Chapter 12
Author's Note: Thank you so much for your continued support of this story! I was overwhelmed with how many reviews the last chapter received and would be ecstatic if this chapter got that many ;)
This chapter took a lot longer than I thought because I was swamped at work and had to write two papers for grad school so most of my time's been accounted for. But that's no excuse! I made this chapter longer and there's more interaction with the other characters and we really start to see Chair progressing romantically.
This fifth season so far has really thrown me for a loop. While I don't think I've seen an entire episode, I did watch all the scenes with Chuck in them. I love his growth and really want him to be happy with Blair. The scenes with Blair I'll watch but the ones with the prince make me cringe. Louis has gotten really creepy and just needs to leave. As for the 5x10 promo, this episode looks like it has the potential to be epic. With Dan and Chuck becoming real friends, I love how Dan is helping Chuck win back Blair as he sees how much they love each other. Also, Duck's bromance is adorable and I'd like to see it continue.
Based on new spoilers I've read, here's my latest prediction. Blair will not marry Louis (come on, did anyone actually think that would happen?) and that scene of Leighton in a wedding dress in probably a dream (like Josh Schwartz alluded to). Blair loses the baby, again, did they really expect us to believe a baby would be in the picture for one of the main characters? Also, aside from Blair's hideous clothing as of late and some brief mentions of morning sickness and pregnancy, she's really not acting pregnant. Shouldn't she be having more than that one prenatal checkup? Whatever, Gossip Girl has never been realistic so why should they start now? With the time jump when the show comes back in January (another thing the producers confirmed) and *fingers crossed* we will finally be rid of that pansy prince and Chuck and Blair will be shagging their way to happily ever after.
What do you think will happen in the 100th episode? I'm hoping it's explosive and centers around Chair =*)
The Way We Were and Of Course have been updated. I also have a new story, Could it Be?, that is posted. It's my twist on Blair being pregnant with Chuck's baby after 4x22. Basically, she freaked out, broke off her royal engagement, and went into hiding in the south of England. Chuck, out of his mind with where she might be, has spent a year looking for her and finds her only by coincidence in London. The story examines their dynamic as they come to terms with them as well as raising their daughter. I hope you'll check it out and leave a review ;)
Butterflydoll56 – Thank you! The drama will start to decrease but will also be there in normal relationship aspects, nothing explosive though. Can't wait to read your thoughts on this chapter.
Juicyxoxocharm16 – Thanks! Reviews do make me smile, as did yours. What was your favorite part of this chapter? Looking forward to reading what you think.
JadeWilliams – Thanks so much! Poor Blair finally cracked, thankfully she had Chuck there to pick up the pieces for her. So happy you like their progress and I can't wait to read what you think of them in this chapter.
Tigger23 – Thank you! Can't wait to read your thoughts on this chapter.
GGfan73104 – Thank you so much! Don't you just love cliffhangers? I'm so glad you enjoyed them spending time together and Chuck finally realizing how much he hurt Blair. As for what happens, you just need to read this chapter. I'm looking forward to reading what you think of it.
Trosev – Thank you! Chuck and Blair have come a long way, something I think therapy allowed them to do in a healthy way. Can't wait to read your thoughts on them in this chapter.
TriGemini – Thank you so much! This fifth season has thrown me for such a loop that I really hope they don't disappoint with the Chair endgame I can see happening in 5x10. Anyway, so happy that you enjoy this story and the progress Blair and Chuck are making. The topic of Bart will be discussed at a later time, because let's face it, that is a huge issue for Chuck. As for Blair's request, I believe Chuck does have some restraint, but resisting her like that is definitely painful for him. Also, they really shouldn't be making love until it's just that. The blonde makes an appearance in this chapter so be sure to let me know what you think. As always, I'm looking forward to your next review.
LeftWriter224 – Thank you! Talking should definitely happen before sex for Chuck and Blair. You just have to read on to find out ;) Can't wait to read your thoughts on this chapter.
Wrighthangal – Thanks! This chapter picks up the morning after so I can't wait to read what you thought of their behavior.
CBfan – Thank you so much! I'm so glad I'm not the only one who found it painful to watch Chair apart and Blair acting so desperate with Louis. There will definitely be Chair love in this story (and also in my other stories, wink, wink) so I hope you enjoy it. Looking forward to how you think this chapter went.
Katherinejablonski – Thanks so much! Finally, in both this story and now on the show, Chuck is fighting for Blair and not letting go. It only took him five years to realize this, but I digress. Can't wait to read your review on how you thought Chuck acted in this chapter.
Ellibells – Thank you so much! I couldn't resist Blair going to Chuck on Bart's anniversary, she always had a way of taking care of him when he needed it. And the shower scene, I'm glad to know you liked her desperation when she finally cracked. And Chuck being there for her was just what she needed. I'm looking forward to your next review and any suggestions you have for future chapters.
Katherine'TheChameleon'Jackson – Thanks! I tried to keep the characters true to the show to some degree while having them mature. I'm so happy you saw that. Can't wait to read your thoughts on this chapter.
Toshiko00288 – Thanks so much! The show also makes me want to cry my heart out for Chuck. I'm so glad this story made you feel better. I actually wrote it because this was what I wanted to happen. The chemistry between Chuck and Blair was always there and always will be, no matter what they may feel for each other. I can't wait to read your review on this chapter, be sure to let me know your favorite part.
Pty – Thank you so much! I'm glad you like the side conversations with the other characters, I like to keep it interesting by not having everything with Chair. These episodes are absolutely infuriating! I hate them, I love them, I'm scared to watch out of fear they are going to break our hearts again. Please tell me you have spoilers about happy Chuck and Blair when the season comes back in January, I need that! Looking forward to your review of this chapter as well as your awesome spoilers.
Fan – Thanks! Let me know your thoughts on this chapter.
88Mary88 – Thank you so much! I really wanted Chuck to step up and be there for Blair. I believe that he has it in him if only he were man enough to own it, which he is in my story ;) As for the show, I haven't been watching whole episodes because it really is frustrating to watch with the Louis factor. I hate him and he needs to be gone, which I think will happen soon enough. I'm thinking there won't be a Dair phase as it looks like Chair gets back together in 5x10 but you never know with this show. Blair might totally shut down when she miscarries or if the baby really was Chuck's, he might freak that she lied to him and bolt again. I hope that doesn't happen though. I agree with the Gilmore Girls comparison of Luke and Lorelai reuniting in the series finale. I always thought Chuck and Blair reminded me of Carrie and Mr. Big from Sex and the City because they always get drawn back to each other despite all the baggage and hurt between them. Can you see that too? Anyway, I'm glad you liked this chapter and I can't wait to read your review of this chapter.
Layla Waldorf-Bass – Thank you! Can't wait for what you think of this chapter.
A fan – Thanks so much! Blair and Chuck will always be family to each other. They are finally healing with the past behind them now and figuring out how to move on without rushing things. I'm looking forward to what you think of this chapter and can't wait to read your next review.
Chadyuck – Thanks! On the show, Blair is pregnant, but not in this fanfiction. Can't wait to read your thoughts on how they are in this chapter.
Frenchies – Thank you so much! I'm so happy you like that Blair and Chuck have boxed up their issues and are moving on. The shower scene was the climax for this story and it was very important that Chuck was able to be there for Blair. Sleeping together will definitely complicate things for them and that all gets discussed in order for them to continue to move on. I can't wait to read your review on this chapter.
Aliennut – Thank you! I would have loved to see the show delve into Chair's emotions like this. But, they didn't so I decided to write my take on it instead. I'm looking forward to what you think of this chapter and their continuing progress.
Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl, or Ed Westwick – sigh.
December 22, 2011
Chuck woke up to an empty bed and felt his heart sink. Blair fell asleep against him before he could give into her advances. While he knew it was wrong, if Blair persisted he would have made love to her last night, praying that she wouldn't regret it in the morning. Once she was asleep, he lay awake as he stroked her hair, his heart breaking for the state she was in but grateful that he was able to be there to help her through it.
His mind was spinning as he sat up, hoping that she was downstairs and not off somewhere he couldn't find her. He was caught by surprise when he saw her walk through the door with a breakfast tray and a smile on her face.
"Good morning," she said brightly as she set the tray at the end of the bed. "I was hoping to be back before you woke up."
"It's okay, you didn't really leave," he told her as he looked at what she had for them. "You made me breakfast?"
"I made coffee just the way you like it," Blair told him as she handed him the mug and plated a croissant. "The food was ordered in."
"No macaroons?" he questioned as he surveyed the tray and didn't see her favorite treat.
"Nightstand," she said as he reached over and felt for the box.
"Macaroon," he offered, opening the box and having her take one before he could feed it to her. "Or you could take it yourself."
"We need to talk about what happened last night," Blair said as she licked some chocolate off her fingers, her mouth entrancing him while he tried to focus on what she was saying. "Can you stay or do you need to get to work?"
"I can stay," he told her as he sat back against the headboard with his cup of coffee. "The office is effectively closed for the holidays so it would have just been me going into an empty building to do work that can wait."
"Thank you for not taking advantage of me last night," she told him, sitting on the middle of the bed and tucking her feet underneath her. "Everything's finally catching up with me and I think last night I may have cracked."
"What can I do for you?" he asked he nudged her with his knee. "There has to be something you need."
"Tell me why you stopped by last night," Blair needed to know. "I'm grateful you did but your timing was impeccable. Are you having me followed or something?"
"No, nothing like that," he told her, shaking his head at the thought. "Don't laugh, but I had a bad feeling. You've been running yourself down and I was afraid this would happen."
"Please don't say 'I told you so.' You were right saying that I took on too much but I had to keep my mind busy," she said as he tilted his head before reaching for a piece of crumb cake. "If I had too much time on my hands, I would have gone crazy with our therapy sessions."
"How so?" he asked.
"Being in such close proximity to you has been torturous," Blair told him. "I needed to keep busy so I wouldn't allow myself to give into you. I'm really glad we've worked through everything, it's such a relief because now I don't have to fight being near you any more."
"Does this mean we can spend more time together?" Chuck asked. "Because you've kind of been avoiding me."
"You picked up on that, huh?" she questioned as he just nodded. "It's not why you think."
"Why is it then?" he wanted to know.
"Because I want us to get tested and don't know how to ask," she told him.
"Tested?" he asked with confusion. "For what?"
"STDs," she told him as she studied him over her cup of coffee.
"See, that's where my hesitation stems from," she said when she saw Chuck freeze and the color drain from his face. "I don't even know what we are and the only thing I can think about is when we're going to make love again and how I don't want to worry about it."
"We're Chuck and Blair, Blair and Chuck," he told her. "You know I don't want anyone other than you."
"Does that mean we're back together? I mean, we've worked through everything in therapy and boxed it all up. But are we still in limbo?" she clarified.
"Ready to take the plunge with me again, Waldorf?" he smirked.
"Are you ready to be my boyfriend?" Blair smiled, putting her cup down.
His smirk deepened as he took her hands and brought them to his lips. "I'm ready," he told he as he kissed her hands. "Are you?"
"I am," she smiled, "I realize that I can still be Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass' girlfriend."
"It's not like people won't see me as Blair Waldorf's boyfriend," he told her. "Which is something I enjoy telling them."
"I know. And while I feel bad for blue balling you, I'm really glad we didn't go there yet," she said, looking away from him before she spoke again.
"Don't say anything until I look at you," she told him as she reached for her coffee and took a deep breath. "I want us to get tested before we make love again. It's what we did when we first started dating and if we're together again, it's the only way. Condoms are for when you aren't monogamous. I'm on the Pill and if we only want to be with each other, I don't see the problem."
"There is no problem with that," he said slowly as she looked back at him through her lashes. "They tested me in rehab so I know I'm clean. What's another blood test?"
"Thank you," she said, "I know how you hate needles."
"I do, but I get why you want me to have one," he said with a shrug. If he were in her shoes, he'd also suggest he get tested after all that happened. "It's no big deal."
"I'll get tested as well, it's only fair," she told him. "I can set it up for early January if you're available."
He nodded, "Sounds good. Now to completely change the subject and not think about needles, what should we do today? I'm all yours."
"I was going to spend it sleeping," she told him. "I think I could probably sleep until school starts again."
"Why don't you then?" he asked. "What else do you have to do?"
"Well, I leave tomorrow night to visit with Daddy and Roman," she said. "Eleanor and Cyrus will be there for Christmas and I'll spend the week with them. When I get back, I'm going to continue studying for the LSATs and start reading my textbooks for the spring term."
"What are your plans for Christmas?" she asked when it hit her that this was his least favorite time of year. "Do you have any?"
"Work," he told her, his entire body tensing and not realizing where she was going with her question. "Lily asked me to go to Martinique with them but I told her no. I hate the holidays, always have."
"Maybe you'd change your mind if we spent Christmas together this year," she said, liking the idea of spending her second favorite holiday with Chuck. "Would you consider coming with me to France? I'd love it if you were there. And you don't have to stay the week if you need to get back to the city."
When he remained silent, she started to backpedal, "Forget I asked, you're busy. I shouldn't have mentioned it."
"I'd like to," he said as he reached for her hand.
"You don't have to," she told him as she looked down at their hands. "We're fine if you don't. I won't push it. You probably should stay here, work is more important."
Blair was still rambling when Chuck took her hands in his and kneeled in front of her. "I want to go," he smiled. "I'm going, end of discussion. Don't even think of retracting your invitation now, Waldorf."
"We leave tomorrow night at nine," she said, looking at him and seeing the genuine smile on his face still there. "Can you be ready?"
"I can, now come here," he told her as he pulled her to him and she got under the covers, his arms wrapping around her while she settled against him. "Much better, this was always my favorite part of being with you," Chuck said as she nuzzled against his chest and he held her tighter.
"Cuddling?" she questioned with a nervous laugh. "I would have thought it was the sex."
"The sex with you was the best I've ever had," he said with a small smile. "But this was even better because it was more intimate."
To anyone else, cuddling would never be considered more intimate than sex. Chuck was different though, he hated vulnerability and holding Blair after making love with her always made him feel exposed. It was also during their post-coital bliss that he would be most open with his feelings for her and they would talk about anything and everything in the comfort of each other's arms.
"I know," Blair told him as she looked up to find him looking at her with love in his eyes. "See, we're already better than we were before. You're expressing your feelings without me having to bribe you."
"Feel free to bribe me however and whenever you want, that's still okay," he smirked as he stroked her hair.
"I will, at some point," she said while stifling a yawn.
Seeing her exhaustion, he asked, "Are you going to be okay? It's scares me to see how you're running yourself ragged."
"This is just temporary," she told him as her fingers played with the top buttons of his shirt. "Things will settle down now that I don't need so many distractions from us."
"I was thinking, with our therapy sessions on hold, you and I should make a point of seeing each other on a regular basis," he suggested.
"Like going on dates?" she questioned, looking up at him.
"That, but also just spending time with each other," Chuck said. "You seem to be on your own a lot."
"It's not that big a deal, I've been busy. Besides, I have Nate and Dan that I spend time with," she said as her arm wrapped around him. "I live on my own here. My parents are back in France, Dorota lives with her family in Queens, and Serena moved home with Lily. The alone time has really given me the chance to grow up. It's been good."
"As much as I'm glad to hear that, I still don't like it," he told her. "My girlfriend shouldn't by herself so much."
"You're already using that word, Bass," she smiled. "Do you like it?"
"I love it," he smirked, "And you."
Blair leaned up to kissed him but started yawing before her lips could reach his. "You're exhausted," he said. "Sleep, I'll be here when you wake up."
"You better believe you will be," she told him as he chuckled and her grip on him tightened. "I'll be upset if I wake up alone. I'm sorry I wasn't here when you woke up."
"Don't worry about it," Chuck told her, giving her a gentle squeeze and kissing the top of her head. "You weren't skipping out on me."
"No, I wasn't," she said with a smile, "I was getting breakfast."
"Are you going to do that tomorrow morning?" he asked.
"Are you spending the night?" she countered, her eyes closed and her breathing getting slower. "Because it's not even noon and I have no plan on getting out of bed until tomorrow."
"Spending the day in bed with you, there's nothing to think about," he told her. "I'll take care of breakfast in the morning, I'll even make you a cappuccino."
"I like that," she said with another yawn, sighing contentedly as his hand ran up and down her back.
December 23, 2011
Chuck left that afternoon after they spent the day lounging in bed. He wanted to take care of a few things for work as well as packing for their trip. Blair took that time to call Roman and make sure it was okay that she invited her boyfriend for Christmas.
"It's so good to hear from you, ma cherie," Roman exclaimed. "How are you these days?"
"I'm good," Blair said. "How are you and daddy?"
"We're looking forward to your visit for Christmas," he told her. "Your father isn't here now but he will be back in a few hours."
"I actually have a huge favor to ask, Roman," she said. "I invited Chuck to come with me to the villa for Christmas. I should have asked you and daddy first but it was very spur of the moment and I didn't think. It won't be a problem, will it?"
"Of course not," Roman exclaimed happily. "But I want all the details of you two getting back together. Oh, I'm so excited for you, my dear."
"Thank you," Blair said. "It was a lot of therapy to get us to where we are today. All of our issues were aired out and we talked about everything. There was a lot of yelling and tears, but we've put it all behind us now. It was difficult but I'm happy we did it. Thanks again for always being available to talk with me, that really kept me sane."
"Anything for you, Blair," he told her genuinely. "More details, what was the tipping point for the reconciliation?"
"We've decided to box up our issues now that we've discussed them and not to bring them up anymore," she said. "I'm not sure where things will go from here but I'm looking forward to being back together with Chuck."
"This is wonderful news, Blair," he told her. "Relationships are messy, I should know. But it's the ones that you fight for, regardless of the hurt and pain you may feel, that are the most worth it, which you and Charles realize."
"We do," she said. "I really am happy, and so glad that he can spend Christmas with us."
"Leave everything to me," he said happily. "I will talk with your father and don't worry. This Christmas will be fantastic."
"I know it will," Blair said as she heard the elevator. "Chuck is here now, I'll see you soon."
Blair couldn't believe how giddy she felt, when she and Chuck were dating before he found excuses to avoid going to France with her. Now that they were moving past everything and on their way to her father's for the week, she couldn't help but start to envision their entire future together once more.
"Are you ready?" she asked him with a smile when he stopped on the stairs empty handed and the smile was gone from her face.
"My bags are at the Palace," he told her. "I thought we could stop by Lily's apartment before we left."
"Serena put you up to this," Blair said, her eyes narrowing as she made her way down the stairs and stopped on the step above where he was.
"Blair, she misses you," he said. "And I know you miss her. She's your best friend. If you could forgive me, I'm certain you can forgive her."
"You always have been the one to help us patch things up," she told him. "Fine, I will talk with Serena. Are you happy now?"
"Not as happy as I'll be when I get you alone on the jet," he smirked.
"We will be sleeping, just sleeping," Blair told him, "You do know that?"
"I get that you want to wait, I do," he said. "But are you telling me that making out and feeling each other up is off the table until we make love again?"
"Well, I could ask you for complete celibacy," she suggested, pressing up against him as he tried not to show his complete horror at the idea. "However, I'm not going to."
"Oh, thank God," he breathed, his arms wrapping around her as he turned them so her back was against the wall and he was still pressed against her. "You have no idea how much I've missed being this close to you."
"No sex of any kind, though," Blair said. "And don't try to take my clothes off."
"Is this your way of delaying our gratification?" he asked with an amused smirk.
"Absolutely," she grinned, "Just think how much better it will be when we finally make love. All this pent up passion released as we take our time getting to know each other again."
"Trust me, I think about it all the time," he told her, smirking and still pressed against her as she felt his pants getting tighter.
"That is telling me we should get going," Blair smiled as she pushed him back and started down the stairs. "My bags are with the doorman so all I need to do is get my coat and purse."
After helping her with her coat, they made their way out to the limo. She paused when Arthur opened the door to the limo.
"What's wrong, did you forget something?" Chuck asked her, not realizing that his limo still gave her butterflies as she was always brought back to that night of their first time together.
"No, let's go," she told him as she touched his arm before getting into the limo and sliding across the seat.
He didn't realize her discomfort until they started moving and her purse was between them as she crossed her ankles. "We've had some good times in here," he smirked, wanting to diffuse the tension.
"We did," Blair said as she looked at him. "Who are we seeing? Will everyone be there?"
"Lily, Serena, Eric," he told her. "I also think Rufus and Dan will be there as well."
"Good, good," she said.
They were quiet the rest of the short ride to the van der Humphrey's. Once inside the apartment, Serena pulled Blair into her room while Chuck took a seat in the living room with Eric and Lily. Closing her door as they both sat on the bed, Serena started her questions.
"So, you and Chuck are going away together for Christmas," Serena said as she wiggled her eyebrows. "That's a big step."
"We're visiting my parents," Blair told her as she rolled her eyes.
"But you're back together," the blonde gushed. "You are back together, right?"
"Yes, we are," Blair smiled. "Which brings me to why I'm here. I think it's about time we move forward."
Serena's eyes lit up as Blair continued, "You and I have weathered worse than you siding with Chuck. Besides, I chose Chuck too."
"That you did," Serena grinned.
"Do you still want to be my best friend?" Blair smirked.
Serena squealed as she leaned forward to hug her friend tightly, "Of course, I never stopped. Now tell me everything, how exactly did you two get back together?"
"Well, lots of therapy for one thing," Blair laughed before giving Serena the vague details. She and Chuck still wanted to keep their relationship this time around between them and private for the most part.
Blair left out the part of her breakdown the night before because it wasn't her finest moment but she did tell Serena how Chuck stopped by and they spent their time talking and sleeping. Serena seemed skeptical about the just sleeping part but let it go because Blair never was on to hide her sex life.
Startled when she saw the time, they made their way back out. Lily pulled Serena aside as Blair made her way into the living room.
"We need to go," Blair said as she walked over to Chuck and sat next to him. "Hey, Eric, you ready for a beach Christmas?"
Eric rolled his eyes and told her, "I'd prefer a snowy Christmas in New York but whatever. I'll go wherever. At least you two will have cold weather, maybe even snow."
"No snow yet but maybe next week," Blair said before looking at Chuck's watch. "We do need to go, not to rush out or anything but the weather could change at any moment."
"Leaving so soon?" Serena pouted as she and Lily joined them right as Blair and Chuck stood up.
"We need to be at the heliport in twenty minutes," Chuck told them. "Getting across town at this hour should be interesting."
"They'll wait for you," Lily said with a smile while giving Chuck a hug. "Merry Christmas, dears."
"Merry Christmas, Lily," Blair said as the older woman pulled her in for a hug.
"It is so good to see you," Lily told her. "Have a wonderful holiday."
"Thank you," Chuck told his stepmother, "You too, enjoy the sun."
"I always do," Lily said as she walked with them to the elevator.
"Hey," Dan exclaimed as he and Rufus stepped out of the elevator to see Blair and Chuck waiting to get on. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas," Blair told him as she gave him a hug while Chuck stood awkwardly next to her.
"Where are you two off to?" Dan asked.
"France," Blair smiled, "Chuck is coming with me to daddy's villa for Christmas. We're late as it is, though. I'll call you soon."
"Well, well," Dan grinned as Chuck's hand went to Blair's lower back as he guided her into the elevator. "Have a great Christmas, Chuck."
"You too, Humphrey," Chuck said as the doors closed.
"I'm telling you, Chuck Bass is starting to like me," Dan announced as Rufus and Lily shared a look and Eric and Serena laughed.
"He talks to you for Blair's sake, nothing more," Eric said. Dan just shrugged before going into the kitchen.
December 24, 2011
Their flight was uneventful, there was no turbulence and after an hour or so of fooling around, both Blair and Chuck fell asleep against each other. It was only when the pilot announced that the wheels were dropping and descent was imminent did they wake up. Harold had a car waiting for them and the ride to the villa was a short one. When they pulled up the windy driveway and stopped at the villa, everyone was outside waiting for them.
After the customary greetings were exchanged, they all made their way inside, Roman and Blair leading the way.
"You and Charles with be staying in your room," Roman said with a wink as he took her bags into the house. "You're welcome."
"That's not necessary," Blair told him quickly. With her and Chuck waiting until they got tested to make love again, she didn't want to tempt fate by sharing a bed with him again. "I'm sure daddy and Eleanor aren't happy about that arrangement."
"I talked with them and they have strict instructions not to say a word," he told her with finality. "If you two need anything, just ask me."
"Thank you," she said as Chuck and her father walked over to them.
"Blair bear," Harold exclaimed as he embraced his daughter and she happily returned the hug. "I am so thrilled to have you with us. And it's so nice to have Charles joining us."
"Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Waldorf," Chuck said again. "Especially on such short notice."
"Don't mention it," Harold told him with a smile. "Anything to see Blair happy."
"Mrs. Rose," Chuck said as he extended his hand to Blair's mother. She was glaring at him and it unnerved him to no end. "It's good to see you again."
"Charles," she said coldly while taking his hand and squeezing a little too tight, "How was the flight?"
"Very good," he told her, fighting the urge to shake out his hand from how hard she shook it. "And you, how are things at the atelier?"
"Busy, as they should be," Eleanor said, which garnered a stern look from Blair for her mother's treatment of Chuck.
"Where's Cyrus?" Blair asked when she didn't see her stepfather anywhere.
"He's in South Africa," Eleanor told her. "Aaron has a showing for his latest photographs and Cyrus wanted to be there to support him. He sends his love and wanted me to tell you we'll visit you in New York early next year."
"We should join them, Harold," Roman said with glee. "Being in New York for Blair's birthday made me realize how much I missed the city. You won't see us as intruding, will you, Eleanor?"
"No, not at all," Eleanor told him, not really caring about that and wanting to talk alone with Blair. "If you show Charles upstairs, I'd like to have a word with Blair."
All the men shifted their gaze to Blair, who nodded and said, "I'll be right up."
"Blair, are you sure you want to open yourself up to him again?" Eleanor asked her daughter once they were alone. "After everything he's done to you."
"This time is different, mother," Blair said. "Chuck's different, I'm different. Besides, what's love without a little risk?"
"Is he worth that much of a risk?" Eleanor questioned.
"He is," Blair smiled. "I love him."
"But is he the man you need? The man who will carry you through when times get tough?" her mother continued.
"He's the man I want, nothing else matters if I don't have him to share it with," Blair said as Eleanor looked at her daughter.
"Is Chuck capable of being that man for you?" Eleanor wanted to know. "Because all I want is for you to be happy, darling."
"And I am, with Chuck," Blair told her. "Please, be nice to him."
"I've been nothing but nice to him," Eleanor said haughtily, which raised an eyebrow raise from Blair. "Alright, I could be a bit nicer to the boy."
"That's all I ask," Blair said with a smile as she made her way to the stairs.
She got settled in her room with Chuck and they both changed for dinner before going downstairs to enjoy the feast Harold and Roman prepared for them. Eleanor was still cold towards Chuck but didn't antagonize him like she wanted to. Instead, their conversation revolved around Blair's crazy schedule and what projects Chuck was working on with Bass Industries.
After dessert was served, everyone made their way to their separate rooms. Blair was already dressed in her nightgown and under the covers when Chuck came out of the bathroom.
"If you're uncomfortable, I can sleep on the couch," Chuck told her when he saw her tense.
"Don't be ridiculous," she said as she motioned for him to join her. "We're both adults with some willpower. Besides, with my parents down the hall and able to walk in on us at any moment, I don't want to chance our reunion like that."
"I'd like to leave with everything I came with, thank you very much," he smirked as he got into bed and pulled her to him. "Your mother is just looking for a reason to castrate me."
"She wouldn't do that. It would be messy and she prefers not to get her hands dirty," Blair grinned. "I saw her take you aside after dinner, what did she say to you?"
"Not much, just that she still has her reservations about me," he said. "Which is understandable after all that's happened."
"I don't have any," she smiled at him. "I love you, Chuck. We're going to work this time, I know it."
"Me too," Chuck said with a start when he felt her feet tangle with his. "Your feet are freezing."
"And yours are warm," she told him, her grip on him getting tighter. "So don't think of moving them."
"Wasn't planning on it," he said, kissing the top of her head as they continued talking until they fell asleep.
December 31, 2011
"You looked so sexy skating today," Chuck rasped as his lips teased Blair with kisses that he kept pulling back from.
"It would have been hotter if you joined me on the ice," she told him, her leg hooking around his hips while his hand ran up her side. "We could have heated things up."
"I do have an image to uphold," he said with a smirk as he kissed her neck, his hand squeezing her side. "Chuck Bass falling on his ass wouldn't help it."
"Wouldn't have happened," she purred in his ear, "I'd never let you fall on my watch."
"Is that so?" he asked. When she nodded in response, he said, "Why's that?"
"Because I love you," she smiled. "And I've been skating since I could walk."
"Maybe next time," he told her as his eyebrows quirked up and he gently nipped at her neck. "For now, no more talking."
She moaned as her head rolled back and he kissed across her clavicle. "God, you're beautiful," he breathed, her smile turning into a gasp when he flipped them so she was on top. "I love when you wear jewelry I gave you."
Blair had on the ruby earrings he gave her for her birthday as well as the matching ruby pendant he gave her for Christmas. "You have good taste," she told him, gasping as he ran his tongue up her neck while making her squirm.
His arm was around her back as he sat up only to hear her phone ring. He groaned and fell back, reaching for the phone to see who was interrupting them.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but you should take that," Chuck said while handing Blair the phone. "She'll keep calling if you don't."
"Which is why I'm turning it off," she told him as she silenced her phone before turning back to him. "I'll call her back later."
"Blair, I thought you two were good now," he said in his stepsister's defense.
"We are, but I'd rather continue to make out with you. I can call Serena or I can go back to kissing you," Blair said, straddling his waist and nipping at his ear. "But I can't do both, it's your choice."
"I choose this," he told her as he captured her mouth once more. "How I've missed your lips."
"They've missed you too, Bass," she said as she started to gently suck at his neck. She had him moaning as she continued, "I do believe I'm going to leave my mark on you."
"Wouldn't be the first time," he rasped, her teeth grazing the skin under his ear. "And I don't mind the possessiveness."
She giggled as she continued her assault on the sensitive skin near his neck. As soon as she paused, he took over and began peppering her neck with kisses. They were on their sides when Blair pulled back with a smile.
"I forgot how winded you get when kissing is all you're doing," Blair breathed. "How are you?"
"I'm good," Chuck told her as he sat against the headboard and she settled against him. They were quiet for a few minutes as they caught their breath before she spoke.
"What are your plans for that hotel deal?" she asked, her hand resting on his chest. "Has it paid off for you yet?"
"I don't know," he said. "I'm going over to see the renovations in two weeks and to assess where we are. If everything is on track, bookings should open within the month and the grand opening can be for the end of summer."
"That's great, Chuck," she told him as she turned her head to look at him.
"Will you go with me?" he asked. "You don't have school and I'd really like it if you were with me."
"Are you going by jet?" she asked coyly.
"Is there any other way to travel?" he smirked. "Will you say yes if I tell you the spa at this hotel is staffed with only the best aestheticians?"
"Will you be my masseuse?" she grinned, curling into him as her top leg draped over his.
"Absolutely," he told her fiercely as he pulled her to him tighter. "I don't want anyone else touching you like that."
"This should be fun," Blair told him. "But I'm not all that distracted, tell me what we're doing for New Year's?" Blair asked as it was already late afternoon and she had no clue what they were doing.
"It's a surprise, Waldorf," he said. "You won't know until it happens."
"How am supposed to dress appropriately if I don't know where we're going?" she pouted.
"There's no need to worry about that, I've already taken care of your outfit," Chuck smirked as his eyebrows went up and his lips silenced hers before she could retort.
Please review if you'd like me to continue. And if I haven't heard from you yet, leave a review. Lots of you have favorited or alerted this story but have yet to leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts and it's very easy to do, not to mention it would really make me smile =D
What did you think? Did you like playful Chair and seeing them trying to go slow in their newfound relationship?
Would you like to see their New Year's celebration or just read about it in hindsight? Let me know. I'm also writing the scene where they get tested for STDs so expect some awkwardness ;)
The next chapter will be rated M, can you guess how I'm setting up their romantic reunion?
I don't have much to say here as I ranted quite a bit up top but as always, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this story and/or the show in a review or a private message. This 100th episode has me really excited so I hope they don't disappoint when the show returns in January. Dark Knight FTW!
Song recommendation - "So Soon" by Marianas Trench reminds me so much of Chuck and Blair's relationship that I can't hear the song without Chair clips running through my mind, LOL! Btw, I saw that band live last week and they are awesome, quite a few of their songs remind me of GG.
Remember, more reviews = more love = faster update=) And I love detailed reviews, the longer the better.
