It took a second for Lucas's mind to clue in to the fact that the soft lips that were pressed against his, were not those of the girl he spent day in and day out thinking about, the one that he went to sleep dreaming about. But rather, the girl who had spent the past year and a half ignoring his existence or sneering at him, making spiteful comments here and there. The very recent ex-girlfriend of one hated half-brother and the best friend to the angel he spent hours writing about. Brooke Davis. Captain of the cheerleading squad, president of the student body..and all around the most popular and beautiful girl in THH. It was wrong. It was so wrong to be kissing her, even though he hadn't initiated it. All these thought ran through his head, but the one that persisted was that in a strange, almost surreal way...it felt kinda nice.

He felt her arm snake around his neck as she shifted position to land half on his lap and that's when he was jolted out of the stupor he'd fallen into and he pulled back.

"Brooke, no." He took a deep breath. "What was..that?"

"Didn't think I'd have to explain it to you gorgeous." She teased, reaching over to him again. She frowned when he slipped back, putting some distance between them. "What? Tell me that didn't feel good."

"I uh..it did." He admitted, running his fingers through his hair. "And that's the problem. It shouldn't feel good, because well there's this girl and-"

"You have a girlfriend?"

He thought about it. "Well, no. Not per say. I mean it's not official or anything, but I...I really like her."

"Well, if it's not official, then what's the problem?" She closed the space between them again. "I'm not jealous." she whispered in his ear, pulling back to smile at him seductively.

Placing his hands lightly on her shoulders, he looked into her eyes. "You know, Brooke, you don't have to act like this."

"I know that." She looked down briefly, before glancing up at him with a genuine smile. "But you're the first guy to ever say it." She placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "You do your thing and, um, try to resist. It's actually kind of cute."

"Are you going to be all-right to drive home? I'd invite you in, but I'm-"

"I'll be fine." She responded sweetly, "And I understand. Don't worry about it."

"Okay." he exhaled as he slipped out of the driver's seat. "Well, thanks for the ride and I'll um see you around Brooke."

"I'll take that as a promise." She winked at him, and waved as she saw him head towards the front door. She sat there for several minutes, smiling to herself before she revved up the engine again and left his house behind.

Back at Tim's house, the music was blasting loudly, and there were already intoxicated teenagers strewn all over the living room and kitchen and some were already spilling out into the driveway. And it was only half-past ten.

Which was why, Nathan kept on looking around him in frustration. He'd been there for a good 20 minutes, and still there was no sign of his ex-girlfriend anywhere. She should've been there already, as she had gotten a head start on her way back from Bear Creek. He knew her, and he knew there was no way she would've opted to skip out on the party and head home. Which only meant that she was somewhere...with Lucas. Clenching his jaw, he stopped any sort of image of the two of them together..doing anything from flooding his mind. Grabbing the first cup full of beer that passed his way, he emptied it's contents quickly and made his way outside.

He'd only taken a few steps outside, when he noticed her familiar VW pull up into the driveway. She hadn't seen him yet, so he took this as his opportunity to intercept her before she could make her way inside, and therefore proceed to avoid him.

"What the hell do you think you're doing Brooke?" he demanded, grabbing her arm and swinging her around to face him, and effectively trapping her between him and her car.

Jumping up startled, she glared at him."What does it look like, Natie?" She threw back haughtily, knowing he hated to be called that. "I'm here to have a good time. Just like everyone else. Now, do you mind?" She pushed him back slightly, but he didn't budge.

"That's not what I'm talking about and you know it." He muttered through gritted teeth.

"Then elaborate please." She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "And step back a little will you? You're smothering me."

"Quit bull-shitting me." He snapped, his knuckles turning white from the force he was using to rest his hands on her car's door frame. "What the fuck were you doing with Lucas tonight?"

"Oh, that." She blinked up at him innocently, cocking her head to one side. The smile on her lips was anything but sweet and it was almost malicious. "I think it's a little something called revenge." Her tone was pure ice, and it was laced with something almost like triumph. "I mean you screwed around with my worst enemy. So I say, I can have a little fun screwing around with yours. It's only fair."

"Damn it Brooke!" He hissed out, slamming his hands on her car angrily. But she didn't even flinch. "Don't you even dare."

"Excuse me? Let me remind you, that you-"

Looping an arm around her waist tightly, he brought her body flush against his fiercely. "If you do this..." He leaned in closer to her, his breath hot and angry against her ear. "I'll make sure you regret it."

Her heart thumping loudly in her chest, she pulled back to look at him. The look on his face made a cold chill go down her spine. "What are you threatening me now?"

"I'm just warning you. If you touch that bastard...there won't be any going back. You and me will be done with forever."

Her mind flashed back to the moment outside Lucas's house and she wanted to throw that in his face desperately, but the sudden lump in her throat prevented her from doing so. Taking a deep breath, she mustered all her strenght and she pushed him hard, this time able to release from his strong hold. "We already are."

"I mean it Brooke."

"And so do I!" She screamed at him, absolutely pissed at his audacity. "Who the hell do you think you are Nathan? You and me, we are done and I can do whatever and whoever I want!"

"You can't just decide to go and try to screw that bastard just to get back at me!" He exploded. "It doesn't work like that okay?"

"Oh, yeah?" she peered up at him, her gaze almost taunting. "Well, I'd like to see you try and stop me."

Closing his eyes, he stood there, trying to gain control of his building rage. "Why do you have to be such a bitch, Brooke?"

Her eyes flashed in fury, but before she could open her mouth to rebuke that, a flash of red and black flashed in front of her and she blinked for several seconds, before she realized it was Rachel, in an all too revealing black dress, stepping in between her and Nathan.

"I've been looking all over for you Sexy." She purred, handing Nathan his varsity jacket. "You forgot this in the back of my car." She leaned up to plant a kiss on his cheek and then she turned and swept her gaze over Brooke, flashing her a condescending smirk before she flounced off.

It took several seconds for the brunette to regain her composture, but when she did she flew off the handle. "Are you fucking kidding me right now?"

"Brooke no wait." He chased after her and grabbed her hand, swinging her back around. " It's not-"

"Not what? Not like that?" She fumed, shaking him off. "No, don't even bother. It shouldn't even surprise me, coming from you. I don't want to know and I just..I don't care! Do what the fuck you want Nathan. Screw whatever skank you want. I'm done."

"Fuck!" He turned around and slammed his hand on the nearest thing in complete frustration. He recognized it as Brad's silver Honda, but he couldn't bring himself to care. It had felt good to release the mounting frustration and anger, if even for just a second.

"Wow, I guess beating up your brother wasn't enough, now you have to go messing up private property too huh?"

Ignoring the pain radiating from his fist, he clenched his jaw as he turned and watched the curly blonde walk up the driveway with Haley in tow. "Why don't you keep your comments to yourself huh Sawyer?" He suggested icily. "I'm not in the mood for your lovely humor."

"Always the pleasant one aren't you Scott." She shot back, rolling her eyes. She didn't give him a chance to respond and she turned to Haley. "I'm going inside to look for Tyler. You coming?"

"Uh...yeah." She caught the glare Nathan threw at Peyton at that comment. "Just give me a second okay?"

"Sure." She shrugged, and she walked past them, purposely brushing past Nathan. "Excuse you."

Shaking his head, he smirked in slight amusement and he turned back to Haley who was fidgeting nervously.

"Are you okay?" She motioned towards his hand, watching him wince in pain. "Do you need to get-"

"Cut the pseudo concern Haley." He rolled his eyes, rubbing his pulsating fist with his other hand. "We both know it's bull-shit."

"It's not." She rebuked gently, grabbing his arm to inspect his hand. "What set you off?"

Glaring at her, he pulled back harshly. "What is this? You want to have a heart to heart about my feelings?" He scoffed. "Take your fake concern somewhere else."

"No, Nathan wait." She reached for his arm, and stopped him. "Hear me out please? I miss you Nathan and I hate that you're so mad at me and-"

"That's your own undoing Haley." He barked, refusing to let her soft pleading gaze penetrate through his anger. "You're the one who fucked up."

"I know that okay? I know I should've never blackmailed you into leaving Lucas alone. I feel terrible about that Nathan! It cost me your friendship and it was never my business in the first place. I should've never meddled and just left it alone."

"Yeah, you never should've." He shot back. Fuck it, it looks like he was going to have this conversation. "And I know you regard yourself with a moral compass higher than the rest of us, but damn it at least own up to what you did!"

"What-" She looked up at him, before it clicked in her head what he was accusing her off. "I didn't even know that you slept with Rachel, and even if it was me that told her, you would have no right to be mad at me for that! That was your own doing and Brooke didn't deserve that. Cheating is cheating, and what you did was low, so stop laying the blame on me for what you did! I feel awful for the way I handled the whole Lucas situation and I regret it with everything because it cost me my two best friends, but the whole thing with Rachel? I'm not letting you pin that on me."

It seemed like he glared at her for what seemed like hours, though it was only really seconds before he tore his gaze away from hers. "Fuck this." He muttered, moving away from her and heading towards the house. Because right now? He needed another drink and there was only so much of Haley's self-righteousness that he could take. The evening had already started off in a fucked up note, and he wasn't about to let her ruin it even further.

Watching him leave, Haley shook her head and she slinked back against one of the cars in support. She was tired of this back and forth, feeling like she wasn't getting anywhere with either Nathan or Brooke. She had already owned up to her mistakes, and she kept telling herself that they both just needed time. But she missed them. And as she stared up at the stars, she blinked back the tears as she realized that maybe things were never going to be the same ever again between the three of them.

Walking in quietly towards his room, Lucas flicked on the light and he pulled back startled as he found his mom sitting on his bed, the house phone gripped tightly in her hand.

"Jeez Mom. You scared me."

"Again Lucas?" She stood up, ignoring his comment. "What is the matter with you?"

Flinching, he looked down towards the phone in her grasp. He should've known that Whitey was going to call her to inform her of the events. "It's not-"

"Your fault right?" She finished for him, watching as he let his gym bag fall to the floor. "What's going on with you Lucas. This is not like you."

"I-I'm sorry." He finally replied, not really knowing what else to say. What could he say? "It won't happen again."

Studying him silently, she tried to figure out what was really going on. She knew he and Nathan didn't have the best of relationships...or any at all. But engaging in fights? That was not like him at all and she wished that he would tell her what was really going on.

"You know that this means an extra week added to your punishment." She finally responded, an almost designated tone to her voice. "Until-"

Snapping his head back up, he took in a sharp breath. "No mom wait. Next week is homecoming."

"I'm sorry Lucas, but every action has a consequence and-"

"But you can't!" he interrupted her and he winced at the look she gave him. "Please...tomorrow was my first date with Haley and I'm grounded and sure she understands but next week is Homecoming and I.." pausing, he scratched the back of his head. "I already bought the tickets." he lied.

Letting out a sigh, she finally decided on. "We'll see."

Watching her leave, he flopped down on the bed as the entire night flashed in his mind. Haley and Felix, Nathan...Peyton...and last of all the kiss with Brooke.

The last one left him completely confused, and even know he still didn't know how it had gotten to that point. Just last week, she'd hardly even glanced at him. Closing his eyes, he let out a deep breath and pushed all that away, deciding to let his mind rest, at least for the next couple of hours and before he knew it, he was sound asleep.

Haley was bored out of her mind, seeing as though as soon as they'd gotten there Tyler had attached himself to Peyton's side and she really didn't want to intrude on their 'semi-non-date.' Brooke and Nathan weren't still speaking to her and she hadn't even seen Jake since she arrived. Although she got along with everyone else, she wasn't really in a social mood tonight. She wished that Lucas was there, so that they could talk. Thinking of him, and the fact that he had left with Brooke of all people left a strange feeling in her chest, and the sudden urge to wash it away with alcohol surprised her and before she knew it, she was in the kitchen.

Getting there, she started laughing as she caught sight of Felix and Vegas over by one of the kegs. They were fumbling with a beer bong and an already drunk Tim. A small crowd was around them egging them on. Grabbing a bottle of Jack Daniels, Felix proceeded to pour it quickly down the tube, cheering alonside everyone else as the dim-headed basketball player drank from it greedily.

Catching her amused gaze, Felix gave the bottle to Vegas and scooped up two cups filled to the brim with beer and headed towards her. Handing one to her, he grinned. "Hey you."

"Hey." She took a quick sip and motioned towards him. "Celebrating?"

Knowing she was jokingly referring to his hard-earned grade, he shrugged, "You could say that." He drank the entire content in one huge gulp and shot her another grin as he set the now empty cup on the counter. "But that's it for me tonight."

"Really?" She raised an eyebrow and shook her head. "Well that's a first, turning over a new leaf?", she asked teasingly.

He looked over at her, and gave her a look so deep and just so...unlike him, that it made her freeze on the spot.

"Something like that." His voice was soft, as his eyes held hers. "You see, last time, I got drunk I ruined this really amazing girl's night by acting like a total jackass." He leaned over on an impulse and brushed his lips over her cheek lightly. "And I don't plan on making that same mistake again."

Completely startled, she didn't know what to say and only smiled at him in understanding. Watching him leave, she wished she knew the strange feeling that had just passed between them and why it left her really confused. Deciding not to dwell on it, she shook it off and drank the rest of her drink, hoping the effects of the alcohol would reach her quick...so she didn't have to think so much and analyze things that didn't need to be analyzed.

Everyone else was already gathered around the kitchen table and counter by the time Tyler and Peyton got there. Everyone else, meaning the cheerleading squad and basketball team, and then some of course. It looked like it was that time of the night, when they were all good and buzzed and wanted to partake in what was now a favorite to them...I never. Truthfully, that was the last thing Peyton wanted to do. She'd surprised herself and she'd actually been having a decent time with Tyler. She had been hesitant at first, when she agreed to their 'non-date' date. She had pre-judged him just from knowing who his friends were, but she'd been wrong. He'd been really sweet and attentive all night, asking her about herself instead of going on and on about who he was, like she'd assumed he would be doing. He'd brought her drinks and had insisted that he just wanted to get to know her.

They had been out by the living room, playing a video game, which to his surprise she'd been beating him at, when Bevin had all but dragged them towards the kitchen. He'd shot her an apologetic glance and she'd shrugged and just smiled and she didn't even complain when he'd interlaced their hands as they trailed after Bevin.

"About time you got here man!" Tim slurred, stumbling a bit and Peyton rolled her eyes. "Whoa, damn you were right, Blondie is hot!"

Tyler shot her an embarrased smile and she just shook her head, avoiding Nathan's penetrating stare.

"Shut up Tim." Nathan rolled his eyes, leaning back on his chair. Turning towards Theresa, he commented a little bored. "All-right let's get this over with it."

It started out simple enough and after the first few lame go-arounds, Rachel, being the bitch she was decided that she'd had enough. Time to shake things up a little bit.

"My turn!" She drawled, picking up her drink and surveying the scene around her. Nathan, Tim, Bevin, Theresa, Vegas, Bradley and Ashley all sat around the table. Tyler and Peyton were off on one side of the counter with Jake, Brooke, Felix and Haley over by the other end.

"Let's see..." She ran her tongue over her bottom lip and she smirked as she looked over at Peyton. "How about I've never..." Pausing for effect, her eyes sparkled mischeviously. "...kissed Nathan Scott."

"Oh, c'mon that is so lame Rach!" Tim complained, as the other guys rolled their eyes in agreement. Brooke on the other hand didn't find it as amusing as the redhead. Glaring over at her, she knew exactly what she was trying to do. The bitch wanted to rub it in her face! She gritted her teeth as she lifted up her cup and kept her gaze trained on her. She refused to give her the satisfaction, but tried not to grimace as she saw Bevin, Theresa and Ashley raise their cups to their lips as well.

Peyton turned to Rachel with a furious glaze in her deep green eyes. She couldn't believe she was really going to take it there, and the bitch seemed to enjoy every second of it. Gripping her cup in her hands tightly, she silently fumed as she decided wether or not to give in to her obvious bait. She realized that if she let it slide, Rachel would find some way to out her anyways and she took in a deep breath, silently thanking her lucky stars that Lucas was not there for this (though she didn't doubt that he would hear of it eventually, this was Tree Hill after all and this was sure to be gossip for Monday morning.)

Meeting Nathan's eyes briefly, she tried to ignore the way he was suddenly looking at her and she brought the cup to her lips. Closing her eyes, she sipped from it, hoping that no one would even take notice. But even she knows that won't happen.

A sudden quiet seemed to fall over them all and as Peyton opened her eyes, she's met with the several perplexed glances directed at her. She can feel Tyler and Brooke, and even Haley's burning gaze on her and she tries to ignore it.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Brooke's angry voice cut through the silence as she tears her gaze from Peyton to Nathan. "Are you like seriously trying to win award for man whore of the year or something?" She stalked over to him and he stood up, facing her. "What are you trying to do, screw my entire squad?" She pushed him back furiously, not caring in the least that she was now making a scene. "I mean was Rachel not enough for you? Oh, and let me not forget that you also hooked up with Bevin after the sparkle classic and even Theresa freshman year, the first time we broke up! But you couldn't stop there huh? You had to go after Peyton too? Who's next? Haley?"

Grasping her hands, so she wouldn't hit him anymore, he ignored her comments. "Well, what about you huh?" He responded heatedly. "You're always flirting with the rest of the guys on the team, what makes me think you haven't screwed around with them behind my back?"

"How dare you-"

"What about last year when I caught you with Bradley?" He interrupted her angrily. "And now you're trying to go after Lucas just to get back at me." He spat, his blue eyes flashing just as angrily as her hazel ones. "Don't deny it." He warned her, as she saw her open her mouth in protest."I know you and you know what? I wouldn't even be surprised if you added Jake to that list too! I mean, that would really be a slap to the face right? You'd really be getting even with me then. My brother and my best friend?"

"I think you mean ex-best friend." Brooke shot back acidly. "Let me remind you, that you cut him out of your life a couple of years ago."

"And why do you think that is?"

"I don't know. Maybe because you're a jerk!" She yelled back. Pulling away from his grasp, she shoved past him and stormed out of the kitchen, with him following close behind.

"Are you happy now?" Peyton turned her attention to the smug redhead, who only smirked at her in return. Slamming her drink down on the counter, Peyton too stepped away from them.

"You are seriously not following me!" Brooke fumed as she bolted out the back door, her steps burning a trail of anger and frustration. She didn't care in the least that everyone was staring after them. "I can't believe you even the nerve to-"

"Will you just stop for a second?" He shouted, grabbing her arm and whirling her around.

"Did you sleep with her?"

"No, what the hell Brooke?" He ran his fingers through his short dark locks in frustration. "Why the hell are you even mad at me for? It's not like I cheated on you or anything!"

"When?"

"What?"

"Damn it Nathan, I want to know okay? When did you kiss her?"

"What does it even matter?"

"It matters plenty!" She yelled, crossing her arms in front of her. "Why won't you just tell me?"

Dropping his head, he clenched his jaw and he was silent for several seconds. He knew she wasn't going to just let that go, so he uttered quietly. "Last week."

Her mouth falling open, Brooke started shaking her head in disbelief, sudden tears floooding her eyes. "Last week..." her voice dropped down to a whisper. "...when you were still trying to get back with me?"

"Look, it's not-"

"Not what Nate?" She cut him off, her tone raising several octaves. "Not what I think? Why did you do it? Do you.." She paused, and her breath suddenly caught in her lungs. "Do you like her or something?"

He looked away from her for a second to gather his thoughts. He didn't even know if he could put it into words, and explain to her what was going on with him and Peyton. Because even he didn't really know. The only thing he did know, the only thing he was certain of was how much he loved the girl in front of him. He looked back at her and fell into her gaze, amazed like always at how beautiful she was. Even when she was angry. Especially when she was angry.

"It was just a kiss Brooke."

"A kiss is never just a kiss." Her lips trembled slightly as she looked up at him. "Sometimes it changes everything."

He looked back up and he stared at her, and the hurt..and almost uncertainty in her eyes was almost more than he could take. He took a deep breath, and he reached out, intertwining her right hand with his left one, as to prevent her from fleeing. "I can't really tell you why I kissed Peyton." He admitted, maybe for the first time. "Maybe there's been...a weird sort of attraction there but..it's not like how it is with you and me." Seeing the flash of vulnerability in her brown eyes, he wrapped his arms around her as a sign. "I love you Brooke. You and only you...and it's going to be like that forever because I can't imagine ever feeling this for anyone ever." Watching her look away from him, he took a deep breath and his grip on her tightened. "Don't ever forget that, please."

Pushing away from him angrily, she shoved him. "Are you serious right now? I can't even believe you have the nerve! Is your little love confession supposed to mean anything to me? Is it supposed to change anything?"

Nathan ran his fingers through his hair in frustration, "What else do you want from me? I've apologized a thousand times! What else do I need to do to make things right?"

"You can apologize a million times but it's never going to be enough! It's not going to change anything!" She let out tearily. "It's never going to be all right between us ever again Nathan." She blinked back the unexpected tears and turned away from him, "Now please just leave me alone." She whispered.

His face softened and he sighed, reaching out for her once more. "I wish that I could Brooke. But I can't. I need you." When her stance remained cold, he grew angry. "You've been brushing me off all week and refused to let me explain. And I understand. But I don't want Rachel okay? Or Peyton! I want you! And if I didn't want you I wouldn't keep on trying to get you back. I would have given up and moved on the next thing. But I didn't. Because I want to be with you Brooke and I'm sorry for what I did. I was angry at you and I was confused and I-I know that's not an excuse. But it's the truth."

When she didn't answer him, he turned her to him. "Brooke..."

"Y'know what?" She snapped, wheeling around. "I'm going to forgive you. I am. I'm going to forgive myself for ever being so stupid to actually love you. But I'm also going to forget. Forget you ever existed and forget you ever meant everything to me." She could barely contain her tears but she forced herself to ignore the pain flashing across the blue dephts she had loved for so long. "So really Nathan, I just want you to-"

Her protest was lost in her mouth as he suddenly grabbed her and pulled her flush against him, his lips fusing with hers hotly. Whatever resolve she had, dissapeared quickly as he pulled her against him. A gasp escapes her lips and before she knows it she's winding her arms around his neck to balance herself, and his hands are everywhere as his mouth explores hers hungrily, almost desperately.

"Brooke.." he pulled back slightly, only to graze his lips over her neck. "I've missed this...I've missed you."

Again, I hate to break up a game night/party into several chapters but I just had to. I hope you guys like this chapter and also as a fair warning, next chapter will take this story in a totally new direction and introduce new characters..or maybe old. Any guesses? Past loves...hmm. Keep reading and remember that reviews are love.