AN: Hey guys just a quick note to set the scene here, Eleanor and Harold are still married therefore there is no Cyrus (even though we all love him) or Roman in the picture. I havn't written any fanfiction since the Harry Potter golden age so please don't mind if I'm a little rough around the edges.
"Merry Christmas Daddy" Blair wrapped her arms around her father, holding him tight whilst breathing in the familiar scent that was weaved into his cardigan reminding her of old times. He had greyed and developed a few wrinkles since then but he still hadn't changed in character.
"Oh merry Christmas to you too Blair, I love you so much." Harold replied brushing his hands over Blair's chocolate brown curls. She was so beautiful and he couldn't be more proud of what she had become, a real fine young lady.
The room was immaculately decorated for the season. Gold and bronze baubles glistened from the 15 foot high Christmas tree. Cider scented candles lit up the room and a fire crackled obediently in the corner. Judy Garland could also be heard singing Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas in the background. Blair couldn't have been happier, she was in Paris with her family and it was Christmas. Furthermore to add to the greatness of everything, her parents had only just informed her that would be living in Paris from here on out so Blair had the penthouse to herself.
Eleanore busied herself in the kitchen making some tea while Blair and Harold began clearing up the wrapping paper discarded on the floor. "Did Charles wish you a merry Christmas yet, darling?"
Blair's stomach tightened at the sound of his name and hated herself for it. "We don't talk much anymore. Things didn't go so well this year for us, I guess." Harold looked disappointed but Blair didn't want to discuss the matter any further. "Besides, I don't think Chuck even believes in Christmas." Blair rolled her eyes and excused herself to her room. She threw herself onto the king bed in her room, crinkling the lavender silk sheets as she checked her phone. Messages from Serena, Nate and a couple of randoms flashed topped off with the annual Christmas message from Gossip Girl. Nothing from Chuck. Of course, what more did she expect? He had hurt her and she had done the same in return. She'd give anything to go back and make it better, make it right but what was done was done. Blair repeated in her head that she didn't need him, like she had done for months now. In a way it was becoming a mantra. Chuck brought no good into her life only hurt and pain. Blair shook the thoughts out of her head and replied to the messages in high spirits, not caring to send one to Chuck. He probably had his alcohol and some sleazy girl dressed up as "Santa's little helper" this Christmas so he also, did not need Blair.
Serena checked her phone after hearing it beep. She smiled at the message from Blair.
Joyeux Noël S! I hope everything is fabulous at home and that Santa was generous. Paris is amazing as always, can't wait to get home and celebrate NYE together! Let's make next year the best one yet with no boy drama and tragedies xo B.
Serena looked across the table at Chuck. He was there celebrating Christmas with the Van der Woodsens this year. Lily had insisted as he had no one at home and there was no way he would celebrate Christmas with Jack, the man that had lead Chuck into so much trouble. He wore the usual dark suit and tie ensemble with matching dark circles under his eyes, evidence of little sleep. Poor Blair had gone through hell and back trying to hold onto him, trying to make amends. He had hurt her through coming home drunk and proving over and over how irresponsible he was. Blair had simply retaliated. Anybody would. Finally, a couple of months ago, as summer finished, so did they.
"Blair's having a great time in Paris" Serena declared to the table. Everybody smiled, except chuck who took a rather large sip of whisky instead. How he was drinking something so heavy at this time Serena could not comprehend. It was just after noon and they were having the traditional Christmas Day lunch with the whole family. Dan sat next to Serena talking to his Dad about NYU. Rufus had the head seat at the table with Lily glowing to his left with Eric next to her and Chuck next to Eric. Jenny sat at the bottom end of the table next to Serena clearly looking calmer than usual since Blair was out of town. The power struggle between her and Blair this year was intense and the less she saw of Blair the better life was.
"When will she be back?" Lily asked with half interest.
"In a couple of days. She's coming home alone while Eleanor and Harold fly to London for New Years."
"How lovely" Serena immediately picked up that no one at the table really cared about Blair. Dan simply played nice, Eric, he was just so-so, Jenny was scared of her and Chuck… well. Lily and Rufus were so caught up in their own lives that they didn't care but showed polite interest, as always. The wait staff cleared the table for dessert and Chuck excused himself with some petty reasoning. Serena thought about Blair's message and decided that she would help Blair forget about Chuck. She didn't need this immature person that was just bringing her down all the time. Chuck demonstrated quite clearly that he could not look after Blair the way a boyfriend should and he wasn't going to get another chance if Serena could help it.
He was angry, he didn't want to be, but when you're angry at yourself it's hard to turn it around. He walked through the foyer of the Empire. The Christmas decorations made him sick, the only reason they were up was because his publicist had insisted. People come here searching for the grand, classic New York white Christmas, she had said and Chuck had grudgingly agreed. The next day the lavish decorations adorned the foyer, Blair would have loved it. Upon entry he noticed two blondes sitting in one of the modern design sofas waving at him. The man at concierge informed Chuck they were a gift from his Uncle, Jack. Chuck smirked and walked over to the ladies. They stood up slowly caressing their slim thighs, Chuck looked them once over and handed them some useless cash and entered the elevator alone. He studied himself in the mirror of the elevator. He would love to say that the man that had sent him the women downstairs had created the mess that he had become. But he had walked down that road himself, if only he had listened to Blair and not Jack. The dark circles under his eyes had grown deeper as he lost sleep thinking over and over about what he had done to Blair. The person looking back at him was a selfish one who believed Blair would never leave. Fool, he thought in disgust. Chuck reached the penthouse and walked straight for the closet. Mindlessly he dug out a large carry-on and stuffed it with clothes and some necessities. He needed a break, a get away out of the city. A strategic retreat as Blair would say. Within the hour Chuck was back in the elevator this time studying the floor instead of the too honest mirror.
"To the Helipad" He instructed Arthur and after one quick glance back at The Empire he was gone.
It was the day after Christmas and Blair farewelled her parents at Charles De Gaulle. It was always a little sad to leave Paris but she knew it probably wouldn't be long till she would be back to visit her parents. Eleanor gave her tight motherly hug and Blair just smiled sweetly back.
"I'll see you back in New York for fashion week." Blair's mother wiped a tear and kissed her on the cheek. Her little daughter had grown up so much, she still had trouble believing that Blair had graduated and no longer attended school.
"Ok, see you then, Mom." Blair waved goodbye and walked through the gates towards New York.
The city was still frigid and white in the days between Christmas and New Year's Eve. Blair was wrapped up in her warmest Burberry as she walked into the venue for the night's biggest party. It had been so hyped up and Blair genuinely had been excited. Her simple yet classy Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress would surely be one for the ages and her and Serena would party the night away in their Louboutins. However Blair's heart couldn't stop imagining what should have been instead of focusing on what was. She hadn't seen Chuck since she left for Paris and Serena had casually mentioned that no one else had seen him since Christmas. If she had tried better would her and Chuck be attending this party together? Would it be him that she would kiss at midnight? Blair snorted lightly at the thought. Last year they had kissed at midnight and look what that had brought them. They had kissed so unknowingly. Then he turned cold, no longer whole and Blair had nothing left. All thoughts were quickly diminished by Serena, who greeted Blair as she walked through the large baroque style doors into the party.
"Blair! I'm so glad you're here!" How could anybody be sad around Serena? She glowed and her happiness, especially on night like this, was contagious. The two best friends hugged then Blair removed her coat, handing it to the lady at the door. Serena smiled at Blair's dress, she always knew exactly what to wear and her hair and makeup never failed to compliment her best features. Blair picked up a glass of Dom Perignon as she passed the table and joined the crowd with Serena. Everybody looked so glamorous, a perfect place to welcome in the New Year with New York's elite.
"Hey Blair, how are you?" Blair looked towards the voice to see Nate. Dear Nate, he looked stunning, they could have made a great couple. Serena left her side leaving Nate and Blair alone.
"I'm great" Blair lied, "Fantastic in fact." She took a sip of her drink.
"Blair, you don't have to lie to me. We've been friends forever, dated for years, I know you." Nate said softly with genuine concern, he always had a way of getting the truth out of her. "You know, Chuck isn't coping very well either." Blair laughed almost triumphantly. The boy was suffering, good.
"I bet Chuck is fine, what, without my nagging. And I, I am great. I no longer have to play babysitter for him."
"I know he regrets it. He loved you Blair and well, you just can't stop loving someone that fast. Chuck was a fool for the way he acted but he did love you."
"See Nate, you're talking in pretences. Loved is usless, did is pointless." Nate sighed, frowning at Blair.
"What would you do if he were here tonight and apologised?" Blair's heart began racing. Was this a hint? A warning? "Listen, Blair, I'm going to leave you alone for a while but please, know that through everything you did, he did, he loved you." Nate walked over to an old friend leaving Blair confused and feeling naked. She scanned the room but there was no sign of Chuck. Her stomach continued to tighten and she cursed herself for feeling so vulnerable. Chuck could pop out at any second and Blair wasn't sure if she was ready for that. What would she do? Well, she knew what she wanted to do. To kiss him again and then everything would magically be okay they would live a fairy-tale life in the penthouse of The Empire and everybody would be jealous.
A few hours passed and Nate, Serena, Dan and Blair had moved up onto the rooftop for the countdown. "A quick toast to new beginnings may the new year bring the best, and only the best!" Nate held up his glass and was soon joined by everyone else. The people down in the street began counting down. If Chuck were to be there he would show himself now. TEN! Serena and Dan began to get closer and rubbing their noses waiting for the big moment. SEVEN! Nate wrapped his arm around Blair. She smiled up at him and wrapped her arm around him. "Lets make this year the best yet" he whispered and Blair nodded. Chuck didn't deserve her best. FOUR! Blair felt her phone vibrate in the pocket of her coat but she chooses to ignore it. If it was Chuck he also didn't deserve this moment. "ONE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!" everybody shouted, Serena and Dan kissed like it was the last time while Blair and Nate had a quick peck on the lips. Their own special New Years had come and gone a long time ago. Everybody moved around hugging and smiling at the end of it all they moved back down to the party and Blair finished her final glass. Auld Lang Syne was being played in the background. Blair noted it as the same version of the Sex and the City movie and rolled her eyes as she began to farewell her friends.
"Must you go Blair?"
"Yes, Serena I must" She didn't have to be anywhere, she just no longer wished to be there. She had had enough socialising for the night and ultimately she was disappointed. Why had she twisted Nate's words? She psyched herself up for nothing, only to be let down.
"Well, if you must. I'll call you tomorrow and we can meet up for dinner?"
"Sure." Blair kissed her friend on the cheek and left for what would be an extra long car ride home. After some time in the car Blair remembered to call her parents to wish them a happy new year. She reached for her phone and saw an influx of missed calls from unknown numbers. Her eyebrows rose in wonder as she dialled one of the foreign numbers back. The phone did not ring for as long as she had wished giving her no time to prepare.
"Hello this is Blair Waldorf." She spoke before the other person got a chance.
"Ah! Yes, Blair Waldorf," Blair noted a French accent, "My name is Pierre Amiens. I am terribly sorry to bother you but there has been an accident involving your parents." Blair's heart was caught in her throat. Pierre continued as Blair's world came crashing down.
The hangover from the night before was pounding. The hotel room was blurred as Chuck opened his eyes to find his phone. He had ignored the first call and the second but now the ringtone was just torture to his head. What ignorant person would be calling him now? He glanced at the clock on the wall, almost all celebrations in New York should be finished by now.
"Hello?" He answered shutting the curtains to cut out the blinding light.
"Chuck it's Nate…" Chuck made some nonchalant sound, a signal for his friend to carry on. "Blair's parents… Eleanor and Harold… They've been killed in plane crash, Chuck." Chuck wanted to ask if it was a joke but the tone of Nate's voice told him otherwise. "They had been on their way to London to celebrate New Year's with some friends…" Nate continued to list the pointless details and only then had Chuck realised he still had yet to say something so he asked the only real question he could think of.
"Where is Blair?"