Hi there to anyone who is still reading!

I know that it's been forever since an update, and I apologise for that. Selfishly perhaps, the reason that I write is because I love it, not for others - although if other people like reading what my work that is the icing on the cake. I adore the fact that people read and enjoy it, I really do but in recent months I lost my love for writing and hence, no updates because nothing survived. I love writing this story for the most part, and that's why I want to do it justice. Writing for the sake of updating just doesn't seem worth it, plus chapters like that just don't have the same feeling as ones that I enjoy writing. Finally though, after months of deleting everything I wrote; a chapter I'm happy with! I've also managed to get the next two done as well, I love my muse when it's there.

I hope you enjoy as much as I did :)

Lucas had recently been reinstated with the Ravens, as long as he only played 15 minutes a night. This meant that he was practising as much as he could in preparation for the State Championship game that he knew would be his last. Nathan was happy to train with him in thanks for missing the free throws at the previous game. Lucas would've been mad but Nathan had resolved the Daunte issue with a little help from Cooper.

'Pretty cool of Coop to put up the money.' Lucas remarked as he took yet another shot.

Nathan looked bashful, he didn't like asking people for help especially when it was down to his own silly mistakes, 'Yeh, it was. He understands though, we all make mistakes I guess.'

Lucas nodded in agreement, 'Well at least we can go ahead and win this thing now.'

'Too right, this means no slacking from you.' Nathan joked as he pulled a trick shot.

Luke smirked in response shaking his head, 'Don't get all high and mighty now that you're MVP.'

'I don't deserve to get high and mighty.' Nathan sighed, 'So who are you bringing to the banquet?'

'I think I'll fly solo on this one.' The blonde shrugged, 'I don't know what's going on with Brooke.'

'And with Peyton?' Nathan asked eyebrows arched.

Lucas shrugged, 'We're just friends. Even through all of this Derek drama she seems good, like really good. I'd be worried if she wasn't so…happy, she's MIA this weekend but she told me she's fine.'

'MIA?' Nathan frowned as they made their way to the bench for a rest and a drink.

'Yeh, she's disappeared but she said she's fine.' Luke shrugged once more.

Nathan seemed to be mulling something over in his mind, for once it was Lucas who left his brother to the brooding.


When they returned to Tree Hill, Cooper reluctantly decided to go back to Nathan and Haley's even though it felt cold to leave his girl. Ever the gentleman, he carried her bag to her room. This only made him more desperate to stay with her though.

'I understand; you should go see Nate.' Peyton assured him, 'I'm going straight to bed anyway.'

Cooper kinked an eyebrow, 'That really doesn't make me want to leave you know.'

She giggled in response making Cooper even more torn, 'Do you have to always look so gorgeous?'

'You cannot stay here tonight.' Peyton said firmly, but she couldn't keep a smile from creeping onto her face.

'That is not fair.' Cooper laughed, 'You can't forbid me, that'll only make me want you more!'

'You need to go. We had a great weekend together, and I wouldn't change a thing about it but you should go and see Nate before he goes all panicky parent on you again.' Peyton reasoned.

He rolled his eyes knowing that she was right. 'I had the best time, you know. I can't believe I almost didn't take you. I feel so stupid now.'

Peyton held a hand to his mouth, 'It all worked out to be fantastic and I had an amazing time. It felt good to just be together, no hiding away.'

'It did.' He agreed as though realising for the first time.

'You don't think, I mean,' Peyton trailed off at the thought of exposing their relationship, 'Would it be that bad?'

Cooper considered it for a moment, 'Us having a relationship that's not confined to your house; no, that wouldn't be bad, it would be amazing. It's just telling Nathan and Deb. I don't want them to think of this like they do the Rachel fiasco.'

'We'll have to make them see it for what it really is then.' Peyton told him, leaning in for a passionate kiss. 'Come to the banquet with me.'

'Wow, that would be a statement.' Cooper said, lacing his fingers through hers, 'I like it. It's going to be a big shock whether we pull them aside or shout it out, everyone will be at the banquet, it's perfect.'

Peyton grinned, 'No backing out.'

'No backing out.' Cooper sealed it.


Due to staying with Peyton longer than intended, Cooper got to the apartment later than he'd expected to. He'd really wanted to see Nathan to apologise for acting like a wayward teenager.

It just so happened that Nathan was still up.

'Hey man.' Cooper greeted, throwing his bag down before noticing Nathan's stormy expression.

'So, where have you been?' Nathan sighed.

Cooper was surprised, 'Oh, I dropped in at work just to check on how things are going, you know.'

It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't really the truth either.

'You weren't with your girlfriend then?' Nathan questioned.

It sounded strange, the word girlfriend. Cooper had to admit that he liked it though.

'My girlfriend.' He couldn't help but smile, 'Yes, she was there.'

Nathan ran his fingers through his hair, 'Coop, tell me I'm wrong.'

'You're wrong.' Cooper said humorously, not knowing quite what Nathan was talking about.

'Cooper, I'm serious. This girl, I know who it is.'

Cooper turned to face his nephew and felt his stomach sink. The look in Nathan's eye told him what the conversation was going to be about.

'It's not how you think, it's really not.' He began lamely.

'Peyton? Are you serious? As in Peyton my ex-girlfriend? As in Peyton the seventeen year old? That Peyton?' Nathan rambled, 'This is worse than Rachel. Peyton's my ex-girlfriend, and you're my uncle!'

'I know, trust me, I know.' Cooper sighed. 'Don't you think I learnt anything from Rachel? This isn't a fling.'

'She's seventeen!' Nathan responded.

'Yes, she's seventeen, but she's mature, and funny, stunningly beautiful and like no one I've ever met before. You even said it yourself, you noticed how much I've changed since I've been with her.' Cooper tried to get Nathan to understand, 'That way that Haley makes you feel, that's the effect that Peyton has on me.'

'This is messed up.' Nathan said eventually, 'It's just that it's Peyton, you know?'

'This is why we haven't told anyone yet, they'll only judge us.'

'Hey, I'm not judging you, I'm just surprised.' Nathan told him.

'You are judging but thank you for lying.' Cooper laughed, 'You have to understand that this is serious Nate, I really like her.'

Nathan nodded, 'Then I guess I'm happy for you. This is just like a total head spin. Does anyone know about this?'

Cooper shook his head, 'Just you, and I'd really appreciate if you kept it to yourself for a few days. I have Deb to deal with and I'd like to talk this over with Peyton.'

Nathan nodded, vowing to keep his silence. 'How did this even happen?'

Cooper sighed and went to get a couple of cans from the fridge before telling the story.

'So it all began with me saving her from some brute in a bar, and then she threw up.'

Nathan wrinkled his nose in disgust but Cooper's eyes sparkled at the memory. It was at that point that Nathan realised that it was a real relationship. Nathan had expected Coop to say, 'Well I saw her looking all smoking hot…' the fact that it had all began so innocently was a testament to the relationship.

Nathan had to admit that once he had heard the whole story it wasn't just a Cooper-style fling. He couldn't believe that Cooper was as smitten, Nathan couldn't remember him ever being that committed to a girl.

'I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner.' Cooper told him, 'It's just kind of messy.'

'Hey man, as long as you're both happy.' Nathan shrugged.

Cooper smiled softly, 'We really are.'


Nathan kept to his promise and didn't breathe a word about Cooper's secret relationship. The only inclination he gave was of the deep stares at Peyton when they were at school.

Now that he knew the truth, it seemed so obvious. He'd known Peyton for a long time and as much as he didn't want to admit it, she was happier than he'd ever seen her. It made him a little guilty over the lust filled relationship they'd had. He'd been such a selfish person then and hadn't given a damn about Peyton's feelings over his own. On reflection, it was clear to see that they'd both been unhappy at the time, due to each other.

Peyton now had a spring in her step and she wore a pretty smile wherever she went. It amused Nathan to watch everyone carry on obliviously, just as blind to it as he had been.

Peyton and Cooper had made it to the night of the banquet without word slipping, but by walking on eggshells all week it had suddenly become an extremely daunting prospect.

'We have to.' Peyton said defiantly but not without cringing at the thought.

Cooper sighed heavily, 'Rachel's going to be there.'

'Brooke's going to be there.' Peyton puffed, eyebrows raised.

Together they laughed and laid back on the bed in their evening dress; Cooper in his suit and Peyton in a figure hugging dark green dress. They turned to look at each other and chuckled harder.

'We could stay in.' Cooper said in a suggestive manner.

'Don't tempt me.' Peyton warned, 'This is Nate's night, we have to be there.'

'Are you always right?' Cooper wrinkled his nose.

She smirked in response and nodded, 'How about, if we go through with this - which we have to - we treat ourselves.'

'What were you thinking exactly?' Cooper asked.

'How about we finish what we started in the limo?' She said, her hand creeping between the folds of his button down shirt. Cooper hummed in appreciation and reached for her waist. In a sly move, Peyton rolled off of the bed.

'And we'll finish this later.'

Cooper groaned but smiled all the same, 'Let's go then, the quicker we go, the quicker we can come back!'

---

When they arrived at the school, Peyton shot straight for the bathroom making Cooper think that she was going to back out. He wouldn't blame her if she did but he was looking forward to having it all out in the open. He hated that she was like his dirty little secret; he never wanted to think of her in that way.

Peyton, in truth, had gone to the bathroom to settle her nerves. She was trying to mentally prepare herself for a catfight with Rachel which was a possible outcome of the evening.

She sighed to herself and fished in her bag for her make-up, if she was going to do this she wanted to look amazing. She applied another coat of gloss and ran her fingers through her curls.

'Now or never.' She thought to herself. Unfortunately at that point Brooke walked in.

The brunette offered a snide smile, 'All the make-up in the world won't help you now.'

Peyton rolled her eyes, she hadn't even considered the thought of a Lucas argument happening.

'Lucas is here with me.' Brooke added for emphasis, 'I know that'll probably make you want him more but he's with me.'

'I hear you. Loud and clear.' Peyton said in a sing-song voice, 'No need to get so paranoid.'

Brooke narrowed her eyes but couldn't seem to think of a response. Peyton sauntered out, suddenly finding a new found confidence.

Cooper noticed the difference in Peyton's attitude immediately, 'I guess you're ready then?'

She nodded, her curls bouncing at her shoulders as she did, 'Kiss me.'

It was an order that Cooper was more than happy to fulfil. He swept her backwards to the point where she was almost lying in his arms, he cupped her face and gave her a tender but adoring kiss.

They pulled apart after what seemed like an eternity, both wearing smiles. Cooper held out his hand and she gladly took it. Together they approached the entrance, butterflies in their stomachs and a buzz in their energy.

---

'There's Cooper.' Lucas announced to the table, 'And Peyton.'

Nathan winced keeping his gaze fixed on his shoes, not sure that he'd like the sight of his uncle and his ex.

'Oh my gosh.' He heard Haley whisper beside him.

A stunned silence fell over the table and Nathan realised he had to peak or he'd go insane with torture.

The sight that met him was in fact not as horrible as he'd imagined it to be. The thing that struck him most was how happy they both looked.

Nathan felt that it was his place to break the awkward silence, 'Coop, glad you could come, you and Peyton are next to me.'

Cooper gave a nod of thanks whilst everyone else turned their gaze to Nathan who was acting remarkably cool. It was the couple's luck that Brooke and Rachel were absent at this point.

'Guys, why didn't you tell us?' Haley asked with a smile in her voice.

Nathan smiled back at his lovely wife.

Cooper shrugged, 'I thought you might go all small-town crazy on me.'

'Well we're happy for you.' Haley assured him, 'You guys are practically glowing.'

The couple couldn't help but grin; they were being better received than they ever imagined they would be. The table fell into easy conversation, the main topic of course being Cooper and Peyton.

'Hey, Broody.' Brooke interrupted as she sashayed back to the table, joining them once the shock had begun to settle.

'Brooke.' Lucas said slowly, eyeing Peyton as he did so.

Peyton squirmed slightly in her seat, but was comforted by Cooper's hand reaching out to grab her own, 'I'll help you out.', he whispered in a low tone that was only audible to her.

She gave Cooper a slight shake of the head, telling him wordlessly that she couldn't do it. His eyes softened and he instantly knew what he had to do.

He reached his hand to her cheek and gently guided her to face him, then with little warning he kissed her in full view of everyone.

She pulled out of the kiss slowly, as she did Cooper felt her warm breath on his lips as she whispered 'Thank You' to him.

Reaction around the table was interesting for lack of a better word.

Nathan almost choked on his drink; Haley smiled awkwardly; Mouth and Gigi stared at the tablecloth; Lucas ran his fingers through his hair and gave a look that told everyone he was not looking forward to the fallout; and Brooke sat mouth agape.

Strangely it was Brooke who recovered first, 'Are you serious?' she asked, eyes bulging.

Peyton's eyes fell to her lap were Cooper held her hand tightly.

'Peyton.' Brooke said sharply, demanding the blonde to meet her eyes, 'You know, I don't know why I'm surprised, this is typical! It has P Sawyer written all over it!'

'Brooke,' Cooper cut in, his voice strong and even, 'I know this is a surprise, but Peyton and I really care about one another. We're sorry we didn't tell you all earlier. How about we just enjoy the night?'

Brooke pouted in response but everyone else seemed willing to go along with Cooper's suggestion. It was the sensible thing to do really, considering the circumstances. Of course in Tree Hill things rarely panned out the way that they were supposed to.

When Cooper became engrossed in basketball talk with Nathan and Lucas, Peyton decided to get them both refills.

She rolled her eyes when she saw that not only Brooke was there waiting, but Rachel too.

'You know what Peyton, you really are unbelievable.' Brooke spat, 'You know that list on your closet door, the one under my name? It isn't a challenge! Why do you always have to have what someone else has got?'

Peyton sighed, 'Brooke, I'm sorry about what I said to you about Lucas, it was out of line and really wasn't true. It was all in the moment.'

'And you think that makes it right?' Brooke almost laughed, 'Rachel was right all along, you're a boyfriend stealing slut!'

'Says the girl who slept with our English teacher.' Peyton said dryly.

Rachel who had said nothing just smiled falsely as Peyton scooped punch into two glasses. She took her own drink from the counter and made a sudden, obvious lurch forwards causing her full cup to spill all over Peyton's dress.

'Whoops!' She smirked, 'Aren't I clumsy?'

'Leave it alone, Rachel.' Mouth called from nearby. Peyton couldn't have been more thankful at that point for the arrival of the most morally sound person she knew.

Rachel sneered, 'Why don't you all just go and play happy families? You and Gigi, Peyton and Cooper, Nathan and Haley; you're all deluded anyway.'

Luckily Brooke seemed to take the hint from Mouth and steered Rachel away.

'Thank you, Mouth.' Peyton said sincerely as she dabbed her dress with fancy napkiins, 'I'm so sick of petty arguments and feeling guilty about everything I do.'

'You shouldn't feel bad.' Mouth told her, 'People will always be jealous when you have a good thing going. It's not your fault.'

Peyton smiled at his sweet logic and went to take her seat, ready for the awards and speeches, punch stained dress and all.

No one listened to Whitey's speech without tearing up a little, it was impossible. It seemed to really strike a chord among the people seated at the MVP's table though.

'My only regret is that I can't share this wonderful moment with the other love of my life, my late wife, Camilla. Camilla was the only person who ever fully understood me. Being with her made everything else seem less important. The moment I met her I knew I was looking at my future and I knew no person could ever come between us'

The group smiled through their tears at that.

Brooke watched as Cooper and Peyton shared a blissful look. She knew that she was being bitter, Cooper was never hers and Peyton had admitted her mistakes over Lucas. She just struggled to let it all go. Maybe she was jealous, she thought wryly. In any case she missed having her best friend around. She felt stupid for letting it all getting so far and complicated. Although she hated to admit it, Peyton and Cooper looked great together. Mouth had pulled her aside earlier and asked her whether it was all worth it, and in hindsight, it really wasn't.