Hello. Here's the next chapter (longest one yet!). I'm pretty happy with the way this chapter turned out. Just a note: Remember, in this story, Chuck did not get shot. Everything else happened. Okay...enjoy!

Also, just wanted to give a shout-out to bwlm2011. I felt inspired by your idea for Blair and Nate. I hope you like their scene. :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl or any of the characters.


Blair and Dan showered and changed relatively quickly to get back to the Upper East Side in time for the party at 7. Not forgetting her original assignment, Blair also readied her camera equipment and packed it in a bag. Thankfully, Serena was only partly serious about her photographing the entire event. She had hired someone else in addition to Blair, so Blair could enjoy the party too.

The Archibald-Van der Woodson engagement party was an exclusive, private affair held at the New York Public Library. Although their intention was to keep it as small as possible, they had so many contacts and family friends; they had to expand their guest list. Many people had assumed an invitation, but Nate and Serena topped the number at 175 people. If there was a night to be at the Library, this was it.

Blair and Dan arrived at quarter to seven, hoping to slip in the door before the crowds. Dan could immediately tell that Blair was nervous by the way she spoke less and less during the ride over. He knew she was thinking of Chuck and his reaction. When they exited the car, Dan took Blair's camera bag from her and Blair smiled appreciatively at him. Still no words. Now, Dan was getting worried.

Blair walked a step ahead of him as they climbed the grand staircase up to the private room. After giving the security personnel their names, they were directed to the coat check. Blair turned and let Dan take off her coat, shivering when she felt his fingers graze across her back. After handing her jacket over to the woman, Dan turned to look over his girlfriend, his heart skipping a beat. She had selected an emerald green satin dress, with both a low cut back and front. It practically hugged her curves until her knee, where it thankfully stopped, allowing her bare legs to shine by her Prada pumps. Blair had chosen to leave her neck bare and instead adorned her ears with diamonds, spotlighted by her messy (but classy) bun. It was the most dressed up she had been in a while, due to her laid back lifestyle in Paris. And although Dan enjoyed the casual Blair, he could not help but be in awe of her beauty. She looked absolutely exquisite.

Blair caught him staring at her and smiled. She walked closer to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Have I told you how handsome you look tonight?"

"I don't think so," he said, wrapping his arms around her lower back.

"Well, you do."

He leaned down and kissed her cheek softly, and then pulled back, until his lips where merely millimeters away from her ear. "You look breathtaking."

He no doubt felt her shiver in his arms, also due to his hot breath wafting down her neck. "Thank you," she nearly whispered.

Wanting to shake the nerves out of her, Dan quickly spun her down, causing Blair to breathe out a small shriek. He held her firmly though, allowing some of her curls to fall back due to gravity. She leaned her head back even further and let out a laugh. When she stopped, she smiled the smile he hadn't seen since they left Serena and Nate's, and he leaned down to kiss her again. Not breaking the kiss, he swooped her back up until they were standing again and brought his hands up to cup her face.

When they parted, he whispered that he loved her and she echoed the words. She felt him grasp her hand and they walked into the main room where they found the guests.

Blair immediately spotted Nate and Serena, partly due to the small crowd forming around them. Pulling Dan's hand, she led them over to the couple.

"B! Dan!" Serena waved. She took Nate's hand and politely excused themselves from the group surrounding them. All four friends went and stood off to the side.

"Oh my god, Natie. I don't think I can talk to one more person I don't know," Serena complained.

Nate laughed. "Serena, it just started." He brought her close and kissed her temple. "I promise I won't leave you alone once the whole night."

"Okay." She kissed him quickly and turned to Blair and Dan. "B! You look so pretty!"

Blair smiled. "Thanks! So do you, Ms. Soon-to-be-Archibald." This made both girls smile widely.

Serena smirked at Dan, "You don't look half bad yourself either, Dan."

"Thanks, Serena. Never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad I saved this suit your mom bought me," Dan replied, smoothing out his jacket.

"What about me?" Nate said, mockingly disappointed.

"Aww, Natie, do you feel left out?" Before he could answer, Serena kissed him. Obviously, all eyes were still on them, because there were happy murmurs throughout the room.

"Ugh, I should be getting those moments on camera!" Blair said, looking around for her bag.

"No, don't worry about that, B! Just enjoy yourself!" Serena said, arm still wrapped around Nate.

Blair teased, "Then what was the point of me being here?"

"Well excuse me for wanting my maid of honor to be here," Serena said seriously, before breaking into a smile.

Blair's jaw dropped slightly. "What?"

"Oh, don't give me that, B. Who else was going it going to be? It was always going to be you." Serena broke apart from Nate.

Blair couldn't help the tears prickling in her eyes. "Oh my god!" She excitedly hugged Serena, which made both men laugh.

Nate turned to Dan, "Listen, man, I don't really know how to say this-"

"Chuck's you're best man," Dan finished.

Nate paused, trying not to make it more awkward. Then, "Yeah, man, I'm sorry."

Dan waved his hand, brushing it off. "Don't even worry about it. You guys have been friends for life."

Nate, still looking embarrassed, said, "Thanks." Both men turned to see Blair and Serena watching them, trying not to laugh.

"Way to make it awkward, Nate," Serena joked.

"Can we not talk about this anymore?" Nate said, still feeling bad.

Blair answered for everyone. "Sure. Let's go get some drinks."

After getting drinks, the couples broke apart and mingled with the other guests. Blair and Dan stayed close together, his hand resting on her lower back. Their obvious relationship caused lots of conversation with the guests who were used to seeing Chuck and Blair together. Blair and Dan did their best to simplify their story, but the nosy Upper East Siders continually tried to pry more information out of them.

One couple was asking so many questions, Blair was on the verge of snapping. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, she heard a familiar voice.

"Blair! Daniel! It's so glad to see you!" The couple turned and immediately saw Lily and Rufus. Blair couldn't help but smile, not only in relief, but in pure pleasure to see familiar faces.

"Lily! It's been so long!" Blair said, hugging Lily. She turned to Rufus and became a bit more reserved. Ever politely, she said, "Rufus, it's nice to see you again."

"And you, Blair." He surprised her when he leaned in and kissed her cheek.

Dan hugged his father and Lily, immediately relaxing in the presence of their company. Blair noticed this and smirked.

"So, I see you two have news to tell us..." Lily said expectantly, smiling.

Blair's heart froze and she immediately looked around to find Serena. Serena, who had obviously been watching their exchange, made a face as to say, "I'm sorry, I couldn't help it!" Blair glared at her.

Dan looked at Blair, confused at how Lily and his father knew. "Uhh, yeah. I guess," he said skeptically.

Just go for it. Blair took a deep breath and smiled at Dan, wrapping one arm around his waist. "Well, Dan and I ran into each other in Paris, and have been seeing each other ever since."

Lily smiled wider, but Rufus just looked surprised. "Wow! I wasn't expecting that," he said, hesitantly.

Dan, sensing his father's tone, said, "Yeah, neither were we. But things just happened that way." He felt Blair tighten her hold on him.

After telling Rufus and Lily more details for how they got together, Blair noticed Nate step out onto the patio alone. "Would you excuse me, for a moment." She looked up at Dan, whom she interrupted, "I'll be right back." She kissed his cheek, and felt relieved when he immediately continued the story he was telling.

After refilling her glass of champagne, she made her way out onto the patio. "Bored already?" she said, breaking the silence and slightly startling Nate.

He was leaning against the balcony railing, staring down at the street. He turned his head and smiled at his guest. "Nah, just taking a breather. Serena got whisked away by a friend from L.A., so I took the opportunity to come out here. It's such a beautiful night."

"Yeah, it is," Blair said, leaning back against the railing, facing Nate. She looked up at the stars and then down at the glass she was holding in her hands.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Nate said, this time breaking the silence.

"Oh, its nothing," Blair chuckled softly. "It's just-" She paused for a moment. "Isn't it weird that it turned out to be Serena you're engaged to? I mean, for the longest part of my childhood I imagined it would always be you and me."

Nate nodded and laughed lightly. "Yeah, it's funny how things turned out." He turned and leaned his back against the railing, mimicking Blair's position. They were side by side now, looking in at the party through the glass doors. "But they turned out so great."

Blair smiled and looked at him. "Yeah," she said. "They did." And she meant it. She could not be happier for her friends, and she could not be happier with the way things turned out for her. It seemed like ages ago when she and Nate were in love.

"Why didn't you give Serena your mother's coveted engagement ring?" She asked curiously, lightly elbowing him in the side.

He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. That ring always felt yours. I considered giving it to her, but if felt too weird." He paused, and then laughed, "Does that sound weird?"

Blair chuckled, but then shook her head. "No, it makes sense. And no offense to your mother, but Serena's ring is better. The ring is really gorgeous Nate. It's perfect for her."

Nate smiled and nodded, appreciatively, "Thanks."

Comfortable silenced ensued. The only sounds were the hums of chatter inside and the street below. Nate took a sip of his drink and stood away from the railing. He pointed indoors, "Ooh, Serena just got dragged away but my great Aunt Hollis. I gotta go save her before-"

"Go," Blair finished, fully understanding the situation. She remembered Aunt Hollis. Poor Serena.

Nate started to walk away, but turned back. "I'm glad you came home for this, Blair. We all really miss you."

Blair smiled sadly. Finally, "I miss everyone too. But, I wouldn't have missed tonight for the world. I'm just so happy for you two."

Nate returned the smile. "You okay out here?"

"Yeah, I'll be right in. Go save your fiancée."

"Okay," Nate laughed. He winked at her and walked inside.

Blair looked up at the sky once more, reveling in the silence. When she looked down, she gasped slightly. Standing before her was Chuck Bass.

The Chuck Bass she hadn't seen in seven years.

The Chuck Bass she had believed was her forever.

The Chuck Bass that broke her heart more than she thought a heart could break.

"Chuck," she somehow managed to say. Her throat felt suddenly dry.

He cleared his throat. "Blair."

They stood facing each other, just as they had been the last time they'd seen each other, in the hospital waiting room. That night felt so far way. So much time had passed. So much had changed.

"It's nice to see you," Blair said, wondering if it was the right thing to say. At least it was the polite thing to say. What was the right thing to say?

He continued to stare, his eyes boring into her. "You too," he replied, his facing barely changing.

Blair began to feel slightly light headed, the weight of the situation weighing down on her. She grasped the railing tightly. The last thing she wanted was Chuck to see how his presence affected her.

Blair was surprised when he spoke the next words. "You look good," he said.

"Thanks," she nodded. "You look...good too." Quite honestly, he did. He looked as attractive as she remembered, just older.

Silence, again.

He cut through it. "I hear we're walking down the aisle together," he said, with no hint of humor.

Blair's heart dropped. "Excuse me?" She asked, gaping at him.

"I'm the best man, you're the maid of honor," he answered, with the same straight face.

"Oh." She said quietly. "I suppose we are." Embarrassed by her sudden small outburst, Blair looked down and fiddled with her champagne glass. She saw her fingers trembling and tried to control them. Why does he still have such an affect on me?

Softly, he said, "We were supposed to be the ones engaged."

"What?" she asked breathily, confused.

"That day...I was planning on proposing." He met her eyes. He didn't need to say more about "that day." She knew what he was talking about.

Blair's heart lurched. "Why are you telling me this, Chuck?" Tears prickled her eyes yet again.

"Because you're back."

She let out a breath. "Because I'm back? That doesn't mean anything! That doesn't change anything! I've moved on." Once she said it, his eyes changed.

"What do you mean, you've moved on?"

"Chuck, what did you expect? That I'd come running back to you after all these years?" Blair took a breath, trying to calm herself. She didn't want to make a scene. "You broke my heart. No- you shattered it. And slowly, over the years, I have been able to piece it back together. To a point where it doesn't ache anymore. To a point where I can love again."

At that word...that one-third of those three words it took him so long to say to her...he broke.

"Love?" he asked, as if it were impossible.

"Yes. Love." She tried to sound confident, but this whole conversation was starting to wear her down.

Chuck didn't know what else to say. Neither did she. It was silent again, the two staring each other down. Until a voice.

"Hey, babe, there you are-" Dan stopped in the doorway when he saw Chuck and Blair. "Oh," he said quietly.

"Babe?" He looked at Blair expectantly. Then, in a harsh voice, "Blair. Explain."

"Don't talk to me like that," she said, getting angry.

Chuck looked back at Dan, who was standing still as stone. He looked back at Blair.

"Blair, I asked you a question. Answer it."

"I said, don't talk to me like that, Chuck," Blair snapped. She turned to Dan and noticed Serena, Nate, and Vanessa had appeared behind him.

Chuck was getting impatient. His voice rising, he asked, "Can somebody please tell me what the fuck is going on?"

Nate quickly shut the glass doors so no one inside heard him.

"Chuck, lower your voice and calm down," Serena said calmly, but sternly.

"I will not calm down. Tell me what's going on!" He growled.

"Blair and I are together. We're in love." Dan said, all eyes turning to him. Blair let out a small gasp.

"What?" Chuck asked, taking a step backward.

No, no, NO. This was not supposed to happen this way. I didn't want him to find out like this.

Everyone was waiting for her to say something. So, "It's true," was all she could manage.

She saw the anger rise in him again. "And you all knew about this?" He threw his arm in the air, motioning to Vanessa, Nate, and Serena.

"No, we just found out, Chuck. Yesterday," Nate answered.

Serena cut in, "It doesn't matter when we found out. You need to calm down."

He ran his hands through his hair, "I'm not going to calm down." His words were harsh, his voice jarring. "I can't even believe this."

He took a step towards Blair, who immediately stepped back. She knew he wasn't going to hit her, but he certainly wasn't about to hug her. This whole night had been so unpredictable; she didn't know what was going to happen next.

"I have to go," he announced, voice still jolting.

"Chuck, wait-" Blair said, trying to stop him. She needed to explain more.

He turned to look at her again, his face cold and unfamiliar. "I can't look at you," he spat.

He rushed towards the others, to the door. Dan winced, expecting a punch. It didn't come. Instead, he opened the door quickly.

When it shut with a thud, Blair crumbled.


Dramatic enough for ya? Review!