First of all, I'd like to apologize for the lack of updates. I just don't ship Lucas & Peyton the way I used to, so whenever I tried to write this I couldn't find the inspiration.

Secondly, I'm sorry this chapter is rather short.


Summer quickly came to an end. Tomorrow Tree Hill was going to be rocked by the return of the bouncy brunette, Brooke Davis. Both Lucas and Peyton were fully aware of this future arrival. Since Brooke had sent Peyton the letter they had barely spoken. When they did talk it was mostly through the world wide web. They wrote to each other, short, superficial e-mails that never mentioned their shared boyfriend. The e-mails made Peyton miss Brooke more than when they weren't in contact at all. She wanted her best friend back.

Lucas was settling into his favorite spot on the living room couch when Haley walked in from outside. Beads of sweat were trailing their way down her face.

You look mighty hot, Hales. He chuckled.

Haley scoffed at the remark. Maybe you would look hot too if you got more exercise than just kissing Peyton for hours.

Speak of the blonde. Peyton appears from the hallway, her skinny body wrapped in a towel, an identical towel was being used to dry her hair.

Umm, Haley the shower is free if you need one. She offered.

You mean Lucas didn't use all the cold water?

Lucas threw a couch pillow at his friend. Very funny.

I'll be in the shower. Haley announced, leaving the two blondes alone.

Lucas' attention was focused on the girl who stood before him, practically naked. Still they had yet to move their relationship to the next level, apart from the often oral act. Peyton was actually more interested in having sex than Lucas seemed to be. Seeing as both his previous partners didn't mean anything to him at the time, he wanted everything to be perfect when he and Peyton finally decided to make love for the first time. Peyton felt as though they were just setting themselves up for disappointment. In her mind it should just happen when it felt right, and it had felt right many times through the last few weeks. Despite her teenage hunger for her boyfriend, she was happy to wait if it was what he wanted.

This is dangerous. He said, kinking his eyebrow.

Peyton straddled her towel-clad self over the boy's lap.

I spoke too soon. Lucas groaned, as the skinny girl lightly placed kisses on his neck. How will I live when my mom comes home?

Dude, I'll just sneak in your room. She laughed. The idea wasn't out-there. Lucas did have a door to his bedroom afterall.

Sneaking around, eh? You make me want to do bad things to you.

Peyton pecked his lips and removed herself from the compromising position. I wish you would.

Later that night Lucas found himself at the Rivercourt with Haley. The two were sitting on the bleachers, enjoying what might be their last ice cream cones of the summer.

Are you going to be at the airport with us tomorrow? Haley wondered aloud.

Lucas licked his ice cream before answering. He had not planned on greeting Brooke when she came home. After their last visit, it wouldn't be fair to her. It would seem phony. If he wanted Brooke in his life, even as just a friend he had to be careful with the situation.

I don't think that's such a good idea. He stated in a monotonous tone.

Me either. Do you think it'll be weird with her at home?

He continued licking his ice cream, avoiding eye contact with Haley. He had yet to tell anyone that not having Brooke in his life was utter torture.

Yes, but I wish it didn't have to be weird. The boy shrugged.

Are you afraid that you'll still have feelings for her?

Now Lucas turned to meet Haley's eyes. He wanted her to know he was serious. After experiencing these feelings I have for Peyton, I don't think what I felt for Brooke was what I thought it was.

She kinked her head. What do you mean?

I care about Brooke and I was attracted to her. But it didn't… it doesn't extend past that.

Haley placed her head onto her friend's shoulder.

Does Peyton know that?


When Lucas and Haley returned home, Peyton was sketching in the kitchen with the Spice Girls blaring. The boy turned the volume down, way down before going to greet Peyton.

So, the spice girls? He laughed and questioned as he moved towards the blonde.

Luke, Hi. She lifted her head up waiting for a kiss which he was more than happy to give.

Can I see what you're drawing? Lucas asked, pointing to the sketch pad on the kitchen table.

Peyton handed the drawing to the boy who studied it for a moment before remarking. The paper held three separate drawings, each holding two girls. The first was of two young girls, playing underneath a bridge. The second was two older girls, both in skirts, walking into Tree Hill High School, and the third was of two girls, one angry and one crying.

Brooke was obviously on Peyton's mind.

Are you nervous?

The blonde nodded. I don't think we'll be able to move past it all. She shrugged.

Best friends always find a way.

She reached out for Lucas' hand and brought it to her cheek. Let's make this last night one to remember.