Author Notes: Oh my! Thanks for the reviews! Leyton all the way! So I'll get on with the storytelling.
Oh, I know that the basketball season is over on OTH, but I thought it would be fun if I incorporated basketball into my story, so in my fanfic basketball is still in full swing!
Chapter Seven: Been the upper side of down; been the inside of out. But we breathe, we breathe.
Note: Chapter title inspired by Stereophonics' "Maybe Tomorrow."
The next couple of days went by like water slipping through fingers. Karen gave Lucas a warning for the future that if he wants to ever be out all night again that he needs to call her, no matter what the circumstances are. She was always understanding and lenient when she saw fit, and that was just another one of those times.
Lucas and Peyton were barely out of each other's sight now. If they weren't together, they were thinking about each other. And when they were together, they couldn't go a second without hugs, kisses, or smiles.
Tonight was like any other Friday night, Ravens basketball. It was a home game and everyone in the town seemed to be flocking to the Durham gym. The Raleigh Tigers were going to be their opponents this time, but unlike every other team they demolished, this was going to be their toughest adversaries yet.
"1 minute and 39 seconds left in the fourth quarter, 56 to 59 in Raleigh's favor." Mouth announced to his website. "Coach Whitey calls a time out to deliberate with his team."
"All right now boys, we're going to have to start foulin' them when they get the ball. We'll force them to shoot free throws instead of jump shots. Now, boys, follow your shots and block out. We're still in this! Lucas and Nathan, you two look for one another out there, you both connect."
"Ravens on three. One, two, three!" Tim shouted as he put hands in.
"RAVENS!" shouted the Tree Hill basketball team.
Lucas turned around and started walking to the opposite end of the court where the Tigers ball lay await for them under their basket.
"Luke!" Nathan shouted as he jogged to catch-up with his half-brother. "When Tim calls the play Ravens, do a V-cut instead of a loop, he'll connect with you. Then I'll be open enough to have Tim screen my man and I'll have an easy lay-up. Okay?"
Lucas nodded his head in agreement, "I'll look for you."
"All right then," Nathan said as he walked down to the bottom block waiting for his man to get their.
Finally, the Tigers were back on the court and the referee blew the whistle announcing it was time to win.
Lucas's man was the best on Raleigh's, so it was all the more harder to defend, block, and get open. But that wasn't too much for him to handle, after all, he matched him.
The Tigers' Center threw the ball to their point guard, who Tim was guarding, and passed to Nathan's man. He tried for a three pointer, but missed and Jake rebounded the ball, giving the Ravens control.
Tim got the ball and called, "Ravens," like Nathan said.
Lucas faked to go for a loop, but instead ran a V-cut. He got the ball and just like Nathan told him, he would be open for an easy lay-up. Lucas connected with Nathan and brought the Ravens to 58. They were a point down with 51 seconds left in the game.
They pressured the ball where ever it went and somehow with 23 seconds left in the game, Nathan ended up causing a turn over and passing the ball to Tim to set up the next play.
"Tree! Tree!" Tim yelled as the crowds were shouting on their feet because of the excitement of the close game.
Lucas faked right, but cut left and looped near the base line and up. Tim threw the ball to him. When he caught it, Tim shouted 10 seconds so he knew how much time was left. Lucas looked around for an open man, faking every now and then to keep his man on his toes. He had to get a shot off soon.
"5, 4, 3," The audience started to count down and Lucas drove to the basket and right when the buzzer rang, he shot. The ball spun around on top of the rim like it was dancing and then it fell in.
The crowd erupted in a cheer as the Ravens won 60 to 59 down to the buzzer! It was definitely a nail biter. The Raven basketball team rushed Lucas and gave him a pat on the back each, congratulating him.
After they shook hands with the Tigers, they headed for the locker room to clean up.
When they reached it and sat down on the benches, Whitey walked in and stood at the head. "Ha, ha! Well done guys, well done! You all really pulled through there at the end and showed your true love and determination of the game! Now, I expect you all want to celebrate and have a good time tonight, but remember, if I hear about any of my players getting arrested, you won't see the light of day again. Good night boys."
Whitey left leaving the team free to whatever they pleased.
"Luke! That was an awesome drive at the end, man." Nathan said as he high-fived Lucas again.
"Thanks man, it was nothing. I had to do what I had to do." Lucas said smiling widely.
"Yeah, you did. Way to go, man." Nathan then turned to the rest of the team, "Guys, party at my place, so bring yourself and someone else."
There was a bunch of joyous shouts and yells after hearing that announcement. Lucas was excited too, but he wanted to see Peyton first before heading over there with the team.
He was one of the first done, along with Nathan too. It was starting to get really rowdy in there since everyone was really energized. They entered the gym together and then headed over to Peyton and Haley who were standing at the opposite end of the court. When they made it over there, they each were greeted by a congratulations and a kiss.
"Man," Lucas said turning to Nathan after his and Peyton's kiss had ended, "I think we should win like this more often."
Nathan laughed softly, "Definitely!"
"Well, maybe I'll see you later, man." Lucas said hugging Peyton and turning to head out of the gym.
"Okay, swing by any time." Nathan said.
Lucas and Peyton walked out of the bright gymnasium into the dark and brisk parking lot.
He bent his head and kissed the top of Peyton's head. She looked up at him, "Great game, Luke!"
"Thanks Miss Sawyer; I only did well because I knew you were watching." Lucas said jokingly.
Peyton laughed quietly, "So, what are we going to do tonight. I heard there's a party at Nathan and Haley's."
Lucas nodded his head right when they reached his truck. "Well, we could just hang out before going over there. Maybe drive around a little or go over to the River Court or-"
"Or we could both." Peyton said teasingly as Lucas unlocked her door and opened it for her.
Lucas chuckled a little as he walked over to his side and opened the door and plopped in. "Yeah, or we could do both."
"Or you can shut up and just kiss me already." Peyton said with a gleam of mischief in her eyes and smiling the exact same way as her eyes were portraying.
Lucas smiled naughtily, "Whatever you say, Miss Sawyer, whatever you say." He made his way towards her lips and met them in a soft, gentle kiss. She returned the kiss with tenderness too; this kiss wasn't rushed or eager, but compassionate. Every now and then they would break from one another's lips to look in the other's loving eyes.
They finally parted and just cuddled together listening to music silently, not speaking.
"Thanks for listening to KTML 98.7 your oldies and latest hits station," said the DJ over the radio. "And speakin' of oldies, here's one that's near and dear to my heart, Otis Redding's 'These Arms of Mine.'"
"Aw, this was my mom and dad's first kiss song." Peyton whispered as she laid her head on Lucas's shoulder.
"Really?" Lucas asked softly, "I love this song; you don't hear it very often, but-"
Peyton kissed Lucas tenderly just as he was mid-sentence, but he didn't care. He cradled her face as the kiss deepened and grew more passionate the longer it went. Lucas's heart ached with so much love for her; it actually hurt sometimes when they were so close to one another. He still had those chills around her and electrifying shocks, too.
Lucas backed out of the kiss, just wanting to look deep into her eyes. He brushed away the stray curls that had fallen from behind her ear. He couldn't fathom how much love and passion they contained. Soon, he became entranced by them; he was literally enthralled by their beauty.
When he was done gazing into her hazel eyes, he started to trace her facial features. Lucas began tracing her jaw line then moved up to her forehead which he kissed softly. He then lightly brushed her nose, next, her lips. After he was done he kissed her finally.
He broke from their ever affectionate kiss and Peyton laid her head back on his shoulder. Lucas felt light-headed for the first time he was with her, but sustained himself. He cleared his throat and looked down at her, "You ready to go to the party or do you wanna head home?"
"Um, is it okay I miss out on the party tonight? I'm really not in the mood for a party for like the first time in my entire life." Peyton said as she played with Lucas's hands.
Lucas nodded his head in agreement, "Me too." He put his truck in reverse and started to drive towards Peyton's house. The drive there they didn't say anything; they just enjoyed the sound of their breaths as they exhaled.
Then he made the final turn and he was on Peyton's street and her house was just a few houses away. Lucas drove slowly to a stop right in front of her house.
He turned to look at her, "Well." Lucas said that with a hint of disappointment since their time together was going to end so quickly.
Peyton laughed softly and smiled sweetly. "Well, Mister Basketball Star, I'll see you tomorrow, right?"
Lucas nodded, "Yep, just stop by my mom's café around five and we'll head out."
"Okay," Peyton said just as she leaned towards Lucas and kissed him tenderly goodbye. When their goodbye kiss was over, she opened the passenger door and walked up to her house.
Lucas waited until she was inside before he drove off towards his house. He had fallen, fallen in love. He was hopelessly in love with her and he couldn't help it. Lucas adored her everything, even her flaws. He felt incomplete when she wasn't with him, he felt empty and broken without her. Lucas truly needed her; he couldn't live without her love. He really had fallen, he had fallen really hard.
Author Notes: Hopefully that chapter was good. I wasn't too happy with it, but I'm never satisfied with what I write. Please tell me your thoughts because I love to hear how I'm doing and what I need to fix or whatever. I just love feedback, so please just tell me what you think! Thanks so much for reading my story, I'm honored that you do.