10. Lava and ice

He wasn't thinking, he definitely wasn't thinking; Lucas only felt her soft lips against his, he was enchanted all he knew was that he was experiencing heaven on earth and he wanted to explore it all, he wanted more. He had forced his lips against hers and withdrew softly and slowly, but then it became impossible detach away especially that she never pushed him away, in fact he could have sworn she was softening under his touch as his lips feathered against hers tenderly, and then he became more demanding, and he felt her definitely beginning to respond, but at this moment and as if her body was acting despite her will, it alarmed her and she pulled back.

And before he could process that her lips were no longer attached to his, he was forced to sober up from his trance with a powerful slap across his cheek making his head fly to the side.

He looked at her as she took a step back and he saw the fierce crazy glare she was giving him allowing him to realize that even if he had a shot he threw it out the window, and it dawned upon him what kind of an idiot he is.

"Get out!" she said firmly fixing her eyes somewhere else but his face to avoid slapping him once again.

"I'm sorry, I-"

"Get. Out." She repeated more sternly and if looks could kill, he would have been long gone.

He knew he didn't stand a single chance in this situation, he didn't even know if it would mean anything for him to apologize at this point, so with his head down in shame, he walked over to the door that she has opened for him, he stopped abruptly half way through the door and turned his head to look at her to find her glaring back at him and he knew that if he opened his mouth or if he stayed a second longer she'll be attacking him, so he left and the door slammed behind him once he was out of it with a loud thud that could wake up the whole neighborhood.

He doesn't even know how he'd explain it to her even if he wanted to, but in his defense, she was standing dangerously close to him, and looking too beautiful that it was impossible not to kiss her.

It was a magical moment as it lasted, which wasn't long enough; however, he knew it'd be visiting his dreams for some time, especially that there's no way Peyton Sawyer will look in his face once again.

Once again, the two brothers have had an eventful night regarding their love interests, but it seems like the table has turned for them, this time around it was Nathan who was returning home with a happy face, and it wasn't until the next morning that Lucas figured out his brother hasn't spent the night in his bed at all when he walked in on him in the kitchen holding hands with Haley.

"Hey, bro, look who I brought." He chimed as Haley giggled shyly while Lucas turned around surfacing up from his self-pity and instantly it grew a smile on his face.

"Hey," he chuckled, "We missed you, Ms. James." He greeted and raised his eyebrows when her cheeks reddened and she groaned hugging Nathan's arm with both her hands wanting to hide behind him, "Am I missing something?"

"I talked to Haley." Nathan smiled.

"I figured that much yeah," Lucas said as he watched Haley finally standing on her own next his brother, she looked up at Nathan with vulnerability and Lucas was amazed with the way Nathan looked reassuringly back at her; he has never seen his brother neither caring nor as happy, not to mention being so open about his feelings.

"We decided to give it a chance." Nathan announced looking back at Lucas.

"Well, wow, that's great!" he exclaimed, it was amazing to see Nathan finally ending his torture and actually look this happy.

"We're taking everything slow though, you're the only one who knows at the moment."

"I must be special."

"Of course you're, a special moron." Nathan shot back.

"Nathan!" Haley protested coming to his defense.

"I just told her how excited you were for this to happen and she thought your wish must be fulfilled."

"Okay, I did not say that." Haley said laughing.

"I wasn't excited. I have a life, you know." Lucas spat and the moment he said it he wished to take it back again because of the looks he was given and the smirk forming on the face of no one other than his dear brother.

"Right, you do. In fact I saw you hot on her tail – I mean your life."

Lucas gave him a warning look; it was bad enough having him teasing about the Peyton thing all the damned time, and it was fine because he got to tease him too about Haley, but, he can't do that now, can he? It won't be fun being only on the receiving end of it and he didn't want Haley to be added on the team against him too. Not now, not when he has just made a fool of himself.

Haley gasped, "You like someone." Suddenly, she wasn't shy anymore, in fact, there was no reason for her to be in the first place, they were just Nathan and Lucas, of course she has started to accept having feelings for the first, but, they were the same people she has been joking and having fun with for the last period of time, she'll just have to ease herself back into feeling normal, right? Nathan has been understanding so far, and she just has to get used to it.

Lucas opened his mouth to deny it but only ended up groaning much to Nathan's amusement, "It's nothing, okay?"

"Whatever, I'm gonna know." Haley decided.

"Wh- It's… can we go back to you, please?" He said out of frustration and they ended up laughing at him; and for some reason it brought relaxation in his nerves. The fact that they were happy, having fun and that everything seemed to be working out just fine for them relaxed him.

Because after all, even though Peyton might not want to look in his face, even though he ambushed her with that stupid spectacular kiss, there has been this nagging teeny-tiny bit inside him that knew she was about to kiss him back when she slapped him instead.

Peyton Sawyer might not want to neither speak nor see him again, but he wasn't about to stop doing so.

XxXx

Nathan thought that he has been ignoring his job duties for a good span of time now being engulfed in his own mess of feelings and miseries, but now that his life is back in focus, he felt guilty for mainly depending on his brother's admittance to work to take care of everything, it was unfair, and he did it without noticing, but now that he can see it, he doubts that even Lucas' head was hundred percent in work too, at least lately, and he knew it wasn't maybe for his own personal reasons, but what he was sure of, is that if Lucas has been solely concentrating about the club, he would have been nagging him to think about unsolved problems.

Sure, the club has been going very well, but they wouldn't ignore the fact that they have to deal with some issues, the biggest being Dan coming and going as he pleases as if telling them the whole town is his territory and that he does whatever he wants. It may be true, but they wouldn't just let him have it at peace would they now?

Nathan Scott's head is back at business and it's time for him to take matters in his hand.

When he had suggested paying a visit back to The Comet as a re-pay for Dan's many visits to their own club, he expected Lucas to be against it, after all, he had thought that him not surfacing the Dan issue was because he didn't want to piss off his love interest as in Peyton Sawyer, but on the contrary, Lucas was welcoming of the idea.

So, as they left Karen's in the trusted hands of Skillz and Haley for the night, the brothers dressed up for spending their night at The Comet.

Lucas knew it's daring of him, he knew that it'd irritate Peyton to have him there, and he didn't know how she'd react to that, but he knew he has to be there, he has to see her and to know how it all turns out to be, and even though it has been like four days since Haley was back at work, but Peyton never showed up.

He also hadn't told anyone of what happened himself, but he didn't know if she did, after all she could have told Dan and he prevented her from going there again, but anyway, he was willing to take the risk.

Once there and they entered the familiar place, Dan Shaw smirked as he approached them, "It took you long enough to pay me a visit." He greeted.

"We're here after all."

Dan nodded with his infamous smile, "I'm a better host though, enjoy your stay at The Comet, gentlemen." He said inviting them to proceed into the club which they did.

While Nathan was there looking around to see what Dan might have changed in the place and basically enjoy his night at Dan's own territory, Lucas's mission was slightly different as his eyes looked around for Peyton Sawyer and he caught her singing along with no one other than Brooke Davis as they danced around to the lyrics of Dan's new singer.

He smiled at the scene of her having fun like that, he has never seen her like that and it was beautiful to watch her being carefree, it was a scene worth remembering and he added to the many memories of the sole sight of Peyton Sawyer.

As the song came to an end he watched the two girls laugh together as they stopped dancing. His heart rate increased when her head began wandering around and she was getting dangerously close to spot him and when she finally did his heart skipped a beat having been caught staring.

He watched as her smile vanished and she quickly switched her happy vibes to angry ones sending him a glare. He gulped but did nothing, in fact he never averted his eyes from her; she was the one who did with a scoff.

Nathan has noticed his brother looking and he noticed the female blond not being too keen of the idea of having him there; however he thought there's a story and he wanted to find it out.

Their night was going away smoothly through and Lucas thought he might actually check around the place while at it, so he was by the bar looking at the people recognizing some as Dan's friends and committed customers and some as mutual customers between the two of them and some as Dan's boys; his men, he didn't know them all, but he knew a few of them who are said to be connected to his dirty business, when he wouldn't want to get his hands dirty he would use them.

And all of a sudden his vision was blocked by the pleasing sight of the furious face of Peyton Sawyer. She was standing in front of him looking up at his eyes with anger and irritation, and he has to admit that it looked adorable on her.

"What are you doing here?"

"Uh… I'm a customer. I'm paying I promise." He said annoying her all the most.

"Quit following me!"

"I'm not following you." He denied calmly.

She gritted her teeth and moved closer threateningly, "You will leave me alone, Scott."

"Why would I?" he must admit that he was having fun; he liked all of her, even her threats.

"Because I haven't told Dan what you did, and if you don't I'm going to have to tell him, and he will make sure you never see the sunlight again."

He looked at her for a second before leaning closer to whisper in her ear, "I'm not afraid of Dan." He said returning back to his original position with a slight smirk.

And sure enough she was more irritated if it's even possible, "Oh, no, you don't know him, if he knew what you did-"

"You mean the kiss." He cut her off.

Her entire face was instantly red and it was impossible to tell wither it's shyness blush or due to anger, but either of which, Lucas was enjoying this whole scene; something about the fact that she came to talk to him delighted him, even though he's probably on her hate list and the conversation wasn't the most peaceful, not even close to it, but she's still the one who started it, and if he could still make her feel anything, even if irritation, it's a good thing, right? He'll just have to work his way from this point.

She raised a threatening finger –something she has been doing a lot recently when it comes to the blond man in question- moving closer with a glare, "Don't you even dare to-"

"You know, for someone who's mad about it, you're dangerously close."

She immediately withdrew away with a look of disbelief, "You… you're a jerk, and you know what, this is the last time I'll ever say it, leave me alone or deal with Dan." She said spitefully turning around and he knew he took it a little too far as he sighed looking around and it seemed like Dan was still not in the eyesight so he moved quickly to grab her wrist,

"Hey, hey, I'm sorry, okay? It's just, you're always throwing accusations at me and-"

"I'm not throwing anything, I don't even care about you, get it in your head already." She lashed out with a deathly flare in her eyes as she brushed his hand away from hers harshly, "Quit following me, speaking to me, or touching me. Care for yourself and your work, Scott." With said warning she stormed off and he stood still in his place not knowing what to think anymore, however, she seems to tend to hate him more and more with every encounter.

XxXx

As Haley was having a little chit-chat with Bernice about how she would like to have a new dress made for her, and that she wanted it to be something different, Brooke was lazily looking around the place all of them waiting for Peyton to come out as she was trying the new dress Bernice just made.

"I don't know, I always wear basic colors, and the styles are all the same one way or the other." Haley said thoughtfully to Bernice.

"That's what I have been suggesting, Haley." Bernice said, "Alright, we are going to find you something new." She said grabbing an album to look through designs.

"Why not freeing yourself?" Brooke spoke up.

"Excuse me?" Haley kinked her eyebrows at her; she has not known Brooke for more than ten minutes when Peyton introduced them as they met at Bernice's. She has known from Peyton that she would be coming but she has not spoken to the girl before, nor did she ever thought she would. Brooke Davis had those mysterious vibes, she always reminded Haley of a female version of Bram Stoker's Dracula that she has read a while ago, she is indeed attractive and charismatic, but something about her intimidates Haley, maybe it's the way she look, or the way she always sound confident and never shows any sign of weakness, however, if she has learnt any lessons in Tree Hill, it is to never judge people without getting to know them.

"I mean no offence, but, I never saw you wearing something that says who you really are." Brooke explained her point of view.

"What?" Haley scoffed, "You don't know me." She argued.

"Sure I do; I have watched you perform almost every night since you came here."

"Okay, even if that says anything about me, what do you think the way I dress differs from the real me?" Haley challenged and Brooke was well aware of that, but she was still acting all cool when she shrugged and answered her with only what she believes to be true,

"I don't know, but your choice of dressing has always had a sense of insecurity, like you're somehow protecting yourself in some way, or you're hiding something, or not letting the real you show." She finished and met Haley's look to find her processing what she is saying in a sense of being violated as she had a disturbed trapped look in her eyes and her lips were parting and meeting trying to form words. "Look, I'm sorry, I don't mean to pry or anything, you asked and I was just trying to help you find something that's more you."

"You can't just tell all of that by only the way I dress." Haley gave a chuckle trying to shrug the whole thing off.

"Sure you can," Brooke disagreed, "Clothes speak a lot more about you than you realize."

Although Haley was already there to make a change in her wardrobe for the lone reason of willing to be more like herself; because recently she has been feeling more vibrant and seeing more colors in life than just the dull shades she has been visualizing for the longest of time, but Brooke disturbed the peace of her untouched shell especially that she was a complete stranger, and no way she would just be able to see through any of her walls, that's why she felt the need to disagree with her, however she never got the chance to when Peyton came out wearing her new dress.

It was a simple dress, too simple for Peyton but she has to admit that it looks good on her, it was a white knee-length with a three-quarter sleeve and a rounded hem lined in black which goes with the white belt also lined in black snaking around her waist, the skirt wasn't too flowery, it was just the right amount to be dancing around her long legs. It reminded her of a dress she had when she was younger, so, to say the dress wasn't formal or classy enough like her usual dresses would be understandable.

"Oh, dear, it looks amazing on you." Bernice gushed motherly.

"She's right, it's different." Haley smiled merely forgetting about her irritation from Brooke.

"It's different, but I think I like it." Peyton said looking at her reflection in the mirror.

"It's definitely stunning, Ms. Sawyer." Brooke said getting up and walking towards her unconsciously fixing her hem and waist line as Bernice smiled remembering how she did exactly the same the last time she was there, and also how she basically is the one who came up with this dress's design and colors.

"He's going to love it." She said leaning closer so her face is above Peyton's shoulder as she held her arms and gave them a pat looking at her in the mirror, Brooke whispered but loud enough for everyone to hear her.

"Oh, so things are going okay with the boy." Bernice cooed, and Peyton glared at Brooke in the mirror who found the situation funny as she laughed and backed away.

"Wait, what boy?" Haley asked confused and Peyton groaned.

"Nothing, there is no boy!" she clarified in frustration as Haley looked between the two girls wondering what she missed.

"Last time they were here, they kept fighting about it too." Bernice giggled, "Turn around dear." She addressed Peyton as she carefully began putting pins to adjust the dress's size.

"There is a boy; she is just refusing to believe it." Brooke told Haley who caught on her playful smirk.

"Quit it, Brooke, even if you're right, I don't care because I'm not interested." Peyton has been more on edge lately whenever Brooke mentioned Lucas after what happened between them and in a way she now knows Brooke is right; not that he likes her, but that he is trying to make her believe it, and Brooke talking about it just tugged her nerves let alone her bringing people into it too like she's doing right now.

"Well, now I am." Haley said with a frowning smile, "So, you have an admirer?"

"No, I don't."

"Who is it?" she asked like she didn't hear her.

"No one."

"It's Lucas Scott." Brooke said and then all set of six eyes were on her as she smirked.

Haley had big eyes and an O-shaped mouth and Bernice looked for confirmation of the familiar name she has been hearing about recently while Peyton's deathly glare sent daggers towards Brooke.

"God, Brooke!" she bawled and took big angry footsteps towards the corner of the room, "I'm never going anywhere with you again. Ever." She childishly decided before she pulled the curtains closed disappearing behind them to get changed back in her own dress.

"Oh my God, so that's what Nathan was talking about." Haley concluded.

"What?"

"The other day we were talking, I, Nathan and Lucas, and Nathan wisecracked a note about Lucas taking a liking into someone." Haley explained, "And… it's Peyton?"

"Hear that Sawyer?" Brooke shouted over towards Peyton's direction.

Peyton opened the curtain just as aggressively as she closed it with the angry frown she had on marching over with angry wide steps.

"For the last time, Brooke, I don't care and I'm not interested, and so far, as far as I'm concerned, all you're saying is bullshit."

"Wow, Christ, you sure have a temper." Brooke frowned upon her choice of words.

"Yeah, too much for someone who doesn't care." Haley said as Peyton rolled her eyes.

"Oh, great, now you too."

Bernice giggled, "Girls, go easy on her, she's clearly shy about it."

"Bernice!" Peyton squealed, "Don't put ideas in their heads, please."

Peyton didn't appreciate the three women laughing at her, however she appreciated Bernice changing the topic when she suggested it's probably better if they decide what design Haley would like for her dress, this gave her the break she needed as they looked over pictures and voting for and against, all she wanted was to stop any remarks, glances, thoughts or even sightings of Lucas Scott who suddenly invaded her life out of nowhere.

"Are you sure fashion is just a hoppy?" Bernice addressed Brooke who blinked out of surprise.

"Sure," she gave an awkward laugh.

"No, she's really good at it." Peyton said although she was still mad at her.

"I like it, yes, but that's it."

"I would have expected you to have had professional experience in the field." Bernice remarked.

Brooke blinked several times at the sudden change of the attention now focused on her; she was taken aback and not prepared to be talking about her failed attempt at business, and mostly, she didn't want to remember it at all.

Peyton have heard about her boutique from Dan before, she doesn't know any further details than that she tried and failed though, and Haley as clueless to the topic as she was but she noticed the side of Brooke that she didn't see before jeopardizing her whole female Dracula theory as she noticed her discomfort.

"You know, I just met you, but I can't help but notice that you do have a gift in this." Haley commented deciding to put aside her previous invasion through her life because as long as she has seen of her in the last hour, she this is who Brooke Davis is, she is straightforward to tell you what she thinks, maybe it's her way of caring or being friendly, or maybe that's how she defines herself, but, Haley just followed the instinct that Brooke doesn't mean harm by it for the mean time.

"Thank you, it really is just something that I like…"

"You know you have been of a great help with choosing both of their dresses, right?" Bernice said and Brooke felt the blood starting to come up to her cheeks as she gave an awkward laugh.

"It's just, I've been interested in fashion my whole life." Brooke has promised herself not to allow believing she can do any good when it comes to clothes get to her head again, she has tried and failed and that's the end of that story, and she is still dealing with the consequences and she will be dealing with them for a long time, so, she has been really cautious about that subject and she wasn't feeling comfortable hearing it from anyone once again, although she really, really want to hear it, she doesn't want to get dragged again and end up causing herself more trouble.

"Why are you underestimating yourself?" Peyton narrowed her eyes and Brooke gave a nervous smile.

"No, no, I'm not, it's just, I know I'm not that good, I may just have a vague idea.

"Not that good?" Peyton gawked, "Are you kidding me?"

"Darling, I have seen people claiming they are as good as a designer and people with just interest and very little number of people who actually have a gift, just like Haley's voice, your gift is designing." Bernice said leaving Brooke feeling overwhelmed.

"It's… I have tried before, and I failed miserably, and that's when I knew I'm not good." She said with the same nervous smile trying to cover the hurt with a brave face.

"Brooke, if you failed, it could be anything, but it's sure not because you're not talented." Peyton told her.

"I… I don't know… but I don't want to talk about this."

"Oh, look who wants to not talk about something!" Peyton says playfully with a sudden smirk easing the tension a bit as Brooke rolled her eyes.

"You know I could use your help here with me." Bernice said casually and Brooke was speechless, she wasn't ready to talk about this in the first place, and now, there's a work proposition regarding her passion, or her talent as they put it. She doesn't know what she thinks of it but something emits inside of her and it's as scary as ever.

XxXx

Once again Brooke found herself in the uncomfortable position of having to host Dan as a guest in her house, Dan and his creepy chilling smile.

"So, Brooke, tell me how is it going?" he asked her. Julian has visited her once again the night before and asked her about the 'job' and when she said there's nothing new, he has told her that Dan would ask her soon and that he will need an interesting answer. However, she didn't put any thought into it; what kind of interesting answer would she give him? Nothing has happened with Peyton so far, and unless she's going to make up fictional adventures to entertain him, she is going to give the same answer.

"It's going well." She replied and Dan's smile turned into a light chuckle,

"Going well, okay, let me rephrase it, what's new in Peyton's life?"

"Nothing is new," she shrugged, "sorry to disappoint you." She said and noticed Julian giving her a look from behind Dan but she still didn't get it.

"Brooke, darling, I asked you to do this favor for me because I worry about Peyton."

"You already told me that, Dan."

"I know I did, but what you don't know is, Peyton is fragile, she's also naïve, and I need to protect her, and she thinks she doesn't need me to, but she does, she has always needed my protection even if she doesn't realize it, and in order for me to do that I need to know what she does, Peyton will never tell me because she doesn't want me middelling, and that's why I need you, Brooke."

Brooke blinked at how sincere he looked, she never saw Dan like that, she never thought he's capable of caring, but here he was only worrying about her friend, and yes, she knows Peyton is naïve, so, she gulped with a nod, "Okay, but there's nothing really going on that you don't know, we either meet at The Comet or at Karen's before we got closer when she has made plans to meet Haley, however lately she hasn't… um… we go to Bernice, Haley comes too and that's it."

Dan nodded, "What about the Scotts; is she friends with them? I saw her talking to Lucas before."

Brooke narrowed her eyes, "Friends? No. He was probably apologizing to her, she told me that they had a misunderstanding before, I don't know what happened exactly though, although I think he has an interest in her, but no, they're not friends."

Dan nodded with a smile, "Thanks, Brooke, you're really helping me out in this." he said nicely standing up. Brooke got uncomfortable; after all it's not every day she sees Dan being nice, not even close to it, however, she was relieved that his visit is finally over.

As Dan left with Julian behind him, Brooke narrowed her eyes in confusion when Julian turned around giving her a wink and a smile.

It is times like this that would make her think of Bernice's offer and how it could change her life, but Brooke was scared, this offer would either drag her life down to hell, or be more than just a job offer, it could be an offer to a better future, better life.

XxXx

Haley sat across from Nathan with the bar separating them as he presented her the cocktail of the night, he made her a Pimm's Cup, it reminded him of what he is feeling towards her at this point of time, it's sweet, fruity, delicious, fizzy, stingy and intoxicating all at once, the drink itself represented their relationship as well; it's original recipe is a secret, and what's available is only as good as many improvisations to imitate the original drink, it's mysterious, and it's on the top of the list of drinks Nathan wants to try one day, he wants to taste the original drink, just as much as he yearns to try everything with Haley.

He watched her laugh out loud at something silly he just said and h couldn't help but be mesmerized of the way she's slowly letting herself be, of slowly letting him in, he realized that she has insecurities, and he knows there's still a lot for him to figure out about her, and he's also well-aware that she will take time to give him her full trust, but he could be patient for as long as she needs, because it doesn't matter to him if she keeps him waiting, what matters the most is to let Haley know how much she means to him, because even though she's all fun and giggly outside, he knows that she hides an aching soul behind it; she's a colorful beautiful box containing broken china.

"What?" Haley asked as redness crept to her face due to his look.

With a smile he shook his head leaning over the bar using his crossed arms to support his weight, "Nothing, you're just… hypnotizing."

Her blush only increased as she avoided his gaze, but it only worked for a second as she found her eyes wandering back to his face, she averted them away again, but once again she ended up just looking at him, this time though she didn't look away as she just took in his features shyly, he chuckled probably noticing her not being able to look away, and she appreciated the way he laughs, she found it adorable; she found him adorable.

Nathan was incredibly handsome, not that it was a secret though, she has took a notice at this fact the first time she walked into this place asking for a job, and the fact that this man took a liking in her is still overwhelming, she doesn't know how or when this happened, yes he told her has been developing feeling for her ever since he sat his eyes on her, but she can't seem to picture it happening while she's completely oblivious to it, or maybe she wasn't really that much in the dark as she tends to believe, maybe she was just in denial, maybe she was just not accepting the fact that fate could offer her something nice.

Haley secretly keeps hoping that this is not a dream or a trick or even a temporary flame that would eventually die, she can't handle letting herself believe it's happening and then it would go away at some point, although she keeps catching herself enjoying her time, living the moment and actually giving out a glimpse of herself, a glimpse of her soul, but, at the end of the day, she makes sure to be reminded that she needs to be careful, that maybe it's good now, but she better not get to attached or else she might end up destroyed, collapsing after all this time of standing tall.

"I'm lucky I have you." Nathan admitted.

"You keep saying that and feeding my ego." She warned jokingly.

He shrugged, "Feed it, let it grow, let it know it's worth, it's only the truth."

"You are so sweet." She shook her head looking at him dreamily.

"Only when I want to be." He smirked but then sighed looking past her, "Unfortunately though, beautiful moments are shorty lived." He said and Haley turned around following his gaze to find Peyton walking through the doors. She turned looking back at Nathan apologetically.

"I have to go. She's here for me."

"I know. Go. I'll miss you though." He said adding a smirk at the end knowing she only gets shy and blush every time he compliments her, gaze at her or tell her how he feels, which is only all he does.

Reluctantly, Peyton Sawyer entered Karen's; she hasn't seen Haley since the day at Bernice's two days ago, and she hasn't been to this club ever since Haley returned back, and Haley has been nagging her to come and she has been making excuses, and the nagging somehow became more persistent after she learned Brooke's theory of Lucas Scott liking her, at the end she has caved and planned to come spend the last working hour at Karen's with Haley lessening the chances of running into Lucas Scott.

It was a cold night, and the club was already half way empty and she groaned beginning to think it was a bad idea after all; it's easier to see her when it's not busy, not that he finds it any hard to find her in the crows anyway.

She didn't spot him anywhere in sight though, which made her relax for the time being as she sat with Haley chatting with Skillz' tones playing in the background, people were gradually leaving and she got carried away talking with Haley about any and every thing that she didn't notice it was almost empty, that was until Chris Keller called her to have a word; Haley has just told her that she is going to collaborate with him and that they are still working on something, so that's probably what he wants to speak to her about.

As she looked around and realized the place is lacking customers, it surprised her how big it actually is, she felt alarmed and decided it was time for her to leave; however, and just like a predator that waits for the right moment to attack his prey, this was the exact moment Lucas Scott decided to make an appearance.

"Oh, here we go." She snapped annoyed once she saw him in front of her, but got up anyway hoping that if she ignored him completely he would have some dignity and leave her alone; she would just tell Haley later that he bothered her and she had to leave, and she thought that it actually worked when she made it outside without him saying anything, but just then she heard him calling her name right behind her.

Lucas followed her outside so he wouldn't make a scene in front of anyone, not his few remaining customers, and not his employers or his dear brother.

"What? What Lucas?" she yelled impatiently facing him; she has reached the point of not even caring to keep her composure in front of him.

"I just wanted to apologize… again, for the last time. So, sorry." He said a little unsure.

"Is sorry your second name? Or is it your favorite word?"

Lucas narrowed his eyes and knitted his eyebrows feeling insulted at her constant accusations and meanness, "Why do you treat me like that?"

She gave a chuckle, "Oh, seriously? You are seriously asking?"

"Yes, yes, I am. So far, I can't recall harming you."

"You don't?"

"I have apologized for that, Peyton, and you have made sure to pay it back and more."

"Alright, let's get this straight one last time, because it's getting quiet boring, first of all, you don't call me Peyton, we are not friends," she said faking a sweat tone, "and second of all, I just don't like you, and I don't want anything to do with you, not be your friend, not exchanging greetings, and certainly not having you every other day jumping in my face saying sorry. Nothing." She said looking in his eyes sternly and she saw him gulp, "Is it clear? Or do I have to say it again?"

Lucas felt stabbed all over his body that he turned numb, she has said before that she wants him to leave her alone and all, but this time, he could actually see how much she means it, he could see the hatred as she hurtfully clarified. She has managed to hurt him and he got to see the angel he has always known her to be turn into a harsh creature; he has never imagined Peyton Sawyer being capable of hurting a fly, and all those years of seeing her as this sweat admirable long-legged girl suddenly got mudded, even their last encounters when she was only telling him basically the same things she just did, he could still see it as a defense mechanism, however, this time, he could see that she was intentionally trying to hurt him.

He nodded, "Pretty clear," he spat throw gritted teeth, "But, just so you know, I never thought you're this kind of person, and I did believe you are a wonderful person, and that we do have things in common, it's just a shame to figure out none of it is true. Don't worry, your wish is granted and you will never be bothered again, but you know what, it's your loss."

Peyton fought the urge to roll her eyes; she didn't want to argue anymore, she just wanted the conversation to end at this point, he finally said he will leave her alone, and he'd stop bothering her, and that's all she wanted. However, his intense gaze this time was so easy to read, it was one of hurt, utter hurt, there were no mixed emotions this time, just hurt, and although his words were strong, it was only out of undeniable vulnerability, but Peyton didn't notice that, or chose not to, being satisfied with the conclusion of the conversation.

"Thank you, took you long enough, but we got there." She said and gave him one last look expecting a comeback from him but he didn't say anything so she just started walking away towards her car.

Lucas dropped the hard face as he watched her walk away taking every childhood to adulthood dream he has ever had with her, he realized that this is it, no more legend about Peyton Sawyer, no more fallen angel theory, he has built it all up in nearly twenty years, and all it took was talking to her to destroy it, he knows he has started off with the wrong foot, but he has apologized numerous times, and if it was someone else he wouldn't have bothered to apologize even nearly as much, however, she made sure to pay him back generously, she stabbed where it hurts the most; his pride.

He watched as she left and wondered if he would be able to let her go, although it's no longer debatable, but he doesn't know if it's possible.

A car stopped in front of the club with a screech echoing through the silence and four men wearing mostly black came out of it walking his way, "Are you Lucas Scott?" one of them asked as they approached.

He felt alarmed but couldn't think anything of it, "I'm; who's asking?"

And suddenly before he could process it, one of the men had his arms locked in his behind his back paralyzing his movement and he instantly tried to pull back from the strong grip, "Dan says hi." The first man said before throwing the first of many punches to come towards the blond man.

Lucas tried to fight at first, but then as the punches kept coming from and to everywhere, his mind ordered his body to stop fighting as the numbness reached its peak. Peyton did not only intentionally send daggers to his heart, but she also acted upon her earlier threat, and there as promised, Dan didn't waste any time.