'Tis the season to be jolly

~Deck the halls~

Christmas Eve, 2pm…

"Chuck!" Blair's scream was enough to wake the whole of New York City. It reminded Chuck of her mother, the infamous Eleanor Waldorf. And that was a thing he never wanted to compare his wife to.

It was Christmas Eve, and in ten hours their townhouse would be full with their family and close friends. Chuck regretted ever asking everyone to spend Christmas with them. He would much prefer to spend the holiday with just Blair, since it was their first Christmas as a married couple. But of course, he was willing to do whatever Blair wanted.

"What?" He asked, trying to keep his tone light and kind. It was beginning to strain.

"Where are the silver baubles?" She demanded.

"Which silver baubles?" He frowned. He couldn't remember buying any silver baubles.

Blair sighed, exasperated at his husband's forgetfulness. "The ones from Tiffany's!"

Chuck frowned again- he was pretty sure that by the time he was twenty five, his entire face would be as wrinkled as a pensioners. "Baby, if we have them they will be with all the other stuff you bought- in the cupboard under the stairs."

Blair didn't reply. She simply strode across the lounge area; Chuck could hear the clopping of her heels as he closed his eyes. He had a very bad feeling about today; a very, very bad feeling.

As soon as that thought flitted across his mind, he heard Blair scream again. It sounded painful, whatever had happened.

Fear hit him like a burning hot iron. He ran to the cupboard, where Blair was sat on the floor.

"Blair? What's wrong?" His voice was filled with concern.

She nodded, but to Chuck's shock, didn't speak. That made him worry even more.

Chuck bent down to his knees and took Blair's hands in his. "Blair? You're worrying me."

She looked up at him, her smile wavering ever so slightly. "I'm fine; just stressed."

"Promise?"

Blair paused for a nanosecond, before nodding. "I promise." What was one more broken promise? Their relationship had started on a bed of lies.

That seemed to appease Chuck, for he smiled and pulled her up, so she was close to his chest.

"I love you, you know that don't you?" He whispered into her hair as he hugged her tightly.

Blair smiled, "I love you too- and of course I know, that's why I married you idiot."

The pair laughed, and suddenly Blair's little… stumble, was forgotten history.

"Now you go sit down and make some coffee- I will find the baubles."

Blair smiled thankfully and began to walk away. She paused in the doorway, a small smirk creeping across her lips.

"The silver ones, from Tiffany's- make sure you remember that."

Christmas Eve, 4pm…

Finally the tree was finished, and the rest of the decorations were up. Blair stepped back to get a good look of her freshly decorated lounge, and she had to admit she had a done a great job. The entire downstairs area of her Manhattan townhouse had been turned into a glittery winter wonderland, complete with fake snow scattered around the tree.

But there was something missing, Blair was sure. She tilted her head to one side, finger on her lips. What was missing…?

"You did a great job on the tree B- it looks better than any I've ever seen!" Chuck walked into the room, a small present in his hands and a huge smile on his handsome face.

Suddenly Blair realised what she had forgotten. "Shit!"

Chuck sighed. He was used to Blair's sudden outbursts of anguish. Blair sank into the soft leather sofa- the one Chuck had sent over from Italy after an impulse buy during their honeymoon- and put her head in her hands.

She spoke, but her voice was muffled by her long curls. Chuck sat beside her and waited for her to take again.

"I forgot to buy presents- I got yours, but I forgot all about Serena's, Nate's, Harold's, Roman's, Eleanor's, Lily's and Cyrus's! Oh Chuck, what the fuck we are we going to do?"

Chuck pulled her into his lap, thinking hard. There was only one thing for it. "Get your coat, we're going shopping."

"It's Christmas eve! Nowhere will be open Blair."

But he knew his protests were pointless, for Blair had that fearless look on her face, the one that proved that she was a true Upper East Side girl. If she wanted Barney's and Bergdorf's open, they would be open.

Chuck sighed. "Fine. I'll get my coat."

One limo ride later, and Mr and Mrs Bass were at Barney's. Blair wasted no time in rushing to the doors, silently praying that it would be open. Thankfully it was.

"Chuck!" she called impatiently. "Hurry up! I need you to buy for Nate and Cyrus- oh, and Lily, since she's your stepmother. I'll get everyone else's. Now go!"

Chuck didn't need to be told twice- he knew how important this first Christmas was to Blair. It would be perfect, simply because she wanted it to be. And Chuck would do anything to make her happy.

He spent a long time picking out gifts. He had always enjoyed buying gifts; he loved the look on peoples face when he gave them a present. He eventually decided on a box of fancy cigars for Nate, since it sort of suited his new found homely attitude to life. Cyrus was much more difficult, but mainly because Chuck had a slight obsession with trying to persuade Blair's family he had changed. Her Father believed it, Roman went along with whatever Harold thought, but Cyrus and Eleanor were still extremely wary of Chuck. He finally chose a pair of silk shirts- one in pastel blue and one in a delightful lemon shade that reminded Chuck of summer and daisies- neither of which Chuck would ever dream of wearing himself but thought would suit Cyrus quite well. Lily's present was much easier than either of the boys- he knew from experience that the way to a woman's heart was very expensive jewellery. He picked out a beautiful silver necklace, with a cluster of heart shaped diamonds for decoration, and matching earrings. They reminded Chuck of his stepmother, for some reason he wasn't quite sure of.

After paying for his goods and tracking down Blair- whom had bought literally the whole shop, present wise- he was glad to go home. Shopping on Christmas Eve really was such a hassle.

Blair agreed with him. "Next year," she said as she sank into the soft couch. "We should buy presents in September."

Christmas eve, 6pm…

Chuck was exhausted. It was night of Christmas Eve, and his home was filled with excited chatter of Blair and Harold. When Blair and Chuck had decided to have a traditional family Christmas, it was obvious that Harold Waldorf and his boyfriend Roman would come to New York for the holidays. Blair had taken it upon herself to allow them to stay in the townhouse with her and Chuck, something Chuck wouldn't dare object to no matter how much he wished she hadn't invited them.

Blair adored her Father, and he adored her. Harold seemed to have a calming effect on Blair, he always managed to persuade that her latest scheme was a complete waste of time. Chuck had to admit he admired his father in law.

At that precise second, Harold entered the kitchen and hoisted himself onto one of the stools at the breakfast bar.

"This is a beautiful house you two have," he noted, looking around in pleasure. There was nothing Harold hated more than a shabby house, and had was not disappointed in his daughter's home.

Chuck grinned. "Thanks. Though of course, it was all Blair's doing. I didn't get a say in the matter really."

The second the words were out of Chuck's mouth, he wished he could take them back. He had basically just called Blair assertive, which might annoy Harold…

Harold chuckled. "She's her Mother's daughter, I'm sure you will agree."

Chuck laughed. He wasn't sure why he had been so worried- Harold was a nice guy, he knew that. He needed to stop stressing- but maybe it was just because he had been in Blair's company for so long none of his feelings were close to normal.

"She certainly is." There was a small pause as Chuck poured himself and Harold a tumbler of whisky. Harold accepted the drink gratefully, his eyes shimmering from a mix of sheer happiness and the amount of alcohol he had consumed. Along with jet lag, he was as close to stoned as he ever would be.

"Thank you for coming Harold. You have probably made Blair's Christmas perfect, just by you being here."

Harold took a gulp of his drink. As he let the burning liquid slide down his throat, he examined Charles 'Chuck' Bass. He found it hard to believe that this man who stood before him was the same boy he had taken to lunch when both Blair and Chuck were children. Who would of thought that irresponsible bachelor Chuck Bass would fall in love with perfect Blair Waldorf? Harold most certainly never would have put the pair together, but now that he could see clearly, he realised how perfect they were together.

"That's where you're wrong Charles."

Chuck looked up, surprised. "What?" He was so shocked he forgot about his manners, something he never did in front of the Waldorf's. He was always so worried about Blair's parents suddenly decided he wasn't good enough for their daughter, that he was never really himself in front of them. Of course, that was pointless. Both Eleanor and Harold had known Chuck since he was merely a foetus inside his mother. They knew everything about him, unfortunately.

"Blair's Christmas is perfect yes, but not because she has her family around her. Because she has you…"

Harold's heartfelt speech was interrupted by Roman, looking shaken and distraught.

"Chuck… I think you should call an ambulance. Blair's just fainted."

Christmas Eve, 8pm…

Three hours later, and Chuck was still sat between Harold and Roman, clutching their hands. In normal circumstances, it would feel odd being in such a close embrace with a man he sort of feared, but Chuck was glad of the support.

Blair was lying in a soft bed, her dark head against a feather soft pillow. Chuck had demanded only the best care for his wife, and although the doctors said there was nothing to be worried about, Chuck and Harold had insisted on giving the hospital a generation donation (enough to get a new wing named after the pair of them,) to ensure Blair's health.

Chuck couldn't take anymore. He leapt up, breaking out of Harold's and Roman's clutch.

"Excuse me doctor, how much longer will it be until we receive Blair's results?" Chuck kept his tone polite, although he was ready to rip the doctor's head off if he told him to wait.

"Are you Mr Bass? You can come through now, we have the results."

Harold heard the news and jumped up, dragging Roman along with him.

"I'm her Father- I have a right to be there too."

The Doctor looked at his feet, then back up at Harold. "If you don't mind, I would rather give Mr and Mrs Bass the verdict first, then it's their choice to tell fellow family members."

Harold slumped back down in his chair with a face like thunder. Chuck didn't look back as he raced into the room where Blair lay.

She sat up when she saw him, a huge smile on her pale face. "Chuck…"

Chuck placed a finger to her lips. "Shush, sweetheart. The doctor is going to tell us what's wrong with you then we are going to a private hospital, where I will get the best doctors in the world to look after you."

The doctor cleared his throat. "I'm not that will be necessary Mr Bass. Please, take a seat. This may come as a shock to you and I'm sure you don't want to worry Blair by doing something like fainting, do you?" There was a slight menacing tone to the kindly doctor's voice that made Chuck sit immediately.

"Thank you Mr Bass. Now, Blair almost fainted earlier today, I believe?"

Chuck nodded but Blair disagreed. "I didn't faint- I just felt light-headed."

The doctor smiled kindly and carried on talking. "Have you been feeling sick recently Blair?"

She shrugged. "A little, but I put it down to stress in the run up to Christmas…"

"Yes, I thought so. Now, when was your last menstrual cycle?"

Blair answered immediately. "The beginning of last month."

Chuck was dazed. What on earth was going on? Blair couldn't be…

"Congratulations Mr and Mrs Bass- you are expecting a baby."

Christmas Eve, 10pm…

"I can't believe it," Blair repeated happily for the millionth time since her arrival home.

She had been discharged, but only after she had promised to take it easy. Chuck had carried her inside their house, after dismissing Harold and Roman to Eleanor's house. Eleanor wouldn't be happy, but Chuck wanted Blair to be as relaxed as possible.

"I know," Chuck smiled.

He was glad Blair was pleased with the news. He was thrilled- something he never thought he would be. The prospect of being a Father had always seemed so daunting… but if he had Blair by his side, it was the perfect plan.

"Are we ready for this?" Blair seemed nervous all of a sudden.

Chuck sat beside Blair on their huge bed and lifted her into his lap. She leant her head against his chest and he kissed her head gently.

"Listen to me," he said softly, "You will be the best Mother a child could ask for- you're beautiful, funny, clever… everything needed to be perfect. You don't need to worry, this child in here," he tapped her stomach lightly, disbelief clouding his mind for a second as he realised there was a baby in there, "will be the most loved child in the whole world. He or she will be perfect, do you know why?"

Blair shook her head, tears springing to her eyes.

Chuck smiled. "Because me and you made it. The baby will have your beauty and wit, and well… hopefully none of me," he added with a smirk.

Blair smiled. " He or she will have your eyes I hope. And your humour."

Chuck wiped away the stray tears sliding down her cheeks. "See? There's nothing to worry about. And do you know what B?"

"What?"

"This is the best Christmas ever."

And Blair had to admit, she agreed with him on that.