A/N: Remember how Peyton was upset with Haley when she came back in season 3? Forget about it. =P Things are fine between Haley and Peyton, at least for now.


Larry left a day early.

He had planned on spending the entire weekend with his daughter, so they could hash out all the details and pull through the discovery of Peyton's adoption. When she told him how she was slowly accepting it, Larry felt there was nothing left to stay for. Part of Peyton felt hurt, the other part of her felt joy that she could return to Lucas' arms. He was the only thing bringing her solace these days.

Peyton made up her bed, for what she hoped would be the last time this summer and drove off to Lucas' house. It was still early in the morning. Larry had left before dawn, and Peyton saw him off as per tradition.

Much to her surprise, as she pulled in front of the boy's house, there he was, leaning over in his favorite bluish, plaid pajamas on the front porch, to pick up the paper.

The sound of her car caused him to look up. Just the sight of the blonde brought a large smile to his face.

Morning, Luke. She said, turning off the ignition.

Lucas walked over to the vehicle and placed his hands against the door.

Hi.

He leaned his lips down to meet Peyton's.

Luke, do pancakes sound…

Haley bellowed out from the house, causing the two blondes to part lips.

Oh, sorry guys. You get back to doing what you were doing. Haley laughed, going back into the house.

Pancakes? Lucas chuckled, a little embarrassed over the interruption.

It seemed as though Haley had already begun making the pancakes when Lucas and Peyton entered the house. The scent of cinnamon was wafting through the air, and was impossible not to notice and enjoy. Peyton took a whiff, and instantly headed for the kitchen.

Want to help? Haley pondered as she flipped one pancake over.

No, no no… Lucas rushed out. Peyton is not allowed to cook.

Peyton sent Lucas a playfully dirty look over his command.

What, what?

You don't want to know. He shuddered.

Alrighty then. Was all Haley said, leaving her to attend to more pancake flipping.

Lucas threw his bum onto the counter and watched Peyton, who was currently sticking her finger into the batter. I wish I was that finger, he thought, inducing a small chortle to escape from his mouth.

What are you laughing about? The blonde turned to Lucas, hand on hip.

He kinked his eyebrow. Peyton knew what that meant.

Later. She assured Lucas.

Although they had yet to do anything other than kiss, the proposition of doing more was enticing to both parties. Lucas didn't know if anything would actually happen later on in the day though, Haley was still staying with him and he didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable, especially considering her relationship was currently up in the air.

The threesome ate their pancakes and talked mostly about the tour. Peyton, being a music nerd was dying to hear every detail. Haley was more than happy to oblige, telling a bundle of stories, one that included Chris Keller getting bit by some crazed fan.

I was thinking we hit the beach today. Haley suggested, shoving her last bite of pancakes into her mouth.

Sounds perfect. The skinny girl agreed. I'll just have to grab a suit from my place.

Haley smacked the table lightly. Crap. You don't happen to have one I can borrow, do you Peyton?

Indeed I do. She claimed.

Lucas started to clear the table. Why don't I get ready here, and you two head over to Peyton's. Meet me back here in 20 minutes?

Thanks for clearing up, Luke. Haley laughed, and hit her best friend. Leaving him with the mess was always fun. She left the kitchen and grabbed her purse off the couch.

I'll be waiting in the car, Peyton. She bellowed.

Kay, Haley. Peyton acknowledged as her eyes watched Lucas.

What are you looking at? He wondered aloud.

Peyton reached for the plates in his hand and set them on the counter. She looked back up at Lucas, and reached for the collar of his shirt, and pulled him to her. Lucas' lips found hers and he placed his hands on her ass as she lifted her leg around him.

They pulled apart, even though they both wanted more.

Later. She said again.

Peyton led the way to her room, not that Haley didn't know where it was.

Haley plopped herself onto the bed as Peyton searched through her drawers for a couple of bathing suits.

So you and Lucas, huh?

She'd yet to get an exact answer out of her best friend, and she was eager to know what was going on between her two blonde friends.

Peyton shot Haley a smile.

Does Brooke know?

Peyton shook her head no. We didn't want to tell her until we knew what was going on.

Fair enough. Was all Haley said, even though she knew the couple should be honest with Brooke about the new developments, she also know that by telling Brooke, whatever it was that was going on would end. Peyton was a good friend, loyal, and if it hurt Brooke she wouldn't stay with Lucas.

She was happy to see love brewing between Lucas and Peyton. Haley didn't think Brooke was a good fit for Lucas.

Peyton pulled out a cute polka dotted tankini and handed it to Haley.

I think you'll fill this out better than I ever did. She laughed.

The girls kept their word and met Lucas back at his house less than 20 minutes after they had left.

He was listening to his ipod on a chair that sat on the porch. Peyton noticed a rather large beach bag he had in his lap, as she pulled up to the house.

She honked her horn, twice causing Lucas to notice the girls waiting for him.

Get in loser. Haley joked.

Without opening one of the door's, Lucas hopped into the back seat, and sprawled himself out.

The beach was only about a ten minute drive away, depending on which beach they were going to. Usually they found themselves at the beach where Dan's beach house was located.

Last time I was here, I puked on Dan's lap. Haley recalled, before remembering the last time she actually was there, was her wedding.

Dan was still in the hospital, so Lucas suggested they parked in his driveway.

The sky wasn't nearly as blue as it was earlier on in the morning, Peyton noticed. It was slowly turning grey, and there was a chill in the air.

Hope we don't get caught in a storm. Peyton said, worriedly as she put the top of her convertible up. She stepped out the car and her eyes met Lucas'.

We'll be fine. Lucas reassure her, as he interlocked their fingers and walked towards the sand.

You two are so cute. Haley teased. It was true, she thought they were adorable together.

It's the oddest thing, seeing both of you with a smile on your face. She teased some more, and then grabbed Peyton's hand. I felt left out. She said, sticking her tongue out at Lucas.

Lucas sat his beach bag down into the sand, and pulled out an oversized blanket.

Help me spread this out?

The girl's each grabbed a corner and did just that.

The blanket was big enough for 6 people.

I hope you aren't one of those girl's who just likes to lie out in the sun, Peyton. Haley pleaded.

Does it look like I can get a good tan? Peyton laughed. Her skin was rather pale, especially for living where they did. It took her almost all summer to build up a nice tan, unlike Lucas who's skin was looking more and more bronze each day, Peyton noticed as he removed his shirt.

Why don't we check out the water? He suggested, throwing his shirt into his beach bag.

Hell yeah! Haley agreed, ripping off the shorts that covered her bathing suit bottoms, and started running towards the water before Peyton could take another breath.

She smiled at Lucas, slipped her tank top and shorts off, and then turned to make her journey to the waves. Lucas reached for her arm, stopping her in her sandy tracks.

You can't walk away from me looking like this. He proclaimed, bringing her into his arms.

Are you going to kiss me? She asked, in an adorable way.

Lucas leaned in to meet her lips, but then moved his mouth upward to place a kiss on her forehead.

Nope. He chuckled and ran to meet his best friend in the ocean.

Peyton stood in the sand, dumbfounded. You're in trouble, Lucas Scott!

After splashing around in the ocean for a bit, the sky was completely grey and was growing darker.

Maybe we should get out before it starts to rain. Haley suggested as a few drops of water landed into the salty pool.

They swam back to the beach, and the rain started coming down harder.

Help me get the blanket. Lucas yelled.

Thunder rumbled, casting scores of people to gather their things and head to their cars.

Peyton closed her eyes and let the moment wash over her. Getting caught in a summer rain was among her favorite things in the world. She remembered the summer she and Brooke had gone on a bike ride, all over town. One moment the sky was clear, the next it was dotted with droplets of rain, falling upon their little heads. Instead of screaming and looking for shelter. The girls shed their bikes and let the rain fall on them. They danced, and splashed in the puddles. It was a moment to remember.

Luke. She called out for him, water dripping off her skin.

He handed the scrunched up blanket to Haley and headed to meet Peyton, who was only a few feet away from him.

She reached out her hand, and he latched onto it. With his other hand, he carefully slid it onto the small of her back, and lifted the blonde into the wet air. Peyton giggled as he twirled her around. Her hands were now resting around his neck.

Lucas set her down and kissed her deeply. He was lost in a moment, he was lost in Peyton.

I love you. He murmured, as their mouths parted.

I love you too.

They smiled and kissed again.

Would you two nimrods help me out! Haley screeched, breaking the moment.

They laughed into each other, and walked over to Haley.

On their way back to the house, the street lights were out. It seemed as though Tree Hill had lost power due to the storm.

Sure enough, when Lucas tried to turn the lights on in his living room, they didn't work.

Looks like we have no power.

This should be fun. Peyton said to Haley, who shook her head in agreement.

I'll go grab some candles. Haley decided, leaving the two blondes alone.

Lucas looked over at Peyton, who was shivering. He reached over and rubbed her arms vigorously.

Come with me, I'll give you some clothes to wear. He offered.

Haley was in his room, and had already changed into a pair of sweatpants and a long sleeve shirt she had brought with her.

Find any candles? Peyton asked, as Lucas grabbed a sweatshirt out of his bureau.

A few. I'm going to check Karen's room for some. She said, leaving the room with a couple of small candles in her hands.

Here you go. Lucas handed Peyton his Keith's Auto-Shop hoodie. Wait. He said, and took it back.

Its okay, Luke. She said.

Lucas remembered that Brooke had worn the sweatshirt, not too long ago in a rather awkward moment.

You sure?

She nodded and undid the back of her bikini. Lucas turned away out of respect, even though he had seen Peyton's breasts before, it just seemed like the polite thing to do. She laughed at his actions.

Look at me. She ordered, lifting her arms up.

Lucas slipped the sweatshirt onto her lanky arms, and helped her head make its way through the hole.

Now its where it belongs. He cooed.

Peyton kissed the boy. This was quite a day, she thought. She was still reveling over the fact that not even an hour ago, she and Lucas finally declared their love. The familiar feeling of butterflies were in her stomach. Only Lucas Scoot could make Peyton feel like this, and that's how she always wanted it to be.

I guess we better head out there before Haley gets any ideas. He chuckled.

What do you think is going to happen? What do you want to happen?