A/N: PLEASE READ! I've decided to add another chapter before this story officially finishes. The next chapter (26) will be the epilogue. So, i hope you still enjoy! :)
Thanks again for the people who reviewed.
Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl or Knocked Up.
Four months old...
As each day goes by, Nicholas Charles Bass grows more and more. At his age, he has become a lot more physical, learning how to roll over and even sit up. Nick's also a lot more responsive, making noises and meeting his parents eyes for a direct look. He hasn't smiled yet, which is still normal, he just needs the right time. Chuck and Blair have heaps of fun playing with Nick, as well as taking care of him.
He absolutely adores bubbles. Whenever he's cranky, Blair opens a bottle and starts blowing. His eyes light up in awe and instantly is fascinated, which is good because he becomes a lot more calm. He's starting to crawl a little bit, and Blair finds it completely adorable. Which in this case, she always covers him with kisses and hugs.
Nicholas admires his bath time with his father, and Chuck has found it easier to bathe him. Although he still gets pretty soaked from Nick's intense splashes, he enjoys every second of it. As far as features come, he is looking like Chuck more and more everyday. But, still very much has a lot of Blair's features, making him a beautiful baby boy.
This particular morning, Nicholas has been it a great mood, which has Blair's hopes high for a smile from her son. This doesn't necessarily mean he isn't a happy baby, because words can't describe his joyfulness. Nicholas can be naughty and cheeky, but it probably comes from his fathers genes.
Blair was in the kitchen, preparing food, as she was about to begin to feed Nick. Being able to eat solids, he is introduced to new foods. If he likes it, he'll continue to eat it off the spoon. But if he doesn't like it. It's quite simple, he simply lets the baby food drool down his mouth or refuse to eat it.
Mashed bananas are his favourite and luckily Blair had just prepared some for him to eat. Nicholas was sitting in his high chair, waiting for his breakfast. Walking over to him, she mixes his mushy food with a bright coloured spoon. Just like his father, he likes a lot of bright colours, pastels included. She pulled a chair next to him, getting ready to feed him.
''Aren't you happy today?'' Blair remarked in a cheerful tone. Nicholas hummed and started to hit his hands against the high chair, indicating he is very much happy. She grinned, and stroked his soft dark hair. His hair colour obviously belonged to his mother, but it wasn't curly. It was more tousled like Chuck's.
She took the spoon and scooped some baby food, pointing it into the direction of his mouth. Taking the first spoonful, he slowly chewed then swallowed it.
Chuck rushed down stairs, grabbing his briefcase that was on the sofa. He made his way over to the kitchen where he saw his two favourite people in the world. Approaching them, he caressed Nick's hair and gave Blair a kiss on the top of her head. His eyes scanned through the kitchen and was obviously looking for something.
''In a rush today, sweetie?'' inquired Blair, as she gave Nick another spoonful of the mashed bananas. His expression pretty much gave away he's in a rush.
''Yes, i have a meeting today which requires paperwork and i can't seem to find them at the moment.'' he sighed, clearly frustrated.
''Is that why you were up late last night?'' she assumed, putting another spoonful in, ''Nicholas you cheeky devil,'' she shook her head, grabbing a napkin near her to wipe Nicholas' mouth. He sometimes plays around with his food, but most babies do, so that was normal.
''Yeah and now that i haven't received proper sleep, i don't know if can concentrate today.'' He pinched the bridge of his nose, taking a seat next to Blair. His tone of voice wasn't directed to her, he was just stressed.
''But you have meetings all the time, what's the difference?'' She rubbed his shoulders, making them less tense. She knows he doesn't get nervous over the smallest things, so obviously this must have been something big.
''This mornings a little different, because my fathers going to be in it. Usually my normal meetings are with my buyers, investors and staff in general. He has also invited the whole board of Bass industries to come along.''
She could really tell by Chuck's eyes he was nervous. She sincerely hoped nothing bad is coming in Chuck's path of work.
''Whatever it is,'' she began in a soft voice, ''just know I'll always believe in you.'' Blair smiled at him genuinely. His eyes rose up, meeting her gaze. He was so grateful having a strong, independent woman in his side. He loved her for it.
Chuck cupped her cheeks, giving her a long meaningful kiss. He started to kiss the column of her throat, and he grinned on her neck.
''If only my father and the board of Bass industries saw me through you eyes,'' he sighed, giving her a soft stroke on her chin.
She smiled, then glanced over to the dining table, noticing his paperwork. She giggled and began to speak.
''To make your morning less stressful, your paperwork is on the table.'' He instantly turned around to see what she was referring too. He smirked and stood up, grabbing his briefcase.
''Thank you,'' he said, collecting the paperwork into a folder, placing them in his briefcase.
''Aren't you going to be late? I mean surely there is a reason why you're rushing.'' she pointed out, giving Nick another spoonful of mashed bananas.
''My meeting starts in two hours, but i wanted to leave early so i can handle any problems before hand.'' She nodded at him understanding.
As she finished feeding Nick, Blair picked him up, out of the high chair. She snuggled up to him, giving him a kiss on the nose. ''Why don't you wish your daddy some good luck today?'' she giggled, offering him to Chuck.
Chuck instantly smiled, taking Nicholas in his arms. Nicholas rested his head on his fathers shoulder, while placing his hand on his chest.
''He still hasn't smiled.'' Blair frowned. ''The doctor said every child is different and will smile, crawl or even walk when they're ready.'' she shrugged.
''It's okay Blair. He still has heaps of time.''
''I know, it's just i really want to see his smile. Obviously it's going to belong to you, but i just want to know he is happy.''
''Blair, he is happy.'' he declared. ''look at him, he loves us, he loves you.'' They both then starred at Nick, who was playing with Chuck's shirt, tugging it and trying to put it in his mouth. She giggled from how adorable he is.
''Well seeming as your day will be consisting by meetings, mine will be full of activities with Nick.'' she spoke in a blissful tone. ''and it it the most adorable thing trying to chase him,'' she grinned, stroking his sons cheek, ''he's a learner at crawling and has a cute little bottom.''
''Oh, wow. I feel the urge of jealously. I wish you could chase my bottom all day.'' he teased.
''I think it's more at the front for you,'' she winked in a seductive manner. He couldn't help but blush at that. Yes, Chuck Bass does blush, but only for Blair 'Bass'.
''I'll come back here for lunch and try to reveal some wonderful news my father has yet to tell me.'' he said with a final sigh, gently handing Nick back to his mother. ''If only i could take you and Nick with me today, i could really use the moral support.''
''You are the most persuasive and powerful man i know. You'll be fine. As a matter of fact, i have a feeling you won't be disappointed with today's results.'' she assured, moving closer to his face. She kissed his neck and gave him a soft angelic smile.
He smirked and returned with a smirk, giving her a kiss on the lips. ''I should get going now.'' Just as those words escaped Chuck's lips, Nicholas made a light humming noise, jumping slightly in his mothers arms.
''I don't think he wants you to go,'' Blair giggled, holding Nick onto her hip as he rested his head on her neck.
''Well, good thing I'll be back for lunch,'' he assured. ''I'll see you later.'' With that said, he gave Blair a kiss on the cheek and Nick a kiss on his tiny hand, ''wish me luck little Bass.''
Chuck had left for work, leaving Blair that was going to do her best to try and make Nicholas smile. She was now taking Nicholas upstairs to change his clothes and diaper. His day was going to be pretty full on, from what Blair has planned ahead for him. Today she's also going to encourage Nick to crawl more and sit down stable.
Now as they're in the Nursery, Blair placed Nick on his changing table and headed for his dresser full of clothes. On the way, she picked up a stuffed animal - which was a lion. She handed it to him, as he accepted it in his hands, shaking it up and down.
''What would you like to wear today, Nick?'' she asked in a hopeful voice, bending down and opening the top drawer of the dresser. A response to his mothers question was a light hum, as he continued to play with his stuffed animal, gripping it with his tiny hands.
''Something blue?'' she said, standing up, holding a baby blue coloured long sleeved top and navy sweat pants. She placed his clothes next to the changing table, as she got ready to undress him. As she took off his pyjama jumpsuit, she ticked his little stomach.
Nicholas kicked his little feet, indicating he likes it. She grinned, and continued to tickle him, desperately waiting a smile yet to form on his face. His features didn't change, but Blair grabbed his little foot, and kissed it.
''Grrr, give me a smile, or I'll eat your tiny cute feet!'' she giggled, kissing it again.
After changing him, and giving him a new diaper, she took him down stairs, along with a basket full on toys. ''So i guess threatening to eat your foot didn't really change your mind, did it?'' she asked, dropping the basket on the large space of carpet.
Before sitting Nick down on the carpet, Blair also grabbed a soft blanket from the basket, spreading it so he could sit on it. In the living room, she had already moved the coffee table, so there would be more room to play with Nick.
Now being both on the soft blanket, Blair sat him in her lap. She still held him protectively, because he was still learning on how to sit properly. She took a few stuffed animals out, ready to play with her son.
''What do we have here?!" Blair gasped in a high pitch, cheerful tone. She held a giraffe in the air, showing Nicholas in excitement. His head tilted up, looking back at his mother. His little arm stretched out, trying to get a grasp of the toy. Blair instantly grinned and handed it to him.
He shook the toy in his hands, putting it in his mouth. He squirmed around in her lap, as Blair reached over to grab more toys. She picked up three bunnies and an idea popped straight in her head. They were a matching set, meaning they were a family of bunnies.
''Sweetie, look,'' Blair gestured, leaning over Nicholas, showing him the three bunnies. His arms reached out to grab them, but Blair placed them on the ground, directly in front. ''do you know what they are?'' he didn't exactly answer, but only tapped his hands on the ground.
''This is like us, you know. You, daddy and mommy.'' she smiled. ''see this?'' she picked up the tiniest bunny, placing it in his hands. ''that's you,'' Blair grinned. ''and can you guess who the next one is?'' she picked up another one, a male bunny this time, much bigger than the other one.
''That's daddy!'' she spoke in a joyous tone. He kicked his little feet and let out a little hum. He also made a lot of baby noises at this age, mostly humming and cooing. Although, it is too early to say he can talk.
''Last, but not least,'' said Blair, ''can you tell mommy who this is?'' This time for an answer, he shifted his little body around, facing Blair. Tilting his head up, his deep brown eyes gazed with Blair's. Her heart felt like pouring, it was such a sweet moment. He knew who his mother is and that's the most important thing.
Still with no smile, he just placed his hand gently on his mothers thigh. Blair could seriously be in the worst mood, but Nicholas can take away a second of her mood swings. He lights up the room and certainly knows how to put on a show.
''Okay, my little muffin,'' she said in a gentle voice, ''you stay here and mommy will be back with a surprise.'' She stood up, but put Nicholas safely on his stomach so he could crawl around. There was nothing dangerous about the living room they were playing in.
Chuck made sure of that. He had installed baby-proof equipment around the house just in case something hazardous happens. But with the careful, protective, loving support from his parents, it's doubtful for anything to occur.
Blair was in the kitchen, opening a shelf in search of something. She remembered the other day she was out shopping with Chuck and bought a bottle of bubbles. He mostly uses them when he bathes him and Nicholas loves his bath time. So another perfect way to make him smile would be playing with bubbles.
Returning back to the living room, she spots Nick slowly crawling around without any harm. She sat herself back down, with her son right in front of her. She let him lie on his stomach, so he could teach himself to slowly sit up. Nicholas made it to his mother, resting his hands on her crossed legs.
''Guess what i have, muffin?'' she spoke in awe. She opened the bottle of bubbles, along with the stick. Nicholas kept staring at his mother, waiting for what she has to offer. ''are you ready?'' she asked, blowing gently, releasing bubbles in the air.
His eyes lit up with fascination and tried to grab them by sticking his hands in the air. She giggled from how cute he looked. He tried to climb into his mothers lap, but couldn't. He was still to young to do more productive and physical things. She put the bottle down and picked him up in her lap.
Blair grabbed the bottle again and blew bubbles over his head. He continued to do the same thing and stretch his arms out. From building up his excitement, she hoped she would get a smile, but nothing. Despite that, she was happy to know the look in his eyes was close to a grin.
''Do you like the bubbles sweetie?'' she smiled, swaying side to side. He cooed as if he were answering to her.
After another five minutes of bubble blowing, Blair placed Nicholas on his stomach again, getting ready for another game. For this activity, it would teach him more how to crawl and Blair had a fun idea in mind.
Blair let Nicholas crawl around, but something caught his attention when she shook the rattle toy, making a loud shaking noise. She placed it on the ground, at least a metre away from him. This meant he had to crawl over and get it, but Blair had a michieves smile one.
''Oh, no you're not!" Blair giggled, getting on her knees and Nick started to crawl over to get to the toy. She too was now crawling. ''I'm gonna get you! You better crawl faster!'' she laughed more, grabbing his little foot. She found it so adorable watching him crawl with his little bottom.
Nicholas made another baby noise and continued to crawl, almost making it to the toy. ''I gonna attack you with kisses and hugs!'' she threatened him, but in a joking matter. ''That's it, you've asked for it.'' said Blair as he was about to grab the toy.
She went from behind him and lifted him up in the air. She rolled onto her back, as he sat on her stomach. ''Mwah, mwah, mwah!'' she exaggerated the words, cuddling and kissing him all over his face. ''see, now you're covered in mommy's kisses!'' she giggled, showering him more with cuddling.
Rising him up in the air again, he met his mothers gaze and softed his features. Then, out of the corner of his lips, a small gentle, beautiful smile appeared. His eyes glistening and a smile that could light up the whole room.
She gasped sitting up straight and putting him back into her lap. ''YOU SMILED!'' she squealed in blissful tone. The biggest, most ridiculous grin formed on her own face. She exhaled a fresh breath of air, feeling so relieved.
This moment was so beautiful. You know that feeling mothers get when they see their babies do something for the first time? That was what Blair was feeling at the moment. She was overcoming with joy, along with a happy streak of tears. A warm-hearted feeling was in her chest.
''My beautiful baby boy smiled.'' she whispered in an ecstatic tone. She cuddled up to him again, kissing his cute little nose and giving him an Eskimo kiss. This time when he smiled, he opened his mouth more, making Blair's heart melt. Nicholas had Blair's smile. She could see it in him.
For Nicholas having a lot of the same features as Chuck, she had thought he would carry the same smile as his father. She was wrong about that, he has his mothers smile. But something about his lips told her Nick would have Chuck's smirk. That would make sense though, Nicholas is already a mischievous boy.
She stood up, along with Nick in her arms. ''We have to get ready for lunch soon,'' she giggled, wiping a happy tear. ''you just made mommy very happy.'' Nicholas rested his hand onto her chest as they walked into the kitchen.
That somehow indicated love. Because his hand was close to her heart, and there's nothing better for a son to bond with his mother.
He could not believe it. His eyes were still bulged from the news he had just received. He couldn't even find his voice, he was overcoming with shock. The meeting he had just attended was far from bad news. And now, he couldn't wait to share it with his fiance and son.
Rubbing his head with his palm, Chuck clutched hard onto his briefcase, letting the metal handle sink in his skin. He had to convince himself this wasn't a dream, because his fathers words quivered in his brain. Hearing the elevator doors open, he walked out, heading into the direction of the kitchen.
''Blair? Nicholas?'' he called out, taking off his coat and dropping his briefcase onto the sofa. The smell of pasta went into his nose, making his mouth water. He needed some food in his system, and liquid for his dry throat.
''Dining table!'' Blair shouted back, placing Nick in his high chair. He followed his voice and entered the dining room, finding Blair and Nick both sitting down, ready to eat. As soon as she saw him, she stood up and walked over to him. She greeted him with a sweet chaste kiss.
''Care to elaborate?'' Blair asked in a concerned tone. She observed him and knew he was still tense. Obviously it had to do with his meeting this morning, and if it was bad news, she just wanted to make him feel better. ''Is it bad?''
He deeply sighed, rubbing the back of her palm with his thumb. ''I can tell you one thing, it's not bad. Despite that, I'm just in deep shock is all.'' he explained, loosening his tie, which felt like it was suffering him.
Before sitting down, Chuck gave a Nick a kiss on his head and stroked him gently. He sat down, grabbed his fork and started to dig in his food. Eating did make him feel better.
''What did you discuss today with your father and the board of Bass industries today?'' she questioned, mashing pasta in a babies plate, so it's safe to feed Nick. ''I want to know everything.''
Chuck swallowed down his food, pursing his lips to begin talking, ''At first we discussed how the company has been running for the past 10 years. We did get a lot of reviews, mostly positive.'' he continued, ''my father was now speaking and he said he wanted to change a few things around, make modifications for the person in charge.''
Chuck helped by putting on Nick's bib, while Blair was ready to start feeding him. She nodded for Chuck to continue, but she knew she was getting a the idea of what he was referring too. And she did seem pleased.
''And what did they modify?'' she asked, insisting him in a positive way.
He took a deep breath before answering, ''Bart signed me the majority of Bass Industries, which means...''
''Which means you own the company!'' Blair gasped out loud. A big grin formed on both the couple's faces. She stood up in a giddy tone, capturing him in a comforting embrace. ''Oh my, god! I'm so proud of you Chuck, this is such good news!'' she exlaimed, jumping in his arms.
''Thank you,'' he whispered in her ear. She pulled back from their hug and cupped his cheeks, giving him a long passion filled kiss. He really deserved it after today. He rested his forehead against hers and starred her deeply in her eyes.
''I always knew, somewhere deep down in his heart, he believes in you.'' she smiled, pressing her lips against his cheek. She then turned around and picked up Nicholas from his high chair. ''come Nicholas! Let's show daddy your support.'' she grinned.
Chuck took Nick his arms, and rose him in the air. ''When you're my age little Bass, the company is all yours. No judgement.'' he smiled, bringing him back into his arms. Blair put a hand to her chest, feeling so happy for Chuck and acknowledging his genoristy to Nick.
He placed him back into his high chair, so he could be fed. As Blair gave spoonfuls to Nick, she asked Chuck a few more questions, regarding the meeting and the board.
''He signed over the company to you, because of early retirement?'' she asked another question, a bit puzzled.
''Most likely, yes. But knowing Bart, he won't retire for about four years. I think he just signed it over to me for less complications in the future.'' he shrugged making up an assumption. ''In other words, i'll own the company, but he's the face of it.''
''Either way your father is trusting you with his company. Which obviously means he respectsyour loyalty.'' she assured him, placing a hand onto his.
''I guess it's a nice change,'' he smiled with a bashful look. They proceeded to eat, and discuss more about Chuck's day. I guess becoming a father changes everything, for the worst and the best.
Subsequently from eating, they decided to sit on the living room floor to play with Nick. Chuck also wondered how Blair's day was, so he was going to ask her. For Blair's job, she was still on maternity leave. Which was good because she could spend more time with her son, and of course look after him.
''How was your day?'' he asked, watching Nicholas crawl softly on his stomach, and Blair shaking a rattle toy. Her eyes instantly brightened up, remembering her son smiled today.
''Perfect,'' she simply answered with a grin. ''you wouldn't believe what our son did today.'' she said, picking Nick up in her arms, and bringing him close to her chest.
''Our beautiful baby boy smiled! He smiled Chuck!'' Blair exclaimed in an excited tone, ''didn't you sweetie? Yes you did, yes you did.'' she chanted in a sweet, angelic voice, kissing his little nose.
''See? What did i tell you?'' he smirked, ''now who's smile does he have? I'm assuming mine?'' he teased, moving over to Blair. Resting his head onto her shoulder and watching his son.
''Actually, you'd be quite surprised,'' she returned with a smirk of her own, ''he has my smile.'' proudly said Blair. ''But the unfortunate thing is, he's probably going to have your smirk.''
''Fortunately, it works like a charm.'' he kissed her hair. ''that means he has a beautiful smile if it belongs to yours.'' he breathed out, locking eyes with Blair. They both shared a genuine look, with a warm-hearted feeling. ''so how is he going with crawling?''
''He's still going slow, but he's getting there. He's still learning, but by the time he turns 6 months, he's be climbing the walls.'' she giggled, ''They say when they reach that mark of age, they get really physically and would want to do more things.''
Chuck grabbed his little hand, as Nick gripped his father's finger with his own little fingers. Blair found that adorable, and released Nicholas on the ground. Still holding onto Chuck's finger, he slowly crawled over to the stuffed animals, with his father right by his side.
Chuck felt a bit upset that he didn't see his son smile for the first time. He felt a bit left out, but shrugged it off because he knew he was going to experience much more with his son. Making it over to the toys, Nicholas softly let go of his father's finger, reaching out for a soft toy.
''You're gonna have to smile for daddy too,'' Chuck smiled, stroking his son's dark hair, and giving it a nice kiss.
Chuck rose up, but then sat down, crossing his legs. Blair followed him as he opened his arms, offering her to sit in his lap. She relaxed herself in his arms, resting her back and head on his chest. They both watched their son in fascination, who rolled on his back, holding a lion on his hands.
Suddenly their house phone rang. Lucky for Chuck it was right next to him, so he didn't have to move from his comforting embrace with Blair.
''Hello?'' he answered, stroking Blair's hair.
''Hello, Charles,'' greeted Eleanor over the line. He chuckled and knew this was going to be a good conversation.
''My favourite mother-in-law. How are you?'' he casually asked. Blair giggled, realising her mother was on the phone with Chuck.
''Great, to what does my mother owe us this pleasure?'' said Blair, entwining her hands with Chuck. She had a pretty good feeling it was either a big family dinner, or wanting to visit Nicholas.
''I do hope your evening tonight with my daughter and grandson are free.''
''Well Eleanor, you know well enough my intentions with you daughter at night. I guess I'll have to cancel my encounter-'' before Chuck could finish the sentence, Blair nudged him with her elbow. He winced a chuckle and spoke again. ''Actually you're in luck. Our plans are free as far as we're concerned. I'm assuming you want to grab a hold of us?''
''Ah, you know me too well, Charles,'' laughed Eleanor. ''however i was actually calling to invite you all for a nice family dinner tonight. I would love a visit from my grandson and of course Blair and yourself.''
''That sounds like a fulfilling night. I'm sure we can make it and hope to see you tonight.'' he assured her with a convincing tone.
''Excellent, we'll see you at 7 o'clock.'' With that she hung up the phone. Chuck placed the phone back in it's holder that was on the coffee table.
''You're making amends to my mother, by going to dinner tonight?'' Blair joked. He nuzzled his chin on her head, wrapping his strong protective arms around her.
''As a matter of fact, yes.'' he simply returned. ''maybe tonight we could also celebrate Bart signing Bass Industries to me?''
''Chuck, that's a fantastic idea!'' she said aloud. ''maybe you should invite your father tonight as well.'' she suggested. It would make Chuck feel better celebrating his sucess with the person who actually made it possible. His father.
''Knowing your mother, she probably already has.'' he sighed.
''That's true.'' she agreed, snuggling up to him. ''come Nicholas! Mommy has to decide what you're going to wear tonight!'' she said, starting to crawl over to Nicholas.
''And i assume this task is going to take longer to get ready yourself?'' said Chuck teasingly, slapping her behind playfully. He couldn't help it, she was crawling.
''Don't flatter yourself.'' she giggled, picking up Nicholas from the stuffed animals, and heading to the direction of the stairs. He chuckled to himself and stood up, heading to the bar in their penthouse for a drink.
The time for dinner at Eleanor Waldorf's penthouse came sooner than expected. Nicholas, who was in the pram, was waiting in the elevator with both his parents. He did look very handsome tonight. Picked out by his mother, he wore an aqua shirt, along with denim coloured pants.
''This feels eerily familiar,'' commented Chuck, holding onto the handles of the pram. Blair gave him a knowing look, figuring out what he was referring too.
''Yes, it does. I remember Eleanor meeting you for the first time.'' she gave him a smug look, as all the memories of that night rushed to her head.
''And me opening my heart to you,'' he breathed out, looking into her eyes with such desire. She smiled at him, cupping one cheek, and giving him a sweet, but passionate kiss. The elevator doors opened and they both pulled back from each other, holding onto each others hands.
As Chuck strolled in with Blair right by his side, her maid approached them.
''Dorota, so good to see you.'' greeted Blair, as she started to take her coat off. The maid reached over and grabbed her coat, turning around and putting it with the rest of the coat hangers.
''You too, miss Blair.'' she returned politely. ''how is your baby boy Nicholas?'' she asked with an excited look on her face. Dorota adores Nicholas, sometimes she babysits him and they both consist of so much fun. It sometimes made her think that she would want a baby of her own.
''He's perfect, as usual.'' she assured, gently taking Nicholas out of the pram. ''but he can be very cheeky.'' He had been holding very tightly onto a lion, which was a stuffed toy. He absolutely loves animal toys, they're fascinating to him.
Nicholas rested his head onto his mother's chest, as Chuck moved next to them, placing a hand on the small of her back. Walking into the dining room, they spotted everyone chatting amongst themselves. They've always came fashionably late, but there's no better way to make an entrance when everyone can see them.
''Blair, Charles, so good of you to join us.'' her mothers voice appeared, coming out of the kitchen. She walked up to Chuck, greeting him with a kiss on the cheek.
''I thought you and Charles would be doing something else tonight?'' her mother teased, approaching Blair. Eleanor gave a kiss on the cheek to Nick and stroked his hair. She had obviously caught onto Chuck's playful banter over the phone before.
''Yes, well Charles is just being in mature, isn't that right, sweetie?'' smirked Blair, meeting Chuck's gaze. He returned with a smirk and spoke up.
''Whatever helps you sleep at night,'' he shrugged as they both walked over to the table with guests. Tonight's attendance was Nate, Serena, Lily and much to Chuck's surprise; his father. Cyrus stood up from his seat and almost skipped over to Chuck and Blair because he was in such joy.
''There's my beautiful grandson!'' exclaimed Cyrus. Blair offered Nick to him as he took him up in his arms, pampering him with kisses. She then saw Serena.
''Hey, S.'' she smiled, taking a seat across her as Chuck followed behind.
''Hello super mom,'' she teased, obviously being proud of Blair's efforts as a mother. ''oh, it's awfully quiet at work, Blair. I think i miss you.'' Serena said with a fake pout. Blair laughed in response.
''Hey man, how's father-hood treating you so far?'' Nate grinned, asking Chuck.
''Pretty good, man.'' he nodded, ''I'll give you a piece of advice, Nathaniel. It's not easy, I'll give you that.'' he then turned around and spotted his father. Chuck only gave him a stern look, but Bart rose his glass to him, like a peace offering.
''Oh, my god, S! You'll never believe what happened today!'' Blair said a loud, grabbing Serena's attention at full. She wanted to tell her about Nicholas' first smile.
''Surprise me, you're son is full of wonderful surprises,'' she giggled, taking a sip from her glass of water.
''Our son smiled for the first time, today.'' she proudly said, turning to Chuck and holding onto his arm. ''soon he'll be talking!'' she interjected.
''Oh, B, that is such fantastic news!'' Serena squealed in joy, putting her palms on her chin. ''who's smile does he have?''
''I'd say Chuck's,'' Nate cut in with a chuckle. ''I mean I've been calling Nick 'Chuck junior'. He could totally pass for him. Look how similar they are to each other.'' Everybody then looked at Nick, who was in Cyrus' arms.
''Did i hear my grandson smiled today?'' Eleanor questioned in a blissful tone.
''In fact you'd all be quite surprised. He has my smile.'' Blair assured all of them, ''and he has tiny dimples, very much like mine.'' Suddenly that same feeling came to Chuck's chest. The feeling of missing out, but he shook it off and tightened his grip on Blair's hand.
''Hey, are you okay?'' Blair whispered to him in a concerned tone. He opened his eyes and took a deep breath.
''I'm fine, we'll talk more later.'' he insisted, focusing his attention back to everyone else. She knew something was wrong, but couldn't really picture. Although, she would get to the bottom of it.
As everybody, including Bart and Lily, caught up with each other, the entree arrived. Cyrus handed Nicholas back to Blair, so he could let her feed him. Chuck offered to hold him, so Blair could eat herself.
Suddenly, Bart stood up with a drink in his hand. ''If i could get every body's attention, i would like to congratulate my son before we start to eat.'' he said firmly with a small smile on his face.
Chuck deeply sighed, but Blair patted him on his thigh, reassuring that it's okay. Everybody now had their full attention towards Bart, waiting for what he had to say.
''I'm not sure if you already know, but in today's meeting, i signed over the majority of Bass Industries over to Charles.'' said Bart, with a hint of proudness in his voice. Chuck was actually feeling pretty grateful towards his father and showed his respect by raising his glass.
Everybody on the table got a shock, but a happy shock and started to cheer. It was a really good achievement to Chuck, and he deserved the loud applause from everyone. Blair smiled at him genuinely and gave him a kiss on the lips. Chuck stroked her on the cheek, kissing her forehead.
He gave Nicholas to Blair and stood up to shake his father's hand. He mouthed him a silent 'thank you' as Bart patted him on his shoulder.
''Congraulations, Charles,'' both Lily and Eleanor said to him.
After five minutes of celebrating with a bottle of champagne. Blair was feeding Nicholas and of course Chuck helped, causing to grab Lily's attention.
''Nicholas doesn't like peas,'' Blair frowned, as she tried to feed mashed peas to him. Chuck grabbed a napkin and wiped his son's mouth.
''You're such a good father, Chuck.'' complimented Lily. ''with your support like that, you three are heading for a bright future.'' Chuck gave Lily a shy smile, appreciating her kind words.
''Speaking of bright futures, let's turn to the subject of marriage.'' Eleanor cut in. ''Charles, Blair? Have you set a date?''
''We're working on it, but right now we want to properly get settled with Nicholas.'' explained Chuck. ''but we will get married Because i want to spend the rest of my life with her.'' he assured her with a smile.
Lily now spoke up, ''How about you two?'' she asked, looking at Serena and Nate. ''is your wedding dress still premature?''
''Mom, you know we're going to get married when we're ready. Right now we're in a good place.'' Serena reasoned towards her mother. Nate nodded, agreeing with her.
Later on in the night, everybody sat themselves down in the living room, for coffee and cakes. Blair had Nicholas in her lap, he was playing with more of his stuffed toy animals. Chuck was sitting closely to her and she noticed the same look on his face he had before.
''Chuck,'' she began, locking eyes with him, ''you said we are going to talk later. So, now is later. What's on your mind?'' she asked as worry was filling in her voice. Chuck held onto Nicholas' little hand, playing around with it.
He took a deep breath before answering. ''Today commemorated a lot of things. One being Bass Industries signed over to me and my son smiling for the first time.'' he looked down, not being ready to look into Blair's eyes. ''I feel that missing seeing my son smile, means i might miss out on more.''
''Chuck, what are you talking about?'' she questioned confused. Then she caught on to what he was referring too and nodded. ''Oh, Chuck...'' she whispered. ''I know how you would feel, but always know you will always going to be apart of Nicholas' life.''
''I know,'' he agreed, ''I just don't to miss out on him doing something special, you know?" he said, finally looking up at her. Chuck then grabbed Nick's hand, and giving him a captivated look.
''Yes, and remember this. Nicholas is still a baby, and this is just the start. You are going to experience so much with him, including his first steps, his words and much more made possible.'' From Blair's comforting words he felt so much more at ease and much better.
''Do you know how much i love you?'' Chuck said, caressing her cheek. ''well guess what? I love you so much.''
''I love you too, Chuck.'' she returned, kissing him softly on the lips. ''this is the beginning to a wonderful life with you, Nicholas and myself. Be prepared.'' she giggled, as they both looked at Nicholas. He didn't know it yet, but he has the best parents in the world. Filled with love and care.
Those words never felt so right to Chuck. He wasn't going to miss a beat, better yet a blink. They were going to go on a thrill of a ride. The adreniline being the satisfaction of watching their beautiful, healthy son grow up.
And so their life continues, with a few bumps on the road, but that's okay because that builds them into a stronger family.
A/N: And so this is the end of the road to this story. I think I'm going to cry, but the epilogue is the next chapter, so that's okay!
Please tell what you guys thought of this chapter and i really hope you enjoyed it!
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:)