Hi everyone! I'm sorry for the extremely long delay! So much has been going on and my writing time was limited. This chapter isn't as long as the others but, the next chapters which consist of the opening of Serenity, the wedding, and the honeymoon will hopefully make up for it! Love you all!
I do not own Gossip Girl.
"Nate! I can't find my other shoe!" Serena shouted to Nate who was currently in the shower while she rummaged through her shoe closet. It held only a small percentage of her shoes until she and Nate bought a place of their own where she could have all of her shoes.
"Which ones?" Nate hollered back.
"My white sparkly Manolos! I bought them yesterday!" Serena laughed quietly as she heard the shower shut off. He really would do anything for her. He came out with suds in his hair, obviously not finished with his shower.
"How do you lose one shoe out of a pair when you only bought them yesterday," Nate chuckled while Serena playfully glared.
"I don't know! I put them both in my closet and now that one isn't there!" Serena exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air for exaggeration.
"I think I found it," Nate burst into hysterics as he looked down. She had one shoe on and the other in her hand.
"How did you not realize you had on a six inch heel?" Nate laughed as Serena sighed and ran her hands through her hair.
"I don't know. I've just been out of it lately," Serena sighed, "I guess the nerves are just kicking in. I mean the wedding is in a week!"
Nate laughed, "You have nothing to worry about. Everything is planned and ready to go."
"I was just thinking about how there is always drama around thanksgiving and there wasn't this year. What if the drama is at our wedding?" Serena asked worriedly.
"It won't be," he kissed her head reassuringly, "But, there is bound to be a little drama. We are from the Upper East Side."
"Nate?" Serena questioned.
"Yeah?" Nate answered.
"I think you should wash the shampoo out of your hair. It's going to get in your eyes," Serena giggled.
"Yeah, that's probably a good idea," Nate walked back into the steamed filled bathroom as Serena finished getting ready.
They were having lunch with Chuck and Blair. Serena dressed in black high waisted shorts with black stockings, a white long-sleeved V-neck, a black leather jacket, and her white, sparkly Manolo pumps. Her hair was all natural today with its perfect beach waves. Her jewelry was simple diamond earrings, her engagement ring, and a beautiful diamond infinity pendant.
Nate came out of the bathroom with only a white towel with his initials, NA, embroidered on it in navy blue around his waist. Nate smirked at Serena's lust-filled gaze.
"See something you like?" Nate asked. Instead of responding she pounced on him and kissed him passionately, running her slender fingers through his wet, tousled locks. She pulled away breathless.
"Maybe I should just buy towels as my wardrobe if you're going to react like this," Nate held Serena close to him. Serena laughed and released him.
He dressed in dark jeans and a baby blue button-up. He ran his hand through his hair making it perfectly tousled, a look Nate wore so well.
"Where are we going to lunch again?" Serena questioned.
"Gilt," Nate responded as he intertwined their fingers as they entered the elevator.
"I can't believe we're getting married in a week!" Serena squealed.
"I can't believe it took me so long to propose to you," Nate squeezed her hand, "I surprised you didn't leave me."
"I love you too much to leave you," Serena pressed a kiss to his jaw.
"And I thank god for that everyday because I honestly don't know what I would do if anything happened to you," Nate put an arm around her waist.
"You would move on. You're only twenty years old. I wouldn't expect you to stay single forever just because I-" Serena said as they walked out of the elevator.
"Do not even finish that sentence. Do you honestly think that I could move on? I-I would go insane if I couldn't see you everyday or ever again. I wouldn't know what to do. I would never move on. Do you understand that?" Nate said getting slightly angry that she even thought of such a thing, "I almost went crazy when you went to boarding school in seventh grade and didn't come back until freshman year. I was so worried that you weren't going to come back."
Serena smiled timidly, "Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere."
Nate kissed her softly as they boarded Serena's car. Once again, Serena was driving so Nate quickly put on his seatbelt.
"Am I that bad of a driver?" Serena pouted as she pressed the button to start the car.
"No, just a bit...reckless," Nate said.
Serena smiled and sped out of the parking lot. She laughed at Nate's facial expression.
They arrived at Gilt pretty quickly becuase Serena drove way over the speed limit.
They walked inside and the hostess looked up from the screen and smiled, mostly at Nate. Serena narrowed her eyes at the girl's behavior. Serena laid her left hand on Nate's chest and put the other around his waist as he put his arm around her shoulders.
As the disappointed hostess led them over to where Chuck and Blair were seated, Nate whispered in her ear, "You were jealous."
Serena scowled, "She was practically salivating over you."
"She didn't even compare," Nate pulled out her chair for her.
Serena and Blair embraced with a smile as he and Chuck greeted each other.
"So, Archibald, are you ready to become a husband?" Blair said teasingly.
"Absolutely," Nate replied without even thinking.
"Can you believe this is how everything turned out?" Serena questioned.
Everyone looked at her confusedly so she elaborated, "Well, when we were freshmen, we all thought that Nate and Blair would get married, Chuck would travel all over the world, still a womanizer, and I would still be the ditzy, blonde partier that I was then. But, look at us now. Nate and I are getting married in seven days, Chuck and Blair fell in love and he hasn't slept with anyone other than Blair in three years. Everything has really changed since we were freshmen."
"I'm glad it did because we were all supposed to be this way," Blair smiled as she leaned into Chuck's side.
"Me, too," the other three said in unison.
They ordered their drinks and food as they chatted aimlessly.
"Did you ever realize that we can drink without getting carded at any bar we want?" Nate asked.
"Our parents probably pay them," Blair shrugged.
"I wouldn't put it past them," Serena sighed.
There food came and they conversed some more about upcoming galas and other parties they would most likely have to attend.
"What are you two doing tomorrow?" Blair asked her best friend as they sipped on their drinks. Nate stopped eating abruptly as he turned to Serena.
"Oh, um, we're going to the cemetary," Serena said as she fiddled with her ring. Nate put an arm around her for comfort even though he knew nothing would help how sad she was.
Both Chuck and Blair's eyebrows furrowed until they realized what tomorrow was. December 7th. It was the anniversary of Eric's suicide.
"We can come with you," Chuck offered without hesitating. His sister needed him tomorrow.
"You don't have to. My mother and Nate are going," Serena said.
"Really, we want to," Blair put her hand over the blonde's.
"Okay. We're meeting my mother at her house at eight so we can get there by eight-thirtyish," Serena said as she looked down. She could really use a drink.
"We'll be there," Chuck replied.
"How about we do some shopping?" Blair asked, trying her best to cheer the blonde up, even if just a little.
Serena just nodded and stood up. Nate helped her slip into her coat. Only Serena Van der Woodsen could pull off shorts in the winter.
"It's going to be okay," Nate whispered in her ear as he helped her. She nodded in reply and intertwined their hands.
Chuck and Blair followed suit and they walked towards Madison Avenue to hit their first stop, Chanel.
Serena purchased a black, long-sleeved dress that came right to the middle of her thigh for tomorrow. It had a rope of crystals right below the chest. It was beautiful, of course, and it fit her figure perfectly. She would pair it with dark grey lace stockings and a pair of black Christian Louboutin pumps. Blair purchased a similar black dress that came right to her knee. The neckline of the dress was all crystals. She would pair her dress with white Manolo Blahnik stilettos. They exited the store and said goodbye. Chuck pulled his sister into a hug.
"It wasn't your fault, S. I know that's exactly what you're thinking and it isn't true," he reassured her before releasing her.
She hugged Blair who somewhat comforted her just by being there. Blair was always there when she needed her. Even if it was just to give her a hug.
They parted ways as Chuck and Blair got in their limo and Serena and Nate walked back towards Serena's car.
Before they got in the car, Nate pulled her into a hug. He slid his hands around her waist and she pressed her head against his chest.
"You're going to be okay, babe. You just have to remember that he loved you and wouldn't want you to be angry at yourself," Nate said as she hugged him tighter, silently crying a little bit.
"I never got to say goodbye," Serena's voice broke.
"I know you didn't. But, you have to know that you couldn't have stopped him," Nate stroked her hair.
"Maybe if I was just there-" Serena started.
"It wouldn't have mattered. He was unhappy and depressed. I'm not saying that what he did was his only option or the right one but you couldn't have changed his decision," Nate pressed a kiss to her temple.
"I miss him," Serena whispered against his chest.
"We all do," Nate opened the door for the passenger seat and helped her in because she was in no shape to drive.
They drove back to Chuck's penthouse quietly, only the sound of Serena's sniffles every few minutes filling the silence. They walked into the lobby, hand in hand, and stepped in the elevator. She wrapped her arms around his neck and clung to him, this time not saying anything.
"I love you," Serena said.
"I love you, too, more than anything in the world," Nate replied.
They walked into the penthouse and saw Chuck sitting on the couch. He turned around and saw Serena's face. Her eyes were bloodshot from crying and her cheeks tear-stained.
"Blair went home. She had something to do with Eleanor," Chuck informed, only getting a nod from Serena.
She walked over to the coffee table and found the decanter of scotch empty. She sighed and thought to her self, 'Of course, on the day I need it, it's empty.'
"I was going to order some," Chuck said.
"Don't worry about it. You and Nate should go down to the bar and have a few drinks," Serena offered.
"I don't want to leave you alone," Nate said and Chuck nodded in agreement.
"Really, I could use some time alone, some time to think," Serena said with a small smile. Chuck and Nate exchanged a look.
"We'll only be right downstairs so don't hesitate to call or come down," Chuck grabbed his blackberry.
"We'll be back in a little bit," Nate kissed her gently on the lips.
They went down to the bar and Serena plopped down on the couch and looked at the empty decanter of scotch. She looked away and then back at it again. She really needed one. She grabbed the phone and called down and ordered two bottles. One for the decanter and the other for herself. It arrived within ten minutes. She thanked the man and gave him a tip.
She opened a bottle and took a large gulp, not caring to use a glass. She thought about Eric and took another large gulp. Each time she thought about Eric or something she could've done to save him, she took a swig. Within a half hour, the bottle was gone along with her sobriety. She spun the lid off the second and did the same. It was gone within another half hour. She was heavily drunk, incoherent, and extremely sad.
Nate and Chuck walked in exactly an hour later. Nate took in the two bottles of empty scotch and his eyes widened. Serena just sat there with an emotionless look on her face.
She slurred, "You know, he called me this day six years ago, begging me to come home from boarding school today. I said I couldn't. I wanted to surprise him when I got there the next day. He was so disappointed. He said goodbye. Not his usual see ya later or talk to you tomorrow. He said 'Goodbye Serena.' I should've known something was wrong. Little did I know that when I got there the next day, I would find him on the bathroom floor, covered in blood, not breathing, no pulse. If I would've got there an hour earlier, I could've stopped him, maybe even fifteen minutes. That was all it took for him to do that."
Chuck and Nate both sighed. It broke their hearts, looking at the girl they both loved, in different ways of course, break right in front of their eyes. She blamed herself for his death. Chuck and Serena had become extremely close after Eric's death. Bart and Lily had recently married and he was her step-brother. They lived in the same house and was always there. All of her friends were really helpful when the Van der Woodsens and the two Basses lost Eric.
"It wasn't your fault, Serena. You couldn't have stopped him. He could've done that with you in the next room," Chuck helped Nate walk her to their room.
"It is my fault. I should've been there for him. He should've had someone to talk to," Serena whimpered. In the next moment she was passed out. They laid her on her stomach with a garbage can next to her. Nate went out of the room with Chuck to get her some water and aspirin for when she woke up. It was only four in the afternoon so she would probably wake up in the middle of the night, dehydrated with a major headache.
"I knew we shouldn't have left her," they said in unison.
"I don't know what else to do," Nate confessed.
"Just be there for her. That's all you can do," Chuck handed him two aspirin as Nate filled a glass with water.
Nate nodded as a thank you and walked back to the room. He took off Serena's stilettos and she woke up slightly. She raised her arms in the air, signalling she wanted to get changed. He helped her take of her stockings, shorts, and shirt, leaving her in only her pale pink panties and bra. He grabbed a button-up from his closet for her but by the time he turned back around, she was tucked under the blanket and fast asleep. He smiled. She looked angelic when she slept. He stripped down to only his boxers and got into bed with her. She felt the shift in the bed and rolled over, opening her eyes only the slightest bit and snuggled into his chest. He wrapped his arm around her and pressed the button for the curtains to close. He drifted off to sleep with the love of his life in his arms.
A little bit past one, he was awoken by the sound of Serena getting sick in the bathroom. He walked in to see her on the floor, still in only her panties and bra, with a tired look on her face. He sat down beside her and held her hair back as she got sick once more. She brushed her teeth and took the two aspirin before he carried her back to bed. Her back was pressed to his chest and his arm around her waist. He pressed a kiss to her neck and she giggled.
"I'm tired, Natie," Serena giggled as he kissed her neck once more.
"Are you sure I can't change that?" Nate asked as she rolled over to face him.
"No," she said breathily.
She smiled seductively and pulled him on top of her.
"I'm never too tired for you, Natie," she breathed out as he made a trail from her neck to the valley of her breasts. Her stomach flipped.
She shivered as a made his way down her stomach. He stopped and made his way back up and kissed her on the mouth. His tongue grazed her lip and she allowed him access. He pulled her on top of him and sat up. She wrapped her legs around his waist and tried to pull herself closer to him than she already was. He had his arms wrapped tightly around her so they were chest to chest.
"I love you," she said against his lips.
"I love you more," he fiddled with the front clasp of her bra.
"Not possible," she ran her hands through his hair.
He unclasped her bra, "I've loved you for twenty years."
"Me, too," she pulled at the elastic of his silk boxers.
He laid her down gently on the bed and eased himself down on top of her. They spent the rest of the night showing how much they loved each other.
Nate woke up the next morning to an obnoxious alarm with his arms wrapped around Serena's waist. She felt him shift in the bed and stretched.
"Didn't you hear that?" Nate questioned.
"Hear what?" The blonde asked.
"The alarm," Nate said as Serena stood up completely bare, and walked into the bathroom.
"Nathaniel, what time do we have to be at Lily's again?" Chuck asked as Nate opened the door in his boxers.
"We have an hour," Nate informed. Chuck nodded and walked out the door.
They readied themselves for the day as they ate croissants from Serena and Blair's favorite bakery. They boarded the limo and left to pick up Blair at precisely 7:40. Blair joined them in the limo and gave Serena a sympathizing smile.
The four of them picked up Lily and headed toward the cemetary. The limo was silent; no one had even a trace of emotion on their faces.
Chuck exited the limo first and helped both Lily and Blair out of the car. Nate followed and lent his hand to Serena. They all walked quietly over to the gravestone. It read:
Eric Van der Woodsen
Beloved son, brother, and friend
July 17, 1993- December 7, 2005
Serena looked down at the stone and her vision blurred. She could no longer read the words.
"He was only twelve," she murmured twirling her engagement ring.
Not one of them didn't have tears in their eyes. Serena and Lily were sobbing. Nate pulled Serena against his chest. Nate didn't try to say words of comfort because he knew nothing was going to work today.
They all placed flowers on the grave along with a picture of Eric.
"I will be right there. I just need a few minutes," Serena said, as they started to walk.
They all nodded and walked up to the limo, leaving Serena behind.
"Hey, Er," Serena whispered, "I miss you."
She ran her fingers along his name, tears sliding down her pink cheeks.
"I wish you would've talked to me. If you would've told me that you were thinking about that. I hate that you felt so alone, " she whimpered, "I love you."
She quickly turned around and sped towards the limo. She didn't even give Arthur a chance to open her door. She swumg open the door and slid in, slamming it behind her.
She looked out the window and Nate placed his hand on her knee. She looked out the window throughout the entire ride to Lily's. She barely bid Lily a goodbye.
On their way to the Palace, it was almost noon my now, Blair turned around to face Serena.
"Serena?" Blair said, getting the blonde's attention.
"Yeah?" Serena shifted in the comfortable leather seat.
"How are you, Sweetie?" Blair asked.
"Fine," Serena lied.
"S, how are you really?" Blair questioned, seeing right through her apparent lie.
"Sad. Upset. Confused," the blonde listed.
"Well, that is exactly why I thought of something to take your mind off of things," Blair smiled mischieviously at her three best friends.
She pulled out two bottles of Dom.
Chuck smirked, "Who are you and what have you done with my girlfriend?"
"What do you mean?" She furrowed her brow.
"Normally, you would tell Serena to talk it out but you just encouraged her to get drunk and forget," Chuck explained with a smirk.
"Well, I realized something. If you make Serena talk it out, she will but then run off and get drunk. So, I figured why don't we get her drunk and make sure she's safe," Blair smiled at her best friend.
Serena leaned across the seat and embrace Blair, "I love you, B."
"Love you, too, S," Blair smiled as she hugged the blonde.
He rolled down the window divider, "Arthur, just drive around the city for a while."
"Okay, Mr. Bass," Arthur nodded as Chuck rolled the window back up. The non-judging breakfast club popped open the bottle. Hey, it was 5 o'clock somewhere.
At about 8 o'clock at night, two bottles of Dom, a few bottles of scotch, and eight hours later, the four of them staggered in 1812 with drunken smiles on their faces.
"B, I'm hungry," Serena whined.
"Then eat something," Blair giggled.
"I'll call Alfonso," Chuck intoxicatedly searched for his cellphone.
"Alfonso, Chuck Bass, I need a grilled cheese with truffle oil, three orders of mac and cheese, and pumpkin pie," Chuck slurrs into the phone.
He hears Serena shout from the living room, "Don't forget the creme brulee and apple crostada!"
He finished the order and walked into the parlour, plopping down on the couch next to Blair. Nate was on the loveseat with Serena in his lap. They were making out heavily. Chuck smirked and Blair made a fake disgusted look. They were used to their drunken behavior. Both Serena and Nate got very affectionate when they drank.
There was a knock at the door and Serena leaped out of Nate's lap and ran for the door but not before tripping over the coffee table, getting rug burn on both knees. Although, she was way too drunk to feel it so she hopped back up and swinging open the door, startling the man with their cart of food. Nate, Blair, and Chuck all laughed at Serena. Her knees would hurt tomorrow.
"Thank you!" She squealed at the man.
"Your welcome, Miss Van der Woodsen," the man smiled politely.
"It's Archibald," she corrected as she gestured him in the door. This brought a huge smile to Nate's face. She was drunk off her ass but still remembered that they were getting married in six days.
He set all of the food on the coffee table that Serena tripped over and bid them a goodnight.
"I'm starving!" Serena picked up her grilled cheese and took a big bite.
"Thanks, Chuckie," Serena teased with a smirk.
Chuck rolled his eyes as he dug into his mac and cheese, feeling like a teenager again. He hadn't eaten it in years.
They all ate their food with a steady flow of conversation in the air, pigging out on the desserts. After they finished eating, the four of them were exhausted.
"I never thought I'd say this on this date, but I had fun today," Serena smiled at her best friends and fiance, "I love you guys."
Her eyes were droopy, as were Blair's. The blonde and brunette walked into the master bedroom and laid down in the middle of the bed, snuggling into the blanket. Chuck and Nate followed, each laying on the outside. Nate was next to Serena who was next to Blair who was next to Chuck. They all drifted off to sleep just like they did when they were younger.
Blair woke up the next morning and smiled. They used to do this all of the time when they were younger. She was always the first up, followed by Chuck and then they had to wake both of the blondes up. She thought to herself, "Just like old times."
It had seemed like forever since they had a night like this, truly acting their age and getting drunk off their asses. She made her way into the living room and ordered breakfast even though it was almost noon. Soon after, Chuck came out of the bedroom, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"I ordered breakfast," Blair hugged her boyfriend with a smile.
He looked over her. Her hair disarrayed, make up from last night, and a wrinkled dress and she still looked like absolute perfection. She always looked perfect to him. He wanted her forever.
"Marry me," Chuck breathed out.
Blair's eyes widened and jaw fell, "What?"
"Marry me," he repeated.
"Yes!" Blair squealed and jumped into his arms and kissed him passionately.
Chuck pulled away and genuinely smiled. He walked her towards the safe and opened it. He brought out little black box. Chuck turned around to face Blair and opened it. She gasped. Inside the box sat a beautiful Harry Winston diamond ring. It was absolutely gorgeous and fit Blair perfectly.
"It's beautiful," Blair smiled.
"It's yours," Chuck replied as he slid the diamond onto her finger.
She squealed and jumped and ran towards the bedroom. She jumped onto the sleeping blonde, screeching in her ear.
Serena grumbled, "Christ, who let the damn seagulls in."
"I'm engaged!" Blair wiggled her fingers in the blonde's face.
Serena shrieked right along with her as she brought her into a bone-crushing hug.
"I am so happy for you, B!" Serena examined the ring excitedly.
"You're getting married and I just got engaged! this is amazing!" Blair beamed.
After the congratulations were finished, they all took some aspirin and settled down on the couches. Blair begged to watch Tiffany's. All she had to do was pout a little to get Chuck to give in. They spent the day like they used to as kids. They drank Godiva hot chocolate, ate room service, and watched Audrey movies at Blair's request.
"Natie, I want to make brownies!" Serena smiled giddily, lifting her head from his chest.
"S, do you even know how to turn on the oven?" Blair chuckled.
"Yeah, you just press the little button," Serena gestured, poking her finger at nothing.
"Come on, let's get this disaster started," Nate stood, offering Serena his hand.
She jumped and ran into the kitchen. She pulled out the flour, sugar, cocoa, and butter. Nate looked around the kitchen for the other ingredients. Once they found them all, they followed the directions.
After it was all mixed, Serena squealed, "Let's add chocolate chips and caramel!"
She grabbed them from the cabinet and poured some of each in before throwing the batter in a pan for baking. The oven was preheated so she popped them in the oven.
Forty-five minutes later, the oven beeped and Nate pulled them out of the oven.
"They smell surprisingly amazing, Sis," Chuck smirked.
She cut four pieces and dished them out.
"They're really good, S! I'm honestly surprised since you've never cooked a day in your life," Blair smiled.
After they finished, they went back into the living room to watch another Audrey film.
"Guys, I want to bake you a surprise. All of you stay in here!" Serena jumped off the couch and ran to the kitchen once more.
While they were sitting on the couch, she had found a recipe for salted caramel macarons. They were Blair favorite from Pierre Herme. She sifted the flour and made the mix for the cookie. She went to lift the bowl and it slipped from her grasp, sending the mixture all over the floor. The bowl hit with a loud thump sending Nate flying into the kitchen. Serena had the mixture all over the floor and herself. She took a step towards him mindlessly, her foot stepping in the mix. She slipped causing her to fly into the air and her ass to hit the ground. She laughed, Nate joining in with her.
"Are you laughing at me, Archibald?" Serena stood up, sliding in the process. She really had the mix everywhere now. It was in her hair and all.
"Who? Me? No way," Nate said dramatically.
She darted towards him, tickling his sides while taking him to the floor with her.
"I can't believe you did that!" Nate smeared some more mix across her cheeks, as she put her sticky hands in his hair.
Blair came in, Chuck following her.
"What the hell is going on? What happened in here?" Blair questioned.
"I...slipped," Serena offered.
They stood up and exchanged a devious look. Blair noticed and backed away slowly.
Serena jumped onto her brother as Nate tackled Blair into a bear hug.
"My hair!" Blair yelled as she laughed.
Chuck was covered from head to toe as well. They all laughed and sat on the kitchen floor, talking awhile until they decided it was wise to call the maids.
They were all showering when the maids arrived. The maids went into the kitchen and looked around.
"Oh, lord," the one maid muttered before they both started cleaning.
I know it got a bit angst-y with all of talk to Eric's suicide but I hope I made up for it with fluffy NJBC bonding, Chuck's impromptu proposal, and Serena's baking attempt.