Synopsis: SPOILERS. Blair has a new favorite movie. Chuck deals with the new UES power couple. CB.

AN: Don't own! PLEASE REVIEW!

Charade

It's Monday. The very first Monday after the previous Friday, which may mean nothing to you, but definitely means something to the social circles of Constance and .

Friday marked the surprise reconciliation of Nate and Blair. No one on the UES seemed to know exactly what sparked this reunion, but anyone with eyes could tell that it was on between them. They had slid into Penelope's annual Valentine's Day party together, arm and arm. Hand to lower back contact and all. They were on.

Yes. They were on, and Chuck Bass had entered a new realm of misery. Foolishly, he'd thought that if he waited until Valentine's Day, he could sweep B off her feet, whispering those sweet nothings in her ear that she wanted to hear and promising her forever. Nothing was going in his favor lately.

Chuck hadn't answered a single text or call from Nate since the day of the betrayal. He knew he couldn't shut him out forever, but he knew if he spoke with him he'd just say something horrible that he didn't mean. Besides, he had no right to even feel this hurt. He had been the one pushing Blair away; he told her she deserved better. In her heart, Nate would always be better.

Monday is here and he's lying on the seat of his limo like a mental patient. Eric looks on, worried.

"Come on, man, get up. You're so much better than this."

"Doubt that."

"Chuck! Come on, you can't let this bother you so much. I'm sure Nate has a perfectly good explanation."

"Please do not speak of Judas in my presence."

"Chuck. He's your best friend."

"Not true anymore. Congratulations, Little E, you've gained a new title."

"You've been best friends for years. He knows everything about you."

"True. He does know everything about me. Including how I feel about…her. How could he?"

"I know it hurts, C. But at least give him a chance to explain. Or, you know, get out of the car. Whichever's easier for you."

Chuck sighs with consideration. The little one is too wise for his years. It's disturbing.

"I guess….I guess I'll get out of the car."

"That a boy."

They make a cautious exit and move towards the front door to . Chuck puts on his shades dramatically, while still trying to go unseen by the students. He needs not worry. They have arrived and all eyes are on them.

She has her arm tucked into his, prom-style, and she's giggling softly at something he's said. He's swept back his man-bangs and is carrying her books and everything.

Chuck feels nauseous and quickens his pace. He's predicting an excruciating day in his forecast.

Typically, Serena Van der Woodsen is not one to get involved in the complicated affairs that make up one Chuck Bass. Today is her first exception in a very, very long time. Clearly, someone needs to give Nate a talking to, and its common knowledge is the only person he has ever listened to is her.

Thump, Thump, Thump.

"Nate. Nate, its Serena! I would like to speak with you."

The door swings open, revealing a cheerful Nate Archibald in just boxers and a Metro Station tee-shirt. His man-bangs are back in tact and he has a back of chips in his hand. He drags her inside by her pinky.

"Jeesh, 'Ren. Why so formal? Are you being recorded, or something?"

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

He's taken off-guard, as usual, and stumbles back onto his couch.

"Are you going to tell me what's up?"

"What's up? What's up?! Nate. How could you do this to him?"

He wipes his grease-covered fingers on his pants and looks up at her, sheepishly. She's starting to believe it's his only facial expression.

"Oh yeah, Chuck. I…um…it's complicated, S."

"I have all day, Nate."

"It's just…my grandpa, he offered my mom and I a huge amount…enough to fix everything plus more…if I got back with Blair. He wants to give me a share in his company, but he won't do it if I don't have a good image. You see, I'm not really with Blair. Just to…improve the way the public sees me."

"All I see is that you jumped at the chance of getting your fortune back, even if it meant hurting your best friend."

"S, it's not like that. I'm helping her, too."

"Did you even stop to think about Chuck during any of this, Nate?"

"Since when are you Chuck Bass's personal security guard? Ever since the moment Bart met Lily, you swore you'd never get involved in any of his issues. What changed, S?"

"That boy…your best friend, who just lost his father… that boy, is in love with her. This is inexcusable, Nate."

He snapped.

"Don't you think I know that, S?! Don't you think I have a conscious? But this is bigger than the both of us! I'm the man in my family now, and my mom needs this. It's not up to me."

"I know you have a duty to your family, but you have a duty to your friends, too. That girl is Chuck's entire world! And vice versa."

"Look, S, I know you are all Team Chuck and Blair, but they're not even together. They can't make it work, and Blair needs this, too."

"What are you even talking about?"

"Grandpa said if I got back with her, he'd guarantee she'd get into Yale. You know he has the power, too."

"Please, Nate. Blair is already as good as in at Yale. She's only doing this to hurt Chuck."

"You know I don't want to hurt him."

Serena slowly gathered her things and moved towards to door. He was handling this on his own.

"Then do something. Fix it. And soon."

And then she was gone.

Nate slumped back onto his couch, and carefully placed his bag of chips over his head. The perfect disguise.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Blair's trotting down Fifth Avenue on Friday afternoon when she's yanked into an alley. She'd probably be a little more scared if she hadn't just stocked up on a jumbo size pepper spray, and if Dorota wasn't 3 feet behind her, and if it wasn't broad daylight. Plus, the hand doing the tugging is perfectly clean and manicured.

"Eric. Get off me."

"We need to talk. I didn't want Serena knowing I was getting involved, but clearly someone needs to speak with you."

"If this is about Chuck; save it. I've made my choice. I won't put up with him any longer."

He lowered his sunglasses at her, knowingly.

"We all know that's a lie. You don't get over a love like that over night, B"

She scoffed. She blushed a little, too, but she refused to acknowledge it.

"How would you even know? You're like…12."

"I am so sick of people underestimating me."

"The point?"

"Look. You and I both know Chuck has done a lot wrong in this relationship. But, Blair. You and I both know how he feels about you. He may have made mistakes, but no one deserves this."

Her heart faltered at Eric's true words, and she breathed deeply, willing her hopeless tears to evaporate.

"I'm not doing anything to him."

"Yeah, except killing him."

"Eric. Nate and I have an agreement. I'm sure it's much too complex for you to understand."

"Let me guess. It's some sort of conflict of classes. Nate's estate is at risk again, and he needs some sort of financial help. You agreed, if he helped you with something you really want…like Yale. I'll bet you're not even really together."

"I am getting so tired of that, Little Woodsen."

"I'm right. I'm always right."

"Pfft."

"And I'm right about you and Chuck. He…God, B, he loves you. Give him a chance. He's different now. He cut his hair, and everything."

She smiles and plays with the hem of her skirt. Damn Chuck Bass for turning her into a schoolgirl.

"I saw."

"You like it."

"Not the point."

"Think about it? Maybe you and him could talk. Face to face."

"Maybe, Eric. If you promise to stop cornering me during my 'me-time'."

"Just know; if you don't talk to him soon, I'll get involved again."

"Nice threat. Only, coming from a toddler with a bag full of Paul Mitchell products, I'm not so scared."

"Think about it, B. Now, I must go. The world needs more killer insight."

"Bye, Eric."

She turns to Dorota, who snarls at Eric and smiles apologetically at her.

"Maybe he is right, Miss Blair."

She coughs, smoothes her skirt, and adjusts her bag on her shoulder. She's dignified.

"Yes and maybe I'd look good in dreadlocks, too."

It was Sunday and Blair had still made no effort to reconcile with Chuck. She had, however, showed up at every Society Ball and event of the weekend with the youngest Archibald on her arm.

It never failed to pierce Chuck's heart. It was even more unbearable then last time. Probably because this time, Nate knew exactly how he felt about Blair, and he reunited with her anyway.

Still, Chuck felt he had no right to be feeling this way. He'd let Blair go, even if she was still His Blair, and she was free to be with whomever. He hated that their relationship was moving in reverse.

Eric had invested in a Wii, and Chuck was just so fascinated with its "successful marketing" that he decided to play. They had an intense tennis-match and were currently sprawled on the floor, breathing heavily.

Chuck faintly heard Serena unlocking the door, but he was experiencing a fatigue unknown to him and barely moved.

He probably should have.

"Oh, Chuck! I didn't know you were home. Blair and I are just going to scurry off to my room. Oh, right! It's kind of a mess right now. Wait here a minute, B, will ya? Hey, Eric! Help me out!"

It was a very pathetic attempt. They both should have known.

Chuck would not speak first. He would not speak first. She did not have any pull over him. He wasn't speaking to her.

"Waldorf."

Damn.

"Bass."

"So."

"So."

They stayed like that. In a stubborn silence, both fully aware of Serena and Eric's probing ears pressed to the door.

"Look…about Nate-"

"Really. It's none of my business."

"I-I know. I just thought you'd…I don't know…"

"Fight for you," he states suddenly, looking directly in her eyes. It was probably the fatigue talking, but he was going to do this and he was going to do this now.

"Well, yeah."

"Why would I do that, Blair? I think I've made enough mistakes between us. And I think you've made it clear just how you feel about me at the moment."

"Chuck-"

"And another thing! How do you always find a way to do this? How do you always find a way to put me in this position?"

"What position?!"

"The position where I feel guilty for being in love with someone else's girlfriend!"

There. It was out, it was in the open, and it didn't even resemble the fairytale confession she'd been imaging for months. Good. Good for her.

She stood shocked, as expected, and Chuck vacated the area and stormed up to his bedroom.

The only thing heard was Serena's faint gasp.

___________________________________________________________________

DID YOU LIKE??! I'm attempting a chapter fic, but I definitely need ideas! Let me know in your reviews!

XOXO

SacredLimo417