A/N: Here is Chapter 7. Thank you for all the reviews and continued interest in the story, even after all these years!

I do not own Gossip Girl or any characters. I do not know how expensive apartments in NYC are, or were that time.

The next day was quite uneventful. The four enjoyed the auction, and Lily also bought a few pieces for the house. She took a couple of beautiful contemporary pieces, knowing that Serena and her friends were very likely to move in together. It could be her housewarming gift to both Serena and Chuck. After the auction was over, the four friends retreated into the lounge area with Nate's cousins and poured themselves drinks.

"Let's play Truth or Dare," Eli said excitedly.

"Eli! We're not kids anymore." Matt said.

"Yeah, that's why it'll be more fun. No one will get upset because we are all adults," Eli retorted.

"Okay, okay," Matt relented.

As they did not have a bottle, they compromised on using a pen that Nate thankfully had in his pocket. It first landed on Serena, who was dared to sit on a guy's lap till the end of the game. Without giving it a second thought she went and sat comfortably on Nate's lap who curled on arm around her. It seemed like the most natural thing to them. Other dares included Blair giving Chuck a peck on his lips, Nate and Tripp getting into an arm wrestling match, and Matt having to sit blindfolded for thirty minutes.

Soon after everyone got tired of the game and just began talking about what had been going on in their lives, Serena yawned and soon fell asleep on Nate's shoulders. Chuck quietly signaled Nate to tell him that Serena was asleep. Nate looked down at her, smiling and tucked in a lock of hair that was falling on her face. She looks beautiful, Nate thought. Blair looked at her two best friends, she was happy for them, knowing very well that soon they would admit their feelings for one another and be together. At least she hoped they would.

Monday morning the four friends headed back into the city. They had made plans with Nate's cousins for the weekend but were also happy for a few days of quiet. Well, as quiet as their lives could be. As it was lunchtime when they reached, they grabbed a meal together before going their separate ways.

"Have the three of you decided what you'll be doing for college?" Chuck asked the group.

"I was surprised at Mom's reaction. I'm glad though. I don't feel like leaving the city just yet." Serena responded.

"Yeah, even my family was completely on board with Columbia. With all that happened with Dad, I think they're happy I'm going to an Ivy League." Nate added. "They also prefer me at Columbia, instead of SC, which is on the other side of the country."

"I just found out that in the updated rankings, Columbia surpassed Yale in both of my interested fields. Dad himself sent me the details. I think I'm pretty set on Columbia myself. I told Mom about it on Friday as well," Blair told the group.

"So, Columbia, together?" Nate asked smiling.

"Yup!" The other three exclaimed.

They ordered a bottle of champagne to toast their news and celebrate. They were all genuinely happy to be with each other for at least four more years. The fact that they were going to be living together was a cherry on top.

Spotted: The N-JBC celebrating with Champagne. Wonder what the occasion was. Anyway, I have a feeling it's going to get interesting here.

Serena went home and told Lily about the group's decision. The two went online and reviewed Columbia's Fashion and International Business department and Lily was happy with what she saw.

"How about a girl's trip to London this summer?" She asked her daughter.

"What, Mom, just you and me?" Serena asked surprised.

"Yes, it'll be fun. We will just go for a week. Come on!" Lily insisted.

"Okay," Serena smiled. Lily had changed. Bart's death, and Chuck's adoption, all changed Lily in a good way. Lily also decided to host a dinner that evening with Nate's mom, Eleanor and Cyrus. She called and invited them and then began coordinating with caterers. She also informed Rufus about the dinner and extended the invite to Dan and Jenny, hoping that they had matured out of their opinions from the weekend.

Nate was getting bored sitting at home alone. Anne was out with some of her friends but was informed about the group's decision. She also happily accepted Lily's invitation. Nate knowing they were headed to the Ven der Woodsen apartment later, headed there early to keep Serena company.

"Nate, hey!" Lily greeted him and he stepped off the elevator.

"Hey, I hope it's alright that I'm here early. I was alone at home and..." Nate started.

"Of course, you know you are always welcome. Serena is upstairs in her room."

Nate made his way upstairs and knocked. She was lying on her bed and reading something. He joined her the two began talking about random stuff, laughing and teasing each other. A couple of hours before the dinner began, Chuck too headed to the penthouse. As he was about to enter his room, he heard their laughter and knocked on Serena's door.

"Come in!" Serena yelled.

Chuck opened the door and saw the two laying on the bed, facing each other, big smiles on their face. He just greeted them and chose to let them be. He walked back to his room, shaking his head at their oblivion.

Soon it was almost time for dinner and Serena headed to her washroom to freshen up. Nate had brought a change of clothes because his Mom would certainly not appreciate his attire for a formal dinner otherwise. When Serena was inside, he opened his T-shirt to change. She came out of the washroom to see a bare-chested Nate, with defined abs. She didn't realize she was staring.

"See something you like, S?" Nate teased when he saw her staring.

"On, umm... no! I mean, yes, But not like..." Serena fumbled. Nate laughed out loud and Serena just threw a towel at him to hide her embarrassment. Nate put on his shirt and went to hug her. "Calm down, S," Serena was confused inside. She had seen Nate shirtless multiple times, but she never had a reaction like that.

They got ready and headed downstairs. Serena was wearing a beautiful navy dress and Nate was in a navy shirt and black dress pants. Chuck as usual was in a suit. Lily was sitting on the couch, dressed immaculately, and Eric was sitting beside her. Eric! Serena thought in her mind. She could talk to him about Nate. She knew if she mentioned it to Blair, it would be exaggerated and she would be even more confused. She did not want to mess anything up.

Soon everyone had joined them and the appetizers were being passed around. Unfortunately, Dan had brought Vanessa along. The four friends were NOT happy to see her but chose to not say anything and just ignore the two. They were all seated in the living room with drinks in their hands.

"I have spoken to my realtor and booked an appointment for Thursday. You all can browse apartments with her, and see what you like." Lily informed the four kids.

"Just show it to us once before you sign." Anne requested.

"And don't worry about the price of the price or rent. Consider it on us, parents." Eleanor added. All the parents agreed. They wanted their kids to be as comfortable as possible.

"Thank you, all." Blair smiled. She could not wait for them to start living together, like a true family.

"Umm... Lily, thank you so much. But I was going through some websites and found an amazing four-bedroom penthouse. It's a five-minute walk from Columbia and is close to the Bass Industry offices as well. It is not for rent though, we will have to purchase it." Chuck said. "But the apartment is amazing, with walk-in closets, a fully furnished kitchen, a huge living room, and amazing furnishing. The view from the balcony is stunning. It also has a gym and pool on the property."

"Well, let us take a tour and meet the agents. If we all like it, we can purchase it together. It is a good market for that." Anne replied.

"Exactly, we want you four to have the best. Chuck, can you book the appointment and let us know when it's for?" Lily requested.

"Of course." Chuck smiled. Deep down he was really hoping that his three best friends would choose to be in the city. He didn't want to be without them for four years. In his hope and excitement, he had looked through some potential properties in his time. Dan and Vanessa looked at each other, clearly not happy.

"How much is the apartment for?" Nate asked.

"I think it was around 2 million," Chuck responded. Rufus, Dan, Jenny, and Vanessa were surprised. They could not imagine someone would spend so much on a college apartment.

"Lily, that's insane!" Rufus exclaimed.

"Rufus, it's an investment. After four years, if we lease the place out or even sell, it we will make the money back and more!" Lily explained.

"But that money can pay for so much more. They don't have to live in such an extravagant place." Dan retorted.

"I mean, any place they rent out, with the monthly payments, and no opportunity to profit off of it in the future, buying an apartment is actually better," Anne added.

"Rufus, Dan, our kids are accustomed to a certain lifestyle. I would not want them giving that up, especially if they are in New York City." Lily added with a tone of finality.

"We should all also do a trip together this Summer. It will be fun. We have known each other for so long, but have never been anywhere together except the Hamptons." Eleanor said, changing the topic.

"That's a wonderful idea! Serena and I were thinking about doing a trip to London for about a week, we can join us after that." Lily mentioned. "Eric, you don't mind travelling with them, right?"

"Of course not, Mom," Eric smiled. They were all like family to him too. He had spent a lot of time at Blair's or Nate's when Lily was away and had bonded with Chuck too.

"How does Switzerland sound, Dad has an amazing property there," Anne added. "The weather will also be perfect." Everyone nodded in agreement and planned to sit together after the apartment tour to discuss it in detail.

The group then proceeded to dinner. Rufus knew that it for better for him, to keep his mouth shut. Lily would do as she pleased, especially if it regarded her kids. Dan and Vanessa were just looking for an opportunity to talk to Serena and Nate respectively to convince them to leave the UES. But they were never alone. Even after dinner, either all four of them were together, or Serena and Nate were. They did not seem to leave each other's side.

"Serena, can I talk to you alone?" Dan finally went and interrupted the two.

"What now, Dan?" Serena groaned. She did not want to have the same conversation again.

"Dan, we are in the middle of something," Nate responded, putting a hand on her waist.

"Nate, even I want to talk to you," Vanessa added.

"What is with you both?" Serena asked. "For the last time, we like our families, we like the luxury, and we like our friends. And no, we will NOT leave it for you two." She knew what it was going to be and was not interested in the conversation. She was also aware that Nate felt the same.

"Anything else?" Nate asked. They shook their heads, disappointed. Blair and Chuck joined them and glared at them, causing them to leave the group alone.

Spotted: Dan and Vanessa leaving the Van der Woodsen apartment, disappointment evident on their faces. Anyone know why?

After everyone left, Chuck had gone up to his room. Serena silently requested Eric to stay back so she could talk to him in the living room. After Lily headed upstairs, Serena told Eric what had happened in her room before dinner. Eric just laughed out loud.

"Serena, you have always had a soft spot for Nate, and he for you," Eric stated.

"But today was like never before. I just froze seeing him." Serena said.

"Serena, let me ask you this. What do you want in a guy, your ideal one?"

"Umm... he should be smart, like aware of things. He should take care of me, and I should be able to talk to him, about everything. and of course, some good looks won't be bad." They both laughed at the last part.

"In short, Nate?" Eric asked. "He grew up like us, learning about law, finance, and politics. Hell, politics is in his blood! He takes amazing care of you, we all saw that last weekend and I am sure of all the people, you both talk to each other about everything. I also know, that if this was about anyone else, it would be him you would be talking to first." Eric explained. "And before you question it, he adores you and feels the same. It's evident to everyone except you two." He patted her knee and left her to think about what he said.

Serena knew he was right. Growing up, they spoke about everything. And after they began their weekly meals, it was back to that. She knew she would be the luckiest if she was with him.

The next day at school Serena could not stop thinking about her conversation with Nate. She was in class, just before lunch when she saw a message from him asking her to have lunch together. Smiling at the thought, she messaged him, yes.

They decided on an Italian restaurant a few blocks from school. They walked there together and asked the hostess for a table for two. She led them to a table in the back and quickly ordered drinks. Serena had a very boring day in school and wanted a mimosa with lunch. Nate also chose a cocktail.

"Chuck showed me some pictures of the apartment," Nate said. "It really looked amazing."

"That's amazing!" Serena smiled. They continued their conversation and Nate was laughing at the story she was telling him about Eric. She stopped talking and was just staring at him. He looked so good.

"S! Serena! Are you alright?" Nate asked and he placed his hand on hers.

"Uh, yeah." She pretended.

"You want to tell me what's wrong?" Nate pressed. He knew she was hiding something from him. This was not like her.

"It's nothing, honestly. I'll tell you when I'm ready." Serena pleaded.

"Okay." Nate let go. "I wanted to ask you, who are you going to the Senior Ball with?"

"No one as of yet, Blair is pressuring me to find someone though."

"Chuck is doing the same. Wanna go together?" Nate asked.

Serena was overjoyed. "Of course!"

Spotted: S and N having lunch and looking cozy together. Is this the beginning of something more in their friendship? Time will tell...

Blair and Chuck were in the school corridor when the Gossip Girl blast dropped. They both looked at each other and smiled. On the other side, Dan looked at it and was upset. He did not want Serena to be with Nate.

Thursday of that week, the four friends and their parents went to tour the apartment Chuck had found. It was even better than what Chuck had described. The girls loved the huge closets and the guys the AV set up in the living room and they all appreciated the built-in space for a minibar next to the kitchen. The parents also loved the apartment and got the paperwork started.

After touring the apartment everyone headed to the Waldorf Penthouse for lunch and also to discuss their trip to Europe in the summer.

"So school ends on May 26th, when do we want to take the trip?" Nate asked.

"Well, Mom and I could leave right after graduation, and then spend a week in London. So around June 5th?" Serena responded

"That sounds good, Father has a huge chalet near Montreux. I can call and make sure it's ready for all of us." Anne said.

"Ooo... we can also ask Dad to join us there. You don't mind mom, right?" Blair asked, excited.

"No, of course not. With you four living together next year, I am sure he will want to spend time with all families, and you of course." Eleanor knew her former husband missed these moments with his daughter. Being in New York, Eleanor was there for most of Blair's moments, small and big, like the apartment tour that day, but her dad missed those.

"Perfect!" Blair exclaimed, delighted.

"We can take the Bass Industries jet. I will make sure it stays with us for the duration of the trip." Chuck informed the group.

"That'll be great. How many rooms should I arrange? Just for an estimation" Anne asked.

All families told Anne the number of rooms they would need. One for each of Blair's parents, one for Anne, one for Lily. They were not sure if Rufus was going to join them. Chuck and Blair were going to share a room, and depending on how many rooms were there, one each for Nate, Serena, and Eric. They were all extremely excited for the trip and had something to look forward to after they graduated.