I WANT TO BE WANTED | 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐎𝐍

𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

           FROM THE VERY FIRST DAY AT WELTON ACADEMY, IT HAD ALWAYS BEEN BLAIR AND CHARLIE. nothing but a small leather backpack on his shoulders and a flimsy paper map of the school in hand, charlie dalton watched across the dining hall as the most beautiful girl he had ever laid eyes on stood against the wall shyly. he was staring right at the girl who would grow to become his most beloved and trusted friend, but of course he wouldn't know her until halfway through their freshman year.

   he owed his life to mr. quinn of astronomy who paired the two up for a project one day in february. the two clicked instantly, more so– charlie fell instantly. but blair only ever saw him as a friend.. at least that was until she truly learned the meaning of love. their junior year.

the two sat in a desolate music room, charlie sat opposite blair as she scribbled in her journal. he had been practicing his saxophone for the upcoming winter concert, it was something that meant a lot to him each year. the most beautiful sounds escaped the instrument as he played passionately. a certain lick within the arrangement made blair stop what she was doing to pay full attention. "what is that? i love it" she smiled widely, trying to gain a look at his sheet music. "a string of pearls, glenn miller" he paused to inform her before putting the saxophone right back in his mouth to continue playing.

   as she watched him play, it was like something strange had been altered inside of her. she found her cheeks heating up and her heart rate quickening as she analyzed her best friend. he looked so in love as he let the music take over him, the blonde had never seen him so happy before. the way his fingers delicately caressed the brass was art on it's own, and it was right then when blair realized just how lucky she was to be sitting there with the boy. she waited until he was finished to open her mouth, although she was finding it hard to find the words to say. so she stood up. clapping her hands forcefully as if she had just witnessed a concert in carnegie hall. "stop it" charlie laughed, lifting the instrument over his head so he could rest it beside him. "you're gifted, charlie. really" her tone became serious as she looked at him with wide eyes. "it's only a hobby. at least that's what my parents say" he shrugged, running a hand through his hair gently. "no" she answered sternly. he seemed taken aback by her persistence.

   "no?" he smirked with amusement. that smile. she almost forgot what she was saying entirely as she became entranced with his expression. it didn't take long before she snapped out of it, shaking her head slightly. "charlie, you see how neil's dad is right?  he's miserable because of it. you have to fight back, not conform to what they want for you" her gaze clung onto his as his face became serious. "i know it's easier said than done, but do you really wanna be a banker? you despise math." she reminded him. suddenly his thoughts started to run wild, and he began to envision himself in the future sitting at a desk, at a job he hates, all just to make his parents happy.. while he was depressed. "i don't want that" he looked down softly. it was the first time she had seen him take a topic seriously in a long time. "i know you don't" she offered a sad smile, glancing down at the instrument.

"you know.. you really do know me better than anyone, blair" he batted his eyelashes at her, practically making her fall to her feet. the girl cared for him more than her own family, and that could only make her realize one thing...

blair cagney was in love with charlie dalton ...

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