"Are you giving me an ultimatum?"

"You're damn right, I am." He said. "So you can either live in your life with Nathan or Jake or whoever you chose." He said, seeing her nod her head at that decision. "Or you can come back to Omaha with me and Alex, two people that love you to the moon and back."

"Mouth, I- I don't know what to say." Peyton struggled.

"It's a simple choice."

"Mouth-"

Cutting her off again, "What's it going to be, Peyton?"

"Peyton? Peyton?" He asked, pulling her from her thoughts. "What's it going to be be, Peyton?"

"What?"

Sighing, "I'm leaving tonight for Tree Hill. Are you coming with me or meeting me there?"

"Uhm," Rubbing her forehead in frustration, she couldn't get Mouth's words out of her head. The conversation was four days old and it was still echoing in her mind. He was going to take her son away and there was nothing she could do about it- if she intended to keep Alex a secret. She had woken up that morning with a note from him with the same threat. Informing her that they were headed to Tree Hill. "I'll go with you, just let me go home and pack."

Smiling as he placed his hand on her shoulder, "You okay, babe?"

Placing her hand on top of her fiance's, "Yeah, it's just been a long couple days." Standing on the tips of her toes, "Let's go to Tree Hill." Dropping a kiss on his lips.

"Home, we're going home." He smile, almost feeling giddy- trying to put into the back of his mind the real reason they were returning; "Just be sure the ring is the first thing they see." Holding her left hand in his own.

"Do you really think that's best?" She asked, gently pulling her hand away from his. "With everything going on, springing an engagement on them is probably the last thing to do."

Shaking his head in disagreement, "It's the perfect thing to do. They need some good news through all this mess."

Licking her lips, "What about Haley?" She asked softly, "What's going to happen to us when you see Haley?"

Smiling, "Peyt, nothing is going to change between us." Gathering her into his arms, he dropped a kiss on the top of her head. "We're together, that means everything to me." His smile slowly fading, trying to realize if she believed that conviction in his tone as much as he didn't.

Laying her head on his chest, "It means everything to me too." She lied, the only thing that meant everything to her was her son, who was waiting for her in Tree Hill. Along with an impending doom that she was heading into.

Hearing the door close, letting out a shallow breath. He had a couple of hours by himself while Peyton packed. He told her that he had to do the same but truth was that he had already packed. He had finished right after Rachel and Cooper had called him from Tree Hill a few days ago saying that they had seen Haley and Brooke.

Kneeling down to the floor, he pushed things out of the way as he searched beneath the bed for a box he had hidden long ago, the only reason he had found it was when his brother kicked him out and he had to move into his cousin's apartment.

Pulling the box from beneath the bed, he sat on the floor with his back against the bed. Placing the box in between his sprawled out legs, he slowly shook off the top. His heart skipped a bit as his eyes locked with a gorgeous brown eyed girl, he had locked away in the back of his heart and mind years ago.

Running his fingertips her her face, he let a small smile grace his lips. He had snapped a picture of her with his phone, her hair sprawled out around her and and the sleep evident in her eyes; but the smile on her lips was something he wanted to capture forever.

Five Years Ago

"Are you gonna miss me while I'm gone?"

Lacing his fingers through hers, "Don't you know I'm hiding in the trunk? I'm not letting you out of my sight." Raising their joined hands, he put a kiss on her hand. "I'm really going to hate you being gone, but I figure our reunion is going to be so much better."

Giggling, "Well I don't think I'll miss you that much." Haley teased.

"Really?" Rolling over on top of his girlfriend, "You won't miss me at all?" Placing a kiss on her cheek. "Not even this?" Kissing below her ear, he whispered something dirty into her ear. "Not even that?"

Catching the tip of her tongue in between her teeth, she laughed softly. "Maybe a little of that last thing."

"Just a little?" He teased, pressing his body against hers.

"Mmm... maybe a lot." Running her finger tips up his back. "I love you, Nathan Scott. Always." Her brown eyes locked with his blue ones.

"And I love you, Haley Davis. Forever." Capturing her lips with his, knowing that if she was going to be gone for almost a week, he was going to make the most of their last night together.

Seeing a tear fall onto her face, he quickly wiped his own eyes. He wasn't the only one taking this hard, he was just the only one who knew how to hide it. He had loved Haley with his entire heart and losing her, was like losing her parents all over again. So he hid it.

He hid it by dating Peyton.

By focusing on Lucas' pain, rather than his own.

By acting normal in public but falling apart in private.

Maybe he hadn't fallen apart like Lucas or Rachel, or hell the couple times Cooper did- but he was dealing with it the best he could.

Besides, he had to be strong for Peyton. It seemed like she took their death harder than anyone else. There would be times he would over hear her talking on the phone, saying 'Haley' and 'Brooke'. He was more worried for her than he was his own brother.

When he would confront her about it, Peyton's eyes would open wide like an owls then she would deny it. If Nathan wouldn't let it go after that, she would cry and start saying she blamed herself for the accident.

He hid his pain because he was attempting to help others through their own.

Leaning against the counter, his arm wrapped around Peyton's waist. He let out a breath as his phone rang, "Hello?" He greeted, angling his neck as the curly blonde molded herself to his body.

"Nate? Where are you?"

"We're waiting to board." He replied.

Clearing his throat, "We?" He questioned.

"Me and Peyton." Dropping a kiss on his fiance's head.

"Oh, you're bringing Peyton?" He echoed.

"Coop, what's the problem?" The brunette inquired.

Sighing, "Nothing, just- uh- you two can stay at my parents old house." He shared. "I think it'd be best."

"Why's that?" Nathan asked, just as the intercom beeped and announced that their flight was now boarding. "You go ahead, I'll meet you on the plane." Handing Peyton her ticket with a reassuring smile.

"If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm not going to be the one to tell you." Cooper replied, knowing that Lucas hadn't even come to the conclusion that Peyton was involved with Brooke and Haley disappearing. "Just call me when you land, I'll come get you. Then... maybe Peyton can find something to do. Your parents want to talk to you in private."

"I never like the sound of that." Nathan groaned, "I'll talk to you later Cooper." Hanging up his phone, grabbing his ticket he walked towards the terminal. He already had a feeling that this was going to be the longest plane ride of his life.

A few hours later, he and Peyton walked out of the terminal and into the airport. Confusion crept onto Nathan's features as he saw Rachel standing in the crowd with her back towards them. Walking towards her, "I thought Cooper was picking us up." He stated.

"Hi, Rachel." Peyton greeted with a smile, only for it fade with the look of utter hatred appeared on Rachel's face directed towards the blonde.

"He is." Nodding behind her as she ignored the blond artist, her boyfriend revealing himself through the sea of people. "I'm here for Lindsay, Julian, and some friend of a friend." Rachel said, not wanting to say Brooke's name in front of Peyton, some how feeling that it would be tainted that way. "You two go ahead, wouldn't want you to miss anything else." Sarcasm dripping in her tone towards the record producer.

"Okay." Nathan said slowly, wrapping his arm around Peyton's waist and leading her towards Cooper. "We'll see you later."

"I'm sure you will." Rachel dryly commented, watching over her shoulder as the trio disappeared. Letting out a sigh of relief, proud of herself that she hadn't pulled any hair or beat the bony ass blonde to a pulp like she was itching to do.

"Rae!" Julian exclaimed, gathering her up in his arms.

"Oh, put me down you big oaf." The red head demanded with a smile on her face.

"Nope." Hugging her tightly before setting her down. "Jake bet me ten dollars that I wouldn't get you to smile doing that." Looking behind him to see his wife and her doctor heading towards them. "I win."

"Rachel." Lindsey greeted, pulling her into as big a hug as she could with her stomach. "I've missed you."

"You too, Linds." And she had, Lindsey had been one of her closest girlfriends over the past few years (at this point, Peyton didn't count for much of anything- let alone a friend.). "Who's this cutie?" Seeing an unfamiliar face behind the couple.

"Jake Jagielski." Introducing himself, "I'm her doctor and Brooke's. Well I was, actually my dad was her doctor and Haley's. I was only an intern at the time." Holding out his hand.

"Oh, you're Brooke's long last brother." Rachel observed as she shook his hand. "You ramble just like her."

"Sorry, a habit I just picked up. From her actually, I didn't use to talk this much."

Shaking her head, "Don't apologize, I've missed Brooke's so yours is greatly welcome." Pausing as she realized that he knew Brooke and Haley. That could only mean... "You know Peyton, don't you?"

Pursing his lips together was the only answer Rachel needed, until Lindsey added, "They used to date. Until about three months ago."

"Dating two guys at once?" Rachel scoffed in disbelief. "I really shouldn't be shocked, especially after everything she's lied about." Shaking it off, "Jake," Looping her arm through his. "When you meet Lucas, be sure to lead with the doctor thing and not the being in Brooke's life. He has a jealous streak, and rationality has not been on his side as of late."

"Uhm, okay." Jake agreed, sure he knew all the details. From the way he was in Peyton, Haley and Brooke's life. Then what Lindsey had shared with him, when they realized the link they had. Yet it was still a lot to wrap his head around. "How are you taking this?" Asking the red head, he couldn't help his big brother mode kicking in.

"Well, Peyton just passed through here with a Scott brother in tow." She shared, "So I'd say things should be interesting." Guiding them towards her car.

"I'd agree." Jake spoke, glancing back at Julian and Lindsey who both simultaneously shrugged their shoulders in response. He had a feeling that just knowing the whole story was a lot different than living it.

Giggling as she wiped the foam from the tip of her nose, "You're a pain."

"Yet you keep me around." Smirking as he took a drink of his hot chocolate, he couldn't help with the nostalgia he felt being back here with the brunette sitting across from him while they both drank hot chocolate in his mom's cafe.

"Hmm... I don't know why." Meeting his blue eyes.

Chuckling, "My handsome good looks?" Lucas offered, seeing her wrinkle her nose in disagreement while also winking. "I am amazing company, you would've thought we were friends for years." Biting his tongue, he wanted nothing more than to tell her the truth but at the same time he was scared she would think he was crazy.

"We just met a few days ago, how is that possible?" Brooke confessed her fears softly.

Sitting up straight, he sat down his cup and gently placed his hand on top of hers. "Hey, it's okay to be freaked out." He reassured her. "Just think of it this way," He began. "We were best friends in a past life."

"Okay." Turning her hand underneath his own, she began rubbing her fingertips against his palm- unknowingly causing the blonde to get a shiver down his spine. "In this past life..." She trailed off, urging him to continue.

"In our past life, we ran into each other one day-literally I might add." He joked. "I apologized and we started talking about the book I knocked out of your hand." Remembering the first day that actually did meet, maybe if he told the story well enough she'd remember and come back to him.

"Oh, what book?" She inquired. "I swear if you have me reading some 'Hunger Games'-esqe trilogy, I'll hurt you."

Disagreeing with the shake of his head, "Shakespeare, of course."

"Good, big Shakespeare fan." She shared, as if he didn't know.

Smiling, "After that, we became friends pretty quickly." Tucking some hair behind her ear. "Pretty much best friends, well I was second after your sister. Some days I was first though- especially with bribes."

"Hot chocolate?" She said, blushing slightly as she removed her hands from his. Bringing the cup up to her lips, she slowly blew on it before taking a greedy gulp.

"Only mom's best for you." He smiled, moving his chair closer to her. "We were pretty much intertwined after that."

"Sounds pretty amazing." She admitted, "I mean I am pretty amazing to be intertwined with. I'm friggin' amazing and-"

"Absolutely gorgeous to look at." He finished with a smile. "Oh wait, that's my reflection in your eyes. I am so damn hot." He teased, causing the brunette to push his shoulder.

"You're a mess, Lucas." Laughing, leaning forward as her shoulder brushed up against his. Causing her laugh to catch in her throat, realizing how close they were.

Clearing his throat, he scooped foam from his cup, he gently placed it on her nose. "Nice look." He teased, knowing that the air was getting thick and he needed to lighten up the mood.

Smiling with her dimples full blown, she wiped the foam off her nose. "You're lucky I like you."

"Really lucky." Seeing that the brunette's eyes weren't on him anymore, he followed them over his shoulder and saw his agent with her husband and someone he had never seen before. Standing up as they walked into the cafe. "Lindsey. Julian." He greeted. "What are you guys doing here?" Hugging each of them.

"Well I get a phone call from you where you're more vague than usual. Then I get a call from Rachel about certain things, decided my client needed me." His agent shared.

"And wherever my pregnant wife goes, I go." Julian added.

Nodding his head, "Remind me to thank Rachel."

"Thank Rachel for what?" A raspy voice joined the conversation, it still floored her how her old school friend was almost best friends with Lucas.

"For bringing two of my favorite people into town." Placing his hand on her back, "This is Brooke Davis." Introducing the fashion designer. "This is Lindsey and Julian Baker. My agent and her husband."

"Nice to meet you both." Shaking each of their hands before she froze. "Jake?" She spoke with a smile. "Oh, I've missed you!" Brushing past the married couple, she launched herself into the doctors arms.

Chuckling as he hugged her back, "I've missed you too." Letting go of her.

"What are you doing here?" She wondered. "I thought you weren't coming for another few days."

Nodding, "That was the plan. Then I got to talking to Lindsey and she said she was coming down to check on her client. We ended up flying down together."

"Your patient is Lucas' agent?" Looking over at the couple who was talking to the blonde basketball player. "What a small world."

Shrugging his shoulder, "It would seem pretty small." He joked with a small smile. "Rachel dropped us off, but she said she'd stop by later. Why don't you introduce me?"

"Of course." Looping her arm through his, much like Rachel had done at the airport. "This is Lucas Scott." Watching as the blonde glanced at her and only after she nodded her head slyly did he hold out his hand towards the brunette doctor. "And this is Jake Jagielski. My adoptive older brother."

"Yeah, I never signed those papers. She just thinks because I have big brother tendencies that I like her or something." Causing the petite brunette to slap his arm and making him laugh.

Rubbing the back of his neck, he tried to not let their closeness bother him. He had done the same thing with Chase back in high school and almost lost Brooke because his jealousy. "I'm going to get Lindsey and Julian settled into Rachel's old house. I'll see you and Haley for dinner later."

"Oh." A disappointed Brooke spoke, her shoulders sagging slightly. She was having such a good time with him, it almost seemed like they were in their own little world.

A smile graced his lips, nodding his head towards her. Watching her walk towards him, the blonde leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Don't worry, I'll miss you pretty girl." Dropping a kiss on her cheek.

Blushing as she wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him into a hug.

Curling his left arm around her waist, he smiled into her hair as he cradled the back of her head. "It's okay." He reassured her quietly, not noticing the three pairs of eyes that were watching them intently- with a sense of awe.

"I don't want you to go." She disclosed, looking up at him feeling crazy for being so clingy. Except it all went away when she looked into the gorgeous blue eyes and didn't see judgment. All she saw was happiness. Sighing, "And then Jake-"

"Is actually staying at Rachel's too." Jake finished.

Pulling apart from the brunette, "So he can come with me to Rachel's house. Which means..." Lucas trailed off.

"I can come with you!" She squealed, jumping up and down as she clapped her hands. "Let's go!" She exclaimed, causing the group to laugh.

Draping his arm over her shoulders, "Let's go crazy girl." Lucas said as he led the group out of the cafe.

"Rachel, you're rambling." Karen said, looking from the red head to the others that had gathered in the Scott household. Including, Keith, Whitey, Camilla and Cooper.

"Peyton is staying in Cooper's old house. With Nathan and Cooper saw a ring on her finger."

"Peyton's in town?" Whitey asked.

"She's engaged to my son?" Karen popped her knuckles.

Rubbing his wife's shoulder, "Has anyone called her parents?" Keith asked.

"I think it would be best if someone did." Camilla added. "I think she needs some help."

"I'd like to think she needs to be committed." Cooper muttered, rubbing his eyes. This whole day was exhausting to him.

"I agree with that." Sitting on her boyfriend's lap, discreetly placing her hand on her stomach.

"Does anyone have her parents number?" Keith inquired.

"I can get it from Nathan." Cooper spoke up.

"Good, then we can inform them what a conniving liar their daughter is." Karen spoke bitterly, while everyone remained quiet but slowly nodded their heads in agreement.

"What are you gonna do before dinner?" The record producer/artist asked her fiance.

"Cooper wants me to meet him at the river court." Nathan spoke, exiting the message and looking up from his phone. "Do you want to come?"

Knowing that she had to meet with Mouth, she opted out. "I'm actually going to unpack us. Maybe explore the old town for a little bit." Smiling at him, "You go ahead, we'll meet up later."

"Okay." Leaning over, he placed his lips over hers. "I love you."

Smiling, "I know." She replied cockily. "I love you too."

Chuckling as he slipped his phone into his pocket and headed out the door. Ten minutes later, he pulled into the parking lot to find Cooper sitting on the picnic table- but he wasn't alone.

Climbing out of his car, "Cooper!" He called out, earning both parties attention. Realizing who his cousin was sitting next to, Nathan's breath caught in his throat. "Haley." He whispered.

"Nathan!" Cooper responded, startled by his cousin's arrival. He didn't realize that much time had passed. Striding over to him, "I'm sorry. I lost track of time, she was helping me- I'm sorry."

"Wow." Nathan astonished, looking past Cooper. Suddenly he felt moving towards her, through no fault of his own.

Looking up from the long list of songs Cooper had written down, Haley smiled at the strange (yet oddly familiar) person standing before her. "Well hello there." She greeted.

"Hi." He responded, suddenly at a loss for words.

Seeing his cousin struggling he pressed forward, "Haley, this is my cousin Nathan." He introduced.

"Oh, Lucas' brother." Extending her hand towards him, "It's nice to meet you. Oddly I've heard a lot about you. Your brother speaks highly of you, which I find a little weird but I talk about my sister the same way." Haley teased with a wink, unknowingly making the basketball players breath catch in his throat.

Shaking her hand, "Don't believe everything you hear." He attempted cooly to reply.

Laughing softly as she pulled her hand away, "Okay, Coop." Looking towards the other present party. "You have a lot of great songs and I mean A LOT." She emphasized. "Are you sure Rachel didn't give you this list?"

"No." He defended. "I just wrote down songs that reminded me of her."

Patting the paper, "And they really are great suggestions, but how about All of me?"

Making a face, "I don't know. I just don't think it has the right tempo, it's a good song, I just think it's too fast." Cooper said, sitting down next to Haley.

Nodding her head in understanding, remaining silent for a few minutes. Getting up from the picnic table, she stood in front of it and licked her lips. "What would I do without your smart mouth? Drawing me in and kicking me out. Got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down..." She started singing slowly.

"'Cause all of me... loves all of you. Love your curves and all your edges. All your perfect imperfections. Give your all to me. I'll give my all to you... You're my end and my beginning. Even when I lose, I'm winning." Having her eyes closed, she didn't see the smile on Cooper's face as he realized it was the perfect song. Or the look of utter bliss on Nathan's, it had been so long since he had heard her sing. Usually it was only a few verses because she got nervous, apparently that wasn't the case anymore.

Leaning down slightly she started rhythmically patting the table, "How many times do I have to tell you? Even when you're crying, you're beautiful too. The world is beating you down, I'm around through every mood. You're my downfall, you're my muse. My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues." Stopping her beating.

"The cards on the table, we're both showing hearts. Risking it all, though it's hard." She belted, "Cause all of me, loves all of you... Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you. You're my end and my beginning. 'Cause I give you all of me, And you give me all of you..." Fading out softly, she slowly opened her eyes. "I know it's a little rough but I'll get with Brooke and we'll fix out the kinks. I want some instruments, a light piano then some drums?" She questioned, knowing that Cooper wanted to keep the proposal small so Rachel wouldn't expect anything. "We could do it in a garden, that way we could hide." She offered.

Chuckling, "Hales, I'm asking a lot from you and Brooke. If you two are going to sing, I expect you to be visible. After that sneak peek performance, I'm sure Rae will want to see you too. Besides, it took me six months to pick out the ring- I'm going to need all the help I can get."

"Yay!" Clapping her hands happily, "Okay, I have to peel Brooke away from your cousin. I'll call you later." Giving Cooper's cheek a quick peck, "Nice meeting you, Nathan. Bye guys." She bid, humming to herself as she climbed into her car before pulling away.

Taking in a ragged breath, "I think I'm still in love with her." Nathan spoke after a few minutes of silence.

"Think?" Cooper echoed as if the idea was impossible.

"I proposed to Peyton." He shared. "She said yes." Causing Cooper's eyes to widen, realizing why Nathan had say 'think', he couldn't fully accept that he was still in love with Haley while he was engaged to Peyton.

Clearing his throat to say something to make Nathan feel better, yet only one word came out. "Oh."

"Mommy!" Alex exclaimed as his mother walked towards him.

Smiling widely, "Hi baby boy!" Hugging him tightly. "Did you grow since I last saw you?" Tickling his stomach.

Giggling freely, "Momma!" He cheered, as he attempted to get his mother to stop yet moving closer as he enjoyed her tickling him.

Stopping, she dropped a kiss on her sons cheek. "How about we get some ice cream?" Peyton asked, looking up at Mouth to make sure it was okay they did have ice cream. Sometimes it broke her heart how little she knew about her son, but it was her own fault. She chose not to be in his life full time- sometimes not even part time.

"That's fine. One scoop." Mouth said as he watched Peyton scoop up their son in her arms who let out a yawn as he curled to his mothers neck. "Who have you seen?"

"We ran into Rachel at the airport. She was picking up Lucas' agent, her husband, and someone else." Peyton shared. "She's pissed at me, so I think she knows." Dropping a kiss on her sons forehead, being near him helped calm and center her. "Then Cooper brought us to his old house, I know if Rachel knows then he knows. I haven't seen anyone else."

Nodding his head as he slipped his hands into his jean pockets, "I'm still not quite sure what you want me to do here, Peyt. I can exactly hit everyone with my car and hope they have amnesia when they wake up."

"I just want you to help me figure out some lie to cover up-"

"You last lie?" He scoffed with a shrug of his shoulders.

Pausing her foot steps, she gently grabbed his forearm. "Mouth, please. You're the only person I can trust and I need your help."

Eying his son who was passed out on Peyton's shoulder, he let out a breath. If it wasn't for Peyton he wouldn't have Alex in his life. And even after all this time, he was still in love with Peyton Sawyer. He would do anything for her, he already had. Why not one more thing?

Slowly nodding his head, "Okay." Taking his hand out of his pocket, he placed it on the blonde's cheek. "It'll be okay, I'll help you." Leaning in, he placed a kiss on her forehead before wrapping his arm around her waist and leading her towards the ice cream stand.

Opening the door, his eyes widened in shock. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing." She replied. "Then again, everyone's coming back to town all of a sudden."

"Rachel-"

Laughing bitterly, "Now's not a time for formalities, Mouth. Especially given the circumstances. I'd say it's a little late to make nice." Making her way inside.

Rubbing his hand over his face, "What do you want?" Closing the door behind them, he leaned against the kitchen island.

"See, I was driving through town." Rachel began, eying the apartment they were in. "When I saw a mess of curls belonging to Peyton and you were with her. Which honestly didn't shock me, I knew that you two hooked up at prom. A few times after that, until she called it off. Except she didn't really call it off, did she? She kept you close. Used you when she needed you and you let her." The red head continued as she wandered around the living room.

"It wasn't like that." Mouth attempted to defend himself and Peyton- old habits die hard.

"Sure it wasn't, I digress. The whole reason I came over here was when I saw you and the blonde together, I also saw a cute little kid that looks like the spitting image of you." Leaning against the back of the couch. "Yet there's some Peyton in him too. I really want to saw I'm shocked that you two have a kid, but at the same time I'm not."

Shoving her hands into her jacket pockets, "Especially with everything that's come to light." She continued, seeing Mouth break eye contact with her. "Given your silence, I'm assuming you know all about Sawyer's deep dark secrets- you're probably a part of them. How could you not be when there's a kid involved?"

Letting out a breath, "Don't tell anyone. Alex doesn't need to be thrown into this mess."

"I'm sorry, Mouth." Shaking her head, "I think there's been enough secrets to last all of us a lifetime and the next." Pushing herself off the couch, she made her way towards the front door. "You're a good guy and I know that you're a good dad. I just wish you made better decisions." Giving him a half smile before exiting the apartment.

"Damn it, Peyton." He cursed the mother of his child, realizing that he seemed to be doing a lot of that lately. It seemed old habits never died.

Song: All of me- John Legend

Cover: Ray Boudreaux with a mix of Jasmine Thompson