Title: Bass Family Brood
Chapter 14: Charades
Author: Ellibells
Summary: Post season 3; Bass brood growing up which is based upon my original fic Mr Chuck and Mrs Blair Bass. Chair are married with a full brood of children including Teddy and Evie who are original characters from my Mr Chuck and Mrs Blair Bass: Part 2. Bass Brood central with NJBC… Fluffy, humour, protective Daddy's, fluff, more babies and pure Bass family fun! "And where do you think you are going dressed like that, Evie Grace Bass?"
A/N: Merry Christmas! (I'm hoping by being nice you will all forgive me for being an FF scrooge and not posting for ages? :D) I've had writers block AGAIN and been swamped with college work but after my January exams I am back on top form people!
Because it is the Christmas season, this is a lighter note to the fic and there will be more fun to come and more Basses to get to know :D Thank you for everyone reading this who hasn't left me yet even though this hiatus has been LONG! And thank you to MissTink who kicked my bum into shape and got me writing again :D Enjoy everyone and I hope you've had merry Christmas and looking to a good New Year if I don't post before then :D
Ooh and also, go read my Christmas fics and my new/rewritten old one-shot, Beautiful Disaster :) I would love you forever!
Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl unfortunately! But I do own Ed Westwick…true fact! ;)
"What is all this?..." Evie pondered as she stepped down from the final step into the living area to find her mother ordering bags to be placed by the elevator.
"Morning, Honey. Sleep well?" Blair asked kindly as she stepped to her daughter, cupping her cheeks with her palms and looking her in the eyes with a warm smile.
"The best I've had in a while." Evie confirmed as Blair smiled contently, leaving a kiss against her daughter's forehead before she continued to organise.
"What's with all the bags? Are you going somewhere?" Evie asked again, puzzled.
"Yes. We are all going away for a few days. We thought it best that we get out of the city for a while and let things calm down, relax a little." Blair stated with a quick smile before shouting for the twins.
"Tallulah and Alexander Bass, if you are not down those stairs in two minutes-" she warned before a flurry of brown curls and stomps came down the stairs.
"Jeez! What's the rush! Evie isn't even dressed or packed! My hair is not done!" Lullah panted exaggeratedly as she ran her index finger across her half lip glossed lower lip.
"Don't 'jeez' me young lady or you'll be grounded for the whole trip while we go out and have fun. We clear?" Blair shot, as her thirteen year old daughter just nodded sulkily.
It wasn't often that Blair would be so brash with her children but she hadn't exactly had the most relaxing week of her life and at some points she felt like she was going to rip her hair out. All those little things that wouldn't normally get on her nerves were starting to grate and instead of rolling her eyes at remarks and allowing Chuck to do the scolding, she just forced her cards and did it herself, putting her children in their place when needed.
In times like this, the Bass brood knew that they shouldn't disagree with what she said, especially if they wanted to keep their luxuries, of which, their weekly allowances and freedom.
"Lex, could you go upstairs and get Teddy out of his pit, please." Blair told, seeing Alexander was just slumped on the sofa waiting patiently.
With a smiled nod, he went on his way with a skip in his step as he flew up the flight of stairs.
Alexander had always been the positive one of the group, never one to have teenage mood swings and brood for long periods but rather sit and take in things going on around him and observe his other loud and crazy siblings.
Unlike his twin, Lullah who was every bit of their father, no one knew what traits Lex had taken from his parents' personalities. He was so…so different from the rest of the children, but in a good way. He looked like a perfect mix of his parents in appearance; dark chocolate curls from his mother and a beautifully shaped jaw from his father but so different in his whole demeanor.
Teddy had always been interested in girls and sport whereas his brother was more interested in cooking and classic novels, a common interest he shared with his mother. Although he wouldn't say it aloud, he sometimes wished he was more like Teddy, to be able to relate to his father rather than be asked the same typical questions his father would fire his way about how his school work was or if he was reading a new book, in attempts to bond with his younger son.
"Where's Dad and where are we planning to go to? What about school?" Evie asked, still stood at the bottom of the stairs wondering what she needed to do but not bothering to make any movements.
"Your father has popped to his office for some paperwork. We are going to stay with Grandpa Harold and Roman for a few days; you'll be back at school next Monday. I know we don't normally take you out of school in term time but we thought it'd be nice. Now go up and throw something comfortable on, Dorota will help you pack. We are leaving in twenty minutes." Blair summarised in a quick breath as she gestured Evie up the stairs to get ready, nodding at Dorota who scuttled up the stairs after Evie.
"Mush-mush! Miss Evie." Dorota chirped up as she hurried the young Bass up the stairs.
xoxo
After what felt like hours, the group were finally seated and their way to the airport. Penny was curled up asleep against Chuck's chest while he had his hand softly placed against Blair's leg.
To their left side of the limo, Lex was sat patiently reading To Kill a Mockingbird while Teddy was sat slumped, tapping away at his iPad and to the opposite end of the limo, Lullah sat texting while her older sister sat staring out of the window as blurs of tall buildings flew past them as they made their way out of the city.
Looking up occasionally from her spot, Blair couldn't help but see the solemn expression Evie was sporting, wishing she could put the spark back in her eye but not knowing how and instead, locking glances with Chuck who also recognised the glum look in his daughter's eyes.
After sending Mia and Zach a text to inform them that she was leaving the city for a few days, she had switched her phone off, not wishing to read the multiple texts from Zach asking her to stay. A month ago she would have agreed and stayed behind, locking them in his penthouse for a week, just the two of them but now, when she looked into his eyes, all she saw staring back was pity and right now, she just wanted to forget.
"Eve? Evie!" Lullah, called from the door of the limo as she began to slip out, curious as to why her sister wasn't getting out as well.
"Oh-Yeah…I'm coming." She nodded with a weak smile; only just realising they had arrived at the airport, glancing out of the window to see the Bass Jet waiting.
Sliding across the black leather to the door, her eyes came across her father's hand as he waited outside to help her out.
"Come on, Princess…" He gestured for her to take his hand as she obliged before her feet touched the tarmac and he then wrapped his arm around his daughter's shoulders, pulling her to his chest with a kiss on the head as he walked them towards the jet, Evie not resisting as she sunk into his warm embrace.
xoxo
Two hours into the flight, everyone was asleep apart from Evie who was still fixated on the window view and Chuck who had continued to watch over his daughter as she continue to brood silently.
Standing and walking quietly from the back of the plane, Chuck joined his daughter in the vacant seat next to her, noticing that even when he had taken his seat, she didn't take her eyes off the window but swallowed heavily.
"Seen anything interesting?" Chuck tried to get her attention but all her received was a shrug and a quick glance.
"What's on your mind? He persisted, but this time, he just got a delayed answer.
"…nothing."
She knew it was coming before she felt the lump thicken in her throat, swallowing back the sensation.
"You're most definitely my daughter…" Chuck said quietly, nodding to himself.
"In what way?" Evie mumbled back quietly, looking up to her father who bored his eyes right back into hers, almost reading her thoughts.
"Putting up walls, pushing people out…"
"I'm fine. Just tired." She denied, looking away but only for Chuck to laugh lightly at her admission.
"You need to let go." He said honestly, seeing her expression darken in the corner of his eye.
"I have. It's almost a non-existent, distant memory."
"If that's the truth, explain to me why the girl sat next to me doesn't look or feel like my daughter…" he questioned, wondering whether he was a little too hard in his last attempt.
"Because she's changed." She spat back bitterly.
"A few days ago I recognised her. She was a carbon copy of her mother, sharp and strong with a certain lightness about her and now all I can see if someone defeated. I- want my daughter back." He stuttered a little at the end as he saw Evie bite her lip and clench her jaw.
"…I know she's in there somewhere…" He confessed, letting his hands place itself against her warm head of hair, pulling her in one swift movement until his lips met the top of her head and her body collapsed against him.
"I don't know what to do- I-" She whispered as the tears ran, letting her frail body go limp in her Daddy's arms as he held her.
"Then don't do anything. Let it go because what you're holding onto will only make you and the people that love you miserable…learn from our mistakes…" he granted as he held his little girl as she cried.
"I may not be the biggest fan of the Baizen family but the way that boy looks at you…don't throw that away, Princess. Hold onto him…I think he's one of the good ones…" Chuck admitted, finishing his sentence with another kiss of her head until she was too exhausted to do anything other than sleep, protected in her father's arms.
xoxo
After their seven hour trip, Blair was the first one to step out onto the runway as the fresh winter Paris air hit her rosy cheeks.
Looking across the runway, she was greeted with the sight of her father getting out from the limo with the help of Roman. The years had finally caught up on Harold but Roman had stayed by his side and helped each other along the way and it was times like this, seeing her father and his partner helping life along in such a happy way that made Blair question why she ever doubted or berated Roman as a good person.
"Daddy!" Blair called as Harold looked up, his arms already spread out ready to welcome Blair into his arms.
"Blair-bear!" He called back as she made her way into his arms with a warm hug before stepping back and greeting Roman while the rest of the children and Chuck followed suit.
"My beautiful girls!" Harold shared cheerfully as Penny ran into his arms and Lullah followed, happily taking comfort in her Grandpa's arms.
"Charles! Bonjour!" Roman greeted, hugging the elder Bass before addressing Evie.
"Roman." Chuck nodded with a smile, Evie still tucked under his arm.
"Oh mon- the Bass children just keep getting more beautiful every time we see you!" Roman gushed as Evie kissed him on both cheeks before she returned to her father.
Roman moved onto Teddy and Lex who always seemed to be a little taken back at how very french he was with all the cheek kissing, but appreciating the familiar gestures nonetheless.
"Now where is my oldest grandchild?" Harold asked as he winked at Evie who began to smile, letting go of Chuck who watched her with a small, calming grin on his face, knowing that if anyone would cheer his daughter up, it would be her Grandpa Harold.
"Grandpa!" Evie called sweetly as she sunk into his warming embrace, being held a little longer than her other siblings and appreciating the gesture as he kissed her on the temple.
"Let's get back to the Château shall we? It's getting très froid!" Roman encouraged as the family eventually slipped into their two limos, Lullah, Chuck, Blair and Teddy in one with Roman while Lex, Penny and Evie joined Harold in the other.
xoxo
"That was…wow! I think I must have eaten my body weight in food! Will you teach me the recipes before I leave?" Lex addressed Roman who grinned and nodded with glee.
"Of course, Alexander! I will teach you all I know! You'll be a Michelin chef in no time!" they bantered as everyone else laughed lightly, partaking in their own individual conversations.
"Mom, can we go shopping tomorrow?" Lullah asked sweetly as Penny suddenly stood from her high chair, her face giving the expression as if she was about to make a very important speech.
"Grandpa?" She announced, Harold looking up from his conversation with Chuck, inviting her to continue.
"Mommy said if asked really really nicely that you would let me see a ballerina…and a swan! Well I-I'm a ballerina grandpa and I think that me and this ballerina should meet!" She stated almost triumphantly as Harold began to chuckle at his youngest granddaughter's cuteness.
"Well since you asked very nicely, I think something could be arranged…" he nodded before a flurry of pink flew round the table and landed on his lap with arms around his neck in a big hug.
"Thank you, Grandpa!" she cooed as her brothers and sisters laughed, Penny soaking it up like a pro.
"Erm…yeah so anyway…can we go shopping?" Lullah turned her attention back to her mother.
"I think that should be alright? Don't you Chuck? Roman?"
"Don't let me stop you!" Chuck smiled warmly at his daughter and wife before retuning his attention to Teddy and Lex.
"Oui! oui! We will go to all the best boutiques in Paris as usual!" Roman cheered as he raised his wine glass, taking a small sip.
"Eve?" Lullah said calmly across the table as the others continued their own conversations.
Looking up at her younger sister, Evie was snapped out of her day dreaming, locking sights with Lullah as she waited for some response.
"Uhuh?"
"Shopping? We can choose a dress for New Years?" Lullah reminded with a hopeful smile.
"Yeah, that'd be good." Evie replied with an appreciating smile before taking a sip of her water.
Across the table, Chuck watched the exchange, finally seeing a real content smile grace Evie's features, knowing there was hope yet.
That was the thing about Lullah. Although she was currently living out her teen hormonal-fuelled years and the majority of the time she didn't get on with her older sister or any of her siblings in fact, she had her moments where she would just be herself and share her kindness.
They all knew Lullah looked up to her older sister but it was only on occasions when she lived up to that and actually asked Evie to spend time with her. When they were getting along it was good; they were like best of friends, knowing each others tastes like the back of their hand and when it was bad, they either ignored each other's existence and made snide comments or when it was really bad, there would be screaming, hair pulling and throwing, but right now their parents were appreciating the good.
xoxo
"It's time!" Roman announced as he stepped into the living area where everyone was sat in front of the warm fire.
"What for?" Teddy looked puzzled as he looked to Lex who just shrugged.
"Charades!"
"…which reminds me I have to make a phone call…" Chuck tried to slip away casually, removing his arms from Blair's waist and attempting to sit up and stand.
"Oh no you don't! Don't move an inch Bass." Blair warned, grabbing onto his arm before he could get away.
"We all know you secretly love this game! As much as you deny it Bass, you love playing this game and you are not leaving this room until we have won!" Blair laughed as their children nodded and laughed along.
"Mom is right, Dad! And you too Teddy!" Evie chirped up, watching Teddy edge closer to standing and making a swift exit.
"Wha-" Teddy tried to argue but he didn't have chance when his sister crossed the room and blocked his exit.
"Bagsy team leader! I choose Teddy!" She laughed as her mother smiled widely before nodding and making her announcement.
"I'll be the second team leader, I choose you!" Blair grinned, poking Chuck in the chest playfully as he grabbed her finger before she could do it again, bringing her hand to his lips and leaving a chaste kiss against the back of her hand.
"Hmmm…we'll have Roman!" Teddy called out this time.
"Alexander." Chuck chose, shuffling along the sofa to make room for his their son.
"Lu", Evie nodded as Lullah smiled and hopped across to the opposite side of the room with her team.
"Daddy, please!" Blair grinned as Harold reached out to squeeze Blair's hand in appreciation.
"What about me!" Penny yelped.
"Come on, Twinkles! I suppose we could make room for one more…" Evie teased as if it was a big ask; Penny jumping in joy as she joined her team taking her place on Teddy's lap.
xoxo
Refreshment half way through, the Bass brood was getting very competitive.
"Okay, you ready?" Blair asked her team as they all sat on the edge of their seats nodding in confirmation.
Gesturing to her team, their go started.
"Film…" Chuck stated at her actions.
"Three words…" Lex pressed.
When Blair turned her back to the group, tilting her head like she was looking at something while placing her hands to her mouth and chewing, Evie called out.
"Oh my god! Who chose that card? This is too easy!" She yelled at the opposing team, knowing they would definitely get the answer, especially since it was one of the films they had grown up watching with their mother, her favourite film.
"Breakfast at Tiffany's", Chuck stated casually with a laugh as he lent back on the sofa, his children up in protest as he just laughed.
"We have cheaters in the building!" Lullah called smiling in argument.
"We are not! It was a random coincidence!" Blair laughed back as the whole room erupted into laughs; Blair's team knowing exactly how that card had managed to make its way to the top of the pile.
"Luck of the draw guys! Don't hate the player…" Lex started, when his whole team joined in with…
"Hate the game!"
Chuck smirked as he winked across at his children in the opposing team.
"Just wait, Daddy dearest! You are going down!" Teddy laughed with competition in his eyes as he took his card and stood to do his turn.
Nodding graciously, Chuck cast his sights on Evie who was smiling widely and the rest of his children who were doing the same, warming him inside-out. Blair saw it too and went in and placed a sweet kiss against Chuck's stubbly cheek, silently thanking him for making the suggestion that they get away from the city for a few days.
"What was that for?" He asked with a glimmer in his eye.
"For being an amazing husband and giving me five, equally beautiful children." She breathed as he pressed his soft lips flat against hers, thanking her.
A/N: Thanks peeps! If you are still with me, let me know what you think :) a lot of you requested to meet and get to know the other Bass children so this is what the next few chapters will be :D enjoy!
Oh and if anyone is confused with age gaps...
Evie : 16/17
Teddy : 15/16
Lex and Lullah : 13
Penny: 4