A/N: Hello readers! I am so sorry for not uploading this chapter sooner. I cannot stress enough how insanely busy my fall semester was. My workload this term completely forbid me from working on this story. The good news is that I am well ahead in writing the next chapter, and it's MASSIVE. It's almost novel length, and I just passed the 40K length on Tuesday. Let me tell you it is so so worth it, so stay tuned!

I just really wanted to thank you so much for your patience with this story. I sincerely appreciate the love and support you all continue to give to this story, and it helps me remain committed to completing it! Without further ado, read on!

Rating: A couple sections of this chapter are rated M for sexual content.

Chapter 26: The Unbearable Lightness of Being Chuck and Blair

It's always been about the game.

He chased her; she chased him. Both have played the cat, and both have played the mouse. It's a relentless cycle with shattering consequences and sumptuous rewards. Giving up the game would mean they were ordinary. Boring. Predictable.

Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf didn't do ordinary. When Chuck returned from Tanzania, they had to do something different. The game tempted them despite their agreement not play. To satisfy this need, they created a new game. A game where they were not opponents. They were now teammates.

Being the young loving fools they were, their new game required a gamble. Since they were already a couple, they had little to gain, and everything to lose. That's what made it so thrilling and lead to the greatest invigoration,

A leggy blonde was perched on a stool directly in front of Chuck. He looked at her from head to toe, and sent Blair this message:

Blonde at the bar?

A few seconds later, a response came his way.

She looks like she could use some humiliation. You know the rules.

His trademark Bass smirk makes its way on his face. Excitement sprung in every footstep, his swagger gaining the attention of all the females in the room. He sidled up to the blonde girl. She turned, noticing his presence, but smiled knowingly at who was beside her.

"Hi. I'm Chuck Bass."

Her dark blue eyes rake over his body, head to toe, pleased with her view. "I know."

"I wasn't expecting to see someone like you, here in a bar all alone."

"I'm in need of refuge. I may have come with someone, but I was getting bored."

His deep voice rumbled smoothly. "I don't believe in being bored."

The trap was set. He waited for the bombshell in front of him to respond. He waited for his trap to catch one of her whiskers.

She licked her lips. "Care to test that theory?"

Perfect. He leaned further onto the counter. "And what if I have a girlfriend?"

"Chuck Bass doesn't do girlfriends."

He nodded. Sure that's what his high school self would agree wholeheartedly with, but things have changed for him. He changed. Most prefer to think for the better, but some habits ran through to his core.

The blonde gestured toward the doors. "Where's your limo?"

"I gave my driver the day off."

The blonde finished her drink and rose from her stool. "Then, I guess we'll have to find somewhere else."

Somewhere else they did find. The girl led Chuck by the hand to the serenity of the hotel lobby and toward the elevators. They always choose a hotel room next. They were always so predictable.

The elevator doors shut. The girl's lithe fingers trace patterns on his body. Before, he would return said touching, but he strained to stay away from her. Her lips were a breath away from his, and he kept it that way. If she got too close, he'd break the rules of the game.

"What floor?"

"Eighteen."

She moved forward for a kiss, but he turned his head to the side. "Let's wait until we get to my room. I wouldn't want to be rudely interrupted."

Her fingers rake his face in all the wrong ways; ways he that should have his hormones saying otherwise. But he felt nothing. The old Chuck Bass wouldn't wait to get to their room. He'd take her right then, without a thought of propriety.

Chuck slowly ambled to the room with his keycard in one hand, the girl in the other. "Now we can take all the time we need." He opened the door and waited for her to pass through.

He turned, taking both hands in hers, guiding her into his infamous suite. She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning forward, lips parted and waiting for his owed kiss. She failed to notice, however, that his head was turned again. His eyes were locked with another pair of eyes in the room.

"Chuck! What the hell is going on?"

Blair Waldorf stomped toward them. Chuck pushed the blonde away from him, as his mind calculated the right approach to handle this situation.

"Blair?" Chuck said with surprise. "I can explain."

The shocked blonde took another step away from Chuck. "Uh, I'm sorry. I-I didn't know he had a girlfriend."

Chuck's eyes narrowed. "Yes you did." He then turned to Blair and repeated, "Yes, she did."

Blair accepted his answer and focused her attention on the girl. "Shame on you Malibu Barbie. How could you do that? Pick up someone in a relationship? Have you no pride? No self-respect-"

"Okay, but I didn't know-"

"You may look like you have an Abercrombie campaign, and posters upon posters of your perfect face on them to prove it, but that doesn't give you the right to steal someone else's man! Now take your American girl hair, and pore-less skin, and GET OUT!"

The stunned blonde glared between the both of them. "Okay, you're both crazy!"

The door slammed shut, and the two brunettes exchange a glance. Chuck shoved his hands in his pockets, his smirk returning to his face while her scowl softened.

"Well, how did I do? Surely I get a reward for my stunning performance."

Blair grabbed him roughly by his bowtie. "You were adequate. She was too easy."

And suddenly they were lost in each other. He groped her beautiful curves, and she dug her fingers, scratching his scalp, grabbing fistfuls of his now mussed hair. Now this felt right. She knew how to get him going, never losing focus on anything but her.

Blair slipped her tongue into his mouth like the little tease she was. God, she tasted so good. So good. Her moans of pleasure always made him come more alive. They broke apart, gasping for air. Chuck trailed a line of kisses along the nape of her neck.

"More," Blair moaned.

In one swift motion, he unzipped her dress with his eyes closed. The dress fell to a crumpled heap on the floor. Meanwhile, Blair's hands got to work on his attire. Her petite hands were quick, and roped around his body, taming the flaming passion that was exploding between them.

Off went his suit jacket.

Then shirt.

Then pants.

At this unbreakable speed, he wasn't going to last much longer. Chuck lifted her in his arms, her smooth legs wrapped around his waist. She bit his lip playfully, as he hurriedly carried her to the nearest available surface.

She grinded against him, and he groaned. He needed her. He needed her right now. Chuck unclipped her lacey bra, throwing it carelessly over his shoulder. Blair ran her hands down his bare chest, and pushed his boxers to the floor, freeing him of his strain.

Now it was a battle for control.

Chuck massaged her inner thighs, quickly making his way to her core. He buried his head between her supple breasts, drawing one of his hands up to knead one, but she stopped him. He froze when she grabbed a hold of him. He looked up at her, and she grinned devilishly.

"Blair…" He choked.

She continued to stroke him, tease him at her drenched entrance. His hips buckled forward, desperate to get closer to her. He ached so much for her that he couldn't wait much longer. Her grip on him had teased him enough. It was time he took control.

"No more teasing."

Chuck pulled Blair onto the ledge of the bar. Her legs were spread wide, and curled behind his back. She slid against his sticky body to meet him. They exploded. Explosion after explosion, they rocked and exploded together with each thrust. He doesn't think it could get any better, but she screamed for him with a need no one ever uttered for him. She screamed his name, over and over, with the most melodious voice, and he husked hers.

"Faster!" She pleaded, and the foolish lover boy that he was, obliged.

They continued to pound against his bar, one he would never look at the same way again, climbing higher and higher, until they reached their peak of ecstasy together. Neither would beat the other. They were equals. In this moment, they were whole. Whole, they are strong enough to rule cities. Apart, they are strong enough to destroy them and everyone in it.

When it's over, they're both flushed and glistening. Blair leaned back, catching her breath. Her perfect curls were erratic, her makeup smudged. Her milky skin is rosy from the scratches of his stubble. She's one beautiful disaster.

Chuck admired what he had done with her, and he was content to drink up the beauty in front of him. The euphoria they'd created is further amplified when Blair sat up, and tilted her head to the side, smiling lazily.

"Again."

Chuck's eyebrows shot up. He braced himself against the bar, panting.

"Unless… I tired you out already?"

Chuck smirked. "Please. Don't forget whom you're talking to. Or not talking to."

He picked her up, and carried her to the couch. The bed was way too much of an unneeded hassle. She fell back onto the soft cushions, her chestnut curls fanning out around her head. He hovered over her, the way he always preferred, before he attacked.

The game continued this way, in a variety of different combinations, until one explosion too many set them aflame.

Their summer of bliss came and went, and college had quickly crept up on them. In just a few days, they'd be saying their final goodbyes to their friends and family before moving to college. Living within boxes was a very constricting life, Chuck came to notice, and the amount of work that went into packing said boxes, and then unpacking them, was such a menial task. Thank God for his maid Ina. Like he would know what he needed to last the full year. All he knew he needed to bring was alcohol, condoms, as much clothing as his dorm closet would allow, and his toiletries kit. Everything else, like books, school supplies, and other domesticated things he never had to worry about, were optional.

Chuck observed all of his possessions neatly tucked away in brown boxes feeling detached. He already lived in so many places throughout his life that he didn't feel any sentimental attachment about leaving the penthouse. It was just another house to him, not a home. He considered himself to be very nomadic by nature, but he had found homes of refuge from the ones he loved, and loved him back.

"I still can't believe it."

Chuck turned to see his sister leaning against the doorway. Her skin was tanned from spending a majority of her summer outdoors in Tanzania and the Hamptons. Streaks of dark caramel twined in her dark brown hair. The highlights were natural of course. Evelyn wanted to try squeezing lemon juice on her hair every day she went to the beach, wanting to know her natural highlights. Sure enough, her hair was now varying shades of chocolate.

"What's there not to believe?" Chuck asked.

"You're going to college in two days. You're leaving me here. Alone."

"Please. I'll still be in New York."

Evelyn pushed her lean body away from the frame. She trailed her fingers along the stacked boxes. "It's not the same and you know it."

"You're not going to be alone. You've got more time now to spend with Bart."

"That's probably true unless he's called away on business. But seriously Chuck, going off to school is going to change you, you know."

Chuck considered this thought for the first time. Many things were changing in his life. Constantly changing. His sister. Blair. Moving out. Now college. The changes seemed natural to him. He was somewhat ready for the college experience. He was fully prepared and experienced enough for the partying portion (which would probably be severely reduced because of Blair), as for the academic portion, not so much.

Chuck knew there was nothing to worry about because there's always someone desperate enough to do anything for a little money.

"I know," he said evenly. "But, it's not like I didn't see this coming. I'm not going to change unless I want to."

Evelyn's eyebrows shot up. "That was very wise. Are you actually growing up?"

"Never. I'm just growing older."

Evelyn chuckled, before her face turned nervous. "So, you're not the least bit nervous?"

He shook his head confidently. Chuck was rooming with his childhood best friend Nate. Moving out with his closest friend was the last worry Chuck had.

His sister's demeanour didn't go unnoticed. She bit her bottom lip, just like he noticed she did whenever something bothered her.

"Why are you so worried?" Chuck asked.

"Me? Worried?"

"You're almost giving me a lecture. I'm already going to get that from Bart."

"It's just… I'm not ready for you to go. It feels like I just got here, and now you have to go."

A warmth spread through him just then, one he didn't know existed until she entered his life. It was different warmth then what he felt for Blair. A warmth that needed protecting.

"We live in the age of the Internet. You can contact me at any hour."

"I know, but I don't want to interfere with your whole 'college experience'."

"You'll be busy too. Don't think that being beside the Queen is easy."

Evelyn groaned. "Don't remind me. Blair has already been giving me her special advice.'"

"Everything will be fine. If you ever need me, as soon as you call me, I'll be here so fast, it'll be almost like I was never gone."

That protective instinct, entirely new to him, surged through him once again. Not being around, meant he couldn't protect Evelyn in school or out like he could when he was home. The thought nettled him, but it was something that was out of his control.

He'd just have to hire Andrew Tyler to keep him updated. Just as a precaution. She wouldn't even notice.

"Okay. But you have to call at least once a week, or Skype or something."

"Of course."

"Just think, we'll be having this conversation in two years' time anyway with you. Who knows, you might even get into Harvard."

Evelyn scoffed. "My best shot at getting into Harvard is finding a cure to some type of disease. Too bad Bassitus hasn't been diagnosed properly. It could've increased my chances."

"Ask Blair is she wants a check up. She may have symptoms."

"Ew. Now, your just being gross." She then stalked out of the room.

Once she left, Chuck took another look around his room. Except for the towers of boxes, it was stripped of every indication that he ever lived in it. He didn't feel that sense of loss that other teenagers felt when they were leaving home for the first time. He was excited to move on. Excited to move on with Blair.

In the meantime, he wondered what would happen with his room. He wondered if Eric would want to use it. Maybe Evelyn? Chuck ruled out that option, seeing as she was so pleased with her room when she moved in. Maybe they would convert it into a workout room. Another office perhaps. With Serena moving out too, Lily had plenty of room to play with.

Chuck ambled to his doorway, opposite to Serena's brightly light room, and took one mental image of his room. He shut off the lights, and closed the door behind him, ready for the next door to open.

When Blair Waldorf arrived at Hartley Hall, she was mildly impressed. The gothic arches of the front doors were adequate, and the beautiful wall lamps beside the doors were inviting. Eleanor, Cyrus, and Dorota pilled out of the limo and overlooked the tall leafy trees that danced in the breeze.

"Well this is very nice," Cyrus said. He craned his neck and squinted at the six-story building.

"Isin't it?" Eleanor said. "Would you look at the front doors? So beautiful."

Dorota nodded enthusiastically.

A lanky boy with dyed blue hair approached Blair. "Welcome to Columbia!"

Blair stepped away and wrinkled her nose. Here she thought she was about to attend a credible institution. It's no Yale, but it would have to do surely…

A round girl bounced toward her. "Welcome! Can we lend you a hand?"

Blair pointed to her things on the curb. She turned to her mother. "Maybe I should have just stayed home. You did say you'd miss me."

"Nonsense!" Eleanor said. "Columbia is an excellent school with incredible opportunities for you. You'll love it here."

A loud thud made Blair whip her head around. The boy with the blue hair stood above one of her suitcases and mouthed the word 'sorry' to her. Blair took a deep breath. In and out. She was Grace Kelly. In and out.

"Well let's get you inside and settled in, Blair," Cyrus said. Blair tugged Dorota's meaty wrist. "Make sure you carry the delicates. I wouldn't want one of these suburbanites to break anything."

"Yes, Miss Blair."

Blair walked ahead of Eleanor and Cyrus. After signing in and picking up her keys, they took the elevator to the fifth floor where Blair walked to the end of the hall to her room. Home at last. Perhaps she was a little too rash to judge Columbia without having her own room. When she filled out the residence application form, she immediately checked off a single room. I mean if Serena couldn't room with her, she didn't want any other girl to.

"This is it," Blair said. She put the key in the lock and turned. "It looks like it's…"

A tall man with bushy eyebrows and a comb over opened the door. He wore a green golf shirt tucked into his light wash jeans. A plump woman peeked behind him. She too wore a pink golf shirt and jean capris.

"Excuse me, but I think you're in the wrong room," Blair said.

A girl with short pigtails pulled the door all the way opened. She wore the most hideous black and orange floral dress Blair had ever seen. Blair wanted to believe it was a maxi dress, but the dress stopped mid calf. She wore a loosely knitted vest with tassels like the hippies wore in the sixties. She smiled wide and held her arms out.

"Hi! You must be my roommate, Blair." The girl wrapped her arms around Blair and squeezed. Blair kept her arms glued to her sides, her shoulders touching her ears.

When the girl let go of Blair, she tried to ask politely, "What are you talking about? I asked for a single room."

"So that's why you didn't reply to my messages," she snorted, actually snorted and Blair reeled back.

Blair pulled out the sheet she was given downstairs. Her eyes scanned the page quickly until she realized that the girl was right. She saw the name: Joy Abruzzo.

"I'm Joy," the girl said with her hand outstretched.

Blair shook her hand with three fingers, wrinkles formed around her eyes. Eleanor and Cyrus introduced themselves to Joy and her parents. They all loved Cyrus who hugged every one of them, and Eleanor didn't seem to mind them. Blair pushed through the crowded room to see that Joy had already set up her things. She took the bed on the left side of the room. Her comforter was striped pink and green with a velvet throw pillow on top. She had a rainbow of binders stacked on the shelf above her desk. Her cork board was full with overlapping pictures from home, her pens were organized by colour, and the mini fridge was full of gas station snacks. A Bible was the only book on her desk with a wooden cross on the front cover.

At least she was clean.

Dorota entered the crowded room with Blair's jewellery boxes and shoe crate. Blair's shoulders slumped. "Thank God you brought these," Blair took the boxes and threw them on top of her thin mattress. She lifted the mattress by the corner and noticed there wasn't even a box spring.

"Don't worry Miss Blair. I'll make bed," Dorota said.

Joy rounded Blair's desk. "Would you like some help? I'm already unpacked."

"No thank you. I brought help."

Joy's dad said," Looks like you're all set up kiddo. I think your mom and I going to hit the road. We have a long drive ahead of us."

"Okay," Joy said. I'll walk you outside."

Joy's parents waved good-bye and wished Blair luck. Blair waved back and groaned when they left. "I can't believe I have a roommate."

"Don't be so dramatic, Blair," Eleanor said. "She seems like a lovely girl."

Blair rolled her eyes. "Yeah a lovely girl who doesn't know how to dress, carries a bible, and has the suburban parents to match."

"Don't judge a book by its cover," Cyrus said.

"But Cyrus, you're Jewish."

"So? Some of my best friends are Catholic. Don't forget Blair that you are starting over again. No one knows you here, so I wouldn't be writing off everyone you meet. You're about to meet people who haven't had the same experiences you've had."

"I don't want to meet people like her," Blair said. "Besides, I already know some people at this school."

"A new friend doesn't hurt. In college life that's not enough!" Cyrus said.

"Cyrus dear, why don't we check the facilities down the hall while Blair begins to unpack?" Eleanor said.

"Of course! We better see what the laundry situation is."

A few minutes later Joy appeared in the room again. She hoped up on her elevated bed. Clear boxes of her winter clothes and boots were stacked neatly in the tuppers. "Are you sure you don't need my help?" She asked.

"Yes," Blair said. "I already told you. I brought help."

"I see that." She cocked her head to the side. "Does she always wear a maid's uniform?"

Blair sighed. "What else would she wear?"

"Oh I don't know. Seems a bit formal don't you think?"

"It seems to me like you have a lot of opinions. Look, as unfortunate as it is that you got roomed with me, we can still make this work. I'll unpack and go see my boyfriend that happens to live on the floor above us, and you can I dunno read your bible or something. I hear Paul is riveting. We don't have to speak, and we will both be content about it. How does that sound?"

Joy's brows furrowed. "No—that sounds awful. You're my roommate for this year. I want to get to know you."

"Fine." Blair cleared her throat. "My name is Blair Corneila Waldorf, and I am from the Upper East Side—of New York. I was our Predicate, Valedictorian, Prom Queen, and committee chair for our social outreach committee. My mom runs her own fashion line while my fathers, my biological and step, are both amazing lawyers. Does that cover it?"

"It's a start. What do you plan to major in?"

"Law."

"Really? Me too! This means we'll probably be taking LAW 101 together. We can study together!" She bounced up from her bed.

"It's nice to meet you Blair Waldorf," Joy said. "My name is Joy Faith Abruzzo. I am from Monterrey California, so my parents and I drove forty four hours to get here. I am the older sibling of John and Jeremiah Abruzzo, both of whom stayed with our nana and papa. In high school, I was the president of our book club, Christian alliance, and I participated in the model UN conference. I represented Argentina. What else? Other than the Bible, Twilight is my favourite book series."

Blair wrinkled her nose. "I'm so glad I asked."

"I'm glad too. I was so worried that I wasn't going to have a roommate this year, and it looks like I lucked out! I mean a real New Yorker too? You'll never get lost on your way to class."

"It's a real privilege indeed," Blair said.

"So what kind of music do you like to listen too? My favourite band of all time is Reliant K. Their new album Forget and Not Slow Down just came out. Do you want to listen to it?"

Someone knocked on their open door. "Hi! I'm Stephanie," the one girl with weaved black hair said.

"And I'm Tori," the other girl with short brown curls and glasses said. "We're roommates next door and wanted to say hello."

"Hi Stephanie and Tori," Joy said. "My name is Joy, and this is my roommate—"

"Blair," Blair's smile did that thing where it didn't match her glowering eyes.

"Hi Joy and…Blair," Stephanie said.

"Are you both all finished with your move in?" Joy asked.

"Yeah, we just said goodbye to our parents a few minutes ago. Do you want to check out our room?" Tori asked.

"Sure!" Joy chirped. "I'll be right back, Blair."

Blair rolled her eyes when the three girls left the room. Dorota had already finished making her bed and begun to lift out the hangers of Blair's clothes onto her bed. Other girls walked down the hall in pairs. She could hear Joy's booming laugh through the thin walls. She caught Dorota starring at her. "Stop looking at me and get to work!"

She picked up her phone from her new narrow desk and dialled Serena's number. It rang and rang, but Serena didn't answer. Blair left a message for Serena to call her back. Then, she heard more laughter through the wall. She called Chuck.

He answered on the second ring. "Hello, beautiful. Are you all moved in?"

"Almost. I could use some help though."

"Unfortunately I am all tied up unpacking myself. What kind of help did you have in mind?" His voice drawled.

"Why don't we take a break from unpacking?"

She heard shuffling in the background. "I still have the limo for a couple more hours."

"Meet you outside in five?"

"Hm. I was going to go smoke a welcome to Columbia joint with Nate and our floor mates."

"You can do that when we get back," Blair huffed.

"I'm not so sure about that. We have a packed schedule tonight with orientation."

She scoffed. "Since when are you actually going to attend a school event?"

"Who said it was a school event? It's a party that's happening on our floor. You are cordially invited."

"Thanks, but I have something more pressing."

"Which is?" He drawled.

"I need you. Now."

She could hear his gleeful smirk on the other end of the phone. "How much do you need me?"

"Chuck!"

"That's all I needed to hear. See you downstairs."

Blair hung up her phone and sighed happily. Dorota shook her head. "God watching you even closer now Miss Blair," she pointed to the Bible on Joy's desk.

"Then God would want me to be happy," she said. "I have to go, but make sure everything is put away by the time I get back."

Blair took her purse and shoved a pair of handcuffs into it when Dorota wasn't looking.

Spotted: B settling into Columbia with an unexpected surprise. Have faith B. You only have to stick with your roommate for one school year.

She could be anywhere but here. She should be somewhere else. Evelyn Bass could have been with Jenny and Eric drinking coffee and chattering away the last days of summer. She should be stretched out on a lounge chair on their private Hamptons beach – not sunbathing because that was entirely too boring – but playing beach volleyball, or swimming with the gentle waves. She should be getting ready to begin her junior year at Constance.

But no. Here she was, helping her brother unpack for college. Actually, unpack for him. He was too occupied running his hands up Blair Waldorf's skirt. She was propped up on his desk, her skirt hiked up. Her arms looped around her brother's neck, both lost in each other's breath, whispering in between rushed kisses.

Of course Evelyn was happy for her brother. After torturing himself for months over Blair Waldorf, they finally told each other their feelings. It only took two years, which could have been longer had one not conceded when they did. Evelyn was happy for her brother, but preferred her brother to keep his displays of happiness when she wasn't around.

Evelyn dropped one of the packaged boxes in his dorm room. A loud umph startled the two lovebirds.

"I thought you already had your break?"

Chuck reluctantly pulled away from Blair. "I decided I needed to take another."

Two overly enthusiastic orientation leaders carried two large bins into the room. "Where do you want this?" the girl that was covered in head to toe blue asked. Blair looked at her, horrified by her outfit.

"There's good. I'll take it from there," Evelyn smiled gratefully. The other boy with light blue sunglasses and face paint followed her out of the room.

"Who wears cotton pajama shorts outside of their house?" Blair said horrified.

Evelyn chuckled and shook her head. "If you thought that was bad, you missed the boy wearing blue duct tape shorts. Just duct tape shorts."

Blair shuddered. "Absolutely disgusting. And this is supposed to be a reputable institution."

"It's college, Blair. I don't think there are any standards of how you dress."

Ina and another maid who Evelyn didn't know was in the room appeared, and they began unpacking the boxes.

"Where's Nate?" Blair asked Chuck.

"He said he's on his way."

"You know, I'm pretty sure that desk is to be used for studying," Evelyn said.

"I have used it already to study my girlfriend."

Nate walked through the door with his wide lacrosse bag slung over his shoulder. "Hey roomie," He dropped his bag and walked over and man hugged Chuck. He then greeted Blair and finally Evelyn.

"Looks like you're almost moved in," Nate said.

"No thanks to your roommate. I did most of the moving," Evelyn said.

"I'm not surprised." Nate said.

Blair's phone began to ring. "It's Serena," Blair said before answering.

"Tell her I say hi," Nate said.

Blair nodded and disappeared from the dorm room. More of Nate's packed things were dropped off in the room. "I'll help you with that," Evelyn said.

"No worries. You've already done enough heavy lifting for the day," Nate said.

Evelyn watched him begin to unpack. He began with opening the top rubber bin filled with his stationary supplies.

"So how was your summer?" Evelyn asked.

"Oh you know it wasn't too bad. I had an internship at my cousin Tripp's congress office."

"That's pretty cool," Evelyn said. "What did you do there?"

He sighed. "Work wise? Not too much. My supervisor didn't quite see me to be useful filling folders and such."

"Oh." Evelyn's brows furrowed. "So what did she want you to do?"

"Her," Nate said.

"Oh."

"Yeah. I know. It's nice to be taken seriously, right?"

"Clearly."

"It's okay though because I only helped out for a month before I travelled around Europe for the summer. How was Tanzania?"

She smiled and nodded. "It was amazing! The best trip ever."

"I bet," Nate said. He picked up the empty bin and opened the next one stacked underneath it.

"And now Constance is starting in a week right?"

"That's right. Junior year. I can't believe it."

"Yeah well be careful alright? If you need anything you can call me."

"Thanks, Nate. I won't forget that."

Chuck reentered the room. "Nate, you better hurry up and unpack because we have a full schedule."

"We do?"

"Please. You know I got you covered. Stop distracting him sis."

"Okay. My apologies," she said to Nate. "Since you're all unpacked I can go if you want…"

"You don't have to go just yet," Chuck said. "We'll give Nate some time to unpack without disturbing him and go for a walk."

Evelyn smiled. "Okay."

After his lunch with Evelyn, Chuck came to check out Blair's room. Dorota had since moved everything in, and was typing away on her phone at Blair's desk. She hopped off her chair and bowed to Blair. "Everything all put away Miss Blair."

"Thank you, Dorota," Blair said. She admired her picture of Audrey that hung above her bed. Her silky blue and grey sheets and down pillows were fluffed to how she liked it. The only thing left that Blair had to do was put up her pictures on her cork board. The first two photos were one of her and Serena that afternoon when they stole her mother's clothes and had a photo shoot of their own. The other was a recent photo from the summer of herself and Chuck in the Hamptons. There were more photos. One with Cyrus and Eleanor, another with Nate, Serena, and Chuck on Prom night, and another with her father and Roman. Blair spread out the photos on her desk, while Chuck looked at them over her shoulder.

"You miss them already don't you?"

Blair's hand lingered on her photo with Serena. "I do."

"Come here," Chuck said. Blair buried her head in the crook of his neck and breathed the comforting smell of his cologne. She felt Chuck's head turn when the door opened.

"Oh, hi there. You must be Blair's boyfriend." Chuck and Blair broke apart to see Joy enter the room. "Hi, I'm Joy. Blair's roommate."

Chuck looked between Blair and Joy. Blair crossed her arms while Joy shook his hand enthusiastically. "Chuck Bass. Pleasure," he said.

"Likewise. Blair, there's a bunch of us on this floor going to a welcome barbecue tonight. Do you want to come?"

Blair didn't look enthused while Chuck tried not to laugh. "Sure," she said. She struggled to let the words out.

"Great! We'll be leaving at six so we don't have to wait too long for the burgers. I'll go tell the others that you're coming."

Once Joy excused herself, Chuck started to chuckle.

"What?" Blair said. She slapped his arm. "It's not funny!"

"Of come on, Blair. You have to admit it is."

Blair crossed her arms and walked to Joy's table. She picked up the Bible on her desk. "Look who I'm stuck with? This is awful."

"That just makes it better. If only she knew you were dating the devil," Chuck said.

Blair slammed the book back on her desk. "This is not funny. Some of us didn't get our friends to come with us to college."

Chuck's laughter died down. "I know. It's not easy, but give her a chance. You did give one to me."

"Yeah, like fifty."

"My point exactly. One wouldn't be too many. I have to go see what Nate's up to. I'm sure we'll be going to the barbecue too. Are you going to be okay?"

Blair shrugged his hands off of her. "Yeah. I'll be fine. Go."

Chuck kissed her forehead, and made his way upstairs to his dorm room. Inside, Nate sate surrounded with a bunch of guys. They all turned to Chuck when he entered the room.

"Hey everybody. This is my roommate and best friend, Chuck."

Everybody whooped and hollered. Chuck looked at Nate whose eyes were smiling. Many of the guys in his room raised their open hands at him. Chuck knitted his brow. They wanted a high five? What were they, ten? Chuck swallowed his disgust and high fived the guy, his fingers glued together.

"Your buddy Nate here told us some wicked stories about you," One guy in a black hoodie said. He sat on Chuck's desk chair.

"Did he now?" Chuck gave Nate a warning look.

"Is it true you hooked up with Mischa Barton?"

Chuck smirked. "Perhaps. A gentleman never kisses and tells."

All the guys whooped in the room.

Nate pated a spot beside him on the floor, and Chuck sat down. His hands touch the firm carpet and picked up a couple pieces of lint. Chuck took a deep breath and brushed the debris off his hands. So much for being civilized.

"Hey do you remember that time we went sailing in St. Kitts? Troy's family owned the sailboat we hijacked in tenth grade."

Chuck looked over at Troy who chuckled. "It's all good. I've done the same thing," He said in a thick Louisiana accent.

Chuck smirked. Okay, so Troy wasn't so bad. He looked around the room and noticed that all the boys looked like they from good breeding (even though they were totally okay with sitting on the floor).

They sat and talked for the next hour. Chuck regaled some of his best stories with Nate, and he actually enjoyed a few of the stories the other guys on his floor told. Everyone came from different parts of the country, and had different upbringings. Some, like Troy, were evidently wealthy. Others, like this kid named Sam, had more humble backgrounds. Despite his opulent upbringing, Chuck never forgot that his dad had a humble beginning. Or rather, Bart never let him forget it. This was his first time he'd be living with people of different classes. The idea intrigued him instead of repulsed him. Some of his stories with Nate lead to some of the seediest places in the Europe, but that's where he had the most fun. The greatest of stories come from the most unexpected sources.

Eventually, their whole floor made their way to the welcome barbecue. Chuck spotted Blair holding a Styrofoam plate, visibly repulsed. She looked at him gratefully when she saw him stroll in with Nate. Blair excused herself from who she's talking to, and tossed out her plate in the nearest trash bin.

"Thank God you two finally showed up. This," She pointed around the grassy yard, "is a travesty."

Nate chuckled. "It's a barbecue Blair, not the last supper."

"Well it certainly will be the last supper if I can help it. I was thinking—"

"Oh that can't be good," Nate said.

"As I was saying, I was thinking of hosting my own welcome to college sushi party. We can have it in the common area on my floor, and we'd actually have plates."

Nate looked helplessly to Chuck. "Blair," Chuck said. He tried to be as gentle as he could with what he was about to say. "This isn't Constance anymore."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Blair said.

"Well it means that you don't have to throw parties, and I don't think being a Queen matters here anymore," Chuck said.

"Yeah, and besides, I don't think most of these people would appreciate the parties you throw," Nate said.

"Exactly," Chuck added.

Nate held up his cup. "They're just looking for free pizza and beer."

"You're wrong." Blair's voice cracked. "I'm going to make Columbia mine. You'll see."

She walked away, through the back door, disappearing from the party. Chuck sighed. He knew how this was going to play out. Blair, fiercely devout, would put all of her energy to making herself Queen, and making everyone follow her. But that's not how college works. Everyone is an individual, and Chuck knew that they wouldn't want to listen to anyone, least of all Blair. How could he possibly get her to see that?

Nate patted a comforting hand on his shoulder. "She'll figure it out eventually."

"But it's Blair."

"Exactly," Nate said. "Which means she won't get it until she loses."

When Blair slammed the door to her room something crinkled under her foot. She sighed and picked up an envelope that someone had slid under her door. Blair sighed. So far, she didn't like any of her floor mates, she ate a burger off a Styrofoam plate, and she was convinced God matched her with Joy Abruzzo to punish her for dating Chuck.

Why her?

Blair dropped the dented letter onto her desk. She checked her phone once more and noticed Serena hadn't texted her back in a few hours. She was probably having the time of her life, partying, meeting amazing new people, while Blair was stuck with the worst situation as usual. Serena's life was full of sunshine and daises, while Blair's was a dungeon.

Why couldn't she have gotten accepted at Yale? She knew if everything worked out the way it was supposed to, she'd be happy at Yale, surrounded with cultured individuals with class. It wasn't fair.

The envelope was blank, but had a red wax seal on the back. Blair held it up closer, trying to read the in sigma. Her fingers brushed over the hardened wax, and her heart began to beat faster. She carefully ripped open the seal, and one piece of paper was inside. A key symbol marked the stationary at the top of the thick paper. It read:

The Lock and Key Society invites you to attend the first meeting at St. Anthony Hall at the dawn of the new moon.

The key is your destiny.

Come alone.

Destroy this after reading.

Blair reread the note several times, her mouth hung open. A secret society? Blair almost shrieked and jumped up and down. She hugged the invitation to her chest, and her eyes squeezed shut. See? It was happening! Things were turning around already. She didn't need her roommate or her weird floor mates. She was going to be a member of The Lock and Key Society.

Blair first pulled out her phone and speed dialled Dorota. "Yes Miss Blair?"

"Dorota? We can cancel the sushi party now."

"Are you sure Miss Blair?"

"Positive. Another commitment has popped up. I'll keep you posted."

Blair tossed her phone onto her bed and kissed the note. Her first day at college had been salvaged. She was going to be the most powerful woman on campus. She was thinking too small with a sushi party. Nate had a point; they wouldn't appreciate it anyway. Why cater to the masses, when she could join the elites where she belonged?

The door swung open and Joy looked relived to see her. "There you are. I've been looking all over for you."

Blair quickly tucked the note into her envelope. "You found me."

"We're about to have a limbo contest—What's that?"

Blair dropped the envelope in her purse. "Oh it's nothing. Just a little love note from my boyfriend."

"Huh. I never pegged Chuck as the letter writing type," Joy said.

"That's because you don't know Chuck."

"We talked a bit while we waited in line for burgers with his roommate Nate. Now him I could see writing a note." She smiled when she said Nate's name.

Blair rolled her eyes. Like she had any chance with him.

"Let's go," Joy said.

"You can go on without me. I have a couple errands to run."

"But it's our first night in res. Can't it wait until tomorrow?"

"Oh sweetie, you don't have to worry about me. It's just a couple things I had forgotten. You can go limbo downstairs… unless you want to come with me." Blair's mouth turned into her smirk.

"Go where?"

"Hm. A little here, a little there. You want to get to know the city don't you?"

"Eventually—"

"Well you don't have to come then. I just thought it would be…a good opportunity for us roommates to get to know each other."

Joy poked her head down the silent hall. "I think that would be pretty cool then. We'll be back for the first party tonight?"

"Of course. I wouldn't want to miss that," Blair said.

Blair picked up her phone from her bed and led the way. Whenever Joy walked beside her, Blair subtly pushed her back. She could make this whole roommate thing work for now too. Sure, Joy was far from her usual minion material, but she would do for such short notice. Before long, she won't even remember rooming with Joy Abruzzo. Her memories at Columbia will be entrenched at St. Anthony's Hall where she belonged.

Spotted: Blair Waldorf and her roommate paroling the New York City streets at night, and by the looks of it, B seems to be forming an army. Look out Columbia. It looks like Queen B is back.

That night, Chuck and Nate went to Jay Sanders' party a couple doors down the hall. Jay was an engineering student from Boston whose dad was also an engineer too. He was pretty chill, but Chuck thought he was one of those good kids who was going to let loose once he's away from his family. Most of their floor mates were there, and whooped when Chuck and Nate entered the room.

Stashed under the desk were a couple six packs. Chuck looked away. He was never a beer drinker because it was way too heavy on his stomach. He patted the scotch flask in his breast pocket. He knew whom he was living with now. He knew he needed to be prepared.

"We also invited the girls from the floor below us," Chuck heard Jay say at one point. Chuck reached for his phone. He hadn't heard from Blair since she left the barbeque abruptly. He texted her and returned to conversing with Troy. He wasn't bad. Most of them weren't really.

Someone knocked on the door, and the girls from the floor below entered the room. Chuck watched them all enter the room, but Blair was not among them. He didn't even see her roommate Joy either. Chuck tried calling Blair, but she didn't answer.

"Have you seen Blair?" Chuck asked Nate.

"No I haven't. I thought she was with you?"

He waited and waited, until everyone was drunk, and he'd run out of scotch. He'd already returned to refill his flask twice. The party had grown to be so large that it spilled into the hallways. People laughed and stumbled around, but Chuck couldn't enjoy himself. He had no idea where Blair was, and he was starting to become concerned. He was about to tell his Don, Mike, when he saw Blair and Joy emerge from the stairwell door.

He pushed through a couple drunken idiots to get to Blair. She walked toward him with a smile on her face. Joy walked behind her, and waved when she saw Chuck.

"Blair where have you been? I've been trying to get a hold of you all night."

"I went out with my roommate. I was showing her the city, and my phone died. I'm sorry." She kissed his cheek. "Did I worry you?" She whispered in his ear.

He noticed Joy was still watching their interaction. He looked away and said, "no." Blair knew that he meant yes.

"I see Tori down the hall. I'm going to say hi. See you in a bit?" Joy said.

Blair nodded with her fake smile plastered on her face.

"Look who's playing nice," Chuck said.

Blair fixed his bowtie. "I could be turning over a new leaf."

Chuck inspected her closely. "Or a new scheme."

"Something like that," She brushed a feathery kiss on lips.

Suddenly, two guys tumbled to the floor. Chuck turned to see Joy helping one of the guys stand. Blair just looked on repulsed. "Can I make it up to you somehow?" She said.

Chuck's eyes ran up and down her body. "As a matter of fact, yes you can."

Chuck held her hand and guided her to his room. Once the door was closed, he pinned her up against the door and kissed her. He felt something crunch underneath his foot, so he kicked it away, as he kissed her. They could still hear the party going on outside his door.

"You know," he said in between kisses. "This could be better if we had an audience…"

"What are you suggesting, Bass?"

He drew his head away from her intoxicating neck. "A little game perhaps."

"Who are we up against?"

"How about your roommate? Give her a little scare?"

Blair let out a laugh. "Scare? More like traumatize."

He smirked. "Exactly."

"You are the devil."

"At your service," he replied.

Blair licked her lips. "I'm in."

He stepped away from the door, and held Blair's thighs as she slide down the door. They quickly moved to Blair's room downstairs. As they passed through the door, Chuck didn't put a sock on the door handle and smirked to himself. Blair was too busy texting on her phone. Chuck came up behind her, and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"What are you texting?"

"My roommate. Told her I went back to my room."

"So she won't come looking for you?"

Blair turned to face him and started unbuttoning his shirt. "Oh she'll come all right."

They collapsed on the narrow bed. Blair pushed Chuck's shirt off his shoulders. He ran his hands all over her, feeling a strain in his pants.

Blair pulled him by the belt and flipped them so she was straddling him. She pulled down his zipper and pushed his pants off of his hips. Blair sat up and Chuck buried his face between her breasts. His hands found the clasp of her bra, and he was soon lost in her. He was so lost in her that he didn't hear the door open.

"Jesus Christ!"

Chuck and Blair turned to see a shocked Joy at the door. She quickly moved her gaze to her side of the room and said, "Don't you know to put a sock on the doorknob?"

"Sock? What are you talking about?" Blair asked.

Joy covered her eyes. "I'll just tell you later. Please be done by midnight because I will return then to sleep in my own bed thank you very much."

The door slammed behind her. Chuck smirked. "Hm. I didn't expect her to know about the sock thing."

"What the hell is that about?" Blair said.

Chuck flipped their positions so he hovered over her. "It's so people know the room is occupied when people are doing this." He thrusted himself into her, and Blair gasped.

"You knew that but didn't do it?"

He pulled out slowly and re-entered her again. Blair moaned. "I thought we were going to give her a show?"

"We sure did," Blair said. She moaned again, her eyes rolling back into her head.

Chuck continued to pump into her faster. They ceased to talk to each other and he began to groan. Her cheeks were now rosy, and his forehead glistened. He pumped faster and faster until she screamed his name, and he husked hers. He rolled off of her, sticky when it was over. Blair curled into his side, her hand over his heart. She traced their initials over his heart, and he absentmindedly traced figure eights on her back.

Chuck thought about this past summer, which he admits was the best summer of his life, and he remembers doing the same thing on a private beach in the Hamptons. He had never felt so calm, and as they were just beginning college, he couldn't have been more grateful for Blair to be there with him. He looked at her and found himself smiling. He was so lucky. So so lucky to now have her.

"Chuck?"

"Yes?"

"Are you okay? You know, here at Columbia?"

He sighed while his eyes drooped. "I am now."

That Friday night, Blair held up two hangers of dresses to her frame. She draped one dress in front of the other, her lips pursed. One was an elegant black dress, and the other a burgundy red. She hand picked both dresses to come with her to college, but she didn't know which one was more appropriate to wear at her first secret society meeting. Was this the type of secret society that acted more like a fraternity? Or where they more like an academic society? There was no way for her to know. Its secretiveness was thrilling in that sense, but she didn't know how to dress for surprise.

Blair tossed the black dress on her bed. Black was always the most versatile option. It adapted to whatever environment it took her. She slipped on the dress and checked her reflection again to see if it was suitable. Blair turned to see how the dress draped along her backside and nodded to her reflection. It would do. It wasn't her favourite outfit, but it was acceptable and practical.

The door swung open, and Joy kept her eyes on her side of the room before panning to Blair. Ever since the incident on the first night, Joy always refrained from making eye contact with Blair whenever she entered the room. She wore a pair of black sweat pants and a pink hello kitty shirt.

"You're all dressed up," Joy said. "Where are you going?"

"Oh me?" Blair said. "Just a close little get together."

"Doesn't seem like it," Joy said. She opened her closet door and got up on her tiptoes to reach for a bag of chips. "When you get back, all the girls on our floor are having a Harry Potter marathon," she said.

"That's sweet, but I don't think I'll be back for awhile." Blair applied some mascara to her lashes.

"Oh okay. Suit yourself," Joy said. She stopped and pulled down her bunched up t-shirt. Then, she waited.

Blair applied her favourite shade of red lipstick. "Can I help you?"

"Yes actually. Can I ask you something, Blair?"

Blair shrugged. "I suppose."

"You know on our first night…when I, you know, walked in on you and Chuck?"

Blair smiled at the thought which Joy's cheeks turned pink.

"Are you going to tell me that I can't spend time with my boyfriend in our room? I'll totally just go to his then."

"Well no. That's not fair. Whatever you choose to do with your boyfriend is your business. But next time, could you at least give me a heads up? I know most people put a sock on the door, but even a text would be nice."

Blair plastered her fakest smile on her face. "I'll be sure to text you next time."

Joy slouched a bit. "Good. Thanks. Have fun tonight, and maybe we can have breakfast together tomorrow? I've barely seen you over the past few days."

"Sure."

Joy smiled. "Good. See you tomorrow!"

Blair's smile dropped when Joy disappeared down the hall. She returned to facing the mirror and fluffed up her hair. She actively tried to stay away from Joy. She wasn't a very adequate minion when they went shopping. She asked the most annoying questions, and didn't assure her she was right all the time. Joy was under the impression that since they were roommates that they'd automatically be friends. Blair didn't see it that way. She saw Joy as someone she happened to be forced to cohabitate with. That's all. They had nothing in common, had completely different upbringings, and Blair just didn't like her.

Blair, not one to waste a thought on someone she didn't like, grabbed her phone and keys and dropped both in her purse. Her mother's car was waiting for her at the curb, and she gave the driver the address. St. Anthony's Hall. This week she researched the society. It was the first chapter, Alpha chapter, and its historic building was designed by one of its alumnus. There was little else known about the society other than the year it formed in 1882. It was also a co-ed society, which is how Blair got an invitation.

The car pulled up to a four-story home wedged between two slightly taller apartment buildings. Its door was located on the far left of the building with rows of three floor to ceiling windows and a mix of brick and stone. Blair took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. Sure enough, the sky was completely dark, as no moon was in sight. She couldn't see any stars, just infinite blackness.

Blair rapped the front door, and a tall guy dressed in all black with black ray bans on greeted her. Blair looked behind him, and she could only see a long coat rack and velvet red drapes concealing what was inside.

"Your name please."

"Blair Waldorf."

He handed her a black robe. "Welcome, Blair. Please put this on."

He helped her slip the black robe over her head. It had a hood. "When you walk through this curtain, you are not allowed to talk to anyone. Take a seat, and you will be instructed on what to do next."

He pulled apart one half of the curtain and Blair walked through. The first thing that caught Blair's eye was a portrait. It was hung above the fireplace, and it was a painting of a man. It looked to be late nineteenth century, Blair was sure of that. Blair kept her head bowed, but she saw others with their hoods up like herself facing the two hooded figures that stood in front of the fireplace. She took a seat and kept her eyes down.

Blair didn't know how much time had passed, but at some point one of the two figures by the fireplace spoke. "We will now proceed to our meeting room where we will begin. Everyone walk single file. Follow the person in front of you."

Blair found herself in the line and they were being guided to a doorway. Sure enough, there were stairs that took them to the basement. It was a dark space, a place that instantly reminded Blair of the Tomb from Yale's Skull and Bones Society. It was candle lit, and there was a large circular table in the middle of the room with high back chairs. Blair pulled up a chair.

"Welcome to the Lock and Key Society. You have all been asked to join us because you all have been chosen as prospective members. From now on, we will meet to conduct our weekly rituals each Sunday at midnight. You may not speak with each other until you are seated at this table. We do this to ensure that we get to know each person as they are and not what they look like. We will each assign you your name. Once you enter your key inside the lock, you leave yourself behind. We are all equal and we are all one."

The other hooded figure spoke next. "Let's begin. Each of you has been picked by one of our members that will graduate this year. They will stand behind you and explain why they chose you to the group. They will also give you your name. We'll move in a clockwise direction. Roosevelt, you're up first."

Roosevelt cleared his throat. "I would like to introduce you all to Marquez. He is from Los Angeles California where he has interned for Harper and Row and was recommended by authors such as John Irving and George Saunders as the next great literary figure. We are honoured to have Marquez sit with us at the table. Please welcome Marquez."

Then all of the members that stood behind the new around the table said in unison, "We welcome him."

Then, each member was introduced and given a name. Blair waited patiently for her turn. The voices became louder and louder, so she knew she was up next. Two strong hands gripped her shoulders, alerting her that it was her turn. Blair's breath hitched when she realized it was a guy who spoke of her.

"I would like to introduce you all to Queen Isabella the first of Castille." Blair froze. Isabella? No Grace Kelly? No Audrey Hepburn? She could even understand a Marie Antoinette reference, really.

The voice was smooth and the word floated over her like waves. "I was particularly enamoured with Isabella, because she not only was the valedictorian, committee chairwoman of the social outreach committee among other notable clubs and societies, but she also created a social construct at her high school that resembled a monarchy. It was a truly inspired idea that most would think was an impossible task. However, Isabella created such a system and ruled it in ways that resembled Queen Isabella. I think her leadership would be the ultimate asset to our society moving forward. She is a native to New York City, and she is the first in her family to attend Columbia University. Please welcome Queen Isabella."

"We welcome her," they all said in unison again.

So she could be the next leader of this society? Blair wanted to jump up and down. This was exactly what she wanted. She looked around the table to the other hooded figures. In that moment, she had no doubt that Columbia was the best choice for her. Despite her loss of Yale, it led her to this. She could continue to be Queen, and she could be surrounded with the elites like she deserved.

She wondered who the other members were. They all sounded impressive, and so far, she was the only person from New York. Who needed minions when she had her equals sitting at this very table? Minions were so high school anyway, and Blair was ready to move on. She was ready to rule Columbia, and she was given the perfect way to do it.

Once everyone was introduced, the two leaders at the head of the table raised their own goblets. Blair raised her goblet ready for a toast. In Blair's mind, she was toasting to her new reign.

"To our new members; congratulations for unlocking the key."

Blair took a sip of sweet wine, and put down her goblet.

"Before we disband for this evening, we have a few rules that must be followed. The consequences are expulsion from the society. One, you under no circumstances, must not tell anyone you are in this society. That includes parents, siblings, or even any significant others. Second, once you become members, you are allowed to talk with members outside of meetings, but you can never discuss anything about meeting outside this space. Third, the traditions you will learn in the coming weeks are sacred traditions. You may not tell anyone what is done down here. And don't worry, we don't sacrifice anyone, or do any hazing."

"Yeah there's no hazing," A shrill voice said. "We are not a fraternity."

"Any questions?" Another male voice asked.

"I have one," A voice said.

"Go ahead Marquez."

"Will we ever get to see everyone's faces?"

The shrill voice answered first. "Yes. After you are initiated."

"Any other questions?"

All of the new members were silent.

"Good. We'll show you our disbanding ritual we perform at the end of each meeting, and we will see you all next Friday same time, same place."

Blair looked at all the members hold hands around the table. They chanted something in Latin, something she could only understand bits and pieces of. At the end, they finished their chant with a firm handshake, and they disbanded.

They were each led up the stairs, and one at a time, they left separately. Once Blair passed through the red curtain, she took off her robe and left the building. The person before her had disappeared already, and Blair walked halfway back to Hartley Hall. She thought of the ritual and smiled. She wasn't Queen B anymore, and she was okay with that.

She was going to be Queen Isabella, and there was nothing that would stand in her way to stop it.

Spotted: B walking back to her dorm in the late hours of the night alone. I don't know about you, but should C be worried?

Chuck was on time for his first day of classes. After the haze that was Frosh Week, he spent the Sunday before the beginning of classes recuperating with Nate. So far, Chuck preferred college to high school. High school was far too regimented. Classes started at eight thirty, and you have the same classes every day all week, lunch at noon. Chuck's first class starts at eleven on Monday, and the latest class finished for me was at five thirty. He didn't even have class on Fridays.

When the first day of classes arrived, Chuck had enough time in the morning to be prepared for his class. It was LAW 101, and it was a class he shared with Blair. They agreed to walk to class together, and Blair insisted that he had to be ready early.

She rapped on his door at exactly ten twenty like she promised him. "Morning Blair," he kissed her cheek. "Beautiful as always."

"Thank you, Chuck. It looks like you had the same idea this morning?" She pointed to his slacks that matched her skirt. They both wore corduroy.

"Morning, Nate," Blair said.

Nate raised a limp hand and buried his face in his pillow. He didn't have class until one.

Blair took his hand, and they walked to class together. Blair turned every right corner, and smiled.

"You're really happy today," Chuck said.

"I am. I'm here with you, and we're walking to our first class together. It's a beautiful day, what isn't there to be happy about?"

Chuck studied her. "Nothing I guess." She was too happy. The only time he'd ever seen her this happy was when he said he loved her. It's not that he didn't want to see her unhappy, but he was sceptical about it.

They entered the massive lecture hall where Joy was already seated and waved at Blair. So Joy was her new minion? Some things never changed with Blair. Maybe that's why Blair was so happy. She was building her empire again, and she had her lackeys to do it.

"Hey, Blair. I saved you a seat," Joy said. "Hi Chuck."

Fortunately there was an extra seat on the end of the row. "Morning, Joy." He looked around the theatre style lecture hall. At least one thousand students could fit in this gigantic lecture hall. He took his seat and pulled out his monogramed note pad and pen.

"I didn't know you were taking law, Joy," Chuck said.

"Likewise. But I'm actually interested in pursuing law, so Blair and I are going to have the same major next year."

"Oh really?" Chuck said.

Joy nodded. "I'm so lucky my roommate is studying the same thing as me. What do you hope to study?"

"I don't know yet. I'm taking subjects in a few faculties to see what appeals to me. At the end of the year who knows?"

"You have plenty of time to figure it out. I get the sense you know what you want to do."

How wrong she was with that assessment. It was one thing to enrol in a reputable college, but it was an entirely different thing for him to choose what he would like to study. Before he left St. Jude's he would have been the first to say he was going to study business. Now he wasn't so sure. When he selected courses, he picked all the introductory subjects. He looked ahead at the course catalogues and he found so many more interesting subjects to take. The history of human sexuality was one he was particularly interested in. But why should he just take business when he hadn't ever tried anything else?

Chuck noticed the lecturer attach the microphone to his shirt. He tapped it a couple times to get started. He looked around the room and noticed everyone open their MacBook's. Blair and Joy opened their notebooks, and Joy even had her phone set to record the lecture.

"Good morning everyone and welcome to Law 101. I'm George Fletcher and I will be your instructor for the term. I've been teaching this course for ten years now, and you could say I've started to notice a thing or two. Some people do really well in my class, and other people don't. I'll be clear and to the point. You may have cruised through high school without even trying. You may think that you can do the same in College. Spoiler alert: you can't. If you want to succeed in my class, all you need to do is keep up with the readings and attend the lectures. If you can do that, you will do well in my class. But if eleven o'clock lectures are too early for you, you might as well drop out right now. Any takers? No? Okay. So you all want to be here. That's good. But I guarantee that this large number will dwindle as the semester continues. I won't be here to cry about it. " He clicked a button and the course syllabus appeared on the screen. "Here is the schedule for what we will be learning this semester and when the examinations will be. You can also find this information on the course website. If you keep up with this schedule, and I don't think I'm asking for too much really, —we're only covering at most a couple chapters per week—then you will succeed in my class. Who wants to succeed?"

Most of the room raised their hands. Chuck didn't.

"Since I started teaching this class, the average has decreased every year. I don't know if that's because of diminishing curriculums in high school, or some students tell me its because I make the tests harder. I've had very little variability on the difficulty of questions, so it's not that. Whatever the reason, I am going to give you all the chance to prove me wrong. If this whole room of students collectively can achieve an average of seventy percent, I will give you all a percent bonus on your final grade. This isn't the first time I'm offering this deal. I tried this for the past three years, and each class has failed. I'm curious if this streak will continue. So the next time you want to skip a chapter, or go out drinking with your buddies, just remember what you're giving up for yourself…and the rest of the class." Fletcher paused to take a drink of his coffee. "So with that out of the way, let's talk about law…"

He flicked to the next slide, and the clicking and clacking of fingers dashed across their keyboards. Chuck looked around the room, and then at Blair and Joy who were intently listening to Fletcher. Both had a set of colourful pens ready to make notes. He intended to sit in class and just listen to the lecture. Chuck thought that would be enough to just pass. That's what he'd always done. If he really wanted to go the extra mile, he would hire someone to do his assignments for him. It was effective.

For the first time, Chuck realized that neither of those methods was going to work here. He couldn't cruise on the backs of others. He was going to get caught, and in that moment he realized it wasn't worth it.

He picked up his pen and started writing.

During the second week of classes, there was a club and activities fair held in the University Hall. There were tables sets up in orderly rows around the open space with different representatives for each club and activities matching the banners that draped in front of the wooden tables. There were clubs ranging from Pokémon to all the Greek sororities and fraternities and everything in between.

Every nauseating orientation leader told them to attend the activities fair, and Chuck didn't plan on attending. He was never one to entertain the thought of joining a club for fun. He didn't need any of those clubs to support his social life. He and Nate were doing very well with their flat mates.

Yet somehow, after law class with Blair, they stumbled across the hall filled with different clubs and societies. The room was packed with other first years, their backpacks slung on both shoulders.

"What is this? A circus?"

"It's the clubs and activities fair," Blair said. She laced her fingers with his. "Let's take a look."

They walked past the different stands, and nothing stood out to them. Once they reached the end of one aisle, they turned to the walk down another. Girls in pink with Greek letters stood at the first booth, then other girls dressed in green, and so on. It was a whole aisle devoted to all of the Columbia Greek societies. Chuck noticed Greek fraternities chanting with tight t-shirts on.

Some of the girls gave Blair a pamphlet as they passed, but Blair didn't stop. "Have you thought of joining a sorority, Blair?"

If anything, Chuck thought that may be a good fit for Blair. A community of beautiful girls who made social connections while battling each other to control their house? That has Blair written all over it.

"Please," Blair scoffed. "I'm not a blow-up Barbie doll. Would you join a fraternity?"

"I think I already went through my fraternity phase in high school, but I wouldn't be surprised if Nate asks me to join one with him."

When they finished walking through Greek row, Chuck said, "I'm surprised you haven't already compiled a list of societies you want to join. You're usually always so involved."

"I already researched," Blair said. "I already have it sorted out."

"You do do you?"

"Of course."

"Then what's Blair Waldorf's plan to take over Columbia?"

Blair kissed Chuck, silencing his question. "It's nothing you need to worry about. I'm getting hungry now. Want to go for lunch?"

He studied her face. Why was it that he thought she wasn't being honest with him about something? "Sure." He elongated each letter as he said the word.

"Good. Let's go."

Blair dragged him to the nearest door. There was one more stand near the entrance, and the word "MIXOLOGY" was written in thin letters. A guy with both of his arms covered in tattoos sat behind the booth. Another short girl with thick-rimmed glasses held a stack of pamphlets talking to another person. A third person, a tall guy who wore a suit and tie spotted Chuck.

Chuck halted in front of him. "Mixology?"

"That's right. We're a society that enjoys the art of making cocktails."

Chuck looked at the table that had a pyramid of martini glasses filled with a rainbow of coloured drinks. "So what do you guys do?"

"We usually get together and invent new drinks. Sometimes we have competitions, and we also have pub-crawls. We're actually having one this Friday." He handed Chuck a pamphlet.

"What kinds of drinks have been invented?"

"Let's see. The best one I've ever tasted was the Blind Rabbit. Pretty deadly. It tastes like a mix of gin and tea."

"That's an interesting combination," Chuck said.

"There are plenty more creative combinations that mixologists create in our club. Here take this," the guy handed Chuck an information sheet. "If you're interested you can email me any questions you might have. My name is Andy by the way."

Andy held out his hand, and Chuck shook it. "Nice to meet you, Andy."

"Hope to see you at our pub crawl this Friday."

Chuck read over the sheet and said, "I think you will."

Why had he never thought of mixology before? What else could take Victrola to the next level of excess?

Chuck returned to Blair. "Did you see something you liked?"

"Yes actually," Chuck said. "Are you interested in a pub crawl this Friday night? It starts at ten."

Blair looked at the sheet. "Hm. As much as I appreciate a well-mixed martini, I'm already booked on Friday. Why don't you ask Nate?"

"I will."

"Get up, Archibald."

Nate lounged on his bed with his economics textbook propped up on his chest. His eyes blinked slowly, his lips slightly parted. He was lying down, his head supported by his pillow.

"We're going on a pub crawl."

Nate rubbed his eyes. "We are?"

Chuck lifted the textbook from Nate's chest and dropped it on his desk. "Yes. Now get up and go shower."

Nate lifted himself into a sitting position. "I thought no one on our floor could go out. Didn't Ryan try and got denied because his fake was so bad?"

"No. You and me. There's a pub crawl with the mixology club that I want to go to."

"Mixology club?"

"Yes, Nathaniel. It's the art of making a good drink."

"I know what it is."

"Good. Then you'll come."

"I guess? I was going to catch up on a couple chapters of econ."

"I could tell you were really immersing yourself in your studies."

Nate chuckled. "Yeah. You could say that."

Nate stood up and picked up his towel and clean pair of boxers. "I'll be back."

When Nate returned Chuck was ready, wearing a grey business suit and bow tie. "I didn't realize that this was a black tie affair. I thought you said it was a pub crawl."

"You can dress however you please," Chuck said.

Nate pulled a powder blue polo over his head and paired it with a pair of dark wash jeans. "When does the pub crawl start?"

"Nine."

Nate buttoned up his pants and said, "Did you just hear about this on Facebook?"

"No. I was told at the clubs and activities fair."

Nate had his usual confused look on his face. "You went to the clubs and activities fair?"

"Blair and I ran into it after law class. I saw that there was a mixology booth, and now, here we are."

"Wait, are you seriously considering joining?"

"Yes. Why?"

"I'm sorry. It's just that you've never joined a club before. I thought you were more interested in the secret societies. You know, Skull and Bones?"

Chuck waved his hand flippantly. "I'm over that scene. I'd rather spend time with people who aren't complete idiots who think they are powerful."

"Or maybe you don't want to spend your time tying your best friend to a gazebo who is only dressed in his underwear."

"That too," Chuck said.

"It's a new day for Chuck Bass," Nate said in awe.

"It's also a strategic one. Learning the art of mixology can bring in more business for Victrola."

"You know, you could have just said you joined the club because you wanted too Chuck. Not everything has to have an ulterior motive."

"Then what's the point?"

"I dunno? The pure experience of it all? Meeting new people, trying new things? Isn't that enough?"

"Archibald, I didn't realize you were trying so many new things. You are still playing lacrosse and partying in our dorm. I don't see you joining any clubs or societies."

"Yet," Nate said. "I haven't joined any yet."

"Well, help your most loyal friend join his. Let's go. Just like old times." Chuck pushed Nate through the door.

"If you mean that this is another chance to get drunk, then I'm here for you, man," Nate said.

The two friends walked out of Hartley Hall, and began another evening of debauchery.

A couple weeks into the term, Evelyn visited Chuck on campus. She showed up at his residence on a Saturday afternoon with a package of freshly made éclairs from his favourite bakery.

"I come baring gifts." Evelyn presented the box to him once in his dorm room.

"Thank you." He took the box and gave her a hug.

"You know, I thought your room was going to be a lot messier than this."

"I knew you were coming, so I made sure I brought in the maid to tidy things up."

"Some things haven't changed," Evelyn said. "How are things?"

"Good. Just had a week of my first classes. How's Constance."

Evelyn sighed. "It's…Constance. Nothing's changed really. We just had our Ivy League Mixer."

"How'd that go?"

"It was okay actually. I was telling dad that I never even considered these schools before I moved here. I talked to all of the Ivy League representatives, and let me tell you they know how to sell their schools."

"That's their job. Did any school stand out to you?"

"They all sound amazing. I also looked into all the schools, and the campuses are beautiful. Really. I feel like I'll choose the school that I get into because there's no way I'll get into all of them."

"You could probably get into a couple."

"That's kind, but I don't think so. I guess the three that I'm really focusing on are Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. They are all tied for the number one ranking in the sciences. But speaking of the college life how is college? What do I have to look forward to?"

"Let's see. If you're lucky, you'll have afternoon classes only, lots of parties, and useful learning."

Evelyn picked up Chuck's textbook that had a pencil used as a bookmark. "Hold up. Do you actually study now?"

"I have indeed found my way to the library."

"No way. I don't believe you."

Chuck smirked. "Look at what else is on my desk."

Evelyn picked up his library card. "What the… so college is a place that reformed my brother? This is unbelievable."

"Well believe it, sis because it's true. College changes you."

Evelyn dropped the card back onto his desk. "This is too weird. Who are you and what have you done with my brother?"

"Is there anything else you want to tell me? Anything shocking about you I don't know about?"

"I joined a club."

"What? I never thought I'd see the day where my brother joined an extracurricular. What club did you join?"

"Mixology."

"It's fitting I guess. Still weird though." She stared at him as if she was trying to diagnose an illness.

"What happened to my accepting sister?"

"She's still here. She's just processing. It may take a couple minutes."

"Well while you process, why don't we go for a walk? I'll even show you where the library is."

"I can't even believe that has now become a point of interest for you."

"You'll soon believe it. Come on."

Evelyn shook her head and followed Chuck out the door.

Spotted: A reformed Chuck Bass leaving the library. Could it be? Has C truly changed? We're not sure if we should be thanking or hating B for this…

If anyone were to ask, Chuck and Blair didn't hold hands. Chuck and Blair didn't go to the movies. And most of all, Chuck and Blair didn't go on dates. At least, they didn't go on dates in the conventional sense. Most couples either went out for dinner, possibly desert, or even went for a walk. In college, all of these activities were a good study break even. But none of these dates were ever an option for Chuck and Blair.

A normal date for Chuck and Blair involved scheming as their appetizer, manipulation as their main, and sex as dessert. It was the most fulfilling date, really. Who didn't have a date where manipulation and humiliation was on the menu? It was Chuck and Blair's favourite dish.

Chuck sat at one end of the bar, and Blair sat opposite of him. He surveyed the room and noticed two guys eyeing up Blair appreciatively. One looked like a business yuppie that leaned on the piano. He was a redhead who wore a black suit without a tie. Chuck also noticed a glint of silver on his pinkie finger. The other seemed average and not worth messing with.

Chuck held up his phone to his ear while looking at Blair. "The one by the piano."

She gave a quick nod, and sauntered up to the guy. They were too far away for Chuck to hear what they were saying. Blair fluttered her lashes and flipped her hair back to reveal the nape of neck. She was good at this game. Almost too good.

He waited almost another hour. No one came up to Chuck to distract him from watching another man court Blair. It was taking longer than usual. The guy either asked a lot of questions, or he was committed. They should have been out of here ten minutes ago. Chuck texted Blair to hurry up. He didn't want to wait all night or watch her flirt with another man. It was one thing when she was manipulating them and setting them up for failure, but she was usually quicker than this.

Finally, Blair left with the guy's arm wrapped around her waist. He got a text from Blair saying that they're going to the Palace. It was probably on her request. It was better this way. She knew it was better since the after party would be there.

Chuck followed them with his limo, and kept a distance once they arrived at the hotel. He clutched his phone in his hand waiting for Blair to text him. This part was the most agonizing wait until she finally texted him the plan.

At the Palace Bar. Come now.

Chuck swaggered through his hotel and found the pair at the bar. Blair looks over the guy's shoulder, and signalled Chuck to approach. The guy has his hand on Blair's waist, and he intended to pull her closer.

"Blair!"

The guy turned, and Blair acted surprised. "Chuck? What are you doing here?"

"I was looking for you. Who is this guy?"

"Hey, that's none of your business," the redhead said.

"Yes it is," Chuck growled. "She's my girlfriend."

"Ex girlfriend actually," The guy said.

Ex? Blair looked at him apologetically. This guy clearly needed more convincing to fall into their trap. "Well that's news to me."

"Chuck, just leave me alone," Blair said.

Leave her alone? That was never apart of their script. "No. I think we need to talk," Chuck said. Maybe they could regroup outside the bar, or talk through a plan.

"I don't want to speak with you."

What? That took a turn. How would this ever end in humiliation? "Blai—"

"You heard her. Now leave."

Chuck looked between Blair and the redhead confused. This isn't how the game is supposed to end. They are supposed to humiliate this guy, but he was the one who felt humiliated.

Chuck turned to leave and texted Blair demanding to know what was going on. They had never been out of sync like that before. How did this happen? He went up to his suite and nursed a glass of scotch as he thought about it.

He didn't hear Blair arrive, until she spoke. "Chuck?"

Chuck acknowledged her, and took a sip of his drink. Blair approached him, and sat on the couch. "I'm sorry about what happened at the bar. Things didn't go according to plan."

"No they didn't."

"After you left, I told him that I needed some time because our breakup was too fresh. He bought it. That's what I was planning to do the whole time." Blair curled her body beside his and kissed his cheek. "Hey. What's wrong?"

"You referred to me as your ex boyfriend," He said.

"Chuck, that was just for the game. Our victim was a little bit smarter than most. I had to improvise."

"I know." Chuck recoiled from her hand that covered his heart. For some reason it didn't sit right with him. Whenever he was playing offense and setting up their victim, he never said he wasn't with Blair, and it was never a problem. Something about it bothered him, but didn't know why.

"Can I make it up to you?" She nibbled on his ear.

Truthfully, he didn't want her too. For the first time, he wasn't in the mood for it.

Blair cupped his cheeks and kissed him softly. Chuck pulled away.

"Not tonight, Blair."

"I don't understand, Chuck. It was just a game. It didn't mean anything."

He didn't understand it either. He just knew there was something wrong with it, and he just needed some space.

"I think I just want to be alone tonight."

Blair blinked at him. "Okay." She stood up and looked over her shoulder before she left him alone.

Chuck refilled his glass. He remained on the couch until morning, still replaying the night's events over and over. Why would Blair just assume that he would quickly become her ex? Did she really not have any faith in him? He knew of course that she didn't mean that they were over by any means, but why would she quickly use that as an excuse?

Half a bottle of scotch later, he stumbled and fell face first into his bed until the swirling thoughts in his mind silenced in his sleep.

When Halloween arrived, Chuck hadn't seen Blair much. He found himself throwing himself in his studies, something he'd never done before. It was a needed distraction from Blair, but it didn't stop her from coming to his room, or texting, or trying to talk to him in law class. He needed space to think.

A Halloween party was being held in the Hub on campus for all first years. Chuck stood with Nate in the decorated space wearing a suite and top hat as if he were a bootlegger from the 1920s. Nate wore a cowboy costume with light wash jeans, boots and plaid shirt. He completely fit the part of a good southern cowboy. If Chuck didn't grow up with Nate, he could easily pass as a native of the south. It was a strange coincidence.

The party was fun, but pretty uneventful for Chuck. He knew that Blair would show up at some point because Blair always knew where to find him. Although he wasn't too keen on seeing her, Chuck felt he had enough time to think about how he felt after their failed scheming date.

Sure enough, Blair arrived at the party and Chuck caught her eye immediately. Chuck excused himself from Nate, and turned to Blair as she approached. She wore a red flapper dress with long black beads strung around her delicate neck. No matter what he was feeling, he still couldn't deny that she was beautiful, and without planning it, they matched.

Blair looked at her shoes and said, "I know you don't want to see me."

"Then what exactly are you doing here?" Chuck said.

"I came to apologize. I'm sorry about what happened on our date a couple weeks ago. I didn't think that my methods in our game would offend you like that. I mean, we're on the same side here, so why is it that you can't forgive me for this?"

"This isn't about the game, Blair," Chuck said.

"Then what could this possibly be about?"

"The game just showed me that I can't trust you completely without you throwing me one of your surprises."

Blair placed her hand on his arm. "But I trust you. We make the perfect team."

"No," He shook his head. "We weren't a team that night Blair. A team would mean that we were focusing our duplicity onto others. Instead, you duped me."

"But I didn't mean to—"

"If it meant winning the game, we both know that you meant it."

"Chuck, I thought we were past this. I love you."

"And I love you, but I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to fully trust you."

She took a step back. "So that's it? You're just giving up on us?"

"No. I'm being honest with you, Blair. We have to talk about this stuff."

"Then…how can I make this better?"

"You can't. Not immediately at least."

He saw the hurt in her eyes and he said, "But…we can start by having a drink."

A glimmer of hope shone in Blair's eyes. "Okay."

Chuck put his arm around Blair, and lead her to the bar. Could he ever fully trust Blair? He trusted her with his feelings last year. He also knew all of her tricks, but that would always make each one suspicious of the other. It kept things interesting between them. Chuck and Blair playing games. Chuck and Blair humiliating others. It's what they did, and they would always do.

But were they capable of anything more than that?

Chuck and Blair treaded carefully during midterm season. Things were almost back to normal by then, but Chuck was still cautious around Blair, and he was sure Blair was being cautious around him. They studied together for law, and occasionally studied with Nate, but there was this tension that existed between them. Chuck would watch Blair take a sip from her water bottle. She weaved her pen between her fingers and rolled her shoulders back every so often.

They sat at the same table, sitting opposite of each other. Chuck read the same sentence for the fifteenth time. Studying had been going well for him, but for some reason he couldn't focus today. He closed his textbook and stood.

"Going for another walk?" Blair highlighted one of the definitions she'd just recorded in her notebook.

"I need to absorb the information."

"You can't focus can you?"

She had him there. He was hopelessly distracted from his studying.

"You know…if only you had an immediate reward that would help you regain focus."

"What are you suggesting?"

"I'm suggesting that if you finish reviewing chapter ten today, then you'd get a reward."

"A game."

"A game."

Something within him knew this was a terrible idea. It was terrible really. But another part of him watched Blair lick her lips and tug the collar of her shirt down.

"What do you say, Bass?" He blinked up at him innocently.

Chuck swallowed and sat back down in his seat. "I'm in."

So far, Blair's nineteenth birthday was turning out to be the worst birthday ever. It was as if no one noticed she was becoming one year older. Despite all of the hints she dropped throughout the week to her friends and family, no one wished her a happy birthday. She didn't even get a call from Serena at midnight—in fact Blair had to call Serena earlier that day. She finally received a text from her dad after her last class that afternoon. Her mother probably forgot again.

She investigated Chuck after her morning class, but she had no luck. He wasn't on campus, or in Hartley Hill, and his limo was gone. He could have been anywhere. And it didn't help that his phone was turned off. This was the first time she broke out her balck beret and did not experience success.

It was almost eight, and Blair lost hope that anything special was going to happen for her birthday. Blair sat at her desk watching Tiffany's on her laptop while eating a box of macaroons. She finished her law readings earlier, and decided to at least give herself the night off for her birthday. If this was what nineteen looked like, she was totally let down. Watching Tiffany's and eating macaroons in her dorm room? God, she couldn't get any more pathetic. She should have just planned her own party. For once, she thought she should keep her birthday quiet with her close friends, but they didn't even care. Some friends she had.

Blair started when the door opened. Joy bounced through the door—she did that sometimes—and said, "Hey, Blair. Tiffany's again?"

Blair's eyes were glued to the screen. "Yes. Were you at the chapel again?"

"Yes. Today we sang lots of gospel songs. I feel so invigorated!"

"Good for you," Blair mumbled. See? She was so depressed, she couldn't even think of a sparring insult.

"Where's Chuck?"

"How should I know?" She only tried texting him about ten times that day. Not that they were on solid ground, but a heads up that he was alive was the least he could do.

Blair's phone buzzed. She picked it up immediately, and her shoulders sagged when she realized it was just a Gossip Girl blast.

Spotted: Chuck Bass entering Balm without Blair Waldorf. And who is that red head on his arm? Uh oh B. Did you really think C could be tied down for long?

Blair threw her phone at her duvet and slammed her laptop shut. Another woman? Chuck was with another woman on her birthday? How could he? Blair took a deep breath that she was instructed to do from her yoga instructor. Okay. Maybe she was overreacting. It probably wasn't anything for her to worry about. Maybe it has to do with his Econ professor? That thing he was talking about earlier? It was probably nothing.

Blair picked up her phone again and looked at the blast.

They were standing awfully close. His hand is on the small of her back too. If that Bass was up to something without her, she was going to kill him.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Chuck was on the other side of the door. He was dressed in a black suite with a champagne coloured bowtie. He held a bouquet of peonies in one hand, a box of macaroons in another. "Happy birthday, Blair." He kissed her, and Blair's initial anger subsided briefly.

"Where have you been, Bass?"

Chuck shimmied past her and entered her room. "I've had a very busy day. I see you've already received macaroons. And began Tiffany's. " He inspected the DVD cover.

"And you seemed to be busy with someone," Blair said under her breath.

Chuck studied her for a minute."I told you I was busy. I said I'd be here, and I'm here. And you're not ready."

"What's the point, Chuck? I've had a horrible birthday. I'd rather stay in."

"Well that's too bad. I already made the reservation a month ago and all."

"Reservation? Where?"

"Just put on the dress I sent you earlier."

"Dress? I didn't get a dress."

"Oh shoot," Joy said jumping up from her bed. "I'm sorry Blair. You were in class when it arrived. I forgot to tell you that I hung it in your closet."

Sure enough, a black garment bag hung in her closet.

"I'll give you twenty minutes to get ready," Chuck said. "We're already late. I'll call to see if our reservation can be held."

Once Chuck stepped out of their room, Blair clawed Joy's shoulder. "Where do you think you're going?"

"To shower?"

"No you're not. You're going to help me get ready."

"I don't think you'd want my help."

"Well lucky for you, I didn't have any other choices. Now get my makeup bag and stat! You should have texted me about the dress. I would have gotten ready instead of stuffing my face with macaroons."

"What does a macaroon taste like? I've never had one."

"Enough with the unnecessary questions! If you want to try one just take it from my desk! Let's go!"

Balm was a new restaurant that opened on the Upper West Side. It was a French fusion restaurant with a twist on Blair's favourites. Balm had a retro feel with 1960s white pod swivel chairs at the bar and lime green seat cushions covering the straight back chairs. Mirrors paneled one of the walls and crystal chandeliers hung overtop the bar. Blair had to commend Chuck; he certainly knew her aesthetic.

They walked through the restaurant. Blair thinking they would be lead to a table was confused when they completely walked past every table. The maître D halted in front of a pair of oak double doors.

Oh. So Chuck did one better. He made a reservation in a private room. Okay. She'd give him a point for that, but he still wasn't off the hook with her yet. She had many ideas for his punishments.

The double doors opened, and Blair stepped forward, into the surprisingly large room and—

"SURPRISE!"

Blair's jaw dropped when she took in the full room of her family and friends. She couldn't even see everyone because a flurry of blonde hair launched enveloped her small frame.

"Happy birthday, Blair!" Serena squealed.

"Serena…you're here!"

Serena giggled and bounced on her feet. "Of course I'm here! I wouldn't miss this for the world."

"But your midterm—"

"Already finished it. I had to surprise you somehow, Blair."

Blair wrapped her arms around her best friend and squeezed. She breathed in her strawberry shampooed hair, and when they broke apart, Blair noticed over Serena's shoulder that her family was there. Her mother, Cyrus, and her father and Roman were present. Nate and Evelyn were also there, and he stood beside Joy and a couple girls that lived in the room next door.

"This is amazing," Blair said. She greeted each one of her guests, and was given a champagne flute.

"Happy birthday, Blair," Evelyn said.

"Thank you for coming," Blair replied. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually surprised."

"Well my brother did a good job then," Evelyn said.

"Chuck did all of this?"

"Of course. I don't think that's much of a surprise though. He called up Serena to let her know when to come and the idea to surprise you. Naturally, Serena was going to visit you anyway. Your roommate also helped a lot too."

"Joy?"

Evelyn shrugged. "Again that shouldn't be all that surprising."

Blair looked around the room and saw Chuck talking with her father. "If you'll excuse me, I just have to greet my other guests. Evelyn, thank you for coming."

"No problem. I'm just here for the finger sandwiches."

Blair smirked. "Well, you can check out the table for that."

"I'm on it."

Blair looped her arm around Chuck's waist. "Hi daddy. Can I borrow Chuck for just a moment?"

"Waldorf. Are you having a good time?"

"I am. Chuck, I know you put all of this together for me, and I just wanted to tell you thank you. It's…perfect."

"Well, I can think of many ways you can thank you."

"There always has to be an after party," Blair said. "But I'm serious, Chuck. No one's ever done something like this for me."

Chuck looked at her intently. "Well, I know things have been a bit rough between us, but it's your birthday, and you only deserve the best. I know you better than I know myself, Waldorf."

Blair laced her fingers with this. "Does this mean we're past what happened a few weeks ago?"

"Blair. What happened wasn't an isolate incident. You see this? This is a good surprise. I surprised you to make you happy. This wasn't a game, and I didn't go rogue. I'm still on your team."

"So you're still mad at me?"

"No. I'm not mad. I'm just not sure I can fully trust you, but I'm working on it."

Blair noticed Chuck looked at her earnestly. He was trying. She couldn't fault Chuck for trying. If anything, Chuck had put more effort into their relationship in the few months that they've been dating than Nate ever did for the twelve years they'd been a couple.

Blair looked around at her family and friends and realized that she was happy. I mean her best friend and fathers came all the way from France! Who made that happened? Chuck.

Chuck made her happy. She knew this. And if he didn't trust her, then she would have to give him reason to trust her again. Sure, she was suspicious of him this afternoon and may have investigated, but what devoted and concerned girlfriend wouldn't do that?

Once the party finished at Balm, Chuck took Blair to the Palace for their own after party. They said their goodbyes to Blair's family, and now Chuck sat on the couch nursing a glass of scotch. Blair insisted on stopping by the Waldorf penthouse for coffee with her parents, but she also said she needed to pack an overnight bag. If he knew Blair, that meant she was bringing her toys with her tonight. She probably wanted to thank him for her birthday, and he certainly wasn't going to complain.

Blair's phone buzzed on the coffee table. Normally, this wouldn't bother Chuck, but it buzzed again and again. Who was texting her so much? It wasn't him because he was with her right now, and it certainly wasn't Serena because she knew Blair was with him.

He picked up her phone. There were a couple texts from someone named Kennedy. Who the fuck was Kennedy? Chuck didn't open the messages, but could see the messages appear on her lock screen. Whoever it was wishing her a happy birthday. Another message read:

We will celebrate next Sunday.

Next Sunday? Next Sunday?

There had to be an explanation for this. It couldn't have been what he was thinking. Blair was always a devoted girlfriend; she would never think to cheat on him…right? He drained his glass of scotch and placed the phone back on the table.

He wasn't going to overreact about this. He couldn't. He shouldn't. He should just trust Blair. She loved him; he loved her. There was nothing to worry about. But why didn't she tell him about this Kennedy person? He always told her the new people he met in other classes and in the mixology club. The only reason people use secrets was if they had something to hide.

Maybe he could give a call to Andrew Tyler. He would know what to do. In the meantime, he would study Blair, her habits, and if anything was different. He was surprised he didn't notice something earlier, but Blair was full of surprises.

Blair emerged from the bathroom wearing a red set of lacy lingerie. She smiled and sauntered to Chuck. He smirked, but he observed every crease by her eyes, her red lips, looking for a lie, looking to remove her mask. For the first time, all he saw was Blair. Chuck couldn't detect a mask, or master plan. For the first time, something didn't add up, and he couldn't read Blair.

She straddled his lap and said, "Do you like?"

He ran his hands up her thighs and gave her a once over. "I adore. You know that."

She brushed his hair on the fringes of his forehead. "Thank you again for everything you did for my birthday. It's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me."

"It was nothing, really," Chuck said.

She leaned forward and nibbled on his ear. "It was everything actually," she whispered in his ear. She pulled back and placed both of her hands on his cheeks. "Let me properly thank you."

She kissed him, and all he could think about was Kennedy. Fucking Kennedy. He wanted Blair to forget everything about this Kennedy. It was Chuck and Blair. Blair and Chuck.

He began to kiss her back with more force, and guided her legs around his waist. He stood and carried her to the bed and dropped her on the bed. It wasn't an elegant drop; it was forceful. Blair looked at him.

"What's this? I should be thanking you."

He hovered over her. "After."

He nipped, and she scratched. He growled, and she screamed until they came undone. They pounded with a force that Chuck didn't think was possible between them, but Blair kept up. Whatever boundaries he thought were established were shattered. All Chuck wanted to do was erase any thought of Kennedy from Blair's mind forever. In the short term, he did. Blair screamed for him and only him. That's the way it was supposed to be. They were Chuck and Blair. Blair and Chuck. They weren't cautious of their feelings anymore.

They were limitless.

When Cotillion arrived, Blair predictably signed up as a mentor. As much as she had stayed away from Constance, Blair couldn't resist dipping back into her former life where her opinion was valued. She could dictate what girls should be wearing, who they should be dating, and what they should say for their announcement into society. Essentially, this was an opportunity for Blair to reclaim her throne for an evening.

As Blair busied herself with Cotillion, Chuck quickly got to work investigating who this Kennedy guy was as soon as the day after Blair's birthday. Although he didn't know who Kennedy was yet, he did know that Blair was hiding something from him. He couldn't even believe it. Blair was accepted as a member of the Lock and Key Society. It was the most exclusive society on Columbia Campus. Of course Blair was invited, but what baffled him was why he wasn't. When Chuck toured Yale Campus a year prior, Skull and Bones had kidnapped him. Even if Chuck were a member of Locke and Key, he would have told Blair that he was a member. Blair didn't have to tell him what they were doing at their meetings, but she could have at least given him a heads up that that was happening in her life.

As for Kennedy, he was sure that he wasn't looking for friendship with Blair. Come on, now. He researched the society. Until the late 90s, the society was exclusively male. The guy to girl ratio was probably ridiculous. And now he texts her? Chuck didn't like it one bit.

After the introduction ceremony, to which, Chuck stood by Bart and Lily as they watched Evelyn and then Eric make their society debut. Blair appeared beside him when Evelyn's name was called. They watched Evelyn descend the steps. Her eyes found Chuck's and he nodded at her. She had been worried that she would fall on her way down, but with her shoulders straight, she took each step down carefully. She gripped her partner's arm as a precaution.

Evelyn looked beautiful. She really did. In Chuck's eyes, it didn't take much, but he turned to Blair and said, "Thanks for helping out my sister." He knew Blair chose to be her mentor.

"It was no problem at all. I knew she was going to require my assistance."

"I'm sure that was the only reason," Chuck smirked. "I would have thought you would have chosen your successor. Didn't that happen at our Cotillion?"

Blair sighed. "That may very well have been the case, but that little Jenny Humphrey decided she didn't need my help. Who does she think she is?"

"A Queen? I think you trained her a little too well if she's not accepting your authority anymore."

"Well, it's her loss then, and your sister's gain."

Soon the high school pairs were dancing, and predictably a scene broke out. It was a sense of déjà vu for Chuck. Two boys were scuffling on the dance floor, and Evelyn tried to insert herself between them. The music stopped, and the three teens were asked to leave. Blair had already left his side to talk to the Cotillion chairwoman in efforts to smooth things over.

"What was that about?" Bart said beside him.

"To think, we were doing so well this year," Lily sighed.

"I don't know," Chuck said. "But I'm going to find out."

Upon his return, music was playing again, and the dance floor was open for all couples to dance. Blair tugged him onto the dance floor.

He rested his hands on her waist, and she looped her arms around his neck. "How's your sister?"

"She's okay. Trying to make sense of what's happening."

"What did happen?"

"The usual. Lying, deceiving, and backstabbing."

"Our specialty."

"Indeed."

They swayed to the music, and after what he just witnessed with Evelyn, Chuck couldn't get the thoughts of Blair's lying and deception over the past few months. "Do you miss this?" Chuck said.

Blair sighed. "I do. This is my element."

"It's too bad there isn't something like this on campus," Chuck said.

"It is too bad, but we'll be back in this world soon enough."

"Really? I'm surprised actually. Have you considered researching and joining a society? How about a sorority?"

Blair knitted her brows and she let out a chuckle. "Look, I know you are loving your mixology society and that's what's best for you, but I know what's best for me, and I'm perfectly happy without joining some sisterhood made up of intellectually inferior blondes who sing too much and bake cookies."

"I was talking to Jenna on your floor, and she said it's not really like that. There's lots of ritual and tradition. I would think you would like that sort of thing."

"Chuck, we're at Cotillion right now. Why do we possibly need to talk about this right now?"

He shrugged. "I'm just thinking."

Amazing. She was lying to his face now. He knew she was lying because her eyes didn't match her mouth. Her eyes were like a rabbit that notices a hunter; fearful and analyzing the hunters movement, while her mouth was upturned in a smile. It didn't match.

In that moment, Chuck and Blair didn't match, and that was a problem.

"You're giving me that look…like you were scheming," Blair said, her eyes squinting.

"And you're lying to me."

"I am not!"

"Blair, I know you're lying to me. You can drop the act."

"What are you talking about?"

"I know about Kennedy and your little secret society you've been running off too all semester long."

Blair, the rabbit that she was, froze. "H-How did you know about that?"

"It doesn't matter how I know. What matters is that you lied to me."

"Chuck, it's a secret society," Blair hissed. "It's supposed to stay secret!"

"What society meets on Sunday nights, huh?"

"I can't tell you that."

"You can't tell me?"

"No. It's not like you've been honest. How did you get this information, Chuck? Did you hire your P.I. to follow me or something?"

Chuck was silent.

"Unbelievable," Blair said. They had stopped dancing a while ago and now stood, arms dropped to their sides.

"Blair, when you're in a relationship with somebody, you have to be honest with them."

"I am honest Chuck. This was a special exception. I didn't do anything wrong."

"Blair, I'm telling you what's wrong, but you're not listening to me."

"Chuck, it's not like you tell me everything you do."

"I do actually," Chuck said. "Because I trusted you."

"So you're still not over what happened a month ago? That's what this is about?"

"This isn't a trivial matter, Blair. I can't trust you because you always have your own agenda. If we're together, we need to be a team, and put everything out on the table."

"I didn't put everything out on the table? Me? I've always done everything for you, Chuck." Blair's doe eyes became glassy, and her voice cracked. She turned to walk away, blinking her eyes rapidly.

"Blair—"

She shrugged off his hand and stormed out of the hall. Chuck stood in the middle of the dance floor alone. This time, he refrained from shouting her name. At least he did that right.

He couldn't believe it. She didn't get it. Didn't she see? He wanted to trust her, and have things gone back to the way they were. But things changed between them. They weren't a team anymore. Chuck and Blair were divided. Neither could understand the other's side. If they continued down this path, they would soon be digging trenches.

Chuck looked around with the smiling couples who twirled on the dance floor. Here he was again. Alone. Until it dawned on him.

Cotillion was cursed.

Final exams came and went, and Chuck didn't see Blair much. They maintained a public appearance, but they weren't talking. They each reverted to their trenches and refused to cross the other's clearly drawn line. They each believed they were right, and refused to acknowledge another side. In other words, they were at a stalemate.

When Chuck returned home for the holidays, he didn't mention that anything was out of the ordinary with Blair. He still hung out with Nate daily as being roommates developed their friendship to the point where they had to interact at least once a day or something felt wrong. He spent time with Evelyn and Eric too. In many ways, his life reverted back to the way it once was in high school. He bickered with Serena, bonded with Evelyn, and joked with Eric. At least that was normal. The only person who knew better was Serena.

"Will Blair be arriving with us at the Chapel?" She asked in front of the Bass family the morning of the Montgomery wedding.

Why would she ask such a question if she knew the answer? "She'll be going with her mother and Cyrus."

No one thought much of it, but Chuck glared at Serena. If she had something to say to him, then she could do so privately. God knows she already heard Blair's side of the story and assumed it was the only side.

His eyes found Blair's when they arrived at the Chapel. She was already seated with Eleanor and Cyrus. The rest of the pew remained open for other guests.

"Oh, there's Eleanor. Let's go say hello," Lily said.

Chuck followed his family and greeted the Waldorfs. He kissed Blair's cheek and said, "Hello, Blair."

"Chuck."

"Why don't we sit here?" Lily suggested.

Serena took her spot on one side of Blair, and Chuck on the other. Blair immediately turned to Serena and began talking. Chuck felt someone nudge his shoulder.

"Is everything okay?" Evelyn asked.

Chuck nodded. "Never better."

She accepted the answer and turns to watch the groom talk to his son. Evelyn watched with her lips pursed. She snuck a couple side-glances at Chuck, but didn't comment any further.

The rest of the wedding was a blur. Chuck was welcomed with the distraction of another family's drama, which called Evelyn away. Whatever that was about, he would ask her later. Chuck was overwhelmed with Blair's sweet perfume to really notice what was going on. Blair. Her leg almost pressed against his, shoulder to shoulder, but he never felt so far away from her.

After dinner and the first dance, Chuck left the ballroom and went for a walk. He was in no mood to watch happy couples sway together on the dance floor. It's hard to imagine a couple years ago him and Blair were one of those couples. It was brief, but Chuck didn't forget the night of Bart and Lily's wedding. That night, Chuck and Blair decided to take it slow, and do things right. Where did they go wrong? Why couldn't they just forgive and move on?

He wandered until he found himself taking the elevator up to the rooftop. The Palace rooftop. His mind felt more cluttered than ever, and he just needed to think. He couldn't think of a better place to do that. Chuck leaned on the railing, watching the tiny cars zoom down the streets. Everything looked so much smaller from this vantage point. He forgot how clear everything was from up here.

He heard the heavy steel door open.

"I knew I'd find you up here," Blair said walking toward him.

"I've become quite predictable haven't I?" Chuck said. He looked straight ahead and watched the different people through different condos. How odd to have so many people to live in such a confined space lead such different lives.

Blair stepped up beside him, and they both overlooked Manhattan. "We need to talk."

"I'm listening," Chuck said.

"I'm sorry for not telling you about the Lock and Key society. I will soon be a new member now, so it's going to become a big part of my life next year."

Although she said she was sorry, Chuck knew better. Blair was only sorry if it meant it could fix something. Blair was only sorry if it served a purpose. She didn't really mean it. She didn't know that what she did was wrong. She was just going to do the same thing to him over and over.

He nodded.

"So can we move on from this?"

The question Chuck wanted to ask if they would get back together, would things change when they move on? He made such an issue of this because he didn't want this to become a habit. He thought they were past these kinds of games.

"I don't know."

"What do you mean, you don't know?"

"I mean, I think I need a little more time to think about this."

"Chuck. I've apologized to you, I've told you the truth. What else can I do to make this better?"

Chuck shook his head. "That's just it, Blair. You have to accept that you can't make this better. You can't change how I feel."

"Chuck. Do you love me?"

He turned to her, and he saw her glassy eyes stare back at him. "I do. That's why I'm doing this."

"All you're doing is hurting me, Chuck. This…disagreement needs to end. We can be happy again. You make me happy remember?"

He looked away from her and said, "I think we need to take a break."

Blair was quiet. He couldn't look at her then. He knew what he said would hurt her, but it needed to be said. He needed to say it. They were only together for show right now. In the state that they were in, they shouldn't be together at all.

"So you're just going to give up on us?"

He made the mistake of looking at her tear stained face. "I'm not giving up. I need some space to see what us means. I think we don't have the same definition for that right now."

More tears pooled in her eyes. "Goodbye, Chuck."

He gripped her arm. "Blair…" he said. Chuck pulled her closer and kissed each tear on her face. He kissed her hoping it would take just a little more of the pain away.

"We'll talk after the break," he whispered. "Please just give me time."

"Time," She let out a laugh, and wiggled out of his grip. "I'll give you enough time alright."

Blair turned and walked toward the steel door. He wanted to shout at her and hold her at the same time. He wanted to forgive her and trust her again. Most of all, he just wanted Blair Waldorf to be with him again. But he couldn't have any of these things.

After Blair slammed the door, Chuck still stared at it. He remained rooted in place alone on the rooftop. Cars whizzed below him, and the steady wind whipped him. He was left wondering what he just did. Is this what he wanted? He just let Blair Waldorf go, and he wasn't sure if there would be enough time to in the world to get her back.

Spotted: B leaving the Montgomery wedding solo. Why the tears B? Does this spell the end of the Queen and the Dark Knight? That's one secret I'm dying to find out.

You know you love me,

XOXO Gossip Girl

A/N: And there we have it! I wish I could have ended this chapter on a happier note, but this was necessary for C&B to go through. So what did you think? I hope you liked Blair's POV. I certainly had a lot of fun writing from her perspective, so you'll be getting more from her in the future chapters.

Let's see where we're at now. In the next chapter, we return to Evelyn's perspective in "Evelyn Bass's Day Off". As a teaser, I'll share with you a quote from the chapter. The quote comes from Evelyn.

"School sucks, I hate everyone, and my social life is pretty much over."

Happy Holidays everyone! Here's hoping 2017 will be kinder, and I can confirm that more updates will be coming next year! Can't wait to hear your thoughts and opinions!

Till next time,

XOXO EZ11