Disclaimer: I own nothing except a great love for CB and the many inhabitants of the UES

A/N: OMG…August. I've left you patient patient people on a cliffhanger since August. It was not supposed to be that long. I got caught up working on the new story, Crash Into Me and then original work that I'd been neglecting. Sorry, guys. I've got a few chapters I've been working on and my head is totally back into this story so here we go again. Let's get caught up….Blair has awoken from her five year coma to find that the world has gone on without her…over the past few (31) chapters she's met her daughter's for the first time, reconnected with old friends, and learned some pretty hard truths. Chuck is dealing with the return of the love of his life but he's also keeping a few very dangerous secrets. Also of course there are other things going on…the disintegration of NV's marriage and her affair with Carter. Dan's return to town for his little sister's party that ended in flames. It was a boy for Serena & Carter during their not so long ago love affair and now she's a working working and raising her little Alex. She's also Auntie S to CB's two girls...she has it all. Her best friend is back and could love be back on the menu for her as well...with Dan back in town or will they be plagued by the same ol' drama. Then of course, Georgina's back for revenge and it seems as if she has a very dangerous partner with a grudge. The cliffhanger…the boys riding up the elevator to meet up with Dr. McCarty and instead they find….Ooops. That's where I left you and hence why I suck.

I don't have a beta anymore. Some things slip by me even after I've stared at it a few thousand times so forgive any mistakes you may find in this, large or small. Just the story…enjoy it. This is dedicated to CB lovers and most especially to my girls (you know who you are…Happy Anni!!)

Chapter 32

For the first time since waking up in the hospital, Blair felt more like her old self. She guessed hours of being pampered and coddled could do that to a girl. Her brown curls shown and her scalp still tingled deliciously from her stylist's ministrations. Blair surveyed her manicured nails, hiding a smile when the twins mimicked her actions.

They twosome looked like her very own little mini-mes. From the top of their dark heads to their painted toes. The dresses that their Auntie S had picked out only finished off the effect. Blair fingered the fabric of her own dress and wondered what else her best friend and children had in store for her.

Studying her reflection in the mirror, Blair felt a little more than suspicious. Serena had said something about a tea party for the four of them with all the trimmings.

Of course that was indeed one of the items from her to do list with the girls but Blair was getting the distinct feeling that their little stopover at Bliss and now Bergdorf's had more to do with whatever Chuck was planning.

Blair suddenly had the horrible thought that he'd asked Serena to do all of this, knowing that he wouldn't be back in time. Not for the first time, she wished that she hadn't made the rash decision to leave her cell phone with her bags. She'd been so intent on avoiding any phone calls from her mother and certain that by now she'd been at the private hospital.

She wanted to talk to him. Hear his voice and reassure herself that he'd be with her. With their family for the New Year. Just as he'd promised.

Blair shrugged, she could always borrow Serena's. She left the fitting room with the twins trailing behind her. She didn't get the chance to ask the blonde for her phone since she was currently using it.

That blonde had her back to them but Blair knew almost immediately who had to be on the other end of the phone line. It was in the stiff tilt of her shoulders and irritable tone.

"You're only being a stubborn jerk because you know how much this means to me. I'm not saying that he can't do the dinner with your family. He's been there for most of the day. I'm just saying that I don't want him to miss tonight with my family. It's a big deal…"

Blair's interest perked.

"Last night was different, Carter." Serena was saying. "Tonight, everyone is…"

"Auntie S, doesn't Mommy look pretty in her dress." Evie called out, completely oblivious to the fact that she was further thwarting her mother's efforts.

Serena turned, distracted and equally unaware of what she might or might not have almost let slip. "Look, I need to go. Would you just think about it? I'm sure you'd rather have the night to yourself anyway." She hung up before he could make any other caustic remarks. The blonde growled out her frustration, hand fisting around her cellphone as if she wished it were instead someone's neck. Carter's to be precise.

Blair turned to Kat and Evie. "Guys, I think we're done trying on clothes for now. Would you mind going back to the fitting room and grabbing our bags?"

"Okay, Mommy."

Serena shook her head as the twins rushed off, "B, you didn't have to do t hat. Besides they'll be back quicker than you know."

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I just really hate him sometimes." Serena admitted, "I mean really. I know I'm the idiot who got involved with him in the first place but…" She threw up her hands once more in frustration.

"Want to talk about it?"

"Not really."

"S, I'm serious. I'm not pumping you for details. I'm asking about my best friend." She took Serena's hand and led her to nearby chairs. "Now sit and start talking. What did the jerk do now?"

"Nothing. Nothing more than usual." Serena sighed, "He called…said he was leaving for St. Barths. I thought he was calling to ask about taking Alex along…which he's never done so that should've clued me in."

Blair motioned for Serena to continue even as the twins returned as quickly as their Aunt had predicted. The two women stood to their feet, motioning the girls ahead of them as they roamed the store. "So he wasn't asking to keep Alex?"

"No, he wanted to make sure I didn't make him miss his flight in the morning. As if I'm suddenly the forgetful one who can't be counted on. Whatever. I told him to let me come get Alex early…that way he wouldn't miss his flight and Alex would be able to spend time with both of our families today. He blows up at me, accusing me of being selfish and unfair. Horning in on his time with his son." Serena explained, "Keep in mind that I dropped Alex off at his grandparents early this morning and that as—uh jerk didn't either both to show until way after noon."

Blair's eyes flitted unconsciously to the two little girls walking up ahead and she thought of Chuck. She'd gotten lucky. Someone like Carter wouldn't have fought her mother's decision. Hell, the adoption would've probably been fait accompli with his full endorsement.

"He loves Alex. I know he does, but I don't even think he's being such a bastard because I'm infringing on their time together. He's doing it out of spite. God, B. Sometimes I just really wish that I could cut him out. Our lives would be so much easier…except Alex would actually miss the jerk."

Blair threw an arm around her best friends waist, their heads tipping close, blond tresses butting against chestnut curls. "I'm sorry, S."

"It would be wrong, right? Just cutting him out. I remember when Eric and I were younger and we used to wonder why our dad never came around. Granted, during those days, we saw Mom just a step above that. I mean, she at least stopped by for our birthdays." Serena sighed, "Sorry. Didn't mean to bring down our happy vibe."

"S, I get it. I wouldn't want you not to talk to me about stuff like this. It's what best friends are for."

The blonde nodded, eyes still clinging to the girls skipping up ahead. "Have you thought about what you're going to say to Eleanor tonight?"

Blair stiffened, but she didn't pull away. Instead she cleared her throat ignoring the echo of Serena's earlier words in her head. This thing with her mother was different. She was a grown-up and fully capable of moving on with her life without Eleanor waiting to criticize and control. As for the girls. She'd been in their lives for barely a week. How could they possibly miss a relationship with the woman that they'd never even had. No, they had Lily and that would be enough. "I won't be seeing my mother tonight."

Her friend looked at her in surprise, before she seemed to realize something. "Really? I thought for sure that she and Harold would want to check in…to um…make sure that you'd settled in okay." Serena cursed silently. Of course, Eleanor had been invited to Blair's surprise party, but now B knew the truth.

"I'm sure my father and Roman will probably check in." The brunette murmured, suddenly engrossed in a display that she'd dismissed not twenty minutes before.

Serena listened to her friends words or rather what she hadn't said. "And Eleanor. You don't think she'll show up."

"Nope." Blair shook hear head.

"Why do I feel like I'm missing something here? B, um. What happened after me and my mom left you this morning?"

"Look, S. Let's just say that I took care of the situation with my mom and leave it at that."

"What do you mean by took care of?"

"God, S. What did you think I meant? I took of it. She won't be showing up tonight or ever again."

"How?"

"I'd really prefer not to talk about it right now…don't want to spoil our little outing, remember? Come on. We still need to find something for you to wear." Blair made a face as she plucked at the material of Serena's outfit, deftly moving the subject along before her bestie could mount any protests. "You weren't planning on wearing this were you?"

The blonde glanced away from Blair's too innocent expression to the dress she'd picked out especially for Blair's surprise party. "What's wrong with what I have on?"

"Oh, sweetie." Blair chuckled, "where would you like me to start."

Serena pretended to be wounded by her friend's assessment but couldn't hide her own smile. She merely shook her head. "Same old B."

"I know. You don't have to tell me…this dress alone tells me just how horribly you missed me."

"So very sensitive and subtle." Serena sighed, "How could I not miss that?"

"Exactly!" Blair said but frowned almost immediately. "Hey!"

Then it was Serena's turn to feign ignorance.

The two friends fell into an easy silence, listening to Kat and Evie. Neither noticed the man who browsed just within earshot. A gift for his wife's birthday, he'd told the persistent saleswoman that watched him like a hawk. He looked comfortable in his surroundings though he was clearly out of place and the saleswoman likely figured that he was an easy mark for a fat commission.

He watched the blonde and brunette without seeming to. He appeared completely relaxed but was ready to move at a moment's notice. He dared move only so close, remaining on the periphery. Far from the two children who might take notice when the adults were too consumed with their internal drama to take notice of the dangers lurking. The familiar face that kept popping up. First outside the ice cream parlor and again outside the tooty-frooty girly spa. He couldn't just walk into that place and trusted that anyone else would meet with the same issues. Being seen when it was at of the utmost importance that he remain hidden.

At one point, the pretty brunette turned to her best friend. A frown wrinkling her smooth brow. "S, have you heard from Chuck?"

"Earlier," Serena said, not bothering to add that earlier had been back at Bliss when B had been getting her facial. Though he'd sounded peeved that Blair didn't have her cell, he hadn't been freaking out as much as Serena might've expected. He'd seemed distracted when she told him they were steadily working their way through the girls' list. Serena had wanted to ask about his trip but there hadn't been time.

"I was thinking. After this tea party thing, I'd like to go home…or the hospital rather. The past few hours with you and the girls have been beyond amazing but now…" She shrugged.

"Are you feeling okay, B" Serena demanded remembering the doctor's words. She didn't want to push her bestie too fast. She'd been trying to keep her distracted, not tire her out.

"I'm fine. Just tired and…"

"And?" she prompted, her expression knowing. "missing a certain brother of mine."

"Oh, of course. You know I love Eric like my own."

"I wasn't talking about Eric and you know it." Serena accused, "You miss Chuck."

Blair didn't bother denying it. "I miss Chuck," she smiled, "I know we've been practically joined at the hip for this past week and I wanted the whole girls' night thing. I guess I just didn't expect him to head off for parts unknown at the first opportunity."

"B, you know he was in Prague and don't even think that this is like all those times before because in case you hadn't noticed…Chuck stopped running from you a long time ago." Serena reminded, "this was something else. This was business."

"I know. I guess I just need to see him now. I can't fully explain it."

"I think I know what you mean. We'll can head home after this," Serena promised, hugging her friend and hiding a smiling in her hair. "Party first and home."

"Sounds like the perfect ending to the craziest of days." Her friend murmured, "We'd better find you something to wear."

Serena didn't say a word, she merely focused heavenward as if to say "what would you have me do with her?"

~ஐ~

Dan was halfway down the hall before, some knowledge prickling at his subconscious. He had only seconds to wonder at the lack of sound filtering through the passageway. His own soft curse was echoed by one from Chuck as the other man reached the gaping doorway of McCarty's suite first.

"Fuck." Chuck echoed his own assessment.

Only Nate was uncertain as to what may have transpired, he didn't have long to wonder as Chuck motioned them inside with a furious sweep if his hand.

The room was a mess, reminding Dan of the disaster area that'd been his old hotel room. The luxury suite had been destroyed, furniture overturned and room service serving cart on its side, food splattering colorful splotches across the light carpet.

One dark spot as big as Dan's fist, stood out among the rest. "Is that what I think it is?

Both Chuck and Dan looked to Nate.

"Well?"

"Well what?"

Chuck demanded softly, "Is it blood, Nathaniel?"

"How should I know?" Nate looked between the other two men, his expression incredulous.

"Um, well the last time I checked you were the only cop in the room." Dan said, "Make like you're on a case."

"If I did that then I'd be calling in the crime scene techs."

"Can't you tell by the color or sniff it?"

Nate frowned, obviously trying to tell if the other man was being serious and finding no trace of humor in the former Brooklynite's features. He shook his head, "Great idea, Dan. Hey, while I'm at it I should just taste it..."

"That would be disgusting and ill-advised but if that works."

"I was joking."

"So was I." The reporter deadpanned.

Chuck looked between the two in disbelief, getting pissed off by their suddenly ludicrous exchanged. Had they both lost their fucking minds? "I need you gentleman on top of your game. So cut it out and be serious about this. Nathaniel, do you think that's blood or not?"

"Chuck, look at this place. It could be blood." He motioned to the fallen serving cart, "It could be ketchup."

"Well, would you put us all out of my fucking misery and check nonetheless." Chuck requested, his friend acquiescing with a quick nod. "Humphrey, how long were you gone?"

"I don't know…couldn't have been more than ten…fifteen minutes." Dan said reluctantly, aware that yet again, he'd screwed the pooch. He made no apologies and braced himself for Bass' inevitable tongue lashing. It didn't come. Instead, Chuck took out his phone and made a call.

"I'm calling the hotel's security team. No way could someone have gotten McCarty's de---unconscious body out of this place without someone seeing something. That or the cameras. I refuse to accept another dead end here. McCarty was here and he was ready to talk. She must have known."

"Who is this she?"

"That, Brooklyn is what we're trying to find out here. Why don't you make yourself useful and go help Nate or something."

"Gee…thanks. While you're at it, don't forget the 'run along now' and pat to the head."

"I really don't have time for you right now, Humphrey. Stay and help or get the hell out."

Dan stepped back, "Sorry. Guess I'm just as frustrated as you are at this point.

Chuck didn't say anything. He merely nodded and brought the phone to his ear.

The reporter turned away, squatting down beside Nate. "What do you need me to do?"

Seeming engrossed in his close examination of the mysterious spot, Nate didn't answer initially, but moments later he spoke without looking up. "You feel up to licking the carpet."

"No. Sorry. Haven't done that since I was five."

"Ew. Some things we don't have to share you know?"

"Now seriously. What do you need me to do. Chuck's having his security keeping an eye out for anything strange." Dan told him. "I know. What if we get like a magnifying glass and study the carpet fibers. Didn't you have to take classes and crap like that to be able to identify blood splatter."

"I don't work homicide and you watch too much television." Nate settled back on his haunches after a few minutes, his expression severe.

"What's wrong?"

Nate glanced from Dan to Chuck. "It's definitely blood."

"How can you tell?" Dan wanted to know.

His expression deadly serious, Nate shrugged "Can't you smell it?"

At first Dan was certain that the blonde was pulling his leg but Nate didn't break into a smile and his expression remained unchanged as he gained his feet.

"Chuck, it's time. Humphrey getting attacked is one thing but now the fucking doctor has gone missing. It's time to call in the detectives…not yours. The police. We've already compromised the fucking crime scene."

Chuck shook his head. "No. Not yet. I can't help what may have happened or not happened to McCarty at this point and doesn't his being missing say that we're on the right track with this. No police. Not yet."

"Then when?"

"Soon, Nathaniel. I swear. I just want to get a look at the security tapes."

Nate shook his head.

"I'm not changing my mind here."

"That's not what I meant. You need to get out of here. I'll review the camera feed. You've got to get ready for Blair."

Chuck blinked in surprise, glancing at his watch. He'd been intent on stopping briefly to get answers out of McCarty and then carrying on with his planned night with B and the girls and their family.

He'd talked to Lily and Dorota in the car and every was set at the apartment and Blair was with Serena. For the second time in as many days, Chuck felt torn between the answers he so desperately needed and Blair.

As if he could read his best friend's mind, Nate immediately said, "I'll call you. The minute, I see anything suspicious. You'll hear from me." He turned to Dan, "You should go, too. Vanessa's going to be looking for her things and aren't you escorting Jenny tonight."

"Yeah."

"So get going. Both of you."

Chuck nodded. "I'll talk to the concierge before I leave. No one and I mean no one is allowed in this room. Let alone on the floor."

Dan motioned to the mess, "What about this?"

"It'll be taken care of." Was all the billionaire would say, avoiding his best friend's eyes.

"I'll be right behind you guys. If this happened within the last twenty minutes, at least there won't be that much footage I'll need to go through."

"You sure you don't want company?"

"Positive. Now go."

"Fine. I'll let my head of security know you're coming down to their office." Chuck said, holding the door open for the other two men, taking one last look behind them as they switched out the lights on the carnage and left it behind.

What the fuck happened in here, McCarty? He wondered but was very certain that the good doctor would never be able to give him any of the answers that he wanted.

~ஐ~

Somewhere over the Atlantic, still hours yet out of New York, the newly minted Gigi Evans was well her way to celebrating the New Year. She figured that she'd been nicely buzzed once the plane actually touched down at LaGuardia.

Her dark head lulled back, comfortably again the pillow the very attentive flight attendant had fetched for her earlier. Gigi tipped back her champagne flute, giggling as the bubbles tickled her nose.

Okay so maybe she'd already gone beyond buzzed. Whatever. It didn't matter. She had the means and reasoning. She'd sicced her our personal pitbull on that aggravating doctor. Wouldn't do to have that idiot to ruin her game and push her timetable up earlier than she wanted. Not at all.

Blair was supposed to be getting out of the hospital. It was just as well that Chuck had decided not to send her back to the private hospital. Georgina couldn't very well resurrect her other persona Olivia George. Things had been different when the awakened Queen had been little more than an effing vegetable.

Her phone buzzed, drawing her attention. No phone call. Just a simple text. Two words, making Georgina's smile grow all the more. The text only said "It's done," but the wonderful implications had her laughing out loud.

The flight attendant came over to check on her, she smiled nervously catching sight of the cellphone cradled in her hand, "Good news?"

"Oh, the best. How about another drink?" She gulped down the rest and held out her empty glass.

"Uh…" The woman started to say something but seemed to change her mind at the last moment, "Right away, Miss Evans."

"Ms."

"Of course." She practically snatched the flute and hurried off.

Georgina sighed, settling back, content to relax and plot her next move. Chuck would probably keep Blair under lock and key for the next little while but he'd have no such inclinations for his beautiful blonde sis.

Maybe Henderson could be useful towards that end as well. Hmm…it certainly something to consider. Definitely.

~ஐ~

It'd always fascinated him, lifesblood. That which one needed as much as air to live. Blue with the veins but reacting at the merest hint of oh-two and blooming familiar crimson. He never really admitted how much the hue mesmerized him, how much the entire process drew him. Too morbid for most people to truly understand.

It was why he'd gone into his chosen profession or at least it represented a large reasoning behind his decision. Studying the body and figuring out how it worked. The weakness of human fraility and fighting against that very natural progression with his experiments.

He thought again of Blair Waldorf. His triumph.

His hand sticky and uncomfortable with drying blood, he turned to the man who'd driven them to this place. The one responsible for ebbing flow of blood that'd left his hand drenched earlier.

"You shouldn't have cut so deep." McCarty said. "It wasn't necessary. Though, again I thank you for warning me of Bass' true intentions."

The bigger man shrugged. His expression almost bored.

McCarty stared around the ratty little hotel room he now found himself. Completely the polar opposition of the suite they'd left in ruins. Wallpaper water-stained and peeling. Windows too murky and cloudy to let in anything more than the light itself into the room. On either side, the deuling sound of televisions played beyond the wilting wallpaper. And this was what he'd come to…oh but what a difference a few hours could make. From the veritable lap of luxury to this quite literal shithole.

The other man had shown up at the suite flashing a badge and telling the doctor that they needed to get out of their before Bass could arrive. The police detective had revealed their mutual acquaintance and told McCarty that Chuck Bass was working with the authorities to have the doctor arrested and stripped of his medical license. He was told that Bass wanted payback for putting his girlfriend at risk.

His words hadn't seemed to far off the mark. Indeed they reminded him of the incident…the last time he'd seen Bass face-to-face and the ungrateful bastard had attacked him. Him. The only person willing to help…to do more than offer false platitudes and advise the younger man that he was better off moving on…that Blair wouldn't be coming back. He hadn't done any of those things…no he'd given her back to Bass and what did the traitor offer in return…nothing. Nothing more than betrayal.

At least with Sparks and her associate he knew what he was getting into. He'd stick around long enough to gather the funds he needed and backers and then he'd present his research. Hell, he could send his research off to the medical journals.

With great risk there were even greater rewards. He knew that. He'd learned that and he'd been certain that Bass had as well.

"So? What's next? We leave the blood at the Palace to throw them off the trail. Make them think that I've been taken or that I'd dead…all the while I get my research publish…"

Henderson shook his head.

"No?"

"Nope."

"I don't understand. I hope you don't expect me to just disappear and leave my hard work unclaimed."

"Nah, " Henderson said. "You're not going to disappear. Not really, anyway."

McCarty shifted uncomfortably under the weight of that cold stare, feeling the sudden urge to loosen his collar. His hand exploded with pain and it took a moment to realize that injured hand was fisted against his chest, fresh blood seeping onto the formerly white cloth binding his wound. "Well, not for long. I need to get my work published. Can't have some poaching everything that I've done…my data."

"Don't worry doctor. You'll resurface soon."

Something in the other man's expression had McCarty taking a step back.

Henderson smiled suddenly, taking in the action. Predator recognizing the inherent weakness of his prey. "I'll make sure there's enough left to identify you…eventually."

Suddenly, his gross miscalculation came to him. Something feral in the detective's manner, reminding him of Georgina Sparks. How had he forgotten? She was the real danger in this. She wasn't the one to be trusted, not Bass. Maybe the kid was pissed but he'd needed McCarty. His brain and his knowledge of the woman who'd sent this sociopath after him.

How had he forgotten.

"I have money. I'll leave. I'll disappear for real." He tried. "You and Georgina don't have to worry about me ever coming back."

"I know." Henderson murmured.

"I won't say anything."

"No. You won't." The big man moved then, graceful predator. Taking one step and then the next.

The image of his blood seeping into the light, plush carpet at the Palace came to McCarty and he wondered how his lifesblood would look in this place, splattered across faded wallpaper.

The instinct to survive, to breathe kicked in, though he knew it was useless, his feet automatically carrying him away from the thing stalking him and surveying the room for something of use…but there was nothing. He started to call out for help but the cry lodged in his throat. Who would come anyway? The sound would fade and seep into the walls…just another show being played next door.

~ஐ~

"You ready?"

"Hmm?" Blair shook herself, realizing that she'd been drifting. Lost in herself as familiar scenery flashed by outside the limo, time hurrying along with it. She thought and dreamed everything. Felt and saw nothing in that span of time.

Serena's query did the task of shaking her awake into awareness of her surroundings.

"Tired, B?"

"I'm fine." She replied, her tone unconvincing to her own ears. Blair stroked the silken fabric of her dress. Still feeling overdressed for a tea party but the girls had insisted.

"It's okay. We're here." Serena smiled.

Blair looked to her friend and then outside. She searched for the sign, the restaurant that would serve as the setting of their tea party. Instead she found a building and doorman in full uniform, an ever present smile and epaulets.

It wasn't the graying man who held her attention though. It was rather the one who stepped forward as the limo pulled to a stop. He motioned for the doorman to stay back when the older man would've come to hold the door open for them.

It seemed that she wasn't the only one who was overdressed for their "tea party."

She glanced at the twins who giggled behind their hands, "I didn't know Daddy was invited to our little party."

"Oh, yeah." Kat mentioned, nodding as if it had indeed slipped her mind.

Blair turned to Serena. "S, where exactly are we having this tea party?"

Serena shrugged, not bothering to hide her smile. "I don't know. Maybe you should get out…answers can't be hard to find."

"S…"

"B…"

Evie smiled, pointing to herself, "E" and then at her twin, "K…now Daddy's waiting for you. Go Mommy. Hurry up." She bounced, her tone insistent, as if her father were liable to disappear like Cinderella's carriage at midnight.

That was a bit of what Blair suddenly felt like. Cinderella arriving at the Ball with her Prince just in reach. She refused to think about the disasters that midnight had brought for the fairytale princess. That wasn't her life anyway. This was. The girls. Serena. Chuck. Her life, flaws and all.

Serena and the twins moved at once, pushing playfully at Blair, trying to get her closer to the door even as Chuck pulled it open.

His eyes darted from one face to another, finally landing on Blair, taking in the sight of her with a low whistle of appreciation. "I see that you ladies were able to keep yourselves busy in my absence."

"Doesn't Mommy look pretty?" Evie darted out of the car, beating her sister by half a second.

"Your mother looks gorgeous. Which is nothing new?"

"And what about me and Kat?" the girl twirled, her dress flaring out around her.

"Just as beautiful as Mommy." He held his hand out to Blair, "My lady…your—er tea party awaits."

"I'll bet." She rolled her eyes but took his hand nonetheless.

The foursome started away from the limo with Serena letting herself out. The blonde hurried after the little family as the doorman held the door open for them.

"What is this place, Bass?" Blair asked, glancing around.

Chuck smiled, staring into her eyes. "Don't you know?"

Chewing on her bottom lip, the brunette shook her head, her body unconsciously leaning into his.

"It's home, Waldorf." He slipped a hand beneath her chin and leaned close to whisper in her ear. "Welcome home."

TBC

A/N: And with that…she's home . Henderson is beyond a baddie. Georgie's an evil bitch but don't think she's actually murdered anyone. This is the guy after our UES crew. The boys need to unravel that mystery and fast. There's so much more to this story to tell and I'm in it for the long haul. I hope you guys are too. I thank you all for your amazingly kind words and those who have favorited/subbed this story. As always, let me know what you're thinking. Love to all *kiss*

Oh…I'm also updating Crash Into Me. Check it out if you haven't read it yet. ;). Even if you haven't seen HIMYM…it's more about CB than anything else.

Courtney