Poetics for Politicians Chapter 1: Poetics for Politicians, an one tree hill fanfic

This is a companion piece to a new story my homie Peachykeen (ChrisStar!) and I are writing together. Figured we'd give you guys a test run and see what up! LOL, Our joint account isGemellaNTodd! We will be posting under that name and it will be major Action, Romance, and adventure with Haley couples and a Brooke/Lucas/ Clay triangle. Meanwhile, Read this shit and hopefully it's enjoyable! Otherwise, there is nothing I can fucking do! LOL!

Much love homies,

-Toddian

Oh and HAPPY LATE B-DAY MOONIE! Hahahaah! We're Gettin' Old, Chica!

Waxing Poetics for Politicians

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18 years wasted in Death

A Future Left to Live

Trapped in the Rotation of a Revolver's Chamber

What of your Soul is left to give?

There was no doubt whose bright fuchsia pen inked such poetic lyrics. Nor was there any secret of whose strawberry passion lip gloss stained the manila paper with a loving kiss imprint. No, sapphire irises filled with the now school famed penmanship of one Brooke Penelope Davis. Her award winning poem rested comfortably down the academic halls of Tree Hill High, amongst the portraits of grey wigged alumni.

Framed in dark oak wood and recently cleaned glass, the poem seemed to literally protrude from the wall into the blonde's eyesight. And he stared, stared at her brilliance and devotion to her cause: The Anti-War and Violence on Campus Campaign. Class President and Cheer Captain Brooke Davis would be fighting off the college after graduation in four weeks. And Lucas Scott couldn't be more proud of his second best friend if she had won Miss America.

Harsh finger traced her name on top of the frame's glass. Behind him, he ignored the ramblings of underclassmen weeping for the leaving seniors. Tears spilled from cheeks and melodramatic females blew their noses while papers filtered to the floor. Males chuckled in the background and Lucas couldn't help but think of the four miserable years he'd spent in High school: Homework, Detention for fighting, expulsion for Fighting, His father telling him he wasn't worthy of basketball, his half brother's domination on and off the court.

Thank GOD, was all he could think of the coming events.

"Boy Blonder!"

Voice all gritty and seductive; one would swear she was made of sex.

And when he whipped around, bright eyes dropped to the floor magnetically. Pupils bugged and blood boil simply tracing the length of olive hued legs. Khaki shorts almost as skimpy as underwear molded around her curvaceous hips and lead to her petite waist. Further up, a pink halter-top hugged her perfect bosom. Only her pink and black zebra striped JanSport pullover knapsack ruined her attire by pressing against her left breast.

So fucking hot - Silence became him as the brunette flounced towards him in flapping flip flops. FLAP! FLOP! The tile floor was loud under her cheery skips towards him. Addictive dimples lit her face and he was almost paralyzed under her hazel gaze. Flowing locks of chocolate beamed a reddish tint as she caught him by the arm. It took everything inside of him to respond.

"Brooklyn." He opted for casual. Though, causal was the last thing he wanted to be as her scent of strawberries and honey suckle filled his nostrils. "What brings my favorite pretty girl over to the math hall?"

"Well my very gorgeous, cute, and wonderful friend," Oh fuck, she wanted something! Her tiny right arm linked to his and she rambled. "Tell me my favorite boy in the whole, whole world is gonna sign my petition."

Figures…

"What sort of Petition?" Flaxen lashes fluttered with the inevitable roll of his eyes. "The 'no hazing on sports teams' one? Or the-" his hands curled into air quotes, "No paddling for the love of frickin' GOD Campaign?"

"Nooooo!" She elongated her speech as she tugged him down the hallway. "…Although, that was a good campaign."

"Got me suspended for three days, but sure…" Sarcasm cast a fake grin. "It was frickin' awesome, Brooke."

The twosome passed the student body whining more about graduation and summer break. Brooke made small waves as students called to her, but her attention was on the blonde. He was one of her best friends, he boyfriend's best friend, and she needed him to support her ideas. And he always did because they loved each other – were a family. So, she led him towards the exit corridor of the math hall towards the student center where her groups of minions were stationed.

"Forget the other campaigns and petitions. Right now, I need you to sign the School's for School, Not Military Rule petition."

What? Exactly what was she planning to do? Everyone knew today was the week that Military scouts came to the school. A profession he had been secretly planning to delve into. He'd already enlisted and it was only a matter of time before he knew if he was fit to go into training after graduation. Thus, this campaign was not something he was certain he wanted to support?

"Huh?" He halted at the metal corridor. Brooke paused at his side, blocking the doorway. "What's the matter, Luke?"

"Well," he scratched the back of his head in thought. "B, I can't sign that thing?"

"Yes you can."

"No, I can't."

"Why not?"

"Well I-"

"Ugh!" Before Lucas could even attempt to explain, the brunette pushed away from him. Her angry growl traveled down the hallway towards her peers. The students looked towards the angry diva who stumped her right flip flop against the floor. FLAP! "Lucas Eugene Scott! Don't you dare tell me you actually support that cause?"

Her voice was so harsh; she almost scared the crap out of him. He stuttered, "Brooke, Of-of-of course not! I mean, maybe…" Hazel eyes read like the intent of murder, changing his mind subsequently. "I, I mean, I don't even know what this thing is about."

Pink painted nails hooked a loose piece of her hair and tucked it behind her ear. The political guru tilted her face to the side to get a better look at her friend. His lanky body was outfitted in torn yet fitted jeans, while his chest was covered in a black Axel Rose concert t-shirt. Surely, this retro alternative brooder would not support the war and all its gory details.

Surely…

"See, My Brooding Broodster." She leaned closer, moving away from the corridor path to let her peers by. "Now that we are going to war with Afghanistan, I just can't support this war any more. I think our boys should be home yet the different military corps are recruiting more men everyday at schools like our very own. What if we could make it so that they can't come here and pressure-"

"Whoa! Whoa!" He hands rose to cut into her speech. The brunette clamped her mouth closed, eyebrow raised in confusion. Blonde tangles shook as he disagreed. "Um, wait a second, Brooke. I'm not sure I agree with that. They don't pressure you to join the military."

Was he saying she was wrong? The Cheer Captain could feel her temper beginning to rise. Narrowed eyes cut even hard and she poked him in the chest with her finger tip.

"Yes they do! They manipulate people who think they have no other choice because they didn't do well in school!"

Now it was his turn to get upset… Was she saying he got manipulated into signing up? The entire conversation was demeaning he felt and right now he wanted to yell at her. How dare she be say something so closed minded? There were so many appalled questions and feelings of disgust for her attitude racing through his mind.

"You don't know what you're talking about, Brooke."

"I know more than you give me credit for, Lucas!"

"All you are saying is ignorance." One. Two. Three. BREATHE! He folded his arms over his narrowed chest to keep from lashing out at her. Yet and still nastiness invaded his response. "So you should take your stupid petition and stupid causes and shove them in the trash where all your other stupid ideas belong. You wonder why no adult takes you seriously, well this is why!"

Right there, a Nerve, he hit it hard.

"I, I, I…" She was speechless and further more she was hurt. "Sorry I bothered you with my stupid ideas."

It surprised him when the beautiful girl with the Amazon warrior fight inside her began to tear up. Sweet little droplets bunched at the rim of her eyelids and the whites of her eyes flooded. Usually she would say something horrible, something that cut him much deeper than he did her but not today. Perhaps it was because she wanted people to see her as more than a ditzy cheerleader, a slut, a goodtime and today her best friend had just taken all her credit away.

She left before he could apologize.

Fuck, if he didn't feel guilty.

This was why he hated politics.

x-~X~-x

Pretty Vixen just logged on.

Finally, after nearly three hours waiting for his best girl friend to log on to msn messenger the stunning brunette made her presence known. Lucas couldn't deny the rush of relief that hit his body. Weights of worry lifted from his seat on the porch swing where he sat in boxers and a t-shirt in the dark. His laptop provided enough light to correspond with the angered brunette. Not to mention his purple LG scoop currently on flashlight beside his naked legs.

Tap, tap-tap… fingertips pressed his keyboard rapidly. Sad faces and other icons kept popping up in all of his sentences. Then he would hit BACKSPACE, deleting the entire pathetic dribble he managed to come up with. Please don't hate me… he deleted that sentence before he lost all of his masculinity. There had to be something magical he could say to make Brooke not so upset with him. Yet, the only thing he could think to do was apologize. And by apologize he meant beg, cry and plead for her to remain his friend.

BookJunkie: B, sorry about earlier today.

Not even a millisecond before a response.

Pretty Vixen: no ur nt! U think I'm dumb!

BookJunkie: No I dnt. I'm the idiot :( Forgive me!

If self deprecating insults didn't work, Lucas wasn't sure what would. Both hands snaked into blonde tangles. The brooder lifted his head to the high heaven, "If this doesn't work, than I am royally screwed."

Pretty Vixen: If nt, y u say it?

BookJunkie: Anger…

Pretty Vixen: Y?

"Shit. Shit. Shit!" He chanted at the computer screen. The chambers of his heart began to pound against his chest. Thump, thump… if he had a gun he might have shot himself to keep from answering. "What's the best answer? Not the truth obviously."

Because I'm joining the military! He could have told her that among other things, but he could also jump off a jagged mountain into a pit of wild and hungry bears. At least the furry carnivores had duller claws. One thing the blonde knew about his friend was that she was fiercely protective. If she thought any of her friends might be in danger of hurting themselves, she would kick their asses. Coarse hands typed the only answer he could think of:

BookJunkie: U'll get mad if I say.

Pretty Vixen: U kno what, FU Scott!

Pretty Vixen logged off.

He didn't even have enough time to respond to her.

"Well," He slammed his lap top shut, click! Frustration caused him to push the computer off his lap. The Dell machine fell to swings seat lightly. There was barely even a chip. "Ugh, damn it Brooke! What the fu-"

Rinnnnng! Vibrations buzzed from the seat next to him. Wooden planks hummed at the cell phones erratic movements. Blue eyes shifted downward and peered at the cell screen. It read: CLAYTON. Just great, her boyfriend and his best friend was calling him, probably to threaten his life no less. Life really sucked some times. Lucas let out an irritated sigh at the current events before picking up the phone. His thump pressed the TALK key.

"What's up, c?"

"The sky, ha-ha!" Clayton gave a chuckle. "So home-skillet, I really, really need some of that famous L. Scott advice."

So he didn't know about Brooke?

"Okay? What do you need, dude?"

There was a brief silence followed by pseudo coughing. "Ugh, ugh," There was an eye roll in response, not that Clay could see it anyway. The male insisted, "You know I love my little Dimples but honestly, I wish she would learn her place and just cheer or whatever and stop this political stuff. It's getting ridiculous, you know?"

So he had heard? Confusion crossed the blonde but he couldn't bring himself to get past that damn pet name. But choosing to ignore the jealousy rumbling in his belly, the blonde couldn't help but wonder what 'her place' was exactly? He sighed, "Ugh, I guess."

"No guessing." Lucas could just imagine the scowl on Clay's face as his blue eyes darted around his bedroom. "Some day I want to run my fathers company and maybe even be a senator, but I can't with her always mouthing off."

"Dude, ease up on that harsh tone when talking about Brooke." Flaxen brows narrowed in mild annoyance. "She's got a right to say whatever she wants." Rough fingers ran through the knots of his finely coiffed golden locks. "I actually think it's noble that she stands up for what she believes in but this isn't right."

Crssh! There was a noticeable crumble on the other line. Clayton must have been fumbling his cell phone or pulling it from his ear. Either way, Lucas knew that his friend didn't appreciate the reprimand.

Finally, a terse voice relinquished, "Okay, okay! Just saying that I don't know how long I can date a girl like that."

"I thought you were in love with her."

"I am in love with her. I want to marry her someday."

"Soooo?" He shouldn't be giddy but he was. His inherited Scott smirk crossed chiseled features. "I don't get it."

"My Father thinks we should break up."

"Oh, daddy Dearest strikes again!" It took everything in the blonde not to add a '…NICE!' as his best friend reassured. "Luke, I think he's right. I need to think of my future. I have a football scholarship to Harvard too and-"

"You should break up with her than." Lucas cuffed the phone to his ear. "If that's what you feel… Don't string her along."

This was probably one of the shadiest things he'd ever done but…

He was in love with Brooke Davis.

And All was Fair in Love & War.

x-~X~-x

In one week, Brooke not only managed to piss off several students but also garner support from majority of the school. Civil war had quite literally been declared amongst the seniors, resulting in a series of unfortunate debates. Soon, debates escalated into violent squabbles in the hallways. Blood spilled onto the rickety tile of the school and suspensions were handed out like parking tickets. Amongst the biggest fights had been between Lucas' older brother Nathan and AV geek Julian Baker.

Needless to say, the raven haired Scott completely slaughtered Julian for his crush, Haley James. The strawberry blonde was among the growing list of supports recruited by Brooke. The two had been best friends since they took home economics together. Thus she joined the cheer squad, a few of the basketball team, and of course her Brooke's other best friend Peyton Sawyer in their fight against the Military Recruiters.

Currently, the three girls split up in the hallways, quad, and the gym to pass out VOTE FOR HOPE flyers.

"Sign my petition so next year you can make your own decisions!" Brooke walked the outdoor quad, waving her flyers. In her left hand, she gripped her clipboard filled with signatures. "Vote for Hope! Don't support this war!"

Many of the lunch crowd rushed to be a part of the popular queen bee's cause. Giggling girls scribbled signatures before hugging the gorgeous brunette. She glistened in the sunlight, alabaster skin sparkling like diamonds. In her short jean skirt, the fashionable activist looked darling. Ultra long legs moved the crowded space between long tables scattered amongst green foliage. White tables stood out like burning embers in the deeply colored shrubbery.

Tall grass scratched the brunette's legs as she passed Lucas' solitary table. He sat alone with a tray of food. A square pizza sat in his left hand whilst his right hand pulled a miniature milk carton to his mouth. Narrowed lips took a sip of the chocolate liquid. It hit his tongue cool but instantaneously burned at the sight of her. Lucas pushed the carton and pizza back down to his plate.

"B!"

Brooke cut her eyes towards him, coming to a halt at his table. The skirts of her cheerleading uniform brushed the side of his arm by mistake. Toned arms crossed over her Raven's logo and the clipboard and flyers rested against her bare navel. Bitterness caused her voice to snap, "What? Come to tell me I'm an idiot for not giving up. Well I am doing just fine, Thank you. So you can go Brood and listen to emo music for all I care."

"Are you serious?" Lucas pushed away from his bench into a standing position. Hazel eyes rolled in response. "Do you want something? Or just to waste my life force by talking to me?"

He didn't want to go against his beliefs but for her…

"I'll sign your petition."

"Why?"

"What do you mean, 'why'…?" Blue eyes fluttered closed then opened again. "Isn't this what you want? You've given me the cold shoulder for a week. Hell, you deleted me from your friends on Facebook! That's just low, Pretty Girl. So, I'll sign my John Hancock wherever you like."

"My real friends would never call me stupid." She tugged her petitions closer. "And why would I want you to sign something you don't believe in."

"You aren't stupid. I'm stupid."

"No, you just believe in what you believe in. I'd never ask you to change it."

No doubt about that.

The brunette headed towards the school instance, her body moving gracefully towards the breeze way. There wasn't a moment's hesitation for Lucas; he followed. Masculine flip-flops stammered behind the gorgeous class president. He tried to keep up with Brooke's speedy legs but the lunch crowd was beginning to expel. Students were rushing back to class and elbowing him without little regard. Tangled arms and legs barricaded the blonde from the fleeing brunette.

Pandemonium only increased the wild ruckus. Football players and bullying best friends, Owen Morello and Felix Taggarro were possibly the biggest perpetrators of such behavior. They rammed, pushed, and shoved students out of their way. Both males were on the opposite side of Brooke and Lucas but were also approaching. Lucas had already noticed the two males eyeing the gorgeous brunette. And within seconds they would meet with the charging Cheer Captain.

"Slow down, B." Strong winds downed out his voice. The wall-less shelter provided a nice shade in the heat of the coming summer. Nice air currents seemed to blow just perfectly there, lifting part of her skirt.

"Whoa! Lookin' good, Baby!"

Felix reached her first but Owen was not far away. Brooke used the clipboard to iron down her skirt. Annoyed irises flashed dark green, alerting them of her annoyance. Still the boys paid little heed to the malice in her eyes. Their larger frames blocked Brooke's exit. She attempted to tackle through, "Get out of my way, Losers."

"Here that Lo?" The handsome Latino glanced at his best friend. Owen chuckled, "Ha-ha, yeah Felix, I heard Miss Priss call us losers."

The tall Italian extended his hand to grab her clipboard. "Maybe someone should teach this little mouthy bitch a lesson. I think a good fu-" SWACK!

An entire hand met his face hard! Every phalange crashed into his right cheek, bones nearly breaking at the force. The brunette nearly crippled over from the pain streaking down her hand. It was like punching a brick wall repeatedly. Apparently, not as painful as the slap though. Spit shot from his mouth and tears leapt to his eyes. Both Lucas and Felix let out a surprised gasp to which rushing students stopped in their tracks.

Brooke Davis - Queen of the Non-violence- had just slapped the shit out of Owen Morello.

"You little slut!"

"Hey!" Lucas stepped in front of his crush. "I'm telling you right now, Morello." The two males stood face to face, the blonde a foot shorter than his counterpart. "Think twice before you touch, threaten, or even open your mouth to even breathe in the same oxygen as her."

"Just let it go, Luke." Trembles racked her throat. All of her being was still in shock at her violent actions. Hypocrite- she would forever be viewed as a hypocrite if she didn't fix this. "He's not worth it! I'm fine."

"Yeah, don't worry about it, Luke-ASS!" Felix nudged Owen. "Everyone knows who wears the panties in that friendship."

"No, B." Narrowed eyes glared from one douche bag to the next. "Not until these pricks apologize."

"Okay," The fullback hissed. "Sorry I kicked your ass!"

"What!?"

Question asked and answered when Owen swung around on the unsuspected Lucas, "This bitch!"

Bulking biceps rippled and the football player let loose a wicked series of punches. Two massive fists flew into the Brooder's perfectly chiseled jaw line like a monstrous freight train. No one, including Lucas was prepared for the larger male's furious attack. Lanky arms flew up into an instant shield, managing to deflect most of the punches. Yet harsh knuckles grazed the curve of the blonde's upper chin and bottom lip- BAM!

Upon connection, a narrow slit chopped through narrow lips. Blood spilled from the open wound; crimson droplets sprayed the crowding high school students. Electric pain consumed his face with the swiftness of a tornado and knocked the brooder off balance. Immediately, blonde tangles went flying back along with the greater portion of his body. Lean legs nearly faltered back into Brooke but the brunette maneuvered out of the way, allowing him to hit the bricks of the school.

Of course the undying support of high school spectators:

"FIGHT! FIGHT!" - "KICK HIS ASS OWEN!" - "SOMEONE CALL THE NURSE!" -"DIBS ON LUCAS!"

The outpour of morbid thrill only added more poisonous fuel to an already deadly fire. 'Fight' chants echoed from the lunch quad into the ringing ears of one very appalled Lucas Scott. He could feel the rage beast inside of him clawing its way out of his chest. Blood, Blood, blood… It raged for the thickened substance in retaliation. The blonde cuffed his lip with his left hand whilst his right clenched into a fist. The taste of blood filled his mouth with a salty tang. Oh hell no!

"We have to get out of here, Luke." Brooke scrambled over to her fallen comrade, grabbing him by the left arm. Hazel eyes searched the campus grounds for aid but were sorely disappointed. "Forget this overgrown 'Spaghetti-n-Meatball' looking ape! It's the last few weeks of school and you don't want to jeopardize graduation."

Right - graduation meant freedom.

His left foot rose and flattened against the wall. Using it as a lever, the Brooder pushed off the red brick with his chest fully expanded. Beside him, his best friend attempted to calm him down. Red polished nails dug into his skin to keep him at bay. However, the blonde only tugged forward more which caused her nails to scratch his flexing triceps. Rippling muscles trembled in anger and Brooke could feel the tension mounting high.

Oh dear Lord, her little Lucas was gonna be slaughtered!

"Luke," she attempted to no avail. He kept walking towards what was sure to be his final day being anything but hideous after Owen finished his face. Thus she tried again, "Broody, Beastie bud. Don't, okay. He's not worth it. Violence is never the answer and…"

Sound died under the younger Scott's death glare. Enticing blue eyes darkened into the deepest shade of navy possible. Murder was on the mind and there was no attempt to hide it. But also, there was a softness that captured her soul and caressed her. Protectiveness surged through his ice cold veins and destroyed all fear. Instead, the two foot smaller blonde strolled towards the larger male with all the swagger of a gangster.

"How about I shove those oh so beloved apples down your thick ass neck? Your ass will look like a fucking Nina Turtle with an Adams apple."

No one could be sure if it was the way he said it or the fact that Owen's neck was extremely thick, but laughter first rang from Brooke and Felix. Both tried to resist the urge for different reasons obviously: Brooke's being her worry over Lucas life and Felix's reason was to be loyal to his best friend. The result was still the same. Giggles seeped through their creased lips followed closely by the lunch crowd's equally hysterical laughs. Table upon table bent over at the hilarity with contagious chuckles.

"PUHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Red tint blushed Owen's face quicker than he could take a breath. No one had ever stood up to the giant full back let along insulted him face to face. Yet, there stood six foot one inch, one hundred and eight one pound Lucas Scott staring him directly in the eyes. Though blood still bubbled from his lip the blonde stood firmly planted with both fist boxed.

Behind Owen, his boy provoked, "You gonna let that lil' shrimp talk to you like that, Lo!"

The masculine brunette barked in the blonde's face though in respond to his friends, "Nah, I'm gonna murder this little pussy."

"Try me." One flaxen brow rose in challenge. His tongue licked the blood still prickling from his mouth. Owen Morello might pack a big punch but as long as he wasn't cornered, Lucas knew he could take the giant down. "You think because you're bigger but…"

He could be insulting and degrade the male but Brooke's pleads never fell on deaf ears with him.

"You aren't worth the fight."

She was proud of him, he knew it.

They locked arms and walked away together.

x-~X~-x

"Ugh! Douche!"

How could he do this? The Day before graduation no less! And who the hell dumped someone via text message? Well, technically, not dumped but more of a 'break'. It had been two days since the incident in the Owen veruses Lucas incident and she still couldn't shake her undying need to punch something… Clayton Evans in particular! He certainly deserved it for speaking to her that way but then again she'd be going against all her morals if she smacked him.

Pow! A small fist punched her purple painted bedroom wall bitterly. Tiny phalanges crumbled against the thick walling like rag doll, but her anger was a testament to her strength. Or perhaps it was her pride that was crushed! Either way, he heart was breaking into tiny fractures. Tear stained hazel greens stared at her phone, salty libation falling. Manicured thumbs rolled her text key forward, unleashing Clay's texts to her innocent eye sight.

From: Smiley

I tlk'd wit L.S & we should tak a break!

~Imma~Go~Gitta~

Of course, his stupid text signature infuriated her: I'm a go getter? As if. That spoiled brat never worked a day in his over-privileged life. Not that she could complain when her parents were one of the richest business owners in North Carolina. Still, she squeezed the phone until he palm hurt. And to think, he talked to Lucas Scott about their relationship. After she and Lucas had just got back on equal footing.

"DOUCHE!" rasps yelled through her empty mansion. "You wanna lean on Lucas, well so can I?"

It cut her deep to know that her best friend and boyfriend were talking about her behind her back.

Rage ignited.

She wanted revenge.

And she knew just how to get it.

x-~X~-x

Hot and muggy, the last day of spring was dying fast amongst the heat.

Lingering heat residue from the sun always seemed to culminate in Lucas' bedroom. Tonight the temperature of his domain reached a sweltering new height, only multiplied by last minute packing. Piles of laundry from three weeks ago draped over crowded dressers. Paper boxes stacked halfway up either side of blue painted walls in rows of three. Each crate was filled with school papers, old trinkets, and baseball cards. There was barely enough room to move but the blonde was determined to finish tonight.

Cottony t-shirts and undershirts had long since been tossed on his cluttered bed. It was the only way to avoid a heatstroke or at the least dehydration. There was too much trash and mess scattered on the floor and spaces for the air-condition currents to circulate the room. Of course, this was perhaps the future soldiers own karma for never properly cleaning his bedroom. Even while he mumbled complaints about packing alone, he had to admit this would have been easier had be done it weeks ago.

After all, Basic Training was only a week away.

"Ah," Clinched teeth barred down on his tongue in irritation. Powerful limbs struggled to drag three black totes from his closet. Handles slipped from his hands with every step he took thanks to the perspiration slipping from his pores. His sculptured chest heaved up and down in inhalation. "Ma! A little help here please?! The date with Uncle Keith can wait!"

Click! Clack! From the hallway, the sound of Karen's high heel clicking against the floor planks echoed. Click! Clack! The heel steps stopped somewhere down the hall. Lucas let out a satisfied breath before lugging the three large suitcases up. His muscles burned in ache and strain once he lifted the full bags. Using all his strength, the blonde swung them onto his bed. The bags came crashing down in a heap on the red and blue striped comforter.

CRNK! The King size mattress partially snapped in half…

"Shit!"

"What was that?" Karen's voice range increased as she approached his door. Nervously, Lucas moved in front of the door to block the view of the bed. Damn, how would he tell his mother he had crushed his bed? A flirty grin crossed his face when his mother poked her head into the doorway. Brown curls framed her face and she questioned, "Luke, what was that?"

"That?" blonde tangles shook in confusion. "oh nothing? Ha-ha-ha." He gave a nervous chuckle to which his mother shot him a 'you gotta be kidding, kid' expression. Nervously, he insisted with the rub of his left kneecap. "That was my knee… Rusty old thing."

"Uh huh," Brown irises eyed the blonde Adonis suspiciously. "Whatever you did, you know I will find out eventually. Now, I have to go on my date in about thirty minutes. Keith is taking me to see Clash of the Titans and I'm not sure if he is driving here or I'm supposed to meet him so I guess I'll drive over."

Thick nails dug into the back of his head. He scratched curiously, "I thought you wanted to see that Why Did I Get Married Too? Movie?"

"Keith's turn to pick the movies." She shrugged. Pulling back from the doorway, she gave him a small wave. "All right, Luke, I'll be home around twelve."

"Alright ma."

She left quickly for her date and possibly new life. Not that she was aware of it. Karen didn't even know that he was going to the military, just thought he was going on a summer trip with his friends. Now that he was leaving, his mother would need someone to watch over her. Keith was a great replacement and an even better father. When Dan chose Deb over Karen his Uncle was quick to step in and raise him as if Lucas was his own child.

It was only fitting for his Uncle and Mother to get married and have children.

It must have been a minutes later that his mind left the pending future of his mother's happiness.

Once again, cold eyes drifted around the room. All of his childhoods equal the very contents of that small bedroom. His dreams represented in the form of a basketball goal hung loosely over his now crushed bed. The net was yellow, shabby but still holding together. Meanwhile, orange chip flickered across the room whenever his ceiling fan rotated. If only he hadn't been too sacred to once again come second best to his brother, Lucas might have scored a college scholarship.

"Pipe dream." Distain lined his deep tone.

Further, his shirtless body traveled to the left sector of his room where his iPod stereo sat next to his laptop. Novels and written journals stacked beside the mechanisms but long fingers gripped the stereos volume knob. He turned it to the right slightly, allowing gentle melody to be released into the hot room. It's the lyrical genius Jay-z rapping of the trials of youth. Young Forever could possibly be the story of his disappointing life.

No girl. No father. No future.

He didn't want to live that way.

He wanted to travel.

He lifted his head up to the sight of his licenses plate collage. The metal car tags hung sideways, backwards, forwards, anyway possible. Hope rested on each state plate, each different county number. They were the places he wanted to go, to see all over America and later the world. Someday he'd go to New York and Boson or help disaster victims in Haiti. His hand left the stereo to trace the letter of the plate where he would be stationed for boot camp.

Just as he followed the flow of the music under his heavy touch; the song changed to lyrics he was bitterly familiar with: Music that gutted his stomach like a fish and left him out to die. Self deprecation allowed for the song to continue playing. It was truly touching and heartbreak all at once. So heartbreaking, indeed, that a cold chill raced up his naked torso. Sweat eased away and his jeans became loose weights.

Knock! Knock! Loud boomingwoke the Brooder from self loathing. He turned away his collage, but was too late to intercept the door. Someone, a very rude over privileged someone, had already opened the door. Once again the blonde was bombarded by the girl he loved. A rush of chocolate tresses flung at him as her little body came trucking inside. Silent ugg boots tapped the floor and knee high rainbow socks were vibrant. They contrasted her cut off shorts which rode high up her thighs.

They were practically underwear, fitting just over her perfect little ass. A few white strings of jeans frayed onto her thigh and the space between her legs. And the add insult to injury, her washboard abdomen was on full display in her cropped peasant shirt. Its hem scrunched up just under her breast only to be overshadowed by a string tied cleavage opening. She was beautiful, far too beautiful to be running towards him.

If Lucas didn't know any better, he might think she had come over to seduce him.

"Hello, Luke!" In her hands, Brooke carried a box full of old trinkets. Her purple monkey hung off the box edge. Hazel eyes whirled around the room towards his bed. "Oh, damn! What the heck have you been doing in bed to break it? I mean I've broken a few beds but…"

Her voice halted in stun reprieve as she absorbed his handsome form. She'd never seen him shirtless and right now she couldn't think of much else to do but stare. Mentally, she counted ever set of abs on his chiseled chest. Grr, it made her stomach rumble and flip from a greedy want growing in the pit of her belly. Salvia gathered in her mouth and slipped from the corner of parted lips. Was she drooling?

"What are you doing here, B?"

"Huh, Me?" Her little smile and mock confusion was so sweet. A husky chuckle wouldn't stay locked in his throat, "Ha-ha, yes you, Pretty Girl?"

"Oh, I brought you these." She nodded towards the box. "Since Hales and I will be gone with the Peace Corps for a while, well…" The urgent need to ramble started. "We figured that you guys would like some of our stuff. I mean, until we get back and it's good to know they are in good hands. Great hands – like yours, not that I noticed but-"

"Thanks." He cut her off, grabbing the box from her. Gently, he sat it on table with his stereo and lap top. His infamous Scott smirk appeared as he pulled out her Purple Monkey "I'll protect Mr. Charleston with my life. I remember when I first gave you this thing. But don't you think you should have given this to Clay?"

"Hm," Loose shoulders shrugged, code for NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. "What are you listening to?"

"Guess…"

It was my turn to decide -I knew this was our time

No one else will have me like you do

No one will have me:

Only you

"Oh. Em. Gee!" Sparkling irises widen as se laid the stuffed animal on the desk. She leaned in closer to the radio, ass up in the air. Blue jean cutoffs rose over the palm of her bottom. Okay, she was definitely trying to seduce him. "I love this song!"

"Twenty-three?" He questioned. The blonde shifted from left to right, left leg straightening whilst the other creased in a bend. "You like Jimmy Eat World?"

"Oh Yeah, baby!" Chocolate locks flapped up and down as she nodded exuberantly. "They're the only band that me and P. Sawyer have in common. Well, and my favorite band, Maroon 5! Love Sweetest Goodbye and She Will be Loved!"

Excitement literally caused her petite frame to wiggle. Giddily, the brunette turned the radio knob as far as possible. Suddenly, an explosion of loud music rippled through the house forcefully. Pictures shook on the walls and the windows buzzed as the stereo speakers introduced Jimmy Eat World back into Karen Roe's humble abode. Husky voiced mixed with soulful hums for an intense vocal track. It was music that grabbed the soul and urged it to feel emotions. Coerced the spirit to run wild and free as inhibitions died.

Two feminine arms shot up victoriously just before sexy hips began to sway. Side to side, Lucas was mesmerized by the rhythm of the stunning cheerleader. Naked thighs rubbed together, following rowdy guitar strums. Brooke tossed her head back and gorgeous curls tumbled down her back. Seductive yet innocent and always beautiful - her body sent his head into a tizzy. All of his senses: smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound became ultra-sensitive.

Stellar drumsticks and their fast paced rhythm enchanted the Brooder into complete silence.

She consumed his entire being.

It wasn't until tiny hands wrapped around a quarter of his now muscular bicep that he realized what was happening. His goddess, the Cleopatra to his Mark Anthony, pushed her voluptuous figure against his towering form. Curves molded against the six-foot-one male and her thighs cradled his left leg. Far more sensual was the meeting of her plump breast to his torso. Firmness brushed against his palm, sending heat waves throughout his body.

This was wrong. Wanting to touch her, kiss her, simply hold her in his arms was wrong.

"Dance with me, Luke." a dirty rasp, almost pleading reached mentally intoxicated ears. A sexiness she'd never seemed to notice exuded from his barely clothed body. It was a reflexive need that drove her to pull him closer. "This could be the last time we ever get to just dance."

"What?" Lucas gave an exasperated frown. "B, this isn't a slow song."

"So what?" Her heart shaped face rested in the crook of his neck. "No one's watching."

"But…"

All of his muscles ached to possess even a fraction of the beauty. Twitching pain strung both arms in an attempt to move, but he immobilized his body. Instead he stood stiff - with every pun intended- arm draped at his side. Fore if he touched her, he knew he'd never be able to stop. Never stop loving her or needing to be in her world even if just platonically.

Truly. He loved her.

Amazing still it seems…"I'll be 23."

I wont always love what

I'll never have

Thick, emotional lyrics hit the twosome with the strength of bricks. Without warning, one of cupid's arrows shot through Lucas and pierced Brooke's heart. Romance swelled in her chest as she finally realized what she had been denying all along. Neither could bring themselves to speak during the brief interaction. Only their bodies managed to move slowly around in a circular motion.

Slowly, both Lucas' limbs curled around her tiny waist. "But this is just a dance, right?"

"Right,"

Her voice agreed and perhaps her head but her heart was in control. Brooke pulled her head back from the comfort of his shoulder. She rocked up on her tiptoes, gaining about two inches where his head was down cast. Blue gazes captured the image of a closed eyed brunette pulling towards him as if by some magnetic force filed. Blonde curls wisped over his forehead as confusion crossed his brow: What was happening? Why was she so close?

Suddenly, soft lips slammed into his mouth.

The surprise attack caused the blonde to lose his balance. His footing scrambled forward and the Brooder tripped into his friend's smaller form. Both their bodies went flying backwards, still clinging to each other. Lucas tightened his grip on her waist to keep her safe but that couldn't stop either from crashing into the license plate display on his wall. Brooke hit the colorful collage first, Lucas crushing her perfect body hard, CRSSH!

"Ah!" There was a small whimper from her mouth but she refused to break the kiss. Her companion released a transfixed yet masculine moan, "MmmhBrooke."

Sugary pallets scooped up his bottom lip hungrily, lustful passion overwhelming her. Need, wanton desire grated at her nerves until her mouth attached his with selfish kisses. His mouth was paralyzed by shock, thus she loosened her hold on his neck. Sensually, feminine phalanges snaked up the nape of his neck into flaxen tresses. Her fingers pushed his head towards her mouth, allowing for her teeth to fully grip his bottom lip.

She exerted strength to bite him from his dazed state. Sharp calcium sliced soft flesh and the brooder winced, "Ssshit."

His mouth opened per her request and Lucas finally began to react. Almost immediately, his tongue entered the sweet cavity of her mouth. Burst of cinnamon and lemony flavor tickled the apex of his tongue with spasms. The moist organ massaged her mouth greedily and lapped up the delicious tastes. In contrast, her tongue danced over his for dominance in a losing battle.

For a brief second the lovers felt like they were the only two people alive.

I'm here and Now I'm ready;

Hold me on tight! Don't give away the end!

The one thing that stays

Right!

Searching hands left her waist to explore the length of her back. Harsh fingers traveled her naked lower back up to the buttons of her cropped shirt. Pearl studs nicked the pad of his finger and he quickly slipped the buttons from loose holes. White silk fell down the sides of either shoulder, a cloth-like puddle at the crease of her elbow. Her cleavage was swollen and exposed her fuchsia bra. Simultaneously, he kissed away whatever reservations that she or he might have about tonight.

He needed to know that she wouldn't call him a 'regret' like his father did.

The blonde tore himself from her mouth, "I think I love you."

I love you too. Three words she wanted to say but knew she couldn't. This night would be something she would never regret but could never accept. A part of her, a huge part still loved Clayton and would never break apart a ten year friendship to selfish date Lucas. I need you. She needed to be strong but tonight was all about giving in to her weaknesses…About revenge against her asshole ex-boyfriend. I'm in love with you.

"I- I, ugh, I -I want you." She stuttered instead, adding fuel to both their reluctance. Neither was sure if sleeping together was the right thing to do now. She hadn't given the answer he wanted in return and now he was unsure. He asked, "Are you sure?"

"I swear."

That was all he needed to hear.

The future Marine kissed her hungrily, not caring how much he bruised her lips. His full weight of one hundred and eight pounds pressed the petite Cheer Captain against the engraved plates and stole the breath from her lips. Names and numbers dinted her back but both lovers were too engrossed in each other to care. His hands moved down the curve of her waist to her full bottom.

Lucas tilted her shorts clad hips into his lower anatomy as he roughly drew her high up against his hard front. Not even a percentage of his strength was spent upon laying his lover against the wall. One of her legs propped against the side table and the brunette rested the edge of her ass against his phone. Her hands left his head and traveled down his muscular chest. Porcelain fingers traced the outline of his tanned abdomen.

"Sss-argh," He sucked in a gust of air as the brunette pulled at the rim of his tethered jeans.

Lucas pressed on hand against the wall to keep from losing his balance. Her fingers ran slightly over staunch pelvic muscles. The button of his jeans popped open and Brooke grabbed his zipper. The metal projection was cool against her hot flesh as she unzipped his jeans without hesitation- zzzip. Metal scrubbed metal and his erection was finally released from its painful confines.

Her left leg hiked up on his hip and kicked his jeans a quarter of an inch down narrowed hips. The brunette slipped a delicate palm into his pants, hand wrapping around throbbing flesh. Corners inside his belly flipped at her touch. She immediately tightened her grip around him and allowed her hand to move back and forth in jerking motion.

He leaned into the girl of his fantasies and whispered, "I, I, I have wanted you for so…so long."

Glossy lips puckered before capturing his lips. Brooke closed her eyes as she felt Lucas sliding his hand under the hem of her shorts. They could waste time stripping but everything was a hazy furry. Possibly not the most well thought out plan. Yet, he pushed her shorts aside. Panties - of course she was… she was Brooke Davis. His fingers pushed into dripping wet warmth.

"Mmmh," A moan of pleasure, right hand abandoning his member and both pleasure givers reached into his hair. Brooke fisted golden shoots whilst she tried not to cry out any more than necessary. Euphoria began to take over her body before they were even started. "Hurrrry!"

He obeyed.

x-~X~-x

They didn't talk during graduation and when they did, it was a brief wave. Consumed with obvious shame, Brooke made sure to avoid him. Not much a feet since their seats were designated in alphabetical order. It would have been a miracle if either had even breathed in the same portion of oxygen. Amongst the pale sea of female graduation gowns and blue male gowns, the twosome was nowhere near each other. Instead, Lucas sat by his brother whom was texting on his cell.

"Dude," Nathan pushed his graduation cap forward. He barely looked up from his phone. "When are you going to tell everyone you're going to the army?"

"Marines," Lucas corrected. He tugged at the gold high Honors sash resting over his shoulder. "And I'll do it before I leave, maybe at the bonfire tonight." Peeking over his brother's shoulder, "And who are you texting?"

Identical Scott smirk introduced, "Clay and Haley James." His blonder brother could barely say a word at Nathan's giddy chuckled. "Ha-ha, man I'm gonna tell her I like her tonight at the bonfire."

"Cause it hasn't been obvious for the last couple of years." There was jealousy to accompany that sarcasm. The girl of his brother's dream was still attainable, while he was forced to watch Clayton talking to Brooke. The Twosome sat right beside each other. Lucas had already noticed Clayton was resting his arm on the back of the brunette's chair. "Why don't you grow some balls and tell her."

"Don't be a little snot." His elbow rammed into his brother. Lucas groaned, "Just saying, you should stop being a coward."

"Have you told Brooke you like her?"

Yes, but he couldn't bring himself to tell his brother he betrayed their best friend, Clayton.

"No."

"Thought so," Large hands lifted his cell higher. "Not that it matters. Clay told me, he and Brooke are back together."

Drop… went his heart in the pit of his stomach. Even after last night?

He had an urge to just kill himself and end the misery but as graduation hats tossed in the air, he realized a few things. Lucas could always fight for her, leave town, or become successful…

He had other choices:

A lot like politics.

Come on! Leave a fucking review… Its fun, I swear. :P Muhahaah!

Much love Homies!