Seminary: Chuck Bass has it all: the money, the lifestyle and the women... What happens when he comes home after the summer and finds out his stepsister brought home a friend. Who appears to be a female version of himself... What happens when that particular stranger turns his Bass-world up side down... Is it possible for Chuck to have finally met his match...?

Disclaimer: I don't own anything! The characters and gossip girl are property of the CW and it's creators.

Chapter 7

The previous day was hectic, with thanks to that "gossip girl". Blair was stunned by the commotion one person had caused: with a simple online update and a silly picture, that was so dark and blurry that it was even impossible to make out who in fact was making out on the Van der Bass's sofa. None the less, it had kept Bart busy all day talking to the board members of Bass industries, trying to convince them that the picture did include his son Charles, but that the identity of the brunette was in fact unsure: it could have been anyone. It was a close call, but they decided to trust and value Bart's opinion, when he told them Blair was reliable enough and smart enough not to get caught up in Chuck's games-as he called it. If only he knew.

She sips her coffee, while turning a page of the newspaper in front of her, nibbling bits of her croissant. Serena enters the room: "Morning, Blair."

"Good morning, Serena." Blair smiles.

Serena takes the seat next to her.

"You've made the papers." Blair points at the newspaper before her.

"Oh." Serena shrugs uninterested.

Blair smiles at her reaction and the way she normalized it, like it happens every day: well it almost does –at least every time she decides to go clubbing with her friends.

"B." Serena sighs while placing her steaming beverage at the table: "I have to apologise."

Blair looks up from the paper and quirks an eyebrow at her friend.

"Are you in trouble?" Blair asks in a whisper.

"No." Serena reassures her: "At least I hope I won't be after I tell you something: it's my fault everything almost went south with Bass Industries."

"What do you mean?" Blair frowns.

"I left shortly after you did that night at Butter, because I felt guilty letting you go home alone…" Serena starts to confess with puppy eyes: "You are my friend and guest after all."

Blair nods her head, not speaking a word, urging Serena on to continue her story.

"I took that picture of you sitting on top of Chuck that night…" She continues quickly and full of guilt: "It was never my intention for it to end up on Gossip Girl, but it accidently got attached to a message I've send her way and in the end I was the one that got you into trouble. I just wanted to use it to blackmail Chuck, nothing more. You have to believe me. All I wanted to achieve was for him to stop chasing you like a little mouse."

Blair smiles at Serena's choice of words.

"He always does that, you know, and it usually ends with them heartbroken and me minus a friend every time around. Life and love is a game to him and he hates to lose. I just didn't want to lose you as a friend, because I like you and our friendship. It's been a while since I've had a true friend; someone that doesn't use me for anything. I hope you are not mad at me for this."

Blair feels guilty all of a sudden. She has used Serena to meet her socialite friends, with the prospection of hiring them as models in the near future, when the blonde only wanted a friend. Because of that, she isn't as mad as she probably should have been: "Well luckily, everything turned out okay. So no worries, I'm not mad."

"I'm so glad." Serena smiles.

"As for me getting heartbroken… You don't have to worry, I'm not in love and neither have I fallen for him. No friendship lost here…" Blair explains.

"You have no idea how glad I am to hear that…" Serena smiles, but then wonders: "What were you two up to anyway?"

"Not much. I'm just playing with him" Blair giggles naughtily, before adding: "Testing him."

"For what?" Serena wonders, but the moment the words leave her lips, she realises: the secret project. "Are you going to tell me what that top secret thing is you are working on?"

"No." Blair laughs: "I'm not. No matter how hard you try: I'm not telling a soul…"

"But you told Chuck…" Serena states.

"Yes, but only because he found out accidently…" Blair explains.

"And you say that like it explains it all."

"Well, it does. Doesn't it?" Blair smiles.

He had stayed away until dawn on purpose, after their encounter in her office yesterday, she had left him riled up and frustrated. She wasn't giving in by an inch, a first for him, and it annoyed him tremendously. In all those years, he hasn't experienced anything like this: needing so much time in order to catch that little mouse, or make her give in. It almost makes him grow impatient, but at the same time it makes everything more interesting... All his usual tricks have no effect, what so ever, on her. At a certain point last night, after having too much scotch, he started to wonder if she sees right through him, and his games. After stepping out of the elevator at 5 am, he stood outside her bedroom door, wondering if he should wake her up and ask, ask why she can't be fooled and how she seems to turn his own trick on him every time around. But he just stared at her sleeping form, leaning against the doorframe. A part of him wondered what would happen if she woke up: would she scream or invite him into her bed. Neither probably, she was capable of seducing him out of her bedroom and close the door in his face. With those thoughts in mind, he turns the water off and pushes his hair back. He steps out of the shower, uses a fluffy white towel to dry himself off, throws it in the towel bin and putting his silk robe back on before walking back into his room.

The moment he sets foot into his bedroom, he notices something is off. He studies the room with great detail and it doesn't take much time for him to spot it: the suit he selected before has been replaced by another one. His selection was plain and boring compared to the new one: a black pinstriped suit, with a lilac tailored shirt underneath accessorised by a blue and lilac paisley tie and lilac pocket square. It's a gorgeous suit, but it's not his. It looks high fashioned, probably made out of Egyptian cotton and is finished off with a label. He notices a label on it, a W embroidered in the inner lining, he grins widely: Oh she was here alright. There's a little note left for him in the breast pocket, handwritten by her…

Wear it today…?

- B.

He must admit he's tempted, it's a very nice suite after all, but he decides against wearing her design today. It would be a sign he's giving in, when he's not. He takes the suit he selected earlier back out of the closet and starts dressing himself. A few minutes later he gives himself a final check-up in the full length mirror and walks out to the living room. When he's about to turn the corner he stops, mid-step, once hearing Blair's voice: "Do you know anyone who wears suits on a daily basis?" She wonders.

"Bart…" Serena mumbles, and it's obvious that her mouth is full.

"No, too old…" He can imagine Blair shaking her head at that response, her lips slightly pouted and nose pulled up at one side.

"Chuck…" Serena replies, mumbled again. Hasn't that girl learned it's impolite to eat with her mouth full?

"The apple really doesn't fall far from the tree, does it?" Blair jokes, then turns serious again: "Are you telling me you don't know anyone else who enjoys wearing suits? Besides them?"

"No. I don't," Serena shakes her head: "Why do you need a suit-lover anyway?"

"No reason." Blair replies too casually.

He sneaks a peek around the corner. They are both sitting at the round breakfast table, next to each other. He's out of their line of sight, so he steps around a little further. Blair looks at Serena, who is giving her the 'I'm waiting for more details' look.

"Nice try, but like I told you before I'm not telling another soul…"

You told me. Chuck smirks.

"I have learned that there is only one way to keep a secret safe around here: keep it to yourself…"

"Please…? The tension is killing me!" Serena tries again: "I won't tell a soul. I swear…

"Neither will I. Problem solved." Blair giggles.

"Carter… Carter Baizen…" Serena looks at her, like she just had an epiphany.

"Who?" Blair wonders.

"He's another rare apple on the UES, who wears suits for his own entertainment and pleasure."

"Now we're getting somewhere."

"When and where can I meet this Mister Baizen?"

I need to stop this… He looks at his attire and smirks devilishly, turns around and walks back to his room.

"According to Gossip Girl he's in Asia at the moment." Serena reveals with obvious disappointment, as she looks up from her I phone.

"Do you really trust a gossip site?"

"She's very accurate in that department. Sometimes, I feel like she is tracking our movements like a GPS device."

"She simply has sources everywhere…" Chuck pitches in to make his presence known to those around him. Blair looks at him. That colour, that fabric, that suit, it's her design… and he's wearing it… Blair smiles at him, while giving him a once over: he looks dashing.

"I think it's creepy." Blair simply states.

"Most of the time it's amusing, unless you are the person involved in one of her blasts, than I find it humiliating." Serena continues: "But somehow you have managed to get yourself caught up in the middle of her latest blasts. She even has a nickname for you: French maiden."

"Now that, is a cool nickname. I'll give her credit for it. Nothing more."

Serena shrugs: "Just watch out, B. Once she's taken an interest in somebody, she doesn't give up easily. I'm sharing this piece of information out of experience." Serena picks up her purse and makes her exit towards the elevator.

Blair turns her attention to Chuck and steps closer, once Serena is out of sight. She places her hands on his chest and straightens out the fabric on his shoulders gently, before walking in a circle around him, examining him fully and with great detail. Standing in front of him once again, her small hand lingers on his abdomen and she pushes him back gently, cornering him one small step at a time, until his back hits the white wall behind him and he has no way out. Then, she speaks up: "I see you changed your mind after all." Giving him another once-over.

Chuck simply nods, with pouted lips, trying his best to control himself, but the smell of her perfume is blurring his vision. He leans his head back, trying to gain as much support, from the wall behind him, as he possibly can. He isn't used to being dominated, usually he's the one in that particular position, being the hunter. He's never the prey. Chuck eyes Blair as she plays with his tie, pulling herself towards him in one fingertip after the other, until their bodies are in full contact. She moves her hand from the knot of his tie to the back of his neck, pulling him even closer. His breathing slows and deepens. Her sudden and rather pleased smirk, reveals she actually happy with that. He can feel her hot breath against his lips, before he wonders: "Have you changed yours?"

"You'll have to wait and see…" With that she turns on her heal and leaves him standing in the corner of the kitchen alone. Once out of her sight he loosens his tie and leans against the wall, grating himself a moment to recompose, before starting his day.

Blast_23011953:

Chuck Bass has been spotted leaving agent provocateur,
with a pink and black bag in hand…
Is he no longer his notorious single self…?
Has a woman been able to tie him down…?
Many have tried before, but all failed miserably.
Perhaps the French maiden has something, we don't…
If it's for her anyway…

I promise to let you know,
You know you love me,
Gossip Girl

Blair sips her Starbucks coffee cup, as she waits for her 10 am appointment on the curb of the Van der Basses building. She eyes herself in the window that's so clean that it's almost like standing in front of a full size mirror. She pulls her knee-length, black lace skirt straight and adjusts her mustard top that keeps sliding lower on her chest. She takes her vintage looking sunglasses out of her purse and puts them on her nose, giving herself a satisfied nod, happy with her corporate yet sexy look. "Are you sure you don't want to wait inside, Miss Waldorf?" Vanja wonders.

"Yes, Vanja. I'm sure." She smiles, it's the second time he's asking her the same question. The first time was about 10 minutes ago when she came down with the elevator and told him she was coming back within a couple of minutes because she just had to run an errant.

"Good morning, Miss Waldorf," an approaching female voice greets her.

"Good morning to you too Miss Abrams." Blair greets her with her business smile. She moves her Starbucks coffee cup from her right to her left hand, so she can shake Vanessa's hand: "How is that boss of yours doing?"

"He's doing alright, treating me a whole lot better, that's for sure." Miss Abrams laughs: "All thanks to you."

Blair smiles genuinely: "I'm glad to hear that. None the less, I have high expectations for today."

"We better get started right away then." Miss Abrams answers confidently: "The first property is close by. It's on Fifth, with views into the park"

"Nice, I like it already."

"I hoped you would. It's actually a prewar building. " Miss Abrams smiles sheepishly, before hailing a cab, that drops them off after only a five minute drive, at 1133 on 5th. Blair looks up at the classic New York building.

"It was completely renovated in 2010, the exterior beautifully restored, as you can probably tell." She points towards the building in front of them This side of fifth is a blurry line between the Upper East Side and Carnegie Hill, I hope you don't mind."

"No, not at all." Blair smiles and turns around facing the trees on the other side of the road: "I love that it's so close to the park."

"It has been on the market for a while now and the price was set on 9,6 million, but they lowered it to 8,995 million recently."

"That is very reasonably around here." Blair comments.

"It is for a six bed and baths."

"six?" Blair turns around tousle: "What will I do with all those?"

"Let me show it to you first." Miss Abrams urges her inside: "As you can see there's a doorman and a manned elevator, there's also a state-of-the-art gym in the building, and a parking slot included. The monthly costs are set at 10 980 dollars," she explains as they make a long way up: "There are 17 apartments in the building and the one you are going to have a look at is just below the penthouse."

Blair nods her response and steps out of the private elevator, once it opens up to an impressive entrance gallery, surrounded by the entertaining rooms, with peaceful park views, including the living, library and dining room.

Miss Abrams continues her obviously prepped speech, throwing one detail after another towards Blair: "You see that old world opulence is combined with every modern convenience in this grand duplex pre-war apartment with beautiful views of the Central Park from all major rooms. This original mint sixteen, converted into thirteen , room apartment satisfies the most demanding requirements: grand living room with wood burning fireplace, commanding formal dining room, library, six bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, two family rooms, classically renovated kitchen with dining area, plus a laundry room and additional kitchenette."

With every step she takes, Blair falls even more in love with the beautiful duplex: The master bedroom and its en suite bath face the park and are separated from the bedroom wing. The kitchen, located in the center of the home, is where classic meets cutting edge. Details include a 48 inch Viking stove with 4 burners, griddle and grill, 48 inch Gaggenau refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, and beautiful combination of steel and glass along with wood cabinets and a banquette for informal dining. Just beyond the kitchen is a sun-filled family room with unusually large picture windows, and staircase. Upstairs there are two bedrooms, one with wet bar, along with a second family room, laundry room and kitchenette. This eastern exposure is lovely, open, light and filled with garden views.

"I forgot to mention that maid service can be included, if you wish…" Miss Abrams wonders: "What do you think…?"

"It's a beautiful building. It truly has all the qualifications I wanted for a home here in New York." Blair comments.

"But…"

"I thinks it's too big. What will I do with 6 bed and bath's? There's only me and my housekeeper Dorota, so that would mean I wouldn't need the maid services offered. On the other hand it would be nice for her to have her own private space upstairs. That extra kitchenette is very useful." Blair rants.

"I know it seems a lot, but you could use them as guest bedrooms, convert one into a home office. This is a bargain price for a condo this big around here. Perhaps you could see it as an investment…"

Blair turns to look a Miss Abrams, with a raised eyebrow, obviously interested.

"I can tell you that the penthouse was sold for 24 million dollars two years ago. There is only one similar condo, like this one in the building and that went, with only 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, for 15,5 million. So if you ever were to sell it, this could easily go for around 20 million when the market rises again," Vanessa explains.

"So why do they sell it at such a low price?" Blair wonders confused.

"A L.A. businessman had his New York mistress hidden away from his wife in this condo." Vanessa explains her.

"Smart."

"After his recent passing a few months back, the wife discovered the property and the mistress along with it." Miss Abrams explains: "Her first reaction was to set it on fire, but since there are another sixteen family's living in the same building, she decided to kick the woman out and sell the whole thing, including the furniture. She didn't want anything to remind her about her late husband's little mishap."

"Including?" Blair wonders surprised.

"Yes. Everything you saw in that house is included, from kitchen appliances, over furniture to paintings. Everything."

"This is the best you have for me?" Blair wonders: "No hidden treasures somewhere?" The question is an obvious reference to their previous encounter a few days back…

"Like this?" Vanessa wonders: "No…This is the hidden treasure…"

"So why the price reduction?" She wonders next.

"Because it is just outside the Upper East, so it doesn't appeal to those people. It has also been recently remodeled so it doesn't appeal to contractors either. That's why it has been on the market for about a month and it was the seller who pushed on the price reduction, not the other way around."

"Make them an offer around 7,5 million."

"That's low." Vanessa worries.

"No," Blair corrects: "It's a start."

AN: It's official Wednesday is the new update day, i just recieved the final review in order to make it happen. And you have to thank yourselves for that. You guys decided… ^^

On a different note: due to the content in the upcoming chapters I have raised the rating from T to M on this story. Due to the fact that the sexual tension between them will take on a more leading role at some point in this story. And the inevitable has to happen at some point. I can reasure you that it will not be graphic at all, it wil be very sophisticated just like on the show. I'm changing it because FanFiction has become very strict about rating your story correctly and I simply just don't want to risk having my story deleted. I can only hope that you all understand and continue to read, review and follow my story!

Once more I would like to thank my beta's for helping me find the little errors…

And what I would like to know from all of you is this:
what do you think about 'the blue eyes watching them' thing? Is Blair too kind for forgiving Serena just like that or not?
And even more importantly: what do you think about Chuck deciding to wear the suit after all, in order to eliminate any possible competition and the chance that he might lose his chance with Blair if he doesn't… Is it very Chuck Bass-like or not?

Until next Wednesday!

- D.