Chuck had spent the remainder of brunch silent, lost in thought. Now here he was shopping with Blair. Since the break up both Nate and Blair had blossomed individually and as a result so had Chuck's friendship with respective parties. Blair and Chuck now spent many a Sunday afternoon together consisting of Blair administering her ever so critical fashion advice onto Chuck while he smoked joint after joint to send him into complete oblivion. Luckily for Blair this meant full access to Chuck's credit card and wardrobe – which was ever improving as well as ever growing.

Although neither would admit it these Sunday afternoons meant a lot, the friendship between the two had truly flourished and Chuck had even begun to accept Blair as his personal stylist. Although if either were honest Chuck's attire was unlikely to change, he studied the petite brunette in front him and smiled.

Blair looked up from the selection of bow ties, 'Bass please refrain from showing any emotion in public.' She rolled her eyes slightly 'Especially in you're state.' The last word seemed to vibrate in Chuck's brain.

'My state Waldorf as you well know is caused by you're good self – if you weren't so insistence on these atrocious Sunday outings I'm sure I would be able to prevent myself from..'

With a subtle kick to the shin Chuck was forced straight out the shop and onto the side walk where he stood shocked in his stoned state and looking quite unstable.

'Bass. I once more urge you to keep your mouth shut when shopping with me. It is bad enough to be accompanied by you looking like that' she eyed him up and down disapprovingly while placing her hands on her hips 'But for you to also insinuate that I have forced you to be present is…well quite unjust'

The fresh air seemed to have done him the world of good; he looked her straight in the eye and smirking slightly replied his voice dripping with sarcasm.

'But Waldorf, when else would you get the opportunity to have a personal view of the Bass torso?'

'Mmm, I mean all that beer belly and chest hair could do nothing but make a girl…' Blair commented but Chucks attention had been lost.

Scarlett's feet were sore and her arms laden with bags. She'd tried everything, retail therapy, a new hair cut and even a massage and manicure yet Chuck Bass kept coming into her head, she studied the handbags in front of her. But again her mind wandered.

She could still smell his aftershave and feel the grip of his hand on her arm as he had moved her in the direction of the strawberries. Had he noticed her delay in accepting, her futile attempt to seem disinterested. She sighed, she realised now more than ever that she had missed Chuck, even if he had 'developed' from the young boy she once used to roll the floor with. Her phone beeped in her purse she was thankful for the distraction.

Gossip Girl.

She'd had this subscription since she'd left it had kept her updated and thoroughly entertained on many an occasion, although she'd never thought she'd be back here. Ignoring the text she tossed the phone back into her purse and picked up the soft pink handbag, maybe this would make her feel better.

Having paid, Scarlett checked her watch and headed for the park.

She almost walked right into them.

Stood in the middle of the side walk, blocking everyones path was Chuck Bass. Who appeared to be staring straight at her. Scarlett looked around a confused expression displayed on her face.

'..it loses its thrill quite rapidly.' Blair sneered loud enough for all other females to hear. 'Chuck Bass! Are you listening to me?'

He simply stared. Where had she appeared from. He hadn't expected to see her and once more he was uncomfortable and unprepared, suddenly feeling quite ill. Hearing laughter he turned around in puzzlement little did he know that very subject was the one under his gaze. Scarlett.

'I believe I'm correct in saying only Blair Waldorf can so successfully silence Chuck Bass.' Scarlett giggled.

Chuck focused his gaze on Blair she looked fabulously pissed off, he smirked. People did not interrupt Blair Waldorf's conversations- whether this was a conservation was another matter. Yet Scarlet knew who she was - this was Chucks main interest. He watched Blair spin around on her 5' heels gracefully and began to light a joint waiting for the fireworks. Which unfortunately for him did not come.

Blair recognised Scarlett almost immediately. She'd changed granted, she was taller, blonder more attractive and definitely possessed more sex appeal, but Blair could still see the signs of the young girl she used to play afternoon tea with.

'O my god sweetie, when did you get back?' Blair squealed 'And pray tell me why i was not informed. You look amazing. Wow Scarlett.'

She released Scarlett from her tight grasp briefly to capture another glimpse and allowing her to inhale deeply before submerging her in another prolonged hug.

'Blair!' Scarlett grinned enthusiastically 'I know i should have told you I'm so sorry, i was hoping Serena would have brought you along to the park.'

'The park?! Whatever for? Sorry dearie but i am not one for paper napkins and wet grass.' She shook her head softly 'Plus Chuck here needs all the help he can get on Sunday afternoons.' Blair noted motioning Chuck with her arm.

'Yes, you see Waldorf here prefers elegant cuisine from only the finest restaurants uptown which have the strictest of dress codes.' Bass remarked smugly the joint hanging loosely from his lips. Blair gave a swift kick to the shin for the second time this afternoon which left Chuck yelping in pain and his joint somewhere on the sidewalk.

'Anyway Scarlett, i presume you'll be joining us at Constance tomorrow? We can catch up then hunny.' Blair said while ignoring Chucks attempts to get her attention.

'Of course.' Scarlett replied 'But i really must hurry as i'm already late to meet Serena.'

Blair squeezed Scarlett tightly once more and let her go. 'Say hi to Serena for me Sweetie.'

Blair returned her attention to the young man beside her hopping on one leg.

'Really Bass you've never been one for a pain tolerance have you.' she mentioned absentmindedly.

As Chuck straightened up beside her she headed off towards the limo.

Once sitting comfortable Chuck allowed his attention to drift once more. He knew this girl, this Scarlett yet had no idea how. But he was certain that any friend of Blairs was a friend or more of his and this concerned him. Once more he felt a stirring in his stomach he only just heard Blair remarking,

'Really Scarlett Rose. Who would have thought it?..'