Chapter Fourteen

All About Us

After school, Blair went straight to Sparks hotel to work and pay off 400 dollars that she spent on pair of ostentatious shoes. She quickly got dressed in staff clothes: white crisp shirt, black tie and black slacks. Pulling her hair in a ponytail, Blair sighed deeply and grabbed a tray. She didn't have time to be worried nor think too much. Head waiter John scanned her every move and snapped at her if she got a moment to rest, but she didn't care.

It was a necessary act of self-preservation.

Hotel's café was jointed with the restaurant. Every time was peak time, the bustle and murmur never-ending. Guests were mostly CEOs, ambassadors or such important diplomats traveling through New York. They smelled expensive, their teeth were porcelain and blindingly white, tupés carefully set in place. They didn't talk to Blair or any staff at all unless to order. Small chat was something they didn't have time for.

Blair managed to gather some tips and she stashed them for a future emergency. Rich people weren't keen on giving it, or they mostly just payed by credit card. Her back hurt from standing, her eyes were dropping with sleep. But when her hands were busiest, her mind still reverted back to Chuck, going over this morning's scene at the college. She wanted him to suffer, yet she hated when he did.

A thought she'd never admit out loud, a craving she'd deny, a pulsing need for him - Blair missed Chuck.

She came home that night and went straight to her bedroom. With startling fright, she perceived a piece of elegant paper and a peony on her pillow. With trembling hand, she gently stroked the smelling flower and took the paper.

Blair,

I want to understand you.

Chuck x

Her heart sank at the note. She must have missed it in the the whole bunch of flowers. He wanted to understand her, yet he couldn't. They came from two polar opposite worlds. Her fist clenched at the remembrance of her cruel words this morning. But who brought the note here? Who found it hidden in the basement? She dropped on the bed in agonizing panic.

Mother opened the doors of her bedroom, but didn't enter. She wasn't surprised at the peony. Her look was stern and disappointed. I know, it seemed to say.

''Mom,'' She rose to explain, but Jane's eyes flashed to silence her.

''I don't want to hear it. I'm not even going to ask. Because I trust you.''

I trust you won't do anything stupid, it meant.

With a thud, she closed the doors.

Blair exhaled heavily, feeling relief it was her mother, instead of Dan or dad. However despite the relief, Blair realized she betrayed mother's trust. Mother just wanted to be her confidante, to talk to her and be there for her. Blair rejected her and lied, for everyone's good. If her family knew what she's done, they'd never forgive her.

A tear fell from her eye. The only people she cared about hated each other. Their worlds clashed and threw everyone into chaos. Her heart throbbed at the lies she told them, her heart throbbed at the pain and pleasure she found in Chuck. She wiped the tear quickly and buried her head in homework.

Serena opened up the fridge and looked for something to eat. She'd have to leave for class soon and her stomach rumbled unpleasantly. Her phone rang on the counter, the sound piercing through empty kitchen. It was Nate.

Nate. Her best friend. Her secret-keeper. Well, she had few of his secrets up in her own sleeve.

A flash of dark hair, messy sheets.

She gulped down a knot in her throat and let it ring, going back to scavenging the fridge.

''You've got a call,'' Said a deep voice.

''Chuck,'' She exclaimed, surprised. Yesterday night was intense. Their project was still unfinished, but she thought they were all still mad at each other. It rarely happened that all three of them fought, but it took them more than 24 hours to make up. Usually Serena initiated it and they all went along, acting like nothing ever happened. Stuff like those only brought them closer together. Her smile widened at the sight of him, glad he came to her on his own. Serena took the offered phone and rejected the call, feeling guilt penetrate her soul.

''You look tired,'' She observed bags under his eyes and the way he drawled every word he uttered. ''It must have been a long night.''

''Long and lonely,'' Chuck muttered, looking up at her under his eyelashes. He was hunched over her counter, playing with his sleeve.

She felt bad about the outburst now, seeing him like this didn't make her feel good. She hated that he didn't get sleep on her account. Serena wanted to make him feel better, as a redemption for her behavior these past few days. She closed the fridge and sat on counter next to him.

''Let's go to movies,'' She suggested, clapping her hands excitedly. It always cheered him up. Besides, they haven't spent any time together lately. In the past, they'd spend days, weeks even, together. Alone and without Nate. Nate was sometimes too busy hanging out with Penelope.

He thought nobody knew. He'd go away for a night, on the pretense of visiting his grandpa. But Serena always knew where he went. She never told him.

Chuck and Serena would go to movies, they'd make fun of Bart's girlfriends and they'd dream about their crazy lives as adults. For a moment, it all felt like they were 15 again, night dipping in pool at Hamptons. ''I don't feel like going to class and by the looks of it neither do you.''

Chuck didn't raise his head. He didn't stir, as if he didn't even hear what she said, onyx eyes lost in a distance.

''I know women,'' His voice was unnaturally somber, his fingers still occupied with sleeve. ''I know what you like, what you want to be done to please you... I just know. But with Blair, no rules apply. With her, everything is different and I'm left feeling baffled.''

Serena froze. Her eyes fluttered in disbelief. Another Blair tantrum?

''After her, everything changed. I don't know what happened or when.''

''What happened, Chuck?'' She whispered worriedly, a hand on his shoulder. ''What changed?''

There was a pause, and it seemed as if Chuck struggled with something inside of him.

Finally, he slowly put a tight, smile and hung an arm around her neck. ''Let's go to movies.''

Serena nodded reluctantly, thinking his smile was far from convincing.

He ordered the limo to be ready and she jumped from the counter, a gaping hole in her chest. Memories from high school flashed across her mind; her and Chuck laughing, her and Chuck sunbathing on St Barts, her and Chuck racing on piggyback.

They were always there for each other because it was easier to deal with life if you had a friend by your side. And now, instead of hanging out together and having a good time, someone was clouding his mind. Blair was successfully stringing him along.

Serena clenched her fists, promising herself how she'd never let anyone hurt him.

That day Blair exited from class and headed towards bus stop to catch a bus to hotel. She carried her bright blue coat in hands, the halls of Constance Uni warm and cozy. So far there were no incidents, unless you count over-helpful male students and Penelope.

Penelope, apparently, couldn't take no for an answer. She kept making cryptic comments about Serena and whole TFB, saying how they were up to no good. How she shouldn't trust them. Blair shrugged her off, figuring she was just trying to get back in her good graces by undermining the stereotypical antagonists.

''Blair!''

It was the same guy who imitated her dancing few days ago in courtyard. It was the same guy that almost picked a fist fight with Chuck Bass for it. She didn't hide her annoyance at the sight of him. Blair rolled her eyes and resumed her walk.

''I feel bad for that thing the other day,'' Anthony said as he caught up, thinking his puppy-eyes would do the trick. He put his hand over heart, gesture overly-dramatic and hilarious. ''I was stupid, I'm sorry.''

''Yes, you are,'' Blair said, brushing him off. ''And I couldn't care less about it.''

The guy seemed put off by the answer. He was one of lacrosse players; handsome and well-aware of it. Rejection didn't seem like a likely scenario to his mind, but it made the game sweeter. ''Alright, but I will make it up to you.''

She didn't bother to dignify this ridiculous comment with an answer. Flipping her hair, she turned away and walked out of the building out on courtyard. It was a cold cloudy day and she shivered in her thin coat.

As if sensing him nearby, her heart immediately sped up. Looking up, Blair saw Chuck walking in her direction.

She stopped, completely put off by the power of his presence. He seemed to see her, but his eyes brushed over her as if they would over a tree. There was a handsome blond figure next to him, chatting merrily. She noticed Blair and let Chuck's arm go. Serena stopped, but Chuck passed right by, not even sparing her a look.

It hurt. She didn't realize his indifference would hurt this much. Her heart screamed in agony, wanting to go over and drown in his arms.

''How are you, B?'' Serena asked, her face illuminated by her smile.

''Good,'' She lied, feeling herself tremble from within, not due to cold. ''You?'''

''Good. You know, he listened to you.''

''Sorry?''

''Chuck's not talking to you. He's not even looking at you. Just like you wanted.''

Blair barely held herself from falling apart. She felt like she had worms in her guts, moving and twisting. She felt sick. She pushed him away and it was as if she shot herself through the heart. Blair breathed in and used all effort to shrug carelessly. ''I'm not as observant as you. I didn't notice.''

''So,'' Serena smirked, her eyes glinting. ''What's the rush?''

''There's no rush. Classes are over.''

Serena laughed and it only fueled Blair's anger. ''You're running home again. Stick around for once.''

The comment stabbed her pride. It sounded like all she did was spend her free time at home. Serena made her sound like she was a hermit. Blair bit her cheek and forced her voice to remain calm.

''I'm not going home,'' She raised her chin, hoping it would leave her wondering. She also hoped this information would reach Chuck. Blair wondered if he'd care? Would it make him jealous? Or is he really over her? ''I'll see you later.''

Nate lounged on couch in his apartment that night, re-watching his project movie from Tropic. Nate skipped classes that day. Last night's fight exhausted him and he figured if anyone should like to see him - they would know where he lived. He watched the movie with narrowed eyes, willing himself to change his mind about some matters.

He would often pause the video on Serena's face. His heart would soar at the sight of it. But as if by it's own will, his hand would rewind it to scene where she talked to Carter and handed a pill to unknown girl. There, his loyalty to Chuck rose so much until it hit the ceiling, his best friend's tortured face haunting his dreams.

He exhaled heavily, grabbing fistful of his hair. Was this right? What was he to do? Serena had been rejecting his calls all day and seeing the victim of all this mess every day at school didn't help. At least Serena started to be nice to Blair, and it seemed almost genuine.

As on cue, his phone rang.

''Are you home?'' Serena wasted no time in beating around the bush, sound of horns in the background. Was she driving?

''Yes.''

''Good, I'm coming now to get the movie.''

''I was just watching it,'' He smiled, glad to be talking to her after a long day. He relaxed, the guilt slowly dissipating in something more pleasurable. ''Should I pause and make us popcorn?''

''Don't bother, I'll watch it at home.''

''But this is a private movie and not up for borrowing.''

Doorbell rang and he stiffened, not expecting her to already be at his place. Nate paused the movie right at the scene where Serena talks to Carter. He rose to get the doors, not wanting her to wait.

''Would you look at that,'' He told her, quite impressed. ''Right on time. You arrived at the most exciting part of the movie.''

''What are you talking about?'' Serena asked confused.

''I know that you're here.''

''No, I'm not,'' She countered. ''I'm still on my way.''

Nate sighed and opened the doors, expecting her to be there.

''Chuck!'' He exclaimed in surprise, a shock rooting him in spot. There was a sound of tires screeching on the other line.

Chuck stared at perplexed Nate suspiciously. With planted feet, he merely dipped his head in the apartment and scouted the hall. ''Looks like you're busy.''

''Wait,'' Serena said on the line . ''Did you turn off the video? Nate, did you?!''

''No,'' Answered Nate to Serena.

''Good,'' his best friend drawled, coming inside and shrugging his jacket off. ''I'm bored.''

''Chuck will see!'' Serena shouted hysterically. ''Turn it off! Turn it off!''

Nate turned around to head towards the living room, but Chuck was faster and in front of him. Dread filled his heart. Dread filled his heart not for Chuck, not for Blair, but for Serena. In that moment, he realized that no matter how much he cared for Chuck - Serena would always take number one place in his heart. No matter how she acted lately, no matter how much she despised and resented him for some stuff in past, he'd always protect her.

''Nate please,'' She pleaded desperately. He didn't reply and it worried her. ''Are you there? Please turn it off! Did you?''

Chuck walked into the living room, but didn't bother to look at LCD plasma screen. If he did, he'd be quite shocked at the clip. Nate lunged for remote control and quickly turned it off before his friend could turn around. Relief flooded his body and he plunked down on sofa.

''It's all fine. I did it,'' He quietly said to Serena, knowing if he had to choose between his best friends - he'd always choose Serena. Even though she might not feel the same. But then again, that was maybe his own fault.

Nate was woken up next morning by soft knocking on his living room doors. He rubbed his eyes, willing himself to wake up. He kicked off the blanket and got up, stretching. Chuck was on the opposite couch, still asleep under a blanket. They spent the night drinking and playing video games, not wanting to talk about the night before or anyone else for that matter.

Serena walked in the room and put the paper bag with coffee on the table.

''What's he doing here?'' She asked quietly, glancing at Chuck. ''Another Blair crisis?''

''All women are the same,'' Nate rubbed his eyes tiredly, thinking himself how beautiful she looked in the morning. Fresh-faced and full of life. ''You think everything is about you.''

Serena crossed her arms. ''Go shower. I'll wake him up.''

Nate turned to go towards the bathroom, but what she failed to see was that he hid behind the wall that separated the rooms. With amused but half-hidden face, Nate observed Serena walking on tip-toes and gingerly rummaging through his living room. She groaned in frustration, quietly flipping every vase, opening every drawer.

''What are you doing?'' Asked Chuck, his voice groggy and his hair tousled with sleep.

Serena turned back in a flash, her mouth and eyes open wide.

''Serena is just like that,'' Nate explained loudly with a smile, getting out of his hiding place. He was toying with the stick in his hands. ''She stops by in the morning; cleans up and dusts the place. ''

''Now you'll also iron my shirts, right?'' He grinned confidently as Serena's eyes zoomed on the thing she was looking for.

''Of'course,'' she gritted through her teeth.

Their eyes met and he then realized with sinking heart that she still didn't forgive him for Penelope.

''It's perfect time for Aspen.'' Anthony had his Ray Ban wayfarers on, despite the fact that New York hadn't seen sun for days.

''That would be amazing,'' Moaned Paige, her cheeks rosy with coldness of the afternoon. Courtyard was brimming with students as ever and TFB were at their regular table. ''We still haven't opened up a season. S, let's celebrate your birthday there!''

''Maybe,'' Muttered Serena, head in her palm. She was throwing glances at Nate and he ignored them. Things between them still hadn't cooled off. In fact, they were only going downhill. ''I don't even feel like celebrating. But I do expect a present.''

She threw Nate a pointed look.

''Chuck,'' Paige slyly leaned towards him, wiggling her eyebrows. ''What do you think? Aspen, skiing, hot tub?''

He looked at her with a long exasperated look. ''No, no and no.''

''Man you never say no to hot tub.'' Nate remarked with horrified face.

Paige rolled her eyes, but they then caught sight of a person grabbing a seat near them. There was Blair, her bright yellow coat standing out in the crowd. She didn't seem to see them, but was focused on textbook laying on the table she was sitting at. Paige smiled wickedly, nodding towards the petite figure. ''And if Blair came up with the same idea now? I wonder how many of you would go with her.''

''I'd go,'' Immediately responded Anthony with a cheeky smile. To everyone's shock, he got up and actually went towards her with long confident strides. Lacrosse player intercepted a couple carrying coffee tray and he took two cups with, ''I'll take this, my friends.''

He left them gaping at him, too shocked to react.

Anthony approached the table where Blair sat alone, book sprawled in front of her. ''Coffee?'' He politely asked.

She raised her eyes, looking at him dubiously.

''I told you I'll make it up to you,'' He smiled coyly. ''This is step one.''

Blair frowned, thinking how she'd rather eat grass than see what was step two. The guy was an idiot and she had absolutely no interest at sharing coffee with him, let alone germs. Anthony seemed to read her mind well. He looked over at TFB table, where they all gawked at them and tactfully said ''Unless it's a problem because of Chuck?''

She looked over at Chuck and their eyes clashed. Shiver went down her spine. His eyes were dark as ebony, something sinister in them. They seemed to penetrate into her very core, unsettling waters and shifting the air. His hands were crossed against his chest. He looked like he'd come over and choke them both. Blair remembered the way he ignored her earlier, how he didn't even bother to look at her, until this clown came.

''No,'' She heard herself speak. ''Not a problem at all. Sit, please.''

Anthony sat down putting cups on the table. He was an expert in small talk with girls he never met before. Blair found herself laughing out loud, her gaze ever so often flickering towards Chuck.

''What's this?'' Blurted Paige, gaping at them.

''A punch below the belt,'' Elaborated Nate, his eyes reverting to Chuck. His best friend seemed to be frozen, glaring at the duo. Chuck Bass was scariest when silent, like a panther before springing for a kill. ''It's obvious what's Anthony doing. He's flirting with Blair to piss you off.''

Chuck's jaw clenched and he slowly rose, taking his time.

''There won't be any trouble, right?'' Hurriedly asked Nate, his eyes darting back to his lacrosse teammate.

''It won't take long,'' Seethed Chuck, his voice filled with venom. TFB group fell silent, not daring to contradict him nor having courage to subdue him.

Blair noticed Chuck walking towards them, like a threatening wave before it crashes on the shore. His hooded eyes never left hers. Blair's heart thumped violently, she couldn't stop her hands from shaking. All her being trembled for him, every fiber yielded to him. This grain of attention was like a wind in her back, she felt thrill of the chase and pleasure it evoked.

He finally approached them and it was as if you were expecting lightning, only to be drenched by rain. Chuck leaned to Anthony, whispering something in his ear. Chuck's eyes never left Blair's. She waited for him to talk to her, she waited for him to address her. Her soul ached for his touch, his whisper. Too soon, he pulled back and walked away, leaving the guy completely changed.

''What did he say?'' Blair demanded, clenching her fists.

''Nothing,'' Breathed out Anthony, pale and shaken. He looked at Blair as if he was seeing her for first time and rose to leave. ''Nothing important.''

Blair huffed irritated, her eyes flashing. What did Chuck say? She died to know. Was it something about her? Was this the way to openly declare vendetta? Or worse, was it fatwa? With a resolute mind and trembling heart, she ran after the culprit.

''Chuck!'' She called him as he walked into the building, instead of back to TFB table in courtyard.

He heard her, she knew, but he didn't stop. His back was still turned, marching through silent hall. She grabbed his elbow, using all of her force to stop him. ''What did you say to him?''

Chuck turned around, but didn't bother to look at her. His eyes were still dark, his mouth pressed together. ''If it was your business too, I would have shouted.''

''You can't look at me and whisper about with him,'' She stated, feeling butterflies roaming in her stomach at the sight of his face. Their voices echoed around the empty hall. ''Tell me, what did you say to him?''

''Ask him,'' He snapped, his voice cold. ''Maybe he'll tell you.''

''I'm asking you,'' She persisted, drunk on the sound of his voice. He was cruel, but she didn't mind now. They've been apart for too long. ''What did you say?''

''Why do you care?'' He inquired with eyes narrowed, cocking his head. His voice was still cold, but less so. It had a breath of curiosity. ''Is what I said that important to you?''

She blinked few times, finding herself captivated with his lips, even with his punishing voice. ''It -'' She stuttered, for a moment forgetting what they talked about. ''It wouldn't be if you hadn't said it in front of me.''

''Oh, really?'' He spat and turned around to go.

Blair didn't know why she did the following, but she found herself desperately grabbing his palm. When their skin touched, it was as if the sky cleared open and sun shined just on them. Warmth radiated from his body, spreading from tips of her fingers over her own flesh.

Fire in her chest roared brighter than ever, her breath hitching. Shocked and dazed, she tried to pull her hand away, put Chuck only pressed them together with his fingers, not letting her go. Chuck focused on her eyes, muscles of his face relaxing. His eyes were still dark, but there was lust in them - a hunger - and Blair found herself attracted to it's darkness.

''I leaned in towards him,'' He whispered, his breathing low and ragged. Chuck closed the space between them and he let his lips slide over her ear. Blair felt her knees go weak. ''I told him: Behave and stay away from her.''

His lips were moving against her ear, sending electric feeling down her body. She felt her insides melting, a pleasant warmth between her legs. She closed her lips tightly, suppressing a moan at this feeling.

''Or you'll have to deal with me.''

Chuck pulled back his head to get a good look at her lips, his body still pressed to hers. His fingers wouldn't let hers go.

''Blair,'' He murmured gently, holding her close to him. ''There's something going on between us. You know it. I know. There's no point in denying it.''

Blair's head swam. She felt his skin, but it wasn't enough. She looked up at him, her mouth slightly apart, hungering for the taste of his lips.

Chuck's eyes flashed towards her perfectly curved mouth, his eyes darkening. He whispered, ready to give in - but not before she answered him. ''Are you mine?''

Something deep in her belly pleasantly moved at these words. She nodded, sending to hell everyone and everything - it was done. Chuck impatiently closed the distance between them, holding her tightly in his arms as if she was his life. They kissed passionately in the empty hallway, their heads full of fireworks, they hearts full of love.

A/N: I think we all agree when I say FINALLY YESS CHAIR OMG WOOHOO. I don't know about you but I'm very happy how this chapter turned out! I got so angry at myself after posting last chapter because I was quite dissatisfied with it. So I channeled all my inner fury and whatnot to writing this one.

I also want to thank everyone for their support and love (I feel like I'm writing a will ugh). Until next time! xx