A/N: Continuation of Chapter Three- Enjoy!
We just wanna party, p p p party yeah!
~Lady Gaga~
It was a cold winters night in New York City. Most families- the less privileged ones- were sat in their houses, curled up in bed with a book and a tub of ice cream whilst wearing their comfiest pyjamas.
But on the Upper East Side, they did things very differently.
The richest, most valuable families in the city were all busy preparing themselves for a busy night. The mothers were dressing for dinner with other equally rich women; the fathers were in stretch limos on their way to various business meetings; and the children were left to entertain themselves.
That was something that Chuck Bass was very good at doing. He owned a vast amount of clubs in New York, and was welcomed warmly into the ones he didn't. However good he was at entertaining himself, he wasn't sure Blair Waldorf would approve.
"So, where are you taking me Bass?" she demanded as they slid into the back of Chuck's limo.
For a minute, Charles was silent. He hadn't really had much time to plan, what with Blair showing up on his doorstep looking more stunning than he had ever seen her before.
Chuck supposed he was lucky to be a quick thinker. "I'll take you to one of my clubs. It's not far from here, won't take more than five minutes to get to."
Blair smiled. "Good."
Chuck relaxed in his seat slightly, wondering why on earth he was so tense. This was Blair ; the girl he had known for years, the girl who had taken him to dinner with her father when they were kids, the girl who his best friend was destined to be with- or so Blair believed. Personally, Chuck thought Blair was far too good for Nate. He treated her so badly, it made Chuck's blood boil.
The journey to Chuck's club was short and silent. Blair spent the entire time staring out of the window, wishing that she would wake up soon and realise that everything- Serena leaving without a word, Nate being distant- was all just a dream. But no matter how much she pinched herself, she remained in the backseat of Chuck Bass's limo, staring out into the dark starry sky.
At that precise moment, the stars irritated Blair. They brought back good memories of last summer, when she and Serena had driven to Connecticut with Nate and spent the night on the beach, watching the stars twinkle and shine. That was a memory she had no interest of ever reminiscing about.
"I don't need her," Blair whispered.
"You're right- you don't."
Blair looked up at Chuck, surprise written across her pretty face.
Chuck smiled kindly- it was a look Blair so rarely saw that she was even more surprised. "You said you don't need Serena, and you're right Blair. You don't need a friend like her- you have me and you have Nate. We both care about you more than she ever will."
Blair looked away before Chuck caught sight of the tears brimming in her eyes. After a few moments of silence, Blair sniffed and looked back at Chuck.
"Thank you Chuck."
"Anytime Waldorf. Now, have we finished this little heartfelt moment? We're here."
Blair smirked and climbed out of the limo, knowing that Chuck was transfixed by her long bare legs. She had chosen her outfit very carefully earlier that evening. She wanted something that screamed confidence, that told the world that she was Blair Waldorf and nothing would ever get in her way of happiness. Her deep purple dress excelled those exact feelings, with the tight corset and cascading trail that fluttered down to the ground, leaving her legs entirely bare. Blair very rarely wore such exotic outfits, but tonight she wanted to be the complete opposite of herself.
"Ready for the time of your life?" Chuck asked, his lips very close to Blair's perfect ears, where tiny diamond earrings sat.
Blair giggled; it was a sound she barely ever uttered, but it felt good to break the rules she had once set herself. "You have a very high opinion of yourself Bass."
Chuck shrugged as she linked her slender arm through his. "Well, I have good reasons to."
Blair simply rolled her dark eyes in exasperation. "Come on, lets get inside. I need a drink."
Chuck smirked and nodded politely to the doorman, whom waved them inside. Blair couldn't help but gasp when she looked around. The club was decorated tastefully, and the design made it obvious that only the most eligible New Yorkers were welcome. Chuck led her to a long winding staircase, that in the dim lighting looked lavender, although Blair was sure it would be the same deep purple as the sign outside.
"Where are we going?" She asked, pausing at the first step.
"The VIP lounge." Chuck said it as though it was the most obvious thing in the world, and he couldn't believe Blair hadn't realised it earlier.
"Oh, fair enough. Let's go and you can show me how hardcore your nights are."
Chuck smirked as he heard the sarcasm in Blair's voice.
"Blair dear, you have no idea what you are letting yourself in for."
Blair laughed as they walked together. "I'm looking forward to it. But you do realise you are buying all of my drinks don't you?"
Chuck looked at her, incredulous. "I own this place; I pay for nothing. Shall we begin the evening with my favourite selection of cocktails?"
Blair nodded, eager to get some alcohol into her system. She tapped her heeled foot impatiently whilst Chuck gave his order to the waiter. "And step on it," he demanded.
The waiter nodded, and Blair smirked as she noted his obvious genuine fear towards her friend. She waited until he walked- or more like stumbled- away before voicing her thoughts to Chuck.
"Your employees seem a little afraid of you."
Chuck grinned and sat back, stretching out across the leather seats as though he was at home. But then, Blair supposed, the clubs were like second homes to the young Bass.
"Best way for them to be. If they don't fear you, then they won't disobey you. But if you make them your friends, they will eventually abandon you. Simple as that." He shrugged, and Blair felt something tug at her heart.
She wondered what it was like to be Chuck Bass. He was so confident, and seemingly so fearless… a lot like herself, she realised all of a sudden. Maybe, like herself, Chuck hid his innermost thoughts and feelings from the outside world because he preferred to be seen as anything but weak. It made a lot of sense.
The waiter returned with a tray of vibrant coloured cocktails. Chuck nodded his thanks, dismissing the suit clad man.
"To us," Chuck toasted, passing a glass of pink liquid to Blair.
She smiled and gulped down the drink without even asking what it was. All she cared about was the level of alcohol content in the drink, and the dozens that followed.
"Chuck," she began, twirling her ruby ring around her finger. "What is this place called?"
"Crystal, that's why it's decorated in strong colours- you know, like ruby and sapphire?"
Blair blinked. She hadn't expected Chuck to ever be so… deep.
Chuck laughed at her shocked expression. "See Blair, you shouldn't judge people before you get to know them."
Blair narrowed her beautiful eyes at him and slammed her glass down on the table. "I haven't judged you! I just wouldn't expect you to name your club something so classy, that's all!"
Chuck looked down. "Sorry. I get overprotective when it comes to my clubs."
Blair sat back and lifted her legs up, putting them on top of Chuck's. He was taken aback by the sudden action- the Blair Waldorf he knew would never do something so invasive. She was private, just like himself. He was learning a lot about her tonight.
"That's kind of cute," she said, draining her glass.
Chuck cocked his head to the side. "How is it?"
She shrugged her petite shoulders and lay her head on his shoulder. "I don't know, I just never expected you to care about anything. You don't seem the type."
"Again with stereotyping Waldorf." Chuck tried to keep his voice stern, but a smile crept onto his face, ruining the effect completely.
"Shut up and get me another drink."
Chuck laughed and signalled to the waiter. "Let's get onto the hard stuff now."
Blair looked up and grinned. "Good thinking Bass."
Three hours later, Blair struggled to remember her own name. She was vaguely remembered where she was- Chuck's club, she thought it was called diamond, or something along those lines- but anything other than that was covered in thick white fog.
For the past god knows how long, lair and Chuck had been tearing up the dance floor, abandoning the VIP room for the fun of pretending to be someone else, if just for one evening.
Blair had thrown her shoes at a waiter a long time ago, and much preferred being barefoot on the icy marble floor. She loved the way she could feel the pulsing beats thumping up through the floor and into her body. For the first time ever, she felt free. She felt as though she could do anything, go anywhere, be anyone. It was the best feeling she had ever felt.
She clutched Chuck's hand, pulling him closer to her.
"Chuck!" she screamed down his ear. "We need more drinks!"
Chuck nodded in agreement and together they raced across the floor, squealing in delight as they slipped into innocent passer bys. Chuck called the bartender, who instantly began shaking up more cocktails. Blair watched in awe, amazed how quick and nimble the man was.
Chuck smiled, glad that she was having fun. He turned around for less than a second to talk to the manger, a close friend of his. Whilst they talked, Blair became bored.
She looked around, eager for something exciting to do. Then she caught sight of the stool beside the bar. If she stood on that… yes, that was a good idea. A plan was forming in her head, and with the sudden energy burst it seemed extremely fun and impossible to turn away.
Hoisting her leg up onto the soft velvety stool, she pulled herself up with the help of a kind- although heavily intoxicated- girl beside her. Once Blair was safely upon the bar, she dragged the girl up too.
"I'm Blair!" she squealed.
The blonde girl grinned. "I'm Ashley. Let's dance!"
And so the two girls began to twirl like ballerinas along the edge on the bar. Chuck stood like a statue, shocked that Blair Waldorf would do something so… un-Blair. In fact at that exact moment, she reminded him of Serena, only much more stunning and- even in her drunken state- classier. Not that he would ever dare say that to her, he was far too aware of what she was capable of.
Blair spotted Chuck, and her dark eyes flashed happily.
"Chuck!" she cried.
Her small slender hand reached out to grab for his, but he pulled away. He knew exactly what she wanted him to do, and despite all the insane things he had done in his life, dancing on a bar with two beautiful drunken girls definitely wasn't about to be added to the list.
"No way Waldorf. No fucking way." He shook his head, before stepping back and gulping his drink.
"Dutch courage Chuck! Live a little chicken!" she taunted before dancing away again.
Chuck frowned. He hated being called a chicken, especially by a girl. He swigged the remains of his drink before climbing up beside Blair.
They moved in unison, Chuck's capable hands on her tiny hips as she swayed back and forth. Her dark hair swished around her shoulders in wild waves. Her creamy skin was flushed and sweaty, and her dress stuck to her body, but Chuck had never seen her look so beautiful.
After a while, Blair placed her hands onto Chuck shoulders and stood up on her tip toes.
"Let's get down now."
Chuck nodded in agreement and jumped down, holding out his hands to help Blair.
"Thanks," she said, a smile on her rosebud lips.
"My pleasure… now lets go to our next party."
Blair's eyes widened. "There's more?"
Chuck nodded and grinned. "I'm Chuck Bass- for me, more is always more."
"Where are we?" Blair gasped, stepping out of the limo.
She didn't feel as drunk as she had in the club; maybe it was the soothing city lights as the limo had rolled through the streets, or maybe her intoxication had been replaced with comfort.
"A little place on the edge of Manhattan- I've been coming here a very long time. I'm pretty much a regular here."
"Is this like your club?" Blair already knew the answer to that as she watched the silky curtain in the doorway be pushed aside by a collection of rich businessmen- a few she noticed as friend's of her Father's.
Chuck shook his head. "No way. This is more of a… manly place, I suppose."
Blair nodded, imagining a room full of men smoking cigars and drinking aged whisky whilst playing cards.
What was actually inside was very different.
A dark stage was in the centre of the dimly lit building, surrounding by tables and chairs. Further away from the stage was a selection of alcoves hidden by long silky curtains, which Blair supposed were for added privacy.
Chuck took her hand and led her to a table near the front of the stage, which Blair discovered was hidden by yet another silk curtain.
"Drink?" Chuck asked.
Blair nodded, still curious about this odd place.
Suddenly the curtains were pulled away from the stage, and one single light came on in the centre to reveal a girl with fiery red hair. She wore a beautiful dress, the exact colour of rubies. Blair watched in awe as she stepped forward and began to dance.
Her movements were slow, purposeful. She was a seductress, a siren, as she twirled across the stage singing softly with each step. Blair was in awe of this woman, of her wonderful way of connecting with the men surrounding her. Blair was sure that the girl had ever single eye in the room on her.
She was half right. Everybody in the room beside Chuck were entranced by her. Chuck was watching Blair, noting the amazement and interest in her deep eyes. He knew Blair saw herself as the modern day Audrey Hepburn, someone who hypnotized men easily.
He tapped her arm lightly and she turned around, hesitant to take her eyes away from the show.
"I'll be right back okay?"
She nodded and turned back to the stage. She was vaguely aware of Chuck disappearing behind the stage, but she was too transfixed by the magic in front of her. More girls had joined the gorgeous redhead, and the group began dancing faster, with sexier movements. They pulled away the long skirts of their dressed to reveal tight skirts and even tighter tops. Still, Blair remained hypnotized by the sheer courage of the women.
The tinkling music ended all of a sudden, and Blair's shoulders slumped. She looked up to see Chuck striding towards her, a grin as wide as the Atlantic Ocean on his handsome face. Beside him was a man dressed in a black pinstripe suit and a purple tie. Blair supposed he was the owner of the wonderful establishment she was so entranced by.
"Blair, this is Robert. He owns this club." Chuck told her.
Blair nodded and stood up to shake hands with the man. Now she saw him up close, he looked familiar. She looked to Chuck questioningly, and he nudged Robert lightly.
"It's nice to finally meet you Blair." His accent was hard to recognize, but Blair supposed he was a New Yorker- like herself- but originally from England. That would explain the charming tone to his deep voice.
"Finally?" she repeated. She was confused and not just due to the large amount of alcohol previously consumed. That buzz was beginning to wear off, much to her dismay.
Robert pulled out the chair beside her and sat down. Chuck noted with jealously how close they were. He could see Robert pushing his knee against Blair's. Chuck took the seat on Blair's other side, watching Robert's every movement, waiting impatiently for the one that would be a step too far for Blair. Chuck was surprised to find how badly he wanted to punch Robert in the face.
"Let me introduce myself properly. My name is Robert Sinclair- your Father was my best friend in college."
Blair smiled. "You went to Yale?"
Chuck rolled his eyes in fond exasperation. Anything concerning Yale- the college of her dreams, as she repeatedly told anyone who would listen- had Blair on high alert.
Robert nodded, a shy smile on his face that Chuck knew was fake. People like himself and Robert didn't do shyness. It was as foreign to them as Saks was to people like Blair and Serena.
Shit. Robert led Blair away from the table, away from the stage and towards a door Chuck knew led to the office. An office that was private, with velvet couches and the intimacy of a bedroom…
"Blair!" Chuck called after them.
To his relief, Blair stopped in her tracks.
"What?" Annoyance was visible in her tone.
"It's late. We should go home."
Blair glared, her beautiful eyes narrowed. "What if I say no?"
Chuck wasn't prepared to be shown up by a drunken Waldorf, not now not ever.
"Then I'll be forced to remove you myself."
Blair smirked. "I'd like to see you try Bass."
Chuck shrugged and calmly walked towards her. "Just remember, you asked for this Waldorf."
Blair opened her mouth to question his comment, but before she had a chance to, Chuck had picked her up and thrown her across his strong shoulder.
Blair screamed and thumped her hands on his back.
"Put me down Chuck! Now!"
Chuck simply smirked. "Goodbye Robert, see you again soon. Give my regards to your wife."
And with those final words, the night ended.