Well, looks like the Easter bunny found a new chapter for you - happy Easter everyone!
It was 10am and Jenny sat already at her sketching table again. She had skipped her appointment with her assistant and skyped with her instead. Dan and Jasper were off for the breakfast brunch with Rufus. She really hoped they wouldn't grill Jasper too much. But she also didn't feel like joining them. She believed in that it would be best if the guys would get to know each other without her being around.
She let her gaze fly over the mannequin with one of her new designs. It wasn't done yet, as she somehow lost her muse for this specific design. She first thought she knew how it should look like, but now she wasn't so sure about it anymore. A knock on the door got her out of her thoughts.
"Hold it! I'm coming!", she yelled out, and got up to walk over to open the door. As she had been alone, she was only wearing an old sweater of Dan and some jogging pants. Her hair was up in a knot, and she barely wore make up.
She reached out for the knob and opened the door without even thinking. She gasped at the sight of the person in front of her.
"Nate? What are you doing here?", she asked surprised.
Nate took in her sight. "I'm sorry, is it a bad time?", he questioned insecure.
"Uhm, no, it's not", Jenny answered, still bewildered. "I just wasn't expecting you. Come in."
Nate followed her inside the loft. He let his gaze wander around and was amazed by her place. He walked in the huge room, which contained her living, working and dinning room at once.
To his left was the living room area. One huge sofa stood against the wall, in front of it a small table. Opposite was a smaller armchair. The TV was applied to the wall. Behind the armchair was a rack that separated the living from the working area.
In the working area Jenny had placed one large table under the window with all of her sketching material. Two mannequins were placed to both sides of the table, and tons of fabrics were laying in front of the rack and the right wall.
To his right side was the dinning area. A table for eight people was placed right next to the door. Three small windows from the top ceiling down to the floor lighten up the area. A small sideboard stood next to the entrance door on the wall.
The dinning area was separated to the kitchen by a counter. Four bar stools were standing in front of him. The kitchen itself was in a U-shape.
A hallway led to the back area of the loft. Two doors to both sides of the hallway led to further rooms, and a curled stairway led up to the upper area.
"Wow, your place looks amazing", Nate complimented her.
Jenny gazed over to him. "Thanks. Marc helped me to find it. It turned out quite cool. I already love living here."
"I can imagine. This place looks just like you."
Jenny blushed a little. "So, why did you come here? Don't think you only came to take a look at my place", she questioned him.
Nate shifted a little. He wasn't sure how to bring up the topic that brought him here. Earlier this morning he was sure that it was a brilliant idea, now it seemed totally stupid to him.
"Well, there is something I need to talk about with you. But only if you have time now. I don't want to hold you back from working", he explained in a rush.
Jenny cocked an eyebrow. "No, you're not holding me back. Actually I'm a little stuck. You want something to drink?"
"No, I'm fine. Thanks."
Nate walked over to the counter and sat down on one of the stools, while Jenny was pouring herself some juice.
"So, what do you want to talk about?", Jenny turned to him, while leaning against the kitchenette.
"Uhm, its about ...", Nate stuttered, "...it's about Jasper."
Jenny flinched slightly. Somehow she knew that he would come and bring up her engagement. But she didn't believe in that he would come this fast to her.
"Look Nate, I know it must be weird and confusing, but there was no reason for telling anyone. Dad and Dan got to know about it three weeks ago, shortly after he proposed. Why should I yell it out into the world? It's my private life, and it's non of anyone's business", Jenny explained.
Nate only looked at her. He saw the young blonde that he used to live with for awhile, but somehow this wasn't her. At least it seemed to him like this.
"Are you serious? You're engaged and you didn't feel like telling anyone of us. You didn't feel like telling me about it? Jenny, we were close on getting drinks last night."
"Yes, I remember. And that's all that would have been – getting drinks. Nothing more. Two old friends hanging out and catching up after two years of not seeing each other", she gave back.
This time it was on Nate to flinch by the word friends. Was I really that wrong? Am I just a friend to her after all? It seemed that there was more between us than only friendship. Or was it just my imagination?
"But even though – don't you think you should have mentioned it?", Nate asked still confused by her reaction.
Jenny sighed heavily. "I didn't see a reason why, Nate. We both moved on. Our life's went different paths since I went to Hudson. And while being in London, I met Jasper. We started dating and things turned more serious. I really enjoy being with him. He encourages me, supports me, believes in me, but mostly … he loves me. I'm happy, Nate. I've got all I've ever wanted. And yes, sooner or later I would have told you. But for now, it wasn't the right time. I just got back here, my line is released. There are other things I have to take care off. And I didn't expect Jasper to show up here. He also caught me by surprise."
"You can't be serious about this, Jenny. I mean, I'm glad that you have your own line now, you totally deserve it. I always believed in your fashion, but marrying? Jenny, you're only nineteen. And where do you want to live? If he is from London, will he move here?", Nate tried his best to change her mind.
"Yes, I am serious about it. And I know it seems crazy, but we feel that we belong. And we'll live in both cities. I can work in London too", Jenny immediately replied to his doubts.
"We can do this. Jasper and I talk a lot, and we know that our future will be exactly as we want it to be. It's meant to be."
Nate froze at her last words. "Meant to be?", he repeated her words incredulous. "How long do you even know each other? A few months? How can you be so sure?"
Jenny took a gulp from her juice and placed the glass down on the kitchenette. "True, we may only know each other for a few months, but there are a lot of other people who even marry after a few weeks. But from the moment I met him, I knew he is special. And the more I got to know him, the more I knew he is the one."
Nate froze even more by her comment. The entire way to her loft, he had thought about the conversation. He knew exactly how it would end. At least he thought so. In truth this was a total disaster. Hearing Jenny say that Jasper was "the one" literally killed him inside.
"And...and what about us?", he barely brought out. Looking straight into Jenny's eyes.
She could see his pained expression. While looking at his beautiful frame, she wished she could take his pain away. But she had been there herself. And now it was on Nate to feel just as hurt and lost as she was then. She wouldn't obey, she wouldn't back down. She knew what she wanted – a future in fashion and with Jasper at her side.
"Nate, there is no us. You made sure of that! Whatever there was between us, it's long gone. You wanted to stay friends. It took me quite some time to accept it, but mostly to get over you. But I finally did, and I was able to move on. And so should you … I don't understand why you're bringing this up now."
Nate let out a frustrated laughter. "Because I think you're making a huge mistake if you marry him. Jenny, you may think you and Jasper belong and are meant to be, but you ain't. Because we are! You want to know why I bring this up … because I love you! I always did. It just took me way longer to understand and realize it than you."
He stood up from the stool and with only three steps he stood in front of the shocked and confused Jenny. Never in her wildest dreams did she think he would say those three words to her – but he did.
Nate closed the distance between them, and before Jenny knew what happened he crashed his lips down to hers. He parted her lips with his tongue, and without even realizing it Jenny opened up for him. Her heart was fluttering wildly and she had no idea why she went along. Who am I fooling? I know exactly why I go along. After all – it's Nate! Shit, Nate!
There was a reason why Jenny shouldn't kiss him. But while Nate explored her mouth, she was barely able to remember that reason. He was such a good kisser. His lips were so soft and tender, but at the same time demanding. Why shouldn't I kiss him? It's not like we haven't kissed before. It's Nate. I loved Nate, I always have. I may still do?
Nate pulled her even closer. There was no inch of space left between them. His body pressed against hers, and his hands slid down her back. He enjoyed the taste of her sweet, tender lips. He had missed them. But mostly, he had longed for them. Finally she was back in his arms.
But all the sudden he felt a hard push. Before he could even register, Jenny had broken the kiss and shoved him away from her. Nate stumbled a little backwards, before he was able to stable himself again. He looked at her in total confusion.
"What...?", he only brought out before getting interrupted by Jenny.
"What the hell, Nate?! This is wrong. It's so wrong! I'm engaged and you kissed me! How can you do this to me?", she yelled out. Tears had started to stream down her face.
Nate was shocked by the view right in front of him. "Jenny, I didn't mean to hurt you. I just..."
"Yeah, that's the point! You never mean to hurt me – but you always do! Entire two years I was running after you. But first you didn't notice me, then you didn't choose me, and finally you friend zoned me! You had your chance and you blew it. How can you expect me to break off things with Jasper just because you finally realized what you feel for me?"
"God", Jenny screamed out in frustration. "You're unbelievable!"
"Jenny, I'm sorry. But I do believe in that we belong together. Yes, I had my doubts, and I was massively insecure towards you back then, but that's past. I made a huge mistake at the Snowflake ball – I know this now. But I'm here to correct my wrong, if only you give me a chance", he begged her.
"You can't be serious! Nate, we were never meant to be. And we still aren't today. Whatever you think there might be or was between us, there is nothing left – just friendship."
Nate snorted shortly. "How can you say that after the way you just kissed me? And you kissed me back. You can't say that you don't feel anything for me anymore."
"That is totally pathetic, Nate. You caught me by surprise with that kiss. And yes, I still feel for you. You will always mean something to me, as a friend. But romantically, I don't feel anything for you anymore. Those days are gone for good", Jenny shot angry back at him.
"I don't believe you. Your eyes, as well as your body language, tell a different story. Why are you lying to yourself? I know I hurt you in the past, but you can trust me now. I'm not lying when I say – I love you! I really do, Jenny! I want to be with you, only you!", Nate tried once more to convince the girl of his dreams to give in to him. "Be honest, you want to be with me too. That's one of the reasons you came back to New York."
"Are you totally out of your mind now?!", she screamed right in his face. "I came back because this is my home. Because I missed my family. Because I wanted to launch my line in the city I come from. It had nothing to do with you! Yes, I'm glad that I can see old friends, although I'm not sure if I should call Blair, Serena or Chuck friends. But it doesn't change that I didn't come back for any of you."
"Look I know that you're scared and afraid of starting over, but trust me when I say that there is no reason to", Nate said soothingly. "I know you have your doubts when it comes to my person, but I do care about you. I always have and always will. You can't deny that we belong to each other, even if you try. But I know for sure that you're not belonging to Jasper, even if you might think so."
Jenny looked at him questionable and annoyed. "Nate, it doesn't matter anymore. What's done, is done. I'm with Jasper now, he proposed to me, and I said yes. Even if you can't believe it – I love him! I DO love HIM!" She sighed heavily. "Nate, I'm sorry, but it's too late. I've waited for so long for you, but you… I couldn't wait any longer. I couldn't let myself be in such misery anymore. I deserved better, and I got it."
Nate swallowed hard. "I know, I've been a fool back then. A complete idiot. I shouldn't have chosen Vanessa over you. But at that time…when you humiliated her. I was so disappointed with you. And all the crap with Dan – she was my easy way out. And then Serena… she was a question I needed to get answered. I know it was wrong to send you home that night. You were right, she would never love me the way I did love her back then. But I … I so badly wanted it to work out. I thought she was the one for me, that I ended up being so blind that I didn't see that the right one was right in front of me. And that was you – the entire time."
He walked over to her and took her hands in his. "Jenny, please, let us start over. Brand new…let's forget about all the shit of our past. We have a second chance with your return. Yes, I know, you didn't come for me or us, but can you honestly say that you don't want to be with me? That you don't want me in your life? That you really feel nothing for me anymore? I love you, Jenny. And there is nothing that will change that. I'm so sorry that it took me so long to realize what I really want. But I do know it now, I want you! I want to be with you. I want you at my side – for good. So what do you say?"
Jenny snatched her hands out of his grip and moved two steps back. "Nate, I already told you. It doesn't matter anymore, there is no future for us. Whatever …"
"How can you say that? That kiss just proved that we still feel for each other", Nate interrupted her. He couldn't let her go like this. He wouldn't watch her marry that Jasper guy.
"Nate, please. You caught me by surprise with that kiss. And of course I still feel something for you. As I said before, but only as a friend. You'll always be someone special for me, but not the way you want to. That's past, and it should stay past. I'm concentrating on my future now, and that one will take place with Jasper on my side. Nothing you say or do will change that", Jenny made clear.
Nate tensed up again. "I won't give up fighting for you, Jenny. I will proof to you that I'm worth it and that we belong together. I don't care how long that will take, but I won't give up on us. He won't be able to make you happy, even if you believe in it."
"Nate, it won't change a thing", Jenny sighed out.
He turned around and walked over to the door, only to turn around to face her once more.
"You won't get rid of me. I lost you once, I'm not going to lose you a second time. That's not going to happen! I won't watch you marry him."
With those words he opened up the door and left her loft. Leaving Jenny totally dumbfounded and flustered behind.
Two hours had passed since Nate left her place. Jenny mainly sat on her working desk, starring on the blank page in front of her. She had tried to distract her mind from him with sketching, but apparently her head had other ideas. In fact he had none. And so she wandered back and forth between thinking of Nate and their conversation, and trying to find some new designs.
The door swung open and Dan marched in. He held to paper bags in his hand, walked straight into the kitchen to drop them on the counter.
"Hey Jen, got you some from dad's breakfast brunch. Thought you'd might like to have some. He says HI", Dan started to drivel away.
"Hmm, yeah. Thanks", Jenny replied still in thoughts.
Dan looked up and gazed over to her. This reaction wasn't normal for Jenny. "What's wrong? Is everything alright?"
"Sure, all is good, except for a little creative blockade. Where is Jasper?", she asked when realizing that her fiance was still missing.
"He is still with dad. Turned out that they have quite the match when it comes to music. Dad really likes him, it seems. You sure that you're alright?", Dan asked again as Jenny seemed close on crying.
"That's good. I hoped they would get along. Good to hear that they do. And yes, I'm fine."
"Jenny, I'm your brother. I know you, and I know that something is wrong. I can feel it, so spill it. What happened while I was gone?", he interviewed her.
Jenny rolled her eyes. "Dan, just because I allowed you to live here, it doesn't mean that you have to know everything."
"You're close on crying. Am I allowed to say that I'm worried. Maybe I can help. I'm a good listener as you know. And there was a time when we were able to talk about everything. I'd like to go back there again. Can we?"
She turned around to face her brother. His face was filled with concern and love. Maybe he could help to clear her head. Maybe his opinion was just the one thing she needed now to make up her mind.
"Fine, you want to know what happened – Nate came by earlier today."
Dan frowned a little. "Nate was here?", he tried to ask as casual as possible.
"Yes, he stood all the sudden in front of the door", Jenny replied, wondering why her brother acted so weird. "Is everything ok? You didn't know that he wanted to come or did you?"
Dan shook his head. "No, why should I? We're barely on speaking terms. May I remind you of my chapter about him. He wasn't really pleased and I guess the fact that I went to Vanity Fair was also something that put our friendship on the line. So, why was he here? For some reason I don't think it had anything to do with me", Dan looked at her quizzically.
Jenny shifted slightly on her stool. Nate had always been a very sensitive theme between them, especially after their encounter during her sophomore year.
"He was here to talk to me. Catch up, you know", she tried to sound airy.
"Catch up?", Dan asked with a cocked eyebrow. "Who are you trying to fool? Jenny, you look upset and confused. For some reason I doubt that Nate only came by to catch up with you. Why was he really here?"
She sighed heavy again. "He wanted to convince me to dissolve my engagement with Jasper. He thinks that he isn't the right one for me, which is pathetic as Nate doesn't even know him."
Dan only looked her over. She had cried, this was obvious. Her eyes were still a little red and slightly puffy. So whatever Nate had said, it had affected her. Obviously she wasn't over him yet. Dan liked Jasper, but he thought that a marriage would be too soon for them. They were both still young. No reason to rush things. In this case, he was glad that Nate tried to step in. Although his reason was pretty sure a different one than Dan's.
"Dan! Are you even listening to me?", Jenny snapped him out of his thoughts. She now looked quite pissed.
"Uhm, sorry, what did you say? I was just thinking about something", he excused himself.
Jenny snorted and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I figured. I said that Nate believes in that we should be together, because in his eyes we belong."
"And do you think the same?", he asked right back. Not sure if he wanted to hear the answer.
It has been quite some time since their encounter, but for some reason Dan still didn't feel well by the thought of his little sister dating one of his best friends.
"Honestly, I don't know. I thought I knew, but after Nate showed up here and telling me that he loves me – I'm not so sure anymore", Jenny admitted to her older brother.
"Wait, WHAT?", Dan burst out. "He said WHAT?"
Jenny looked at him annoyed. "You really still have a problem with Nate and me? After all this time. Dan, I'm not a kid anymore. What would be so wrong if we would become a couple?"
"First of all, I don't have a problem with you two. As far as I know, there is no you two existing right now. Or am I wrong?", Dan asked curious. "And second, I know you're grown up. But it doesn't change that you're still my little sister. And I will always worry and look after you. Sorry J, but that will never change. And third, did he really say that he loves you?"
Jenny nodded, looking straight at her brother. "Yes, he said wordly: I love you, Jenny. And there is nothing that will change it. He said that he wants to fight for me, and won't watch me marry Jasper."
Jenny sighed once more, ruffling her hands through her hair. "Dan, I don't know what to do. I mean, I love Jasper. He is a great guy. He makes me laugh, he cares about me and he was there for me during the entire last year. I can see a future with him on my side.
But then there is Nate … I'd love to say that I don't feel anything for him anymore. But after seeing him the last days again – I can't. I thought I was over him, but I guess I'm not. Hearing him say that he loves me … Dan, I waited for so long to hear this from him. I would have given everything two years ago to hear these three words from him. He said that he made a mistake by choosing Vanessa over me, and that Serena was only a question he needed to be answered. He apologized for taking so long to figure out that it's me, he wants to be with."
She got up from her stool and walked over to the kitchen where Dan was still standing. Jenny stopped in front him.
"I want to believe him and his words, but I just can't. He hurt me so many times. I can't trust him anymore. But … I just don't know. Dan, what should I do?", she begged him for clarity.
Dan took two steps towards her and placed his hands on her shoulders. Gazing down on his younger sister who was torn inside. He definitely didn't want to see her miserable, but this was a decision he couldn't take for her.
"Jen, you know I love you. And I want you to be happy. I can't tell you what to do. This is a decision that you have to make up on your own. It's your life. But for what it's worth, I'll be at your side no matter who you choose. You can count on me.
I like Jasper. He seems to be a good guy. But Nate has been my friend for a few years by now. And yes, I didn't like it back then when you guys had your thing. But I know he is a great guy – loyal, friendly, compassionate. I won't stand in your way, if you want to try it again. But it's on you to decide."
New tears had build up and were now streaming down Jenny's face. "Can I ask you something?", she barely brought out.
"Anything you want", Dan gave back, while looking concerned at her.
"Your fight for winning Serena back. I mean all your doing, all these efforts – are they worth it? Is it working?", she asked inquiring.
"Well, it was a long way, but I think it's paying out now. We somehow are on a good road. I may could have had it easier, but I don't know if it would have worked out then", he admitted to her.
"So you're saying the only way to make it work between you two is to earn her respect and be on the same level as her", Jenny recapped.
Dan thought about it a little. "Yes, I think that's what I'm working for. I never played in her league, if I want us to last, I have to get in there. No matter what the price might be."
"You already put your friendships on the edge. Even your connection with dad. I really hope for you that it works out and she is worth it, Dan. Don't get me wrong, I like Serena, but if you end up losing all your friends including her – that's a heavy price to pay then. You should be careful, Dan", she replied worried.
Dan pulled her into a tight hug. "Well, at least we'll have each other. And to come back to your doubts – she is worth it. I knew it the second I saw her for the first time."
Jenny only laughed into his chest. She wanted to reply to his latest comment, but thought it might be better not to. Her phone started ringing and saved her from any further conversation. The first time she was relieved to hear her phone ring.
"You mind to let me go, so I can answer it?", she asked amused.
Dan let out a short laugh. "Ah, nah, we can continue the sibling cuddling another time", he grinned down at her.
Jenny slit out of his embrace and walked over to her working table where she had placed her phone.
"Hello"
"Hi Jenny, this is Joanna. I've got amazing news for you. You'd better sit down", Marc's assistant came straight to the point.
"Uhm, ok, Joanna. Go ahead, I'm down on my butt. What's going on?", she asked curious, wondering what good news this could be.
"Your line is sold out!", Joanna nearly screamed through the phone. "Seriously, the buyers of all big fashion houses literally grab your clothes out of our stockings. It's beyond crazy! I've never seen them so enthusiastic about any fashion line. Marc is so proud of you, so am I, of course. Can you come in tomorrow so we can discuss the further steps we shall take?"
"OMG, those are … that's unbelievable! I don't know what to say. Yes, yes of course I can come in tomorrow. How about 10 am? Would that fit you?"
"That sounds perfect, dear! I'll schedule the meeting right away. And you don't have to say a thing, dear. Your fashion speaks for itself. Loud and clear, and with a lot of attention", Joanna laughed into the phone.
"Fine, I'll be there. See Marc and you tomorrow at ten", Jenny confirmed the appointment once more.
Jenny finished the call and put the phone down again. Still amazed by the just heard news, she turned to Dan with a huge grin on her face.
"Looks like you got some good news. What did Joanna want?", he asked her.
Jenny hopped of her stool. "It's unbelievable, Dan. My line is sold out. It seems as if all the big fashion houses have bought my designs. I'll get to know everything tomorrow in our meeting. Dan, I can't believe it! It seems so unreal", she squealed happily.
"That's what you've always dreamed off, Jenny. You worked so hard for it, you deserve it. And now is your time to earn it. I always knew you would make it. I'm so proud of you, beyond being proud!", he let out and walked over to her to pull her into another hug.
"You're going to rock the fashion world and let them all look old and out of style", he laughed happily.
Jenny joined his laughter. "That would be amazing. Thanks for your believe and support, Dan. It really means a lot to me. And don't worry, you'll succeed too again. I'm quite sure that it will happen soon", she ensured him.
"Two successful Humphreys in New York. You really think the city can handle both of us?", he asked.
"Well, I guess she has too, 'cos we won't back down."
They both started laughing again. It felt good to Jenny to have Dan at her side. He could be a pain in the ass once in awhile, but he was also a good listener whenever she needed one. He may haven't helped her to solve her problem, but at least she was able to talk about it.
Nate was sitting in his office. Studying some papers when all the sudden the door popped open and no other than Bart Bass entered his office room.
"I don't know why you're here, but get out before security throws you out", Nate said strict while getting up from his stool.
Bart Bass only shook slightly his head. "My dear Nathaniel, that's not the nicest way to greet your new business partner", he replied smugly.
Nate looked at him in confusion. "What are you talking of? We're not business partners – not even close to", he answered puzzled.
"Obviously you're not up to date. I was so kind to take over half of your credit, and I'm here to collect", Bart enlightened Nate while he placed some papers on his desk. He gazed at him amused, watching the confusion on the young man's face grow.
Nate took the papers and looked them over. "This is not possible", he only stated.
"I can assure you, it is", Bart replied. "So shall we move on to attend business? We have a lot to discuss."
"This is my paper! I build it up and there is no chance in hell that you will take over here!", Nate exclaimed angry.
Bart only laughed dismissive. "I don't think you have any choice or say in this. It seems like the Archibald genes have come through while you did your accounting. Quite interesting numbers, the Feds might think so too. Do you really want to put your mother and grandfather through another public family tragedy? And let's face it, your arrest will be way heavier to them than your father's back in the days."
Nate turned pale on his words, Bart sadly had a huge point there. He couldn't put his family to another public humiliation, but getting Bart as business partner. This is a disaster, a total disaster. From all people on earth of course it had to be Bart Bass to find out about it. Damn!
He sighed and took a deep breath. "What do you want?", he brought out through clenched teeth.
"What do you think? I want information. So unless you want to lose everything, you're going to help me to defeat Chuck. Pretty sure you might even already know what he is up to", Bart gave back dryly.
Nate looked at him with hatred eyes. "You can't be serious. He is my best friend. I won't do that! I'll file for bankruptcy and as for the Spectator – you can take it. I won't betrayal my friend."
"Don't be a fool, Nathaniel. As if you have any other choice. Your loyalty to my son in all honor, it is very touching, but do you really think he is worth it to go to jail for him? You couldn't resist faking the numbers to protect everything you've built up here. What do you think the Feds will say to that? Do you really want to give up your life for him? Especially now where you're running your own magazine and might even get the girl of your dreams. I doubt that the young Miss Humphrey will wait for your return", Bart said still amused. Seeing Nate Archibald squirm was a pure pleasure.
Nate on the other hand felt more miserable than ever. He couldn't believe what he got himself into – getting blackmailed by Bart Bass. He definitely didn't want to lose the Spectator, not even to think about Jenny (although she wasn't his yet, but he was positive that it would only be a matter of time). And surely he didn't want to humiliate his family or himself. But spying on Chuck, going behind his back to get information for Bart. Betraying his best friend was also not Nate's goal. I'm massively trapped. Whatever I decide, someone is going to lose and be hurt in the end.
He took another deep breath, before he answered him. "What do you want to know?"
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
A couple of hours later Nate was sitting alone at the hotel bar of the Empire. Drinking away his sorrow, or at least trying to. He still couldn't believe the mess he got himself into, but mostly that he ended up betraying his best friend. How the hell did I get to this point?
He wished for that he could just pick up the phone and talk to Jenny. She would listen and understand, but he couldn't. Her fiance was in town and the last thing he wanted to see was them being together. How he longed for her to be at his side now.
Instead of the stunning blonde it was his best friend that approached him.
"Nathaniel, what are you doing? It's not like you to be part of the drinking crowd at this time of day", Chuck wondered about the behavior of his friend.
Nate snuffled shortly. "Well, that's where I want to be – alone and unconscious."
Chuck shortly clapped him on the shoulder. "Believe me, whatever problems you've got at the Spectator can not compare to my day from hell. So if you don't mind, I'd like to join you", Chuck said and beckoned the barkeeper over.
If you only knew, you'd punch me right away, Nate only thought. He still felt massively unease next to his friend. He shook lightly his head. I have to come clean, better now telling it to him myself before he gets to know it from Bart.
Nate prepared himself. "Chuck", his friend looked over to him, but Nate wasn't able to face him, so he kept his gaze down on the bar counter. "It was all … it was all my fault."
"What was?", Chuck asked when Nate didn't continue. He could see that his best friend was feeling queasy.
Nate breathed through and finally confessed to him. "There was nothing I could do. He cornered me", he brought out.
"He who?", Chuck asked confused. But looking at Nate's depressed face it finally dawned him. "My father?", he shot out angry. "You tell me what happened, what did he do. What did he make you do..."
Nate run his hand through his hair. He felt so guilty. He knew how important it was for Chuck to defeat his father. Now with his betrayal.
"He blackmailed me. I couldn't do anything. Trust me, I tried, but...", Nate wasn't able to continue.
Chuck tried to calm himself. "I don't get it. How was he able to blackmail you?"
"The Spectator", Nate replied dryly. "I told you things weren't going good. I had to take a loan. But to get it, well ...I'm not proud of what I've done. But it was the only way to save it."
"What did you do?"
Nate swallowed hard. "I faked the numbers to get the loan. Bart knows it. He co-signed the loan. He threatened me to go to the authorities and get me arrested if I don't tell him what you're up to. I'm sorry, Chuck. I'm so, so sorry. I didn't mean to betray you, but I couldn't go to jail. Not after the story with my dad. I'm truly sorry."
He gazed over to his friend. Chuck sat silently on his bar stool, trying to comprehend the things he just heard.
"It's ok, Nate. That's how my father is. I should have known that he would try to find out about my plans. I just wished it hadn't been you who got caught in the crossfire now. I'm sorry as well", Chuck assured him.
"So, what will you do now?", Nate asked curious.
Chuck looked up and straight into his eyes. "The only thing I can do. Try to convince Ivy to give the microfilm to me before Bart gets his hands on them."
He clapped Nate once more on his shoulder and got up to leave. "Don't worry. We'll sort things out with the accounting. We'll find a way to solve the problem."
Nate gazed over to his friend. "Honestly, I'm not so sure about it."
After talking with Jenny, Dan had gone over to Serena's. They lately spent a lot of time together. He totally enjoyed her presence, and was pretty sure they were on a good way to get back together again. They recently even shared a kiss, and Dan was sure that this was not just some accident.
Serena walked in just as he had sat down on the couch.
"So, what do you want to do tonight?", she asked him with excitement.
Dan gazed over to the beautiful blonde. He definitely will never stop to admire her. "We could go out and get something to eat. Somewhere in a nice restaurant. What do you think?", he replied smiling.
Serena bit a little on her lip. "I don't know", she answered. "Come on you know that we can't go outside. Been seen as a couple..."
"So, we are a couple again?", Dan asked prying.
She only laughed. "Of course we are. I don't just kiss people. Ok, I may have done it in the past, but not anymore", Serena clarified. "Anyways, all of our friends are currently mad at us. If we want this to work and be a couple, we have to go and make amends with them."
Dan laid back into the cushions. "Alright, and where do we start?"
Serena sat down next to him, thinking his question over. "I would say, I'll start with Blair and you with Nate. And afterward we can meet and watch a movie. It's on me, I promise."
Dan smiled slightly. "Ok, but the next date is on me. Just to say."
He leaned forward and kissed her.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Dan stood nervously in the elevator that would bring him up to the penthouse where Nate and Chuck were living. He knew that making amends with Nate wouldn't be easy. His chapter about him wasn't nice, but he hoped that he could save their friendship by apologizing.
The doors opened and he walked out and into the living room. Both men were home and currently talking. Nate, who sat on the couch, gazed over to him when he realized Dan's presence.
"Hi, sorry to interrupt", Dan apologized when walking in.
"What do you want?", Nate replied coldly.
Dan looked at him. "I came to apologize. I did some soul searching...", he started explaining why he came over to the Empire.
"Well, that would imply you have a soul", Chuck interrupted him indifferently.
Dan sighed out heavily. "It's funny, that's coming from you", he countered.
"This is just hilarious. Who would have thought that Chuck Bass turns out to be the good guy, and Humphrey the villain", Nate stated matter of fact.
Dan shifted slightly. "Well, I … I really want to turn that around again. I'm deeply sorry about what I wrote. About all of it, about all of you. I came to make amends, and I hope you can forgive me. Our friendship means a lot to me and I don't want to lose it."
"Hmm", Chuck mused, "if you really mean that. There is something you could do for me."
"Just spill it", Dan replied.
"I need to know if Ivy handed an envelope over to my father or if she still has it. She's still staying at your dad's, right?", Chuck asked.
"Yeah, she does. My dad and I are still a bit on the edge, but he is my next stop on my apologize tour. So what does that envelope looks like? I could look for it when I'm over there", Dan offered to his friend.
Chuck shared a look with Nate, smiling then at Dan. "It's a white envelope in an A4 format. It has a stamp from a bank in Dubai on it."
"On it. I'll let you know if it's in the loft."
With that Dan turned around and left to make amends with his father. They had talked a little during brunch with Jasper, but of course Jenny's fiance was the main topic. He hoped that now would be a better time to talk to him.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
It was late in the evening when Dan entered Serena's room. She was laying on the bed, reading a magazine.
"Hey!", he greeted her when he walked in.
She looked up to him. "Hey! So, I finally made amends with Blair, and it went great. I couldn't be any happier. How went things for you?", she asked while smiling brightly at him.
"Well, I completed the task in it's entire. I made amends with Nate, Chuck and my dad. Although I wasn't able to help Chuck with his mission", he replied when sitting down on the bed next to her.
"Wow, I'm impressed", Serena let out, still smiling at him.
"So now that we finally knocked down our last obstacles, are we finally ready to do this?", he asked a little concerned.
Serena shortly gazed down to the floor. "Do you remember that we said that when we jump into our relationship again, then that that would be it? That we would only get this one more chance. Are you sure that I'm the one person that you want to be with?", she questioned slightly insecure.
Dan took her hand and looked her straight in the eyes. "Are you talking about Blair?"
She didn't answer his question, only looked at him with a hurt expression.
"Serena, yes, I'm sure that you're the one I want to be with", Dan assured her and tried to wipe her doubts away. "Whether or not I admitted it to myself, you've always been the one I wanted to be with. It was always you! I guess I needed to tell myself that I love Blair to get over the fact that you were with other guys instead of me. But I always wanted you at my side. How about you? Are you sure?"
She nodded slightly her head. "Yeah, I'm sure!"
Before she could say anything more Dan pulled her into a passionate kiss. This was what he had worked for the entire time – to hold the girl of his dreams in his arms. And he was pretty sure that he would never ever let her go again.
So this is by far the longest chapter I've written so far. Hope you liked it. As you can see I partly sticked to the storyline of GG and partly changed it. I'd love to say one more time thanks to everyone who is following this story and commenting it. A special thanks goes this time to Basileya - thanks for your reviews. They're much appreciated. I'm glad you like the story so much. Even though NJ didn't end up officially on the show - in my head she was waiting for him in the car ;)
Anyways...I wish you all a wonderful Easter time. Enjoy the little break, while I use this free time to write the next chapter. Looking forward to read your thoughts about this one.