006, the handmaiden's tale
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"Long ago, when European royals grew bored with palace balls, they took a page from the peons, and added some pageantry.

Couture and canapés are just another Saturday night, until you add a mask but preparing for a ball is an event in itself, which is why queens invented handmaidens."

ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

SERENA, KENNEDY and Blair all sit in Blair's bedroom talking about girly things.

"So Kati told me something about a custom corset... and I hear there are wigs involved?" Serena questions seeing Kennedy smiling at her.

"It's a masquerade. You have to conceal your identity. But I do have something special planned for Nate tonight. It's a game─ it's a scavenger hunt. Nate starts the night off with a clue. Which leads him to a lady-in-waiting who gives him a clue to the lady." Blair explains.

"Wait. Hold on you have ladies now?" Kennedy questions, "If he finds me before midnight when the masks come off. He can claim his price." Blair voices, "And what's that?" Serena asks.

Blair raises a brow and smirks looking at the two Van Der Woodsen's.

"Oh." Kennedy mumbles sitting up looking at Serena, "Yeah. Right. Sorry." Serena responds seeing Kennedy biting her lip uncomfortable with the topic.

"I just figured that after everything that's happened─ or hasn't happened. I should find some way to make it special." Blair explains.

"Well, that's really romantic, Blair." Serena voices looking at Kennedy who nods with a soft smile, "Really." Kennedy confirms with a nod.

"Look. Um if you don't want me to come tonight... I totally understand." Serena states sitting up beside Kennedy.

"What? No. I want you to come. Both of you." Blair firmly states looking at the brunette and blonde also sitting up.

"In fact... I was hoping you'd both be one of my ladies. Would you both give Nate the second and last clue?" Blair questions.

"Are you sure you want me to?" Serena wonders seeing Kennedy inhale and nod at Blair.

"I'll do it last. That way he'll have a surprise right behind me... and that's you." Kennedy explains looking at Serena who nods and Blair's happiness radiating from her smile.

"Tonight is all about starting over. I trust both of you. And him." Blair voices.

"Well, then I will be honoured to serve you." Serena smiles looking at Kennedy who chuckles.

"Our queen." Kennedy voices while bowing on the large bed of Blairs.

Blair laughs along with Kennedy and Serena hearing Kennedy's phone chime with a text message.

"Oh my god! Anastasia's in the city?" Serena gasps seeing the text message from Anastasia on Kennedy's phone.

"She sure is. And she's coming tonight." Kennedy smiles loving that her sister and best friend are close with her immediate best friend.

"You're bringing Dan right?" Blair questions seeing Serena gulp nervously having forgot to ask the male to be her date to the ball.

"Speaking of Stas. I need to go meet up with her. I'm taking her dress shopping. See you both later." Kennedy voices in a rush blowing kisses to Blair and Serena who both return the kissing gesture.

✹

KENNEDY SHRIEKS seeing Anastasia running towards her on the streets outside the hotel.

"Thank you for coming with me tonight Stas!" Kennedy giggles taking Anastasia's hand and running into the hotel towards her suite to get changed for dress shopping.

"You're very welcome Kenny. It should be fun!" Anastasia smiles gasping at the dress hanging in Kennedy's closet for tonight.

"Ugh, yes. I bought that a week ago. Hey if you want─ you can go through my closet and see if any of the dresses suit you? Then it'll save us from going mad shopping." Kennedy suggests.

Anastasia's eyes light up at the thought of going through Kennedy's closet.

"Ooo! This one." Anastasia shrieks holding a long light blue gown.

"That's one-hundred percent your colour Stas!" Kennedy confirms.

Kennedy's phone rings with an incoming phone call and Kennedy smiles seeing the caller ID.

"Well, well... if it isn't mr sleep ins. What's up Nate?" Kennedy wonders with a smile on her face not noticing the way Anastasia is watching her best friend light up while talking to the Archibald boy.

"Oh nothing. Just wanted to say good morning and if I could possibly catch up with you for some lunch?" Nate wonders.

"Of course. I have Stas with me at the moment but I'm sure she won't mind tagging along. If that's okay?" Kennedy wonders.

"Of course Kens. See you in forty minutes." Nate states ending the phone call.

"Okay. What was that about?" Anastasia wonders seeing Kennedy stare at her dress once more, "We're meeting Nate for lunch." Kennedy states.

"Okay." Anastasia nods grabbing her purse and following Kennedy out of the suite towards the restaurant where Nate and her always go to spend time together.

Kennedy and Anastasia giggle walking into Nate's apartment seeing Chuck and Nate in the office.

"What are you wearing?" Kennedy questions leaning against the doorframe looking at Chuck's outfit.

"Fashion. You should try it sometime Kenny." Chuck taunts, "My fashion senses are fine thank you. Nate─ is there a reason you called and told me and Stas to meet you here instead of the restaurant?" Kennedy wonders seeing the stressed out look on Nate's face.

"You okay?" Anastasia frowns also noticing the look on the males face.

Nate sighs holding up a baggie full of cocaine, "Yo! What the fuck is that?" Kennedy shrieks not liking the idea of drugs ever since her accident a few years back.

"Is that yours?" Anastasia frowns, "It's not mine." Nate denies holding up the book belonging to his father and showing Kennedy and Anastasia who's standing directly beside Kennedy.

"It's your father's? What the heck!" Kennedy mutters under her breath.

Nate grunts but overhears Kennedy's stomach grumble in hunger, "Okay. Come on Kens. Stasia, let's go eat." Nate chuckles not wanting to experience two girls being angry with hunger.

"Finally!" Kennedy groans in delight smirking, "Bye Chuck!" Kennedy exclaims leaving the apartment suite, "Bye Kennedy!" Chuck exclaims in response.

"And goodbye Anastasia." Chuck also adds knowing the blonde with mock not saying goodbye to her.

"Yeah. Goodbye." Anastasia states following Nate and Kennedy out of the apartment onto the streets of New York.

Arriving at the restaurant Nate sighs capturing Kennedy's attention, "I've gotta call Blair. But get us a table?" Nate suggests seeing Kennedy nod and grab Anastasia's hand once more and walk into the restaurant.

After getting a table almost immediately Anastasia smiles before excusing herself to the rest room leaving Kennedy sitting alone for two minted before Nate enters and sits down at the table with a displeased grunt.

"What's up?" Kennedy asks now firmly wanting an honest answer off the male.

"Confused, angry, annoyed." Nate explains grabbing Kennedy's hand rubbing soothing circles on her palm.

Anastasia comes back and sits down noticing both of their hands laced together and the look of love Nate's giving Kennedy in the process.

"I ordered for you." Kennedy explains letting Nate's hand go and smiling at Anastasia.

"Thank you Kenny." Anastasia smiles looking at both of them.

"Am I interrupting something?" said girls ask suddenly, "No. No. Sorry Anastasia. I'm just stressed." Nate voices nodding at the blonde who nods in return before eating her lunch noticing Kennedy only eating little bites of her food and not a lot before finishing with a sip of her sparkling water.

"I know despite finding you know what. Are you at least excited for tonight with Blair and the masquerade?" Anastasia questions snapping the male out of his staring contest with Kennedy's lips.

"Yeah." Nate states clearing his throat, "We should get going and start getting ready for tonight. I'm sure my mom and Serena are waiting for us." Kennedy explains standing up from the table and embracing Nate in a tight hug.

"See you tonight Kens. And you as well, Anastasia." Nate smiles opening the door of the entrance and watching Kennedy and Anastasia get into Kennedy's families car.

Kennedy inhales and exhales looking at Anastasia's smirking face, "What?" Kennedy frowns confused.

"Nothing." Anastasia shrugs while the town car drives towards the hotel the Van Der Woodsen's are currently staying.

✹

ANASTASIA AND Kennedy walk into the apartment suite seeing Lily and Serena watching the two of them enter.

"Don't worry. We'll start getting ready right now." Kennedy voices smiling at her mother and winking at Serena before excusing herself and rushing into her room beginning her makeup and hair beside Anastasia who does the same.

"You're my date by the way." Kennedy voices looking at Anastasia, "I wouldn't want it any other way, my love." Anastasia giggles finishing her makeup waiting for Kennedy to finish hers.

Serena walks into Kennedy's room seeing said girl in her robe and undergarments for her dress.

"You okay S?" Kennedy wonders finishing her makeup and looking at the blonde.

"Just had to get myself a date since Dan already has plans." Serena huffs seeing Anastasia walk into the room with waters and an extra one already sensing Serena will eventually join the two of them in Kennedy's room.

"Thanks Stas." Kennedy smiles drinking her water, "Dan really ditched you for someone else? What the hell." Kennedy comments.

"Now I'm going with some dude." Serena groans annoyed seeing Anastasia smile and Kennedy giggle before frowning hearing a knock on their suite door.

"I'll get it. You get ready." Kennedy orders smiling at Serena who nods taking Kennedy's spot on the large vanity.

The knocking continues, "I'm coming!" Kennedy exclaims opening the door seeing Nate standing on the opposite side.

"Nate, hey." Kennedy says shocked hiding her mask and folding her robe over her undergarments.

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be getting ready?" Kennedy questions nervously.

"I'm sorry to bother you Kens. It's um─ do you have a minute?" Nate asks.

"Yeah. Of course. Come on in." Kennedy smiles, "Thanks." Nate whispers stepping around Kennedy who motions to the couch in the living room.

"Are you still thinking about what you found?" Kennedy wonders sitting beside Nate─ who nods and sighs.

"Maybe it's old? You know left over from the nineties. From some night at Limelight or the Tunnel? Our parents did way worse stuff than we do." Kennedy mumbles.

"It's not old and it makes total sense. I think he's having some money problems." Nate explains, "Well, have you asked him about it?" Kennedy questions.

"Yeah. I just wish─ you know, I wish he'd be honest with me. It's like he and my mom... they made some secret pact to act like robots." Nate mutters.

"I don't think that pact is so secret. I think all of our parents signed it." Kennedy chuckles lowly.

"But I'm not a little kid anymore. He doesn't have to shut me out." Nate responds.

"Look, if what you think is right. He's probably really scared. Maybe you have to tell him how you feel more than once for him to really hear you. You know?" Kennedy suggests gently seeing Nate staring at the wall unsure.

"Hey. Don't give up, okay?" Kennedy states placing her hand gently on Nate's arm in which the male gently grabs a hold of her hand and smiles gently at the action.

"Hey Ken, where is your highlighter? Serena's looking for it." Anastasia calls out coming out from the brunette's room seeing Nate looking at Kennedy once more with so much love.

"Bottom drawer." Kennedy explains with a smile seeing Anastasia nod and leave the two in the living room.

"Sorry, you're feeling like this Nate. You know I'll always be here for you," Kennedy smiles running her fingers along his hairline to sooth him.

"Although, you should go and get ready right now. Plus I have to get into my dress anyways." Kennedy chuckles seeing Nate nod and stand up.

"Thanks Kens." Nate smiles, "It's fine. Don't worry about it too much." Kennedy smiles.

"Chuck just wanted to bump. And Blair's phone was turned off. So it really means a lot." Nate voices.

"Anytime Nate." Kennedy nods looking at her bedroom door and the voices heard from behind it.

"I'll see you tonight, okay?" Kennedy says, "All right. I'll see you. Bye." Nate smiles walking out of the apartment.

Kennedy breathes deeply entering her bedroom seeing Serena and Anastasia all done and dressed in their dresses.

"Someone needs to help me get into mine. Please." Kennedy chuckles seeing Serena and Anastasia nod and motion for her to get into the red gown.

✹

AFTER TEN minutes and a few bathroom breaks due to nerves, the three girls arrive at the masquerade looking around at the all of the stunning dresses.

"On the Upper East Side, appearances are often deceiving, from friends to hair colour, there's always more than meets the eye."

"You look absolutely gorgeous Kennedy!" Serena smiles still in awe of the dress Kennedy has on and Anastasia's as well.

"So do you Serena." Kennedy smiles before noticing the drinks table and tapping Anastasia who nods wrapping her arm around Kennedy's walking towards the said table leaving Serena alone for a moment.

"Oh! I spotted Blair. I'll be back soon Stas." Kennedy smiles seeing Anastasia nod and watch Kennedy walk towards Blair.

"B! You look absolutely stunning!" Kennedy exclaims, "So do you! Wow!" Blair gasps eyeing the red gown Kennedy has on.

"Here's the last clue for Nate. Go party." Blair states handing Kennedy a piece of paper.

"Okay. You have fun tonight... okay B?" Kennedy states walking back over to Anastasia who smiles seeing Kennedy walking back.

"Dance? Or do you just wanna stand here all night?" Kennedy smiles.

"One dance." Anastasia responds holding up one finger smirking seeing Nate looking at Kennedy and herself walking onto the dance floor careful of the others dancing around each other.

"So you and Nate?" Anastasia asks walking off the dance floor beside Kennedy after their one dance.

"What about Nate and I? His with Blair." Kennedy shrugs.

"Babe, what I walked out to this afternoon wasn't just a friendship." Anastasia explains.

"Stas, he has a girlfriend." Kennedy responds not noticing Anastasia's smirk.

"Well, I've gotta pee. I'll be back soon." said girl explains, "Be safe and call me if you need me!" Kennedy voices seeing Anastasia nod.

Kennedy huffs turning towards the dance floor once more walking towards the tables to sit down for a while feeling her feet ache with the heels she's wearing.

✹

KENNEDY SIPS on her water watching as everyone dances around her standing up and walking onto the dance floor feeling hands on her waist holding her still.

"Kennedy." a familiar whispers into her ear sending shivers down Kennedy's spine.

"Nate? Oh, you need your clue. Here." Kennedy explains handing Nate the piece of paper that Blair gave her earlier that night going to walk away once handing the clue towards the Archibald boy.

"Kens, wait! Please." Nate pleads running after the brunette who sighs turning around noticing Anastasia waiting for her at the exit.

"Let me explain please. I'm sorry I've put you in a bad spot with Blair and I'm sorry for staring at you for too long in the hallways. It's killing me ignoring my feelings for you," Nate explains quietly hearing Kennedy breathing deeply.

"I've had them since we were both kids and I know it's time for me to be honest with Blair. I can't keep fighting this. What we have─ I like you a lot Kens." Nate whispers into Kennedy's ear shocking the brunette.

Kennedy shakes her head and looks towards the male who's looking at her with so much love.

"I can't do this to Blair. Please stop." Kennedy begs growing teary eyed, "I can't, Kens." Nate states firmly placing his hand on her wrist.

"Nate, you need to find Blair. And I need to go," Kennedy whispers avoiding eye contact with the male gasping at the time on the clock being three minutes to midnight.

"Go!" Kennedy pleads escaping the males grip and running towards Anastasia who looks at Kennedy shaking her head and wiping her tears off her cheeks.

"Come on Kenny." Anastasia says ushering her into a nearby car to drive them back to the Van Der Woodsen's suite.

Unaware that the Archibald male ran out after them seeing Kennedy's diamond necklace laid on the ground below his feet.

Nate sighs and walks inside taking off his mask standing in-front of Blair at the bottom of the stairs staring up at him.

✹

ANASTASIA HOLDS Kennedy while she cries on her lap in the car driving them home.

"You were right Stas." Kennedy cries, "Shush. I know." Anastasia whispers running her fingers through Kennedy's hair.

Kennedy groans climbing out of the car holding on Anastasia feeling a headache coming on from her crying in the car.

"Sorry for ruining your night Stas." Kennedy mumbles seeing Anastasia smile.

"Babe, you didn't ruin my night. I was there for you and only you." Anastasia smiles hearing Kennedy sigh in relief.

"How could I be so stupid on letting him get that close to me?" Kennedy mumbles holding onto her head following Anastasia into her room and collapsing on her bed.

"My feet are killing me!" Kennedy moans in pain, "Mine too." Anastasia chuckles seeing Kennedy's phone ringing on the bedside table.

"It's Nate." Anastasia states showing Kennedy the caller ID.

Kennedy groans holding the pillow over her head before sitting up and holding out her hand for the phone.

Anastasia chuckles and walks out of the bedroom for a midnight snack and drink.

"Nate?" Kennedy questions answering the phone call, "Hey. I wasn't sure you'd answer." Nate states.

"Believe me─ I wasn't going to. But we also promised each other that if someone calls despite the time... we always answer. So, are you okay?" Kennedy voices sitting up and unbuttoning the red gown and slipping into her silk pyjamas.

"Mom thinks the drugs are mine and my father is letting her. So I'm in trouble." Nate explains shocking the brunette.

"Wait? They seriously think the cocaine is yours? What the hell Nate. What are you going to do?" Kennedy asks putting him on speaker to take off her makeup and do her nightly routine seeing Anastasia placing a cup of tea beside her and walking into the bathroom.

"Right now? I'm gonna sleep it off and expect hell in the morning. I'm so sorry for tonight, Kens." Nate mumbles.

"I know... me too." Kennedy sighs ending the phone call and climbing into her bed alongside Anastasia sleeping off their sore muscles and eventful night they both just experienced.

"Who says feelings and hurt can only happens during relationships? I'm sure K and N are experiencing hurt after tonight's confession from the prince K has been dreaming about since she was 5 years old."

─────── ∘°❉°∘ ───────
TO BE CONTINUED...

𝖊𝖑𝖘 𝖘𝖕𝖊𝖆𝖐𝖘 ⛧
i promise a new
chapter is coming,
i just haven't had
motivation lately