A/N: Thanks to those who suggested a title for my story and to those who reviewed. I love all the suggestions, but since I can only pick one, I decided to use Ali's title, "One Night of Truth." Thanks Ali.

Ch. 2

"Thanks for coming with me Mouth," Haley stated appreciatively. "I know how most guys would never go prom dress shopping."

"No problem Haley. You know I would do anything for you," he gave his infamous, quirky grin. "In return, maybe you can set me up with one of your friends."

"I would love to, but the only female friend I really have is Courtney and she already has a date." Haley placed a hand on his shoulder, "Sorry Mouth. You know I always got along better with guys than girls."

"No worries," Mouth half-smiled. "I'm use to it."

"Why don't you come along with Lucas and me? We'll go as a group," Haley offered.

"Nah, that's okay. Besides, I don't want to be the third wheel and ruin your night."

"You would definitely not ruin it and you would not be a third wheel. Come on, it'll be fun."

Shaking his head, he answered, "No." He paused, holding out a potential dress for Haley to try on. Haley placed it on top of the other ones she was holding and entered a dressing room.

Standing outside her dressing room door, Mouth mentioned, "Not that I'm not enjoying this shopping experience, but why didn't you ask Lucas to come along. I mean, he is your date."

"Hold on a sec." Haley quickly changed, sticking her head out when she was ready to show him her gown.

"Let's see the entire outfit." Mouth motioned for Haley to step forward.

Haley meekly smiled, stepping forward, "I know I'm being silly, but I want my dress to be a surprise. Besides, we don't get to hang out as much as we use to so that's a plus."

As he watched her slowly twirl in her dress, he grinned from ear to ear. "I'm sure Lucas' mouth will drop when he sees you wearing this or any of the other dresses we picked out."

"You know Mouth, if I didn't know how much you have your heart set out on being a newscaster, I would suggest you become a stylist. Surprisingly, you have a natural knack for picking out clothes for women."

"Thanks, I think. You know, with all the compliments you're throwing my way, I would think you had a crush on me," Mouth teased.

"Who told you?" gasped Haley, placing a hand over her mouth. "It was Skillz wasn't it? I'm going to kill him," Haley played along.

"You know, I'm use to women throwing themselves at me so I'm not surprised that you have a huge crush on this here hunky guy," he flexes his arms and waves his eyebrows cockily.

"Oh Mouth, you're too much," she couldn't stop laughing.

"Stop talking and try out the other garments," Mouth ordered, gently pushing Haley back into the dressing room.

"Yes sir," Haley saluted before closing the door.

"Haley, get your butt over here this very minute," shouted Courtney in the other room.

Walking out of the bathroom, Haley lifted her dress off the floor carefully and took a seat in front of the mirror. "Finally! I thought you were going to stay in that bathroom until the day of graduation."

Haley rolled her eyes, "As if you didn't take an eternity to change either. Besides, I was going to compliment you on how stunning your dress it, but I changed my mind."

"Don't give me that attitude missy," Courtney said lightheartedly. "You better sit down before I change my mind about doing your hair."

"If that happens, I guess I'll have to stop tutoring you in science and math," Haley levered the playing field.

"Hmm… My two choices are to do your hair or flunk two classes. I think I'll go for the latter."

"Oh shut up Court and start your magic. I need all the help I can get." Haley looked down at her gown, thinking what a great job Mouth did in finding the perfect dress for her.

"That's true," the blonde joked. "Hey, watch it! What's up with you and slapping people?" She rubbed the sore spot on her arm.

"It's a gift, now get to work."

"Alright, alright." She began by tying the mass of hair into a high ponytail. "I don't know why I even stayed friends with you. I should have ran when I had the chance."

"Ha ha. Very funny."

"Speaking of funny, you sure seem very anxious for me to glam you up," she mused, picking up the hot curling iron. She began wrapping a piece of hair around the metal clamp. "I think someone has the hots for her BF," Courtney smirked, curling pieces of auburn hair. "Coincidentally, best friend and boyfriend are both abbreviated BF."

"I'm not going to even comment," Haley answered, unconsciously twisting her hands apprehensively.

"Inquiring minds want to know how you feel about him. And by inquiring, I mean Lucas and myself," Courtney added.

"What do you mean?"

"Hello Haley," she gently knocked Haley's head. "He went through all that trouble to ask you out to prom. Not every guy would do that for someone they consider just a friend."

"That's because Luke isn't like most guys."

"How so?"

"He's genuine, sweet and has a heart of gold," Haley explained, trying to capture Lucas' essence in words. "He's not afraid to speak his mind. For as long I could remember, he always protected me. He understands and knows me better than anyone else."

"And that's why you make a perfect couple," Courtney gushed excitedly, finally glad to be getting somewhere. She wanted Haley to be happy and Lucas was the person who was able to make it happen.

Shaking her head venomously, "That's exactly why we should remain friends. Best friends and I don't care to have it any other way."

"If you don't pursue this, you may end up regretting it."

"If I did like him, which I don't, I would regret it if I did anything to jeopardize our friendship."

"Then you wouldn't mind me going out with him?"

"What!" exclaimed Haley. "I mean of course not."

"I'm just kidding. If you weren't my friend, if you didn't like him, and if I you didn't meet him first, I would have gone for him."

"Please, you can date him if you want. It doesn't matter to me who he dates."

Sighing, the blue-eyed girl decided to give up. "No, I can't and I won't. I already gave you my reasons. The point I'm trying to make is that you better snatch him up before someone else does."

"Uh…By the way, if I didn't say it enough, thanks, for everything," Haley changed the subject.

It was no use trying to knock some sense into her friend. "You're welcome. Now stop being so mushy. I don't want to ruin my makeup before the night even starts."

"So what time is Joshua picking you up?"

"In about five hours. It's enough time for me to get you ready before my hair appointment."

Two hours later, Courtney began applying makeup on her friend. "You're going light on the makeup right?"

"Haley, tonight's your night to stand out. Don't worry. I'm not going to make you look like a drag queen or a beauty pageant contestant. Just trust me and my magical fingers."

"Alright, I'm entrusting you with making me look decent. But please remember, natural.

She turned the chair away from the mirror, "As long as you let it be a surprise."