***Disclaimer*** for creative purposes only, I claim no ownership of the fandom, characters and setting. I do however own a pair of purple socks.

Author note: I have returned to writing, here's to finding inspiration and direction. Enter this alternate season six with love, drama and twists and turns. Enjoy and review, it's been a while so tell me what you think, give me your rants, your love of this old show, give me things you would like and hell tell me what you wouldn't like (doesn't mean I won't or will do them). Like always I have an outline already set in my head.

SHOT IN THE DARK

Chapter One

The line ended leaving only a continuous beep signally the abrupt ending of the phone call, Brooke flinched unsure about the way the conversation had went. Something felt wrong which took Brooke by surprise because so far all she had received was empathy and encouragement. If you can come by later we can discuss some recent developments, what does that mean? Brooke thought, beneath the surface of the simple sentence Brooke felt like there was more depth, more meaning, that was being withheld from her.

Inside Brooke felt a nervous shaking but when she heard the front door Brooke quickly went to finish dressing yet could hear Julian's voice teasing Sam. Moments later Brooke walked into her living area apologising "Hi, I'm sorry. I know that we were supposed to look at costumes today. I've just been totally turned around dealing with fashion femme fatale thwarts killer!" she waved her hands around as she spoke reaching for another magazine with her face on in "the press! Can't they just go back to stalking Britney or something?"

"Oh, come on. Hot clothing designer tracks down attacker and exacts revenge" Julian shot back, loving the sound of it, his eyes staring at Brooke as he framed her face with his spread hands. Brooke gave him an indulgent roll of the eyes as Sam watched them both. He lowered his hands and grinned "forget the press imagine big screen"

A part of Brooke wanted to laugh yet a shadow hung over her, her head lowered, husky voice breaking as she replied solemnly "so I can have a lasting reminder of the fact that my attacker was also Quentin's killer and that maybe if I had reported it-"

Julian cut in sharply, his hand on her shoulder "Brooke, you were attacked by a guy in a mask" he stopped breifly as she eyed the spot where his warm hand touched her skin, without blinking he removed it and continued " even if you had reported it, the chances of the police finding him were slim to none. It's not your fault"

"I know. It's just sad"

"Yeah" Julian nodded and then before it got darker he eyed the room, clapped his hands together and continued, he was he for a reason after all. "Listen, take the day, focus on your work. I'll come back tonight and see where you're at, okay?" he was quick, backing up already, he pointed towards the table while looking at Brooke" I got you a latte, extra foam. See you" and then he ruffled Sam's hair as he walked by "bye, Samson"

The teenager signed, her long dark hair she's just smoothed back once again a mess "bye, Julian" and then as the door shut she turned to her foster mother with a sly smile "you've got a date"

Brow kinked Brooke glared at her "I have a business meeting" she emphasised.

"Yeah, like his junk's got a meeting with your lady business"

"Samantha!"

"What?" Sam laughed.

Brooke shook her head and grabbed the coffee Julian had left her, she took a sip before angling her hand holding the cup to the grinning teenager "we need to talk about your language"

"Relax Brooke" she rolled her eyes and then whispered under her breath "somebody needs to get laid"

A gasp escaped Brooke; her heart ached for this girl with her cheesy smile, turned her inside out in a way only a parent could understand - or at least Brooke imagined that.

The earlier phone call entered Brooke's mind, the reprimand that was about to slip from her stopped, suddenly feelings serious Brooke instead changed the subject "Carine called me"

Sam's teasing smile fell, her knees dropped, "why?" instantly defensive and the way her back straightened reminded Brooke how far she would go to protect this girl.

"I'm sure it's nothing, she just wants to speak to me" Brooke reassured Sam wishing that her words settled the doubt hovering inside her own mind.

Sam pursed her lips then gave an exaggerated "soooooo" her lips popped "how you gonna tell Peyton?"

"I don't think she's going to want her room back" Brooke quipped.

"No, I'm talk'n about you dating her boyfriend"

"Oh my god, not that again" Brooke abandoned her coffee and grabbed her jacket instead, "one, they broke up like a year ago and two she's getting married to Lucas" she buttoned up her jacket.

"Yeah but weren't Peyton and Julian practically like married, ho's before bro's" Sam teased but when she saw the look on Brooke's face she stopped, "what?"

"Nothing" Brooke shook her head, she almost said something but she just shook her head again quickly turning her back to Sam and averting eye contact. She has no idea.

"Besides-" Sam grinned choosing to let Brooke's strange behavior go "-you didn't say it wasn't a date"

"I did earlier. I told you it's business"

"He said you were hot" Sam stood walking towards Brooke "hot designer tracks down attacker"

"As in successful" Brooke shot back and then watched as a nonchalant Sam started to rifle through the small bookcase under the staircase, "what are you doing?"

Sam shrugged, "oh just looking for a dictionary. Look here it is" she grabbed a random book and flicked it open, pretending to be reading it "strange, the definition of hot-" she stopped as Brooke loudly grabbed the book out of Sam's hands and dropped it with a thud on the top of the bookcase.

The two of them stood nearly eye to eye, Brooke lifted her right hand and wiggled her fingers in the direction of the door as she said "go to school"

With a huff Sam picked up her nearby bag and swung it over her shoulder before heading towards the door, "while you're looking up the difference between hot and successful look up denial… I think you'll find your name" the door shut behind her.

Brooke sighed before following the girl and opening the door, "love you Sam" she yelled out with a slightly forced smile but her heart swelled with it.

"You too, Davis" Sam shouted back without looking, her had thrown up in a wave as she turned the corner leaving Brooke alone a state she was long use to.

Unable to deal with the silence Brooke grabbed her portfolio and supplied and drove off, she ended up on a picnic table overlooking the river, in the distance the river court was a gray blur. Memories flooded Brooke and flowed through her fingers onto the paper. To keep it safe Brooke focused on her friends Nathan and Haley, it was a joy to sketch out designs inspired by Haley's sometimes quirky and awkward teenage self. Brooke smiled at the end products, her dark hazel green eyes shining. The good memories were broken by the ringing of her phone and like a click of the fingers Brooke was entangled in a heated discussion with her lawyer, her frustration grew "you can tell that harpy she can go shove her offer-" an hour of poison had Brooke growing angrier and angrier and these days she liked focusing on the people who mattered, which didn't include the mother who always let her down "I know, I know. My mother just, arghh, she can have everything else I just want the rights to my last line, I want Baby Brooke, no compromise" and she hung up.

The call had ruined Brooke's burst of inspiration, abandoning her designs Brooke packed away and decided to get over her nerves and stop holding off the meeting she didn't know why she dreaded so much.

Breathe. It can't get worse surely. Instincts ignored Brooke refused to think negatively. Sam was her purpose now, more than that the teenager was her joy. Her redemption.

-x-

The halls of Tree Hill High were slightly too chirpy for Sam, school spirit high, Sam ignored the gossip and rolled her eyes at the teenagers making out against the lockers. From the corner of her eye she spotted a familiar head as she averted her eyes from her least favourite jock "just no" Sam said before any sound could exit his opening mouth, she fastened her steps as she went down the other hallway following the figure "Mrs Scott" she called a few times and then a loud "Haley, wait up"

The older woman turned around with a warm smile, Sam smiled back if not a little shyly "you got a sec?"

"Sure, I was just about to go over some work of you don't mind sitting in my classroom"

"Sure" Sam replied and the two of them continued to walk this time side by side, "so I think Brooke needs a friendly push" Sam git straight to business.

Haley arched her brows and smiled, slightly confused she responded to Sam "you've lost me"

"With Julian" the brunette teen's facial expression said duh, her fast pace continued "Brooke likes him and he likes her but she is in denial, BIG TIME. They've got a date and she thinks it's a business meeting but trust me he wants to-"

"Don't say it" Haley stopped Sam with a hand over the girl's mouth, "okay. Sam, it's great you care about Brooke but Brooke Davis can take care of herself. Don't push her, ok?"

Unimpressed Sam threw her head back, "they are so hot for each other and I get it but I just think you should… tell her it's ok and her bangi… I mean dating Julian will not interfere with the lesbian love thing she and Peyton have going on. I think she needs to know Peyton would be cool with her dating her ex, maybe you could get Peyton to say something…" Sam stopped when Haley started laughing.

The hallway was starting to clear up and when the two of them stopped Sam narrowed her eyes as Haley's laughter became more hysterical.

"What's so funny"

"Sorry" Haley swallowed her laugh and composed herself, "I forget sometimes high school wasn't a live tv show. Sam I don't think Brooke needs Peyton's permission to date her ex considering Peyton is engaged to Brooke's"

"Wait" Sam froze, "get out, Brooke dated Lucas!"

"It was years ago"

"This is so messed up" Sam shook her head, there was a look of disgust on her face "yet explains so much. Actually this works, now Brooke and Julian can get down to business" she suddenly laughed, "oh I am so using this"

"Sam" Haley began in a warning tine but the teenager was already walking away, "SAM!"

"Thanks Haley, good talk!"

-x-

The knock on the door had the disheveled woman at the desk look up, Brooke gave a slight smile "Hi, Carine" and stepped into the office.

"Miss Davis, please take a seat" she looked uncomfortably nervous and once Brooke was seated Carine got up and shut the door and started to clean up her desk a little too fast, her black curly hair falling over her down cast eyes. The moment Brooke had met Carine the slightly older lady had been a little taken aback by Brooke's celebrity but she had always been so eager to please Brooke, so nice and happy to accommodate Brooke's application to foster Sam. The home inspection had been approved, Carine had beamed at Brooke. Now though Brooke got the distinct impression Carine was avoiding something.

"Is everything ok?"

Carine jumped, her mouth opened, then closed, then opened again then it came in a rush "I'm sorry but your application has been denied, you can't foster Samantha"

The words didn't make sense. It was all but finalised. Nothing made sense. Brooke's mind started spinning, no distinct emotion was in charge it was all a mumble as Brooke tried to gather her thoughts "I thought everything was okay? What was it, I can fix it, is it the house? The school? She is safe with me"

"I'm sorry Miss Davis. I understand if I had mislead you, your application and everything was great, it was perfect but it's the system you see. When I went further with the paperwork I realised you'll be automatically declined, we can't sign off on permitting you to foster Samantha while you have your own biological child in the system as a ward of the state-"

Time froze, Brooke's heart plunged, her mind fizzled into a confused mess as everything else Carine said became a blur.

"What, no, sorry, what, I, this can't be right… what?" Brooke mumbled and saw Carine carefully watching her, Brooke stood, not knowing how her feet were able to bare her weight as she shook, "explain because I have no idea what is going on here"

Carine sucked in a breath before slowly retrieving a file, "I want you to know we take confidentiality very seriously here if you are concerned about this leaking" her soft words were sincere yet Brooke fell down back onto the chair still wondering what was going on as Carine continued "on the 23rd of August 2004 you gave birth to a baby boy who was-"

The blood drained from Brooke's face. The date was forever etched into her memory, she could still feel the coldness of the hospital room and the smell, and she could still hear that first cry. Brooke stopped Carine from going any further, "there is some mistake, yes" she gulped agreeing "I gave birth on that date but my child was adopted. I met the family, I chose the family and there must be some confusion. I don't think it's fair to penalise Sam and her chance for a family for a decision I made when I was seventeen which was in the best interest of another child and gave him a stable family"

Carine frowned and opened the file tempting Brooke to snatch it from the woman's small delicate hands. A pair of big brown eyes looked back to Brooke, slightly sympathetic "there's no record of an adoption here. Your son, Miss Davis, has been in the foster care system since birth"

"That can't be right!" Brooke screamed, agitation filled her, she stood.

Carefully standing as well Carine retorted "there's no mistake. Our records show that there is indeed a six year old boy listed as a ward of the state with you listed as his biological mother, and as such we cannot approve Samantha Walker into your care"

"My son?"

"Yes"

Brooke tried to wrap herself around it, tried to think that maybe there wasn't a mistake and it was her son, the boy she thought she would never get to be part of his life. One thing was sure, there must be a mistake somewhere. But if it was him…

"Where is he?"

"I can't tell you that" Carine quickly said, "There are channels, official procedures you will need to follow for any information on him or contact"

One question was screaming inside Brooke, "Carine, please, I… if I had known, I'm still trying to understand what happened. But if my son is out there without a home, without parents, then I want him, I want to be his Mom, I want them both, Sam and… what's my son's name?" she quickly changed what she was saying as it hit her she had no idea what to call this boy who had turned her world upside down for a second time.

Carine appeared just as confused as Brooke, she had no idea how the Brooke Davis could have a son she seemingly knew nothing about, she checked the file quickly again before looking back at the young mother "Noah"

She sighed the name in a whisper, Brooke's shiny eyes closing as colour seeped back into her face. Those dark eyes opened again, filled with determination, "how do I get Noah back?"

It was with patience that Carine explained to Brooke that she would need to get in contact with Noah's own social worker and apply to reinstate her parental rights; rights Brooke learnt that she never fully signed away. The situation would have to be evaluated but considering that Brooke had already been approved in most ways to foster Sam the main hurdle would most likely be the fact Brooke gave her son to the state and hasn't attempted to contact him since his birth. Brooke tried to explain and Carine listened but explained that she would need to prove that and go through Noah's social worker and a judge.

Almost an hour later Brooke sat forward "but it's possible"

Carine nodded, her dark eyes wide, "If you can prove what you're saying, that it wasn't your intention, that you had your son's best interests in mind and on learning the truth have straight away done everything to give him a good, safe home, then yes Brooke, I think it's more than possible I think it's probable"

The smile that split Brooke's face, showing off her two famous deep dimples, lit up the room.

"And Sam? What happens to Sam?"

It was then that Carine shook her head again, "I can't let Sam stay with you, not until you file Noah's paperwork and it enters the system. Then I can officially grant you approval but until then Sam will need to stay somewhere else"

Brooke couldn't imagine losing Sam too, couldn't imagine having to tell the troubled teenage girl that she had to leave. Fury once again filled her "you know she was sleeping in a car when I took her in, she was with me for well over a month without anyone knowing she wasn't in the foster home you had placed her in, and you expect me to just let her go back to that?"

"I understand, what happened then was unfortunate" Carine was disgusted at how Sam's previous social worker had let the teenager fall through the cracks, and it was painful knowing that a technicality meant that Sam would have to be taken from a good home where she was happy. After checking a few things Carine gave Brooke a grim smile "There's an opening at a girl's home an hour away, I can give you time to talk to Sam. But tomorrow I'll meet you at this address-" she wrote the address down and slipped it to Brooke, "5 o'clock, you can drop her off but if you don't I'll have to come collect her. She will be safe there for now, and then you do what you have to do Brooke and get your kids back".

-x-

There was something ominous about the blank screen that Peyton was staring at, no matter how many times she looked there still was no call alert or messages waiting. It was unusual but Peyton told herself it was okay. Brooke Davis was a grown woman with a busy life, and a few missed calls didn't mean anything.

A knock on the office door had Peyton look up with anticipation however her smile dimmed when she saw Haley, "Hi Haley"

"You look disappointed?"

"Sorry" Peyton slipped het phone away and gave her attention to the friend who was in front of her, "I was just expecting to hear from Brooke, I've been trying to talk to her all day but it's great to see you as well"

Haley sent the other blonde a sly smile, "what's so urgent?"

Peyton flung her head back and laughed, "you're not going to let it go! Go bother Luke"

"I plan to" Haley smiled as she settled against Peyton's desk, they stood not far apart, both resting against the desk, "do you want to talk to her about Julian?" she changed the subject. Peyton gave Haley a curious look and Haley shrugged "a little bird told me that our favourite dimpled brunette likes a certain film producer new to town and the feelings are mutual"

"Oh, Brooke and Julian. You know, that's cool" she smiled "actually I can see it"

"So none of us have to worry about any crazy love triangles anymore" Haley was half joking but half serious, and Peyton could tell.

The curly blond nodded, "I think we're good on that front"

"Great. So I guess I better go interrogate my favourite brother in law seeing you aren't caving" she winked and went to leave, "bye Peyton"

"Seeya Haley" Peyton waved goodbye and then went back to her phone, still nothing from Brooke. She ached to tell her friend everything that was going on, a part of Peyton was scared but the excitement was pounding against her heard even louder than the fear and nerves.

-x-

After leaving Carine in the office Brooke went home and locked herself in her bedroom, it took twenty minutes to get through to the person who might have answers for Brooke, less time than she expected and when the voice picked up Brooke wasn't sure if it was the same man.

"Is this Anthony Mueller?"

"Yes, speaking"

"Hi, I don't know if you will remember me. You facilitated my son's adoption six years ago-"

"I'm sorry Miss but the terms of an adoption cannot be changed if you-"

Brooke cut in like he interrupted her, reminding herself she had to remain as calm as possible if she was to get the answers she wanted "see that's the thing Mr Mueller, my son wasn't adopted. You were there when I met the parents, you were there when the papers were handed to me but for some reason I was told today that my son has been in the foster care system since he was born"

The silence that greeted Brooke seemed endless, only the heavy breathing on the older man could be heard. Then there was the obvious click of a door, "Brooke Davis?"

Something inside Brooke was released, he did have answers, he did remember her to the point she didn't even to say any more information. What happened?

"I knew this day would come" his emotion filled voice reached Brooke, "I had hoped… I'm so sorry"

Brooke sighed "I don't understand what happened"

The whole process had been nerve wrecking but it had meant something to a seventeen year old Brooke, it had meant everything. It had taken two months two find the right family but when she had Brooke had been happy that her baby, her innocent baby, would have the type of love and life she had only dreamt of.

Brooke thought back to the couple, "my son was meant to be adopted; Terry and Alex were so excited"

"They were but you went into labour sooner than expected and when they pulled out I was hoping to find another family before the birth"

"Why didn't they want him anymore?" Brooke could not fathom what had made the couple change their mind.

The answer soon came, "they found out they were pregnant"

It made sense in a strange way, it disappointed Brooke but it explained to Brooke why the adoption hadn't gone through it didn't however explain why she never knew. Becoming angry Brooke made her voice harder "and why wasn't I told?"

The sudden silence had a million thoughts race through Brooke's head, finally after what seemed like hours his voce returned "your mother thought it best-"

With that one word Brooke's ears rang, the phone slipped from her fingers falling to the floor, falling to her knees Brooke retrieved the phone and hung up. It was a rage inside her, Brooke had suspected her mother was involved somehow but had tried to deny it, tried to put that thought to the very back of her mind. Tears running down her cheek Brooke rang the familiar number.

"Victoria Davis" the calm voice replied.

It incensed Brooke because caller ID would have let Victoria know it was Brooke calling. All the years of rejection and pain punched Brooke at once, "HOW COULD YOU?"

"What exactly are you referring to this time, Brooke, you seem to blame me for every woe in your life?" something in Victoria's voice seemed different, almost pained.

Brooke flinched at the glimmer of worry that came quickly, she threw it aside and stayed focused, "I am talking about my son, Victoria" and when there was no reply Brooke's tears fell unashamedly, "how could you let them take my baby boy, your grandson, away like that, knowing he had no one to love him and take care of him. How could you lie to me and let me think he was safe and happy and better off without me for six years when you knew he was alone, when you knew he needed a Mom" Brooke got louder "I hate you and I want you to know that any thought I had left that you weren't a heartless bitch monster is completely gone and you will pay for this" and with that Brooke ended the call with a press of a button.

-x-

The coffee bar was still busy as Julian was pulled away from his work when the feisty teenager slipped in opposite him with the same gusto she always does "so, when's this thing with you and Brooke gonna happen?"

Intentionally Julian kept his eyes down on the script he was going over for the hundredth making notes, "Brooke and I are working together" he dryly replied, another note was written down.

"Mmm" she got more comfortable, "I think you like her"

Julian lifted his face, "do not"

"Do too"

"Do not"

"Do too"

He was about the say something else when Peyton suddenly appeared, sliding in beside Sam with an overly happy "so I hear you like Brooke?"

Julian sighed "I have to get an office" he abandoned the pages "Brooke and I are working together"

Peyton wrinkled her nose and looked at Sam "he so likes her"

"That's what I said" Sam grinned and lifted her brows to Julian.

"If I didn't know better I would say you were jealous" Julian eyed Peyton.

Peyton didn't flinch from Julian's stared, it was Sam who broke the awkward moment "up yourself much, not everyone likes you"

"Just Brooke" Julian shot back and Sam grinned, Julian swore, "okay as much as I have enjoyed this I've got actual work to do, goodbye" he gathered up his belonging but before he could leave Peyton's fingers curled around on of his wrists, he turned back and their eyes met "you break her heart, I break your face" and then she let go so he could leave.

Sam nudged her "that was cool. Hey can I have money for a coffee?"

"Shouldn't you be going home?"

"Nuh, Brooke knows I'm meeting Jack" Sam slid to the corner of the booth and Peyton ordered them both a drink. It amazed Peyton what a good job Brooke had done with Sam, the thought made Peyton smile.

When it was time to say goodbye Peyton gave Sam some money and then left, she checked her phone again and frowned yet when Peyton returned home she was shocked to see Brooke's car parked outside Lucas' house, the stranger thing was Brooke was sitting unmoving in the driver's seat still. With a jump in her step Peyton went to her friends blue car and knocked.

Lost in a trance Brooke jumped at the intrusion but after Peyton motioned her to get out she did so and the two hugged. Brooke wanted to cry but she refrained and tried not to pay too much attention to the huge smile that Peyton wore.

The blonde grabbed Brooke's hand and pulled her forward "come inside, I've been trying to contact you all day"

"Sorry, I've been really busy"

"You okay, B Davis?"

Brooke tried to smile but had a feeling she wasn't fooling anyone, " just really need to talk to someone"

"Me too" Peyton practically squealed as they reached the door. After unlocking in and entering the two women found themselves bombarded by noise.

"Whoa, what's this?" Peyton laughed, Lucas appeared with two small boys one on each shoulder, the sight made Peyton's heart melt though no one noticed the colour drain from Brooke as she gulped at the sight.

Lucas leant forward and kissed Peyton's cheek as the boys giggled, "I told Haley I would watch Jamie and Andre"

"Aunt Brooke!" it was the blonde boy who screamed on seeing his godmother, "down Uncle Luke, it's Aunt Brooke" he abandoned his uncle for Brooke, jumping into her arms "HI!"

"Hi, Jamie" she pulled him into her and smelt his hair. Seeing Jamie made Brooke ache for her own son even more, it always had but at the same time it was a comfort.

Peyton wrapped an arm around Lucas now he was free from the boys and then she got the other attention with a whistle "how bout you boys go play outside for a bit while I get us some ice cream"

"Best idea EVER!" Jamie's best friend Andre enthused and pulled Jamie away from Brooke, the boys ran for the backyard, screaming tag the whole time.

Lucas rubbed his back, "they are insane"

The girls laughed one more genuine than the other. Peyton was oblivious to Brooke's desire to get away, meanwhile Brooke wondered what possessed her to come here.

Tell them. The voice inside her urged. They were smiling so much and so happy Brooke couldn't help but do anything except follow them into the kitchen. Peyton placed a glass of water next to Brooke before grabbing Lucas' hand and leaning into him again.

"I'm so glad you came Brooke, this is even better than I hoped" Peyton took a deep breath, "There' something we want you to know. We're having a baby" Peyton's happiness burst from her.

Trapped Brooke didn't know what to do or how to react, and her mouth became frozen in a fake smile. Lucas had an arm wrapped around Peyton yet he noticed how Brooke suddenly stiffened, his eyes narrowed and Peyton's smile began to drop.

"Brooke?"

"That's… great!" Brooke got out though the couple felt like Brooke thought it was anything but great. Lucas gripped Peyton tighter, the blonde looked to her husband then back to Brooke, she tried to smile again. "Really great" Brooke added and a little fake laugh escaped her but she moved forward and grabbed Peyton in a hug, her eyes closed.

Lucas could see that Brooke was still stiff and carefully avoided his eyes, he knew Peyton had been worried about Brooke's reaction. Peyton stepped back from Brooke, hands on her friends arms "You okay? I know you wanted a baby and this is-"

"No, No" Brooke quickly stopped Peyton, "I am so happy for you, for you both it's just the timing" she was genuine, "it really couldn't be worse" and she started a painful laugh. Peyton eyed Lucas, he shrugged, and Brooke backed away, for a moment she turned away, hiding the fact she had to wipe away a stray tear from her eyes.

It was with a slightly higher pitched voice Brooke pulled her phone from her purse, grabbing the first excuse she could think of, "it's just I finished your wedding dress" and she flashed the picture from her gallery up at the couple.

Peyton laughed "is that a corset?"

"Yeah" Brooke drawled, she took the phone back and tried to get under control, "new plan, no corset" and then she hugged Peyton again "I am so happy for you Peyton, really, this is great. You're going to be a Mom" Brooke smiled, her eyes shiny.

Shit. Brooke was really thinking. The timing was horrible and not because of a stupid dress, Brooke didn't know how she could drop her own bomb. As fast as she could she got out of there, throwing some more congratulations at the both of them while carefully trying to not meet Lucas' blue eyes, forgetting to even say bye to Jamie.

"Shit" she whispered to herself once the door was shut.

Alone again Peyton gave Lucas a look, she appeared confused "Well that went… well" she stopped, pursed her lips "she was weird, right?"

"Yeah" Lucas agreed, he rubbed Peyton's arms, "I expected maybe she would be a bit upset but she looked…" he couldn't put his finger on it and then it hit him in a flash "scared".

-x-

Bottle of wine in hand Julian strutted towards Brooke's front door; he straightened his shirt before knocking and waited for the beautiful fashionista to open up.

It took a repeated three sets of knocks before the door slowly opened and Brooke's face appeared, "Julian?" eyes red and puffy it was obvious to Julian Brooke had spent quite some time crying already, she looked confused to see him.

Nervous Julian stuttered a little "sorry, I thought we were going over the costume designs tonight?"

Brooke's mouth gaped open before she squeezed her eyes shut after realising she had completely forgotten, "that's right"

"You okay, Brooke?" he asked, his question was a floodgate and before he knew it their arms were wrapped around each other and her tears were running down his front.

This wasn't business, neither was it the wine and romance he had secretly been hoping for, Julian held her tighter and rested his chin on the top of her head "it's going to be okay" he told her however she only gave a guttered cry in reply, her tears growing stronger.

Brooke cried, she let it go, she cried for the son that was a stranger, for the hopes and dreams she'd had for him, she cried for the daughter she'd let into her heart and might now lose, and she cried for the lives she was going to blow apart as she fought for the two children she loved with all her heart. Brooke knew she would do anything for them, a boy called Noah that she hadn't touched since she carried him in her womb, and a girl she didn't give birth to but had a given her a home, and that anything included telling Peyton and Lucas that Noah existed, that Brooke had given birth to Lucas' child first, a child she never told him about.

Across town a crackling slowly woke Lucas, he lifted his head realising he'd fallen asleep with Peyton in his arms on the couch, the crackling came again "hey Luke. You there? Wake up. Over"

The confusion quickly changed so excitement as Lucas picked up the walkie talkie, "Nate?"

"Yeah, man. These walkie talkies are awesome. Jamie loves his so much that he went to bed with it. Over"

With a startled jump Lucas bolted up, "oh my god, Jamie!"

"Don't sweat it. We picked them up, they're fine. Speaking of which I heard a rumour you're going to be a dad. That's pretty cool, man"

It hit Lucas that he was talking to his little brother on a walkie talkie, something he'd dreamed about when he was younger , he settled back down relaxing. A smile on his lips he replied "yeah, kind of overwhelming. I don't know how you two do it. I'm exhausted"

Nathan chuckled over the line, "it's teamwork. You see that girl lying next to you? Well you don't know it yet but she's a superhero. Trust me. And anyway, we're both here for you, man, with whatever. I just want you to know that"

"Thanks man" he paused and then grinned "over"

"Night bro. Over and out"

"You too. Over and out" Lucas placed the toy down and saw that Peyton was now awake, she rubbed her eyes.

"What's going on?" Peyton mumbled half asleep still.

Lucas shrugged "just playing walkie talkies with me brother"

"That's nice" she snuggled back up against him, "The boys had fun, right?"

"Yeah I think so"

"Good. And I'm not going to fail at this Mom thing, right?"

"No chance" he pulled her even closer, kissing her soft curls.

She grinned, her green eyes lit up as she asked him her next question "and our kid's going to be great?"

"The greatest" he assured her, "best kid in the world"

They exchanged an I love you and gave into the exhaustion that still weakened their bodies, falling back asleep wrapped in each other's arms on the small couch. Their small world at the moment quiet and loving, just the two of them, they could almost forget the rest of the world existed.

-x-

The end of chapter one. Review, follow and have a good week.

Next chapter: the morning after and Brooke has some explaining to do.