4 days - that's a record! I have the rest of the story outlined; 6 more chapters after this one. I really thought it would end sooner, but I just kept thinking of more I wanted to add! So this should be finishing up within the year LOL.

This chapter finally brings back all the issues of Dan, Ellie, and NH. I neglected those for LP so from here on out, they will play a bigger role, just not as big as the actual show.

Above, below you look and so you wonder,
where the time has gone of looking up, tomorrows on the way.
Above, below you look and so you say,
when I wake up in the morning is it 'gonna be another ugly day?

Peyton awoke the next morning to the sun streaming bright through her window, and Lucas Scott staring down at her, brushing his fingers through her short, blonde locks. The smile she gave him was soft and longing. It'd only been mere weeks, but she craved his touch still. Being apart from him, while necessary for her at the time, was torture.

"What did I tell you about staring at me while I sleep?" She teased, sitting up to the same height as he.

Lucas immediately leaned over and kissed her chastely, lingering for a moment before pulling back. He smiled when her eyes opened slowly. "I don't care, babe. It's been weeks, I've missed this. I've missed you."

Peyton nodded sadly, and bit her lip.

Noticing this, Lucas cupped her chin, turning her to face him. "Peyton, I am sorry."

She nodded again, this time brighter, and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I know you are. I'm… not happy about what happened, but I just can't hold it against you any longer. Besides," she started airily, "you're a boy, you're going to make many more mistakes, and a wise person told me I can't hold them all against you."

They both laughed, and he bowed his head. "I love you. Only you. And I am going to make sure you know that every day."

She sighed and cuddled into his side, happy in this moment, until she decided to open her mouth.

"So what made you come over last night?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you had almost given up trying, and your late night visits stopped after the first week… what made you come last night?"

Her inquiry was expected, and he knew he had to be truthful. He just hoped she wouldn't freak out on him again. "I just couldn't do another day without you. Or without you knowing, for sure how I felt. How I'll always feel."

She heard the lilt in his voice. "And…?"

She knew him too well. "And I saw you. I saw you with Aidan, you and Haley were talking to him and laughing, and I couldn't lose you to him."

Peyton scoffed and kicked the covers off. "So, you were jealous, that's what spurred this?"

"Yes, I was jealous - but that's not why I came. I mean, it was a driving force for why I came last night. But not why I came in general. It was going to happen sooner or later, and that just made it… sooner."

Peyton curled her arms around herself and laid back down on her pillow. "I know. I'm sorry. I'm just still… overwhelmed by it all. You and I always end up together in some sort of whirlwind fashion, and it kind of makes my head spin."

He laughed and sunk down to the bed, pulling her into his arms, pressing his forehead to hers. "But would you change it?"

She kissed the tip of his nose. "Not a thing." She paused, thinking. "And for the record, I was telling Aidan that you and I were together."

Of course, he squinted in confusion. "We weren't though."

"I guess I just wasn't ready to let go."

For weeks everything had been complicated. One night was all it took to make it simple.

--

2 weeks later

Haley was idly wiping down the counter of the Café when she heard the door being pushed open and a deep, masculine chuckle and a light, feminine giggle. She looked up with a smile, knowing her two best friends were the cause of the commotion. And only Lucas Scott could make Peyton Sawyer actually giggle. A fact which Haley would forever hold over her head.

"Well, well look who it is, the elusive Lucas and Peyton. You know, I've heard about you two, but I haven't seen either one of you in days."

Lucas rolled his eyes and walked over to ruffle his best friend's hair. "Ha ha, we get it. We've been a little busy lately, and I'm sorry."

It really didn't bother her, Haley just liked to give them a rough time, make them squirm a bit. "A little busy? I have not seen either of you… in 4 days! I swear ever since you two reconciled, you're attached at the hip in public - that's if you even make it out of bed."

Peyton and Lucas blushed, but couldn't stop the heated look passed between them. Haley almost blushed herself at the thought of what she just said. The trio took a seat at one of the many empty booths.

Peyton covered her friend's hand, "I'm sorry we've been a little absent Hales."

"Oh, it's okay, I understand - young love," she played wistful, "besides, you actually call every night to talk." She threw a look towards Lucas, who was pretending to look away. "Which is more than I can say for some people. And I live with him."

Lucas laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm sorry Hales, I just can't get enough of her," pulling Peyton into his side, and nuzzling her neck.

Peyton laughed, pushing him away, while Haley made gagging noises. "Honestly, I take that back - if you two want to be all cutesy, you should go back home."

"Well, if you insist," Lucas joked, standing up and pulling Peyton's arm.

"Oh you two are hilarious. Lucas sit down, we are going to spend time with our friend, because we love her, and we have been neglecting her. And frankly, I'm a little sick of you," she teased.

Lucas pouted and folded his arms across his chest. "Fine, I was getting tired of you anyways."

"Sure, baby," she patted his arm, kissed the pout from his lips, then turned to Haley. "So how are you, girlie? What's new?"

Haley hesitated, debating whether or not to tell the two of them, especially since Lucas had no idea of the goings on between his best friend and his brother. "Hey, my shift is almost up - I just need to let Deb know I'm leaving, how about we meet up at your house Peyton?"

Peyton nodded, sensing the tension in Haley's voice. "Sure, we can do that. Come on lover boy, we'll pick up some food and movies before she gets there."

Lucas rolled his eyes, but followed his girlfriend willingly. Slinging an arm around her shoulders, he asked, "Do you think everything's okay with her? I'm worried, she hasn't mentioned Nathan since the beginning of the summer, and every time I try to bring him up, she changes the subject."

Peyton shifted her eyes, and picked up the pace. "I don't know, babe. Why don't you ask her tonight? Now, come on - what kind of food should we get?"

Lucas followed after her, not fooled for a second.

--

Three hours later found the friends watching old episodes of The Office, and laughing over pizza and a mass array of junk food.

After a particularly funny episode ended, Lucas took the opportunity to question his best friend. "Okay Hales, I know something is up with you, you haven't been the same all summer - what's going on? I'm really worried about you. Any time I try to find out, you turn our conversation in the complete opposite direction, avoiding anything to do with Nathan or your relationship. Now, what's going on?"

The recently blonde musician shrugged her shoulders and looked away. Biting her lip, she looked to Peyton with tears in her eyes. Peyton moved to the floor, wrapping an arm around her, she whispered, "Just tell him, Hales."

"Tell me what?" His voice was a mix between compassion, fright and anger - they'd obviously been keeping something from him.

Haley turned her body towards Lucas, still keeping her hand firmly encased in Peyton's, needing the comfort and support. "Okay, Lucas - you know you're my best friend, and I tell you everything. I love you, and that's why I didn't want to tell you. You had so much going on with… Peyton and Brooke, Dan, and you and Nathan still aren't speaking, so…"

She was rambling, Lucas recognized. "Okay, Haley, just tell me already!"

Wringing her hands, she decided just to jump to the point. "Before he left for High Flyers, I talked to Nathan - told him I was home for good, and I wanted to work on us. He said he didn't know if there could ever be an 'us' again. Then later he called; told me divorce papers were on their way." She paused to squelch the sob rising in her chest, taking a deep breath. "Right when you and Peyton got together the first time this summer, the papers arrived - and it's not like I didn't know they were coming, but to know he really went through with it… broke my heart.

I just pushed it all to the back of my mind, thinking if I could just wait until he got home, then everything would be okay - I could convince him this was a horrible mistake, and do anything I could for forgiveness. But, he called last night, he wanted to make sure I was going to sign. I know he still loves me, I know it. I can hear it in his voice, and the love we have for each other - that just doesn't fade, you know?"

At this point Lucas didn't care who kept what from him, all he knew was that his best friend was in pain. He gathered her into his arms, trying to stop the sobbing that was rapidly growing with her. Peyton kept a soothing hand running up and down her back, resting her head on top of Haley's.

Once her breathing was under control, she spoke again. "Like I said, I know we still love each other, but I'm not sure that love is enough anymore. I don't think that he will ever forgive me for leaving on that tour. And I'm not sure that I can blame him for that. I should have never left. It was a mistake, going on that tour."

"You were just following your dream," Lucas spoke up.

Peyton chimed in, "Yeah, Haley… we're only 17. You could never do this down the line, when you and Nathan have children, and are really settled in."

She nodded her head, but laughed mirthlessly. "Maybe the mistake was getting married at 17."

Lucas and Peyton gasped, simultaneously.

"I'll be the first to admit, Hales, that I wasn't exactly thrilled when I found out you had married Nate, but… you love him. I have never seen two people with so much love between them." He looked into Peyton's eyes and smiled slightly. "Well almost." They all laughed despite the depressing tone.

"You guys love each other so much, Haley - that could never be a mistake."

Haley stood up and started to pace, needing air, "No, I know you guys - I'm just upset, I don't know what I think right now. All I want is Nathan back. All I want… is for things to be right again."

Lucas and Peyton glanced worriedly at each other. "They will be honey, just give it some time, everything will be okay," Peyton soothed.

"You don't know that." It was angry or accusing, Haley was just tired and defeated. "I'm exhausted. I think I'm gonna head home - Luke, I'll see you later."

Haley was walking out the door when Peyton rushed over to her. "Hales, you're too tired and let's face it, you're in no condition to drive or even walk home. Stay here?"

She would've objected, but exhaustion was sweeping over her in waves. She nodded her consent and walked back to the living room.

"No, hey you can sleep in my room."

This caused some objection. "No, I can't put you out."

Peyton smiled encouragingly and put a hand to her hip. "You're not putting me out. Take my room, it's fine. I can sleep in my dad's room. Get some rest, Hales."

Peyton kissed her on the cheek and left the two best friends to talk alone.

Lucas approached her, wrapping his arms tight around her, feeling her nestle into his arms, he smiled. "Haley James-Scott, I have known you our whole lives. Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

She lifted her head so it was resting on his shoulder, and peered out the window onto the dark street, thoughts askew. "I just… you and Nathan are already at odds. I don't want you two to drift even further. Not because of me. I want you guys to be like you were before I left. You guys were getting so close. I didn't want to ruin that."

Lucas pulled back and stared her in the eyes. "It doesn't matter how me and Nathan are; things couldn't get any worse, I promise you. Besides, you come first in my life. Well you and that wily one in there." This both caused them to laugh. "No seriously - you're my best friend. I need to know these things."

"Just promise me you won't get into a fight with him over this," she sounded motherly.

Lucas put his hand on her back and led her toward the stairs. "You should get some sleep, you've had a long day."

"Lucas Eugene! Promise me you will not fight with him over this."

Lucas put his hand to her mouth, hurriedly. "Shut up! No middle naming me; Peyton doesn't know about Eugene! And I won't make any promises."

Once his hand was away, she smiled smugly. "You promise or I'll shout your middle name."

"Fine," he grumbled. "I promise to try not to fight him."

She threw her hands in the air and walked up the steps. "I can't win with you."

"You remember that," he called.

--

Peyton was laying on her side, facing the wall of her father's bedroom. Her eyes were heavy with the need to sleep, but her brain was racing. Sleep wouldn't be coming easy tonight. Every time her eyes closed they'd snap back open in fear.

She felt the bed dip and smiled to herself; Lucas had told her he would sleep on the couch tonight. He was too tired to drive home, but felt that sleeping in Larry's room would be too creepy. She knew he was slightly mad at her for not spilling about Nathan and Haley, but he would not come out and say it. She also knew he'd cave sooner or later, she was just waiting for it.

His arms wrapped around her from behind and he pulled her into his chest. Her hand automatically twined with the one on her stomach. For moments on end they were silent, breathing in sync.

A kiss to the nape of her neck. "You're not asleep."

"No," she admitted. "I was waiting for you."

"How did you know I'd come?"

"I know you," she said through a chuckle.

"I guess you do," he mused. His brows furrowed, and she could almost feel the tension in the air.

"I didn't tell you because Haley asked me not to. I know she's your best friend, but I didn't want to betray her trust. And I knew it would piss you off, at Nathan, and I didn't want that either. I don't like seeing you two back to where you were at the beginning of the school year."

He kissed a freckle on her shoulder three times before speaking. "I love you for your loyalty and caring, and I get it. It just hurts that I was left in the dark for weeks on end, when my best friend was suffering - and you knew about it."

Hearing the sorrow in his voice, she finally turned to face him, wrapping her arms around his back and pulling their bodies flush. "I'm sorry Lucas, I am. I didn't want to leave you out."

His response was to kiss her hairline and breathe her in. He understood.

They were both startled out of their embrace at the sound of the door being pushed open.

As her eyes adjusted to the light, Peyton let out a breath of relief. "How are you not passed out by now?"

Haley walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. "I'm exhausted, but every time I close my eyes all I see is Nathan…"

Peyton and Lucas moved apart without words, silently offering her a seat in between them. She hopped in between them without a word, resting against the headboard. "So tell me something… anything, seriously. Just take my mind off of my own troubles."

Lucas started to speak, but Haley interrupted. "Anything but what the two of you have been doing alone for the past two weeks. I have a pretty good idea, and honestly that's to be discussed in private between the two of you."

Peyton blushed and Lucas laughed heartily. "Well, there goes my topic."

"Peyton?" Haley questioned hopefully.

Peyton bit her lip and turned her body to face them. "Okay, there is something I haven't told either of you yet - it happened today while Lucas went home to shower and change. Um… well okay, my dad called me."

Lucas and Haley smiled encouragingly. "That's great, Peyt… what did he have to say?"

Her eyes flooded with tears instantly. Lucas reached behind Haley to touch her thigh; she noticed and moved so that they sat in a triangular shape. Haley took one hand, and Lucas took the other, using his other hand to rub his girlfriend's shoulder. "What happened, babe?"

"Peyton!" Larry Sawyer exclaimed through the phone.

Peyton smiled excitedly, "Hey dad! How's it going?"

"It's good sweetheart," he paused to yell something in the background. "Sorry. How are you doing, I miss you. I know we didn't leave off on the best note the last time we talked…"

Peyton knew he couldn't see, but she shook her head vehemently. He hadn't helped uncover the mystery of Ellie, but he was still her father, and she missed and needed him just like any teenage girl. "Dad, I really do want to know about her and what she has to do with our lives. I wish you would tell me more. But you're still my father. I love you."

"It's so good to hear you say that Peyton. Even better because… I'm coming home in a week."

She immediately perked up. "What? Dad, I thought you weren't going to be home until September!"

"Yeah, well… my daughter needs me. We have to sit down and talk about some things."

The tone in her voice caused her to squeeze her eyes shut and gulp noisily. "Is she… is she really my… my moth-"

It was too much to believe, and she could not finish the sentence, Larry's sigh of "Oh, Peyton," was all she needed to know to confirm it.

"Baby, why didn't you tell me?" Lucas proclaimed softly. Her head was resting against his chest, quiet sobs spilling from her lips, and his hands raking through her hair.

"I don't know. I just needed a little time to think it over. Actually, I was pretending the conversation never happened… and then you came over and wanted to take me out, and I thought it would be good. And then Haley… I just wanted to forget, okay?"

Haley curled up on the other side of Peyton, stroking her arm. "I'm sorry, Peyton. I am just so sorry."

Peyton's other hand found it's way over to Haley's. "Thanks Hales. I love you. I love you both for being here. I don't… I don't want to dwell over this until he comes home and I find out the truth. After that I kind of just hung up on him. I wanted to pretend everything was okay and that… my mother might not really be my mother."

Haley and Lucas looked at each other with worried eyes. "Okay, Lucas… it's your turn."

Lucas gave his best friend and odd look. "What do you mean?"

"Peyton and I both spilled, we've both cried and released our fears and worries… what's yours?"

Without pretense or hesitation, he spoke, without emotion: "Dan's out of the hospital, and he wants to see me."

Peyton shot up from her spot on his chest. "What? How come you didn't tell me?"

He looked into her eyes and tilted his head. She nodded, understanding. "Right. The whole wanting to forget thing. I get it."

"Why does he want to see you Luke?" Haley's soft voice questioned.

He laid back against the pillows, groaning frustrated. "I don't know. Who knows what Dan Scott ever has planned? I didn't go see him in the hospital though… I couldn't. And I don't want to see him now. Part of me wishes he could've died in that fire. How sick is that, wanting your own father to die?"

"Lucas, he's done so much to you and your mom…"

He cut his best friend off. "I know that. And that's the part that lets me feel okay about having these thoughts."

Peyton laid down next to him. "All of the sudden I'm exhausted."

Haley stood up from the bed, walking to the door. "Where are you going Hales?"

Haley turned back around to take in the sight of her two best friends curled up together. It looked so right, the smile was unstoppable. "Sleeping in a bed with you two creeps me out. That's one weird threesome."

When Haley closed the door, the laughter finally closed down. Peyton turned her back to Lucas so he could pull her to his chest, wrap his arms around her waist.

"Does she know you pulled him out of the fire?"

Lucas exhaled against the skin of her neck - smiling when he felt her shiver. The smile faded when he spoke. "No. No one but you knows."

"Luke… do you know who did it?"

"No… I don't. I didn't see anyone around."

She could hear the hesitation in his voice, but decided to let it go. Her eyes were already closing. "I'll let it go for now. I'm too tired. I love you Luke."

"I love you too, Peyt."

--

Lucas and Peyton were sitting in her the next afternoon. The weather had reached a scorching height, and every resident of Tree Hill sought after the solace of air conditioning.

Lucas was sitting up at the top of her bed, reading a worn copy of The Scarlet Letter, whilst Peyton was flat on her stomach at the end of the bed, sketching diligently. He really was trying to pay attention - but every time that strand of hair fell in front of her eyes, and he used that delicate hand to brush it away, he was mesmerized. There wasn't one thing he didn't love about her, everything she did was amazing to him. He groaned internally when he realized how girly he was sounding in his head.

He tossed the book to the ground, knowing his concentration had flown out the window. He slowly worked his way to the end of the bed, gliding a hand up her back as he went. "What are you drawing Blondie?"

She half moaned, half laughed when he pressed an open kiss to the base of her neck. She hastily threw the sketch pad to the floor. She rolled onto her back pulling him to lie on top of her. Her hand went to cup the side of his face. "What happened to reading?"

He kissed her chin. "I like making out better."

"That's funny, I was just thinking the same thing myself."

Their lips were moving together, and hers had just opened to allow his tongue entrance, while her legs had just parted invitingly underneath him when her phone blared beside their head. She turned to look at it, annoyed, while he was not deterred - his lips just moved onto her throat and neck.

"Lucas, stop."

He shook his head against her, and she grasped onto his hair softly. "Lucas stop. Lucas! Brooke."

At hearing his ex girlfriend's name, he backed away immediately, rolling off of Peyton and sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Hey Brooke!" Peyton exclaimed, forcing enthusiasm into her voice. She looked to Lucas who was slightly uncomfortable. She mouthed "I'm sorry," to him, but he just smiled and held up his hand. He walked to the door, wanting to give her some privacy.

When he turned back, she was still looking at him - her eyes glazed over, a particular sheen of sadness caught his attention. She turned her back, an occasional "yes" and "oh" or a chuckle would penetrate the room.

He knew that Peyton loved him, he would never doubt that again. And he loved her with all his heart. But Brooke was always going to be a looming threat. Not because he would ever want to be with her again… but because Peyton's love for Brooke rivaled her love for him. He'd made mistakes in the past… but this was the one he didn't think would ever leave them.

It's been a bad day,
another bad day and I cross my heart and hope to die
these dreams of yours are gonna fly.

So yeah, I dusted over some details with Ellie, but basically I am going to follow the show with that storyline. Mostly. And the Dan in the fire situation, too. Let me know what you think!