This is a future Nate & Serena fic (a couple that holds a soft spot in my heart), with a bit of Serena & Blair and a touch of Blair & Chuck included (because it wouldn't be a GG fic without them). Everything on Gossip Girl has happened through 5x24, but nothing from season 6 has occurred. I hope you enjoy.

I own nothing.

Chapter 1: Happy Birthday Nate

June 24th, 2021

"Blair, what about this one?" Serena asked as she held up the black Prada bag.

"No, not that one," shot Blair quickly. She then moved next to Serena and looked more closely at the bag. "You need one that is a little less boring. A crisp, fresh look. The Chloe bag I have in mind would be perfect."

"You're only saying that because you gave Prada a bad review in your most recent issue and you don't think you should be seen anywhere near it," bit back Serena with a smile. She really loved teasing Blair about fashion. It was so easy when Blair put her opinions out there for the world to see every month.

"That's not it at all. You know I love Prada, just not that bag." Blair ignored Serena's knowing look because her best friend was right, she wouldn't allow herself to be seen with a Prada bag until their new line was released – she had a reputation to protect! She then turned to look at another display, hoping to find another bag that would complement Serena's style. "Now look, this Miu Miu satchel is great."

Serena couldn't help but chuckle at her friend's diversion tactics. After being best friends for more than 25 years they knew each other so well. Sure they have had their ups and downs, but they will always love each other – they're sisters and nothing will ever change that.

"So, any big plans for your 30th birthday besides spending a few days in the Hamptons with your BFF?" probed Blair as she further perused the selection of handbags in the shop.

"Nothing big. My mom has arranged a family dinner at CeCe's place Saturday. But you already knew that seeing as you'll be there with my brother and my nephew. Anyways, I have to get back to the city for a meeting on Tuesday."

"Are you sure it can't wait another week?" Blair practically begged. "You know you're more than welcome to stay with us for as long as you want."

Even though she couldn't stay, Serena understood where Blair was coming from. In recent years their lives had become so busy that they didn't get to spend nearly as much time together as they once did. Days like this one, just the two of them walking around shopping, were rare. Still, it was better than when Serena lived in California for five years.

"Blair, you know it can't wait. This film is a big deal and securing the locations is really important. It's not easy filming throughout Manhattan."

"I know, I know, I know. Believe me, I understand," nodded Blair. "Scheduling shoots in the city is no walk in the park. Now please tell me that that delicious man of yours is at least whisking you off somewhere romantic. For at least a couple of nights."

At that moment the door to the boutique opened and in walked a familiar face. One that Serena wouldn't mind never having to see again in her lifetime. Serena looked up briefly and regrettably made eye contact with the woman.

"Shit," moaned Serena.

"What is it S?" asked Blair. She then glanced in the direction that Serena had been looking at and instantly knew what caused Serena's reaction. "Oh. What the hell is she doing here?"

"Just ignore her Blair," Serena ordered as she took Blair by the arm and directed her back to the totes.

"Seriously, doesn't she know that she doesn't belong here?"

"Blair, it's a free world. If she wants to shop here we can't stop her," whispered Serena, wishing not to attract too much attention and hoping to hear the door close as a certain someone left. Sadly, she didn't hear the door. Instead she heard the sound of heels approaching from behind.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Serena and Blair. Blair and Serena."

Serena groaned, rolled her eyes, and then turned her attention in the direction of the unwelcomed voice. "Hello Ellen," answered Serena, digging her fingers into hands to maintain her poise and keep from punching the girl's lights out. She really did not like this woman.

"What do you want Ellen," demanded Blair, crossing her arms in front of her. "You do know that you can't buy class, even in the Hamptons, right?"

"Blair, stop," murmured Serena so that only Blair could hear her. "You're not helping things."

"I'm actually surprised to see the two of you out shopping. I thought 'Serena and Blair' were too busy and important to have time for such things," Ellen said condescendingly. "I mean, Blair, shouldn't you be at work telling anyone who will listen your insane idea of what's fashionable or at home watching your nanny raise your kid? And Serena, isn't it time for you to run away so that people will drop everything to chase after your precious ass?"

Both Serena and Blair stood there, jaws on the floor, because of Ellen's words. Quickly, Serena pulled herself together when she saw her friend starting to make her way towards the woman with curly light brown hair. Extending her arm to keep Blair from doing something she knew she would regret, Serena corralled Blair.

"All this time, I thought you were a real bitch Blair," retorted Serena with a smile. "But you've got nothing on this one. You're some piece of work Ellen."

"Oh, that's rich. You're calling me a bitch. I'm not the one who prances into people's engagement parties uninvited," snarled Ellen. "I will never understand what Nate sees in the two of you."

Then, a frustrated Ellen raised her left hand to her forehead and slowly pushed her hair behind her ear. To Serena it all happened in slow motion. She couldn't help but stare at the ring on Ellen's finger. It was huge. It was gaudy. And it brought back memories.

XOXOXOXOXO

March 28th, 2014

Serena sat alone at the Gimlet bar, taking a few minutes for herself and nursing her martini. Around her the party was in full swing. There were lots of old friends that she hadn't seen in a while, as well as a few new faces that she didn't know. Everyone was there to celebrate Nate's 23rd birthday. She had skipped her classes that morning and flown back to the city for the party.

"Serena," Nate called out. When he reached her (stumbling on his way over), Nate immediately threw his arms around her and held her in a warm embrace. Serena tightened her hold on him, inhaling his scent, and then she planted a kiss on his cheek as they separated.

"Surprise!" sang Serena with her arms in the air. "Happy birthday Nate."

"Ahh, thanks," he blushed. Drunken Nate could be quite cute. "I'm so shocked that you're here. Did you really come back to Manhattan just for my party?"

"Well, it's not really a party unless Serena van der Woodsen is in attendance, now is it?" countered Serena with a flirtatious smile. "And I wanted to make sure that your party was a resounding success, so here I am! Besides, I missed you guys."

"We miss you too," and Nate wrapped his arm around the back of Serena's chair so they could get closer. "It's just not the same without you here S. Hurry up and finish at USC so you can move back home."

Home. That's what NYC was to Serena. But it was also toxic to her. She needed to get away, to find herself outside of all the drama that always surrounded her on the UES. So, after her blowup with Blair and her relapse in the Spring of 2012, she moved to Los Angeles and (after pulling in quite a few favors) enrolled in the Producers program at USC. She was now in her 5th semester into the program and on track to finish a year from now, in the Spring of 2015.

Serena then leaned her head on Nate's shoulder before replying, "I'm trying Nate." Her voice was quiet and it was hard to hear with the noise of the party. "But you know why I had to go, right? I was a mess here." She never looked into his eyes even though she knew he was staring at her. She was scared of what she might see.

"Hey," and Nate nudged her face so that she was now looking into his eyes. No judgment was found, just a familiar pair of soft and caring blue eyes. "You're fine now. In fact you're doing great. And we couldn't be happier for you." His voice held so much conviction in it that Serena couldn't help but believe him, even though she knew he had consumed more than his fair share of drinks that evening.

Besides, Serena knew it was true. She and Blair had made up and were as close as ever. She happily served as Blair's maid of honor when she married Chuck, and Blair regularly chartered the Bass jet so that she could visit Los Angeles or so that Serena could visit NYC. Lily was so proud to see her daughter taking charge of her life and fulfilling her potential. Serena and Eric skyped every other day to keep up with each other. Her relationship with her father was improving, and she and Lola were making an effort to get to know each other, although she doubted they would ever be real sisters. Serena even stayed in contact with Dan – he had been out to Los Angeles a couple of times to meet with people about developing his latest novel into a film. In all, Serena van der Woodsen was finally getting all her shit together.

"Thanks Nate," she said almost bashfully. In an effort to lighten the conversation, Serena decided to change the topic. She shook her head from side to side and continued, "So, how are things at Bass Industries? How's my brother treating you?"

"Work's fine. Chuck can be a real hard-ass to work for but overall its great," laughed Nate as he took another swig of his drink. "Hey, did I tell you that I got into Columbia Law School? I start in the Fall."

"Wow! Nate Archibald, a lawyer, who would have thought." Smiling and honestly proud of him, Serena raised her glass to Nate and exclaimed, "Congratulations!"

Nate met her glass in mid-air and the two clinked together. He looked so happy that Serena felt a tad bit guilty for not fully celebrating in all his joy.

So with a fake smile plastered on her face, Serena spoke, "I guess I should also offer you congratulations on your engagement. I must say that I was not expecting that."

"You weren't?" Nate asked, confused. "Ellen and I have been dating for a year and half now, we've been living together since the new year. I figured it was time. I mean, Chuck and Blair have been married for over a year now."

"Well, not every couple are Chuck and Blair," countered Serena.

"Thank God for that. Don't get me wrong, I love them and they are perfect for each other, but you just never know what you are going to walk in on with those two!" joked Nate. Serena smiled but it soon fell flat, and Nate noticed. He misinterpreted her response and teased, "You're having a flashback, aren't you?"

Serena stared at her hands and simply shook her head from side to side. When she finally got up the courage, she spoke again, "You know, I always thought we would have another chance. We've been a part of each other's lives for so long. You're my Nate and I'm your Serena. Whenever I look into my future I always see you in it, I just never see you with a wife. At least one that isn't me. And now you're getting married. To someone else. To Ellen. It's not going to be you and me, raising our kids, along side Blair and Chuck. Damn Blair and her non-judging breakfast club," snorted Serena as she wiped the tear that threatened to fall from the corner of her eye. "I guess it's the end to a dream that I didn't realize I was holding onto."

Nate was floored. He didn't realize Serena felt that way – he didn't realize that they shared the same dream. Because for as long as he could remember, Nate had always wanted a future with Serena. He just didn't think it was a possibility so he moved on with his life.

When Nate finally gathered his wits about him he reached for Serena's hand and sighed, "Serena,"

Before he could continue, Serena bolted up from her seat. "I'm so sorry Nate. I shouldn't have said any of that. You're happy with Ellen, I can see that. Have another drink and forget everything I just said." With that, Serena signaled the bartender for another beer, kissed Nate gently on the cheek, and walked out of the party. She left for Los Angeles first thing in the morning.

XOXOXOXOXO

June 24th, 2021

Serena was shaken from her memory when the salesman approached the three women and said, "Mrs. Archibald, I think I found the item you were asking about."

A/N: So, as of today the GG writers have not contacted me regarding my role on the show as Nate's endgame, so I had to keep my 'Nellen' dream alive in fanfiction!

I must thank Maryl and Dr. Holland (a big-time Derena fan) for looking this over and telling me I wasn't crazy. Also, I need to thank MaryScarlett for motivating me to write this fic without even intending to. This chapter is dedicated to her!