A/N: You guys are awesome…I think I say that every time I post a chapter but I do mean it. I love the fact that you guys are consistent with the reviewing. And for those of you who don't review, it's ok...I'm one of you. lol.

Disclaimer: I don't own One Tree Hill.

Chapter Eleven: A Dance with Chris Keller

January 31st 2006

I love Saturdays. Did I tell you that? All days of the week are cool, but Saturdays just give me hope. Because another school week is over. And I keep telling myself things can't get worse. Although, that being said, I'm sure they could. I mean my dad could die. He is the only living parent that I know about. Umm, what else? I could have my hands chopped off in a freak accident making it impossible for me to ever draw again. I could go deaf and there goes music. Although, I don't really have much of a passion for music anymore, so I don't know how bad that would be. If I lost my dad or my hands, I'd probably fall apart. I can't imagine life without either of those things… But what the hell am I doing pondering over such depressing things? I'm in a happy mood! It's a Saturday!

My morning was really uneventful. I did some homework, drew some pictures and had a little chat with Haley over the phone. That and ate cereal. Rachel came over two hours after going home to pick up some clothes, and Bevin really never left. That was another part of my morning. Sobering up Bevin for tonight just to watch her get drunk again. I wish she could hold her alcohol like I can now.

My afternoon was no better. It consisted of me watching Rachel and Bevin try on numerous outfits and telling them which ones make their asses look smallest. Guess what…they all look the same. But I pretended otherwise. Then after I took a shower, they tossed a pile of clothes for me to try on and started doing my hair and make-up. Seriously, I thought Brooke was bad, but Bevin's definitely taken the cake for most dangerous woman with a flat iron and mascara. I don't understand why they want me to dress-up. Damn, it's just Chris Keller! I'm not even into him. Sure, he's good looking and musically gifted, but I can think of a hundred bad qualities that counteract those.

Whatever. I'm just doing this to appease the girls. That and Lucas and Brooke might be there. And I kind of want to see the look on their faces when I walk in wearing the ensemble Rachel and Bevin have picked out. It's a super short black miniskirt paired with an emerald green tank top. The shirt's low cut, but not dangerously low like something Brooke would wear. I've got my chunky boots to top it off. I haven't looked this good since the wedding.

"Peyton," Rachel says peaking into my room, "You ready?" I take one more look back in the mirror and sigh. This is it.

We arrive at the club late. Well, Rachel and I arrive at the club late. We had to send Bevin ahead to introduce Chris. See, Rachel gets a call as we're halfway out the door from Mouth. His car broke down and he wasn't going to be able to make it. Then, Rachel gets all emotional because he won't be there. Seriously, so not like her to cry over something like that. So, I said she and I would go pick up Mouth and bring him with us. I was rewarded with a bone crushing hug and a sickening car ride where I had to watch Mouth and Rachel act all coupley. No offense, but I don't want/need that stuff. I'm depressed enough as it is.

So, yeah anyways, I walk inside just behind Mouth and Rachel who are holding hands. We settle at the bar where Bevin is already waiting (and surely on her third drink). Chris is onstage performing "Meant Something to Me."

"So, how'd it go?" I ask sliding onto the stool next to Bevin.

"Eh," she shrugs, "He asked when his payment would be arriving." I glare at Rachel who just shakes her head, trying to hide her amusement.

"Whatever," I mutter.

"You say that a lot, you know that?" Bevin muses. I think it a lot too, Bevin. I don't say that back though. My eyes are busy scanning the room for my former clique. And I'm hardly shocked to find them sitting in their usual booth. They haven't spotted me yet, at least I don't think. I find it kind of odd that they're all wearing shades of blue. Did they do that on purpose?

Chris finishes his song and looks over to the bar. I'm sipping my drink casually, hoping he won't spot me. He does though and smirks, before adjusting his microphone while the cheers subside.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he says, "I'd like to dedicate this next song to the pretty blonde at the bar." He winks at me and I can't help but roll my eyes at him. He plays "Glad" for me. Two song dedications two weekends in a row. I must be pretty special. You're one special girl, Peyton. You're my little angel. Don't ever forget that. The words just pop into my head only the voice speaking them is not my own. It's my mother's. Those are the words she told me on my eighth birthday. I had long since forgotten them, but that thought must have triggered something in the back of my mind. I smile slightly at her words. I am special. Sure, moms are supposed to say that, but I have to believe it. Only a special girl would get such a wonderful woman for a mom. I miss her. Every freaking day of my life. And it just doesn't get better.

I don't have much time to think about her though. I notice Chris has just finished his last song. He's making his way towards us as the DJ takes his place to finish off the night. I order another drink hoping to buy me some time. At this point, I notice that Bevin and Rachel have seemingly abandoned me. I must fend for my own against Chris Keller.

"Goldilocks," he says sitting down next to me and ordering a drink.

"Keller," I mutter.

"I'm awaiting payment," he says, smirking.

"Is there a reason you to want to dance with me?" I ask, my fist just itching to smack that smirk off his face.

"That's for me to know and you to find out, Peyton."

"So you do know my name?"

"How could I forget such a beautiful girl's name?"

"Smooth. Real smooth," I say, before I down my shot, "All right Keller let's get this over with."

"Don't I just feel loved?" he says sarcastically, offering me a hand, "Let's go blondie." Just as I go to take it, I see the clique watching my every move, most looking at me as if I'm crazy. I smirk a little at the reaction before sliding my hand in his and letting him lead me to the dance floor. The song playing is an old tune. I think it's "With or Without You" by U2. I put my arms around his neck and he tentatively places his hands on my waste. I laugh at his hesitation.

"I'm not going to bite," I chuckle.

"Well, you sure seemed like it just a second ago," he says, his hands relaxing on my waste. I feel myself become a little more comfortable with him. This is nice. Not Lucas or Jake nice, but nice nonetheless.

"I'm an aloof person, Chris."

"This is getting better though. You called me Chris. I'd almost say we're getting somewhere." This can be painful or this could be pleasant. It's all up to me and how I handle it.

"Well, Chris, why don't you tell me something about yourself?"

"You want to know about me?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Don't be so shocked. It's a long song and we got nothing else to do."

"We could make out," he says raising his eyebrow suggestively. As soon as the words are out of his mouth, I give him a push on the shoulder. He stumbles back as we both laugh a little, "I was kidding."

"Well, try again."

"Ok, fine," he says, exaggerating his disappointment, "I was born two blocks from here, the last baby born in the old hospital."

"You're kidding me? The one that used be where the fire station is?"

"Yep. My mom got there at eleven and they stopped letting patients in at twelve. The next day all new patients were sent into the new building. My mom was so bored because the TVs were already unhooked she started singing to me. She says that's how I got my love of music." I can't help but feel shocked that he opened up to me like that. I mean I know that's not something really deep, but still, this is Chris Keller we're talking about. Anything not coated in charm and wit should be considered a breakthrough.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I was born on March 15th. That means I'm a Pisces."

"Beware of the Ides of March," I say playfully.

"Funny," he says, "What about you Peyton Sawyer? What are you like?"

"I'm a Cancer," I say softly, "And I like to draw and paint. I used to enjoy music, but I don't know. That's kind of gone."

"I lost music for awhile too. It seems when you just don't give a damn, music stops mattering." He took the words out of my mouth. I can only nod mutely and rest my head on his shoulder. I can tell when he pulls me closer, it's a friendly gesture. Nothing more.

"Since we're sharing, why did you ask for a dance?" I ask.

"Because you're a gorgeous, feisty blonde," he supplies, but I can tell he's hiding something so I frown. "You're not buying it, are you?"

"Seriously, Chris. There's always a reason. Just be honest with me."

"I was thinking about all those terrible things I did when I first me you. I mean you were just trying to get this place going and I screwed around with you. I feel bad now. So really, I'm just trying to square my karma," he says smirking at me. I think back to the time when I uttered those exact words to Lucas and I can't help but smile back at him. "I was a real ass, huh?"

"Yeah you were," I sigh.

"So think of this as a way to make it up to you even if I did have to bribe you to accomplish it."

"Apology accepted," I say. I listen to the music and notice the song's changed. Now, it's something I've never heard, but still a slow song nonetheless. I could pull away now, but I just don't have the energy. I'm drained.

"Hey, why aren't you hanging out with the breakfast club anymore?" he asks suddenly. I look at him oddly before it clicks what he means.

"Oh, them!" I say, "Brooke and I kind of had a falling out."

"Was it over Lucas again?" Before I get a chance to ask how he knows about before, he continues, "Haley talked…a lot, especially when we were on the bus. She probably thought I wasn't listening, but I guess I was." There's a slow pause where I don't say anything, "So, was it over Lucas then?"

"It's always over a boy isn't it," I muse.

"Well, I'm sorry kiddo," he says, "If it's any consolation, he's glaring at us right now." My eyes shoot up to meet Chris's.

"What?" I ask.

"I can see them from here. You're little clique that is. They're in the booth about twenty feet behind you."

"Oh," I say. I'm curious, but ashamed to ask him what the look on their faces are.

"Would you like to know what they're reactions are?" I look away and apparently that gives him his answer. "Nathan looks extremely pissed especially when I do this," He shifts his hands just a bit lower on my hips. "Yep, totally pissed." I laugh a little. "Haley looks worried. She's staring at me though. Probably regretting what she left behind on tour-"

"Sure she is," I chuckle.

"Lucas is just glaring my head off, but I can see fear in those eyes too. And dare I say, jealousy?"

"You're just trying to make me feel better," I say softly.

"Whatever you say," he says, "But if he's not jealous then why is his girlfriend looking at him with sad pathetic puppy dog eyes and he hasn't even noticed it." I furrow my eyebrows.

"Maybe he has."

"Believe me Peyton. I've been watching. He hasn't taken his eyes off you this entire time." The song ends before I get a chance to answer him. He pulls away taking my hands in his. "It's been a pleasure, Peyton Sawyer." He brings my hand to his mouth and kisses it. As he turns to leave, something propels me to grab his arm and turn him back.

"Chris!" I say. He looks at me slightly confused. I reach up and plant a small kiss on his cheek. "Thanks for the dance."

"If you just did that to make Lucas more jealous, you've succeeded," he whispers.

"No," I say shaking my head, "I did that to say I'm sorry for slapping you in the face. Making Lucas jealous was just a bonus."

"You're forgiven," he chuckles.

"Friends?" I ask extending a hand.

"Sure, but friends don't shake hands. Friends hug," he says pulling me into a giant bear hug and lifting me off the ground as I shriek.

"Put me down, Keller!"

"Buy me a drink."

"Fine!" I say as he drops me down at the bar. Looks like I've made a new friend. And of all people, it's Chris freaking Keller. How ironic.

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See! I told you the pitchforks and torches weren't necessary...yet...I promise you this won't be the last of Chris Keller. But I also promise you a little more Leyton interaction. Next chapter for sure...but remember their relationship will take awhile to build.