The Golden Age

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

A.N:

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Gossip Girl

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Wasn't it Heraclitus who said: The chain of wedlock is so heavy that it takes two to carry it- and sometimes three? Well, that was certainly proved last night! I have the juicy details from last night's engagement party, ladies and gentlemen; and they're sizzlers!

Spotted!

Thee Chuck Bass, was spotted at the engagement party, was he there to support his ex-best-friend? Or was he there to chat up his ex-lover? I think we can guess which one. The gangster was spotted by ten witnesses last night, as B and Golden Boy announced their official engagement. What did I tell you? I knew Bass couldn't resist the temptation of crashing a party. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see where this goes…

Love at first sight?

Film star, Serena Van Der Woodsen, seemed to be on good terms with the famous author, Dan Humphrey. They were practically in each other's arms all night, one source said. Another, even saw them sneaking into the library. They even left the party arm in arm last night. Haven't we seen this before? The actress is well-known for her chaotic love life. Who was it last week? Who can even catch up? We'll just have to see how long this one lasts.

"I'm telling you, the stock market is a good investment" Mr Archibald argued, at breakfast.

The Archibald's were all sitting down to a family breakfast. It was the morning after the engagement party, Nate, his Mum and his Father were sitting in the dining room. A scrumptious spread of food decorated the table; eggs, bacon, baked beans, sausages, bread and some cereal. There was also jugs filled with coffee, tea and orange juice. The sunlight was streaming in from the window, engulfing them all in its light. The Waldorf's had gone home last night, he was due to meet Blair this afternoon to have lunch.

"Putting your money in stocks, is stable and long lasting" Mr Archibald continued.

"Of course, dear" Mrs Archibald, agreed as she sipped her tea.

Nate couldn't stop thinking about last night; Serena had looked so beautiful. He did something, that he's not proud of, Nate slept with his girlfriend's best friend; he truly was a terrible person. It wasn't even when they were temperately broke up, or going through their rough patch. Nate slept with Serena because secretly, he'd always had a crush on her. It was at a wedding, when Blair had gone home, Serena and him were both drunk and stupid. They used to be such good friends, but that ended the morning after. That was six months ago, and he was still pining for her, but he was supposed to marry Blair, and that is how it was supposed to be…

No matter how miserable he was.

…

Chuck and his Father (and their henchmen), were dining at a local restaurant. It was the middle of the day, so is was chaotic due to the lunch shift. The sight of families eating together, couples enjoying each other's company, business meetings and friends catching up. Waiters were practically running to and fro, trying to keep up with the continuous orders. The sound of chatter and music infected the air. In the corner, a Victrola gramophone was playing, 'That certain feeling'. There was a big window at the front of the door that faced the street. Chuck looked around the restaurant, there wasn't a single table available. This was never a problem though, because a table suddenly became unavailable. Their henchmen, went to the bar, and waited.

His father was there on business, his father would never choose a place like this to eat. The Basses were meeting Mr Thorpe, for lunch. Mr Thorpe had been Bart Bass' enemy for many years now. They had both loved the same girl, back in 1908. Bart, Thorpe and Avery, were part of a love-triangle that had been splashed across all the newspapers and magazines. Avery, had been Thorpe's wife, they'd gotten married in 1900, and had a daughter called Raina five years later. Avery had grown sick and tired of her husband, so she had an affair with Bart. Thorpe, however found out and killed her, Bart and Thorpe have been enemies ever since.

Now though, Bart finally wanted the hostilities to end. They waited and ordered some coffee. Thorpe, was now ten minutes late.

"What's keeping-"Bart, began but was interrupted.

A car had pulled up outside, and the men were now shooting their machine guns at the restaurant. The piercing sound of screaming hit the air, as pandemonium ensued. Bart and Chuck were using the table as a shield. Their henchmen (the ones left alive), were shooting back at the attackers. Chuck, brought out his own and started shooting and killing the men. Bart took his gun out as well, and joined his son. The public were either dead, dying or trying to hide under something. Oddly enough, the gramophone hadn't been touched, and it was still playing music, giving the scene a strange feel to it.

A bullet narrowly missed Chuck, as he managed to duck under the table, just in time. He suddenly realised he was out of bullets, but it didn't matter now, they were driving away. Screams of mourning, disbelief at what had just happened, and relief that they hadn't been killed, filled the air. Chuck looked to where his father was, and was happy to see him unscathed.

"Thorpe" was all his father said, as he began walking out of the restaurant.

Of course it was.

…

Blair Waldorf was pretending the listen to Nate, talking about his cousin's place in the Hamptons. A dark thought entered Blair's mind; this was going to be the rest of her life. Suddenly, she felt very depressed. She kept being told how lucky she was to be still having a decent marriage, given that Blair had slept with two men in a short space of time. Her mother, constantly reminded Blair of the shame she's wrought the family, so she had to make amends. If the Archibald's weren't so desperate for that deal with Eleanor, they would've called off the wedding.

Nate, suddenly got distracted by seeing Serena and Dan enter the restaurant. Blair noticed it and thought, what is with him? He just glared at them, he seemed to be completely, in his own world. Blair had to cough loudly to get his attention. Nate was suddenly blushing, at being caught. Blair rolled her eyes, and put down her napkin. She wanted to know why he kept staring at her, but a part of her is too scared to ask. Instead, she got up to go to the loo.

"I'll be back in a moment" was all she said, as she made her way to the loo.

She made it to the tiny corridor that led to the toilets, this part couldn't be seen by the rest of the restaurant. A man put his hand over her mouth, and pulled her into some storage space, the door slammed behind them. The room was filled with cleaning equipment, and only had one bulb hanging from the ceiling. He turned her around so her back faced the wall…

It was Chuck…and he looked like hell.

…

Back in the restaurant, Dan and Serena were having a pleasant meal. They were both drinking some coffee, the weather outside was freezing cold. They were currently going through, some toasted sandwiches. They'd arranged to meet later that day, when Dan took her home. They haven't even kissed yet, but they both wanted to, but they also wanted to take it slow. Serena really liked him; and didn't want to screw it up like he usually did. At that moment, Dan was glad just getting know her.

"Come on, Serena" Dan laughed, "You've got to admit, that guy was creepy"

Serena was laughing as well, which just made Dan's day.

"Alright!" she continued to laugh, "I didn't notice at the time though"

"How could you not?" Dan grinned.

They're date was interrupted by a 14-year-old girl, she had long ginger hair, and green eyes. She was holding a notepad in her hand, and a pen. The girl was looking at Serena, as if she was a goddess.

"Will you give me your autograph please?" the girl asked.

Serena smiles at her, and begins signing her name on the pad. While Serena is doing that, Dan looks around the restaurant and spots Nathanial Archibald, looking at them. When their eyes meet, Nathanial drops his gaze to the floor. He was probably a fan…yes, that must it. When the girl had finished, Dan and Serena continued on with their date. When he was sure they weren't looking, Nate continued looking. He didn't know why he was doing it though, the sight of them together, made his heart break.

…

"What the hell are you doing, Bass!" Blair demanded, "Nate, is in the next room"

"Then we'd better hurry" Chuck retorted, unfastening her button.

He started kissing her lips, harshly, Blair began to forget everything, her up-coming marriage, Nate in the next room, society's expectations; until she saw and smelt-blood. Blair broke off to take a good look at him. There was blood on his waistcoat (even though it wasn't his), Chuck's hair was in disarray, his clothes were dirty and he reeked of blood.

"What happened to you?"

"Thorpe attacked us" Chuck explained, still undoing her buttons, she swats away his hand away to inspect him.

"Are you OK?" Blair asked.

"Physically" he shrugged.

"Do you want to lie down?" Blair wondered, with her concern spiking.

"If I wanted to lie down, I wouldn't be here" Chuck said before going back to kissing her.

The smell was getting too much for her to bare. He could've at least showered! The pong brought her back to her senses. What was she doing? One more scandal, and she'd complete her reputation, for being a fallen woman. Why can men screw as many people as want, but if girls do that, their reputations were ruined? It wasn't fair.

"No" Blair was trying to remain strong, but Chuck was making that very hard for her.

"That's not what your body is saying" he argued, as he began kissing her neck, and was slowly making his way down.

She wanted to, so badly, but she had to remind herself of her promise.

"No, if Nate finds me in here with you, my reputation would completely ruined. His family, wouldn't let me marry him" Blair reminded him.

Chuck stops, and starts staring at her with an unreadable expression.

"You know a real man, wouldn't care about your reputation" Chuck told her, "I wouldn't care"

Blair glared at him, before doing up her buttons, and straightening her clothes.

"That no longer matters" Blair argued, "I'm marrying Nate, and I will be a good wife to him"

Chuck chuckled at her statement, Blair's eyes narrowed; she didn't see the joke.

"You got engaged yesterday, and you've already cheated on him. I don't see a very happy future for you, sweetheart"

Blair slapped him hard, but that didn't stop his smug grin, if anything it only widened. Chuck stroked the part she slapped.

"Ouch!" Chuck mocked.

She rolled her eyes, stood up straight to face him. He really was annoying!

"Leave me alone Chuck!" Blair ordered him, "I'm serious"

"So am I" he retorted, "And you don't really want me to go away, so I won't do. I'll see you soon"

Chuck opened the door to go out, but looked back when Blair said something.

"Chuck!"

"Yes?"

"Take a shower"

Chuck laughed, before leaving the room.

After a few minutes, Blair left the room and went to find Nate. He was still looking at Serna and Dan, who had now moved on to dessert.

"I'm sorry, I took so long" Blair apologised, hoping he wasn't angry.

Nate looked confused, like he didn't know what he was talking about. Suddenly the truth hit Blair; he hadn't even noticed she's been gone for so long.

…

Dan, got back home from his date with Serena, and he couldn't stop smiling. He was really beginning to think, that this could go somewhere. Serena was wonderful, kind, clever and pretty. As soon as he entered his apartment on the upper-east side, he felt the warmth engulf him immediately. It really was, bitterly cold outside. His maid, Anna looked awkward, like she knew something he wouldn't like.

"What is it?" Dan asked her.

Anna was at least 50-years-old, and she had long black hair, and watery-grey eyes.

"There's a friend waiting for you in the library" Anna told him.

Dan didn't understand the dramatics, so he just shrugged and made his way to the library. There was a roaring fire in the hearth, and two burgundy armchairs. Obviously, he loved books, so the room was packed with bookshelves storing hundreds of books. It was nice and cosy in here. His gaze went to the person sitting in the chair. It was his ex-girlfriend and childhood friend- Vanessa.

Now, he saw the reason for the dramatics.

"What are you doing here?" Dan wondered, "It's been two years Vanessa"

Vanessa was very beautiful, she has been his friend since they six-year-old. They didn't part on good terms though. Two years ago, they'd began dating and that didn't work out. She said, he was becoming more upper-east side, and less Brooklyn by the day. Eventually, their different worlds tore them apart. Vanessa said that she was going back to live with her parents, and Dan hasn't heard anything from her since.

"I'm in trouble Dan" Vanessa confessed, "I need a friend"

Dan ran over to her held her tightly. Old memories of when they used to do more than hug, flashed in his mind. Her familiar scent was welcoming to him. When they released each other, there was an awkward pause before they both sat in separate armchairs, across from one other.

"Are you pregnant?" Dan asked her.

"No" Vanessa shook her head, "I'm on the run from very important and scary people"

"Who?" Dan, demanded to know.

"Bart Bass" Vanessa replied, with fear woven into her tone.

Dan's eyes practically bulged out of their sockets, everyone around here has heard of Bart Bass. The man is a complete psychopath. What was Vanessa doing, being caught up with a man like that? She was a strong woman, and even she looked frightened; and he could understand why. You didn't mess with the Basses and live to tell the tale, but surely Vanessa is too smart to cross them.

"Why?" Dan questioned her.

"Because, they'd marked someone for death, and it was vital to them, that that person be killed. I saved that person, and ensured their safety, but they know it was me, and they want me dead"

The author was scared for his friend, but what she had done was really brave. Dan suddenly remembered why he started dating her anyway, but there was one last thing he was curious about"

"Who did you save?"

Vanessa looked down, and then back up again.

"Charlotte Rhodes"

…

Serena was still beaming after seeing Dan. She really hoped she will prove Gossip Girl wrong on this one. Dan was everything that she was looking for, he was kind, smart, modest, funny, handsome and just a down-to-earth person. It was true that she's just known him for one day, but she was feeling like she was falling in love with him. When she entered her spacious apartment, Serena felt completely and utterly happy. That was until she saw Nathanial waiting for her in the lobby. He smiled slightly when he saw her.

"What are you doing here Nate?" Serena wondered.

"We need to talk-" Nate began.

"No, we don't" Serena sternly reminded him.

She pointed to the door with her arm, but Nate didn't budge. Serena did NOT want to have this conversation, but she knew that she owned Nate one. So instead, she indicated him to follow her; they both went into the living room. There was a huge window in the front, and two sofa's facing each other, with a coffee table between them. Nate also spotted pictures of Serena's family and friends on the walls, they've been friends since childhood, and he didn't spot any pictures of him anywhere. Serena sat on one sofa, and Nate sat on the other one.

"You wanted to talk, so talk" Serena shrugged.

"We slept together six months ago, Serena" Nate explained, "You haven't spoken to me since. When we see each other in public, you ignore me and refuse to meet my gaze. We've been friends since childhood, Serena. I know what we did was terrible, and I feel so guilty about it, but can we overcome this"

Serena just sat in front of him for a few seconds, before talking.

"No, we can't" she shook her head, "I valued our friendship as well, but what we did, is just terrible"

"Please" Nate begged, "I miss you"

"I've said, all I'm going to say on the subject" Serena strictly reminded him, "I hope we never speak of this again. I'm going to my room, I expect to find you gone before I come back"

Serena stood up to leave, but what Nate said next made her stop. When he did, Nate instantly regretted saying those words out loud.

"I love you"

…

An emergency family meeting was called. Bart was pacing around the room, as his family members sat in front of his desk. Chuck was sat next to the fire this time, and Georgina and Jack were both sitting on the sofa, on the opposite end of the room. Chuck had taken Blair's advice, and was now clean and was wearing clothes, that weren't stained with blood. After the shooting, Bart had called the doctor to quickly check himself over, before making threats to kill Thorpe with his bare hands.

"I agree" Jack nodded his head, "What are we going to do about him?"

"As much as I'd love to strangle him," Bart answered, "We have to be careful about this. Thorpe knows we're alive, and he knows that we know, it was him. He'll no doubt be upping his security now. If we move against him, it has to be clever, we need to know what he's doing before he does, or we need to find someone who can tell us"

"Who?" Jack shrugged.

"Isn't it obvious?" Georgina grinned, "We kidnap his only daughter. That will make him sorry he crossed us, and we get the information we're needing"

"That's my girl" Jack beamed.

Chuck rolled his eyes before replying.

"Won't her security be doubled as well?" Chuck pointed out.

"Rania is well-known for living an independent life. She refuses to let her father's work interfere with her life" Georgina smiled evilly, "Stupid girl"

Bart Bass was nodding in agreement, before turning to his son.

"I want you and few other men, to kidnap Rania Thorpe"

Chuck merely nodded at his father's instruction, his mind keeps jumping back to his make-out-session with Blair. She wasn't far from giving up, he was sure of it, but then again Blair has the tendency to surprise him, that's one of the reasons why he fell in love with her in the first place.

"What about our other problem?" Jack reminded him.

"Vanessa Abrams will be found" Bart answered coldly, "And when we do, we'll slit her throat"

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