Dan isn't pleased that Peyton (Hilarie Burton) was making eyes at Lucas in the club.  He'll rough that dame up if she steps out of line, and he also won't hesitate to knock some sense into Brooke.  He wants the money she owes him, but unfortunately she spent it on the garment line she's trying to put together.  Dan agrees to give her until tomorrow at midnight before breaking her kneecaps.  He also has plans to take care of Owen, which is something Mouth overhears while lying drunk in an alley.

Nathan impresses Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) by protecting her from a drunken lout, proving that he's more than a lowly bartender.  They sit and share a drink later, allowing Nathan an opportunity to ask her out on a real date.  While they plan a night out on a town, Peyton stops by to talk to Lucas.  She needs a little help fixing her car, but he lies and says he can't do it, giving him a reason to walk her home.  Lucas wants to know why she hangs out with a mustachioed villain like Dan, and she explains that he merely takes care of her.  She longs to get out and experience freedom and love, but Dan won't allow it.

Instead of indulging in a night on the town, Nathan and Haley share a dance at Karen's Cafe.  The show probably didn't have the budget to create another locale, so I guess the cafe will have to do.  Nathan tells Haley that he's shipping out to the war, inspiring her to toss aside her inhibitions and kiss him.  Peyton and Lucas also have a romantic evening that ends with a passionate kiss, which is something Brooke (Sophia Bush) witnesses.  I suddenly feel like I'm watching The Notebook, only Ryan Gosling has been replaced by Chad Michael Murray.  Whether that's a step up or down depends on your personal preferences.

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