Hello dears! It's Thursday, which means that it's time for another chapter.

I want to start off by thanking you all sincerely. I know I sort failed last week. I was shadowing someone at work, which meant I had no time to write last week. As amazing as that experience was, I made a total fool of myself by fainting at work. Embarrassment aside, it was kind of a scary thing. I've fainted before, but never to that extent. Anyway, because of all of that, I decided to take a break and give myself a week to catch up.

This chapter was heavily influenced by House Hunters, which is the only show my family will happily agree to watch together.

Breaking news Upper East Siders, C is back in New York, a newly married man. Sources tell me, S's Kindergarden bestie, Blair Waldorf, is the one to finally reel in the Bass. Well played, B. Now that C's got the love of his life, S got her BFF back, and our favorite little Bass has a new Mommy. Where does everyone's favorite devil, G, fit in? Send me all your theories!

XOXO, Gossip Girl

"Welcome home," Chuck deadpanned to Blair as they walked through the door to his suite at the Empire. Blair's nose furrowed a bit as she took in the place.

"You live here," she questioned, looking around. "With Evie?"

"That's her room," Chuck pointed at the room next to Blair. "Or that was her. Currently her stuff has been shifted into my room. You can make yourself comfortable in her room."

Blair pursed her lips at that. It was a bit of a relief to get a night of decent sleep without Chuck Bass next to her, but she would miss his presence beside her. She struggled to repress the conflicting emotions, but the question left her mouth before she could. "Are you sure she'll let you sleep next to her after you tossed her out of the bed?"

Chuck smirked at that, "We came to an agreement." He said simply. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to meet with my lawyers."

Chuck had spent the entire flight home communicating with his lawyers while Blair pressed Evelyn with questions. Her favorite color, her favorite snack. These were all things a suitable mother should know, right?

"Of course," Blair nodded. Part of her wondered if she should insist on joining Chuck. She had yet to meet his lawyers since the wedding, and she knew that she should be prepared for the trial as well.

"Evelyn is with Dorota, they should be back soon. Dorota keeps Evelyn on a pretty tight schedule, it would be best to stay of their way." Chuck said, a bit sterner than he had intended it to come out.

Blair flinched at the warning in his voice. Remember the agreement, she reminded herself, nothing has changed. Despite the honeymoon, growing close with Evelyn, she had been the one to insist that she divorce Chuck as soon as the trial was over. Chuck was only protecting his daughter, she could not begrudge him that. Biting down on her lip, she looked around the apartment and spoke her mind. "I don't think this will work, Chuck."

Chuck froze. "What won't work?" He felt a sense of panic growing in him as his mind raced through every possibility. He opened his mouth to immediately apologize for being so harsh on her about Evelyn, but she cut him off.

"I don't know much about custody battles, but I assume that someone is eventually going to come to our house to see how we're raising Evelyn, and this," she gestured to the apartment around them, "it simply won't work."

"Why?" He raised an eyebrow at her, feeing a sense of calm wash over him. She wasn't leaving, not yet at least. "I've been raising Evelyn in this place since I acquired the Empire, she loves it here. Besides, I practically grew up in hotels."

"And look how you turned out." She eyed him with a look of distaste that made him feel slightly uncomfortable. "Besides," she cut him off before he could argue back, "we should find a place with space for all of us, not just a place where we are managing. What would you say if someone were to ask why we're sleeping in separate rooms?"

"You have a contagious disease," Chuck said instantly, a smile playing on his lips. "Say the flu, or lice. We can let that person assume what kind of lice you have."

"Chuck," she growled at him, crossing her arms over her chest. Anger flashed through her at his smugness. "If I got any sort of lice, it'd be from you. You're a walking STD."

He frowned at that, suddenly grateful that Evelyn was out with Dorota. "Blair," he snarled out, running an irritated hand through his hair. "If you want to buy a new house, do whatever the hell you want. It's not like I can stop you."

Blair straightened instantly, pleased to be getting what she wanted, the anger melting from her frame. "Thank you, Chuck," she said with a pleasant smile. "I'll let you know when I've found a suitable alternative."

Chuck did a double take at Blair's sudden change, before he shook his head and walked right out the door.

"You know, all things considered," Malika mused over a cup of coffee. "Blair's right on this one."

Chuck glared at her over his own cup of coffee. "I'm beginning to think it was a bad idea to include you in this."

He had invited her to meet with him and his lawyers in order to discuss his next few steps now that Georgina had officially summoned him to court. His lawyers had plans and bravado, while Malika had reported that she had sufficiently kept Georgina out of the press, at least until Gossip Girl broke the news, once he got back to Manhattan.

Malika rolled her eyes, leaning forward on the table. "Look your place is an awesome bachelor pad," she leaned forward, "but there's no way you're selling the idea that it's a great place to raise a child."

"She has her own room," Chuck defended himself. There was a certain novelty to living in a hotel. Sure he had no supervision growing up, and it had been a lonely existence. But Evelyn was different. She had people with her constantly, Chuck included.

"Come on, Chuck," Malika scoffed. "Little kids are supposed to be surrounded by people who love them, people who are family. You've been surrounding Evelyn around people who work for you. Besides, you told Blair that you were raised like that. Tell me, how did you like growing up in hotels?" She stood up suddenly, looking at someone past Chuck. "Think about it." She walked past him, "He's all yours," she said to an approaching Nate.

Nate crossed Malika with an uncomfortable smile and settled into the spot that she had left. "What's wrong with her?" He asked when she was out of ear shot.

"She's just upset with me for fighting with Blair." Chuck dismissed with a wave.

Nate's face fell. "What did you fight with her about?"

"Blair wants to get a new place," Chuck sneered. "Guess the Empire is not up to her tastes."

"Chuck," Nate squirmed at bit, his eyes shifted around the place, like he almost wasn't sure whether to agree with Chuck or not.

Chuck's eyes narrowed on Nate. "You agree with her."

"Your place isn't exactly the friendliest, especially for a kid. I think Blair's got a point." Nate shrugged genially. "But it's your call, Dude, you're still Evelyn's father."

"Yeah," Chuck nodded quickly, happy to have Nate on the same page as him. "I'm her father."

"And you know what's best for her," Nate prodded, looking much too satisfied. "So you'll always do what's best for her."

"Exactly," Chuck agreed before he slumped a bit in realization. "God damn it," he growled as he stood up.

"Where are you going?" Nate asked, still smiling happily, as if knowing exactly where Chuck was headed. "I haven't even gotten my coffee yet."

"I need to go call Blair," he said, walking out of the coffee shop, while Nate laughed at his retreating form.

"I'm so pleased you could join us today," the real estate agent trilled, settling into the comfortable leather seats in the Limo. "I've got some wonderful properties to show you and Mrs. Bass today." She batted her eyelids at Chuck who smirked back at her.

Blair rolled her eyes. Chuck had called her right after she made the call to a real estate agent that Serena recommended, insisting that he join her on her house hunting. As soon as he turned up, the real estate agent hurried towards him, purring, "Call me Betty, darling." She stuck out her hand and chest at the same time. Chuck in turn, grabbing her hand, and twisted it towards him and placed a soft kiss on her hand. Betty let out a long sigh, backing away from slowly.

Blair felt at pang of irritation at the way Chuck seemed to handle Betty. She knew, logically, that Betty was a middle aged cougar that Chuck had no interest in, judging by the way his eyes flitted away from her within a few seconds. But it was infuriating to see him flirt with another woman with such ease, when he could barely make eye contact with her.

She was his wife, god damn it.

She slid her hand over Chuck's, determinedly not meeting his eyes, as he glanced towards her questioningly. After a moment, she felt his fingers lace through hers, and she shot a smug look at Betty, who was now looking out the window resolutely.

"Ah," Betty crowed a bit too high-pitched. "Here we are."

They stepped out in front of a modern building.

"This is a wonderful new building that just went high-rise and upscale," Betty waved wildly as they walked towards the building. "And today we're seeing the penthouse. It's got a private elevator that leads straight into a wonderful living room. But I'll let the place speak for itself."

"What about children's amenities?" Blair was stopped on the side of the street, looking up at the building skeptically. "And I requested to have a park within walking distance, didn't I?"

"There is a park down the street, Mrs. Bass. Merely a quick ten minute walk," Betty assured Blair. "However this building is more designed towards young couples. There is a gym, swimming pool, excellent security, etc."

"This simply won't do." Blair shook her head. "We're looking for a home, Betty," Blair sneered. "And this," she waved her hand in front of the building, "is a pathetic excuse for steel and concrete." She stomped back to the car.

Betty shot at Chuck a helpless look, who merely shrugged his shoulders, hands tucked into his pockets. He looked vaguely amused at Blair's display.

"On to the next house," Chuck suggested, pointing back to the Limo. "This could take awhile," he said conversationally. "I do hope you have no plans for later in the day."

"This is a lovely Pre-War building," Betty said, leaning out the window as they pulled up to the next building. "There is a four story walk up, but the landlord has assured me that they're planning on installing a elevator soon."

"A four story walk up?" Blair screeched. She looked over at Chuck, her eyes wide. "Have I hired the most incompetent realtor in all of New York?"

Chuck merely raised a questioning eyebrow at Betty, as if sharing Blair's question.

Betty shook her head furiously. "No matter, Mrs. Bass. I've got another building that may suit your needs."

"This is in the Upper West Side," Blair deadpanned as they pulled up to the next building.

"Yes," Betty hemmed carefully, "But it's a wonderful townhouse. It's got eight bedrooms, and it's a steal at—."

"But it's in the Upper West Side." Blair cut her off, her eyes flashing dangerously.

Betty stared at Blair open mouthed for a moment, unsure how to proceed. She didn't look towards Chuck for help, who was currently settled into his seat, swirling around a glass of scotch, looking at the proceedings, highly amused.

"We'll just go back to the Upper East Side, shall we," Betty murmured, tossing a few papers in her hand back into her bag.

"This is adequate," Blair pursed her lips, peering out of the window, before Betty could speak. "Chuck?" She turned towards him questioningly.

He peered out of the window and smiled a bit, "Whatever you want, darling." He drawled. "I assume we're going to actually go inside and see this one."

She frowned at him, "You were the reason we didn't see the last one in your parents' building."

"I just helpfully pointed out how many woman in the building I'd slept with." Chuck shrugged. Betty flushed red, shuffling with her papers. She looked incredibly disheveled and exhausted at this point. Chuck slid out of the Limo, holding the door open for Blair.

Blair moved to slide out of the Limo, looking back at Betty when she moved behind her. "We won't be needing you for this." Blair looked away as she moved out of the Limo, shutting the door behind her. Chuck shot her a look, which she merely ignored, heading towards the townhouse standing in front of them.

It was definitely more than adequate, Blair mused, walking up to the place. It was much like the place she had imagined living in once she had grown up. It was like a place she had imagined living in with Louis. Except she had never gotten the chance for that.

As they walked through the doorway, she let out an audible gasp.

"You like it?" Chuck turned towards her, a questioning glance on his face.

"It's beautiful," she gasped, suddenly glad that Betty hadn't followed them inside. "The spiraling staircase is gorgeous." She said looking upwards. She glanced at the sheet of selling information that Betty had stuffed into her hands. "The floor below us is the caretaker's apartment," she said dismissively. "Let's go upstairs."

He followed her as they walked up the spiraling staircase and walked into a large living room, brightened by the floor to ceiling windows at the end. "Dining room's down the hall," she pointed as they continued up the stairs.

"A library?" He asked her when they reached the next landing. She nodded and made her way down the hallway. She pushed open a door at the end of the hallway.

"The master bedroom," she announced, as they walked into a large open room.

"Nice space," Chuck admired. "We could fit a big bed in here."

"We?" She turned towards him, raising an eyebrow. "What makes you think I'll be letting you in here?"

"Because I will be paying for it, my love," he sneered. "My house, my rules. I have to admit though," he eyed her up and down. "I'm looking forward to sharing a bed with you again."

She burned where his eyes trailed over her, and she felt a shiver of pleasure at the thought of Chuck in the same bed as her. "There are more bedrooms upstairs," she said slowly. "I'm sure you'll find one of them more comfortable."

"I doubt it," Chuck drawled as they made their way up the stairs. "As none of them will have you, sweetheart."

Throughout the entire house, Blair could feel Chuck's eyes on her. Every heated moment between them made it more and more difficult to ignore the growing connection between the two of them. She had suggested friendship in an attempt to create distance between the two of them, but it had helped very little. When her back was turned, she could feel Chuck's heated gaze, but the moment she had turned around to meet his gaze, he was looking elsewhere.

She felt like a fool at times. The arrangement was constantly ringing around in her head, and by assuming that there could be something more between the two of them; she was letting Chuck Bass play her like a fool. And Blair Waldorf was no fool.

"What do you think?" She asked him, when they reached the roof. The wind was whistling softly around them.

"Nice," he placed his hands in his pockets. "The master bedroom was my favorite." He said shooting her a suggestive look.

She shot him a wan smile. "That couch did look lovely," she mused, while his smirk only grew wider.

"The bed was even better," he said in smarmy voice.

She rolled her eyes. "So this is the one?"

The smile on his face grew more genuine. "This is the one."

"Blair showed me the place," Serena crowed into the phone loudly, when she picked up. "It really is lovely, Chuck. I'm so glad for you."

"Yeah," he said slowly. "Look I need a favor. Blair wants to surprise Evelyn with the new place today evening. She's over there setting up. Do you mind bring Evie over around seven?"

"Why can't you do it?" Serena asked, her tone growing more suspicious. He could almost imagine the way her eyes narrowed and her lips pursed, as if she was trying to solve a difficult problem.

"I've got a meeting," he said evasively. It was a half-truth, he had a meeting, just not before they were supposed to meet. He had been hoping to get a few more minutes of time alone with Blair. It was embarrassing enough to admit to himself, much less Serena, who would get overly excited at the prospect.

He could no longer deny the attraction between him and Blair. They had agreed to be friends, which he was starting to think was the stupidest decision he could have ever made. Rational fought him though. His feelings may have changed, but hers might not have. And getting romantically involved with her, it may warp Evelyn's perception of her even more.

Yet he still wanted to see her alone.

"Are you going to see Blair alone?" Serena's voice sounded smug, as if she had just solved a big mystery.

"Sis, if I ever wanted to see Blair earlier then I have to, please have me committed," he drawled, hoping that Serena didn't see through the lie this time.

"Yeah, yeah," Serena dismissed. "Whatever. I'll do it this time, but only because I'm rooting for the two of you."

"I said," he went to repeat himself, but Serena cut him off.

"I know what you said, and I don't believe you." Serena said, and he could almost hear the smile in her voice. "I'll bring Evelyn over around 7:30 just to be safe."

"Serena," he said slowly, eager to dissuade her of the notion that something more might be happening between him and Blair, even though he wasn't quite sure himself.

"Chuck," Serena mocked. "It's okay to like your wife."

He pressed his fingers against his temples in irritation. "But she's not my wife, at least not really."

"You keep saying that, but what you don't realize is, she is. She's your wife, legally speaking, and it's okay to treat her like that, and you probably should," Serena's voice took on a warning tone. "I saw the articles," she said disapprovingly. "Mom was right to try to not let you take Evelyn to the Plaza with you on your wedding night."

Malika had thrust the headlines at him angrily when they had first met. Headlines claiming that there was trouble between him and Blair because Evelyn had followed them from their wedding night to the honeymoon. They had Nate release another article claiming that Evelyn couldn't bear to be left alone, and that the newly weds had enough time to themselves on their honeymoon.

"It's fine," he brushed off. "Malika's having the Spectator do a piece on our house-hunting. Damage control is being done."

"You can't always put on a face for the press," Serena warned him. "You might slip up, becoming closer to Blair might help. Besides, she's a nice girl. I doubt you could do better."

"Thanks Serena," he gritted into the phone, eager for her to hang up.

"Fine Chuck," Serena finally growled out, irritated at the way he dismissed her. "I'll text you before I show up with Evelyn." She snapped into the phone before hanging up, not giving him a chance to say anything else, leaving Chuck to muse over her words.

Blair eyed the picture in front of her.

After negotiating a deal to purchase the furniture she had found appropriate in the house, she had spent most of the day decorating the house to her taste.

She leaned forward to tilt just a bit to the right when Chuck's voice floated through the doorway. "Nice," he drawled.

She whirled around to face him leaning in the doorway staring at her intensely. "What are you doing here?" She asked, her voice high with surprise. "I thought you weren't coming for another half an hour."

"Blair," he said walking towards her, a bit of laughter in his voice, "It's already seven."

She glanced over at the clock on the mantel. "Oh," she said quietly, feeling a bit embarrassed. She glanced at the picture in front of both of them. She had been unsure whether or not it was appropriate, all things considered. But she felt like it would be odd if there were no pictures from their wedding. So she had a picture of Chuck, Evelyn and her blown up. She had been fussing over the picture, worried that Chuck wouldn't like it. "Do you like the picture?"

"I was actually admiring the view from behind," he admitted with a smirk.

She resisted the urge to slap his shoulder, but she couldn't resist the pleased smile that slipped onto her face. "The picture?" She prompted, eager to ignore his remark.

"It's nice," he said, sparing it a glance. He turned back towards her. "Blair, there's something I need to talk to you—." A look crossed her face that made her feel wary.

"Look at this couch I found," she interrupted him in a strangled voice, suddenly afraid of what he was going to say. She had only seen that look on his face when he was about to kiss her. An intense look that she couldn't quite comprehend and it was making her stomach turn. "Doesn't it complete the room?"

"Blair," he said slowly, not looking at the couch, but keeping his gaze fixed on her.

"—And this vase," Blair continued, struggling to ignore Chuck, "Dorota can fill them up with Peonies."

"Blair," Chuck said, his voice growing in irritation.

"—And what about coffee table," Blair pointed at the table. "I was unsure about it at first, but I think it works."

"Oh shut up," he growled, stalking towards her. He scooped her up in his arms and kissed her fiercely. For a moment, Blair froze; she could barely comprehend what was going on. Before she could wonder if this was a bad idea, she melted into his arms, feeling like everything was finally falling into place. Every worry she had instantly disappeared. They could have kissed for ages, his lips moving over her own, her tongue slipping into his open mouth.

Just as she felt his hands skate up the sides over her waist, a voice broke through their haze. "Ew!"

They jumped apart, panting heavily. Blair smoothed her hands over her slightly rumpled dress, while Chuck turned to glare at the intruder, softening instantly when his eyes landed on Evelyn.

Serena, however, looked white-faced. "I'm so sorry," she blurted out, "I tried texting you, Chuck. But the door was open, and Evelyn was eager to see you both."

Evelyn was covering her eyes and chanting 'gross' over and over again.

Struggling to form words, Chuck said the first thing that came to him. "Evelyn, stop." He commanded. "Blair and I were only kissing." He felt his stomach turn at the words.

He had kissed her in a moment of passion. He had given into his desires, and his daughter had seen. The only thing he wanted to prevent was hurting Evelyn, and now he had effectively ruined any chance of this ending easily.

Evelyn peered through a crack in her hands, like she didn't quite trust him to tell the truth. "Are you really done?"

"For now," Chuck said curtly, struggling to remain in the present, as Blair had gone a ghostly shade of white and seemed dazed by the proceedings.

Evelyn giggled, peeling the hands from her eyes. "Is this my surprise?" She gasped, looking around the room.

"Surprise," Serena said weakly, she was turning a ghostly shade of white and her eyes were fixed on Blair's prone form.

"Blair and I bought a new house, we're moving in here." Chuck said trying to focus solely on Evelyn, struggling to control his breathing. "Why don't you go explore the rest of the place, you can try and find your room." He suggested to her.

Evelyn looked thrilled at the idea. "Yay," Evelyn let out a shriek, running out of the room.

"Evelyn," Blair looked up suddenly, sensing an escape, her voice strangled with emotion. "Wait for me." She hurried out of the room, not meeting anyone else's eyes, following Evelyn's retreating figure.

"Chuck," Serena hissed, as soon as Blair was out of earshot. "I said get closer to Blair, not jump in the deep end."

"Serena," Chuck started warningly. "Please don't."

His head was swimming. He hadn't meant to kiss Blair, of course. He had only meant to have a discussion with her. But he was never very good at the talking aspect of relationship. Preferring to communicate with touch. This was the first time that had ever backfired on him.

"—And right in front of Evelyn," Serena continued angrily, "as if she didn't have ideas before. Now she's going to be brimming with them."

Chuck remained silent, a sense of panic growing in him. When she had resisted actually talking to him, the only way he could get her to shut up was to kiss her. Only after they parted did he realize what a huge mistake he had made.

He had kissed her without even knowing how she felt. For all he knew, she could be packing up her bags because he had gotten too close. Or even if she liked him a bit, this would complicate them too much for her to handle.

"You told me," Chuck turned on her, angry that she had encouraged him even a little bit. "You said I should treat Blair like my wife."

Serena sagged with that knowledge. "I know," she said quietly, looking away from him. "It's just that, I thought you would talk to her first."

"What makes you think we didn't talk?" Chuck huffed out.

"It was the way she looked at you." Serena said sadly. "She was so frightened, like the mere thought of you, terrified her." She shook her head, clearing that thought from her head. "You need to fix this," Serena snapped, turning to walk out of the room. "If you don't, Blair's going to run."

Collapsing into the chair, behind him, Chuck felt the panic overtake him. He had really screwed things up.

When Blair had finally caught up with Evelyn, she was sitting in the Playroom, holding up two dolls curiously.

"Blair and Daddy sitting in a tree," she was singing softly under her breath, as Blair walked up to her, "K-I-S-S-I-N-G."

Blair felt her heart break just a crack. Chuck's kiss had caught her off guard, and it was easy, way too easy to sink into him without any regards for the consequences.

His kiss had made one thing clear, he had felt the same connection to her. It was now inescapable. And under all circumstances she would have been thrilled with the kiss. But Evelyn had seen, worse, Serena had seen. Serena knew better. Serena would kill her.

Her mind was racing, did Chuck want more from her? Did she want more? It was one thing to feel attracted to Chuck. He was handsome and suave. It was natural. But the nature of their agreement was complicated. She was married to him, agreed to put on a show for the sake of his daughter, she wanted to leave him as soon as it was over. Now she couldn't leave, not if it was going to hurt Evelyn.

Would Chuck want her to leave though? He had been all too willing to agree to their pre-nup. Would feelings change that? Or would he just want to use her body? Could she let him do that to her? No matter how much she thought she'd enjoy it, there was just too many ramifications to that.

Worse, what if he wanted more? Did she want more? Louis flashed into her mind. He was supposed to be her something more, but that had failed. She wasn't sure if she was ready for something more.

Serena appeared in the doorway, looking breathless and disheveled. "There you are, Evelyn," Serena trilled in a falsetto. "You're father is looking for you, he wants to show you your new room." Serena didn't spare Blair a look.

"But Auntie S, I want to play." Evelyn didn't look away from her dolls, but her whining voice made it clear that she wasn't thrilled with the turn of events.

"Evelyn," Serena's voice was sharp when she spoke again, it startled Blair, and apparently Evelyn, because the younger girl turned towards Serena with a shocked expression. "I need to speak with Blair privately, so could you please go find your father?"

Pausing for only a moment to look hesitantly between the two woman, Evelyn stood up and darted out of the room quickly, calling out for Chuck as she went.

The silence between them crackled with intensity. Blair tried not to cower under Serena's piercing gaze. She hadn't done anything wrong, she reassured herself. She had kissed her husband. Her fake husband. But her husband, nonetheless

"You know," Serena said finally, her tone thoughtful. "When I told Chuck to make a move on you, I didn't really mean for him to kiss you. But I shouldn't really be surprised."

Blair's head snapped up, her expression surprised. "You told Chuck to make a move on me?"

Serena's face softened. "I really like having you as a sister-in-law."

Blair's breath quickened, "I've only been your sister-in-law for a couple of weeks," she muttered numbly. "You can't really—."

"I never had a best friend after you," Serena said suddenly, cutting Blair off. "I mean, Poppy and I spent a lot of time together because she was fun, and before that there was Georgina, and we both know how that ended. But neither of them were my best friend. That title always belonged to you, B."

Blair felt herself sag even further with that knowledge. "S, you were always my—."

Serena held up her hand. "I know," she cut off Blair. "And Chuck," she sighed, "god, Chuck. I used to hate Chuck. He was gross and vile and cruel," she trailed off. "Well I suppose he still is," she amended at Blair's disbelieving expression. "But the thing with Chuck is that he cares. He cares almost too much. When Georgina was threatening me, he was the only person who saw what was going on, and he helped me without asking any questions."

"I know," Blair began, but Serena cut her off again.

"I'm not finished," she said quickly. "Chuck cares a lot, and there's no one," Serena emphasized, "he cares more about then Evelyn. Look," she sighed and looked away unhappily, as if she regretted what she was about to say, "there's no one who would be more thrilled about the two of you getting together. But now that I realized what kind of effect it could have on Evelyn, I don't think it's the best idea for both of you to be together. Not with the trial coming up."

Blair felt a flash of anger go through her. She was tired of being treated like a child, told what to do and what not to do. "Chuck and I are both adults," she said hotly, "We can handle ourselves."

"Neither you nor Chuck are the most level headed people I know." Serena argued. "If this thing goes sideways, what's to stop you from turning on Chuck in court? You could mess this up for him Blair, and that was the point of this entire arrangement."

"I wouldn't do that," Blair said lowly. "I would never hurt Evelyn of him in that way."

"Maybe that's true," Serena shrugged, "But it's easier said than done."

"If you think so poorly of me," Blair said coolly, standing up, brushing imaginary dust off her dress. "Then you can leave my house, because I know how to handle myself and Chuck is capable of handling himself as well. We are not idiots, and I don't need you to come into my house and judge me."

"Blair," Serena's face fell and she looked nervous. "I didn't mean to—."

"Leave, please." Blair snapped, looking away from Serena, ignoring the pang of guilt that filled her.

She waited until the sound of Serena's footsteps faded away before she let a single tear slip down the side of her face.

Tbc.

So how about them pickles?

Are you surprised that Chuck kissed Blair? I told you that things would be heating up between the two of them. Obviously the problem now is the balance between physical and emotion feelings between the pair. The two will come to a sort of agreement in the next chapter, but will that soothe the tension?

By the way, I think this is officially the longest chapter. I hope this makes up for missing last week.

As always, please favorite and review if you enjoyed the chapter. And follow if you want to see more, because there's definitely more to come.