ILLICIT AFFAIRS | WLW

Foolish One

𝐀𝐍: A little pre-warning, even I  felt a little emotional writing this. My heart is breaking so bad for both Blair and Catherine :(

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That Saturday evening arrived with the comforting sense of something to look forward to. Blair found herself seated cross-legged across from Ann in the dimly lit interior of their apartment. Their plans for this evening had been in the making for weeks, originally set as an opportunity for Blair's focus to be set on her friendship with Ann, as opposed to her relationship with Catherine.

Yet life, as it often did, had thrown Blair a curveball in the form of Catherine's betrayal – a tumultuous revelation after having saw the woman with Grace. The night ahead provided a break, a moment to finally breathe without the lingering thoughts of the woman she had let into her heart.

A half-empty bottle of rosé wine nestled on the coffee table between them, its contents cheap but effective in its purpose. To help ease the edges of the day. A simple pleasure in aiding Blair to forget.

Ann swirled the light pink liquid before taking a sip. Yet her gaze remained on her friend, glancing with a look of mixed concern and hope. "Are you sure you're up for this tonight? She asked gently as she set the glass down with a soft clin, her voice soft yet carrying a weight of protective scepticism. "We could always stay in, order some food in."

Blair met her friend's gaze, her own glass paused halfway to her lips. "Tempting, but no." She offered Ann a weak smile, her voice carrying a firmness she partly felt. "I need this, Ann. I need to remember what it feels like to just...be Blair again, not this version affected by..."

Catherine's name died on her lips with a deep breath. She knew what Ann had been asking – beyond the surface, beyond the pretence of a simple night out. But Blair truly was up for this. She was determined to forget, even if just for the night, what it felt like to dwell on the warmth she felt whenever she was with Catherine. Because she knew – she had to know; it was a feeling she wouldn't feel again.

Ann nodded slowly, understanding more than Blair said. "Alright, but we're doing this your way, okay? If you want to bail at any time, we bail. No questions asked."

"Deal," Blair agreed, relief flooding through her. She reached for the bottle and topped up their glasses, the crisp sound of pouring wine filling the brief silence.

Ann soon reached out, her hand squeezing Blair's with a gentle reassurance. "We're going to have fun tonight," she declared with a smile that lit up her features.

Blair couldn't help but laugh, nodding her head in another silent agreement. She lifted her wine to Ann's, the glasses clinking softly in a sound of camaraderie, a testament to a silent promise between them.

As Blair sat there dressed in a burgundy pleated mini skirt that contrasted sharply with her pale skin, and a black sleeveless corset top that accentuated her slender frame, she felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Something she always felt before a promising night out. Her black boots, sturdy yet stylish, completed the outfit, grounding her both literally and metaphorically.

"You look killer, by the way," Ann said, breaking into her thoughts. Her tone was admiring, with a playful undercurrent that was characteristic of their friendship. "That outfit is definitely going to turn some heads."

Blair simply smiled genuinely at that, quickly glancing down at her outfit. She felt powerful, in control – something she hadn't felt in weeks. "Thanks Ann, but I'm only hoping to stun, not kill," she quipped back, her tone playful.

"And stun you will!"

Their playful banter was a balm to Blair's frayed nerves, their laughter helping to ease the tension lingering. As they continued to compliment and tease each other, Blair felt the heaviness that had settled around her heart since her ordeal with Catherine begin to lift slightly. Ann's presence, her easy laughter, and unwavering support reminded her of who she was beneath the turmoil.