A/N: w00t! Fourth chapter is up! Anyways goatdrummer made a point. I wanted to center this around Corrine and Marshall but I think Josie and Lucas deserve their turn in the spotlight as well! So here's to you goatdrummer and everyone else out there!

Chapter 4: A Tender Moment of Truth

Josie sat on the metal bleachers outside lining the football field. Josie's eyes were nearly glued to Vaughn throughout football practice. Her gaze never left him. The team got into starting position, the coach yelling out at them to go over their play one more time. As Vaughn found his position he saw Josie watching and gave her a smile. Josie smiled back, biting her lower lip nervously.

He looks really good out there. Wow he's in really good shape and he's not thickheaded like the rest of those Neanderthals like Stu.

Josie couldn't help but be impressed.

After practice Vaughn jogged over to Josie. He gave her a broad smile as he slung his bag over his shoulder. He took her hand and helped her off the bleachers. Her feet softly hit the ground as she landed in front of Vaughn. She looked up into his eyes but there was something different in them this time. Was it…regret? Vaughn took Josie's hands in his then dropped them after a few moments.

"Josie…can I talk to you?"

Josie looked slightly perplexed. Although she had not definitely chosen either Lucas or Vaughn, she felt like she loved Vaughn. Even though she had never actually given Lucas a chance either.

"Ok," she said with a questioning look on her face. Vaughn placed his arm around her shoulders as he guided them over underneath the oak tree. Vaughn turned to face Josie again and this time she could see regret etched clearly on his face.

"Josie…look. I know you like me a lot. Or at least I think you do. And I like you a lot too. Or…at least I thought I did."

Josie felt a sinking feeling in her gut. She stared up at Vaughn in disbelief.

"But I don't think this is going to…exactly work out. I…just don't think we were meant to be together."

Josie looked down at the grass underneath her shoes. She blinked back as she struggled to keep the tears back as she heard Vaughn's voice fill her head. Vaughn gently lifted her chin as Josie finally met his gaze. His eyes showed a bit of remorse and sadness but not as much devastation as expected.

"I'm sorry, Josie. I know you'll find someone better."

"I hope you do too," Josie whispered softly before Vaughn turned and left her standing below the oak tree, feeling confused about the feelings and thoughts swimming around in her mind.

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Lucas stepped outside into the cooling evening air. The sun was setting and was staining the sky a beautiful mix of scarlet, gold, and orange. He had gone to his room earlier and had found Marshall playing on his keyboard, obviously upset about Corrine and James. He had tried talking some sense into his best friend before Marshall and Corrine's friendship went down the drain. And it looked like he took his advice because Marshall had left to go talk things out with Corrine.

Lucas squinted as the sun's final radiant show before night obscured his view. He thought he saw someone familiar sitting out on the grass underneath the oak tree. He used his hand to shield the brilliant light from his eyes as he walked slowly towards the scrunched up being.

"Josie?" he asked slightly surprised. Josie neither looked up nor responded. She sat hugging her knees, her back resting against the rough bark of the tree. Lucas sat down next to her and watched her inquiringly.

She looked absolutely beautiful.

True, the brilliant colors of the setting sun made her golden red hair shine like that of a goddess but to Lucas she would always look beautiful.

"What's wrong, Josie?" asked Lucas quietly. He didn't want to provoke her infamous temper by 'butting-in' on her personal thoughts. Finally after a few moments Josie looked up at Lucas. Her face was tear-streaked and Lucas could tell she had been crying for a while. Lucas scooted closer wondering what had caused her to cry so.

"Josie, what happened? Tell me, please."

Josie took in a deep breath.

"…Vaughn told me that things couldn't work out between us. And so I guess we 'broke-up' in a way even though were never officially together."

Josie's gaze looked straight ahead at nothing in particular. It seemed she was trying to organize all the thoughts and emotions inside herself. Lucas felt guilty because he was happy at the fact that there never would be a Vaughn and Josie together. But deep down he cared more about Josie's well being than his own personal losses and gains.

"You really liked him a lot didn't you?" he asked. It pained him to say so because he knew the answer. Josie looked up and met his steady never failing gaze.

"That's the problem. I thought I did too. But…I don't know. I don't feel empty or…hurt or heartbroken like I thought I'd be. I feel bad for not feeling any remorse or regret but…"

Lucas was definitely taken aback by what Josie had said. He watched her carefully. She hugged her knees tighter as she rested her chin on her knees. She continued staring straight ahead.

"Lucas, I'm sorry for having been such a jerk. I feel horrible about always paying attention to Vaughn and leaving you out. I feel horrible."

Lucas gave a small smile.

"Don't worry, Josie. I know Vaughn was important then even if I guess he isn't now."

Josie switched her gaze over to Lucas and met his. She gave a half smile.

"You know what?"

"What?" asked Lucas.

"I don't think Vaughn ever was that important to me. Or at least not important as you are. And to think it took me this long to realize just that."

Josie gave a soft laugh at her own ignorance. Lucas was in shock at stared at Josie in disbelief. As if to affirm what she said Josie leaned up and kissed Lucas softly. Energy buzzed through Lucas and Josie. Josie herself was surprised at her action.

"Don't stare now, Lucas. It's not polite," said Josie with a smile and a laugh. Lucas laughed too and looked down lovingly at her. Was this really happening?

"Josie…you have always been and always will be important to me."

Lucas was tempted to say 'And I love you like crazy' but he thought perhaps that would have to be saved for a later time. Lucas encircled his arm around her shoulders as Josie rested her head on Lucas' shoulder. Josie felt like she had never felt before. She had never felt that kind of energy when she had kissed Vaughn and she had never felt like this with Vaughn. Lucas too felt like he was floating cloud nine, wondering if this was just all a cruel dream and he would wake up to find that Josie still loved Vaughn. But no this was real. A tender moment of truth.

A/N: Ok so how do you like it? A bit of Josie/Lucas for you and excuse me for theshoddy writing. I just sort of went with the plot bunnies in my head and it wasn't exactly planned out. Hopefully it's not too horrible and wretched! Rate and review please!