A near death experience can change everything. It can make a person question who they are and what they believe and who they want to be. But no matter what, in the end, they're still the same person. ChuckxBlair. Blair is mugged a few days into her summer break in France.

Thank you guys so much for the great responses! I really appreciate it and it got me to write pretty fast lol. :)

Her eyes slowly flutter open to the room around her and it takes a few seconds for everything to register in her mind once again.

Blair was robbed, assaulted, shot, and left for dead. The knowledge of all this makes her stomach turn in disgust and her skin crawl at the violation she's been through. She sighs in to the room and there is quick a rustling of paper, alerting her of her father's presence still by her side.

"Sweet-pea," Harold smiles, folding the newspaper he had been reading and setting it aside. Leaning across the bed, he brushes the hair away from her forehead, smiling comfortingly down at his daughter. "How are you feeling?"

She tries to smile back and shrug her shoulders, but she is immediately wincing in pain at the movement. She bits her lip before grinding out a simple, "Okay."

Her father frowns at her and holds her hand. "Please be honest if you're hurting, sweetheart. It's the only way we can be sure you'll recover."

"I'm fine, Daddy," she assures him, because in all honesty, she feels better much than the last couple times she woke up. Her head is much clearer, and even though she can suddenly remember every detail of her attack, at least she can actually think. She takes a deep breath and winces a little once again. "I'm just.. fragile."

Harold's frown turns into a melancholy smile. "You can't blame me for being worried after all that's happened to you, Blair-Bear." His grip tightens on her hand. "You gave us quite a scare."

"I'm sorry, Daddy," she breathes, looking down at the bed.

"Don't apologize," he gently chides. "You've done nothing wrong. I'm just so glad you're alright."

She nods and holds his hand back tighter, before turning her gaze towards the window. The blinds are pulled but she can see the bright sunlight peeking through the gaps and she just wants out of this bed and this hospital and to take this all back. She wishes she had just taken a cab home or yelled at Serena for ditching her once again or that she hadn't been so distracted thinking about Chuck. She closes her eyes as that weird, anxious feeling she'd felt when she'd first woke up overwhelms her once again.

"Do you want to talk about what happened?" her father suddenly asks.

She frowns and opens her eyes, staring at the sunlight being trapped outside. "No," she simply responds with a sigh.

"Are you sure, sweetie?" he asks again. "I know that the police are going to want a statement form you soon, and I think it would be easier if you tell someone you know first."

She shakes her head. "I don't really want to talk about it right now."

Her father sighs, a little frustrated, before putting on a smile and starting in on something else. "Well maybe you'd feel better if you saw some of your friends," he suggests softly. "Serena and Chuck have been waiting to see you all night, and I believe that Nate arrived from New York this morning. I think that would cheer you-"

She turns her gaze back to her father, interrupting him. "Actually, I kind of want to be alone."

He instantly looks a little offended, before his eyes turned worried. He shakes his head softly. "Sweetie, I don't think that's such a good idea."

"Please, Daddy," she asks quietly, pleading with him with her eyes.

He studies his daughter carefully and she doesn't look annoyed or mad or spiteful; instead, she simply looks tired. He's concerned about his daughter, but after all that she's been through in the past day and a half, there's no way he can say no to her right now. He reluctantly stands and leans over the bed, placing a kiss to her forehead. "The nurse said she'd be in to check on you again soon. But if you need anything at all, don't hesitate to let someone know. We're all just down the hall."

She smiles for his benefit and nods, exchanging quick 'I love you's' before she finally finds herself alone in the room, free to just think.

Sighing she looks back at the window and wishes she had had her father open it for her before he left so she could see outside. She feels trapped in the hospital room, but at the same time, she's in so much pain that she can barely move, so she supposes she better get used to the feeling.

She can hear a faint beep of a heart monitor and feel a tube giving her oxygen into her nose and an IV in her hand. She's never felt so weak in her life and it scares her to her core. She closes her eyes and remembers being in the alley and being so unshakably sure she was going to die.

She remembers that her last thought had been a memory of Chuck that had happened almost a year ago, and as she lays in the uncomfortable hospital bed, she realizes that that was the last time she was truly happy.

After her and Chuck had come home from visiting her father the year before, she was so scared he'd become bored with her, she'd come up with their stupid game humiliating all those girls. Once the game had ended, he suddenly got so wrapped up in his business that he hardly ever had time for her anymore. Serena was always flitting around between all her drama-filled situations like always, basically leaving her on her own, and NYU was just a horrible abomination that hurt her pride and self-worth more than anything ever had before.

The last year of her life had been depressing at best. She had been reduced to a nothing but a pathetic sidekick, desperately begging the people that were supposed to love her more than anything for even the smallest amount of attention.

That is not who Blair Waldorf is supposed to be.

She yawns and opens her suddenly heavy eyelids to look at the window again.

She knows she is lucky to be alive, and really, she doesn't even understand how she is still here. No matter what though, she is determined not to waste this second chance. She is determined to be happy.

Her eyes quickly fall shut again and she almost instantly drifts off into a heavy slumber.

–––

"I don't believe you. She wants to see me!" Serena bellows, tears in her eyes. She turns and motions to her brother a few feet away. "She would want to see Chuck, too."

Eleanor laughs a little to herself and waves them off. "I assure you, Serena, I am not lying. Blair is smart enough to know what you've caused to happen."

"Eleanor, I didn't do anything. I didn't..." she trails off into a sob and the older woman starts in again.

"You did plenty," she barks at the young blonde. "And as for Charles," she continues, narrowing her eyes, "it should be no surprise that my daughter wants nothing to do with him." Eleanor sighs in annoyance and takes a step closer to Serena, before speaking in a quiet, venomous tone. "Now get control of yourself, Serena, before I have you and your step-brother removed."

Serena's jaw drops and she can only watch through silent sobs as Eleanor walks away. Her shoulders shake and she falls back gracelessly into a chair and buries her face into her hands.

Chuck's jaw tenses as he watches the exchange between the two women before sitting next to his sister in a silent show of support. He knows Serena is upset by her fight with Eleanor, but even more so because she can't see Blair, exactly why he's upset as well.

He sighs and looks across the room to see his best friend walk into the room, a tray of coffees in his hand. "Thanks, man," he says with a nod as he grabs a cup after Nate has already given Blair's mother and both her step dad's a cup as well.

"Here Serena," Nate says softly as he holds out the last cup to her and takes a seat on the other side of her.

She looks up at him with sad eyes and tear stained cheeks and gratefully takes the coffee. "Thanks, Nate," she says softly with a few sniffles. "You didn't have to come here."

"How could I not?" he tells her with a smile, putting a comforting hand on her back. "Did something else happen?"

"Eleanor bitched her out," Chuck provides bluntly, as he distractedly takes out his cell phone and starts tapping out a text to his PI.

"What?"

"She thinks this is all my fault," Serena explains tearfully. "You know that if I had thought anything would ever happen to Blair, I never would have left her at the club. I love Blair; she's my sister. I would never want her to be hurt. I don't know why Eleanor can't understand that."

"She's just upset about what happened to her daughter. She's not thinking clearly," Nate comforts her, rubbing her back. "So you were with Blair before it happened?" Off her nod, he continues, "And then you left her to go home? Was she with whoever did this before you left?"

"Well, no. She was alone."

"Oh," he mutters, his face twisting in confusion, "then why did you leave her?"

"Well, um, I.." she starts, biting her lip hard. "I actually left with.. with someone else."

Nate's hand immediately stops rubbing her back he awkwardly pulls away. "Oh."

Serena's face blushes red and she sighs, looking at the ground. "Yeah."

Chuck rolls his eyes and looks away from the two exes in time to see Blair's father walking into the waiting area.

"Harold, is she up?" Eleanor immediately questions, coming to stand before him.

"Yes, she's awake. She seems to be much more alert."

"Can we see her?" Serena asks desperately, quickly crossing the room with a hesitant Chuck right behind her. At this point, he knows he's not going to be allowed to see Blair, but at least if his sister does, he can find out exactly how Blair looks and is feeling.

"I already explained to you, Serena.."

"I know, but.."

"No one is going to see her," Harold interrupts both women. "Blair asked to have some time to herself, and we're all going to respect that."

"She's alone?" Eleanor repeats, with her nose upturned. "Is that really a good idea?"

"I think she's just a little overwhelmed with all that's happened," he explains, trying to conceal his concern with a small smile. "Eleanor, maybe you and Cyrus should go home and get some rest and something to eat. Serena, you should go get some sleep as well," he suggests to the two women, before turning to the young man before him, acknowledging him for the first time. "Chuck.."

"I'm not leaving," he interrupts, his tone leaving absolutely no room for argument and making it obvious to everyone how much he cares.

Harold studies him for a long moment before nodding in understanding. He pats Chuck on the back as he walks away, and Chuck is optimistic that maybe his relationship with Blair's family isn't lost yet.

"Did you get a hotel room?"

He turns to see Serena pulling at his arm, looking at him hopefully. "No, I came here right from the airport," he explains, before furrowing his eyebrow at her. "Why?"

"I can't stay at Eleanor's anymore; she hates me!"

He sighs and studies his sister for a long moment before coming up with an idea. Pulling out his wallet, he takes out his credit card and holds it out reluctantly towards her. "Just for a hotel," he tells her before finally letting go of it. "Get something with at least two rooms. I have a feeling I'm going to be staying in Paris for awhile."

"Thanks, Chuck," she tells him sincerely before pulling him into a hug. "I know Blair is glad to know you're here, even if she doesn't want to admit it or apparently see either of us."

He smiles sadly for his sister before watching her walk away. His shoulder's slump tiredly and he slowly walks back and falls into a chair next to Nate.

"Just so you know," he explains, giving his best friend's shoulder a supportive squeeze, "I came here for you. Not for Serena."

Smiling wearily to himself, Chuck can't help but feel relieved to have his best friend at his side.

"Are you doing okay?"

Chuck sighs, exhausted, before turning his eyes to his best friend. "No," he answers simply, because he's not okay. He's never been more worried, scared, or angry before in his life, and he knows he won't feel any better until he sees that Blair is really okay for himself.

–––

Stopping in the lobby bathroom, Serena splashes some cool water on her face and tries to salvage and repair the little make-up she has left before she goes out into public. There's bags under her eyes and her lips chapped. She sighs and decides it's hopeless, and probably un-necessary as well. With Blair in the hospital and Nate probably hating her more than ever, her looks are the least of her problems.

Digging into her bag, she pulls on her sunglasses and puts them on. Sighing at her appearance, she rolls her eyes and walks out of the bathroom.

"..she was brought in here early yesterday with a bullet wound."

Serena's brow immediately furrows in confusion as she over hears part of a conversation from a few feet behind her. Turning on her heel, she sees a tall, dark and handsome man leaning against the reception desk in jeans and a dark blue button down.

"What is her name?" she hears the receptionist ask in a thick French accent.

"I don't know her name.. I just…"

"I can't simply give out any information about a patient to anybody, especially if you don't even know their name."

Hesitantly, she takes crosses the few steps between her and the mystery guy and stands behind him, listening curiously.

"Look, I'm not trying to do anything wrong here," the guy explains, clearly a little frustrated. "I found her after she'd been shot and I just want to make sure that she.."

"You're the one who found Blair?" Serena suddenly blurts, causing the boy before her to jump and turn to her in surprise. She blushes and smiles when his brown eyes land on her. "Sorry," she apologizes quickly, "I couldn't help but over hear."

"No, that's fine," he assures her, a serious look on his face. "Her name is.. Blair? Is that what you said?"

She quickly nods, not believing how lucky Blair was to get saved by such a cutie.

"Is she okay?" he asks, sincerely concerned. "I know it's probably weird for some stranger to be asking you this, but I haven't been able to stop thinking about her since the ambulance took her away."

"She's fine. Or at least she will be fine," she answers, relieved. "But she wouldn't have been if it weren't for you, so thank you so much; really."

He shrugs and she swears she can see him blushing. "I'm just glad Blair…?"

"Waldorf," she finds herself finishing for him without a thought.

"I'm just glad Blair Waldorf is going to be okay."

She frowns as he starts to walk away towards the exit and finds herself calling after him. "Hey! What's your name?"

"Ryan," he calls back with a smile before walking out the exit, leaving Serena there, staring after him in curiosity.

–––

"I can't sit here any more."

Looking exhausted and frustrated around the room, where Roman is passed out in a chair, Harold is twiddling his thumbs thoughtfully and Nate can barely keep his eyes open after only being here a few hours, Chuck can't take it anymore.

He elbows his best friend in the side and motions for him to follow as he gets up.

"Where are you two going?" Harold asks, eying them curiously.

"Cafeteria," Chuck answers simply.

He heads over to the elevator within sight of the waiting room with Nate following close behind him. Smiling for Harold's benefit as the doors close, he hits the button for the third floor, the floor below where he's been waiting all night and most of today.

"The cafeteria is on the first floor."

"We're not going to the cafeteria. We're going to see Blair."

"What?" Nate breathes in confusion as the elevator doors open again. He finds himself having to rush to keep up with Chuck as he heads out through a busy hallway. "You do know that Blair doesn't want to see you, right? And that she is on the floor we just left, not down here?"

"First of all, Nathaniel, we're not going to bother Blair. I just need to look and make sure she's okay with my own eyes. She won't even know we're there," he explains cooly as he continues to walk fast, from one end of the building to the other. "Secondly, I have a plan. What do you think I've been thinking about for the last three hours since Serena and Eleanor left?"

Nate smiles to himself and shakes his head. "Okay, well what's the plan?"

"It's simple," he starts as they approach the end of the hallway. "We find another elevator somewhere else in the building," he explains as they happen upon an elevator and he hits the button to have it open up for them immediately, "take it back to Blair's floor, and find our way to her room from the other side of the building so none of her family sees us."

"That's the plan? I could've come up with that."

"It doesn't have to be complex, it just has to work," Chuck explains as they step back out onto the fourth floor. "Now we just have to find her room."

"You don't know the number?"

Chuck shakes his head, before going to peak in through the little window on a random room door. "It's not that one."

"Oh my god, man."

"Are you going to help me? I'm desperate here, Nathaniel," Chuck practically begs before peaking into another room.

Nate studies his best friend and can't help but agree about him being desperate. His tie was long ago taken off, his shirt was unbuttoned at the top and untucked, his suit jacket was gone, and he looked as if he hadn't slept in a a long, long time. "Fine," he mutters, giving in and peaking into a window in search of a girl who was technically both of their ex-girlfriend.

Both of them continue peaking into windows, one after another, quickly making their way through nearly half the hallway, only stopping their search when someone else walks by.

They only have a handful of rooms left when an agonizing, heartbreaking cry suddenly breaks the quiet in peaceful hallway and Chuck immediately feels his blood run cold, because he knows that voice.

"Blair."

TBC...