A/N THIS CHAPTER IS LONG AND IT JUST COVERS THE NIGHT OF THE FIRST GAME, AT NATHAN'S AFTER PARTY….I'D SAY TO PLEASE REVIEW…BUT MOST OF YOU DON'T ANYWAY..=(…I DO WANT TO THANK rachtree, cabot007and Long Live BRUCAS FOR ALWAYS REVIEWING…THIS ONE'S FOR YOU…YOU GUYS ROCK!
The party was full under way as Brooke walked up the steps to Nathan's beach house. She paused as she reached the door, taking the time to quickly check out her reflection in the window. She smiled in approval of the short red dress that clung to her body and flung the door open, making her grand entrance.
"Brooke!"
"Awesome cheers tonight!"
"You guys were on fire! Awesome show!"
She flashed her famous dimpled smile as she sashayed in, accepting a full cup of beer from Tyler, "Uh..ya!" she took a sip of her drink, "We were totally hot tonight…speaking of which…" she grinned over at Brad, "Awesome 3-pointer tonight, hot stuff."
"Thanks." He grinned, "Didn't think you were paying attention."
"Are you kidding me?" she ran her fingers up and down his arm and winked, "You're kind of hard not to notice Fisher…" she teased, "And I always make it a point to watch out for a good play. Especially, when they're done by such total hotties. Did I mention that you were totally on fire tonight?"
He blushed and she couldn't help but smile to herself as she downed the contents of her cup swiftly. Guys are soo easy, she thought, throw them a couple of compliments and smile at them prettily and they were done in. Of course, it wasn't that it was coming from just any girl. She was Brooke Davis and guys were pretty much putty in her hands without so much effort put forward.
She stared at her empty cup and pouted, ""Damn. I'm all out." she turned towards the tall, shaggy blonde, "Brad…would you be a sweetheart and get me another drink?" she asked sweetly. "Or better yet. Why don't you bring back the brand new bottle of Blue Sky, I know is right by the keg?" she winked, "I might even let you take a body shot with me."
"Uh…y-yeah..s-sure" he stuttered wondering how he could have gotten so lucky, "I'll be right back."
She giggled at his quick departure. It was so much fun to see the effect she had on guys. They were so cute when they got all flustered. She looked around, looking for her best friend and rolled her eyes as she saw Rachel in the middle of the living room, slamming down shots with Tyler.
"Hey slut, starting a little early don't you think?" Brooke commented, walking over to the small group that had formed around the other two, "Why don't you just go ahead and slam down the entire bottle?" she suggested, " Would certainly save you the time."
The redhead shrugged indifferently, "So I'm a little thirsty. So what?" she grinned slyly, "I needed it to replenish my uh resources after tonight."
"Okay..ew. So, didn't need to know that. After all…who knows where your resources have been tonight."
Rachel grinned to herself as she saw the brunette walk away, "Wouldn't you like to know."
"You want another drink?"
Haley shook her head and held up her drink, "No, I'm okay." She replied listlessly.
"You wanna dance?"
Again she shook her head and Felix let out a sound of frustration. This wasn't exactly going the way he had planned. The pretty blonde had hardly said a word to him the entire night and had barely so much as acknowledged his presence.
"You waiting for somebody?" he asked her, noticing that her gaze kept straying towards the front door.
"Huh?" she blinked.
He shrugged, a little irritated, "Well you've been staring at that door expectantly the whole time we've been here."
"Oh.. Uh…" she fiddled with the top of her cup, a little embarrassed, "No..maybe, have you seen Brooke?"
"No, I haven't. But I'm sure wherever she is, she's certainly paying attention to her date.." he said pointedly, "Instead of completely ignoring him and wondering where her best friend is."
"Hmmm." She took a sip of her drink, apparently not having heard his last comment, "That's good." she muttered, her eyes looking everywhere but at him.
He rolled his eyes and caughst sight of Rachel's amused smirk across the room. He finished the rest of his drink in one big gulp, "Well I need another refill." He muttered, squeezing her shoulder lightly, "I'll be right back, Doll."
"Yeah, sure." She mumbled, not really caring where he went. In fact, if he never came back at all, she would be more than okay with that. She wondered for the hundredth time that evening, just why she had accepted to come with him.
She quickly got her answer as she noticed the commotion coming from the front door. Peyton and Lucas, had actually decided to show up.
Haley apparently wasn't the only one who noticed, as Nathan looked up from his spot by the kitchen. He almost choked on his drink at the sight of his brother and his curly blonde counterpart. He laughed and turned to Tim, "Well, well, look who decided to show up." he nodded towards the foyer.
"Damn, the kid has balls!"
Nathan sighed, "Tim, just say you can't believe he came."
"Well he does." he defended himself.
Nathan shook his head and threw his head back, gulping down his drink. He slammed the cup down on the counter and reached for two more, his gaze trained on the blonde couple as he started to walk towards them.
"Wait.." Tim pulled him back, "Nathan..don't. If you're going to kick his ass, please do it after the party." He whined, "I just got here and Bevin's not drunk yet, so don't ruin my chances for tonight."
He rolled his eyes, "Relax, Bro." He smirked, "I'm just going to go over and say Hi."
"Tell me, just why you convinced me to come?" Lucas muttered to Peyton as they stood in the foyer, feeling the stares from the others.
"Lucas, relax. Who cares what they think?" she grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the door, "Now c'mon, let's go find something to drink."
He sighed, "All-right, whatever." He let Peyton pull him towards the kitchen, all the meanwhile his eyes seeking a certain blonde cheerleader and her date.
Peyton stopped abruptly as she spotted Nathan walking towards them, drinks in hand. He was regarding them with a self-amused smirk, stopping directly in front of her to hand her a drink. He flashed her his famous grin and extended his hand, "I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet. I'm Nathan."
She ignored his extended hand, "Really?" she retorted, "Cause' I haven't had the misfortune."
He laughed and clutched his chest, "Ouch." He glanced over at Lucas and raised an eyebrow, "Didn't think you'd have the guts to show your face here, punk." he stated matter of factly, grinning at him smugly, "Especially after quite the uh spectacle you put on tonight."
Lucas took in a sharp breath, "Well, hey it was just one game right?" he shrugged, "And I heard the entire team was invited…right teammate?" he turned his attention to his best friend, "I'm going to get a drink. I'll be right back."
She nodded and took a sip of her drink, attempting to walk past Nathan. He, however, opted to move in front of her, trapping her in the small space of the foyer.
She glared at him, "Do you mind?" she snapped.
He grinned as he stepped to the side, "No, by all means feel free."
She gave him a look and walked past him, but he touched her elbow lightly, stopping her, "Hey, wait."
She sighed in annoyance and turned back to face him, "What?"
He grinned, "Damn, Curly…are you always this defensive?" he shook his head in amusement,"You know, here I am, trying to be a nice guy, wanting to make you feel welcome and y'know…" he winked, "Show you around."
"Okay, first of all..don't call me Curly. Second of all, nice guy and Nathan don't exactly go together now do they? And third of all, I know how you like to welcome girls, so...No, thank you...but I can show myself around." She rolled her eyes.
He laughed and pointed his drink at her, "Y'know, you're lucky you're so cute, otherwise I wouldn't let you get away with talking to me like that."
"Okay, I'm going to cut right through the chase." She crossed her arms in front of her, "I'm not an idiot. I know where you're sudden interest in me stems from….and let me be the first to tell you, it's not going to work." she tilted her head up at him, "And besides... you're just really not my type."
He chuckled, impressed at her accusation, "You're sure that's the reason, I noticed you all of a sudden?" he took a step closer to her, "And here I thought it's because you're so freaking hot." He smirked, "Besides...I'm everyone's type, Babe. Cute, popular, and rich."He winked, "Not to mention available and willing."
She rolled her eyes, "I hate to break it to you, but your cocky,star-of-the-team bullshit doesn't work on everyone, and it sure as hell isn't going to work on me."
He gave her a once over and nodded appreciatively, "Sadly, that it doesn't."
"Maybe for you." she retorted, picking up her drink, "But certainly not for me."
He couldn't help but laugh as she brushed past him, sending him a dirty look. He had to admit..he was more than a little impressed. Never before, had a girl not fallen at his feet. It was an unusual feeling, to say the least. But it just left him all the more intrigued.
That almost feeling of awe, however didn't last for long, as he looked up and his gaze met Brooke's across the room. She was eyeing him intently, and he was sure she had just witnessed his interaction with the new cheerleader. He smirked, and he raised his cup in her direction in a mock toast. She glared at him, and tossed her hair over her shoulder. She turned her back to him and smiled sweetly at Jake, before slipping her arm through his and leading him away.
The smile on his face quickly turned into a frown and he cursed silently. He knew their little game by now. She could flirt with Jagielski and the entire team, for all he cared. But he wasn't going to be the first to give in. No matter, how ridiculously hot she looked tonight in that red little number.
"Here man!" a tall brown-haired guy with too many piercings, shoved a drink in Lucas's chest as soon as he stepped inside the kitchen.
"Thanks," he mumbled, slightly amused, "That was quick." He turned around and bumped into a smaller figure. He looked down and found himself face to face, with the whole reason he'd come tonight, "Haley..." he said softly.
She looked up at him in surprise and brushed her hair out of her eyes, "Lucas.." she cleared her throat, "Hey."
He nodded towards her empty cup and smiled in an attempt to ease the tension, "Refill?"
"Yeah.." she looked away, almost embarrassed. She had taken, but a step towards the kitchen, when the door swung open and the guy with the piercings rushed out, several full cups in hand. He glanced down at her and noticed her empty cup. Without a word, he plucked it from her hands quickly and discarded it, shoving a full one right into her arms, and quickly running off.
"Uh..okay." she looked over at Lucas in slight awe and theyt both burst out laughing, "Who is that?"
"I think he came with the keg." He smiled, "The ultimate party superhero...or something like that," he shrugged, "Y'know, coming to the rescue, making sure no one goes without alcohol, for too long."
"Yeah, well, he's good." she admitted, taking a sip of her drink as they both made their way into the slightly deserted kitchen. He leaned across the counter as she slid onto one of the stools.
"What?" she asked, self-consciously, when she noticed his intent gaze, "Do I have something..?-" she ran her hand over her mouth.
"Uh...no.." he shook his head, averting his gaze, "It's just...well, you look really beautiful tonight." he offered, shyly.
She blushed, totally not expecting that, "Umm..thanks." she said softly, fumbling with the hem of her jean skirt.
"Lucas, there's something I-"
"Haley, I wanted to-"
They both paused and looked at each other, laughing slightly. He nodded at her, "Go, ahead."
She took a deep breath and smiled, "Listen...I know yesterday I-"
"There you are Baby girl!" Felix burst in through the door, "I've been looking all over for you!" he dropped a quick kiss on her cheek, "Oh. Hey...Lucas, right?"
He glared at him, "Right."
Felix ignored him and grabbed Haley's hand, pulling her up gently, "Now, c'mon Doll..we're all waiting for you to start the game."
She reluctantly got up and glanced back at Lucas, swallowing her dissapointment, "Sure...okay."
Felix glanced back at Lucas, "You coming, man?"
He shrugged and emptied his cup, "Sure, why not? I mean games are always fun, right?"
Brooke looked up from her spot on the couch and grinned, "Tutor Girl! Finally! I was about to send a search party for you!" she looked down at her hand which was intertwined with Felix's and winked, "Although…I can see you've obviously been uh, busy."
Lucas cringed and took a long sip of his drink. At that moment the brunette noticed him and stood up, walking towards him. "Well, hey there All-star." She grinned up at him flirtatiously, hooking her arm through his, well aware of Nathan's angry glare, "Come, play with us."
He followed her hesitantly, "What's the game?"
She smiled slyly, "I never…"
"And yet apparently you have."
She glared over at Vegas, "Shut up."
Nathan ignored them and turned his attention to Lucas, "So…anyways this is how it works. We all take turns saying things that we've never done, and anybody at the table who has…" he holds up his drink, "BAM!"
He nodded, "Drinks. Okay, yeah…sure..count me in." he took a sip of his drink, "Sounds harmless enough."
Nathan smirked, "Yeah…" he turned to his left, " All right, Theresa, you're first."
"Okay, let's see… I've never… had sex with anything made out of plastic."
Brooke sneaked a sly look at Nathan and quickly took a sip. Everyone around her laughed and he shot her an amused look, nodding slowly.
She grinned, "Okay, my turn. I've never… no wait.. I did that, um…" she giggled, racking her mind for something she hadn't done yet.
Nathan rolled his eyes, taking hold of his cup, "Time's up. My turn…Hmm…let's see…I've never…" he pretended to think about it, for a second. He grinned as he locked eyes with the blonde across from him, "I got it. I've never had a dad who wished I was a stain on the bed sheets."
Everyone looked around at each other, laughing a little uncomfortably. Tim, however cracked up and patted Nathan on the back, "Nice!"
Haley shot Lucas a concerned look, gauging his reaction. He ignored everyone's wary gaze and gritted his teeth, walking over to Nathan and slamming his cup down in front of him, "Then you're welcome to mine." He snapped.
Haley shook her head as she watched Lucas storm out. She turned towards Nathan and glared at him, "I've got one.." she said calmly, locking eyes with her best friend's boyfriend, "How about...I never once betrayed my girlfriend, or lied." she offered angrily.
He shot her a warning look, and she ignored it, walking over to him and shoving her drink in his hand, "Here." she snapped, "You can have mine. Drink up!"
"Wait, what?" she could hear the confusion in Bevin's voice as she rushed out after Lucas, "When did Haley get a girlfriend?!"
Brooke turned her gaze to Nathan, "What was that all about?"
He shrugged, "Who knows?" he brushed it off, "Apparently, some people can't take a fucking joke."
"Lucas! Wait!" Haley ran after the blonde, and reached out her arm to stop him, "Are you okay?" she asked him softly, truly concerned.
He laughed sardonically, "Sure, never been better." he shook his head furiously, "I never should've come. I should've expected something like this from him. Y'know, he thinks that if he keeps hammering me, I'll quit the team. But I won't." he added adamantly, "I'm not going to let him win."
She sighed, "Why does it even have to be about that? Look...I know Nathan can be a jerk-"
He scoffed, "That's an understatement."
"Just…just ignore him okay? So, he said something that was totally uncalled for..so what? Don't let him get to you. He doesn't know what the hell he's talking about anyways. He's just really trying to push your buttons because he's really threatened now that you're on the team..but-"she paused, knowing there really was no way to justify the things he said and did.
He ran his hand through his shaggy locks, "I really wish that it was just that, Haley. You know, it's just words. But, it's more than that...and I..well honestly? I don't know how much longer I can put up with it." he admitted.
"Lucas...." she said softly, her hand reaching out to squeeze his, unconsciously.
He swallowed and looked down at her hand in his, "Haley.." he spotted Felix at that moment, searching the room, looking for Haley he was sure, "I'll-I'll be fine. Really." he dropped her hand gently and nodded towards the other boy, quickly approaching them, "You should go." he said softly, "Before your date starts to get worried."
She turned around and spotted Felix, who was quickly approaching them. "No, it's not..." she turned back around and sighed, as she realized the tall blonde was already walking away. She shook her head sadly, turning around and pasting a fake smile on her face as Felix reached her.
"Okay…so our little plan is not exactly working." Felix commented as he caught sight of Rachel.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, look at her. She's been on that same drink for the last hour, and as much as I'm kindly offering to well basically be her personal bartender for the night…she's not budging. Not to mention, I don't think she has her phone on her tonight."
She shrugged, "Who cares?"
"What? Aren't you the one that practically threatened me into getting that phone?"
Her eyes twinkled mischievously, "I've got something better than that."
"Well, I'm glad it's working out for one of us." He muttered irritably, not really caring what she had up her sleeve, "She's ignoring me."
"Maybe that magic you bragged about is slowly fading." She smirked, "Or maybe, it was never there."
He glared at her, "Trust me, I've still got it." He shook his head, "No. It's like her mind's been somewhere else the entire night."
"Not where.." her mouth tilted up into an amused smile as her gaze caught the two blondes across the room, ""But rather with who."
His eyes shot in that direction, "What are you talking about?"
She rolled her eyes, "Are you seriously that dense? It's so freaking obvious."
He paused as he caught sight of Haley standing over by the stereo. She was sipping her drink and attempting to have a conversation with Bevin, but all the while she kept stealing glances at Lucas, who was doing the same, whenever she wasn't looking.
"Awww.." Rachel grinned, "That's so adorable." she said in mock enthusiasm, "The girl-next-door cheerleader and the basketball player from the wrong side of the tracks?" she laughed, "Makes sense, they can be boring together."
"Are you kidding me?" he shook his head furiously, "No way. You have an over-active imagination, Gattina. I mean, seriously, there's no way, she could ever possibly be interested in that loser."
"Watch it there, Playboy…" she smirked, "You actually sound threatened." She peered at him curiously and laughed, "Wait…you're not going to pull some Cruel Intentions bullshit and do something stupid like actually fall for the tutor are you?"
He scoffed, "Sorry, babe…but I don't do that."
"Good. Cause' I mean, seriously, that shit doesn't happen in real life."
"At least not in Tree Hill." He agreed.
"Hey there handsome…" Brooke grinned as she came up behind Jake and snaked her arms around his waist, "What'd you do? Special order that drink for me?" she teased, "It's been half-an hour."
He cleared his throat, feeling slightly dizzy at her simple contact, "Uh..sorry…long line." He offered weakly.
"I thought you forgot about me " she teased, disentangling herself from him and taking the drink from his hand, "But then I said to myself…forgetting Brooke Davis? Is there even such a thing?"
"Right." He laughed, "You're kinda hard to ignore Davis."
"Yeah…well tell that to my boyfriend will you?" she said lightly.
He furrowed his brow, "Trouble in paradise?"
"Trouble?" she nodded, "You could say that. Paradise? Well it's never exactly been that, now has it?"
He let out a breath as he regarded her carefully, "Why do you even stay with him?" he tried to keep his voice neutral, "I mean…do you ever think that maybe…I don't know, you deserve better? That maybe you were meant for someone else?"
She stared thoughtfully down at her cup, "I've…not really." She admitted, "I sort of always thought, well, hoped really, that this was it y'know?"
He furrowed his brow, "Why?"
"He makes me happy…" she shrugged, "When he's not being an insensitive jackass, of course." She smiled, "Anyways.." she said quickly changing the subject, "How's your little girl? I haven't seen her in forever.."
He smiled, "She's good. Getting bigger every day."
He could take the hint. He knew a Brooke Davis dodge when he saw one. And if she didn't want to talk about it any longer, then he wouldn't push her.
Her eyes lit up as the song switched on the stereo, "Oh! I love this song!" she grabbed his hand, "Dance with me please?" she begged.
He laughed and set his drink down on the nearest table, "Sure, though I've got to tell you…I'm not the best dancer. Or the most coordinated." He warned, as he let her pull him through the crowd.
"It's okay." She winked, " I guess I'll just have to teach ya." They reached the center of the dance floor and she took his hand and turned around in his arms, her back to him, moving his hands to rest on her hips.
He took in a visible deep breath and willed his heart to beat normally as she began to move in time to the sensual beat of the song.
She turned herself in his arms again, sliding her arms around his neck, "See?" she said softly, "You're not so bad."
He nodded and smiled as he looked down at her, not really trusting himself to speak right then. He didn't want to ruin the moment, by saying something he really didn't need to say. He just wanted to enjoy the moment, and the feel of her in his arms. Because who knew, if he would be lucky to get that chance ever again.
"So.." Nathan started as he spotted Peyton alone by the pier, "Are you ever going to tell me why you're so sad?"
She narrowed her eyes at him as he came to stand next to her, "Excuse me?"
He shrugged and leaned his back against the railing, taking a moment to enjoy the cool breeze, "There's an air of heaviness that surrounds you." he noted lightly, grinning down at her, "And I'm curious. What could a beautiful girl like yourself possibly have to be sad about?"
"I'm not sad." She scoffed, "I'm at a raging party, hanging with the cool kids now, y'know, the ones, that always get so trashed, beyond forgetting their own name. We're building precious memories here. Y'know, these are the moments that matter.." she continued, her voice dripping sarcasm, "The ones you look back and tell your kids about," she rolled her eyes, "Seriously, what could I possibly have to be sad about?"
He chuckled, "Didn't know you were so cryptic, Curly. It's actually kind of cute." He shook his head in amusement and took a swig of his drink, "The lady doth protest too much, methinks."
She paused mid-rant and stared at him, a little floored. Because…well..because honestly that was one of the last things she ever expected to hear come out of his mouth.
He laughed at her shocked expression, "What?" he scoffed, "You think Lucas is the only one who got the smart genes?" he shook his head, "I pay attention in class sometimes too you know."
She rolled her eyes, "So is that the kind of line you use to woo girls?"
"Well…" he started, his eyes twinkling, "She is beautiful, and therefore to be woo'd. She is a woman, therefore to be won." he quoted again, as he took a sip of his drink and grinned, "So why don't you tell me Curly, does Shakespeare really work on girls? Because if it doesn't then I guess I really won't need the book of a hundred sonnets will I?"
She let out an annoyed sigh, "Let's see..." she started, "He is a jackass..and therefore to be hated. He is a man, therefore to be ignored." She retorted sarcastically, brushing past him.
He laughed as he watched her walk away. Yeah, this girl was definitely something else.
"Whoa, easy there, Goldilocks, where are you rushing off to?" Brooke opened the front door and stepped out, eyeing the blonde girl curiously.
"As far away as possible." She muttered under her breath, attempting to walk past her.
Brooke raised an eyebrow, "Wait, what? Who are-" she paused as she caught sight of Nathan, walking up behind Peyton. He touched her elbow lightly, handing her a drink, "You ran off pretty fast there, Curly." he winked, "Didn't think you scared that easy."
He met Brooke's angry gaze and let out a quiet laugh, "Well, hey there sweetheart..." he dropped a quick kiss on her cheek, "Where have you been hiding the whole night?" he cocked an eyebrow, "Or should I say with who?"
She glared at him as he walked away laughing, "Asshole.." she muttered under her breath. She turned her cold gaze to the blonde, "So listen..." she started, crossing her arms in front of her dangerously, "I don't know if you realize this or not, but you've been hanging with the wrong Scott brother all night."
"More like he's been hanging with the wrong cheerleader, don't you think?" She retorted lightly.
Brooke let out a small laugh, "Hmm…screwing one Scott boy at home and trying to score with the other at his party?" she raised an eyebrow, "Wow Goldilocks, even I'm impressed. Two brothers? Even Rachel hasn't managed to pull that one yet, and she is the school slut…" she let the comment hang in the air, waiting to see how the blonde would respond.
Peyton narrowed her eyes, "All right Brooke. " she snapped, "I've had it. I don't know what the hell your problem is or even where you get off, judging my relationship with Lucas…and not that it's any of your business, but he's just my best friend and I swear if you don't shu-"
"Okay, Whatever." The brunette waved her hand, interrupting her, "I really could care less about what your deal with the bastard son is." she took a step closer to her, "But the one I do care about? Well, here's a fair warning. Stay away from Nathan and we won't have any problems, got it?" she smiled sweetly, though her eyes were all fire, "He's off limits."
"Why don't you tell him that?" she suggested calmly, "He's the one who obviously can't take the hint."
She rolled her eyes, "Sorry to break it to you sweetheart, but it's all just a game. And I know it by now. He's just trying to get back at me, so don't get your hopes up Goldilocks, because at the end of the night? He'll be coming right back to me. You'll see." She pushed past her and right back into the house, slamming the door shut with a loud bang in her face.
"Don't worry….I wouldn't dream of it." she muttered, picking up her drink and swiftly downing it's contents.
"Well hey there gorgeous." Rachel said huskily, sidling up to Nathan and wrapping an arm around his waist, "Have you been hiding from me?" she pouted.
He shrugged her off and looked down at her irritated, "What do you want Rachel?"
She winked up at him, "You know what I want." She said coyly, running her hand down his chest, "In fact, why don't you and me go upstairs and I can show you again?"
He pushed her away, "Look, Rachel, cut the crap okay? Tonight was good, great even. But it's not going to happen ever again. It was a onetime thing, so don't get your hopes up. I've got a girlfriend, and I plan to keep it that way."
"Well, that little detail certainly slipped your mind earlier, didn't it?" She snapped, crossing her arms in front of her.
He shrugged, unfazed, "Earlier, I was a little upset. And I just wanted to forget and feel good. And then, you showed up, offering that for me and…well honestly, how am I supposed to turn that away?"
"So you used me?"
"Whatever." He rolled his eyes, "You knew that." he laughed, "You didn't honestly think it actually meant something did you?" He placed a hand on her shoulder, noticing the angry glimmer in her eyes, "But, hey no need to get upset, your night's not totally ruined…I hear Vegas is available and always more than willing." He walked off, leaving the redhead steaming.
He really didn't care. At the moment he had better things to take care of. He spotted Jake and walked up behind him, "Hey Jagielski.." he clapped his hand on his shoulder, "Where you've been the whole night man? I feel like I haven't really seen you," he snapped his fingers, "Oh, wait. That's right…that's because I haven't." he stared at him coldly, "You've been hanging with my girlfriend the entire night."
He sighed, "What do you want, Nathan?"
"More importantly what do you want? No…wait, stupid question. Because that's more than obvious." he paused, "Now, what do I want? I want you to stay the hell away from my girl."
Jake took a deep breath, willing to stay calm, "We're friends Nathan." He stated, matter of factly, "And I thought we were too. Or did, you forget, that we all basically grew up together?" he shook his head, "And I'm not going to stay away from her and I'm sure definitely not going to stop talking to her just because you want me to. She's her own person man, and you don't have any claim over her."
"Friends?" he scoffed, "Please, Jagielski…you may want to fool yourself, but you're sure as hell not fooling me." he smirked, "I see the way you look at her. But don't get your hopes up man, because she's never going to look at you that way."
Jake shook his head, "Unbelievable." He muttered, "Y'know…one day she's going to realize, that she deserves much more, that she deserves someone better. "
He didn't miss a beat, "What, someone like you?" he laughed, "Get your head out of the clouds, Jagielski. I mean, what could you possibly offer her?" He took a sip of his drink and laughed, "What a joke. Sorry..but Brooke just doesn't strike me as the mommy type." He taunted, referring to Jake's daughter.
He narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists, "You know…" he started slowly, "A girl like her deserves to be treated with respect and love. Someone, who will listen to her and take care of her, instead, of ignoring her and messing on her with the next thing in a skirt, every time she gets a little upset with you." he pointed a finger at him, " You're going to realize that, but by then, it's going to be too late. Because you never truly know what you have until it's gone right?"
"Whatever, man. You don't know the first thing about me and Brooke and the way things are between us. So, save your little heart-felt speech, because at the end of the night? She'll be coming right back to me. You'll see." He noticed the curious stares they were receiving from everyone else, "Just walk away, man, and stay the hell away from Brooke. Because, trust me on this one….the last thing you want to do is get on my bad side." He smirked, before turning away, "And if you don't believe me…just ask Lucas."
After the semi-confrontation with Nathan, Jake walked around, not really knowing what to do with himself. He hadn't seen Brooke or Nathan, for that matter ever since. And he hated to admit it to himself, but he was kind of afraid of what that could mean. He shook his head, telling himself to get over it. She wasn't his to worry about, and he had no reason to feel upset. He sighed, if only he could truly believe that.
He spotted Peyton sitting by herself on the couch and he smiled as he plopped down next to her, "Hey, there."
She looked up and grinned, "Hey, back. Where have you been?"
He shrugged, "Oh…around." he looked back at her, "So, anyways…how's your first party as an official Raven's cheerleader been so far?"
She took a sip of her drink, "To say that it's been interesting would be an understatement."
He laughed, "Why, what happened?"
She shrugged, "Oh…y'know, it's not every day you get threatened by Brooke, 'to stay away from her man,'" she rolled her eyes.
His brow furrowed, "Would you believe me if I said, I've been there?"
The corners of her mouth tilted up in a smile,"What? She warned you to stay away from Nathan too? Whoa…I knew guys on the team bonded, but not to that extent." She teased.
"Ha-Ha" he pointed a finger at her, "You're funny."
"I wouldn't worry too much about it." he started, once she stopped laughing, "Me and you and everyone else? We're all just pawns, small chapters really, in the endless Brathan saga."
She nearly spit out her drink, "Brathan?" she laughed.
He laughed with her, "Hey don't look at me, it wasn't my idea."
"Are they always like this?" she asked curiously.
He looked back at her, remembering that her and Lucas had gone to a different school, prior to freshman year. He took a sip of his drink and shrugged, "Yeah…it's almost normal for them. It's like they're little game, whenever, they're 'fighting' or 'cooling things off.' It never lasts, and once they prove their point, things go back to normal and they basically go back to ignoring the entire male and female population, respectively." He added, smiling slightly, "Well, at least until their next fight."
"Well..." she started, " Game's over I guess."
He turned in the direction she was pointing, his gaze falling on the brunette couple by the bottom of the stairs. Nathan had just approached Brooke from behind, and leaned in to whisper in her ear. She grinned slightly and turned around, grabbing his hand and leading him up the stairs. He sighed and shook his head, knowing that was coming anyway, but unable to keep the disappointment from seeping in.
"Apparently we're not the only pawns on the board who were played tonight." She laughed and pointed to Rachel who was watching the brunette couple angrily.
"Felix.." Haley tapped the tan boy on the shoulder, "Can you take me home already?"
He turned around and grinned, "So, soon Baby Girl?" he winked, "But, the party's just getting started…"
She turned her head away in disgust, the strong smell of tequila assaulting her senses, "You're drunk." She stated blankly. "You know what? Forget it. I'll find my own way home."
He reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist tightly, crashing her body into his, "Hmm.." he whispered in her ear, "Sure, you want to go home? That's fine..."his hot breath tickled her neck, "We can always continue the party at your house, right?" he chuckled, "Didn't think you had it in you, Doll.."
She struggled against his strong grasp, "Stop it." she demanded, "Felix.. I mean it! Let me go!"
He ignored her requests and pressed her body closer to his, "Oh, come off it, Haley. I know you're really not that much of a prude. The sweet, innocent act was hot at first, but how you drop it now huh? Because we can have so much fun together." he added suggestively, before bringing his lips down on hers in a rough kiss.
She pushed at his chest, and when he wouldn't budge, she brought her knee up and jabbed him deliberately in his lower area.
He groaned and pulled away from her in pain, "What the hell?" he demanded.
She glared at him, her eyes stinging with tears of humiliation and anger, "Screw you." she fumed, "Who the hell do you think you are? So, I agree to come to a party with you, and you just automatically assume, I"ll be coming home with you?!" she picked up the nearest cup and flung the liquid in his face, "Why, don't you cool off, you asshole!" she yelled, "You disgust me. And I swear if you ever come near me again, I'll do way more damage than what I did this time!" she gave him a hard shove, sending him crashing against the wall. He glared at her dissapearing form, as she stormed out of the living room, the laughter echoing in his ears. This is far from over Haley. You're time will come. And I'm going to enjoy every single second of your humiliation. You'll see.
"So, you're not really attracted to Peyton?" Brooke asked breathlessly as she fiddled with the top of Nathan's jeans.
He kissed down her lobe, "Are you?"
She let out a breathy laugh as she lifted up his shirt, "Sorry, honey. But I don't swing that way." She joked, trailing light kisses down his chest.
He let out a shallow breath, "Y'know what I meant." He looked down back at her, "You're not attracted to Jagielsky." It came out as more than a statement than a question.
She pulled his shirt over his head swiftly, "Were you jealous?"
"Were you?" he repeated, his mouth working rapidly down her throat, his fingers fumbling with the straps of her dress.
"Yes..." she murmured, pressing her body into his just a little bit harder, her lips quickly finding his in a searing kiss.
"Good..." he murmured against her lips, as he turned her around and walked her towards the bed. He returned her kiss heatedly, desperately, as they both fell on top of the bed in a passionate pile of tangled limbs.
"Hiding from the world?"
Haley looked up from her spot over by the pier at Lucas and exhaled, "I guess you could say that."
"Are...are you okay?"
"No. Not really." she looked up at him questioningly, "Why are guys such jerks?"
"Guys?" he looked at her carefully, "Or Felix?"
"Does it really matter?"
"Hell yes." his brow furrowed, "Did he do something to you?"
"Y'know, he's exactly the kind of guy everyone makes him out to be." She let out a small laugh, "I don't even know why I'm even surprised."
"He did, didn't he?" he demanded, "Haley...did he try something with you?"
"He might have…" she admitted hesitantly, "But...don't." she added, seeing the anger flash in his eyes, "I'm okay. I took care of it." her mouth tilted up slightly in a smile, "Trust me, when I say, he's not going to be trying anything with me any time soon. He'll be lucky, if he can get up and walk tomorrow."
He chuckled, relaxing slightly, "Such a bad-ass.." he teased, "Well, I'm glad." he said, more seriously. "The guy's a jerk..and..it was just a one-time thing right?" he asked, trying to keep the hopeful tone out of his voice.
She nodded, "Definitely."
He smiled to himself, relieved with that knowledge, "Good." he said softly, "Haley.." he started a bit uncertain, "I..uh..I wanted to tell you that the other night…it wasn't what you think."
She looked back at him a little puzzled, "What are you talking about?"
He exhaled, "That night, of the movies? I didn't stand you up. I just wanted to let you know that." he shook his head, "I would never do that to you."
Her eyes met his and she cleared her throat, "Then why did you…I mean, what happened?"
He leaned his back against the railing, so that he was standing next to her, "Nathan." He stated simply.
"What?"
"Him and the other guys from the team…they came up behind me and well, as ridiculous as it sounds, they basically kidnapped me and took me to the swamp, just a little bit outside of town and just dumped me there."
She stared at him, her mouth dropping open in slight shock, "I can't even believe he would..I mean I guess I can, cause I know him..but…" she shook her head, "Lucas…I'm sorry."
"What? It wasn't your fault.."
She bit her lip, "Not..but I should've listened to you. I mean, you tried to explain it to me the next day and I just..brushed you off. I'm sorry."
He smiled, "It's okay. Really, it is. I could kind of see why you would think I stood you up…I just..really wanted to clear that up with you."
She nodded, "Thank you." she stared at him thoughtfully, "This is not the first time, he's done something like this is it?"
He shook his head in confirmation. "Are you really surprised though?"
She exhaled and shook her head, "Not really. He's-he's a good guy. Deep down. It's just...well, the situation is messed up y'know?" she cleared her throat, wondering if she was about to cross a line, "How did you..." she paused, a litle uncertain, "I mean, when did you know that-"
"That he was my father?" he finished for her, sensing her hesitation.
She let out a breath, "Yeah."
He stared out at the water thoughtfully, "Me and Nathan…we actually used to play in junior leagues together."
"And that's where you first saw Dan?"
He nodded, "Yeah, he was always there. But I didn't know at first." He let out a breath, "My mom didn't say anything at first because she knew that I loved the game…and that telling me something like that would ruin it for me. I mean I was good at it." he paused as he regarded her, "You ever have something that you knew that you were better at than almost anybody else?"
She rested her elbows on the railing, "I might." She said softly, thinking of her music.
He looked at her curiously, "Well…anyway..the other kids kept on teasing me about it, about how Nathan's dad was my dad, too. So I asked my mom one day, and she said that he wasn't. But I got home, and I heard her crying in her room. And that's when I knew it was true. So I never went back. I told my mom it was because I didn't want to have to see his face. But... It was mostly because... I didn't want her to have to."
"Wow.." she stated quietly, "That's…I mean, that must have been hard on you and your mom…and with you on the team now, having to face all that all over again…" she smiled, "You're really brave Lucas Scott."
"I don't feel brave," he admitted, "I mean, I thought I was going to be okay..but now being on the team?I'm not so sure."
She nodded, "Nathan…" she said knowingly.
"Yeah" he sighed, "He's not going to back off. Him or the other guys. He controls the team..and just…there's just no way in hell he's going to back off."
She bit her lip as she stared out at the water thoughtfully, "He will." She said to herself quietly.
"What?"
She turned back to smile at him, reassuringly, "Things are going to get better for you Lucas. You wait and see. Nathan…he's going to come around..and he'll leave you alone, I'm sure of that." She replied, a quiet determination in her voice.
His brow furrowed, "How can you be so sure?"
Because…she thought, I know just the way to get him to back off…She shook her head to clear her thoughts, "Never mind. Do you want to go back inside?"
He shook his head and smiled, his hand moving slowly to interwine with hers, "I-I kind of like being out here with you."
She looked up at him, her heart beating just a little bit faster, "Yeah..."she said softly, "I kinda like it too."
