13. House of blues

Lucas was angry. Not only has he been bored out of his mind having to stay home in a supposed bed rest, but it also didn't help that his brain has been racing through ever possible explanation of Peyton's visit specifically Peyton's little peck on his cheek before taking off.

What was it? Was it pity? Did she feel sorry for him because of what he has told her? Was he that pathetic?

He has been on edge for the past two days since that incidence even more than before that Nathan started advising people to not go near him; which was in fact what he wanted, he wanted to think alone, but as it seemed, the more he spent time alone with just his thoughts he gets dangerously closer to the doors of rage and insanity.

That day when he was changing in his room and she showed up like that holding an umbrella up high ready to hopelessly fight an imaginary attacker, his heart couldn't help but open its doors for her once again right at that moment, she has managed to make him break every promise he has taken to himself of not allowing his heart to beat for her ever again. And he has been in fact thinking about her ever since… on different aspects though.

He never really believed she told Dan about the kiss, not when she first threatened at The Comet and not when he was actually attacked; he was just hurt by her rejecting him over and over and what she has said to him right before the attack. And up to the point she kissed his cheek, he has forced himself not to think of her rushing back to help him –why was she back anyway? And not about her driving them to the hospital. He heard her screaming through the hits and kicks, and he didn't understand why; he has managed to push it all to the back of his mind, but now –dare he say- he thinks of the slightest of chances of her actually caring, despite what she always claimed; after all, her last visit, she said she thinks differently, she thinks she has been mistaken about what she said she wants herself!

Lucas was angry and he has every right to be, and that's why he was determined to put an end to all the questions.

Peyton opened her front door and was understandably surprised when she saw a frowning Lucas staring back at her.

"Is it like a sick game to you?" he spat right away.

Peyton on the other hand was concerned about other things that she barely processed what he was saying, "What are you doing here?" she said with wide eyes quickly pulling him inside before checking if there's anyone outside looking left and right before closing the door and moving to the windows pulling the curtains closed; for all she knew Dan could be setting up someone to watch over her, and he cannot under any circumstances know that Lucas is there.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I'm breaking my promise." He said sarcastically angry, "But, you didn't exactly leave on regular terms, Peyton."

Again, she was hardly focusing. Each was having his own thoughts and concerns at this point, "Do you know how dangerous it is to be here? Let alone, you're supposed to be on bed rest." She said moving from window to another which seemed to infuriate him even more not understanding what she is doing.

"Oh, because you really care!"

She frowned, "I do care. And you are out of your mind showing up here."

"What are you talking about? And what are you doing?" he asked with an irritated frown holding her arm with his left free hand as she passed by him aiming another window. She stopped in her place and looked up at him finally taking a moment to actually look at him. She met his eyes, and suddenly she forgot her mission of closing curtains and remembered what has been on her mind for the past two days.

Like him, she has spent those two days in her home mourning and brooding. After learning what happened between Dan and Nathan and Haley, she has gone to Dan again much like when he attacked Lucas. She was in tears as she asked why he keeps hurting people she cares about. Dan didn't let it go and wondered on what level she cares about Lucas.

Peyton then panicked and denied it all in the fear of him going after him once again. However, much as he told Brooke later, Dan said that he never hurt Nathan or Haley, he was just talking and he assured her that it has nothing to do about her. Peyton didn't believe him though. She wondered why in the hell he encouraged her to make friends and socialize and then started chasing them away like that. When did Dan start becoming like the version everybody talks about? Why is he so keen on hurting people that has done him no harm so far?

She couldn't shake off the feeling that this is all because of her, Lucas got hurt for trying to get too close to her, and then just when she started being close with Haley and even Nathan, he goes on and scare them too almost causing trouble.

She didn't know why Dan wanted to keep her away from them, but it broke her heart that she had to stay away from them in order to keep them safe.

And it wasn't until that she has come to this realization that it suddenly occurred to her that she really wanted to know Lucas more.

It scared her and also made her curse herself for her stupidity as she finally took notice that in fact she has wanted to know Lucas Scott the first time she ever stepped foot in Karen's with Dan and Julian, when Lucas and Nathan came to talk to Dan basically marking their territory, she has admired the confidence while facing Dan, and for some reason it was specially the blond Scott that caught her eyes.

She remembered how she seemed to automatically blush when she ran into him on losing her way to the bathroom and how he managed to make her lose her composure for a moment before she came to her senses.

And she remembered how she founded a level of respect for him when he came to the defense of Brooke Davis against Dan and Julian, although she hasn't seen the whole scene, but she saw him standing up to Dan, and she knew that even Dan himself respects whoever shows no fear of him.

She also remembered tossing all those thoughts away as soon as she left the club, anyway, he made sure that she completely threw them all away when they had that argument when she was returning back Haley's umbrella.

She has found it easier to hate him all along, even when he apologized, and she almost believed him and let him in, Dan put an idea in her mind and she quickly grasped it. She thought: why else would a young successful man like Lucas Scott want anything from me? It can't be any other reason than to get to Dan. It was easier and more comfortable to just go with that.

However, there's no point of all of this now; things were meant to stay the way it is.

"Dan, Lucas. If he knew you're here-"

"Screw him. I'm not afraid of Dan, and I'm not going to hide from him." He snapped angrily cutting her sentence before it's done.

"Lucas, be reasonable; he's gone out of control, don't you know what happened between him and your brother?"

"Yeah, so?" of course Nathan has told him, and it added tons to his rage and added more conspiracy theories to his explanations regarding the girl in front of him.

"So?" she repeated in disbelief, "You're still healing, Lucas, your injury is still visible on your head, and you're still in cast. I don't want Dan to-"

"Is this another threat?"

Hurt flickered through her eyes and he instantly regretted it as he saw it; he looked away letting out an enraged huff. "I thought you believed me." She said in a low voice.

"I… I do, alright? But, I thought it's over, yet, you made sure it's not, Peyton. I mean, come on, is it like a game? Do you want me to keep giving you attention? Is that it? Or was it pity? I really don't get it."

"Lucas!" she exclaimed, "I… what are you even talking about?" she was hurt but she was confused, she didn't understand what he was saying or why is he making accusations again.

"You kissed me, Peyton, and then you left."

Her cheeks instantly reddened; she has been too focused on other issues and trying to figure a way around Dan that she forgot that impulsive moment of hers.

"I didn't… kiss you." She let out in a mumbled tone.

He rolled his eyes, "On the cheek…" he corrected in irritation, "What was that?" he persisted.

"I don't know, Lucas… I just… I just did it."

"That's the funny thing, because with you it seems like you just happen to give a nice gesture in the spare of a moment, and then… it means nothing. Absolutely nothing."

"Alright, now, what do you mean?" she asked taking offense.

"I mean that I keep getting mixed signals from you, Peyton!" he said it in a tired complaining way. He was already getting physically tired from his walk up to her house and his rage wasn't exactly helpful.

"No! I never gave you mixed signals."

"Really? Okay, let's count them together." He said getting worked up again, "The day of the storm when we ran to your house under the pouring rain, you were incredibly accepting of me then, you were nice, you were caring, and even the next day, we were good and then you started pushing me away with a whole new pack of accusations."

"I told you I'm sorry, Lucas, I was only-"

"I'm not done." He said and then proceeded, "The day I kissed you."

"Lucas…"

"Well, it happened." He snapped and she gulped fearing what he is going to say next, "I know you never did, but I swear I could almost feel you wanting it just like I did. It was a mere second, but it happened." He paused to take his breath, "And I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done it just like that, but, deny me if I'm wrong, please."

She stayed silent half embarrassed and half not knowing what to say.

He continued, "And then, lately, you've been acting nice after that snap at me right before the attack, and I can't help but keep waiting for you to start acting all mean once again, so, when and why is it going to happen, Peyton? When am I going to be told to call you Ms. Sawyer again?" He finished panting.

"You're not going to." She shook her head with tears forming in her eyes; she didn't realize she has been such a hypocrite, but he was right. "Lucas, I'm so sorry, I didn't realize I was causing you this much pain, and I didn't mean to, but you're right, I should- Lucas? Are you okay?" she sniffed and moved over concerned seeing the distant look in his eyes as he looked down. He grabbed on her arm for support and her arms flew up to balance him as she guided him to the couch where he threw his body and winced out in pain.

She kneeled down in front of him on the ground and put a hand on his face checking his temperature and was glad to find it normal, "What is it? How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. I just felt lightheaded for a moment."

She tilted her head to the side a little in a way that Lucas remembered very well and looked at him with blaming eyes, "You shouldn't have left your house, Lucas." She said softly.

He looked away and said nothing; it was that head-tilt that provoked him to kiss her the first time and he was fighting the urge to do it again.

"Wait a minute." She said and got up and disappeared for a moment before she came back with a glass of water, she knelt down again positioning herself closer to him on the ground as she neared the glass to his mouth, "My mom always said that I shall be healthy as long as I drink water." She said as he took a sip while she held the glass, "No, you're going to drink it all."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are." She said and forced the glass up to his mouth and he had no choice but to open his mouth and gulp it down to avoid getting soaked.

"That wasn't nice!" he exclaimed once she lowered the glass after it was empty.

"You look fine to me." She shrugged with a smile. And then, she looked in his blue eyes and he looked back in her greens, it was as if it is an unbreakable power connecting the two at this exact moment. She has long forgotten everything she has decided before and was only concerned about the ocean blue orbs in front of her.

"Peyton?" he huskily let out.

"Yes?" she breathed in a shaky voice.

"Can I…?"

She gulped and closed her eyes shut, Lucas took it as a yes, he leaned forward closing the gap between their lips softly touching hers with his and unlike the first time, she was responding this time and he put his free hand on her back pushing her forward towards him ignoring the pain it caused him and her hands were on each side of his face. This… this was the moment of rebirth he was dreaming about, however, as always, it's shortly lived; they were in the middle of the kiss and getting heated by the moment when she suddenly pulled away.

He looked at her confused and she looked down backing away before getting up on her feet, "Lucas, we… I can't."

"What happened?" he asked standing up as well and she took a step back.

"Nothing, I just can't do this, Lucas, it's not… right."

He was shocked; what the hell is this? One moment she's all into it the next she's… being like this, "You see this, this is what I'm talking about, Peyton. Are you enjoying me getting my hopes up and then go and crash them?"

"Lucas, please, it's not like this." she said as her tears quickly gathered and started falling down her face, "I… it breaks my heart, okay? But, I can't."

"Why?" he inquired, "Is it because of Dan?"

"No, yes, no! It's far more complicated, Lucas."

"Do you feel anything for me, Peyton?" he pressed and she only felt more pain.

"Lucas, please, leave!"

"Answer me, Peyton, do you feel anything or was this just another spur of a moment?"

"Lucas, I can't do this right now, please leave; you shouldn't have come in the first place." She said and looked up at him pleadingly. Lucas wasn't stupid; he knew there was something, and he didn't want to think of the possibility of her having feelings for him, because this wasn't even on the table the moment he stepped foot inside her house, it wasn't even an option until he drank that damned glass of water.

"Peyton, please, don't do this, just tell me the truth."

Well, it pained her that he wasn't at peace because of her, and it pained her that she wants nothing but to hold him at this moment, and it pained her that she liked kissing him, but, she can't; if she told him any of this, he would only ignore Dan and will not stay away from her, and she can't have this, she can't be the reason triggering Dan to go after him again.

"I really can't do this now, Lucas, just leave." She pleaded one more time and he stared at her for a moment before nodding.

"I'll go. But, this is still not over, Peyton. I'm not stupid, okay? We'll talk again." He said and with one final look took his way to the door and left.

She was supposed to have more control than that. She was supposed to be more careful and not let herself get lost in the moment like that. She thought it was going to be hard having to avoid all of them, but apparently it is going to be impossible. Tree Hill is a small town, and with Lucas Scott insisting on talking and solving everything out, he's going to make it even smaller.

This is not gonna work!

XxXx

Brooke was only a little girl when she realized she has something for styling, she always did something different, she didn't like wearing dresses like everyone else, she had to have her own touch, and granted, it was always for good, she always made the right decision when it comes to clothing.

Her self-confidence was deeply shaken though when her little project went down the hill in no time, that's why Bernice's offer wasn't even an option when she first rolled it by her, but since then, Millie, Peyton and even Haley have been talking her into it, telling her how it's actually a good idea, they pushed her to see again what she has believed for a long time, they gave her hope once again, and so, she actually went to Bernice and decided to collaborate with her, and for her surprise, people wanted to buy her designs when Bernice offered them, it started with one order, then the second and third and after that, it kind of went out of hand as people talked and told each other, Bernice even began gaining new customers, because word has it, she has new unique designs, eventually she had to ask Brooke to come and help making the designs too.

In no time, Brooke started gaining good money, and her self-esteem started rocketing after being buried for a while.

It focused the light on something else in her life though, the Dan thing. She has made up her mind; she doesn't want to be working with him anymore, she has tried to get out of it though, and being direct didn't seem like a good idea, so, instead, she has to deal with what she has, being stuck with him doesn't means he will be working for him, Brooke's new goal was to protect herself and her friends from Dan… and she was going to do anything to do so… especially that it has recently come to her realization that Peyton might actually be feeling something towards Lucas, and Dan will never like that.

Just in time, her doorbell rang, and she fixed her hair with a smirk as she took her way towards the door to open it, it has become a thing, and Julian was never late on his little late rendezvous with her.

"You're just on time." She answered the door leaning on it with a seductive look that always got Julian dizzy.

"Like I would miss it." He said entering the house that became familiar to him closing the door behind. The moment he stood in front of her, he couldn't keep his hands to himself, as he put them on her waist brushing up and down with his eyes darkening.

"So, how was your day?" Brooke asked before turning around in his grip and taking one of his hands in hers holding it over her shoulder as she led him upstairs walking in such a graceful way that caught his attention.

"Good, good, very good."

"Any more dirty work for Dan?"

This made him frown, "No. I don't do-"

She turned around giving him a look as they reached her room, "Julian, sweetheart, we're on the same boat."

This was supposed to relax him, but it didn't, for some reason he found himself not liking being seen as Dan's dirty work… he didn't like her seeing him that way. As true as it has been for a long time, but, he just didn't like that it was all he was, all he's ever gonna be; Dan's tail.

"Something wrong?" she asked as he snapped out of it and focused on the beautiful girl in front of him once again and shook his head.

"No, nothing." He has been coming and going into this house in late nights to share intimate moments with the goddess herself, Julian was getting used to have her by his side in the end of a long tiring day, when he was with her first, he was only driven by lust, by the desire to be with the Brooke Davis, but, as it came to it, he felt more like it's his relief in the end of a day.

"Then how come are your lips away from mine?" she smirked seductively while gently massaging the tense on his shoulders.

It was all he needed to hear before growling as he crashed his lips on hers in a fierce kiss, leading her towards her bed. "I'm really getting used to this." he murmured against her lips as he pushed her down on the bed.

"You better."

Her plan was simple, get him worked up and suck information out of him after wearing him out, and so far, he has already blurted out that Dan Shaw always keeps records of his business, clean or dirty, and that Julian is the one person besides Dan himself who knows where to find it. She thought it was sick how he bragged about something like that, but she also continued playing along; this was far from being over.

As Julian threw his body next hears panting heavily as he stared at the ceiling, Brooke looked over at him noticing the boyish sheepish grin he had on, knowing that he's all hers now with the right selection of words, she always found it fascinating how men tend to lose their minds over some moments of pleasure.

"This is amazing." He panted before looking over at her, "You're amazing." He said putting a hand over her cheek.

"I know I am." She smirked unknowing to the effect she leaves on him, even though Julian himself didn't realize it, but he was getting emotionally attached, he has been for a while in fact, he kept directing her not to get in Dan's bad books, and kept visiting her only to evolve in what's happening now between them.

"I am really getting used to you being the highlight of my day." He said with a smile that Brooke found strangely soft. She knew she had that effect, but not in that way.

"Well, I know I'm irresistible, but, I'm sure you enjoy your working day too."

He frowned unable to let it go this time, "You keep saying that. Do you think I'm some monster built up for dirty business only?" he asked popping up kneeling on his elbows with a frown looking at her.

"That… I mean… you work with Dan."

"Yes, I do. But, what? Does it mean that it's all I'm? Do you think I'm only Dan's weapon?"

"Julian…" she frowned not knowing where this suddenly came from as she mimicked his position.

"You know what, forget it." He said sitting up giving her his bare back knowing he shouldn't have shown that side of him.

Brooke on the other hand, although not expecting this sudden change, but she picked up on it being an insecurity to him, she followed up wrapping an arm around his shoulder resting her hand on his chest and snaking the other around his torso as she pressed herself against his bare back,

"I didn't mean that." She told him and he closed his eyes not wanting to give in for the fear of getting under her spell once again only to result in him showing more sides he shouldn't be showing, sides he didn't even know why he showed in the first place.

"It's nothing." He hoped it was.

"You can talk to me, Julian." She assured even though she didn't fully mean it the way he received it, but it still got to him being what he needed to hear, he turned around his face coming in front of hears while her body was still positioned behind his, he took a look at her beautiful features as her brown eyes stared back at him he felt the same intoxicating state creep upon him as he slowly captured her lips with his.

"I realize it's hard to see, but I'm in fact not only Dan's man, Brooke." He told her and as if it just came to her mind, she stared back at him with a slight frown; for the first time ever wondering if there's a story behind Julian Baker, wondering if he has brains of his own other than solely following the devil around, wondering if he has a soul that holds something deeper within.

"Of course, you're not." She gave an awkward smile keeping her façade on even though he has successfully made her wonder already; her plan was simple, Julian was supposed to fall under her feminine charm and with a few effortless moments of pleasure spell out his boss's secrets, but Brooke never planned on getting to know his own personal secrets, nor him wanting to share any… she didn't plan on being curious to know who Julian really is.

But, once curiosity ticks in, it doesn't go away. And they say that curiosity killed the cat, hopefully though cats have nine lives.

XxXx

The night was coming to an end and the club wasn't so packed after all when Lucas decided it was enough home arrest for him and he walked into Karen's instantly bringing a frown to his face seeing the attendance wasn't what he expected, Nathan has told him that since Chris' departure they weren't doing that good, people only came around Haley's time on stage and didn't stick for much longer after it, but he still didn't expect it to be this empty.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Skillz asked on seeing him, "Aren't you supposed to be in dreamland, grandpa?" he teased earning a slight shove in the shoulder from the blond man.

"What did you do to my club?" he asked looking around.

"Man, people just loved you that they had to leave when you're not around." He joked with an eye roll.

"Well, well," Haley said approaching him, "someone is out of his cocoon."

"Well, well," he mimicked, "Isn't it the sister-in-law."

"Shut up! I'm not." She gasped with a bounding heart although she liked the sound of it, however, it wasn't something to discuss at the moment.

"Yeah, whatever." Ever since Haley and Nathan got together, Haley has been spending more time with him at the house granting her also bonding with Lucas, especially after his accident, and they have been coming closer to the familiarity of a family.

"So, why are you here, anyway?"

"I'm bored, Haley. I have been in house arrest for over a week!" with the exception of the time he snuck out to go see Peyton though.

"Actually it took you long enough, big brother." Nathan said joining the party as the club was pretty much empty now with the last of the guests leaving through the door. "I expected you here earlier."

"Yeah, I thought I'd hold on in there as much as I can." He sighed. "So, anyway, how are things?"

"Well, pretty much as you see it." Nathan said.

"That's…" Lucas searched for something to describe it without letting anyone down, but he couldn't come up with something; everybody knew they had to come up with a saving plan quickly anyway.

"We have some news though." Haley said as she eyed Nathan who looked unsure but she knew he wanted to tell him anyway.

"What is it?"

"Well, it's personal."

"Yeah?"

"You see, I and your brother were talking the other day and he mentioned the Scott family history."

"Of course he did." Lucas smirked still not getting where this is heading but amused by the fact that he knew it won't be taking his brother long until he shares his life story with Haley.

"I told her about what Mr. Campbell said the other day." Nathan admitted. "I know you're curious too, and I was going to talk to you about it… but you know, a lot of events happened since then, so…"

"Long story short," Haley continued, "I did some digging. And I found something, if you want to know."

Lucas frowned, "What kind of digging? What did you find?"

"It's about Keith and his brother." Nathan said and Lucas even though felt overwhelmed as to where this is all coming from, but he also was curious, he wanted to know and just like Nathan said, it was pushed aside with everything that has happened, he gave them a nod to continue.

"Apparently he was a trouble maker."

"Was?"

"Well, yeah, he's not in Tree Hill and nobody knows where he is or if he is still alive. He used to run away and come back throughout his teen years, until with one last fight with Keith, he took off for good."

"Okay…" Lucas nodded with a frown taking it in, "What happened? Why did they fight?"

"I don't know that much yet."

"How do you know this in the first place?"

Haley smirked, "I have connections."

Nathan rolled his eyes, "She knows Mrs. Durham, she is a fan of her voice." He said mocking Haley's own words earning a smack on the chest from him, "Her and her husband were their neighbors."

Lucas nodded understanding, "So, that's all they know?"

"No, they're actually not in Tree Hill right now, I only found this out through letters, when they get back I'll visit them. You can come along if you want." She said as if giving him the chance of life.

"Jeez, I don't know how to re-pay you."

"You're welcome."

"Alright, as lovely as it is to see you bonding, but we need to discuss serious stuff." Skillz put in.

"Right. So, why is everyone going to The Comet instead? Haley was the big star anyway, not Chris."

"Because Dan put on some dancers around Chris adding spice to the show, with a set of whole new songs."

"So, we need a better singer with better show."

"We do, man." Nathan sighed, he has been on the hunt for a new show but as far as he got it was nothing.

"That's the other thing I wanted to talk to you about." Haley spoke in mumble as she bit her lower lip bringing the attention of the three men towards her with confusion.

"What?"

"I happen to have found someone. I was going to meet her tomorrow and bring her over."

"Who is she?"

"Her name is Mia."

"Okay, so, is she good?"

"That's what I was told." She shrugged, "I said I'm yet to meet her."

"Okay, Haley, you never mentioned this. How do you know her?" Nathan frowned.

Haley sighed uneasily wondering wither or not to tell the truth, she has promised not to say anything, but she figured that this one piece of information wasn't related to the promise, "Actually, it's Peyton. She told me about her."

"Have you… have you seen Peyton?" Lucas gulped.

"Yeah," Haley nodded.

Lucas hasn't told anyone about his little adventure to Peyton's the other day, and of course nothing about the kiss scene second take, he kept it to himself for the time being. In fact Lucas had a change of heart after he visited her, he thought that there is actually some chance for him to be with her, he saw something and he knew he wasn't imagining, she actually kissed him back this time, no, she actually gave him the permission to kiss her in the first place. Yes, she still ran away, but Lucas saw it, he knew she was hiding something, she was scared of something, and he planned on giving her time before he talks to her once again.

"Aw, look at that." Skillz' voice brought him back to reality, "He lost in his thoughts at the mention of her." He teased.

"Shut up, man."

"Yeah, shut up, Skillz, he'll never admit he likes her." Nathan joined in.

Lucas felt confident for the first time about the subject, he didn't feel like denying it, or telling himself before telling them that it's in the past, it was never in the past and they all knew it, so instead of rolling his eyes and coming up with a witty come back, he gave them a smile,

"No, I actually do."

"Wait, what?"

He chuckled enjoying seeing their faces as the sudden turn of events; they have been teasing him for centuries about the Peyton thing and he never showed any sign of admitting it as comfortably as he looked right now, there was always something, he would either deny it all, or say that he buried his feelings, or that it'd never work out.

"I do, I like her." He shrugged and the three pair of eyes just stared at him blankly.

"Oh my God, you do." Haley was the first to exclaim although she looked like she had her own thoughts on the matter.

"What happened to you? Did they hit your head that hard?" Nathan narrowed his eyes.

Lucas rolled his eyes, "What? Didn't you always want me to admit it?"

"Yeah, yes, brother, I did… but, I didn't expect you to do it." Nathan chuckled. "Okay, good, but, seriously, what happened?"

At this point, Lucas debated wither he should tell them what had happened or not, no one knew anything that has went down between him and Peyton, they don't know that he had kissed her a first time to begin with, and they don't know what exchange of words took place, or what accusations, not even that he told her about his feelings.

He decided to share, but to also keep some of the events to himself, "Well, you know how it was always…" he struggled to describe what they are.

"Cat and mouse?" Nathan suggested.

"Yes, basically." He nodded, "Anyway, she had said… some things before the Dan attack, and so, she came to apologize."

"With Brooke…"

"No, well, yes, that was the first time, but she came again. And…" he struggled again to summarize the events without getting into details, but eventually, his emotions took over as he remembered how she showed up, and then how embarrassed she got as he let a boyish grin dance on his lips, "She was so goofy… and… pretty… it was so stupid but also so sweat… anyway, she apologized, we talked, and somehow, I ended up telling her I have liked her since we were kids."

"Wait, hold up, you told her? And you never said anything?!" Nathan was shocked to hear that, if Lucas told her, he wouldn't have been able to shut his mouth from excitement; then how come is he just hearing about it now?

"Yes, I did… but it was more like the end of it all." He shook his head, "I had made her a promise to stay away, and the only reason I told her was because she wanted to know why I wanted to get to know her in the first place… it wasn't like me telling her because I wanted to go somewhere with it." He explained and even though Lucas had a change of heart, he still wishes it didn't play out like this, he wished it was some other way that he has told her, and Nathan understood why Lucas never spoke about it, because he didn't like what happened, it also explained his temper and his mood swings lately.

"I'm sorry, man! What did she say though?"

He shook his head, "Almost nothing. But, she did something while leaving, and it made me angry, I didn't know why she'd do that, it felt like pity, or playing games, anyway, I wasn't settled."

Haley gasped, "She kissed you!"

"On the cheek." He confirmed, "And I went to see her again. It wasn't a pleasant conversation all in all, but something tells me there's something going on, it's like she does have feelings for me, but she's holding back, she's scared, or… or… I don't know, but it's most likely of Dan!" he voiced out his thoughts, "I think I'm just giving her some time, but I will be talking to her again for sure."

"Oh my God!" Haley gushed.

"Even though I know you're not telling us everything, but, that sounds like a good plan, man." Skillz said with a smirk and a pat on the back.

"It does." Nathan agreed.

"Oh, Luke." Haley groaned as the three men once again looked at her frowning face biting her lower lip, "She… she never mentioned any of this, I didn't know you told her…"

"Haley, what is it?"

"I would have told you if I knew, I wouldn't have promised not to." She shook her head looking down.

Haley has visited Peyton this morning, after the blond went disappearing on them all, much like Haley did after Nathan blurted out he liked her, and when she did, she found Peyton in a miserable condition, it didn't take her much time to crack and tell her that she wants to stay away, that her presence will only cause them problems with Dan being already after them, and that, it really pains her to stay away, especially from the boy she never got to really know.

"Told me what, Haley?" Lucas questioned.

"She…I promised not to tell, Lucas, but I just can't now… she likes you."

"She does? She said that?" he asked with a pounding heart.

"Yes, but, that's not even the point now, she's leaving, Lucas, she said she needs to stay away so Dan won't hurt anyone, I tried to talk her out of it, I swear I did, but she said it's only for some time to clear her head, and she said she will be back… but with what you just said, I think she's not planning to."

His heart only pounded harder at the news, first it was out of happiness and excitement, but then, right now, it's beating fast out of fear, fear of losing her.

"Leaving?" he whispered out, "Where to?"

"She didn't tell me."

"When?"

"I don't know either, but she had a suitcase ready to fill… possibly tonight or maybe in the morning."

"I think you should go, Luke, you could catch her." Nathan told him.

Lucas nodded as he took a deep breath, "Right, I should." He said getting up, his night was supposed to be a chilling one, the night he made it back to work, well, not really work, but he was going to start getting back from the following day, he only looked to spend some nice time with his friends, but suddenly, as he decided to let them know where his heart stands, he was facing to lose the love of his life, seriously what would have happened if he didn't tell them? He just needs to catch her before she leaves, he needs to let her know that if Dan is the only problem, she needn't worry, he wasn't about to let her go because of Dan, he wasn't going to let Dan keep them apart, no way! He just needs to catch her.

But, the night's surprise and twist of events were far from over.

As Lucas was exiting the doors of the club, he was blocked by the entrance of a party of officers. He stopped in his tracks and looked over in confusion as the sheriff proceeded inside with a couple more officers behind him.

"Nathan Scott?" the sheriff called already knowing which one he is.

Nathan stood up confused, "Yes?"

The sheriff motioned for two of the policemen behind him who went over towards the brunette Scott brother, one caught him and the other put his hands behind his back cuffing him, "Nathan Scott, you're under arrest for cold-blooded murder of Keith Scott."

So sorry it's been a while, I just had a few stuff going on, and I'm back now. Also, I apologize for this chapter being shorter than usual, but it just HAD to end there!

Anyway, I said drama would come up, didn't I? Lol, so what do you think?

I'm also very very thankful for your reviews, please keep them coming, they make my day, I love to read what you guys think, and I know a lot of you blame Peyton, but I hope this made things a little more clear for her. Anyway, don't forget to leave reviews.

Also, check out As the credits roll, the first one-shot is out, and the second won't take so long.

I also wanted to ask a question for the future, do you guys mind AUs? Because I have a punch of AUs that I would like to share someday, so, tell me what you think, because I have been planning a few things for the future already :)