Chapter 11: The Home We Find

"Do you know what today is, Jen-bug?" Jake asked his daughter as he got her ready in their week old apartment conveniently only three doors down from Nathans.

"Today is Valentine's Day." He answered for her as she still hadn't managed too much more than babble and 'dada'. "And today is going to be a very good day."

He got her ready and dropped her off at the daycare that would watch her until her grandfather would pick her up after his shift at work. As Jake got to school he had mentally checked everything that needed to be done. He got out of his car and immediately found Lucas who's five month baby bump was hidden under a some carefully layer clothing courtesy of Brooke Davis. No one really seemed to notice, in their eyes Lucas was still Lucas Scott, his absence from the basketball team, passed off merely as an injury that would keep him out until the next season.

It was one of the good things that had come out of the last three months. No one at school noticed, Lucas was less scared, getting more comfortable. For Lucas, Jake knew they had passed his greatest fears. True, when Karen Roe found out upon returning to the states there was more than a fair amount of screaming, the only thing worse than her screaming had been David's attempt to call Luke, but those faded. And his mom came around: Karen Roe had never been able to stay mad at Lucas for too long. And Nathan was coming around, it turns out that much like Brooke it wasn't so much the gay part, it was the pregnant part that his mind could not fully wrap around. He wasn't perfected, but he was at least talking to Lucas now. However in Jake's mind the best had not yet happened, and with all hope tonight would help.

He came up behind Lucas and placed his hand and the blondes back briefly so he didn't draw any attention. "How are you doin' today, Luke?" He asked.

"Jake, I'm a hippo, no never mind the hippo, a whale…and I still have four months to go." Lucas gritted, "Not to mention my back and feet are going to kill me."

"Maybe the doctor could tell us something that could help when we see him today." Jake said as they made their way to first period keeping their voices lower.

"Jake, you have a game tonight…" Lucas started.

"…And there are five hours between the appointment and the time I have to be on the court…Don't worry...And I haven't missed one, and don't forget…" Jake reminded as the took their seats when the bell rang.

The girls had pestered Lucas when he said he wanted to be surprised, that he had eventually conceded to find out at the afternoon's appointment.

The day passed by uneventfully for the most part. Peyton received a whole set of anti-love songs she had been eyeing for a while from Skills, who finally got something right in their month long relationship. Brooke received many offers of love as she had every year, she also got a simple, appealing card from the new guy, Chase. Haley merely got a whisper in her ear to assure her that her gift would arrive after the basketball game that night.

Jake found Lucas quickly as soon as the final bell rang and made their way to the car.

"I'm surprised none of the girls offered to tag along." Lucas mentioned as they pulled out of the parking lot.

Jake shrugged it off, "You know there probably hanging out with their guys."

"Yeah you're probably right."

"I'm a genius like that." Jake said causing Luke to laugh.

By the time they were seen by Dr. Coffman, Lucas found himself anxious about finding out whether he was having a son or daughter. He barely noticed Jake's hand slip into his as the cold gel was applied to his protruding stomach.

"Here we go, let's see…" Dr. Coffman slowly moved the picture until they found what they were looking for. "Congratulations, Lucas, by June you're going to be a father to a son."

That word: a son. A son! A smile spread across both of the boys faces, and while the doctor finished the rest of the examination Jake quietly excused himself from the room, and waited until Lucas emerged.

"We still have some time, how about we go get…" Jake was interrupted by a incoming text. His face darkened at the message and shrugged it off. "H-how about we go get some dinner?"

The pair had a simple dinner on their way to the school, simple being relatively appropriate as Lucas had two hamburgers, and three packages of apples, and a water into which he released two packs of ketchup and lemon juice, declaring it tasted better than V8 juice while Jake blanched trying to hold in his chicken wrap.

"Just so you know," Jake informed the blonde, "After the game I call dibs on you."

"Really? Do I get to know why?" Lucas asked.

"You could, but that would ruin all the fun." Jake said grabbing his bag and making his way to the gym while Lucas walked through to the still unfamiliar audience benches.

"Okay, so why are we following my brother home, I really don't want or need to know what Nathan and Haley do on Valentine's Day." Lucas stated trying horribly to get comfortable but the baby was extremely active.

"I really don't need that picture in my head either. Thanks. And two, hold still, your making me nervous." Jake laughed glancing to the passenger seat.

"Yeah, you try having a bowling ball in your stomach then we'll talk."

Jake smiled as he compared the baby to a bowling ball, "Try rubbing it, it always worked when I did…when Jenny. Alright, we're here."

The two pairs made their way to the second floor with out acknowledged each other's company. And Jake led Lucas two doors to the left of the door that Nathan and Haley disappeared behind.

"Okay, so let me finish before you say anything. Keith and I bought this about a month ago, and the girls and I have been remodeling."

He opened the door, and Lucas could see the walls had been painted a light shade of green, the furniture looked slightly worn, but matched and the T.V. sat at a mere fifteen inches. The set up seemed a lot like Nathan's apartment and Jake went on to confirm that fact for Lucas.

"Only it's a two bedroom," Jake added opening one door, "This is Jenny and Mines room. And this one is yours and your little guy." Jake smiled as he watched Lucas look around the room. Keith had moved all Lucas' stuff earlier in the day before the girls came to work on the corner after school. Against the light blue walls sat a white crib and diaper changing table. The crib already had a small stuff teddy bear that Luke recognized as once belonging to himself, and a quilt draped over the side.

"When did you…" Lucas whispered.

Jake smiled shyly, "I called the girls when I stepped out of the office today and they picked up the stuff I asked them to get."

A couple of picture clearly drawn by Peyton hung above the crib one, with a sleeping Lucas sitting on a bed his arms wrapped protectively around his stomach.

"Wow, this is all too much." Lucas said.

"No, you deserve it, Lucas." Jake told him, "I want you to know that." He looked away shyly, "I give you the world Lucas, just to show you that I love you, and I'll wait til your ready."

Lucas smiled and turned to meet Jake face to face, "I'm ready now." Leaning in the two began intensely kissing each other. Coming out of the moment Jake took Lucas hand and led them into the other room where Jake's bed laid open.

"Jake…I'm ready to be with you…but not…"

"Shh…" Jake carefully pulled him into the bed and wrapped his arms around the blonde's body.

Xxxx

Okay, so a lot happened, we moved quite a bit and we're going to move more in the next chapter as well so all is exciting there. For those who wanted to see how Karen reacted, as of right now I plan to have those in flashbacks in a upcoming chapter. Right now there's something else that as to happen first.

Cb

Until next time, this is me…signing out