Yes, I'm back with a new chapter for you guys!

I would like to thank everyone for all the story alerts I have/continue to receive for this story. It's nice to know so many people are enjoying it so far. As always, a big thanks to Hah5497, Stef, kissthecook, Othfan48, antsB, saderia, woz1971, and all the guest who left a review. I love to hear what people think so THANKS!

For those who inquired...this story is gonna go straight through from this point on - there was the prologue, then them at college & will continue on that route until we reach the prologue. So these "in between" chapters are flashbacks in a way. :)

AN: This chapter is basically a filler - a prelude to the next chapter.

As always, please forgive any grammar/spelling mistakes.

Disclaimer: I own nothing affiliated with One Tree Hill or Duke University.

Haley walked through the doors of Brooke and Peyton's sorority house, immediately finding herself thrown into the thrines of barely dressed people. Everywhere she looked there were girls in skimpy lingerie or tiny pajama sets. She was warned, though; she knew this was a lingerie party. Did these girls have any self-esteem issues at all? Then again, they are all strikingly beautiful with the most perfect bodies ever crafted. She knew girls would take this opportunity to wear as little as possible. It was like that unwritten rule on Halloween - the one night a year when girls can dress as slutty as they want and not get judged for it. Tonight, a lingerie party, was just the same. Well, at least there were several shirtless guys standing amongst the half-naked girls; Haley wasn't gonna complain about that. She maneuvered her way through the house, arriving in the kitchen where she found Brooke and Peyton standing there, mixing drinks in a blender.

"Hales!" Brooke exclaimed, noticing the petite brunette walking into the room. "We're making margaritas! You want one?"

Haley chuckled. "Sure."

She watched and waited as the girls mixed her a drink. She took in their appearances and was thankful she wasn't the only girl wearing something a little more conservative. Peyton was dressed in a black ribbed tank top and some gray shorts; Brooke was wearing a light pink spaghetti strapped tank top and a pair of red pajama pants with vertical light pink stripes. There was also another girl with blonde hair standing with them; she was dressed in a cute, kind of skimpy, bright fuchsia shorts and cami set. Haley recognized her as one of the cheerleaders. Bevin. She seemed friendly, a little ditzy but friendly.

"Where's Millie?" Peyton asked, noticing the girl was missing.

"She is on a date with Mouth." Haley answered, quirking her eyebrows with a boisterous grin.

Brooke squealed in excitement as she handed Haley a freshly whipped margarita, frozen strawberry. Her own personal favorite. "That is so cute!"

"Yup." Haley agreed. "They've been flirting with one another for a month now, and Mouth finally found the courage to ask her out. With help from yours truly." She added, gesturing towards herself.

"Haley James, little miss match maker." Peyton said, saluting the brunette with a wave of her drink.

Haley glanced around. "I haven't seen Rachel. Let me guess - she's upstairs making good use of one of the bedrooms." She laughed, taking a sip of her margarita.

"Oh, no. Rachel wasn't invited. Lucky for us, our 'head sister' hates a certain red-head more than we do considering she caught her now ex-boyfriend screwing that whore a couple of weeks ago." Brooke revealed, her lips curving into a sinister grin. "We were all given strict orders not to let Rachel in and to kick her ass out of here if by chance she does somehow weasel her way through the doors."

"The scandal." Haley teased.

"Scandal indeed." Peyton stated. "Welcome to the Greek life. It isn't much different from the petty dram from high school."

"On the contrary, it is. The gossip is much juicier." Brooke winked.

OTHOTHOTH

Nathan followed his brother into the house, meandering his way through gorgeous, scantily clad girls. They smiled and waved at him, sending him a sultry look. Oh, yes, tonight was going to be a good night. He clapped his hands together as he and Lucas arrived in the kitchen. He rolled his eyes when Lucas and Brooke immediately embraced, kissing one another hungrily. They looked like they were going to eat each other's faces off. He cringed, hoping he didn't look as disgusting as they did when he kissed the girls.

"Nathan Scott," Haley began, strolling over to the entrance and stopping in front of him, "I'm surprised you're here tonight." She said sarcastically.

"Like I would actually miss a party where there are barely dressed girls parading around. Yeah, I don't think so." Nathan stated as his eyes glanced over Haley's form. She was wearing a long-sleeved t-shirt; it was blue with Ravens Basketball written in white and outlined in black across the chest. She had on black, cotton shorts and black flip-flops adorned her feet. "Hales, this is a lingerie party. You couldn't have found anything sexier to wear?"

"Nope." She smiled, popping the "p". She took a sip of her margarita as she glanced around. "So...have you figured out which girl you're going to be banging later?"

He shrugged. "Not yet...although, there are a lot of options."

"This is the perfect setting for you. I mean, with all the barely clothed girls walking around here you may even have time to nail more than just one tonight."

"Well, maybe you can be girl number two."

She laughed. "Maybe not."

"Fine, you win. You can be girl number one." He smirked. "Just let me know when you're ready. I'm sure Brooke and Peyton wouldn't mind us sneaking up to their bedroom for a few minutes. Heck, if you want, I can just skip the second girl all together and spend double the time with you. Come on, Hales, what do you say? You know you want to."

"I'll get back to you." She playfully winked as she took another sip of her drink.

For the next couple of hours, the girls danced in the middle of the living room as the boys sat on the furniture conversing with one another. Occasionally, Lucas and Jake jumped up and joined them. Nathan, however, sat planted on the couch with one of the sophomore sorority sisters - a tiny, little thing with brown hair and blue eyes - next to him, just a couple of inches from sitting completely in his lap. She had her arms draped around him, alternating between kissing his cheek and the side of his neck. He simply sat back and drank his beer, clearly enjoying the girl's attention.

The party was definitely in full swing. With all of the scantily clad people, Haley felt as if she was partying mediocre style with Hugh Hefner. Not to mention the make out sessions scattered around the house - four occurring in the living room at this very moment. Then, in true lingerie party fashion, there was a pillow fight a few feet away - feathers were flying everywhere as girly giggles and manly cheers erupted around them.

But Haley was having fun. She was enjoying a carefree night with Lucas and her new friends. Even Nathan. Speaking of the raven-haired boy, Haley noticed him standing from the couch. The girl who had been so desperately draped over him followed his lead, looping her arm through his as he led them out of the living room. Haley watched as they headed up the stairs, and she rolled her eyes.

When Nathan entered the girl's room, he quickly slammed the door shut as she practically attacked him. Her kisses were fast and frenzied, desperate and pleading. He smirked, gripping her waist and pulling her to him. Some girls were too easy. This girl was pretty damn into it for just starting.

This girl.

He didn't even know her name. She never gave it to him, and he never thought to ask for it. Suddenly, Haley's words from a month ago were replaying in his mind. Maybe he should try a little harder. Maybe he should actually learn the names of the girls he has sex with. Nathan almost stopped, so close to actually breaking their kiss and asking her what her name was, but he didn't. If he asked, the girl might get a false sense of hope; she might believe this was going to go on for more than just tonight. He couldn't have that. He wasn't about to lead her on. If she wanted him to know her name then she could have said it.

Tossing all of those thoughts and Haley's nagging tone out of his mind, Nathan kissed her harder, pushing them away from the door and towards her bed.

OTHOTHOTH

Lucas and Haley strolled along the sidewalk in front of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority house. Haley had her right arm looped through his left as she leaned into his side with her head resting against his shoulder. THe two best friends decided to get away from the loud noise inside the house and enjoy the clear night air - it definitely made for better conversing.

"How are you liking it here, Hales?"

"Where? This party?"

"No. Duke?" Lucas clarified.

"I like it." She answered. "A lot."

"What about Stanford? I never asked what happened. You really wanted to go there."

She shrugged her shoulders, staring down at the sidewalk. She watched their feet as they walked along the cement; their movements were synchronized, unintentionally of course. "I did. I still do some days."

"So what happened?"

"A couple of weeks after graduation I was contacted by the financial aid department, and there was a calculation mistake with my tuition costs. Apparently, my scholarships weren't enough to cover it. We looked into financial aid, but with it being so late as well as the fact that Stanford is out-of-state, it wasn't enough either. The financial advisor talked to me about taking out some student loans. I considered it, but after I reviewed everything, I realized my scholarships would completely cover my tuition for Duke. And with financial aid, I actually got eighteen hundred dollars back. It was a no brainer at that point. I contacted the admissions department, set everything up, and here I am."

"I'm sorry, Hales. I know how much you wanted to go to Stanford."

"It's okay." Haley laughed at the look he was giving her. "Really. I'm happy here, Luke. Am I bummed that things didn't go exactly as planned? Yeah, I'm not gonna lie about that. Stanford has been my dream for as long as I can remember. But I also believe everything happens for a reason. Duke is a great school, and I can get the same quality education here as I would have at Stanford. Besides, I am closer to home which is nice. I get to be here with my best friend. I've made some really great friends. I even enjoy being closer to Nathan."

"Oh, boy. (?)." He said as they both laughed. As their laughter died down, Lucas shifted his arm and wrapped it around her shoulders. "Well, as long as you're happy. And I, personally, love having you here with me."

She smiled as he kissed her forehead.

"Now speaking of new friends...what do you think of Brooke?"

Haley grinned widely. "I really like her, Luke."

"Do you?" He couldn't help but ask.

She nodded. "I do. She's great - nice and funny, energetic and beautiful. You found an amazing girl, Lucas Eugene Scott."

"Yeah, I think so, too." He agreed. "Can I be completely honest with you about something?"

"Of course."

"I think I'm in love with her." Lucas revealed and watched Haley's lips curve up into a sincere smile. "Actually, I don't think. I know."

"Yeah, it's kind of obvious - at least to me. Have you told her yet?"

"No. I don't want to scare her off. What if she doesn't feel the same? Or what if she thinks I'm moving to fast?"

"Oh, I don't think you should worry about that. That girl is crazy about you. And too fast? You guys have been dating for what...about seven months?" He nodded in confirmation. "That isn't too fast to drop the love bomb, especially for girls. You should tell her. Make some big gesture with it, too. Brooke definitely seems like the type of girl who likes that."

"Thanks, Hales. Have I told you how much I love having you here?"

"Just a few times. But you don't ever have to stop." She grinned, causing them both to laugh as they continued on with their walk.

OTHOTHOTH

Nathan ascended the stairs of the sorority house, walked through the hallway and entered one of the bedrooms. Peyton and Brooke's bedroom. He held up a 24 pack of Bud Light which was about half full. "I've got cold beer!"

Cheers erupted from inside the room.

He laughed, strolling across the carpet and plopped down into the empty desk chair. He grabbed a can for himself before handing the box over to Skills and the beer was quickly distributed among the others. He took a sip of the fizzing liquid and glanced around the room. Lucas was sitting sideways along Brooke's bed with his back resting against the wall; his girlfriend was propped up in between his legs. Haley sat next to him. Jake and Peyton were lounging comfortably across her bed as Skills and Bevin were sitting side-by-side on the floor, their backs planted against Peyton's bed.

"And where have you been, little brother?" Lucas grinned.

Nathan only smirked in response, glancing at Haley to wink at her. She simply shook her head and rolled her eyes which caused his smirk to widen as he let out a small laugh.

"So...Jake, Peyton..." Skills began, capturing everyone's attention, "you two together now...officially?"

Peyton blushed. She was not expecting that question. It wasn't anyone's business but at the same time she didn't know how to answer that. They've went on a few dates and kissed a little - okay, maybe a lot - but she and Jake haven't actually defined their relationship. Peyton didn't want to be too presumptuous with anything. She opened her mouth to speak - to say something - when Jake beat her to it, announcing they were in fact a couple. She smiled and kissed his lips lightly.

"Had sex yet?"

"Skills!" She exclaimed as the room erupted in laughter.

"What?" He shrugged. "It's just a question. We're all friends now."

"Well, it's none of your business."

"That means no." He smirked as the blonde rolled her eyes. "What's the hold up? Afraid little Jake here isn't going to get the job done right?"

"Hey!" Jake jumped in. "Little Jake here is definitely going to get the job done. He's had no problems in the past, and he won't have any problems now. Now can we please stop talking about this?" He laughed.

"That sounds like the first time I had sex." Bevin randomly spoke up, all eyes on her now. "Seriously. My high school boyfriend. We were sixteen, at a party and decided 'what the hell, let's do it'. We did. Well, I should say he did. Yeah, he was finished in four minutes. I had barely started."

Everyone started to crack up laughing.

"My first time was pretty awesome. I had the girl screaming my name so loud in pleasure." Skills stated.

Haley laughed along with everyone else. Skills was too much sometimes, but that's what she really loved about him. He was so funny - well, hilarious is the better term. And he was very outspoken but in a good way. An entertaining way.

"What about you, Nate?" Lucas smirked.

"I was a freshman and was just moved up to the varsity basketball team. Lucas and I threw a party at our dad's beach house after we won a local tournament. I was pretty wasted and ended up hooking up with one of the senior cheerleaders. I didn't remember a thing about her or that night except she had a scorpion tattoo on her lower back."

"A tramp stamp. Nice." Jake said, earning a slap to his chest from Peyton.

"Damn, P. Sawyer." Skills said. "Take it easy on the man. Tramp stamps are sexy."

"Yes, they are." Nathan added.

Haley lowered her head, feeling her cheeks heat up. She could practically feel the way Nathan was staring at her. Her right hand, absent-mindedly, reached around her and touched her clothed lower back.

"You know, I don't exactly remember who I slept with either, or my first time in general." Brooke admitted, not really feeling any shame. She was fifteen and drunk at a party. She didn't really care what happened after that.

"Oh, he remembers now." Lucas laughed.

Nathan rolled his eyes. It wasn't that funny or even that interesting.

"Nathan lost his virginity to Haley's sister." Lucas revealed, gesturing towards Haley with his head as the group also turned their heads towards the brunette, inquisitive looks on their faces.

Haley groaned at that reminder. Honestly, she wasn't all that surprised when she first found out. Both her sister, Taylor, and Nathan were...how to put it politely...friendly. Perfect fit. Haley chuckled lowly, taking a sip of her beverage, enjoying the smoothness of the alcohol soaring down her throat. She then listened as Nathan goaded Lucas, bragging about how he lost his virginity before his big brother. She rolled her eyes. Boys and their competitive natures.

The topic of Nathan and his virginity as well as Lucas's continued for another five minutes.

Haley was kind of in her own little world, sitting back and listening as everyone conversed as she occasionally drank from her beer, choking back the urge to cringe as the liquid traveled down her throat. She wasn't much of a beer drinker. It was okay and she could tolerate its bitter taste, but she would much rather have a margarita or something fruity. Hell, she would rather have a straight shot of tequila. She was definitely a tequila girl. It was Skills calling out her name that had her joining back into the conversation.

"It's your turn, baby girl."

"Oh, she doesn't have a first time story to tell." Lucas jumped in.

"Lucas!" She exclaimed, pissed that he felt the need to speak for her. Especially considering he didn't know what he was talking about. And even if he did, maybe she didn't want all of her friends to know such personal things about her.

Lucas shrugged. "What? It's not like you do." He said, watching her closely. He narrowed his eyes. "Do you?"

"Can we not talk about this right now?"

"No. I want to know if you have a story to tell." He prodded

"Hales, is there a reason why you don't want to have the virginity talk with Lucas?" Nathan casually asked, taking a sip of his beer.

Haley rolled her eyes at the smugness in his voice and turned back to her best friend. "Luke, does it really matter?" She asked and groaned as he shot her a "hell yes" type of expression. "Fine. I...may perhaps...have a first time story."

"Ooh! Details, Haley James. Details." Brooke said, sounding a little too excited for Haley's liking.

"Not too many details please." Lucas pleaded, covering his ears as everyone laughed.

Haley's laughter subsided when she remembered what they were talking about. She glanced at Nathan who was staring expectantly at her with a huge smirk plastered on his face. The bastard was definitely enjoying this.

"Come on, Hales. Tell us about your first time." He goaded her, knowing how infuriated she was with him right now.

"There isn't much to tell actually. It was during spring break last year. Please bear in mind - I was a little tipsy so my judgement was slightly skewed. Anyway, to make a boring story short, I slept with this guy. The sex lasted about as long as it took me to say what I just said. The guy was an amateur who had no idea what he was doing. Besides, he was a self-centered jackass who only cared about what he was getting out of it. I'm guessing that's how he is with all the poor, self-deprecating girls who find themselves naked and alone in his bed." Once finished, Haley took another sip of her drink, smirking. She could practically feel the glare a certain blued-eyed, raven-haired boy was shooting her way.

"For a girl who said there wasn't much to tell, you sure had a colorful way to tell it." Peyton teased, laughter erupting around the circle.

"Who was this guy, Hales?" Lucas asked.

"Don't worry, Luke. You don't know him. His head was shoved so far up his own ass that he had a really hard time even realizing there were other people in this world." Haley said, smiling a wickedly sweet smile.

"I'm kind of loving bitchy Haley." Brooke said. "It's very entertaining and hilarious."

"Yeah, hilarious." Nathan spoke, a twinge of sarcasm in his tone. "I think she sounds a little bitter." He stated, taking another swig of his drink.

Haley looked at him and smiled. "Nope, not bitter. Just recanting one of the worst sexual experiences of all time."

Nathan smirked. He wasn't about to let her get to him. He had the urge to out her right then and there, but he held back. He was also there that night, and he remembered every detail. He would deal with her later. Besides, he knew her better than anyone else - physically and emotionally. Even more so than Lucas. He knew how to get to her, and he'd wait until they were alone.

Let me know what you think. :)

Oh, and because I know you guys are going to happy with this...more Naley interaction is gonna start in the next chapter. :D