***Disclaimer*** for creative purposes only, and I claim no ownership of the fandom, characters and setting. I do own four forks, only four, I really need more forks. Tonnes of knifes and spoons but I'm always running out of forks.
Next chapter is here. I would like to thank my awesome reviewers and readers; Noahs, Callison, Brooke, bjq, BrookeLucas, salazarjasam, boblina, brucas, diane and the guests reviews. For the guests if you put your nickname or something I can reply more directly. Thanks for your words, I am sensing the peyton hate but it's all good I do not like writing LP I just need them together until I can naturally split think. Wouldn't want it to be as shit as… well you watched the show, BL are better than that.
Chapter Eleven
For a moment, the briefest of seconds, when Noah woke up for the first time in his new room he was startled and though there was no sound that escaped, his eyes quickly grew, his fingers tightened on the sheet underneath.
The moment slowly faded and realisation soaked through, Noah's body relaxed and the room became warmer as he let his anxiety go. This was his bed, in his room and in his home. Noah felt strange, he never really thought about the word home or about having a family. Noah recognised he had people who cared about him and there were also people who took care of him, sometimes the boy felt uncomfortable with how Brooke and Lucas looked at him, Noah had never been looked at in the intense way his new parents did.
There was comfort for Noah knowing where he was and he remained in bed still for longer than normal, he did not know what to do next or what the day had ahead of him so Noah stayed where it was simple. After ten minutes Noah could not stand it any longer, he quickly got out of bed and made it behind him. Noah left his pyjamas at the foot of the bed and then dressed himself before quietly leaving his room.
The house was silent, the living area empty, Noah turned back and gently opened Brooke's bedroom door to look inside. Brooke was not there though Noah saw Lucas asleep in the bed and left his father alone again.
It was Brooke who joined him first, twenty minutes later she came down from upstairs, her hair out and damp, and a dimpled smile appeared automatically when she saw Noah reading at the kitchen table, "morning, you're up early"
Noah closed his book and shifted so his knees were resting on the chair and he straightened himself up to look at Brooke, "it's seven thirty"
"I like this" she wiggled her index finger in his direction, "you're going to be easy on school mornings, be prepared for Sam" and just the thought of her foster daughter in the morning had Brooke turning on the coffee machine, she looked over her shoulder as she did so "you want anything?"
"May I please have water?"
"Sure, come over here" she answered and Noah joined her, Brooke showed him around the kitchen and grabbed a glass, she went to the fridge "whenever you want you can have a drink, you don't need to ask"
Brooke felt like humming as she went about her morning but resigned herself to a small secret smile, Sam came down the stairs just as breakfast was cooked, hair a mess and looking like she had just crawled out of bed and was still half asleep, wordlessly Brooke handed Sam a coffee.
"Noah this is Sam, she can be scary in the mornings but she is really a big softie" Brooke watched as her newly reunited son met her foster daughter.
The teenager sized up the skinny boy at the table, "so you're the kid" she cupped her mug and took a look gulp, "welcome home" and sat down next to Noah.
"Hello" Noah shifted putting himself an inch further away from Sam.
She eyed the book Noah was reading, "what'cha got there?"
"It's about the world's deadliest animals"
"Right… so what should I look out for?"
Noah had closed his book and Brooke started to bring breakfast over, he thanked Brooke before answering Sam, "are you allergic to bee stings?"
Sam shrugged, "wouldn't have a clue" she turned her attention to Brooke, "this looks good, thanks Brooke"
"Eat fast, you still need to get ready for school" Brooke said as she sat down across from the kids.
"Yeah, yeah" Sam finished her coffee before touching her food, bantering with Brooke as they all ate. As predicted Sam left getting ready to the last minute, flushed and in a rush Brooke silently slipped into her own room to retrieve a pair of heels.
On the bed Lucas lay still fast asleep and Brooke did her best not to wake him, avoiding looking at the slumbering form she tip toed to the walk in closet and heels in hand started back out. Lucas rolled over, an arm flinging out, the blanket bunched bellow his belly button revealing his bare chest. The sigh he made had Brooke freeze to see if Lucas was awake, her eyes glanced at his closed lids and then ran down his body and before she knew it Brooke was staring.
Inside her mind Brooke wolf whistled, she hadn't seen Lucas topless since high school and against her will couldn't help but appreciate that he had become more chiselled in these unseen areas. Her head tilted, Brooke smirked and then as Lucas rolled onto his side, his hand rising to rest near his head, Brooke jumped at the sudden move and forced herself to look away and tip toe the rest of the way out.
The children were calm as Brooke became more stressed after realising the time, she loaded the car up, the new booster seat took Brooke barely any time to set up and Noah clipped himself in as Sam slipped into the front passenger seat seconds before Brooke hopped in and started the car, "everyone ready?".
-x-
The first thing Lucas noticed when he slowly woke was the silence, he didn't want to get up, the bed was soft and welcoming, and it's warmth an escape from the day. Lucas could not remember the last time he had slept so well, he opened his eyes and stretched.
When he finally dragged himself out of bed Lucas checked the time, he swore and quickly put on his pants to leave the room. The house was empty, realising he was alone Lucas quickly found a note on the kitchen counter.
Taken Sam to school, breakfast is in the microwave if you are hungry and I left your bag on the couch – Brooke
Lucas grabbed his overnight bag from the couch and headed back towards Brooke's room, he had just started running the shower when he heard the door opening. Leaving the water running Lucas went to say good morning to Brooke and Noah.
Stepping back into the living area Lucas' smile dropped, "what the fuck!"
"What are you doing here?"
They spoke in unison. Julian was standing in the entry way, his arms full. Lucas threw Julian's question back at him, "what are you doing here?"
Feeling awkward Julian looked towards the windows instead of in the direction of where Lucas stood in only a pair of pants, he could hear the shower running in the background "Brooke lets me work here when she is out of town, sorry I thought… I thought… I'm just going to leave" he backed up.
Something stopped Lucas from saying anything, he knew it was irrational but Lucas was angry and he glared at Julian until the door shut behind him and Lucas was alone again.
Seeing Julian inside Brooke's house had soured the morning for Lucas and his previous happy and relaxed mood vanished, his entire shower Lucas was still glaring, he mumbled to himself as he quickly dressed and repacked his bag to go home.
When the door opened again Lucas instantly knew it was Brooke, her laughter filled the house sending shivers down his spine.
Clean and dressed he met them in the kitchen, "morning" though a part of Lucas envisioned Noah squealing and running into his arms Lucas accepted Noah's reserved smile and simple "good morning"
As Brooke came close she gave her own good morning and Lucas automatically brushed a light kiss on her cheek, "how's Sam?" he asked.
"She's good. I talked to Haley last night. They've talked to Jamie about Noah and I asked if we could borrow their pool today" she stopped and looked to Lucas "if you're okay with that? I just thought it would give us somewhere private to have fun later"
"What do you think?" Lucas asked Noah and when the boy nodded Lucas looked back at Brooke, "okay. I'm going to go home this morning though; I'll pick you guys up after lunch"
Brooke frowned, she folded her arms, "I could meet you there"
"No, it's on the way" he gave her a confused look not knowing how else to respond to her desire to avoid doing things together, he gave a shake of his head and walked away, "why are you fighting this?"
Her arms tightened further around herself, "I'm not fighting anything" her tone was more defensive than she had intended and Brooke forced her body to relax, "fine, you can pick us up. Do you want me to drive you back home?" she offered with a fake smile, they both knew it offer wasn't sincere, Brooke asked with the hope Lucas would say no.
Lucas saw the defiance and lack of sincerity in her eyes and he put on the sweetest smile to reply, "I would love that, thankyou Brooke" and inside he laughed when he saw the answering flash of anger in Brooke.
"That's just great" he words appeared positive but they both knew she said it with sarcasm, "give me five minutes".
The look of anger she gave him was still on Lucas' mind when he walked through his own front door, entering his bedroom Lucas dropped his bag and chuckled. He knew it shouldn't amuse him but riling Brooke up both frustrated and excited him.
Lucas kicked off his shoes and fell back onto the bed, he stared up at the ceiling, his head only lifted when his name was called, "Luke?"
By the time Peyton appeared in the doorway Lucas was sitting up, "hi" he gave a slow, lazy smile, "how's my beautiful girl going?"
Peyton's grinned, "why didn't you tell me you were back!" she rushed over and landed on top of Lucas bringing him back down flat on the mattress, her lips stole a quick kiss, "I missed you"
"I missed you too but I didn't have much spare time, it moved so fast and then we brought Noah home yesterd-"
"Wait, yesterday? You got back yesterday" Peyton's smile dropped, she untangled herself and stood above Lucas hands on hips, "and you didn't think to let me know?"
"I wanted to surprise you and I didn't want you to worry"
Lucas tried to touch Peyton but she brushed his hand aside and stepped back, "so where have you been?"
"With Noah, getting to know my son"
"At Brooke's?"
Lucas scoffed "yes, at Brooke's. It was late and I was tired so Brooke let me crash there"
"That sounds cosy" her voice dripped with sarcasm, "how kind of her. And where exactly did you sleep?"
For a second Lucas froze and even as it left his lips he felt guilty for the lie, "on the couch" he briefly looked away, "I thought you were at work, I wanted to surprise you tonight. Make you dinner, focus on just us for a little while" he smiled warmly and gently rested his palms on Peyton's slim hips.
The words made Peyton's stomach roll, she didn't want the focus on them to be a sidenote but at the same time she remembered what Haley had said the night before hand so she did her best to appear happy, "that sounds perfect" she smoothed the shirt over his chest and cupped his shoulder before closing her eyes and kissing Lucas again.
After a few seconds Lucas pulled away to get down on his knees, he lifted Peyton's shirt and placed a kiss on her stomach, "morning baby" his breath tickled Peyton's skin and she gave an involuntary giggle and pulled her shirt back down, "how are you feeling?"
"Great actually except my pants are getting tight so I grabbed a few bigger pairs"
Lucas stood, "you still look beautiful"
"And keep saying that even when I'm so big I can barely walk" she laughed at him and for just a moment Peyton forgot the rest of the world outside of the two of them and their baby, her light eyes shone and her smile came easy.
In that same moment Lucas' thought wandered elsewhere, his mind going back six years to another girl and another baby, and he couldn't help but wonder what the last months of Brooke's pregnancy had been like for her as she grew big with his baby.
The thought came back to him hours later as he swam in the pool with Noah, the silence between them oddly relaxing as they floated out the back of Nathan and Haley's house. There was a splash and Lucas looked up to see Brooke finally joining them. She walked down the steps in the shallow end, her hair out, in only a barely there black and gold bikini and unbidden time seemed to slow for Lucas as he watched her enter the water.
He felt like a teenager, Lucas dragged his eyes away and stood up in the water turning his back on the view and smiled at Noah, "ever played fish out of water?"
"No, how do we play?" he sounded his age, innocent and free, there was an ease to Noah when he was in the water that Lucas didn't see elsewhere, as if all his walls washed away.
Lucas was aware Brooke had swum near them, he could feel her presence to his left, and ignoring it he focused on Noah and explained the rules, he volunteered to go first and quickly regretted his choice of game as he and Brooke came into contact too many times for him to count. Fumbling through the game Lucas stopped regretting it when he heard Noah laugh.
The world seemed to stop, Lucas froze, Noah was splashing around trying to find them and the laugh that came from him had Lucas melt. Brooke watched on, she sat perched on the edge of the pool, feet dangling in the water. Brooke laughed at Lucas' rapt expression and Noah's joy, the sound had Noah turn in her direction and his own laughter stopped.
-x-
Towel wrapped around his waist Lucas stood waiting outside Nathan and Haley's guest room, his hair was damp and sticking up, droplets still running down his neck. He went to turn away and changed his mind again, hand up to knock the door swung upon and Brooke stepped out barrelling into Lucas, "what are you doing?" she yelled pushing him away.
"I'm sorry"
"You scared the life out of me. Where's Noah" Brooke placed her hand on her heart and took a deep breath. The shower had warmed her body up but she could still smell the chlorine in her hair, while Lucas watched she used the hair tie from her wrist and wrapped it in a messy bun, cursing him in her mind.
Lucas lifted a brow, "he found Haley's piano"
After straightening up Brooke glared at Lucas, "why are you just standing there, go get dressed"
"Why are you angry?"
She kinked her brow as she scoffed, "I'm not angry"
Without even realising he did it Lucas stepped forward, Brooke couldn't move because of the door she had closed behind her, "I need to talk to you" he hadn't intended to say it, "Julian let himself in when you were out this morning. He has his own keys?" his disapproval was clear.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"Does that matter? Some guy can just let himself into your house whenever he wants. You have two children there!"
"God, Luke. He didn't even know anyone was home, Julian uses my place to work when I'm away. It's not a big deal. I'll get the keys back now anyway, if it makes you feel better"
Face serious Lucas nodded "It does."
For a moment Brooke just stared at Lucas and then she shook her head, she went to speak but Lucas sent her a warning look and cut in, "don't say it. Whatever you're thinking, don't say it"
"I could say that back to you" she lowered her voice, "we're treading on thin ground here Luke, step back"
His chin lifted and Lucas realised how close they were, he didn't move.
-x-
The sound of the piano welcomed Nathan, he was surprised expecting Haley to be at work, and followed the sound only to stop when he saw the back of a small figure sitting at the piano.
Amazement and curiosity quickly vanished, it didn't take Nathan long to figure out who the guest in his house was and he left Noah to his music and went searching. Nathan paused at the end of the hallway, a greeting on the tip of his tongue that never made it out.
Something roared in Nathan's ears, like a siren warning of danger. They were too close, closer than he had seem them in years, with Brooke's body seemingly flat against the door behind her yet somehow leaning towards Lucas at the same time, while he stood right in front of her, towering over her smaller frame, with those Scott eyes staring unmoving at Brooke's face.
The mental alarm bells started ringing for Nathan, he went to speak but before they even noticed him Nathan saw Lucas blink and quickly step back, "you're right" he spoke and to Nathan's relief when Lucas whipped his towel off and slung it over his shoulders his swim shorts were revealed.
Brooke gave a nod and slipped away, turning her back on Lucas Brooke froze when she spotted Nathan watching them. For a split second there was a look akin to panic on her face and then she grinned, "Nate, hi!
"Brooke… Lucas, how are you two?"
"I'm great, we went swimming with Noah" she clapped her hands, "ohmygod, do you want to meet him?"
Lucas has a dark expression on his face, "you guys go ahead, I'm going to have my turn in the shower" and he closed the bedroom door behind him as he disappeared.
With gusto Brooke grabbed Nathan by the arm, "come on"
As they walked together Nathan kept his eyes forward but he had to ask, "everything alright, Davis?"
"Of course"
He stopped and looked at her, "Brooke, is everything alright?"
She flicked her eyes to the right before looking at him, her big hazel eyes not blinking as she brushed him off "its fine, everything is under control" she let go of him and walked ahead.
-x-
"It was a little awkward but it was fine" Lucas shrugged and unloaded the groceries, "we just have to put everything else aside and do what is best for Noah"
Peyton nodded listening, "that's great. I can't wait to meet him" she tried to sound as cheery as she could, the thought made her nervous though and Peyton hoped meeting Noah would make things click into place for her.
Not answering Lucas remained silent as he finished unpacking, he grabbed the chopping board and the rest of the things he needed to cook Peyton dinner, "now the world vanishes and it is just you and me, together and alone" he kissed her moving her away from all the prep, "now sit down, relax, let me do all the work"
Peyton laughed as she sat down, enjoying all the attention, she watched Lucas move around. They started discussing baby names, finding little in common with their taste, laughing at the others most ridiculous suggestions.
"What about Blake, Blake Scott, it could be for a boy or a girl" Peyton suggested.
Lucas shook his head, taking a break from cooking he grabbed two wine glasses and filled them up and carried them over to Peyton, "I just don't see our kid as a Blake" he pulled a face and handed Peyton her glass, "non-alcoholic" he promised and took a few sips of his own drink.
"I like Anna too"
"After your mom, I do like that, and K-"
"And we could go Sawyer for a boy" Peyton said in a pleading tone causing Lucas to sigh, "I don't know why you don't like it, it's my name" she pointed to herself.
Instead of arguing Lucas had another sip and got back to the cooking, "at least we have many months to decide" he grabbed the spatula and pointed it at her, "I hope you're hungry!"
Peyton got a twinkle in her eye, she slowly placed her glass down and walked over to Lucas. First she took the spatula and then Peyton grabbed Lucas by his belt buckle and turned him around, backing him away from the kitchen counter, "oh I am, how about we let things simmer in here for a bit and go cook up our own storm" as soon as it came out Peyton frowned, "okay that sounded way sexier in my head"
"You sure?" Lucas let her lead him out of the room.
Nodding Peyton was half way to their room when there was a knock on the door, her face dropped; Lucas looked at the door and said "I better get that".
Peyton let go of Lucas, she brushed her golden blonde hair out of her face and sighed "or we could ignore it" but as soon as Peyton saw Lucas' expression she lifted her hands in defeat, "I'll go get it then".
Though she was slightly frustrated at the interruption it reminded Lucas of one of the reasons she loved Lucas -he was a good guy. The kind of person who would be there for a complete stranger if they needed him, who ran into fires to save his worst enemy or into a building with a shooter to make sure everyone is okay.
Trying to clear her mind Peyton swung the door open and her smile froze on her face. Slowly she began to grin, happiness overtaking the sudden anxiety, "I can't believe you're here!"
Lucas called out behind her, "who is it, honey?"
Peyton turned around, "it's your Mom"
The weight Peyton didn't even realise was on Lucas' shoulders seemed to just fall from him, walking fast Lucas rushed towards the front door.
Stepping out of the way Peyton watched mother and son embrace, placing a hand over her stomach Peyton softly smiled as she reflected on a mothers bond and dreamt of her own child, of the day she would get to hold her precious baby in her arms.
"What are you doing here?" Lucas was so happy to see him mother, Karen hugged Lucas again and motioned for him to let her inside.
"My boy calls and tells me he needs to see me, of course I came"
"Where are Andy and Lil?"
Karen waved her hand, "they're still in New Zealand, they'll join me next week but for now I am all yours. Now tell me what's all the urgency about?"
Not wanting to be part of this conversation Peyton told Lucas she would finish dinner and for him to talk to his mother. Lucas took Karen to the living room and they sat next to each other on the couch, Karen rubbed her knees, "Lucas is everything okay?"
He nodded, "yeah, it's great actually. There's just someone I wanted you to meet" and with a nervous smile Lucas switched to a photo of Noah on his phone and handed it to his mother, "this is Noah"
Karen saw the image and tentatively took the phone as her mouth slacked open, "oh my" she covered her mouth with one hand, "is this…?" she didn't know how to say it but she already knew the answer.
"My son" Lucas gave a sad smile, he was happy to have Noah yet was still conflicted over the past and how he felt about all the missing years.
Karen gave a little choke and dropped her hand, paying closer attention to the picture, "of course it is, he is a little mini you but how?" she lifted her eyes to Lucas, "My mind is just…"
"Trust me I know how you feel. It's a complicated story"
"Uncomplicate it for me, when? Who?
Lucas took his phone back, "junior year, he is six and well… remember when Brooke and I had the pregnancy scare" he trailed off and lifted his brow. Hands between his legs Lucas looked at the image on his phone and gave a little smile, "I just found out a week ago, a lot has happened since then"
"Brooke? When… I mean, did anyone know? How could none of us know, she lived with us" Karen laughed thinking back to that time. The older woman was in shock.
"She hid it, didn't tell anyone and gave birth in California over the summer. Brooke gave Noah up for adoption" and he explained the recent changes as Karen patiently listened, by the end Karen was giving Lucas a motherly side hug.
Lucas frowned "I'm okay with this" his face softened, "I really am. It was a lot at first and I still have a million things going through my mind but I can't help but look at Noah and just feel so happy"
"That's good. I am happy for you then" she rubbed his arm, "and Brooke, how is she?"
Lucas gave a sigh, "we're sorting through things. You know Brooke; doesn't want to look vulnerable. But Ma, Brooke's just a natural mother, she is great with him which simultaneously makes me grateful, amazed and kind of angry and jealous" he shook his head.
The words and expressions made Karen chuckle and as the mood lightened Karen licked her lips, "and how is Peyton taking it?"
"Well" Lucas huffed, "that's a different story".
-x-
Next chapter: Karen is in Tree Hill, Brooke gets a proposition and it's time to party!