Summary: The year is 1931. The Great Depression has settled on the country leaving the Van Der Woodsens broke and dependant on Serena to make a good match in order to save the family, but plans get derailed when she meets Dan Humphrey. DSNJCB
Someone to watch over me…
Summary: The year is 1931. The Great Depression has settled on the country leaving the Van Der Woodsens broke and dependant on Serena to make a good match in order to save the family, but plans get derailed when she meets Dan Humphrey, a young reporter at a club one evening. Jenny Humphrey is a mobster's moll who is realizing being a gangster's girl isn't as glamorous as she thought it would be. Nate Archibald is trying to stay on the good side of the law, but what will happen when he meets a troubled blonde that needs his help? Chuck Bass is trying to go straight despite his father's mob connections. Will he steer clear of the temptation of doing things his father's way? Blair Waldorf thought she fell in love with a young businessman, but has discovered there is more to Chuck than meets the eye? Can she handle all it means to love him? Will Serena give up her family's security for the love of a good man?
Pairings: DS, NJ, CB
Author's Note: I'd like to give a special thanks to Diane. Our chats always inspire me. I'd also like to give a special shout-out to my NJ and DS girls. This one's for you.
Spring 1931
Dan looked at his reflection in the full-length mirror and played with his newly acquired hat. He tilted it to the side and made a serious face. His nervous were on edge and he wanted to give the right impression. He ran a hand through his short, curly locks and quickly checked to see that his suspenders were properly fastened. He grabbed his suit-jacket from the chair and made his way down First Street. He climbed the stairs to the rail station that would take him into Manhattan via the new extension that had recently been opened. He took off his hat and wiped the sweat from his brow before reaching into his pocket and retrieving his gold watch. He clicked it open and it read half past eight. Dan quickly clicked the gold piece shut and placed it back into the pocket of his brand-new suit. It had cost him a good chunk of his savings, 50 dollars. He had not spent that much on anything in his life. He held tightly to his briefcase as he waited for the train to pull up. "One day, I'm gonna drive to work in a snazzy car," he said.
"I hope that day comes soon, "said a feminine voice. Dan looked to his right and saw nothing, but legs. The dame was a definite looker. She wore a skirt that was scandalously short, running just past her knees. Every contour of her body was visible through the tight fabric. Her blonde hair was tucked and pinned tightly and covered with a shapely black hat. She had the face of an angel and the lips of a siren. He licked his lips and stared at her intently. Dan's tongue was caught in his mouth. He tipped his hat and nodded his head.
"Miss," he said instinctively.
The dame giggled and held out her gloved hand. "The name's Serena," she said softly.
"Pleasure's all mine," Dan said as he held her hand in his. He was still caressing her finely-gloved fingers when she politely asked him if he'd let her go. She ran her hands along the side of her skirt and smiled sweetly at her. He was already crazy for this dame and he'd only just met her. Everything about her made his heart beat faster.
"You're not a talker?"
"Me? I'm a talker, but sometimes it's best that I don't get started. My pa says I can't keep my trap shut for five seconds, so I try to keep my thoughts to myself." Dan pointed to his temple and said, "It can get awful confusing up there if you're not me."
Serena giggled. She liked this cat. He was funny and handsome to boot. He had dark eyes and a toothy smile that made her feel instantly at ease. The train came rolling up and their easy conversation came to an end. She got on the train and he walked by before she remembered that he hadn't told her his name.
Dan whistled as he made way into the large building that housed the New York Times. He had finally made it. After years in the mail room, he'd finally gotten his first real gig as a reporter. It was hard times and the price of fruit was high, so his pa's business was not doing so hot. People just didn't buy as much as they used to. They stuck to the basics. So, this job was a chance to help his family and ever since his ma had left things just hadn't been the same. Dan made his way up the elevator and down the hall to the main newsroom. His editor, Walter was waiting for him.
"You're late Humphrey."
"Sorry, um, won't happen again sir."
"Do me a favor kid, and don't call me Sir. Walter's just fine." He looked at Dan's new clothes and said, "Nice digs?"
"I figured if I didn't know what I was doing, I should look the part."
"Good plan. Enough dawdling. Here's your desk. You're first assignment is to cover the opening of that new building. I want the copy on my desk my morning."
"Yes, sir, um, I mean Walter."
The older man walked away leaving Dan to his work. Dan admired the type writer and let his fingers glide along the black surface. The typewriter looked new and nothing like the aging one he kept at home. He pressed a few keys idly before taking a look at the assignment that his editor had just given him. The opening of the Empire State Building was supposed to be a big deal for the city. It was supposed to put it on the international map. The mayor wanted it completed in time for the world's fair and it was completed just in the nick of time. The fair was going to be held next year. The mayor was an eccentric figure who tended to enjoy the flamboyant, so he wasn't entirely surprised that the man wasted money that could have been spent getting real jobs for real folk on a stupid building.
Serena Van Der Woodsen was very late for breakfast with her family. It was a time-honored tradition that her mother insisted on maintaining. Serena didn't enjoy these breakfasts because they reminded her of how stuffy and boring her family was. They spent most of the time engaging in stilted conversation that was neither engaging nor stimulating; it was simply a bore. She moved her fork around her plate as her mother went on and on about some James fellow, but she couldn't stop thinking about the charming man she met at the station.
"What did you say mother?"
"I said you should really make James feel comfortable, he'd be an ideal husband if you'd just give him a chance."
"I'm only 20, mother. I'm not ready to get married."
"It's not about what you want or if you're ready to get married. It's you're duty."
"My duty?"Serena asked as she looked at her mother. Lilian Van Der Woodsen was an older version of her daughter. They had the same golden hair, but she wore it in more severe fashion than her carefree daughter did. She was about propriety and keeping up a front while Serena just wanted to live life. Lillian looked at her daughter and said, "you know our financial situation dear. What money we have left is quickly running out. Our family's future is in your hands Serena. You must marry well."
Serena felt a lump in her throat the size of the Hudson river. Her own mother was selling her to the highest bidder and there was nothing she could do about it. Her family needed her. She took a delicate sip from her glass of water and forced a smile. "Yes, mother," she said. But, as far as she was concerned her life was over. She wanted to throw herself on to her bed and cry for days and days, but she couldn't. So, she pretended to listen to what her brother and mother had to say for the next hour before locking herself up in her bedroom. She cried softly into her pillow until she had no tears left to shed. Eventually, she got of her bed and went into the bathroom that was connected to her bedroom and washed her delicate face. She sat at her dressing table and took out the pins that held her hair in place and let her long hair flow down her back. She picked up her antique hair brush and slowly brushed her hair as she thought about the handsome stranger at the train station. A part of her wished he would find her and take her away from the misery that surrounded her. She needed a night out, to forget about her troubles. She scribbled a note for her friend Blair and had the messenger boy deliver it immediately. By the time Blair had arrived, Serena had arranged her hair in pleats and pinned it just right. She slipped on her favorite knee-length black dress which complimented her figure graciously. Serena was sitting at her dressing table applying some rouge when Blair walked in.
"I see you're already dolled up,"she said.
"What's the emergency?"Blair asked.
"I need a night out. I don't really want to talk about it,"she said. "Is that what you're wearing?"
"No, of course not. Charles is going to pick us up later. He wants to check out this joint in Brooklyn."
"I should go, darling. I have to get ready. We'll talk about everything later," Blair said as she hugged Serena tightly. She worried about her friend. Lately, she kept getting this far-away look in her eyes like she just wanted to bolt. She had been skittish for months and it worried her.
Dan walked into the gin joint and greeted the large man who stood at the door. "Mikey, how you doing?"
"I'm doing good kid. You ready to test out those keyes tonight?"Mikey said.
"Ugh, you know I never play for the public,"Dan said. He was dressed in his usual uniform of black trousers with matching suspenders and his favorite blue shirt which was open at the neck. His hat was tilted to the side and he had a toothpick in his mouth.
"One of these days you gonna play for folks. Mark my words."
"I don't know. Is Kevin in?"
"Yep, he's warming up. Tonight's a big night. Some guy coming to check the joint out."
"Is it for sale?"
"Yeah, big Mike can't afford it no more, so he's selling."
Dan couldn't believe it. This place was like a second home to him. He didn't even wanna think about what it would be like under new management. Big Mike was the soul of the place. This was the place he came when things got weird at home and when he needed to just be himself. He doubted that the new owner would let him play the piano whenever he felt like it. What was Mike's without Mike. They'd probably rename the place too. Dan sighed and sat at the bar. "Give me a gin, straight up, Gus."
The bartender looked at him wearily. "tough day, kid?"
"You could say that. I can't believe Big Mike's gonna sell this joint?"
"Yeah, I'm hoping he'll change his mind, but I think his minds made up," Gus said. Dan's attention was focused on the threesome that had just walked through the door so he didn't hear what the older man said. "It's her,"he said.
"You know that dame? She's a looker,"Gus said. Dan just looked at her. She wore a tantalizing dress that made him drool. She was the sexiest creature he'd ever laid eyes on.
"I met her today," Dan replied. "Excuse me Gus, my future is calling me."
The bartender continued wiping the glass in his hand and smiled. "Good luck, kid."
Dan made his way across the room where she was sitting with a cute brunette and a steely-eyed man in a snazzy suit. The guy was casing the joint that much was obvious. Dan took a chair from the next table and placed it next to Serena and sat on it, with his front facing the back of the chair. "We meet again?"
Serena's face immediately lit up when she recognized him. "Well, hello."
"We really have to stop meeting like this?"Dan said as he flashed her a toothy smile.
"Ugh, this is a private table,"Blair insisted.
Dan raised an eyebrow at her and continued talking to Serena. "So, you never told me your name,"Serena said.
"It's dan. Dan Humphrey,"he said as he tipped his hat to her. She smiled slyly at his gesture. He had done the same thing at the station.
"It's pleasure to meet you Dan."
Dan stood up and offered her his hand, "care to join me for a drink,"he said. She took his hand and followed him to a private table at the other end of the bar. He gestured for the bartender to bring them over a glass of wine and some gin. "A classy drink for a classy gal."
Serena blushed at his compliment. There was just something so charming about this fellow. He had the most piercing brown eyes she had seen and she loved his stories. "So, tell me about yourself?"Dan asked.
"Well you know my name and I came here with my friend Blair."
"The rude brunette?"
"She's not rude, she's just…"
"She's rude. I get it. I meet lots of gals like her in the neighborhood."
"Should I be worried?"
"Do you want to be worried?"Dan asked as he looked into her eyes.
"Maybe,"she said as she took a sip of her drink. Dan scooted closer to her and though about whether he should wrap his arm around her shoulders. Was it too soon? Should I ask her first? But, his thoughts were interrupted when he saw his baby sister walk in with Carter Baizen. Carter had his arm around his sister shoulder and she was smiling from ear-to-ear. "Damn it,"Dan said.
Serena looked at him with wide eyes.
"I'm sorry for swearing, it's just that's my little sister and that fellow is bad news."
Dan got up and went towards Jenny and Carter. "Jen, can I speak to you for a minute."
"I'm busy"
"Now!"Dan insisted.
Jenny whispered something in Carter's ear before following Dan to back room. He glared at his sister and said, "What the hell are you doing with that fellow?"
"I'm his girl."
"He's dangerous. You gotta stop playing games Jen. You're playing with fire,"he said.
"I'm a big girl. I can take care myself. You're not my pa."
"Yeah, I know, but he's a gangster."
"I know what he is Dan. I know what I'm doing. Trust me,"Jenny asked as she touched the side of his face.
He sighed and said, "it's not you that I don't trust it's him. Just be careful, okay."
"I will," she said before hugging him and making her back to where all the action was.
"Everything alright?"Carter asked.
"Yeah. Big brothers," she said as she giggled. Jenny held on to his arm and they made their way to his usual spot. Serena watched the young blonde with the greasy-haired fellow and wondered what the young girl had gotten herself mixed up in. When Dan came back he had a far away look on his face. He was no longer the happy young man she had fun flirting with. He seemed worried and a little bit on edge.
"Is everything okay?"Serena asked.
"Yeah, it's just my sister. She always seems to get herself in fixes," he said before turning to her and flashing her that smile of his. "Enough about her, I wanna know all about you."
Blair watched the two from the corner of her eye. She had no idea why Serena was so caught up in a fellow like him. He was lower class. What was she playing at?
"What do you know about that guy?"She asked Chuck.
"Who?"he replied.
"The fella Serena is talking with?"Blair asked in a huff.
"Nothing. I've never seen him before, but give me a few days."
"Are you really gonna buy this joint?"
"Yeah, it's right up my alley."
"But, it's so common."
"Baby, so am I," Chuck said as he leaned over and kissed her.