The Golden Age

Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl or take any credit for it.

A.N:

Dan isn't gossip girl in this story.

Enjoy!

1927: New York

Gossip Girl

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New York's number one magazine for our elite's scandals and lies!

Happy New Year New Yorkers. This is our first edition of Gossip Girl, for what we all hope turns out to be an eventful year. You're loyal and true friend, Gossip Girl will not let you down in discovering the dish on New York's upper-classes. We already have several steamy stories to heat up your cold winter's day.

Waldorf and Archibald to tie the knot!

Queen B and Golden boy are hosting their engagement party this evening at Archibald's family home. Anyone who's anyone will be attending this evening; from politicians to film stars. Everyone will be there; almost everyone that is. Blair's ex, the gangster/businessman, Cuck Bass will not be attending the party of course. I can practically feel your disappointment, don't worry, I have a feeling our gangster might gate-crash; let's keep our fingers crossed ladies.

Among the esteemed number of guests will be famous film star and B's best friend, Serena Van der Woodsen, her family, Lily Rhodes, her brother Eric, mayor of New York and many other high profile people. As well as the author that everyone has been talking about, Dan Humphry, who has some history with Blair himself.

Nate and Blair have known each other since childhood, and are finally going to fulfil their family's expectations. You know what they say, there's a long road between an engagement and I do, let's hope so.

…

"I can't wear that to an engagement party Dorota!"

It was two hours until the party would begin, and Blair had changed her mind on the dress, several times. Dorota was beginning to regret her immigration to America, as her mistress turned down yet another dress. These dresses were perfectly fine, she's worn them before to important occasions, and never complained about them. Dorota knew it wasn't the dresses that were making her upset.

Blair Waldorf was 21 and the daughter of fashion icon, Eleanor Waldorf. Her mother set the bar pretty high, she was the beauty of her day. That was an awful lot to live up to. Everyone expected her to marry Nate, his parents, her parents and society. Ever since she was 10 years old, her future had been mapped out for her: school, marriage to Nate, children and death. She had hated it, so Blair had decided to break free, and she did that for a while. Blair had caused a huge scandal by having an affair with a gangster from the Bass family. They were happy for a while, but it didn't last. Now here she was, ready to marry the man everyone expected her to. Her engagement party, wasn't something she was looking forward to.

"Which dress would you prefer Miss Blair?" Dorota asked her stubborn mistress.

She didn't answer for a few moments; she just stared into space. Eventually she looked at her maid and replied:

"The last one"

…

"I read the script, and I loved it" Serena beamed at her agent, Harry.

Serena and Harry were drinking coffee in a restaurant. As soon as she arrived, everyone wanted her autograph. People were currently, still staring at her; many of them were completely star-struck. Harry was a middle-aged man with a huge family of twelve kids. Serena was on the top of the world, with her busy career and adoring fans. Sometimes, she wished she'd had someone to share it all with. Serena hoped to meet someone at Blair's engagement party. She was so glad Blair was finally away from that womanizing gangster. She deserved a safe and happy life with no drama.

"I'm so glad!" Harry smiled back, "The producers said it was you or no one else"

"Your making me blush Harry!" Serena joked, modestly.

You could tell Harry used to be good looking in his youth, now he had flexes of grey in his hair, and wrinkles were beginning to take their toll on his appearance. Serena found him to be very hard-working, but also very dedicated to his wife and kids. Serena had sometimes been over for dinner (it was chaos at Harry's household with all those kids!). He was the kind of man that can easily turn a frown upside-down. She envied what he had with his wife though, it pained her a little to see them so happy.

"It's true!" Harry complimented, "Are you going to the Waldorf-Archibald engagement party tonight?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world" Serena told him, "It's thee place-to-be tonight"

"So of course you'll be going" Harry responded.

Serena laughed and mockingly rolled her eyes, as she began sipping her coffee. She was thinking about her best friend's husband-to-be, and felt a stab of shame. She really hoped Blair didn't find out her secret; otherwise their friendship would be ruined.

…

The Bass' were one of the biggest crime families in New York, they pretty much ran the upper-east side. The head of the family was Bart Bass, a self-made man, as well as a ruthless and cold businessman. He ran the upper-east side and his family, with an iron fist. He expected everyone in his family to be as cold and ruthless as he is; softness was the one thing that Bart couldn't tolerate. His younger brother, Jack Bass was also a member. He obeyed, advised and worked for his elder brother. Jack led quite a scandalous lifestyle, with his wife, Georgina Bass (formally Sparks). Those two were truly made for each other. Jack wasn't as ruthless as Bart, but he came up to a close second.

Bart's son was called Chuck, and he was 21-years-old. He could be as ruthless as his father sometimes, but there were other times when he showed his humanity (much to Bart's disgust). One of those times, was when he was having an affair with Blair Waldorf, the daughter of a fashion icon. The affair only lasted a month, but it was a huge scandal when it all came out. His father had been embarrassed, and had spent him on a dangerous mission as punishment. Now though, he was back in the city. He'd been called to a family meeting- which he'd always hated.

He entered his father's office, to find the whole family in attendance. Bart was sitting by his desk, Jack was sat in front of the fire, with a drink-in-hand and Georgina sitting on his lap, with some drink in hers. Bart indicated the seat in front of him, so Chuck did as he was bid. They usually have these meetings once or twice a month, or if there is an emergency. The atmosphere in the room felt cold, even though there was an open fire roaring to the left of him.

"A shipment is coming in tonight…" Bart began, before Chuck's mind wondered.

Blair was getting engaged to bland boy tonight. The whole of New York society will be there. She was just getting married, to the person she was supposed to be marrying. He was sure Nate would bore her the tears, but Blair made her choice, it would've been the ruin of her family's honour, if they're only daughter married the son on a self-made gangster. So Blair did what was right for her family and cut him off. He was half tempted to go there, even if it was just to talk to her one last time. If it was one thing he was good at, it was crashing parties.

"Are you even listening to me Chuck?" came the voice of his father.

"Of course Father" he lied.

Bart clearly didn't believe him, but Chuck was spared by Jack's question.

"Are you sure he can get it done?"

"He hasn't proved too reliable in the past, but-" Bart answered, but was interrupted.

"I know a guy who'll get it done by the end of the day" Georgina suggested sternly.

Chuck's mind had already turned to other things, and they all revolved the engagement party that's taking place tonight.

….

Dan Humphrey, was a famous author and playwright. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, but has since been living in the upper-east side. Dan was still very new to this world. He still takes a train to Brooklyn, every-now-again, just be back where he grew up, and to see the real world. His father had been a talented musician, by was now retired. He used to be one of the most popular violinist's in the 1890s. Now, he owned his own art gallery. His sister, is an assistant at a fashion store, and hopes to run the place someday.

He was getting ready for the party, Dan was surprised when he found out he'd been invited. There was a history between him and Blair. When Blair left Chuck due to her family's name, Nate had broken up with her, during that time, Blair had met Dan, and they'd had a brief relationship before leaving. Unfortunately, it had been all over gossip girl in the morning. There wasn't as much of a scandal, as there had been with Chuck, but there were still a lot of raised eyebrows.

There came a hurried knock at the door. Dan sighed and made his over to open the it. His agent was standing there looking very excited. Her name was Alex, and she looked like she had amazing news. Dan let her in and offered her some coffee, but she declined.

"Your latest book, is being turned into a movie!" she squealed, "And you'll never guess who's starring in it? Thee Serena Van der Woodsen! She loved it!"

This really was amazing news, He couldn't believe it, and one of his books was going to be turned into a movie. It was a life-changing moment; and Serena Van Der Woodsen was going to star in it! Dan felt like he was dreaming.

"Are you serious?" Dan beamed with happiness.

"Yeah" Alex nodded, "She'll be at the party tonight, and she wants to meet you"

Serena Van Der Woodsen wanted to meet him! Could this night get any better?

…

The engagement party had begun, the residence was covered with guests. Jazz music was played by a band in the living room, there had to be at least 500 guests, as well as journalists and photographs. It really was a classy event, there were waiters in formal wear and a chandelier glittering like an angel above them. Blair and Nate were all talking pleasantly, with their guests. The heart of New York society were currently congratulating the young couple on their up-and-coming-marriage. Most of them were even advising them on which university, they should send their children. It wasn't just Blair feeling the pressure; it was Nate as well. Nate didn't want to marry Blair, anymore then she wanted to marry him. He had his eye's set on a certain movie star.

At that moment Serena walked into party and smiled when she saw her friend. Blair was so relieved to see her that she practically ran to her and kissed her on the cheek.

"The party looks amazing B" Serena complimented, "Congratulations on your engagement"

"Thank you, S" Blair replied, looking around the party, "This is even grander then I was expecting"

Blair and Serena were walking past Nate who looked ashamed, and if she wasn't mistaken, longing…and it wasn't directed at Blair.

"The Archibald's really pull out all the stops don't they" Blair commented.

"They certainly do" Serena whispered to herself.

Dan entered the party to see it in full swing. The youth were dancing or snogging in a corner. The older guests, were talking and laughing about their youth. The music was loud and catchy, with a live-band playing. He even noticed some alcohol being sold in the bar (curtesy of Bart Bass no doubt). Then he saw the bride-to-be talking to Serena Van Der Woodsen. She seemed different, than what she looks like on the movie screen. She seemed more beautiful than any magazine picture he's seen. Her beauty was truly astonishing; and she was going to be the lead in his movie!

He gathered up all of his courage and made his way up to her, and introduced himself.

"My name is Dan Humphrey, and I believe your starring in the movie that's being adapted from my book"

Serena seemed radiant when she smiled at him and nodded.

"It's wonderful to meet you"

Blair looked a bit uncomfortable being in Dan's presence, so she excused herself.

"I need to find my mother" Blair told them, "I'll see you later Serena"

Blair walked off somewhere, which probably wasn't in the direction of her mother. Serena looked at this author that she's heard so much about. He was good-looking, there was no doubt about that. Serena had loved all his books, he has written ten in just five years. Dan was known for being hardworking and likes being inspired by everyday people. Just because he's made it in life, doesn't mean he's forgotten where he comes from (that's what a newspaper article said about him anyway).

"Do you like to dance?" Dan asked the beautiful woman before him.

"I do" she smiled at him.

Dan takes her hand, and leads her to the dancefloor. The dancefloor is filled with people, so there isn't a lot of room. A slow jazz song is being played, as Dan holds her as they dance. Serena was happy that her prediction had come true, she really has met someone at the party. He swings her around, as they start to laugh. The music goes on for a few minutes, as they dance close together. A jealous husband-to-be is watching them with envy; not that they noticed. Serena was enjoying every moment with him, as was Dan; both were sad when the song was over. They didn't leave though, they decided to the dance the next as well.

Blair was approaching Nate, whose eyes were still on the couple. Nate didn't look like he liked them dancing together, not one bit. But why should he care? Before she could think anything more on it, her own problems appeared on the other side of the party. Chuck was there. What was he doing here? Was she imaging it? Was she going crazy? Blair quickly made sure Nate hadn't seen her, she was in luck; Nate was still staring at Serena and Dan.

She carefully backtracked and made her way to where he was. Blair looked around, and nobody seemed to have noticed Chuck waiting by the library. They quickly entered the empty library, to get away from the roaring crowds. The sound of the blaring music and the guests was now dimmed. The library was off limits to guests, so none will disturb them, at least a guest won't. Blair was furious that he'd party-crashed her engagement party. What did he want?

"Why are you here?" she demanded to know.

"You know why I'm here Blair" Chuck grinned, getting out a bottle of gin from his coat, "Gin?"

"No!" Blair scoffs, "And by the way, I don't know why you're here. We broke up remember"

"I remember" he said with in a slightly disgruntled tone, "Your precious family's honour was at stake"

Blair hits him on the shoulder, earning raised eyebrows from Chuck.

"Yes, it was at stake! And it still is, so go home" Blair urged him.

Chuck leans forward, so close she can feel his breath on her cheek. Blair isn't surprised at his sudden appearance, she knew he'd probably find a way of seeing her before she got married. She just didn't think it would be at her own engagement party.

"I think I'll stay, I'm enjoying this party too much to leave it"

They both started glaring at each other, until they heard someone trying to get in. A bolt of panic struck Blair. She can't be caught with Chuck Bass, at her own engagement party! Luckily there is a closet to their right, so she practically dragged Chuck into the closet with her. Chuck seemed more than happy to let her do this. The closet was tiny, there was barely enough room for the two of them. Blair could feel everything she wasn't supposed to feel, and he probably could to. There was also, a peephole where they could both see into the library.

Serena and Dan rushed into the library, and put a chair at an angle under the door knob, so no one could get in.

"We should've done that" Chuck whispered, with glee laced into his tone.

He was enjoying this!

Blair just glared at him, and tried to avoid all her natural instincts with being this close to him.

"The guests aren't allowed in here" Serena explained, "But you never know"

Serena sat down on one of the chairs, and he sat on the one opposite to her.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Dan asked seriously.

"I'm sure" Serena nodded.

"Alright let's play 21 questions" Dan grinned, "Whose going first?"

Blair heard Chuck scoff.

"He dragged her in here to play 21 questions? And you slept with this guy?"

She elbowed him hard in the stomach, the meaning was clear: Be quiet!

It was Serena's go first, she asked her questions and got to know the famous author very well. She loved that he was so real and genuine, (unlike most of the people she encountered, she did work in showbiz after all). Serena was really looking forward to working with him, she couldn't stop smiling ever since she met him.

Blair on the other hand, was having problems of her own. At this very moment, Chuck's hand was slowly making its way up her dress. Blair was about to gasp, but his other hand quickly put it over her mouth. She looked into his eyes for a few seconds, before Serena's laugh brought her back to the present. Blair removed his hand from her thigh and indicated the movement for silence and then pointed to the door, where her best friend and her one-time-lover were asking each other sappy questions.

"Your go now" Serena reminded him.

Dan discovered more about this beautiful movie star. She was more then what was portrayed in that foul magazine, gossip girl. Serena was beautiful, deep and caring. He learnt so much about her. Dan liked her because she was so delightful to be around, she made you smile with her smile; and her laugh was adorable. Serena maybe this bag movie star, but she was a person as well, who is well aware of the real world.

"I think I'm going to be sick" Chuck whispered in Blair's ear.

She just rolled her eyes, and tried to keep as much space between them as possible; which wasn't easy in this ridiculously tiny closet! Suddenly there was another knock at the door.

"Is someone selling tickets?" Chuck wondered.

Serena and Dan, took the chair out of his position and opened the door. Eleanor Waldorf was standing at the doorway looking concerned.

"Do you know where Blair is?" she asked them, "We're supposed to formally announce their engagement"

Serena and Dan shake their heads, Eleanor looks disappointed and worried at the same time.

"We'll help you find her" Serena promised, looking at Dan to see if it's OK.

"Yeah" Dan nodded, he wasn't too pleased that their alone time has been interrupted to find Blair, but he doesn't care about that- anything to spent time with Serena.

"Thank you so much" Eleanor nodded.

The three, finally leave the room. Blair and Chuck instantly come out of the closet. Chuck looks like he's enjoying himself immensely.

"I'm glad somebody is enjoying themselves" Blair commented sarcastically.

"Oh, I am" Chuck admitted, "I can see that this isn't the right time through"

He gets as close to her as he can, and starts softly stroking her cheek; Blair didn't pull away this time. Chuck then kisses her quickly on the lips.

"I'll be back" Chuck warned her, "You won't be marrying bland boy. Go back to your party"

Blair hesitated for a second, but then remembered the people that were waiting for her. So she left, but not without looking back once before closing the door behind her.

"There you are!" Serena called, "Eleanor! Blair is over here! Where have you been Blair?"

Serena was coming over with Dan. She looked relieved that she's found her. Serena had been worried that Blair might have run away.

"Just getting some fresh air" she lied.

Her mother, Eleanor looked just as relieved as Serena. She instantly took Blair's hand and led her to the middle of the room, where the Archibald's were waiting. Nate's mother was looking irritated at her future daughter-in-law's lack of punctuality. Mr Archibald motioned the band to stop playing, as soon as it did; silence suddenly descended the room. Every guest had ceased their conversations, and were staring at Mr Archibald.

"It is my pleasure to formally announce the engagement between, my only son Nathanial Archibald and Blair Waldorf"

The crowd suddenly broke into a round of applause, 500 guests were clapping for the health and future happiness, of two people who wanted to marry other people. Blair caught sight of Chuck at the back of the room. He nods and leaves the room. Blair looks back at Nate and suddenly realises something, he's as miserable as she was, and she felt a stab of pity for him. Maybe they could grow to love each other?

She was determined that whatever happens, she won't betray her family by going back to Chuck no matter what he does; he on the other hand, has other plans.

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