A/N: Thank you so much again to everybody who is reading this. And special thanks to those of you who take the time to leave me some feedback. It is very much appreciated. You guys are great!!!

Hope everybody likes this chapter. Please let me know.

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

To everyone on my alert list, I'm so so sorry for the double post. It was an accident.

Tension filled the air the second the six teenagers stepped into the café. Lucas wasn't working, but he, Skills and Keith sat on stools at the counter, the three of them enjoying a fresh piece of homemade apple pie.

Karen, behind the counter, looked on and sighed. "Oh boy, I smell trouble," she said, her gaze fixed on Nathan. Why would he come here?

Lucas stared intently at Peyton. She'd clearly made her choice from the two options he'd given her – 'talk to me, or don't talk to me, regardless of who's around.' She'd spoken a few words to him in the music store, but Thursday and Friday at school, she'd completely snubbed him again, acting as though they'd never had a conversation. She'd made her choice. Why would she come here?

Keith watched Nathan, and Tim as well. Apparently that was the little punk responsible for Luke's attack. It's no wonder he had to take him by surprise, from behind. He still wasn't convinced of Nathan's innocence in the matter, and he knew Karen wasn't either. They both conceded that Nathan wasn't directly involved, but that didn't mean he hadn't put his friend up to it, no matter what Luke said to deny that claim. Still, whether following Nathan's instructions, or acting on his own, Tim Smith had a lot of nerve showing his face at the café. Why would he come here?

Haley, returning to the counter with an empty tray, focused on Damien. She hoped he wouldn't make any more moves on her. It was bad enough having to deal with him during their tutoring sessions. Why did he have to come here?

Skills, as usual, watched Bevin. She came in two to three times per week, the reason he started coming in more often. Normally she came alone, or with her parents, or occasionally with a couple of kids she was babysitting. They'd spoken a few times and he found himself quite attracted to her. She was a sweet girl, something he'd never expected from someone of her social status. He gave her a smile when she waved enthusiastically at him. He had wondered what she'd do if they ever met up while she was in the company of her friends. Now he knew – exactly what she did any other time. The presence of her friends didn't stop her from acknowledging him. Unlike Peyton Sawyer, he thought, who'd barely even glanced in Luke's direction.

"Yo Luke, forget about her," Skills told Luke. "If she can't even muster up a 'hi' cause her friends around, then she ain't worth your time, dog."

"I hear ya, Skills," Lucas said in agreement. "But I'm pretty sure she just doesn't want to piss Nathan off," Lucas said off handedly. "I think he controls her just like he controls the team, and everyone else around him."

Haley, coming up behind them, turned to Luke. Having heard the last part of his statement she remarked, "She's a big girl, Luke. If he controls her then she allows him to do it."

"I know, but I'm thinking, I don't know. What if she's afraid of him?" He couldn't stop thinking of that bruise she'd had on her face last Friday. It was over a week ago, and the bruise had disappeared, but he couldn't get it out of his mind. That, and Dan slamming Nathan up against the locker. He knew Nathan had a quick temper. He'd certainly seen it directed towards him on more than one occasion, but he'd also witnessed Nathan get angry with Damien, his friend. He'd been ready to fight that one day, and would have if it hadn't been for Tyler pulling him back and Whitey coming in. Of course, Nathan had come in on time to hear Damien pretty much bashing his relationship with Peyton, so Nathan did have a right to be mad about that. But he didn't just get mad – he'd reacted with violence. "He's got a hell of a temper." That's what Peyton had said at the music store, her reason for dissing him in Nathan's presence.

Haley put a hand on Luke's shoulder. She knew what he wondered – if Nathan was violent towards Peyton. They'd had this discussion a few days ago. Haley didn't know for sure either way, but Peyton really didn't strike her as the type to stay in an abusive relationship. Admittedly, she didn't know the blonde that well, but she definitely didn't act like she was afraid of Nathan in any way. As far as Nathan controlling her, as Lucas accused, maybe he did in a way, but Haley suspected it had more to do with keeping the peace between them than actual fear of Nathan. Or maybe it really was as Peyton told him – her fear was for Lucas if Nathan ever saw them talking. That would certainly be understandable considering Nathan's resentment toward Lucas as it was.

"You need to stop jumping to conclusions, Luke," Haley told him, as she grabbed six menus. "Now to go wait on our very own Tree Hill Royalty. Joy," she said sarcastically.

–––––––––––––––

Nathan snaked his arm around Peyton's shoulder possessively. The minute they'd entered the café, Lucas's eyes had instantly landed on Peyton. Yeah, he'd looked away quickly, luckily for him, but Nathan had still caught it. And he kept looking back toward her, which was irritating Nathan all the more. "One of these days, I'm gonna make that guy squint even more than he already does," Nathan muttered in threat.

Peyton sighed. "Nathan, stop it. You knew he'd probably be here so don't complain now." She felt very uncomfortable being here, the place she and Lucas had really talked for the first time. She'd truly enjoyed their conversation, and he'd been sweet to drive her home. That night she'd finally seen him as a human being – a decent human being at that, rather than what Nathan tended to refer to him as – the bastard. She wished Nathan would stop treating him like he was worth nothing or as a vent to release his anger on.

Nathan rolled his eyes. "I'm not complaining that he's here. It just pisses me off that he keeps checking you out."

"Well, get over it, Nathan," Peyton said in annoyance. "Girls check you out all the time and you don't see me freaking out about it."

Brooke couldn't help but chuckle at Peyton's comment. What a load of crap that was.

Peyton sent her best friend an evil glare, to which Brooke just smiled.

But Bevin didn't catch the look and piped up. "Yeah you do Peyton. Just not so much to Nathan as to us."

"Bevin!" Brooke rebuked, yet couldn't disguise her amusement.

"What?" Bevin asked. "Was that a secret?" she questioned suddenly.

Peyton gave her a sarcastic smile. "Not anymore."

Nathan was staring at her now, clearly amused. He always knew she could be extremely jealous when it came to flirting with other girls, and worse, but he never thought it bothered her when girls looked at him. She never showed it.

"Oh look," Peyton said. "Here comes our waitress." She was glad for the distraction. She'd have to remember not to reveal anything she wanted kept quiet to Bevin ever again.

Haley handed them each a menu. "Can I get you something to drink?" she asked routinely, but avoiding Damien's direction.

Everyone shouted out his or her drink preference and Haley jotted them down on her notebook. She read her list out loud to make sure she had it right since they'd all spoken at the same time. She did.

"Oh, and Holly, right?" Brooke said.

"Haley," the waitress corrected, somewhat annoyed. How long had they gone to the same school now?

"Right, sorry," Brooke replied carelessly. "Could you make sure my sprite comes with a lemon on top?"

Haley faked a smile. "Of course. Anyone else like a lemon?"

Nobody spoke up so Haley turned.

"Oh, Haley," Bevin called her. "I love that shirt. It looks so cute on you," she said enthusiastically.

This time Haley's smile was genuine. She liked Bevin. She was such a friendly girl, unlike her snobby friends. She was a bit of an airhead but very down to earth and sweet.

"Thanks," Haley remarked before going to get their drinks. She thought she heard Damien mumble something as she walked away but she wasn't sure. Judging by the group's laughter though, it was about her.

–––––

"You think it looks cute on, you should see it off," was Damien's comment. Bevin just frowned as the others laughed. "Why would I want to see it off?" she asked. "I'm not into girls."

"You would be if you saw what she's hiding under all those layers," Damien said cockily.

"Oh, like you have," Brooke scoffed.

Damien gave her a wink in reply. "Don't be jealous, sexy. You've had your turn."

"Ugh, in your dreams!" Brooke stated sharply. She really couldn't stand Damien and she couldn't figure out why Nathan was friends with him. Didn't he know how often he hit on Peyton? True, Peyton never told Nathan, including the last incident when he'd tried to kiss her, but still. Couldn't he see the guy was after his girlfriend? Then again, Damien acted much differently around Nathan so that would explain why he seemed so clueless.

Haley returned shortly with their drinks and began taking down their food orders. Within minutes she had everyone's but Nathan's, who hadn't yet made up his mind. He kept going back and forth between the cheeseburger and the chicken fingers.

Haley smiled inwardly, thinking Nathan shared Lucas's indecisiveness when it came to food. Who knew the brothers had anything in common?

"Even the B.L.T. sounds good," Nathan said, still looking over the menu.

Peyton rolled her eyes. It was taking him long enough to decide between two, never mind adding another option. "Will you pick one already. We're starving here." He could never just settle quickly on one thing.

"You don't have to wait for me," Nathan told her. "I could get my food an hour after you and I'd still be done ten minutes before you."

"That's because you wolf it down like it's your last meal. You don't take the time to enjoy it."

"Yeah, I do," Nathan contradicted. "I just don't need to chew every single bite a million times to enjoy it."

"I don't…"

"Yes you do. Don't even deny it."

As much as Haley found the couple's playful argument entertaining, she did have work to do and didn't have time to stand here while they bickered back and forth – playfully or otherwise. "So, what am I doing?" she asked. "Putting these orders through now or waiting on Nathan to decide?"

"Now please," Brooke said dramatically. "We'll be all day waiting on him."

"Wait, hold on," Nathan said. "You work here. What do you recommend?"

Haley couldn't help it. Her stomach fluttered as Nathan's deep blue gaze fell directly upon her. The only time he'd ever spoken to her before had been at the bowling alley to ask what was wrong with Peyton in the ladies' room, and, she'd never forget, to ask if she had a stuttering problem when she'd stumbled on her words trying to answer him. That had been a rather humiliating moment for her. Nathan, on the other hand, had seemingly forgotten all about it.

"Umm, everything's good here," Haley answered, outwardly calm and hoping she wasn't blushing obviously.

"That doesn't help," Nathan replied. "What's your favorite?"

Haley chuckled at the question, expecting to be laughed at when she answered. "Mac 'n' cheese."

"Seriously?" Nathan asked doubtfully.

"Yeah. It's the food of the gods."

Nathan smiled in amusement. "Yeah, if the gods are five years old," he teased. "Ok, you know what? I'll just order both – the cheeseburger and the chicken fingers."

"Not the B.L.T.?" Haley joked, like she would have done with Luke.

"Please don't get him started again," Brooke complained dryly.

"Well, I can't deal with all this pressure," Nathan said, giving fake evil glances to both Peyton and Brooke. "So, I'll take the B.L.T. to go," Nathan said decisively.

"Ok, and do you want the fries with both the cheeseburger and the chicken fingers?" Haley asked.

"Yeah."

"You're aware they're both full meals, right?"

"Trust me, he can eat it, and be hungry an hour later," Peyton said dryly. "He's an oinker."

"Hey," Nathan said in protest.

Peyton laughed at him. "You know it's true."

Haley smiled and finally was able to leave their table.

"What took you so long?" Lucas asked her once she got to the counter.

"Well, let's see," Haley joked. "Nathan couldn't decide what he wanted to eat," she said in humor. "Sound familiar?"

"Sounds like you, Luke," Keith remarked.

"Must come from their father's side," Karen said simply.

–––––

Twenty minutes later, their meals were served and the group ate and bantered casually.

Lucas, as asked by his mother, was clearing off the table beside them, trying not to listen to their conversation. However, as Damien made one sexual innuendo after another about Haley, clearly meant for Luke's ears, it became more and more difficult to ignore. One especially crude remark had Lucas taking the few steps to their table, unable to listen to another word. Grabbing Damien by the shirtfront, he pulled him up out of his seat.

"You take everything back that you just said," Lucas warned through gritted teeth. "You know damn well Haley has way too much class to ever get with scum like you."

Damien actually had nerve to smile, feeling confident and cocky surrounded by his group. "Au contraire, my friend," he said arrogantly. "I bet you don't make her scream like I do," he gloated.

Luke, generally mild mannered, had enough. Damien's lies were too much to handle sitting down. He raised his fist, punching him square in the jaw.

Damien reacted instantly and before long they were rolling on the ground, throwing punches.

Several of the customers panicked and fled the café.

Peyton, Brooke, and Bevin were appalled, especially when both Nathan and Tim sat up on top of the backrest of the booth to get a better view, and began egging on the fight. Clearly this whole mess was entertaining to them.

Skills sat back and watched as well, but not in enjoyment. He just didn't want to jump in unless Luke wanted or needed him to. Lucas didn't fight often but he was doing all right, holding his own.

The scene before them horrified Haley, and especially Karen.

Keith, once the shock wore off, was on his feet, pulling an extremely agitated Lucas off an equally angry Damien. "Walk away, Lucas!" Keith told him sternly. Pointing a finger at Damien, he ordered him to leave. "That goes for the rest of you too," he told Damien's group in general, but glared at Nathan as he spoke. Nephew or not, he was not having this. He could have smacked him upside the head when the kid gave him a cocky smirk. "Get out of here! All of you! And don't come back!" Keith shouted irately.

"Sweet! Free food," Tim piped up, making Nathan laugh in agreement. They jumped off the booth, preparing to go.

"You guys are unbelievable," Peyton said in disgust. "We're not going to cause trouble. We're just going to eat," she told Nathan mocking his earlier words. "I should have known that was a load of crap."

Nathan frowned at her. "What are you pissed at me for? I didn't do anything."

"Exactly! You did nothing!" she screamed. "And you!" she kept yelling, walking over to Lucas, much to Nathan's surprise. "I thought you were better than them. But you're just the same. Starting a fight in your mom's café! I thought you told me you were proud of her. What happened to that, huh?"

"I am proud of her," Lucas defended. "This had nothing to do with my mom."

"Nothing to do with her? Look around you, Luke. See what a mess you made of her place? And for what? Over a few words that someone said? Well, get over it!"

"Oh, excuse me for sticking up for my best friend," Lucas countered. "And why are you even talking to me right now? We're in public," he added bitingly.

Nathan looked on in confusion. What the hell was going on? Why was she yelling at Lucas like she knew him? Like she yelled at him? And what was Lucas talking about? He took a step toward them but was halted by his uncle.

"I told you to leave," Keith said.

"Peyton, let's go," Nathan said.

Peyton stomped out, going right past Nathan.

–––––

"Peyton!" Nathan hollered once outside, running to catch up with her. "What the hell was that?" he asked once he'd caught up to her. He'd had to tell the others to go ahead and leave with the car since Peyton was determined on walking home.

"What was what, Nathan?" Peyton asked. "This whole charade of a simple lunch?"

Nathan shook his head. "Look, you can't be mad at me for this. I wasn't even involved."

"You didn't do anything to stop it either."

"Why should I? It was a fair fight," he reasoned.

"Oh I don't know. Maybe to help your brother out for once."

"First of all, don't call him that...second, Lucas threw the first punch…third, he was doing fine on his own…and fourth, why the hell do you even care?"

"I don't!"

"Then why the fuck were you talking to him like you two were old friends?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," she said, turning away from him.

He grabbed her arm to stop her. "Bullshit, Peyton! What's going on?"

She faced him squarely and sighed. She really didn't want to lie to him. "We've been talking some," she admitted. "Me and Luke", she added to clarify.

Nathan's features instantly hardened. "What?" he asked seething. "Is this a joke?"

"No," she replied honestly. "No joke, Nathan."

Nathan jolted back in shock, unable to believe what she was telling him. "Is that all you've been doing with him?"

Now it was Peyton's turn to be shocked. "Excuse me?"

He looked at her coldly. "You heard me," he said, his voice steely.

"Yeah, I heard you, but I can't believe I'm hearing you right," Peyton said haughtily. "You're not asking if I'm sleeping with him?"

"Are you?"

"How can you ask me that?"

"Answer the damn question, Peyton!"

Peyton stared at him in anger and hurt. How could he accuse her of sleeping with Lucas? With anyone? He didn't even deserve an answer. But she gave him one anyway. "No, I'm not sleeping with him. I can't believe you'd even question that," she said, tears starting to form in her eyes.

"I don't want you talking to him anymore," he said sternly.

"You can't dictate who I can and can't speak to," she told him.

Nathan could feel himself start shaking with rage. "You know how I feel about him."

"But I don't feel that way about him," she reasoned. "He's a decent guy, Nathan. If you got to know him…"

"I don't want to get to know him. I want you to stop talking to him," he said. "I'm not asking, Peyton."

Peyton took a deep breath, unsure of her next move.