He watched as she made her way across the vast campus, going immediately to join Blair, Chuck and Nate. He was reminded of the way she used to seek him out in the crowds, running towards him with a smile on her face.

Dan closed his eyes briefly and sighed. It was the first day of school and he didn't want to be late for his Creative Writing class. Crumpling up the piece of paper he was reading, he threw it in a nearby trash can.

Unknown to him, Serena was watching him. He looked so...alone. She pretended to immerse herself into whatever lame joke Nate was making. Plastering a fake smile onto her face, she drew her attention back to Dan's location. Unable to spot him, she mumbled a hasty goodbye to Blair, Chuck and Nate and walked to her first class.

She paused outside the classroom, staring at the spot by the brick staircases. Sighing, she entered the classroom only to collide with...Dan.

"Sorry," He mumbled, picking up the book she dropped. "I wasn't loo-" He stopped when he realized it was her. "Sorry." He repeated and handed her the book.

"Thanks," Serena mumbled, unable to look at him. "You have Creative Writing first period too?"

"Yeah."

"Cool." Serena inwardly cringed at such a lame reply. Mustering up some of her old confidence, she strode into the classroom.

Dan watched her retreating back and shook his head in disbelief. If it said he was dating her on his file, wouldn't they strive to keep them apart in classes. But then again, maybe the administration was up to date on who was currently dating whom.

He watched as she sat down, unknown that his seat was right next to hers. The first bell rang and he slid into his seat, ignoring the shocked look he recieved. But what he couldn't ignore was the shove that a tall blonde senior gave him.

"I was going to sit there," He growled at Dan.

"Sorry, my stuff was already here." Dan said, sounding not at all apologetic.

"Then why don't you move your goddamned stuff and let me sit next to her?" The guy growled again.

"What's your problem, man? I got here first." Dan said, starting to get slightly pissed off.

"My problem? My problem is that I want to sit there and your skinny ass is in my way. Now move!"

"Make me." Dan said calmly, aware that the teacher hadn't arrived yet and the whole class was staring at them.

Calls of "Kick his ass, Trevor!" reached Dan's ears and he tensed up.

The blonde guy named Trevor shot Serena, who had been quiet throughout the whole ordeal, a wink. "Don't worry. I'll get rid of this idiot."

Serena watched as Trevor pulled Dan up by the collar of his shirt.

"Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way. I'm telling you one more time, get the hell out of my seat." Trevor snarled.

Dan shoved Trevor away from his, causing Trevor to collide with a few empty desks. "Like I said before, make me."

"Why do you want to sit there anyway? You broke up with her!" Called one of the students observing the fight that had yet to happen.

"Shut up." Dan growled.

Unfortunately while Dan was admonishing the other student, Trevor had gotten up and swung his hand towards Dan's face.

However, instead of hitting Dan like Trevor intended, he hit someone else. A blonde someone else.

Serena had thrown herself between Trevor and Dan and had put herself in the line of fire. Trevor's punch reached Serena's face.

She staggered back into Dan's arms.

"Are you okay?"

"I will be." Serena managed to say, tears slipping down her face.

Dan gave Serena a small smile before proceeding to glare at a terrified Trevor.

"I-I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hit you." Trevor apologized hastily.

"You sick son of a-" Dan swung his right hand towards Trevor's eyes, hitting dead on.

Trevor staggered back into the desks again, this time falling over.

"What is going on here?" Mr. Dalton demanded, a scowl on his weathered face.

"Trevor punched Serena." Dan spat out angrily.

"Is that true, Mr. Collins? Did you punch her?"

"I was trying to punch him." Trevor pointed at Dan.

"Mr. Collins, to the headmaster's office. Mr. Humphrey, please accompany Ms. Van Der Woodsen to the nurse."

Trevor silently trudged out the door while Dan gathered his things and led Serena to the nurse's office.

"How's your eye?" Dan asked

"I don't know. Do I have a black eye?"

"No. You're perfect." Dan said softly, gazing at her.

Serena blushed and bowed her head shyly.

Ten minutes later, Serena had an ice bag over her eye and was sitting next to Dan.

"You should probably head back to your class, Mr. Humphrey."

"Sure. You gonna be okay?" He asked Serena.

"Yeah. But uh promise me something."

"Anything."

"Will you sit with me at lunch?"

"Sure."

"And one more thing."

"Ok."

"Do you want to...get together and not talk sometime?" Serena asked tentatively.

"I'd love to." Dan's face broke into a grin. "We'll talk more at lunch."

He took the hall pass the nurse was writing and walked back to class, a grin gracing his face.

Okay, I realize that St. Judes and Constance Billiard are two different schools and the guys and girl don't have class togehter, but for this story its one!! Dedicated to sofiagb.