Gotta ask. Does anyone else want to shake the writers of GG and say 'Stop with the plot devices already?' Because that is what this Raina chick is. Anyway, thanks to all who responded and to my beta. Replies make me feel good.

Chuck exited the elevator one night after work and walked right into chaos formerly known as his home.

"How did you let the books get this bad, Dan?" Blair was saying into the phone as she tried to get Sabrina to quiet down by shaking her daughter's favorite toy in front of her face.

"What do you want from me, Blair? I run the show with virtually zero help from you."

"I am recovering from a gunshot!"

"Sue me for not being the math whiz."

"You could've asked for help. Do you know how many accountants Bass Industries employs?" Blair shouted. Her anger only made Sabrina cry that much harder. Normally, she would be sympathetic to her daughter's pain, but she had found that point. She was ready to snap herself. "It would've taken one two minute phone call to Lily or me."

"Fine, fire me or do whatever you need to do," Dan responded. "The cafe is still turning a profit. I know that much, so you could be a tiny bit grateful."

"If I fire you, I would probably have to close the café, and I'm pretty sure that Serena and Lily would never talk to me again." Blair finally noticed Chuck and gave him a tiny wave of acknowledgment. "Look, Dan, I know you probably saved my business. I am grateful, but don't be your father's son when it comes to asking for help, okay?"

"Fine, look Jonathan just woke up from his nap, so I have a few minutes to feed him before I have to get to your cafe. We can talk about this later."

Blair tossed the phone aside as she spun towards Chuck.

"Chuck, I have never been so happy to see you in all my life," Blair exclaimed as she thrust Sabrina into his arms.

"Not that I don't love such a greeting, but what's wrong?" Chuck inquired as he gently began to rub Sabrina's back as she cried out in discomfort.

"My books are a mess. Sabrina is teething and won't stop crying. Something has to give, or I might lose my mind," Blair responded tearfully.

"Which do you want me to do? Your books or take care of Sabrina?" he inquired.

"Sabrina," Blair said. "Take Sabrina on a walk or to the Palace. You still own that right? Just give me a few hours to make sense out of my books, so I know exactly how many math classes I need to sign Humphrey up for."

"How about I take both?" Chuck told her as he offered Sabrina his finger to suck on to relieve her discomfort as he made his way to the fridge to find her a teething ring. "That will give you a guaranteed few hours of quiet."

"No, I can handle the books. I just can't handle a screaming daughter and my books at the same time. Sebastian is over at Serena's because when Sabrina started screaming I thought maybe she was sick, and I didn't want Sebastian to get ill. Then the doctor told me what was wrong. About ten minutes after we got home, Fed Ex arrived with the disaster area known as the café books and she started screaming at the top of her lungs and hasn't stopped since. I love my daughter, but, Chuck, if you don't take her and give me some quiet, I'm walking off the balcony."

"Okay, calm down," Chuck told her as he caressed her back softly, "I'll take Sabrina for a little father/daughter bonding time. On my way home, I'll stop by Serena's and pick up Sebastian. All you need to do is call me when it's safe to come home."

"I'm sorry," Blair responded tearfully as she looked to her daughter with guilt spread across her face. "I'm such a horrible mother right now."

"No, you're an overtired and overwhelmed mother right now. I'm sure Eleanor, Lily, and Anne passed off you, Serena, and Nate to whatever nanny or maid was in the vicinity for a lot less," Chuck reassured her. "It's okay to ask for help when you get in over your head."

"That's pretty smart. Where'd you hear it?"

"You," Chuck smiled and kissed her.

"You're pretty terrific sometimes," she sniffled as she looked at the cute picture her daughter made in her father's arms as she sucked happily on the teething ring Chuck had given her. There was even the faintest hint of a smile on her face, a rare sight on this particular day.

"I won't be more than a few hours. Don't eat. I'll tell you what to bring home for dinner," Blair kissed his cheek and Sabrina's forehead. "Mommy loves you so much, but right now she has work to do."

"So what do you think Sabrina? A stroll in the park or a carriage ride?" Chuck inquired as he gathered Sabrina's belongings for a few hours out, "Or do you have a better idea?"

-x-x-x-x-x-

Blair set the table as she waited for Chuck to come home. She looked over her shoulder when the elevator dinged and smiled when Chuck came in holding both carriers and a diaper bag slung over his shoulder.

"Look at the proud father," Blair smiled. "Dinner's on the way up. I ordered room service."

"What did I do to deserve such a beautiful dinner table?" Chuck inquired as he looked behind her as she finished arranging the candles. She'd pulled out all the stops including rose petals. "And an even more beautiful dinner companion?"

"You rescued me from having a meltdown today, and I thank you," Blair approached him slowly. "How'd they do?"

"They were the envy of everyone in the park, naturally," Chuck responded. "And give Sabrina a frozen Popsicle, and she is the happiest camper in the world right now."

"Explains the purple goo all over her dress," Blair cringed as she felt the stickiness with her own fingers.

"She'll probably need a bath," Chuck agreed, "Which I'll happily give her right now if you need a bit more quiet time."

"You know something, I'll do it. Go get Sebastian into his pajamas and then get into something a little more comfortable yourself. Room service has orders to set the food up when they get here."

"Alright, Little Man, it's time for a little guy bonding time," Chuck responded as Blair took Sabrina from him, "I'll teach you how to belch the alphabet and write your name into the snow."

"Don't you dare, Chuck Bass," Blair called out to him.

"It's so much fun getting a rise out of your mommy," Chuck laughed. His son mimicked his response and laughed along with him while pulling his socks off his feet as he was so fond of doing.

"Alright Sabrina, we're going to give you a bath and while I do that, I'm going to teach you the art of rolling your eyes when men are being infantile."

"Hey," Chuck exclaimed as he pretended to be insulted.

-x-x-x-x-

"Alone at last," Blair handed Chuck a glass of wine before she took her seat in the chair across from. "You've earned this, so don't volunteer to be sober with me tonight."

"Are you feeling less frazzled?" he inquired as he took a tiny sip. He had no intention of drinking more than the one glass she offered.

"My books aren't a mess anymore, and my daughter is calm. I feel great."

"How did your doctor's appointment go today?" Chuck inquired as he heard something in her response that sounded a little hesitant.

"Not as well as I had hoped," she frowned. "I'm getting better, but not enough to where he feels comfortable with lifting the restrictions."

"I could offer a bribe, if you'd like," Chuck joked in an attempt to cheer her up.

"I appreciate that, but dying inflagrante delecto is not on my top ten list of things to do before I turn thirty. Of course becoming a mother at barely twenty wasn't on there either but sometimes the best things in life come out of nowhere."

"That they do," Chuck nodded as his eyes settled on a picture of the twins.

"So, back to your heroism. To you," Blair raised a glass. "You saved me. I love you. I think I might want to have your baby. Oops, too late."

"Is that a Freudian slip?" Chuck inquired as he took another small sip, "Or your way of broaching the subject about adding to our family?"

"It was meant to be a joke, not taken seriously at all," she replied.

"So, you don't want to?"

"Not right now," Blair shook her head. "If we did, the children we have would be barely a year old when it was born. Do you want more children?"

"I'm still getting use to the idea of the two that we have," he admitted, "But someday, if we're lucky enough…I guess more children could be in order."

Blair stood up from her seat and went around the table. She sat herself in Chuck's lap and looked into his eyes, "You're a better man than you could ever know and a better man than Bart could ever see."

"As long as you can see, that's all that matters to me anymore," he told her as he traced her chin softly with his finger.

"I was really hoping the doctor would lift the restrictions," she frowned, "Because sleeping so close to you and being like this with you becomes harder each day."

"Harder is definitely the right word," Chuck smirked.

Blair slapped his chest gently and smiled at him, "I meant it you know. I love you, and you did save me. And I'm proud to have had your children."

"As I'm proud to have you as their mother," Chuck responded. "And I'll continue to wait, as long as needed. Your health and the health of our children are the most important thing to me, so much more than the lustful urges that I get with you wiggling around on my lap."

"You're still heinous, sometimes," she groaned as she slapped at his chest.

"It's part of my charm," Chuck smiled.

"I don't recall finding your smarminess at all charming," she pouted.

"It must have been," he chuckled, "Because you are still sitting in my lap, and those two adorable children exist for some reason."

"Temporary insanity," she rolled her eyes. "Like two years worth."

"So, not so temporary," Chuck nodded.

"No, I fell insanely in love with the Upper East Side's biggest playboy," Blair shook her head in disbelief. "And the really amazing part?"

"He fell in love back, right," Chuck smiled.

"Yes, he did."

"When is your next doctor's appointment?" he inquired as she began nuzzling his neck.

"Two weeks," she said. "Sorry."

"Believe me, no one is sorrier than I am."

"Except maybe Little Chuck Junior," she snickered.

"Little," Chuck scoffed. "There is nothing little about Chuck Junior."

"Men and their precious egos," Blair rolled her eyes as she stood up from his lap and returned to her chair.

"So, to change the subject, I spoke with Lily on my way home. Apparently Serena informed her of our screaming daughter and Humphrey's lousy math skills. She wanted to know if she could help. When I said we had it handled she moved on to Eric's high school graduation."

"I cannot believe Eric's graduating high school," Blair shook her head in disbelief. "There are times when I go to Serena's, and I still expect him to be seven years old and complaining about his math homework."

"Lily wants to throw him a party, but he's trying to convince her that it should be a low key family affair. She wants me to help change his mind," Chuck explained.

"And you're hesitant about getting involved," Blair concluded.

"Yes, a little," Chuck confirmed with a nod. "I think I should stay out of things right now, especially now that Rufus is getting help."

"We could do a cross between it. Have a party and just invite family," Blair suggested.

"I don't think that's what Lily has in mind," he shook his head, "I think she wants to make up for all that she's put him through over the years by giving him the gigantic party of the century."

"That's not Eric," Blair groaned.

"Or a good idea considering this family's history with parties," Chuck pointed out. "Every time this family has a party something happens."

"Not always something good," Blair pointed out.

"Exactly," Chuck nodded. "I think I'll talk to Lily tomorrow."

"Take her out for lunch. She won't make a scene if you're in a public place."

"Just further evidence that you and I are perfect for each other. I was thinking right along those very lines."

"Hey, speaking of family parties, Serena keeps changing the subject every time I bring up Cece. Has Lily said anything to you?"

"About Cece? No," he shook his head.

"I haven't heard from her in the entire time I've been back. I mean you'd think I'd get a card or something. Mom and Lily have been friends forever."

"What is that diabolical mind of yours thinking?" Chuck inquired as he saw the wheels churning.

"I wonder if Cece is sicker than Lily's letting on."

"Surely, she would have mentioned something by now," Chuck shook his head, "Cece and I aren't blood, but she took me under her wing so to speak."

Blair looked at him skeptically.

"She lets me call her 'Grandmother' at least," he clarified.

"And she has two great grandchildren that she's never shown any interest in meeting," Blair added.

"That's not Cece."

"No, it's not," Blair shook her head. "Did you know that after my grandmother died she made me practice getting up on furniture and saying 'That will be quite enough' in a very loud and commanding voice?"

"What was the point of that?" Chuck eyed her curiously.

"I'm sure you remember that my grandmother and I were both small and sometimes we were overlooked, so we had to think of ways to get attention. When my family fought, Grandmother would get up on a piece of furniture and say 'That will be quite enough' to get everyone to shut up and listen to each other."

"No, I remember," Chuck laughed, "Why would Cece make you practice? You've always been skilled at commanding a room when you wanted the attention."

"I think she just wanted to make me laugh," Blair said. "She made Serena do it too."

"Serena used that particular method to get me and your father to stop fighting one day."

"Did it work?" she inquired.

"Quite well," Chuck nodded.

"Then the practice paid off," she smiled.

"You know the clearest memory I have of your grandmother doing that was when we were eight years old and she stood on your dining room table and yelled at everyone during Easter dinner."

"One of her most memorable performances," Blair smiled. "She was a pretty head strong woman. I think that's where I got it."

"And where Sabrina will ultimately get it from," Chuck smiled.

"Sure you wanna do this? Live with two headstrong women?"

"Don't have much choice, do I?" he smiled, "I'm father to one and head over heels in love with the other."

"Stop that," Blair said with a smile. "You being this charming is making it hard to keep my clothes on."

"By all means, lose the clothes," he chuckled, "We can keep navigating around these restrictions."

"Well, I think," Blair got up from her seat, "that I should navigate you around these restrictions. You've definitely earned it."

"How about I pilot the ship tonight?" he suggested, "It doesn't always have to be about me."

"Heart rate, remember," Blair said. "I have to keep it low."

"I hate hearing that," Chuck said.

"I know. It's too real a reminder."

"How are we supposed to build up to making love - one of the most physically demanding activities I've found when I'm with you - if we can't even push your heart rate up a few extra beats a minute with a little foreplay?"

"Alright, maybe I'm a little nervous about being together again. It's been a long time between times and while I haven't since the last time you and I were together, I know there had to have been someone, perhaps several someones, while you were in Europe, and I guess maybe I'm a little scared that your memory may have embellished how good we are together," Blair twisted her hands together as she spoke and she frowned when she realized they were slightly stuck.

"Trust me, my memory is in perfect working order," Chuck assured her. "You and I are phenomenal in bed, epic even.

Blair shook her head, unable to reply.

"And what's wrong?" Chuck inquired as he caught her frown.

"What if we're not anymore?" Blair asked. "What if I'm permanently damaged from the shooting and from going through childbirth? They say a woman's body changes after pregnancy. And do you have any idea how much childbirth hurts Chuck? It's possibly worse than a gunshot, and I wasn't unconscious for any of it."

"These fears that you have are just that," Chuck assured her. "Sure there will be a little period of…adjustment, and if you don't think you can handle childbirth again, then we'll talk about it when and if we're ready to add to our family."

"In that case, let's see what you can do about raising my heart rate," Blair smiled as she backed towards the bedroom.

"Does this mean I get to pilot tonight?" Chuck inquired as she pulled him along.

"It's a definite possibility," Blair nodded as she backed up against the closed bedroom door. "Just not too wild, okay?"

Chuck nodded as he nudged the door open before he swept her into his arms. "I'll save the rodeo for another night."

Blair's giggle was the only answer.

-x-x-x-x-

"Blair, are you here?" Serena called out a few days later as she looked around the penthouse.

"Kitchen," Blair called.

Serena strolled casually into the kitchen to see Blair twirling around effortlessly. "I envy you right now. I can't even manage toast without setting off the smoke alarms."

Blair was all smiles as she continued her cooking.

"I know that grin, B," Serena studied her closely, "Did you get lucky? Did the doctor lift the restrictions? Oh, god, do I need to leave? Am I interrupting?"

"Yes to the lucky, but no to the last three," Blair smiled. "And don't envy my cooking skills. Be grateful because this dessert is for you and Nate."

"Me and Nate," Serena repeated. "What are you talking about?"

"He wants to have dinner with you, and he wants me to give him some kind of insanely romantic dessert. So I am making 'heart's desire white mocha tiramisu' for the two of you."

"That sounds truly sinful. Am I supposed to act surprised? Is he taking the credit? Oh, god, all I'm doing is peppering you with questions. This is getting annoying."

"Don't worry, I'm used to it," Blair smiled. "And it is truly sinful, trust me. You two are going to want to spread this on each other and then lick it off. Do me a favor and pick up some cheap sheets so that you don't ruin any of the good ones at the penthouse."

"Have you and Chuck tested this first?" she asked as she studied her best friend closely. There was a glow about her that Serena had yet to pinpoint.

"No, I've never made tiramisu for Chuck. If I do, I'm gonna use a traditional recipe. I'm using this one because I know you and Nate have a thing for white chocolate."

"But you've tested this right?" Serena asked nervously, "We're not the guinea pigs for the two of you, are we?"

"I am not using you two as guinea pigs for sexual exploits," Blair frowned. "I am using this recipe because I have this cookbook full of chocolate cakes. Nate asked me for a favor. I know you two both like white chocolate, so I thought you'd like this. If you'd rather I made something boring then by all means tell me, and I'll give this to Dorota so she and Vanya can have some fun."

"Don't you dare!" Serena exclaimed, "I'm merely looking for details because you're glowing, yet you just said the doctor hasn't lifted the restrictions. Is Chuck getting creative?"

"Chuck's always been creative. And my sex life is really none of your business."

"Come on, B," Serena whined, "Let me live vicariously. Nate's great and all, but we both know he's not nearly on the same level as Chuck, at least you know."

"You need a hobby or a job or to take more classes," Blair laughed.

"Speaking of jobs, how would you like some help at the cafe this summer?" Serena asked.

"Really?"

"Yeah, Rufus will be getting out of rehab by then, and I think it's important to give him and Mom some time alone. Eric and I were thinking maybe we'd go give Dan a hand and stay in your old apartment."

"Is this going to be a paid thing?" she inquired.

"I was thinking an even swap. We crash at your place for free in exchange for our services. Plus, we'll be able to help Dan with his son, so it's a win-win all around."

"Sounds like a good idea. It'll be nice to have you two around while I'm easing back into the day-to-day of it."

"Are you going back?" Serena responded in surprise, "Why is this the first I'm hearing of it?"

"Because I haven't talked to Chuck about it yet," Blair said. "And I'm still a little freaked about the idea of walking back into the place where my mom died."

"Have you been back to the café at all since it happened?" Serena asked gently as she tiptoed her way through a potential emotional mine field.

"No," Blair replied, "And I'm pretty sure Chuck is not going to like the idea of me going back to it at all. I think he'd prefer if I just sold it."

"Have you considered it?" Serena asked.

"Yes, but there's this little voice inside my head that says it's the coward's way out every time I think of it."

"If you do go back, how is Chuck going to fit into the picture? You'll be in New Jersey. He'll be here running Bass."

"I'm not leaving him again and he's not leaving me," Blair said as she hoisted herself up on the counter and leaned back against the cabinets. "As far as we go, we're staying put. But with our businesses, I don't know what's going to happen there."

"And the children?" Serena prompted her, "You can't pull them back and forth all the time. I've lived that life. It's not fun or fair to them."

"We clearly have issues," Blair conceded.

"Clearly," Serena nodded.

"Maybe I can convince Chuck to buy a houseboat and park it in the river. That way we can just sail back and forth."

"Keep thinking," Serena advised her, "That's quite possibly the worst idea you've ever had."

"Where is your sense of humor?" Blair laughed.

"I think I lost it when my step-brother and my best friend nearly died on me less than a year apart."

"Such a downer today," Blair sighed.

"Yeah, you're right. Happier thoughts," Serena said.

"Your dessert is done, and Nate's going to be here any time now to pick it up. You should get going, so you're home when he shows up with dinner and dessert to surprise you."

"Act surprised, got it," Serena replied, "But I'm going to stop in quickly and check on those adorable chubby cheeks. Give me some sort of warning if Nate shows up."

"Just don't wake them up. Sebastian is now getting in on the teething act."

"Poor things," Serena pouted as she disappeared.

Blair finished loading the dishwasher and when she stood up she gasped as a pair of familiar arms slid around her waist.

"I didn't even hear the elevator."

"I had maintenance disable the chime so I could surprise you," Chuck mumbled against her neck as he began peppering her skin with kisses.

"Stop that, we're not alone, and we're about to get another visitor."

"Who would possibly interrupt us when we're about to get to the good stuff," Chuck whispered darkly just before he bit sharply on her ear.

"My best friend and yours."

His hands were in the process of removing her apron. "Good," he smiled, "We can have them stay with the children. I'll take you to the Palace for the night. It can be just you and me with no interruptions."

"See that," Blair pointed to the elaborate looking dessert on the counter. "Nate requested that I make that for him and Serena. He'll be here any minute to pick it up. He wants to get romantic with her tonight. Apparently you've inspired him to be more attentive to Serena."

"Well, I'll just uninspire him," Chuck replied.

"That's not even a word, Chuck," Blair informed him.

"Too bad," Chuck almost growled. "I want an uninterrupted night with you, and if I have to break my best friend's legs to get it, I will."

"Charles Bass, don't you dare," Blair scolded him.

"I can't be in too much trouble if you didn't even bother with the middle name," he chuckled.

"I made Nate tiramisu. Let's let him and Serena have their night and then tomorrow night, I will remind Nate that he owes me a favor, and you and I will be all alone."

"Tomorrow night is not soon enough," he groaned in disappointment.

"Well, it's going to have to be," Blair said. "Because, we cannot use the dessert I made for Nate and Serena."

"Why not?"

"Neither of us likes white chocolate."

"I'd be willing to eat it if I ate it off of you," Chuck told her.

"Tomorrow, I promise."

"And tonight?"

"Tonight, we have dinner, and we just hang out together. If you're good maybe we can even make out like we did in high school."

"Will you put on the red tights?"

"Don't answer that until I leave," Serena said from the door. "See you guys later."

"Night Serena," Blair smiled.

"Night," Serena called over her shoulder.

"And now we wait for Nathaniel?"

"Yes," Blair nodded. "Why don't you go take a shower and relax while I take care of Nate? He'll be here soon."

"This, right here, is very relaxing," Chuck told her.

"Go take a shower anyway. It'll give me some time to start dinner."

"Let me take care of dinner tonight."

"You can't cook," Blair said.

"I didn't say I was going to cook," Chuck smirked.

"Blair, are you here?"

"Perfect timing," Blair said. "In the kitchen, Nate."

"Hey, Chuck, you're home early," Nate greeted the pair, ignoring how close Chuck had Blair to him.

"Your dessert's all ready to go, Nate," Blair said as she pulled away from Chuck and went over to the counter. "I hope you enjoy it."

"It smells amazing," Nate stated. As he turned to look at Chuck, he caught the scowl on his best friend's face. "What's wrong? Am I interrupting something?"

"No, and that's kind of the problem, at least according to him," Blair said.

"Am I suppose to understand what that means?" Nate shook his head as her riddle spun too quickly for him to translate.

"No," Chuck told him, "Just go enjoy your dessert off Serena. Tomorrow Blair's calling in the favor. You're watching the children so she and I can have our own playtime."

"Just let me know when and where we have to be to watch our godchildren."

"My mom's so that Dorota can supervise," Blair said handing the dessert over. "It's tiramisu."

"And Serena doesn't have a clue right," Nate replied, "I get to take the credit for this."

"If you can convince her you made it, then you deserve to take the credit," Chuck laughed.

"Serena actually called and wanted to know if we'd seen you. I think she misses you. You should get home," Blair said.

"I'm on my way," Nate responded as he disappeared as quickly as he'd come.

"He really thinks he can convince Serena he made that himself," Chuck laughed. "I think I gave him too much pot in our youth. He's killed entirely too many brain cells."

Blair giggled, "Have I mentioned how wonderful you are?"

"Certainly not today," he sighed as he pulled her back into his arms. "So I'm waiting very patiently."

"You're wonderful," Blair smiled. "And I'm eternally grateful that I stripped on the stage of Victrola when I was sixteen because it got us here."

"So am I," he groaned, "How about after the children are asleep, you strip for me again, only this time you don't have to stop at the slip."

"There's a good possibility."