Intoxicated.

After their dinner by the beach Harry walked Claire back to her suite, Claire was distant and quiet the whole time and Harry knew it’s from what he said earlier at the beach. He didn’t mean to offend Claire but he also didn’t want Blair to know he was drawing again. He mentally sighed and looked at Claire.

“I should get some sleep,” Claire said as she stepped into her room, she smiled weakly towards and slowly closed her door

“I actually want to show you the stars at roof if that’s okay with you,” Harry said, stopping the door with his hands.

Claire hesitated and insisted on closing the door, “Please?” Harry pleaded.

“Maybe tomorrow,” Claire said and fully shut her door leaving Harry in the middle of an empty hallway.

Harry went down to the first floor to get water and walked past the indoor pool where he saw Blair sitting at the edge. Blair couldn’t sleep well so she decided to roam around the ship for a while, she ended up at the indoor pool. She carefully sat by the edge and dipped her toes in. She breathed deep and closed her eyes, feeling the tingles the water send through her tippy toes. Harry was about to go in but he heard someone speak, he quickly hid behind a wall.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Collin entered the room, cutting her peace and quiet short.

“Yeah…” Blair looked down.

“Were you surprised?” Collin took off his slippers and sat beside her,” that I came?”

“I was sort of expecting it, you know Louis can’t keep his excitement when it comes to these trips” Blair smiled.

“But you planned it” Collin stated, he played the water with his toes, swinging it back and forth creating small waves.

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I want you to come” Blair bluntly said and finally looked into his hazel eyes, her lips curling into a playful smile. Collin laughed at her bluntness.

“I know I’ve been acting like all is forgiven since you got here but that is because I want this trip to be at ease for everyone” Blair added, “don’t get any ideas by what I’m showing you”

“What is real Blair? Because from what I remember you were running away from your reality when you first met me” Collin held a certain look in his eyes that Blair knew so well, he had the same look when she first saw him.

Flashback

February 8, 2016

Blair sat by the waiting bench at a railway station in Florence, waiting for her train to go to Tuscany. She grasps on her bag and luggage as she prayed hope none of her mother’s guards find her before going on the train.

A guy sat beside her, he was holding a piece of paper in his hands and he looked distraught. His hair was disheveled and he had his head bowed down. He only had a backpack with him and a plastic bag full of bread.

“Railway fifty-three boarding to Tuscany, Italy” the operator announced through the sound box. Both of them stood up and went in sync like they rehearsed. Blair went on the right side, he went on the other.

They noticed they were the only ones in the cabin. The boy looked at her and for the first time she saw his handsome face, Blair was taken by him. His hazel eyes spoke so much he didn’t need words to capture her.

“Are you running away too?” The boy chuckled, Blair noticed he had a British accent.

“Kind of” She replied, he looked at her in the eye and she immediately blushed, shying away from him, she looked out the window.

The boy suddenly smiled, tearing her heart into pieces “Must be fate, I’m Collin”

“Blair”

End of Flashback

“Our time in Tuscany was a fairytale” Collin smiled to himself remembering the memories they made.

“It was…” Blair smiled too, but her smile turned into a frown in an instant as she remembered the later details, “Did you regret it?” she asked this time looking at Collin with teary eyes.

“I did,” Collin answered truthfully,” When we came back to New York it was clear to me why you ran away, the way he looked at you when he first saw you at the airport …. I understood why you wanted to get away from him” Collin took one of Blair’s hand and caressed it.

“This is not about Harry” Blair sighed and looked at their hands molding together.

“But it is” Collin smiled weakly, “You loved him so much you can’t let him go, that’s why you can’t see me crystal clear because your mind and heart is always going to be with him”

Tears were forming around Blairs eyes,” But I loved you- I did…” She tried to speak but her voice was shaky because she was preventing herself from crying, she could find the right words and finally, tears fell from her sad eyes.

“I know… I know you did” Collin cooed as he moved Blair’s head to rest on his shoulders,” and it’s okay that you loved him too, but I want you to know that it took me everything to go on that plane that night Blair, trust me”

“Then why did you?”

“Because I can’t keep letting you hold on to me just because you can’t with him” Collin hugged her shoulder tight, “I loved you, so much Blair, but I can’t keep fighting for your heart”

“You didn’t even try” Blair whispered as she quietly sobbed.

“It was never mine, to begin with,” Collin closed his eyes and kissed her forehead, Blair sobbed even more as his lips touched her.

She wanted to be caved in his arms all night because, despite everything that had happened, Collin comforted her heart. It made her shiver for how familiar it felt, she can almost call it home, a place where she won’t feel alone, but the feeling disappeared and quickly felt like a soft kiss goodbye.

“Good night, beautiful”

Collin stood up, carefully letting go of Blair who was still crying. Harry quickly went out of the premises and into the spa area before Collin can spot him, when Collin was out of sight Blair cried, even more, her sniffles can be heard all the way from where Harry stood. Harry wanted to go over there and console her but his legs wouldn’t let him. It was clear to him now why Collin left out of the blue when everything was going well with him and Blair; when Blair was the happiest because she was not.

Little did they know Louis was right outside the entrance of the indoor pool area, hiding and holding two cups of hot cocoa. He intended to give the other one to Blair after seeing her get out of the elevator earlier, he even put three marshmallows because it was her favorite. Now it’s melted.

//

Everyone woke up with the sight of the Dominican sunrise, Louis woke everyone up to go to the top deck for brunch. Caleb looked around once they were on the deck and Harry was nowhere to be found.

“Where’s Harry?” He asked

“Probably still asleep, care to wake him up, Claire?” Louis smiled at Claire who was grabbing a croissant. Harry entered on cue, he looked like he didn’t sleep well, his hair was a mess but he still looked good just tired.

“Sorry I’m late everyone,” Harry said and plastered a toothy grin. He approached Claire and took her croissant and bit the tip of it, the rest hanging off his lip.

“Bread thief” Claire rolled her eyes and poked his sides

“Want a piece?” Harry managed to say even if the bread was sandwiched in his lips, “of this?” he wriggled his eyebrows referring to what he said to her the other night. Claire flicked his forehead and snatched the bread from him.

“Max and Tara’s PDA is enough, please don’t add any more” Kate joked.

“Want to join the love boat with me?” Jake asked flirtatiously, Kate gave him a disgusted face and pushed him playfully.

Everyone was seated on the long table comfortably, eating and chattering away. Harry who sat beside Claire kept giving her cheeky jokes and making her laugh, displaying his feelings out for everyone to see. Tara approached the table after getting a mimosa, she smiled and sat beside Max.

“Let’s play never have I ever” Tara excitedly suggested. Everyone smiled, some even clapped their hands in excitement.

“Care to explain the game for the newbies' babe?” Max said noticing that Peyton was trying to process what the game was

“Okay, so one will give a situation if you have been in that situation you drink. If you haven’t then you don’t, it’s easy and it’s supposed to be a drinking game but it’s too early for vodka so we have to settle for mimosas and orange juice” Tara ended with a smile.

“Game Tara, you start,” Tyson said

“Never have I ever….” Tara paused for a little suspense,” taken drugs”.

All the boys except Caleb, including Blair, Chloe, and Selene drank their mimosas, leaving Claire and Peyton with surprised looks on their faces.

“Okay Kate, you’re next,” Tara said after drinking her mimosa.

“Never have I ever cheated on a significant other” Kate challenged.

Claire looked at Harry nervously who was laughing, “What is this game” He laughed and picked up his drink downing it in one go. Claire was both curious and disappointed to find that out, she looked down and sighed. Harry hurriedly drew lines on her back to comfort her.

“It was a long time ago” He whispered. Claire laughed at pinched his cheeks.

Kate picked Peyton next, “Never have I ever pretended to love someone even if I don’t,” Peyton said.

Harry diverted his gaze to Blair and Louis, obviously triggered by the question. He saw Blair was the only one to drink.

“Blair?” Chloe asked, surprised as well as the others.

“It was a bet. Harry and Louis made me do it” Blair chuckled.

“Oh, I have a good one!” Tyson exclaimed, “Never have I ever had sex with someone and totally forgot their name while going at it”

"It's NOT YOUR TURN!" All the boys threw papers towels at him and laughed.

“Claire” Peyton smiled, “Next!”

“Um,” Claire smiled as she rested her chin on her palm trying to think of a clever question, “Never have I ever been in a one-sided relationship”

“I’ll fucking drink to that” Louis happily joked. Collin followed after, Blair looked down and drank her mimosa in secret. Harry hated seeing Blair in such state, he diverted his eyes to Collin who was laughing with Max and Tara. Harry stood up and rose his glass.

“I have a good one,” He announced getting everyone’s attention, “Never have I ever left the country out of nowhere and left Blair all alone to be depressed”

Collin looked at Harry, slowly standing up to meet his angry gaze. “Want me to drink to that?” Collin challenged him

“I fucking dare you” Harry spat.

Everyone at the table looked at them in shock, especially Blair and Claire. Claire was so confused about what was going on and tried to rethink Harry’s question, then it hit her, he was defending Blair for some reason. Claire heavily sighed looked at Blair who was looking down. She wondered what happened to make Harry act so rational all of a sudden.

“I think we had enough mimosas for one morning, why don’t we enjoy Dominica! GUYS!” Louis said trying to lighten up the mood,” if you guys want, you can hop off the boat and explore the island for a bit or stay here and have some chill time specifically Harry and Collin” he joked.

Harry sat down not tearing his eyes off Collin who walked off, he gritted his teeth out of anger. Claire held his hands and tried to comfort him.

“Not now” Harry mumbled pushing her hand off his and walked away.

“Sorry you had to see that,” Blair said to Claire before running after Harry.

“Why is Harry so mad at him?” Claire innocently asked the people left at the table.

“Ever wondered why none of us tried to get with Harry?” Selene asked as a reply

“Guys…”, “Girls” Max and Kate warned.

“He’s got the looks, the money, everything, yet we didn’t. Because we know we’ll forever be in constant competition with Blair in order to win over his heart” Chloe added to Selene’s response, “ You’re brave Claire, let’s drink to that” Chloe clinked her glass with Kate’s glass on the table and finished her mimosa.

Peyton and Louis worriedly looked at Claire who’s keeping a straight face, with pity, Claire looked at Peyton and gave her a reassuring smile. Blair quickly followed Harry into his room, he threw himself on the bed and groaned.

“What the hell was that?!” Blair asked as she slammed the door after walking in.

“Nothing, didn’t you enjoy the show?” Harry gave Blair a smug look and stood up to pour himself a glass of Scotch.

“Harry-“

“WHAT!? Are you still affected by that douche bag? Are you still in love with him, huh!?” Harry shouted, cutting Blair off

“Why do you care?” Blair breathed as she looked at Harry in disbelief, he wasn’t acting like himself.

“JUST GO! Runaway! Go on a train, be with that stupid guy, get trapped again for all I care-“ Harry’s cheek was met with Blair’s harsh slap. He chuckled as he touched his throbbing cheek.

“Tell me honestly, why did he leave?” Harry took a step closer, Blair back away with each step until she sat on the sofa as Harry placed his palms on either side of her face, locking her in “TELL ME”

Harry knew why but there was a part of him that wanted confirmation from Blair, he spent the whole night resenting Collin for what he had done to Blair.

“BECAUSE OF YOU, YOU ASSHOLE! BECAUSE I WAS STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU” Blair screamed back, as tears flowed down her cheek.

Once the words came out of her mouth all Harry could think of was kissing her, kissing her with full anger and frustration. He couldn’t believe why Blair led him on only this far to be in such complicated terms, and then Claire came into his mind, a crystal, clearest, picture of her.

Suddenly Harry wanted to let Blair go but he couldn’t, his grip on her waist only made him pull Blair closer.

Harry was about to kiss her when a knock came into the door, “Harry! It’s Louis, is it okay to talk? I HAVE ICE CREAM FOR YOUR LADY PROBLEMS” Louis joked on the other side of the door.

//

Harry spent the rest of the evening away from the group, he went down to the indoor pool that night to get a clear thought. He tried to process what could’ve happened if Louis didn’t interrupt him and Blair earlier. He was inches away from her lips, lips that he’s been waiting to kiss since he was thirteen. Harry took off his shirt and dived into the cold water, he felt the sense of rush coming in his system, he wanted to get drunk. He pushed himself up the edge and sat on it, taking out a packet of cigarettes and lighter from the nearby table where he placed them when he entered. He puffed a smoke out as he sighed deeply.

Claire entered shortly after in her white bathrobe and holding a towel, she immediately smelled the smoke as he eyes landed at Harry who was already staring at her. She immediately turned but he was faster than her, holding her hand so she won’t get away further.

“Please, stay…. ” Harry pleaded.

Claire sighed but she obliged, taking off her bathrobe revealing her navy blue two-piece. Harry tried to contain himself as Claire went down to the pool, she carefully swam through the cold water, her back turned against him as she tried her best to ignore him. Harry pulled her towards him by grabbing her waist.

“You must have been hurt by the way I acted earlier,” He said, his lips close to her ear it nearly tickled her.

“No shit” Claire spat.

“Why aren’t you shaking me off this time?” Harry asked innocently, Claire turned her body and looked at him with hopeful eyes.

“Because I’m tired of blaming you for everything you’re making me feel without knowing your true intention” Claire answered truthfully answered, she placed her palm on his cheek and traced imaginary lines on his cheekbones with her thumb.

“Why do you keep pretending to be bad?” Claire softly spoke,” doing that will only hurt you”

“You sound so mature” Harry chuckled, trying to get out of her accusation.

Claire got the message and splashed water on his face, “Whatever,” she said rolling her eyes in the process.

Harry pulled her back into his arms and stared deeply at her lips, he noticed that Claire’s breathing hitched up, he could feel her heartbeat getting loud as their bodies mold together under the water. He smirked

“Now if you react this way whenever I touch you,” Harry said, his voice becoming deep and sultry,” it makes me look like a bad guy”

“I don’t care” Claire said, her voice becoming weak as she anticipates what’s about to happen next.

“I’m going,” Harry chuckled, “Meet me on the roof deck after your swim, I want to show you something”

Claire opened her eyes and looked at Harry in disbelief, she watched him get out of the water, droplets of it dripping from his torso, she gulped. He gathered his things and went out of the indoor pool area with a playful grin on his face.

“Jerk” Claire muttered.

NEXT ON INTOXICATED

Notes

HELLO GUYSSS SHORT UPDATE BUT YEAH <3 6k reads!!! IM SO THANKFUL!

As always tell me your thoughts at the comments <3 love you all!!!!