The gym pounded with excitement. In a triple overtime victory, the Tree Hill Ravens had played the game of their young lives, a regular season match up predicted to repeat itself in the final quest for a state championship. One hour after the end, the fans and spectators were just beginning to flood from the Whitey Durham Field House. Through it all in the midst of the excitement, had been Mouth McFadden. President of the school's media club and head Ravens commentator, he had called each and every play of the exciting game with his co anchor, Gigi Silveri and the aftermath had been the thrill of interviewing the players. Streaming live on the team's official website, there was still one more comment to get.

"Coach, can we get a statement for Ravens Hoops?" Mouth asked the varsity basketball coach, Brian "Whitey" Durham.

"It was a great night and a great win, son. I'm real proud of my boys. They played like warriors."

"Tonight was what dreams are made of. Nathan and Lucas Scott, along with Skills Taylor played their hearts out in one of this school's most exciting games ever. Along with newfound momentum and confidence, what can we do for the next matchup with Bear Creek, who will surely be a contender in the finals."

"We're just gonna keep on doing what we're doing and that's working and practicing hard. It has been a good season. Tonight and the last few games our bench has been able to get stops down the stretch and both Scott's and Taylor have executed on the offense and put up some big numbers. It's all about working hard as a team and that's what my fellas do best. Those Bear Creek boys know how to play ball and we look forward to seeing them again."

"And so do we. There you have it, folks. Signing off from Tree Hill High, I am Mouth McFadden and I'll see you and your Ravens pride at the next game. Good night."

And then it was over. There were only a few last minute loose ends to settle before calling it a night. And what a night it had been. Mouth was worn out, elated, but nevertheless exhausted.

"Yo dawg, hook up with me tomorrow and I'll be sure to give you the exclusive scoop," Skills yelled out, confirming their scheduled, interview before leaving.

"Sure thing, man."

"I'm leaving with Luke and Peyton. You want a ride?"

Before he could answer, he took one look in the stands. In the hustle and bustle of all the events that had taken place, and all the many faces in the crowd, hers was one he hadn't seen. But sure enough, there she was as beautiful as ever in her pink Clean Teen shirt.

"No. Um, no thanks, Skills. I'll catch up with you guys later," he made his way to the almost empty bleachers.

She looked right at him, a nervous look on her pretty face.

"Hey."

"Hey Shelly," he took a seat beside her. "I, I didn't know you were coming tonight."

"Neither did I. Normally I don't but tonight…I don't know. I guess I just felt like it."

"You picked a good night. Pretty exciting, huh?"

She nodded.

"That was some game. I'm not a fan, I mean, I really don't know what's going on usually but the Ravens played good. I had a nice time."

"I'm glad. I know we haven't seen each other a lot lately and talked but I wish you would have said hi."

"I didn't want to bother you. You were so busy, besides…you looked great out there. I mean that. You're a great reporter, Mouth and you've done so much with Ravens Hoops."

"That was…that was me and Jimmy Edwards' big dream. He started all this actually. We both really love the game and we were so interested in media. Now it seems only right to keep it going, you know?"

Shelly smiled.

"Yeah…I know. You do a good job. So does Gigi."

"She's pretty great. It started out pretty rough but she got the hang of it. Gigi has really come into her own."

"You two work really well together. You have good chemistry."

"We try. We have our moments."

Shelly kicked impatiently at the floor.

"Are you…are you two back together?" she blurted out.

"No. We've talked about it but we've decided to be just friends and partners at the games. It's best and I've come to accept that now."

"Good."

"Why do you say that?" he frowned.

Shelly looked away, closing her eyes.

"Because the thought of you dating her or anybody else really freaks me out."

"Why?"

"Because I like you," she answered.

"Shelly…"

He was taken aback. He had really liked her and she had devastated him when she had shut him down and said no to a date that day at the church. He had followed Lucas' advice and after days and weeks of no contact with Shelly, he had decided to move on. Now she was back and right in front of his face, her hair smelling like that fresh peach scent he loved so much.

"That day you came and saw me at church and you asked me out, I was really shocked. I guess I didn't know what to say."

"You said no," he chuckled.

"Because I thought it was the right thing to say."

"And now?"

She shrugged.

"Ever since that day, ever since that time we spent working together on that project, I haven't been able to quit thinking about you, Mouth."

"Look Shelly…"

"But you probably don't want to hear that, huh? I shouldn't have come," she turned to leave.

"Wait," he gently grabbed her arm.

"It's okay, Mouth."

"Don't go."

"Mouth…"

"Shelly, please. Please talk to me. Don't run away, not this time like you did before. Whatever is going on, whatever is on your mind that made you come here tonight, please talk about it with me because I want to hear it. And because I'm glad you came."

She stopped and looked him right in the eyes.

"You're a nice guy, Mouth. A really nice guy. I do like you. I like spending time with you."

"But not enough to date me."

"You surprised me when you asked me out. I wasn't expecting it. I didn't know what to say so I guess I got scared."

"And now?"

"I don't know. I just know that I think about you all the time…in class, out of school, at church…all the time. And I think about how cool it would be for us to hang out, maybe go out on a date like you asked."

"But…"

Mouth sensed a but. Unfortunately, there was always a but.

"But I'm still scared."

"Of what?"

"Of everything. Of dating, of letting myself actually like someone again…of getting hurt."

"I'd never hurt you, Shelly," he quietly told her.

Tears stung her eyes.

"I know."

He slowly reached over and gently took her hand in his.

"I'm glad you came tonight. I'm glad we talked. I don't know what's gonna happen. I know I can't change your mind or how you feel. All I can do is tell you how I feel and you already know that. Nothing has changed. I still think you're a great girl, Shelly and I still think we could have a good thing between us. I'd at least like to give it a try. Look, I know you're scared. But you don't have to be, not with me. I just want to hang out, have a good time and see what happens from there. No matter what, we'll always be friends, or at least I hope so. Right?"

"You're right," Shelly couldn't help but laugh a little.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing," she shook her head. "Except that you're really sweet. And you look really handsome in your suit."

Mouth couldn't help but feel proud of his appearance. He always wore a suit and tie on game night.

"Thanks."

"Mouth McFadden, are you blushing?"

"Maybe," he played coy. "And I'm still hoping you will reconsider and go out with me. You still haven't given me an answer."

"You haven't asked me again."

"Last time I did, you said you couldn't."

"That was last time."

He gave a smile as he noticed her hands were still tucked inside his as he turned towards her.

"Shelly Simon, would you do me the honor and go out on a date with me?"

At that one moment, she realized she had never looked into a pair of eyes that sincere. How could anyone turn that face down?

"It would be my pleasure, Mouth McFadden."

"Really?" he asked.

He had hoped but he had encountered the thing called rejection a few too many times in his life.

"Really."

"Wow. I, I wasn't expecting you to say yes. I'm mean, I'm glad you did. I was hoping but really not expecting it. Now I guess I have to come up with a really cool, really romantic first date. You like bowling? What about Go Kart racing? Ice skating, maybe?"

Shelly sighed as she chuckled again at him. What a really sweet guy. Mouth wasn't the type she usually imagined herself with but there was a first time for everything. Besides, she was due for a change.

"How about we start by walking me home? We can talk about it from there."

He stood and offered his arm for her to link through it. After that perfect nail biting end to the game, Mouth hadn't dreamed the night could get any better. And he had never been so glad to be wrong. Victory had never tasted so sweet.