A.N: Wow! Thank you so much for all the reviews that the last chapter got. It's good to know that most of you liked it. Plus it's always interesting and inspiring to read what you think might happen next, so feel always free to mention your theories. :)
I tried to write extra fast, but it seems like I always need a week or so for the next chapter.
Returning to the brunch Blair was quite satisfied with the quick Humphrey riddance. Who knew what would have happened if Serena had seen him.
However Dan's sudden occurrence made her realize that even if she basically knew what had happened today, there were still surprises to come. Perhaps she wouldn't be able to control the next surprise.
All the more reason for her to initiate her plan of seducing Chuck already. She came up with a lot of possible scenarios. The best one was certainly to contrive a reason that would make Chuck call Arthur to bring the limo around. Too bad bringing him to Victrola wasn't an option. It didn't exist yet and to be honest, she wasn't sure when Chuck started working on the project that hold one of her best memories and one of her worst.
But before she could decide on one plan her train of thought was interrupted by Serena, who'd she ran into before reentering the brunching room.
"S" she said surprised, being so suddenly pulled out of her planning. "Where are you going?"
"B! There you are. I thought of getting some fresh air. Wanna come with me?"
Thankfully Blair had already taken care of the Humphrey problem. That had been a close shave.
Blair squinted over her friend's shoulder and spotted the real reason for Serena's sudden need of air.
"You're hiding from Nate." she stated and Serena flinched busted.
"It's just a talk." Blair said guiding Serena back inside.
"I just think that ... I don't know. I feel like I owe Dan some explanation before I talk to Nate and probably give him the impression that he might have a chance?"
"But Nate is here. Humphrey isn't." Blair reminded. "Call it fortune." Call it fortune. Call it Blair Waldorfing.
"Speak with Nate and tell me everything afterwards."
"What?" Serena feigned surprise. "You don't want to eavesdrop?"
"Not today. I have something else to do."
"What?" Serena asked. "Something more important? You're not plotting something, are you?"
"No!" Why has everyone to assume that today?
"Look there's Nate." she distracted Serena, waving Nate over.
"Find a quiet hallway and talk." she advised, hoping that they would not have their conversation in Chuck's suite today. She could not guarantee that it wouldn't be occupied for other activities later, even if she still didn't completely want to let go of the limo idea.
Leaving Serena before Nate could reach them -so Nate could focus on the blonde bombshell- she started looking for Chuck, to rejoin his side and to bring a plan into motion.
However before she could find him under the numerous guests someone else caught her attention. Someone she'd never thought she would see here.
The 'time nurse', just that she was now sporting a Palace Hotel uniform. She looked a little different now and since she'd told Blair she wasn't able to travel through time it must be her younger self.
Was her presence here a coincidence? Blair didn't think so.
That person somehow had some superior knowledge of time, therefore she must be able to look into the future as well.
She just left the room carrying a tray of empty glasses, so Blair turned sharply on her heels, determined to squeeze some information on future Chuck out of her.
It wasn't much later that Chuck appeared in the doorway, expectantly looking for his favorite temporary opponent. When he couldn't see her anywhere he almost felt offended. Why did he brilliantly mess with her plans if she wasn't near to witness it?
Humphrey was all forgotten as he left him standing alone between strangers and went looking for Blair.
He left the brunch behind to check the nearest hallways. She couldn't be far away from the brunch. It was possible that she just went to the restroom, Chuck thought, but he had a feeling there was something else going on. Something related to her changed behavior Chuck wasn't sure why but he just needed to know all the details. Or maybe he only hoped that he might witness something interesting. Something interesting and something scandalous of course.
He spotted Nate and Serena in one of the hallways, engaged in an intense conversation.
"Serena, please ..." Nate said, sounding and looking like a hurt puppy. "Blair said she's okay, didn't she?"
"Maybe she just thinks she's okay with it." Serena countered. "But it will change as soon as she sees us together. I didn't even tell her about the Shepherd Wedding yet. What do you think will happen when she finds out?"
That silenced Nate for a moment.
Chuck pressed his lips together. This was about be good. Who was he kidding? This scene already was one for the ages.
Normally he would just love to eavesdrop, probably even take a picture of Nate grabbing Serena's hands -you never knew when you might need an incriminating photo- but Blair was his priority right now. And in comparison with the two blondes a far more captivating and complex topic.
So he left his friends behind and squinted into several other hallways and corners until he finally found her.
There she was in a deserted corridor, urgently talking into ... one of the staff members? That was strange. Chuck started to question if he'd found the right Blair.
Coming closer he heard her say, "How am I supposed to succeed if I don't know anything. If you don't tell me anything." Did she actually sound - desperate?
Chuck frowned confused. What the hell was she talking about?
"You have to tell me how he is." And now there was definitely worry in her voice. He? Who was she talking about? If it wasn't Blair in front of him he would guess that she probably had an affair with one of the staff members.
Still, even if that theory wasn't far-fetched, it didn't explain the worry.
Something in his stomach dropped, he just couldn't keep his mouth shut any longer.
"How who is?" he interfered their quaint conversation.
Blair swirled immediately, a look on her face like she got caught with her hand in the cookie jar. "Chuck." she breathed surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"Looking for you. Obviously." His dark eyes went over to Blair's recent conversational partner.
"Mr. Bass." the older looking woman greeted with a polite smile. "I'll better leave the the two of you alone."
"Yeah, I would appreciate that." Chuck said.
"No!" Blair protested. "We really need to talk." But the woman was already gone.
A moment of silence went by before Chuck raised his voice again.
"Really, Waldorf?" He was incredulous and still kinda sore. "Since when are we becoming friends with the staffing?"
"You can hardly call this friendship." Blair scoffed. "It's more of a distant acquaintance."
"A distant acquaintance, huh? Care to share the details?" He just had to know. The suspense was too much to bear.
Even if it was a risk Chuck scooted closer. It was like playing with fire. Whenever he was near her he felt this prickly sensation on his skin. And there was this feeling in his stomach again -different, lighter- that made him question his health once more. He didn't know if it was a good feeling or not, but he couldn't just avoid it. He was drawn to it like a moth to the flame.
Blair's eyes met his. "I can't tell you." she said, an undertone of sorrow.
"Yes, you can." Chuck assured her driven by curiosity. "You can tell me everything. Who were you talking about?"
It was just too frustrating. Why couldn't she just tell Chuck? Why did they have to dance around each other like this? It wasn't helping her plan in any way. Moreover, how was Chuck supposed to accept his feelings if he felt like she was keeping secrets? How were they supposed to even trust each other?
Blair stepped forward causing Chuck to step back. His back hit against the wall.
"Aren't secrets what makes us interesting?" Blair asked playfully, even if she disagreed, but it was her attempt to guide the conversation.
"Maybe" Chuck admitted just like Blair expected. "but I believe we don't need secrets to be interesting." He smirked. Point for him.
Blair was stunned. How could he say this now when future Chuck had been far from realizing it?
"Now tell me who were you talking about?" Chuck asked again. Or it was just young Chuck's attempt to make her spill the secret?
He sounded jealous which made Blair smile inwardly, because he was jealous of himself. Not that he knew.
There was barely any distance left between them. So Blair took the chance to lift her hands and let her fingers play with the soft hair ends at the back of his neck.
"Why do you have to know everything?" she asked, voice low. It was impossible to explain to him that she had been talking about a two years older version of him, to a woman who can see the future.
Not to mention that the woman left before Blair could get any information, thanks to Chuck for following her around like a shadow. Though she had slipped a card into Blair's purse while leaving. Hopefully Chuck hadn't seen it. She would read it later when she was alone.
"Because I always know everything." Chuck responded.
It seemed like he was determined to find out more. He wouldn't just allow the matter to rest. Fortunately distracting Chuck Bass was one of Blair's many forte's.
A cunning smile appeared on her face as she let her small hand roam over his body letting it find all the places he liked.
Chuck closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the wall, his breath hitched in his throat.
Now would usually be the time for him to turn her around, press her against him and start whispering mellifluous nothings into her ear all while responding to her ministrations.
But that was older Chuck. This Chuck did nothing. Why? Was he trying to resist her?
"Blair." he said, his voice not much more than a husky whisper. "What are you doing?'
"Isn't that obvious?" Blair answered smiling. Admittedly, she missed the reactions she'd grew accustomed to, but it was also endearing when acted like this.
Chuck slowly shock his head, eyes still closed. "You can't be serious."
"I may admit that this is not the best venue."
Now he snickered lightly. "And which venue would you suggest?" Oh, was he giving in already?
"I think we should head right to your limo." she said letting her lips brush along his jaw.
Chuck inhaled sharply but chuckled at her words.
"My limo? I have to say you're full of surprises these days."
"Is that a yes?" Blair asked triumphantly. She just knew Chuck Bass couldn't withstand her for long.
Slowly Chuck opened his eyes and brought some distance between them. There was a calculating look on his face that she didn't quite like.
He blinked a few times before he said, "Fine. Who am I to deprive someone of the pleasure that a night with the Chuck Bass has to offer?"
Blair rolled her eyes. Of course he had to make some kind of smarmy comment.
Chuck hesitated again so Blair rose her eyebrows. "Limo?"
"What's with the limo?" he wanted to know, clueless. It was cute and sad at the same time.
Blair shrugged. "You know I love a limo."
And Chuck's face actually broke into a smile for the mere moment of a heartbeat. It was over too soon for Blair to even enjoy it.
"While I have to admit that your suggestion does have some appeal" he drawled. "Arthur has the day off."
Blair was disappointed. She had counted on the limo. Hoped for it. But heading to the parking lot was probably too much. Moreover she didn't have the keys.
"So which place would you suggest?" she wanted to know, feeling still a bit down.
"My suite." Chuck said, holding up a small silver key. "In fifteen minutes. I need to meet up with Bart first."
"Fine." Blair agreed taking the key. "Don't let me wait."
"Oh, don't worry about that." Chuck said before he turned to walk back to the brunch.
Blair looked after him in question, her nose scrunched. Something was bothering her. She wasn't sure, maybe it was the calculating expression that Chuck showed whenever he was up to something. Was he planning something?
The temptation to follow him and find out was there. But Blair shock her head to get rid off that thought. She didn't want to spy on him. Even if young Chuck was still very devious, if she wanted a relationship based on trust then someone had to make start. Right?
So Blair turned on her heels to go to the elevator instead, hoping that Chuck would not pick up one of the Greek model 'statures' to turn this into some weird threesome. If he actually dared to do this he wouldn't know what's hit him.
The conversation went well so far. Chuck could tell that his father was pleased with what he said. Even if he was nervous, he knew what he was talking about.
He'd been studying business, economy and everything related to it for a while now, wanting to make sure that the first proposal he would pitch to his father was absolutely flawless. Because Bart Bass didn't tolerate any mistakes, especially not if money was involved.
"Dad?" he said placing a hand in his fathers arm after the business associate said his goodbye. "I uh ... I've been meaning to ask you something. I mean if it's a good time?"
He had originally planned just to barge in to Bart's office and give him the proposal, but since he seemed to be in a better than usual mood he could as well ask now. The proposal for his club was almost ready. Chuck wouldn't need a lot more time to finish it.
"What is it, Chuck?" Bat asked impatiently.
"I have have an idea. A investment idea that I'd love to show you." Chuck hurried to say. "Something that is utterly unique to your company. It's avant-garde, yet nostalgic to loosen the top bottom of Bass Inc. Just like you've been wanting, sir." He'd been working on that idea ever since Bart mentioned it a couple weeks ago.
Chuck stopped for air looking anxiously at his father. He didn't know how his father would react, could only hope that he wouldn't turn him down.
Whatever he might have expected he would've never dreamed of receiving a smile as response. Not a real smile, but Bart's version of a smile. Chuck blinked irritated.
"Really? I am so pleased." Bart said accompanied by a rough laugh.
"You are?" Chuck was perplexed. Was this really just happening?
Bart put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed lightly. It almost felt affectionate.
"You don't know how long I've been waiting for something like this to happen. I will call my assistant. She will schedule an appointment for you."
Chuck felt completely and utterly stunned by his fathers unexpected reaction. This day was better than expected.
"Thank you, sir." he said.
Bart nodded. "I am really interested to see that investment idea." With that he walked away. Apparently to talk to Lily van der Woodsen.
Chuck needed a few seconds to process everything.
Not believing that his father actually wanted to see his investment idea Chuck looked down at his Italian loafers that perfectly matched the pastel pink color of his dressing shirt. Bart was actually pleased for once, now he just didn't need to screw this up and it would stay that way.
Suddenly Chuck felt nervous about the concept, if everything was good enough. Maybe there was some hidden mistake. Not that he made mistakes, but maybe the printer ...
He wanted to go to his suite and check all the numbers immediately, of course he wouldn't forget about Blair. A Blair that was waiting for him at this very moment. He needed to take care of her first.
Chuck checked his watch. He was a little late, but if her intentions were serious she would wait.
He smirked as he left the brunch thinking what he was about to do. This was about to be good. And it would be good, because he had decided to ignore any doubt that he might feel and any other feeling as well. He would just do it.
Again he passed Nate and Serena's arguing spot. They were still there. The only difference was that the Humphrey kid had joined them.
Oh right. Chuck had completely forgotten about his existence.
Again he felt intrigued to listen.
Again he let them be and stepped into the elevator to ride up to the 18th floor.
First things first.
Fifteen minutes until their reunion. Blair smiled thinking of all the things they could do on top of this very bed. Not to mention elsewhere. She knew from experience that Chuck's suite offered more than just one good spot.
However since the limo, her all time favorite spot seemed not to be available today, Blair decided on the bed. At least for the first round.
Still, she wasn't completely happy to abandon the limo memories.
Chuck once told her that there were few things he considered sacred and the back the limo was one of them. Would she ever hear those words from him if they did it here? And now?
Blair chewed on the inside of her cheek trying to push the doubts away.
I'm doing this for Chuck, she remembered herself and looked around the suite to find something that would occupy her until Chuck's arrival.
Should she set something up? She always loved to have a lot of candles around, maybe some rose petals, champagne and dimmed light?
Well, the hole package might be too much for Chuck. And being the unromantic pre-limo bastard there was not one candle to be found in his suite. Blair checked twice.
At least there was champagne in his well-resourced bar and the light of his suite was dimmable.
Having done as much preparation as she could Blair looked around, anxiously playing with the ruby ring on her finger. The atmosphere was okay, was it? Only okay?
Where was Chuck? Fifteen minutes were surely over already.
Just as she started contemplating to call the front desk for some information she heard a key turn in the lock of the door announcing Chuck's arrival. Finally.
Blair rushed to the bed to sit down on top of it in a seductive manner. There was no time to get rid of the dress and reveal the carefully selected lingerie, but Blair was sure the owner of this suite would gladly take care of the problem.
Chuck entered taking in the chilled champagne on the bar counter and the reduced light.
"I'm shocked." he said, hands in his pockets. "You forgot the candles."
Blair snorted. Purposely ignoring his comment she got up to embrace him with her arms.
"Champagne?"
Chuck looked right back. Their eyes were on the same level, they had the same height. Blair loved to believe that it was a sign. A sign that they were not just mentally a perfect match, but also physically.
"I think I prefer the champagne as dessert today." he said, his voice dark and low.
Blair smiled gently pushing the white jacket off his shoulders, down to the floor.
Starting right away might be his way to make up for the time he let her wait.
"What took you so long?" she asked playfully as she loosed his green stripped bow tie.
Chuck put his hands on her hips, his nose inhaling the scent of her curls and mouth next to her ear he murmured hoarsely, "If you thought that was long you have no idea what you're in for."
"What?" Blair exhaled remembering the last time he said those words.
Oh no. He wouldn't. Would he?
But then Chuck's lips found hers, robbing her of the ability to think clear.
Blair moaned into his mouth while bringing up her hand to grasp his brown hair. His kissing expertise was as good as always. Had there ever been a time he was not good at those things? Probably not.
He was already making her hot and heavy, so Blair took him by his collar and stumbled backwards to fall onto the bed. Chuck on top of her.
He now slowly started to run kisses down her cheek, her neck, her collarbone, his lips all the while subtly sucking on the skin. Blair had to close her eyes as she felt them rolling back into her head.
Chuck worked his way down and all of a sudden he was - gone.
Blair's eyes popped back open as she felt the loss of his heated body. She sat up spotting Chuck in front of the bed with a wide Cheshire Cat like grin on his face.
"What are you doing?"
His trained fingers just reproduced a perfectly knotted bow tie without needing something as simple as a mirror while he said, "I just wanted to see how far you would go. Now I'm going to find out the real reason behind your sudden need to display affection."
Blair's brow furrowed angrily, she needed a few seconds to react.
"You Basshole!" she finally hissed outraged throwing one of the many pillows at him.
Chuck accepted the fluffy missile with a smirk.
"I'll take the pun as a compliment."
He put his jacket back on, let his hand glide through his hair and looked presentable again. After that he casually walked over to the bar, Blair thought to get a drink, but he longed for her purse on the bar counter without hesitation. Flipping it open he didn't need long to pull out a small white card that he scanned with an unreadable face expression.
"Interesting." was his only comment.
"Hey! That's mine!" Blair jumped up and stalked to the bar to get back the card that the woman gave her earlier. Of course Chuck's overly observant eyes hadn't missed it.
"Give back!" Blair tried to take the card out of Chuck's hands but he hold it up, out of reach.
"If you want it you need to earn it." he told her in a provoking manner while obviously relishing her attempts to get the card back.
Blair snorted angry and for a moment let herself revert back to an old habit. She stomped on Chuck's foot.
"Ow!" Chuck whined, jumping back. "No need to get rough now."
"Just give me the card!" She tried to pull it out of his hand but he had securely caged the paper in his fist.
"No." he sounded stubborn again.
"You don't have to do this." Blair said angrily pointing her finger in his chest. She realized she wasn't angry because he took the note, she had already read it while waiting for him and the message couldn't tell him anything about her time traveling activities. No, she was angry because he played her so easily. Wasn't she supposed to be better, since more experienced?
Chuck looked at her with small eyes that still displayed the hurt he must feel in his foot. He seemed like he wanted to say something but shock his head and checked his watch instead.
"Since I guess we're done here you may excuse me. I intend to watch the rest of the show that is going on downstairs."
"A show?" Blair rolled her eyes annoyed. "I hope you're not talking about those nearly nude models."
"Jealous?" Chuck asked with an amused face.
"Surely not!" Blair pouted. He wished, or she hoped he wished.
"What I am actually talking about is that I made a very small but trashy addition to the guest list."
Blair looked at him disgusted before she realized the true meaning of his words.
"You've got to be kidding me." Really, she should have thought of the possibility that Chuck would not just be a bystander to her doings. Otherwise he wouldn't be Chuck Bass. Otherwise they would be less alike.
"What? Sad that your little plan won't work out like expected?"
"No you idiot!" Blair hissed. "Humphrey knows about Kiss on the Lips. I got rid of him because he would most likely tell Serena."
"What?" Chuck looked at her, first puzzled then horrified. "But they were all three together when was on my way up to you."
"One more reason to move." Blair urged pushing Chuck towards the door. "Maybe we can still prevent Humphrey from blabbing."
Chuck finally started to react and let Blair pull him into the corridor.
"This is your fault." he said as they both rushed to the elevator to push the button with more force than necessary.
"Why is that suddenly my fault?" Blair complained. "You brought him back. I was only trying to protect us."
"But there is no us." Chuck was adamant.
"You may think so now but we're inevitable." Blair said with a smile.
"Who says that?"
"You?"
"Then you must be delusional." Chuck said snidely. "Because I surely didn't say that. It's not a Chuck Bass worthy line. At least not in that context."
"Maybe it is not now but it will be."
"You wish." Chuck scoffed and entered the arriving elevator.
Blair followed suit. "You can't deny that you wanted me. I felt it. There was hard evidence." she said while trying to fix her rumpled appearance with the help of the mirror inside the elevator cart.
"Of course." he chuckled watching her intensely. "Everything else would be a surprise."
"So just accept what you felt."
"Why? Whatever we did since yesterday it created a mess. And I don't want Nate to find out any of it. All this wouldn't have happened if you just told me in time."
Blair looked down for a moment realizing that he was actually right. She had been so driven to save future Chuck that she only focused on the physical aspects of their relationship. True it was a huge and pleasurable part of them but not everything. If she really wanted to build a more stable relationship she forgot about one very important thing. To talk.
Not just with future Chuck about their issues but with young Chuck as well. Maybe that way she would prevent a lot of issues from happening. And maybe that way it would be easier for him to open up.
"I'm sorry." she told him.
Chuck seemed surprised by those words, when he didn't say anything she went on.
"Maybe all this worry is for nothing. We don't know if Humphrey told them and who says that Nate and Serena are going to believe him?" she tried to calm the mood.
"Because those two are always so skeptical and hard to influence?"
He had point.
"Fine." Blair admitted.
"How does he know anyway?" Chuck enquired to know. "I mean he arrived later, didn't he?"
"Yes, but his sister didn't."
"Which sister?"
"Long story. No time. I will explain later." Blair said and meant it, just as the elevator doors opened to reveal Serena who actually seemed a bit out of it.
"Blair." she exclaimed relieved as she spotted her friend. "And ... Chuck?" Giving them both a once over accompanied by a questioning look she asked, "Where have the two of you been?"
"We? Oh, ...uh ..." Feeling at a loss for a good answer Blair nudged Chuck behind their backs. He flinched, cleared his throat while raking his mind for a good answer and shrugged finally. "Just hanging out." was his imaginative answer.
Oh, what a brilliant idea, Blair thought ironically, but said, "Right. We're friends and friends can hang out ... if they want to."
They both smiled on cue to appear innocent. Serena frowned.
"Yeah, okay? Uh, Nate and I have been looking for you."
"Looking for us? Why?" they asked and exchanged a short annoyed look due to the unison reaction.
"Because you two would usually be around if something happens. And now everything is over and you haven't even been near. So naturally, we've been wondering" Serena stopped, her eyes still flying back and forth between them.
"Blair can I talk to you for a second?" she finally asked.
"Sure." Blair answered with a nervous smile.
"Wait, where is Nate?" Chuck interfered before they could leave, causing Serena's full attention. With raised eyebrows she gave him a questioning suspicious look. Blair only shrugged behind her back, telling Chuck that she had no idea if they knew something or not.
"Nate is somewhere talking to his father." Serena explained. "Apparently they have something to discuss."
Next she grabbed Blair's arm and pulled her away. "Now excuse us for a moment." she chirped hastily. "We'll be right back. Just do what you would normally do ... or wait, don't do what you normally do. In fact, better do nothing at all."
Chuck rolled his eyes falling back against the wall. "Complex, S." he murmured before he retrieved the flask from the inner pocket of his suit jacket.
That was all Blair saw before Serena pushed her around a corner and stopped them, shaking her head in disbelief.
"Chuck and you? You and Chuck?" she asked in a hushed voice. "I thought Dan was wrong but the state of your hair? I could write books about it."
"What's wrong with my hair?" Blair asked bringing up her hand. Without a mirror she couldn't possibly tell how it looked."
"Nothing." Serena sighed "I just have an eye for it and you two don't look like you have been just 'hanging out'."
Blair looked at her friend contemplative. Of course Serena would be once again appalled by the idea of Chuck and her. The last time Serena found out it ended in a fight. Maybe mostly because Blair had been trying to conceal her growing feelings by saying that she slept with Chuck for revenge. Perhaps the truth would be a better companion this time.
"Alright, alright." Blair said raising her hands in a defensive manner. "You caught me. I lo- uh, I like Chuck."
Serena gaped at her for a few heartbeats, clearly speechless by that unexpected revelation. "Wait..." she said trying to bring her friend's words together. "You mean like as in like?"
"Maybe more than that." Blair added with a smile.
Serena blinked confused. "But when did that happen. And why? I mean he's Chuck!"
"Right, he's Chuck, and there a lot of parts of him you don't know." Blair said. She knew Serena actually liked Chuck and just acted disgusted by his behavior. Or to give some credit to her, sometimes his behavior really was disgusting. But they were the NJBC for a reason. Friends for a lifetime and even more. Plus, the sibling relationship between Chuck and Serena was still about to grow.
"Don't judge." Blair said now with a meaningful look.
"So this is not about Nate?" she wanted to know.
"Things changed- You've been away for a year."
"Okay." Serena admitted feeling guilty about the reminder of her runaway. "I just need a moment to deal with the thought of you two. Where were you anyway?"
Blair opened her mouth to answer but Serena quickly stopped her with her hands. "Wait! Better don't tell me. I don't want that picture in my head."
"Nothing happened." Blair said with an eye roll. "Chuck is a bit reluctant. Hard to get."
Serena's lips curled upwards. She didn't quite succeed at hiding her amusement. "Oh, really? Are we talking about the same Chuck Bass?"
"I told you not to judge." Blair reminded slightly annoyed. "Things are just different between us. Better tell me if Nate knows something."
"Not that I know." Serena said, still showing off amusement with those expressive eyebrows of hers."Nate left because his father wanted to talk to him and I ran after Dan." Her face expression grew sad as she remembered what happened. "I don't even know how Dan was able to be here. He was no one's plus-one and I can't imagine he was on the guest list."
"That's odd." Blair said quickly. "Maybe Humphrey is cleverer than we originally assumed."
Serena snorted, rolling her eyes about her friends words. "However he did it. He heard us and kinda figured out that we ...uh,..."
Serena looked at her a little fearful. Blair could imagine what Serena almost spilled. Right, they haven't talked about that ... incident yet.
"Oh, don't worry, S. I already know about the Shepherd Wedding."
"You know?" Serena looked at her wide eyed in shock.
"Of course I do. Nate told me." And that was true. She idly remembered that Nate had indeed told her, before Kiss on the Lips.
"He did? And you ... don't seem angry?" Serena was greatly puzzled.
Blair waved off generously. As long as Serena would not sleep with her future step brother she was fine. "Long forgotten." she assured the blonde.
"Really?"
"Really. Otherwise you wouldn't be here now." Blair assured patiently but not without adding a small threat.
"Okay." Serena stretched the word a little, still obviously confused by Blair's careless attire. "So, uh, what I wanted to say is that Dan found out about it. It was horrible. I actually thought Nate and Dan would start to fight over me, but luckily Dan left before."
Blair rolled her eyes as only comment. Of course something like that would happen to Serena. Two guys fighting over her.
"I ran after Dan to try and stop him but he was completely judgmental. Told me that he thought I would be different from everyone else in 'this world'. That's how he put it." Serena sighed. "I think whatever we had is over now."
Serena was apparently sad while Blair was quite pleased by that development. Of course she also felt for her best friend, but since she knew that Humphrey would cause her some heartbreak ...
"If you ask me" she started trying to sound not too cheerful. "things were already over after that wave. And now with Humphrey out of the way you can give Nate a shot."
"And you don't want me to date Nate so that you can date the remaining person of our little group?" Serena asked suspiciously.
Blair was almost surprised that her friend seemed to find out her motives so easily. Was she more perceptive than usual?
"If you can tell me how to get Chuck Bass to date anyone?" Blair laughed and Serena joined her.
"I think if someone can figure that out, it's you, B."
Blair smiled at her friend. Serena didn't know how right she was.
The girls returned not much later, to a Chuck who was still leaning against the wall with a bored face expression. Blair figured he probably didn't want to return to the brunch without knowing if Nate knew something and therefore if it was safe to enter the vicinity of his best friend.
"I see we are in a frisky mood." he commented as the two girls returned.
Blair was certain he wanted to know what they've been talking about and most of all if Humphrey spilled the beans.
She knew they needed to talk, about more than just Humphrey but before she could suggest something Nate came out of the brunching room and padded Chuck on the shoulder. "Hey, man."
Chuck flinched a little, shooting Blair a questioning look. She responded with her eyes as well, telling him that Nate didn't know.
Of course Chuck understood immediately. They were masters when it came to nonverbal conversation. The tension left his body.
"Nathaniel." he said using his normal careless drawl. "Heard you had some serious talk with the elder Archibald?"
"Yeah, Nate. What did he want?" Serena asked curious.
"Uh, I can't really talk about it right now." Nate dodged, avoided their eyes and turned to his buddy instead. "Smoke? I really need to get it off my mind."
"Definitely. I've been waiting for that question." Chuck agreed maybe a bit too quick.. "See you at school tomorrow." he added nodding to the girls. Was he taking the first chance to flee the scene again?
Blair shock her head in disagreement. She didn't want to wait until tomorrow to talk to him. He would probably even be able to avoid her at school.
No, they needed to sort things out before. The brunch may be over, but the day had just begun.
A.N: A lot happened this chapter. C and B didn't sleep together. Chuck just had to try and take control of the situation. So there is still hope for the limo and Victrola (which was mentioned for the first time this chapter ;))
Oh, and my OC is back. :D I needed her to return because she is the only one who knows something about future Chuck. And I guess we all want to know how he is and how Blair affected the future, right?
I'm really looking forward to write the next chapter because Chuck and Blair will finally talk. Something that they really need to do imo. The next chapter will also have some more Chuck POV, bc this one was lacking it a bit.
Please leave me a review again! :)
