Disclaimer: I own none of the familiar characters. However the storyline, Brooke, Darcy, Cassie, Claude, Grace, Bella and Richard are mine.

"Brooke Lilian Humphrey get your ass down this stairs right now!"
"Jeez Dad, take a chill pill, she's on her way!" Darcy defended as she looked up from her book, which she was reading as she curled up on the couch.
"How is it that you always have time to read almost an entire chapter by the time that that sister of yours is ready?" Dan asked exasperated.
"I'm here Dad, don't have a heart attack, we still have plenty of time!" Brooke announced as she breezed down the stairs.
Dan just rolled his eyes as he held the door open and the two girls traipsed out.
"So girls I wanted to talk to you about this evenings charity gala at Lily's," Dan announced, as the door of the subway shut behind them.
Taking the subway had become part of daily life in the Humphrey household, long before Serena had passed away. They took Lily's town car on occasion but mostly they travelled by subway, cab or, if it was
Dan himself, by Vespa.
"I wondered," Dan continued, "if you both wanted to ask somebody? I know it's a difficult occasion for us all. So if having a friend helps get you through it, by all means invite someone. One person only
though!"
"Anyone?" Brooke asked.
"Well yeah I mean you know, a friend..." Dan replied confused.
"I'll ask Payson" Darcy decided.
"There's a shocker!" Dan laughed. "Actually it works well anyway- her parents are coming too. Blair invited them I think. So Brookie, who are you thinking of inviting?"
"Umm... I'm not sure yet, I'll have a think throughout the day."
Darcy smirked, well aware of what was going through her sister's head.
"No problem sweetie. I mean you don't have to invite anyone, and Bella will be there, but if you like, do."
"Thank Dad," Bella said with smile.

"So, are you gonna invite Eithan then?" Darcy asked with a bemused smirk, once Dan had gotten off at the stop nearest to Lily's house.
"I don't know!" Brooke groaned. "I mean, I don't want him to totally freak out on me! And Eithan and I have only been out together twice, maybe it's a bit much?"
"You're asking the wrong girl I'm afraid!" Darcy said with a laugh. "You could ask B? She knows about that kinda thing, and we know Dad will agree with her whatever she says. She's his daughter issues go to
person after all! And anytime she wants male bonding time for Henry she's more than happy to pass him off the Dad, so it all works out!" Both girls laughed.
"Actually, Henry is bringing his new girlfriend tonight I think. Lauren St. Germaine is her name I think. I always see her on page six."
"Really?" Darcy asked, "What's she like? Is she pretty?"
"Extremely. I've heard she's a total airhead though, and B hates her mother!" Brooke laughed.
"So in other words she's totally screwed!" Darcy said joining in her sister's laughter.
By this stage they had arrived at school so they went their separate ways after bidding each other goodbye and promising to go through their closets together after school to find an outfit.

"Blair! What are you doing here?" Dan asked, pulling her into a hug.
"Dan! Lily was wondering were you coming over. I'm here to help obviously! Have you ever heard of a successful society bash held without me?"
Dan chuckled.
"Alright then, what do you want me to do? I mean, I take it you're the self appointed boss around here?"
"Find Lily. She wanted to talk to you about a picture or something."
The morning soon became afternoon and Dan decided to go grab lunch. Blair was still rushing around in a mad frenzy so Dan decided to do both himself and Lily a favour by dragging her with him, despite
her protests.
"Dan those mobsters have no idea where the table arrangements should be! I HAVE to be there to tell them what to do!"
"Blair, calm down. Lily is more than capable of overseeing these PROFESSIONALS who, in fact don't need to be overseen in the first place. So relax. Besides I need your help. As you know Brooke's birthday
is next week and I have no idea why to do about a party. I mean I guess she'll want to have friends over, right? So what do a gang of teenage girls do at a birthday party?"
Blair laughed.
"Well are you gonna host a sleepover party? Or is it just an evening do?"
"I haven't an iota," Dan admitted sheepishly. "What would you suggest?"
"You could have a slumber party? I always had a-"
"A back to school exclusive sleepover party? Believe me I know, I heard enough about them from Jen and Serena!" Dan interrupted.
"Well I could help plan one with Brooke if you think that's what she'd like to do? Bella had a slumber party I'm pretty sure. Actually I'll ask her for suggestions!"
"You my friend, are a lifesaver!" Dan beamed.
"Yeah well you are gonna be entirely responsible for Henry's 21st," she smiled.
"Done and done! Guys are so much easier to plan for!"
"As if!"
"Totally, but we'll agree to disagree, because I am starving! Are you ready to order?" Dan asked.
"Sure, I always have to same thing here, same as S."
"In that case," Dan turned to the waiter who had just materialised beside their table, "One of the linguini and one cold chicken salad with the dressing on the side."
"And to drink sir?"
"We'll just have water I think?" Blair suggested, which Dan confirmed with a nod.
"Very good madam."
"Still have the order off by heart I see," Blair stated simply.
"As of I could ever forget. God she loved this place. You two discovered it together right?"
"That's right. After a particularly strenuous shipping spree," Blair laughed.
"I'd say we came here at least once a month for about 6 years and every time she had the same dish. The one time she experimented she had me order the salad in case she didn't like the ravioli! Which she
didn't." Dan smiled at the memory.
"How are you? About this evening? I mean I know this time of year is tough for you; the anniversary, October 8th..."
"Can you believe that will be 30 years ago next year? I've been in love with her for 29 years..." Dan asked ignoring the question.
"It's crazy. We've come a long way since then haven't we?"
"We sure have," Dan said with a wistful sigh.
"But you never answered, how are you?" Blair repeated.
"You know yourself. Certain times of the year are harder than others, this being one of them. I guess with this- her anniversary, this cancer gala, Brooke's birthday, October 8th- they're all hits and I barely have
time to recover before the next one arrives. It's better than last year though. So I guess that's something."
"Oh Dan," Blair reached across the table an clasped their hands together. "You know I'm always here to talk right? Even if you wake up I'm the middle of the night and you need to talk, call me. Promise?"
Dan nodded mutely, squeezing her hand tightly. "I promise. And the same for you with Chuck. I know he and I weren't as close as Serena and you but we were still good friends and if anyone understands what you're going through it's me."
"Thanks... I'll hold you to that," she said with a sad smile. "Anyway, how about we move onto a more cheerful topic... How's your book going? Finished yet?"
Dan let out a groan of mock horror. "The final two chapters just won't write themselves. I know exactly what I want to say, I just can't say it..."
"Well I would offer advice but seeing as you refuse to let me read it..." Blair said pointedly.
Dan laughed. "You know I'm a perfectionist, nothing gets read until my editor approves of the first draft. You know I probably still wouldn't even be published if Vanessa hadn't sent away my "Inside"
manuscript..." Dan mused.
"True. You owe her a dedication. Is she able to make it tonight?"
"Yep, she text me this morning actually to see how I was doing. I think everybody can make it."
"Great. In spite of the significance of the event it will be nice to have everyone together again, it's been ages."
Dan agreed, smiling to himself. He would never have imagined all those years ago that Blair's idea of 'everyone' would extend to himself and Vanessa too. As the waiter arrived and placed the chicken salad in
front of Blair,Dan was reminded, as he always was, of all the times he and Serena had come here together.

"Oh my God Dan I can't believe we haven't found this place before! B and I just happened to wander in the other day and I swear the food is heaven personified! Even the thought of the chicken salad is
making me hungry, you have to try it!" Serena gushed, dragging Dan in the door. "Two please!" she beamed.
"Of course Madam, which table would you like?" the hostess (Cassie, who throughout the 6 years had become a good friend) asked.
Serena bit her lip surveying the restaurant.
"You know I love when you do that," Dan whispered seductively, causing her to laugh her four year old laugh and blush before settling on the corner furthest from the door.
"So when do you two find this place?" Dan asked.
"Last Friday, when Rufus offered to mind the girls. He's so good with babies! I was so nervous leaving Darcy but obviously you got your baby-whispering skills from your father." She laughed again, causing
Dan to break out in a grin.
"Well it's nice, us being here together, just the two of us. Since Darcy's been born we haven't been out alone like this much."
"I know it's been so hectic lately." Serena said frowning a little. "Of course she'd decide to come 3 weeks early throwing your book's deadline completely." Both laughed.
"Well it's nice to have a girl in my life who's actually punctual. Brooke is already taking after you in that respect!" Dan teased.
"Hey!" Serena chuckled, slapping his arm affectionately before bringing it down to his and holding it tightly over the table.
"I love you Daniel Humphrey," she smiled.
"And you Serena Cecelia Humphrey née Van dee Woodsen, are the love of my life," he said, bringing their entwined hands to his lips placing a gentle kiss on hers. She beamed.
"So have you two made up your minds yet?" Cassie asked.
"Oh umm..." Dan quickly ran his eyes up and down the menu.
"I can give you another few minutes?"
"No you know what, I'm gonna go with my wife's suggestion. Chicken salad please."
"Make that two. Thank you. And could we get a jug of water to drink please? The chicken tastes too good to have anything else to drink with it!"
Dan rolled his eyes playfully while Cassie laughed.
"It's a personal favourite of mine too," she smiled. Then eyeing their hands laced together on the table she asked with a smile, "Are you two newlyweds?"
Dan and Serena looked at each other and laughed.
"We just had our second baby."
"We've been married four years." They answered in unison.
"Oh!" blushed Cassie. "Well you guys make a wonderful couple."
Dan gazed lovingly over at Serena who was looking back at him with the same expression.
"Thank you. Nice to hear we still have that newlywed glow!" he joked.
"I- yeah," Cassie stammered blushing again. Over time, as they got to know each other, she'd tease them that they still hadn't lost that glow, that they were like a pair of lovesick teenagers.

"Good?"
"Sorry?" Dan asked, startled by the disruption from his reverie.
"How's the linguini? The chicken is amazing as usual," Blair raved.
"Oh yeah it's... Delicious," Dan mumbled.
"Everything OK? Thinking of her?"
"Yeah." He gulped. People said that the pain got better, but Dan thought that grief had just become such a constant in his life that it had become a normal part of him. Some nights he would dream of her and
then was heartbroken all over again when he woke up and realised that he would never again sleep beside her.
"Hello Dan! Blair!"
"Cassie!" Dan stood to hug the now restaurant manager. "Long time no see! How are you?"
"It's great to see you again Cassie!" Blair added with a wide smile.
"I'm great! And how are you guys doing?" she asked.
"Fine."
"Good."
She smiled sympathetically. She had of course been aware of Serena and Chuck's deaths and it was clear to her whenever she saw either Blair or Dan that there was a part of them missing. A very
observant person, it had not escaped her however that the pair seemed to brighten considerably in one another's company.
"So how are your family?" Dan asked.
"Fantastic," she beamed. "Tyler my youngest has just started walking and Katlyn started kindergarten last month."
"Wow time flies! I can't believe they're that old already!" Dan said.
"That's adorable," Blair said thinking I the toddlers with a soft smile.
"Doesn't time just fly?!" Cassie mused enthusiastically.
"It sure does..." Blair replied, somewhat less enthusiastically. Thankfully Cassie didn't notice this.
"And how old are your kids? Brooke and Darcy right? And Henry and Isabella?"
Dan motioned for Blair to speak.
"Henry is almost twenty incredibly and Bella is seventeen."
"And Brooke is fifteen next week. Darcy is thirteen."
"Wow I can't believe they're that old already!"
"Tell me about it!" Blair smiled.

"Dad I asked Grace so is it alright if we swing by and collect her on the way?" Brooke asked as she saw her Dad walk past her room in the reflection of her mirror as she carefully applied her makeup.
"Oh course my darling. Which cuff links?" he asked sticking his head in through the door. "These," he held out a pair of silver cuff links he had bought from the cancer society fundraisers, "or these?" The latter
was a pair of cuff links Serena had gotten for him one year for their anniversary. Also silver, they were plain discs save for the inscriptions: 10/08/05 on one and forever on the other. "These ones," Brooke
decided, handing him the second pair. "They're more sentimental and you know, the night that's in it that's appropriate."
"Thanks honey," Dan smiled exiting the room, "I appreciate it. Oh and by the way," he popped his head back around the door, "You look beautiful." Brooke smiled, glancing at the photo of her mother on her
vanity table. "Just trying to look like her," she murmurred.
"Brooke? Did you see my earrings? The ones B got me for my borthday?" Darcy asked, swanning into the room, still in a pair of tracksuit pants.
"Darcy we're leaving in ten minutes!" Dan shrieked before Brooke could respond. "You're supposed to be the punctual one!"
"Chill Daddy, I've my make-up on and my clothes laid out and I'm leaving my hair like this. I just got hungry and I didn't want to ruin my outfit! You know I'll still be ready before Brooke anyway!"
"You better be! he threatened jokingly. Then raising his voice he called out to his other daughter, "Brooke? Did you hear what I said to your sister? We're out of here in 10 minutes, got it?"
Twenty minutes later the towncar pulled away from the redbrick.

As the car pulled up outside Lily's apartment building, Dan became aware of all the camera flashes going on outside.
"Alright girls, there'll be a lot of press outside, just like last year and the same protocal goes- do not speak to them except for a 'Thank you' when they tell you how pretty you look. Pose for a few pictures if you
want but that's it. Same goes for you Grace, ok?"
The three girls nodded mutely.
"Alright," Dan thought grimly, "Time to face the music."
As soon as the door of the car was opened Dan was met with a sea of flashing lights.
"Dan! Dan, over here!"
"Dan what does this evening mean to you?"
"Brooke! Give us a smile!"
"Brooke! Darcy! Who are you wearing tonight?"
"What's your name sweetheart?"
"C'mon girls, give us a smile!"
"Dan, Marcy Reynolds, New York Observer, care to give us a comment on what you're feeling right now?"
"So Dan, are you seeing anyone?"
At this Dan snapped.
"NO. I am not seeing anyone, now get that THING out of my face and leave me and my daughters alone." With that he pushed past them abruptly.
Once inside he let out a sigh of relief. Darcy was at his side almost instantly.
"God I don't know how mom or B stuck it. Blair said they used to follow them like unrelenting parasites!"
"I don't know either sweetheart. I tell you, I admire them more for it every time I encounter paparazzi!"
"Gee Dad, way to play it cool," Brooke said sarcastically as she and Grace reached her father and sister in the lobby of the complex.
"You girls OK?" Dan asked.
"Yes thanks Mr. Humphrey, we're fine," Grace said sweetly. Daughter to an artist and an architect she lacked the pretentious attitude of most girls at Constance which meant Dan was a fan of her and Brooke's friendship. Although Brooke was sweet and kind, she was more outgoing than her sister, Darcy took after Dan, but occasionally Brooke liked the limelight, much like her mother had done at that age. Grace was quiet and shier, and thankfully for Dan, seemed to have a calming influence on his eldest. Not that Brooke was in any wildchild. But with looks and charm so similar to her mother's, Dan couldn't help but worry that she would soon be the prey of all the boys and paparazzi of the Upper East Side.
"Good. And, I've told you, it's Dan!" he said with a smile.
As the elevator arrived they all crowded in, Dan pressing the button for the penthouse. when they reached the top floor, the party was already underway.
Lily was stood near the elevator to greet the arriving guests and Lily's face immediately lit up at the sight of her granddaughters and Dan.
"There you are! How are my girls? Goodness, you all look so beautiful this evening! Hello Grace darling, how are you?"
"Hey Grandma!" Darcy grinned, enveloping her in a hug, which Brooke joined.
"You look great Grandma," Brooke smiled.
"Thank you my dear! Daniel, how are you?" she smiled, reaching for her son-in-law.
"Lily, Brooke is right you look wonderful, as always," he said. "Looks like there's quite a crowd here already!"
"There certainly is! Darcy sweetie, I think I saw your friend Payson over by the piano with her parents. She looked fairly lost, better go find her."
"Thanks, I'll talk to you soon Grandma," Darcy said gratefully, rushing off in search of her friend as Brooke and Grace made their way over to the refreshments table.
"So is Eric here yet?" Dan asked looking around.
"Yes, him and Jonathan got back from London this morning, the last I saw of him he was over talking to Nate."
"Oh great, I can't wait to hear all about their trip! Nate's here already? Are the others?"
"Yes, Vanessa and Jenny were over talking to Charles Benson, from Gautier, and Blair is," Lily craned her neck in search of the brunette, "Over there."
"Very good, I'll go say hello in a minute. Is the elusive Claude here tonight?"
Lily laughed, "No, Claude isn't into these kind of things, he likes to avoid the spotlight."
"Which is all very well but seriously, how is it that even though Eric told me about you two months ago, I still haven't met the man? I am the father of your grandchildren, three of them anyway!"
"These things can't be rushed Daniel!" she laughed which Dan just responded to with a smirk.
As the elevator pinged once more, announcing the arrival of more guests, Lily smiled at her son-in-law and patted his arm telling him she'd see him later, before greeting the new arrivals while Dan automatically made his way to Blair's side, amiably greeting people as he crossd the room.
"Blair, you look ravishing, as always," he smiled as he hugged her. It was true, she did look ravishing. At almost 43, Blair was still fresh-face and bright-eyed.
"Dan! Thank you! That suit is great on you, is that the Armani I made you buy two years for the Cooper wedding?"
"God Blair, how do you actually remember that? I-"
"Blair, here's your Chardonnay," a handsome man in a grey suit said, placing the glass of wine in Blair's hand and the otheer on the small of her back.
"Oh, Dan this is Richard, i don't believe you've met before?"
"Richard, nice to meet you," Dan said, standing to his full height in an attempt ot to feel dwarfed by the 6'3" man.
"Ah, you're Dan, it's wonderful to finally meet you!" Richard said warmly shaking his hand.
Dan raised an eyebrow. Finally? He'd never heard of this Richard fellow before.
"So are you a friend of Lily's?" Dan asked.
"Lily's? Oh, Mrs Bass? No, I only met her this evening.
"Dan," Blair said elbowing him, "You remember I told you about Richard, the date I was bringing?"
Date?! That was news to him. Before he could reply he was interrupted.
"Oh there's Nate, Richard, Nate is a friend of mine from when I was a kid, why don't you come meet him?"
Dan found himself suddenly experiencing an emotion that he hadn't in a long time.
"You coming Dan?" Blair asked, smiling back at him over her shoulder, oblivious to the feeling that had just overcome Dan:
Jealousy.

AN: Hey guys (if there are any of you left?!)! After quite a prolonged absence- which I apologise profusely for, I mean really don't have any excuse- I'm back with my fourth chapter. This chapter is significant because it kind of sets the ball rolling for the next couple (admittedly, none of these have been written yet but...) I'd love to know what y'all think so pleeeeaaaasssseeee leave a review, even to let me know people are still reading.

I've heard from like 2 people who they want Nate with, not exactly the response I was hoping for, so I purposely didn't mention anything here. Personally I'd prefer an OC or Vanessa but I'll go with whatever you guys want, be it one of those two, Jenny, Charlie or whoever.

Also I'm aware Lily was shown to be with William in the flash forward but really, does anyone see that lasting?

Remember guys, I'd love a review, and as always, Thank you so much for reading! :) And a special thanks to my 5 followers: DivergentDampyre, TheLonelyBoy, aphass, kit147 and twilightbella. And obviously I'm so extremely grateful to the 3 of you who favourited: DivergentDampyre, TheLonelyBoy and twilightbella, you guys are the best- sorry I left you waiting for so long!