Title: for ever cold (for ever warm) Author: Dawnster Challenge: written for the bleighton_squee summer

2009 ficathon. Recipient: fourteencats Word Count: 4 431 Pairing: Blake Lively/Leighton Meester, Leighton Meester/Michelle Trachtenberg Rating: PG 13, just to be safe. Summary: fourteencats wished for An AU of epic proportions and a century past, involving a boarding school, older!student!/teacher!Leighton and new!student!Blake (think Jane Eyre's school situation with appropriately aged girls, if you'd like). This is just a bit of fun short story, not to be taken too seriously. A sigh escaped the older mans lips, as he watched her daughter through the window in his study. She was just sitting on a bench in the gardens, her ever faithful harlequin Great Dane resting at her feet. Her mother, his first wife, had passed away almost three years ago, yet she still wore all black. He had given her a purple dress just a few weeks ago. After that, she wouldnt talk to him for a day. He closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, he noticed that a strand of her blonde hair was flying in the wind. I dont know what to do with her. Shes fifteen already. In a few years, shell be ready to come out, but I doubt that any man would want a sulking wife like her. He took off his glasses and glanced at his own new young wife. I wouldnt even want to marry her like that. Shes the apple of my eye; no one could treat her well enough. Another sigh escaped his lips. He was sure that he didnt have this much gray hair just a year ago. I just dont know what to do with her. You know, his wife started, looking up from her embroidery, I know a place we could send her. She quickly shook her head, as she saw his husbands shocked face. Not a madhouse. But a boarding school. I think it would be good for her. She obviously enjoys reading, as thats the only thing she really does. Mdchen screwed up her face in disgust. Besides, she would be around girls her own age. I think it would do her good. Ernie Lively looked at his wife for a few moments. Do you really think so? Mdchen nodded. Yes, of course. I went to a boarding school when I was younger. I really liked it. She smiled weakly, as if just remembering those days brought a smile to her lips. And this way, she could learn how not to be as dependant on you. He nodded, a little sadly, I will talk to her later.

She was holding her breath without even noticing it. The poem she was reading was just simply breathtaking. As she swallowed, she felt something scratchy at the back of her throat, and she felt like her eyes were a little wet. Wetter than they were supposed to be. Her left hand was resting on Pennys head, scratching her ear timidly. Just as she had reached the last words of the poem, she heard hurried steps on the pavement. Miss Lively, Jessica, one of their maids said with a haste curtsey, Your father would like to see you in his study.

Blake used her hanky to dry her eyes and closed her book. Thank you, Jessica. She stood up. Tell me, is Kelly back yet? Kelly used to be her nurse, when she was still little, and after that she became Blakes personal maid. After her mothers death, she was like Blakes mother. Jessica nodded. Yes, she was just talking to your father. But mister Lively said that you must see him immediately. The blonde let out a small sigh and slowly started walking towards the house. Penny, come, she said, as she looked back. She patted her skirts softly, while letting out a whistle. As she did that, her Great Dane trotted slowly after her. Blake took her time to get to her fathers office. She had a feeling that it really wasnt going to be any good. Her father asked her to come to his office only when he wanted to talk about something very important. When her mother had died, her father had asked her to come to his office. She knew that he usually liked to be left alone when he was working. Ernie Lively knew that her daughter was comic before she even knocked onto his door. He heard Pennys big paws on the wooden floor. A soft click clack. And then it stopped and there was a knock on the door. Come in, Blake. Blake pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped in. You wanted to see me, father? It was a question, although he had requested her to be there. Yes. Sit down. He pointed to a sofa at the wall. He waited until Blake had sat down, before he started talking again. Your mother died almost three years ago. I think its time for you to start living your own life again, Blake. He raised his hand, to stop Blake from talking, when he saw her opening her mouth. I have decided to send you to a boarding school. Its in New York. Its a very fine establishment. I think that you will like it there. Blake stared at her father for a few moments. What? No, Im not going. I want to stay here, at home. She knew that her father hadnt thought of this on his own. She was sure that this was all her new stepmothers idea. The woman couldnt stand Blake, she knew all too well that she reminded everyone of her mother. Especially Ernie. You are leaving next week, Blake. That should give you enough time to get your things in order and order new gowns and such. He didnt look at Blake, because he wanted to stay with his opinion. But looking at her daughter would definitely make him change his mind. You can go now.

That night, at dinner, Blake didnt say a word to either Ernie or Mdchen. She ordered new gowns, most of them still black, and the rest of them in dark colors. When she spoke with her father again, it was to say goodbye.

She had, of course, heard horror stories of boarding schools. She had expected to find a cold, mean looking house. Instead, she found a warm mansion which was decorated to the latest of fashions. When she arrived, the girls were outside having lunch and the younger girls were running around and playing.

One of the housemaids showed Blake her new rooms. There was just a small bedroom with two beds, her roommate wasnt there yet, and a small sitting room. When the maid left, without saying another word, Blake walked into the sitting room and sat down onto one of the armchairs by the window. She leaned her forehead against the cold window. She could see the girls outside. Everyone was dressed in pastel colors, they seemed so happy. As she closed her eyes, she noticed just one girl, who seemed to be alone, dressed in dark green.

Every day, during lunch, Leighton wanted to strangle the younger girls. Lunch was supposed to be about enjoying your food, but she didnt understand how anyone could enjoy anything when those annoying little bugs were running around and screaming. She didnt understand how the teachers even permitted it. But most of the time, the old hags just watched the brats with smiles on their faces. As always, Leighton was the first one to excuse herself from the table. She figured that if she hurried up with her lunch, she would have time to read something in her room before she had to attend her afternoon classes. Who the hell are you? Blakes eyes snapped open as she looked at a girl dressed in dark green, standing at the door of the sitting room. My name is Blake Lively? She didnt mean it to come out as a question. She knew very well what her name was after all. But she was shocked. She wasnt used to people just barging in on her like that. Leighton looked the girl sitting in her chair over once more. Her right brow was raised a little, and there wasnt even a hint of a smile on her rosy lips. For some bizarre reason, Blake thought that it made the girl look even more beautiful. I dont care what your name is. All I want to know is why are you sitting in my armchair, in my room. Blake stood up from the armchair. Im new here, and this is my room too. I hope that we can find a way to divide the armchairs equally, though. She sent the girl a smile, but her face fell instantly, when she saw that she was at the receiving end of a glare. There was something about this girl that made her very nervous. Leighton rolled her eyes at Blakes attempt of a joke. My names Leighton Meester. And I like my privacy.

The dinner was definitely better than first impressions with her new roommate. It seemed that not everyone was such a bitch. No one was super friendly, no, but at the very least said anything mean to her. If anything, they asked a little too much questions. When the questions got a little too much and a little too personal, Blake just excused herself and went to her room. Leighton had excused herself before Blake, but when she got to their room, the room was dark and there was no one there. In a few minutes, Jessica came up to the room to help Blake change out of her gown. How has your first day been, miss?

Blake raised her hands, so Jessica could get her gown off. She sighed in relief, as Jessica took off her corset. It was alright. My roommate isnt too nice, though. She let down her arms after Jessica had put her nightgown on. Thank you, Jessica. She sat down onto her bed, so the maid could take out the dozens of pins in her hair. When her long, blond hair finally flowed freely over her shoulders and back, Blake felt like she was free. At least for a few hours. Jessica put the gowns and pins away. I will come here before breakfast, to help you get dressed. Good night, miss. The sheets on the bed were nothing like the sheets at home. At home, when she crawled into bed, her bed was already warm. But as she slipped between the sheets now, she felt herself shudder a little. The sheets seemed to be just a little damp, probably from not being used in a while. She took the poetry book from her bedside table, and started reading. Without even noticing it, she fell asleep. She was sleeping so soundly, that she didnt hear Leighton coming into the room, not alone, and she didnt hear the giggles and whispers. She didnt hear Leightons maid coming in an hour later, to help her get changed, and she certainly didnt notice Leighton switching off the lights. It was hours later that Blake woke up again. Her face was already wet with tears, and she heard herself sobbing. It had been another one of the dreams. She hadnt seen a dream about her mother for over a month now. She had woken up crying in so long. She had thought that she was doing better. As she sat up in bed, the book she had been reading fell into her lap. Hey, the voice was so very soft and gentle. Nothing like Leightons voice hours earlier, when they had met. Its going to be alright. Its just strange being away from home, at first, I know. She started caressing Blakes hair softly. Blake shook her head. No, its not because of that. It was barely a whisper, as she couldnt speak more loudly, and still be clear. She closed her eyes and rested her head against her knees. It was the dream. She took a deep breath, and another, loud, sob escaped her lips. I started having these dreams after my mom died. She drew in a deep breath. She shook her head and looked up at Leighton. Its nothing, dont worry about it. You can go back to bed. Leighton stared at her new roommate for a few moments. The girl was still crying, almost sobbing, yet she tried to put on a brave front. Besides, the whole dream thing made her very curious. What kind of dreams made a girl cry like that in her sleep? Alright, she said, as she slowly got up. But this girl was a stranger to her. Maybe her father or uncle used to beat her up? Maybe her brother wanted special favors from Blake? And Leighton wasnt one to prod for such things. She was sure that the blonde didnt want to talk about it. Good night, in that case. She squeezed Blakes shoulder, before she went back to her bed. Blake took a few deep breaths, and grabbed a glass with water from her bedside table. After taking a few gulps of water, she laid her head back onto the pillow. But she couldnt go back to sleep. No matter what she did. She counted to fifty, turned from one side to another more times than she could count, but whenever she felt like she was about to get some sleep, she heard something outside or in the building. But one particular voice startled her more than the others. Blake? It was Leighton. Her voice, Blake noticed, wasnt as groggy as it had been earlier, when she had come over to comfort Blake. Im so sorry if you couldnt sleep because of me. Ill be quieter.

Leighton sighed and rolled her eyes at the same time. You can light a candle, if that helps you. Thank you. Blake wasnt sure what exactly she was thanking Leighton for. She never slept with the light on. Not even when she had these dreams. But she lit the candle anyway. And, finally, the flickering of the candle helped her to go to sleep.

The next few days were a haze. Everything was so different from what she was used to. She was used to writing sentences in French and English, doing mathematical equations and just reading a lot on her own. Her tutor didnt really want her to speak. But it was very different at the new school. A lot of the teachers encouraged the students to think for themselves, and to engage in debates. Blake certainly enjoyed this a lot more. She had always figured herself to be a peoples person. And she enjoyed the lunch time immensely. None of the girls were mean to her, and everyone wanted to know everything about her. She couldnt remember the last time she had so much fun. Before the dinner on the third day, after her last class, which ended earlier than usual, she had decided to change out of one of her black dresses and into something a little bit more colorful. As she slowly opened the door, she thought she had heard someone calling her name from down the hall. When she turned her head back to the door, she witnessed the surprise of her life. Leighton was lying on the bed, her head thrown back and her red lips slightly parted. One of the oldest girls in school, Michelle, was straddling the smaller brunette. It was a mess of silk and taffeta, but Blake could see that Michelles hand was under Leightons skirts and both of Leightons hands were on Michelles hips. Blake could feel her cheeks color at the scene she had just witnessed. Was still witnessing. She quickly, but quietly, closed the door and leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. Now that she wasnt seeing the girls, together on the bed, on top of each other, any more, she noticed what was happening to her. She felt her heart positively thumping in her chest, and her breath had definitely quickened. She opened her eyes once more, shook her head, and took off before anyone would see her just standing there. The dinner was about to start anyway. When Blake was already sitting at the dinner table, she saw Michelle walking in first, and then a few minutes later, Leighton walked in. Even though they had been together in a rather compromising situation not long ago, they both sat far away from each other. In fact, Blake noticed something again. The girl sitting alone at lunch, the one in the green dress, that she had noticed on the first day, had been Leighton. Now that she thought about it Leighton always sat alone. In class and during dining, even during their study breaks in library, she was always alone. Then she looked around herself. There were girls on both sides of her, although she had been at the school for a week, she was almost never left alone. Just when she was about to get up, to join Leighton, the brunette stood up and made her way out of the dining hall. Although she had been in a hurry to offer Leighton company at the dining table, just moments ago, but she was in no hurry to get back into their room. She thought that she couldnt be able to keep her mouth shut about what she saw for very long. When she finally left the dining room, she was one of the last girls to leave. She just felt sorry for the time she had wasted there. Time that she could have used to read or even sleep. As she opened

the door to their room, a little cautiously, she noticed that Leighton was already in bed, staring at the ceiling, a small light still burning. You took your time getting up here. Leighton wasnt even looking at her. Can you help me get undressed? The words left Blakes mouth before she even had any time to think about it. Iuh dont want to invite Jessica up here anymore. Its late. Shes probably sleeping. Sure, Leighton said with a nod. She slowly got out of her bed and walked over to Blake. She started unbuttoning Blakes dress, and then started fumbling on the corset. When did your mother die? Leighton felt how Blakes whole body stiffened under her touch. Blake glanced at Leighton over her shoulder. Almost three years ago. She felt like she could breathe more normally again. Then why do you still wear black? Blake just shrugged. It just feels right. Or at least it did until now. I wanted to change my gown earlier actually, to something lighter. But you were busy with Michelle, I think. Oh. She slid the top of Blakes gown off. Why do you do that? Blake asked, as she put her gown away. It was Leightons turn to shrug now. It feels good, at times. She placed Blakes corset onto the blondes bed. I think you can manage from here. Yes, Blake said with a small nod. Thank you.

The next morning, when Blake was woken up by Jessica, Leighton was already gone and her bed made. When Jessica took out another one of her black gowns, Blake shook her head.No, take out the purple one. With the lilac pattern. Jessica stared at Blake for a few moments. She had been dressing Blake in black for what seemed like forever. Yes, miss, she said and put away the black gown in a hurry, in case Blake changed her mind. Is this one new? She set the gown down onto Blakes bed, and started dressing the blonde into various petticoats. Blake nodded. Yes. I had it made before I had to leave home. Just in case. There are a few other ones there, too. It looks beautiful. She wrapped the corset around Blakes body. Breathe out, miss. She pulled on the strings, leaning back a little as she did so. She pulled on the strings until she felt Blake whimper softly, and then pulled a little more. There you go, miss. She pulled on Blakes gown, and started buttoning it up. It looks lovely on you. Now, sit down, miss, so I could do your hair.

When Blake finally arrived at breakfast, it seemed that all eyes turned to her when she entered the room. A smile definitely appeared on her lips at that. It wasnt easy to catch these girls attention, they were usually too busy gossiping about god knows what. But Blake walked past her usual table and straight to the table where Leighton sat alone. Good morning, Leighton. She sat down. In a few moments, a tray with the food appeared in front of her. Leighton just stared at her for a few moments. After blinking a few times, a smile appeared on her face. Good morning, Blake. Just as swiftly a tray had appeared in front of Blake, so did one of the girls from Blakes usual table. Blake, the small blonde girl said. We saved you a seat at our table. As we have so far. Thanks, Taylor, but Im good here. Its quieter. Blake saw Taylor open her mouth, probably to protest. You can go back to eating now. Taylor was obviously thrown back by Blakes comment, but she just nodded and walked away. You know, Leighton said, after taking a bite of her cake, you dont have to eat with me. I know, Blake said with a nod. But I want to. She took a bite of her eggs. Why do you always eat alone anyway? Im new money. Now it was Blakes time to blink and stare. Im quite new money, too. I think it was my great, great grandfather who started the plantation. Leighton shook her head. No, Im really new money. When I was six years old, my older brother died of a simple fever, because we couldnt afford medication. When I was nine, my father discovered gold. A lot of it, in fact. My father sent me here as soon as we got money and status. So I would learn how to be a lady. Im probably richer than all those girls there combined, she waved her hand at the table where Taylor had just returned to. But because my family hasnt been rich since Washingtons times, they refuse to talk to me. Blake glanced at the table. Except for Michelle. Leighton rolled her eyes. She wont talk to me in public. In fact, she wont talk to me much when shes fucking me, either. At least not much else besides harder and faster. Blake hadnt really heard anyone else she knew talking about anything in their life so honestly, as Leighton just had. Then why do you do it? With Michelle, I mean? Like I said, it felt good. Leighton sighed and glanced at Michelle. I dont think Im going to continue with that, though. Good for you! Blake said with one of her brightest smiles. By the way, did you notice that Im not wearing black today? Leighton nodded, with a smile on her face. Yes. The second you walked in. Blake seemed to absolutely glow.

After that breakfast, Blake ate every meal with Leighton. In fact, she spent all her free time with the brunette. They talked, and when they ran out of subjects to talk about, Blake recited poems to Leighton. One night, a few months after that breakfast, Blake had another one of her nightmares. When she finally woke up, her face was already wet with tears, Leighton was sitting on the edge of her bed. Blake sat up and looked at Leighton. Im sorry for waking you up. Leighton gave Blake a small smile. Dont worry about it. She placed her hand onto Blakes cheeks and started to wipe away her tears. A smile appeared on Blakes lips too. Thank you. She looked down at her lap, and placed her hand onto Leightons.Can I ask you something? Leighton nodded. Of course. She let her hand through Blakes hair, now that she had dried her cheeks successfully. Anything. Blake closed her eyes and sighed. Can I She opened her eyes and looked at Leighton, and swallowed a little too loudly. Can I kiss you? Before Blake had any time to do anything else, Leightons lips were on hers. When Leighton pulled away from Blake, she bit her lower lip a little. You have no idea for how long Ive wanted to do that.

Come on now, Leighton, wheres your sense of adventure? Blake tugged at Leightons hand, trying to get her out of their bedroom. Do you know how much trouble we could get into for this? For being out of our beds after hours. You havent been at this damn place for as long as I have, but the trouble is big. Were talking about fasting and flogging and everything else nuns hold dear. Leighton firmly stood her ground. Were just going outside to look at the stars. Blake put on her best puppy dog look. Please? Just this once? Leighton rolled her eyes and shook her head. Fine, just this once. But if we do get into trouble, Im so punishing you later. Whatever you think is fair. Blake spoke in whispers now, as she was leading Leighton through the halls. They made it outside in a few minutes, and Blake dragged Leighton into the gardens. Here we go. She sat down onto the grass, and then lay down. Leighton looked down at Blake, rolled her eyes again, and joined her on the grass. We snuck out for this? Blake took Leightons hand into hers. Yes. I love just looking at stars. I used to do this at home a lot. Almost every night. Leighton looked at Blake. They do look beautiful.

Blake just kept looking at the dark sky. Lei, what do you think is next for us? After school? Leighton saw Blake nodding. Well, for one thing, Ill try to get held back for a few years. Then we can finish school together. After that, I think that we can buy a house in Boston and live together there. You can write poems and Ill write amazing novels. Together well make all ladies sigh. Boston? Why Boston? Blake finally tore her eyes away from the sky. You know, Boston Marriage? When Blake looked at her blankly, Leighton smiled a little at Blakes naivety. Boston Marriage is something they call when two women who love each other live together, like a man and wife in a way. Oh, Blake said, and looked back up. Do you love me? Leighton looked up at the sky for once. Maybe. Ill let you know when I know for sure. A broad smile appeared on Blakes lips. That works for me. She brought Leightons hand up to her mouth and kissed it.