A/N: Thanks for all the reviews people! Have to say I am loving all the Naley on the show right now. Only took them 13 episodes to get it right! Anwyas here's the party chapter. Just to clarify, this is going to be a NALEY story, but other couples will feature quite a bit.

storyofmylifee - thanks for the review! I was surprised with your review, cos I'm actually reading your story 'Your Guardian Angel' right now, and I have to say its amazing!

Chapter 5

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." – Oprah Winfrey

"Where is P. Sawyer?" Brooke paced up and down the length of the room. "She was supposed to have gotten ready with us!" Brooke claimed, stopping for a moment to sort out her hair in the full length-mirror in the centre of their room.

She was wearing a pretty, beaded yellow kaftan which reached mid-thigh, with hidden short shorts underneath.

"She's on her way," Haley said as she got off the phone. "Says she's got some big news."

That got Brooke's attention. Looking up she frowned, "Good or bad?"

Haley got up now standing beside Brooke in front of the mirror. "Good I'm guessing. She sounded kinda chirpy." As she applied her lip-gloss Brooke ran the many possible scenarios going through her head.

"Oooh, maybe Rachel fell into a ditch somewhere and got eaten by wild skank-eating ditch monsters! That poor, poor red-headed beast…" Brooke muttered smiling.

"Tigger." Haley reprimanded.

"Too much?"

"A little."

Brooke just shrugged before her face lit up. "By the way – have I told you how much I love my new nickname?" Haley laughed.

They'd been working with Peyton, Jake, Skills and Lucas at the beach at one point in the morning and Brooke had been acting crazy hyper. Haley had claimed that Brooke was always so full of energy, she reminded her of the bouncy Tigger character from Winnie the Pooh. Everyone had laughed especially when Brooke started shrieking she loved it!

"Hey girls." Peyton strolled in practically bouncing herself.

"P. Sawyer so nice of you to grace us with your presence, finally." Seeing her completely ready in her outfit she'd bought at the mall she added, "Though since you look great, I'll forget to be mad at you this once."

"Why thank you oh gracious one." Peyton drawled sarcastically while Brooke grinned back. "H. James you're lookin' pretty hot for your party!"

"It's not my party." Haley rolled her eyes. "But I do look fabulous don't I?" She pretended to check herself out in the mirror as the girls chuckled. She was wearing a layered pink strapped top that reached just below her chest, leaving her midriff bare. And with that she paired a cute turquoise skirt that just reached her knees. She hadn't been sure about leaving her stomach on show but Brooke convinced her she had 'abs of steel' (whatever they were) which should be accentuated.

"Trust me New Girl, you're gonna have heads turning and tongues wagging tonight." Brooke claimed confidently.

"And I can name one more newly single guy that'd fall under that list." Peyton smiled coyly.

"Who?" Brooke and Haley asked confused.

Seeing Peyton's smirk and knowing look Brooke gasped. "You know something!" And just like that she attacked the girl, "Peyton Elizabeth Sawyer, you are hereby under the strict law of girl gossip to tell us immediately what you know!" She stomped her foot at the end reminiscent to that of a young child throwing a tantrum.

"Well…" Peyton glanced at Haley again whose baffled expression only got worse. What do I have to do with anything?

"I was on my way to your room so we could go down to the beach together, when I bumped into Jake going the other way. We chatted for a bit and he told me something very interesting…" Again she looked pointedly at Haley causing Brooke to turn and demand the smaller blonde let her in on what happened.

"I honestly don't know" Haley answered clueless.

"PEYTON! You tell me right now! Or so help me God I'-"

"Nathan and Rachel broke up."

Brooke's face immediately turned from irritated to ecstatic. Haley took a moment to consider whether she actually was bipolar before the news hit her. Whoa…so that's what he was off to do… She thought thinking of how Nathan had hurried off that morning claiming he had something important to get done.

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!" Brooke screamed in pure joy. "Seriously?" She asked Peyton who nodded. "Omigod this is great! And so long overdue…I've been telling him to break it off with Ginger Nut since they started out. How did this happen?"

"We've all said our fair share. But…" Peyton paused as though for dramatic effect, "Apparently all it took was one talk from a certain Haley James and he broke it off straight away."

"Really?" Brooke gasped. "How? When? Where? What did you say? Where the hell was I!" She asked curious as ever.

Haley shrugged. "It was this morning on the beach and I didn't really say much. He was just so confused and I offered him some advice. I just told him to make a choice before he lost everything." She had thought she'd gotten through to Nathan; but she had no idea that he was off to break up with his girlfriend only seconds after their talk. Man, I'm better than I thought. Hmmm…maybe I should consider giving motivational speeches…

"But it could have been for a number of reasons; I doubt I had much to do with it." Haley downplayed her role. On second thought, I don't want to be the go-to girl on how to break up relationships!

"Then why did Nathan himself tell the guys that you were the one that helped finally put him in place." Peyton pointed out.

"He said that?" Haley's eyebrows shot up as Brooke nudged her slightly smirking. Somewhere in the back of her mind, there was a little Haley voice totally cheering her on.

"Yup." Peyton smiled at the girl's expression. Clearly Haley James is more than people think.

"Well I don't care what you said." Brooke squealed before hugging Haley in thanks on one side, as Peyton joined on the other. "I love you New Girl! You've totally made my year!"

After jumping, squealing and hugging a bit more Brooke announced that it was time to go join the real party.

"We're all gorgeous and single. We're gonna get down there, have fun and meet some hotties." She exclaimed in excitement, leaving no room for discussion.

"Alright Brookie, but I'm keeping it low-key. Last thing I want is a one-night stand before I've even started the school!" Haley stated.

"Whoa New Girl, pace yourself. I was only suggesting we get some numbers."

Peyton rolled her eyes. "Yeah right Brooke. I bet you have that draw stacked with condoms of all sizes, colours and flavours."

"Ouch Sawyer." Brooke faked hurt at the statement. "No sex sure makes you a grouch."

As they continued to banter playfully Haley linked her arms with both and dragged them out the room. Suddenly the party was looking a lot better than it had a few days ago.

Her first reaction when she looked around was wow.

Haley James was officially at her first party at her new school. Not missing the irony that she was at her first party before her first lesson, she took in the sight around her. Brooke Davis is one hell of a party planner.

Under a dark sky indicating the late hour the party had begun. The beach was alight with lights, decorations, music, and people. There was a DJ booth set up at the far end blasting out tracks for people who were grinding on the makeshift dance floor. Lights of all colours hanging around the booth, and all the tables littered about, as well as some nearby bushes.

"Brooke I have to say again, this looks amazing!" Haley looked around in awe as the brunette puffed proudly beside her.

"I know, I'm good." She looked around taking in her own work. "Now, let's start introducing you to people." With that she grabbed Haley's arm and Peyton's, who was still looking around and took them into the midst of the crowd.

"But you already did." Haley pointed out.

Brooke had literally dragged her around to meet all the 'need-to-know' peoples in the place. It didn't escape Haley's notice that that mainly included extremely hot members of the football, basketball, and even the swim team!

"Oh no, that…I was just showing you the hottie potential of THA. Besides what are you complaining about, you've already got like a million numbers."

That part was true, and caused Haley to blush slightly. She was confident in her looks, and she knew she was quite pretty. But the way some of the guys were looking at her…well needless to say she currently had…wait for it…13 numbers (!) stashed away in her bra. Stupid skirt with no pockets!

"Brooke?" They turned to see a smiley looking blonde practically skip over in her excitement.

"Hey Bevin." Brooke smiled as Peyton also greeted her.

Greeting them both she congratulated Brooke on another fabulous party before noticing Haley standing there.

"Oh Bevin, this is Haley James my new roommate. Haley this is Bevin Mirsky, she's on the squad with us."

"Hi." Haley smiled at the cheerful looking girl.

"Omigosh hi! You must be the new girl everyone's talking about!" Bevin shrieked almost giddy. She then took Haley by complete surprise by drawing her into a hug. "It's sooooooo great to meet you! Brooke's told me sooooooo much about you." She slurred just slightly.

"Bevin are you drunk? Already?" Peyton asked holding back a smile at the girl's demeanour.

"I'm not drunk!" Bevin gasped, almost toppling over from the effect. Peyton caught her just in time.

"Okay…maybe I'm a weeee bit tipsy!" Bevin indicated how much exactly with her thumb and forefinger.

"Just a wee bit ey?" Brooke smirked as Peyton helped her onto a nearby chair.

Bevin just giggled in reply, before hiccupping. Brooke and Peyton shook their heads at her before laughing.

"Omigod Bevin! I've been looking for you everywhere!" A slim, tall girl came over with jet black hair reaching down her back and dark brown eyes. "Oh thank god, you've got her Peyton, I thought some guy had picked her up and shoved her in the back of his trunk."

"Don't be so dramatic Anna…besides who the hell would drive to a party that's like a 2 minute walk from their dorm." Peyton reasoned.

"You'd be surprised; I think I saw some college guys earlier."

"Really?!" Brooke's eyes gleamed at the thought, immediately looking in the direction Anna had appeared from.

"Oh no… don't even think about it. I wanna sleep in my own room tonight so no hook ups for you." Haley piped up leaving Brooke with a pout.

"What if I'm quick?" Brooke asked.

"Ew Brooke!" She heard the Anna girl laugh at that.

"Hi," She offered her hand, "I don't think I've had the pleasure." She offered her a gorgeous smile as Haley greeted her too.

"Haley James, new girl and roommates with this nut." She nodded at Brooke who protested.

"Anna Tegaro, been-here-forever-girl and on the squad with said nut." She indicated Brooke who yelled a 'Hey!'

"So where you from?" Anna asked smiling her way again. Haley noticed something was a little odd about her smile. The way the girl was looking at her…something wasn't right.

"I came over from Oak Lake High."

"Oh, Oak Lake! I remember when we played you guys." Everyone does apparently. "Man there's a lot of hotties in that place."

Anna sighed almost dreamily before eyeing Haley again. "Glad to have one of them over on our side now."

Haley only just realizing what she said stood frozen. Did she just say?...No…she wouldn- Omigod is she checking me out?! Haley's eyes widened as she noticed Anna giving her the once over. Why would she do that? She then noticed Anna smile at her again. Oh no. Haley now knew why the smile felt odd. It wasn't a friendly, 'welcome to the place' kind of smile…no…it was a flirtatious smile.

"Er…thanks?" Haley choked out wandering how the hell she was going to get out of this conversation. Anna was giving her a pretty intense look and it was making her feel uncomfortable.

What is a person supposed to do in this type of situation? I swear I saw this on some soap drama before…damn, I think the credits are supposed to roll right about now…

Before anything more could be said, Bevin suddenly burst into song beside them. Oh thank god! Saved by the drunk blonde.

"I better get her up to the toilets and sort her out." Anna shook her head at the sight of her friend.

She helped Bevin up, holding her up by the arm as Bevin continued the sing "For he's a–hic-jolly good fell-hic-ow! For he's a–hic-jolly good fell-hic-ow! For he's a–hic-jolly good fell-hic-ooooooooooooowwwwwww hic!...er...what comes after that? Hic!"

"Oh and Haley," She looked over as Anna turned to her before dragging Bevin away, "Don't go anywhere." She winked and left.

Haley stood there shocked and was taken out of her stupor when she heard two voices burst into laughter behind her. Turning around she saw Peyton and Brooke almost rolling on the floor in laughter.

"Oh haha, very funny. Nice to see you two were having the time of your life while I was stuck in the most awkward situation ever."

"Omigod…the look on your face!" Brooke sniggered in-between laughs.

She shook her head as the girls continued to laugh, Brooke holding onto her stomach and Peyton actually sitting down from being out of breath.

"What's up with them?" A voice came from behind and Haley turned to see Lucas.

"Oh hey. Urgh…ignore them, they're just having a spastic moment." She explained smirking as she heard two protests from behind her.

"Okay," Lucas smiled before turning to shout behind him. "Hey guys, I found them!" Haley looked behind him to see all the other guys making their way over.

She saw how most of the crowd parted to let them through. Clearly they were social royalty in this school. She'd noticed the same looks when she went anywhere with Brooke or Peyton. People were constantly watching them, some friendly, some intimidated, some flirty and others totally kissing ass. She had come to realise that this group was the elite of THA…and she just happened to have been accepted into the gang.

How did that happen?

"Heya hot chicas!" Tim called over.

"We have names Dim." Kinda ironic considering Brooke is the one that never calls anyone by their name.

"Yo Davis. How the hell did you manage to get lifeguards in this place?" Skills commented, as he and Nathan finally joined the group.

"Oh, I know some people." Brooke shrugged.

"More like you did some people." Peyton added causing the group to laugh as Brooke whacked the girl.

"Anywho, James am I gonna get a dance out of you girl?" Skills smiled charmingly.

"You bet hot stuff." She winked at him and he grinned smugly at the other guys who just shook their heads.

Haley really liked Skills; he was a great guy and flirted with her at every chance he got. Everyone knew it was harmless though, Skills was always laying on charm for the girls.

He proved that point when he went off to check out some 'hunnies', Tim following behind eagerly.

The girls then joined in some animated conversation with Jake and Mouth while Lucas looked over at his brother who had yet to say a word. Instead he found him staring in the direction of the girls.

Correction. His look was far too intense to be staring. It was more like leering…What the hell is Nathan doing?

His fixed gaze hadn't lifted once from the girls chatting away and Lucas was wondering when he was going to snap out of it.

He suddenly heard Haley burst out laughing at something Jake said, and noticed Nathan's face light up with a huge smile. Lucas smirked at this. If his little brother really thought he wasn't crushing on the new girl, then he was fooling himself. Nathan Scott does not smile for just anyone. Infact, Nathan Scott barely smiles period.

Meanwhile, the younger Scott brother himself was growing rather hot and bothered. The minute he'd joined the group his eyes were drawn to her. Skills had mentioned she looked fine on their way over, but Nathan disagreed.

She looked beyond fine. She was downright sexy.

"Hey Nate, when you decide to stop ogling Haley, you wanna get a drink?" He vaguely heard his brother's voice, and unfortunately shifted his attention from the stunning blonde.

"What Luke?"

"A drink?" Luke smirked knowingly at him. I don't think I like that look.

"Sure."

Turns out that the girls had the same idea and were heading that way too. Nathan then noticed Haley turn around and instantly lock eyes with him.

He smiled pretending he hadn't been staring at her the whole time, when she suddenly started motioning something with her head.

Watching her he saw she was indicating to Brooke and Peyton who were walking just in front of her. Confused he looked at her as she then mouthed the word 'apologise'!

Realisation dawning on him, he frowned remembering he was so busy helping out in the morning and breaking up with Rachel he never actually got round to talking to Brooke or Peyton about the night before. Great, they're gonna be even more annoyed!

As they reached the keg, Lucas got drinks for everyone while Nathan moved over to the girls.

"Hey," he said a little sheepishly as both Brooke and Peyton turned to him.

"Hey," they replied indifferently.

"Look…I just wanted to tell you guys, that…I'm sorry. About the whole incident the other night,"

"You should hand them out in bulk if you say it that often." Brooke snit.

"I know I messed up…again." He saw Brooke raise her eyebrows.

"You're right about that Nate, you just let her insult us in front of everyone without so much as a word."

"I know Brook-"

"And to think that you had become such a little lapdog, letting her get away with murder." Brooke continued.

"That was wro-"

"You know you- ouch! What?" She turned to Haley who had nudged her with her elbow.

"Just shut up and let him speak." Haley said almost sternly, and Nathan was surprised to see Brooke immediately acquiesce to her request.

Shooting Haley a thankful look he carried on, "I understand that I really hurt you guys by not coming to your defense like I should have. I've been a crappy friend lately and I was putting the needs of myself over my friends, and that was really low. I know I made a mistake and I fixed it…hopefully we won't have Rachel ruining any of our lives anymore…and I just really want you to know that I am sorry, and it won't happen again."

He finished off and Haley had to say she was pleasantly surprised, she'd been expecting a simple 'I'm sorry'.

Apparently Brooke and Peyton had too as they shared a surprised look before both putting Nathan out of his misery and forgiving him. As they hugged, Haley sent him a soft smile when he looked over at her. She was proud of him. Owning up to your mistakes was easier said then done.

"Alrighty Missy James, what drink would you like?"

Before Haley had even finished answering Brooke ran off dragging a confused Peyton with her ("Why does this involve two of us leaving?"), and as a result Haley was left in the company of a very hot looking Nathan Scott.

Very hot looking.

All he was wearing was a blue polo and khaki pants but Haley had to admit Nathan Scott wore the look well. Infact she was pretty sure he could pull off any look sexily.

"So…"

"So…"

They both laughed at the slight awkwardness.

"How are you doing?" Haley asked, "You know…Peyton told me about the break up."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, gotta say that was unexpected."

"Really?" Nathan asked, "You were the one that told me I had to make a decision."

"I know, I just didn't realise you'd made the decision that second." Haley clarified.

"Well it wasn't really a hard one to make." Nathan shrugged before smirking at her. "Besides, you give a damn good speech James."

"Yeah I know." Haley agreed and they both stood there smiling at each other.

"Drinks!" Brooke interrupted the moment.

She, Peyton, Lucas, and Jake came over with drinks. They were with Mouth but according to Jake he just suddenly disappeared off somwhere.

Once the drinks had been passed round, Brooke proposed a toast.

"This is to Nathan," she smiled over at the guy who rolled his eyes good-naturedly, "For finally getting his head out his butt and ditching the She Demon."

"Thanks Brooke, I couldn't have put it better myself." Nathan said dryly.

"Your welcome." Brooke grinned, "And to Haley." She winked over at the girl, "New Girl, you rock! Welcome to the gang and many thanks for giving Nathan the kick up the backside he needed to ditch the Queen of Skank!"

"Well…it was all for you Brooke." They laughed as Brooke gave a bow of appreciation at her words.

"And finally to life Post-Her Whoreship." Brooke added, "Who had her head stuck up Nathan's ass from the moment she got here."

"Er...Brooke, you do realise you just managed to make three references to Nathan's rear end in one toast?" Peyton said incredulously as everyone laughed realising the truth in her words, and the look of disbelief on Brooke's face. Only Brooke…

"You been checking me out Davis?" Nathan quirked, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh please." Brooke scoffed.

"You know you want me."

"Never did, never have, and never will. You can trust me on that Scott." Brooke replied.

"Okay, how about we just toast already huh?" Lucas piped in, "Cheers."

They all raised their glasses and drank.

The DJ then played Easy by Paula DeAnda.

"Oooh, I love this song!" She instantly grabbed Peyton's arm to go dance. Before she turned around Haley noticed a certain gleam in her eye, but couldn't understand what Brooke was up to. She then saw her wink before she turned to the boys.

"Hey!" She snapped her fingers in front of Lucas and Jake, demanding that they come with them.

"Because, you can't just leave us defenceless in a crowd of horny college guys!" Brooke reasoned when Lucas asked 'why?'

"There's college guys here?" Lucas looked over to the dance floor where there was indeed a bunch of older guys leering at all the girls.

"Well in that case, we're coming." Jake said adamantly.

That was one thing Haley had noticed about Jake, he was a true gentlemen at all times.

"We are?" Lucas said, clearly not with it.

As Haley watched the girls drag the boys with them she was confused as to why Brooke hadn't asked her to come to. And what was up with that wink?

"Don't feel like dancing?" Nathan asked while she shook her head. Apparently not.

"You?"

"God no." Nathan laughed. "Brooke knows better than to ask me. I hate dancing."

"Why?"

"Because." Nathan shrugged. Seeing Haley give him a disbelieving look he sighed, "I'm just…" He then mumbled unintelligibly.

"Sorry, what was that?

Nathan puffed out a sigh knowing she wouldn't give up. "I can't dance."

Haley laughed until she realised he was being serious.

"That can't be true. Everyone can dance."

"Not me." Nathan said smiling.

Evidently his lack of grace on the dance floor didn't irk him. They stood there in comfortable silence, side by side, their arms barely an inch apart.

"What?" Nathan asked seeing her look.

"Nothing…you just look happier." He had been smiling a lot more this night than she'd seen him do so the whole time she'd been here.

Well being around you brings it out in me.

Of course he didn't say that. But he did say, "I have to say, I haven't felt this good in ages." He looks at the crowds around him. "Its nice feeling like I don't have to pretend anymore."

"Good for you." Haley said softly.

"I'm free to do what I want now." Nathan confirmed.

"What do you mean?"

"I guess, I just want to look for something more next time." Seeing Haley's gaze fixed on him he elaborated.

"All the girls around here are the same. Look around…" Haley followed where he indicated.

Sure enough, all the girls around the place seemed to be slutting it up at the party. Half dressed in clothes that seemed to be hanging off anyway. And what caught her attention was that most of them seemed to be looking their way. Or really, at Nathan.

Clearly news has got out that Nathan Scott is back on the market. Haley thought, annoyed at the way they were all batting their eyes his way, adjusting their clothes so as much could be seen as possible; generally just vying for his attention.

God, how can they want to degrade themselves so much?! Haley hated it when girls acted like that. They would be as trashy as possible just to grab the attention of some hot guy? Didn't they understand that by treating themselves and their bodies in such a worthless unrespectable way, they were giving guys permission to treat them that way too? I will never understand that.

"Kinda puts you off doesn't it?" Nathan added. Haley nodded not trusting herself to speak. Nathan had shifted in his stance and in the process his arm had brushed hers.

She couldn't even begin to describe the sudden sparks flying through her body.

"That's another reason I stuck with Rachel so long." He continued and Haley tried to brush off any tingling feelings to actually focus on what he was saying.

"Guess I just didn't see any other options…all girls around here are the same."

"They can't all be that bad," Haley reasoned taking a sip of her drink, while wondering why Nathan was telling her this.

"Nah…there's no one different." He claimed. "Someone who grabs your attention…who's gorgeous, smart, funny, sexy…"

He trailed off and Haley felt herself fluster hearing Nathan's voice get huskier with each word. "No girl like that here."

Taking another sip she didn't notice him move closer until his mouth was next to her ear. "Well there wasn't until recently…"

Haley caught her breath, as she felt a shiver right down her spine. Oh. My. God! She suddenly felt a lot hotter, and was pretty sure she was blushing like a tomato.

Oh my god! Was Nathan Scott was flirting with her?

She turned around, only to find Nathan hadn't moved back. The result left them both closer together, their faces mere centimeters from one another.

Haley looked up to see Nathan's eyes staring at her intensely. God he's gorgeous. Being so near him, she was able to see his handsome features up close. But she couldn't draw herself away from his eyes. Those eyes…deep blue pools of sapphire having not left her face.

His gaze moved over her striking features, only to land on her lips. Those lips…he'd been fantasizing about what it would be like to kiss her earlier. Maybe now's my chance…

Under a dark night coated with the bright lights of their surroundings…in a crowd of hormone-raging partygoers…both of them leaned forward slowly…quietly anticipating what was to come…

…when…

"HALEY!"

Holy crap! Haley's head instantly jerked back as they both looked up to see Skills making his way over. "Hey James!"

Damnit Skills!! Nathan blew out a frustrated sigh. Seeing Haley completely turn away from him he almost had the urge to go sock the guy. What the hell was so important he couldn't wait a few more seconds?...I almost had her.

Haley on the other hand was freaking out. Okay…breathe…what the hell was that?! You're not supposed to be almost-kissing Nathan Scott!! Jesus Haley, the guy just broke up with his girlfriend!

Argh…breathe again… keep breathing…what did Skills just say?

"You owe me a dance James."

"Huh? Oh yeah…sure…er, let's go" Haley rambled pretty sure she just made a fool of herself.

Nathan watched as Skills led her to the dance floor both annoyed at himself and his friend. Great, now she's gonna avoid me like the plague.

"Hey Nate, what's up man?" Tim came over.

"I need a drink." He stated before going back to the keg.

"Okay…"

"Hey Nathan…"

"Hmmm…"

"Dude what is up with you tonight?" Lucas asked.

His brother seemed completely in his own world today. Seeing him looking off in the distance again, Lucas was tempted to throw his drink in his face. Anything to get him to wake up.

"NATHAN!"

Nathan jumped as did a few people surrounding them.

"What the hell Luke? Are you trying to make me deaf?!"

"Geeze, finally. I've only been trying to talk to you for the last 20 minutes. But no…you decided to go off into your Nathan-land, and I've looked like a complete idiot talking to myself this whole time."

"Could you sound like any more of a girl?" Nathan smirked at his older, blonder brother.

"Whatever. So what the hell is up with you?"

"Nothing."

"Right."

"Exactly."

"Fine."

"Yeah."

"Good talk bro." Lucas muttered as Nathan stared off again. The guy looked freakin' possessed.

Lucas had originally thought something was wrong. He'd seen his brother just standing there staring off while Tim had tried to talk to him at the keg. Having made his way over and saved Tim from an extremely one-sided conversation from the looks of it, he had unintentionally taken over the place for himself.

Hearing a sudden intake of sharp breath next to him, he turned confused. Was it him, or was his brother suddenly looking very flustered. Huh?

Following his eye-line, he saw him looking at the dancefloor. Figures.

Lucas rolled his eyes. He should've guessed; Nathan was too busy checking out all the hot girls grinding on the dancefloor to listen to him.

Hearing sudden catcalls and whistling from the direction Nathan was looking, Lucas became curious. Shifting slightly, he looked in the direction, that apparently every male was staring. Please don't let it be Rachel strip-dancing again…

Whoa…

Right in the centre of the dancefloor was none other than three gorgeous girls they all happened to know.

Brooke, Peyton and Haley all seemed to be having a lot of fun on the dancefloor, dancing their hearts out. What they didn't notice, was that their sexy moves were attracting a lot of attention.

For a moment he was hooked on the site as everyone else was. Then unfortunately the song came to an end and the girls had decided to take a break, much to the male population's disappointment.

Nathan took a deep breathe trying to calm himself. Closing his eyes, he tried to rid his mind of the images that had been running through it earlier.

Him lined up behind that hot blonde that had been invading his mind a lot recently…an upbeat track ringing out across the floor, her grinding up against him…his hands on her waist holding her close. Feeling her smaller body pushing against him, as his hands grew bolder…moving up and across her bare stomach, brushing across it sensually. Her head thrown back against his shoulder, her scent surrounding him, her lips again exposed to his gaze…his own mouth moving down to cover hers as though drawn by some hidden magnetic force…

Damn I need a cold shower, and I need one now!

He didn't understand it. No girl had had such an effect on him before. He was practically picturing them having dry sex on the dancefloor!

"Damn that girls good."

His brother's voice shook him from his less than pure thoughts.

"Huh?"

"That Haley James." Lucas saw how Nathan's attention was immediately on him. "She's really good…she's already gotten to you."

"What are you talking about?"

"Dude, you keep spacing out constantly when she's nearby. And you're looking pretty hot and flustered after watching her dance." Lucas smirked as his brother obviously tried to regain his cool. Not very often you catch the younger Scott out.

"Nah man, that's just cos I…er…had too much to drink." Nathan clarified unconvincingly.

"Uh sure. Try selling that excuse when I don't know you're only on your second cup."

Lucas eyed his brother, "You've been staring at her all night…I was right – you do have a crush."

"Oh please," Nathan scoffed "I was staring at all the girls. There happens to be more than one girl on the dancefloor."

"You're in denial." Lucas commented.

"Like you're one to talk." If I can't talk myself out of it, might as well turn the tables on him.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Don't act like you're not still in love with one of those girls." He indicated towards Brooke and Peyton.

Lucas looked away, purposely avoiding his gaze. "Its true isn't it? You're still not over her."

"It doesn't matter anyway." Lucas muttered. "Neither of them are willing to give me the time of day, let alone a second chance."

"I wouldn't say that." Nathan got his attention. "I mean, Peyton seems more than willing to give you another chance."

"And Brooke?"

"Er…yeah, I wouldn't hold my breath." Nathan patted his shoulder. "But we all know Lucas."

"All know what?" Lucas asked baffled.

"Its Peyton isn't it?" Nathan smiled figuring it was exactly what his brother wanted to hear.

"Huh? Is that what everyone thinks?" Lucas frowned. He hadn't realised he'd given off that impression.

"Yeah, you guys have been hanging around again. And this whole thing happened cos you chose her over Brooke…granted doing that while you were with Brooke wasn't the best idea but…" He trailed off seeing his brother take on the infamous broody expression he was known for.

"It's a good thing Luke. Maybe the second time round it'll be better for you and Peyton, at least she's forgiven you." Nathan gave him a small smile.

"Yeah, I guess." Lucas sighed.

He then tuned out slightly as some of their basketball team-mates came over and started chatting with Nathan.

Turning his gaze back to the dancefloor he saw some college creep harassing Haley to dance with him. Annoyed, his jaw set, he got ready to go over there and get the guy the hell away from her.

Before he had even taken a step he saw Brooke swoop in out of nowhere. He watched as she got in between Haley and the guy, and she looked furious. She immediately took control of the situation.

She started yelling at the guy, insulting him and making threats over what she would do to certain body parts if he ever laid a hand on her friend again. There was something almost comical about seeing an almost 7 ft college guy being berated by a 5ft something brunette. But then Brooke Davis is never intimidated by anyone.

Having successfully gotten rid of the creep, she turned around to check on Haley, who thanked her, assured her she was fine and told Brooke to stop apologizing.

As they made their way off the dancefloor, they past Lucas. Brooke noticed him at the last second, having been too busy fretting over Haley. Their eyes locked…and for a moment he almost saw that old twinkle in her eye, that she would get whenever she looked at him.

But quick as a flash it was replaced with a look of indifference, her eyes now cold and empty.

"Is she okay?" Lucas whispered just before she walked out of earshot.

"She's fine." Brooke said without looking at him.

As they walked away, he thought Haley had been really lucky landing Brooke for her roommate. One thing he knew about Brooke was her fierce loyalty and protection to those she cared for; and Haley was now on the list of precious few.

"Of course she is." Lucas said watching her walk into the distance. "She has you…" He whispered to himself.

"Hey Luke!" A guy called Vegas from the team called him over from where he'd drifted from the crowd.

"Grab a drink, we're toasting."

Taking the offered beverage from his hand, Lucas joined in as they each made a separate toast for the new school year, as was their tradition.

On Lucas' turn he coincidentally found himself looking directly at a feisty brunette laughing with her two blonde friends by the water.

"Here's to…getting what we want this year…" His eyes never leaving Brooke, "No matter how hard it seems."

And with that they all drank, toasting the new school year to come…not knowing of the trials and tribulations that lay ahead.