[Hey UES! I know I've been updating like crazy this morning, but I promise this is my last text before school starts. Come one, come all, to check the fresh meat! There are only so many girls at Constance, and I'm sure C's gotten bored… N's single again too, maybe the newbie will catch his eye? Or maybe we'll get surprised and I'll get to talk about a new letter! You know you love me. XOXO, Gossip Girl ]

Chuck laughed at the lasted Gossip Girl text. He still had his player reputation, although he hadn't been living up to it as much lately.

After ditching Blair at the beginning of the summer, he felt awful. He'd felt so much better when she'd forgiven him, but he'd understood when she'd said she couldn't trust him anymore. The summer apart had been enough to make those butterflies go away, although it'd been hard. The scotch had helped, the dancers at Victrola had helped, but he doubted he'd really be back to his normal self if Nate hadn't forgiven him and been there for him even when he was being stupid and self-pitying for immaturely giving up Blair.

Now Chuck was not a new man, he was the old Chuck Bass, with some minor "improvements." Like, he wasn't quite as against being in a relationship… as long as it involved a lot of… fun.

And, just like always, Chuck Bass could not resist a hot, sexy, rich new girl who had an attitude. And, though easy would have been nicer, flirtatiously hard-to-get was a close second. If Chuck had learned anything from his relationship with Blair, it was that he loved the chase – assuming there was a reward in the end.

So, he got off his butt and started heading across the courtyard to Miranda – and was intercepted by Nate, looking fresh-faced and cute as ever. (Chuck didn't notice, but every girl within a hundred feet did.)

"Hey, man, so, who's this Miranda? Gossip Girl said you guys… uh… talked," Nate finished lamely. "Unfortunately, it was just talk… although I'm hoping to fix that." He paused, looking over Nate's shoulder at Miranda and licking his lips.

Nate turned to follow his gaze and then laughed at Chuck. "Anyways, I really don't know any more than what I read on Gossip Girl, she wouldn't tell me anything." "Huh," Nate said distractedly. He was still watching Miranda: she had crossed her long slender legs, laughing loudly and musically at the text she'd gotten, and tossed her long silky red curls around… Yea, Nate was trying hard not to start drooling… Was it just coincidence Miranda dressed up like Serena on her first day?

"Gigi, you are so bad! Your plan is totally working, it's hilarious!" "I told you, M, remind N of S and he's putty in your hand, especially if you're not as much of a bad girl. And C likes any girl who shows a little skin, is feisty, and can hold her own in a match of wits… anyone else catch your eye?"

That's when Miranda laughed, and shook her hair out of her eyes. "No, Gigi, lol… I'm too busy deciding which of the two I like better, and whether I want to push that Queen B off her throne… you have my back either way?" "Of course, M! Although you know I'm rooting for your claws to come out. If you're looking for a king, N is your best bet. C would be fun, but really unpredictable."

"I know, Gigi. You made me read your whole archive, remember? At the moment, though, I'm just gonna exude hotness and see who comes running, lol." "So, your usual? Lol. You should drop by later and steal my new scarlet Fendis for whatever you do tonight. I guarantee if you wear those and that strapless red Eleanor original, you'll not only piss Blair off to no end, but you'll have both of them all over you."

Miranda giggled again, picturing Blair's face. "How about one better? That outfit and I go to the Palace bar after school… with one of the guys! Oh, she'd just want to kill me! Lol." "Once again, I am reminded of why you're my BFF – DO IT! I'll be happy cuz of the drama, you'll be happy cuz one of those guys will be all over you, and you'll get to see B's horrified face, and whichever guy you choose will be happy to get to hang with you! It's a win-win-win!"

"Sounds like a plan… aren't you glad I'm here? As if you didn't have enough drama already, lol. Whoops, there's the bell! Text you soon. Love ya." "Okay, dear, have fun! XOXO."

She flipped her phone shut and hurried to her first class, which, by Gigi's research, was shared only with Serena. This should be interesting…

[ The bell's rung, school's officially started! This is shaping up to be a great year – even just the first fifteen minutes in the courtyard were interesting! Now if we can just survive the actual classes… You know you love me. XOXO, Gossip Girl ]