Hi there!

Firstly, thank you to everyone who's still reading this story, it really means a lot to me :)

Secondly, to Glee Larry hasn't appeared because he never showed up in Season 4 – even though his daughter was attacked by a psycho stalker and all that jazz – but seeing as how serious Peyton and Cooper are getting I think I may have to do something there…lol.

Thirdly, enjoy!

…

Peyton wrung her hands in a nervous manner as she paced the kitchen floor; she was on edge waiting for her friends to arrive. Together she and Cooper had decided to invite everyone over for dinner and reveal their news about moving to California. Peyton was terrified.

Cooper looked up from the rice that he was simmering. He couldn't help but smile at her anxious mannerisms. She looked cute, he didn't dare tell her so, but she did.

He threw the dishcloth he'd been holding over his shoulder and took her by the shoulders, "Calm down."

"I can't help it." She sighed.

"I thought you were making the salad?" He asked, grinning at the empty bowl he'd set aside for her.

She rolled her eyes at both her own forgetfulness and the fact that his grin made her forget everything for a second. Just a second but it was a damn powerful grin he'd mastered, "Sorry, I'm just worried about how they'll take it."

"They'll be okay." Cooper tried to assure her as he set the salad items on the counter, "They're your friends, they'll be happy for you. They'll see what a great opportunity it is for you."

"Hmm." Peyton didn't seem to agree. She just started pacing harder.

Cooper chuckled at her fret. Her friends meant a lot to her, he knew she didn't want to desert them.

"Come on Goldilocks, I need a sous-chef." Cooper announced, taking her up by the waist and setting her down on the counter, "You'll wear a hole in the floor otherwise."

"You need a sous-chef for salad?" She asked sceptically, a mocking smile replacing her nervous frown.

Cooper smiled too, in relief at distracting her mind from the upcoming dinner, "I could always use a sous-chef if they're gonna look as hot as you do."

"Cheap trick." She commented.

"Did it work?"

She nodded and pulled him towards her by the collar of his t-shirt. She smoothly kissed his lips before whispering her reply, "It worked."

Cooper put Peyton in charge of drizzling the dressing over the leaves as he chopped the tomatoes. She liberally applied the vinaigrette and helped herself to the odd tomato at the same time. Really, she was a terrible sous-chef.

When they heard a knock come at the door Cooper couldn't help but sigh a little in relief. He'd be able to start the salad again as she greeted their guests. He couldn't tell her so but she'd drowned the lettuce in an inedible river of oil.

"Why are they knocking?" Peyton mused; her friends all knew her open door policy.

Cooper snorted, "Because I locked it. Really, your security measures scare the hell out of me."

"You're too sweet." She smiled, hurrying out to get the door.

It was only when she reached the door that she realised what Cooper had just done. Somehow, through his magic, he'd erased her nerves away without her even noticing.

She shook her head and pulled open the door. She couldn't hide her surprise at seeing Brooke and Lucas engaged in a kiss on her porch.

"Hey!" Brooke's eyes widened in surprise when she saw her best friend staring back at her, "Your door was locked and so Lucas and I, well, no reason for a wasted moment!"

"Brooke, you have a key." Peyton rolled her eyes.

Brooke shrugged her shoulders, "Well you don't hear Broody complaining now, do you?"

Peyton smiled, "Get in already, the neighbours will hate me more than they already do."

It was fair to say that as the girl who played insanely loud music at all hours and attracted psycho stalkers to town wasn't too popular on her street.

Lucas blushed and muttered something about saying hi to Cooper before excusing himself to the kitchen. The girls watched him go and then Brooke dragged Peyton into the lounge by her wrist, the delight evident all over her face.

"So I guess the movies went well?" Peyton said with an arch of her brow.

"Like a dream!" Brooke squealed, "Well besides the popcorn, which can get everywhere by the way."

"Good to know." Peyton said dryly, she didn't like to think where Brooke's popcorn had ended up.

"We're giving things another go." Brooke clarified, "And he asked me to Prom!"

Peyton smiled for her friend, she was happy that things were finally working out for her. She did arch her brow and make a comment about Brooke ditching her as a date for Prom though.

"So what's the urgent dinner all about?" Brooke asked changing the topic.

Peyton and Cooper, after making the decision to move the LA, had agreed that they wanted everyone to know as soon as possible. That had meant calling them all the next morning and asking them round that same night. Cooper, being the sweetheart that he was, had agreed without protest to do all of the cooking. Well, he'd given her the task of making the salad but that hadn't turned out so well.

Peyton looked away from her friend. Of everyone, she was most afraid of telling Brooke that she and Cooper were moving across the country. They'd only recently renewed their friendship and Peyton loved having Brooke around all of the time. It was going to be hard to say goodbye.

"It's a surprise." Peyton told her impatient friend.

Brooke's eyes widened, "Oh my God! Have you gone Naley on me? Are you pregnant?"

"No." Peyton replied quickly and firmly. She didn't need Brooke getting any ideas about that.

The brunette looked a little deflated, "Oh, that would have been cute."

Peyton pulled a face, pregnancy and giving birth wasn't cute in her book.

Fortunately, for Peyton, they were distracted away from the conversation by a slamming noise at her door and a groan. It told the girls that Nathan and Haley were there.

When they pulled open the door, Nathan threw them a stony look, "Since when do you lock your door anyhow?"

Peyton smirked, wishing she'd been able to witness Nathan walking into the door like a complete moron. "I think it was worth just to give Haley a laugh."

Haley wiped the tears from her eyes, "That was too funny."

"Yeah, ha-ha, hilarious." Nathan grumbled to the delight of the girls. "I'm gonna find Coop."

Somehow he seemed to know that his Uncle would be in the kitchen doing the cooking.

The girls laughed and then fell into an easy conversation about the fact that Peyton definitely wasn't pregnant and how big Haley's bump was getting. Soon enough the guys were calling them to the table so that they could 'hurry up and eat already'.

"So what's the deal?" Nathan asked as the girls took their seats at the laden table.

"Yeah, come on you two, we wanna know." Brooke pushed.

Cooper and Peyton shared a look, wincing slightly now that the big moment was finally there.

"Do you want to, or shall I?" Cooper asked gently, running his hand up and down her thigh in a gesture of comfort.

"You." She said in a small voice, "I can't."

The group looked on expectantly with a confused gazed. Well, all but Nathan who was helping himself to a bread roll until Haley slapped his hand away from the food.

"Okay," Cooper smiled softly, he for one was excited by their news, "Peyton has won an internship at a record label,"

He paused to allow for the squeals and congratulations, grinning the whole time, his girl deserved the praise.

Peyton managed a small smile for her friends, "There's more, Guys."

She nodded to Cooper for him to continue.

"And the job is in LA." He finished.

"LA?" Brooke repeated faintly, "But that's,"

"A great place for you to come and visit us." Cooper supplied for her. He really didn't want Brooke to get too worked up and cause Peyton to end up in a similar state.

"That's amazing news!" Haley said quickly. She could appreciate the courage it had taken Cooper and Peyton to make the decision. It hadn't been long ago that she and Nathan had been forced to make a tough decision of their own.

"Yeah, California, sweet." Nathan chimed in, praying that it was time to eat.

Lucas looked between his girlfriend and his nervous blonde friend, "That's a really great opportunity."

"It is." Peyton nodded thankfully, "Brooke?"

The brunette lifted her heavy hazel gaze to her best friend, "I'm gonna miss the hell out of your skinny ass, P. Sawyer."

Peyton broke into a wide watery smile at Brooke's words, seeing that she'd accepted the news and was happy for her in her own way.

"What did I tell you, Babe?" Cooper asked, smiling, as they loaded the dishwasher together.

He'd tried to convince her that her friends would be supportive but her thoughts had been clouded with doubt.

"I guess." She turned and leant against the counter top. "It doesn't make it easier though, leaving them."

Cooper smiled softly, in understanding. He pulled her into a tight hug, "There'll always be a way of getting on the next plane back here, okay?"

"Thank you." She whispered, clutching onto his shirt. Somehow he always knew. She was sure that without him she'd find the move near impossible. With Cooper at her side though she was actually beginning to look forward to it.

"You never need to thank me." He shook his head.

Peyton lifted her head to look her boyfriend straight in the eye, "No, I do. I really do. You make everything okay."

Cooper cocked a smile, "I try."

In response she lifted to her tiptoes and kissed him lightly, "I hope you're not expecting to see me much in the next few weeks."

"Why's that?" He asked, a frown pulling to his lips.

"I have a feeling that Brooke's going to demand my time for a while." Peyton explained, knowing her best friend too well.

Cooper nodded in agreement, "As much as I don't like sharing, I guess I will have you all to myself come the summer."

"Summer, fall, winter, spring…" Peyton told him, biting down on her lower lip. It was her own way of telling him that she was his, always, only with less scary words. She wasn't usually the one for big sentimental statements and she knew that he wasn't either.

He smiled the smile that she loved, "Summer, fall, winter, spring. I could get used to that."

And she knew that it was his way of saying always back to her.

It turned out to be that Peyton's guess was proved to be correct in the following week. Brooke truly did command all of Peyton's free time. She even begged Cooper to stay with Nathan and Haley for a while whilst she had a 'final run of slumber parties' with her best friend.

Peyton had rolled her eyes and claimed that the idea was lame but Cooper had read the emotion behind her eyes. He knew that really she'd found her best friend's dedication sweet. So he'd moved out without a word of complaint.

It wasn't as though he'd really moved out though. He was always around, which Peyton just loved. He explained that he had to be there to organise the move. If he left it to her they'd never make it to LA. And so Cooper spent the best part of the week making phone calls, arranging haulage and clearing up the Sawyer house. Peyton had thanked him endlessly and he'd known that she'd meant it sincerely.

"Coo-per," Brooke drawled from the couch where she and Peyton were curled watching America's Next Top Model.

"Mmm?" He called back, expecting for her to want some more chips brought through or something. Against his better judgement, he padded through to the sitting room. Really, he didn't want to be in the same room that the show was playing, he found it loathsome.

Brooke shifted in her position to face Cooper, "Don't you want one last night with Peyton before you go ahead and desert her for Prom?"

Both Cooper and Peyton rolled their eyes at Brooke's way with words.

"I want every night with her." He shrugged, smirking his famous smirk.

Peyton's eyes hooded as she smiled.

"Excellent!" Brooke declared, "Only Broody has gone and bought the wrong colour corsage so I need to drag him to the mall and then I figure he can apologise to me somehow."

She winked and unfolded herself from Peyton's limbs. Cooper and Peyton could barely believe their luck. It wasn't that either of them minded Brooke spending every second with them…well Cooper minded a little but he was too nice to say so. They were glad to have a night alone though.

"So I'll be back in the morning," Brooke said.

"I have no doubt." Cooper muttered under his breath.

Brooke, thankfully, didn't hear, "And then P. Sawyer's mine. We are decorating the gym for Prom!"

She smiled widely and threw some air kisses to the couple before rushing out of the door. They nearly called out to her that she didn't have any overnight things and then they realised the ridiculousness of the statement.

"Decorating for Prom, huh?" Cooper asked through an arched brow.

"Don't." Peyton groaned. "You can't begin to imagine how torturous Brooke in charge of a full scale operation can be."

"Can't I?" Cooper shot back. He had a fair idea and it was nightmarish.

Peyton pulled him down onto the couch with her, "Make me forget tomorrow's coming."

"But it's Prom." He reminded her, skilfully switching the TV to another channel as he drew her into his arms.

She looked up at him through her wide emerald eyes, "It's Prom without you. That's different."

Instantly his expression softened, he hated that she was upset he couldn't make it. "Okay, let's see about making you forget about tomorrow."

He lifted her into his arms causing Peyton to squeal in delighted surprise. He pressed his lips gently against hers and expertly carried her upstairs to the bedroom, his lips barely leaving hers the whole time.

Setting her down on the bed he looked into her sparkling green eyes, "Helping you to forget?"

She smiled softly, "Actually you've reminded me, soon this is going to be our life; just you and me."

"Can't wait, Babe." He matched her smile and laid down beside her.

Peyton's fingers danced along his hairline, "And I'm sorry if I've made you feel guilty about Prom. It's just a lame dance, really it is."

He pulled her into his arms and smiled over her shoulder.

Peyton sighed, it wasn't as though she wasn't enjoying Prom, because deep down she was. Spending a night with all of her friends, forgetting about the exams and all the drama and just having fun, it was a nice release from the real world. Yet the night was missing something; it was missing Cooper.

All of her friends were coupled off and dancing the night away.

Nathan was cautiously waltzing Haley around, both of them smiling widely, causing Peyton to smile too. Brooke and Lucas were slow dancing, barely moving from their spot. They were just swaying gently; Brooke nestled in Lucas' embrace. Skills and Bevin were ripping around the floor at what could only be described as dangerous in Peyton's opinion, but was quite funny to watch. Then there was Mouth and Shelley, both nervously enjoying the innocent dance that they were sharing, finally losing some of their inhibitions about what everyone else thought.

The song ended, and people began to filter back to their seats or to the punch table.

"Hey!" Brooke greeted her friend as she plopped down next to her, "How stinking great is Prom?"

"It's amazing." Peyton replied in a voice that wasn't her own.

Brooke smiled happily, gazing towards Lucas who was getting drinks, "This night's just perfect, and I can't believe it's going to end soon. Who's having the best party after?"

Peyton shrugged, "I don't know, I was thinking maybe I'd go straight home."

"Aw, come on, Peyton, we've been talking about Prom since forever, you can't ditch me!" Brooke pouted.

"I'm not ditching you, you've got Lucas. It's him who you're really going to spend your night with. You know what I mean." Peyton brushed it off lightly.

"He is looking too hot to resist tonight." Brooke remarked upon her boyfriend, "But you're my best friend. Hoes over Bros, right? Do you wanna hang out at the party? Broody will understand."

Peyton shook her head, chuckling, "Thanks for the pity date, but it's not necessary. I'm fine, really."

"Are you sure, Peyton?" Brooke asked uncertainly.

Peyton nodded defiantly, "It's Prom, Brooke, besides your wedding this is like the biggest night of your life, right?"

Brooke laughed, "Okay, Buddy."

Lucas returned with the drinks, as Brooke's favourite song came on. Brooke looked from her boyfriend to her best friend.

"Go and dance." Peyton instructed, to the delight of the brunette. Peyton smiled as they walked back to the dance floor but the smile never reached her eyes.

She watched a little longer, as her friends had their magical night with the one they loved. She felt a pang of sadness that she was alone, without the one that she loved. Before she had the chance to sink any further into misery though, her cell phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, she smiled.

"Cooper!" she said, her voice perking as she did.

"Hey," he greeted in his deep, raspy tone, "How's the Prom?"

"It's okay, I'd prefer to be with you though."

Peyton almost heard the smile on his lips, "I'm glad you said that."

She frowned, "Way to cheer me up."

"Are you upset?" Cooper asked, concerned, "What's happened?"

"Nothing." Peyton tried to wave away the issue, "I just miss you, that's all."

"I miss you too, Babe." Cooper returned, "Listen, sorry to drag you out, but it's really noisy your end, could you step outside?"

"Sure!" Peyton replied rapidly, "I could do with the fresh air anyway."

Peyton weaved her way through the couples and the tables, and strode swiftly towards the exit doors.

"Can you hear me better now?" Peyton asked when she reached the quad.

"Crystal clear." Cooper replied.

She smiled, "How's Charlotte?"

"I wouldn't know." Cooper said, "You look stunning, Peyton."

She gasped and turned around. Her eyes locked on his and both of them grinned from ear to ear. He was leant casually against a sleek looking black convertible that Peyton didn't know the name of. He was looking handsome as ever, dressed in a black suit and white dress shirt.

She sped towards him, barely believing that he was there. When she reached him she slung her arms around his neck and let him twirl her in his arms.

She laughed in surprise and utter joy at him turning up to Prom. She leaned in towards him and initiated a long kiss.

They parted for a second and chuckled in a mutual happiness. Cooper then tilted his head and pulled her in once more for another loving, supple kiss.

"You taste so good," Cooper laughed, "You're distracting me from why I'm here."

"Oh?" Peyton raised an eyebrow, "I hope I'm not keeping you from another girl?"

"Never." He promised, "I'm here to whisk you away."

Peyton smiled, "Because all girls want to be taken away from Prom!"

"You're not all girls, Peyton; you're my girl."

Peyton blushed, loving the way that he made her feel on top of the world. He opened the passenger door for her, held it open, and helped her into her seat with her dress.

"Where are we going?" Peyton asked, giddy with excitement.

He sent her his signature smirk, "That's the surprise, Babe."

A short car ride later, they arrived at the beach that Peyton recognised as the place she'd fallen asleep on Cooper, what seemed like forever ago.

"Do you remember?" Cooper asked as he opened her door and offered a hand.

She nodded, "Of course. I haven't been down here since, it's so beautiful."

Cooper took her hand in his own and led her down the winding path to the beach.

"Oh." She said softly, disappointment in her voice.

He stopped and turned to her, worry etched on his face, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I was just hoping that we'd be alone, and there are people down there." Peyton smiled sadly.

Cooper looked to where she was pointing and his forehead creased.

On the sand stood a small group, they didn't look like a rowdy group of teens or anyone who'd cause any trouble. The tiny crowd of people were gathered around in a small ring, chattering together.

"Just pretend they're not here." Cooper offered as they neared the sand.

Peyton slipped off her heels to walk on the sand, she stood at her true height, almost a head shorter than Cooper. He took her shoes from her so that she didn't have to carry them, as they headed towards the waterfront.

As they got nearer, Cooper signalled to the small group of people who were also occupying the beach.

A generator sounded and the beach suddenly came to life, fairy lights were trailed around the fences and around the small area the group was gathered in. In the centre sat a familiar record player.

Peyton was too shocked to speak, "Cooper," she breathed.

"You like it?"

"I love it! I can't believe you did this! All of this, it's amazing!" Peyton gaped, "This is, I don't know what to say, Cooper, this is the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for me. I really don't know what to say!"

"Say you'll dance with me." Cooper suggested.

"Until the sun rises." She grinned, gladly placing her hand on his shoulder and taking her position.

Cooper sent another nod to the group and soon music filled the air. The couple took their first few steps, not able to take their eyes from one another.

"Gavin DeGraw." Peyton whispered, "More Than Anyone."

Cooper nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. He knew that she'd recognise the song instantly, such was her talent.

"Nathan and Haley's wedding song." Peyton remembered.

Cooper's expression twisted, "Not actually what I was going for, but you're right."

"The first song we danced to." Peyton returned the smile and nestled closer.

"That's where I was going with it." Cooper chuckled, dropping a kiss on her curls, "You look beautiful tonight, Peyton."

She flushed, "Thank you."

"Sorry for dragging you away from your friends and Prom." He apologised, genuinely.

"Cooper, this is a million times better than the Prom." She assured him.

"What about all those guys you left queuing up to dance with you?" Cooper joked, although his insecurities began to show through.

Peyton's eyes softened, she reached up on her tip-toes and placed a velvety kiss on his lips, "I'm happy just to dance with you."

So I wasn't going to put Prom in here but it just kind of fitted somehow, anyway, let me know what you thought!