A/N: Yeah I suck. One month without an update. I wish I had a good excuse but all I can think of is Harry Potter fever…Does that work? Anyways, I hope y'all enjoy this. Review please. The encouragement keeps me dedicated to this story even when I feel inspiration lacking. Honestly. Oh and the title comes from "Under the Folding Branches" by the Veils.

Disclaimer: In the words of Chris Keller, "Dude totally not mine…"

Chapter Eleven: Now Is Not Too Late

Silence is something that humans fear. Noise, it fills the world we've created. Loud music. Constant television. Talking, rambling, laughing. All those things we pump into our lives in order to keep the silence out. When silence falls upon us, we panic and try to find something to fill it. Silence is the enemy to the modern man or woman.

Silence was never the enemy of Peyton Sawyer and Lucas Scott. They had come to embrace the quiet moments they got in life. Silence had never been awkward between them. It had been a comforting lull, but now as they drove home from their fertility appointment, the silence was more deafening than any blaring music could be.

There was no radio. No laughter. No talking. There was just Lucas brooding, and Peyton furrowing her eyebrows trying to figure out how to approach him. She had no idea why he was so upset. This is what he wanted, right? He wanted more kids. She wanted them too. So then what the hell was the problem?

"Luke…" she said softly.

"Peyt…" he repeated, not taking his eyes off the road. She could feel the exasperation in his voice and it made her flinch. He noticed it in his peripheral vision and sighed. "Sorry."

"Why are you upset?" she asked timidly, "I thought that we both wanted this. You were so excited this morning-"

"I do want this."

"Then why are you brooding?"

"I'm not brooding," Lucas said, though the pout on his face said otherwise.

"Yes you are!"

"I just think we're rushing this."

"Right," Peyton said disbelievingly, her eyes wandering out the window of the car, "Because we've only waited, what? Seven years. We're totally rushing it."

"What's one more year then?"

"Lucas!"

"Peyton!"

"What is wrong with you, Luke? Why are you suddenly totally against this? I want this. I want a baby, and you heard the doctor. One simple surgery and we're done."

"It's not simple," Lucas muttered, "It's brain surgery."

"They're going through my nose," Peyton said rolling her eyes, "I highly doubt they could do much damage."

"You 'doubt' but you don't know, Peyt. You're not a doctor."

"And neither are you! The doctor reassured us it was minor surgery. I'd be out the same day. It just sounds worse than it is…"

"I still think we're rushing this." Lucas said, a note of finality lingering in his voice. Peyton stared at his profile while the car soldiered on. He was glaring at the license plate in front of him, as though it had committed some personal offense. "Evelyn should be in by now. Do you want to go see if they need a hand unpacking?"

It was as if a light bulb had been turned on in Peyton's head. Suddenly, she thought she knew what was bugging Lucas. And she didn't take the time to rationalize her thoughts before they were blurted out.

"You don't want anymore kids!"

"What?" Lucas shouted, confusion and anger mixing in his eyes.

"Now that Evelyn's in Tree Hill you don't see a need to have any more kids! You only wanted them because she was in New York, and-"

"God, no!" Lucas hissed, "You're so far from the truth, it's pathetic."

"Well then what is it?"

"Just drop it Peyton." He sighed, turning on the radio letting the lyrics of "Hands Down" fill their car. For the first time in her life, Peyton turned off a Dashboard Confessional song.

"I will not drop it! We always talk about these things Lucas! What is this that all of the sudden you don't want to talk?"

Lucas jerked the car over to the side of the road. Letting it run down gravel, he threw it in park, muttering some words about 'logic' and 'crazy' and 'fear', none of them making any sense. Peyton worried for his sanity when he got out of the car and started pacing in front of it, pausing only to kick the front bumper and run his hand through his hair.

It was comical, really. Peyton was into much shock to register she should be chuckling at him. Instead she just watched as her husband ranted and raved to the front of their van. She didn't know what to do. There was so much that needed to be said and yet, she didn't know what the hell to say to him. So she timidly stepped out of the car and tip toed towards her husband.

"Lucas," she said quietly, placing her hand on his elbow.

"I don't want to lose you!" he yelled suddenly before kicking the front bumper.

"What?"

"You heard me, Peyt. I don't want to lose you. Haven't you noticed that everybody I get really close to lately has been dies or leaves town?"

"Oh my God," Peyton said seriously, "You're starting to sound like me."

"I'm serious."

"Well so am I! Snap out of it, Lucas. I'm not gonna die."

Lucas didn't seem to heed her words. "Keith died. Haley died. Nathan left. Brooke left and she took my daughter with her. Dan and I finally get close and then he dies."

"And I'm still here," Peyton chuckled.

"This is not funny," Lucas said, putting his hands on his hips, "You're it, Peyt. You're my entire life. Do you realize that?"

Peyton took a second to respond. Lucas found the amusement in her eyes unsettling. He had just spilled his biggest fear to her and she was nearly laughing at him.

"Lucas, you're still afraid of the dark. You can't sleep at night with some holding you. You can't dress yourself worth shit, and you wouldn't know how to balance a checkbook if Alan Greenspan was sitting next to you. I hate sounding proud but if it weren't for me, you'd be a mess."

"My point exactly!"

"Do you really think I'd risk you falling apart if I wasn't sure I'd be okay?"

"But you don't know-"

"I could drop dead of a heart attack. I could get cancer and die six months from now. I could get hit by a bus that's traveling too close to the shoulder right this very second." At this Lucas subconsciously tugged at her elbow, pulling her closer to him and away from the road. "The point is, Lucas, you can't predict death, but that doesn't mean you should live your life in fear, especially now when we could be on the verge of something amazing."

"A child," Lucas said softly.

"Exactly," Peyton said smiling.

"I'm sorry, Peyton," Lucas sighed, "I was just scared. I still am."

"I understand that, but if you're ever scared, I need you to talk to me about it. Communication has always been our forte."

"Okay," Lucas promised.

"Now," Peyton said switching topics slightly, "Did you know multiple births run in my family?"

"Really?" Lucas's ears perked up a little.

"Yeah. I have three sets of twins for cousins."

"Wow."

"So who knows? Maybe we'll have twins."

"Or triplets," Lucas added, putting his arm around her waist.

"Let's not push it, Scott."

------

Brooke Davis stared out the window of Nathan's minivan. The car had just rolled to a stop in front of the two story beach house she was now going to call home. It was beautiful both inside and out. She could remember it keenly from her high school years. It held so many memories of those times and part of Brooke hated the fact that she'd be reliving those moments.

"Okay, this is it," Nathan said putting the car in park.

"Wow, beachfront property," Evelyn said in a dreamy voice.

"What the hell were you thinking when Grandpa Dan said 'beach house,' Eve?" Abigail said.

"Well I thought he meant it was close to the beach. You know how he exaggerates and all."

"Exaggerated."

"That's what I said."

"No, you said the present tense. Exaggerates. But the truth is Grandpa Dan's six feet under and he has been for a couple weeks now."

"Ouch, Abby," Evelyn said softly, opening her door to get out, "Too soon."

"Sorry," Abigail muttered as she followed Evelyn out of the car. Nathan shot a worried glance at Brooke, hoping she'd offer some insight on Abigail's actions, but she looked like she was in another world.

"Davis, we should get inside," Nathan said patting her on the arm. It was as if a bucket of cold water was dropped on the woman. She shirked back from his touch and shook herself from her daze. Confused, Nathan just furrowed his eyebrows and got out of the car.

Brooke took a second to gather her thoughts. She was still reeling over the small kiss they'd shared not more than a half hour ago. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy it. It was more the fact that Nathan hadn't tried to explain it or even addressed it at all.

"Hey mom, are you okay?" Evelyn asked as Brooke finally exited the van. Abigail and Nathan were already checking around the property for any signs of the boxes that were supposed to arrive today.

"Yeah I'm fine."

"You haven't said anything since we landed and Nathan went to find you. Did he try something?" Evelyn smirked at the last statement, but her face sobered when Brooke didn't respond. "Did he?"

"It's nothing," Brooke shook it off, "Just getting used to being back in Tree Hill."

"Okay, whatever you say. Just remember we promised no secrets."

Brooke only nodded though as Nathan and Abby approached them.

"So bad news. It seems that your boxes haven't arrived yet," Nathan said, "If you guys want, you can come stay with us until your furniture gets here."

"Sure," Evelyn answered for the pair of them, "Right, mom?"

"As long as you're sure we won't be too much trouble. I mean you're just moving in yourself."

"Yeah but we at least have a couple couches set up for you," Nathan insisted, "It'll be fine. Besides you can help me unpack."

"So there's the real reason behind it," Brooke smiled, the first smile since that befuddling kiss.

"Well there's always a reason for everything I do, Davis." He smirked and Brooke took his words to mean more than just packing. "Now, why don't we give Evelyn a tour of her new home?"

"Sounds like a plan." Brooke unlocked the front door and swung it open, "You first, Eve."

"Ooh, okay." She ran inside, leaving the remaining three to chuckle. Not long after she was inside, they heard a very girly like shriek, "Oh my gosh! David!"

"What?" Brooke hurried inside after her, followed by Nathan and Abigail. There in the middle of their living room was David and all the belongings of Brooke and Evelyn. He was sitting on the arm of the leather couch, hair fluttering carelessly in his eyes, and a brilliant smirk on his face. Brooke wanted to smack that smirk off his face. She didn't know why, but she just did.

"Hey babe," David said, pulling Evelyn into his arms.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she gasped, kissing the side of his face over and over, "You're supposed to be grounded."

"Your dad happened to let it slip when you'd be getting in. And he slipped me a key."

"Ha ha, funny. Now seriously, how'd you get here?"

"I am serious. He wanted someone here to let the movers in, and while he hates me, he loves you."

"Oh wow, I'm shocked."

"So am I," Brooke mused, "Your father has a heart. Huh. Who would have thought?"

"I was afraid he was gonna kill me. He stalked up to me after mass, waited until I was on my own, he had that broody glare."

"I know that glare," Brooke reminisced.

"I guess I should properly introduce you," Evelyn said, "seeing as the first time you all met, David was trying to evade my father's bat." Evelyn tugged David's hand so he came face to face with Brooke. "David, this is my mother Brooke. Mom, this is David my boyfriend."

"Pleased to meet you, again Ms. Davis," David said extending a hand. Brooke shook it a small grin on her face.

"Likewise, David."

"And well you've met Abby, right?" Evelyn asked David, who nodded.

"A couple times when she was in town."

"Right. And Uncle Nathan?"

"Umm yeah. He told my dad about the…bedroom mishap."

"Oh," Evelyn said awkwardly, glancing around the room, "Well umm that's the family."

"What are we, chop liver?" The voice came from the front door and all of them snapped around to see Lucas and Peyton.

"Daddy! Peyton!" Evelyn bounded over to them and hugged them both.

"Brooke, you should really lock the front door. Anyone could walk in."

"I know. We've only been here two minutes, and a jackass already snuck into my foyer."

"Takes one to know one."

"Wow, you two didn't even last a minute," Peyton grumbled. As if suddenly realizing the curly blonde's presence, Brooke's eyes lit up.

"P. Sawyer! You can help me unpack my room!" Brooke ran forward and tugged on her hand pulling her into the master bedroom without another word and slamming the door behind her.

"Right," Abigail said raising an eyebrow, "Well that was odd."

"She didn't take any boxes with her," Nathan commented.

"Don't worry. The movers put all the boxes into the specifically labeled rooms. I made sure."

"Good job," Lucas said, patting him on the back a little too hardly.

"Abby, come on! Let's go unpack my room. You boys hook up the electronics." Evelyn turned around in a little circle. "Wait…where is my room?"

"I'll show you," David said stepping forward. Lucas put an arm in front of him halting his movements.

"Take another step, and you're dead."

"I can show her," Abigail grinned. And with that, the girls were off, a door being shut echoing through the house.

"Well this should be fun," Lucas smirked, "Right, David?" He again clapped him on the back.

"Oh loads of fun…"

---------

"Okay, are you gonna tell me why you pulled me in here without even letting me take my shoes off?" Peyton hissed as she sat on the end of the bed, plying her shoes off her swollen feet.

"Sorry, I'm just having a mini crisis."

"What kind of mini crisis? Is it an 'I left my favorite pair of shoes in NY' mini crisis or an 'I killed a man and we need to bury the body' crisis?"

"It's a 'Nathan kissed me at the airport' crisis."

"What?" Peyton exclaimed, "Was it like a peck on the cheek or the corner of the mouth?"

"No, it was a flat out kiss on the lips."

"How long did it last?"

"Fifteen seconds maybe."

"Wow…and what did he say?"

"Welcome home."

"Welcome home?"

"And then he said nothing after that!" Brooke began to pace in front of the bed.

"Huh," Peyton said, furrowing her eyebrows, "Well that's…"

"Confusing? I know! What am I supposed to make of it? Was it a friendly kiss or just a testing the waters kiss? And if it was a testing the waters kiss, did I pass?"

"Well, fifteen seconds tells me it was more than friendly, and I highly doubt you failed the kissing test. That's the one test you never struggled with."

"Peyton, this is not funny," Brooke groaned, collapsing so she was sitting Indian-style on her floor. "What am I going to do?"

"Well it's only been a couple hours. Maybe you should wait until he brings it up or tries to do it again."

Brooke's eyes widened at the suggestion. "You think he's gonna try to do it again?"

"It's a possibility," Peyton shrugged, then noticing Brooke's panic she smirked, "Oh my God, I never thought I'd see the day…"

"What day?" Brooke asked quickly.

"The day Brooke Davis was nervous about a boy kissing her."

"This isn't a boy, Peyton. This is a man, and not just any man. Nathan Scott. He's one of my closest friends, and he's perfect and I just don't want to ruin any of that."

"You're not going to mess that up," Peyton said, as she scooted to sit on the floor, "You just have to play this by ear. If he is testing the waters, it's probably best to let him make the moves. Like you said before, he's an injured creature. He's got a lot of Haley baggage with him. He probably needs to feel extremely safe before he tries out the dating game. So the last thing he needs is you freaking out on him over the kiss."

"You're right," Brooke sighed, "You're always right."

"I know," Peyton smirked and Brooke rested her head on Peyton's shoulder.

"Oh my God, I feel like such a douche," Brooke groaned, "I didn't even ask how your appointment went."

Peyton proceeded to inform her all about what was wrong with her. She explained the procedure and when they had scheduled surgery, and finally Lucas's little freak out on the way home.

"Well I kind of agree with him," Brooke said when Peyton had finished her story.

"Ugh," Peyton moaned, "Not you too."

"I'm just worried about you, P. Sawyer. The last thing I need is another dead best friend."

"Aw, you care."

"And so does Captain Ass. We both need you here."

"I trust the doctors."

"Ever since Haley, I stopped trusting doctors," Brooke sighed, "But I'm sure you'll be fine."

"If not…promise me you'll look after him."

"What?" Brooke asked, clearly confused.

"Lucas. If the worst should happen, he'll need someone to take care of him, you know? I know you two don't get along, but he's always trusted you and-" Peyton stopped to take in a shaky breath, her eyes filling with tears, "I just want you to make sure he keeps going, like you did with Nathan."

Brooke didn't know what to say. Her mouth was now hanging open like a strange fish as she pulled her curly blonde friend into her arms and tried to soothe her. She had never seen Peyton so openly vulnerable about Lucas. She never felt so much for someone before. But with Lucas and Peyton and Nathan and Haley, she had seen just how strong love could be. You could care so much for someone that their own well being trumped everything about your own.

And suddenly her breathing hitched as she realized, she could see herself caring that much about Nathan. She put herself in Peyton's shoes. If she thought she could die, she'd probably ask the same thing of Peyton.

"I promise I'll look after him if that happens," Brooke whispered. She may have not liked Lucas, but she was a hopeless romantic at heart. She'd do anything to help that cause.

------------

"No! Yellow outlet with yellow cable. It's pretty simple, Luke," Nathan sighed. The two of them had managed to unpack the television, DVD player and stereo system, and put them in the entertainment center. Now all they had to do is figure out how to put it all together.

"Well then you do it," Lucas huffed handing the bundle of cords on his lap to his brother while he grabbed the instruction menu so he could set the clock on the stereo.

"Stressed much?" Nathan chuckled.

"Sorry, Nate. It's just this whole fertility thing with Peyton."

"Oh yeah, I forgot. How'd that go?"

"Nothing more than simple brain surgery and then we're clear for take off," Lucas said sarcastically.

"A lot of work ahead, huh?"

"No, I was being serious. Just brain surgery."

"What?"

"Well she's got a tumor on her hypothalamus gland which is in the brain. So they go with a little laser through her nose and zap it off it. One, two, three and then we procreate."

"Isn't that dangerous?"

"Doctor says it's a simple procedure. Peyton agrees. I'm freaking out."

"I understand, man. I would be freaking out too if it was Br- pass me the manual."

"Wait, did you almost say Brooke?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Nathan muttered, "Now hand me the manual."

"You would be freaking out about Brooke…because you love her."

"Of course I love her. She's my best friend."

"Right. Only you're best friend. You don't want to shove her against a wall and take her."

"That's not fair. She's Brooke Davis. A man would have to be blind to not want to do that."

"So you have an emotional connection with a beautiful woman you want to screw? And yet you're saying your feelings are nothing more than platonic."

"I didn't say that."

"So you're admitting you like her?"

"Maybe. No. Yes. I don't know, just hand me the manual."

"You love her," Lucas smirked handing him the booklet.

"I kissed her today," Nathan admitted.

"Shit! Seriously?"

"Yeah."

"And?"

"It felt good, but I don't know if I'm ready for a relationship yet."

"Wait, you kissed her and now you're not going to do anything about it."

"I really don't know what I'm going to do about."

"Listen, Nate, Brooke and I may not get along, but I do care a little bit about her. Don't string her along. She doesn't deserve any more heart ache."

"Believe me, I know, okay?" Nathan hissed, "I'm just…trying to figure it out."

"You need to talk to her about it."

"Right."

"What were Haley's last words to you?"

"Take care of Brooke. I know, I know!"

"It's a sign, man."

"Enough already! I'll talk to her," Nathan sighed, then looked around him, "Hey where's David?"

"I sent him outside to do some yard work."

"It's a beach house."

"Yeah he's picking up litter in the yard that washed up on shore. You know broken glass, old coke cans, used condoms, the usual."

"I like the way you think," Nathan smirked.

-----------

"Where do you want the lava lamp?" Abigail asked as she and Evelyn sorted through the last box in Evelyn's room. Together they had worked extremely fast unpacking Eve's room. It already looked much like her room in New York, the only difference was the color of the walls. In New York they had been a shade of gray. Here every wall was white or some shade of it.

"Put it on the dresser by the window."

Abigail nodded, plugging the device in and setting it on the tall dresser. She glanced out the window taking in the scenic view. A small chuckle escaped her lips at the sight that caught her eyes.

"Wow, your boyfriend must love you."

"Why do you say that?" Evelyn said without looking up from the CDs she's been sorting.

"Your father sent him to pick up beach trash."

Evelyn let out a small sound of amusement. "And he's doing it?"

"Yep."

"That's cute. He's dedicated."

"I want a boyfriend who's willing to handle my father. Or maybe I just want a boyfriend."

"We'll find you someone. There are a lot of hotties here."

"I'm sure, but right now my focus is on other things, honestly. If a cute boy happens to wander into the picture, than great, but I won't be seeking any out."

"Ah okay, you're still stuck on figuring out more about your mom's tour."

"I don't know why it's bugging me so much," Abigail sighed, "I just want to know as much as I can about her and the love of music is something we both share."

"You have her voice too."

"It's not that good," Abigail said picking the imaginary lint from her shirt.

"Abby, don't be so modest! You could be famous some day if you wanted to."

"I don't know. I don't really care about my own talent, more about hers."

"Her talent is your talent. She passed it onto you."

"I found someone who's willing to talk to be about the tour."

"My dad?" Evelyn guessed.

"Uh, no," Abigail said standing up, "Promise me if I tell you, you won't tell a soul."

"Promise."

"Swear on your A-JACT CD."

"Holy shit this must be serious. Okay, I swear."

"Chris Keller."

"You're an idiot," Evelyn said automatically.

"Abby…"

"No, that's all I have to say," Evelyn put her hands up in defense. "That's it. You do whatever you want, but you know how much your dad hates him. This is gonna blow up in your face, but hey! It's your mistake to make."

"Thank you for letting me fail on my own. Now, if you don't mind I'm going to call him so we can set up our first session."

"Can't you do that later?"

"No. I need to do it when my dad's not around."

"Fine. Well I'm gonna go bug the boys to pick up dinner while you ruin your life."

"Thanks Eve. I love you too," Abigail said with a chuckle as she dialed Chris Keller's number. This was it. No going back.

---------

The dining room table had yet to be set up, so all of them were huddled in the family room couches and the floor. Pizza boxes and cokes were lying haphazardly on Brooke's living room table. Normally she would be freaking out, but she was too happy to care. Everyone was getting along so wonderfully, even her and Lucas. It felt like they were a real family, bonding over dinner and embarrassing stories, most of which surrounded around herself and Nathan.

"Did you ever hear the one about when she took the pain pills?" Peyton asked.

"No, what pain pills?" Evelyn asked.

"Okay well there was this away game our junior year-"

"I think I'm gonna go get some more drinks," Brooke said, her cheeks tinged pink at the memories of seducing the trainer for some pain pills.

"I'll come with you," Nathan offered, and the two of them made their way into the kitchen. An awkward silence settled over them. Brooke grabbed another liter of Diet Coke from the fridge for her. With her back to him, she felt much more confident.

"So, umm we need to talk."

"Yeah? About what?" Nathan said watching as she shuffled around her newly unpacked cabinets. She wouldn't face him, and he found it incredibly amusing.

"The umm kiss at the airport. It's not that I didn't enjoy it. I did, but umm what did it mean exactly?" She spun around to face him, liter of coke swinging in her left hand. "I'll be honest with you, Nate. I like you a lot. I mean, you're one of my best friends, and I understand you're still not completely over Haley and you probably need time, but you shouldn't go around kissing-"

The rest of her ramble was cut off as Nathan swooped down to capture her lips. This time though Brooke was shocked, she managed to respond after a few moments, moving her lips tenderly against his. He pulled away slowly from her taking in a small breathe before placing another small kiss on her lips before backing away entirely.

"You talk too much, Davis," Nathan smirked.

"What was that?" Brooke asked. Her mind was still in a daze, the words coming out as barely a whisper.

"A kiss," Nathan shrugged.

"That's twice in twenty four hours," Brooke said. She gathered the courage to sneak a glance up at him, "Why'd you do it?"

"Because I wanted to."

"Nathan…"

"I like you too, Brooke, a lot."

"So what does this mean?" Brooke asked, biting her lip. Nathan found it hard to focus on her question when all he wanted to do was pull that lip in between his own.

"I don't want to hurt you. I don't know how ready I am for a relationship honestly."

"Right," Brooke nodded, a frown settling upon her face.

"But I think that maybe eventually I'd like it if we dated."

"In the future?"

"Right."

They were moving closer together.

"You promise?"

"Yeah."

So close that they feel each others breath on their lips.

"And until then we probably shouldn't be doing what we're about to do."

"What are we about to do right now?" His eyes flickered down to her lips.

"I forgot."

Within a flash, his lips were crashing down on hers. His hands came to cup her face. It was more passionate than either of their kisses had been. The force of the embrace caused her to stumble back, her back meeting the fridge, the handle digging into her spine, but she was too far gone to care. His lips were working frantically against her own, his tongue flicked against her lips. She moaned causing her mouth to open and him to take the opportunity to slide his tongue into her mouth. Their tongues dueled. Their hands were everywhere. Hers slid up his back under his thin T-shirt, feeling the taut muscles. His moved from her face down the curve of her body settling at her waist. He pulled her closer against him.

Everything was so much more passionate than Brooke had expected. She figured things with Nathan would be nice and sweet like they're friendship was, but this embrace had caught her by surprise. Not that she was complaining. She loved things like this.

"Mom, Nate! Where are you guys with the pop?"

Brooke tore her lips from Nathan's.

"Coming!" She managed to call, as she sucked in a breath of air. She and Nathan both stood inches from each other trying to catch their breath.

"So no more of that, huh?" Nathan asked, a smirk settling on his face as he stepped back a little to give Brooke space.

"Not until you're ready for a relationship. I've done the friends with benefits thing and all it did was lead to disaster," Brooke took a deep breath, "I don't want to ruin things between us, so when you're ready for something substantial let me know."

"Okay, but I'm gonna miss that."

"We went sixteen years without that what's a couple more weeks at the most."

Nathan wanted to argue that he had never felt that much passion for anyone, not even Haley, but something stopped him. He'd always love Haley, and he was a little unnerved by the fact that a woman had made him feel something Haley hadn't ever done. It was different and new and that scared him.

"Come on," Nathan said, "They're waiting for us." Brooke picked up the Diet Coke liter that she had dropped on the floor during their make-out.

"Do you think I should bring this with? It's gonna make a mess."

"Who asked for it?"

"Lucas."

"Oh definitely," Nathan nodded. Brooke giggled as Nathan escorted her out to the living room. Her first day in Tree Hill had turned out to be quite a success. Maybe moving back wasn't such a bad idea.