Chapter 3: The story I heard...
"Serena..." Dan looked at the beautiful blonde in front of him, taking in his first love. They hadn't really talked much since he had begun dating Blair. He had always felt that there was nothing he could say to make her feel better about the situation so why bother trying.
" Can I come in Dan?" Serena asked puzzled by the long pause.
Seemingly broken from his thoughts Dan struggled to regain his composure, quickly motioning her inside. "Would you like anything to drink?" Dan offered walking over to the fridge opening and peering inside. "I have Perrier, a nice red wine, or Bud."
"I'll have a glass of Perrier with lemon Dan thanks." Serena replied. Dan grabbed a Bud, opening it and taking a large gulp, before preparing Serena's drink. Dan walked back to the living room, passing the glass to Serena.
"Anyways Serena not that I don't love surprise visits it's just we don't really make time for chit chat anymore. What brings you to Brooklyn?" Dan asked.
"Listen Dan about that, I know I wasn't exactly the most supportive friend when you were with Blair but I was genuinely sad to hear you guys broke up..." Serena's eyes met Dan's for a minute taking in his reaction. "Anyways I totally understand why you haven't been in the upper east side recently but your Dad and Lily are worried and sent me to convince you to come to a party tomorrow. "
Dan nodded taking in the news. He had known that It was going to be impossible to avoid the Upper East Side forever. There was no going back now, he couldn't return to the obscurity of Brooklyn. Once you became a fixture on gossip girl you were a part of the Upper East Side and there was no going back. "Alright I suppose I owe it to my family to make an appearance... What charity are we using as an excuse for a party this time?" Dan asked sarcastically.
"It's not a charity ball, It's actually the debut of the new Michael Kors fashion show. It should be a lot of fun actually and Nate will be there." Serena added hoping that this would convince him.
"Ah yes you know how I have such an interest in high fashion." Dan replied tugging at his plaid shirt and giving Serena a playful look.
"I can see that although plaid's never really been in has it Dan?" Serena slapped Dan's arm playfully.
"My fashion sense and Cedric my two biggest draw backs when it came to women." Dan sighed.
"I don't think you did to badly for yourself Mr. Humphrey." Serena teased before looking down and shifting awkwardly in her seat.
Noticing Serena tense up Dan scrambled to change the subject. "Alright so the fashion show..."
"Begins at seven so be early and presentable. No plaid." Serena smiled softly.
"Alright, I'll go but only on one condition. We go together, I miss you Serena and we haven't had many opportunities to hang out recently." Dan replied looking for a reaction.
"I mean that might be fun Dan... but are you sure you want to show up with me. I doubt gossip girl will believe were just friends." Serena frowned.
Dan considered this for a second. Serena was right if he went to the party with her, gossip girl would jump to conclusions. "Let gossip girl think what she wants. I don't want to show up alone and I miss spending time with you." Dan smiled. "It might even keep Rufus from being overprotective, and you know how I get when he smothers me." Dan laughed.
"Alright well I should be going." Serena replied grabbing her purse and walking to the door. "Pick me up at six." Serena reached over giving Dan a quick hug.
"Six it is." Dan replied giving Serena a warm smile before shutting the door behind her.
Dan slowly moved into his room flopping onto the bed. Thoughts rushed though his head... What would tomorrow look like? Blair would probably be there, possibly even with Chuck. How would he react to that, would he be able to control his emotions?
Dan awoke the next day startled. "Gah Cedric you should not have let me sleep that long." He said out loud while looking at his watch 9am he must have slept for like twelve hours. Dan decided today was a day to do something drastic and he knew exactly what to do whipping out his phone from the pocket he quickly dialled the number and hit send. "Yeah I can do that Michelle 3pm, Alright I'll see you then and thanks again for getting me an appointment on such short notice." Dan set out getting ready, reading the paper, and eating lunch before setting out to his appointment.
"Thanks Michelle I feel so much better now.." Dan exclaimed, while looking at the short new hair cut in the mirror. It looked like he was back in college again, the Upper East Side was in for a shock; well at least Blair.
Dan straightened out his pin stripe suit as he arrived at the Van Der Woodsen penthouse to collect Serena at precisely six o'clock. "Dan I'm so glad you came and you look great, I always loved you with short hair and there's definitely not anything plaid about you tonight." Serena smiled warmly well giving Dan a hug.
"Thanks.. You look wonderful as always Serena." Dan replied admiring her yellow strapless dress. "Should we get going? We have to get there soon right?"
"Yeah I have a car waiting for us out side, will have plenty of time." Serena stated.
A short while later they had arrived at the fashion show ready to walk the red carpet at the Michael Kor fashion show. Serena grabbed Dan's hand pulling him out of the car and waving to the media.
They were moving methodically down the red carpet, when the media seemed to notice the next guests arriving. Instinctively Dan looked back trying to catch a glimpse of the next guest to arrive. That's when he saw her Blair Waldorf looking exquisite in a white dress that hugged her curves nicely. Turning quickly hoping that she wouldn't see him Dan disappeared into the event with Serena.
A/N: Obviously I don't own any of these characters. This set up chapter was quite a bit disjointed but I tried my best here. Next chapter will finally have some Dair for those waiting. Each of these ships has so much to offer and I want to explore them fully. Hope you enjoy this and chapter four will be up soon.