Disclaimer: Don't own One Tree Hill

Chapter 1: Nice to Meet You Anyway

Out of all the stupid things he's ever done, sleeping with Rachel was high up on the stupid scale. Deb could barely look at him without wanting to smack him and she really couldn't blame her. Yeah, Cooper you did it again.

"Had a rough night?"

"You could say that," he chuckled half heartedly, "how are you doing Peyton."

Taking it as an invitation to sit down, she took a seat in the empty chair. "Better than you supposedly," not really ready to air her unfortunate dirty laundry to the seemingly overburdened man. This was a shadow of the Uncle Cooper she knew, and he probably wanted to stay clear of any teen drama at the moment. "A 17-year-old girl is probably the last person you want to be around, but you can off load your drama if you want."

He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. She was right, he really didn't want to be around any 17-year-old girls, namely Rachel, for a while, but he honestly didn't have anything against Peyton. In fact he had to admit, talking and dancing with her at the engagement party had been refreshing after Rachel's drama.

"You know it's okay to turn down the offer, I won't break." It was obviously a stupid thing to offer but, she figured if she listened to someone else's problems hers won't seem so big.

"Thanks for offering," was all he could manage, before falling into silence. He couldn't say it was uncomfortable, because Peyton, just like him seemed to just want silent company.

"She's pretty manipulative," she offered braking the long silence. Last thing he probably wanted to be reminded of but, him beating himself up about the manipulative red head wasn't fair. Besides, helping someone with there problems would probably help her karma. "She once got me drunk and put in the same room with Lucas hoping something will happen… and this doesn't make you feel any better does it?"

"Not really no," he admitted, because it just wounded his male pride more, knowing he was manipulated by a 17 year old.

"Staying for a while?" a change of subject was usually something that save uncomfortable situations, so no-one could blame her for using it right?

"Not initially but with Deb … I guess I'll be here a while," he had to internally cringe at his admission. This was a 17 year old girl, more importantly, his sister's problem wasn't meant to be public knowledge, and here he was unloading the information freely on Peyton.

She could almost see him cringe, "She's been struggling for a while, and Dan just doesn't make it easy," her green eyes looking at him, hoping it was enough. "But I'm sure with your help, she'll get back on track."

"Hope so."

The conversation from there flowed from being slightly stilted to being easy and comfortable. They both avoided the hot button topic, namely Rachel and Brooke, and kept to neutral topics like racing, music, coping mechanisms, the newly engaged couple and such. Which lead her to say. "You know I think we are both in need of musical therapy."

"Music therapy?" he asked unbelievingly.

"Don't scoff Mr. Lee, music can be just as therapeutic as racing cars."

"I guess I'll just take you're word for it then," not agreeing with her, because to be honest there was nothing more therapeutic than driving round a track at 180mph.

She could still see scepticism in his light blue eyes, "come on," grabbing his hand, to pull him to his feet.

"What?"

"You can't be all sceptical if you haven't even made an attempt at trying it, so you, Lee, are getting music therapy complements of me. Get up."

"Are you always this bossy?" raising an eyebrow at the suddenly bubbly blonde.

"Only when I have something to prove," pulling him out of Karen Café.

***

After more than four hours of Peyton's Music Therapy, he had to admit that she was on to something. Music did offer a certain, escape from problems. But he was still honestly holding onto racing as the ultimate release.

"So Mr. Lee are you sufficiently convinced?" she asked.

It should have made him uncomfortable to be alone with her in her room, but somehow he wasn't, because it was innocent. Music and art. "You just maybe onto something Sawyer."

"Guys just can't fully admit when a girls right," handing him a sketch she'd just completed, "but, for going a long with my idea, you get a present."

"A present?" unsure of accepting the offered sketch.

Rolling her eyes she smile, "it's a sketch Cooper it won't bite."

It was true. So accepting the sketch he looked it over. It was just like the others covering her wall, in black and white. It was him with a contented smile that he only got from driving. The caption, read Music. "This is…good Sawyer," wondering if he really had smiled like that during the four hours.

"I know," she feigned conceit before breaking into a bright genuine smile, "thanks." liking the fact she could capture that sparkle in his eyes. He was handsome, but without him baring so many problem, he looked even more gorgeous.

***

Even though it was late and he should have been gone 3 hours ago, but somehow Peyton conversation and simple invitation had made him stay for a simple dinner. And the longer he stayed around her, the more he noticed. Like the way her olive green eyes sparkled almost permanently, cheeks tinted pink after she laughed. She was gorgeous, and that was bad, because she 17.

Peyton couldn't help notice that on the walk back to his car, Cooper had mentioned her age more than five times. Making her truly wonder if he was uncomfortable around her. "Okay you can stop doing that now."

"What?"

"Mentioning my age every three seconds like punctuation," she stated in her usual direct manner. "I am 17, but I am not Rachel."

"I didn't say you are-"

"-Rachel is a manipulative bitch who'll do anything to get what she wants, which includes older guys," Peyton pointed out, "I had fun with you Coop, but I'm not trying to get with you so, you can relax on the turrets."

The truth was he wasn't reminding her of her age, it was a reminder to himself. She was gorgeous, leggy, funny, intriguing, and unattainable. What the heck was up with him, didn't Rachel teach him anything? But, the problem was Peyton was nothing like Rachel, and this fascination he had was not going anywhere. "Sorry."

"No need to apologize, just quit doing it." she smiled, "so I'll see you around."

He screwed that one up, but it was for the best.

TBC