Season Three Revised

By: TracyCook

Disclaimer: I own nothing. These character belong to the creator of One Tree Hill.

Couple: Haley/Brooke

Rating: M

Episode 4

Hiding Who We Are

Every once in a while it was important for Haley to spend time with Lucas. He was her best friend and a very important person in her life. Today was one of those days. As much as the envy for his relationship with Brooke was eating away at her, she still enjoyed spending time with him.

Halloween was coming up. What goes great with Halloween? Costumes. So that is exactly what her and her best friend were doing, trying on costumes. More so Lucas than herself.

Lucas had tried on many different costumes and they were both enjoying spending the time together. Sometimes Haley wished there wasn't that barrier there between herself and Brooke that made it so hard to be amazing friends. Yeah… that I want to kiss you 24/7 barrier that's always been there…

Ignoring thoughts of Brooke she focused on all of the ridiculous outfits Lucas was trying on. Finally, he came out of the dressing room as Jack Sparrow, looking very much so like the actual actor. "Whoa! Okay, that's hot!" She shouted.

Not having meant anything by it, she immediately regretted her words. Lucas always would be just her friend. There was no doubt in her mind about that.

Worry and disgust made its way to Lucas' facial expressions, as he asked "excuse me?"

Now with her foot in her mouth Haley tried her hardest to fix her mix of words. "Well I mean… oh… ew… no! I just… not that I noticed of that I could ever possibly think of you that way! I just… okay ew." She finished with her rambling finally. Unable to fix the slip of her tongue she decided to just look away.

"Look, this party's my one chance to get Brooke to rethink this whole non-exclusive thing." He said raising his hands to show he needed it.

Haley didn't smile over at Lucas, instead she focused on the clothes hanging from the rack. Fidgeting with them. There he goes bringing up Brooke, just when you think you can get away.

"I want it to just be… well, exclusive."

Finally she looked over at him feeling a pain deep in her chest from the guilt of the entire situation. She wanted Brooke to notice her at the party, but she had always let him have what makes him happy. She always would. He deserved to be happy more so than herself.

"You think she'll like it?" He asked looking down at the pirate outfit.

"I don't know, you're asking me to enter the sexual mind of Brooke Davis?" She was very uncomfortable with the situation. Setting her best friend up with the only person she ever wanted. Tough call on how she should act. Not that it matters he could go as just himself and still have a better chance that I would at getting her attention.

"She's your roommate."

"She's your girlfriend." Haley countered with a bit of sarcasm "Sorta… kinda…"

He sighed and she couldn't stand the sight of him being so hurt, so she caved into him as always. "Okay, fine! Let me see what I can find out. I'll do a little roommate recon for you."

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Brooke was pacing around Peyton's room talking about the Halloween party. She wanted to be the hottest girl in the room. Haley would notice her tonight if she had any say in it. Not that I could ever possibly be the hottest in the room if she is there with me. She thought smiling.

Peyton looked up from her sketchpad "hey 'burn a whole in my floor' girl, care to tell me what you had in mind for costumes this year?" They had a history of going in themed costumes on Halloween.

"I was thinking, I'll be the devil, and you can be an angel." Brooke smirked.

"Are you sure you want to show everyone the real you?" The blonde sarcastically joked, only to get a pillow thrown directly at her face.

"Shut your mouth goldilocks!"

Peyton shook her head laughing before looking back down at her drawing. Her mind now consumed with how she wanted to look for the party. "So…" She started glancing back up at her best friend who was still pacing "Why the sudden need to be super hot tonight? Trying to impress someone? Lucas perhaps?"

It was true that Brooke had been wanting a certain someone's eyes to be on her all night, but it wasn't his eyes. With a hand on her hip she replied "Yes, if you must know. I want to impress someone, just not necessarily Lucas."

Peyton was intrigued by this admission, partially because she'd always had feelings for Lucas, and partially because she didn't know who else Brooke could possibly like. The only other person besides herself and Lucas she had seen her with was Haley. Haley…? No, that couldn't happen! It's Brooke for god's sake!

"Who pray tell are you trying to impress then?" She asked the curiosity evident in her green eyes.

Suddenly Brooke became nervous, she knew that Peyton could always read her like an open book. Now she knew there was someone else, and she was certain if anyone could figure out her secret it was Peyton. This was not good news for her unbearable secret.

"Uhm… doesn't matter right now!" With a wave of her hand she hoped that Peyton would drop the conversation, which she did do. Though, it wasn't without a second thought.

Peyton knew her best friend. She was always in a rush to reveal her new crushes and secrets. She usually couldn't keep any secret to herself for more than five minutes. What's wrong with this mystery man?

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Brooke was sitting at the table working on her Halloween costume. Though, she was starting to have doubts about her choice. Sometimes it was so difficult for her to read the beautiful girl. The only way she knew for sure to get Haley's attention was full nudity. She really seemed to enjoy that. She smiled as she vividly remembered skinny dipping with the other. It had been on her mind and in her dreams ever since that day.

For the most part she figured that the less clothes she wore the better it would be at getting the bookworms attention. If she doesn't notice me in this, she surely doesn't like me.

Glancing over at Haley she watched as the other woman strummed on her guitar, she seemed so frustrated. The tune was oddly familiar to Brooke. It was very obvious to the brunette that Haley had been depressed ever since her encounter with Nathan.

All she really wanted to do was fix the problem, she just didn't know how to. It didn't make sense why Haley didn't just make a stand and fight for the guy she wanted. Why haven't you fought for what you want Brooke? …It's not exactly that easy. The more she thought about it the more she realized, maybe it is that easy… but I couldn't risk that.

Seeing Haley frustrated was one of the cutest sights ever, so she decided to add some fuel to the fire and tease her just a bit. "New tune?"

Haley was concentrating too hard on the song that she didn't actually verbally respond. Instead she nodded as brown eyes continued to glance downward at the guitar. She was supposed to be a musician, so why couldn't she even make a simple song? She just had too much on her mind with ignoring and pushing away Brooke and trying to get Nathan back.

"Sounds pretty good, speed it up a little." Brooke replied twirling her finger in a speed up motion.

The musician did as she was told and picked up the pace, finally starting to feel a tiny bit of hope that she could be onto something.

"Faster." Brooke stated nodding her head with the music. "Faaster."

At this point Haley was getting into the music and becoming more confident as she too bobbed her head to the new found beat.

When the opportune moment arrived Brooke began singing "for he's a jolly good fellooow." Her voice dripping with sarcasm and dry humor. Not because she was angry with Haley, she was merely frustrated with how Nathan was affecting Haley. Also she didn't think she could handle hearing another one of these cover songs.

Sighing Haley slammed her hand against her guitar in frustration. "uhhh!" It had never been so hard for her to write a song. You would think I'd have more inspiration with all of this going on inside my head.

Brooke lifted her hands and smiled a bit "sorry." Though, the truth was she enjoyed the way Haley looked and sounded when she was frustrated with her. She found it almost attractive in a strange way. From time to time though, she thought it would be nice to see more of the perky girl that everyone else got to know. She felt like Haley held back with her a lot.

Gritting her teeth the musician put down her guitar and turned to Brooke, taking her frustration out on her. "Y'know! The devil doesn't have sequins or feathers or… breasts for that matter." As she said the last statement her brown eyes wandered down to the other woman's chest. She had to force herself to not let them linger there too long.

"Well, in my universe, she does." The sewing brunette countered with a bit of false anger in her voice. She could never really be angry with Haley, even if at times she wanted to slap some sense into her. Sticking out her tongue at Haley she returned to her design.

Haley, being Haley couldn't help but ask "did you even follow the pattern?"

Knowing Brooke she shouldn't have even needed to ask. The gorgeous woman never followed directions in her entire lifetime. "No." She stated plainly.

"Brooke, you have to do that." She stated worry flashing across her face as she headed toward the table that Brooke was working at.

Now it was Brooke's turn to take offence, she prided herself in being original and doing whatever she thought was best. She didn't need directions for her life. It would ruin the fun behind things. "Says who?"

"Says like every sewing teacher ever!"

Brooke's face immediately changed from defensive and slightly agitated to disbelieving. She raised an eyebrow at Haley who continued on with her rant. "otherwise you'll end up with something like…"

"Like this?" The confident woman asked raising a red article of clothing, which looked much like lingerie. This both shocked Haley and caused her a bit of dismay. Watching Brooke hold it up to her own chest and smile up at her waiting for a reaction, which she immediately got.

Haley wasn't sure what to say she could already tell she was going to have issues this Halloween if she had to see the woman of her affections dressed in that. "that… looks really good." Was all that she could say, thrown off guard by both how good it looked, and the heat growing between her legs at how good it would look on Brooke.

"Good, I just whipped it up." She stated like it was no big deal despite her obvious talent showing through. Haley's perspective on Brooke seemed to be changing more and more as they spent time together, soon this would become impossible.

Remembering that she had recon work to do she suddenly mentioned "So, I hope Nathan is dressed as a superhero at the party… that would be so amazing."

Not enjoying the change of subject the brunette couldn't even bring herself to respond. Of course Haley was more concerned with what her husband would be wearing instead of what she herself would be sporting. That was only natural. Still, she wanted Haley's attention on her.

"If Lucas could be one thing, what would you want him to be?" She asked before immediately scolding herself. That was way too obvious Haley!

Brooke raised a curious eyebrow before thinking You… "Uhm… a cowboy, or a ninja, or really anything…"

"Anything?" Haley asked disappointed at the admission because it showed her that the brunette really just wanted Lucas, it didn't matter how he dressed. He would have her attention.

"Well yeah, anything besides Tommy Lee I guess. He's really gross." As Brooke explained her hatred for Tommy Lee, the disgust was written all over her face. She really didn't like the grungy look.

The shorter woman hadn't anticipated Brooke telling her what she didn't want. This was probably going to be a test toward her conscience. She now had the power to make Lucas nothing Brooke desired and steal the attention away from him. Though, honestly that hadn't seemed to be a problem for her lately.

"Now, enough about boys. What are we going to do for you? I was thinking sexy nurse, catholic schoolgirl, play boy bunny…" Brooke threw out a few of the ideas she had been having. Honestly she had thought way more into what she wanted to see Haley in opposed to what she wanted to see Lucas in.

This didn't go unnoticed by Haley. She really wants me to dress like that? Wow… Blushing she sat down at the table and shook her head, there was no way she could bring herself to be that exposed around the other woman. "Uh no, no, and forget it."

"Haley, it's a costume party. You just go as a sexy whatever." Brooke ranted defending her options, she didn't understand why Haley was so against them. She herself couldn't wait to see what Haley would look like.

Haley on the other hand had morals, that and she was much too shy to be at a party showing off too much of her body. Though, she knew if Brooke favored one of the following she would do it in a heartbeat. Hell, I went skinny dipping with her!

"Okay, sexy not slutty."

Brooke's face looked so disappointed at hearing that, she could just imagine Haley being a catholic schoolgirl. With her perfect toned stomach showing, and her beautiful legs. Not to mention the horny she-devil pushing her into a corner and corrupting her. Her body began to heat up and she changed the subject.

"Oh I know." She stated with the most mischievous smile on her face. The smile scared Haley, she didn't know what to expect when it came to the mind of Brooke Davis. With Brooke always expect the worst…

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Haley was working at the café cleaning up when she heard the bell over the door ring. Ever since the last time, every time she heard the bell she hoped that it would be Brooke. This time to her disappointment it was only Lucas.

As he walked toward her quickly she could feel that uneasy ache in her chest, she was doubting herself. She didn't know if she would do the right thing now that she had the power not to.

"Hey." He said as he reached her. "So, did you talk to Brooke about my costume yet?" he asked raising a hand in urgency as he spoke.

"Yeah…" She responded before looking down. Haley… don't be selfish. "Uhm…" Before even noticing what she was doing she said "How do you feel about head to toe tattoos and a nose ring?"

Though she appeared to be calm and collected on the outside, she wasn't even close. She had already deceived her best friend and there was no going back now. I really am becoming a horrible selfish person lately.

"Not good." He replied worry evident on his face.

"Well, think about it, Tommy Lee." She said the name with a forced smile, her heart beating hundreds of miles per hour. She couldn't believe herself. They had been friends for 17 years, and she betrayed him for a mere crush… It isn't just a crush.

"I gotta dump these." She said taking the dishes to the back of the restaurant. She couldn't even look at his face anymore. Overtime she had certainly changed into someone she hardly recognized.

As Haley made her way to the kitchen in the back Lucas made his way to the cash register. Opening it when his best friend had her back turned. "Hey, since when is Brooke such a metal head anyway?" He asked.

This caused the current blonde to turn and witness him stealing the money. She froze. All of the guilt from betraying him disappeared. I can't believe he'd do this to me… to his mom. "Uhm… I don't know. I guess even after all this time people can still surprise you." She said turning back to the sink before Lucas noticed.

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Haley and Brooke entered the costume party at Tric. The blonde woman was sporting the fantastic costume decision of Brooke Davis; Sandy from Grease. At the end of the movie, you know those really tight uncomfortable looking clothes right? Yes, well right now Haley was suffering with them as she tugged on the clinging material.

"Remember no tugging." Brooke said in her harsh voice. There were only two things that made her act this way. Fashion and cheerleading.

"Okay, but I've got a major-"

"No tugging." The now red haired Brooke responded. She did look sexy as a devil, not that Haley had had a chance to admire her with all of the scolding about her own outfit.

"God you're tough, any chance I could lose these heels halfway through the night?" She asked looking over at the devil. More like the fashion Nazi.

"No pain no gain, now get your game face on." Brooke stated placing her hand on her hip as she smiled seductively around the room.

Haley was beyond frustrated as she glared over at Brooke. She had only wanted her attention, that was the only reason she even wore this ridiculous costume. And she wasn't even getting that. Trying her best to put her game face on, she smiled like an insane game show hostess.

"Other game." Brooke stated with a smirk.

Haley did as she was told trying to look seductive. Brooke couldn't even bring herself to look away from Haley for a moment. She really did look stunning in the outfit she had chosen for her. Still, she didn't get to enjoy the costume because Haley was only here for Nathan right? Right.

Mouth made his way over to the girls in a suit and black wig. "Hello ladies." He stated in a player like fashion, though he was the furthest thing from a player.

Both women's mouths dropped before they began smiling and laughing a bit at Mouths amazing costume. He still looked like himself obviously, it was just adorable. Haley finally asked "Mouth?"

"You look incredible" the taller she-devil complimented to Haley's dismay.

What now I am getting jealous of Mouth?! Seriously? Brooke had yet to tell her she looked amazing. She had only dressed this way for her and she didn't even seem to notice her once. Every chance she got Haley's eyes were glued to Brooke. To her legs, to her eyes, to her smile, to every single part of her.

Still, Haley could tell that the other thought she looked beautiful by her eyes. She keeps looking at me… So either I look good or horrible…

"Thanks! So do you! Wow, it's a good thing you and Lucas are non-exclusive." He said in a flirtation manner.

Haley's face fell at the mention of her best friend. He would be here tonight as Tommy Lee to try and impress Brooke. I bet she still notices him more than she notices me.

"I guess you're over Erica?" Brooke asked.

Mouth smiled at this and shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not going to spend my senior year chasing after somebody who doesn't care about me anymore."

The logic in his sentence hit both girls, but it hit Haley the hardest. She realized that was exactly what she was doing right now. Only worse. She was chasing after a guy who didn't want her, and who she didn't even want. "yeah… that's really smart." She stated tugging at her shirt.

Brooke bit her bottom lip as she watched in disappointment. She just wanted Haley to be happy. She knew that she couldn't make her happy the same way she wanted to, but she still was trying. It seemed every single time they made progress they lost it. "Mouth we need to talk, but very spiffy getup."

He smiled and nodded able to tell there was some sense of unease around them "Catch up with you guys later."

Once he had walked away Brooke turned to Haley and smiled gently, she knew how it felt to want someone she couldn't have. More so than anyone else could even understand. The sad look on the blondes face really hurt the taller woman, she understood why it was there. She just didn't think she deserved to ever be that sad.

"Hey, cheer up Hales."

The nickname alone brought out a small smile from the shorter of the two. Though, negatively she spoke "Look at me Brooke, I look ridiculous."

Raising an eyebrow Brooke glanced over Haley's outfit. The way it clung tightly to her body drove the natural brunette insane. She could feel her body react just by looking at her, which wasn't common for her. It usually took a lot of effort. Imagine how turned on I would be if anything did really happen.

"If by ridiculous you mean you look like the most gorgeous girl in this room, then yes. You look ridiculous." She smirked.

Haley blushed a deep red at the compliment before looking away. She had wanted Brooke to notice her, and now it was becoming difficult to her. She didn't know how to take compliments, let alone from the other woman. "You really think so?"

Lifting a hand Brooke gently touched the bottom of Haley's chin before turning it so their eyes met, hazel deeply staring into brown. With the most genuine smile Brooke Davis ever mustered she stated seriously. "I know so. If Nathan doesn't notice you now, he's blind. I haven't been able to take my eyes off of you all night."

It was so honest and shocking for Haley to hear that, that is all she wanted. Brooke's attention on her all night. Yet, now that she had it she didn't really know how to act or what to think about it.

Blushing even more she looked down at her feet, noticing that Brooke's fingers were still gently caressing her face. Shivering at the contact she became nervous. "Thanks." Was all that she said before taking a step back.

Brooke sighed as her hand fell back to her side. She hadn't meant to push it too far or show her true colors to much that she would scare the young girl. Or make her uncomfortable. "I'm sorry…" Brooke mumbled under her breath.

Haley immediately glanced up eyes wide. "Sorry for what? You just made my night Brooke."

Now it was the brunettes turn to be surprised, she had actually made Haley feel better about herself. Made her happy. No Nathan was necessary for the job, and that was all that she ever wanted.

"Though it is hard to believe anyone would even notice me standing next to you…" Haley mumbled, which Brooke happened to overhear. Though she didn't know what to say in response.

Not wanting to blush she decided to change the subject, which always got her in trouble. She never censored what she though. "Okay so time to fix up your costume and get Nathan to notice your adorable self."

Haley sighed a bit before only nodding in response. I was content with just you noticing me Brooke… I don't need him if you always notice me…

Both girls were feeling a little uneasy about how honest they had been, and neither knew how they should take what the other said. Does this mean that she likes me as more than a friend? Haley wondered to herself as Brooke helped her straighten her shirt. She hadn't ever thought that was possible. Though… all of the flirting could have tipped me off… oh god…

Across the room Peyton had been watching the entire display. Not hearing all of the words, but seeing every interaction between the two. She did on the other hand hear enough of it to have some questions for her best friend. Could she really be interested in Haley? She wondered to herself a bit angrily.

Though, she would be angrier if Haley could really like Brooke back. After everything she had put her husband through she couldn't break his heart like this. Peyton would never allow that to happen to him. Not again.

Haley noticed Peyton standing alone by one of the tables and stared over at her. She really did miss her friend. She was the only reason that she even got a chance to actually meet Brooke. The taller woman beside her followed Haley's large brown eyes to her best friend.

Sighing she tried not to let jealousy consume her. It was the most irrational jealousy in every sense of the word. "Why don't you go talk to her? Maybe she'll be forgiving tonight?" Brooke asked, deciding that sacrificing her one on one time with Haley was worth it if it made the other happy and smile. That was all that mattered to her.

Haley did smile at this statement, hoping that Brooke was right about the forgiving aspect. Though, from the way she was dressed she didn't look like the most forgiving person ever. Nodding Haley started towards Peyton "I'll be right back."

Smiling so big her dimples showed brightly and nodding Brooke responded "I'll be here in case you need me." Every single time she smiled at Haley it made her legs go weak.

Slowly the shorter woman made her way towards Peyton who looked like she could kill someone at any given moment. The blond was just standing there with her arms crossed over her chest and a scowl on her face.

"Hey… you look great… are you talking to me yet?" She asked innocently. Haley was much too innocent looking for her own good, as well as the costume she was currently wearing.

"Not really… but I guess you are talking to me." Peyton stated in a sarcastic unemotional way as she placed both of her hands on her hips.

Shaking her head she looked up at the extremely tall girl who stood in front of her. "Peyton, I don't understand why you're so pissed off."

"Really? You came back to town after months of being away and try and pretend like nothing happened." Her face was so unemotional, she fit her costume well. You wouldn't think that the angel of death would show much remorse.

Haley sighed at this response "I'm not pretending anything. I am sorry I didn't keep in touch with you it's just-"

Peyton's anger was growing as Haley spoke to her, she didn't understand why she was so confused about her anger. The blond deserved to be angry with her. She looked like she could strangle the short singer any second. "Haley, it wasn't me. I'm not that needy. You didn't even call Nathan."

"I did call." She tried to interrupt but Peyton continued talking over her.

"Who did you call? Brooke?" She asked glaring over at her best friend who was standing closely behind Haley, listening into their conversation protectively.

"What? Peyton where did that even come from? You are being ridiculous." Haley's heart began beating quickly, she didn't understand how Peyton could have known Brooke was the reason she left. She couldn't. There is no way.

Peyton finally shook her head knowing that Haley wouldn't admit it if she did have feelings for Brooke. "Either way Haley, I just don't like what you did." She stated with a cold glare. She didn't mean to hurt the other girl, she just couldn't understand how Haley could do such a thing to Nathan. Not to mention if she did like Brooke, why chase him at all. Sighing she turned and walked toward the bar.

Brooke walked up behind Haley and placed a hand gently on her shoulder, which was quickly pushed away. Hazel eyes widened and pain and rejection were evident all over her face. "Whoa! Sorry, I didn't mean to touch you."

The minute the words escaped Brooke's mouth, deep and laced with sorrow and denial Haley regretted the reaction. "Peyton mentioned you… why would she say that?" Haley asked confused as to what Peyton thought.

Risking being rejected again Brooke placed a gentle arm around Haley's back before resting her head on her shoulder. She loved the warmth she felt when she was so close to the shorter woman. "Well… she's probably just jealous that you've had all of my attention lately."

Haley wanted to believe that was all it was, but just remembering how Peyton said it confused her. Like she'd choose Brooke over all of them. Would I? She didn't know the answer to the question.

If Brooke randomly decided to love her in return, and that they should run away with each other and leave everyone else behind, could she do it? I'm just not sure what I'd do.

Suddenly Lucas made his way towards them dressed up as Tommy Lee, and Haley wanted to run and hide. For two reasons, first Lucas was about to realize that she had lied, and second Brooke was about to realize she gave him false information to make him unattractive to her. Slowly Haley backed out of the picture disappearing into the crowd.

When Brooke spotted Lucas she laughed a bit at his costume, she couldn't believe of all the odds. Wait? These aren't odds, Haley must have set him up… but why? "Oh no you didn't." She stated, staring at his costume with a smile across her face.

"I did."

Brookes face distorted in disgust as she looked him over. "Tommy Lee? He's like 40, and looks like that." She said before lifting her camera phone to snap a photo of him, still trying to figure out why Haley would do this to her best friend.

Randomly a girl that Brooke didn't recognize dressed up as Pamela Anderson walked up to Lucas. "I heard we got together again." He looked confused so she added "Tommy Lee, Pamela Anderson."

Lucas looked over at Brooke, assuming that she had set him up he was in the mood to get her back for a change. "Right."

"At the very least we did just have a hot weekend together in Vegas." She said with a smile before looking him over. "Wanna dance? Unless… you're seeing someone."

Looking over at Brooke who had a confident smile on her face, he smiled. She didn't expect him to go and dance with her. "Nope, not exclusively." He stated in an equally confident manner, hoping this would make Brooke jealous. Taking the other girls hands he lead her to the dance floor.

Brooke only laughed and headed toward the bar with Peyton, though she wouldn't admit it her ego was hurt quite a bit by the situation.

"How're you holding up?" Peyton asked as both girls watched Lucas dance with 'Pamela'.

"I am actually having a great night." She responded as she glanced over the crowd, trying to find Haley and ignore her bitterness towards Lucas and the new girl.

"Because of Haley?" Peyton asked in a prying fashion. She was curious if her prediction was true, and she honestly couldn't hate Brooke for the feelings. Just Haley. Brooke wasn't married after all.

Brooke glanced over at her best friend curiously "Hm… and what do you mean by that? If you want to play the jealous best friend card then-"

"I'm not jealous Brooke… just unsure… you seem really close to her lately."

Sighing the brunette looked away from her friend, she knew that if anyone could see her true feelings it would be Peyton. She didn't want her to see through the disguise. "She's my friend Peyton. That's all."

Nodding the blond crossed her arms willing to maybe accept that answer. "So, then who is the mystery man?"

Hazel eyes glanced over into green as Brooke chewed on the inside of her cheek nervously. "No one… I just want Lucas." She stated plainly, deciding then and there he was the only safe bet. She couldn't lose Peyton, Haley, Nathan, and Lucas over her own pathetic feelings. "He's the only one I want."

Peyton smiled unsurely after hearing this.

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Fallout Boy was on stage playing amazingly, Brooke couldn't deny that. Though her mind wasn't into the music. She looked over at Lucas then glanced around for Haley. She was worried; she hadn't seen Haley since Lucas showed up. Not that it should matter.

She tried to tell herself over and over again to ignore her feelings, but as the band continued the song she couldn't any longer. Ducking out of the crowd, she headed to the back room.

In the back room of Tric stood Haley who was looking into the mirror crying, after removing her wig. Brooke walked into the room asking "What are you doing? The band is playing, you're missing it."

Wiping the tears from her face Haley responded in a negative way "This was such a bad idea… I look like an idiot." As she said this she lifted her hands and turned toward Brooke to show her outfit.

The brunette didn't know how to react to Haley's negativity toward herself, she didn't think it was true but she still didn't know what to say. "Well…" then she said a stupid Brooke remark "Okay, maybe now that you messed up your hair."

Haley shook her head looking up at Brooke "This isn't who I am. I am a tutor. I'm a nerd."

The other woman watched as Haley belittled herself, she didn't understand how someone as stunning and attractive could ever look down on herself. She was the most amazing person Brooke had ever met, inside and out. "You're a rock star."

This only caused Haley more pain as she remembered everything she gave up to come home and fix her life. Shaking her head she looked over at Brooke. "Not anymore… I'm just Haley." Taking in a deep breath she looked back into the mirror at herself, "that really should be enough."

Shaking her head she turned back to Brooke. "I'm done playing game's Brooke. I'm just gonna go home."

Brooke's hazel eyes were cast downward as she looked into Haley's captivating eyes. She could get lost in them forever she was pretty sure. Not knowing what to say she remained silent. She wanted to tell her that her being just Haley was more than enough for herself, that she would give anything just to have Haley James in her life.

She just couldn't say anything, so instead she just nodded and said "kay…" in a very soft almost inaudible voice.

"And, there better be cookie dough." Haley added with a smiled, this comment brought the biggest smile to Brooke's face as well.

Slowly Brooke moved closer to Haley, still smiling as she placed a hand on her arm. "Haley… you are enough… no matter who you choose to be." Pausing to squeeze her arm she finished. "If Nathan doesn't see that, then he doesn't deserve to be with you." With that she turned to leave the room, not waiting for Haley to respond.

The words brought a genuine smile to Haley's face; Brooke always seemed to have that affect on her. Even when she was at her worst she could make her smile. She wouldn't ever forget those words. Even if she buried her feelings forever she would always remember she was enough for Brooke. Maybe I should just take a chance…

O o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

Lucas came over to see Haley after the party, who was surprisingly in a good mood. She couldn't really explain her happiness. The night had just ended well, Brooke had told her she was enough for her. Whether she had meant it that way or not it was the way she was taking it.

When she spotted Lucas she remembered how bad of a friend she was. I can't believe I dressed him up as Tommy Lee… gah!

"Thanks for the costume advice, remind me to never have you spy for me." He said with a smile, still figuring that the whole misunderstanding was Brooke's fault.

"I'm sorry!" She said laughing loudly before remembering something important that she needed to ask Lucas. "Luke uhm… there's just one more thing I need to ask you." He listened to her worried about what she had to say. "I saw you take the money from the cash register… what's going on Luke?" She asked in a soft voice.

He sighed as he sat down across from her, battling with if he should tell her or not. Not that he could really avoid it at this point. "I have to buy some medicine… for my heart Hales, I have HCM."

She didn't know how to respond, but now she felt even guiltier about why she was so happy this particular evening. About how she had planned to actually take a chance. She couldn't be with Brooke, if she took that from him, even tried it could kill him.

O o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

End Episode 4

Authors Note:

Oh god that felt like a really long chapter! Probably because honestly it isn't my favorite episode… and I prefer remaking episodes that are my favorites. That and it had a lot of information in it. Peyton's figuring it out! Will Haley take a chance? Will Brooke show Haley how interested she is? Eep.

I guess we will find out! I'm right there with you guys.

Oh and if you want the next episode I will really need some encouragement. I haven't even started writing it! But I will if y'all want it!

~Tracy Cook