"the air i breathe is filled with you, and i couldn't even fight all those feelings i feel cos they are the one's keeping me from sinking into the blue"

The Next part. Not much Dan and Blair scenes in this one. Hope you enjoy it :)

Dan was getting nervous, it was the first time that he was meeting Blair's mother. Even though Blair had invited him on her family brunch as a 'friend', he still wanted Blair's mother to like him as even though he won't admit, Dan liked Blair a lot. Even the mere thought of her made him ecstatic, that was what Blair had done to him. She had made him think about her every moment, every second and sometimes he thought if he was getting mad or something. He still had to know a lot of things about Blair and was eagerly waiting for the time when she will finally open up to him. He just wished that the time will come soon. It was already a month since they had started hanging out with each other and they had yet not had heart to heart conversation about their personal lives. It was just that whenever Dan brought something up about his personal life Blair used to bend the conversation in another direction. He understood that Blair needed time he just was not sure how much more he can endure.

Blair was looking at the mirror thinking about what Dan will say about how she looked. Eleanor had gifted Blair the outfit especially designed for her and she had kept it for special occasion. Normally, Blair didn't wear her mother's deigns but today was different she was going to introduce Dan to her mother and was hoping they get along. Eleanor liked Nate a lot and Blair was scared that her mother might get mad when she told her that she was breaking things with him. She couldn't believe it was already a month since she knew about Serena and Nate but she didn't yet have the courage to confront him. She thought that maybe if they don't interact with each other they might fall apart eventually and she would get time to face her future without him.

"Miss Blair" Dorota called from the doorway, "He has come. He is downstairs, waiting for you"

Blair was happy to hear of Dan's arrival and ran out of her room to meet him. But Blair stopped at the mid-step when she saw that it wasn't Dan but Nate who was waiting for her at the foyer.

Nate gave a huge sigh when he saw Blair coming down towards him. She was wearing one of her favorite outfit as he recalled her saying to him. She had said she was going to wear it on a special occasion when Eleanor gifted it to her and Nate wished that maybe, she wore it today only for him. She looked stunning as always, Blair always looked beautiful for him but there was a certain glint in her eyes that took his breath way. Blair had been avoiding him for a month now and he was frustrated by it. So, when Eleanor called him for the family brunch Nate was more than happy to oblige. When Blair stopped at the mid-step, Nate took a step forward and Blair came down slowly towards him.

Blair was stunned when Nate suddenly grabbed her in his arms when she reached him. At the same time the elevator opened showing a smiling Serena with a smirking Chuck.

"Oh my god, you guys finally patched things up. I'm so happy for both of you." Serena came running toward them and hugged both of them tightly before taking Blair in her arms and spinning her joyously. Blair was stunned by the sudden change of atmosphere and couldn't utter a word.

"Finally, Nathaniel you came to your senses" Nate went forward to hug Chuck lightly. Chuck turned towards Blair, "So, the queen returned back to her kingdom. I wold like to tell you i am thrilled to see you both together. You guys do know i hate changes"

"Nothing has changed Chuck, B was just having few rough days and now she's over them and back with Nate. Isn't it B?" Serena looked at Blair happily, flashing a huge grin at her. Blair had no idea what was happening, her head was starting to spin and she was going to bolt out of the there when suddenly the door of the elevators opened.

Blair watched as Dan entered and felt a sudden amount of relief flood through her as she looked at his smiling face, the face that kept her sane at the most vulnerable moment of her life. Blair smiled a little at him making everyone turn around to face him. Dan was a bit shocked to see them all together. He had thought that he was the only person invited but of course Blair would invite them they were more close to her after all. Dan felt a bit jealous of the people around Blair, they had known this beautiful girl all their life and he didn't even knew a thing about her apart from the fact that she looked stunningly gorgeous especially in that outfit she was wearing which complemented her complexion and made her look divine. It was perfect for her and showed her petite figure in a perfectly regal way and the way her hair was flowing on the lace fabric of her outfit, the view was breathtaking and her lips looked perfectly kissable. Dan tried to focus his thoughts when suddenly Chuck interrupted

"Dan Humphrey, what a pleasant surprise, I didn't know you were invited"

"Oh, yeah, actually Blair invited me"

"You did" Serena looked at Blair with wide eyes and a surprised look.

"Yes, I did and Humphrey, you are late"

"Sorry Blair, i got caught up"

Nate surprisingly went forward and hugged Dan in a manly way, "It is good to see you man, how have you been?"

"You two know each other" Serena said surprised

"Of course Serena, Dan's a friend of Blair. How can i not know him, we've been bonding since few weeks"

Now, Blair was surprised and raised her eyebrows at Dan questioningly at which Dan just shrugged. Blair sighed and said, "I guess it's time to start our brunch"

"Miss Blair, you mother is waiting" Blair jumped at Dorota's voice near her ear.

"Tell her we'll be right there and Dorota please stop scaring me" Blair barked at Dorota and all of them entered Blair's parlor where Eleanor was waiting for them with Serena and Chuck's parent and to Blair's disappointment Nate's parents were also there eagerly waiting for them. Nate came at Blair's side and holding her at her waist guided her towards them. Blair was too stunned to even realize what was happening.

Dan saw Nate standing beside Blair and casually putting his hands on her waist and felt his heart break a little when Blair didn't even seem to mind. In a room filled with people who knew each other since ages, Dan felt like an outsider and suddenly regretted his decision to come here. Blair certainly felt more comfortable than him, why wouldn't she, she was in her world with her own people.

"I saw you brought your friend Blair" Eleanor looked at Dan who felt a bit awkward in the situation.

"Ooo.. mom this is Dan, Daniel Humphrey and Dan this is my mother"

"Eleanor Waldorf, it's nice to finally meet you Dan. Blair told me a lot about you" Eleanor turned at Nate's parents and said, "He's giving Blair company, they are study friends"

"Actually mom, we do go out for movies too"

"Movies are also a form of education, aren't they Blair"

Dan was a little taken aback by Eleanor's comment and saw Blair flinch a little at her mother's sharp tone. Blair sat quietly at her seat, Nate followed and sat beside her. But before Dan can sit at other side Serena sat their first and flashed a big wide smile at him. Blair gave a warning stare at Serena which she just ignored gaily. Chuck who sat on Nate's side called Dan

"Why don't you join us, Humphrey"

Dan sat between Nate and Chuck and felt a bit out of place. The brunch went on in a normal way, Nate actually proved out to be a good companion and made sure that Dan didn't feel out of place, Chuck was talking intently to his step-mother Lily Bass who seemed to be more interested in her step-son Chuck than in her own daughter Serena who was talking loudly and cheerfully, gossiping about other UESiders with Nate's mother Anne Archibald, time to time passing comments at Blair and Nate on how good they looked together and what a wonderful couple they made, Blair's mom was having some important business discussion with Chuck's father Bart Bass and Nate's father Howard Archibald, all busy with their own conversations. Only Blair was silent the whole time though both Serena and Nate had tried her to involve in their conversation, but Blair just ignored them.

Dan was starting to feel normal chatting with Nate when suddenly he saw Nate put his hand on Blair's hand. It was just a small gesture but Dan noticed it and suddenly felt a surge of jealousy come over him. He knew he had no right to be mad at Nate about it as Nate was her boy-friend, the "love of her life" as Serena describe but he felt angry at Nate for touching Blair. He felt a sense of relief when Blair hastily remove her hand.

Blair saw Dan noticing Nate's hand on hers and noticed a sudden form of anger and sadness pass through his face. She was happy to see Nate and Dan bonding as they were both great guys but was a bit scared knowing that both the guy she loved from her childhood and the guy who had made her the most happy in her life were getting close. She had no idea what change it was gonna make in her life but she was sure the change will either be too pleasant or too horrible. When suddenly Nate kept his hand on hers and she saw the emotions on Dan's face Blair realized it wasn't going to be too pleasant and removed her hand from Nate's.

After the brunch was over, Eleanor excused herself to deal with some fashion emergency, Harold and Anne left to go home, Bart went to take care of his business, Lily said she was going to do some shopping to which Serena asked if she can join her and Lily replied, No. Chuck was relaxing at the couch with no sign of leaving at all, Serena was telling Blair how much fun she was having, Nate was trying to lure Dan on a conversation, whereas, Dan and Blair were gazing at each other, waiting for the others to leave them alone so they can finally be together.

"So, Blair what are your plans for today, coz you know am free" Nate asked Blair in a flirty way, which even though it shouldn't but disgusted Dan.

"Dan and I were actually planning on watching a movie after you guys leave" Blair said curtly.

"Can we join B?" Serena asked Blair, but before she could reply negatively, Serena went on, "Oh, that'll be so much fun. Let's all watch a movie".

"I don't think that's such a fun idea" Chuck retorted.

"Then what do you suggest" Nate asked.

"Why don't we do striptease" Chuck said smirking and Blair gave him a disgusted stare to which Chuck just shrugged his shoulders and Serena laughed loudly and said, "Oh, Chuck you are so bad"

"Guys, guys, focus, what do you suggest Serena" Nate asked and everyone looked at Serena, stopping Serena's laugh at the middle

"Errr... what about shopping" Serena said awkwardly and everyone started laughing and Serena joined them too.

"Archibald, any ideas" Chuck asked Nate.

"There is this club that just opened. I heard it was real fun and was planning to go check it out, but couldn't find time for it. Why don't we go there?"

"That sounds so much fun Nate. It's been so long since we went clubbing together" Serena said bouncing with joy.

"Great idea Archibald. You never cease to surprise me" Chuck remarked.

"Dan, what do you think" Nate asked

"I don't know guys, clubbing is not exactly my kind of thing"

"What, no, you can't do that Dan, you have to come, don't leave us like that. I thought we were bonding. We will have fun, I promise." Serena looked at Dan with pleading eyes and an innocent smile.

"Yes man, don't bail on us right now" Nate pleaded Dan.

"I guess I can come for a bit"

"What, no, no way, Dan and I aren't going anywhere"

All of them looked at Blair, "We have already planned the day ahead and i don't like cancelling my plans. So, why don't you three go together and Dan and I will stay here and watch our movie"

"But we can't go without you B. You don't go then Nate won't go, Nate won't go then Chuck won't go and I will certainly not go there alone, I don't even know where it is. So, you have to come with us B"

"Yes, Blair. We won't take no for an answer" Nate smiled coyly.

"Common Waldorf, a certain change on your schedule won't affect your status" Chuck added.

Blair looked at Dan who just shrugged. Blair took a deep breath and sighed, "OK, I will go. But this better be fun"

"Ooooo...thank you B, I love you" Serena jumped and kissed Blair on her cheeks hugging her tightly.

"Love you too, S" Blair replied with a frustrated sigh and glanced at Dan who gave her a small smile. Blair felt a bit better, but not completely alright.

The chapter got too long so i decided to end it so the clubbing part will come in the next chapter, with few cheesy moments between Dan and Blair which I am really excited to write. I hope you guys enjoyed reading this piece, please do post your comments, it will mean a lot. Thank you for reading :)