Disclaimer: I do not own One tree hill and everything that has to do with the show except for the plot and the other characters which I am responsible for.

Note: This was set after Lucas proposed to Lindsey.

The song for this chapter is "Coming to terms" by Carolina Liar.

"I'm coming to terms.

I'm starting to learn this ain't all it's cracked up to be.

'Coz I'm using you, you're using me.

It's never as easy as we believe."

[TRIC: Peyton's office]

Brooke entered Peyton's office to find her best friend staring at her laptop, in deep thought. She walked toward Peyton's desk and stood by it for a few seconds.

Brooke recalled her conversation with Peyton last night. Lucas proposed to Lindsey and Peyton was so broken up. She knew that the tears Peyton had let out were not even half the pain Peyton was feeling. She knew Peyton had a really long way to go. But what she didn't know was how she could help her best friend through it.

Realizing that Peyton hadn't noticed her presence, Brooke spoke.

"Peyton." Brooke called for Peyton's attention.

Peyton looked up, startled. "Hey, Brooke what are you doing here?"

"Just wanted to check up on you." Brooke shrugged.

Peyton closed her laptop as Brooke sat down.

"So…how are you holding up?" Brooke asked.

"I'm fine. Thanks for last night." Peyton said.

Brooke knew her friend was lying but she let it go…for now.

"So have you talked to him?" Brook asked.

"I did and…" Peyton sighed. "I let him go."

Brooke gave Peyton a sympathetic smile. "You'll be okay."

Peyton forced a smile as she nodded.

"I'll make sure of that, P. Sawyer." Brooke said.

"Thanks, B. Davis." Peyton said.

[TREE HILL GYM]

Lucas stood still on the spot he'd been at for an hour. He fought back the tears that were attempting to fall.

FLASHBACK

"You think Whitey will let you out early so we can watch a movie?" a familiar voice interrupted Lucas from his thoughts.

Lucas turned to face Peyton walking toward him.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"Would you believe I met this girl who read the Unkindness of Ravens and she lives vicariously through our lives?" Peyton told him.

"It's a great story to be a part of. But it also took place a long time ago." He said.

"I know." She looked down. "I'm not here to rehash the past."

He remained silent, allowing her to continue. She took his hand and held it with both her hands---as if she was holding for dear life. He looked at her pained expression and felt bad for her.

"I was reminded today in a roundabout way that the most perfect act of love is sacrifice. It's what Keith did for Karen; burying his feelings for her just so he could be a good friend. And that's what I'm going to do." She paused, trying to remain composed.

"I love you, Lucas. And it is going to suck but if what you want is for me to let go then I'm going to do it. Be happy, Luke. I want that with all my heart." She said as tears began to fall.

She then kissed his knuckles and then quickly let it go. She walked away as quickly as she could without looking back anymore.

He watched her leave, trying to stop the tears from his eyes.

END FLASHBACK

Finally, the tears that he'd been holding in fell and he looked down, letting out a heavy sigh. Boy he really messed up.

[TRIC: Peyton's office]

Peyton opened her laptop to reveal what she'd been staring at.

It was her and Luke's picture used as wallpaper. They were at the backseat of her comet. The picture was back when they were still together.

FLASHBACK

Lindsey lifted up her hand with a smile on her face as tears fell from her eyes.

"Lucas asked me to marry him."

END FLASHBACK

Tears began to fall from her eyes but she had to fight back and wipe them away when she noticed someone stepping in her office.

She looked up and her jaw dropped. She was surprised to see who had just walked in.

He walked slowly toward her with his hands on his pockets as she stood up to meet him. She was confused to see him---after everything that had happened.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice was shaky.

The next thing she knew, she was wrapped around in his arms. He hugged her tightly and that was when she stopped trying to fight back the tears from falling.

She cried, leaning on his chest.

"Am I what you need?"

______________________________________________________________________

Who's the guy that just popped in Peyton's office? What do you think Lucas is thinking? Will there be a Leyton reunion?

Let me know what you think