Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl original characters or plot, no copyright infringement is intended.

RECAP OF THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER: After Bart gave Chuck and Chelsea an apartment for them to move in together, Blair leaves the table for the bathroom, where she makes herself throw up. More than the shame she feels for her relapse, she dreads that Dan thinks as much. Worried about her, Chuck leaves the ballroom as well, to check whether she's well or not. They quarrel over her British groom, before making-out. Afraid that someone may walk in on them, Blair returns to the table, where Chelsea and Dan both suspect that something has happened.

NOTE: Thousands of thank-you to everyone who reads and sticks to the story despite the very long updates, I greatly appreciate! Special thanks to strawberrymusume, pincky, bluestriker666, princetongirl, Fiona and everyone else who has reviewed, you are all dears! :D Huge thanks to Lauren, my amazing beta, the Queen of Grammar and Awesomeness! :)

This chapter is insanely long (about 8,300 words), as compensation for your incredible patience. The action takes place directly after the previous chapter, so I encourage you to read it again in order not to be lost. You may think that I'm making no headway because it's mostly about the characters reflecting and remembering things, but I swear that it's necessary for next chapter. And if you want to get a glimpse of next chapter, you should read the A/N at the end...


May 19th 2017, The Palace.

Blair apologized to everyone she knew for leaving, giving her exhaustion as a reason for her hasty departure, and promising the High Society women to contact them soon to discuss their respective lives around a cup of tea or lunch. In all the fuss at the end of the party, nobody seemed to notice that she didn't do it with Chelsea and Chuck.

Nobody but Dan. Annoying Brooklyn. He squinted intently, following her with his eyes, as if he was trying to decipher in the smallest detail, her real emotions, well hidden behind her mask. A shiver ran down Blair's spine at the thought. She couldn't stay longer. Her withdrawn behavior had already given away her feelings and emotions; any other second spent there would make the situation worse. She quickly went away, without glancing back to see if anyone was watching her.

Once outside, the coolness of the air tickled her cheeks. They were aching from plastering that silly fake smile of her to everyone. But she hadn't had another choice. She had had to look pleased and nice in the guests' eyes until her departure, or else they would have suspected that something made her feel uneasy. In truth, she was on the edge. She had let Chuck grope her, only a few steps away from the ballroom! One might have walked in on them and witnessed her unfaithfulness! But no, she hadn't cared and on the contrary, responded, as stupid as it was!

Congrats B, endangering your reputation so carelessly after all your efforts to climb to the top spot of society. That's being irresponsible and a complete idiot!

A rather cool spring breeze suddenly blew, making her eyes sting and arousing goose bumps on her bare arms. She shivered. The contrast with the warmth of the ballroom was quite numbing, and it made her hardly unable to think of anything but how cold the air felt on her smooth skin. She decided to walk a bit before returning home. The few minutes outside would help her not to brood about the events of the night. When it became unbearably freezing to her, hailing a cab seemed like the best option.

---

Back at her penthouse, she reached for a tablet of Valium in order to guarantee a good night of sleep after such a trying evening. From both an emotional and physical point of view. She started searching around for something strong to drink with it. Something from Cyrus's personal reserve of alcohol, that was solely set aside for special occasions. What a reserve indeed! Pear liquor, cognac, armagnac… various bottles of those, and many other alcoholic tonics even more exotic to her, were meeting her eyes. As well stocked as the cupboard was, she still couldn't find what she was looking for. Her fruitless research made her fall back on what was closer: whiskey. It wasn't scotch, but it would do the same. She poured a good deal more in her glass than necessary, and downed it in one go. She squeezed her eyes shut and wrinkled her nose at the sour taste left in her mouth. The drink burned her throat. That was definitely too strong for her liking. She frankly preferred gin, wine, or champagne of course.

She, however, recovered swiftly and went to her bedroom. After undressing into a flimsy nightgown, unlike her sober usual sleepwear, she buckled down to the painstaking task of removing her make-up. Deciding to give her fiancé some news, she seized resolutely her cell phone, before installing herself in her comfortable bed. Alarming Alexander by her lack of attention would be the last straw. After everything else that had already happened lastly! Chuck's attentions were already problematic enough, she didn't need the groom to worry about her. She would act normally, as though nothing had happened, and deal with the bastard in one way or another. Because he definitely was a problem. A huge one.

---

On the one hand, Chuck was the exact embodiment of the dreaded ex boyfriend who had hurt her countless times. Fury, confusion, grief or even despair, were some of the most painful states he had put her through. His immaturity, endless schemes and tormented personality had exhausted her. As she had once said about Nate, she needed a Romeo, not a Hamlet! Though it had been no easy matter, she had erased him from her life as much as possible. Yet here he was again. Like a boomerang, he had gone away before coming back. Now at full force, and at the most unfortunate moment.

On the other hand, she was the girl who had always dreamed of a spark, fireworks even, between her lover and her -not thunder or lightning as it had been with him!- and was now about to get married to the most perfect gentleman she would ever find on Earth. Nice, reliable, successful, attractive. An aristocrat. Someone who adored her to such an extent that she sometimes believed he worshiped her. Which was always good for her ego.

But this accomplished and happy love life didn't seem to carry that much weight compared to her first real and passionate love coming back. Especially when he showed so much interest in her. Or rather than interest, cravings. Years had obviously not spoiled his lust for her. She may indeed not be fluent in many languages, but she was actually quite good at understanding his body language. His eyes, mouth, and hands had spoken clearly for him. He had however seemed to express less primal urges as well, like a strong desire to do more than just reconnect with her. Knowing him like she did, she feared he would be adamant to try everything to achieve that goal. And her enthusiastic response to his door-slamming would only increase his determination, to her greatest misfortune.

It wasn't that she was indifferent or unmoved by his behavior, obviously quite the contrary, but the circumstances didn't exactly fit with a ceaseless and not ruled chase, like only the Devil himself knew how to carry out. As she had said, she had made promise of love and commitment to Alexander, the 18-carat diamond on her left ring finger clearly indicating that fact. She could not let Chuck stand in her way now that all the arrangements had been made, now that she had found some stability and security again, particularly when his intentions were unclear.

It was indeed given that he lusted for her, but that didn't matter much to her. What was important to know was if he really wanted her back. He had always been very possessive, and this display of feelings or whatever it had been, could simply be a reaction of his under-the-belt ego. Someone else other than him was contemplating a whole life with her. He was no longer the one and only man of her fantasies, and he wanted to win back what he thought was his, though he didn't seriously yearned for her. It could likely be one his sick games, just a little bit of fun in his boring life to prove to himself he could still have any woman he wanted, or an attempt to flee the awful life his father had planned for him…

No, she certainly wouldn't let herself get caught up in such a dangerous and unladylike business. That would lead her nowhere; she would only end up more hurt than last time, only this time it would also threaten her reputation seriously. No matter how much she longed for it, she couldn't succumb to him. Her future was already decided, and his too, despite the obvious fakeness of it. It had been a huge mistake to show up at his party, but she could still rectify the situation: she had to avoid him for the rest of her stay, just like she had planned in the first place.

Easier said than done.

The last few days had proved that she was not immune to him, despite the contempt she still felt and her engagement to another man. The butterflies were fluttering again, and she was jealous of the lowly woman sharing his life! But above all, the most dangerous for her was the fact that this passion for him had aroused so quickly, so vividly, so abruptly. That was beyond comprehension. Surely she hadn't turned a new leaf, but that was no sensible reason for the amazing attraction between them! What was so special about him that he was like a magnet?! His good look? The power, confidence, and wealth that irradiated from him? His wit, always sarcastic but accurate? Nostalgia of her carefree youth? All that?

For Heaven's sake Blair, FOCUS! Look where your mind wanders when you're not concentrating! You are engaged! You can't think about a former -and thus failed- relationship!

She shook her head hopelessly, dismissing every thought of Chuck, and finished her text. The moment she pressed the 'send' button, her eyelids felt too heavy for her. Once the light off, she slipped under her comforter, before drifting into a peaceful sleep. Where she wouldn't reprimand herself for drowning into sparkling brown eyes.


May 20th 2017, Chuck's office.

Definition of irony according to the universalis encyclopedia (fig): Contrast between a cruel reality or situation, and what one could expect. Example: Irony of fate.

Definition of irony according to Chuck Bass (fig): Damn circumstances entailing unforeseen and unwanted events, which are inescapable. Example: A father practically non-existent in your life for eighteen years despite your wish, who suddenly decides to be fully involved in it against your will.

Chuck leaned back in his leather armchair and gave a heavy sigh. He had been replaying over and over the events of his party for at least twelve hours, trying to understand how his life could have gotten way out of control because of a mere gift. Since the beginning he had had the feeling that something bad would happen with his father's present. Bart would have normally never acted this weird: done some small awkward talk with his son, smoked a cigar with him, confessed his fears about his sentimental life! If only he had taken those signs more seriously, he might have convinced his father to give the present later, during a more intimate familial reunion. Blair wouldn't have had to go through such an ordeal.

Blair. His Blair.

She was both the best and worst part of his recollection of the night before. The best, because the jealousy she had shown and their impromptu make-out session in the corridor, had reminded him of how much he had really missed her. Everything about her. Her wit, and the way she shamelessly embarrass anyone with her cutting replies, smart and sharp as ever. Her sweet smell: the note of vanilla only present at first, the note of lavender dominating then, the combination of the two still soothing him despite the years. The softness of her skin, like silk under his rough hands, tickling the warm digits. The taste of her full cherry red lips teasing, licking, biting his… That had felt like heaven. If only some damn employee hadn't been around, he could have gotten further! Not that he thought they would have had sex right there, but they had been so enthralled, so out of control! She might have totally melted and let something slip along the line of "I miss you".

But that hadn't happened.

The worst, because her complete lack of acknowledgement at the end of the night, being quiet and looking down throughout dessert, was still very frustrating. She had left him waiting for more, and puzzled -in the middle of a delightful embrace!- scared that anyone would catch a glimpse of them. For the love of God, they had been kissing passionately! She had sworn to never be dealt with by him again. She had ignored every single attempt of his to apologize. She had even fled across the Atlantic; but there she had melted in his arms, let down her walls for a moment! No human being could possibly control oneself so easily, especially a few seconds after such an enthusiastic display! It wasn't possible to keep up appearances in front of such an audience: her best friend knowing her like a sister, and his overly aware girlfriend!

Now that he came to think about it, the worst was actually that, on top of it all, Chelsea had perfectly understood that something was going on when they had both returned to the table. Between Blair staying in the background, and him still eager and watching out for her slightest move, she had seen through them. She had constantly glared at Blair and spied him from the corner of her eye, ready to do anything in case he had leaned towards the brunette, or said a word.

At the end of the night, she had immediately clutched at his arm, preventing him from talking to Blair personally. The same Blair who hastily said goodbye to everyone but them, and darted out. Instead, she had led him to some guests that wanted to congratulate them in person, not leaving him for a mere second. He had hoped that the hawk-like behavior would stop because the dinner was over, but the contrary had happened.

As soon as they made it back to his suite, she had literally jumped on him. He had never seen her so needy. He had caught a desperate spark dancing in her light blue irises, making them glow madly. Her moves had been hasty and clumsy. She had been twice as fierce as usual when she had attempted to rip his shirt. Something that had never occurred before. Getting rid of her had taken all his strength and power of persuasion. She had eventually let go -she knew better than pick a fight- but soon enough she would be demanding again. And he wouldn't be able to refuse her for long, or else she would talk to his father. Something he absolutely had to avoid.

---

That thought had bothered him all night; though not as much as the memory of Blair's petite frame in his arms. A low, guttural groan escaped his throat as he recalled, with too much realism for his sake, pinning her against the wooden door. Wrestling his mind away from the memory, he attempted to focus again. He knew that making out with her had been the right thing. That it was how their lives were supposed to be. Things between them were always going to be rough, plain, hot, complicated… but above all, natural. He had always been aware that they were meant to be together, however her total indifference during the last five years had weakened his certainties. Their unexpected -but hoped- indiscretion had confirmed his opinion: being together was in the nature of things. He just had to make Blair listen to reason, to show her that it was still possible between the two of them. They had already tasted happiness and bliss, there was no reason they couldn't anymore. They had both suffered and matured away from each other, but the chemistry, the attraction and the love were still there. He was now ready to commit to her entirely.

That's why he had ceaselessly thought over the best way to get to her all night, not able to get some shut-eye despite his exhaustion. It had been nearly impossible to behave normally that morning, her image firmly rooted in his mind. When he had been brushing his teeth, her sharpest remarks towards Chelsea had echoed in his head. While he had been in the shower, the hotness of the water against his skin had been nothing compared to the memory of her warm body pressed against his. The journey to his office had been unbearable; the limo had seemed to be filled with her perfume, the leather capturing the touches of her delicate fragrance. Every time he had looked up from his work he could have sworn that he had caught a glimpse of her slender figure dashing out of his office, her crystal-clear laugh teasing his ears. Eventually, he had grown so frustrated that he hadn't been able to put up with the torture any longer.

He had called her. Four times. Needless to say that she hadn't picked up -such a fool he had been to think otherwise. She had on the contrary ignored his calls purposely, leaving him to deal with her annoying French voice mail. He hadn't considered the option of leaving a message. It would have been pointless, she would have deleted it immediately. He had then tried twice to call the line of her penthouse, hoping to have a better chance. Unfortunately, Dorota had been the one to answer. She had hung up on him without letting him utter a single sentence, aside from 'Chuck Bass calling', exactly like five years ago. Of course he had considered showing up at her penthouse. However, he recalled that whenever Blair was in town, security had very strict orders concerning him. He couldn't even set foot in the lobby. He remembered vividly the number of times he had been kicked out carelessly. And as he wasn't much fond of desperate causes, he had given on the idea. His back had already suffered enough from being hurled to the ground, when he had been too insistent.


May 20th 2017, Blair's penthouse.

Blair woke up later that morning than usual, feeling in a very good mood. She felt extremely relaxed and light, as if she was leaving a seawater therapy center. A glowing smile was radiating her face, and she looked a bit silly with her dreamy eyes. She couldn't remember any single dream she had had during the night, but one could only guess that it had been sheer bliss; probably about her fiancé. She lightened up even more at the sight of the breakfast Dorota had prepared for her: a croissant with strawberry jam, a glass of squeezed blood orange juice, and a large cup of black coffee. She was enjoying herself quietly, when her cell phone rang.

Lunch my place, 12:30? Just the 2 of us, husband 2 busy 2 take care of his wife. S

She grinned at the text. Her day was getting better by the minute. What could possibly outclass a lunch with your best friend on such a lovely day? Girl talks, gossips, and probably some shopping, were all she needed after the tough night. And Dan wouldn't be there, which meant no suspicious and ambiguous glances or remarks!

Sure. Cook something good 4 ONCE! B

She finished eating quickly and rushed upstairs to take a shower. When she walked out of the bathroom half an hour later, wrapped in her navy blue and white towel, her skin was still flushed from the warmth of the shower. A few droplets of water fell to the soft carpet, leaving a light trail behind her. She sat on the edge of her bed just when the ring, 'The Stranger song' that she used for strangers, began to resound in her bedroom. She trotted around to her bedside table and grabbed the buzzing object.

---

She stared blankly at her cell phone. The colorful screen brightened as it displayed a phone number. She read it carefully, while her brain slowly registered the identity of the caller. Though she had removed that particular number from her contacts five years ago, she easily guessed who it was. She had learned it by heart in the past, when she put it on speed dial.

Her heart stopped beating for a nanosecond. Then she panicked. Chuck was calling her! The man she was supposed to loathe, but that she actually badly wanted was trying to reach her! Either to have an explanation about the electrifying kiss they had shared, or to talk her into seeing him. Or maybe both. Whatever it was, he wasn't wasting his time. He had already begun the chase. What on Earth could she do with that?! Pick up the phone and say "Thanks Chuck for the exhilarating moment yesterday, I enjoyed it a lot -though I shouldn't be telling you that. In normal circumstances I would probably follow it up, but, you see, I should hate you and I'm getting married. Sorry, but I have to decline your proposition whatever it is"?

She had taken the decision to completely ignore him again, to naturally go back to the life she had chosen on her latest birthday, when Alexander had proposed to her. So, what was the point of answering, besides messing up her life more than she had already by kissing him? The situation she had put herself in would only worsen. His smooth, velvety voice caressing her ear would tempt her even more to give in to his charms, and her resolution would become a burden harder to bear. Thus, despite the ardent desire burning in her, she pressed the button 'ignore'.

She released a breath she didn't know she was holding. She had been well-advised to send him packing. That was the first step of the anti-Chuck Bass project, and so to the return to normality. A relationship needed a solid base, and Chuck and she hadn't any. She was engaged, and in a twisted way he sort of was as well. Sadly, there was only misfortune for them in a love affair. Whether she liked it or not, she had made the right decision.

She forced her thoughts to drift to the lunch planned with Serena in a good hour and a half. Her best friend would entertain her without a doubt, and they would gossip about what they had heard or seen at the party, when everybody was exposed. Scandals always rose immediately after such events. She walked to her closet, and began rummaging through her hung up clothes, determined to find the adequate attire. It wasn't an easy task for someone like her, especially when Undesirable No. 1 tried to call her three other times. At each attempt, she had to hold herself back from picking up, because as hurt and resolute as she was, she still wanted to hear his voice, and above all what he had to say about their kiss. When she finally decided what she would wear -a dark pencil skirt with an off-white blouse-, she hastily got dressed, eager to leave her apartment too filled of thoughts about Chuck.


May 20th 2017, "The Stand-By".

« Wasn't the apartment absolutely lovely? Charles will just love it; the two of you are going to be so happy! » Lily cried out with joy.

« Sure, sure » commented Chelsea a bit sarcastically.

« When are you going to tell him about your ideas for the renovation and decoration? Better be soon if you want to settle in less than a month! » Lily chuckled. She had obviously not noticed Chelsea's reservations.

« Tonight, at dinner. We'll have quite some time to discuss important matters: the choice of the bed, the color of the drapes, the furniture for the living-room… » the younger one answered.

« By the way, which- » Serena's mother began to ask.

« Are you ready to order, ladies? » a drawling male voice cut in.

Both woman looked up to the young waiter interrupting their conversation. He was smiling at them expectantly, his almond eyes sparkling with kindness.

« I'll take the sirloin, rare, with french fries. And a glass of Chablis, please » said Lily nonchalantly, handing him back the menu.

« Hmm, I'll have the Salade Niçoise, and a half bottle of fizzy water. Thanks » ordered Chelsea, unaware of Lily's curious gaze upon her.

« Aren't you hungry? I'm not sure that a mere salad will be enough for a whole afternoon » her nearly mother-in-law reprimanded her, as soon as the waiter walked away.

« I'm actually starting a diet » she explained calmly. Lily gaped at her.

« I feel like I've put on some weight; my hips and thighs are a bit too large for my liking, and as summer is coming quickly, I want to look perfect in my new swim suit » she despaired. The older blond scoffed, taken aback by the remark.

« Oh dear, what makes you think so? You look stunning! Ask Charles, he'll tell you so » Lily tried to persuade her sympathetically.

« Certainly not » she muttered under her breath bitterly. Getting a grip on herself, she immediately plastered a smile on her face and changed the subject of conversation.

« Do you mind me going to the bathrooms? »

« Not at all » Lily assured her, gesturing her to do as she liked.

She nodded curtly, and surreptitiously took a little piece of paper from her purse that she slid in the pocket of her skirt. She walked to the flight of stairs at the back of the bistro and downed them quickly. As soon as she was out of anyone's sight, she hurried to the public telephone hanging in front of the ladies room.

Picking up the phone receiver, she jerked her head left to right, then turned round to check that nobody was around. Anyway, it was already quite late for lunch, and it was unlikely that someone would run into her. She was all alone, no one would witness her doing what needed to be done: she had to solve the Blair Waldorf problem. She took out the piece of paper she had taken with her, and dialed the phone number that was written on it. She immediately got the dial tone, and hoped that the person she was trying to reach would answer without delay.


« Miss Blair! »

Blair was about to step into the elevator when the panicked voice calling her made her stop. A distraught Dorota was rushing up from the kitchen.

« Yes, Dorota? »

« Where are you going? » her maid asked nervously, twisting her fingers in her apron.

« To Serena's; I have lunch planned with her »

« At Mr. Dan's or at Mrs. Bass's? » Dorota questioned in a choked voice, as though she dreaded the answer. Blair made a face.

« At her loft obviously » she replied condescendingly.

« Oh good, that's… good » the Polish woman mumbled.

Blair couldn't help but stare incredulously. What was wrong with her maid this morning? Serena had left the Palace for years, why was Dorota worrying about her having lunch there? She shook her head dismissively and turned on her heels, but changed her mind a second later. An idea was suddenly running through her head. She slowly walked back to where she was standing a moment before, a little unsettled. She remained silent a few seconds, trying to collect her thoughts before she spoke again. Very carefully.

« Dorota, who called this morning? » This time, it was the maid who took her time before she answered, obviously ill-at-ease.

« Mr. Chuck » Blair felt a pang of sadness, however her face didn't show any of it. She had prepared herself to such a situation.

« And who else? I heard the phone ring twi- » she began, but stopped immediately. The look on her maid's face said it all.

« Oh. I see. What did you do? » she asked with difficulty.

« Just like you have always ordered me, Miss Blair. I hung up on him » the maid answered, gazing worriedly at her protégée.

« Well done Dorota, well done » she said in a whisper, barely audible. Without another word, she entered the elevator.

The door was hardly opened when she slipped in the lobby. Instead of going out, she walked quickly towards the reception desk. Robert, the devoted porter, grinned at her.

« Hello Miss Waldorf »

« Hello Robert. Do you have any parcel for me? » The receptionist shook his head slightly, surprised by the inquiry. A peculiar jolt happened in the pit of her stomach, halfway between relief and disappointment.

« If you do, inform me at once. Whoever the sender is » To support her wish, she stared at him intently. He nodded quietly. Reassured, she left the building a bit more lightheaded.


Chuck sighed again. Being an expert in relaxing methods suddenly seemed useful to him. Whenever he tried to lighten up, his shoulders' muscles were still knotted stiffly under his white shirt. In a last attempt, he closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of nose, then massaged it in soft, circular motions. He knew he had to rack his brain harder in order to find a solution, but at the moment he was surprisingly lacking inspiration. Every single idea he had come up with so far seemed childish, not efficient enough or too likely to end up on Gossip Girl. And that was the very last thing he needed right now. Since kindergarten he had grown accustomed to Blair's characteristic reactions, and was now in a position to understand very well how she worked. Winning her back implied tact and subtlety: he had to take care of her insecurities, watch out that her reputation wouldn't be offended in the process, and thus avoid the gossips at all costs.

A soft knock at the door got him out of his thoughts, compelling him to open his eyes. The scenery awaiting him was the lean figure of his secretary, standing in the doorway. He raised an eyebrow questioningly.

« Amanda? »

« It is time, Sir, for your business lunch with Mr. Blake » she announced.

« Ah, thank you » He replied dismissively.

Well, better not brood about all that during lunch; the more you'll relax, the faster you'll come up with a brilliant plan to talk to her -privately.

With that, he grabbed his cell phone and left his office. Eager to take his mind off things.


May 20th 2017, Dan and Serena's loft.

On this particularly sunny day, the sunbeams were flooding the loft, illuminating the wooden floor and the white walls. Blair sat down on the couch facing the row of large windows, and threw her head back, as if she was trying to tan, eyes closed. She sighed in appreciation, enjoying the warmth on her face.

« So, where's your husband? » she asked, as casual as possible. Serena gave her a strange look from the kitchen, flabbergasted by the question.

« Here of course! » she replied mockingly, hinting at the obviousness of the answer.

Blair's eyes snapped open, and she turned all of a sudden towards her friends. Luckily for her, Serena had her back to her, taking the roasted chicken out of the oven, and thus didn't see the fearful expression crossing her face for an instant.

« B-but you said he was so busy that he cou-couldn't join us! » she stuttered, before biting her tongue. Blair Waldorf never stammered, no matter the circumstances!

« Because he is, B! I told you about his intention to write short stories about the effect of love, right? » Serena asked, turning towards Blair. Seeing her friend nod, she continued. « Well, I don't know what has gotten into him, but as soon as we were back from yesterday's party, he started to write. And this morning, he got up very early to resume to his frenzied writing. He even ordered Indian food so that he wouldn't be distracted by the cooking! He's been locked in his study for quite a long time, in my opinion »

Blair sighed in relief. If Dan was utterly absorbed in his recollection of short stories, there was very little chance that he would take a break and come to see them. Although all danger wasn't averted, it was however a step in the good direction. Feeling more secure, she allowed herself to relax. While Serena was carving the fowl -yes, some of her husband's Brooklyn habits, like cooking, had rubbed off on her- she went to the wine cellar to choose a bottle of vintage red wine. Coming back to the dining room, she saw that the blond had already served the meal and sat down at the table. Imitating her friend, she quickly sat and uncorked the bottle. She only poured the exquisite liquid in her glass, Serena preferring to drink water.

« S, what sense is that supposed to make? » she teased, holding the glass to her lips. « Two days ago, you only drank half your cup of Champagne; yesterday, you nearly didn't drink it at all; and now, you refuse a glass of wine! » Her best friend looked down and chuckled, but said nothing. As for her, she enjoyed the mouthful of the St-Emilion with delectation.

« If you keep on acting like a former alcoholic after withdrawal, I'll start to think that you're pregnant! » Serena suddenly looked up, and smiled sheepishly. Blair choked on her wine.

« Serena! » she shrieked, putting down her glass. « Are you… ? »

« No! But Dan and I are trying to have a child! That's what I wanted to talk to you about, and - » the golden woman explained hurriedly.

« Oh my God, oh my God! » Blair squealed, cutting in. « I'm going to be an aunt! »

« Let's not get carried away! I'm trying to get pregnant, I'm not yet! » Serena corrected her. That only made her best friend roll her eyes.

« It amounts to the same thing! And with a bit of luck, you may be with child by the time of the wedding! » the brunette exclaimed.

« Well, I do hope so… Anyway, that makes me realize how much we've all grown up. I mean, Dan and I are starting a family, you're getting married, Chuck is moving in with Chelsea, and Nate has finally found love! » her friend confessed.

At the mention of Chelsea, Blair saw red. Accepting the fact that she couldn't be with Chuck didn't mean that she could bear the idea of the bitch faking a happily ever after with him. That was beyond her. She was on the point to tell Serena about her views on Chelslut, but she didn't get a chance to, as her best friend changed the subject.

« By the way, my mom told me that you, your mother and Cyrus were invited Saturday night to the 'Holly Weekly Dinner of the Van der Woodsen-Bass'. Bart and her want to give everyone a tour of Chuck and Chelsea's future home, and then celebrate it all together» said Serena, raising her eyes heavenwards.

« Sure, we'll be there. We wouldn't miss such a lovely evening » Blair answered, tough she was silently cursing fate for the dinner.

As if staying in the same city as Chuck wasn't difficult enough! Her resolutions would be severely tested, but she had no other solution than to grin and bear it. She had already weighed up the pros and the cons of this situation, and she would rather endure such an evening than chicken out and raise suspicions. Besides, there were only eight days before she returned to Paris. Her ordeal would soon come to an end.


Since the moment Serena announced that Blair was coming to town, Chelsea was on the alert. The issue of Chuck trying to get his infamous lover back would be raised, that was a certainty. However, she hadn't expected the situation to get so messed up. She had actually counted on the fact that Blair had been ignoring him since the break-up, and thought that the Waldorf girl would keep on acting like that. In her mind, her only duty was to keep an eye on him, to be sure that he wouldn't approach his old lover.

But after meeting Blair the night before, it was clear that the brunette wasn't over him. And their temporary disappearance at the same moment, was enough proof to her that something had happened. Whether it was a kiss or a heart to heart conversation, she didn't really care. What was important to her was that she had to watch over the two of them, to see to it that they held themselves aloof. And if she couldn't prevent them to see or talk to each other, then she needed to know what was truly going on between them.

Because she had to be in possession of any element that would help her to pressurize either Blair or Chuck, or even both, if it proved to be necessary, if the situation went too far. Last night, she had been rejected for the first time by Chuck. Too absorbed in his thoughts, brooding about his precious Blair, he hadn't paid attention to her. That had proved her right, the situation was serious: if she wasn't careful, the worst could happen. A first love was never easy to forget. But she wouldn't let them ruin her six and half months effort, after everything had gone so smoothly. Chuck was hers.

Despite her first interests in his power, wealth and skills in bed, she had since discovered other reasons to keep him by her side. During all those months she had spent with him, she had grown to like him. Love didn't figure among the things she believed in, but she had without a doubt developed a kind of fondness for him. He was witty and cunning, which was a good thing for she appreciated lively conversation. He could most certainly be described as unpredictable and mysterious, which entertained her. And there was this dangerous aura emanating from him which amazed and attracted her.

---

Chelsea had met Chuck last September at a party organized by Bass Inc to celebrate whatever business deal they had recently made. Her presence there had been mere chance. She had planned a dinner with her godfather in the first place, but Richard had instead dragged her along to the party he had belatedly been invited to.

She hadn't noticed Chuck amidst so many people, until he approached her on his own initiative. Truth be told, she had been attracted at once, though she didn't know who he was. It was not only that he looked quite dashing in his light grey suit, white shirt and violet bow tie -that last detailed had struck her. It was rather unusual for a man, especially at business meetings or dinners, to wear something purple or pink. It suited him well, but he was also very good looking. He had regular and fine features, brown eyes sparkling with wit and mischief, and very sensual lips. The mouth was definitely his most appealing feature. There was something pleasant about the way his lips slowly moved, revealing now and then his perfect white set of teeth, twitching almost imperceptibly to form a smirk that rooted you to the spot.

She had thought that the image of this handsome man talking to her would only be a nice memory; but when he had introduced himself, using his catchphrase 'I'm Chuck Bass', she hadn't been able to repress the smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. So, the infamous billionaire playboy was seducing her? Laughable. Contrary to most women who would have fawned on him or been overwhelmed, Chelsea hadn't taken the conversation too far. She had known better than to think that a man who could have any woman he wanted, was so interested in her. Not that she wasn't attractive, it was in fact quite the contrary, but she knew from her godfather himself that the younger Bass was moving heaven and earth to get an important business deal with him. As Richard considered her as his own daughter, it was without a doubt a plot to use her to get to the older man. She didn't appreciate being used, whoever was the one trying to do so, and whatever the stake.

Thus, throughout the party, she had pretended not to see his eagerness to go further than a mere acquaintance, and just exchanged her cell phone number with him. If he really wanted to land the contract with her godfather, then he had to chase her harder than his usual conquests. For several weeks, she had accepted to have lunch with him sometimes -never dinner, it would have been too close to a date. They made small talk at the parties he invited her to or over the phone on rare occasions, but she had to keep things friendly between them. She wanted to assess his determination before dating him, she wasn't like one of the brainless sluts entertaining him for a week or two.

The cat and mouse game would have continued if Chuck hadn't signed the contract without her « help ». When she had learned the news, she had been pretty crestfallen. He was going to cease his chase. Any chance of a relationship had vanished! She had cursed herself for letting things drag on. Now she was going to be punished for her careless coy demeanor. However, to her greatest surprise, Chuck hadn't showed any sign of weakening, and continued to seduce her. That had triggered everything. She hadn't wanted to waste her time anymore. Their first kiss had happened a few days later at a party set on Halloween by his stepmother. They had naturally started to date from that moment on, but she had never imagined that it would be so easy.

---

Since their first encounter when he had begun his chase, she had made little enquiries to get to know him better from an unbiased point of view. She had learned about his mother's death, the way it had affected his relationship with his father, his rocky childhood and adolescence, his tumultuous love affair with Blair Waldorf, and his time in the wilderness after she had broken up with him. In all her research, she had understood how attached to her he had been, that no one would ever replace the brunette, but she had hoped that there was a place in his life for her. Luckily, fate had seemed to think alike.

After Blair had made clear that things were definitely over between the two of them, he had been back to his womanizing ways, sleeping around at first, then seeing girls for a month at most. When she had exceeded the first month of dating him, she had been stunned to see that he hadn't planned to dump her for someone else. She had understood that she had a card to play. Maybe this affair with Chuck wasn't only a matter of distraction for him, and time under the spots for her. She had done all the more carefully but brilliant tasks he had expected from her. For one thing, make a good and strong impression by his side publicly. Her outstanding studies and responsible job were to her advantage, but she had had to learn the code of High Society. As a fast learner, she had quickly acquired the proper manners. When to smile, to nod, to intervene in a conversation… Then, amuse and please him, but not stick to him like glue. Her sharp tongue combined to his own guaranteed them witty banter, she was always finding new ideas to entertain him, and of course, their insatiable sexual appetite spiced up their daily grind.

Slowly but surely she had strengthened her position by his side. First, she understood his personality so well that she knew when to be with him, what to do and say depending on his mood. One could only guess that he appreciated the attitude, regarding the amount of time he spent with her. Secondly, she had bonded with his close relations. Nate, Eric and Serena were sort of friends with her, whereas Lily and Hannah adored the Californian girl. As for Bart, he obviously thought that she was a good person for his son, thankful for the stability she had brought to Chuck's life.

Her longevity by his side, the several trips they made together, the fact that his family considered her as one of them and that she was always included in projects that concerned his future, made her feel legitimate. A few threats had hung over them as a couple, but she had nonetheless managed to keep him in her clutches. There had of course been the announcement of Blair's engagement last November, when they hadn't even been dating for a month yet, and the engagement party with her Lord in March of this year. On each occasion, Chuck had needed to drink away his rage and despair to pull himself together. Though he had hidden his feelings very well to his family, she hadn't been taken in by his façade, and let him alone. Both time, he had come back to her naturally and quite normal after a few days. She had taken it as the sign that she had been right to let loose, and that he appreciated her for that.

Then, there had been the prospect of the imminent come back of her enemy. Over the last dozen of days, he had been quite tense and irritable, throwing himself into work to prevent him from thinking about his old lover from her point of view. This time he hadn't been too dramatic, but she had felt his agitation. She had slightly stayed in the background to help him get over his anger and frustration. However, as soon as Blair had arrived, she had been back to his side to show that she was the one sharing his life. She was too close to be the one he would marry out of spite to risk a reunion between the old lovers. And now, Bart had pushed Chuck and her in that direction as well. She already had the assurance to move in with him. Marriage would follow sooner or later. She couldn't let that slip away from her.


While the two friends were having coffee, Serena received an important call from work that she couldn't put off, and had to go out for some minutes. Like two days before, Blair used this moment of solitude to walk to the picture window. From there, she could enjoy the unobstructed sight meeting her eyes. The cloudless light blue sky as far as the eye could see, the skyscrapers shining with daylight and standing proudly in the scenery, the dense traffic in the streets… Like two days before, she didn't hear Dan coming from behind.

« Were the surprises of yesterday night huge enough for your liking, Blair? » he asked ironically, repeating what she had told him when she had let him in the secret of her presence at Chuck's party. She started. Was someone bearing such a grudge against her that whatever her purpose was -forgetting Chuck, avoiding Dan- she was failing miserably these days? She reluctantly turned around to hug him, cursing under her breath.

« Dan! It's so good to see you! » she cried out with fake joy, cutting out their embrace. « I did like that my friendly reunion with Chuck caused such astonishment » she acquiesced. A glimmer appeared in his eyes when she insisted on the word "friendly".

« So… you didn't like the big news of the night; Chuck moving in with Chelsea? » he deduced.

« I did » she retaliated sharply, not appreciating to be reminded of that. He shook his head.

« That must have been a setback » he retorted sadly, as if he was sympathizing with her grief. She instantly seethed. What gave him the right to maintain such a thing? He didn't know anything about her feelings!

« Not at all! It was simply not expected » she snapped.

« It's the principle of a surprise, to be unexpected » he commented. The cold and exasperated glare he earned from her was the little encouragement he needed to question her about something that was itching him.

« And what about your other reunion with Chuck? Expected or not? Just friendly or more than that? » he asked earnestly. When he saw her face paled immensely, he knew that he had touched a raw nerve.

« I don't know what you're talking about. It's an awful habit to imagine things, Humphrey, even for a writer » she replied icily. « I've got to go, tell Serena I'll call later. We'll hang out tomorrow » On that note, she left the loft striding along.

As for Dan, that little discussion with Blair got him to be very single-minded. Climbing the stairs to the second floor of the apartment, he walked to his study. In his thick address book, where all the needed information was on people he knew, he picked a worn-out greenish card. Seizing the phone on his desk, he dialed the number. He wanted to get to the bottom of his suspicions.


A deep voice suddenly answered the call, bringing Chelsea back to reality.

« Hello? »

« Andrew Tyler? » she asked carefully.

« This is he » he answered sternly. She grinned from ear to ear.

« Hello, this is Chelsea Hogan, Mr. Bass's partner. We unfortunately do not know each other yet, but I'd hoped we could discuss face to face today » she explained calmly, curbing her excitement.

« Nice to meet you, Miss Hogan. What is it that you want to discuss, which requires us meeting each other? » he questioned, a hint of interest in his nearly toneless voice.

« Why, Chuck Bass of course » she replied slyly.


A/N: My beta and I apologize profusely for this two-month-hiatus, that wasn't fair for you all. I wish I could have updated sooner, but my exams and a new job took all my time, and Lauren was busy as well. I hope to be able to post more often in the future, but I can't promise anything. Once again, THANKS for your faithfulness, it always cheers me up and encourages me to write when I'm too slothful;)

Next chapter is already written, save the last part. I'm not really fond of giving spoilers, but I need your opinion about the scene I still have to write. This fic is T rated, but I was thinking of shifting exceptionally that precise part to M. Do you mind? Would you rather have me sticking to the T rating? Please tell me and I'll comply!

Also, for those who might wonder who's Andrew Tyler, he's Bart's former PI...