A/N: This is kind of a short chapter.

Be ready for the next one. There is a big surprise coming.

The power was still out, when Lucas and Peyton found their way back to Haley, who was currently lighting all the candles in the living room. Although it was only 5, it was very dark outside. The storm dislodged the sun from the sky. All that remained were the puffy and maniacal grey clouds, and spurts of purple electricity every few minutes.

Its about time. Haley joked as she noticed the two blondes enter the room.

I think I have some wine, if you guys want to have a drink. Lucas offered.

That'd be great. Haley decided. Although she hadn't let neither Lucas or Peyton know it, she was feeling slightly like a third wheel. Really though, she was yearning to be with Nathan, to act with him, the way Lucas and Peyton were acting with each other. To be in love.

Peyton agreed.

Need any help, Hales?

No, I've got it covered. Haley stated, quickly lighting a couple more candles. That should be good for now.

Peyton reached for two small candles and placed them on the coffee table.

Lucas returned to the girls, balancing three glasses and a bottle of wine in his two hands. Haley noticed this and helped him by taking the bottle. He set the glasses on the coffee table, all lined up. He proceeded to fill them up with equal amounts.

There's definitely more where this came from.

Just then, the lights flickered back on, but only for a moment. Lightning struck, what sounded and looked like right outside the house. Peyton threw herself at Lucas as the lights went out again.

I guess I'm afraid of the dark, and storms. She chortled, a little shaken up.

Haley laughed. She had her glass in hand, and was looking out the window. Lightning intrigued her.

No sunset tonight. She paused. Just regret.

The girl downed her glass of wine. Fill me up, Luke. She demanded.

He furrowed his brow at the girl who stood before him. Just minutes before she was as bubbly as can be, she was Haley. Now it was like the last lightning bolt struck her, and took the girl he loved with it to the ground. So far, she had only had one glass, of wine, so her figured one more couldn't hurt.

What do you regret, Peyton? She wondered as Lucas filled up her glass.

The blonde shifted her position. This was not a question she wanted to answer.

I don't believe in regret. At least, I don't regret things I've done.

Lucas looked at her. Then what do you regret?

She sat her glass upon the coffee table, and ran her hands in her hair. The things I haven't done. The things I should have done.

Lucas and Haley both nodded.

Well, I for one regret things I've done. Haley laughed to herself.

Lucas placed his hand upon Haley's. She was now sitting on the arm of the couch. You shouldn't feel anything but pride over the tour.

Haley scoffed at her friend. How can you say that? You came to New York, Luke. You came to take me away from it all.

Suddenly what was a fun day had turned into a bleak evening.

I was being selfish. He grumbled. It is really so bad that I wanted my best friend back?

A tear falls down Haley's cheek. No. It just didn't seem like you were proud of me.

I just missed you, Hales. He stood up and enveloped Haley into his arms. I was always proud of you.

We both were. Peyton chimed in.

Lucas wiped away a tear from Haley's skin. Everything's going to be okay.

For some reason, when Lucas said those words to her, she believed them. She felt like things really would work out.

What time are you leaving tomorrow? Peyton wondered. By the sounds of it, Haley wasn't too excited to get back to the tour.

I kind of lied. I'm not going back on the tour. Haley proclaimed.

Why not?

Both Lucas and Peyton were puzzled.

Nathan. I'm home for Nathan. She took a sip of her wine, and set it on the table. Luke, I think I'm going to go lie down.

Lucas shook his head. Okay, Hales.

Sorry if I brought everyone's mood down. She laughed and left the room, humming Elsewhere to herself.

The lack of Haley's presence left Lucas and Peyton feeling uneasy.

You think she'll be okay? Lucas asked. He was obviously worried about his friend.

With time. Peyton stated. I think its up to Nathan though.

Peyton moved herself closer to Lucas, who was sitting on the opposite end of the couch, sulking. He moved his arm up, allowing the blonde to snuggle up against him.

He sighed. You said you only regret what you haven't done.

Mhmm.

Well, what do you regret? He wondered, as his hand laid upon the blonde's head.

Right now, I'm regretting not telling Brooke about us.

Silence.

Not about us in the past, but us in the present, Luke. Her voice was shaky, as if she were about to cry.

Then let's tell her. He offered. With the moment they shared at the beach, he couldn't see even Brooke's disapproval keeping them apart now. They were in too deep.

Nothing's going to change how I feel about you, Peyton.

She snuggled up even closer to the boy, and placed a kiss on his cheek.

Likewise.

The storm calmed down by the time it would naturally be dark out.

Peyton had fallen asleep on Lucas, who was wide awake, thinking about his romantic situation. Peyton was right, they had to tell Brooke. They had to tell her soon.

He slipped out from under Peyton to go check on Haley in his bedroom. She was sleeping, tucked into his covers. She looked so peaceful, he thought, unlike earlier in the night.

Lucas?

Peyton's voice was quiet, but Lucas heard it from down the hall. All he could hear was the pitter patter of rain on the roof and that sweet angelic voice that called out for him.

He appeared in the living room, making for a delighted Peyton.

I missed you. She said.

He chuckled. I was gone for a minute, and you were asleep.

I missed you. She said again.

Lucas slowly walked over to the couch, to join Peyton again.

Is Haley asleep?

He nodded.

Good.

Lucas sat down, and Peyton crawled into his lap with a devilish look in her eyes. He knew he was about to get into some trouble, the best trouble he could get into.

Peyton slid her hands under his shirt. His skin was hot to the touch. Peyton's chilly hands were like ecstasy to Lucas. She explored his chest, and his stomach before finally lifting the garment above his head. The blonde brought her lips to meet Lucas' chest. Her kisses were moist and intoxicating. He wanted her, now.

With one swift movement, Lucas placed Peyton underneath him. She giggled and pulled his head to meet her own.

Kiss me like you mean it. She demanded, which made Lucas think of the night at the motel, the night they saw Dashboard Confessional.

With the lyrics to Hands Down running through his head, he smashed his lips with Peyton's and let his hands touch everything he could reach. They found the hem of the sweatshirt Peyton was wearing, and he slid it over her body, revealing nothing but skin. He laughed to himself, thinking about earlier, when he turned away from this sight.

Just then, the lights came back on.

Do you want me to shut them off? Lucas asked.

Before she could answer, Haley came stumbling out into the living room.

I guess we have power back. She stated.

Lucas lowered himself onto Peyton, to cover her up.

Uh, Hi Hales.

Haley covered her eyes.

Do you guys want the bed? She laughed out of embarrassment.

Umm, maybe that's a good idea. Peyton decided.

I'll give you two a moment… I'll wait in the kitchen.

Haley left the room, and Peyton slipped the sweatshirt back on.

Lucas stayed behind for a moment, leaving Peyton to go to his room alone.

Hales. Sorry about that. He offered his apology. Although it was awkward for him to be caught like that, it was more awkward for Haley, he figured.

Its okay. I'll be fine. Go get some. She chuckled.

Lucas looked at her as if she was crazy.

Or not, whatever.

Do you think it's a sign, Luke? The skinny girl wondered from under the covers on the bed, as he entered his bedroom.

Do I think what's a sign?

He crawled into bed with her, readying himself for a bit of heartache.

She turned to look at him. Her eyes were sullen and her voice was quiet.

Every single time you and I are about to move things to the next level, in comes an interruption.

Sure it's a sign, just maybe not the one you're thinking of.

His hand found her face.

What do you think it means?

This was the time to be careful. Words could make or break it with Peyton Sawyer, so he thought about his answer before offering it to the girl.

I think it means, maybe we should slow things down.

She furrowed her brow. Altogether?

No, no, no. I just mean, maybe we shouldn't have sex yet.

As much as he wanted to be with Peyton, physically he knew it probably was too soon for them to go there yet. He figured when that happened, their relationship wouldn't virtually be a secret.

I think Brooke should know about us before we go there. He declared.

Peyton smiled and thought to herself how lucky she was to find a boy so caring, and so willing to forgo sex in order to do the right thing.

I love you, and that's enough for me right now. He cooed.

Lucas laid his head down, so he could look into Peyton's eyes.

I hope its enough for you too.

She sighed and kissed the boy softly. Its more than enough.

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