Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with OTH, i am just writing this story.

Author's Note: Wow, again, you guys rock. thanks so much for the reviews! During this chapter, I wanted to show just how good of friends Brooke and Nathan are. They have been friends (since Brooke got back) for a few months now, so keep that in mind. btw, I added a little inside joke... hope ya like it! please continue with the wonderful feedback, you have no idea how much it means to me.

BrookenLucas12: Thanks so much! I like the name, too. I thought it fit Brooke.

Belle-Baby: Thanks! Its cool with me, as long as at least some people review.

kaos: Thanks!

sweetgirl: aw, thank you. a big thing with this story is that brooke is very insecure about her past, especially with Lucas. he hurt her, and pretty much scarred for relationships in the future. (can nate change that?)

tp96: thanks, here you go!

kari: thanks so much, I will try to update a few times a week.

S.: haha, isn't that the universal saying? 'just friends'. you will be hearing it a lot! thanks, i really love this story (its quickly becoming a favorite of my stories).

Agel15: thanks! i am trying not to rush things, because in the real world things don't happen with a snap of a finger. thanks for reviewing!

Chapter Four

Picture Perfect

Saturday night rolled around, and Brooke was getting ready for her night out with Nathan. Oddly, she had been looking forward to it all week. She decided not to dress too over-the-
top, and just wear her Express jeans and a Vanity shirt she bought last week. She slipped her feet into her black heels, and was ready to go. She decided just to let her hair flow around her instead of putting it up.

There was a knock at her door. "COMING!" She shouted. She grabbed her purse and opened the door. "Nathan, hi." She opened the door wider, and he walked in.

"You look great," he complimented her.

"Aw, thank you. So do you." And he did, with his faded jeans and polo shirt. "So, you like the place? I'm not exactly unpacked," she laughed nervously.

"No, its great." He looked around. "Just your size."

"Yeah, its comfortable. And cheap," she added. "So, you ready to go?"

"Yeah, lets get out of here," he said, leading her out.

Thirty minutes later, they were seated in the movie theater. Brooke had refused to let him pay for her ticket, because it wasn't a 'date'. She had let him by the popcorn, though.

They were whispering loudly before the movie began. Nathan asked, "So, do you know what this movie is about?"

Brooke shook her head. "Nope. No clue. I know that some big name guy is in it, though. One of my friends from New York thinks he is so hot. His name is Chad something. Personally, I don't think he's all that great. Not really my type. But whatever."

Nathan said, "Well, it looked good. Its supposed to be really scary, though."

Brooke grinned between bites. "I love scary movies."

An hour later, they were well into the movie. The popcorn was long gone, and the movie was getting scarier and scarier for Brooke. Nathan had his arms around her, and she was cuddled up tightly against him.

She whispered fearfully, "I don't like this movie."

He laughed quietly. "Shh, its good."

Another scary moment came up, and Brooke screamed, burying her head into Nathan's chest. "Damn, how can you watch this?" She picked her head up and opened her eyes for a second but instantly closed them again. Nathan held her tight.

Not long after, the movie was over and the crowd was emptying out of the theater. Nathan asked Brooke, "So, was it good or bad? Because I thought it was good."

Brooke admitted, "It was pretty good. Just scary."

"Wimp," he teased.

"Ugh!" She punched his arm. "Jerk."

He laughed and the two walked outside. "So, what would you like to do?"

"Hmm..." She thought for a moment. "Since its August, I have the perfect thing for us to do. Come on." They walked to his car. She led him to the river court.

He turned the car off. "The river court?"

She rolled her eyes. "Don't worry. It'll be cool."

They walked out onto the court, and Brooke sat right in the middle of it. Then, she laid herself down so that she was sprawled out across.

From above, Nathan was laughing at her. She complained, "Aren't you coming?"

He shook his head. "Why are you laying in the middle of the river court?"

She reached up and grabbed his hand. "Come on," she urged. He finally obliged, laying down next to her. Soon, they were both looking up at the stars.

"What are we looking for?" He whispered.

"Nothing, really. Look, over there, across the river." She pointed. "See that? That's heat lightening. I love heat lightening," she said passionately.

Nathan looked over at her. He couldn't believe that he was here with Brooke Davis, who was once known as a high school slut. She was so different now, nothing like she was in high school. She was fun, but not in a wild way. She was determined, and knew what she wanted. And she was sweet, and nice. Not the sickeningly sweet type like Haley was. Just sweet.

They laid there like that, just staring at the stars and enjoying each other's company. Every now and then, one of them would move and their arms would brush against each other's. Brooke felt like she was in high school again. She felt tingles make their way from her arm to her heart. She wasn't sure what it was, but didn't mind the feeling at all.

It was around eleven thirty when Brooke looked at her watch. "Wow, its later then I thought."

Nathan checked his watch. "Damn." He sat up, and pulled Brooke up with him. She was shivering in her tiny pink Vanity tube top. Even if it did look pretty damn hot on her. "You're cold." He put his arm around her, pulling her close and rubbing her chilled shoulders.

"Thanks," she said, laying her head on his shoulder. It felt so nice just to be held by a guy again. She hadn't felt this comfortable since Lucas, and that was forever ago.

They heard a car pull up, and craned their necks to see who it was. Because of the darkness, they couldn't tell. The two strangers walked towards them. Brooke and Nathan shrugged at each other.

As the two people got closer, they saw that it was Lucas and another woman, who Brooke assumed to be Crystal. She recognized her from the photos in Karen's Café. Brooke's mouth dropped open and she gaped at them. Of all the places to meet them. Nathan quickly stood up, and grabbed Brooke's hands to help her. "Hey, Lucas."

Lucas was just as surprised to see them as they were him. "Hey. What are you guys doing out here?"

Brooke shrugged. "Just relaxing, watching the lightening. You know how I love heat lightening."

Lucas nodded, and his girlfriend nudged him in the ribs. "Oh! Right, sorry. Brooke, this is my girlfriend, Crystal. Crystal, this is Brooke. And you know Nathan." Nathan nodded in her directions.

Brooke wrapped her arms around herself, shivering again. Nathan instantly noticed and wrapped his arms around her for the second time that night.

Crystal smiled. "Its really nice to meet you. Lucas has mentioned you before."

Brooke returned the sentiment. "Same here."

Crystal said, "You two are so cute. Nathan, why didn't you tell me you started dating again?"

"No, uh.."

"We're not.." Brooke and Nathan trailed off, not sure how to explain it. It sure looked like they were a couple, but everyone knew that looks could be deceiving.

Crystal was confused. "What?"

Nathan explained, "We aren't a couple. Just friends."

"Oh my God. I feel so bad! I'm so sorry."

Brooke reassured her, "Don't be. Listen, we're going to take off. It was great meeting you, Crystal. Lucas, we'll see you around."

Lucas waved good bye and Nathan and Brooke made their way to Lucas's car. Brooke crawled inside, desperate for warmth.

"Damn, its summer. August, even. Why the hell am I cold?"

Nathan laughed, starting the car. "Maybe you should try wearing a shirt next time," he joked.

"I am wearing a shirt," she said defensively. Looking down, she said, "It covers what needs to be covers. It does its job."

"Yeah." Nathan pulled out of the parking lot. "What the hell were the chances that we would see them there?"

Brooke cracked up laughing. "Seriously. Talk about awkward. She seemed nice, though."

"Yeah, she's great. I think they will end up getting married."

Brooke said, "Good for them. Lucas deserves to be happy."

Nathan looked at her liked she was crazy. "What?"

She giggled. "I'm just saying... Look, I'm trying to be that nice, friendly ex-girlfriend."

"Why?" He asked slowly. Haley cheated on him, just as Lucas had done to Brooke. And Nathan sure as hell wouldn't be happy for her if she was on the road to get married...again.

"Its good for my image."

He laughed with her. "Whatever you say."

She leaned back in her seat. She had had fun that night, even with the unexpected visit from Lucas. She found herself enjoying Nathan more and more, which of course was crazy. This was boy toy Nathan Scott.

spoiler for next chapter: someone from Brooke and Nathan's past return.