I do not own One Tree Hill … don't want too either..

When is OTH going to get better?

Can I hold you tonight part 2

I look at the clock, it is only 2am. I feel like I've had a full nights sleep. I quickly scan to the right of the bed, checking to see if Brooke was still here with me. It's strange that having her here has comforted me so much. We both have been avoiding the subject of her departure, and inside we both know why. I'm overjoyed that I can smell her shampoo, it hasn't changed, the smell of mango and peaches.

I pull my hand out from under the blanket and reach for her necklace, its new, she probably got it while she was away. I opened it up, butterflies glittering in my stomach, my eyes fixated on the picture inside. My breathing became hitched, like the wind had been knocked out of me.

I lay here staring at her; I think she has two new freckles on her nose. I always loved how she would blush and her faint freckles would appear.

"Do you know how happy you make me?" I whisper. In a way I want her to hear what I'm saying because it's the truth. I take a deep breath because I know when the sun comes out, things will have changed and hopefully for the better.

I turn over to look up at the ceiling. I rest my eyes and think back to the week that Brooke first left. I wasn't the bit slightly angry with her for leaving, I understood her completely, and that's why I knew she would come back. I shared with her something I never shared with anyone else, understanding without the need to voice what the other was thinking.

FLASH BACK

"How can you love her Lucas? It's only been a couple of months.. you and me have been together for 3 years" she yelled.

"Look, I don't expect you to understand what I'm doing but I will wait for her to return. I love her, you can't question it, it just happens" I reply

"Okay, fine! You love her… but are you really going to wait for her to return? What if she never returns? C'mon Lucas. Let's be realistic" she pleaded.

"She will, sooner or later, she will, I have faith" with that I walked away from Peyton and into Brooke's room, our room and from that day I've waited for her to return. Some days I lose faith, some days my faith has been restored, either way I promised myself that I would wait forever if I had too, I would never miss out on being with her.

I don't dare open my eyes when I hear her ruffle the blanket, I can tell she's staring at me, but I keep my eyes closed. She cuddles my body bringing me closer to her. Her hands search for mine, and when she finds them she intertwines them with hers. Like a missing piece of a puzzle. I quickly bring both our hands to my mouth and stick her finger in my mouth.

"Hmmm… all this time away and you still taste like fairy floss" I open my eyes to see her shocked expression. I love how her face would turn into fear from the initial shock. How her eyes would pop out slightly and how she brings her hand to her heart, where I belong. After she gets over her embarrassment, she has a fit of giggles like a five year old that has had an overload of candy, the red kind too.

I ambush her with my arms and roll on top of her "Luke!!!" she yells. "Get off me" I tickle her and there are tears coming rolling from her eyes. I decide to stop.

"You're just too damn irresistible, that's why I don't want to get off of you," I claim.

"Well what can I say, I am pretty, smart, cute, err… what else can I add to the list?" she's got her finger tapping on her chin to imply that she's thinking up off more words.

"How about charming?" I question. She smiles and nods her head to agree and brings her face close to mine. "Are you hungry?" she asks.

"Nah, not really, but doesn't matter, let's go downstairs and make something to eat. That way you can add great cook to your list as well" I get off the bed pulling her with me. Making my way down the stairs, I see her holding the rail because it was dark. "Jump on Princess" with excitement she jumps on causing me to slightly lose my balance. "Easy Tiger" I say making my stance steady.

Please read and review… cheers… next chapter.. what happens in the kitchen???