Title: Love Story

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I don't own Titanic, Gossip Girl or any of its characters.

A/N Another update! After that depressing episode last night, I felt I owed my readers a new update. How sad was the break-up? Oh Chuck! How could he? And poor Blair. But I have to admit, I still adore Chuck, regardless of his behaviour...hopefully things will get interesting now, and Chuck and Blair will be together again eventually!!! But enough banter over last night's episode, and on with the story. Thanks for the reviews everyone, I love them...almost as much as Chuck =) Enjoy!

Chapter 8

Blair walked along the A deck promenade, in her periwinkle dress, admiring the temperate day.

"Waldorf!" Blair turned to see Chuck run up behind her with an exhausted smile.

"Splendid, now you stalk me?" Blair laughed. "You ran off in quite haste last night." Chuck looked annoyed but forced a smile.

"My father – "

"It's fine, I understand." Blair ended the conversation before she was reminded of their class system. The pointed looks and quite whispers from people who noticed them was enough to keep her certain of boundaries. "You have been spending a far amount of time with me; perhaps it's not a good idea."

"Nonsense," Chuck informed her. "You saved my life. I am forever in your debt," he joked. Blair stopped and looked at him sternly.

"Is that why you have been spending time with me? Because you feel indebted to me?"

"No," Chuck stated. "I spend time with you, because I enjoy your company. And it saves me from Serena." Chuck smirked while Blair gave a small smile. "So, why are you going to New York?" Chuck tried to cut the tension.

"I'm trying to be spontaneous and adventurous," Blair notified him. "After my father passed, life has been…difficult. So Vanessa and I won two tickets and here I am!"

"Won tickets?"

"Poker." Chuck blinked.

"Poker?"

"Indeed, I play poker." Chuck looked impressed and amused.

"You cease to amaze me, Miss Waldorf." Chuck and Blair strolled past people lounging on deck chairs in the slanting light. Stewards scurried by to serve tea or hot cocoa, but not before halting to watch the odd couple. Chuck noticed and glowered at the men, while Blair smiled, oblivious to the stares.

"You know, Vanessa wants to become an actress, but I may be an artist or a dancer like Isadora Duncan – a wild pagan spirit!" Blair exclaimed excitedly, clasping her hands together.

"I could be an artist," Chuck mused at the idea.

"Please," Blair chuckled. "You wouldn't last two days. There's no hot water, and hardly ever any caviar." Chuck flashed an angry stare.

"Listen, buster, I hate caviar." Blair jumped back dramatically and put her hands up in surrender. The two smiled each other and continued to walk down the deck, shoulder to shoulder. "You should be an actress," Chuck suddenly suggested. "You're – beautiful." Blair looked surprised at his comment, but looked away to hide her blush and murmured a Thank You.

"I could be the damsel in distress. You know like those romantic films." Blair became excited again. She ran towards the rail and posed tragically, the back of her hand to her forehead. Chuck snorted and watched in amusement. "Oh sir, take me with you," Blair cried dramatically.

"Darling," Chuck joined her as the two began laughing and joking around with several theatrical poses. Chuck turned to Blair, his face melodramatic and carefree. Blair realized, that during their theatrical expressions, Chuck was for the first time revealing his true nature and letting his brooding mask slip. Before Blair could comment, Chuck blanched and returned to his menacing expression. She noticed his eyes looking at someone behind her and turned to see a woman watching them.

Lily Van der Woodsen, along with another woman, had been watching the two. Blair became instantly composed and embarrassed.

"Lily." Chuck greeted. Blair watched the two stare each other down, and wondered who the woman was. "May I introduce Blair Waldorf? Blair this is Lily Van der Woodsen."

"His mother-in-law," Lily informed Blair. Lily looked at Blair like she was an insect; a dangerous insect which must be squashed quickly.

"Of course," Blair spoke kindly with a smile.

"Serena was waiting for you, Charles." Lily ignored Blair. "You must come get dressed for the party."

"Party? Right!" Chuck remembered.

"Come along then," Lily announced. Suddenly Chuck had an idea. Something no one would be fond of, especially his father, but he did not care.

"Blair would be kind enough to join me for the party?" Blair stood shocked, and Lily looked appalled by the suggestion.

"Charles, you know this a party for first class only!" Chuck glared at Lily.

"She's right. I would feel uncomfortable," Blair urged, shaking her head at Chuck with a stern glare.

"I insist. Or else, I will not attend either," Chuck smirked.

"Heavens," Lily cried.

"I…uh…" Blair tried to find an appropriate excuse.

"Very well then, be ready by noon," Chuck smiled at Blair, then back at Lily in victory.

Lily smiled maliciously and stuck up her nose. "Splendid. Well excuse us, the Countess and I were just going off to take up the air on the boat deck. Good day."

Blair smiled awkwardly, and Chuck glowered. He was well aware of Lily's insincere demeanor.

"She's…vile," Blair laughed looking back at Chuck.

"Vile?" Chuck inquired, raising his eyebrow.

"She reminds me of my mother. I was raised by the queen of all wicked, manipulative women to ever walk this earth."

"Your mother?" Chuck asked in disbelief.

"Yes, she was pure evil," Blair laughed, "and I loved her terribly."

"But you are so different," Chuck mused in awe of how someone so kind could have been raised by someone like Lily Van der Woodsen.

"Are you sure about that?" Blair smiled, almost devilishly. "Maybe you just don't know me yet. I'll see you at noon." Blair walked away leaving Chuck stunned for the umpteenth time. She was different and unexpected and he could not get enough of her.

Blair rushed into her room, surprised to see Vanessa fussing with her hair – well not so surprised.

"Nessie I need help!" Blair cried, falling onto the bed in frustration.

"What happened?" Vanessa moved away from the mirror and studied Blair, with her hand firmly on her hip. Blair sighed and informed Vanessa of her time spent with Chuck, and how he had invited her to a first class party and Blair was panicking. "This is perfect!"

"What?" Blair shouted. "Have you not been listening to a word I said?"

"Blair, calm down. I know exactly what you can wear!" Blair sat up and waited for Vanessa to continue. "That dress you always carry around with you, but never wear! Your mother's dress, it's gorgeous!" Vanessa exclaimed, proud of herself.

"No! That dress is my mother's! I would never –"

"Why not?" Vanessa yelled angrily. "You have it, wear it! Your mother has passed away; she's not gonna mind!" Blair sat quietly on the bed in her dilemma. The dress was the most beautiful Blair had ever laid eyes upon; her mother was a socialite after all.

"You think?"

"I know," Vanessa smiled. Blair grinned and went to her luggage to pull out the dress.

"Speaking of men. Who are you getting all dressed up for?"

"No one," Vanessa responded too quickly.

"Nessie, I know you! Who is he?"

"He's…Daniel," Vanessa confessed. Blair's eyes widened.

"The artist? I must admit, he is quite the catch!"

"Isn't he?" Vanessa giggled. "He's so polite and smart, not to mention handsome."

"Of course," Blair smiled at her friend. "But more importantly, where is that sketch of mine? He said it was nearly finished!"

"I saw it! It is beautiful, Blair," Vanessa informed her. "I'll bring it for you tonight." Blair clasped her hands together, and squealed in excitement.

A steward bowed and smartly opened the door to the first class entrance. Blair hesitated and smiled graciously.

"Good evening, Madame." Blair played the role smoothly, nodding with just the degree of disdain. She looked the part, might as well act the part. Blair was a vision in cream and silver vintage. Her mother's dress flowed perfectly to her feet, and her hair was groomed to perfection. She looked like a true first class princess. Blair arrived that the grand staircase and her breath was taken away by the splendor spread out before her. Overhead was the enormous glass dome, with a crystal chandelier at its center. Sweeping down six stories was the First Class Grand Staircase, the epitome of the opulent naval architecture of the time.

Blair waited at the top of the steps, and several women and men nodded a perfunctory greeting. Blair smiled and nodded back, keeping it simple. She felt like some undercover spy.

Lily walked down the stairs, on Bart's arm, covered in jewelry. The two walked right past Blair, and Lily did not recognize her. Lily nodded at her and another woman, but Blair had barely any time to be amused. At the foot of the steps, greeting Lily was Chuck, looking as handsome and impeccable as ever. But what caught Blair's eye was the beauty holding onto his arm. She had luscious blonde locks, and stunning features. Unlike Blair, she was tall and golden, like a ray of sunshine. Her red and black dress accentuated all of her curves, and her low-cut dress showed off her neck and shoulders. She had to be Serena, Chuck's fiancée. Suddenly, Blair felt ordinary and plain, even all dressed up.

"Blair?" Chuck suddenly realized. Blair flushed and smiled weakly as Lily turned and looked at her astonished. Chuck smiled radiantly and Blair began to descend the stairs. She looked stunning; he was hypnotized by her beauty. "You look –"

"Nice," Lily interrupted. "Bart, this is Chuck's new friend, Blair was it?" Bart's gaze hardened, he obviously realized who she was, and was not pleased. Serena's face perked up as well and she gave Blair a look over, with humour in her eyes. Chuck remained unaware of his family's reactions; he was unable to take his eyes of Blair.

"Come on." Chuck took Blair's hand and kissed it, leading her to the reception room. Serena scowled at Chuck's affection and looked fiercely at Blair in hatred. Blair instantly realized Chuck's avoidance of Serena and felt horribly guilty. Chuck went on and introduced several people to Blair, who kindly greeted her, not aware that she was a third class passenger. "Nate!"

Blair noticed a beautiful man approach the two. He was like her prince charming that she always dreamt about as a little girl. His gorgeous blonde hair and perfect blue eyes were everything she had wished for. Blair flushed and greeted him shyly.

"Hello gorgeous," Nate greeted charmingly, kissing Blair's cheek. Chuck fumed noticeably at the two, who looked at each other dreamily.

"Hi," Blair meekly whispered.

"Chuck, mate, who is this divine creature?"

"Blair Waldorf, remember I told you about her, Nathaniel?!" Chuck pressed; trying to remind Nate that Blair was Chuck's mystery woman.

"Blair, what a beautiful name," Nate flirted. He paid no attention to Chuck's hints, and continued to look upon Blair shamelessly. Blair merely blushed and giggled in response.

"Ugh, Blair!" Chuck nearly yelled, startling Blair and Nate. "Sorry, um, let me introduce you to the Duke and Duchess."

"Um…alright," Blair responded, clearly not wanting to go. Chuck ignored her look and pulled her along with him, away from Nate.

"I will see you at lunch," Nate winked and kissed her hand.

"Yes, I can't wait!" Blair beamed. Chuck rolled his eyes and dragged Blair behind him, across the room.

"What?" Blair questioned, annoyed by his behaviour.

"That was my friend, or so I thought he was," Chuck added as an afterthought.

"I don't follow. He was absolutely charming and sweet," Blair gushed.

"No!"

"What do you mean?"

"He's a manipulative chap. His charm is a lethal weapon that he uses to lure women. And when he has them right where he wants them, he uses them and throws them away like…like spoiled food." Blair raised an eyebrow, and Chuck breathed deeply.

"You're lying," Blair pointed out with a smile.

"What?!"

"You begin to breathe all heavily and get frustrated and your eyes don't match your lips. You're a terrible liar." Chuck looked at Blair, astonished by her comment.

"I – "

"Charles." Chuck turned and saw his father looking at him with a severe look.

"Father."

"A word," Bart demanded, not looking at Blair.

"Sir, Blair and I –"

"Now!" Bart spoke strictly. He turned and began to walk away, expecting Chuck to follow him.

"I'll be a moment," Chuck promised Blair. Blair nodded and watch Chuck leave with his father.

"Blair was it?" Blair turned to see Serena smiling sweetly.

"Um…yes. You're Serena, Chuck's –"

"Soon-to-be-wife? Indeed." Serena grasped Blair's hand and pulled her along with her. "We simply have not had a chance to really meet, come with me!" Blair looked unsure, and looked from Serena to Chuck, who was not in sight anymore.

"Oh come on, darling. I will be as nice as pie." Serena led Blair into the dining saloon. It was lit up like a ballroom at the palace, alive and full of elegantly dressed people and beautiful music.

"Is every brunch like this?" Blair inquired, amused by the environment.

"In our world, yes." Serena smiled. Blair noticed the undertone of arrogance in Serena's words, but ignored it. Serena was nothing but nice to her, and Blair was bad-mannered for spending time with someone else's fiancé. "You see in our world Blair, everything is different. It's – better." Blair felt out of place, and decided she would simply nod and not say anything. "You know, Chuck is bored with this. The parties, the women he has already ravished in bed. You are simply something he's never had before, which makes you so irresistible."

"Wha – what are you saying?" Blair felt horribly sick.

"Please, you didn't think someone like Chuck Bass would give someone like you the time of day, unless he wanted something in return, did you?" Serena gave Blair a pitiful smile.

"I…"

"Exactly my point. Chuck enjoys the forbidden fruit, you in this case. But after he's had his way with you, he'll just come back to me and we'll get married in New York."

"We're…just friends," Blair responded quietly.

"Of course," Serena smiled innocently. "Chuck told me about your 'friendship' last night, when he came to me, in bed, after his outing with you. But, that's my darling, he enjoys his women." Blair felt the tears prickling her eyes, but refused to let them show. She would not cry for a man like Chuck, never. But she suddenly remembered, he was never hers to begin with. "Take my advice Blair, because you're young and clearly ignorant of class systems. Girls like you are not good enough, even to be my husband's whores. So stay away! Or you will regret it!"

"Are you – you're threatening me?" Blair asked in fury. No one threatened Blair Waldorf. Especially not high class, mindless girls like Serena.

"Yes," Serena whispered harshly. "If you come near my fiancé again –"

"If you think I'm afraid of you, you are clearly mistaken," Blair spat. Serena blinked at her and suddenly began to cackle.

"If you come near Chuck again, I will destroy him and his father. My mother and I are capable of and will ruin the Bass Industry if Chuck doesn't make me his wife. His whole life will be destroyed, for a lowly scum like you. Tragic." Blair's heart stopped. Serena could ruin Chuck if she did not leave him alone. Blair would cause a family to fall apart, and Mr. Bass would lose everything and so would Chuck. They would be ruined, and it would all be Blair's fault.

"I apologize," Blair whispered and quickly rushed out of the dining saloon, not noticing Chuck calling out her name behind her.

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