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

A/N: Hi guys. Here is the latest chapter. Hope you like it. Thanks to all you awesome readers and especially reviewers. You guys seriously rock.

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Nathan's head suddenly whipped around, and he stared uncertainly at the blonde beside him. Surely he'd imagined what she'd just referred herself as. She couldn't have called herself his girlfriend. Not after the whole Haley thing. He was dreaming, wishful thinking, if you will. No way he'd heard that right no matter how badly he wished he had.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked him.

He shook his head. "Nothing, it's stupid."

"Nate."

"I just thought you said you were my girlfriend. I told you it was stu…"

"I did," she cut him off.

His heart pounded rapidly in his chest and all he could do was gaze at her quizzically.

"I meant what I said earlier," she told him. "I'm still in love with you, and that's not going to change."

"But," he began and then hesitated.

"But what?"

"What about Haley?"

"What about her?"

He shifted uneasily. Was she really going to make him say it again? Apparently so. "We fucked," came his mumbled reply.

"So you've said," she returned a little sharply.

"Well…, she's your friend."

"I think we've already established that she was never my friend."

"Yeah, but you said you couldn't just let it go, that you wouldn't be able to forgive me…"

Peyton jumped up, suddenly angry, and turned on him. "You know, of all people I expected to try to talk me out of this, you weren't one of them. I thought you'd be happy…"

He stood as well. "I'm not trying to talk you out of it, Peyt. I just…I thought you were mad."

"I am."

"At me," he clarified.

"I am," she repeated.

His eyes remained transfixed on her as he waited for her explanation.

"Ok, yes," she screamed. "I'm pissed at you for doing that! I hate that you slept with her! That you could touch another girl's body so soon after touching mine! That I'm not the last girl you've been with! And I especially hate that it was her!" She took a breath to calm herself before proceeding as Nathan stood silently, just listening. "But I don't really have the right to be mad about any of it, do I? I mean, we weren't even together at the time, and I'm the one who said we shouldn't be, so who am I to be upset over what you did after that?"

"You have every reason to be upset, Peyton," he told her. "I shouldn't have done it, and I'm sorry. But you have to know that it didn't mean anything. You do know that, right?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I know," she acknowledged. "Just revenge against Lucas, like you said. I believe you."

"That's all it was, Peyt, and if I could take it back, I swear I would."

She gave him a small smile and nodded once more. "I know," she said. "But you can't. Just like I can't take back the things I said and did that made you want to get back at him. I'm not exactly proud either that I used him as ammunition to piss you off."

He returned her smile, glad that she understood his reasons even though there was really no justifying what he'd done. He'd crossed a line and he knew it. No matter the circumstances now, Peyton had considered Haley her friend, and that meant he should have steered clear of her. But Peyton had also crossed a line by dating Lucas. No matter if they hated each other, they were still brothers, and that meant she should have steered clear of him too. And he was pretty sure she realized that now.

"But seriously?" Peyton attempted to joke. "You couldn't just beat him up again?"

He chuckled dryly. "I didn't want to get in any more trouble with the law," he explained with irony.

For some reason, his sarcastic statement sent her into a fit of giggles. "Well," she quipped between breaths. "Looks like you goofed on that logic."

Despite the seriousness of the moment, of the whole situation, really, he could do nothing but laugh along with her. "Yeah," he agreed. "Big time."

"I can't believe they let him go!" Lucas fumed as he paced the small confines of their kitchen. "Just like that! Not enough evidence, my ass!"

"Lucas, language," Karen reprimanded sternly. "And please sit down. You're making me dizzy."

He plopped on the chair but he was full of furious energy and couldn't sit still. "He gets away with everything," he griped. "It's not right. Nobody should have so much pull in this town that they can even rape someone and walk free."

"No, they shouldn't," Karen agreed. "But the investigation is still open so hopefully the police will gather what they need to put him away."

"I hope so," Luke said. "He deserves to go to prison. Otherwise, after next week we go back to school, and Haley will have to face him every day, knowing what he did to her."

"I can't imagine," Karen said sympathetically. "How's she doing, anyway?"

"Not good, Ma. I don't know if she'll get through this."

"She will," Karen assured him. "She's a strong girl. But it'll take some time," she acknowledged.

"I hope you're right. I just hate that there's nothing I can do for her."

"You're there for her, Lucas, and that's far from nothing."

"Yeah. It just doesn't feel like it's enough."

Peyton laughed until her stomach hurt, and in the next second, she was laughing and crying at the same time, both emotions fighting for dominance.

Her heart ached for everything that had happened between them – everything they'd put each other through. Time and time again they'd hurt each other, with their cutting words, their bitter silence, and their vengeful actions. It would be crazy to go back to that.

But not having it was so much worse. Because then it was just empty and hollow, and that was the worst feeling of all. She'd rather take a chance on a broken heart than live with one that was never fully whole. And that's what she faced living without Nathan. She'd denied him too long already, and she couldn't do it anymore. Didn't want to do it anymore.

She touched his cheek gently, tears spilling down hers. "Kiss me," she whispered smoothly.

His stare was intense, blue eyes penetrating her misty, green ones, wanting nothing more than to comply with her wishes.

But he was afraid. Not of kissing her, but of getting his hopes up again, only to have her realize she'd made a mistake and bolt on him. Like the last time. He couldn't handle holding her again and then have to listen to her rant about how wrong they were for each other, or how she didn't love him anymore.

She was all over the place with her emotions. In the past five minutes alone, she'd gone from concerned to angry to amused to tearful. He wasn't sure what to make of it, but he knew he didn't want to see that regretful stage ever again. He couldn't hear her say, yet another time, how horrible they were together.

"Peyt," he began, pulling away slightly. "I…"

She pulled him back toward her and touched his lips gently. "Shh," she hushed him. "Don't talk, don't fight, just…kiss me," she repeated hoarsely.

She could see the uncertainty on his face, the fear in his eyes. She knew why it was there. It was her fault that he was afraid. Just as it was his that she was. They'd spent so much time breaking each other's spirits and ripping the other's hearts out, that anything else was almost foreign territory to them.

But through it all, their love hadn't wavered. They'd tested it, certainly, trampled on it, for sure, and more often than not, anger and pride had won out, but still they loved. "Kiss me," she repeated a third time, pressing her lips to his and urging a response from him.

There was no further resistance on his part. He couldn't push her away if he wanted to, which he definitely didn't. He could worry about the 'later' later. Right now her lips were on his, and that alone was enough to send his senses spiraling. There was no thinking in this moment. Just feeling. Giving in to what their hearts and bodies craved.

That one kiss conveyed all the longing, all the pent up emotions they had that could never be spoken or explained – emotions too raw and real to ever be properly expressed with words.

The cut on his lip began to sting, but he ignored it. He didn't know when or if he'd get to kiss her again, so to pull away now was out of the question.

Mouth sat on his parents' bed, wishing for the umpteenth time that he hadn't decided to throw a party this weekend.

As hard as he tried, he couldn't wrap his head around what he'd been told had transpired here last night. The cops had come and gone, taking with them what they said was evidence in the crime; a used condom, a bloody sheet.

Still, Mouth grappled with it. Lucas said Haley had been drugged and raped by Nathan. But Mouth didn't want to believe it. Nathan was his friend so he rejected the idea that he could do something like that. Nathan had proven himself ten times over that he wasn't as bad as people portrayed him to be once you got to know him. He was no saint, but he was far from evil.

But he'd known Haley a long time, and though they weren't all that close, she was still his friend and he didn't believe she'd make up a story like that if it wasn't true. She was a good, decent person. A person he'd always respected.

But one of them had to be lying. It wasn't possible that they both spoke the truth, even if Mouth struggled with the idea that either of them could be so malicious.

For the first time ever, Nathan's fingers trembled as they slipped inside the back of Peyton's shirt and caressed the soft, smooth skin of her back.

She stepped back a bit, and, saving him the trouble, began undoing the tiny buttons of the shirt, her eyes never leaving his as she watched them darken with desire. She pulled off the binding material, and his gaze drifted naturally to the lacy fabric of her bra and the amount of skin that spilled out of it.

She noticed him swallow hard and his tongue glide over his lips, and she had to smile. Apparently the new lingerie was a success. "You like?" she asked sensually.

He nodded though he didn't need to. His hard, unwavering stare said it all.

"I just bought it today," she revealed as she peeled off her jeans to show him the bottom half – a pair of thin panties that left little to the imagination. "For you," she added.

His eyes darkened further, but other than that, his reaction came unexpected. Rather than grabbing her and ravishing her as she'd thought he'd do, he looked down as though she'd just said something hurtful.

"Nate?" she asked in confusion.

He looked up, knowing his behavior must seem strange. Even to himself it did. She was sexy as hell standing before him in her barely-there attire, and normally he would react accordingly. But her words from Friday night had popped into his head, uninvited, and he couldn't shake them. 'Don't read too much into it, ok,' she'd told him when he'd mentioned how they'd almost slept together and how he knew what that meant to her. 'I haven't had sex in months. I was horny and you were there.' He hadn't believed her at first, but he'd kinda had to after she'd left him.

"Peyton," he began shakily.

"What, Nathan? What is it?" she asked, worried.

"I don't…I don't want this to be just about sex."

Her brows creased and a faint blush crept to her cheeks. Here she stood in front of him, completely exposed and vulnerable, and he was…well, she wasn't sure. "What are you saying?" she asked, taken aback by his odd admission. "You don't want me?"

"No, I do," he assured her. "So bad," he stressed further. "But I don't want you to just up and leave when it's done. I don't want you to tell me that it was just a mistake because you were horny and I just happened to be here. Peyt…"

"Nathan," she spoke softly. "You have to know I didn't mean that. I just got scared…"

He nodded, acknowledging her words, but she could see he wasn't completely convinced.

"I don't do just sex, Nate," she said firmly. "I thought you knew that."

"Yeah," he admitted. "I…I do know that. I just…I don't…I believe what you tell me, Peyt."

"Then believe this," she said, looking into his eyes. "You and I will never be just about sex. Because I'm in love with you through and through. Ok?"

He nodded, satisfied with the answer. And then he smiled. "That's usually my line," he pointed out.

"I know," she agreed, smiling back. She was usually the one to worry that all he cared about was sex. Talk about your role reversal. "And now that we've established that we're not only about sex, let me just clarify that that doesn't mean there will be no sex," she said, pushing him onto the bed. "Because seriously, it's been months and I'm dying to get it on with my sexy-ass boyfriend," she continued as she straddled him. "You don't have a problem with that, do you?" she asked provocatively as she grinded herself against him.

His only response was a deep grunt of pleasure.

"I didn't think so," she replied satisfactorily, her fingers already working frantically on the button and zipper of his pants. "Condom," she ordered as she pulled his hardened, pulsing member out.

"Demanding," he croaked even as he did as she told him, opening the plastic packaging.

She just smiled and took the condom from his hands, slipping it on him herself right before lowering herself onto him, foregoing any kind of foreplay. She was ready – had been for a while. Later they could take their time, but right now every feeling she had was centered at her womanly core, and she needed him to fill her.

Damien smirked as the police left his home. He couldn't believe his luck. They were investigating a sexual assault that had happened during a party on the weekend and were questioning every person who'd attended.

He could now be grateful that Nathan had been the one to take her instead of him. Because now he was the one being investigated. It couldn't have worked out any better if he'd planned it that way himself.

He hadn't been overly informative. He didn't want to seem suspicious, after all. He just told them what he 'knew', which was what a lot of people had likely noticed and would say – that yes, he did see Nathan and Haley together, and yeah, 'now that he thought about it', she did seem unusually friendly.

It was all coming together now. Soon, Nathan would no longer be a thorn in his side. Because he'd be far away doing time in a state prison.

"Hmm, I so needed that," Peyton said as she plopped down beside Nathan to lie on her back. "You have no idea. You know, you're not half bad in bed," she teased lightly.

He turned his head toward her and smiled. "Not half bad?" he scoffed. "Half a dozen orgasms later, I think I deserve a hell of a lot more credit than that."

She smiled back. "Ever the cocky one," she said in amusement.

Tongue in cheek, he chuckled. "Well, seeing as you're practically purring right now…"

"Oh my God, shut up!" she exclaimed, swatting him playfully in the chest.

He chuckled and turned to his side, propping himself up on his elbow. "I love you," he said earnestly.

"I love you too," she replied in the same tone.

"Don't ever leave me again, ok?" he requested emotionally.

"Ok," she replied simply.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

He smiled before capturing her lips with his own in a deep, searing kiss. When he finally broke it, it was to lie beside her, his arm wrapped tightly around her.

–––––

It was shortly after 10:00 when he walked her outside to her car. He wanted her to stay, but she said she couldn't now that her dad was home. He only hoped that was the real reason, and that she didn't regret being with him tonight.

He had to smile when she called him once she got home. Just to say goodnight, she said. But they talked well into the night, and even made plans for the next day, assuring him that they really were back on.

He lay in his bed that night, feeling on top of the world. Life was good again. Peyton had come back to him, even after all he'd done. He knew he didn't deserve it, but she loved him anyway. She would stand by him as she'd never really stopped doing. He didn't know how he'd gotten so lucky.

Nathan was less than thrilled the next day when Dan told him he was sending him to Charlotte to visit with Cooper for the week.

"You don't even like him," Nathan argued. "So why would you send me there?"

"Because you and I keep butting heads and I need some time to get a grip on my temper."

"Oh, that's great, Dad," Nathan scoffed. "You get pissed and I get shipped off."

"Don't be so dramatic," Dan said. "It's only a week and you normally love spending time with your uncle."

That was true. Normally he did. But he'd just gotten back with Peyton so he'd rather spend his time with her. "I know, but…"

"But nothing," Dan stated impatiently. "You're going so quit arguing with me."

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"The whole week?" Peyton asked dreadfully after Nathan told her.

"Yeah," he grumbled. "And I don't want to go, but my dad's making me. I just wish you could come with me."

"Would they be cool with that?" Peyton questioned.

Nathan shrugged his shoulders. "Coop wouldn't care, and Jess has been wanting to meet you anyway."

"Well then, maybe I can," Peyton replied.

"Yeah?" Nathan asked with interest. "What about your dad?"

Peyton grinned mischievously as she pulled her cell out of her pocket. "Daddy, hey," she began. "Listen, Rachel and her parents just invited me to their cabin for the week. Can I go?" There was a pause. "Oh yeah, her parents will be there the whole time." Another pause. "Sweet. Thanks, Daddy. See ya at home." She closed her phone. "All set," she told Nathan.

"Nice," he said.

"When we leaving?" she wanted to know.

"Tomorrow morning?"

"Oh!" she exclaimed. "Then I should go home and pack."

"What? Right now?"

"Yeah, there isn't much time."

"It's almost 24 hours," he countered.

"Which is less than a day," she told him seriously. "I'll see you tomorrow, kay?" she said, standing on tiptoe to kiss him lightly.

"Yeah, ok," he said, chuckling because she was already too far away to hear his response.

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"So, let me get this straight," Rachel said as she helped Peyton pack after she'd called her. "Nathan and Haley had sex. Nathan gets a free pass, but Haley's the wicked witch of the West? What's the difference?"

"One," Peyton began, "Nathan was my ex at the time, but Haley was my friend. Two, Nathan was honest about it, Haley cried rape. You see the difference now?"

"Yeah, I mean, she definitely seemed willing. Then again, if she was drugged…"

"Ok, don't," Peyton warned. "You and Nathan may not see eye to eye most times, but you know he didn't do that. And all I really need to know is if you'll cover for me with my dad."

"You know I will," the redhead replied.

"Good."

As Nathan waited for Peyton the next morning, his cell buzzed in his pocket. After checking who it was, he answered. "Hey, man, what's up?"

"Not much," Damien replied. "What's up with you?"

"Nothing. Just getting ready to go to Charlotte to see my uncle."

"Oh. Hey, did the police question you about some rape at that party?" he asked, seemingly unaware.

"Yeah," Nathan replied casually. "Lucas is up to his old tricks. Apparently I raped Haley."

"Oh shit! Really?" Damien exclaimed. "What are you gonna do?"

"What can I do?" Nathan remarked. "Anyway, I'm not too worried about it."

"No?"

"Nah, my lawyer said they got nothing to go on. And I didn't do it so that's probably why."

"Didn't you two hook up?"

"Yeah, but I didn't rape her. She was into it. So, the cops went to your house?"

Damien's fist clenched. Of course the guy didn't even apologize to him for taking over with Haley at the party. He just assumed that his advances were so much more welcome than anyone else's. Of course, he was arrogant enough to think that. And Damien just felt like telling him that Haley wouldn't have gone for it if it weren't for her spiked drink. Of course, he couldn't say that, but man, did he want to. "Yeah, apparently they're talking to everyone who was there."

"Good, then they'll find out that she's nothing but a lying whore."

"Yeah, you hope."

"They will. Hey listen, Peyton's here, I got to go," Nathan said when he spotted the Comet coming down the street.

"Peyton?"

"Yeah, we're back together and she's coming to Charlotte with me."

"Back together?" Damien asked, trying not to let his disdain show in his voice. "When did that happen?"

"Day before yesterday," Nathan replied.

"Well, congrats, man."

"Thanks. So, uh, I'll talk to ya when we get back, ok, buddy. Maybe we can go shoot some pool or something."

"Yeah, sure, all right. I'll see ya then," Damien said before snapping his phone shut. He was back with Peyton? They were going away together? The police had nothing? "We'll see about that," he said to himself as he considered the one other person at the party who wasn't exactly happy with Nathan at the moment.

–––––

Nathan laughed as he took in Peyton's three packed suitcases.

"What?" she asked, feigning offense. "I'm a girl. What do you expect?"

"You sure you didn't forget anything?" he teased. "Like the kitchen sink, maybe?"

"No, I got it," she teased back before getting in the passenger's seat.

He chuckled to himself. This was going to be a hell of a great week.

"Hey," Damien said when Katie Sanders opened the door he'd just knocked on. "Still mad at Nathan?" he asked, recalling her bitch fit at the party because Nathan was still hung up on Peyton, even though he was sleeping with her.

"What do you think?" she asked snarkily.

"Wanna get back at him?"