A/n Ok well, I actually had this as another story, but that one got pretty messed up. So I'm trying this again, and I'm going to make the couple clear from the get go, okay? So, even though you will see Lucas/Peyton in this, it will eventually be Brucas, and at times it will feel like it's going to be Leyton for sure, and a lot of shits going to go down between Brucas, be patient, and I promise to make up for everything. I put the first six chapters together here. Please review, and I'll continue.
p.s I'm really sorry Leyton fans that were reading the other story hoping for Leyton, but I'm a total Brooke fan, and I couldn't have you guys keep reading thinking it will be Leyton, I didn't want to do that to you guys, so I had to do this. Sorry again.
"I don't want you anymore Lucas," Brooke said at last.
Lucas winced, "Brooke, I know you still love me, and I love you too."
"I thought I did," she admitted, "But what's love without trust? And Lucas, one thing is for sure, I cannot trust you at all,"
Lucas ran his hand through his hair in frustration. He had run into Brooke at the mall, where unknown to her, he had come with Peyton. He prayed that Peyton would stay in the change room, or see Brooke and hide.
It wasn't like they were doing anything wrong, they were here as friends, but he knew Brooke wouldn't understand.
But this was the first time Brooke had spoken to him after their break up, and he couldn't stop questions from pouring out of him mouth.
"I don't know what this is about; you can't just randomly dump me without any proper reasoning besides you don't miss me anymore," Lucas asked in anger and hurt.
"This is about us, about how I don't feel like you love me, or what we have is love, I feel like every time I turn around your with my best friend… or ex best friend." She stated simply, turning away from him.
"Lucas, how do I look?"
Lucas turned in horror, as he watched Peyton step out of the changing room, still fidgeting with the top, not having seen Brooke.
Brooke was almost out of the store, until she heard Peyton. She turned around and gasped.
Lucas looked at her guiltily, stuttering over words to explain. He winced at the irony of the situation.
"Every time turn around Lucas… every time," she muttered bitterly.
Peyton looked up in surprise, "Brooke,"
"You look great Peyton, as you obviously know; backstabbing is in this season," Brooke said dryly, "I bet Lucas can't wait to take that off you,"
With that, Brooke turned on her heels, and rushed out.
Lucas watched her go sadly. How had he managed to mess things up so badly?
Peyton blushed crimson, and gave Lucas an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry, if I had seen her before, I would've hid or something," she rambled quickly.
"It's okay Peyton, its not like we were doing anything wrong," Lucas consoled, still looking in the direction Brooke had stormed of angrily moments before.
"You know what, I'm not in the mood to shop more, lets just leave," Peyton muttered dejectedly.
Lucas threw his arm over her shoulder and gave her a little squeeze, "Peyton, we don't have to leave,"
"I know, but you're upset, so the mood is basically killed, I'll do this tomorrow, lets go," she insisted, smiling slightly as she went back into the change room.
Lucas smiled. He was always surprised at how well Peyton understood him, and how understanding she was. He knew she was really excited about today's shopping trip, and the fact that she was cutting it short, just because of him put him in awe.
Moment later, Peyton came out in her clothes, and tugged at Lucas, pulling him out of the mall. Just as they got out, she quickly let go of him, just in case Brooke was still around.
They arrived at his house, but Peyton held back a little.
Lucas turned to her, "What's wrong Peyton?"
"Maybe… um, I'm just thinking that maybe I should try being alone today, I mean, it's been a while since the whole Derek incident, that I should just start getting my life back to normal you know?"
Lucas nodded slightly, "If that's what you want Peyton, but I want you to know, I don't mind having you here?"
Peyton smiled and shoved him playfully, "Of course you don't!"
Lucas smiled, "But you don't have to leave yet," Lucas explained quickly looking at her distressed face, it was evident she wasn't ready to be alone. "Chill with my for awhile, and you can leave at night,"
Peyton nodded quickly; relieved she didn't have to go yet. Peyton had felt really bad intruding on Lucas's life the past week, and didn't want to be a burden.
Lucas took Peyton's hand, giving her a reassuring smile, and together they went in.
Brooke came in and sat fuming on the bed beside Rachel's. Rachel looked up at her from her compact mirror. "What's wrong you whore?" She teased, "Customer not treating you right?"
"Rachel shut up," Brooke snapped. "I just ran into Lucas-…" she went on sadly.
"What's wrong with that?"
"…with Peyton,"
"Oh!" Rachel sat up properly from her crouched position, giving her full attention to Brooke.
"I went to the mall to, you know, shop to make myself feel better. I was there looking for a new purse, and of course, I couldn't resist, I went to go look at other brand shirts. There, I ran into Lucas. He went on and on about how he loved me and shit, and imagine my fucking surprise when the blond whore walks out of the change room in this ugly top, asking Lucas how she looked, like how much of a whore can she get!"
"Ugh! She sure didn't take time!"
"I know, and what pissed me off was, there Lucas was, pretending to be so innocent, as if he was such a victim, when he was there with the reason of our break up!" Brooke cried angrily.
"I really really can't believe those two, it's disgusting!"
Rachel nodded in disgust.
Brooke rubbed at her teary eyes violently.
"Brooke, do not dare cry! You mascara is getting messed up!" Rachel whispered softly.
"Rachel!" Brooke warned.
"I'm kidding," Rachel whispered, as she joined Brooke on her bed, and put her arm around her, "Lucas is a jerk; he doesn't know what he's losing. Plus, I don't think he deserves you, your better then that. I was surprised you had given him a second chance after I found out about your history. If he still lets you down then seriously Brooke, you can do much better!"
Brooke smiled weakly. "But I love him, Rachel."
"Stop it! I don't want to hear that again. If you stop thinking that you love him, then you'll be a step closer."
Brooke hugged Rachel, "I'm glad I have you as a friend Rach, you're not the heartless bitch I thought you were,"
Rachel smiled.
"Hey Lucas, pass me the can." Peyton whined. She was lying on her back on his bed, sketching a pair of eyes.
When he didn't respond, she propped half up on her elbow and turned to look at Lucas who was on his laptop.
"Earth to Lucas,"
Lucas looked up at her surprised, as if seeing her for the first time. "Oh, sorry Peyton, what did you say?"
Peyton rolled her eyes, "You're such a nerd, pass me the coke can you computer geek," she teased.
Lucas laughed, "Get it yourself, you lazy ass,"
Peyton drew a huge breath in exaggeration, as she hauled herself up. She got up and stood beside him.
"Peyton, I didn't tell you to look at my screen," Lucas mumbled annoyed.
"Lucas I'm bored." She whined.
"What am I suppose to do about it?" he asked with a raised brow.
Peyton frowned, and shoved him playfully.
"Peyton," Lucas muttered her name threateningly.
"What are you going to do nerd?" she challenged in her playful mood, punching him gently. It angered her slightly when he decided to just ignore her.
Lucas went back to his laptop, when a pillow suddenly collided with a thud against his head.
Lucas' eyes snapped open with shock toward Peyton, who was smiling innocently, "You sure you wanna do that Peyton? Because, I won't be responsible for how a retaliate-…" he began to warn.
Peyton simply smirked deviously and threw another pillow at him, hard. But this time, Lucas was ready, and managed to catch it with a raised brow, grinning. "It's on!" he exclaimed tossing it back at her. It hit her gently in the chest, causing her to giggle in laughter, before hurling it back at him.
Lucas dodged the pillow, and looked up to see Peyton approaching him with the last pillow she had access to, it was held in her hand like a weapon, "Your so gone Scott!" she laughed wickedly.
Lucas snickered teasingly, "Yeah, because you could really cause some damage," he muttered sarcastically.
Peyton's face flashed with mock indignant, as she raised the pillow over her head. She let out a squealed when his arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her down on the bed. Peyton gasped in laughter as he used his other hand to hold her wrists over her head, the pillow slipping from her grip.
"Unfair!" she proclaimed, their faces inches apart now.
Lucas grinned looking down at her, "Alls fair in love and war Peyton,"
Peyton rolled her eyes and huffed. "You're so immature Lucas," she whispered, causing Lucas to smirk.
Peyton's eyes scanned over Lucas' face, and suddenly, she became aware of just how close they were.
Lucas' breath caught in his throat, for some reason, he couldn't bring himself to move.
Their lips were so close now; he could almost feel hers already.
Peyton couldn't help it; she leaned up slightly, letting her pleading lips meet his. She covered his lips hungrily, passionately. She felt him respond slightly, until he pulled away and rolled off her.
Peyton instantly missed his warn body over her.
Peyton sat up, "Lucas-…" her voice started, slightly raspy, trying to pull him to look at her.
"No Peyton, I can't." Lucas mumbled.
"What's wrong?" Peyton asked, not wanting to sound too desperate, but that kiss had left her slightly breathless and longing for more. "Didn't you feel anything?"
"No Peyton that's not it, I really enjoyed that… um kiss. But I can't do that with you, because I still care about Brooke, and I want to work things out with her."
Peyton nodded slowly. "I'm sorry I did that, I really am, I don't want things awkward between us Lucas."
Lucas nodded, "Me neither."
Peyton agreed with a quick nod of her head, "I should go now,"
With that, Peyton quickly packed her art work, and let herself out.
Lucas watched after her sadly. It was so confusing, he knew he wanted to be with Brooke, but he couldn't deny these feelings him and Peyton shared.
That morning, the first thing Lucas did was walk over to Peyton's house. It was her first night alone, and he was worried about her.
He rang the doorbell, and it was opened moments later by a tired looking Peyton.
"Oh sorry, did I wake you?"
Peyton yawned tiredly, "Yeah, buts its okay –Oh Lucas! Did I just, oh my god, I slept alone!"
Lucas grinned, "Yes you did Peyton, I'm so proud of you!"
With that said, he pulled her into a hug. They stayed there for a moment, both remembering the night before, and pulled away awkwardly.
A few more minutes of awkward gibberish continued.
"Yeah so great weather eh?" Lucas mumbled, what the hell, I'm talking about the weather!
"Yeah, it's pretty good," Peyton responded, fidgeting with her hands.
Luca broke into a smile, "I think this is what both of us didn't want,"
Peyton smiled, "Yeah, I'm sorry about that, let's forget everything, deal?"
Lucas wasn't sure he wanted to forget everything, but nodded anyways. "So, not going to invite me in?"
Peyton blushed, moving out of the way and letting him in. "I'll make you some coffee mmkay?"
Lucas nodded, following her to the kitchen.
They made light conversation as Peyton poured them both some coffee. But when she extended her arm to pass him his mug, their fingers slightly brushed, causing Peyton to pull her hand away from the cup quickly.
Lucas almost dropped the cup, and looked up at her with a raised brow.
"Sorry," Peyton muttered, busying herself with her coffee.
"Peyton, I don't want you feeling weird around me. I really care about you, and-…"
"Lucas, I understand,"
Lucas got up and walked around the counter to her. He took her hands in his larger ones, and looked into her eyes sincerely.
"Peyton, I'm sorry if I hurt you when I pulled away from our kiss, but I also know that you understand why I did it right?"
Peyton pursed her lips together before giving a stiff nod.
Lucas bent down slightly, so they were eye to eye.
"I do care about you Peyton,"
Peyton smiled, "I care about you too Lucas."
"It's just-…" Lucas began before he was interrupted by his cell.
Lucas gave her an apologetic smile before flipping open his phone, "Hello,"
"Lucas! It's me Haley, are you busy?"
Lucas glanced at Peyton, "No it's alright, what's up?"
"It's Brooke!"
Now Lucas was alarmed, "What about Brooke, Haley?"
"Her … her mom died,"
Lucas gasped, "Oh shit how's Brooke doing?"
"How do you think Lucas? She's devastated, she's been crying non stop, and I don't know what to do! She won't let any one of us comfort her," Haley cried.
"I'm going right over!" Lucas shut his phone, and turned to the shocked Peyton.
"Peyton-…"
"Lucas, I can't go,"
"What? Peyton, Brooke's mom died, this isn't about anything that's happened between you, its about her losing her mom, and like it or now, and even if she doesn't admit it, Brooke needs you Peyton, more then ever,"
"Lucas you don't understand! I want to be there for her. I want to be there like she's has always been there for me. But I can't. How can I? She hates me Lucas, and I deserve it, what face do I go to her with. I'm ashamed to have to even look at her now, because while she's always been there, I've always been there to ruin things for her. I can't see her, I know I'm not the person she wants to see right now."
"Peyton I don't understand, just-…"
"Please Lucas; you're right, you don't understand. I'm doing this for her. I don't want her to see me, and be in more pain. I don't want all the pain I caused her to come back and drown her with pain. Please, I know her. She can't handle having both of us there."
Lucas squeezed Peyton's arm reassuringly, "I really have to go Peyton, I might not understand fully, but I won't push you."
A single tear escaped Peyton's eye, sliding down her cheek. Peyton bit her bottom lip and nodded.
Lucas gave her a quick hug, before turning away from her.
Just as Lucas had left, Peyton bent down to the floor, covering her face.
Brooke had been there when she had lost her mom. Brooke was the one person that had always been there for her. Now that Brooke needed her, she wasn't able to go.
Lucas barged into Brooke's room, and the sight broke his heart. Brooke sat alone on the floor against the wall, looking so small and fragile. Her face was in her arms, and he could see her shake slightly from crying. She wore her pajama's still, and Lucas imagined how horrible it must be to be awoken by the phone ringing, and finding out your mom had passed away.
"Brooke," Lucas whispered.
Brooke stopped crying, her breath caught in her throat.
"Do not even fucking tell me," Brooke muttered, looking up at him is anger.
Her tear stained devastated face made him want to grab her and hold her forever. Tell her everything will be fine, and take all her pain away. But her anger kept him away.
"How dare you Lucas!" she muttered.
"Brooke, I'm so sorry, I heard and I'm just so sorry,"
"Cut the crap Lucas, I don't want your stupid pity, just leave me alone." Brooke whispered, holding her sobs in, but couldn't stop the tears that spilled from her eyes.
Lucas had never felt so broken hearted. "Brooke please let me help you,"
"How will you help me Lucas? Can you make my mom come alive? Huh? Face it Lucas, you can't do anything but hurt me,"
"Brooke, please-…" Lucas begged, talking a hesitant step toward her, his own eyes tearing up.
"Don't you dare come near me Lucas; you have hurt me so much."
"Brooke, you broke up with me, why are you doing this,"
"Like I had a choice, I finally saw what everyone else sees. You and Peyton will always end up together, and you proved it to me. When we broke up, you went right back to her!"
"Me and Peyton aren't going out!"
"I don't care anymore! My mom just died, I don't care about what goes on between you and Peyton, can you just get the fuck out?"
"Brooke, why are you pushing me away, I want to be here for you, I want to help you."
Brooke laughed sarcastically, "You can't. You don't have the right to be here for me. I don't want you,"
"I know what you're trying. You think by saying shit that hurts me will make me go away. I'm not going to go away Brooke."
Brooke couldn't keep it in anymore, and broke out sobbing. "Please Lucas, leave,"
Lucas stepped closer and pulled Brooke up and into his arms. Brooke struggled for a bit, trying to push him away.
"Let go of me Lucas!"
Brooke tried to take him arms off of her, by pulling at his hands, and pushing at his chest. But Lucas only tightened his grip and let her tiny fist take out her anger by hitting his chest with all her might.
Finally, when she realized that he wasn't going to let go, she broke down and sobbed against his chest. Lucas kept his grip firm, but gentle, and let her cry on his chest.
"Lucas, my mom," she managed between sobs.
"I know Brooke, I'm so sorry," Lucas whispered in her ears soothingly.
They stayed like that for a bit. Lucas ran his hand up and down her back soothingly, and let Brooke mourn for her mom.
Haley took a seat next to Nathan on the couch, "I feel so bad for Brooke right now. Even though her mom was barely ever around, Brooke adored her parents; she used to admire her mom, and talked about her so lovingly."
Nathan nodded, "Brooke was already going through shit, she didn't deserve for this to happen too. But didn't she dump Lucas, why was she upset with him?"
"Nathan, it wasn't that simple. Brooke was confused, when Peyton told her she still had feelings for Lucas, it scared her. She was always insecure about Lucas's feelings for Peyton, but finding out that Peyton loved him, just made her feel like now Lucas would want Peyton. And, Lucas told me the Brooke caught them together at the mall yesterday."
"Lucas is such a dickhead."
"He should stop hurting Brooke, and just go back to Peyton already."
"I know! Wait… what? Peyton? Haley, Lucas and Brooke are supposed to be together. Are you honestly taking Peyton's side?"
"I'm not talking anyone's side Nathan. I love Brooke, and she doesn't deserve to be hurt the way he hurts her with his feelings for Peyton. He should just go to Peyton, and Brooke could finally move on."
"No, I know Lucas, and sure we might not have been the best of buddies growing up, but he's still a Scott, and I see the look he gives Brooke. The way he acts around Brooke, I know he still loves her, and she's the person that he should be with."
"Lucas has been my best friend for as long as I could remember. I know him very well Nathan. Nothing against Brooke, but at the start, Lucas was attracted to the wildness that Brooke brought to his life, with Peyton, he had a connection, and its still not broken, that's what hurts Brooke. And I understand that, I wouldn't want to be with a man that will always have something with another girl!"
"Hun, why are we turning this into an argument, all I'm saying is have you heard the saying, opposites attract? Peyton and Lucas are so alike; they're both the cool collected people that would never do anything too outrageous. Brooke is crazy, like you said, that had initially attracted him, and his calm nature attracted her."
"Nathan, don't try to come and pretend like you know everything so well. You don't know this type of stuff."
"I know that we are the best example for it. I was as crazy as Brooke, and I was instantly attracted to you. Me and Brooke are alike, kind of like you and Lucas. We fell in love. And I think they did too."
Haley sighed, "It's nothing like that. We had no Peyton,"
Nathan rolled his eyes, "Haley, I thought you knew Lucas better,"
"I do, that's why I'm saying that he will always have something with Peyton, which would never go well with Brooke, and thus they would never be happy,"
Nathan shrugged, "I still say Brooke is who Lucas loves,"
Haley nodded, "I wish it were for Brooke's sake, but Peyton also loves Lucas, so I don't know,"
Brooke sat beside Lucas on her bed. She was leaning into his arms, and her head was resting on his chest. No words were being spoken. They just sat there in silence.
At times like these, Brooke realized how much she missed being with Lucas, he had a way of making even the silence comfortable.
Brooke had flashes of her times with her mom. She remembered being really young, and when she had scraped her knee trying to ride her bike, her mom had picked her up and nursed her bruise and planted kisses on her face until she had stopped crying. That was her favorite memory, it was before traveling had become important, and before business was her number one favorite.
Brooke smiled slightly at the memory of her conversations with her mom, they rarely talked, but when they did, her mom would let her go on and on about her problems.
Then she remembered when her mom was leaving her for the first time when she was young. She had thrown herself at her mom's legs, and wouldn't let go. Her mom had picked her up and wiped away her tears, before handing her off to her babysitter.
After that, she had never cried when her mom left. She had liked being close to her mom, and being able to hug her, Brooke knew that if she cried, her mom would hand her to her babysitter.
And eventually, Brooke stopped even going out to see her when she left, at times she wouldn't even come home the day she left. And eventually, her mom came home less and less, to hardly ever.
Brooke felt tears spring to her eyes, and her throat became all choked up again. Lucas squeezed her close and whispered soothing words into her hair.
Brooke smiled at Lucas through her tears, "I'm sorry, you could go if you want Luke,"
"There is no other place I'd rather be, then here with you Brooke," Lucas whispered sincerely.
Brooke smiled, and stood up, pulling him with her.
"Well I think its time to stop this pity party, and I think I'm going to call my dad, you need to go home and get some rest, its tiring having a girl cry on you for a few hours." Brooke joked, leading him to the door.
"Why do I feel like I'm getting kicked out?" Lucas teased.
Brooke laughed but soon her smile faded, "Thank you so much Luke, I didn't think I needed anyone right now, but you have a way of showing up and being there for me, even when I don't know I need someone, you know?"
Lucas nodded, "So do you Brooke."
Brooke smiled sadly, and watched him go.
Lucas walked home, a small smile playing at his lips. He was glad Brooke let him be there for her. He was happy with the amount of time they had spent together. It was weeks since him and Brooke had spoken properly.
Lucas entered his room, and was startled to see Peyton sitting on his bed.
She looked up at him and stood up quickly, "How was she Lucas?"
Lucas frowned, "I still think you should go see her."
"Lucas, stop it! Just tell me please, how was she?"
"How do you think she was Peyton, you know her."
Peyton felt tears roll down her cheek, "Why are you doing this Lucas, why can't you just answer!"
"Her mom just died Peyton, she was upset. She needed someone, and even though I was there for her, I know she needed her best friend, the one that knew her best," Lucas answered gently.
Peyton wiped away her tears, but new ones took their place, "Lucas, that's just it, I know her. I know that even though she needs me now, she doesn't want me there. Not now, not yet. I know seeing me, would upset her, and she's stubborn, she won't me in. Not yet,"
Lucas sighed and led the teary Peyton back to his bed. "Peyton, I know it hurts you not to be able to be there for her, and I'm sorry. I'll never forgive myself for getting in between you guys, and I'm so sorry."
Peyton squeezed Lucas's hand, "It wasn't your fault Lucas. The first time, we were both equally to blame, but this second time, it was my entire fault. It was my fault you two broke up and it's my fault that mine and Brooke's friendship broke apart." Peyton muttered tearfully, "And I'm so sorry Lucas,"
Lucas got up off the bed and kneeled in front of her. "Peyton, it wasn't you fault. Don't blame yourself, the first time I shouldn't have been the asshole to pursue you while I was with Brooke. This second time, it wasn't your fault at all. It was Brooke insecurities about us that got in the way, and I'm not even entirely sure the real reason of our break up." Lucas whispered, pushing Peyton's chin up and forcing her to look him in the eye.
Peyton wouldn't do it, and just closed her eyes. "No Lucas, she wouldn't have if I-…"
"No Peyton, stop blaming yourself, I'm serious, if I don't blame you, then why do you?" Lucas insisted.
Peyton looked into Lucas's sincere eyes and smiled slightly, "I love the person you are Lucas," she whispered.
Lucas gulped when he noticed her lean in closer to him. He wanted to pull away; he wanted to work things out with Brooke, but…
Before their lips could meet, they heard a gasp behind them.
Lucas silently prayed inside as he turned around.
And sure enough, just what he feared most, there stood Brooke.
Brooke couldn't help the tears the pooled around her eyes, disgusted by the guilty looking pair in front of her.
"You fucking bastard."
Lucas stood up, "Brooke, this isn't-…"
"Don't you dare even fucking tell me this isn't what it looks like! Honestly Lucas, shut the hell up, can you honestly stand there and tell me you two weren't just about to kiss?" Brooke screamed.
Peyton stood up, "Brooke I'm-…"
"Sorry? Sorry for what Peyton? That you didn't even care to come to me when I've just lost me mom? Or sorry that you can't keep your hands off of the man I had thought I loved?"
Peyton looked away, "Brooke-…"
"No, shut the hell up. I have always been there for you, Peyton, when you needed me most, I was there for you, when you lost your mom, I cried with you, and felt like I had lost my mom, because that's how much I cared for you Peyton, but you? I guess I never knew you at all; I didn't know you'd go on and stab me in the back every time I turned around. I forgave you the first time, but now? How could you? Even a slut wouldn't go after her friends' man, what kind of shit are you? How could you love the man that you know I love?"
"Brooke, I know I've hurt you, and I'm so sorry, but I knew you wouldn't want me there at a time like this, I know you Brooke, and I know you wouldn't have liked it if I came to you."
"You still should've tried, because that's what friends do. Sure I don't want you any where near me at a time like this, but at least I could say, my backstabbing ex best friend gave a shit when my mom died, and came to tell me that she even noticed."
"Brooke. I'm sorry." Peyton muttered.
Brooke turned around and stormed out of the bedroom, Lucas was about to follow her, when Peyton stopped him, "Let me talk to her first please,"
Lucas nodded.
Peyton stopped Brooke on the sidewalk.
"Brooke I'm sorry about everything. I'm sorry about what you saw in there, and I'm sorry I didn't come to you."
Brooke turned around, "Let's start off by what I saw in there. I break it off with Lucas, and you're all over him the second I leave him. Seriously, who the hell are you, because I know this can't be the girl I had once considered my best friend." Brooke demanded.
"Brooke please stop it, I know I hurt you, but you're not with Lucas, what do you want me to do? You know I love him, and if you're not with him, why can't I be?" Peyton asked.
"Excuse me? You did not just ask me that."
Peyton sighed, "Brooke I know I hurt you, and I'm really sorry, but you had said that my kiss with Lucas wasn't the reason you broke up, then I don't get it."
"Peyton, you told me you loved him-…"
"Exactly Brooke, that's the reason I want him. It isn't like a random thing where you dump him and I go for him right away to hurt you. You know that I love him. And if you don't want him, the why can't I be with him?"
"If you don't get that by now, then you were some shitty ass friend." Brooke stated simply, before getting in her car.
Peyton watched her go with tears in her eyes.
"Peyton, what's wrong?"
Peyton turned around to see Haley walking up to her.
Peyton smiled sadly, "That was Brooke," she muttered, nodding toward the direction her car had just turned.
Haley winced, "And this is Lucas's house. I think I can guess what might have happened."
"I don't want to hurt her Haley, it's just, I really can't help the way I feel about Lucas. I love Brooke, and if I could I would take away telling her about my feelings for Lucas, but I can't. And every time I'm around Lucas, I don't what happens to me. I really love him."
Haley nodded, giving Peyton a hug. "I think Lucas really cares about you too. But, I don't think this was the best timing for her to have seen you two. I'm going to be honestly, I love Brooke, and I don't like seeing her hurt, and you two do that to her. But I can't blame your feelings, because I know that they can't be helped at times. I just don't like seeing you guys all hurt."
Peyton nodded sadly, "Do you think she'll ever forgive me?"
"Knowing Brooke, I do think she will eventually forgive you. Right now, there's a lot of stuff happening in her life, and you can't blame her for being mad."
"Do you think I should stay away from Lucas?"
"Do you love him?"
"More then you know,"
"Then I don't think you should. If he loves you too, then you two deserve to be together, but don't flaunt it in front of Brooke, and hopefully she'll move on too."
Peyton smiled, "Thanks Haley, thanks for not hating me, I'm so glad I have you, I don't know what I would've done without you Haley," she mumbled, pulling her into a hug.
Brooke wiped her tears from her face as she pulled into Haley and Nathan's driveway. When she entered, she was disappointed to see only Nathan sitting on the couch flipping through channels.
Nathan looked up at her surprised, "Brooke-…"
"Nathan, is Haley home?" Brooke asked, not able to keep in the tears for much longer.
"No. she's out,"
That was it; it was all it took to make her explode in tears.
"Oh shit, Brooke, don't cry," Nathan panicked, making room for Brooke on the couch.
"You don't get it Nathan; everything is just so fucked up in my life!" Brooke sobbed.
"I heard about you mom," Nathan muttered in sympathy.
"No, that's not everything. Lucas had come over, and was there for me, and everything was cool between us. When he left, I talked to my dad, and I just got all emotional and teary again, so I went over to Lucas's, and guess what I saw. There he was with Peyton, and they were about to kiss."
Nathan clucked his tongue. "That must've sucked."
Brooke nodded, "It really did, and then Peyton comes after me, and was all I'm sorry I hurt you, and then she's all if you don't want Lucas, then why can't I have him," Brooke explained, "And like what the hell, she fully knows about everything, like what caused me to break up with Lucas, she knows that it had something to do with her admitting her love for my boyfriend at the time, I feel like I seriously don't know her anymore."
Nathan put an arm around Brooke's shoulders, "Brooke I'm sorry, but if it helps any, I honestly think Lucas loves you."
"Nathan weren't you listening, he was about to kiss Peyton, I love him so much, and if he loved me, he wouldn't go around kissing my ex best friend."
"I get that. He's pretty screwed up. I know he cares about both of you, but Brooke, you broke up with him, and he knows Peyton wants him. There was a time he really cared about her, and I don't know, but I think he really loves you."
Brooke smiled at Nathan, "I seriously don't know why I didn't get to you before Haley did. She really lucked out," she teased.
Nathan laughed, "I know why. You and I are too alike."
Brooke laughed, "Yeah, we really are known for who we are eh?"
Nathan smirked. "Plus, in our cases, we're attracted to our opposites, did you ever notice that Lucas and Haley are pretty similar, and exact opposites from us."
Brooke nodded smiling, "Seriously Nathan, I'm glad I have a friend like you,"
Lucas sat on his bed, putting his head in his hands.
He sighed in frustration; he didn't know what to do. He wanted to call Brooke, but he didn't know what to say. He couldn't deny what Brooke saw. He hated himself for screwing things with Brooke again. He wished for everything to just go back to this afternoon, when he had left Brooke's place, and they were cool.
But he also wanted to call Peyton. She hadn't come back in after everything. But he was kind of glad, because he would be too embarrassed to look at her.
Lucas ran his hand through his hair; he wished he could just make a decision. He knew he wanted to be with Brooke, but then why couldn't he control himself around Peyton. But if he gave up on Brooke, and started a relationship with Peyton, he didn't know if he could turn off his feelings for Brooke.
Lucas lay back on his bed, and sighed.
Lucas couldn't sleep all night. He couldn't get that almost kiss with Peyton and Brooke's face when she caught them out of his head.
That almost kiss replayed in his head in slow motion so many times it made his head spin. When it would finally disappear, Brooke's face when she saw them in that position would come to his mind. The hurt that had taken over her face, she had looked so vulnerable and alone.
Lucas had finally had enough, and had got up, giving up on hopes of sleep. He splashed his face with water, and looked at himself in the mirror. He wished that the tired looking Lucas in the mirror would tell him who he was meant to be with.
Lucas felt so torn between the two of them
With him and Peyton, there was a click right at the start. From the moment they had met, there was something there. He could sit with Peyton for hours, and they would talk and talk, and understand each other so well. He could tell her everything he felt, like there was nothing he had to hold back from her. She did things that made him care for her so much. He felt like he knew her so well, like no matter what, she would be someone he could rely on.
With Brooke, at times he felt like he didn't know her at all. She did things that puzzled him, and she could anger him like no other. But then she had this way of always making him give in, and forgive her little mistakes. He felt like there was so much to discover of Brooke, so many layers of mystery that surrounded her, and that annoyed him, yet excited him the same. He could never be sure of what she'd do next, or how she would react over things. She would say things so bluntly, in ways that made people cringe, but she cared for people so deeply, all the negatives and positives just made him love that about her.
Lucas groaned, it sucked that they use to be best friends, the two girls that he loved use to be best friends. He would never get over the fact that he had destroyed a friendship that had been so special.
When his reflection didn't give him any answers, he turned away from himself, and picked up a picture from his desk. It was a picture of him, Peyton, Brooke, Haley, and Nathan. That picture had been taken before him and Brooke had gotten together the second time.
Nathan and Haley were at the side, their arms around each other affectionately. Beside them, Lucas had his arms around both Brooke and Peyton. Lucas smiled, in the picture; he had been smirking trying to look like a big shot that was holding the two beautiful ladies. Peyton wore a natural smile on her face, squinting from the sun light. One of her hands was on Lucas's arm the other hand went across his chest, and covered Brooke's hand. Brooke was jokingly striking a sexy pose. Her hands were on Lucas's chest, and she had puckered her lips. To add to the whole dramatic pose, she had bent her left knee, raising it off the ground, and leaning into Lucas.
Lucas smiled, looking at the two girls. Their pictures matched their personality so perfectly.
Haley entered her house, and was surprised to see Nathan sitting on the couch with Brooke. They were munching on chips, and laughing at something.
"Oh my god, Brooke, I'm so glad to see you," Haley gasped, surprised that Brooke had left her room, and came to meet her.
Brooke looked up at Haley and grinned, "Yeah, I'm sorry about not letting you in earlier." Brooke apologized.
"You don't have to apologize, I totally understand. It's okay. I'm glad to see your doing better, and I'm sorry I wasn't home when you came."
Brooke waved her hand dismissively, "Nah, its okay. I got to have a great talk with my buddy Nathan."
Haley laughed, "Your buddy,"
Brooke grinned, but was surprised when she noticed how late it was getting. "C'mon lets have a quick talk before I go,"
Haley nodded, and led her to another room.
Brooke turned to Haley, and told her everything from Lucas coming over, to catching Lucas about to kiss Peyton.
Haley cringed, "I'm sorry your day sucked,"
Brooke nodded sadly, "Lucas is just so confusing. First he's with me, acting like I'm the most important thing to him, and then he's about to kiss Peyton. It hurts so much Hales, like when I stop thinking about my mom, I think about Lucas and Peyton. I don't know what to do, you know."
Haley sighed, "I love you so much Brooke, and that's why I'm telling you this, as much as I love Lucas as well, I don't think you'll be happy with him. He's hurt you twice, and for the same reason, and I honestly think he'd do it again; he'd end up hurting you again Brooke. I don't like seeing you get hurt, and you do every time you get together with Lucas. You deserve so much better Brooke."
Brooke sighed, "I still love him Haley... I don't know. I'm really confused right now. But obviously he's not, and he knows what he wants." Brooke whispered sadly.
Haley brought Brooke into a comforting hug, before Brooke left.
Haley sat beside Nathan. "Thanks for being there for Brooke when she needed someone," Haley whispered, bringing Nathan into a hug.
"She seemed pretty bummed out, but I told her that Lucas does love her, even though he can be a dick at times."
"What! Nathan! You told Brooke that? No wonder she's confused. Like I'm telling her to move on from Lucas, and you're telling her that he still loves her." Haley yelled, slapping Nathan's arm.
"I just told her what I think is true. I already told you Haley, Lucas does love Brooke, and I feel bad for Brooke. I think telling her about Lucas's feelings will help her stay strong at a time like this."
"No, Nathan, what Brooke needs is to be able to move on from Lucas, so she can stop getting hurt by him! He keeps going to Peyton, so let them be together, maybe their meant to be, I want Brooke to move on so she can stop getting hurt by the two of them!"
"But Lucas doesn't love Peyton! Don't you care about Brooke at all? You know that she loves Lucas, she's just insecure about his feelings for Peyton, and if we don't help get rid of those insecurities she will never be able to be happy. I know the way Brooke thinks, it's very similar to the way I would think, and trust my Haley, she won't be happy without Lucas. She'll probably end up going back to her sleeping around ways, and she won't be happy like that either."
"You don't get it Nathan. Peyton really loves Lucas. And obviously Lucas really cares about her too that he always ends up being with her. Him and Peyton almost kissed tonight, if he really cared about Brooke, he wouldn't do that right?"
Nathan shook his head, "I thought you and Brooke were really close,"
"We are! That's why I don't want her to get hurt again," Haley yelled in disgust.
When Brooke drove into the driveway, she was surprised to see Lucas sitting on her porch.
"What the hell do you want?" Brooke snapped.
"Brooke, I need to talk to you,"
"Oh, you found time for me, I mean, you could still be making out with Peyton right now, you're really wasting time," Brooke muttered harshly.
Lucas sighed, "Brooke, I want to ask you a question,"
Brooke rolled her eyes, and took out her keys to open her door, "Leave me alone,"
Brooke opened her door, and was about to shut the door on him when-...
"Is there any chance we can still be together?" Lucas asked.
Brooke's mouth hung open slightly. Brooke stepped outside again, and leaned in closer to him.
"You did not just ask me that,"
"Brooke, I really need to know,"
"I find you with my ex best friend, not long after we split up, and you have the guts to ask me that,"
Lucas looked away sheepishly, "Brooke-..."
"It's 2 in the morning Lucas, maybe you should go home –or better yet, go to your whore's house,"
Lucas cringed, "Brooke, I can't sleep, I really want to talk to you. About what you saw earlier-..."
"Don't even try to give me any lame excuses for that, don't insult me like that. You really think I'm that stupid Lucas. But you know what. It doesn't matter does it? I mean, we're not going out, why the hell should I care about your latest fuck?" Brooke hissed.
Lucas frowned, "Brooke, please just answer the question. I want to know,"
Brooke frowned.
Brooke I'm sorry, but if it helps any, I honestly think Lucas loves you.
He's hurt you twice, and for the same reason, and I honestly think he'd do it again; he'd end up hurting you again Brooke. I don't like seeing you get hurt, and you do every time you get together with Lucas. You deserve so much better Brooke
… He'd end up hurting you again Brooke
"No Chance in Hell," Brooke answered in disgust.
When she saw Lucas's hurt face, she continued, "I wanted to be with you so bad Lucas. When we broke up, I wanted so badly for you to fight for me. To tell me that you couldn't be without me, that you did miss me, I wanted you to fight for me Luke. And today, when you were here with me, I thought it meant something. I thought that you still loved me Luke. When I was upset later, I came to you. I wanted to be with you again. I didn't know about the surprise you would give me."
"Brooke I-..."
"Sorry Lucas. I have to go," And with that, Brooke turned and stepped inside.
When Lucas got back home, he was startled to see Peyton sitting on his bed again.
Peyton looked up at him embarrassed, "Sorry, I got kind of scared alone,"
Lucas smiled slightly, "Its okay Peyton,"
"Uhm, about earlier, I'm really sorry I screwed things up with you and Brooke –again."
Lucas shook his head, "Stop it Peyton, it wasn't your fault. I was as much to blame. She just mistook what she saw."
"What? You mean, we weren't going to kiss?" Peyton asked hurt.
Lucas blushed, "Oh, um, well. I don't know, maybe?"
Peyton sighed. "Lucas, stop. I can't take it anymore. Just tell me please,"
"Tell you what?"
"Tell me what's happening between us. They way we are with each other, isn't the normal friend way. I know I have feelings for you, and you know that too. At times, I feel like you have feelings for me too. I know we were going to kiss earlier, like we did that other day. But you confuse me. You kiss me, and then you pull way. I know you feel guilty, but Lucas, tell me if we have a chance. Are you going to keep fighting for Brooke, or do you want to be with me, Lucas?" Peyton asked, biting her lip nervously.
Lucas turned red, "Peyton-..."
"Please, just tell me Lucas, and I won't be mad at you if you want to be with Brooke, I just need to know. I want to know if there's a chance for us, I want to know if there's a point of me pursuing you."
I don't want you anymore Lucas
You and Peyton will always end up together
Why the hell should I care about your latest fuck?
No Chance in Hell
No Chance in Hell
No Chance in Hell...
Lucas stepped closer, and pressed his lips against Peyton's.
It had been a week since Lucas and Peyton had gotten together, and Peyton couldn't have been happier. True, she was still upset over Brooke not talking to her, but it was nice to finally be able to be with the guy she loved.
Peyton leaned back in her chair, counting down the minutes until class would finally be over, and Lucas would be waiting for her at her locker.
They hadn't really seen Brooke around the school, but Peyton knew that she was around, and was avoiding them. Peyton really longed to talk to her, but she knew Brooke, and Brooke really hated her right now.
Peyton tried listening to the teachers ramble, but failed, she couldn't forget the way the past week had been. Lucas was the greatest guy she had ever been with. The way he took her in his arms made her feel like the luckiest women alive.
The harsh school bell brought her out of her thoughts, as she quickly gathered her books and headed out. Just like she had thought, Lucas was waiting for her at her locker. She smiled at him, pecking his lips softly. It was so weird; they could finally display emotions out in public.
"What's wrong, you seem a little upset?" Lucas asked worried.
"Major headache, stupid science," Peyton muttered, rubbing her temples softly.
Lucas smiled, bringing her into a hug, "You want me to take you home?"
Peyton shook her head, "Don't worry about it, I have a project I have to work on today with my group, so I was just on my way over to library."
"You want me to come?"
"Ha, like I would get much work done with you there with me," Peyton joked, pulling away for Lucas.
Lucas pouted. Causing Peyton to smile and give him another peck on his lips before leaving.
Lucas sighed, heading in the opposite direction toward his car.
"It's Brooke right?"
Brooke turned around smiling at him, "Stalker?"
"Actually, the names Max," he grinned.
Brooke shook her head. Brooke eyed the new basketball player, the guy was pretty cute, but she wasn't ready to start anything with anyone right now. She was about to turn away from him when she saw Lucas step out. Without thinking, Brooke stepped closer to Max, touching his chest flirtatiously.
"Max eh? Hmm. And I'm guessing you're new?"
He smirked, happy to have her attention, "How do you guess that?"
"Well I don't remember seeing you around, and I know I would've remembered your face if I had seen you before," Brooke whispered huskily.
Lucas heard a very familiar laugh, and turned his head to the right.
There Brooke stood, all over this new guy. Lucas frowned, stepping toward them automatically.
"What's going on here?" Lucas asked, walking up the pair.
Brooke glared at him, "What's it to you?"
Lucas glared, and was about to respond, when Max stepped away for Brooke slightly.
"Sorry dude, I didn't know you guys together," he apologized.
"Puhlease," Brooke muttered, "We're not going out Max, far from it I hardly know this guy,"
Lucas looked over at Brooke hurt.
"Can I just talk to her privately for a second," In more of a statement then a question. Max shrugged, stepping away from them.
"Brooke?"
"I honestly don't. You're not the guy I thought I had loved," Brooke hissed, before walking away for him and taking Max's arm.
Lucas watched them walk away and sighed. Lucas knew she was only doing this to get back at him, but it still hurt. He had always somewhat cared about Peyton, but she didn't even know this guy. She had only met him today.
"Can I take you out tonight?" Max asked hopefully, stopping to look at her.
Brooke smiled, "Sorry, I'm going to be busy tonight," She lied.
Max pouted, Ok, but you can't refuse a snack. Let me take you out for some coffee or drinks or whatever?"
Brooke didn't really want to go, but she had used him earlier, and so she finally gave in, "Fine, but no funny stuff mister," she joked.
Max laughed, "Damn," he mock pouted.
Brooke rolled her eyes playfully, "Let's go,"
Peyton stepped outside of the library to find Lucas waiting for her.
Peyton gasped, "Lucas! Don't tell me you waited here the whole time?"
Lucas grinned, stepping out of his car, "Fine, I won't tell you,"
"Oh my god, did you really?"
Lucas motioned for Peyton to get in, "Yeah, I didn't know how long you'd take, so I didn't want to risk leaving for a bit and you choosing that time to leave… you know, like in the movies and shit,"
Peyton laughed rolling her eyes, "God Lucas,"
Lucas took Peyton to his house, earning a raised eyebrow from Peyton.
"So this is why you waited, you were planning on taking me to your house so you could seduce me!" she accused jokingly.
"Ha, you caught me! That's exactly why I waited," Lucas joked, leading Peyton inside.
When they were in his room, Peyton pushed Lucas down on his bed. Lucas looked up at Peyton in shock.
"I like this aggressive side of you,"
Peyton hid a smirk, as she climbed on beside him. Peyton's face hovered inches away from Lucas'.
"I think you should be rewarded for what you did,"
"I totally agree," Lucas whispered.
Peyton lowered her face, and just as their lips met, Peyton's cell rang.
Lucas groaned as Peyton pulled away from him, giving him an apologetic smile before putting her phone to her ear.
Lucas waited impatiently as Peyton spoke into her phone, when she off, she gave Lucas a kiss on the cheek, grabbing her purse.
Lucas grabbed her arm, "Where you going?"
"Sorry Lucas, I totally forgot about a hair appointment I had today."
"What? Your hair are perfect Peyton, don't go,"
Peyton smiled, giving him a pat on his head before leaving.
Lucas sighed, lying back on his bed. Images of Brooke and Max flooded his head. The way she leaned so close to him, and touched his chest really bothered him.
Lucas grabbed his keys and headed out.
Max parked the car in front of Rachel's house, and turned to Brooke.
"Can I get a goodnight kiss for my pleasant company tonight?" he asked smirking.
"I would have kissed you, I mean if you company had in fact been pleasant." Brooke jokingly answered.
Max pouted, feigning hurt, "Wow Davis, that really hurt,"
Brooke grinned, leaning forward and pecking his cheek.
Disappointment was evident on Max's face, but he was accepted what he got, and smiled at her.
Brooke opened her door and stepped out, "See you later M,"
Brooke walked up to her porch and was about to step in, when-…
"Brooke!"
Brooke turned around to see Lucas walking up the driveway, and frowned.
"Seriously, why don't you just leave me the hell alone?"
Lucas sighed, "Just want to talk to you,"
"Well I just want you to drop dead." Brooke paused for a second, "Ah, didn't happen, I guess everyone doesn't get what they want do they?"
"Why are you still so mad at me Brooke, it's apparent you've moved on-…"
"Don't even start with my Lucas," Brooke stated, walking into the house.
Lucas followed her in, and grabbed her arm, turning her around, "Then what were you doing with Max today?"
Brooke pulled her arm away from him, "None of you god damn business! Go fuck Peyton, leave me alone,"
This angered Lucas, "Mine and Peyton's relationship isn't only about sex, that's not all I want from her, but that is all Max wants from you-…"
Before Lucas could finish he felt a hard smack against his right cheek. Lucas's hand flew to his stinging cheek as he looked up at the fuming Brooke, "How dare you, how the fuck dare you say that all Max wants from me is sex."
"Brooke, I know the type of guy he is, he's just looking for a one night thing, he isn't-…"
"Max is new, so don't tell me you know what kind of person he is. You're a fucking bastard you know that? You didn't want to be with me, and now you're mad that someone else does,"
"Brooke, I did want to be with you, but you told me it would never happen. So I don't know why you're so mad,"
"Why I'm mad? Lucas, after we broke up, you didn't wait a month before you started going out with my best friend. How do you think that makes me feel?" Brooke asked, starting to tear up, "You started things up with Peyton the same fucking day my mom died Luke, how could you do that to me?" Brooke asked, now fat tears rolling down her cheek.
Lucas was shocked. He never realized he had done that, and even more, he never thought it had hurt Brooke this much.
He looked at the tearful Brooke in front of him, and once again, she managed to make his heart feel like it had been shattered into millions of pieces.
Brooke wiped away her tears quickly, clearing her throat to gather herself again.
"Just get out Luke,"
Lucas shook his head, "Brooke, I'm so sorry, and I know that means nothing to you after what I did, but I honestly didn't mean to hurt you like this." Lucas pleaded, putting his arms around Brooke soothingly, "And even though you don't want to be with me, I don't think you should be with Max. I don't have a good feeling about the guy Brooke, please just don't,"
Brooke glared at him through her tears, pushing him away bitterly. "Who the hell do you think you are? I'll never forgive you guys for what you did, never. You guys did that to me after what I was already going through, if any of you had cared about me even a little, you wouldn't have decided to hook up then. And now Lucas, you've lost the right to tell me who or what you think isn't right for me,"
"Brooke-…" Lucas begged, his eyes pleading with hers.
Brooke shook her head, "Please… just fucking leave," Brooke yelled tearfully.