Chapter 6
A.N Finally the kiss the lips party. I finally made it to the end of episode one (kinda of since Chapter 7 will flashback)! I did not think it would be so long to get here. I hope you enjoy it and you find it different from the original. This chapter makes the end of the foundation that I was building so events will for the most people occur much more swiftly.
Thanks for all the reviews. I really appreciate all of them. To super-guest who I cannot PM directly- Yes, Bart and Chuck are a major story line for this story. There will be some nice moments and a lot of rough patches between the pair. But I do think they love each other but do not understand each other at all. Chuck and Nate are great bestfriends but I think no male friendship is complete without a women testing the foundation. That being said I am a sucker for great biff moments. Your black-book theory makes a lot sense. I haven't rewatched season two since it aired so I did not know he used it for information on people. If that is the case it would make more sense for him to hold on to those numbers.
Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl or any characters from any of the series mentioned. Nor do I own any of the real places, or persons mentioned.
"Humanity is not perfect in any fashion; no more in the case of evil than in that of good. The criminal has his virtues, just as the honest man has his weaknesses."
― Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Get your lip-gloss ready girls. Today is the awaited Kiss on the Lips party. You know I don't kiss and tell but hopefully you all do. Keep your pretty eyes and ears open. I feel like this a party that we are never going to forget. –XOXO GG
Everything was going well today. I was determined that it was going to be perfect. The staff at the Foundry called ahead to ensure all the decorations were in perfect order. I sent Dorota ahead to ensure that everything was the way I had imagined. I was in the limo that Iz, Kati, and a few guys on the lacrosse team enjoying my way to the party. We were of course an hour late so that I could make my entrance for the ton. I was happy that I took my mother's suggestion and did not go with the lavender dress but the black strapless dress grown (f). Even so here with the minions, I found that I still felt alone. I never have been to a party without at least one of the NJBC by my side and I missed their presence. I continued to laugh and smile at everyone in the car pretending to have the time of my life.
I walked in and I felt all the eyes on me. I smiled at the crowd hoping that I seemed like I had everything under control. I observed the setting taking in the dim lights, the buzz of conversation, and the dance floor. People had not yet had enough time to drink to get drunk and were still not quite making fools of themselves. The industrial character of the location with the feminine soft touches paired perfectly with my personality. I wanted the Upper East Side high schoolers to know that I threw the best parties and controlled the social scene. The brick alcoves that were all strung with crystals and orchids lit by LEDs lights. In the center, we hung a beautiful crystal chandelier that was on loan from some girl's mother who was trying to win favor with me. The Marie Antoinette theme that I was inspiring for was slight and mature enough to work well with all the pink and blue touches in the room (1). I thought it served those underneath me to be reminded of a queen whose fashion defined decades of style and unlike her, I was not going to like untrue scandals make me fall. While Marie Antoinette who fell victim to her time and the sexist attitudes of those around her I ensure that I would not be the same. I will not let Nate's wrongdoing ruin me; he could go to the guillotine on his own. I said my hellos to the heads of Chapin and Nightingale that came to greet me. Of course, they all asked of Nate or Serena and some had the audacity to ask of both. I made a mental note of who was so brazen. I laughed them off claiming that he was old news. My head remained high.
After about an hour, I finally saw Chuck. He was walking down the stairs to the main bottom floor. I was instantly surprised with the emotions that ran through me. I had not seen him since our encounter in his suite on Thursday night and I did not think he was going to attend but I never formally uninvited him. Before I knew it, he was walking straight up to me.
"Waldorf," he said as he came up to me looking dashing in an all-black suit with a white dress shirt and a black bow tie and matching pocket tie. His scarf was thrown over his outfit as if an afterthought (f).
"Bass. I did not think you would attend," I told him pretending not to be affected by his presence. Yet I found myself wanting to kiss him again even though I know that should be the last thought in my head. I could not help myself the Bass really does know how to kiss a girl.
"I could not miss the first Waldorf party of the school season. Plus I you know I love the fresh meat in the room. I am celebrity to them," he said with a wink.
"Sleaze," I tried to brush him off and walk away from him but he pulled me back to him. "I almost forgot to tell you how devastating you look in that dress," he whispered into my ear. I felt his breath on my neck. I rolled my eyes and continued to walk away from him.
I should have kicked him out then. Chuck Bass caused the series of events that lead the destruction of my party. The next time I saw the bastard he was walking down the steps of the upper level holding a bruised lip as Jenny came running by right into the arms of a weird boy with jeans on and Serena. The boy walked up to Chuck and swung at him. Chuck surprised me when he slowly moved backward to avoid some of the force of the punch but his fist did make contact with his eye.
"What the fuck!" he yelled. Cameras went flashing so quickly.
I walked over to the commotion hoping to tone it down. Serena was wearing a Toni Burch gold sequin dressed and clearly not dressed for this party. Only a blonde could hair so much gold sequin and look good in it. She was holding my minion's hand asking her what happened.
"What did you do to my sister?" I am assuming Jenny's brother yelled at Chuck.
"Can you tone your voice down? Serena you and your guest were not invited. So leave before I call security," I informed them. While we shared pizza last night, it in no way was for her but rather for Eric. We were not friends again.
"Blair I am sorry-" Serena said.
"Dan stop. Nothing happen. I handled it. I shouldn't have text you," Jenny began yelling at Dan. Everyone was speaking over each other. This scene was getting out of hand but I admit I was intrigued.
"I did nothing to your sister. She went upstairs with me and we made out . Next thing I knew she got fussy. I don't need to sleep with girls who are not interested. I am Chuck Bass," he drawled out as he massaged his chin.
"I know who you are! We are in the same class. Just stay away from her," he warned. Chuck rolled his eyes. I was surprised that this Dan, supposedly a fellow St. Jude classmate would risk punching the basswhole. As much as Bass annoyed me I must acknowledge that he had clout.
"Dan let's go. I promised I handled it," she said while pulling on his hand clearly embarrassed. I was already informed as I thought I could be at this point and the argument was causing a distraction from what was supposed to be a perfect night.
"Yes if you know who am you should know better to put your filthy hands on me," he threatened. When I noticed Dan advancing again on Chuck I raised my fingers towards security who I noticed were already watching the scene. Soon they grabbed Dan and escorted Serena and Jenny out.
As soon as they left, I told the partygoers to go back to the party. I knew they were still watching Chuck and me.
"Follow me now," I hissed at Chuck.
"Can I grab a drink?" he asked. I glared at him to give him my answer. Pinching the bridge of his brow, he followed me into the alcove.
"What the hell just happened Bass?" I was angry at the thought of Chuck just upstairs mauling at a girl. I was also happy at all the punches that were thrown his way especially after all the things he told me on Thursday.
"We only made out. I thought she was into it. Yea she was a little tense but virgins are. She punched me and ran downstairs," he told me.
"My minions are now off the market for you," I warned him. I needed to protect the girls that serve me as any queen would.
"Jealous B?' he sneered stepping closer to me.
"This was supposed to be a perfect night for me," I told him and even to me it sounded a little week. I watched the hard glare of his eyes soften and pity for me came.
"Blair. I did not intended-"he began but I cut him off by grabbing his tie roughly
"Find your cheap hoes elsewhere." I told him trying to regain the upper hand. I leaned in closer gently pulling the tie this time and smelled his manly scent that reminded me of the stolen kisses we shared only two nights ago. It filled with pure need and it made me want him but I controlled my urges and whispered, "you should change your cologne. It smells a little like… desperation" 2.
I knew this was going to be a party to remember. For once Serena crashed a party and was not the center of attention. Oh no lonely boy came to save the day but it seems like Little J did not need anyone to fight her battles. Nor did she want Chuck's kisses. She handled the big bad wolf all on her own. But at the end of the day the UES insiders showed their muscle and had the Brooklyn trash removed. XOXO
We both walked towards the bar. It was a square bar and we stood on opposite side of the bar sneaking glances at each other until the blast came in. I quickly looked at the Gossip Girl photos of the showdown and I noticed how perfect my interior flowers/decor looked in the photos. At least everyone that was not here knew they were missing an exciting and beautifully decorated party. You are nothing if you are not talked about and the fight really did not involve me so I knew my reputation was still holding if only by a thread. I was hoping that everything would get back to normal as I sipped the martini in my hand. I wanted champagne originally but did not feel like celebrating now. I was hoping things did smoothed out as I made my rounds and chatted people up.
My hopes were soon ruined by the arrival of yet other uninvited guest. Security was totally getting a bad yelp review and a written compliant. Maybe twenty minutes after Serena and the Brooklyn people left a very drunk and very angry Nate crashed into the party. I mean crash as he walked right into a waiter making him drop drinks everywhere. I looked around for Chuck hopping he was still here so that he could handle his friend. I failed to spot him and I knew I needed to handle this mess. He now walked right up to Kati and Iz who were chatting off by one of the brick alcoves no doubt gossiping. Before he even reached them, he loudly began to ask them where Serena was.
"Where is she? I want Serena," he asked clearly drunk. He probably wanted another go with her.
"She left," I informed him crossing my arms over my chest while I rolled my eyes.
"Did she? Well I wanted to see her not you since you are such a frigid bitch," my gaped opened mouth staring at him never expecting this from him.I stepped closer hoping to encourage him to lower his voice. But before he could get a word out he pulled a manila yellow envelope from his coat pocket. I could see where I wrote his mother's name yesterday morning. I swallowed my words trying to think of how to maneuver this situation. An angry drunk Nate was certainly a new variable to this equation. Fun cheery drunk Nate was a blast while this one could really have any personality.
"Going to ruin the Archibalds huh?" he asked loudly while moving his hands wildly into the air. My eyes watching the folder knowing the photo that I sent to Anne were hurtful but I figured she needed to know the same way that I did. The Captain was photographed with various women entering their family home. In some photos, he was brazenly kissing random women. There was another of him at a party with women obviously doing lines of coke. Some of the photo's I myself had collected by chance in the Archibald home or on the street. While the ones of the party doing drugs Kati got from her older brother. Her brother worked at the same firm that Nate's father did and Kati had went to a party where she saw the Captain. I warned her not to show the photos to anyone at the time to protect Nate but I was over looking out for him.
"I don't make idle threats. As you should know by now," I warned. I knew this was an official showdown. I needed to win to make it out of here still as queen. "You should have thought about sleeping with Serena more clearly. For all you know this is only the beginning. I can keep going. So I will watch what say." I thought back to the gossip that was circulating about this cousin Tripp and while I did not have direct evidence at the moment I knew with a little effort it will be mine.
"Get over yourself Blair. You are upset because I don't want you. Look at who you are and have become. I am happy this is over you're a bitch," he spat out. I heard the insult a thousand time an even referred to myself as a bitch on numerous occasions but never from Nate's mouth. Fuming I debated scratching his eyes out at point.
"You betrayed me so I betrayed you. That's the way the world works. So what if your parents are going to have a little bump in the road. A little difficultly in life might make you more interesting," I told him and threated. I wanted to make it clear that I would expose what was in that envelope if he continued but I don't he grasp that in his drunken stupor.
"It was a drunken mistake, Blair. One I enjoyed? Fuck yea, I did. I never set out to hurt you not like this. But there are no boundaries with you. You are so obsessed with being queen of what. At a high school where everyone hates you and you have no real friends. What do you even get out of it? Why do they even listen to you? Because you blackmail them? I have dirt on you too, Queen," he said viciously. I have never seen Nate like this. I did not know this person. Is this what I do to people? Tears pricked my eyes. "How about all the times that you left our mea-"I gasped realizing what he was going to say when Nate was roughly slammed back against the brick wall by a flash of black. When I realize it was Chuck Bass, I stood in shock along with all the onlookers as he held his best friend up against the wall his forearm pressed tightly against Nate's throat.
I arrived at Blair's party somewhat by chance. I had only planned to attend for an hour or so to clear my mind from all the spreadsheet and real estate locations I spent the day looking at. I promised myself that I would stay away from her and watch from afar. I figured I should show my face for a moment and head back out to the city to see if my father needed any help with the Brunch for tomorrow. I knew many of my father's business associates were coming tomorrow and I figured Bart could tell me a bit about them, so I knew how to chat them up. I did not have the time to think about her with the Bass event tomorrow. However, when I saw Blair at the party I was could not help but walk right up to her. I pulled to her like a moth to a flame and I was ready to be burned all over again. She dismissed me of course and I did not see her until the whole affair with Little J happened.
I had taken her to the roof for some little alone time. I was eager to not be in a room with Blair and really just wanted my mind to be on other things. Perhaps too eager, as I tried to make-out with Little L but when she stopped I told her she could go back downstairs. She told me she wanted to know what it was like to be with Chuck Bass. I thought she meant sex and went to kiss her again. She threw a punch right into my lip and fled downstairs. I have been with my fair share of drama queens and scorn lovers to be use to a women's slap or punch. Thinking it was over and making my way downstairs to leave, I almost walked right into another punch. I was embarrassed over the whole affair but still smug. It was Blair's sad eyes that made me regret the whole thing however. I was not looking to ruin her night. I felt that surge of protection fill me and all thoughts of sticking to my playful banter were dismiss but she quickly shot me down. Whatever this was could not come to be. I continued to watch her at the party talking to guests, laughing and dancing. After a while, I found myself on the second level on the stairs looking down at the party. I no longer wanted to go home to see my father with a bruised cheek and lip so I stood around chatting with a few people here and there. I was soon bored and decided it was time to leave as I informed Arthur when a new upheaval began.
I watched along with everyone at the party as Nathaniel drunkenly yelled and wave around an envelope at Blair. Seems like I created a drunk sloppy monster was my first thought. I knew with all the flashes going off that whatever it was it was bad. I had to get closer and I pushed my way to the front of the crowd that was forming around them. Classmates were recording the entire scene.
"-you're a bitch," Nate yelled at her. I winced at his word. This sense of protection that I felt for Blair when I found Nate cheating on Blair came surging back to me and I felt myself becoming angrier with Nathaniel.
"You betrayed me so I betrayed you. That's the way the world works. So what if your parents are going to have a little bump in the road. A little difficultly in life might make you more interesting," Blair threaten. Of course, she would go after his family.
"It was a drunken mistake, Blair. One I enjoyed? Fuck yea I did," I knew he that with every word he was hurting her. Blair's back was turned to the crowd so could not see her face and it was killing me. Her eyes always told me how she felt. Nate was hitting her where it hurt as any good mean girl would. "I never set out to hurt you not like this. There are no boundaries with you. You are so obsessed with being queen… of what? At a high school where everyone hates you and you have no real friends. What do you even get out of it? Why do they even listen to you? Because you blackmail them? I have dirt on you too, Queen…How about all the times that you left our-"I cut him off with my arm pressed against his neck.
"Finish that sentence Nathaniel and it will be the last thing you do," I threaten before I even knew what I was doing or why. I glared at him and he looked at me with glazed over drunken eyes. Pulling myself away, I realized that I had pushed us far enough away from the crowd that hopefully no one heard what I told Nathaniel. I fixed my suit as he pulled down his argyle blue sweater and fixing his coat.
"Look man I don't even know what I am doing here. My mother is –" he began to say but was cut off by Blair who approached us.
"You needed to go," she told him. There were tears in her eyes and her voice quivered as if her tears were going to drop at any moment. Nate instantly looked guilty.
"Blair… I am … I didn't," he began. I shook my head at him knowing it was not the time for a lengthy conversation nor could Nate have one in this state.
"I'll let Arthur know you need a ride back to the city. He should be out front," I told him as I escorted him away from Blair and the party. I swear I intended to leave with Nate but when I got to the limo, I told Arthur to take him home and come back for me. I knew that the drive to 5th avenue and back here was going to be a little less than hour but I could not leave yet when all I could think of was, Blair's said face.
Making my way back into the party, I quickly tried to find her before deciding to check the bathroom. I saw Kati and Iz with their ears pressed against the women's bathroom door trying to listen in.
"Girls," I alerted them to my presence.
They shot up shoulders back. "No one is allowed in," Kati informed me. I rolled my eyes at them. They may have been Blair's friends for a few years but Blair and I went back to kindergarten. I tried to open the door but it was locked. I knocked.
"Blair it's me," I said. I did know if it was going to work. I never so publicly came to Blair's defense. Sure, I helped her with her takedown from time to time but never like this. I heard the door click and felt relief wash over me at the thought that she trusted me. She was drying her eyes careful not to ruin her eye makeup. I leaned against the door one-foot bent as if this was a casual occurrence. Our eyes met through the mirror.
This party is a gift that keeps on gifting. Nate showed up to the party looking for his lost love Serena only to confront B in a showdown that mirrored none another. And who saved the Queen on a dark horse from her Prince why it was…. Chuck Bass? I guess we know who is his Queen. Now what was in the envelope? And what juicy details did Nate have on B?
-tonight I am giving you only kisses xxxx
"His parents Blair?" I questioned.
"Don't judge me Bass or I will kick you out," she said. I held up my hands in surrender. Our gaze met again and we held it longer. She turned to look fully at me and I saw the tears in her doe brown eyes. I stepped forward and let her fall into my arms hugging her as the tears fell. I do not know why I did it but the need to comfort her overwhelmed any other thought. I tilted her chin up to dry her tears with my pocket square.
"Its gonna be okay, B" I told her. I do not know why I did or how I knew but I did know I was going to help her make sure it was.
"Chuck this party is a disaster. My life is a mess," she told me. I kissed her hairline softly as if I had no control over what I was doing. I've never been this gentle with anyone ever.
"This is a party that the UES won't forget for a lifetime. Everyone will talk about this night Blair forever. Nate did not get to say anything about your… umm condition. No one is the wiser. A little damage control and a new scandal will make this old news. Sure there will be some blow back but you will handle ," I urged her to believe me. I knew I was not supposed to know about her eating habits but I was observant and apparently, Nate knew more than even I expected. She did not seem to notice my acknowledgment. Her mind seemed a million miles away otherwise she probably would never let me comfort her like this. Her tears stopped falling but I did not want to let her go, not yet.
"A lot happened huh," she chuckled slightly after a moment of contemplation. "I am sorry about Nate. I just wanted to hurt him and I guess I did," she told me.
"Forget about him Blair. He should have known you were going to fight back. You do have mighty claws," I told her I took her fingers and looked at he fingertips. I kissed them slowly. "let's show all those preps and wannabe Blairs how the real Queen handles a scandal," I told her.
"How do I do that?" she said looking at me with a wicked smile. Her I am in control smile and I was please I bought out Bitch Blair. Having her in my arms looking up at me was a new feeling and I quite liked it. The feeling of happiness came over me and I realized how connected I was becoming with her. I swallow the lump that was growing in my throat as I was coming to the realization of what all this meant. My usual quick lip left me and I was silent for too long. The tension was increasing and she stepped back out of my arms.
She looked back in the mirror while reapplying her lipstick and mascara. Watching her apply her makeup felt intimate in way I had yet to discover with a woman. I was in dangerous territory but I wanted to get as close as possible before the point of no-return. I knew originally when I mentioned weathering the scandal I meant a defense at school on Monday but the words came out of my mouth before I knew "Well you can start by dancing with me."
"Chuck Bass dances?" she mocked me.
"Usually never but for you Waldorf, yes. Let's give them something else to talk about." I said with a wink holding out my hand for her. My own internal warning was sounding. Similar to how Icarus was warned don't fly too close to the sun I knew was stepping into flames. Like Icarus before me, I too ignored the warning. She smiled brightly as she took hold of my hand. If this what basking in the rays of the sun felt like no wonder Icarus fell to an early grave (3).
f- The first dress that Blair tries on is Vera Wang Lavender Label Silk Sequin Belt Dress in a rich purple. The black strapless grown is Vera Wang Lavender Label Stone Tucked Charmeuse Strapless Grown (retailed at 695).
f- J. Press Polka Dot Scarf made of recycled silk ties. No one can't say Chuck doesn't care about the environment.
f- Serena Gold Tory Burch Sequin Tunic Dress (retailed at $750). This dress is the image of her in season one to me. It is so perfect.
1 In an interview I read with Loren Week, who was the production designer he mentioned that the theme of the Kiss on the Lips party was Marie Antoinette theme. I did not quite get the theme from the photos and clips of the party but I like the idea of a theme that is fit for a queen. (Bizbash)
2- Classic BXC line. But I gave it to be B instead.
3- For those not familiar with the Icarus tale- The geek myth in which Icarus is warned by his father to not to fly too close to the sun because of his feather and wax wings will melt. Icarus overwhelmed by the joy of flight and the heat of the sun got too close to the sun and fell into the sea dying.
A.N. The infamous Jenny/Chuck scene went back in forth in my head whether I should trash it, alter it, or keep it in my story. Pilot Chuck is so not Chuck in the rest of the show with the two almost rape scenes but is the reason why Dan hates him for so long. I decided to envision it as Chuck getting too handy with Jenny and misreading her to the point where she is uncomfortable and contacts her brother. But my Jenny is no damsel and handles herself well. Once Jenny punches her, he does not attempt to stop her. I chose not to write the scene in Chuck's POV because I did not want to depict a violent scene and underplay the encounter. Perception is everything and I am only writing this story from chuck/blair's POV, which is flawed and not all knowing. Thus, I did not think it would be correct to depict a scene of possible violence against a woman that would minimize the encounter through Chuck's male gaze.(ex of perception: Blair hears Nate being to say meals but Chuck did not. which I attribute to her seeing his lips and sounding out the words that were coming and the fear of her secret coming out. Whereas Chuck's POV stops after 'out').
Also Nate found his mojo in a bottle in this chapter. He is going through a lot- and kinda blows up at Blair in this chapter- this will be explained later. Nate is not my villain in this story but you may see him as one. Once again C is coming to B's rescue but Chuck is going to have his damsel moment. Next chapter will of course describe their dance if you are wondering.
I also have the next chapter done and it has become my favorite chapter (and longest). Since it does deal still with the same event/day in this chapter I would make sense to me to post it on Wednesday rather than Saturday/Sunday if there is enough interest. But then next weekend there won't be a posting. Kinda of a Catch 22. Just PM or review with when you want me to post it and I will pick between Wednesday or Sat/Sun based on what ya'all want.