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Episode 10: High Society (Extended Scene)

At the first knock on the door Chuck jumped up. At the second he ran to the peep hole. Nate. Fuck. Since that night with Blair in the back of his limo he had been steadfastly avoiding his friend. He was a horrible person, he knew that. Nate had all the drama with his parents and breaking up with his girlfriend and all Chuck had done was screw him over even more at the first opportunity. The knocking continued.

Nate would know everything the moment he saw him. Chuck knew it.

"Come on man," Nate called though the closed door. Chuck froze. If he ignored him he would go away. "I can hear you breathing on the other side of the door." Shit, Chuck thought running plans over in his head. "Anybody you need to get rid of? I really need to talk to you man, please." In for a penny in for a pound. He threw the door open.

"Nathaniel!" He called cursing his fake over eagerness.

"Where's the girl?" Nate asked, his eyes searching the suite and lingering a little too long on the closet.

"In my dreams." Chuck said. "I was trying to get some shut eye." Which wouldn't explain not getting the door. "What's on your mind?"

"It's my mom," Nate said, taking the bait and taking the heat off Chuck.

"Sounds Freudian." Though he was thinking more about his own rampant id than Nate's potential problems with Oedipus.

"She wants me to give Blair her ring," Nate sighed, the reference going over his head.

"You guys broke up," Chuck said a little too quickly.

"Yeah I know. I mean," he looked at Chuck. "Wait, how do you know?"

"Predictable, your ex ran the whole, grill the best friend play." Chuck said, pleased with his quick thinking. "Tried to find out where your head was at. So where is your head?" The sentence was hesitating, hoping Nate would fall for the ruse and give him information.

"Spinning. I mean my mom wants me to get back with Blair so Eleanor doesn't pull out of their business deal. It's all because of my dad's whole trial thing, you know?" That hit home and Chuck once again was brought back to the fact that he was pretty much the worst friend in history.

"I'm sorry about all that," he said trying not to think that much about who he was actually trying to help with his advice. "But look, if you're done with Blair, be done. Don't cave to your parent's wishes if they're not your desires."

"Excuse me? Where's my boy? Seal the deal, tap that ass, money marries bigger money." Chuck winced inwardly. There was no way he wanted Nate doing any of those things with Blair anymore.

"Look I care about three things Nathaniel: money, the pleasures money brings me, and you," he said honestly. "I'm just trying to have your back here. Your parents have been controlling you your whole life. If it doesn't end now when will it ever?" Nate sighed and dropped his head to his hands.

"I know, you're right," he agreed. "It just really sucks that everything has to drop down on me all at once. And now I don't even have Blair to talk to." He looked at Chuck and finally let his fear show. "I've lost my respect for my parents, my life with Blair. I just feel so lost now." Chuck let himself relax and sit down with Nate. Since the getting back with Blair crisis had been adverted. He put an arm around Nate's shoulder's as he spoke.

"You still have me. No matter what happens you're always welcome here." He smiled inhaling. Strange, he thought, Nate's cologne reminded him of Blair. "The couch has been missing you lately." Nate laughed.

"And I'll be back, I just have to deal with a few things before I can blow off some steam with you."

"Which I completely understand Nathaniel. But don't forget. I am now running a delightful little club that I guarantee would help to take your mind off your troubles."

"Oh right. Sorry I missed the opening."

"Don't worry about it," Chuck said, thinking back on what that night had brought him. "Any time you feel the need to unwind let me know. There are private rooms," he said with a wink.

"Maybe in another life," Nate said. "I'm not ready for anything like that yet."

"Well," Chuck said. "Just let me know when you are. I promise more depravity and debauchery than a senior prom."

"Promises, promises."

"Just say the word," Chuck said sincerely.

"I know man," Nate said. "And thanks, thanks for all this. It's nice to know that there is someone still looking out for me." Chuck smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. "See you around."

"I'll be here." Chuck answered.