A/N: Hello! It's chapter three time! I'm sorry for the late update but it's been rather hectic around here and this is the first time I've been able to sit down and focus on getting this updated. I finished chapter 7 off completely last night and now exactly whats happening in the next one and it looks like I'll have some spare time this week to do some writing so fingers crossed it won't take as long to update the next chapter. Knock on wood! Anyway a huge thanks as always to everyone reading and especially those who reviewed the last chapterand those that signed on for alerts. You guys made my week. Also thanks to those with kind words about my Dad, its much appreciated and theres not a lot of change there but were still smiling and hoping for the best. Also once again thanks to my beta, as per usual your help is most appreciated as is the junk food stashed around your room, it really does help when I'm feeling blocked. Take note chocolate is not just a comfort food! Anyway here's the next chapter I hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own One Tree Hill, now I've said that out loud I need to go comfort myself with some more of my sisters chocolate!
CHAPTER THREE
Haley walked silently beside Brooke from the parking lot into the grounds of Tree Hill High. She was completely ignoring the excitable chatter coming from her best friend as she idly played with the delicate silver bracelet that adorned her wrist. She's been completely gob-smacked when she'd opened the box a few days ago to find it lying amongst the soft tissue paper. The bracelet was simple and beautiful but the thing that had gotten Haley was the small padlock pendant that hung from it. She'd cried down the phone for what seemed like hours knowing that Nathan was smirking at himself the whole time. She knew she had a thoughtful boyfriend but this put the icing on the cake and playing with it now, she felt ready to tackle the next year at school without him.
She loved how romantic Nathan was with her. Until they started dating it was a side she didn't know existed. She loved how he could put aside his reputation and all the other crap that came along with popularity, to just be her Nathan.
"Haley did you hear anything I said?" Brooke asked snapping Haley from her thoughts.
"Um yeah" Haley tried to remember what Brooke had been talking about.
"Really, then what did I just say?" Brooke asked accusingly
"Um something about not wanting to be here without Lucas" Haley tried grasping at the one subject that Brooke had been happy to discuss approximately every ten minutes for the previous week.
"I was talking about cheer, and thanks for reminding me" Brooke said snidely as they reached the table in the quad where a few of the cheerleaders and basketball players had already congregated.
"Morning guys welcome to senior year!" Bevin cheered brightly "Give me an R!"
"Not you're finest moment in first day attire P Sawyer" Brooke said ignoring Bevin as she noticed Peyton slumped down in a seat her eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses. She was dressed in her favourite faded jeans with the ripped knees, black chuck taylors, and an off the shoulder band tee.
"It's only school" Peyton sneered
"And you never know just who you might run into at school" Brooke continued "Don't you want to look your best for Jake? "
"I don't need to dress up for Jake"
"Peyton we have a level of hotness to upkeep you're a cheerleader for goodness sake! You could at least take those stupid sunglasses off" Brooke leaned toward Peyton
"Your bag is blinding me" Peyton retorted flicking Brooke the finger
"That's the spirit" Skills snickered, Brooke glared in his direction while she shifting her hot pink messenger bag on her shoulder.
"Peyton's not a morning person" Bevin loudly explained while everyone else rolled their eyes. "That's why we call her Oscar the grouch" she chuckled "Or was it big bird?" she mused
"Anyway" Brooke ignored Bevin "Do you guys have your first practice scheduled yet?"
"Its only the first day of school" Fede answered from his spot on the other side of the table
"So, the cheer squad is practising this afternoon" Brooke pointed out to which everyone groaned
"Brooke it's the first day of school" Peyton complained
"Thanks for stating the obvious P Sawyer, and it's never too early to get prepared" Brooke replied before continuing "Besides today is the first day of our Sparkle Classic Title defence"
"The Sparkle Classic is months away" Ashley pointed out
"Exactly, we don't have time to waste" Brooke nodded while everyone else groaned again.
"Don't you think that you could maybe leave it until tomorrow Brooke" Haley asked
"No" Brooke replied emphatically
"Stop complaining everyone" Bevin piped up cheerily "It's the first day of senior year"
"I'm a junior" Ashley grumbled "I'll save the cheeriness for next year"
"If you want a shot at Captain next year you'll bring it this year" Brooke sniped before smiling at Bevin "And everyone wants a shot at being the captain that carries on the Brooke Scott legacy" Brooke chirped while Peyton rolled her eyes.
"And the Ravens are gonna Bring it!" Bevin cheered
"That's right baby!" Skills bumped fists with his girlfriend just as the first bell rang
"Oh crap we're gonna be late for homeroom" Haley panicked taking off at a run
"Relax Hales it's only the first day" Brooke rolled her eyes as she followed Haley towards the main building
"Now it's only the first day" Peyton muttered as the group slowly dispersed.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Could this campus be any bigger?" Nathan complained as he walked to his first class with Tony
"We probably should have joined one of those student tours instead of having that NBA Live Marathon" Tony agreed studying the campus map in his hands. "I think this is my building" Tony looked up at the sign
"Great you've found yours and I'm no closer to finding mine" Nathan grumbled
"Serves you right for choosing Business Law & Ethics as your first class" Tony snickered
"Trust me it wasn't by choice"
"Well this is me" Tony confirmed "With ten minutes to spare I might add"
"Shutup dude, I'll make mine too" Nathan retorted stubbornly
"Yeah but with less than ten minutes to spare" Tony patted him on the back "You'd think you'd be more prepared Big Time" he grinned holding up his map victoriously
"Says the guys whose Mommy labelled his underwear and got him that damn map"
"I'm an out and proud mommy's boy" Tony shrugged "Besides like you can talk, I've seen the colour coded calendar on your wall"
"Haley made that" Nathan excused
"You are so whipped"
"Better than being breastfed at eighteen"
"Whii-ipped!" Tony called whilst miming cracking a whip.
"Shutup dude!"
"I'll tell you what, I'll lend you my map, than you might make it for the second half of the lecture" Tony snickered
"Whatever" Nathan huffed as he snatched the map from his team-mate and began striding off in what he hoped was the right direction
"Look after that! My mom bought it for me!" Tony yelled after Nathan with a laugh.
Nathan studied the map for a few moments before looking up to read the sign above the nearest building entrance. If this map was right his class was in the next building on the second floor. He glanced down to double check he had the right building and felt himself come into contact with someone, who bounced away and hit the ground with a thud.
"Oh crap" he muttered to himself as he realised he'd knocked a slender brunette on her ass. "I'm so sorry, are you okay" he asked concerned
"I think so" she scurried to pick up her scattered books
"Are you sure?" he asked again once he'd helped her pick everything up and she was back on her feet.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just a bruised ego on the first day of classes" she replied
"I wasn't looking where I was going" he explained
"Trust me I wasn't either" she shrugged
"Are where were you headed?" he asked dumbly
"To class" she answered nervously
"Um right, I figured" he replied gesturing to her books "But I meant which class?"
"Oh right" she replied a little embarrassed "Um it's right here" she started flicking through her papers for the slip of paper with her class schedule "Here it is" she cried triumphant. Nathan took her schedule and looked it over
"Hey you have Business Law with Professor Norris" he exclaimed
"Um yeah" she looked up at him confused
"So do I" he smiled excitedly "You don't know where the room is do you?"
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After school Haley begrudgingly changed into her workout gear and joined the other members of the squad in the gym.
"Welcome to Cheer Ladies!" Brooke announced as she entered the gym "Today is the first day of the rest of your lives!"
"She's in cheer Nazi mode already" Chelsea mumbled
"We are fortunate this year in that I am returning captain and we have retained the majority of our current squad' Brooke explained to the group looking at each of them in turn "Hold on where is Peyton?" Brooke pointed a finger around
"Detention" Bevin chirped
"What!" Brooke shrieked "It's the first day of school how could she possibly already be on detention!"
"Principal Turner caught her making out with Jake in the janitors closet after lunch" Haley explained
"It's the first day people!" Brooke threw her hands up frustrated just as Peyton came peeling into the gym "What no apology for being late" Brooke sniped with her hands on her hips
"Nope" Peyton replied taking a seat next to Haley on the bleachers
"Okay let's get this straight girls, this squad belongs to me, and we do what I say, and I say that when I call a practice we are all here on time, and prepared" she glanced at Ashley who hastily tied her hair back. "Okay now that's sorted and everyone's here, I'll continue. As I was saying before; we have the majority of the squad returning including Lauren who I've decided to make a permanent member after she replaced the redheaded whore who won't be named" Brooke pointed to the blonde girl who smiled brightly. "Oh and speaking of the carrot topped slut, I hear she's taking over captaincy at Oak Lake A-crapemy so be prepared to take her down when we play those bitches" Brooke looked around at the squad who were exchanging glances. "So anyway we have most of our squad back meaning there are only two empty spots to fill"
"Are you gonna bring anyone up from JV?" Chelsea asked
"No, I'm not putting your little sister on my squad" Brooke dismissed "I've scheduled tryouts for the open spots next week, P Sawyer I need you to design some kickass posters and flyers for that, and me and Haley will do the judging on the day"
"So we'll have a full squad next week?" Ashley asked
"Hopefully yes" Brooke answered "But in the meantime I want to go over a few cheers today and see how in shape you've kept over the summer. Seasons back ladies and once again the Tree Hill Ravens are gonna come out on top"
"Lucky Luke!" Peyton quipped
"Peyton, do you want to run suicides?" Brooke asked sweetly
"No" she shook her head emphatically remembering the last time, Brooke had made her run suicides.
"Good let's get to work ladies, PLACES!"
"This is gonna be fun" Peyton muttered to Haley as she got into position
"Sshh, she will make us run" Lindsay whispered to Peyton.
"I can handle Brooke" Peyton retorted
"Did you say something Sawyer" Brooke asked
"No captain Brooke" Peyton smiled sweetly Brooke looked at her suspiciously for a moment before moving over to check the other girls were in formation.
"So how'd you get out of detention?" Haley asked
"Whitey" Peyton grinned
"Really?" Bevin asked
"Yeah, he wanted to have a team meeting with his players and when Jake didn't show up he came down and busted him out" Peyton grinned "I snuck out while Whitey was yelling at Mr Kelly for derailing his season on day one"
"Nice" Haley chuckled
"Okay ladies, let's see what you remember, hit it Mouth" Brooke called over to the bleachers where Mouth had been seated sombrely since practice had started. He hit play and the opening bars of "Love Bites" rang through the gym. "What the hell is this?" Brooke looked perplexed
"Def Leopard' Peyton piped up getting a glare from Brooke in response. "You asked" Peyton defended
"Mouth snap out of it, before I snap you out of it!" Brooke threatened
"Brooke my heart is broken" he shook his head
"Mouth you're my friend and I love you, but Shelley is not worth your tears, now look around you right here in this gym there are eight cheerleaders who are relying on you; they're counting on you and they need you!" Brooke told him
"You need me?" he asked
"Yes we do!" Brooke replied emphatically "Shelley is in the past this but this is your future" she said gesturing to the squad "Plus how many guys can say that the eight hottest girls in school need him" Brooke nudged his side
"You're right Brooke"
"Of course I'm right"
"Shelley is the past and I have to stop moping around, I have to get back out there and enjoy life!" he cheered
"That's the spirit!"
"No more crying over left cheerleader I need to embrace the ones right in front of me!" he grinned as the squad all clapped
"That's the way Mouth!" Brooke approved "Now start the right song" she ordered before striding back to her place in front of the squad. Mouth changed the cd and Brooke's song started up and the squad broke into the steps. When they finished Brooke stepped back and rated the performance before demanding they do it again. An hour later, they had run through a number of cheers and routines until Brooke was happy that no-one was slacking off. She then dismissed the squad after announcing when the regular practices would be held.
"Way to crack the whip Captain" Haley said to Brooke while she packed up her gym bag.
"This is an important year, this is my final year to leave my mark, we cracked it last year with some wins, and this year I want my squad to do even better" Brooke smiled
"We'll do good, I just hope we don't get another Rachel from tryouts" Peyton added
"I thought we agreed not to talk about her ever again" Haley complained
"Don't worry I'm never making that mistake again" Brooke assured them "The lucky new members of this squad will be reference checked and double checked before getting their pompoms"
"And hopefully they can dance too" Peyton snickered
"Brooke we have a problem" Bevin interrupted the conversation
"What" Brooke looked alarmed
"Lauren thinks Skills is hot!"
"So?"
"Skills is my Tawl-y" Bevin exclaimed
"Your what?" the other three replied in unison
"My Tawl-y, I'm his Shawty, he's my Tawl-y" Bevin rolled her eyes "You promised no love triangles this year! It is my destiny to be dating the captain of the Ravens!"
"Whitey made Skills captain?" Haley asked
"No but I'm sure he will, who else could he choose"
"He might choose Jake" Peyton piped up defensively
"Jake's too nice to be captain, plus he doesn't really look like one" Bevin dismissed
"What are you saying about my boy!" Peyton reared back
"Easy you two, no-one knows who is gonna be captain yet and it may be neither of them" Haley tried to calm the situation
"No it's gonna be Skills" Bevin said confidently
"No it's gonna be Jake" Peyton spat back
"Skills!"
"Jake!"
"Skills!"
"Jake!"
"SKILLS!"
"JAKE!"
"SKILLS!"
"JAKE!"
"ENOUGH!" Brooke yelled breaking them apart, "If you have to, start up a betting ring or whatever but no infighting with the squad, and that goes for squabbling over boys as well got it"
"Tell that to Lauren" Bevin complained
"I'll take care of it" Brooke dismissed as she walked off towards the exit.
"Brooke where are you going?" Bevin asked "This is a serious problem!"
"I'll sort it out Bev, but right now I have a hot phone date with a gorgeous
UNC Basketball player" she wiggled her hips as she walked away
"What about Lucas?"Bevin asked alarmed. Peyton flicked her in the back of the head "OW"
"She's talking about Luke" Haley calmed Bevin.
"Oh okay, crisis averted, so who's up for betting on the new Ravens Captain?"
"I've got twenty on Jake" Peyton claimed
"I've got twenty on Skills!" Bevin put in
"And I'm outta here" Haley muttered walking away from the two blondes who immediately began arguing again.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Nathan raced around his dorm room trying to get his stuff together for basketball practice. He'd been in classes all day and had half an hour til he was meant to be in the gym. His phone rang while he hunted around under the bed for his keys.
"Damn it" he muttered smacking his head on the underside of the bed in his haste to answer the phone. He rubbed the sore spot and grabbed his cell before it went to voicemail
"Hello" Nathan answered
"Thanks for answering"
"Your welcome dumbass"
"By your tone I take it that you missed me"
"I'm crying myself to sleep every night" Nathan deadpanned as he continued to search his room.
"I won't tell Hales she might get jealous"
"It'll be your funeral"
"Whatcha doing?"
"Getting ready for practice, what about you"
"Walking home from practice"
"How's it going?"
"Okay I guess"
"Don't sound so excited Luke"
"I'm sorry I find it hard to get pumped about running suicides until puking is the body's natural reaction"
"I always said you needed to toughen up. Yes!" Nathan cheered when he found his keys on his desk "Sorry I couldn't find my keys" Nathan explained as he grabbed his gym bag and locked his door before taking off for practice.
"You've been at school for what a week and already your room probably looks like a bombs hit it" Lucas scoffed
"It's not that bad" Nathan protested
"Yes it is, especially, since you don't have Hales there to clean up after you"
"She doesn't clean for me"
"Dude she packed for you"
"No she helped" Nathan argued
"Which is Nathan for Haley did it" Lucas snickered
"Whatever dude, don't change the subject, how's it going at UNC?"
"It's school"
"Why do I get the impression that you're not as happy as you should be"
"Impression?"
"Haley bought me a word calendar, and don't change the subject"
"It's just harder than I thought"
"I guess when your not as naturally talented and good-looking as I am it's a struggle"
"Still as modest as ever"
"It's a gift, you still having trouble with your room-mate?" Nathan asked as he strode along the path towards the gym.
"He's still an ass, so I guess nothings really changed there"
"What's his deal, it's not like you play the same position or anything"
"I know, Q was the star player on his school team, and maybe he's threatened not being the big man on campus anymore, so he's taking it out on me, I don't know. But the guys got a bigger chip on his shoulder than you"
"I don't have a chip on my shoulder"
"Dude you walk slanted a little to the right because of the weight of it"
"Ha ha" Nathan deadpanned
"I'm not gonna let him get to me, I'm gonna concentrate on classes and basketball, it'd just be easier if I didn't have to live with him, speaking of, how's your room-mate?" Lucas asked chirpily
"Uh don't remind me" Nathan grimaced
"I thought you were getting along with Jack"
"He's not the problem it's frat boy across the hall that's decided to take him on as his pet project. They're out every night until the early hours and if I have to explain my reasons for not wanting to pledge with them again I'm gonna throttle someone"
"Brooke said that Clay was a nice guy"
"Was that before or after she told you he was hitting on her"
"He was what?"
"hit-ting on her" Nathan sounded out the syllables "After hitting on Haley that is"
"And did you hit him?"
"Haley stopped me" Nathan pouted
"I'll help you, when Haley's not around" he added
"Speaking of helping have you heard from Tim?" Nathan asked
"Yeah, he called the other day, let me guess he told you about his pranks"
"I told him to be careful"
"Me too, although whatever Tim does Damien will have coming"
"Well Damien definitely deserved Tim putting food colouring in his shampoo"
"And stealing his clothes from the locker room" Lucas snickered
"And telling the cheer squad that he has a bad case of the clap in only the way Tim can"
"I have to say Tim has a knack for a prank"
"Surprisingly, but you know Damien's not the kind of guy to take it lying down"
"Yeah but if I had to be on the same team as Damien I'd probably do the same or worse"
"I can't believe he managed to get a walk on spot at Wake" Nathan shook his head
"After you broke his hand last year I didn't think he'd play anywhere" Lucas agreed
"The keg broke his hand not me" Nathan argued
"It was your keg, and he was swinging at you" Lucas pointed out.
"Whatever" the conversation was interrupted by a loud beep from Luke's phone
"Hold on man I've got call waiting, shit it's Brooke, we've got a phone date this afternoon"
"Dude I don't need to know" Nathan shuddered
"It's just a phone call"
"She's my sister man" Nathan reminded him.
"That's why I don't give you too many details" Lucas replied
"On that note I'm going to practice" Nathan said as he reached the gym.
"Bye man, I'll tell my girl you said Hi"
"Please don't, I'll Cya" Nathan hung up the phone as he pushed through the double doors to the gym. Some of the team were already there warming up as were some of the Duke cheerleaders. As Nathan made his way across to the bleachers to drop his gym bag he spotted Clay and Jack in the stands. Suddenly the new environment hit him full in the face. It was all new, new players, new coaches, new cheerleaders, new fans. Everything he'd known was now different. Last year he would walk into the gym at Tree Hill High to be run ragged by Whitey while Brooke screamed instructions at her squad down the other end of the court; Haley sneaking little smiles in his direct ion behind her back. Nathan smirked at the image of his girlfriend defying his sister and turned around to come face to face with a slim cheerleader.
"What's that smirk for? Thinking about what we're gonna get upto in the showers later?" The girl flirted
"When you're in there alone trying to wash the smell of skank away, the opportune word being trying" a blonde cheerleader sniped at the first girl
"You'd know all about that wouldn't you" the first girl retorted not removing her eyes from Nathan
"Washing off the smell of skank, sure whenever I'm anywhere near you I need at least two showers to remove the stench"
"Whatever" the first girl flicked her hair over her shoulder
"I think you're needed over there" the blonde girl pointed back to where the cheerleaders were stretching "Although you've spread your legs so much today you probably don't need to stretch"
"I think you know more about that"
"Cheerleading, yes I do, and as vice-captain of the squad I think it might pay for you to get your slutty ass over there and leave the players alone"
"Whatever, I'll see you later Nathan" the cheerleader winked at him
"No you won't" the blonde said emphatically pointing for her to join the rest of the squad. With a look of indignation the first cheerleader slunk off to join the other girls while Nathan turned to the blonde in front of him
"That was rather impressive" he complimented
"What can I say I have people skills" she replied with a smile
"I can see that"
"So how's college treating you?"
"It's definitely different" he said nodding towards the cheerleader who was now on the opposite side of the gym.
"Please, like that's the first time a cheerleader has put the moves on you in a gym" she scoffed
"What are you implying?"
"Nothing, just be careful of girls like her they're bad news"
"I thought that was your territory" he teased
"It is, but you shouldn't believe everything you hear" she winked
"I believe everything I hear about you"
"Your mistake" she shrugged
"Not likely" he laughed with her
"Anyway I need to get to my practice and I think your needed as well" she motioned to the coaches that had just entered the gym. He glanced over his shoulder and spotted Tony shooting around.
"I should go" he faced her again
"Yeah, and as I said watch out for those girls" she grinned as she backed away
"I can look after myself" he grinned back
"I know, but I'll keep an eye or two on you just in case"
"Of course" he replied sarcastically
"Hey don't fret; I got your back, soon to be little brother-in-law" she winked before walking off to the other cheerleaders.
"Who was that, and can I get her number?" Clay materialised beside Nathan
"Dude don't do that!" Nathan caught himself
"She's hot!"
"She's also Haley's sister" Nathan explained
"Dude, you've got the inside scoop on every hot chick in North Carolina" Clay exclaimed as he watched Taylor practise a cheer with the other girls.
"Please don't check out Haley's sister" Nathan asked
"Dude, think about it, we could be brothers!" Clay grinned pointing at Taylor
"No" Nathan shook his head as he walked away
"You are introducing me later" Clay called to Nathan's retreating back.
Practice passed by quickly for Nathan, he was still getting used to the new style of play and coaching at Duke, and the different role he'd fill within the team. As a freshman it was a smaller part then in high school but Nathan was happy being part of the team and doing his part. When the coaches blew the final whistles and instructed the guys to hit the showers Nathan dragged himself to the locker room with the rest of the team.
"So Scott, punching above your weight aren't you" Vegas asked as he walked past towards the showers
"What are you talking about?" Nathan asked
"Taylor James, she's a fine piece, but picky as hell" Vegas explained
"Yeah I thought she was dating a greek?" Nino Jones added
"That's what I heard" Vegas shrugged "He's a linebacker I think"
"David something" Nino racked his brain
"But still nice work if you can get it" Vegas winked at Nathan
"Taylor's my girlfriend's sister" Nathan rolled his eyes
"Seriously"?" Vegas asked "Is she as hot as Taylor?"
"Dude don't go there" Tony gestured to Vegas
"My girls gorgeous" Nathan smirked
"What house she in?" Nino asked
"She's not in a sorority" Nathan replied
"So she's a dog" Vegas nodded
"No, she's not in a sorority because she's still in high school" Tony answered putting a hand out to stop Nathan from attacking Vegas
"Your girls still in high school?" Nino asked with a raised eyebrow
"She's a senior" Tony answered for Nathan who was death-glaring Vegas while furling and unfurling his fists
"But she's related to Taylor?" Vegas asked
"Taylor's three and a half years older" Nathan answered through gritted teeth.
"Good enough for me" Vegas nodded "Nice work Nate" he grinned before heading off to the showers
"He's a dick" Nathan muttered
"True, but he holds his own on the court, as do you Baller" Nino grinned as he too headed towards the showers "By the way there's a huge party tonight on Greek Row, the teams all gonna be there and by Team I mean the WHOLE team" Nino told them before walking away. Nathan groaned and took a seat on a bench.
"I guess it's about time we introduced ourselves to the student body" Tony smiled to which Nathan groaned again. "Man you gotta cheer up it's a party"
"I'm not here to go out Battle"
"Yeah but you're not here to be a hermit either"
"Noted"
"Besides if the team is in attendance than that means there should be some fine looking females just waiting to make my acquaintance" Tony grinned "So what do you say, you up for being my wingman?"
"Looks like we're going to a party" Nathan smiled at his friend bumping his fist with the one Tony held out.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Nathan smirked as he handed the plastic cup to the tipsy brunette.
"Are you trying to get me drunk?" she slurred after taking a gulp of his concoction
"That's what you asked for" he replied "Who's next?" he called. Nathan had been to heaps of parties back in Tree Hill most of them thrown by either himself or Brooke. And with all of those parties under his belt and an uncle who owned a bar Nathan had learnt early on how to correctly pull a beer. This supported by his own wish to stay sober had been reason enough for Nathan to be appointed bartender for the night.
The party had been in full swing when Nathan rocked up with Tony, Jack and Clay, the latter being excited out of his head to be partying with two of the newest basketball stars.
FLASHBACK
"This is the party of the year!" Clay exclaimed as they walked across campus
"How is that even possible? The year has barely started" Nathan looked perplexed
"And I'm looking pretty devilishly handsome tonight if I do say so myself, and with you two on my arm there is no way that I'm not gonna be inundated with offers from hot co-eds" Clay said dreamily smoothing down his light blue button up shirt
"I'll remind you of this moment when I'm driving you to your STD test" Tony snickered
"I don't need to be tested again I'm clean as a whistle, do you know how hot a girl who can whistle is?" Clay asked
"I'm sure your gonna tell us" Nathan shot a glance at a Tony who was trying not to laugh
"So hot! Almost as hot as a girl with a mean spiral pass" he advised
"Is that a type of haircut or an item of clothing?" Jack asked
"It's a sporting term" Clay answered "Remember take notes" he instructed Jack as they turned the corner into greek row. Nathan felt his body tense as the music grew louder. He hadn't really wanted to come tonight but hadn't had much of a choice. As a bluedevil he had to make an appearance, he was just hoping that it would be a quick one. "I feel the earth is about to move under my feet" Clay sing-songed as they approached the walk outside of the frat house.
"You ready for this Big Time?" Tony asked
"Of course he is! He's with me!" Clay flashed his boyish grin as he opened the door and the group were swallowed by the throng.
Nathan followed Tony who was struggling to get past the hordes of people dancing in the living room
"There's the kitchen" Tony pointed to a doorway and they made their way to the opening. Once inside the kitchen Nathan took a quick glance at his surroundings. The kitchen was quite large and opened to a large deck that housed a makeshift bar surrounded by barstools. People were everywhere dancing, singing, laughing and generally having a good time.
"I'm sorry but I'll like to introduce you to girl number one and girl number two" Clay appeared with a blonde on either arm "And this is Jacks first lady of the evening, I didn't catch her name but that's Jacks job. Ladies I'd like to introduce you to my room-mates and the first clients of my sports agency; Tony Battle and Nathan Scott, just wait to you see these guys endorsements"
"Hi" Both girls smiled seductively at Nathan and Tony
"Now we have an appointment with the dancefloor so if you'll excuse us; and you'll find a few of these" Clay gestured to the two girls "Everywhere!" he grinned "Enjoy!" he yelled before dragging the girls out into the madness of the living room, Jack following behind with his 'date'.
"Dude did he just say he's our agent?" Nathan asked disbelievingly
"Yeah, Casanova plans to open his own sports agency after college, he's been sounding me out since day one to be on his roster" Tony answered while looking around for a drink "What do you want to drink?"
"I'm not drinking tonight, and why does he think that he's MY agent?"
"Frat Boy is in a world all of his own, and what do you mean your not drinking, do I have to force you to drink one down?"
"Frat Boy is delusional if he thinks I'd sign with him, and I don't think getting wasted is particularly bright move when we have a 6am practice"
"We're at a party and you have four years for Frat Boy to grow on you, and speaking of parties one drink won't kill you we'll just have to make it an early wild night" Tony patted Nathan on the shoulder as he accepted two cups of beer from the girl behind the bar. "And four years of drinking this crap that doesn't resemble beer" Tony stared into his cup "What the hell is this shit?"
"It's beer, Barmaid over there hasn't tapped the keg properly" Nathan put his cup down walking over to the makeshift bar and fiddling around with the keg.
"How did you do that?" the girl asked as she noticed Nathan pulling a perfect beer.
"It's a gift" he smirked
"Do you want to take over?" she asked hope in her eyes
END OF FLASHBACK
"Big Time are you ever gonna stop playing hokey behind there and start playing my wingman?" Tony complained
"My skills are too good to waste" Nathan replied pulling another beer before pouring a tray of shots in one movement
"Looks like you've learned a thing or two from me little brother-in-law" Taylor grinned as she sidled up to the bar.
"I'm just good, and it's all me" Nathan smirked mixing her a drink
"I don't think we've had drinks this good before" a dark haired guy commented as he approached slinging an arm casually around Taylor's waist.
"Guys I'd like you to meet David" she introduced "He's my current conquest"
"Or boyfriend whichever you prefer" he grinned holding a hand out for both Nathan and Tony to shake in turn.
"Nathan Scott and this is Tony Battle" Nathan introduced them
"I know, you're Clay's clients right?" David asked which Tony stifled a laugh while Nathan shot him a glare and an 'I told you so' expression.
"Well I'm glad you could make it tonight" David continued
"This is your party?" Tony asked
"This is David's Frat, he's the president" Taylor informed them proudly "Which makes me the first lady"
"The first and only time anyone will ever refer to Taylor James as a lady" Nathan snickered
"Watch it, I'll tell my sister you were mean to me" Taylor threatened
"So she likes me better than you" Nathan retorted handing David a fresh beer
"That would be so rude if it wasn't true" Taylor smiled
"So Nathan we're did you learn to tap a keg? "David changed the subject
"My Uncle owns a bar back home he taught me a thing or two"
"Hot Uncle Cooper" Taylor said dreamily
"You too" Nathan huffed
"What? A girl can dream"
"You don't dream, you throw yourself at everything in pants" Nathan challenged
"Once again so rude if it wasn't true" Taylor slugged him in the shoulder "But I'll have you know I haven't gone there. He's nice to look at and all but you need more than that for a fulfilling relationship"
"He turned you down didn't he" Nathan grinned
"I am so old enough for him" Taylor complained
"Really?" David asked with a raised eyebrow
"And I'm the perfect age for you baby" she smiled seductively before leaning in and pulling David into a long passionate kiss.
The sound of Nathan's cell phone broke the couple apart while Nathan lunged for the pocket of his jeans.
"Hello" he answered walking away from the bar to find a quieter corner so he could talk.
"Nathan it's mom" Nathan grimaced a she heard his mothers high pitched voice
"And Brooke!" his sister added
"Hey!" he greeted
"I've called you both together to let you know that your father has an important function coming up in Charlotte and I expect you both to be there, no complaints!"
"But"
"And before either of you start, there are no basketball games scheduled for that night so neither of you have an excuse not to be there, now it's a 'Gone with the Wind" themed masquerade ball, you may both bring dates which means Lucas and Haley can come, now as I said this is an important night for your father so I expect you to be on your very best behaviour" Deb ordered.
"Fine" Nathan muttered
"Now I have a dinner to get back to I hope everything's going well for you up at school Nate, and Brooke I'll see you at home in the next few days, we'll discuss dress options then, Nathan I'll get your tux organised for you."
"Sure Whatever" Nathan said dully
"Okay bye guys Love you!" Deb called off disconnecting the call before either could reply
"Whose bright idea was it to teach her to use the conference call function on her phone" Brooke complained
"I believe it was yours genius, something about halving the number of conversations we would have to have with her"
"Oh right" Brooke grumbled
"So how's Tree Hill?" he asked
"Haley's fine"
"I know, I meant Tree Hill in general"
"Once again Haley's fine" Brooke answered with a snicker
"Funny" Nathan deadpanned
"So how's Duke? Are you at a party?" Brooke asked
"Not really"
"Don't lie to me Nathan Scott!"
"I'm not, I'm at a party technically but I'm playing bartender so I don't think it really counts"
"How uninteresting"
"Good to have your support Brookie"
"I couldn't turn your room into a closet, you can't turn me into someone who cares" she replied chuckling
"I'm feeling the love"
"If you want love call Hales, actually don't I think four times in one day is enough" she said sarcastically
"I haven't called her four times today"
"Oh really, there was the call this morning to say good morning and good luck on your first day, the call during free period to see how everything was going, At lunch to see if Haley liked her mac n cheese, and the call after your practice to ask if it was alright if you went to a party with your team-mates"
"I didn't ask if I could go"
"Yes you did"
"No I didn't"
"Nathan face it, you're so whipped by Haley you live in a can"
"I am not whipped"
"Yes you are, but it's ok because so is Luke"
"Thanks for that disturbing mental picture" he shuddered
"You're welcome anyway I gotta go, I'm sure your due for another Haley feeding" she snickered
"Shutup!"
"Whatever Ass" Brooke laughed
"Bye Brooke"
"Bye Nate, Say Hi to Clay for me!" Brooke called before hanging up the phone.
Nathan shook his head at his sister, he wasn't whipped and he'd prove it by having fun at the party with his friends. He turned and noticed Taylor and David full on making out against the wall of the house while Tony chatted to the original barmaid and a couple of sorority sisters Taylor introduced them to earlier. They were completely oblivious to him only a few feet away. "Oh what the hell" Nathan thought as he turned around and made for the side of the house, it was about time he gave his girl another call.