Disclaimer: I don't own One Tree Hill or any of it's characters.


Brooke crept silently into Peyton and Julian's room, at the sound of the door creaking she spun quickly and put her finger to her lips, motioning for Jamie to be quiet. They quietly made their way to Peyton's side of the bed, which was currently not being used as Julian and Peyton were cuddled more on Julian's side than Peyton's.

Brooke marveled at the serenity on Peyton's face. The days she'd spent with Peyton after Lucas had come to New York had been some of the worst she'd ever seen. Peyton went back and forth between wanting to call Lucas and wanting Lucas to die in a fire. For Peyton to go from that, to this, made Brooke positive that Julian was the best thing that could've ever happened to Peyton.

Motioning for Jamie to come closer, she carefully drew back the covers enough to expose Peyton's abdomen, which unfortunately for Brooke and Jamie, had Julian's arm draped lazily over it. Deciding to forge ahead with her plan, Brooke held up three fingers and began the countdown.

"Hold it right there Brooke Davis," Peyton said just as they were moving in for their attack, causing both Jamie and Brooke to freeze. As Peyton opened her eyes, she asked, "And just what do you two think your doing?"

Jamie broke into a toothy grin, and pointed at Brooke while stating, "It was her idea."

"You little traitor," Brooke said as Jamie scampered out of the room. Turning her attention to Peyton, she gave a half smile and asked, "How did you know?"

"Brooke Davis isn't as stealthy as she thinks," Peyton said while Brooke sat down.

"Well then," Brooke said with feigned offended-ness. "Is your man boy still sleeping? Or is he pretending to sleep too?"

"I'm just waiting for you two to start kissing, so my threesome dreams can come true," Julian said without opening his eyes.

Peyton immediately elbowed his chest and sat up beside Brooke, all the while Brooke laughed at the grinning Julian.

"Why don't you give me a kiss, Peyton, for old times sake," Brooke said as she slung her arm around Peyton's waist.

"Brooke, I never told him about that," Peyton said very softly.

"Told me what?" Julian asked, his voice conveying just how much his interest was piqued.

"Just tell him P," Brooke said as she began making circles on Peyton's thigh with her other hand.

"Yes Peyton, whatever it is, I'm totally fine with it," Julian insisted.

"Well, one night, at cheer camp," Peyton began, pausing for effect with every word, Julian's eyes watching her intently.

Brooke's circling has stopped and she scoots a little closer to Peyton, for moral support.

"Go on Peyton, tell me what happened," Julian requests, the urgency in his voice causing the females eyes to meet.

"And nothing you pervert!" Peyton said, throwing a pillow at Julian's head.

Brooke immediately began laughing, soon joined by Peyton. They can only manage sporadic spurts of words to describe Julian.

"His eyes!"

"His expression!"

"His eagerness!"

"His face!"

They continued in this manner while Julian was content to hide his embarrassed face under the pillow Peyton had thrown at him.

"What's going on in here?"

At the intrusion, the girls froze, and slowly turned their heads to give the intruder their coldest faux glares. But, Nathan knew those dancing eyes anywhere. Both girls were easy to read when they were messing with someone.

"Just telling Julian about our night at cheer camp," Brooke said in a sultry voice.

"You know, that night," Peyton clarified with a kinked eyebrow.

"You guys are cruel, it worked on me in high school, and I'm pretty sure any guy is going to get worked up over the image of two high school cheerleaders experimenting," Nathan said before taking a draught from the mug he had in his hands.

"And that's exactly why we do it," Brooke said as both her and Peyton gave Nathan a look he'd long come to understand as their way of expressing having no shame in their actions.

"Kill me now Nate, I'm lying in bed with two very sexy women, and they're nothing but teases," Julian said from beneath the pillow.

Again there was laughter, this time from everyone present. Julian finally sat up, and got out of bed.

"I must say I don't usually wake up with friends in my bed, or standing at my doorway drinking coffee," Julian said.

"Well get used to it Mr. Hollywood, this is Tree Hill and we have no boundaries," Brooke stated as she pulled Peyton down onto the mattress and under the covers. They're whispers could be heard, but no words distinguished as they spoke rapidly and giggled quite often.

"Are they always like this?" Julian asked.

"Well, yeah, they have been like this since… we were in elementary," Nathan said as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"So you go way back then?"

"Oh I've known them both since kindergarten. In fact, I introduced these two. Brooke was in my class, and Peyton was a girl I didn't mind being around because she was more of a tomboy," Nathan said as his childhood memories came back to him.

"And were they instant best friends?"

"Not at all. Brooke was a princess, and Peyton was the opposite. But the one interest they did share was their fascination with cheerleaders," Nathan said before grinning broadly. He then continued, "When we were in second grade, Peyton's mom decided to take her to a cheer competition and Brooke overheard Peyton telling me, and immediately invited herself along with Peyton. And when they came back, they were best friends and Peyton didn't have time to climb trees with me anymore."

"And yet Peyton never mentioned her cheerleading past," Julian said after winking at Nathan to signal his underlying motive of provoking Peyton.

"Oh shut up J, you turn into such a perv sometimes," Peyton said from beneath the covers.

"Just checking to see if you were listening," Julian said, his usual smirk upon his face.

"We were listening Mr. Filmmaker, now go with Mr. All American to play some basketball or something," Brooke ordered. "I want to talk to my best friend without interruptions."

Nathan and Julian shrugged and conceded.

"Meet you downstairs in five," Nathan said, retreating from the room to change and to allow Julian to change as well.

Julian nodded and began to rummage through his bag pulling a pair of jeans and a t-shirt out, and going to the small bathroom that was attached to their room. Changing quickly he laced up his sneakers and looked at the door and then at Peyton.

"Have fun baby, don't forget we're supposed to have lunch with my dad at one," Peyton said as she turned her attention to him, blowing him a kiss.

"Yeah, I'll try to survive until then," Julian said walking down the hallway and down the stairs where he came upon Nathan saying goodbye to his wife.

"We'll be back later," Nathan said as he hugged her.

"Be nice to Julian," Haley said in a very motherly tone as she poured herself a cup of coffee.

"Thank you for saying that," Julian said appreciatively.

"You're welcome, he's really competitive, just be on the offensive," Haley warned as they were walking out the door.

"Don't worry, I'm not expecting you to be an NBA star, or any anything," Nathan said while they walked down the stairs to the Nate's old car.

"It looks like crap, but it's been good to me," Nathan said as they got in.

"I wasn't going to say anything," Julian said as he pulled the seatbelt over his shoulder. "Are we going to the infamous Rivercourt?"

"Infamous?" Nathan said as they puttered down the street.

"Well of Ravens Fame," Julian said.

"You've read that?" Nathan asked surprised.

"Well I had to, it was the book Peyton was carrying around when I dragged her to my fundraising party," Julian explained.

"Well, yeah that's where we're headed. It used to be Luke's spot, but now it kind of became where we all go to think," Nathan said offhandedly.

"So do you have something on your mind?" Julian asked conversationally.

"Not really, I just thought you might want to do something since Peyton and Brooke seemed intent on having a girlie sort of day," Nathan said in his cocky sort of way.

"Yeah, when Brooke's around Peyton forgets that I exist," Julian said, causing Nathan to laugh.

"Well they were used to spending everyday with each other, and after the summer they spent together, they were on opposite sides of the country," Nathan said as he parked his car. "So now they tend to use every moment they have together."

"Yeah, I don't mind, and Peyton and I have talked about moving to New York so that they could be closer. She could easily find work, maybe even a better position in New York and they have plenty of film projects there," Julian said as they got out of the car and walked onto the court.

"So you two are pretty serious?" Nathan said as he made his first basket and passed the ball to Julian.

"Well, yeah," Julian said before effortlessly making shot from far beyond the three-point arc.

"What the hell? I thought you had no game?" Nathan said while he threw the ball at Julian, daring him to make the same shot again.

"Just because I chose to participate in mathletes, doesn't mean that I wasn't good at other things," Julian said with a shrug as he set himself up for another three on the other side of the court.

"Does Peyton know?" Nathan asked as he caught the ball as it rolled out of the net after another perfect shot.

"It never came up," Julian said as he hit another shot from nearly half court.

"Dude, why would you keep it from her?" Nathan asked as he finally took a shot of his own and then passed the ball behind his back toward Julian.

"Because most of her serious boyfriends played basketball at one point and I know she was happy I didn't play," Julian said as he stepped back into a fade away.

"You care about Peyton, a lot. It's nice to see that someone puts her first for once," Nathan said as he stepped up to guard Julian, tiring of watching him hit his shots so perfectly.

"Well, she's important to me," Julian said simply as he shot after dribbling around Nathan.

They began to play, basically taking turns scoring, with Julian getting in one good steal while Nathan managed to block a number of Julian's shots. The game was all tied up, the next shot won it all.

"You're better than Luke," Nathan said as he checked in the ball.

"Thanks? I mean I guess that's a compliment… but I mean the guy has a heart condition…" Julian said jokingly.

"Man . I love him, he's my brother you know? But sometimes he does some really stupid things," Nathan said as he hit his shot, and winning their game.

"Well I can vouch for that," Julian said as he held the ball thoughtfully now that they were through competing.

"What do you mean by that?" Nathan asked growing serious.

"I mean, he harassed Peyton yesterday when she went for her jog. He was waiting for her a couple blocks away," Julian said in a far off sort of way.

"What did he say to her?" Nathan said, gravely serious.

"He told her that he could tell she wasn't really happy with me, and that she should just stop pretending, that she was," Julian said as he bounced the ball once.

"God, he's such an idiot. So he said that and then left got into a fight with Lindsay and left town?" Nathan put the pieces together, shaking his head.

"Apparently so," Julian said nonchalantly as he tossed the ball to Nathan. Checking his phone he then said, "Hey man this was fun, but I got to get back, we're supposed to have lunch with Peyton's dad."

"Larry? Wow, you better not be late," Nathan said, slightly seriously.

"We'll had dinner a couple times out in L.A. That guys loves his daughter, he sized me up the minute I met him. And he calls me movie guy, because I kept fielding calls about my movie the first time we met," Julian said, shaking his head at the memory.

"Well at least you've had decent conversations with him. I was always Trouble," Nathan said they walked toward the vehicle.

"I forgot you dated Peyton," Julian said with a chuckle.

"Yeah, but she's too good for us Scotts," Nathan joked as they got into the vehicle.

"Nate, I'm going to ask you something. And I know we just met and all, but I'd like your opinion," Julian said seriously.

"Alright… shoot," Nate said not quite sure what to make of the situation.

"I'm going to ask Peyton to marry me sometime before we leave," Julian said.

"Are you asking for my permission?" Nathan asked slightly surprised.

"Well, I've already spoken to Larry, and he said sure but it was up to Peyton, but I figured since you and Peyton are so close I might clue you in beforehand," Julian said quickly, becoming a bit shy about his decision.

"Sawyer and I definitely go way back, and I agree with Larry, I'm fine with it, you make her happy and it's nice to see her laughing more than crying, but when it all comes down to it, it's up to Peyton. I would caution you that she might not say yes, but would come around after awhile," Nathan said as they drove down the street that would lead them to the beach house. As they got out of the vehicle, he added, "And I would tell Brooke Davis."

Julian laughed at this and said, "I was thinking the exact same thing."

Nathan opened the door and they were surprised to find Lindsay rushing to see who was at the door.

"Hey Linds," Nathan greeted slowly, as he allowed Julian to pass by to go upstairs.

"Wrong Scott brother," Lindsay attempted to joke, but the sadness in her eyes didn't allow it to ring true.

"Sorry Linds," Nathan said shutting the door. Looking around he asked, "Where is everyone?"

"Peyton and Brooke are still upstairs, and Haley took Jamie out to the beach to make sandcastles," Lindsay said as she walked back to the living room where her laptop was set up and she was obviously doing work.

Nathan watched her and felt as though his brother had hit a new low. Shaking his head disappointedly, he cleared his throat and then said, "Oh, well, I'm gonna take a shower and see about making some lunch."

"Alright," Lindsay said absently.

Nathan walked up the stairs and met Brooke Davis coming out of Julian and Peyton's room. Raising his eyebrows in shock, Nathan asked, "Long gossiping session?"

Brooke eyed him before stepping back toward the door and taking a quick listen, she then stalked up close to Nathan and asked in a low, serious, quiet voice, "Can you keep a secret?"

Nathan nodded solemnly.

"Peyton thinks Julian is going to ask her to marry him, so we were talking about her wedding," Brooke said in the same secretive voice.

Nathan couldn't help the roaring laugh that overcame him.

Brooke looked offended and asked curtly, "What's so funny?"

Nathan quickly recovered himself and pulled her toward his bedroom and asked, "Can YOU keep a secret?"

Brooke looked at him curiously and then smiled, "Sure I can."

"Well, Julian IS going to ask Peyton to marry him," Nathan said chattily.

Brooke squealed excitedly while jumping up and down, clapping her hands.

Nathan laughed at his long time friend and then gently covered her mouth and motioned for her to quiet down. "I'm surprised Peyton didn't come running after that screech."

Brooke glared at Nathan, but immediately began smiling again. "Nathan our best friend is going to get married."

"So she told you she was going to say yes?" Nathan asked, as he sat down on his bed and pulled off his shoes.

"Yeah, that's what she said yesterday," Brooke said. "I can't believe he told you and not me. I'm her best friend!"

Nathan laughed again before saying, "He's planning on telling you. I think he's not sure how to approach you. You're always with Peyton."

As he saw her gearing up for another insult, Nathan held up his hand, "And he totally gets why you two are always together. So, he wants to clue you in, but he's still trying to respect that you two want to spend time together."

"Alright. I'll try to find a way to be conveniently alone sometime. You could help by sending Peyton out on her own," Brooke said mischievously.

"Or not. Did you hear about Lucas?" Nathan asked as he walked into the closet.

"You mean his not so subtle jealous fit?" Brooke asked as she sat on the bed.

"Yeah, I can't believe that guy!" Nathan said angrily.

"I don't know what he was thinking," Brooke agreed as she subtly shifted her weight back and forth.

"He wasn't, and still isn't," Nathan said as he re-entered the room, clean clothes in hand.

"P. Saywer, soon to be Baker, thinks he's in Charleston," Brooke said while skillfully avoiding Nathan's gaze.

"You know, she might be onto something. He drives when he's upset and Charleston reminds him of Keith," Nathan said as all the pieces came together for them. After a moment he added, "It's funny the way she knows him so well."

"Lucas blew it when he left her in that hotel room," Brooke said, almost cattily.

"I'm not saying he deserves her, because he doesn't. I'm saying he lost her, and it's his own fault. I'm really glad that Julian was there, and has been there," Nathan clarified. When Brooke said nothing, Nathan quickly said, "Julian can play basketball."

Brooke gave Nathan a confused stare and said, "What?"

"Julian. He plays ball better than Lucas," Nathan said quickly.

"What does this have to do with what we were talking about?" Brooke asked, still quite confused.

"Nothing really. I didn't know where else we could go with that topic. He may be a jerk, but he's still my brother, I was kind of over the whole bashing Lucas thing," Nathan admitted.

"Oh. Wait did you say he plays better than Lucas?" Brooke asked with a kinked brow.

"Yeah, but he doesn't plan on telling Peyton. Because she was into the fact that he wasn't an athlete," Nathan gushed.

"Nate you are quite the gossip," Brooke said in a complimentary tone.

"I think it comes from being married," Nathan said sheepishly. He glanced at the clock, and jumped up while saying, "Speaking of being married, I've gotta get cleaned up before Hales and Jamie come home. I'm supposed to be cooking right now."

"Alright Nathan Scott, I'm going to go downstairs and talk to Lindsay I guess," Brooke said slightly let down.

Nathan laughed and said, "It's not the end of the world Davis. I'll be down in ten minutes I promise."

Brooke smiled and walked out the door.


AN: Hi all! I can't believe it's already been a week. My pre written chapters are rapidly depleting, but I'm working on the end? I guess technically the last chapter was the first written. But back to this chapter. I hope I conveyed the friendships well, that nothing was really too OOC. I've always thought that Nathan would have a great relationship with Peyton, and Brooke.

Also I've been thinking about why I like JuPe... Obviously because Julian makes Peyton smile, and he understands her. And, now that, in canon, he's with Brooke... It's just, I like to imagine that Brooke would end up with someone who fell in love with her, and only her, and never considered Peyton as an interest. Like Owen! But maybe that's just me, and I know that it's a show and they need to do the whole drama thing, but in my world, Peyton and Brooke get their own boys.

Sorry that came out really long winded. I hope you're still enjoying the story, please let me know. I love reviews! And thank you for reading!