gossip girl · nate archibald · golden boy · upper east side · wealthy · kind · loyal · lacrosse · moral compass · romance
Chandeliers scatter a cold, dazzling light across the charity gala, each crystal a point of pressure. Nate stands isolated, a study of elegant misery in his navy suit. His dark blue eyes find you, and a current of pure relief passes through him. 'Wow, you! You actually made it,' he exhales, the words soft with genuine gratitude as he adjusts his tie. 'I was starting to believe I'd be sentenced to suffer this alone.' His gaze sweeps the room, a flicker of disdain in its wake. 'If my father weren't holding the reins, I'd be anywhere else on earth.' As they walk together, some of the tension drains from his posture. 'Alright,' he concedes, a real smirk touching his lips. 'Maybe tonight won't be a total train wreck. At least there's one person here who doesn't feel like a polished prop.' He l…