Danger. Passion. Reality. All of these aspects formed the core ingredients in this week's episode of "One Tree Hill." Over the course of the show's five-year existence, the writers have infused various themes into their storylines in order to stir up emotion within their audience.

These dramatic plots pull us in like a caffeinated drug. This week's episode focused on the flirtation style commonly utilized among characters such as Brooke Davis (Sophia Bush) and currently, Nanny Carrie (Torrey DeVitto). But what is it about flirting that draws people in? How many ways can one flirt with the cards life deals us?

Card one reads danger. Everyone's heard the warning for people not to "flirt with danger." Maybe Nanny Carrie just doesn't understand it. At what point does flirting loosen its strings from sexuality and instead represent so much more? Carrie's attempts to unravel Nathan (James Lafferty) into a cheating husband have been nothing but a failure. He may have kept Carrie's skinny-dipping escapade from Haley (Bethany Joy Lenz), but Nathan is able to see past her useless efforts. His 360-degree turnaround seems to be rock-solid. Maybe his switching off the light on her symbolized his complete change in character and life outlook.

Card two reads passion. You play with matches and a fire is eminent. Peyton (Hilarie Burton) finally threw in the towel and confessed her undying love for Lucas (Chad Michael Murray). (We all knew this was bound to happen). What are the odds of flirting with fire or with passion and not get burned every time? Peyton's attempt to seal her admittance with a passionate kiss may have involved Lucas for a few seconds, but in the end it was Lindsey who sealed the deal … with an engagement ring from Lucas.

Card three reads reality. Mouth's (Lee Norris) arrogant boss, Alice, once more challenged the consistent battle within himself. Was risking a decent night with a sincere girl worth losing a job over? Mouth's answer: yes. When does a person realize that flirting with what the future may hold isn't as important as taking advantage of what's happening now? After finally coming to terms with what's more important in life, Mouth took matters into his own hands.

While flirting can be somewhat of an exciting way to displays one devious side, it can also change the outcome of various situations. When it comes down to it, people decide within themselves what is worth fighting for and ultimately what is not. In this case, the danger of flirting lay in the desire for passion. Carrie is fighting for something she can't have, Peyton longs for something she lost and Mouth is aching for something genuine. In the end, do we flirt with life's cards because we know we may not win? Is it the challenge we are so drawn to that we would risk our beliefs to get what we want?

As we'll see next week, Peyton will do everything in her power to win back her former high school love. What we don't know is to what extent she will go to in order to win Lucas back. Who will win - and in the process what will be sacrificed?

Story by Kathryn Sparks
Starpulse contributing writer