Author's note: Thanks again to everyone who is reading this and a special thanks to those who took time to review. It means a lot. I love to know what people think. I hope you all enjoy the next chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own One Tree Hill or any of its characters.

Peyton Sawyer awoke at 6:30am Thursday morning, and propped herself up on one elbow to look at her sleeping boyfriend. It had been 3 days since the basketball game with the Tigers; 3 days since she and Nathan had gotten back together. She smiled to herself. Her body still tingled from their night of passion. Actually 2 days and 3 nights of passion. The night of the game, he'd gone home for a few hours because his father had insisted they have dinner together, but after that he'd gone to Peyton's house and he'd been there since. He always kept extra clothes there so he hadn't even needed to go home to change. Not that he needed to, considering neither of their clothing had stayed on much of that time anyway. They hadn't bothered to go to school the next two days, choosing instead to stay in and just enjoy each other's company.

Peyton loved these times after a break up. It was then that she had Nathan's undivided attention, then that she truly felt he loved her as she loved him. It was almost worth breaking up just to have these moments when they reunited. If only those precious times would last.

But they never did.

'They never will'. That's what her mind told her. In her mind she understood that Nathan, though for a short while would be kind, faithful and attentive, would soon after revert back to her jerk of a boyfriend who criticized her taste in music, ignored her art, showed little interest in her beyond sex, and cheated on her whenever the mood struck. Yes, her mind knew it was stupid to keep taking him back, to keep believing his apologies.

But her heart told a different story. 'Maybe this time will be different. Maybe this time he really is sorry. Maybe this time there will be no other girls'. With all of those possibilities to entice her heart, how could she resist?

She snuggled closer to her boyfriend and laid her head on his muscular chest, resting her hand on his bare, chiseled abs. She sighed dreamily as she closed her eyes. Maybe this time he meant it when he said 'I love you.'

An hour later she woke with a jolt. What was happening? What was that noise? And where was Nathan? It took her several seconds to realize the sound was the fire alarm going off. She jumped out of bed, grabbed the nearest piece of clothing she could find, which happened to be Nathan's t-shirt that they'd discarded some time last night, and ran down the stairs in a panic, calling out Nathan's name.

She stopped dead when she reached the kitchen. For a few seconds she could do nothing but stare at the sight before her. Then she burst out laughing.

Nathan Scott, her tough, jock boyfriend, wearing nothing but boxers and a pair of oven mitts, was trying to put out a fire that had somehow started inside the oven, by throwing a cup of water at it.

"Damnit!" he swore when it just seemed to make the fire rise. He let out a whole string of curses as he flailed his arms at the stove with a dishtowel in an attempt to put it out, but instead the corner of it caught the flame.

Suddenly Peyton set her feet in motion. If she didn't help him soon he was likely to set the entire house on fire. She went to the cupboard and took out the flour as he went to the sink with his burning towel. He turned on the tap as she threw the flour into the oven. Both sparks were extinguished immediately.

Nathan let out a huge sigh of relief.

Peyton couldn't keep the smile from forming on her lips. "Trying to burn the house down?" she asked in amusement.

"No," he replied grumpily. "I was trying to make breakfast."

Peyton's grin just got wider. "Babe, have you forgotten that you don't cook?"

"That's why," he answered, pointing an accusatory finger at the stove that was still smoking despite the fire being out.

Peyton laughed that he was actually blaming the stove. "Well, that's definitely a good reason."

"Stop laughing. It's not funny," he told her as he plopped down on one of the kitchen chairs.

"Oh," she couldn't stop if she wanted to. "Yes it is. Look at this place, Nathan. It's a mess," she said, as she opened the kitchen windows to help clear the smoke.

"I see it, Peyton. But thanks for pointing it out."

She took a deep breath, trying to stifle another giggle. He was really upset about this so she would try to be serious. She went over to him, putting her arms around him. "Aww, I'm sorry," she said, yet failed to keep the humor out of her voice.

"You don't seem sorry," he accused sulkingly.

"I am," she reassured him as she sat on his lap. "Now, tell me why you decided to make breakfast. Are you sick of my cooking already?"

Nathan looked at her a moment before answering. "Peyton, your cooking consists of throwing waffles in the toaster, or TV dinners in the microwave."

"So my abilities in the kitchen are limited. At least they're not flambéed."

"You're funny."

"What was it anyway?" she asked curiously.

Finally he gave a small smile. "Sausages and hash browns," he replied. Then his smile faded again. "I was going to serve you breakfast in bed."

"Well, it's the thought that counts, right?"

"Sure."

"It was really sweet, Nate", she tried convincingly. "I have the sweetest…" she gave him a kiss on the lips, "hottest", her lips moved down his neck, "sexiest," she continued, straddling him, "boyfriend ever."

His mood changed as his body instantly reacted to her words and her touch. "Yeah?" he let out huskily, his breath getting heavier. "And you plan on proving that to him right here in the kitchen?"

"Oh definitely," she replied seductively. Then she pulled back slightly to look at him. She smiled teasingly. "But what are you going to do in the meantime?"

He gave a fake laugh then smirked at her. "Sit back and enjoy the ride."

–––––––––––––––––––––––––

Lucas was in the lunch line, trying to decide whether he wanted chicken fingers or pizza, when Haley James came and cut in front of him.

"Hey! Back of the line," Lucas said, smiling.

Haley smiled back. "Forget it, loser, you're not getting the last slice of pizza this time."

"I'll have you know, I was going to have the chicken fingers."

"Uh huh. I know you, Luke. You never decide until you get there, and even then it sometimes takes you ten minutes to make up your mind."

Lucas looked at his best friend and laughed. She was right.

"So, have you finished your essay for Mr. Hendrickson yet?" Haley asked.

"Yeah. You?"

"Of course. I handed it in yesterday."

"Teacher's pet," Lucas said with a fake cough, earning him a hard slap on the arm.

They continued their casual banter, until they reached the front of the line, where Haley ordered pizza. She chuckled when she heard Lucas order the same. They then joined Skills and Mouth at their usual table.

"Hey guys, what's up?" Mouth asked, as Lucas and Haley sat down.

"Not much," Haley answered. "You?"

"Same."

Haley laughed. "I guess we all lead boring lives."

"Speak for yourself," Skills told her. "I happen to have a date Friday night."

"With who? Your right hand?" Lucas inquired jokingly.

"No, that's you," Skills replied. "Me, I'll be with that cute little brunette from the hot dog stand."

Lucas knew whom he referred to. He'd been with Skills that day he'd met the girl working, serving hot dogs. "Nice," he said, giving his friend a high-five.

"Yo, Luke, you got a game tonight?" Skills asked.

Lucas took as deep breath. "Yeah. Don't remind me."

Haley looked at her best friend, her expression one of sincere concern. "Well Luke, if you're dreading every game, why not just quit?" she asked reasonably.

"Yo, don't be telling my man Luke none of that," Skills warned her.

"Why not? It's not like he's enjoying himself," Haley argued.

"Because that's exactly what them guys want."

"You mean Nathan," she said knowingly.

"All of them, but yeah, mostly him."

"I can't quit, Hales," Lucas stated firmly.

"Luke, I know you want to play. Just as you know Nathan's probably not going to be letting up any time soon. Why put yourself through all that torture?" Haley questioned.

He'd finally broken down and told her why he'd wanted to join in the first place, so she knew, but obviously things weren't going to work out as he'd hoped.

"Because, if I quit he wins," Lucas replied.

"So he wins? Who cares?"

"I do, Hales. I'm not gonna let him get the best of me."

"He already has," Haley reminded him. "Ok," she continued when Lucas didn't say anything more, "Obviously I'm up against this whole male pride thing, so…"

"It's not about pride," Lucas contradicted. "It's about self-respect. Why should I quit something I love just because my jackass of a brother wants me to?"

"Because you're not loving it, Lucas. You're miserable. Basketball used to be fun for you, but now that you're on the team, it's like, I don't know, your most hated chore or something."

"You don't get it, Haley. This is something I have to do."

Haley could see he was getting upset with her and that was the last thing she wanted.

"Ok, I'm sorry. I just…I hate seeing you like this, so tense all the time. I'm worried about you," she said honestly.

"Don't be. I'm fine," Lucas reassured her. "Ok?"

Haley nodded. "Ok. I hope you know what you're doing."

"So, you guys still want to go bowling this weekend?" Mouth asked, changing the subject.

All three of them nodded in confirmation, and they continued making plans on when to meet.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Marvin McFadden (Mouth) took the note that Brooke Davis slipped him in English class and handed it to Peyton. He was used to this. For the past month, ever since the two girls had been separated for talking too much, and he'd been put in between them, he'd become their official note passer. And they wrote a lot of notes. Neither girl really spoke to him beyond 'pass this to Peyton' or 'pass this to Brooke', with an occasional thank you, but he didn't really mind. How many guys like him got to be the go-between with the two most beautiful girls in the school? Not many.

Peyton opened the paper and read it. 'So, how was it?'

'How was what?' Peyton wrote back.

Brooke wrote some more. 'You know, all the dirty make up sex. Don't think I didn't notice yours and boy toy's absence the last two days. So spill.'

'It was good.'

'Just good? Hotshot must be losing his touch.'

'What do you want? Details?'

'Duh, of course.'

Peyton laughed quietly. Of course she did. 'Let's just say it's a wonder I can walk today.'

Brooke read it and gave her friend a wink and thumbs up sign. 'Now I just got to get myself laid. Hey, you think maybe I can borrow Nate for a few hours?'

Again Peyton smiled. 'Oh sure. I've got him from 6 to 8, but you can have him from 8 to 10. As long as I get him back after that.'

'Or may I suggest a threesome from 6 on?' Brooke wrote, obviously stifling a giggle.

'Eww,' was all Peyton's response.

Brooke grinned as she took out her phone. Peyton just looked at her in confusion until she got Brooke's note. 'I just texted Nathan to see what he thinks about it. I bet he'd be up for it, if you know what I mean.'

Peyton rolled her eyes. She was pretty sure he would be too.

Brooke read her returned message before writing back. 'Just like I thought. He says it's my best idea ever.'

'It figures,' Peyton thought with amusement, as she texted her own message to her boyfriend, saying,'Nate, you can wake up now.' To Brooke she wrote. 'You don't realize this, but I just mentally slapped you."

'Ow!' Brooke wrote back, putting her hand up to her cheek.

'It was the other side,' Peyton returned with a smile.

Her phone vibrated at that moment. New message from Nathan. 'Do I have to?' it said.

Peyton just shook her head. 'Unless you want me to learn a new word…new word being "no".

––––––––––––––––––––

Nathan sat in American History class and chuckled at his girlfriend's new text. Who was she kidding? 'Nice threat. You wouldn't last.'

'Try me,' she typed back, rendering another smile.

Before Brooke had sent him a text, he'd indeed been ready to fall asleep, as Mrs. Jones droned on and on about some explorer from ages ago. This was a lot more fun.

'See, you're caving already.'

'You wish.'

'I just know you. You can't resist me.'

'I can resist you as much as you can resist me.'

'I'd cave so thanks for proving my point.'

'Ok, smartass, you win.'

'I win? So, threesome's on then?'

He waited a while for a response, but there was none. He wondered if she was mad at him. He thought she'd know he was joking, but maybe not. So he sent her another text.

'Babe, I'm sorry, ok? It was just a joke.'

Still she didn't reply. But a few minutes later, he got a text from Brooke.

'Hey superstar. Hendrickson took her phone. Ok, gotta go. Bye.'

'Ok, thanks,' Nathan sent back.

He sat back in his chair and smiled. Peyton wasn't mad at him; she'd just gotten caught texting. He found that extremely amusing, remembering a conversation he'd had with both Peyton and Brooke a few weeks ago. They'd told him that guys could never get away with texting or passing notes like girls did because they simply weren't subtle enough not to get caught.

After class, he rushed over to Mr. Hendrickson's classroom. He didn't have him next, but he wanted to reach Peyton before she left. It wasn't often he one-upped the girls, so he was going to take full advantage while he could.

Peyton groaned loudly as soon as she saw him. She'd had a feeling he'd come to tease her about her phone.

"That was fast," Brooke remarked. She knew why he was there too. "What did you do? Run?"

"Practically," Nathan admitted.

"If you're here to make fun of me…"

Nathan gave his girlfriend a quick kiss, interrupting her would-be-threat. "I'm not. I'm here to carry your bag," he told her, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Uh huh."

He took her bag and tossed it over his shoulder. "It seems…I don't know, lighter somehow. Are you sure you're not missing anything? Like, uh, your phone, maybe."

"I knew it!" Peyton said, pushing him back slightly with both hands. "I knew you weren't just being nice."

Nathan laughed heartily. "Oh, sorry. I guess I wasn't subtle enough, huh? You know, girls are a lot better at the whole not getting caught thing."

"Shut up!" she replied feigning anger, while slapping him hard in the arm.

"Hey, is that any way to treat your boyfriend? Help me out here, Brooke."

"Don't look at me for help. I have already been mentally slapped by Peyton today," Brooke answered with a giggle. "That was enough."

Obviously an inside joke, Nathan thought, but he didn't ask. Instead he kept teasing Peyton and bragging about how he still had his phone. "Speaking of," he added, "let's get yours back."

Mr. Hendrickson had momentarily left the room so Nathan went over to his desk. He'd had so many things confiscated that he knew exactly where it would be. He opened the middle drawer.

"Nathan, don't. He said to come by at the end of the day to get it," Peyton tried to reason.

He just shrugged. "Why not just get it now?"

He knew what she was worried about. She was afraid that Mr. Hendrickson would know she went in his desk. "Check this out. He's got a whole fucking collection going on here. He's never gonna know."

Peyton looked around the classroom nervously. There were still several students within it. Any one of them could rat her out. "Let's just wait until the end of the day, ok?"

But Brooke had made her way to see this collection Nathan spoke of. She pulled out a bright pink ipod. "Hey, this is cute."

Nathan had to chuckle. "Brooke, we're not shopping here."

"I know, I'm just saying it's cute."

"Babe, come here. Which phone is yours?"

Instead Brooke pulled it out. "What kind of boyfriend doesn't know what his girlfriend's phone looks like?"

"The kind that doesn't care what it looks like," he said, closing the drawer. "Let's go."

"I don't know, I really don't feel right about this," Peyton again tried to say.

"Peyton, it's your phone," Brooke stated.

"I know it's my phone, I just…"

"Look, we can put it back if you want," Nathan offered, "but judging by how much crap is in there, I don't think he's giving people their stuff back."

She stood there for a moment just looking at him. What was wrong with her? Nathan was just trying to get her property back for her. That was a good thing. It wasn't stealing.

"It's up to you, Peyton. What do you want to do?" he asked her.

"Give me the phone," she said.

Brooke handed it to her and she slipped it in her pocket. "If Mr. Hendrickson finds out, I'm blaming you," she informed her boyfriend.

Nathan just shrugged. "Whatever."

She wondered how he could be so carefree about it, but she put that out of her mind as they left the classroom.

It was only after they had gone that the remaining students started to speak among themselves about the incident. Most seemed to agree that the item belonged to Peyton anyway so she was entitled to take it back. Among this group were Lucas, Haley and Mouth, who all had their next subject in the same classroom, so had stayed.

"There's only one thing I don't get," Mouth said after a while. "How did Nathan know that her phone got taken in the first place? He wasn't even here."

The three stared at each other in confusion. How did he know? They all burst out laughing as they tried, but failed to solve that mystery.

–––––––––––––––––––––

"I totally should have taken that ipod," Brooke whined, as they walked down the hallway, not caring that they were already late for their next class.

"Brooke, why don't you just buy one?" Peyton reasoned. "I'm sure that's not the only one the company ever made."

"Yeah," Brooked brightened immediately. "Right after the game, that's what I'm gonna do." She could barely contain her excitement. "What do you say, P. Sawyer, you up for some shopping?"

"Actually, no. Nate and I have an oven to clean tonight. Right, babe?"

"Right," Nathan replied half-heartedly. They hadn't had the time to clean it this morning before school, but had agreed to do so after the game tonight. He wasn't exactly looking forward to it, but it was his fault, and he figured Peyton would probably rather do anything else too, so he may as well just do it and be grateful that she was helping him.

"Ok, whatever," Brooke said. Cleaning an oven held no interest to her. "I'll go shopping by myself then."

"You'll be fine, Brooke," Nathan said, looking directly at her to see her expression when he told her that he knew. "Just think, now you can buy even more stuff, what with all your winnings and all," he added with a smug grin.

"Umm, what winnings?" she asked with an exaggerated smile.

"Brooke, Tim told me," he said in amusement, enjoying watching her squirm.

"Oh. I should have known he couldn't keep a secret," Brooke remarked dryly.

"Wait, what's going on? What are you two talking about?"

"Every time we break up, the guys on the team and the cheerleaders are placing bets about when we get back together," Nathan told her matter-of-factly.

"What?"

"Yeah, and apparently Brooke is like the mastermind of the whole thing, plus she wins every time, scoring 50 bucks from every one of them," he informed her, still amused by it all.

Peyton looked at her best friend. "Is this true?"

"Am I brilliant or what?" Brooke asked. "I should totally become, like a bookie or something."

Peyton just stared at her for a moment, unable to believe what she'd just heard. "Well, I'm glad to know you're getting rich off our dysfunctional relationship," she said, sharply.

She stormed off, leaving Nathan and Brooke staring after her in bewilderment.