A/N: Thanks to Manda and Lauren once again for helping me with ideas. Enjoy :)
Serena laid there in bed as the maid cleaned the room. It had been two weeks and so far Seth's family bought that they were a couple. Hell they worked for it. They spent two nights cramming information that normal couples learn about in months time. She has seen Dan only once. Between learning tricks to the runway and being a pretend girlfriend, there was no times left. Dan told her that he got an internship with a high profile magazine and would be on location soon. She missed his touch and how he always called her just to say I love you.
"Breakfast is served." Seth came in carrying a tray of food.
"Looks delicious. So what do we have planned today?" Serena pulled the covers off her and took the bowl of fruit.
"Well you have fashion business to take care of and I have an exciting day of returning letters to the army." Seth rolled his eyes. "How much longer are you willing to do this"
"You leave in a month. We'll continue till then and suddenly I'll be homesick and I'll leave." Serena took Seth's hand. She got up out of the bed and gathered some clothes.
"Part of me is grateful the other part is guilty. You could be out there living your life but your tied down to a pretend relationship." Seth turned his back as Serena changed.
"Listen I've been judged my whole life. I guess this is penance or something. Is it wrong to help your parents have a little happiness before you leave?" Serena quickly changed and fixed her hair.
"Well my mom wants a girls brunch so you better make your way out there." Seth smiled at Serena and kissed her cheek. "Thank you." Seth quickly turned around. "One more thing. I want you to wear my grandmother's ring." He pulled out a beautiful antique ring.
"Its beautiful." She slipped it on her finger as Seth left the room. It would symbolizes to the parents they really were a couple.
Serena walked out of her room and down along hall. The house was beautiful and filled with modern art. Seth's dad was an art collector while his mom inherited an oil fortune. They were down to earth people that never made Serena regret her decision of coming here. She quickly texted Blair that her portfolio was done and she'd drop it off soon. "Serena your here!" Elaine's voice was perky. "I want to have a girls day so we can talk."
"Can it be put on hold I need to run something to Blair's. It homework." Serena face was very surprised at the thought of a whole day spent sipping tea and talking.
"I'll have Howard run it over." She took the papers out of Serena's hands. "We'll go now"
Dan packed his bags and loaded up the taxi. He had a job interviewing a family who struck it rich in London. It was 20 miles from where Serena was. He was suppose to visit that weekend anyway but would surprise her early. He needed to check up on lost times and just needed to be around her.
"So you heading off?" Rufus said as he putdown the groceries.
"Yea. Im off to interview people who sit on their ass all day drinking tea and eating crumpets. Lucky bastards probably never worked in their life." Dan picked up the last bag.
"Don't get too comfortable then." Rufus mocked.
The taxi took Dan to the airport and his flight went smoothly. He slept most of the plane ride there. He couldn't wait to surprise Serena. The thought of her smile and her glowing blonde hair made him anxious. All he had to do was interview some guy and write some witty remarks, and he'd be all Serena's for a whole week. A week felt like nothing but it meant alot.
Dan approached the manor and knocked on the door. A skinny butler let him in. Dan was amazed by how beautiful the house was. It felt homely.
"You must be with the magazine." A tall dark brown haired man said as he took off his coat.
"Yes, I'm Dan Humphrey." Dan stuck out his hand for the man too shake.
"Shall we start?"
Dan got out his pad and pencil and began to write questions down. "Describe your family?"
"My mom is so sweet. She cares for everyone but if you ever betray her she could hold herself in a fight." He let out a giggle. "My dad is unique. His mind is all over the place. He started from nothing and built his way up. He started with a few odd jobs and just never gave up. He's stubborn and determined."
"You come from a strong family. Builds character." Dan had suddenly admired the man he thought would be a pompous jerk. "What about love? Do you have anyone special?"
"Yes. She's amazingly kind and genuine. She makes mistakes but learns from them. Its an honor to call her mine."
"Sounds like a keeper." Dan jotted down some notes.
"She was a total surprise to me. Do you mind if I ask you a question? Do you have love?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Dan you seem on top of the world right now. Your present yourself well and can't stop smiling."
"Well, I'm in love with this amazing girl. I met her on accident and she continues to change my life. I would be lost without her." Dan smiled and laughed.
Serena walked in an dropped her phone. Seth and Dan were both in the same room. She had told Seth she was seeing someone back home but thought it would be over and that they'd never meet. She tried to walked quietly out of the room but Seth spotted her.
"Serena!" Seth ran over and kiss her. "This is Dan, he's interviewing me."
"About the war?" Serena looked surprised.
"We haven't gotten there yet. Just family stuff and you. The war was my next question." Dan raised his eyebrow.
"Seth your mom wants to see you, she wants to know if you want a picture for the magazine." Serena gave a fake smile as Seth left the room. She grabbed Dan's hand as she sat down.
"I know you have a good reason, I'll just wait for an explanation." Dan rolled his eyes.
"I met him on the plane ride over. We kinda had an fight I guess. When he got of the plane with no girlfriend and judging parents, I felt for him. I'm pretending until he goes to war." Serena put her head in her hands.
"Thats because your a good person. Listen I'll finish the interview and leave. No awkwardness needed so you and Seth can keep this going." Dan tried to be understanding but it till hurt. He felt a range of emotions, mostly fear and anger. He just wanted to go back to his hotel room and clear his mind.
"Don't" Serena pulled him in and kiss him. It felt so good to have her lips on his.
They didn't even hear Elaine walk into the room. She gasped and took a picture on her phone. She wouldn't have Serena breaking her boys heart.