Blair stood before the full-length mirror, delicately tracing the tulle fabric of the black dress that enveloped her. The strapless dress, with open back and sweetheart neckline, elegantly accentuated her upper body. It hugged her with a beautifully decorated bodice before flowing into a wide skirt that cascaded down to her knees. The dress evoked the sensation of a princess on the verge of a fairy-tale night, brimming with promise.
However, the room was charged with both apprehension and excitement. Beyond the thrill of Nate's impending surprise and the vital need to bridge the gap that had been widening between them, Blair keenly felt how quickly every fairy-tale could crumble to dust. What could he be planning? Over the years, Nate Archibald had not been known for his thoughtfulness. Their relationship had largely sailed on autopilot, conforming to expectations without much deviation. Blair hadn't questioned that—not even once. It had been easy, obvious, borderline boring, yet perfect.
Until it wasn't.
Perhaps tonight was what they wanted, what they needed.
Determination, dormant for some time, surged within her as she gazed into her own eyes reflected in the mirror. She was prepared. Nerves fluttered in her stomach, the good kind–she reassured herself.
Blair reached for her diamond necklace on the vanity and carefully secured the clasp, allowing the gems to grace her collarbone. With one final touch of lip gloss, she took a deep breath and stepped away from the mirror.
Through the half-opened door, Serena's voice drifted in, "Omg, B! You look absolutely amazing!"
Serena entered the room with a confidence that would surely break a few necks later that night. Draped in a flowing, lightweight maxi dress that extended in shades of azure blue and white, she exuded a captivating charm. The dress was artfully cinched at her waist, emphasizing her silhouette with a subtle belt. Her blonde hair tumbled in soft, luxurious waves over her shoulders, completing the picture. Effortlessly radiant Serena.
Her infectious smile warmed the room, and Blair couldn't resist responding, "Don't exaggerate, S. Look at yourself. No one can compete with you."
"Thank God we don't have to because you would definitely win. Truly, you look beautiful."
Blair's lips softened into a smile, touched by her friend's infinite attempt to lift her spirits.
"Nate's going to be speechless," Serena insisted, noticing her lack of confidence.
"You really think so?"
"I know so."
"He may have mentioned a surprise," Blair admitted in a hushed voice. "I believe tonight is the night."
Serena's excitement bubbled over, and she immediately bounced on her feet.
"You've been waiting for this all year. This is it."
"I really hope you're right, Serena."
"Trust me, B. We've both seen Nate plan surprises before, and when he goes all out, it's unforgettable."
What.
When had Nate–Nate Archibald, Blair's boyfriend–ever planned an unforgettable surprise? For the second time that day, she tried to count the instances Nate had surprised her–and the tally wasn't impressive. What was Serena talking about? When had he truly gone out of his way to plan something special? Perhaps Serena knew something about tonight that she didn't. Yes, that had to be it.
Blair's smile wavered slightly, but she maintained her bubbly façade for her best friend. "I guess you're right. He definitely knows how to surprise someone."
"You'll see. So, are you ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
With a supportive smile, Serena nodded. "Then let's make tonight unforgettable."
The two friends shared a brief, meaningful look before heading out, ready to embrace the surprises the evening had in store.
The party pulsed with life, fueled by flowing alcohol and blaring music. The offspring of the most esteemed families of the Upper East Side graced the event with their presence, and in the center of it all reigned Blair Waldorf herself. Most of them were just faces in the crowd, her minions rather than her real friends. Yet, in the midst of it all, there were a select few who held a place in Blair's heart.
Serena's voice cut through the noise as she engaged in conversation with Dan, or rather, argued with him. Humphrey had actually joined them and, after a promising start between the homeless boy and her best friend, things had regressed back to the status quo. Serena stood rigid, seemingly listening to whatever Dan was chastising her about. Maybe he was fuming over the chandeliers being two dollars above his taste. She could never tell.
On the opposite side, Chuck stood, flanked by a group of classmates. He gripped a glass of scotch, while Georgina Sparks adorned his arm. Leaning against Chuck's side, the woman whispered heaven-knows-what into his ear. Chuck softly laughed, and Blair's muscles tensed. Meanwhile, Nate was nowhere to be found. They had been inseparable at the start of the evening, but he had mysteriously disappeared after Dan's arrival.
"Earth to Blair?" Penelope said.
"Pardon me?"
"Are you even listening to us?"
"Perhaps try saying something interesting for a change, Penelope."
"Wasn't Nate supposed to surprise you tonight?" Isabel interjected.
"Go away. Fetch me some champagne," ordered Blair.
Where the hell had her boyfriend disappeared to? Earlier that evening, Nate had been nothing short of wonderful. His initial astonishment at her attire and appearance, along with his kind words and compliments still filled her with satisfaction. It was crystal clear that he was meticulously putting the finishing touches on her surprise. That had to be it. The signs were unmistakable. However, the time had come. The need to uncover her boyfriend's whereabouts forced her to act.
"Excuse me," Blair demanded, pushing through the crowd. "Ugh! Excuse me! Watch where you're going!" she continued until she stood right in front of Chuck. And Georgina.
That woman. Who had extended an invitation to her? She wasn't even elite, let alone deserving of a spot there.
The group turned their attention towards her.
"If you could excuse us, gentlemen." Chuck motioned for the others to leave them alone. And when Chuck Bass issued an order, everyone followed.
"You too, Georgina," Blair asserted. "Fuck off."
"Language, princess. They're hardly about to grant you passage to the kingdom."
"I won't repeat myself."
"Too bad. I'm not going anywhere."
Their stares locked in an intense showdown, daring each other to back down.
"Georgie, do as you're told," Chuck's voice retained its commanding yet composed tone.
"Georgie?" Blair scoffed, her teeth clenched.
Georgina's grip tightened as she pressed herself even closer to Chuck's side. To Blair's satisfaction, Chuck tried to create some distance between them. To her dismay, he didn't persist further in trying to convince her to leave.
"What do you want, Blair?" Chuck inquired, "Is Nathaniel a disappointment already?"
"Where is he?"
"Maybe you should know that since, you know, he's your boyfriend."
"Next time, put a leash on your dog. That way he won't stray when there's no food on the table," Georgina chimed in, a sly smile dancing on her lips. The implications weren't lost on Blair, a bitter taste rising in her throat. It was a low blow, and Georgina knew it, but Blair was determined not to let her claim victory.
Blair's lips curled up. "Ah, Georgina, dispensing canine advice now? How very fitting for someone who's always been more bark than bite. But don't worry, I'm sure there's a chew toy somewhere that can keep you occupied."
"I'm sure I have everything I need right here," Georgina retorted, her tone dripping with suggestion.
"Chasing everyone else's leftovers over and over again won't fill your own plate."
"At least I know how to get someone to beg for more."
"Oh, please," Blair rolled her eyes dramatically. She wasn't backing down. "The only thing people beg of you is for a moment's peace."
Chuck, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes, intervened, disentangling himself from Georgina. "Go away. We'll talk later."
"Talk? Oh, I can come up with a lot more than just talk, darling."
With a final challenging look cast at Blair, Georgina excused herself, her departure rife with underlying tension. Who did she think she was?
Chuck turned towards Blair. "Never a dull moment with you two."
"You're welcome," Blair paused, as if considering her words. "I still can't fathom how you manage to tolerate her."
"Fortunately, I don't have to."
"You're disgusting, and your lack of taste is truly astonishing."
"Is that so?"
Blair's fingers tightened, her nails digging into her palms. Each of Chuck's innuendos felt like a prick against her skin, an itch she couldn't scratch. What exactly was bothering her? The answer remained elusive, but the mere thought of Georgina Sparks unsettled her, especially when intertwined with Chuck.
"Bass, spill it. Where is Nate?"
"Thought he was supposed to be under your watchful eye tonight. Both of you enjoying that highly anticipated surprise you can't seem to shut up about."
"And yet, here I am with you, not with him," Blair shot back.
"There are definitely worse ways to meet one's end, Waldorf."
"Worse than with you? I doubt it."
"You wound me," he feigned hurt, then resumed, "Did the grand plan fall flat already?"
"It hasn't even started yet."
"What do you want me to say?"
"I saw you two whispering at the beginning of the night. You're hiding something. So, tell me. What is it?" Blair persisted, her determination unwavering.
Chuck's gaze grew more intense. "Poking around for secrets can lead down treacherous paths," he cautioned.
Before Blair could inquire further, Nate's unexpected arrival diverted their conversation.
"Look." Chuck signaled in Nate's direction. "There's Prince Charming."
Blair turned and followed Chuck's line of sight. Across the room, Nate's eyes were frantically sweeping through the crowd. Straightening herself, she awaited that anticipated moment when their gazes would meet. Yet, they never did. It became increasingly clear that Nate was looking for someone other than her. Blair felt her body tense. Nate stumbled slightly, his movements unsteady and his usual poise somewhat adrift.
"Is he…?" She murmured to Chuck, her hope resting on his ability to read her mind, as he always did. Chuck gently laid his hand on her forearm, and she brushed aside the tingling sensation that seemed to be radiating outward. "He can't be."
"He can't be this stupid." Chuck said, not meaning for her to hear.
"Why is he drunk, Chuck?" Her voice wavered, a hint of tremor threatening to betray her composure. "He was supposed to…"
As if in response, her fingers twitched, a subtle quiver that she tried to conceal. The unexpected turn of events left Blair seeking Chuck's reassurance and prompted her to lean into him, drawing on some of his strength. "What is he doing?"
"Let's go."
Chuck released her, and she immediately missed the contact. Presenting a brave face and regal posture, she approached Nate.
"Where the fuck are you going?" Chuck reached him first, placing a hand on Nate's chest to halt his movements.
Nate's hesitant attempt to reach his new destination made Blair freeze for a moment. Was Nate trying to get to Serena? No, that couldn't be right. This couldn't actually be happening. At the other side of the room, Serena remained deeply engrossed in her argument with Dan. Now, Serena was the one doing the talking, and it was clear that Dan wasn't pleased. But then again, that wasn't exactly anything new.
"I need to talk to–" Nate tried.
"Blair." Chuck interjected dryly, preventing Nate from finishing the sentence. "And give her the fucking surprise." His tone held a tinge of urgency and exasperation.
Why was Chuck trying harder than Nate? Especially since he had almost taunted her about it minutes earlier.
"What surprise?" Her boyfriend asked, seemingly clueless, and Blair's face fell. The urge to run surged within her. Watching as Chuck tried to lead Nate away to a more private location, she couldn't help but listen.
"The surprise. You know, the one you've been preparing for days. Come on, man." Chuck's voice dropped lower. "The deck. And the champagne."
"Shit." Nate appeared to sober up at that very moment.
So, her boyfriend had forgotten the elaborate and unforgettable surprise he had meticulously planned for days. All day, she had excitedly raved about it, only for him to completely blank on it after just over an hour. Fantastic. Chuck looked at her again, and the weight of his gaze became unbearable.
"Get lost, Bass. You've done enough," she said, devoid of gratitude. Blair Waldorf loathed nothing more than exposing her vulnerabilities. It made her feel defenseless, weak–an emotion she couldn't endure any longer.
Chuck would undoubtedly approach Georgina and laugh about how foolish and fragile she was. How broken. Poor Blair Waldorf. Gushing about a boyfriend who wasn't even truly hers. Georgina was right.
"All yours."
"So, what is this all about, Nate?" she inquired once Chuck was gone, her feet stepping lightly, arms now crossed over her chest.
"Come on. I need to show you."
"I'm not going anywhere with you until you tell me what you have been doing and why you are drunk," she asserted herself.
"I was just planning the surprise, and I might have gotten carried away. I'm sorry." His words were slightly slurred.
"I don't believe you."
"What would you like me to say, Blair? Because I'll say it."
"The truth." Poking around for secrets can lead down treacherous paths. She didn't care. She wanted answers.
"That's the truth, Blair," he lied, "Just let me show you what I planned."
The worst thing was his presumption that he could win her over with gifts, surprises and kind words. She was tired of it all. Frustration caused her to place a hand over her face.
"Blair, please."
Yet, this was Nate. Her boyfriend since age six. He was her person, wasn't he? She almost laughed. It couldn't be farther from the truth, but what choice did she have? She wanted to cry. But there was no way she would do that, not in a million years, especially not in front of all these people who only wanted to see her fall.
Georgina stood by Chuck's side once again, her gaze directed towards Blair. She couldn't even wait a minute before attaching herself like a tick.
What choice did she truly have? None. Her path only guided her one way.
"Okay," Blair resigned herself, "Show me."
She forced herself to smile, suppressing the queasiness in her stomach and ignoring the disorienting swirl of her thoughts. She had to be happy. She had to.
Nate's surprise presented itself as a deceptive corner of intimacy, contrasting with the Hamptons' opulence. She followed him to the far away deck at the back of the house, away from the chatter and laughter of the people. Her heart broke at the sight. It was a tranquil oasis beneath the starlit sky, where the gentle lapping of the waves provided a soothing backdrop. The spot they had frequented as children. A place where simplicity had reigned; they had talked, laughed, and counted stars together. A time when they had been one. When had the seams of their relationship started to fray, leaving behind two fractured souls? How could they take the next step when their connection had eroded into something unrecognizable?
In stark contrast to her internal tumult, a small table adorned with tasteful elegance awaited them. Candles danced in the soft breeze, casting warm, flickering light that played on their faces. Beside them laid her treasured macarons and a chilled bottle of champagne, a testament of how well Nate knew her. So, why did she feel so hollow when she should be overflowing with love?
Nate started to rattle off like he was reciting a love letter.
Wasn't this what she yearned for? Her boyfriend showing her he cared, affirming his commitment to making things right. To fight for them.
Why couldn't she see anything other than complete indifference in those blue eyes of his?
Nate continued to ramble incessantly, affording her no reprieve. Now, his constant apologies felt coerced, insincere, a shallow charade on a pretty face. How cruel life could be–on top of the world one moment and plummeting into the abyss the next. The table and the candles incited tears, and she didn't even want to think about the food.
And then, the minute he placed that precious necklace in her hands, an urgent need to flee coursed through her veins. It was too much. Every nerve in her body screamed for escape. It sparkled like a hidden treasure, its beauty echoing the sentiment behind the gesture. A reminder of Nate's unwavering affection. Except it wasn't. Not at all.
Nate begged her to stop running. However, for the first time in her life, she didn't listen.
Entering the kitchen, two partygoers passionately making out on the counter caught Blair off guard. Their identities were a struggle to discern as she fervently prayed to every god, despite her atheism, that it wasn't Chuck and Georgina. That scenario on an empty stomach after what happened with Nate became too much to bear; one encounter with that devilish woman had been more than enough. What on earth did Chuck see in her? Her mind spun, and her vision blurred, even without a drop of alcohol. She steadied herself against the doorframe.
The girl was blonde, thank God. A breath she didn't know she'd been holding escaped her. Nonetheless, her plan now seemed unfeasible. The idea of approaching the fridge, retrieving whatever lay inside, and consuming it amidst the backdrop of fervent moans and sucking sounds was completely off the table. Nor did she wish to risk the chance of those two or anyone else noticing her. Oblivious to her presence, the couple remained engrossed in their activities.
There were a couple of unopened champagne bottles amidst the plethora of alcoholic beverages Chuck had chosen to grace the occasion with. Bottles like the one Nate had carefully chosen for her surprise. Her favorite. Without hesitation, she swiftly snatched one of the bottles and bolted out like a bat out of hell.
Blair found herself seated in her cherished, secluded corner of the beach. Although, in essence, it was their corner. Throughout the years, this hidden haven had become a sanctuary for her. Nestled at the far right end of the beach, accessible through a path scattered with rocks, it offered a sense of seclusion. Though the distant echoes of the ongoing party still reverberated, she made an effort to muffle the noise and immerse herself in the rhythmic embrace of the waves.
The bottle of champagne rested nonchalantly by her heels, and she took yet another sip directly from it, eliciting a sigh as a subtle dizziness began to envelop her. Her dress lay crumpled beneath her, her eyes puffy, and her hair a mess. How classy. As the pitch-black waves broke over the shore in a ghostly white, the turmoil in her mind seemed to gradually subside. A third sip. Wasn't that what she wanted? To forget.
If only he were there. Above all else, she yearned for his presence, his appearance at the faintest hint of her distress, much like he had done countless times before. Because as much as this place was hers, it was equally his, if not more so. No one else knew about it, apart from Chuck. Their beacon of solace. The very first time she had chased him there, he had been a mere eight-year-old. Almost a decade ago, as she neared her room, the sound of Bart's furious reprimands and mutterings about a ruined suit reached her ears. And then, the unmistakable sound–a sharp, resonant impact followed by silence. Chuck had fled the scene in haste, inadvertently colliding with her during his escape, and she had instinctively followed. When they reached this corner of heaven, he screamed and tried to get her to leave; this was his spot, his exclusive domain. But she stood her ground. She did so ten more times that very same summer. Now, it was theirs, no one else's.
But Chuck was occupied with the pest that was Georgina Sparks. Blair tightened her grip on the bottle's neck.
"Waldorf."
Author's Note:
Thank you so much for all the lovely support on the previous chapter and this fic. You absolutely blew me away! I hope you enjoyed this as well.