a little less conversation

Introduction

Name: Huxley Waldorf-Humphrey Age: 21 Birthday + Zodiac: October 27 + Scorpio Occupation: 3rd Year at NYU; Majoring in Political Science Parents: Blair Waldorf + Daniel Humphrey

Personality

Positives: magnetic charisma; ambitious; consistent; willpower Negatives: obsessive; cynical; hypersensitive Label: The Secret Musician  Aesthetic: penetrating grey eyes; tidy & dark curls; calloused thumbs; stacks of ‘rolling stone’ magazines; stage spotlights; new york style pizza, folded right in half; hidden chest tattoos; suffocating in button up shirts & ties; fire escape hangouts; nicotine gum

Plot

Expressing his political beliefs at only eight years old was the sure sign of a strong, opinionated Waldorf child. It led to him participating in debate clubs throughout school and volunteering on political campaigns in the city. If you have the connections, exercise them, right? With an extensive résumé at only eighteen and freshly graduated, Huxley had the choice to attend whatever school he so wanted. He was a momma’s boy at heart, connected with her through his endeavors, but as a gift to his father, Hux chose to enroll at NYU, the school Dan had graduated proudly from. His parents had divorced years previously and he mainly lived with Blair, so this just felt right.

Huxley was mistaken when he thought NYU was the only similarity he’d have to the Humphreys. He got involved in activities (more for the résumé than himself), of course, but he didn’t think he’d find himself falling in love with music his first club meeting. As soon as the guitar had been placed in his hands, the strings and chords were as easy to read as the back of his hand.

And that’s when he knew he’d chosen the wrong major. All these years, he had confused his intelligence on a topic for passion, when it just wasn’t. He continued with the major and began playing music on the side, unbeknownst to almost everyone. Holly, his bestie, and his grandfather, Rufus, are the exceptions.

It’s been 3 years now. 3 years of full of heart passion, 3 years of new instruments, 3 years of secret concerts and shows.

Connections

Holly McAllister Abrams -- Best friends in mutual pining

[Without even really turning to address the person sitting down next to her–her eyes are fixed on her compact where she’s checking her lipstick–she waves them away with her free hand] No.

...Yeah. That sounds right.

Shame. Sounds like someone should have a long, hard talk with the caterers… Anyway, you’ll still come though, right? Good cause, free non-booze. Your college apps’ll really shine for it.

Dan nodded. Ironically, it would probably look great on a Dartmouth application that he was caught mingling and brushing elbows with Manhattan’s finest at an event for charity. “I’m going for my sister. The reason for most of my appearances at these things.”

“Well, it’s sad no girls have appreciated you, I mean you go to St. Jude’s you are constantly around girls. What’s wrong with you?” Juliette laughed lightly she liked to tease, especially when she liked being around them. “I think I might be making one, but I doubt the codewords will help me with that. So there is some self-confidence in there. Good to know you have a nice body. I mean a good body around here is like finding a trust fund.”

“What is wrong with me? Miss Vanderbilt, I’m gonna say that’s a loaded question I’ll delve into with my future psychiatrist.” Dan laughed, but that slowly turned to an awkward chuckle when she complimented him yet again. He was sure they didn’t make girls like Juliette Vanderbilt on the Upper East Side. Nice girls, that is.

That’s probably exactly what that means, no need to go see a doctor or anything. You just might want to have someone guide you around the room for a while until your eyesight comes back. Seriously, never? Okay, if you learn how right now it won’t be pathetic, but it’s a small window. Come here, I’m going to blow your mind. It’s totally retro, so this knowledge will never help you anywhere else[scoots down the seat and pats the spot next to her].

Serena really was a literal angel and Dan knew it by the way she’d so easily agreed to help him, as if his presence wasn’t actually a bother like it was to most people on the Upper East Side. Namely Chuck and Blair. “Hey, that doesn’t matter to me. At least I’m learning something brand new.” He slid into the seat next to Serena without missing a beat. “What’s the next step? To smile?”

“You’ve never been called cute before?” Juliette couldn’t help but grin, she loved how flustered she had made Dan, even if only for a moment. She laughed lightly. “Well that’s a shame, I thought that maybe I would get lucky and get paired up with someone like you. Guess not.”

“Sure, I’ve been called cute before. By my dad. When I was like three and finally learned how to say my baby sister’s name.” Dan shrugged, offering a smile. He wasn’t great at comforting people, but he felt for her. With all of her business online and whatnot. “Maybe you’ll make a new friend out of this, ya never know. Doesn’t have to be a guy like me with a great body and personality. I’ve heard we’re rare. That’s what my mom used to say a lot, anyway.”

Oh–hang on, I’m almost….

…Done. Okay, the photobooth is yours, I’ll get out of your hair. The flash is a little bright, and it isn’t really like having an actual photographer, but it’s still a lot of fun.

So once I go blind and I’m only seeing spots, that means the perfect picture was just captured. Gotcha, thanks for the heads up. I’ve actually never used one of these things. How pathetic would I sound asking you for help? You’re the expert, after all.

“Really? Why besides the whole Vanderbilt of it all?” Juliette grinned lightly. “No worries, it’s kind of cute. Well, it’s nice to meet you Dan, and I hope you get with someone not full of botox.”

“I, uh... what?” Cute? He had to admit even though it was most likely common knowledge, but no girl on the Upper East Side had ever called him cute. He looked a little flustered at the comment, but quickly shook it off with a tiny, boyish smile. “I already have that covered. There’s a reason I didn’t do the questionnaire.”

“That could just be because nothing makes him smile.” Juliette grinned lightly as looked at him. “Well thank you, don’t feel bad about it. I mean we all read it. None of us are innocent in that are we?” She had kind of grown used to the idea of everyone knowing everything about her. “It’s nice to officially meet you, officially. I’m Juliette Vanderbilt. Which you already knew.”

If it’s any consolation, I would have known you with or without reading that nonsense. You’re a Vanderbilt, though, so maybe that’s not too surprising. And, uh, you’ve gotta get me to stop rambling. I’m Dan Humphrey.

“You know I think that the botox thing will be more your side. Hopefully, I’ll be paired up with someone of the opposite sex.” Juliette grinned lightly at Dan. “What is your hypothesis?”

“Do you mean Chuck Bass hasn’t had a touch of work done to his upper lip? His smile lines don’t even exist.” He rubbed his brow with a slight chuckle. “I know it’s a fat chance, but I hope you’re paired with someone nice. I’ve read your-- This sounds so intrusive, I’m sorry, but I’ve read about you on everyone’s favorite site. I guess I wanted to know who I was going to school with. It sounds like you haven’t head the best luck, is all... Aaaand I’m rambling. Yep, sorry.”

… Would it be the sole thing on yours?

Don’t make me call you by your full name. You’ll hate it, because I know you’ve grown too used to Little J these days.

Are people seriously that into this? If this is some weird ass, Upper East Side set up shit, I’m out.

Do you ever hear good things about blind set ups? My dad went on a blind date and now he’s divorced. Separated. Same difference.

Wait… is there a chance that I’m going to be paired with a dude?

Oh no, you’ve got the face of someone unhappy with their partner….Look, if you figured out who you’re paired with and you want a refund, you can probably talk to my mom about it, but I doubt you’ll get anywhere.

I didn’t even-- Parker Knightly, right? Do you have access to the lists?

I hope so. I mean, maybe I don’t? Maybe it’s better if my partner is just totally boring and then I don’t have to be the lame date they wish they didn’t have. Or maybe I won’t even get a date! Maybe Mrs. Hunter thought my questionnaire was spam and pretended to pair me up with someone to catch me in the act. I did pick a really boring code-word, it could easily have been spam….

I’d say your priorities are exactly what I’d expect.