I know this story is labled Dan & Serena, but it was intended as a one-shot. If I would've known it would be multi-chapter, I probably would've labled it Dan/Blair. The Jenny/Nate thing is kind of a side-story. I was gonna do Chuck in this next chapter, but I still can't figure out who the hell I want to talk sense into him. So I'm gonna do some more Dair development.

Blair had been to the Humphrey loft a lot over the past week, but now she had some luggage with her and the intention of staying a while. Dan had put her in Jenny's old room. By Blair's old standards, it was pretty awful. But these things didn't really matter anymore. Since Serena had killed herself, Blair's only concerns had been taking care of those affected. Now it was time to take care of herself a little, by getting away from Chuck. She couldn't be around him when he insisted on being angsty. She looked around her new room and smiled a little. It was actually pretty homey. And better yet, Dan was just on the other side of the garage door in the middle of the room.

A little less than an hour later, Dan slid up the garage door to find Blair laying on the bed, reading a book.

"All unpacked?" he asked. She glanced up at him.

"Yeah, I didn't bring much," she responded. Dan grinned a little. She rolled her eyes. "Why don't you save whatever sarcasric comment you were about to say and make me some dinner?" she said knowingly.

"Fine," he responded. "But you have to help." She shut her book and rolled off the bed. As they left, he caught sight of the book she'd been reading- Pride and Prejudice.

"So you're an Austen fan?" he asked as they began cooking.

"Yeah," she said. "Pride and Prejudice especially. I love Elizabeth Bennet's character."

"You're a lot like her," Dan said thoughtfully.

"You think?" she said with a grin.

"Sure," Dan said. "You're both strong, independant women who know they can make their own fate. They don't let anything stand in their way." Blair grinned.

"You know Dan, that may be the nicest thing you've ever said to me."

Eric knocked lightly at Jenny's door, then opened it. She was spread out on her bed reading a fashion magazine.

"Hey, what's up?" she asked. He shrugged.

"Nothing, really. Just didn't wanna be alone. Jenny scooted over and patted the bed. He crossed the room and sank down next to her, pulling his knees up to his chest and resting his chin on them.

"So..." he began, "I saw you with Nate at Serena's grave." Jenny sat up and looked him in the eye.

"Eric, I swear nothing is going on. Nate just needed someone. You know how everyone was letting you fall through the cracks? Well it happened to him too. No one was there for him. Blair and Dan are busy with each other, Chuck is doing God knows what, and you know his mother is no help. Serena just DIED. I would never..." she trailed off. Then sighed. "I just care about him, that's all." Eric scooted closer to her and laid a hand on her shoulder.

"Jen, I wasn't saying you were trying to get with him. I was just wondering is all," he said softly. Jenny leaned against him and sighed. She couldn't help it- no matter what she said, she was still hoping for Nate to love her back.

Chuck stared at the wall, not really seeing anything. Just staring. As he had been doing since Serena died. Serena. Despite his attitude and his relationship with Blair, he'd cared for her so much. He'd really come to think of her as a sister, someone to love and protect and help. Over and over he'd seen her rally and fight back. But he'd known she hadn't fully recovered from losing Dan so many times. He'd known, but he'd never said anything. That was why he hadn't been able to face Blair, or Lily, or anyone. Guilt. He knew Blair was leaning on Dan now, that she'd moved in with him. He was trying to work up the strength and courage to go and tell her that he loved her and beg her not to leave him but he thought it might already be too late.

I know that was a pretty sucky way to end the chapter, but all in all I'm pretty satisfied with it. It took some unexpected turns, but I really wanted some more Jenny/Eric interaction and toe establish that Jenny still loves Nate. And then I ended up comng up with a little segue for Chuck. I still don't know who I want his catalyst to be, so ideas are welcome!