Consider this a Christmas miracle! I hope you all enjoy this little peek into the Bass family. I wish you all a very happy holiday whatever and however you celebrate. Please be kind as it's been a very long time since I've written or posted. My hope is to add at least one more update to this before the New Year. Here's hoping.
It was two days before Christmas and the Bass family were ensconced in a gorgeous house in Big Sky, Montana. Bass Industries had acquired Big Sky Resort in June and Chuck wanted to check it out in winter during the height of ski season. It took a bit of convincing Blair to agree to a ski vacation that wasn't in the Swiss or French Alps. He had to enlist Ned, their five year old son, into active duty. When Chuck told him about all the snow that would be out there and the actual, real life cowboys that he'd get to meet, there was no reining in his son's desire to head west. Blair, always susceptible to her youngest and his baby blues, caved almost immediately. She did however get Chuck to agree to make it an extended family vacation. She decided that if she was going to spend Christmas in the back of beyond it was at least going to be with her best friends and family along for the ride. If she was going to suffer then they all would suffer too.
They had spent the last four days skiing, tubing, hiking and just hanging out all together. Everyone was pleasantly surprised by how much fun they were having. Every night they sat down for huge family dinners, courtesy of the private chef and staff, before having either games or movies followed by the kids going to bed and the adults enjoying their time. Even Eleanor who had complained incessantly pre-trip was enjoying herself. She loved her daily walks in the snow with Cyrus and the little town with surprisingly good shopping and quaint restaurants and coffee shops. And even though she'd never admit it, watching her grandchildren ski out every morning with their private instructors only to return in the afternoon with rosy cheeks and huge smiles, pleased her beyond words.
Chuck and Jack had been spending a fair amount of time on resort business so Blair skied every day with Serena, Nate, and Nate's new and very serious girlfriend, Ellen. Surprisingly, Blair didn't hate her. She was actually nice and not the brainless, model type he normally dated. Overall the vacation had been wonderful so far.
This afternoon Blair had left her best friend and the rest of the group at the lodge where they were having lunch while she returned to the house. Chuck had had only one meeting that morning and he was officially done with business until the new year. They hadn't had any time alone together since their arrival and she was looking forward to an uninterrupted couple of hours.
She left her gear in the mudroom and rushed up the stairs and into the kitchen. The staff was preparing their lunch and it smelled incredible. She checked on everything and then went to look for her husband.
After a quick search she found him in the large library. There was a fire roaring in the fireplace and it was warm and cozy in spite of the huge windows overlooking the expanse of snow and mountains.
The minute she entered the room he looked up from his papers. "Hello, gorgeous."
Blair rushed over to where he was sitting on the huge, overstuffed couch. She sat down on the edge next to him leaning over and placing a kiss to his lips. "Hello, stranger."
He reached a hand up tucking her hair behind her ear. His hand rested against her pink cheek. "You're cold."
She pressed her hand to his chest and gave him another kiss. "And you're very, very warm."
He tossed his papers aside before running his hands down her arms. She was wearing her base layers which clung to her showing off all her curves. He pulled her in for another kiss. This one was longer and more passionate.
Blair straddled Chuck as she continued to kiss him. His arms went around her and down to cup her bottom. He squeezed her ass.
"Who knew pants could be so sexy?" he whispered against her lips.
It wasn't long before the pants were discarded and he was buried deep inside her. Their lovemaking was quick and fervent. They knew that their alone time was limited and at any minute Eleanor or Dan or one of the numerous staff members could find them.
When they had finished Blair laid her head onto Chuck's chest. His cashmere sweater had been tossed aside and his dress shirt had been unbuttoned. She could hear his heart beating against her ear.
"I've missed you," she whispered against his damp skin.
He leaned up slightly and placed a kiss to the top of her head. His fingers entwined in her curls and he stroked the nape of her neck. "I've missed you too. I'm all yours as of now. I promise, no more work."
"Good because I plan on monopolizing all of your time."
He smirked, "That better be a promise."
Suddenly she raised her head. "Did FedEx come yet?"
He nodded. "Everything is locked away in the room downstairs." Then he raised his eyebrows at her. "Are you really thinking about our children and their Santa presents after that mind-blowing orgasm you just had?"
She sat up pushing her hair back and pulling down her shirt. "Who said anything about mind-blowing?" She stood up bending over to grab her pants.
He smacked her bare butt cheek hard. She squealed glaring at him playfully over her shoulder.
"That's for lying." He started to button his shirt.
She turned around pulling her pants up. "It was good. I'm not complaining or anything." She bent over giving him a quick kiss. "I'm going to take a quick shower before lunch. Love you."
And with that she flounced out of the room leaving Chuck speechless and mentally plotting revenge.
Two and a half hours later Eleanor, Cyrus, Harold, Roman and Lily all arrived home from a guided tour of the mountains and canyons. They had all just settled down for tea when Nate, Serena and Ellen came in.
Serena plopped down on the couch next to Blair nearly spilling Blair's tea. "You missed some great powder this afternoon." She pushed her blonde hair back before grabbing a scone from the tea service. She took a bite and moaned. "These are amazing. I don't know if it's the mountain air or what but everything just tastes better out here."
Blair gave her a quizzical look. Her best friend was way too happy for Blair's comfort. "What's up with you?"
Serena shrugged. "Can't I just appreciate a well baked scone?"
Nate poured a cup of coffee. "You should've seen her going on and on about the tomato bisque at lunch." He laughed as he handed the coffee to Ellen.
Just then Jack and Georgina entered the room. Both of them with wet hair and bathrobes on. Jack sat down next to Chuck as Georgina sat on his knee. Jack wrapped his arm around her waist kissing her arm.
"That hot tub is fantastic." Jack reached out grabbing a scone for himself and taking a healthy bite.
Chuck eyed him. "Do we need to have it drained and sanitized?"
Georgina sighed dramatically. "Jealous?"
Chuck snorted. "Hardly. Blair and I just thoroughly enjoyed…" he was cut off by a sharp pinch to the thigh from Blair.
"That's enough." She took a sip from her cup.
"I couldn't agree more. Can we not just enjoy our tea?" Eleanor pushed her hair back from her forehead rolling her eyes.
They all began to discuss the evening's plans much to Eleanor's relief. Twenty minutes later they heard the downstairs door open and the sound of the children laughing and chatting as they entered the house.
Blair, quickly, set her teacup aside and stood up. She smoothed her sweater and ran a hand through her curls. Chuck eyed her suspiciously.
"I'm going to go down and speak to Stefan. I want to see how Ned did today." She turned and hurried down the stairs.
Georgina scoffed, "Yeah, sure, she wants to see how Ned did." She did air quotes around Ned. She stared at Chuck. "She really wants to see how Stefan is." She said his name with a Swedish accent mocking the children's ski instructor. She shrugged. "Not that I can blame her. He's sexy as hell."
Jack looked at her with a look of hurt. "Excuse me?" He held up his hand.
Georgina took a sip of her coffee. "What? It's the blonde hair and blue eyes. Not to mention that accent."
Chuck had heard enough. He got up excusing himself and made his way down the stairs. When he got to the bottom he crossed to the open hall and into the entryway of the mudroom. He was unobserved as he glanced at all three of his children. They were busily disrobing from all the many layers that they were wearing. Jake, Serena and Dan's boy, was struggling with his zipper. Chuck rolled his eyes. The kid was older than Ned but at times seemed so much younger. All that helicopter parenting was ruining the poor child.
Then his eyes fell to his wife. She was standing in the slightly ajar door that opened up unto the snow-covered terrace where everyone skied in and out of and she was giggling at something the Swede was saying.
Chuck scowled. His wife never giggled. It instantly brought him back to high school. How he'd watch her from across the courtyard as she flirted and pretended to laugh at any inane thing Nate had to say. Stefan flashed his perfectly straight, white teeth at Blair. Suddenly he felt seventeen again, jealous and not liking it one bit.
Blair then reached a hand out resting it on Stefan's muscular forearm. "You'll have to join us for dinner before we return to New York."
"I'd love that, Blair."
When Chuck had heard the instructor using his wife's given name he must've made some noise because instantly Ned's head turned in his direction.
"Daddy!" He jumped up with one boot off and the other one still on and ran to his father awkwardly.
Chuck forced a smile as he lifted his son up into his arms removing the remaining wet boot from his foot and tossing it to the floor. He kissed his son's cold, pink, cheek.
Cordelia, not one to be left out, ran over to her father wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging him tightly.
Chuck reached down running his hand over her messy curls. "Hello, princess. How was skiing today?"
As she began to recount her day in a rush, Blair turned to look at her husband. Chuck hadn't taken his eyes from her.
Stefan straightened up and crossed over to Chuck holding out his hand. "Mr. Bass, it's so nice to finally meet you." He shook Chuck's free hand firmly.
Chuck had no choice but to return the handshake. He forced a smile.
Stefan released his grip and took a step back. "It's been a great pleasure to be able to instruct your children and nephew. They are natural skiers." He turned to glance over his shoulder at Blair. "Clearly, they got some of their mother's talent." He winked at her before turning back to Chuck.
Blair giggled again. "You're too kind, Stefan."
Chuck put Ned back down onto his feet and helped him remove his ski pants.
When Ned was free, he jumped up and turned his blue eyes up to Stefan. "Can we do the stop game again tomorrow?"
Stefan shook his head. "No, tomorrow's Christmas Eve, kiddo. There are no classes."
Ned groaned. "Why? I wanna hang out with you tomorrow."
Chuck who was less than pleased with his wife's gushing over the swede certainly wasn't going to have his youngest son following suit. He reached out taking Ned's hand and pulled him back to his side. "We're going to spend tomorrow as a family, Ned. Plus, we have to get ready for Santa's arrival." Ned hung his head and Chuck gave his hand a squeeze. "Why don't you all go upstairs for hot cocoa and a snack?"
Ned placated by the promise of treats shouted his good byes and followed his older siblings up the stairs.
Stefan smiled. "He's such a sweet boy."
Chuck began to head towards the open door signaling it was time for the ski instructor to leave. "Yes, he is."
Blair smiled as Stefan took the hint and started out the door. "Thank you for everything. I hope you have a merry Christmas and we'll see you on the 26th."
Chuck reached into his pocket and pulled out his money clip. He removed the folded hundred-dollar bills and pulled five free handing them to Stefan. "Have a merry Christmas."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Bass. Merry Christmas."
As he started to turn away Chuck shut the door, none too gently.
Blair stared at him wide eyed. "That was very rude. The children had already given him a gift this morning."
Chuck slid the money clip back into his pocket feeling very satisfied with himself. "I think he needed a reminder of his place."
Blair's eyebrows rose. "His place? Who are you?"
He put his hands on her hips and squeezed, "I'm Chuck Bass."
"That line didn't work in high school and it certainly doesn't work now." She rolled her eyes at him.
He pulled her flush against him and whispered, "I seem to remember it working well enough to get you panting in the backseat of my limo." His lips grazed hers softly. Her lips parted slightly as her eyes fluttered close. Chuck leaned back, staring down at her.
Two seconds later her eyes fluttered back open looking confused. "Aren't you going to kiss me?"
He released his grip on her hips and took a step back. "I don't think so."
She looked mocked offended. "What's gotten into you?"
"I don't appreciate my wife fawning over the teenage help." He slid his hands into his pockets.
"First of all, Stefan is twenty-eight, hardly a teenager and second, I wasn't fawning." She pushed her hair back over her shoulder. "You're ridiculous."
"And you're transparent." He took a step closer to her. "I think you love the idea of a younger man wanting you. You love the way it makes you feel like more than just a wife or a mother."
Her eyes narrowed and she was about to respond but he cut her off.
"Clearly, I haven't been paying enough attention to you. That's my mistake." His hands reached out pulling her flush against himself. "I think you've felt neglected the past few days." His lips were nearly touching hers now as her breath came in short pants. "I obviously need to rectify that." And with that his mouth covered hers in a searing kiss.
Blair's arms came up wrapping them around Chuck. She ran her hands along his shoulders and into his hair entwining her fingers there. As he continued the kiss, he maneuvered her back to the door he had just slammed closed.
The cold glass against her back caused her to gasp. Chuck ignored it and let his left hand slowly make its way under her skirt. As his fingers skimmed along her inner thigh he ended the passionate kiss.
His fingernails scraped against her bare skin above her stocking as she opened her eyes. "Am I going to find you wet?"
She closed her eyes as she bit down on her bottom lip.
He pinched her none too gently. "I asked you a question."
"Yes," she whispered breathlessly.
"Is it for me?" His fingers continued their exploration and came to her lace covered center. He ran a finger along the fabric feeling her heat and wetness.
"It's for you." She kissed him grabbing at the back of his hair. "It's always for you," she whispered against his lips.
His fingers slipped beneath the lace thong and pushed it aside gliding over her. She was wet and warm and perfect. He kissed her deepening it as he easily entered her with two fingers.
Blair released a moan of pleasure into his mouth as she slid her right leg up and around Chuck's waist. She pushed against him holding his hand still between her thighs. She had a fleeting thought that they should end this before they were caught by Eleanor, or heaven forbid, one of the children but then Chuck began to expertly move his fingers and all rational thought left her head.
Chuck kissed a path along her jaw pushing his lips against her ear. "You are so fucking sexy." He caught her earlobe between his teeth and bit down gently before placing a kiss to her neck. He moved back to her lips catching them in a searing kiss.
He removed his fingers from her and she opened her eyes looking at him. He searched her face. "When will I ever get my fill of you?"
She shook her head gently. "I plan on keeping you properly wanting more for the rest of our lives." She lowered her leg as her hands went to the front of his pants. She cupped his raging hard on through the fabric.
He inhaled sharply. "I want oh so much more right now." He flexed his hips pushing himself against her hand.
"The kids…" she trailed off as he kissed her again and her fingers began to unbuckle his belt.
"Whoa," they both heard the shocked voice of Dan Humphrey.
Chuck looked over his shoulder at Dan. "Do you need something, Humphrey?"
"I came down to get Jake's inhaler." Dan took one step into the room. "What if he had come down here and seen this?" He pointed at the two of them.
"What? Are you scared that he would see two married people who actually love each other wrapped in a passionate embrace and realize what his parents are lacking?" Chuck buckled his belt before pulling out his monogrammed handkerchief from his pocket and wiping his hand. He turned towards Dan. "Relax, the kid can barely zip his own coat. I doubt he'd understand what we were doing." He shoved past Dan as he returned upstairs.
Dan stared at Blair. "Seriously?"
Blair smoothed her skirt. "Oh, Dan, stop being such a prude." She reached into the pocket of Jake's coat pulling out the forgotten inhaler. She handed it to Dan as she passed him on her way up the stairs.
Dan rolled his eyes knowing he was fighting a losing battle. He really didn't know why he came along on these holidays. Next year he was putting his foot down and insisting that he, Serena and Jake stay home for the Christmas holiday. He had had about all he could take of the family vacations.
Dinner was an atmosphere of joy and excitement. The younger children couldn't stop talking about the arrival of Santa and the adults were enjoying the magic of Christmas through their eyes. The staff had just cleared the dinner dishes when Ned complained that his stomach hurt.
Blair pushed her chair back a bit before motioning him over to herself. He stood up and approached his mother slowly.
"You do look a bit peaky." She pulled him to herself as she placed her hand to his forehead and then to the back of his neck. "You don't feel warm." She stared at her youngest child searching his face before placing a kiss to his forehead.
"It's all those cookies he had at tea. I told you to limit your intake, Edward." Eleanor gave her grandson a stern look reprimanding him sharply.
Blair hugged Ned to herself protectively. "Mother, he's five."
Eleanor shrugged and was about to respond when Cyrus interrupted. "You've had several days of skiing and outdoor activity and are probably exhausted, Ned." He stood up crossing to where Blair and Ned were seated. "How about I take you up and we get cozy with a book or two?"
Ned nodded as he took Cyrus' outstretched hand. Blair gave Cyrus a grateful look and her son a kiss before they headed out of the dining room.
Chuck reached for his wine glass. "He didn't balk at missing dessert. He's definitely under the weather."
Blair gave Chuck a worried look. "I hope he's not sick for Christmas. Poor boy."
"You baby him too much, Blair. It's one too many cookies. That's it. He'll be fine in the morning." Eleanor gave her daughter a disapproving look.
Blair sighed as she felt Chuck's hand upon her knee. He gave it a gentle squeeze and she decided to ignore Eleanor.
Serena, oblivious to the tension, clapped her hands together. "Is anyone up for a Christmas movie tonight?" The kids all responded yes shouting out what they wanted to watch.
Blair smiled at her friend. "I want 'White Christmas'." Everyone groaned. "What?" she responded indignantly. "It's a classic."
The staff began to pour coffee and hand out slices of cake. Henry rolled his eyes. "Can't we watch something from this century tonight?"
"Yes, like 'Elf'," Cordelia piped in.
Blair waved off a proffered piece of cake before reaching for the creamer and pouring a generous amount in her coffee. "I can see that I've once again lost the battle."
Chuck put his arm around his wife and gave her shoulders a squeeze. He leaned in a bit closer to her and whispered. "I have a more fun pursuit in mind for us." He didn't take his eyes from hers as he shoved a big piece of cake into his mouth.
Everyone pretended to ignore the exchange as they discussed movie titles.
Blair was sound asleep when she felt something brush against her shoulder. She moaned assuming it was Chuck looking for another round of lovemaking.
She pulled the duvet up under her chin and rolled onto her side. "I'm too tired," she was already drifting back to sleep.
"Mommy, my tummy really hurts."
Blair immediately sat up, pushing her eye mask up on top of her head. She could just make out the silhouette of her youngest son. She reached out turning on the bedside lamp.
The minute the light illuminated Ned's face she knew something was very wrong. His cheeks were completely void of their usual rosiness. She reached out pulling him towards her sliding her hands under his arms. He was so hot.
"Oh, baby, you're so warm." She lifted him up onto the bed and pulled him in tight to her. She kissed the top of his head. His hair was damp with sweat.
Something wasn't right. Ned started to cry. "It hurts, Mommy."
Blair hugged him tightly before reaching over to tap Chuck, who was snoring softly. "Chuck, wake up."
He continued to sleep. Blair shoved hard against his back. "Charles, get up."
Chuck rolled onto his back squinting at his wife. "Are you ready for round…" he trailed off when he noticed Ned in Blair's arms. His son was not looking good. Chuck sat up and leaned into the pair of them touching his son's cheek.
"He's burning up."
Blair rolled her eyes. "I'm aware of that. Is there a doctor on staff?"
Chuck was already getting out of bed, grabbing his cell phone from the bedside table as he made his way around the bed. He sat down next to Blair and Ned as he lifted the phone to his ear.
"Suzanne, it's Chuck Bass. Sorry to wake you. I need the doctor sent to our place immediately. Our five year old son has a high fever and has been complaining about stomach pain." He listened intently for a few seconds as he stroked Ned's back with his free hand. "Thank you." He hit the end button setting the phone onto Blair's bedside table.
He searched Ned's pale face. "The doctor is on his way, Ned. He'll fix you up." He leaned forward placing a kiss to his forehead.
Blair looked at her husband with frightened eyes. "Can you get the thermometer? It's in the bathroom in the medicine drawer."
Chuck jumped up rushing into the master bath. He was extremely worried about his son. This was more than one too many cookies; this was serious. He pulled open the drawer where Blair had put all the medicine upon their arrival. He shoved aside boxes of Tylenol and bottles of cough syrup frantically searching for the thermometer. He spied it at the back and grabbed it.
"Chuck!" Blair screamed from the other room.
Chuck rushed back into the bedroom.
Ned was leaning over the edge of the bed vomiting.
Chuck grabbed his robe from the chair and wiped Ned's face with it. He then tossed it to the floor before reaching out and taking Ned into his arms. Ned was sobbing. Chuck rubbed his back.
"It's okay, buddy."
Blair scooted to the opposite side of the bed and got out.
Ned started to groan. "Something is poking me." Tears were streaming down his cheeks.
Blair approached them. "Where, sweetie? Show me where it hurts?"
Ned leaned back in Chuck's arms before touching his lower stomach.
Blair took the thermometer from Chuck. "Let's take your temperature, darling." She placed it against his temple and waited. When it beeped she read it and looked at Chuck. "103.4, that's bad."
Ned started to cry harder. "I don't wanna be sick, Mommy."
There was a knock on their slightly ajar door before Eleanor peeked inside. "Blair, is everything okay?" She pushed the door open further and entered the room.
Blair shook her head. "Ned is really sick. The doctor will be here shortly. I'm going to get dressed. I think we need to take him in."
Chuck sat down at the end of the bed with Ned wrapped in his arms. Ned looked at his father with his big blue eyes swimming in tears. "I'm scared, Daddy."
Chuck kissed his cheek. "You don't have to be. Daddy is going to be right by your side and make sure you are okay. You know that daddy always protects you, right?"
Ned nodded his head as a tear slid down his cheek. Chuck wiped it away.
Cyrus came in. "Our Ned isn't looking too good." He sat next to Chuck laying a hand against Ned's back.
"Saba, I don't want to go to the doctor." Ned stared at his grandfather.
Cyrus held out his arms and Chuck transferred his son to him. "I'm going to get dressed."
Ten minutes later everyone was downstairs including Serena, Nate and Lily while the doctor examined Ned.
The doctor smiled sweetly at Ned, squeezing his hand, before standing up and addressing Chuck and Blair. "We need to get him to the hospital immediately. I'm ninety-nine percent sure it's his appendix. He'll need surgery before it ruptures."
Blair looked at Chuck. "How soon can the plane be ready?" She was pulling out her cell phone from her back jeans pocket. "I'll call his pediatrician and let him know were on our way."
"Mrs. Bass," the doctor interrupted, "you don't understand. He cannot be flown anywhere we need to leave now. This is very, very serious. There is barely time to get him to the local hospital let alone New York." He grabbed a blanket and laid it over Ned. He lifted him up and into his arms. "Can someone grab my bag and coat? I'll drive."
Chuck didn't hesitate as he watched his son's eyes slip closed. "Let's go."
Blair shook her head. "He can't be operated on here. We're in the middle of nowhere."
Chuck glanced back at her. "Blair, get your coat and let's go."
The doctor was at the door by this point. "I assure you, Mrs. Bass, that we have an excellent pediatric surgical team. He's in good hands."
Blair's eyes were filled with tears. "I don't want good I want the best."
Eleanor placed Blair's coat around her shoulders. "Go, now, Blair."
Cyrus gave Chuck his coat. Chuck reached back for Blair's hand. "He's going to be fine; I promise." He placed a kiss to her temple as he led her out the door.
Cyrus closed it behind them as everyone whispered a silent prayer for Ned's safety.
Two hours later and Chuck was pacing the waiting room for the hundredth time. He ran a hand through his already disarrayed hair.
Blair watched as he made another pass. She knew there was nothing she could say or do to calm him down.
Upon their arrival at the hospital it was confirmed that it was indeed Ned's appendix. Blair, who had called her children's pediatrician on the drive, immediately began to discuss laparoscopic surgery to spare Ned a longer stay in the hospital not to mention a bigger scar. When the doctor informed her that they didn't have the equipment to do that she launched into a tirade about the inadequacies of Montana hospitals.
Chuck, not wanting to upset the surgeon who was about to operate on their son, cut her off immediately. Thanking the team and letting them know that he had every faith in their capabilities.
That was nearly an hour and a half ago and the wait was agony for the both of them. Chuck looked at his watch. It was three fifty-four a.m. a full hour since Ned went under.
Blair reached out a hand. "Chuck, come sit down."
He stopped his pacing and taking her hand plopped down next to her on the couch. He stroked his thumb along the top of her hand. "I promised him I wouldn't leave him."
She sighed. "He has no idea that you're not by his side right this minute. We'll be there when he wakes up. He'll be none the wiser." Suddenly her eyes filled with tears and a single tear slipped down her cheek. "I should've known something more serious was wrong. What kind of mother am I?"
Chuck turned slightly starring at her intently. He let go of her hand and cupped her face. His thumb brushed the tear away. "You are an incredible mother. Don't you ever doubt that. None of us could've known this." He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss to her lips.
Just then the surgeon entered the room. "Mr. and Mrs. Bass," Chuck and Blair both quickly stood up as he approached them. "Ned did great. Everything went perfectly and he is in recovery."
"Can we see him?" They both responded at the same time.
The surgeon lifted both hands to hold them off. "Not yet. He's in recovery right now. Once we get him settled into his private room you may see him."
Chuck shook his head. "Let me rephrase that, I am going to see my son. I promised him I wouldn't leave him and when he opens his eyes I am going to be the first face he sees."
The surgeon was about to protest when Blair interrupted the man. "I am under the impression that the hospital could use some laparoscopic surgical equipment and I believe we are looking for a facility to donate too." She raised her eyebrows at the man and smiled her coy smile.
The surgeon was no match for Blair Waldorf Bass. He sighed dramatically and held his arm out. "I'll show you the way to recovery."
As they followed the man down the hallway Chuck hugged Blair to himself tightly whispering against her ear, "You are incredible."
She smiled smugly, "You can thank me later."
When Ned opened his eyes twenty minutes later it was Chuck he saw first. He smiled weakly at his father. "Daddy, you're here."
Chuck stroked the top of his son's head. "I told you I wouldn't leave you."
Blair took Ned's small hand in hers raising it to her lips kissing the top of it. "Your daddy is the best, isn't he?"
Ned nodded his head smiling a bit brighter. Suddenly his face fell and he looked like he was going to burst into tears any minute.
Blair's brow wrinkled in concern. "What's wrong, darling? Is something bothering you? Are you in pain?"
Ned shook his head. He swallowed before looking at both his parents. "Is it Christmas Eve?"
Chuck nodded. "Yes, it's very early on Christmas Eve morning."
"Do I get to go home today?" He looked hopefully at his mother.
Blair shook her head. "No, sweetie. You need to stay at least overnight but possibly two days."
Ned started to cry. "Santa, isn't going to be able to find me here. I won't get any presents."
Chuck leaned over hugging his son carefully. "You know I have a direct line to Santa. I will call him and let him know where you are. Do not worry about that. I promise you that tomorrow morning you will have your presents."
Ned sniffled before laying back onto his pillow. "Thank you, Daddy. Can you call him now?"
Chuck reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. "Absolutely." He stood up, pretended to dial and then pretended to have an entire conversation with an elf at Santa's workshop. When he was finished he sat back down.
"Okay. I spoke to Twinkles, the head elf, and he said he'll update the flight plan. Santa was too busy to speak to me. He's going over last-minute details. But Twinkles said the presents will be here come morning."
Blair was trying very hard not to laugh at her husband. Who would've ever imagined the partying Chuck Bass from high school would find himself making pretend calls to the north pole just to appease a five year old?
The rest of the day was spent with all of the immediate and extended Bass family arriving to visit. Henry wanted to see his brother's incision and declared it awesome. Ned said it was way cooler than the faint scar under Henry's chin from a long ago playground accident. Cordelia gave Ned the Christmas present she had picked out herself for her brother. It was a collection of classic adventure stories in picture form that she thought he would enjoy looking through while being stuck in the hospital.
By the end of the day Ned was completely worn out. Blair made the decision that everyone, including Chuck, should return back to the house and she would stay overnight with Ned.
Chuck reluctantly agreed knowing that once Blair made her mind up there was no changing it. Before he left, Blair pulled him aside to ask about Ned's presents. Chuck gave her a kiss to her cheek before whispering, "Don't worry about it. I have it all handled."
As she watched the family depart she knew that he did.
The sun dawned bright on Christmas morning. Blair woke slowly looking over at her sleeping son. He was doing great and the doctors had said he would most likely be discharged later that morning. She laid there a few minutes just watching Ned sleep thankful that he was okay and safe.
Suddenly she thought she heard bells. She listened intently. Yes, it was definitely bells, jingle bells to be exact.
She sat up pulling her robe on as the bells got closer and louder. Then she heard a deep, "Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas."
She leaned over and placed a kiss to Ned's forehead. "Ned, sweetie, wake up."
Ned slowly opened his eyes. Blair smiled down at him. "Merry Christmas, darling."
Suddenly, the bells were right outside the room. Ned's eyes widened. "It's Santa."
Blair shrugged, "Do you think so?"
Ned sat up slowly and Blair helped him fluffing his pillow behind him.
There was a knock on the door and then Santa, the Santa, peeked his head inside. "Merry Christmas, Ned!" Santa came into the room carrying a large sack that was bulging with presents. "I've heard from my head elf, Twinkles, that you've been a bit under the weather."
Ned nodded, speechless now that he was in the actual presence of the big man himself.
Santa placed his bag on the floor before coming over to Ned's bedside. "Well, you look right as rain this morning." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a large candy cane handing it to Ned.
Ned took it smiling. "Thank you, Santa."
Suddenly, Henry and Cordelia burst into the room followed by Chuck. Cordelia ran over to Santa hugging him tightly.
"We got your note, Santa." She was beaming up at him.
Blair looked quizzically at her husband. She was completely in the dark. "What note?"
Chuck took his coat off tossing it onto one of the chairs. "Santa let us know that he would be delivering some of the Bass presents to Ned at the hospital so we could all open together as a family."
Blair smiled sweetly at the man portraying Santa so splendidly. "That was very kind of you, Santa. I know what a busy night you've had."
Santa winked at her. "Not to worry, Blair. I made sure this was my last stop." He walked over to his bag and began distributing presents.
Henry, who was now too old to believe, was playing along for the sake of his brother and sister. Santa approached him with a shiny, wrapped package. "I heard you were particularly well behaved this year, Henry." Santa handed the package to him.
Ned snorted. "Except when he broke my Lego."
Henry rolled his eyes. "It was an accident."
Santa laughed. "We'll let that one slide, shall we?"
After all the presents were passed out Santa gave one last hug to Ned and Cordelia. "Now, I need to go hand out presents to all the other children here in the hospital and then I'm headed back to the North Pole for a very long nap. Merry Christmas!"
Chuck and Blair walked Santa to the door and out into the hallway. Chuck shook his hand. "Thank you, so much." He reached into his back pocket and pulled out an envelope. "I really appreciate you doing this on such short notice."
"I'm happy to help. Thank you for all the donations for the children. This is going to make their Christmases a very happy one." The Santa smiled at Chuck.
Chuck nodded. "Everything is in the waiting room on four."
Santa tilted his head in acknowledgement before heading down the hall.
Blair turned to Chuck. "You are amazing. How did you pull all this off so quickly?"
"I'm Chuck Bass," he smirked down at her.
She wrapped her arms around his waist. "I love you in spite of your arrogance." She kissed him. "Let's go open presents."
They walked back into the room arm in arm.
Much later that night Blair, after checking on Ned several times, slid into bed beside Chuck who was reading.
He closed the book and set it aside. He then turned towards his wife. He was so happy to have her back in bed with him where she belonged. He had missed her the night before. He stretched his arm out wrapping it around her waist and tugging her closer. He placed a kiss to her bare shoulder. He slowly traced a finger along the lace edge of the blush pink strap of the negligee that he had gifted her with only seven hours earlier. If he were being honest it was actually more of a gift for him than for her. He had known the minute he had spied it in the window at La Perla on Madison Avenue that Blair would look amazing in it and he had been right.
He raised his eyes to her face. He knew immediately that her mind was elsewhere. He reached up and stroked her cheek. "Hey, what are you thinking about because I know it's not me."
She lowered her gaze and searched his face. "I can't stop thinking about how lucky we are."
Chuck pushed himself up and settled back against the headboard. "Blair, Ned is fine."
She nodded as her eyes filled with tears. "I know that. I just can't help but wonder at what point will our luck run out." A tear slipped down her cheek. "Do we deserve to be this happy?"
Chuck wrapped an arm around her shoulders an pulled her in tight. "Hey." He kissed her temple gently. "We've paid our dues. After all those years of chaos and separations I think we've earned our happiness."
Blair smiled weakly at him. "I love you so much and I just want our family safe and protected."
He leaned forward and kissed her lips softly. "You know I'd never let anyone or anything hurt you guys but we have to expect a few bumps and bruises along the way and a few stitches too."
She laughed softly before kissing him. She pulled away and reached up cupping his face in her hands. "Merry Christmas, Chuck."
He slowly pulled her down the bed. "Merry Christmas, Blair." He covered her mouth again as his hand ran up her outer thigh and under the delicate lace of the nightgown.
No more words were necessary as they made love into the early hours of the morning.