Another update! I'm back! :)
Crossing her arms over her chest, Rachel smiled smugly as she regarded the two people in front of her. Raising an eyebrow, she noticed that despite the abrupt interruption, neither had moved away from each other. The opposite in fact seemed to have happened, as Nathan's hand had reached down to intertwine with the curly blonde's and he was leaning his frame over her, almost protectively.
"You don't waste any time do you Natie boy?"
Rolling his eyes at the stupid nickname, he ignored her bait. "What do you want Rachel?"
"Maybe you should redirect that question to yourself Scott." She drawled, running her hand through her long auburn strands, the smirk never leaving her lips. "And substitute the what for the who."
Looking down at their intertwined hands, Peyton suddenly realized what had just truly happened between her and her best friend's sworn enemy. Disentangling herself quickly, she met Rachel's smug expression and avoided Nathan's puzzled one.
"Peyton…"
Pushing him away roughly, she looked up at him, her eyes stony cold. "Stay the hell away from me Nathan Scott."
Her tone was detached and although he was used to that curtness from her, it still stung him.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Rachel's tone was anything but apologetic. "Did I scare your new girl away? Y'know Nate, I really thought you had better taste. Seriously, way to step down there." She clicked her tongue,her tone dripping with disdain.
Grabbing her arm forcefully, he leaned towards her, his tone dangerously low. "You wanna talk about stepping down? Then let's talk about when I made the stupid mistake of messing around on Brooke with you." he spat, his eyes blazing angrily. "If I could take it back, I would in a heartbeat because you didn't even make it worth my while Gattina."
Wrenching herself away from his grasp, she glared at him, refusing to let him see how much that affected her. "Oh, hush Nate. Because I don't recall you complaining at the time, just the opposite in fact."
He scoffed and rolled his eyes. "You fucking wish. I've had better."
"Oh, like who? The emo bitch?" she snapped, her jaw clenching down angrily. "What's your deal with her anyways?"
She was trying hard to keep the annoyance out of her tone, but didn't succeed. Truth be told, she'd felt a small surge of jealousy watching the two of them, though she'd never admit it.
"Oh, baby, don't tell me you're jealous." He turned back around and gave her that infamous smirk that really should be considered illegal.
"Please, I'm soo over you Scott." She returned, smiling at him wickedly. "I've got my eye on someone else actually."
"Oh, I'm sure you do." He didn't miss a beat, and his baby blues sparkled with amusement."Is it Tim?" he laughed. "Y'know, I think he's the only one on the team, you haven't yet screwed."
"Actually, y'know your brother's looking really hot." She taunted.
"Whatever." he shrugged. "Feel free to screw the bastard for all I care."
"Right. Why would you care when you're screwing his leftovers anyways right?" she shot back smoothly. "I must admit, I'm impressed Nate. I never saw that one coming. But then again, you really know how to play them don't you?"
"Who says I'm playing her?"
"Oh, how sweet." She deadpanned. "Don't tell me you actually like her?"
"That's none of your business."
"Oh? And what about Brooke? You think it's her business?" she paused, smiling in satisfaction as she saw him hesitate. "But you know now that I think about it, I think Brookie dearest probably wouldn't even care that much. She's probably forgetting all about you right now. After all y'know what they say, there're nothing better than getting over somebody than getting under someone else."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Oh, Natie." She chuckled. "Don't tell me you haven't noticed that our favorite teen Dad has been missing in action as well . A little convenient don't you think? Especially since I saw him myself this morning."
"So?" he glared at her, not liking one bit what she was insinuating.
"I'm just saying. You're not the only one who's noticed how hopelessly in love with her he is, y'know." she laughed, patting him on the chest as she walked by. "The nice guy always gets the girl in the end, remember that Scott."
As she lay tangled under Lucas's embrace, Haley couldn't even remember why they'd decided to come back to his house. Something about a book that she hadn't yet read and he'd promised her was a must read.
But somewhere in the middle of him searching for the book, they'd begun kissing and now they lay a pair of tangled limbs on his bed.
Shifting slightly, she ran her hands through the smoothness of his bare back, feeling his muscles tighten underneath her fingertips.
Leaning all his weight over her petite frame, Lucas slipped his hand underneath the bottom of her shirt, running his hand over her stomach as his mouth explored hers hungrily.
She responded to his heated kiss eagerly, wrapping her arms around his neck as she brought him down closer, to further deepen the kiss.
She felt like she couldn't even breathe.
This boy was going to get her in trouble, she was sure. Because this wasn't her. This wasn't who she was. Heavy make-out sessions, eager hands, no Haley James wasn't one to lose herself in a boy.
But with Lucas it was different.
Because he made her feel different, he made her feel things she had never felt before.
With Lucas it was all lust and passion, but gentleness and sweetness and this feeling of comfort that she couldn't explain. Like she knew he would protect her, be there for her always.
And it was the most beautiful, yet scary thing she had ever felt.
They were so caught up in each other that they didn't even hear the outside door of his room open and slam.
"Oh, god. I'm sorry."
Breaking apart startled at the sudden intrusion, Haley turned away, burying her head in Lucas's chest in embarrassment.
Sighing in annoyance, Lucas stared at his best friend, who was visibly uncomfortable with the sight before her.
"Don't you ever knock Peyt?"
"I never had to." She returned pointedly once she got over the initial shock. She turned around to face the door to block out the sight of the two of them. She'd obviously interrupted a heavy-make out session, by the looks of it…and by Lucas's discarded shirt, somewhere by the bed.
Letting out a breath, she reached for the doorknob. "I'll see you guys later."
"No wait, Peyton don't go." Haley called out, ignoring the look Lucas was giving her. Straightening up quickly, she adjusted her clothes and attempted to smile, though she'd never felt so embarrassed. "I've uh…I've got to go actually."
Lucas tried to protest but she shook her head at him. "There's somewhere I have to be."
"Can't you stay a couple more minutes?"
"I wish I could." She smiled regretfully and she really wished she could. He looked so endearing, pouting adorably, shirtless, with his hair disheveled. It could've been so easy, to just forget about her tutoring session with Felix and stay with Lucas. But she was a dedicated tutor, and as much as she disliked the guy, she wouldn't leave him hanging.
"Okay, will you at least call me when you get home?"
"I promise." Leaning in towards him, she kissed him goodbye, but he began to deepen it slightly, tangling his hands in her hair, both of them seemingly forgetting the presence of the curly blonde momentarily.
"Uh, still here!" Peyton rolled her eyes in disgust, but she couldn't help but smile at the two of them. It was so obvious those two were absolutely crazy about each other and she felt nothing but happy that her best friend had finally gotten the girl he'd adored from afar for so long.
"Right. Sorry." Haley smiled apologetically at her, her cheeks reddening slightly. Gathering her things, she waved at both of them and slipped out the front door.
"Thanks a lot Peyt." Lucas threw at her sarcastically as he sighed and flopped back on his bed. "You have perfect timing, y'know that?"
"Oh, get over it horn-dog." She smirked at him, knowing he wasn't really mad. Sitting down next to him, she nudged him. "Next time, you should lock your door. I mean seriously Dude, you think I wanna walk in on that again?" she shuddered.
"Walk in on what? A perfectly romantic moment with the girl of my dreams?"
"Romantic?" she scoffed. "Please, the way you two were going at it? Just be thankful it was me and not your mom." She laughed at the horrified look on his face. "Can you imagine? You sooo would've gotten the talk."
"Not funny." He complained. "And…it wasn't even like that.."
Raising an eyebrow, she picked up his shirt and tossed it at him. "Uh-huh, sure didn't look like it buddy. Y'know, I don't think we should leave you two alone anymore." She teased, getting a full kick over his discomfort. "I don't know how Karen would feel about being a Grandma in her 30's."
"You're hilarious y'know that? A true Comedian." He shifted uncomfortably on his bed. "Anyways could we not? Seriously this is…ew sex talk of any implications with you is weird." He pulled his shirt over his head and gave her a lopsided grin. "What's going on with you anyway? What'd you do after practice?"
Freezing momentarily, she avoided his gaze as a sudden wave of guilt came over her. She silently debated if she should tell Lucas that she had…kissed his half-brother, his very own sworn enemy. Thinking back, she didn't know what had possessed her to do such a thing. Was she insane? She knew of the implications that one single act could bring. It would wreak havoc into her entire life, completely throw off everything she had ever known.
And she was sure that Lucas wouldn't understand. And truthfully even she wasn't sure she completely understood what was going on between her and Nathan.
But she couldn't tell Lucas. No way. He'd be beyond angry. Because it was one thing to talk to or sorta hang out with the guy…but to be kissing him? That was completely crossing the boundaries. And her loyalties lay with Lucas. Always.
And it shouldn't be too hard to stay away anyways. It's not like she had any feelings for Nathan. It was just a….weird attraction. That was all.
She just had to keep reminding herself of that.
"Peyton?"
In that one split second, she made the conscious decision not to tell him anything. What good would it really do? She reasoned, it was not likely to happen again. She would make sure of that.
"Um…y'know I looked for you." she turned to look at him, pushing the curls out of her eyes. "Like I always do after each game practice and you left."
Looking down sheepishly, he tried to explain. "I'm sorry Peyt. I didn't mean to leave without you..it's just…well I ran into Haley and she-"
"Don't apologize Luke, it's no big deal." She cut him off, giving him an assuring smile. "I get it okay? And I'm ecstatic that you finally got the girl of your dreams but…" she paused, shrugging her shoulders. "I'd be lying if I said that I didn't feel just a bit jealous that you're…well, it's just always been just you and me y'know?"
He let out a long sigh and he gave her his adorable half-smile. "I know, but you know you're my number one right?" he put his arms around her shoulders, hugging her. "Nothing's ever going to change the fact that you're always going to be my best friend and I love you."
She smiled, leaning into his embrace. "I know. And you know that I would never do anything that would upset you or make you mad or risk our friendship in any way right?" looking up into his soulful blue eyes, she took a deep breath, pushing the memory of another pair of intense blue eyes out of her mind. "Your friendship means the world to me Lucas. Don't ever forget that."
"Did you finish reading it?" Haley opened up her own book of Great Expectations and pulled out a couple of sheets of paper from her binder.
"Yeah." Felix shrugged in response. "It was all right."
"All right?"
"Well, yeah I mean it has it's good parts. And y'know I kind of understood it and I was even surprised that I maybe sorta liked it."
"Okay, well let's see your notes."
"Okay, so this Pip Dude needs to get a clue." She read aloud from the piece of paper he hander her. Her brows furrowed cutely as her eyes scanned over his scribbles. "This Estella chick is obviously not interested and is playing hot and cold and that's not cool man. Dude, there are plenty of hot rich chicks in the-" stopping abruptly, she shot the tanned boy and exasperated look, though a smile tugged on her lips. "Felix! What's this?"
Grinning at the adorable way she was waving the paper in front of him, he shrugged. "You asked me to write down my perception." He stated simply.
"You're right I did. But this is not what…" puffing out a breath, she shook her head. "Well, it's um…a very unique way of interpreting the book. But you can't turn this in as your report Felix. And besides, I think you're missing the point of the story."
"What?" he scoffed. "I think I got it pretty down good if you ask me. This moron is like stupidly obsessed over this girl that doesn't even give him the time of the day. Move on. I mean, the rich and the poor don't mix well together anyway so he should just give up. And seriously, what kind of name is Pip anyways?"
She was unable to keep the giggle from escaping her lips and he glared at her playfully. "Go ahead, laugh at me. What kind of tutor are you anyway?" he teased, tucking his own version of the book into his backpack.
Getting over the amusement, she quickly tore out a couple more sheets from her notebook. "Okay, so everything really that you need to know is written right here. I made these notes for you, but I encourage you to actually read the entire book so you could get a better understanding."
"I think I'll just rent the movie. I mean the lead actress is bound to be hot right?"
"The book and the movie are never the same, Felix." She reprimanded him. "If you read the book, and go over my notes the night before, you should be able to ace that test."
"I sure hope so. My parents are not too happy with my grades right now, and one more failed test…." Tucking the sheets of paper into his folder, he smiled over at her. "You don't know how much I appreciate you helping me Haley."
"Actually I do know. Seeing as how you haven't stopped thanking me after each session." She joked lightly, giving him a smile. "I do what I can Felix, but the rest, really it's all up to you." she straightened out her materials, standing up as she did so. "Just have faith in yourself okay? You'll do great on this test, I know it."
He nodded, gathering his stuff, their session now over. "Thanks Haley, but honestly I couldn't do it without you. You're amazing." he winked at her, laying the flattery on thick. "How could I ever thank you?"
"Hmm, some money would be nice." She teased good-naturedly.
He laughed, walking alongside her as they made their way out of the city's public library. "How about a nice dinner Friday night?" he suggested. "It's the least I could do."
"Um…no." pausing slightly, she frowned. "We went over that already Felix okay? And besides…I've already got plans on Friday."
Not missing the dreamy smile that flashed across her face, he shrugged. "Oh, okay. Well maybe next time."
"You need to step it up Gattina. I'm serious. I'm sick of this shit."
"Well, hello to you too Felix." Rachel commented sarcastically as she picked up her phone.
"No time for fucking pleasantries okay?" he snapped, his voice sounding anything but pleased on the other end. "They're going on a date, on a fucking date this Friday and you need to do something about that."
"Aw, but did you see how absolutely adorable the little lovebirds looked today?" she drawled. "I'd really hate to get in the way of true love."
"Shut up." he growled. "I've kept up my end of the deal, I helped you break up Nathan and Brooke and now you owe me. I don't care what you have to do, just make sure their little date doesn't happen."
"So when do I get to meet her?"
Snapping his head up, Lucas stared at his mom quizzically. "Meet who?"
"Oh, y'know just the girl that's obviously got you head over heels." She smiled, coming to stand besides her son. "The one that's got you staring off into space with starry eyes and a goofy smile on your face." At his surprised look, she laughed. "You're my son Lucas, you don't think I recognize the signs my boy? So what's her name?"
He ducked his head and chuckled. "You know me too well Ma. Her name is-"
"Haley James." Peyton cut in from behind them. "Who one day shall be Haley James Scott. And she is just the most beautiful girl to ever grace this planet, with a heart of gold and the most amazing smile."
At Karen's questioning glance, the curly blonde shrugged and pointed to Lucas. "His words, not mine."
He pretended to glower but they just laughed at him."Okay okay, so I'm crazy about this girl, sue me." he shrugged, his lips tilting up into a wide smile. "But if you met her…you'd understand why." He directed to his mom. "She's just…there's no words to describe how amazing she truly is or how she makes me feel…" he paused, smiling sheepishly. "What can I say? I've got it bad."
"Oh, to be young and in love again." Karen laughed, giving her son a quick hug. "I'm happy for you honey. And if this girl is half as amazing as you say she is, then I hope you treat her right. Oh, and don't keep her all to yourself okay?" she teased. "Bring her by sometime. I'd love to meet her."
"Of course."
"So what do you have planned for this Friday Romeo?" Peyton wanted to know once Karen left to the back. Plopping down on one of the stools that lined the counter, she picked up an apple and bit into it.
"I don't know just yet." He admitted, leaning against the counter. "But it's got to be something that she'll remember forever."
"You haven't thought it through yet?" she raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I would've thought you had the whole moonlit dinner by the beach all planned out the minute she said yes. Personally, I think it's a bit overrated but classic old-fashioned romance is so your style. Surrounded by the ocean, the moon and the stars…with you reciting Steinbeck or whoever you're into this month."
"I don't recite Steinbeck. And you know a moonlit dinner is not a bad idea, but I want to do something else. I want to surprise her and make it a night she'll never forget."
"Well, the list of things to do in Tree Hill is very short so I guess if you really want to surprise her, can I suggest Linden's?" she suggested, her lips twitching. "I hear Fridays are strip poker night."
"Yeah, that's real funny Peyt." He shook his head, pushing away from the counter. "Tease me all you want, but I remember a certain time last summer when it was you like this."
Looking up surprised, she couldn't even believe he had the nerve to bring that up. Clearing her throat, her eyes darkened slightly. "Trust me Luke that was different."
Crossing his arms, he raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
"Well, for once I was never as um…whipped as you seem to be right now." Ignoring the glare he threw her way, she continued. "It was just a summer fling. Fleeting and momentary."
"But the feelings were there right?" he pressed on. "The real, honest emotions? The deep connection? That breathless, giddy, fluttery feeling in the pit of your stomach? You felt it. That magnetic pull that draws you in for reasons that you may not understand. That's real Peyton. Summer fling or not."
Looking down briefly, she shook her head as her head swam in sudden memories of last summer. She would never let on the impact that her brief relationship with Julian Baker had left on her life. She had fallen in love, deeply and for the first time. And she had given herself to him completely, only to have her heart shattered into a million pieces when he just left her behind, without a backwards glance.
Looking up, she was about to respond when she heard Lucas let out a sound of surprise. Swiveling around in her seat, she looked towards where his gaze was directed to the front door.
"Huh. I've never seen her here before." Peyton narrowed her eyes as she saw Rachel make her way towards them. "I wonder what she's doing here…."
"Um, seeing as how it is a café…my guess is she's hungry?"
"Yeah, she's hungry all right." Peyton commented, watching as Rachel's gaze was trained on her best friend, her lips set in a flirty grin. "But I don't think it's the food she wants."
Before Lucas could ask her what she meant by that, Rachel strolled up to the counter. "Well, hey there gorgeous." She directed at Lucas, ignoring Peyton. "I heard a rumor that you worked here, so I thought I'd stop by and uh check out the menu."
"Uh, hey Rachel." He greeted back, shooting Peyton a look. "I don't work here, but it's my mom's café." Clearing his throat, he smiled politely. "Um, what can I get you? I can show you the menu if you'd like."
"That's not necessary hot-stuff." she winked at him."I already know what I want." Leaning in towards Lucas, her hand reached out to play with the collar of his shirt. "And I was hoping you'd be the special for the day." She flirted, running her tongue over her bottom lip sensually. "So what do you say handsome?"
Scoffing, Peyton turned towards her. "I'd say, he's not interested so back off. Oh, and read the fine print Rachel." She pointed to the small sign by the register. "They accept cash, check and all major credit cards, but not Skank."
Ducking his head, Lucas coughed to hide his laughter and Rachel's eyes narrowed as she stared at the curly blonde next to her with obvious disdain.
"Oh, hey Peyton." She tilted her head and smiled at her in a fake sweet way. "I didn't even see you there. Y'know it's so hard to recognize you these days without a certain Scott brother attached to you at the hip….or should I say lips?"
Straightening her back, Peyton was grateful that Lucas didn't seem to catch that last bit as he was busy getting the redhead a drink. "Screw you okay?" she hissed, her arm reaching out to grasp the redhead's arm firmly. "You don't know what you're talking about."
Shaking away from her grasp, Rachel glowered. "Oh I don't? You know, I wonder how your dearest best friend will feel once he finds out that you're sneaking around with his brother."
"I'm not sneaking around with him okay bitch?" Peyton snapped. "And if I was you I'd leave right about now. I mean, what the hell are you trying to pull?"
Crossing her arms over her chest smugly, Rachel grinned at her. "Nathan's way out of your league sweetheart, the sooner you realize that the better. And as for Lucas? Well, he's pretty hot if I say so myself and what you've yet come to realize is that I get what I want. Always."
"Why him now?" Peyton hissed back in response. "Leave him alone okay? Lucas is too much of a nice guy to fall for a slut like you. Give it up. Or, is one Scott brother not enough for you?"
"I should be asking you that myself." Rachel returned, an amused smile playing across her lips. Before Peyton could respond, Lucas came back with a drink in hand and Rachel smiled at him prettily.
Pulling out a twenty she handed it to him and winked at him. "Thanks hot-stuff and keep the change." Leaning in quickly, she brushed a swift kiss on his lips. "Oh, and uh maybe something more. See you around gorgeous."
Staring dumbfounded at the redhead, Lucas muttered. "Uh, okay…see you around." turning back to his best friend, he narrowed his eyes puzzled. "That was…weird."
Sighing, she watched the redhead strut across the street and shook her head. "Oh, I think things around here are about to get even weirder."
A/N's Okay, so I know that was pretty short but I hope you guys liked it anyway. And no Brooke or Jake in this chapter but plenty of Rachel, lol hope you guys don't hate me too much. Anyways to make up for it, the next chapter will be mostly Brooke centric.
