"Feeling my hands start shaking… Hearing your voice, I'm overjoyed."
Overjoyed, Matchbox Twenty

Jude just stood in the middle of the café, rooted to the floor, barely able to breathe. He swallowed, throat as dry as the desert, and managed to croak out a few words.

"Say that again."

She smiled, the angel that stood before him, another tear slipping down her cheek. She sniffled, speaking softly, repeating the phrase he couldn't stand to hear for an entire year. At least, not from any voice that wasn't hers.

"Hey Jude."

His brain shut off then, or maybe his limbs just took over. He rushed forward, taking her in his arms, both of them gasping when they touched. Lydia let out a sob as she dug her fingers into his back, and Jude closed his eyes, holding her so tightly that he wasn't sure she could breathe. She turned her head at the same time that he did, and Jude bent a little, pressing his forehead to hers. He let out a quiet laugh.

"Tell me this isn't a dream."

Lydia gave a watery laugh, reaching a shaky hand up and pressing it against his cheek. Her sweet voice was quiet, and Jude smiled through the tears in his eyes when he heard her.

"It's not a dream. I'm really here."

He let out a laugh, pulling back just a bit. Lydia blinked her eyes open, looking up at him, and Jude shook his head, leaning down and laying his lips on hers. Lydia's hand came up again, touching his face, and when he broke the kiss, resting his forehead on hers again, the words she whispered nearly brought him to his knees.

"I love you."

He tightened his hold on her, pulling her even closer, and she gasped before she tightened her hold on him, as well. Jude turned his head, breathing in the scent of her shampoo before he spoke again.

"One more time."

Lydia smiled, leaning back, waiting until he blinked his eyes open. She moved her arms around his neck, smiling wider when his hands slid over her hips, pulling her just a bit closer.

"I love you, Jude Baker. I have for so long."

Jude let out a laugh, bending down to kiss her again, tightening his hold on her hips, making her laugh as he lifted her up, twirling her around slowly, gently, before he put her back on the ground.

"God, Lydia. I'm so glad to see you."

She didn't move away from him, just stayed in the circle of his arms, hands on his chest as she smiled up at him.

"I missed you so much."

Jude bent and kissed her lips again.

"Tell me you're here for good. That you've come back to me."

Lydia smiled, nodding her head, and Jude laughed, pulling her back into his arms and holding her close. He had one arm around the upper part of her back, just under her shoulders, and his other hand holding the back of her head. She had her eyes closed, ear pressed to his heart.

"I can't believe you're here."
"Believe it."

Jude let out a quiet laugh, then took hold of her hips again, lifting her up and walking back to the counter, sitting her on it where they could talk face-to-face. She smiled at him, moving a hand to brush her fingers through his hair.

"That's pretty hot."

Jude let out a laugh, and Lydia smiled widely. He lifted a hand and she laced her fingers through his. Jude shook his head.

"You're smiling. You don't even know how much I missed that sight."

Lydia looked down, at their joined hands.

"I do know. And … Jude, I want to—"
"Shh."

He smiled, moving to cup her face in his hands.

"We'll have all the time in the world to talk about that."

Lydia blinked at him, then nodded, and Jude stepped forward again, kissing her softly and gently. He stepped forward and she put her face in his chest, wrapping her arms around him. Jude let out a quiet laugh, closing his eyes at the sudden push of tears behind his eyelids. He sniffled, bending to put his face in her hair.

"Jude?"

He shook his head, and she let her hand drift up, pushing through his hair. Her other hand came to rest on his cheek, gently moving his face to press his cheek against hers. He took in a shaky breath, and she moved her head, tenderly pressing her lips to his cheek, closing her eyes as his arms came around her, pulling her as close as they could possibly get.

"Jude."

He sniffled, shaking his head, and she smiled, keeping her eyes closed.

"I love you."

He let out a laugh, a quiet, wet sound.

"I love you, too."

"You're only getting better."
Overjoyed, Matchbox Twenty

Jude finally lifted his head, letting out a sigh and lifting a hand to wipe his eyes. He sniffled and looked at Lydia, who smiled at him and lifted her hand, using her thumb to wipe a tear from his cheek. He gave her a half-smile, leaning closer.

"I wish I could just put you in my car and go."

Lydia smiled at him, tilting her head to the side.

"Where would we go?"

Jude shrugged his shoulders as she swung her legs off the edge of the counter.

"I don't know. Anywhere we wanted."

Lydia giggled softly, and Jude leaned forward, kissing her lips softly. He didn't pull back immediately, but deepened the kiss, letting his hand come up and cup her cheek. Lydia finally pulled back, breathing hard, resting her forehead on his. Jude pressed his lips to hers again, and Lydia murmured against his mouth.

"Your mom's in the kitchen with Aunt Quinn."

Jude groaned, and Lydia giggled, laughing out loud when Jude tucked his face to her neck and squeezed her side. Quinn and Brooke walked out of the kitchen to see Lydia writhing on the counter, trying to get away from Jude, who refused to stop tickling her, no matter how much she begged. Lydia squealed, barely able to breathe through her laughter, and Quinn lifted a hand to her mouth, glancing over and seeing tears in Brooke's eyes as well.

"It's been so long since I heard her laugh."

Quinn just nodded, unable to speak around the lump in her throat. Brooke swallowed, letting out a laugh.

"Jude, let the girl breathe!"

He lifted his head to see Brooke standing there and he smiled. Lydia fell back on the counter, breathing hard, shaking her head.

"Please … I'm beg—begging."

She lifted a hand, pushing her hair out of her face, and Jude reached out, taking her hand in his, lacing their fingers together. He smiled at her, laughing to himself when she lifted her other hand and pushed at his shoulder. He leaned over, kissing her softly, smiling against her mouth when her hand came up to rest against his neck. At the sound of a throat being cleared, Jude pulled back, letting out a sigh. He and Lydia glanced over, and Brooke gave them a wave.

"Standing right here."

Lydia's cheeks went red, and Quinn covered her mouth with her hand to hide her smile. Brooke shook her head as Jude helped Lydia sit up, then lifted her off the counter to stand beside him. He smiled when she turned and put her face in his chest, and he laid a hand on her hair.

"Could we, um …"

Lydia lifted her head to look at him, and Jude glanced down at her before looking over to his mother and Quinn.

"Could we go somewhere for a while? I'll bring her home later."

Quinn bit her lip, glancing over to Brooke. Brooke subtly shook her head, stepping over to take Lydia from Jude and wrap her in a hug, resting her head on top of soft, chocolate-brown hair. Quinn sighed.

"I don't know."

Lydia was smiling softly, looking down at the floor. Quinn looked over to her, tilting her head.

"Lyd?"

Lydia blinked, lifting her eyes to Quinn, who smiled at her.

"What are you thinking?"

Lydia shrugged, cheeks flushing as Brooke took a step back from her.

"Honey?"

Lydia looked up at Brooke, then over to Quinn, and she sighed, lifting a hand and pushing it through her hair.

"I—I didn't think I … had a say."

Lydia looked down again, and Quinn closed her eyes. Lydia looked back at Jude, who stepped up and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, her back to his chest. She closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath as she leaned back against him. Quinn looked over to Brooke, who gave her a sad look. Quinn fought back tears, then cleared her throat.

"Have her home before midnight."

Jude grinned, nodding his head.

"Yes, ma'am."

Lydia stepped out of Jude's arms, going to Quinn and hugging her. Quinn held her tightly, then whispered in her ear.

"We'll talk tomorrow, okay?"

Lydia nodded, and Quinn kissed her temple before patting her shoulder. Jude stepped up and took Lydia's hand, smiling down at her as he led her out of the café, the bell above the door jingling as they walked out.

Quinn turned to Brooke, shaking her head. Brooke gave her a sad smile, walking forward to give Quinn a hug. Brooke sighed, shaking her head.

"I know. This is going to take some getting used to. Okay, a lot of getting used to."

Quinn just shook her head, and Brooke sighed again.

"The smile on your face like summer… The way that your hand keeps touching mine... Let me be the one to make it right."
Overjoyed, Matchbox Twenty

Lydia laid her head back against the seat, smiling softly and keeping her eyes closed as Jude drove them. He had one hand on the wheel, the other laced together with Lydia's.

"Where are we going?"
"You just keep your eyes closed and let me drive."

Lydia laughed quietly, giving his hand a squeeze. He turned up the radio just a bit, and Lydia's smile grew, and she started to softly sing along. Jude swallowed, blinking hard.

"I missed hearing you sing."
"I've missed singing."

She turned her head, opening her eyes to look at Jude.

"Not as much as I missed you, though."

He glanced over at her, pulling the car to a stop in the middle of the road. Lydia giggled, and he leaned over, kissing her slowly. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead on hers, just for a moment. He couldn't speak just then, and he sat back, taking a breath before putting the car back in drive. Lydia sat back in her seat, closing her eyes again.

Jude pulled the car to a stop, putting it in park and taking the keys out of the ignition. Lydia turned her head towards him, keeping her eyes closed. He smiled, and she reached out. He laced his fingers with hers and she smiled.

"Can I open my eyes yet?"

Jude glanced out his window, then nodded.

"Yeah, open your eyes."

Lydia blinked a few times, sitting up to look out her window, then turning to look out Jude's. She met his eyes and let out a laugh, letting go of his hand to unbuckle her seatbelt, climbing out of the car the same time he did. She ran around the car and took his hand again, leaning against him as they walked towards the swings at the park. She sat down in a swing, and Jude walked behind her, and when she was holding onto the chains, he gave her a gentle push.

They stayed like that for a while, not saying anything while Jude pushed Lydia on the swing. The night was still around them, until Jude's voice broke through the silence.

"God, I missed you so much."

Lydia put her feet down suddenly, turning around to see him stumble over to one of the benches, sitting down hard and putting his head in his hands. She was out of the swing before she could think about what she was doing, and she sat beside him, putting an arm around his shoulders and pulling him to her. He rested his head against her stomach and she closed her eyes at the tightness of his grip on her arm, feeling tears come to her eyes at the sound of his choked sob.

"Oh, Jude."

He shook his head.

"You don't … You don't know what it was …"

He lifted his head, tears soaking his cheeks as he shook his head again.

"It was hell without you, Lydia. I couldn't function. I could barely breathe."

He shook his head, standing to his feet and putting his hands on his hips. He walked a little ways from the bench, then turned back to look at her.

"It scared me."
"What did?"
"Finding out just how badly I need you."

She blinked, and he let out a laugh.

"We are seventeen years old, and I cannot imagine my life without you in it. What's more? I don't want to."

He blew out a breath, lifting a hand to rub at his face. He sighed again, then looked over to the bench. Lydia was watching him, and they locked eyes a few seconds before she stood up, slowly walking over to him, looking up at him as he looked down at her.

"It is scary. I know, because I feel the same way."

She reached out, and he automatically slipped his hands into hers. She shook her head as she stepped closer to him, shivering in the gentle breeze.

"I talked to my shrink. She tried to tell me that we were too young, that we have our whole lives ahead of us, and you know what happened?"

Jude shook his head, and she smiled softly as she stepped closer, looping her arms around his neck. His hands came to her hips, and she smiled, closing her eyes for just a moment before looking up at him.

"I panicked. I tried to think about—"

She shook her head as tears welled up in her eyes. She let out a shaky breath, voice thick with tears when she spoke again.

"I can't see myself with anyone but you. I don't want to. And that scares me, but … I don't care."

She shrugged her shoulders.

"Maybe I should, but …"

Jude bent down, pressing his lips to hers, smiling into the kiss when her arms tightened around his neck, pulling him even closer. Lydia moved to put her face in Jude's neck, and he closed his eyes, letting out a sigh.

"I love you, Lydia."
"I love you, too."

"And if you want, we'll share this life."
Overjoyed, Matchbox Twenty

Jude pulled up to the house, letting out a sigh. Lydia smiled, squeezing the hand she'd been holding ever since they got back in the car. Jude shut off the engine, sitting back in the seat and letting out another sigh. He turned to look at Lydia, smiling when he caught her looking back at him, and he lifted her hand to his lips.

"I don't want to let you go."

She smiled, feeling her cheeks warm.

"I know. I really don't want to go."

Jude let out a quiet laugh, leaning forward to push his fingers through her hair, cupping her chin in his palm, resting his forehead against hers. They both closed their eyes, and Jude murmured softly.

"Then don't."

Lydia leaned into his touch.

"What happens if I don't?"

Jude smiled.

"We get away from here. Far, far away. We leave Tree Hill in our dust and—"
"Never look back?"

Jude nodded, and Lydia smiled.

"We'll have money to burn, travel all around the globe, and when we get old and wrinkly—"
"We'll come back here."

Lydia moved her head just a bit, pressing her lips to his, murmuring against his mouth.

"Sounds like a perfect plan."

Jude tightened his hold on her face, bringing his other hand up to cup her cheek, kissing her. Lydia smiled into the kiss, leaning closer to him. They both jumped at the sound of the horn, then fell into laughter when Jude realized his elbow was the cause of the noise.

Lydia wiped the tears from her eyes, rubbing her aching chest from laughing so hard. Jude sighed, opening his door and walking around to open hers. He helped her from the car, keeping tight hold on her hand as he walked her to the door.

They stopped on the front steps, and Jude reached to take both of Lydia's hands.

"Listen, if you … if you need anything, just—just call me, okay?"

She gave him a soft smile, letting go of one of his hands to lift hers to lay against his cheek.

"You're so good, Jude."

He ignored the twinge in his heart, giving her the smile he knew she wanted. He stepped closer to her, towering over her, looking down as she stared up at him.

"Promise me, Lyd."
"I promise."

Jude nodded, and Lydia went on her tiptoes, looping her arms around his neck and bringing his mouth to hers. Jude settled his hands on her hips.

"Well, well. What do we have here?"

Lydia groaned as she went back to her flat feet, resting her head against Jude's chest. Clay leaned up against the doorframe, a wide smile on his mouth.

"Mr. Baker. Good to see you again."

Jude cleared his throat.

"Hey, Clay."

Clay nodded, still smiling. He glanced at the watch on his wrist, then nodded.

"Just in time. Very good, Baker."

Jude nodded, and Lydia rolled her eyes. She went up on her tiptoes again, and Jude leaned down to let her whisper in his ear.

"I'm sorry for this. He hasn't always been so weird."

Jude let out a quiet laugh, moving to kiss her cheek.

"Goodnight, Lyd."
"Goodnight, Jude."
"Sweet dreams, sweetheart."

Jude and Lydia both groaned at Clay, who just cackled to himself. He stepped back and held the door open.

"Get in this house, girl. Drive safe, Baker."
"Yes, sir."

"Anytime you need a friend, I'm gonna be by your side."
Overjoyed, Matchbox Twenty

Clay stood at the door until Jude had driven away, then shut the door behind him. He stopped when he saw Lydia standing in the hall, arms crossed over her chest and one eyebrow raised.

"What?"

Lydia rolled her eyes, and Clay smiled as he jogged forward, throwing an arm around her.

"Come here, Little Scott. I've got a surprise for you."
"Oh, boy."
"None of that."

Lydia giggled under his arm, and Clay stopped at the French doors that led to the backyard. Lydia looked out into the darkness, taking in a breath.

"You put the hammock back up?"

Clay nodded, closing his eyes when she wrapped her arms around his waist. Clay coughed, then cleared his throat.

"Look, you'll get eaten by mosquitos if you go out there tonight—"
"Please? I just … I missed it so much."
"The hammock?"

Lydia swallowed as she nodded, turning back to the doors.

"And outside."

Clay closed his eyes, dragging a hand down his face.

"All right. But take a blanket and if you get bit, come back in."

He closed his eyes again when she kissed his cheek, blinking as he watched her run and grab two big blankets from the closet, then run outside, laughing as soon as she kicked her shoes off and ran through the grass.

"Sucker."

Clay glanced back, smiling when he saw Quinn sitting backwards on a stool at the counter. He let out a laugh.

"Like you would have done a damn thing differently."

She lifted a shoulder, then smiled as he walked over to her, taking her face in his hands and kissing her deeply. Quinn pulled back, smiling up at him.

"There is … one thing."

Clay raised an eyebrow, and Quinn bit her bottom lip.

"She's all by herself out there, and—"
"You called Baker back here, didn't you?"

Quinn's mouth fell open, in a look of shock.

"I would never."
"Watch that nose, Pinocchio."

Quinn shrugged her shoulders.

"Like you weren't going to do the same damn thing."

Clay rolled his eyes, and she laughed, taking hold of his shirt and pulling him close, kissing him again. They both stopped when they heard the car pull up, and Clay raised an eyebrow again when Quinn smiled up at him. She leaned even closer, whispering quietly.

"Riley's asleep, and Jamie's at the Rivercourt until probably after one or two. With them outside…"
"We can go upstairs?"

Quinn giggled as she nodded, and Clay grabbed her hand, tugging her off the barstool and dragging her behind him as she laughed all the way up the stairs.

"When nobody understand you… Well, I do."
Overjoyed, Matchbox Twenty

"Room for one more?"

Lydia's eyes flew open, and a wide smile spread across her face.

"Jude. What are you doing here?"

He grabbed hold of the hammock, stopping it from swinging and leaning down, kissing her lips.

"Quinn called. Said you were out here all by your lonesome."

Lydia felt a blush cover her face and she nodded. Jude toed his shoes off and, with Lydia's help, maneuvered his way onto the hammock. She rolled to lay her head on his chest, covering him with the blanket, pulling it up to her chin. She gave a full-body shiver and he lifted an eyebrow at her.

"I'm cold."
"Want to go in?"
"No."

Jude smiled, nodding his head, lifting a hand to slowly drag his fingers through her hair. Lydia let out a sigh, snuggling closer to him. Jude swallowed, then spoke softly.

"The last time we were out here …"
"I know."

Jude nodded slowly, and Lydia sighed.

"It was such a bad time."
"I should have told someone then."
"Don't do that, honey."

Jude let out a laugh, and Lydia propped herself up on an elbow.

"You're not to blame. Not for anything, Jude."
"Lyd, I—"
"No. Don't. Please, don't."

She moved to where she was draped across his torso, dark blue eyes looking past his eyes and into his soul. She shook her head, speaking softly.

"Nothing is your fault. Nothing, Jude."
"Lyd, I—"
"Please, listen to me."

He closed his eyes, and she moved again, resting her forehead on his.

"You helped me more than anyone else. I wouldn't let anyone in. No one but you. And I shouldn't have done that. We were too young, Jude. Too young to deal with the weight on our shoulders. Me, especially. And I put that weight on you, and—"
"I don't regret a second of it. Not until the night I walked away from you."

Lydia blinked.

"Jude."
"I will never, ever forgive myself for that."

Tears sparkled in his dark eyes, and he lifted a hand to press his fingers against his eyelids. Lydia closed her eyes, then laid down again, draping herself across his torso. She brought both of her legs up, where she was straddling his stomach, arms on either side of his, head tucked just under his chin. Jude squeezed his eyes shut at the memory that slammed into him, at the same time he felt her tears dampen his shirt.

"I love you. And this is something we're going to have to work through. Blaming and remembering and forgiving."
"Lyd—"
"I don't know when, but we'll get past it. And I don't know how. I don't know a lot of things, but I do know that I love you. And I know you love me."
"I do, baby."

His arms came around her then, holding her tightly. He felt her start to relax in his hold, little by little, until their breathing was synced, slow and deep. Lydia's voice was quiet and lazy when she spoke.

"I know we need to … to talk, but … I'm so tired."

Jude yawned widely.

"Me … me too."

Lydia nodded, snuggling closer to him, and Jude adjusted his hold on her. He tugged the blanket up a little more, and Lydia wiggled until she had her head on his shoulder. She was still laying on top of him, but neither of them were bothered by it.

"Jude?"
"Mm-hmm."
"I love you."

He smiled, yawning again.

"I love you too, baby."

Lydia took in a deep breath, smelling nothing but Jude, and fell asleep with a smile on her face. Jude followed behind her a few seconds later.

"So maybe let me hold you, baby, let me come over. I will tell you secrets God only knows. I cannot overstate it: I will be overjoyed."
Overjoyed, Matchbox Twenty

"They out?"
"Yep."

Quinn turned away from the window, climbing in the bed beside Clay. She sat on her knees, yawning once.

"You called Brooke?"

Quinn nodded, and Clay nodded back at her.

"You got the aloe or the calamine lotion or whatever it is for when they wake up covered in mosquito bites?"

Quinn rolled her eyes, but nodded again. Clay smiled, reaching over and touching Quinn's soft hair. She smiled, turning her lamp off and laying down, snuggling up to Clay's side. He ran a finger down her nose, leaning down to kiss her. When he went to turn off his lamp, Quinn caught his arm.

"Does it …"
"What, babe?"

Quinn pressed her lips together, then smiled.

"Does it seem different to you?"
"What?"

Quinn shook her head.

"Everything. I know we've been talking about how everything's going back to 'normal,' but …"
"I know what you mean."
"You do?"

Clay nodded.

"I don't think we'll ever be back to the normal we used to know. But this … this can be our new normal. I mean, we've still got a lot of … shit to sort through. But—"
"It doesn't seem so overwhelmingly awful anymore."

Clay nodded again.

"We got our girl back. New and improved version. And it's not going to be sunshine and flowers all the time. But for now …"
"Now, let's enjoy the sunshine."

Clay smiled, leaning over to kiss his wife again.

"Excellent idea, Mrs. Evans. And let's plan on doing just that. … Tomorrow."

Quinn let out a laugh, nodding her head, waiting until Clay was situated in the bed before settling against his side, sharing a satisfied sigh with her husband before they both drifted off to sleep.

THE END

Well, there you have it! Part 2 of my OTH: Next Generation Saga is complete. But don't worry. This is not the end of Lydia and Jude's story. Stay tuned for Part 3, coming soon. :)