Chapter Nineteen- It Happened One Night
[Blair's P.O.V.]
Let me define what the word regular is or at least in my terms. Regular is something of the usual, regular is something seen as common. I was living a life of regularity. You see, my regular at the current moment was a big tub of rocky road ice cream and Breakfast at Tiffany's while I go through the six pack of tissue boxes Darota just bought, that was my regular of the evening. Humphrey had stopped by earlier and we had a huge fight, and I think this time I made it pretty clear that we were over due to my sudden desire to want Chuck back. Basically I lied my ass of so I could oblige his father's wish of me not being a distraction for him. I can't say that I completely lied because I wasn't quite sure how I felt about Chuck, he was being nice as of late even though his version of nice is being creepy but then again that's Chuck. Well, I've covered the regular of the moment so I feel I should cover what isn't regular and it starts when I get a call from Ryan. At first when I answered I thought he was drunk off his ass but he sounded all scared, and for Ryan to call me when he's scared is something big. When he had told me what Humphrey had done, that's when it wasn't regular anymore. The whole time I had rushed over to the hospital, I just couldn't help but feel like this was my fault. I drove him to do this to himself and now if anything were to happen to him was all I kept thinking on the drive over. By the time I had arrived, I quickly saw Ryan sitting out in the hallway and I wasted no time in trying to get information.
"What happened?" I asked nervously as Ryan rose to his feet to greet me
"I found him passed out in the bathroom. We were supposed to get drunk tonight and apparently he beat me to it" Ryan replied
"Because that's always the best thing to do" I replied sarcastically "What have the doctors said?" I then asked
"They haven't told me anything yet, but he was out of it on the drive over" Ryan said
"You didn't call the ambulance?" I asked wondering how dumb Ryan could be
"Ambulances charge and I'm pretty sure Dan doesn't want to get stuck with a big ass bill" Ryan replied
"Yeah, that's if he's still alive" I replied sarcastically "I take that back seeing as we know nothing yet, and you…you just don't know anything period" I said as I took a seat
"I tried calling his dad but I kept getting his voicemail" Ryan told me
"That's because Lilly is getting released today. They must still be down at the courthouse" I concluded "Have you called anyone else?" I then asked wondering if Serena had made the cut on his to call list
"I just called you. You were first on his calling circle, which is weird because I thought I should be seeing as we've hung out more than you two ever have" Ryan said
"Could you focus on the matter at hand?" I snapped at him as I ran my hand through my hair feeling like I was becoming a nervous wreck just before the doctor had made his way out
"Are you here for Daniel Humphrey?" The doctor asked us
"Yes, we're his family" I lied knowing that doctors had this whole thing about family members only "How is he?" I asked
"He's doing good, he's resting. We had to pump his stomach, but he should make a full recovery" The doctor told us "Your friend was lucky, drinking women's shampoo isn't common but it could have killed him" he said as I couldn't help but notice the choice words he used
"I'm sorry, did you say shampoo? He tried to kill himself by drinking shampoo?" I asked just to get clarification
"Yes" The doctor replied
"I know he's probably resting, but do you think I could have a moment with him?" I asked in my most polite voice
"You can go in, he's in the room on the right. Don't stay too long, he needs his rest" The doctor said before I just booked it past the double doors to go see Humphrey.
When I had made it to his room, he was laying peacefully in his bed so sound asleep that it might have made me think twice about ringing his neck, but it didn't have that effect quite yet. Closing the door behind me, I slowly walked over to his bed side and maybe just a little twinge of sympathy went out to him, but it was just a twinge. For a moment I just looked at him, realizing that I was liking the image of him. He had always been this content sleeper like he had no care in the world, while I….I slept like I had thoughts running throughout my mind all throughout the night. I remembered mornings where I use to fake being asleep just so I could be as content as he was in the moment while being in his arms. There was something about him that calmed me, that made me see nothing was really as bad as it seemed in my mind.
"For someone who's so smart, your pretty stupid Humphrey. I mean really! Who tries to kill themselves with shampoo…if you were trying to go for that whole Romeo and Juliet vibe, at least use the real thing not Herbal Essence for crying out loud…a bottle that I now have to re-order because you felt all suicidal, you know I get that special shampoo that leaves the lasting shine so that I don't have to constantly….wow, I really sound shallow at this moment" I said realizing that my rant was sounding so vapid than intended. Taking a deep breath, I hesitantly reach out to grab his hand just to feel his touch, just to feel the warmth of his hand as I just look on at him "You were wrong tonight, I do let you speak…which is not the point, but I do. I actually like when you talk or attempt to talk because I know at least forty percent of the time your right…and I kind of like being challenged. So I just wanted to get that cleared up because it was important to me that you know that even though your asleep" I told him as the words I wanted to say just kept aching to come out and I don't know if I could hold them back any longer like I had intended to do so "Why would you want to die? I mean really, you have a people who love you and need you…so why die? That's pretty selfish of you if you ask me. Look, I'm not good with the whole heartfelt words because usually when I've said them they had the whole opposite effect thing going on and I'm really scared that this will turn for the worse while your laying in a hospital bed" I said as I just looked on at all the machinery that he was hooked up to "So just to be on the safe side, I'm going to grab this remote control so if you…you know, die…then I'll have proof that my hands were on the remote" I said thinking that was the best route to go because me talking to an asleep Humphrey was all ready weird. Taking a moment I just…I just have to say it…I mean he could have killed himself and I'm trying to reserve my self respect, what's being honest going to cost me at this point I ask myself as tears stream down my eyes while I grip on tight to his hand "I need you. I know I said a lot of stuff that made you think otherwise earlier but…I only did because being with me would be a mistake. You'd probably say something really sweet right now to make me think otherwise, but it would be. I have a tendency to be annoying, and all though you say you love that about me…me being annoying can lead to paranoia that can lead to scheming that will turn into me being a bitch, so I can't unleash all this craziness on you…your too good for that" I smiled weakly at him as I leaned in closer to touch his chest to feel his heart beat "Your dad is right, I'd only be the distraction in your life that stopped you from being great…and believe this or not, I do want you to be great. So you dying on me doesn't fit in my plans so you can't change it without my attorney's present" I laughed somehow getting the sense that if he was awake he would have laughed with me "Chuck, he's not the best of guys, but its best for the both of us that I try with him. I know you'll never understand but I don't want you to…I just need you to trust me when I say that this is best for us…and I'm not talking about being blackmailed or anything, I'm doing this because its what's right" I said as I tried to choke back the tears "You deserve someone who's not a coward, someone who's strong enough and I'm not there yet…you've helped me to realize I can be but I need more time….but if you happen to meet someone who is those things, if she even happens to be…oh, God…I'm getting sick even at the thought it…. because I know you'd be that trivial to do such a thing, if it happens to be Vanessa…I will with much hidden disgust, wish you the best. Everyone deserves to be loved, right? I mean that's what you always use to tell me so I officially give you the right to be loved" I declared as I took both of my hands to cover his "Just please make sure she shops at places other than Target and Mervyn's…no one should have to wait for the holidays to get a good cocktail dress, I mean really, that's just lack of self respect" I said once again realizing that I was going off topic "Just know that I only pushed you away because I never wanted you to get hurt. I hope that you will forgive me and understand that I had to do this, but just know that I never lied about loving you" I said before I immediately got up from my seat before I got to overly emotional. Exiting the room, I walked out the double doors to see Ryan still sitting patiently
"How is he?" Ryan asked
"He's good" I replied as I tried to hide the tears "Can you do me a favor?" I then asked
"Yeah, what?" Ryan asked
"When Humphrey wakes….make sure he eats healthy because I know he'll want pizza right away, but he should probably eat light seeing as his stomach was pumped" I said
"Do you really expect me to tell him this?" Ryan asked
"Of course not, but I thought you'd attempt to be a decent friend…apparently I've lost my mind" I said realizing the mistake I had made to think highly of Ryan "Don't tell Humphrey I was here" I then said
"Why? He'll want to know" Ryan said
"I know, but for his sake he shouldn't" I told him
"I don't know why you want me to do that?" Ryan asked a still a little confused
"Ryan, please?" I said he just shook his head
"Fine. Fine. I will tell him that no one he cares about came to see him" Ryan said
"There, you have the flare for the dramatics" I said before I walked away
-One Year Later-
[Dan's P.O.V.]
Looking out the window, I'm contemplating running away. I'm thinking maybe to London again because lets face it, you can never really get enough of London. Traveling around to the different places had helped me come to the conclusion that being restricted to Brooklyn was just a cruel punishment. Of course there was some good life lessons but I was ready, I was ready to run away and I did, I ran away from all that was Brooklyn, all that was the crazy life of being in the Gossip Girl district. I hadn't been publicized as much as Chuck or Nate, so being unseen and basically off the map was a good thing for me. It was just me and the stories, that's all it needed to be and I feel more than satisfied to go back but Perry insists on my return to the Big Apple. I've officially counted down until my next departure and at this rate being back all ready has me making plans. Pulling up in front of the building, I quickly got out and grabbed my bags before I made my way up to the assigned room. I so desperately need a shower, I smell like airplane if that's even possible. Opening the door, I was a bit surprised to see Perry and Elliot all ready enjoying the place.
"There he is!" Perry said excitedly not even making an effort to get up from the sofa while Eliot just waved at me
"Hey there buddy" Eliot said as he stretched out even more so on the sofa while I just looked at them both "I love your sofa's. They're so firm and they just make me sleepy" he said as he rested his head on a pillow
"Okay, this is a weird homecoming to return to. I'm glad you guys are enjoying the place" I said as I walked over towards the kitchen to put my bags down "The set up is great Perry. I knew there was a reason why I asked you" I said as I looked in the fridge for something to drink
"Because I'm gay?" Perry asked
"No, because you have great taste in all things furniture and stuff" I replied as I eventually grabbed a bottle of water
"Basically because your gay" Eliot replied
"No, its not because of that" I said "Aren't you suppose to be at school or something? That was the terms of you coming out here" I told Eliot
"Uh, how about the fact that I graduated last year…I'm a free agent, I do as I please" Eliot replied "You make me out to be a kid" he said as I turned on the television to go over my dvr play list
"Who got a season pass of Spongebob Squarepants?" I asked as I looked at both of them
"Let me just say in my defense that a few habits are hard to break" Eliot said before I picked up a pillow and just hit him
"What are you doing messing with dvr list!" I said as I hit him "You don't mess with my play list" I then went on to say as I hit him
"Boys, will you please focus on at the business at hand" Perry said as he clapped his hand
"You've gotten very strong. All the whole buffness you've gained, and the whole tan thing…how did you get so tan" Eliot rambled as I gave him one final whack with the pillow
"Boys!" Perry said
"Yeah!" Eliot said as he dodged my final hit "Your like all crazy now, what happened to the nice Dan" he said as he got up from the sofa
"He's back in California" I quickly replied "But now that we're back to business, we can handle it and I can fly off to the next place that I'm needed" I said eagerly
"Your needed here" Perry replied
"No, I'm really not" I said "I'm needed in London, Los Angeles, any L would do" I said
"I want you to start work on the follow up to Priceless" Perry told me
"Really, that's why I had to fly back? You could have told me this on the phone" I said
"This is best delivered in person because I need you to be locked in on this. I need you to focus in and having you back will allow me to make sure that's happening" Perry said
"I was locked in while I was traveling. I do my work Perry" I said
"Just tell him the truth, he'll find out soon enough" Eliot told Perry as I began to wonder just what was going on
"Am I missing something?" I asked skeptically
"No" Perry quickly replied
"Shit's been going down" Eliot blurted out as Perry just glared at him
"Like what?" I asked still a bit confused "Perry, what's going on?" I asked again
"It's Ross" Perry sighed
"What about Ross?" I asked "I thought everything got worked out with him and that he was satisfied?" I followed up
"Well apparently Ross has this notion that he can go solo with a magazine of the same concept" Perry told me
"So then let him go. He'll leave behind his shares of the company, and Eliot and I could just buy his shares…problem solved" I said
"I love how your spending my money without my consent. Your like a new form of a gold digger" Eliot said "Would you taking my money without consent be grounds for you guys breaking child labor laws?" he then asked as I just glared at him
"There has been rumors that Ross is in partnership with an unknown corporate. He's been meeting with a few of the share holders to sway them behind my back but he can't make a move until quarter numbers are released to see if he has grounds" Perry said
"What exactly does that mean?" I asked
"Meaning, we have eight months to prove that we can bring in a substantial amount of money" Perry said "Between the book sales between Eliot and you, your our highest selling authors but that's off of what's been published in the magazine then transformed to book" he said
"Until April to be exact" Eliot said
"But if we're clearly on team Perry then Ross has no case" I stated
"I had to give up five percent due to the recent scandal, so Ross has gained more power and if he sways any of the share holders then he'll beat me out" Perry said
"What happens if Ross leaves and we stay with you?" I asked him
"If we don't show a significant amount of profit overall and he manages to sway a few of the share holders…then we'd only have about two months before we have to shut down" Perry said "This company is funded through shareholders and won't survive off of the money I put in" he then said
"I always knew Ross was of the shady king. I mean he had shady written all over him. No one post-its that much crap" Eliot said
"I really need you to be on board with this. I know you would rather be traveling and promoting but its time for you to come home. It's time to get back to work because I'm going to need your best work if you want to continue to reap the benefits" Perry said as he got up from his seat "If you want to out then I can give your royalty check and you can do as you please" he said "But as your boss and as your friend….I need your help Humphrey, I need it more than ever" he told me
"And what am I? chopped liver?" Eliot asked
[Blair's P.O.V.]
I'm barely managing to stay awake. All I keep hearing is blah, blah, blah and some more blah, blah, blah….its all just a bunch of noise at this point. Last night I stayed up late trying to write my paper because Chuck had this charity event last night that I had to go to. Frankly, the last thing I wanted was to be dragged to a function but he has this whole notion of being the presentable couple. Hearing that word kind of freaks me out because everything between us lately is so cold. I mean we're pleasant with each other but its not even close to what we were, hell I'd take the dysfunctional us because at least there was some drama but this…this was like I was on a presidential campaign and had to be the step ford wife. Speaking of step ford wives, these ladies remind me so much of them. The pearls, the stupid laughs about the dumbest things, I swear if Nicole Kidman joins us it would just be the missing piece to the puzzle. In my mind I'm literally just thinking of some more concepts for the next photo shoot seeing as I gained a little bit of a promotion but with this whole company takeover, Chuck claims to need my presence now more than ever. Oh, God…I'm so bored out of my mind right now and I've barely reached twenty minutes of conversation with these ladies.
"I think your ring is absolutely lovely" One woman said of the diamond ring I wore on my hand "Charles has exquisite taste" she then gawked
"That he does" I smiled weakly "How much longer?" I leaned over to whisper to Darota who was smiling like an idiot but I could tell she waned to leave just as much as I did
"Ms. Blair, it's barely twenty minutes. You have much longer to go" Darota whispered back before I just grimaced in agony over the boredom I was going to ensue
"So have you two set a wedding date?" One of the women asked
"No. It all just happened so recently that we want to take our time with this" I replied "We barely got around to the engagement party" I laughed
"Aw, yes. The plaza was a great choice for the party, I expect big things tomorrow night" The woman said
"Of course you do" I smiled "Well Charles has lived up to his name for throwing excellent parties, and I do throw a good one myself so you all will not be disappointed" I said
"Will Ms. Van der Woodsen be present? I know you two were close?" The woman asked
"I don't know. I haven't talked to Serena in quite some time. If she shows then I will be glad" I smiled weakly as the memory of my faded friendship made me sad "Now, I hate to skip out on lunch but I really have to get going. I have a photo shoot to get to and I don't want to be late, I really look forward to you guys coming tomorrow night" I said as I got up from my chair as did Darota
"Charles did say you had your hobbies" The woman said as I turned to see the plastered smiles on their faces
"Yes, Charles says a lot of things" I smiled but in the inside I was giving them all the so called birdie and telling them to stick it "Darota, we have to go" I said as I made a swift march to the exit while Darota tried to keep up
"Ms. Blair, you left earlier than intended. Mr. Bass will not be happy" Darota said once we were outside
"I don't care what Mr. Bass is happy about, he's not about to turn me into a step ford wife. This engagement had its terms and that was not one of them" I replied
"And what exactly did these terms entail? Was it blackmail?" Darota asked
"No, I almost wish it was. This was terms of security though" I replied
"Security?" Darota asked a bit confused
"I don't want to go into details but basically we're both too screwed up to be with anyone else so why not be together" I said "Where is the driver?" I then asked
"He's coming. I text him as I walked out" Darota said "Are you sure you should go through with this engagement if your not sure?" she asked
"I'm sure. I have to be, that down payment on the plaza says I am" I said putting my attention on trying to find the driver so I could just get out of here
"Most people are happy when they get a proposal of marriage, but you seem…you seem sad" Darota said
"Darota, if I'm sad its because I've committed myself to the step ford wives committee for an eternity or until Charles falls ill" I said
"And what if you fall ill?" Darota asked
"Trust me, he'd fall ill because I'd nag the hell out of him for making me go to this crap" I told her
"So you love him?" Darota asked
"So very much in love" I replied unable to take the sarcasm out "Finally, he's here" I said as the car pulled up and I opened the door for Darota
"What are you doing Ms. Blair?" Darota asked
"I have to go somewhere. I know, I know but I have to go somewhere" I told Darota as I knew she would remind me about dinner "I'm going to catch a cab then take care of my errand then I'll be back on time for dinner with the Archibalds" I said as I ushered her into the car
"Call me" Darota said before I closed the door and watched her drive off into the sunset. Pulling my cell phone out, I went on the internet to pull up the showtimes for the next movie at the Porter because I was definitely in the mood for It Happened One Night. The 5:45 showing.
[Dan's P.O.V.]
How is this possible? I mean just last week I was sitting on the beaches of Malibu then the week prior I was in London then the week prior to that I was in Toronto…I was all over the place and now I'm forced to remain in New York. I did entertain the thought of leaving Perry to go back to where ever my finger landed on a map but I owed it to Perry seeing as he gave me the shot that lead to me go to places. Now, I'm lounging on my sofa, which is extremely comfortable by the way, trying to find something half way decent on television. Eliot is doing his usual you tube search so he's not that much of entertainment because I'm almost sure that he's looking at something a kid his age shouldn't be looking at. Eliot was brilliant, but he felt more and more like my kid brother that I had to look out for. Along with feeling like a kid brother came the responsibility of him living with me in my new pad. This was going to be interesting I keep thinking to myself the more I see Spongebob on my play list.
"This completely sucks!" I groan
"Deal with it, we're being the tragic heroes in this situation" Eliot replied
"I don't want to be a hero, I want to write and travel…then write and travel" I said
"You will, you'll just be writing now. Writing to save your job" Eliot said
"You should have told me about all of this earlier, this could have been avoided" I told him
"How? Ross is damn control freak right now. No one saw this coming" Eliot said "Who would have known that Ross would try to do a take over" he then stated
"Yeah, well it sucks all the way around" I sighed
"Maybe this would be a good time for you to get in touch with friends and family. I mean this is where you grew up right?" Eliot asked
"I grew up in Brooklyn, not here" I said
"You get the point, here in general, New York" Eliot said "You should call Blair and se what she's up to" he suggested and just the mere mention of her name made me want to leave all over again
"Blair is out of the question" I replied as I sat up on the sofa "I prefer to wait a while, besides I might want to play the villain and make a run for it at the last moment" I said
"Well you could show me around the big city, I've lived the suburban life for so long and I must say being in the big city is inspiring a whole new side to me" Eliot said
"Get a guide to New York City" I suggested
"Oh, yes. I'm going to leave my fate in the hands of dated print" Eliot said as the mention of Blair still lingered with me and I had to do something. Grabbing the newspaper, I looked on at the show times for what was playing at The Porter "What are you doing?" he then asked
"I'm going out. I need to clear my head" I sighed
"Can I go?" Eliot asked
"I plan to get drunk, so that's a no" I replied
"I ask to get a tour and you make plans for something else. You suck as a hostess" Eliot said
"I never said I would be your hostess, I just told your mom I would look out for you. So I'm looking at you on your computer, job accomplished" I said as I put my shoes on
"Where are you going? You know, just for the sake if I happen to fall out the window or something and they ask who let you fall?" Eliot asked
"It Happened One Night, 5:45 showing" I replied as I got up from the sofa to grab a jacket
"That's not helping. I always knew my death would be cryptic" Eliot sighed
"Of course it would. Don't touch any of the beer in the fridge because I will kick your ass, here is twenty bucks to order a pizza, and don't do anything stupid" I instructed as I put money down on the kitchen counter "Smooches" I said before I left
[Blair's P.O.V.]
Clark Gable. He probably would have been hott in this day and age. I'm not feeling the mustache, but if he lost it then I'm sure he would be hot. Why can't movies now be about something like it was then?
[Dan's P.O.V]
Movies now will never be about something like it was back then because its always about the next sex bomb. I mean Claudette Colbert is pretty hot, but if you put her on the screen now…they'd be calling for her head. I have to admit I do miss the movies, I'll always miss the movies…this movie though, there is something about this movie that I love
[Blair's P.O.V.]
The slapstick comedy. It's got be the comedy that makes this such a lovable movie. In some odd ways this reminds me of myself or at least through Claudette Colbert's character. I think that's big of me to admit, but let's face it…I'm the spoiled princess down to a tee. Not many can say they relate to any of the characters in this movie.
[Dan's P.O.V.]
I would so be Clark Gable character, I mean I am him if I really stop to think about it. Smart, street smart, and stubborn. That's me. I've seen this movie too many times, I bet the average person doesn't know this movie in and out like I do. The average person or should I say lover of the classics don't know the goof this movie made
[Blair's P.O.V.]
It's so obvious that they goofed up, but yet I forget the mistake that Ellie knew Peter's name before he even told her at the train station. It's still a classic in my eyes, but the goof will be easy to spot now that I know where to find it. I'm loving Ellie, but some of the outfits I do disagree with. She's rich and she can't manage to go shopping…well she is on the run, but still. I must be the only one in here that has problems with the wardrobe.
[Dan's P.O.V.]
Peter's clothes are a little bland, I never had a problem with it until I just noticed it. Am I that bland? I begin to ask myself. The movie is almost over and although I want to sit and waste the night away watching the timeless classics. Next time I'm taking in a classic Carey Grant and Katherine Hepburn film.
[Blair's P.O.V.]
Bringing up Baby. That's the next choice, I mean I do see myself fleeing in the near future and coming here is my escape. Besides I'm in desperation for a classic Carey Grant and Katherine Hepburn film. She's no Aubrey but then again I only watch for Carey.
[Dan's P.O.V.]
She's no Aubrey but she's good to look at. Carey is just mesmerizing on screen though, I think if I were a girl I would have a crush on him. Until next time though, I have to leave before the closing credits because Eliot keeps texting me.
[Blair's P.O.V.]
I love the music they play during the closing credits, I never leave until the final name has been shown. I know, I'm a dork. Oh, I got a text from Eliot. He's coming to the party tomorrow with a plus one. I'm glad he found a date, these parties tend to get boring when your by yourself.
[Dan's P.O.V]
Getting up from my seat trying to be as discreet as possible while others in the theater look on, I swear I can smell a familiar scent in the scattered amount of people. Damn, Eliot just signed us up to go to a party. I knew I forgot something on my list of things not to do. Maybe I shouldn't be so quick to scold him though, I mean this is his first time being out the suburbs so I'm sure he wants to do something entertaining. Besides, how bad could it to go to some party. I'll think about it.
[Blair's P.O.V.]
I think I sprayed too much perfume in the cab over here because I think its traveling beyond my nose and I'm sure someone smells it. I swear some people are so rude, who leaves before the credits. Jackass!
[Dan's P.O.V]
Standing outside the door to the loft, I begin to feel like I'm conquering some demon that has yet to leave me alone. It had been a struggle to not come back, but I just couldn't. Everything about this places was once great but it had turned into a painful memory that was beginning to outweigh the good that it once possessed. Taking a deep breath, I slowly open the door to see it was just as I left it the night I left for my world wide adventure that would become my life as a semi-successful writer. Looking around I can still remember how everything use to be when I was living here from the rushed breakfasts to that fateful night with the shampoo bottle. I still feel like a dumbass when I think back to it, I mean how could I have gotten so low to do something so stupid. Hell, it was stupid in the movie and in real life. I guess the reason why I keep thinking about it was because I remember how it felt the next day to know that she didn't even come to see me. I knew she had moved on that night but still I thought I meant something to her. I just always thought she'd be there for me when I needed her most and to wake up in a hospital room knowing that you did something so stupid, and to cap it off the person you loved at the time didn't even bother to show an ounce of concern…that wasn't the greatest feeling. Walking over to the bathroom I can still remember it vividly but at the same time I try my hardest to think of something else that will make me feel like this place had a bit of good.
[Flashback]
"Oh, come on. Open the door" I yelled out as I tried to open the door but she was holding strong in her protest
"I'm not letting you in with that stupid recorder Humphrey" Blair yelled back
"How do you even know I have a recorder?" I asked
"Because I saw you fooling around with it this morning. Your hardly stealthy, word to the wise…don't ever join the army because I'm positive you'd be an instant fatality" Blair said
"I take objection to that. I've pulled off plenty of stealthy acts" I said
"Sneaking in popcorn to the movies doesn't make you stealthy, it makes you cheap" Blair replied
"Okay, whatever. I call it being economically savy" I replied
"And I call it cheap others might call it pathetic" Blair said
"Open the door, I just want to talk" I said hoping that would get me access inside
"Talk to Cedric, he's the only one who can bare to listen to you" Blair replied
"He's a doll" I quickly replied
"Hence the only one who can bare to listen to you" Blair said
"Your gonna have to sing to me some time sooner or later" I pointed out
"I choose later. I can't sing and you know that" Blair told me
"No, I think you sound great. If you weren't such a pain then you might actually be a good singer" I told her
"And now I know the keys to being a writer, delusion is highly recommended…you checked the box on that one Humphrey" Blair said as I just laughed at her wit
"What's so bad about being good at something, I'd think your ego would enjoy the compliment" I said
"My ego? I refuse to be a part of a long list of people who think they can sing" Blair replied "You can put yourself on that list but I refuse to" she said
"You'd only be singing for me. C'mon I sang for you" I said
"That was voluntarily, if I knew it'd lead to a bathroom rampage then I would have told you to shut the hell up" Blair said
"What's it going to take for you to fulfill that one wish, that's my one wish and you have to at least attempt to do it" I said
"I don't have to do anything, Susan B. Anthony will stand with me on that" Blair replied
"Okay, the whole feminist approach won't make me leave. Just sing, that's all I want…I can check it off my list under Blair Waldorf sang for me" I said
"I have one condition" Blair said after a moment of silence
"Okay, what is it?" I asked feeling a little hopeful
"You have to be naked" Blair said as I stood confused
"What does me being naked have to do with anything?" I asked confused by the request
"Your suppose to imagine the audience naked when your about to perform, you know so you won't be nervous" Blair said
"So me being naked will make you comfortable?" I asked
"That's what I said. You should really record this conversation because you apparently don't listen well" Blair said as I just rolled my eyes as I began to pull my clothes off
"Fine. I'm stripping, but your going to come out and sing" I told her
"I will sing my ass off for you" Blair declared "Are you naked yet?" she then asked
"Just about" I said before I pulled my boxers down to complete the final stage of being naked
"All right, here I come" Blair said before she quickly opened the door while I prepared the recorder because I needed to have proof of this monumental occasion. Just as I was getting ready I saw her camera phone flash go off
"No, no, no. You can't take pictures of me naked. That wasn't the agreement" I said running away from her flashes
"I changed the rules" Blair laughed as she chased me around "Aw, Humphrey…you have a birth mark on your right butt cheek" she said as she stopped to notice while that gave me the chance to run into the bedroom "Not fun being chased, is it?" she laughed
[End of Flashback]
[Blair's P.O.V .]
Looking on at the numerous amount of people that had come out to celebrate the engagement, I began to feel as if this was becoming more official than I had ever expected. I had hoped that Serena would show up but I knew that would be far fetched but a girl could dream, right? Chuck and I circulated the room talking to all the investors that his father had dealings with once upon a blue moon when he was alive. I swear if it was possible, Chuck would give his teeth just to close a deal…he sold me so why not sell his pride. He's trying to make his mark, and I'm happy for him but I just never thought by him wanting to work on us would mean constantly living like we're on a presidential campaign. Tonight I wanted to give it a try, give the whole being happy about being engaged for a week thing wear on me and I swear I feel like…I can't pin point it yet but I just feel all over the place. Darota can see it but I can't pin point it to know what exactly it is. Spotting Eliot coming in through the entrance, I begin to thank the heavens and race over to talk to him because I see the step ford wives coming in my direction. Going through the crowds of people, who I can't even say I know, my only objective is to get to a familiar face. Pushing past the final person, I begin to go up the set of stairs just over all thrilled that Eliot was in New York but the biggest thrill came to me as I saw exactly who his plus one was. My face nearly dropped into utter shock as he stood there, just taking it all in and I swear I hear my heart beating a thousand miles per minute.
"Dan" I managed to say as I move closer towards them while he just looks on and then down at my hand. I immediately begin to hide my ring because I know it's the final piece in it all
"Congrats" Dan tells me
"Dan" I said as tears welled up in my eyes
"Congratulations on the engagement" Dan struggled to say as a moment of silence came up between us as I struggled with what I should say while fighting off the shock of seeing him after a year of his disappearance.