- T h i r t y - t h r e e -
"Tell me again why I offered to help." Jake grunted, as he shifted the coffee table from the middle of the living room and closer to the adjacent wall, with little help from Brooke.
"Because you love me and it's my birthday." the brunette chirped, as she inspected Jake's work, finally turning her eyes to survey the teen with a small smile gracing his lips. "Plus you had nothing better to do."
"Brooke!" Bevin beamed, bouncing into the room while clapping her hands excitedly. "Nose has arrived with speakers and…other stuff." she explained vaguely, her eyes sweeping across the area.
Brooke's eyebrows heightened at her fellow cheerleader's information, noticing a growing smirk on Jake's face. "Mouth." she corrected simply, glancing between the two stood with her.
"Yeah." Bevin nodded vehemently, although clearly distracted now. "He's brought the music…stuff." she stated, waving her hand dismissively before she turned sharply to face Brooke. "Can we move the sofa? We need maximum dancing space."
Frowning a little, the head cheerleader nodded herself. "Sure." she replied, slightly worried by Bevin's behaviour. Even if she was aware the girl was harmless.
"Great!" the lighter haired teen somewhat shrieked. "I'll go grab some guys who can help Jakey out." she clapped, turning quickly and heading for the door, which was now blocked by another person. "Peyton!"
"Hey." the blonde greeted, taking a visible step back from the vibrant teen.
Brooke smirked at the reaction and chose to ignore Jake's complaints about his lengthened name, while he shifted some more of the items in the room.
"It's so nice to have you here." Bevin smiled genuinely. "You can help Nose set up his equipment and stuff. You seem the type to know a thing or two about wires…" she continued, tilting her head to observe Peyton briefly. "Might be the leather jacket.."
"Bevin." Brooke finally spoke up, after apprehensive green eyes found her own. "Go find the guys."
"Right."
With her focus back in place, Bevin left while her voice carried on through the hall as she called out a few names.
Peyton stepped into the room further, although her eyes were fixed on the doorway until she was closer to Brooke, where they found amused and warm brown. "You're certain that's natural?" she questioned the shorter girl, with raised eyebrows. "Not medicated?"
Brooke smiled in response before wrapping her arms around Peyton's shoulders, placing a kiss on the blonde's lips. "Hey." she whispered playfully, while pulling away.
"Hey." Peyton mirrored the expression in response. "I know I've already said it today but…happy birthday."
"You two want me to leave?" Jake re-announced his prescience, causing the couple to distance themselves. Peyton, however, kept one arm wound around Brooke's waist, not wanting to let her go just yet. "I mean I enjoy…"
"Yes." Peyton cut in earnestly, gaining a laugh and a shove from Brooke.
"No." she corrected the other girl, heading for the rug that she intended to roll up and put away. "We all have stuff to do."
Jake scoffed at her efforts and folded his arms, while he eyed the brunette. "That.." he indicated to Brooke's current task. "…is the most you've done since I've got here."
"Well, I…um.." Brooke stated.
"Uuh.." Peyton grinned, glancing between the two before settling on Jake. "..you see, Jake…" she playfully explained, throwing an arm over the cheerleader's shoulder after sauntering beside her. "..Brookie here, is worried about getting carried away again." her final statement had been whispered in mock-conspiracy. "Ain't ya?"
Brooke elbowed the taller teen in the stomach, before collecting the rug and heading for the door. "Bite me." she commented with a grin, ignoring her sniggering friend, who watched on.
"I've already told you, Brooke. Only if you ask nicely." Peyton chided in return, laughing along with Jake, at the indignation and blush on Brooke's face as she left.
"You two are…something." the young dad chuckled.
Before Peyton could respond, an older woman, who she noted was more than likely Brooke's mum, entered the room and instantly caused the blonde's blood to run a few degrees colder. However, she was additionally grateful in this moment that Brooke had not inherited her mother's chilling and rigid demeanour. It was a 'quality' she was not fond off.
"Jake." the elder brunette somewhat snipped in greeting, causing Jake's eyes to widen just a bit more. "How nice to see you again." Despite the polite tone, it was distinctly obvious that they were not genuine and could be perceived as being to some extent sarcastic.
"Mrs Davis." he replied equally as polite, just as his mother had taught him.
She smiled forcefully before turning her focus on to the curly haired teen stood in the room, watching the interaction inquisitively.
Meeting the almost black hues, Peyton felt as if she was being read from head to toe and for a lengthy second it was as if Victoria Davis knew.
"And you are?" she questioned distastefully.
"Peyton." the blonde answered unwaveringly and was well aware of the contempt growing inside Brooke's mum towards her.
"My daughter did always scrape the bottom when hiring help."
A deathly silence fell on the room, as Jake's mouth opened in shock while Peyton's eyes closed a fraction, sizing the woman before her.
"So this whole…" Brooke almost sang, appearing from the hall with a dibbled grin covering her features. It did not last as she observed the scene she had not yet prepared for. "Mum?" she questioned, her eyes shifting from her mother to Peyton.
"Brooke…" Victoria greeted shortly, removing her eyes from Peyton's and turning to her daughter. "..I was coming to tell you, your father and I shall be leaving. I also wanted to make sure the cleaner was aware of this…" she waved her hand in the air, as if to signify what she was referring to. "…party. I would like to come home and not contend with the mess."
"Yeah, everything is taken care of." Brooke answered, while she looked to Peyton worryingly.
"Good. I shall see you soon." the older Davis replied, taken a brief glance at the pensive blonde and the concern on Brooke's face, before leaving with her shoulders taut and head held high.
"Peyt?" Brooke questioned timidly, moving closer to her girlfriend.
"I better go find Nose.." Peyton responded distractedly, offering a half smile. Until she realized what she had said. "..I mean Mouth." she corrected, shaking her head and heading out the room herself.
Brooke turned to Jake with her brows furrowed in unease. "What did I just walk in on?"
--
"Can we talk now?"
Brooke walked into her bedroom quickly and shut the door firmly behind her. She was effectively restless from being ignored and dodged by the younger blonde, who stood in front of the mirror applying the finishing touches before people would begin to arrive for the party.
Jake and a few others who had offered to help, remained downstairs with the low thump of the music to keep them amused as they busied themselves with getting ready. Brooke included. Until now.
Peyton, for her part, pretended to look puzzled by the question. "Sure?" she drawled, turning to face the anxious brunette. "What you wanna talk about?"
"Peyton." Brooke chastised resolutely.
"What? Is this about me not giving you your gift? I have it…"
"No. It's about…" she cut in quickly, before Peyton's words finally set in. "Gift?"
The blonde smiled at the girl's response and proceeded to step towards her, admiring the innocence she felt when watching Brooke. "Yeah."
Brooke grinned mischievously, as Peyton stood in front of her, wrapping her arms around the small waist. "Really? What ya got me?" she questioned, resting her chin on her joined hands, pleadingly.
"Well…"
"No. Wait." she cut in again, shaking her head to focus on her original intent. "No, that is not what we need to talk about." a short pause followed. "My mother."
Peyton visibly pulled away, while diverting her eyes from the apprehension in Brooke's. She was aware that this was the likely outcome when she finally met the woman, who could leave her own daughter despondent and wary just by a simple conversation. What had not been planned, was the reality that maybe she didn't match up to what Brooke needed or should have.
Whether or not, Victoria knew the extent of their relationship, it was obvious that the mere thought of them being friends was ludicrous to the elder Davis. And to some extent, Peyton would have to agree.
"Peyton." Brooke softly sighed, gripping the younger teen's hands carefully. "She's like that with everyone. She's like that with me." she stated, attempting to console her girlfriend. "You just have to ignore her."
Peyton laughed a little, finally meeting Brooke's gaze. "Brooke, I could care less what your mum thinks of me." she explained honestly. Her track record with parents had never been great. "But she'll want more for you."
The words were gentle and heartfelt, causing the cheerleader to smile lopsidedly. "Well what more do I want or need, other than you." Finally bringing Peyton into a kiss, which deepened with a sincerity and contentment they both had not felt with anyone else and hoped to never have to try.
Pulling back and studying Brooke for a moment, Peyton went to speak but was instantly cut off once again by soft lips stifling her words and her breath.
"You know…" Brooke smirked, eventually resting her forehead on Peyton's and glaring at the other teen playfully. "…for someone so rock and roll and 'I don't give a shit', you really have some major self-confidence issues."
"Says the egomaniac." Peyton grinned.
Brooke leant back, pulling away and allowing a distance to filter through. "You love me."
"That I do." Peyton chuckled, pecking Brooke's lips and tugging on her hand, as she headed for the door.
--
"Are you certain Bevin should not be medicated?" Peyton questioned, sidling next to Brooke in the kitchen and grabbing for another drink. She couldn't help but smirk at the short gasp she had created as she reached across her girlfriend.
"Why?" Brooke returned, glancing over at Peyton and was instantly aware of the close proximity.
"She wants to know when my birthday is…" the blonde answered. "..so she can throw me a party." she finished with a smile.
Grinning, Brooke lolled her head. "Awe, that's kinda sweet."
"Yeah. It is." Peyton nodded in agreement. "She also wants to know if she should invite everyone from my trailer park."
The shorter of the two burst out in laughter, knowing that Bevin would indeed invite an entire park of residence and was more than likely serious in her plans. Calming down, Brooke smiled at the fearful expression on Peyton's face. "You're adorable." she whispered teasingly, moving closer to the other girl's ear. "..and if we wouldn't be caught, I would so kiss you right now."
Taking her drink, Brooke turned to leave with Peyton following close behind.
"Never stopped you before." Peyton retorted mischievously.
"Brooke. Peyton."
Both girls turned around to find an enthusiastic Gavin waving them over and a slightly meek looking Haley stood beside him. Sharing a knowing grin, Brooke and Peyton headed for their friends, hands firmly in one another's grip.
So as not to lose each other in the crowd, Peyton silently excused the action, while lagging behind the energized brunette.
"Hey." Brooke chirped. "If it isn't Mac and Tutor-girl. Together." she added with an amused wink.
"Happy birthday." Haley smiled, choosing to ignore the probing behind Brooke's words. Instead, she accepted the hug offered from the other girl.
"Yeah. What she said." Gavin grinned to Brooke over Haley's head, as the two girls pulled back to stare at him.
Peyton, however, scoffed in response, having become accustom to his ways. "So eloquent, Gav." she mused with a smile, which was soon mirrored on the eldest face.
"I know." he commented, before turning to Brooke. "I do have a surprise for you though."
"What is it?"
Gavin moved his arm around his back and pulled something out from his back pocket. "For you." he stated, holding out a flower, which had probably looked much prettier at one stage than the condition it was currently being handed in.
"Thanks." Brooke laughed, shaking her head as she examined her gift. "You shouldn't have." she continued, while taking a playful sniff.
"It's very rare."
At his words, Brooke's eyebrow rose toward him. "Really? I could have sworn the neighbour had the same flower growing in there front garden." a knowing smirk appearing on her face.
Haley and Peyton sniggered between them, whereas Gavin met Brooke's gaze unwavering. "Nooo. I am shocked you would suggest such a thing." he mocked.
"I apologize. I must have been mistaken." the shorter brunette replied, spinning the flower between her fingers. "How can I repay you for such a thoughtful gift?"
"Well…"
"That's enough." Peyton cut in, aware of where Gavin could possibly take the light-hearted banter. "It's one thing stealing flowers but it's another to try and work your way into her pants." she glared humorously, deciding to stand between the two.
"Why, Sawyer, you seem a tad jealous. Would you like a dip in the pool to cool off?" Gavin teased.
"On that note, I'm going to go find Jake…" Brooke announced, turning away. "…and find a place for my lovely gift." she called over her shoulder.
"The garbage can seems best." Peyton returned loudly.
"Drink?" Gavin asked Haley, knowing he had limited time to get away from Peyton.
"Sure." Haley answered, as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and headed for the kitchen.
"That's right. Run McIntyre." Peyton called after him, causing a number of people to turn and look at her curiously. "What?"
"Is there anyone you don't yell at?"
The blonde turned back around to be faced with a smiling Erin, who she noted was dressed to kill in tight fitting jeans and a black top, which showed a great deal of her toned midriff.
"See something you like, Sawyer?" the older girl smirked.
Meeting darkened eyes, Peyton took a moment to collate her thoughts. "What are you doing here?" she found herself asking defensively.
"As much as this may pain you, I was invited.." Erin explained, the humour still lacing her lulling voice. "..by Brooke, no less."
Peyton rolled her eyes and waved her hand dismissively, while glancing around the room. "Just don't…irritate me tonight." she sighed, finally resting her eyes on the tanned girl before her.
"Sooo, I should just stay out of your way, right?" Erin replied, a hint of hurt seeping into the wit she used regularly.
Peyton tilted her head, a half smile appearing on her features. "Not necessarily."
"Hey, what's going on?" Brooke greeted, bouncing onto Peyton's back. "No catfights remember."
"I was playing nice." the blonde grinned, looking over shoulder to glance at her girlfriend.
"She was actually." Erin agreed, pulling a surprised yet confused face at Brooke, before she noticed Jake approaching them. "Well, well, well. Jake. Don't we look delectable this evening."
Chuckling, Jake stood beside the trio and appropriately gave Erin an approving once over. "Not nearly as much as you." he smiled.
"Hmm. Remind me to come and find you later for a little R and R." she seductively whispered, as she began to head for the kitchen, getting a drink in mind. "Catch you later girlies." a wink was added, as she passed Brooke and Peyton.
Peyton watched after her moment before turning to eye Jake. "You have now been sighted." she informed him. Knowing better than anyone that Erin could be sweet and caring, when she was interested in someone. Namely a girl. However, with men, it would be a whole different game.
Jake shrugged as his eyes fell on Haley dancing with Gavin, her smile standing out from the rest in the room.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me." Brooke's voice suddenly cut through the music and his silent thoughts.
Dragging his eyes from the auburn haired teen enjoying herself, Jake glanced over to Brooke and found she and Peyton were looking toward the entrance, less than happy by what had appeared there. Curiosity getting the better of him, Jake gazed over himself.
"Wow." Jake muttered in shock.
He could understand Brooke and Peyton's increasing anger as Lucas walked in laughing with Theresa hanging onto his arm, obviously caught up in the moment with the blonde basketball player.
I'm going to try and keep this short, as time is not what it used to be!!
Thanks to everyone reading and big ol' cyber hug for those who review; spashley20 (Jake and Haley is planned...but you know, it never runs smoothly!) Teske (Incredibly sweet and thank you!) physcob2002 (Glad you liked and thanks.) I'mAnOverachiever (It's earlier...than last time, lol. Guess I'm still firmly on the hook though. I thought that 'make up your own apology' would have worked. Damn. Thank you as always.) craftyns99 (Bit more Breyton this time. I haven't decided whether or not Gavin will beat him up...we'll see.) othnaleyfan4 (Well...it's open to a few, lol. Glad you liked and thank you.) yaba (Don't apologise for not reviewing a chap. I'm the worse reviewer, so I know how it can be, lol. The direction thing, I actually have 99 percent of it planned out because I began to kind of lose my way at the beginning, so I wrote down everything I wanted in it and worked out how it would fit. Also I'm not a fan of things moving too quickly. I have a compulsion to make sure it would play out as near as possible in real-life. Leyton Vs. Brucas; I have always been more Leyton. To me, it just felt a bit more real. Saying that, I'm now incredibly jaded when watching and find Lucas overly irritating now, lol. You? Thanks for the review, it's greatly appreciated.) Realish (Thank you. I'm glad you enjoy!) apathyaddict (It's always nice to hear someone likes it, considering I thought I was going to fall flat on my face, lol. I'm grateful you still do though. And Lucas/Brooke, I think they needed a 'heart to heart.' Thanks again for the support!) drumstiix (Thanks for the review. I'll try to update quicker though. Appreciated!!) Alexz6 (Good day! And how is you? I vote we just kick Lucas but you know...whatever floats your boat. Gavin could rough him up though. That would be fun! Bless. You seem over-worked, lol. I suggest sleep and ignorance. It helps me. Okay, I lie. I'm busy, hence the late update. Plus I've caught a nasty cold!! So I'm all sniffy and shit. Sucks donkey. I think crazy, unique people make the world go round...and keeps me entertained. It's a quality not often appreciated. Poor misguided people. Anyhoo, no bowing head in shame, hear me! That's right...Hmm...I'll chat to you soon! Thanks!) and thanks also too idaatje.
Right, I got to run...so thanks again!!