Here's Chapter 31 aka How I Wish Season 4 was going. Anyway, thank you to my beta and to all those who consistently reply. Love you guys.
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The limo slowly came to a stop in front of Cyrus's building. Blair stepped out holding Sabrina and pointed off into the distance, "See that baby? That is the Eiffel Tower. They say it's the most romantic place in the world."
Chuck's heart ached as he realized they've never experienced the tower together and began plotting in his head how to rectify that with an afternoon to themselves. He quickly thought of asking Cyrus to help as he'd been willing to help her in the past.
Cyrus came out to greet them and exclaiming how big the twins were and how much healthier Blair looked. "You're glowing, my dear."
"I've missed you so much, Cyrus," Blair exclaims as she ran to hug Cyrus tightly, savoring the bear hug she received in return. He always gave the best hugs.
"Look at you," the older man said with a smile. "Motherhood definitely agrees with you."
"Thank you," Blair smiled as she bounced Sabrina. "Can you say hi to Grandpere Cyrus, Sabrina?"
Sabrina babbled her own version of hello to her grandfather as Cyrus kissed her chubby little cheeks.
"Charles," Cyrus greeted the younger man next to Blair with a hug that Chuck accepted without the slightest bit of discomfort.
"It's good to see you again Cyrus," Chuck said.
"And little Sebastian," Cyrus exclaimed with great enthusiasm. "Such a little heartbreaker you will be. You look so much like your father."
"That's what everyone says," Chuck said with an amused smile.
"Because it's true," Blair added.
"Come in, come in," Cyrus urged them. "We have so much to catch up on."
Blair smiled as she and Chuck carried their children into the house.
"I talked to Aaron before we left home," Blair said to Cyrus. "He sends his love and wants you to know that he'll be sending you a painting he did of the skyline from the top of his building."
"I cannot wait to see it," Cyrus proclaimed, "I have missed the views of New York City almost as much as the people living there."
Blair was about to make her offer, but Chuck shook his head to tell her it wasn't yet time. After dinner, as they had planned, was best.
"How was your flight?"
"Smooth," Blair nodded. "Chuck has a great pilot."
"And these two love the friendly skies," Chuck stated, "We were a little nervous about how they'd do in the high altitudes, but there was no fussing whatsoever. They clearly enjoy the perks the Bass name brings with it."
"And do they have the Bass name?"
"They do," Blair nodded. "It was my present to Chuck on his birthday."
"Speaking of presents, thank you for the present you sent," Chuck said. "I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the play as did Nate."
"You are very welcome," Cyrus smiled. "I was going to fly in for the celebration, but Blair told me there wasn't going to be one. I was most disappointed."
"It's a quirk I have," Chuck replied, "Birthdays to me are more of a reminder of what is missing in my life than a celebration of my life."
"I see," Cyrus nodded.
"One of many quirks," Chuck admitted.
Blair reached for Chuck's hand and squeezed, "I hope you'll be there for my birthday and the first birthday of the twins."
"I look forward to it."
Chuck brought Blair's hand to his lips for a soft kiss.
"These are just the most adorable cheeks in the world," Cyrus proclaimed as he took Sebastian into his arms and bounced him around. Sebastian laughed happily at the attention. "You must have Mommy and Daddy wrapped around your fingers."
"Well, Mommy anyway," Chuck said. "He's not going to get anything by me."
"No, that'll be Sabrina's territory."
"Unfortunately, she's right," Chuck conceded.
"I missed you so much," Cyrus stated as he hugged Sebastian close.
Blair could see he was nearly in tears. His eyes looked lonely.
"Chuck, can you take Sabrina for a moment? I want to get some water," Blair said as she handed over her daughter to her father.
Chuck willingly took Sabrina, kissing her forehead softly. "You okay?"
"Yes, my throat's just dry," Blair smiled. She didn't want Cyrus to see the tears she felt building by the memories that were flooding her mind by being in her mother's home. She could feel her mother everywhere.
"Are you sure that's all?" Chuck asked her gently. The worry was evident in his voice and eyes.
"Yes," Blair nodded as she went into the kitchen and found a glass before filling it. She sipped the water and then put it down. She suddenly realized that her hands were shaking. She looked around the kitchen.
"A few inches to the left," Cyrus said from the door.
Blair looked over to see both Cyrus and Chuck in the doorway.
"Where are the-"
"The maids took them to the nursery," Chuck stated as he stepped towards her.
"Oh," Blair smiled. "A few inches to the left, Cyrus? Are you sure? I thought I was standing pretty much in the same place."
"That's an afternoon I won't soon forget."
Chuck looked between the pair in confusion. "I don't understand."
"I was standing right about here when I told Mom and Cyrus I was pregnant," Blair explained and then pointed as she spoke. "Daddy and Roman were right about where you and Cyrus are and Mom and Cyrus were standing there."
Cyrus stepped forward and hugged her as the memories flooded back. The tears in her eyes spilled over.
"I miss her so much, Cyrus," Blair broke down in his arms.
"I do too," Cyrus agreed as he own tears fell.
"How'd Eleanor take it?" Chuck asked after a few moments when she'd regained her composure. "When I saw her all she wanted was for you to come home, but I can't imagine she was too thrilled in the beginning."
"She wasn't," Blair shook her head as she wiped away her tears. "Especially given that you were the father."
"I guess I wasn't her favorite person after everything," Chuck said quietly.
"But Blair held firm with her decision," Cyrus chimed in, "She made it clear that she was having the baby and raising it on her own. That was of course before she found out she was carrying twins. Though it was a surprise to us all, Eleanor and I were both proud of how strong she was being."
Blair smiled, scrunching her nose up a little, "And Cyrus helped me hire a PI to find you."
"Of course all he dug up was Jack," Cyrus shook his head. "Charles, if you ever want to take legal action against him for anything, let me know. I'd be happy to help."
"I may take you up on that some day if he ever decides to show his face again," Chuck replied.
"If he's smart, he'll stay away," Blair proclaimed.
"I'm sorry you had to tell Eleanor and Cyrus by yourself," Chuck told her as he looked at her sincerely.
"I wasn't totally alone," Blair admitted. "Daddy and Roman knew before Mom and Cyrus. They were there with me. So was Serena."
"Yes and when we all started shouting, Serena helped Blair get up on a stool so that Blair could do an imitation of Harold's mother."
"One day I would like to witness that," Chuck laughed, "If it's anything like Serena's imitation in the hospital, it must have been quite a show."
"It was one of her finest moments," Cyrus proclaimed as he wiped away the few fresh tears that had fallen down Blair's cheeks.
"Thank you," Blair smiled. "So, what are we having for dinner?"
-x-x-x-x-x-
"Cyrus, can Chuck and I talk to you for a moment before you turn in?"
"Absolutely, about anything," Cyrus replied.
Blair took Cyrus's arm and the two of them sat on the couch while Chuck took a seat in the available chair.
"We wanted to tell you the news," Blair said. "Chuck and I are moving out of The Empire."
"Are you taking the penthouse back?"
"No," Blair shook her head.
"We've purchased a brownstone," Chuck explained.
"That sounds wonderful," Cyrus pronounced, "What a wonderful way to raise your children."
"It's going to be quite lovely," Blair nodded, "And spacious. We're even going to have an apartment in the downstairs space with all the amenities."
"Really?"
"It has a small garden too," Blair smiled. "And we were wondering if maybe you'd like to live there."
The room went deathly quiet as Blair's offer echoed in the room.
"Cyrus, did you hear me?" Blair inquired as she bit her lip in nervousness.
"I did," Cyrus nodded. "But wouldn't you rather have it as a possible place for your father and Roman to stay when they visit?"
"Daddy and Roman can always stay at the new hotel Chuck and I are partnering in opening," Blair said. "We've talked about this a lot, and both Chuck and I want you to live there."
"It's true, Cyrus," Chuck nodded, "We'd like it very much."
"I miss you too much, Cyrus," Blair added. "Daddy is happy here in France with Roman. I understand that, but I know how lonely you've been here since my mother died. You even said earlier this evening that you missed the New York skyline and all the people living there. Come home, Cyrus, please."
"You and Chuck are very kind," Cyrus began.
"It's more than kindness," Blair shook her head. "I can hear how lonely you are when we talk. I hate that you're all by yourself. I'm worried about you."
"But before you go any further, do not misinterpret our offer as a pity ploy." Chuck added quickly. "Cyrus, your family is in New York, your work is there. I know Eleanor's memories are here, but they're in New York as well. We'd very much like for you to move into the apartment. It was intended for no one but yourself."
"And you'd be able to watch the children grow up," Blair put her hand on his. "I would love that."
"As would I," Cyrus confessed.
"So," Blair prodded.
"Can I let you know in the morning?"
"Yes," Blair nodded. "I'm just glad you're not saying no immediately."
"It is a very intriguing offer," Cyrus admitted, "But it does require a bit of thought."
"As we expected," Chuck nodded.
"Take your time," Blair smiled. "And know that the offer is always open even if your initial answer is no."
"You are a bright light in my life," Cyrus told her as he cupped her face in his hands, "Your mother was so very proud of you, as am I. I love you, Sweetheart."
"I love you too," Blair smiled.
"Good night," he smiled as he kissed her forehead.
"Good night," she said as she watched Cyrus go to bed.
Chuck took her into his arms as soon as they were alone.
"He's going to say yes, right?" she asked with a slight smile.
"I think so," Chuck nodded. "But even if he doesn't, he knows that the offer is always open."
"If he doesn't move home, we might be moving to Paris," Blair said, only half-kidding.
"I'll look into old hotels in the morning."
"The start of our own Bass/Waldorf empire," she smiled, "I like the sound of that."
"Taking on the world one city at a time," he smirked, "The world doesn't stand a chance."
-x-x-x-x-
Chuck reached out to tug Blair closer as he felt the sun's rays heat the bedroom. He felt the empty space and opened his eyes when he heard a gurgle. Sabrina was lying in the space next to him.
"I was expecting Mommy, but you're a welcome sight," he told her as he rubbed her belly softly, drawing out a soft giggle that warmed his heart.
"We're out here," Blair called from the tiny balcony off the bedroom. "I'm showing Sebastian how pretty the street looks in the early morning light."
Chuck took a moment to stretch his muscles before he donned a robe, picked up Sabrina and joined the duo. "No sense in leaving Sabrina out of such a spectacular sight."
"Sebastian was up early, so I put Sabrina in our bed and brought him out here," Blair smiled as Chuck's free arm made its way around her shoulders and his lips kissed the top of her head. "How'd you sleep?"
"Very well," he replied. "You?"
"I was a little too anxious," she admitted, "I really want Cyrus to say yes."
"I know you do. I do, too," Chuck said. "But we can't force him to come home with us."
"Why not?" Blair pouted.
"Because it's his decision," Chuck told her gently.
"I don't like that answer," she continued to pout.
"But it's the truth."
"I know," Blair sighed. "I used to come out here in the morning and watch the sun come up and think about where you were and wish that there was some way I could let you know what was going on."
"I'd go out most mornings, as well," he admitted, "And I'd have those same thoughts. I'd wonder what you were doing and wish with all my heart that you'd be there when I turned around."
"Let's go for a walk later," Blair suggested. "Just us. Cyrus wants some time to play with his grandchildren and Daddy and Roman won't be here until tomorrow."
"Perhaps I could interest you in taking lunch in the Eiffel Tower," Chuck suggested.
"Sounds like a good idea," Blair nodded.
"Then perhaps we could go to the top observation deck and enjoy the view," he added.
"Are you planning all of this because of what I said to Sabrina yesterday when we first arrived?" Blair eyed him curiously.
"I just want us to have good memories of Paris. No more cabs driving away or being told I was going to be a father by a person other than the mother of my children."
"Just walking along the river is enough for me," Blair assured him, "Hand in hand, the way it was always supposed to be."
"You should show me the fountain you knocked Serena into," Chuck teased.
"Okay, in my defense I was just starting to suspect I was pregnant, and I was highly emotional and very nervous," Blair defended herself.
"Your actions need no defense with me," he assured her, "We've all wanted to push Serena into a fountain at one point or another. I just wish I was around for the splash. That must have been quite a sight."
Blair giggled and then pulled Chuck down for a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you," Chuck replied as he continued to nibble at her lips despite Sabrina and Sebastian making moves for their attention.
"No ignoring the kids, Bass," Blair reminded him. "C'mon. We should go down for breakfast."
Chuck nodded as Sabrina reached out for his face, poking it gently and then laughing.
Blair and Chuck made their way downstairs and found Cyrus in the dining room.
"Ah, good morning," Cyrus greeted. "The cook made the sausage that Dorota sent with you."
"Wonderful," Blair smiled, "I'm sure you missed the taste as much as I do."
"I do," Cyrus nodded, "As much as I miss Dorota."
"Anna is getting so big. Dorota and Vanya loved the present you sent for her first birthday, and I forgot to mention that Lily thought you were way too generous with Eric's graduation gift."
"Nonsense," Cyrus dismissed the notion.
"Have you given our offer any thought?" Blair inquired eagerly.
"I have," Cyrus nodded. "How big is this apartment?"
"Two bedrooms," Blair said.
"Good. I'll need an office."
"Is that a yes?" Blair shrieked in excitement.
"I'll need some time to pack up the house. You'll have to help me decide what of your mother's to save and what to give to charity. I'd like to be home before Halloween."
"Cyrus, this is such wonderful news!" Blair exclaimed as she darted over to where he was sitting and hugged him tight.
"Careful, we don't want to squish young Sebastian," Cyrus hugged her back. "I'll call Aaron later on to tell him the news. It'll be nice to be with you all for the holidays."
"You'll have to teach the twins about Hanukkah," Chuck smiled.
"And I hope you'll take part in our Christmas celebration because it's also the twins' birthday."
"Of course I will," Cyrus nodded.
"I'm just so happy," Blair stated as she hugged him again.
"I am, too, Dear. This is what your mother would've wanted. She wouldn't want me to be alone when there are so many people who want me around. Besides, I need to tell your children about their grandma," Cyrus smiled. "There are some stories a daughter doesn't know."
"I hope you'll share them with me as well," Blair replied as she kissed his check before she placed Sebastian in his highchair and took her seat at the table.
"I should rephrase," Cyrus smiled. "There are some stories a daughter shouldn't know."
Chuck laughed at Blair's expression.
"Cyrus, I was hoping to talk Blair for a romantic walk later on," Chuck said. "Do you think you could baby-sit for a while?"
"I would absolutely love to," Cyrus stated, "I'll happily spend as many hours with them as you deem me worthy."
"Thank you," Chuck smiled.
-x-x-x-x-
The Champs-Élysées was crowded, but Blair and Chuck didn't really notice as they walked along, oblivious to everyone but each other.
"This is perfect," Blair smiled.
"Such a beautiful day," Chuck announced as he looked to the crystal clear skies above.
"I wonder what would've happened if we'd been standing here when I told you I was pregnant."
"I probably would've stared at you in shock just a little too long, and you would've pushed me into the river."
"You could have used a little cooling off," Blair smiled.
"Funny," Chuck pulled her close and kissed her forehead. "Where were you when you found out?"
"At a café with Serena, staring at my croissant as I waited for the doctor to call back."
"You must have been scared," he replied.
"Scared, angry, alone, and happy all at once," she admitted.
"Happy?"
"I was having the baby of the man I loved. It was the one piece of you that I had left. I was going to savor it forever."
"And I was hiding in Prague," Chuck shook his head.
"I seriously considered telling Jack why I was so desperate to find you," Blair shook her head.
"In hopes of what?" Chuck hissed, "He would have done nothing with the news other than torture us both."
"But I had the next generation of Bass in me. Bart's grandchild was on the way. Jack would've been desperate to find you if for no other reason than to make you take responsibility."
"Not likely," Chuck shook his head, "It was another Bass heir to get in the way of what he felt was rightfully his."
Blair's eyes widened as she realized just what Jack might've done to her, "God, he could've killed me."
"I don't know if he's capable of murder," Chuck replied, "He's an asshole with zero conscience, but even he has his limits."
"Chuck, he tried to rape Lily. If he was angry enough, I don't think he has limits."
"Let's not ruin what is otherwise a perfect day with talk of Jack," Chuck tried to change the subject.
"Good idea. Now, I believe I was promised lunch," she said as she pointed to the cafe in front of them. "We can see if they have any menu items I can steal."
"Reinterpret," he amended as he guided her into the restaurant, "A Waldorf doesn't steal. They're so much better than that."
"Good point," Blair smiled. "By the way, I received some resumes from the C.I.A. before we left. We should talk about what we want in a chef."
"To do that we need to decide what time of cuisine is most appropriate," he told her.
"Well, we already decided that the name is going to be Sebastian's," Blair said as they walked up to the cafe and she held up two fingers for the hostess. "We should serve cuisine that matches that."
"French," Chuck nodded.
"And some American," Blair added. "Every French place has some American cuisine."
"True," Chuck nodded as he opened the menu. "You're going to have to translate this for me. I slept through French in high school."
"Along with every other class," she chuckled. "The only French you ever mastered was their kiss."
"To which I'll demonstrate right now if you wish," he half smirked devilishly.
"Maybe later," Blair smiled. "Crème Brulee."
"You want dessert first?"
"I think that's all I want."
"Aside from me."
"That goes without saying."
The sexual energy that passed between them was undeniable.
"I can't believe we're here together," Blair said looking around. "I never could've imagined this last summer."
"Nor I," he smiled, "But I'm immensely happy that we are."
Blair leaned across the table and kissed him. "Je t'aime, Chuck."
"I love you, too, Blair," Chuck smiled.
"I thought you said you slept through French class," she eyed him curiously.
"I remember certain phrases," Chuck smirked. "There's another one that I remember-"
"Don't you dare," Blair warned him.
"Je t'aime, Blair," he leaned in to kiss her again.
"Better," Blair smiled as they parted then she looked around. "Um, Chuck, we're being stared at."
"Let them stare," he told her as he pulled her towards him again, "Perhaps they'll learn something."
"Let's save the rest of the kissing for the top of the tower," Blair said giving him one more tiny kiss before she leaned back in her chair. "Do you want an actual meal?"
"The only meal I want is one that you'll only offer when we're alone together in bed," he smirked.
Blair began to blush profusely.
"You're beautiful in red," Chuck smiled taking her hand. "Can I convince you to wear something red to bed tonight?"
"How about a simple blush?" she suggested with a seductively raised eyebrow.
"That works for me," he chuckled softly.
"I thought it might," Blair smiled. "Decide what you want, the waitress is headed this way."
"Is your name on the menu anywhere?" he inquired as he browsed the menu quickly.
"No," Blair shook her head. "Food, Bass. Pick something."
"Choose for me," he told her.
"You might be sorry," Blair teased. "I could choose snails."
"I trust you."
Chuck sat back as Blair conversed flawlessly with the waitress, ordering what he hoped was something other than snails.
"I ordered water for us both. I hope that's okay. I'm not in the mood for wine even though I'm allowed to drink now."
"Water is fine," he nodded.
"And a French version of a grilled cheese sandwich," Blair smiled.
"I can't believe you remember that."
"You're surprised? Every time you came over for lunch, you always asked Dorota for grilled cheese."
"Nobody else in my life has ever paid that close of attention," he admitted.
Blair reached over the table and took his hand, "When I'd come over to your house, what did I always ask room service for?"
"Hot chocolate with cinnamon," Chuck said without hesitation.
"The Palace always had the best," Blair closed her eyes at the memory. She could almost taste the decadent treat on her tongue.
"And Dorota always made the best grilled cheese."
"You know, I'm willing to bet that Nate wouldn't be able to answer that question," Blair said. "You always paid attention to me."
"Nate would say it was caviar," Chuck responded, "Something obvious."
"No, he wouldn't say caviar. He still brings up the time I threw it at him during his mom's cocktail party when we were in seventh grade."
"I forgot all about that," Chuck laughed out at the memory. "How does Anne still think that Nate should be courting you? You threw fish eggs at him."
"Wait, go back," Blair gasped, "Anne still wants me and Nate together? I have two children with another man."
"Apparently, only a minor complication," he replied with a shrug.
"Oh my God," Blair shook her head. "I wonder if her saying that your mom would've loved me was a smokescreen."
"I think that was genuine. I have to believe my mother would have loved you. But I think it's William more than anything motivating Anne's encouragement. You know Nate's grandpa always loved you."
"Well, he's one reason I'm glad Nate and I never got any further than high school. He would have had us married as soon as we graduated."
"I'm sure the day after graduation was circled on his calendar for months, if not years."
"I wonder how much hell Nate caught when he told William that we broke up on prom night."
"Why didn't you ever say anything to me about that?"
"I was about to the day we graduated," Blair admitted. "But I chickened out."
"I'm not sure I was ready to hear it then," he replied.
"Chuck?"
"Yes?"
"I broke up with Nate at the prom," Blair said with a straight face.
"I'm glad you told me," he told her as sincerely as she'd told him. "I wanted you to know that I'm in love with you."
"I'm glad you told me," she smiled.
"And you?"
"Oh I am so in love with you," Blair smiled.
Their meal arrived moments later interrupting their kiss.
-s-s-s-s-s-s-
"You got the loaf," Blair smiled as Chuck came walking up with the bread in his hand. "But why do you have bread crumbs in your hair?"
"I kind of made the baker mad, and she threw some day old bread at me."
"You really should be learning French," she chuckled as she ran her fingers through his hair to remove the crumbs.
"Or take you with me when I go to the bakers to buy bread," he laughed along with her as he handed her the hard fought loaf of crusty bread.
"What did you say to the baker anyways?"
"I'm not sure. I ordered the bread okay. I said thank you. Then I said 'Votre petite-fille ressemble à un singe.' That's when she got mad."
"What were you trying to say?"
"I wanted to tell her that her granddaughter looked pretty in her dress."
"Chuck, you told her that her granddaughter looked like a monkey."
"I see the problem," he frowned. "I guess I deserved to be attacked."
Blair started to giggle, "Your heart was in the right place."
"Yeah, but where's my brain?"
"Pickled," Blair nodded with a cute smile.
"Shall we?" he offered his arm and guided her towards a nearby pond.
"I can't believe you suggested this. You always look so bored when I'd suggest this."
"It did bore me before," he admitted, "But that was when I was taking things for granted, no more. It puts a beautiful smile on your face. I'm not going to be denied that sight. It is the most beautiful in all of France."
"You say the best things sometimes," she smiled as she kissed his cheek.
"Thank you," Chuck smiled. "So, how are the twins?"
"Did Cyrus call and rat on me?"
"No, he ratted on you when I called him."
"We promised we wouldn't check in on them. It was going to be just an afternoon for the two of us."
"It will always be the four of us. It's how things work now. We shouldn't hide from that."
"That's pretty enlightened, Bass," Blair said as they stopped by the lake. "And very responsible."
"I'm trying," Chuck smiled.
"And doing an incredible job of it," she assured him.
"The ducks await," Chuck told her as he gestured towards the bread in her hands.
Blair stepped closer to the pond and began breaking up pieces of the bread and tossing it to the awaiting ducks.
"There's that smile I was waiting for," he grinned.
Blair turned towards him, looking at him curiously for a few moments before she burst into hysterical laughter.
"I don't understand what is so funny?" he frowned as he began running his hands through his hair, thinking perhaps he still had crumbs in his hair.
Blair was nearly doubled over by then.
She started to point behind Chuck and lean against him, "Be-behind you."
Chuck spun and looked towards what she was pointing at.
"The fountain?"
"You wanted to see the fountain where Serena took a swan dive. That's it," she continued to laugh. "I didn't realize it was so close."
"So that is the infamous fountain," he mused, "Don't be getting any ideas, Beautiful. You won't get me anywhere near it."
"I wouldn't push you," she replied.
"Now you wouldn't push me, but if I'd been in the vicinity last summer," Chuck raised an eyebrow at her.
"You'd have gotten wet," Blair agreed.
"Deservedly so," Chuck nodded.
"But I promise you'll be completely dry this summer," she assured him.
"Sounds like a good idea to me," Chuck smiled. "So, do you want to tell me how Serena ended up taking a bath?"
"Well, like I said I was just nervous and scared and Serena was being so Serena-like. All she kept talking about was the boys she was seeing and the Gossip Girl posts about Nate. By the way, have you had him tested for diseases? Because I saw some of those posts and those girls looked highly suspect."
"I will make an appointment for Nate to get himself tested," Chuck nodded as they talked about her ex as if he was a golden retriever with fleas, and not a young man capable of taking care of himself. "What else?"
"I was nervous about possibly being pregnant and worried because I hadn't heard anything about you, and Serena's chatter was just getting on my nerves. So, we're walking by the fountain, and she's going on about some ridiculous pair of shoes when I finally couldn't take it anymore. So, I turned to her, told her to put everything down because I figured there was no reason for her to ruin her new purchases or her cell phone and after she did, I just shoved her into the fountain."
"She actually fell for that?" he laughed.
"Literally," Blair laughed.
"So, what did she say when she surfaced?"
"She demanded what to know what was going on with me, and I finally told her. She then proceeded to curse your name and repeatedly ask why I hadn't told her."
"Why hadn't you?"
"You know me. I internalize my problems," Blair said as she finished her loaf and turned back to him. "I also do denial really well."
"One thing we both excel at."
"Well, if there's one thing we do well, we might as well excel at it," she smiled.
"I think I excel at something else besides denial."
"I can vouch for that," Blair smirked as the two of them started to walk out of the park.
"We have time and unlimited funds. We could stop along the way, and I can show you how well I excel," he suggested. "There is a plethora of hotels along our way."
"Are you suggesting we hit each one?"
"I think that would be hard to explain to Cyrus."
"Not as hard as checking in with no luggage."
"You happen to be with a man that is an expert in that form of registry," he told her.
"Tell me something I don't know."
Chuck considered her request and leaned in and whispered in her ear.
"I actually did know that," Blair nodded when he pulled back. "You did that with Hazel sophomore year."
"Are you sure?"
"That's what she said," Blair said.
"I slept with Hazel," Chuck looked confused. "Why don't I remember that?"
"It's most likely not true," Blair rolled her eyes, "Hazel was always trying to impress me."
"But then how did you know I could do that?"
"It's a natural assumption, I guess," she admitted.
"So, shall we go somewhere so I can demonstrate?"
Blair checked her watch, "We can't. Cyrus will be wondering what happened to us."
"As I've pointed out," Chuck reminded her, "We have time."
"Then by all means, let's see," she challenged him.
"There," Chuck pointed.
"Perfect," she nodded.
"Follow me," Chuck took her hand and led her into the hotel.
At the desk, Blair played Chuck's translator at the front desk, blushing as she translated the suggestive comment the front desk clerk made about needing a room for a few hours.
"Excuse me," Chuck looked a little mad. "She-"
"Chuck, calm down."
"I will not calm down, he thinks the love of my life is a prostitute."
Blair stared at him for a moment and then turned him to her before she planted a kiss on him that blanked his mind.
"Let them think that," she whispered as she pulled away.
"Are you sure?"
"It's kind of hot," Blair whispered. "I'll play the prostitute as long as you pay me well."
"How about the brownstone of your dreams, two beautiful children, and a bottomless bank account," he offered.
"That works," she laughed.
"Now give the man your credit card, so we can be on our way."
"Oui cher," Chuck smiled as he handed over the credit card to the man at the desk.
"You're pretty good at faking French."
They were handed their key and set off on a frantic dash, barely getting to their room before they began ravishing each other.