Author's Note: I know it's been forever since I've updated. To say this fic is a labor of love is putting things lightly. But, I do plan to finish. We're starting to wind down. There are five more chapters left and that's all. This one is a bit of homage to the start of the story and focused mostly on Dan and Serena. I'd like to thank all my readers.

Chapter 14:

"Give me the paper," Chuck insisted. Blair glared at him and threw the newspaper on the floor. "I'm going to do no such thing. I'm tired of sitting on my hands and holding my tongue. We are supposed to be partners. I'm going to be your wife and I refuse to be dismissed."

Chuck looked at her with a blank expression on his face. "It's not something you want to know." Blair got up and held his face between her hands. "There is nothing that you could tell me that I wouldn't want to here and if you think I don't already know then you're not the man that I thought you were."

"You didn't sign up for this, Blair. Just leave. It would be so much easier for you. My life is messy and it's more than you should have to deal with."

She shook her head and said, "I told you that I was in this with you. I know who you are and what your world is. I am stronger than you think. I'm not going to break."

Chuck held her tightly for beat before leading her into the living room. He sat down and told her about everything that had happened and how the situation with Carter was a test. But, now that his body had been found everything was about to get complicated. "So, what are you going to do? What did you do with the gun?"

"I dismantled it and cleaned it. It's sitting in a warehouse with other dismantled guns."

Blair tried to control her nerves. He needed her now. This was what being a team entailed. "Can he be linked back to you?"

"Maybe. One of my Pa's men were with me. I think he ratted me out."

"So, what's your plan?"

"I have to do what I have to do," he said matter-of-factly.

She wrapped her arms around him and said, "I understand."

A few weeks later….

Serena climbed into bed after another long-shift at Joe's. She was bone-tired and missing Dan. She felt like they hadn't had a moment alone in weeks. Having Jenny around was both a blessing and a curse. She kept her company during the day and often would be up at the crack of dawn making something on her sewing machine and she was more than happy to put breakfast on the table. But, Serena was beginning to feel like a stranger. Mornings used to be where her and Dan would carve out a little time for themselves, but now it was a family affair and he was dead to the world by the time she got off work. She felt so disconnected and was wondering if working was even worth it. She wrapped her arms around him. He stirred in his sleep and turned to face her. He kissed her briefly and drifted back to sleep. "I miss you,"she whispered.

Dan's eyes opened at her words. He could sense the sadness in her voice and he hated it. He knew having his baby sister back would be an adjustment. He and Jenny had their own rhythm that was different from what he had gotten used to with Serena. He was going to speak to Jenny in the morning. They had to figure something out. He hated the idea that Serena was unhappy. Dan slipped out of bed while Serena was still sleeping and found Jenny in the kitchen. "Hey Jen, can I talk to you about something?"

"Sure."

"I know you're used to handling things. It's just the way we've always been, but now…"

Jenny narrowed her eyes at her older brother. "Are you kicking me out?"

"No, no no. I just think Serena's feeling a little left out."

Jenny turned off the stove and smiled at her brother. She knew something was bothering her sister-in-law and she couldn't say she blamed her, but it was a small space. "I guess I could let her handle supper or maybe pick up a couple of her shifts at Joe's give you guys some alone time."

Dan kissed her on the cheek and said, "you're the best."

"No, problem. I have to go. I promised Nate I'd meet him for breakfast. Food is ready if you guys get hungry."

Dan squeezed her shoulder as she grabbed her purse and left.

Nate fiddled with his napkin as he waited inside Hamilton's diner for Jenny. He wanted to give her some time to adjust before taking her out so he thought breakfast would be a good start. There really was no gal like her. She was pretty, but she also had spunk and he loved that she could stand her ground. Nate had gotten used to the predictably boring girls that he normally dated; girls from good families with the appropriate breeding, but that wasn't what he wanted. He wanted a girl who could light a fire under his ass and make him crave for more. Jenny was that girl, but she'd been through a lot and he didn't want to scare her away.

Jenny wore a simple blue wool felt hat a long navy blue skirt with a white blouse and matching navy blue jacket. He stood up and kissed her on the cheek. He had asked her to meet her at Hamilton's diner a few minutes from where she lived. Things had been hectic since Carter's body had been found and he'd been up to his eyeballs in work and he had yet to take Jenny out like he'd promised he would. Breakfast was the best could do for now.

"So good to see you. I'm sorry things have been so busy. I promise I'll take you out."

Jenny reached across the table and squeezed his hand and said, "It's okay. I understand."

Nate smiled at her and ran his thumb along her wrist which sent a shiver down her spine. Sometimes it amazed her how much she could feel for someone she barely knew. He was captivating and sweet. Nate had been there for her and helped her in ways that no one else could and he did it without ever questioning her morals or the kind of girl she was.

"Thank you."

"For what?"Nate asked.

Jenny smiled at him and said, "For being you."

Nate blushed a little as he played with her fingers. He was no stranger to women, but he'd never really courted a girl and Jenny was a girl who deserved it. She threw him off balance, but he also loved spending times with her. He smiled when their orders came and she dug into her burger and fries.

Serena was fixing them some soup for lunch, when Dan came up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her neck. She swatted him away. "Dan, we both need to eat and at this rate our next meal will be tomorrow."

"I don't care. I miss you."

She turned to face him and said, "I miss you too sugar, but let me finish making this soup and I promise I'll make it up to you."

"Make it up to me now," he said as he blew out the gas on the stove and pulled her into his arms.

The next day, Serena bit her lip as she clutched the apple-pie closely to her chest. She knocked on the door and waited with baited breath. She was greeted warmly by Mrs. O'Conner. "Serena. My this is a surprise! What do you have there?"

Serena handed her the pie and gave her warmest smile. "I thought I'd bring over a pie."

"Well aren't you a darling little thing. Come in, come in,"said Mrs. O as she held the door open for Serena. Serena followed the older woman into the kitchen and watched her shyly as she placed the pie on the counter and looked through her drawers for a knife. "Don't just stand there. Have a seat Dear."

"Yes, Mrs…"

"I told you it's Evelyn."

"How about I call you Mrs. O?"Serena said with a giggle. There was something so warm and inviting about the woman. She was more matronly than her mother had ever been. Serena wasn't used to that kind of warmth. Her mother had always been cold, a little sharp with moments of vulnerability. She remembered the smell of her perfume and the sound her skirt made as she walked. Serena was not expecting to miss her mother. She'd been so firm in her decision that she thought she'd put all of that behind her, but she still missed her mother. She may have not been the best mother, but it was all she knew. There was a time when they were close. She remembered clinging to her leg as a small child and watching her bright smile as she danced with her father. But, that smile died with him. A part of her wondered if her father death had adversely affected her mother.

"Why the long face Serena?"Mrs O, asked.

"Just thinking of my mother."

"Why did she pass?"Mrs O asked as she handed her a plate with a slice of pie and a cup of tea.

"No, we aren't exactly speaking right now. It's complicated."

Mrs O smiled at Serena and changed the subject. They spoke a little about the neighborhood and how she was getting on at her new job. Serena found her so easy to talk to. "I'm glad I came over."

"So am I?"

"It's just sometimes I feel kind of disconnected."

"Well then do something about it. Invite some friends over. It's your home, start treating it like that. If you behave like a guest, you'll always feel like one."

"You're right. I used to throw the best parties!" Serena reached for the older woman's arm and said, "you must help me."

Mrs O smiled and said, "Gladly dear. Gladly."

When Dan returned from a long day at the paper, he heard Serena humming a showtune as she smiled at Jenny. The two of them were busy slicing and dicing. He leaned against the doorframe as he watched them work. Dan smiled to himself. He was beginning to worry that Jenny and Serena wouldn't get along, but he could easily see that wasn't the case. His baby sister could be headstrong and a little too independent for his liking, but he she was also one of the kindest people he knew. He hated the idea that his wife and sister would be at odds. He was glad to see that wasn't the case.

He walked over to Serena and wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her on the cheek. Serena smiled up at him and said, "Dinner will be ready soon."

"Are you working tonight?"Dan asked as he reached for a stray carrot. Serena slapped his hand away and said, "No, I have the night off."

Jenny rolled her eyes at them as she finished chopping the vegetables. ``Dan, why don`t you shower or something. You look like you could use it,``Jenny suggested.

Dan glared at her. ``I do not smell.``

``Could have fooled me,``Jenny said as she stuck her tongue out at him playfully.

Serena pushed Dan out of the kitchen. ``Dan why don`t you get washed up while we finish up in here. Put on that shirt I love. ``

A little over an hour later, Dan and Serena were joined by Nate who looked like he had been run over by a locomotive. Dan and Serena watched the new couple as Jenny greeted him with a hug and played with his tie. They knew from the look on their faces that the two were madly in love. Serena squeezed Dan`s hand under the table. ``Nate why don`t you say grace since you are our guest,"Dan suggested.

"I really don't think…"

"Nonsense Nate. Go ahead," Serena insisted.

Nate bent his head and clasped his hands. "Dear Lord, we thank you for this meal and the bounty you have bestowed upon us when there are those who have less. We thank you for keeping those closest to us safe. Amen."

The others responded with a resounding "Amen."

"So, how have things been buddy?"Dan asked.

"I've been working on the Baizen case and I keep hitting a dead-end. It's just frustrating, I know there is more to it, but I just don't have enough leads."

Dan shook his head as he ate. "I know the feeling. I keep working on these profiles about families who can't seem to make ends meet and it really puts a damper on my mood. I need that story, you know the one that's going to change my life."

"I don't even know why you are working at the paper. You always wanted to write the Great American Novel, not write stories about other people," Jenny said.

Dan shoveled some more food in his mouth. He knew his sister was right, but he just couldn't afford it. "It's easier said than done. Writing a novel doesn't pay, reporting does."

Jenny knew from his demeanor that he no longer wanted to discuss the subject, but she hated to see her brother give up on his dream like that. She appreciated how he'd dropped out of school to take care of her. She felt like he was always giving so much up for others. It was why he loved that he'd married Serena. He finally did something for himself and she hadn't seen him this happy since they were kids.

"Anyways, I was thinking we should have a small get together. Liven up our mood a little, nothing big just a small dinner party with the four of us, Chuck and Blair and Mr. and Mrs. O."

Dan smiled at her and said, "That's fantastic idea. But, we don't have the space."

"I was thinking we could have it Joe's. We could make it a little bigger if we use the club,"Serena said excitedly.

"That sounds like a fantastic idea. We could all use a little music and good food to cheer us up."

Serena, Jenny and Blair were at Joe's setting up for the dinner and cocktail party that Serena was holding in a few days . They were unpacking boxes of glassware that Joe said they could use for the party when Blair brought up what could be best described as a taboo subject. "I think this party is a really great idea, but I was thinking maybe it's time to end this war you have with your mother."

"I'm not at war with my mother, she cut me out of her life. She doesn't want to accept my choice to marry Dan and there is nothing I can do about that. I refuse to let her bully me any longer?"

"I understand, but maybe it's time to extend the olive branch a little."

Blair reached out and touched Serena's shoulder. "I know she hurt you Serena, but she's your mother. If you don't make the first move this will never get any better. You know how lily can be."

Serena knew that Blair was right, but she hated that she had to be the one to make the first move. It was always her. She just wanted it to be her mother for once. She sighed and went back to unpacking the glassware as her friend to the cue that the conversation about her mother was over. Jenny cam over with a guest-list for her to go through. They had invited a little over 20 people. She only recognized a handful of names, but Dan and Jenny knew the rest. The point of the party was to get to know these people.

"I hope this is a good idea. I don't want them to think I'm some stuck-up rich girl who thinks the answer to everything is to have a party,"Serena said.

"Don't be silly. This is Brooklyn. We love a good party. I think this is a fantastic idea. It gets people's minds off of their problems for a night. They'll love you just as much as I do," Jenny said as she hugged her sister-in-law.

Serena held tightly to her and said, "thank you."

Lillian Van Der Woodsen did not handle quiet very well. She was used to the noise of the servants intermingled with those of her children. Now the house was eerily quiet because she had to let go of all but one of the servants and Eric was barely home. Serena was off with that writer. Her daughters' marriage still felt like a betrayal. She'd been dreaming of her daughter's wedding day since she was a little girl who still clung to her skirts and now she'd never have that experience. Lillian knew that she could rigid and a little forceful. She just wished that Serena had stayed that sweet child. Things were difficult for the family and she was brought up to put family first which why she couldn't understand why her daughter was being so difficult. Love was a fantasy that eventually left you alone and shattered and that was the last thing she wanted for Serena, but it was now out of her hands.

Lily looked up to see her son looking down at her with a frown on his face. "What's wrong dear?"

"Have you spoken to Serena yet?"

She placed her hands back on her lap and said, "You know that's impossible."

"It's only impossible because you are making it impossible," Eric said.

Serena lit the last candle and looked around the bar. She smiled to herself as she took in her work. The lights were dimmed and she had placed candles at each table. She had rented fresh linen from Stella's friend who rented them out for some extra income. Serena had feeling this party would be a hit, but even if only a few people came she was glad that she'd taken Mrs.O's advice. Things with her and Jenny were so much better now. A lot of it was in Serena's head. She felt like the outsider looking in, but she knew she belonged here with these people and with Dan. Fate had sent him to her and she was damned if she was going to let her insecurities screw things up for them.

Dan came up behind her and snaked his arms around her waist and said, "You look deep in thought. Thinking about me again?"

She leaned into him and said, "I'm always thinking about you sugar."

"the place looks great. This was a fantastic idea."

"I hope everyone has a good time. Joe said he got someone nifty to sing for everyone. I just wish."

"Your mother. She'll come around. I know she will," Dan said as he held her tighter and kissed the top of her head.

"I wish I could believe that, but I haven't spoken to her for two months," Serena said as she tried to hold back tears. Dan turned her around and said, "look at me. She will come around. You are too amazing for anyone to not want in their life. But, no matter what happens you have me."

Serena smiled and laid her head on his shoulder as he held her.

"Sorry to interrupt your little moment, but the guests should be here any second and I need you in the back Serena "Jenny said.

"Sure, just give us a minute."

"I'll be in the back," Jenny muttered. Serena turned to Dan and kissed him softly. "You're the best husband a girl could ask for."

"I hope the only one."

Serena smiled and headed towards the backroom to help Jenny out.

Dan leaned against the bar sipping his whiskey as he watched Serena from across the room. She was something; this girl that fate had dropped into his lonely life. There was something about her. The simplest things she did were a wonder to him. For once he could understand those stories of love that inspired great men to do foolish things. He knew that he'd walk on air if she'd asked him too. Dan took one last sip and joined her as she greeted their guests. "Everything looks spectacular,"he whispered in her ear.

Serena smiled at him and said, "I'm glad I did this."

All the people from the neighborhood had come out to meet Dan's stunning bride. Mrs. O had sure spread the word. By the time they had sat down for their meal, Dan's face was sore from smiling so much. It was worth it to see how at ease Serena felt. She seemed to know these people better than he did and he'd grown up with them. She was on a first-name basis with the butcher's wife, Stella's bridge club and she'd even gotten to know his old grade school teacher.

"When did this happen? Dan asked.

"What?"

"You know more people in my neighborhood than I do. I had no idea Mrs. Ryan's first name was Rachel."

Serena laughed and said"That's because you're a man."

Dan was about to respond when Lily Van Der Woodsen walked through the doors. Serena held tightly to Dan's hand as she tried to compose her thoughts. "Mother?"

Lily kissed her daughters cheek and said, "So good to see you."

Serena let go of Dan's hand and embraced her mother reluctantly. "I'm glad you're here, but how did you know."

Eric tipped his hat and said, "I had to do my brotherly duty, sis"

Serena's smile was bright enough to light up the room and Dan trailed behind the trio as they all took their seats. Once everyone was settled Dan and Serena stood before everyone.

"Thank you for coming to day. Most of you have known me since I was a small upstart, but today is not about me, but my lovely bride. So join me in making a toast to my lovely Serena."

The guests all held up their glasses to toast the new couple. Lily looked on with a small smile. Her daughter had managed to find something that she never could-a sense of community. She grew up in a time when you did what you were told to, but everything was changing. Families were losing what they had grown dependant on and she could feel the shifting of the tide. It scared her. This was not the world she wanted for her children. She wanted them to be happy and to prosper, but looking at her daughter as she clung to her new husband, she was beginning to see that she may have been wrong about a few things.

A/N #2: Special Thanks to Dr. Holland for her encouragement when I felt like I was blocked. I'd also like to make a special shout-out to Dan-Serena on tumblr. Don't forget to follow me on there as well— .com

The next chapter will take us back into the thick of the mob plot and what happens as nate starts to get closer to Carter's murderer.