Hello everyone! Sorry it's been so long since I've updated, but real life happens (as I'm sure you all know). So, onto my next installment - this is a CB-centric chapter that is again full of fluff. I'm not entirely happy with it, but I don't know if I ever will be so I decided to post it now.
I don't own anything.
Chapter 9
"Blair," yelled Chuck as he walked off the elevator into the Waldorf penthouse. They had a standing study-date for Monday evenings. Both Chuck and Blair had elected to take Japanese. Chuck because he still needed to fulfill his foreign language requirement. (Nate laughed at this because they had already bent quite a few rules by giving Chuck the credits they had, he didn't see why they couldn't wave the foreign language requirement as well, especially considering that Chuck was already fluent in both French and German. He jokingly asked if they were going to make him take the required physical education credits too, to which Chuck scowled and said, "Don't ask.")
It had also been suggested to Chuck that knowing a little bit of Japanese would go along way at Bass Ind. and in the business world, so he reluctantly signed up to take the class that met once a week. Blair, on the other hand, had registered for the class late after her first week at Sotheby's. The project that she was initially involved in dealt with a large collection of Asian art and she realized it would give her an edge if she could at least partially communicate with some of the clients in Asia. She debated between Japanese, Mandarin, and Cantonese, and in the end she signed up for Japanese, in part because she liked the idea of taking a class with Chuck. It would give them an excuse to spend some time together, plus she thought it would be interesting to see Chuck back in the classroom setting. She couldn't quite get over the fact that her husband was going to college.
"Blair," repeated Chuck, who was again met with silence. Nevertheless he continued, "I brought sushi for dinner. I thought it would get us in the mood for all things Japanese."
As Chuck walked further into the room, he noticed that it wasn't in its normally pristine condition – it was in complete disarray. The throw pillows from the sofa were scattered everywhere. There was a large blanket set on the floor and another draped on the sofa. There was a stack of books (not text books he noted) also on the sofa and some on the floor. There were children's toys thrown across the room – Chuck saw a couple of rattles, a large and a small ball, a bunch of stuffed animals, some plastic rings, and some other items that he assumed were toys. He also saw there was a rather large wet spot on the sofa, as well as one on the floor. That's when he heard wailing coming from the kitchen and he put it all together. Slowly, he made his way into the kitchen and what he witnessed upon entering the room made his jaw drop.
There was Blair, his Blair, the always perfect, poised, and put-together Blair, looking nothing like herself. Pieces of her hair had fallen out of its bun and were flying all over the place. Her blouse was half untucked from her skirt. There was a rather large orange stain on her top and a matching one on her skirt. It also looked like there was a speck of something orange on her cheek. Blair hadn't even realized that Chuck was there because she was so busy wrestling with the child in the highchair, trying to get the baby to eat who obviously had something very different on her mind.
"Please Anna," begged Blair. "You need to eat. See, sweet potatoes are yummy," and Blair faked eating a spoonful of the orange goo. When Blair extended the spoon to Anna again, the girl swatted it, sending sweet potato puree everywhere. This caused Blair to groan, Anna to laugh, and Chuck to smile. Suddenly, Anna locked eyes with Chuck and reached out for him. The baby's reaction caused Blair to turn and she quickly turned red with embarrassment so she grabbed a towel to cover her face and clean herself up. "Ugh, Chuck. What are you doing here?"
"We have a study-date," he answered cautiously. He then slowly raised the food her brought and calmly said, "And I brought dinner."
"Well, you're early," she sneered as she tried to fix her hair.
"Sorry," he apologized. "I didn't think you would mind if I showed up an hour or so early. We do have an exam next week so I thought it would be good if we got in a little bit of extra studying."
"You're such a liar. I can guarantee you weren't thinking about studying."
"Okay, you got me," he said as a playful smirk spread across his face. "And I must say, this new look of yours is quite a turn-on. You look fucking hot Mrs. Bass," and his eyes traveled up and down her body.
"Awwww! Ba ba ba ba ba!" babbled Anna as she pounded her hands on the tray of the highchair, trying to get the attention of the two adults in the room.
"Chuck," screeched Blair. "Don't say things like that in front of Anna."
"Oh come on Blair. She doesn't understand."
"Children's minds are like sponges, they absorb everything. The last thing we need is for Anna's first words to be 'fucking hot'," the last bit was whispered by Blair, distaste at saying such a phrase evident in her voice.
"Fine," replied Chuck, as he rolled his eyes. "I promise to be on my best behavior from now on. Happy?"
"Yes. Now be a doll and help me get Anna to eat."
And as if on cue, Anna started up again, "EEEE!" She then raised both of her hands and slammed them back onto the tray, this time sending a tiny bit of her sweet potatoes flying in her face. Unphased, she just continued, "Ya ya ya ya ya" while putting her fingers into her mouth.
"Um, Blair," said Chuck, clearly flummoxed and staring at Anna in the seat as if she were an alien. "I'm not sure I am going to be of much help. I don't really know anything about babies, so why don't I just wait in the other room while you two finish up in here?" Chuck was already eyeing the door of the kitchen and planning his exit strategy.
"Not so fast! Sit that Bass ass of yours down." And then with an evil glare, Blair demanded, "Now."
The look on Blair's face told Chuck there was no debating this, that her word was law (at least if he wanted to get laid later on), so he caved but he also decided to have a little fun at her expense.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Language Mrs. Bass," mocked Chuck as he gestured disapprovingly with his pointer finger. He then walked closer to the two females covered in the frightening orange substance. "You know I love that dirty little mouth of yours and all the things you can do with it, but we wouldn't want Anna's first words to be 'Bass ass' now would we?"
"Oh, just shut up and help me," snarled Blair, obviously flustered with both Chuck and Anna, who was still babbling away and playing with her food.
"Fine," he sighed. "But this is a very expensive suit and I will be not be very happy boy if I gets stains on it."
"Well, if that happens I guess I'll just have to find a way to make it up to you later," Blair said flirtatiously.
"I like the way you think Mrs. Bass," and he walked over and gave Blair a quick kiss while clearly avoiding both Anna and the mess. Then Chuck sat down on a stool a few feet safely away from the baby and asked, "Where is Dorota anyway? And why are you, of all people, babysitting?"
"Hey, I resent that," pouted Blair. "I've babysat for Anna before and everything went fine."
"That's because she was asleep the entire time and you didn't need to do anything."
"That may have been true but I am perfectly capable of taking care of Anna for an afternoon. We've been doing fine so far. Right Anna?" Blair asked the baby who smiled and then went back to looking between Blair and Chuck as they continued their conversation.
"Yeah, it sure looks like it," mocked Chuck as he glanced around the kitchen and then back to Blair and Anna. "Again, why are you babysitting?"
"Yesterday was Dorota's birthday so I booked her an afternoon at the spa. Vanya couldn't get the time off work because he took the weekend off, so I volunteered to watch Anna so that Dorota could enjoy her afternoon," explained Blair.
"Well, now it all makes sense." Then Chuck turned his attention to the baby, "Anna, have you been having a fun afternoon torturing Mrs. Blair?"
Anna replied by simply laughing and smiling at Chuck.
"Ugh, stop flirting with the little girl Chuck, she's too young for you," scoffed Blair. "Anna, come on, have another bite of your food," and she was again rejected as she tried to feed the baby her dinner.
"Blair, maybe she doesn't want to eat anymore. She doesn't seem that interested in her food."
"That's because you're distracting her," sniped Blair. "She was eating fine before you got here."
"Uh-huh. That's what it looks like."
Blair relented finally and sighed, "Dorota said that she usually eats all her dinner, and I want to make sure that Anna eats enough, that she's okay."
"Blair, Anna's fine," Chuck said reassuringly. "Just look at her, she's smiling and happy. I don't know much about babies, but Anna seems pretty healthy." He then rose from his seat and got a little bit closer to both Blair and the baby. As he did, Chuck got a whiff of something in the air. "Uhm, Blair, what's that smell?"
"Probably a mixture of sweet potatoes and spit up."
"I don't think so," replied Chuck as he braved closer to Anna to be sure. "I think someone probably needs her diaper changed."
"No, you're wrong. I just changed her about," and Blair quickly glanced at the clock, "about an hour ago. I doubt she needs to be changed again."
"Blair, you might need to rethink that," and Chuck moved away from Anna to avoid the obnoxious odor. "Hey, maybe she's not happy that her diaper is full of shit and that's why she's not eating."
"Chuck, what did I say about that kind of language?" Blair then put aside Anna's food and she went to pick the baby up from her highchair to prove Chuck wrong. As soon as she lifted the baby, she knew Chuck was right and she groaned internally for two reasons. One because she would have to admit that Chuck was indeed right and she was wrong, and two because of what Chuck being right meant she was going to have to do. This was the one thing she dreaded when she agreed to watch Anna for the afternoon – dealing with a messy, dirty diaper.
"Fine, you were right," conceded Blair, at which a huge grin spread across Chuck's face.
"Of course I am. So, what do I get as my prize?"
"God you're such an arrogant Basshole," lamented Blair but then she got an idea. "As for your prize, you get to change Anna's diaper," and she made like she was going to hand Anna over to Chuck.
The smile Chuck was sporting quickly left his face and was immediately replaced by a look of absolute fear. He took a step backwards so that he was out of reach and Blair suddenly started laughing. "As if I would ever trust you to change her diaper. You would probably phone Arthur and make him do it."
"Ha ha Mrs. Bass. Very funny," replied Chuck in a tone that indicated he did not find the situation funny at all, but Blair just continued to laugh at him.
"Oh come on Bass, you have to admit that was pretty funny. If only you'd seen your face. Now quit sulking and help me tidy this little princess up." Blair then gave Anna a quick little kiss on the cheek and gestured for Chuck to follow her upstairs.
XOXO
Thirty minutes later, Chuck was sitting on the sofa and watching Blair as she tried to engage Anna with a book. Together the two of them had managed to safely change Anna's diaper and outfit with minimal damage to themselves, although it probably took them twice as long, if not longer, than it would one skilled person to do the job. Of course Blair was forced to do most of the dirty work while Chuck acted like a surgical nurse, handing Blair specific supplies when she called for them ("wipes" and "diaper" and "socks"). He did cringe when Blair passed him the messy diaper, but he quickly and carefully disposed of the rancid object in the diaper bin without causing any disasters unto himself.
"Chuuuckkk," sung Blair in a tone that he knew meant she wanted something from him. "Do you think I can trust you with Anna for five minutes while I run upstairs to tidy up? I need to get these disgusting clothes off of me, as well as do something my hair."
Chuck looked down at Anna sitting on the floor peacefully, back up at Blair who was a complete mess, again down at Anna who was still occupying herself on the floor, and finally back up at Blair. He quietly considered what she was asking of him. Anna seemed to be entertaining herself, chewing on the book that Blair had been trying to read to her. He figured that he could watch her for a few minutes, he wasn't that incompetent. Plus, it would be tell him if fatherhood was for him or not.
"Sure. I think Anna and I can manage down here just fine." He noticed the skeptical look on Blair's face, so he added, "as long as you don't take more than five minutes."
"You sure?" questioned Blair.
Chuck smirked, "Blair, you know there is only one way to answer that question. Come here," and he signaled for her to come closer with his finger. She complied and as she did, he closed the distance between them and brought her into a kiss. Chuck's hands found Blair's waist and he deepened the kiss.
After a minute or so, Blair broke away and whispered, "Thank you." She then kissed Chuck again and repeated the sentiment except this time she added, "I promise not to take too long. Five minutes."
"And if you take longer than five minutes, do I get to punish you?" teased Chuck as he brought Blair in for yet another kiss.
"Severely," Blair purred into Chuck's ear as she burrowed her face into his neck.
"Grrr," growled Chuck and he grabbed Blair's ass to pull her closer as she started leaving a trail of kisses down his neck. He then cupped her face in his hands and sighed, "God, I love you woman," before bringing his lips to hers for another deep kiss. After a few seconds, Blair broke off the kiss, rose, and turned towards the stairs. Just as she was about to move, Chuck slapped her ass and said, "Now go get changed woman."
In retaliation for his boorish behavior, Blair made sure she added a bit more sway to her walk as she made her way upstairs.
XOXO
As Blair climbed up the stairs, both Chuck's and Anna's eyes followed her, but as soon as she disappeared from sight, Anna turned to stare at Chuck. Once Chuck made eye contact with the baby, the little one started to giggle and tossed the book aside. She reached for Chuck and when he didn't pick her up she started to fuss. A frazzled Chuck looked around the room for something to calm the child, but couldn't think of what to do. When he realized that she still had her arms out to him, he cautiously tried to pick up the baby. Carefully, Chuck lifted the baby into his arms and tried to remember how Blair had held Anna. In mid-air, Anna stopped fussing but started kicking her legs, getting Chuck a couple of times in the mid-section. In an effort to soothe her, Chuck walked around the room for a minute or so until she was smiling again. Feeling completely uncomfortable with the child in his arms, Chuck gently set Anna on the ground and decided that he would join her, in hopes that it would pacify the baby. Chuck removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves, and then he inched his way down to the floor. Anna watched him the entire time. The moment Chuck's butt touched the ground, Anna squealed, turned, and started crawling away from him.
"Oh, shit," cursed Chuck. "Come back here Anna."
The baby looked at Chuck and blatantly ignored him, continuing on her merry way. As she approached the kitchen, Chuck got to his feet and picked up the child before she entered it, knowing that Blair would kill him if anything happened to the baby on his watch. He brought her back to the sitting room and again, sat on the floor with her. In an effort to keep her engaged, Chuck picked up one of Anna's toys and started to play with it.
"Look Anna, a fish," and he wagged the stuffed animal in front of Anna's face. The little girl quickly reached for the fish and immediately put its tail in her mouth. Relieved to have settled the child, Chuck leaned back against the sofa and began to relax. However, this was short-lived, as the active baby was on the move again within seconds. This time she started in the direction of the elevator, but before she could reach it, Chuck had scooped her up and returned her to the center of the room.
Beyond frustrated, Chuck turned to bribery to try to keep the child still. "Anna, if you're good and sit still, I will pay for your entire college education." Her response was to simply laugh in his face before taking off again. Realizing that he was fighting a losing battle, Chuck gave up and decided he would just follow Anna's lead.
And that is how Blair found Chuck crawling on the floor of her penthouse, trailing a nine-month old baby around the room.
XOXO
Enjoying the show, Blair sat quietly at the top of the stairs hoping to remain undetected. It was fun for her to see this side of Chuck - he was chasing after Anna, playing with stuffed animals, making silly noises - basically acting like a little kid. She would be lying if she said this didn't make her think about their future. She always knew that she wanted to have children, and while they hadn't really discussed it, she knew from his passing comments that Chuck envisioned children in their future too. Watching Chuck with Anna, Blair couldn't help but feel excited for the day when they had a baby of their own, knowing that Chuck would welcome fatherhood in a way that no one would ever expect him too, except for maybe her. The thought brought a smile to her face, which she immediately tried to force away because her brain was telling her they were still entirely too young for a baby. But she was content knowing that once college was finished, their relationship was public, and they were both settling into their respective careers, that parenthood would be on their horizon and that the idea wasn't daunting to her at all.
After a couple of minutes of enjoying the show that Anna and Chuck were putting on, Blair decided it was time to stop daydreaming and put Chuck out of his misery. Blair's feet hit the bottom step just as Anna made her way under the side table with Chuck right behind her. Nervous that the child might hurt herself on the sharp corners of the table, Blair called out, "Anna, be careful."
What happened next seemed to occur in slow motion. Little Anna, alarmed by Blair's sudden appearance, promptly stopped and turned to sit. Chuck, whose head was barely underneath the side table, quickly jerked his head to see Blair. On the way up, Chuck's head collided with the corner of the table.
"Fuckkkk," Chuck yelled and he immediately brought his hand to the spot he hit while he continued to scream expletives.
Within seconds, blood started to appear on his hand. Seeing this, Blair quickly checked to see that Anna was fine and then she darted to Chuck's side.
"Oh my god, Chuck, you're bleeding. Does it hurt?"
"Shit!" swore Chuck as he looked at his blood-covered hand. "Of course it fucking hurts Blair. Why do you think I'm sitting here swearing at the top of lungs?" Chuck then took a couple of deep breaths to collect himself and asked, "How bad is it?"
Blair carefully looked at Chuck's head and almost gagged. It wasn't just a flesh wound, it looked like a pretty significant gash in his head and there was a lot of blood. "Um, Chuck, I think we should get you to the emergency room. It looks like you might need stitches."
"Seriously?" cried Chuck. "God damn it, this hurts sooo much. Ooouch!"
Trying to remain calm and fighting back tears, Blair stood up. She needed to get control of herself and this situation. After taking a cleansing breath, she pulled herself together and took action, "Just sit still. I'm going to get you a towel and phone Arthur to bring us to the hospital." Picking up Anna with shaking hands, Blair quickly went to the bathroom, leaving Chuck on the floor cursing and clutching his head.
XOXO
Less than ten minutes later, Arthur was securing Anna in her carseat in the back of the limo, while Blair guided Chuck into the car. The bleeding had seemed to lessen, but there was still blood oozing from the wound. For the most part, Chuck's grumbling of profanities had died down, but he was obviously still in pain. Blair, in an effort to feel like she was helping, was barking orders at Arthur. Needless to say, he ignored her directions to Lenox Hill.
Upon arriving at the emergency room, Blair scooped up Anna her arms while Arthur went to get someone from the hospital staff to bring a wheelchair out to the limo to help bring Chuck inside. Chuck, insisting that he didn't need a wheelchair, slowly made his way out of the backseat. Using Blair as a support, Chuck made his way inside the emergency room and to the front desk. The attendant handed Blair a clipboard to fill out and said that someone would be with them momentarily. While balancing Anna on one knee, Blair and Chuck together filled out the patient admittance form, as well as Chuck's insurance information.
After waiting for only five minutes, Blair became frustrated that no one had come to see about Chuck's injury, so she stormed up to the desk with Anna in tow.
"Excuse me," Blair bit out to get the woman's attention. "Why has no one come to check on my husband?"
"Ma'am, we are working as fast as we can. Now if you will please take your seat, I'm sure someone will tend to your husband soon."
"I'm sorry but that is unacceptable. Do you have any idea who my husband is? Who I am?"
Rolling her eyes, the woman behind the desk replied, "No I don't. But it doesn't matter who you are, you need to wait just like everyone else."
"Uhm, I don't think so," Blair said condescendingly as she shifted Anna from one hip to the other. She then got closer to the desk and so that she could lecture the woman behind it. "My name is Blair Bass and my husband is Charles Bass. As in Bass Industries. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a wing of this hospital with our name on it." Blair took a moment to glance at the woman's name badge before continuing. "If a doctor does not come out and treat my husband before I count to ten, I can guarantee you, Wendy Pratt, that I will make your life a living hell and we, Mr. and Mrs. Bass, will sue this hospital for negligence. And if the doctor does come out before I count to ten, then maybe we can talk about building another wing for this hospital."
Wendy was clearly shaken by Blair's words and looked to the person on her left for support as she heard Blair begin her countdown starting at 'One'. This person simply shrugged her shoulders as if she had no idea what Wendy should do. Blair stood there tapping her shoes to let her annoyance be known while she continued to count out loud. As Blair reached the number eight, Wendy slowly began to push her chair back when all of sudden a nurse entered the waiting area and called, "Charles Bass, if you will follow me."
Blair immediately turned to Chuck and saw him looking right at her. She was just about to go and help him, but not before she sniped, "You are one very lucky lady Wendy." And with that, Chuck and Blair, with Anna still in her arms, followed the nurse into the exam room.
XOXO
Once in the private exam room, the nurse quickly glanced at Chuck's wound. "Well, it looks like you are going to need stitches. Now are you hurt anywhere else?"
"Other than my head, no," answered Chuck.
"Well, that's good," and the nurse handed Chuck a coldpack. "Put this on your head. It will help with the pain and swelling. Now, let's just go over your patient records before I get the doctor in here to take care of your head. Okay?"
"Sure," replied Chuck.
At the same time Blair asked, "This isn't going to take long, is it? His head is still bleeding."
"No, just a couple of questions. Your full name is Charles Bartholomew Bass and your date of birth is May, 19th, 1991?"
"Yes."
"I see your insurance information hasn't changed, correct?"
To this question Chuck simply nodded.
"Now it says here that Lillian Bass is your emergency contact person, is that still the case?"
"Uhm, no," Blair piped in. "That would be me. His wife. Blair Bass. Well, technically Blair Waldorf-Bass."
The nurse then looked to Chuck to see if he corroborated Blair's words, because she noticed that neither one of them were wearing wedding rings.
"Yeah, that should be changed from Lily to Blair."
"Alright. Can you please give me your information then?" Blair then gave the nurse her contact information.
"Finally, last question. Have there been any major changes to your overall health since you last saw a doctor that are not in your records?"
"Why is that important?" inquired Blair. "We're here about a cut on Chuck's head."
"It is important for us to have a complete medical history. Sometimes things can indirectly impact the course of treatment and we want to ensure that Mr. Bass has the best care possible."
"Okay," Blair said defeatedly.
Chuck reached to the side and grabbed Blair's free hand, giving it a firm squeeze. "It's fine, Blair. No big deal. We've got nothing to hide."
Blair's response was to shut her eyes and shake her head up and down, while biting her lip.
"Last May I was shot," Chuck said.
Suddenly, Blair let go of Chuck's hand and stood from her seat with Anna. "I think I am going to see if Arthur is back with Dorota by now. Is it okay to go out to the waiting room and them come back in here?" The question was directed at the nurse.
"Sure," the nurse countered. "We are just about done with this and Dr. Franks will be in shortly."
"Thank you," Blair responded to the nurse. Then she kissed Chuck on the cheek and whispered, "I'll be back in a couple minutes."
After Blair left the room, the nurse asked Chuck about his gunshot.
"No, I didn't go to the hospital or have any real medical treatment. Someone found me and nursed me back to health. Honestly, I was a bit out of it, so I don't really know what she did, but there is a scar where she stitched me up."
"Wow, that's kind of unbelievable," the nurse retorted. "Seriously, some Good Samaritan found you and took care of you all by herself, with no professional help? And you still haven't seen a doctor about your gunshot?"
"No, I haven't. It was months ago and I feel fine now. I guess it would have come up during my yearly physical."
"Yeah, that might be something you want to talk to you primary care physician about. Getting shot is extremely serious Mr. Bass – you are very lucky to be here today."
"Believe me, I know," agreed Chuck, thinking of Blair. "In more ways that you could ever know."
"Alright, if there are no other changes to your health, then I think we are done here and I'll tell Dr. Franks to come in." And with that the nurse left Chuck alone in the exam room with an icepack on his head.
XOXO
As soon as Blair stepped into the waiting area, Dorota made a beeline for her. Anna immediately zoned in on her mother and put her arms out as a big grin took over her face. The loyal maid quickly took Anna from Blair's arms and cuddled her little girl. She then maneuvered Anna to her hip and enveloped Blair in a hug with her free arm. Blair just sank into Dorota. She needed this. The stress of the past hour was taking its toll on Blair and she simply needed the comfort of Dorota's embrace. She stayed there for a couple of minutes until she was brought back to reality by Anna's babbling.
"Mister Chuck okay?" asked Dorota.
Blair quickly pulled herself together. She took a deep breath, wiped at her eyes, and nodded. When she look up she saw that not only was Dorota there, but so was a very concerned looking Arthur.
"So Mister Bass is going to be fine?" probed Arthur. "Is there anything that I can do to help?"
"Besides getting stitches, it looks like Chuck is going to be fine." Blair then turned to Arthur and proceeded, "And yes, you can do me a favor Arthur. Please drive Dorota and Anna home. Our little princess here has had a long day and she probably should go to bed."
Blair's words were met by a chorus of "No's" from both Dorota and Arthur, with Dorota arguing that she could stay and have Vanya pick up Anna and Arthur wanting to be there to help Mister Bass.
"Please, I insist," asserted Blair. "We are probably going to be a while – I mean the doctor hasn't even been in to see Chuck yet. Arthur, it would really settle my mind, as well as Chuck's I'm sure, to know that Anna and Dorota made it safely home. Now, please, drive these two to Queens and after you drop them off you can come back here to pick us up. And if for some reason we are ready to leave before you return, I will simply call for my car service and you will be able to go to your own home. Okay?"
Dorota and Arthur reluctantly complied with Blair's wishes. After watching them walk through the emergency room doors, Blair turned and made the journey back to Chuck's exam room.
XOXO
Blair lightly knocked on the door to Chuck's room while at the same time cautiously pushing it open and peaking her head in. Seeing that Chuck was alone, she then made her way into the room.
"Has the doctor been in yet?" she asked.
"No, not yet. The nurse just left a couple of minutes ago. But she assured me that he would be in soon." He emphasized this so that Blair would remain calm and not go nuclear on the staff.
"Good."
"Come here," and Chuck reached out for Blair with one hand while keeping the icepack on his head with the other. He brought her close to him and kissed her soundly. "Now try to relax and keep me company. Its boring just waiting here all by myself."
Blair burrowed into Chuck's body, wrapped her arms around him, and inhaled his scent. She instantly felt the layers of stress fall from her body. "I'm sorry I'm such a basketcase. I just want you to be okay and I feel completely helpless."
"Hey, look at me," and he gently guided her face up so he could see her eyes. "I am going to be fine. Just a couple stitches. It takes more than a nine-month old baby to take down Chuck Bass." This comment garnered a chuckle out of both of them and eased the tension in the room.
"I don't know Bass. From what I saw, it looked like Anna had your number. Who knows what would have happened if I hadn't intervened," teased Blair.
"Hey," replied Chuck, acting offended by Blair's comments even though he couldn't hold back his smile. Before he could say anything else, Blair cut him off with a kiss.
This is precisely how Dr. Franks found them when he walked into the room. Since they obviously didn't hear him enter, he cleared his throat loudly to get their attention. As Chuck and Blair broke apart, Blair turned beet red from embarrassment which just made Chuck laugh a little more, well as much as he could given the pain he was in.
"So, it is my understanding that you cut your head. What exactly happened?"
"Uhm, well," Chuck stuttered over his words, trying to figure out how to tell the doctor what happened without too much humiliation to himself. When he couldn't think of anything, he just decided to go with the truth. "I was chasing baby Anna around on the floor and hit my head on the corner of the sidetable."
"Oh, I see. Don't worry – it's a classic first-time parents' injury. We see them in here all the time."
"No, no, no. It's not like that," Chuck interjected, about to inform the doctor that they weren't parents, just babysitting, but Dr. Franks quickly interrupted him.
"Believe me, I understand. See this scar," and he pointed to a tiny scar above his eyebrow. "I fell climbing over one of the gates in my house that we put up to keep our first-born out of the kitchen. And I have plenty more battle wounds I could show you, but how about we get you patched up and home to your little girl."
After sharing a glance with Blair, who simply shrugged and smiled bashfully at the misunderstanding, Chuck decided it wasn't worth correcting the doctor. He just answered Dr. Franks, "Yeah, that would be great. I really want to get home."
XOXO
Half an hour later, Chuck was released the hospital with eight stitches right at his hairline. Dr. Franks had checked Chuck for a concussion and concluded that he didn't have one, but he still advised Blair to keep a close eye on Chuck for the next 48 hours. When they exited the emergency room hand-in-hand, Arthur jumped from driver's seat of the limo to open the door for them. Chuck and Blair slid into the seat and said a brief 'thank you' to Arthur as he closed the door on them.
In the back of the limo, Chuck sank in to the seat, relaxed with his head against the back of it, and shut his eyes. But he continued his firm hold on Blair's hand while she stared out the window. It had been an exhausting few hours for the both of them and they were both extremely tired from the ordeal. On their way home, Blair made a brief stop Waldorf penthouse so she could pick up a few things she needed for her classes and internship since she would be staying with Chuck for the next couple of days.
When Blair returned to the limo, Chuck rolled his head to face her. He noticed that she assumed the same position of staring out the window and appeared somewhat sad.
"Hey, what's going on in that pretty head of yours Mrs. Bass?"
"Nothing," sighed Blair. "It's just been a really long day."
"Come on Blair. I know it's not nothing. You heard Dr. Franks, I'm fine."
"I know, but I am allowed to worry about you."
"Of course you are. But there is something else bothering you. I may have hit my head, but that doesn't mean I have amnesia. I know you Blair." Suddenly Chuck had a thought, "Are you worried that people are going to find out about us?"
"Honestly, I hadn't even thought about that. But great," groaned Blair as she lowered her face into her hands and shook her head from side-to-side. Speaking into her hands Blair whined, "I practically yelled in the waiting area that I am your wife – that I'm Mrs. Bass. Anyone could have heard."
"Hey," Chuck said as he took Blair's hand in his. "It was the hospital emergency room. I'm sure everyone there was too preoccupied with their own problems to pay attention to what you were saying."
Blair turned to face Chuck, and he could see that she was waiting for him to say more. She needed his reassurement that everything was going to be okay.
"Listen, it's highly unlikely that anyone heard you or recognized us. I didn't exactly look like myself covered in blood with a towel on my head and people don't really think of you with a baby, so we're probably fine. But, if for some reason, our marriage got leaked to the press or worse, Gossip Girl, then we would find a way to deal with it. Together," Chuck stressed the word together.
Then he continued cautiously, voicing a thought he's been having a lot lately. "Besides, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if people found out about us, would it?"
"No, of course it wouldn't," Blair immediately answered. With a slight giggle, she continued, "But I do think my mother would absolutely kill me if she found out in the papers."
"If not you, then me," Chuck chimed in with his characteristic smirk.
Blair then grasped his hand a little bit tighter and became more serious. "Maybe this is selfish, but I kind of like that this is our secret. It's something that you and I share, something that is special to both of us, something that no one can take away from us. And frankly, I don't want to hear everyone's opinion about our relationship."
"Oh, I understand and I completely agree with you Mrs. Bass," and he pulled Blair in closer for a kiss. Chuck put his arm around Blair's shoulder and she shifted her body next to his.
"Feeling better?" and he planted a kiss on the top of her head.
"A little bit," mumbled Blair as she nodded against Chuck.
"So, are you ever going to tell me what was bothering you earlier?"
"Do I have to?" pleaded Blair and she started fidgeting with her hands.
"Blair," sighed Chuck and he stopped her hands with his own. "Its just you and me here. No secrets."
"Eva," she blurted out quickly and she looked down to shield her face from Chuck's eyes.
"Eva?" Chuck asked, clearly flummoxed by the mention of her name. "Why are you thinking about her?"
After grunting loudly, Blair finally let loose. "I don't know if I want to hug her or slap her. I mean, without her who knows what would have happened to you – if you'd even be alive," she shuttered as she said that. "But on the other hand, what kind of person doesn't bring someone who's been shot to the hospital? You could have died because of that French floozy's decision and it infuriates me."
"Blairrrr," Chuck drawled, trying to calm her down by rubbing her shoulder with his hand. Eva was such a sore topic for the two of them, so much so that they rarely spoke about her or the shooting at all.
"GOD!" Blair cut Chuck off with her tirade before he could say anything more. "I rushed you to the emergency room with a tiny cut to your head because I didn't know what else to do, but that Little Nurse Nighting-whore finds you with a gunshot wound and manages to bring you to her place and stitch you up herself. I will never understand her logic."
"Blair, the important thing is that I'm fine."
"Yes, but how did she know you were going to be?" Blair disputed. "Huh?" When Chuck didn't answer and just sat there silently, Blair smugly carried on, "See, you can't answer because she didn't. She took a chance on your life, one that I am not willing to take. I should have let her have it wh…"
Chuck interrupted Blair by soundly kissing her on the lips. She was getting herself worked up and he wasn't really in the mood for 'The Bitch' to make an appearance. He needed a simple, quiet night and he knew if she persisted it would be anything but that. Blair tried to pull back, so Chuck brought her in closer and deepened the kiss. Finally, Blair relented and reciprocated the action.
After making out for a little while longer, Chuck broke off the kiss and said, "Blair, I don't know why Eva did what she did, and I am beyond grateful to her for saving my life, but it's in the past. She's in the past. You," and he paused to kiss her again, "are my past, my present, and my future. You are my always."
"But," Blair argued.
"No buts Blair," Chuck interjected. "She's in the past so let's leave her there." When he saw Blair make a face like she was about to counter his remark, he held up his finger to her lips to silence her. "At least for now. I am not in any shape to have this conversation tonight. Please," he implored her.
Blair looked at Chuck, really looked at him, and realized he was right. He had been through hell today and appeared exhausted. So she relented, shook her head to let him know, and curled her body into his. Besides, he was right. Eva was in the past and there was no way in hell that Blair was going to allow her to be part of their future.
XOXO
Later that night, after washing up and having a late dinner, Chuck and Blair climbed into bed. They both sighed in relief as their heads hit their pillows. Within seconds, they turned to face each other and Blair reached out to trace Chuck's battlescar gently with her finger. Chuck shut his eyes and relished the feeling.
"Does it still hurt?" she whispered, concern evident in her voice.
"Only a little," he muttered back as he wrapped his arm and leg over Blair's body.
"You know, before you hit your head, I was watching you with Anna." Blair then moved her body a bit closer to Chuck and snuggled into him.
"I always knew you liked to watch," he taunted.
"Chuck," gasped Blair as she swatted his arm.
"Ouch! Are you trying to send me back to the hospital?" Chuck joked. The horrified look on Blair's face vanished when she realized he was just kidding and she pulled away, pretending to be upset. "Hey, hey, hey - you're not going anywhere Mrs. Bass."
Blair's mock protest only lasted a couple of seconds, and she laughed along with Chuck before kissing him and saying, "Don't worry, I don't plan on going anywhere Mr. Bass."
"Promise?" Chuck asked, hopeful.
"I promise," and Blair gave Chuck another comforting kiss that soon escalated to a hot and heavy make-out session.
"Mmm," purred Blair as she stopped to catch her breath. "Are you still feeling okay? You didn't overdo it, did you? The doctor said not to overexert yourself for a few days."
"I'm fine Mom," he said sarcastically.
"Pfff," Blair scoffed. "Do not call me that! I AM NOT maternal."
"Please," countered Chuck as he pulled her close again. "You can deny it to everyone else, but you and I both know that you can be extremely maternal at times. Today," and he playfully tapped the end of her nose with his finger, "is the perfect example of that."
"Fine. You're right, as always," conceded Blair, rubbing her foot up and down his leg. "But don't tell anyone." She then kissed him again, which he happily returned. Blair broke apart suddenly to tease Chuck, "Hey, you're one to talk mister. I saw you with Anna today – you were playing with toys and crawling on the floor AND you liked it. I saw the smile on your face."
Chuck raised his hands in mock defeat, "OK, you got me. Watching Anna wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. You might even say that," he paused and moved in as close as he could get to whisper, "I enjoyed it."
"I knew it!" exclaimed Blair, excited that she was right about Chuck. "I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!"
Continuing with their playful banter, Chuck then said, "Yes, but that will have to be our little secret. I have a reputation to protect."
Rolling her eyes, Blair replied mockingly, "Of course, how could I forget. You're Chuck Bass." This comment garnered a real laugh out of Chuck and Blair joined him not long after.
Soon, both Chuck and Blair were having a hard time keeping their eyes open. With her body cloaked by Chuck's arms, Blair softly admitted, "You're going to be a really good daddy someday Chuck."
Instead of flinching like Blair thought he might, Chuck actually tightened his hold on her before he confessed, "I really hope so. I didn't exactly have the best role model growing up. But I know you will be the best mother our child could ask for, so I'll just follow your lead."
"Wow," a sense of disbelief overcame Blair. "I can't believe we're talking about having children."
"Of course we'll have children." Chuck then amended his thought, "Someday."
"Yeah, someday," Blair said sleepily as she closed her eyes.
Both of their breathing leveled out as they lay side-by-side in bed. A few minutes passed before Chuck interrupted their silence. "Blair, are you asleep?"
"Almost, why?" she murmured without opening her eyes.
"You brought your pills with you, right?"
"Yes I brought my pills with me, and yes I took my pill this morning. Don't worry – just go to sleep."
"Oh, that's good," yawned Chuck. "I was just checking."
About a minute or so later, Chuck interrupted their silence again, "Blair?"
"Yeah?" Blair murmured sleepily.
"I love you."
"And I love you too. Now shut up and go to sleep."
A/N: First and foremost, a big shout out to all of you who read my last chapter and especially to those of you who took the time to review! Reviews make me smile. So thank you to: Dr. Holland, Kathrynm37, Krazy4Spike, ggreviewer, Kels, Trosev, 88Mary88, Stephycats7785 (who was so awesome to review every chapter!), amxoxo, TriGemini, DeDe, ellibells, Added, SaNaa.91, and ErinSmith20.
Now, I need to thank my amazing beta Dr. Holland for taking the time to read through this chapter and make it better, and for also convincing me to actually post and not just delete the entire chapter. I also need to thank K for assuring me that the extremely rich still have insurance, as well as Maryl for the fitting description 'Little Nurse Nighting-whore' for someone who will remain nameless.