II.

My sacred heart

The City of Light was as glorious as ever, gorgeous, alive with tourists and the summer hustle. It looked quite the dream.

Right outside their windows.

From the moment their limo for-rent had left them on the busy Avenue Montaigne to the next twenty-ish hours, the only sightseeing they'd done orbited around their apartment - which had seen them pay their homages to the beautifully furnished space within its walls.

Not only could they already blindly navigate the elegant master bedroom by sunrise, but they'd also roamed through the spacious living room and up-closely admired one of the two antique sofas and the soft Persian carpet under it. The final cherry on top being of course a long, but not much relaxing, shared exploration of the bathtub reigning in the lavish bathroom, just around three in the morning.

Even at the highest of peak season and at the very last minute, Blair had managed to find an immodest den for their next days in a top-tier location; and seeing the daily rate and cleaning fee, unsurprisingly so. What's more, she'd been able to search for it and rent it through Chuck's phone, just as he busied himself amidst the depths of her unbuttoned blouse on their four hour drive from Lyon to Paris. Ever the amenable boyfriend, he did not once object to her suggestions, but only limited his inputs to quiet, throaty hums and nods from under her line of vision. Being around Blair while being around her fathers for just so many days, five to be precise, had been just too testing.

Besides, everything Chuck knew about the city was that when it came to Paris, Blair had two simple rules.

"One. You don't want to stay anywhere from first to fifth arrondissement, because the buildings aren't worth their blown-up price and they're mere tourist traps for those who don't really know the city; like the crazy ones who want their nose at Notre-Dame's rose window. And two, you can't sojourn past the eleventh district either, because then you might as well go back to where you came from."

So, when it came to Paris, Blair would always pick the eight, or alternatively the seventh to switch bank of the Seine.

She had obviously selected a beautiful, classical central paris-looking building, whose top floor apartments covered a good other three on the lower levels. Their accommodations were just impeccable, almost at a fault; it was every woman's expensive french dream house, all whites and wooden and fair colors, splendidly and regally decorated. Apart from being at walking distance to the biggest existing Ladurée tearoom, its position on the long avenue was also in the midst of the most stunning circle of landmarks, some of which popped up from the cityscapes gifted by the two balconies.

The eastern one overlooked the very heart of the capital; they could identify from there the quai riverside starting from the Grand Palais down to the obelisk at place de la Concorde, the Tuileries gardens behind it and the Louvre. They were also central and high enough that they could see most of the Eiffel Tower and the dome of Les Invalides past the enormous bridge named after Alexandre III, one of Blair's favorites. The western balcony opened instead to the northern quarters, the grand view being towered by the romantic and most colourful hill of Montmartre, above which rose the gigantic Sacré-Coeur church; a white-stone guardian that oversaw the City of Love.

And it was exactly that very sentimental part of Paris with its magnificent sanctuary, that Chuck and Blair could admire from the wide windows in their bedroom.

It was day one, well actually day two, at some point in the bright, warm morning. Their paper take-out bags were emptied on much more refined kitchen counters, and so was their first celebratory champagne bottle, which had been left forgotten at the foot of their four-poster king bed.

Blair had woken up first, as she started to realize would be the tendency, and she'd opened her eyes to a pleasant soreness that testified just how much Chuck had restrained himself and dampened his fire on their short stay at her father's.

Next thing she identified was the night slip glued to her skin; she guessed it was due to the summer heat radiating from the roof through the upper deck, but also to the heavy, uncombed head that peacefully rested on her stomach. Chuck must've been moving in his sleep in the search for a cool spot to sleep on, only to eventually doze off on the warmest of them all.

She tittered under her breath at that realization, and careful to not wake him up, she reached for her phone and notebook stacked above her travel guides on the nightstand. It surely wasn't the best position, but Blair wasn't willing to give up the comforting feeling of his weight on her just yet.

Her sharp scribbling on the paper at some point jabbed its way through Chuck's ears, pulling him out of his state of unconsciousness as well.

He released a low, throaty sound as he stretched, only opening his tired eyes when he felt Blair's body under him instead of a lesser soft pillow.

'Bonjour' she hummed, her gleamy eyes emerging from behind the pretty booklet in her hands.

Chuck sighed softly and he smiled at how perfectly awake and functioning she already looked compared to him; not to mention that her well-sated, morning face had recently become one his most favorite sights.

'Bonjour à toi, ma belle' (good morning to you, my beautiful) he rasped back, stretching out some more.

Chuck propped himself on his elbows to quickly scrutinize the huge bed, before opting to relocate just a bit lower and rest on his back right between Blair's legs.

The shift down her body, combined with his deeply guttural and perfectly pronounced french, did something to her lower stomach that made her thighs twitch in reflex.

'Do you want me to move? Sorry if I am a little invasive' he husked, brushing a knuckle to her calf.

'Not at all' she crooned, 'make yourself at home.'

'Oh, I am.' Chuck smirked - Blair couldn't see it from there, but she just knew he did.

'What are you writing so passionately about so early?' he rubbed his eyes, yawning.

'It's past midday' she snorted, 'and it's just a travel planner, there's so much we can do-' Blair paused, realizing just then that she hadn't yet spelled out for him the plans for their stay.

Needless to say, her personal and proud enthusiasm of being in her second favorite city with her first favorite person had simply seen Blair's reasoning puff and vanish into blissful clouds. Along with, of course, that special fever state that only an extended limousine ride with him could induce.

All of the suddenly realizable possibilities for the future were manifesting in her mind and brought her what felt like a new vivacity after what she'd experienced in her previous, stale, relationships.

At once, she was encouraged to just share things with Chuck, with all of her niche interests becoming even worth sharing now that she had by her side the most suitable and knowledgeable person to appreciate them with her. That's how Blair tracked down the reason why she'd never felt this pleasantly distracted before, and it was something that left her equally stunned and thrilled.

'Chuck, have you ever actually seen Paris? I mean, besides the red district and connecting flights at CDG? I took the liberty to research activities and sightseeing for us, I hope you don't mind' she revealed, nudging her knee to his side.

'You know I don't' Chuck stated.

He stretched his arm back, splaying his palm to her face in an unspoken request for her planner, and added 'I'm sure you're the best and most qualified Cicerone this city has ever seen.'

Blair sighed at his obvious smarming attempt as she planted the booklet into his hand; a sigh that halted on a grin when she noticed the way Chuck silently read each one of the many notes across the pages - and that he didn't skip a word she had written.

'Well, I thought you had seen Paris dozens of times' he smacked his lips, 'you planned each day down to the hour, there's a lot going on here. Did you include lavatory breaks too?' Chuck teased, but with no trace of disagreement to be found in his voice, just a little incredulity if anything.

He then tilted his head back, his frizzy, grazing hair tickling her inner thigh as his eyes met hers behind him, eyes that seemed slightly provoked under her arched brows.

'Hilarious! And yes, I've already seen every corner, but there's always something new happening in Paris' she murmured in a voice filled with wonder, 'it's a whole different experience every time.'

'Is that so' he hissed, as his gaze casually ended upon the dipping, irresistible gap under the blue silk that barely covered the apex of her thighs.

'No Chuck, don't even think about it. Take a look under today's date instead' she urged, her hand gesturing his attention back to the planner.

'14:00 - Yves Saint Laurent "Rétrospective" exhibit at Petit Palais. That's in a little over an hour…'

'In which we have to get ready for the afternoon and sit for lunch. This new viet restaurant I'd like to try today is a good ten minutes drive, traffic considered' Blair mused.

'And I suppose we just can't get there later than planned because we would otherwise set back everything else' Chuck sighed, with a tinge of resignation settling in his voice.

'Exactly, mon amour (my love). Come on, we should get moving' Blair patted his shoulder right before extricating her legs from around him.

'Are you really sure?' Chuck turned and reached for her chin, tipping it gently in one last attempt to slow her rush with his best pitiful expression.

Blair simply nodded in answer and pulled him by his own arm, forcing him up and running at last.

The citizens of Paris had been the unaware witness to a rather earth shattering moment that day: Chuck and Blair held hands on their walk, in public, out of mere mutual instinct and for longer than just a bunch of jittery seconds.

It had already happened in their lives before, of course, but only a few times and under very specific circumstances. For example, they held hands in primary school everytime they were paired up for the annual recitals because, according to their teachers, they had a unique sense of comradeship.

Later in life, starting in junior year, they sometimes crashed their hands together at the heights of their lust anytime they shared a bed or a ride home. Much unlike senior year, when their hands touched very briefly and usually because of discouragement or pain, during a bittersweet dance or after a funeral. But now, as flourishing adults, they held hands out of love.

Rush hour met them right after their hurried lunch, causing the both of them to reach for the other's hand before crossing the busy avenue; and not only did it feel safe, but it also, and incredibly so, felt extremely normal.

That was the real sentiment behind Blair's words when she sighed, 'we did it' as they merged to the queue outside the elegant museum, fingers still entwined like the roses around them. She let herself glance at the warmed-up union made by their hands, just for a split second before looking away when she sensed a soft tinge of disquiet down the pit of her stomach.

She had purposely limited her interjection, as to avoid the risk of sounding just a little too sappy to him about how important it was to finally be holding hands. Blair did, however in her heart, still wait for him to say something. Once more her gaze dropped to where their arms met, even more abruptly than before as her nerves suggested that maybe Chuck indeed was a romantic, but maybe not to that point.

Yet, at her side, Chuck found it almost difficult to suppress his snorts at Blair's much noticeable glances; he would never not be amused whenever she tried to mask her real intentions from him, as if he hadn't already seen and learnt her whole range of tactics throughout his life. He knew what she meant with her words and he knew that she was waiting.

So, all Chuck did in answer was to look into her eyes and squeeze her hand tighter when he brought it to his lips to kiss; and Blair blushed with relief as his reaction perfectly matched the same consideration she'd intimated to, along with her unspoken wish.

'Yves was pure genius' she kept muttering at every beautifully dressed mannequin they passed by. The exhibition was a labyrinth built around the many artistic displays of the designer's most iconic collections, and Blair was in sheer delight as she swayed her heels back and forth the parquets in the grand halls. Chuck gladly followed behind, letting her excitement drag him towards the most magnificent pieces; he thought that the garments were absolutely outstanding, but nothing really came close to the happy face that was so much admiring them.

Most of his knowledge about women's fashion history obviously came from Blair, but he still knew how to appreciate a good outfit when he saw one. His eyes fixated to one of the largest displays, a layered stage under crystal chandeliers set into dim lights. The carpeted dais was sprinkled with some of the most elegant dresses he'd ever seen: all shades of reds, golden and black sewn into old-fashioned long cuts, everything that he loved to see Blair in.

Chuck was naturally driven to the left corner where he stopped to observe a few crimson gowns whose silhouettes brought a twist to the '20s -'30s couture, he guessed.

'These are gorgeous' Blair whispered as she joined him to his side.

'Mhmh. You'd look amazing in any of them, red is your color. Although,' he cleared his throat, pulling her closer to him, 'I'd especially like this one for you' Chuck husked and pointed to a very seductive robe in front of them.

'Plunging neckline, almost down to the navel. Can't really say I'm surprised' she chuckled, her cheeks showing a tinge of blush, 'thank you by the way.'

His furrowed brows turned to her beaming face, as he wondered what exactly he had done to be worthy of gratitude.

'You must be the only man here who doesn't look bored out of his mind' Blair bantered, softly tugging at his collar and smiling some more when he leaned into her for a chaste kiss.

They continued their calm strolling through the other hundreds dazzling clothes and photographs surrounding them, pacing around every row and dais while murmuring comments and sweet words alike. At times he would also get breaths away from her ear to disclose what he'd like to do to her later in the night; and he was very pleasantly surprised to notice how much her reactions to him "being a perv" had changed with the course of time.

In what felt like no time at all, they had completed their tour. Blair's legs started to stiffen a little on her Pradas as they stepped down the stairs outside, but their afternoon was far from being over.

'So, what's next?' he hummed, unhooking the two top buttons off his cream-colored shirt and putting his Raybans on.

'Her!' Blair announced with zeal, lacing an arm with his as she smiled to the tall, iron tower dominating their view, 'we'll be at its big feet in about twenty some minutes.'

He gaped at her from behind his shades.

'Shouldn't we at least take a cab? It's a melting pot out here and you've been walking on heels for hours' Chuck cajoled her, or at least he tried.

'You underestimate me and my life long training. This side of the river is shaded under the trees right now, it couldn't be any better!' she cheered; and Chuck couldn't but sigh and partake in his girlfriend's enthusiasm.

So they walked down the riverside towards the east, and were at least able to breathe thanks to the shelter provided by the green branches above their heads, and to the faintly cool air wafting up from the waters at their side.

Blair took advantage of their stroll as they crossed the Alma bridge to point and illustrate to him some of the places she was going to take him during the next few days; and he listened to her patiently, feeling both overwhelmed but extremely blessed with the enthusiasm shown for his company for the first time in his life.

When they finally arrived at the four colossal plinths at the base of the sky-high tower, Chuck was daunted to say the least, especially once he realized that they were walking into the "no elevator" line.

'You can't be serious' he almost laughed.

'Blair you could build a town under this tower, it's gigantic' he insisted, 'would you ever climb up the Empire State? Lifts exist for a reason.'

'Of course I am, stairs are still better than queuing for hours' she crooned, squeezing his arm with excitement and reassurance.

'And this is much different than New York, you can't compare! There are only two main levels before taking the lift to the final tip. Honestly, it's easier than what it seems' she affirmed, hoping to tranquilise him as they stepped further.

'What about your feet?' Chuck sighed. He was desperate.

'I'll be fine, standing on them is even worse than these seven hundred and four steps' she said calmly.

Chuck stirred at the mere mention of that number and instantly rubbed his jaw, wondering if he could just pay everyone waiting in line to leave and clear those forsaken lifts.

And Blair couldn't contain her laugh at the sheer terror that seemed to be sullying his usual composure; it was incredibly ironic to her that someone with that much stamina could be at the same time so tense about climbing a few steps.

'Let's go, we're not going to the gallows!' she brightened up, squeezing his arm once more before taking their tickets, 'I'll get you ice-cream when we're back down.'

Excluding the heat, the sweating, the impossibly slow pace, the other hundreds of people climbing with them and that kind of panting he didn't like, Chuck had to admit that it was an enjoyable experience after all. If anything, he got to admire Blair's stepping in front of him as he tried to hide the vision from other leering eyes besides his, all while her summer skirt flapped right above his nose; he thought that she gave him a perfectly motivational view that was merely complimented by the ones below them.

They only stopped for a few minutes to catch their breaths and reintegrate some liquids on the first level, and then decided to keep going to better enjoy the more wondrous view from the next one. Blair's feet were indeed on fire by then, but there was no way she would tell him, not when he looked so red himself in trying to conceal his exertion for her.

As they got past the very last step, their straining rapidly morphed into amazement. The view that opened in front of their eyes was simply breathtaking under the clear, spotless summer sky and it instantly made the long climbing perfectly worth it.

They found a free spot to sit and rest their legs for a bit, letting the refreshing breeze cool their skin as they took in the beautiful sight.

A few recovering minutes later, they stood up once again to look out the balcony; Blair leaned into his side, finding support for her legs as her hand found his on the railing.

'Was I right then?' she sighed, shutting her eyes in fatigued contentment as she snuggled into his curling arm, all while being completely indifferent to the body heat adding to hers.

'You were right. It probably wasn't as easy as you promised, but the city truly looks spectacular from here' he murmured.

Chuck then pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of the view below them before angling the camera to his side, and out of instinct recorded a much more memorable scene. Blair's face was flushed red and encircled by dampened, frizzy curls; the tone of her cheeks almost matched the bright pink lipstick on her lips, and her make-up was smudged under a few dribbles of sweat around her eyes. But she looked serene nonetheless as she rested on his shoulder; and if there was a moment worth immortalizing in such a romantic location, it simply was his tired-out girlfriend in one of her rarest, but still exquisite, appearances.

Once back to the ground, Blair kept her word and got them two cones of ice-cream from the little truck stationed in the gardens nearby; vanilla and raspberry for her, chocolate mint for him.

They nestled together on a green bench surrounded by colorful flowers and plants trimmed to perfection, with each of them working on their treats before they'd melt under the sun.

'If you keep staring at me like that you'll end up with a sticky mess on your hand' she huffed, rolling her eyes at the way his gaze followed her swirls around the creamy dessert.

'If I had a dime everyti-' he began, just before her hand found his leg with a slap.

'You were much funnier minutes ago when you were wheezing' she joked, stretching her legs on his lap as if they had been alone in one of the busiest places in the world.

Chuck relaxed his back against the bench and very spontaneously started rubbing down her sore calves.

'Thanks my love' he smirked; and that word still had Blair catch her breath.

'What is it?' he muttered, his tongue skillfully lapping up greenish droplets of melting cream.

'Isn't it so… crazy, how normal this feels? I mean, was today our first date? Did we ever even have an official first date?' she pondered, wide-eyed and open-mouthed.

Chuck took a moment to think about it as well, but he had to give up and simply grin at the memory of a freshly broken up Blair walking into his club; she was looking for a distraction, which turned out to be stripping on a stage, and then stripping some more once alone with him.

'Is it relevant though? I think this is just… us? Being ourselves unconditionally and together?' he contemplated, his hand waving as the thoughts that he was voicing.

'Okay Socrates' she teased, leaning closer at once to place a kiss on his sweetened lips; she had the feeling that they would probably never find a quick answer to exactly describe what they'd become, or especially how.

'So, how was today then? Too much? Guess you can already tell I really like it here' she chuckled, stroking his arm.

'I adored it. I'm slightly worn out but it's nothing that a shower won't fix. Oh and,' he straightened his back, turning to her face and charmed, 'I saw that you booked at Epicure tonight, but I took the liberty to make a little change of plans while you were at the restroom at lunch. I hope you don't mind.' Chuck flashed her a wicked smile in anticipation - and for having evened things out with her.

Blair narrowed her eyes; she was taken by surprise but thrilled at the same time.

'Well? Tell me!' she hurried.

'Ever heard of the Moulin Rouge? I thought you'd enjoy a cabaret show in the place that saw its creation' he grinned, widely.

'You're joking' Blair gasped, blinking her eyes a good five times, 'the website said it was fully booked up until the end of the month!'

'I'm Chuck Bass, remember?' he husked, putting his shades back on and very unironically so.

'And you're insane' she shook her head, snorting, 'but ok, we gotta go.'

'What's the rush?' he mumbled, closing his lips on the last ounce of ice-cream.

'I'll need hours to get ready now and I want to stop by Givenchy on the way back before it closes.'

Chuck arched his eyebrows in response, as he found it very odd that there wasn't a single appropriate attire in any of her six, or more, suitcases.

She breathed out, 'I have nothing to wear?'

And so he stood, sighed with her and then gently pulled her back onto her feet.

This time though they both were willing to take a cab, and for the whole drive they never once let go of each other's hands.

A/N

- CDG stands for the main Paris airport Charles De Gaulle which is a crossing point for many international flights.

- The YSL exhibition really happened at Petit Palais in 2010, just the year after our setting.

- I hope you don't mind the many words I'm lavishing about this city, I cherish it with my whole heart and I couldn't wait to write my favorite couple in some of my favorite sceneries.

- Please let me know if it's okay for me to put translations between brackets whenever they speak french! I have a scene planned somewhere in the next chapters where they're definitely going to talk more, so I want to make sure it won't put you off reading.

- This chapter was initially supposed to include their night too, but I decided to split it into two shorter ones since the next part will have a whole different vibe to it after this fluff fest. This feels a little bit new to me since I'm used to writing one-shots, so let me also know if this pace feels alright or if you'd rather have more scenes per chapter!

- Finally thank you for taking your time to read any of my work, it means the world! See you soon with their exciting, and probably intense night-out!