Disclaimer: I don't own either One Tree Hill or Glee.
Pairings: To be determined, but most will be crossovers.
Rating: Strong T
Warnings: None really.
Note(s): Sorry for the wait. Thanks for the reviews. A lot of plot points are revealed here for the next chapter. No beta so mistakes are my own.
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Chapter Four
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"How are you feeling?" Nathan asked, noting Karen's paleness. The pregnancy was seemingly taking a toll on her, especially with Dan snapping at her feet suddenly wanting to support her through her pregnancy; the frigging hypocrite.
Karen offered a small smile, "tired and pregnant," enjoying the warmth of her tea cup on her palms. No, she wasn't feeling cold, but the impending conversation was bound to make her a little nervous. It wasn't predictable how the youngest Scott would react, hopefully it wouldn't be too scathing. "I heard that Dan is trying to get your emancipation overturned, because of a small technicality."
"Yeah," he sighed, looking at his coffee unable to hold her gaze. Karen just always had the ability to see right through him. Heck, a few days after Haley left he'd cried like a little baby on her shoulder, clinging on to her for dear life and he had to admit that he enjoyed the comfort the woman provided. He didn't have Aunt or a god mother but, with Karen he got an aunt and surrogate mother all rolled into one. It was comforting to know he could talk to her when he needed. "He just won't stand that he can't rule over me or my mother anymore."
"Doesn't stop him from selfishly trying," taking a sip of her tea. "Your mother asked me if I could keep an eye on things –"
"She shouldn't have, you're dealing with enough from Dan as it is." Not only that, but his Mother as well didn't need to be bothering herself with the person who drove her into rehab.
Placing a hand over his, without hesitation, "trust me I want to help, and I'm glad she did," catching the young brunette's eye. "Unfortunately it's looking very likely that he might win–we've come up with a plan, but we'll only go through with it if you are completely on board with it. Do you understand Nathan?"
"Yes," he agreed, not knowing why it was so imperative they got his approval before following through with whatever plan they had. If he was being truly honest, he'd agree to anything if it kept him far away from Dan. "What's the plan?"
"You're mother hopes she could curb his progress, if she temporarily relinquishes her custody rights to me until she is ready to retake them to full capacity. I must repeat that it will only be temporary–"
"Are you sure?" He knew it was a bit selfish, but he missed being around people. Missed having a parent to count on and Karen offering was more than he could ask for. However, he couldn't risk Karen peace and health because he needed company.
Karen smiled softly, caressing his hand in motherly comfort. "Like I said before Nathan, I'll be happy to help you and your mother in any way I can, just as long as you are on board with it." Even if he wasn't her son she saw him as one and worried about him, just like she would Lucas.
"I'm on board," covering her hand with his. "Only if you are sure…"
With no reservations, she reached over a cupped his cheek tenderly, "I'm sure," knowing he needed all the assurance she could get from her. "I can make an appointment after school to see the lawyer so we can discuss the way forward."
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After hearing everything Nathan had to say about his morning meeting with Karen, Peyton couldn't help notice a little light in his eyes. It was obvious he liked the idea of having Karen around. "You do realize Karen and Lucas are a packaged deal. You need to stop being a jackass to him."
"Only downside of everything," he grouched, even if his usual anger was absent in his voice. Trust Nathan to not fully admit he had forgiven his brother for the small deception.
"It's about time if your ask me," Peyton told him in a nonchalant tone, watching him with the corner of her eyes for a reaction. "You were starting to be a spoilt brat."
He raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Really, because if I remember correctly you were being all Peyton Marie Sawyer to Haley for months." He challenged, not at all ready for her to get the last word.
"Yes, because I had to stand by and watch you fall into depression, so I couldn't be anything but a bitch," she defended. Facts were Nathan was her Boy, just like Brooke was her girl. Anyone hurting them hurt her by extension, so forgive her for being a bitch to the girl who shattered his heart. "But, I'm trying to mend fences Nate, you aren't." Like always he opened his mouth to protest. "Even if you won't admit it, you miss your big brother and Karen. Mend fences not only for Karen's sake but yours as well –you need them Nate both of them."
He looked at her for a moment unable to say anything against her observation. Sometimes it really sucked when the blonde spoke the gospel. "Whatever," he muttered, opening his locker to get his books.
Peyton rolled her eyes, because in Nathan speak 'Whatever' meant 'I'll consider it'.
"Is it just me or is high school suddenly boring?" Brooke asked invading Peyton and Nathan's conversation, utterly bored at the situation. As much as McKinley was somewhat better than Tree Hill in some aspects, the fun aspect was sorely lacking, especial when the hag of a cheerleading coach wouldn't let anyone try out for the squad.
At Tree Hill, she had cheerleading to keep her busy, not to mention basketball games and after parties. Now she had zilch with a side of nada.
"What's up with you?" Nathan asked, wondering what was distressing Brooke this time.
"Well Scott, the lack of activity is my problem," statement laced in a sigh. "No basketball, no cheerleading, no parties. I'm starting to wonder if people here don't have the fun gene."
Nathan sniggered, while Peyton laughed, "B. Davis, are you telling me that there's nothing you can do to get things kicking?"
"Short of overthrowing the reign-of-boring from Figgins, I've got nothing," Brooke huffed at the lack of ideas. It was rather embarrassing how she couldn't regal her mind for something fun and legal to do.
"Hell must have frozen over, Brooke doesn't have a party planned out," Nathan muttered, getting a swat in the abs for his effort. "What, it's kind of funny, Brooke Davis not having any party ideas. It's like you not finding an even lamer rock band to listen to." Yet another smack landed on his arm.
"Just so you know Scott, next time you need a favor I'm not your girl," she warned mockingly.
Brooke looked between them, "enough with the sexual undertones people. Major boredom problem over here," frantically indicating herself.
"Get laid, problem solved," Nathan deadpanned, earning him not one but two swats from both girl. "What, it was a suggestion."
The petite brunette glare, "P, I think it's time you lay of the sex for a while, Scott's being a jerk."
"Brooke, we are not sleeping together," Peyton contradicted with a sigh. Even if Rachel got the memo on the 'no hooking up with Nathan' situation, Brooke was still adamant about it and mostly to annoy her she guessed.
Raising a skeptical eyebrow, she fixed her best friend with a knowing look. "Right and Red's a virgin."
"And that my cue to leave," seeing Jake coming down the hall, her escape route was already formulated. Besides it had been long since they talked. "Jake."
"Peyton," he replied, raising a questioning eyebrow but only received a shake of the head as a reply. "Brooke?"
"You know it," she sighed. The girl was her best friend, but when she got an idea in her head she let it ran rampant, like Haley's pregnancy after finding out about the 'Naley' marriage. "So what's going on with you these days, you look like shit?" The dark circles under his were worrisome. His brown eyes looked tired and he was rather pale.
"Thanks, I was going for that look heard it was in," he replied sarcastically, with a laugh knowing he looked like and felt crappy too. It was a given when you only managed three hour nap in 72 hours.
Peyton scowled, "What's up, Jake? Nikki problems, because –"
"No, it was Jenny," he admitted, knowing exactly what Peyton, Brooke and Rachel would do to Nikki if the woman so much as stepped out of line when it came to him and Jenny. Now he loved the girls for the fierce protectiveness, but Nikki was his problem and he would take care of it. "She was sick all weekend and wouldn't stop crying, and then I had to read for a calculus test that accounts for 25% of my total grade. I'm currently working on 3 hours of sleep."
"And where was Nikki when all this was going down?" Peyton asked, knowing the woman was supposed to have Jenny during the weekend. "Wasn't this her weekend?"
He smiled tiredly, "she conveniently had a killer test to read for that she forgot about and due to a change in schedule she couldn't stay. As for my parents, their visiting my brother and hers are dealing with enough as it is, so it was just me."
"Why I'm I not surprised she run when the going gets tough," knowing the killer test and schedule was for crap and the woman just didn't want to deal with a sick baby. "You could have called Jake, you know I would have been happy to help," she reminded him, gently rubbing his arm. It wasn't a secret that she loved Jenny and wouldn't hesitate if the girl needed her.
"I know," he assured her, "but, you're dealing with a lot right now –"
"–not enough for you not to call me," she scolded gently. "Jake, we are friends and I'm here for you. If you need me then I'm only one call away, especially when it's Jenny."
"Thanks," giving up the fight, pulling her into a friendly hug. "So, what's with my sister-from-another-mother?" Jake asked.
"Brooke, she's bored."
…
Quinn watched Jake and Peyton walking down the wall arm in arm, laughing and happy. She wasn't jealous, because she had no right to be jealous. Yes, she and Jake had a sort of tentative friendship but she had no claim on him beyond that level. Yet, her heart tugged a little at the sight of the two.
It bothered her for some reason, and she didn't like it. She wasn't ready to put her heart out again, and though Jake was rather nice and good she wouldn't risk it. Even if she didn't want to, her brain entertained the idea more often than not about the Raven with the gentle smile and warm personality.
With him she had a constant pull and push of emotions. Sometimes she let her heart escape a bit from the wall she'd built around it for him, but sometimes she rein enforced them further because he was slipping through them too easily for her liking. She'd promised herself this year it would be about her, no boys allowed to destroy her again. This year was meant for healing after everything, and reestablishing her dwindling status in the social hierarchy. It was meant for her to be happy and strong again when solo, but he was fighting hard to break them down with friendship.
Shaking her head, she refused to dwell on him or anything about them as something more. She didn't need him and dependency was an absolute no-no.
"What's wrong Tubbers, can't keep a hold on your man?" Santana asked, watching the blonde watch the other blonde and her new leading man disappear down the hallway.
Quinn sighed, schooling her features and eyes to be cool and stony. Not giving Santana what she came looking for, "What do you want Lopez?" Their friendship forever forgotten after her mistake with Puck, and honestly she really didn't want to revive it, not when the Latina saw her as some sort of enemy than a friend who'd made a terrible mistake.
"Nothing just watching you get screw over?" Santana smirked. What, she needed some consolation at Finn's brush off and Fabray was the first target she saw.
Quinn sniffed holding her head up high, looking down her nose at the current HBIC. "Too bad for you, I didn't," brushing past her with all the grace she possessed. "By the way, enjoy it while it last because I'll be back on top again."
"Nice for you to dream sweetheart, but Coach Sylvester will never forget about you being preggers," Santana told her in all venom. "Just be glad you were relegated and not kicked out completely, it's more than you deserve," sauntering away with a weary smirk, no satisfaction gain from the encounter.
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"Okay how about we list down some of your skills, and go from there?" Haley suggested over lunch when Brooke wouldn't stop groaning and moaning about the lack of fun, which led to the lack of an extra-curricular that would get her into college. "What are you good at?"
Brooke thought for a moment, "shopping?" she offered up.
"Unless you're thinking of starting Shopperholics Anonymous, Tigger, that doesn't count," Haley dismissed, taking a bite of her fries, "Try again."
"Sex, and we've already established that as nice a skill set it is, that would make me a –"
"-Slut?" Rachel happily supplied from her spot beside Peyton, who smacked her for the suggestion. "Look how about we work retrogressively –that's in reverse Davis –you aren't that bad at organizing parties which would make you a good Entertainment Secretary for the Student Council."
Brooke smiled brightly, "for actually having a good idea, I'm going to ignore the stupid comment." Why not? She was good at organizing killer parties, and people loved her so it wasn't a stretch to think they'd vote for her as their Entertainment Rep. only competition being Peyton if she decided to run, but with Tric she had her hands full.
"Great idea, but Student elections aren't until October," Haley injected, dampening her brunette friend's mood instantaneously.
"I take it back Red, you're a bitch," Brooke grumbled, stabbing at her fires with a vengeance.
Rachel rolled her eyes, while Peyton finally piped up. "How about Cheerleadering," before her best friend could interject once again, she hurried on. "What I mean is what do you need to be a cheerleader?" Taking a point out of Rachel's book, she looked at things retrospectively hoping to get a solution for Brooke.
"Well, you need to look good in a short skirt, which I definitely do," Brooke offered easily. "You've got to cheer, and move …" oh the light bulb just went off there, a dimpled smiled spreading across her face in sheer happiness. "That's it!"
"That's what?" Peyton, Haley and Rachel all asked not following their friend's train of thought.
Not offering any explanation, she already began putting her plan into action in her head. "Nothing you need to know about until it's solid, but when it is I need you guys to say yes."
"Why do I have a bad feeling about this," Haley mumbled knowing Brooke with a plan that isn't revealed from the get-go is a bad idea. A very bad idea and she was speaking from past experience.
"Because a Brooke with a plan is a bad idea," Peyton offered, and for the first time sharing a look with Haley which wasn't laced with animosity. If anything she would dub them as tentative friends again, who were slowly but surely making it back to friend status. "Think it's legal?" It was a piece offering to the girl, hoping they could move past everything. Her words to Nathan were true that morning; she wanted to work things out between Haley and herself.
Haley could see the olive branch being waived by Peyton, and it would be petty to refuse. If she was being truly honest with herself she kind of missed her. She missed her girlfriend who took her shopping, talked about music and encouraged her in with her music. "Legal yes, ethical and moral, is still up for discussion."
"This I can't wait to see," Rachel offered in closing, knowing whatever the petite brunette had planned it was bound to shake things up.
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"…But, Mr. Figgins I need an extracurricular to get into college," Brooke argued, not believing Figgins' flat out no.
The Indian man nodded in understanding, his voice gentle. "I know Miss. Davis, but there other clubs you could join to achieve the same goal. We do not have the staff and budget to set up another club."
Guy was playing hard ball, but she could play too. It was time to bring out the big gun. "Mr. Figgins, cheerleading was my thing back in Tree Hill, and if it wasn't shut down I would still be a cheerleader. I've tried out for the Cheerio's but Coach Sylvester is selective and said she didn't need more girls."
"I understand Miss. Davis, but we do not have the time and budget for another club I'm sorry."
She was so off her negotiating skill, if it was taking this long to convince the man, "Nathan Scott, Lucas Scott, and Coach Whitey," Brooke listed, after racking her brain for another strategy. He wanted to talk money, she'd talk money.
"I'm not following you Ms. Davis," confusion displayed clearly on his face.
"The winning formula of the legendary Ravens Basketball team, one that is now at McKinely," She had spoken too soon; she definitely hadn't lost her touch. "Ravens who are likely to draw more alumni donations to support the team rather than needed most of their school funding. Cutting their budget slightly to fund another club won't hurt them." A smile spread across her face, watching the cogs turning in the principles head at the suggestion. "As for staff, I've already talked to Coach Teague and he'd be willing to help out since he only has football to oversee."
Figgins remained silent for a moment. "We have a homecoming pep rally coming up, if you can prove to me that you can dance, and gain members by then I'll consider your proposal."
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"Well that counts me out," Haley held her hand up in a sign of bowing out. No way was she dancing. Cheerleading sure, she was in the background and had pom-poms to distract from her utter lack of coordination and dance skills. Dance club was completely different.
"So much for sisterhood, tutor girl," Brooke spat disappointed.
"I would love to help, Tigger, but in case you forgot, I'm a bad dancer. Two left feet, if you want to convince Figgins to keep the club you don't want me." She hated disappointing Brooke, when she was one of the few willing to forgive and forget upon her return. "If it was anything else, I would be all in B, but dancing I just can't do."
Brooke sighed, knowing it was true. Haley, as much as she loved her, had the coordination of elephant and a white girl with absolutely no rhythm. Give her pompoms and a few uncomplicated choreographed moves she could pass of as a dancer, but they needed a complicated routine to not only wow Figgins but, other students to join. "Fine, fine you're off the hook tutor girl," she mumbled with a false grudge, getting a hug in gratitude. "What about you Ms. Thing going to abandon me too?"
"And miss the opportunity to fight you for captaincy, not a chance," Rachel smirked, only half serious. Her rivalry with Brooke was long over, but she needed to keep up appearances since their friendship just worked that way. The new rivals were Santana and Quinn, Brooke was her girl so she had her back in whatever.
Brooke suppressed a smiled, instead settling for a barely firm scowl. "You wish, Red" With Rachel on their team and her dance skills, they were bound to get the okay on doubt. Yeah, she'll admit the girl can move, not that she'd admit it to the red head's face; her ego was already too large to accommodate it. "Bev?"
"I get to dance right?" the almost always ditzy blonde asked for slight confirmation.
Brooke rolled her eyes, she loved the girl but sometimes her slow uptake was a little too much. "That's why I asked Bev," her tone patient.
"Then I'm in."
That left her best friend who was yet to say a word. "P. Sawyer?"
"When have I ever not gone with one of your ideas?" Peyton sighed, her confirmation was not needed. Brooke was her best friend, and though she'd made a mistake with Lucas, she'd have her back always. "Who'd you get as club coordinator anyway?" Peyton asked.
"McHotness himself," Brooke winked, because let's face it Coach Teague surpassed Hot Uncle Cooper on her hot scale, man was fine.
Rachel raised an eyebrow, "You devious little bitch, you." The logic was flawless, get the hot Coach every female lusted after to head the club easily pulled the female population to the club. As for male members well, that was what herself, Brooke, Peyton and Bevin were for –four hot babes. Men were pigs.
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All Haley could feel was dread and a slight bit of excitement at facing Matt again. Dread because he was completely right about Webb and song lyrics, and she wasn't sure whether or not he was averse to 'I-told-you-sos. Also she didn't really have enough to buy a five course meal anywhere, let alone a one course meal. The excitement came from seeing him again, because she wanted to see him again.
"So… should I bother asking if I won, or should I just pick the restaurant now?" Matt asked, with the slightest tug of a smile at his lips. He'd finally tracked her down during chemistry, partnering up with her rather than Mike, who wasn't too sad to see him go. Brooke to his best friend was too good an opportunity to pass up, even though the dimpled smile Raven was in all extensive purposes taken.
Haley groaned, "Nice on the subtle, really I couldn't trace an I-told-you-so anywhere near that statement," the sarcasm flowing easily. Most wouldn't stand for it, but it was so natural between her and Lucas that it was just second nature to her. Matt seemed to take it well too, widening the smile ever so slightly.
"Hey you can't say I didn't warn you," he shrugged good-naturedly, measuring up the required amount of hydrochloric acid. From the corner of his eye, he spotted a tall tale eye roll matched up with a small smile. "What artist did she choose?"
Haley smiled, "Not going to take an educated guess?"
"Smokie Robinson?" He grimaced at the weak guess.
She sniggered, "try Eminem."
"No way," he gasped.
"Uh-huh, to quote her 'He has a certain je ne sais quoi quality to his work, and though I don't condone it I have to admit he has a certain impeccable flow to his music'," pouring the measured up solution in to the burette.
"Bleeped out?"
"Of course," she laughed, "she may be down but, she's not that down," watching for the meniscus, unable to stand a full blown smile. He had such a wonderful smile; why he chose to hide it was beyond her.
"So where are you taking me for my five course meal?" He asked, noticing her falter for a moment. Now she'd given it a good try, but no way was he going to let it go.
She winced, "you didn't forget about that, did you?" she'd hoped he would be distracted by their conversation, but the guy was too sharp for his own good.
"A five course meal courtesy of you, not a chance," He suppressed the smirk, threatening to break on to the surface. Most thought he was incapable of facial expression, but he's problem was expressing too much for his own good. That was his major reasons for minimal expression. "So, where are you taking me?"
She cringed. "About that… I want to honor the bet, but I don't exactly have the funds for a five course meal," this was really embarrassing. Even before marriage, she couldn't really afford a five course meal.
She had nothing to be ashamed of, in his opinion. Her honesty of the situation was actually rather admirable, instead of making up elaborate excuses. He rather appreciated it. "Tell you what how about a compromise?"
"A compromise?"
"You buy me lunch at the cafeteria," he suggested, knowing it was well within her price range. "And help me out with Biology?"
When he had begun talking she was rather offended. Lunch at the cafeteria, of course she could afford it, but he turned it around adding that he wanted her to… "You want me to tutor you?" She inquired, just wanting to clarify.
"To pay off your bet –yes," he confirmed. "I, putting it lightly, suck at Bio and could use the help. So… are you in?" Hoping she'd accept. She was so easy to talk to and be around, he couldn't be blamed about wanting to spent time with her.
She smiled thankfully, "Lucky for you, I used to be a tutor. So you, Mr. Rutherford, got yourself a deal," offering him a hand to shake.
Suppressing a smile was hard, so he let it through with no inhibitions. Taking her hand easily, accepting his deal. Her smile and soft brown eyes keeping him captive for long moments, he couldn't move if he wanted to or let her hand go and she didn't seem to mind.
TBC
A/N: Sorry it took so long, but I don't have a beta and Uni, and being a junior is hard. Getting time to proof read and post is impossible, but here you go. It kind of filler though, I hope it reaches expectations.
I have a small request though, please let me know if you want some of the OTH crew singing or should I keep it canon on that front. Like I said it could go either way depending on what you guys want. As always…
Reviews would be lovely. Constructive Criticisms is welcomed. Flames …"to each his own".
