Disclaimer: I do not own anything associated with Gossip Girl, or its characters

It was quite cold, even for New York in January, but somehow Serena didn't mind. She and Dan were bundled up, sitting side by side on a bench in Riverside Park. They were sipping coffee and watching the passersby; mostly silent except for the occasional casual observation. Serena commented on a coat she really liked, and Dan pointed out an extremely fat bulldog dragging its slight owner behind. These were the quiet moments that Serena had come to appreciate about Dan. She loved that while they could have an intimate conversation , or talk for hours about nearly anything, they could also sit in comfortable silence; simply happy to be together. This, Serena realized, was the kind of relationship she had longed for all along. When she was younger this desire had been harder to express, which usually ended in her receiving all the wrong kinds of attention from the opposite sex. But Dan was so different, he really understood her.

"Aren't you cold?" He was asking her, a questioning expression on his face.

Serena smiled at him warmly, she knew he was wondering what was on her mind. "No, not at all. Actually, I was just thinking about how much I enjoy being here…with you."

As always when Serena paid him a compliment, Dan looked a little startled, as if he still couldn't quite believe she was really talking to him. Snapping back to reality he instantly softened, reaching over and taking one of her hands in his. "I like being here with you too," he said earnestly. "I've missed you."

"The more I think about it," Serena said, glancing down and studying his gloved hand, "I realize that being with Aaron was a mistake. He was a decent guy, but it just didn't feel right. And even though I didn't want to admit it, it was because I missed you."

Dan flashed her an encouraging grin. "I've been told I have that effect on people. It's kind of like coffee…you go through withdrawals, cravings…"

Serena laughed heartily. He could always make her do that.

"Seriously though," Dan added earnestly, "I feel the same way, you know that. So we really just need to figure out where we go from here…" He said the last words tentatively, unable to meet her eyes.

"I want to be together." Serena blurted it out so quickly, she even surprised herself.

They giggled for a second like nervous children, Dan looking incredibly relieved before she continued, "I know there is something strange going on with our parents. I mean, one minute they are in love, then they are fighting, and now they mysteriously went to Boston together. But I really don't care-we have to live our own lives."

"And what about the other issues? Like all those things we never talked about before?" Dan asked cautiously, worried for her reaction.

"I know that things can get complicated," Serena said, shaking her head emphatically.

"And I understand that there are still things we need to work out…but I believe in us, Dan. I believe that what we have is worth fighting for, and we should stop denying that."

Her eyes were gleaming as she finished, and Dan couldn't help but reach over and kiss her gently on the lips. She responded readily, throwing her arms around his neck and returning his kiss.

The scene would have quickly progressed to something supremely unsuitable for a public park, had Serena's phone not began to vibrate incessantly. Reluctantly, she broke their embrace. "I'm sorry Dan, it's probably Blair…" she muttered apologetically, fumbling for her cell.

"Either that or it's Gossip Girl, ready to offer her always-appreciated and accurate critique of our relationship." Dan theorized sarcastically, still running his fingers affectionately

through Serena's blond curls.

Serena flipped open her phone, frowning slightly over the text.

S: 911, my place NOW. Chuck is out of control

"Bad news?" Dan questioned, looking concerned.

Serena sighed. She really hated to tear herself away from Dan, especially now. "I don't know, it's Blair…" she confessed.

"Is she okay?" Dan pressed, "Is there anything I can do?"

Serena looked at him gratefully. "No, I should go. I'm sorry. This whole things with

Chuck has been so much drama, and Blair needs me. Today is his father's will reading, so

I'm sure he's being extra difficult. I'm so sorry, Dan."

He took her face in his hands , smiling gently. "You have nothing to apologize for. Like I said before, I love how you care about Blair. It just shows me what an amazing person you are."

They sat, gazing at each other for several more seconds before Serena startled, "Oh! I should go! But I'll call you when I'm done."

Dan beamed. "Sure, I'll be here if you need me. I hope everything's okay with Blair."

"Yeah, me too," Serena muttered, casting one last affectionate glance at Dan before hurrying out of the park.

************************** *******************************************

A short cab ride later and Serena burst through the door to Blair's room, worried and out of breath. "B, what happened? What's going on?"

Blair was pacing back and forth in front of her bed, looking extremely flustered. Barely acknowledging her friend's presence she instantly launched into an angry tirade. "Chuck," she spat out his name as if it were the foulest of words. "Chuck is what's going on! But what else is new?"

"Is he okay?" Serena asked, fearing the response.

"Yeah, he's fabulous! That is if you classify being so intoxicated you can barely stand up as 'okay'," She ranted. "Nate and I caught him smoking a joint at school! Can you believe the audacity? He was completely drunk so we brought him back here for some serious detox, but what does he do? As soon as we turn our back on him for ten seconds he's back to drinking out of his secret flask! Now he's even worse than when we found him, not to mention he nearly gave Nate a broken nose!"

Serena looked aghast. "He hit Nate?"

"Not exactly," Nate had emerged from the bathroom, holding a bloodstained towel over his swollen nose and tilting his head up.

Blair rolled her eyes. "He more like, got elbowed in the struggle."

"What struggle? There's more?" Serena was having a hard time grasping exactly what had just occurred.

"It turns out that Chuck is a confrontational drunk," Blair quipped, "But I guess we knew that."

"He got a little upset when Blair threw his flask out the window," Nate explained, his voice muffled by the makeshift bandage.

"I could have handled it," Blair snapped. "At this point Chuck couldn't win an arm wrestling competition with my grandmother."

"So, where is he now?" Serena asked, both baffled and slightly amused by Blair's comments. "Dead?"

"He mind as well be," Blair snorted. "He's passed out in the bathtub."

Serena looked at her incredulously, but as she started for the door to investigate Blair added, "He's also naked, so proceed at your own risk."

"Gross," Serena muttered, halting with her hand on the doorknob.

"I hoped the cold water would revive him," Nate said, finally lowering the cloth from his face and inspecting the damage. "But no luck yet."

"Don't worry," Blair told Serena in a mock-enthusiastic voice, "He seems to be breathing, so I guess he's alive."

Serena looked skeptical, "Does he have a pulse?"

Blair glared at her. "That would imply that he has a beating heart, so of course the answer is no."

Serena groaned, "B, this is serious! What are we going to do?"

"How much time until the will reading?" Blair asked Nate, her eyes full of fury.

Nate looked down at his watch dubiously. "Uh, about fifty minutes."

"See, it's hopeless!" Blair lamented. "We'll be lucky if Chuck even wakes up in time, let alone makes it to Bass Industries fully clothed and cognizant."

"True," Serena admitted "But why does it matter if Chuck is there or not? My mom is in Boston right now, and I'm pretty sure that doesn't affect the outcome of her inheritance."

"Serena's right, you know," Nate chimed in, looking hopefully at Blair. "It really shouldn't matter."

Blair gave Nate a withering look. "It doesn't matter for Lily because her lawyer will be there to protect her interests. The only person looking out for Chuck's interests is sleazy Uncle Jack, and somehow I think he is more concerned with his own agenda. I don't trust him."

Nate shrugged, "Then why don't we go and keep an eye on Jack." His proposal was met with stunned silence, so he added quickly. "I don't really know how these things work…it was just an idea."

"No, Nathanial," Blair said, beginning to pace and scheme excitedly, a familiar glint in her eye. "It's a perfect idea. We'll go represent Chuck, and make sure that slimy Jack Bass doesn't try anything shady devious. Serena, I'm sorry, but being Lily's daughter, it might be viewed as a conflict of interest if you accompany us…which means I am afraid you will have to stay and watch Chuck."

Serena grimaced, "You want me to stay here an baby-sit Chuck?"

"I'm sorry S," Blair replied in her most business-like voice. "But it's the only way. If Chuck is too irresponsible to go claim his billions I guess his friends will have to do it for him."

"Fine," Serena groaned, "But I'm calling for reinforcements. There is no way you are leaving me here alone with Chuck Bass passed out naked in the bathtub."

"You're calling Humphrey?" Blair asked indignantly, casting a worried glance at Nate.

Serena rolled her eyes, "B, this is really not a great time for you to bring up your laundry-list of Dan's flaws. We could really use some extra help."

This time it was Blair's turn to give in. "Okay," she conceded, adding protectively, "but if he tells anyone about this I will personally destroy him and send him crying back to Brooklyn, I don't care how many sappy love poems he's written about you."

"Dan's a good guy, Blair. Give him a chance," Nate reassured.

Blair instantly took charge, barking orders at her two friends. "Nate, go check on Chuck. Serena, hurry up and call Humphrey. No matter what, DO NOT let Chuck out of your sight. I don't care if you have to lock him in my closet. If you really need help, ask Darota, I think she's hiding downstairs. I'm going to change into a more lawyer-worthy ensemble."

Serena just nodded obediently. This was going to be one long evening.

*********************************** **********************************

Despite the setbacks, Blair and Nate managed to arrive at Bass Industries a full ten minutes early. As they exited the taxi, they practically tripped over Jack Bass, who had just arrived in his gleaming black limo and was admiring the towering office building. He lifted an eyebrow, "Blair, this is a surprise."

Blair suppressed her grimace, and instead opted for a friendly and professional tone. "Yes, I imagine it is. I'm here to represent Chuck."

Jack, not catching the meaning of her words, snickered. "I don't suppose you've seen dear Charles? He was supposed to ride with me, but I fear he is running a little late."

The three of them entered the building together, walking into Bart's former office where they were greeted by his lawyer. Once everyone had sat down and become situated the lawyer, a tall, stately man with horn-rimmed glasses, addressed the group. "Mrs. Bass, who is unable to be here will be represented by her attorney, and Mr. Jack Bass, brother of the deceased, will be representing himself. Mr. Bass, where is your nephew, Charles?"

Jack smirked. "I'm afraid I don't know. You see, Charles is a bit of a free spirit-"

"Mr. Charles Bass had a prior obligation." Blair cut in authoritatively, scowling at Jack. "He has asked myself and Mr. Archibald to represent him. I have a signed, notarized letter stating such."

She pulled the letter, which she had spent a good twenty minutes forging along with Serena, from Nate's briefcase. Thankfully Cyrus, being a lawyer, was also a notary, and she had "borrowed" the seal from his desk. It was likely a poor copy, but thankfully the lawyer scarcely glanced at it. He simply nodded at her, adjusting his glasses. "Very well, Ms. Waldorf."

"Wait a minute," Jack spluttered, looking cheated. "She can't represent Charles! She's not family, and she's certainly not a lawyer!"

Bart's solicitor frowned. "Well, if it is indeed the desire of Charles Bass that he be represented by this young lady, I'm afraid I must respect his wishes."

"But he's only seventeen," Jack reasoned, smiling broadly though his eyes glinted with anger. "I am his legal guardian."

"Which brings me to our next point." The lawyer continued , shuffling through some papers. "As his only living relation, you have been appointed Charles's legal guardian." He said, addressing Jack. "However, Charles Bass has the option to contest this if he so wishes."

Blair became aware that all eyes had shifted to her and Nate.

"Does Mr. Bass agree to this arrangement?" The lawyer pressed.

Blair gulped. This was something she hadn't expected. She realized this was a decision she wasn't meant to make, yet she couldn't help feeling extremely distrustful of Jack. "And if Charles would like to continue living with Mrs. Bass?" She heard herself saying without thinking.

"Absolutely NOT." Jack spat venomously, glowering at Blair.

"I'm afraid, if there is a disagreement, that it will have to be settled between the attorney of Mrs. Lily Bass and Mr. Jack Bass," the lawyer drawled casually, undeterred by the obvious tension in the room. "As I represent the late Mr. Bartholomew Bass, my only purpose is to ensure his will is properly carried out. So for the moment, I will continue."

"What about Bass Industries?" Jack demanded, momentarily forgetting the conflict.

"Yes, I was just getting to that. Forty-nine percent of the shares have been divided between Mrs. Bass and the Board of Directors, with twenty percent going to Mrs. Bass, and the remaining twenty-nine percent distributed to the Board." He continued reading in a monotone voice.

"That leaves fifty-one percent!" Jack exclaimed, nearly falling out of his seat. Blair noticed with disgust that he was perspiring heavily, sweat trickling down his brow.

"Yes," the attorney responded calmly, once again ignoring Jack's outburst. "And for this purpose I have been asked to give this letter to Mr. Charles Bass-or, uh, his representatives then" He said, peering at Nate and Blair as if he had just noticed them.

"I'll read it on behalf f Charles," Blair said firmly, quickly snatching the envelope before Jack had a chance to retaliate.

She tore it open and read quickly. There were several rather touching paragraphs on Bart's confidence in his son and then…Blair's breath caught in her throat, and her grip tightened automatically, nearly crumpling the thin sheets of paper.

"Well, what IS it?" Jack demanded testily, but Blair ignored him. Instead she looked incredulously between the letter and Nate's expectant face as she read, "I am bequeathing to you a fifty-one percent share of Bass Industries, effective upon your eighteenth birthday."

"That BASTARD!" Jack shouted, not even attempting to conceal his temper he stood, nearly overturning the table.

"Mr. Bass!" The lawyer exclaimed, looking appalled.

Jack's explosion of outrage had certainly startled Blair, but it hadn't surprised her. Rather, it only confirmed her suspicions that Jack had been after Bart's empire all along.

For a second, their eyes met. Jack looked positively livid, his face was bright red, and a vein in his temple was pulsing wildly. She knew better, but Blair couldn't help a small smile of triumph from rising to her lips.

This didn't go unnoticed by Jack, and he laughed bitterly. "So you're going to gloat?" He challenged, his own eyes dancing with some unidentified emotion. "You think just because dearly departed Bart overlooked me after years of hard work that Charles is going to benefit? He's an irresponsible teenager! He couldn't run Bass industries even if he wanted to, which I am sure he doesn't."

"How would you know?" Blair challenged angrily. "Bart obviously believed in him, you're only jealous it didn't go to you."

Jack snorted, "If you think Charles will EVER lead this company, than you are sorely mistaken. He doesn't care about the Bass Empire, all he cares about is spending his vast inheritance on booze and whores. Even he knows that, and once he realizes it-"

"Jack!" Blair reprimanded, "This is not up for you to decide."

He leered at her threateningly. "We'll see about that," he taunted, pulling on his jacket. "Excuse me gentlemen, it's been a pleasure, but I have to go find my nephew now."

As Jack exited, Blair turned urgently to Nate, who looked completely shocked over what had transpired. "Get back to my place NOW and tell Dan and Serena what is happening. Don't let Chuck answer the phone. We have to keep him away from Jack until we can reason with him. Oh, and take this," she added, handing Nate the letter, "but don't let Chuck read it until he is sober."

Nate nodded, "Uh, okay, but where are you going?"

Blair looked determinedly at the door. "I'm going to talk to Jack."

*********************************** **********************************

In the past hour, Chuck had managed to wake up, half-way dress himself, and stagger out of the bathroom. He had taken one confused look at Dan and Serena, muttered, 'whatthehellisgoingon?", and collapsed onto the bed, where he was now snoring soundly.

Dan and Serena were sitting in the corner, wrapped in a blanket and watching Chuck's chest rise and fall with perplexity.

"At least he's snoring so loud we know he's not dead". Dan offered helpfully.

Serena stifled a giggle. "Darota said she can hear him downstairs with the water running."

"At least he didn't try to escape." Dan contributed again, and this time Serena couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Dan! Stop making me laugh!" She accused.

Dan raised his eyebrows at her quizzically. "What, it's not like he's going to wake up! I think a rocket could go off next to him and he wouldn't budge. The guy is practically in a coma!"

"Stop!" Serena chortled, grasping his shoulder for support.

Dan smiled at her. "I'm only trying to look on the bright side. I mean, with Chuck Bass you have to find the positive where you can."

"You're right." Serena agreed, her eyes full of mirth, "I never thought I could have so much fun baby-sitting Chuck Bass when he's passed out drunk, but you do always make me laugh."

"It's funny, I never thought I'd have so much fun baby-sitting Chuck Bass either." Dan grinned mischievously, "Maybe we should shave his eyebrows!"

"Dan!" Serena exclaimed, dissolving into another bout of laughter.

Just then the door opened and Nate stumbled in, his cheeks ruddy from the cold. As predicted, the noise of his arrival didn't wake Chuck, but both Dan and Serena jumped to their feet. "Nate! What happened?" They chorused, taking in his disheveled appearance.

Nate quickly opened his briefcase and pulled out a wrinkled envelope. "You guys aren't going to believe this."

******************************* **************************************

"Jack!" Blair was chasing him, running as fast as her heels would allow, her steps clicking on the marble floor of the lobby.

Panicking, she looked to the revolving doors, wondering if she was too late to stop him. Suddenly, she turned and saw his coattail disappearing down the corridor leading to the men's restroom. "Jack!" She pursued him down the dim hallway, catching his arm just outside the door.

He looked down at her harshly. "Have you come to sexually harass me in the bathroom, or are you hear for the well-being of precious Charles?"

Blair glared at him, trying her best not to feel intimidated as he towered over her. "I want to talk to you about Chuck, about what you said-it isn't right!" She stated boldly, hands on hips. His lip curled, and he scowled down at her without speaking. Blair continued, "Bart Bass believed in his son. You have no right to try and sabotage that just because it doesn't benefit you. Chuck deserves a chance to take his rightful place at the head of Bass Industries."

"You think I don't know what you're after." He snarled, sneering vengefully, "You may be young Blair, but you're not stupid. I'm not the only one trying to use young Charles. You think if you stick around long enough and play the sympathetic, supporting wife that one day Chuck will be dumb enough to marry you and then this will all be yours."

Blair stared at him, completely stunned. "You think that's why I'm doing this?"

Jack stepped very close to her, his fists clenching formidably. "Perhaps. But is doesn't really matter why I think you're doing it." His voice was low and dangerous. "It matters why Chuck thinks you're doing it."

The realization of his words began to sink in, and Blair blanched.

Noticing her reaction, Jack smirked. "Yes, Blair, who do you think Chuck is going to believe? Me or you? I might not have spent a lot of time with my nephew, but it's pretty clear to me that he has a commitment problem, just like all Bass men. If he gets wind that you're scheming to marry him for money or social status, well, I'm afraid he won't stick around very long."

"Chuck won't listen to you." Blair tried to speak firmly, but her voice was shaking. "You have no right talk him out of his position as CEO."

Jack was pressing up against her now, so close their faces were nearly touching. She tried to step away, but her back was pinned against the wall; she could smell alcohol on his breath. "Actually, I have every right to convince him otherwise. It's for the good of the company" He growled, reaching out and grabbing her by the wrist. "You will find I can be very persuasive."

"Stop!" Blair cried, struggling to get free. He simply smiled menacingly, tightening his grip until she whimpered in pain.

"You had better stay out of this," He hissed in her ear, "or I will ruin you."

He pulled her toward him and then slammed her forcefully against the wall, hard enough to knock the breath out of her. Taking advantage of her confusion he pressed his lips roughly to hers, letting his hands roam over her body; groping her harshly.

She was so shocked it took a moment for her brain to click into gear, and she struggled to remember the self-defense moves she had learned in PE. She got her moment of opportunity as he parted his legs to rub up against her, and brought her knee full force into his groin. He howled in agony and doubled over. Angrily, Blair gave him a sharp elbow to the nose, and satisfied by the sickening crunch, ran as fast as she could in the opposite direction.

************************* *********************************************

Hey all, sorry it's been so long! I hope you guys enjoyed this update. As always, thanks so much to my reviewers and anyone else who has enjoyed reading this story. Cheers! Cayle

xxktnxx : Thanks! I love seeing the group interact, and I've been missing it lately on the show.

TheCutie : haha I laughed when I read your review. But it's true, Chuck is a bit hopeless…he'll grow up eventually though ;)

maggymoo21: Thanks! I hope Chuck figures it out soon too. Like on the show, I just want to strangle him sometimes!

beatistrue , bluestriker666 : Thanks as always for your reviews and support!

furygrrl : Thanks so much! I'm really glad you're enjoying it. I love seeing all the characters relate to each other. They all have such fun personalities, but its especially enjoyable when they are bantering.

samitiny ; Unfortunately, Chuck is pretty self-absorbed right now. But when he does find out, it will definitely change his perspective.

riclynshea : I like when S and B are more involved in each others lives as well, lately I feel like on the show everyone has had a separate plot line and drifted apart a bit…

sailor cyanide : Don't worry, he'll be back!

AllyO2 : yeah, Chuck is still a mess! I guess that won't go away anytime soon, but I also miss his old scheming self! Blair will eventually come to terms with her issues, she just needs a bit of help J

sinful ang3l : He will soon!