The weekend of Nate's business trip, Chuck and Blair spent basically every moment together. When it came time to go to Serena's party, the duo was actually dreading it. They would have to go separately and spend most of the evening apart. It was not the ideal situation for their last night alone before Nate returned. But they had committed to attending, so they had to at least make an appearance.

At the event, Chuck spent most of the time sitting at the bar, occasionally talking to an acquaintance when they stopped to get a drink. He watched as Blair talked in a group with Serena and a few other society women. She had a huge grin on her face and she looked so genuinely happy that Chuck couldn't help but stare at her in wonder. She was almost glowing, and he knew it was all because of him.

Serena looked up from the conversation and caught Chuck staring at Blair as she laughed at something one of the other women said. When they made eye contact, Serena simply smiled at her step-brother and mouthed the words 'thank you,' acknowledging the visible change he had brought about in her best friend. Chuck nodded back with a smirk before he turned back to the bar so that no one else would notice his fixation on a certain brunette.

Dinner came and Chuck was disappointed to find that he was not seated near Blair. The meal went by quickly enough, with only a few covert glances passing between Chuck and Blair across the table.

After dinner, Chuck finally had the opportunity to approach Blair alone. She was lounging at the bar, sipping some champagne when he came up beside her, "You don't look so good, lover." He said mischievously.

"What are you talking about, Bass?" She asked as she turned to face him with a slight scowl. She wasn't sure if anyone could overhear them and she didn't want other people to be aware that her heart jumped at his voice and she had to focus to keep her breathing even.

He reached out with the intention for it to appear that he needed to steady her, though in reality she was completely stable, "I think you've had a bit too much to drink, Waldorf. Maybe it's time for you to head home." He drawled with a smirk.

"Oh please," She scoffed, "I've barely had two glasses of champagne. I'm nowhere near tipsy."

"Since your husband is out of town, it is my duty as his best friend to get you home safely this evening," Chuck said pointedly before he leaned in and whispered, "Whether it be your home or mine."

Blair continued to stare at him for a moment before she realized what he was hinting at. Instantly, she was just as eager to leave the party as he was, "Well, I am feeling a bit faint. Maybe it would be a good idea for me to retire early. I just have to say good-bye to Serena."

Chuck smirked as he helped her down from the bar stool. She walked over to Serena trying to act slightly inebriated. When she reached her best friend, Blair placed her hand on Serena's arm just a little too heavily as she leaned forward slightly, "S, I had a great time tonight, but I really must be going. I'm feeling a little dizzy." Blair said with the hint of a slur.

"Oh Blair, how much have you had?" Serena exclaimed, "Do you need some help getting home?"

"No, no. I'll be fine. Chuck is going to come with me." Blair said as she waved absently behind her in the direction of Chuck, who simply nodded at the blonde as he waited for Blair.

"Okay B," Serena said somewhat reluctantly, "Just text me when you get home, Okay?"

"Sure, sure." Blair said vaguely as she turned and walked off, making sure to stumble slightly into Chuck so he could put his arm around her waist without drawing suspicion.

Once they were in the elevator they both started laughing as Chuck pushed her against the wall, "My, Waldorf, I didn't know you were such a great actress. That was almost Oscar-worthy."

"Why thank you, Bass. I've seen you and Serena wasted enough times to have perfected a false state of inebriation."

"Mmm, and you looked extremely hot while doing it." Chuck murmured into her ear.

Blair giggled coyly, "Well, if you think that was hot, you have no idea what you're in for tonight."

Chuck groaned as he leaned forward and captured her lips with his.