AN: how did you guys let me get away with not updating this since June? I'm really sorry for that one... but you should still review to show me you guys actually still read my stuff lol.

"You've been acting weird lately. Everything okay?"

"I'm fine Dan."

"Is it the baby?" Dan had fear written all over his face.

Serena patted her growing belly. She looked down and bit her lip. The next few words out of her mouth would be ones she would regret. Using her baby to calm her husband.

"I thought there was. Some pains and stuff."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Cause the doctor called before and said I'm fine. I know how much this baby means to you."

"And you didn't want me to worry. I get it."

"With the move and all...and our new house guest. We're stressed."

"I never want you to feel like you can't come to me. I love you, Serena."

"I love you, too."

The Loft was filled with mountains and mountains of boxes. Dan stared at the mess that use to be his old home. This was the place he wanted his child to grow up in. He wanted his baby to take it's first steps there, learn a sport, find a passion, and be happy. All of this had to take place in Brooklyn. Of course he'd go back and forth to the UES just like Dan did. He wanted his baby to find that same spark he found in the city.

"Remind me why I let the girls pack the boxes?"

"Cause you're a moron." Nate laughed.

"They probably put like three things in each box and moved on."

"Or just threw things in like I would of." Nate placed more boxes down.

"True. Hey, you'll finally get to meet Verena."

Nate picked his head up. He knew once he saw her, he wouldn't be able to keep quiet for long.

"Maybe, I have something to do soon. But I'll be back."

"Well she should be getting off the subway soon."

"Hey Dan, are we just going to have Verena sleep in Jenny's old room?"

"Well, technically since we ripped down walls, it's really my dad's room with part of Jenny's. Then ours is what mine was and part of that wall over there."

"You are all so confusing." Nate said as he walked away.

"As long as there's room." Serena smiled.

"Did Verena call you at all?"

"No Dan, she didn't."

"That's because I'm right here." Verena gave a fake smile.

"Can you look happier to be here. For me?" Dan persisted.

"I just hate moving days. Verena replied throwing her bag on the counter.

Serena rubbed the side of Verena's shoulder.

"This is our friend Nate."

"Blair mentioned he'd be here."

"You spoke to Blair?"

"She was at school today. Some meeting."

"Oh Blair, still trying to taunt today's youth." Dan replied.

"I have to go pick up my prescription." Serena interjected.

"Let me and Verena go. There's some places I want to show here." Dan sounded excited. He fully believed Verena would be good practice for him to be the best dad he could be.

"Sure man. Leave me with all the heavy lifting." Nate laughed.

Dan rolled his eyes at Nate and gave Serena a kiss on the cheek. She smiled as both Dan and Verena ran out of the loft. She waited till it was all clear before she opened her mouth. Nate locked the door so there would be no interruptions.

"So, how will this work?"

"What do you mean?"

"How are you going to tell Dan?"

"Easy, I'm not."

"So you're not sure she's yours." Nate grew more confused as the conversation went on.

"I'm positive. She has my necklace."

"That doesn't mean shit. You know how many people in New York steal jewelery then hid it. Verena could of found it."

"She's had it forever. And she can't steal a necklace at a few months old."

"Maybe her caretaker gave it to her. They're crafty people."

"I put it in her bassinet."

"What happened to no trails?"

"You helped me to not make a paper trail, that was all."

Nate shook his head. When Serena first asked him to hide her baby he was fine with it. That being cause he was still in love with her. He didn't know it was Dan's baby till Verena was born. He hated lying to his friend but he made Serena a promise. One he intended to keep. No matter how painful.

"Look, what if this kid gets suspicious? What will you do then?"

"She won't find me. The nurse who took care of me retired years ago. The hospital has been renamed and records moved. Besides I used a fake name and everything."

"I have a bad feeling."

"Look Nate, just keep quiet."

"Can you live with this? I mean it was different when you didn't know where she was, but now she's under your roof. Can you do this?"

"I get to see my daughter, why ruin it?"

In that moment Nate noticed something he never knew before, regret. He didn't see it. He regretted what he did once he found out about Verena's hard life. Serena's face showed none. In that moment Serena felt that her decision was right, because she now had her daughter back. All the events and moments lead her daughter back to her. She just couldn't let her know. Nate had nothing left to say. He had to keep the secret for his friends sake. He just wouldn't like doing it.

"I can tell something is on your mind." Dan started the conversation after pure silence for what was three blocks.

"Just school stuff."

"I can also tell when you're lying. Serena does the same thing. Her eyes move to a distant object but it seems like you're looking at me."

"Body language expert now?"

"Maybe." Dan laughed.

"Have you ever gotten the feeling that no one gets you. Like I appreciate what you're doing for me and all, but I feel..."

"Out of place?"

"Yeah."

"I use to. You just have to remember that you're the only one who can make you feel out of place."

"How very writer-ish of you." Verena smiled.

"I have my moments."

"I've been talking to Dylan. I know you wanted me to stay away from him, but he's nice."

"Just be careful, he's got his father's blood in him. They're know for betrayal."

Verena wished she could be 100% honest with Dan and tell him that Dylan wasn't a Vanderbuilt. That he was adopted just like she was. That their connection went further than anyone thought. She couldn't. She just nodded her head and pretended to take Dan's advice to heart. As they walked down towards the subway Dan pointed out special buildings and a bookstore he loved as a kid. He promised he'd take Verena there one day to show her a book that he knew she's love.