Gossip Gay

One: Homecoming

Be forewarned, Upper East Side, the winds of change are blowing and they're definitely going to ruffle some feathers.

Spotted getting off the train together at Grand Central Station, 'Brooklyn Boy' Dan Humphrey and his BFF Serena Van Der Woodsen. Rumors of romance have been in the air since the two disappeared last year, but then again, a little birdy with a capital B told me he might not swing that way.

Reunions happy and not-so-much await the dynamic duo, not to mention world war three, when their abandoned bestie Blair Waldorf learns that D and S have returned.

Keep your cameras ready, kiddos, no one is going to want to miss this.

You know you love me. XOXO, Gossip Girl.

"You ready to see your dad and Jenny again?" Serena asks quietly, only just loud enough to be heard over the bustling mid-afternoon crowd. Her tone is the one she uses to warn him she'll see straight through and lie he could possibly try to tell.

Dan frowns, already spotting a familiar pissed off rock star and a goth-punk blonde. Looking from his family to Serena, a sigh escapes him.

"I left while dad was in Cali, touring. He's kind of pissed that I didn't get his consent before we left," Dan says softly. "I may end up a homicide victim."

"Call me if he gets too unbearable?" Serena says, squeezing his hand.

"Always," Dan replies, glancing to his family once more. "You and your mom going to visit Eric?"

"Yeah," His blonde bestie says with a frown. "Mom says Jenny's been visiting him nearly every day. Apparently he helps her come up with new, interesting clothing designs."

Dan gives a little grin, hearing that, though its faintly sad. "That's good. Tell him I say hi and that I'll come visit when I can."

"I will, call me later, whatever happens," Serena says, turning to head over to the railing where her mom is waiting. Dan nods, running a hand through his hair, his expression clearly anxious.

"I will."

Lily Van Der Woodsen greets her daughter with a smile and a hug. Tucking some of her eldest child's curls behind her ear, Lily speaks softly. "I missed you two. How's Dan doing?"

Glancing to her best friend, who is currently being scolded for everyone to hear. Dan stares at the ground in embarrassment. Expression saddening, Serena gives a heavy sigh. "Terrified of Rufus, who is clearly very angry about Dan leaving with me last year..."

A frown overtakes Lily's expression as she follows Serena's gaze. "Rufus called me about a month after you both left. He was very upset. If Dan gets into another fight with him, we might end up taking Dan and Jenny back home with us again. Eric insisted his room is always open."

Serena nods some, watching anxiously as the Humphrey's leave.

The ride back to their loft in Brooklyn is awkwardly quiet. Dan stares out the window, angry tears stinging in his eyes. Jenny sings softly along with the radio, her beautiful voice easing some of the silence. Rufus scowls at the back of the chauffer's head.

When the limo gets to the loft, Dan is the first one up the stairs. Jenny follows, both teens retreating to their respective bedrooms.

After a few moments, the chauffer, whose name is Lance, brings Dan's bags in. Thanking him, Dan stands to start unpacking. He's just started folding his favorite gray skinny jeans when his father stalks into the bedroom.

"Is there something you'd like to tell me, Daniel?" Rufus asks sternly. "Maybe explain what people have been saying about you online."

"Not screwing Serena, dad," Dan replies, tone cool. "That would be like screwing my sister. Things got rough for Serena, Georgina was definitely to blame. S was afraid to go to a new boarding school alone, so when she asked-"

"You should have called me first," Rufus snaps. This is the third time he's said it since he and Jenny picked Dan up at Grand Central Station.

"Did you really care, Dad? You're rarely ever home for more than two days anyway," Dan quips, glowering up at his father. "And after you and mom splitting up was literally on TV everywhere, things at school got bad. Serena gave me a way out."

Rufus stares at his son for a minute, then sighs in defeat. "Just...call me next time, okay?"

"Sure thing, dad," Dan replies, his tone empty.

"By the way, don't unpack," Rufus adds. "I have a concert in Canada that kicks off my newest tour, I'll be gone two months at least. You and Jenny are going to stay at Lily's."

Dan sighs, nodding. "Alright."