What A Tangled Web We Weave

by The0Stars0Are0Shining0

She still wakes up some mornings convinced she must be asleep because this is surely a nightmare. She was never meant to be the girl that gets a divorce. They were never meant to end up here. They were meant to be the ones that got the happy ever after. She hates him because he's ruined everything and it's not fair because she doesn't want to still love him but love him she does.

25. Chapter 25

TWENTY FIVE

'Hey, come're'

'I'm just quickly making the girls lunch so they can have it as soon as they get in- they'll no doubt be starving-'

'Uhuh. Stop. Mum will do it-'

She arches her brow. 'Your Mum isn't here and not a maid' She drones.

'Well I've employed her for the day- Hales is gonna get the girls from school and then drop them back at Mum's'

'What?-'

'Uhuh'

'Luke' Her eyes narrow.

'What? You said you'd come for a drive with me'

'Uhuh. I am but there's time for us to do that and get them from school-'

'I know but I don't wanna feel like we have to rush back to get them. I told Mum we have a counselling session'

'We don't!'

'I know that. I thought you'd prefer I tell her that apposed to I'm taking you for a drive'

'The last thing she should be doing is dealing with those maniacs right now Luke'

'Broke her arm. Not an invalid baby. She's been baking non stop the last few days I think she can cope just fine. Don't pout it only has me wanting to do things to you' He grasps both her hands and she reels back. He laughs. 'What do you think I'm gonna do to you right now?'

She pouts. 'I'm making them a snack!'

'And we just covered that you don't need to do that now' She arches her brow suspiciously because he's gazing at her. 'So I have a Christmas surprise for you'

'...You do know it's the 29th of November right? Do I need to get you an advent calendar as well as the girls?'

He laughs. 'Early Christmas surprise. I can't wait. Come...Why do you look so bloody suspicious?'

'Because you're being weird!'

'It's just a surprise'

'What did you do?' Her eyes narrow.

'Peyton Scott surprises can be nice'

'Yours aren't especially actually' She grumbles.

He rolls his eyes. 'How can a Christmas surprise ever be bad?'

'Again, it's not Christmas'

'Brooke would disown you right now. As far as she's concerned it starts on November the 1st'

'And as far as I'm concerned November should be a month of Halloween mischief'

'Now who's getting her Holidays confused?'

'Halloween beats Christmas buddy'

'Alright witchy mc witchy just shush and fyi not your buddy'

'You shouldn't be buying shit-'

'Didn't buy anything. Stop whining' He moves round her and his hands are over her eyes suddenly.

'What're-'

'Shh'

'Stop shushing me. I can't see where I'm...' Her fingers are over his, her feet blindly feeling the way as she's ushered forward.

'I've got you. Step' He instructs because she's moving like a snail.

'I don't like this game'

'You will in a minute'

'So sure of yourself aren't you?'

'When it comes to this. Yes' He's navigated her to the front door now and pulls it open. 'Ready?'

'No'

He smirks. 'Surprise baby' He drawls into her ear before removing his hand from her face.

She blinks in an effort to get her eyes to adjust to the abrupt sunlight but her eyes are soon focusing on what is on the driveway. Her jaw drops. She stares dumbfounded for a minute. He grins because her silence is the good kind.

'It's the Comet' She states the obvious eventually.

'Uhuh'

'But she...how is she here?'

'Drove her'

'She doesn't drive' She's still fixated on the vehicle that's been in her father's garage for the most part of the last five years due to the vast amount of restoration required.

'She does now'

'What?' Her head twists to look at him then.

He nods patronisingly. 'All fixed. New lick of paint. She's looking like she's back in her hey day huh?'

'You...she...' He smiles in amusement because she's struggling to string a sentence together.

'You like it' He smugly murmurs.

'Of course I fucking like it' She blinks. There's a lump in the back of her throat.

'Are you crying?'

'No'

'You are! Baby-'

'Shush' She bats his reaching hand away from her face. 'I'm not'

'You so are!'

'I just, I, thank you' She settles on.

His smugness is gone because her evident emotion is inevitable in fuelling his guilt. 'I'm sorry it took me so long to do'

'I kinda thought she was past the point of return'

'I just kept putting it off cause I knew it was gonna take so long' She springs away from him then because the distance between her and her old friend is suddenly unbearable. He shadows her. Watches as she reaches out, hand trailing over the shiny black hood. Watches with a wide smile because she's happy. He's not seen her this kind of happy in a good while. It's a happiness that has nothing to do with their children or others. It's a happiness that's wrapped up in something she wants and loves. A pang of sadness fills him because in all honesty he doesn't know why he'd ever have prioritised other jobs. He could live off of the smile she's wearing.

'I can't believe you did this' She shrilly exclaims. 'Look at you' She drawls to the car then. 'You're so pretty. Did you miss me?'

Lucas squints at her. 'You know she can't talk-'

'Shush' She tuts at him. 'Ignore him honey, your Mumma knows you hear everything'

He rolls his eyes at her antics. 'You wanna take her for a drive crazy girl?' He jangles the keys then.

'Hell yes' She nods enthusiastically and skips back to him to retrieve the keys. He holds them up just out of her reach. She pouts. 'You're kidding yourself if you think you're driving Lucas Scott'

'Pipe down. I know. Come're' She knows fully well what he wants. Her stare skitters around and he rolls his eyes because she's blatantly scouring their surroundings for any passerby's 'Behave! It's not like we're having a bloody affair'

'People gossip-'

He cuts her off with his mouth. She doesn't resist. Kisses him back. 'Breaking news. Husband kisses his wife' He tauntingly murmurs into her mouth. 'Gosh we're gonna be the talk of Tree Hill sweetheart'

'Ha ha ha' She snatches the keys from him then. 'You better watch it because Comet only welcomes passengers that don't piss me off'

'Oh does she now?'

'Uhuh'

'Not many passengers then huh?'

'Nope that's how we like it huh Comet'

'Well whether she likes it or not I'm always gonna be tagging along thanks' He husks as he gets into the passenger side. 'Besides she's gotta be nice to me. I did fix her and all'

'I suppose that does put you in her good books for the time being'

•••

He's surprised she's driven here. Tries not to read much into it. Figures she's on autopilot because this had once always been the end destination when they'd go for a drive. Sunny afternoons filled with picnics and swimming in the lake she's just pulled up next to.

He recalls making out for hours on end here. This place holds so many memories. Memories of just them. Of a time before children and marriage and work.

She turns the engine off. They sit in silence for a moment looking at the view.

'...Thank you' She murmurs eventually.

'You don't need to thank me'

'I know this must have been so much work-'

'I'd do anything for you. I should've done it sooner. Besides it's a sacrilege not to have her running'

She smiles. 'It really is'

'You really wanna thank me?'

She looks up at him through her lashes. 'I thought I just did'

'Yeah I know. But you could also thank me back there' He nods to the seats behind him.

'Oh really and what's back there?'

He turns his body and clambers over the seats to the passenger seats behind 'Me' He chants.

She laughs. 'How could I possibly resist. No bloody shoes on her seats' She adds with wag of her finger.

'Oh I forgot what a control freak you are about her. This might have been a mistake'

'Take that back!' She's slid her own shoes off, hesitates but rises and slides over the back a little more gracefully than he just did. He shifts into the space she's aiming for but she preempts his move and changes route at the last moment. 'You're mean' He declares as she settles beside him instead of straddling his lap.

'So awful' She drawls.

'Yup, considering I just made you oh so happy'

'You did?'

'Oh come on' He twists and drapes his arm on the back of the seat. 'I did good. Right?'

She laughs. 'Yes you idiot. You know you did good' She widens her eyes at him because she knows he's had more than enough confirmation but gives it anyways. 'I know it's just a car but-'

'It's not. I know it's not just a car baby, it's a link to your Mum. It holds a whole load of memories'

'Mmm'

He reaches out and tucks her hair behind her ear.

'And right now she has your darling husband in the backseat. How have we never done it back here?'

She arches her brow. 'We've done...stuff'

'Mm we've done stuff' He agrees with a small laugh. 'Remember when you got your leg stuck under the front seat when you were giving me a-'

'Of course you remember that' She cuts in.

'Of course I bloody remember that! I thought I was gonna have to call your Dad and god can you imagine having to explain how you wound up there?!'

She cringes. 'I think I woulda had you amputate my limb before I'd confided in Dad about what we were doing' He's become distracted, his thumb trailing just beneath her bottom lip. She knows that look. '...If you think we're about to christen her then you're well and truly mistaken'

'Oh come on'

'Anyone could drive by Lucas!'

'Our spot here is so hard to see and no one ever comes here. We could pull her roof up if it'll make you feel better'

'Of all the things I'm gonna wind up in the slammer for it's not that'

'Oh? What other things are you doing that could have you wound up in the slammer?' He taunts.

'Oh you know this and that, murdering you' She widens her eyes at him.

'Is this why you bought me out here? You gonna drown me and claim I got into difficulty swimming?'

'Perhaps'

'Oh christ you've actually thought about how you'd kill me haven't you?'

She giggles then. 'I have not'

'You're such a liar! You have too!'

'Well realistically I'm not gonna be able to drown you am I? You're stronger than me. I'd probably need you sedated first'

'Oh great so that's how I'm gonna go? You're gonna drug me'

'Not drug you. That'd be too obvious. Oooh maybe I'd have to slowly poison you over time so it's not as suspicious'

'You're fucking terrifying'

She cackles then. 'How would you kill me?'

'Hmmm' He ponders. 'Maybe my objective would be to kill you in a way that reflects you'

'What does that mean?' Her brow furrows but her eyes are all bemusement.

'Like in an artistic, messy fashion'

'What? So sledgehammer and blood bath style?' She exclaims. 'Well you're winding up behind bars for sure'

'Oh of course I would. I wouldn't wanna live a life without you so if I was gonna do it I'd kinda need to ensure it's game over for me too in one way or another'

She rolls her eyes. 'Of course you manage to make the most ridiculous hypothetical game sweet and sappy somehow'

He smirks. 'That's me baby. Always a gentlemen even when it comes to bludgeoning you'

'So gentlemanly' She drones.

'I'm slightly scared I'm married to a psychopath'

'You're worried?! I was killing you in a sedate way! I'm apparently being bludgeoned over here!'

'Uhuh cause I want it to be over quick for you. You wanna make me suffer over a series of months!'

She laughs again. 'Uhuh'

'I miss this'

'Pondering murdering me?'

His hand drifts off the back seat to settle round her, draws her into his side. 'Uhuh, among other things' He jokes. 'I miss having you completely to myself' He corrects. 'The girls are my world. You know that. And I adore watching you be their Mother but god I miss just us being us you know? Alone. We use to be so good at still making time for each other' She doesn't say anything. He looks down to investigate her face. 'Did I upset you?' He figures he's said the wrong thing.

'No' She frowns. Shakes her head. Smiles up at him.

'I hate that smile'

'Sorry' She smiles for real then. 'Ok maybe upset me a little but it's not your fault' She admits softly.

'I wasn't trying to upset you'

'I know, I know. It's my fault that we've not done stuff on our own' She shrugs.

'No. It takes two and we have done stuff alone it's just been...'

'Horrible?' She supplies.

'Not the word I was going to use...maybe filled with...tension'

She presses her lips together. '...mmm' She scrapes her hand through her hair.

'...you know my favourite days have all been with you sweetheart. Every single one of them'

Her eyes skitter up to him. '...my favourite days have been with you too'

'Yeah?'

'Of course'

'Was one of them them the other night?' She's looking at him through her lashes again then. 'Cause it's definitely up there on my most favourite recently'

'What're your most favourite?'

'You already know the answer to that'

'Do I?'

'Mhmm. Guess'

'...Sawyer and Roewyn being born'

'Mhm'

'Our wedding'

'Mm. All cliches though sweetheart'

She laughs. 'Fine. That night in Italy?'

'Fuck yes'

'Our holiday in England'

'Mm'

'Roe's 3rd Birthday evening'

He laughs. 'Once we'd put the monsters to sleep?'

'Yes' She laughs. 'I mean the day was special too but I think you liked the after party-'

'You were bloody sexy as fuck'

'So basically this is a guess your favourite times we've had sex. Not favourite days'

He smirks. 'Our intimate relationship is a huge element of my favourite days. It's when I...'

'You?'

'It's not about me getting off. Well that's a lie. Of course it's partly that but it's also when, in those moments when you're just mine completely. When I'm not sharing you with anyone or anything else. When you let me completely in it's the best thing in the world...you didn't let me in completely the other night did you?'

Her eyes skitter up to him. 'Literally five seconds ago it was one of your favourite days and now it was wrong' She grumbles.

'Did you hear me say the word wrong at any point just then? I'm completely happy to give you that whenever, however you want. All the time' He emphasises. 'Any time-'

'Get the picture' She pushes her tongue to the roof of her mouth and ducks her head '...It might not have felt like I was giving you everything but it...it was still a big deal for me'

'I know. I'm not having a go at you' His finger hooks under her chin and directs her head upward. 'I know what a big deal it was and I had a bloody amazing time before you start irrationally thinking otherwise'

'Me? Irrational? Never' She smirks. He smiles because she's making fun of herself and he loves that.

'Only a smidgen sometimes. For the most part you're most rational sweetheart. God you still look like you did at 18. How is that possible?' He changes the subject.

She shakes her head. 'Utter lies'

'Utter truth. We need to fish out those jeans with the hole in the knee. You still have those?'

'I think they got ripped'

'I loved those things. You were so cute with your leather jacket all badass'

'So badass'

'Mhmm. I was genuinely a bit scared of you'

'Well considering you just declared me a psychopath not five minutes ago it would appear somethings haven't changed'

'True' He laughs. Leans into her. Kisses her. She pulls back a little.

'Not christening the backseat' She reminds him.

'Yeah, yeah' He's already leaning back into her. 'I can kiss you without trying to get in your pants' He declares before sliding his tongue into her mouth. She kisses him back. He's soon pushing her back onto the seat. She gasps as he looms over her. Hands pawing at her. Whimpers when his fingers eventually sneak between them and not so subtly cup her. 'Ok' He hums against her lips. 'Maybe I can't kiss you without trying to get in your pants' He smirks and then abruptly retracts his hand as he eases back upright.

Her cheeks are flushed. She swallows as she blinks up at him. 'You're a dickhead'

'What? You said no christening the backseat right? Only abiding by your rules sweetheart' He watches her. Wills her hands to reach out and yank him back down onto her.

'No you're trying to get me to cave by getting me all...'

'All?' He squints at her.

She licks her lips. Doesn't respond.

He pouts because she's not wrong; he'd fully anticipated she'd cave when he pulled away and for a moment he'd thought she was on the brink of doing just that. But her sitting up is a sign of her attempting to compose herself and he's regretting pulling away.

'What about if we go back to the house?' He husks.

'What about if you talk to me about something other than sex for 5 minutes?' She counters.

He laughs. 'Ok. Can we talk about Christmas' He does as he's told and changes tracks.

'What about it?'

'Well what were your thoughts?'

'What do you mean what're my thoughts?' Her eyes narrow as she regards him.

'Well this year woulda been our turn-'

'Would've been?'

'Well are you still game for doing that? Hales was saying to me yesterday that she'd be fine if we did it at theirs and-'

'They're not doing it. She's pregnant!-'

'I know, I'm sure Brooke wouldn't mind hosting-'

'She did it last year! Moved house Luke. Not completely incompetent'

'I wasn't suggesting you're incompetent-'

'Besides you can bloody help'

He smiles. 'Of course I'd be helping. I was thinking I'd come over Christmas eve so I can be with the girls if that's alright?'

'...Mhmm' She arches her brow. 'Why're you being weird? You know damn well I'd never stop you from being with them on Christmas Eve or ever for that matter. I assumed you'd be here. You're suddenly asking permission to come over when you've been waltzing in and out since we moved'

'Chill out sweetheart'

'I know you Lucas Scott. Just come out with it already' She suggests because she does know him. Knows this little chit chat is leading to something else and he's tip toeing around whatever it is which suggests he's preempting her being upset which has her assuming she's about to be.

He sighs. 'I just, well Lil booked her flights back but the only connecting one she could get lands bloody Christmas morning. Mum is banging on that she wants to go to the airport and get her despite me saying a thousand times that she can get a bleeding taxi. Mum should have her cast off by then but I don't really want her driving-'

'No' Peyton cuts in because she's also feeling nervous about her mother-in-law being behind the wheel for that long a drive even it is seemingly irrational. 'So you won't be here when the girls get up is that what you're saying?' She puts two and two together.

'Well I know Mum would do it without me and is gonna kick up a fuss but, I dunno-'

'Of course you should go get her' She looks down. His hand finds her cheek and directs her face back to him.

'Hey. I want to be with you and the girls'

'You will be. It's fine' She smiles. 'Picking up Lil doesn't equate to you missing Christmas. You'll be back by late morning right?'

'Yeah but I like seeing them all excited'

'That excitement isn't gonna die. Well not from Roe. I know Sawyer still hasn't declared she doesn't believe but she definitely knows-'

'Don't say it!' He gasps. 'He's real Peyton Scott'

She smiles. 'He's real'

'I might strangle her when I see her' He speaks of his little sister.

'She's barely ever back here. She deserves to be made a fuss of'

'Uhuh but she could also be a little more organised with shit' He rolls his eyes.

'It's fine. The girls will get a nice surprise when you rock up with her won't they? You know it'll make their Christmas more than any present. She's their super cool aunt and they worship her'

'Mmm. It's just not how I envisioned Christmas morning going'

'You'll probably be back before Sawyer even rises. She's become such a sleep monster'

'The teens are upon us. I'm fucking terrified'

She smiles. 'You've made that known. Were you just faking it when you were telling me there was nothing to worry about with her a few weeks back?'

'No. I think your worries were a little extreme in that instance. My worries are not that out of the field of possibility'

'Nor were mine!'

'You went from smoking to drug addict in all of a second and she didn't even smoke!'

'We didn't know that at the time!'

'No' He concedes. 'We didn't'

'My worries are wrapped up in biology. Your worries are just her growing up' She teases.

'Well yeah! I just want to halt it you know? She's our baby. It feels like we can protect her more the smaller she is'

'Mm. I know. But she's a good girl and in reality I think she's a bit of a rule follower like her Daddy even if she likes to push it now and then'

'I know'

'And her pushing it is ridiculously half hearted; she's an awful escape artist it seems' She's referring to the eleven year old's failed attempt to leave the house undetected. He smirks. 'And Roewyn announces when she's leaving home so I think we've got that one under our thumb for a while yet' He laughs. 'I'd mastered climbing out my bedroom window and down the drainpipe by Sawyer's age'

'Are you trying to make me feel better?!'

She smiles. 'I was trying to highlight how easy we have it in reality'

'So I can just stick to worrying about you'

'You don't need to worry about me' She looks down. 'I know me saying that isn't gonna stop you. I'm sorry that I've made you worry'

'Peyton I've worried about you from the age of sixteen. This isn't a new thing'

Her eyes skitter back up. '...why?'

'What do you mean why? I know you worry about me for no reason-'

'Not no reason. You have a heart condition-'

'That's under control. That's not the only thing you worry about about me' He murmurs. 'You worry about stupid stuff just like I do about you because we love each other' He answers simply. 'I have this caveman instinct to protect you' She presses her lips together. 'What's so funny?'

'Oh you being a caveman'

'I can be caveman like'

'Uhuh. Who always gets the fire going when we're camping?'

'It's hard! Who fixes your car?'

'Man make girl car cause girl incapable'

'Well you are when it comes to cars baby! I was not being a sexist twat. That's nothing to do with you being a girl as you well and truly know'

'What's it to do with then?'

'Impatience mostly'

'Oh really?'

'Uhuh. It amazes me how you can spend hours over a drawing and yet you bypass instructions and maps and reading anything on how something works just in a race to do something quicker when ultimately said urgency results in something taking twice as long'

'You're so rude!' He laughs. 'And I suppose you're the most patient man on the planet huh?'

'Uhuh'

'...you actually are' she murmurs after a beat.

'I was joking' He drawls.

'I know you were but you actually are. I can't argue with that'

'I hope most of the time but I have been known to lose my temper'

'Yeah. Although I can count the amount of times on one hand and I think I've been the cause of most of those times'

'No. I mean yeah but usually those times have been wrapped up in me being worried about you or worried about me fucking up things so royally that I could lose you'

'Mmm'

'It's a compliment'

She laughs. 'Is that so?'

'For sure a compliment. Did you not hear what I just said?'

'I heard. Come on. Let's go for a walk' She decisively reaches for the car door.

'Ohhh let's go see how our tree is doing'

'So you can get stuck up it again? I'm not coming to save you this time'

He laughs. 'I didn't get stuck'

'Sure you didn't'

'I didn't! Surely you knew I just wanted you to come up so I could kiss you a while'

'Mhm. Sure. If that's your story'

•••

'So how's counselling going?'

'Yeah. Good'

'Yeah?' Brooke lifts herself up onto the kitchen counter. Crosses her legs and reaches her hand into the bowl of nuts Peyton just sat beside her.

'I swear you were like a monkey or something in a past life' Peyton murmurs.

'Why?'

'Because you're constantly sat on my counter tops'

'Monkeys climb tress honey and hardly one to talk'

'What does that mean?'

'Oh please. You've done more than sitting on counter tops. I've walked in on you and Luke one too many a time to know there's no way you guys haven't done it on every surface of the kitchen'

'New house came without a husband B'

Brooke looks at her suspiciously. 'Mhm'

'What does that mhm mean?'

'Nothing at all'

'Sure it doesn't' Peyton reaches her own hand into the peanut bowl and throws one at the brunette then.

'Hey! Don't waste them' Brooke fishes the nut out of her dress and pops it in her mouth, sticking her tongue out at the blonde a moment later.

'You know whenever you've been round I have to spend the next week telling Roe to quit climbing on the worktop'

Brooke grins. 'You're really blaming that wild cat on me? She's all you. Do I need to remind you who jumped off the garage roof at seven cause she wanted to fly and broke her arm?'

'Shhh' Peyton's eyes skitter to the door then. Brooke laughs. 'Don't bloody say that when she could walk in at any given moment! I don't want her getting any ideas'

'She's got your imagination. Think she's quite fine at dreaming up her own crazy ideas P'

'So I've been told. But you can at least help me try keep her on the ground'

'I made her a cape didn't I? Always looking out for her safety' Peyton gives her a wane look. 'You're totally detracting right now'

'From what?'

'From me trying to talk to you about counselling'

'I answered'

'Two words is hardly an answer'

'What do you want me to say?'

'I just, I, you obviously don't have to tell me details. I'm not asking you to do that. I just, I don't want to be blindsided- I want to make sure you're coping'

'I'm fine'

'Are you? Cause I was under the illusion you were coping and then you collapsed at Trek and then I found out you've been having bloody panic attacks for months and never mentioned it'

Peyton presses her lips together. '...I'm sorry it took me so long to tell you that. I did tell you though. Why would I lie to you now that I've been honest?'

'You only told me because you got caught out P. Why didn't you tell me before?'

'I don't know. I was embarrassed and confused and ashamed and all of the above'

'Peyton I'm your best friend. I'm here to help you and I could never, ever think you're anything but strong, brave, and amazing'

'Why thanks. But I've not felt any of those things'

'I know sweetie' The blonde helps herself to a peanut then. Brooke reaches out and tucks a curl behind the blonde's ear. 'From my perspective it seems like you're feeling a bit better'

'I am'

'Yeah? It's not just an act?'

'I'm not capable of acting B'

'I didn't think so but you've lied to me-'

'Didn't lie just didn't confide'

'Well that required some acting skills'

'Well I'm not acting'

'You snacking is the best thing ever. Even if it is a solitary nut'

Peyton throws another one at her then. 'Multiple nuts dickhead' She declares before going in for more.

Brooke laughs. 'Well it shows. You're looking good'

'Is that your way of telling me I've put on a weight'

'Well your cheeks look fuller and that's a bloody compliment P. You've been looking so gaunt'

Peyton glares at her then. 'Why thanks'

'You're beautiful. You know I think you're gorgeous always but you've looked ill a lot over the last year. You've got colour in your cheeks again and the smile you've been wearing a lot more lately helps too'

'...I don't feel as stressed now the house drama is done with and I'm feeling more settled I guess'

'Uhuh. And you and Luke are being more amicable' Brooke murmurs. Peyton doesn't respond. 'Right?'

'We're amicable' Peyton nods.

'Just amicable?'

'B'

'What?'

'Shut up'

'Fine. I'll just have to interrogate my mini P's'

'Dare to and I'll bitch slap you'

'Ohh catty Peyton is my favourite'

'I mean it B'

'I was teasing. So you and Luke, you're, he's, it's, what are you guys?' She settles on.

Peyton can't help but look amused because the brunette is never lost for words. 'Look at you getting all tongue tied'

'Well' Brooke throws a peanut at the blonde then. 'It's hard to keep up honey. I hate him. I want a divorce. I love him. I hate him. I can't forgive him. I'm having counselling with him. We're still getting a divorce. I can't forgive him. I still love him but I hate him-'

'Alright get the picture' Peyton rolls her eyes. 'All still withstanding'

'Even the divorce part?' Peyton let's out a heavy sigh then. 'Don't think I haven't seen those rings dangling round your neck missy. And if I've noticed them I sure as hell know it's not got past Lucas Scott. That boy ogles you at every given opportunity'

'...I love him but-'

'You hate him?' Brooke supplies.

'Uhuh' Peyton smiles. 'See you get it just fine'

'I think I'm getting a head ache'

'You are? Try being the one in my head. Fucking nightmare B'

Brooke smiles sympathetically. '...of course it is. You're trying to forgive something that you shouldn't have to and that goes against what you think is morally right...but it, it feels like it's something worth fighting for. At least from where I'm stood' Brooke's voice is quiet.

Peyton's brow arches. 'Oh look at you actually saying what you think'

Brooke winces. 'And bracing myself to be hit by another peanut'

'You know I see right through you right'

'What does that mean?'

'It means you've been team Lucas Scott from the get go-'

'There doesn't have to be teams P but if there were I'd be on yours. Always. I'm behind you whatever you choose I just, I've been trying to work out what it is you actually want. I don't think you've known. Well I know what you want isn't an option because what you want is to go back in time right?'

'Mmm. You don't have a time machine?'

'If I did I woulda shoved you in it months ago...you guys seem like you're...trying to mend things'

'...I don't wanna label anything because I, I'm...'

'Scared?' Brooke supplies.

'Among other things' Peyton whispers. '...I keep forgetting and in those moments it's like...'

'Normal?'

'...Mmm. And then I come crashing back down to earth'

'But if you're having those moments where you forget maybe it's possible for you to forgive. You can't forget P. What's happened has happened. But accepting and moving on is something I think you are strong enough to do and I, I think you've perhaps had it in your head that it's the weaker thing to do but god it's not Peyton. The easy thing to do is to run-'

'Don't guilt me I have enough of that from him-'

'That's not. Ok I can see how what I just said could feel like that but I wasn't meaning to. I just want you to know that if you do decide...it's not weakness'

'You sound like Moira'

'Yup' Brooke grins. 'Trained therapist me. Didn't you know?' She jokes.

'You have your moments. I'm not giving you the fee though'

'It's alright. It's on the house. Best friend perks...I love you'

'I love you'

Brooke grabs another peanut then. 'Open'

Peyton diligently parts her lips and catches the peanut in her mouth that the brunette throws. 'You're so good at that!' Peyton laughs. 'I'm serious. It's like a real talent'

'What is?' Lucas enters the kitchen then.

'Her mouth' Brooke slyly chirps.

'Mmm. Talented is an understatement- wait what did I just miss? What've you been doing with your mouth Peyton Scott?' He interrogates.

'Nuts' Peyton murmurs.

'Not making it any better' He laughs at her nonchalance. 'Who's nuts?'

'These nuts' Peyton throws one at him then that he somehow manages to catch and eat. He smiles smugly at her 'Where'd you come from?!'

'The front door' He teases. 'Sawyer's skating lesson is in half an hour'

'Oh yeah. Don't creep up on people!'

'Hardly crept. Gossiping about me then were you?'

'Just go find your daughter' She dismisses him.

'Oh so nice to see you too sweetheart. I've had a great morning. Thank you for asking. Brooke why is she in a tizzy?'

'Might be my fault'

'Not in a tizzy' Peyton interjects.

'Might have been giving her a slight interrogation' Brooke answers.

'Oh do tell'

'And face the wrath of this maniac. No thank you'

Lucas pouts. 'Fine. I'll go find our daughter' He skulks out of the kitchen.

'You're ridiculous' Brooke drawls when they're alone again. 'It's like being back in school'

'What does that mean?!'

'You being mean to him when you actually love him'

'Shut up! I wasn't mean to him at school!'

'Just now then?'

'We just covered that I'm a mess up here didn't we?!' She prods the side of her head. 'And you're one to bloody talk. You've hardly been the nicest to him in months and now your his spokesman? Is he bribing you?'

Brooke laughs. 'You have a point'

'He is bribing you?!'

'No fool. I guess I'm just feeding off of you and what I'm seeing and the thing is it feels like you're lowkey flirting'

'Lowkey flirting'

'Uhuh. You never were any good at it but Luke seemingly lives off the mean flirt'

'Oh my god I wasn't even the slightest bit mean just then B!'

'Rude then. You might as well of just told him to fuck off! He'd barely walked through the door and you dismissed him! You really are in such a tizzy'

'I'm gonna lob this whole bowl of nuts at you in a minute'

Brooke jumps down off the counter top then. 'I'm gonna go find my best friend then'

'I'm your best friend!'

'You might have to fight Roe because she keeps telling me I'm her best friend now not yours!'

•••

Lucas does a double take. His eyes bugging out as he takes in his wife.

'Er what's going on?'

Peyton's head swivels in his direction then. Her eyes locking with him. Brooke watches her whole demeanour change in all of a heart beat. Smirks at the photo that suddenly appears on her screen because it's the image she's been trying to entice from the blonde for the last half hour.

Brooke looks back at Lucas then. 'Hey buddy' Nearly laughs at his expression because it's a picture.

He's struggling with a tornado of emotions. He's gaping because he couldn't have ever imagined he'd be walking in on such a treat but at the same time he's not sure how he feels about her standing in next to nothing with someone he doesn't know taking her photo.

'Peyton is helping me out with a few shots for the lingerie line'

'...right' He dumbly murmurs. 'I didn't know that'

'Nor did she' Peyton answers tightly. 'She was told this morning it was a couple of dresses not underwear'

'Well you're both up to speed now' Brooke chirps.

'I thought-'

'I need to grab a couple of things from out front' She cuts off Lucas before he lets it be known that she'd invited him here under false pretences. 'I'll be back. Sutton I need your opinion on something can you come a sec' The photographer sets down her weapon.

'Be back in a sec babe' The photographer smiles at Peyton and nods at Lucas as she passes.

'She someone you know?' Lucas softly wonders.

'No, not really. She's nice though. Brooke uses her a lot' She awkwardly retreats to the side of the room in search of something to cover herself up or at the very least distract herself with.

'What're you doing?' He walks over to where she's suddenly floundering.

'Looking for something to bloody put on for a minute. Let me have your jacket'

He smirks. 'Nope' She scowls and makes do with using an abandoned corset to hold in front of her bra clad chest. He's more than bemused by her antics. 'You know I've seen you in less than this more than a few times right?' He laughs. She glares. 'What are you doing?' He repeats.

'I was forced into it ok?'

'Forced'

'You know what she's like. She's not shut up about me modelling some designs for weeks-'

'Could have run it by me first'

Her eyebrow kinks. 'You think I woulda signed up for this had I known the full extent of what designs I'd be modelling?! And why should I run it by you?!' Her voice raises, a frown a on her face.

'Er because-'

'Don't piss me off right now please' She cuts in with a warning.

'I'm not! You didn't even let me finish!'

'Because I know you. I don't need your permission!'

'I didn't say you did! Wow you're in a fluster right now-'

'Of course I am! B is getting stressy cause I'm not giving her the shots she wants. This so isn't my fucking thing!'

'Oh I think it is' He wrestles the garment she's holding out of her hands. 'So your fucking thing'

'Lucas'

Eyes trail down her. 'You look...' Shakes his head. 'I don't have words'

She swallows. Takes a step back away from his reaching hands. 'Don't look at me like that right now'

'Like what?' His dark eyes find hers again.

'You know exactly...why're you bloody here?'

'Aren't you pleased to see me?'

'No!'

'How rude. I was just gonna see if Brooke wanted to grab a coffee' He leaves out that in actual fact he'd received a text from her best friend that had summoned him here under the pretence that he'd be grabbing lunch with her. He sees now that that was never going to be the case. Is unsure as to why she hadn't just been honest because he'd have got here even quicker.

Peyton sighs. '...I feel like this is gonna run over. Would you be able to pick up the kids if it does?'

'Of course...I'm so confused right now'

'Confused?'

'Yeah I, I don't know how I feel about anyone seeing you like this. Are these gonna be published?'

Her eyes narrow. 'You know that's the idea'

'My every instinct is to drag you out of here right now' She feels her mouth go dry. She doesn't say anything 'Not going to tell me I'm a sexist ass?' He's surprised because she was happily making assumptions about what he was thinking five seconds ago.

She looks down. 'Well considering I don't feel at all comfortable right now I'm starting to think I'm all for you being a dick if it means I'm removed from this situation'

He smiles. Dares to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. She looks back up at him then. 'You want me to be a controlling ass and tell Brooke you're not allowed to do this?'

'She's doing it Lucas Scott' Brooke chants as she waltzes back in. 'However you're staying'

'What?' They both blurt in unison.

'Uhuh. Honey look' Brooke twists her computer screen that's linked to the camera.

Peyton cringes at the image of herself. 'Oh my god I'm not doing this. That's horrendous. I'm not good at this B! I can't do it! You can hire anyone to do this...' She stops speaking abruptly because Brooke has skipped to the next photo that is considerably better than the last. Her expression is demure. Her unease gone.

'You can do this' Brooke hums. 'But apparently you need your estranged husband in the room' She counters.

Peyton realises then that the reason she looks far more natural is because apparently it was snapped when the man beside her had entered the room.

'Well I suppose I can clear my afternoon and get Mum to get the kids' He drawls smugly.

'You're not staying' Peyton shakes her head. 'Brooke' She grinds out.

'Oh come on' The brunette whines. 'He's seen it all before it's not a big deal. Sutton can only do today. She's the best and I really want you to be the face of this. Please'

'Come on baby you can do it' Lucas chimes.

'You just told me you didn't like me doing this!'

'Well I can deal if it means I get to stay' He shrugs. Takes his jacket off and eagerly sits down.

'I hate you both'

'Besides we need the money and I bet B pays well' He's joking but still gets a glare from the blonde.

'She's not paying me Luke'

'Of course I am!' Brooke disagrees.

'No. You're not' Peyton argues. 'It's a favour. Albeit a torturous one. Lord knows you've done a billion of them for me'

'I'm not bloody arguing with you-'

'Is this what this is about?! A sneaky way for you to give me money?'

'P you're being ridiculous'

'Ignore her' Lucas chimes. 'I accept on her behalf'

'You're literally trying to sell me now?' Peyton exclaims.

'Uhuh. Our finances are not the best they've ever been thanks to your idiot husband or hadn't heard?'

'So anyone could waltz in here and offer to pay you and you'd just hand me over like I'm your property?!'

'Well it'd have to be a descent sum'

Brooke smirks because she's seen them bicker in this fashion on countless occasions. Knows he's provoking the blonde. Knows her best friend enjoys such ridiculous arguments despite the glare on her face because these little quarrels are encompassed in nothing but jest.

'A descent sum' Peyton echoes.

'Uhuh. I've got standards'

'Oh yeah, so many standards, just willing to pimp your wife out if it gets you some dollar'

'She's my wife' He shrugs.

'Her body belongs to her' Peyton retorts.

'Debatable'

'Ok as much as I know you guys are just joking don't make Sutton feel weird when she comes back in here' Brooke interrupts then because she's pretty sure they're five seconds from making out. They both startle. 'Yes I'm still here so you can quit the weird foreplay'

'We're arguing B'

'Whatever you wanna call it sunshine. Just put it on pause huh?'

'Sorry' Peyton. 'I don't want your money B' She reroutes their conversation.

'I'll put it in Sawyer and Roe's college funds if you're not gonna shut up about it'

The photographer's return brings an end to their conversation. Lucas averts his eyes from his wife because otherwise he's gonna laugh because she's resumed being awkward and he wants to tease her something rotten but he knows now isn't the moment. Instead he goes about trying to do what he's been called upon to do. They're only fifteen minutes in when he quietly murmurs Brooke's name.

'Brooke' He nods toward the door. He doesn't need to say much else. She quietly steals Sutton back out of the room so he can have a moment alone. 'Don't get upset' He murmurs as he approaches the sofa she's set up on.

'I'm not upset' Her expression says otherwise. '...I'm not doing what she wants!'

'Sweetheart you're doing just fine' He sits down beside her. 'You're just overthinking it. Why don't you try and pretend they're not here and you're alone with me'

Her eyes widen. 'They are here though Luke!'

He smiles. 'Not right this second they're not. Look. Lay back again' He pushes her back onto the sofa. 'There we go' She huffs. 'Now, do that thing you do'

'...What thing?' She sighs.

'That face you make'

'What face?!' She moans in exasperation. He brazenly slides his hand up her waist, to the black bra she's donning, his thumb brushing the underside of her left breast. 'Lucas!'

'What?! I'm helping you! You want this to be over quick so I'm just gonna help you get the shot baby'

'By touching me up?'

He smirks. 'I mean it's a hardship for me, I know' He laughs. 'But I'm willing to take one for the team just for you'

'You're not helping' She whines. 'Fuck. Don't do that right now!'

'Shh'

'Don't shush me'

'Look just, just forget where we are for a sec. Just pretend for a minute. Pretend that you're back at that time before we'd even had Sawyer. It's just you and me. Remember that day we went up the coast to that little beach. Just the two of us' He looms over her.

'Yes' She mutters.

'Uhuh. Put your arm like this' He repositions her arms so one is above her head. 'I know you felt sexy that day'

'Of course I did. I was in my fucking prime and you wanted me so much'

He snorts. 'You're still in your fucking prime silly girl and I still want you so much, maybe even more-' She sniggers. 'I do! Because I fucking risked never having you again and god Peyton I can't not be with you. Look at you right now. God I wanna fuck you hard right now. There!' He jubilantly exclaims. 'That look. I want you to do that ok?'

'Oh sure, just ask them to come back in here and talk to me like that in front of them. That'll be just grand'

He laughs. 'Ok, how about this. When they come back in I'm gonna stand behind the camera ok. And you're gonna look at me and you're gonna think about that day on the beach. You're gonna remember how I touched you. And I'm gonna be stood over there going out of my mind looking at you because you're so fucking sexy right now and I want you. Ok?' She swallows. 'Ok?'

'...ok'

'Good girl' She scowls. He smirks 'I hate it when you talk to me like I'm five' He says what he knows she's thinking.

'My voice isn't that high' She mutters.

'Kinda is when you're whining'

'You're meant to be making me feel good! Not pissing me off'

'I'm meant to be making you look sexy. You pissed off is just that'

'I hate you'

'Yup. That's good. That face is good too' He grins.

'Jackass'

'You're really getting into it now!' He jumps up to go an retrieve Brooke and Sutton back 'Don't move!'

•••

'You owe me a drink'

'I owe you a lifetime of drinks Brooke' Lucas corrects with a grin.

'You tell her I told you to get here and I kill you'

'As if I'd tell her. So does she get to keep all of that stuff?'

Brooke's eyes trail back to him. '...most of them yes. But really you're just talking about the last one, the black corset set aren't you?'

'That obvious?'

'I thought you were gonna pounce on her just now'

'I wanted to do that from the second I entered' He smirks. '...She's put on a bit of weight no?'

Brooke smiles. 'You think I woulda insisted she do this if she looked majorly underweight?'

He smiles. 'She's been eating more normally in the last month or so. At least in my presence'

'Yeah. I think so too...are you two?'

'What?' Lucas's brow kinks.

'You know what'

He laughs. 'I think if I was getting laid I'd be able to do a better job of composing myself'

She snorts at that. 'No actually. You wouldn't. Not when it comes to her'

He smiles. 'No you're right. Can you blame me?'

'No. She's fucking sex on legs. I thought doing this might make her feel better about herself but I think I just freaked her out and then pissed her off by making you stay'

'Oh I dunno. I think she got the hang of it pretty quick no?'

'Uhuh from the point you arrived. Before that she was a bit of disaster'

'I'll definitely take credit'

'But I don't need to know what you said to her'

He laughs. 'I wasn't gonna share Brooke...so you swear you're not gonna use those ones of her in the blue thing right?'

'You're not gonna give me a bloody hard time over the shots now are you?'

'Just that one. I mean I'm not exactly thrilled about any of it but that one, her whole ass was on display. I don't want anyone seeing that'

'And she doesn't get a say?'

'Of course she gets a say' He juts his chin out. '...But not that one Brooke, please' He whines.

'I told you I wouldn't use the back shot didn't I?'

'Ok, ok...thank you...You could send it to me though' He grins. 'Not just that one. I'd happily have all of them'

'Of course you would. To add to your little P Sawyer folder huh?'

'P Scott' He corrects. 'Hell yes. She moan to you about that then I take it'

'Oh please she loves that you have a dirty little folder of her. Whatever she says'

Peyton clears her throat then.

Brooke looks like a deer in headlights. 'She does not appreciate you two bitching about her'

'Not bitching. Loving on you!' Brooke sheepishly corrects. 'How long have you been standing there?'

'Not long' Peyton glares. 'Why? What else have you been saying best friend?'

'Nothing! Nothing'

Lucas laughs. 'Look at Brooke Davis getting scared of you'

'Not scared of her' Brooke throws her arms around Peyton then. 'Thank you P. You were amazing. I love you'

'You're such a liar but you're welcome. And you better. We should go get the girls'

'You drove?' Lucas hums despite knowing the answer because he'd not been blind to the Comet parked up outside. 'Wanna give me lift? I walked'

Peyton nods. 'Talk later B?'

'Yup. Thanks again honey'

•••

'What did you tell her?' She wonders as he pulls out of the parking lot. He was surprised when she'd bestowed him with the keys of her precious baby, not that he was complaining. She'd answered his look by declaring she was too exhausted so he had to play chauffer.

'Brooke?'

'Mm'

'Did you eavesdrop on that whole conversation just now Peyton Scott?'

'No. Not at all but your faces suggested you were both saying things I wouldn't approve of'

'Us? Never sweetheart. Little irrational'

'Mm' She grumbles. 'I know you Lucas Scoot'

'Really what you're asking me without asking me is did I tell her I'm fucking my wife?' He takes his eyes off the road for a moment to smirk at her.

'Luke'

'Of course I didn't' He settles his hand on her thigh. 'Why would I tell her that?'

'I don't know' She mumbles.

'Are you worried she'd be disappointed?'

She snorts. 'You may be under the illusion that she's not your biggest fan but she's got your back'

He smiles. He already knows. He doesn't tell her so. 'So why care?'

'I just, everyone is so obsessed with our relationship and I just...we're figuring shit out you know?'

'I know. It's nice it just being ours for now' She chews on the inside of her cheek. He glances at her. 'Did you enjoy it in the end?'

'Huh?'

'The shoot?'

'Did I look like someone who was having a good time?'

He smiles. 'You eased up a bit'

'Because you were telling me what to do and looking at me like you were gonna...'

'Oh please do finish that sentence'

'You know what'

'Nope. No idea'

She ignores him. 'You were looking at them right? They were ok weren't they? I couldn't bring myself to look at them'

'More than ok sweetheart. How could you look anything but hot. I'm still not sure how I feel about the rest of the world seeing you in your underwear though' He confesses.

'You're not sure? I'm not exactly thrilled by the prospect. I've gotta stop letting her talk me into shit'

'I think she was just trying to make you feel good about yourself'

'I know...'

'Look' He blindly eases his phone free from his pocket. Activates the home screen so the wallpaper lights up. 'How can you not think you look amazing?'

She regards herself pensively. '...you can't have that as your freaking wallpaper Lucas'

'Just add it to my secret little folder then?'

She hesitates. '...mmm'

He grins at her quiet mumble. 'Please say you've not taken that last one off'

'Only because Sutton was still in the room'

He turns on his indicator at the next junction and makes a right instead of going across as she anticipated.

'Where're you going? We're meant to be getting the kids'

'The kids are being looked after by Mum and there's a free house and you're wearing that' He answers simply. '...You're not arguing' He notes.

'You've spent the last few hours giving me that stupid fucking squinty look'

'Now you know when you call it stupid I know you actually mean sexy' He quips. She snorts. 'Snort all you like. It's true'

'Oh yes, you just make me swoon by looking at me'

'Baby you literally just said that'

'No I didn't'

He laughs. 'Yes actually you did'

She rolls her eyes. Is silent. '...it's not just any squint. It's a specific squint that you do. At me... Just me. At least I've only seen you do it at me-'

'Of course just you' He looks at her. 'Only you'

'Eyes on the road...Would you really pimp me out for a good enough price?'

He snorts then. 'You know I was joking' They're on her road now.

'I know'

'If you know why are we having this conversation?'

'I just...' She shrugs. 'I guess it got me thinking...if it were just one night and a whole lot of money'

He pulls onto her drive and into the open garage and shuts the engine off before he squints at her. It's a completely different squint to the one they'd just been discussing. 'What? A whole lot of money would make it worth it?' She doesn't miss his eyes turn a darker shade.

'If it were a case of living on the streets or-'

'This is perhaps the most ridiculous conversation we've ever had. We're not living on the streets!'

'It's hypothetical is all'

'Well that's never going to be a scenario!'

'But if it were-'

'Like hell would I let you ever sleep with anyone for any amount of money, ever' His hands are suddenly gripping hers.

'Because you think that's what I want to hear?'

'Because it's a no brainer! You'd seriously consider doing that?'

'...I don't know'

'You don't know. You'd hate me for letting you, I'd be mad at you for doing it. You think I could use a dime of any money that you were given for that?'

Her lips curl a little. 'You're angry'

'Of course I'm angry'

'It was a hypothetical game Luke'

'Well I don't like your hypothetical answer!'

She laughs. 'I wouldn't do it you idiot'

'No?'

'Well I would do anything for you so if the hypothetical was it was saving you in some way then I'd-'

'That's not' He shakes his head. 'No. I'd rather die Peyton'

'So dramatic. You've declared to me more than a few times recently that sex doesn't have to mean anything no?'

'So this is about Lindsey? You wanna fuck someone else to prove a point-'

'Why're you getting so hissy? Did I say that at any point just then?! It's just a hypothetical scenario where I have sex with someone in exchange to keep you alive!'

'Right well your little hypothetical scenario isn't just sex is it?! It'd be wrapped up in so many other things. Like guilt and manipulation, resentment. The thought of you doing that with someone else because you want to is' He shakes his head. 'But you doing that, not because you want to but because it's saving me. No. It makes me feel sick'

'It was just a stupid game Luke'

'I don't like the stupid game'

'No. I got that honey' She reaches out and strokes his cheek. 'Not real though'

'Mm' He grumbles. '...It's nice to hear you'd do anything for me again though'

She hesitates. '...that's really never changed' She shakes her head, her eyes wide.

'It hasn't?'

'No' She breathes out as she leans in and connects their lips.

He makes a sound in the back of his throat. Whilst he's for the most part enjoyed the afternoon it's also felt like a cruel game of torture and the long awaited contact is almost too much. His hands find her cheeks and hold her face fiercely as he devours her mouth.

'You want to?' She pants.

'Yes'

She smiles. 'Not have sex'

'What?' His brow furrows. 'Are you kidding me right now-'

'Pipe down. I didn't mean we're not doing it, I just meant do you want to here' She elaborates.

'Oh' His frown diminishes in all of a second. Grins. 'What happened to not christening her?'

'I'd like to think no one is gonna open the garage door and stumble upon us' She blindly finds the little fob on her dashboard and directs it to the door. It triggers it to shut.

'True' He makes quick work of diving into the back then. She presses her lips together. 'What're you doing? Get back here'

'It felt like I just blinked and you were back there'

'Peyton for the last few hours I've watched you lay about in underwear and I've not been able to touch you. I'm bloody impatient. Get back here' She toes her shoes off before stepping over the front seat. Perches herself on the back of said seats to sit before him.

'How many times do I have to tell you no shoes on her seats?'

He rolls his eyes and dramatically takes his sneakers off. Lobbing them out of the car. 'Happy?'

'Ecstatic'

'Your turn. Take it off' He doesn't need to elaborate. She knows what he wants off.

She crosses her arms in front of herself, hands curling into the skirt of her dress before easing it up and over her head. She watches him. Can't help but smile at his expression.

'You literally saw this half an hour ago' She points out because his face would suggest he's seeing it for the first time.

'Uhuh but I couldn't touch you' His hands have found her legs. 'Fuck' He licks his lips as he explores where her stockings end just above her knee before drifting up to her hips.

'...I'm sorry I've not done this for you' She blurts suddenly.

His eyes jerk up to her face then. 'Huh?'

'I've not dressed up for you in forever'

He frowns. Shakes his head. 'You've never had to dress up for me'

'You're beside yourself right now and don't tell me it's not because of the lingerie'

He ponders her observation. 'Ok. I'm not about to deny that I fucking love this but I wouldn't love it if I thought you didn't like it right now. You feel sexy right?'

She bites her lip. Hesitates 'Yes but I'm pretty sure that's because of the way you're looking at me'

'If this isn't making you feel good I want you to take it off right now'

'I don't want to. I like how much you like it'

'You could be in a paper bag and I'd still like it'

'That's a lovely sentiment but an utter lie-'

'No it's not'

'Is too. And see I know because I know you. You liked the set I was wearing when you first arrived, you liked the green, you weren't keen on the blue one-'

'Because it's one thing people seeing you in lingerie but your ass was on show to the world!' He bleats. 'Call me a possessive dick all you like. I want to be the only one that gets that view thank you very much'

She smiles because she'd not been deaf to his mumbled demand that a certain few shots wouldn't be seeing the light of day. 'You weren't fussed by the pinky coloured one either'

'You don't like pink'

'No. That's why you didn't like it?'

'I guess. It didn't look like you and you looked super uncomfortable. Have you only ever put stuff like this on just for me? Not for yourself?'

'It is for me too. I guess they do make me feel sexy...'

'You're the definition of that with or without the underwear though baby'

Her nose crinkles a little in disagreement. He opens his mouth but she's talking. 'I like imagining your face' She smiles and gasps as he jerks her forward away from the front seats she's resting on. She compliantly slides down onto his lap, legs bending so her knees are resting on the seat either side of him.

'Yeah?' His hands settle on her waist, slowly drift up and down the ribbed material of the corset. 'What face is that?'

'The guppy fish stupid one you're wearing right now'

'I do not look like a guppy fish'

'Kinda' He looks at her seriously then. 'And that one' She breathes out.

'What one?'

'The serious one like you're gonna...'

'Gonna?'

'...do things' She vaguely answers.

He laughs at her then. 'Do things' He echoes. 'I am going to do things' He confirms. 'Look at your legs' He groans as he trails his fingers over the top of the stockings she's wearing. Hands greedily clasping at the creamy flesh of her thighs. 'They're fucking perfect' He shakes his head. 'God how did I get you?'

'Enough' She rolls her eyes and latches her hands around his neck. 'Come're'

'I'm not just talking shit-'

'Uhuh' She nuzzles her nose against his.

'I don't get why you find it so hard to understand. You find me oh so handsome right?'

She smiles. 'Oh so handsome'

'I'm serious'

'So am I'

'You manage to sound sarcastic 80% of the time'

'Well I wasn't being just then' She laughs.

'What's your favourite part?'

'Of your body?'

'Uhuh. I mean you always go on about my pretty face' He smirks. 'But what else'

'You already know-'

'I'm not apposed to hearing repeatedly. Tell me'

'Your thighs'

He grins. 'Thighs'

'What?' She laughs at his amused expression.

'I dunno I just wasn't expecting you to say that as your first choice'

'I've told you before. I don't have a first choice. Your hands'

'Magic fingers' He wriggles his eyebrows.

'I like how they're so much bigger than mine' He holds his hand up and she places hers against it. 'But yeah, that too' She relents. 'This bit' Her hand slips beneath his t-shirt and drifts along his lower midriff. 'Where you have that slight line'

'Cause I'm so ripped'

She rolls her eyes again. 'This is why I don't play this game with you because you're so quick to get a real big head'

He laughs. 'Guilty. But only when it comes to feeling smug over how much you want me. You're the one that should have a big head because in reality you actually could be a model if you wanted'

'Sure I could'

'Baby you've spent the day being just that'

'A favour for B. Nothing more'

'You think she woulda asked anyone else to do that? She asked you cause she happens to have a best friend that's drop dead gorgeous' He's still running his hands up and down her thighs. Jolts her impossibly closer. A noise passes her lips. He smiles.

'Thank you'

He laughs then. 'Well you're welcome'

'Not that' She smiles because she realises he thinks she was answering his compliment.

'Of course it wasn't. I thought it was a first. You acknowledging a compliment'

'...sorry'

He kisses her chin. 'What then?'

'For staying. I don't think I woulda been able to do it otherwise'

'I have to admit I'm relieved you needed me there'

'Of course you are. You got a free show'

'Well yes' He grins. 'But I, it was a bit of a mind fuck and woulda been more of a mind fuck had I heard about it after you know? On the one hand I was pleased that I was essentially the reason you felt comfortable enough to give them what they were after and then I was proud of you and then I was pissed because I don't like the thought of any guy using those images for inspiration you know?'

'Ew Luke'

'Well they're gonna! Trust me!'

'They're for women's lingerie! You're acting like I just took part in a porno or something'

He smirks. 'Kinda feels like we're playing one out back here' He abruptly shifts. She yelps because she was sat up straddling him a second ago and now she's on her back across the seats with him looming over her. Blinks up at him. 'What would the story be? Am I the ripped mechanic who's come to fix your car?' He arches his brow in question. His hands blindly easing the black briefs she's wearing over her hips.

'Maybe I'm the mechanic'

He snorts then. 'You can't fight me for that role! I literally could be a mechanic'

'I don't need to actually be one for a role in your porno! Fine if you want to stereotype. So what, I'm the damsel in distress and you've come to save the day and I just can't resist?'

'Exactly! How could you possibly? Fuck. I wish you'd let me take a photo of you right now' He declares as he frees her legs and trails his eyes down her.

'Absolutely not' She confirms that's not happening as she unbuckles his belt and makes quick work of his flies. 'I've had enough pictures to last a life time today'

He pulls his t-shirt over his head before he stops her hands from easing into his jeans then. 'Not yet' She sighs. He smirks in answer as he settles back over her and hooks her legs up around him. 'Patience' He kisses her top lip.

'Really? You've been giving me that look for the last few hours'

'Mmm' He unhooks the first clasp of the corset. 'Do you need me Peyton Scott?'

'Yes' Her face crumples.

'What's wrong?' His amusement diminishes into concern. His attention fully away from the garment he'd just embarked upon undoing. He stokes her cheek.

'...I just, I like how that sounds'

'Huh?'

'Peyton Scott' She utters.

'Well that's good. Cause it's your name. It's never stopped being you name'

'I know'

'It's always going to be your name' He declares somewhat sternly then.

Her eyes become glassy. '...I love you' She expels suddenly.

He's startled by her abrupt confession. Squints at her. '...are you talking to the car or me?'

'She has a name, don't you Comet?' She strokes the leather of the chair beneath her.

'Your love for her is a bit creepy sometimes'

'I was talking to you idiot'

'Yeah?'

'Yes' she whispers.

'I love you' He pushes her hair back from her face. 'You do believe that right?'

'...Show me' She bites her lip.

He doesn't say anything. Eyes flicker to her corset. Unhooks two more of the butterfly clasps before diligently trying to fold the material back. Her small laugh garners his attention.

'What?'

'You're doing that like you fold laundry'

'Might as well do it neatly'

'Here's an idea, we could just I dunno take it off completely' She proposes in bemusement.

'Where's the fun in that? I just needed to better see these' He drops a kiss to her exposed chest then. 'How about that picture now?' He's rewarded with a weary glare. 'Kidding' He eases his own jeans and boxers down before settling back between her scissored legs. Her foot is quick to find the back of his thigh. Bites her lip. 'You're so fucking sexy' Her nose creases.

'Never mind me' she bats him with her hand. 'Look at you' She's back to biting her lip as she trails her hands up his torso.

He nuzzles his nose against hers. 'Do you not think I actually believe what I'm saying?'

'I know you do'

'Do you?'

'Yes'

He gazes at her dubiously. 'I know your relationship with your body hasn't been the best lately. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes'

'I'm fine. I promise. As awful as doing that today kinda was it also did make me feel good I guess. At least you looking at me like that, this...'

'I'm always looking at you like this'

She strokes her cheek. '...I know. I guess this last year I've been...I, I get caught it up in thinking I'm...'

'What?'

'I don't know. I just get stuck in my own head and start thinking stupid things that aren't true. Like why would you possibly want me after everything or how could you still fancy me after all this time-'

'Peyton-'

'I know that's ridiculous and not true. I do. I know it's real-'

'Of course it's real. It's always, always been real. Will always be real. You're the most beautiful girl in the whole world to me. Nothing will ever change that'

'Whole world?' She smiles.

'Whole wide world' He confirms. He kisses her nose. He refrains from telling her she's utterly stupid despite feeling such. Knows that's perhaps not the right thing to say when she's just confided some irrational insecurities. Supposes they're not the most irrational considering his betrayal. 'Are you ready for me to do things to you baby?' He husks instead because he needs to show her as she'd requested moments ago. Needs to show her how much he loves her.

'You're oh so funny' She drawls because he's teasing her for her earlier comment.

He smiles. 'I know'

He interlaces his hands with hers. Gazes into her eyes as he slowly pushes into her a little. He drops his head to hers. She frowns a little in that way he adores. It's what he deems to be her frown of pleasure. A frown only he's privy too. He's paused. Wants to drown in that look she's giving him. 'Luke' He relents when she whimpers his name. Connects their mouthes as he rocks into her completely.

He's slow. She doesn't complain. Emotion is thick in the back of his throat because she's giving herself to him in a way she hasn't in far too long and it's more than a big deal. Keeps her eyes locked with his throughout. They don't speak. Not a word. Words are unnecessary.

This is different to the other times they've done this recently. It's not anger or frustration or desire. Well frustration and desire are definitely present, how couldn't they be when they've been waiting for this all afternoon. But it's more than that. So much more. It's love. She's not given herself to him like this since before Finley. He can remember where they'd been. What they'd been doing. What words they exchanged. He remembers every little thing because he's thought about it more than a few times because it's the last time he recalls them really being them completely. It's the last time he recalls them making love and god it's a cherished memory but it's also wrapped up in sadness because she'd been pregnant. She'd been happy. Oh so happy. And after he'd spooned her, his hands resting on her swollen belly, had felt the baby kicking. Had felt a sense of pride and contentment surge through him because he'd had his wife in his arms, his unborn child beneath his hands, his daughters safely tucked into bed down the hall and then just a few days later their whole world had come crashing down.

She's making a whimpering noise that he knows means she's close. Drops his forehead to hers. Gazes intensely into her eyes as she falls. He follows swiftly after.

They stay like that for a long few minutes as their breathing evens out.

Her hand is at the nape of his neck. Toys lazily with his hair.

'Ok?' He gruffly murmurs eventually.

'Mm' She confirms with a little smile.

'What're you thinking?' He wonders.

'That I know why we've never done it here before' She murmurs.

'Not the comfiest?' He assumes.

'No' She smiles in agreement. 'I think my ass is stuck to the seat'

He smirks. Eases his weight back off her then. She arches. Grimaces at the sucking sound of flesh pealing away from the slippery surface. He laughs.

'Eurgh' She pouts.

'Come here' He assists her in manoeuvring upright, hands finding their way beneath her to guide her into his lap. He rubs the flesh of her backside. 'Better?'

'Mm. Not funny'

'Kinda. I bet your ass is all red right now. I definitely need to see'

'It's not red' She twists her neck to look over her shoulder at her revealed backside as best she can. 'Ok maybe a little' She relents. He laughs.

'You're like my lil chameleon. Your skin changes colour at the slightest touch' He prods her leg.

'Hey' She complains, eyes inspecting the spot he just poked.

'See' He laughs.

'Chameleons blend in with their surroundings no? You're just abusing me!'

'Abusing you huh?' She gasps as he squeezes her backside hard.

'I think you've legit given me friction burn' She counters. His fingers stop squeezing in favour of gently rubbing her backside.

He smiles and shakes his head. 'Poor baby'

She bats his chest lightly. He retaliates by returning to squeezing her asscheeks. She gasps.

'What's the time?'

'I dunno' he's disinterested by her enquiry.

'There's a little thing called a watch on your wrist'

'Oh I know but I'm quite happy with where my hands are at. Hey!' He complains as she removes his hand from her backside to investigate the time.

'God. It's nearly 7. We need to get the girls from your Mum'

'Mmm. We do' He draws her back into kiss her. 'In a minute'

Her hands are blindly trying to refasten the corset as she kisses him back. He soon cottons on.

'Don't do that'

'Girls... Need to get... Them' She disjointedly answers.

He sighs but resolves to helping her with the fastenings instead. 'Is this comfortable?'

'It actually is surprisingly'

'God I really want you again' He complains as he stares at her cleavage as the fabric squeezes her breasts together as he hooks the last clasp. He drops his lips to her collarbone.

'Behave Luke. Where did you put my underwear?'

He huffs. 'Can I come over when the girls are in bed?'

'You didn't answer my question'

'I'll answer your question when you answer mine'

'I asked mine first' He shrugs. She rolls her eyes. 'Yes'

He grins, reaches round her and produces the black lace briefs from the pocket of the chair behind her. 'I believe these belong to you Peyton Scott'