Disclaimer: 'Gossip Girl' belongs to Cecily von Ziegesar, Josh Schwartz and the CW. No copyright infringement intended.
Author's Note: As always, for Juliette. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Chuck stepped into the Archibald townhouse and looked around. It was bare. The furniture was gone, the art was gone, the liveliness was gone. Chuck gritted his teeth, and his feet led him blindly to Nate's bedroom.

"Nathaniel."

Nate glanced up from the floor. There was embarrassment in his blue eyes.

Chuck immediately moved forward and sat beside his best friend; their backs against the wall. "What's going on, Nate?"

The blond sighed. "It's bad. I need help."

"Where's Anne?" She had called him, but Chuck hadn't realized how bad it was. She couldn't still be in the Hamptons.

"Connecticut with her sister. She won't come back. Grandfather won't help. He wants us to give Dad up."

"He's wanted that for months," Chuck pointed out. "That hasn't stopped him before."

Nate shook his head, "Yeah, well, he's done now. He'll pay for St. Jude's and sports, but that's all."

"Where the hell have you been staying?" Chuck asked, flabbergasted.

Nate looked away and remained silent. Chuck followed his gaze and spotted a sleeping bag.

"Tell me Ashton Kutcher is hiding here, Nathaniel," Chuck turned back to his friend in anger. What the hell is going on?

Nate only shook his head. The boys stayed quiet, left to their own thoughts.

It was five minutes before Nate spoke. "I need your help, Chuck."

Chuck sighed. "I told you already: I can't touch Victrola for a few months. You told me you were getting the money from elsewhere."

Nate actually blushed.

Chuck grinned and elbowed him. "What is that?"

"What?" Nate asked sheepishly.

"What else have I been missing?"

Nate's head banged against the wall and he groaned. "I…"

"Spit it out."

Nate swallowed and closed his eyes. Chuck wouldn't judge him. "So, you know how you said you knew I wasn't really with Serena over the summer?"

Chuck nodded but the other boy didn't see it. Nate just kept going.

"Well, Catherine and I-"

"The Dutchess?!" Chuck laughed.

"Well, I didn't know that at the time! But, yeah, the Dutchess. So, after you said Victrola was inaccessible, she offered to help."

"Tell me you didn't," Chuck gasped.

The blush returned and Chuck elbowed his best friend hard. Nate opened his eyes.

"I did," he confessed.

"Well, what the hell happened there?" Chuck prodded. He knew Catherine was gone (because Blair was no longer with Lord Marcus).

Nate rubbed the back of his neck and groaned. "Long story short, Blair got rid of her."

But that didn't work for Chuck, so the boy remained silent and let the tension fill the room. He knew Nate would crack under the pressure.

The blond groaned again. "Catherine and Marcus were sleeping together."

Chuck let out a slow whistle. "Fuck."

Nate cleared his throat and moved away from that subject. "So, um, maybe…I could stay at The Palace?"

Chuck nodded, "You're always welcome in 1812, Nate."

"Thanks, man."

"The couch misses you," Chuck deadpanned.

Nate looked at Chuck for a full minute in awe. "I want the bed for once."

"You've had opportunities before."

"I told you, we don't speak of those times. Ever," Nate glared. At least he attempted to, but a small grin appeared.

Chuck laughed; Nate joined in.

"Fine, you can have the bed when I'm not around. Although, you are more than welcome at the apartment. Lily loves you. And Serena can definitely help convince the parentals to let you stay. I can even get your couch transferred into my bedroom," he winked.

The boys laughed.

"Granted, the pregnancy might be an issue," Chuck whispered to himself.

"What? Pregnancy? Who? Serena?!" Nate's eyes bugged out.

Chuck frowned. "No, Lily, you moron."

"Wait, what? I'm confused."

"Lily. Is. Pregnant," Chuck emphasized.

"Jeez! They're like…" Nate shivered. "When'd you find out?"

"Yesterday," Chuck leaned his head back.

"Who all knows?" Because a secret like that won't be hidden for long in the Upper East Side.

"The family. You. Blair."

"Blair?" Nate sat up straighter and raised an eyebrow at his best friend.

"Serena told her last night," he avoided Nate's gaze.

"Why didn't you tell me?!" Nate whined.

"Eric and I were taking it in," Chuck shrugged. It hadn't even been 24 hours.

"Since when are you best friends with Eric?" Nate frowned.

"Since you broke up with me in January," Chuck turned to his friend.

Nate shook his head. "But! But! We've been okay since May! Come on, that's no fair!"

Chuck wrapped an arm around Nate's shoulders. "Come on, buddy. You know little van der Woodsen can never replace you."

"He won't smoke up with you," Nate deadpanned.

Chuck pulled a baggie from his jacket. "But you always do," he smirked and lit up.

.tbc.