Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl or any persons or places that are depicted in my story.

Please review if I should continue? By the way Les Liaisons Dangereuses was a major inspiration for this story so I will have a quote at the beginning of every chapter best suited for what will happen.

"It has become necessary for me to have this woman, so as to save myself from the ridicule of being in love with her: for to what lengths will a man not be driven by thwarted desire?"

― Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, Les Liaisons Dangereuses

"Dorata! Where are you?" I called out to her as I threw plaid skirts around the room trying to find the right one. There was still an hour before school started but I needed to know what accessories I would be wearing so I can inform the minions. Otherwise, they would clash with my outfit or god-forbid wear the same article of clothing. "Dorota!"

"Right here, Miss Blair. Just getting breakfast for you. I know it's going to be long day with Miss Serena back in town. Why do you think she is back? Running from the mob? An affair with a teacher? CherryGirl27 thinks-"

"What did I tell you about reading the gossip girl comments Dorota. She probably missed the attention of the photographers in the city. But we need the perfect outfit. One that says I am queen and I rule with an iron fist." I love Dorota but she really lets her mind wonder. I needed her mind focused on what was important- ensuring my place on the hierarchy. I had already applied the makeup for the day going for a soft look with my loose curls as I normally did. Under the pretense of not wanting to mess up my lip-gloss went for the fruit over the toast and eggs.

"Miss Blair you are going to need your strength. I'll pack yogurt in your purse," she informed me. I nodded my head as I chewed softly on a kiwi knowing I probably would not touch it under lunch.

"Final outfit?" I questioned as routine.

"Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt. Catherine Malandrino blouse. Navy DVF cardigan with black trim and red Prada flats. Of course a gold head band for a queen." Dorota listed as I mentally checked off the list in my head.

"I searched everywhere for the skirt. I thought I told you how to organize my closet. This season goes before last season," I roughly reminded.

"Yes Miss Blair. But last night you ordered for all Marc Jacobs clothing to be burned because of a bastard."

"You didn't! I didn't" I yelled out. "Why would I say something like that?" I knew it was because of the bass-tard not a bastard. Nate took his leave soon after his arrived but Chuck stood for a longtime. At first, I thought he was trying to pick up one of the new hot models on the scene but he stood and talked to me throughout the night. When mother left to get drinks with friends, she glanced at us suspiciously picking at the leftovers in the kitchen. I quickly lied and claimed that Chuck needed help on an assignment but at the time, we were making fun of the horrible outfits that were in the worn that night. We continued to drink and talk and laughed. It was the first time in a long time that Chuck and I hung out without discussing a plot of social destructive. I found to be charming and far more intelligent than Nate was. In fact, somehow we began to discuss Les Liaisons Dangereuses. I was shocked with his knowledge of the book but too excited to be able to converse with someone who read both the novel and play versions.

"Chuck you are secretly an intellect!" I laughed as I hit him softly on the chest. We were both seated on the chaise in foyer as the staff cleaned up the remnants of the party. Mother had long ago left for drinks with a friend.

"I read before I discovered porn," he responded dully but I could see the humor light up his eyes. I quirked an eyebrow his way to let him know that I did not believe it for a moment.

"Its one of my favorites," he shared with a soft smile. Before today I would have sworn was not capable.

"I reread it a dozen times as I took over the throne. 'If in accordance with my changing tastes I have by turn attached to my train or cast far from me if through these frequent revolutions I have kept my reputation intact; ought you not to have concluded that, since I was born to avenge my sex and to dominate yours, I must have created methods of escape unknown to anybody but myself?' " I quoted for him.

He looked at me intensely for a moment as if he was judging for my geeky reference. I was going to laugh it off but then he spoke in calculated manner as if he was judging far more than my taste in literature. "And here I thought you would have resonated with Madame de Tourvel not the Marquise. You know the virtuous young maiden who changes the heart of Valmont not the wicked Merteuil who stands his equal."

"Oh no. Cunning brilliance and ruthless manipulation is who I am."

"You forgot beauty." He remarked and I gulped. I never have been nervous around any man in this way. I usually took charge over Nate whenever we were together and he never pushed me further. But here sitting with Satan himself looking at me in a way that made me want to run in head first into hell and bathe myself in sin I felt the beads of sweat on my forehead begin to form.

Trying to gain control once more, I reverted to the French novel. "The ending was such a waste of brilliance. They would have ruled together if only they were willing to stop with all the games and such"

"If only. But then where would be the fun."

When he left, he quoted a line directly from the book "the further I go the more I am tempted to believe that you and I are the only people in the world who are worth anything."

The goosebumps and butterflies quickly came about me. I grabbed the vodka bottle the bartender had left us with and made my way to my room to watch Roman Holiday. Fucking Chuck. Ridiculous olives and martinis. Stupid purple. Marc Jacobs was out of his mind. Yet I dreamt that night of only enticing dangerous liaisons.

"Maybe you had a few too many martinis Miss Blair. Or maybe Mister Chuck put something in drink." she raised an eyebrow at me. Knowing Dorota read Gossip Girl she knew what a sleaze he could be. "But no worries I had no time to burn. I just placed in guest room. Let me get skirt and you eat more breakfast."

"Make sure to text the minions their outfit choices," I reminded her quickly trying to get back on track. The Kiss the Lips Party, Nate, Serena, and my mother were all that I had the time to think of. Last night with Chuck was just a friendly conversation. He is the best friend of my boyfriend. Nothing more.

I rode in the back of the limo as my father read his paper. The uncomfortable tension in the car was being to annoy me. The Palace was actually in Midtown south of Central Park but represented some the finest wealth in the City. The fifteen minute drive was the reason my father insisted that I have my own driver and limo. At Bart's insistence when he was in town we drove together thus, creating was fifteen minutes of silence and pure torture. At this moment, I envied the brownstone that Nate lived in only minutes from St. Jude's School for Boys. (1)

"You came in late last night."

"It was only one," I countered. We obviously had difference of opinion since last night was an earlier night for me. Usually he stood out even later than I did with models and women. Maybe his age was getting to him. I came home after I left Blair's penthouse. I obviously had far too many scotches since I did not call for company and instead leafed through my copy of the French novel. I cringed as I remembered when I said, "You forgot beauty." It was not a Bass worthy line and yet I said with no thought or pretense. It came out without a second thought. It something I would say when picking up a New Jersey or Long Island girl that came to the city looking for fun.

"It was a school night." He glared at me and I debated jumping out the limo into traffic. I rolled my eyes and said "It's fashion week" knowing it would anger him. He quirked an eyebrow at me and I could see the corners of his eyes tense up. I texted Nate to meet me at the park before school. I desperately needed a joint after this.

"Drop me off at the park. I think a stroll before class would be nice" I told the driver.

"Chuck, your grades need to improve this year. At this rate no ivy would take you even if donate a wing in your name."

"School is such a bore father. Maybe college isn't for me" I shrugged.

"Maybe a military academy would provide a better environment." It was clearly a threat and he meant it. Bart Bass would never lightly suggest anything.

"And who would employ the escort services in the city? They cannot survive on your business alone." I challenged back making sure to keep up my bored indifferent tone. If Bass was physically violent man I am sure he would have knocked me upside my head for that.

"You will remember that I am your father and treat me with the respect I deserve. I am not making idle threats Chuck."

I shifted slightly in my seat under his glaze. Once the car came to a stop at a red light only a few blocks away from school I responded. "Maybe I will remember once you remember that you have a son." I was out of the car and walking across the street into Central Park and out of the flow of traffic.

I walked alone for a few minutes until Nathaniel joined me. I was already halfway done with one joint.

"Rough morning?" he asked as he grabbed the joint that I held out for his.

"Bart Bass wants me to better in school," I shared while rolling my eyes.

"I feel ya. My dad won't let up about this Dartmouth thing. I just want to go the west coast where my last name doesn't mean much." His hands running through his hair as they often did when he was stressed out.

"I guess but I like that my last name is a panty dropper everywhere I go." He chuckled as he passed it back.

"You only have one parent. I have two and this legacy to live up to," he complained. I stiffed unconsciously at the mention and I wanted to smack Nate for even claiming that having two parents was a problem. "Oh shit, I am sorry man. I didn't mean-"

I waved him off to cut him off. "Try living up to the living legend of Bart Bass. It's like he wants me to make my first million before my next birthday or by his annual brunch the following weekend."

"I am sure you could do it before you are sixteen," Nate shrugged and passed the joint.

"Decide what to do about Blair?" I asked. The thought of the perfect couple breaking up was beginning to feel reassuring for some reason.

"Serena wants to tell her today. You know the sooner the better. But only about what happened at the wedding." He was looking at me for reassurance but he was in uncharted waters.

"So if you break up then you won't get to tap that. Six years and no closer to removing the iron chastity belt. It's a shame you guys have been dating since kindergarten yet you haven't sealed the deal" I joked as we were walking out of the park towards the Met where Blair was no doubt showing Constance where Serena's place was.

"Who say's seal the deal?" Nate joked. "But seriously I don't want her man. I just want Serena. But Blair seemed like she was in a good mood last night. Right?" I cannot understand how he does not want Blair. Nate would be the person who goes to Paris and forgets to see the Mona Lisa so I was not that surprised.

"Yea, she seemed fine. Just make sure that you do it in a public place so she doesn't whack your head off." We watched from below as Serena approached Blair. Without hearing the conversation, it was clear that Serena was being giving an icy reception.

"Maybe we should just go straight to school," Nate suggested fearfully as if the steps would eat him alive.

I nodded and followed. I knew that Nate not showing up for the morning kiss on the steps was going to put Blair in a bad mood. But watching him kiss her this morning would put me in one. Selfishly but unsurprisingly, I choose my needs over hers.

I noticed a weird hipster (2) type following us I turned and glared.

"Are you following us or something?" I questioned knowing that our peers often tried to post our conversations on Gossip Girl.

"No, I go to your school. Identical uniform isn't that kind of a tip-off?" the boy responded.

"That's funny." Nate sarcastically laughed. We exchanged glances. This shirt may have been yellow but was certainly a polyester blend while our shirts were 100-thread count with mother of pearl buttons.

Spotted on the steps of the Met: an S. and B. power struggle. Did S think she could waltz home and things will be just like they were? Did B think S would go down without a fight? Can these two hotties work it out? There's nothing Gossip Girl likes more than a good cat fight. And this could be classic.

I sat on the steps of the Met with the minions around me annoyed the conversations was yet again about Serena's arrival and all the rumors that popped up on Gossip Girl. I was internally mad that Iz came to school with the new maize Salvatore Ferragamo bag that was special order only. (3) I wanted to comment that it was hideous but I think everyone would know it was a boldface lie. I ignored them and went over my schedule for the afternoon in my mind. Serena came bopping along in a metallic trench over her uniform with a tousled tie and red knee-highs peeking over her black boots. Her hair looked effortlessly beautiful and very bohemian. No headband on her hand or bright pops of colors as I demanded the girls wear. Her absence was no real excuse she could have found out from a girl from Constance. Her party girl free-spirited look was the style everyone wore before I took over and let these girls trample around in sequin gold minis with ridiculous cleavage. There is some skin that should remain unseen on certain people. The bohemian look just does not belong on this side of Central Park. Maybe on the Upper West Side.

"So... When's the party?" she looked nervous and slightly calmer than I remembered her to be. Usually Serena arrived like a wrecking ball. Still she was beautiful. She sparkled in way that made everyone take notice.

"Saturday. And you're kinda not invited. Since until twelve hours ago everyone thought you were at boarding school. And now we're full. Jenny used up all the invites," I brushed her off with a smile.

"Umm. Actually…" Jenny began to say but I silenced her with a look. "You can go now." I dismissed her. "Sorry" I said sweetly to Serena.

"No, that's okay. I've got a lot of stuff to do anyway."

"Well we should get going then. Unless you want us to wait for you. Looks like you've got a lot of yogurt left," I said I stood up and brushed off my skirt. I noticed Nate and Chuck crossing the street walking towards school. Nate knows he is supposed to meet me here every morning. It seemed like things are changing already with Serena in town. Nonetheless, we had a date tonight. I decided that I was going to seal the deal tonight. That way he would have no reason to seek out Serena if I please him.

"B, wait," she called after me. I told Kati and Iz to go ahead without me.

"Can we talk, please? For old time's sake?" she asked.

I felt a twinge of happiness that used to when we hung out and I know I was going to give in to her. She had this way of making me loosen my reins and be free even if for only a moment. "I have a date with Nate tonight but since he couldn't bother to say good morning I guess I could be late."

She looked sick for moment before agreeing and telling me to join her at the Palace Bar for drinks at eight. "I cannot wait to catch up. And remember B, no matter what we are best friends, sisters." I nod at her and slowly walk away thinking of what she said. Best friends do not disappear on each other. This was the toughest year of my life and my so-called sister was nowhere to be found. Her departure I must admit forced me to find myself. I found out that was capable of even more than I dreamed. I was Serena's shadow in middle school and freshman year there was no way I was not going to be pushed back into it. The attention belonged to me now and I was going to ensure it stay there. I felt all eyes on me as I walked into courtyard seconds before the first bell. I acknowledged no one as I held my hand high. However, it was his eyes that I felt bore into me that made me want to turn and look at him. But I did not. I could not risk my classmates thinking I was looking for Nate since he snubbed me this morning.

Classes had just ended and Nathaniel and I were heading out quick to grab a late lunch after school. Honestly, he just wanted to run away from Blair and my limo was the fastest getaway car. As soon as we got in, he pulled out a joint. He handed it to me while I lighted it up.

"This is some good stuff," I nodded wondering who he acquired it from. Usually he got his weed from my stash.

"Yeah. I'm gonna need it," he said referring to no doubt the conversation with Blair that was up and coming.

"Yeah? Maybe I should swipe some of my dad's Paxil?" When he did not responded and looked just as frightened I wondered if I should pick some up for him. "Nathaniel stop acting you are going to your execution."

"I may as well be," he muttered. I passed him the joint thinking the conversation had ended. Nate had more on his mind "My parents are also going to be devastated when they find out. My mom loves Blair. Do you ever feel like our lives have been planned out for us? That we've just gonna end up like our parents?"

"Man, what's with the dark thoughts?" he was seriously killing my buzz these days.

"Aren't we entitled to choose? Just to be happy?" He whined.

I rolled my eyes at his simple understanding of the world. I took a drag before answering and passing the joint back. "Look, be easy Socrates. What we are entitled to is a trust fund. Maybe a house in the Hamptons. A prescription drug problem. But happiness does not seem to be on the menu. So smoke up, drink up, and end this with deal with Blair so you can fuck around with whoever you want. Cause you are no longer entitled to have spend your life with Waldorf."

"She isn't that bad. She is just a little anal, I guess."

I wanted to correct him and tell him she enchanting but I force the words back down.

"She is cute in a domineering way. You know the quiet ones and all." I added off handedly. After a silent pause in the conversation, ours puffs the only noise as we drove around the city. "You sure you don't want to find out before you end it?" I asked referring to Blair.

I was testing him. I've seen Nathaniel dismiss his feelings for Blair but often he would still claim to her love her in some way and stayed with her. I could claim that I was testing him for his own benefit in order to best advise him but that would not be the truth. I felt a pull towards Blair these past few months and it was only getting stronger. I wanted her that much I knew. But there was something else there. A need? An obsession of some sorts? I thought back to the photo I snapped of Nate and Serena that I took to possibly blackmail my only friend. I would not be able to voice why I took it in the first place but I felt like I needed it. I knew I pushed them to tell Blair yesterday which only weeks ago I would have probably helped Nate cover the scandal. Seeing Nate and Serena together yesterday only served to remind me the Shephard wedding. If I had to pinpoint the beginnings of these feelings for Blair, it was then. Something about knowing that Nate slept with Blair's best friend opened the possibility in my mind of her being with me. At first, I thought I just wanted what was not mine but those feelings soon grew. Soon the thought her Nate hurting Blair with his foolishness became bothersome. Before I knew it, I was trying my best to ensure that he would not disappoint her. Even yesterday the anger I felt when Eleanor berated her fueled with hate. I stood as long as I was welcome to make sure she ate dinner and then later so she would not throw it up. As Blair rose in ranks in Constance after Serena fled my feelings continued to grow as she sought me out for dirt on her enemies. I gladly handed her over the information and watch pleased as she took people down. Soon her takedowns filled me with such intense lust and I more than once wanted to take her in the courtyard of Constance. Then I knew that my fascination with Blair was reaching a tipping point when three weeks ago Gossip Girl posted a picture of Nate and her at a picnic in Central Park. They were kissing in the photo forcing me to snap the screen of the phone in half as I thought of that I should be with her in Central Park. Then yesterday everything seemed closer than ever before. Waldorf could be mine.

"I think it's time I took hold of my own life. As you always say Chuck, what are the benefits of these good looks if I do not use them to my advantage? I am never going to be this young or beautiful," he said with a sloppy grin.

"Ha. Pretty boys like you only get prettier. Botox and all," I joked as I dreamed up ways of taking his girlfriend. Nevertheless, if all went to plan tonight Blair would only be a step closer to my bed.

1 I tried to use a lot of the same dialogue of the first episode. In the first episode, Chuck and Nate rode a NYC bus, which I highly doubt they would ever do every day for school. Especially Chuck since his character is so pretentious.

Locations Note: The townhouse that is depicted at the Archibald NYC home is just off 5th av and is one of the grandest townhouses in NYC at five stories. For those who are unfamiliar with the layout: 5th Av runs along Central Park. The Met is backed up against Central Park and is on spanning about 80-85th st. Constance and St. Jude's School are fictional but within the shw they are located on 82th right across the main entrance of the Met where the pretty steps are. The Palace hotel is on Madison Av but far below Central Park making it Midtown. In case you are wondering Blair's penthouse is on 1136 5th av. For fun in 2012, penthouse of 1136 was valued at 12 million.

2 Was hipster a word in 2007? I thought it best described Dan at this moment. A pre-hipster. Our first mention of loney boy :)

3 3. It was a special order bag retailing at $3,500. Researching for this story I am realizing just how rich these kids were supposed to be.

Please Review if you like the story or with suggestion. :)