A/N- I apologize for the long lengths before updates but with working 9+ hours a day, 40+ hours in one week all I want to do is sleep and when I finally get to writing, it's usually when I'm supposed to be sleeping so half of what I write is completely confusing so I have to go through it and edit all of it. At least I update though, I could just give up on the story since I feel like but three people are reading it. Yet come the next two chapters, I'll have four chapters already pre-written since I like to skip to the middle/end of the my stories rather than write the beginnings. Just the way my brain works- I'd rather write to where I want to be rather than focus on where I am.
As for 'Do you remember?' Pretty much lost motivation for that story and with the harassing reviews, I'm taking a break from it. Probably from writing in general for now. Heads up.
Enjoy.
Smirking as he looked over at the blonde, "Stop staring at me like that." She chastised him, causing his smirk to become larger. "I'm serious." Whacking his arm with her towel before turning back towards the pan on the stove that she stood in front of.
Leaning against the refrigerator as he took another drink of his beer, "I'm not doing anything." He told her
Rolling her eyes as she attempted to focus on the meal that she was preparing, "Sure you aren't." She replied.
Another smirk came across his lips as he placed down his beer on the counter, "Hey, come here." He said as he grabbed her hand, pulling her towards him. Placing his hands on her hip, looking down into her eyes.
Placing down her cooking spoon as she placed her hands onto his shoulders, "Can I-" Her question was cut off as he crashed his lips onto hers. Humming into the kiss as she ran her hands up his shoulders, and around his neck, pulling him closer to her.
Pressing her up against the counter as he pressed his body against her, deepening the kiss while running his fingers through her short blonde locks. "Hmm...he'll be home soon." She said against his lips.
Breaking the kiss as he began kissing her jawline towards her earlobe, "No, he's at Peyton's." His rugged voice whispered into her ear, gently pushing up the hem of her sweater as he ran his roughened fingertips over her bare skin.
Shivering beneath his touch, "Keith." She said while pulling away as she heard a door shut.
Smirking as he wiped his lips and picked up his beer and took a drink, "Hey Nate." He greeted.
Dropping into a chair at the kitchen table, "Hey Uncle Keith." He replied, sounding utterly exhausted.
"I thought you were over at Peyton's?" She asked.
Letting out a yawn, "Haley wanted to take her on an impromptu shopping trip so they dropped me off before which is probably a good thing since Whitey had been drilling us harder and harder each day, at least that's what it feels like." Rubbing his eyes before laying his head down at the table
"Don't lay down at the table, Nathan." She reprimanded him.
Groaning as he sat back up, "Sorry mom." Nathan replied as he leaned back into the chair. "What's for dinner?"
"Tacos." Deb answered. "Why don't you go wash up?"
"Great, I'm starving." Nathan said as he excused himself to the restroom.
Hearing the bathroom door close, Keith wrapped his arm around Deb's waist and kissed her softly. "As much as I love kissing you in secret like we're teenagers, we're going to have to tell him." He whispered.
Nodding her head, "I know, we will- soon. I promise." She said as she gave him a reassuring smile.
Walking into the house, just wanting to eat and take a quick shower before heading to Haley's so they could relieve some...stress. Lucas shut the front door behind him. Already knowing that his dad was at work and his mom was probably out picking colors for another cafe opening. What he didn't expect to see was his mom sitting in a bar chair at the counter with two large pizzas boxes next to her.
"Hey, so I got your favorite and my favorite." Karen said as Lucas walked over to the counter and grabbed the entire box of pizza, turning around- hoping to make a quick escape to his room.
"Lucas." She called out after him, causing him to stop in his tracks. "I was thinking that we could eat together."
"I'm supposed to go to Haley's." He said as he continued toward the stairs.
"How about she comes over here?" Karen suggested. "I haven't seen her in a while and-"
"Let's do a rain check." He called out to her before headed up the stairs and into his room, slamming the door after him causing the older brunette downstairs to cringe.
Slumping into her chair, she didn't know what she was doing wrong. Karen Scott didn't know who her son was anymore and she had a feeling that was her fault. Working the long hours and being out of town so often. Dan was there though, shouldn't that count?
It wasn't like Lucas was completely abandoned, every time Karen called home and talked to Dan he said that Lucas was fine. Usually it was about basketball, but from what she could tell from when she was home was that all Lucas' interests entailed. Basketball and Haley.
She just hoped that since she would be home more that she could fix her relationship with Lucas. Picking up the house phone, she dialed her husbands cell phone number. Immediately hearing his voice-mail, she let out a sigh and ended the phone call. It seemed that she would be having dinner by herself tonight, if you would call cold pizza dinner. Placing her elbows on the kitchen counter, she buried her face in her hands and let out another sigh.
She gulped as she heard the buzzer go off, signaling half time had arrived. The only thing good was that the Ravens were up by twenty points, the score being thirty four to fourteen. Letting out a shaky sigh as she looked around the crowd, sure she had performed before but this time she was going up in the air and suddenly that didn't seem like a good idea. Maybe she could talk Peyton into letting Theresa or someone else do it. The girls were already mad that they weren't asked.
"Peyton, I-" Brooke began only to be cut off by her cheer captain.
"Okay girls, we're going to do the cheer and then go straight into the routine. Got it?" Peyton said as she looked around the squad who were nodding their heads in understanding. "Okay, Brooke and Bevin you're going up. Theresa, you're spotting Brooke. Haley, you're spotting Bevin. Let's go."
"Let's go! Ravens!" The girls cheered as they ran towards the middle of the basketball court as they stood in formation and began cheering. "Hey Ravens! Let's do it! The Ravens can't be beat! Come on Crowd!" Eliciting screams and yells from the crowd.
Standing in the middle of the three girls, she shook her hands before placing them on their shoulders as they hoisted her into the air. Her right leg immediately going into the air as she caught it with her right hand as she held her left arm up, making her body look like a 'Y'. They pushed her up more into the air as she jumped slightly, letting go of her foot bringing it back down as she switched her legs so that she was holding her left leg up.
"Let's hear it now! THS is number one! Yell it!" The girls cheered. "THS is number one! Yell it!" Brooke yelled with the rest of the girls before they tossed her up into the air. The brunette wrapped held her arms close to her body as she spun back down towards the girls as they caught her, before placing her back on the ground. "Let's go ravens!" Holding her hands up in the air before doing a toe touch-perfectly, not seeing that Peyton had glanced over just at that moment.
Quickly moving into a different formation, they girls all had smiles on their faces as the music started and they began moving in unison. ( watch?v=mP2Baew5aTw)
Hearing the cheer of the crowd as they end their routine. Quickly making their way back to the sidelines as they watched the basketball team make their way out of the locker room.
Walking back onto the court, he glanced around the court as his eyes settled on a certain cheerleader. Smirking as he watched her raise his eyebrow in his direction, he shrugged before winking at her. Chuckling as he watched her roll her eyes but still keep the smile on her lips.
Turning his attention towards Whitey as he continued talking about the game, "Lucas, make sure that you find the open man when they double team you. We don't want to risk losing the ball." Nodding his head in understanding, knowing that he could just pass the ball to Tim and he'd make sure he got the ball back. "We're already ahead twenty points, so let's see if we can keep that lead." He hollered to everyone.
"Ravens on three fellas!" Tim yelled as they all brought their hands towards the middle of the group. "One, Two, Three!"
"RAVENS!" The basketball team yelled before breaking out of the circle and walking towards the court.
"Max Fletcher is handed the ball, tossing it to Lucas Scott and resuming the game." Mouth announced. "Lucas is dribbling the ball down the court, putting up a shot and taking the score thirty six to fourteen. Looks like this game will be in the Raven's favor if they keep this up."
The game had gone by smoothly, the were currently in the fourth quarter and still ahead. "L-E-T-S-G-O! Let's go! Let's go! L-E-T-S-G-O! Let's go!" The girls shook their pom poms from the sidelines as they watched the basketball team ran up the court and scored another basket.
"The clock's running down, we have twenty seconds left. With the score being 54 to 16, it looks like Jake Jagielski might just dribble down the court to run out the clock." Mouth announced.
"Pass it!" Lucas yelled, seeing that Jake was being triple teamed.
Letting out a breath, Jake passed the ball to the blonde captain who put up the ball for a two point shot just as the buzzer rang through the gymnasium, announcing the end of the game while also announcing the Raven's victory.
"You guys coming to the after party?" Lucas asked Jake as he let his slung his tie over his neck.
Shrugging, "Maybe, I'm free. I'll probably go with Nathan but I don't know about Brooke." Jake said.
"Well I'd probably keep an eye on Max if he goes." Lucas said with a small smirk, he knew where Max had been disappearing off too but he knew that it was better if the big bad protectors found out first and dealt with him, besides they wouldn't believe Lucas if he told them.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Jake questioned as he shut his locket and stood up from the bench and looked at the blonde.
"Nothing, I'm just surprised you haven't noticed how Max disappears at parties and then shows up looking severely happy." Lucas said, attempting to hide a smile as he realized that Jake was realizing that he was right. "I'll see you at the party, Jake." Patting him on the shoulder before walking out with Tim towards his car.
"You told Jake about Max's problem?" Tim questioned as he climbed into the passenger seat.
Shrugging, "Not really just sent Jake in the right direction. Besides after he finds out, Max will no longer be the loser's boyfriend and get kicked off the team. If I have my way, probably out of the school."
"Seems pretty harsh dude." Tim responded as Lucas revved the engine before pulling out of the parking spot.
"He's fucking with my plan, he brought it on himself." Lucas said, before peeling out of the parking lot.
"You guys seen Brooke?" Jake asked as he came up to Nathan and Peyton, glancing around them in attempts to find the brunette.
"Yeah, I saw her go outside. I think she was looking for Max, he disappeared." Peyton shared.
Letting out a sigh as he realized that Lucas was right, Max was hiding something and he was going to find out what. "Okay, I'm gonna go find her."
"Is everything okay?" Nathan questioned, suddenly aware that his friend had worry etched in his features.
"I'll let you know." Patting him on the shoulder before walking past him, heading outside.
"That was weird." Peyton said as she leaned into him. "You sure you don't want to go with him?"
Kissing her forehead, "Yeah, but Jake can take care of it. I'd much rather stay here and be with you."
Smiling, "Good choice." The blonde said as she looked up at her boyfriend.
Seeing his best friend wrapped around his bastard of a brother- which he used the term extremely loosely- he couldn't help the disgust that came across his face. "Hey, Luke. What should we put in?" Tim asked from the entertainment center, he had been searching for some porn but had yet to find any.
A devious smirk came across his lips as his blue eyes glanced over the titles of the movies before pulling one out and handing it to his friend. "This one, it's a comedy." Lucas said as he glanced over at Peyton and Nathan before watching Tim push the movie into the VCR and hit play.
"Here are our Senior King and Queen! Dan Scott! and Deb Lee!" A voice announced from the tape, floating over the party as the guests quieted down and began listening.
Breaking the kiss, Nathan froze as he heard his mom's voice float to his ears. Slowly pulling away from his girlfriend he began searching for the source of the voice.
"What's wrong?" Peyton questioned, noticing the her boyfriend had become seriously uncomfortable.
Ignoring her question, Nathan pulled away as he noticed that a crowd was forming in the center of the beach house. Pushing his way through the crowd, he paused as he saw a younger version of his mom standing next to none other than Dan Scott on the television. "Mom." He muttered softly to himself.
"Where do you see yourself in ten years?" The voice asked them.
Looking up at her boyfriend before turning her attention back towards the tape, "Well, I'm sure that you can come visit our big house. See Dan playing with our kids and me cooking for all of them. One big happy family." Deb's happy answer flew from the speakers.
"Who's the girl?" A party goer yelled out.
"My mom." Nathan spoke up, earning everyone's attention. Not noticing that Peyton was standing next to him and holding his hand in attempt to reassure him. The brunette just kept his attention on the blonde who was standing next to the VCR by Tim.
Crossing his arms over his chest, "You want my world? You got it." Lucas told him with a smirk on his lips.
Gulping as she fixed the knee pads she had on, making sure that her tennis shoes were tied tightly. The one good thing about cheering was that she had learned to do routines in regular shoes along with her ballet slippers.
"This is your world." A voice spoke, gaining her attentions. "You aren't nervous, are you?" Bevin asked the brunette.
Shrugging, "I don't know. I know the instructors want us to step out of our comfort zone but I don't think I can pull this off." Brooke said softly as the current duo wrapped up their routine. Bevin's ballet company and Brooke's ballet company had an annual tradition where they would pair off their dancers and make them come up with a routine to show off their different skills. Most students stuck along the lines of ballet. Yet Brooke and her partner, Nick decided to take a different route. Suddenly that decision seemed completely irrational.
"Nick. Brooke. You two ready?" Her instructor asked, pulling Brooke from her thoughts.
Nodding her head as she unzipped her jacket revealing her bare stomach and handed it to Bevin, "You'll do great." The blonde reassured her.
"Okay." Brooke spoke softly as she adjusted her sports bra that she had on, tugging slightly on the them of the shorts she had on.
"You okay?" Nick asked as he wrapped the tape around her wrists.
"I'm trying to be." The brunette joked as she let out a soft laugh. "Don't hate me if I mess up?"
Smiling, "You won't. Besides, you get to punch me at the end. Just get to that point." Nick told her.
"Sounds like a good finish line to me." Brooke joked as the took their spots.
Pulling open the door to the building, letting out an aggravated sigh. He couldn't believe that Haley had talked him into picking up Bevin from her ballet practice or whatever. The only good thing about doing his girlfriend a supposed favor was the fact that he could check out some girls in tight clothing. Walking down the hallway, Lucas heard the beginning of a rap song. Suddenly having hope that maybe it wasn't a total loss as he walked into a room where people were backed against the walls as two people were standing in the middle of the room.
( watch?v=8ZBHnRBoUNM )
Leaning against the wall, he watched curiously as the girl and boy began dancing separately before the girl walked behind the boy and they began dancing in unison. The blonde's blue eyes widen as he realized that the girl's hips he was watching belonged to none other than Brooke Davis. His jaw opening even more as he watched her get down low and shake her perfectly toned ass. He knew that she had a body since he had seen her in her cheerleader uniform but with the less clothes she was wearing, he wanted nothing more than to get her completely naked.
Bevin smiled happily before letting out a giggle as she watched Brooke move behind Nick and made his body move in time with the beat as she tugged on his shirt. She knew that Brooke was capable of doing this, she was just scared. It made the blonde cheerleader happy that the brunette was coming out of her shell.
Smiling as he ruffled her hair as the circled one another, "Is that all you got, Davis?" Nick questioned.
Raising her eyebrow as she gently pushed his chest, "We'll both do the flip." She challenged him as they went back into the routine.
Pressing his chest against Brooke's back as she grabbed his thighs, "That was good." He breathed into her ear as the two of them continued dancing.
Grabbing onto Nick's knees as he held her legs as she danced in the air. Her smile faltered as her eyes locked with a pair of familiar blue eyes, she shook her head slightly as she fell into the splits and back into the routine.
Laughing as she watched Nick hunch over as the music faded away, "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
"No, you're good." Nick replied as he stood up straight. "Better go get the verdict from the superiors." He joked as they walked towards their instructors.
"So why doesn't she dance like that at practice?" A voice asked, scaring Bevin.
"Lucas?" Bevin asked as her eyes widened, glancing over at Brooke. Bevin knew that Brooke didn't want anyone to know what she was capable of dancing and she was positive that Lucas Scott knowing would be on the top of her panic list. "What are you doing here?"
"Haley sent me to pick you up...and that sentence makes me sound like a bitch but whatever. Are you ready?" Lucas asked, glancing over at the brunette who was nodding towards two older people.
"Uh, I was actually going to text her. Brooke and I were going to the river court after so you can just go." Bevin said, attempting to walk Lucas out the door.
"Not so fast." He said as he pulled his arm away from her grip. "If she's a ballerina or whatever, then why does she mess up so much at practice?"
"Why are you paying so much attention to me at practice?" The brunette questioned as she made her way towards the pair.
"I don't but my girlfriend bitches about the people who fuck up the most." Lucas clarified.
Rolling her eyes, "Are you ready to go, Bev?" Brooke asked.
Nodding her head, "First, tell me what they said." Bevin was dying to know what their teachers thought of her routine.
Smiling proudly, "They were actually impressed, they didn't think that I could get out of my comfort zone but ta-da." She joked with a soft giggle. "I did get reprimanded for doing the jump since I could've hurt my ankle but I figured that it was no different than doing an allegro."
"Very true." Bevin said as she pulled the brunette into a hug. "And you were worried. Let me just go get my stuff and we'll go." Receiving a nod from Brooke as she glanced over at Lucas before disappearing to the other side of the room.
"So are you going to answer my question?" Lucas asked.
Crossing her hands over her chest, "What question would that be?"
"Why do you mess up at practice if you're so good at dancing?"
Sighing, "I don't like being the center of attention at school, especially since in the past if I was the center of attention it was usually for negative reasons." She said as she looked at the blonde knowingly.
Shrugging off her accusing tone, "You do know once Haley finds out that she's going to expect your ass to be perfect." Which is it. Lucas thought as he looked the brunette up and down.
"Lucas, you can't tell her." Her voice suddenly getting serious and panicky. No one could know, the only reason Bevin knew was by accident and obviously her parents because they were paying for the lessons. Those were the only three that knew, no one else knew and she'd prefer to keep it that way.
"Why not?" The basketball star questioned.
"No one knows and I need to keep it that way, so please don't tell her. Please." She begged as she took a step towards him. "I can't risk anyone finding out."
A small smirk formed on his face as he looked down at the brunette. Placing his hand on her hip, he leaned in close to her ear. "I'll keep it a secret for now, but what are you going to do for me?" His lips ghosted over her ear as he quickly pulled away from him, noticing that Bevin was walking back towards them. "I'm leaving since you're good. Bevin?"
Nodding her head as she watched him turn to leave, "Bye, Lucas." Bevin said as she turned her attention to her friend next to her. "B, you okay?"
Ignoring the goosebumps that were still running down her neck that had formed when she felt his warm breath hit her skin, "He won't tell anyone, right?" Brooke asked hopeful as she turned towards Bevin.
"I'm sure he won't." Bevin attempted to reassure her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as the pair exited the studio.
Letting out a disappointed sigh, "So you're bailing. Again?" Mouth questioned.
Gathering her books from her locker, "Mouth, I promised I'd tutor him." The brunette told him mournfully, she was missing spending time with her friends but she had promised to tutor Lucas in return for him leaving Nathan alone. She knew it was a heavy price to pay and she would continue to do it, she just didn't know for how long.
"On Thursday, the one day of the week that we have set plans for. It's River Court Thursday." Mouth reminded her, it was one of their many traditions. To meet up after school and hang out at the river court. To either play some games of one or one or just talk and hang out.
Closing her locker, she leaned against it as she looked at the spikey haired boy, "I know and I feel horrible but he's failing and all of the teachers gave up on him." She told him honestly. Everyone else had given up on Lucas' ability to learn and pass classes, that was another reason she had decided to tutor him. No one deserved to be given up on, ever.
"You said nothing would change." Mouth reminded her. Nathan and Brooke had both promised that nothing would changed after he joined the basketball team and she joined the squad. It seemed that Nathan was spending more and more time with a certain blonde cheerleader and Brooke was either busy tutoring or with the squad.
Picking at the corner of her text book, attempting to avoid looking into Mouth's eyes. Already knowing that he was right and feeling guilty because of that. "Okay... Look, I'll talk to Peyton and I'll skip practice so I can tutor him and be at Junk's by six, okay?" She offered as she looked up at him and saw the hesitation on his face. "I promise."
Looking at her for a few moments before a smile formed on his lips, "Great, we were starting to miss you." Gently pulling her into a hug, "You're our cookie."
A smile graced her lips as a small laugh fell from them, "I missed you guys too." She replied truthfully while hugging him back.
Dropping his bag on the table, he fell into his seat across from the brunette. "Something's wrong with B." He said, causing his friend to look up from his book.
"What happened?" Worry etched in his tone, he had yet to tell any of the guys about Max and he hoped that Brooke hadn't found out.
Shaking his head, "Nothing happened, she's okay. She's just acting strange." Mouth told him.
Letting out a sigh of relief as he folded the page and closed his book, "B's always strange." Jake attempted to joke.
"I'm being serious. Something's going on with her."
Seeing that his friend was truly worried, "Okay, well what'd she do?"
"She tried to bail on our Thursday plans because she's tutoring someone. No matter how much she loves tutoring she-"
"-always puts us first." Jake finished as he nodded his head. "Maybe she just wants to focus on this kid since everyone thinks he's a lost cause." Himself included, knowing that he was talking about Lucas even if Mouth didn't.
"What's so special about him?" Mouth questioned. "Who is he?" Figuring with the way that Jake was talking about him, maybe he had a clue as to who the mystery student was that Brooke had been tutoring.
"I don't know, some sophomore." The lie fell so easily from his lips, it surprised him.
Letting out a disappointed sigh, "You think we should check it out?" Mouth asked, not liking how no one knew who this kid was or how much time Brooke was spending with him.
Shaking his head as he attempted to keep his eyes from widening in panic, "No, it's Brooke. She gets sidetracked every once in a while. No reason to piss her off."
Nodding his head as he remained silent for a few moments, "You're right."
"Of course I am." Jake said with a smile that quickly faded as he looked over at Mouth. "I need to talk to you and Nate about Max." Knowing that if he got everyone involved that Max would probably end up in a coma.
"Why? What happened?" Mouth questioned.
"At the party... I saw him doing something." Jake began.
"Hey Peyton!" Brooke yelled as she began catching up with her cheer leading captain. "I sort of...have to miss practice today." Causing the curly blonde to stop walking and face her.
"Why?" Peyton asked while crossing her arms over her chest.
Letting out a sigh, "I promised the guys I'd come to hang out with them at the river court since I've been bailing on them. Except doing that means I'd have to cancel my tutoring session since that doesn't start until after practice and I can't do that because the person I'm tutoring really needs the extra help."
"I'm surprised that Lucas is still attending your tutoring sessions, usually by now he would've given up." Peyton shared, causing the brunette's doe eyes to widen in surprise. "I know it's hard to believe, but he is my best friend. Every now and then, he will tell me things."
"You can't tell Nathan, please." Brooke pleaded, knowing that it would put Peyton in a horrible position just like it did for Jake but she couldn't have Nathan find out. Not yet or at least that's what she kept telling herself.
Letting out a soft laugh, "I've been trying to keep those two as far away from one another as I can. Trust me, your secret is safe with me." Peyton told her with a smile. "Just remember, you owe me one."
Nodding her head as she watched the blonde walk away from her. "You aren't the only one I owe apparently." Brooke muttered to herself before turning around and walking the opposite direction.
Walking into the library, Jake's eyes canvased the area before they stopped on a long haired brunette who had her head buried in a book. Making his way through the maze of tables and chairs before stopping at her table. "Mouth came and talked to me." He announced, gaining the brunette cheerleader's attention. "He's worried about you and apparently wants to check into your special case."
Her eyes widened, "He can't do that. If he finds out, he'll tell Nathan and all of this will have been for nothing."
"I know. That's why I got him to back off." Jake said as he took a seat next to her. "I'm lying for you now."
"I know, I'm sorry." Brooke spoke sadly as she closed her book and began fidgeting with the cover. "I don't know what to do."
"You have to tell him." Jake said, the brunette's head shooting up and her eyes looking at him intently as she realized that he wasn't joking. "You have to tell all of them.
Shaking her head, "Jake, I can't do that. They'll all be so disappointed in me and Nathan...he'll hate me."
"He will not." He attempted to reassure her.
"Yes he will, because I hate me." Brooke confessed. "I'm lying to my best friend, sneaking behind his back to spend time with his brother!" She harshly whispered.
"To protect him." Jake reminded her.
"He won't see it that way and I won't really blame him." Running her fingers through her hair, "He'll feel betrayed because I didn't tell him. Then he'll somehow find out that you and Peyton knew. It'll just turn into this whole big mess."
"I hate to tell you this, B." Jake paused. "It's already a big mess."
Pushing his shoulder lightly, "Can't we wait a little longer?" She begged. "Lucas has a big test coming up and I need to help him pass it."
"Why after?" Uncertainty written in his voice.
"If he passes with a eighty percent or higher than his grade will be a high 'C' and I won't need to tutor him anymore...or as much..." Brooke muttered.
"Okay, it can be after the test." Jake relented. "I don't care if you stop tutoring or tutor him less, Nathan needs to find out."
Nodding her head, "I promise, I'll tell him." Brooke spoke.
"Good." He told her. "Is he your only best friend?" Jake teased with a laugh, causing the once again bubbly brunette to shove him playfully.
Sitting on his bed, he began drumming his pencil against the book only to have a hand stop him. "Focus please." She asked softly, not looking up from her own book that lay in her lap. She still didn't know how Lucas had talked her into coming over to his house let alone going up to his bedroom, but here she was- Brooke Davis was in Lucas Scott's room. She had a feeling this is what it felt like to know that hell had frozen over.
"I'm done, you just looked busy." He responded as he placed his paper on top of her book.
Covering her mouth as she let out a soft yawn, she continued looking over the blonde's work through her heavy eyelids. "Okay, this looks great. Why don't you do the three practice problems above the assignment and then we'll call it a day."
Burrowing his brows in confusion, "Those are the three practice problems." He reminded her. "You said to do them and then after you had checked them to make sure they were okay we'd look over the assignment and do a few of the problems that I didn't understand right away."
Widening her eyes in realization that he was right, "You're right. Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I'm just exhausted-" Another yawn swallowed the rest of her sentence, proving her statement true. "How about we just pick this up tomorrow?" The brunette suggested as she handed him back his paper, closed her book and began packing her things up.
"No!" His voice louder than he had intended it to be, also seeing the suspicious yet frightened look on the brunette's face. "Look, you're tired." A sigh escaping his lips. "I don't want you walking home when you're pretty much delusional." Teasing, knowing that it'd make her forget why she was suspicious of him.
"You might end up hurt and I'd end up getting blamed." Knowing that was actually true he continued on, "Just take a nap, then you can walk home since you've had rest or I can take you- whichever way." Lucas knew he was acting out of character, but he needed to come across as a caring guy if he had wanted any chance at Brooke trusting him.
"I don't know." Hesitation in her voice. "I have somewhere to be soon and I have a lot of stuff I need to do." Getting off the bed, she began packing her supplies into her backpack while knowing in the back of her mind that she needed to get out of here. Lucas was being nice. Too nice. It was starting to scare her a little bit, that someone who had made her best friends lives including her own a living nightmare was suddenly wanting to be thoughtful.
"Please Brooke." Shocked at his own sincerity, he shrugged off the feeling knowing that he needed to be this caring and thoughtful guy for the brunette to fall into place so he could continue on with his plan, screwing over Nathan. Besides he had Haley, why would he want Brooke? On second thought, he should probably get Brooke out of the house before Haley came over. Clearing his throat, "I'll call Deb and then you'll get in trouble." He said with a smirk, knowing that he had her when it came to Deb. Especially when all the blonde did was go on and on about Brooke when the two of them would talk- not that he would share that information with anyone.
Rolling her eyes as she let out a laugh, realizing that he was right. "Fine but only an hour. Like I said, I still have a lot of things I need to do." Putting her book bag on the ground again.
Clearing his stuff off the comforter, "Okay, I'm always on the left side so you're gonna have to take the right side." He informed her as he climbed back on the bed, leaving plenty of room for the brunette and opened up his math book once more.
"Wait, you want me to sleep in your bed?" She croaked out, knowing that this could only end horribly. Sure she had shared a bed with Nathan and Jake but they were like her brothers. She didn't necessarily feel comfortable climbing into bed with the enemy, literally.
"I'm not letting you sleep on the floor but I'm not letting you kick me out of my bed either." He said seriously before clearing his throat. "I won't try anything, I know that you'd physically harm me if I did and I like my body parts right where they are."
Nodding her head, "You're right, I would disfigure you, pretty boy." She teased with a giggle as she climbed onto the bed next to him. "Just an hour." Pointing a stern finger in his direction, to make sure he knew that she was serious.
Holding his hands up in mock surrender, "Aye Aye Captain." He said with a smirk as he looked away from her and turned his attention back to his math assignment.
"You brood too much." The brunette cheerleader mumbled as she snuggled further into the pillow that lay beneath her head.
Scrunching his eyebrows in confusion, "What are you talking about?" The star basketball player questioned.
Letting out another yawn, "When you think no one's looking, you'll go off into deep thought with this squinty eyed expression. Stop being so broody." She mumbled before her breathing began to even out, a sign she had fallen asleep.
Looking down at the petite brunette, he was at a loss for words. Attempting to shrug it off he began to focus on his math homework once again, for once in his life Lucas Scott was happy to see letters and numbers meshed together asking to be solved.
Walking up the stairs as she began rubbing her shoulder to soothe the aching out of her sore muscles. The blonde cheerleader was becoming a drill sergeant during these practices and it was taking it's toll on the honey blonde. Opening the door, flipping on the light she felt her purse slip from her hand at the sight before her.
There on the bed was her blonde haired boyfriend asleep, but he wasn't alone. No, he was with that loser Brooke Davis and they looked pretty damn cozy. He was laying on his back with his right arm behind his head while his other arm was securely wrapped around the brunette's waist, holding her close. While the brunette had herself nestled up to Lucas' side with her arm draped over his stomach. Walking over to the side of the bed, she began pushing on Lucas' chest to wake him up.
The movement caused the brunette cheerleader to stir but only slightly, "Stop moving." The brunette mumbled, thinking she was at Nathan's or Jake's house.
Letting out a soft yawn as he brought his hand down from behind his head and wrapped it around the brunette and brought her closer, "Shut up and sleep." He muttered as he rested his chin on top of her head.
Watching the brunette nuzzle her face further into her boyfriend's neck was the last straw, "What the hell is going on here?!"
Jerking her head away from the body that was holding her, she looked through her blurry eyes to see Haley James standing before her. "Haley?" She questioned.
"Why the hell are you in bed with my boyfriend, you slut?!" Haley exclaimed as she was looking between Brooke and Lucas.
Suddenly confused and hurt by the comment ,she looked down and realized the person that had been holding her was none other than Lucas, Haley's boyfriend. "This isn't what it looks like." Brooke said.
Scoffing, "Please, the boy next to you uses that so much he might as well have it trademarked." Haley said.
Stretching his hands over his head while letting out a yawn, "Hales, calm down." Lucas said as he sat up from the bed.
"Why should I? I mean I finally caught you, you cheating asshole!" Haley said as she pushed his chest so that he was laying back down on the bed.
"I'm late. I have to go." Brooke muttered softly as she slipped on her poncho before she began slipping her shoes back on.
"I think that's best." Haley sneered as she stared down the brunette, her jaw clenched in anger as she threw her purse along with her jacket down onto the chair in the corner of Lucas' room.
Seeing his girlfriend was going off the deep end. "Haley, back off." Lucas said, he was getting fed up with her jealous streak. Moving off the bed as he rubbed his eyes in attempt to rub the sleep away from them while he searched for his car keys. "Brooke wait, I said I'd take you home."
Shaking her head, "No." The brunette said, hesitant to speak since she was afraid at any moment Haley would lunge at her. "I have to go, it's best you stay. I'll just see you tomorrow." Brooke said as she turned to Haley and opened her mouth in hopes of finding the words to reassure Haley but clamping her mouth shut and deciding it would be better just to leave. So she did just that, quietly shutting the bedroom door behind her before fleeing down the stairs.
"Did you sleep with her too?" Haley asked as she crossed her hands over her chest and looked at him expectantly.
"Oh fucking hell! I did not sleep with her!" Lucas said as he sat back on the bed. "I mean we slept together but I didn't fuck her!" He clarified, knowing that she would find a way to bring it back up.
"Lucas, you were laying with her! You were holding her!" Haley said with tears forming in her eyes.
Looking at her, he didn't get why she was so upset. "What's wrong?"
Shaking her head, "Nothing, just my boyfriend is a cheating asshole!" She said as she furiously wiped away some stray tears that had found, she honestly didn't know why she was upset. Haley had a feeling that it had to do with stress because Lucas had cheated on her before and she hadn't reacted this way before.
Looking at her, he didn't know how to handle this. Haley usually ran away so they wouldn't have to deal with their emotions. Seeing her cry was confusing him.
"Why are you so upset?" Lucas questioned.
"If you can hear his heartbeat, it's called cuddling." Haley muttered to herself, but her boyfriend heard her.
Shaking his head, "We weren't cuddling Hales, you know I don't do that."
"With me." Haley added. "You don't do that with me, but you seem to be to do a lot of things with Brooke that you've never done with me."
Rubbing his hand over his eyes and down his face, "What do you want from me Hales?" He asked, he was just exhausted of the fighting especially when he had been trying to fix things with her.
"Did you ever love me?" Haley asked softly as she sat on the bed, Lucas mimicking her actions.
"Truthfully, I think a part of me did at the start and a part of me probably always will because you're Haley James. My first everything and the first girl I did love but I'm not in love with you anymore. That sounds fuckin stupid comin' from me but it's the truth. I'm not bein' mushy or anything, you were right though- normal sucks with us." There it was. They were done and truthfully both of them felt relieved.
Nodding her head in agreement she held her hand out towards him, "Friends?"
Smirking, "Of course." He agreed as he grabbed her hand and shook it before pulling her towards him. "Break up sex is almost as good as make up sex." Lucas said as he began unbuttoning her shirt, knowing that if she said no that he would just call someone else over.
"That's true." Haley said as she began working on his belt buckle, knowing in the back of her mind that they should just cut ties from one another but they were always good at the sex part of their relationship, so why should the end that just because they ended the relationship.
"Hey Nate, we need to talk to you before everyone gets here." Mouth shared as he and Jake walked up to the table were the dark brunette was currently residing.
"I don't like the sound of that." Nathan said as he sat up from his laying position, turning his attention to his friends.
Taking a seat on the bench across from Nathan while Mouth took a seat next to him, "It's about Max." Jake told him.
"Is Brooke okay?" Suddenly fearing his best friend was hurt.
"She's fine...she doesn't know what we're about to tell you." Mouth spoke up, easing the tension out of the brunette.
"Okay, remember the party we went to over the weekend?" Jake questioned.
"Unfortunately." Nathan muttered.
"Well after the game, Lucas said something to me about Max-"
Looking at his best friend, "You believed something that came from his mouth?"
"It was about Brooke, you would've done the same thing and we know it." Jake said, watching Nathan nod his head before he continued. "At the party, I noticed that when I was looking for Brooke who was looking for Max. I realized that Lucas was at least partially right, Max was up to something. I went looking for him after leaving Brooke with Bevin and I found him."
"What'd you find out?" Nathan urged him to continue.
Glancing over at Mouth who nodded his head before they turned their attention back to Nathan. "He was in one of the rooms upstairs with a few others and they were snorting lines."
"And I have a feeling it wasn't candy." Mouth interjected.
"Okay, we need to tell Brooke. I can't believe we let her go out with a coke head." Nathan said as he got off the bench and began pacing. "What if he had brought her around that stuff? Does anybody know where he lives?"
"Where who lives?" A voice asked, startling the three of them.
"Uhm, Whitey. We wanted to talk to him about the away game coming up." Jake covered smoothly as Nathan gave him a look that they would talk later.
Kinking her eyebrow as she looked at the three boys before shrugging her shoulders, "Okay. Let's get the fun started. Who wants to beat Nathan at basketball because he sucks?" She giggled.
"Me!" Jake yelled before he and Mouth began laughing at the brunette's face who looked like he had just lost his puppy.
"Come on, Nate. I'll even let you have the ball first?" The bubbly brunette cheerleader teased as she held the ball out towards him.
"You're dead, Davis." Nathan replied with a smirk as he quickly wrapped his arm around her waist and began spinning her around the river court.
"Just two more classes and then it's the weekend." Nathan said happily as Brooke closed her locker.
Laughing as they began walking towards their next class, "I have a feeling that you're more excited about spending the night at Peyton's house while Jake covers for you." The cheerleader spoke, causing her friend to stop walking and look over at her.
"How'd you know about that?" The taller brunette questioned, worried that his cover would be blown with his mom.
"I know everything, I'm the nucleus of our friendship." Brooke shared cockily as she continued walking down the hallway.
Being quick to catch up with his best friend, "And you're okay with that?"
"Of course, I love being the center of attention." Brooke replied.
"I mean about lying to my mom and-"
"Doing the dirty with Peyton? I don't really like to think of my best friend that way." Scrunching her nose in disgust. "Except she does make you happy and I like a happy you. I also like her so don't mess this up." Pointing sternly at him as they paused outside her classroom.
"You got it." He said with a smirk before it faded as he saw a muscular blonde walking towards them. "And my day just got bad."
"Why?" Brooke asked as she turned around and saw Lucas heading towards them. Holding her breath, she prepared herself for whatever verbal insult or lashing he had to throw their way...only it didn't come. The blonde basketball player just brushed by the two like they weren't even there, shocking the two brunettes. One thinking that Lucas had something planned and the other thinking that maybe the tutoring was paying off and he was finally holding up his end of the deal.
Watching Lucas disappear down the hallway, he turned his attention back to his best friend. "So Lucas hasn't been bothering you lately." Realizing that he seemed to be ignoring Brooke's presence while he made Nathan's a living hell. "Should we be worried?"
"I don't think so." Brooke spoke up as she turned her attention to her best friend.
Shrugging, "I just figured with you dating Max, he'd be all over you. Giving you shit like he usually does." Nathan reminded her.
"Well when he asked if Max and I were dating I asked him to back off and now he is." Brooke shared, hoping that was enough of a reason.
Titling his head as he looked down at Brooke, "Just like that? Seems weird."
Bringing her books closer to her chest as she realized that Nathan was right. Brooke had asked Lucas to back off Nathan, which was like asking for a miracle. Yet when she had asked him to leave her and Max alone, he agreed and hadn't done anything to either her or Max. "Yeah...it does." She voiced her agreement.
Exiting her classroom with her bathroom pass in hand, Brooke began walking down the hallway. Glancing into the windows on the door of the other classrooms as she continued walking. Pausing as she came across an empty classroom, well almost empty. Pulling open the door, she watched as the person's head snapped up and looked at her.
"Hey." He said with a smirk, opening his mouth to say something before she cut him off.
Walking up to the desk he was sitting at, "What game are you playing?" Crossing her hands over her chest as she stared down at him.
Squinting his eyes as he looked at her before glancing around the empty classroom before back up at the brunette. "I'm...not?" He stated uneasily.
Letting out a heavy breath, "You know what I'm talking about!" She told him sternly.
"Actually I don't." Closing his English book, realizing that he wasn't going to be able to get anymore work done since he'd have to cater to Brooke's thoughts. "Care to share your craziness?" He asked jokingly.
"Lucas, stop it. I'm being serious." A small pout forming on her lips, evident of her frustration since she didn't know what was going on. "Why aren't you teasing Max about dating me or giving me crap about anything like you normally do?"
"I didn't think it'd work in my favor if I teased my tutor so I stopped." Looking at her, "And you asked me to back off you and Max, remember?" He questioned as if she could've forgotten that conversation.
Stomping her foot light, "I didn't think you'd actually listen!" She exclaimed.
Letting out a chuckle as he stood up from his desk, "I meant what I said in the library, Brooke." Gathering up his book and notebook as he took a step towards her. "I like you."
"Oh." The brunette spoke softly. "I didn't think you were being serious."
"I'm sorry?" Pausing for a moment, "I think. Look, if it really bothers you then I can start being a dick if you want." Lucas offered.
Shaking her head, "No, it's fine." I think. She still didn't know how to wrap her head around what he had told her. The only real option she had was to just let things continue the way the were, despite her utter confusion.
Chuckling, "Okay." Leaning down towards the brunette catching her off guard, the blonde placed a kiss on her forehead. Causing the brunette to close her eyes as she was thrown back to the party where he attempted to kiss her. "I'll see you later." He said before walking out of the classroom, leaving a dazed and confused brunette behind.
Shifting into second gear, Lucas continued driving down the road to clear his head. He needed to do something else for Brooke to trust him.
Since apparently her so called friends were going to continue to let her date a coke head. He knew he had confused with the kiss on the forehead, but he needed her to think he was being sincere which was a lot harder for him.
It was a little easier since he and Haley were done, he could at least show Brooke more attention without the whole 'cheating' thing coming up. He just needed to figure out how he was going to get the brunette to fall for him.
Coming to a stop at a red light, he glanced to his right and saw the ballet studio where he had gone to pick up Bevin only to find Brooke there. Turning his attention back towards the road, a smirk came across his face as he watched the light turn green. Hitting the gas pedal, Lucas knew exactly what he was going to do.
Adjusting her gym bag strap as she walked the building, "No, mom. I'll be home after rehearsal. Yes, I already talked to Nathan and the rest of the guys about this weekend." Brooke rolled her eyes playfully as she continued to her mother prattle on. "Mom," She laughed softly. "I have to go, I'll see you when I get home and I'll be fine walking. Love you." Brooke spoke before closing her cell phone.
Walking into the studio, she paused as she saw that it was void of any other students. Seeing her instructor at the piano with two other people. "Ms. Juliet, did I miss the call about class being canceled?" Brooked questioned.
"No, Brooke." Her instructor reassured her with a smile while walking towards her. "We actually have some what of a surprise for you." Leading her towards the two guests, "This is Kim Nichols from Barnard College and Doug Stevenson from Colombia University."
"Oh wow. It's uh- wow- Hi, nice to meet you- the both of you." Brooke said laughing softly yet nervously, shaking both of their hands before gripping the strap of her bag and looking at her instructor expectantly. "Can I ask why they're here?"
Smiling, "Of course." Juliet replied. "They are here to see you." Gently taking Brooke's bag away from her and placing it by the piano.
"Me? Why?" Brooke asked, more confused than anything.
"We'd like to have you dance for us, if you wouldn't mind." Kim spoke up as she waved her hand in the direction of dance floor.
"Oh, uh- That seems-yeah" Running her fingers through her hair, "Yeah, I could do that. Sure." Brooke complied as she pulled her hair into a messy ponytail and prepared herself to dance.
Seeing the adults seated at the edge of the room, she took her pause before the music filled the room serving as her cue to begin.
(( watch?v=DS7XYgX8rOI ))
Hearing the music fade as she ended her routine, it was replaced by three people applauding. Smiling as she picked herself up and walked towards them. "Now that you've seen me dance, can you share with me why I danced for you?"
"We actually got called down here." Doug shared. "I can honestly say that it was worth it."
Nodding her head slowly, "I'm slowly gathering that this is an audition?" Brooke questioned, earning nods from the two adults. "I'm only a Junior and I don't think I want to do ballet or dance full time. Why would you come to see me?"
"Doing a favor for a friend." Kim told her. "Colombia is a sister school with great programs outside of dance. That's also why Doug came down with me. Juliet tells us that you are quite a bright student." Glancing over at Doug, "I think that we can both agree that you would be the perfect future student for Barnard and for Cambridge."
"Now we realize that you'll have other options and a lot can change between now and graduation but we'd like to be in your top options for colleges." Doug said as he opened his briefcase and pulled out a packet. "These are booklets for Colombia and some programs at Barnard for ballet and dance. My and Kim's card are also included if you have an further questions."
"It was pleasant to meet you Brooke Davis." Kim said as she shook Brooke's hand, Doug following her actions. "We look forward to hearing from you." She said before they two of them bid their goodbyes and left.
"Wow." Brooke said as she looked down at the packet cover before hugging it to her chest. Still not being able to believe that this had happened to her.
"Well since class was canceled, why don't you head on home?" Her instructor suggested.
Nodding her head as she placed the packet into her bag before slinging it onto her shoulder. Brooke turned her attention to the older woman, "Ms. Juliet, who called in a favor?" Brooke asked, wondering who could possibly have done her this huge of a favor.
"Oh, the tall blonde boy that was here a while ago when we merged with Quist company." Juliet told her. "Actually, he seems to be waiting outside." The teacher nodded her head, causing Brooke to turn her attention to the entrance doors they continued walking towards.
Furrowing her brows as she turned around to see a familiar blonde, "Lucas?" She questioned softly as she parted ways with her teacher. Slowly walking towards the basketball player who was leaning against his car. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to see how it went." Lucas said as pulled his hands out of his letter men jacket.
Tilting her head as she looked at him, "It went pretty great... did you do all this?" She gestured to her company behind her.
Shrugging, "Seemed something like a friend would do." The blonde spoke as he watched her.
"Well aren't you full of surprises Broody?" Brooke said with a smile as she looked at him.
"Anytime." Lucas said with a shrug.
Smiling her dimpled smile, "This is..." Throwing her hands up in the air, "Amazing! Thank you!" She said as she launched herself into his arms and hugged him tightly. Not really caring how weird it was, she felt like she was on cloud nine.
Stiffening slightly before slowly wrapping his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to his body. Placing his cheek against her head. A small wind blowing the scent of vanilla and cherries invaded the blonde's nostrils, causing him to bring her body closer to his as he felt a surprising sense of relaxation wash over him.
Opening her eyes, she suddenly realized that she was hugging her best friend's and her own enemy. "Uh, Lucas?" She questioned as she felt him pull her even closer, causing her to pull back from him. "Thanks again." Brooke said with a small smile as she pulled out of the hug. "I better get home." Shivering slightly due to the brisk wind.
Shrugging out of his letter men jacket, "Here." Lucas said holding it out to her. "I'll take you home."
Shaking her hand towards him, "No, Lucas." She began protesting. "It's fine. I don't live that far and it's really not that cold."
Shoving the jacket into the brunette's hands, "Just put on the jacket, Davis." The blonde told her as he turned around and unlocked the passenger door.
"Uhm." Chewing on her bottom lip as she looked down at the jacket before up at the blonde. "Okay." Deciding against her better judgment, she slipped on the jacket before turning her attention back to the star basketball player who was holding open the door for her.
"Let's get this show on the road." Lucas said as he watched Brooke climb into the passenger seat. Closing the door, he let the smirk grow on his lips as he jogged over to the driver's side. This is going to be too easy. He thought as he revved up his engine and pulled away from the curb.
A/N- Hope it was long enough. :) I suddenly felt a sense to make an accomplishment so I decided to accomplish something, a new chapter!
Allegro:Quick moving steps, often containing jumps, performed to a quick tempo of music.
