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From 3.19 "Dr. Estrangeloved", in the hallway of Spotlight, Chuck, Blair, Serena, James, Sadie, Preston, Prince, Angela, Carter, Marie, Zaya, Nate, Noe, Hope, Alex, Thyra, Brooklyn, Dylan and Wyatt all watched Vincent be dragged away while being arrest, glaring with intense hate, but relief that this was over.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Gossip Girl here. Your one and only source into the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite."

From 3.16 "The Empire Strikes Jack", in Dominic's room, Laureen and Dominic were laying in bed together, playing their game about their teenage memories when they had been best friends and had feelings for the other.

Laureen smiled lightly, interlacing her fingers with Dominic's where his hand rested against her stomach, bringing his hand up to her mouth to kiss it, nestling further into his chest. "We might have kissed then, but we never were together. If we had been, everything would have been so different."

"But the way things happened, you did get Zaya and Sadie," Dominic pointed out. "And I know you wouldn't change that for anything, even though we all wish things with your ex had been different." Laureen nodded. "Now, enough of that, Laureen. Things are different now. We're together."

Dominic's hand stroked down Laureen's side and over her hip, coming to rest on her inner thigh, fingertips curling against her skin, leaning in close to lean his head against hers.

Laureen turned in his arms to face him and kiss his lips. "And it couldn't be better. I love you."

Dominic smiled against her lips. "I love you."

From 3.21 "Husbands and Wives", in the Rhodes/Bass apartment, Noe, Hope, Zaya, Sadie and Marie confronted Jenny.

"I almost died because of you," Noe told her. "Just like Skye. And Zaya, Sadie and Laureen."

"You want to be out of our lives for good?" Zaya asked. "Good. Because so do we. Get your things and get out. No one will miss you. Hell, a lot of us would be a lot safer with you gone."

From 3.21 "Husbands and Wives", later, after the benefit and William took off, Zaya glared at Jenny. "You don't even deserve to be in Brooklyn after everything. You should just leave the whole damn city. We will make your life a living, breathing hell if that's what it takes."

"Hey, hey," Rufus told them.

"Don't 'hey' us after everything your daughter's done to us, that you refuse to do anything about," Sadie told him.

Marie looked at Jenny. "You just can't stop playing games with your family's health and happiness, can you? I mean, first Zaya, Sadie and Laureen with Richard. Not giving a damn about Sadie's heart condition. Trying to steal Alex from Hope. Mocking me about Vincent after what he did to me at my rave. Pushing Noe so far at her own wedding to Nate that she and Skye almost died. And you know that William was making us believe that Mom's sick and are dead set on trying to help him get away with it, and for what? We're not the problems here, Jenny. You are."

"No one but you is making anything worse for anyone," Hope told her. "The rest of us are trying to be happy. You're the one that keeps ruining it for everyone. You might want to talk to Alison. Because the only way you're getting the normal you want is if you're not here."

From 3.21 "Husbands and Wives", in Skye's nursery, Noe and Nate were taking care of Skye.

"Your dad?" Nate asked.

"I gave him the same choice that you and Alex gave your dad," Noe answered. "To run or turn himself in. And he chose to run."

"I'm so sorry, Noe," Nate told her. 

From 3.21 "Husbands and Wives", at the library benefit, Serena and James were arguing.

Serena shook her head. "James, all I asked you to do was support me, and instead, you went behind my back."

"I have been doing nothing but supporting you through all of this all year this year and last year," James told her. "I have always been on your side. The one time I'm trying not doing what you want me to, I'm still on your side, and I'm still trying to help your family. So don't act like I haven't been helping your family all this time."

From 3.21 "Husbands and Wives", in the limo, Serena was on the phone with James. "There's nothing more to say."

"Are you still mad at me?" James asked.

"I don't want to talk about this right now," Serena told him, hanging up. She looked at Dan next to her. "I don't know what to say to James right now. He was right, but I just can't deal with it right now. I don't want to see James right now, because I knew that I would talk to him about it. And I don't want to talk right now."

Serena leaned her head on Dan's shoulder.

From 3.21 "Husbands and Wives", in the lobby of the Waldorf building, Blair and Chuck were talking.

"I'll be waiting at the top of the Empire State Building," Chuck told her. "If you're not there tomorrow, at 7:01, I'm closing my heart to you forever."

"Well, I won't be there," Blair replied.

In the closing, there was a screen shot of the Gossip Girl website, with a picture of Chuck looking at Blair after giving her his ultimatum in 3.21.

The headline read: Empire State Building of Mind

The caption underneath the picture read: Seems like it's do or die for Waldorf. Will B show up at the Empire State Building? Or will C be stood up? You know what I'm hoping for, but with these you, you can never be certain.

X•O°X•O

Worlds Colliding (Gossip Girl)

X•O°X•O

Day One

Morning - Grand Central Station

(Song:) You've Really Got a Hold On Me - Thao

Georgina was back in town, wearing a black with a very large coat that enveloped her completely, and wearing sunglasses along with a blonde wig for a disguise.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "You reap what you sow, what goes around comes around."

Georgina walked along, looking around, lowering her sunglasses for a split second before putting them back over her eyes. Despite her disguise, one of the women nearby recognized Georgina and took her picture to send to Gossip Girl.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "No matter how far you run, you can never truly escape. Everything catches up to you in the end. And when it does, it usually kicks your ass."

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Dining Room

Lily and Rufus were having breakfast, while Rufus was troubled after everything that happened.

Lily took a sip of coffee. "Jenny? Rufus, teenage girls are a nightmare. As soon as they realize that you'll love them no matter what they do, you lose all of your power. But I agree with what Noe, Marie, Hope, Zaya and Sadie were saying. She can't stay like this after everything she's done. She needs consequences. Of course there's not going to be any charges because she is family, but Nevaeh, Skylar, Zaya, Sadie and Laureen have all almost died because of her. And she can't continue to treat Hope and Marie as she does."

"I know," Rufus agreed. "I'm just trying to figure out what to do."

"Just talk to her," Lily told him. "Is she in her room?"

"No," Rufus answered. "After Zaya and Sadie's threats, she's been hiding away at the loft to not provoke them further and follow through on their promises about what they would do if she continued to stick around and make things worse. She's even already packing her things saying that they won't be happy with her even in Brooklyn, like Hope and Marie pointed out. Not after what Jenny did. Everything she did. But I'm not going to let them scare her off to run from her home. I know what she did to everyone was going way too far, but she's still my daughter."

Eric walked in. "Yeah, who nearly got my sister and niece killed, and my cousins and aunt. And is horrible to my other sisters. You can do whatever you want with Jenny."

"What are you talking about?" Lily asked. "She's your sister too."

Eric shook his head. "No, not by choice. She said so herself. So go ahead and send her crazy ass away and make it easier for everybody. Although if I were you, I'd do it sooner rather than later, before she hurts anybody else."

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Trio Penthouse - Alex's Room

Hope was already wake, wearing Alex's shirt. Alex was starting to wake up.

Hope looked at Alex. "Hey, good morning."

Alex had a little trouble waking up, but was still pleased to see Hope. "Hope. You're still here. I thought you were gonna head to the family penthouse."

Hope shook her head. "No, it was too late to head out. I was so tired after talking to you last night about everything. You know, my sister... or not my sister since she clearly doesn't want to be."

Alex took Hope's hand. "I'm sorry about that."

"Yeah, me too," Hope agreed. "Seriously, though, thanks for listening to me last night."

"Anytime," Alex told her. "You know I'm here for you, whatever you need."

Hope took Alex by the hand. "You know you can talk to me about anything too."

"Oh, I know," Alex agreed. "And I have in the past whenever I needed to. Lately, I don't have much to talk about in that way. You know, since my grandfather and my mother have backed off considerably through all of this so they're not as controlling as they used to be, at least for now. And with graduation coming up, I'll be done with high school and I can focus all my energy on Columbia next year, and no longer just auditing classes."

Hope smiled. "And you can start your career sooner rather than later."

"And so can you," Alex replied. "You've been making your own clothes since you were 8 years old. And you've been getting so far in FIT this year."

"And I know of famous designers who haven't even finished college courses like this who have made it big, so with me still going, but still working on my own things, and starting my own line sooner rather than later..." Hope trailed off.

"It'll be amazing to be able to accomplish both of our dreams so soon in our lives," Alex told her.

Hope smiled. "Yeah. It will be amazing."

Hope leaned in for a kiss.

Alex put up a hand. "I haven't even brushed my teeth."

Hope shook her head. "I don't care."

They both smiled, kissing.

Only to pull apart when the doors to the room opened, and Chuck walked in with a tray of food. "Morning, sunshines."

Alex and Hope pulled away, looking at Chuck in surprise and confusion.

"Dude, can you knock?" Alex asked. "And not barge in?"

Chuck sat on the bed in front of them, smirking. "Ah, save it. It's not like there was anything untoward happening. Although I was hoping to catch you two in the midst of something more than a sweet morning kiss after career/future pillow talk."

Alex and Hope both sighed, frustrated but amused.

"What are you doing?" Hope asked.

Chuck didn't answer but pushed the tray closer to them.

James walked up to the doorway, smirking in amusement. "I told him not to barge in, by the way."

Chuck smirked, waving James off.

"Hey, James," Alex told him. "Do you two mind? We are actually in the middle of something."

"Fully clothed," James stated. "How refreshing."

"You talk to Serena yet?" Hope asked.

"Not yet," James answered. "She's mad, but she'll cool off."

"Be careful, James," Chuck told him. "You and Serena are on thin ice. All it takes is someone to tap their foot and that cracks."

James nodded, tilting his head, skeptic. "Oh, what do you know about relationships?"

Chuck chuckled. "A lot. In fact, I'm about to save mine. I suggest you do the same if you can. I know you'll try, since this little frozen bit of your relationship is not your fault, but the question is, will she, since it's hers?"

James tried to brush him off, but knowing he had a point. "Hope, we should get going. Breakfast with the family."

"Right, the fam," Hope agreed, looking at Alex. "Mom has to travel over summer for work because of Diamond Enterprises, and Thyra and I want to help, but it's mostly stuff Mom has to do."

Alex nodded. "Got it. Tell Aurora bye for me."

Hope chuckled. "Oh, you'll probably get the chance to tell her yourself, Alex. And since you are graduating, what do you say to a little date for you and me today to celebrate?"

"I say hell yes," Alex answered.

Hope smiled and kissed Alex on the head, standing. "I need to get dressed, and you, Chuck, need to stop being so creepy, because James and I are not gonna mention the Empire State Building at breakfast to Blair. Though Thyra, Wyatt and Carter might."

"Then I so wish that Thyra, Wyatt and Carter will," Chuck replied.

Hope nodded, a bit flustered. "Okay."

Chuck was a bit amused. "Why, Hope, are you flustered being alone in the room with your boyfriend Alex, your one night stand from before the time you and I became adoptive step siblings, and James, who you shared a kiss with for a play before you realized you were a Diamond and Aurora's daughter, and therefore family to the Waldorfs and Baizens? If only Nate was here, since the other Archibald brother kissed you three years ago when he thought you were Noe. Ironic since our sister is dating James, and our other sisters Noe and Marie have both dated Carter."

James rolled his eyes, tilting his head. "Chuck."

Alex was slightly annoyed but not much, tilting his head. "Okay. Chuck, get out."

Hope waved sarcastically. "Bye."

James smirked slightly, rolling his eyes, shaking his head, out of the room. Chuck smirked, standing, walking out.

Alex and Hope exchanged a slightly awkward look, slightly amused, but sheepish.

X•O°X•O

Carter's Hotel Room

Carter and Marie were waking up in bed. The alarm went off, waking them both up, making Carter groan in annoyance. Carter hit the snooze button, turning to Marie, putting his arms around Marie from behind, settling in to go back to sleep.

Marie was amused. "We gotta get up, Carter."

"Not yet," Carter replied.

"Don't I get a say in this?" Marie teased.

Carter tried to go back to sleep. "Marie. Shh."

"But I'm awake now," Marie told him.

"I'm aware," Carter responded.

Marie sighed. Carter burrowed his head into Marie's neck, his breath against her skin causing goosebumps to rise, while also feeling the temperature of his body against hers.

Marie glanced behind her at Carter, downward, smirking. "You know what I'm aware of?" She grinned. Carter reached down to pull Marie's hips back into him. "Yeah, I thought you'd know what I meant."

Carter gave up in trying to go back to sleep since both were longing for each other, turning Marie to face him, so they could kiss passionately, heatedly. Carter positioned himself above Marie as they continued to make out, slowing down until the kisses were soft but still deep and passionate. Marie pulled away to breathe, smiling softly. 

Carter smirked, brushing back Marie's hair. "Good way to wake up."

Marie nodded. "Definitely. Especially knowing that there's a full on date for Brittany with you, Angela and Prince today."

"That's right," Carter agreed. "That should be interesting."

Marie smiled. "Definitely should."

"And as much as I hate to cut this short, I do have breakfast with the family," Carter told her.

Marie nodded knowingly. "I know. That's one reason why I was trying to get you up. This can continue sometime later."

Carter gave her another kiss. "Hopefully very soon."

X•O°X•O

Noe/Nate's Apartment - Skye's Nursery

Noe walked into Skye's nursery, who was squirming in her crib while crying. "Hey, you." She picked Skye up, beginning to bounce her, rubbing her back. "Shh."

Noe smiled at Skye happily, but was still upset after the events of 3.21 (just the day before).

Nate walked in, walking up behind Noe and Skye, wrapping his arms around Noe's waist so look over her shoulder at Skye, both Noe and Nate smiling softly.

Nate kissed Noe on the cheek. "You okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Noe asked.

"You didn't sleep much last night," Nate pointed out. "I know with your dad..."

"Yeah," Noe whispered. "Well, I'm trying to put him out of my mind."

"You don't want to talk about it?" Nate asked.

"No," Noe answered, sighing in defeat. "But I know I have to or this is gonna drive me insane. Or more so."

"You are not crazy," Nate told her.

Noe looked at him in amusement. "I think we're all a little crazy." They chuckled, before returning serious. "I just wish he never came back. And didn't play this game with us to try and get us back. Mom, me, Skye, we all got hurt in this."

"And you and Skye nearly died," Nate whispered sadly.

"Yeah," Noe agreed. "And I know you're worried, Nate, but I am still seeing Laureen after everything, and I will talk to her about all of this. And work through it. Okay?"

Nate nodded. "Okay. But you know I'm here to help. Anyway I can."

"I know," Noe answered. "And I love you for it. I love you for everything, Nate."

Nate smiled softly. "I love you too, Noe. For everything and anything."

Noe smiled a bit, cupping Nate's cheek as she kissed him softly and sweetly.

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Rooftop

Brooklyn and Thyra were standing on the rooftop, overlooking the city.

Thyra smiled at the sight of the city like this. "I never get tired of seeing the city from a rooftop. So beautiful."

Brooklyn looked at Thyra, smirking a slight smile. "Yeah. Not as much as you."

Thyra looked at Brooklyn, smiling in return. "Smooth."

Brooklyn bowed her head with a smirk. "Why, thank you."

Thyra laughed lightly, taking Brooklyn's hand in hers. "You know it doesn't compete with your beauty too."

"It was weird to stay here instead of at the penthouse with you," Brooklyn admitted. "But I think it's good for me to stay here sometimes. Give us both a little space when we need to."

"It's a good idea, but most of the time, we don't want to be apart," Thyra pointed out. "At nights anyway."

"Well, at least we can agree that we don't want to, but it's a good idea for us too," Brooklyn told her.

Brooklyn and Thyra chuckled, leaning their heads together.

"I should get going," Thyra told her. "Breakfast with my family. Carter, Hope and James probably are all ready to go already. And Blair and Wyatt will kill us if we're late."

"Yeah," Brooklyn agreed. "Go ahead. We can talk later."

"Definitely will," Thyra agreed. "Love you, Brooklyn."

Brooklyn kissed Thyra's hand that she held. "And I love you, Thyra."

Brooklyn and Thyra smiled, kissing passionately, pulling away only when Thyra had to leave, letting their hands slip from each other's as Thyra turned and walked away. Brooklyn watched her go with a slight smile, before turning to look out over the city.

X•O°X•O

Angela's Hotel Room

Angela was getting dressed when she heard her door open, slowly walking closer. Prince opened the door fully very suddenly, causing Angela to tense as if she was ready to fight before she realized who it was.

Prince leaned against the door frame, smiling charmingly. "Hey, there, Angela."

Angela hit him lightly in the chest. "Prince. Don't do that. Don't sneak up on a mercenary."

Prince chuckled, smiling. "Sorry. Did I scare you?"

"You did not scare me," Angela denied. "I was just about to kick whoever's ass that came in."

Prince nodded, amused ."Got it. Sorry. I just wanted to check to make sure that you, me, Brittany and Carter are still on for today and tonight."

"Yeah," Angela answered. "Carter just left with Hope, Thyra and James to have breakfast with Aurora, Blair, Wyatt, Eleanor and Cyrus. I was about to meet up with Dylan so we could take Theo for a walk in the park. But yeah."

"Great then," Prince told her. "I have some last minute things to do, while Carter's off having breakfast with his family, but I guarantee that you and Brittany will be blown away, Angela."

Angela smiled. "Well, I'm looking forward to seeing what you and Carter put together, Prince."

Prince took Angela by the hand, pulling her closer. "You won't be disappointed."

Angela smirked, teasingly. "I better not be."

Angela and Prince smirked slight smiles at each other, kissing deeply, passionately as Angela wrapped her arms around his neck.

X•O°X•O

Sadie's Room:

Dominic's Mansion - Sadie's Room

Sadie was getting ready to leave her room when she heard a knocking on her window, walking over to investigate, opening the window as Preston was climbing through, both of them falling to the floor when he hit Sadie, with Preston above her. They were both laughing lightly even though they were slightly stunned.

Preston looked down at Sadie, smiling. "Well, hello to you, too. Thanks for breaking my fall."

Preston stood, offering Sadie a hand.

Sadie took his hand, letting him help her up. "Yeah, ever try that again, I'll be saving your face with my fist. Especially since this is the second something like this happened. When we met, you hit me in the head with a damn door."

Preston sat on the bed, giving an amused, sheepish smile. "Sorry, Sadie."

Sadie smiled not-so-innocently. "Have I ever told you that you're my best friend and I would never do anything to hurt you?"

Preston smiled. "Yeah, and I still believe you... most of the time."

Sadie laughed, sitting next to Preston on the bed. "So, not that I don't like being welcomed with pain in my shoulder by my best friend... what are you doing here, Preston?"

Preston shrugged. "I just wanted to see you. And I had to get away from my house. My parents are back again and they are driving me and Prince nuts."

Sadie frowned, concerned. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," Preston told her. "At least I get away from them for the summer."

"Right," Sadie agreed. "Your summer tour. It's finally time."

"Finally, yeah," Preston agreed. "I'm just glad I managed to convince them to wait until the school year was over before sending me off."

Sadie took Preston's hand. "Well, whatever happens, you know I'll be here."

Preston smiled. "Yeah. Thanks, Sadie."

"Well, you've been there for me through the last couple of months through everything that happened," Sadie pointed out. "And you've even become a friend with my family and friends. It's the least I can do, Preston."

They both smiled.

X•O°X•O

Kitchen

Dominic and Laureen were getting breakfast ready for them, Zaya and Sadie.

Zaya walked in. "Hey, Mom. Hey, Dominic."

"Hey, Zaya," Dominic told her. "Sadie coming down?"

"In a few, from what she told me," Zaya answered.

Laureen walked toward Zaya, smiling at her. "And how was your date last night with Ellie?"

"It was actually, pretty good," Zaya answered. "I liked it. Ellie knows how to have a good time."

Sadie walked in. "Well, that's a good thing. You need some fun in your life, Zaya."

"Look who's talking, Sadie," Zaya replied.

The four of them smiled.

Dominic looked at Zaya. "Well, I'm glad that you had fun." He looked at Sadie. "Both of you deserve it."

"Thanks, Dominic," Sadie told him. "Speaking of, do you and Mom have anything planned?"

"Well, Dominic gave me some flowers and said that today is a day for us," Laureen answered. "But he didn't explain why." Zaya, Sadie and Dominic exchanged a knowing look and smile. "What's that look for?"

Zaya, Sadie and Dominic looked at Laureen innocently. "Nothing."

Laureen narrowed her eyes at them slightly in amusement. "Uh-huh."

"No, really," Zaya told her. "Who wants breakfast?"

"Me," Sadie answered. "I'm starving."

Dominic held a hand toward the table. "Ladies first."

Zaya and Sadie walked to the table, sitting down to start eating.

Laureen looked at Dominic. "What was that?"

Dominic chuckled. "Nothing, Laureen. Let's eat."

Dominic pulled out Laureen's chair for her so Laureen could sit down, walking around the table to sit down at his place. Zaya and Sadie exchanged a secretive smile from across the table, eating.

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Penthouse - Wyatt's Room

Wyatt was getting Theo dressed, smiling at him. "There you go, Theo."

Theo smiled, squealing.

Dylan walked closer, leaning against the table next to them, smiling at Wyatt. "Hi."

Wyatt smiled, shaking his head. "You always have to do that, don't you?"

"What?" Dylan asked, feigning innocence, smirking. "You know you can't resist this face or my charm."

Wyatt laughed. "So full of yourself."

"Is it really being full of myself if it's true?" Dylan replied.

Wyatt smiled. "I gotta head downstairs to family breakfast soon."

"Yeah, and I am meeting up with Angela so we can take Theo to the park while you're at family breakfast," Dylan added. "That should be better for everyone, right?"

"At least for now, but you and Theo are family, Dylan," Wyatt told him. "You and Brooklyn are almost always here anyway. And Angela's family to us because of Theo."

Dylan smiled. "True. I do gotta go, Wyatt."

"Right, yeah," Wyatt agreed. "Go ahead."

Dylan picked Theo up, smiling at him. "Hey, Theo."

Theo smiled, laughing with Dylan.

Wyatt smiled at them. "Oh, but, Dylan?" Dylan turned to Wyatt, holding Theo in one arm as Wyatt used Dylan's other arm to pull him closer, knowing what he was doing, smiling, wrapping his free arm around his neck as they kissed passionately, pulling away. Wyatt smiled, letting him go. "Just to give you something to get you through the day."

Dylan smirked, tilting his head. "Now who's full of himself?"

They both smiled.

"See you later," Wyatt told him.

"Later, we will see," Dylan agreed.

"Bye," Wyatt told them, waving at Theo.

Dylan took Theo's hand so he could wave to Wyatt. "Bye."

Theo giggled, causing Dylan and Wyatt to smile. Dylan turned around, walking out. Wyatt watched them go happily, smiling.

X•O°X•O

Dining Room

The Waldorf-Diamond-Baizens were having breakfast. Aurora, Eleanor and Cyrus included.

Dorota was nine months pregnant and due at any time, having difficulty with serving the tea tray. "I'm sorry. I--I cannot reach table."

Eleanor took the tray, putting it down on the table. "Just this once, Dorota. But if that baby does not arrive soon, we're going to have to look into getting you help."

"Believe me, I want this baby to come out as much as you do," Dorota told them.

Cyrus looked at the kids. "Now as soon as that moment comes, Eleanor and I are heading straight back to Paris."

"And I do have to head out of the city soon for business over the summer," Aurora told them. "Hope, Thyra, I know that you wanted to help, but this is something that neither of you have to get involved in."

"Okay, well, either way, let us know if you need assistance at any time over the summer, Aurora," Thyra told her, taking a bite.

"Yes, please, Mom," Hope agreed. "I mean, this summer spending the time away from you when last summer it was all the time with you and training."

Aurora nodded. "Definitely different, but we will still get to see each other, Hope. Don't you worry about that."

Hope reached out to take Aurora and Thyra's hands, all three smiling as the others smiled as well.

"What are you kids planning?" Cyrus asked.

"Nothing, beyond having a date with Alex after his graduation," Hope answered.

"And staying as far away as possible from the Empire State Building," Blair rambled fast.

"What's the Empire State Building have to do with anything?" Cyrus asked.

As Hope and James called, even though they wouldn't say anything about the Empire State Building, Thyra, Wyatt and Carter did.

"Thinking about 'Affair to Remember' or something a little more close to reality and heart, Blair?" Carter asked, teasing on the verge of taunting as usual.

Blair gave Carter a look. "Shut up, Carter."

"Blair loves the Empire State Building, even though she doesn't want to, and she should just admit it and make all our lives easier," Thyra told them.

"I love nothing, except for shoes, clothes and anything Harry Winston," Blair denied.

Wyatt nodded sarcastically. "Whatever you say, sister."

Hope and James exchanged a knowing look, smirking at how they were right, clinking their glasses, drinking.

"Hmm, Blair, no shame in admitting to what you deny to even yourself," James told her.

"I'm not denying or admitting anything," Blair replied. "Now, Dorota, would you please get me some steamed milk? 'Cause this is ice cold." She looked at Thyra, Wyatt, James, Carter and Hope. "Side bar, now."

James looked at Aurora, Eleanor and Cyrus. "Excuse us."

Blair, Thyra, Wyatt, James, Carter and Hope stood, walking out of the room.

Eleanor frowned. "They get stranger and stranger."

Aurora smirked. "Mm-hmm."

Aurora took a sip of tea.

X•O°X•O

Living Room

Blair turned to look at the other WDBZ kids. "Since it appears you have taken an interest in the deadline a certain Bass-hat set for me, I'm calling you into service."

Carter shook his head. "No can do. Prince and I've got to finish up setting a date with Brittany and Angela."

"Oh, the first real poly date," Thyra mused ."That should be interesting. Good luck, Carter. I'm sure Marie/alters, Prince and Angela will be thrilled."

Hope looked at Blair. "And I didn't say anything about you-know-what, so I'm still gonna go on my date with Alex since he is graduating."

"Though I don't know when Dylan will be back with Theo after they walk with Angela before the date with Marie/alters, Prince and Carter, so I have some time to spare," Wyatt admitted.

Thyra shrugged. "I guess Brooklyn and I can free up some time."

"I got to talk to Serena and settle everything," James told them. "So can't tag along today."

Blair sighed. "Fine. James, Hope and Carter are out, but Thyra and Wyatt, you're in. And Brooklyn and Dylan if they can be."

"And what are we going to be doing?" Thyra asked.

"Chaperoning me with a date I have with Cameron, the guy I saw at Marie's rave," Blair answered. "I need to make sure that no matter what happens, I don't go anywhere near that stupid art deco landmark."

"Blair, you told us not let what happened get in the way of our friendships with Chuck, even though we are still plenty pissed at him," James told her.

"But you have to admit, this is pretty romantic, this thing he's doing," Hope told her. "If not going means never having Chuck in your life again, are you prepared to live like that?"

Blair didn't know for sure. "Yes. But even if I'm not, if you let me go anywhere near 34th street, there won't be a miracle but a massacre." Dorota walked closer with Blair's drink. Blair took it. "Dorota, put on your walking shoes. You're coming with me, Brooklyn, Dylan, Thyra and Wyatt. Hope, Alex, Carter, Marie's alters, Angela and Prince aren't the only ones who have a date today. And James has to deal with Serena. Let's go."

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Trio Penthouse - Living Room

Alex was about to leave for his own date with Hope.

Georgina, still in disguise, walked off the elevator.

Alex turned to look at Georgina, frowning. "Georgina?"

"Da," Georgina answered. "Nice hotel, by the way, for the Upper West Side."

"I hope you're not here to get back at anyone," Alex told her. "'Operation ditch the bitch in Belarus' was Blair's idea."

"I don't want revenge, against you or the Crew," Georgina told him. "I need help. I'm scared."

Alex was skeptical, tilting his head, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Even if I believed you, I wouldn't care. Not after what you pulled with Marie at her parents's wedding, so less. Not to mention everything with Noe, Hope, Eric, Serena, Dan and me, since those things make what you did with messing with Blair and Wyatt at college look like child's play."

"This isn't like the other times, Alex," Georgina told him. "The Russians don't mess around. It's really cold there, and there's, like, barely any designer jeans, and the average citizen drinks about 3 pints of pure alcohol a year."

"Unless a one-way ticket on the 'Siberian Express' is what you're looking for, I'm out," Alex told her. "So if you wouldn't mind, I have a date with Hope to go to."

"Maybe I could just wait here until you get back?" Georgina asked.

Alex scoffed. "Or I could see you out now. It's either me or security."

Alex held a hand toward the elevator, giving Georgina a look. Georgina sighed, giving in, walking toward the elevator with Alex.

X•O°X•O

Street

Hope was waiting by a limo.

Alex walked closer with some flowers. "Wow. You look... badass yet beautiful."

"And you're always the most subtle tool in the shed," Hope replied sarcastically. "Thank you."

"Let me guess, Blair, Thyra or Brooklyn made you change into something that could be suitable for a date?" Alex asked.

"Yep," Hope answered. "They made me change before we even had breakfast."

They laughed.

Alex smiled, handing her the flowers. "Here you go."

Hope smiled in surprise, smelling them. "Alex, these are beautiful. I should be gifting you, by the way, not the other way around, since it is you that is graduating."

Alex shrugged. "You're the only thing I need." They both smiled. "Ready to go?"

"Definitely," Hope answered.

Alex wrapped an arm around Hope, leading to the limo, as both got in, smiling.

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Jenny was just getting home with a coffee, seeing Serena's jacket on the table, placing her coffee cup down on the table, walking toward Dan's room, seeing that Dan and Serena were sleeping in Dan's bed while Serena was sleeping in Dan's shirt, smirking, taking a picture of them on her phone, turning around, walking away.

X•O°X•O

Dan's Room

Serena's ringing phone woke up Dan. Dan reached across Serena to grab her phone, opening it, seeing that it was James calling, but he hit ignore call.

Serena started to wake up. "What time is it?"

Dan checked the time on the phone before he closed it. "Uh, it's later than either of us wants it to be. By that, I mean morning."

Serena got up in a hurry. "Oh, my God."

"Wow," Dan said. "That's not usually the reaction I hope for, when waking up next to a woman."

"It's not that and you know it," Serena told him, pulling on her pants. "Oh. Last night was--"

"Don't even finish those words, unless they end with 'was a mistake'," Dan told her. "I mean, right?"

Serena nodded. "Right. Right. My thoughts exactly." She pulled off Dan's shirt, revealing her tank top underneath. "I mean, we're--we're both in relationships."

Dan sat up in his tank to start to get dressed for real. "Yeah. Yeah, it was--it was totally meaningless."

"I mean, we just fell asleep," Serena told him.

"Yeah, after an entire bottle of wine and a whole lot of silence," Dan told her.

"And one kiss," Serena added, rolling her eyes, walking out of the room.

"Did that even happen?" Dan asked. "I'm not sure--I'm not sure that happened."

X•O°X•O

Living Room

Serena walked toward the table to grab her jacket, pulling it on.

Dan walked after her. "You know, all I remember is--is you falling asleep on my arm, and then my not being able to move it. In fact, I don't even know if I still can."

"Like, I--I was just upset, and you were there for me, but I didn't have to talk, just like I didn't want to talk in the first place," Serena told him. "It was just a couple of old friends falling into a comfortable pattern for a minute... or ten. And I love James."

"I love Vanessa," Dan told her.

Serena started to walk for the door, turning back. "Do we have to tell anyone?"

Dan shook his head. "Not on your life. No. I mean, there's no reason to explode our whole world just for some meaningless kiss between old friends."

Serena nodded, awkward and guilty and conflicted. "Whatever this was, it's just between us. So... it's not like we can't keep that safe. Call me if you need anything."

Dan nodded. "Okay. All right."

Serena went in for a hug. "Bye."

(Song:) Dead Man's Party - A Thorn For Every Heart

However, Dan went in for a kiss, but stopped. "Bye. That was a mistake. It was completely random. It was gravity."

Serena nodded awkwardly, turning to leave. "Okay. Bye."

"You were going for the hug," Dan told her. "I--I went for the..."

X•O°X•O

Park

Angela and Dylan were walking the park with Theo, holding his hands as they did since Theo could not walk on his own quiet yet, but he was getting close. Both their phones went off, and they checked the notification.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Spotted. A family reunion only Faulkner would approve of."

Angela and Dylan exchanged a look of surprise.

Angela picked Theo up, holding him close. Theo smiled at Angela, giggling, fingers tangling in her hair as he was playing with it.

X•O°X•O

Nearby Preserve

At a beautiful forest reserve, Hope and Alex got out of their ride for their date to be able to walk together, when they saw the Gossip Girl blast, both in shock, looking at each other.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "I used to think that S and Lonely Boy were the most boring couple on the Upper East Side."

X•O°X•O

Limo

Preston and Prince saw the Gossip Girl blast while driving, raising their eyebrows.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "But what makes them actually great together?"

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Trio Penthouse - Living Room

James was just getting back to the penthouse, reading the Gossip Girl blast. Chuck walked out of his room, seeing the blast as well. James looked at Chuck. Chuck made a gesture of apology, not knowing what to say.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Is when they're supposed to be with other people. Sorry, James."

X•O°X•O

Dominic's Mansion - Outside

Zaya and Sadie were walking outside, when they saw the blast.

Zaya scoffed. "You've got to be kidding me."

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Building - Outside

Blair, Thyra, Wyatt and Carter walked outside toward their limos to head out. Brooklyn was walking up to them when they all got the blast, exchanging a look of surprise, annoyed that Serena would have done this to James.

X•O°X•O

Noe/Nate's Apartment - Living Room

Noe and Nate were taking care of Skye when they got the blast, both looking at each other in surprise.

Noe shook her head. "Oh, no."

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Marie's Room

Marie looked at the blast, scoffing. "Serena, what the hell are you doing?"

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Dan's phone went off. He looked at the blast, looking at Jenny's coffee cup on the table, knowing she was the only one that could have taken that picture.

X•O°X•O

Street

Serena hailed a cab, getting into the back. "76th and 5th, please." She checked her phone when it went off, busted. "Actually make that the Empire Hotel, and quick."

The cab driver drove away, while Serena was trying to figure out what she was going to say to James.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Good luck talking your way out of this one, S."

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Serena was still driving in the cab, calling Noe.

Noe was still at home with Nate, answering her phone. "I hope you're on your way to see James."

"You saw the blast?" Serena asked.

"Yes," Noe answered. "And although I'm inclined to say that Gossip Girl doesn't know what she's talking about, since she also posted some blurry photo of a Russian mail-order bride and said it was Georgina, that really did look like you and Dan. Our stepbrother! And the actual brother to our half-sister. The thought alone that you hooked up with our sister Marie's half-brother is really revolting."

"I did not hook up with him, and thanks for that," Serena told her. "Making it more awkward than it already is."

"When was it ever not awkward?" Noe asked.

"I only kissed him," Serena told her.

"That's not any better," Noe told her. "I mean, isn't that a little '08, like maxi dresses and Miley Cyrus?"

"Noe," Serena said. "Look, we all try on old clothes from time to time, and we may even be surprised when they still fit."

"But that doesn't mean we should wear them again, ever," Noe told her. "Especially when the so-called old outfit is our brother. And I can't believe you would do that to James. Also, why are you talking about boys like they're clothes?"

"Drop it," Serena told her. "As for the photo, it was obviously the work of Jenny Humphrey. I knew she hated you, me, Zaya, Sadie, Marie and Hope, but apparently she hates Dan too. I just wish she would hole up in Brooklyn and leave the rest of us alone."

"Oh, well, Zaya and Sadie said they were on their way to confront her again since clearly they're not happy with her just being in Brooklyn, after everything she's done," Noe told her.

"Well, let them have at it, because none of us can put up with her anymore," Serena told her. "Look, I--I gotta go call Dan and make sure he knows what's going on. Bye."

X•O°X•O

Street

Carter, Blair, Thyra, Wyatt, Brooklyn and Dorota were walking along.

"I swear, Jenny's just asking for Zaya and Sadie to rip her apart," Brooklyn told them.

"Yeah, well, let them have at it," Thyra replied. "I'm done with her completely."

"When have you ever not been?" Wyatt asked.

"When Hope asked us to try and make her family work with both sides," Thyra answered.

Carter tilted his head, shrugging. "That's true."

"Us being bridged as a big happy family was never gonna work anyway," Blair told them.

Dylan and Angela walked up to them with Theo.

"Hey, guys," Dylan told them. "Saw the blast. I have no idea what the hell Serena is thinking. Or why she would do that to James."

"Especially since James has been nothing but good to Serena," Brooklyn agreed.

"Hope and Alex already went out for their date," Blair told them. "And I need Thyra, Wyatt and Dorota with me to help keep me away from the Empire State Building."

"And clearly James needs to talk to Serena," Carter told them. "Angela, you and I should be heading out to meet with Marie/alters and Prince."

"Yes," Angela agreed. "Are you guys sure that you don't need..."

"We'll be fine, Angela," Wyatt assured. "Go, have fun."

"Seriously," Dylan agreed. "Brooklyn, Theo and I can help Blair, Thyra, Wyatt and Dorota out."

"Totally," Brooklyn agreed.

Thyra gave Carter and Angela a slight nudge. "Go. We insist."

Carter smirked. "Fine."

"Okay," Angela agreed, handing Theo to Dylan, kissing Theo on the head, smiling at him. "Bye, Theo."

Theo babbled happily, eyes gleaming at the sight of Dylan, Wyatt and Angela, and his aunts and uncles, causing everyone to smile.

"Yeah, it's all right," Wyatt told him.

Dylan looked at Carter and Angela. "Go on. Things are finally slowing down enough we can live our lives like this, so go."

"Have fun," Blair agreed.

"Thanks, guys," Angela told them.

They nodded. Carter and Angela turned around, walking away.

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Living Room

Dan walked into the apartment, answering his phone. "Hey."

Serena was on the other line, in her cab. "So now that our morning seems to have made it all over Manhattan..."

Dan had a shady look. "Yeah, I saw that."

"I just wanna make sure we're still on the same page," Serena told him.

"Uh, absolutely," Dan said. "I don't wanna jeopardize my friendship with James or my relationship with Vanessa just as much as you don't want to jeopardize your relationship with James or your friendship with Vanessa."

Serena frowned. "Are you friends with James?"

"Friendly enough to not want him to get upset over a kiss," Dan told her.

"A meaningless kiss," Serena added. "It was meaningless, right?"

Dan didn't answer.

Marie walked downstairs. "Dan, is that you?"

Dan spoke into the phone. "Uh, you know, I gotta go. Good luck."

Dan hung up.

Marie walked closer. "You and Serena have a lot of explaining to do."

"You saw Gossip Girl?" Dan asked.

"Clearly," Marie answered. "What the hell are you two thinking?"

"Uh, yeah, you know, Marie, this is really awkward talking about it to you, of all people," Dan told her.

Marie nodded sarcastically. "Uh, yeah, I would hope so, considering that I'm the sister that both you and Serena share. Imagine how awkward it is for me."

Dan nodded in acknowledgement. "Yeah, yeah, I see your point."

"Besides, how could you two do that to James and Vanessa?" Marie asked.

"One, nothing happened," Dan told her. Marie tilted her head skeptically, knowingly. "Two, you don't even like Vanessa."

"Because she can be a judgmental bitch," Marie told him. "You two fit well."

Dan nodded sarcastically. "Oh, thanks. And for three, we're cool with James."

"Uh-huh," Marie said.

"Have you seen Jenny?" Dan asked. "I need to find her. I need to talk to her about why she took the picture."

"I thought she was with you," Marie told him.

Dan shook his head. "No, she--she wasn't there when I woke up, and she wasn't there when I went to sleep either, which wasn't until, like, 4:00."

Rufus walked closer. "Wait. She wasn't at home all night?" Dan shook his head. "Where the hell was she?"

"Who the hell knows?" Marie asked. "She already plotted on hurting someone else in her family."

"I wish I didn't have to say this, Dad, but she's out of control," Dan told him. "I mean, everything with Noe, Skye, Zaya, Sadie and Laureen. The way she's treated Marie. First, she tries to break up Hope and Alex, and then yesterday, it was your marriage, and today it's James and Serena, Vanessa and me."

"She's gotta be stopped," Marie told him. "We told you before and we'll keep saying it until you actually do something about it. I've got a date to go to, or well, Brittany does with Carter, Angela and Prince, but let me know when you actually decide to do something to stop all the horrible things she's done."

Marie turned around, walking out, leaving Rufus and Dan in shock, speechless.

Rufus looked at Dan. "We should go wait for her at the loft. She's bound to show up there sooner than here."

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Trio Penthouse - Living Room

Now Chuck was the only one here.

Serena stepped off the elevator, seeing Chuck. "Hey, have you seen James?"

"I have no idea where he is, though I do have a good idea where you've been," Chuck told her.

"Chuck..." Serena trailed off.

"Look, before you go and use whatever line you've prepared, think hard," Chuck told her. "James knows who he loves and what he wants, and he knows how far he'll go for the people he loves. And he's gone to hell and back for you already. So unless you can say the same, look him in the eye and tell him that or stop playing games." James stepped off the elevator with a maid behind him. "Courage, ma soeur [my sister]." Chuck walked away, leading the maid with her cart with him. "Please."

They left James and Serena alone.

James looked at Serena, sighing. "Hey."

"Hi," Serena said.

"Are you going to start, or do I have to?" James asked.

"Nothing happened with Dan," Serena lied. "We just fell asleep talking."

James was not convinced. "Oh, really?"

"James, you and I both screwed up," Serena told him. "I only turned to Dan because I was mad at you for going behind my back with the Crew."

"Because you would not see the truth right in front of you," James told her. "Even when you knew Noe and Skye almost died because of your father, you still took his side, because he had you under his spell like he did with Lily. The rest of us didn't fall for it, so don't be mad at us for it. What he did was really wrong, and we didn't even know it had anything to do with your dad until after you and I fought last night. We were just trying to figure out why Holland lied about Rufus and why she was giving the wrong pills to Lily. What we did was not screwing up. You just didn't want to talk because you knew that I was right, and so was everyone else."

Serena was guilty. "I know, and I'm sorry. Okay?"

"And I'm sorry about your dad, but why would you go to Dan after all that after you knew that we were right and were only trying to do the right thing?" James asked.

Serena shook her head. "I don't know. I just... I didn't want to talk. I wasn't ready to talk. And I knew that if I was with you, then I would've talked, either because you wanted to, or because I would've started talking on my own, and I wasn't ready for that."

James nodded, looking away. "So you went to the guy that you know that you don't have to talk about anything."

"Yes, but nothing happened," Serena told him. "James... I love you. I just wanna make things work again."

James looked at her for a moment, and even though he had every right to be mad, he couldn't find it in him to be mad. "Nothing happened?"

Serena shook her head. "Nothing happened. I just wanna go back to being us. I know that it'll be hard, but I do wanna try."

James nodded. Serena manage da small smile.

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Jenny was sitting at the counter between the living room and kitchen. The door was slightly open.

Zaya and Sadie walked in.

Jenny turned to look at them, nervous. "Zaya. Sadie. What are you doing here?"

Sadie shrugged, glaring. "Someone has to give you the smackdown you so richly deserve. That it's us who get to do it again is just the cherry on top."

"Bring it on," Jenny told them. "I knew there'd be more fallout after last night and this morning."

"When are you gonna get it?" Zaya asked. "For three years, you've tried to worm your way into our world, but you will never be a part of it no matter what you do. The things you've done isn't copycat dressing at Constance or dumping dairy on your best friend to prove a point. Nearly getting some of us killed like me, Sadie, Noe, Skye and our mom? Taunting Marie about Vincent and being a bitch to her when she's only tried to be there for you since she's got here? You nearly took Noe and Skye away from Nate on their wedding day, for God's sake. And trying to split up Hope and Alex, and James and Serena?"

"Noe/Nate, Hope/Alex and James/Serena are mythic," Sadie told her. "You don't mess with all of us and survive. You're hurting people we love. You're hurting people you love."

"Luckily, Hope and Alex got through your little attempt on them stronger than ever," Zaya told her. "And Noe, Nate and Skye finally get the happy family that they deserve. James loves Serena, and Dan loves Vanessa, God knows why. The entire Crew has someone that they love. Brooklyn and Thyra, Dylan and Wyatt, Marie and the alters with Carter, Angela and Prince, Blair with Chuck. Preston's crush with Sadie. And all of that, it is mythic."

Sadie gave Zaya a look, before looking at Jenny. "But you, Jenny? No one loves you, except Rufus. And after what you pulled yesterday, who knows if that's even true anymore?" Rufus walked in. "Well, I guess you'll find out now."

"Good luck staying in town when you know we can make your life a living hell like you've done to all of us," Zaya told her. "Since your bags are packed, I would just go ahead and get the hell out of our lives, Little J. Sooner the better for everyone."

"You're done here," Sadie told her. "You might as well make it easier on yourself and everyone else to just leave before you make anything else worse."

Jenny glared at them, but was too nervous and scared to say anything in response.

Zaya smirked slightly, knowing they won, tilting her head, turning around, walking past Rufus and out of the loft.

Sadie gave Jenny a smug little smile, smirking, turning around, walking out.

Jenny looked down, every word getting under her skin, and looking like she really did want to leave after everything that happened, and knowing that it was the only way to avoid more war with Zaya and Sadie and the rest of the Crew.

X•O°X•O

Outside

Dan was getting out of the cab.

Zaya and Sadie walked outside.

Zaya gave Dan a glare. "We're in luck. Two smackdowns for the price of one."

Zaya hit Dan in the arm.

"What the hell are you doing?" Dan asked.

"Don't screw up James and Serena," Zaya told him.

"Nothing happened," Dan told them.

Sadie tilted her head skeptically. "So said Serena, but we're thinking she left a little something out."

Sadie hit Dan in the arm.

"Considering that you and Serena are stepsiblings, and you share a flesh-and-blood sister named Marie, and you're both with James and Vanessa, maybe you should back off," Zaya told him.

"It's the kind of disgusting thing that we expect you to do, but don't make anyone else pay for your revulsions, Dumphrey," Sadie told him.

Dan was stunned speechless by that. "Uh, okay. Uh..."

Zaya and Sadie walked away, leaving Dan speechless.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Only fools could cross Zaya and Sadie when they're set on vengeance and justice for the ones they love. Luckily for their Crew, these two would do anything maintain their safety and happiness. Too bad happiness doesn't come for all of them. Time will only tell if it's only James's hearts that is getting broken."

X•O°X•O

Beautiful Preserve

(Song:) Falling Like the Stars - James Arthur

Hope and Alex were walking together through the beautiful forest preserve for their date.

Hope was trying not to trip. "These heels might kill me here. Damn Blair, Thyra and Brooklyn."

Alex smiled. "That's them for you. I could help."

Alex picked Hope up in his arms, spinning her around, making her laugh.

Hope held onto his shoulders, smiling. "Alex!"

"What?" Alex asked. "I don't want heels to be the things that kill you after everything we've been through.'

Alex walked around the corner with Hope still in his arms, putting her down, showing her the beautiful dinner waiting there at a gazebo.

Hope smiled, awestruck, turning back to see Alex's sweet smile. "Alex... this is beautiful."

Alex rested his hands on Hope's shoulders, smiling. "I figured you'd like it."

"Certainly taking the 'down to earth' theme of us to another level here," Hope told him in amusement, smiling.

Alex smirked, kissing Hope's cheek. "Yeah, but you love it."

"Yeah, I do," Hope answered.

Alex led Hope to the gazebo and their table, a hand on her back, pulling out a chair for her. "There you go."

Hope sat down. Alex brought over a tray of all types of food, sitting down across from Hope. They smiled, starting to eat.

"This is amazing," Hope told him.

"Yeah?" Alex asked.

"Definitely," Hope answered.

Alex smirked teasingly, almost smiling, pouring them drinks. "I'm glad you think so."

Alex and Hope clinked their drinks, drinking.

"What are you thinking about?" Hope asked.

"Graduation," Alex answered. "Officially leaving the refuge of high school and beginning my real life. But what about that life after graduation? As we go into the world, what matters most? Is it about the things we created? The things we achieve? The awards we win? Is it about who we are when we fail? What's more important? What we become or how we become it?"

"I think all of the above," Hope answered.

Alex chuckled, taking a sip. "Yeah, you're right."

Hope smirked, tilting her head, smiling sweetly. "Always am."

Alex laughed lightly. "Just because you're a genius does not make you always right."

Hope smiled, shrugging. "Sure it does."

Hope looked down, thinking.

"Now my turn to ask," Alex told her. "What are you thinking about?"

"Serena and Dan and the blast," Hope answered. "And Jenny after everything. I just wish that things can be drama-free for a day. Is that too much to ask?"

"In the Upper East Side?" Alex asked. "Yes."

They both chuckled.

"Still, I don't want to assume that anything happened more than it did where my adoptive brother and stepsister are concerned," Hope admitted. "I mean, Gossip Girl also said that Georgina was in town but it showed a picture of a blonde."

Alex looked down, nodding. "Yeah, uh, actually.... Gossip Girl was right about that part."

"What do you mean?" Hope asked.

"Georgina came to the Empire looking for me earlier," Alex answered. "I was planning on telling you after the date because I didn't want anything to ruin it."

Hope nodded, setting her jaw, looking away. "Okay. I trust you, and I know that you were gonna tell me. What did Georgina want?"

"She said that she needed my help and that she was scared of something," Alex answered. "But I know better than to believe anything she has to say. I kicked her out and headed straight for you because of our date. And even if I did believe her, I wouldn't care after everything she did. You know that, Hope."

"I know," Hope agreed. "And good."

Hope frowned at her response.

"What?" Alex asked.

"The first thing I say is 'good', about how you wouldn't care, even if Georgina really did need help," Hope told him. "Jenny said that I changed too much, and that... that kinda proves that I did. Because before, I would've helped anyone, no matter what they would've done."

"Okay, but with Georgina, that doesn't really count after everything she did to you, me and our friends and family," Alex pointed out.

"Yeah, but you know that I've changed, Alex," Hope told him. "I just... I don't know if it's good change or not."

"You went through so much in such a short amount of time, Hope," Alex pointed out. "So of course that would change you."

"But is it a good change, or bad change?" Hope asked.

"That's for you to decide," Alex told her. "But the things that are different now? You can stand up for yourself now more than ever. You're putting yourself first instead of taking care of everyone around you first. You are family with the Rhodes and Diamonds, who are always encouraging you to do your best and not hold yourself back because of jealousy or another petty reason like the Humphreys did. And you have the world at your feet, and you can really start your career for real next year. You've gone to far lengths for the people that love you, and did anything to defend them and get justice for them. Those are good things, Hope."

"So you still like me for the girl I am now, rather than the girl I was when we met?" Hope asked.

Alex took Hope's hand. "I loved the naïve, sweet, vulnerable and innocent Hope, but I love the strong, wise, still kind and humble Hope that you are now. I loved you then and I love you now."

Hope smiled in relief. "Thanks, Alex."

Alex smiled. "Besides, it's not like you're the only one that's changed. Three years ago, I said that I would do whatever I had to do and get what I wanted with my future, a future that was not controlled by my family, but at the time, I didn't know what that was. I just knew that I would do anything to get there. No matter how hard I had to work. But now I know, and I'm on the brink of getting it all, just like you."

Hope nodded in agreement, smiling, tilting her head. "You changed from a laidback, slight-stoner boy to one of the hardest working Crew members, and you can get everything you want next year too. Still rebellious and full of spirit and humble, though."

"Yep," Alex agreed. "And that's all that matters. Even if we change, we still found ourselves, who we're supposed to be, and about to get everything that we worked so hard for. The world is ours for the taking, Hope Diamond."

Hope couldn't help but smile. "And I'm ready to take it, Alex Archibald."

Hope and Alex laughed, smiling at each other, kissing slowly and passionately.

X•O°X•O

Noe/Nate's Apartment - Bedroom

Noe and Nate were laying together, with Skye nestled between them safely with her blankets propping up her head, and keeping her warm, as they both held her.

Noe turned her head away to hide a yawn, her yawn squeaking a little bit.

Nate laughed lightly. "Your yawn is so cute."

Noe pushed him lightly in the chest. "No, it's not. It's embarrassing."

Nate chuckled, sliding closer to lace his fingers in Noe's hair so they could meet gazes. "Nothing about you is embarrassing."

Noe smiled slightly. "You were right. I didn't sleep much last night."

"Yeah, understandably," Nate agreed. "Not just because of Skye, but..."

"My dad," Noe finished. "And I know you're worried, but..."

"You're seeing Laureen still," Nate told her. "It's okay. You get to talk to her. But you know you can talk to me too."

Noe nodded in agreement. "I know."

Noe looked down, trailing a hand along Skye's head softly.

"What are you thinking about?" Nate asked.

Noe looked up at Nate. "Ever since the car crash... both of them, actually. I feel like I've been living in a bubble."

"A bubble?" Nate repeated.

Noe nodded. "Yeah. A little protective bubble that the Crew and our family keeps putting me in, whether it's keeping me in the dark while I had amnesia and because of the head/brain trauma, or after the second one, when I had to be on bed rest for months, and people had to keep me from knowing too much or keep too much stress from getting to me, and I was cooped up all the time."

Nate nodded in agreement. "Right, yeah. I see how that's like a bubble."

"Yeah," Noe agreed. "But no more."

"So..." Nate trailed off. "What?"

"I want all new experiences all the time," Noe answered. "You know how they say your life flashes before your eyes in an accident? Well, mine did, and all I saw was schemes, drama, danger, parties that always get ruined by some drama or something horrible, and just a lot of nothing else. There's so much more out there. There's things I haven't tried. Things I haven't even thought about trying, and I want to try. I mean, I know I can't try all of them because of the head and brain trauma from the crashes and my hands are shaking like all the time, so I know that sewing or playing guitar or anything like that is off the books, but..."

"I get it, Noe," Nate told her reassuringly. "And I want you to try and do everything you can. And if it's something you need help with, then I can help. I want to. Sound like a plan?"

Noe nodded. "Definitely. I'm not going to live the way I used to anymore. I'm going to live like there's no time and that every day could be my last, because I've already had three super close brushes with death, and I don't know what could happen. None of us do."

"I know," Nate agreed. "But you're safe here, in my arms, with me and Skye." Noe nodded, smiling slightly. "But we get to live lives too. Carpe diem."

Noe smiled. "Exactly."

Nate wrapped his arm around Noe, and Noe leaned her head on his arm, both looking at Skye between them, smiling softly, looking up at each other, sharing a gentle, sweet and loving kiss.

X•O°X•O

Movie Theater

Carter had his hands over Brittany's eyes, while Prince had his hands over Angela's eyes, both leading the two girls into a big, dark room.

"Where the hell are we going?" Angela asked.

"We're here," Prince told them.

Brittany smiled. "So we can see now?" Carter and Prince removed their hands from over their eyes. Brittany looked at the empty movie theater room around them. "What is this?"

Angela noticed a basket. "What's in the basket, and what am I smelling?"

"I made sure that we have the whole movie theater to ourselves," Carter explained. He looked at Angela in amusement. "And your first question is what's in the basket?"

"Yeah," Angela answered. "It smells good. What's in it?"

Prince laughed. "Let's sit down and find out."

They sat down on the lower level of the seating area.

"Okay, how to do this," Brittany said. "We want good seats, so the center of the theater. Now, what are we watching?"

"Favorite movies, from each of us," Carter answered.

Brittany smiled, whispering. "Aw, that's sweet. We all get to watch each other's favorite movies."

"Why are you whispering?" Angela asked in amusement. "There's no one here."

"I don't know," Brittany admitted. "It's just a natural thing that happens to me in a theater. Now, back to your question. What the hell's in the basket?"

Prince opened the basket, setting out food over the blanket. "Food that both of you have never got to try." Brittany and Angela both smiled, touched. "Carter may have always had to rely on room service and maids, but some rich people do know how to cook for themselves, and I do."

"Hey," Carter complained, causing the other three to laugh. "I spent a long time away from the rich way of life, just so you know, and I managed just fine on my own when it came to food."

Angela smirked. "Uh-huh. Sure you did."

"I am not eating yet, because then Nick would come running to the front," Brittany told them.

Prince smiled. "Don't worry. You can switch to whoever whenever during all this."

"Yeah, this is a date for all of us, if possible," Angela agreed. "So don't worry about switching to any of the alters, Brittany."

Brittany smiled. "Thanks, but I still want to stay, so food will wait."

"Got it," Carter said in amusement.

Angela took a bite of food. "Holy... this is delicious. Thank you, Prince."

Prince smiled. "No problem."

"Carter, Prince, thank you for all of this," Brittany told them.

"Yeah," Angela agreed. "To get an entire movie theater to ourselves is such an over-the-top Carter Baizen move." Carter smirked, shrugging in agreement. "But well-appreciated. And thanks for the thoughtful food, Prince Shea. Looks like the two bad boy heart throbs do have soft hearts after all."

Carter and Prince didn't know how to answer to that, just shrugging, causing Brittany and Angela to smile.

"Do we have alcohol here?" Brittany asked.

"Yeah," Carter answered. "That was my job."

Carter reached for the bottle of bourbon, handing it over.

"Bourbon, amazing food, three amazingly hot people alone with me in a dark movie theater..." Brittany trailed off. "Could my day get any better?"

They laughed lightly.

"Yeah," Prince answered. "We have gifts."

"Gifts?" Angela repeated in surprise. "You two really went all out. Maybe we should've dressed more for the occasion."

"You look perfect," Carter and Prince both told them, exchanging a look at how they both said it.

Brittany and Angela smiled.

Brittany smirked, tilting her head. "Oh, well, we know we look perfect in anything we wear. We don't need confirmation, but thanks for noticing."

Angela smirked, nodding in amusement, leaning back on her arms as they propped her up, tilting her head slightly.

Brittany looked between Carter, Angela and Prince, looking a little lost on who she wanted to kiss.

"So, Carter tells us that Marie wanted to get tattoos on her hands and wrist with each alter name so you could always just show people who is fronting at the time, so that way if you're in public, you guys don't have to say it out loud, because you guys wanted to be discrete about everything because of how people treat you, now and in the past," Prince stated.

"Yeah," Brittany agreed. "I'm surprised you remembered that, Carter. Marie told you that when summer was ending right before you two hooked up for the first time."

Carter shrugged. "Well, hard to forget, since Marie then showed me her other two tattoos that night."

Angela raised her eyebrow in curious amusement, looking at Brittany. "You have more tattoos?"

"Yep," Brittany answered, raising her shirt slightly to show the tattoos on either hip, pointing to the tattoo on her right hip. "Celtic symbol for inner strength and new beginnings." She pointed to the tattoo on her left hip. "And the Sanskirt symbol for breathe."

"Those are very sexy, and fitting," Prince told her.

Carter smirked. "That's what I said."

Brittany lowered her shirt, looking up at them with a smirk, biting her lip. "I'm glad you guys think so."

Angela looked at the mercenary tattoo on her arm. "Well, you wouldn't be the only one who has two tattoos. One I don't really like because it's a mercenary tattoo and reminds me of the past and things that have happened and things I've done." She lifted her hair and looked back at her tattoo over her shoulders and back that was exposed because she was wearing a spaghetti strap top and was not wearing her jacket. "And then this."

"Angela and giselle flowers," Carter stated.

"Yep," Angela answered. "I used to leave flowers that both me and my sister Giselle are named after as a mark after each mercenary job or hit. So people would know it was me."

"It keeps you close to Giselle," Prince stated.

Angela nodded. "Yeah. And it reminds me of who I am."

"Giselle's out there, Angela," Brittany told her. "And Emilia's gonna find her."

Angela took a deep breath, nodding. "That's what I keep saying to myself. So I don't lose faith. It is ironic, though, Brittany. That you, Marie and the alters have tattoos, or will have them, to make sure other people know who you are at a time, and I have a tattoo to make sure that I don't forget who I am."

"A cool parallel of symmetry," Prince agreed.

Brittany reached out to take Angela by the hand, giving her a reassuring smile. Angela managed a small, bittersweet smile in return. Carter held Brittany's other hand, while Prince laid his hand over the hands that Brittany and Angela held, all four looking at the others. Brittany was still confused and conflicted on who to kiss first without making it seem she was choosing one over the others.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Street

Blair, Thyra, Wyatt, Brooklyn, Dylan and Dorota were still walking, while Wyatt and Dylan were entertaining Theo in his stroller.

Dorota was showing ultrasound pictures to Brooklyn.

Brooklyn smiled a little. "So beautiful. Can't believe it. First Dylan, Wyatt and Angela with Theo, Noe and Nate with Skye, now you and Vanya with this baby."

"It's the miracle of life," Wyatt pointed out.

"I never thought of it as a miracle before, but after Theo, and after Skye, then hell, yes, it's a miracle," Dylan told them.

"Definitely," Wyatt agreed. "Now that Noe and Nate have had Skye, and you, Angela and I are taking care of Theo, I wonder who's next in the Crew to have a little kid or marriage, Dylan."

Brooklyn laughed lightly. "Oh, I think the rest of us are far from ready for any of that."

Thyra chuckled. "A few years off at least."

Dylan tilted his head. "Eh, some of the Crew might be closer than you think. I call that Hope and Alex would be next."

They all laughed in agreement.

Thyra saw a magazine nearby advertising the Empire State Building, smirking in amusement. "Huh. That's like, the third thing we saw about the Empire State Building on this little walk of ours."

"Try the fifth," Brooklyn corrected.

"Thyra, Brooklyn, shut up," Blair told them.

"Oh, come on, Blair," Thyra told her.

"Don't you see what's going on?" Dylan asked. "These are signs."

"Say life is giving you signs, and you're ignoring them because you're afraid of the thing they're signaling you to do," Wyatt told her. "But think about it. What if these signs are here for a reason, and ignoring them is the worst thing you can do?"

Blair shook her head. "Signs are for the religious, the superstitious and the lower class. I don't believe in them, and neither should any of you."

Brooklyn pointed across the city toward where they could see the Empire State Building peaking up in the sky even through the crowd of buildings they were trying to put between them and the Empire State Building. "Really? Then explain to me why we've been trying to avoid that all day and yet we can still see it."

Blair looked at the Empire State Building, conflicted, but knowing she couldn't keep fighting it. "Damn you, Chuck Bass. Damn you to hell."

Brooklyn, Thyra, Dylan and Wyatt smiled slightly in amusement.

X•O°X•O

Empire State Building

Chuck walked onto the top of the building, with pink peonies in hand, waiting for Blair.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Spotted atop the Empire State Building. A boy billionaire, flowers in hand. Oh, Chuck. If you could only see into the city where your girl is headed your way with both your siblings, you might turn that frown upside down. Luckily Brooklyn, Dylan, Thyra and Wyatt are on the side of you two happy, whether it's together or not."

X•O°X•O

Street

Blair was giving Cameron a goodbye hug. Cameron got into a taxi, driving away.

Blair walked toward Brooklyn, Thyra, Dylan, Wyatt, Theo and Dorota. "Okay. We got a deadline to make."

Dorota gasped. "Uh-oh. My water break."

"Oh, my God," Thyra said.

"Holy..." Dylan trailed off. "Okay, all right."

They helped Dorota to the limo so they could get her inside carefully.

"Slowly," Wyatt told them. "Slowly. Come on, this way."

In the limo, Brooklyn looked up at the driver. "Lennox Hospital right now."

Dylan picked Theo up out of his stroller, holding him close, and Dylan and Wyatt folded up Theo's stroller and put it into the trunk of the limo, getting into the limo with the girls, so they could drive Dorota to the hospital.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Then again, maybe you should guard your heart. Dorota's water and James's heart might not be the only things breaking tonight."

X•O°X•O

Dominic's Mansion - Outside Balcony

Laureen and Dominic were just getting home.

Dominic took Laureen by the hands, pulling her toward the railing of the balcony where they could see a clear view of the city in front of them, which was a beautiful sight from where they were.

"Dominic, what is going on?" Laureen asked. "You've been taking me to places that we loved to go to as teens all day. I know that you, Zaya and Sadie said that this is a day for you and me, but..."

"It's going to make sense very soon, Laureen," Dominic told her.

Laureen gave him a curious look like she had a suspicion, resting her hands on the railing of the balcony, overlooking the city. "It's so beautiful."

Dominic stood behind Laureen, putting his arms around her. "Yeah, it is. What are you thinking about?" He kissed her head, brushing back her hair, causing Laureen to smile and close her eyes in contentedness. "What's in that beautiful head of yours?"

Laureen sighed heavily. "I'm just thinking about everything that my family's been through. Everything that the Crew went through as well. We've all been through so much."

"And the Crew tends to come to you when they're in times of need," Dominic pointed out.

"Not all the time," Laureen told him. "I know that they don't tell me a lot of things they go through. Maybe it's because they're thinking they're protecting me, or each other, or so many other things. I just... I don't want anything else to harm the ones I love. Including you."

Dominic smiled slightly. "Nothing will harm me. And I won't give anyone the chance to harm you, Laureen. Or Zaya and Sadie. There is something I would like to ask you. Actually, I probably should have asked you this a while ago. But I had to make sure that the time was right, and that Zaya and Sadie would be happy with this, and they are. They encouraged me to do this. To take this leap with you."

Dominic let Laureen go, backing away.

Laureen turned to face Dominic. "Dominic..."

Dominic chuckled. "You know I've never been very good at being subtle. And you used to love when I sang to you. The first time we met, it was when I was singing at our summer camp. So I'll ask you this our own way."

Laureen knew what this was now, smiling softly in surprise, knowing she had been right about her suspicion. "Dominic..."

Dominic sang softly, 'Marry Me' by Jason Derulo. "105 is the number that comes to my head / When I think of all the years I wanna be with you." Laureen smiled. Dominic took her arm, slowly circled each other around. "Wake up every morning with you in my bed / That's precisely what I plan to do / How many girls in the world can make me feel like this? / I don't ever plan to find out / The more I look, the more I find the reasons why / You're the love of my life." Laureen bit her lip, smiling at that. Dominic took Laureen by the hand, spinning her around, pulling her closer as they smiled. "Will forever be enough? / I won't be able to ask you loud enough / Will you marry me?" Dominic took out a velvet engagement ring box. Laureen covered her mouth with a hand, tears of happiness already forming. Dominic smiled at the reaction. "Will you marry me? / And if I lost everything / In my heart, it means nothing / 'Cause I have you, Laureen, I have you." Dominic stepped closer to Laureen, taking a knee in front of her, and Laureen was smiling happily, biting her lip. "Nothing else would ever be better, better / The day when I say, will you marry me? / Will you marry me?"

"Oh, my God," Laureen said softly.

Dominic held the ring up for Laureen to see. "Laureen Rhodes... our future is limitless. We both said that we wondered why it was never you and me until now. But you wouldn't change anything because you had Zaya and Sadie, and with them, life is complete. You also said now is our time. We've been through so much together even within the last year together. And with so many threats and near deaths, I don't want to regret not doing the one thing that I've wanted to do for as long as I can remember. To have forever with you. To eternity together. i love you. Will you marry me? Would you like to be my wife?"

Laureen was thrilled and overwhelmed with happiness, smiling, not even hesitating. "Yes. Yes!"

"Yes?" Dominic repeated.

Laureen smiled, crying tears of joy. "Dominic Driton, I'd love to be your wife."

Dominic put the ring on Laureen's finger, kissing her hand gently as he held her hand in both of his, standing, taking Laureen in his arms. Laureen wrapped her arms around his neck as they kissed passionately and happily.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Though with all heartbreak comes happiness, in one form or another. Congratulations, Laureen. Looks like you're finally ending up with Dominic Driton, the man you were meant to be."

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Jenny and Rufus were sitting down, talking.

"I spoke to your mother this morning, and we decided that you should spend the summer in Hudson and finish high school there next year."

Jenny looked at him in surprise that he was doing this. "What?"

"I thought you'd be happy," Rufus told her. "It's a fresh start somewhere without mean girls and drug dealing boyfriends and Gossip Girl."

"No, I want to leave, because Zaya and Sadie will end up destroying me if I don't," Jenny told him. "After everything that I did. But I can't believe not only are Hope and Marie taking their side, you and Dan are too."

"I'm sorry," Rufus told her. "This is the way it's gonna be. It's done."

X•O°X•O

Harry's Mansion - Living Room

Harry and Aurora were talking.

Harry chuckled in amusement. "So you're leaving again."

"Not for long," Aurora answered. "I have Hope and Thyra, and Blair, Wyatt, James and Carter. Plus you know I care about the rest of the Crew and want to be able to help out when I can. Laureen and Dominic have been good friends to both of us lately too. I actually have more reasons to come back this time than I ever did before."

Harry nodded in agreement. "Yeah. It's true about all of it. The Crew, Laureen and Dominic. When will I get to see you?"

"Sooner than you might think," Aurora answered. "I will come back for you. I promise. I've lost a lot in my life, Harry. I'm not looking to lose more."

Aurora turned to grab her bag.

Harry stepped closer. "Aurora, wait. What if I came with you?"

Aurora turned to face him in surprise. "What?"

"I'm done with my father and the other Vanderbilts," Harry told her. "I need to get away from here, even for a little while, and I want to be with you."

Aurora smiled, touched. "You'd do that for me? Leave behind everything you know, everything you love?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Harry replied. "If it meant that I got to be with you. And like you said, we're not going to be gone long."

Aurora continued to smile, nodding. "Yes. Yeah, I'd love for you to come with me."

Harry and Aurora both smiled, embracing, and sharing a passionate kiss that went on for a little while, before Aurora's phone went off, causing the two to pull away.

Harry chuckled. "You'd better get that."

Aurora pulled out her phone. "Yeah." She answered. "Yes, Hope?"

Aurora raised her eyebrows in surprise, looking at Harry. Harry frowned a bit.

X•O°X•O

Street

Sadie and Preston were walking together down the street.

"I can't believe your summer tour is finally taking off," Sadie told him.

"Same," Preston agreed. "It's been all my parents can talk about for months, besides the movies with Prince, but... now it doesn't seem real."

"Can't believe you're gonna see the world all summer," Sadie told him. "I'm gonna miss you."

Preston looked at her. "You can come, if you want."

Sadie raised her eyebrow. "With you on tour?"

Preston blushed, scratching his head. "I mean, if you wanted to."

Sadie had a slight smile. "That sounds amazing. I would love to."

"But..." Preston trailed off.

Sadie sighed, hating to have to say no. "But everything with my family, and..."

Preston nodded in understanding. "It's okay. I get it."

Since they were out in the open and Preston wasn't doing much to hide his face like usual, several fan girls ran up to them, clamoring over Preston. "Preston! Preston, can't wait for your tour this summer. Preston, can I have your autograph?"

"Oh, hello," Preston greeted. "Yes, I'm glad you guys are excited for the tour. So am I. Keep an eye out. It's gonna be cool. It's gonna be a win for everyone."

Sadie rolled her eyes, jealous despite the fact she kept telling herself and everyone she did not like Preston like that. "Oh, please."

Sadie walked away. Preston watched her go, puzzled because he hadn't been trying to make her jealous, but smirking slightly at the thought that she was.

Zaya was waiting by a limo, watching, smirking, rolling her eyes.

Brittany, Carter, Angela and Prince walked up next to Zaya, seeing Sadie and Preston's interaction along with the fan girls.

"When do you think they'll stop that?" Carter asked.

"Knowing Sadie and Preston, their pride will always be bigger than even their sweet and loveable sides, so never," Zaya told them.

Sadie walked up to them, looking at Brittany, Carter, Angela and Prince. "I thought you guys had a date."

"Yeah, we did," Brittany answered. "Just finished off."

Prince sang softly to tease Sadie. "You like Preston."

"What?" Sadie asked.

"You like Preston, Preston likes you," Angela told her. "You can admit it."

Sadie scoffed. "You don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, sure," Carter said sarcastically.

"Denial and subject change from this very cute puppy love," Zaya stated teasingly.

Brittany smirked. "So adorable."

Sadie gave them all an unamused look. "I will murder all of you."

This caused the older ones to laugh lightly.

Zaya looked at Brittany, Carter, Angela and Prince. "What are you guys doing here anyway?"

"James called me to let me know that Dorota went into labor," Carter explained. "We were heading for the hospital when we saw you guys and thought you'd wanna know."

"Oh, okay," Sadie agreed. "Yeah."

Angela walked over to Preston and the fan girls, ushering the fan girls back and guiding Preston away. "All right, that's enough, girls. Come on, Preston."

Preston looked back at his fans, waving. "Bye." The girls squealed and giggled and ran off. Preston smirked slightly, before looking at Angela. "You didn't have to do that. You're not our bodyguard anymore, Angela."

"Yeah, maybe not, but I still care about your safety, Preston, obviously," Angela replied. "I'm always gonna look out for you."

Preston smiled. "Thanks."

Angela and Preston walked up to Zaya, Sadie, Brittany, Carter and Prince.

Prince patted Preston on the shoulder. "Besides, we've got a hospital to head to tonight, before you go on your little tour starting tomorrow, Preston. Come on."

Brittany clapped her hands together, smiling. "Let's go."

Brittany, Carter, Angela, Prince and Preston got into the limo that the four olders had used for their date, and Zaya and Sadie got into their limo, before both limos drove away.

X•O°X•O

Lennox Hospital - Dorota's Room

(Song:) Don't Think Twice, It's All Right - Eastern Conference Champions

Blair, Thyra, Wyatt, James, Hope and Carter were here for Dorota.

Aurora, Eleanor and Cyrus walked in.

"There you guys are," Aurora told them.

Hope smiled, resting her hand on Dorota's shoulder. "It's time."

Dorota smiled.

Vanya ran into the room. "Dorota! Dorota, did I miss it?"

"Of course not," Dorota answered.

Cyrus pointed at Dorota. "Now, you know, you have at your service one of the best Lamaze coaches in the world. I've been present at the labor of many of my clients. One of them didn't even know she was pregnant."

Eleanor looked at the kids. "Hello, dears."

"Hi," Thyra greeted.

"You must go now, Miss Blair," Dorota told her. "If--if you don't arrive before 7:00, he will be gone forever."

Blair shook her head. "No, I--I can't leave you."

"Dorota has all of us, Blair," James assured. "It's okay."

"It'd make things a lot easier for the rest of us if you went," Carter pointed out. "Not to mention for you and Chuck. Brooklyn, Thyra, Dylan and Wyatt explained all about the signs today."

"We'll be with Dorota," Wyatt assured. "Don't you worry."

"Please," Dorota told her. "You have my blessing. We all get what we want now."

"Go," Hope told her. "It'll all be okay. I know this is ironic coming from me, but do what makes you happy and go after what you want."

"You're right, it is ironic coming from you," Thyra agreed. "But Hope's right, Blair. Wyatt, James, Carter and Dorota all said it too. Go."

Blair smiled. "Okay. I'll be back."

Blair walked out.

Aurora, Eleanor and Cyrus exchanged a look, looking at the kids in confusion.

"W--where's she going?" Eleanor asked.

Aurora tilted her head. "What's that about?"

Hope, Thyra, Wyatt, James and Carter smiled, shrugging.

James looked at Dorota. "Do you need anything? I can go get anything you want."

Dorota nodded. "Please, Mr. James."

X•O°X•O

Hallway

Blair ran down the hallway.

Alex, Brooklyn, Dylan, Zaya, Sadie, Angela, Preston, Prince, Noe and Nate were sitting together, wanting to be there for the WDBZs. Dylan and Angela were holding Theo and tending to him, while Noe and Nate were holding and tending to Skye.

"Hey, Blair," Noe told her.

"The Crew's all--" Prince started.

"I'm sorry, can't talk!" Blair called as she ran away. "I have to go! I hope I'm not too late!"

Blair ran away to the elevator.

"Um, okay," Preston said. "Uh..."

"And what was that about?" Zaya asked.

Nate shook his head. "I don't know if we wanna know."

Alex, Brooklyn and Dylan smiled knowingly.

"Well, we know," Alex told them.

Brooklyn smiled, tilting her head. "Blair's going to Chuck."

"Let's hope that Blair makes it on time and Chuck doesn't duck out too soon," Dylan told them.

Angela chuckled. "It would sure be a lot easier on them and all of us."

Sadie smiled. "They can make it right. They want to, and all of us do to."

Harry, Laureen and Dominic walked closer with some coffee for all of them.

"Anyone want coffee?" Harry asked.

They all said, "Yes, please."

"I'm finally not pregnant, so I actually get to have coffee," Noe remarked, causing the others to laugh lightly.

"Thanks, Harry," Nate told him. "Hey, Laureen. Hey, Dominic."

"Hey, kids," Dominic replied.

"I'm glad you kids called to let us know," Laureen told them.

"Yeah, well, thanks for coming," Brooklyn returned.

"You know we'll always come when you call," Laureen told them.

"That's what makes you, Aurora, Harry and Dominic so awesome, Laureen," Alex told her.

"Definitely," Dylan agreed.

The others all nodded in agreement.

Zaya and Sadie were looking at Laureen's hand, seeing the engagement ring on her finger, smiling ecstatically, looking at Laureen and Dominic happily.

Zaya whispered to Sadie. "She said yes."

"Was there any doubt she would?" Sadie replied.

Laureen and Dominic barely heard them but heard them, smiling fondly at them.

"What are you guys talking about?" Angela asked.

Dominic chuckled. "Um, we'll tell everyone later. Let right now be about Dorota, Vanya and their baby."

Harry looked at Laureen and Dominic curiously, taking a sip of his own coffee. "All right then."

"Anyone want snacks?" Prince asked. "I'll pay."

Preston stood. "I'll help get."

The others nodded in thanks.

Laureen frowned, looking around. "Where are Marie and Serena?"

The others looked around as well.

X•O°X•O

Another Hallway

James walked out of Dorota's room to go get her what she asked for, but stopped when he saw and heard Serena and Dan down the hallway talking alone.

"I've been feeling guilty all day," Dan told her.

Serena nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I--I know. Um, I'm not sure right now is the right time to tell James. I mean, there are babies being born and water is breaking, and I don't even know what we would say to him anyway."

James walked up to them. "You don't have to say anything. I think I already know."

Serena and Dan both looked at James, busted.

X•O°X•O

Another Hallway

Brittany was sitting down, gazing off as she was dissociating a bit, and seeing the others inside her head.

X•O°X•O

Marie's Inner World

Day - Castle - Outside

The landscape around the castle was a bright blue sky because for once, it was a very good day for the alters.

Brittany looked around, seeing Marie, Lacy, Andrea and Nick nearby. "Oh, no, no, no. I'm not ready to come back in yet. I need to go talk to Angela, Carter and Prince. Which I am freaking out about."

"Why are you asking them to talk?" Lacy asked. "You just had a wonderful date with them. Nick did too."

Lacy looked at Nick, tilting her head while she gave him a look, smirking slightly, smiling sweetly.

"Yeah, well, that food was delicious," Nick replied. "I couldn't resist. Besides, you girls are used to it anyway. It's not gonna stop now."

The girl alters laughed sarcastically, knowing that he would always do this, nodding.

"I want to talk to them because I wanted to kiss them a lot at the date, but I didn't know who to kiss first," Brittany answered.

Andrea shrugged. "Just kiss the one closest to you."

Brittany tilted her head with a smirk. "I know, but I don't want them to feel like I'm choosing one over the other. I'm actually really into all of them equally. I like all of them equally."

Marie nodded in understanding. "I guess you do need to talk to them."

"Go back, hurry," Lacy told her. "Before one of us has to switch out instead."

Brittany smiled, giving Marie, Lacy, Andrea and Nick a big group hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Nick groaned teasingly, pulling back. "I don't do hugs."

"Oh, get over yourself, Nick," Andrea replied, smirking a slight smile, resting her hands on her hips, tilting her head.

The alters all laughed.

Marie looked at Brittany. "Go."

Brittany smirked, winking at them, holding out her arms on either side of her as she tilted her head back dramatically, and let her fall back through the portal-like hole in the middle of the ocean so she could return to the outside world/reality.

Marie, Lacy, Andrea and Nick shook their heads in amusement, looking at each other, smirking.

"Such a drama queen," Lacy said the same time Andrea said, "She is so dramatic."

Nick smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. "It's her. Of course she's dramatic."

Marie smiled a bit. "Right."

X•O°X•O

Reality

Day - Lennox Hospital - Hallway

Georgina, still in disguise, saw Brittany, walking closer, waking Brittany up, jostling her rudely out of her dissociating/sleeping which was enough to disorient and anger anyone, especially in a state when they weren't aware of what was going on. "Marie."

Brittany was confused until she recognized her, coming to her senses, standing. "Georgina?" She reacted out of instinct because of being so rudely and completely snapped out of dissociation/sleeping which was jostling and made the body feel sick and even more disoriented, and slapped Georgina in the face, though not hard. "That's for outing Marie's and our secret to everyone before we were even ready to. And getting us drunk to even get answers out of us back outside of Boston."

Georgina nodded, not surprised in the least. "Okay, I guess I deserved that. And I take it you're not Marie."

Brittany crossed her arms. "No. It's Brittany... and you really are a bitch. What are you doing here?"

"I saw you, Zaya, Sadie and Carter out in the street with Angela De Los Caballeros and Preston and Prince Shea, and I followed you guys here," Georgina answered. "I need to talk to you guys. You, whoever from the Crew can help, or whatever. I'm in trouble. Big trouble."

"And while it warms my heart hearing that, none of us would like to help you after everything you've pulled," Brittany replied. "Goodbye."

Brittany walked past Georgina without a second look.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Another Hallway

James was facing Serena and Dan. "No, a kiss is not nothing. People don't just kiss because they're upset. People kiss because they have feelings for each other. So do you?"

"James, that's ridiculous," Serena told him. "I'm with you, and he's with Vanessa."

James nodded sarcastically, looking at Dan, tilting his head with fake curiosity. "Oh, yeah, what about Vanessa, huh? I mean, I seriously doubt she's reading Gossip Girl in Haiti. But just in case she is, or even if she's not, maybe you should give her a call, bring her up to speed."

"Don't threaten him," Serena told him.

"I'm not threatening anyone," James replied. "I'm just not into keeping secrets from those who deserve to know the truth like both of you."

"That's not fair," Serena told him.

James raised his eyebrows. "Fair to who? Because it seems to me that you two are the ones in the wrong here."

Dan looked at Serena. "And I can stand up for myself."

"Really?" Serena asked. "Because you're being awfully quiet right now."

"Yeah, it's because he knows I'm right," James told her. "Both of you tend to go radio silent when you're both wrong."

They didn't have a response to this.

Thyra peaked out from Dorota's room. "James! It's time. Dorota's baby's coming."

"Yeah, I'll be in there, Thyra," James told her. Thyra returned to Dorota's room. James looked at Serena and Dan. "You know what? I don't have time for this. Dorota is about to have her baby, and I'm gonna go be with my family rather than this little mess that both of you made."

James turned around, walking away, leaving Serena and Dan in shock, speechless.

X•O°X•O

Dorota's Hospital Room

Dorota was in the middle of giving birth, as Vanya and Cyrus helped demonstrate her breathing. Aurora, Eleanor, Hope, Thyra, Wyatt, James and Carter stood with them.

"Come on, Dorota," Hope told her. "Push!"

"You can do it, Dorota," Aurora told her.

"Not enough!" Cyrus urged. "Not enough!"

X•O°X•O

Empire State Building

Blair got out of her limo, looking up at the top of the building in front of her, smiling, running inside.

X•O°X•O

Lennox Hospital - Dorota's Hospital Room

The rest of the family was still encouraging Dorota on.

"You've got it, Dorota," Wyatt told her.

"So close," James told her. "So, so close."

Carter looked away. "Come on, Dorota."

Dorota was finally able to give birth to her baby, breathing heavily.

The doctor held up the baby for them to see.

"It's a girl!" Thyra cheered happily, resting her hand on Dorota's arm fondly.

Wyatt rested his hand on Dorota's arm as well, smiling. "Oh, God."

"She's beautiful," Eleanor told them.

Hope held Dorota's hand, smiling. "So amazing."

They all smiled happily and emotionally.

X•O°X•O

Empire State Building - Top of Building

Blair walked onto the top of the building, looking for Chuck, not seeing him, turning to see a worker behind her. "Hi. I'm meeting a young man here, probably in a bow tie, possibly carrying peonies."

Blair looked away in disappointment when he didn't answer, turning to look at the trash, seeing the peonies Chuck had been carrying in the trash, even more disheartened, taking the peonies out of the trash, determined to fix this.

X•O°X•O

Lennox Hospital - Dorota's Hospital Room

Hope, Thyra, Wyatt, James and Carter were still with Aurora, Eleanor, Cyrus, Dorota and Vanya after Dorota had given birth. The baby was resting in Dorota's arms, blanketed up.

Thyra smiled. "Anastasia. It's a beautiful name."

"Can I hold her?" Hope asked. "I know it's soon, but she's so pink and perfect, and, oh..."

Dorota smiled, handing Anastasia to Hope. "Of course, Miss Hope. You, Miss Thyra, Miss Blair, Mr. Wyatt, Mr. James and Mr. Carter can anytime."

Hope smiled at Anastasia. "Hi."

Wyatt looked at Thyra, smirking. "Looks like Dylan might be right about Hope and Alex."

Thyra smirked, nodding.

"Right about what?" James asked.

"Nothing," Thyra said.

Carter raised an eyebrow. "Mm-hmm."

Aurora looked at Hope in amusement. "I hope you're not getting any ideas, Hope."

Hope looked up, distracted from what they were saying because of the baby. "What?"

The others laughed lightly.

Eleanor took Anastasia to hold as well. "Oh, who knew babies could be so astonishing?"

They all smiled. James was a little less thrilled than the others because of everything with Serena and Dan, but he refused to let that get in the way of this precious family moment.

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Trio Penthouse - Living Room

Jenny walked out of the elevator, looking around. "Hope? Are you here?" Chuck was sitting alone in the dark living room, turning on the light, drinking alcohol, clearly drunk. "Chuck, what are you doing?"

"Trying to forget," Chuck answered. "I did the most romantic thing I could think of, and it didn't work. It was never going to. What are you doing here?"

"Looking for Hope," Jenny answered. "Or Marie, since I thought she would be here with Carter, but she's not. My dad, Zaya and Sadie said everything that people have been saying all along this year and last year. About what I did to them. To Alex, Marie, Laureen, Noe and Skye. Even today with James and Serena, Dan and Vanessa. And I didn't really hear them until I knew that I was about to be kicked out of the city for good. Not just by Zaya and Sadie, but by my own father, and Hope and Marie too. And the rest of the Crew. Well, um, I guess if neither of my sisters are here, I'll go. Not that I really have anywhere to go."

"You can stay here if you want," Chuck told her. "But if you wanna hang with me, you do what I do."

Chuck offered his drink.

Jenny walked over, sitting next to Chuck, taking his drink. "I'm trying to forget some things, too. Mostly how happy I thought I'd be once I made it in this world."

Jenny took a big drink.

"The world you're looking for only exists from the outside," Chuck told her. "The only reason the Crew and I survive in it is because we always knew it was empty.  The girls tried to tell you."

Jenny nodded. "Yeah. I just wasn't listening. Until now. I found out the hard way."

Jenny took another drink.

"The hard way is the only way," Chuck told her, taking his drink back, drinking more even though he was already drunk.

Jenny leaned closer to Chuck, kissing him. Chuck drunkenly kissed back.

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Chuck's Room

(Song:) Teenage Lust - The Jesus and Mary Chain

Jenny walked toward Chuck's bed, wearing only a slip, sitting down.

Chuck was laying down. "If you want to leave, now would be the time."

Jenny shook her head. "I don't want to be alone."

Chuck looked over at her. "Neither do I."

Jenny leaned over to blow out a candle, leaving the room in darkness.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Lennox Hospital - Hallway

James was sitting alone, looking at his phone pensively, seeing the post about Serena and Dan earlier on Gossip Girl, thinking. He sent the picture and the post to Vanessa so she would be aware of what happened, because he knew that keeping her in the dark was not fair to her, just like it wasn't fair to him, not caring if it would make Dan and Serena mad at him or not.

X•O°X•O

Baby Hallway

(Song:) September - James Arthur

Hope was standing outside the baby infirmary where all the newborn babies were, smiling at the babies fondly, seeing Dorota and Vanya's baby.

Alex walked closer, seeing Hope looking at the babies, amused. "I didn't expect to find you here looking at babies."

"Turns out I'm a big fan of babies," Hope told him. "I love helping take care of Theo and Skye. And I just had to hold Anastasia so soon. Oh, Ana's so beautiful too. You know, everything for them is so simple. They start out with a clean slate. They have no idea how complicated everything is gonna get for them."

"Yeah," Alex agreed. He pointed to a girl baby. "That baby right there, she's gonna grow up to be smarter than the rest of 'em, but she's not gonna feel like an outsider. She'll love to be there and take care of everyone around her, and then has to be reminded that it's okay to put herself first and take care of herself and make herself happy."

Hope smiled at Alex's way of teasing her, nudging him with her shoulder, pointing to a boy baby to tease him back. "Oh, really? Well, uh, you see that baby there? He's gonna grow up to look like a male model and he won't know what he wants for most of his life, but when he does, he's gonna do whatever it takes to get there. And he'll be one of the things that keep the ones he loves together the most."

Hope and Alex looked at each other, smiling.

"Wanna take a walk?" Alex asked.

"Yeah," Hope answered.

Hope and Alex took each other by the hands, walking away.

Georgina had been watching them from around the corner of the hallway, making sure they didn't know she was watching them, stepping out of hiding, watching Hope and Alex walk away, still a little bit critical and jealous when it came to them, but not as much as before, walking up to the window to look into the baby infirmary. "And this baby's gonna do some things to make all the other babies hate her."

X•O°X•O

Hallway

Brittany turned to face Carter, Prince and Angela, as they were gathered away from everyone else. "I asked you guys over here to discuss something serious."

"Brittany discussing something serious?" Carter asked. "Once in a lifetime. This should be good."

Brittany smirked sarcastically, tilting her head. "Bite me, Carter."

Carter smirked, winking.

Prince smirked. "What's wrong?"

"I mean, like..." Brittany trailed off, chuckling. "I can't speak. I do want to keep dating you, all three of you, but..."

"But what?" Angela asked.

Brittany bit her lip, trying to figure out how best to describe it. "I wanted to kiss you, all of you, earlier at the theater, but I didn't know which one to kiss first, because I didn't want you to feel like I was choosing one over the other. I don't normally like people. Not like this. But I really like all three of you. Equally. So..."

The other three were touched and amused by this.

Prince smiled. "We get it."

Carter nodded. "Yeah. So, how are we going to fix this?"

Angela shrugged, smirking. "Like this."

Angela cupped Brittany's neck, pulling her into a passionate kiss. Carter and Prince were not surprised in the least, exchanging a nonplussed look, smirking, looking at Angela and Brittany as they finished kissing.

Brittany smiled. "That totally works." She looked at Carter and Prince. "So who's next?"

Carter smirked, stepping closer, placing a hand on Brittany's cheek, as Brittany wrapped an arm around his neck, and they kissed just as passionately.

Angela and Prince exchanged an amused look, smiling. Angela wrapped an arm around Prince's neck to pull him in, and Prince cupped her cheek to kiss her passionately. Angela/Prince and Carter/Brittany pulled away at the same time.

Prince walked closer to Brittany, cupping her cheek. Brittany smiled, as both went in to kiss, deeply and passionately.

Once the kiss ended, Brittany, Carter, Angela and Prince looked at each other in amusement.

"Well..." Angela trailed off.

"Well, that was interesting," Brittany told them, smiling.

"You're adorable," Prince told her.

Brittany smirked, tilting her head. "Thank you. I know I am."

"If you want to kiss one of us, just do it," Carter told her. "We know you'll do the same thing with us eventually."

"I know, but..." Brittany trailed off.

Angela shook her head. "But nothing. You liked all of us, and made an effort to be with all of us at the same time. I'm positive no one else but you would do that. And I really like you too, Brittany. And Lacy, Nick, Andrea and Prince. This... arrangement we have with Carter and Marie, it's complicated and it might be confusing, but..."

"It's worth it," Prince finished.

"Definitely," Carter agreed.

Brittany smiled. "Okay. Glad we got that figured out."

They all smirked slight smiles.

X•O°X•O

Another Hallway

Wyatt walked down the hallway, seeing Dylan.

Alex and Hope were sitting down the hallway with Theo, both helping watch him, looking at Dylan.

"It's okay for you to go, Dylan," Hope told him.

"We got Theo," Alex told him.

"Got it," Dylan told them. "Thanks."

Dylan walked over to Wyatt.

Wyatt saw Hope and Alex with Theo, smirking knowingly, looking at his boyfriend. "Dylan, how good would you say you are?"

Dylan shrugged. "Probably ten times better than anyone else outside the Crew. Do you mean good at one thing in general, or good at everything anywhere? Because my answer would remain the same, Wyatt."

Wyatt smirked in amusement, tilting his head slightly. "Well, isn't someone being a little too cocky for their own good?"

Dylan smirked, shrugging, laughing lightly. "You know it's true, though."

Wyatt shrugged, smiling teasingly. "Maybe it is, maybe it isn't."

Dylan smiled, biting his lip, tilting his head a bit. "Why are you asking me?"

"Because Thyra and I are pretty sure that you were right about Hope and Alex earlier," Wyatt answered. "When we and Brooklyn were joking around about who's next out of the Crew to get a wedding or a baby. You should've seen Hope with Ana, Dorota and Vanya's baby."

"Well, I saw Hope and Alex gushing over babies earlier, and you see them with Theo, and how they like to help out with him and Skye," Dylan pointed out. "So yeah."

They both smiled.

Wyatt took Dylan's arm, pulling him closer. "Come here."

Dylan cupped Wyatt's head as they both kissed passionately.

X•O°X•O

Another Hallway

Brooklyn walked up to Thyra, handing her a coffee. "I figured that you would need one of these."

Thyra took the coffee. "Yes, I do. Thank you."

Brooklyn and Thyra sat down, drinking coffee together.

"Well, Alex's graduating," Brooklyn told her. "Hope, Wyatt, James, Blair and Nate are all going into another year of college. Marie, Serena and Noe are thinking about going next year, like Alex obviously is gonna be. You, me, Dylan, Zaya, Eric and Beck will be starting senior year next year, and then Sadie and Preston, the premature 13 year old geniuses will be going into sophomore year. After Preston's summer tour obviously. And who knows what Chuck, Prince, Angela and Carter would be doing. Of course, there's Theo and Skye to still think about."

"The future's here, Brooklyn," Thyra told her.

Brooklyn nodded in agreement. "Even if some of us aren't ready for the heavy future adult stuff."

Thyra chuckled. "Hope and Alex definitely seem to be. Ready to take on the world and start their careers. They were totally gushing over babies earlier, and they're great with Theo, Skye, and Hope was great with Ana earlier. Seems like Dylan was right about them earlier."

Brooklyn smirked. "Yeah."

"What are you thinking about?" Thyra asked.

Brooklyn tilted her head curiously, looking at Thyra with a slight smirk/smile. "The first day I knew that I liked you. We were 12. You were dancing in the street at some music festival, rocking a pink and leather outfit. That's how we began."

Thyra smiled in surprise. "You've never told me that?"

Brooklyn shrugged, looking down. "Yeah, well, a year later..."

Thyra knew what she meant, nodding. "My parents. They died in  the plane crash."

"Yeah," Brooklyn answered. "And I didn't want to push."

"So you waited another year to finally kiss me and be with me?" Thyra asked.

Brooklyn shrugged. "I would've waited longer. I knew it would make what we were feeling stronger."

Thyra smiled softly at this confession. "I don't know specifically when I started to like you, Brooklyn. I mean, I'm pretty sure I always have. I could never wait for the times that I could see you."

"Same," Brooklyn agreed. "You know, I used to think love was a weakness because of my dad, but... with you, I realized that wasn't true. You're my strength, Thyra. And we battled a lot of inner demons together. Alcoholism, addiction, depression, even suicidal moments that we helped each other through."

Thyra nodded in agreement. "A lot of demons to fight together." She tilted her head toward Brooklyn teasingly, smirking slightly. "And we're still undefeated."

Brooklyn raised her coffee cup in toast, smirking. "Oh, honey, we'll always be undefeated, as long as we're together."

Thyra clinked her coffee cup against Brooklyn's. "Cheers to that."

Brooklyn and Thyra took a drink, lowering their cups. Brooklyn snaked her arm around behind Thyra's head to caress her head, trailing her fingers through her hair, as neither of them could look away from the other, smiling, leaning in closer to kiss passionately, softly and sweetly.

X•O°X•O

Another Hallway

Noe was holding Skye, rocking her gently.

Nate walked closer, wrapping his arms around Noe from behind while she held Skye, resting his chin in the dip between Noe's shoulder and neck. "I was thinking about what you said earlier. About wanting to break out of this little bubble."

Noe turned her head to look at him. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," Nate answered. "What do you say we get away from the city for a little bit?"

"What?" Noe asked.

"Run away with me," Nate told her. "You, me, Skye."

Noe smiled a bit. "Run away with you where?"

Nate shrugged. "I don't know. Anywhere."

Noe turned to face him. "You want to run away with Skye?"

"Well, not really," Nate answered. "Only for the summer. We still haven't had our honeymoon, but neither of us want to leave Skye. Though both of us need a break from the city after everything that happened this year."

"True," Noe agreed. "Where would we go?"

"Wherever," Nate answered. "I just wanna go somewhere with my wife and my daughter."

Noe started to smile. "Have some time, just the three of us?"

Nate nodded, smiling. "After this year, it sure would be nice."

"Hell, yeah, it would," Noe agreed.

"So what do you say?" Nate asked.

Noe smiled, biting her lip. "Yeah. Okay. Let's run away."

Nate smiled, wrapping an arm around Noe, looking down at Skye in her arms, holding both of them. "You, me and Skye."

"It sounds perfect, Nate," Noe told him.

Nate kissed Noe's head. "Yeah, it does."

X•O°X•O

Waiting Area

Sadie and Preston were sitting together.

"Thanks for coming, Preston," Sadie told him. "You didn't have to."

Preston shrugged. "Yeah, well, I wanted to. Tomorrow I have to set off on my tour."

"So you wanted to spend the last night of free time with us in a hospital?" Sadie asked.

Preston smiled a bit, nodding. "Yeah. Like you said this morning. You're my best friend. And now I'm friends with the rest of the Crew. I really wanted to be here, Sadie. Not just for you, even though that is a big part of it, but for all of them too."

Sadie smiled. "Okay."

Preston smiled, reaching out to take Sadie's hand. Both of them looked down at their hands, before glancing at the other, and then looking away, smiling sheepishly.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Waiting Room

Serena and Dan were sitting together.

Serena rested her head on her hand. "I feel terrible about James."

"Oh, God, I know," Dan said. "I know. Which part exactly? Was it kissing me part or the him finding out part? Or wait, was it the part where he asked us if we had feelings for one another?"

"All of the above," Serena answered.

"I need to tell Vanessa," Dan told her. "She--she's gotta hear this from me."

"You guys really are happy, aren't you?" Serena asked.

Dan nodded. "Yeah, we, uh, yeah, we are, definitely. But I... you know, I can't lie. Knowing someone so well, you think it's gonna be easier. But in a lot of ways, it just... it makes it harder." Serena nodded in agreement. "Maybe ignorance really is bliss."

Serena raised her head, turning it to look at him. "Is that why it was so easy with us?"

"You mean because we were strangers?" Dan asked. "Yeah, sure. Everything was a discovery. This unknown person who can do or think anything."

Serena looked away. "I love James. I do. And he's done so much for me. He's been nothing but good to me. I just... I don't know what I'm thinking or feeling right now." Dan looked at Serena, looking like he was about to lean in for a kiss, before his phone went off, interrupting him before he could. Serena looked away awkwardly. "That was perfectly timed."

Dan opened his phone, checking the message. "Very. It's Vanessa. Good news is, she does not get Gossip Girl blasts in Haiti, but she does get James's texts, and he sent her that photo."

Serena frowned. "How could he do that?"

"How could he not?" Dan replied. "Like everybody calls him, Prince Charming. Of course he's gonna do the right thing."

Serena looked away, knowing he was right.

X•O°X•O

Night - The Empire - Trio Penthouse - Chuck's Room

Jenny was laying down underneath the covers, looking sad.

Chuck was behind her, dressed. "Are you okay? You're welcome to stay the night."

Jenny scoffed. "You're not kicking me out into the street? Lucky me."

Chuck raised his eyebrows. "Hey. Some people don't get the offer."

They heard the elevator ding when someone arrived.

Jenny sat up slightly. "Is that Alex or James?"

They heard Blair's voice. "Chuck? Chuck."

Chuck and Jenny exchanged a guarded look. Chuck walked out of the room quickly.

X•O°X•O

Living Room

Chuck walked into the living room, seeing her. "Blair?" Blair turned to face him. "What are you doing here?"

"What are you doing?" Blair asked. "Is there someone in there?"

Chuck shook his head. "No, nobody. Excuse my confusion. I didn't expect to see you tonight or ever again." He walked past Blair toward the windows so that she would turn to face him and away from his room. Blair held up the peonies. Chuck smiled in surprise. "You went."

"Sorry I was so late," Blair apologized.

"I--I waited," Chuck told her.

"Dorota went into labor," Blair explained. "She had her baby." Chuck chuckled, relieved that that was the reason why Blair was late. Blair walked closer. "I wasn't going to show up. I was resolved not to. Every bone in my body tried to slow me. Every voice in my head screamed, 'don't'."

"But?" Chuck asked.

"But I didn't listen," Blair answered. "I followed my heart because I love you." Chuck took Blair's hand, kissing it. "I can't deny that our path has been complicated, but in the end, love makes everything simple."

Chuck kissed Blair in utter relief. Blair kissed him back, and once they broke the kiss, it was so they could embrace tightly. Chuck was nervous when he could see Jenny through the tinted windows of his room because there was a lit candle next to her. 

Jenny, in Chuck's room, realized that he could see her, and not wanting to get into more trouble with the Crew, quickly used her fingers to extinguish the candle's flame so they could no longer see her.

Blair and Chuck pulled away. Blair, seeing that Chuck was looking at his room, turned her head to follow his gaze, but she couldn't see Jenny in the now-dark room.

Chuck looked at Blair. "Why don't I make you a drink?" Blair nodded, smiling. Chuck led Blair over to a table so Blair could sit down, making her a drink. "How about some music? My iPod's in my room."

"We don't need music," Blair told him.

"I want everything to be perfect," Chuck told her.

Chuck and Blair shared another brief kiss. Chuck walked over to his room, opening the door, only to find that Jenny had already left.

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Lennox Hospital - Hallway

(Song:) The Funeral - Serena Ryder, The Beauties

Jenny was sitting, crying, having herself a pity party.

Dan walked down the hallway, finding his sister. "Jenny."

"Go away," Jenny told him.

"No," Dan said. "We may get mad at each other sometimes, but you're still my sister. If you're really hurting, I'm here for you."

Jenny scoffed softly. "You say that now. But I'll do something to let you down, and then you'll turn your back like everybody else. Dad. Lily. Laureen. Hope. Marie. Noe. Eric. Serena. Zaya. Sadie. Alex. The rest of the Crew. Everybody hates me, even... even Chuck."

"Chuck?" Dan repeated. "What did you do to Chuck? Or what did you do to him?"

"It was such a mistake," Jenny told him.

"Mistake?" Dan repeated. "Chuck?" He realized what happened, sighing in shock and frustration. "Jenny, why would you--why would you do that?"

"I was sad," Jenny answered. "He was sad. I don't--I don't know."

Dan sighed, trying to think clearly, but he was angry with Chuck, not at Jenny. "I mean, it's not worse than that time with Damien--"

"I didn't do it with Damien," Jenny told him.

"What?" Dan asked.

"I wanted you to think it," Jenny told him. "I wanted everyone to think it. I didn't, and I wanted to wait. I--I wanted it to be special. And..." Dan reached out to comfort her. Jenny shrugged him off. "Don't touch me. Don't tell anyone."

Dan stood, angry and intent to do something about this.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Coffee Shop

(Song:) Walked Through Hell - Anson Seabra

The hospital, like other hospitals, had a coffee shop for people visiting for hours on end.

James was sitting at a table, having a coffee.

Serena walked closer. "James, we need to talk."

"Yeah, I was about to say the same thing," James told her.

Serena sat with James, sighing. "I don't know, I guess I thought when my dad came back, that I would start making different choices, and stop making the same mistakes."

James nodded. "Well, at least that's honest."

Serena looked down. "Yeah, I think I need to be alone for a while."

James frowned in confusion. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait. I find it in my heart to forgive you for kissing another guy, and you're gonna break up with me?"

"It's not breaking up," Serena told him. "It--it's just taking a break. It's not you."

James scoffed, looking away. "Oh, 'it's not you. It's me'. Right? Yes, Serena, it is you. You know, I think it's great that you want to work on yourself, but I thought we worked on things like that together. Like we have for more than a year now. I thought that we had something stronger than all of this."

"We do," Serena told him. "It's just... like a break."

James shook his head. "No. I'm not gonna wait around to see how things go, when you clearly still have feelings for him too."

Serena swallowed. "That's fair. James, I love you. I really do."

"Just answer me this," James told her. "All the mountains that I moved for you, everything I did to help you... your dad, your family, teaching you to defend yourself for real, was any of that enough for you?"

Serena sighed guiltily, both of them hurting so much in this moment. "James..."

"When you said jump, I asked how high," James told her. "I walked through hell to do everything I did for you. It must be nice to love someone who puts you first and then walk away when they expect it in return."

Serena had tears in her eyes. "You're mad."

"I'm not," James denied.

"No, it's good," Serena told him. "It might be better. You're right. You've done everything for me, and more. And I'm so sorry. But if we're gonna have a real chance after all this, this is the only way."

Serena stood, kissing James on the cheek, walking away. James looked away, equally frustrated and sad.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Waiting Room

Serena and James walked into the waiting room where the rest of the Crew was, heading their separate ways where James stood with Hope, Thyra, Wyatt and Carter, and Serena went to stand with Noe, Marie, Zaya and Sadie.

Marie and Angela were sitting with Carter and Prince. Carter had his arm around Marie, trailing his fingers through her hair. Prince had his arm around Angela, trailing his fingers through her hair. Once they saw Serena and James, the four of them stood, walking closer.

"Hey," Hope told them.

Zaya looked at James and Serena. "You two okay?"

James and Serena avoided looking at each other.

"Don't ask," James told them.

"Okay," Prince agreed. "All right."

"Whatever you two need," Angela told them.

Carter looked at James, knowing what happened. "You good?"

James sighed, shaking his head.

Blair and Chuck walked toward them.

Brooklyn smiled, hoping to change the subject to something less painful. "Hey."

"There you two are," Dylan told them.

Thyra smiled. "And together at last."

"See, told you this was the way it's supposed to be," Wyatt told them teasingly.

"Oh, shut up," Chuck replied.

The Crew smiled, while James and Serena barely managed to.

Marie looked at everyone. "Despite a few hiccups here and there, tonight's overall good for us, as a group, right?"

"Yeah, despite a few of us," Alex answered.

"Well, there is one thing that could make it better," Sadie told them. 

Harry, Aurora, Laureen and Dominic walked closer with food.

"Hey," Harry greeted the kids. "There you guys are."

"Who's hungry?" Dominic asked.

"We got enough bagel chips to feed an army," Laureen told them.

"Fitting, since all of you are like your own little personal army," Aurora told them.

The Crew smirked slightly since it was true.

Preston looked at Sadie. "What could make this better?"

Zaya looked at Laureen and Dominic. "Can we tell them now?"

Laureen and Dominic smiled slightly.

"Tell us what?" Serena asked.

"What's going on?" Blair asked.

Sadie was too excited to come clean. "Dominic asked Mom to marry him today."

Harry, Aurora and the Crew all reacted in surprise and happiness.

"What?" Harry asked.

Noe smiled, especially thrilled since she told Dominic at her engagement party that she approved of them and knew that he would always take care of and be there for Zaya, Sadie and Laureen like family. "Oh, my God."

Nate smiled. "Congratulations."

Laureen held up her hand with the ring, smiling. 

"Thank you," Dominic told them.

"That's amazing, Laureen," Aurora told her, giving Laureen a hug as her friend. "I'm so happy for you and Dominic."

Laureen smiled. "Thank you, Aurora." She smiled, taking Dominic by the hand. "Does any of this seem like a dream to you?"

"All of it, actually," Dominic answered.

"Well, it's a dream come true for both of you," Hope told them.

"Congrats," Alex told them.

Everyone got to properly congratulate Laureen and Dominic happily in excitement. And soon everyone was calming down enough to talk about something else.

Noe and Nate exchanged a look, smiling.

"Uh, there is one other thing that you guys need to hear," Noe told them. "Nate and I were talking."

"And we wanted to see if all the Crew... would be Skye's godparents," Nate told them.

Everyone smiled in even more shock and happiness, thrilled.

"Oh, would we?" Brooklyn asked sarcastically.

"Hell yes," Marie answered.

"Absolutely," Dylan answered.

Carter smirked, shrugging. "Why the hell not?"

Thyra smiled. "Any kid of the Crew would be so spoiled because they get all of us as like godparents or something."

Wyatt smiled. "Totally true. Noe and Nate are Theo's godparents, but all of you act like it too."

"Of course," James agreed.

Angela held Theo in her arms, reaching out to Skye. "These two little adorable, precious creatures are so lucky."

Prince smirked. "These two got it made already."

The others laughed in agreement.

"They deserve it, too," Preston agreed.

Serena smiled sadly, looking at James, but still being incredibly happy for everyone else. "Yeah."

Blair smiled. "Oh, could tonight get any better?"

Chuck smiled, looking down. "I think it can."

"Kids, come here," Aurora told them. "Give me a proper goodbye this time, since I have to leave in the morning."

Hope, Thyra, Wyatt, Blair, James and Carter each gave a hug to Aurora, speaking at the same time, as Hope said, "Bye, Mom", and the others said, "Bye, Aurora."

"Is anyone not even gonna mention that none of us are even surprised when Hope, Thyra, Wyatt, Blair, James and Carter say the same thing at the same time anymore?" Prince asked.

"Hell, no," Noe answered.

Brooklyn smirked. "They're always in sync."

Everyone laughed.

Aurora gave Nate and Alex a hug too, which they returned.

Harry also gave Alex and Nate a hug. "Alex, Nate, you better get goodbyes in to me too, because I'm going with Aurora for the summer."

Alex mocked a gasp. "Harry's leaving with Aurora? Who would've guessed."

Dylan nodded sarcastically to go along with the teasing. "Oh, such a surprise."

Harry tilted his head at them. "Really?"

"No, not at all, Harry," Nate told him. "We knew that you would be leaving with Aurora."

There was more laughter.

Thyra gave Harry a hug. "Don't worry, Harry. As long as you're both happy..."

Hope gave Harry a hug too. "Then we're happy. Treat my mom well, Harry."

"You know he will," Dominic told them.

Laureen smiled. "I'm glad you kids are happy."

Noe gave Harry a hug, turning Skye slightly and carefully in her arms to show him. "Say bye to Uncle Harry."

Harry smiled.

"Yeah, and say bye to Preston since he's leaving for his summer tour tomorrow morning," Sadie added.

Preston got the proper goodbyes from the Crew, all smiling, the girls giving Preston a hug, and the boys patting him on the shoulders or arms, Prince and Carter messing with Preston's hair to tease/taunt him. Preston smiled, pushing Prince and Carter lightly, making everyone laugh.

Everyone was so happy and thrilled for the moment, having a perfect moment for all of them, but of course, something had to interrupt.

Dan stormed up to the group, pushing through to get to Chuck, punching him hard in the face, making him fall to the floor, ruining the moment and causing everyone to look at him in shock and incredulity. 

"Dan!" Marie told him.

"What the hell are you doing?" Zaya asked.

"The hell?" Preston asked.

"Have you lost your mind?" Noe asked.

Dominic pulled Dan back from Chuck before he could punch him again. "Hey, hey."

"Enough of that," Harry told him.

"What's the matter with you?" Alex asked.

Brooklyn and Dylan helped Chuck up, glaring at Dan.

"What the hell is your problem?" Angela asked.

"Do you have a death wish?" Dylan asked.

Dan pointed at Chuck. "You, tell them."

"Tell us what?" Thyra asked.

Jenny walked up to them, still crying.

"What is Jenny even doing here?" Marie asked.

Sadie glared at Jenny. "That's a good question."

"What is going on?" Wyatt asked.

Angela raised her eyebrows. "Anyone wanna answer?"

The Crew all noticed the state Jenny was in.

James realized, sighing. "Oh, God."

The others realized as well, looking from Jenny to Chuck in absolute shock.

Brooklyn tilted her head at Chuck. "You didn't."

Blair was utterly betrayed.

Chuck watched her reaction carefully. "Blair..."

Blair was heartbroken. "You did."

Zaya glared at Jenny. "What are you even doing here? Are you just thickheaded and stupid?"

"I'm leaving tomorrow," Jenny told them sadly.

"Zaya and Sadie already warned you," Blair told her furiously. "And I know you were already planning on leaving because they were making you miserable until you would leave. Now I am. Get out of here now. And not just out of this hospital, but off this island."

"Go and never come back," Sadie told her. "Because if you ever set foot in Manhattan again, we will know, and we will destroy you."

Jenny looked at everyone. "I'm sorry."

"You have no reason to be sorry," Dan told her. "This begins and ends with Chuck."

"No reason to be sorry?" Preston repeated skeptically. "Are you kidding me?"

"She has every reason to be sorry, for everything," Prince told him.

"This isn't even about Chuck," Serena agreed. "It's about everything and everyone."

Laureen looked around the group. "Hey. It's okay."

"Come on," Aurora told them. "Let's go."

Carter looked at Blair. "Are you okay?"

Blair shook her head, glaring at Chuck.

They all knew Blair and Chuck needed a moment.

"Hey, come on," Nate told them, taking Noe's hand, wrapping an arm around her and Skye. "Let's go."

Dan led Jenny away. "Here, come here. Let me walk you home."

Hope and Marie were left conflicted and in shock, watching Dan and Jenny go, looking at Chuck, not knowing what to feel. Alex and Carter placed their hands on Hope and Marie's backs and led them away.

Everyone walked away to give them time.

Chuck looked at Blair desperately. "Blair, I--I thought you didn't love me anymore. I didn't care if I lived or died. Jenny Humphrey was just--"

"No, don't say her name!" Blair snapped. "Or anything else to me ever again. This whole night didn't happen."

Blair walked away, leaving Chuck alone.

X•O°X•O

Day Two

Morning - Grand Central Station

Lily, Rufus and Dan were here saying goodbye to Jenny.

Dan and Jenny embraced.

"Are you sure you wanna do this?" Dan asked. "I know Zaya, Sadie and Blair threatened you, but..."

"Yeah, but they were right," Jenny pointed out. "It's my idea this time." She turned to Rufus. "Dad."

Rufus brought Jenny in for a hug. "Come here, kiddo. No tears."

"Oh, don't worry," Jenny told him. "I'm done crying."

"I meant me," Rufus admitted.

"I'm gonna miss you so much," Jenny told him.

"Yeah," Rufus agreed. "Your mother's thrilled to have you, but you can come home anytime. You are my daughter, Jenny, and I love you forever and always, come whatever."

"I love you, too," Jenny told him. "There's nothing here for me anymore, though."

Eric walked closer. "I'm here."

Jenny looked at him in surprise. "Eric."

"Even with everything, you were my best friend, and are my sister," Eric told her. "That still means something to me even if it doesn't to you."

Jenny embraced Eric. "It does mean something to me."

Eric looked behind Jenny up on the stairs behind her, a good distance away. "And it means something to Hope and Marie too."

They all followed his gaze to Hope and Marie on the stairs, having had enough heart to come see Jenny off, but they couldn't bring themselves to come over to her after everything she did to them and the ones that they loved.

Jenny looked at Hope and Marie with a sudden sadness as everything she did struck her anew, understanding why Hope and Marie couldn't bring themselves to come say goodbye for real.

Lily, Rufus, Dan and Eric were understanding as well, sad but glad they had at least came.

Rufus turned to two of his kids. "Dan, Jenny. Humphrey hug." He pulled them into a hug. "Eric and Lily, get in here, too."

Lily and Eric embraced them.

"All right, I gotta go," Jenny told them.

Rufus shook his head. "No, no, no. A little longer. A little longer."

Jenny pulled away. "I love you. Bye, guys."

Jenny turned around, giving Hope and Marie one last look, barely managing a wave, as they did in return. Jenny turned around, walking toward her train.

Hope and Marie exchanged a sad and conflicted look, turning around, walking out of the station.

X•O°X•O

Dominic's Mansion - Living Room

Laureen was sitting on Dominic's lap, as they were laughing and waiting for breakfast.

"What shall we do with the day?" Laureen asked. "There's a beautiful vineyard at the north fork I've been wanting to visit."

Dominic kissed her cheek. "I have a meeting in the city, but after that, I'm all yours."

Laureen and Dominic smiled, kissing. Zaya and Sadie walked in.

"Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa," Zaya teased. "Take it easy, you crazy kids."

Laureen laughed, sliding into her own chair.

Sadie grinned. "I still can't believe you're engaged to Dominic, Mom. Let me see the ring!" Laureen smiled at the excitement her daughters had, showing them the ring. Zaya and Sadie looked closely. "Mm. Oh, now I believe it."

Zaya and Sadie smiled.

"Zaya, Sadie, this is something you would both wanted too," Dominic told them. "This is as much your decision as it is ours. You practically encouraged and gave me the push to ask Laureen."

"Dominic, you already asked us before you even proposed to make sure that you could ask Mom, so you know the answer is 'hell yes'," Zaya answered.

Laureen looked at Dominic, smiling a bit. "I still can't believe you already asked them before me, Dominic."

"Of course I did," Dominic replied. "After everything the three of you went through, I wasn't going to ask without making sure that all three of you would be happy with this. And double checking to make sure."

Zaya, Sadie and Laureen smiled.

"Where are you thinking of holding the ceremony?" Zaya asked.

Laureen sighed, tilting her head with a small smile. "He won't tell me, but I think it's Corsica." She looked at Dominic. "It is Corsica, right?"

Dominic smirked, placing a finger over his lips. "I won't tell you."

Dominic wrapped his arm around Laureen as she leaned her head on his shoulder, holding hands, both looking at Laureen's ring on her finger, looking at each other, and at Zaya and Sadie, smiling. Zaya and Sadie smiled happily at them, the four of them extremely happy.

X•O°X•O

Noe/Nate's Apartment - Living Room

Noe was packing up for her trip with Nate and Skye.

Serena and Brooklyn were sitting with Noe. 

Marie walked in. "Hey."

"Hey," Brooklyn told her. "Are you okay?"

"Not really," Marie answered. "But I don't want to think about Jenny right now. I don't want to think about anything. Hey, Noe, are you still gonna go see our uncle Blake and his kids since you finally got your memories of them back?"

"Yeah," Noe answered. "Zaya, Sadie and Laureen wanna go visit too. You can come with, if you want, Marie. So you get to meet them and make the choice about whether or not you want to be close with them or not, and so they can make the choice about you. Serena won't go because she fell for Mom and Grandma Celia's lies about them hook, line and sinker."

"It's not that I fell for it, I just don't know if I want to meet them or not," Serena denied.

"And Eric's gonna be with Beck this summer, so..." Noe trailed off.

"Right," Brooklyn agreed.

"And then Nate and I get to have our own little summer away with Skye after we visit Blake and his kids," Noe told them.

"Sounds like a plan," Marie told them. "Yeah, I wanna go."

Brooklyn smiled encouragingly. "Good for you, Marie. You, Noe, Zaya, Sadie and Laureen deserve to get to see the rest of your family. And Laureen and Dominic deserve to have the epic wedding that is no doubt waiting for them when you finish with it."

Marie smiled. "Of course. Laureen and Dominic deserve the best after everything they, Zaya and Sadie have been through."

Noe, Serena and Brooklyn smiled in agreement.

"I'm really glad that Dominic is gonna be apart of their family now," Noe told them. "I always knew that he would be a good fit for them. Even asked if Dominic could take care of and be there for Zaya, Sadie and Laureen at my and Nate's engagement party. Look like their dream's about to come true."

"As it should be," Serena told them. "Laureen and Dominic clearly are meant for each other, and Dominic's so good with Zaya and Sadie." Noe, Brooklyn and Marie nodded. "And me, I'm actually excited to have an entire summer with nothing to do but figure things out."

Brooklyn smirked. "Um, first of all, Serena, you didn't go to school this year and you haven't had a real job in months. So life is kind of like summer for you."

Serena nodded sarcastically. "Oh, okay. Thanks. Kick a girl when she's down. I really am gonna change."

"Really?" Noe asked teasingly.

"The drama is who you are, Serena," Marie told her in amusement.

Brooklyn looked at Serena, smiling. "Blair invited me, Dylan, Wyatt and Thyra to go to Paris with her for the summer. And you are coming with us."

Serena tilted her head. "Uh, I was gonna do a cleanse and yoga. And maybe keep a dream journal."

"Haven't you heard of retail therapy?" Brooklyn asked. "And everyone goes to Paris to write their memoirs, not that you'll have the time, what with all the riding around on Vespas in cute outfits."

"I think it's a good idea for you, Serena," Marie told her.

"So do I," Noe agreed.

Serena considered, tilting her head, smiling, taking Brooklyn's hands. "Thank you, Brooklyn. I really think I need this."

Brooklyn smiled. "Me too."

Noe, Serena, Marie and Brooklyn shared an embrace.

X•O°X•O

Dining Room

Alex and Nate were talking.

"Thanks for stopping by, Alex," Nate told him.

"Yeah, no problem," Alex agreed. "I knew that you would be gone for the summer, and after everything you, Noe and Skye have been through this year, you deserve it, Nate."

"Yeah, we do," Nate agreed. "What about you? What are you gonna be doing?"

"Ah, well, someone has to stick around and make sure that the clocktower finally gets done," Alex answered. "Finish date is still set at the end of summer, so it'll be ready for Angela to make her home by the time everyone gets back. And with this thing that she's got going on with Marie, the alters, Carter and Prince, who knows if they'll end up staying there too. And Preston, since Prince and Preston are always having trouble with Sherry and Simon trying to control them, toxically."

"Yeah, that's true," Nate agreed. "Well, hope that they do all manage to find a way with all this."

"Yeah," Alex agreed. "You gonna be good over the summer?"

"Yeah," Nate answered. "I think being away from the city is exactly what Noe, Skye and I need. She, Marie, Zaya, Sadie and Laureen get to see their other family, and we all get the distance we need, especially with Laureen and Dominic's plans to get married."

Alex nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan, brother."

Alex and Nate smirked slightly, doing a little brotherly handshake.

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Penthouse - Living Room

Hope walked off the elevator, seeing Blair, Wyatt, Thyra, James and Carter there.

"Hey," Thyra told her. "You okay?"

"Been better," Hope answered. "I can't believe I actually felt bad for her leaving like that after everything she did."

"Well, you wouldn't be you if you didn't feel bad about it, Hope," Carter pointed out.

"But it was for the best," Wyatt told her.

Hope sighed. "I know. At least we got to say bye to Mom and Harry before they left. And Preston before his summer tour."

"Yeah," Blair agreed. "Aurora and Harry are at least together, and Laureen and Dominic are getting married, and Preston is gonna have his own little summer adventure."

Thyra smiled, looking at Hope teasingly to cheer her up. "Oh, and I'm sure that you're just so glad that Laureen and Dominic are getting married and that Zaya and Sadie finally get the father figure they deserve with Dominic like that."

"Well, duh," Hope answered. The others chuckle. "Dominic's already been acting like family to Zaya, Sadie and Laureen and how he looked out for the rest of us. Now it's just gonna be official."

James nodded. "At least, yeah. So what's on the agenda for the summer?"

Hope sighed. "I'll probably stay in the city, focus on getting things ready for next year. Alex and I really wanna be able to start our careers next year, and to do that, we need to be working over the summer. Plus, two of us have to stay in the city to make sure that the clocktower gets done by the time summer's over, so that Angela can move in finally. And Marie, Carter and Prince, and even Preston, might be able to be there too, if they want."

Carter poured himself a drink. "Uh, I would not go that far yet."

Wyatt smirked, tilting his head. "Oh, please. You, Marie/alters, Angela and Prince are so ready for that, but if it takes the summer to prove it, so be it. Besides, Preston and Prince deserve to get away from Sherry and Simon any way they can."

"That I will agree with," Carter agreed.

Blair took Thyra and Wyatt by the hands. "I'm someone who's not gonna stop looking for love just because I've lost it, which is why I'm going directly into the belly of the beast. Paris. Thyra, Wyatt, Brooklyn, Dylan and I will be going with me. I asked James to come, and I wanted to ask you and Carter, Hope, but..."

James shook his head. "Hope's gonna be busy this summer, and she was right about her and Alex needing to make sure the clocktower gets done. Carter and I aren't interested. I'm sure that you'll have all the company you need with Thyra, Wyatt, Brooklyn and Dylan, Blair."

"And, uh, Serena," Blair added sheepishly.

"Blair suggested to Brooklyn that Serena could come," Thyra pointed out. "You said that you didn't want this to effect our friendship with her, James."

"And I don't," James told them. "I just... I'm not sure that I want to be around Serena right now."

"Okay," Wyatt agreed. "So what are you gonna do?"

"I'm not sure yet," James admitted. "But I can try to move on. Any way I can. Before he took off to Prague, Chuck even left me his little black book as a way for me to try and get over things, but I don't know, using something like that is not my style."

Carter smirked. "No, but it was mine. Not anymore, but, uh, still. You could use the fun and loosen up, James."

"Shut up, Carter," James replied. The girls and Wyatt smiled at the expected response. James looked at them all. "But don't let any of that hold you guys back from having fun."

"Yeah, have a blast," Carter told them, smirking with the same edge of teasing/taunting as usual.

"Oh, we will," Wyatt replied.

Blair looked at Thyra and Wyatt, smiling. "Traveling a foreign land together. La première on Air France has turndown service, and the chef has three Michelin stars. Shopping at Palais Royal, people watching at Café de Flore?"

Thyra smiled. "Oh, lingerie and Pierre Hermès. It's gonna be great."

Hope smiled softly. "Yeah, it's gonna be okay. As long as we all have each other, we're all gonna be okay."

Hope, Thyra and Blair embraced, and pulled Wyatt, James and Carter into their hug as well, causing the boys to groan but smirk in amusement as they returned the hug.

X•O°X•O

Theo's Nursery

Dylan was packing things up for Theo while Angela was getting Theo dressed.

Dylan walked closer. "Angela, are you sure about letting Theo come with me, Wyatt, Thyra, Blair, Brooklyn and Serena to Paris? I mean, it is your choice as much as it is mine."

"I'm sure," Angela answered. "You're right, it is a joint decision, Dylan. Since Theo is the son to both of us. But I don't mind you traveling with him at all. Especially since Brooklyn and Serena are his family too, like Noe, Hope, Chuck, Marie, Zaya, Sadie, Laureen, Lily and Eric. And Wyatt is taking care of him as much as we are, so he's like a second father to Theo already, so Thyra, James, Carter, Aurora, Eleanor and Cyrus might as well be considered his family too. So of course I'm okay with it."

"What are you gonna be doing?" Dylan asked.

"Well, Prince said that he might have found me a movie to be a stunt coordinator on, like I've always wanted to be," Angela answered.

Dylan smiled. "Really? That's great."

"Yeah," Angela agreed. "I'm gonna love it. And 3 months is too long for me to be away from Theo after everything, so when I can, between scheduling and work, I will be able to come up and see you guys in Paris. Luckily we have private jets for a reason."

Dylan smirked. "Right. You know, back when you came back into our lives, and Theo came... I didn't know if this could work. But this is really working out."

Angela smiled softly, nodding. "Yeah. It is." She held Theo in her arms, smiling softly at him. "Bye, Theo. I'll see you soon, baby. I'm always gonna be there as soon as you need me."

Theo smiled happily at Dylan and Angela, babbling and laughing. Dylan and Angela smiled at him happily. Angela kissed Theo on the head, holding him close.

X•O°X•O

Airport

Prince was saying goodbye to Preston for now, giving his little brother a hug. "Be safe, okay? And don't let Mom and Dad push you into things that you don't want to do, all right?"

Preston sighed, tilting his head. "Kind of hard when they're going with me to make sure I behave the way they think I should."

"I know," Prince agreed. "But whatever happens, you just be yourself, Preston. And when you get back, me, Sadie and the Crew will be here."

Preston tilted his head. "Will you guys stop teasing me and Sadie?"

"Will you two drop the pretenses and admit that you really like each other?" Prince replied.

Preston rolled his eyes, shaking his head, turning away. "Okay, I'm going."

Prince grabbed Preston's arm, laughing. "I'm sorry. Just call me if you need anything, Preston. Okay?"

Preston nodded thankfully. "Okay. Yeah. Thanks, Prince. For everything."

Prince smiled, ruffling Preston's hair. "And have fun."

"Prince, we've gotta go," Sherry told him. "Preston, come on."

"Boys, we don't have all day," Simon told them.

Preston looked at Prince. "We can't stay with them like this."

"I know," Prince agreed. "But don't worry. We'll figure something out. Preston, you call me if you need anything. And I mean anything, even if it's just Mom and Dad pushing you too hard to do too much, all right? If you need me, I'll be there. As fast as I can."

Preston nodded. "I know. Thanks, Prince. But I think I got it."

"Preston," Simon called impatiently. "Prince, let to boy go."

Preston and Prince both tried to ignore their parents as much as they could. Preston gave Prince a salute, turning around, walking away. Prince smiled slightly, concerned for Preston because of how their parents could be, but knowing he could stand up for himself, put his foot down, and be true to himself.

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Dan was typing on his laptop, when he heard a knock on his door. "Uh, come on! It's open."

Georgina walked in. "Hi, Dan."

Dan stood in surprise. "Georgina, what are you doing here?"

"Looking for you, actually," Georgina answered. "I, um, I have something of yours."

"What?" Dan asked. "I don't--I don't remember giving you anything."

Georgina took off her coat, revealing that she was very heavily pregnant. "Well, you gave me this."

Dan looked at her in shock. "What?"

Georgina smiled, showing Dan pictures of the ultrasound. "Congratulations, Daddy. He looks just like you."

(Song:) Under Pressure - Crooked Fingers

Dan was in absolute shock, trying to process.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "And all in an instant, everything changes."

X•O°X•O

Train

Jenny was riding her chain to Hudson, looking out at the city as she was saying goodbye to living there for good.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "We leave the past behind."

X•O°X•O

Private Jet

Preston was on a private plane with his parents, but was ignoring Sherry and Simon, looking out the window.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "And speed toward the unknown."

X•O°X•O

Another Private Jet

Aurora and Harry were flying in their plane, and soon starting to land, smiling at each other.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Our future."

X•O°X•O

Clocktower

Hope and Alex were working at the clocktower to make sure things were getting closer and closer to being done, both looking at each other, smiling slightly.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Some more ready to bring their future along than others, ready to make their futures today."

X•O°X•O

Limo

Brooklyn, Thyra, Dylan, Wyatt, Blair and Serena were riding in the limo, clinking glasses, while Brooklyn and Thyra were drinking water, drinking. Dylan and Wyatt were keeping Theo entertained, smiling at him, as Theo was smiling giddily.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "We set out for far-off places."

X•O°X•O

Another Limo

Noe, Nate, Marie, Zaya, Sadie and Laureen were in a limo, clearly going out so the Rhodes girls could see their other family, while Nate and Skye were with Noe so they could also have their time together as a family after they did. Noe and Nate were taking care of Skye, smiling at their baby.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "And try to find ourselves."

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Penthouse - Living Room

Carter walked toward James, tossing the black book to him. "This might be new to you, James, but you're gonna thank me someday."

"What are you talking about?" James asked.

Two girls walked out of the elevator, clearly having been called by Carter for James.

James gave Carter a look, tilting his head, looking at the girls, clearly just wanting to find some way to fill the void and stop feeling the pain. The girls walked closer, sitting on either side of James, starting to kiss his neck and cheek.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Or try to lose ourselves exploring pleasures closer to home."

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Outside

Angela walked up to Prince, who was waiting outside the hotel for her. "So Preston sent off okay?"

"Yeah, even though our parents are being monsters as usual," Prince answered. "Preston even said we can't stay with them like this for much longer."

Angela nodded understandingly, sympathetically. "It's gonna be okay, Prince."

"Yeah," Prince said, cheering up a bit, smirking a slight smile. "Would you like to see about this stunt coordinator job that I might have found for you?"

Angela smiled. "I can't believe that you're helping me get my dream job. Like Carter did for Marie."

Prince shrugged. "It's another good parallel for the four of us."

Angela nodded in agreement. "Definitely."

Angela and Prince kissed passionately.

X•O°X•O

Prague, Czech Republic

Night - Alley

Chuck was completely drunk, walking along.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "The problems start when we refuse to let change happen and cling to old habits."

Chuck saw ladies nearby. "Dekuji, ladies. A velvet revolution indeed." The girls ran off. Two men walked up to Chuck, restraining him so they could mug him, speaking in Czech. "Hey, look, you don't--you don't need to get rough. Okay, I've got lots of money. I'm Chuck Bass." The man going through his pocket pulled out an engagement ring box, which Chuck had been planning to give to Blair before everything was ruined for them. "Hey, hey, hey! Come on. Come on, not that. Not that. Just let me keep the box. Take me to a bank. I will give you the money. Just let me keep the box!"

Chuck struggled to get to them, and was shot in the stomach before he could take the box back. He looked down in shock, falling to the ground. The two men ran away, leaving Chuck bleeding out on the ground, as Chuck slowly closed his eyes.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "But if we hold on to the past too tight, the future may never come. Till death do us part. XOXO, Gossip Girl."