Chapter Text
Dan lives alone. After INSIDE's success rose to unprecedented height, Dan spent a significant chunk for the down payment for what he called 'The Writing Lodge'. it's just what it said on the tin- lodge for writing. it's an investment for the multiple book deal(s) coming his way.
Set in a sloping meadow surrounded by dense forest in upstate New York, Dan built the lodge during what he called his doomsday-preppers era, thus the lodge was built to withstand long winter. It has heated net floor, finnish sauna and outdoor electric hot tub, plus open terrace that wraps around the building, connecting the interior space naturally with the surrounding forest.
He will not comment whether the lodge had a bunker.
It was well procured, well researched. alas, it did not prevent him entering a wrier's block. One that has lasted nearly 2 years.
A big snowstorm hit the Writing Lodge (and New York) in the middle of the week. not that Dan noticed it was tuesday. time moves differently when you're being chased by your editor, marketing specialist, publicist(s), your friends, gossip girl… gossip girl had outlasted department stores, his Dad's marriage to a 20 year old, at least 25 of Nate Archibald's relationship…
Gossip girl-
Dan suddenly recall the gossip girl diss directed to him from that morning. he shook his head in annoyance.
ok, his book got delayed slightly longer than expected. not to a point he was in risk of breaching contracts or anything like that.
gossip girl has lost her touch if she thought comparison to GRRM is anything but a compliment.
'IT'S COMING, DON'T YA WORRY!', he yelled at his empty house.
Beep!
Dan did not expect a response from the universe. certainly not the sound of his… doorbell? only a few people knew his address. even fewer were invited to visit.
One of them-
He did not know what to expect when he opened the door. Certainly not Blair Waldorf with two huge monogrammed suitcases in tow.
Dan stared from Blair, to her suitcases, then to Blair again. 'Wow Blair. Did you carry a body in there?'
Blair swayed in guilt.
Dan stepped back, 'Uhh, tell me there's not a human body in there.'
Blair ignored him.
'Don’t act surprised, Humphrey. You knew I’d end up here eventually.”.', she welcomed herself to the lodge. She brought snow in her tracks, and by extension, water and mud on his wooden floor.
Dan crouched on the floor and sniffed the suitcase. It merely smelled like Italian leather.
'Relax. This is- was- my mother's Spring Collection.'
One migrane at a time, please.
'Blair. You strolled in, during snowstorm- no warnings beforehand, by the way- with evidence of crime, on my doorstep at 11 PM at night.'
'I'm staging a protest.'
Dan rolled his eyes. He was used to Blair's schemes. With Blair, he played the puppet, pauper, poet, pawn, king (once upon a time).
'-I don't know where to run to.', Blair offered. 'You're my only friend who lives off-the-grid.'
Friend.
The word still hurts, even 10 years later.
Dan’s gaze lingered on Blair. from her long hair, her lashes, the familiar fragrance of Acqua della Regina.
The last time he’d been close enough to inhale her was when they dated.
She has no freckles now, but the cold had painted her nose a soft pink.
Dan wondered how much was from the snow, and how much was her blushing at him.
Dan took Blair's suitcases from her hands.
'Make yourself at home, Blair.'
53 missed calls from S-
267 messages from S-, Mother, Dorota, and others.
Blair put her phone on Do not Disturb.
She watched the snow storm through Dan's guest bedroom window. The lodge felt safe, like Dan.
She further sank into a cocoon of warmth, imagining his arms around her.
if she's taking advantage? selfishly, she knew she had to see Dan, face-to-face, to know if there was still a chance.
She knew now.
if he wanted to take advantage? she would not pull back.