Disclaimer: I never do these things, but I suppose I should. I don't own any of the characters or lines/plots you recognize from the show! PLEASE read and REVIEW. It's what keeps us writers going. Knowing that someone likes what they are doing. Here's the newest addition to The Way He Sees Her.

One Thing is True

Lucas rolled out of bed early Monday morning feeling the effects of a night spent tossing and turning. Everything thatcould move hurt as he walked to the bathroom rubbing his neck. After turning the shower on and making sure the water was hot he stepped in front of the sink and studied his face in the mirror. He looked damn tired. Sighing he turned back towards the shower. It felt calming to be under the pounding heat of the water. Steam rose outside the shower curtain and Lucas thought about the day ahead. The only people he had seen since he came home were his mother and Peyton. Seeing Peyton had not gone well, to say the least. He had thought it over and decided it was maybe not the best idea to avoid her. He wouldn't go looking for her, but he wasn't going to run away if he saw her. Stepping out into his bedroom with a towel wrapped around his waist, he dressed, kissed his mother good-bye and was on his way.

Ten minutes later, he climbed out of his truck and grabbed his book bag, slinging it over his shoulder. He pulled his headphones out and began listening to the "CD of the moment," as he walked towards the school building. In front of him he spotted two girls walking arm in arm, a blonde with curly hair and a brunette who was talking animatedly with her hands.

"Seriously, Brooke…it's ok. I did my own thing, don't worry about it." Peyton insisted. Lucas overheard this as he pulled his headphones from his ears. Nice way not to run into her, idiot, he thought to himself.

"No, I thought this over for a very long time the other night…well more like a half an hour, but still! It just wasn't right to leave you like that and I feel like such a bitch. What exactly did you do after your bad best friend ditched you?"

"Not too much really. I worked on some sketches, talked to Haley for a bit on the phone. Just a pretty…uneventful night," she lied, squinting into the sun.

"Couldn't you find anything more adventurous to do then work on those depressing pictures like you always do?" Peyton shot her a murderous glare and Brooke smiled sheepishly. "Before I make daggers shoot from your eyes, I'm going to go to class… shocking, I know! See you later, girly."

Peyton watched Brooke swing her hips as she made her way to the doors and went inside. She shook her head and sighed, if only she knew how "adventurous"she'd been. "Oh, shit!" She exclaimed suddenly. She had left the homework they'd been assigned for the weekend in her car. She whipped around and ran straight into a soft body behind her. Lucas was staring into space when he felt himself collide with her and didn't have a chance at preventing it.

He glanced down and had to suppress a laugh at what he saw. Books turned up, pencils rolling steadily down the pavement and a very angry girl in front of him. Make that below him.

Peyton looked up, but couldn't make out who was standing over her. He was just a shadow in front of the blinding morning sun.

"I'm sorry, really, I just realized I forgot something and—''

"Hey, no problem. Let me help you."

She narrowed her eyes at the voice. "Lucas?"

"Um, yeah…is that a problem?" He asked shifting out of the sunlight so that she could see him.

"I don't need your help." She snapped as she began gathering her things. As the words slipped from her mouth the bell rang for classes to begin and she groaned. "Damn."

"Well, it looks like you could use my help and we're both late to class now anyway." He bent down and picked up one of the books. He stole a glance at her from the corner of his eye and decided she looked a little tired and quite pissed off. "What's got you so upset this morning?" he asked casually, then winced because he was sure he was part of the reason.

"I don't think that's any of your business. Shouldn't you be off avoiding me right now?" She hated being so close to him at that moment. She could feel the heat of his body near hers as she watched his hands swiftly picking up her belongings and placing them in her bag. It irritated her. She wanted to be touched with those hands. Held with them. Her pulse began to race at the thought.

"Listen, Peyton, about the other day…" to her horror she felt him come closer as he placed his hand on her knee. Her knee! She thought she might faint. "I didn't mean to-''

She shook her head, trying to get rid of the daze and pushed his hand away from her.

"I don't need or want an explanation, Lucas. What I need is to get to class. What I want is to not have detention for being late because you were in my way." She stood up and swung her bag over her head and onto her shoulder, almost smacking him in the head with it.

"Wait, come back! Seriously, Peyton, I just want to explain." He trailed after her and reached out for her arm. A furious mass of curls whipped around and fiery green eyes pierced his own.

"Save it, Scott."

Then she was gone. He let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and felt his heart slowing down. To his amazement he let out a chuckle. Scott? She never called him that. He had to say he kind of liked it. "Scott…" he said out loud andgrinned. The last warning bell rang and he looked up at the school. It was going to be a long day. But despite Peyton's brush-off hethought that things might be all right. He was going to prove to her that it was worth the fight to be with him or even just to be friends again. He knew that one thing was true—he couldn't live without her.

AN: Ok, well, I hope everyone liked this chapter. Some interaction between Lucas and Peyton was well overdue. As you can see they obviously still want and need each other but there are going to be obstacles along the way. True love always has to overcome obstacles. That's why it's better. You have to fight for it. I actually don't have too much to say in my little "note to you" this time! I sort of like it when Lucas and Peyton have a little heat between them brought up from arguing and I hope you do too.

Leytonforever03 I'm so glad you started reading my story, Noelle.I hopethat youliked this newchapter.I for one, didn't really like that Peytonturned to drugs on the show, but I reallyfelt like they didn't do the story justice. It was just sort of POOF! and gone. I'd like to do it better. And you might be right aboutLucas.;) Thank you for your review and kind words and I hope you'll continue reading. Laurie
 Oh my dear Laurie. I think (crosses fingers) that you'll like this chapter better than the last few although I'm really proud of my history behind Peyton's ring from Ch.4 and I'm glad you liked it too. It means a lot to me that you stick around and read and review. I'm going to moving towardsmore LP interaction,but there will be many more things to come if Iwork it out the way I want. --hugs-- Boofy Hey, thanks! I'm glad you like it and I'm glad you reviewed! Hopefully, you'll become a regular. I'm Jessica and welcome to my story! Jessica
Hello there, I can always count on you for a comment. I'm glad you're still liking it. I really like this chapter for some reason so I hope you do too. Thanks for always reading! Mon
I'm really loving the response about Peyton's ring. I thought it was a great addition to Peyton and a nice sentiment to have attached to that ring. I'm happy that you liked it and are still enjoying the story. You are my most loyal reader. You even review for the multiple reposting of TTTMU! I love you for it, dear. cabot007
Now I see you on FF too! It's nice to be getting to know the people that read my stories! Thank you for the compliment. I wanted the sorrow to come through, the desperation. I'm glad you saw it. Peyton is sort of lost right now but I fully intend on fixing that in later chapters. You're so sweet! Sometimes I wonder if what I'm writing is any good but then there's lovely people like you that make me feel ok about it. That'ssoFetch
 Tezza! --hug--Welcome to my story. I'm happy to see you! Hope you liked the new chapter. Let me know what you think! Amber
And last, but not least...Amber. I love your fic so I'm so excited you're reading mine and liking it. Hopefully you'll come back for the new update and let me know what you think!