Disclaimer: The awesome world of Gossip Girl does not belong to me. I don't care to throw in the Humphreys (maybe a mere mention) or Vanessa in, as they don't really fit in this story. There are no spoilers (to my recollection). I'm completely running inspiration off episode 1x07. So, you should know.

- Blair and Chuck never 'did it'. They just made out in his limo.

- Serena doesn't date Dan. She's the sassy (not stupid) bad girl everyone makes her out to be.

- Blair's birthday hasn't happened yet.

Enjoy!

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"We broke up."

If Chuck Bass hadn't already known the news, he's sure he would've been sorry to hear it. But he's not. Nate Archibald's words echoed in his ears as Chuck tried his best to contain the grin that could break out on his face any minute. Who knew how much joy those words brought him? He probably would've given more hugs in his lifetime, certainly petted more puppies in the park if he had found out sooner. But given the defeated circumstances Nate was in, he decided it was best to suppress the butterflies. For now. He didn't know what he was thinking by even entertaining the thought of going after his best friend's ex-girlfriend but when he wanted something or some i one /i , he was warrant to go to the extreme.

He was smitten with Blair Waldorf and wondered what the hell took him so long to see her. The chocolate-haired dame's salad name was enough to summon tiny little hammers on his heart and it disgusted and delighted him all at once. If Nate wasn't sitting his emo-ass on his soft pebbled cognac sofa, he would sure squeel like a girl scared-shitless for almost missing her period. While he maintained an indifferent face, Nate indulged himself with the finest top shelf liquor one could ask for in these situations.

"What in the hell am I going to do?" Nate aimlessly stared at his whiskey, swirling around the thick globe of glass. "My parents. School. Blair. Jesus, I don't even know what the hell I was thinking with Blair. I broke up with Blair." This very proclamation made Chuck grip his own glass of whiskey tighter.

"Are you saying you think it was a mistake to break up?"

A small pause inserted itself into the conversation before Nate answered. "I don't know. It's too early to tell." Gulping down the carmel concoction, he slid his glass towards Chuck. "Pour me another. I plan to do some man crying tonight." That was Nathaniel Archibald for you--- an indecisive, walking pity party.

Chuck disregarded their glasses in place of shot glasses, which he pulled from behind the wet bar. He needed to get Nate messed up and messed up quick before he said something stupid. "It's probably for the best man. There will be other girls."

"But there will never be another Blair."

Point taken.

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"Come again?"

"I made out with Chuck."

"Bass?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, Blair regrettably and furiously brushed out her curls. If there was any sign of frustration, it was taken out on the rattling of perfume bottles that were strewn on the vanity in front of her. Flaxen beauty Serena Van Der Woodsen propped herself on Blair's bed to throw her BFF a mixed look of amusement and horror into the mirror. Surely she thought Blair was on a good one because never in a million years did she think that would happen. When no answer was returned, Serena prodded on the way best friends do until enough gossip was spilled.

"Don't give me that look S. Stop passing judgement", said Blair, as she pulled her hair into a loose but chic chignon.

Serena smugly raised her eyebrows. "Blair? That's what we do best."

Of course, how could she forget. She was the queen of passing judgement--- it was her middle name. But just because she was a judger didn't mean she didn't have any feelings. And at the moment, a lot of feelings were making her nauseous. Telling your best friend that you made out with Chuck Bass and seeing her blue marbles pop out from their sockets was a sight you'd never want to see again.

Serena remained quiet, contemplating her rebuttal carefully. She would have laughed but that etched deer-caught-in-the-headlights look on Blair's features worried her. Ready to reply, she was immediately cut off by the brunette.

"First off, laugh it off. Secondly, it's never going to happen again. And third, you are not telling anyone about this. I will kick you in the ovaries Van Der Woodsen if this leaves the room."

"Well, in order to keep it one you shouldn't have told me." Oh that Serena, such the comedian.

"Don't get smart. You're not trying out for Miss Universe. So move over you cow, you're rumpling my sheets."

Blair laid down beside Serena and with a nervous laugh, recalled the events of last night--- the fake family pleasantries. Witnessing Nate's father get arrested. Nate breaking her heart. Again. Shaking her money maker at Victor Victrola. Purring in the ears of Chuck Bass in the back of his limo.

After a couple moments of silence, Serena grabbed Blair's hand and gave it a comforting squeeze.

"Does Nate know?", Serena curiously queried.

"No."

"Blair..."

"We're not together. I'm free to make out with whoever I want. I don't have to apologize or feel bad for the way I want to make myself feel better."

The blonde smiled wryly. "Could you at least wait for college to slut it up?"

"I'll try." Blair laughed out, a sound uncommon to herself as she could not recall the last time she had one. "I'll try."

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R + R, please :)