âMoon river, wider than a mile, Iâm crossing you in style some day, oh, dream maker, you heart breaker⊠wherever youâre goinâ, Iâm goinâ your wayâŠâ
i feel like steve would be the type to do the knee between the legs while he's kissing someone but he's only ever done it with girls so the first time he does it with eddie he does it too hard and knees him in the balls
I had so much fun doing Flufftober with Goldery, so why shouldn't I try a @fluffbruary (loved their challenge too much not to try) with my second fave OTP? <3
The only difference is that I won't ever be able to post every day, I'm going to take months to do that, but I will.
There will be separated one shots, but all of them with the same cover, because I'm lazy (LOL) , but also because I love this cover pretty much, ahah:
here's the list (sometimes I chose to use the suggested pic as only prompt, for some prompts I still have to decide what to do ^^' ):
February 1 : ancient | scarf | vaseÂ
February 2 : journey | soft | worthy (or pic)
February 3 : shiver | defiant | quiet
February 4 : tranquil | imperfect | bouquet (or pic)
February 5 : glance | chocolate | jumbledÂ
February 6 : tea | dizzy | observation (or pic)
February 7 : door | sly | stay
February 8 : furtive | thunderstorm | whimsy (or pic)Â
February 9 : leather | luxuriate | basketÂ
February 10 : listen | sail | bird (or pic)Â
February 11 : persuade | hushed | cookÂ
February 12 : quaint | trees | festive (or pic)
February 13 : wander | cobweb | listÂ
February 14 : wild | initiate | magnify (or pic)Â
February 15 : indulgence | measure | nestÂ
February 16 : song | rock | oranges (or pic)Â
February 17 : auspicious | curves | savoryÂ
February 18 : courage | flavor | scrawl (or pic)Â
February 19 : dazzling | throat | stropÂ
February 20 : encourage | apples | tangy (or pic)Â
February 21 : illuminate | spray | wistfulÂ
February 22 : sound | sparkling | wry (or pic)Â
February 23 : worried | snowfall | noiseÂ
February 24 : massage | pasture | guide (or pic)Â
February 25 : berry | dust | skirtÂ
February 26 : cautious | sincere | somber (or pic)Â
The source of inspiration I didn't know I needed. <3
They're so beautiful.
They make me laugh.
They make me cry.
They make awwwwww. <3
And then they make me want to throw stuff at the TV screen.
Actually nope, I just feel the need to 'virtually' strangle the authors.
But that's why we have fanfics.
Setting: right after episode 4x19 âPetty in Pinkâ just with a âlittleâ alternate ending: Louis believes Serenaâs words and leaves before Blair can reach him. (in case you didnât notice, I love Chuck but I donât like Louis at all, LOL)
Pairing: Dair
Written for the â25 days of Christmasâ challenge, tile 21 with the prompts: fortune teller, England, addiction, thatâs just rumors, stage, read it!Â
Disclaimer: I don't own anything but my crazy ideas, everything belongs to the amazing Cecily Von Ziegesar and the TV authors
Plus, thereâs a beautiful Italian song by Subsonica that I used (translated and Iâll reveal the title at the end in the notes) because it was just too Dair not to do that.
Lyrics are written in italic bold.
Summary: Blair was convinced that someone had hexed her. She knew what to do about it, but she also knew she didnât want to do that alone. Or you can also read it as: Blair and Dan on a trip through London.
Summary of the chapter: Blair finds out what (who) her future has in store for her.
III: Shut up
Dan opened his eyes, realizing that maybe it was still too soon, probably around dawn.
But he also noticed that during the night they had moved a little.Â
Now Blair was sleeping on his chest and his arm lazily wrapped her hip.
Not only didn't she seem to mind, but her hand was fisting the edge of his T-shirt that she had lifted up, her other hand resting on the skin of the bare part of his waist.
Dan could have grown really accustomed to that.
He smiled, softened, and he went back to sleep.
More or less an hour later, Blair stirred and her eyes popped open.
She immediately realized where she was.
More specifically, on whom.
She thought his shoulder was comfortable, but his chest...
-It's better than a goose down pillow, not to mention how relaxing his heartbeat is. Of course, he can't see me like this!-
However, they were so tangled that inevitably her moving abruptly away from him woke Dan up as well.
"'Morning..." He sat up on the bed, stretching a little, as she opened the window.Â
"Oh, good, you woke me up ten minutes before my alarm clock." He said, checking his phone.
"Why did you put an alarm clock on, Humphrey? Do we have some plans?" She asked, doubtful.
"Of course we do, Waldorf. There's a place I want to take you to, but we must be there in one hour, let's get ready." He urged her. "But you won't get to hear the direction I'll give to the chauffeur, it's a surprise."
Â
â-------------------Â
Only when they got out of the car, Blair figured out where they were.
âBut⊠Dan! Itâs the Sky Garden!â
âYes and we have a delicious, extensive, Italian breakfast waiting for us.â He gently grabbed her arm.
Â
âBut⊠how? Itâs practically impossible to book here on such short notice!â Blair stared at him, puzzled.
âWell, the âimpossibleâ word doesnât belong to my dictionary. Once you gave me the news, guess who spent hours in front of their site, frantically refreshing the page until a slot out of the blue turned free and bookable?â He winked at her. âSurprise!â
âThis is a masterstroke, Humphrey; letâs go.â She linked arms with him.
âAnyway, the breakfast wonât be ready in about one hour, hope itâs not a problemâŠâ he mumbled.
âAre you kidding? We are on the highest garden in London, surrounded by absolute beauty, both inside with their gardens that seems the setting of a fairytale, and even more outside, with the breathtaking view of London, 360 degrees!â She grinned, thrilled. âIâm sure weâll find a way to while away the time for sure!â
And Blair was right, once they reached the 35th floor that hour seemed to fly, between pictures, video and mesmerizing contemplation of the whole city.
A view that kept surrounding them even during breakfast.
âI know you would have preferred to wake up in Montercarlo, tasking a croissant of Finesse Patisserie; instead you are with me, with this ordinary food and sort of decent viewâŠâ Dan teased her, biting into his tasty avocado toast.
She almost spit out the delicious focaccia bread she was enjoying.
âOh, shut up, Humphrey!â She kicked him under the table
âItâs not the Upper East Side you aim to conquer so bad; butâŠâ he paused, moving his arm to show her the immensity that surrounded them. âHere, Iâve put a whole city at your feet, just for a morning.â
----------------------------------------------------Â
They managed to finish the breakfast in time to reach Buckingham Palace and see the changing of the guard.
âHow can it be that Queen Elizabeth doesn't invite me in for tea in the afternoon?â Blair wondered with fake disappointment, making Dan chuckle.
âProbably itâs because she must know about your meeting with Madame La DestinĂše,â he played her game .âWhich is why I suggest not to move too far from here after lunch.â
âWise decision.â She approved
They enjoyed a pretty nice afternoon at the points of interest around Buckingham Palace.
Blair insisted on getting to the Riu Plaza at least half an hour before her session and Dan gladly agreed.
They crossed the round parquet in the middle of the hall and reached the reception.
Â
"Good evening, Lady and Sir, how can I help you?" A polite and elegant young man in a suit welcomed them.
Â
"Good evening, my name is Blair Waldorf. I'm here to meet Madame La DestinĂše, I'm just here a bit earlier than expected."Â
The young man smiled.
Â
"There's no problem at all, Miss Waldorf. You and Mr...." he paused, looking at Dan.
"Humphrey. But, you know, I'm not meeting anyone here, I'm just keeping company to her, so I guess I'm less important." He scoffed, acting a little insulted as he glared at Blair.
"As I was saying, Miss Waldorf, you and Mr. Humphrey are free to get comfortable at a table here in the hall. A waiter will reach you shortly after, for a welcome cocktail. It's on the house." The receptionist explained, also to find a way to stop that sort of cold war between them.
"My equally important accompanying person and I thank you a lot.â Blair politely smiled, before dragging Dan away, much less politely.
âWhy do you always have to make me look bad, Humphrey?â She growled as they sat at the table.
âAnd why do you always have to act like I donât exist, Waldorf?â He struck back.
Only when the flutes of sparkling wine reached their table did they seem to restore their harmony.
âTo revelations!â She raised her glass.
âTo comforting news!â He brought his glass closer to hers, making them touch for an instant.
After a while, the man of the reception walked towards them.
Behind a mahogany desk, the fortune teller, an elegant woman around her fifties, was waiting for her.
She wore a long blue dress with many shades and a wide shirt.
Her long, honey blond, curly hair was trapped inside a large light blue headband diadema,with strass.
âYouâre nervous.â She stated, as she united Blair to sit in front of her.
âNope, Iâm not, Madame.â Blair replied, on the edge of that comfy tub armchair.
âIt was a statement, not a question. Donât forget I can see everything, my dear.â
âOh.â
âI saw you asked for the complete treatment, so what should we start from? The tarot cards, the palm reading, the crystal globe?â The sorceress asked her.
âActually, before we start everything, I need to know something.â
âSuch as?â
Blair took a long breath, fearing the answer she could receive.
Â
Blair blinked a couple of times, before displaying a huge grin.
âReally?â
The woman nodded.
âNow, my dear, I can tell you everything you need to know, but only about only one aspect of your future: do you prefer to know about work or about love?â
Blair took her time to ponder.
-Well, being unemployed and straightly focused on my professional future; my answer is supposed to be only one⊠And yet⊠-
âHow far am I from finding true love⊠only a bit healthier this time, maybe?â
The many bracelets adorning her wrists with their almost hypnotic noise making the moment even more solemn.
She lifted three cards, looked at them, then looked at Blair.
âThis is so weird.â She babbled.
âWhatâs weird?â Blair wondered, her pitch higher than usual.
âOkay, palm reading, first.â The fortune teller decided, grabbing her right hand.
âUhmm.â She mumbled, practically during all the reading.
To say that Blair was a bundle of nerves was an understatement.
âMadamoiselle Waldorf, I really apologize for that.â
âFor what? Did you check better and figure out Iâm cursed beyond any remedy?â Blair grew more and more alarmed.
âNope, itâs not that, I repeat. Not even a shadow of curse on you.â
âThen what?â
âItâs about my performance. Usually I can say very clear things to my customers, but with you⊠I donât know, maybe it must me the jet lag.â The woman grumbled.
âWhy? What did you see, Madame?â
âAll I saw are confusing things that absolutely made no sense⊠I donât know, probably my powers are not at their highest and I can refund you for that. I mean, whatâs the sense of seeing a ⊠Jiminy Cricket?â
Blairâs heart almost skipped a bit.
âWhat⊠what did you just say?â
âAnd I saw someone.. Putting a city at your feet? And then i saw⊠a warm blanket?â The fortune teller went on, more and more disappointed.
âSo, how did it go?â He asked her, curious.
âEven better than I could imagine.â She beamed. âAnd you were right: Iâm not hexed.â
âIâve known it from the start, Iâm just happy that now youâre convinced as well.â He murmured.
At first, Blair had wanted to just run towards Dan and jump his bones right there, in the hall of that luxury hotel, but then she had changed her mind.
- Câmon, I can do better than that, waiting for the right moment and the right place for the revelation. For now letâs just enjoy those last moments of âAll I need is a friendâ attitude. - She planned.
âSo, Humphrey, donât you think itâs time to have dinner?â
âYouâve read my mind, Waldorf. After all, weâve been here in London for three days and still havenât tasted a local Fish and ChipsâŠâ
âThat surely can wait until tomorrow.â She struck back. âOnly a half an hour of walking from here thereâs Umu, one of the most refined japanese restaurants, what do you say?â
âI say that Iâm starving and that I donât mind a nice walk, so just lead the way!â
Blair silently exulted: that was a chic enough place to celebrate her revelation.
- But Iâll confine myself only to eating and maybe having a toast with sake. - She established.
-Today is the day! -
That was the very first thought that woke Blair up the morning after.
That goes without saying, they had shared the same bed again, but the difference was that Dan was also awake, as he was busy reading a book.
âGood morning, ready for our last full day here?â He greeted her.
âOf course, and I have big plans for the day!â She replied, getting up in order to get ready.
- And Iâm not talking only about the places and attractions weâre going to visit. -
They started their morning at the Natural History Museum.
âThis is giving me so many Hogwartsâ vibes!â Blair commented as they climbed the stairs.
âYouâre right, I just expect the climbs to go wild any time!â He nodded, making her giggle. âSo, let me guess your House.â
âOh, please, Iâm so RavenClaw that itâs not me saying âIâm RavenClawâ; itâs RavenClaw saying âIâm BlairWaldorfâ!â She proudly stated.
âRemarkable⊠if only you didnât strike more for a Slytherin!â
âWhat?!â She pretended to be shocked.
âOh câmon, the ambition, the trampling anyone to get your goal, all the schemesâŠâ He insisted.
âI really donât know what youâre talking about, Humphrey!â She shrugged with the purest fake innocence. âAnyway, I wonât be lectured by a Death Eater in disguise!â
âWhat?!â He scoffed.
âYou can play the saint as much as you want, Humphrey, but I didnât forget how you sabotaged my birthday!â
âRavenClaws shouldnât be rancorousâŠâ Dan shrewdly retorted.
âOh, shut up!â She rolled her eyes, amused, as they kept walking.
âDonât you think life used to be much simpler?â Blair commented as they were staring at the Diplodocusâ skeleton.
âWhen?â
âIn Prehistoric times. I mean, everyone was free to do as they pleased, secrets remained safe, well, not that there must have been so many secretsâŠâ
âDâyou think so? Naah, Iâm sure that even in Prehistoric times there was a sort of Gossip Girl, armed with hammer and chisel, ready to leave hieroglyphics here and there about all the most outrageous scandals .â He made her laugh.
At lunch Blair pleased Dan and they found a Fish and Chips restaurant.
âLetâs just say that if yesterday evening we were at the Elite Upper East Side, now it feels more like Brooklyn.â Dan commented as he enjoyed his Halibut with chips.
âWhich is not even so bad.â Blair admitted, biting into her Cod with chips. âIâm just glad Gossip Girl is not here to see me eating Fish and Chips, furthermore without silverwares!â
Dan chuckled.
âBe sure, with me your dirty secret is more than safe.â
âSo, any plans for this afternoon?â Blair wondered.
Dan smirked.
âActually I was planning somethingâŠâ
--------------------------------------------Â
After some shopping to which Blair never said no, Dan congratulated himself for buying the fast track tickets for the London Eye, because they managed to get to their cabin at sunset.
Â
And it was only for them.
Â
âDid you ask for an isolated one?â Blair asked him, amazed.
âI know you wouldnât have liked having too many strangers around.â He shrugged.
âYou do know me.â She nodded as their ride started.
They enjoyed the view of every beauty London had to offer, as the cabin gradually reached its highest point.
- This is the perfect moment. - Blair thought, but before she could say anything Dan anticipated her.
âYou know, Blair, Iâm stuck with a chapter where Patient Guy managed to take Stubborn Girl to one of the most romantic places ever, at the perfect time of the dayâŠâ He murmured, as his fingers played with a lock of her hair. âSo heâd really wanted to push his luck and kiss her, but he doesnât know if sheâŠâ
âOh please, Dan, just shut up and do it.â
Dan frowned at her.
âAre you serious?â
âIâm bloody serious!â She made him laugh, tugging at his jacket. âSo serious that I was about to say something, but you were faster.â
Dan smiled his sweetest smile ever and then cupped her face and slowly brought his lips to hers.
At first it was a delicate touch, lingering, silently asking for more.
And it was time for more, when their mouths parted, allowing their tongues to play with each other.
Danâs hands had lowered to Blairâs shoulders, as her hands gripped Danâs hips.
âBut.. I donât understandâŠâ Blair protested against his lips. âWhen we kissed for the very first time, and then for the staged purposeâŠâ
âProbably those kisses were just the general rehearsal for the ⊠premiere at the theater, thatâs happening now.â He replied, nibbling softly at her lips.
âA premiere that is gaining international success and is sold out!â Blair went on, wrapping her arms around Danâs nape and pulling him further closer.
âBut there will be replicasâŠ.â Dan whispered, his mouth back on Blairâs.
âOf course, there will be so, so many replicas, in every corner of the world.â She agreed against his lips, sinking her hands into his hair.
Both of them with their eyes closed, to better enjoy the moment.
A moment that proved to be longer than expected.
âSir, Lady⊠Iâm sorry to interrupt you, but the ride is over.â An unknown voice disturbed them.
Opening their eyes, they realized that their cabin had touched the ground.
Which meant they had gone on with the kiss for almost a quarter an hour straight.
âHuh! Sure, sorry, weâre leaving.â Dan apologized for both, dragging Blair away with him.
Blair and Dan kept laughing about that, as they quickly left the attraction.
âIâd suggest no more kissing in the airport, tomorrow; otherwise we could miss our flight!â Blair commented, amused. âAnd no kissing in cinemas or theaters⊠I wouldnât want to miss a whole show!â
âIs there anything else that you suggest?â Dan asked her, as they had reached Big Ben.
âIâd suggest we should kiss now because Iâm already missing it!â Blair pulled him closer, smashing their lips.
âAnd I also add that you might even be granted a private burlesque show in our bedroom!â She whispered in his ear, nibbling at his lobe.
Dan had two very good reasons to shiver with pleasure.
âOoooh, this is very exciting. Canât wait for tonight.â He whispered back, before kissing her again, even more passionately.
Â
As they kissed, Blair took her phone, turned the camera towards themselves and framed the moment.
âAnd I also add that the procedures are overrated!â She winked at him, as he observed astonished her as she was sending their picture together in London to Gossip Girl.
âBlair, butâŠâ
She just smiled, grabbing his hand.
âThe hell with the consequences; I can face anything now that I found my Lucky Charm!â She gave him a quick peck on the lips.
Dan beamed and wrapped her waist, hugging her from behind.
âOf course you couldnât be hexed: you were lucky enough to find me on your way.â He smirked, smugly.
âShut up!â She scoffed, amused, parting from him.
âAnd I also congratulate you on the perfect timing.â
âUh?â She frowned.
âYou snapped me up right on cue. Just before we left, there was the young Serenaâs cousin that had her eyes on me; not to mention Serena herself⊠What can I do if all those Rhodes girls are such connoisseurs?" He bragged.
She slapped his cheek, playfully.
âOh, shut up!â She laughed.
Dan out of the blue turned serious.
âOh no.â
âWhatâs wrong?â She stared at him, worried.
âNow that Iâve lost the inspiration that I needed for at least another ten chapters of excruciating pining and unrequited love between Patient Guy and Stubborn Girl, how am I supposed to finish my story?â
Blair burst out laughing.
âShut up, Humphrey!â
Dan grabbed her by the shoulders.
âThen make me shut up, Waldorf!â
Blair grabbed his hair with one hand, as the other caressed his face.
Â
 âI guess Iâve found my favourite way to do so.â She murmured, kissing him. âAgain, and again and again.â
--
Setting: right after episode 4x19 âPetty in Pinkâ just with a âlittleâ alternate ending: Louis believes Serenaâs words and leaves before Blair can reach him. (in case you didnât notice, I love Chuck but I donât like Louis at all, LOL)
Pairing: Dair
Written for the â25 days of Christmasâ challenge, tile 21 with the prompts: fortune teller, England, addiction, thatâs just rumors, stage, read it!Â
Disclaimer: I don't own anything but my crazy ideas, everything belongs to the amazing Cecily Von Ziegesar and the TV authors
Plus, thereâs a beautiful Italian song by Subsonica that I used (translated and Iâll reveal the title at the end in the notes) because it was just too Dair not to do that.
Lyrics are written in italic bold.
Summary: Blair was convinced that someone had hexed her. She knew what to do about it, but she also knew she didnât want to do that alone. Or you can also read it as: Blair and Dan on a trip through London.
Summary of the chapter: Here they come, London!
Hope you'll like this new part too.
Not so confident to manage to update the very last one on time, but I will try, LOL
Important: The bold â... â part is Gossip Girlâs voice over or posts, just like it happens in episodes.
II: Stubborn Girl
Good evening, Upper East Siders,
I donât know about you, but late Spring makes me so hyper active and after all there's so many things to do, so many people to keep an eye onâŠ
Maybe not B, since sheâs so stressed after what happened , or rather DIDNâT happen with a certain Royal, that now sheâs seeking shelter in the green Devon countryside, far from anything that could pique my interest.
And neither Lonely Boy proves to be any stimulating, now that heâs heading to Brighton, to improve his poetry skills, or rather to become an outsider in another Continent as well. Uhmm, maybe itâs time to start calling him Loser Boy.
Letâs skip to the juicy stuff, such as the new love triangle C and N are trapped in, but this time thereâs the gorgeous R in the middle.
Or letâs have a look on S and her -once again - broken heart, will she give thread and needle to the first man she sees to have it mended or will she finally learn how to lick her wounds on her own?
And now that also V is back in town, will she have more secrets to spill out, more friendships to crush?
So many irons in the fire that I donât even know who I should roast first.
Or maybe I just wonât do anything, you know how unpredictable I can be!
âGeez, looks like Gossip Girl is out for blood!â Blair commented, after checking her phone.
âReally? I havenât checked her last blast yet.â Dan shrugged with nonchalance, as they both waited for their flight to start boarding.
Cleverly hidden from too curious eyes.
âShe has been particularly mean to you and has gotten into it pretty bad with Serena, too⊠which seems to leave me free from her clutches. Letâs enjoy it as long as it lasts!â She smirked, pushing Dan towards the flight attendant because finally they were boarding.
âIâm really astonished. How can it be that my seat is not three rows behind? What about the procedures?â Dan sarcastically asked Blair who was sitting beside him.
âOh, shut up, Humphrey!â She scoffed.
Apparently she felt so relaxed that she managed to fall asleep in the middle of the flight.
Dan considered it a little victory, also because she was resting against his shoulder.
But that also gave him a lot to think about.
A caduta libera
(In free fall)
In cerca di uno schianto
(Looking for a crash)
Ma fintanto che sei qui
(But while you're here)
Posso dirmi vivo
(I can say I'm alive)
-For someone who promised to himself he had to forget her, spending so many days alone with her itâs just brilliant! - He sighed, fighting the urge to caress her hair.
-And I know how dangerous this is for me: the higher I go, the more painful the crash will be and now Iâm already in free fall. But if this is the price for having your pretty little face always sulking be enlightened with a smile of yours, then I'm willing to pay it. After all, I never feel more alive than every time youâre with me. -
Tu, affogando per respirare
(You, drowning to breathe)
Imparando anche a sanguinare
(Learning also how to bleed)
Nel giorno che sfugge
(In the day that slips away)
Il tempo reale sei tu
(The real time itâs you)
Dealing with Blair Waldorf wasn't something easy, it surely taught him how to become resilient.
He had lost count of all the times that Blair hurt him with a look, a one word too many, a gesture, a wrong behaviour.
But he had also lost count of all the times he found out how fragile she was, how sweet she could be, how good she managed to make him feel.
And as that day turned into night kept slipping away, Dan had the certainty he was doing the right thing.
Because she was his certainty.
Blair was all that mattered.
Dan managed to fall asleep as well, but woke up first, in time to warn Blair about the landing.
âWeâre almost there.â He gently shaked her, waking her up.
She stretched out, extremely rested.
âThank you for warning me, I love the landings.â
Dan stared at her very amused.
âWhat?â She frowned.
âIt seems you really had a good nap.â He noticed, smug.
âOkay, Humphrey, you have very comfortable shoulders, but letâ s not make a big deal out of it!â She scoffed, amusing him even more.
---------------------------------------------------
Dan was sitting on the comfortable sofa of the Covent Garden Hotel, on the roof terrace.
Not that the suite wasnât amazing, with that color Tiffany on the walls, those large windows, elegant curtains anywhere, comfy sofas, double beds - two separate ones, at opposite sides, of course - and every sort of prosperity, but... the skyline of that terrace was priceless.
And the day was perfect to stay en plein air.
They spent a very nice afternoon, although to take Blair out of Harrods turned more difficult than expected, but Dan managed to do it, with the alluring promise of a dinner at The Ritz.
Not that Dan could complain, he felt almost privileged having seen Blair trying on so many clothes, one more beautiful than the other. And the one she had chosen for the Royal Opera House was simply astonishing: a ChloĂš short and strapless dress, revealing but not in a gross way, pleated in every of his yellow, green and black layers, which gave it a playful sense of movement.
A satin black ribbon around the waist was the final elegant touch.
Also Dan was more than satisfied with his choice: a Calvin Klein suit made of pants and jacket of a powder blue that gave a shiny effect, with a matching tie and a matt white shirt.
They left their bags to the chauffeur Blair had rented and after the dinner they enjoyed the rest of the night at Piccadilly Circus, choosing to end the night seeing a Burlesque show in Soho.
And this time Blair got content to be only a spectator, rather than going on the stage to give her show.
When they reached the hotel, they were so tired they barely managed to reach their bed.
-------------------------------------------
Blair realized she was sleeping more in that day and half than in the previous two months.
She was unsure if she should attribute the pleasant effects to London⊠or to Dan.
Dan, who was sleeping at the opposite side of the suite.
Once she was ready, she reached him, but she found out he was already more than awake.
And very inspired.
âI canât believe youâre still writing.â She snorted, reaching his bed.
âGood morning to you, too, sunshineâŠâ Dan sarcastically replied, without stopping writing.
âNow Iâm curious, let me read it!â She tried to grab the notebook, but he was faster.
âNo bloody way, until itâs done!â He retorted.
âListen to you, already so British!â She giggled. âAt least would you bother to tell me what itâs about?â
Dan closed his notebook, placed it in a drawer and turned to her.
âAll right, that I can do.â He shrugged. âItâs about a beautiful, stubborn girl who goes on looking for the love of her life, not realizing how happy she could be if only she could really see who she keeps mistaking for a friend.â
Blair was anything but stupid and she immediately caught the message between the lines.
Â
âInteresting plot, yeah. But maybe all the stubborn girl needs right now is just a friend.â
Â
âAnd that very patient guy is willing to play any role as long as he can stay close to her.â Dan smiled at her.
Â
âSo sheâll never lose him, no matter what?â She looked at him, in a mixture of hesitation and expectation.
âHeâd rather die than lose her.â
She was impressed, very, by such a devoted answer, but decided to play defense, abruptly changing topic.
âHowever, itâs getting late, we still have to have breakfast and the day has plenty of things to do. Hurry up, Humphrey, leave the stubborn girl alone and go get dressed!â
Â
---------------------------------------------
Of course, the National Gallery had to be one of their goals and they spent a remarkable amount of hours there, basically challenging each other about who knew more about a specific topic.
The Virgin of The Rocks, by Leonardo da Vinci, Venus and Mars, by Botticelli, the Madonna of the Pinks, by Raffaello, the Basin of San Marco on Ascension Day by Canaletto, The Sunflowers of Van Gogh and many other masterpieces.
They were so good in their observations that two groups of tourists preferred to join them from afar during their item, rather than following the guide they had paid for.
"Well, it's clear that you have a plan B as touristic guide, Humphrey, if your career as writer should be an epic fail!" Blair stated, as they strolled through Tower Bridge, enjoying their long coffees.
"And the same can be applied for you, Waldorf, if you should get sick of conquering the Empire of Fashion!" He struck back, stopping just to give some pounds to a street artist -a guitar player and singer - who was amazingly skilled.
And he had enough knowledge to figure that out.
"Who knows if us following this plan B would bring us to be colleagues, again!" He chuckled.
"I've survived the first time, I could do it again!" She shrugged, as she opened her purse, in order to mirror his actions.
That musician was really good, indeed.
"Thank you so much,guys. May the good luck be always with you!" The artist thanked them both, before they walked away.
"Did you hear him, Blair? Maybe that's all you need, instead of your super expensive sorcerer!" Dan teased her.
"Oh, shut up, Humphrey!" She pushed him forward, playfully.
------------------------â-â-
After visiting Westminster Abbey, they decided to take a walk through St James Park, where Blair ended up feeding the local ducks.
Certain habits die hard even in other continents.
She was the portray of quiet and serenity, so much that Dan couldnât resist the urge to frame that moment in some pictures, hidden from her sight.
They headed back to their Hotel, getting ready for the night.
They both were handsome and many people turned to look at them, they seemed such a pretty happy couple.
From the balcony, as he stared at the Orchestry, Dan was musing about the perfection of that night.Â
It wasn't just the sumptuous Royal Opera House in all its magnificence.
It wasn't just the charm of the italian bel canto and prose that made the Tosca tragedy even more intense.
It was having Blair so close to him, catching every change of her expression, as the opera captivated both of them more and more.
- The hell with sitting behind her! This way⊠it almost feels like a date. Everything we are doing here in London feels like a date. A date with no making love, nor kissing... but a date, nonetheless. -Â
------------------------------------Â
They were back in their suite and Blair kept talking about the Opera, ecstatic, lingering on every detail that had impressed her.
Dan could have listened to her for hours, but that didnât mean he wouldnât interrupt to contradict her on some points, because, no matter what, arguing with Blair about anything was just too much fun.
âThese days are flying, donât you think so, too?â She commented, as she took off her shoes.
âI sadly agree with you. Iâm having such a good time here.â Dan replied, mirroring her actions.
-With you.- He added in his mind, as he also was taking off his clothes; remaining in black boxers and a grey T-shirt .
âAnd tomorrow itâs the big day, youâre gonna have your revelation!â
Blair nodded, heading to the bathroom to change her dress.
âWhat time do you have the session?â Dan asked her, once she was back, wearing a blue and white silk nightshirt, kimono effect.
Dan had to drink some water because he had a dry mouth.
Â
Blair was simply divine.
-Please donât say in the morning, please donât say in the morning! - He wished, as he was waiting for her answer.
âItâs at 6:00 p.m., at the Hall of Riu Plaza London Victoria.âShe informed him, sitting on her bed.
Dan silently exulted.
He had planned a surprise for her in the morning.Â
âAre you nervous about it, Blair?â He sat on the armchair in front of her bed.
âMore than nervous, Iâm eager to get free of my hex!â
âEnough with this bullshit, Blair, thereâs no hex haunting you; itâs only a matter of bad choices so far!â
âMaybe itâs the hex haunting me that makes me make bad choices!â She proved to be as stubborn as the character in Danâs latest story.
âI guess weâd better go to sleep now, Waldorf, arguing with you takes a lot of energy!â He made her laugh, but she wasnât so amused anymore when she saw him walk towards the other side of the Suite.
âHumphrey?â She called him.
âYeah?â He turned to her.
âI guess that I made an unnecessary addition when I booked this Suite.â
Dan displayed a smug smirk.
âWhat are you trying to say, Waldorf?â
âIâm trying to say that this comfy bed is big enough for the two of us,â She patted the empty side, inviting him to join her. âAnd no matter how well I slept tonight, there was something missing.â
She waited for him to lay down and then rolled close to him, crouching and placing her head on his shoulder.
âNow everything is perfect.â She sighed contently.
Sai difendermi e farmi male
(You know how to protect and hurt me)
Sezionare la notte e il cuore
(Dissect the night and the heart)
Per sentirmi vivo
(So that I can feel alive)
In tutti i miei sbagli
(In all my mistakes)
Â
Dan was not deluded.
He was too clever to figure out that there wasnât anything sexual in what Blair was doing.
Only tender.
It hurt him and filled him with hope at the same time.
That was the effect Blair had over him, she could have cut his heart up all night and he would just ask her to go deeper with the blade, because it was such a good bittersweet pain, not to ask for more.
And he perfectly knew that it was a mistake, but he just couldnât help.
âDan?â She called him, lifting her gaze up.
Yeah, she had called him âDanâ, not âHumphreyâ and both of them seemed to have noticed that, but both of them preferred acting as if nothing had happened.
âYeah?â
âWould you tell me more about the Stubborn Girl and the Patient Guy?â
âSure. As you were getting ready for the night I went on a little more with a chapter where the Patient Guy is teaching the Stubborn Girl about the difference between love and addiction.â
âAnd what is the difference?â
âAddiction is something that can be easily mistaken for love, but its powerful effect is only temporary, then when itâs gone it leaves you knocked down, making you feel like garbage and yet yearning to feel that temporary effect once more.â He began his explanation, pausing for effect. âLove is something more soothing, like a soft, warm blanket on a cold, winter night. It wraps you, it makes you feel safe. Sometimes you even doubt itâs there but there is. And its main goal is to make you feel good, for an indeterminate time.â
âYouâre making it feel so beautiful that it almost scares me.â She murmured.
âI know. Itâs one of its characteristics.â He chuckled.
âDan?â
And he wasnât lying.
He would have even annulled himself, swallowing all his pride.
Anything to make Blair feel safe.
Even if that would have meant being just a friend, forever.
No matter how painful it was.
Dan wouldnât have ever regretted that.
He wouldnât have ever given up his mistakes.
He wouldnât have ever given up Blair.
Only when he saw she had closed her eyes, he turned the light off, allowing himself to have some sleep too.