The lyrics in this chapter are from a song called Diamond by Steven Kellogg and the Sixers

Her bag was stuffed full, mostly with CDs to Lucas' amusement.

Unlike Brooke, Peyton found music to be much more important than clothes. Besides, she could grab more clothes from her house when she needed them.

Welcome to your summer home. Laughed the boy.

He had set Peyton's bag on his bed.

Apparently she was going to be sleeping in his bed, or at least in his room.

Lucas noticed an odd look on her face.

Did you want to sleep in my mom's room? Cause you can if you want… I just thought…

No, this is… perfect.

It was what she wanted. Sleeping was slowly started to become something to look forward to. The thought of listening to the lulling patterns of Lucas' breaths put her mind and body at complete ease.

She had shared a bed with Jake, but it wasn't as enjoyable. Apart from the comfort of having another body next to her, Jake snored incredibly loud and moved around too much. A few nights, Jake had accidentally kicked Peyton off the bed. Sleeping with Lucas was much different, it was better she thought.

Great.

Their first night as roommates seemed like a cause to celebrate, at least in Peyton's mind. Earlier in the day, she dragged Lucas to the grocery store, despite his protesting.

She thought they could have a nice homemade dinner. Which was something neither of them had had in quite a while.

Peyton was in charge of the main course, while Lucas was in charge of dessert.

The meal wasn't spectacular in any sense. Peyton wasn't much of a cook, but she thought her baked ziti would make she and Lucas' tummies quite happy.

To her surprise, Lucas had set the table nicely. It was adorned with two candles and a blood red table cloth.

This felt like a date Lucas thought, as he lit the candles.

Its ready.

She carried a bowl full of her pasta dish to the kitchen table, where Lucas was currently pouring some wine into their glasses.

Wine?

Lucas chuckled. Why not?

They both found their seats and plopped a decent amount of ziti onto their plates.

I hope its not horrible.

I'm sure its delicious, Peyton. Lucas assured his blonde friend.

She watched him anxiously as he took a bite.

Before swallowing, Lucas chugged down his glass of wine.

So…?

Why don't you try it. He suggested.

She took a bite of the food to find it was inedible.

Only you could screw up baked ziti.

Shut up, and drink your wine.

Two bottles of wine later, Lucas and Peyton were lying on the couch in the living room, head to feet.

This was the best dinner I've ever had. Lucas slurred.

Peyton reached up to grab the bottle of out Lucas' hands.

Where's my dessert?

He raised his arm and pointed at his drunk companion. You're drinking it.

The blonde almost spit out the red liquid. One thing was for sure, she was drunk out of her mind. But she was having fun, and so was Lucas.

I think we need some music. Lucas stated.

He stumbled off of the couch and made an attempt to grab something to listen to out of his bedroom, leaving Peyton alone for a few moments.

Her mind granted itself a moment of sobriety. What the hell are we doing? She thought. Drinking, at night, alone with a boy could only lead to one place.

Before she could finish her thought, Lucas was back. He had put a tie around his neck, which looked odd, considering he was wearing a t-shirt.

Dance with me.

Dancing didn't seem possible. Peyton could barely feel her legs.

Right now? She asked as he placed the CD into the stereo.

Yes, m'lady. He slurred, reaching out for the blonde's slender hand.

Well, honey, honey.

Have you done your good deed today?

You open up my green heart

With the things that you say.

Your melody is strong,

so your song never ends.

The drama has changes,

but your still my best friend.

You're my diamond.

She pressed herself against him, as they began to drunkenly sway through the sounds pounding out of the stereo.

This is nice. The boy muttered into her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

This is nice, she thought. Too nice.

Despite her somewhat drunken, rational thinking, her body stayed in motion. Peyton wondered if this would have happened tonight if wine had not been winding its way down their throats.

The aisle we walk has no regrets.

As long as you're with me,

You know I'm all set.

The words are sung to her by the boy in her arms. His voice is barely audible, but she manages to make out every word he sings.

With wide eyes, Peyton looked up at Lucas. He senses something deeper in the pools of green that he can not yet reach.

Lucas pressed his lips together and placed them on the curly blonde's forehead. Anything more would be crossing a line, even though he wanted to kiss her lips, her neck, her breasts, he settles for her forehead. It is safe, and that's all he wanted to know for now.

The song ended, causing the two to stop their motions.

Maybe we should get to bed.

Peyton agreed, and leads the way to her fair headed friend's bedroom.

She undressed herself, down to just a bra and undies.

Lucas couldn't help but notice her figure. He had never seen so much of Peyton Sawyer's skin, at least not all at once.

Quickly, she realized what she just did.

Do you think I could wear one of your shirts to bed? She asked.

Lucas nodded, and scrambled in his bureau for a shirt suitable for sleeping. He came across an old Travis t-shirt, and decided it would work.

With a toss, Peyton caught the shirt and slipped it over her lanky arms.

Thanks.

Following her lead, Lucas took off his jeans, and t-shirt.

Peyton wondered why Lucas thought she shouldn't feel awkward about him sleeping in nothing but undergarments, but why he should feel awkward when the situation is reversed.

She shrugged the thought off as Lucas climbed under the covers to join her.

I'm glad you moved in with me, Peyton. He whispered, as he switched the lights off.

Peyton was playing with her fingers, unsure about everything. About whether she had made a mistake breaking things off with Lucas, about being with Jake. What she felt while dancing with Lucas tonight was something she'd never felt before.

One thing was for sure, Peyton was in love with Lucas. She couldn't help but wonder whether or not Lucas thought about her that way anymore.

Tonight she had many reasons to think so, but those reasons were deluded by the fact both of them were inebriated.

Me too, Luke. I like being with you.

Is that too much? She worried to herself.

Lucas rolled over to face Peyton, who was still fumbling with her hands. Even in his drunken state, he could see her for what she was, a beautiful and broken girl.

He wanted nothing more than to touch her face, to hold her in his arms like they had slept the night before out on the Rivercourt.

What am I thinking? He thought. He wanted to be with Brooke. That was true.

Suddenly, Lucas felt as if it were six months ago, back when he was stuck between two girls. And again, his heart was leaning more towards the taller girl, the blonder girl, the right girl.

Before he let his mind run over that last thought, he reached for Peyton's hand.

She was undoubtedly shocked, but didn't pull her hand away.

Silence.

His eyes were fixed on her face. The moonlight which was coming through his door was framing Peyton's face.

Lucas… Peyton uttered.

He pulled away his hand, and rolled over, so he wouldn't be looking at the skinny girl any longer.

Goodnight.

It was all he said.