Chapter 1: 10.08.05

10.08.05

This is the story of the first (and probably the last) time I'll ever fall in love. You don't know who I am, but I've known who you are—all my life. Whenever you walk down the street, flash that giddy smile, and wave at everyone, I wish it was meant for me. Every single time you walk by is sure to make me smile.

And then it happened.

10.08.05.

I got invited to your birthday party, and I obsessed over what to wear—from my clothes, to the perfume, to what I would say to you. You smiled at me, and told me to enjoy—and though those were the only words you said to me that night, they meant the world to me. I saw you that night—enjoying with your friends, playing games...You had your own world—one that obviously didn't involve me. But that was enough. You were enough.

And your name. I love your name. Serena. Serene. Peaceful. beautiful. Just like you. You're a breath of fresh air, the light of my day...

10.08.05

A day I'll never forget.

Serena Van der Woodsen smiled as she finished reading the article. She would never forget that article—it was the first thing Dan Humphrey was able to publish all those years ago, and it was about her. The New York Times She was in a plane bound for New York, finally coming home from Paris where she has been staying for the past few years. She had to leave—she always does.

Three years ago she and her bestfriend, and former Princess of Monaco, Blair Waldorf had a fight—about Dan Humphrey. She caught Blair and Dan kissing each other, and she was dumbfounded—just days before that, she admitted that she still loved Dan, that she probably always will, and Dan didn't respond to her. She felt cheated, and sad, and she no longer wanted to fight with Blair...And she remembered all her past mistakes—so she chose to leave.

And now she was finally coming back. She learned that her cousin, Charlie (The real Charlotte Rhodes) was getting married to Nate Archibald. Things have been crazy when she left—Cece died, Ivy admitted that she wasn't the real Charlie, Charlie didn't want to be Charlie...It was all a mess. She was a mess. She opened her copy of The New York Times once more and turned the page. There was an interview with Dan Humphrey.

NYT: So, Mr. Humphrey, how does it feel seeing "10.08.05" published once again in celebration of your new book, "Outside looking In"?

DH: Well, it flatters me, I mean, "10.08.05" is a kid's work so...It's good seeing it once again.

NYT: And it was about Serena Van der Woodsen:

DH: Yeah, yeah, it was.

NYT: How's your relationship with Serena these days? Do you still talk?

DH: We haven't spoken in a while, but I know wherever she is, she's doing good...and Serena...she'll always be special to me.

NYT: So, there are chances of reconciliation?

DH: (laughs) Things have changed, so I really don't know what to say, but as I've said, Serena...she'll always be special. And we'll see...

NYT: We heard she's in Paris. Is she coming back soon?

DH: I can't answer that...but I'm looking forward to seeing her again.

NYT: And what about Blair Waldorf?

DH: She's happy right now. That's all I've ever wanted for her.

NYT: And "Outside Looking In" is sort of a memoir of the last three years, isn't it?

DH: Yes, it is, sort of.

NYT: It's open-ended though!

DH: You're spoiling it!

NYT: (laughs) Okay, last question. If Serena is reading this, what would you tell her?

DH: That I'm sorry—for everything. And that...I'm looking forward to seeing her once again. And I hope things worked out for her. I know they did, they will...

Serena took a deep breath as she finished reading the interview. She tucked the New York Times in her bag, and prepared as the plane landed on the JFK tarmac. It was real. Serena Van der Woodsen was back.

a/n: So...I just thought of doing a Derena fic, since "Crazy Cupid Love" made me miss them so much. I like Dair, too, but Derena will forever be my OTP. And yes...thoughts? :)