Chapter 3:

The elevator door opened. Nate walked up to Chuck's Suite. His friend was seated at the bar sipping on some scotch. "Hey, man. I tried looking for you yesterday, but you were nowhere to be found."

"I was preoccupied with a mystery girl." Chuck handed his friend the black mask.

Nate instantly recognized that mask. "Did your mystery girl have brown curly hair? Petite? Wore long pearl necklace?" He wondered.

"Yes?" Chuck replied. His friend wasn't the most observant fellow. So, could it even be possible he knew his mystery girl's identity?

"I think your mystery girl is Cinderella."

"Are you referring to the fictional character who sings to mice and birds?"

"I mean Blair Waldorf. Remember how everyone use to call her Cinderella? She is back in town and pretty positive that mask belongs to her. I saw her wearing it at the Blind Rabbit."

"Hold that thought," Chuck went to answer his Blackberry. "Arthur, I am assuming you call me with information about the girl I mention last night?"

Begrudgingly, Arthur confirmed Nate's theory. The girl whom he had tried to seduce, kissed, and given him a personal burlesque show was little Waldorf. The girl who was his childhood crush, first kiss, and technically the only girl he's ever married.

This had to be some joke. The girl had always been prim, proper, and very innocent. Her parents were Elanor and Harold Waldorf. Two very strict parents who would be furious if they had found out Blair had stepped into one of his establishments. Up until last night, he would never use the word sexy to describe Blair. Pretty, spoiled, and strategist were words more fitting for the girl. There was something about her last night. Much different than the girl he remembered.

"Don't tell Blair I know. I have no clue how I am going to play this." Chuck entreated.

"This isn't a game. Look if she piqued your interest then just tell her. See how this how whole thing plays out." Nate did not see why Chuck wanted to play games. It seemed simple. He likes her. She probably likes him. Why not talk and see if they can be something or if the night was just a moment? Nate knew that there was no reasoning with Chuck, so he gave up. "Just be nice," he warned.

XOXOXOXO

"You have to lighten up," Blair remarked.

"I know," Serena agreed. She placed her hands over her face. Slightly embarrassed about chasing her brother all night. Dan tried using his dry humor to make her night more enjoyable but to success. Serena had been so focused on making sure that her brother didn't get into any trouble she forgot to let him actually enjoy the night. If they were being honest Serena had done far worst at his age. "Who would have thought you would be the one telling me to lighten up?"

This comment earned a laugh from both girls.

"What are you two laughing about?" Nate asked wasting no time in taking the empty seat next to Serena.

Serena and Blair were both stunned to see the boys during their Brunch.

"Hello, sister dearest." The nickname caused Serena to scrunch her face in disgust. He then went over to Blair and kissed her hand. Just like he had done the night before. "I'm Chuck Bass."

The kiss made her heart skip a beat. Though she attributed that heart skip to the coffee she was drinking.

She had to admit he change a lot over the years. He was no longer a boy, but instead a man. He had grown taller since the last time she remembered seeing him. His hair was now slicked back in a style she could not recall him ever wearing. He still was well dressed as always. And wore that irritating infamous smirk.

"Very funny Bass. We've met before, or did you already forget the girl whom you blackmailed into marrying?"

"I must say you have grown into an enchanting woman Waldorf." Blair could feel Chuck's eyes focus on the low neckline of her dress that hand gave him a peek at her cleavage and then back to her lips. She should have called him a pig or whacked him. Though she liked the attention. She like being looked at as an object of desire. It was similar to how her mysterious stranger looked at her last night.

Serena made some gagging noises noticing the look of desire the two were exchanging. "I just ate breakfast."

Blair quickly instead decided to focus on the ceiling tiles. While Chuck just continued to smirk.

"If memory serves me correctly, we never really got divorced." Chuck reminded Blair.

"That's because we never legally got married." She reminded him.

"But we did get married on sacred grounds. I mean I do consider the church gardens holy. After all, was your idea."

"I planned on getting married to Nate there. Not you."

"I saved you from a loveless marriage. You knew Nate only had eyes for Serena."

"And what, ours was filled with love?"

"I gave you a ring and your first kiss."

"Not my first kiss. Besides, kisses and jewelry do not equal love."

"You might want to fact-check that with some of my father's exs."

"You disgust me. Then again you are father's son. Well, all his worst traits. Clearly, that's why no one stays. What happened between us when we were kids was a mistake. I would never desire to be near you. A boy like you will always be alone and will be only pitied never loved."

"Not cool B!" Serena could see Chuck's eyes go dark. He looked seething. She knew the cut had already been made and now the younger Bass was going to fight back.

"Really? Because I remember you singing a very different tune last night." Chuck glared at

Blair as he spoke.

The cat was out of the bag. So much for waiting for the right moment. The only thing is Chuck was ready to lash out. He was going to draw blood. He was going for destruction.

"Excuse me?" Blair was confused. Had he seen her last night? Did he bear witness to everything that had happened between her and her mystery man?

He let out a menacing laugh. "I did enjoy the show last night." Chuck knew Blair had always hated when people caused a scene. "I forgot to tip you for your personal burlesque dance last night." Chuck pulled out his wallet and threw a few bills of cash at Blair. A look of Disbelief covered Blair's face. "People, do say I'm a more than generous tipper."

Blair's eyes were becoming glossy. She was determined not to cry. At least not here. She refused to give Chuck Bass that satisfaction.

Blair threw Chuck's money back at him. "Nate, nice to see you again. Serena, I'll see you later." The trio watched Blair walk away.

Serena was searching for their waiter. She had to run after Blair, but would not dine and ditch. "Go, I'll settle the bill." Nate reassured Serena.

She said her thanks, shook called Chuck a jerk, then left to find the tiny brunette.

"I'm no ladies' man, but I know what just happened right now is the opposite of trying to get a girl to like you." Nate shook his head in disapproval.

"She started it." Chuck was still staring at the exit. He rather die than admit any feelings of guilt and regret.

"Well, I'm ending it." Nate started lecturing Chuck that they were no longer kids. Both Blair and Chuck were going to have to find some way to apologize and make up. All four of them were friends. They were each gifted with troubling parents. Through the good and bad they always had each other.

As much as Chuck hated it, Nate had a point. Chuck reluctantly agreed to apologize and make things right with Blair. He was going to need some alcohol, lots of peonies, and so much self-retrain.

XOXOXOXO

Author's Note:

So, what did y'all think? Louis will come in later in the story. Now, it's more about how Blair and Chuck fell in love and we are getting there. Opinions and critiques would be much appreciated. Thank you so much for reading this chapter. Have a great day!