Perhaps it was the moment when Blair Waldorf slept with Chuck Bass that her life completely turned around. Perhaps it was the decision to keep their little affair going on while the oblivious eyes of the Upper East Side suspected that she was still mourning over the break-up with Nate Archibald. Perhaps, that was the beginning of the strange new predicament about to become--the sight of the most feared and unexpected couple, Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf.
Of course Blair couldn't point fingers anymore. This was what her life was now; this was what she made it to be. Surprisingly, she wasn't expecting to be disappointed which was a scary thought considering that she was about to go public with resident bad boy, Chuck Bass. She was almost anxious for the charmed, thrilling new life that lay ahead.
For as long as Blair could remember, Nate was the only boyfriend she ever had. When they had first met at the tender age of four, Blair was instantly sweet on him. It was him she dreamed of and it was always him she said she would marry. When he finally acknowledged her feelings and when they were finally a couple (Which was in sixth grade to be exact, even though the actual private dates didn't begin till at least ninth grade.) it all just seemed to click together, and Blair was sure she had a good grip on controlling her future.
The first night spent with Chuck was like Blair's first awakening. There was fire, there was passion with every kiss, every touch, caress, and movement exchanged between them. It was something Blair had never felt before. With Nate, everything was predictable, everything was written in stone somewhere, but with Chuck everything was a beautiful mystery.
Only an hour ago she had stood before her mirror and studied her perfect reflection, trying to make sense of her new life. She kept her gaze fixed on the mirror. "Chuck Bass is my boyfriend. Chuck Bass is my boyfriend. Chuck Bass is my boyfriend." She stated in a serious tone, repeatedly trying to get used to the idea. Did it make sense? She wondered. Was it possible?
Little did she know that a few blocks down, he was doing the same exact thing. Taking in his handsome appearance in his mirror, while tying his scarf around his neck and studying his reflection. "Blair Waldorf is my girlfriend. Blair Waldorf is my girlfriend. I, Chuck Bass, actually settled down and got myself a girlfriend."
It was an idea they would both need to get used to.
So here she was. Standing across the street from the front yard of Constance Billard and St. Jude's. And standing right next to her was Chuck Bass in a beige cashmere pea coat, his signature scarf around his neck and his aftershave and cologne combination floating in the air, up under her nose. This was it. This was what was about to become history.
He cocked his head to the side and smiled at Blair's nervous gaze that was fixed straight ahead of her, at the place that was bound to either break her or make her.
"You ready?" He asked slowly.
Blair Waldorf inhaled and nodded quickly. "Yes." She tried to reply confidently. And that was when she locked her hand in his and they crossed the street and entered the courtyard.
"OH"
"MY"
"GOD!"
It was everywhere. The shocked glances, the gaping mouths, bulging eyes, noisy whispers. The gossip was everywhere.
The very first second that Chuck's left foot and Blair's right one stepped onto school property, everyone's head had turned and from almost every angle, the only words that could be heard was, oh my god.
Everyone's phones had started buzzing and ringing uncontrollably at the same second that the two came into clear view.
Good morning Upper East Siders, just another boring school day or is it not? Rumor has it that former Queen Blair Waldorf and former bad boy Chuck Bass have united and our ready to reign over Manhattan. Is it true that the two most dangerous forces of the Upper East Side have joined? Seems so very treacherous, and yet perfect to me. Don't believe me? See for yourself. You know you love me, XOXO Gossip Girl.
"Omigawd!"
"Chuck and Blair? Blair and Chuck?"
"O.M.G."
"Should we be scared?"
"Oh my fucking god!"
"Chuck Bass has a girlfriend?!"
"BLAIR WALDORF IS DATING CHUCK BASS??"
"O.M.F.G!!"
"Blair actually decided to be with him?!"
"Omigod!"
"When did this happen?"
"This is the last couple I ever expected!"
The rumors, the words spread; the looks exchanged didn't end for a while. People weren't even succinct or the least bit careful about the loudness of their tones. Their rude, yet shocked comments echoed through the streets of Manhattan and of course made its perfect path to Blair and Chuck's ears.
They kept their walk at a nice easy pace, and eventually their strides were perfectly aligned with one another's. When Chuck's left leg took another stride, so did Blair's. They both kept their heads up high and Blair was more than shocked to realize that she wasn't mortified while all of this was happening. She was loving every second of it.
Chuck looked at her every few seconds to see if she was okay, to see if she was going to break free from his grip and run home and basically break the news to him that this was never going to work. What he didn't expect was to see the soft grin forming at the corners of her lips.
She is enjoying this. She isn't embarrassed. He thought confidently.
Blair looked beside her at all the widened eyes of the Constance Billard girls and smiled prettily as if everything was completely normal. "Hi girls." She said sweetly and waved.
Chuck looked to his side at his peers and winked to those who basically wished that they were him. The fact that they were completely cool with their new decision and the fact that they acted like nothing was wrong was what made this whole scene so scandalous.
Just then straight ahead at one of the benches Blair saw Serena and Dan sitting, engrossed in a low key conversation. Serena saw Blair and waved, looking completely oblivious to all of the commotion about her best friend.
"There's Serena and Brooklyn." Blair murmured while turning to her right and putting her hand on Chuck's chest as she whispered to him.
Chuck grinned. He loved that she was so comfortable about all of this. He couldn't help but keep grinning and enjoying the moment. So this is what it's like to have a steady girlfriend. This is what its like to be Blair Waldorf's boyfriend.
Just then Nate Archibald came out of a corner, his backpack thrown over his shoulder and his expression dull. A few guys he talked to trailed behind him slowly, speaking to him about something uninteresting. Just then he lifted his head up and saw the two familiar dark heads from his wicked past. His ex girlfriend, and his long lost best friend. His jaw clenched and his face hardened at the sight of them acting like they were the perfect couple.
Oh fuck. Chuck thought as his old friend came out of no where and stole a glance at him and Blair. Suddenly a pit formed in his stomach. What the hell was he supposed to do now? Surely Nate would come over and pin him against another limo and threaten him. But Chuck couldn't help but shake off his paranoia. Nate was a hypocrite and Chuck Bass was a resident asshole, why not continue to stir up more trouble?
Chuck passed Nate and with only a few feet between them Chuck only grinned when he met Nate's pissed expression. Chuck then broke his hand lock with Blair and quickly put his arm around her waist and moved to kiss her cheek.
Nicely done.
Nate scoffed, rolled his eyes and turned to walk away.
Blair watched the whole exchange and couldn't help but notice how Nate's eyes didn't meet hers once. This was all between Chuck and Nate. Blair suddenly realized that with the recent exposure of her recent past, of sleeping with both of them, she had really turned the tables and began a war that wasn't about to end, anytime soon.
"So you've made your decision? Everything is okay, you're not feeling weak or depressed or sick or anything?" Serena muttered as quietly as possible in the back of the US history class. The last thing she needed was for a teacher to complain to the principal about Serena disrupting a class.
Blair took one last glance at the board, scribbled her notes down on the Roaring 20's and Great Depression before putting the cap back on her pen and turning her attention to Serena. "I'm sorry but what did you just ask? I totally did not understand that question."
Serena rolled her eyes. "I mean everything is okay now, with you, physically?"
Blair's eyes squinted. "That was not expected, I thought you were talking about Chuck." She mumbled.
Serena shifted her body more so she could move her chair a tiny bit closer to Blair's. "Yeah and I'll get to that in a few seconds, but more importantly I want to know that you're okay."
"I'm fine S. Really, I am."
Serena smiled tightly. "Okay then now let's talk about Chuck."
"This sounds like a therapy session."
"Well I guess it can be."
"But I didn't request one."
"Blair, please just tell me that this isn't revenge, that you aren't doing this to get back at Nate?"
Blair's jaw clenched and she waited a few seconds before replying. "Just because it's Chuck, Serena, doesn't mean that I'm only in this relationship for show."
Serena looked away realizing that the last thing she wanted was for her and Blair to get into a fight.
"Blair I didn't mean it like that."
"Well then how did you mean it? Why can't me and him just be the real deal? Why does everyone not accept us? It's either Nate, or you, or my mom or—"
"Wait your mom?" Serena asked puzzled.
Blair shook her head and tried to refrain from raising her voice in anger. "Yes I wanted to tell her about us at lunch yesterday and she totally flipped out on me, saying that Chuck wasn't good enough and that I'm only one of his conquests…"
"Well Blair your mom and I only say this out of consideration, Chuck has a bad rep, and we don't want him to just use you."
"HE'S NOT USING ME!" Blair practically growled between clenched teeth.
"Okay, he probably isn't but I'm just saying—"
"No Serena." Blair said flatly, raising a dismissive hand. "Just leave it alone, there's no way I can make you understand him and me…me and him together."
Serena stared at Blair with sad eyes. "Then help me understand. The last time I talked to you or even saw you, you were a mess on your bathroom floor and I was scared to death for you and suddenly today you're Chuck Bass' girlfriend. I just thought you would at least tell me how it all happened." She pleaded.
Blair eased up a little bit. "I want you to understand S, but I can't just explain it to you in a period." She smiled slightly. "But I promise you, I'm not stupid, something happened to Chuck…he's different and I like him, a lot. Trust me it's weird to me too to have the title as his girlfriend, but we all need to just get used to it."
Serena smiled. "Okay. I guess its better I see this new side of him anyway, since he's going to be my new stepbrother." She replied back sarcastically.
Blair swatted her arm playfully while smiling. "Yeah well you know I'll be paying lots of late night visits." She grinned wickedly.
Serena scrunched up her face. "Ugh gross, please a little at a time, I still need to process you guys as a couple, I do not want to think about you ditching a sleepover with me to join him in his bed and have loud, sweaty sex all night."
Both girls started giggling uncontrollably, and their history teacher turned around and glared at them. Blair covered her mouth while smirking. "Sorry." They muttered in unison.
Blair appeared as if she were about to go back to taking her notes and being the good student she was until an idea sprang into her bright mind. She slapped her pen down on her notebook noisily.
"Oh my god, I have the perfect plan." Blair said excitedly.
Serena raised an eyebrow, waiting for the next sentence.
"What better way to climb on top than to host a new social party?"
"Wow Blair I love the originality, I've never heard an idea like that before." Serena answered.
Blair rolled her eyes. "Shut up, I was just telling you because about a second ago I came up with a brilliant plan to host a themed Roaring 20's party. It will be perfect; we can book it in some underground club, have it decorated like an old speakeasy, wear flapper costumes and listen to Jazz while we guzzle our illegal cocktails which ironically will be illegal because we're still underage." Blair said smiling.
Serena couldn't help but beam back. "Actually B, that sounds like a really good idea. But I'm afraid to hear the motive behind this--who are you trying to destroy and how is that party going to set that plan in motion?"
Blair put a hand over her heart and tried to look insulted "Well excuse me Ms. Van der Woodsen but why does everything I do have to be a scheme?"
"Because you're always scheming."
"True but I'll plan that later on, right now my only concern is planning a classy and original party that will set me back on top. Fair?"
"Fair, can't wait to see how this one goes."
Chuck sat back in his seat and stretched. He of course had not been paying attention, because really, why should he? He was Chuck Bass; they should be paying him to come to class.
He glanced beside him at Nate, who stared down at his books for almost the entire period. From where Chuck sat, he was certain that Nate was still fuming. But Chuck also wasn't budging. Chuck loved Blair and he deserved every right to be with her. Nate was the one who broke up with her anyway, and dumped him as a friend along the way.
The most awkward of classes had to be chemistry. It was the only class in which they couldn't switch lab partners, hence the reason why Chuck and Nate still sat next to each other. For the last few days, ever since the big blowup, no words had been exchanged between them and chemistry had become an extremely silent period for the both of them. Shockingly, both boys had probably even learned something due to the silence.
Just then Chuck's phone vibrated in his pocket. He felt Nate shift uncomfortably next to him, but Chuck ignored him and took his phone out of his pocket and held it the right way under the desk so that the teacher wouldn't suspect anything.
I kno u hav free nxt, meet me at the Met. Miss you already xo B
Chuck grinned and typed his reply.
Absolutely. Wait after class for me, we can wlk 2gether. Love you B –C
Chuck sent the message and smiled, and he couldn't help but add the 'I love you' part in.
"It never fails; if that's the first text of the day…expect at least a hundred more after that."
Chuck wasn't sure he heard the voice right, but when he felt the shock pass through him he cocked his head to the side only to realize that Nate did mumble those words to him. Nate kept his gaze fixed on the board and he copied down the notes as if this all didn't matter to him. Chuck winced. Nate knew Blair was texting him.
"Yeah this is the first one I guess." Chuck offered, still feeling awkward.
Nate nodded and smiled slightly. "Never ignore a call either. She'll know… she has this way of knowing."
Chuck looked away and tried to make it seem like he was busy paying attention to the lesson as well. "Yeah."
"And never be late, for anything."
"That I know." Chuck mumbled.
Nate nodded, still not taking his eyes off the board. "Then I guess all I can say is don't screw it up and don't hurt her." Nate added and it took a moment for Chuck to register the fact that Nate wasn't threatening him; he was almost wishing them the best. Chuck couldn't help but notice how sad Nate's voice sounded.
Chuck took a deep breath and nodded. "Thanks man."
The bell rang and everyone got out of their seats quickly. Chuck and Nate were the last ones out of the room, nervously shuffling all of their items into their messenger bags. Finally they met each other's glances.
Nate nodded respectively at Chuck. "She's all yours now." He said before walking out of the classroom quickly.
Chuck watched as his old friend walked out of the classroom and stood there in shock, not quite sure what to make of any of this. The last thing he had expected was for Nate to be the least bit civil to him. They were boys though, so no apologies were exchanged and Chuck was certain that this didn't mean they were friends now. Chuck almost wanted to tell Nate that he didn't need to hear any of this because he knew Blair, he knew Blair better than she knew herself but he accepted the information because he never had a serious relationship before, and he was relieved that Nate was accepting them as a couple. Strangely, although only a few comments were exchanged between the two, Chuck sensed that Nate was finally moving on and letting Chuck get the girl. For the most part, none of those arguments made Chuck feel any better because the bottom line was; he had broken the two most important laws of a male friendship.
He let a girl come in between a friendship and he had stolen his best friend's girl.
"Finally, it's about time." Blair said in a slightly bitchy tone. She had her arms crossed and kept clicking the sole of her flats on the ground to show that she was losing patience.
She had waited the longest five minutes of her life in the front courtyard, displaying a very annoyed expression on her face. Blair hated waiting on people.
It was the middle of the day and most of the students either had free or study hall so almost everyone were rushing past her or hanging around the courtyard observing her every move, or so it seemed.
Chuck walked up to her very slowly, his eyes glued to the ground. When he finally stood inches away from her he looked up with the same blank expression and moved to kiss her cheek.
She took a step back and grabbed his arm. "Nu uh…no, why are you kissing my cheek? What's wrong?"
Chuck snapped out of his daze and looked at her with confused eyes. "Nothings wrong. Wow Waldorf I didn't know you wanted to be groped in public." He drawled while pulling her closer.
Blair rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile. "So what took you so long?"
Chuck studied her for a minute, and couldn't help but realize that Nate possibly did understand Blair a little more than Chuck expected. Blair was always calculating and scheming, and there was no way anything got around her.
Chuck gulped. "I'm not gonna lie, but it was dear old Nathaniel. We exchanged some words that's all." Chuck finished trying to avoid her eyes.
She put a small hand on his chest. "You guys were fighting?"
Chuck stared down at her hand on his chest and when he hesitated to respond, Blair quickly withdrew her hand and once again crossed her arms and waiting patiently. Chuck of course knew that she was only heating up and getting ready for a battle with words.
"What aren't you telling me?" Blair asked, raising her voice. It was highly unlike her, considering that she preferred her business to stay discreet, but then again Chuck wasn't sure what to expect from her anymore. Being Blair's friend for over a decade showed him a certain side of her. Sleeping with her for months had shown him yet another side, and now being her official boyfriend was bound to show him an entirely new perspective. Maybe one he wasn't ready for.
Chuck closed his eyes and shook his head. "I'm sorry I don't know why I got so mellow. I just felt bad…I got caught up after class because Nate actually decided to speak to me." He finished off dryly.
Blair's eyes widened and she once again put her hand on his chest. "What did he say?" she said quickly.
"I basically just laid it out on the line for you Blair. He spoke to me, we didn't fight or argue or anything he just made it seem like…he was okay with us…I mean about us…being together?"
It was one of those few times that Chuck didn't have a quick response, didn't have enough time to toy with his words and let them wrap around his opponent in a manipulative way. But Blair was more than surprised to see that Chuck had pauses in his sentences and that he wasn't using articulate vocabulary nor was he purring out his words in a seductive manner. Something was seriously bothering him.
"Chuck you're not acting like yourself." Blair stated worriedly.
Chuck tried to shake it off but just stood there stiff. "I'm just I don't know…I feel really guilty."
Blair desperately wanted to investigate and dig deeper into what he was feeling right now, because she was secretly going insane not being able to have witnessed or gotten the details of the first Nate and Chuck confrontation since their fight.
"Yeah me too." She mumbled looking down.
There was a long silence that drifted between them and although their bodies were facing each other and they were very close, there was a certain distance that was keeping them apart. All of this happening while the roars and rumors still spread around them, and while the Upper East side students were still abuzz talking and running around them in this very courtyard. Blair and Chuck looked suddenly out of place, because they both looked motionless and upset.
Finally Blair gave in looking up with tears in her eyes. "I hate myself for feeling this way." She muttered under her breath, her voice shaky. She was trying very hard not to break down in a hysterical cry.
Chuck looked up and suddenly pushed his feelings aside, his mind running wild, beckoning for the meaning of that last statement. He put his arms on her shoulder and grabbed her so that he was holding her in a tight hug.
Blair grasped onto him gently, but eagerly and rested her cheek against his chest. She kept her eyes open and looked at all the faces staring back at her, wondering about her, and judging her at that very moment. She couldn't help but stare back into all of the curious eyes and remain stiff in Chuck's arms, suddenly feeling really uncomfortable.
He held her tight and kissed the top of her head, remembering how only days ago he had her in his arms like this for the first time in a while. He smiled at the familiar and recent memory of them joining together passionately and ultimately deciding that they should be together. Her hair smelt the same way it did that night and she still felt so delicate and small in his arms.
"Blair I don't mean I regret us, or don't want us to be together I just felt bad…that's all…it was weird for me and Nate to talk. It's all so new and strange to me. Months ago I was the best friend and helping him when he was going out with you and now suddenly I'm your boyfriend." He said gently into her hair. "I'm still in shock that I actually have this chance with you."
She moved away from him so that they were face to face. Her eyes were glassy but even he could tell that she was about to burst any minute. "I didn't mean that. I just don't think it's fair that we feel sorry for him…that I feel sorry for him. There isn't anything wrong with us…we were together when Nate and I weren't but yet he's the one who cheated on me with Serena, and yet I still feel sorry for him."
Chuck was instantly relieved that this wasn't really having anything negative to do with him. He felt instantly better and sort of proud that Blair was able to grasp all of these little details about her previous relationship with Nate and finally make sense of their time spent together. In reality, she and Nate were never the perfect couple.
He put his hand on her cheek and smiled. "It's okay."
She shook it off and wiped the tears that made its way to the corners of her eyes. She then looked up at him and smiled. "Come on let's go, we're already late." Blair said grabbing his hand and pulling him down the street.
He used his strength to turn the tables and pull her back. The way her small body twirled back into his arms, it was almost like a dance move.
"What do you mean we're late? Late for whom?" Chuck said confusingly.
Blair bit her lip to keep from smiling. "Dan and Serena?" Blair offered.
Chuck rolled his eyes. "I thought it was just me and you."
"Chuck don't be such a baby."
He was suddenly up in her face. "What was that Waldorf?" he teased, grabbing her hips strongly and pulling her into him. She squealed feeling somewhat ticklish from his slightest touch. He moved in to kiss her but Blair moved her head further away and used her free hands to grab the scarf from around his neck.
"No…wait a second there…" he said looking mortified that she had taken it off.
"What?" she asked playfully, tying it around her own neck. She loved how it felt so warm from his skin and smelt just like him, a mixture or cologne, aftershave, and just a hint of cigarettes.
"That…that is THE scarf, you can't just take it."
"I'm not stealing it, I'm just wearing it. I like it, and it looks cute on me." She cooed.
Chuck wanted to be playfully mad at her but he couldn't help but smile at how adorable she did look. It didn't match her ensemble at all, and it looked like a guy's scarf, yet she still insisted on tying it around her slender neck. It was like she wanted to mark herself and let the whole world know she was his. It was beyond awesome.
"Alright but only if you kiss me in front of this whole school, then you can wear it." Chuck grinned.
"Done." She replied quickly as she closed her eyes ad puckered her lips while standing up on her tippy toes. She leaned over, putting both hands on his chest and kissing him gently but with fevered passion. When she broke away she smiled at him.
He smiled back and grabbed her hand, pulling her by is scarf and taking her lips in a sweet kiss again. She giggled into the kiss and he couldn't help but laugh back as he felt her chuckle against his lips.
She leaned back and grabbed his hand, dragging him down the street. "Come on darling, we are very very late now." She declared romantically, sounding very similar to Audrey Hepburn.
He followed her obediently and for the first time Blair and Chuck traveled to the Met, together, by foot, and couldn't help but smile goofily the whole way there, just enjoying each other's company and finally being able to publicly display their affection. Their hands were locked the entire time and when the weren't talking, they couldn't help but steal some secret glances at each other while the other wasn't looking and marvel at their perfect little romance.