A/N: Hey guys! So yeah, I really wanted to post this chapter ASAP. Our long tests and exams are coming up, and I really have to study. Ugh… Anyways, I hope you enjoy this! If you have the time, please read my author's note at the end of this chapter. :D It's not that important, but it might help some readers who are confuse :D Hehe. Now, on with the story! As always, tell me what you think and REVIEW! :)

Reviews are greatly appreciated. ;)

DICLAIMER ALERT: I DO NOT OWN GOSSIP GIRL.

NATE

I was talking with some of my old lacrosse teammates when I noticed Blair dashing out the door. With instinct, I immediately knew something was wrong and followed her. Unfortunately, the room was crowded so I lost her.

My eyes trailed to the direction where Blair walked away from, and my heart clenched when I saw she was walking away from my best friend.

The next morning, I decided it's best to take a walk to clear off my thoughts.

When Blair left last night, it stirred weird feeling inside of me. Especially when I saw she was walking away from Chuck… I clenched my fist when I realized that my best friend is hurting my Blair again. 'Woah, woah, woah… slow down there Nathaniel. 'My' Blair? Where did that come from?'

I shook my head, trying to suppress my thoughts and feelings deep inside me again. I grabbed a coffee at Starbuck's before heading straight to Central Park. I know it's not a good idea to take a walk there because it would remind me of Blair once more, but I knew my attempts would be futile because she seems to be all I think about.

I noticed that fall would be visiting New York City once again soon, and the reddening and falling of the leaves only signified one thing for me: Blair's birthday was nearing. I took a mental note to already find her a gift.

I took a sip of my still hot cappuccino, taking a leisurely stroll at Central Park. I sat down at one of the many benches, just observing the people milling around. There were lots of people around, children with their family, couples, and individuals just wanting to visit the famous New York landmark. It was then that I noticed a girl standing by the lake, feeding the ducks.

It was Blair.

I immediately started walking towards her. As I grew closer, there was no more doubt that it was really Blair. She was wearing a floral dress while carrying her navy blue Louis Vuitton bag in one hand and a loaf of bread in the other.

"Hey," I greeted her.

She whipped her head around, surprise to hear my voice "Nate!" she said "what a pleasant surprise" she continued on feeding the ducks.

"What's bothering you?" I asked her moment later when she stopped feeding the ducks. We were already both sitting in the bench, close to each other. My knees were touching hers, and it felt oddly…natural.

"Nothing's bothe-"

"Blair, you only feed the ducks when something's on your mind." I cut her off, giving her a knowing look.

She smiled, probably realizing that sometimes we know each other too much.

"Chuck." She finally told me, after staying silent for a few minutes.

I heaved out a sigh, 'Of course it's about Chuck' I thought almost bitterly. It's always about Chuck.

"What about him?" I asked her stiffly.

She sighed exasperatedly "I'm not sure what I feel about him." She answered softly.

Her answer gave me a tinge of hope "Do you not love him anymore?" I asked her, hoping my voice didn't sound too much hopeful.

Blair laughed "Of course I love him!" she answered determinedly "He's still Chuck Bass, Nate" she told me "He was once the love of my life." She answered.

Her answer stung, and I'm pretty sure my face showed the pain I felt.

"Nate, are you okay?" Blair asked worriedly.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine" I shrugged her effortlessly "If you still love him, then what are you not sure about?" I asked her, hoping to stir the conversation away from me. I figured that this was still Blair, and no matter what, she's still my best friend and one of the most important women in my life.

"I'm not sure if I should let myself fall for him again. You know, like really fall in love. And I'm also not sure if I should let him in my life again." Blair said.

"I thought you already forgave him?" I asked her.

"I have forgiven him. I'm not just sure if I'm ready to let him in my life again."

"When has he ever left your life, Blair?" I asked her, and I winced when I realized that I was putting on a good word for Chuck towards Blair.

'Don't be selfish, Nathaniel. If Blair doesn't feel the same towards you, the least you can do is make her happy with the person she DOES love.'

Blair pondered on this for a moment. "You're right" she said.

I smiled at her, and she smiled back.

I put a stray hair behind her ear and leaned in closer "Now, I want for the both of us to enjoy this day. Just us." I murmured in her ear.

She nodded and we both laughed.

Suddenly, our phone started to ring simultaneously.

hey people!

SPOTTED: B and N at Central Park enjoying each other's company. Déjà vu much, everyone? Now I'm gonna ask the question which I'm pretty sure is on everyone's mind: Are they or aren't they? Come on B and N, tell us! Or at least tell me. You know I'm good at keeping secrets ;) I wonder what is on C's mind right now. Step up your game C, or you just might lose your girl to N. AGAIN.

Archibald-I

Bass-0

Hang on Upper East Siders, the drama has just began.

You know you love me,

XOXO,

Gossip Girl

Attached to the file was a picture of Blair and I, sitting on the bench laughing and me tucking her hair.

I glanced at Blair beside me and saw that she was fuming mad. "Oh my God. Gossip Girl had some absurd posts before, but this is just RIDICULOUS!" she cried out "Seriously, Archibald VS. Bass? WTF?" she said and I blinked in surprise.

I figured it be best if I tried to calm her down as soon as possible. I put a hand on her shoulder, and she relaxed a bit. A BIT. "Relax" I told her, and she visibly calmed down. But I can still feel her tense shoulders. "You won't let gossip girl ruin our fun now, wouldn't you?" I asked her in a teasing voice.

She nodded vigorously "I'm sorry, Nate." She apologized.

"No need to apologize. Come on, let's go" I told her. I stood up and held my hand out for her to take.

She took my hand and smiled.

"Where will we go?" she asked me.

"Your choice. Let's just have fun." I told her.

Blair thought about this for a moment "Let's go to Serena's!" she said excitedly and I momentarily stopped.

Serena and I really haven't parted on good terms, and I haven't talk to her with just the both of us.

"What's the matter, Nate?" Blair asked me.

"Blair, you know that Serena and I… we really haven't parted on good terms." I told her hesitatingly.

"I know that. That's why I'm taking you to Serena, so you could 'catch up'." She said.

'Good God. She doesn't think that I still love Serena… right?'

BLAIR

"Your choice. Let's just have fun." Nate said, while we walk out Central Park.

I thought on this for a moment. Nate really helped me with my dilemma with Chuck, so why shouldn't I help him? I know he still has feelings for my best friend. I think. But I'm sure that Serena has still feelings for Nate. Why else would she keep pestering me on asking if there's something 'going on' with Nate and me? I have to admit that making Serena feel uneasy and inferior because of me is a breath of fresh air. Now I'm not the one who's worried if Nate returns her feelings back, or if he is secretly in love with my best friend. Gossip Girl was right. Déjà vu much, everyone? Except this time, Serena is on my shoes.

"Let's go to Serena's!" I said, and Nate stopped in his tracks.

"What's the matter, Nate?" I asked him worriedly.

"Blair, you know that Serena and I… we really haven't parted on good terms." He told me, but I can sense the hesitation in his voice. And for some reason, that hurt me. Why would he hesitate in telling me anything? I'm Blair for God's sakes! He can tell me anything.

'Maybe he's still in love with her.'

"I know that. That's why I'm taking you to Serena, so you could 'catch up'." I told him with a forced smile.

For some unknown reason, my heart clenched when I thought about Nate and Serena.

We reached the Van der Woodsen penthouse in record time.

"Serena?" I called out once we stepped out the elevators.

The penthouse was quiet, and it seemed no one was home. "Serena?" I called out again.

I heard footsteps from the top of the staircase, and I knew she was home.

"Blair!" she cried out. She descended down the stairs and kissed me on the cheeks. "Why are you here?" she asked.

"Someone wants to visit you." I answered her stiffly and forced a smile upon my face.

"Hey Serena." Nate said, appearing behind me.

"Natie!" Serena squealed. She ran up to him and hugged him.

'They don't seem like two people who haven't parted on good terms.' I thought bitterly.

I glanced at Nate's face to see that he was also surprise by Serena's gesture. He just patted her in the back, and I smiled.

"Blair, you wouldn't mind leaving Nate and I now, would you? I mean, we have plenty to catch up on." Serena said. What she said hurt me, but of course Serena said it in a nice way.

"Absolutely not, Serena." Nate cut her off "We can catch up next time, but I promised Blair-"

"Nonsense, Nate. Go catch up with Serena. I'm not the only NJBC member who disappeared." I cut Nate off nonchalantly "We can hang out another time." I added when saw Nate was about to retort back.

I hastily went inside the elevator, and I could hear a distinct "Blair!" fade once the elevator doors closed.

I didn't know why, but once inside the elevator, a tear escaped my eye.

A/N: There you go! Now, I made this chapter to show you guys that the fight for Blair's heart has begun. And also, I would like to show you the feelings Serena has for Nate, and vice versa. Its on your judgment on how they feel for each other. Now, a gracious reviewer has let me know about a confusing thing that I have cause: about Blair and Nate's relationship. Now, this is very important for the story. Basically, Blair and Nate's relationship is a 'more-than-friends-but-not-yet-lovers' relationsip. But they DO love each other. I know this is a messy explanation, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask by reviewing or PM-ing me. Okay? REVIEWS! :D

Reviews are greatly appreciated. ;)