Disclaimer: I don't own OTH or the characters. If I did, the show would be MUCH different!

Chapter Seven

When It Comes

In November, Nathan was planning a surprise for Brooke. It was her birthday, and he wanted to make sure it was special. He knew her parents would send a card and maybe a phone call, but that wasn't enough. He knew she loved the beach, and one of her favorite movies was The Sound Of Music. One of her favorite scenes from that movie was the one where the sixteen year old meets the boy under the gazebo. Brooke thought it was just so sweet and romantic. Nathan had listened to her talk, and from there his plan developed.

It was Saturday, the day he was planning her surprise. It was her actual birthday, and she was going out to lunch with Karen and Tricia. Before, though, Nathan had to talk to Karen. He decided to stop by the café before running the rest of his errands.

Once there, he waited until she finished with her customers before addressing her. Karen smiled at him. "Hello, Nathan. What's up?"

He explained his plan to her. She thought it was a wonderful idea, and agreed to help him out. All he needed her to do was make sure Brooke was at the café around seven thirty. She was supposed to tell Brooke about a play that evening, one that was very dressy. He would take it from there. After thanking her, he rushed out. He had a busy day ahead. First, though, he had to call the birthday girl.

It was around eleven in the morning, so he assumed she would be at least half awake. He was right. "Hello?" She groaned. She hadn't bothered to look at the caller ID.

"Happy birthday," he teased. "Were you seriously sleeping?"

With a loud yawn, she said, "Not really. I was resting in bed." Almost as an afterthought, she said, "And thanks."

He started his car and was soon on his way to the grocery store. "So, how does it feel to be twenty four?"

She sighed. "No different than twenty three. Or twenty two. Except I'm not in college. And now I have legally been drinking for three years," she giggled.

Nathan laughed. "You were illegally drinking for twice that."

"Shut up," she said. "So, what's up?"

"Nothing. What are you doing today?"

"Lunch with Karen and Tricia. Then, I guess I will come home. I don't know."

Hating to say this, Nathan said, "Sounds good. I'll try to see you this afternoon."

Brooke said in a hopeful voice, "Why don't you come over tonight? We could hang out and go to dinner or something."

Nathan lied, "Brooke, I'm sorry. Lucas needs my help over at his place. I agreed a long time ago..."

Brooke was disappointed. "Its cool, I guess." She looked at her clock. "I have to go, but I'll talk to you later."

"Okay. I'll call you this afternoon. Happy Birthday, Brooke," he said softly.

After hanging up with Nathan, Brooke fell back on her bed. This birthday was looking worse and worse. Lunch would be fun, but after that she would be alone. Sigh. She giggled as Audrey jumped up next to her, licking her face. It was as though she knew what was going on and was trying to cheer her up.

"Okay, Audrey. I know you'll be here," she laughed.

Nathan was in the grocery store, trying to decide what to make for dinner. He definitely couldn't cook, and Karen would be too busy all day. He then remembered that Chili's was Brooke's favorite restaurant, and they had take out. Relieved that the food part was over, he went to the card section. He didn't want to get a card that was too sappy, because they were just friends. Really good friends, but friends none the less. He chose a simple Happy Birthday card and bought two balloons that had similar sentiments sprawled across them. After making his purchases, he left to do more planning.

A few hours later, it was three thirty when Nathan stopped by Brooke's. She had just finished her lunch with Karen and Tricia. They had gone to the new Mexican restaurant in town. The women had pitched in and bought Brooke a Coach wallet for her special day.

Nathan tapped lightly on her door and then entered. He was of course met by a very energetic Audrey. He picked the dog up and saw Brooke sitting at the kitchen table.

She smiled at him. "Hey Nate."

"Hey, Birthday Girl. What are you doing?" He walked up and gave her a hug from behind.

She smiled at his embrace. "Reading a magazine. I'm bored."

"On your birthday?"

She laughed. "Yeah, can you believe it? Here I am, Brooke Davis, with nothing to do. Thanks for coming by," she said gratefully. She loved seeing him, even for short visits.

He winked at her. "No problem. Listen, can I borrow your CDs?"

She looked at him strangely. "Why not just my MP3 player?"

He shook his head. "Just for a little while. I'm going to Lucas's in a few minutes, and we have sort of worn ours out."

Brooke decided not to question him. She retrieved the case. Nathan flipped through them and saw Sound of Music soundtrack in it. He snapped it shut. "Thanks. So, what are you doing tonight? Plans yet?"

She nodded. "Karen is taking me to this play. I didn't even know Tree Hill had a theater. Anyways, its really dressy. Meaning, I have to get all done up for probably old people," she sighed.

Nathan touched her shoulder. "Don't sound so sad. Its your birthday. Get happy. Look, I'll try to come by around ten or eleven and we can have a late night birthday snack. Sound good?"

She smiled. "Yeah, sure."

He check his watch. "I have to go. Catch ya later, okay?" He gave her another hug, and gave Audrey one last pat on the head before leaving.

Brooke sighed after he was gone. This birthday was definitely not in the top ten.

Hours later, it was seven thirty and Nathan was on his way to the café. Karen had called and let him know she was there with Brooke. He had set up everything at the gazebo, and was just nervous about what she would think. He hadn't dressed up or anything, just wearing nice jeans and a long sleeved shirt. He was second guessing himself, wondering if he went over the top. Lucas had been giving him a lot of grief about their friendship, and he had Nathan doubting himself.

He walked up to the café and saw Brooke sitting at the counter, looking bored. Karen was closing early that night, so she was busy. Brooke was wearing a simple black dress that fell between her knees and thighs. She looked great in her heels and with her hair in ringlets cascading around her shoulders.

Nathan opened the door and Karen smiled at him from the back. Brooke toyed with the paper from a straw. He walked up behind her.

He said in his sexy voice, "I thought you weren't going to be sad on your birthday."

At the sound of his voice, she whirled around. "Nate!" She exclaimed, shocked to see him there. "What are you doing here?"

He grinned. "I'm taking you to a birthday surprise. Come on, you'll see."

She looked uneasily at Karen. "But the play..."

Karen waved her off. "Brooke, did you honestly think I would take you to a play for your birthday?"

Brooke grinned. "Thank God! I was thinking you had gone all Grandma on me." She stood up next to Nathan. "Where are you taking me?"

He smiled secretly. "It's a surprise."

She sighed, glaring at him. "I hate surprises."

"You'll love this one," he promised. He grabbed her hand and pulled her outside. He whispered in her ear, "You look hot tonight."

She said modestly, "Thanks, I try. Actually, if I had known about this surprise thing, I would have dressed in a nicer dress. I was planning on spending the evening with people all over the age of sixty."

He laughed at her. "Well, hopefully this will be more fun."

They got in the car, and she said, "So, give me a hint."

"Nope," he said, shaking his head.

She pouted. "Please?" He continued to deny her request. Finally, she just crossed her arms and sat back. It wasn't long until they arrived, though. Her eyes lit up when she saw they were at the beach. "Nate..."

He parked, and got out to open the door for her. They both left their shoes in the car. Holding her hand, he led her down to the beach. Soon, the gazebo came into clear view. It was decorated and lit up with white Christmas lights, and you could see a dinner set up with candles.

Brooke's mouth dropped open and she smiled, amazing at the site that met her eyes.. "Nate..."

"Come on," he grinned. He pulled a remote from his pocket, and pressed play. Her favorite song from The Sound of Music started playing softly.

She turned to him. "Nate, this is amazing. You remembered that I loved the gazebo?"

He nodded. "Yeah, and I remembered the song. So you like it?"

She grinned. "I love it. Thank you so much. No one has ever gone to this much trouble for me."

He nodded towards the table. "I got Chili's, because I didn't want to ruin the evening with my cooking."

She laughed. She kidded, "Good idea."

He led her to the table, and handed her the card. He had written her a special message and gave her time to read it. With tears threatening to enter her eyes, she gave him a huge hug. "Nate, you are so wonderful." No guy had ever done anything like this for her before.

"Open the present." In the midst of the busy day, he had found the time to go shopping for her actual present.

She was shocked. "This isn't my present? All of this?"

"Nope, this is your party. This is your present," he said, handing her a small, rectangular box. She gave him a curious smile as she opened it. She gasped as she pulled out the diamond bracelet. It was the one she had wanted. The first week she was there, she and Nathan had gone window shopping, and she had commented about this exact bracelet.

"Oh, Nathan," she said breathlessly. "I can't believe you went back and got this. Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me." She pulled him into another embrace.

"Your welcome." He grinned, happy she liked it.

She stood next to him. "Thank you, for all of this. Its so wonderful. You are the best friend any one could ask for, and an all around great guy." She held out her hand. "Dance with me."

He complied, and they slow danced to the soundtrack. It was a wonderful, special night for them. Their friendship was so sweet and genuine. They were there for each other, and were very close. Brooke laid her head on his shoulders, and relaxed her body with his. He was so good to her, and she never even asked him to be. This was one birthday she would never forget, ever.

Author's Note: Thanks for all the great reviews! You guys are awesome. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I couldn't decide the direction I wanted to take with it, but I am pretty satisfied with the outcome. Spoiler for the next chapter: Brooke and Nathan go to a Christmas Ball, but the outcome is totally unexpected. Please keep the reviews coming, I treasure them! Thanks.

BelleBaby: Thanks for the review. Its definitely a different side of Nathan!

Mony19: Don't worry, the realization is on the way... I promise! thanks for the awesome review!

CHSivachic05: Thanks! I do too, here's your update!

Ababy99: Aw, you are just too sweet. I look forward to your reviews so much. Yes, the sexual tension is very apparent, and getting more so as the days fly by! I have always loved "romantic" Nathan, so writing him is so much fun! Thanks.

BlondieCutie: Glad you like it, I love new reviewers!

Toffee-Popcorn: Interesting user name! Thanks for the review, I am so happy you are enjoying it.

Okay... now go review!