Chapter 9

Author's Note: This chapter is going to be mostly Dan and Blair together and them with other characters as this is a Dair story. I've been focusing on Dair and Chair as that is what I like best and feel I write most believably. That being said, if requested, I will try my best to include more of them for you.

Slightly random – I have a Chuck/Blair playlist that I like to listen to when I'm writing and one song really stuck out when I was writing this chapter, Whatever it Takes by Lifehouse. Check it out, let me know what you think about it.

Also, I've posted a new Chair story that I hope you'll take a look at, it's called The Way We Were. No new episodes for six weeks have me jonesing for more and I'm writing like crazy ;) Do you mind?

Thank you all so much for the reviews, they really do make my day!

Emd-girl – Thank you so much!

QueenBee10 – Thanks!

Bloodyhell95 – I have those same sentiments, and a similar situation, LOL! Hope you like this chapter.

Krazy4Spike – Thanks so much! I'm having the characters grow up and am so happy you like them. As for Chuck groveling, I love it, especially after everything he's done!

Jwoo2525 – I'm so glad you picked up on that! While Blair didn't hurt Chuck nearly as much as he hurt her, she still did. And they really need to address all their issues for them to be truly happy together. Can't wait to hear what you think of this chapter!

TriGemini – Thank you so much! I really love the Dair dynamic as friends and Chuck has been known to fight for Blair, especially in this story. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this chapter!

Kfrancis08 – I'm so happy you like it!

Marylinopen89 – Thank you! I'm sure you'll like how I included Jenny ;) Let me know what you think of this chapter, hehe!

Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl, or Ed Westwick – sigh.

XOXO

"You've got to explain to me what's going on with you and Chuck," Dan asked. "Serena isn't here so you don't have to worry about him finding out. Tell me the real reason why you're so hot and cold lately."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Blair said.

"Not going to work," he told her as he handed her a latte. "Come on, you don't need to pretend with me. What's up?"

"I'm trying," Blair said, "But not playing games is new to me. That makes this very real. And that scares me. A scared Blair tends to be a bitchy Blair."

Dan couldn't help but smirk, "That explains it all. And I enjoy the third person narrative."

"Well, I'm glad my pain and suffering is amusing to you," she sniped as he went to say something before she cut him off, "And I know, other people have it worse."

"Just making sure you remember that," Dan said as she continued.

"We haven't seen much of each other but we have been talking most nights," she sighed. "I think I'm ready to forgive him. I miss him too much to have him in my life without really having in my life."

"Are you talking about sex or a relationship?" Dan asked. "Or both?"

"A relationship," she clarified as she rolled her eyes, "It will be a long time before I'm with him like that again."

Dan looked skeptical so she kept talking, "Chuck and I were always friends, scheming partners. But as soon as we had sex, that's what our relationship revolved around. I mean, sure, we loved each other but physically was where we really connected. And this time I'm making sure we have the emotional connection there before the physical connection starts up again."

"That's very mature of you, I'd like to think it's my influence on you," he said with his crooked smiled that she had learned to like.

"Maybe," she quipped, "But how long until you fall into bed with a certain leggy blonde again?"

"Not for a while," Dan let her know, "I plan on making her work for it. I was always too available for her. I need to know that she will work as hard as I have."

"Do you think Chuck and Serena have talks like this?" she wondered aloud.

"Probably," he said, "But not as insightful as ours."

She laughed as she enjoyed her afternoon with Dan.

XOXO

When Blair's alarm went off, she reluctantly rolled over to turn it off. She was exhausted and the last thing she wanted to do was run around the city for her internship. Her phone starting beeping before her feet even touched the floor and she hoped it wasn't a reminder for something she forgot to do for the day.

As she checked her phone she saw an alert for today that she added last year. 'Damn it,' she thought, 'Today is April 22, Bart's birthday.'

She and Chuck hadn't seen much of each other as they were both very busy. Her coursework and internship occupied most of her time while he was engrossed in learning every aspect of Bass Industries.

Her main focus for the day changed from dragging herself out of bed to getting ready as fast as she could so that she could be at Chuck's side. She was ready in record time and rushed past Dorota on the stairs.

"I won't be home tonight," she yelled as the elevator doors closed and she directed her driver to take her to the Palace hotel.

She called her boss to let her know she had to take her only personal day. After that, she called Chuck's favorite restaurant downtown and got them a private table for that night.

She was out of her car before the driver even put it in park and ran to the elevator, anxious to find what condition Chuck was in. Any day of importance to Bart usually sent him into a spiral. She was relieved to find him still sleeping when she got to him.

She placed an order with room service before sitting on the edge of his bed, smiling at his sleeping form. He must have sensed her because his eyes fluttered open and he saw her.

"What are you doing here?" he asked her with surprise. "You should be at Vogue."

"I took off when I remembered what today was," she said. "I told my supervisor it was a family emergency."

"Blair," he started before she stopped him.

"Don't," she told him with a small smile, "I promised you that I would never let you be alone today. And I always keep my word, especially to you."

"I planned on spending the day drinking but since you're here I should probably get dressed," he said as he propped himself up to look at her.

She went to stand up but he caught her arm, "Not yet. Stay here a little longer." She nodded with a smile. They sat in companionable silence, just looking at each other.

"I'm glad you're back at the Palace," she said as she looked around. "I like it here better."

"Me too," he said, "It always feels like home here."

Before he could say anything else there was a knock on the door. "I'll get that," she told him as she stood up, "I ordered us room service. Breakfast in bed or the living room?"

"Living room, I'll be right out," he told her as he kissed her hand before she left.

'How did I get so lucky?' he asked himself as he put on a robe and brushed his teeth and went to join Blair.

She was seated at the table, waiting for him. He took the seat next to her as she poured him a cup of coffee.

"I still can't believe you're here," Chuck said with a smile as he took a sip of his coffee. "Thank you."

"Of course," she said, "I know today is hard for you, I'd never leave you alone to deal with today. We're Chuck and Blair, Blair and Chuck. Nothing will ever change that."

"I want to apologize, again," he said as he looked at his hands in shame.

"Hey," she said as she touched his chin and brought his eyes to meet hers, "I forgive you. No more apologizing. I want you back in my life, Chuck. I want us back."

"You can forgive me?" he asked, not believing his ears.

"I forgave you a long time ago but my pride wouldn't let me admit it, to you or me," she said. "And I've forgiven Jenny as well. As much as it hurts to think about everything that you've done, I'm no saint either. I spoke to Little J after our double date. I've lifted her banishment but it appears she's headed to Tokyo of her own volition," she told with a smirk as Chuck raised his eyebrows.

She elaborated, "When her interview with Parsons went south, she sent her portfolio to designers worldwide. A Japanese fashion house liked what they saw and offered her a two-year contract that she's accepted."

"I forgive you but I can't forget what's happened. I'll never be able to forget about Jack or Jenny or Eva," she struggled to continue but his gaze never left her. "But if you promise me that I will be the only woman in your life from here on out, I will never mention their names again. And neither will you."

"Done and done," he said happily as he pulled her onto his lap and kissed her deeply, a kiss she greedily accepted.

"Chuck," she told him seriously when she pulled back a few moments later, "This is our last chance. If anything goes wrong this time, nothing will be able to repair us. That's the reason I've been holding back."

"Nothing will go wrong this time," Chuck said with certainty, "I won't let it. If I've learned anything through all this it is that nothing I have will ever be worth it if I don't have you to share it with me. I need you more than anything, even Bass Industries."

"Oh, it is so good to have you back in my life," he sighed as he buried his face in her neck and held her close.

"How are things going with the company?" Blair asked as she stood up and led him by the hand to the couch.

"The senior Board members have really taken me under their guidance," Chuck told her as she settled back into him as his arms wrapped around her waist, her hands resting on top of his.

They spent the day talking, catching up, kissing. Chuck was still reveling in the fact that it was so effortless in how she could put what happened to them in a box and throw away the key. He would never be able to show her just how much she meant to him, nor would he ever stop trying.

"As much as I want us back I think we should wait before we have sex again," she told him as she turned around to face him. "I want it to special; I want it to be making love. You're probably going crazy with all the waiting I'm asking for."

"It's okay," he told her. "You've given me another chance. There's nothing in this world that I could deny you. I want to make our next time special as well. When we make love again there will be no doubt about how we feel for each other. This time we take it slow. Fifty years we'll look back and be thankful we did."

"You see us together fifty years from now?" she asked.

"Of course," he told her, "Whenever I imagine my future you are always next to me. I told you, Chuck Bass isn't complete without Blair Waldorf."

All she could do was smile and gently kiss his lips.

"How about I order us room service for dinner?" Chuck asked as he kissed her neck, content to spend the rest of the night with her in his arms.

"Raincheck," she told him as she stood up. He moaned in protest as she took a garment bag out of the closet, "We have reservations in an hour. I need to get changed, so do you. Wear something purple," she winked as she gave him a quick kiss on the lips before smiling at him over her shoulder before disappearing.

XOXO

Nate knew that Blair and Chuck were back together and that Dan and Serena were on their way to reconciliation so he suggested meeting up for dinner with the Non Judging Breakfast Club, plus Dan.

"Can you believe these two?" Nate asked as they waited for their food. "Never in a million years did I think the two of you could be friends."

"Why?" Blair asked casually, "Dan have a lot in common. Besides, there was no one else to hang out with over winter break."

"Are you telling me that the only reason we're friends is because there was no one else around?" Dan asked in jest.

"Of course not," Blair said as she rested her hand on his arm, "I'm sure we would have become friends sooner or later."

"And now we're all friends," Serena chimed in as she looked at Chuck, in turn prompting everyone else to look at him.

"Whatever," Chuck rolled his eyes as he look at his stepsister.

He was saved from elaborating when their food arrived. As they were eating their desserts, conversation was flowing smoothly, as was the wine. The alcohol was probably the reason for the lack of drama.

"It's about time the Non-Judging Breakfast Club got together," Nate said with a smile. "Although I think we should probably induct Dan into our little club."

"No," Chuck said with a glare at his best friend.

"Come on," Dan said lightly, "Do you need to find a proper hazing ritual for me or something?"

"No, of course not," Serena said with a laugh, "You just have to reveal something bad that you've done."

"Like what?" Dan asked nervously.

"Like I had sex with Chuck in the back of a limo," Blair started.

"Several times," Chuck added as they both smirked.

"And I had sex with Serena while I was dating Blair," Nate piped in as he rolled his eyes at them.

"I thought I killed someone," Serena told them.

"I'm Chuck Bass," he smirked, "Enough said."

"Well," Dan said as he looked at his hands, "I had sex with Olivia Burke and Vanessa at the same time."

"Bravo, Cabbage Patch. I'm looking at you in a whole new light now," Chuck said with a wink. "Welcome to the club."

They all had to laugh at that. It was hard to imagine that just months ago they were barely speaking to each other.

"What do you say we take this back to the Palace?" Chuck asked as they all got ready to leave. "We could have a nightcap, or two."

"I'm game with that," Nate said.

"Me too," Blair said as Chuck wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Definitely," Serena said with as smile as Dan took her hand in his.

XOXO

They planned to meet up for coffee on their lunch hour. After some convincing, Blair agreed to walk around Times Square with Dan.

"So, you've never done this?" Dan asked taken aback as the sat down on the TKTS steps. "I thought this was right up your alley, you love steps."

"I never really ventured outside of the Upper East Side on my own," Blair told him as she looked around at the tourists with their fanny packs and horribly dressed college students waiting in line for cheap tickets to a show. "And when I did it was in the comfort of a car service that dropped me off in front of wherever I was going."

"Oh how the tides have changed," Dan laughed. "I'm glad I was able to introduce you to us common folk."

"Please, you're far from common, Dan," she said as she moved closer to him as some stranger sat too close to her for her liking. "You're father is married to Lily Bass, you've dated Serena van der Woodsen, and your internship at the New Yorker was by personal invitation of the Editor-in-Chief. You're so one of us now."

"But I do live in Brooklyn," Dan smiled, "And I like it there."

"I like Brooklyn now, too," Blair added. "And I am as far from common as you get."

"You most certainly are," he agreed as he put his arm around her to pull her closer. He sensed how uncomfortable she was with the guy sitting next to her.

She rested her head on his shoulder as they sat in silence for a few minutes before she looked at her watch and stood up. "Time to get back to work," she told him as he helped her up and they began their walk back to the Condé Nast building.

XOXO

"You seem so much happier," she commented as she sat in one of the chairs across from his desk.

"I am," Chuck said with a smile, "Blair and I are back together and I'm in control of Bass Industries. My life couldn't get better."

"I think it has more to do with Blair than the company," Serena said with a twinkle in her eye.

"You're absolutely right," he said as he shut his laptop to talk with his stepsister. "How are things with you and Brooklyn?"

"Okay," she sighed, "I still don't think he trusts me. He will in time though, I don't want to lose him again."

"You'll get there," he told her, "If I've learned anything from working things through with Blair it's that she needs to know I'm not going anywhere. Show Cabbage Patch you won't flake on him."

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