The New Queen in Manhattan [Based on Gossip Girl - Nate Archibald]

Chapter 2- Start of the Battle.

Good morning Upper East Siders. Today I have a surprise in store for you. Royalty will be arriving at Chuck's party, but will the lower class oppose the queen herself?

"Will you please come with me to the dinner at the Empire? It's really important to Chuck and I  think I should officially introduce you as my girlfriend," Nate said, wrapping his arms around Astrid's waist as she picked up her bag for school.
"Your girlfriend? Are you trying to get Blair to hate me?" She replied, laughing.
"Come on, it's been 4 months since we met, so I think it's time. Besides, Serena and you are friends, which makes you and Blair friends... indirectly," he replied pouting.
"Ugh fine, but only because it's you. I'll raid my closet to see what I have and I'll be back here by 7," she said, finally giving in.
"Actually, I told Chuck about my plan and he bought you a dress. It's on 86th Street, so you just have to pick it up after school," he said, hoping that she wouldn't mind this.
" He bought me a dress? He really shouldn't have Nate. I can't acce-" she started but he cut her off with a kiss.
"Listen, he wanted to do something nice for my girlfriend and it's his thank you gift for going tonight."
"Okay fine. I'll be here." She replied, defeated.
"I'm so excited to introduce you to everyone. You're going to have so much fun." He replied, holding her hand and walking into the elevator of the penthouse at the Empire. The routine that they've been doing for the past few weeks.

Careful Nate, you know what they say; all good things much come to an end. But at Chuck's party tonight, the alcohol might just give everyone a clear head. Have fun tonight A; it might be the best night you'll have for a while.

"Ugh look at her. She chose to ignore me and she must pay. I heard she's going to Chuck's party tonight? Anyone ready for a little fun?" Blair turned to the other girls smirking as they watched Astrid and Nate walking up the MET stairs.
"B, she's been unproblematic for the months that she's been here. And he seems really happy with her. Why can't you just leave her alone?" Serena asked, resting her hands on Blair's.
"Because I know him, and he doesn't settle for people like her. He needs to be with someone powerful, and with a more Upper East Side attitude. And that's not her," Blair replied defensively, pulling away her hand.

After completing their last day of school, Astrid picked up her dress on 86th and went to her apartment. She opened it out on her bed, and stared at it, shocked and so was her dad. He walked in at that moment, and gasped.
"Whose is that?" He asked curiously not taking his eyes of the dress.
"It's mine actually," she replied softly, now turning to look at him. "Chuck Bass gifted it to me, to go to his party tonight."
"You know Chuck Bass?" He asked, looking at her, seriously.
"He's my...boyfriend's best friend," Astrid replied, unsure of how her father would react.
"Your boyfriend? Is it that guy Nate?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Uhm... yeah. How did you know?" She said.
"Because I've seen you two hanging out together. I've seen the way he looks at you... it's the same way I looked at your mom." He said, picking the dress up into his hands. "Have fun tonight. I'm sure you'll look lovely in this dress," he continued, hugging her and then walking out.

Astrid got ready, as did the rest of the clan and went over to the Empire's penthouse at 7. She walked off the elevator and bumped into Chuck who was heading down to the party.
"I knew that dress was perfect for you," he said, with a small smile.
"Thank you Chuck. I don't know how to repay you," Astrid replied nervously, as this was the first time, she had spoken to Chuck by herself.
"Just make him happy," he said, pointing his chin in the direction of Nate, who was putting on his tie, in front of the floor length mirror.
She gave him a small smile and walked past him towards Nate. He saw her and was speechless, just staring at her.
"I knew you looked good, but you're absolutely stunning in this dress," he said, checking her out and closing the button on his jacket.
"You look amazing, yourself," she replied, hugging him.
"Let's go, shall we?" Nate said, extending his arms and Astrid looped hers in his.

"They're here," Blair said to the others while looking at Nate and Astrid. "Everyone ready for some fun?"
Blair walked closer to the new couple but suddenly stopped when she noticed the royal blue lace dress that Astrid was wearing.

Will more than one fight occur tonight? It may just be between a few couples, but a fight against Blair? It may just be pointless.

Blair walked briskly over to Chuck who was sipping his drink, looking at Nate and Astrid, taking pictures together.
"You gave my dress to her? Why would you do that? You know how much I looked forward to wearing it! It's a two thousand dollar dress, Chuck. She doesn't deserve to wear it!" Blair yelled at Chuck. He looked over at Blair unbothered.
"It was the only way to convince her to come. She practically didn't have a choice after she found out I gifted her that dress so she agreed. Hopefully your plan goes well, and I won't have to gift her anything else." Chuck replied calmly, with a tone of pride in his voice.
Blair grunted and rolled her eyes. "Fine, but you're going to buy me a dress to make up for it," she replied, picking up a glass of champagne and walked off. Chuck, now alone, walked up to Nate and distracted him while Astrid helped herself to a glass of white champagne, from the tray that the waiters were carrying.

Watch out A. That champagne may not be the only thing you're having tonight. I smell a plate of revenge that will be delivered to you, from your secret admirer, one Blair Waldorf.

Blair, along with her two minions, Penelope and Jessica, followed her towards Astrid.
"Didn't expect to see you here," Blair said, as her lips curled into a smirk.
"I only came because of Nate. I couldn't care less about you or your minions," Astrid replied, finally speaking her mind.
"Maybe you should care, because I have some news that you would be curious to know. Nate wasn't telling you the truth," she gushed, smiling and turned her back to walk off. "Oh and you should never talk to me like that. It comes back to haunt you," Blair cautioned, smirking, and taking a step back.

As if on cue, the spotlight shone on Astrid, who was now blocking her eyes, to reduce the light blinding her. The waiters gathered around Astrid, forming a circle and popping the corks off the bottles of champagne, causing each bottle to explode onto her. They clapped and laughed and looked around at each other; but Astrid was now soaked in champagne and had a shocked reaction etched onto her face. Nate, pushed through the crowd of people and rushed over to her, but she pulled away from him and walked towards the ladies room.

Nate waited outside the door, and finally after 15 minutes, Astrid emerged, her hair wet and loose. She looked embarrassed as everyone near the ladies room, looked at her, laughing. Nate walked towards her and hugged her.

"If you want to leave, I understand. Blair can overdo it sometimes, but maybe we should get you home and changed," Nate said, looking at Astrid deeply concerned.
"No, I'll stay. It's a party we should enjoy ourselves. Besides, this dress, although soaked, is way too pretty to be worn only for an hour," she laughed, pointing at herself and Nate joined in with her to ease the tension. Nate was called over by Dan Humphrey and joined him and Chuck Bass at the bar. Astrid however, made plans of her own.

A blow dryer may have helped Astrid to ease some of the soaking, but I hear that the steam she has towards Blair, was enough to dry herself alone. Maybe a few pills would help to ease her headache, that was oncoming but from what I've heard? Revenge is the best medication.

(Author's note: double update because why not 🙌 Also the dress for this scene is the one attached!!!)