Authors Note: I'm not sure about this chapter i had lots of ideas for it but thought it was better to not disclose everything about Chucks and Scarletts relationship this early on. I hope you like it. Thanks to Larnie Lovegood and Mrss Bass-Malfoy for the reviewing.

It had been almost a week since Chuck had spoken to Scarlett not that he hadn't had the opportunity, yet it was almost as if he were scared. Every time he found himself in her company he established an immediate desire to leave. He was unsure of how to act around her, she was Scarlett Rose not only was she the one person with a larger trust fund than him, she was also a childhood friend, a first kiss and much more.

Part of him remained hesitant he didn't even know if she was The. Scarlett Rose from his past, the pretty blonde girl he used to share sweets with, the one girl who knew him better than anyone, his friend and confidant who had left over 6 years ago.

Chuck had spent hours on the internet searching for pictures and information but had come up with very little. He needed to know for sure, however he couldn't ask Blair or Serena or even Nate as they would immediately start to ask questions but more to the point they would not have the answers he desired.

Scarlett amazed him and sitting in his history lesson he allowed his mind to wander to the one occasion in which he had quite literally bumped into her earlier in the week.

He remembered vividly strolling through the park with Nate, his joint placed between his fingers; he felt peaceful and quite insensible - enjoying the moment. He'd heard the giggling but thought he was just more stoned than he had realised – it wasn't until he turned and Scarlett had literally come flying into him that he acknowledged this was not this case.

Her hair was blowing loosely behind her, her face flushed and happy. She'd stared at him straight in the eye, raising her eyebrow at the joint which had almost made its way to his mouth. When he'd seen Kati and Isabel following behind he'd felt himself seize up. Physically he had been unable to move or speak. After what seemed like an eternity Scarlett had smiled at him and Nate and took the joint out of his hand.

'You've clearly over done it.' She stated seemingly unimpressed 'You really shouldn't smoke this stuff you know…' She continued idly while inhaling gently on the joint now in her hand.

'Quick he's coming…' Kati screamed excitedly from behind.

And with that she was gone. Chuck was almost sure in that moment that she was his Scarlett Rose, the only girl he'd ever shared a cigarette with his stomach had fluttered.

Chuck found himself smiling distractedly. Scarlett Rose had a 'billion dollar plus' trust fund was as much a pulling factor as anything else in Chucks eyes. Truthfully however Chuck knew that it was the shared past that was both scaring and alluring him.

Scarlett held the dress up to her waist she was unsure. It was her first party since her return and she had been stood staring at herself for the past hour, her hair just didn't seem right, her makeup had all gone wrong and more than anything Chuck Bass had been ignoring her. Throwing her dress down she collapsed onto the bed, she didn't understand it and this frustrated her more so than the inability to pick an outfit.

Her phone rang. Blair.

'Hello darling just me ringing to check you're alright you seemed slightly distant today?' Blair queried.

'Don't worry I'm fine. Just haven't got a clue what to wear-' Scarlett signed resignedly 'everything seems to have gone wrong!'

'Don't worry about it sweetie you're far prettier than the majority of the girls there, I would come to help you but - ' majority meaning minus Serena of course. Scarlett smiled Serena had always caught every boys eye since she was in 4th grade '…actually I have had a brilliant idea, I'll ring you back.' The phone cut off and Scarlett resumed her position on the bed.

Ten minutes later Serena Van der Woodsen breezed into Scarlett's suite.

'So you're having problems, and by the look on your face not just fashion faux pas'' Serena smiled.

Scarlett groaned. 'Can you just help me get ready?' she pleaded.

'On one condition?...' Serena replied coyly.

'Mmm…'

'I get the news first on this boy!' she smiled

'Fine. What do you think?-' Scarlett picked up the dress on the floor.

'A typical Chloe piece -' Serena responded as she sauntered into the closet 'do you intend to make an impression darling or -' she cut herself of with a squeal of delight 'this Alexander McQueen however is quit unique.' holding it up against herself she came twirling back into the room.

Scarlett smiled and made to exit. 'I'm getting a shower.'

'Okaay, I'll sort out the clothes.' Serena squealed excitedly.

Scarlett really wasn't in the mood but as her mother had always told her its all about what other people think and right now eveyone needed to know that Scarlett Rose was back.

Two hours later Scarlett and Serena were lounging in the back of the limo with a glass a champagne, along with Blair, Kati, Is, Nate, Eric and of course Chuck. Scarlett knew she looked gorgeous, the dress clung in a the right paces and the deep purple colour was sure to catch every boys eye. She had to agree that Serena had an eye for fashion - all be it a very different eye to that of Blair.

Chuck lay back in the limo, both Kati and Is clinging to his side. Sometimes he liked these girls, other times like now he wanted to murder the both of them. He stared at Scarlett he was almost certain she had caught his gaze once or twice yet he found himself unable to talk to her. Reaching for the bottle of champagne there hands meant, she pulled away so quickly as if she was unable to touch him, once more he looked up at her and meant her gaze longingly.

Ever the gentlemen he filled her glass, 'I must say you look beautiful tonight.' he stated quietly so only she could hear.

'I suppose that means I'm an improvement on the girl you meant in reception merely a week ago.' She replied sarcastically.

Chuck understood now why he found himself unable to speak when around her, in his heart he had known she was his Scarlett and as a result he remembered all too well that when she was uncomfortable or scared she went on the defensive - very much like Chuck, apart from the fact that she had the ability to make you feel like you were the one in the wrong. He looked at her once more and sighed.

'If i were anyone else i would presume you were simply uninterested but as you know too well Scarlett I'm Chuck Bass and as a result i can see through your act.' he gestured her body language with his hand.

'Aaah yes your Chuck Bass. Playboy. Loose cannon. Whore. Heartbreaker. One time friend.' she sneered.

'I suppose feeling something is better han feeling nothing.' he smirked.

'You know as well as i Chuck that my interest in you disappeared with the arrival of Georgina Sparks.'

Chuck was taken aback. It may be true that her interest in him had disappeared after his fling with G but he never thought it would have made her this bitter. Suddenly the silence around him became apparent, so everyone had heard the conversation. Everyone knew.

'Very well.' he said remorsefully as he sat back in his seat.

The remainder of the limo ride was uncomfortable not only for both Chuck and Scarlett but Blair, Serena and even Nate could feel the tension oozing off the two of them unstoppably. When they arrived both Chuck and Scarlett made a bee line for the bar.

Scarlett felt herself shaking, why had she had to mention Georgina or heartbreak. She had even felt sorry when she seen the hurt look in Chucks eyes that he had tried to disguise unsuccessfully with a scowl. The barman placed her scotch in font of her, she had seen his eyebrows raise as she had ordered he hung around for a while expecting her to order a drink for herself. Looking up she smiled, she swirled the glass in her hand briefly to watch the amber liquid flow then downing the drink she immediately called for another. Little did she know that Chuck Bass was stood on the other side of the bar doing exactly the same thing.

By the time she met up with Serena and Blair she was feeling quite light headed and as a result much better. Steadying herself she walked over to Serena as the blonde turned the look of surprise on her face was evident. Scarlett could only imagine how she looked, but she was passed caring.

'Lets dance.'

Serena smiled, and that's when Scarlett realised that the look of surprise had nothing to do with her own state but the fact that Serena was completely out of it. They both made there way to the dance floor, spinning and giggling using the lights to their advantage, soon every persons eyes were on the two of them and that included Blair Waldorf's. She was not amused.

Quickly she removed Serena from the throng of people leaving Scarlett stood alone in the middle of the dance floor with the majority of the water polo team making their way towards her. As she turned to leave he appeared. Chuck Bass.

'Excuse me gentlemen, but i did promise this girl a drink-' he said calmly 'and as you all know Chuck Bass never breaks a promise.'

To every other person that was the biggest load of rubbish they had ever heard. But to Scarlett Rose it was true, Chuck had never broken a promise. He guided her gently away from the crowd, grabbing two glasses and a bottle of champagne on the way. She looked around not knowing where she was in her alcohol fuelled state. At the top of the stairs he stopped, Scarlett stood pressed against the wall looking into the eyes she knew so well. He opened the bottle and poured her a generous about. She remembered him saying something but it didn't seem to register, she brought the glass to her lips but didn't drink. Staring at him she knew she couldn't let herself get hurt again.

Chuck watched fascinated. He couldn't understand how he hadn't seen it, the eyes, the nose, the mouth they were all Scarlett's at that moment she looked to him like the blonde girl she had been so many years ago. As she fled down the stairs he realised the glass in his hand was still full.

That's when he remembered Scarlett Rose didn't like champagne, not without strawberries.