Okay, my new story, not too sure if the prologue will explain everything but basically forget everything that happened in season 4 because it's AU from there on.

Disclaimer:

I own squat.

New York. It wasn't home, Tree Hill would always be home for him, but it was where they lived, and it would do. Or at least he hoped it would. Lucas Scott was many things, he was a brother, a would-be author, and Brooke Davis' boyfriend of four and a half years. And he was satisfied with his life at that moment. He didn't regret leaving Tree Hill, he loved his girlfriend and he'd do anything for her, even if that meant leaving his friends and family and never looking back. Her wish was his command, he'd almost lost her before and he would give his life to make sure that that didn't happen again. Lucas' book, An Unkindness of Ravens, was going around various publishers' houses, each one sending back a letter saying that they were sorry, but it wasn't good enough. Or at least that's how he interpreted it, and so he spent each day sitting in their apartment trying to make it better while also trying to forget that he was, in fact, leeching off his famous girlfriend.

It was mid-November when he got the call, Haley was in labor and he was needed at home. Haley and Nathan were still happily married, Nathan was playing in the NBA and Haley taught at Tree Hill High. Haley was pregnant with their second child, a girl he was told. And, because Haley was his best friend and Nathan was his brother, he went straight to the airport, calling Brooke on the way to tell her what was happening and that while he hoped to see her in Tree Hill, he would understand if she couldn't make it and he was sure that everyone else would too.

Arriving at Tree Hill was different, it had changed more then he had ever thought possible, and he was ashamed to admit it, without him.

By the time he arrived he found through Mouth, whom he had met while entering the hospital, that Haley had already given birth to Grace Peyton Scott and that both mother and daughter were happy and healthy, though Mouth did warn him that Peyton was currently visiting her godchild.

Peyton Sawyer had been important to Lucas, but at the end of the day he had chosen to follow Brooke to New York and had, therefore, effectively cut Peyton out of his life. She had tried to keep in contact but he got caught up in the hustle and bustle of New York and their friendship had ended when he had finally answered one of her many phone calls during which they had gotten into a fight and she accused him of ignoring her and they hadn't spoken since.

Gathering up all of his courage he prepared himself for what he would be one of, if not the, most awkward experience he had experienced.

"Knock, knock" he said in his cheesy manner while knocking at the door.

"Luke!" both Nathan and Haley exclaimed, with Nathan walking to hug his brother "God, it's good to see you, when'd you get here?" Haley continued

"Just got here," Lucas said, moving over to hug Haley, who was sitting in her bed "Mouth said that everything went great, how are you doing?"

"I'm exhausted Luke, but so elated at the same time."

"How's she doing?" Lucas asked as Haley took the baby back from Peyton, who, had been successfully blending into the back-round until then.

"She's doing great." Haley replied

"How have you been Luke? It seems like forever since we saw you" Nathan asked

"I can't complain. Brooke's sorry but she can't get away from work for a while," Lucas answered, to which Peyton snorted "She said she'd try to be here next week though." Lucas continued, ignoring Peyton.

"Don't you want to hold your niece, Luke?" Haley said, breaking the silence that had descended on the group.

Lucas smiled and gently took the baby that Haley was holding out for him.

"She's beautiful Hales, Nate, you guys are so lucky."

"So any kids on the horizon for you and Brooke?" Nathan joked

"Maybe someday, but she's just so busy right now and we're still young, we've got plenty of time."

Nathan nodded "I know what you're saying, but right now, I wouldn't change a thing." Haley looked at him in awe "And let me tell you, having kids, it's the best feeling anyone can get, no matter what their age."

Lucas nodded and, after some polite conversation, handed Grace back to Haley while saying "Well it's getting late, I'd better go to the motel. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Wait, Luke." Peyton said after Nathan nudged her "Can I get a lift? I rode here with them."

Lucas looked to consider before nodding, and, after saying goodbye to the happy family, he left the room.

Peyton gave one last bitter look at Nathan, who simply chuckled, and followed Lucas outside.

"So welcome to the club" Lucas said, breaking the silence that had settled between them

"Which one?" Peyton said bitterly

"The Naley kids namesake one" Lucas said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Lucas, they only have one other kid, so you're the only one in the club. So what do you do, sit around not talking to your friends?"

"It wasn't like that Peyton." He paused "Look, I'm sorry, for everything, but it's New York and I was trying to get my book published and I guess I just lost track of everything, lost sight of what's important."

"Okay there are three things wrong with that Luke. Firstly, what book? Secondly, you found the time to write a book but not to keep in contact? And thirdly, if I'm so important then why'd you ever let anything close to this happen? What happened to the Lucas Scott I knew, who told me that he wouldn't, couldn't, cut me out of his life?"

The car pulled to a stop outside what was once, and still was, Peyton's house.

"People change Peyt, and I'm truly sorry, if I could change things I would but this isn't high school anymore, life isn't as simple as it was ba..."

He was cut off by a kiss, a simple but meaningful kiss, one of hurt and passion that he hadn't felt in almost five years, one that he hadn't known he was missing until that moment.

"Peyton, I'm..." He stuttered

"Do you want to come in?"

Okay, so there it is, the first chapter. What'd you think? Any questions please ask in your reviews ;) Until, hopefully if people like this, next time... Adios amigos.