Disclaimer: I do not own, but believe you me, I wish I did.
I think the series would be much more interesting that way.

Chapter Rating: R for language, sexual themes and a tad bit of violence.

Pairings: Chuck/Dan as always.

A.N: I've noticed I seem to mix both the book world and television series into each other in my fictions, I'm sorry if that confuses those of you who haven't read the books. I was listening nonstop to Three Days Grace and Lykke Li while writing this and i think the emotions in the music somehow became displayed in this. I am also extremely skeptical about posting with- out a beta, but hopefully, you guys will be able to look passed any errors that are within this story and enjoy it nonetheless.

Dan watched the fist come towards his face, closer with every passing millisecond. He couldn't think, he couldn't move. He felt the knuckles collide with his mouth, smashing his bottom lip onto his teeth that left a line of gashes along the inside. His body flew back and he barely caught himself before his face hit the ground. The initial shock wore off and anger took it's place. Dan jumped to his feet, his mouth aching. He could feel the blood running down his chin and over his neck.

His emerald green eyes met the honey irises glaring back. They held sorrow that was drowned out by fury. Dan fucking hated him right now, he wanted this man to burn in hell. He snapped his elbow back, revealing his balled fist that shot through the air. His knuckles cracked with the impact of the collision. The man in front of him flew back, his hands shooting up to cup his cheek bone that Dan had demolished.

He quickly grasped the collar of the Armani suit on the opposing man.

"Don't touch me, you fucking vermin."

Chucks hands instantly covered Dan's, who glared harder at the refined man. The poet threw his hands forward, causing the man to fly back. His head making a sickening sound as it met pavement.

How had it come to this? Dan thought bitterly. Everything was fine last week, and now? Now all Dan wanted was for Chuck to disappear and never bother his life again.

FLASHBACK

The blasting music was enough to shatter Dan's eardrums. Why had he promised Serena he'd come to this party? He didn't see an ounce of fun in standing alone, drinking glass after glass of alcohol that cost more than his whole wardrobe. He had attempted to find Serena, seeing her for a minute, but quickly being pushed back to the bar, where he now was; enduring the music that made his head hurt. He had drank four too many glasses of expensive wine and everything was swimming before his eyes.

I need to sit down, He thought to himself placing a hand on the back of his neck. His eyes scanned the massive room filled with heated bodies, swaying and dancing, which made his vision falter more than necessary. He finally noticed a small area in the back of the room. Couches lined the wall and it seemed secluded. perfect.

Dan bumped and pushed his way towards the resting area that seemed to be in his favor, for it was empty.

He sank into the sofa, feeling his body groan with pleasure as his joints loosened. He didn't want to be here. The girl he came to see wouldn't give him as much of a sideways glance and he had more than his fill of the upper east side.

It had seemed as if hours had wasted, by the time Dan felt human enough to grab a cab back to Brooklyn. He leaned himself forward, readying his body to lift his weight to the revolving doors when a smooth voice stopped his actions.

"Did you come to sit alone?"

Dan flickered his eyes upwards to be greeted by the irises belonging to Chuck Bass.

"Uh, no. I didn't. That's why I'm leaving now." The artist replied, standing abruptly. He suddenly felt extremely dumb. Why had he stayed? What made him believe he wouldn't run into Chuck, or anyone else?

"Sit." The suave man demanded, taking a seat of his own.

Dan blinked hard and squinted at the other. Did he actually want to talk? Well, Dan thought, I guess I'm going to find out.

He rested back onto the sofa across from Chuck, who was now smiling crookedly.

"Why are you here?" The chiseled man asked vaguely interested as he took a drink of the liquid in his hand.

The thought of alcohol made Dan's stomach squirm.

"I came with Serena." "And…where is she?" The honey eyes scanned their surroundings, seeming to find her, but Dan could see the empty stare locked behind those ovals. Chuck knew damn well where she was.

When no answer came, the searching stare landed on the disheveled Brooklyn boy, who was now absent-mindedly gnawing on his thumb nail. Chuck couldn't help but allow a small smile travel across his face.

"She can be such a bitch sometimes, can't she?"

Dan replied with a bleak glance.

"I mean, really, Daniel. Who would ask their boyfriend to come to a party with them, but then just...leave? It's not like you know anyone, correct?" The smugness in Chuck's voice caused Dan's blood to boil. "Oh? Am I mistaken?" He continued, "Are you two not dating? I never thought you were, but usually when it comes down to sex, there's a bit of a relationship. But, then again, I'm not one to talk about relationships, am I?"

Dan cleared his throat loudly, "No. You're not."

"So, you do speak, then. Charming." The man looked away, his facing screaming 'boredom.'

"What is it that you want, Chuck?"

"To talk."

"About…?"

"You."

Dan leaned back slightly. He felt as if this was going to blow up in his face. He didn't want to talk to Chuck about himself, but he wouldn't mind a conversation with someone right now. He was desperate.

Chuck sighed, shifting his position and gently resting his right ankle on his left knee. "You've managed to squirm your way into my lifestyle, I see you everywhere I look, and it's recently dawned on me that I have no clue as to who you are."

Good, Dan thought bitterly, keep it that way.

Silence slowly crept over the two men who couldn't seem to look away from one another.

"I'm curious." Chuck finally added.

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

Dan exhaled deeply and rubbed his temples with his left hand as his right arm draped over his chest, "Okay. What do you want to know?"

"Hold on."

Dan watched the millionaire stand and walk to the bar, only to return a few minutes later with two flutes filled to the brim with Dom Perignon. Handing Dan his drink, Chuck proceeded to take a seat next to the poet, who skeptically took a sip of the expensive champagne.

"I want to know everything about you." Honesty laced the deep voice that broke the silence.

Dan cocked an eyebrow towards the man and smiled emptily. "Okay."

"Have you always lived in Brooklyn?"

"Uhm, no, actually. I haven't lived there for long."

"Why did you move…there?"

Dan gently cleared his throat and shifted away from the other man, in ability to look him in the eye, "My mom…she left. So, my dad wanted to have a new start, and I guess he liked Brooklyn."

Chuck listened intently, his eyes softening, "Your mom left?"

"Yeah, she uh, moved. To Italy. She wanted a new life without worries or problems."

Chuck's gaze dropped to the floor, "Yeah? I don't have my mom either." and he drained his flute with one drink, snapping his fingers to call over a passing waitress. "Leave the tray." He demanded, the old Chuck Bass leaking through his sentence.

Dan watched him take another flute and stared down at his own that was over half full. His head was just beginning to calm down, but he didn't want to make himself seem stuck-up. If that was at all possible for the poor man. He followed suit and polished off his drink, wincing lightly at the taste. Champagne may be expensive, but it tasted horrible to the artist.

"Where is she?" He asked, swallowing hard.

"Dead." Chuck looked away, bringing his glass to his lips.

Dan's throat tightened and he could feel a small flush rise on his features.

"Don't worry though," The handsome man assured, "I was young. I hardly remember her."

Somehow, that didn't make Dan feel better.

"Where's your dad…?"

"I'm not sure. London, Paris, Germany. Wherever he wants to be."

"Is that why you live with Nate?"

Chuck laughed softly, locking eyes with the other, "Nathaniel lives with me. I am perfectly capable of being on my own."

Dan stumbled with the words that clamored his brain, He knew Chuck was capable, he wasn't doubting the man.

Chuck's laugh grew slightly as he took in the stumbling man before him, "It's okay." He brought his glass back to his mouth as Dan calmed himself.

The silence was almost welcoming, and Dan would have never spoke again if it wasn't for the questions that kept spilling from Chuck's defined lips.

"Are you in love?"

The emerald eyed boy turned his head abruptly towards the voice. What? He can't be serious… Dan wasn't sure if he was in love or not, but he knew the one fact about love was that you'll always know when you've found it. Apparently, Dan hadn't yet.

"I might be," He replied faintly, avoiding the others' glance, "Are you?"

Chuck made a small noise in his throat as he seemed to process what was just said, "No. Definitely not." He shot out quickly.

"But…aren't you with Blair?" Is this considered pushing it? Dan wondered, bringing a new glass to his mouth, God, he hated this.

"No. I haven't been for a while."

"Why not?" Dan mentally kicked himself. Why his voice kept doing whatever it wanted, he didn't know.

"Just…reasons, I guess. I could have loved her, but…love doesn't seem to be in my cards. I prefer it that way."

"Why? Isn't love supposed to be one of the greatest feelings?"

"Ah, so is sex, but I never experienced pain after sex. Now, love is another story. I've tried to obtain it before. I gave it my best shot, practically stooped down to the level of being pathetic with my emotions…and it got me nothing. Love isn't my cup of tea, Daniel."

The calamity in Chuck's voice almost sparked question in Dan. Maybe he would have caught onto it if his brain capacity wasn't drowning in liquor.
He felt sick.

The debonair raised his eyebrows slightly, "You're drunk."

"Very." Dan then cupped his face in his hands, while resting his elbows on his knees.

"Come on." Chuck said, grabbing a hold of Dan's forearm and standing, "I'll take you home."

The night air instantly froze Dan's face. He shuddered as he wrapped his arms around his torso, his jacket didn't provide the slightest bit of warmth.

The limousine stood parked by the side of the pavement and Dan surveyed it skeptically. Was Chuck really going to take him home in this? All the way to Brooklyn?

"What are you waiting for?"

Dan nearly jumped off the ground as he heard the deep voice, "Nothing. Just…"

"Impressed?"

"Definitely." Dan mumbled as he exhaled.

He slid easily into place against the leather seats.

Silence filled the vehicle as it made it's way towards Dan's side of town, and he couldn't help but feel a little impressive. Chuck Bass was not only taking him home, but being a civil human being towards the lower class male.

"What's going to happen between you and Serena now?" Chuck asked, shattering the silence that Dan had wrapped around himself comfortably.

"Nothing. Why?"

"You're really going to put up with this?"

"Put up with what?"

Chuck exhaled irritably and locked eyes with the emeralds, "For being such a smart guy, you really aren't too bright about relationships, Daniel." Dan replied with a dumbfounded look, which only caused the rich man to sigh louder. "She doesn't care about you. Not in the way you care about her."

"I find that hard to believe." Dan shot back, looking out the blackened window.

"How so? She invites you to a party, leaving you to fend for yourself. If you haven't noticed, not many people are welcoming in the upper side."

"Oh, no, I haven't noticed."

"Sarcasm doesn't fit you. But, honestly, didn't you want to spend the night enjoying your time with Serena? Who would leave someone they cared for to sit alone…drink themselves stupid?"

Dan tried his hardest to ignore the hurtful, yet true, words spilling from Chuck's mouth. He had a point and Dan knew it. "And I'm assuming, you would treat someone better?"

"Probably not…but you? Maybe. You're too nice to ruin."

"Unbelievable." Dan snorted, "You are the last person to ever treat someone, no matter how nice they are, correctly."

Chuck furrowed his eyebrows, honest confusion masking his eyes, "Give me more credit, Humphrey, I'm not Satan."

Dan laughed softly. He watched his apartment building coming into view and he felt a pang of regret in his stomach. He didn't feel finished with Chuck, not yet. The limo came to a smooth stop outside of the lobby. Dan scanned the windows to see if anyone was awake and was glad to see the apartment was completely dark. He smiled small and turned towards the other man, "Than-"

The sudden feel of aggressive lips crashed down onto Dan's. His eyes were wide open, but he still could not believe what he was seeing happen to him. Chuck's hands held firm to his shoulder's, holding his body in place, but a nagging in Dan's head told him he wouldn't have pulled away to begin with. The millionaire's grip loosened as he felt Dan's body relax into the kiss. Chuck wasn't sure of why he was doing this, with Dan Humphrey of all people, but he liked it. It felt good. He didn't have to wear a mask around him, he could say whatever he wanted and no matter how many people he told, no one would believe him. He was just a Brooklyn boy after all.

Dan's eyes fluttered shut as he leaned forward, pressing his mouth shyly to the others'. Dear God, what is going on? He mumbled inwardly, as he felt Chuck's hands slide from his shoulders and over his chest to wrap around his torso. He pressed a hand to Chuck's cheek, pulling him unbearably close and moaning almost inaudibly against those perfect lips that he couldn't help but enjoy.

"Want to come up?" Dan managed to ask shakily between kisses. Chuck tensed faintly beneath his fingertips, and Dan silently groaned to himself. Way to blow it, Hum-

"I would love to."

Fuck.

The door creaked as Dan forced it open, suddenly aware of how small his apartment was. Yet, Chuck didn't seem phased. Dan silently led the way up the stairs and towards his dark, smoke filled room. God, he should really become organized. Empty coffee mugs littered his working desk, where scribbled on, ripped up and balled up papers laid aimlessly.

"No wander you're so tense." Chuck stated, taking in his new surroundings, "You always seem tortured."

"Is that a joke?"

Chuck shook his head slowly, stepping forward and closing the empty space between the two. His lips lingered to Dan's, brushing lightly against the soft skin. Dan couldn't breathe, his heart was about to bust out of his chest and he had no idea why Chuck Bass could put such a spell on him.

"Lie down." The shorter male demanded, pressing his palms gently to Dan's chest, who seemed to be having a heart attack.

He did as he was told and fell onto his back, pulling the other man with him. His palms were sweaty and his knees kept shaking. Easy to say, he felt completely ridiculous.

"Calm down." The man, now above him, cooed gently, brushing a stray hair out of his face, "It'll be fine."
Dan had a hard time believing that.

He felt the dominating man's mouth massage a line from his ear down to his collarbone, as his long fingers toyed with the buttons on Dan's shirt. He slowly popped each plastic button through the fabric slots that had lined Dan's now exposed torso. Chuck stared down at the beauty below him. He could see perfectly well that he had underestimated the other man, whose stomach and chest was toned and muscled. He hid it well. Chuck absent mindedly chewed on his lower lip, his eyes still scanning his newest lover. Dan watched amused as Chuck continued checking him over. He snaked his hands under the stunned man's shirt and ran them up his back, feeling the body beneath his fingertips shudder. Chuck quickly pulled away and as he stripped himself of his clothing, Dan took it into his consideration to remove his own as well.

The only light in the room came from the window and Dan silently thanked God for not exposing him too much. He watched with careful eyes as Chuck slid himself back between the legs of the man on his back. The sudden feel of his burning skin caused Dan to hiss gently. His senses were overwhelmed and every touch threw his heart into overdrive. His eyes fell shut as Chuck's fingers lightly traced his skin, pausing only to place a kiss at random on his body, causing Dan to stifle a laugh at the places that tickled him.

Dan was finally calming down when he felt Chuck's tongue begin descending towards his now fully erect member. His heart picked up, beating faster than any time before and he couldn't help but tremble when he felt lips cascade down his shaft. His back arched as his length disappeared into Chuck's warm mouth. The sudden pleasure rocketed through Dan's body, pushing him towards oblivion.

Chuck kept a firm hold on Dan's thin hips, controlling the man from thrusting towards his mouth. He listened intently as the moans filling the room became louder and fevered. He swiftly brought his fingers up to Dan's open mouth, pressing in two digits and pulling his mouth free long enough to demand the other to suck them.

Dan obliged, lathering the appendages until they shone.

Chuck removed his fingers with a pop and brought them down to rest against Dan's entrance. He peered up through his lashes as he felt the body beneath him tense. Dan had his jaw clenched and his eyes shut tightly, making Chuck abandon his work and bring his mouth to the others'.

"Relax, okay? It won't hurt if you relax."

Dan took a deep breath as he felt Chuck's fingers slowly enter him. The slight pain was bearable, but Dan could not shake the awkward feeling of being filled. His hips twitched involuntarily as the fingers deepened, forcing the man to bite into his lower lip. Chuck pressed his mouth against the pale skin of Dan's neck, receiving a small moan in return. He then rested his forehead to his collarbone, searching desperately for the one spot inside of his lover that would make him not only enjoy this, but beg for more.

Dan slowly began rocking his hips onto Chuck's fingers, feeling for more friction. He had finally established a rhythm, when a shot of pleasure coursed through his body. His hips snapped and a moan erupted from his throat. He could feel Chuck smiling against his skin as Dan began panting the millionaire's name. His member throbbed for contact and his body screamed for release.

"Come here." He rasped out, grabbing Chucks busy hand and removing it from his body. He wrapped his legs seductively around the firm hips above him and pulled the man towards his opening.

"Are you sure?" Chuck breathed out, using all the stamina in his being to keep from thrusting into the wanting man.

Dan paused, staring into the honey eyes above him, "Do you not want to?" He winced at the weakness and desperation that seemed to lace his words.

"I don't want to hurt you."

Dan could hardly believe what he was hearing, Was Chuck Bass really being considerate towards someone other than himself? And if it was such a surprise…why was Dan doing this in the first place? Fuck hormones, he silently mused.

Chuck noted the confused gleam in the others' eyes and sighed lightly, "I'll go slow." He promised, positioning himself further against the artist. "Do you have anything I can use?"

Dan looked dumbfounded at the other, "You mean…?"

"Lube, lotion, a condom - just something to make it easier on you."

Dan flushed and closed his eyes in defeat, he now felt like a complete idiot. "There's lotion behind you." He mumbled.

Chuck smiled as he raised himself up to his knees and leaned back grabbing the white bottle. He lathered his length and Dan's entrance generously and quickly re-positioned himself above the green eyed boy.

"Just tell me to stop if it hurts too much." He insisted, pressing forward and slowly breaching the opening. Chuck held back a moan as his erection was covered in Dan's warmth. He felt the sudden impatient urge to snap his hips forward and had to grip the sheets on the small bed the two men were on, to stop himself from doing what his body begged for.

Dan's jaw instantly snapped closed and locked, his eyes screwed so tightly shut that he saw colorful blotches dance behind his lids. His stiffened hands gripped Chuck's hips roughly, and he couldn't control the whimpers spilling from his throat.

Chuck studied Dan's face, and almost frantically pulled his hips back, withdrawing himself from the poet, who seemed more than pleased. He felt his eyes soften as the broken man shifted uncomfortably beneath him.

"I'm sorry." Dan whispered.

"Shh." Chuck purred, as he nuzzled his face into the crook of Dan's neck and gently kissed along his skin. Chuck felt Dan's hands reach into his perfectly sculptured hair and intertwined his fingers within it.

The minutes passed by slowly, feeling like hours to the now exhausted artist. He wanted to sleep and he certainly didn't mind Chuck staying, yet the thought of Chuck sleeping in his dingy apartment made Dan's stomach churn.

"I'm going to go." Chuck stated, muffled by Dan's neck against his mouth. Dan nodded gently, releasing the man from his arms.

The two dressed in silence, and headed towards the stairs in the same fashion. Dan cringed with every creak of the floorboards and tried his best to ignore the embarrassment screaming in his head.

Chuck ran a hand through his hair and rested it on his neck. His eyes were red-rimmed and Dan couldn't help but search them for some kind of giveaway to what the elegant man was thinking.

"Come Monday…" Chuck started, silently begging Dan to understand.

Dan could feel his face slightly fall as he connected the dots in his mind, "Don't worry. Nothing will change between us."

Chuck nodded, averting his vision from the other and stepping towards the opened door, "You know, maybe we could-"

"Don't worry about it, it's alright." Dan left his eyes to stare at the floor, afraid of what emotions they might give away, "I'll see you around." He piped in.

"Right."

Chuck stepped into the cold air and turned partially towards the waiting limousine, "Come here?"

Dan moved towards the charming man and felt those lips he had come to enjoy, press against his in a slow fashion.

"See you around." Chuck repeated, and he quickly turned, making his way to the black vehicle.

END FLASHBACK

"What the fuck is your problem?" Dan screamed, looming over the man lying on the ground. The impact of the blow to Chuck's face cause his skin to break. Blood revved down his face as a blackened bruise rose to his cheek.

Dan stepped away as the debonair stood, instantly straightening his suit jacket. "I think the real question is, why the fuck did you tell Serena what happened between us?"

Dan's jaw fell open, his eyes widening. He hadn't told Serena anything.

Hatred engulfed the air surrounding the men and Dan felt suffocated. His mouth ached viciously and he needed to get home, he didn't have time for this shit.

"Answer me, Humphrey!" Chuck boomed, "Why did you fucking open your-"

"Fuck you, Chuck. I didn't tell a single person. Besides! What makes you think I'd tell Serena?"

Oops, wrong answer.

Dan flew onto his back, groaning by the impact of the cement. Chuck had the mans shirt fisted in his hands, holding his face only inches away, "Keep your fucking mouth shut, Daniel."

"Chuck, what the hell are you doing?" Nate's voice suddenly filled the air. The thick browed boy ran towards his closest friend, yanking him off of the man crushed to the floor.

"This isn't fucking over." Chuck threatened, brushing himself free of Nate and walking towards the way of the Empire, ignoring the parked limo.

Nate stared surprised down at Dan, whose mouth was still bleeding horribly.

"What happened?" The brunette asked, assisting the artist off of the floor.

"He's lost it." Was all Dan could say.

A.N. I hope you guys liked it, I have great plans for this chapterfic and hopefully it will come out nicely. Updates should come along quickly, and the same goes for Better In Time. Reviews are appreciated. :3

Thanks so much
xo,