What is the difference?

by xtinkxproductionsx

Things change when you choose a different path, but no matter what the difference is- if it's meant to be it'll happen no matter what.

10. Let It Be

Last Friday

Rubbing her temple, she was starting to regret her decision in ever doing this. Lucas and Haley's bickering were getting on her nerves. That's all she had been listening to for the past hour. Haley demanded she be there because she didn't trust the two of them to be alone. Which started the first fight outside the library. Causing Brooke to just usher them both inside so they'd shut up. They did.

For all about five minutes. Then they started fighting again about, well Brooke wasn't exactly sure what about. It was quiet and the next thing she knew, they were yelling.

"Well maybe if you weren't such a self absorbed ass!" Haley yelled as she poked her index finger into Lucas' chest.

Groaning in annoyance, "Oh fucking- I went to a party and didn't tell you. How the hell does that mean I'm self absorbed? Maybe if you didn't have such a stick up your ass that makes you such a stuck up bitch." He bit out.

Burying her hands in her face, Brooke couldn't take it anymore. They were fighting over something so vain, yelling in a library and for Lucas' first tutoring session- he wasn't learning anything but how to fight.

"Shut up." She said softly. "Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" Her voice grew with each word. "Shut up!" Brooke yelled, standing out of her chair with her hands flat on the table as she looked down at the two people in front of her who had their mouths open in shock.

"This is a library, a quiet place to learn." Brooke gritted out, trying not to raise her voice again. "I am a tutor. I'm trying to tutor Lucas. You don't trust me or him or whoever, so I let you sit in here. Thinking maybe just maybe that it would help him focus and ease your mind. It seems that you just want to fight about anything."

"Listen here you-" Haley began as she stood out of her seat, so she was toe to toe with Brooke.

"No, you listen." Brooke cut her off, reaching her limit. "Don't trust him- fine, but you have no right to make any assumptions or accusations against me just because you don't like me." The brunette stated with no ground for argument, she had taken Haley's bullying during practice and during school. Now they were on her territory and Brooke would be damned if she'd let Haley continuously talk to her like she could walk over her. "Just leave." Brooke waved her off with a dismissing hand as she took a seat once again.

"Excuse me?" Haley scoffed out.

Looking between the two girls, still shocked at how Brooke had suddenly stuck up for herself. He knew that she was outspoken, she had insulted him enough times but recently she had been so quiet and reserved that he was questioning in the back of his head where that girl went. Then bam, she's back and having a yelling match with his girlfriend.

"Leave." He said finally finding his words, causing Brooke to look up at him in shock mixed with curiosity and a raised eyebrow. Also causing Haley to look at him with a murderous look.

"You're agreeing with her?" Haley asked, as she looked over at boyfriend.

"I'm failing math Hales, she's the only one that can help me." Lucas tried to explain to her.

Scoffing, "I know that! I already told you I would help you and I tried." She reminded him.

"Which ending in you yelling at me for not getting it in the first five minutes." He told her. "Haley, you can be mad at me, yell at me or whatever you wanna bitch at me for. For right now, I just need you to leave so I can make sure I pass this class and stay on the team."

"Whatever, we're done anyways." Haley said with a huff as she grabbed her purse and stormed out of the library.

Rolling his eyes at his girlfriend, "I'm sorry." Lucas tried to apologize, even though it didn't sound sincere as much as it sounded exhausted.

Shaking her hand to brush him off, "Let's- Just forget it." Keeping her eyes closed, she let out a deep breath. Opening her eyes, she sent him a small smile before flipping through some pages. Holding up the book open towards Lucas, "This is math."

"H-hi math?" Lucas said, suddenly confused.

"Math doesn't give a shit about your popularity or how many points you score in basketball and neither do I." The brunette clarified.

"Does English care? Because I suck at that too." He told her with a smile.

Rolling her eyes, "So if you're going to stick with this, it needs to just be about math. No texting on your phone, no more bringing your girlfriend or anyone else along. When you're with me, this is all you focus on." She told him, patting the pages of the math book.

"Okay." Lucas nodded his head, more because he really didn't know what else to say.

A little taken off guard by his agreement, Brooke regained her composure and cleared her throat. "Okay, let's get started." She said as she placed the book in front of him.

"Fine." Lucas said.

---

The Next Week- Monday

Going outside to grab the mail, Karen opened the door but paused, "Well this is a surprise." She said with a small smile at the person standing in front of her.

Shrugging, "Just figure that I'd drop by. Haven't done that since the last lovely family dinner." He said sarcastically.

"Oh great memories." Karen said before ushering him inside. "So what brings you to this part of the neighborhood, Keith?"

"I just wanted to check in. I only see Lucas at games and even then I don't get a chance to talk to him." Keith said as he followed her into the living room where they sat down on the couch.

Nodding her head in understanding, "I get that. Maybe because he's under the impression that you have a favorite and only nephew that isn't him."

Rolling his eyes, "Nice to know that they inherited the Scott competitive genes." Keith said. "I have two nephews, it doesn't really help that my little brother doesn't want me to see Lucas because of the friendship I have with Deb and the relationship I have with Nathan- his other son." Keith tried to explain.

Nodding her head as she semi understood where he was coming from, "You have to realize that Dan thinks you betrayed him-"

"Betrayed him?" Keith scoffed out. "I get that he picked you and Lucas and this life, but he didn't have to disown Nathan completely and treat Deb the way he's treating her. We aren't in high school anymore and Dan is still acting like a child."

"You know Dan, he wants everyone to follow what he wants." Karen stated.

"It's not Dan's world or no world." Keith clarified. "This is great, he's not even here and he's got me wanting to hit him already." He said, laughing awkwardly. "How are you doing Karen?"

A tight smile came across her face as she fell into a facade, "I'm doing great. It's great being home again. Lucas and I are just great. I'm going to attend Lucas' first game and cheer him on. It's going to be great."

Raising his eyebrow at how many times his sister- in- law said great, before deciding against the fact that she looked like she obviously wanted others to believe it and he had enough to handle with Deb. "Karen, That's...great." He said for lack of a better word. "I'm sure Lucas appreciates you being around more."

Nodding her head in fake agreement, "Absolutely." She lied, just as the house phone rang. "I should get that." Getting up from the couch, she headed into the other room then the ringing ceased signaling that she had answered it.

Feeling his cellphone vibrate, he took it out of his pocket. Seeing that it was Deb, he flipped it open. "Hey Deb." He greeted with a smile.

"Hey right back atcha." Deb said with a smile. "So I have a favor to ask."

"What's that?" Keith asked as he stood up from the couch and started walking around the living room.

"Could you take a look at the car? I think something's wrong with it, the brakes are starting to squeal." She explained to him.

"No problem, I have some spare time before work." Keith told her as he looked at his watch. "I'll be there in about ten minutes?"

"Sounds great, I'll see you then." Deb said as they bid their goodbyes before ending the phone call.

"I take it you have to go?" Karen asked, causing Keith to turn around and bring his attention to her.

"Yeah, I have to help a friend." He said, not really wanting to mention that it was Deb.

Nodding, "That actually works perfect, I have to go to the office and check everything is in order for the grand opening in Charlotte." Karen told him.

"I'll see ya later then." Keith said, kissing her cheek swiftly before leaving.

---

"Thanks for lunch Deb." Keith said sincerely as he helped her clear the table. He usually brought his lunch to work, but when Deb called him this morning to see if he could take a look at her car she had invited him over for lunch since she had the afternoon off from the diner.

Filling up the sink with water and soap to do the dishes, "Anytime Keith. You know I love the company." She said with a smile as she started doing the dishes, Keith came up beside her and started helping.

"What's for dinner?" He teased, causing Deb to bump her hip into him playfully. "Kidding, but I am coming over to check on Nathan."

"Something going on I should know about?" Deb questioned curiously as continued to wash a plate.

"The team has-well more Lucas have been giving him a hard time." Keith told her. "Nothing he can't handle, but high school isn't as easy as it was back in our day."

"Thanks for making me sound old." Deb teased before licking her lips, "Thank you for being there for Nathan." She said sincerely. "He really doesn't let me in, I think because he's scared that I'll get hurt when he talks about basketball." She thought out loud.

"Yeah, that does sound like Nathan. Then again you have to take into consideration that he's trying to be strong, just like his mom." Keith stated before they fell into another silence.

"So are you really gonna miss Nate's game?" Keith asked breaking the silence as he took a dish from Deb and proceeded to rinse it off before.

Sighing as she started to wash a plate, "We need the money Keith."

"I know that, but it's his first game. Varsity game Deb." Keith told her as if she didn't already know. "In high school when someone said Varsity game, you were the first person there waiting to cheer."

"Pulling the guilt card, really?" She questioned as she handed him another plate.

Taking the plate from her, "I'm not doing anything Deb. I know money's tight and I'll help you out you know that-you're family." He reassured her, knowing she would hate asking but would only ask him when it came down to it. "You should just think of how it's affecting Nathan first." He reminded her.

Feeling her guilt slowly build up once again, "He'll have other games." She reassured him, swallowing her guilt. "He said he understood, so I'll miss the first game it'll be fine." Deb said as she pulled the plug out of the sink and let the water drain.

"Are you sure?" Keith asked as he gave Deb a knowing look. "You know you won't be able to see another first varsity game."

Pausing for a second, weighing the pros and cons once again in her head. Deb decided that she needed to stay firm on her decision, so she nodded her head afraid that her words would betray her.

Keith knew that it would be difficult for Deb to be there, especially since there was a one hundred percent that his brother would be there.

Seeing Deb nod her head, he let out a breath of defeat but understanding all at the same time. "Then I'll make sure to cheer extra hard for him." He said with a smile, causing Deb to smile also.

"Thank you." Deb said appreciatively as she hugged Keith.

"Anything for you." Keith said with a smile as he hugged her back.

Closing her eyes, she lay her head on his shoulder "I appreciate you doing this for me."

"Any reason to see a Raven's game." He joked.

---

"This week, I was planning on taking in a Ravens game." Karen stated, once Lucas had walked into the kitchen where she had been waiting for him for the last half hour while she pretended to read the newspaper.

Cringing slightly as he walked over to the fridge and opened the door. Rubbing his face in frustration while letting out a huff, he hated when his mom came home from a trip- for about a week she would try to pry herself into Lucas' life and he usually let her because deep down he did miss having her around. As soon as that week was up, she was gone and he was left alone with his father once again.

Lucas stopped letting her in when he started high school. He learned that it was easier that way. He also realized that it would only lead to major disappointment and he was sick of being disappointed. He was Lucas Scott.

The Golden Child. Popular. Rich. The Chosen one for everything. He had his friends and Haley and the team. Everything that he could ever want. He was a king to them and that's all he needed.

"Fine." Looking around the fridge for something to eat, he decided to just grab a water and a banana before closing the door. "If you want, I'm sure Dad would like the company." Lucas said as he placed his water on the counter and started peeling open his banana. Taking a bite of his banana, he leaned onto the counter as his mom looked at him.

Placing down her paper she turned her complete attention to her son,"I would be going there to see you Lucas." She clarified as if he didn't know.

"Sure." He said as he took another mouthful of banana.

Letting out a soft sigh, "I am trying here Lucas." Karen told him.

"Why even bother?" Lucas muttered as he took another bite of his banana before placing it on the counter and grabbed his water. Unscrewing the cap, he took a long gulp as he washed down the banana.

"Because I'm your mother, supporting is part of the title. I know how much you love basketball." Karen reasoned, not understanding where the stand offish mood was coming from.

"You mean you're home long enough to notice something?" Lucas questioned sarcastically as he threw the rest of his banana away.

"I know I've been working a lot lately Lucas," Karen began.

"Lately?" Lucas scoffed out. His mom worked so much that the last time she came home she thought her son was dating Peyton, because she had picked him up one night to take him over to Haley's since he couldn't find his car keys, come to find out Tim had them.

"Try all the time." He bit out. "You're never here mom and when you are- well I'm surprised to ever find you sober. So I really don't care if you want to support me for the five seconds that you're here this time around." Letting out a ragged breath, he really needed to just get away from his parents they always made him feel like he was drowning and if they weren't happy then neither was he.

"The cafe's are really starting to take off and I have to be there to make sure they are all running properly." She defended herself.

"Lucas..." Karen tried once again.

Rolling his eyes, he grabbed his bottle of water "Do whatever you want. Act however you want, mom." He said with such disgust, it rocked Karen to her core with shock. "Just don't expect me to play happy family for the short time that you're here." He finalized.

Shaking his head, "Fine. Just whatever." He muttered before raising his hands partially, slightly in defeat with a mix of annoyance and exhaustion. Storming out of the kitchen, leaving his mom there at a loss.

Grabbing his car keys from the nail it was hanging it and slammed the front door shut as he headed to his car. Climbing into the vehicle, he revved up the engine before peeling out of his driveway and down the street. He needed to do something to take up his free time and he had the perfect plan.

---

Tuesday Late Afternoon

"Thanks for your help B." Jake said as he handed her a gatorade.

Opening the bottle she took a small sip, "No problem. I'm glad you at least finished the paper and all I needed to do was proof it. Barely any mistakes, soon you aren't gonna need me." She teased with a pout.

Laughing at her, "I'm always going to need you around cookie. Even if I don't need the tutor part of you." He said as he rubbed her shoulder.

"And I'm not always going to be a tutor." She reminded him. "I kinda wish I wasn't right now." Brooke muttered softly to herself as she took another drink from her bottle.

Looking at the brunette with confusion written on his face he barely caught her statement but he was sitting close enough to her. "Why not?" Jake questioned.

Eyes widening, "Why not what?" She started to panic as she took another gulp, hoping that Jake hadn't heard her.

"You said you kinda wish you weren't a tutor, what's goin on B?" Jake inquired.

Shaking her head, "Nothing. Just stress with tutoring and school and cheering, nothing's going on. I'm fine, it's fine." She rambled.

"Okay rambler." Jake said as he leaned forward onto the table and looked at the girl across from him. "You're a horrible liar, so spill."

Screwing the cap back on, she lay her chin on top of the bottle and looked at Jake. "I'm tutoring someone." She said, hoping to avoid this at all costs. She didn't want anyone to know that she was tutoring Lucas.

Laughing, "You're tutoring a lot of people goofy girl." Jake said as he stood up, walking towards the cabinet. Opening up the cupboard, he grabbed a box of graham crackers and brought it back to the table. Opening it up, he handed Brooke a couple of graham crackers before grabbing one and taking a bite of it.

"Yeah, I am." She agreed as she tucked some hair behind her ear. "I got a new student." She told him.

"Let me guess, it's some freshmen that has a huge crush on you." Jake laughed out. "Don't worry, we'll set him straight."

"No, he isn't a freshmen and I can tell you the honest truth that he does not have a crush on me." Brooke stated sternly.

"Then what's the problem?" Jake asked curious as to why Brooke was being vague, which was completely unlike her. Especially since last week she didn't hesitate to beat around the bush when she hit Nathan upside the head for cussing in front of Keith, and it was 'shit'.

"Lucas." Brooke said.

Straightening up, "What about him?" Jake said, hoping that she had said his name for some other reason, any other reason.

Letting out a ragged breath, she started picking at the label of her bottle before looking up at Jake, "I'm tutoring him- I've been tutoring him." Brooke answered as she kept her attention on the bottle.

"No." Jake told her. "See, that's a lie. You hate him. Nathan hates him. I hate him. We all hate him, so you can't possibly be tutoring him."

Sighing, "Jake, it's more complicated then that." She tried as she put down the bottle and looked up at him.

"No, it's impossible. There are a bunch of tutors at the school, I mean what about the teachers?" Jake offered, trying to figure out why Brooke out of all people had to tutor him.

"The other tutors were all bullied by him." She began.

"So were you, you still are!" Jake exclaimed. "He makes your life- all of our friends life a living hell!"

"Jake..." She said softly, "I talked to his math teacher. All of his teachers. I'm his last hope because of how good of a tutor I am and if he doesn't pass, he could fail and have to repeat his entire Junior Year."

"That's his fault, not yours!" Jake explained to her. "Don't do this."

"I already am." Brooke told him. "Jake, you know that I promised to help any student that needed tutoring."

"But it's Lucas Scott..." Jake sighed as he slumped back into his seat, causing a smile to come across Brooke's face since those were the same words the she had said to her mom when she was contemplating whether to agree to tutor him or not.

"I know," Brooke said. "but I'm a tutor." She reminded him. "I have too, especially since I'm his last hope."

"Fine, but this can only end badly." Jake told her as he shoved a cracker into his mouth, while Brooke nodding her head knowingly in agreement.

---

"You know this can only end badly right dawg?" Tim asked as he handed Lucas a beer, before the two made their way into the living room and took a seat on the couch.

Rolling his eyes as he took a drink of his beer, "I'm well aware of that Tim, but he deserves it. He's trying to take things from me. Things that aren't his." Lucas said as he took a long gulp of his beer before leaning back into the couch. "It's about time I took something from him."

"How exactly are you gonna get the tutor to fall for you?" Tim asked, taking a drink of beer before putting it on the table. Grabbing a controller, he turned on the X box and started going through the different varieties trying to choose what game to play.

"I play like I'm lost in class, appeal to her loser side of being a tutor." Lucas began explaining, realizing this was more truthful already since she had agreed to tutor him the plan would be perfect. Especially since he was Tree Hill's playboy, all he had to do was flirt with her, be nice, and she'd be putty in his hands.

"Then bang her in the library?" Tim asked excitedly as he held his fist out towards Lucas.

Closing his eyes as he reveled in his friends stupidity, "No, Tim. I'm gonna play her- since she's a loser who will go weak in the knees over any guy that pays attention to her it'll be a piece of cake." Lucas explained as he took another swig of his beer.

"Great plan, you're still the king of destruction." Tim said with a stupid smirk on his face.

"Right." Lucas said shortly. "Now let's get down to work." He said. "First game's Friday and I need to practice what I'm gonna tell the tutor to make her swoon before me." Laughing as he grabbed the controller. "This is gonna be fun."

---

"Come on, this is gonna be fun." Peyton told him as she came up behind him, covered his eyes and led him through the trees.

Not knowing what to do, he blindly started walking forward, "Why do I have a feeling that you're gonna kill me?" He joked.

Laughing softly, "You're so paranoid it's so cute." She stated as they made their way through the trees and out into an opening. "Okay, look." Peyton said as she pulled away her hands and stood next to him.

Opening his eyes he took in the atmosphere around him. There was a lake surrounded by bushels and bunches of flowers. It was absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. "Wow, how'd you find this place?" He asked her.

Taking a seat near the water, "When I was younger, my parents used to fight a lot and I wanted to find a quiet place." Peyton began explaining to him. "I was walking around one night-"

"Wait, you were walking around at night alone when you were a kid?" He asked incredulously, he just couldn't understand how bad parents would fight so bad that they weren't paying attention to where their child was at, not even hearing the door open signaling their departure.

Shrugging unceremoniously, "I was used to it and I was eleven. I usually went over to Lucas' but that's when Dan started riding him about basketball so much, it was almost as bad as my parents fighting." Peyton told him.

"You and Lucas were friends?" He asked, completely shocked.

Nodding her head as she looked over at him, "We were actually best friends, way before Haley and I ever were." She confessed. "Sometimes there are moments when me and him are actually still friends, but he's changed so much..." Peyton trailed off.

"Like the fact that he's an ass." He stated in a begrudging tone.

Pushing apart his legs, she sat in between them and leaned her back into his chest. "Look I know you don't like him." Peyton began.

"I'd like to think I hate him with an unchanging passion." Nathan corrected her as he loosely wrapped one of his arms around her waist and leaned into her.

Sighing softly, "He wasn't always like this person he is." Peyton told him as she lay her head back onto his shoulder. "He's still my best friend, somewhere deep inside and I see that in him at least once a day. He's not all bad Nathan."

Trying to not be completely cynical, since he'd defend Brooke the same way. "So does anyone else know about this place?" He asked, more than happy to change the subject.

"Nope. It's my Utopia." Peyton told him. "Just me and now you." She said as she looked up at him with a smile.

"Why'd you share your paradise with me?" He asked softly as he looked down at her, before the both of them turned their attention to the horizon.

"I can trust you." She said, without question or hesitation.

Smiling, he felt his heart start racing. "Yeah, you can." He whispered as he leaned down and kissed the side of her head, while wrapping both his arms around her and bringing her closer. "I'm glad you brought me out here and shared this with me." Nathan told her as he watched some birds land in the water and start swimming around.

"Told you it didn't suck." Peyton said with a smile.

---

"This sucks!" Brooke exclaimed as she continued scrubbing the plate

"Brooke." Deb laughed. "It's just dishes, you've done them before." Before loading some more dishes into the sink.

Groaning, "I don't mean the dishes, cleaning helps me think but then I start thinking." Brooke said before letting out another breath. "Can I ask you something?" Brooke asked as she turned her attention to Deb.

"Well I was hoping you would before I had to pull the second mother card and before you break that plate." Deb teased as she eased the plate from Brooke's hands and turned her attention to the stressing brunette. "What's going on in that head of yours sweetie?"

"Nathan's gonna hate me. I mean Jake understands, but he still doesn't like it and I haven't even told anyone else. My mom told me I would do the right thing. I did, but it sucks because the right thing is gonna hurt so many people and I don't know what to do." Brooke told her, barely taking a breath. "Nathan has hated Lucas for as long as I've remembered, and I jumped on that bandwagon because I saw the way Lucas treated him and he treats me the same way just not on the same level. Then I've been best friends with Nathan for even longer than that. I can't have him hate me."

"Brooke, you aren't making any sense." Deb said as she dried off her hands and gently grabbed Brooke's arms and forced her to look at him. "Why would Nathan hate you and what does Lucas have to do with any of this?"

"I agreed to tutor Lucas because he's failing classes, and I'm a tutor it's what I do." Brooke explained. "I also agreed to it because he said he'd stop bullying Nathan, but when I tell Nathan that he's not going to like it at all." Brooke said.

"Oh." Deb said as she pulled her into a hug. "You are gonna drive yourself nuts if you keep worrying about what others will think about you." She tried to tell her. "Where's the girl that wore her hair in pigtails for the better part of her freshmen year because she looked adorable and didn't care what others thought?"

"That girl cut her hair." Brooke mumbled, causing Deb to laugh and her to smile. "I don't know, I still am her. I'm just scared that Nathan won't understand why I'm doing this, he'll think that I'm betraying him or something." Brooke explained.

"Okay, I'm not exactly Nathan expert lately but I do know that you are his best friend." Deb told her. "And I know that he cares about you more than anything. Nathan will probably be mad at first, but he knows that you think everything through. You aren't selfish, if anything you are the most selfless person I have ever met."

"Thanks Momma Deb." She said as she rubbed her eyes in frustration. "I just really don't want him to hate me."

"You won't know until you face him, will you?" Deb reminded her.

Groaning slightly, "I hate that moms are always right." Brooke grumbled under her breath as she went back to cleaning the dishes.

"Just wait for the day when your kids are saying the same thing." Deb said as she headed to the front of the store, laughing as she heard grumbling even more.

---

Throwing down his pencil, "I'm not gonna get this." He groaned as he looked over at the brunette who had a look on her face that he couldn't quite read.

"Are you done throwing your fit?" She questioned. "Or did you miss nap time and that's the reason you're cranky?"

"Brooke." He said shortly.

Raising her eyebrow, "Don't take that tone with me." She said, but he wasn't backing down.

"Don't talk to me like I'm a two year old." He rebutted.

"Well maybe if you weren't acting like a two year old then I wouldn't treat you that way, Lucas." She told him.

"Well maybe if you explained it to me better I wouldn't be 'acting like a two year old'." Lucas mocked her.

Slamming her book, causing him to jump slightly. "I don't have to do this you know. I could be tutoring others that actually want to pass class and are willing to put in the effort. Someone that doesn't come to a tutoring session while they are intoxicated." She huffed.

"I'm not drunk, I had like two beers!" Lucas said, she had been going on and on about it since he showed up. It was getting on his damn nerves.

Continuing as if he didn't interrupt her, "Except your teacher told me that everyone thought you were a lost cause." Brooke told him, noticing the look of disappointment on his face.

"Lost cause?" Lucas echoed softly, realizing that Jake had said the same thing to him.

"Yeah, but here's the thing." Brooke said, getting his attention back. "I don't believe anything is a lost cause. Everyone can learn, you just have to make the material interesting to them."

"You're gonna make math interesting?" Lucas scoffed.

"Unbelievable I know. I'm also capable of making English pleasant too." She added as she looked at him knowingly.

"Don't come here for grammar lessons." Lucas told her.

"Didn't." Brooke corrected with a satisfied smirk.

Rolling his eyes, "Fine. Fine." He muttered as he picked up his pencil and turned his attention back down to his math book.

Letting out a soft laugh, she started writing down what they needed to work on in her notebook. "Lucas." Brooke said as she started fidgeting with her pencil in between her index finger and thumb.

"What?" Lucas said as he looked up at her, finding any excuse to not pay attention to his work. Since his tutor was giving him that reason he was going to willingly take it.

"You're doing great." Brooke told him sincerely, he honestly was. He had been making an effort in the short time she had been tutoring him. Sure every time they began their tutoring session, Lucas would try to find every excuse in the book to not work. Then he'd actually start working on the homework and surprisingly ask for her help.

"Thanks." He said before turning his attention back to his work, attempting to hide the smirk on his face. It is so on.

---

Wednesday

"We've got to stop meeting like this." Nathan teased as he climbed out of the tow truck. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think that you were doing this purposely." He joked, closing the door and walking towards the person that was standing next to their car.

"And if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were a cocky asshole." Haley said.

"I think you have me confused with your boyfriend." Nathan said as he opened up her car door, popped open the hood and closed the car door. Lifting up the door, he placed his hands on the front of the car as he started examining everything.

"Ex-boyfriend." Haley muttered, not knowing why she needed him to know that.

"I'd say I'm sorry but well I'm not he's an ass and besides from what Peyton's told me it sounds like you two have a routine going." Nathan responded as he walked over to the side of her car and started messing with the cables connected to the battery.

"Peyton told you about me and Lucas?" Haley questioned as she crossed her arms over her chest defensively.

"Back down there short stack." Nathan teased, causing her to fume even more. "Peyton and I don't just talk about anything." He clarified. "You only came into conversation because we were hanging out when you called, yelling into her ear drum about how much of a self absorbed ass Lucas was because he went to a party without telling you. I actually thought it was kind of funny, but Peyton hit me and made me stop, because I didn't know the whole story between the two of you and it wasn't any of my business."

"Good, because it isn't your business." Haley said.

"Then why did you tell me he was your ex?" Nathan asked her curiously.

Opening her mouth to respond, only to close it when she realized that she didn't have an answer. "I don't know." Haley told him honestly.

Shrugging, "Maybe because you wanted a friend to talk to." Nathan suggested as he walked back to the driver's side and took a seat.

"We aren't friends." Haley reminded him as she walked over to where he was and leaned against the door.

"We could be." Nathan offered as he put her keys in the ignition and started up the car with no problem.

Looking at him in shock, "How'd you do that?" She questioned.

Turning off her engine and took out the keys, "Your cables were loose." Nathan told her simply as he climbed out of the car, handing the keys to Haley.

Taking the keys, "Oh...well thanks." Haley replied. "How much do I owe you?" She asked as she went to reach for her purse.

"Don't worry about it." Nathan said as he waved his hand in dismissal. "Think of it as a friend doing a potential friend a favor." Walking past her, he started heading back towards the tow truck.

"Nathan!" She called out as she looked down at her car keys before looking back up at him. "Do you want to get some coffee? You're right, I could use a friend."

A small smile coming across his face, "Sure, meet me at my mom's cafe." He said as he climbed into the tow truck and headed back to his uncle's shop, thinking it was great that he was becoming friends with Haley, he knew that Peyton would like that.

Climbing into the car, Haley couldn't help the smile that came across her face. "He's kinda cute." She said to herself softly as she started up her car and headed down the road.

---

"I think you should get this!" Bevin said excitedly as she pushed a skirt into Brooke's hands.

Laughing, "Uh, I don't think so." Brooke said with an awkward smile as she looked at the skirt. Holding it up, it only added to her detest when she realized how short it actually was and handed it back to Bevin.

Groaning, she looked through the rack again before she found another skirt. "What about this one? It's longer than the other one and stops before your knees so you aren't like a nun or anything." Bevin said as she handed the skirt to Brooke.

It was a plaid skirt with dark colors. Mixed with blue and green and some black. It was actually a really gorgeous skirt. Glancing at it, the brunette had to admit that it was cute but she still wasn't sure. "I don't know." She told Bevin in an unsure tone.

"Fine fine, if you get the skirt then I'll...go to ballet class with you." Bevin tried to reason.

Looking over at the over eccentric blonde, she couldn't help but smile. Brooke actually had a lot in common with the blonde surprisingly. They both took ballet, at different companies. They were on the squad and honestly not to Brooke's surprise, Bevin was actually a lot smarter than people gave her credit for. She had quickly become one of Brooke's best friends.

Looking at the skirt then back up at Bevin who looked like she was two seconds away from pulling out her pouting lip. "Fine fine, I'll get it." She said, laughing as she saw how excited the blonde got.

"Great, you can wear it to the party next week." Bevin said, as she turned her attention to a rack of shirts. "So blue or green?"

"Blue." Brooke answered as she walked over to Bevin. "What party?" She asked cautiously, she wasn't exactly sure if she wanted to wear a skirt to a party, let alone go to a party at all.

"Well actually in two weeks. There's usually a party right after the first game but that's just pointless to go to. There's a party after each game, except the away games because well they are far away." Bevin stated it as if it was the most obvious thing. "It's usually the third party that matters, schools already been in session and classes are boring already. People are together or broken up, so there's always guaranteed drama. I love parties." Bevin sighed happily.

Laughing softly, Brooke couldn't help but be entertained by Bevin. Things that seemed boring or dull, Bevin had a different outlook. Just like drama seemed like a horrible thing, Bevin made it seem like it was teenage television. At least how Bevin explained it to her, in great detail that sometimes was too much for Brooke too handle. "So you always tell me about other relationships, anyone on the Bevin radar?" Brooke questioned as they moved their way over to jewelry.

"No." Bevin replied quickly, a little too quickly for Brooke's liking.

"What's his name?" Brooke inquired as she tilted her head and looked at the blonde curiously.

"Who's name?" Bevin questioned, trying to change the subject as she continued looking through the racks of tops.

"The designer's name." Brooke said sarcastically. "The guy you like and don't you dare tell me there isn't a guy."

"Fine." The blonde groaned. "I've only talked to him a couple of times, but he's really cute and funny. I like him a lot." She confessed to the brunette.

"Do you know if he likes you?" Brooke asked as she leaned against the rack of shirts.

"I don't know." Bevin confessed. "I mean...he looks at me like he might like me but he hasn't made a move."

Biting her bottom lip softly as she started thinking, "Maybe he's just scared..."The brunette tried to reason.

Picking out a few skirts to go along with Brooke's skirt. "Hah. What teenage boy is scared of a girl?"Bevin asked sarcastically, it seemed that at a party when a guy wanted to sleep with her they would basically just come out and say it.

"The good ones." Brooke said, causing Bevin to stop what she was doing and look up at her in shock. "Trust me, if this guy really likes you then he's scared of screwing it up."

"I hope you're right." Bevin said as she wrapped her arm around Brooke's shoulders and hugging her. "Thanks."

"For what?" Brooke asked as she hugged Bevin back.

Breaking the hug, "For giving me advice and not telling me just to buy a shorter skirt and flirt with him more." Bevin said, earning a confused look from Brooke. "Theresa and Haley don't get along for a reason, they are almost the same when it comes to attempting to get a guys attention."

"Well feelings have nothing to do with clothes- those are hormones." Brooke explained. "And if you have a relationship based on hormones, then it'll fizz out really quickly." She said as the two of them walked towards the counter to buy their clothes. "I think that it's good that you like someone Bevin."

"Why's that?" Bevin inquired curiously.

"It shows that you're human like the rest of us." Brooke teased as she bumped her hip against Bevin's.

"That's fine with me. Just fine." The blonde said with a smile as the two left the store.

---

Pouring some coffee into the second mug, he grabbed the two by the handles and walked towards the corner table where the honey blonde was sitting at.

"So what's the deal with you and Lucas?" Nathan questioned as he took a sip of his black coffee while watching Haley pouring an obscene amount of sugar then cream into her cup.

Picking up a spoon, she began stirring the contents into her coffee watching as it changed colors. "You really want to talk about the relationship I have with your brother?" She questioned curious yet confused at the same time.

Shaking his head as he ignored the 'brother' comment, "No, but you do."

"When we first started dating, it was great." Haley began as she slowly turned her cup around on the surface of the table. "We couldn't keep our hands off one another..." The strawberry blonde trailed off blushing slightly when she remembered who she was talking to.

Clearing her throat, "Then things started going down hill. At first, he started hanging out with his friends more. Then there were days he'd ignored me that's when the rumors about cheating started that I tried really hard to ignore. After the rumors started, that's when we would break up at least every two weeks. Mostly because I was scared that he would cheat on me, so if we weren't together, it wasn't technically cheating." She said softly.

"Why stay then? If you're that miserable and paranoid, why stay that way?"He asked.

"I do love Lucas and I love being with him, most of the time he does make me happy. Besides, after a while people just expect the head cheerleader and the basketball star to be together." Picking up her cup of coffee, she took an appreciative gulp.

"That seems like a stupid reason to stay with someone." Nathan told her truthfully.

"What, Love?" Haley questioned.

Moving his head in disagreement, "No. Obligation."

"It's not out of obligation and I'm not settling." Haley attempted to reason, earning a knowing look from Nathan. "Fine, I'll admit that it's not the most perfect relationship but you aren't around him when he's the Lucas that I fell in love with."

Taking a drink of his coffee as he mulled over their conversation. "Are you okay with being second to basketball and his friends? I mean I know you've gotten used to it but how much more do you think you can take? With the cheating and the lying, don't you think you deserve better?" He questioned her.

Remaining mute as she took in his words, she had a feeling that he was right but she didn't want to admit that out loud. Haley knew that she truly did love Lucas and a part of her was still in love with him. She also felt safe with the familiarity that he gave her and she wasn't ready to let him or that feeling go just yet. So she did what she usually did, she put up a wall. "How about we just drop it?" She spit out in a surprisingly soft voice.

Raising his hands in surrender, "Fine." He said with a soft smile on his lips as he took another sip of his coffee.

---

Thursday Night

Looking at the clock on his dashboard of his car, he let out a sigh. Rubbing his eyes, he really didn't know why he was here. He was driving around after his tutoring session, trying to prolong going home. He just kept passing by again and again, until finally he parked across the street.

A groan escaping his lips, he turned off his car completely and climbed out. Putting his keys in his pocket, he started crossing the street towards the building. Glancing through the windows to make sure no one was in there, he was relieved to see that it was empty. Walking up the two steps, he pulled open the door and walked in.

"We're just about to close, so it'll have to be to go." A voice said from the back.

"I don't really need anything." He let them know as he took a seat on the stool at the counter. Placing his elbows on the surface, he laced his fingers together and let his chin rest on top of them.

Coming from the back with a surprised look on her face, "I didn't expect to see you. Are you okay?" She asked suddenly concerned as her eyes frantically started searching his body for any bruises.

Nodding his head, "I'm fine. Just needed to think." He told her. "How was work?" He asked.

"It was fine. Busy which is great." Deb answered as she wiped down part of the counter. Laying her arms on the surface "I know you didn't drive down here just to ask me about work, what's going on Luke?"

"I like that." Lucas replied softly, earning a confused look from the older woman across the counter. "You call me Luke like my friends do, like you know me."

"I do know you. Lucas, what's going on?" Deb asked as she scrunched her eyebrows together in even more confusion.

"She just keeps acting like she knows me, she's just as bad as Haley if not worse. At least Haley's around everyday so she has some sort of excuse, but this is the first time in months that she's been home." Lucas began to vent. "It hasn't even been a week of her being here and she already thinks that she knows me and that if she goes to a basketball game that it'll fix everything but it doesn't. It won't, it stopped fixing things when I turned fourteen when my dad took me aside and said that it'd be pointless to waste anytime on waiting for my mom or any other woman for that matter."

"Luke..." Deb said softly as she reached for his hand.

"I was fourteen Deb." He said softly as he pulled his hand out of her reach. Abruptly standing up, he roughly rubbed his face. "I can't breathe." He stated as he began backing away towards the door. "I gotta go." He said, not giving Deb a chance to object or even reply. Practically running out of the cafe and back to his car, he threw open the drivers door and climbed in. Revving up the engine, he peeled away from the curb and sped down the street.

He hated being weak, he honestly didn't know why he had gone there in the first place. Deb wasn't his mom, in fact she was the mom of the brother he would never claim and on a daily basis made his life a living hell. It was a fucked up circle, that only happened in Tree Hill. He knew he could count on Deb, she wouldn't judge him and she actually listened to what he had to say even if it wasn't about basketball. Lucas also knew that he was putting her in a difficult position. The funny thing was, he was just fine with that.

---

Friday morning

"Can you fix my tie?" Nathan asked as he stood at the lockers in front of Brooke. He had on a pair of khaki pants with a light blue shirt and a matching tie.

Laughing, "Again?" She smirked as she finished putting a light coat of blue eyeshadow on. "I just fixed it before first period." The bubbly brunette reminded him, as she turned towards him causing the skirt of her Raven's cheer leading uniform to sway.

Nodding his head, "I know." He agreed as he looked down at her while she adjusted his tie. "It was bothering me in class, it feels like I'm wearing a leash or something. So I started tugging at it."

Rolling her eyes at him, "Then you came to me to fix it, I feel so used." She teased as she patted his tie against his chest and turned her attention back to her locker.

"You know I love you B." Nathan said as he kissed the top of her head, before coughing slightly. "Gross, I think I ate some of your hairspray."

Letting out a laugh, she pushed him away. "You're so weird, I hope you didn't mess up my hair." Brooke said, suddenly freaking out as she looked at the mirror hanging in her locker and checked her hair.

"When did you become...such a girl?" Nathan asked as he leaned against the row of lockers and watched his best friend in amusement.

Sticking her tongue out at him so that he saw it in the reflection of the mirror. "Around the same time the crazy blonde put about two cans of hairspray in my hair this morning and threatened bodily harm if it was less than perfect by the game tonight."

Rolling his eyes, "I can't believe you're scared of the cheer leading captain."

"You would be too if you had seen the look on her face." Brooke told him. "Think about when Momma Deb found her best heels chewed up because you secretly brought a dog home, only worse."

Having his eyes go wide for a moment as he remembered how he almost thought his mom would actually kill him for hiding a dog, "Oh, I see what you mean. Good luck with that champ." Nathan told her as he patted her arm gently.

Laughing sarcastically, "Thanks. Scaredy cat." Brooke said as she looked in the mirror to check her hair once more. Letting out a small sigh, she took a real look at herself. She was a cheerleader. A Raven's cheerleader. She still couldn't believe, she looked similar to how Nikki looked when she was dressed up for game day but still felt like she was betraying Nikki. Her own flesh and blood, granted Nathan was like family- hell he was practically family but it still wasn't the same.

"Hey, do you want..." Nathan trailed off as he saw Brooke in a serious staring match with her mirror. "Brookie Cookie." He said as he cautiously waved his hand in front of her face, finally catching her attention.

"Yeah Nate?" She answered with a smile, coming out of her own thoughts.

Furrowing his brows in confusion, "You okay?" He questioned as he gently placed his hand on her shoulder.

Nodding her head giving him reassurance, "Just thinking about the game." She told him honestly, well at least partially. The guilt was still eating her up with not being able to tell Nathan everything, but she knew that he wouldn't understand why she was tutoring Lucas and forbid her to do it which she wouldn't and that would bring an even bigger wedge between the pair. "How about you walk me to class handsome?" She said as she looped her arm through his while they headed to class.

"So mom's cafe after school?" Nathan questioned.

Shaking her head, "I can't. I have to finish my homework and rework my tutoring schedule."

"Did you get another student or something?" Nathan asked curiously. "You've been spending a lot of time in the library after school."

Shrugging, "Just been busy." Brooke said avoiding the question. She hated that she was lying to her best friend but she still didn't know how to tell him without him freaking out even worse than Jake had.

"So I was thinking after the game, you could come over and we could watch a movie." He suggested. "We haven't hung out just the two of us in a while. I kinda miss my best friend." Wrapping his arm around her shoulders and bringing her closer to him.

"I miss you too." Brooke murmured in agreement while looping her arms around his waist and hugging him. "I'll bring over the junk food." She said with a smile as she looked up at him.

"Sounds perfect. Let's get to class." Nathan said.

"Fine." The brunette stated simply while the two brunette's walked down the hall still holding onto one another. Seeking and finding a familiar family comfort from the simple act.

---

Grabbing the edge of her uniformed skirt he pulled her body closer to his. Kissing roughly down her neck, he heard her moan his name which caused a smirk to come across his face, he had her right where he wanted her- bending at his will.

"What do you want?" He questioned as he kicked her legs open with his knee while he continued assaulting her neck. Gripping her hips, he pulled her body against his thigh and began moving it against her center.

"Lucas..." She fell against his body for support. She hated that he had this power of her, all he had to do was kiss that sweet spot on her neck and she was a goner.

"Didn't you miss me Hales?" The blonde questioned as he pulled her body down onto his thigh adding more friction.

"N-n-no." She stuttered out as she attempted to find her bearings. They weren't together, she dumped him for a reason. Bringing her hands up to his chest, she began pushing him away and put enough distance between the two of them.

"What?" He grunted as he reached out for her again. He needed to feel her against him, he also needed to let out some frustration but if she knew that she wouldn't go through with it.

Slapping his hand away, "We aren't dating." She reminded him as she began smoothing her uniform back out.

Groaning, "You're the one that broke up with me remember?" Adjusting his pants, he could already feel the tightness fading as his anger began rising.

"Because you're an ass." She said as she placed her hands on her hips and started at him pointedly.

"Fine. You're a bitch, what else is new?" Walking past her, he opened the door and left the janitor's closet, leaving his girlfriend well ex-girlfriend in there alone.

---

Switching out her books she waited at her locker, "Where have you been? Having slutty make up sex?" Peyton asked as she took in Haley's mussed appearance.

Scoffing, "That would require us being together. Not him pulling me into a closet and mauling me." Opening her locker to take in her appearance.

Grabbing her comb, she began fixing her hair since it had come loose from its ponytail. Taking out a small can of hairspray, she closed her eyes and sprayed the substance in her hair before opening her eyes again and putting the can back in her locker. "Perfect."

"It better be or I'd kick your ass." Peyton said while leaning against her opened locker.

Scoffing, "I'd like to see you try." Applying her lip gloss, she inspected her neck and was grateful for no visible marks.

"I told Brooke I'd kick her ass if one hair was out of place. I'm not going to let you slide by just because you're my best friend." The blonde shared while closing her locker and slinging her backpack onto her shoulder.

"Don't lump me into the same category as that loser." She muttered while throwing her make up back into her locker and closing the door before she began walking the curly blonde to their classroom.

"Haley, get over it. She's on the squad and she's not going anywhere." Peyton explained as the two of them sat at two desks in the middle of class. "She's also pretty cool once you get to know her, so why don't you just give her a chance? For me, please."

Shrugging, "Fine." Haley said as the teacher gained their attention to start class.

---

Tossing her top onto the floor while she undid his belt and began unzipping his belt. "Hurry." The blonde muttered, knowing that if he didn't make an appearance in class he wouldn't be playing in the game tonight.

"Just a second." She said as she began pushing his pants down.

Slipping her cheer shorts down her long legs, he knelt down and grabbed a condom and slipped it onto his hard member. Grabbing her hips, he picked her up while she wrapped her legs around his waist and he pushed her up against the wall of the janitor's closet.

Pressing her lips against his, he pulled away from her. "Stop." He told her roughly, he hated when girls tried to make this more intimate, more than this was- sex. Nothing more and nothing less.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him closer as he slide his member into her center. Digging his fingers into her hips, he pushed himself into her slick folds and began thrusting.

"Harder..." The brunette breathed out breathlessly.

Thrusting into her harder and faster, just wanting his release already. With the stress with Haley and basketball and his parents, he just needed to feel good. The sooner he came, the sooner he'd be able to get away from the annoying girl, "Shut up." He gritted.

Scoffing as she looked at him not understanding why he was being this way, "Asshole." She stated while digging her nails into his shoulders, causing a hiss to escape from his lips.

"Bitch, she's going to see those." Lucas said, knowing Haley would question the marks when they got back together but he knew he had a little time to come up with some bullshit excuse she'd believe. It also seemed to fuel his fire more as he slammed her body against the wall with more force. Pressing against her body more while picking up his pace.

He wasn't concerned about her, this was about his sweet release. He could almost taste it. He could almost feel his muscles relaxing and the euphoric feeling that came with it. Slipping his hand between their two bodies. He began rubbing her nub frantically before suddenly pinching it, causing her to come and begin milking his cock.

Gripping her hips roughly, he felt his back stiffen as he continued thrusting into her. Suddenly he felt his body shudder as his seed released into the condom he was wearing. Placing his hand on the wall behind the two of them, he enjoyed the moment of euphoria before he ungracefully dropped her against the wall and pulled himself out of her. Peeling off the condom with a smirk, he threw it into the mop bucket before bending down and pulling up his pants and zipped them.

"What about me?" She asked as she pulled down her cheer skirt and pulled up her spankies, looking up at him expectantly. Sure she had orgasmed but she wanted more.

Shrugging, "I don't know Theresa. Go to class I guess." He said, not really caring what she did. He got what he wanted from her and now he was done. Adjusting his tie, he noticed that he hadn't tucked in his shirt but decided that he would just do it later.

Before she could respond the door opened and revealed the last person Lucas wanted to see, "Mr. White, we need-" Jake stopped as his eyes widened at the scene, taking in the disheveled appearance of the two of them. "Oh the secrets of Tree Hill. Carry on." Laughing as he closed the janitor's closet and walked off the down hallway to return to his class.

---

Friday Afternoon

"Okay, that's all I needed to tell you. Be here tonight at six to warm up." Peyton dismissed the squad from their meeting.

Knowing she had a bit of time to waste before she had to head for the tutor center to work on her homework while the guys had their meeting with Whitey and went over plays. She took a seat on the bleachers and started to go over her head the routine for tonight's halftime show. Slowly letting out breaths, she closed her eyes as she heard most of the girls start leaving.

"Brooke?" A voice said, bringing her out of her own little world.

Opening her eyes, she looked up surprised to see Max standing in front of her. "Hey Max." She greeted with a smile small. "What can I do for ya?" She said as she sat up straight, hoping that he wasn't here for any ulterior motive.

"I- I actually have a question." He said nervously as he glanced around the gym before turning his attention back to the brunette.

"Okay..." She said softly, trailing her sentence off as she waited for him to continue.

"So..." Max began, only to stop and remain silent, bringing his attention to his feet.

Laughing slightly, she realized that he was nervous. "Max?" Brooke said, causing him to snap his head up and look at her. "You had something to ask me." Brooke reminded him.

"Yeah, Remember when I came into the cafe and you served me a really good burger." Max said.

Scrunching her eyebrows in even more confusion. "You want to order another one now?" She asked confused as she looked around the gym. Noticing that Lucas and Tim were staring the pair down, ignoring it and focusing back on Max. "If you stop by the cafe, I'm sure you can get one just fine."

Shaking his head, "No, that's not what I mean." Max said letting out a soft groan. "I wanna take you out." He told her as he squatted down so he was looking up at her.

"I'm not sure assassins are supposed to make that knowledge known." Brooke attempted to joke, still confused as to what he was trying to ask or more tell her.

"That's funny. You're funny." Max said laughing nervously before stopping.

Nodding her head uneasily in agreement. "Thanks... I try."

"I wanna take you out on a date." Max made clear. "Brooke, would you like to go out with me Saturday night? Tomorrow?" He asked.

"I-uh" Brooke said, completely blind sided. Sure she had been on dates, but not any recently. After freshmen year, guys had stopped even talking to her unless they were Nathan, Jake, Skillz, Mouth, Fergie, or Junk. It seemed that her guys intimidated anyone else. To say she was taken off guard would be an understatement. Obviously the guys hadn't scared Max off but so much was running through her mind she remained mute. For too long.

"You don't want to." Max said in a defeated tone.

Snapping back into reality she saw the sad look on his face and she felt for him so she decided to go for it. "No, it's- that sounds good." Brooke said, figuring what's the worst that could happen. Besides the date being horrible, her scaring him off. Suddenly this sounded like the worst idea ever, but she had already said yes and he looked so happy.

"Great. I'll get your number later." Max said with a smile as he stood up straight with a wave, before disappearing into the locker room leaving a dumb strucked Brooke who remained sitting on the floor.

---

Seeing Nathan leave the locker room, Lucas glanced at Tim before turning his attention to Max. "Hey Max, why were you talking to that loser?" He asked, attempting to sound casually.

"Brooke's not a loser." Max said as he slammed his locker shut and placed the rest of his clothes in his gym bag. "Not that it's any of your business, but I asked her out." He shared, slipping the bag on his shoulder.

Laughing, "The loser turned you down?" Lucas questioned with a satisfied smirk on his lips.

"We're going out tomorrow night." Max said with an equal smirk on his face as he hung his tie from around his neck, causing the current one on Lucas' face to quickly disappear before walking out the locker room.

"Luke." Tim said from beside him.

"What Tim?" Lucas asked as he closed his locker in frustration, as he headed to the showers with Tim following him.

"How are you gonna play the tutor if Max is dating her?" Tim questioned.

Rolling his eyes, "I got it under control." Lucas told him, saying anything to shut him up. While in the back of his head, he didn't see this coming at all. Now he'd actually have to put in an effort with Brooke, he hated putting in efforts with girls- it was pointless. He also hated the fact that Brooke and Max going out on a date- it just wasn't fine with him.

---

Biting her bottom lip gently, she flipped through a couple different pages of the book before she found what she was looking for. "Ah-ha." The brunette cheerleader softly exclaimed to herself. Picking up her pen, she began writing down on the paper placed next to the book.

"Find what you were looking for?" A voice questioned, causing the brunette to jump slightly.

"Shit!" She exclaimed as she placed her hand over her chest, before being shushed by the librarian. An apologetic look on her face before she turned her attention back to the person that had scared her. "Weren't you ever taught that it's rude to sneak up on people?" She bit out before returning her attention to the work in front of her.

"Why are you here?" She inquired as she glanced up and took in the fitted dark blue collared long sleeve shirt he was wearing with an equally matching tie, perfectly tied and knotted by his neck. Tucked neatly into his khaki pants with a belt through each loop perfectly.

"Our tutoring session." The muscular blonde answered as he walked around the table and pulled out the chair next to her, purposely moving it closer to her as he took a seat. "Remember?"

Turning her attention fully towards him, she kinked up her eyebrow while she looked into his baby blue eyes, "Game day remember?" She asked rhetorically as she flicked his tie with her index finger before looking back at her book.

"Oh right, I forgot." He replied sarcastically as he leaned over her shoulder glancing at the book she was reading. Not really paying attention, just loving how he saw her body tense causing a smirk to come across his lips.

"This isn't the court, you don't have to invade my personal space. Especially since I don't have anything you want." She stated as she placed down her pen and looked at him.

Shrugging, "What if you do?" He questioned as he picked up her pen, reaching over he grabbed her left arm and began pulling it towards him.

Attempting to yank her arm back, "What are you doing?" Struggling against his grip to bring her arm back to her. "And what do I possibly have that you want?" She questioned, before giving up on getting her arm back since he was a lot stronger than she was.

"You'll see." He answered as he placed the point of the pen and began writing on her wrist. "Well you're a girl-" A sound of disgust interrupted causing him to smirk. "Or maybe I like hanging out with you and I don't like other people taking time away from something I like. I don't like sharing." He answered.

Rolling her eyes, "You realize that you don't own me right? We aren't even friends." She repeated for what seemed like the millionth time. "You hate our tutoring sessions, all you do is complain every chance you get."

"Not lately." He reminded her. "Ever think that I like you?" He asked her, not taking his eyes away from what he was doing on her wrist, before placing the pen back down once he had finished and letting his other hand fall into his lap. Covering her wrist with his other hand so she wouldn't be able to see it.

Scoffing, "I'm sure your girlfriend appreciates the type of like you think you have for me." She said slowly as she scrunched her nose in disgust. Attempting to pry his hand away from on top of her wrist to one, get her arm back and two, find out what he had written or drawn she wasn't exactly sure which one he had done.

Shrugging as if her statement didn't mean anything, "I think you like spending time with me." He concluded.

"Oh really?" She asked with faux curiosity, "What ever gave you that idea?"

"You're still here sitting with me." Lucas said.

"You have a vice grip on me." She bit back.

Smirking, "You aren't ignoring me." He told her.

Rolling her eyes in annoyance, "You're annoying as hell and you won't shut up." She replied.

"You're hearts racing." He said, effectively shutting the brunette up. "Funny thing about health class, even if you don't want to learn anything some things stick in your head. Like how to take a pulse on someone's wrist. What's it called again?" He asked with a smile, knowing full well that she knew the answer as he began to rub his thumb against her wrist slowly and carefully to not mess up his art work.

"Radial pulse." She mumbled reluctantly before she began searching for a subject change, "You're aware that I'm going out with a friend of yours tomorrow night, I assume that's why you've decided to become more of an ass than you have been lately." Brooke shared while with her free hand she began placing her homework into the book and closing it.

"I'm aware that Max is going to win a bet he and Tim have going on if you go out with him." Lucas spoke as he continued to stroke her wrist, causing the brunette to stiffen immediately before she relaxed slightly.

Turning her head towards him sharply, she glared at him. "I'm aware that you're lying since I'll let you in a secret you probably already know. Tim has a big mouth." She seethed. "I'm also extremely aware that your hand is trailing too high." Brooke told him, referring to the hand that had started in his lap, then moved to her knee which she tried to ignore since she knew he was just trying to get underneath her skin but through out their conversation had began slowly trailing up to her skirt and it now lay at the hem of the blue material.

"If you'd like to keep it for today's game, I highly suggest that you keep it away from me." Grabbing his hand, pulling it off her leg and pushing back into his chest. "Are you trying to piss me off or Nathan or Max?" She questioned, honestly confused as to why he was acting like this. Sure they hadn't become best friends but he had been halfway decent in their tutoring sessions and now it seemed he was back to his old self but worse. "I know we aren't best friends but I at least thought that we were past this phase, I mean-"

Pausing his movements on her wrist he looked at her, "Don't go out with him." Lucas stated abruptly, catching the bubbly brunette off guard in the middle of her rant.

"What?" She questioned softly, feeling her throat go dry.

"You heard me." Lucas said in a stern voice. "Don't go out with Max." He said but it sounded more like an order.

Raising her eyebrow, "I'm sorry, who exactly do you think you are talking to me like that?" She questioned, already feeling her blood boiling from anger.

"I'm the guy that's telling you not to go out with a douche bag, that's who I know I am." Lucas said as he gave her a sharp look to let her know he wasn't playing around.

Yanking her arm away from his hand, she crossed her arms over her chest, "I really don't think you have any say on anything I do. We aren't friends Lucas, you've made that clear for the past several years." Brooke reminded him before turning her attention towards her belongings as she began packing them into her backpack. "Why do you even care who I go out with?" She mumbled to herself, not realizing that the blonde basketball player had heard her.

"I don't care but he's an ass." Standing up, almost causing the chair to fall backwards. "You know what, I'm just trying to help you because for some reason I thought we were at least being civil to each other-"

"One another." The brunette corrected him without meaning to.

"Whatever!" He began raising his voice. "I was trying to do you a favor but clearly you're too much of a-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence." Thrusting a finger in his face, effectively shutting him up. "I will end you if you call me that name ever again. Do you understand me?" Seeing him clench his jaw and nod slightly, but not have any of his anger dissipate. "While you're doing me favors, why don't you do me another one and don't do me any more favors?" She spat out, before grabbing her backpack and abruptly exiting the library.

"FINE!" Lucas yelled after her, causing the librarian to shush him. "Oh shut , you old bat!" He yelled in her direction, causing her to cower before he grabbed his own backpack and left the library in the worst mood he had been in since he could remember.

---

Friday Night

Placing her bag by the bleachers, she took a seat on the floor next to Peyton as she began stretching with the rest of them. Glancing up at the basketball players, she gave Jake and Nathan a smile before it quickly disappeared when her eyes set on a blonde with his back towards her. She could feel her anger bubbling underneath her skin from earlier that day.

She didn't understand what had gotten into him, they were at least being civil towards one another and then he did a complete 180. She would've liked to fix it but apparently the two of them weren't meant to be anything more than enemies and there's nothing the brunette could do to fix it, except go on tutoring him because she had promised she would. Brooke just wished that she could understand why he was so angry, all the time.

"Brooke!" Peyton yelled, bringing the brunette out of her thoughts. "You here?"

Glancing over at the curly blonde, "Yeah, what's up?" She questioned as she shook her mind trying to clear her thoughts.

"I was asking what that was on your wrist." Peyton repeated as she gestured to Brooke's left wrist. "A tattoo? Because I don't remember you having one."

Confusion evident on her face, she looked down at her wrist before bring it closer to her torso and eyesight. She had forgotten that Lucas had drawn something on her wrist, the fiery brunette had been so worked up that she had barely calmed down before the game that she had completely forgotten to see what he had put there. Seeing a '3 that looked like an 'E' at the same time, she looked confused. "I'm not exactly sure." She mumbled suddenly embarrassed.

"Right" The captain responded, rummaging through her bag she pulled out a wrist band before tossing it over towards Brooke. "Just cover it up."

Taking the wrist band, she ignored the glances from the other cheerleaders and covered up her wrist. Turning her attention to Peyton once more as she started going over the halftime show. She could feel her stomach twisting into knots, sure she had performed in front of people but these people were her classmates just waiting for her to fail. Suddenly she didn't feel as fine like she had been telling everyone.

---

Feeling the thump of the music in his ears, he was glad that he remembered his headphones this time to drown out most of the noise. Except a voice that called after him, causing him to pull a head phone from his ear.

"Son!" The voice yelled once again while Nathan turned around to face it. Only to come face to face with the one person he hated more than Lucas. His father, Dan Scott.

Gulping slightly as he looked up at him waiting for something to happen or for Dan to say something.

Stumbling over his words as he realized who he had called after, he quickly regained his composure while taking the gym bag from off his shoulder and holding it out towards Nathan. "Give that to my boy." Dan said.

He had dreamt of this moment, where he'd come face to face with Dan Scott. Where he'd finally get to yell at him and get everything off his chest but as he was standing there in front of Nathan, he couldn't find any words- all he could do was stare into the eyes of the man that wanted nothing to do with him.

"I'll give it to him." A voice broke the pair out of the reverie.

Nathan had never been so happy to see Jake in his entire life. Taking the bag from Dan, he slung it over his shoulder. "We gotta get in there Nate, see ya later Mr. Scott." His trademark smile on his lips as he ushered Nathan towards the locker room entrance, leaving Dan Scott in the hallway by himself..

Once the doors were shut behind them, Nathan let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks man." He said, while Jake dropped Lucas' bag off at his locker.

"No problem." Jake replied as he began changing into his uniform. "He can't take it from you, you know that right?" He questioned.

Shrugging, "Sometimes feels like he's trying especially with Lucas." Nathan muttered as he pulled out his jersey and saw the name Scott written on the back. "I hate being tied with them." He confessed.

Laughing, "You're the better of the two. If anything they're lumped together with you." Jake clarified. "Just play the game Nate, nothing else matters right now."

Nodding his heard wordlessly as he continues to pick at the name on the back of his uniform.

---

Letting out a sigh as she stepped into the gymnasium, she felt like she was being transported back in time. How did she talk herself into this? Her eyes locked on a brunette that answered her question. Nathan. That's why she was here. Gripping her purse strap as she held it close to her chest.

"Not thinking of bailing are you?" A deep voice startled the blonde woman.

Turning around a smile crept on her lips as she realized who it was. "Never, just looking for a spot to sit down. It's pretty packed." Deb said with a smile.

Chuckling, "Brooke said she saved us seats with the rest of the guys right by the cheerleaders so we could still see the game but be close to her." Keith shared as he placed his hand on her lower back and began guiding her towards the bleachers.

"Momma Deb!" A bubbly brunette exclaimed, dressed in her Raven's cheer leading uniform. "I thought you couldn't make it?" Tilting her head in slight confusion.

Laughing slightly at her antics, "Someone got me to change my mind." Deb shared a knowing look with Keith.

"That's great!" Brooke smiled. "Does Nathan know? Can I tell him? Please? Please? Please?" She pleaded happily.

"Of course Niece Brooke." Keith said with a wink. "We'll be with the guys." He guided Deb towards the river court guys as Brooke disappeared.

"You let her tell Nate, didn't you?" Skillz questioned as he moved over as Deb took a seat next to him and Keith next to her.

"More we couldn't tell her no." Deb said with a smile as she looked over the gymnasium. "Where's Marvin?" She questioned curiously, her son had shared that he had gotten an announcing position but she couldn't find him.

"He in the locker room, listening to the pre-game speech." Junk informed her. "Whitey wanted to make him feel like a part of the team, which I think is great."

"Yeah, as long as he stays out of Lucas' way." Fergie said somewhat bitterly.

Turning around, he looked at the two boys behind him, "Why's that?" Keith questioned, wondering what his nephew had done to Mouth.

Shaking his head, "Nothing yet, but it's Lucas. He pretty much finds any reason to make someone's life miserable." Fergie shared with them.

"Well maybe team unity will change that." Deb offered in attempt to be pessimistic since she knew a different side to Lucas, missing the looks of disbelief from the four males surrounding her.

---

Slowly pushing open the door, she saw Max sitting with some guys from the team. "Max." She whispered loudly gaining his attention.

"What's up Brooke?" He asked with a smile as he got off the bench and headed over to her.

A dimpled smile across her lips, "Hey, can you do me a favor?" She asked.

Nodding her head, "Sure." Max replied.

"Can you make sure everyone's decent for me to come in, I have to talk to Nate." Brooke said, noticing his smile fall slightly. "I'm looking forward to our date tomorrow. I'm going shopping with Bevin tomorrow morning for a new outfit." And just like that Brooke noticed the smile was back in full force.

"Give me a couple minutes." Max said as disappeared further into the locker room.

"Thanks." She said as she glanced back out at the gymnasium before she felt someone tap her shoulder.

"You're good." Max said as he pulled open the door more for her.

"Thanks again." Brooke said as she walked through the locker room.

Standing up from the bench, "Cookie, everything okay?" Nathan asked, worry etched on his face.

Laughing, "I'm fine, but guess who's here?" Brooke questioned. "You'll never guess so I'll just tell you." She said, not giving him a chance to answer.

Chuckling, "Okay, who's here?" He asked.

"Momma Deb!" Brooke exclaimed happily. "Uncle Keith talked her into coming and she's sitting with the rest of the guys!"

"She's here?" Nathan asked in astonishment.

Nodding her head, "I told you she wouldn't let you down." Brooke told him softly, before hugging him tightly. "I'll see you out there."

"Alright boys-" Whitey began only to stop as he set eyes on the brunette cheerleader.

"Hi Coach, Bye Coach." Brooke said with a smile, while some of the team laughed before disappearing out of view back towards the gym doors but stopped when she heard a familiar voice who hadn't lost the fire in his tone from earlier.

"Well why is she here then?" Tim questioned.

Groaning in annoyance, "I don't fuckin' know Tim!" The blonde yelled as he taped up his fingers.

"Did your dad tell you?" The basketball player questioned.

Feeling his back tense in anger, "I already told you." He began through gritted teeth. "She's home and wants to play happy family. My dad wants to make her happy and wants me to win the game. So can you just make sure that happens?" Standing up from the bench, he threw the tape into his locker. "Go see what Coach is talking about. I'll be over there in a minute."

Hiding behind a row of lockers to make sure Tim didn't see her. She let out a sigh of relief when she realized he had gone the other way. Peeking her head around a corner, she glanced at Lucas and saw how he looked...she kind of felt bad for him.

Sitting back on bench, he dropped his head into his hands. He didn't need this right now. Haley was ignoring him which any other day would make him happy but he needed someone on his side. Peyton was taking Haley's side, not that he could blame her since he hadn't really been treating her like a friend. Tim and the others wouldn't understand. He hadn't told Deb what was going on- not really. He just wanted it to be him and his dad. He could handle one parent but with his mom- she acted like everything was alright all. the. time. It was too overwhelming especially with the fact that his dad was pushing him further and further past his limit.

"Just breathe." Brooke heard the blonde basketball captain mutter to himself. She honestly wanted to say something to him- anything because that's the kind of person she was. The brunette also knew that anything she'd tell him would fall on deaf ears or piss him off even more because he'd think she was pitying him. Deciding on leaving him alone, she turned around to leave only to lose her footing and stumble slightly into the lockers.

Hearing a noise, he abruptly pulled his face away from his hands. Standing up, he raised his eyebrow curiously as he went to inspect the noise. "What are you doing?" He seethed towards the brunette, knowing she was ease dropping on his private conversations.

"I- uh..." She fumbled to find the words. "I was talking to Nathan and went to leave when you were yelling. I was making sure you were okay..." Brooke trailed off when she realized how stupid that sounded, of course he would make fun of her. For some reason she cared, because even if he wasn't her friend she was his because like the guys said: She couldn't hate someone completely even if she tried.

"Well now you know." Lucas said as he walked towards her, causing her to back into the row of lockers with a gulp. Placing his hands on either side of her head, not scaring her but making sure her attention was set on him. "Golden boys life isn't perfect. Better go tell everyone." He said in a low voice.

Shaking her head, "I'm not- I wouldn't do that Lucas." She reassured him softly.

"Everyone's said that before." Lucas responded.

"You know you can talk to me-" The brunette began.

Laughing bitterly, "I really don't want to talk to the resident nerd and loser of Tree Hill." He bit out as he dropped both his hands and took a step back from her.

Feeling the pain that came with the comment she looked down at the ground, "Sorry I'm not up to your standards." She replied softly, sure she had heard worse from him but for some reason it just seemed to hurt worse this time around. "I won't say anything, I promise." Pushing herself off the locker, she began walking out of the locker room.

"I don't trust anyone's promises." Lucas called after her, causing Brooke to pause at the door and look at him over her shoulder.

"That's fine." Brooke responded, not knowing what else to say before disappearing from the doorway.

---

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen!" Mouth's voice boomed through the microphone, echoing off the walls of the gymnasium. "Welcome to the first game of the season! where the East Redskins have entered the house of the Tree Hill Ravens." He announced, earning some 'boos' from behind him which caused him to chuckle. "It should be an interesting game. We have our head cheerleader here, Haley James along with the cheer leading captain, Peyton Sawyer. Thank you ladies for joining me."

"Didn't have much of a choice." Haley muttered, causing Mouth to falter slightly with his smile.

Pinching her best friends arm, "It's great to be here Marvin." Peyton reassured him.

Clearing his throat, "Do either of you have any predictions on tonight's game?" He asked.

"Well if it's anything like last season we'll win for sure, but we do have a new starter." Peyton offered, knowing her best friend wouldn't contribute any to the conversation.

"Yes, Nathan Scott. He joined the team this season and Coach Durham started him out for the first game. Do you think it'll affect the win you're predicting?"

"If he wants to keep the team happy, he'll win." Haley cut into the conversation.

"R-right." Mouth stuttered out a response. "Well thank you ladies for joining me, we all look forward to the half time show." Knowing that if the conversation continued it could only get worse.

Smiling tightly, "Thanks Mouth-uh Marvin. Sorry." Peyton said as she yanked on her best friends arm, pulling her from the booth.

"What the hell was that?" Peyton said harshly towards her friend.

Shrugging, "I told you I didn't want to do it." Haley reminded her. "You're lucky I added to the conversation at all."

"You aren't with Lucas right now, is it impossible for you to stop being a bitch for like five minutes." Peyton said before brushing past her friend towards the squad.

"Are you okay?" Brooke asked as Peyton stood beside her.

Sighing, "It's just going to be a long night." Peyton said, giving Brooke a small smile.

Nodding her head, "It'll be fine." Grabbing Peyton's hand, she gave it a soft squeeze before releasing it and picking up her pom poms.

"Alright girls, the guys are coming out. Get into formation by the announcer's booth." Peyton informed them as they followed the captain's instructions.

"Line up." Haley yelled for added effect, standing on the opposite line of Peyton who just rolled her eyes at her before slapping a smile on her face.

"Jake Jagelski!" Mouth announced as the team started running in between the cheerleaders.

"Tim Smith!" Some of the girls laughed as he attempted to nod at them with an 'attractive' smirk.

"Nathan Scott!" Mouth said, while Brooke and Peyton cheered louder for him along with the family and friends he had sitting in the stands.

"And here's...Lucas...Scott!" Mouth added for extra effect, knowing that it would rile up the crowd and Lucas might hurt him if he didn't.

It had the effect, the crowd was so loud that no one could hear their own thoughts. Cockily running in between the cheerleaders with a smirk evident on his lips as he slapped the hands of his teammates. Running towards the coach as the team followed him to hear what play Whitey had planned out.

"Ravens on three fellas!" Tim announced while the guys put their hands in the circle.

Standing on the sidelines, Tim threw the ball to Lucas starting the game. Dribbling the ball down the court, he put up his first three pointer putting the Raven's on the scoreboard.

Jogging back down the court, he glanced over at Nathan with a look of disdain before looking at Tim and giving him a nod- reminding him to block Nathan from playing in the game.

Stealing the ball from the other team, Jake started dribbling down the court towards the goal as he attempted to get by the guy blocking him. Seeing that he wasn't budging, Jake took two steps backwards before putting up another three pointer. Jogging back down the court, Jake had a good feeling about tonight's game.

---

Coming back from halftime, it seemed the Redskins had finally showed up to the game.

Just as Nathan put up a two pointer, a teammate from the opposing team jumped and stole the ball.

Sighing as he heard Lucas yell, "Nice going loser!" He jogged back down the court only to see the ball go into the Redskins basket. He felt like it was going to be the worst game ever and some how it would be entirely his fault, at least Lucas would make sure of that. He just had to make it to the end of the game first.

"The Score is 45 to 44, favor of the East Redskins with thirty five seconds left on the clock." Mouth announced into his microphone as it bounced off the walls of the gymnasium. "If the Ravens make this next shot, they'll win the game.

Tim has the ball, tries to pass it to Luke who is double teamed with 25 seconds left.

"Tim!" Nathan hollered. "I'm open."

Not seeing any other option he let out a frustrating sigh before passing the ball to Nathan.

Glancing at the clock quickly before seeing team members from the opposing side heading towards him to block his shot. Taking his stance, he raised his hands up before releasing the ball watching it sail through the air. Seemed that everything slowed down as he and the rest of the gym watched the orange basketball hit the backboard and fall down through the basket, making the score 47 to 45.

Hearing the buzzer signaling the end of the game, he heard cheers from his side of the gym who had begun celebrating their victory.

"Yes!" Nathan threw his fist into the air, celebrating the victory and the fact that he scored the winning shot.

"Nathan!" Brooke exclaimed as she launched herself into her best friend's arms. "You did it!"

Chuckling as he wrapped his arms around her waist and twirled her around slightly, "Thanks to you." He muttered into her hair before placing her back down on the ground. "Thank you." Nathan said sincerely.

"What would you do without me?" She said with a dimpled smirk before glancing at the curly blonde that was standing a few feet behind her best friend. "I think your attention is needed else where." Pointing her index finger over Nathan's shoulder. "Later lover boy." Turning around, she saw Jake was headed towards her with his trademark smile on his lips, "Jake!" Once again launching herself into someone's arms.

"Nice shot, hot shot." Peyton teased as she got closer to Nathan.

Shrugging his shoulders, "I do what I can." Looking down at the blonde, he found his hand grabbing her own. "So, I've heard it's tradition for the players to kiss their girlfriends after the win."

Tilting her head as she looked up at him, curls framing her face as a smile began forming on her lips. "Oh really, then why haven't you kissed me yet?" The blonde questioned as she let go of his hand and grabbed the hem of his jersey.

Laughing at his girlfriend, he gripped her waist and pulled her closer. "Give me a minute." Nathan told her, before leaning down towards her and catching her lips with his own.

Locking her arms around his neck, she deepened the kiss before pulling away and looking up at him breathlessly. "Hello there boyfriend." Peyton said with a smile while looking up at the tall brunette. She laced her fingers through his hair.

"Hey." He replied softly before seeing another blonde waiting for him. "It's my mom." Nathan said softly as he looked down at Peyton.

Glancing over her shoulder with a smile, "Call me later superstar." Pressing a soft kiss to his cheek, she went to celebrate with the rest of the cheerleaders.

"I thought you couldn't come." Nathan said as he walked towards his mother.

Shrugging, "Like I could miss my son's first varsity game." Deb said with a smile. "And I'm glad that I didn't, that was an amazing shot Nate. I'm so proud of you."

Pulling her into a hug, he closed his eyes and let out a shaky breath. "Thank you for coming." He said sincerely. He knew that he was mad she couldn't come but he also understood. To see her here was a big step for her and he would be forever grateful.

"Anything for you." Deb said as they broke the hug. "Wanna head home or do you want to stay out a bit and celebrate?" Understanding if he did, she remembered the amazing feeling of a win and never wanting it to fade away which meant staying out for as long as you could.

Slinging his arm over his mother's shoulder, "I figure you can help Brooke and I watch movies all night- what do you think?" Nathan said with a smile as they walked towards the locker room so he could grab his things.

"That sounds fine to me." Deb said with a smile as she watched Nathan disappear behind the locker room doors.

---

"Night Ma." Nathan said as his mom closed her bedroom door. It had been a long day for her and she had already watched two movies with the pair so they didn't give her much hell about going to bed. "So we're watching Sixteen Candles why?" The male brunette questioned as he sat on the couch with a bowl of popcorn in lap.

"I've explained this to you." The cheery brunette reprimanded him. "It's my favorite movie and I see you mouthing along the words with a small smile on your face so get over it." Sticking her tongue out at him before hitting play on the DVD player and taking her spot next to him on the couch.

"Whatever you say Davis." He chuckled while stuffing some popcorn into his mouth. "What's with the wristband?" Nodding his head towards her wrist, after they had changed out of their uniforms and into their pajamas he had noticed that she hadn't taken it off.

"I have a nasty bruise." Brooke couldn't believe that came from her mouth, she just didn't want to explain to Nathan why Lucas had drawn something on her. She knew she had to tell him the truth but apparently today wasn't that day. "Peyton gave me a wristband to cover it up."

Shrugging as he accepted her answer since he didn't have any reason not to. "You okay?" He asked.

"Yeah, just slammed my wrist into a table in the library." She reassured him, still not understanding why she couldn't tell her best friend the truth. "Better not anyone else see it or else they'll think my boys are beating me up."

Chuckling, "If they only knew how abusive you really were towards us." Nathan said with a smile as the movie began. They had gotten to the nerd crashing the party when Brooke spoke up.

"Did you feel it change?" Brooke asked.

"What?" Nathan questioned.

"Everything. That's going to be the moment you look back on and say that's when it all changed." Brooke clarified, knowing that from this point on things really wouldn't ever be the same.

Smirking as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, "You're too smart for your own good Davis." Nathan told her, attempting to hide the nagging feeling in the back of his mind that was screaming that she was right.

"I already know that." Brooke said with a smile as she leaned into her best friend.

Rubbing her shoulder reassuringly, "Everything's gonna be fine." Placing a soft kiss on the top of her head.

---

Saturday

Opening his eyes, he squinted in confusion as he took in his surroundings. This looked nothing like his room, the he remembered where he was right before a girl walked into the living room. "I don't know why you don't crash on the guest room bed." She said as she pulled her wet curly hair into a messy ponytail.

Shrugging as he raised his arms over his head stretching before sitting up and throwing the blanket off him. "It's quiet down here. You're one of my best friends Sawyer but you are always blasting that music." He said as he followed her into the kitchen where he could smell coffee already brewing.

Sitting at the kitchen table, he stretched his arms out over the surface. "Thanks for letting me crash here." He said sincerely, he was glad that she didn't hate him so much that they still couldn't count on one another. He just didn't want to deal with his mom or his dad, especially when he only made 15 points and that didn't include the winning shot.

"No problem, Luke." Peyton replied as she slid a cup of coffee across the table towards him before taking a seat. "Not that I don't like the company especially with Haley being a mega bitch during this lovely break the two of you are having but-"

"I've been a total dick lately." Lucas offered before taking a gulp of his coffee.

Smiling at the fact that they knew each other too well. "Yeah, what's that about anyway?" Holding her cup of coffee in between both of her hands.

Sighing, "Just my dad and basketball. I haven't been myself which isn't an excuse but you know I don't mean half the shit I say, right Peyton?" Lucas knew that he was an asshole but it was an unwritten rule that he wasn't that way directly towards Peyton. It seemed lately that rule kept getting broken, but he needed to know that she was still on his side- he needed someone on his side.

Remaining quiet she took a sup of her coffee, "Just half the shit?" Peyton teased with a wink, letting him know that they were okay.

"Well sometimes you are a loud obnoxious-" He began before getting cut off at Peyton throwing an oven mitt at him. "You're my best friend Sawyer."

Nodding her head, "You're mine too and as your best friend I'm entitled to know things. Things you don't tell anyone else right?" She asked as she placed her mug on the table while staring at the coffee.

"Yeah I guess it does. What's on your mind?" Lucas was suddenly worried what she was going to ask him, he hoped it wasn't about his dad. He could only lie so long about that and with the way Peyton could read him since she had known him the longest meant his secret would be found out and he wasn't ready to deal with that.

"Why'd you draw it on Brooke?" The curly blonde had wanted to ignore it but as soon as she saw Lucas' so called 'ownership' symbol drawn on the brunette's arm, she knew that it meant nothing but trouble.

Taking a rather large gulp of his coffee before answering, "Draw what?" Figuring he could take the dumb way out.

Sighing as she finished off her coffee. Standing up she poured herself another cup before turning back around to face the blonde basketball player. "Luke, I'm serious. You don't draw that on just anything or anyone unless you care.

Letting out a heavy scoff, "No I don't." As he attempted to ignore her even though he knew she was right. His first basketball he drew on it with a permanent marker. The day he met Peyton and they clarified they would always be best friends, he drew it on her shoulder. His first car he carved it into the tag. When he and Haley began dating, he drew it on the back of her neck. Damn Peyton Sawyer for being so smart sometimes.

"Tell me I'm wrong." Peyton told him, knowing that she was right when she heard nothing but silence. "Lucas, I thought you didn't like her. You've made her miserable every chance you get. Even more so when she joined the squad."

"Just leave it Peyton." He bit out before downing the rest of his coffee. "I gotta go see Haley. I'll talk to you later." Putting his mug in the sink before heading towards the front door. "Thanks for letting me stay here last night."

"Lucas!" Peyton called out after him, making him pause at the door turning around to look at her. "Just be careful please." Not knowing exactly what she meant but also knowing that it couldn't end well.

"Fine." Nodding his head in understanding, he opened the door before closing it behind him.

---

Leave it to his girlfriend well ex-girlfriend soon to be girlfriend again to leave her front door unlocked, it's like she was begging for trouble. Heading up the stairs, he found her still asleep but with his luck she was probably passed out. He skipped the after party and just went straight to Peyton's, who had gone to the party since she stumbled in around three in the morning.

Walking over to the bed, he sat on the edge as he nudged her shoulder slightly. "Hales, wake up." He said which caused the honey blonde to stir slightly but still not wake up. Letting out a slight aggravated sigh, "Haley." He shook her with a little more persistence this time.

Groaning as her eyes fluttered open, "Luke?" She spoke softly before grabbing his shirt and pulling him down for a kiss. Figuring she was dreaming she decided to make the most of it, sure she missed him but she would never let him know that not until he apologized. Opening her legs slightly, she let his warm body fall in between them as she ran her fingers through his hair.

Immediately responding to the kiss, he gripped her hip with his right hand while his left forearm held his body above hers. He didn't know what brought this on but he figured it meant they were back together and the perfect way to do that was with make up sex. It was also the perfect way to get his mind off what was waiting at home and Peyton's nagging voice.

Grounding her hips up towards his body she was shocked when she heard him moan in her ear. Usually there were just vivid words and movements in her dreams. Snapping her eyes open, she ignored the pounding in her head as she paused her lips movements causing Lucas to start nipping down her jaw. "Lucas." She said before shoving him off of her and wiping her own mouth. "What do you think you're doing?" She bit out.

Licking his lips, "I came over to talk, you're the one that mauled me." Lucas said in a cocky tone as he lay back on the bed.

Rolling her eyes, "You weren't at the party last night." She observed as she sat up and leaned against her headboard.

"Yeah, was tired so just went to bed." Lucas told her, which wasn't a complete lie but Haley didn't truly know how close Peyton and Lucas were, both blonds agreed it would just make her all the more jealous which neither of them wanted.

"Okay." She said, hoping that he was telling the truth since Theresa was bragging about her latest hook up, she never mentioned Lucas by name but Haley had a horrible feeling it was him.

"Hales." Sitting up, he looked over at her. "Let's just get back to normal." He wanted nothing more then for everything to go back to normal and he knew that dating Haley would be the first step.

Sighing knowing that she wanted that too but everything proved to be working against them lately, "Normal sucks with us Lucas." Haley needed to be honest if they were getting back together this time.

Licking his lips, "Then will get back to what works for us." He said as he moved closer to her. "Just say 'It's fine." Hales." Lucas instructed as he kissed her lips softly.

"It's fine." She muttered against his lips, but something in the pit of her stomach didn't feel right but she just ignored it as she deepened the kiss.

---

"Mom!" Brooke groaned as she hurriedly took off the skirt and shirt she was wearing and picked up a blue dress from her bed and slipped it on. "Oh is it too late to cancel?" She asked herself.

"What is it sweet- whoa, did a tornado come through here?" Lydia Davis questioned with a chuckle as she walked over to her daughters bed, moved some items and sat down.

"I don't know what to wear." She groaned as she fell onto a pile of clothes that lay on top of her bed, covering her face with her hands.

Looking at her daughter curiously, "What's really wrong? Since what you have on is perfect." Her mother could always read her like a book.

"I think this is a mistake." Brooke muttered from beneath her hands.

Laying down next to her daughter, "Why's that?" Lydia asked.

"He didn't notice me until I was on the squad, this is just a status thing." Brooke said. "I mean we'll probably go on a few dates but then what? We'll be seen together but only at school? I think I deserve someone that really likes me."

"How do you know that this boy doesn't really like you?" Wondering why her daughter could find that fact impossible.

"Look at me, I'm a tutor." Brooke started.

"And a cheerleader and a girl who was raised not to believe that labels meant everything or anything for that matter." Sitting up, she gently grabbed her daughter's arm and led her to the full length mirror.

"What are you doing?" Brooke groaned as she kept tugging at her dress.

Gently slapping her daughter's hands, "You know what I see?" Lydia said as she tucked a curl behind her daughter's ear. "I see a beautiful young lady who could have anything she wanted and any guy she wanted." Standing behind her daughter as she placed her hands on her shoulders, "Brooke you are a smart girl and if you didn't believe that Max was doing this for honest reasons you wouldn't have agreed to it, so stop freaking out."

Smiling, "Thanks mom." Brooke said with a smile.

"Anytime." Hearing the doorbell go off, "That would be him. I'll get it."

"I'll be down in a minute." Brooke hollered after her mom as she took in her appearance once more. As she went to grab her purse, she caught a glance of her wrist. The marker hadn't completely washed off so she still saw the faint '3'. "Ever think that I like you?" Lucas' words echoed through her head as she walked down the stairs before she shook her head slightly. Seeing Max at the front door in a nice black button up shirt and a pair of jeans. "You look amazing." Max said causing the brunette's face to brighten with a smile.

"You don't look too bad yourself, Max." Brooke replied, giggling as she noticed the faint blush that crept on the basketball player's cheeks.

"This is for you." Handing her a sunflower. "I hope you like it."

"It's beautiful, thank you." Brooke handed the flower to her mom before she followed Max to his car. "So where are we going?"

"Bricks." Max said as he shut her door before jogging over to the other side of the car and climbing in the driver's side. "It's a really great place, but I'll warn you- there are a lot of classmates that hang out there. If you want to go somewhere else that's fine but I'd kind of like to show you off if you don't mind." Shifting into 'drive' he headed down the road.

"I wouldn't mind at all." Brooke said with a smile. "I really don't want to talk to the resident nerd and loser of Tree Hill." Shaking Lucas' word out of her head, she glanced over at Max and realized her mom was right, he really did like her.

---

Holding up a napkin to her mouth as she continued giggling, "That's crazy." Brooke told him as her laughter calmed down. "I can't believe you guys did that."

Chuckling as he took another drink of his water, "Yeah me either but it was part of initiation." Max said while placing his glass down.

"I'm having fun." Brooke admitted as she looked over at Max.

Smiling as he looked over at her, "Me too. I'm really glad that you agreed to come out with me tonight."

"I am too." A smile on her face, "Can I be honest?" She asked.

"Of course." Max said, looking at her intently.

"I almost bailed on coming out tonight." She confessed.

Tilting his head in confusion, "Why's that?"

"I'm just not used to being asked out without ulterior motives." Brooke told him. "But I'm starting to realize that it's never a bad thing giving people the benefit of the doubt."

"Well I'm glad you came out." Max told her.

Smiling, "I am too." Brooke agreed.

"I have a question, which might seem to soon and I'll completely understand if you say no." He began.

"Max." Brooke cut him off. "You're rambling again." A smile as she remembered how he had asked her out.

"Would you like to be my girlfriend?" Max asked softly.

Pausing slightly as she mulled it over for a few moments before a smile came across her lips. "That'd be wonderful. Especially if it means we get to do this again."

"Great. I kinda figure if we want to do it again, I should probably get you home before your parents hurt me." He teased as he looked down at his clock seeing that it was almost ten at night. Even if it was a Saturday, he wanted her parents to like him.

"That sounds good." Placing her napkin back on the table, "Looks like we have an audience." Brooke said as she discreetly nodded her head before standing up.

Glancing over his shoulder he saw that there were some cheerleaders and guys from the team. "How about we give them something to watch?" Max suggested as he slowly wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her close.

Gulping slightly, "Okay." She rasped out, sure she had kissed guys but their first kiss wasn't usually in public and she- all thoughts vanished as she felt Max's lips pressed against hers. Gently grabbing his shirt, she pressed her lips back against his. Relaxing slightly, she began moving her lips in sync against his before air became a necessity for both.

"Wow." Max breathed out as he smiled down at the brunette cheerleader.

"Yeah." Brooke giggled, of course the kiss was wonderful but it was missing something. She couldn't pin point what and she didn't want to fret over it so she just leaned up and placed a soft kiss on Max's lips once more before pulling away. "Let's get me home before I turn into a pumpkin." She teased, feeling happier than she had in a while even carefree.

"Fine, let's go Cinderella." Max joked along with her as the pair exited the restaurant.

---

He couldn't avoid it anymore, he had wasted most of the day at Haley's before he honestly wanted to go home. He cared for her but sometimes spending so much time with her was suffocating. Walking into the front door, he tossed his keys into the bowl as he shut the front door.

Pausing at the front door, he listened for any noise. When he didn't hear anything he continued walking as he headed past the living room towards the stairs hoping he could just make a quick escape to his room.

"Did you think because you stayed out all night that I would just forget that you didn't win?" Dan spit out from his chair with a scotch in his hand.

Sighing, "We did win Dad." Lucas said softly, wanting nothing more but to go to the safety of his room or even back to Peyton's. Especially when he noticed the drink in his father's hand, he silently wondered where his mother was before shaking the thought as if she would save him.

"No, that other one made the winning shot." Dan reminded him as he stood up from the chair and stumbled towards the blonde basketball player.

Backing up against a wall, the blonde realized he was better off suffocating at his girlfriend's house. "I know, I told Tim not to let him play."

Bringing the back of his hand across Lucas' face, "That's no excuse!" Dan yelled. "You were horrible in that game."

"I tried, dad." Lucas said softly.

"Fifteen points, I mean that wasn't even half the score." Dan muttered to himself as he threw the scotch glass against the wall near Lucas' head. "I would make fifteen points in the first twenty minutes not the entire game!" Grabbing Lucas' shoulders, he slammed him into the wall. "You're never going to make it in the NBA!" Dan slammed him into the wall twice more.

Gasping for breath, "I'll do better. Practice harder." Lucas attempted to reason with his dad, wanting nothing more than for it to stop but he had to stay strong that's why he hadn't flinched or moved.

Bringing his fist back he swung it towards Lucas' gut, causing the young blonde to fall to the floor. "You'll do better?" Dan laughed. "You'll do whatever I tell you to do!" Bracing his hands on the wall, he brought his leg back before kicking Lucas in the gut. "Five a.m. Practices, more weight training, more running and less time frolicking about with those whores and idiots you call friends! The only thing you'll do at school is practice and working on your grades since you're a dumb ass too! Do you understand me?"

"Fine." Lucas coughed out, which seemed to be enough for Dan as he disappeared back into the living room towards the liquor cabinet. Leaving his son lying on the floor who had silent tears running down his face.

Wiping them off his face, he remembered what his dad told him when he was thirteen and fell off his bike scraping his knee. "Scott men don't show their weakness." Lucas muttered to himself as he stayed laying on the floor, waiting for the pain to pass.

---

Sorry it took forever! I lost internet for a bit and then every time I went to go submit it, another idea would hit me for this chapter that I just had to add. I wrote 32 pages to make up for it. I hope you enjoyed every bit of it. I also updated Do You Remember, sorry that took so long. I actually was done with it but I didn't realize that so I hadn't submitted it. Reviews are love, I also want to thank you guys for reviewing my one shot. Gives me butterflies.

r\ e\ v\ i\ e\ w\ s \ my anti-drug.

This video gave me inspiration, I love them as a couple! ;; youtube. com/watch?v=rDbfRNxJBgY