Disclaimer: GG belongs to the CW and Cecily von Ziegesar
Hey guys! Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter! I hope you enjoy this next installment...
When Chuck's limo arrived at the Empire, he stepped out of the car first, holding tightly onto an umbrella to shield from the steady rain that had begun to fall. He then reached a hand out to Blair, which she gladly took while stepping out of the vehicle. Together the pair entered the lobby of the hotel and headed straight for the private elevator.
After the quick ride up, the pair stepped into the lavishly decorated apartment, taking off their now slightly damp coats. As Chuck took the garments and placed them in a closet, Blair looked around the apartment feeling only slightly uncomfortable.
The last time she had been in the penthouse of the Empire had not been when she had almost slept with Jack, although Blair was still strongly reminded of the interaction by just glancing around. No, the last time that Blair had been there was when she had gone to Chuck only days after the terrible event. She had gone despite the knowledge that he was "getting over her" by sleeping with as many prostitutes as possible (or at least she had assumed so judging by his quick getaway from Dorota's wedding with the tall, faceless, blonde). She had gone because as much as she had wanted to lie and say she didn't care about him anymore, she did.
Blair had gone, and she had begged Chuck not to shut Lily out. She had tried to help him despite the hurt she was feeling, and yet he had thrown her pleas back in her face, saying that her insight might have been more accurate if she had been taking psych at an Ivy.
Blair had been hurt by what he had said but it had given her the wakeup call she had so desperately been in need of. NYU was clearly not the right place for her, but she had been unable to admit it to herself and others because it was a slap in the face that she had not persevered and worked through her difficulties at the state school.
It was because of this wakeup that, when later on that night the man from Columbia had offered her acceptance at the prestigious school, Blair knew even before Nate told her so that Chuck had to have been behind her acceptance. It was too perfect a situation that she had been feeling hurt about her school's lack or prestige and then she had been offered the chance that she was so desperately in need of.
For Chuck's part, he knew Blair well enough to know that by baiting her with a few choice insults she would admit that NYU was not the right place for her and accept her obvious need to transfer.
As Chuck walked back from putting the coats in the closet, Blair pulled him to her and said, "You know Bass, I never properly thanked you for what you did for me concerning Columbia."
Chuck looked confused for a second, then he recalled what she was talking about, and his face took on a look of self-pride.
"Coincidentally," continued Blair, "I know just how I can properly reward your actions!" She shot Chuck a smirk and began to take off her shoes, then her scarf. But just as she was beginning to undo her top, Chuck pulled her to him and forced her to stop.
Blair looked disappointed, so Chuck kissed her soundly in an attempt to wipe the expression off her face, then tried to explain himself.
"Blair," he began, looking deeply into the depths of her doe brown eyes, "Getting you into Columbia was nothing. All I had to do was show the Dean a few of your transcripts and papers and he was practically begging me to entice you to join the Sophmore class next year. Additionally, you taking me back and forgiving me for the awful things I did to you is far more of a gift than I will ever deserve."
Blair giggled at Chuck's almost sappy declaration, but she knew that sometimes to be honest he required a certain amount of sap. This was a side of Chuck that she had almost grown used to over the past year. Blair knew also that she was the only one who he brought it out for, (with the occasional exception of Lily) which made her feel special in a silly way.
Chuck then pulled Blair over to the bar, offering to make her a drink. They sat down together and had a few moments of simply looking at each other. Then, Chuck jokingly continued saying, "I also rented Breakfast at Tiffany's in case you felt as though I hadn't nearly suffered quite enough for what I did." Blair laughed again but quickly sobered up. There was something serious that she needed to say to him and she did not want either of them to be laughing when she expressed it.
"Chuck, I really want to make you understand that I have forgiven you completely. Yes, what you did made me want to die, yes I felt betrayed, cheap, and unloved, but I want to, no I do believe that you will never do something like that ever again." Blair looked almost close to tears as she spoke these words, but both knew they needed to be said.
When Blair was finished saying this, Chuck knew it was his turn to speak. He also knew that he would need to, in a few words, prove to Blair that he was worthy of her love, that he knew never to do what he had done again. Additionally, Chuck knew that if he wanted to make Blair his forever, this was the moment he needed to do propose.
Chuck felt for the little box in his pocket, assuring himself that it was still there, then began to speak slowly, taking his time.
"Blair, I am so sorry for the pain I have caused you, and I know I can't take it back, but I want to try and make it up to you, even if it takes me the rest of my life. I need to make it up to you because you are my everything, my reason for living, the only woman I have ever or will ever love."
Then Chuck began to get down on one knee, and as he did so, Blair's mouth dropped open.
"Blair Cornelia Waldorf" Chuck began in a clear and steady voice, "Will you be the one and only Mrs. Chuck Bass? Will you bear our insanely attractive and intelligent children? Will you fight and laugh and grow old with me? Will you marry me?"
Blair was frozen. She could not believe what was happening. She couldn't speak.
Chuck looked at Blair and prayed that she was not hesitating because she was unsure of her what her answer would be, He hoped that she was just shocked.
It was probably because of the intense moment that was stretching forever in between Chuck and Blair, but incidentally, neither heard the elevator ding, neither saw the slight figure who exited as its doors closed. Chuck and Blair were captured in the moment.
And then, suddenly, Blair knew her answer. She leaned forward, pulling Chuck to his feet, and staring straight into his eyes, said "Chuck Bass, I-"
"Hello? Nate? Is anyone here?" Jenny Humphrey called out as she stepped into the penthouse, oblivious to what was conspiring almost directly in front of her...
I know I suck for leaving this cliffhanger... but come on guys, it's not like Blair's going to reject Chuck! Or is she... ;-)
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