chapter THIRTYFOUR.

Blair'd caught a nasty cold from staying outdoors in the Park all night with just a short dress and Chuck Bass to keep her warm, but she still didn't regret the spontaneous behavior she'd portrayed last night. . . She'd never really been one for spotaneity, but it seemed like whenever she was around Chuck she became a slightly different person: more dangerous and risky and wild and fun. And in all honesty, she liked the person she became around him, which is why a slight cough and a few sneezes here and there would be tolerable for the young brunette.

She was, however, wearing an extra layer of clothing to keep precautions from catching any more illnesses. If one stayed home sick on the Upper East Side for even one day, he or she could miss a ton of important events. . . Like Jenny and Nate's embarassingly public break up, perhaps? Yes, she'd caught sight of it - along with half of the rest of the student body - as she was perched atop one of the tables of the benches outside in the courtyard.

And could life get any better? She'd practically won back her throne, she was coming dangerously close to winning Chuck back as well, and now her rival was suffering the pain of heartbreak in front of her amused and awestruck classmates. . . All while the young brunette basked in newfound glory.

Then Blair caught sight of Serena as the blonde plopped her bag onto a nearby table and took a seat there. She was waiting for Dan, no doubt, since that was their morning tradition, but it wouldn't hurt if Blair were to approach Serena for a few minutes. . . Would it?

She hopped off the circular table and began anxiously making her way over to her best friend, who just so happened to be wearing an adorable yellow trench and brand new Sigerson Morrison flats. She looked as gorgeous as ever.

Serena spotted Blair as the girl came towards her and she shifted in her seat uncomfortably, not knowing whether to run and hide or smile at the girl warmly.

"Hey, Serena," said Blair cautiously, her voice small as she offered a small wave at the blonde.

Serena waved back. "Hey, B."

Blair could already feel people beginning to stare, and for once in her life she wished they would all just mind their own business and stop idolizing/criticizing her in that obsessive way the school's students were so famous for. Serena sat and Blair stood in silence, both girls glancing into eachother's eyes every few seconds only to glance back at the crowded courtyard again.

"I um. . . I spent the night with Chuck," Blair admitted, hoping that if she just started talking to Serena like they were besties the blonde would suddenly act like they were besties, all over again.

Serena looked slightly surprised, but at least now she wasn't afraid to look Blair in the eye. "Oh, you did? I'm. . . happy for you?" She still didn't know which relationship she should have been rooting for, Nate and Blair or Blair and Chuck, but by the smile her friend was so obviously trying to hide, she was clearly content with her current 'Chuck situation.'

Blair took note of Serena's silence and rolled her eyes slightly. Then she hopped onto the table in front of the blonde and crossed her red-stockinged legs. "I know you think he was just the rebound guy and a big regret and everything, S, but it really isn't like that," she insisted.

Serena looked at Blair with obvious unbelief on her face.

"Well I mean it was, but not anymore," Blair went on. "I thought it would just be that one time and then we'd both forget about it and continue on our way, him being a date rapist and me being the poster child for my family or whatever, but ever since Nate dumped me I realized I don't need him in my life." Another look of unbelief washed over Serena's face. "I mean I know I said that before, but now I mean it. Nate's just a cheater, Serena."

The blonde chuckled. "And what's Chuck - the prime minister?"

Blair giggled too, and then she shoved Serena's shoulder in that playful 'I-can-do-this-again-because-I'm-your-best-friend' sort of way. "I love you, S," Blair finally said, her voice so soft Serena could barely hear her.

"I love you too, B."

And then they leaned in for a tight, comforting hug, both girls realizing once and for all that neither of them needed to apologize this time around.


Spotted: S and B enduring a much-needed rendezvous in the courtyard before school. Wonder how long it'll last THIS time. . . And while they're kissing and making up, one must also wonder just how V will retaliate to J's crude little facade. . . Well, you'll know when I know.

you know you love me.
xoxo; gossip girl