A/N: Here is a nice, long chapter up - my longest so far! I specially included a lot of Chuck/Blair, because they are my favourites as well as a lot of yours! A big chunk is from Chuck's Point of View (POV) because I find him delicious to write ;)
Thank you lots for the reviews :) Keep sending them in, and I'll keep writing you more...well I will do anyway, but I love to read your responses, so they definitely keep me updating quicker.
KatieCullenSwan: I'm sorry, but G's not leaving just yet...but she won't be featuring as much as this chapter might suggest - I want to keep her schemes etc. a surprise.
I just managed to watch the latest GG, after waiting for it to be available online as I'm from the UK. IT WAS INCREDIBLE, although I'm sad it was Nate and Blair who were having the gorgeous heart-to-heart. So romantic and sweet, I was getting all sentimental. Have to admit, it made me like Nate a lot more - but I will always support Chair. Chuck just needs to buck up and fight for his love!
Now enough rambling! Hope you enjoy:
"Miss Blair! Wake up!"
Blair slowly regained consciousness and gently removed her sleeping-mask. Memories of last night began to resurface as she sat up, causing her to jump up abruptly and cautiously make her way towards the spare room. Forgetting to put on a wrap, or fix her hair, she padded down the carpeted hall and nervously pushed open the door. Even expecting the image before her, Blair couldn't help but catch her breath at the sight.
Chuck Bass was asleep, in her house, having stayed the night.
She blinked and bit her lip, trying to remember what she'd been thinking when she'd dragged him upstairs and shown him the guest room. Oh.
"Jenny, isn't that Chuck?"
Blair nudged her friend lightly in the ribs, and gestured to a figure slumped over the bar. An empty glass hung precariously from his fingertips, and even as they watched it fell, shattering on the floor. The tinkle of glass could only just be heard over the music.
"Yeah…what should we do about it?"
Jenny looked around for Kati and Iz, and found them both in states only one step away from Chuck's. Sighing, she told Blair that she'd deal with those two if Blair could manage Chuck. For the hundredth time that evening, Blair cursed Serena for leaving to meet up with Dan. It would have been so much easier if she could just drop Chuck off with Serena at the Palace, but seeing as she wasn't with Serena and hadn't met either the Bass family or the Van der Woodsen family, she didn't feel she could do that. It would be uncomfortable and was best avoided.
Blair strode over to Chuck and struggled to make him sit up. Her efforts caused him to wake up, and he looked up at her groggily, an unbalanced smirk rapidly appearing.
"If it isn't my mystery girl, up for round two?" he slurred, wrapping an arm round her waist.
"That would be pretty hard, seeing as there was never a round one!" she couldn't help but retort, using his grip around her to help lift him to his feet.
"There wasn't? But I'm Chuck Bass…"
Blair laughed at the boy before her, and couldn't stop herself from gazing at him fondly. Putting her own arm around his waist, they stumbled to the exit and Blair led him to sit on a bench while she tried to hail a cab. She waited for a few minutes, but none came.
"You look pretty," Chuck sighed, staring at her through half-closed eyes. "You're so sparkly."
Blair looked down at her dress, which was covered in sequins and silver edging. "Thanks, you use that line on all the girls?" she teased, sitting down next to him.
"Not all the girls, just you."
There was a pause, as she blushed. He's a charmer even when he's drunk!
"So what's Chuck Bass doing alone at Butter?"
"I'm not alone, I'm with you. Couldn't ask for anything more," Chuck said, shaking his head emphatically. "What are you doing here?"
"I came with some girls."
"I don't see any girls. I only see you…although there are a lot of you," he mumbled, blinking in her direction.
"Well, I said goodbye to them so I could look after you…"
Blair looked up at him, nervous for his reaction even in his inebriated state. He smiled softly down at her and bumped his lips clumsily against her shoulder.
"Thanks."
"Any time, Bass."
They sat next to each other in silence, just watching the lights and waiting for a cab. She found a text from Jenny saying she had Kati and Iz in a cab, and everything was covered, so she allowed herself to relax a little. Blair began to hum quietly to herself the song 'Moon River' – her favourite – and Chuck surprised her by joining in with a fairly tuneful voice. The song drifted to an end, and she sighed, thinking of how perfectly the night had ended. Even a drunk Chuck Bass could make her feel butterflies. She was startled from her thoughts by the approaching lights of a cab, and she jumped up to hail it.
Moments later, Chuck was slumped over her lap on the back seat, and she was absentmindedly stroking his hair. He'd become very quiet, so Blair asked,
"You feeling ok?"
"Mm," he mumbled. "My stomach feels funny."
Resisting the urge to jump up in case he threw up all over her – yes, she cared for him, but the dress was expensive! – she gently rolled him over so he was looking up at her.
"Are you feeling sick? It's probably all the scotch," she said, rolling her eyes.
"No…it's the butterflies."
Blair's eyes widened as they stared at each other, Chuck's eyes so soft as they drank her in. Emboldened by the alcohol, he reached up and stroked one of her stray curls, making her breath hitch in her throat. They remained like that until the cab driver announced they'd arrived.
Embarrassed by her behaviour, knowing that Chuck could use it to tease and humiliate her (should he remember), she refused to make eye contact with him as she dragged him up to her apartment. After all, he was drunk and had an excuse, while she was completely sober. They kept a comfortable silence while she showed him to the spare room and checked he fell asleep ok. Once satisfied that he could be left alone, she stumbled into her own room and prepared herself for bed, her ears still ringing with his last words. Last minute thinking made her reach for her phone and send Serena a quick text:
Chuck's crashd out mine.
If ny1 asks, he's ok just v. v. drnk.
Xplain all 2moz.
- B xo
As she'd climbed into bed, all she could hear was 'No…it's the butterflies'.
"You like what you see?"
Chuck's amused voice pulled her from her thoughts, and she blushed, having not been aware she'd been staring at him. Averting her eyes from his body, which she had only just realised was not covered by clothes, she gazed instead at the carpet.
"The sight of my bare chest does have that effect on most women, so don't worry, I'm used to it," he smirked, leering at her scantily clad form.
Blair looked down to see only her black, lacy negligee, and with her cheeks stained red, she took a deep breath and opened her mouth to speak. It was then she realised she'd completely forgotten what she'd come to tell him in the first place. Something about breakfast? Or getting to school? The continuing silence amused Chuck even more, and he let out a laugh before teasing her further.
"Open-mouthed – I clearly have been underestimating myself! And that doesn't happen often," he added with a perverted wink.
Swallowing, Blair managed to get out, "Breakfast is downstairs in 45minutes, I'm walking to school so you can sort your own travel…and if you dare try and look while I'm in the shower, you will find yourself castrated. Understood?"
With raised eyebrows and a smirk still in place, Chuck nodded and began to get up. Oh no, what if he's completely nude?! With a speed she had thought herself incapable of, she darted from the spare room into her own, quickly shutting the door. Taking a few moments to regain her composure, at last she opened her eyes and walked into the bathroom as if nothing had happened.
Chuck swung his legs over the side of the bed, and stretched dramatically. His head was aching, and the room was entirely too bright for his taste, but he couldn't complain about his start to the day – he'd just seen Blair wearing only a scrap of silk and lace. Thinking back to her warning about the shower, he stood up slowly and began to walk down the hall. Having listened out to the sound of running water, he located the bathroom and grasped the handle, twisting it sharply. He was rewarded by Blair's loud scream; she'd locked the door of course, but was still not ok with his attempts to catch her naked. He was positive she could hear his chuckles as he returned to his own room, smirk in place.
After calling his driver to ask for a delivery of clean clothes to the Waldorfs' penthouse, he relaxed back onto his bed, trying to remember the circumstances that had led to him being here of all places. This wasn't exactly the scenario he'd pictured when thinking about his first trip to Blair's home! Wait, first trip? That sounds like I'm planning more than one…Jesus Christ, what is wrong with me?!
The background noise of the working shower cut off, and he decided he might as well 'freshen up'. Sauntering back down the corridor, he bumped into Blair, who had only a small white towel wrapped around her petite frame.
"Each time I see you, you're wearing less clothes. By breakfast you'll have to be nude."
Blair could only glare and storm past, too embarrassed to think up a response. Chuck turned to check her out and once satisfied, took his own shower. Remembering exactly what this shower had seen only moments before had him briskly changing the temperature to something a lot more … refreshing, and that encouraged him to jump out as soon as possible. As he returned to his room, he could hear Blair cursing him through the door. Sniggering, he found a pile of neatly folded clothes on his bed, and he spent the next twenty minutes dressing and primping. He didn't care if it wasn't masculine, he was Chuck Bass and he was going to look good.
Forty-five minutes had gone by, so he ambled downstairs into the dining room, expecting to find Blair already there. To his surprise, he saw both her and her mother sitting down to breakfast. He immediately noted the lack of sparkle in her eyes, and the slump of her shoulders – a big change to the proud way she carried herself normally. Apparently Eleanor had also noticed the latter, because she criticised Blair for it as he stood, hidden behind the door.
"Really, Blair, your posture is a disgrace! How do you expect people to view you as someone with class and elegance, if you can't even sit properly?"
Expecting a sharp, flippant response, Chuck was stunned as she replied with a meek, "Yes, mother" and proceeded to sit up straighter and push her shoulders back.
"Better. Next time you see Serena, note how she carries herself – maybe then you'll have an idea of how a girl should."
"I'll do that, mother."
"Laurel says that the new designs- are you really going to have that piece of toast? Haven't you already eaten a bowl of fruit salad and a pot of yoghurt?"
"Um, yes, but Dorota prepared it and I just thought-"
"Well from now on, 'just think' about how those calories are going to drop straight to your thighs. Heaven knows you don't have a figure like Serena, but you can at least try to keep in shape."
Chuck's eyes were wide, his mouth open as he watched Eleanor continue on to question Blair's choice of shoes with that outfit, and explain how she was flying to Milan that day and wouldn't be back for a week or so. Blair was slowly shrinking before him, and he was tempted to say something – but what? If anything, he was only reminded of the thousands of times Bart had knocked him down without a second thought. We're more similar than I thought.
"Mr Chuck, you sit down for breakfast now?"
Three pairs of eyes swivelled to stare at him, and uneasily he made his way to a chair next to Blair's. Nothing was going to force him into the empty seat next to her mother's. Chuck picked up on the colour flushing Blair's cheeks and the whiteness of her knuckles as she clenched her spoon.
"You didn't say you'd had a boy around last night, Blair."
"Oh, I'm sor-"
"Forgive me, madam, I found myself in a rather helpless state last night, and it was only Blair's charitable disposition that led to my presence here."
Eleanor eyed him with great disapproval. "And you didn't think to at least tell me this morning of his presence?" she continued, fixing her gaze on her daughter.
"I hadn't considered you would be so troubled by it, seeing as he used the guest room and didn't cause you any disturbance. It won't happen again."
"Of course it won't! From now on, you will need my express permission before anyone stays over. I will not tolerate our home becoming some kind of refuge for drunken teenagers!"
Chuck swallowed his piece of toast, realising it had turned to cardboard in his mouth. Looking down at his plate, he darted a look over at Blair, but her eyes were also fixed on the crockery before her, her complexion having lost all colour. They continued the meal in silence, broken only by Eleanor announcing her need to visit Eleanor Waldorf Designs before her flight. She reminded Blair to stick to her diet; "Each time you slip, it goes straight to your hips!", and left the room.
"Blair…"
"I'm leaving for school in five minutes. Not meaning to be rude, but I think it's better if we travel separately. Gossip Girl reporting on you spending the night at mine is the last thing I need."
Blair's words were clipped and cold, and he could only sit helplessly as she pushed back her chair and stood. She was shaking, her breathing was uneven, her skin pale and her eyes lost, but she managed to look the very image of perfection to Chuck. He didn't move as she disappeared upstairs, returned moments later with her bag in hand and stalked off to the elevator. Only when he heard the soft 'whoosh' of the closing doors did he allow himself to stand up.
"Mr Chuck." The Polish maid had approached him silently from behind.
"Yes, Dorota?"
"Miss Blair not like to talk about this. It not help her if you ask her, ok? You stay quiet about this, ok? Miss Blair work hard to be liked by everyone, including her mother. You not ruin it for her, with talk of this, ok?"
It was the longest speech he'd ever heard from the usually subservient maid. He noticed the way her voice was infused with love for her young mistress, and found himself assuring her he would never do that to Blair.
"Don't worry, the last thing I would want to do is hurt her. She's become very…special to me."
"Thank you Mr Chuck. I hear all kind of things about you, but I think maybe they are wrong. You have good heart, like Miss Blair." Nodding, the cuddly woman turned away from him and went back to her work.
Wow, that was intense…and it's only half past seven. His mind whirling, Chuck called his driver to check he was waiting outside as he'd asked earlier, and called for the elevator. By the time he arrived at school, having stopped off at the Palace for his school things, he hadn't sorted anything out. If anything, he had only assured himself of one thing;
He would do anything to help Blair Waldorf.
Butterflies a-fluttering, Chuck Bass climbed out of his limo and walked up the stone steps into St Jude's.
Nate glanced around the hallway, checking it was clear. Taking a deep breath, he hurried over to one of the many closed lockers and took a scrap of paper out of his pocket. After hesitating and deciding he should check it over one more time, the paper was smoothed out, revealing a short message.
'Jenny –
I'm sorry I ended Tuesday night so stupidly, you must have realised I wanted to kiss you goodnight. I guess I just got shy, embarrassing I know.
I would have called, but I don't have your number…so I was wondering if you'd give it to me?
How about in person?
If this doesn't come across completely pathetic to you, meet me at Starbucks at 4.30pm on Friday.
- Nate
P.S. If you don't want to come (which I completely understand) a head's up would be nice… just so I don't sit around waiting for you. My locker is no. 217.
Having re-read it, it just sounded even worse in his head than it had before, but he knew he'd never been eloquent with words and this was as well-phrased as he was going to get. Breathing deeply once more, he slipped the paper inside and quickly walked off before anyone could spot him loitering around Jenny Humphrey's locker. You thought that was hard? Now comes the waiting!
Serena, Jenny, Kati and Iz were sitting on the Met steps, waiting for Blair. Having told Serena about everything she'd missed, they'd been able to basically explain Blair's text – or at least Jenny was able to, the others having been drunk and unaware of everything except the need to refill their glasses. After Jenny pointed this out, the girls drifted to an uneasy silence.
"Well well well, if it isn't my BFF Serena!"
The distorted shadow that had fallen over them had announced someone's arrival, but it was the words that made a chill creep up their backs.
"Hi G," mumbled Serena, knowing this was going to be awkward.
"Girls, I suggest you leave. I need to catch up with S, seeing as I haven't seen her in so long." The end of her sentence was infused with menace, but her glare was enough to send Kati and Iz running.
"Jenny, it's ok, you can go. We're just catching up." Serena attempted a breezy tone, and her encouraging smile made Jenny slowly turn and walk off. "Ok G, now what do you want?"
"I need a reason to talk to my BFF?" She feigned surprise. "That's new!"
"G, you've seemed to forget I've known you for years. You never send all my friends away just to talk."
"That is true…but then, that's because I used to be included in your little group of friends." Georgina's eyes began to darken as she crossed her arms. "What happened, S? You decide to trade up for the newest girl on the block?"
Serena blushed, knowing it definitely had appeared like that.
"It wasn't very nice, S, to hear from Gossip Girl of all people, that Serena Van der Woodsen had a new BFF to hand out with. It hurt, a lot."
The blonde trembled and looked up pleadingly into the brunette's face. It was merciless and sinister, and she felt herself wondering why she'd ever linked herself with the girl before her. She was exciting, different…Nothing was too big for her, nothing was too crazy. She was free and wild, she did what she wanted and nobody could control her. But now, looking at the threatening person in front of her, Serena only felt an urge to run away and confide in Blair. That's what being BFFs should be, not this twisted relationship.
"I'll forgive you this time. But S, you're not to do it again." She paused, allowing her words to sink in. "Now come and ditch the rest of school, I've found a new dealer up town who-"
"No."
"No? Excuse me?"
"I'm not ditching school, and I'm not leaving Blair and my new friends for you."
"You sure about that, S? You sure you want to walk away from me right now?"
Serena drew herself up to her full height and glared down at Georgina. Despite the fact she was quivering inside at the implications in what she'd just heard, she refused to allow Georgina the control she'd always seemed to have over her.
"Yes, I'm completely sure, one hundred percent positive. I'm done with waking up in the middle of no where, no idea as to what happened the night before. I'm done with the disapproving looks from people in the street, the disappointed ones from my mother. I'm done with whatever relationship we have – 'cause it's not friendship, whatever you say."
Georgina couldn't keep her mask from slipping and revealing the shock and hurt on her face. But within a second, she'd put it back on and was glaring up at her ex-best friend.
"You'll regret it. You're new friend may be immaculately dressed in her cute little outfits, she may have quick, witty comebacks… but I'm the one with the most power on the UES. When it comes down to it, I'm the one who gets what she wants, and if I want Blair Waldorf destroyed, that's what's going to happen."
"She hasn't done anything to you! If you dare try and hurt her-"
"Bite me, Blondie."
With a glower and a flick of her hair, the brunette spun round and walked briskly up the steps, leaving a terrified Serena behind her. She did the only thing she thought she could in that situation; she grabbed her phone and quickly typed:
Help!
G gone crazy, wants to take B down!
Deadly serious.
- S xo
Having selected two names from her contacts, she pressed 'Send' and waited nervously. After what seemed like eternity, she got two responses in quick succession.
What?! I'm in.
She always scared me.
- N
Serena grinned at his reply, and then turned to the other message. Opening it little cautiously, she read:
Let's get the bitch.
- C
She texted him back quickly, telling him 'Thanks, meeting at 1812 at 4.30pm – S xo', surprised he was so supportive. She'd been worried he would take Georgina's side, seeing as they'd always been the bitchy pair in the group and did tend to spend a few nights together when Chuck got seriously wasted. However, it seemed her clinginess to him and general insanity had taken its toll, and Serena was relieved she could count on him. She forwarded the same message to Nate, and congratulated herself on dealing with the situation so well.
Feeling quite a bit more positive, Serena picked up her stuff and went to find Blair so she could cancel their plans for shopping that afternoon – she had plotting to do. Before she could wonder where to look first though, she received a text from none other than Gossip Girl.
Hello Upper East Siders,
There's nothing more delicious for lunch than a confrontation between two ex-BFFS. No wonder the Met steps are the place to eat - you get to watch Sparks fly at none other than S! And where was B during this fight? Instead of backing up S against a feisty G, B was found spending lunch in the library. Guess something's taken away her appetite... it couldn't have been C, could it? After all, he was spotted leaving her penthouse this morning - alone. What went wrong there? I'll tell you when I find out!
You know you love me,
XOXO
Gossip Girl
Serena groaned. Blair definitely had enough to deal with, without the added pressure of Georgina Sparks threatening her destruction.
TBC...
