A/N: Evelyn is Chuck's mother. Not that strange Elizabeth woman and she did not die in childbirth.

Chapter 7

"It started out with a kiss
How did it end up like this?
It was only a kiss
It was only a kiss."

Lyrics: The Killers

"So what do you think?" The question seem to float through piles of mist before finally breaking through to Blair's distracted brain.

"Huh-What?" Her head snapped up and for the first time since she sat down she really paid attention to what was happening around her. She was sitting on a very comfortable chair, a flute of barely touched Champaign next to her, waiting while Serena tried on her custom made, Maid of honour dress.

It was long, pale blue, puffy and over the top...and still Serena looked amazing. On any other day this would have bothered Blair. She would have felt less glamorous, less beautiful...just less all around. Today, however, it didn't matter. She hardly noticed how great S looked, or how she seemed to be surrounded by an air of unearthly perfection. Blair's thoughts were still stuck in her apartment in front of the black Baldwin; she could still hear the notes floating through her frazzled mind. She loved it when he played for her. He used to do it a lot when they were younger...more innocent.

She smiled slightly while she sipped some of the Dom pérignon, hoping the bubbly sensation on her tongue would draw her thoughts to the present, it failed miserably. This was perhaps the reason behind her laps in noticing the discomfort on her best friend's face as Serena twirled in front of the three surrounding mirrors.

The dress wasn't Serena's colour or her style, but it didn't look that bad. It had a sweet-heart neckline, with a tight hugging waist and short A-line puff skirt. It was a dress made to accentuate her endless legs and bust...and she felt horrible in it, not because of what she was wearing but more because of the thoughts bouncing around in her skull.

She was freaking out. Blair seemed distracted and distant, this made her extremely nervous. What if she knew? What would she say if Blair straight out asked her why she didn't like the dress? She couldn't just come out and say; "Oh, it's not the dress, Blair. It's because I'm sleeping with your fiancé and I don't want to stop." She had meant what she'd said to Nate last night. This was getting too hard. She turned towards Blair, nervously fidgeting with the blue taffeta.

"The dress? Is it what you wanted?" She asked again, the silence killing her.

"Oh, yes. It looks great, S." Blair replied, barley glimpsing at the dress and sipping more of the champagne. Her focus clearly not on what they were here for.

"Okay...I'm going to go change then...?" Serena let the sentence trail off, trying to coax a reaction, and still noticeably uncomfortable...or maybe not so noticeably, seeing that Blair just kept on staring into the distance and drinking from the flute.

"Yeah-yeah, it's fine." Blair waved her hand through the air in a slightly impatient gesture, eager to get out of this place.

"Oookay." Serena surged as she returned to the dressing room to rid herself of this heinous creation.

"Will that be all, Miss Waldorf?" The consultant asked, stepping closer from her spot behind somewhere. The girl was obviously trying her best to draw Blair out of her daze. The poor thing probably thought she was doing something wrong.

"No, thank you, Leila. Everything is fine." Blair smiled coldly over her shoulder, holding out her flute for a top-up. The girl hastily swung around, reaching for the bottle and filling the flute.

Blair finished off her second glass as she waited for Serena to return so they could leave. She should be enjoying this...and up until about twenty four hours ago, she was enjoying planning her wedding. Hopefully a little retail therapy would jar her back to reality and stop her from wondering how Chuck was doing.

"All right, where to next?" Serena asked upon her entrance, pulling her little Dior jacket over her shoulders.

"Dress shopping." Blair insisted, getting up to fast and side stepping a little. Serena stepped forward, steadying her wobbly best friend.

"Maybe some food first?" She giggled; feeling her shoulder muscles relax as she hooked her arm through her best friend's and leads her from the bridal salon into the street, her guilt momentarily forgotten, or just pushed into the back of her mind.

"It's not the champagne but yes, food sounds good." Blair laughed, flagging down a cab.

Yes, everything will be fine. She'll enjoy a wonderful breakfast with Blair, go dress shopping and just enjoy her day...everything will work out, and tonight she would swallow her pride and go to the party with a smile plastered on her face. She'll dance and drink and forget that the man she's in love with is on her best friend's arm. It should be easier with Chuck there. The four of them together has always overshadowed the relationships in their circle.

Xoxo

Bart Bass had an astonishing office. It was designed to intimidate anybody who stepped thru the large red oak, double doors into the spacious room. It clearly portrayed the man seated behind the equally impressive desk. This was without a doubt, the office's most striking feature.

On this desk laid paperwork confirming million dollar deals or delaying them...but the thing that really caught your eye was situated in the right-hand corner. It was 2 picture frames. The one, silver and delicate, with detailed swirls and curls, the other, gold and plain, but far more eye catching.

Inside the first one was a picture of a beautiful dark haired woman; her features matching the frame. Her magnificent almond shaped eyes were downcast in a no-way submissive, but rather seductive glance. Her long, auburn hair was left to hang lose across her left shoulder in shining ringlets, a small white flower here–and-there, complementing the plain black strapless dress she was wearing.

There was however a sadness in this photo, a heartbreaking longing would fill this large space whenever the man of this room rested his eyes on it. When this happened he would simply close his eyes and move the golden frame to the front. He would breathe in deeply before rather focusing on the tiny little dark haired boy in the smallest black suit, with a deep plum bowtie. The emptiness would drain away slowly but surely. Over the years the little boy has grown up. His features has become more defined, his eyes more striking, his shoulders more square and his strength more awe inspiring.

Bart sighed, rubbing over his eyes, about to settle back in to his work when a commotion outside interrupted his attempts. He had barley glanced up before the door burst open, revealing his obviously annoyed son and his very upset secretary.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Bass. I tried to stop him but..." She started to explain.

"I've been standing outside for thirty minutes. I have other things to do." Chuck interrupted in an impatient voice.

"It's alright, Addison. He can come in." Bart smiled at her politely, flashing Chuck a quick disapproving glace. "Please close the door on your way out and cancel my next appointment." He leaned back in his high backed leather chair, rolling the pen in his hands between his fingers as his eyes locked with Chuck's.

"No need. I won't be that long."

Chuck had been in this room a million times. He was use to it. He knew every inch of this room by heart. If he was to go blind, he would be able to walk around freely here, without any need of assistance and yet today he was blind to it. He stood waiting, only stepping forward when he hears the doors close.

"Lily is going overboard." He kept his tone neutral, but his agitation was clear.

Bart smiled at his son, his eye briefly flickering to the golden frame and back. Yes, it was much easier when Charles was little.

"She's just happy to have you back." Bart placed the pen down, interlacing his fingers and resting his wrist on the smooth wood.

"More like overjoyed. I don't want this, Father. She's having ice sculptures made...only God knows of what. Hopefully not me." He walked over, his feet sinking in to the brown carpets, before taking a seat across from Bart. The other man's eyes following his every move with an odd expression Chuck has never seen before.

"You use to be quite fond of celebrating big occasion."

"I've ...well not exactly changed, but I'm not the spoiled child I was six years ago."

"I know."

Silence. Chuck did not expect that.

"Is this the only reason you disrupted my office and scared the hell out of Addison?" Bart's tone was smooth; a slightly amused smile hovered around his mouth.

"No...Actually I wanted to know when this 'grounded' clause comes into effect."

"Today." Bart smiled, amused at Chuck's nickname for the stability clause.

Chuck cursed under his breath. He had one little thing he needed to take care of himself. Not being able to leave for more than a week made this impossible. When Bart didn't elaborate or say anything else, he shifted the chair backwards, standing in the process.

"Well, then I'll be going now. Thank you for your time." He nodded politely and turned around walking back to the door.

"Charles?" His father's voice sounded up just as he was about to open the door.

"Yes, Father?" He asked surprised. Under normal circumstances, when Bart Bass dismissed you...Well, then you were dismissed.

A brief silence followed the two words as Bart hesitated, his eyes skimming over the young man in front of him just like they'd done with the photo.

His son.

He cleared his throat in an attempt to smother the unwelcome surge of memories washing through his mind.

Charles, a little pink bundle in a blue blanket.

The light and peace in Evelyn's eyes when they settled on their son for the first time.

The laughter that always filled his house – and his heart- when his wife was alive and healthy.

A single tear leaving an unfamiliar track down his cheek and his son reaching out, tiny fingers fluttering over the salty line as his wife was lowered to the ground.

An unusual rush of pain pushed up out of his gut as the guilt settled in. How had he messed this up so royally? Charles needed him then...and he needs him now. This time around he wouldn't abandon his son to cower behind his own grief, because this time... the grief wasn't his own.

"How's the therapy been going?" His tone was soft and gentle in a way Bart had never used on his son before. This fact alone caused Chuck's heart to clench tight in his chest, as he attempted to keep the surprise- and shock- out of his voice.

"I've only had one session. I still think it's unnecessary, Father," he a rolled of his eyes, the irritation evident.

"You haven't remembered anything from the night your mother died, have you?"

"Uhm...No, nothing." The question caught Chuck a bit of guard, resulting in his answer coming out a bit less smooth than he would have liked.

When Bart nodded thoughtfully and lowered his head and retuned his attention to the papers on his desk, Chuck assumed he was being dismissed- again, that is.

xoxo

Blair was about halfway through her honey covered croissant, while Serena had opted for a fruit salad and a scoop of cream. Their breakfast plans had turned into lunch after Blair had insisted on stopping for her dress first. The dress shopping had progressed into looking for shoes and accessories. So other than talking clothes and styles, they haven't spoken much about anything other than Blair's upcoming trail and Serena's newest shoot, which basically meant they've covered the basics, but they were both in high spirits as they enjoyed their meals.

"So...Chuck's home." Serena said casually between bites, pretending to just be making small talk, when in reality, she's been itching to talk about this. Blair glanced up at Serena, the fork half way to her mouth. She hesitated briefly before taking the bite.

She nodded after swallowing. "I know. Nate and I had drinks with him at The Palace yesterday."

Curious to see where Serena was going with this, Blair conveniently left out that she's seen him twice after that. Serena really did not need to know all the details.

"How do you feel about that?" Serena avoiding Blair's eyes by eating a piece of kiwi, scared that B would see just how much the "Nate and I" line hurt. She was being ridiculous.

"I'm happy, I guess. We are friends after all." A frown creased on to Blair's brow. Serena was acting strange...vague. Her fork nearly fell from her fingers as a thought occurred to her. Serena couldn't possibly know...could she?

"It's just..." Serena dwindled off, uncertainty crawling up her spine. What if she was wrong? What if this was just wishful thinking on her part? What if what she saw all those years ago had somehow twisted in her memory, becoming more than it was.

"Serena, what is it?" She looked up, locking eyes with Blair. That look. Blair was on defence. Serena tilted her head as the realization hit home. Maybe she wasn't wrong after all.

"At your seventeenth birthday party...I saw you."

Fire cursed through Blair's heart at the reminder of that night, but just for a millisecond, before the Ice settled into her throat, making the honey in her mouth taste like lime. Serena's voice seemed to fade as panic set in. Thankfully, Blair was able to swallow and hide the conflicting feelings of heat and frost due to years and years of living on the UES. Not for the first time her upbringing saved her.

"What, exactly, did you see?" Blair raised an eyebrow, dropping her fork in her plate with a definite 'clink', her queen B façade firmly in place.

"You were with Chuck, Blair. You were..." Serena gestured with her hand, not really knowing all the details.

"He gave me a present, Serena. It was my birthday. That's all you saw." Blair lifted her finger, beckoning the waiter closer, desperately wanting this conversation to end.

"Well, it must have been quit a present, considering how you thanked him."

Blair's hand stalled in mid air, her eyes shooting flames. A burning pain started in her chest. It felt as if she'd been slapped across her face. So, she did the only thing she could: She lashed out.

"Considering your reputation, you are the last person who can judge me or call me a slut, Serena." She knew she shouldn't have used the 's- word', but she couldn't help herself. Sometimes Serena just pushed her too hard.

"Blair..." Serena sat back, her friends name dripping from her lips in shock.

Blair heard her but couldn't think past her feelings of hurt and betrayal. She digged inside her Gucci clutch pulling out the required amount for her meal and slapped it down on the table.

Her hand stalled on the green notes. Her eyes down cast, hiding the tears threatening to take hold.

"You didn't even ask me what happened. You just assumed I slept with him...and even if I did, which I'm not saying I did, you shouldn't have judged me." With the thought spoken out loud, Blair got up and walked out, her thumb wiping the stray tear in the corner of her eye in a swift movement.

Spotted: S and B bonding over honey croissants and fruit salad...or is that B crying over croissants and S fuming over fruit salad? What could have possibly caused such a rift in this friendship? Maybe our recently returned runaway has something to do with it? Can't wait for darkness to fall so we can find out.

You know you love me.

Xoxo

Gossip Girl

xoxo

It was beautiful, old worldly even. It was one of the most unique buildings he's seen in a while. Even if situated in the wrong neighbourhood, he could make it work. Chuck nodded as his keen eye took in the appearance of this rundown hotel. He was about to step through the lavishly decorated doors of the Antebellum when his phone vibrated in his palm. He was still reading the blast when Blair's name appeared on his screen. A gentle smiled curved around his mouth as he pressed the green button.

"Bass."

Blair felt her whole body relax at the sound of his velvety voice.

"Hey, it's Blair." She had no idea why she'd just said that, he had Caller I.D.

"I know. Caller I.D" She had to bite on her lip to keep from smiling as he echoed her thoughts.

"Oh..." He was outside, somewhere. She could hear the noise in the background.

"Where are you?" Not that it mattered. If today was proof of anything, it was proof that she had to stay away from him...even if her feet was being traitorous again, and her fingers were twitching from withdrawal.

"Scoping out a prospective buy." Ah, that's why he sounded so disinterested.

Her thoughts immediately returned to the last time he was scoping out a buy...and the first time she'd felt his hands-and lips- on her body. The first time she'd felt anyone's hands on her body in that particular manner. Wait, why did she call him, again?

"Why are you waging war against my blond stepsister and why am I being excluded?" He asked, the silence on the other end disconcerting him for a reason. He figured he might as well get down to the point if she wasn't going to.

"She knows about us." Her voice was completely neutral. She was panicked. Chuck closed his eyes, his feet stilling as well, and pulled his hand thru his hair.

"Where are you?" He must have moved inside. The white noise has quieted down considerably.

"In a cab, on my way home. I need to get ready for tonight."

He hardly acknowledged her answer. "Is she going to tell Nathaniel?"

"Archibald?" The voice was not coming from his phone. "Hold on a second, Blair." He placed his hand over the speaker, turning towards the large man behind the bar polishing glasses with a white cloth.

"Yes." Chuck had learned a long time ago that sometimes saying very little could help a lot. Normally, people would talk simply to fill the silence.

"Mr. Archibald isn't here today." The man said, holding the glass to the light, spotting a smudge and rubbing at it lazily.

Chuck frowned. What would Nathaniel be doing in a place like this? He removed his hand from the phone.

"I'll call you back." He ended the connection with the press of a button, aware of the fact that Blair would probably be furious at being dismissed so easily, but he could feel a stirring in the air that was over shadowing everything else. Something was about to happen.

A/n: I know, sucky chapter, but it is necessary ...You'll see why in the next chapter.

So, the party comes next...and we all know that on the UES a ball is never boring. So sharpen your teeth, my dears. It's going to be one hell of a ride.

Thanks to my beta , Plei4fun and all my darling reviewers , and followers.