Gossip girl

"Rise and shine, Upper East Siders. The morning after always means one thing—brunch. But after last night's drama, don't expect just any brunch. With S back in town and B on edge, it's time to see who can really stomach the pressure."

---

The Palace Hotel – Morning After

The Palace was buzzing with the aftermath of last night's party. I sat in the hotel's private lounge, sipping my coffee as I scanned the headlines. Serena's return was already the talk of the city. Blair's cold reception. Nate's hesitation. And Dan Humphrey's unexpected appearance.

Chuck strolled in, looking unfazed as always. "Quite the spectacle last night," he mused.

I smirked. "And here I thought you lived for spectacle."

He poured himself a drink—because, of course, Chuck Bass was having scotch before noon. "I do. But even I have to admire the theatrics of Serena's grand return."

Before I could respond, Nate walked in, clearly unsettled. He had that look—the one that said he was overthinking everything.

Chuck sighed dramatically. "Let me guess. You saw Serena?"

Nate hesitated. "Yeah. We talked."

"And?" I prompted.

He ran a hand through his hair. "She didn't tell me why she left. Just that she's back."

Classic Serena—always keeping things just vague enough to keep people hooked.

I leaned back. "So, what's the plan?"

Chuck smirked. "We're going to brunch, of course."

I already knew where this was headed. Blair wasn't going to let Serena just waltz back into their world. This brunch was going to be a battlefield.

---

The Van der Woodsen Brunch – The Showdown

The Palace's grand dining hall was filled with Manhattan's elite, the air thick with tension. Blair was seated at the center, poised and regal, while Serena hesitated near the entrance.

I took my seat near Chuck and Nate, watching the social chess game unfold.

Blair's smile was razor-sharp as she spoke. "Serena, I didn't expect to see you here."

Serena smiled back, but there was an edge to it. "It's brunch, B. Thought I'd join."

The table was silent as Blair set down her glass. "It's just… surprising. You didn't say goodbye when you left. And now, you're back like nothing happened."

Serena's jaw tightened. "I had my reasons."

I could see Blair weighing her options. She wanted control, wanted to remind everyone that this was her world now.

Chuck leaned toward me, whispering, "Ten bucks says Blair goes for the kill."

I shook my head. "Too easy."

Then it happened. Blair dropped the bomb. "Tell me, Serena. Does your mom know why you really left?"

The table went silent.

Serena's eyes darkened. "What are you talking about?"

Blair tilted her head. "Oh, you know. The real reason you disappeared. Or should I fill everyone in?"

That was Blair's power—words, carefully chosen and weaponized. But Serena wasn't defenseless.

Serena met Blair's gaze evenly. "Say whatever you want, Blair. It won't change the fact that I'm back."

A standoff. No winners. Just the promise of more battles to come.

Chuck leaned back, amused. "Now, that was entertaining."

I simply watched. Blair had drawn the first sword, but Serena wasn't going to back down. This was far from over.

---

Dan Humphrey – The Outsider's Perspective

I found Dan standing off to the side, watching the Upper East Side's elite devour each other. He looked like he was realizing, in real-time, just how different our world was.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," I said.

He blinked, glancing at me. "It's just… intense."

I smirked. "Welcome to Manhattan."

Dan shook his head. "Is it always like this?"

I took a sip of my drink. "It's survival of the fittest. Everyone plays the game, whether they admit it or not."

He frowned. "And what about you? You don't seem… caught up in it."

I shrugged. "I play my own game."

Dan studied me for a moment. "Must be nice to have that kind of power."

I smiled but didn't answer. He wasn't wrong.

---

Aftermath – The Power Shift

Serena had held her ground, but the damage was done. Blair wasn't going to let her reclaim her throne so easily. The lines were drawn, and the battle had begun.

As I stepped outside, my phone buzzed. A new Gossip Girl blast.

"Looks like the brunch wasn't as sweet as the mimosas. B and S are officially at war, and there's only room for one queen. Who will reign supreme? Stay tuned, darlings. You know you love me. XOXO, Gossip Girl."

I slipped my phone back into my pocket, glancing at the skyline.

This was just the beginning.

And I was going to enjoy every second.