Despite everything, Dan was still struck by Serena's easy, infectious charm. He smiled at the joke, giving a rueful nod at how ill-fated their dates had been. Of course none of the previous miscommunication or mishaps could compare to the horrors that had unfolded at the dance. He was doing a good job at blocking out the images of violence and terror that had assaulted the students mere moments after he'd arrived, but Dan knew he would never be able to forget them entirely.
"I guess I'm already dressed for it," Dan said, trying to match her unspoken determination not to be weighed down by the frightening reality of it all. If Serena was game, he would be too. "This suit looked a lot better at the start of the evening, believe me."
He found his smile widening at her invitation, realizing that as perverse as it was, he was still excited to be on a date with Serena van der Woodsen, no matter the circumstances. "Food and a few drinks would be amazing," he said eagerly, brightening at the idea. "I didn't exactly get to enjoy cocktails or canape at the party."
He frowned briefly, wishing he hadn't mentioned the party again. He couldn't help but wonder if he was responsible for the attack in the first place. He'd run to warn everyone, but it seemed all he'd accomplished was leading the monsters there. He focused on Serena's face, trying to shove these thoughts firmly away once more.