AN:

A few facts to take into consideration before reading this story, and heading to disappointment from the start:

1. This is a Chuck Blair story, despite whom she is with at the start. It's temporary I assure you, and reading on will help you realize that.

2. Georgina's return didn't happen.

3. All other occurrences from the show, if not denied or stated against later on in the story; should be presumed applicable.

I figure this is probably not how season four would be like at all, and isn't for obvious reasons. I'll see what the masses think before I update regularly, and appreciate feedback on my writing, and choice of plot.

Thank you for reading.

Paris

"Is Serena coming back anytime soon?" Nate asked desperately, managing to take off his shirt before grabbing her back to kiss.

"No," Blair responded, "but hurry up anyways". Their lips barely separating for her to speak.

"I can't believe we haven't been caught yet," Nate admitted. They finally broke apart, leaving each other panting; wanting for more, as indicated by how fast Nate undid his pants. Blair was already unzipping her dress, taking a few steps back to give him space to get as naked as fast as he could, while she did the same.

"I must say Archibald, you're pretty good at it," she let the material pool around her feet as she stood there in her underwear, leaning against the wall to take off her shoes, as Nate did the same but against a table. Shoes, socks, nothing but underwear would remain... for now.

"I've had my fair share of sneaking around Blair," he reminded her. He finally managed to take everything off, other than his boxers, and took a moment to admire her in nothing but her own lingerie. He just stared, for a moment, lost for words whenever he got to see her like this. She was a beauty to say the least, and for now he would be her beast.

"Well, are you just going to stand there?" She gave him a knowing smirk and he smiled eagerly taking a step towards her, capturing her lips with his, only to fall backwards onto the bed.

Paris was oh so fucking great.

"It's so great you came to visit Eric!" Serena yelled, hugging her brother close while walking down the streets of Paris. It was gorgeous, having spent the day exploring the magical city. The two just left Laduré, grabbing a couple of drinks and a box of macaroons, for herself and Blair to share. They enjoyed devouring the sweets whenever they were getting ready for a night out, it was a guilty pleasure they enjoyed over the summer.

"I know, a month away and you've already started to need my help. I can't believe you convinced mom to ship me over here, just so you could avoid Nate." Eric shook his head in disbelief, his mother was quick to send him over with Nate and Mrs. Archibald. The two girls were left alone in Paris for the majority of their trip, excluding the weekend spent with Blair's father, and the few days they saw Blair's mother, when she happened to be in town with Cyrus.

"Blair and Serena time's always a blast," she explained, speaking of herself in third person. "But after a while, Blair can get judgmental about the guys, especially when she keeps passing up on all her offers." Serena let out a disappointed sigh, having hoped that the other girl moved on.

The holiday has been amazing. She got to spend time with her best friend, sipping on drinks at bars and cafes all over Paris. Making sure to be seen in all the best places, and by the best men too. Serena also found herself a fair amount of Parisian lovers to have a weekend's fling with. Blair, on the other hand, refused to ever see the guy again after a night's conversation, barely even allowing him that.

At least now that Nate's here, Blair ended up spending time with him rather than Serena. Allowing her time alone with her brother to catch up, and enjoy the city, without dealing with her ex-boyfriend. How Blair did it surprised her; even if they ended it on good terms, it wasn't easy seeing Nate, and was thankful she barely had to, other than the occasional outing with Anne Archibald.

"You think she still likes Chuck?" Eric stopped and turned to his sister. Chuck had been unattainable for over a month. Not much was thought of it. He was not one to be found when he wanted to be left alone. Eric didn't even really care about the boy after all that's transpired with Jenny; purely asking concerned for Blair.

"I don't think she's going to start trusting anyone anytime soon", Serena gave out the most reasonable answer she could muster. Blair couldn't even kiss Cameron, and they actually had been on dates. So for her to kiss a guy she just met in Paris, especially when she doesn't give them a chance to get close, seemed impossible.

"That was amazing," Nate admitted breathlessly as he turned to the brunette at his side, "remind me again why we ever broke up?"

"No Nate," she shook her head, "this isn't us getting back together...". She got up on her elbows, holding the covers to her body as she looked over to the blonde. "This is just good friends helping each other out."

"I know", he nodded. "Doesn't mean it was any less amazing though," he smiled over to her and she in turn smiled to him, sharing another kiss once he leaned up to her height.

"You should go..." she spoke up before they could end up repeating their earlier activities. "Serena and Eric might have finished shopping, and we're supposed to go out for dinner with your mom later tonight."

"Alright..." he got out of her bed with a groan and started to pick up his clothes. "Same time tomorrow?" He turned to her with a proud childish grin, having pulled his pants back on.

She crawled to the edge of the bed, leaning up to give him one last kiss. He smiled against her lips, dressed to leave, but wouldn't without hearing the confirmation she'd whispered to him over the past week.

"Absolutely"

New York

"Welcome home Mr. Bass!" An employee announced once he jumped out of the helicopter. He turned back to help Chuck step out, and allowed him a moment to take in the city view.

New York's never looked so different to him.

"Thanks". He looked around, but shook his head in disbelief of the situation he was now in. "Is Arthur going to be driving me?" He asked the employee, knowing he would correct any mistakes.

"Arthur has been on his break for over a month now sir. Where would you like to go?" The man asked as he opened the limo's door.

"The Palace." Chuck responded casually.

"Sir, don't you mean the Empire?" He reminded him. He had to. He was paid to do just that.

"Where do I live now?" He returned to the employee, genuinely unknowing.

"The Empire, sir. Is there anywhere else you'd rather go?" The employee waited patiently, as he had been throughout the duration of performing tasks of correcting, and reminding.

"Is Nathaniel Archibald available?" He missed his friends. He missed everyone. Even though it felt like he only just saw them a couple of weeks ago. He woke up surprised to be anywhere other than his bed, in his suit, in The Palace. But he was in Prague, with a pain in his side, and little to no recollection of why. So he called up his private investigator, asked him about the latest news, and once he had realized it was no longer the year he thought it was, he took the initiative of hiring a memory guide. He even took his time reading up on his work and Bass industries, not that he was able to retain much either. It was too much, and he was quick to give up on the idea of catching up alone.

"Unfortunately, Mr. Archibald is in Paris with his mother. So are Miss Van Der Woodsen, and Miss Waldorf."

He cursed under his breath. Even Serena and Blair were out of the question too, and he had one last option since finding out his father was dead.

"Where does Lillian Van Der Woodsen live?"

"Lillian – Humphrey - Sir". The employee corrected him, again.

"Of course" He shook his head in shame of having to depend on another.

So much has happened, changed. His dad dying was one thing that really shocked him, and not even remembering it was worse. To wake up not knowing that his father was gone … and now none of his friends were around, and as all hell would have it, he didn't even live at home anymore and was expected to run a whole company. Fuck, why couldn't he remember?