Chapter Six

Developing feelings

For the second weekend in a row, Peyton found herself in a plane flying to North Carolina. However, this time, she had a lot more luggage than the last time. She had spent every waking second in this past week thinking about this move. And despite being mad and disappointed in her father, she called to include him in her decision. She actually found it annoying that he and Lucas had the same opinions. They were both urging her to make a change in her life and do it. Push forward.

Except she believed Lucas had no right to put in like that.

Well, it wasn't until Thursday that she finally made a final decision when her boss told her she should get him his coffee real fast unless he wants to be doing this for another more year. She just couldn't think about another year dealing with mail and coffee, so, she quit. She laughed at his shocked face and said it again. Then she ran home and packed her bags, Called her father and told him her final decision, and suddenly, there was no going back when she booked for tomorrow's flight.

She was nervous about this new life she'll be living. A whole new town, whole new people she has to associate with, and just dealing with having another dead mom.

She didn't know what to expect in this kind of life, but, she just didn't want to expect. She wanted to waste no more time overthinking and just let everything be…

And besides, she's not going to be all alone. She has a familiar face with her, even though they're not that close, and they haven't seen each other for years, but he was the closest thing she's going to have to familiarity. She looked over at Julian next to her as he typed on his phone.

She sighed and smiled wondering how he went from being that awkward kid to being this hot man. Julian was her neighbor when they were in Texas. They weren't really friends but they talked. He was a year older than her, and he was a cool kid, although he was more like a brother, even though they didn't spend much time together but when she got in trouble, he was there… most of the time at least!

Julian now is a lawyer. And he is just starting his career as one, and he kinda doesn't have clients, actually, her father is his only client. So, he thought he'd be doing them both a favor if he suggested Julian goes with her and handle her legal affairs. They both agreed.

She had to admit that she found it fun to catch up with Julian, seeing this new carefree lifestyle she's trying out, it felt right to bring back a part of her childhood.

She has called Dan the previous day and told him she'd be coming. He sounded happy at the news and very welcoming, he told her to go straight to his house once again, and stay there for a few nights until they manage to get the house ready for her to live in.

She liked the offer because she wasn't even sure she wanted to live in that house.

Well, she thought that she needed to take risks, so, she kinda didn't have any excuse not to live there… she'd just have to man up.

She looked out the window and examined the clouds underneath them and sighed, wondering what Tree Hill is hiding for her…

XxXx

Lucas sat in his office at his father's company in his suit tapping his foot nervously to the floor, his heel clicking every time it hits it. He looked at the papers in his hands and shook his head then looked up at his brother on the other side of his desk.

"This is bullshit!"

"I know."

"We can't let him keep doing this."

"What can we do about it, man?" Nathan said annoyed and Lucas knew he was right.

"We need to make it out of here as soon as possible."

"I know," Nathan sighed, "but, we have been stuck at the same point for almost a year now, Luke."

"Yeah," Lucas' eyes darkened. "Well, this bribed land he just got, we just need to keep it in mind."

"Yes, it will be kept next to all the others," Nathan rolled his eyes.

"Don't be so negative, man!"

"Aren't you?" he challenged.

Lucas shifted uncomfortably, "Well, you know if we just got the O'Neal winery…"

"Yeah," Nathan's eyes brightened with a little bit of hope, "It's a battle. We need to even have a proof, first."

"Yeah, but, if we did… before Dan… and we made it right... man, we'll just be outta here in a flash. God, I hate this dirty work of his."

"Me too, brother." Nathan absentmindedly agreed before his phone cut him out of his trance. He fished it from his pocket and answered quickly.

"Hello? Yeah, only Luke… what? And is Dan there? Great, we'll be right over."

Lucas inspected as he watched his brother's features shift to joy at this phone call, "What is it? I still have tons of work."

"Well, it'll all wait if you really want to leave this hellhole."

"What are you talking about?"

"Peyton is back."

And soon, his own features mirrored his brother's as they both got up and left the whole building in a heartbeat.

XxXx

"Oh, honey, that's great. I'd love to know more about you." Deb smiled motherly at the younger blond and Peyton smiled back feeling the same comfort she felt the mere time she met the woman.

"Thank you, I'm also excited to start a new life here. In Tree Hill I mean." She said not wanting to make the woman think she's invading their house or something, even though she had shown no annoyance when it came to this topic.

"Dear, you are always welcomed here. In Tree Hill and certainly in this house. Of course you and your friend too."

"Thank you Mrs. Scott, that's generous of you." Julian replied from beside Peyton.

Only then, the two brothers made an appearance, "Peyton," Lucas said quietly as if he wouldn't actually believe she's there unless he looked him directly in the eyes, and that she did. He broke into a big smile and quickly recovered turning it into a smirk, "I see you're back, you took my advice, huh?"

She rolled her eyes, "And I see you don't take my requests seriously," she glared.

He got confused for a bit but then rolled his eyes, "I apologize, Ms. Sawyer."

She smirked, "Accepted."

"See that? She actually accept apologies." He said to Nathan who laughed out loud.

"Boys, you're being disrespectful." Deb said sternly and looked apologetically at Julian, "Excuse their manners," she said and Peyton's smirk in their direction grew wider as she enjoyed Deb scolding them like kids, "This is my son Nathan, and this is his brother Lucas. They um.. they have a not very pleasant incident with Peyton."

Julian nodded and stood up, "Yeah, Peyton filled me in on that." He chuckled and walked over to them, "I'm Julian Baker. Peyton's lawyer and very good friend.

"Nice to meet you," they both shook hands with him.

"A hitchhiker though, smooth, man." Julian whispered with a smirk at Lucas who didn't know wither to get offended or just brush it off, moments later, he decided that Julian might be actually cool.

"Why are you home early?" Deb asked the two brothers.

"We're done." Nathan shrugged and Deb eyed them suspecting and she knew they were lying. She rolled her eyes, "Sure, you are. Anyway, why don't you help Julian and Peyton up to their rooms?"

"Yeah, sure."

"The maids had already took their luggage upstairs, take these few bags and show them their rooms. Julian's is the one across from Peyton's which is the same one she stayed in last week." Deb instructed as the boys did what they were told.

"So, you're here for good?" Nathan asked Peyton who shrugged,

"We'll see…"

"You'll love it here." He said trying to make a small conversation, "If you want I could always show you around town. Both of you."

"Thank you,"

"That'd be nice, yeah." Peyton said actually opening up to the offer, Lucas' eyes narrowed in protest; if he was the one offering this she'd throw his words in the garbage and spit on them before stabbing a knife in his throat to make sure he doesn't suggest such things again!

Or maybe she wouldn't.

When they reached their destination, Nathan showed Julian his room as he gave him his light bag while Lucas followed Peyton to hers with her heavy one. "Jeez, what do you have in there?" He complained.

"What? Too week?" she raised an eyebrow when she turned around to face him.

"Ha! I could carry you with just one arm."

"Yeah, right." She dismissed.

"I could!" he said putting her bag down next to the bed foot as he inched closer to her.

"Please! Do you even know how much I- What the fuck are you doing?!" she cut her previous sentence off when he wrapped his arm around her waist and quickly picked her up throwing her over his shoulder, but he had to admit he used his other arm to keep her balanced.

"Proving my point."

"Put me down, you asshole." Peyton screamed and noted in her mind that she actually has his ass in view. She always thought a guy could be sexy in a suit, but him, dammit.

"Do you believe it now?"

"Don't fucking play games, Lucas!" she said hitting his back as hard as she could.

"You're not really in position to boss around, missy."

"Put. Me. Down!"

From the outside, Nathan and Julian were actually spying when they heard shrieks coming from the room, Julian had asked if they should interfere to which Nate answered negatively. They watched as Lucas finally put her down and shook their heads, "Your brother is crazy,"

"Yup." Nathan agreed as they both turned around leaving, each to mind his own business.

Lucas put her down finally with a smile plastered on his face, while her face was red and anger flames were smoking out of her eyes.

"What is wrong with you?" she pushed his chest but he hardly got affected.

"Relax, Peyton." He chuckled, "Oh, I mean, Ms. Sawyer."

She rolled her eyes, "Get out of my room." she said and he didn't move, "Get out. GO." She yelled again and he nodded turning around.

He stopped holding the door handle and turned his head, "Welcome back, Ms. Sawyer." He said and sent her a wink before leaving and closing the door behind him.

Peyton groaned and threw her body on the bed. She sighed as her back hit the mattress and she stared at the ceiling. What the hell was that?

The day went by and Peyton just spent most of it in her room napping, she woke up just before dinner and she decided to stop being rude and actually make an appearance in the house.

When she got down, she went by one of the living rooms where she heard some noises and she found Julian playing a video game with Lucas, while Nathan sat typing away on his phone and Deb was engulfed in what looked like a serious talk with Lily as the young girl rambled on and on about something that happened on her day.

All of a sudden, the room was filled with Julian's roar of victory as he beat Lucas. The blond groaned and let out a protest.

"That's not fair."

"What?!"

"You cheated."

"I so did not."

"Admit it, man, you suck at this game." Nathan chuckled as he said not parting his eyes from the phone in his hand.

"I do not!" Lucas protested as Julian rolled his eyes at him.

"I'm sorry, he's just a sore loser." Lily put in telling Julian as the whole room burst into laughing including Peyton, minus Luke who groaned even more.

"What did you just say about me?" He said playfully walking over to his little sister.

"You're a sore loser, Luke. Everybody know that." The six year old girl said again.

"Maybe you're right, but you know what I actually always win?" He said with a devilish smile making her eyes widen,

"Not the-"

"The tickle fight!" Lucas finished for her and attacked her stomach as she squealed and doubled over in laugher.

"Stop!" she giggled.

"That's what you get for bashing me, lil sis."

"You're still a sore loser." She squealed and giggled unable to control her laughter.

"What was that?" He said speeding up and pushing his fingers faster around her stomach

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

"Let me here it again."

"Sorryyyy, Luuuuke." She said giggling trying to control her breath.

"Well, well, you're a sadistic, aren't you, Lucas Scott?" Peyton said announcing her existence as she smirked towards the blond man and all eyes suddenly were on her.

Lucas sure stopped his actions and let go of the poor girl and stood up from his previous position of being on his knees.

Lily instantly was on her feet and running towards her, "Peyton!" she squealed and hugged her legs before Peyton leaned down and picked her up in her arms.

"I missed you, little bud."

"I missed you too." She smiled at her.

"Did you have a nice nap, dear?" Deb asked her as Peyton nodded with a big smile.

"Yeah, thank you."

"Well, you woke up just in time, Dinner is about to be served. I'll go check in the kitchen." Deb said and gave Peyton a pat on the shoulder as she passed her.

"What was that you said?" Lucas inquired.

"What?"

"About being sadistic?"

"Oh, right, that's you."

"Why is that?"

"Come on, this is the second time you take advantage of your strength to make a poor girl beg for mercy. In just one day, may I add" She rolled her eyes but shot him a smirk.

"He did what now?" Brooke said as she walked in with a couple of shopping bags in each hand.

"Brookeyyy." Lily squealed as she opened her arms and Peyton handed her over to Brooke as they hugged as well.

"Hello, Lils. Did you miss me?"

"Yeah, what is sadistic though?"

"Why?" Brooke frowned.

"Peyton just said Luke is one."

Peyton chuckled and Lucas rolled his eyes, while Nathan and Julian who were now engulfed of a video game of their own smiled hearing what happens in the background. Brooke on the other hand looked confused.

"Sadistic is a mean person who torture people for his own enjoyment." Brooke explained to Lily who thought for a few seconds then nodded,

"Yeah, he totally is sadastic." She shrugged making them all laugh.

"It's sadistic." Lucas corrected her.

"Whatever," she shrugged.

"Anyway, why don't you go check what I have brought you?" Brooke said and put her down as she squealed excitedly looking through the shopping bags.

"So, what did you do this time, big boy?"

"I did nothing!" He protested.

"Well, as a matter of fact you did. You cross lines, Lucas!" Peyton said shaking her head with pursed lips.

"I didn't."

"Yeah, you did, man." Nathan said joining in the gam of let's-piss-Lucas-off.

"Come on, somebody tell me what he did." Brooke whined.

"He threw Peyton on his shoulder out of the blue and didn't put her down until she said he proved his point." Nathan explained focusing his eyes on the big screen.

"You saw that?"

"It was hard to miss." Julian added as Lucas' jaw dropped and Peyton smirked triumphantly and crossed her arms over her chest in confidence while Brooke laughed out loud.

"God, you're an idiot!"

"It looks bad, but I was proving a point." Lucas was really getting worked up missing the fact that they were all just really playing him around.

"Which was?" Brooke challenged.

Lucas groaned.

"Yeah, tell her, man."

"I'll do it," Peyton offered turning to face Brooke, "he was trying to prove he can lift me up with one hand, which by the way didn't happen because I actually could feel the support of your other hand, Mr. Rock."

Brooke doubled over in laughter and the guys chuckled while Lucas' face started to turn red.

"Luke, you're a big idiot."

"Why is it a big deal?" Lucas protested throwing his hands in the air.

"The girl hates you, man." Nathan reminded.

"She doesn't hate me." He narrowed his eyes and looked her way.

"Why not let me be the judge of that?"

"Do you?"

"I don't like you." She shrugged.

"Yeah, but you don't hate me, Peyton."

"Don't call me Peyton."

"God! You call me by my first name all the time, as a matter of fact!"

"Yeah, because as a matter of fact I knew your name in regular terms… like introduction!"

"You're unbelievable." He said and looked over at his brother for backup but he had his back to him still playing so he looked at Brooke who shrugged,

"You know she has a point."

"Ugh! Unbelievable." He protested and walked out of the room. Peyton and Brooke looked at his figure then burst out laughing and naturally high-fived.

"God, he's so easy to piss off." Peyton nodded finally taking a seat.

Brooke did the same and shook her head, "Not all the time, those moments are rare."

"Brooke, I couldn't put these on." Lily walked back in the room wearing a pink fairytale dress and matching ballerinas shoes and a headband.

"Aw, you look adorable, doesn't she?" Brooke said as she took in her appearance.

"Absolutely. Like a princess."

"Really?" Lily smiled widely.

"Yup."

"Thank you, Brooke, I love it." She said excitedly. "Oh, but, those are too big." She said handing Brooke back a bag.

"Oh, these aren't for you." Brooke remembered. "They're for Haley. And for Peyton."

She looked over at Peyton who had big eyes and handed her a box.

"Me?"

"Yes. When I saw them, they just screamed your name in my face."

Peyton took the box and opened it to be greeted with the beautiful sight of shiny red high heels. Decorations were cut on both sides giving them an elegant touch and they were also cut in the front designed to show off the first two toes.

Peyton stared in awe for a moment then shook her head handing it back to Brooke, "I appreciate that, but I can't accept it."

"Why not?"

"This has to be really expensive. Cash that I can't pay you back."

"It's a gift, Peyton."

"Still, I can't match up with these kinds of gifts."

"It's okay! One day you will. Look, this is seriously going to look so damn hot with those long legs of yours."

"But… what for?" she tried to find an excuse no matter how much she actually loved them.

"Hmm, consider it a celebration of a newborn friendship." She offered a smile and Peyton returned it.

"You know heels are not really my type."

"Oh, that's going to change" Brooke told her with confidence that the blond only chuckled and nodded.

"Thank you, Brooke, this really is nice of you. Too nice."

"You're welcome." She smiled big. Brooke was actually scared of Peyton's reaction when she'd give her the shoes, but, when she got there and saw she was already loosened up comparing to her attitude last weekend, she thought it'd be fine. And it was. Peyton was actually fitting in… not rushing or slowing down, Brooke thought that this is good for now.

And apart from still not forgiving Lucas, Peyton seemed cool around Nate and now she was actually talking freely with Brooke. This was definitely good, and Brooke was thankful for that.

Deb called them for dinner and when they got there Lucas was already on the table with a frown on his face, both girls giggled at his sight as if sharing an inside joke, which it kind of was. They say next to each other and Brooke suddenly jolted her head Peyton's way,

"I never welcomed you back properly."

Peyton laughed and shook it off, "Don't worry about it. This was too much fun to look for formalities."

"Yeah, it was." Brooke laughed.

"However, I never introduced you to Julian. Julian, this is Brooke, and Brooke, this is my lawyer and good friend Julian."

Brooke blushed as she realized she didn't give the man any thoughts at all, he probably thought she was rude now, however she extended her hand over the table and shook his hand mumbling a quiet 'nice to meet you' while he nodded with a shy smile.

"Where are the others?" Peyton frowned.

"Oh, we didn't tell you, you were sleeping." Deb realized as she sat down, "Dan, Keith and Haley are away on a business trip for the weekend. They must be back early Sunday."

Peyton nodded she noticed how Nathan's shoulders flexed in tension after his mother's statement.

Interesting.

"So, what about game night today?" Deb suggested as two maids took care of the empty dishes and served dessert instead.

"Mom," Nathan protested.

"What? Just because Keith and Haley are not here we can't have fun!" she reasoned, "Besides, their places could be taken by Julian and Peyton, so, we are not really a small number." She pushed.

"Fine, if they are up to it."

"Absolutely." Julian agreed, "We always had such nights while I was growing up." he said and then everybody went silent staring at Peyton who was sipping wine while seeing the scene unfold, she quickly gulped down and nodded,

"Oh, I'm in."

"Great," Deb said excitedly clapping her hands together.

"What about a game of poker?" Lucas suggested and a round of protests passed around. "What?"

"You always only suggest what you're good at, big brother." Nathan rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, because he's a sadistic sore loser." Lily said making them laugh as always when she decides to speak about her big brother.

"I just like poker."

"Right!"

"Fine, just pick whatever game."

"He's not the only one good at poker, you know." Julian said, "Peyton is a damn bluffer."

"Not damn," Peyton dismissed but quickly put on a smirk as she continued, "pretty good damn."

A round of cheers rounded the table, "This just got interesting. Poker is our game for the night, isn't it?" Brooke said as they all agreed.

After dinner was finally over and Lily was put to bed. They all circled a round table and cards were given and they started playing with glasses of Champaign in front of them. Nobody lied when they said Lucas was good and they surely didn't underestimate Peyton for her bluffing.

Because soon, they were the only ones left, and it was the final play. Deb and Brooke stood behind Peyton looking at her cards and Nathan and Julian stood behind Lucas.

"I raise you twenty." Peyton offered confidently.

Lucas looked at her with the intense gaze he has been giving her the whole game and seeing as this was their last round in the night, and seeing that he won the last two, he looked back at his cards and then back at her again, "I raise you fifty."

Nathan and Julian shared a confused look but sad nothing.

Peyton frowned at him, so far, the highest number said throughout the whole night is twenty, she has to admit she got nervous, but she was sure of herself so she looked at her cards and quickly decided, "I raise you another twenty."

"I raise another fifteen."

Julian leaned into Nathan, "What's he doing?"

"No idea, man." They whispered.

"Alright, ready?" Peyton said with a frown, she didn't know what he was doing and why he was so sure, but she hoped he was just bluffing.

"As hell."

"Okay, here we go," she said and laid down her cards, and sure enough she had a Full House. Lucas smiled a small smile which only made her nervous as he laid his down and he only had a Straight, a low one at that!

"I guess you win." He said rested his back on the chair putting on a frown.

The girls all squealed and Lucas watched as Peyton mocked him and they all bashed him calling himself the King of Poker, and he secretly liked it when she called herself the Queen of the game…

Cause after all, he was the King of it.

He let her win.

For reasons he didn't even know of.

"You know what," Julian spoke to Nathan as he noted, "I take back what I said earlier, he's not crazy,"

"Yup, he just got it hard, didn't he?" Nathan smirked.

"Exactly."

XxXx

"Oh my God, Lucas must be a whiny baby right now."

"In fact he is not. Which I found pretty weird."

"God, I feel like I missed on a lot."

"Trust me, you did," Brooke laughed as Haley groaned over the phone.

"If it's not for the stupid winery…"

"Which one?" Brooke asked concerned.

"Relax, it's another one."

"Still, the man's greed is just… ugh!"

"Hm, yeah, it is. He just doesn't know the concept of enough."

"Dude, the man has no concepts at all."

"You might be right on that too."

"So," Brooke intended to change the subject, "How're things with-"

"Ugh, don't ask!"

"That bad?"

"I don't even know, Brooke, it seems like we're great at one second, then the other we're at each other's throats."

"That's usually a good thing."

"As in fighting, Brooke."

"Oh, right…"

"It's just… Dan maks everything complicated."

"Honey, don't throw it on Dan."

"He's the reason why!"

"Yeah, but, you still made it even with him middling."

"Well, now, this whole secretly dating thing is not working for me."

"You know this is how it needs to be… at least for now."

"I know, but, it's just too hard, Brooke."

"I know, honey. Just hang on for a while."

"I am…" she sighed.

"So, tell me more. Is Peyton still mad?"

"Oh, no, it looks like she's chosen to forget about it. Except for Lucas, he's still not off the hook."

"Well, that sounds fair."

"It is." Brooke laughed then she heard sounds in the background on the other line, then Haley's sound came clear once again,

"Hey, Brooke, the Devil's calling, I have to go now."

"Sure, I have to go too. I told Peyton I'd go with her to Ellie's house today."

"That's great. Tell her I said hi until tomorrow."

"Will do. Bye."

Brooke hung up and got up leaving her apartment to go pick up Peyton and then drive to Ellie's old house. They were supposed to examine the place and see what is needed to be done. Deb has suggested sending somebody to do so, but Peyton insisted on going herself.

When Brooke was at the Scott's, she found Peyton coming her way followed by Lucas much to Peyton's discontent.

"Drive away, my friend." Lucas spoke as he slipped into the backseat while Peyton was next Brooke on the passenger seat. Brooke sent them a questioning look as Peyton rolled her eyes,

"Julian slept it, and dear Lucas here thought it's pretty important to have a guy's opinion for the safety of the place." She explained.

"It indeed is, Sawyer."

"Don't talk to me." She dismissed childishly.

He just chuckled as Brooke drove away.

Lucas found himself really enjoying this. Those little arguments they had. Him pissing her off, hell even her pissing him off. In general, Lucas liked the shared moments he had with her. His guess is he never met someone like her, mysterious, broody, keeping their distance, yet straight forward… and most of all beautiful without even trying.

He just found himself waiting on to see where the conversation takes them next. He was really getting used to her being around pretty quickly,, even though she only spent three days with then in general, but, he still found himself wanting to know more about her, exploring her, uncovering her secrets, hell, he even wants to knock down her walls.

He was almost positive that he'd find a lot behind those walls of hers.

He couldn't quiet name his feelings, but they were sure good. He knows what Nathan would say if he told him about those feelings, he would say that he was falling for her, but Lucas disagreed, he thinks that he just wants to get to know her better, befriend her, and he sure wanted her to knock off the attitude and like him back.

All innocent feelings.

Even though he never denied she was hot, but, Lucas was sure he wasn't stupid to fall for her that quickly. He wasn't stupid to rush into something like that, to fall for a girl this quick and under those circumstances surrounding them… especially, Peyton!

Little did he know how stupid he actually was!

Hello, guys it's me again. This chapter was extra long for you guys :) I wanted to write more honestly, but then I would have had to write a hell of a lot more in order to end it properly, and I'm so tired right it's 6 am and I have been writing for the past 3 hours lol, so excuse any mistakes, I went through it in a rush to post it. So, anyway, Leyton moments here, Julian introduced, and a hint about Naley :) Oh and a hint about the boys' life. What do you think?

Oh, and I'm changing the rating for M... we will get there later I'm sure haha :)