Author's Notes: We are finally here, the piece de resistance. Thank you all for hanging there with me and reading my story from start to finish. I enjoyed writing this; Blair is an extremely complex yet interesting character.

This chapter is in Blair's point of view with one deviation. I have added an interlude that consists of another character's point of view just to add some kick to the story; I hope it is not too confusing and adds to the story.

This chapter wrote itself; when I planned this story I foresaw a different ending but, as I began to edit this chapter after writing Chapter 5, I found this chapter rewriting itself. I hope you enjoy it and I'm eager to know your thoughts on this chapter.

I especially want to thank everyone that reviewed, favorited and/or followed my story; you guys rock! I especially want to thank Ginchil16, Guest (not sure if it is the same one), Magnus57 and Rf who took time to let me know your thoughts on each chapter; it really meant a lot to me, thank you very much.

As usual, no betas all mistakes are mine.

The legal age for instagram is 13 years old however, from my research online there are some kids under 13 whose parents allow them to use it.

Chapter 6 – Second Time Around

Read the author's notes first, pretty please.

She loves him and that she knows now

Among life's rings, stories and experiences, it resounds in every core of her being

As she gazes at the world around her and ponders her part and path in it

All that she desires is that come rain come shine and through the thick of it he is by her side

Brooklyn bourgeois know it all aside; what they have is very much alive

No longer afraid of their synchronicity; because their synergy is meant to be

In fact one thing is undeniably clear in her spirit and is clear to see

It is that she loves him so much so and with every fibre of her being

Not soon after Blair's chat with Serena, people start to leave. Henry seems sad that Jenny has to go but, Dan assures him that he will see Jenny again. Over her dead body is what resounds in her mind.

Henry is ecstatic, kisses Jenny's hand and wishes his fair maiden goodnight and then runs upstairs. Blair bids everyone good night and goes upstairs after Henry; after the drama that ensued tonight she needs to make sure her son is all right and not traumatized.

Knocking on the door twice she asks, "Henry can I come in?"

She hears some shuffling and then Henry bellows, "Come in mom!"

She opens the door gently and sees Henry sitting at his desk, his laptop screen is locked and he looks fidgety.

"What are you up to?"

"Nothing"

"Unlock that computer screen."

"But mom…"

"Now!"

Henry unlocks the screen and his instagram page comes to view with a big picture of him and Jenny and a caption that reads "me and the future Mrs Henry Bass."

She shudders in disgust. There is no way she is not letting her baby go where his father has been before.

"Henry what is that?"

He shrugs and responds, "It's just some pictures of me and Aunty Jenny."

"Isn't the fact that you call her Aunty Jenny a clue that she can't be the future Mrs Henry Bass."

"But Dad said that we were not related!"

"Your father is an ass."

Henry starts to laugh and points at her yelling "Mom you said a bad word"

"I'll put money in the swear jar. Now stop pointing and listen to me young man!"

"Over my dead body will you marry Jenny Humphrey. What am I saying you are not getting married because you are too young!"

"But, but…age is nothing but a number mom!"

"Henry not only are you related to Jenny Humphrey but, marrying her is considered child abuse in some countries."

"I don't mean now, I mean like when I'm eighteen or something."

Blair can't believe what she hearing. "You can't marry you dad's stepsister!"

"But, but dad said it was ok because we are not related by blood."

"It doesn't matter whether you are related by blood or not, you are still related, so case closed."

She hears him mumbling and looks at him a stern look, "Do you have something to say to me young man?"

"Well…well I think you are being a hypocrite."

"Excuse me?"

"Uncle Dan is practically my stepfather and you don't see me complaining that he used to be Dad's stepbrother."

"Uncle Dan is not your stepfather and for your information I knew Dan years before he became Chuck's stepbrother! Why am I even explaining myself to you?"

There is complete silence. Internally Blair is fuming and Henry is looking sheepishly at the floor. She came up here to set things straight about the drama upstairs but, it seems she is too late because the idiots who came to Thanksgiving have her son convinced of an imaginary affair between her and Dan."

"It wouldn't be so bad though."

"What wouldn't be so bad Henry?" She responds to him softly.

"If Uncle Dan was my stepfather" Henry responds shyly.

"Oh Henry, regardless of what you heard downstairs today, Uncle Dan and I are just friends. Your so called paragon of virtue Aunty Jenny was just stirring things."

"Uncle Dan already explained that everything was a misunderstanding while you were in the kitchen with Aunt Serena." He shrugs and continues, "But, it's ok you know…it's ok if Uncle Dan is my stepfather; it wouldn't suck."

"You want that?"

"I don't mind, his kinda cool in a grown up sort of way" He responds shyly. "Plus all of the kids at school already call him my stepfather even to his face."

"They do what? I am going to call that school…"

"Chill mom! It's ok! This is why I told Uncle Dan not to tell you, I knew you'll get all hysterical..."

"I am not hysterical!" She lowers her voice and says softly, "I am not hysterical Henry; I just don't want people spreading rumors and you being affected by it."

She gazes at her son lovingly and ruffles his hair, "So I hear you are interested in girls now."

"Mom!" He wails in a mortified tone.

"Well I think it's time I gave you the birds and bees talk."

"I already had it with Dad and Uncle Dan."

"Their men their point of view is suspect."

"But I'm a man."

"You are my darling are a little boy soon to be a man, I don't want you to make the same mistakes your father and Uncle Dan did; trust me it was a lot of mistakes. So I'm going to tell you the birds and the bees from a woman's point of view."

She ignores the cringed look on his face and launches into the topic of the birds and the bees delicately. When they finish their talk, she kisses him goodnight and makes him promise to take down the instagram pictures.

Exiting Henry's room she arrives in the corridor. Instead of going straight to her room to change she decides to go downstairs first. When she gets to the bottom of the stairs, Dan is in the hallway putting his coat on. He stops what his doing and walks towards her with his coat buttons halfway done and call outs, "Hey!"

"So everything has been cleared; the plates, glasses and all other form of crockery are in the dishwasher. I'm going to head off home now."

"Thank you Dan for everything. Where is Rufus?"

"He left a few minutes ago."

"Could you thank him for me, please?"

"Sure Blair."

He moves closer and they are standing in front of her with little space between them. Blair is on the last step while Dan is on the floor looking up at her slightly.

"So are we ok?" He enquires gently

She nods and says, "We are better than ok."

He engulfs her in a hug and she can't help but, hug back.

"Thanks for talking to Henry."

He pulls back gently without extricating himself from her arms. "It's cool, Henry's my boy."

"Why didn't you tell me you guys had the bird and bees talk?"

"Because Henry asked me not to tell you; you know bro code and all that."

"Bro code, what happened to best friend code?"

"So you expected me to break a promise I made to your son just because we are friends."

"Not just friends Humphrey, best friends! I upped you status on par with Serena's!"

"You're ridiculous sometimes Waldorf."

"Are you saying that we are not best friends?" She asks sardonically.

"You know that's not what I'm saying; stop twisting my words." He responds laughingly. "I can't break promises that I made to Henry, else he won't trust me again."

She scoffs and then pouts; removing her hands that were around him and placed it on his coat lapels. Playing with his lapels she asks coquettishly, "What else are you keeping from me Dan?"

"Nothing I swear!" he responds laughingly.

There is a moment of silence after that. Dan is still holding her and she is still playing with his coat lapels absentmindedly. She likes it when they are like this; playful, yet comfortable in each other's presence.

"So Serena is writing a book."

"Serena? Our Serena?"

Blair nods in acknowledgment, "Apparently your lover told her she could write."

"My lover?"

"Remember Miss Carr, the woman who got me kicked out of Yale?"

"Rachel thought Serena could write? Maybe she was onto something."

Blair scoffs. "Oh please, the only Miss Carr was onto was you."

Still playing with his lapels, "So why Miss Carr?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why did you have a thing with Miss Carr Humphrey?"

"Oh! Well she was hot…"

"Typical man thinking with his…"

"Could you let me finish!" He interjects with a chuckle. "Now where was I; Rachel was intelligent; I could talk about any topic with her like art, literature or films. She…she fascinated me plus like me she was an outsider."

"So why her and not me?"

"Blair I thought you didn't want to discuss this."

Removing her hands from his labels, she crosses them over her chest defiantly, "Answer my question Dan!"

"Rachel was over a decade ago I don't have feelings for her."

"Right, like you don't have feelings for me."

"Last time I recall you were the one who didn't want me. I think you standing me up and fleeing to Monaco with Chuck adequately covers that."

"So you are going to make me pay for that for the rest of my life?"

"Blair is everything ok? I can hear your voices from up here." Serena enquires from above the stairwell.

"It's ok Serena, Humphrey and I were just talking, we will take it to my study."

"B are you sure everything is ok?"

"I'm sure S, you can go back to the bedroom."

The movement of feet and the opening and closing of the bedroom door alerts Blair to Serena returning to the bedroom.

A door creaks open and Blair mutters "What now?"

"Mom, Uncle Dan is everything ok?"

"Yes Henry, everything is fine."

"You sure cos I heard voices?"

"Henry we are fine. Uncle Dan and I are just arguing like we normally do. There is nothing to worry about; right Humphrey?"

"Just like your mother said Henry everything is fine. But I promise you if she decides to kill me I'll yell for help."

"This is not the time to make jokes Humphrey", she mutters through gritted teeth.

"His just joking Henry; you know your Uncle Dan and his not so funny jokes; you can go back to bed now." She responds reassuringly turning to look at him at the top of the stairwell.

There is a look of disbelief in Henry's face. Disbelief changes to a look of defiance.

"I've got your back Uncle Dan!"

What in the world?

"Hello who was in labor with you for 18 hours? If you should be having anyone's back it's mine!"

"Blair!"

"What!"

"Take a breath, please!"

"Don't tell…"

"Please just take a breath and calm down because right now you are scaring your son and frankly you are scaring me too!"

The hands on her shoulders stop her from looking at Henry and she finds herself gazing into Dan's eyes. She is riled up right now and really wants to be mad at him but, she can't. Humphrey and those darn puppy dog eyes.

"Henry, your mother and I are fine."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

"Goodnight."

"Night Henry", they answer in unison.

Once Henry is back in his bedroom she motions with her head for them to take this to the study. Arriving in the study they shut the door behind them gently. Blair sits down on the sofa with aplomb and crosses her legs for effect. She doesn't bother offering Dan a seat.

Playing with her finger nails nonchalantly she bites out caustically, "You have a minute Humphrey."

"You are unbelievable!"

She raises her left eyebrow at him quizzically in a baiting fashion.

"So is this how it's going to be between us."

She continues to ignore him and feigns a bored look.

Hands in the pockets of this coat he is gesticulating as he speaks. "Are you never going to speak to me again?"

"You tell me Humphrey."

He sits next to her on the sofa.

"I didn't give you permission to sit."

Gesticulating with his hands he points between them, "I don't want to fight you Blair. It's been a hell of a day and I don't need you being mad at me on top of that. Can't we just put this behind us and still be friends. What is past is past; surely we can move forward from it."

"On one condition"

Turning to face her, "Ok, tell me what your condition is Blair."

"All or nothing."

"All or nothing? You've…you've lost me there", he responds with a confused look.

"Remember when you told me you couldn't be my friend and it was all or nothing?" She asks quizzically. And with a beatific smile gracing her face as she silently congratulates herself on steering things her way.

"Come on Blair this isn't the same thing"

"Isn't it?"

He throws backs his head and groans.

"You know what I don't get", she says interrupting the silence.

"What?"

"It didn't matter what Serena did she always got many passes from you."

"Now come on?"

"Aaron, Carter, Nate, Colin, Ben, all those guys in Paris…I mean the list is endless." She returns with aplomb.

"It's just...it's just, yours really hurt so bad."

"But, I did it the one time she did it many times" She decries

"It's doesn't matter how many times, it is how I feel at the end of it that matters." He stresses jutting out his chin repeatedly like he always does.

"Aah I can't win with you!" Right now she feels like kicking him.

"Can I remind you that Serena moved Ben into your house knowing that she told you to wait? In addition, she videoed you guys at the Shepard wedding to hurt both of us."

"Maybe on some level I expected that from Serena but, not from you."

"Maybe because Serena is your dream girl you can forgive her many transgressions but, not mine!" She was close too tears now but, she will not give Humphrey the satisfaction of seeing her cry. It's bad enough she is practically groveling.

"I don't even know what you want from me. If my memory serves me correctly, you couldn't even be bothered to dump me; you just never even showed up or apologized." He responds in a raised voice

"I sent you emails; I let you stay in my house..." She raises her voice in protestation almost in tandem with his.

"Why are we even having this conversation? I mean we can't agree on anything, you hate that I'm from Brooklyn and you think I'm lower than a minion."

Her mouth is agape. "You know I never mean what I say."

He gives her a meaningful look.

"Well not always."

They sit there in silence. The tension in the air is thick, she does not know if it will ever settle it. Part of her wonders if this is the end. If it is indeed the end, she wants to voice all that she has held in.

She finds herself breaking the silence, "Dan, we wouldn't be in this position if you had listened to me when I asked you to let me sort out my confused state."

"Oh I get it; all of this is my fault."

"I told you I was confused. I had just lost the baby, and there was the Louis and Chuck situation and I started to realize that I had feelings for you. I needed time to process it all and figure things out but, you wouldn't give me time. It was all or nothing. I didn't want to lose you so I chose all."

"You chose all."

"Yes I did, you were there."

"Really you chose all! But, spent every minute of our relationship with your feet out of it and telling me that our relationship would never work."

"Oh my goodness Dan!"

"No Blair, you are being honest, I'm being honest."

"Let's see what else; I'm supposed to be your best friend yet, you dump me without telling me that you dumped me. Then you leave the country with another man."

"Chuck needed me more! Bass was back, Chuck was losing everything and I always promised that I was his family, I couldn't leave him…"

"I see, so Chuck feelings were more important than my feelings; got it! Thanks Waldorf, it's all very clear now."

"Oh my gosh I can't win with you!"

Turning away from each other they sit there in silence; the tension in the air is palpable and now thicker than before.

It dawns on her that she does not want to force his hand. It dawns on her that she is finally at a point in her life that she can deal with him not liking her like she likes him and is reminded of that excerpt from Shakespeare sonnet that says Love that is love, alters not what alteration finds. Sometimes winning meant compromise.

"Dan I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry that I was a selfish; that I was a coward that didn't have the guts to be honest with you. I'm really sorry that I hurt my best friend. I meant everything that I said in that letter and I don't want you hating me."

The gaze at each other in silence, "As lame as it sounds Humphrey I don't want a world where you're not in it" Blair breaks the silence.

"I don't want a world that you are not in it either Waldorf" He responds. "So…so where does this leave us?"

"We are friends Humphrey."

He raises his hands, grabs hers and then shakes it, "Nice being friends with you Waldorf"

"Ditto Humphrey!" She smiles back at him.

They return back to their original positions on the sofa; sitting side by side with some distance between but, with their hands still entwined. Blair focuses her attention on the none existent thread on her dress while Dan leans his head back on the sofa looking at the ceiling.

Breaking the silence he asks," Why me?" I don't get it. You've always wanted Chuck. I thought I was a diversion."

"You are thirty one years old Humphrey and you still don't know women." She retorts wryly.

"Hey!"

"Why not you?" He gives her a look of disbelief. She continues, "Remember what I told all those years ago during that Valentine party at Nate's that ended disastrously thanks to Georgina."

"Vaguely" He chirps in hesitantly.

"You were my tower of strength during the whole Louis Chuck baby debacle, who wouldn't love you? If you had just given me a chance to sort out my confusion like I asked you to maybe, just maybe things may have turned out differently between us.

"Blair I appreciate all that you said but, when all is said and done. We both know you belong with Chuck."

"What part of divorced makes you think that Chuck and I are getting back together again."

"It's your thing, you and Chuck do it all the time; you break up, you make up, then you break up again, then make up again; it's what you do. Frankly, I don't want to be caught in that triangle again."

"I don't think there is a chance of that happening again."

Dan gives her another look of disbelief.

They sit in silence; the tension is not an impalpable like before. They are sitting facing each other. Looking down at their entwined hands she gently grips it and pulls it tugs it towards her slightly.

"I went to see a shrink you know."

"You did?"

She nods in acquiesce

"After that time in your apartment I had a mental and bulimic crisis."

"Oh Blair!" He tugs at her and engulfs her in a hug, holding her tightly.

She nestles in his arms contently; she feels his hands in her hair and then he puts a little distance between them and places a kiss on her forehead causing her to close her eyes momentarily.

"Would you like me to stay?"

"I would very much but, I think we've given Serena enough shocks today. Let's just stay like this for a while, please Dan."

Dan leaves about an hour later. After seeing him off to the elevator, she goes into the kitchen to get a glass of water; she drinks two glasses of water and returns upstairs.

On getting to her bedroom Serena is fast asleep. Blair's glad because she really isn't in the mood for sharing. She changes into her La Perla Maison silk-blend satin chemise and slips into bed.

As she pulls the duvet over herself her phone buzzes once alerting her that she has a text message.

It's from Dan and says, "This is just in, B and Lonely Boy waving the white flag. Who knew Queen B and Lonely Boy could play nice and become BFFs. You know you love me, xoxo.

She smiles at the text and sighs internally, "Oh Humphrey!" She falls asleep soon afterwards with her cell phone nestled against her chest.

Interlude

That Night At The Van Der Woodsen Penthouse

Lily exits the elevator a little worse for wear with Eric in toe. As soon as she gets to the living room she collapses on the settee; wondering how she is going to get herself upstairs to her bedroom."

"Mom how much chardonnay did you consume tonight?"

"Eric my darling stop fussing."

Her mind strays to the events that occurred tonight. She can't believe the gall of Rufus Humphrey! Thinking of Rufus always made her a bit nostalgic and it always brought to home how alone she was. Eric is only here for the holidays after the week was over he would be flying home to London; leaving her all alone in this big house.

She attempts to sit straight and manages to so with a little fuss. Looking at her son softly, "Eric my darling if you ever find the one, hold on tightly and don't let go, don't make the same mistakes I made."

"Mom is this about Rufus?"

"Wufus? No no" She laughs hysterically at her own slip

"I think you not so subtle digs and looks at him tonight was kind of telling."

"Oh please, Wufus, I mean Rufus irks me that's all. I couldn't take his judgmental looks."

"Mom, it's me. I've been here through all of your marriages and relationships and I did not pass any judgment. You can be honest with me."

She lays a hand on Eric's cheek, "When did you get so wise?" She removes her hands from his cheek and puts it on his shoulders, looking him square in the eyes.

"He just sat there and didn't care."

"Who sat there and didn't care Mom?"

"Rufus"

"He was so unaffected by my presence; would it have hurt him to make an effort."

"Mom you don't know that!"

"All I ever wanted was for him to fight for us, he didn't then and he doesn't now."

"Mom people process things differently. Rufus does not seem like the grand gestures type of guy, he is very laid back."

"I remember you and Rufus together, he was very much in love with you. That sort of love does not go away."

"But why didn't he fight for us?"

"Why didn't you fight for him? If memory serves me correctly you pushed him away when he tried to work things out."

"I just wanted to hurt him just like he hurt me."

"Mom!"

"What? It's the truth..."

They are interrupted by the ding of the elevator.

"Hey Lil, Eric"

"Hi Rufus" Eric responds. "I'm going to go to my room and leave you two alone."

"You have the nerve stepping into my home Rufus Humphrey."

"Lil did I do something wrong because, you've been snarling at me all night."

"Fivety plus and you don't a clue about women."

"Lil I'm trying to understand that is why I'm here."

"Why didn't you fight for us Rufus?"

"What?"

"Before and after Bart came back into our lives; why didn't you fight for me?"

"Lil I tried but, you didn't want to know."

"I wanted you to fight without being prompted."

"Lily I'm not a mind reader, you asked for some space I gave you some space. Then your dead husband came back from the dead and I tried to patch things. I don't know what else you want from me. You made the decision to end us, not me."

Lily gets up from the settee and slowly walks towards Rufus. When she gets in front of him, she pushes herself on her toes, puts her hands on his cheeks and kisses him. He kisses her back enthusiastically.

The break for some air and she whispers against his lips, "I don't wanna fight anymore Rufus. I love you, I don't think I've ever loved anyone the way I loved you and I don't think I ever will stop loving you no matter how hard I try."

"Oh Lil, I don't think I can ever stop loving you either."

End of Interlude

The day after Thanksgiving is quiet. Serena are Henry are downstairs while Blair is upstairs in her bedroom, putting finishing touches to her makeup in the mirror. Her phone rings, its Dan's ring tone.

She walks to her bedside table and picks up the phone. Humphrey's face stares at her from the screen. Hitting the answer button she breathes out "Hi Dan"

"Hey are you alone?"

"Why?"

"Blair why are you answering a question with a question?"

"Dan why are you answering a question with a question?"

"Ok I get your point! So are you alone?"

"Yes, why?"

"Cos I wanna tell you a secret and I can't do that if you are not alone?"

"Ok, spill"

"So I was at my Dad's this morning…"

"This better be interesting Humphrey because I was at my Dad's is not a good start."

"Would you let me finish?"

"Continue"

"As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, so I went to my Dad's to hang out but, he was not there."

"Oh my gosh the Brooklyn mafia finally got their hands on Rufus and the Lincoln Hawk records!"

"Blair!"

"Sorry!"

"So I called his cell but, he was not picking up. I was worried so I called Jenny but, she hasn't heard from him either. At around 12 o' clock my dad comes into the loft and looks like the cat that got the canary."

"I'm sorry the point of this conversation is?"

"Blair do you want to hear the secret or not?"

"Continue."

"I can't now because you ruined it."

"Humphrey you are such a baby."

"Coming from the person who tried to ruin the surprise I beg to differ."

"Ok I'm sorry Dan I'm dying to hear your secret."

"You're just saying that to humor me."

"No I swear I want to hear it. It's just fun to rile you up sometimes."

"I really can not believe you sometimes."

"I really can't believe me too; I mean I'm friends with someone from Brooklyn."

"That is getting old Blair give it up, no one believes you. I think the secrets out you like Brooklyn."

She doesn't have a witty retort to silence him and only grunts in response.

"Are you gonna tell me the secret or not?"

"Do I have your full attention?"

"You most certainly do."

"Dad and Lily are back together."

"Really, what, how, when?"

"If you had let me tell you the whole story I would have told you what, how and when?"

"Humphrey!"

"You know I said Dad wasn't in when I got to the loft. It transpires that he went to see Lily last night and they made up. Plus get this, they don't want to wait, they want to tie the knot immediately."

"Oh my gosh, that is so romantic."

"Lily is calling the registry office now trying to find the next available date."

"But the register's office is closed it is Thanksgiving weekend."

"Correction Lily is calling her connections at the registry office."

"By the way Blair you can't tell Serena."

"Why not?"

"Because it's a secret and more importantly Dad and Lily are inviting everyone for a family dinner tonight; they want to break the news then."

"Humphrey I was just thinking that maybe this is a good time to send you a care package."

"Hun?"

"You know to console you now that Serena is going to be your step sister again and it kinda ruins the possibilities you hitching yourself to that wagon again."

"Why do I bother talking to you Waldorf?"

Lily and Rufus get a wedding date a month later; it's on Tuesday 28 December 2021 at 11am. Rufus wore an Armani suit with a sky blue cravat while Lily wore a chiffon dress of the same dress created by Jenny Humphrey designs.

Lily and Rufus ceremony is a quiet one consisting of just family Henry, Blair and Dorota.

After the registry, they go to Lily's penthouse for the reception. The house has been beautifully decorated with furniture moved to the side to create a dance floor.

There is a DJ and catering staff on hand. After the champagne reception which included hor d'ourves Rufus and Lily take to the floor and dance to Lincoln Hawk's song "Rosewood".

The song changes to "Soyalita" and when that song finishes "At Last" by Etta James streams through the speakers.

Blair spies Henry walking Jenny to the dance floor. Humphrey takes a picture of Jenny and Henry and gives Henry a thumb up. She admonishes him for encouraging Henry. He responds that he is not encouraging Henry; he just finds the whole thing cute and hilarious.

Humphrey stands up and asks her if she wants to dance. She acquiesces by taking his hand in hers; he helps her up from her chair and leads her to the dance floor.

Their bodies sway rhythmically to the music. Smiling at him she asks, "When did you learn to dance Humphrey, I remember your pathetic attempts at high school."

"Wouldn't you like to know Waldorf?"

The music changes to as Times Goes By; she thinks this song is so apt for Rufus and Lily. She spares them a glance and sees them laughing and swaying to the music. She wonders if she'll ever have that.

She turns back to look at Humphrey, he smiles at her.

"It's amazing they get to find love second time around."

"Yeah I know." Dan responds with a smile.

"What would you do if I kissed you right now?"

"I'd ask you what you've been smoking."

"I'm serious Blair."

"I'm serious Humphrey" She teases the smile fades on her lips when she notices his serious expression. She gulps and glances at his lips in trepidation. She doesn't have time to register or prepare before his lips lands on hers and she responds in kind.

When she registers where they are and she pushes playfully at his chest and admonishes him, "Everyone will see, plus we can't steal your dad and Lily's thunder."

"It's ok I told everyone my intensions beforehand and got their blessing."

"Everyone like?

"Dorota, Henry, Dad, Lily, Serena, Eric, Nate and even Chuck."

She looks around and notices everyone (but Chuck) beaming at them; Nate gives them two thumbs up. All she can do is roll her eyes in response. Chuck nods at them and she whispers a silent thank you to him.

Blair stops their dance, putting her hand in his and she leads him upstairs to Lily's study and shuts the door softly behind.

"I wanted to talk in private"

Dan nods at her and then points his left hand in her direction to prompt her to go first.

"So why did you kiss me Humphrey?"

"Because I wanted to"

"Dan!"

"So I was talking to Dad and he was talking about life being to short and carpe diem..."

"Rufus actually said Carpe Diem?"

"Ok maybe I embellished slightly. Dad talked about seizing the moment and not waiting almost thirty years to try again. He said love was about taking chances."

"And I thought hey, why not take a chance."

They smile at each other with warmth in their eyes. Blair leans forward and places a soft kiss on Dan's lips.

Moving their entwined hands, she places his right hand on her heart, grasping it with both her hands to hold it in place.

"Dan I just wanted you to say thank you, thank you for giving us another chance."

"And I just wanted you to know that this time I am in, I'm in a hundred percent."

"Blair…"

"Please Dan let me finish."

Taking a deep breath she continues from where she left off earlier.

"I know that I hurt you before because, I was indecisive about what I truly wanted. And I just wanted to assure that this time I know what I want and it is you."

With the semblance of courage she could muster she continues, "I love you! I love you with every fiber of my being, if that is even possible. You are the only man that I love and there is no one else."

"What I am trying to say Dan is that, you complete me."

"Wow! I don't know what to say Blair."

"Just promise that you'll give us a chance."

"I promise." Dan responds with emotion and then leans down to kiss her thoroughly. When they finally come up for air she insists that they better return downstairs before everyone becomes worried.

As they walk towards the door, Dan pulls her back and kisses with so much passion that a exhilarating shivers courses through her body, flowing from the top of her head all the way to her toes.

They slowly come up for air leaning their forehead against each others. Dan breathes out softly, "I love you too Blair; I don't think it ever went away."

Blair thinks that this must certainly one of the best days of her life.

More kisses follow after that and Blair doesn't want to leave this cocoon. They finally release each other and make their way downstairs. Blair is so giddy she can hardly walk and can only move because Dan is holding her hand and helping her down the stairs.

The party comes to an end when Lily and Rufus leave for their two week honeymoon in Hawaii, a surprise gift from all the kids. Chuck, Nate and Dorota leave soon after that.

Dan walks her and Henry to their town car, he gives Henry a hug and after that Henry gets into the car. He pulls her into his arms gently and leans their foreheads against each other first before leaning down to kiss her thoroughly.

"You sure you can't come back with us." Blair practically whines.

"No, not even if I want to. Me, Jenny, Serena and Eric want to use this opportunity to know Scott and his family better."

"Just to let you know you probably won't see me tomorrow either because, we all agreed to hang out with them again tomorrow."

"Its fine, I understand."

"So is it weird?" Blair asks with curiosity in her voice

"Scott being me and Serena's brother?"

Blair nods

"Yeah a little bit! But I think what's really weird is that I'm not my dad's first child."

"But you knew this before."

"Yeah but, that ages ago and flitting; having Scott, his wife and kids here right now really makes it hit home. I'm glad he came for the wedding, we all really want him and his family to be part of the family."

They hold each other in silence; Blair uses her right hand to play with the hair on his nape.

Looking at her seriously Dan utters, "How do you feel about being wooed?"

"I think I like that very much."

Dan leans down and captures her lips with his. Her hands gently move from Dan's nape to his jaw to pull him closer. The sound of the window winding down and Henry making kissing noises causes them to break apart.

Dan releases her, opens the car door and jumps on Henry; she smiles warmly at their antics as Henry squeals for help. Soon after Dan helps her into the car and shuts the door behind her. She blows him as the car drives away and he blows her one too.

Kneeling on the car seat she is able to gaze at his fading figure through the back window, she remains in that position till he fades away from sight.

She doesn't see Dan again until Thursday. He is waiting for in her office, coffee and bag in hand when she arrives. She tries not to squeal in excitement on seeing him and calms her nerves by hanging her coat first only for him to put down the coffee he is holding quickly to help her out of her coat.

They turn at the same time and face each other and in unison lean forward to greet each other with a kiss. He tastes like coffee with a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon.

Putting her arms around him and she sighs, "What a wonderful way to start the morning Humphrey."

He beams a smile at her momentarily then breaks away to lead her by the hand to her desk.

"I thought I'd surprise you with coffee and freshly baked croissants from that bakery you like on fifth."

"Why thank you Dan."

"Plus I kinda bought some for your staff as well, I hope that is ok?"

"As far as you don't make that a habit I'll pardon you."

"One more thing, I have a deadline which I ignored because of planning dad and Lily's wedding, so I have to work like a machine the next few days to get it in. I might not come up for air until New Year's eve."

Leaning forward to plant a kiss on his cheek, she tells him it's ok.

With a final kiss they say their goodbyes and he leaves her office.

Blair walks to her desk and sits down, she then takes a sip of her coffee, umm just the way she likes it and then bites into her croissant. After finishing her coffee and croissant, she wipes off the crumbs from her desk and dumps it, the Styrofoam coffee cup and pastry paper into the wastepaper basket next to her desk.

Spotting a purple envelope addressed to her nestled underneath her keyboard; she pulls it out and tears it open.

It is scented with her perfume and has beautiful decorations around its edges.

It reads, Day 1 in my promise to woo you:

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day [1]

Thou art more lovely and more temperate [1]

I didn't set out to steal the bard's word to say

The first two verses just felt right about the feelings I can't keep at bay.

To use your words "you complete me" In ways I possibly couldn't imagine

One thing I really hope and pray for is that our love lasts forever a second time around

PS: I can see you screeching Humphrey you ruined the flow; nothing rhymes. I'm sorry for ruining the flow my darling, there is just so much emotion coursing through my veins right now that this is the best way I can express it.

I love you Blair Waldorf.

Yours Dan

The next time he woos her it is by playing "Time after Time" by Cyndy Lauper on the grand piano as she arrives home from work on New Year's eve. Following that he starts to belt out "True Colors" to which Henry and Dorota join/chime in enthusiastically. She can't help but, hug each one of them for putting this on this show for her. As the clock strikes twelve, she and Dan share and kiss ringing in the New Year. Her only resolution this year is to ring in every New Year with this man.

Dan wants them to wait and she agrees; they hadn't waited in the past either with each other or with their past partners. He wants it to be special this time; to mean something – she wants that so very much too.

Being Dan's girlfriend is not that much different from being his friend except for the romantic parts which she likes very much. Dan now sleeps in Henry's room when he does sleepover much to her amusement. He has moved his stuff to one of the spare rooms but, he doesn't sleep in there; he thinks staying in a spare room may lead to temptation.

The third time he woos her it is with a story about them. A guy from Brooklyn and a girl from the Upper East Side who fall in love in spite of their differences; Blair stores it along with her poem in her trousseau.

The more wooing ensures, there is the candlelit dinner and watching old romantic movies in his garden; a garden fireplace is lit and protects them from the biting winter weather. The next a surprise trip to Cape Cod on Valentine's Day and many many more following that. Blair pinches herself each time to check that she is not dreaming.

Three months into their relationship she comes home to find the house in darkness. She yells out for Dorota and Henry but, no one answers. Why hadn't someone informed her that there was a power cut? Fishing out her phone from her purse, she hits the flash light app and uses the light it emits to navigate through the house when Dorota comes out from nowhere with a candle.

"Miss Blair you're back."

"Why didn't you answer when I called?"

"I didn't hear. Let me lead you to study where fireplace is on."

"What happened to the lights Dorota?"

"All under control, I already speak to caretaker."

Dorota leads her to the study and sits her down on the sofa; "I'll be right back Miss Blair, I need to light more candles."

The light from the fireplace dimly lit the study. She stands up to shrug off her coat and returns to sit on the sofa. A growing and looming shadow emerges out of nowhere and she yelps in surprise.

"It's only me mom."

"Henry you scared me. How come you didn't make me aware of your presence when I walked into this room with Dorota?"

"Sorry mom, I was kinda preoccupied!"

Before she can scold him much further he yelps with enthusiasm, "Hey wanna hear what I did in school today?"

"Sure" She responds. He is so adorable when he is excited that she forgets about scolding him further.

Henry brings out his school bag; he opens it and brings out a notebook. "I'm gonna read out the stuff I did in English today, my teacher taught I showed excellent promise."

Henry starts by saying, "What is love? By Henry Bass"

"This is not a love poem you wrote for Jenny Humphrey is it?"

"Mom, let me finish!"

"Ok, continue."

"What is love? By Henry Bass"

What is love?Some say It is the feeling that courses through you when your loved one is near

It is a feeling that you can't live without someone and if something you heart cannot bear

They say It is that insurmountable knowledge that lets you know that this person is the greatest thing in your life.

It is a smile, laugh or witty banter that just lets you know that she really cares

It is the way of a man with a woman in love and memories that one holds dear

It's that feeling that I know I will feel when you say you'll be my wife

Thanks to love I finally understand what life is truly about.

So I ask the question again, what is love? How should know I'm only 11.

"That is very good Henry."

"Thank you, Uncle Dan helped me with it."

"He did? Uncle Dan always had a way with words."

Dan appears out of nowhere and Blair screams.

Breathing in and out sharply she put her hands on her chest and says, "Oh my gosh where did you come out from? And are you people trying to kill me with your surprised appearances?"

Dan smiles at Henry and says, "I'll take it from here Henry."

Henry smiles at Dan then walks over to the sofa and sits next to her. Dan follows in Henry's wake; he stands in front of her and gently tugs her towards him causing her to stand up.

"Humphrey what is the meaning of this?"

"You know how I told you about seizing the moment. This is me seizing the moment."

"Ok?" She utters in confusion wondering where this was going.

"Marry me Blair!"

"Marry him mom!"

The door to the study opens, "Marry him Miss Blair, put lonely boy out of his misery."

"Wow Dan I wasn't expecting this." She says with a smile on her face.

"I know, that's why we did it."

"I love you Dan Humphrey and it would be a pleasure to be your wife."

"Not that the doodles you've been writing all over the place with Mrs Blair Humphrey is not dead giveaway", mutters Dorota.

"Did you say something Dorota?"

"Not a word Miss Blair", Dorota responds playfully zipping her mouth.

Henry stands up and hands Dan a box. Dan opens the box, removes a ring and slips it on her engagement finger. It is a Van Cleef & Arpel's Estelle solitaire diamond platinum ring [3].

"I helped in choosing it", Henry yelps in excitement.

"You did, thank you my darling."

Henry continues, "We were trying to go for the cliché but, not too cliché setting so we decided to go with just the fireplace for illumination. Do you like it Mom?"

"I like it very much."

"Ok Henry this is the point where you close your eyes." Dan says smiling at Henry

"Ahh men!" Utters Henry as he shuts his eyes

Dan leans forward and captures Blair's lips in his softly; kissing her with every bit of passion he could muster leaving Blair without a doubt about how he feels about her and she responds enthusiastically in kind.

They come up for air and smile at each other gleefully. Dan tells Henry he can open his eyes now.

Dorota and Henry hoot and holler and clap enthusiastically. Their excitement is so infectious that Blair breaks out of their embrace and hugs Dorota and Henry enthusiastically.

Dorota exits the room and returns with a bottle of champagne and flutes. Dan opens the champagne and pours it into the flutes, offering a glass to everyone except Henry who gets a flute of orange juice. They all raise a toast to Dan and Blair.

They adjourn to the dinning room where Dorota has a romantic dinner waiting for them. Henry and Dorota wait on them hand and foot. Blair reckons that after that day at Lily and Rufus's wedding this may be the second best day of her life and savors every moment of it.

Their wedding is a month later; she is an April bride. The wedding is small and intimate with just close family and friends and Ann Wintour. Chuck does not attend, Blair understands that this is the final nail in the coffin for him and it is painful for him to process.

The wedding is at their new house where they plan to start their lives together as a family. They use the living room, the place is beautifully decorated and the marble floor leading to the isle is covered with different colored petals.

Blair's wedding gown is a 50s inspired sleeveless tea length wedding gown, in embroidered tulle with a drop waist with low V back in ivory designed by Jenny Humphrey. The part of the dress above the bust is covered in lace and has Swarowski crystals across its bodice [5]. She finishes it off with an ivory colored fascinator that doubles as a wedding veil.

Standing at the makeshift altar beaming at Dan, the priest officiates their wedding and when it comes to the part where they say their vows, he gives them space to say the words they have written for each other.

Blair you taught me to become a better man; what I mean is through our friendship I have learnt to be less judgmental and understanding there is no need to be afraid of being inside (i.e. an insider in the UES). You taught me that in spite of our difference we have so much in common.

To use your words, "you complete me."

Back in high school if anyone had ever told me that in the future we would be best friends or love each other, I would think they are demented. But here we are.

In the film Sabrina, Audrey Hepburn said "I have learnt how to live… how to be in the world and of the world, and not just to stand aside and watch." Like Audrey, I will never, never again run away from life or love again." [2]

I love you Blair Waldorf soon to be Humphrey and I promise to make you very happy.

"When I imagined my fairytale moment it was with a guy that truly knows me and loves me unconditionally. I am so happy that I am in that space right now. I love you Daniel Humphrey; so very much.

You love my child like he is your own; you love my surrogate mother Dorota like your sister. You love my parents even though my mother treats you like a cater waiter.

More importantly you love me in ways that I never imagined was possible

I can't believe I'm so blessed to find someone as special as you and I promise to love you with my every being.

I also promise to always let you in and to be honest with you; no matter what

Like you, I promise to make you very happy.

Thank you for giving me the privilege of being your wife. I love you so much and I know that I'll love you forever. Yours Blair"

I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss Mr and Mrs Humphrey. The service ends and they have a champagne reception. Soon they move to the dining room for the wedding banquet.

When they return to the living room, the chairs have been moved to the sides of the room to create a dance floor; the DJ is playing soft music. Serena and Henry announce enthusiastically that it is time for Mr and Mrs Humphrey to take to the dance floor for their first dance.

Celine Dion's voice singing the "The Power of Love" streams from the speakers and Blair melts into Dan's arms deliriously happy as they sway to the music.

'Cause I am your lady
And you are my man
Whenever you reach for me
I'll do all that I canWe're heading for something
Somewhere I've never been
Sometimes I am frightened
But I'm ready to learn
Of the power of love [4]

Dan looks at her and says, "my wife" with joy in his eyes and she feel goose pimples all over her body when he says those words; it is a wonderful feeling that she wouldn't exchange for the world.

The End

I think I outdid myself in the poetry and/or vows department, please let me know if they are any good or need more work; thank you in advance.

References
[1] Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 – please do read the whole thing in its entirety, it is heart warming to say the least

[2] Excerpts from Dan writing Louis's vows - Season 5 episode 12

[3] Van Cleef & Arpel's Estelle solitaire diamond platinum ring can be found under engagement rings on the Van Cleef & Arpel's website.

[4] Excerpts from Celine Dion's version of the Power of Love

[5] - Blair's dress is mesh of two different 50s inspired gowns I saw on a fairygothmother dot co dot uk