Title: Breakfast at the Basses

Chapter Title: Summer, Like It Hot

Author: Shelby

Summary: Chuck turns towards his daughter, looking her over. Her brown curls that go past her shoulders are almost exact to Blair's. She's wearing a headband that matches her school uniform and on her face she has applied red lip-gloss and mascara. He frowns, "You most certainly are a baby Charlotte Bass, now take off the make-up." A too familiar smirk forms on her face, "No".

A/N: You may notice the beginning of this chapter portrays Charlie and Lex in a certain summer game. Now I wanted to show a parallel to C/B here obviously and also write it how I always wanted C/B to do it. Because I find a jealous guy sexier than a jealous girl. Anyways, hope you enjoy the chapter.

Need to Know: Okay, so the Basses live in a penthouse on Park Avenue and Lex stays in 1812 at the Palace. I think on accident I've referred to them living at the top, which makes you think like it's the palace, but I have meant to make it separate.


His jaw literally dropped when she entered the room. Every eye, male and female, instantly landed upon her. Never had he seen her dress like that. Okay so he had, but not in public. Not where eyes, other than him, could see her. She had on a tightly fit leather black dress. It barely went mid-thigh and her cleavage was propped up, no straps included. He licked his lips at her gorgeous legs. She let them go bare, only to be complimented with black pumps. Her neck was bare, but captured her brown curls perfectly. Within in minutes, if he were not careful, he'd be hard.

She spotted him instantly. A smirk appeared on her ruby lips and she walked over to the bar.

"Another scotch," he muttered to the bartender. It was so hard not to reach out and touch her.

Charlie sat just footsteps away. His eyes watched, mesmerized, as she crossed her legs. As soon as his drink was given he gulped it down. Shit, this was going to be hard.

How had he ever agreed to partake in this? Oh yeah, he got dominance in the end and sex, hot, amazing sex.

"Look at your phone," she voiced to him. Not once did she make eye contact, but remained as if she did not know him.

Lex quickly retrieved it from his pocket. His fingers fumbled a bit, but he found the right buttons and opened the message.

Blond man in the booth across from me. Also a brunette nicely built across from you. Both will approach. Which one babe?

Xoxo,

Charlie

He groaned and his hand instantly tightened around the phone. Eyes looked up quickly and examined each man. They were both older, definitely not teenagers... Sick perverts. Now which one of them could briefly touch his girlfriend? The brunette was muscular, Lex would not risk having his face damaged. Fucking Blondie it would have to be.

Blondie in the corner. Be careful, Bass. Let them go too far and there will be no fun tonight... I'll be in jail for first-degree murder ;)

Xoxo,

Lex

Charlie giggled at his comment.

Lex had to look when she did it. Her smile was so cute, but also very sensual and sexy. Quickly, he sucked back another glass of Scotch. Seriously this woman would turn him into an alcoholic... Okay so perhaps she'd just put him in a worse stage than he was already in.

As she predicted, both bastards rose and advanced towards her. Lex had to clench the glass to contain himself. Knuckles turned white and he thought it might break.

Charlie played by the rules and addressed the blond one first, luckily the brunette walked away in defeat.

"Hello," Charlie greeted him. The smirk on her lips soon flashed into a smile.

Lex watched from the corner of his eyes as she turned her body towards the man and crossed her legs again. The dress rode up and he saw her lack of panties from the side.

"Can I get you a drink?" he asked smoothly. Charlie held up her drink and then sucked on the straw. His eyes brightened a bit.

Lex clenched his teeth.

"I don't like to drink too much in such crowded settings," she responded.

At times like that, it sucked how good she was at what she did. Slowly she leaned forward, cleavage almost spilling out, and stroked the lapels of his jacket.

"Perhaps we should get a private room to drink in then... upstairs?" the man suggested.

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! The guy annoyed the shit out of Lex. He hated the man so much. Did he not see Charlie was half his age? Honestly could he be anymore forward? His eyes flashed back towards them when Charlie sighed. Her shoulders shrugged playfully.

"What if I have a boyfriend?" Charlie asked innocently. Her eyebrows rose and lips pouted.

Lex smirked at her comment. Oh she had a boyfriend, buddy. One who was right next to him and would attack soon. The man would be used and victimized if he continued to wound himself in her web.

"Trust me, baby. By the end of the night, you won't know the meaning of the word," the man returned.

Lex rolled his eyes and scoffed. Thankfully the man did not notice, but by her murderous gaze he knew Charlie did.

Without another word, she took the man's hand and allowed him to pull her along.

Lex followed his Charlie and the bastard. After the man purchased the room, they got into the elevator. It was the part that he hated. Where he had to wait and hope nothing happened. Before hand, he had checked them for cameras and found security watched them. That way he knew she was safe in case this man demanded something. Still the tug in his stomach was rather unpleasant. Slowly he stepped into the new elevator when it dinged.


"Mr. and Mrs. Bass, over here!" a photographer called. Cameras flashed from every direction and angle around the carpet. It was a prestigious Upper East Side Event, one that the media had huge coverage on. And of course, Blair and Chuck were on the guest list.

"I feel so strange on the carpet in such casual wear," Blair told her husband. She turned towards him with a smile. He had his arm around her waist, her body turned into him, and her hand rested atop his stomach.

The event had called for less than evening gown and tux attire. Instead, the guests, women particular, had been asked to wear a casual designer of their choice. It was the label and ultimate the charity that label backed they were donating to. Blair wore a pink shirt, gray jacket, and multi-colored skirt designed by Chloé. It was one of her favorite designers and being the statues she was, they had created the ensemble for her especially. Now it was her turn, to make sure everyone knew it.

"Well you look amazing, Mrs. Bass. The photographers certainly seem to agree with me," Chuck returned. He continued to grin at the cameras, but their eyes met for a moment.

"Perhaps a kiss from the lovely couple?" a photographer right in front of them suggested. Blair turned to look at him, but never got the chance. Her husband's hand reached up and captured her cheek. He pulled her into a kiss.

The sound of cameras flashing and intensity of those flashes was insane.

"Well if we won't be front page news, I don't know who will be," Blair teased when they broke. She nuzzled her nose with his and then turned to smile for the cameras. It was hard to miss how much she beamed when they gave her so much attention.

"Mrs. Bass, we loved your magazine cover in Waldorf Designs. May we ask firstly how your son is doing and second if there will be another spotlight for the daughter of Designer Eleanor Waldorf?" a male photographer asked. He also had a sound recorder with him, the button held down with his thumb.

"Our son Ephram is doing fine. He has learned to walk and even said his first word, dada. My husband and I are very proud," Blair reported. She held Chuck closer to her as more pictures were taken.

"And what about the other question, Mrs. Bass? Or perhaps Mr. Bass has a comment on whether or not his wife will be posing for Waldorf Designs again?" the reporter to their left furthered.

"As long as she has clothes on this time," Chuck told him. He sent them a friendly, but still intimidating smirk as his he pulled his wife closer in a possessive manner.

"Forgive my husband," she laughed nervously. Blair glared at him for a moment, but he did not back down. She then sighed and turned back to the press. "He was only joking. Although, as my days of being pregnant are over, so are my nude spreads. The pregnancy was my mother's art form and now I'm just plain old Blair again."

"I would hardly call you plain," the photographer to the right chuckled. The rest of them seemed to agree with him, women included.

"Well thank you, gentlemen, ladies. Now if you'll excuse us, we must move along," Blair told them. They then turned to walk some more distance down the carpet, but stopped closer to the entrance. A new group of photographers called out to them. Blair was about to answer when she bumped into someone.

"Snow White," Georgina smirked.

"Whoregina," Blair greeted. She kept her voice low enough so that the press could not here as well as a fake smile plastered on her face.

"Awe, Chuck and Blair," Carter nodded. He had his arm around his new wife's waist. How they had gotten invited, Blair would never know. Not to mention, Georgina's ensemble was horrendous.

"Carter," Chuck greeted grimly. He too kept up appearances in front of the cameras, but put far less effort into it than his wife.

"Let's get a picture of all of you. Please move together!" the photographer shouted.

"If we must," Blair teased, but was actually all the serious. The press laughed and it took all within her not to roll her eyes. She reluctantly wrapped her arm around Georgina's waist, but leaned more towards her husband who was on the outside, as was Carter, but he held Georgina's waist.

They all grinned for the cameras like life-long best friends, little did everyone know…

"Back from your honeymoon so early, Whoregina? What? Marriage already failing?" Blair sneered, just loud enough for the four of them to hear and them only.

"Funny, I was just about to ask you what you're doing here too? After all, shouldn't you be home for another boring event taking care of the baby? By the way, when are you going to find the time to hit the gym?" Georgina returned with a sinister smirk.

Blair turned to glare at her, with her eyes only of course, and said, "Well at least I can take care of my children and lately yours as well."

Georgina gritted her teeth and opened her mouth to say something else.

"Ladies," Carter interrupted with a nervous laugh, "let's be civil, please." He yanked his wife back forward again. He then nodded at Blair. "You look great, B. Chuck can you help me out here?"

Chuck smiled and laughed at the cameras. "Go die, Baizen," he said through his teeth.

"Still same old asshole from high school, eh Chuck?" Carter returned with a chuckle of his own.

"Yep," Chuck smirked as he turned towards him, "I still want to punch your face in too."

"Can we have one last big smile from two of the best Upper East Side Couple's?" a photographer called.

They all immediately turned back towards the cameras. Blair and Georgina locked arms while Carter and Chuck grinned.

"I hate you," Blair giggled.

"Touché," Georgina grinned.

Cameras flashed pictures of what would sure look like the best of friends.


Charlie watched as the man fumbled with the hotel key. Her hand dropped the key she had been given strategically out of his view. However, her boyfriend could spot it instantly. With his back to her she could roll her eyes, which she did. Honestly the men were a bit disappointing. The selection her boyfriend had made especially. Sure the man was handsome, older, and rich... But Lex looked so much sexier. It took all she had not to push the man aside and grab her own boyfriend.

Finally, the door opened and the mask reappeared on her face.

"What do you want to talk about?" he implored with a smile.

Charlie giggled as he tugged her into the room. Never would she let him take her near the bed or even the couch for that matter. Instead, her arms wove around his waist, in the front hallway. She pressed her chest up against his and stroked his cheek with her hand.

"Let's skip the talking. Kiss me instead," Charlie purred into his ear. The man's eyes rolled to the back of his head. A giggle came from her lips, but then stopped. He tried to kiss her on the mouth and she turned her head instantly.

"Not there!" It almost sounded like a dog bark. She did not care though. No other man would kiss her lips. That was far too meaningful.

"Okay," he chuckled.

Subtly, she moved her body so he just got her neck. He started to kiss it several times.

Charlie refrained from pulling back in disgust. This man took Lex's form of art and turned it into pathetic sloppiness. Where the hell was her boyfriend? She felt the man's tongue and instantly pulled back a bit. No one else could mark her. That was a major rule.

"What is it?" he whispered.

"Nothing," she lied, "Just... you have to kiss it more first. It needs to be soothed, relaxed." Her voice was so sexy that the man would of course obey.

Her eyes flickered to the door when the light under it went dark. A smile graced her lips, but she soon made it go away. It was time for her acting debut.

The door slammed open to reveal Lex. His hair was frazzled, awe he had pulled at it in frustration. Her favorite was his expression, deadly... and those eyes... no comment needed.

"What the hell is this?!" Lex boomed.

The man jerked off immediately. Charlie of course helped and gave him a hard push. Her face faked a frightful expression and she gasped.

"Man, what the hell?! Who are you?!" the man shouted back.

"Lex, I can explain!" Charlie shouted in fake defense. Her body flung towards him as if she actually wanted to protect the man behind her.

Lex glared and strategically pushed her to the side where she wouldn't be hurt at all.

"What the fuck were you doing with my girlfriend?! Do you have any idea how old she is you, sick bastard!?"

"Well in that dress she looks old enough," the man scoffed. He eyed Charlie and licked his lips. She pouted hers and crossed her arms.

"Hey, asshole!" Lex shouted. He threw his fist forward and decked the man. He stumbled back and held his bloody lip. He looked to the younger boy with fright, clearly underestimating his strength.

"By the way I'm sixteen," Charlie smirked.

The man's eyes widened and he ran from the room. She walked over, closed the door, and locked it. Then she leaned against it and looked to him with seductive eyes.

"That was a little too easy. I expected him to put up more of a-"

Her voice trailed off into a scream as Lex grabbed her. He hoisted her by the hips and pushed her onto the bed. His body was over hers within seconds. Jealous and possessive adrenaline pumped through him. Her eyes widened and she moaned when he kissed her neck.

"I love how this makes you," she murmured.

"I know, baby. That's what you tell me every time," Lex chuckled in a sinister manner. He tried to roll her leather dress up her body, but it was too tight. He groaned in frustration.

"You'll have to try harder than that, Alexander," Charlie teased. He growled at her, but then smirked. She frowned, confounded at why he did so. But she soon learned. He flipped her body over and she landed on her stomach. His hands pulled at the zipper in an artistic, but frantic form.

"Damn this dress," he cursed. She giggled again and sighed in relief when he finally got it undone. His hand threw it. She watched as the black material smacked against the wall and slid down to the floor. She turned over and lied on her back again.

"How do you want it?" Lex asked. She sat up and helped him undo his shirt and then his pants. Their naked bodies soon pressed against each other.

"You're not supposed to ask," she reminded him. He smirked evilly and grabbed her wrists. His hands pinned them above her head and he placed bruising kisses on her neck. His tongue flicked against the flesh and then he sucked with his lips.

"Mhmm, do whatever you want," Charlie moaned. Her eyes fluttered open and closed as her body responded with twitches of delight.

"Charlie," he groaned. His bulge against her inner thigh made her gasp. He was large before, but when it came alive… well it was grand.

"Tell me. Tell me what seeing me with that man makes you want to do me," Charlie requested. She closed her eyes and smiled in a sensual manner. Her nails sunk into the flesh of his back as he placed bite marks down her body.

"It makes me want to penetrate you, desecrate you, mediate you," Lex drawled. He came back up to her lips and forced them upon hers. Soon, she happily obliged.

"Go on," Charlie ordered. He nodded his head eagerly and spread her legs with his hands. His fingertips trailed across her creamy thighs, but then he scratched them. She cried out until his mouth stopped hers with another kiss.

"Mark your territory on my neck," Lex ordered. She smirked with hungry eyes and pulled him down on top of her more. Her lips and teeth attacked where all would be visible, well unless he wore a turtleneck.

"When I see his lips on your skin. I want to smash his head into the wall, over and over again. It turns me into a mad man, Charlie, a killer," he seethed.

"Yes, more please," Charlie begged. Her eyes rolled back into her head as he rubbed his tip up and down her folds. He teased her by not entering yet. She hated it, but was at his mercy, literally.

"I want to tie you down and keep you from all other men. I want to lock you in my bedroom, chain you to the bed, and throw away all keys. I want to keep you as my prisoner forever, my love slave. But I would love you, Charlie. I do love you," he promised. Yes, he got rough, but the need in him to protect her always came through some. He didn't want her to think he'd ever cruelly hurt her, especially physically.

"We-we," Charlie paused to shiver when she felt the tip of his member stroke her inner thighs. Her eyes squeezed shut and she tried to even out her breathing again. "We could try it sometime. Your silk sheets tied around my arms. I know how much you like roleplaying, as do I." He pulled back to see if she was serious, she smirked.

"Fuck, I love you," Lex repeated. He kissed her lips and then trailed those kisses down her breasts, stomach, and stopped at her thighs. His tongue licked between her folds. "Mine," he claimed.

"Yes." She nodded her head on the pillow without the tiniest bit of reluctance. It was true though. It could be his. She was certain no one else would pleasure it like he did. That would be impossible.

"Say you love me to." Lex's angered voice suddenly filled her ears. Her eyes snapped open. His blue eyes seemed frantic with desperation. His manhood teased her slick center, but he did not enter.

"Is that all you need me for? Playing games, comforting you, and telling you that you're loved?" Charlie asked. Her voice turned serious as did her chocolate colored eyes.

"No," Lex shook his head and smiled, "I need you to tell me that you love me like I love you." His nose buried in her curls and then nuzzled against his neck. So they had not exactly accomplished their usual angry sex, but neither was disappointed.

"Well I do love you, perhaps even more than you do me," Charlie smiled.

"That's impossible," Lex returned. He kissed her lips again and then entered her with one swift, but smooth stroke. Her legs spread some more. He looked her in the eyes. He loved to feel her body sprawled out on the bed, but pressed beneath his.

"Yes," she moaned. Her eyes fluttered open and closed. He pumped in a rhythmic motion, but increased his speed. He penetrated her the way they both loved, enjoyed. But he looked into her eyes the entire time. He felt her orgasm approach as she clenched onto him tighter.

"Charlie," he whispered.

"Lex," Charlie rasped. Her eyes half closed.

He closed his too and listened to her moans. He felt her nails drag down his bare back. He had so many scars from that by now. Then he felt her teeth bite into his shoulder. She bit down so hard that she tasted his blood. He felt as if he would explode.

"Charlie!" Lex shouted. His eyes snapped open and met her crazed ones. They both reached their peaks. He thrust his hips forward in one final motion. She smiled in satisfaction and pulled his body down onto hers.

"Lex," she whimpered. The screams and moans stopped. They lied in silence. He moved to pull out of her, but she grabbed onto his chest.

"No," Charlie begged. She didn't want to lose the closeness just yet. His eyes stared into hers. Was she actually crying?

"Don't cry, Love. I'll stay inside," Lex promised. He kissed away her tears. They tasted salty, but also sweet. She nodded as a small smile came back to her lips. He nuzzled his cheek against hers.


Blair exhaled as a shiver erupted through her body. It was a cool summer night on that carpet tonight, but inside this limo things were getting steamy. She looked down with a sensual smile at her husband. His lips trailed down her inner arm as his hair brushed against her hot flesh.

"Oh, Chuck," Blair moaned. She lifted her head back and quivered at the feel of his lips. He lifted up her shirt to reveal her bare, flat stomach. He trailed kisses down that, his eyes closed. He was deep in concentration. Foreplay to him was an art form. He was Chuck Bass after all.

"I didn't like when Carter said you looked good," Chuck mumbled against her skin. His mouth opened and his tongue flicked below her belly button. She shivered in delight and fell back some. His body leaned back with hers.

"Please, he's married," she replied. The breath held in her throat as he removed her shirt and kissed the top of her breasts. She nuzzled her chin into his hair.

"I don't care," he shook his head. His voice was low and seductive. She loved the sound of it. They both knew how much it drove her wild. He moved down her body again, his body almost to the floor of the limo.

"Rest assured, husband. No one else can do to me what you do," Blair breathed. Her eyes then snapped open and widened. She felt his lips between her thighs. Her eyes looked down to see his head in her skirt as he lavished the creamy-white skin with kisses.

"Come," Chuck tempted. He chuckled to himself at the double meaning. She did not protest or roll her eyes though. Instead she slowly tumbled to the limo floor with him. His body came over hers and she helped him undo the buttons of his shirt. He discarded that and all material on both of them, until they lied completely nude against the carpet and each other.

"I need more than kisses, Chuck. No matter how many times we make up for those lost times, it's not enough. Please, satisfy me," she pleaded. He nodded and moved in to kiss her neck. She smiled wickedly and pushed a hand to his chest.

"What is it?" he gasped. His hands reached for his favorite spot, but she kept it from him like a mother would keep sweets from her child. A low growl came from his lips.

"Wait," Blair smirked. She sat up some and pulled her hair into a low bun. She turned her cheek into his shoulder to reveal her now bare nape. His breathing became uneven. It was one of her most beautiful spots, also one of his favorites. It connected her gorgeous façade to the rest of her wondrous frame. "There, much better. Wouldn't you agree, Bass?" Her eyebrows rose in playful question.

"Yes," Chuck rasped. He then pushed her body down against the limo's floor. His lips attacked her neck with hungry, demanding kisses. When his teeth nipped at the skin she moaned even louder. It was like sweet music to his ears.

"You're so hard," Blair gasped when his bulge pressed against her leg. Her head moved to look down at it, but he caught her lips with his. He shook his head, their noses nuzzled against each other.

"How could I not be? You looking like that in our limo? I'm in my element. You're my element," he mused. His eyes looked over appreciatively at her body as he sat up. She smiled at him, arms above her head, as her legs spread. He prepared for entry. Normally, they'd hold out longer, but tonight they could not wait.

"I love you so much, Blair," Chuck whispered. He moved down on her again, the tip of his member against her folds. One hand held the back of her head, fingertips tangled in her curls. The other placed itself on her petite waist.

"I love you too, Chuck. Now take me like we both want you to. Show me how much you love me," Blair requested. Her doe brown eyes sparkled with excitement. She felt between her legs tingle and would not be surprised if she found a puddle in the carpet.

"As you wish," he smirked. His manhood then slid into her center. It made it's way easy through the slick, but tight hole. She moaned in instant pleasure as he groaned in satisfaction. Their hips locked and moved in rhythmic motion. She arched her back and clenched onto him.

"You're so-so amazing," Chuck trembled. His body heat increased by what felt like twenty degrees. He plunged inside of her again and again. It felt as if time was moving slowly, but the pleasure quick.

"Deeper, Ch-Chuck, harder," Blair begged. She wrapped her legs around his bare bottom and they rolled to the other side as the limo rounded a curve. It also caused him to do just what she asked.

"Oh yes, Chuck! That's it!" She cried out in pure ecstasy. Her eyes rolled back into her head and her body twitched. He held her down and pounded faster, smoother.

"Bl-Blair, fuck!" Chuck gasped. Their chests heaved against each other as their hips rocked back and forth, back and forth. They continued in a sexually pleasing haze for what seemed like hours. They were both out of breath and energy, yet they found it within them to continue, to push harder, to go longer, literally.

"Please," Blair seethed. Her eyes strained to stay open and gaze into his. Her orgasm was there, but she held off. She wanted to let him come first.

"I'm ready for you, baby. I'm coming too," Chuck assured her. He nodded his head frantically. His pupil's dilated. His hips went forward in one final thrust.

"Chuck!"

"Blair!"

They screamed in raspy breaths, almost in perfect union. Her orgasm hit like a tidal wave. He exploded into her until she dripped with his juices. His body fell into exhaustion on top of her. He tried to move, but she shook her head.

"I'll crush you," Chuck warned.

"Not such a bad way to go," Blair forced a smile. She soon had to drop it to try and catch her breath though. He rolled off of her and pulled her close. She pouted, but he kissed her lips and she stopped.

"That was amazing," she breathed.

"No," he shook his head, "you're amazing."

They rested, completely nude, sweating crazy, in each other's arms on the floor of his limo. Something's never changed. They hoped they never would.


"Chuck, stop it!" Blair giggled. They came out of the elevator and into their home. His hand moved to grab her bottom again, but she smacked his shoulder. They both started to laugh, but then stopped. The room was dead silent. Their eyes fell down.

Their oldest son, Max, was passed out in the middle of the living room with his younger brothers toys all around him. He looked like his hair had been pulled and his face colored on.

"Mama, dada!" Ephram greeted. He popped up from behind his older brother and waved at them. A mischievous and true Bass smirk was plastered on his face as he giggled wickedly.

Blair put a hand to her lips and stifled a laugh. She turned to look at Chuck who shook his head and smiled. Ephram's little arms shot up, signaling his mother that he wanted to be held. He started to bounce up and down in excitement.

"Well it seems as if you have worn your older brother out, Ephram." She swept him up and encircled him in her embrace. Ephram pecked her cheek and then snuggled into his mother's chest. He yawned and pointed towards the stairs.

"Tired, baby?" she asked. Her eyebrows rose and she pouted her lips to sympathy with him. He was quite the little drama king when he wanted to be, just like his father… and perhaps mother as well. She liked to think he got it from his father though.

"Bed-bed, mama," Ephram whined. She nodded her head and kissed his forehead.

"One moment, let's wake Max up first," Blair whispered. Ephram only sighed in response. His big blue eyes looked curiously from his father to his brother and then back to his mother.

Chuck walked over to where Max was and nudged his son's side with his foot. "Hey sleeping beauty, it's time to wake-up. You fell asleep on the job."

The teen muttered profanities under his breath and then sat up. He rubbed his eyes and glared at the rest of his family present. Max groaned and pointed to the baby.

"That child is evil," he accused.

"No-no," Ephram giggled in response. He smirked at his older brother while he snuggled into his mother. He then looked to his parents as he pointed at Max. "Drea," he nodded.

Both Chuck's and Blair's face fell. They slowly looked to Max for a reaction. Everyone had lately sort of skated around the subject and not said her name much, but obviously Max had said something about her to Ephram. The baby didn't know any better other than to repeat and mimic everything he heard and saw.

"I'm going to go to bed, in my actual bed this time," Max sighed. He pushed himself up to his feet and walked towards the stairs. His whole demeanor changed. He now seemed nothing short of solemn in his sulking state.

Ephram did not like to see his brother walk off though. The baby had spent the whole night playing with Max. He didn't understand what was going on. His small brow furrowed and he reached out his arms towards Max's back.

"Macks," he called. He hadn't quite gotten the 'X' sound down just yet.

Max turned around and looked at his younger brother. The baby seemed about ready to cry. He smiled softly and walked back to where his parents and Ephram were.

"I'll put him to bed. We've become buds for life tonight, eh Ephram?" Max chuckled. The baby practically jumped from his mother's arms into his brother's. He snuggled happily into Max's shirt and as they walked away Chuck and Blair heard him speaking in a language they knew no one above the age of two understood.

"Goola fufu mama, dono, Macks," Ephram explained to him. They disappeared up the stairs.

Chuck sighed, shook his head, and laughed quietly. Blair smiled and turned his chin upward. She then pulled him in for a kiss. He moaned against her lips.

"Ready for round four, husband?" she inquired. Her eyebrows raised in a sexy manner.

"Always, wife," he returned. They disappeared too, but into their bedroom and for far less innocent activities then putting your younger brother to bed.


Andrea sighed as she watched yet another wave crash against the beach. For the first time in her life, the Hampton's were both painful and boring, therefore painfully boring. She had temporarily relieved Max Bass from her mind, aside from that thought, but there was nothing to do. She didn't want to see anyone. Well there was one person she wanted and needed to see, but she had told her to stay away.

"Wish you were here, Charlie," she muttered. Her feet kicked at the sand and she fell back on her towel. Her eyes closed, despite the sunlight that fought to shine through her eyelids.

"Duh, Archibald. Without me I don't see how you thought you'd ever have any fun."

Her eyes snapped open. She stared up to see her best friend standing over her. Charlie giggled and spared a small wave. Andrea shot up from her seat and attacked her petite best friend with a hug. She picked her up from the ground for a brief moment even. The two girls spun around and she screamed happily.

"I'm so happy you're here!" Andrea cried. They both fell onto her layout of towels. Charlie rolled over to her side and propped her face up with her hand.

"I know," she smiled, "which is why I had to come A. I missed you a lot and today I was finally able to get away from Lex…"

"So you and Lex are still together then? I had seen the pictures, but I couldn't be certain. So what happened that night? I know you took him up to the room and didn't return," she lowered her voice to a whisper.

Charlie bit her bottom lip. She silently contemplated whether or not she should say anything. She didn't think Andrea wanted to hear about someone like Lex, ex-player, confession of love or their love-making.

"Tell me now before I go crazy!" Andrea screamed. She gave her friend a nudge.

"Okay," she nodded and squeezed her eyes shut. Her mouth opened and it all spilled out, rather loudly. "I told Lex I loved him, he said it back, and we had sex!"

Andrea was dead silent.

Charlie slowly opened one eye. She prayed that her best friend didn't look hurt or upset. But when she saw Andrea's face, she wasn't sure what her best friend felt. Her eyes were widened and her mouth fell agape.

"Andrea, did you hear me?" Charlie asked. She nudged her slowly.

"Oh My God!" Andrea suddenly screamed. Charlie almost jumped into the air. Her best friend stood up and started to pace back and forth. "Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God."

"Andrea, look I didn't want to tell you after what happened… well I don't to repeat it." Charlie stood up and walked over to her. "I'm really sorry. I'm not trying to rub this in your face or anything. I just… well I knew you would find out sometime and… I'm sorry." She started to breathe unevenly.

"Sorry?" Andrea frowned.

"Sorry," Charlie nodded.

"What? Why?" Her friend broke out into laughter. She then realized and took in Charlie's previous words. Her laughter stopped and she hugged her friend tightly. "Hey, you don't ever have to not tell me something like that because I'm hurting."

"But I didn't want to hurt you. You're going through so much," Charlie sighed. They pulled apart and looked each other in the eyes.

"Charlie, if anything this makes me happy. I saw how hard it was for you without Lex and to hear this and see how happy you are. You're glowing!" She giggled in delight and motioned to her friend's obvious, gleeful posture.

"I know," Charlie admitted and blushed some.

"So how was it?" Andrea asked. They both sat down on the towels again. Luckily, they were on Andrea's grandmother's private beach. No one, including Gossip Girl, would hear them.

"Amazing, but when I first got him up to the room he was so broken, Andrea. It killed me to see him that way at the reception. I just… I had to protect him. I had to take care of him," Charlie sighed.

"You've always been that way about him. And him you," Andrea smiled knowingly. Her friend nodded her head and then went into further detail. After awhile, Charlie got the conversation off of herself and to her friend.

"So how have you been?" she asked, voice real quiet. She didn't want Andrea to think she was forcing her to talk about it, but she wanted to be there for her friend.

"Well my parent's are splitting up, but you've already held me through that tear session. Now it's just… well I'm not sure you'd appreciate my choice words, given he's your brother," she laughed, but it was very solemn.

"No, please say whatever you need. I also know you don't want to hear it, but he hasn't been with anyone since you broke-up with him. He doesn't even really see anyone aside from Lex and well, me of course," Charlie told her.

"Well that's good for him," Andrea stated with a shrug. Charlie knew that meant she wanted her to drop it, so she did.

"So are you going to be okay?" she furthered.

"Now that you're here, yes," her friend smiled. The two girls giggled and then pulled each other into a hug.

Charlie spent the rest of the day and night in the Hampton's with Andrea. She asked her to come back with her, but Andrea wasn't ready yet.


"Mr. Bass, Mr. Farrar from Bass Industries left a message at the front desk," the manager of the building said. He greeted Chuck with a smile as he walked along beside him.

"Thank you. I'll be there to receive it shortly," Chuck replied. He then started to go towards the desk, but stopped. He saw Max in the lobby, just sort of standing there. He had told Blair that he was going to hang out with friends, but that didn't seem to be the case. He was however, leaning against the column, off to the side, in hobo attire. Man was he going to be happy when that phase of fashion ended, damn Robert Pattison.

"Max," Chuck called. His son looked up and then muttered something under his breath. His father still continued towards him though and held his hands out.

"Where have you been?" he asked. He stopped in front of his son. They seemed like complete opposites with how they were dressed, one tailored in a suit, the other completely disheveled, but there was still no mistaking that Max was his father's son.

"Just around," Max shrugged. He acted very discreet to almost a suspicious manner. Chuck furrowed his brow and laughed as if almost offended.

"What kind of answer is that? Am I suddenly the enemy or something? Just tell me where you've been since you're obviously lying to your mother," Chuck said. He didn't sound harsh, but stern. As the teens grew older, that seemed to be necessary. Max, especially, would be content to never let you know a word of his whereabouts. He was like Chuck in that way.

"You don't need to know, neither does mom. I'm old enough to take care of myself. What's with the third degree?" the younger Bass snapped. His mother's brown eyes burned with slight infuriation.

Chuck sighed, "What's wrong? Even you're not this irritable, son." His eyebrows rose in question, but he now seemed genuinely concerned. Max had not been pleasant lately, but he seemed to be getting better, going out more again.

"Dad, look I just-" he paused and shrugged his shoulders, "I just don't know what to do anymore. Charlie and Lex are always together. I fucked up with Andrea and now she doesn't want anything to do with me. I'm slightly frightened to approach Andrew and Riley and Sarah's gone MIA, not that I blame her. I mean let's face it, lately I spend more time playing with Ephram who isn't even one yet than anyone my age. Charlie and Lex invite me to hang with them, true, but I just fell like a third wheel." His eyes dropped in shame when he was finished, but his Bass pride forced them back up.

"Oh," Chuck nodded. He was silent for a moment and then frowned in confusion again. "Then why tell your mother that you're going to see friends? I mean someone in this building is bound to tell her you're lurking."

"One, they will not do so if they don't want to deal with me and two, I don't want her to worry. She doesn't like my friends, with the exception of Lex, Riley, and Andrew. But I don't want to hang around too much because she gives me these looks," he shook his head.

"What kind of looks?" his father pressed.

"I'm guessing the kind she gave to uncle Nate after she found out he slept with Serena," Max scoffed. He bit his bottom lip and clenched a fist at his side. He hated being this open, especially in public where someone could overhear their conversation.

"Trust me, your mother does not look at you like she did Nate. I was there, I should know. Sure, she's been in a similar situation, but she's your mom. She is more concerned with how you're taking it than to ever let her own memories effect how she's feeling towards you. I guess I can't really explain it, unless you're a parent, which you better not be until your married." He gave him a knowing look. His son chuckled under his breath briefly, but then things turned serious again.

"Now," Chuck smiled, "let's think, where can you go? I do remember your sister leaving for the Hampton's this morning without Alexander. Why not go and see Lex while she is gone?"

"Yeah, I guess I could go hang with Lex," Max nodded.

"What a great best friend you are," Chuck teased. His son rolled his eyes and then they both stepped outside. His father signaled to the doorman to call for the limo.

"How come you let Charlie use her car when she goes to Lex, but I can't?" his son asked.

"Because you always come back from Lex's with something in your system either illegal in general or illegal while on the road," Chuck replied. His voice was low as he smiled and waved at an important client of his inside the building.

"Funny," Max smirked as he opened the limo's door, "I told mom the same thing about you for when you come back from uncle Nate's." He got into the limo, "Driver to the Palace."

"Kids," Chuck sighed. He walked back inside with a smile.


Lex came out of his bedroom with a sigh. He rubbed his eyes and muttered profanities under his breath. Charlie had gone to see Andrea today and left him alone. He knew that she needed to see Andrea, but being alone made him want to drink. He had buried insecurities down deep that she was going to leave and not come back, but that didn't mean they weren't still there.

"Well this is peculiar," Max drawled from behind.

Lex's head snapped back to look at his friend. Max stood there with his lips thinned and his brow furrowed. Lex was confounded as to why until he saw what his friend was holding. He had Charlie's discarded shirt in his hand. It had been throw there during their activities.

"Max," Lex greeted awkwardly. He swallowed a large lump in his throat and wringed his neck with his hand. He slowly stepped into the room, but in a cautious manner.

"Save the formalities, Sparks. Tell me why my sister's shirt is all rumpled and thrown on your floor," he said tersely. He clenched the material in his hand and took a dangerous step towards the dark haired and blue-eyed boy.

"Calm down, man," he remarked. Lex leaned against the wall and shook his head. He needed to pull every deceiving skill he had down in him to get by Max Bass.

"No, don't tell me to calm down. Why the hell are my sister's clothes on your floor?" Max seethed. He started to look more and more like his father.

"Look," Lex sighed and held up his hands, "she sleeps here when she has nightmares. I wouldn't let her, but she told me that the nightmares are about me leaving. She came down in one of her classic, impossible to sleep in, yet perfect Charlie Bass outfits so I lent her one of my shirts. She just left the shirt behind. I didn't even realize it was here." His voice was calm and his eyes truthful. Being Georgina Spark's son came in handy, whether he was using it for evil or for good. He wasn't sure which one this was.

"Are you telling me the truth?" Max asked, point-blank. He stared into Lex's eyes seriously.

"Yeah, I promise," Lex nodded robotically. His friend stared at him for a few more moments and then sighed. He threw the shirt onto the couch and pointed at Lex.

"Good, because if you're screwing around with her, then I would have to kick your ass. You know, considering you just got back and she was a virgin when you left and when you returned," he explained.

"She still is," Lex confirmed and then shook his head, "I'm not interested in that, well with her, I mean."

"Well in that case then, let's have some fun," Max smirked. He took a baggy out of his pocket and then held up two blunts. Lex chuckled and shook his head. They both ventured out onto the balcony for a little boy time.


Chuck's eyes fluttered open as he felt the morning sun from the window. Only he was not met with the sleeping form of his beautiful wife, but huge, blue eyes. His youngest son giggled happily at him and held a crushed biscuit towards his father's mouth.

"Foe youuu, dada," Ephram told him. He rammed his little fist into Chuck's mouth and frowned when it did not open to permit his gift.

Chuck looked at it and smiled, "No tha-"

Before he could finish, Ephram crammed the crushed biscuit into his mouth. Blair giggled and Chuck looked up to see his wife with a tray in her hands. She sat down on the bed next to them. He slowly tried to chew the awful tasting biscuit.

"Ephram and I made you breakfast in bed. Don't worry his hands are clean," Blair assured him with a suspicious smile.

He looked from her to Ephram and the baby nodded his head. His son then giggled though and pointed to Mr. Darcy on the floor. The puppy had a similar looking biscuit. His eyes widened.

"Oh my," Blair put a hand to her mouth and stifled a laugh.

Chuck grabbed a napkin and spit it out. He had to refrain from gagging. His son on the other hand, did not look happy. He had wrestled Mr. Darcy for that treat and now his father wasn't eating it. The small baby frowned and started to pout, arms crossed.

"I'm sorry, Ephram," Chuck sighed and picked him up. He shook his head as he attempted to comfort the youngest Bass. "Daddy is just not that accommodated to dog food. Perhaps you should try it on Uncle Dan the next time he comes over."

"Chuck," Blair gasped, but she was in a fit of giggles. Ephram finally smiled again and then reached on the tray for a strawberry. He held it up to his father's lips.

"Now that's better," his father smiled. He opened his mouth and took a bite. The little Bass squealed in delight. He clapped his hands and threw the rest of it to Mr. Darcy.

"No not on my carpet," his wife said nervously. The baby only giggled further and lied out between his parents. He rubbed his little tummy.

"Yum-yum's, mama," he requested.

"Well don't you just think you're a little Prince," Blair smirked. Her son pointed towards his mouth. She giggled and picked up his baby food. She got some on a spoon and the put it towards his mouth. He opened up and guided her hand with his little one.

"Mhmm," he complimented.

"Well if it has Ephram Bass's approval it must be good," Chuck teased. His son giggled in response and kissed his father's cheek. They all had breakfast together in bed.


"May I have a plain toasted bagel with low-fat cream cheese and freshly squeezed orange juice, please," Charlie smiled at the waiter. She handed her menu to him.

"Of course, Miss Bass," he nodded obediently and then turned towards her brother, "And for you, Mr. Bass?"

"The Continental Breakfast with a plain croissant and coffee, black," Max told him. He then set down his menu on the table. His sister rolled her eyes and politely handed it to the waiter.

"Thank you, Miss. And last, but not least, for you, sir?" The man held up his pad and focused on Lex. Most of the staff at the Palace now knew him and also enough to know he didn't care to be called upon with such formality as his last name.

"I'll have the Chèvre, Confit Tomato and Chive Omelet with whole-wheat toast and coffee, black. Thank you," Lex responded. He handed the man his menu and forced a smile. He saw Charlie's grin of approval from the side. Everyone, including the waiter, knew she was the only reason for him being so formal and polite.

"It will be out shortly," the waiter reported. He then poured them all glasses of ice water before he left the table. Once he was gone, they all turned towards each other to converse.

"I honestly don't know how you too eat so much in the mornings," Charlie shook her head. The idea of eating when she woke-up always made her feel slightly queasy, especially if it included meat or potatoes.

"Well one, it's not breakfast, but brunch, Sis. And two, we all don't weight ninety pounds," Max replied with a smarmy smirk. She rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"I do not weigh ninety pounds. I am so sick of everyone acting like I'm some little shrimp," she muttered. Both boys chuckled at her behavior. Most girls would have thrived off the fact they underestimated her weight, but she saw it differently.

"I like you being tiny, Bass. I can pick you up and take you somewhere even if you're not willing," Lex teased. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. It tickled her skin and finally, her hard expression softened and she smiled.

"I'll always be wiling to go with you," Charlie told him. She nuzzled her nose with his. Normally, they were not so lovey-dovey in public, but perhaps it was her way of annoying her brother.

"So," Max cleared his throat, "what are you two love-birds going to do today?" He took a sip of his water and sighed in relief when they broke apart and turned to face him.

Lex shrugged, "We're riding over to my mother's house. I have to pickup anything I left, mostly stuff for school." His friend opened his mouth to say something else, but the waiter arrived.

"Here you are," the man smiled. He set down their drinks first and then their plates. They always had such great service, but of course that was expected. They were the children of Chuck Bass, aka the owner of the hotel and most of the other high-class ones in New York.

"Thank you," Charlie told him. The man knew that was all he would receive so left with a nod. Max waited until he was gone, took a bite of his food, and then spoke.

"So you're moving out for good this time then?" he asked. His eyes flickered from Lex to watch his sister apply cream cheese to her measly bagel. It was quite an amusing sight with how much of a perfectionist she was on the simplest of tasks.

"Absolutely," Lex responded. He cut up his omelet. Max motioned to Charlie who looked to be having some trouble with cutting it up. Finally, she got it and sighed in relief. She put a piece in her mouth, chewed, and swallowed.

"What?" She frowned when she glanced up to see them all watching her.

"Nothing," the boys answered in union. They shook their heads and laughed. She rolled her eyes and took another bite of her bagel.

"It's good," Charlie commented dryly. She took another sip of her orange juice and looked down to see she had already eaten half of it. Okay, so perhaps she should have ordered some fruit also.

"Here, Bass, have some of mine," Lex chuckled. He moved his plate in between them. She hesitated, but then picked up her fork and took a bite of the egg.

"Thank you," she grinned. Their eyes locked in an intimate and affectionate gaze. They seemed to forget the world around them. Well the world did not forget them. A camera phone went off in the distance, and elderly couple watched with sweet smiles, and the lonely boy across from them wanted to look away, but found it impossible.

Max watched his sister and best friend with sorrow. They deserved their bliss after what they had gone through, but it wasn't the easiest thing to take at times. It made him think of Andrea. She loved when he on occasion treated her like Lex was Charlie right then. Then again, she would have loved even more if he had not slept with Sarah. It was one of the biggest mistakes of his life. He wondered if she would ever forgive him or at least allow him to see her in person.

Lex leaned in to kiss her, but Charlie caught her brother out of the corner of her eye. She shook her head and casually turned her cheek. He frowned at first, but then felt her nudge him under the table.

"Yeah," he coughed, "so anyways, do you want to come with us to get my stuff, man?" He took another bite of his food as his blue eyes focused in on his best friend's brown.

"Max, you should come with us," Charlie agreed and nodded her head. She smiled to try and convince him to do so.

"Thanks, but uh," Max shook his head and chuckled, "no thanks. I have other stuff to do, better stuff for that matter." He took another bite of his food and quirked his eyebrows.

"Alright," his sister nodded reluctantly. She knew he didn't really have anything to do. He had been lying about that lately. He didn't go many places unless it was to see Lex. It was not that he didn't have the option to, but that he didn't take it.

"So…" Max drawled. He tried his best to sound casual for what he was about to ask. He knew his sister would never mock him for it, but he had the Bass pride no matter what.

"So… what?" Lex asked, not fully comprehending. Max looked up and widened his eyes. His best friend returned the gesture and then fell silent.

"Charlie," her brother noted.

"Max," she returned with a confused giggle. Her eyebrows rose in question. She took another bite of Lex's omelet and then a sip of her orange juice.

"Well I was just going to ask how your trip to the Hampton's was yesterday?" Max said. He immediately pretended to focus on his food as he took another bite.

"Oh," Charlie nodded, now understanding, "by that do you mean to ask how a certain best friend of mine is doing?" Her voice was not harsh, but serious. He nodded silently and met her eyes.

"Better," she said simply.

"So did you guys just hit the beach, perhaps hang out with anyone like Tyler Hilton or Logan Prescott? I mean I wouldn't ask, but I heard they were in town," Max said. His eyes watched her intently, just in case she tried to lie to him.

Lex turned to look at Charlie with a raised brow. "I hope not. Did you?" he teased. It was a direct attempt to try and lighten the mood.

Charlie rolled her eyes at her boyfriend and then turned back to her brother. She shook her head, "She doesn't want to date right now or really see anyone for that matter."

Max couldn't help it. He smiled to himself.

"But," Charlie sighed, "that doesn't mean she won't when school starts back up again." She didn't want to hurt her brother, but didn't want him to think that he was in the clear and just had to wait for Andrea to come back to him. Because after she met with Andrea yesterday, she knew that was not going to happen. He had hurt her too badly.

His smile faded away and he finished his food. "That reminds me. I need to go do that stuff I told you about," he told him. "I'll see you later, Lex. Sis, keep this creeps hands to himself," Max joked. He then kissed her on the cheek and walked away from the table.


"Chuck," Blair breathed as they broke kissing for a moment. She pushed a hand to his chest and looked upon him in a scolding manner. "We have children upstairs." Her eyes flickered to the staircase. Up in her youngest son's nursery, Dorota was watching both him and his best friend Madison Humphrey. It was a necessary since the two proved to be quite the trouble-making duo when put together.

"Who would have no idea what we were doing even if they saw us. Which they won't," Chuck responded in a husky voice. He then pressed his lips to hers again. She parted the ruby pillows and allowed access to his tongue. It grazed the inside of her mouth in a sensual and delicious way that only he was ever capable of.

"Mhmm," he moaned against her lips. She went to break their make-out session, but he only pulled her closer. He then slowly trailed his fingertips up her legs, under the material of her skirt. She giggled like the schoolgirl she used to technically be, but on occasion still was mentally at times.

"More," she rasped into his mouth. He nodded and pulled her into his lap. She went to undo the buttons of his shirt, prepared to take it a step further. Only, they were interrupted.

"I think it's time to write the governor of New York about outlawing the making-out of old people," Max drawled. They turned to see their son with a disgusted look on his countenance. Blair blushed and tried to climb out of her husband's lap, but he only pulled her further against his chest.

Chuck smirked, "It being against the law would only make me more prone to do it more."

"And I am not old," Blair added with a playful glare at her son. Max nodded with a roll of his eyes. He took a few steps towards the staircase, but then stopped to look at them again.

"Okay," he laughed sarcastically.

"Well where are you going? I thought you were hanging with friends," Blair frowned in confusion. It was a bit early for him to be home already.

Max shrugged, "I thought I would go hangout with Ephram. The little guy and me are getting along well lately. Thought I'd keep the flow of friendship and him on my side, versus Charlie of course." He smirked at them in true Bass boy fashion.

Blair rolled her eyes and shook her head. She then laughed, "Well I'm sorry to disappoint and stop your plans of turning him against your sister, but he has a play-date today… with Madison Humphrey."

Her son nodded and then shrugged his shoulders. "Awe well, I'll just chill with you two then." He walked over to the couch and separated his parents. He then fell down in between them.

"How about some MTV, parents?" He looked from his deprived and aggravated father to his shocked mother. He chuckled and held up the remote.

Blair sighed, "I do have some paperwork that needs to be looked over and returned to work. My office just keeps sending it in my absence." She got up from the couch and left the room.

"I guess I should go do work too," Chuck stated bitterly. He dragged his feet up the stairs like a child.

Max smirked to himself as he turned on the television, "Works every time."


Lex came inside his old home and headed straight towards his room. Only, then something stopped him He saw the last person he expected to see. His mother, Georgina Sparks, sat down at the dining room table. The apartment was silent. They just stared at each other.

"I'm just here to get the rest of my stuff. I need it for when school starts," Lex finally said. His tone was cold and formal. In all honesty, he didn't want anything to do with her. She rarely showed interest in him so the feeling was mutual as far as he was concerned.

"If you're speaking of all that pot stashed in your top drawer then I got rid of it," Georgina called. He stopped where he was and slowly turned around.

"What? Marriage already failing, mother?" he scoffed. His eyes and cruel tone of voice mocked her.

"Please, you know I haven't lit up in years. I'm not that pathetic. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for some people," she drawled. Her body got up from the chair and she put her coffee cup in the sink.

"Yes, I suppose it would be shooting up for you now, huh? All those wondrous first memories of you on the kitchen floor and a needle sticking out of your arm are rather fun. I could write a children's book," Lex smirked.

She stopped washing her dish and stared into the sink. He frowned for a moment. Usually, she would have shot back by now, but she didn't. Well that was good because he didn't want to stay there any longer.

"Excuse me," Lex muttered. He went up the stairs and into his room. The longer he stayed, the more time she'd have to think of something that would hurt him. It was what his mother did best, all he had ever known of her. So he grabbed his stuff, shoved it into a bag, and went back down the stairs. Only when he got there, she was right in front of him.

"Sit down at the table. We need to speak," she told him.

"Yeah right." He rolled his eyes and still went to move.

"If the school calls to confirm where you're living, I won't lie," Georgina threatened. He stopped where he was and cursed under his breath. Slowly he sulked back to the table. She sat down across from him.

"Honestly Alexander, Charlotte Bass?" Georgina scoffed and crossed her arms. She stared down at her son with unhappy, piercing blue eyes. They were even icier than his and far harsher. They seemed to appear more and more sinister as the years of her life progressed. She didn't grow wise with age, but just colder.

"I'm not sitting here and listening to this. I came to get the rest of my stuff and that is what I did. My girlfriend is waiting for me downstairs in the limo," Lex sneered. He got up from the table and stalked off towards the door again. His mother was quick to follow him though.

"You honestly believe that this relationship is going to last?" She rolled her eyes and shook her head. She got in front of him, in a doorway before they entered the vestibule. The way she lingered there almost appeared as if she was considering locking him in or something.

"Actually, both Charlie and I do. And in all honesty, you're probably the last person anyone would go to when it comes to judging a relationship. You, who have had like five marriages, disapproves, while Charlie's parents, who have been together like forever, approve. I wonder which opinion I'll value more," he muttered sarcastically.

Georgina did not budge or seem hurt by his words. She just stood there, still blocking him.

"Get out of my way, mom."

"Maybe I want you to come home. Carter would be a good stepfather for you," Georgina said with a dry voice. She shifted uncomfortably and kept her eyes from his.

"That would entail living with Jason Baizen and even worse you. But hey, you want me to think you're finally trying to be a mother then do this one for me. Don't deny me anymore happiness. Let me go and have it. You're the only thing standing in my way. So just let me go, mom, let me go," Lex told her.

Georgina stared directly into his eyes. For a brief moment, he saw a flash of humanity. It was hard to recognize in his mother since up until now, there were few moments when it was visible.

"When Aiden left he told me to go fuck myself," Georgina rasped. She reached out a hand to touch him, but then retracted it. It clasped over her mouth and she shook her head.

"Well I'm not Aiden, but I might be if you don't let me go," he clarified. It felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders as his heart swelled with both anxiety and hope.

He took a step forward until they were practically nose-to-nose.

"Let me go, mom," Lex repeated. His voice was not harsh or super loud, but just strong and justified.

Georgina closed her eyes, turned away from him, and then walked to the window.

"Just get out of here, Lex. We don't have room for you," she told him. Her cold tone was strong, but her back seemed too straight and frigid.

"Yeah, I kind of got my own place now anyways. Goodbye, mom," Lex smiled softly. He then hoisted his bag on his shoulder and carried the box out of the house. He sighed in the elevator. He felt free.

It was the best thing Georgina Sparks had ever done for her son, maybe even for anybody.


Lex pulled up in front of Charlie's building. The doorman smiled at him and waved to the Bass girl. She returned the wave, but then turned to look at her boyfriend. She didn't want to go home, but rather stay with him. She knew he didn't like being alone, no matter how much he tried to hide it.

"I love you. And I'll see you tomorrow," Charlie whispered. She leaned in and kissed him on the lips. It was not a mere peck, but neither a make-out session. A passionate smooch was a more fitting word for what it was.

"Tomorrow," Lex agreed. He nodded his head, but only slightly since their foreheads rested against each other. His hand reached up and delicately stroked the smooth skin of her cheek.

"You're going to be okay, right?" Her eyebrows rose and she looked at him concerned. She had reason to be the way she was even if he didn't know that just yet.

"Yeah," he laughed nervously, "of course. Why wouldn't I be?" His pride kept him at times from being honest. Sure they were a lot better now, but some things would never change or ate least not until some real good time had passed.

"Come on, Lex. Don't make me say it. I saw it," Charlie admitted. She pulled back some and her lips thinned. It was hard to not get angry with him at times. She wanted to be let in, one hundred percent, twenty-four hours of the day. She was like her mother in that way, but like her mother knew that she needed to accept her complicated boy could not do that.

"Saw what?" He continued to try and play if off. She sighed and moved closer to him. He cursed himself inwardly. The look in her doe brown eyes now told him she did know.

"When I was with Andrea, I know what you did. I'm not talking about the pot with Max, either. There were empty liquor bottles in your trashcan that weren't there before I left." Her voice was stern and her eyes determined.

"So what I had a drink or two? It's normal," Lex scoffed. He shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. His blue eyes burned with emotion that he could not verbalize.

"It's not normal for a boy your age or any adult for that matter who isn't a raging alcoholic to drink that much, Lex. Don't try and play this off like I'm stupid because I'm not. But hey, you don't want to talk about the empty bottles then we won't. Let's talk about something else. Like those half-empty pill bottles I know you're not prescribed to in your drawer," Charlie returned. She looked him straight in the eyes and pursed her lips.

"Jesus Christ, Charlie," Lex cursed. He leaned back in his seat and rolled his eyes. Then he whipped back to look at her. His voice rose. "What? Are you going through my stuff now? Does someone still have trust iss-"

The sound of his voice was silenced against the loud sound of a slap. Lex turned to her, his mouth agape, and cheek burned red. He was silent in shock.

"Don't you dare," her voice shook in anger as she pointed a finger at him. "I swear to God, Lex. Don't you dare mock me when I have put up with so much shit from you. I know that I'm not perfect, but my trust issues are liable. I know what you did with other girls when you weren't with me and just because it's forgiven it doesn't mean it's forgotten." Her eyes burned with fury, but she kept them from tearing up. She hurt a lot more about that then she had let on before.

"I-I," Lex turned forward in shame and sighed, "I'm sorry. Look I don't want to fight with your or hurt you anymore. Please, just… I take the pills when I can't sleep, but I don't mix them with alcohol. As for the two empty bottles, it was a slip up. It won't happen again." He turned towards her and stroked her cheek. His blue eyes burned with intensity.

"They-they didn't mean anything," he furthered.

"I know," Charlie responded. She looked down and blinked away any visible sign of insecurities. She wanted to act like it didn't phase her and that she was strong through and through.

"I'm sorry." His words turned to whispers and he pulled her out of her seat and into his lap. She slowly met his eyes. He tucked a loose curl behind her ear.

"You should put some ice on your cheek when you get home. I slapped you pretty hard," she said. Her fingertips traced over the red mark. He chuckle and shook his head.

"No, I want people to see it. It reminds them whom I'm dating," he smirked. She rolled her eyes and finally laughed a little bit. His eyes brightened at the sound of her giggles.

"I better go now," Charlie sighed. She pecked his lips and climbed back to her seat. He watched her with longing. His hand reached out to stop her, but he wouldn't own up to it.

"What?" she asked. Her hand opened the door. She was halfway out.

He thought of the first thing that came to mind and said it. "I was just wondering if you ever got my letter?" It was a question he had wanted to ask anyways.

"What letter?" Charlie frowned.

"The one that I left in the hotel on the nightstand, back in Europe," Lex further explained.

"I-I never found a letter." She shook her head and her brow furrowed. What was he talking about?

"Oh, well I wouldn't have brought it up, but I got a message last night from the hotel that told me they found it and mailed it to you, Charlotte Bass. They repeated your address and everything." He shrugged his shoulders. He figured it got lost in the mail.

"I never got it," Charlie replied. "What did it say?"

"It wasn't important," Lex told her. He then pecked her cheek. She got full out of the car.

"Okay," she said. But as she walked away she realized that it wasn't. She was determined to find that letter now. Something just wasn't right.


Chuck walked into his bedroom to see his wife on the bed. She had her laptop in her lap and was intensely frowning at the screen. He sighed; it was not a direct fantasy of his. Still, something seemed wrong and he wanted to fix whatever it was.

"What's wrong, baby?" he asked. He sat down behind her and rubbed her shoulders. His eyes flickered to the screen, but it was just a bunch of charts and emails.

She turned to look at him and said, "Nothing, I suppose, but it seems that someone inside my company, several people actually, have been anonymously selling their shares." She shook her head and turned back to the screen.

"What does it matter as long as your boss has sixty percent and you have your fifteen? You've always been content with that if I recall," he shrugged. She closed her laptop and set it aside. Then she turned and climbed into his lap.

"You're probably right," Blair nodded. She didn't think anything else of it. It just meant when she returned to work that they would probably have a new board member or two. It was nothing to get upset over as far as she was concerned.

"I always am," Chuck smirked. She swatted his chest playfully, but he pulled her into a light kiss. When they broke, she pushed back some of his hair.

"It's going to be weird when I go back to work, you know. I don't know what I'll do being away from Ephram, even if it's only half-days actually being there and the other working from home," Blair laughed half-heartedly.

"Well you don't have to go if you don't want to. We don't need the money," Chuck told her. He had convinced her to work for Bass Industries when they got married so when she had the twins he didn't think she would have to work again. But then Blair invested in a company, one that did not compete with Chuck's thankfully, and rose in the company ladder there. She was the only woman on the board.

"It's a pride thing, Chuck Bass. Surely you can understand that," Blair teased.

"I suppose," he sighed. She smiled and pulled him into an appreciative kiss for understanding.


"Your brother said he's coming back to the city in a few days. Any reason you didn't want to wait?" Liam Vanderbilt, Andrea's cousin asked. He was driving his brand new, perfect black Lexus. She had never seen so many nice cars as she did when she visited her Great Grandfather William, Grandmother Anne, or Uncle Tripp's homes.

"I just need to get back in time to prepare for school. I'm taking a lot of AP classes this year. You know how it is being apart of this family," Andrea drawled. She leaned back against her seat and sighed.

"Oh come on, the Vanderbilt's aren't all that bad. At least your dad isn't in office or anything. I can't even party unless it's under lock and key," Liam smirked. He chuckled some and shook his head. He looked a lot like his father and he was the same age as her brother.

"I don't care to party much. I rather prefer to shop, hang with friends, and other stuff," she replied casually. They were now closer to her house. She turned her head to look out the window and all the buildings they passed.

"Like Charlie?" Liam wondered aloud. She turned to look at him with a knowing and therefore 'yeah right' glare. He shrugged his shoulders, "Just asking."

"Well don't, Liam. Charlie isn't interested in you. She isn't interested in anyone other than Lex. Remember, he's the one who pushed you in the pool when you tried to talk to her, back when we were little," Andrea sighed. She rolled her eyes and turned to look out the window again.

"Whatever, I do have Heather Hilton and I guess we're sort of together. My dad and Grandpa William are convinced we're going to get engaged or some bullshit like that," Liam sighed.

"You shouldn't lead her on like that if you don't really like her, Liam. Heather worships you, but every time she comes around you find interest in other girls." She shook her head in disapproval and crossed her arms. She loved her family, but her father's mother's side could be jerks at times.

"Oh come on, Drea. Every politician has an affair, given it's usually with a man, but I prefer the women. Heather hasn't been told we're exclusive and I don't plan to do so until I have to. This way she doesn't get hurt and I can do what I want," he explained.

"Just like a guy," Andrea scoffed bitterly and shook her head.

"Whoa, me thinks a lad has turned thy princess into thy shrew," Liam said. His eyebrows rose in question.

"Me thinks someone should stick to speaking in his own time period," she rolled her eyes, "but I am not a shrew. I just don't trust men and what reason do I have? They're filthy, lying, sleep with your best friend, cheaters."

"Okay… whatever you say, Linda Tripp," he drawled with a snarky laugh.

"Leave it to you to link this back to Bill Clinton and his affairs," she muttered.

"Politics baby, it runs in the family," Liam winked.

Andrea scoffed again and turned back to look out the window. When she did, she wished she hadn't though. They slowly passed the Palace. She blinked her eyes, but sure enough she saw him. Max and Lex were outside; laughing like idiots, as they puffed what she knew was not a cigarette. She stared at him in sadness. Damn it, why did she miss him? And how did she miss him so much, but hate him so much at the same time for what he did to her? She wiped a tear off her cheek and looked away. She just wouldn't think about it or him. Yeah, that was going to happen.


"Dorota, do you know where my father keeps the old mail that hasn't been sorted through yet?" Charlie asked as she came upon the maid. Dorota stopped for a moment and tried to figure what she would want with it.

"Miss Charlie, your father keep it in his office, but…" Dorota started to respond, but did not get the chance to finish.

"Thank you," Charlie interrupted. She walked past her maid and into her father's office. He wasn't in there, but she doubted he would mind if she looked for something. After all, what did he have to hide?

The office door closed behind her and she went over to his desk. There was a stack of unopened mail on top of it. She flipped throughout it quickly, but there was nothing addressed to her or from the hotel that would have sent it. She finished her sorting and put the stack back down.

"Perhaps it did get lost in the mail," Charlie muttered. She felt tired and stressed for some reason. It was probably the almost bad fight she had with Lex. She shook her head and tried to open a side drawer. It felt stuck so she pulled harder. The middle drawer flew open and she jumped.

"Oh it has a lock, of course," she sighed. She went to close the middle drawer when something caught her eye.

"Oh my God."

She lifted the beige envelope up. It was addressed to her from the hotel. She turned it over. Someone had opened. He had opened it. Her father had kept it from her. What could it have possibly said that would incline him to do so?

Before her anger got the best of her she took the letter out. She tried to silently convince herself over and over again that there was something in the letter that her father knew would hurt her. But as soon as she read what was written, the attempts to convince herself stopped.

Dear Charlie,

I don't know what to write that could possibly make up for what I'm about to do to you, but here it is. I'm messed up and all I do is mess you up. I'm sorry, baby, I really am. My brother and I are going to go look for my dad and I don't want you to feel like I'm ditching you for my pathetic family again it's just… I need to know why I'm so screwed up. I need to figure out that before I can comprehend this feeling I have for you. I can't figure out what it is. I don't know what's wrong with me, but I know there has to be something. I want you to move on and be happy without me. Trust me, leaving you is the best thing I can ever do for you. I also want to say that I don't really know what emotions are and I know that I've never felt it, but… If I ever figure out what love is…

I'd say that I probably love you.

I'm sorry,

Lex

Charlie stormed down the staircase in pure rage. She was so confused as to why her father kept the letter from her, but after reading it, that didn't matter. She needed that letter when Lex was gone and exactly what it said. Her father knew how upset and broken she was yet he kept it from her.


"Max, where's dad?" Charlie snapped when she came upon her brother. He sat on the couch as he watched television. He turned it off though and frowned.

"In the other room, but what's that in your hand?" His nervous eyes flickered to the torn open envelope and folded up piece of paper. He felt his heart sink to the pit of his stomach. Everything in him screamed what it was, but he still hoped it wasn't.

One look in his sister's eyes, told him it was.

"What's this?" Charlie looked down to it and laughed bitterly. She then handed it to him. "Why don't you take a look at it yourself then perhaps you can tell me why our father would keep it from me!" She wasn't angry at Max, but her lividness was leaking out.

Max looked at the letter, but not long enough to read it. He slowly handed it back to her. He wasn't acting normal. She saw right through him.

"Did-did you know about this?" she questioned. Her eyes narrowed and her voice now sounded more hurt than angry. She held the letter tightly in her hands and stared down at him.

"I-I… well… yes," he admitted. His eyes blinked and he swallowed a lump in his throat. She was scary quiet, but her eyes gave away that she was about to explode. The chestnut eyes looked like they had lit up with a livid fire.

"How-how could you? I mean he… but you… you held me. You saw how hurt I was. You know what this says and you know I needed it," Charlie stuttered. She shook her head in denial and backed away from him. She felt betrayed and even worse, betrayed by the people she loved and trusted most. It was like the walls around her were closing in and suffocating her with lies.

"No, you didn't need it. You needed me to keep it from you," Max replied. He stood up and walked towards her. She held up her hands though and he stopped.

"You had no right to keep this from me!" she screamed. It just happened before she could control it. All the anger built up, then was watered by hurt, but then built up again. She felt like she was on an emotional rollercoaster and the fact she couldn't get off made her even angrier.

"I had every right!" Max shouted back. He shook his head and scoffed, "I didn't think it mattered. He was gone away, what could the words of a guy who left you high and dry possibly mean to you?" It was the wrong thing to say and he knew it, but he knew it a moment too late.

Charlie's eyes lit up, livid and she shouted, "Everything! It meant everything to me! And you took that away from me! You took my one chance at being happy when I was so miserable! I hate you!" She was lost in her fit of rage. Her tiny fists pounded against this chest. They didn't hurt him as much as her words did.

"Stop it!" Max yelled. He grabbed hold of her hands and gave her a light push. She stumbled back and fell silent. She then opened her mouth to come at him again, but their brawl was interrupted.

Chuck came into the room, unaware of what was going on, and sat down at the bar. He was about to pour himself a drink when he felt his two teen's eyes on him. He slowly turned around. His daughter glared at him.

He frowned, "What?"

"I can't believe you," Charlie seethed as she shook her head. Her voice was low and dangerous. She did not yell or flip. Like she thought, an emotional rollercoaster.

"Dad, she-" Max tried to explain, but was cut off.

"Stay out of this. I'll deal with you later," his sister snapped. She then moved in front of him. She stared her father down with harsh, unhappy eyes.

"Don't speak to your brother like that. Whatever your upset with me about is one thing, but that's not how we treat members of this family," Chuck said sternly.

"Oh and how do we treat members of this family?" Charlie laughed sarcastically.

"Not like that either," her father remarked. He pursed his lips and shook his head in disapproval.

"Well then maybe I'll just lie to you. How about that, dad? Maybe I'll just take something that belongs to you and keep it from you!" Charlie shouted. She then threw the letter at him.

"Hey!" Chuck snapped. It hit his face and he opened his mouth to scream out of vexation when his eyes landed on it. He slowly bent down and picked it up. Oh shit.

"You had no right," his daughter breathed.

"Charlie-" Chuck sighed. He picked it up and rose to meet her eyes. He took a step towards her, but she took one back. So he stopped and kept the distance between them. "I don't expect you to understand, but I had my reasons when I did this. I did it to protect you."

"Protect me, from what?" Charlie scoffed.

"How about your little boyfriend? You're lucky I even let you two still be together after I saw how much you fell apart without him. That isn't healthy. I did it for your own good," he asserted.

"My own good?" She put a hand to her chest and sounded out of breath. "How would you know what that even means? You saw me, dad. I needed it. I needed him. He told me he loved me in that letter. I cried to you that he didn't love me and you let me believe that." Her voice broke as tears came to her eyes. She tried to push them back down, but she couldn't.

"I won't apologize for something I know was the right thing to do," Chuck refused.

"So lying to me is the right thing to do then?" Her head shook in confusion. She took a step towards him and wiped at her watery eyes.

"I didn't lie to you. It's my right to decide what happens in your life. I kept you from being hurt," he insisted. He wanted her to see his point. She had to realize that he did it for her own good.

"No, dad," Charlie spat. She shook her head, "You lied to me. That's exactly what you meant to do." She then stepped away and looked from her father to Max. "Both of you did. I trusted both of you and… I can't even look at you."

"Then perhaps you should go to your room," Chuck said. Her eyes flickered to him. She smiled in a dangerous almost crazed way.

"Yeah, that will happen." She then turned on her heal and went to the elevator. She was halfway inside when her father's voice stopped her.

"You can be mad at me, Charlotte Bass, but you live under my roof and will abide by my rules. It is past curfew. Come back inside and either talk this out or go to your room," Chuck called.

She slowly turned around and looked him straight in the eyes.

"You are always telling us how you never wanted to be anything like your father. But doing this to me, makes me think you're exactly like him," Charlie trembled.

Chuck's face fell momentarily, but he pushed the hurt down. His face grew stern again.

"You will not leave."

"Watch me," Charlie retorted. She stepped inside the elevator and the doors closed.


Andrea and her father walked side by side down one of New York's many sidewalks. It was early in the morning and they both were less than dressed to impress. For her it was because she just got out of bed, for him it was because he no longer had his mother pestering him about appearances. She had not yet returned from the Hampton's and he was almost thankful. But he knew that wasn't going to last, the whole Vanderbilt family had stepped in.

"Thanks for letting me come back to the city, daddy," Andrea sighed. Her voice brought him out of his thoughts and he turned to look at her. He nodded and forced a smile. She noticed how much he did that lately. It made her sad to see her father like that. He had always been so happy.

"You know it's not that you weren't allowed, but I just thought we should get away. And then when I came back there was so much stuff to sort out that I wasn't ready for you yet," Nate explained. He looked on her in a sympathetic manner.

"I know," she nodded.

"Andrea," he sighed and rubbed his eyes, "I'm really sorry that things are ending up this way. I didn't want this for you or your brother, for our family. I never thought that… I'm just sorry."

"It's okay. I don't really blame you anyways," Andrea told him. Her whole posture changed when she thought of the one she really blamed, her mother. She didn't understand how her mom did what she did to her father or… well to her.

"Andrea, your mother is not to bla-" Nate fell silent before he finished his sentence. Even he couldn't bring himself to say it, at least not in that moment. He stopped and turned his daughter towards him. She shook her head, but he continued.

"I will always care for your mother, no matter what happens. More importantly though, I will always love you and your brother and I know your mother feels the same. Just because the marriage is over, it doesn't mean our family is," Nate nodded with the best confidence he could muster.

"Yeah, I know, dad," Andrea nodded. Her voice was just above a whisper and she knew that her face gave away that she was lying. She didn't really believe a word he said. She doubted they would still be the family they used to. It seemed like nothing, but a pipedream now.

"Andrea-" Nate was about to try and convince her more, but his phone started to buzz. He looked down to it and then retrieved it from his pocket. His daughter didn't notice the strange look on his face when he read the screen.

"Sweetheart, will you go on and order us two coffees. I'll be in soon. I have a business call," Nate told her. He flashed a nervous smile and then motioned towards the building.

"Sure, dad," Andrea nodded. She walked inside.

Once she was gone, Nate answered the phone and put it two his hear. His heart dropped to the pit of his stomach.

"Vanessa," he breathed.


Lex sighed as he walked to his door. It was late, but someone felt the need to bother him. Well they better be ready for a grumpy Alexander Sparks because he was. Obviously, it was due to the lack of Charlotte Bass. Yes, he believed that he had become addicted.

A fist pounded on the door again.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming!" Lex shouted. He rolled his eyes and opened the door. When he saw whom it was though, his whole exterior changed. His features softened and he opened it up completely.

"Charlie, baby, what's wrong?" he asked. His hand reached up to stroke her cheek affectionately. He knew with one look at her that she was upset. When she didn't say anything, but just came in, he was more confounded. He closed the door behind them and walked over to where she stood.

"How come your dad let you come out so late?" His voice grew more and more concerned with each second that passed. He thought that he might just go crazy if she did not respond soon.

"I'm done listening to my dad," Charlie breathed. She had a strange and almost eerie look of determination in her eyes.

He chuckled, not thinking her serious.

"Why are you really here? Too much to resist?" Lex asked. He flashed her a playful, seductive smirk. His eyebrows wiggled suggestively.

"Well I'll be staying long enough for you to find out," she responded. He opened his mouth to say something else, but she attacked him with a kiss.

He moaned against her lips as they stumbled towards his bed. He tugged at her clothes. There was an aching sensation to feel her skin against his. He wanted her hot skin, to pulse and press to his cold flesh.

"Charlie," Lex groaned. Her nails raked down his back and he hissed into her neck. She giggled mischievously and leaned back. He looked to her confused, but then was met with a harsh slap of her hand. He stared at her with widened eyes.

"Let's do it rough tonight, Alexander," Charlie smirked.

An evil and infamous smirk of his own grew on his lips. He slowly stalked towards her and then without warning pounced like an animal. They tumbled to the bed, limbs entangled, as each fought to be on top. He won. His naked body hovered over her nude. Yes, there was a different. Hers was art, beautiful. His was raw, animalistic.

"Make me moan. Make me scream. Make me forget all else around me!" she ordered. Her eyes lit up like fire and she kneed him in the stomach. He cried out in pain and then threw himself upon her. She squealed as he forced her arms above her head and growled.

"If you wish to be punished, then that is what you shall receive," Lex seethed. His lips then placed kisses roughly all over her body. He bruised her porcelain skin and drew blood as his teeth raked across her flat stomach. He was marking his territory over and over again.

"Yes," Charlie moaned. She nodded her head as it flopped back and forth on the pillow like a fish. The wetness between her legs had practically formed a puddle on his silk sheets. They would need to be replaced… again.

"Stop moving your head! I'm trying to kiss you!" Lex shouted. He fisted her curls in his hand. She cried out, but then looked up to him. He pushed his lips upon hers. His tongue stuck down her throat and explored the sensual, sweet taste of her mouth.

"Mhmm," Charlie moaned, but then pushed a hand to his chest. She needed air. She feared without it she would pass out. But he didn't let up. Her eyes widened as she gasped, his tongue still in her mouth. Finally, he pulled it out. Her chest heaved beneath his.

"Lex," she gasped. He shook his head and smirked.

"I like to weaken my prey. Now your mine to take," he assured her. His lips then traveled down her body again. She closed her eyes and moaned when he kissed her center. But then her legs crossed to lock it. She shook her head and yanked his face back up to hers.

"Enter me the right way tonight," Charlie demanded. He nodded anxiously.

"I'd," Lex plunged in with full force, "love," he pulled out," to," he pushed back in. She gasped and gripped the headboard. He started to ride her with a vengeance.

"Oh yes!" Her head nodded as she cried like a mad woman. "Yes, Lex, yes!" Her volume increased as her body shivered and trembled beneath him. He flipped her on top of him and her body clenched.

"Ride me, Charlie," he groaned. She did just that. Her body went over him again and again. Her breasts pushed on his chest and then his face, back and forth, back and forth. He loved the view of her, especially when she sat up on his waist. Both their eyes rolled back into their heads.

"Fuck, Charlie, yes!" Lex screamed. His blue eyes sparkled in pure ecstasy. He was going to explode like he never had before. She pulled him up and he fell into her again. They sat up and her body bounced in his lap vastly.

"Oh baby, you're so good," she told him, out of breath. He pushed her onto her back again and nuzzled into her neck. Their hips rocked back and forth against each other. Her eyes closed and she gripped the sheets. Her back arched as her climax approached even faster.

"Look at me. I want to see what your eyes do when you come, Charlie," Lex ordered. Her eyes snapped open and he pressed her forehead against hers. They started a kiss, but it didn't last long. Charlie cried out in ecstasy. She grabbed onto him as her orgasm hit and he exploded inside of her. They seemed to be in perfect union.

He fell on top of her. Slowly and gently he pulled out. She was encircled in his embrace. Soft kisses her placed on her breasts. She smiled in satisfaction.

"We go again in five minutes, lover," Charlie whispered.

"Good because I think I'm addicted," Lex rasped.

"Me too."


Max was walking back from the bathroom, towards his room, when he heard his mother's voice. He turned to glance at his little brother's nursery. Slowly, he walked closer and peered inside. She did not notice him and neither did Ephram. They were too consumed in a book she held out in front of them. She had Ephram against her chest as she read to him, her voice almost song-like.

"Once there was a giving tree who loved a little boy. And everyday the boy would come to play. Swinging from the branches, sleeping in the shade. Laughing all the summer's hours away, and so they love. Oh, the tree was happy. Oh, the tree was glad," Blair read. She looked from the pages to her youngest son. He watched with wide, curious eyes. He had his pacifier in his mouth, completely silent.

"Mommy, read us this one!" a little Maxwell Bass shouted. Him and sister bounced up and down on their bed. Their mother came in laughing. She sat down and they both piled in, best they could, in her lap. She held up one of their favorite books, The Giving Tree.

"Once there was a giving tree who loved a little boy very much," Blair started to read.

"Was he a little boy like me, mommy?" Max asked. She turned towards him and nodded with a smile.

"Just like you, Max. Only instead of playing on Jungle Gyms in Central Park, this little boy would come everyday to play on the giving tree. Swinging from the branches…"

Max blinked his eyes and the vision faded. He felt a sadness that he would never reveal to anyone. That time was over for him now. Sure, his mom was still there to comfort him, but to ask for a story was abnormal at his age, especially given he was Max Bass.

He sighed, closed his eyes, and slid down against the wall. He sat outside his brother's nursery and pretended to be in a much simpler time. Where he did no wrong, but only made small and very fixable mistakes. He listened to his mother's voice as she continued to read to his little brother.

"But soon the boy grew older and one day he came and said, 'Can you give me some money, tree, to buy something I've found?' 'I have no money,' said the tree, 'Just apples, twigs and leaves.' 'But you can take my apples, boy, and sell them in the town,' and so he did and oh, the tree was happy. Oh, the tree was glad." Blair kissed the top of Ephram's head and pointed to the pictures. His little hand patted the book as his blue eyes sparkled.

On the other side of the door, Max continued to listen. He thought about the book. He was like the boy after all, all children were. They changed and what seemed important before now held little value. It was strange, but he seemed to make more mistakes, as he got older. But then again, so did the boy in the book. He shook his head and tried to forget about it. Mistakes always made him see Andrea in his mind. That vision hurt him too, because he had hurt her.

"But soon again the boy came back and he said to the tree, 'I'm now a man and I must have a house that's all my home.' 'I can't give you a house,' said the tree. 'The forest is my house. But you may cut my branches off and build yourself a home.' And so he did. Oh, the tree was happy. Oh, the tree was glad," she continued.

"Mama, twee," Ephram whispered. His older brother turned to look inside. His little brother now gripped the pacifier in his hand and looked up to his mother. He pointed at the pages, as if she did not know what the picture was and it was his job to inform her.

"Yes, Ephram. That is the giving tree. Can you say giving tree?" Blair asked sweetly. She pushed back some of his hair.

"Gid twee," the baby told her. She giggled happily and then turned the page. Her youngest son settled himself again, put back in his pacifier, and looked to the book.

"And time went by and the boy came back with sadness in his eyes. 'My life has turned so cold,' he said, 'and I need sunny days.' 'I've nothing, but my trunk,' said the tree, 'But you can cut it down and build yourself a boat, and sail away.' And so he did and oh, the tree was happy. Oh, the tree was glad."

Max heard her turn the page and sighed. He wished he could go away sometimes. There was some kind of instinct in him to run, when it was time to face something he didn't want to. Perhaps he should have done so this summer, gone MIA like Sarah had. But then again what did it matter? No one would give him near as much grief as they would her. Well except those who mattered, like Andrea. Damn it, he'd never get her out of his head.

"And after years, the boy came back. Both of them were old. 'I really cannot help you if you ask for another gift. I'm nothing, but an old stump now. I'm sorry, but I've nothing more to give.' 'I do not need very much now, just a quiet place to rest,' the boy, he whispered, with a weary smile. 'Well,' said the tree, 'An old stump is still good for that. Come boy. Sit down, sit down and rest awhile.' And so he did and oh, the tree was happy. Oh, the tree was glad. The end," Blair finished.

"Nie, nie mama," Ephram sounded. There was a rustling noise. His mother tucked his younger brother in. She whispered sweet nothings to him until he fell asleep. Only, Max fell asleep too, or drifted off for a few moments at least. Until, he felt someone touch his shoulder.

"Max," Blair whispered, "baby, wake-up."

His eyes fluttered open and he looked into the chocolate, doe-brown ones of his mother. She smiled softly at him and stroked back some of his hair.

"If you wanted a goodnight story all you had to do was ask. Ephram wouldn't have minded." She winked at him and then held out her hand to help him up. He was silent, like a teenager would be at that comment. When he stood, he towered over her. It was strange. He remembered most of his life, being so small. His parents seemed so big, but not anymore. Nothing was like it used to be.

"Go get in bed. I need to fetch the darks from the hamper for Dorota anyways," Blair smiled. She walked into his room and pretended to busy herself with the spoken of task. He plopped down into bed, passing out quickly. Once he was asleep, she dropped the laundry and walked over to him.

"Goodnight, my sweet boy," Blair whispered. She pulled the covers up on him and kissed his cheek. He wasn't the only one who missed when the time of bedtime stories and nightlights were okay.


Charlie smiled with her eyes closed. She had been satisfied to the max tonight. She curled her naked body a bit on the soft bed. Why was Lex's bed so soft? No matter how she lied on it she always felt complete comfort. She let out a happy sigh. She really did need sleep though. Lex was in the shower and she was sure he would be too tired for anymore. They had been going, with short breaks, since she got here. During that time five hours passed. Now she needed sleep. A deep, long, awaited, slumber.

"Charlie." She felt his breath on the back of her neck. His arms then snaked around her from behind. He smelled fresh from the shower. And she concluded he was probably naked. He kissed her neck, some of his wet hair brushed against her. She turned herself towards him and opened her eyes. He smiled as he got under the covers and pulled her against him. Skin against skin.

"Did you miss me?" he teased, eyebrows raised.

"You were in the shower for about five minutes," she responded with a roll of her eyes. She then kissed his lips softly before she lied her head back down on the pillow.

Lex kept his eyes with her, but ran his fingers over the top of her breasts. At first this had always made her blush, but now she was comfortable with it. His fingers were like magic. Everything they touched burned, but in a good way. She then felt him put on leg over both of hers. He leaned over her and kissed her lips with passion.

She pushed him up, "Baby I'm not a love machine."

"I'll do all the work I promise," he pleaded. She felt one of his hands travel down her body. When she gave him a skeptical look he turned on the puppy dog eyes.

"This is the last time, Charlie, I swear," he added.

"I'm tired," she whined, placing both hands to his chest. She honestly was super tired. She didn't understand how he could keep going. Wasn't he physically exhausted? Honestly, he was on top most of the time.

"Your mouth says you're tired, but your eyes say..." he smirked.

"That I'm tired," she cut in.

"Please..." he begged.

"Lex..." she bit her bottom lip.

"Come on... I just want to touch you," he purred. His body lowered down on top of her some as his lips raked across her jawbone. She closed her eyes and sighed.

"You are touching me," Charlie corrected. "Lex I don't have enough energy in me." Her started to sound less exhausted and more desolated. What happened with her dad and brother started to come back to her. She felt a little guilty for storming out, but also surprised he wasn't already banging on the door to retrieve her. Had she pushed him so far over the edge with her words that he didn't even care to look for her? Wait, what did it matter? It was him who lied to her, who hid something that she wanted and needed most.

"Charlie?" Lex furrowed his brow in confusion. His blue eyes gazed into hers, filled with worry. She tried to force a smile, but failed. His fingertips soothingly stroked her cheek.

"What's wrong?" he asked. The moment he figured out something wasn't right, he dropped the begging for sex act. That was one of the things that made her different from other girls. He didn't care if anyone else was even downright depressed, but for her he always would.

"I just-" Charlie stopped mid-sentence and shook her head. Her eyes fell from his for a moment, but then flickered back up. He was going to find out eventually, even if she didn't tell him. She just wasn't sure she wanted to reveal that not only had her father kept his letter from her, but so had her brother, his supposed best friend.

"You can tell me. Whatever it is, we can solve the problem together or I can comfort you," Lex offered. He sent her a reassuring, soft smile. She returned a weak one and nodded her head.

"Well," Charlie cleared her throat, "the reason I showed up so upset and late was that I sort of left home without permission."

"I think I understood that part with the line about no longer listening to your father," he replied. She sighed and pursed her lips. When she found the right words to speak again, she put a finger to his lips and did just that.

"The reason that I left was that I got into a fight with my dad… and Max. See, earlier you told me that you sent me a letter and that the hotel sent it to my house..."

"But you said you never got it. I assumed it was lost in the mail or something," Lex shrugged. She shook her head. He sighed, rolled off of her, and pulled her near. She traced a heart into his chest with her fingertips and then looked up.

"That's what I thought, but then I found it. The letter came, Lex. My dad had it the whole time, but he didn't tell me. Him and Max got it. They read it and then they hid it. I just can't believe they would do something like that to me and to you." Her lips then and her eyes set into a glare. She looked right past him as she thought of her father and brother.

"Charlie, did you read the letter after you found it?" Lex asked cautiously. He knew that she probably had. It was the only way she'd ever be so upset about it, well angry actually.

"Yes," she told him. Their eyes connected again. "You said that you loved me. They had no right to keep me from that. I needed that so bad when you were gone. Now it hurts so much to know they knew and just let me remain miserable. They're supposed to love me, to protect me, not let me keep hurting like they did. The letter could have changed everything."

"No, Charlie, it wouldn't have. It was and is a piece of paper with words that can be written and not really mean anything to the person who wrote them," Lex sighed.

"Is this your way of telling me that you really don't love me?" Charlie frowned. Her voice became dry as her eyes bulged some.

"No, of course not. I did mean it and I do mean it. But that letter and those words were the last thing you needed when I was gone. I'm glad you didn't get it. I said them in person and I wouldn't give back that moment for anything," he explained.

"That doesn't make what they did right," she refused. He chuckled at her stubborn behavior and shook his head. His hand stroked her cheek. Her exterior slowly started to soften again.

"What are you going to do, Bass? Hate them forever because they were trying to protect you? And you know that's how they saw it," Lex smirked.

"You're supposed to be on my side," Charlie sighed.

"I am," he replied and pecked her lips, "which is why I won't let you hold me as the reasoning for not speaking with your dad and brother. Considering that I'm going to be hanging around there a lot more now, it's bound to be awkward."

"Leave it to you to make jokes," she laughed and rolled her eyes.

"There we go," he smiled. His lips placed another kiss on hers. She smiled when they pulled apart. Perhaps she knew all along that she'd forgive her brother and father, but even if she did, she wouldn't have done so without Lex. He was part of her now and she hoped he always would be.


"Miss Blair," Dorota called. She entered the bedroom without knocking.

"Yes, Dorota, what is it?" Blair asked. She was exhausted and sprawled out on the bed. She had not yet changed into her pajamas, but might just fall asleep like she was. Ephram had tired her out earlier. Now he was finally asleep and she could rest.

"It's Mister Chuck, he downstairs drinking. He is drinking a lot," Dorota revealed in hushed tones. Blair immediately sat up and turned to look at her. Her brow furrowed and lips pursed. The maid must have seen wrong, she thought.

"Dorota, that's impossible. Chuck knows that he is supposed to cut out the Scotch. The doctor ordered him to after the heart attack. He hasn't gotten the okay. You must have seen wrong," she refused. Still, the tired feeling vanished and she felt an uneasy in her stomach. She prayed he was not risking his health for a mere drink.

"Miss Blair, I know what I see. I about to leave and with my own eyes see Mister Chuck with bottle of Scotch and glass, drinking," Dorota nodded anxiously. She motioned towards the door. Her eyes were nervous and helpless.

"Well then I'll just have to kill him before his stupidity and choosing of an unhealthy lifestyle does," Blair snapped. She shot up from the bed and went towards the door in anger. How could he be so irresponsible? He promised that he was going to…

"Perhaps Mister Chuck drink because Miss Charlie leave and not come back after they fight," the maid further revealed.

Blair stopped in the doorway and turned back to look at her. She slowly parted her lips. "Dorota, what do you know about the fight between Charlie and Chuck?"

"Miss Blair, I listen, but I no think…"

"Tell me," she asserted. Dorota sighed and opened her mouth to reveal all. She just hoped Miss Blair would still want to help Mister Chuck after she heard the whole story. The last thing the household needed was a battle to turn into a war.


Blair gradually descended down the staircase and stopped when she reached the bottom. Dorota silently slipped out behind her, but watched the couple as she left. Blair kept her eyes on her husband though. He sat on the couch, looking defeated. His dead looking eyes were zoned in on the elevator. There was also a half-full glass of Scotch clenched in his right hand.

"Chuck," Blair breathed. She walked over to him and sat down. He didn't turn to look at her or even acknowledge that he knew of her presence. Instead, he took a sip of his drink and continued to watch the elevator doors. He was waiting for his daughter to come back.

"You know that you're not supposed to be drinking," she reminded him. Her hand reached out to take the glass from him, but he yanked it away.

"Will you just let me be?!" Chuck snapped. His eyes looked at her for a moment. She retracted her hand, hurt. He sighed, shook his head, turned back to the elevators, and set the glass down on the table.

"Fine, I won't drink. Not that it matters, my daughter hates me." His voice changed from annoyed to crestfallen. She watched as all brightness in his almond shaped, dark eyes faded.

"Charlie could never hate you," Blair told him. She reached out and put one hand to his back while the other rested on his arm.

"Really?" Chuck rasped. He turned to look at her with melancholy eyes. "Because she made it pretty clear that she does. She told me I was like Bart, Blair. And you know what, maybe she was right." He shrugged his shoulders and laughed bitterly, breathlessly.

She sighed, "She doesn't even know Bart, only what we've told her. What she said was her reflecting the hurt she felt onto you. We both did it when we were her age, Chuck. We still do sometimes."

"How could she possibly feel hurt? I did what I did to protect her. She should be thankful," Chuck refused. He shook his head and then put it in his hands.

"Chuck," Blair soothed. She lifted his chin back up and forced him to look into her eyes. "If you can't understand why she's hurt think about what the letter said. Then put yourself in her mindset. When you kept the letter from her, regardless of your honest intentions, it was a time where she was waiting to hear Lex say I love you. Do you remember when both you and I were waiting for those three words?"

"It's different," he replied. But she saw into his eyes. He was slowly realizing what she was trying to get across to him.

"No, it's not." A somewhat sad smile came to her lips before she said, "Do you remember that night, on the roof top when I was going to tell you I loved you and then Dan Humphrey scared me out of it? He approached you afterwards and revealed what he kept from you, those three words, eight letters. How did that feel?"

An intense gaze conspired between the two once Blair silenced. He then closed his eyes with a pained expression on his face. He shook his head.

"I didn't want to hurt her like that," Chuck whispered.

"I know," his wife nodded. She stroked his cheek lovingly. "She'll realize that too. You just have to give her some time to cool down. You're both too hotheaded for your own good."

"Maybe-maybe I should go and get her though. I know that she doesn't want to see me, but I don't want her…" He started to get himself worked up again.

Blair put a finger to his lips. "Please, you know that will only make things worse. You have to let her come back on her own. If you force her into it, she'll just run again. She'll feel cornered. It's the worse thing you can do to a Bass if you want them to stay." She tried to spare a light laugh, but he didn't return it.

"I'll wait then," Chuck said, face determined.

"Okay, but without the Scotch." His wife moved the bottle and glass far away from him. He chuckled sadly and nodded his head. She kissed him on the cheek.

"I'll wait with you," Blair promised. She then picked up the blanket and wrapped it around them. He finally relaxed against her form. She got him to lie down and close his eyes. But as soon as she opened hers to check on him, she saw his glued to the elevator doors.


Nate stepped into the Hampton's restaurant and spotted her instantly. So she had actually showed. He supposed that was good. He did come back there for her and lied to his children about where he was going. So yes, it was good that she showed. Then why was it that now when he looked at her he wished she had stayed in Europe?

He shook his head and the thought away. He wasn't there to dally or get emotional. He knew what he came there to do, what he wanted to do, and he would do just that. He walked over to the table and sat down next to her.

"Vanessa," Nate greeted briefly. He looked forward and took a sip of his drink. She stared at him from the side, slightly taken back by his cold demeanor.

"Nate," Vanessa breathed. She started to reach her hand out to touch his arm, but then retracted it. He turned to look at her and she almost fell out of her seat. His beautiful greenish-blue eyes looked relentless and hateful. He did not say anything. It was eerie.

"I-I wanted to ask you if it was alright for me to stay at our Hampton home." She cleared her throat and pretended to look down at the menu. He saw right through her cowardly actions.

He scoffed, "Is that because you're too ashamed to face your kids? Or will your lover be joining you, wearing some of my clothes perhaps?" His eyebrows rose and he pursed his lips.

"Nate, please," Vanessa said.

"No," her husband retorted. "You don't deserve my kindness or sympathy. You ran out on me, you ran out on our family. What kind of a mother trades some European fling for her family, her life?" His blue eyes burned with an intensity she had never seen before. It scared her.

She shook her head with tear-filled eyes. Her lips parted to say something, but nothing came out. She cleared her throat. "You can't say it was just me. You didn't come and get me. Instead, you stayed here and chased after Jenny again." Her voice turned bitter as she revealed the knowledge she had learned on the plane ride there.

"You don't even know what you're talking about, Vanessa. Jenny has been here for me, but so has my family. And for the record we're not in high school. We're adults. I have a job, a family to support. I can't come running after a mother who abandons her duties and finds a lover in Europe," he clarified.

"So that's it then? You don't even want me back?" Her head shook as her voice trembled in disbelief.

"No, I don't. I only want you to get what you deserve, which is this," Nate smirked. She frowned in confusion, but that was soon cleared up.

"Hello, Brooklyn Trash," Blair mused. She came up to the table with the bitchiest of grins. She then winked at Nate. "I can take it from here, Archibald. Brought the papers and everything." Her hands held up a manila folder.

"Papers, what papers? Nate what is she talking about?" Vanessa turned to look at him.

"Blair can take it from here, Vanessa. I have to go back to being a parent. Not all of us have forgotten how to do so," Nate concluded. Then he left.

Blair smacked the papers on the table in front of her. She then leaned over and pointed to them.

"These divorce papers, which you'll need to sign. I believe you'll also see he is filing for full custody of the children. I mean he's letting you see them on weekends, but I'm sure I'll convince him of otherwise before the court date is set," Blair explained.

Nate stood at the doorway and watched as Vanessa shook her head at Blair. She tried to shove the papers away, but the petite brunette was persistent. There was a part of him that missed her, but an even greater part that knew he deserved to be happy and that wasn't going to happen with her.


Chuck sat in his pajamas on the couch alone. He sipped his coffee and watched the door. She had to be home soon. And if she weren't, then he'd go insane. Before Blair left, she told him Charlie had texted and said she was okay. But that wasn't enough reassurance for him. He wanted his daughter home and safe, where he could see so for himself.

The elevator doors dinged and opened. His daughter came in the door and stared at him solemnly.

"You're safe," Chuck noted. She merely nodded, still silent. His eyes scanned over her body. She did not look harmed or distressed. He felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. But there was still an uneasy feeling in his stomach. It wouldn't settle until he made all right between them again.

"I'm sorry." His voice was raspy, but truthful.

Charlie nodded her head and looked down. He sighed, stood up, and walked over to her. His hands reached out to touch her shoulders. He was thankful when she did not flinch or back away from him.

"I don't think you understand, but I did intend to do what I did because I love you. I would never want to intentionally hurt you, Charlie. I was trying to protect you. I just went about it in the wrong way," Chuck admitted.

"I know," she whispered.

He tipped her chin so she looked him in the eyes. He tried to force a smile, but it failed. His eyes were glossy and his voice raspy. "I can't seem to do anything right anymore when it comes to you."

Charlie shook her head, "Dad-" Her eyes watered too.

"I hated my father when I was growing up," Chuck interrupted. "Last night when you said I didn't and don't ever want to be anything like him you were right. Which is why I can't have you hating me. When you were a little girl it was so easy. I could do no wrong. But now you're grownup and you don't need me. I feel like you don't want me in your life sometimes. And I-I just… I have trouble letting you go. I want to rewind and keep you as my Little Princess forever. I don't want to hand you off to your prince yet. I'm not ready." His voice broke near the end, but he didn't let his pride make him stop speaking.

"Dad, Lex isn't much of a prince," she offered. It was hard to find the right words. She felt like an idiot for saying what she did, but then he laughed and nodded. It was still a sad sort of laugh though. So she hugged him.

"I'll always need you," Charlie promised.

"Thank you," Chuck whispered.

She pulled back just enough to look up at him. "I didn't mean what I said, daddy. I love you. And I'm never going to not need or not want you in my life," she clarified. Her eyes and words were truthful. Even though she felt that it needed to happen, she wished that argument hadn't. She didn't like it when she fought with her father. He was the person, besides her mother, she looked up to most.

"I'm glad," he smiled. His hand then tucked a curl behind her ear. He looked into her doe brown eyes. When he did this though, he didn't see a sixteen-year-old girl. He saw his baby girl. They were the same eyes he had stared into the first time he met her in the hospital.

"Dad, are you okay?" Charlie asked. He blinked his eyes and looked at her whole face. The vision was gone. She was sixteen again.

"Yes, now that you're home I'm fine," Chuck assured her. She smiled and then turned to go to her room. She was halfway up the staircase when he called to her.

"And Charlotte…"

"Yes?" Charlie turned to face him.

"You're grounded. Not for our fight, but for keeping me up the entire night, scared to death of what was happening to you or where you were," Chuck told her.

"Okay." She didn't fight him. Instead, she smiled softly and went up the rest of the stairs.


A/N: This chapter was so much work with so much thought put into it. So I really hope you guys enjoyed it. Please leave a review if you thought it was worth it and want more.