Chapter Nine - On the Inside

"You can pretend it will be alright
No matter how you sell it

When you tell it it's a lie

Cause it's still just you on the inside..."

Disclaimer: I do not own GG & its characters. I do, however, own this story. Therefore the story is © by me. Distribution of any kind is prohibited without my written consent.

"This has better be important, Chuck," Serena warns under her breath as she enters Chuck's loft at the Empire State, only to see a woman walking out with barely-there clothing on her way out. Annoyed, she stands with her arms rest on her hips as she gives him a displeased look. "Should I expect that your days now consist of drinking, fucking and running the Empire?" She asks but doesn't really expect an answer from him because she likes to say that she knows him well enough to know that this is how he deals with his pain. She only wishes she had known better before showing up on here on a whim.

His brow eyes looks back with desolation as he only shrugs and makes his way to the living room. "Come. Join me."

She shakes her head, refusing to follow. "I came because you said it is important; because you said it's something that you needed to talk with in person. Obviously, I was wrong." With that, she clicks her heels and heads for the door.

"I need your help, Serena," he calls back in pleading desperation that she doesn't recognize. "Please. Stay."

She sighs, cursing under her breath. She will regret this, she knows but against her better judgment, she concedes to his request and trudges over to the couch. Sitting down, "So what is it that you need, Chuck?" asks Serena, though she somewhat has a clue as to what he'll say.

"You look good," he comments with a small smile.

It's so unlike him to beat around the bushes, she thought, before answering with a polite smile. "Thanks, though I don't think I can say the same thing about you." Glossing over his face, she could barely see the old Chuck Bass behind the mess. "You look like hell, Chuck."

"Charming."

"Maybe you should consider a change in lifestyle. You might live longer that way."

He smiles wryly. "I doubt death cares whether or not I fuck a few models, drink a couple of shots or smoke a couple of things before taking me out."

"Point taken."

He then exhales sharply. "Anyway, I'm sure you're well aware of the fall out between me and Archibald," Chuck begins in a quiet, accepting tone. "I want to make that fall out to be a fall in, if you know what I mean."

"Even a five year old knows what you mean."

"Then you get my drift."

"Just what is that you think I can do to make that happen?"

His eyes shimmer in delight as if she has already said yes to his request when she merely asked how. He then smugly grins and reaches into his pocket. Pulling out what look to be a white envelope, "I'll be hosting a banquet for that nonprofit organization your brother's volunteering at—" he explains.

"Wait—" Serena quickly intercepts, tossing a skeptical glance. "You heard about The Trevor's Project?"

He nods, hurling it into her lap. "They approached me this morning and wanted to know whether or not I was interested in letting them host a fundraiser here, at the Empire. I'm guessing that they somehow found out about my relation with little Eric from the family registry and whatnot. Regardless, I plan to fully take advantage of this situation."

And there's the old Chuck that she knows, the one who turns any opportunity that comes his way in to benefitting the one and only, Chuck Bass. Glancing at the invitation then over at him, "I don't know Chuck," Serena murmurs. "I don't think he'd want to attend knowing that you're hosting it."

"Naïve much, Serena?" simpers Chuck, "Just say that it's a publicity event you have to attend and his attendance is greatly needed."

"You know how I feel about secrets, Chuck."

His eyes seem to laugh at her answer as he leans back and rest against the soft cushion of his couch. Legs cross, "What's changed?" retorts Chuck.

She glares. "We've changed. Maybe you should do the same."

He tosses a lopsided smirk and looks on with distrust. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, mon cherie, but if you think that keeping secrets is the only problem between you and Archibald then you're going to be in for a rude awakening." He then pauses long enough to see her stiffens and a crack on her flawless face. "What? Did the words I say touch a nerve or are you just happy to be here?"

She thinks twice before answering him. "You and I both know the answer to those questions."

"Yet I'm afraid one of us doesn't want to admit it."

Her eyes narrow, warning him that he's now walking on thin ice. "Is this all, Chuck?" asks Serena as she gets up. "Because if it is, I have better things to do other than sitting here and going round and round in circles with you."

It's as if he expects her to react this way from his reaction, or lack thereof. "What's your rush, Serena? Afraid to face look the truth in the face?"

"This is not a game, Chuck. I came because you said you needed help; and if you only brought me here to insult my relationship with Nate then I don't need to be here again, or ever for that matter."

"Don't get your panties all in a knot," he answers. "I'm merely acting out as a concerned step-brother. You are my step-sister—"

"You mean like how Jenny was and you didn't think twice about taking her virginity away? Or how Blair was the love of your life and you treated her life shit? I'm well aware of how you treat those you're supposed to care about Chuck."

His face turns grim. "I've apologized to them numerous times."

"Like that makes a difference to what kind of person you are," says Serena, rolling her eyes. "You're toxic to those who know you, Chuck. Always have and always will be. You can try to be anything else but we both know a leopard never changes its spots, no matter what."

He licks his lips dryly, tasting the bitterness dripping on the tip of his tongue. "Then it's a good thing that I never claimed to be a changed man."

She throws her purse over her shoulder. "We're done here, Chuck."

"I want your assurance that you'll be there with Archibald."

"And if I say no?"

If he was shaken by her reply, he hides it well because the smirk still tugs the corner of his lips as he answers knowingly, "You won't."

"Really?"

"Don't you want to know once and for all if your relationship is really what is it Serena?"

"I trust Nate."

"Right, because you guys had such an innocent beginning."

"Get a life Chuck."

"Why don't we make things more interesting?" asks Chuck, leaning forward. His eyes practically glows red with danger. "Let's play a game."

She compresses her lips into displeased lines. "I just said I don't like games, Chuck."

He chuckles. "Ah—but I guarantee that this is the one game you won'tbe disappointed in and all you have to do is bring Archibald."

author's note.

Happy 5th of July! I meant to get this up earlier but didn't have time so... anyway, it's another short chapter. Seems to be my kind of thing these days =P Right now, I'm working on planning and revamping this a bit. I'm not really satisfied with the chapter and my ideas are kind of jumping all over the place. I kind of want them to connect and be more fluid so... the next update will probably not be up anytime soon. I'll try my best though... we'll see...

Clarkispotamia: Sorry for the confusion. It's Serena talking to her number 1 client, Michael. I thought I should write a bit about their professional life though don't worry because it won't be heavily concentrated on ^^ He'll play a somewhat important character later on in her life. Maybe.

shadylady21: please refer to the comment above :D lol. And you might not find out what they talk about per say but you'll get the gist of it since it'll be mentioned.

ronan03: the copyright sign is actually made by word. When I put (c) in, it automatically turns into that. I just copy and pasted it. Lol. Pretty smart of me, right? ;D

veronica21: thanks ^^ enjoy the chapter!

SmallTownGirl4: first off, welcome! and second, you read all 9 chapters? kudos to you ^^ hopefully this chapter didn't disappoint!

- dh

p.s. this chapter also goes out to those who have been with me since the first chapter. You guys know who your awesome selves are so thank you for sticking with this story