Chapter Ten- Love in this Club
[Blair's P.O.V.]
Okay, I'd be lying if I didn't say that things were officially weird with Humphrey, I mean everything he'd ask me would make me question is this like some sign of undying love. My mind was racing down every alley trying to figure out Humphrey and the only thing I had come to learn was that I really like his coffee's that he makes for me in the morning, and that I'm starting to love doing laundry. I need to figure out the facts and nail his ass to the wall for trying to ruin our arrangement. Where does he get off liking me or possibly liking me, I mean I know I'm irresistible and would be an amazing catch for someone like him, but that's not the terms to our agreement. On top of trying to figure out my personal life, I'm busting my ass trying to put together a photo shoot that will knock the socks off of Stefano and Epperly, but the problem with that glorious idea that will soon come to life is that….I have yet to find an unknown designer and have yet to put together a decent team to do the shoot. I have three days left to produce magic and I have to learn a magic spell that will complete a trick. So basically in simple terms…I'm screwed. Things just are so messed up right now that I can't even think straight, why does everything have to be so damn difficult for me! Literally, I'm ready to throw myself a pity party that could last until the next year because right now its starting to dawn on me. Sitting on the sofa, I flipped through my Cosmopolitan secretly hating all the models on the pages and the people who designed, and shot them…as I secretly wished that I could use this shot for my own while Humphrey came in from work. I'd act weird, but I don't have the strength to.
"Hey" Dan said as he threw his keys on to the counter before making his way inside the kitchen to grab some water
"Hey. How was work?" I asked trying to keep thing as normal as possible between us, but why do I sound like a damn housewife though
"Work was crappy, but work pays the bills" Dan replied "How was your search for the next great thing?" he asked before he flopped down beside me
"As awful as your job" I sighed "I have officially gotten nowhere with my photo shoot that's not my photo shoot" I said
"Nowhere as in nothing or nowhere as in the piece I need will be hard to obtain?" Dan asked me
"As in nothing Humphrey" I replied "That tends to the next best thing for nowhere" I then added giving it my usual Waldorf attack of words
"I don't get you" Dan laughed "I mean this is the opportunity you have waited for and you see to be like whatever with it" he said
"Because its not that easy to put together a photo shoot that will be featured in W magazine. This is not the crappy writing magazines you get, this is a magazine where the style is suppose to send people out to stores to buy what we print" I said
"And who better than Blair Waldorf to send them running" Dan replied "I mean this is something you should all ready have done and having dvd's made while you sip on a cappuccino at pool side" he then said
"Believe it or not I actually put work into what I do" I told him
"But your takedowns were so legendary, they seemed so flawless" Dan said as he picked my legs up and put on his lap, now note this is a form of touching…this is a sign, this has got to be a sign
"Because human flaws are easy to find, and people our age make it so easy when they stupidly post what they're really doing on the social networks of our generation" I said "If your status is in a relationship then you need to act like that when your out at the club or else your next status will be busted" I then added as he just laughed
"So what's the strategy?" Dan asked me
"To just let the mess that Epperly has on her desk run for the issue" I replied "I mean it was stupid to think I could take on something this big in such a short time" I said just as Dan flashed the eyes at me that read don't give up hope "I know that my schemes have been legendary and have lead to a tumultuous romance with a name I will not say, but I have to be able to call it like it is and I can't do this" I said waving the white flag of surrender before a moment of silence passed between us then he rose from his seat to pull out his cell phone "Are you calling brunette girl?" I asked as I made myself more comfortable on the sofa but I have to admit that comment made me seem jealous, which I'm not because there is nothing to be jealous of.
"I'm grabbing the bull by the horns" Dan said as he put the phone up to his ear "Hey Jenny" he said I just rolled my eyes. I know that's his sister but I still can't get over the fact that she slept with Chuck…that I will never forgive.
"This sounds boring" I said grabbing a pillow to cover my ears with
"So, I was just calling to ask you about those fashion shows you were telling me about?" Dan asked as I immediately sat up
"Humphrey, what are you doing asking about fashion…you have no fashion" I said to myself as I watched him with close eyes
"Yes. I actually want to go to one of them, possibly meet one of the designers you know" Dan said as I immediately popped up from my seat to run over towards him to try to take the phone out of his hands because him going to his little sister on my behalf will not sit well with me. "Yeah, I'm trying to write this piece for work and I really need your help with this since you know all the abstract stuff" he went on to say as he kept escaping my grasp
"Hang up the phone!" I demanded of him but all he did was laugh
"No, I'm here alone. Just text me the info?" Dan asked his sister "Okay, thanks a lot and we'll set something up so we can hang out" he said before he hung up the phone to flash this stupid smile on his face
"Get that stupid smirk off your face, I don't know what she told you but she's a liar" I told him
"First off, that's my sister. Second, you need to stop talking about what you can't do and just do it" Dan said
"Okay, I will make the Nike slogan my life motto. Now if you don't mind I will retire to the sofa and watch the classics…if you care to join then you have to shut up" I told him as I walked over to the sofa while he walked into my room and began to yank at clothes. I nearly fell off the sofa as I was bowled over with shock by his actions and at the same time rage, he was throwing my Fiorelli and he needs to be stopped
"I don't mean that, but it's a catching slogan to live by. But we are going to…." Dan said before he received a text message from Jenny with the desired location he asked for "Buffalo" he said
"Buffalo? No, we're not going to Buffalo. You can go to Buffalo while I stay here with Audrey Hepburn" I told him as I tried to put my clothes back
"I really don't care what your saying because I know by the end of tonight, we will be on the road getting ready to embark upon finding your next best thing" Dan said
"Okay, lets just say I do agree with this obscene plan. How are we going to assemble a team together to take said pictures? How are we going to find a designer at the last minute to do a shoot? How are we going to do a photo shoot without a place to you know take photos at for decent backround and scenery?" I asked him as I was just putting bullet holes in his plan left and right. Turning towards me he just took a breath and stared me right in the eyes before he braced my shoulders
"You can stand here and give me a list of reasons as to why we can't, but how about we throw all those out the window and just take a leap of faith that you will be amazing and that you will find a way to make it all happen, because you know why?" Dan asked me
"Why?" I asked still not quite on board with this plan but it did sound promising with my ability to charm whomever I came in contact with
"Because your Blair Waldorf" Dan smiled at me and for a moment I felt that sense of cockieness as if I were a rapper on stage grabbing his genitals while swaying to my melodic beats
"Your right" I smiled "I'm Blair Waldorf" I then declared before I just jumped in and began to pack up for my excursion "You should probably be looking at last minute flights?" I then told him
"Flights?" Dan asked
"As in plane. As in the transportation we will be taking" I told him trying to comprehend how he was in the race to apply for Dartmouth
"No, we're taking car. My car to be exact" Dan said as the reality of riding in Humphrey's car hit me
"Oh, no, no. We are not taking your car" I laughed to myself not even fathoming the idea of riding in that time machine flashback of the 1950's
"Yes, we are" Dan said
"No, we're not" I then replied
"Blair, it's a road trip that I have declared and we're taking my car" Dan said before I pulled out my cell phone to call Darota completely ignoring his rant as I shook my head trying to stop myself from saying hell no to him
"Darota, pull one of daddy's cars out. I'll be needing it" I said while Dan just stood off to the side of me throwing a little hissy fit that I ignored his plea of trying to be spontaneous with the typical spontaneous up and go car as I just walked off to give instructions to Darota
[Dan's P.O.V]
So we're officially on the open road towards Buffalo. It's been a while since I have been on a road trip because usually I'd do this with my dad. We were always that family that when we wanted a sense of adventure we just packed up and found it, but now it just seems we've settled into this life and now we're trying to exist. Of course it would have felt like a true blue road trip if I was driving my car instead of the heavily equipped Range Rover, I mean nothing about this car seems road trip. It feels more like taking a trip to the Hamptons at the last minute, but I do have to admit I'm fulfilling the fantasy of driving a highly expensive car that I will never be able to afford even if I tried. When we went over to pick up the car, I did my best to avoid Darota's stare but I could just feel her looking at me saying that there was more to this trip than just it being simple road trip. Maybe there was a part of me that wanted to figure out what exactly I feel about Waldorf, and I know I couldn't have done that in the midst of all our peers and Gossip Girl. The thing that is important to me is to make sure that she succeeds though, above everything that I may or may not be feeling. This trip is going to be about us both conquering something, her conquering W and me conquering this weirdness because I'm sure a road trip is bound to drive us both insane especially since we have five more hours to go. How bad could it be?
"What is this droning music you've got us listening to?" Blair asked in her usual annoyed voice as I just looked over at her
"It's the Killers" I told her
"At this point I wish I were killed so I don't have to hear this anymore" Blair replied "Can't you find something more upbeat and less…mopey. I can feel the lyrics speaking to your Serena filled heart" she said
"Your so quick to believe that I'm consumed with her" I laughed "The same could go for you, you know" I told her
"Because I'm all consumed by Serena, you've figured me out" Blair said
"Okay, fine. Put on whatever you want" I told her
"I would if I could but I don't have my ipod, so we're stuck with yours" Blair said
"There has got to be something in there you like" I said
"Well there could be, but I shouldn't have to search for good music. You should just have it" Blair said
"To me its good music, to you its crap" I replied "You ever think that music is a representation of who you are?" I then asked her
"You really like to take in depth to a new level, don't you" Blair laughed as she looked me "What would your latest romp be? Blame it on the alcohol or Dead and Gone, like your love life?" she asked as I found her reference to T.I. quite amusing especially since I never expected a princess like her to listen to rap
"Would Pour Some Sugar on Me count as a good one?" I teased
"Figures you'd choose a classless song like that" Blair said "I just hope Billie Jean won't come knocking on your door claiming your the one" she then said
"Why do you even care?" I asked her "I mean you picked her out for me, and I simply left with the girl you selected" I said
"I don't care. I just find it amazing how hypocritical you are, you preach the values of getting to know someone before you just fall into bed with them but you bedded the brunette in record timing" Blair said
"Who says we had sex?" I asked her "I never told you, nor did I ever imply it" I then added
"Oh, please! You had that stupid grin on your face" Blair said
"What grin? You always refer to the grin and the smirk…so please explain why my facial expressions can give me away and constitute as being stupid?" I asked
"You do the grin when you think your right about something, and you do the smirk when you find something to be funny but you want to spare the full laughter" Blair said as I was impressed that she had nailed my laughs down. It took Vanessa years to master my laughs and Waldorf seemed to pick up easily "I read body language fluently, and your body language said I hooked up" she then said
"Well then you need to brush up on your language course because I didn't have sex with the brunette. I took her home then I went to a movie, actually two back to backs down at the Ruse" I told her
"So you just watched movies? Why didn't you just come back to the loft if you wanted to watch movies?" Blair asked as I didn't know whether to be completely honest or just lie
"Because, I waned to be out" I lied "Is there a crime with that?" I then asked as she just looked at me
"No, there is no crime with that" Blair said before she went back to looking through my ipod until she finally found something "There is a God" she thanked the heavens above
"What'd you find?" I asked her as she turned to look at me with the biggest of smiles on her face that only meant she was proud to present this song as actually being perfect for the moment
"In honor of our crappy love lives that have been dashed by the so called loves of our lives, I give you….Cee-lo's Forget you" Blair announced before she played the song and I had to admit that it was a great choice
"You picked a good one, that should be the motto of the trip" I laughed just as piano lead in started off the song
"I see you driving around town with the guy I love. And I'm like forget you" Blair sang with a smiled at me "I guess the change in my pocket wasn't enough. I'm like forget you, and forget him to" she sang as I had to jump in on the next part
"Said if I was richer, I'd still be with you. Huh, now ain't that some ssh" I sang before she chimed back in
"Ain't that some ssh" Blair laughed as she sang
"Now though there's pain in my chest, I still wish you the best. With a forget you" I sang proudly as we took it to the next level of bitterness over our exes as we sang this song, but it was a lot of fun to just be silly and not ourselves…and we actually harmonize well together. I thank Cee-lo for making this trip memorable because Blair Waldorf singing will always go down as something you have to witness just to say you've seen it
[Blair's P.O.V]
It was well into the night before we had finally stopped off at a hotel, after much debate that was…Humphrey wanted to pull over at some flea bag motel but that in now way was going to happen, that was about an hour out of Buffalo. I'm really surprised Little Humphrey didn't question Dan more than what she did because its not like him to call up and just all of sudden want to go to a fashion show out of the blue, less in case he's used this before with a girl, but then again he's never dated a girl with class…Serena, she had the bare minimum of it. Entering into the room we both begin to notice that it only has one bed, for a moment we both process the fact that this bed barely even looks like a king bed but luckily we weren't shy about sharing a bed or else this would have been extremely awkward between us in more ways than one. After all the driving the first stop I had to make was to take a shower while Humphrey went out to grab the bags from the car. The shower had definitely relaxed me as all the tension that I had building up in me was slowly fading away and I was able to just calm myself so I could begin to strategize for tomorrow. With the information that Jenny had sent, I had looked up the featured designers for the show so that I could see who would fit my idea shoot and Roc had seemed to jump off the page for me. Roc, a line created by Ellie Mason, who happened to be a former Upper East Sider who now lives in Buffalo…that issue itself leads me to believe she's abstract in the mind if she trades Upper Eastside for Buffalo, the name doesn't even sound appealing but that's besides the point. Ellie's style just spilled with sophisticated youth as well as a bit of casual touch that would speak to the readers. Now don't me wrong I saw others that would suit more of my style but the work that Ellie had done just left with this feeling like this is what open minded is, basically if I questioned it then it was probably perfect. Getting in the bed after putting my pajamas on, Humphrey walked in with the bags.
"Your going to bed?" Dan asked
"That's what it looks like" I replied "I'm exhausted after all that driving" I sighed
"Because you shuffling through my ipod is so exhausting" Dan teased as he took a seat on his side of the bed while he took of his shoes before he laid back in the bed "Are you still mad at me?" he then turned to ask me
"About?" I asked
"This trip. Would you rather be back in New York?" Dan asked
"For personal and comfort reasons, yes. But I appreciate you doing this" I told him as I closed my eyes trying to rest
"You appreciate this? Wow, I have made a miracle happen today. You appreciate me" Dan laughed
"I know shocking" I replied feeling him turn towards me in the bed
"Are you going to sleep?" Dan asked with a slight smirk
"No, I'm just trying to predict my future. Yes, I'm going to sleep. I'm tired" I replied with every bit of sarcasm in my voice that just made him laugh
"You know when you talk to me that way that only lets me know I get under your skin, and I kind of like getting under your skin" Dan said as I just laughed at the notion that made him proud to know he could annoy me
"Well mission accomplished, you have officially annoyed me" I told him before I rolled over onto my side so that my back was facing him
"Waldorf, I can't sleep" Dan whined
"And? We're not having sex, I still don't trust what you did with the brunette" I replied but deep down I did believe that he didn't sleep with her like he had told me
"Who said anything about sex, to both of those questions" Dan replied as he began to trace circles on my back "The point of a road trip is to just enjoy every moment" he said
"And at this point, I'm enjoying sleep" I replied
"Could you tell me a night time story?" Dan asked as I immediately rolled over to look at him to see if he was joking
"Are you serious? I mean you want to hear a night time story?" I asked him just to clarify what he had said "Could you get anymore preschool?" I then said as I laid back on my pillow trying once again to get some sleep while I contemplated shoving Humphrey out of the bed
"Fine, fine. I'll just lay awake, tired from all that driving due to me trying to help you out with your dream" Dan whined as I just rolled my eyes while he got underneath the covers
"There's nothing worse than a guy that whines" I said to myself as turned towards him as he just grinned and I swore at that moment I thought I could have choked him dead as he made himself more comfortable underneath the covers
"Okay, I'm all ready for your story telling" Dan said as he cuddled up to his pillow
"Once upon a time there was a boy named Daniel" I told him before he just lit up with a smile across his face
"I like that name by the way" Dan quickly commented
"Oh, I knew you would" I said sarcastically before I got back to my storytelling "He decided to take a walk one day, then he did so. He was walking and missed a sign so he fell off a cliff. The end" I told him before I quickly flipped over just as he tried to pull me back over "It was tragedy" I laughed
"You can't just kill me" Dan joined along in the laughter
"Who says the story is about you?" I turned to ask him
"Daniel?" Dan pointed out
"I wouldn't want you to fall of a cliff, something else less steep but not a cliff" I teased
"So you wouldn't want me to fall of a cliff?" Dan asked
"No, I wouldn't want you to" I replied
"Why? I mean the girl I knew in high school would have welcomed the idea" Dan said as he focused in on me as if he was expecting sincerity in this moment and I had to admit that I liked how it felt to be looked at like that. I forgot how it felt to look someone so deep in their eyes that you could see their soul.
"I like having you around" I said to oblige his wish before I quickly turned back around knowing that he was probably loving the fact that I enjoy his company
"See, that's all a guy wants to know" Dan said as he fluffed his pillow and did his best to get to sleep "Goodnight Waldorf" he replied
"Goodnight Humphrey" I replied before we both just drifted off to sleep
[Dan's P.O.V]
Serena had always told me about the craziness that was fashion shows, but when you see it for yourself then you understand it completely. It took a while for us to find the show but once we got there, Blair made her way backstage to talk with the designer while I just tried to blend in with the crowd which was kind of hard to do. I could only imagine what Blaire methods might be to get Ellie, yeah I just learned about Roc on the way over and how she was a former Upper East sider, which is kind of comforting to Blair for the obvious reasons. It was clear what our mission was, but from the random texts I was getting from Blaire it seemed as if things were turning sour for her on her end. I kept walking around hoping that I could make my way backstage without it seeming creepy but regardless of how I thought about it, it still would have been creepy me being back there. Heading into the green room where most of the snacks were for the guests, I then noticed Perry Mason, Ellie's brother. Earlier that morning I had gotten up early to research Ellie Mason a bit more and I happened to come upon a link that connected Perry to her. Perry hadn't been so much of a staple in the fashion world but he had made his mark in the publishing industry. Anyone that was big on the news front or magazines knew of Perry Mason and his influence on the business, I almost felt like a fool that I hadn't learned of him sooner but I knew that talking to him might help.
"You shouldn't eat the cheese, its dated" I told him as he reached for the cheese to go with his ham
"Excuse me?" Perry asked
"Sorry, I know that sounded strange. I use to do catering, and they always use to make us hide the dated cheese in the back of the tray so people would just think its all good" I babbled but he seemed to find it charming
"So you know your foods" Perry smiled
"I do. I know my foods very well" I laughed "These are not my things, the fashion shows but the work is amazing" I commented
"The work is amazing. I know the designer personally" Perry said
"Oh, you do. I bet your closet is filled with numerous items" I said hoping that I could at least manage to carry on a decent fashion conversation. I had to turn this conversation to my favor "The editorial in New York Post was correct, I guess. I mean its nice to know that the news is covering the facts" I then said
"The New York Post does tend to slip on those facts sometimes. Are you a fan?" Perry asked
"Ever since I was a little kid, my dad would always make me read the comics so I just read them then I gradually worked my way up the latter to the editorial. I collect my favorite articles in a notebook" I told him
"Are you an aspiring writer?" Perry asked as he moved closer towards me
"You could say that" I laughed "I'm aspiring to keep my dream alive" I then said before I faked like my cell phone was vibrating due to a text message. Pulling my phone out I read my fake text and showed a look of disappointment on my face
"Something bad?" Perry asked as he looked on at me with concern
"Not for me at least, my friend is a big fan of Ellie Mason's work and she wasn't able to really talk to her" I said
"Oh, well. Your in luck, I do know Ellie personally because she is my other half, my sister" Perry smiled
"Why didn't I connect the two" I laughed to myself
"It's okay, they tend to separate us a lot since she's in fashion and I'm in entertainment" Perry said
"That would make her day if you could help her out" I said
"Look, we're having a after-after party later tonight at the Boom Boom Club, and I'd love if you two would stop by. Ellie will be there and completely out of work mode, which is the best way to get to know her" Perry said as he wrote down his number to hand to me "Call me if you have any questions or anything else" he smiled at me as he wrote those exact words down on the piece of paper
"Thanks. I will certainly see you tonight" I smiled back as I knew that this was a big feat for me and that Blair would be excited to know this before he leaned in to give me a hug
"I look forward to hearing from you" Perry said before he then walked away
[Blair's P.O.V]
I can't believe my charm didn't work on Ellie. I mean she seemed like she was enjoying my overall presentation from head to toe, but in the end I guess it just didn't work. I'm afraid to check my e-mail in fear of Epperly might think of my sudden departure, luckily I have been staying on top of my work from on the road that she will see I can still get the job done even out of the office. Finishing up my last correction on the mock-ups, I lean back in the bed only to notice that the door to the bathroom was cracked. Humphrey had wanted to surprise me by taking me out tonight, which was stupid because I had just had a crappy day, and I don't think going out will solved the end of my career. I know, I know I'm being dramatic but this is my life we're talking about. When others were choosing to be doctors and lawyers, I was choosing to be a powerful woman. Humphrey teased me about it but I do want that, I want to have an Oprah type of power that when you hear my name you know it sounds powerful. I can't achieve that with me being stuck at assistant to the junior editor or whatever my job is…I have to have something in my life that shows I'm making progress towards the ultimate goal. As I continue on with this rant in my head I can't help but notice a crack in the door to the bathroom. I don't think much of it but that's only until I see Humphrey step out of the shower. Now I've seen him naked plenty of times but I don't think I ever got the full on effect of him being naked, it was like kissing then naked without really realizing it, but I can't help but stare at this moment. I'm doing my best to turn away but I just can't because who'd ever think Humphrey would be packing a six pack like that, and when did he get a tattoo…I've never noticed any of that and I've been naked with him on numerous occasions. The more I'm drawn in the more I lose sight of the fact that I'm too close to falling off the bed, as he comes out I try to lay back on the bed but my hand goes forward causing me to fall to the floor. Quickly rushing to my side, he kneels down to tend to me but I can't believe I was that clumsy.
"Are you all right?" Dan asks me as I fix myself up that way I don't look too much like a hot mess
"Yeah, yeah. I'm good" I replied as I get up from the floor to take a seat on the bed "Where exactly are we going again?" I then asked wanting to change the conversation
"Oh, only to a place I know you'll want to be" Dan said as he went back into the bathroom to slip into his boxers. Its actually kind of nice that he still honors my privacy that he just doesn't let himself hang out in front of me, I mean from what I've seen his well taken care of in that region which explains so much about our sexual encounters, but he earns points for being considerate
"I think the only place I want to be is in this hotel room, hoping that you'll call this trip what it is….a failure. We should just go home tomorrow" I sighed as I tossed my magazine onto the nightstand as he puts his shirt on while walking out to join me on the bed
"You give up too easily" Dan smiled at me
"I appreciate the spontaneous trip, but I prefer to wallow at home. I've all ready texted Darota to stock the fridge with ice cream and butterfingers" I told him as he just laughed at me "I'm glad my failures are cause for hilarity to ensue" I said kicking him on his side
"Ouch!" Dan declares in between laughter "You'll really want to go tonight, believe me" he said
"Why do you want me to go? Are you planning to pick up another brunette and bring her back to the room?" I asked
"No" Dan replied as he hit me with a pillow that I was successfully able to block due to my quick reflexes "Because we were invited by Perry Mason. And do you know who Perry Mason is?" he then asked as my heart quickly began to flutter with joy before I pulled him into a hug
"You didn't!" I exclaimed happily "How?" I then asked
"Well we started talking in the green room, and he really took to me. So he just invited me to the after after party and said he looks forward to seeing me. Then he gave me a hug, which was kind of weird but it must be the thing to do in the industry" Dan explained to me before I just sat back and looked at him quizzically
"He invited you? After this small talk…that centered on what?" I asked him
"It started off on cheese then we talked about the New York Post actually printing the facts for the show…why?" Dan said before he asked me as he handed the piece of paper to me
"Oh, wow" I said as I put my hand over my mouth trying to hold back the laughter while he just smiled like an idiot
"What's so funny? I mean this is great news right? You could talk to Ellie because she'll be there…he says she's more prone to listen when she doesn't have work on the brain" Dan told me
"Now I really don't think I should go" I replied as I was able to stifle my laughter for a bit but seeing that facial expression he had on his face just made the laughter flare up again
"What's so funny?" Dan asked me again
"You clearly don't read the gossip mags or watch TMZ" I said
"That stuff is garbage and never true, why? Why do I have to read or watch TMZ to know why your laughing?" Dan replied
"Because Perry is probably a little more interested in you than you think" I told him as he just looked at me with confusion "Perry is gay" I said before I fell back with laughter. It felt like hours of laughter had come upon me while Dan just sat frozen "Call me if you have any questions or anything else…then a hug. C'mon Humphrey you can't be that clueless" I said
"How was I suppose to know?" Dan asked before he got up from the bed
"Because what guy just comes outright and hugs you without even knowing you. The message he wrote for you, that in itself is a sign" I told him "Perry has dated some of the hottest models, you should consider yourself flattered" I then teased
"I'm not going" Dan quickly replied before I nearly jumped out of bed
"Oh, no! your going" I said as I cornered him "Perry is expecting you and you will go" I said trying to sound less threatening
"He thinks I'm gay!" Dan yelled "I don't want to lead the guy or get caught up in a situation where I come across like a groupie. The guy is nice and doesn't deserve that" he said
"That's touching, but your still going. No one said you had to pretend to be gay, you just have to show up and be nice so I can get my time with Ellie" I said
"This isn't some scheme" Dan replied
"No, its not a scheme. I beyond the childish games, but I do want to feel like I'm making some sort of progress. If you sucking it up and being gay is the way to me fulfilling that wish than you'll just have to be sacrificed" I said realizing it sounded horrible but I just couldn't help how I felt at this moment "Look, for once I want something to go according to plan. I've had the so called love story only to have that ruined by lust turned into feelings for a guy I loathed when I was younger. I never planned for him, and certainly didn't plan to have my heart broken. I didn't plan to go to NYU, but it's the card that was dealt. For once, I want something that is planned" I said hoping he'd understand
"Fine. But if things get out of control then I'm telling him the truth" Dan agreed reluctantly as I began to jump up and down excitedly
"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you" I declared before I rushed off to get dressed to impress
[Dan's P.O.V]
She was in her world now, a world in which was filled with people who had bank accounts that were limitless and could dance the night away just because they could with not having a care in the world. As you can see I'm clearly staring off into the crowd of people that just sway along with the music, while I'm hoping that Perry doesn't expect me to reciprocate any feelings back to him. Okay, maybe I'm over reacting to the whole gay thing…I mean I believe that just because someone is gay doesn't mean they're attracted to everyone and anyone. Actually some part of me is kind of flattered that if he were interested in me that I made the list seeing as he's been linked to some of the quote on quote hot people. I mean I'm average…I work out a bit, not a lot, well only a couple of times with Nate but then I just goof that up by eating a burger right after so that kind of messes up everything. No, Perry is cool and he's a actually nothing like I expected after reading all that crap about him on the internet. Blair and Ellie have pretty much gone off with all the other big wigs in the industry to discuss business I guess, but when I see her and Ellie come back a part of me smiles. Not because I'm relieved to be pulled out this awkwardness but because its Blair, yeah, I'm still reeling with how I feel or don't feel but right now I'm more than comfortable feeling.
"There you two are?" Ellie smiled as she sat on Perry's lap
"Here we are" Perry smiled "So has Blair won you over?" he asked as he looked on at Blair and I
"She's raised a lot of interesting things. I like her though" Ellie smiled
"That's a good thing, by the way" Perry tells us
"I hope so" I smiled
"I don't believe I've learned your name quite yet" Ellie says
"I'm Dan" I replied
"You sound so plain, but you seem so mysterious" Ellie smiled at me as I began to wonder if she was drunk
"And she has reached the limit for tonight" Perry said "Have you decided what your going to do?" he then asks Elli hoping that she could remember some what of what she discussed tonight "She usually is able to give concrete information in this statement, its usually when she starts sing Britney Spears when you can't trust anything she says" he tells us
"I have a great idea!" Ellie smiled "We should do an art print" she declares happily
"What's an art print?" Blair asked
"Tonto just opened his art gallery and it's gotten amazing reviews. You know I've always said I wish my clothes were on his art, well now they could be" Ellie laughed
"That does sound good" Perry replies
"Tonto? As it in the Indian from Lone Ranger?" I then asked a little confused as the music was clearly getting to me
"Tonto as in the artist. I've been trying to get tickets to his gallery for the longest" Blair said as if she had died and gone to heaven
"That's because he thinks people should travel to see good art, and where you travel is to him" Perry replied as Ellie's weight was starting to get to him
"Travel? How far?" Blair asked "And when?" she then asked
"Tomorrow. We see him tomorrow for a private screening of the gallery, and we'll just do it then…of course we'll have to owe him big time, but this is fashion we're talking about" Ellie said laughing hysterically
"You heard her, tomorrow" Perry said as he got up from his seat to help Ellie up "I'll text the address, but we'll be there for nine so be ready for a long day" he said
"Thanks" I replied
"Talk to you later Plain Dan" Ellie replied "Bye Blair" she then said
"Goodnight you two" Perry said before he lead his sister through the crowd of people before Blaire quickly wrapped me up in a hug
"Can you believe it? We actually accomplished the task" Blair said as I just held her close to me "This feels so amazing. I mean this is real, this is really happening" she said excitedly as I didn't know how to react to her words as it caught me off guard
"It could be" I replied
"I know, and it all started with you. I mean without you forcing me into it, this never would have happened. I wouldn't be feeling like everything will finally going right in my life" Blaire said as she rested the side of her face up against mine just as a slow song came on in the club
"I don't think I forced you into it…it took convincing, and crappy relationships to get to it but there was no pressure" I told her "But I'm glad your realizing it, I mean I kind of realized it but hearing you say it makes me feel relieved" I said just as she pulled back to look at me
"Wait, are we talking about the same thing? What did you realize?" Blair asked me
"What? I thought you were talking about…you were talking about…" I said trying to find the words
"You were talking about us" Blair replied as she just looked me dead in the eyes
"No, I was talking about you and what you realized…you realizing makes me realize so we're both realizing" I said beginning to babble
"Humphrey" Blaire said snapping me out of my babble
"I was talking about us" I then revealed "Look, it was dumb and I know the rules. I'm sorry, tonight is your moment and what you've accomplished" I said as Blair just looked at me as if she were trying to figure me out
"What did you realize? About us?" Blair asked
"Nothing, I just realized that we accomplished your dream" I smiled at her and for a moment she just looked from one eye to the next as if she were trying to talk herself up and before I knew it she leans in to kiss me. Our kisses had usually been animalistic and to the point of us hooking up, but this one felt different than all the rest. I felt her, I could feel her coming through to me as she tenderly kissed me. For the first time it felt like we were genuinely kissing each other as opposed to kissing to hook up. Standing in a club in Buffalo, in which the DJ was now playing Pitbull, we shared our first real kiss.