A/N Wow this is way earlier than I expected to post. I was hit by the muse whilst in Sri Lanka. Sorry it's such a short one: I ran out of plot!
Disclaimer: I may have saved up my pocket money but I still can't afford to buy One Tree Hill, sad times.
For the slightest millisecond Nathan was frozen to the spot. His eyes widened and he grabbed at the water jug on the table, very nearly knocking it over.
"Jamie," he ordered urgently. "Go get your Aunt Peyton and a doctor."
Jamie obediently rushed into the corridor.
Lucas registered his brother's blue orbs staring at him. Before he could attempt to speak, Nathan pushed the much-needed glass of water under his nose.
"Hey, bro, good to see you back in the land of the living," Nathan smiled.
Luke blinked a few times, stiffly shaking his arms.
"How long was I out?" he asked in a low rasp.
His overwhelmed brother was saved by the entrance of the doctor with Peyton hot on his heels.
It didn't take long for the doctor to do his job and leave so as soon as he did the entire Tree Hill gang traipsed into the room eagerly and Peyton descended upon Lucas. There was a strange silence and an absence of things to say between the group members.
"It was two years, Luke," Nathan finally replied awkwardly.
This information did not seem to bother Lucas: somehow it was as if he already knew. Gradually he became aware that everyone was watching him expectantly.
Peyton spontaneously took his hand and held it tightly as though afraid he would slip away again. Luke tried not to notice despite the fact that it felt as though a thousand tiny fairies were stomping on his fingertips. His first human contact was with Peyton of all people?
"Uncle Lucas!" Jamie exclaimed, clambering into his father's lap.
"Hey J. Luke," Lucas grinned. "You've grown."
As he spoke to the eight-year-old he caught Haley's eye and a glance was exchanged between the two lifelong friends, quelling all of Haley's doubts regarding forgiveness.
Next Lucas turned to Brooke and Mouth, smiling half-sadly at them in an attempt to convey that not only had he heard them but that he held no blame with them.
His mother's eyes reflected all the emotions he was feeling and suddenly he was claustrophobic. The void of missed years was closing in on him and he couldn't breathe. He couldn't see anything or anyone and he could only sense the woman holding onto him. Having been comatose for so long, Lucas Scott was unprepared to face such high emotional stakes.
"Could… could you all just go out into the corridor for a minute?" he asked quietly.
Willingly they all got up and filed out. Only Peyton lingered. Reluctantly she began to slip her hand out of his, surprised that he hadn't pushed her away before then, but he gripped it firmly.
"Stay," he instructed.
Happily, but nervously she obliged.
"I don't remember," Lucas told her.
Peyton's eyes widened in shock: she knew it was too good to be true. "You don't remember me? I'm… I'm Peyton."
"I remember you, Peyton, I just don't remember the accident. The last thing I remember is feeling lonely and texting you…"
Knowing that perhaps it would be better for him not to remember, Peyton tried to be sympathetic.
"It'll come," she promised him.
"I heard you," he said shortly. "Just that last time you spoke to me."
"I meant every word, Luke, I did. I love you."
She was silenced by his hand.
He looked up at her with pained eyes.
"You hurt me, Peyton, you did but I've had time to realise just how much I hurt you too. None of what happened between us was your fault. It's all on me. I just get a little Crazy Luke around you."
"I like Crazy Luke," Peyton smiled. "He can keep Jealous Peyton company."
For a second they were lost to drinking in every aspect of the other's face.
"I was driving back to Tree Hill when…" Peyton had the need to inform him.
"I'm not leaving you again, ever," Lucas said firmly. "I want to be with you, Peyton, when all my dreams come true and always."
His girlfriend took a deep breath. "Will you marry me, then?" she asked.
He stared incredulously.
"It doesn't seem to work out when you ask," Peyton shrugged teasingly.
"Yes," Lucas said solemnly. A thought struck him and he began to panic.
"What happened to Keith's ring?" he demanded wildly.
Peyton smiled and said, "It's where it belongs," as she offered him her left hand.
Soon Peyton Sawyer would become Peyton Scott, just as a teenager with a crush had predicted.
Meanwhile excitement mounted in the waiting room.
"Hmm. Who knew?" she mused to herself.
"What?" Nate asked.
"Two years ago we all hit rock bottom but now…"
"Everything's working out," Haley finished for her, squeezing her husband's hand.
"People always leave," Nathan sighed. "But a wise friend once told me that sometimes they come back."
"Yeah," Brooke smiled. "You know what? I'm going back to New York. I have some… business to take care of."
A/N So that's it! I would seriously appreciate some feedback on how you think I portrayed the characters- I want to get better!
Now I know I said it was the end but I do have two plot bunnies floating around...
Firstly would you guys be interested in an epilogue? I was thinking either Brooke's wedding or Jamie's graduation though I'm not sure what would happen- do give your thoughts.
Secondly I was thinking about a Brulian spinoff, inspired by that last line. It would cover what happens to them in this universe from meeting to when Brooke returns to New York.
nevthebunny :)