Summary: Using the major storylines from season one Dangerous Affections is told only through the point of view of Chuck and Blair. Beginning with Serena's arrival in town Chuck stops Nate and her from almost having sex. Chuck threatens Serena and Nate to tell Blair about their past indiscretions before snapping a photo of them. Rejected and hurt over all the betrayal Blair has a relapse in her struggle with her eating disorder, which is an ongoing issue. As part of her revenge, Blair hooks up with Chuck until he realizes that she is using him to get back at Nate. Meanwhile, Bart and Chuck cannot seem to be on the same page. At Blair's Kiss on the Lip's Party Nate confronts Blair over photos she sent to his mother and Dan and Chuck begin their rivalry after Chuck trying to sleep with Jenny. After a night of flirting at the party, Chuck leaves Blair high and dry which begins the hot and cold vibe that he is continuing to send her. Blair is determined to seduce Chuck and he was determined to ignore her. After Blair rejects Nate's proposal his ring is stuck on her finger leading to rumors of an engagement. The shock of seeing Blair with an engagement ring on forces Chuck to conclude that he is in love with Blair. Nate's father is arrested on time to stop a possible hook up between Chuck and Blair. Chuck arrives at Blair's door overcome by his feelings with her before realizing that Nate was in Blair's penthouse feeling foolish and dissuaded he leaves. At the Ivy Mixer, Chuck makes out with Jenny angering Blair hurting her. Blair and Chuck make out angrily having their first fight and Chuck lies to her about knowing of Serena and Nate. Meanwhile, Chuck and Bart have a tense argument and Blair tries to come to his defense. Eleanor's fashion campaign with Serena as the poster girl disappoints Blair. Chuck comes to Blair to inform her about the Marc Jacobs's photoshoot but he finds her after another relapse. Their feelings are now in the open but they agreed to temporary truce in order for Chuck to understand what to do about Nate.
A.N: Chapter 13 was excessively long so I needed to cut it down. Consider this Chapter 13 Part I. A teaser, really. I thought it would be fun to show them at school since I never get to. In addition, I missed Dorota. The next chapter will have the photoshoot, & Blair and Chuck finally giving in to temptation. Part II will be up very soon. I have mostly written and I still need to edit it it but the length was pushing 10,000 words and I thought it best to slim it down. The moment I decieded to make it two parts I figured I might as well get this fluff out there.
Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl, any of the locations, places, people, or event that have been mentioned in this story. There are plenty of name and location mentioned none of which belong to me.
Chapter 13A
"Life is short. Eat dessert first."- Ernestine Ulmer
It Tuesday, only four days after Chuck left my apartment before sliding ice down my body. It was all I could think about the moment I closed my eyes to sleep at every night. Unfortunately, we have had little interaction since then and from the glare he was giving me across the courtyard, I knew he was mad at me. I swore there was heat radiated off his body. I knew it was silly and maybe wrong but as much as his anger cause me some pause it also made me want to fight with him if only to make up. I knew my fantasies were distracting me. We were sitting in the courtyard at lunch and I was with my upperclassmen minions while Chuck and Nate were sitting across the courtyard planning their Lost Weekend with their guy friends. Well they were more Nate's friend than Chucks.
"Blair, why do you keep looking at Chuck and Nate?" Hazel asked and I quickly turned to glare at her. It was the way that she said Chuck's name that gave me pause but her face gave nothing away from her innocence. I knew I was being paranoid.
"Nate and Blair are practically getting married. I don't know why you are allowing him to have the lost weekend," Penelope answered for me. I knew she was trying to get back on my good graces but the girl needed to know her place and not speak for me.
"No, Nate and I are over," I once again tried to explain but no one ever seemed to be listening or believed me. Even Serena seemed to think that Nate and I were suddenly destined to be.
"But the New York Post and Gossip Girl," Hazel began and I cut her off quickly with a glare.
"Are nothing but a bunch of silly gossipers who have nothing better to do then pretend they know more about my life than I do," I finished off.
Nate and I rumors took off once again when on Sunday I was with the Archibald/Vanderbilt clan at their family estate. Nate had called me earlier on Sunday explaining that they was a family dinner and his mother said he could invite me. He said the pressure was going to be too much and he could really use a friend. I knew the clan was none too fond of Chuck so I figured I was his only option so I attended. I had no idea that by family dinner he meant his grandfather, mother, and himself. I was expecting the entire well-bred socialite family. When the press came for the evening news for a statement from Anne I was more than surprised when the fixer that William Vanderbilt hired ushered me on stage behind Anne as she read her statement while Nate held my hand. There I stood on live TV standing with and behind the Vanderbilt's. Within moments, Gossip Girl blasted the event.
The evening news just went live to answer the question we all wanted to know: are they or aren't they together. Blair seems to be a ride or die Upper East Sider edition following in the footsteps of very own Senator Clinton. I guess the bombshell isn't the blond in this tale rather it is the shocker that after all these weeks of love squares and triangles we are back to the story where the Queen lands her Prince. Yawn, I was so ready to close the book on this played out fairytale. The Eyewitness News may have gotten this scoop before me but don't forget I am always watching
-XOXO you know you love me. (1)
So went the rumors. I confronted Nate afterwards and he swore that it happened so fast he was not really thinking. He apologized for inviting me and suddenly I questioned whether Nate was playing me. The whole day felt weird and I was confused as to why I was even there. I gave him the benefit of the doubt and figured that Nate probably failed to tell Anne we were no longer together and invited me in order to save himself from having that conversation at this time with her. As much as that annoyed me, I could not really blame him. I debated calling Chuck and explaining the situation to him but I did not even know how to explain it myself. Did I owe Chuck anything especially if this was only going to be a one-night stand? When did losing one's virginity become so complicated? Monday it was clear he was giving me the cold shoulder and I did not hear a word from him even when I tried to engage him a conversation in front of Serena. I was embarrassed then but today I was annoyed, frighten, and intrigued.
"Shouldn't we be talking about Serena's photoshoot today," I said refusing to answer another question about Nate and me so I changed the topic.
Serena was test shooting today after school and officially tomorrow for the line. We had a studio booked and I knew my mother wanted me to be there. However, tomorrow I had to attend dress fittings for my own secret shoot. I knew the second the shoot happened people were going to find out but for the moment we were keeping it concealed. I used Chuck's lawyer for my contract rather than risk my mother finding out. I was happy to be working with Cheryl on details rather than Chuck. Since Sunday, I was afraid Chuck was going to cancel the shoot especially since he had yet to say a world to me. The girls were busy talking modeling when I caught Chuck's eye from across the courtyard. Penelope loved talking about her days as a kid model for J. Crew. I could tell even from the distance that is lips were tightly pressed together and his jawline was sharp and stiff. He was incredibly hot. He looked away and down to his phone. Seconds later, my phone vibrated in my lap and I commented on the conversation about my mother's bossiness before looking down to see the text.
It was from Chuck: One minute. Art room
The frighten arousal was back. Well mainly aroused and I text back an uncommitted simple 'K'. I felt his anger from here. I smirked to myself before excusing myself to for a quick meeting the literature teacher. I loved getting under his skin. There were only a few minutes before lunch was only I did not want to waste a moment of it. I was in the art room only a second before Chuck walked it. It may have been eager to arrive before he did but I could care less. The moment he entered he grabbed turned me around and hoisted me up to sit on a desk. His lips attacked mine and we both fought for dominance. He bit down painfully on my bottom lip before moving back from me. I slapped his shoulder roughly as payback as I licked my bottom lip happy he did not draw blood. We both looked at each other out of breath with questioning glares.
"This thing with Nate, he is convinced that you two are getting back together," he told me. I shook my head forcefully.
"I told him many times. It is just not true. I am only there as his friend. I don't even know how I ended up at that press release," I tried to explain. But his glare was strong and it made me nervous. "What can I do to show you that?"
His glare turned into his soft smile the one that I have been on the receiving end of more and more. Whenever I saw it, a tightening in my chest occurred. He stepped closer to me running a thumb over my bottom lip. "No blood?" he asked his voice soft and caring. I shook my head no. "I am sorry for grabbing you like that," he confessed. I could not help but smirk.
"I think I like it rough," I responded. His eyebrow quirked up and a lecherous dark look was displayed on his face.
"Good to know," he whispered before he leaned in to once again make contact with my lips claiming me once more. I wrapped my legs around his waist as we made out. There was no rush or anger. It was a simple make out session. It was as if we both knew there was more to come and this was only the beginning. Besides squeezing my thighs his hands never roamed anywhere but my back. I was disappointed and unsatisfied when he pulled away. He did not step back and my arms were still around him as were his arms around me. I could not help but pout to which he responded by kissing my bottom lip.
"No pouting or I'll bite you again," he threatened. It was playful and sweet. Something a boyfriend would say. Suddenly that beating in my heart grew and I knew I needed to stop myself before I fell too deep. I promise him and myself one night. I knew that if I continue I would catch feelings. I was not the type to just sleep with a guy and not feel something for him. I knew feeling for Chuck was dangerous. I already admitting to liking him and if I fell any further I was not going to be able to big myself out.
"Not really a threat," I retorted back.
"Why is that?" he asked.
"Because then you are probably going to end up kissing me," I teased him my hands playing with the hair at the nape of his neck.
"Well in that case pout some more," he said with his smile larger than I had ever seen. It took my breath away to see him so happy. I loosened my grip on him and brought up my hand to run it threw his hair. It was so soft and I ruffled it making it out of place.
"Seriously, Chuck. I don't want Nate not the way I want you," I told him. His breathing slightly hitched before he leaned in for yet another kiss. This time it was messy and demanding as if he was claiming my mouth. Grabbing the back of my neck, he pulled my lip in as close to possible to his. I moaned into the kiss pressing myself closer to him. It was my turn to pull away from this kiss. I was unbelievably happy in the moment and I could not help but grin stupidly.
"Busy after school?" he asked.
"Yea, the test shoot for Waldorf Designs is today," I informed him. He arranged my hair correctly trying to undo the mess he just made.
"Lunch is ending Bass," I warned him knowing we both needed to go to the class or leave the school. Either way we needed to deicide now. He pulled farther back and let go of me but still looked happy.
"Did Cheryl call you for your measurements," he asked changing the topic of the conversation. For whatever reason he had I guess he was still holding back.
"Yes, everything is set up. I am kinda excited," I admitted as I slipped off the desk.
"I will pick you up early in the morning on Thursday," he told me.
"See you then, Bass," was all I said before leaving the room the grin still on my face.
"Well, well if it isn't little J," I told Jenny when I saw her at my locker Wednesday morning with a grin on my face. The girl did not give up but I knew Blair might not forgive me this time for messing with her so I knew I needed to stay away.
"I am not here for you like that," she said a smile still plastered on her face and I waited for her to move so I could access my locker but she did not. I was getting annoyed fast her games were boring.
"So why are you here?" I asked.
"This," she held up a photo of Blair and me from yesterday in the art room. "I could send it to Gossip Girl or you can help me," She said as she moved shook the pink razor phone in my face.
I rolled my eyes. Being caught before was never an issue but Blair made things complicated. Part of me wanted Nate to know and the other part knew that it should come from me. However, the part that was winning now told me to hid this from him. Blair and I already agreed that once we had sex that was it. One time and done even though I wanted more there was no guarantee that there would be.
"What do you want?" I asked the girl. I knew a shakedown when I saw one.
"My brother told me you told him that Nate and Serena were still hooking up after she came back to town. Do you have proof?" she asked.
"Why, what is it to you?" I asked unclear why the freshman wanted proof of Nate and Serena.
"We exist in hierarchy at this school and we are supposed to know our places. I knew mine. I was fine with mine but with Serena, back I have been pushed even further down. I want to move up but with Blair and Serena, cutting everyone else out Blair hardly hangs out with us anymore. I just want to make sure that Blair knows who her real friends are," she said. She was clever that was for sure and I did not believe her for a moment.
"Information is power Little J. But with power comes new enemies. You should be more careful," I warned her and nudged her aside to get to my locker.
"If you have a photo we could trade picture for picture. Simple two sets of the foursome for the other," she teased. I clenched my jaw trying to think on my feet. Should I give her the photo? No, she was not to be trusted.
"No, photo, sorry. I am not accustomed to snapping photos of my friends going at it," I lied.
"So they went at it?" she asked to confirm. "Tell me what you know."
"Look it was a lie that I told your brother to get rid of his foolish crush on Serena. How about this you don't show anyone that photo and I won't tell Blair that you are trying to blackmail me," I threaten. She told me she would not post anything. I nodded. Before I walked away, I told her "I don't know what the big deal is, it was weeks ago." I was trying to diminish what was happened but it was best if Jenny thought it was not important gossip.
"I am sure Blair thinks it is, though," were her final words. I was only hopeful that Jenny would stop before she began. I did not see any play that she had. If she released it, Blair was going to be livid. There was no play that did not end in her destruction but even still, I wanted to be careful. I needed to follow her today.
I followed her to her home that day after school. I had to rent a town car rather than my usual stretch limo. I needed to hide in plain sight. I followed her to Brooklyn and discovered she lived in one of the converted warehouse lofts. My knowledge in real estate alerted me to the fact that was not the most expensive neighborhood in Brooklyn nor was it the most expensive real estate property. With a quick google search, I found her father was some outdated musician who apparently was smart enough to save enough money to send two kids to prep school. Jenny was no Upper East Sider but I could tell she wanted to be. She wanted the clothes, the money, and the power. I figured giving her ten thousand for the photo would be appealing to her and I made a note to head to the bank sometime this week but I was in no rush. She was not a top priority.
I was nervous. Beyond nervous and Dorota was not making things easier. I finally opened up to her about the shoot and she seem worried.
"Miss Blair, are you sure. Your mama not going to be very happy," she told me in warning.
"I know that is the point. She used Serena for her photoshoot because I was not good enough for and Marc Jacobs thinks I am. So it is her lost," I retort back. I was ready too soon and I was placing the foyer.
"Okay but with Mister Chuck?" she asked making a sour face.
"Yes, he is a friend Dorota so stop making that face," I hated to know that she disproved of him.
"Mister Chuck is doing this for you. He thinks this will be pay back against Mrs. Eleanor. But I know her better. She is even scarier when angry," she tried to reason with me. I rolled my eyes.
"He is doing this so I that gain some confidence in myself and because we are friends," I tried to move the conversation away from my mother who currently upstairs sleeping and did not need to know of my plans.
"Ha, friends. Złego początku, zły koniec," she muttered under her breath (2).
"cicho bądź," telling her to be quiet in Polish, Throwing her hands up in the arm before walking away I knew she thought I should not go through with this but I wanted to.
I rode the elevator done to the lobby to wait there. Why did I agree to do this? Cheryl informed me that I should not wear makeup or do my hair before the shoot. That people were going to do it for me. So here I was, waiting for Chuck Bass to pick me up sans make-up or hair done. I felt boring and plain. I should have never agreed when he texted me last night to pick me up in the morning for the shoot. I needed to arrive earlier than he did because of the said hair and makeup but he offered to stay with me. He said it was for moral support I think he thought I was going to run away. So I waited in a navy button down and forest green knee length skirt with red pumps. A navy trench opened because it was surprisingly too warm this morning to close. My hair was in a simple bun and I had over-sized glasses on my face. I applied pink blush ignoring Cheryl request. I was excessively pale without the blush in order to be comfortable.
I saw Chuck's limo pull up. He was right on time and if I thought, I was nervous before I was even more nervous now. Harold, the door attendant, who was surprised to see me so early greeted with a smile. I was too tense to respond. He opened the door as Chuck was coming out of his limo. There he stood hair unkempt and I wondered he was told not to use product as well. I smiled when he held the door open for me. I realized that he had gotten us coffee and muffins. I thanked him but the closeness in our quarters was far too tight and the butterflies were on a fast loop.
I played with the lid of the coffee cup as Chuck took a call. From the sounds of it, the person seemed to be Marc Jacobs. I stiffed in my seat and I wondered if he was going to be at the shoot early. Cheryl said he was going to stop by mid-day. This early in the morning was too soon. I was shaken out of my fright when I felt a warm hand grab my hand and interlace his hand with mine. I looked up at him he smiled at me and I smiled back. He still on the phone but he was looking at me. He ran circles on the back of my hand and suddenly I was nervous about him rather than the shoot. I took a sip of my coffee as an excuse to look away. It was a French vanilla cappuccino from Oslo Coffee Roasters, my favorite (3). I knew that they were not open this early in the morning so he would have had to get them to open up for him. I left the muffin untouched the butterflies in my stomach were moving too much. It was the things like this that I found the most confusing. How simple and easy this felt. How right it felt. Today we were going to have to spend a lot of time together. A lot of time and I needed to get my feelings under control.
"Marc is very excited about this," he shared with me after his call ended. I noticed he was in a good mood and I was quickly excited myself.
"He is excited about you, not me," I told him but my grin was betraying my emotions. He leaned over and took the sunglasses from my face. I tried to move out of the way to stop him but I was conscience of spilling the coffee in my hand.
"Don't be nervous. I am going to be by your side the whole time. By the end of the day, they are going to be amazed with the both of us. Now at least take a bite of the muffin, please it's going to be a long day. I made sure that Cheryl is going to have sparking water on hand for you and your favorite chocolate croissants from Ceci-Cela. When we are done, she promised me that we will have Dark Chocolate Cake with their house Apricot confiture from Café Sabarsky," he said. I had no response but shock and a small nod. I grabbed the glasses out of his hand and put them back on my face. I do not know how he knew all my favorites or why he made it clear that he knew. I wondered if it was simple recon by one of his PIs or if over the years, he figured me out, watching me. (4)
"Thank you," my voice was as shaky as my emotions. I tried to wash down the butterflies with a gulp of coffee because I had a feeling Chuck knew everything he knew because he far more observant than I ever thought.
1 Hilary Clinton was the Senator from New York at the time. Eyewitness News is the local ABC news for the city.
2 Bad beginnings, bad endings. Polish saying I got from internet. I hope it is right.
3 Oslo is a chain coffee bar that has a quaint location in Yorkville. Yorkville is a technically a neighborhood in the Upper East Side closer to the river. I just considered it part of UES but according to goggle it is technically in Yorkville. Learning new things everyday.
4 Ceci-Cela is often voted the best croissant in the City especially their chocolate croissant 'pain au chocolat' that Blair in my story loves. Ceci-Cela is located in the Nolita neighborhood by Soho. Café Sabarsky is just a cool location that I was trying to include somehow in this fic. It is located in the Neue Galerie Musum for German and Austrian Art a fairly new museum. To get a lunch reservation you need to be a member of the museum. Dinners are open to the public. The café is fitted with period objects from the furniture, fabric, and lighting. The Museum is across the street from Central Park a few blocks from the Met. The building itself is amazing so look it up the museum is in what is known as the William Starr Miller House. From the café, you can look out and see Central Park. I may use this setting again because it is wonderful and so UES so look out for it.
A.N: The next part of this chapter will be up soon. Not much happens here but I wanted to show this scene with Jenny because when I was writing the Lost Weekend I did not want this Jenny storyline to seemingly come from nowhere. But Little J is the game to play.