GOSSIP GIRL: Chasing Butterflies [11/12]
Title: Chasing Butterflies
Chapter: 11/12
Author: ladyknight_fic
Fandom: Gossip Girl
Characters: Mia Waldorf-Bass, Chuck Bass, Blair Waldorf
Pairing: OC/OC, Chuck/Blair
Genre: Drama/Romance
Rating: T
Summary: After 19 years of marriage, Chuck and Blair are bitter and angry. So for their 20th anniversary, their daughter Mia sets out to get them the perfect gift: each other.
Spoilers: through Seasons 1 to 2x13
Warning(s): none
Word Count (per chapter): 3072
Disclaimer: I do not own anything affiliated with the Gossip Girl books or TV series. I only own Mia Waldorf-Bass, Jack Humphrey, Ella Humphrey and Katie Archibald. The rest of the characters are the property of the CW Network and I am not profiting from their use in any way.
- - -
Chapter Eleven: Three Words, Eight Letters
The furniture in the lounge had been pushed back and cleared into other rooms, and an arch had been erected in front of the large windows overlooking the New York skyline. The walls had been draped in sheer white fabric, and stands supporting vases of peony and lily of the valley bouquets stood in strategic positions around the room.
Beneath the arch, Blair stood in an ivory, elaborately beaded gown; Chuck was opposite her in a dark suit and tie. The crowd around them consisted of the Humphrey's, the Archibald's, Blair's father and Roman, and Mia.
When she'd heard that her parents wanted to renew their wedding vows for their twentieth anniversary, Mia hadn't been sure if it was wise. They'd just come out of an eight year fight and, more importantly, their anniversary was exactly seven days into the New Year. There didn't seem to be enough time. But Blair was determined, and Blair Waldorf-Bass always got what she wanted. It turned out money could buy most things. No one in New York said no to the Bass's. So Blair was able to get a caterer, a photographer, flowers, a dress, and Harold and Roman on a flight from Paris in just a few days. Luckily, Nate was friends with a judge who was more than happy to preside over the vow renewal ceremony.
The judge had indicated that it was time for the vows, and Mia smiled softly as Chuck and Blair turned to each other and joined hands.
For a moment, Chuck, who was to speak first, said nothing. He stared at Blair intently, almost as if he had to memorise her face, and then took a breath.
"Blair, my beautiful wife, our lives have taken us to places neither of us ever believed possible. Some were good, some were bad. But that we stand here today proves that even the bad things in life can't tear us apart. After all these years, I truly believe that you were created for me, and that I was created for you. For almost thirty years, I have seen your face every time I close my eyes and heard your laughter ring in my ears. While others have come and gone, you have been the one constant in my life. I believe in us and this marriage more than ever, so today I renew the vow I made twenty years ago. I promise that I will comfort you, honour and keep you, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon you my heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, for as long as we both shall live. Blair, in case you've ever forgotten, or ever needed reminding, I love you."
A brilliant smile lit Blair's face and a tear crawled down her cheek. She glanced at the judge and he motioned that she could now speak.
She had to begin twice. The first time Blair opened her mouth, all that came out was a sob. But she gave a small laugh as everyone in the crowd smiled and then she cleared her throat to begin again.
"A long time ago I promised that I would stand by you through anything, but it seems that you have been the one standing by me. Even when I pushed you away, you were there. So here today, in front of our friends and family, I renew my promise. I will stand by you through anything. You will never again have reason to doubt my love for you, or how much I want to share everything with you. I can't wait to live the next twenty years with you at my side. From the very beginning we have been Chuck and Blair, Blair and Chuck, and I never want that to change. For everything you have done, everything you have sacrificed…I love you."
Nate stepped out of the crowd and offered Chuck and Blair the new rings they had purchased for this moment. It had been Chuck's idea to change them, claiming that, as much as the old ones meant to him, this was a new beginning and a turning point in their lives. They were recommitting themselves to each other and new rings could symbolise that. Blair, having nearly broken down at the sentiment, agreed and they'd gone out ring shopping that very afternoon. When they'd shown Mia the rings a few days later, Mia had been very pleased to see the 'C and B, B and C' engraved on the insides.
Chuck and Blair exchanged rings and when their lips met for the kiss, everyone in the crowd sighed simultaneously. Blair pulled back first, only to throw her arms around Chuck's neck. He slipped his around her waist and squeezed back.
The adult guests moved towards the buffet and grabbed champagne to give the couple some privacy. Mia turned away from her parents and took a seat on the sofa that had been pushed up against the far wall. Katie, Ella and Jack followed, and Jack took the seat beside her.
Mia let out a great sigh and leaned her head back against the wall, not caring that it would squash her hair.
Jack touched her wrist gently. "How do you feel?"
She rolled her head around to look at him and smiled. "Relieved. I feel relieved, like now that this is done, everything can begin to be okay again."
Katie shifted her weight and frowned a little. "I know that couples like to renew their vows are trying times, but after so long, do you think this was a good idea? Maybe they should have waited a while, see if they could get over their problems before taking this step."
Mia, despite her contentment, wanted to strangle her friend and order her never to speak again, using her Queen Bee tone to back it up for good measure. Too bad her friends never took any notice of said tone.
But Katie was just being practical, and was even voicing the questions Mia herself had considered. So she said, "I think they wanted to renew their vows to ensure that they do get over it. They genuinely want to work things out and their recommitment is how they show they trust each other."
Katie's frown deepened and she opened her mouth to speak again. Mia's fist clenched in the skirt of her red Marc Bouwer halter dress. She didn't want to spend the rest of the evening defending her parents' actions to Katie, who didn't know them, not really…but if she had to defend them, she would.
In the end, Mia didn't have to do anything. Jack, whose hand had closed over her fist, turned to Katie and said, "Enough. It doesn't matter and even if it did, this isn't the time or the place. Chuck and Blair are happy. We should be happy for them."
Katie had the grace to look guilty and blush. "Right. Sorry, Mia. After everything you've been through, it's probably not what you want to hear."
Mia shrugged. "Forget it."
Ella began babbling on about a pair of earrings she'd seen at Bergdorf and a party they just had to attend the following night. Not only would it be wrong to not make an appearance as the Constance/St Jude's 'royal court', but the notorious party girl who'd left Constance at the end of junior year was also going to be there. Apparently.
From her seat, Mia watched Ella's enthusiasm and couldn't help but think of it as childish. She started, surprised at herself. Had recent events made her so mature that she couldn't enjoy earrings and parties now? And more importantly, would her newfound maturity mean she'd lose the connection she had with Ella and that they'd grow apart?
She sighed quietly and, when he patted her hand, sent Jack a reassuring smile. With Ella still speaking excitedly to the side, Mia stood and Jack followed swiftly. She squeezed his hand.
"Don't worry, I'm just going to go speak to my parents."
Jack nodded and Mia pulled away and crossed the room. Katie's brothers were nowhere to be seen, which worried Mia slightly, but the rest of their friends and extended family surrounded Chuck and Blair. She edged around Nate and Dan to see her parents standing arm in arm.
"Mia!" said Chuck, and held his other arm out to her.
A grin spread across her face and she ducked under his arm so that he could hug her to his chest. Chuck kissed the top of her head and Blair reached out to smooth a hand down her cheek.
"Everything all right?" Blair asked.
Mia nodded. "Yes, everything's great. I'm so happy."
Her parents nodded and shared a smile. Mia rested her head against her father's chest and couldn't help but think over everything that had happened since overhearing that conversation between Blair and Serena. Her parents were happy again and were talking things over, she had matured and she had Jack.
As Jack crossed her mind, Mia sighed sadly. She'd been thinking about their as yet undefined relationship since New Year and was reaching a conclusion that she wasn't sure she wanted to think about, and which he certainly wouldn't like.
"Mia?"
She shook her head and looked up into Chuck's eyes. "Yes?"
"Are you sure everything's okay? I know you just said you were happy, but you don't look it."
Mia raised her eyebrows in what she hoped looked like surprise. "I'm fine, really."
"You won't mind letting go so I can make a toast then?"
Mia gave a genuine smile and pulled away to stand to one side. Hired servers circled with trays bearing fresh glasses of champagne and Ella, Katie and Jack joined the edge of the group.
Chuck cleared his throat and smiled at their friends. "I'm supposed to be toasting Blair, but she came up with a better idea for the toast. The truth is, we're all here to celebrate today because of one person who wouldn't take no for an answer. Over the last two months, she has shown tenacity, dedication and a prominent stubborn streak."
Mia's eye widened and her gaze shot to her friends. Ella was giggling, Katie was smiling in satisfaction and Jack met her eyes with pride.
She looked back to her parents to find both of them watching her wearing His and Hers smirks.
Chuck continued, "So, here's hoping that she never loses those outstanding Bass-"
Blair frowned and kicked her husband's leg.
Chuck's smirk grew but he back-tracked. "Excuse me. Those outstanding Waldorf-Bass qualities and she never forgets that love and communication go hand-in-hand." He raised his glass. "To Mia."
The rest of their family followed suit, but most exchanged confused glances. Only Chuck, Blair, Serena, Jack, Ella and Katie were able to eye her knowingly. A small part of her was relieved; maybe Serena hadn't told Dan (and therefore everyone else) as well.
Soon after the toast, Chuck and Blair took to the makeshift dance floor. Everyone watched quietly as they came together and Vince Gill's 'Look at Us' began playing through the speakers.
Mia had been surprised at the choice of song. Not only was it country music (and from the '90s!) but his voice even had an authentic country twang. She'd been even more surprised when she'd discovered her parents had chosen the song together. Neither Blair not Chuck were Vince Gill fans, but Blair had explained that the lyrics had rung true for them. When Mia had looked the lyrics up on the internet, she'd smiled and, with her parents firmly in mind, found that the song wasn't so bad after all.
When the song was over, Serena and Dan moved off to dance and Chuck approached Mia. He held his hand out to her and raised his eyebrows in silent query.
Mia smiled and let him lead her out on to the dance floor.
As they spun, Chuck opened his mouth and then closed it again. The third time this happened, Mia slapped him lightly on the shoulder. "You're not a Pisces, so stop trying to mimic a fish. What is it?"
He sighed. "Mia, I don't do this often. You have to give me a break."
She didn't speak, instead glaring in answer and Chuck laughed.
"You look just like Blair when you do that."
"Thank you," she said smugly. "Now what is it?"
"I wanted to thank you. What I said during the toast was the truth. Blair and I reached twenty years because you stepped in. And you didn't have to. You're our daughter. It wasn't your job."
She shrugged. "Being your daughter made me need to do it. I've always known how much you and Mother love each other. It would have been wrong of me to let you just throw it all away."
Chuck nodded and glanced up over her shoulder. Mia thought he was staring at Blair, but then he frowned and she wasn't so sure.
"Dad?"
He turned his gaze back to her and cocked his head to one side. "You know, that Humphrey boy has been staring at you all evening."
She felt a rush of heat fill her cheeks. "Really?"
His eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Yes. Anything I should know?"
She pursed her lips and pulled her mouth to one side. Her father was a shrewd man, despite him not picking up on her little match-making game. How to answer?
Finally, she settled on: "Well, I don't hate him, Daddy."
Chuck frowned. "Is that right? Well, does that mean you lo-like him?"
Mia couldn't help but giggle at his swift correction. "Maybe. It's complicated."
He sighed and nodded wearily. "Yeah, I can relate to that."
As the song ended and Chuck pulled away, Jack was suddenly at their side. He smiled at father and daughter, but it dropped a little when Chuck glared at him and ran his eyes up and down Jack.
"Ahhh…I was hoping for a dance with Mia."
"Hmmm," said Chuck. "I suppose I can allow that. Just keep your distance and make sure your hands are where I can see them at all times."
Mia rolled her eyes and Jack laughed nervously.
Chuck turned back to Mia. "Call if you need me." And he stalked off to stand by his wife.
Mia cleared her throat. "Sorry, about that. He's just…"
"It's okay. He's a father looking out for his baby girl. It's a guy thing. We're prone to doing it with sisters, mothers and wives too."
She laughed and stepped forward so he could wrap his arms around her waist. She slid her arms up and around his neck, and they began swaying to the song.
They didn't say much, but Mia, who kept her eyes on shoulder of his jacket, could feel his gaze on her face.
After a while, he sighed. "Come on, let me have it."
She looked up in surprise. "What do you mean?"
"I know there's something you want to say. Something you're trying to put off and something I'm probably going to hate. I thought we were getting you over the whole avoidance thing. Whatever it is, just tell me. I can take it."
Mia stared into Jack's eyes and saw the sincerity there, backed up by wariness and his feelings for her.
She ducked her head and took a deep breath, and then looked back up at him. She tried to smile, but failed miserably when it came out as a grimace. "You're right, as always. There is something I've been meaning to say. I just…don't know how to say it, so don't say anything until I'm done, okay?"
Jack nodded silently and brought them to a standstill in the middle of the dance floor.
"This thing between us manifested itself at a time when I was very emotional and a lot of things were happening in my life." She sighed. "I just want us to…let things sit for a while, so I can think. I don't want to date you officially, and then discover a month later that I don't like you as much as I thought, because I latched onto you when I was vulnerable. I want to make sure what I feel is genuine and not a by-product of the craziness I've been dealing with for two months. Does that make sense?"
He nodded slowly. "Yeah, it does, but-"
"Please, Jack, I just need a little time for things to settle down and to think. I'm not trying to avoid you, I promise. I just don't want to see you get hurt. You mean too much to me, so I'm trying to be mature."
He sighed and nodded again, this time more firmly. "That's good. I understand. I want you to be sure. I'm proud of you for being so…"
She smiled a little. "Grown up?"
"Yeah."
The song they had been dancing to was coming to a close, so Jack pulled away from her. The smile he wore was forced and looked pained, but Mia tried not to let it affect her too much. There wasn't anything she could do about the stab that went through her gut when she saw it though.
He waved in the general direction of the bar. "I need a drink. I'll talk to you soon."
She nodded and tried to smile. "Yeah, of course."
Jack nodded and turned away, but she lunged after him and grabbed onto his jacket sleeve. He turned around in confusion.
"What's wrong?"
Mia licked her bottom lip. "I just had to say, thank you, for everything you've done. I really needed you, Jack. You're my best friend."
Without letting herself think about the action, Mia stepped forward into him and stood on her toes. She pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek and then lowered herself back to the ground, before stepping away.
The smile that spread over his face this time was real. "I'll always be here, Mia. You're my best friend too."
When he turned away Mia let him go, and then abandoned the party to go sit in her bedroom. She pulled the hairpins out of her hair and dumped them in the bowl on her vanity.
Then she lay back on her bed and let herself think about Jack.
- - -
< CH. 10 | CH. 12 >
Chapter: 11/12
Author: ladyknight_fic
Fandom: Gossip Girl
Characters: Mia Waldorf-Bass, Chuck Bass, Blair Waldorf
Pairing: OC/OC, Chuck/Blair
Genre: Drama/Romance
Rating: T
Summary: After 19 years of marriage, Chuck and Blair are bitter and angry. So for their 20th anniversary, their daughter Mia sets out to get them the perfect gift: each other.
Spoilers: through Seasons 1 to 2x13
Warning(s): none
Word Count (per chapter): 3072
Disclaimer: I do not own anything affiliated with the Gossip Girl books or TV series. I only own Mia Waldorf-Bass, Jack Humphrey, Ella Humphrey and Katie Archibald. The rest of the characters are the property of the CW Network and I am not profiting from their use in any way.
- - -
Chapter Eleven: Three Words, Eight Letters
The furniture in the lounge had been pushed back and cleared into other rooms, and an arch had been erected in front of the large windows overlooking the New York skyline. The walls had been draped in sheer white fabric, and stands supporting vases of peony and lily of the valley bouquets stood in strategic positions around the room.
Beneath the arch, Blair stood in an ivory, elaborately beaded gown; Chuck was opposite her in a dark suit and tie. The crowd around them consisted of the Humphrey's, the Archibald's, Blair's father and Roman, and Mia.
When she'd heard that her parents wanted to renew their wedding vows for their twentieth anniversary, Mia hadn't been sure if it was wise. They'd just come out of an eight year fight and, more importantly, their anniversary was exactly seven days into the New Year. There didn't seem to be enough time. But Blair was determined, and Blair Waldorf-Bass always got what she wanted. It turned out money could buy most things. No one in New York said no to the Bass's. So Blair was able to get a caterer, a photographer, flowers, a dress, and Harold and Roman on a flight from Paris in just a few days. Luckily, Nate was friends with a judge who was more than happy to preside over the vow renewal ceremony.
The judge had indicated that it was time for the vows, and Mia smiled softly as Chuck and Blair turned to each other and joined hands.
For a moment, Chuck, who was to speak first, said nothing. He stared at Blair intently, almost as if he had to memorise her face, and then took a breath.
"Blair, my beautiful wife, our lives have taken us to places neither of us ever believed possible. Some were good, some were bad. But that we stand here today proves that even the bad things in life can't tear us apart. After all these years, I truly believe that you were created for me, and that I was created for you. For almost thirty years, I have seen your face every time I close my eyes and heard your laughter ring in my ears. While others have come and gone, you have been the one constant in my life. I believe in us and this marriage more than ever, so today I renew the vow I made twenty years ago. I promise that I will comfort you, honour and keep you, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon you my heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, for as long as we both shall live. Blair, in case you've ever forgotten, or ever needed reminding, I love you."
A brilliant smile lit Blair's face and a tear crawled down her cheek. She glanced at the judge and he motioned that she could now speak.
She had to begin twice. The first time Blair opened her mouth, all that came out was a sob. But she gave a small laugh as everyone in the crowd smiled and then she cleared her throat to begin again.
"A long time ago I promised that I would stand by you through anything, but it seems that you have been the one standing by me. Even when I pushed you away, you were there. So here today, in front of our friends and family, I renew my promise. I will stand by you through anything. You will never again have reason to doubt my love for you, or how much I want to share everything with you. I can't wait to live the next twenty years with you at my side. From the very beginning we have been Chuck and Blair, Blair and Chuck, and I never want that to change. For everything you have done, everything you have sacrificed…I love you."
Nate stepped out of the crowd and offered Chuck and Blair the new rings they had purchased for this moment. It had been Chuck's idea to change them, claiming that, as much as the old ones meant to him, this was a new beginning and a turning point in their lives. They were recommitting themselves to each other and new rings could symbolise that. Blair, having nearly broken down at the sentiment, agreed and they'd gone out ring shopping that very afternoon. When they'd shown Mia the rings a few days later, Mia had been very pleased to see the 'C and B, B and C' engraved on the insides.
Chuck and Blair exchanged rings and when their lips met for the kiss, everyone in the crowd sighed simultaneously. Blair pulled back first, only to throw her arms around Chuck's neck. He slipped his around her waist and squeezed back.
The adult guests moved towards the buffet and grabbed champagne to give the couple some privacy. Mia turned away from her parents and took a seat on the sofa that had been pushed up against the far wall. Katie, Ella and Jack followed, and Jack took the seat beside her.
Mia let out a great sigh and leaned her head back against the wall, not caring that it would squash her hair.
Jack touched her wrist gently. "How do you feel?"
She rolled her head around to look at him and smiled. "Relieved. I feel relieved, like now that this is done, everything can begin to be okay again."
Katie shifted her weight and frowned a little. "I know that couples like to renew their vows are trying times, but after so long, do you think this was a good idea? Maybe they should have waited a while, see if they could get over their problems before taking this step."
Mia, despite her contentment, wanted to strangle her friend and order her never to speak again, using her Queen Bee tone to back it up for good measure. Too bad her friends never took any notice of said tone.
But Katie was just being practical, and was even voicing the questions Mia herself had considered. So she said, "I think they wanted to renew their vows to ensure that they do get over it. They genuinely want to work things out and their recommitment is how they show they trust each other."
Katie's frown deepened and she opened her mouth to speak again. Mia's fist clenched in the skirt of her red Marc Bouwer halter dress. She didn't want to spend the rest of the evening defending her parents' actions to Katie, who didn't know them, not really…but if she had to defend them, she would.
In the end, Mia didn't have to do anything. Jack, whose hand had closed over her fist, turned to Katie and said, "Enough. It doesn't matter and even if it did, this isn't the time or the place. Chuck and Blair are happy. We should be happy for them."
Katie had the grace to look guilty and blush. "Right. Sorry, Mia. After everything you've been through, it's probably not what you want to hear."
Mia shrugged. "Forget it."
Ella began babbling on about a pair of earrings she'd seen at Bergdorf and a party they just had to attend the following night. Not only would it be wrong to not make an appearance as the Constance/St Jude's 'royal court', but the notorious party girl who'd left Constance at the end of junior year was also going to be there. Apparently.
From her seat, Mia watched Ella's enthusiasm and couldn't help but think of it as childish. She started, surprised at herself. Had recent events made her so mature that she couldn't enjoy earrings and parties now? And more importantly, would her newfound maturity mean she'd lose the connection she had with Ella and that they'd grow apart?
She sighed quietly and, when he patted her hand, sent Jack a reassuring smile. With Ella still speaking excitedly to the side, Mia stood and Jack followed swiftly. She squeezed his hand.
"Don't worry, I'm just going to go speak to my parents."
Jack nodded and Mia pulled away and crossed the room. Katie's brothers were nowhere to be seen, which worried Mia slightly, but the rest of their friends and extended family surrounded Chuck and Blair. She edged around Nate and Dan to see her parents standing arm in arm.
"Mia!" said Chuck, and held his other arm out to her.
A grin spread across her face and she ducked under his arm so that he could hug her to his chest. Chuck kissed the top of her head and Blair reached out to smooth a hand down her cheek.
"Everything all right?" Blair asked.
Mia nodded. "Yes, everything's great. I'm so happy."
Her parents nodded and shared a smile. Mia rested her head against her father's chest and couldn't help but think over everything that had happened since overhearing that conversation between Blair and Serena. Her parents were happy again and were talking things over, she had matured and she had Jack.
As Jack crossed her mind, Mia sighed sadly. She'd been thinking about their as yet undefined relationship since New Year and was reaching a conclusion that she wasn't sure she wanted to think about, and which he certainly wouldn't like.
"Mia?"
She shook her head and looked up into Chuck's eyes. "Yes?"
"Are you sure everything's okay? I know you just said you were happy, but you don't look it."
Mia raised her eyebrows in what she hoped looked like surprise. "I'm fine, really."
"You won't mind letting go so I can make a toast then?"
Mia gave a genuine smile and pulled away to stand to one side. Hired servers circled with trays bearing fresh glasses of champagne and Ella, Katie and Jack joined the edge of the group.
Chuck cleared his throat and smiled at their friends. "I'm supposed to be toasting Blair, but she came up with a better idea for the toast. The truth is, we're all here to celebrate today because of one person who wouldn't take no for an answer. Over the last two months, she has shown tenacity, dedication and a prominent stubborn streak."
Mia's eye widened and her gaze shot to her friends. Ella was giggling, Katie was smiling in satisfaction and Jack met her eyes with pride.
She looked back to her parents to find both of them watching her wearing His and Hers smirks.
Chuck continued, "So, here's hoping that she never loses those outstanding Bass-"
Blair frowned and kicked her husband's leg.
Chuck's smirk grew but he back-tracked. "Excuse me. Those outstanding Waldorf-Bass qualities and she never forgets that love and communication go hand-in-hand." He raised his glass. "To Mia."
The rest of their family followed suit, but most exchanged confused glances. Only Chuck, Blair, Serena, Jack, Ella and Katie were able to eye her knowingly. A small part of her was relieved; maybe Serena hadn't told Dan (and therefore everyone else) as well.
Soon after the toast, Chuck and Blair took to the makeshift dance floor. Everyone watched quietly as they came together and Vince Gill's 'Look at Us' began playing through the speakers.
Mia had been surprised at the choice of song. Not only was it country music (and from the '90s!) but his voice even had an authentic country twang. She'd been even more surprised when she'd discovered her parents had chosen the song together. Neither Blair not Chuck were Vince Gill fans, but Blair had explained that the lyrics had rung true for them. When Mia had looked the lyrics up on the internet, she'd smiled and, with her parents firmly in mind, found that the song wasn't so bad after all.
When the song was over, Serena and Dan moved off to dance and Chuck approached Mia. He held his hand out to her and raised his eyebrows in silent query.
Mia smiled and let him lead her out on to the dance floor.
As they spun, Chuck opened his mouth and then closed it again. The third time this happened, Mia slapped him lightly on the shoulder. "You're not a Pisces, so stop trying to mimic a fish. What is it?"
He sighed. "Mia, I don't do this often. You have to give me a break."
She didn't speak, instead glaring in answer and Chuck laughed.
"You look just like Blair when you do that."
"Thank you," she said smugly. "Now what is it?"
"I wanted to thank you. What I said during the toast was the truth. Blair and I reached twenty years because you stepped in. And you didn't have to. You're our daughter. It wasn't your job."
She shrugged. "Being your daughter made me need to do it. I've always known how much you and Mother love each other. It would have been wrong of me to let you just throw it all away."
Chuck nodded and glanced up over her shoulder. Mia thought he was staring at Blair, but then he frowned and she wasn't so sure.
"Dad?"
He turned his gaze back to her and cocked his head to one side. "You know, that Humphrey boy has been staring at you all evening."
She felt a rush of heat fill her cheeks. "Really?"
His eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Yes. Anything I should know?"
She pursed her lips and pulled her mouth to one side. Her father was a shrewd man, despite him not picking up on her little match-making game. How to answer?
Finally, she settled on: "Well, I don't hate him, Daddy."
Chuck frowned. "Is that right? Well, does that mean you lo-like him?"
Mia couldn't help but giggle at his swift correction. "Maybe. It's complicated."
He sighed and nodded wearily. "Yeah, I can relate to that."
As the song ended and Chuck pulled away, Jack was suddenly at their side. He smiled at father and daughter, but it dropped a little when Chuck glared at him and ran his eyes up and down Jack.
"Ahhh…I was hoping for a dance with Mia."
"Hmmm," said Chuck. "I suppose I can allow that. Just keep your distance and make sure your hands are where I can see them at all times."
Mia rolled her eyes and Jack laughed nervously.
Chuck turned back to Mia. "Call if you need me." And he stalked off to stand by his wife.
Mia cleared her throat. "Sorry, about that. He's just…"
"It's okay. He's a father looking out for his baby girl. It's a guy thing. We're prone to doing it with sisters, mothers and wives too."
She laughed and stepped forward so he could wrap his arms around her waist. She slid her arms up and around his neck, and they began swaying to the song.
They didn't say much, but Mia, who kept her eyes on shoulder of his jacket, could feel his gaze on her face.
After a while, he sighed. "Come on, let me have it."
She looked up in surprise. "What do you mean?"
"I know there's something you want to say. Something you're trying to put off and something I'm probably going to hate. I thought we were getting you over the whole avoidance thing. Whatever it is, just tell me. I can take it."
Mia stared into Jack's eyes and saw the sincerity there, backed up by wariness and his feelings for her.
She ducked her head and took a deep breath, and then looked back up at him. She tried to smile, but failed miserably when it came out as a grimace. "You're right, as always. There is something I've been meaning to say. I just…don't know how to say it, so don't say anything until I'm done, okay?"
Jack nodded silently and brought them to a standstill in the middle of the dance floor.
"This thing between us manifested itself at a time when I was very emotional and a lot of things were happening in my life." She sighed. "I just want us to…let things sit for a while, so I can think. I don't want to date you officially, and then discover a month later that I don't like you as much as I thought, because I latched onto you when I was vulnerable. I want to make sure what I feel is genuine and not a by-product of the craziness I've been dealing with for two months. Does that make sense?"
He nodded slowly. "Yeah, it does, but-"
"Please, Jack, I just need a little time for things to settle down and to think. I'm not trying to avoid you, I promise. I just don't want to see you get hurt. You mean too much to me, so I'm trying to be mature."
He sighed and nodded again, this time more firmly. "That's good. I understand. I want you to be sure. I'm proud of you for being so…"
She smiled a little. "Grown up?"
"Yeah."
The song they had been dancing to was coming to a close, so Jack pulled away from her. The smile he wore was forced and looked pained, but Mia tried not to let it affect her too much. There wasn't anything she could do about the stab that went through her gut when she saw it though.
He waved in the general direction of the bar. "I need a drink. I'll talk to you soon."
She nodded and tried to smile. "Yeah, of course."
Jack nodded and turned away, but she lunged after him and grabbed onto his jacket sleeve. He turned around in confusion.
"What's wrong?"
Mia licked her bottom lip. "I just had to say, thank you, for everything you've done. I really needed you, Jack. You're my best friend."
Without letting herself think about the action, Mia stepped forward into him and stood on her toes. She pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek and then lowered herself back to the ground, before stepping away.
The smile that spread over his face this time was real. "I'll always be here, Mia. You're my best friend too."
When he turned away Mia let him go, and then abandoned the party to go sit in her bedroom. She pulled the hairpins out of her hair and dumped them in the bowl on her vanity.
Then she lay back on her bed and let herself think about Jack.
- - -
< CH. 10 | CH. 12 >