A/N: Hello lovely readers! I'm back with another chapter as promised! Thank you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I always appreciate feedback, as it helps with my writing. Without further ado, read on!

Rating: A specific part of this chapter is rated M

Chapter 31: Crazy, Cupid, Love

Like most things on the Upper East Side, Valentine's Day is done a little differently. Chocolates are replaced with plane tickets for romantic getaways, while flowers are replaced with perfect diamonds. Nothing says true love like a well-chosen jewel, and we can't help but wonder how our favourite Upper East Siders will spend their Valentine's day. Now that C & B are reunited, shouldn't we expect a new pendant in B's future? And how about E & D? We hear that they want Valentine's Day to be nothing except ordinary. How boring. Regardless if you call this day Valentine's Day or Singles Awareness Day, don't forget that there's always all kinds of love out there for everyone. Enjoy your day tomorrow, lovebirds.

On the day before Valentine's Day, Chuck returned to the Penthouse to prepare for a weekend he planned to spend with Blair. As far as Blair knew, they were spending Valentine's Day in his suite, but Chuck had something a little more elaborate planned. He had finished his last class of the day before noon, after much insistence from Blair to begin attending his classes this term, and he was certain he wanted to surprise Blair.

Ever since the UN Gala, Chuck and Blair were together again. The makeup sex that night made all the pain Chuck felt totally worth it. As they say, absence does make the heart grow fonder. Everything had fallen back into place, and the only glaring difference being that their humiliation games had been absent since their reunion. Not that Chuck objected. So long as Blair was happy, he was happy.

Chuck sat in his old bedroom, looking at an old life that felt so distant to him. There were plenty of memories in the room, but they were memories that alluded to a shadow that was his previous life.

He felt his phone buzz.

"This is Chuck."

"Chuck, its Jack. You know, you're favourite uncle."

He chuckled. "Uncle Jack. You're still in town?"

"I am for the foreseeable future. How's my favourite nephew doing?"

"Good."

"Not as good as our night on town I bet."

Chuck had to admit that he did have a fun time with Jack that night. Jack was able to achieve the impossible: Distract Chuck from thinking about Blair for a few hours.

"Listen, if you want to have as good a time as we did then, I have another opportunity. Valentine's Day. Instead with the best hookers, drinks, and party favours money can buy to, you know, let off some steam with yours truly. What do you say?"

"That sounds like a fun night Jack, really, but I already have plans with Blair on Valentine's Day."

"Blair? I thought you guys broke up."

"We were on a break. We're back together."

"Oh," Jack said. "That's…that's great! Great timing to get back together before the holiday that celebrates that crap."

"It will be the first Valentine's I'll be spending with a girl," Chuck noted.

"And in love," Jack added. "God help you."

Chuck chuckled. "Hey, how about we go for a drink another time? You can let me know what I missed out on."

"Deal."

After Chuck hung up, he looked around his old room, remembering his past Valentine's Days. Most of them were spent partying, the exception remaining last year, but he was excited to actually spend this holiday with a loved one.

When Bart first saw Philip after the UN Gala, the only thing he could think of were the ways his son resembled him. They had the same eyes, hair colour (although Philip's was greying), and body type, tall and lean, but it all trailed back to the fact that Philip's son was dating his daughter, a fact Evelyn had hidden from him. It should be cause to celebrate, as she chose to date one of his closest friend's sons, one he'd witness grow up, but it could have been any boy she chose. He focused on the fact that she didn't tell him.

"Bart!" Philip called while holding a bulging yellow file folder.

Bart rose from his chair and shook his hand. "Philip. Good to see you. Is that—"

"The Upper West Side contract? Yes it is. We're breaking ground next week." He handed Bart the file folder.

"Excellent." Bart leafed through the stack of papers in the folder. Then, he scanned the contract briefly before handing it back to Philip.

"It's a very exciting project," Philip said. Bart registered Philip's giddiness in his voice, and he recalled how Philip was spearheading the project. Philip, who had been his CFO for the past five years, was even more passionate about leading this specific project. It was another reason Bart and him saw eye to eye. When they saw an opportunity, they usually were the ones to work hard to get the best deal, but also see the deal through.

"I agree. It'll really add another tent pole to Bass Industries," Bart said. It also reassured Bart that he could rely on Philip completely as he focused his attentions on Jack. Which reminded him; he was to have a meeting with Jack early next week regarding the Asia project. Bart's mind wandered to the intricacies of that deal, but pushed the thought away. He had something more important to discuss with Philip.

"Philip? Can I ask you about something not related to Bass Industries?"

"Of course."

"It's come to my attention that our kids seem to be dating."

Philip flashed a knowing grin. "I can't say I saw that coming, but I've had the talk with Dash and all that."

"Really?"

"Oh yes. You see, I didn't really expect Dash to have a girlfriend in high school; he was a little reclusive for the first couple of years, but when he was texting your daughter during our trip to Turks and Caicos over Christmas break, I knew something was up."

"Christmas break?"

It had been going on for that long? How on earth did he not know this was happening?

"Yes. Although, Dash didn't tell me until after his birthday in January."

Unbelievable. Philip, one of his most trusted friends, knew about this before he did? Dash told him, while his daughter couldn't be bothered? His instinct was to go home and tell her that she couldn't see him any longer. If she couldn't be honest to him in their relationship, how could his daughter possibly handle a more volatile relationship with Dash?

"I've got to say though, I think it's been one of the best things to happen to Dash. He went through a rough patch these past few years, but that same vibrant, outgoing, and fun-loving kid I had seemed to have returned. She's a really good influence on him. She somehow convinced him to take extracurriculars seriously so much so that he participated in the UN Conference."

Bart thought back to the fall when he received a call from Headmistress Queller regarding Evelyn's unexcused absences which aligned with Dash's. If only he could gush to Philip on Dash's 'good influence' on Evelyn. From the looks of things, he couldn't say the same worked in his daughter's favour.

Maybe this all wouldn't have happened if he had his files. If he had Andrew on the case, keeping tabs on where she was going afterschool 'with friends', he'd have known what she'd been up to. Maybe that's just what he needed to do.

"That's…that's great to hear," Bart said.

"I know. We might be business partners now, but in the future with our kids…who knows?"

Bart licked his lips, his features returning to stone. He sincerely didn't want to find out.

Blair looked at all of her options in her delicates drawer. She was deciding between a lacy red bra and pantie combination or a see-through black set. Both were new purchases from La Perla, but she wasn't sure which pair she'd like to wear tomorrow evening. She picked up the black bra, and quirked her head to the side. Was she feeling cheekier or bolder this evening?

Ever since the UN Gala, Blair had felt that everything had gone back to place between herself and Chuck. After a week's worth of amazing makeup sex, they were beginning to settle again. Blair prepared for midterms, and Chuck tried to catch up on all that he'd missed for said midterms. Blair hoped that this holiday allowed them to freshen things up again. Now that they had agreed to forgo their games, Blair planned other ways to keep things interesting.

Her phone rang, and her mouth quirked in a smirk when she picked it up.

"Bass, if you were taking a bet right now, would you choose red or black?"

"Black. Why?"

Blair picked up the black outfit and set it on her bed, to be packed with her toiletries. "No reason. Are you already at home?"

"Just got back an hour ago. I just wanted to confirm that we're attending your friend's Valentine's day party?"

"It's not called Valentine's Day party. It's called the Red and White Party." It was her first party she'd had a hand in helping plan for the Locke and Key Society. It was one of the most exclusive events of the term. When Blair first mentioned to Chuck that she was planning it, she wasn't sure how he'd respond, but she was delighted to find out that he would be her date.

Chuck had said, "It doesn't matter what party we're at. As long as we're together, then I'll be there. But, wait. Isn't red and white the theme?"

"Yes."

"Then why did you ask between red and black."

"I wasn't asking for that dress code," Blair said.

"Then what were you referring to?"

"It's a surprise."

Chuck sighed. "You do love those don't you?"

Blair frowned. Why couldn't he trust her still? This was a surprise she knew he'd enjoy for crying out loud. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," Chuck said.

"Nothing?"

"Nothing."

"Well okay then," Blair began.

"Blair, relax. I didn't mean that."

"How am I supposed to know that?" Blair said. "It's not like we're always honest with each other. See you tomorrow."

Blair threw her phone on the bed and continued to forcefully stuff her makeup bag and clothes into her overnight bag. Her phone continued to ring and vibrate on the covers.

Joy appeared in the doorway, a laundry hamper anchored at her hip. She moved to her side of the room silently and began sorting through her colourful socks.

Meanwhile, Blair continued to throw her toiletries in her overnight bag.

"Is everything okay, Blair?"

Blair sighed. "Everything's fine. There's nothing quite like your boyfriend undermining your thoughtfulness the day before Valentine's Day."

Joy bit back a laugh. "What did Chuck do?"

"Made a comment about how I like to keep secrets from him."

"Maybe he meant it in jest."

"No, Joy. He meant it as a dig."

The phone continued to go off on her bed.

"Are you going to answer that?" Joy asked.

"No." Blair said.

"Come on, Blair. Being petty only causes problems in a relationship. At least you have someone to spend Valentine's Day with."

Blair hated to admit it, but her roommate was right. They weren't going to play games. She was overreacting. But Blair latched on to Joy's last sentence. "You don't have plans for Valentine's Day?"

"You mean 'Singles Awareness Day?' No. No I don't."

Blair felt a pang of hurt in her stomach and frowned. Could it possibly be that she felt bad for Joy? What was wrong with her?

Joy began to fold her wool sweaters and cotton long-sleeved shirts Blair only assumed she found in the bargain bin at Old Navy. Despite her abhorrent fashion choices, Joy had maintained her new hairstyle and even wore a bit of makeup. Blair was surprised she didn't have a bible thumping event that honoured the protection of purity on a holiday that encourages pre-marital sex.

Blair didn't know how to respond, but her eye caught a couple new pictures above Joy's desk. One of them was taken the night she wanted to make Chuck jealous. In the photo, she, Simon, Joy, and Nate had their arms linked with big smiles on their faces.

And then, it came to her.

Blair chose her words carefully. "Well, I've been meaning to tell you this, but I haven't seen you around much this week."

"I was camped out a lot at Watson library."

"Exactly!" Blair said. "How would you like to come to a Valentine's Day Party? I've been helping plan it and all."

"Don't I need a date for that?"

Blair's lips curled in a smile. "No. Most of my friends are actually single. What do you say?"

Joy looked skeptical. "I don't know, Blair—"

"You can even borrow something to wear from my closet."

She began to shake her head. "I couldn't possibly."

"I insist," Blair said. She wasn't going to invite Joy to a party she planned without choosing something appropriate to wear.

Joy was silent for a moment and then grinned. "Okay. Why not?"

Blair picked up her phone. "Great. I'll be back tomorrow to help you get ready."

Blair picked up her bag, her vibrating phone, and finally answered it. "Bass."

"Blair, I'm sorry for what I said."

"Apology accepted."

"Really?"

"Yes. But on one condition."

"Is this a new scheme?"

"You know me well," Blair smirked. "You say you want to focus our duplicity on others? Well, I have something like that in mind. Do you know what it's like to be cupid Bass?"

"I may have some arrows in my closet."

"Good. Invite Nate to the Red and White party tomorrow night. Make sure he clears his schedule and shows up. We'll go from there."

Look out, B. You might be trying to play Cupid, but all the arrows are pointed at you.

Evelyn waited in the St. Jude's hallway, for a familiar brown-haired boy to pass. Her head snapped back and forth as each wave of blazer wearing boys passed. She waited on the edge of the bank of lockers, hoping it would conceal her from another boy she was hoping to avoid. She saw who she was looking for, and tugged his sleeve toward her.

"Eric!"

"Woah, Evelyn. What's up?"

"Come on. We're going for lunch. On the steps."

"We are? I thought you'd be having lunch with Dash."

Evelyn tugged him by the sleeve and looked over her shoulder for any sight of Dash. "Nope. He can wait until tomorrow."

The truth was, she had been avoiding Dash for most of the week. It had nothing to do with what happened at the Conference, if anything she shouldn't be complaining because everything was going very well, but ever since Dash brought up what their plans were for Valentine's Day, Evelyn had been spending the week trying to figure out what she was going to do for it.

When Dash asked, Evelyn repeated her usual response regarding Valentine's Day. "Dash, we don't have to do anything special really. It's an over-commercialized holiday that is really just a way to make money for chocolate and jewelry companies. Please don't get me anything."

Dash looked perplexed with her response, as if he didn't believe she agreed with what she was saying. She had a suspicion that he was also a bit distant because he was trying to plan something for them that fit the parameters she set, so she knew she had to reciprocate. It wasn't just out of obligation, but she did want to show Dash that she cared. He was the one who always thought of thoughtful things to do.

And so far, she was without an idea or a gift.

Once they were safely out of the gates and walking to the steps, Evelyn's shoulders lowered. At least she didn't have to worry about a Dash sneak attack now that they were off campus.

"Is something bothering you?" As usual, Eric always sensed something was amiss.

"It's Valentine's Day. It's tomorrow, and I told Dash we don't have to anything special, but I don't think he believed me, and I think he's planning something, so now I have to plan something, and I've got nothing."

"Well, isn't' the holiday all about showing your partner that you care?" Eric said.

"Well, yes, but it's a commercial trap! What am I going to do? Get him matching charm bracelets?"

"You wouldn't…"

"Of course not!" Evelyn said. They neared the Met, and looked both ways before crossing the street. "But I need advice! What should I do?"

"Well, let's see if we can brainstorm some ideas.. Is there anything that Dash really likes that you could get him?"

"It would probably have to be imported. But I don't know, Eric. Getting him a present? How do you even shop for a guy?"

"Straight men can be challenging. How about instead of a present, you think of an experience? Something new you can share?" Eric took a seat on one of the steps, and Evelyn followed.

"I don't know what I could do. Make a dinner reservation?"

"You could do hibachi," Eric offered.

"Aren't our parents doing that tomorrow? God, I feel so old doing that."

"Maybe you can cook a meal?"

"I don't know how," Evelyn groaned. "Why is this so hard?"

As much as talking to Eric gave her good insight, she realized they weren't getting anywhere with this conversation. She needed a girl to talk this over with, and with Serena at Brown, and Blair being…Blair, her options were minimal. She thought of Jenny and wished they were still friends. She could totally talk to her, and maybe she could actually give her useful advice.

Evelyn felt her phone buzz in her hands.

Missed you at lunch today. Where are you?

Evelyn quickly typed a reply. Having lunch with Eric. Don't worry, I'll make up for it tomorrow!

I'll hold you to it. I've got a surprise for you too ;)

Evelyn groaned. She dropped her phone and buried her head in her hands.

"What is it?"

"He's got a surprise planned for me. A surprise!"

"That's good isn't it?" Eric said tentatively.

"Eric, you just don't understand," Evelyn said.

Jenny and her minions appeared and strutted up the steps. Evelyn noticed that all the usual suspects were present including Catherine. In fact, Catherine was the second person in line to march behind Jenny. At first, Jenny didn't look at them, and Evelyn's heart sank a bit. She thought they were on better terms now, but maybe that was an act. Maybe it was always an act with Jenny.

Evelyn turned her attention to unpacking her lunch. Her mind still swirled with the panic and anxiety she felt over what might happen with Dash tomorrow night. Ever since the Conference, they hadn't explored each other further. Sure, they made out a few times, but that seemed harmless in comparison to what else you could with another person. Evelyn wondered if there was an expectation that something physical should happen. She didn't know how she could express these worries with Eric, who wasn't a girl, and desperately wanted to tell someone, to know if what she was thinking wasn't crazy. But she didn't have anyone that she could think of who could understand.

Suddenly, Eric shook her forearm and said, "Jenny's coming this way, look."

"Hey guys," Jenny said.

"Hey," Eric said. It sounded more like a question of what was she doing here.

"Can I talk to you Evelyn? Privately?" Evelyn furrowed her brows. Did this have anything to do with Thom? Evelyn felt uneasy about what Dash saw at the UN Conference, and wondered if Jenny was in any trouble.

"Sure."

She followed Jenny to the top of the met steps. Her minions looked on at them and snickered, while Eric looked confused.

"What's up?"

"I need your help."

Careful E. Now that you owe the Queen a favour, it's time that she comes to collect.

Ozzy returned from swim practice with acute soreness in his arms and legs. He stomped his shoes on the front mat, and then unravelled his scarf from his neck. Each movement stung his aching muscles, and he winced even when he wasn't breathing.

"Hello?" His mother's voice wafted from the kitchen. She appeared in the archway of the long hallway that connected the front foyer to the kitchen.

"Hi," Ozzy said shrugging out of his coat. He hoped the less movement he made, the less pain he'd feel.

"How was your day?"

Ever since he was grounded a month ago, these conversations seemed to be more routine. It was strange to him at first, having to report to someone like this every day with the same answer. Now, it was just annoying.

"Fine." He always found the question difficult to answer. He was sore, tired, and unpleasant around this time of day every day. His day consisted of the same routine. It felt like nothing interesting happened, ever.

He started to move up the steps, hoping to end the conversation.

"Dinner will be ready in a half an hour, so don't get too comfortable," his mother called after him.

"Okay," Ozzy said. He didn't look over his shoulder to notice that his mother's features looked pinched or how she debated on trying to talk to him. His eyes were focused straight ahead and were met with Dash's.

"Oh great. You're alive," Dash exclaimed.

"Yup. Still breathing," Ozzy said. He moved past him, hoping to shrug him off, but Dash followed.

"Seriously, it feels like I haven't seen you in forever and you live here," Dash said. "I thought your grounding has been lifted?"

"It has. I just go to school, swim practice and home. You're the one who is always out."

Dash shrugged. "I have been pretty busy, haven't I?"

Ozzy collapsed on his bed, hoping that if he didn't move, the soreness would go away.

"Well, I have been busy planning. This is the first Valentine's Day I will spend in a relationship, and so far, I've got nothing. Well, I said I have a surprise because I'm pretty sure Evelyn has something planned, so I have to think of something fast." Dash stopped when he noticed Ozzy's body lying still on his bed. "Are you sure you're alive?"

When he breathed, his muscles tensed. "Barely."

"And this is why I didn't join a sports team," Dash said. He jumped on the bed and Ozzy groaned. "But seriously though. She is against the commercialization of Valentine's Day. Thinks it's stupid."

Dash didn't need to say a name to know who he was referring to. He grinned, already aware of Evelyn's stance on the issue. She had made the same argument around Thanksgiving a couple years ago, and he was happy to know that the argument wasn't fueled solely for the fact that she was single.

"Well, she's not wrong," Ozzy said.

"I know, but it makes my job so much harder! I mean, how do you show someone you care for them on this randomly decided special day? Especially when she doesn't want things?"

"I dunno. Give her your time?"

"I do that everyday!"

"Exactly. That's the whole arbitrariness of this day," Ozzy said. He closed his eyes, hoping it would make Dash go away. The last thing he wanted was to discuss his romantic woes with Evelyn. What was he supposed to be, a wingman? Ozzy knew that as long as Evelyn and Dash dated, there was no place for him to be around either of them, separately or together.

"As usual, you are no help," Dash said.

He wasn't trying to be helpful. He didn't know how. Here he was, listening to Dash's problems, which didn't seem too difficult if Dash just let himself relax, and he wondered what would be different if he was the one asking for help. What could Dash say to him? Probably as little as he could offer in this moment.

"I mean, if she at least had a favourite flower, that could give me at least something to go on," Dash said.

For once, Ozzy imagined what he would do if he was in Dash's place. It seemed like an impossible position to be in, but he let the daydream play out in his head and recited what he saw. "Maybe you should focus on what you know she likes instead of focusing on what society thinks you should get on this day. If I were you, I'd—" Ozzy stopped himself. This felt like he was crossing a line. He shouldn't even be imagining what it would be like to be in Dash's position. It wasn't going to happen.

"You'd what?"

"I'd want it to be intimate. Just me and her, somewhere she's most comfortable. If you're thinking dinner, find a way to pretend you know how to make pad thai. If you'll see her later, a hot chocolate and her favourite movie would be a good option." He wisely didn't mention what he'd want to do as the movie played. Like he'd stay attentive enough to last through 3 hours of the Sound of Music. It wasn't as if he thought it was a bad movie, but he would use that long run time to…you know… get acquainted. The more he thought about it, the weirder he realized it would be making out while Julie Andrews sang "These are a few of my favourite things". It would surely tarnish the purity of the movie… but tarnishing that also appealed to him at the same time.

"You're so good at this stuff," Dash said.

Ozzy scoffed. "Yeah right. I just don't have the pressure of being in a relationship you do. I can't even handle one."

"I don't think it's that. I think you could if you actually tried."

Yeah right. His 'relationship' with Catherine reminded him that he was in no way ready for that responsibility, and there wasn't anyone available that he liked enough to put in the effort.

"Do you have any plans for Valentine's Day?"

"No," Ozzy said. "It's Singles Awareness Day for me." As he said it, he felt the reality of the statement acutely. He had no plans. No date. No party. He probably would spend the day in his bed recovering from his sore muscles.

"Well, thinking about what you said, maybe it would be a good idea to keep it low key. Maybe low key enough to have it here? My dad and your mom won't be home this weekend because my dad has already planned a getaway. They're leaving early tomorrow morning."

"Of course he has," Ozzy said.

"Yeah, so since that's happening, maybe I would invite Evelyn here to spend Valentine's Day…"

Dash left the suggestion hang in the air. Ozzy bolted upright. "You want me out of here?"

Dash ran his hand over his comforter, his eyes following the precision of their path. "Well, no. That wouldn't be fair. You don't have plans. I'll just figure something else out."

Ozzy stood, ignoring the pain he felt in his legs. The thought of Dash and Evelyn being alone…together made him angry. He had no right, he had to remind himself, that he could feel that way, but he couldn't hide it from Dash. To think that his idea could lead to this made his thoughts spiral. Have they been together before? Are they going to have sex tomorrow?

It was none of his business, but suddenly he felt complicit in the planning of all of this. He heard his phone buzz on his desk and quickly checked it. He was grateful for the distraction, as he felt Dash's uneasy gaze on his back.

It was a text from Thom.

Hey Cuz! I'm hosting a Singles Awareness Day Party tmrrw. Wanna come?

Now that he knew he was encouraged to leave this house tomorrow night, he finally had the perfect excuse to leave. A party where he could forget everything that was happening around him and use what he always knew could make him forget and feel good. When he ran into Thom outside the UN Conference, he went out with him and Catherine to a party, and he was able to lose himself in a haze of alcohol. After that, he couldn't remember much. He could have done coke that night, but he wasn't sure. He woke up in his bed somehow, and his problems were reduced to focusing on trying to get over the hangover. Everything else, he pushed away, abandoned. In other words, it did the trick.

He thought of Evelyn in that moment; he pictured her with Dash, clothes off, limbs entangled together. This was inevitable wasn't it? The moment he let her go at the Masquerade Bass was the moment he let go of her forever. What a stupid thing that was. How could he have been so stupid and careless to let go of her like that? He couldn't shake that nauseating image from his mind, and he realized that he not only had lost his father, but he had lost Evelyn too.

"Dash?"

His step-brother's eyes looked up at him wearily. "Yeah?"

"I'm going to a party tomorrow night. I won't be back till late."

Dash took a few moments to respond. "Are you sure?"

Ozzy took his phone and turned to leave the room. Clearly, his bedroom wasn't always his own private space. He was going to have to seek another room for privacy.

"You better make sure you ask her that."

The next morning, Evelyn and Jenny met up in a Brooklyn diner. They met at nine o'clock, as if they were meeting for first period Algebra. Evelyn came, with a plaid scarf wrapped around half of her face, for it was fortunately windy outside, and a hat to cover her forehead, so only her eyes were visible. She hoped that this look would disguise her from being spotted on Gossip Girl. Evelyn figured that despite the conspicuous look, it would be so conspicuous that they wouldn't even suspect or identify her. She was fine with people assuming she was an oddly dressed girl on the street rather than 'Evelyn Bass'.

"So let me get this straight. Catherine is staging a takeover?" Evelyn asked. "How has she been able to do that?"

Jenny dropped two teaspoons of sugar in her coffee mug and swirled it around, the metal spoon clanging against the glass mug. Evelyn wondered when Jenny developed an appetite to drink coffee. It seemed that there were many developments since their estrangement. "Well, it's easier for her to do that if the other girl's confidence in me is a bit shaky."

"Why is it shaky?"

"Well, I haven't been around to bully them as much, and for the record, I've been there enough. It's exposed an opportunity for Catherine to move in."

"I could already tell that Sera was on board with her. They were thick as thieves at our slumber party."

Jenny took a sip of her coffee. "That is true. But now it seems like the other two minions are taking her side. It's easily shown where Catherine tries to one up me on the steps with whatever we're talking about. Now, they're agreeing with her, and thinking that she's more fabulous than I am."

"Oh come on. We both know that's not possible," Evelyn said. She took a sip of her freshly squeezed orange juice.

Jenny bit back a small smile and mumbled, "You think so?"

"I know so," Evelyn said. "Sure, you went Darth Vader on us, but Blair did warn us that it was required to be queen. And I do appreciate that you don't torment us or anything."

"I don't want to torment anyone," Jenny said. "And about Cotillion, I'm really sorry with what happened with Dash. I totally misjudged the situation, but please know that I did that to protect you."

"Protect me?" Evelyn said.

"Of course. Catherine was after you for months. I wasn't going to let her mess with you like that."

"Really?"

"Of course. You're my friend," Jenny said.

It occurred to Evelyn that the reason they were fighting to begin with wasn't to maintain power, but to prove who cared for the other more. It was a dumb reason to fight, but it showed Evelyn that Jenny was a genuine friend she could count on.

"Well, you were mine too." Evelyn swirled her straw. "I kinda still wish you were."

A big relieving smile graced Jenny's face. "Thank God!" Jenny said. "I don't know if I could take it any longer." Jenny stood up and Evelyn followed. They threw their arms around each other and squeezed.

The parted and sat back down, as their breakfast arrived. "I can't either. There's so much I've wanted to tell you—"

"Me too!" Jenny said.

"Okay, okay. We will get to that. First thing's first. Catherine. Is she striking tonight?"

"I think so," Jenny said. "She invited the girls to a Single's Awareness Party tonight."

"Okay," Evelyn said. She dipped her rye toast into her yellow yoke. "And she didn't invite you?"

"No, because as far as they know, I'm not single."

"But I thought you broke up with Zach?"

Jenny sight. "I did, but I didn't tell them that. He was the one thing I had going for me to keep the crown, so if they know it's over, then more reason to oust me."

"Especially if they know you were lying about it. Got it," Evelyn said. A part of her was touched when she remembered Jenny, in her drunken state, telling her that she and Zach broke up.

"So if all the girls go to this party and I don't, Catherine could turn them against me. She probably has made something up already to discredit me."

"Okay, so we have to go to the party then. Break up the pow wow," Evelyn said. It amazed her that her experience last year with Blair gave her a better instinct on how to deal with this kind of drama. It also made her wonder how often she would have to use it.

"Exactly. But, we need humiliate her," Jenny said.

"Jenny, that's a bit much isn't it?"

"No," Jenny shook her head. "She has been a thorn in our side all year, and if we don't silence her for once and for all, she'll just keep going until she gets Queen!"

"And how are we going to do that?" Evelyn said.

"Ozzy and Catherine used to date right?" Jenny said.

Suddenly, Evelyn remembered thanksgiving, when Catherine offered her to join a spot in her rebellion against Jenny. That was when she was still dating Ozzy.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "If you could call it that."

"Is that a no?"

Evelyn sighed and sat back in her chair. "Okay they did, but she only did it to get to me. Think of it as a showmance."

"Okay, sure. Why don't we see if Ozzy can help us expose her for something?"

"Like what? How to get sloppy seconds?"

"No. Something that might get her to leave the Upper East Side."

"There's no way we could find out something that bad."

"Don't you have a P.I. we could use?" Jenny asked.

"P.I.? Could we actually run a background check in ten hours?"

"Evelyn, focus. Your dad is Bart Bass. He could have anything done within an hour probably."

"I'm trying to, but I also have to figure out something super thoughtful and amazing for my boyfriend tonight who happens to have a surprise for me. I mean, it's Valentine's Day, Jenny, and I've got nothing. I don't even know what I'm going to wear…"

"Okay," Jenny said, her voice calm. "We will work on this and on that too. But get your P.I. on this and see what we can find."

Evelyn picked up her phone and dialled the one person who could connect her with a P.I. that she wasn't currently trying to avoid.

"Hey Chuck. I have a quick question for you."

They say when the cat is away, the mice will play, but it looks like this cat is hiring reinforcements to bring those mice back in line. Better get your yarn out little rodents, because Queen J is ready to pounce.

"I still can't believe your P.I. couldn't find anything on Catherine," Jenny said. She paced in front of Evelyn in the loft, their second place of refuge where they tried searching everything on Catherine and Chuck's P.I. couldn't find anything.

"Andrew did his best," Evelyn shrugged. A part of her was really indifferent on the scheme against Catherine because she had her own issue to deal with. Valentine's Day. Expectations. Dash. She still didn't feel like she had a sufficient plan to show Dash that she cared for him that you were supposed to do on this day. While they waited in between calls from Andrew, she and Jenny tried to think of the best answer, but Evelyn always found something to criticize with every idea she came across.

"But he still came up short!" Jenny sighed.

"Okay," Evelyn said. "We're not out of options yet. There has to be something we're missing. It could be so obvious we just assume there isn't anything useful to use, you know?"

"That's doubtful." Jenny's phone pinged with a message. She picked up her phone, and read the message. "Great. Just great."

"What is it?"

"Catherine just invited me to the party. She's definitely going to strike."

Evelyn let her arms dangle off the couch and stretched. "Wait. Doesn't she think that you're spending Valentine's Day with Zach?"

"Yes. She invited him too," Jenny said.

"To a Single's Awareness party?"

"She's calling my bluff," Jenny said.

"Well, we have to go to the party then. Say you broke up with Zach, and have the girls be there for you. Try getting sympathy."

"I guess." Jenny collapsed on the chair beside the sofa.

"It's not like anyone else has a boyfriend."

"Well, the way Catherine makes it seem with Ozzy, the girls think she's the expert."

Evelyn let out a low chuckle. "What is she talking about? She told me at thanksgiving that they were only dating to get to me. Nothing happened."

Jenny sat up straight. "Did she say that to you?"

"Well, no. I may have interpreted that part. Call Ozzy and ask him."

"Well you're friends with him…" Jenny said.

"Oh God no. No. I'm not asking him about that out of the blue. I'm in a relationship here. That would send a weird message that would get back to Dash."

"Fine," Jenny said. "But I think we're on to something with this. Either we expose her as a whore or a try hard."

"That could probably work," Evelyn said.

"Alright. We will reconvene at the party."

Evelyn elbowed herself up. "I can't come. I have plans with Dash."

"Just tell him you'll be a little late. Invite him if you have to. I need you there."

Evelyn looked away from Jenny and bit the inside of her cheek. Maybe going to the party wouldn't be too bad of an idea. If she told him in advance, it would buy her more time to make it up to him after.

"Alright," Evelyn said. "I'll come, but only for a little bit."

She sat up, and reached into her pocket for her phone and typed a message.

Hey! A big emergency with Jenny came up and I'm going to be late. Will text you when I'm on my way!

She pocked the phone and felt a tension in her core release slightly. It was normal for girls to go without their boyfriends to parties right?

When Chuck and Blair got out of the limo, Blair straightened out his bowtie while Joy trotted out behind them. After Blair visited Joy in the afternoon, helping her choose a fitting dress and brought her hairstylist to style her hair, and personally helped her with her makeup, Joy was ready for the party. She looked as good as Blair knew she could given her background and attributes. She looked fresh-faced, and the strapless dress she insisted Joy wear showed off her narrow shoulders and lean neck. Her hair hovered above her shoulders, the highlights brining colour to her face. Even Blair was proud of this transformation.

Joy looked up and down at St. Anthony Hall. She took in the long-stained glass windows, to the wooden front door, tucked in behind a tall staircase. She looked on in awe, while Chuck looked on unimpressed. Joy began to walk towards the building while Blair turned and straightened Chuck's bowtie.

"I didn't realize we would have a third wheel for the evening," Chuck said.

"Cupid always follows the lovers around," Blair said.

"I can't help but be surprised. I thought you loathed your roommate?"

"I don't loathe her," Blair said. "I pity her. Big difference. Plus, I know we don't play games anymore, so I wanted to think of something different for us to do. Use our duplicity against others. I thought this would be doing good too."

"Are you sure its pity? What if you actually care about her?" Chuck said.

Blair scoffed. "Please. This is pure charity. You'll find out that the Locke and Key Society is very interested in philanthropy. Did you get a hold of Nate?"

"Yes. He should be here soon. It took some convincing, but I guaranteed he wouldn't leave this place alone tonight." Chuck looked at Joy. "But I don't like promising something I can't keep."

"Don't worry," Blair said. "Nate thinks he wants to get laid, but if he falls in love this evening, that'll be even better."

"Fall in love? We're good at conspiring Blair, but we're not that good."

"Which is why we'll let it happen naturally. Come on. I also want you to meet my friends. I know they'll like you if you behave yourself."

"I can't guarantee I'll behave myself after we leave the party."

"Good. If you do now, I already plan to reward you after the party," Blair winked at him. "That's what the surprise I referred to earlier was about."

Chuck had a mischievous look in his eye. "I can agree to those terms."

The arrived at the front door, where they were first greeted by an upperclassman named Will. Once inside, Simon spotted them immediately, his cheeks flushed.

'Hey guys! Welcome to the party!"

"Hey, Simon," Joy said.

"Joy," Simon returned. "Good to see you again."

"You too. How's law going?"

Blair scanned the room, wondering if Julian was around. Out of all the people in her society, she felt closest to her mentor, and it was her mission for Julian and Chuck to be civil. After their talk at the UN Conference, she'd been talking to Julian regularly. She'd text him any questions she had regarding the processes of the society, or to ask how he was doing and vice versa.

As Joy and Simon talked, Chuck checked his phone. "Nate is on his way. He should be here in twenty."

"Perfect. Get your bow ready," Blair said.

"In the meantime," Chuck said reaching in his pocket. "Want me to make you a drink?"

Blair smiled. "What's on special today?"

"Gin. Your favourite." He pointed to the bar in the corner, stocked with liquor, chasers, and mixers. "Would you like a martini?"

"Of course," Blair said. "Don't be a scrooge with the gin."

Blair turned to Joy and Simon who were in deep conversation. "If you'll excuse us, we're going to get drinks."

"Would you like one?" Simon asked Joy.

"No thanks. I don't drink."

Blair wrinkled her nose. If only she could change that girl's principles. "Well, we will be at the bar if you need us."

Blair followed Chuck to the bar, and watched him make her drink. His eyes were focused, lips pursed, as he took the task seriously. She realized that this was her first Valentine's Day she's spent with Chuck, and she couldn't wait to see where it would go.

B & C headed to St. Anthony's Hall for their annual Red and White Party. It's a tame choice for them, no? Here's hoping they're up to their games. As for us, let the games begin.

Ozzy walked through the party, and picked up the first full beer bottle he could find and chugged. It was one thing he noticed that differed from all the other parties he went to before moving to New York. At all the other parties, you had to bring your own drinks, and people rarely shared. It got in the way of them getting wasted. Here, he could find himself a bar, a drink, without having to pay a dime.

He grabbed another beer from the bar area and found a spot along the wall, further away from the party action, and continued to drink. He watched everyone sway in front of him, people coming and going from the balcony, probably going to smoke a joint of some kind. It didn't feel like a Valentine's Day Party. The less he thought about, the better, but it relieved Ozzy to know that there wasn't that added pressure to see couples around. Everyone knows that Valentine's Day wasn't meant to be celebrated for people who were single. It was made to feel ashamed that you were alone, or that you were doing something wrong. He also added to Evelyn's rants back in Connecticut when the subject came up. Now, she could enjoy the holiday with Dash across the hall from his room…

He finished his second beer and replaced it with another. Hopefully, he could push all of those thoughts aside tonight, and avoid going home tonight. It was the best strategy, really. There was no way he could be in the same building as Evelyn and Dash. His mind had already crafted a narrative for how it would go down.

Ozzy shook his head. He didn't want to go there right now, or ever. He was perfectly fine drinking his beer. He scanned the room, looking to see if any girl enticed him. They all carried themselves in a similar way, their necks were roped with diamonds, their clothes all tightly fitted and designer branded. They all tried to be like each other to the point where they all looked the same to Ozzy.

"Cousin!"

Thom approached him, his arms stretched wide. "How's it going?" He slapped his back and staggered backward, knocking into the wall.

"Good. Better now," Ozzy said. He gestured to his drink.

"Agreed!" Thom held up his glass and toasted with Ozzy. They both finished their drinks.

Thom wiped his mouth with the back of his sleeve. "I know something that can make this even better." He dug into his pockets and revealed two small glass tubes. Each had a rose inside.

"Shouldn't you save that for someone special?" Ozzy craned his head to the side.

"Yeah. You." Thom pushed one of the glass tubes in his free hand. "Come on."

Ozzy followed him through the party and onto the small balcony. He looked at the pipe and saw others smoking out of a similar tube on the balcony. Then, it dawned on him.

"Thom, this is nice and all, but I don't think I should be doing this."

"Oh come on. We both know you like it. You light up both of the times we took hits together. Anyone who is single on this holiday deserves a pick me up, wouldn't you agree?"

Ozzy looked at the glass in the palm of his hand. Things had been pretty rough lately. Here he was, fatherless, friendless, and alone. Besides, he couldn't ignore the monster inside him that had been craving this since the last party. It was hungry, waiting to be fed.

"It's just. I've never smoked it before," Ozzy said. He always used his emergency singles in his pocket should the opportunity strike.

"Oh it's easy. I'll show you how," Thom said. He began loading up the glass pipes and pulled out his lighter, a yellow flame flickering on the one end of the pipe.

"Here," He handed the ready pipe to Ozzy. He didn't reject it. Instead, he held it in his hand, feeling the glass become warm, and waited for Thom to prepare his own.

When Thom was ready, they both took a first hit together. Ozzy was able to inhale and retain more of the smoke than Thom, and he watched the billows of smoke rise from his lips. In moments, his heart beat would quicken. Then, his hands would shake. A smile would form on his face, one that he couldn't brush off and would leave his cheeks sore for hours. He felt more alert with each hit, and Ozzy began to feel confident enough that he could do anything. This feeling, this is what he wanted to achieve when he came to New York. He had been trying to achieve this feeling everyday, but there were strings attached that always pulled him down. The confidence he felt when he smoked cocaine were pure exhilaration and had no consequences in the moment.

"Where do you get this stuff, man?"

Thom started to jump on the spot. "I've got my supplier. He's really good. Had to outsource from pretty far away, but man is it worth it!"

Ozzy nodded fervently. "Absolutely!"

They high fived, and Thom shook his head. "Man, you are so much more fun than your brother."

"Dash?" Ozzy said.

"Yeah, I mean. He's just started to take everything so seriously. I just want to have fun right now, you know?"

"Fuck yeah I know! Why does everyone have to be so serious?"

"The fuck knows," Thom said. "Don't worry. We're doing it right. This," He said motioning to the party that had noticeably gotten rowdier. "Is everything. You couldn't ask for anything more. Trust me."

In that moment, Ozzy completely agreed with him. He felt like he was flying high, soaring, and the only person who shared this zest for release was Thom. He knew something went down between Thom and Dash, but he didn't think too much of it. Whatever happened was in the past, and people changed, right?

"Wanna go take some shots?" Thom said. "Look" He pointed through the glass window where a girl laid on the counter. Another girl poured tequila in the other girl's belly button.

It suddenly didn't matter that he couldn't tell either girl apart. He licked his lips and said, "Fuck yeah."

Evelyn watched the number above the elevator doors increase, ticking, floor 26, 27, 28 and so on. She usually didn't pay attention to watching her progression up the elevator. Since she usually rode the elevator alone, she always found it useful to respond to texts. Today, her phone was nestled in her clutch, and she had no interest to check it no matter how many texts Dash sends asking where she was.

Jenny wasn't saying much either. She fiddled with her bracelets, and twisted her ring around her finger. Evelyn never noticed that Jenny wore rings before. She readjusted the strap of her purse on her shoulder. That looked new too.

"Is that a new purse?" Evelyn asked.

"Oh this? No. I got it vintage." Jenny's eyes never left the number ticking screen. They just passed floor 50.

"Really? It's nice.."

"Thanks," Jenny said, still distracted with her nerves.

"Are you nervous?"

Jenny's eyes finally met Evelyn's. "Kind of. Once we get there, no. But I feel like our plan is working off of lots of assumptions."

"It'll work. Trust me," Evelyn said.

Floor 60. Ten floors to go. "Did you tell Dash you'd be late?"

Evelyn felt her stomach twist. "Yes. I said I'd keep him up to date." She knew she wasn't supposed to be here. She was supposed to be with Dash, having a crazy adventure they were used to having. She figured she would explain the whole story in person. It was better that way.

The elevator dinged and the doors parted revealing a penthouse full of drunk classmates. Jenny was the first to step out. With her heels on, she towered over most of the party guests. From Jenny's vantage point, she scanned the crowds like a hawk. Evelyn assumed she was looking for her minions of course. It would make sense that she would want to surprise them.

"Do you see them?" Evelyn said.

"Who?"

"Your minions of course."

"Oh…no. I don't."

"Okay. Do you want to take a look? They have to be here somewhere."

Jenny's eyes continued to scan the crowd. "You go ahead. I'm just going to use the bathroom first."

"Okay." Evelyn said.

Evelyn looked around the room for a familiar face. She looked at the clusters of people, and she noticed a couple acquaintances, but nothing more. Perhaps there were people from the other Manhattan private schools. Some looked at her when she passed, some blocked her path and didn't voluntarily move out of the way. Evelyn pushed through them anyway and found her way to the kitchen.

Once inside, she immediately recognized Ozzy hunched over the kitchen counter. His elbows were propped on the counter, and he was talking to another boy, whose back was to Evelyn. His hair was blond, and his shoulders shook from laughter. He turned slightly, his side profile evident, and Evelyn recognized him. She paused, trying to place him, when Ozzy noticed her. He excused himself from the other boy and brushed the tip of his nose with the back of his hand.

"Evelyn," Ozzy said. He cleared his throat and stood up straight. He swayed ever so slightly. "What are you doing here? I thought you were supposed to be with Dash."

"It's a long story," Evelyn said. "What are you doing here?"

"My cousin invited me."

And then it clicked. Thom. Ozzy and Thom were cousins. She thought back to Dash's birthday party, as fuzzy as her memories were from that night, and she didn't realize that Ozzy was still in contact with Thom. After Dash's experience, she knew Thom couldn't be trusted.

"Thom? Are you two hanging out?"

Ozzy shrugged. "Only a couple times. It's not a big deal."

"Really? That's…" There were many adjectives she could think of, but she knew it wasn't in her place to say anything. Sure, she may think Thom couldn't be trusted, but maybe he was different. Or maybe it was different because they were family. "Fun."

"Yeah. Is Dash here?"

"No. I told him I'd be late."

"Oh," Ozzy said. He gave her a look that she couldn't decipher. His gaze dropped to his feet. "You should…never mind. I'll talk to you later."

Evelyn gripped his arm to stop him from leaving. "Wait. Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah. Anything."

Evelyn released her grip and dropped her hands to her sides. "This might be random, but did anything happen between you and Catherine a few months ago?"

Ozzy's brows scrunched together. "Why would you want to know that?" He said slowly.

"I told you. Long story."

He drew his hand and curled it behind his neck. "Well, we supposedly dated."

"And?"

"I'm sorry. Isn't this a bit weird to talk about this?"

"Yes, but if you're honest with me, this will make everything a whole lot easier," Evelyn said.

"Okay," he said. "We hooked up a couple of times. Not much else happened."

Evelyn still felt a slight sting when he told her that. She was over it, surely, but a part of her will never believe that it happened.

"But nothing more right?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know," Evelyn said. She had never hedged this subject with Ozzy so openly before. In fact, Evelyn couldn't recall them ever talking about this topic remotely at all.

"Oh," he said. Ozzy then let out a small chuckle. "No. We didn't have sex."

"Okay," Evelyn said. She couldn't help but feel relief to hear that confirmation. "Thank you for your honestly."

"I still don't understand why you needed to know that, but now you know," Ozzy said.

"Trust me, it's for a good thing. I need to go find Jenny now. But Ozzy? Thank you."

He shrugged with a small grin on his face. "No problem."

She smiled and returned back to the main living space where most of the party guests sat. Many were dancing now, some were pairing up, finding dark corners to hook up in, but Evelyn spotted Jenny surrounded by her minions. She made her way to her side while her minions gave her death stares.

"What are we talking about?" Evelyn asked.

"Jenny was just telling us that she broke up with Zach today," Sera said. "On Valentine's Day," She added. "That's pretty heartless."

"What's more heartless ladies? Breaking up with someone on an arbitrary holiday, or breaking up with them because they were cheating on you?" Jenny added.

"He was cheating on you?" Lila said, her jaw slackened.

"How could he?" Kate added. "He totally deserves gonorrhea."

"Or herpes!" Lila added. "We're so sorry J. We didn't realize this was going on."

"You can totally tell us anything," Kate added.

Sera, who had been noticeably silent, had her arms crossed. "Yeah, anything," she said.

Catherine appeared with four shot glasses in her hand. "Hello ladies! Who wants something to drink?"

"I do!" They all said in unison.

"You won't believe what happened to Jenny," Kate said.

"What happened?" Catherine said. She handed all the minions a shot glass and stood in front of Evelyn.

"Jenny broke up with Zach today because he cheated on her."

"Really?" Catherine said. "How tragic."

"It really is," Lila said. Evelyn couldn't believe it, but she saw tears welling in the girl's eyes.

"Jenny, you said you had a surprise for him tonight. Weren't you going to do it?" Catherine said.

The minions ears perked up.

"I didn't say that," Jenny said. "And not that it's any of your concern, but I didn't have sex with him."

"That's too bad," Sera said.

"I agree. He was quite the catch," Catherine said.

"Well at least she's honest," Evelyn said for the first time.

"What do you mean?" Catherine turned around, annoyed that Evelyn was standing in their circle.

"If you seem to think it's okay asking about other people's sex lives, then I have a question about yours. Did you go all the way with Ozzy?"

"She totally did," Sera said confidently.

Lila nodded her head vigorously. "She gave us tips so we'd be ready when we swiped our v-cards."

"That's interesting because I just had a little talk with Ozzy, and he had no recollection of that ever happening. In fact, you even told me that you only dated him to get to me. It was all a ruse."

Catherine began to shrink in stature. She avoided eye contact with the minions, and Jenny's proud smile. She tried to speak, but she couldn't say a word. Her cheeks were red.

"Is that true, Catherine?" Kate said. "Because I really looked up to you being so…sexually liberated."

"No it's not. Evelyn is just saying this to bully me," Catherine said.

"What? I just asked him five minutes ago and he said point blank, 'I did not have sex with Catherine'," Evelyn said.

The minions exchanged looks, not sure who to believe.

"You know, I could take that information and send it to Gossip Girl. Then we'd know for sure if your lying or not," Jenny added.

"No!" Catherine said. "I—" she sighed "I may have exaggerated a bit."

Kate scoffed, while Lila shook her head. Sera realized she couldn't save her leader with this one.

"Unbelievable," Kate said. "Who lies about that?"

"I trusted you!" Lila said. "I can't believe it".

"Come on girls," Jenny said. "We choose not to be associated with knockoffs."

All of the minions followed her while Evelyn stayed back. Catherine's eyes started to well up. "Oh come on. Don't expect any of us to feel sorry for you," Evelyn said.

Catherine swallowed the tears that threatened to spill. "I thought you weren't friends with Jenny anymore."

"Times change. Wounds repair," Evelyn said.

"If you stay friends with Jenny," Catherine said in a measured and quiet tone. "You're going to pay too," Catherine said.

"And how are you going to do that?"

Evelyn turned and marched to where Jenny and the minions were waiting, at the bar ready to toast. Jenny held out a glass to her. "Thank you."

"She deserved it," Evelyn said.

"To friendship," Lila said.

They all toasted to that, and each pounded back a shot. Evelyn winced slightly and checked her watch. It was five after ten.

"I have to go," Evelyn said.

"Already?" Kate said.

"Yes. I have plans with Dash now, and I've kept him waiting, so…"

The minions ooohed and awed.

"Go," Jenny said. "He's been waiting long enough."

Evelyn bid her goodbyes and hurried out of the party. She felt jittery, and relieved that she was able to rectify the mess Catherine had been creating for months. She had probably gotten those girls' trust, and convinced them that she was a better leader, more experienced, someone to look up to, but tonight she took a hit. It was necessary, and she hoped it would be the last time they had to battle for the throne.

Spotted: C receiving a royal dumping from Queen J and E. Looks like this bitch team is back, and C's love for power is no match after all.

Bart was never one to think much of Valentine's Day. He was well aware of its commercial entrapments, but he knew that in order to make a woman happy, he was obligated to do something thoughtful on this day. He knew better than to purchase chocolates at his age because there would be too much concern of the chocolate going straight to the waistline, at least, that's what Lily's excuse always was. So he talked to his assistant Clarissa, and arranged a floral delivery of white lilies, and made a reservation at the most exclusive restaurant on the Upper East Side. As Eric and Evelyn were already out for the evening, Bart could only imagine where his daughter was, he was able to relax with the thought that his plans for this evening were under control.

Bart readjusted his tie in front of the bathroom mirror for the second time. Something that was so routine, so reliably simple, was giving him a very hard time.

"Sweetie is something on your mind?" Lily's forehead pinched with concern.

"I saw Philip today."

"Yes. Is something wrong at Bass Industries?"

"No," Bart said. "Apparently he was privy to knowing that our children have been dating for a while now."

"How long?"

"Since before Christmas."

Lily's eyes widened. "That long?"

"Uh huh," Bart said. "That's a long time to keep a secret, don't you think?"

Lily put her hands on her hips. "I suppose so, but this seems out of character for Evelyn, don't you think? Maybe she was waiting to tell you?"

"Really? Then where will she be tonight?"

"She's with jenny. They're going to a party."

Bart refrained from asking if Lily bought into that. There's no way that a new teenage couple would not spend Valentine's Day together. He may be stubborn, but Bart remembered what it was like being a teenage. Having a first love. It's like you're stuck in a vacuum; your trapped in another world, that spun quicker and quicker before everything stopped, and a mess was left inside the tank.

"You don't actually believe that do you?" Bart said.

"I spoke with them in person earlier this afternoon."

"Did she say she was going to stay the night at Jenny's too?"

"No she didn't. Bart, where is this coming from?"

Bart sighed. At least with his file folders, he always knew where his children were. Now, all he could do was worry, and feel the waves of unease slowly lap over him. "I'm concerned about my daughter. The fact that she's been hiding this from me, shows that she is not mature enough to be in a relationship."

"Bart," Lily said sternly. "I have a daughter. And usually, when they don't tell you something, it's for a reason."

"A reason?"

"I know. It may be hard to understand since reason wasn't Chuck's motive usually, but I've been thinking about it, and I think the reason she hasn't told you is because she doesn't want to disappoint you."

"Disappoint her?" Bart let Lily's words sink in.

"Yes. Everyone can see how proud you are of her, which is great, but she probably is scared to know what you will think of it. Will you like the boy she's seeing? What will you think of her? Coming from the mother of Serena Van der Woodsen, she could have done something a whole lot worse."

Bart was silent for a moment. Lily took a step toward him and straightened his tie.

His daughter was afraid of disappointing him? How could she ever be a disappointment to him? She was becoming like her mother in more ways than she could ever understand. She was growing, learning, being. The only possible way he could admit to being disappointed in her was the fact that she wasn't honest with him. Maybe they could have reached an understanding that way.

"What should I do Lily?"

"Well, the best way to work through anything is to talk about it. Talk about it with Evelyn. One on one. I mean, have you had this talk with her? The expectation on relationships?"

"No."

"Then, that's what you need to do. Think about what boundaries you want to set. My rule is that if Serena had her boyfriend over, the bedroom door was to remain open. Also, if she wanted to spend the night at a friend's she'd have to ask for permission first…not that she'd listen, but I think you have a better shot with Evelyn because she's responsible. If you need some help, I can always handle 'the talk' too. It might come off slightly better from me."

"Thanks Lily," Bart said. "You're absolutely right."

"I guess all those years of being wrong with my daughter have paid off," Lily said.

"We can only hope it'll work this time."

Bart felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.

Hello! Jenny and I are going to a party near the loft in Brooklyn and we plan to have a few drinks. I've been offered to stay over to be safe so I will. I'll see you tomorrow morning for brunch!

Bart sighed again.

"What is it now?"

He showed her the phone.

"At least you got a prompt text" Lily said. "Serena usually just leaves without warning."

The comment didn't make him feel any better. Who knows where she'll end up? What is this was a cover-up to meetup with Dashiell? If only he could call Andrew Tyler…

No. That got him into trouble last time, and he swore he wouldn't do it again. It was unethical.

"Of come on darling," Lily said, taking his arm. "Don't look so glum. Don't make me think of ways to distract you before dessert."

Bart cracked a small smile. "But I'm always game to take my dessert before my main."

He followed Lily out the door. The thoughts of his daughter still lingered in the back of his mind. It was going to be okay though. They would have their talk, hash it all out, be honest and such.

The only problem that remained was finding what words he needed to say.

Blair had finished introducing Chuck to almost all of her favourite people from the Locke and Key society as they waited for Nate's arrival. He said he'd be there in twenty minutes, but it had already been an hour. Blair had no idea where Joy was, but she figured that if she wasn't clinging to her side then she was perfectly okay.

Chuck seemed to glide around the room with ease. Everyone knew who he was, and told him so when she'd introduce them. It made her wonder if they had the same reaction when Julian had selected her as a member of the new class. She hated to admit it, but she doubted it.

"Chuck, good to see you again," Julian emerged from the groups of people and offered his hand.

"Julian." Chuck shook his hand. Blair noticed that there was little resentment between the boys, and it was something she never expected from Chuck.

"Hey Blair. Good to see you." Julian gave her a polite hug, and when she returned it, she didn't catch Chuck's questioning look.

"Enjoying the party? Blair did a great job helping organize it," Julian said.

"Yes," Chuck nodded. "Blair always does a great job."

"We're just waiting for our friend Nate to show up," Blair said.

"Archibald?" Julian said.

"Yes," Blair said. "Is that a problem?"

"No. I've just run into him on campus. He's on the lacrosse team, I'm on the soccer team. We've run into each other a few times. That's him there, no?"

They all turned to see Nate walk through the door. He was dressed in a white polo t-shirt and jeans, and was smiling. Good old Nate. "If you'll excuse me," Blair said. "I'm going to say hi. Chuck, do you want to come with me?"

"Of course," Chuck said. He nodded curtly to Julian and followed behind her. The closer they got to Nate, the more Blair noticed that Nate had more languid motions. He swayed on the spot, and his eyes were glazed.

"Oh my god. Is Nate drunk?" Blair hissed.

"Evidently," Chuck said.

"Bass…"

"Hey, I said I'd get him to come here. You never exactly specified what state he'd be in when he arrived."

Nate spotted them and waved. "Chuuccck buddy! Blairr! It's so good to see you!" He threw his arms around both of them, and they were trapped in Nate's awkward three-way hug.

He stepped back, swaying back and forth. "Now this," He pointed to the two of them, "Is what love looks like."

"Nate. Would you like something to drink?" Blair said. She looked out of the corner of her eye to see if anyone had noticed his entrance. It was only Chuck, who smiled, completely amused.

"Yessss please. Chuck, can you fix me something up?"

"Of course," Chuck said.

Blair gripped his arm. "Get him some water. We have to sober him up if this is going to work!"

"Not in my experience," Chuck smirked and walked away.

"Where were you before coming here?"

"Was at a party with the lacrosse team. Turns out, they alllll have girlfriends."

"And what's wrong with that?"

"Nothing! For you, this is Valentine's Day. For me, it's Singles Awareness Day! Relationships suck!"

Chuck returned with a red solo cup. "Great," Blair said. She looked around the room for Joy who was nowhere to be found.

"Wait here. Both of you. I'm going to look for my roommate."

Blair sauntered away moving through the living room of the house and in through the kitchen. She even checked outside, where she was greeted with plumes of pot. She wasn't there either. Everyone greeted her as she passed, but she couldn't find Joy. She didn't leave did she?

Blair moved back into the living area where most people mingled, and saw the staircase. She wondered if Joy was upstairs. It was completely unlikely, but maybe the party continued upstairs? She walked up the steps, and was greeted with a dark hallway. Suddenly, she realized Joy would never be up here. She didn't even want to think about what was happening on the other side of these doors. One was ajar, the light on.

Realizing that she couldn't leave one stone unturned, Blair moved toward the room, She'd never even been to this part of the house, but she continued on. She pushed the door open slowly, revealing Joy. And she wasn't alone.

She was kissing Simon.

I spy with my little eye, one good little Christian girl who's with the wrong guy. Looks like B isn't cupid after all.

Ozzy stumbled into one of the unoccupied bedrooms. His head was spinning, and he knew that he was crashing out of his high. He knew that he would probably pass out soon, so any space that was free was welcome. He gripped the door to steady himself, but collapsed into it. His nose buried into the crook of his elbow and he noticed that he smelled like smoke and clean laundry detergent.

Ozzy stood up, and stumbled to the bed. He immediately collapsed onto it, and rolled onto his side. The room spun, and the dizziness didn't go away when he closed his eyes. He ran his hands over his face, trying to brush away the memories that had been haunting him. In a room as quiet as this one, it was easy for them to creep back in. He shook his head, forcing them out.

He sat up at the edge of the bed and hunched over, his elbows balanced on his knees. The spinning wasn't as bad when he sat like this, and it usually lead to its passing much sooner. By this point, he would wonder why the hell he put himself through this, to which his response was always that it felt so good in that moment. He felt good.

"Oh I'm sorry. I didn't realize this room was occupied."

Ozzy looked up to see Catherine at the door. She held a glass of water.

"It's okay. I can go," Ozzy said. He tried to get up, but fumbled back on the bed.

Catherine came towards him and offered him the glass. "Here. I think you need this more than I do."

"Thanks."

He finished the glass in one gulp and set it on the night stand.

"Rough night?" Catherine asked. She stood in front of him, her eyes puffy. Had she been crying?

"Yeah. But it was all of my own making," Ozzy said. "You can sit down if you want."

Catherine quietly took a seat beside him. They both sat in silence, looking out in the distant, trapped by their own thoughts. Ozzy looked at Catherine and noticed that she looked very defeated. Resigned, even.

"Is everything okay?"

She shook her head and said, "Yes."

"That wasn't very convincing," Ozzy said.

"You wouldn't understand," Catherine said.

Ozzy noticed that he didn't feel as dizzy anymore. "Try me."

"Do you ever know what it's like to not be good enough?"

Did he ever. He wasn't good enough for his mom. Dad. Evelyn. Other faces came to his mind and he found himself nodding. "Of course."

"Well, tonight I just wanted to be the best for once. I've been wanting that for a while. I mean, I have an older brother, and he has always been better than me at everything. He's my parent's boy. He was remarkably good at school without trying, was the guy that inspired the likes of Chuck Bass, and for the past couple years he went rogue and abandoned us for his own 'self-exploration.' He's all my parents ever talk about." Catherine paused and shook her head. "I thought now that I'm older, and that he's so much out of the picture that it was my chance. I could do well, volunteer, be Queen, be everything that they expect from me…but it's always just out of my reach." Tears welled up in her eyes.

"I thought that if I did all this, everything that they wanted from me, that it would make them happy. That it would make me happy. But they don't care," Catherine's eyes were mossy, and tears spilled from her eyes. "I'm just so tired of trying to get their attention, or doing what's right. It's just making me miserable."

Catherine covered her face with her hands and bent over her lap. Her shoulders shook as her crying turned into sobbing, and Ozzy followed the only instinct that he knew. He drew his hand to her shoulder and pulled her towards him. Her head rested against his chest, and he engulfed her in a hug, letting her cry. It was a gesture he always imagined his mother having, one that if he focused hard enough, he could remember her doing when he was very young, no more than six years old. He didn't know when those engulfing hugs stopped, but he wished they were still available to him.

"I'm so sorry," Catherine said. She sat up and brushed her hair away from her face. "I didn't mean to drop this emotional baggage on you. I just…couldn't hold it in anymore. I felt, like-like I was…"

"Going to explode?" Ozzy offered.

"Exactly." Catherine stared at him with wonder, how he could possibly understand. She looked at him with wonder at how someone in their world could, her world, could actually care. Understand.

"I almost exploded at my mom's wedding," Ozzy said. He withdrew his arm from her shoulder. "It wasn't my best moment."

"I heard about that," Catherine said. "Are you okay?"

He shrugged. Since when did that ever matter?

"I just dumped my emotional baggage on you. You are welcome to do the same."

"It's a long story," Ozzy said. "It's one that includes a father who doesn't want me. A mother who sold herself to a man to save us, and if we want to keep with the times, a step-brother who is probably fucking my ex-best friend right now."

"That's quite a lot," Catherine said. "My problems probably seem like no problems to you."

"That's not true at all," Ozzy said. "Everyone has problems. Size doesn't matter." He wished people said this more because as much he knew his life sucked, there was always someone who was suffering more than him, or doing better than him, but neither person had no problems. No one's life is that perfect.

"So, you were also best friends with Evelyn?"

"For a time," Ozzy said. To be honest, he wasn't sure how he could classify his relationship with Evelyn. They became friends, teetered on the scale of something more, and fought to the point where they acted like strangers. All he knew was that he had never let anyone as close to him wherever he had lived than he had let Evelyn.

"But you're still in love with her if it bothers you that she could be having sex with your step brother?"

"What? No," Ozzy said immediately. Sure, he had feelings for her at one point, but he was trying to turn them off. He assumed they would just go away eventually, but it wasn't working.

"If you say so," Catherine shrugged. "Thank you for listening, Ozzy."

"It's no problem," Ozzy said. "You shouldn't try to do what your parents want. It's clear that you can't reach their standard, so you should just focus on what you want."

Catherine grinned. "You're right. Easier said than done though."

"Isn't it always?" Ozzy said.

Catherine leaned over and wrapped her arms around him. She squeezed and pulled back just enough that she could look at him up close. She looked at him like she was deciding something and leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. "Seriously. Thank you."

"No problem." He didn't let go of her, and realized with her slightly parted lips what she wanted. He couldn't tell if it was because she was warm, or that she was the first person to kiss him this year, or because he didn't want to be alone for Valentine's Day, that he decided to kiss her back.

He began to kiss her, cupping her face with his hands. Everything seemed to move at a languid pace at first. Her hands ran through his hair, travelling down his back, across his chest, feeling for his belt. While kissing, Catherine began to lie down on the bed, and she guided Ozzy overtop of her. He complied, leaning on his elbows over her. His kisses left her lips and trailed to her neck. Catherine arched her back and moaned, and Ozzy could feel his pants loosening from his hips. His belt clattered to the wooden floor.

Meanwhile, his hands fisted her breasts, her short dress bunching up by her hips easily. His hands explored her flat belly, and found a trail to the warmth between her legs. Then, Catherine let out a deep sigh, followed by another and another. Ozzy groaned, everything feeling so good, so blissful for once, as their clothes were shedding and their limbs entwining, climax peaking until it all faded to blackness.

The wait Evelyn felt as she rang the doorbell outside of Dash's house was agonizing. She bobbed on the balls of her feet, her arms crossed over her coat, and waited to hear Dash's heavy footsteps near the door. Her breath crystallized as a strong gust of wind made her shiver. It didn't help that she felt extremely guilty for being so late. It was almost eleven on Valentine's Day. Some Valentine she was.

The door suddenly opened revealing a sullen Dash. "Finally decided I was worth your time did you?"

"Dash I am so sorry," Evelyn said. She had texted him that she was on her way, and followed it with another apology for her tardiness. He didn't reply.

Evelyn stepped inside the warm house. "I had to Dash—"

"Had to what?" He closed the door. "Go to a party without telling me? Help Jenny make a mockery of people? Get drunk?"

"Of course not. Just let me explain." She stepped forward and reached for both of his hands. She still had her leather gloves on.

"Fine. Explain," Dash said. "Because all I know is that you said you'd be a little late, and next thing I know, I'm sitting here for hours, alone, and get a message from Gossip Girl that you're at a party without even bothering to tell me."

"It started yesterday when Jenny approached me for help. Since she helped me plan your birthday, I owed her one. Anyway, it turns out that Catherine has been trying to outmaneuver Jenny's authority, and snag her crown, so we spent the day researching, and planning to take her down. Then, it's six o'clock, and I thought my job was done, but Jenny comes to me and says that she needed me to be there, at the party to make it happen. So I said only for a little bit because I already had plans with you, and I left immediately after we finished."

Dash didn't say anything.

"You believe me don't you?"

"I mean, I want to," he said. "But I wasn't there. I didn't even know you and Jenny were speaking."

"We weren't. Until yesterday. I think we're back to being friends again."

"Really? Doesn't she despise me?"

"Not anymore. It had nothing to do with you as a person, I think. She was just trying to protect me."

"Protect you?"

"Of course! Those minions are just waiting to tear you down given the chance," Evelyn said. She wrapped her arms around his waist, her chin titled up against his chest. "I'm so sorry that I was late. I wanted to be here, really, but I also owed my friend. Can you forgive me?"

He craned his neck, so their eyes could meet. "Yes, but now you owe me."

Evelyn reclined her stature, and lifted her chin, and kissed him. "I think I can think of a couple ways to repay you…"

"Really?" Dash said. He pulled her close for a hug, his chin against her forehead. "I like the sound of that." They pulled apart, and he added, "Only if you're comfortable and willing of course."

"Don't worry, I am," Evelyn said. She couldn't believe the boldness in her voice, but she wasn't posturing. A part of her truly meant it. Sure, there were other parts that worried, or were unsure about it, but she can't deny to herself that she hadn't imagined being intimate with Dash again. Today, she avoided it because she was afraid of how far they'd go—or rather, how far her desire would want her to go. She still wasn't confident that she could fully control it, but she knew that she had brakes. She just needed to remember that they were available for use.

"Come on. Take your coat off. I have a surprise for you," Dash said.

Evelyn unbuttoned her coat, and followed Dash into the kitchen Two coffee mugs were ready on the centre island, as well as a tin of hot chocolate, a Blitzer, and spoon.

"Please take a seat," Dash said. "I have come up with a special on the house."

"A special?" Evelyn took her seat across from him. She didn't think she deserved anything special after how she treated her supposed Valentine today.

Dash opened the refrigerator and revealed a carton of milk. Then he bent over the freezer and revealed ice cream.

"What could this special be?" Evelyn said.

'I know you aren't a fan of the commercialization of this holiday, which let me tell you, made it hard to make this day special. So, I thought we'd just spend time, just the two of us, watch a movie, like your favourite, The Sound of Music, while having a hot chocolate or ice cream. I know those are always your favourites and go to's. But then I thought to myself, what if we could make these two things go together? So I present you a new concoction."

"A new one?" Evelyn said.

Dash heated two cups of milk and added two heaping tablespoons of hot chocolate mix. Once the drinks were ready, he opened the tub of vanilla ice cream. He made one big scoop of ice cream, and dropped it into the hot chocolate.

"I present to you, a hot chocolate float!"

"Dash…you are a genius!"

"Nah, it just came to me when I couldn't decide between one or the other," Dash said.

Evelyn took the spoon and filled with ice cream and hot chocolate. "Mmmhhh this is perfection on a whole new level," she said.

"Is it actually good?"

"Dash, it's amazing!" Evelyn said. "I can't believe no one has thought of this before!"

Dash took a sip of his own and said. "Damn! Even I think this is good."

"Dash, this is amazing. Really. You're amazing," Evelyn said. She walked over to him, suddenly feeling a need to be in his embrace again.

"I wish I came up with this idea sooner. I would have received so many more compliments from you."

Evelyn couldn't believe how comfortable it felt to be with Dash in his huge family home alone. It was relieving to know that no one was going to arrive to disturb them at any moment. It was also exciting too. Her fears, and worries that she felt all week were dissipating. She had nothing to be worried about. She was with Dash.

"Play your cards right, and you might get more than compliments tonight," Evelyn said quietly. She then kissed him again, her hands eager to explore again, over his chest, to his waist, maybe lower.

Evelyn pulled away out of breath. Then, she took him by the hand, her hot chocolate float in the other, and guided him upstairs to his bedroom.

At first, Blair only felt shock. Her mouth gaped, as she stared at two people she knew, confused. Joy was the first to pull away, her eyes wide, her cheeks red.

What Blair failed to understand was how did this happen? How did she not notice? How did Joy think this was okay? Religious people don't do this kind of thing…or so Blair thought.

"Blair," Joy said. Simon had a sheepish grin on his face, clearly not as embarrassed as Joy. "Where's Chuck?" Joy finally said.

"Downstairs. I was just looking for you, but I didn't think I'd find you… here."

Joy smoothed out her dress and bolted up. "Let's go downstairs—"

"Don't worry. I'll just go. I'm sorry if I… interrupted anything."

Joy's eyes widened. "It's okay. I'll just come with you—"

"Not needed. Simon. Good to see you." Blair shut the door behind her and quickly walked down the stairs. She hoped Joy knew the sensible thing to do would be not follow, but she wasn't one to understand Blair's social cues in the past. The quicker she got back to the party the better.

When she found Chuck who was still with a progressively drunk Nate, he asked, "Have you found your roommate yet?"

"Yes," Blair said sharply.

"Well, where is she?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Can we just go?"

"And leave Nate?"

"We can send a car to drop him off at the dorm. It turns out that being cupid is highly overrated."

Chuck gave her a look that demanded a further explanation.

"I'll explain in the limo," Blair said. "Let's just get out of here."

Chuck took her hand and guided Nate with his other. They said their goodbyes and dropped off Nate in a cab.

Once alone, Blair leaned her head on Chuck's shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her, his thumb stroking her forearm.

"What happened?"

"I found Joy upstairs with another guy."

"Upstairs?" Chuck said. She knew the thoughts and images that were probably rolling through his mind. Things he would expect to happen upstairs at a college party. "Joy?" Chuck said unconvinced.

"I know. I walked in on her kissing Simon!"

"Huh," Chuck said. "I didn't see that coming."

"Neither did I!" Blair said. And here I was trying to do something nice for her."

"Blair," Chuck said. "Did you even ask if Joy wanted this?"

"No. She didn't have plans, so I wanted to make her feel included."

Chuck scoffed. "What made you think she liked Nate in the first place?"

Blair sat up and turned to face Chuck. "She admitted it to me a month ago! All I did was present her an opportunity, and she used it as an opportunity to get in with my society!"

"Blair, we both know that's not true."

"I just don't get it. She's religious! She doesn't drink, and and—"

"Blair, do you even know your roommate?"

"Of course I do—"

"No you don't. You only know what you assume she's like because of a few labels you gave her."

"So? It's not like you're innocent. We used to do the same thing with models when we were playing our game in the summer."

"That's different. You co-habitate with this girl."

"What's your point Bass?"

"All I'm saying, is that I don't think you should judge her all the time. Maybe she's not as religious as you think? Maybe there's more to her than that?"

"She goes to mass every Sunday."

"So? That doesn't mean anything. A lot of people go out of obligation. The point is, have you ever really talked to her?"

"Um yes."

"No. I mean the way you talk to me, Serena, Nate. Like, do you ask her anything about her life?"

Blair knew she couldn't lie about that answer, but she didn't want to admit that Chuck was right. He'd hold it over her for life.

"I had no idea you were this passionate about this subject," Blair said.

"Well, I once was where Joy was when we were friends. I was different to you, and you didn't want to know much about me—especially in the beginning. All I'm saying is that you should give her a chance. You did with me."

"Fine," Blair said.

The limo halted in front of the Palace, and Chuck looked at her with a smug smile. "Admit it. You know I'm right."

Blair shook her head and got out of the limo. "Watch it Bass. You were behaving yourself very well this evening. Ask too much and you won't get to see the surprise I have planned for you."

As they walked towards the entrance of the Palace, Chuck asked, "Care to give me a hint?"

"Remember that bet you placed? The one between red and black?"

"Yes."

"Black won," Blair said.

"Really? And what do I get for choosing black?"

"You'll have to search me to find out," Blair said. They had arrived at the elevator, and she pressed the button.

She saw the look of desire in Chuck's eye and she felt empowered.

"You know, I have a surprise of my own. It's waiting in my suite," Chuck said.

They stepped onto the ready elevator, and Chuck hit the eighteenth-floor button.

"Hint Bass?"

"A new game. Just between you and me. Blindfolds, whip cream, and berries. Are you interested?"

She felt a shiver run down her spine at the prospect of a new game. This one seemed different than the others. No humiliation was involved. It was something intimate, and Blair knew it would give her immense pleasure.

"I'm game," Blair said.

They arrived on the eighteenth floor, and Chuck lead the way to his suite. He opened the door to reveal that the room was dark and was only lit with candles. It was redecorated since their high school days. The purple decor was replaced with black and red. It was sleek and modern. Blair noticed the berries, blindfold and whipped cream on the table, as well as a bottle of Dom, and vase full of peonies.

Chuck popped the bottle of Dom and poured them each a glass. They toasted, and Chuck said, "Happy Valentine's Day, Blair."

They clinked glasses and Blair smiled. She didn't need some party to fulfill her. She didn't need to meddle in someone else's life whom she didn't properly know. All she needed on this one day were her favourites, a game, and her boyfriend.

Blair set her glass on the table, and walked right into Chuck's waiting arms. She immediately found his lips and began kissing him passionately, his hands running down her tight dress and up it quickly, and everything finally felt like it had been put back in place again.

Evelyn struggled to keep her eyes open later that night. What time was it? Two thirty? Three, maybe? Her eyes kept fluttering, the feeling of Dash's hand running through her hair relaxed her to the point of losing consciousness. Her head rested on his shoulder, her arm wrapped around his bare torso, legs entangled. This was what she had feared all week. The physical closeness she now shared with Dash opened up a new door of intimacy. She never dreamed it would feel this good.

Dash's chest rose and fell evenly, and although she only wore her bra and underwear (A matching black pair that actually featured an enticing pattern), she felt warmth from the blanket cocoon that wrapped around them. How could she possibly have been afraid of this? There was nothing scary about sharing this intimacy. It brought new feelings to a level that she couldn't have possibly imagined.

Evelyn strained to open her eyes, and saw an empty mug on Dash's bedside table. Behind that, his alarm clock glowed with the time. It was almost three in the morning.

"Evelyn?" He stopped running his hands through her hair.

She closed her eyes, and tightened her grip around him. "Mmhm?"

"It's late."

Evelyn groaned. She was way too comfortable to get up and got back to the penthouse in the cold.

"You know…you can stay over if you want."

The offer was tempting. She was warm, comfortable, and serene. Why would she want to disturb that now? She thought of her father, and wondered how she would explain it to him in the morning. She could imagine his cold stare, a look of disappointment on his face.

Evelyn sat up, and her bleary eyes darted around the room for her phone. She tossed the covers off, and sorted through her clothes that were littered around the bed. She found her pair of jeans and her phone underneath them.

"Do you want me to help you get your stuff?"

Evelyn looked up from her phone. Dash had sat up, his straight hair stuck up in every direction. "No."

She checked to make sure she had sent a message to her father. The early evening was such a blur she forgot that she did send her dad a text saying that she was staying at Jenny's.

Evelyn came around the bed and set her phone on the side table. She felt awful knowing that she was lying to her father, but what else could she do?

"Should I call for a car?"

Evelyn ducked under the covers and curled up to Dash. Once settled, she lifted her head to look at him. "No need."

Dash met her lips and kissed her, tenderly at first, and then with passion. He rolled his position, so he hovered over her.

"And here I thought we were going to sleep?" Evelyn said. She couldn't hide a yawn that overtook her.

"After," he said. He kissed her again, and again, and he guided her legs to wrap around his waist. Evelyn sighed in between kisses, her eyes closed, but her senses were waking her up.

Dash trailed his kisses from her mouth, along her jaw bone, and down to her neck. Evelyn let out a moan, and called his name. It was quiet, but pleading.

Dash stopped his kisses, and looked at her. His cheeks were flushed, pupils dilated. "Say my name again."

"I don't just do it on demand," Evelyn said. Her cheeks burned. Did she do something weird? Did she say his name in a weird way?

She trailed her hands down his back and fingered the strap of his boxers.

Dash shook his head. "Such a tease."

He was about to lean forward and kiss her again, when they heard a giant thud.

Evelyn pushed Dash off of her, and jolted up. "Did you hear that?"

Another thud erupted. Dash looked as if he were trying to decipher the sound. "It sounds like the door slammed."

Dash got off the bed and put his ear close to the door. "You wait here. I'll check what's going on."

"Dash—"

He opened and closed his door noiselessly and disappeared. Evelyn waited and waited, covering herself up to her neck with the sheets. Dash didn't return. Finally, Evelyn had enough of waiting and stood from the bed. She bent over and picked up Dash's sweater from the floor and put it on. Following Dash's strategy, she opened the door as quietly as possible, and made her way to the staircase. When she turned to the staircase, she saw Dash hovering over someone.

It took her much longer than it should have to figure out who it was. He only wore one sock and boxers. It was too dark to see much else, other than curls that sprung from his head. Evelyn felt her stomach drop, and her blood run cold when she pieced together who lied on the staircase unconscious.

It was Ozzy.

And while it's nice to believe that all Valentine's Days end full of love, we all know they are far more likely to end in heartbreak.

You know you love me,

XOXO Gossip Girl

A/N: And there you have it! A Valentine's Day on the Upper East Side that I hope lived up to the hype!

Now, what's next you might ask? The next chapter will be titled: "There's Something About Ozzy". It'll pick up right after we left off on this chapter, and there will be a surprise visitor at the Bass residence.

As always, thank you so much for reading! Please do not hesitate to hit up the review button to tell me what you think!

Till next time,

XOXO EZ11