A/N: hey guys, sorry this chapter took so long, it's a long one though so i hope it makes up for it. keep those from virginia tech and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Another Kind of Green

Dreaming With A Broken Heart

Lucas sat at the table, watching as most of his friends played random drinking games. He looked up and heard his name. He hadn't really been paying attention all night to much of anything, and his mind kept flashing back to Brooke's face right before she left. It had been so hurt, so betrayed. It pained his heart to even think about it.

"Lucas?" Peyton repeated.

He looked up and raised and eyebrow, indicating he was listening.

"Are you going to play this one?"

"Nah, I think I'm going to go to the porch. Next one, though, okay?"

He stood up and walked to the elaborate porch of whomever's beach house he was currently at. He found it kinda of pathetic that every week there was a new party at a new beach house, but he never knew who's party it was or whose house he was in. He looked over and noticed Nathan sitting on the steps.

"Not joining the festivities tonight, Nate?" he asked, sitting down beside him.

"I guess I'm really not into it."

"I know what you mean little brother."

"I've been thinking a lot about what you said the other day." Nathan said after several minutes.

"What's that?"

"How you're just tired of all of this."

"Oh, right."

"I guess I feel that way too."

Lucas was surprised by Nathan's confession. He secretly wondered what, or who, had been the cause of his change of heart.

"I was sitting in there with everyone. Peyton, Tim, Bevin, all of 'em, and we were playing some stupid game that I don't even remember. Then I looked up and realized I didn't want to be there anymore."

Lucas nodded in agreement, knowing he felt the same way.

"For a while, we had fun didn't we?" Again, Lucas nodded. "But now it's like there's nothing except a hangover in the morning. I guess I just want something more."

Lucas continued to say nothing. Nathan rarely shared his true feelings, and he knew that Nathan needed to say all of this. Not so much for Lucas to hear his words, but really for himself to hear.

"But then, I realized – I can't just up and leave. Neither of us can. It's not like we can just walk in there right now and announce that we're done. None of them would allow it. And besides, I've heard it's a hard fall from the top, a fall that I really don't want to make."

"So what do we do, Nate?"

"I guess we have to realize that this is our life right now, and we have the rest of our lives to find something more."

Lucas just stared out at the sea. As much as he knew Nathan was right, he had hoped that maybe there was another side to it.

"So, we keep on playing the game?" he asked Nathan.

"We keep on playing the game." They both stood up to head back into the party.

The next few days passed slowly for Brooke, Haley, Lucas and Nathan. Lucas and Nathan had a basketball game the day following the party, and as usual the Ravens were victorious. Sunday Brooke went over to Lucas' to finish their project, where that sat in total silence unless there was something to be said about the project. It was definitely one of the most uncomfortable situations either of them had been in. Luckily, it only took an hour or so to put all the finishing touches on their project.

It was an even more awkward situation for Haley. She had gone to Nathan's house to meet him and Peyton to work on their project. Nathan sat in the corner and played playstation the entire time, leaving Peyton and Haley to do the project. Haley had tried to make some sort of small talk, but it didn't come to much avail.

The following week passed by even slower. Brooke dreaded everyone of her classes she had with Lucas, and spoke as much as was needed when it came to Chemistry.

Lucas had hoped that this awkwardness would be lifted at some point, but by the end of the week, he realized it wasn't going away for a long time.

Brooke sat in her Heath class, which had turned out to be more of a study hall than anything, filing her manicured nails, trying to fix the mistakes Haley had made the day before. She heard someone whisper "Psst." and toss a note onto her desk. She opened it up.

Hey, there's a party tonight at my beach house. You should, like, totally come.- Bevin

Brooke looked at the girl, with a questioning look in her face. The girl smiled, and then nodded.

Brooke wrote back:

Look, if this is some sort of joke, count me out.

Bevin read the note, her face looking puzzle. She scribbled onto the paper and handed it back.

No, no. It's not like that. It's just there's always the same people, and I don't know, I figured you were somewhat cool and you should totally come. Mix things up a little bit. Bring your friend - that girl you're always with. It starts after the game.

Brooke sat there staring at the note for a few moments. Since when was she even "somewhat cool' ? She wrote back.

I'll try.

Bevin flashed a smile at her and clapped her hands, gaining attention from people around them. Brooke blushed, but Bevin just shrugged it off, assuring the others that there was nothing to be gawking at behind them.

It took Brooke a lot less effort in convincing Haley to go to the party than she had expected. Of course Haley had been reluctant the first time Brooke had asked, but she had agreed to go after the second time. Even though neither said it aloud, they were both excited about a chance to see Nathan and Lucas, especially outside of something that was related to school. They both knew that had been hurt, badly, but that didn't make that butterfly feeling in their hearts disappear. They sat in Haley's room, discussing the subject.

"Besides" Brooke said to Haley "What is high school without a little par-tay!"

Haley laughed. Brooke had always had that party girl spirit in her.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Haley responded. "So, uh, what do you wear to a party hosted by the bold and the beautiful." She laughed.

Brooke smiled and gave Haley a devilish grin. She totally had this covered. She was after all, aspiring to become a fashion designer.

Earlier that evening, Brooke and Haley had decided that given what had happened at the last Ravens game they had attended, that they would just skip the game, and make a short appearance at the party. If anything seemed wrong, or either of them felt uncomfortable, they would bail.

Brooke noticed that it was 10:30, and they decided it was time to leave. She gave Haley, and herself, a final look over, and applied the finishing touches, before leaving. They had both decided to leave their hair down and curly. Haley wore a brown satin halter top that fit her to a tee, tied with jeans and brown pointed high heeled shoes. Brooke had decided on a dark red top, straight leg jeans with brown boots.

"Ok, seriously Brooke – those boots are awesome." Haley said as Brooke zipped up her boot.

"Twenty bucks at Meijer, no joke." She flashed a smile at Haley. Haley had to give her credit – Brooke may not be a millionaire, but she could seriously look like a million dollars.

"Alright, Tutorgirl you ready?"

"As long as you don't call me Tutorgirl while we're there." She winked at Brooke.

Haley and Brooke arrived at Bevin's beach house a little after 11:00. Once again, Haley's parents had once again refused her the car, so they had to walk. Haley laughed thinking it was no clue as to how they kept up their figures. Walking across town in majorly high heels could beat any stairmaster.

As they approached the door, neither knew what to do. Were they supposed to knock, or ring the door bell? Inside they could hear loud music, loud voices and laughter. Brooke made the decision to walk in, figuring that no one would be able to hear the door bell anyways. She turned the door knob and opened the door.

Lucas sat bored at yet another Raven's victory party. He had contemplated leaving several times, but realized he really had nowhere else to be. He sat there, and started to wonder where Brooke may be at this time, what would she be doing. He heard laughter at the table to his left, and music to his right. His head turned as he noticed the door opening. 'Ok. Who else would be coming?' he thought looking around the room. Everyone from the usual crowd was already here. When he finally saw the two brunettes stepping through the door, he dropped his drink, spilling it all over the floor.

"Brooke!" Bevin yelled running over to the girls. "I'm so glad you came! Is this your friend?"

"Oh, yeah this is Haley."

"You girls looks totally hot! Come on in, we've already got drinks going and dancing is in the other room."

"Haley, stay near me." Brooke whispered to her friend. Haley gave a weak smile in response. This was definitely going to be a historic evening for the both of them.

They stepped out of the hall to be greeted by dozens of eyes belonging to cheerleaders and basketball players, and other members of that group. Brooke's mind flashed to that first day in Health class when she walked in to be greeted just as she was now. It was an uncomfortable feeling for sure.

"Ok, so we were in the middle of playing a game of quarters, but if you guys want to join in you're more than welcome. "

Haley looked at Brooke with an uncomfortable expression.

"We're just going to hang out for a bit, but thanks." Brooke said quietly.

"Ok, have fun! Go find yourself a hottie or two!" Bevin called, returning to her game.

Haley, however, had already found her 'hottie.' Through the glass doors she could see him sitting on the steps of the back porch.

"Brooke," Haley started. But Brooke had already followed her gaze.

"Go Haley. I'll be fine." She offered her friend a smile.

Haley left after feeling confident that her friend was ok with it, and walked outside to sit next to Nathan. He looked up, surprised at what he saw.

"Hey Haley. What are ya doing here?"

"Oh, you know. I spend every Friday night at some rich extravagant beach house with Tree Hill's finest."

"I didn't mean to-"

"Oh, I wasn't trying to make a joke. I guess it wasn't very good." She laughed. "Bevin invited Brooke."

"Well, I'm really glad she brought you with her." He offered a genuine smile.

They sat for a few minutes on the porch, looking out to the sea. Haley noticed it had started to rain. 'Great.' she thought. 'Looks like a fun walk home!'

"So, what's up?" She asked, and then reminded herself to smack herself after she left. 'Gee Haley, way to knock him out of the park with that one.'

"Actually, I'm good. Me and Peyton ended, well, whatever we were tonight."

"Oh, Nathan. I'm sorry."

"Nah, don't be. It was actually a mutual thing. I guess it's been coming for a long time."

"Oh." It was the only word Haley could think of to say.

"I'm relieved though. It's been something I've been avoiding for awhile."

"Well, as long as you're happy."

"Yeah, I am. I think it might actually be a good thing to be single for a while."

Haley's heart sank. Although she knew he wouldn't confess his love to her right then and there, a lot of her hoped for a least a sign that he felt the same way that she did.

"Well, if anything happens, and you need somebody to talk to, I'm here." She accepted that maybe she could at least be his friend.

Brooke leaned against the wall, watching as couples danced and grinded on each other in Bevin's rather large den.

"Need a drink?" She heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Oh, hey Lucas." She said turning to face him, taking the drink.

"Having a good time?"

"Yeah." She forced a smile. In all honesty, she was miserable. She wasn't ready to join the gang at the drinking games table, she didn't have anyone to dance with, and Haley had left to go be with Nathan.

"Yeah, I'm bored as hell too." He smiled at her.

"How could you tell?" Her face reddened at how easily he had read her.

"Well, no one sulks in a corner if they're having a good time."

"Oh." She laughed. "Right."

"I'm really sorry, Brooke."

"No Lucas-"

"No, I just wanted to say it. I'm sorry for hurting you."

"Hey, you guys have to play this game!" Bevin yelled at them.

Lucas sighed, realizing that his time to talk to Brooke had once again been interrupted. They walked over to the table, sitting opposite each other. Nathan and Haley were also ushered in to play the game, and they took their seats as well. Brooke sat next to Bevin, and was flanked to her left by Haley and Nathan.

"Ok everybody! The game is called 'I Never.'" Peyton said loudly from her seat next to Lucas.

"Um, how's that one go again?" Brooke said shyly, trying to make it not obvious she hadn't even heard of it.

"Okay." Bevin started. "I say something I have never done. Anyone at the table who has done it, must take a shot. Make sense?"

Both Haley and Brooke nodded their heads.

"Great! Ok, Tim you start."

"Ok." Tim looked around. "I never had sex in the janitor's closet at school."

Both Haley and Brooke were shocked by his statement, but were even more shocked when several people from the table took a drink. The game went rounds, Haley and Brooke feeling more and more naive as each of them hadn't taken a single drink.

"Ok, my turn, my turn!" Peyton slurred.

"I never..." She started. 'I never pretended I was more than white trash."

She smiled and looked at Brooke and Haley.

Lucas immediately shot Peyton a glare. "What is the matter with you?" he hissed.

"What?" She laughed.

Brooke could feeling dozens of eyes staring at her as her eyes started to water. Not wanting to embarrass herself even more by crying, she stood up and ran out the door.

Haley shot Peyton a look of disgust, glanced at Nathan, and then stood up and ran after Brooke. She stepped outside and look down both sidewalks, not seeing Brooke down either one.

Lucas and Nathan stood up at the same time, both heading for the door. They stepped out to see Haley, soaked from standing in the rain, looking helpless.

"Haley, where's Brooke?" Lucas asked.

"I don't know." Her voice cracked through her tears. "I didn't see where she ran off to. I.. I. I don't know where she is." Her sobs continued to grow heavier and heavier.

"Where are some of her favorite places, Haley? Where would she go if something bad happened?" Lucas asked. He knew that if he had been in Brooke's shoes, he would have gone straight to the river court.

"That's what I was just trying to think about. She goes to the mall when times get rough." Haley said. "But Lucas, the mall is closed."

"Well, it's better than standing around here waiting for her."

He got into his truck and pulled away, praying that he had a chance of finding Brooke.

Lucas pulled into an abandoned parking lot. He could see the mall was closed - it was pitch black inside. He drove around the lot several times, hoping that maybe she would be there. That's when he saw her, huddled next the the stone wall of the mall.

He parked the car, and ran over to her. She looked up at him with bloodshot eyes but quickly downcast her eyes again. He didn't know what to say, knowing that nothing could make her feel better.

"Brooke, I'm so sorry."

She didn't say anything. She didn't even look up.

"Don't listen to Peyton, Brooke. She's horrible. They're all monsters."

"I'm not mad at her Lucas." She said quietly. "I'm mad at myself. I actually believed I might be accepted by you, and by your friends. I thought that maybe the fact that my family's not rich might not matter to you guys. I thought that maybe you might actually like me, for me. But clearly, I was wrong."

His heart ached for her. "Brooke, I'm sorry. I can try and make this ok. Just tell me what you want me to do."

"I wanna go home. Take me to Haley's."

"Ok."

She gave him Haley's address, and they rode the rest of the way in silence. As they pulled up to Haley's house, Lucas looked over at her. She was a mess. She was completely soaked, makeup running down her face. Her eyes were puffy and bloodshot. But looking over at her, Lucas couldn't help but think how gorgeous she really was.

"Thanks for the ride." She said, her voice hoarse.

She was completely broken, and the only thing he wanted to do was take her into his arms, and save her from the pain she was feeling.

"Anything for you."

She turned her head, taken back by his reply.

"I guess I really had myself fooled huh?"

"What do you mean?"

"For a minute there, I thought that maybe I was more than nothing. I actually thought I could be apart of your world."

Before she gave him a chance to respond, she slid out of the car and walked up to the house.

Lucas sat for a moment thinking about what she had said, and he realized that he wanted her in his life more than anything. He wanted her in his world. His heart told him to chase after her, and tell her everything that he was feeling. But he just couldn't bring himself to do it. She had already been so hurt, and he just didn't want to risk hurting her even more, or confuse her, or push her farther away than she already was. So he just drove away.

Nathan and Haley sat on the front porch of Bevin's house. Her head was rested on his shoulder, and his arm was safely around hers.

"Brooke's going to be ok, Haley. Luke's probably already found her and taken her home."

"Well, then I had better get home seeing as how she'd be there."

"What?"

"Brooke's staying with me for a while, so she doesn't ha-" She stopped when she realized what she was saying. "Uh, anyways, I'd better go. Thanks for everything."

She stood up, and started on her walk home. Nathan's heart ached as he watched her walk away.

'Screw it.' He thought.

"Haley!" she stopped and looked at him.

Nathan walked over to her in large strides, taking her into his arms and pulling her into a kiss.

She pulled away, looked up at him, and then back down. Her heart was doing summer salts, and she wasn't sure this was the right thing to be doing. She looked back up at him, and he smiled at her, putting his hand on her cheek. Once again, he pulled her into a kiss, only this time she didn't pull away.