Nathan and Haley are in a study session, and all he can think about is that night...
... And the rest of that night was incredibly awkward.
In the seat of front of him was his ex-girlfriend Peyton, who he's pretty sure can't stand him. Sitting next to her in the front was Haley, his tutor who he was trying to replace Lucas with (is he still trying to? He doesn't know anymore), who kept turning around and glancing at him, so he's pretty sure she likes him. Then in the backseat with him was Brooke, who was high off of some pain killers she stole from the school doctor, and Lucas, his brother who he just kissed less than 30 minutes ago.
Holy hell does he have some issues to work through.
All of this, on top of his dad's annual party he holds for the team sponsors that he has to attend tomorrow, and his huge history exam on Monday, has made Nathan want to just lay in bed and never come out.
As for the whole Lucas thing, Nathan finally knows that Lucas feels the same way. He should be feeling ecstatic about it, but instead he's just fucking scared out of his mind. If they decide to be together, then what? They would literally never be able to be seen together in public, and if someone ever caught them in private they would probably be exiled from Tree Hill. And he can't even imagine what Dan would do to him if he found out. He just can't stop thinking about his lips and how damn good they felt against his, and how amazing it felt to have Lucas holding him. He wants all of that and more, but because of this whole fucked up family situation he can't have it.
"This is so stupid!" Nathan says, hitting and trying to take all of his frustrations out on his history book.
"What did the book ever do to you?" Haley jokes.
"Why do we have to learn history anyway?" Nathan asks, frowning.
"So we aren't doomed to repeat it," Haley says, smirking.
"What?" Nathan asks, chuckling.
"There's a smile!" Haley laughs. "Just don't give up, okay? Tomorrow's a teacher's work day so you have a three-day weekend to study."
"Minus my dad's annual kiss-ass-jamboree," Nathan says. Haley gives him a slight smile and then looks down at her book.
"Hey, I would invite you, Haley, but it's kind of a basketball crowd. You wouldn't have a lot of fun," Nathan tries, noticing how disappointed she looks.
"Oh, please, like I would wanna kiss your dad's ass anyway," Haley says. "So hey, i made you a study kit." She hands Nathan a silver box. "Everything you need to ace your history exam: No-Doze, eye-drops, and number two pencils."
"Thanks Haley, I really don't know what I would do without you," Nathan says, smiling and putting the box in his book bag.
"Crash and burn," Haley quips.
"You know, you could just text me the answers," Nathan tries.
"Oh! Yeah! No," Haley says, getting up from the table. Before she walks away she adds "Give me a call if you need anything. And, thanks for cutting Lucas some slack."
"A deal's a deal, right?" Nathan sighs. He still hasn't spoken to Lucas after the night they got kidnapped. He's just not sure of what to even say. Maybe they should just fuck and get it over with.
Suddenly Nathan perks up. That's a brilliant idea, and the party tomorrow is the perfect time to do it. There's gonna be so many people there that they won't even notice the two of them are gone.
Smiling, Nathan jumps off the bench and runs to find Lucas. He's going to convince him to come to this party tomorrow no matter what. He finds him sitting by himself and reading on one of the many tables outside.
"Hey, are you gonna come to the party tomorrow?" Nathan asks, sitting down across from Lucas.
"Hey Nate," Lucas says, glancing up from his book and smiling. "Probably not. I'd rather spend my evening reading The Great Gatsby than spend my Friday night with Dan."
Nathan isn't giving up that easily.
"Well hey, I actually read a book last night," Nathan says, smirking.
"Oh really?" Lucas laughs.
"Oh yeah. It's about two guys, and they have this really weird vibe thing going on, but there's a bunch of drama because they turn out to be brothers, and their dad is a total ass. So, the whole thing comes to a great big climax at this big party at their evil dad's house," Nathan answers.
"Sounds interesting. What happens in the end?" Lucas asks, blushing.
"Well, you're just gonna have to show up to find out," Nathan teases, winking at Lucas before getting up and walking away.
If that doesn't convince him, nothing will.
Nathan can barely focus in his next few classes, too anxious about tomorrow. In science class, while he's daydreaming about everything he's going to do to Lucas, Brooke throws a piece of paper at him.
"How are you, Nate?" Brooke whispers, leaning forward.
"Bored," He answers
"And lonely, right?" Brooke asks. What is she getting at?
"Brooke, whatever drugs you're on, save them for the party," Nathan says, turning back around to continue scribbling in his notebook.
"Oh, the party. Guess who's coming with me? I'll tell you, Peyton," Brooke says, grinning mischievously.
"And I should care, why? She's off my radar and I'm off of hers," Nathan says.
"Well from what she tells me, that's not entirely true," Brooke says.
"She told you that?" Nathan asks. The last thing he needs to ruin his plans is Peyton trying to get back together with him.
"She tells me everything, sweetie," Brooke responds.
"Okay, what are you up to, Brooke?" Nathan asks her, raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing! I just want to see two people who are perfect for each other get back together," Brooke says.
"Please," Nathan chuckles. "Me and Peyton were anything but perfect."
After school that day, Nathan checks his phone and sees a text from Lucas.
Hey. I'll see you tomorrow :-)
"Yes!" Nathan exclaims, getting him a few weird looks from the people around him. Clearing his throat, he flips his phone shut and heads to his truck.
Tomorrow is going to be amazing.
—
Nathan stands in front of the mirror in the bathroom, furiously combing his hair.
"Come on, damn it," Nathan says, trying his best to get his cowlick to stay down, but it's not cooperating. Sighing, he rifles through the cabinet for his hair gel.
He's going to look damn good for Lucas tonight.
After finally getting his hair the way he wants it, he stands and looks at himself in the mirror. Satisfied, he heads out of the bathroom and goes downstairs.
"Are you okay, honey? You've been in the bathroom for over an hour," Deb asks him, working on Dan's tie.
"My hair was being stupid," Nathan responds.
"Look Deb, we've raised a very fine daughter," Dan chuckles. Before Nathan can say anything Deb smacks Dan in the chest.
"You hush. I want you on your best behavior tonight, okay? Karen, Keith, and Lucas are coming," Deb says, still working on his tie. Dan groans. The displeasure on his face is hilarious.
"Deb, you know how important this party is for me," Dan says, scowling.
"That's funny, I thought this party was for the team," Deb says.
"So you go behind my back and turn it into my worst nightmare?" Dan asks her.
"No, your worst nightmare will be what happens if you do anything to make them feel uncomfortable in our home," Deb threatens, smiling and straightening Dan's jacket before heading into the kitchen. Nathan smirks and follows her.
"Just ignore your dad, honey. I think you look very handsome," Deb says, kissing Nathan on the cheek.
"Thanks, mom," Nathan responds.
About thirty minutes later, people start gradually showing up. Soon after, the entire house is packed with people. Everybody was there: the whole basketball team, the cheerleaders, the parents of the team, Coach Whitey, and various other people from Tree Hill. However, he still hasn't seen Lucas. While he's scanning the crowd and trying to find him, Deb tells him it's time for his dad's speech. Nathan heads to the backyard and stands next to Tim, looking at the crowd of people in their backyard.
Finally he sees Lucas standing next to his mom, Karen.
He looks really damn good in a suit.
Nathan smiles at him, which Lucas returns in full force.
"Spirit," Dan begins, taking his post on the balcony. "The vital principle and animating force within every human being. Of course, for some of you, spirit simply means alcoholic beverages." That gets him a laugh from the audience. Nathan just rolls his eyes.
"But this Ravens basketball team has a surplus of spirit," Dan continues. "It's an incredible team with a group of incredible young men. This team has been on a roll this year. Well, I'd like to thank my lovely wife for setting up this party. Also, i'd also like to thank the parents and the local businesses, whose financial support makes this team great. Tonight's for you. Enjoy." Dan lifts his glass in a toast.
"And here's to our host, Dan Scott!" Tim's mom Shari says, lifting her glass.
"God, my parents are such suck ups," Tim sighs. Turning to Nathan, he asks "So what public humiliation do you have planned for the bastard, tonight?"
"Nothing," Nathan responds. "That's a little played out, don't you think?"
"Since when?" Tim asks. Shaking his head, Nathan walks away from him. He sees Lucas go into the house and tries to follow him.
Damn it, Brooke got ahold of him. She has him trapped on the other side of the living room, talking his face off.
"You know, there are states that could arrest you for what you're thinking about right now," A voice says from behind Nathan. Startled, he turns to find Jake Jagielski, one of his teammates, standing behind him.
How the hell can he possibly know?
"How did you -"
"It's okay man. Brooke Davis is hot, I understand," Jake says. Inside, Nathan breathes a heavy sigh of relief.
A"Yeah, I just can't resist," Nathan says, smirking. "So how are you doing, Jake?"
"I'm good. Well hey, you do your thing, man," Jake says, turning to walk away.
"Leaving already?" Nathan asks.
"Yeah, I gotta cut out early. Obligations, you know?" Jake says. "See you, Nate." Nathan waves and turns to find that Brooke is still talking to Lucas. She's really ruining his plans.
Then all of a sudden Peyton is in front of him.
"Hey Nathan, do you think we can go somewhere and talk?" Peyton asks him. "Just to talk, I promise."
Well, since it looks like Brooke isn't leaving Lucas alone any time soon, he nods.
"We can go up to my room," Nathan says.
In his room, the two of them sit down on his bed together.
"So, I've been seeing you smile a lot in school lately. That's good," Peyton says. Is Nathan that obvious when he's thinking of Lucas?
"You've been looking?" Nathan asks.
"Not like that. I'm just glad that you're finally smiling again after everything that happened. You were looking pretty somber for a while," Peyton answers.
"Oh. Well Brooke told me yesterday that you wanted to get back together," Nathan says.
"Funny. She told me the same thing," Peyton says.
"So she was trying to set us up," Nathan sighs. What's Brooke's deal?
Speak of the devil, Brooke stumbles into the doorway with Tim right by her side.
"Oh! Sorry, we'll come back," Brooke gasps, smiling at the two of them.
"But there's vodka in the drawer," Tim whines.
"Later, Tim! These two need some space," Brooke says.
"You know what, Brooke? Give it up," Peyton spits, getting up from the bed.
"I'm trying! Have you seen Lucas tonight? Damn," Brooke says. Nathan can feel the jealousy rising from the pit of his stomach. If she so much as touches Lucas, Nathan is going to snap.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Peyton says.
"What? I'm just trying to help," Brooke says.
"Help with what? Making yourself look like an idiot in front of Lucas? He doesn't want you, Brooke, and me and Nathan aren't getting back together, so do everyone a favor and butt out," Peyton snaps, walking past Brooke and Tim out of the room, leaving Brooke looking flabbergasted.
"What the hell's wrong with you, Brooke?" Nathan asks, glaring at her and walking out of the room.
He has to find Lucas now, before Brooke tries something again.
When he finally spots him, Brooke is already there. Lucas looks over at Nathan and mouths 'help me,' but he can't do anything about it. Can't exactly tell Brooke she's stepping in on his date.
This goes on for quite a while until finally, Lucas sits down next to Nathan outside by the basketball hoop.
"Haven't seen you much tonight," Lucas says, smiling.
"Tell me about it. Every time I get within five feet of you - "Nathan starts.
"Brooke happens," Lucas finishes.
"You should just tell her to fuck off," Nathan tells him.
"Like you told Peyton to?"
Shit, he saw that?
"Just loose ends, I promise. They're all tied up now," Nathan says.
They sat silently for a second, before Lucas asks "So hey, that story you were telling me about… what happens next?"
"Come with me to my room and I'll show you," Nathan says, smirking at Lucas. He can feel his heart pulsating throughout his entire body.
He's nervous as hell.
Lucas nods, and together, they walk up to Nathan's room. Shutting the door behind them, Nathan pounces on Lucas and starts kissing him furiously.
"Don't need this," Nathan breathes, working his way down to Lucas's neck and removing his tie.
"Or this," Nathan says, starting to unbutton Lucas's shirt, kissing his way down his chest, causing Lucas to moan in pleasure.
"I've been wanting this for so long," Lucas breathes.
"Me too, and now we can have it," Nathan says, still working his way down Lucas's toned stomach.
"No, I don't mean just that," Lucas says. Nathan looks up at him, puzzled. Lucas pulls him to his feet and rests his hand on Nathan's chest, right over his heart. "I want this. I want to be here, you know? I want to have everything, not just the physical. I want us, Nathan."
Not sure what to say, Nathan has come to a sudden realization:
He can't do this.
Nathan pulls away from Lucas, which leaves him looking completely confused.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Lucas asks him.
"This isn't supposed to be that, Luke," Nathan begins, trying to fight back tears. He can tell he's absolutely crushing Lucas right now, but he just isn't ready for this.
He doesn't know if he'll ever be ready for this. The consequences are just too great.
"I'm sorry," Nathan says, before running out of the room…
.. and leaving Lucas looking like he just got stabbed in the heart.