Story: The Rules of War

Author: Bellakatalina

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I don't own GG

Chapter 2

"History teaches that war begins when governments believe the price of aggression is cheap."

Ronald Reagan

She had found her routine in O'aho and had even developed a group of friends.

Serena had turned out to be a fast friend. She too was from a family of privilege. Her decision to volunteer had been a desire to do something, but to steer clear of anything too difficult. The USO had been just the thing for Serena. She acted as a hostess, befriended all of the soldiers and made sure they had a good time when they stepped into the USO center. Her personality made her work simple. Their similarities had made the two quite close.

Her roommates were a different story. The youngest girl, Jenny, didn't seem to know what she wanted in life. She was too innocent and naïve. Vanessa was the roommate she liked the least. Her self-righteousness made Blair sick. The third roommate was honestly so forgettable Blair couldn't remember her name. As soon as Blair entered the room the shy girl would hide away in her bedroom.

Work was not going the way she had hoped either. Blair had been given a role slightly superior to the new nurses. She was in charge of insuring procedures were properly followed, sending girls on their meal breaks and other menial tasks. But, to her displeasure, she was still required to train in medicine.

"Nurse Mullins, I am sure there has been a misunderstanding. I am sure it is not necessary for me to attend these sessions." Blair has argued as her nose scrunched at the smell of blood. "My parents would-"

"I am very aware of who you're parents are Nurse Waldorf, and I may not be able to do anything about you doing work above your deserved ranking, but I assure you, I can require you to attend these mandatory educational sessions."

Blair's smile strained at being unable to get out of the seminars.

"But Nurse Mullins, wouldn't be better for me to spend my time doing something else. I mean, I will never be seeing patients here. We only see minor accidents from training anyway."

"Oh Nurse Waldorf? Are you aware of information I am not? Because I was under the impression that the United States Government was on the threshold of a global war, and that you, Nurse Waldorf, had volunteered your services to assist in anyway your superiors see fit."

"Of course, Nurse Mullins." Blair said as her lips thinned.

"You will be prepared in case anything is to happen."

"But nothing is going to happen here, we are as far away from the conflict as possible." Blair rolled her eyes annoyed by the older woman's arrogance.

"You will conduct you training just like every other nurse here. Am I perfectly clear?"

The glare the older woman gave told Blair she no longer had the patience to argue with her farther. She had the final word.

"And Nurse Waldorf?" She spoke to Blair as she was walking away to return to the station.

"Ma'am?" Blair answered as she turned back around to face her superior.

"You will follow the dress code provided for all of the nurses in the U.S. Corps."

"But I-"

"Refrain from wearing the Alice-band from now on." She said as she pointed to the headband in her hair.

Blair reached up to remove the cream headband from her thick brown hair. She had tried to put any uniqueness into the plain nurses uniform as possible but every attempt had been shot down.

She had conceded for now, but no one spoke to Blair Waldorf in such a way. In time, Nurse Mullins would learn her lesson just as everyone else did.

--

When Serena found Blair she was in an angered state writing away feverishly in her journal.

"Hey, B, Emily let me in." Serena smiled as she entered Blair's small room.

Blair looked up from her scribbling to see her friend. The unhappiness was evident on her face.

"What's wrong, Blair?"

"Ugh it's Nurse Mullins," Blair began as she scooted over to allow Serena room on her bed. "I swear she is out to get me."

"Bad day?" Serena deducted.

"Terrible. She says I need to learn my place. Well, I think she is about to learn hers."

"What are you going to do?" Serena asked narrowing her eyes in suspicion.

Blair smiled thinking carefully before formulating her words.

"I'm going to wait until she isn't expecting it and then I'll make my move." Blair said relishing in the thought of her revenge.

"Oh B, let's just go out and get your mind off of it, okay?" Serena asked hoping her new friend would drop her counter attack.

"The USO center, S?" Blair asked knowing what Serena was suggesting.

"C'mon I have to go, and it would be so much more fun if you would come with me!" Serena smiled hopefully.

Blair's mind wondered to handsome sandy-haired man she had met, Corporal Archibald. He was very charismatic and Blair had started carrying a torch for him right away.

She had only seen him on one other occasion, but he had been occupied by the scoundrel, who was apparently his friend.

Blair's cheeks warmed at the memory of Nathanial taking her hand and leaving a chaste kiss on her knuckles.

Serena smiled knowingly as the color reddened in her face. Although she did not know whom her new friend was pinning after it would get her to go out tonight.

"All right, I told Betty and Patricia I would go anyway…"

"Great! Then let's go!" Serena replied grabbing her friend's hand before she could change her mind.

"Okay, okay…" Blair laughed at the enthusiasm.

The two girls walked quickly as they giggled to their nightly spot.

"So who have you set eye on?" Serena asked as she wiggled her eye.

"What?" Blair asked laughing softly. "I have no idea what you are talking about," she finished as she tried to turn her gaze serious.

"Don't lie to me. I know that look." Serena said as she playfully pushed her friend.

"So tell me!"

"Well, what about you?" She asked. "You seem to know all the boys pretty well yourself."

"Of course. I am here to brighten their days and cheer them up. I don't have time for a boyfriend."

"I suppose that is true." Blair thought thinking it through logically.

"So, since I told you are you going to fill me in?"

Blair grinned at Serena before beginning her confession.

"Well, I might have taken a fancy to a certain soldier. It is nothing really, but Corporal Archibald might have caught my eye."

"Nate… you like him?" Serena asked a bit surprised. "I mean that's great. He is very handsome." She said as a smile reemerged on her face.

"Those eyes," Blair beamed, "and his smile." She laughed at her confession. "I am acting like a bashful school girl."

"Do you think he will be there tonight, Serena?" Blair asked hopefully.

"He usually comes most evenings." Serena said as she nodded her head.

"Good, then maybe I'll have a chance." Blair said as she raised her eyebrows. "Shh were getting close." Blair said changing her demeanor.

"Oh, Blair." She chastised. "Hello, boys!" Serena greeted the few soldiers who were standing outside smoking and chatting away.

She received greetings from her many admirers and Blair rolled her eyes as she gave into the fact she was not the center of attention. Serena soon lost pace with Blair and when she turned back around she was talking away with a soldier.

"I'll see you inside, S," Blair informed her.

Serena nodded her acknowledging the statement.

As Blair entered the lively place she quickly spotted her friends in the corner. She waved her hand in greeting.

"Over here, Blair." Her new friend Betty waved.

As she began to walk over in their direction she saw Nathanial sitting with a few friends looking as handsome as ever. His eyes' caught hers, and he graced her with his boyish smile.

"Corporal Archibald." Blair smiled as she redirected her route to stop by his table.

"Nurse Waldorf, if you insist on calling me Corporal Archibald I am afraid I cannot call you by your first name either." He smiled teasingly. Blair's eyes wondered to the empty seat next to him hesitating about what to do until Nathanial noting her debate pulled the chair out for her and gestured toward it with his hand. "Please?"

Blair smiled as she sat down next to him. "I suppose calling you Natathanial in exchange for not being called Nurse Waldorf is a fair trade."

As the two feel into an easy conversation she hardly noticed the figure approaching behind her.

"Nathanial." Charles greeted as he placed a shot of whiskey in front of him.

"Oh hello, Chuck." He smiled at his friend. "Allow me to introduce you to Miss Blair Waldorf." He said pointed to the brunette on his right. "Blair, this is Charles Bass."

She scrutinized his striking features as she tried to picture where she had seen him before. Blair offered her hand which Chuck accepted as he brought her delicate, snowy skin to his lips.

"Pleasure to see you again, Waldorf." His husky voice instantly reminded Blair of his brazen forwardness towards her when she had first arrived. Blair jerked her hand away from his grasp quickly not amused by his antics.

"Forgive me for not bringing you one," Chuck said as he pointed tow the two shots of whiskey, "but I am sure you wouldn't not be able to stomach the liquor." Chuck replied as he watched Nate grimace as the hot liquid scorched his throat.

Blair raised her eyes at his ill-disguised challenge. She reached out and grabbed his shot from in front of him and downed the drink in one sip. She wanted to gag at the taste but refused to lose to him.

Chuck laughed, "Apparently, I underestimated you. "

"A smarter man would have brought extra rounds." Blair said feeling more courageous. Nate laughed at the look on Chuck's face.

"I think she can out drink you, man."

"Well, I cannot disappoint a lady. I will go buy us a few more rounds?"

Blair's lips thinned at his words. She had never had more than a glass or two of wine at dinner or the rare celebratory glass of champagne.

Chuck smirked at her as he watched he reaction. "Nathanial, care to join us?"

He brought his hand up to tussle his hair thinking the decision through. Charles Bass could out drink anyone, but what was the harm in a few more?

"Fine." Nathanial said good-naturedly. "A few more rounds can't hurt."

"It isn't like we are actually at war, right?" Chuck said looking at the army personal all out drinking. "At least we don't have anything to worry about all the way over here in Hawaii. It's the poor bastards in Europe I would be worried about."

"You never know, Chuck, General Short is talking about increasing security measures. He mentioned something about some warnings from Washington." Nate responded.

"You mean, the Army Air Force is increasing measures? Admiral Kimmel seemed to make it perfectly clear that nothing would happen here after our last meeting."

"Nathaniel, do you think the war will come here?" Blair asked worriedly.

"We are as far away from the war as possible. Don't worry." Chuck told her as he excused himself.

As Chuck went back to the bar to order more alcohol, Blair tried to recapture Nathanial's attention. She probed polite questions, and he charmed her even more.

"So what made you decide to join the army, Nate." She said bravely using his nickname instead of his proper name.

"Well, the men in my family have always been involved in the military. It is a point of pride for Archibald men to…to umm…so we can…" he trailed off.

"Nate?" Blair smiled seeing he had lost his focus. She tried to get his attention back but he was lost. Blair followed his line of sight to see the object of his attention, Serena Van der Woodsen.

"Would you excuse me?" Nate asked not waiting for a reply as he stood from the table.

Blair frowned as she watched him go off in search of her friend. The moment the blonde entered a room she lit the place up with her energy.

"Here we are, Waldorf." Chuck interrupted her thoughts as he set down a tray of shot glasses and a bottle whiskey. "Thought this would last longer." He explained.

Blair met his eyes briefly before looking away.

"What happened to dear Nathanial?" Chuck asked looking around and quickly finding him with the leggy blonde. "Ah of course." Chuck sat down beside Blair and filled their shot glasses, but before he could raise his glass to offer a toast, Blair had swallowed the amber fluid.

"In a hurry?" Chuck asked as he drank his.

"Can't keep up?" Blair asked smiling sweetly.

Chuck Bass couldn't pass up a challenge.

"Oh I am just getting warmed up." He said refilling the glasses.

Blair sighed as she took the next glass in her hand and examined Chuck. He was attractive - tall, dark, and handsome – if you liked that. He dressed very well. She could tell he had a bit of an outlandish sense of style, but on him it worked.

She narrowed her eyes trying to figure out the man beside her.

"See something you like?" Chuck asked flirtatiously to which she merely rolled her eyes.

"You aren't in the army." She stated.

"No." Chuck snorted in laughter.

"So, why are you here?" Blair asked as she swallowed the shot in her hand, this time failing to hide the grimace.

"My father's company- Bass Industries- manufactures weapons and protective gear. I am here to introduce the new products to the army and see what we can get them to buy."

Blair nodded her head in understanding and handed Chuck her empty shot glass.

"Don't you think you should slow down?" Chuck asked slightly concerned.

"Why, is it becoming too much for you?" Blair asked raising an eyebrow.

"Not for me, but you don't have nearly my experience."

There was something about his tone that caused Blair to shiver. She licked her lips as she watched Chuck, sizing him up.

"I can handle myself." Blair said without blinking, although she was already beginning to feel the effects.

"Whatever you say, sweetheart."

Blair continued to study Chuck as he refilled the glasses, getting lost in thought.

"Blair!" the bright voice behind her cried. "Hey, me and some of the girls are going to go to the beach for a late night swim! Want to come?" Serena asked hopefully.

Blair smiled at her and looked around for Nate. When she spotted him talking to some of his friends in a corner she politely declined.

"Okay." Serena said her voice losing a bit of cheer. "Nate is trying to get some of his friends to join too, but I understand."

Blair's eyes immediately widened. She tried to think of an excuse to change her mind without seeming too obvious, but her tongue appeared stuck to the bottom of her mouth.

"Well, goodnight B." Serena smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow." She said as she walked away.

Blair rested her head against her hand and watched as Serena and Nate left together. While she was unable to believe her bad luck, Chuck could not believe his good fortune.

--

"Blair?" Chuck's smooth voice asked as he gently shook her arm.

She mumbled annoyed not looking up from where her head rested in both hands.

Chuck smiled at her drunkenness. "I think it is time to get you home."

These words seemed to bring Blair out of her haze.

"I'm good…I am really good. More," she slurred as she looked at him. "I want more. Let's do more." Her large eyes begged him.

"That would not be a good idea." Chuck said trying to get her up from the chair.

Blair reached out and grabbed his hand.

"Please?" She asked softly.

Chuck sighed loudly, when had he ever turned down a begging woman?

"You're drunk."

"I aaam noooot druuunk!" She said as she flinched away from his touch and nearly falling out of the chair.

"Clearly."

Chuck's arms wrapped around her as he gently lifted her from the chair. He placed both hands on her shoulders once she was standing to make sure she was steady.

"Are you okay?" Chuck asked before releasing her. She violently shook her head in response.

The moment Chuck let go off Blair, she began to sway to the side.

"Why is everything moving?" Blair asked as her eyes crinkled in response. "My head hurts." She whined.

"Can't hold your liquor, Waldorf?" Chuck snickered. "Are you going to be okay here while I take care of the tab?"

Blair narrowed her eyes flashing a look of resentment. "I am fine."

Chuck looked at her skeptically before promising a quick return.

Blair closed her eyes as she began to feel the room wobble around her. As her legs began to give out she felt a strong pair of arms grab her.

"Wow there beautiful, are you okay?"

Blair opened her eyes to see the young man before her. She smiled coyly before replying. "I'm fine."

"I am sure you have a beautiful name to accompany that smile." Blair giggled at the flattery.

"I am Blair Waldorf." She said as she leaned into his embrace. "What's your name?"

"My names Carter. Carter Baizen. Would you allow me to walk you home?"

Blair locked eyes with him until she felt her arm violently grabbed.

"Stay away from her Baizen." Chuck threatened.

"Or what, Bass?" He replied not frightened. "You are just a spoiled little brat hiding behind all your money."

"And you are just trying to hide away the fact you blew all of your inheritance. Don't act so noble." With that Chuck ushered Blair out of the now empty USO center.

As they walked along the street Blair pushed Chuck away from her. "I can walk, you know."

"Could have fooled me." Chuck replied under his breath as he watched Blair sway from side to side. He stayed close enough to catch encase she tripped, but far enough away to give her the allusion of independence.

They walked in silence for a few minutes neither having anything to say. Blair was beginning to stagger; her heels were becoming more and more painful with each step. Although she refused to ask him for help she leaned closer into him, and Chuck wrapped his arm around her waste taking some of her weight.

"How much farther do we have to walk?" Blair pouted.

"I don't know. Where you live, Waldorf?" Chuck said as he gave her an exasperated look.

"What? This isn't the way to my house! I live on the other side of town on Washington, near the beach." Blair said as if it was common knowledge.

"Then why have we been walking this way for the past twenty minutes?!" Chuck yelled frustrated.

"I don't know; I have been following you!"

"I don't believe this." Chuck said running his free hand through his hair. "What is your exact address?"

"I live at a beige house with Jenny, Vanessa, and this mousy girl…I think her name is Emily. It's like five minutes from the beach." Blair moaned unhappily.

"Excellent. That still doesn't answer my question. Where on Washington?"

"It's 423 Washington Ave. On the base." Chuck grabbed her elbow gently to drag her in the right direction. "Chuck, can we rest for a second?" She asked from under her lashes.

Chuck sighed softly as he sat on the curb allowing her to lean into him.

This is going to be a long night.

"You know, Waldorf, walking a drunk girl home out of the goodness of my heart isn't really in my character description." Chuck said. The only response he received from the brunette snuggling into the crook of his neck was a soft snore.

"Perfect."

Chuck stood up and placed his arm under her knees and hoisted her up bridal style. Good thing the girl waited less than a sack of potatoes.

--

By the time Chuck reached the small house, he felt as if his back would brake. She had better given him the proper address or he was going to leave her on the doorstep and make her someone else's problem.

He knocked loudly on the door waiting for an answer. Impatiently, he knocked again louder this time. Chuck tried shifting her weight from one side to the other, his arms getting tired from carrying her for so long.

Finally a curly dark-haired girl answered the door. She narrowed her eyes as she saw her roommate in his arms.

"What's wrong with her?" She asked almost accusingly.

"She had too much to drink. Where is her room?"

Vanessa pointed out Blair's room and mumbled something about her being a spoiled-princess before going back to bed.

Chuck gently laid her down on her bed, but Blair's hand clasped tightly at his shirt. Softly he pried her fingers off of the fabric before setting the delicate hand on the bed. Blair rolled over on to her side.

He tossed her shoes onto the floor before covering her lower body with a blanket.

She murmured something that he couldn't understand, and he kneeled down beside her head and brushed her fallen curls from her face.

"Blair?" he asked quietly.

She opened her eyes and smiled before closing them again. His fingers reached out to trace her features. She was so different like this. Gone was her fiery attitude. Chuck traced her pouty lips, and leaned in closer for a moment. He wanted to feel how delicate they would be against his own.

As soon as he could feel her warm breath tickle his lips he pushed away.

No. He wouldn't steal a kiss from her like this.

Instead, Chuck reached for her hand and pressed his lips into her pulsing wrist. His lips lingered there for just a moment as his tongue skimmed the surface of her skin.

Blair moaned in her sleep snapping Chuck's attention back to her lips, which were now parted.

"Goodnight Blair." Chuck whispered as he slipped out of her room.

--

A/N

Let me know if you want me to keep it going :]. Any feed back is appreciated!