In honor of GG's season premiere (YAY!) here is the continuing story of our Chuck and Blair. And by our, I mean me and kaela097 who was kind enough to co-write the story with me. I hope you all enjoy it and I pray to God we all enjoy the season premiere. We own nothing but if you're out there Ed, we'll put together an offer. :)
-d-d-d-d-d-
Blair's eyes opened slowly when she felt the bed dip and a small body lay on her arm. She smiled when she saw her son lying next to her.
"Good morning, Sebastian," she smiled as she tickled her little boy's stomach. "Where is that sister of yours?"
"She's right here with me," Chuck's voice said from the end of the bed catching Blair's attention.
Blair sat up and smiled, "What is all this?"
"It's somebody's birthday," Chuck stated, "That deserves a birthday breakfast in bed."
"I can't believe you did this," Blair bit her lip as she looked around the room for the breakfast he was referencing to find nothing.
Chuck came closer and leaned down, "Happy Birthday, Baby." Then he kissed her.
"I like birthday mornings," she smiled happily.
"Breakfast is served," he announced as he went to the door to their bedroom and pulled in the trolley with a plate of eggs and toast with a single rose in a bud vase on top of it.
"Did Dorota stop over and make breakfast?" Blair inquired as she looked at the spread nervously.
"No, I did it," Chuck said as he sat down next to Blair's legs and sat Sabrina on his lap. "The children helped."
"That makes me feel so much better," Blair rolled her eyes.
"I know I'm not a gourmet chef, but eggs aren't all that complicated," Chuck replied defensively, "And toast is fool proof. It comes with a built in timer."
Blair giggled, "I love you for doing this and that is why I'm going to attempt to eat this."
"I tried a few myself, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprise," he stated proudly.
"Okay," Blair nodded as she began to search the tray for the missing ingredient. "No ketchup?"
"I still do not understand how a girl raised on the Upper East Side and who has spent a good part of her life in Paris can like ketchup on her eggs."
"It's good," Blair defended herself. "Besides, it was one of the few food quirks my mom and I had in common."
"I'll go get the ketchup," he told her as he lowered Sabrina into her arms. "Sabrina, entertain Mommy while I'm gone."
"Thank you," Blair smiled at him. "Good morning, Sabrina. Do you know that your mommy is twenty-one years old today? It's a very big milestone in a woman's life. She's having a big party later on tonight. You and your brother are going to make a brief appearance before you go to bed."
Sabrina giggled happily.
"I know Daddy said you helped with the eggs, but do you think they're safe to eat?"
Blair could've sworn Sabrina shook her head and had to laugh as she brushed her daughter's dark curls back, "Do you know in a little more than a month, you and your brother will be one year old? You two were the best Christmas gift your daddy and I ever received."
"She looks more and more like you every day," Chuck smiled as he watched the two for a few moments, "Right down to the gorgeous curls."
Blair smiled and then looked over at Sebastian who had fallen back asleep, "And he looks more like you every day; especially when he smiles. You both have such amazing smiles."
"Why thank you, Waldorf," he smiled widely as he handed over the bottle of ketchup.
"And those smiles are becoming a more regular occurrence all the time," she observed.
"I'm a happy man these days," he told her sincerely.
"How good are you at picking up Sebastian without waking him?"
"I'm an expert."
"Good," Blair smiled. "Come join us. I want you all in bed with me today."
"All day?" he raised a curious eyebrow.
"No, not all day. Dorota's coming by around eleven because you asked her to take the twins for a while for some reason," Blair raised an eyebrow at him. "And then there's the party tonight. So staying in bed all day, while tempting, is not in the cards for us today."
"That's too bad," he pouted.
"Your mom has been hinting that she'd like to take the twins for a night," Blair reminded him. "She thinks Rufus is finally ready."
"But the question is, are we ready?" he pondered.
"We've let Lily baby-sit them for a night before."
"But not with Rufus," Chuck reminded her as he cradled a soundly sleeping Sebastian to his chest. "I still worry about her living alone with him now that Eric's living at the dorms."
"Chuck, he's still sober and in therapy. Lily wouldn't put her grandchildren in danger, and you know that."
"I do," he nodded, "But I still cannot get the image of him hurling that vase across the room and nearly hitting Serena out of my mind."
Blair nodded, "And I still think about him being ready to come at me just to get to Eric, but we have to start somewhere. Maybe we don't start with a whole night. Maybe the four of us take the twins to the park. Lily, Sabrina, and I can feed the ducks and you, Rufus, and Sebastian can be bored together."
"That will have to wait for a different day," Chuck told her, "We have plans today, but I have to go to the hotel for a few hours to take care of a few details."
"Okay," Blair nodded.
"I'll be back to have lunch with you, so if you go anywhere don't have lunch."
"I wouldn't dream of it," she nodded.
"You have your ketchup, so how are the eggs?"
"Not bad," Blair told him with a straight face. "My dad said he'd call just before the party."
"I know you really wanted him to be here," Chuck began to apologize.
"It's okay," she assured him, "He had business that couldn't wait. I understand."
"You're too understanding when it comes to your dad," Chuck told her.
"I know, but he's my dad."
"Father issues are one of the many things you and I have in common," he nodded in understanding.
"And watching you lose your father has made me appreciate mine all the more, even though he's far from perfect."
"He's a good man," Chuck said. "He's far better than the one I called 'Dad'."
"Bart wasn't perfect, but I've always thought that the part of him that could show how he felt suffered such a blow when your mom died that it made him afraid to show it again."
"Perhaps, but I suffered, and that wasn't fair to me," Chuck sighed.
"No, it wasn't," Blair agreed. "But, you've become a better man because of it, and in spite of it, and you're a good father."
"In spite of him," Chuck amended.
Blair nodded as she took a bite of her toast, "Raspberry jelly? I can't believe you remembered that."
"No detail is too small for me to remember when it comes to you," he smiled.
"Have I told you that I love you this morning?"
"No, I think you've neglected to mention it," Chuck smiled.
"Hmm," Blair grinned. "I love you, Chuck."
"As I love you, Blair," he replied as he leaned in and kissed her softly.
"You know, I will always remember the first time you told me that," Blair said.
"So will I," Chuck nodded, "One of my more romantic moments."
Blair smiled at him and the picture he and their son made. A year ago she couldn't have imagined this happening.
"This is going to be the best birthday I've ever had," Blair announced suddenly.
"You had better believe it," Chuck nodded.
"How long until you have to get going?" she asked as she reached out to caress his face softly as Sabrina drifted off to sleep in her arms.
Chuck shot a look at the clock, "Not for another hour."
"Perhaps we can put the children in their room and celebrate this day," she suggested.
"I think that sounds perfect," Chuck nodded.
-f-f-f-f-f-
Chuck waited patiently in the living room of his home for Blair to return. He was pretty sure he knew where she'd gone but decided to give her privacy.
"Hello? Is anyone home?" Blair called from the entrance of their home.
"Just your handsome boyfriend," Chuck greeted her as he snagged her around the waist and brought her in close.
"Handsome, huh," she eyed him skeptically, "Are you sure about that?"
"I'll have you know that I get several offers a day to become a kept man."
"And how do you respond to them?"
"I tell each and every one of them that I am perfectly happy with the mother of my children."
"The men must be so disappointed," she teased him playfully.
"They are, yes," Chuck nodded.
"Did you get your tasks done at the hotel?" she inquired.
"I did," he said. "And did you run whatever errand you needed to?"
"I did," she nodded.
"Good. Come with me," Chuck took her hand.
"I did that this morning."
"Someone is playful on her birthday," he smirked as he led her to their bedroom, "And am I right in assuming that Dorota came over to get the twins for the day?"
"No, I left them here to fend for themselves," she responded sarcastically.
"Funny," Chuck said as he led Blair up the stairs to their room. He turned to her before they entered and covered her eyes as he led her into the room and across it.
"Chuck, what is going on?"
"I have a surprise for you."
"Is it an encore of this morning?" she smiled, "Because I know for certain I'd enjoy that."
"It may come to that a little later, but for right now, I hope you'll like a cup of an old favorite," Chuck said as he took away his hands.
"Hot chocolate," Blair smiled as she caught sight of the steaming cups.
"Taste," he encouraged her as he handed her one of the mugs before he encouraged her to have a seat on the balcony where he'd set up a picnic style lunch.
"This is from the Palace," Blair realized. "Oh my God."
"It is," he nodded as she took another healthy gulp.
"I feel like I'm back at the hotel chasing you and Nate around the hallways and being yelled at by the maids for making too much noise," she smiled at the memory the liquid dessert brought back.
"To which I'd threaten to have them all fired because I owned the hotel and could do anything I wanted," Chuck laughed.
"You were such a little punk," she shook her head as her smile widened.
"I was," Chuck agreed with a nod. "But we had fun."
"Yes, we did," Blair nodded. "You know I lied to Nate for a long time about something that happened inside those walls."
"Really?"
"Yes. Nate has always been under the impression that he was my first kiss."
"You and I both know that wasn't true," he smirked, "He also wasn't the first to touch your breast."
"That was totally an accident," she blushed.
"Maybe on your part," Chuck grinned.
"I tripped, and you caught me," she reminded him.
"I caught your breast?" he snickered.
"I tripped…over your shoes," Blair remembered. "Oh my God. You set that up. You little pervert!"
"Guilty as charged," Chuck nodded. "But I didn't trick you when it came to being your first kiss."
"Refresh my memory," she challenged him. She remembered the day with perfect clarity, but she wondered if he did as well.
"You were sitting on the sofa in the lobby at about midnight on Thanksgiving because you didn't want to go home. Your parents were fighting about something, and you couldn't go to Nate's because he was at William's. Serena was in California with Cece, so you came to me. The front desk called to let me know a friend was in the lobby. I came down expecting one of the guys I usually got high with but I found you instead."
"And?"
"I took you back upstairs, and I ordered you tea and it kind of happened like the first kiss we shared after your mom died. It was accidental but it was intense."
"It was the first time I ever heard my mom accuse my dad of not really loving her," Blair recalled the argument her parents had been having. "That kiss could have made the evening awkward, but it didn't. You were really great to me that night."
"You were crying. It broke my heart."
"We stayed up for the rest of the night watching Audrey movies," she smiled. "I even got you to sing the Henry Higgins songs from 'My Fair Lady'. You were horrible."
"Hey, I resent that," Chuck said in mock offense. "I made you laugh. That was my goal."
"You never told a soul about it," Blair smiled at him.
"And I never will," he replied.
Blair leaned across to him and kissed him softly. She drew back when she felt something wet fall on her hand. She looked around them and laughed. It was snowing.
Blair laughed like a child, "Oh my God. This is perfect." She stuck out her tongue to catch a few of the flakes.
Chuck watched her with a smile on his face before he put his arms around her, "You disappeared for awhile this afternoon. Did you go anywhere special?"
"To see my mom," she admitted as the sadness entered her voice, even though she was certain that he already knew the answer.
"I would've gone with you," Chuck told her.
"I know," Blair nodded. "But I'm okay. I just wanted to say hi and let her know about the party, and how good a job Lily and Serena are doing with the company."
"Serena doing fashion. Who could have foreseen that as a good fit? Wearing it yes, modeling it even, but running a company that designs it, who knew?"
"My mom," Blair nodded. "She always knew Serena would be good at it. I think that's why she put her in so many fashion shows; to learn the business. Lily told me that they had a dress specially made for me for tonight."
"I look forward to taking it off you," he tried to lighten what was turning into a somber mood.
"Yes, I'm kind of looking forward to that too."
"You know, it's not too late. I have enough money to have the party transferred to our hotel or the Waldorf-Astoria."
"No, I want to have it here," Blair smiled. "I like the idea of the first party we have here being my twenty-first."
"Only if you're sure," Chuck replied, "But I'm holding firm in that we're bringing in a cleaning service first thing tomorrow. You are not to lift a finger for the next two days."
"If you insist," Blair smirked. "And as long as you promise to cook nothing else today. I didn't want to hurt your feelings earlier, but those eggs you made tasted like rubber."
"Well, I don't have your cooking experience," Chuck smiled. "So I promise no more cooking."
"Good," Blair smiled. "What time is Dorota bringing the twins back?"
"Soon," Chuck replied as he checked his watch, "But you just stay out here and relax. Dorota and Serena are getting the children ready for the party. All you have to do is smile and look sexy for the rest of the day."
"I was actually thinking about taking a bath," Blair smiled. "Interested?"
Chuck checked his watch one more time to see if they had the time. "Someone needs to wash that delectable back of yours."
"My thoughts exactly," Blair took his hand and backed inside.
=x=x=x=x=x=x=
Blair twirled around in front of her mirror. She had to hand it to Lily and Serena. This was a beautiful dress.
Chuck stood out of sight and watched her, captivated by how beautiful she looked at the moment.
He was supposed to be checking to make sure that twins hadn't spit up on their party clothes, but he couldn't make himself leave the room.
Blair started to sway to an imaginary tune as she pretended to be dancing in front of the mirror.
"May I cut in?" Chuck asked, making Blair gasp and turn around.
"How long have you been standing there?"
"I never actually left," he replied as he swept her into his arms and began dancing her around their bedroom, "So quite awhile."
"You've always been such a wonderful dancer," Blair commented as they swayed effortlessly to the imaginary tune. "Even when we were young you never stepped on my toes."
"Natural grace," he shrugged.
"I'm almost ready," she replied, "Are the children? I want to show them off before Dorota takes them for the rest of the evening."
"I haven't checked yet," he said. "Let's go together."
Blair nodded happily as she and Chuck walked down the hall to the nursery where Dorota was talking to the twins in soft Polish.
"Is that the same Polish nursery rhyme you used to tell me?" Blair inquired.
"Yes Miss Blair," Dorota nodded as she looked up. "You look so pretty, Miss Blair. Miss Eleanor would be proud."
"Thank you, Dorota." Blair smiled as she whirled around so Dorota could get the full affect of her dress.
"Are the children ready for their debut?"
"Yes, Mr. Chuck," Dorota nodded. "They fed, burped, and changed."
"Fantastic," Chuck smiled. "I don't know how Blair and I manage to cope without you."
"Dorota, can't I change your mind about being a guest at the party tonight?" Blair asked.
"No, Miss Blair," Dorota shook her head. "Vanya and I have dinner with you and Mr. Chuck tomorrow night for birthday. That be our celebration."
"Alright," Blair sighed in resignation. She knew she wasn't going to be able to change her stubborn maid's mind.
"Time to go downstairs. Guests be here soon," Dorota shooed them out of the room.
"Alright, Sabrina, where is that Waldorf smile of yours?" Chuck cooed as he tickled her under the chin, "Mommy doesn't want you to be fussy for your debut."
"Sebastian is already smiling," Blair said proudly. "I love it when you smile, Bastian, do you know that? It reminds me of when your daddy first told me he loved me."
As soon as they hit the main floor the house seemed to burst at the seams as the guests began to pour in.
Sebastian and Sabrina soaked up the attention in true Waldorf fashion. Even Sebastian, who was normally fussy with strangers, worked the room with the same charm his father possessed.
"B, Happy Birthday," Serena gushed as she and Nate found their friends and godchildren. "This is a great party."
"I get none of the credit," Blair replied, "This was all Chuck's doing."
"Of course," Serena said giving Chuck a hug in greeting and then kissing Sabrina's forehead. "Hey, Baby Girl. You being a charmer tonight? I can't believe they'll be a year old in a little over a month. It seems like yesterday I was listening to you curse like a sailor on leave."
"When was that?" Nate inquired as he lifted Sabrina into his arms to give her a proper greeting, "I would have liked to have heard that."
"Right around the time one of these two was crowning," Serena motioned towards the twins.
"And Nate, you would have been nowhere near me during that anyways," Blair assured him, "I would have cut your nuts off before I would have allowed you in the delivery room with me."
"Ouch," Nate commented with a wince. "Sorry I mentioned it."
"Someone's feeling a little Lorena Bobbitish tonight," Chuck commented.
"Just with Nate," she assured him with a wide grin, "Your nuts are completely safe."
"Good to know," Chuck smiled. "And I think maybe it's time for the twins to say their goodnights."
"Ugh, can we refrain from mentioning Chuck's nuts for the rest of the night?" Serena requested.
"We'll try," Blair laughed, "And Chuck, I agree, it is time for the children to say goodnight."
"You two aren't planning a 'Sound of Music' farewell for these two are you?" Nate groaned with dread.
"No," Blair shook her head. "They're very quietly going upstairs. Chuck and I have an agreement to never sing in public."
"Oh thank god," Nate smiled. "Before I forget, Dan sends his apologies. Jonathan had a fever, so he's not coming."
"Poor thing," Blair stuck out her lip in a pout, "These two are miserable when they're sick. I'm assuming Jonathan is the same way."
"He's about as grumpy as Dan is on a normal day," Serena nodded.
"So, he's miserable," Blair chimed in.
"Pretty much, yeah," Serena nodded. "Chuck, why don't you stay down here, and I'll help Blair take the kids upstairs?"
"That's not necessary, Serena," Chuck shook his head.
"One of you should stay here," Serena told him.
"It will only take a few minutes," Chuck replied, "Nobody will even know we're gone."
"Okay," Serena finally relented. "But hurry, it is Blair's party."
"And I'll ditch if I want to," Blair smiled.
"Isn't that a song or something?" Nate tried to recall as Blair and Chuck walked away. They heard Serena trying to recall the song and the correct words that went along with it.
"She carries a tune worse than I do," Chuck muttered as they made their way up the stairs.
"And that's saying something," Blair smiled as they went into the nursery where Dorota was waiting. Blair motioned to her that she could stay seated as she and Chuck changed the babies into their pajamas and put them into their cribs. Blair covered up Sebastian and lightly brushed her fingers over his forehead as his eyes closed slowly. "I love you, Bastian."
"Love you, Sabrina," Chuck stated as he kissed Sabrina's cheek before he laid her down. Like her brother she was out like a light within seconds.
"Is it wrong that I want to skip the party and stay here all night?" Blair asked, taking Chuck's hand in hers.
"No," he shook his head, "That's just your motherly instincts kicking in. I'm actually having the same thoughts, but we wanted this party, so we have to play hosts."
"How about you go play host, and I stay up here with them?" she suggested.
"It's your birthday. You are not leaving me alone to entertain everyone."
"Okay," Blair nodded as she waved to Dorota before she followed Chuck back downstairs.
"Blair, Darling, you look beautiful," Lily stated as she hugged Blair in greeting.
"Happy Birthday, Blair," Rufus added as he shook Chuck's hand in greeting.
"Thank you, Lily," Blair smiled. "Rufus, I'm glad you could make it. Lily told me you were working on a new painting. I take it the studio space is working out."
"Very well," Rufus nodded, "It's good to be painting again. I haven't really done anything since before Dan was born. Allison was always considered the artist, so I stepped back to play supportive husband."
"How is she?" Blair asked as Chuck put his hands on her hips. "Dan said she was starting to act interested in things again."
"It's been a slow process for both of us," Rufus stated, "We have good days and bad bays, but the good are starting to outweigh the bad, so that's progress."
"Dan said Allison is talking about moving back to the city," Blair added.
"She wants to be closer to her grandson," Rufus nodded, "I can't say that I blame her. Jonathan is really the saving grace for both of us."
Blair smiled and nodded, "I know what you mean."
"Hello everyone."
Blair smiled, "Cyrus. Where have you been?"
"Chuck asked me to go to the hotel and pick up a surprise that he had left for you there," Cyrus explained.
"A surprise," Blair looked excited. "Really?"
"Happy Birthday, Blair-Bear," her father stated from behind.
Blair whirled around and gasped, "Daddy? Oh my God!" Then she threw herself into her father's arms.
"I thought you had to stay in France for some business thing?" she gushed as she continued to hold him tight.
"And miss my daughter's twenty-first birthday, never," Harold replied.
"I'm so glad to see you and Roman," Blair said giving her father's lover a hug as well. "You both look wonderful."
"Not as wonderful as you," Roman replied, "The belle of the ball, yes?"
"Always," Chuck interjected as he shook Harold's hand and then Roman's.
"Blair, before we go join the rest of the partygoers, I have something for you," Harold said. "May we speak privately?"
"Come into the kitchen," Blair motioned.
Harold followed her along. She turned and looked at him eagerly.
"This is from your mother," Harold handed her a long box. "It was her mother's. She'd planned to give it to you on your twenty-first birthday. I found it when I helped Cyrus pack up his home a few months ago."
"What is it?" she inquired as she took the box from him but was afraid to open it without his encouragement.
"The pearls your grandmother wore when she was married."
Blair bit her lip to keep her emotions in check as she opened the box. She'd been asking her mother for years to wear these pearls, but her mother had always told her she wasn't old enough yet.
"I thought about saving them for the day you and Chuck get married, but I know your mother's plan was to give them to you on your 21st birthday. I thought I'd keep her word for her."
"They're beautiful, aren't they," Blair replied as she ran her fingers along the smooth beads.
"They are. I don't remember a time in which Eleanor ever wore them. She wore a diamond pendant that had been her grandmother's when we married. I trust you have that."
"Cyrus has all of her jewelry," Blair admitted. "I can't bring myself to go through it yet."
"You will someday," Harold assured her, "She was so proud of you. I hope you know that."
Blair nodded silently.
"Now, for my present to you."
"Daddy, having you and Roman here is more than enough of a present."
"Thank you for that, Blair-Bear, but it's your birthday, and I wanted to get you something special. Now, I know you and Chuck have plenty of property here in the city and that Lily signed over the Bass home in the Hamptons to Chuck as a high school graduation present, but I thought that maybe you and he needed a place that is just yours. I went shopping up in Rhode Island, and I found a lovely home for the two of you to use whenever you want to get away."
"You bought me a home?" Blair stated in surprise.
"I realize that it's your birthday, but I put it in both of your names," Harold said. "I hope that's alright."
"You bought Chuck and me a home," Blair added as he handed her the deed. "I can't believe you did that."
"It's okay, isn't it?" her father asked nervously.
"It's perfect," Blair smiled and gave her father a big hug. "Thank you. Does Chuck know?"
"No," Harold smiled, "I figured I'd let you surprise him. Roman and I are staying for a few weeks. We'll happily stay with the children if you want to whisk Chuck away for a weekend getaway."
"A few weeks? Does that mean you'll be here for Thanksgiving?"
"That is the plan. We will have to leave right after though if we want to come back for Christmas and my grandchildren's first birthday."
"Thanksgiving and Christmas with my father all in the same year, that's an even better birthday present," she replied as she hugged him again.
"We should get back to the party," her father suggested.
Blair nodded and then looked at her hands, "Wait a second."
"What is it sweetheart," Harold asked.
Blair took off the necklace she currently wore and slipped it into the jewelry box after taking out the pearls, "I think Chuck will understand if I don't wear that necklace tonight."
"Did he give that to you?"
"When I turned seventeen," Blair smiled.
"It's beautiful," Harold admired the jewels as they sat in the box. "Looks expensive for a sweet seventeen present from some random boy."
"Something special inspired him to give me this," Blair blushed. "We should get back to the party."
"I don't want to know what the special something was, do I," her father groaned.
"Let's just say it put us a step closer to conceiving the twins," Blair added.
"Oh dear," Harold said as his eyes widened as he made the connection.
Blair smiled as she went back into the living room, "Chuck, guess what my dad gave us for my birthday?"
"The pearl necklace that you're wearing instead of the Erickson Beamon that I gave you," Chuck replied.
"This was from my mother," Blair replied as fingered the strand at her neck. "No. Daddy gave us property."
"More property," Serena exclaimed, "The two of you are going to own the entire Northeast soon."
"It's a home in Rhode Island," Blair smiled. "Maybe we can break it in next weekend?"
"The twins will love a trip to Rhode Island," Chuck agreed.
"No," Blair shook her head. "Daddy and Roman are staying until the Friday after Thanksgiving, so I thought it could be just you and me."
"A weekend alone with just the two of you," Nate stated, "Are you sure that's wise? Don't you still have a heart condition that could creep up if you work yourself into that type of frenzy?"
"Nate, go find something to smoke," Blair frowned at him.
"Outside," Chuck scowled at his best friend. "A weekend just the two of us sounds heavenly."
"I thought it did too," Blair smiled. "This is going to be so much fun."
"Thank you, Harold," Chuck acknowledged Blair's father with another handshake.
"Think nothing of it," Harold smiled. "You making my daughter happy is all the thanks I need."
"You have more than enough thanks then," Blair smiled. "C'mon let's go dance, Bass."
"Wait, it's my turn to dance with the birthday girl," Nate announced as he tried to wrangle Blair away from Chuck.
"Nate, I like my toes," Blair complained. "And it's my birthday. Don't I have the right not to have them stepped on?"
"I'm not that bad? Am I Serena?" Nate frowned as Chuck whisked Blair away before Nate could protest any further.
"I'll dance with you, Nathaniel," Lily said. "I'm used to having my toes stepped on."
"Rufus, may I have this dance," Serena asked.
"Serena is too," Lily chimed in as they all made their way to the dance floor where Chuck and Blair were dancing as close to each other as possible without crossing the imaginary societal boundary, though just barely.
"This is my favorite birthday," Blair announced as she swayed effortlessly in Chuck's arms.
"I was hoping it would be," Chuck smiled down at her. "So, how old are the pearls?"
"They were my grandma's," Blair smiled. "She wore them on her wedding day. Daddy thought about saving them for our wedding day, but Mom was planning on giving them to me on this day. He wanted to honor her wish."
"I have to propose first," he reminded her.
"Well, seeing as Daddy already mentioned the fact that he expects you to marry me, I think you have his permission," Blair smirked.
"I'll remember that," Chuck smiled. "Have I mentioned how beautiful you look tonight?"
"Several times," she nodded with a brilliant smile.
"Good. I'd hate to be remiss in that department."
"This evening makes up for last year," she replied. "I never told anyone it was my birthday in New Jersey, so I didn't have any sort of celebration other than the giant tub of ice cream I polished off in record time. I think the twins had something to do with that though."
"I bought you a birthday present last year," Chuck admitted. "I thought about sending it along with the butterfly mask on Valentine's Day, but I kept it for when I could give it to you myself."
"But you still haven't given it to me, have you?"
"No, not yet," Chuck shook his head. "After the party, alright?"
"Can I have a hint?" she batted her eyelashes.
"I saw it and knew that it had to be yours," Chuck smiled.
"Is it jewelry?"
"No more hints," Chuck shook his head.
"Is it you lying naked on our bed?"
"No more hints and if you ask me anymore questions, I'm making you dance with Nate."
She gave a tiny pout of disappointment as her head came to rest against his shoulder. She certainly wasn't going to call his bluff with the stakes being as high as they were.
"Can we start chasing everyone out?"
"They haven't even served dinner yet," Chuck reminded her.
"Then have them start serving, so we can start chasing them out," she replied.
"We're going to be gracious hosts," he chuckled, "I forgot how impatient you get when it comes to presents."
"Hey, you never said whether or not you liked your Christmas gift last year," Blair remembered.
"I loved my Christmas gift," he replied, "How could a father not love his two children?"
"That's not what I meant," she replied.
"Oh you mean the mask," Chuck realized. "I loved it. It gave me hope."
"Hope?" she prompted him.
"That we still had a chance," he elaborated.
Blair sighed as she drew him closer, ignoring the societal rules and the looks from their guests, "I love you so much."
"People are staring," Chuck cautioned her.
"Let them look," she scoffed, "Perhaps these society people will figure out that this is what true love looks like."
Chuck bent his head and kissed her shoulder, "I love you, Waldorf."
"Do you think we could sneak away for a little while without anyone getting too suspicious?" she pondered.
"Not after this display," Chuck smiled. "The waiters are circulating dinner anyway."
"Good," she sighed, "After the free meal, people will begin to leave. Maybe if we cut off the liquor people will leave faster."
"What happened to my perfect UES hostess?" he laughed.
"She's a little horny right now, and wants more birthday sex," she replied, ignoring the aghast looks of people within hearing distance.
"She has a fever," Chuck explained as he spun Blair away from them and into another room. "You're going to ruin your pristine reputation.
"I think I blew that to hell when I shacked up with you," Blair told him.
"Blair Cornelia Waldorf, what has gotten in to you," he shook his head as she backed him towards the nearest wall.
"You on a very regular basis," Blair smiled at him.
"Blair, there are partygoers just on the other side of that wall," he told her as she began unbuttoning his trousers.
"Do you seriously want me to stop?"
"No, I just want you to realize what you're doing," he replied, "Because once you get me started I'm not stopping. I don't have an on and off switch like you."
Blair leaned away from him and frowned, "I hate it when you do the voice of reason thing, Chuck. It's kind of unnerving."
"Why because we're reversing roles?" he smirked.
"Yes and also because you won't let me have my way with you."
"I never said you couldn't have your way with me," he replied, "I just wanted to make it very clear that someone could barge in at any moment and find us in a very compromising position."
"Well, what if we went into the back staircase that goes down to Cyrus'?"
"You have a one track mind right now," he chuckled. "I like it. It's very sexy."
"Is that a yes?" Blair cocked an eyebrow.
"It certainly isn't a no," he replied.
Blair took his hand and led him into towards the kitchen. Just before they got there, they slipped through the doorway to Cyrus'. Blair locked the door as Chuck sat on the steps. She walked over and straddled his lap.
"Happy Birthday, Blair," Chuck smiled.
-x-x-x-x-
Serena fixed her hair in Blair's upstairs bathroom and smiled when her friend came in, "Hey. I thought you and Chuck ditched the party permanently."
"I couldn't do that to all of these guests," Blair replied as she began fixing her makeup.
"You have that glow," Serena inspected her friend closely. "Did you and Chuck just…"
"S, do not ask questions you don't want the answers to."
"You're right, forget it," Serena replied. "I need some advice. I saw Nate flirting with one of the waitresses. What do you think I should do?"
"Drop kick him off a balcony," Blair smiled.
"I'm being serious here," Serena replied as she groaned in frustration. "How was he acting just before he cheated on you?"
"With you?" Blair inquired.
"Can we set aside my part in this for a moment, please," she pleaded. "I need real advice here."
"Okay. Are you two having sex regularly?"
"Yes," Serena nodded.
"Have you shown interest in anyone else?"
"No," Serena shook her head.
"Are you sure?"
"Well, Carter called me last weekend, but I told him I wasn't interested. I don't think Nate even knows about that."
"He knows," Blair said. "Somehow, as thick as he is sometimes, he always knows."
"I don't know what to do here," Serena replied, "I love Nate, but it always seems like when we get to this point we get bored with each other and find ways out."
"You and Nate need to stop looking for ways to self-destruct. It's not healthy."
"Easier said than done," Serena replied.
"Have you talked to Nate?" Blair inquired. "I mean really talked to him."
"I try, but every time I get him alone-"
"Your hormones take over," Blair guessed.
"Pretty much," Serena nodded.
"Put a lid on the hormones," Blair replied, "You need to have this conversation with him."
"And if that doesn't work?"
"Tie him up and make him listen."
"I'm not so sure tying him up is the solution," Serena replied.
"And people think Chuck and I are sexaholics," Blair shook her head. "Get a grip, Serena. If you want to have an adult relationship you have to find a way to talk to him without sex getting in the way."
"And when you want to have a conversation with Chuck?"
"I put on the flannel pajamas. That's a sure sign I'm closed for business," Blair smiled.
"Flannel doesn't work with Nate. He doesn't understand its meaning," Serena replied.
"Then find what does work," Blair replied as she rolled her eyes.
"A closed and locked door," Serena said.
"You might want to try the conversation face to face," Blair advised her, "But putting a little distance and perhaps a few pieces of furniture between the two of you is a good idea."
"Okay," Serena nodded. "That's a good idea. So, are you having a happy birthday?"
"I am," Blair nodded as her post-coital glow returned, "Chuck has given me the best presents I could have hoped for."
"Ew," Serena groaned.
"Not like that," Blair shook her head. "He's been amazing tonight."
"And again, ew," Serena shuddered.
"Mind out of the gutter please," Blair demanded, "Not everything in life is about sex."
Serena raised a curious eyebrow towards her best friend.
"Okay, sex may be a big part of life with Chuck, but there is more to us than just that. We went months without being able to have sex, and that actually made us stronger."
"So, you're saying that maybe Nate and I should abstain from sex for awhile," Serena replied.
"It could help," Blair said.
"It could hurt," Serena countered.
"What's a little carpel tunnel when it means strengthening the bond with the man you love?" Blair batted her eyelashes in reply.
"And that is the most disgusting image I could have ever had about Chuck. Thank you, B," Serena grimaced.
"Who said anything about Chuck," Blair replied.
"I am going to be sick if I don't get out of here," Serena said grabbing her purse and marching out of the bathroom.
Blair began giggling as she went back to fixing her makeup.
-x-x-x-x-
"So, did you have a good birthday?" Chuck said after Blair had said goodnight to the last guest.
"Best birthday ever," she nodded as she slid out of her heels and kicked them away.
"Let me rub your feet," he offered.
"Oh, yes, please," she moaned as she shook her head vigorously.
Chuck led her to the living room sofa, so she could sit down with her feet propped up on his lap. He went straight to work as he began massaging her feet.
"That feels really good," Blair smiled. "Your hands are amazing."
"So I've been told," he smirked.
"How can you be so sweet and disgusting in the same moment?" she scolded him with a smack to his chest.
"Serena looked pretty upset when Nate was asking one of the waitresses for a drink," Chuck told her in an effort to change the subject, "She stormed up the stairs and locked herself in the bathroom."
"Trouble in paradise," Blair sighed. "I talked to her. She thinks they're going to self-destruct again."
"Are they getting bored again?" he frowned, "I thought Nathaniel had it figured out this time."
"I don't know," Blair shook her head. "She loves him. He loves her. I just don't get why they can't make it work."
"Because they don't work at it. One thing I've learned from you is that good relationships take work. If you take it for granted, things can go downhill quickly."
"That's pretty wise, Bass," Blair smiled at him. "I'm impressed, and I happen to agree with you."
"Good," he smiled back at her.
"How about we take our work upstairs," she suggested, "Check in on the children and then finish off my birthday with a bang."
"There will be fireworks," he assured her.
"And you owe me another present," she added.
"That I do," Chuck reached over and pulled out a box from the drawer in the end table. "This is for you."
Blair took the box and opened it, "Chuck, it's beautiful. How did you know I always wanted a charm bracelet?"
"Because I overheard you telling Serena once," he smiled.
"You've added to it," Blair said. "Two baby booties."
"I figured it's something we could work on together, perhaps with each new milestone they hit, we add another charm," he replied.
"I was kind of expecting a diamond ring," she told him.
"But we're not ready for that yet," he responded. "Are we?"
"No," Blair shook her head. "But I would've said yes."
"I don't want you saying yes just because I ask," he replied, "I want you to say yes because you want to marry me not because you're afraid I won't ask again."
"I know," Blair nodded. "You're right. But when the time is right I want to marry you."
"And when the time is right, I will ask you," he assured her. "We're in no hurry here. We're still very young. We have a lifetime to look forward to."
"Together, I hope." she added.
"Of course," he nodded as he got up off the couch and offered her his hand.
Blair took it with a smile and they walked upstairs to go to bed.