping" he replied clearly irritated at being woken up so suddenly. "What the hell is your problem?"
"My problem is that I wake up to find you lying next to me"
"So what, I wasn't sleeping on the floor and you certainly weren't gonna have a double bed all to yourself" with that he turned over and shut his eyes. "Anyway it should be me who should be worried with what you were doing through the night" Mason gave a short laugh and exhaled loudly
"What, what I was doing through the night?" Dan questioned. A mixture of embarrassment and fear took over him. One half wanting to know but the other half of him frightened to
Mason let him ponder and squirm for a minute before replying. "You tried to spoon me and were smelling my hair. What the fuck was that all about?"
Dan didn't know where to look, his face turning Scarlet instantly. He could have stopped traffic if he stood in the middle of the street
"I didn't know you batted for both teams" Mason toyed with him further
"I don't" Dan said defensively. "I must have been dreaming". He was. It was exactly what he used to do when lying next to Serena, wrap her up in his arms so she was tight against his chest, intertwine their fingers so every part connected with each other and his nose would twitch when her golden locks tickled his face when he breathed in her apple scent. She especially loved it when he would continuously run his fingers through her hair and down her cheek slowly. The soft touch of his fingertips caressing her would send her into the sweetest slumber. He could still remember the way her stomach muscles would contract and the corners of her lips turn when he brushed across her shoulder blade and drew imaginary shapes and letters down her back. At night his ears would still fill with the sound of her soft murmurs as she dreamt the night away
"I'm going, I'll call you later" Dan said not liking his reflective mood. He had gotten used to life or rather nighttime snuggles without Serena and he didn't need to be brought back to that. He didn't need nor want her. If he kept repeating that in his mind one day he may actually believe it
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'9.45am' Dan looked at his watch and said out loud. He knew no one would be at home as Jenny should be where he was supposed to be, at school and Rufus would be at the gallery
"Hey Dan, I haven't seen you around much lately, been busy?" Mr Wilder asked. He was one of their neighbours and had caught him coming out of the lift
"Yes" Dan replied in short. He opened the door and walked into the silent loft
Mr Wilder had been taken aback by his abrupt manner. When Dan and Jenny were kids he would always give them sweets or bring back gifts and rock from his holiday's to the seaside. He had been a favourite with the Humphrey gang and Dan and Jenny had always thought of him as like a granddad figure so Dan's tone and attitude confused him. They were just as fond of him now as when they were kids and would take him soup or run to the store when he was ill if he needed anything and you can be sure he had a handful of sweets for when they returned. He still thought of them as little kids really. "Oh, nice talking to you then" He said saddened and went back about his business
Dan leaned back against the door and clenched his jaw having no choice but to replay his last moments in this room. He squeezed his eyes tight and clamped his hands against his ears as the piercing screams, the thud of glass smashing and yelling came back to haunt him. The sight of the blood trickling down Vanessa arm running across his eyes no matter how tight he squeezed them shut. He scraped his fingernails down the sides of his face and shook his head trying to rid of the memories. He hated coming down from the rush, he wanted another hit. He came here for one reason and one reason alone. Money. He knew exactly where his dad kept a stash of money in case of an emergency. The old Dan would never even contemplate going into his father's box and help himself but the new careless and selfish persona he had took on didn't make him think twice about dipping his grubby mitts in. As he ruffled the notes he said wildly "thank you ...daddy". Stuffing them into his pocket he grabbed a few extra belongings and made his quick exit
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"Are you sure?"
"Yes, you want to hurt her? Then hurt the person she cares most about. And that person is Dan" Georgina had that evil look she often possessed in her eyes
"I feel guilty. He's an innocent man that just got involved with the wrong girl. He's caught up for no reason" Rhys said. He was the only one of the group that had a conscience and felt bed for what they were doing. You could say he was more human than the others.
"You're not backing out now are you, Rhys? Getting scared are we?" Zach said in a challenging tone, almost threatening
"No"
"Good, because it's too late anyway. That bitch took my brother away and it's time to let her know that and show her exactly what the consequences of that are and if that includes Dan then so be it"
"How do we even know if Serena cares about him still or cares what he does?"
"Because she does" Georgina piped up again. She had managed to sing the tale of how the night that Pete died she had tried to stop Serena from popping the last tablet into his mouth when he begged her not too. The final drug that killed him. Rhys knew that his brother had dabbled in drugs but he never knew to what extent. Ever since Georgina had come back to New York she had it in for Serena but also Dan because he had tricked her into meeting him and thought of no better way too do it than this. She seemed to get more devious and evil with each visit. She was surely a disturbed girl. She knew exactly that he had overdosed himself and it was all innocent but Georgina had a way for manipulative speeches. She was a master
……………………………………….
The clouds began to roll in from every direction creating a dark cast reflecting her very mood. Nighttime was drawing in and all she wanted to do was curl up with the latest romance novel. As a child and growing into her early teens she was never much the reader, she always thought reading was a chore and that books were for nerds. But since the start of her relationship with Dan she loved to absorb herself into a Nicholas Sparks classic. She and Dan would often sit on his bed next to each other just silently reading, close enough so that their arms touched and would brush up whenever either one turned the page. Every now and again stealing a glance. She thought that whenever her real life got a little too much or she couldn't jump the final hurdle she could open a book and get lost in the words, escape and enter the fantasy world in front of her.
She approached the café and looked inside to see if she could see her dinner companion. After a few seconds she noticed the short blonde hair and lean body sitting at a back table running her fingers along the top of her water glass obviously lost in thought. The young girl looked exactly how she felt. Lost.
"Have you been waiting long?" Serena asked as she put her bag on the floor and sat down
"Hey, no" Jenny smiled "But I've gotten used to you being late so". They both laughed
"Okay I'll give you that one" Serena chuckled. "Are you hungry?"
"No, listen the reason I asked you here is because I need your help, well not just me. I didn't want to speak too you over the phone I wanted to talk to you in person"
"What's up?" Serena asked worried about the seriousness in her tone
"I was hoping you would be able to talk too Dan". At the mention of her ex's name Serena stiffened and looked at the menu hoping to avoid the conversation. "You know I really fancy burger and chips"
"Serena, please" Jenny pleaded, almost begged. Serena could hear the sadness evident in her voice but she tried to shrug it off
"It's pointless". Neither Serena nor Dan had told them about their last encounter. They had no need too
"You're our last hope, Serena. Dan has always looked upon you as this angelic figure, who values your opinion over everything and everyone else. He listens to you and still deeply cares about you whether or not he shows that. He still loves you, Serena and I'm pretty sure you still feel the same for him. I don't want to lose him"
Jenny's words had struck a nerve but she tried not to show it. Serena didn't think he still cared or loved her still. "He is no longer my problem"
"He's not a problem" Jenny said defensive but softened her tone immediately and her voice almost cracked with her last words. "He's my brother…………and he needs help"
"I know" Serena said barely audible. "But I don't think me talking to him will make any difference". She began to tell Jenny about their run in at the club and trip to A&E
Jenny pulled several faces as Serena talked her way through their last encounter. However sad the situation may be she couldn't help but laugh at certain parts. It reminded her about all the silly things they used to do when they were together and thought no-one was watching. There was many a time when she caught them pillow fighting, chasing each other around the loft, shoving ice cream in each other's faces. Just general mucking about. Whenever she caught them she always thought to herself 'I bet they'll still be acting like this in 50 years time'
"I'll see what I can do but I've got to get going" Serena smiled and collected her bag. "Don't worry, behind the mask he's wearing he's still your brother and soon he'll see that"
After Serena left the café she pulled out her phone. "Fancy a little detective work?"
"Sneaking around and spying on people?" Blair asked through the phone. "I'm in"
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"Just do what I taught you, girl when I give you my heat and I need you to push it right back". Different tones and voices could be heard echoing all around as they sang. People packed their area at the beach. Bodies colliding with one another as they danced to the beat. Inhaling and digesting all kinds of substances being passed around through friends. Dan squeezed the sand between his toes and stared at the open fire in front of him. Everybody around him seemed to disappear as he got lost in the trance of the smoke and the flickers of fire debris that crackled up into the air. Voices trailed in the very low wind. The weather was humid and clammy even though they were out in the open air by the sea. He wore a white vest with blue and yellow shorts, looking every bit the summer boy
"Yo, earth to Humphrey" Mason swatted his arm bringing him out of his trance. "At least try and look like you're having a good time"
"I am having a good time. Just sitting here reflecting and thinking of my next move" Dan laughed
"Your next move is this" Zach butted in and handed him a tablet
"What's this?"
"Try it and find out you pussy". Zach put it in the palm of his hand and handed it over to him. "There's one for each of us"
Dan took the tablet and held up his beer to say thanks. "Cheers"
Zach watched him closely. "Just chew and swallow". The drug he had just produced for Dan was E, but he let that little confession slide. The other guys had already took them previously and had witnessed the side effects first hand.
"Ugh, that tasted like shit" Dan complained after he had digested it. He had taken it without caution and with confidence. Another side effect to his new split personality
"You'll not be complaining when it takes effect". They all laughed
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"When you suggested a beach party I thought great. A chance for you to relax and have fun with the greatest friend in the world" Blair said matter of factly. "But when you later told me we were here for your ex who is probably high with another stoner girl draped around his neck. Not so pleasurable". She continued to whine
"Dan isn't a manwhore, Blair. Stop tarnishing him with the same brush" Through everything Serena still continued to defend him to Blair. He wasn't the bad or unworthy of her guy Blair made him out to be. Just because he didn't have a bank load of money saved in his name or lived in a UES mansion didn't make him any less of a human being
"Well he sure is doing a good job at trying to change that isn't he. Why do you still love him?"
"What makes you think I still love him?" Serena got on her back heels and tried to shoot her down but never denied Blair accusation
"Please, do I have to spell it out for you?" Blair asked eyebrows raised and ready. "Why are we even here then?"
"I'm only here because I care about his as a friend I don't want to see him in any danger. And Jenny asked me to. She's worried about him"
"As a friend? Uhuh" Blair nodded not believing her for a minute. "Whatever you say. No need to get all defensive. The lady doth protest too much". Serena gave no reply
"How did you even know he was here anyway?"
"Not only you, Blair, can be manipulative". Serena snorted. "I have my ways"
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For the past 20 minutes Dan bopped around on their hand drawn space in the sand for the dance floor feeling the most energetic than he had ever done in his life. Because they had limited space on the beach and because there were a few hundred people they became a little squashed when everyone was busting out their own shapes and moves. He was still none the wiser about what Zach had given him but when the other guys had popped a one each he settled to the fact that it was ok. Sweat dripped from every pour in his body obviously not aware of the amount of water he was losing. With a beer in one hand and a smoke in the other he continued to thrive with the music. Zach, Mason and Rhys all joined in
"Good?" Mason stuck his thumb up signaling to Dan
"Great" Dan smiled and stumbled a little. This is the best high he had ever experienced. He made a note to himself to ask him what the drug was later
…………………………………………
Blair looked at everyone who passed her with disgust. "You owe me for this"
"Yes, just keep a look out please"
Serena and Blair continued to walk around until Blair pointed out Dan with the same group of guys and a few others they had seen him with the last time. A beautiful but plastic blonde came up behind Dan and snaked her arms around his waist and swayed her hips against his. Dan, feeling more out of it let her carry on. The other guys hadn't noticed Serena's presence as they left to get more beer from behind the bushes that were keeping them cool
"Hmm, well I did say someone would be draped around him. Guess I was right"
"Blair!"
"Sorry, geez". They both walked up to him and Serena tapped him on the shoulder. "Dan"
The girl who was draped around him looked Serena and Blair up and down disapprovingly and said, "He's taken for tonight"
"Yes, I am" Dan being the cocky bastard turned around and swung his arm across her shoulder and looked at Serena
""I see you are still as stubborn as ever. I didn't come here for an argument though, Dan. I came because Jenny asked me too. You know your sister. Do you even remember her?" Serena said with a hint of sarcasm
"I'm sorry I lost my manners there for a second. This is Serena" Dan said to the other blonde on his right. "Our very own pretty woman, and this is her friend Blair, but I prefer to call her the devil"
He was getting under their skin. Irritating and annoying Dan was a problem for both girls. This kind of Dan Humphrey bothered Blair even more. Dan involuntarily grated his teeth when he stopped speaking and flicked his eyes from right to left continuously when someone passed
Serena, clearly pissed off at basically being called a hooker by Dan turned to the smug girl and said, "If you're thinking of getting lucky tonight I'd suggest you think again. His dick is tiny, not even worth the effort, trust me I've been there and hit that. He hardly touched the sides"
Yes, Daniel had just been served his comeuppance on a plate by Serena even though it was a complete lie. He satisfied her every need whenever she wanted it. She just couldn't help it when he insulted her. And he didn't have a small...but the best way to deflate a man is to insult his manhood
Dan was so out of it he didn't even retaliate. He was too focused on the nausea he felt. It was Serena who had the smug look now as the girl unhooked herself from under Dan's arm and walked off. Dan ignored all girls and walked or rather stumbled in the opposite direction. His vision blurred and still sweating
Blair looked on shocked at Serena's words. "Wow"
"It's not true what I said so don't ever bring it up again" Serena immediately told Blair
"Oh" Blair replied almost disappointed. This was just another reason to mock Dan if true
Serena wasn't sure what was up with Dan. She didn't know if she had hurt him with her words or if he was disappointed that she had pushed the other girl away. The thought of either pained her. She continued to watch him and closed her ears to Blair who was talking away at her side
Dan felt Ill. That was the only way he could describe it. He managed to separate himself from the group before he finally collapsed down onto the cold sand. Everything went dark and emptied from his mind as he hit the sand with force
Serena, watching the whole thing screamed and ran toward him leaving Blair in utter confusion. "Dan" she turned him over and shook him but got no reply. "HELP" she shouted but as quick as everyone had turned to look at the hysterical girl they turned back around and continued with whatever they were doing. Blair ran over to them panicked. Serena cried out "Blair something's wrong. Phone an ambulance. Hurry" Serena tried several times to get a response from Dan but he didn't give her anything in return. His lifeless body being held in her arms "WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE" she shouted over to everyone who carried on with their own business
Blair was on the phone with the operator trying to go through Dan's details and blindly explain what happened. She tried asking Serena but could make no sense of her as she was sobbing still making attempts to regain an unconscious Dan
"Ssh sweetie they're on their way now" Blair tried to soothe her. She may have joked about Dan and his lifestyle but she didn't want anything bad to happen to him. She knew he meant a lot to Serena so he meant something to her, little as it may be
"What's taking them so long" As Serena asked she heard the siren of the ambulance near by
Upon hearing the alarm everyone at the party hurriedly picked up their things and fled from the beach. Mason, Zach and Rhys had watched the whole thing unfold infront of them, Dan collapsing, Serena rushing over to him hysterically. 'I think this is mission accomplished' Zach said aloud before pulling the other guys and running from the beach. They had no idea what effect the E would have on Dan but it was not in their plan for him to collapse. This, they thought was superior to what they had thought out. Serena was hurting far more this way. Result.
The paramedics worked on Dan for 10 minutes before getting him inside the ambulance. He was still unconscious when they got him onto the stretcher and into the back. Serena begged to ride in the back with him claiming she was his girlfriend as they wouldn't allow just a friend to go with him for whatever reason she didn't know. She mumbled incoherent words to herself as she picked up his motionless hand and held it between both of hers
One of the paramedics tried to get a better understanding on the situation but all she got from Serena was "I don't know"…and she didn't
Blair went to hunt down a taxi to take her to the hospital. She phoned Rufus and let him know that his son was begin taking to hospital and that he was in real danger
"Please don't leave me" Serena cried as the ambulance raced to the nearest hospital
Surely Dan Humphrey's number wasn't up yet? He still had his whole life ahead?
P.S, Don't expect another long ass chapter like this, lol. Other's will be shorter