A/N: Hey everyone! I know, I suck at updating. But I have good reasons! This whole school term has been extremely strenuous and I honestly had no time to write. RL was a priority, but I totally missed this story! I'm in the midst of exam season (as I should NOT be writing this, but consider this a "study break") and finish on the 25th, so after that I will be free from the shackles of school for the summer. With that great news, I plan to write as much as possible to keep this story moving. So, if by the end of May I don't have anything posted, PM me, review, do something to get my lazy butt into gear. Anyway, this AN is getting very long so let's move on to the story. Enjoy and please review! I hope I haven't lost many of you!

Thanks to everyone who reviewed last chapter! Seriously I didn't expect such a large positive response! You're all the best! Especially to the anonymous reviewers I can't respond to that left the most beautiful words here's a shout out: Scarlett, Perla, Kathrynm37. I wish I could respond to you personally, but you're all amazing, with your meaningful reviews and I thank you!

Chapter 16: The Non-Judging Breakfast Club Reunion

Warmth. He felt blissfully warm. It wasn't the same kind of warmth he would feel, tangled in his silk sheets alone. This warmth was different. This warmth stretched further to a place he'd never encountered before. He decided he liked it, and welcomed it. Longed for it.

Chuck inhaled heavily, his jaw slackened as a yawn escaped him. He stretched his outstretched arm, and lifted his head from the silky pillow. His eyes were bleary, and he heard a soft sigh escape the lips of the girl his arm was draped around. He turned his head to her, realizing their compromising position. Chuck's arm trapped her in an embrace, her leg thrown over his hip, hair wild and limbs tangled together.

Sitting upright, Chuck's memories of the night before flooded him, and he recounted how he got here. The play. Blair got rejected from Yale. Victrola.

Ah. That's how.

Blair stirred in her sleep, her arms snaking around his torso. Subconsciously or not, Blair gravitated toward him voluntarily. His eyes dropped to her face, and he pushed a thick wave of hair away from her face. Her eyes flutter open, and settle on him. Confusion clouded her eyes, and she retracts her arm away from him.

"Good morning Waldorf."

Noticing their intimate position, Blair untangled her body away from him. "Why are you in my bed?"

"Forgive me for reminding you, but we decided to go to Victrola, and you decided to drink a bottle of champagne."

Blair sits up and clutches her head. Swaying, she massaged her temples. "Please tell me you didn't get me to do something stupid."

Chuck's eyes narrowed, hurt that she'd assume that of him. Weren't they past that? Didn't anything he did last night prove that fact?

He shook his head and peeled the sheets from his body. He slipped on his left shoe, and felt stickiness on his right. The champagne glass she dropped made his shoe smell like the drink, and hoped it didn't smell too badly. He turned to her to answer her question. "I didn't make you do anything."

She blinked back at him blankly. Blair looked up and around the bed and noticed that she still wore the same dress as yesterday. She combed her fingernails through her hair. "Thank you," she mumbled.

Chuck straitened his suit jacket and bowtie. He grimaced when he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror.

"Where are you going?"

He turned back to face her. "Well," he cleared his throat, "It's already past eleven, and I don't think Dorota will appreciate my stay overnight – or your mother. I'd rather not hear Dorota curse at me in her mother tongue. Unless…"

Blair's eyes dropped to where her hands gripped her bedspread. "Unless what?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "Do you need anything?"

"Oh, don't worry about me. I'll be fine." Blair attempted to stand in that instant, but fell back on her head. She groaned and clutched her skull.

Chuck frowned, and stepped closer to her. "I've had my share of hangovers Blair, you can't pretend that nothing's wrong. I've had every symptom possible."

"It's just a headache. I'll take some aspirin. Preferably soon." She padded to her bathroom, and rifled through her shelf for the bottle. After finding it and taking two tablets, Blair reentered her bedroom.

What now? Chuck thought to himself. He readjusted his bowtie and rocked on his heels. He tried to figure out what was on Blair's mind – but found it to be more complicating than previous occasions. After last night, Chuck didn't know what Blair would do. She lost her way, and he knew out of anybody that her vulnerability would make her do things that surprised everyone. Himself included. As well as he knew Blair Waldorf, she still is capable of surprising him.

Chuck shoved his hands in his pockets. "I should go now."

She nodded and walked him to her bedroom door. "Again, thank you for staying. For me."

He smirked. "You've thanked me twice in one morning Waldorf. This is very unusual of you."

"Consider it a special occasion."

Chuck smiled at the memory of his Saturday morning. He questioned what it was that warmth he felt that morning, and is still puzzled by it. It gave him the most unusual thoughts. The mere thought of waking up with Blair in his arms made him feel warm. Unlike his abundance of fantasies that involved Blair in many intricate positions – and little clothing, he'd like to add – this one was content without thinking of those thoughts - for the moment.

Glancing down the corridor, he spotted her quickly. Although beaten, her spark was still there. A bit dim, but still glowing. A smile was plastered on her face, her uniform perfectly pressed as if nothing detrimental happened to her. Clearly, one night of comfort was not going to fix Blair. She commanded her minions, as she did every day, and instilled fear into all the bystanders of her kingdom.

He didn't want to get caught staring at her, so he turned and shut his locker. Chuck looked over his shoulder once more, but Blair disappeared. Disappointment filled the void in his stomach when suddenly a finger jabbed into his arm.

He swiveled around, irritated. "What?" He immediately regrets his harsh tone, when his eyes meet Evelyn's.

"Whoa, did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?"

He shook his head and sighed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you. Just don't sneak up on me like that."

"Dually noted." Evelyn leaned against his locker. "I've been thinking-"

"That can't be good," Chuck smirked.

She rolled her eyes. "I've been thinking about something serious."

Serious? What could that possibly mean, Chuck wondered. He thought back to Friday night and it dawned on him. The Gossip Girl post. Evelyn and Nate. A bubble of anger suddenly bursts within him.

"Is this about Nate?" His eyes narrowed, voice lowered.

She knitted her brows together. "What? No! Why would you…" She ran her hands over her face and groaned. "This is about the Gossip Girl post isn't it?"

Chuck raised an eyebrow. "Yes. I know I'm quick to judge, but it was incriminating evidence."

"It wasn't like that! He asked me!"

"What? So, he asked you out on a date?"

Evelyn suddenly appeared uncomfortable. Her left hand fiddled with a gold chain tucked away under her uniform. "No, no, no. After the play, I didn't want to go to the after party, and he didn't either, so he offered for us… to…hang out instead… As friends. Hence, the picture you saw."

Chuck's eyes narrowed. His sister couldn't be that innocent. Although he still didn't know what experience she had when it came to dating, he felt the need to protect her from who she didn't know. He didn't even want to know if there was anyone else she'd been with… like that. Chuck's stomach flipped. Yes, he would definitely not think about that.

"I know you two are best friends and I wouldn't want interfere with that. It was a onetime thing," Evelyn explained. Her hands returned to her sides, and she looked at him for approval.

"It better be," Chuck finally said after a brief lull of silence. "Because if I hear or see anything else happen, I will do something about it. Not just to Nate, but you too."

Evelyn exhaled, relieved. "I promise. I don't like him, like that."

Better not, Chuck thought to himself, although, Nate's charm had even the most stubborn of women fall for him. He wasn't sure if he believed his sister, but decided to believe her for his own sake.

"Besides," She continued, "I actually came to ask you a question."

"By all means."

Evelyn bit her lip shyly. "Well, you know my birthday is this Thursday, and I was wondering since you've been, and I haven't, that we… could see Mom."

Mom.

He hadn't visited his mom since he was twelve. That was when he believed he was the cause of her death. His birthday was a week after Evelyn's after all, and assumed that day she died while he was born. Unfortunately, it was just a coincidence. A coincidence his father never pointed out.

"I was hoping we could all go as a family."

Chuck avoided her hopeful gaze. He knew he should go. A visit has been long overdue. But, the pain held him back each and every passing year.

"You'll come won't you?"

He finally met her gaze – a big mistake. Her blue eyes mirrored hope and vulnerability. He sighed and told her the only answer. "Yes."

Satisfied with her brother's cooperation, Evelyn returned to the courtyard. She was going to meet Jenny to go for lunch, and since her brother had to point it out, she had to explain the incriminating picture of her and Nate out together. Alone. Unfortunately, Gossip Girl was having a field day with this bit of information – not to mention the questions circulating whether or not Blair will retain her 'Queen B status.' What mattered most to Evelyn was explaining that she and Nate were friends. Nothing more. The only person who needed to believe it most was Jenny.

The courtyard was mostly empty, so Evelyn claimed a vacant table. Jenny mentioned she would be late, and Evelyn took the available time to last minute cram for her physics test. She yanked the book from her bag, and leafed through its pages.

"Hey. Can I talk to you for a second?"

Once she met eyes with the stranger, she scowled. "You're not the Humphrey I was hoping to see."

"Sorry to disappoint, but I will assume that was a yes." Dan sat down on the stone bench. Evelyn avoided eye-contact. It was bad enough that she stumbled upon Humphrey's secret, but now he was paranoid that she'd snitch.

"You're going to bother me again aren't you?"

"Bother is not the word I'd use. More like confront," He waved his arms in to illustrate his point. "You know, communicate if I'm lucky?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. After brushing off Dan a few nights prior, she did feel she owed him a chance to explain himself. "Fine. But if you're worried that I'll rat to Gossip Girl-"

"I don't care if you send this to Gossip Girl – But whatever you do, don't tell Mrs. Queller. I don't want Rachel to lose her job."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "She should have thought of that before she decided to have a… well, you know… that with you. Putting it on Gossip Girl wouldn't make it any better."

Dan sighed. "Okay, you're right. But the difference is that Gossip Girl is a site for gossip. I mean half that stuff isn't even true anyway."

So far it's been fairly accurate about me, Evelyn thought to herself. "So you'd be okay with me sending a tip to Gossip Girl?"

Dan pondered it, hunched over, his hands sweeping over his eyes. "As long as Rachel doesn't lose her job-"

"Seriously? You'd lose your reputation. Someone could go to the Principle about it."

Dan scoffed. "That's a big assumption. The kids at this school wouldn't rat me out. I'm not important enough."

"Really Lonely boy? So, you wouldn't be at all worried if I sent this to Gossip Girl?"

Dan shook his head. "Obviously I am, but you have to understand you're nothing until you're talked about."

Evelyn absorbed his words. Nothing until you're talked about? It was a pretty bold statement from someone who, could also get in trouble for being involved with Ms. Carr. "Okay, but you're forgetting that I'm an eye witness. I could confirm the story on Gossip Girl. However, I was going to say nothing because your Jenny's brother, and in order for me to do that, you really just need to chill out and trust me."

Dan's shoulders loosened. "Right. I just wanted to make sure. We never had a chance to talk about what happened that night-"

"What night?" Evelyn and Dan turned, startled. Jenny dropped her bag and sat on the other side of Evelyn.

Evelyn blinked blankly at her friend, and Dan stuttered, "Uh… well – you – you see-"

Obviously, Jenny must have been unaware of her brother's relations with Miss Carr. Jenny swept her long golden hair over her shoulders. Innocence filled her blue eyes.

"Are you guys talking about the play?" She asked.

"Yes," Evelyn interjected. What am I supposed to say? Evelyn fretted frantically. Think, think, think. "Actually, Dan came to thank me for finding him before the play. Right Dan?"

He nodded awkwardly. "Y-Yes," He turned to Evelyn, "Thank you again for that." Dan checked his watch. "I have to go now. See you at home Jen, and thanks again Evelyn." He patted her shoulder, his dark eyes willing her to keep her silence. She stared back, hoping he understood that she meant what she said, and that he'd leave her alone.

"No problem," Evelyn muttered under her breath. She hunched over her textbook, trying to find the section she was reading before Dan interrupted her.

"That was weird," Jenny commented.

"Uh huh."

"You and Dan, I mean."

"Uh huh."

"So if I were to ask if you if you wished you were more like me, would you agree with that too?"

"No." Evelyn shut her textbook. So much for studying. "I like being myself. Although living in Brooklyn is very tempting."

Jenny rolled her eyes. "You don't know what you're talking about. I'd trade if the stakes weren't so high."

Stakes? Jenny made it seem that having money was bad thing. Sure there was a tradeoff, but in the end wasn't it worth it? Isn't that why her dad worked so hard? She never thought of that, but she was lucky to be born into money – regardless of when she realized she was born into it.

"So, how was the rest of your weekend?" Jenny asked, shaking Evelyn out of her own thoughts.

"Oh, well…" The picture, Evelyn thought, tell her about the picture! "It was uneventful. But um, after the play, I invited Nate to your – our – birthday party. He eagerly accepted."

Jenny smiled. "Great! I saw a picture on Gossip Girl, and I was going to ask you about it-"

"Oh yeah, we just talked about the party, and I did slide your name in a few times." Lie.

"Really?" Jenny bit her lip. "Did Nate talk about me?"

Shit, Evelyn cursed inwardly. Now you've done it. Try to dig yourself out of this one.

Suddenly, her tongue felt heavy, and saliva thick. "Y-Yeah, um a bit."

"Now, we have to agree on decorations and venue. Also, this week Nate's having his lacrosse game. We'll go and support." Evelyn nodded, head staring at the cover of her textbook.

"But first," Jenny continued, "can you explain lacrosse to me?"

Evelyn gulped, guilt constricting her ability to speak. "Yes."

"Will you listen to me? When I agreed to help him, I didn't think he was serious about you. I didn't realize I was even serious about you."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Some friend you were. Why did you think this was okay? Do you know what these people are saying about me? The lies? Why won't you tell them it's not true?"

"Come on, they'll only believe what they want to-"

"Right. Or maybe its because you want them to accept you? Trading up for status? Use me to get to them? That's something I never expected from you of all people."

Today marked the first Van der Bass family dinner in weeks. Lily had set the date and practically ordered everyone to attend. Chuck used to look forward to family dinners. It was his opportunity to pester Serena without being reprimanded, listen to Eric's day. Of course, all dinners never passed without a fight – usually between him and Serena – but Chuck savored it that way. They were dysfunctional. Now with the addition of Evelyn, she brought unity to their dinners. She certainly had wormed her way into everybody's heart. Any awkwardness from their first family dinner had eroded, with occasional remnants.

However, Chuck would rather be anywhere but home. Almost a week had passed since the play and everything wasn't back to normal as he originally anticipated. After their reminiscent rendezvous to Victrola, Blair hadn't been able to pick up the pieces this time. She wandered, with a strong front, but she still had a lost look in her eyes. It was so unlike Blair. Chuck didn't know how to handle a new side of her, one he'd yet to witness.

That evening, Chuck dragged his feet into the penthouse. He couldn't fathom why nobody was helping her. Couldn't they see she was falling apart? Couldn't they tell by her eyes? Her posture? Her lips?

Chuck tossed his bag onto the sofa. Everybody was already seated at the table – even Serena. Chuck smirked a comment ready to fall from his lips, but relented once he saw his step sister's distress. Her blue eyes stared squarely into his with question. Can we talk?

Chuck nodded discretely to her. She looked back to her empty plate and immediately understood her anguish. Taking a seat beside Evelyn, Chuck greeted everybody and apologized for his tardiness.

"Well, now that we're all here, let's eat!" Lily announced. Food was passed around the table, a light chatter floated above. Chuck filled his plate with salmon and vegetables. Eric was currently in the middle of retelling a tale which involved Jonathan, and a trip to the zoo.

Chuck half listened, his thoughts drifted to his vixen in need. His? When did he start calling her his?

Bart's voice cut through his thoughts. "…Mr. Montgomery is a good friend of mine, and he is getting married this fall. Next Saturday is his engagement party and Lily has RSVP'd that we'd all be going as a family."

"We expect for you to clear whatever it is you may have planned on your schedules because there is no excuse for you not to be there," Lily said. "Mr. Montgomery is a very dear friend and it would be disrespectful if any of you decided not to come."

Serena groaned, and Eric looked displeased. "We don't even know him," Serena protested.

"Serena," Lily said in a warning tone, "It's not up for discussion."

Serena leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed. Chuck's eye caught on his sister who was very silent. She kept quiet, her eyes trained on her plate. She bit her lip, hesitantly. "Does this include me?"

Lily's confused smile turned into one full of comfort. "Of course it does! You are a part of this family Evelyn as with everyone else, and it does include you."

Evelyn returned the smile. "I've never been to one of these before."

"We were actually hoping this could be a good introduction. In the year to come, there will be plenty of charity galas and fund raisers that you'll attend," Bart added.

"This event will be small, with mutual friends. Serena, Eric and Chuck will be there with you."

"It'll be a lot less boring for us too," Eric smiled.

A pregnant pause fills the air; cutlery scratched plates, people chewed on their food. Chuck didn't have anything to add to the conversation. Chuck vaguely heard Lily ask Eric what his plans are this weekend.

"Well, I'll let Evelyn tell you."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "I was actually going to ask. Since this coming Thursday is my birthday, I was convinced to have a party."

Serena's eyes light up. "That's great! What kind of party?"

"Uh, well, it's actually going to be a joint birthday party with Jenny. A double sweet sixteen is what we're calling it."

Evelyn continued, "I know it's a bit late, but well, We're discussing details-"

"Do you need help?" Serena cut her off, and continued, "I've planned so many of these before, I can totally help."

"And did they end with success sis?" Chuck interjected.

Serena scowled at Chuck. "Every one of them."

Evelyn blinked back at the blonde, surprised by her kindness. "Uh, yeah. That'd be great. You better help too Eric."

"I already volunteered."

Serena started blathering on about decorations and locations. "We should have a theme!"

"A theme?" Evelyn gaped. "I would have to ask Jenny about it first. I'll call her after dinner. Tomorrow at school we can talk about it."

Serena smiled at her reassuringly before glaring at Chuck. The girls continued to chatter on about invitations, dresses with Lily contributing her input. Chuck sat back, a bit resigned from the conversation. He picked at his food, wondering what Blair was doing right then. His imagination runs wild, dreaming up all the horrific things that might be happening to Blair right at that moment. Chuck shook the thoughts out of his head. She's fine. Not suicidal.

Yet, Chuck thought grimly. Hell, he hoped she never even fathoms the idea. A shiver ran up his spine. You are overreacting, he told himself. Blair would never do that to herself.

"Chuck?"

His head snapped out of his daze. "Yes?"

Evelyn's gaze met his. "Serena said you know a nice place to throw a party?"

"Oh right," Chuck paused. He immediately thought of Victrola, but quashed the thought. That place was a burlesque club, not a place for a girl's sweet sixteen bash. "Well, most venues are booked, but maybe you could just have it here in the penthouse, if that's okay," His eyes shift to Bart for approval.

"Most weekends are fully booked almost a year in advance," Bart explained but grinned when he glanced at Lily. "Lily and I will discuss it."

Evelyn's eyes widen. "O-okay!" She pushed her hair back but bites the smile that is uncontrollably fighting its way against her lips. "Thanks dad."

Those two words stab Chuck in a way he never felt before. Bart had never encouraged him, or helped do anything special for his birthday. He always planned it himself. Most times, Bart never wanted to know what happened at his parties anyway. At least, Chuck never wanted to tell him – he'd be far too disappointed in him than he already was.

Soon after, everyone finished their meals. Evelyn excused herself to make her call to Jenny. Eric trailed after her, along with their parents, leaving Chuck and Serena alone at the table.

"We need to talk about Blair."

Chuck pushed his plate away, swirling his glass of water – oh, how he wished it was scotch. "I figured so, considering the look you gave me before dinner."

"Blair isn't taking the Yale rejection well."

"Tell me something I don't know S. What we should be talking about is what we're going to do about it."

Serena nodded. "We need to be there for her. All of us, which means we should inform Nate. He should be there too."

Chuck froze at the mention of his best friend's name. The Gossip Girl blast flashed through his mind, an incriminating picture of Nate with his sister. It didn't sit right with him. It only reminded him to threaten Nate to back off. They'd been friends forever, which entailed Chuck knowing how his best friend operated when it came to girls. He wanted what he couldn't have – which led to him hurting every girl he's ever gone out with. But Chuck wasn't going to let him do that to his sister. If anybody knew what bad a boy can do to a girl it was Chuck.

Karma is a bitch, Chuck thought bitterly.

"I'll talk to Nate."

Serena sighed. "Good."

"Let's make a plan. We go check up on Blair to assess the damage tonight. All three of us."

Serena nodded. "Better if we don't waste any more time."

"My thoughts exactly sis."

The evening was mild, and a warm breeze whistled through the streets of Manhattan. Serena opened the door to Chuck's limo, and all three of them filed out. Chuck inhaled the fresh smell of spring mixed with polluted fumes from the city. This was a good sign. It had to be.

The trio quickly scurried into the lobby of the apartment building. They approached the front desk, the doorman greeting them kindly.

"Are you sure Blair is home?" Nate asked his hands shoved into his pockets casually.

Serena checked her phone. "I called her and texted her that we were coming an hour ago. She's expecting us." She strode toward the elevator and turned to look over her shoulder at them. "Come on."

Chuck clamped a hand on Nate's shoulder, and smirked. "We'll be there in a minute; I need a word with Nathaniel here."

Serena nodded and looked between her two friends with a questioning gaze. Although suspicious, she turned her head back around and waited at the elevator. Chuck spun Nate to face him, willing himself to keep calm. Nate merely shrugged and said, "What's up man?"

Chuck's eyes narrowed. "What are you doing with my sister?"

Nate blinked innocently. "What do you mean?"

"Don't fuck with me Archibald I've seen you do this all before. I know that look."

"What look?"

Chuck rolled his eyes. "That lost puppy dog look when you are infatuated." Chuck took a step closer towards Nate, growling, "Knock. It. Off."

Nate stepped back, holding his hands out as if to shield himself from Chuck's wrath. "I really don't know what you're talking about. Yes, I have spent time with Evelyn but we're just friends."

"Please. You're forgetting who you're talking to. I know all the bad things that result from girls trusting bad boys. I know because I've been that boy."

Nate's voice was clear and measured. "Listen man, I only meant to be nice. She's different than the others."

Oh no. He'd heard that phrase be used before. It could only mean one thing. "Do you like her?" Chuck asked bluntly.

Nate falters. He stutters, "Well… n-no-"

"You do, you son of a bitch," Chuck ran a hand through his hair exhaling deeply. "I told you not even to think about it."

Nate's blue eyes light up with anger. "Well Chuck, I'm sorry you don't like it, but that's the way it is. You can't stop what I'm feeling or what she's feeling too."

Chuck clenched his jaw. "Stay away from her Archibald. Or else." They stared at each other, neither wanting to back down. Their stare down was interrupted by Serena calling their attention.

"Elevator's here. Let's go." Both boys broke their intense gazes and begrudgingly followed Serena into the elevator, neither talking to the other.

"So…" Serena said attempting to break the obvious tension that filled the elevator airspace.

"Shut up Serena," Chuck snarled. The rest of the trip up to the penthouse was silent. The tension in elevator escalated as it ascended.

Finally, after a straining ride, all three of them filed out of the elevator. Dorota appeared immediately and said, "Blair not home."

Serena bit her bottom lip. "Dorota, what do you mean she isn't home? It's a Monday night, where else would she be?"

Dorota's eyes mirrored concern. "She say she no come home until late."

"Do you know where she went?" Nate asked.

Dorota shook her head worriedly. "No. Miss Blair has not been right since play."

All three of them looked at one another. This can't be good, Chuck thought grimly. He thought he did the right thing on Friday. He thought, he made everything right again. Chuck shook his head, if it was one thing that could break Blair Waldorf; it was her dream of Yale. Nothing else could break her more than that. Not even him.

"What are we going to do?" Nate sighed rubbing his neck.

"We find her," Chuck said firmly. "Just like she did with you last year Serena."

Serena's pools of ocean blue were swimming with worry. "She could be anywhere."

"We'll find her," Chuck repeated. He hoped if he said it out loud he'll believe it himself. It helped keep the uneasiness in stomach at bay. He pressed his thumb onto the elevator button. "Alert Gossip Girl. She'll help with a sighting if she can."

The doors opened and Chuck turned to both blondes. Both panic stricken faces blinked back at him. They were both lost themselves. Chuck sighed. He now understood why Blair needed to take control over those two. "Well, are you coming or not? Blair needs us."

Serena nodded, and breezed past him. Nate followed. They descended down the elevator, and Chuck tried to brainstorm any familiar places Blair would be. His mentally listed off dozens of bars in his mind. Blair was a person who wanted to escape when the reality crashed down on her. Chuck groped his pocket for his phone and texted his P.I. Andrew for good measure.

"So where do we go first?" Nate's voice disrupts the silence.

It amazed Chuck that after all his years of dating Blair, Nate was completely useless. He claims to know Blair, but every point of evidence suggested otherwise. Wouldn't he know where Blair would go if she were upset? Wouldn't he know how to comfort her? Hold her? Despite being friends with her for years, Chuck realized he knew her much better than her own boyfriend. He denied it then, but it was all too apparent now. Nate didn't know Blair – he only knew what he wanted to see of Blair.

This alone, confirmed Chuck's wariness of his presence around his sister. He would only see what he wanted to see of her.

"There are two possibilities. One, she's at a bar drinking her sorrows. Or two, she's somewhere familiar – somewhere safe," Chuck explained.

"There are literally hundreds of bars she could be at," Serena reasoned. "So I'm thinking somewhere safe. One of her childhood spots."

"Where is a place Blair usually goes to think?" Nate wonders aloud.

Simultaneously Chuck and Serena say "The park," in unison.

"I think it's our best shot," Chuck confirmed. The elevator doors parted once again, and the three friends charge toward Chuck's limo with renewed hope. They were going to find her. No matter how long it took.

"Evie is that you?"

Evelyn resisted the urge to sigh. So she hadn't remembered to call her Aunt in a couple weeks. She'd been so busy with school, and soccer that the last thing she could think of was to call her aunt – or Katie. But she didn't want to call Katie for a number of reasons. She didn't want to hear all the gossip since she was away, and especially nothing about him.

"Yes Auntie Kim, it's me."

"It's been so long since we've heard from you! I was starting to worry you forgot about us!"

Forget? Evelyn cleared her throat, taking an extra couple of seconds to think. She didn't necessarily forget of her Aunt's existence, she just didn't think about them as much. Or call. Lately in between extra-curricular activities, homework and adjusting to her new family, it was hard to connect with her old world, and everyone she knew in it. She hadn't even spoken to Katie in almost four weeks now. Their last conversation was straining, the distance separated them, and they had nothing to talk about. As Evelyn's new life buzzed with life, her old one was fading faster than a dying bug.

Was that bad? Evelyn recalled her Aunt's final words at the train station, "Don't let them change you," and began to wonder, has she changed all that much? It's only been a couple of months. Her lifestyle has become much more extravagant, but has that really changed who she was becoming? It was a jarring thought, and Evelyn hoped she wasn't. But something at the back of her mind told her otherwise.

"I would never forget about you Auntie, I've just been really busy with school." It was half true of course, but then again, Evelyn was becoming very good at giving half-truths.

"That's good to hear you're keeping up with your studies. How's… uh your family?"

Auntie Kim spat the words out as if they were acid. Speechless, Evelyn kept her voice steady. "They are good, wonderful actually."

It's no secret that Auntie Kim did not get along with her father. The disappointment in her Aunt's eyes was unmistakable as she told them she wanted to move in with her father.

"We're going to visit mom tomorrow, as a family."

"Oh really? That's long overdue. Send me her love."

"I will."

The conversation hit a lull as it usually did between them. Every time her Aunt would call they'd run out of things to talk about, and it was happening increasingly quicker with each phone call.

"I have to go now. I have lots of work to do."

"Alright Evie. Take care now."

Evelyn hung up the phone, and sat back in her desk chair. She swiveled to face the full length mirror tacked to her bathroom door. Her shiny dark waves cascaded past her shoulders, free from its usual ponytail. Ina helped her with her hair every morning, and Evelyn started taking some tips. Light dustings of makeup cover her face, a new addition she started this week from the help of Serena. She still adorned her Constance uniform, skirt and all.

She was changing. It was unavoidable.

Evelyn stood slowly, her hand blindly reaching for a hair tie. She weaved her hands through her soft hair, fascinating each chunk into a high ponytail. She pulled her skirt down and white shirt, leaving them wrinkled in a pile on the floor.

Over her head, she poked her arms through her favorite soccer jersey, and her legs through a baggy pair of sweat pants.

She could be both. She could coast through her new life just the way she was. Her father would accept that. Didn't he already? It's difficult to tell with his stone cold features, but why would he have brought her here in the first place?

Regardless, she had a choice to change her future. Here she was, in a penthouse apartment with everything and anything at her fingertips. Her opportunities were endless. So some chain of events was blown out of proportion but it's all over with him, them, and everyone in Connecticut. What's past has past. She doesn't need to worry about that anymore. All she needs to do is look in one direction. Forward.

They wandered deep within Central Park with little success. They came close a couple times, and even stopped an innocent woman, who Nate was positive looked like Blair from behind. So far, finding Blair was just as difficult as expected. Darkness enveloped them, and few people were outside at this time of night. All the while, Nate and Chuck glared at each other every so often before trudging along. Sensing the brewing tension, Serena halted, her hands pinching her hips. "Seriously, what has gotten into you two?"

"Nothing," Nate shrugged his shoulders and combed a hand through his hair.

"That's what I thought too, but then again, you can never trust your best friend apparently."

Nate rolled his eyes. "Chuck you are overreaching. Nothing has happened."

"Yet," Chuck glared. "Nothing has happened yet."

Serena stepped in between them. "I'm sorry I asked."

You should be, Chuck added silently. Right now, he preferred not to think of Nate fantasizing about his sister. Chuck's right hand curled into a fist. He held it by his side, clenched at the grotesque idea. He would beat his ass if he even touched her. Better yet, he'd hire someone to take care of him. For a moment, the thought satisfied his seething anger. Yes he was wishing unlawful things to happen to his best friend, but if he continued to go on behind his back against his say – then he'd have reason to.

Being an only child, Chuck always put himself first. He didn't have to look after anybody else but himself. Now that Evelyn joined the family, his perspective was forced to change. He never considered having to look after Evelyn, protect her from all the evil things in his world. The first evil was boys and out of anybody, he was the one who understood any boy's intentions.

Chuck trailed behind Serena and watched Nate critically. What could she possibly see in his best friend? Yes, Nate can be friendly, and for some stupid reason girls thought he was attractive but he wasn't the smartest guy.

"Keep your eyes peeled," Serena's voice wavered. Her golden curls bounced as she turned her head from side to side frantically.

Chuck picked up the pace and stormed to the front. The streetlamps illuminated a path for them, but so far, no sight of Blair. Chuck squinted, straining his eyes for a better view. Still nothing.

"Why don't we split up?" Nate suggested. "We'll cover more ground this way."

Serena nodded. She pointed to the leftward direction, "I'll go this way, Nate you go the opposite way and Chuck you go straight. We'll meet at the limo in ten minutes?"

"What happens if one of us finds her?"

"Bring her to the limo and text us," Chuck answered. Quickly, he turned and marched straight ahead on the gravel path. His leather shoes crunched with each step. She had to be here. Where else would she be?

There would be too many places to answer that question. Chuck shook the thought away and focused ahead of him. He was nearing the pond, one where Blair used to feed the ducks with her father. Her father. He was a Yale alumni. Was she disappointed she let him down?

He neared the pond, and noticed a shadowed figure sitting on one of the park benches. The further he approached, the anticipation in his blood pumped. The figure had long curls. He knew those curls.

"Blair?"

She jumped, startled. "Chuck? W-What are you doing here?"

He sat beside her on the bench, relief flooding him. She was okay. She was safe. "I should ask you the same thing."

She avoided his gaze, her eyes locked on the pond. "I just needed some time alone."

He pointed to the flask in her hand. "Is that all?"

Her eyes lowered to the glistening silver cup. "It's still full."

"Good, because I think I might need some." Their hands touched as he pulled it away from her grasp.

"Are you following me or something?"

Chuck's lips curled into a smirk. "Although it may have been a past time of mine," Chuck joked, "no. Serena and Nate are with me too. We came looking for you."

"Why? Had to save me from myself?" Blair rolled her eyes mockingly.

"You don't need saving Waldorf, but you can accept a bit of help. We won't judge."

Blair's lips twitched. "The Non-Judging Breakfast Club?"

He checked his phone, their ten minute plan almost up. "Just like old times. They're waiting for you."

Blair's eyes averted to the pond, its waters calm. She was lost in thought, and Chuck didn't want to waste any more time. He stood and held out his hand. "Come on Waldorf."

Blair eyed his outstretched palm hesitantly. "Serena and Nate are waiting."

Suddenly, warmth spreads from his hand, and up his arm. Blair was up on her feet, her eyes lingered where their hands joined. She laced her fingers through his. Chuck and Blair holding hands.

"I'll admit I'm a bit surprised."

"You shouldn't be. It's what we do Waldorf. "

For the first time, a tiny smile inches its way on Blair's face. It's fleeting, but unmistakable. She's still in there somewhere, Chuck thought with relief. He was thankful that she wasn't gallivanting off with strangers, drinking herself away like he would be. She was much smarter than him about that.

He can't help but grin himself. Blair Waldorf didn't just smile for anyone. Especially now. He didn't remember the last time someone made her smile. Until now. He realized something significant about the smile, something he didn't believe he could ever manage.

He was the one responsible for it.

The four of them retreated back to the Waldorf Penthouse. Serena helped Blair change into her pajamas, while Chuck and Nate waited downstairs on opposite sides of the room. While Chuck waited, he went to the piano. His fingers danced across the keys, remembering a skill he hadn't used in so long. Serena gallivanted down the staircase, both boys heads shot to her.

"Well?" Nate asked.

"She's fine. She wasn't nearly in the state that I was last year. It's just going to take some time to lick her wounds."

"I'll lick her wounds for her," Chuck added.

Serena rolled her eyes. "You're disgusting as usual. I mean seriously, I don't understand what Blair sees in you."

"I'm pretty hard to miss sis, but then again you've never seen me, which is unfortunate for you. I never disappoint."

Serena shuttered. "Please shut up. I prefer not to throw up, which if I did, I'd aim it toward you at this moment."

Chuck smirked, about to launch another sparing comment when Nate intervened. "Serena's right Chuck. Shut it."

Chuck rolled his eyes, a scowl curved his lips. He eyed Nate across the piano, tempted, so tempted to knock him out. It was probably for the best that they sat far enough away from each other. Chuck opened his mouth to counter, but all three of turned, noticing Blair's presence.

Blair appeared at the bottom of the staircase, a navy robe tightly wrapped around her narrow fame. Her curls were tied back, her face clear of make-up. It was a far cry from the Blair Waldorf who was always so put together. But Chuck didn't mind. In fact, he liked seeing her like this. Seeing her in her natural state reminded him why. Why she was special. Why he was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her, straight to her core. What made Blair, Blair Waldorf.

Blair crossed her arms, and tentatively stepped toward Serena and Nate. Chuck abandoned the piano, and circled Blair.

"Thank you for finding me."

Serena wrapped her arms around Blair immediately, tightly. "We're always here for you B. We were just worried about you," Serena's voice was muffled against Blair's shoulder.

Serena pulled away from their embrace, still holding Blair's hands. A hopeful smile spread along her face.

"Sometimes I forget about that. So thanks." Blair turned to Nate and then Chuck, "Thanks Nate and you too Chuck."

Warmth spread through him, reminding him of his dream from the morning. She smiled meekly at him, her gaze lingering for a moment before Nate had to interrupt him.

"Do you want to talk about it Blair?"

"Yeah," Serena added squeezing Blair's dainty hands, "You can tell us anything remember? We won't judge."

Blair grinned wryly. "I seem to remember that." She paused, and sighed. "I- yes. Yes I do."

Serena smiled and dragged Blair to one of the couches in the living room. Chuck sat across on Blair's other side, and Nate sat in the armchair close by. Serena draped her arm around Blair's back, holding her close.

"You all know how important Yale is to me. I've built my life up for this moment, and I never once thought it wouldn't happen."

"It was only one bad mark. I don't understand how I lost it otherwise. They-they didn't want me…I don't know what I'm going to do now."

Serena squeezed her shoulder. "You'll still be accepted to other schools B. "

Blair shook her head adamantly. "No S. There's only Yale. I expected it, my mom expected it, dad, who flew in from Paris expected it. Remember I told you he is an alumni. He expected it. Everyone did. And… I failed."

Chuck frowned. "Waldorf, you didn't fail."

"Yeah B, just because you didn't get in doesn't mean-"

"You don't understand Serena. He bought me a bulldog. A bulldog!" Blair dropped her head in her hands. "I failed him Serena."

Bart. That was the first word that flashed through his head, along with his menacing face. The disappointment he always caused him coursed through his veins. He knew that feeling. Not feeling adequate or good enough for your parent. That's the difficulty on the Upper East Side, successful parents expect nothing less from their offspring, and they expect it often.

He wanted so badly to shake Harold Waldorf senseless. Didn't he see what trouble his daughter's in? Living in France is no excuse for not keeping up with his daughter's life. Chuck recalled the days when he left Blair in sophomore year. Serena was gone. Nate was guilty. It was just them. Chuck and Blair. Blair and Chuck. He remembers her strong front, so similar to the body armor she wore the past couple of weeks. This time she is shedding it, and beneath a phoenix awaits to be awakened.

"You didn't fail-"

"Yes I did Serena!

"Blair," Nate says softly, "It's not the end of the world. You'll get in other places-"

Blair groaned, running her hands through her sagging curls. "You don't understand Nate. You and Serena always get everything!"

"B-"

"It's true! You can't even help it! It just lands in your lap. No effort required."

Serena looks at Chuck pleading him to say something. Chuck scoots closer to Blair, now shoulder to shoulder with her. Her arms are crossed, her chest rising and falling raggedly.

"Everyone fails at some point Waldorf. Not even you are immune to it."

"In one way or another, we're all failures B," Serena says, rubbing soothing circles on Blair's back.

"Really? What's something so bad you've done S?"

"Well I got kicked out of boarding school, much to the displeasure of my mom, and I thought I killed someone last year. You remember that don't you?"

Blair relaxes a bit. "That is pretty difficult to forget."

Serena and Chuck look at Nate expectantly. "I didn't get the Lacrosse scholarship I wanted from Princeton. My marks weren't high enough."

Serena then looks at Chuck, urging him to say something. Blair's eyes fall on his intently when he spoke. "Well I'm Chuck Bass, and you can't impress the Bart Bass. Everyone fails at that."

Concern fills Blair's chocolate eyes as she reaches over to squeeze his hand in hers. Her hand is cold against his warm one, but she squeezes his hand reassuringly. She doesn't let go.

"Yale may be gone Blair… but there are other options. Any school would be lucky to have you."

Her voice is surprising unsure, "You really think so?"

"We all believe it Blair."

"Come on; if I can get in Blair, then you automatically have to get in on default," Nate added, "Your GPA is by far the highest out of all of us."

Blair's gaze drops to her hand still clasped in his. Maybe he should let go now? Does she think something else of it? He wants to feel more of her, and be closer to her. Surprisingly he notes that he doesn't mean pleasure. Pleasure isn't enough. Whatever this was, he wanted to feed off of it more and more. He couldn't get enough.

"Nate's right B. You'll be fine. Isn't there that saying, failure leads to success?"

"What self-help book did you get that one from, sis?"

Serena glared and returned her attention to Blair. "Anyway, do you want to do something to get your mind off of this? Tiffany's? Like old times?"

"Well," Blair's lips curled up slightly. "That would be nice."

Serena's eyes light up and she bounced with excitement. "Great! I'll get the movie! It's above your desk on the bookshelf right?"

Blair nodded. "It's beside Charade and Funny Face."

"I got the popcorn," Nate announced moving up and out into the kitchen like it's his home. In a sense it was for all of them when they were together.

"Blankets?" Chuck asked. "You do get cold very easily."

She smirked, life coming back into her eyes. "You know me well."

Chuck reluctantly let go of her hand and grabbed a couple thick blankets from the coat closet. When he returned Serena already popped in the movie. Nate carried two steaming buckets of buttery popcorn, which, he tossed a kernel at Serena. Chuck thought back to a time when watching Breakfast at Tiffany's turned into a popcorn fight, which he instigated.

They all settled on the long couch, tucked in blankets with popcorn to snack on. Chuck sat on Blair's other side, near the hand rest, while Serena was on her other. Nate was farthest away from him, which was probably a good thing. He didn't want to get into another fight with his best friend.

Blair, bundled in a thick wool blanket, leaned against Serena and positioned her legs over Chuck's stretched out legs. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "So I'm a foot rest now? Thanks for the downgrade Waldorf."

Blair swallowed her kernels of popcorn and smirked. "It's not a downgrade. It's just adding another title to your long list."

He lets this comment slide because the credits are rolling, and she's content. It'll take time for her wounds to heal, but right now, contentment is enough. She is more than enough.

No matter how far our Queen has fallen, we can always guarantee she will find the strength to get back up. Although B is battered, she most certainly won't stay down. However, every once in a while it's okay to accept a bit of help, regardless from whomever it comes from. And no, there is no tear in my eye, but there's nothing stopping me from being nostalgic with these four. It seems like only yesterday they were wild and unstoppable.

You know you love me,

XOXO Gossip Girl

A/N: I hope this chapter was worth the wait! Let me know in your reviews! Next chapter: Evelyn's official birthday. A huge Bass moment to come followed by subsequent chapters including the official birthday bash and its shenanigans, and a few chapters later: an introduction to society, prom and graduation. You know what that means… DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA!

Thanks for reading and please leave a review to let me know if you are still reading!