Well, I know it's been a while and I hadn't updated my last fic but I've been so unmotivated and then this idea came to my mind. I know I think it's funny.
So as it's say in the description it's a Christmas Carol with Chuck as Scrooge, it's placed on season 3 when Jack and Evelyn took the Empire, but with a few changes. Fist of all, Chuck never met Elizabeth, she doesn't exist here. Second, Chuck treats Arthur, his chauffeur, really bad. You know like Cratchit-Scrooge relationship and there's not gonna be a Tiny Tim, another character a little older will do it, you will have to wait and read to find out.
So I hope you like it, and hope to review it because I love your comments.
Chapter 1
Chuck's chains
They are Man's and they cling to me,
appealing from their fathers.
This boy is Ignorance
and this girl is Want.
Beware both and all of their degree.
A Christmas Carol - Charles Dicken
...
"Well Chuck, I'll let you alone. Think about it but if those papers are not signed for tomorrow you will be dislodged in a not very gentle way" Jack Bass smirked to his nephew, padding his shoulder as he raised from the couch. Chuck shrugged off his hand glaring at him as the man walked himself out.
Once he heard the ding of the elevator and the doors closed behind him, the boy headed to his bar, grabbed a glass an a bottle of scotch and poured himself almost four fingers, for then watched out thought his window. It was early to drink, the sun shone outside, it has to be like 10 a.m.
Chuck drank the alcohol as it were water and poured himself another glass before returned to the couch and faced the papers in front of him. He was furious, he was angry, he was numbed, hurt and worried. Chuck Bass wasn't used to feel emotions, and felt a lot of them at once was overwhelming. He didn't know what to do and in front of him was a decision to make. He had to choose between love, friendship and family or his business, his money, and his father's legacy.
It was a month ago when Jack Bass returned to the city, he returned in the exact moment to strike his nephew down, he returned when Chuck Bass finally was starting to be happy. It was true he never had a mother, but Lily Van Der Woodsen always received him with arms wide open, kind words and a maternal smile. Always asking him how was his life, his work, how was everything in Bass Industries, helping him with some Blair trouble... Oh, yes. Chuck Bass had a girlfriend too, and was anyone else than Blair Waldorf. Everyone knew that they´d had really bad times, secrets, lies, pain... but they could finally get over all that and the true was that Chuck Bass, the greatest womanizer in all New York, was utterly happy and satisfied with that relationship. He loved her, yes, he even had said that aloud and in several occasions and wasn't ashamed because his little brunette was the most amazing girl-woman he had ever know. She was beautiful, clever, funny, stubborn as a mule, spoiled to the core, mean and a total vixen in bed... what else could he ask for? And besides that incredible girl and almost a mother, he had incredible friends: Nate Archibald and Serena Van Der Woodsen, they were like his siblings. There was nothing he couldn't talk to Nate, even if he wasn't the most brilliant person. He always was willing to help Chuck, or advise him, scheming with him, spying for him, embarrassing himself for him... just like a good brother and Serena surely was like a sister. Yelling with him, fighting with him, advising him in her five illuminated seconds, smacking him at his comments, grimacing when he made out with her best friend, cursing him when she caught them having sex... well, Chuck was sure of something, he had never been less alone than in that moment... and then had to came Jack and taking away all this from him.
It started like a sex scandal. One of Chuck's employees at the Empire sued him for sexual harassment and as he tried to contain the media for his hotel and girlfriend's sake, he didn't notice the black Jack's hand on this.
After that was bad thing after bad thing. The board met Chuck and informed him that Bass Industries and the Empire will be better for a while being Bassless. They asked to let his charge to Lily again and reluctantly the boy had to do it. He was furious and pissed. It was the second time that he had to give up his charge and this time wasn't his fault... And that anger and impotency made him angrier and more frustrated and he started to do what he did best, pushed the people he loved away. He started to been cold, distant and sarcastic to Blair, Nate and Serena, sometimes even mean. Serena only got mad and left when he was in that mood, Nate used to do his best to ignored him and tried to calm him down, but that one who was taking the worst part was Blair, because he loved her most and because it was easier to him retaliate his frustration in her given that she had promised him that she would stand by him through anything. But the girl started to stay away on her own as his friends. The last time she had been in his penthouse was the past week, and she had slept there two weeks ago... he can't even remember the last time they´d had sex.
But he told himself it was worthy. He had only to figure out a plan, a brilliant plan, to got back his charge at the company and then everything would be back to the normal. He would have lunch with Nate, would have talk to Serena again and would take Blair to his bed and not letting her out of his bedroom in a week at least... But as he conceived this, everything felt down again. Jack somehow managed to got the papers from the Empire hotel and with some copies, some signs (fake of course), he was now the owner of his hotel.
Chuck couldn't believe how fast his uncle had taken everything from him, he was desperate, and he didn't know what to do... but then, that night, the 24th of December, Jack had come to see him with a business proposal; his Empire in exchange of Blair, Nate and Serena, and the papers in front were waiting from him.
Jack wanted the sex tape of Serena and Trip Vanderbilt in the elevator. He knew Chuck had cameras and that had recorded everything. Chuck didn't have an idea why his uncle wanted that but it couldn't be only because he was a voyeur, he could blackmail Serena even Lily with that.
Second, Jack wanted the sign of Nate and Serena of them in an authorization. He didn't tell Chuck why or what was that authorization but again, it couldn't be anything good and knowing Jack we will use it against them.
And the last and most humiliating and enraging condition was Blair; a night with her. Just the thought of his uncle's filthy hands again over her body made him feel sick. He didn't want Jack near of Blair... but it was his legacy, all his hard work... and Blair had always wanted him to grow up and be a responsible man. What else he could do? She had told him that she would bear anything for him and well this was everything right? And Serena, well, that tape wasn't to damage her reputation more than was already.
Before he could realize what he was doing, the papers were signed, he was calling security for the tape and had sent Blair a dress as it was from Jack. He knew she was desperate to help him and she would do it even behind his back. He had faith in her... but not in him, and once that everything was settle he started to feel claustrophobic.
He needed a drink, he decided. He need a drink desperately and out of this suite but a ding interrupted his intentions and he quickly folded the papers and hidden them inside a folder. He rose from the couch and turned to see Nate and Serena walking to him, both with red Santa Claus hats.
"Hey man!" the blond guy greeted happily.
"Hi, Chuck"
"What are you? Santa Claus elves? Aren't you two a little old to that?" the boy asked them weary, heading to his bar.
"Oh come on, Mr. Grinch. It's Christmas Eve!" Serena told her stepbrother, ignoring his foul mood.
"I'm aware of that, thank you so much" Chuck responded pouring himself another scotch and turned to them. "A drink?"
"Man, it's ten thirty" Nate told him frowning a little. "Don't you think it's a little early to drink?"
"But it's Christmas Eve, Nathaniel" Chuck smirked at him in a mockingly imitation of Serena's voice and the girl glared at him.
"Well, we come to invite you to Blair's party, it's in her penthouse..."
"No, thank you" Chuck interrupted him, rudely, turning his back to him.
"I can't believe you're standing Blair up again!" Serena exclaimed indignant. "She has been so worried for you and you don't even care!"
"I'm not having a great time either!" Chuck yelled at her, turning abruptly and glaring at her. "I've kicked out from my company and my uncle stole my hotel! So excuse me if I'm not in the mood for parties!"
"We know you've had a hard time, but it's time you stop feeling sorry for yourself and picking on with us and try to fix it!" Serena's words was low blows to Chuck and he became enraged.
"Get out!" he shouted so angry that Nate and Serena startled.
"Hey, calm down, Chuck. We only want to help you!" Nate intervened, raising up his hands. Chuck glared at them for a few seconds before realizing the great opportunity there to get his hotel back.
"Actually you and big-mouthed Blondie really can help me Archibald" Chuck responded with a smirk and Serena snorted.
"Don't push me, Chuck"
The boy bypassed them, walking to his coffee table and took the authorization from the folder, before returning to them and placing the papers in the table bar. Nate and Serena watched him puzzled as he took a Mont Blanc pen from his suit jacket and handed to Nate who cocked an eyebrow.
"Hum... Chuck..."
"I need you two sign this" Chuck interrupted him tapping over the paper.
"Why?" Nate asked him, frowning.
"Just trust me Nathaniel. It's a plan to get my hotel back and destroy my dear uncle at once" Chuck lied, eyed him deeply. Nate sighed before signing the paper without really look what was it, then he handed the pen to Serena. The girl looked up to Chuck who didn't change his expression and sighed too before signing in another line with her name.
"But you will have to talk to Blair"
Chuck rolled his eyes.
"I pretend that" he drawled.
Nate turned to him and smiled slightly.
"Well, since you're not coming to the party, what do you say about the Christmas dinner in Serena's house. Everyone will be here"
"I'm not in the mood for Christmas, Nathaniel" Chuck replied burying his hands in his pants' pockets.
"As you wish Mr. Scrooge" Nate smiled, punching playfully Chuck's arm and nodded to Serena.
"Ha-ha, very funny" Chuck groaned as his friend and Serena left his apartment. As he saw them walked out he felt a pit of guilty. They didn't even ask why he wanted their signs and he was going to betray their trust.
Blair called Chuck around two. He was still drinking but he wasn't drunk yet. Years of practice, Chuck told himself a little proud. He was temped to not answer but it would be a good chance to make her clear that he didn't want to attend the party, that he wouldn't and that he didn't want to see her tonight either.
Well, the true was that he missed her as hell. He just wanted to hold her, kiss her, touch her, and forget everything else, but if he did that, he would get rid of those papers and of his hotel at the same time. He had to stay tough, she would understand it later.
"Blair, Serena already told me about the party. I appreciate the invitation but I'm not in the mood so..."
"I know, Chuck. But I want to talk with you" her voice sound so fragile and broken that actually left him breathless. He didn't have an idea that she was having such a hard time and he was just about to break. It wasn't fair what he was doing to her and the worst part was that she was blaming herself, but he hadto keep the cool façade; it was for the good of both. Blair wouldn't like to be with a man without nothing, she wouldn't be with him if he lose his Empire and everything else, she wouldn't...
"Listen Blair, I don't have time now"
"I know, Chuck... but I have a problem and I really..."
"Seriously, Blair I have bigger problems now than clashing patterns, or guests' lists" he snapped at her and he mentally kicked himself. He was such an ass.
"It's not..."
"Get over yourself, you're not the center of the universe. I have to go" and before she could say anything else, he ended the call. He was so mad with himself for doing that to Blair that he threw away his phone. The mobile crashed at the wall and broke.
"Fuck!" he grabbed his hair tightly. He had to get the hell out of here before he could ruin all his plans. He called Arthur from the suite's phone and left the apartment.
Chuck was sitting in his limom, sipping scotch in silent when the partition went down. Chuck looked at the driver seat and Arthur glanced at him through the driver mirror.
The boy raised his eyebrows questionably.
"Yes?"
"Mr Bass I was wondering if I could take free tomorrow, you know it's... it's Christmas"
Chuck sighed tired and pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes.
"No, I need you"
"Bu-but Mr. Chuck. It's Christmas..."
"What's the everybody's problem with that? So what? You still gonna receive the Holiday bonus" Chuck snapped at Arthur and the man looked down. The chauffeur had worked for his family since he was a kid so he had learned Chuck's temper and Arthur now that he didn't mean to be cruel with him, it was just the bad run he was going through.
"Yes, Mr. Bass"
The boy looked up and saw the sadness in his employees' eyes and the guilty of being an ass came back. Chuck looked outside the window and sighed.
"I just need a ride in the morning, ten o'clock. If you came earlier you can take the rest of the day off"
The man looked at Chuck through the mirror surprised and smile widely.
"Thank- thank you, Mr. Bass"
It was almost midnight when Chuck entered in his dark suite a little drunk. He was hungry because he had barely eaten.
He walked to his bedroom, change to his silk black pajamas and his purple velvet robe before headed to the kitchen. He opened his fridge and pursed his lips. What the fuck? He would order something.
He closed the door straightening up when a loud noise resound in the penthouse, startling the boy. It sounded like something metallic and really heavy crashing on the floor.
The boy rushed to the living room, hoping to see the TV on the floor, or maybe a lamp, his statue... but everything was intact. He frowned going to the hall, thinking that maybe had been his motorcycle but it was up right. He checked his bedroom, his bathroom and Nate's bedroom, but anything was broken or out-of-place.
Chuck frowned puzzled but decided that probably had been a noise outside the building, maybe a car crash or something. He didn't give a second thought to the noise but he should. He just ordered some food and wine (hey, it was lighter than the scotch), sat down on his couch and turned the TV on. He started to watch a movie; Public Enemies with Johnny Deep. He was so into the gangster movies.
It hadn't passed even five minutes when he heard a noise again. At the first he thought it came from the movie, but it was a quiet scene and the noise was metallic. He frowned, pressing mute and in fact, the noise persisted.
Chuck rose from the couch, following the noise. It came from the elevator.
He frowned at the closed doors and strained his ears. Yes it was a metallic sound like... like chains... chains shaking up. He pressed the button to open the doors but they didn't, instead, a little green fog started to come out from the floor slit and Chuck stepped back startled, opening his eyes widely.
"What the fuck...?!" He looked up and his eyes met with his fathers in the elevator reflect. He coursed, turning around scared but no one was behind him. Before he could move, the doors open and Chuck jumped startled again.
"Shit!" he yelled when he met with an Empire's employee who had brought his food.
"I'm... I'm sorry sir..." the man apologized quickly but Chuck didn't hear him. He was baffled, looking around for the strange fog but it had disappeared.
"Sir...?"
"There's someone in here" Chuck told him, turning around abruptly, striding to his living room but it was empty.
"Ex-excuse me?" the man told him following quickly, wheeling the tray with the food and wine.
"Someone had entered in here. I was behind me just seconds ago you arrive" Chuck told him, entering in the kitchen, empty too. He didn't saw anyone through the glass wall that separated the kitchen from Nate's bedroom.
"Someone in here?" the employee repeated shocked when Chuck returned to the living room and the boy glared at him.
"Are you retarded? Yes, I saw someone in here"
But they registered the whole suite and found no one.
"Are you sure you're okay, sir?" the employee asked to Chuck and this gave him a murder look.
"Just get out of here!"
"Yes, sir"
As the man exited the apartment, he flopped back into his couch and ran a hand over his face. Maybe he had just been hallucinating. The guilt and alcohol wasn't a good mix. He just decided to go to bed. He drank a glass of wine, a few bites of his lobster and headed to his bedroom.
He didn't need to think tonight, because if he did, he would regret it all. He would shred the papers in his coffee table, burning the damn sex tape (that was already next to the folder) and running to Blair's house to throw away the fucking dress and take her back to his suite... But it was worthy... he told to himself, his company was worthy... everything will work out.
Chuck had just closed his eyes when the clock struck twelve o'clock and a little sound started to resound again in the dark and semi empty suite... like a chain little sound.
A cold breeze blew over his ear and he heard the ding of the elevator. Chuck opened his eyes, groaning.
What the fuck...? It would be Nate? He hadn't sleep over there in a while and he had made clear to him, Blair and Serena that he wasn't in the mood to celebrate Christmas this year (what was the point?) and that they should leave him alone.
Scrubbing his eyes with his fists and yawning, he opened his doors expecting to see Nate, again with his stupid Santa Claus hat, but stopped death in his tracks when he saw that the doors were closed. It wasn't a far distance from his bedroom to the elevator, barely just a steps and if someone had walked in, he would have seen or hear his footsteps...
His heart started to pound and his hands became a little sweaty but he scolded himself. That attitude was stupid and childish. He needed to make sense... okay, maybe someone just had the wrong floor and when he or she realized their mistake, pushed another floor without walked in, that was it... oh, wait, they needed a key to enter... Shit...
Oh, well, probably was Blair. Yes, that had to be. That stubborn girl who hadn't learned that no means no. She probably had prepared a Christmas surprise for him and he wasn't in the mood for it.
He turned around; his penthouse even when it was big, it hadn't many places to hide. He would find her right away and kicked her out. It was dangerous for his self-control had her in there, and usually Blair's surprises included La Perla's sexy lingerie... Shit...
"Blair, get out! I'm not in the mood!" he yelled as he walked to the kitchen but it was empty. He ignored the voice in his head that told him that if it was Blair, he would have heard her heels on the floor.
He frowned. Probably it was just the stress; the stress had caused that hallucination at the elevator and this, nothing else...
His heart almost nearly popped out when the TV turned on again. He rushed to the living room but it was empty and everything was calm. He swallowed trying to ignore the fear that had started to creep in his chest quickly, and looked for the control remote. He had left it in the coffee table... and it wasn't there. So, the TV volume was louder than when he had turned it off; now a man's shouts were stunner.
He looked at the movie in the screen, it an animated movie about the Victorian age and according to a blue rectangle in the low part of the screen it was A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge was flying over a city with a matey and chubby man with a big redheaded beard and a green robe.
He frowned even deeper because it was Disney Channel. He hadn't seen anything from Disney in years, and he was sure that it wasn't the channel he had watched a moments ago.
When Scrooge started to scream again, Chuck grimaced; the screams of the man was driving him crazy and he hurried to find the damn control.
But just as he turned all the lights and lamps in his apartment turned on. Okay, Chuck was officially scared. What the hell was happening? Metallic sounds started to resound again and the lights flickered uncontrollably. He was frozen, he couldn't move and his heart rage was dangerously increasing.
"It's not funny!" Chuck shout to the suite, completely frightened and angry. "Do you hear me?! I'm going to destroy you! I'm going to..."
But he stopped when something crashed into his window, starting him and made him fall to the ground. He sat and looked a heavy metallic box lying on the floor, that made him sick for three reasons: one; it was covered by old rusty chains. Two; it emitted a greenish glow. Three: it was transparent and he could look through it.
Before he could say or do anything else, the TV turned off and the lights stopped to flicker. A louder metallic sound resounded and a he almost had a heart attack when he saw him; the spectral and transparent figure of his father was floating in the middle of his living room.
So, I hope you liked it. I'm sorry if Chuck it's really an ass, but I think he's nicer than Scrooge, anyway. So, let me now what you think. Love you guys.
