A/N: I'm the worst updater ever. Seriously, I have no excuse as to why I didn't update all summer. Pure laziness is the answer. For those that are still reading, you're amazing and I thank all of you for your input. Reviewers, I love you guys. End of story. Without furthe ado, read on.

Chapter 10: It's Complicated.

He had to go see her.

He thought that she'd play along with his game. Instead, he got played.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Chuck knocked his head against the elevator wall, relishing the pain that exploded at the back of his head. He deserved it. He deserved worse.

He thought-or assumed- she'd be her bitch self, playing the game as the undefeated queen. He didn't think he'd break her. Or hurt another innocent person in the process.

This is why they couldn't be together. He always found a way to hurt her. Intentionally, or purposely. He was a destructive creature; always hindering others and feeding from pain. He was no good at this stuff. Feelings were to be avoided at all costs. Love was nonexistent-or could be neglected.

So, he was going to tell her everything. No more lies or deception. It clearly didn't work out the first few times he used that tactic and then would leave. Let her forget about how awful of a person he was and find someone else. Or even focus of Yale. That was even more important than some silly boyfriend.

The elevators doors parted and Chuck stormed through. He ignored Dorota's urgent pleas, and continued up the winding staircase. He didn't bother knocking. He stormed inside to an empty room.

He looked around, scanning for a petite brunette that was nowhere in sight. His eyes fell on the closed bathroom door. Chocked sobs float through the doorway. Trepidation rocked his core at the possible sight behind the other side of the door. He picked up his lead laden feet and opened the door quickly.

Curled up in a ball, Blair's tear soaked face turned to his. "Dorota I said- Chuck?" Her eyes widened and she tries to wipe her tears hastily. "What are you doing here?"

He noticed she is only a couple inches away from the toilette bowl. He frowned. She should not be making herself sick over him. He was not worth it.

Chuck doesn't answer. A part of him wanted to make the pain go away, knowing he was the cause. Another part wanted to shake her, to stop her stupidity of crying over him.

Instead, he sat down beside her. He drew his knees close together and rested his arms on top of them.

"I'm sorry." He knew he apologized far too often, but can't think of any other words to say. He pulled out his red handkerchief from his breast pocket. He leaned forward and dabbed her moist eyes. She stared back at him, her eyes guarded.

"I don't care."

They both knew that is a lie. He can tell from the pain in her doe brown eyes.

He somehow found his voice to speak. "I wanted to tell you, but my father wanted to keep it a secret."

She's taken aback by his reply. "What does your father have to do with this?"

Remember, tell her and leave. That's what he came to accomplish. "Remember how I left at Christmas?"

She pulled away from him, as if his touch was poisonous. "Yes. As I recall, it was, 'a family matter.'"

Chuck nodded. His gaze shifted back to her beautiful face. "It was. You see Evelyn is not my girlfriend."

Blair looked back at him skeptically. He doesn't blame her. "Then what is she?"

"My sister."

There. He said it. She can take it or leave it.

He looked around her face, looking for some sign, a response. She looked back up. "How?"

Suddenly, he flinched. He remembered how he didn't tell her how his mother died. Blair always believed she died from a plane accident. He vowed to himself he'd tell her the truth. All of it.

Every fiber within him is screaming to not tell, but as if reading his mind, her warm hand is on his. "My mom didn't die in a plane accident. She died giving birth to my sister."

He continued, "My aunt and uncle-my mother's sister and brother-in-law- blamed my dad for her death. They got custody of Evelyn and raised her. My dad didn't hit it big until after the custody battle, and couldn't do anything to stop it. He didn't have the money. "

Blair doesn't pull her hand away. The warmth gave him the strength to speak. "So, after all these years, my dad has been trying to get her back. This year, it finally happened."

He finally looked back at her, for a reaction. Her tears have dried, her make up smudged around her eyes, but she's still so beautiful. So beautiful.

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier?" Her voice is sharp and she pulled her hand away.

"I wasn't supposed to. I'm not really supposed to-Well, not yet anyway." His stare bored into her. The intensity of his gaze caused her to look away.

"I-I didn't mean to hurt you. I just thought that since you were jealous…"

"And were back to the game," Blair sighed.

"I thought I'd get your attention again. It was stupid-"

She cut him off. "Yes."

He tried again. "And childish-"

"No kidding."

"I feel like I'm always apologizing to you," he admitted.

"You are because you're a Basshole." She tucked her feet close to her frame.

He said he'd leave now. He was finished. But, his body failed to move. A devastating thought entered his mind as he zeroed in on the toilette, his shoulders tense. "Did you…" He points the porcelain bowl.

"Yes, but because of the alcohol."

His shoulders relaxed a bit. "Still, I don't like to see you like that Waldorf. You're so much better than that." You're so much better than me, he added silently.

She rolled her eyes in response. "I'm serious!" He added forcefully. Why couldn't she see that?

She looked resigned to the whole issue. "What? Do you not believe a word I've been saying this whole time?"

Blair blinked her eyes slowly. "I do. I'm just," She paused before continuing, "I'm tired. I'm tired of all these games."

Usually by this point she'd be spitting out vengful words at him. To be honest, he didn't expect forgiveness. So far, he thought his quest had been a success. No slapping, no incessant shouting or arguing. Progress.

He licked his lips. He stole a glance in her direction but can't figure out what she's thinking. This was a first.

She blinked sleepily at him. He said he'd leave now. He found the strength to stand, although his head was a big foggy. His gaze shifted down toward her and he couldn't leave her there. He kneeled in front of her and picked her up.

"What are you doing?" Blair protested. Chuck continued towards her bed. He gently pulled the silky covers back and pulled them up to her chin. She stared up at him and a sad smile graced his lips. He knew she'd do this for him if the situation were reversed.

He leaned toward her face and tucked a stray curl behind her ear. He whispered, "You deserve so much better."

He kissed her forehead and his eyes closed. His lips lingered for a few moments before he tore them away from her porcelain skin. He slipped out of her bedroom and soundlessly down the stairs. He knew he screwed up. He also had to work out his issues with Evelyn. He sighed once the elevator doors closed.

Both these women would be the death of him.

The latest Gossip Girl blast created a stir within Evelyn. The whole situation was too fucked up and convoluted to begin with. As soon as she got back from the bar, she stormed inside and upstairs to her room. In her peripheral, she saw Eric's figure, hunched behind a laptop. She ignored his greeting and slammed her bedroom door behind her.

Tonight was supposed to be about spending time with her brother- Preferably, uninterrupted. Of course, that was too much to ask as Evelyn got neither of those things. All she got was humiliation and used like a dirty napkin.

A timid knock on her door brought her attention away from her seething anger. She sank down on her bed. "There's no lock on that door you know."

Eric poked his head in, his brows furrowed. As soon as he realized his stepsister wasn't going to throw anything at him, he stepped further inside and stood before her, laptop in hand.

"I saw the Gossip Girl blast. What happened?"

Evelyn scoffed. "Who doesn't see the Gossip Girl blasts?" She avoided the question, and crossed her arms.

Eric doesn't move. After a few moments of silence Evelyn realized he was waiting for an answer. "Me and Chuck went to a bar and Blair was there. Something happened, and she came over and well, she seemed drunk and said some rude things and left."

Eric sat down beside her. "What?"

"I know! I don't understand it either. I thought he and Blair were dating, and he said, "No, we're just friends." Next thing I know, he's using me to make her jealous," Evelyn rolled her eyes, "At least, it seemed that way."

"That's Chuck and Blair for you," Eric sighed.

Evelyn cocked her head to the side. "What are you talking about?"

"Assuming that Chuck didn't tell you this, you should know that Chuck and Blair… well it's kind of hard to explain. They saw each other last year secretly, and it turned out Chuck had feelings for her-which was a first- but she wanted to get back together with Nate and then she broke it off with Chuck. Chuck didn't take it well and when Blair got back together with Nate and he told the whole school about their affair and Nate broke up with Blair. Are you following?"

Evelyn blinked back several times blankly. "Sort of… I'm still back at the 'secret relationship' though."

"Wait, I think this will help. " Eric pulled out his laptop and clicked on his favorites tab. He clicked on Gossip Girl's main site and clicked back on the archives. "Read through these. Gossip Girl kept track of everything, so you can read through what happened last year and how they got to where they are now."

He handed Evelyn the laptop, but she sat there frozen. A part of her wanted to look through the archives eagerly but another part was still angry. "Why didn't he just tell me about this instead of use me?"

Eric shrugged. "You'll have to ask him. But take a look at this; it will help you understand more than I can explain. So just calm down a bit and put everything in perspective."

Eric stood, wanting to give Evelyn privacy. "Thanks Eric," Evelyn said before he left.

"Anytime."

Chuck woke up the next morning with a heavy headache. Usually, he never felt the aftereffects of drinking the next day because his body has become so used to it. Yesterday, after his visit with Blair, Chuck retreated back to another bar alone, until he stumbled back to the Penthouse. He wasn't quite sure how he got there; Arthur always took care of him, but his absence made getting home more difficult. Nevertheless, Chuck was in his bed, clothed and alone.

That doesn't happen often.

Chuck pushed himself to sit up, and felt his head pound. It was like he hit his head against a cement wall, repeatedly. Chuck forced himself to stand. He was going to need one of his special pills from Mike to get over this hangover. It was necessary.

He turned to the clock on his bed stand. Chuck rubbed his bleary eyes and noted it was half past eleven. He tossed the covers off his body and slowly stood. Dizziness swept over him. He needed that pill. Stat.

Chuck stumbled to his closet. He opened one of his tie drawers and sifted through the multi-colored selection of ties. A medicine bottle is in his reach, and he grabbed it. As he shuffled toward his adjoining bathroom he unlocked the cap, and popped a pill in his mouth. He gulped two mouthfuls of water. He was feeling better already.

He decided he needed to look presentable. He showered and groomed himself, but can't stop thinking about her. Did last night's revelation make anything better between them? Would anything ever be better between them?

He dressed in a simple suit today; he chose a mix of grey and purple, with a splash white from his bowtie. He picked up his phone and read Gossip Girl's latest blast.

Spotted: B and her minions recovering after H's birthday at Café Ost.

All of Chuck's apprehension vanished. After seeing Blair last night, he wasn't sure if she'd be okay. She didn't smile in the picture, but she could've looked much worse. Finally putting the thought to rest, Chuck pocketed his phone and left his room.

It was a Saturday morning, which meant it was the weekly Van der Bass family brunch. Bart and Lily were already seated at the table chatting with Eric and Evelyn. Bart turned and gave him a stiff nod. "We were just going to have someone wake you up. Brunch is getting cold."

Chuck rounded the table and took a seat beside Lily. She bid him good morning as well as Eric. Evelyn's eyes were the only pair to not meet his. She kept her eyes downcast on her plate and took sips of her orange juice. She wasn't shooting glares at him, but didn't acknowledge him either.

Somehow, the conversation drifted to school and Chuck only half listened. He needed a plan. Most times his "plan" could be used as another term for a scheme. But not this time. Now, his plan was to apologize.

He was never very good at those. Yet, Chuck found himself doing it more and more as of late.

Yes, he used his sister. Did he mean her any harm? Absolutely not. His plan-scheme- was flawed last night. He shouldn't have done it. He thought he was hitting two birds with one stone. Chuck got to spend time with Evelyn but at the same time try to play on Blair's jealously. It did not turn out the way he wanted it to. Not even close.

Serena shuffled in groggily. Her eyelids threatened to glue shut, and had dark circles under them.

"Good morning sunshine," Chuck said a bit too innocently.

"Shut up."

With a smirk, Chuck turned back to his eggs. After taking his pill, his head was already clearing up. He sipped his juice and watched how attentive his sister was when talking to Bart. It almost seemed… natural.

They kept talking about school, and she asked about the business. In between, they talked about hockey again. Chuck just didn't understand it. What was so interesting about guys beating up each other on ice, all for a tiny black puck? If it were girls playing without wearing all those layers, he'd watch every game.

Lily set her fork and knife down on the china plate, interrupting the conversation about stocks. "Bart's going to be away for business next week."

Chuck nodded. He's become used to this. Business always first, family second. It should be the Bass family motto.

He looked across the table to see Evelyn's smile falter. "Where?"

Bart dabbed his napkin around his thin lips. "Boston and then Chicago. It won't be long. I'll be away for a week."

"Your father is a very busy man, Evelyn," Lily said as took a sip of her coffee.

Evelyn smiled and nodded. "I've noticed. Clearly all this," She gestured to the penthouse, "doesn't come from thin air." She looked down at her plate and chewed on a buttered piece of bread.

Chuck recognized that smile. It was forced. It was one of those smiles that never reached the eyes, or made any sounds. Chuck knew from experience. After all the business meetings and charity galas, he could spot it anywhere.

His sister's defeated look didn't go unnoticed either. He understood what she felt. He was used to Bart's absence. Sometimes he'd go on business for a couple days, or sometimes a few weeks. At least Bart told her before he left. Chuck grew accustomed to the nanny telling him after Bart already left.

A chair scraped against the floor. Bart checks his watch and takes one last sip of his morning coffee. "If you'll excuse me, I have a video conference with a client in France right now."

He stood in his crisp pin stripe suite and smiled. Well it's supposed to be a smile, but morphed into a tight grimace. Soon everyone dismisses themselves from the table. A phone call came for Lily, Eric left to meet up with Jonathan and Serena retreated back to her room. Evelyn remained seated. She played around with her phone. Once Serena's door slammed shut, she sets the phone down on the table.

Her electric blue eyes meet his. "I did some research last night."

Although he took his magic pills, his hangover still slowed down his computing process. "On what?"

"You."

Most people would be bothered by this. But not the Bass family. Chuck flitted his tie and cleared his raspy throat.

"Well, I should clarify. You and Blair."

Chuck nodded slowly. "And?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes as if it were obvious. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"It never came up."

She quirked her right eyebrow back at him. Damn she looked as menacing as Bart just then. "Seriously. Why didn't you just tell me? You could've avoided upsetting a lot of people."

Chuck pinched the bridge of his nose. He needed to apologize first. "Look, I'm sorry alright? I-I thought that…I didn't intentionally want to hurt you or Blair."

"But you did."

"Well I know that now. I don't expect you to believe me or forgive me, but I am sorry for what happened to you last night. "

Apologizing was hard stuff. First you have to put yourself on the line, then you had to see if they'll accept it. Who knows if they'll let you move on? Chuck was new at this stuff. It was a weird feeling for him. What was it? Relief? No. Elation? Not really.

Sincerity. Yes, that was the feeling.

"I should have defended you, and told you about Blair."

She nodded thoughtfully. "So did you tell her that? She seemed pretty pissed last night. And I'm not blaming the alcohol."

Right. That. "Yes. I told her about our family situation. "

"I probably shouldn't have jumped the gun so quickly. It's just a bad habit. I panic, freak out and flee." Evelyn said. She plays with her leftovers on her plate.

"Are you related to me or something?" Chuck joked.

She cracks a grin. It's small, but it's there. "So are you now going to tell me about this? According to Gossip Girl you two are quite the hot topic. Is she-or was she- your girlfriend or what?"

Chuck paused. "It's complicated. It confuses most people."

Evelyn isn't satisfied with this answer. She crossed her arms, a stern look on her face. "It won't if you tell me. Besides, I don't trust any gossip websites above my primary source. So, is half of what Gossip Girl says about your relationship true?" She asked. "Oh! And please refrain from any horrifying details. I'm family so I don't want to hear about… that."

How much research did she conduct on Gossip Girl's site? Chuck wondered if she knew that he was known for that. Whatever information she found on that site he'd just tell her one truth at time. A part of Chuck wanted to keep that secret but knew it would be impossible. For once, someone didn't know him as "the devil," or "the playboy." Evelyn knew Chuck as Chuck. It was a refreshing feeling.

Chuck slouched back in his chair. "One thing you need to understand is that Blair and I have been close friends since preschool. Well, we weren't friends then but it evolved… eventually. She only tolerated me because I was friends with Nate, her boyfriend of like what? Ten years I believe?"

Her blue eye were inquisitive. "Wait, so this started in pre-school."

"No, no, no. That's where we met. Our, well whatever it was happened in the fall junior year. Last year. It all started the night before her seventeenth birthday…"

They talked for hours. It took that long for Chuck to rehash his overly complicated story how his relationship with Blair came to be. It was odd. A bit bizarre but it helped Evelyn understand Chuck a lot more. Blair meant a lot to him, whether or not he would ever admit it Evelyn didn't know. She hoped Chuck would face the fact that his friendship with her is not ordinary. It's extraordinary.

A bit fucked up, but extraordinary. But what relationship wasn't fucked up at times?

She still didn't completely forgive him. He did break her trust a few nights ago and just needed time to find out if it was a fluke. That night taught her a lot about Chuck. Her brother can be rude and selfish. But he can also be sweet and giving. Sometimes-depending on who you are, you could catch a glimpse of it.

Evelyn strolled down the hallways at lunch the following Monday morning. Aside from a couple odd stares she received she began to feel more comfortable at Constance and St. Judes. Not to mention, she hadn't seen Blair yet today which before would dampen her mood. She really didn't know what to make of her. They didn't exactly get along at first, but is Blair a person that can forgive easily?

Evelyn spotted Eric disappear into the courtyard. Beside him, a tall leggy blonde disappeared alongside him. Evelyn followed after them. She walked through the doorway and quickly approached. Eric was sitting in on of the stone tables. He threw back his head with laughter at something the blonde said.

"Hey," Evelyn smiled nervously. She didn't want to intrude on their conversation.

"Hey!" Eric's eyes met hers. He stood up. "Oh wait! Jenny, this is Evelyn. Evelyn this Is Jenny."

"Nice to meet you," Evelyn said.

"You too," she smiled back. "Come, sit down with us!"

Evelyn dropped her bag and swung her legs over the park bench. She rested her hands on the cool stone table. The weather was still frigid as winter's spell had not broken yet. A cool breeze sent a shiver up her spin. She held her tweed coat closer to her frame.

"Jenny just registered back into Constance this week," Eric explained.

"Oh that s cool, "Evelyn nodded. "Why the absence?"

Jenny bit her lip. "Well, it's kind of a long story."

I've been hearing that a lot lately, Evelyn thought. She definitely hit a sore spot. Evelyn was about to open her mouth when Eric intervened.

"Jenny is a fashion designer-"

Jenny cut in, and rolled her eyes. "Aspiring fashion designer."

Eric waved her off. "Yeah sure. Anyway, she dropped out for a bit, had a big news story in the New York Times after an amazing fashion show, but her dad forced her to come back to school."

New York Times? Evelyn found out through Eric that most of the kids that go to St. Jude's and Constance were elite kids. Some kids were almost professional musicians, some would go on to become the next big businessmen, scientists or writers and now fashion designers.

And where will Evelyn end up? I'll be a test tube cleaner for the rest of my life, Evelyn thought. There was no way she could compete with the other kids. She was already struggling to keep up in all her classes.

Evelyn smiled. "That's so amazing!

"It was short-lived."

"But still, you can like keep that article and show everyone; yeah that fashion show was mine or something. It definitely beats anything anyone from my old school did. The best was our valedictorian got into Georgetown last year. A couple boys got football scholarships, but nothing like that on a resume especially at what sixteen?"

Jenny stared at her for a moment. A small smile tugged on her face. "Eric was right about you."

"Right about what?" Evelyn turned her to Eric. He avoided her stern gaze.

She then turned and fished through her bag to find her lunch. Ina prepared only the best for her and who was she to refuse? She opened a container of cordon bleu and took a savory bite.

It's official. Ina is the best. How she survived without a maid, she didn't know. Now with these meals and her room instantly cleaned every morning, she was beginning to become accustomed to it. The Upper East Side had its perks.

Jenny continued, "Eric's told me a lot about you."

Evelyn swallowed and responded, "Good things I hope."

"Nope," Eric smirked. "Terrible, just terrible things."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Shut up!"

Eric's eyes drifted past her. Evelyn turned. A boy waved in their direction. Evelyn whipped back to Eric and gave him a questioning look. The dark haired boy approached, his cheeks flushed from the cold. He smiled warmly, his hands buried into his coat pockets.

"Hey Jonathan," Jenny greeted.

Eric stood and slung his bag over his shoulder. "Jonathan, this is my friend Evelyn. Evelyn this is my boyfriend Jonathan."

Jonathan stretched his hand out. Evelyn took it and shook. So Eric had a current boyfriend? Evelyn wasn't all that surprised. When he confided in her, telling her his sexuality at the time she didn't ask whether or not he was seeing someone.

"We're going out for lunch. I'll see you too later?"

"Absolutely," Evelyn winked as Jonathan turned to the door.

"Have fun!" Jenny called after him.

Eric shot them a pleading look to shut it. Evelyn just smiled back innocently. She noticed Jenny had been doing the same. He then disappeared through the hallway. As soon as he turned the corner, Evelyn and Jenny burst out with laughter.

"It's so easy to embarrass him!" Evelyn said while catching her breath.

"That's nothing, you should've seen what I did once when they were on a date. I told Jonathan about a story from Eric's childhood. He would refuse to go to sleep because his he thought there was a monster in his room. Turned out to be his Buzz Light Year's shadow. He wanted to kill me."

Evelyn chuckled. "Bet he regretted telling you that."

"Oh he still won't let me hear the end of it. He says he'll get me back one day. But do you know what Jonathan thought?"

"What?"

Dramatically, Jenny held a hand to her heart. "That it was adorable! Seriously, he should be thanking me."

Evelyn waved her hand dismissively. "He'll get over it eventually. It's Eric, he's a very fair person."

Jenny nodded in agreement. "Wait, so are you the new E on Gossip Girl?"

Great. Here she thought Jenny would be out of Gossip Girl's reach. That blogger needs to learn to respect other people's privacy. Now Jenny probably thought the worst of her with those false messages about her "relationship" with Chuck.

"Yes, but please don't believe anything that chick says."

"For the past month I haven't. Gossip Girl has her moments but when it's about you it doesn't feel good. Believe me, I understand."

"Has she written about you too?"

Jenny nodded. "She's posted about practically everyone at this school. Nobody is immune to it, so all that stuff she said will get old, and new gossip will come soon."

Evelyn sealed her containers Ina packed her and took a long gulp of water. She wiped her mouth with the backside of her hand and quickly stuffed her hands back into her warm pockets. She really needed to invest in a pair of gloves.

"So where are you from again?" Jenny asked.

"Hartford, Connecticut."

"Wow, that's not too far away. Why'd you move to New York?"

Evelyn's shoulders tensed. If only Jenny knew. Bart and Lily told her and her siblings to not tell anyone about where Evelyn stood in the family. They wanted to avoid any media controversy that would arise from an "estranged" child and try to make Evelyn's transition to New York as smooth as possible. Only a select few people were let in on this. The only person outside the family that knew is Blair.

Gazing back at a prospected new friend, she wanted to tell the truth. Could she trust Jenny?

What was she thinking? She'd only just met her.

Something about Jenny made her want to trust her. Ordinarily, that notion was rarely made with new people Evelyn met. Most times she preferred to stay reserved and closed.

"I came to stay with my family." There. She wasn't lying, but she wasn't telling the whole story either.

"That's cool." Evelyn's shoulders relaxed. Jenny smiled and left the issue alone. "You know, we should hang out sometime."

Hang out. Friends. For the past week it'd been difficult to connect with most kids at this school. They were superficial and elite; both of which Evelyn was not raised to be thanks to her aunt and uncle.

However, there was something different about Jenny. Her semi-long blonde locks were tucked away in a ponytail. Her face was clear of any makeup caked on her face. Her blue eyes mirrored her own, but were warmer, her smile genuine. She was different than the others.

Evelyn grinned, beaming. "Definitely."

Spotted: Little J back at Constance from her short lived fashion career. And who is with her? None other than our newbie E. Are these two joining forces? Wherever you are Queen B, you better not be gone for long. When B is away, Little J will come out to play.

"So how is our wonderful mystery girl? Or should I say 'E'?"

School was over for the day and Chuck couldn't be more thankful. Long classes he didn't care for were finished and gave him lots of time after class to catch up with his social demands. Of course he wouldn't bother with the homework in any of his classes. Today he left school early with Nate. He'd much rather spend his afternoon with Nate than be stuck in economics class.

A limo waited alongside the curb. Chuck exhaled one last draft of his joint and tossed it on the slushy pavement. He smothered it with the sole of his shoe. "She's fine. Still adjusting to school and the family."

Nate puffed a lungful of smoke. "Really? Wasn't there something that happened on Gossip Girl? Blair was involved or something?"

"Yes. It was just a misunderstanding. It's all cleared up now."

Chuck opened his limo door and ducked inside. Nate dropped his joint and followed inside. He slammed the door. "Come on man, since when did a situation between you and Blair ever clear up this easily?"

Damn Nate. Why was he always so observant when he was high? "Well it hasn't."

"Dude, you just said it did."

"I lied."

"Figures."

Chuck scowled. "I apologized to Blair, she just hasn't responded yet. She wasn't at school today."

"Is that the truth?"

"Fuck off Nathaniel."

Nate chuckled. "Sorry man. You need to lighten up a bit. Get it? Light up?"

Chuck sighed. "Yes Nate, you're hilarious."

Nate propped his hands behind his head, his eyes glazed over. "I know."

Chuck rolled his eyes and said under his breath, "and a dumbass."

The limo ride was short. Arthur opened the door for them and they stumbled out. Nate started to come back a bit and acted a bit more normal as they took the private elevator to the penthouse.

Chuck and Nate rounded the corner to see Evelyn at the kitchen table. Books and papers were spread out, her I Pod dock blasting Motown Blues.

"Since when do you like jazz?"

Evelyn looked up. "Hello to you to." She looked questioningly at Nate.

"Evelyn this is my best friend Nate."

Nate smiled and waved. "Hey, Chuck's told me about you."

"A lot of people have been talking of me lately."

Was she still upset over Gossip Girl? Chuck wondered. "Nate knows about the-"

Nate interrupted. "I know you're siblings and all that. Don't worry, I won't say anything."

"Oh," Evelyn's eyes widened a bit before she regained composure.

"Is anybody else home?" Chuck asked.

"Eric was but forgot something and school. Don't know about Lily or Serena and you know Dad's gone for the week."

"Well, Nate and I are just going to hang out for a bit."

"Okay. Nice to meet you Nate."

Nate gave a breathtaking smile and his eyes lingered a moment too long. Chuck has known Nate for almost fourteen years. He knew that look of infatuation currently plastered on his face. Despite his medicated state he knew what was going through his best friends head. A surge of anger swelled through him.

Once they were out of Evelyn's sight, Chuck clamped his hand on Nate's shoulders in a vice grip. In a low voice Chuck growled, "Don't even think about it Archibald."

A/N: So we got scheming Chuck in the last chapter, and now we have remorseful Chuck in this chapter. You reap what you sow right? A bit of character regression in the last chapter, but he did make a baby step forward right? Maybe an inch? Anyone hoping for a step? It'll come in due time!

Now, for any Jenny haters listen up. I'm planning to take her character in an ENTIRE new direction in this story. No raccoon eyes or gothic Barbie here. I didn't like how Taylor Momsen incorporated herself into Jenny. It felt wrong and forced. Jenny will be featured in this series, but please give her a chance! She'll be far different and follow a new path in this story.

Thanks for reading and I'd love to hear your thoughts and feelings on this chapter! I'll try to update as soon as I can for the next chapter!