A/N: Because I'm a spaz and I needed to get all my summer headcanons out in the open.
Summer 2012, Chapter One: The Casino
"Your bet, sir?"
Blair looked intently at Chuck. She'd tried beforehand to do her usual prep strategy and go through the whole situation; figure out exactly how it would play out; consider every possible thing that could go wrong, and then map out exactly what she would do, right down to hand gestures and facial expressions. Even though her predictions were usually wrong, it always helped build up her confidence. But the truth was, she had no idea what Chuck would say, so Blair couldn't do that. She was taking a huge leap of faith in going to the casino that night - and not faith in God. Faith in Chuck and Blair, Blair and Chuck.
When two people are meant to be together, eventually they'll find their way back.
Well, Blair figured they'd definitely hit 'eventually,' and this was Blair, finding her way back.
Chuck looked back at her, reading her calm and serene, but determined, face. Eventually, he turned back to the table and continued to play. Blair went with it and played, too. They sat silently like that for about an hour before the game finally ended. Jack had left a long time ago, probably to try and find a blonde. They collected their winnings, and then Chuck finally said, "We should talk, I suppose."
Blair followed him to a quiet bench outside the casino. They sat down on opposite ends, about as far from each other as they could possibly be, almost three feet away from each other.
"I meant what I said in there," Blair said after a moment.
"I know." Chuck replied. "And that's great, it really is. I'm sorry for the way I attacked you that night. It's just that you couldn't have picked a worse time to make this decision. My father just...well, you know. And I need to focus on that right now. That's what I meant when we talked on the roof. I was angry with you, with Bart, with myself. I need some time."
Blair nodded, not saying anything yet. She knew Chuck wasn't finished.
"You've had the last two years. Give me a few months." Chuck paused. "I want you to know that I'm not trying to punish you or anything - "
"Chuck, I get it. You don't have to explain anything to me. This wasn't the only reason I came to Paris. The most important, perhaps, but I do have other business to attend to here. Literally. I'll find something to do to stay occupied for the time being."
Chuck smiled.
Blair added, "So, is this a 'we-can-see-other-people-but-we-don't' scenario?"
"Pretty much." They both laughed.
They stood, then Blair said, "I love you."
"I love you, too." Chuck gazed at her for a moment, still smiling. "I'll see you in a few months."
"Wait a second. You don't actually think I'm letting you off the hook that easily, do you, Bass?"
He looked at her, inquisitive humor in his eyes. Fish jokes about his name never got old.
"I've taken the liberty of booking the suite next to yours. Welcome to the summer of being stalked by Blair Waldorf."
Chuck laughed out loud. "It's nice to see you returning to the Blair I know," he replied. "Shall we share a car?"
"No, we shan't. It's my first night in Paris. You know my traditions."
"Don't meet any princes at the Louvre."
"I'll try not to. It wouldn't matter, anyway. I already have mine."
They just looked at each other for a moment, smiles on both of their faces, until Chuck finally said, "Okay, then. I'll call you when I'm ready. Good night, Waldorf. Have a nice summer."
"When I said stalking, I meant modified stalking. Which means I won't actually be physically stalking you that much, but you'll see me around."
Chuck and Blair exchanged another Look and then finally parted ways.
