Chapter 6

Dan was just beginning to feel like less of an outsider. In a few moments he was having his new friend Nate over to study for their science test tomorrow. According to his sister, Jenny Humphrey, Nate was one of the cutest boys in town. A boy she couldn't stop asking him about every time she found out they were hanging out.

He had begged his dad not to be home when Nate came over and to take Jenny with him. Dan just knew Jenny would do anything she could to pester and get attention from Nate if she were there.

The new friendship Dan was forming with Nate was already strained because of Dan's uncomfortable knowledge about Chuck's secret life.

Dan hadn't meant to tell Nate Chuck's secret, but Nate was so easy to talk to. He seemed to really care about people's feelings and listen when Dan spoke. Dan had of course told Serena.

Right after they left the creepy photo shoot he mentioned how slimy he felt with Chuck putting his hands all over his body. He was now hoping the subject would be forgotten, because he really didn't like uncomfortable conversations.

Hearing a knock on the door, he answered. He invited Nate in and showed him the snacks and soda he bought to make the studying easier.

"Hope you don't mind, Chuck's coming too," Nate said. "He's probably going to be a bit sulky about something. In fact, he wants to talk to you about it."

"Oh." Dan started to feel nervous. "Maybe I should invite Serena."

"Why? She doesn't even go to our school."

"I know, but I need a buffer. She's good at dealing with Chuck."

Nate smiled. "Dude, I'm here. I want you and Chuck to get along. He's my best friend, and honestly I think he gets jealous when I spend time with you. If you two just talk, it will work out, then the three of us can start hanging together."

"Yes, that makes sense, but Serena would make four. Four's a good number."

"Don't call her."

"Ok, I just need to go in my room and get my books." Dan went to the room where his cellphone and his books were.

When he got back Nate was sitting at the kitchen table with his books open and chips in hand. Before he could join him, Dan heard a knock at the door.

"That's probably Chuck," Nate said.

"You should answer it then, he knows you."

"It's your place," Nate said. "Be a man. Answer your own door."

Chuck was dressed in a tuxedo, and Dan pretended not to notice. He acted casual and said, "Hey Chuck. The chips are over there."

Dan pointed to the kitchen and Nate. He closed the door when Chuck walked through and stood at it hoping Chuck would walk over to Nate and forget Dan was there.

"Chuck, you look great," Nate said jokingly.

"I take education seriously," Chuck said. He turned to Dan. "It seems you have a mistaken impression about me." Chuck was holding a briefcase in one had and caressing the bow tie at his neck with the other.

"No I don't." Dan walked quickly around Chuck and straight to the kitchen. He grabbed a large bowl of chips to his chest like a security blanket and started eating.

"Both of you stop being uptight and sit down and study," Nate said. "Unless Chuck, you want to make the presentation you're obviously dressed for before we start."

Chuck walked into the kitchen and put his briefcase on the table. "I simply wanted to point out to Dan that I'm a distinguished businessman, who is dating Blair, and any stories he may have heard about me meeting up with other people are simply Gossip Girl rumors."

Chuck sat down and opened his briefcase taking out his textbook, a monogrammed leather bound notebook and a monogrammed gold pen.

"Dan, before you say anything," Nate spoke up. "I did mention to Chuck what you told me in confidence about a guy coming out of his room, but it was only after Chuck confessed it to me himself."

Chuck jumped up from his seat. "What the hell Nate!"

Dan watched them. It looked like Chuck was ready to fight, but then again it also looked like he was ready to cry. Dan wanted to be anywhere but this room.

Nate looked up at Chuck. "Look, let's be honest. I like Dan and want to keep him as a friend, and you're my best friend. We need to have nothing but the truth between us and it's not going to go any farther anyway. Nobody else will know if that's how you want it, especially not Blair."

Chuck put his hands over his face, and slowly sat down. Then he began putting his things back in his briefcase, and announced he was late for a meeting uptown.

Nate looked at Chuck with concern, while Dan ate more chips.

"If you're dealing with something with your sexual orientation," Nate said to Chuck, "it's best to have friends who will understand around."

Chuck stood up, grabbing his briefcase and headed for the door.

"If that doesn't help, then maybe you should see a therapist or something," Nate said as the door was closing. "They say counseling helps."