Ok, my take on what happened after 6.1-- DON'T read if you dislike femslash, and there are SPOILERS!(Albeit sort of minor since it's A/U)


"This is my store, my life. This is what I wished for." The light flicked off, and the next thing Brooke knew there was someone in dark clothing rushing her, knocking her back through a display, and then only darkness and pain.


Shifting slightly, Brooke instantly groaned as she felt a bolt of pain rip through her body. Forcing her eyes open, she was greeted by a dim light and more stabs of pain in her head. Her head felt like it was splitting, she couldn't breathe properly without feeling like she was going to pass out from pain, and everything else hurt too much for words.

Looking around the store, Brooke felt like her heart was dying too as she surveyed the damage. Everything was smashed- broken, like her.

The previous night's events came flooding back, and Brooke felt tears making their way down her face at the memories. Clearly nobody was going to be looking for her anytime soon, and Brooke knew that she needed to see how badly she was really hurt.

Moving ever so slightly, Brooke gasped at the agonizing pain she suddenly found herself in. Trying not to breathe, Brooke inched her way over to the back room. Hauling herself up, she had to bite her cheek to keep from crying out in pain.

Her progress to the car was excruciating and slow, and when she finally got there Brooke collapsed onto the seat. Catching her breath, she drove at a snail's pace to the house she and Peyton shared.

Once inside, Brooke paused several times to regroup herself and let the pain subside while she made her way to the bathroom. Turning the hot water on in the bathtub, she lowered herself into it while still in her clothes.

Everything hurt, and it only got worse when the water touched her skin. Wincing, Brooke lay there, waiting for it to stop hurting so much. She continued laying there, unmoving, long after the water turned cold.

Finally forcing herself to get up, she was relieved to find that she could at least get out of the tub without nearly passing out from the pain. Sitting on the floor, she pulled her soaking wet, torn dress off and shivered as the cold air burned her skin.

Going to her room, Brooke put on the most minimal clothing she could find- black boy shorts and a light-weight cami. The thought of anything touching her right now was unbearable, and she planned on avoiding it at all costs.

Sinking onto the bed, Brooke exhaled slowly. Allowing her body to adjust to the new position, Brooke curled on her side. The tears she had been holding in threatened to fall then, but she forced them back.

No. Not like this. I'm going to wake up from this nightmare any second now, and everything will be fine.

Closing her eyes, Brooke waited for sleep to come and take her away.


Peyton drove the familiar route home, unable to wait to share her good news with Brooke. Lucas had proposed to her, she had said yes, and now they were engaged. Just like that- poof! Engagement.

Pulling into the drive, she silently cheered when she saw Brooke's car on the street. Good, she's home.

Walking into the house, Peyton called out, "Brooke? I'm home!" When she got no response, she dropped her bags on the floor and headed up the stairs.

Huh. I cant believe Brooke stayed in on a Friday night... I was only gone for four days, right?

Brooke's door was closed, and Peyton knocked loudly. Without waiting for an answer she went in, looking around for Brooke. It looked like she had been there recently, but Peyton couldn't actually see her. "Brooke?" she called, wondering where her friend was.

Unexpectedly she heard a small movement as she was about to go search elsewhere. "Brooke?" she asked again, getting a little nervous.

"Peyton? Is that you?"

The voice was tiny, and it took Peyton a second to hear it. Going to investigate, Peyton suddenly found herself reeling.

Brooke was hunched on the opposite side of the bed, which was why Peyton hadn't seen her to begin with. But more than that, Peyton was horrified to see her friend's condition.

Bruises littered Brooke's body, her skin mottled various shades of dark reds, browns, greens, and purples. There were long cuts running all over her body, and clear imprints from someones hand were emblazoned on Brooke's throat.

"Oh my god."

"Brooke," Peyton whispered, her voice breaking, "Brooke, what happened?"

Brooke looked away as though ashamed, but Peyton saw the pain in her eyes and instantly was right by her side. Reaching out to take Brooke's hand, Peyton was shocked when Brooke flinched away from her touch. Trying again, Peyton gently wrapped an arm around Brooke, pulling her close. Brooke's body was tensed all over, but she slowly relaxed and before Peyton realized it Brooke was crying silently into her chest.

"Oh Brooke," Peyton murmured, "It's going to be ok, I'm here now, I promise." Holding Brooke to her chest, Peyton stroked her hair and talked to her until the tears finally subsided.

Peyton slowly moved to help Brooke onto the bed, feeling like crying herself when she saw how much every move hurt Brooke. Once Brooke was on the bed Peyton laid down next to her and curled her own body around Brooke's. Mindful of the fact that Brooke was hurt, she allowed Brooke to move closer to her until she was comfortable.

Brooke ended with her head on Peyton's chest, Peyton's arms wrapped tightly around her. She wanted to sleep, but she was terrified that the nightmare's would come back. Brooke hadn't been able to sleep since she had woken up on the floor of the store without waking in a matter of minutes, screaming and drenched in sweat.

She had been awake when Peyton had knocked on the door and opened it, and she had panicked and flipped off the bed. It was only when she heard Peyton's voice that Brooke broke through the haze of terror surrounding her. Now, however, she didn't want to risk freaking Peyton out. But god, I'm so tired...

As though sensing her thoughts, Peyton tenderly stroked her hair and whispered, "Go to sleep, Brooke, I'll keep you safe." Looking up at Peyton, Brooke's eyes thanked her silently for knowing exactly what she needed.

Kissing the top of Brooke's head, Peyton waited until she heard Brooke's breathing even out into sleep before letting her own tears fall.

How could this happen? Who would do this to her? Why the hell didn't she call me? I would have been here in a second... God, I'm such a selfish, horrible friend.

Eventually Peyton's tears slowed and she inhaled the scent of Brooke's hair to try to fully calm herself. Adjusting her position so that she was completely wrapped around Brooke, Peyton whispered into the air, "It's ok now Brooke, I'm here, and I swear I won't let anyone hurt you ever again."


Hmmm, first chapters are never my favorites...

I just wanted to write something about the season premiere, cuz i saw it yesterday and it made my head spin.

Oh well, im eagerly awaiting monday, and i apologize for the total lack of any romantic breyton in this chapter. If i continue, it WILL be there, along with the dissolution of Leyton! cheers

Review if you want, it's much appreciated!

cello