AN: It's been forever. I am douche. I have no excuse. If any of you are still reading this, then this one goes out to YOU.

Disclaimer: I own nothing except the newly fixed Mac in which I wrote this on…

Breakin' All The Rules

Brave New World

"If you care about something you have to protect it – If you're lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it."
― John Irving

-xx-

The morning rays pour into the Imperial's penthouse kitchen, Brooke and Lucas sit on opposing stools over the island eating their breakfast.

The brooder click-clacks away on his MacBook sending out emails and checking his calendar for the rest of the week while the brunette reads over the Features section of the New York Times—this is their morning routine now: they read the paper, discuss their plans, and chit-chat for a while before heading off to their respective days.

"Hey, babe," Lucas says, "I got our plane tickets for Tree Hill this weekend."

Brooke nods, "Good. I talked to your mother and she asked that we be there before six." she glances up from the paper and flashes him one of her dazzling smiles, "Apparently we're part of the wedding party now so we have to be there early."

Lucas furrows his brow, "Why is my mother calling you?" he asks, curiosity getting the best of him.

"She likes me better than you." Brooke says matter-of-factly, shrugs casually, "But that's the case with just about everybody. I'm the likable one in this relationship."

Lucas rolls his eyes playfully, leans forward to peck her lips and snatches the paper out of her hands, "Quit hoggin' it, babe." He immediately looks away to avoid falling victim to the pout, changes the subject, "I just sent the completed draft of the book. Jess should be coming into the city next week, I was thinking we could have dinner."

"Sure. I'll get us some reservations." Brooke focuses on her stack of pancakes, steals a glance at Jax who's all giddy playing in his bouncy chair and smiles. She's beginning to enjoy the normalcy of their mornings together. It's almost like a real family, and she supposes that's what they are now—a family.

Lucas winks at her, "Thanks, babe." he says with a smile. They hear the elevator ding and Lucas frowns, "How many people have a key to this place?"

Brooke frowns, "Haley has one in case of emergencies, and Clay has a master key because this is his hotel." She replies with an eye roll—they're not nineteen anymore, she no longer gives out keys to her place like lollipops.

Nate walks in barefoot, wearing a pair of basketball shorts and a wife-beater. "What's for breakfast?" he asks, sitting on a stool next to his brother.

Lucas snorts, "How do you explain this, then?"

"How'd you get a key, numbnuts?" demands Brooke, equal parts amused and surprised at the invasion of their privacy. "And why are you up so early? Are you just getting in?"

Nate shrugs, "I asked the concierge." he says, picks off a piece of toast off Brooke's plate. "And Spence crashed here. She had to get in early for some research project. Girl works harder than I ever did in college." He smirks, "Heh, you could say I sent her off to school with a bang."

Lucas chuckles and high-fives his brother. Brooke scrunches up her nose, tosses a bagel at Nate's head, "Don't be a douche about it." she reprimands. "I hate it when guys get all brag-y about getting laid."

"Not bragging if it's true, Sunshine," Nate smirks, high-fives Lucas once more, then stops laughing at Brooke's glare. "So...whatcha guys up to today?"

Lucas shrugs and announces, "Uh, I just finished the revised draft of the new book."

"I gotta get to work soon." Brooke says, "Plus, I'm trying to clear off my schedule for Pey and Matty's thing this weekend."

Nate pulls a cold one from the fridge, "You mean Dan's Big Wedding Show featuring Peyton and Matt," he amends, popping the top off the bottle against the kitchen counter.

"A little early to start drinking, isn't it," Brooke comments.

Nate shrugs, "It's gotta be noon somewhere."

Brooke rolls her eyes playfully, as if resigning herself to the fact that Nate will never change, "Behave," she orders.

Nate places a hand over his heart as if to signify compliance.

Brooke turns to face Jackson and kisses the top of his head, "Momma's gonna miss you, baby boy," she whispers before turning to Lucas and pressing a soft kiss against his lips, "And I'll miss you, too. Take care of my kid, okay." She winks, then faces Nate, "And you can leave the key here before you leave." she says, pressing a kiss to the side of his head and ruffling his hair as if he were a little boy.

Lucas smirks and waves goodbye as Brooke disappears into the elevator. Lately he's been spending more time here than at his loft. And he likes it, likes being a part of Brooke's routine. He thinks he can picture himself doing this with her forever and being perfectly content.

Nate slaps his arm and snaps him out of it, "Are you listening to me?"

"Not really," Lucas replies, "Are you ready for the return to Tree Hill?"

"Ready as I ever am," Nate says with a non-chalant shrug. "Speaking of, I am on top of the bachelor party. I'm thinking we drive out to Charlotte—bar, night club, and wrap it up at the strip club."

Lucas frowns, "Why are you planning the bachelor party?" he asks, "Isn't that the best man's job?"

"Yeah, that's kind of a mess. See, Tim Riggins was supposed to be the best man, but Dan did not approve so he looked at the Phi Delta roster and lined up Logan Echolls to step up, if only for the photo op. Rigg's still handling stag night festivities, though, and since I grew up in NC, he asked me to hook it up. Plus, at Dan's insistance, we're on the wedding party, too."

Lucas nods, "Good to know." he says, "And Saracen talked to you and not me?"

"Yeah. But you shouldn't let it bother you. Everyone likes me better." Nate says cockily, "I'm the cool one."

Lucas rolls his eyes, stands up to get Jax, "Oh, fuck off!"

Nate chuckles, "Dude, it's no big deal." he says, "Look, you can help me scout locals if you want. Guys' night out. Can't bring A.J., though." he sticks his tongue out playfully at the infant and Jax giggles, "Dude's too little. But I'll totally spring for a night out for him just as soon as he turns fifteen."

"Yeah. You're not planning anything for my kid, man." Lucas shakes his head. "Ever."

Nate smirks, "Say what you will," he says, "Littlest high-five in the world, bro!" and Jax slaps his little hand against Nate's repeatedly with a smile. "Mini-dude loves his Uncle Nate."

Lucas grins as an idea dawns on him, "Uh, yeah, actually, he does," he hands his son over to his brother, "So much so that you're going to babysit him today."

"What? Why?" Nate whines.

Lucas heads towards the closet and starts pulling out shirts, "I have an interview with GQ today and I thought I was going to have to cancel because of Jax, but you're here." he says, flashes Nate two ties, "Which one?"

"Blue." Nate replies, "When in doubt, always go with blue. It brings out the eyes."

Lucas furrows his brow, "That is the most effeminate thing you've ever said to me." he states matter-of-factly.

"Spencer taught me that." Nate explains.

"Ah, the girl friend!" Lucas exclaims, "How's that going, by the way? First time I ever recall you being in something steady—unless you count that semester you and Alex Dupre were doing the whole friends-with-benefits thing."

Nate raises a skeptical eyebrow, "I don't know." he says, "I like her. She's...fun, when she wants to be. And she can match me." he shrugs, "But then again, we don't have all-out brawls like you and Brooke do or screw around on each other like Mom and Dad do or get stoned like Clay and Rae did, and I definitely haven't knocked her up like Jay and Hales."

Lucas settles on grey pants from Save Khaki and a Thom Browne button-down—casual but formal. For a second he misses Emma who usually picks out his suits for him. "Oy, that's past tense," he corrects, "Brooke and I used to brawl. We're actually good now. We did a lot of growing up in the last few years."

Nate laughs, nods, "Yeah, I guess that's true." he states, "Nice look, by the way," he adds, "slim-fit pieces suit you."

"Spencer?"

"That was actually Haley."

Lucas laughs, "Yeah, you should check if you still have your balls, dude."

Nate rolls his eyes and tosses a toy at his brother's head before placing Jax back into his high-chair, "God, I need to start hanging out with guys more often." he says, scrounging up his nose.

"Definitely." Lucas concludes.

-xx-

Jake sighs as he walks into the expansive offices of Pearson Hardman and looks around. Hands tucked in his pants' pockets, he's successful and cut-throat attorney (at least when the ocassion warrants it), so he knows how to fill a suit. He looks like he belongs.

But Jake's still nervous, really, because this is a big change. Merging his firm with Pearson Hardman was a big decision. It means moving and taking on an entire new roster of clients. But it felt like the right decision: Sam's dad was still sick and he wanted to be closer to his family, which is in Lawrence, Kansas.

And Jake's...well, Jake is single and Dex has just been accepted into St. Jude's for the coming term and Emma prefers the city to Hartford.

It doesn't look like he and Haley are going to get it together anytime soon. A change can only do them good at this point.

Besides, taking the next step to further his career just feels...right. It's the one solid thing in his life right now, after all.

"Hey," Mike Ross says, snapping him out of his thoughts, "Paperwork's all done. It's official now. Good to finally have you onboard, man."

Jake grins, "Good to be here," he shakes the young lawyer's hand firmly, "This is gonna be interesting, to say the least."

Mike chuckles, "You'll love it here. Trust me." he says, "Sorry Harvey and Jessica aren't here to properly welcome you. Big case, you know how it is."

"It's okay." Jake says, "You're a fine Harvey-in-training, Mike."

Mike nods, "I take that as a compliment," he says, "Um, you know where your office is. Donna can help you out with whatever you need until you get your own assistant. And, uh, watch out for Louis. He's on another one of his tears today. Welcome to Pearson Hardman."

"Thanks." Jake replies, lets out a sigh as he looks around his new office and takes in the view, "Welcome to the city, Jaglieski." he sighs, "Brave new world."

-xx-

Brooke walks into CoB a little bit later than usual, but everyone's working at full-speed regardless of her absence.

As if magically summoned, Nora appears at her side almost immediately. "Good morning, Brooke," she greets, "No new messages this morning, but the deadline for the new design pitch is today so I need the final sketches so I can get the packets ready."

"Here." Brooke replies, handing over a folder with the completed designs for the new line. "Everything should be there, and remember to double check with Alexander that he sent you the right designs. Also, can you call and make a dinner reservation? Make it for four, Butter or Delmonico's should do. Please make sure I get the table in the wine room. Any night next week will do, and make it in Lucas's name then text him the details."

Nora nods and takes notes as she dutifully follows Brooke around the office floor as the brunette doles out instructions. "You're booked every night next week."

Brooke groans, "Ugh, then cancel whatever can be postponed." She pauses, an idea dawning on her, "Better yet, make the reservations the night of the Saks meeting. You can take the lead and represent me with them."

Nora brightens up, "Seriously?"

"Seriously." Brooke says easily, "I trust your the probie with you, she'll like the experience." She okays another set of designs, comments, "This looks great, but can we make this belt a quarter inch wider? Great."

"Hanna?" Nora asks, "Done and done! I will not let you down, boss."

Brooke's hands are full of more layouts to approve by the time she reaches her desk, just like always. "I know you won't." she winks, "And I think that's everything. Am I forgetting anything, Nora?"

Nora glances at her notes, "Uh...yes, Mr. Jaglieski called. He wanted meet up with you tonight—his place, nothing too formal. He's waiting on a call to confirm a time."

Brooke's brain automatically starts adjusting her day so she can get out of the office at a decent hour, "Tell him six...ish." she says, making a playful grimace, "Also, call the sitter and ask her if she's free tonight. And don't forget to remind me about the conference call with the London office."

Nora nods dutifully, "You got it, boss." she says, "Ooh, I left you coffee and a cherry danish in your top drawer." she adds as she leaves.

"You're a godess, Nora!" Brooke calls out, grinning like a little girl. She glances the newest addition to the collection of pictures on her desk; Lucas and Jax are flashing her matching grins from a frame that reads Daddy & Me. "I love my life."

-xx-

It's sometime in the after noon that Clay Evans shows up at CoB headquarters decked out in a Dior suit instead of his usual jeans and a buttoned-up shirt.

He casually walks into Brooke's office as if he owns the place, "Hey, have you heard anything from Rae?" he offers as a greeting.

"Hello to you, too," Brooke shoots back, gestures towards the blonde sitting across from her, "It's not like I'm busy or anything."

Clay rolls his eyes, "Right. Sorry." he turns towards the girl, "Clay Evans. Pleasure to meet you."

"Hanna Marin." She says, shaking his hand, "Charmed. Um, Ms. Davis, I can finish this up by today. Bring it to you at five?"

Brooke nods, "Sure, Han," she says, waving the girl off, "And good job!"

Hanna grins like a little girl at the acknowledgment of her effort before heading out the door. Clay tilts his head, checks out her ass as she bounces away. "Yeah, Han," he calls out, "Real good job!" He flashes her the trademark Evans grin and wink when she whirls around to smile at him.

"Down, boy!" Brooke orders, "We've been over this—no fraternizing with employees, especially the probies."

Clay smirks, still watching her leave, "Hey, they're not my employees," he mutters, turns to face the brunette, "I find myself in need of a distraction lately. It's been a while."

"Keep it in your pants, Dopey." Brooke chuckles, "And no, I haven't heard from Rae in a few days, actually. I imagine she's been as busy as I have. Oh, speaking of being busy, does Jake want to meet up with you tonight, too? 'Cause Luke and I are headed down to Hartford together, maybe you wanna carpool?"

Clay looks at his watch, "Oh, I'm driving down with Nate." he replies, "Thanks for the offer though."

"Look at you, checking out your watch, dismissively thanking me," Brooke scoffs, "Guess you're really a business man now, aren't you? Back at Fortitude we used to have darts tournaments and casual Fridays."

"C'mon, cut it out," Clay replies, "You'll be happy to know I am actually finishing up setting up Evans Enterprises to run in my absence. I'll be back to being me in no time, B., so just chill."

Lucas stands at the doorway, knocks, "Hey, babe," he greets, "You busy?"

"Not for you." Brooke replies, flashing him a dimpled smile.

"Good. 'Cause I brought you lunch." Lucas waves a bag from Burger Joint, "Hey, man," He shakes Clay's hand and sits across from the brunette. "I even brought you a Guinness to chase it down—plus some chili fries."

Brooke walks over and plops down on his lap, "You know me so well," she pecks his lips, "Though I should probably start eating more healthy stuff."

Clay snorts, "Yeah, right," he says, "Like that's gonna happen."

Lucas laughs, bumps fists with Clay, then turns to Brooke, "I actually don't mind." he says matter-of-factly, "It just goes straight to your ass—in a good way, I mean." He grabs her ass to emphasize her point.

"I'll leave you two alone," Clay says, "See ya tonight. Hey, B., if Freckles calls you, tell her I'm waiting to hear from her."

Brooke laughs from Lucas' lap, "Alright, C." she says, "See you."

"Wanna eat in here?" Lucas asks, "'Cause I'd prefer it if you didn't have to move." His hands are still resting on her ass.

Brooke grins, "Ah, so you just want me to stay straddling you all through lunch hour?"

"Well, actually, I'd prefer it if we did other stuff, too." Lucas replies, grinding up against her suggestively.

Brooke throws head back at the friction, "Yeah, no," she shakes her head, "We can't do this here. Ah, I knew should've picked an office with fewer windows."

Lucas just chuckles, "Right." he says, "Lets just eat."

"You're dressed pretty fancy," Brooke observes, playing with skinny blue tie she'd bought for him, "What's up? And where'd you ditch my kid, by the way?"

"Nate is babysitting because I was at an interview with GQ." Lucas starts, "They're looking for an art director and a headhunter recommended me. It's looking pretty good, actually."

"Seriously?" Brooke claps excitedly , "Why didn't you tell me you were looking?"

Lucas shrugs, "I don't know, I guess I just wanted to wait until I had something solid." he says casually, "I've already written three books. You know, I got my dream of being a published author, and I've loved it, but...I think I'm ready to try something new. Besides, this new job is a steady paycheck and it keeps me close to you and to Jax. Making this work, that's my new dream. It's what I want."

Brooke smiles, reaches over to hold his hand, "That," she pecks his lips, "just earned you some desk-sex—assuming the conference room is free."

Lucas smirks the infamous Scott-smirk, "Oh, I'm down with that," he chuckles, "Lets do it."

-xx-

Brooke makes it back home at just fifteen past five, which means they just might make it over to Jake's at six-ish.

She drops her purse and kicks off her shoes, hears a soft rock-ish lullaby is coming from her son's bedroom, so she decides to check it out. When the brunette peeks into her room, she can't help the grin that appears on her face.

Of course it's Sweet Child O'Mine, she thinks.

Lucas always did like Guns 'N Roses. In fact, he and Jake used to sing that same song to Emma. What's more, for whatever reason, the song also seems to soothe her—no, their kid. She needs to get used to saying that—theirs. Huh, like father like son.

Lucas turns off the iPod speakers and turns off the light. "Hey," he smiles at the sight of the brunette, "You're home early."

"I managed to slip away," Brooke replies, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head against his chest.

Lucas hands cradle her head and he presses a kiss into her chocolate locks, "And how was your day, darling?" he jokes, "Mine was just swell!"

"I'm overworked as usual," Brooke replies, "But I like it, and I am now trying to delegate more."

Lucas chuckles, "I wasn't aware you knew the meaning of the word."

Brooke slaps his chest, "I'm learning," she pecks his lips, "Compromise, babe. It's an art form."

"Very true." Lucas agrees, pecking her lips once more, "Then again, you always were a smart one."

-xx-

Clay and Nate are already at Jake's place by the time Brooke and Lucas arrive.

The gang settles down around the kitchen island, and it's by far the most casual business meeting any of them have had in a while.

"No need to keep it down," Jake says, "Dex is at yet another sleepover. That kid has a better social life than I ever did."

"Awesome." Nate says as he scavenges the fridge for some grub and something to drink, "Now can we get down to business. The suspense is killing me."

Brooke slaps the raven-haired Scott upside the head, "Play nice," she warns, "But seriously, what's up, Jay?" The whole thing feels weird, really, because she still isn't quite able to separate Jake and Haley in her mind, and it just feels weird to not have her here rounding up the group. Between Haley and Rachel's absence there's a palpable whole in the group.

"Look, guys, this is kind of an informal announcement, but I wanted to tell you all together," Jake starts, "I, uh, merged the law firm. Sam wanted to move closer to his family, and Pearson Hardman had been after me for a while now. It doesn't really change things, if anything it just means you're gonna be getting a bigger, five-star treatment. I'm moving into the city next week."

There's a stunned silence for a few seconds before anyone reacts.

Lucas sighs, "Congratulations!" he exclaims, "This pretty big, right? I mean, Pearson Hardman is a pretty big, prestigious law firm."

"Yeah, it is," Jake says, kind of surprised at the positive reaction, unsure of what he was expecting from them, "So, you're all fine with this?"

Brooke stands up, "Yes." she says, moves over to give him a kiss and a hug, "Of course we are. I, for one, am ecstatic to my Jakey boy in the city!"

"Toatally, man," Nate says, "You've always done a killer job. I'm happy for you."

Clay nods in agreement, "Yeah, dude," he adds, "You've done good. In fact, I think this warrants a celebration. Anyone agree, huh?"

"It'll be just like old time, bro," Nate says, clapping Jake's back, "Pizza, cheap beer and our highly infectious party spirit."

They fall into their old patters pretty quickly. Lucas gets some jams going on the stereo, Jake brings out his guitar, Nate orders the food, and Brooke and Clay handle the booze. Unlike old times, they don't get fall-flat-on-your-ass drunk, but they do get a slight buzz going on. They're in the middle of a Rock Band game when the phone starts ringing.

Brooke stumbles her way towards the ringing phone, signals everyone to quiet down, "Whoo! Hey, hi, hello!... Yeah, but this is Brooke, what's up?" she answers amid a mess of giggles. "Um, yeah. Hang on a second," she covers the speaker and turns to the guys, "Jay-Jay, they asked for Mr. Jacob Jaglieski."

Jake reaches for the phone, drops onto the couch, "This is Jake Jaglieski." His face hardens, "Uh, are you sure? ...Yeah, no, I get it... Thank you."

It's Lucas who first notices his friend's sudden change in demeanor after hanging up the phone. He turns down the music. "Jake, you okay, man?" he asks, "What happened?"

"That was the Hartford Police Department." Jake answers, not quite able to swallow down the lump in his throat, "They need me to come down tomorrow. They think they found Nicki's body."