Author's Note: Well we're getting to the final story arc. Originally, I'd planned for 15 chapters, but I have to finish up the Blair/Carter and Nasey story arcs first. So, we're looking at another 5 -7 chapters.

Chapter 13: Insatiable

Dan sat at his writing desk and admired the black box for the umpteenth time that day. He didn't know if it was the right shape or size of if it was even the right time, but he knew that he didn't want to waste any more time. He was in love and nothing not a decade a part, the stupidity of his parents, or his own sense of fear and self-loathing would ever change that. His decision was made. It was just a matter of finding the perfect time, the perfect place. Dan had kept his plan to himself. Not even Jenny knew what he was up to, but there was one person who he needed to speak to first. Not out of obligation, but a basic respect. Dan pocketed the black box and grabbed his ticket before hopping on the Jitney. It had been years since he had last scene her, but he was sure she'd welcome with open arms. When he got to the large house which faced the beach, he was more than a little nervous.

"Daniel? What are you doing here?"CeCe said as he smiled gratefully at her. He hugged the older woman and said, "There's something I wanted to discuss with you."

"Come in,"she said as she led him through the large foyer and into the living room. She motioned for her maid and drilled off a series of instructions. "So, what brings you to the Hamptons my dear."

"I don't know if you've spoken to Serena lately."

"I admit our communication is spotty, but yes we've spoken"

"So, you must know we're seeing each other again. We have been for a few months now."

"Yes, dear I know. I'm glad everything seemed to have worked for the best,"she said as she poured him a cup of coffee. Dan took it and poured a little crème in his cup for taking a sip.

"I wanted, no I needed you to know."

"Know what dear?"

"I'm going to ask her to marry me."

The older woman smiled widely. The action was so rare that it took him a bit by surprise. "Well, well."

"I just, um, wanted you to know."

"I appreciate your taking the time to keep an old lady informed."

"CeCe, you are ageless,"he said gently.

"So, tell me about your book, Daniel."she said as she settled back in her seat.

Dan told her a little about his latest novel and how it was almost ready for publication. Serena had finished the final edits on the book a little over a month ago and they were just waiting on word from the printers. The book launch was a few weeks away and Dan was more than a little excited. Serena had been occupied with putting the final touches on the launch lately so she'd spent many a long night at the office. He stayed for a quick lunch before taking the bus back to the city. By the time he got back home he was exhausted and more than a little excited. He wanted his proposal to be perfect. He peeled off his clothes and hopped in the shower.

Serena let herself in and put her keys on the table. "Dan, are you home?"

The sound of the shower alerted her to his prison so she kicked off her shoes and went into the kitchen to search for glass so she could pour herself a glass of wine. She was searching for a cork when she noticed that Dan had left his jacket draped across the chair. She picked it up and that's when a large object fell on the ground. She looked down and noticed a black velvet box. "It couldn't be?"she said to herself. She picked it off the floor and opened it. Inside was a small diamond in a platinum setting. It was simple and elegant. In fact it was perfect. Her breath caught in her throat. "Oh my God."

Serena was still holding the box when Dan came out of the shower. "Hey, you're here?"he said.

She pointed to the box in her hand and Dan gulped. "Shit,"he mumbled to himself. He really wanted it to be surprise. To do this the right way.

"you weren't supposed to find that," he said.

"Is this for real?"Serena asked.

"Yes, it is."he said. He took the bo from her and dropped to his knees. "Will you marry me, Serena?"

She felt like somebody had knocked the wind out of her. Tear began to stream down her face as she began to shake.

"Please say something Serena?"he pleaded.

"Yes, yes, yes,"she said as she jumped into his arms. They fell backwards and on to the floor as she covered his faces in kisses. Dan could hardly believe it. He was beyond happy. He simply held tightly to her. "You said yes. You really said yes" he mumbled as he held her face and kissed her.

She took the ring from his hands and placed it on her left finger. Dan laughed and said, "I thought I was supposed to do that?"

She giggled and said, "Well we never do things the traditional way. I have to tell Blair."

"Let's tell her together," Dan suggested.

Serena picked her cell and dialed Blair's number.

"Do you have any idea what time it is?"Blair asked grumpily.

"I'm sorry, but its important. Brunch Tomorrow B. Me, you and Dan. Its important."

"What the hell could be so important that you're making me break bread with Humphrey for?"

"I'll tell you tomorrow."

Dan and Serena walked down the street hand in hand as they headed for the small bistro where they were meeting Blair. Normally, Dan liked to minimize his contact with Blair, but this was something he wanted them to do together. They'd both waited for so long for this to come together that delivering the news of their engagement was something he wanted to do as a unit. Blair was already sitting at the table sipping a glass of mimosa. She barely acknowledged him and hugged Serena tightly.

"So, are you going to tell me what this little pow-wow is about."

"No, I'm going to show you, "Serena said as she held out her left hand. Blair looked at Dan with her mouth agape than at Serena and then back at Dan. She winked at him and smiled and said, "Finally."

Dan smiled to himself and perused the menu. He let them chatter excitedly about the details which he was bound to be left out of. He didn't really care, he just wanted to move on with their life. The details were just that details that he'd leave up to Serena to handle.

"So, let me get this straight. He proposed in the middle of his kitchen? How romantic. Why am I not surprised, Humphrey"

"What? She found the ring. I had a plan."

"Which knowning you involved a cafe, a cup of espresso and single red rose."

"Blair stop," Serena begged.

"Fine, I can be nice for maybe five minutes. But, I'm happy for you S. Now have you guys picked a date?"

"No, no we haven't, "Dan said.

Blair started to rattle on about the best times to have a wedding and locations. When the subject switched to wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses, Dan's boredom began to set in. He really had no desire to sit here and be subjected to all this girly talk. He placed a hand on Serena's thing and smiled at her. He attempted to focus on what Blair was saying, but he was far more interested in the feel of Serena's supple thigh. His hand slipped under the material of her skirt and started to inch upwards. He looked at his fiancé and he noticed her eyelids begin to flutter rapidly which was usually his signal to keep going. Normally, he would do something like this in public, but his boredom coupled with the sheer high of their engagement had him pushing boundaries. His hand inched further up her thigh and he began kneading the soft flesh. He leaned closer to her and said, "Naughty. Going commando again?"

Serena scooted closer to him and said, "it's a special occasion." Blair eyed them curiously and she wondered what exactly they were talking about, but decided it was probably best that she didn't know. Dan started to run a finger along her core as Serena attempted to keep her breathing under control. He could feel the wetness there and it was beginning to drive him a little crazy too

"Stop it," Serena insisted.

"I'm bored," Dan whispered back to her.

"We're in public."

"Its never stopped us before," he said.

Blair rolled her eyes and said, "hello. I'm here."

"I'm sorry Blair. Dan was just being annoying."

"well what else is new? But you better get used to it, you're marrying him."

"Speaking of marriage Blair, how's Carter?"Dan asked pointedly as he stuck when finger inside Serena eliciting a small gasp in the process.

"He's fine and we're not exactly married."

"So, you got out of it. Why am I not surprised?"Dan said sarcastically.

"Shut up Humphrey."

Serena elbowed him and said, "stop."

"What I was being civil. Engaging in conversation, "he said as he continued his ministrations under the table. Serena reached under the table removed his hand and gave him a stern look. She clapped her legs together tightly. Dan laughed gently to himself. Serena reached over and squeezed his thigh and hovered over his crotch which forced a sharp intake of breath from Dan.

"Two can play at this game, "she whispered.

Dan attempted to ignore her and engage Blair in idle conversation who was already ignoring him and playing with her blackberry. He leaned over and said, "meet me in the bathroom in five minutes."

Dan got up and made his way to the men's room and waited for Serena to come and join him. When she got there he opened the men's room door and pulled her in. "Finally, I felt like I was waiting for ever.."

"Dan this is crazy. Someone can walk in any moment."

"I don't care," he said as he pushed her against the wall and kissed her deeply. Serena quickly unbuckled his jeans and pushed them to the floor as Dan pushed up her skirt. She wrapped a leg around him as he entered her in one swift motion. He kissed her neck as he pushed in and out of her. His desire for her was driving her over the edge. Serena grabbed on to him tightly. "We have to stop doing this,"she mumbled as her hips rocked against him.

Dan held on to the wall and nuzzled her neck as he thrust into her over and over again. His appetite for her was insatiable. "You drive me over the edge. I told you to stop going commando."

"It was supposed to be a gift," she said as she met him thrust for thrust.

"More like cruel temptation."

Serena laughed as Dan lifted her up. She wrapped her legs around him so that she could take more of him in. His every thrust forced her up to slid up the wall and then back down, her hair flying around her face as he fucked her until all thought escaped her. This wild side to him thrilled her like nothing else. Dan was a man in control most of the time, but when they were making love he was wild and just a little wanton. His precious control slipping as his body sought her out. She loved seeing him like this. It was raw and pure and just a little dark. "More, I want more," Serena screamed as he pumped into her for the last time before settling her on the floor.

"I, I don't know what came over me."

Serena giggled and said, "I'm irresistable. It's okay. I want you like that too," she said as she kissed him gently. "We have a lifetime to get it out of our systems."

"It's never going to happen. I'll never get you out of my system," he declared.