Lately, Ch. 21

When they arrived at the bar, they entered and tried to find a place to hang out while they waited for the others. Lucas took Haley's hand as they walked through the entrance, and when she looked at him in surprise, he shrugged and grinned.

The three headed to a pool table, and Holly asked if either of them wanted to play with her. Haley decided to sit out on the first game, and watched as Lucas played. She asked if either of them wanted anything to drink, and Lucas asked for a water. Holly declined and Haley went over to the bar and asked for two waters. As she carried them back to the table, she noticed Peyton and Jake coming from the other side of the bar, and got their attention. She handed the cup of water to Lucas, who kissed her in thanks, and Haley found that these displays of affection were not quite as new to her anymore.

Peyton saw this act, and nearly stopped in her tracks before remembering what Haley had told her, and stopping Jake briefly to fill him in. Jake watched the scene, amused, and shook his head. Finally, the couple arrived, and exchanged hellos with Holly.

--

The night continued, and Haley, Peyton, and Holly went onto the dance floor for a while. Lucas and Jake stood by the sidelines and watched. Jake observed as Lucas kept his eyes trained on Haley, who was laughing and joking with Peyton as they all danced.

"So, you and Haley, huh?" Jake asked Lucas above the music.

Lucas looked over at him and tried to act casual, "Yeah, she's helping me out. We're getting good at this pretending." he answered.

"Are you sure it's all an act?" Jake questioned, and Lucas looked at him again, nodding, "Yeah, what else would it be?"

"I don't know, man. But it all looks pretty real to me." Jake told him.

Later, Nathan showed up, and the six managed to get a table by the band. They all sat and talked above the music, and soon Haley headed to the restroom, and Holly went with her. They had to wait in a line, and when Haley was done before Holly, she waited outside of the restroom for the girl.

Just then, Lucas came by and approached Haley on his way to the restroom.

"So far so good, huh?" he asked, talking about the evening and their act for Holly's benefit.

"Yeah, as far as Holly knows, we are a couple. She has no idea that-" Haley was cut off by Lucas kissing her.

Surprised by the suddenness of it, Haley needed only a few seconds to respond. Lucas had kissed her to stop her from talking in front of Holly, who had returned from the restroom. His hands held Haley's face as her lips made him almost forget why he had initiated the kiss to begin with. Holly walked by them, and Lucas broke away from Haley a little. She saw the cause for the kiss from the corner of her eye, and swallowed.

"Don't stop on my account." Holly commented, and then walked back towards the table.

Lucas looked back at Haley, who he still had between his hands, and leaned in for another kiss.

This one lasted for a good deal longer, and while they both tried to reason that it was to keep Holly believing in the lie, she was no longer around. Lucas pushed Haley gently against the wall nearby and continued to roam her mouth and lips. Haley gripped his shirt and ran her hand across his neck and cheek.

Finally breaking away to catch her breath, Haley looked up at Lucas hazily. He watched her and waited for her to speak, and when she didn't he leaned in for another kiss, unable to stop himself, and getting no resistance from her.

"Mmm," Haley managed to say, feeling Lucas move from her mouth to her jaw line and her neck as his tongue flickered over her skin. She continued to cling to him and leaned closer against his body.

They kissed and kissed and were slowly driving each other crazy, and yet neither one of them was thinking about the fact that it was at the moment unnecessary.

Lucas lazily slipped his hands into Haley's hair, and felt her lips search for his as she kissed the corners of his mouth and finally landed on her target.

Just then, a loud song startled them from their moment, and Lucas stood in front of Haley, who was still pinned against the wall.

"Haley, is this okay?" he asked her, his mouth still a few inches from hers.

"I- I don't know. What are you thinking?" she asked, trying to get him to speak first.

"That I want to do this…" Lucas answered, kissing her hard again, and placing his hands on her hips, pulling her to him. Neither one of them seemed to be able to get close enough to the other.

"Damn, get a room, you two!" a voice came from behind them, startling them both. They turned their heads to see Nathan passing by, heading to the restroom. He was grinning and then gave a whistle and yelp.

Grinning widely, Lucas watched his brother pass and Haley gave an embarrassed smile as well, biting her lip.

"Can I tell you something?" Lucas asked, turning back to Haley. She could only nod. "I have been wanting to do that all day- hell, all month." he admitted, his hand caressing the skin by her hip.

Haley laughed a little nervously, "Really?" she asked.

Lucas nodded, "Really. I haven't been able to think about anything else."

"Lucas, this is…" she paused, unable to find the right words.

"Amazing? Awesome? Scary?" he asked, and she nodded at all three answers.

"I know, Sweetheart. But it feels right." he assured her, and she kissed him in response.