Author's Note: Sorry for the delay. Lost my writing mojo, but its back. Chapter 14: Solace

Serena and Dan had told almost everyone that was close to them about their engagement except for the two people who under normal circumstances would be the first to know. Casey had been shocked, but supportive. Jenny started jumping around trying to put together a party in their honour on the spot; Nate had hugged them both so hard that Dan could barely breathe. But, he was reticent to tell his father about his upcoming nuptials. It was still hard for Dan to believe himself. But, his relationship with Serena was one area that he avoided in his effort rebuild his relationship with Rufus. They knew they'd have to do it and do it soon.

They sat staring at the telephone. Neither of them willing to pick it up and dial. Serena lifted up the receiver and handed it to Dan. "Why do I have to go first?"

"Because I said so."

"That's your reasoning? Because you says so?" Dan whinged.

"Well, you better get used to it. You're the one that wanted a life time of my bossing you around."

Dan rolled his eyes and dialled his father's number. "Hey, Dad. Its me. I was wondering if you wanted to come over for dinner?"

Serena listened to him as Dan nodded his head and answered Rufus's questions. The conversation seemed to go on a lot longer than either of them had expected it too.

"Well, what did he say?"Serena asked.

"He said he's coming."

"But, what was he asking you? You were talking for a while."

"He was just talking my ear off and asking why I hadn't spoken to him in a few weeks and how this was out of the blue. The usual Rufus Humphrey guilt-trip." Serena's heart broke a little at the pained look on his face. She hated that Dan and his father had drifted apart so much. One of the things she admired about the Humphrey's were how close they were, so seeing them this distant tore her up inside and made her hate her mother just a little more. She knew that if lily had not re-entered Rufus's life than things would not be this strained between Dan and his father. She watched him as he went silent and moved about the room as he tried to gather his thoughts. She loved watching him in these moments. It told her so much about him. He really was that same boy on the inside. He'd managed to reign in his rambling, but he was still a ball of nerves and the things that hit him the hardest were family. Serena got up and wrapped her arms around his waist and said, "talk to me."

Dan said nothing, but simply let her hold him. He didn't even know how to put his feelings to words so he let her warmth envelope him.

Serena could perfectly recall the last conversation she had with her mother. It happened four years ago and she vowed never to speak to her again. The pain of the moment still cut through her like a knife.

Four years Earlier, Palace Hotel

Serena sat in a lounge chair in her mother's suite. Her legs crossed and her hands on her lap. She didn't know what to say. She wasn't exactly in the habit of talking with her mom, but she really wanted to make an effort because she seemed to be in a bad space. She'd just moved into the suite after what was another fight with Rufus.

"Mom, are you okay? Why are you here? Shouldn't you be at home with Rufus?"

"In Brooklyn, I think I've had quite enough of that place," She said with what sounded like disdain. Serena didn't understand. She thought Rufus was supposed to be the love of her life.

"I don't understand. Why are you giving up on this so easily? I thought he was it for you, mom."

"Oh Serena, you are so young and so so naïve. What's love but a fleeting emotion? Rufus and I, well we just weren't meant to be."

"That's it? I gave up Dan for another one of your useless whims. I can't believe this. No, I can. This is exactly something you'd pull. I've put up with it most of my life. All you've ever cared about is yourself."

Serena's rant was put to an abrupt stop by the force of her mother's hand against her face. She held her hand to her face and looked at the woman who claimed to be her mother, but knew absolutely nothing about motherhood. She looked at her aghast before she grabbed her bag and said, "We're done. Never speak to me again. No Christmas cards, no telephone calls. Nothing. As far as I'm concerned I have no mother."

Serena stood before her mother's door and knocked gently. She wondered how she looked and if the years had been good to her. One the one hand, she had missed her on the other her life had been less turbulent since she'd cut her out. But, a part of her always craved motherly attention. The woman who opened the door was slightly familiar. She wore oversized glasses and seemed to have a perpetual scowl on her face.

"Serena, how lovely to see you. What brings you to my lowly quarters?"

"Mother, I have something to tell you. May come in?" Serena asked.

"Of course, dear."

Lily ushered her into the living room where she took a seat. The place was decorated with the latest style and rare pieces of art, which was Lily's signature. She had married some millionaire a little over a year ago.

"I'm sorry you couldn't come to the wedding. Edward would have loved to have met you. Would you like a cup of tea, water?"

"Its okay I'm fine."

"So, what is it that you want to tell me?" Lily inquired.

"I'm getting married."

Lily grabbed her and hugged her as Serena sat stiffly in her arms. "Whose the lucky guy?" Lily asked.

"It's Dan," Serena said softly.

Lily's face changed into a scowl almost immediately. Serena was a little put off by her mother's sudden change in demeanour.

"Dan Humphrey. I guess something's are meant to be after all," she said coldly.

Serena sucked in a breath. A part of her had hoped that her mother would be supportive, but really it wasn't a shock. "Well, I guess I should get going. I'll send you an invite once we set a date."

"You do that," Lily replied coldly. Once Serena left, she collapsed on to the sofa and broke down.

Serena was emotionally spent by the time she got home. She immediately through herself into Dan's arms. He rubbed her back and asked her if everything was okay.

"Just hold me," she whispered. They stood there, in each other's arms. Dan held her and kissed the top of her head and wished he could take her pain away. He understood her need not to talk about it.

"Come on, I have an idea. Meet me in the bathroom in 10 minutes."

Dan made his way into the bathroom and filled the tub with warm water and Serena's favourite bubbles. He covered the place with candles and lit them. They both needed some time to unwind and forget the drama that seemed to follow them around like a dark cloud. He stripped off his clothing and climbed in the bath. When Serena walked into the bathroom she saw Dan sitting in the tub with a rose between his teeth.

"You're a total sap,"she said.

"And you my lady are wearing too many clothes."

Serena giggled and slowly undressed, keeping her gaze fixed on Dan's the entire time. She slowly climbed into the tub with him and leaned against him. He handed her the rose and said, "for you."

"Still the dork I see."

"You know you love it,"he said cockily.

"An arrogant dork too," she said as he ran circles across her stomach with his soapy hand.

Dan smiled and kissed the spot behind her ear. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of his lingering touch. "I love you,"he whispered into her ear as he held her. She sat back enjoying the feel of his arms and the water lapping around her. She turned to face him and said, "I love you more than you could ever know."

They touched heads and kissed gently. Dan got up and towelled her off before doing the same for himself. Together they walked to the bedroom were they fell on to the bed together. His touch was tender at first, but before she realized it he had managed to push her legs apart. "You're so damn beautiful it hurts."

She looked up at him in confusion and he simply he kissed her with a fierce passion that threatened to engulf them both. She gripped the sheets as he lapped at her core, doing things with his tongue that simply drove her crazy. Serena's knees gripped his head in a vice grip as the convulsions coursed through her. Once the tremors began to settle, Dan looked up at her and said, "I think you just gave me a headache."

"shutup,"she said as she giggled. Serena flipped over so that she was straddling him. Dan looked up at her and entered her as he held her waist and she used his shoulders to balance herself. He thrust into her over and over again. There was something about Serena that thrilled him and drove him just a little wild. "You drive me crazy. I just can never get enough of you."

"That's good because you're stuck with me. Forever."