The journey is uneventful. Peyton would be lying if she said she wasn't enjoying the comfort that comes with the life of the privileged. She tries to hide her awe over the leg room on the airplane and the more than attentive hostesses.
Lucas sees though, despite her efforts to disguise her wonder. He finds her reaction hard to relate to but he's amused and somewhat thrilled by her first time experience of this because he's never known any different. This is what he's grown up with. And he's intrigued by the life she's had. Wants to live what she's had, to know what she's had. Anyone would think she'd never been on a plane before. She has. Just not like this. This is a different experience altogether. She thought she'd be sickened by the opulence that comes with travelling on a private plane but she's not.
'Lucas' She's twitchy and uptight and clearly is about to ask him something that she really doesn't want to. It's the first time she's turned away from the aeroplane window since they were seated and her cheeks are slightly rosy from all the excitement and he feels a strange sense of pride, because he's the one who's given her this new experience.
'Yes?' He turns himself to face her and devote her with his full attention.
'I was...' She bites her bottom lip. Looks down. Then takes an apprehensive breath. 'I was just wondering. You know. The money. For my Dad. When will-'
'I've already done it' He declares softly. 'Sorry I forgot to mention it. He should have received some form of notification this morning'
'Notification?'
'Yes well I've paid off all his debts. Covered all required medical bills. He'll receive a letter that notifies him of that and informs him that he was eligible for a certain bullshit scheme'
She has more questions but she stays quiet because she anticipated having to nag him...having to tell him exactly what she required to make this believable but he's done it...done it all without any of her guidance and done it all in the best way posible.
'Thank you' She's looking out the window again and her voice is small but he hears and that small thank you makes him feel better than he has in years.
She doesn't especially want him in her home- would rather he never set foot in the same room as her father but for a split second she doesn't mind so much because he's giving her father a chance. Maybe it's not done through kindness but more blackmail, but she's unconcerned by the reasoning because it equals her Father getting the medical attention he needs and that's all that's important.
Upon finally reaching Tree Hill, she's surprisingly not feeling tired, perhaps it's the comfortable journey they've had that makes all the difference, or maybe it's just the rush of excitement she's feeling at being here again. Despite the flashy car and the loathsome person sat aside her in the driving seat, she feels a sense of comfort and safety as they drive through her childhood town. She's reminded of and easier time, a happier time. But she always summons the good over the bad. Because it wasn't always a bundle of laughs.
'Down the next road on the right' She instructs Lucas. He follows her directions, driving slowly as he takes in this town for the first time. 'Lucas...'
'Yes?'
'I...please make this seem real and please...please just...-'
'Don't be myself?' He finishes.
'I just...'
'I understand. I've got it covered okay? I'm not that much of an ass. Well, at least I think I can handle a couple of days of being on my best behaviour' His attention is on the road and she stares at the side of his face chiseled face.
'I don't know about that but it's going to be entertaining to watch you try' She toys.
She watches his lip curl up into a smile. 'I've got every reason to try sweetheart. Because trying means I get to kiss you' He temporarily takes his eyes off the road to wink at her and she feels naive for believing for a few seconds that perhaps he wasn't all too bad.
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The house isn't as he imagined. He doesn't know quite what he'd been expecting- perhaps more of a show house; New, artificial, un-lived in.
But that's the last thing it is.
Her Dad is in the front doorway seconds after he pulls into the drive and his smile is jubilant and his eyes are teary and Peyton all but trips out of the car and races up the front steps and into his arms.
He holds back. Studies them from afar. He's in a trance and it's not until she's looking over her shoulder expectantly at him that he gets out of the car and makes his way up to them.
'Dad, this is Lucas' Peyton's green eyes nervously shift between the two men.
'Mr Sawyer-'
'Please, it's Larry' The older man dismisses with a friendly smile and handshake. 'It's so nice to meet you Lucas. Come in, come in. I'll get some coffee'
'I can do that Dad-'
'Nonsense. You must be exhausted' He gives her a stern look. 'Don't start treating me like an invalid Peyton Elizabeth Sawyer'
'I'm not' Peyton grumbles and follows him regardless of his assurance that he can manage alone.
Lucas dawdles behind them, entering the kitchen to hear Larry animatedly informing his daughter of the bewildering letter he received in the post this morning.
'I just don't get it. I didn't apply for anything. I've been on the phone all morning and have been assured it's not a mistake'
'So everything is taken care of?' Peyton imitates disbelief.
'Everything. I've got a consultation on Tuesday at the hospital and treatment will start straight away'
'Oh my god Dad' Although already aware of her father's exciting news it's the first time she can start to believe it's actually true. That this is happening. She hugs him and stops him from pouring them drinks. 'That's wonderful'
'I know honey. I can't quite believe it'
'It'll take a couple of days to sink in' Peyton agrees as she pulls back. 'Isn't that great Lucas?' She looks to him and he too joins her in her charade.
'Really great news Larry. I'm so happy for you both'
Larry smiles at him then and it's welcoming and thankful all at once.
'Come, lets go and sit down' Larry decides. His morning has been crazy enough as it is and he needs to sit, besides he wants nothing more than to look at his little girl and hear all about her life.
They sit in the living room and he stays unusually quiet as he instead listens carefully to every word exchanged. They talk about how her studies are going, someone called Haley whom he gets the gist that Peyton doesn't want to talk about, whether that's because he's present he's not entirely sure. She plies him with questions about how he's feeling and he answers but steers her off of the subject as quickly as he can. And then they're talking about him and how they met and he follows Peyton's lead. Apparently they met in a coffee shop and then kept bumping into each other. She accused him of stalking. He said could he be blamed? And the rest was history. He sniggers inwardly. He thinks he could of come up with a much more entertaining story.
A coffee and two pieces of cake later he's scouring the photos on the wall. Photos that are undoubtably her. Has to be. Surely. Because she looks the same, but her cheeks are rounder, hair blonder and sans the long legs that now grace her body.
'I was seven' She informs him.
He has to hand it to her, she's the best actress. Since they left LA he's found himself second guessing everything, wondering if Jake's reasons and evidence accumulated against her is enough. Every word that comes out of her mouth feels natural. Unrehearsed. Real. And has Lucas doubting everything.
'She was a nightmare child. Always had to do everything herself. Still as stubborn today. But I'm guessing you already know that Lucas' Larry gushes.
'Dad' Peyton whines.
Lucas pulls her into his side. 'One of the many things I love about her' He kisses her head and Peyton slouches against him.
He plays with her hair. Strokes his hand down her back. Does everything and anything that he couldn't were they not here. Besides, what fun would it be if he weren't trying to entice that deathly glower onto her face every time her Father's back were turned?
They'r'e sitting on the sofa when Peyton finely builds up the courage to make the announcement she's so been fearing. Lucas grasps her hand in his and his firm hold somehow consoles her nerves and gives her strength 'So Dad. I...I actually...I wanted to tell you something in person'
Larry's face is instantly masked in concern.
'It's nothing to worry about' Peyton is quick to reassure him. Her drawn out announcement isn't putting his mind at rest though. 'It's good news'
'Well we hope you think so' Lucas chuckles nervously and Peyton glowers at him.
'Are you pregnant?'
'What? No!' Peyton is quick to dispel that assumption with a frantic shake of her head. How could I be pregnant?
'I, well...We...I'm...Lucas asked...I said...and well you see...I'm'
'We're engaged' Lucas reveals. 'What?!' He answers Peyton's scowl. 'We would have been here all year if we were going to wait for you to spill the beans'
'Engaged?' Larry's voice urges both their faces to twist toward him and confront his reaction to their news.
Peyton shifts her weight and fidgets with her hands and then she's rambling. 'I know its quick. I know it must seem quick Dad. But it...this...it feels right...you know...you always said I'd know and I know. And I know I've not talked about Lucas to you but you know I just got wrapped up...in well us and well I know you're health isn't great and I didn't know how you'd react and well I guess I just thought it would-'
'Sweetheart' Larry blurts. 'Stop' He shushes her. 'It's alright'
Peyton swallows. 'It is?'
'More than alright' He's smiling now.
'Yeah?'
'Oh yes. How couldn't I be happy? If your happy, which I can see you are' You can? 'Then I'm happy' He claps his hands together. 'I've been saving a bottle of champagne from the year you were born for this occasion'
'What?' Peyton watches her father disappear from the room and rakes her hand through her hair.
'He's happy' Lucas' hand touches her back and it's meant to be comforting but she shrugs him off because she's feeling sick. Guilt does this to her.
Surprisingly her stomach settles as she reaches the end of her champagne. Initially when the flute glass had been placed in her hand her feelings of remorse had worsened; This was a bottle of champagne from her year of birth- something that had clearly been treasured for this occasion and it was all a big charade. However the alcohol had quickly gone straight to her head and she was now thankful for it regardless.
Lucas had been forced to take the reigns due to her stupor and now that she'd calmed down somewhat she was finding herself, for the first time, thankful for his suave ability to woo anyone, because he's clearly winning her father over. And that's pretty much how the evening progresses much to Peyton's delight because her father is smiling and laughing and she's not seen him quite as upbeat and happy in a long time and everything is worth it just for that.
It's quickly late and Larry declares they should call it a night and then they're all on the landing and Peyton is suddenly painfully aware of the sleeping arrangements. Not that anyone else seems at all concerned.
'I set your bedroom up for you baby'
'Dad' She whines. 'I didn't want you doing anything strenuous'
He rolls his eyes and flaps his hand. 'Enough. I'm not dying yet'
'Don't joke' She scorns.
'Stop being such a worrier. I made a bed' He kisses her cheek. 'Good night sweetheart'
'You're okay with us sharing a room?'
Larry looks at her with a furrowed brow. 'You're not a kid anymore honey. You're engaged' He reminds her but then he's grimacing and she knows his thoughts are suddenly racing and he's probably speculating as to what could go on behind closed doors.
She's sure her cheeks are scarlet. 'Right' She mutters. 'Goodnight Dad' She's quick to disappear into her room.
'Goodnight Larry. It's been lovely to meet you at last, and you've been so very welcoming, so thank you'
Larry squeezes his arm in a friendly manner and he can't help but think how unlike his own father this man before him is. 'Goodnight son'
Only when his father-in-law to be steps through the door further down the hall does he join whom he's sure is going to be a riled blonde.
'So this is Peyton Sawyer's room?' He gently shuts the door behind him. Alone at last.
Peyton looks at him, unamused. 'I guess so'
He sits on the edge of the bed and his eyes trail around the space, brow furrowing as he takes in the dark red and black decor. 'A little kinky huh?'
'Kinky?' Her own brow raises now. 'It's not kinky. It's...' She ponders for a moment. 'It's rebellious and dark. I was rebellious and dark when I did it like this' She reminisces.
'How very mysterious of you' He smirks.
She rolls her eyes. 'You can get up off that bed before you get too comfy. You Lucas Scott, can take the floor'
'I don't think so sweetheart' He scoffs. 'I have never slept on the floor in my whole entire life'
'Well now is as good a time as any' She walks into the closet on the far side of the room and pulls the doors too behind her. 'You can tick it off your bucket list of things to do before you die' Her gleeful voice is muffled from the depths of her cupboard now.
'I think I can survive without fulfilling that one' He mumbles to himself. He stands and sets his weekend bag on the bed. 'Don't you think I can keep my hands to myself?' He teases. 'Or are you worried about yourself?'
She reappears. She's changed and Lucas' eyes glaze over a little; there's something rather appealing about seeing her in a rocker tee and mini shorts. Maybe she's right, maybe he can't keep his hands to himself.
Her hand is on her hip. 'In your dreams Lucas. Judging by your touchy hands all evening I'm pretty certain you won't be able to keep your hands to yourself'
He pulls his t-shirt over his head and she blinks twice and her mouth is suddenly dry because this is inappropriate. Why does he have to look like that. His taught torso has her gawping and she tears her eyes away but he's seen. She marches toward the little ensuite bathroom and slams the door to his smirk and he hears her let out an exaggerated groan of frustration.
'I'll warm the bed shall I?' He calls out, not at all surprised to be met with silence.
She stays in there for what feels like an unnecessary amount of time. Or maybe that's just because he's concentrating on nothing but the closed door she's hiding behind.
When she eventually does reappear he's made himself comfortable beneath the covers. She blanks him completely, stomping around the bed to the free side.
He waits for her to say something. Anything.
She says nothing.
So he does.
'So...your Dad...he seems upbeat huh? That's good right?'
'Mm' She stares at the ceiling.
'He'll be getting the best help now'
'Mm' Shut up.
'So try not to worry'
'Mm' That's easy for you to say.
'It must be weird being in LA when you've grown up here huh?' He rolls onto his side and rests his head on his hand.
'Mm'
'Do you miss it? You must miss it huh?'
'Mm'
'You can come back here anytime you want now. Okay?'
'Oh for gods sake'
'Wha-'
His eyes widen as she all but lurches herself at him.
She's sick of hearing his charming voice. And more importantly she doesn't want to hear his fake niceties or allow herself to get misled into thinking there's a chance he could possibly be being himself.
This isn't like last time. There is zero hesitance and no build up on her part.
He briefly wonders why she's kissing him; does she feel like this is what is expected of her, that she's repaying him for what he's doing for her? No, he highly doubts that. He knows she's been sent to get into his head like this and it's working.
He's a split second from pulling back but then her tongue is in his mouth and god it's like a drug and he's not strong enough to say no.
His hand trails up her side, hard and assertive and then it's fisted in her hair and angling her head better.
And it's a battle for control and they both want to come up on top.
She's not allowed herself to even entertain the idea of a relationship of any nature in what feels like forever. She's been too focused on other things, so much so that getting distracted was out of the question.
Right now, getting distracted feels pretty nice though.
Despite her hazy mind, her fingers are obedient and avoid touching his bare chest. Not that he seems to mind; he just uses it as an excuse to press himself completely against her clothed front. She can feel the heat from his skin and for a split second if he'd tried, she'd have let him take her t-shirt off because she wants his skin on hers.
He hitches her leg over his hip suddenly and she gasps and there's no doubt in her mind that he's all man and she wants him closer. So very closer. Wants him to take everything away and let her be free for just a little while.
There's a sudden urgency surging through him and he pushes her until she's laying flat on her back, he needs to get closer, wants to be above her, wants both of her legs around him.
'Enough' She pants abruptly, pushing against his shoulders. Her mind is foggy and disorientated with lust but there's some sanity still there, enough that she knows if she doesn't stop this now, it won't be stopped at all.
'You're kidding right?' He grunts.
'My Dad is down the hall. No, I'm not kidding' She looks away as he rearranges himself and she's sure she's blushing.
He wants to pin her to the bed and convince her that she is kidding. Because he wants her and in his state he doesn't care about anything else, whether she's the enemy or not is irrelevant.
'You just threw yourself at me. I'd just like to point that out' He states gleefully as he reluctantly rests back against his pillow, his hand behind his head as he watches her rearrange the now twisted covers.
'Only to shut you up' She retorts.
'I was being nice' He snorts.
'Sure you were'
'I was!' He cries indignantly because he really was.
'Goodnight Lucas' She exhales tiresomely.
'Sure. If you think you can sleep after that' He gloats with a dissatisfied huff.
She tugs the covers up around her and curls onto her side, her back to him and ignores him. Or tries. Every slight move, every little breath he takes sounds loudly in her ear. And he's right. She can't sleep, not after that and her only comfort is that considering all his dramatic sighing going on, he clearly can't either.
