A/N: Hi everyone! So it's been a couple of years since I last wrote. So I know that GG ended years ago but that doesn't mean I'm over it. I started reading Serenate FFs again and fell in love with them as if its 2010. LOL. So this story came to my mind and I really wanted to make my own version of what happens after the finale. This is going to be a multichapter and I will post every week but since I'm still going to school, I may not upload on time. And lastly, forgive my grammatical errors or tenses. I'm not American and English is not my 1st language.
ENJOY!
It was 2012 since Gossip Girl ended. For several years, secrets, scandals and rumors were spread about the Upper East Siders, mainly Chuck, Blair, Nate and Serena. They weren't given the chance to live their lives peacefully without someone spying and sending pictures and details to Gossip Girl. For years, the NJBC were looking for answers about the person behind everything only to reveal that it had been Dan Humphrey all along. Everyone was shocked when they learned that he was indeed Gossip Girl. After the revelation, Chuck, Blair and Nate resented him. Except for Serena who was still in love with him, decided to forgive him and gave him a chance to start over with her. Now that Gossip Girl was revealed and shut down, everybody's lives became normal. Chuck and Blair got married and had a son named Henry. Serena and Dan got back and Nate ran the NY Spectator Publishing Inc.
3 years later…
2015
Serena got out of a cab and walked up to Jean-Georges restaurant. There, she scanned the room and spotted Chuck and Blair on a far square table. She went and greeted the couple and took a seat next to Blair.
'You look happy, S. What was it you wanted to say?' Blair asked.
Serena smiled as she grabbed the napkin and placed it on her lap. Blair stared at her gasped. 'Are you pregnant?'
'Okay, Blair, hold on. We have to wait for Nate first.'
'But I wanna know! Is it Dan?' Blair pleaded.
'You know she won't stop until you tell her, sis.' Chuck added.
Serena sighed. 'Okay, okay.'
Chuck and Blair looked at her waiting for her to speak.
Serena lifted her left hand and exposed hers sparkling engagement ring and smiled. 'I'm engaged!'
Blair gasped and took Serena's and looked at the ring. 'It's gorgeous S! Who's the lucky guy?'
Serena frowned and stared at Blair. Ever since she got back together with Dan, Blair couldn't stop her dry humor towards Dan.
'I'm kidding, Serena. I know it's lonely boy. Congratulations.'
'Thank you, Blair. And he's not lonely anymore.'
Just as then, Nate arrived and sat down. 'Hey. Sorry I'm late. The meeting I had took longer than I expected.'
'It's fine.' Serena smiled. 'I was just telling them that Dan and I got engaged.'
Nate widened his eyes. 'Wow, Serena. That's good news. And congratulations!' He leaned and embraced her.
'Thank you. I'm so sorry I didn't wait to tell until you arrived. Blair couldn't resist.'
Nate scoffed. 'Well, it's Blair.' He glanced at Blair for a second then turned back to Serena.
Chuck raised her glass. 'Now that everyone is here, I say we make a toast to the newly engaged Serena. And Dan who isn't here.'
Blair rolled her eyes when Chuck mentioned Dan. Her disdain towards Dan had been like during their high school days. Years ago, Dan and Blair had dated and she regretted those times although she admitted that had fallen for him.
They all raised their glass and toasted before drinking. Blair and Serena started discussing wedding plans while Chuck and Nate were talking about 'guy' stuff.
But Serena wasn't the only one to announce the news. Nate figured it was also a perfect time to tell his friends what he had to say.
'Actually, I also got something to say. A friend of grandfather whose a senator offered me a job. He said he wanted me to be his communications manager.'
'That's great man!' Chuck said as he patted his friend on the back.
'Well, did you accept the offer?' Blair asked.
Nate took a deep breath and slowly nodded. 'Yeah.'
'Nate, that's good news! This is a huge opportunity for you.' Serena said.
'Yes but… I'm moving to Washington.' Nate added.
Serena hesitated. 'You're leaving?'
He nodded. 'In a few months. July, actually. The money is decent, they got me a place there…'
'Why do you need the money anyway? You're rich.' Blair commented.
Chuck, Nate and Serena turned to Blair and stared at her.
'Ugh. Okay. It's just I'm gonna miss you, that's all.' She bowed her head.
Serena nodded. 'Well, if it's gonna make you happy, then we'll support you. It's not gonna be the same without you here.'
'Make sure you come back here, Nathaniel. Especially when those big moments come.' Chuck gestured to Serena and continued. 'Like her wedding to Humphrey.'
Nate took a deep breath. It was hard for him to decide if he's going to accept the offer. New York was his home. His friends and family were there. Everything he needed and wanted were there but he thought maybe it's time for a change. He believed that this was the time to change the scenario. A fresh start. And this could be the chance for him to move on from Serena whom he never stopped loving. He admitted he was hurt when Serena chose to be with Dan. He knew she never stopped loving him despite the fact that he had judged her, hurt her and betrayed her and her friends many times. Nate wasn't mad at Dan anymore but hadn't forgiven him either. If he treated Serena right and had proven himself a changed man maybe he will. But right now seeing Serena engaged cringed him so he thought that leaving New York will change that.
'I will, man. Won't miss it.' Nate said.
They walked outside the restaurant. Chuck and Blair's limo arrived and they bid their goodbyes. When they left, Nate turned to Serena.
'Hey, are you doing anything today?'
Serena thought about it for a second and shook her head. 'Not at the moment. Why?'
'I actually wanted to talk to you about something.'
'Sure. About what?'
'Not here. Let's take a walk to Central Park.'
When they reached the park, they walked by the lake and observed the beauty of it. It was one of Serena and Nate's favorite views when they were young.
'So what is it you want to talk about?' Serena asked.
'Well…' Nate took a deep breath as he gathered his thoughts. 'Since I'll be leaving and there won't be anyone to take over as editor in chief of the Spectator, I was thinking that you could replace me.'
Serena stopped and froze. 'Wait, me?'
'Yeah. You did a pretty good job as a writer and you're the only one I know and trust to be qualified. And I think you are.'
'Nate. Editor in chief?'
'Come on Serena. You're gonna do well on this. When I leave, I want to make sure that the Spectator is going to be in good hands.'
'But I suck. All the time. I make mistakes. As much as I appreciate the offer, I don't know if I can handle it or if I can be a good boss to everyone.'
'Nobody's perfect. Plus, everyone loved you when you were there. I trust you. You're the only one I can count on to this. That's why I chose you.' Nate looked straight in to her eyes hoping he would convince her.
Serena stared at Nate. 'You… You trust me?'
'I always have.'
Serena smiled. Those were the most touching words someone had ever said to her in a while. It made her feel good and more confident about herself. Nate was the only one who made her feel that way.
'Well, then, I accept.' She smiled.
'Great. Then we have a deal.' He offered his hand to Serena and she grabbed his and shook hands.
'Deal.'
Few months had passed; Nate was ready to leave for Washington. He was excited but at the same time he wasn't. New York was his whole life. He can't believe he was going to leave everything behind. It wasn't that he won't come back home anymore. He promised his family and friends he will return from time to time. After his last luggage was being brought down, he looked around the penthouse for the last time before heading towards the elevator. When he exited the building, he saw Chuck, Blair and Serena waiting for him by the limo. They were going to take him to the airport to bid their goodbyes.
They reached the airport. The private jet was ready and Nate's luggages were already being transferred to the plane. And now was the time to say goodbye this three best friends.
Nate faced them and gave them a sad smile. 'So this is it.'
'I'll miss you, Nate. I hope you arrive there safely. Henry will miss his uncle.' Blair said as she embraced him.
'Make sure to call when you get there.' Chuck added.
'I will, man.' Nate replied as they gave each other hugs.
At last, he turned to Serena who was smiling with sadness present on her face. 'Serena…'
'I'll make sure Spectator runs smoothly.'
He smiled. 'You'll do great.'
Serena nodded slowly and embraced Nate. She missed how warm he was and how comforting it made her feel when she was feeling down.
He walked towards the plane but before he stepped in, he glanced one last time at them and waved before entering.
They stayed and until the plane took off.
Nate glanced through the window. He was viewing New York from above and thinking how much he was going to miss his home. This was it. This was going to be a fresh start for him… At least.
