Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to GG. Just exercising my imagination!

Landing in New York was a sobering experience for Chuck and Blair who had escaped the pitfalls of their realities by traveling to Thailand but now were forced to face the weight of their decision to get married when they still had a few remaining months of their senior year. Blair felt it as soon as the private plane touched down and the skyline was visible. Looking over at Chuck, Blair noticed his jaw set, obviously clenched, and how his hands gripped the arm rest. More than the reactions of friends and family, she was worried about Chuck's well-being. Would he continue to spiral now that they were back in the city? Only time will tell.

She reached out to place her hand on his, and she felt the tension in his hand relax slightly. "We're home," she spoke softly. She watched him as he rested his head against the seat, his eyes closed.

"Home sweet home," he retorted with bitterness in every word.

Blair removed her hand from his, her expression hurt. She turned to the window, trying to hide the sadness that overwhelmed her. Her wistful wish for a glimpse of the former sarcastic but mischievous boy who had always been by her side was becoming more transparent by the day, but she couldn't lose her resolve to be there for Chuck regardless of the storm that loomed ahead. However, the toll on her own mental state started to crack her seemingly perfect surface, threatening to crumble. She paused, forcing her mind to remain in the present moment, and she kept her eyes on the skyline. Despite everything, coming home felt like a relief.

The pilot announced their landing status, giving the three occupants of the jet a signal to unbuckle their belts and begin to depart the plane. Chuck glared at Jack who strolled down the aisle while humming some nonsensical tune that would surely drive him crazy on the way home. He searched for Blair's hand, grasping it softly before stepping in the aisle, not noticing the look of surprise from Blair who gripped his hand back and let him lead her in front of him, their hands remained locked as Blair moved down the aisle. Once they touched concrete, they walked over to the waiting limo, stopping just outside the car to get some privacy from Jack who had already climbed inside.

Chuck faced Blair, his hand still holding hers, but he didn't make eye contact. He rubbed his chin, clearly plagued by thoughts that struggled to surface. "Am I taking you back to your place?"

Blair scanned his face before twisting a chocolate curl of her long hair around her finger. "Yes, Dorota will be expecting me." The last thing she wanted to do was leave Chuck, but now more than ever they would have to face the repercussions of their decision, which ultimately would be telling their family and friends. "I'll call as soon as I can, okay?" She tugged at his lapels, giving a small smile before wrapping her arms around his neck. "Whatever happens, we'll stick together. Right?"

Chuck sighed, bringing his hands to circle around her waist. "Yeah," he pressed his forehand against hers. "A lot of people are going to try and convince you that marrying me was a mistake. Try to keep me in mind when that happens, alright?" He moved back, reaching a hand up to grasp her chin.

"Chuck," she stated firmly. "No one is going to convince me of that. Ever." She stroked the inside of his wrist. "I promise." She pressed her lips against his, lingering there for several minutes.

Jack rolled down the window to interrupt. "Lovebirds, let's get this show on the road." The window rolled up again, blocking Jack from the annoyed couple's view.

"I'm going to kill him," Blair whispered through a fake smile.

"Not if I do it first," drawled Chuck. He opened the door for her and followed her into the limo, wrapping an arm securely around her waist. Blair grasped the hand on his waist, interlocking their fingers together and nestling close to Chuck. She rested her head on his shoulder, eyes fluttering closed when the ghost of his lips traced her hairline. They were quiet the entire ride and incredibly thankful that Jack was too, because the young couple felt like any moment would be the last straw regarding their patience with him. When they finally pulled up to Blair's opulent home in the Upper East Side, Blair peered through the window and immediately spotted a very excited Dorota waving wildly at the limo. The sight of her ever loyal and present nanny made her smile, and she squeezed Chuck's hand as Arthur opened the door for her.

"Come say hi?" She offered Chuck a sweet smile that he couldn't resist, and he nodded along to her request.

As he slid out of the limo, his arm reached out to block his uncle who had made a movement to exit as well, "Not you." Jack scowled at his nephew but remained in his seat.

"Ms. Blair!" Dorota shuffled forward, throwing her hands up to grasp Blair's shoulders and pull her into a hug. Despite Blair's typical cool composure, she couldn't resist returning the hug with earnest enthusiasm. She wouldn't admit it aloud, but she missed her confidant more than she realized. Dorota shook her, suddenly interrupting her thoughts and prompting her struggled effort to create some distance.

"Alright, Dorota," she retorted as she tried to resist the older woman's iron clad grip. "I'm home; that's enough." She schooled her features into a calm, composed expression as her nanny let go, eyeing her sheepishly.

"Dorota just missed Ms. Blair so much. That's all." She smiled at the brunette before focusing her attention on Chuck. "Mr. Chuck," she greeted.

Chuck smiled soflty, a lone dimple showing. "Hello Dorota—" Dorota launched herself at him and encased him into a bear hug, effectively cutting him off. He struggled to catch his breath as she squeezed. "Dor—ota," he wheezed, looking over the faithful companion to Blair with pleading eyes as he patted Dorota's back.

Blair smiled fondly at the two but recognized Chuck's expression. "Come now, Dorota. You can't strangle my husband on the first day back." Blair's comment stopped her nanny's movements, causing both teenagers concern. Suddenly, Dorota stepped back, her eyes shifting back and forth between them. Her face scrunched up, tears fell, and her whimpers grew in volume.

"Ms. Blair and Mr. Chuck…married. I no there." She pulled the handkerchief from Chuck's blazer, ignoring the pointed look from him before blowing her nose forcefully. "I cared for you, since you were a dziecko. Now you are grown woman." Her cries strengthened, prompting the still poker-faced teen to pull Dorota into a hug as she made eye contact with Chuck. Chuck met her eyes, steel faced himself, but still stretching his arm out to pat Dorota's back soothingly.

"Dorota," Blair soothed, "It happened so fast. I didn't have time to call. I'm sorry," she paused when Dorota's cries grew louder and hugged Blair closer. Blair tried to compose herself. "Obviously, I wanted you there. We are going to have another party, of course. You can help me plan that one, yeah?" She smiled down at her beloved nanny whose cries dwindled down to some sniffles as she continued to clean her nose with Chuck's handkerchief.

"Okay," Dorota managed through lingering tears. She sniffled again before returning the cloth to Chuck who accepted it begrudgingly. She tilted her chin at Blair, her expression becoming serious. "We need to prepare for Ms. Eleanor. She will return home tonight and is expecting a nice dinner together." She turns to Chuck, "Mr. Chuck, too."

Chuck exhales through his nose, trying to remain calm when Dorota's kind, expectant eyes were trained on him, awaiting his affirmation. Ultimately, he knew it was important to Blair as well as their marriage. He felt so sure of marrying Blair, a decision he will never regret—but the reality of the aftermath of such a monumental decision in both of their lives will be the challenge. He's tired. His father's death plaguing him incessantly. His vices—drinking, partying, and spending—purposely disconnecting to his emotions—how could he keep doing it with Blair? His eyes maneuvered to her, meeting her gaze and never breaking it as he finally responded to Dorota, "Of course. I wouldn't miss it." He offered a small smile, a genuine one, different from his signature smirk. The gesture softening Blair's own guarded state, always on high alert since jetting to Thailand to meet him. She tilted her head, puckering her lips in an invitation, which Chuck immediately responded to. Their lips met in a chaste, intimate kiss. Dorota smiled at the pair, her hands clutched together over her heart. The heartfelt moment amongst the three didn't last, unfortunately.

Jack Bass, never missing an opportunity to insert himself in a situation that he wasn't involved in, approached the trio with a smarmy smirk plastered on his face. Dorota was the first to notice him, her expression turning sterner. She could guess that this was Chuck's relative, but her instinct kicked in. Jack unbothered by the reaction, offered a charming grin. "Jack Bass," he held out his hand for her to take, but Chuck had reacted the instant he heard his uncle's voice. Throwing his arm out in front of Dorota, he stepped away from Blair, grabbing her hand with his unoccupied one before addressing his uncle.

"Jack, I am staying at the Waldorf's." He signaled Arthur to get his luggage. "You can head to the hotel. The staff will take care of your room. That's your cue to get out of my face."

Jack just laughed at his nephew, his grin never faltering. "What? I can't join and get to know my new family members?" Pouting, he took a step back when Chuck moved forward threateningly.

"Fine," he conceded with another laugh. "Touchy." He looked at both Dorota and Blair, "Be careful with him. He's cranky from the flight." He winked in Blair's direction before climbing back into the limo. Arthur gave them a wave and drove off, finally relieving the tension.

Dorota glanced at Chuck, "No worry, Mr. Chuck. Dorota also have a cousin that I no like. On jest palantem. Dorota lucky he in jail for 10 years. Holidays much better." She smiles at the pair, patting him on the shoulder and already scurrying away with one of Blair's bags in hand.

Chuck turned to Blair, sighing tiredly. After a moment of taking her presence in, he rubbed her chin, murmuring, "Let's get inside."

Blair leaned forward to graze her nose against his cheek and hummed in agreement. At least, they were a united front.

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Surprise, I'm back! I promised an update to a reader who had reviewed this very old story, and I apologize for the wait, but to anyone who is still discovering my story—I hope you all enjoy this, and I am so thankful to all the readers.