Brooke just stared at Nathan for a while before talking.

"So, thanks. For trying to protect the house. That was really brave, but dumb too. If you weren't on a hospital bed I would kill you for trying to fight those guys alone." Brooke just stared at him again, trying to think of what to say next. She saw his lips move. He was trying to talk.

"Haley?" he asked, his voice croaking.

"Brooke. Haley's in the waiting room with my parents. You feeling okay?"

"Yeah, just thirsty." Brooke poured him some water and gave him the cup. He drank it and his voice came out normal.

"So, did you hear what I said?" she asked. Nathan smiled and nodded.

"Yeah. I couldn't let them get ahold of your CDs or magazine collection," he joked. "Brooke, I have to tell you something. You don't have to say anything now, but you need to know."

"Um, okay."

"I like you, Brooke. And not as just a friend. I've been trying to hide my feelings since the day I first kissed Haley, but now I know that I don't want to. All I could think of tonight was you. When I was in that fight the only thing running through my mind was I hope to get out of here so I can tell Brooke how I really feel. Now I'm here and I don't want to hide anything from you," Nathan finished.

"I'm sorry, Nathan," Brooke said after a moment of silence. "I like you, but I love Lucas. The way I feel about you could never overcome the way I feel about him. We're just friends, Nathan, and we'll never be anything more," she said before leaving the room.