AN: Can't study for stupid tests, so have been writing instead. Thank you for those who review. And thanks for those who believed me when I said Chuck and Blair are the main couple of this story.

Summer had a few weeks left. Nate left last night, and Blair hasn't even bothered checking in on him. No, she wasn't his girl friend anymore. She said her good-byes, and now she planned on working on her tan for her mother's shoot.

So she laid on the lawn chair by the pool and studied the one or two models her mother had sent over to work along with her; ignoring the sudden feeling of loneliness that was over coming her. At least she had a good view, too bad a certain Bass decided to block it.

"Good morning Waldorf"

"Go away Chuck, Nate's-"

"Back in the city; I know" He shrugged the detail. Of course he knew, they were best friends like nothing ever happened, but she knew better. Chuck was not to be trusted, he always had an endgame, and she wouldn't fall back into that pattern again.

"What do you want then?" She pulled down her sunglasses and stared him down critically. He smirked and took a seat on the second lawn chair beside her.

"You're easily the most interesting person here" he studied the other models, male and female. They all wondered around aimlessly. "I was hoping I could join you for a swim?" he quirked his brow in amusement of the possibilities.

"You're disgusting"

"How'd you manage that?" Chuck almost laughed. He barely even had any intent on a double entendre, and yet she just went with it.

"I'm leaving" with that she grabbed her robe, pulled it on and marched back into the house. Leaving Chuck to fend for himself against the few models whom noticed his presence.

"Blair sweety" the photographer of the shoot approached her. She planned to head to her room, change, and get some shopping done... But her day would not improve. "Who is that delicious piece standing outside?"

"Is that Charles?" Her mother interrupted. The two studied him as Blair no longer existed and she hated it. He must have stood out, considering his wardrobe, amongst other things. Like how all the female models now circled him, and he maintained a cool exterior regardless when greeting each.

"He'd be perfect Eleanor!" The photographer exclaimed and turned back to Blair. "You two would look wondrous together!" they didn't even bother waiting for Blair, and hurried outside. She let out an annoyed huff before storming after them. If they think she would work with Chuck fucking Bass, they were so out of their minds.

Too late

"I'd be honoured Eleanor" Chuck gave Blair's mother his best innocent smile before turning back to Blair. "That is, if Blair wants to work with me"

"Of course she would, won't you Blair?" Eleanor gave no room for argument, despite what Blair had planned to say it was done once her mother gave her the look. "Now, you must come inside so we can have your measurements taken"

"Come now" the photographer practically shoved Chuck inwards.

"Mother, is this really such a good idea?" Blair made her attempt.

"Yes, well it's not like any of the models we have here are anywhere near your age... We need teenagers, not college graduates Blair" Blair almost laughed at that. None of those who had the time to come last minute were high school graduates, let alone college ones. But she knew how evident there age was.

She knew that if she refused to do it, any of the girls would have taken the spot to be in the photo shoot with Chuck Bass for her mother's line, and that was unacceptable. She would model for her mother, and she would be a professional. She held her head up high amongst the many that now stared at her and took her seat again to continue tanning. Shedding off the robe, she would be confident, and radiant, and most of all, the star of the shoot. Too bad she was still all alone again, especially once everyone was called back into the house and dismissed.

"Miss Blair." She looked over to one of the staff that exited at calling her name. "This came for you," they gave her a post card and left. She read it and felt her eyes sting at the emotions that were overcoming her.

I miss you

She studied the photo, suddenly missing New York, but missing her best friend even more before deciding to pull out her phone to call. Not that there was technically anything to forgive and forget about, but at that moment Blair forgave her for a few things.

"Did Dan call today?" the two blonde siblings have discussed everything else at this point. They even watched a movie on the DVD player, and order pizza. Who knew they delivered to insane asylums. However, seeing as Dan hasn't called yet; Serena doubted herself and Eric could tell she wasn't feeling as chipper.

"No" she shrugged, not planning to let it show to her little brother that it mattered. Too bad it didn't help that she did care, and was never good at keeping secrets from him when he gave her a knowing look "Do you think he'll call?"

"Serena, you have guys practically worshipping you" Eric laughed at how uncertain she's being.

"So he'll call?" she asked, happy to have heard that. Just then her phone began to ring.

"That could be him" he smiled, and she excitedly pulled it out.

"Not exactly"

She answered it.

"Hey Blair" Eric was quick to stop himself from asking, and allowed his sister to leave the room for some privacy. Making her way through the few facilities of the place.

"Serena!" Blair was happy that she answered. "How are you?" I miss you too, come save me from this hell.

"I'm good! Summer's great. How about you?" Everything was so, normal. Blair was pretty angry last she saw her, but now it felt like nothing was wrong.

"Summer's wonderful, being out at sea with Nate, and now at the Hamptons" she explained, but it died out before she went too far in detail. Everything didn't matter, and she had to get to the point, because they were Blair and Serena, best friends forever. "I got your post card"

"I was hoping you would" She thought it may have got lost in the mail, and secretly had a moment of considering it being for the best, but now she knew, she missed her best friend.

"So what are you doing?"

"Just hanging out with Eric, you know how the summer is in the city" she did, and hence avoids it. Too hot, and everyone, who's anyone has left town for the holidays.

"Then what do you say about coming to the Hampton's then?" She needed her, desperately. She didn't even give her a chance to reply. "The Hamptons' the place to be S" Blair exclaimed.

"I can't B, I'm stuck in the city for the summer" Serena replied on the other end, leaving a café. She didn't want to reject the offer, but couldn't exactly leave with everything going on. Eric needed her.

"Listen, just come for one weekend. Bring Eric" Blair suggested. She needed her best friend, especially when her only company was Chuck Bass.

"I'll see what I can do" Serena hung up with a newly plastered smile on her face. The sun always brightened up the worst of her days, who says it can't work wonders with Eric too.

With that in mind, she began to dial her mother's number. Lilly was already out there, she shouldn't mind the two joining them. She had the phone by her ear and looked up to notice another blonde she didn't think she would ever bump into at a place like this.

"Nate?"

Nate turned around quickly and smiled, slightly shocked, but was still happy to find a familiar place. "Serena?" he made his way to her as she hung up on whomever she was on the phone with. "What are you doing here?"

The two exchanged a long hug before separating.

"Me?" she laughed, giving him a shove of the shoulder. "Aren't you meant to be with Blair?"

"Yeah," he rubbed the back of his head contemplating how much to tell the blonde beauty. They have been friends forever, but with everything that's happened, he probably shouldn't spill his guts about Blair. "Well, I got caught smoking one too many joints"

"And here I thought I was the only one with problems" she joked, but grew solemn at the idea.

"How about you, why are you here?" he asked, hoping to cheer her up, or at least get to talk about what's got her suddenly down.

"Serena?" Eric pocked his head out his bedroom door. "Nate?"

"Eric?" Nate was even more confused. "You're committed too… are all the Van Der Woodsens here?" Nate actually made an attempt to look around and check.

"Actually I'm the only one, Serena's just visiting" He approached the two and shook Nate's hand. Nate made a quick note of the scar on the younger boy's wrist, but before he asked Eric noticed and retracted his hand, and hid both behind his back. Nate took the hint.

"Well, I'm staying a couple of rooms down; just needed the toilet… guess I'll be seeing you around for the rest of the summer?"

"You're only here for the summer?" Serena asked

"Yeah, well it's not like my parents give too much a damn. Besides, people will suspect something if I don't turn up to school" He laughed, knowing how far his parents would go. They don't give a damn about much more than the public's perception. And since they supposedly tried, they won't be shunned from the elites. Not that any of the elites are good parents.

The following afternoon

"Blair?" Chuck once again found Blair lounging by the pool.

"Shouldn't you be getting measured?" Chuck had to refrain from making any jokes.

"I wanted to apologize"

"There's nothing to apologize for, two people as easy and promiscuous as you and Serena deserve to be together…" she didn't feel like giving him any chances.

"I don't mean to hurt you" He could tell she rather ignored it. Pretend like nothing happened, and escape into her movie fantasy.

"Then leave"

"I messed up, I always do. I was drunk, and upset… and I didn't want to share you" Blair remained silent, but he knew she heard every word. "I want to make us better"

"There is no US Chuck" Blair responded cold heartedly. "Just because I have to work with you, doesn't mean I have to do anything more than tolerate you" She felt her heart tighten, and was never more thankful for her sunglasses.

"I guess you're right" He had much more to say, but it wasn't the time. So he left.

She waited until he was inside before taking off her glasses. She rubbed at her eyes, furiously hoping they would stop tearing, but it didn't work. She was still upset over everything that happened earlier that summer. It hurt even more that she couldn't help being upset about it. Chuck with Serena broke her heart more than ever imagining Nate with the blonde, and that realization was painful.

In addition to how Chuck was, under the influence… it terrified her being alone with him in that state. He was self destructive, and anyone who got close would suffer along with him. Whether it be Nate, who's only a stoner due to Chuck's influences; or Serena who was introduced to the lifestyle along with him. Chuck was just not good, and she didn't need that. She needed to be with someone who would make her happy, and not cause her any more distress. Serena seriously needed to hurry herself over here.

"No, absolutely not"

"But mom" Serena and Eric pleaded in unison.

"He's not allowed out when still in recovery Serena"

"Are you sure it's that and not the fact you told everyone he was in Florida." It wasn't a question, more of a challenge, but Lilly wouldn't bother with it.

"This conversation is over. I'd be happy to have you come, but Eric needs to stay put" Their mother hung up before anymore could be said.

"You should go" Eric insisted for the umpteenth time. "Take a break, enjoy the sun"

"But I can't leave you here alone" Serena's rebuttal was consistent

"I have Nate, and he's got video games in his room"

"Aren't video games against the rules?"

"Only the violent ones… he has Need for Speed, and Fifa!" Eric had already spent the other evening with the older boy, and he was actually pretty fun. They just played games and complained about the food until they decided to order Chinese take-out. They just weren't allowed much more than that, especially since they had to be supervised while hanging out since it was only Nate's second night. Making the occasional comment about how the game wasn't as fun without being high didn't help either.

"Fine, but only for the weekend" She made her way out to pick up a bathing suit. She needed to get out of the city. It's been a couple of days since she bumped into Dan, and he hasn't called. That alone was upsetting. But now she would get some shopping done to spend the end of her summer on the beach.

"Blair" Eleanor called for her daughter. Friday finally arrived, and the photo shoot would have to start taking place in a couple of hours. Blair woke up ready to shower, and spend her morning being pampered for her shoot.

After finally finishing off her hair and make up she made her way to the closet where they set out outfit after outfit for her dress into. She made a quick check of her phone and smiled to the text Serena sent confirming she was arriving later that day.

"Charles, excellent. Blair are you ready?" she heard her mother call from behind the curtain, and at exiting all cheered that she looked perfect for the part. She didn't care though, she was far too entranced by the look Chuck gave her.

"Are you ready?" it seemed like everyone kept asking her that, but when Chuck did she merely nodded. Why is it that he could pull off her mother's male line as well as she did the female attire, she couldn't even help staring and the sudden fear that struck her was making matters worse.

"Alright everyone, lets have you two standing at opposite ends" The photographer instructed, and Chuck took a few steps back. "Give me your best pose at ignoring each other" Blair looked away and let out a breath. She crossed her arms infront of her chest, but was scolded for it.

"No, Blair, we want to see the dress. And Chuck, try looking away from Blair" the photographer was annoyed already, but she quickly turned to see Chuck had been standing with his hands in his pockets, and his eyes still looking over. He gave her a smile and looked down instead, before turning away. A failed attempt as his eyes still glanced over.

A few shots were taken, but the photographer didn't seem pleased. "Let's try something else. Chuck, go hold Blair's hands" Chuck went over to Blair as was told.

He was taller than before, Blair noted it. He was looking down at her with a mischievous smile she couldn't mirror back, and she hated him for it. He reached for her hands and held them with his own just by there sides.

Chuck couldn't help taking his chance, leaning over to cover her face from the camera with his own to whisper in her ear. "Relax Blair, I don't bite"

"Perfect" the photographer cheered. "Now Blair, I want you to lean onto Chuck, wrap your arms around his neck, and maybe stand on your toes. Chuck support Blair… and will you two start having fun… it's not like you're being tortured into doing this" that sparked Blair back to her normal self.

"Really Chuck, you should be happy to have me anywhere near your disease infected body" She laid her head on his shoulder, her arms resting against his chest as her hands held onto his neck. She looked at the camera and smiled. She would be a professional about it, and would enjoy the hell she could inflect on Chuck.

"I assure you, I'm as tortured by your company, as you are mine" That made Blair smirk, which looked perfect enough on camera along with Chuck's. The two looked positively devious.

"Hello?" Serena answered her phone just as she got into the limo. He bags were all packed, and she was on her way.

"Serena?" So for him to call now just sucked. "It's Dan"

"Hey Dan, I can't talk right now-" she sucked at lying, to the extent that even this complete stranger could call her out on it.

"Then how about we talk later today, maybe watch a movie?" He will not let her get away, he finally gathered his courage, and waited long enough to call.

"I can't," she smiled. "I'm actually on my way to the Hamptons for the weekend…"

"Oh" He was going to kill his sister.

"But I'll text you when I get back?" she didn't want to say no really. She just didn't like how she already felt a little obsessed about the guy.

"That's perfect, I'll see you when you get back" he smiled.

"Alright bye" she hung up and sunk into her seat. Why was she going to the Hamptons again? Right, Blair.

Dan pumped his fist in the air before turning back to his sister with an angry face. She will pay.

"Tell me why I have to wait three days?" Dan rubbed his head having been dyeing to call the blonde he's been waiting all her life to call.

"It's the rule. Serena's used to everyone desperately pawning for her, you have to be different Dan" Jenny, Dan's sister, insisted.

"Besides, the Bro Code-" His father attempted to input into the argument. But both his kids gave him a look to stop.

AN: ok a few questions;

1- Do you want Dan and Serena to have more interactions, than need be, in the story?

2- Chuck and Blair, are they enjoyable, or are there any characteristics I should look out for to make them better?

Thank you for reading :D