For Love or Legacy

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE A/N. PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO READ!

Previously on FLOL:

Chuck was unable to settle, thinking too much about Blair. Blair signed and got the design studio space Chuck had shown her and loved it, but didn't love that Chuck had found it for her. Serena showed up at the studio with Dorota, wanting to celebrate, but Blair was too busy. Serena told her to leave the design studio to her and Dorota and basically kicked her out the place. Chuck talked to Nate and they smoothed things over (Chuck was tired of Nate mentioning Blair) but Nate then told him he'd made a mistake and found William van der Woodsen. Nate mentioned Serena's graduation and he was worried William would show up. Chuck was annoyed and told him he'd put his PI on it and they agreed to meet that evening. Blair snuck into Chuck's penthouse, though she had permission to be there, just not to rummage through Chuck's things, which is what she did. She was searching for anything she could use against Chuck. She found his safe, but couldn't crack the code. She thought for a moment it could be her birthday and she was hurt when it wasn't. Chuck met with Mr. Baretto, the townhouse owner and asked him to stay in one of his hotels while the paperwork was completed. The old man agreed, but not before he told Chuck not to mess things up with Blair, sensing something was there. Blair was interrupted in her search of Chuck's room by Lily and Cate. Blair played it off well, telling them she'd been looking for Chuck and wasn't suspected of anything. Lily asked her to have lunch with them, but she said she couldn't so Lily asked her to stay with Cate while she went down to the hotel's kitchen and Blair agreed. Chuck ran into Lily at the Palace's restaurant and Lily didn't tell him Blair was with Cate. Chuck then told Lily that he was interviewing for a new nanny. Lily didn't like it, but couldn't talk Chuck out of it. Serena was busy with Blair's design studio, but she tried to call Nate and was told he was out for the second time. She'd tried calling him in the morning and that got her wondering if there was something up with him. Lily came back with lunch and told Blair that Chuck had a meeting at the Legacy which made Blair think it was really him hooking up with his hotel's manager. She got angry and decided to go to the Legacy. Chuck really did have a meeting, but ended up having to change out of his clothes and his manager, Gretchen, walked in on him. She tried to flirt with him, but it did nothing for him and Blair showed up. She was angry and jealous, but wouldn't admit it. Chuck and Blair argued then Blair told him she needed a list of things he wanted to keep from his penthouse suite at the Palace so he made Blair go with him back to the Palace. Once they were at the Palace, Lily had to leave and Chuck told Blair he didn't want to keep anything beyond personal effects and Cate's toys. Blair was annoyed he made her accompany him for nothing, but then he was called away to interview the nannies. Chuck was going to suggest Gretchen to watch Cate, but Blair said she would and they left together. Blair took Cate shopping for the townhouse then they went to skate in Central Park with Blair's friend from Paris (Andrew Parker). Chuck didn't like any of the nannies and then he was called by his PI informing him that Cate was in Central Park with Blair and Andrew. Chuck grew angry and went to find them and did. He watched as Cate ran away from Blair on some high steps in her skates. He ran after her, but so did Andrew and Blair. Andrew caught her and Blair ended up falling and hurting her ankle. Chuck was really worried but he hid it behind his anger and he went to take Blair to the hospital but she refused, panicking and confusing him. He acceded and took her to the Palace where his concierge doctor could look at her ankle. They ended up arguing in the doctor's suite over an icepack that Blair refused. Chuck threw the icepack into the sink, got wet and Blair laughed. The chapter ended when Chuck kissed Blair's laughter right off.

Chapter 12

This could not be happening, Blair thought frantically. It couldn't be, but it was. She tried to stop it, stop him, resisting, even knowing it was useless. She pushed against Chuck's chest, fighting him, fists full of his suit jacket, but he pulled her closer, drawing a response, demanding it as he stroked his tongue along the seam of her lips.

She gasped again, giving him just what he needed to thrust and taste and then she wasn't thinking anymore.

She acted and reacted. She gave and took. For every question he asked with his hands and his mouth she had a ready answer for time and time again.

All thoughts of how wrong this all was didn't even compute as he encircled her waist, making her legs part to cradle him at the edge of the island.

He groaned and she swallowed the sound that was more of a plea as her lips brushed over his over and over again. Instead of pushing him away, she was pulling him closer, tighter, trying to soothe an ache she thought she'd never feel again.

More.

Now.

The racing thump, thump, thump of her heart beat in time with the pulsing throb she needed him to ease, and he was all too willing.

He buried one hand in her hair at the nape of her neck and the other he burrowed under her jacket, making her tremble as he slid it up from her midriff to cup her breast.

She moaned.

Her toes curled.

And a zap of pain shot up her leg jerking her back into consciousness so fast she thought she had whiplash.

"No, stop!" she yanked back whimpering and this time he seemed to hear her.

He wrenched himself away, breathing hard, panting, face still wet and now so was hers.

"Mr. Bass?" a voice said then the owner appeared, walking into the kitchen, but she was stuck, she was speechless, staring at Chuck as she brought an unsteady hand up to her raw lips.

"Mr. Bass?" was said again.

"Yeah," Chuck snapped out of it, wiping his face with his sleeve and pulling at his jacket with a little too much force, "Sorry for the hasty page, Ross, we needed you here."

The young light haired man shook his head, "It's alright. It's what you pay me for," he said then turned to her, "So what do we have here?"

She was about to speak up, but was still too unsettled so Chuck answered for her, "She was wearing skates and took a tumble down some stairs in the park. When she hit the ground she rolled around a couple of times before coming to a stop," he said, his voice hard and with a perceptible tension at the corners of his eyes.

The doctor nodded, then extended a hand, "Randall Ross."

Blair wiped her hand on her jacket which was damp from running it over Chuck's wet face, but she didn't want to think of that now, "Blair Waldorf," she replied the greeting, taking his hand and giving it a small shake.

"I see the ankle, is that the only injury?" he asked while walking around and going into a kitchen drawer to pull out a couple of latex gloves.

"Yes," she lied. Her hip, her back and her shoulder hurt, but she knew it was nothing worth mentioning. Beyond some ice or a rubbing ointment, she knew there was nothing he could do. She would have bruises come morning, that couldn't be helped.

"Okay, let's assess the damage," he said, donning the gloves and reaching for her left foot.

She winced and Chuck was next to her in an instant, "Can't you give her something for the pain?"

"I'm fine," she bristled through clenched teeth as the doctor continued his examination.

"Try to roll your ankle for me gently."

She did, it hurt, but it wasn't anything she couldn't handle.

He prodded for a few moments more then nodded and pulled back, "Well it doesn't appear to be broken."

"What do you mean, it doesn't appear to be broken?" Chuck bit out icily, "Either it is or it isn't."

"Chuck," Blair cut in, but he ignored her.

"I can't say with complete certainty. She needs to have x-rays done. Only then will I be able to tell if it's a basic sprain or anything worse."

"Then we'll get an x-ray," Chuck told him firmly and Blair froze.

X-rays meant hospitals, hospitals meant—

"No," she choked out, but again she was ignored, "Go speak to reception and get us a wheelchair."

Ross nodded, "Put an icepack on the ankle," the doctor said before he left, "We don't want it swelling anymore."

"Chuck, no," she said, once they were alone.

"You have to get an x-ray, this isn't up for discussion," he said, retrieving the icepack from the sink where he had thrown it.

Her face twisted indignantly, "You have no right to dictate what I do with my body," she snapped, but that had been a poor choice in words and yet another mistake. His eyes dipped to said body, to where his hands had roamed all over just moments before.

She drew in a sharp breath and pulled her jacket closed, crossing her arms.

He said nothing, just inched his way closer to carefully lift her calf and apply the icepack.

She gasped in another sharp intake, but she wasn't sure if it was from the unexpected coldness or— something else.

He looked up, his gaze fastened and held onto hers, and she exhaled slowly, shallowly.

Maybe she was still shaken from what she had just let happen or maybe it was the pain shooting up from her ankle or possibly it was the whole day that was to blame for draining everything out of her, but whatever it was, her defenses crumbled and her eyes pooled with tears.

"I can't," she whispered unevenly.

His lips parted as if to reply, but the doctor returned, drawing their attention.

"Here we go," Ross swept back in, pushing a wheelchair and giving her the time she needed to gather herself.

"Am I navigating or are you?" the doctor asked as Chuck handed her the icepack and lifted her, placing her on the chair, resulting in a panic, "Chuck, I'm not going," she gripped his sleeve with a trembling hand, "Chuck—"

"He's taking you up to the penthouse," Chuck steadied her hand softly and she frowned, "I—"

"Take her up and then standby," he said, cutting her off only to look her way again a moment later, "Tell Cate I'll be back shortly."

"Wait—" she said, but her voice fell on death ears as he left her in the doctor's care.

XOXOXOXO

Chuck was swiping at his face with too much vigor as he walked the halls in his hotel. He'd finally wiped away the last trace of his interlude with Blair, he just wished the entire moment could as easily be done away with, but it couldn't.

What had he been thinking? He cursed himself. Clearly he hadn't been thinking at all or thinking too much with a part of his anatomy that was still paining him as he took each step

He raked a frustrated hand through his hair.

He didn't need this distraction. He didn't need her. When he had, she'd been thousands of miles away with Jack. That little reminder helped him make it the rest of the way to the lobby and to the front desk.

"Mr. Bass," the man behind the front desk sat up straighter.

"At ease, Jeremy," Chuck said dryly, "I want you to get on the phone and find me a portable x-ray machine," he told the receptionist, "Something that can x-ray an ankle," he explained, "I don't care where you find it or what it costs, just get it here within the hour. Can you do that?" he asked, though it was rhetorical. If he couldn't, he'd find someone more efficient to do the job and take his as well.

"Of—of course," Jeremy said, stumbling over his words as he reached for the phone hastily.

He nodded then turned away, reaching inside his pocket for his own phone. He needed to talk to his PI. He needed answers and he knew Blair would be less than obliging so he had to take matters into his own hands. The way she had reacted at the mere mention of a hospital gave him pause, and more than that, it didn't sit well.

He tried to tell himself it was just because there was a story there, there had to be, nothing more, but her tear-filled eyes still burned his retinas.

"Hues," he said, once he'd connected the call.

"Mr. Bass," the PI greeted, "If you're calling about William van der Woodsen, I'm handling it. He's taken a flight to the city, but I'm going to make sure he's intercepted once he lands."

"Good," Chuck said, "But that's not why I'm calling," he said, turning around and heading to his office for more privacy, "When you looked into Blair, did you find anything odd?"

"Odd how, sir?"

"Was she ever involved in an accident or anything that involved a hospital?" he asked, walking into his office.

"Not that I know of, but I'll look into it and get back to you."

"As soon as you can," Chuck nodded, "But if it comes down to it, William takes priority. I don't want him ruining Serena's graduation."

"Understood," Hues replied and Chuck cut the call with something foul settling in the pit of his stomach.

She'd been scared, terrified, and he hated it. Try as he might, he couldn't begin to guess the cause, but with every possibility he came up with, his temple throbbed a little bit more.

What the hell had happened to her?

XOXOXOXO

"Easy now," the doctor said as he helped Blair onto the couch, propping her up and placing the icepack back on her ankle.

"Thank you," Blair said then adjusted herself a little better as Ross retreated, "I'm not sure what Mr. Bass is up to, but I'm sure I'll be seeing you again momentarily," he said and she nodded then he left the penthouse.

Once he was gone, she glanced at Arthur after her gaze had searched the living room and had come up empty, "Where's Cate?"

"She bounded for her room as soon as we walked in and hasn't come out since," Arthur replied.

"Can you tell her I want to see her?"

"Right away," the driver responded, but stopped before he entered the hallway, "I haven't had the opportunity, but if I may, I just wanted to say it's good to see you again, Miss Waldorf."

Blair was caught with the unexpectedness of it, but smiled at the man who usually offered up very few words, "Thank you, Arthur. Your employer aside, it's good to see you again too."

He smiled back, shook his head then disappeared from her line of vision.

She was left for a few minutes, but she didn't let her thoughts stray, she couldn't allow them to. To acknowledge her momentary insanity would be more than she was presently capable of, and thankfully, she was spared. Cate came in sniffling, nose red, cheeks flushed, and Blair instantly put her arms out.

Cate ran into them and she pulled her onto the couch as best she could.

"It's all my fault," Cate cried, her small chest shuddering as Arthur bowed out, leaving them alone.

"Shhh," Blair soothed, rubbing Cate's back as she cuddled her closer, "It was an accident."

"I shouldn't've run away," Cate sobbed, "It's my fault you got hurt."

Blair kissed the top of Cate's head feeling awful seeing her perfect little face scrunch up despondently, "No, you shouldn't have run away," Blair agreed and Cate sobbed louder so she pulled her on top of her so the little girl straddled her.

Now facing each other, she was able to catch Cate's gaze head on, speaking firmly but gently, "You and I both know that what you did was wrong, but what happened wasn't your fault."

"Yes it was," Cate argued and Blair reached out to wipe her tears, "No it wasn't. No one thinks it was your fault, not me, not Drew and not your father."

Cate sniffled again, "You don't hate me?"

All her insides squeezed painfully as she pulled Cate down, hugging her so that the little girl rested on her chest, "No, sweetheart. I—," her throat constricted and her eyes prickled agonizingly, "I could never hate you."

Cate's only response was to burrow deeper and sniffle a few more times before her breathing leveled softly then everything was quiet.

Blair combed a hand through Cate's hair, enjoying the rhythm, enjoying the stillness of the moment probably more than she should have until she was lulled by it too.

Before she knew it, she'd nearly dozed off along with Cate, but a commotion from the foyer pulled her into complete consciousness.

"Set it up over there," Chuck told a couple of bellhops who walked in dragging a massive machine.

"Shhh!" Blair scolded, not wanting them to wake Cate.

Chuck stopped and surveyed the scene, but Blair refused to turn away as if she were guilty of something. She jutted her chin out and laid a hand on Cate's back, daring him to say anything.

That's how they stayed, each refusing to look away until Chuck was forced to attend to the bellhops. He turned and spoke to them in hushed tones then they departed as the doctor walked in.

"What's going on?" Blair asked quietly, reluctantly releasing Cate into Chuck's arms as he carefully lifted her up.

"It seems we've got a portable x-ray machine," Ross said and Blair was caught off guard as she glanced at Chuck, this time in grateful recognition, but he turned away and the slight stung.

Her lips thinned and her eyes darkened, angry at herself for lowering her guard even in the least. By now she should more than know better.

Chuck never glanced her way again as he left to take Cate to bed. She wouldn't let it bother her, she told herself as she addressed the doctor, "Can we please get this over with? I'd like to go home."

The doctor quickly came over and removed the icepack, but she could barely feel it. It had been on her so long her ankle was numb, that is until she was forced to move. Only then did she realize she wasn't quite that numb.

Her ankle protested loudly during the whole process until gratefully it was over.

"What's the verdict?" Chuck asked, finally walking back into the living room more than ten minutes later.

Ross held up the x-rays and peered at them until satisfied, "As I thought, not broken," he said, putting the x-rays down and reaching for his bag.

"So what happens now?" he continued and Blair interrupted, annoyed that he was asking all the questions, "I can speak for myself," she said matter-of-factly, but he ignored her, looking at the doctor expectantly.

"For starters, keep the ankle propped up," Ross addressed them both, but again Chuck replied first, "Done," he said wryly, "I've never had a problem keeping her ankle elevated."

His graveled voice struck her and she flushed hotly at his words, or was it the memories they induced? Either way she was looking at him murderously as the doctor quickly continued.

"Keep icing it, twenty minute intervals, but no longer than that at a time," he said, then went into his bag and pulled out an elastic bandage, "The ice constricts the blood vessels and in turn reduces blood flow to the area," he explained as he sat on the couch with her and started wrapping her ankle, "Less blood flow means less swelling."

"Fine," Blair clipped, still angry at Chuck, which she found was a constant state since she'd returned to the city.

"How long does she need to keep that on for?" Chuck asked and Blair bit her tongue because she knew she'd just waste her breath for nothing.

"Just until there's no more swelling," he replied, finishing up, "If you press on the soft tissues of the ankle and it leaves a significant impression then there's still swelling," he said, snapping his bag shut.

"That's it," he said, "But the best recommendation I can give you is rest," he told her, "Stay off it as much as possible and take it easy for the next few weeks," he said and she nodded her thanks, but her mind was racing with everything she had to do and how she would manage it all in her current state.

"Thank you, Ross," Chuck shook the man's hand then the doctor exited.

"I should get going too," Blair said shifting with difficulty and stalling her thoughts until she was home and could figure them out.

"You're not going anywhere."

She glanced up sharply and narrowed her eyes, "What do you mean, I'm not going anywhere?"

"You'll be staying here tonight," he told her without preamble.

She recoiled, "Have you lost your damn mind?" she snapped, but he seemed hell bent, "You'll need help and your mother's gone back to the Hamptons today."

She wasn't even going to ask how he knew, but that didn't mean she would be backing down, "I have Dorota," she said and he nodded, "But she might not be able to help you up and down the flight of stairs to your room."

"Then you're underestimating her, she's built like a bull," she said dryly, "Regardless, Drew will be there," she said and his eyes seemed to glaze coldly, "I'm sure Andrew will be too busy moving in to his new place."

She frowned, "New place? What new place?"

"I'm selling him my penthouse on Park at a discount."

"What? When did you and he discuss that? Drew would never go for it," she retorted, and Chuck shrugged, "He's a business man, this is good business."

"Chuck," she lashed at his name, attempting to rise, but he started retreating, "Stay put. If Cate wakes tell her I'll return quickly."

"Chuck!" she shouted, but he was already walking out the door.

XOXOXOXO

"Where to?"

"Barneys," Chuck replied, lifting his phone up to his ear.

Arthur gave him a curious look and he glared back, "You heard me," he said and the driver shrugged, pulling the limo door open as his call was answered.

"Andrew Parker."

"Parker, it's Chuck Bass," he said, sliding into his seat.

"Did Blair give you my number?" the man rushed, "How is she?"

"No she didn't," he replied as the limo took off, "I have ways of procuring valuable information."

"And my phone number is valuable?" Drew said dryly, "Just tell me how Blair is."

"Oh I'd say you'll find me having your phone number to be quite advantageous if you're amenable," he said, purposefully keeping the man in the dark on Blair's condition.

Drew sighed, "And if not?" he said, taking the bait.

"Well let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet," he smirked, anticipating having the man right where he wanted him.

"Blair's told me about you. I'm not going to play into your games. What do you want?" Drew said, not mincing his words.

His hand tightened on the phone. Blair had discussed him? And to what extent? He asked himself, hating the thought of Blair and the man being cozy confidants or more, "Funny you should ask," Chuck said sarcastically, stopping the unsavory thoughts and focusing on what he had at hand, "Because this is about what you want," he told him. He'd thought of this on the spot arguing with Blair, but he didn't know why it hadn't occurred to him sooner.

"What I want? I want to know how Blair is doing."

"In due time," Chuck replied, "First let's discuss your present living arrangements."

He heard a laugh or was it a scoff? "This is all about you," Drew told him, "You don't like the fact that I'm sharing a roof with her— or more, your curiosity must be pecking away at your peace of mind."

He clamped his teeth angrily, vowing to make the man eat his words, "Whatever you and she have going on, to me is of no consequence," he rapped fiercely, "I just need her undivided attention for the next month while she's under my employ."

Again he heard a laugh, this time he was sure it was one, "You know it's interesting. The other night before bed, Blair got equally defensive where you were concerned. One would say the parallels are telling."

"Or one would know to tread carefully in untested waters," he warned acidly, ignoring the man's whole comment, except for the part where he pictured Drew and Blair in her bed, the last place he'd held her before she'd vanished from his life.

"Are you telling me to watch my step?"

"A mere suggestion," Chuck remarked dryly, "Whether or not you take it and what ensues after, is completely up to you."

"I'll take door number two," Drew mocked, "Are we ever going to get to the point of this call or do you want to kill some more time? Just say the word because I can regale you with talk of my and Blair's Tuscan adventure two years ago. It's quite the tale. I have photos."

He felt a choking burn in his chest and he could have sworn his sight blackened out for a moment.

I was the one who waited on that helipad. I went to Tuscany alone.

He'd regretted that day for years after he hadn't shown up, having the memories resurface knowing she'd once again found a willing replacement to ride shotgun festered in his gut.

"You can breathe now, Chuck," Drew spoke up, filling the silence, "Blair and I are friends, that's all we've ever been."

"I didn't ask," he bit out, finding his voice, but it was gruff and hard.

"Yes, well your silence wasn't asking very loudly."

He should have taken comfort in the man's words, but he didn't. He just grew angrier. It shouldn't be his business what she had done with her life, but she had walked back into his. Now he was making it so, "There's a penthouse available on Park Avenue. I own the building. I want you moved in by tonight," he replied, done with sidestepping the main issue, or what he was telling himself was the main issue.

"How's Blair?"

"I'll have the paperwork sent over momentarily."

"How's Blair?" Drew insisted again and Chuck rubbed his chin, releasing the tension this exchange had created, "She's fine, a sprained ankle. She'll be out of commission for at least a couple of weeks."

"Where is she now?"

"With me," he said, the words coming out harsh and with more than hint of possessiveness laced in.

"I'll be waiting on the paperwork," was replied then the call was cut and Chuck frowned at the abruptness, at the far too easy acquiesce, but he didn't have time to question it any further. His contemplation was cut short as the limo came to a stop in front of Barneys, putting a pause on his puzzled thoughts.

XOXOXOXO

Food poisoning, no, the bowtie, yes, his tie, Blair finally settled on. She would choke him to death with his favorite tie, she smiled tightly to herself. It had been almost two hours since he'd left, stranding her in his penthouse with no means of escape and she'd exhausted nearly every conceivable option.

Her cell phone was missing so she couldn't use it though it wasn't quite missing since she knew exactly where it was. The bastard must have swiped it at some point without her noticing, she thought, crossing her arms and effectively pouting.

The landline would only connect to the front desk and the clerk was under express orders not to patch her calls anywhere else, of course Chuck was again to blame, she brooded.

She'd even tried to hobble out the penthouse and into the hall. She'd managed it, but it had taken her twenty minutes. Twenty minutes she found were completely in vain. The elevator doors had opened up and an elevator operator had surprised her. She knew for a fact that before then there hadn't been one. Regardless, the man refused to help or allow her entry, not that she'd tried. She was in no condition to attempt sheer force and even if she was, she couldn't leave Cate who was still fast asleep in her room.

He'd covered every possibility that could have occurred to her, even ones that hadn't right away. The internet was out and there was some sort of a signal blocker too. She'd attempted to use her tablet to place a video call to no avail. Short of dialing 911 and reporting a hostage situation, she was stuck.

And her ankle throbbed.

And she was mad.

No, she was livid.

And he would pay.

Dearly.

The rattling of the front door caught her attention and pulled her out of her angry thoughts as it was swung open.

A blur of fur ran straight to her and she buckled her knees instinctively, sending another zap of pain up, immobilizing her.

"Monkey, stop!"

The animal skidded to a halt a foot away from the couch she was sitting on, but she barely paid heed, she was in too much pain.

"Over there, and sit," Chuck commanded and Monkey lowered his head, moping as he obeyed.

"Are you alright?" Chuck asked, bending and just as he did she shot out a hand, grabbed a fistful of his hair and pulled— hard.

He swore with his head forced at an angle, "I guess that's a negative," he mocked and she pulled harder, "Let go," he told her through gritted teeth, "Though I admit I'm enjoying this, you're in no state for rough play."

"Who's playing?" she asked and yanked her hand again, giving another hard tug before she pulled back, retreating only because her ankle would allow her no more movement.

Chuck straightened and grasped her leg, righting her ankle carefully, "When's the last time you iced it?"

"It's been too long," she replied grudgingly, "But the icepack's melted. It needs to go back into the freezer."

"Why didn't you call down for another?" he asked, looking angry and ticked off. Good, so was she.

"You mean the phone actually works?" she said in a dismayed tone that was dripping with sarcasm, and he cursed her, "Damn it, Blair. You need to keep the swelling down."

"And you need to let me out of here," she argued, "Where's my phone?"

He ignored her and picked up a few bags from the floor that she hadn't noticed before, "What are those?" she asked, looking suspiciously at the labels.

"Your sleepover gear," he said, handing her the bags, "I thought you might need a few things."

Her nerves spiked and she threw the bags as far as she could, which in her condition wasn't very far at all, "What I need is to go home!" she yelled.

"You don't want to stay with me?"

The small voice had them snapping their gazes to the right.

Cate stood at the entrance of the living room with a sad pout, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

"I—," Blair faltered. She hated to see Cate this way, but she couldn't stay. She needed out for her mental health.

"Of course I do," she said honestly while avoiding Chuck's gaze. She would love nothing more than to be with her, her father on the other hand was a different story entirely, "But I have to work."

"But you're hurt," Cate said, walking up to her and Blair shrugged, "I told you I'm fine, plus my employer wouldn't like me not working."

"I'm sure he'd understand," Chuck said, giving her a pointed look that she ignored.

"I'm sure he wouldn't," she replied, prompting Chuck to look down at his daughter, "Cate, can you go call down to the kitchen and let them know we'll be having dinner for three? You can pick our dessert."

"Oh, okay," Cate sighed at being sent away then looked at Monkey who was eagerly scampering in place.

Chuck grinned, "Monkey, you can move now," he told the dog who bolted towards Cate who ran towards her room giggling.

"You can't keep me here," Blair told him once Cate was out of earshot.

"Well you won't be working until you're back on your feet, literally," he said, picking the bags back up.

"I have to," she said, attempting to sit up straighter, "Did you forget about the Architectural Digest feature?"

"Postpone it," he told her, handing the bags back to her.

She snatched them and glared at him, "I can't," she reiterated, "It's on a set schedule," she said, rummaging through the bags just to give her hands something to do.

"I think they'd understand," he said as she pulled out her favorite soaps and fragrances, and froze.

He still remembered…

She looked hesitantly back and forth then she shoved the items back into the bag before she allowed any warmth to seep in and register on her face. Who cares if he still remembered? She didn't. It meant nothing, "It's the October issue, there's no getting around that," she spat to offset her warring emotions.

"And it's my home," he replied in kind, as always uncompromisingly.

"Well it's my life," she bristled, "And you don't have a say in any of it."

His eyes hardened, even more than she thought possible, "Fine, do what you want," he shrugged, "But you're staying here tonight," he said, then he turned around and walked away.

XOXOXOXO

She was rankling him and aggravating every nerve he possessed, and it had barely been an hour since he'd returned. He didn't know why he was allowing her to grate on his mood. She was there because of him, he had to remind himself, but it hardly helped.

Her reproach and resentment hit him at every turn, but in every insult, in each accusing look he could tell the toll the tumble had taken on her. He knew she wanted to hide the fact behind her eyes, but couldn't and it clenched at his insides every time it came to the surface, reining him in. She wanted to appear indomitable, but she wasn't and he found himself quietly brooding where he otherwise would've spoken up and reminded her in no uncertain terms who exactly was calling the shots.

Distance had helped, marginally. He'd gotten her another icepack and had settled her in the guest room next to his then he'd disappeared into his study.

He could finally breathe, but his thoughts weren't as easily mollified. They were the same, if not more rampant than before. He kept reliving the moments on the kitchen island and anticipating her reaction to a particular purchase of his. It had been completely impulsive, but he'd bought it for her, wanting to rile her as she was riling him, but now it was all he could think of.

It had to stop. He reached over his desk and lifted the phone off the dock, needing to keep busy.

Luckily his call was taken just after the first ring.

"Please tell me you're calling with good news and not because my screw up has gone nuclear."

Chuck grinned, "Well I can't say the crisis has been averted, but we located William van der Woodsen."

He heard Nate let out a breath of relief, "That's great, thanks man."

Chuck shook his head, "Nathaniel, you're the editor of a newspaper now. If you hope to make it a success you really should be more attentive."

"What do you mean?"

"How can I put this tactfully?" he looked up, but opted for the blunt response, "You're prematurely ejaculating," he told him, "But don't worry," he reassured, "Though I can't speak from personal experience, I've heard it's a common occurrence."

Nate scoffed and he smirked, "I just all but told you nothing has been resolved yet. Don't put the cart before the horse. We've located him, yes, but the situation hasn't been contained."

"Will it be?" his best friend asked him, "I'm doing my best," he replied, "He's going to be intercepted when he lands at JFK," he said, "But that's not why I called you."

"It's not?" Nate said, "Then make it quick, I'm on my way out of the office now. I still have to pick up the scotch."

"About that," he said, needing to stop Nate from coming over as they had planned, "I need to cancel on tonight," he said. He knew if Nate showed up, Blair would go into theatrics and they'd all end up arguing. He couldn't have that.

"Something came up?"

"Yes, you could say that," he replied, not going into detail, "Besides, we were merely going to discuss William and beyond what we've presently gone over, there's nothing more to tell."

"Fine," Nate said, "Just keep me updated. This is all my fault and— just call me if there's any change."

"Will do, just go home and get a good night's sleep," he said, knowing Nate was struggling, "You have my word that Serena's graduation will go on flawlessly," he promised, then they said their goodbyes when he heard the sound of the front door.

He placed the phone back down on his desk then rose and left his study, walking over to greet room service.

"Actually, we'll be having our meal here," he stopped the man, motioning towards the coffee table in the living room.

The room service attendant said nothing, just nodded and rolled the tray over. He gave him a few more quick instructions then left him to it while he turned around and went in search of his daughter, knowing exactly where he'd find her.

"That's not how you do it," Cate giggled, sitting on the guest bed beside Blair.

"It is too," Blair grinned, holding up her Chanel compact, "You have to pucker up your lips like this," she demonstrated, "It's the only way to get the lipstick on right," she teased.

Cate tried, but kept giggling, holding up her own toy compact, "Mmmm," she mummed then laughed until she was out of breath, "Okay, okay, I can do it," she affirmed, mumming again as she looked up, "Oh, hi Daddy!" she smiled and Blair gave a startled glance up, lowering her compact slowly. For his part Chuck just stared, confusion, anger, and something else roiling inside him.

Cate was so happy, it literally hurt to admit as he fought not to bring a hand up to the ache in his chest, and Blair— it was the first time he hadn't been confronted with her defensiveness, and as for himself— who the hell knew? All he was completely certain of was his uncertainty. He couldn't figure out what the hell he was feeling, but he wasn't really sure he wanted to find out. He feared the source and it infuriated him. There was no way he was going down that battered road again.

No way in hell.

"Dinner's been served," he told them, "Cate, go wash your hands."

The little girl's face drooped, "Can we play more later?" she asked Blair pleadingly.

"We'll see," Blair gave a quick smile as she dodged his glance at all cost.

"Is that more a yes or a no?"

"It's more of a— we'll see," she widened her gaze, playfully adopting a stern tone.

"Okay," Cate shrugged dramatically, bouncing off the bed, narrowly missing Monkey who was curled up dozing.

"Dinner has been served," he repeated absently as Cate raced out and Blair nodded, "Yes, you've said that already."

Of course he had, he wanted to curse. Now he was started to annoy himself, "I'll take you over," he said, more harshly than he'd intended and it caused an immediate reaction. Her features hardened and her defenses were more than reinstated, "Don't bother," she said, scooting to the edge of the bed with difficulty, "I can make it there myself."

"It'll take you an hour," he said dryly, "So what," she said, attempting to stand, nearly toppling over, but he was there, catching her, hauling her up in his arms.

She pulled back indignantly, "Let me go."

"We're not playing this again," he said as he tightened his hold and turned around quickly.

XOXOXOXO

He seemed to resent helping her when she hadn't asked for any of it, and she wasn't going to tolerate it— or him.

She tried to push at his chest again, but couldn't and only ended up feeling the heat of his skin beneath his opened collared shirt. He'd removed his jacket and tie she noted as he made quick work of the distance from the bedroom to the living room.

"I didn't ask to be here. I didn't ask for your help," she said as he lowered her down, refusing to feel bereft, "What is this?" she frowned when she noticed she was sitting on pillows on the floor, "Are we dining Oriental?"

"Oh, wow!" Cate said excitedly, running to take the cushion next to Blair, "This is the funnest! Can we do this every night?"

"No," Chuck and Blair said in unison then looked at each other. The simultaneous reply spoke of an intimacy that didn't exist. Why had she said anything? She asked herself as she pulled her gaze away from his penetrating one.

Cate's every night and day wasn't up to her. It was a painful reminder she had to keep present, "So what's on the menu?" she asked, trying to stray away from the awkward moment.

Chuck bent, removing the covers one by one, "Cate, you'll be having the chicken parmesan with sautéed broccoli rabe and roasted potatoes."

Cate pouted, "What happened to the ice cream?"

"Nice try, but I called down to check your order."

Cate huffed and Blair found herself stifling a grin, something that just wouldn't do.

"For you, Miss Waldorf," he said so formally that an unbidden shiver skidded up her spine when it reminded her of when they'd used to play dress up.

The memories assailed her one by one and her breath thinned. They had ended up on a coffee table like this more than once, she thought as he went on, "We have a frisée and endive salad with warm Brussels sprouts and toasted pecans."

She said nothing, "What? It's not to your liking?" he asked.

"No, of course it is," she knew he knew it was, but she couldn't get her words to work right. Why in the world had those thoughts flooded back now?

"What are you eating, Daddy?" Cate piped up, and thankfully that was enough to center her thoughts on the present.

"I'm having a pan-seared filet mignon with red bell pepper, tomato, and basil sauce," Chuck replied, lowering himself next to her on her left, something Blair didn't need. Her back was ramrod straight. She couldn't relax when she was all too aware of him sitting inches away.

"Aren't you hungry?" he inquired with a soft husk in his voice that had her floundering for a response, "I—," she started then her body locked and stiffened when she felt his hand go under the table to cup the silky inside of her thigh.

She looked sharply his way and his eyes darkened and narrowed as if goading her to say anything as his fingers slid down, making her muscles contract tremulously as he lifted her leg only to prop her ankle up with a pillow and retreat.

After that she couldn't manage a proper breath which had him smirking, making her fury creep up until it showed on her face. He knew exactly what he was doing and she had the urge to take his steak knife and stake him with it.

"This is yummy," Cate said, getting sauce and cheese all over her face as she ate.

Chuck laughed and Blair placed Cate's dinner cloth on her properly, needing anything to occupy her hands and thoughts.

"Eat your broccoli," Chuck said as she heard a dull pop.

Cate made a face, "It's yucky."

"You'll get ice cream after," he said and she dug into the vegetables, making Blair smile until she turned back around to see Chuck pouring wine into two wine glasses.

It felt too intimate, too— everything and she grasped at whatever she could to deflect the moment.

"Are we celebrating something?" she mocked and he gave her a quizzical look, "That's a nearly ten thousand dollar bottle of wine."

"And?" he prompted.

"And it's expensive."

"Is it?" he said wryly, "I spent almost twice as much on the shoes I bought you alone," he told her and she pursed her lips, making him shrug, "They were being saved for Fashion Week, but I convinced Marc Jacobs otherwise," he nonchalantly explained and she gave up as she lifted her fork and busied herself eating.

She must have been hungrier than she thought because she said nothing more for several minutes.

"Is it good?"

Blair laughed at her single mindedness as she looked at Cate, wiping the corners of her mouth, "It is," she said, stabbing her fork in her plate and offering it to Cate, "Here, try," she said and Cate did, scrunching up her face, "Ew, Brussels sprouts," she said then took a gulp of her milk to wash it down.

"Did you try it, Daddy?" Cate asked, reminding Blair that they weren't alone.

"No— yes, he has," she rushed, going back to her meal before Chuck could get any ideas, but she was too late.

"I have," he said leaning over, invading her space with his warmth, "But I would like another taste, see if memory serves," he said, gripping her wrist as he brought her fork to his mouth.

His gaze held and refused to relinquish hers as he took the bite then slid the utensil slowly back out.

"Hmm," he breathed, "Tempting."

She pulled away so hard she nearly hurt her ankle, "Yes, well, maybe you should have ordered it yourself then."

"Yes, maybe," he replied, and she hated the insinuation, hated how he said it, as if it were a promise, something to be fulfilled at a later date.

Well it wasn't and it wouldn't be.

The rest of the meal was spent the same, with her on pins and needles, guard up, not knowing what Chuck would do next.

Once it was all over, she was ready to get away by any means necessary, sprained ankle be damned.

"I ate all my vegetables and even drunk my milk all up," Cate declared standing up, "Can we play some more please?"

"Catherine, it's late," Chuck replied before she had a chance to.

"Please?"

She saw Chuck getting ready to deny her again so she spoke up quickly. She wasn't likely to ever get an opportunity to spend time with Cate this way again and she wanted to make the most of it, "How about you go take a shower and after we'll finish watching Sleeping Beauty?"

"Yay!" Cate said and bolted before Chuck could say anything edgewise.

She smiled at Cate's retreating form then turned to face Chuck, expecting to encounter his wrath, but he just stared back.

"Finish?"

She frowned, "What?"

"You said finish, when did you start watching?"

Shit, she'd let it slip. He didn't know Lily had left her with Cate early that afternoon, "Oh, while you were gone," she lied.

"I thought Cate was asleep."

"Is this twenty questions? You were the one who left me with her before and you're the one who won't let me leave now."

"I know," he simply said and it disconcerted her more than if he had argued with her. What was he playing at? She wondered, but her unspoken question didn't get answered. Chuck rose then reached for her.

"I can manage," she argued, but he lifted her up anyway.

She tried to get some semblance of distance between them, but it didn't work. He was holding her too tight, too close and worst of all, she was getting too used to it.

That couldn't happen. She knew if Chuck got even a whiff of her wavering, he'd use it against her.

"There are towels in the adjoining bath," he said as he lowered her onto the bed, "Are you sure you won't need any help?" he grinned.

That was the last straw. She'd been dodging what had happened earlier between them as if it were the plague and allowing it to have a power over her that it didn't— and he didn't have.

It ended then and there.

"No, I do not need any help in the shower," she said, with a bite in her tone that wiped the grin right off his face, "And what's more, what happened in the doctor's suite won't be happening again," she informed him harshly, "I don't know what ideas you've conjured up where I'm concerned, but you should bury them like I buried us four years ago."

Her chest was panting after the tirade, revving up for whatever he'd come at her with, but his sheer hostile gaze merely assessed her coldly before he turned around and walked out.

She frowned, looking at the firmly shut door he'd just walked out of.

She was right, it had to be said. She refused to feel guilty. He deserved it.

She couldn't forget what he was doing and what she was doing. He was blackmailing her and she had to find a way out. She had to find a way to make him pay for what she went through, she told herself, ignoring the voice that said nothing would ever be enough.

She rubbed her neck then rubbed her eyes, just wanting it all to stop.

She sat up straighter, trying not to wince at everything that ached. She just needed a shower and for the day to finally end.

She reached to the side of the bed and pulled over the bags that Chuck had given her. She hoped she'd find everything she'd need.

She put aside the bag she'd already looked in and opened the second, digging her hand in and coming out with a couple of tiny scraps of clothing.

She fumed.

There was a black bra with pearl halter straps and matching bikini panties. The robe she pulled out after was just as bad, black and white silk that would barely reach her thighs.

She'd kill him.

She would.

Yes, choking him with his bowtie was undeniably the way to go.

XOXOXOXO

Chuck finished drying his hair as he walked out of his ensuite then he threw the towel with everything he'd kept pent up until then. It hit the lamp resting on his dresser and it fell to the floor in a crash that did nothing to appease his unstable mood.

You should bury them like I buried us four years ago

Yes, so she had, he mused cynically, and of course it was clear who'd been holding the other shovel, eagerly assisting her in her efforts.

What he'd consumed churned in his stomach.

This was her reprieve, he reminded himself, swallowing hard, a set amount of time that had a definite beginning and a definite end, and once it ended, once she'd recovered, she would very much regret every single word and every single utterance she'd dared against him. He'd make certain of it.

He turned, temporarily assuaged and intending to exit his room when the door was suddenly swung open and the object of his tumultuous thoughts nearly fell in and onto the broken glass.

He swore an oath beneath his breath and caught her, nearly getting socked in the eye with a crutch in the process.

"Where did you get those?" he asked her roughly, setting her down away from the shards left by the broken light bulb.

"I called down for them," Blair replied as she adjusted the crutches beneath her underarms and steadied herself.

"You should have called down for the instructional manual as well," he remarked sardonically and she set her jaw at a haughty angle, "How amusing."

He shrugged, "Well here at the Palace entertainment is one of our top priorities."

"Yes, and apparently so is aiding and abetting a kidnapping," she contemptuously countered, "Are you aware you could be charged with a felony?"

"Is that why you burst in my door, to lay out all my offenses?" he asked her, "Pity," he lamented, "And here I'd conjured up so many other ideas," he said, mocking her earlier rant dryly.

She gave him a withering look, but he titled his head, curiosity piqued, "Just why have you graced my bedroom with your presence?"

Her face blanked then she gave a hesitant glance around, seemingly becoming aware of her surroundings, "I—I should go."

"Momentarily," he said, gripping both of her crutches, keeping her in place.

"Let go," she said, but couldn't fight or she'd end up on the floor.

"Gladly," he replied, "As soon as you've answered the question," he said, hands so close to hers where he gripped each crutch.

Her mouth thinned into a hard line, "I was passing by and I heard a crash."

She surprised him. Her reply was so unexpectedly frank that it heated him from the inside out, "Worried, were you?"

She looked away, "Concerned for Cate."

"This is my room."

"And she's your daughter. She could have been in here."

"I'll allow the feeble justification," he said then he noticed the damp strands of her hair and smirked, pulling back.

"Did it not fit?" he asked her. She'd clearly had had a shower, but was still wearing the rumpled dress she'd had on all day and his smirk widened into a smile, "I do believe I recall your measurements precisely."

Her eyes flared and she whacked him in the shin with her crutch. The pain blazed and he bent with a groan. By the time he'd righted himself she was gone.

He cursed and muttered invectives until he limped into the living room.

"Daddy, are you okay?" Cate asked, pushing a button on a remote that made the flat screen television pop out of the wall and into view.

"He's fine," Blair answered for him, "He just had a slight misstep," she arched a brow and he gave her a condescending smile, "Yes, I'm sure that's what it was."

"Come on," Cate gestured excitedly, "The movie's about to start."

"You two go ahead, I'll be just a minute," he said, going around to his bar and pouring himself a nightcap which he already direly needed. He gulped the scotch down then reached for the bottle of pills he kept near his alcohol and spilled some out in his hand. He popped two in his mouth and swallowed them dry, hoping to dull the pounding that had started behind his eyes. Next he bent and reached for a water bottle then sloshed some in a cup.

That done, he limped back around, where the lights had already been dimmed.

"I thought you were halfway through?" he asked, seeing the singing opening credits of the fairytale that by now he'd memorized.

"But you didn't see it with us," Cate reasoned and he couldn't argue, knowing he'd just lose.

He walked over to his couch where Blair was lying with Cate and offered her the cup of water.

She frowned up at him then he opened his other hand, displaying the two tablets, "They're painkillers," he said before she could get any more ideas.

Her gaze wavered and she accepted both offerings with a small nod he knew was the most thanks he'd get. He didn't know why he'd suddenly become even slightly magnanimous, but his shin throbbed by her courtesy and he was grudgingly reminded that what she had to be feeling must be much, much worse.

"What are you doing?" Blair asked, sitting up after she'd swallowed the pills.

"What does it look like? I'm joining you."

"But—"

"Shhh," Cate scolded, cuddling Bear-Bear as Chuck sat down.

The couch was long, but with Blair prone and Cate similarly at the opposite end, Blair's head was close to being on his lap.

She gave him a look but settled herself, making sure no part of herself made contact with any part of him.

And that's how they remained.

Time passed.

Cate giggled at something, Blair smiled at another and he did too until he couldn't figure out what he was smiling about which turned his smile into a scowl.

Then everything quieted and in sleep Blair lost the fight and cuddled into his lap, making him close his eyes, nearly groaning out loud.

He needed to get up, before another part of him did.

"Daddy are you going to kiss her awake too?" a small voice whispered.

He snapped his eyes opened, startled when he thought his daughter had been asleep.

"Are you going to kiss her awake like Phillip?" she asked again when he didn't offer up an answer.

He looked down at Blair and gritted his teeth, "No, it wouldn't work," he told her, knowing what she was getting at, "I'm not her prince."

"But how do you know unless you try?"

"I have, countless times," he answered, either overtired or not thinking properly.

"Really?!" Cate exclaimed and he called himself all kinds of an idiot. He was giving Cate exactly what she wanted and giving her hope where there was none.

Blair shifted in her sleep and he bit the inside of his mouth, nearly drawing blood, "Cate, it's time for bed," he told her, changing the subject.

"Maybe you didn't do it right before," she suggested, "Maybe you should try again—"

"Catherine, you know fairytales aren't real," he said in a sharp whisper, "Bed, now," he told her and she relented sadly, sliding off the couch, "Goodnight," she whispered then walked over for a kiss.

He leaned over carefully, trying to avoid the situation on his lap and kissed his daughter's cheek. Cate pulled back then looked down at Blair and kissed her cheek lightly too, "See, it's easy," she pointed out then left.

It had been easy, he mentally agreed, way too easy and therein lay the problem which could quickly get out of hand, he thought then rose and quietly lifted Blair into his arms.

She whimpered then shifted into him as he walked. He looked down and her head lulled back, making him pause and giving him the perfect view of her parted lips...

Everything tightened and he bent his head, hovering there for a few agonizing moments, but he caught himself before he made another mistake and started walking again.

He made it to the guestroom fast enough without waking her then he lowered her down onto the bed. He was on autopilot, wanting to hurry along and be done with it. He lightly lifted her ankle, propped it up and covered her with a blanket as he straightened. After that, everything slowed.

Suddenly he had all the time in the world.

He looked down at her, at the gentle rise and fall of her breathing then softly reached out a hand and smoothed a stray curl away from her face.

He couldn't take in every detail fast enough, her full bow lips, slightly parted in sleep, the dark lashes feathering her pale cheeks, the soft, vulnerable curve of her neck…

He was studying her as if to commit to memory, as if she would disappear.

But he didn't need to commit what was already committed to memory.

And she had disappeared.

His eyes grew hard and stony and he turned around, walking out of the room without a moment's hesitation.

XOXOXOXO

Blair awoke with a start, confused, looking back and forth— then remembering.

She closed her eyes and gave a small distressed cry into her pillow then gave another when every movement, however small hurt. She felt battered and sore and just wanted to burrow under the covers until the middle of next week at least.

But she couldn't and if she did, it would be in her own home, in her own bed.

"Blair! Are you awake yet? Up and Adam!" she heard knocking on the door, "That's what Daddy says, but I don't know who's Adam."

Cate's high, energetic voice filtered through her closed door and she smiled. Despite everything, it was probably the best wake-up call she'd ever gotten.

"I'm coming!" she said, bracing herself and lifting herself up. She didn't even reach for her crutches, trying to get to the door as fast as she could. She held onto the side of the bed and basically hopped until she was hanging onto the dresser and pulling the door open.

Her eyes widened and her heart leapt into her throat.

Chuck filled the doorway, crowding it and she could feel his stare burning a trail across her skin.

She'd awoken in the middle of the night as disoriented as she'd woken up moments before. She hadn't known how she'd ended up in bed, but by then she didn't care. She'd just wanted to go back to sleep, but couldn't in the dirty, grass stained dress she'd been in. She'd argued with herself, debating her choice, but ultimately changed as quickly as she could, telling herself Chuck would never see her in the lingerie, but apparently she'd been wrong.

Very wrong.

His eyes seemed to devour everything in its path, every dip, every curve, every single inch of her exposed skin, making goose bumps blaze across her body.

She saw him move, she should have stopped him and would have had she been capable of coherent thought. He reached out a hand and curled it inside her robe to stroke the gentle flare of her hips and she felt it everywhere, not able to stop the reaction.

Her body reveled and betrayed her. There wasn't even a fight. She soaked in all the attention and found herself straining to get closer which only made his touch more concentrated, more bold. Her belly quivered and she bit her lip not to emit a sound though even if she had, she doubted it would've registered.

He was too focused, too determined and his thorough appraisal continued, opening her robe completely as the pad of his fingers grazed and caressed her skin, making her breaths thready and unstable.

"You're black and blue," he broke the spell, pulling back and leaving her with a deep sense of deprivation.

Her brows furrowed, "What?"

"You're bruised," he repeated in a monotone, "But enough of this lovely tête-à-tête, we're leaving in twenty so you might want to rein in those arousing, unbridled thoughts and get dressed," came his insensible remark as he turned around, making her lips part wrathfully.

Why hadn't she grabbed her crutches? She chided herself as she slammed the door. She could have given his right shin the same treatment she'd given his left the night before.

What the hell was wrong with her? Whatever it was she had to handle it fast. She couldn't continue to allow Chuck to wheedle his way under her skin.

She looked up at the clock and grimaced, it really was late. Serena's graduation would be starting in an hour.

She braced herself again then flung herself, catching the side of the bed and managing to keep herself upright. She hopped until she reached her crutches, feeling ridiculous then went as quickly as she could into the bathroom.

In her haste, she barely remembered going through her morning ablutions, but they were done rapidly, leaving her to wonder what she would wear.

She couldn't wear the dress from yesterday, at this point it was only fit for the trash and she was wary of anything that came from the bags Chuck had given to her, but she eyed them anyway.

After a moment, she muttered angrily then scooped them up as she sat herself on the bed.

If she found anything even remotely indecent she'd used the bags to suffocate him, she told herself as she pulled the last bag open.

What she found inside surprised her. It was a red, slim Giambattista Valli dress, something she would have bought for herself.

She unzipped the dress then carefully maneuvered herself into it. She couldn't quite get the zip all the way up, but she already knew the fit was perfect.

The V in the front was compelling but not overt and it hugged her curves in all the right places, falling to just past her knees.

She turned and looked at herself in the full length mirror at the corner of the room. She stood up as straight as she could, hanging onto one crutch as she surveyed herself.

"It's fine," she said aloud. It was a dress, just a dress, she told herself as she sat back down on the bed.

She sighed and looked down at her ankle, adjusting the elastic bandage with a wince. The swelling had gone down, but hadn't gone away completely.

She shifted on the bed and one of the bags fell to the floor. She rolled her eyes at her carelessness and reached for it, spilling the remaining contents.

A few pieces of jewelry stared up at her and the expensively purported pair of Marc Jacobs flats. She eyed it all then pulled back. She was only using the necessary and not any of that was, she thought, reaching on her nightstand for the bangle she'd taken off last night. It would more than suffice.

"Blair, I'm all ready!" Cate called out from the hall.

"I'm nearly done too, come see!" she shouted back and she heard the pitter-patter of Cate's small feet hitting the floor as she ran then entered the room.

"Wow, aren't you a sight," she said, taking in her deep turquoise dress that flared out adorably.

"Thank you," Cate grinned, bouncing onto the bed, "Good morning," she said, kissing her cheek and it was so unexpected, Blair's heart turned over, "Good morning, my sunshine."

Cate's grin widened, "Are you ready to go?"

Blair smoothed down Cate's hair and nodded, "Just about," she said, barely able to find her voice, "Can you help me get my zipper up?"

"Okay," Cate said enthusiastically, loving to help in any way, "There," she said, after it was done.

"Thank you," Blair smiled.

"Arthur is waiting for us downstairs," Chuck's voice cut through the happy moment, dousing it.

"I'm ready," Blair said, reaching for the heels she'd taken off yesterday.

His gaze stilled on her and she was caught in it before he managed to say anything, "Why aren't you wearing the shoes I bought you?"

Blair looked away, "Because I don't need them," she said, slipping her pumps on and standing. The pain radiated immediately, but she made herself not react as she leaned on the crutches for support.

"You won't be able to take a step," he said testily and she made a taunting move in his direction, "Are we going or aren't we?"

She saw his jaw flex, but he said nothing, addressing his daughter instead, "Cate, let's go."

XOXOXOXO

"I didn't know if you'd make it," Serena said, tossing a few loose wisps over her shoulder amidst the gathering crowd at Columbia.

"It's your graduation, of course I was going to make it," Nate replied, and Serena wrinkled her brow at his disinterest. He was barely looking at her, "Are you alright? It's like you've been dodging me lately."

Nate shifted on his feet, "I've just been busy, look—," he said motioning behind her, "The ceremony's about to start any moment now, you should get ready," he said, turning around, leaving her with a frown marring her features.

"What's with the face? You should be smiling. You're not the one who fell down some concrete steps."

Serena turned and smiled then a look of disbelief lit up on her face, "Oh my god, B— I didn't think it was that bad," she said, putting a fretful hand on one of the crutches, "Why didn't you tell me how bad it was when you called me yesterday?" Serena shot a look at Chuck who just shrugged.

"You called Serena?" Blair retorted and Cate looked up between all the adults with a worried look on her face, "What's going on?"

"Nothing," Chuck said quickly, "Come on, let's go see if we can find some seats next to Lily," he told his daughter who reluctantly agreed.

"How are you, really?" Serena asked, looking her up and down with concern.

"I'm fine," Blair brushed her off, "So he called you?"

"Yeah," Serena replied, "He didn't want me or Dorota to worry, but are you sure you're fine?"

"Yes, completely," Blair reassured her, "But it's laughable to think your concern was a priority of his," Blair told her wryly, "I bet he didn't mention sequestering me."

"What?" she turned a hard look at Chuck's retreating form.

"Yeah, that's your darling brother for you. He didn't let me leave and I didn't get my phone back until fifteen minutes ago."

Serena shook her head, irritated with Chuck's antics but not able to stop herself from wondering, "So your night…?"

Blair's eyes narrowed, "My night was horrible, and before you get ahead of yourself, I slept alone."

"Was it horrible because you slept alone?"

Blair gave her an annoyed look, "You know, S, I'm just getting the hang of these crutches, but I've already found they make a great defense mechanism."

Serena grinned, surrendering, "Fine, but only know I'm not hounding you because it's Chuck, and I would have been disgusted for you to go into detail if anything had happened," she said matter-of-factly and this time Blair shook her head, "Alright, enough," she told her, "This day isn't about me or Chuck or my sprained ankle, it's about you. Aren't you excited? You did it, Serena," Blair smiled and Serena tried to smile back as her heart suddenly started pounding against her ribs in anxiety, "Of course," she lied.

How could she admit that nothing was right and she didn't know what to do? How could she? But she knew she just couldn't. Everyone thought she'd finally gotten it together and that's how it had to stay.

"This is all so exciting and I'm relieved to be done," she continued the lie, "But in all this," she gestured around her, "I forgot to mention your design studio," she said, swiftly changing the subject, "I got most of it done with Dorota's help. I hope you like it when you see it."

"I'm sure I'll love it, but later, we'll talk all about it after. You should be getting ready."

Serena turned to look and sure enough, her fellow graduates were settling in.

"I'll see you once you actually own a degree," Blair teased and Serena gave a haphazard nod, attempting to hide her trembling fingers beneath her black graduation gown.

She took a step, then another, but everything inside her screamed at her to stop.

What am I doing?

XOXOXOXO

"Congratulations!" Blair said, nearly squealing as she pulled back from a hug, slightly unsteadily because of her crutches.

"Thank you, again," Serena smiled, "But I think I'm already getting tired of hearing it.

"Well you shouldn't be," Lily cut in, pulling Serena into the second hug she'd given her since she'd graduated, "I'm so very proud of you, my darling."

"Thanks, Mom," Serena said, but Blair looked on with confusion. Something was up, she knew it was, but she barely had a chance to contemplate it before Cate spoke up.

"Are we going in? My tummy's hungry."

Everyone laughed and they finally shuffled into the restaurant Chuck had reserved for Serena's celebratory brunch, though Blair took longer in her crutches.

Her Brian Atwood heels, while fabulous, had been an enormous mistake, she grudgingly admitted. She tried not to put any pressure on her left foot, but in the pumps it was sometimes impossible and as a result, her ankle was flaring up in pain.

She tried, but she couldn't go on any further so she stopped and everyone went on ahead, too busy chattering animatedly to notice her. She leaned down, touching her ankle gently, but even that much was too much. She hated this, hated being incapacitated and feeling utterly inept. She wanted her body to obey, needed it to, but it couldn't and her eyes lined with sudden tears at the grating pain and her frustration.

She had to stop. This wasn't the time or the place to bemoan her situation, she reasoned, forcing herself to straighten only to be jarred into movement when her waist was encircled.

"My crutches!" Blair protested as Chuck took them both under his right arm and pulled her closer with his left, "Just hang onto me," his voice seemed to rumble heatedly as he started moving, all but carrying her entire weight as he went.

Her arm went around his shoulders and she was pressed so close she could smell the musky scent of his aftershave. It was subtle, but appealing. She'd always liked the smell, she'd chosen it herself when they'd first gotten together— officially. They'd been all over each other back then and she'd always ended up smelling of him, something he took great pleasure in, she remembered wryly, so she'd made sure to pick something they both liked.

And he was still wearing it.

"Look in your purse," he told her, helping her into a seat.

She looked up and his flinty glare knocked her straight out the wistful thoughts she shouldn't have had in the first place. Nothing was as it was back then nor would it ever be.

"Are you hungry too, Blair?" Cate asked from the seat next to hers.

"Famished," Blair smiled, going into her purse and finding the Marc Jacobs flats Chuck had bought for her and she'd refused.

She glanced at him, on the other side of Cate, but he looked away.

"Sorry I'm late everyone. I really tried to make it, but I got delayed in traffic."

"It's okay," Serena said, brightening, hugging her brother close as he congratulated her.

"Uncle Eric!" Cate yelled, standing up in her chair.

"Hey, you grew an inch!" Eric said, leaning forward, dropping a couple of raspberry kisses on Cate's cheek, making her laugh.

"And wow, Blair," he said, leaning forward and hugging her too, "Serena told me, but I didn't believe you were back."

"Yes, I am," she smiled, "Temporarily, anyway," she said, seeing just how more than four years had made a difference, Eric was no longer the young teenager she remembered.

"Well, come sit," Lily motioned, "We all need to catch up," she said, as she accepted the kiss her son placed on her cheek.

"I guess we do. I see I missed a lot," he said, sitting down, looking around the long table at everyone seated, his sister, his mother, Rufus, Dan, Nate then he settled on her then Chuck.

"Cate, you should sit too," Blair said, needing to evade the scrutiny. Cate easily obeyed and she occupied herself further by switching her shoes to the flats.

"I'm hungry," Cate repeated as she tried to reach for the bread at the middle of the table.

"We're going to order in a moment," Chuck replied, retrieving a piece of bread for her as Blair, without conscious thought, handed him the butter then placed Cate's dinner cloth on her lap.

When she looked up, Serena was staring and she realized what she must have looked like with Chuck and Cate, and that got her on her feet, well on her foot.

Chuck rose with her and she didn't know if he was just going by his ingrained etiquette or if it was to stop her or to follow her, but she didn't care. She suddenly needed to be anywhere else.

"Excuse me," she said, reaching for her crutches.

"B, where are you going?"

"Uh, the lady's room," she said quickly and Serena ended up following her despite her protests.

"I just needed air," Blair told her, once they were beside the stalls.

"No, you didn't," Serena said right back, "You were getting away from Chuck," she laid it out for her, "I saw you, you caught yourself. I'll never understand it, but with you and Chuck it's automatic and it works— and it works with Cate, why are you running from it?"

She shook her head, gripping her crutches until her fingers turned white, "It may be automatic, but it doesn't work and it never will."

"Blair—"

"How about you?" she frowned, using all her powers of deflection, "You're telling me I'm running away, but something's clearly up with you. What is it? What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I don't know what you're talking about," Serena said, walking past her, "If we're done, we should head back."

"Wait!" her frowned deepened with actual alarm, "Serena!" she said, left to trail behind with her crutches, but she caught up when Serena abruptly stopped a few feet from their table.

"Dad?" Serena's lips parted as they watched William van der Woodsen walk from the entrance straight towards her.

Blair looked at her best friend and grew even more worried than she was before. Serena's eyes filled with tears and Nate swore, getting up from his seat, an apology already spilling clumsily from his lips, "I'm so sorry Serena, this is all my fault."

"William?" Lily rose and Eric too, "What's he doing here?"

"Serena," William smiled, but Serena shook her head frantically, "No," she said, "No!" she repeated angrily then pushed herself out of the way, past him and out the restaurant.

"No! Wait!" Blair yelled, knowing exactly what Serena must be feeling and it made her stomach churn vilely, "I have to go after her," she said, trying to pull away, but Nate stepped in front of her, impeding her path, "You'll never be able to catch up," he told her, "I'll go, I'm to blame for all this anyway."

"What do you mean?" she asked him, but he was already hurrying away, leaving her standing limply behind.

XOXOXOXO

It was a waste.

His terrible morning was now a complete waste, Chuck thought, wanting to curse as he stood up. It had started with Blair in the guestroom. He'd been so close to backing her up into that room and locking her in with him that he couldn't think straight and it had steadily compounded as time had gone by, watching as she made herself struggle with her injury. Now, it wasn't just Blair, everything had gone wrong, resulting in where he found himself now, wedged between Eric and Lily and William van der Woodsen.

"You shouldn't be here," Chuck told the older man. He didn't know how he'd managed it since he'd put his PI on it, but he must have underestimated him.

"Charles, what are you doing?" Lily asked, but Eric interrupted her, "Chuck's right. He shouldn't be here. You need to leave."

"Eric—"

"Lily," Rufus broke in, but Chuck silenced them all, "You're going to be escorted out and taken to one of my hotels," he told William, "If either one of your children chooses to speak with you, they'll contact you there," Chuck said and his tone was so daunting that William just nodded, "I hope to see you soon, son," William said then turned around as he was shown the door.

"I'm going to go too," Dan said, standing up, "So am I," his father agreed and Lily looked worriedly back, "Rufus?"

"I'll be at home, Lily," he said, giving her a look as he brushed past her and Chuck glared at them both.

"I—I have to go with them," Lily said, watching as Rufus walked farther and farther away from her, "Call me the moment Serena appears," she said, but Chuck just nodded then turned to find Cate huddled on Blair's lap.

"Why is everybody angry?"

"No one's angry," Blair said as she hugged Cate close, "They were just surprised, that's all."

"But they all left," Cate pointed out.

"I'm still here," Eric said, stooping down, "And I've missed you like crazy. How about we order some chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream on top?"

Cate nodded feebly, Eric sat down and in that moment, he was grateful, and not just to Eric, but to them both which was hard for him to admit.

"Waiter!" he called out then he retook his seat and settled Cate back into hers. The friendly young man came over, offering them a smaller table if they liked, but he refused, not wanting to create more of a fuss with Cate.

"Well it's just about noon so good afternoon to you all. Let me introduce myself," he said as he winked at Cate, "My name is John Patrick Cavanaugh and I'll be your waiter," he grinned, offering his hand out to Cate, sensing her sadness, "And who might you be?"

Cate finally perked up, sitting up straighter and taking his hand with a smile.

Chuck should have somehow anticipated it, sensed it, stopped it— did something, but he didn't, then he was much too late.

"I'm Catherine Blair Bass."


A/N: Yes, another cliffhanger, don't hate me, I do so love them lol. And before you all say it, I know you want Chuck and Blair to get it on already lol and I promise it's coming very soon. I already know exactly when since I've outlined the fic straight to chapter 17, but I'm not telling ;) you have to wait and see. Now back to this chapter, it came out to 33 pages! It was a lot of work so I hope you enjoyed it! Let me know your comments, thoughts, or questions in a review.

I just have to say you all AMAZE me with your reviews and I can't thank you enough!

AND NOW FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT. This fic will be changing the ratings to from T to M very soon, so if you want to find the fic when it gets updated, I suggest you put it on alerts. I just wanted to give you the heads up.

P.S. I posted three pics on my photobucket page, of course, link on my profile. I posted one of Blair in her robe/lingerie, one of her in the red dress Chuck bought for her (credit for that pic goes to my lovely friend Isa) and one of Cate and Blair when they were playing with their compacts. However for that pic, I don't know why, but photobucket put it on the 1st page of the FLOL pics so to find it you have to scroll down on the FLOL page and click the number "2" to go to the first page where all the earlier pics are that go with the earlier chapters. It should be the first pic at the bottom.

That's it. Until next time :)

XoXo Chrys