Chapter 5- Late Night Talks

Brooke rocked back from her computer, rubbed her eyes, and turned to look at her clock. She couldn't believe that it was 3 am already. Earlier she had spent hours at the river court just thinking, and when she got home she remembered she had a huge paper due Monday. Rather than stay in all day Sunday she opted to turn down Haley's offer of going to see a movie while Lucas and Nathan played video games in order to finish her paper. She was relieved to finally be done.

Brooke walked over to her dresser to grab a pair of boxers and tank top so she could go to bed. But, as she pulled on the night clothes, she knew that sleep wouldn't come easy, there was still something that she had to do. So, she reached into her closet and pulled out the oversized Keith Scott Body Shop sweatshirt. She had taken it from Lucas months ago and never given it back. She loved to curl up in it when she felt sad and alone. Walking towards her bed she grabbed her cell phone and keys and headed out the door.

ooooOoooo

Lucas woke up, a faint noise knocking had woken him from sleep. He thought that he could see a shadow from the other side of his door so he got up and pushed aside the curtain. Shocked at who was standing there he opened the door, "Brooke, what are you doing here? It is like 4 in the morning."

"Well, I wanted to throw rocks at your window, but there really was no reason since you have your own door, so I decided to knock."

"Brooke, that isn't what I meant. What are you doing here, at my house, at this hour?" Lucas gestured for Brooke to come in.

"Actually, I was hoping we could take a walk. I just want to talk."

"My neighbors might not like the way you 'talk' so much, it is really late." Lucas teased.

"Haha smart ass. No yelling this time, I promise."

"Sure." Lucas turned towards his dresser to grab a sweatshirt. He turned back towards Brooke who started to turn around, "So that is where my favorite sweatshirt went. I have been looking for that for months."

"Tough, it is my favorite now." Brooke turned around, tilted her head to the side, and held out her hand. Lucas took it and the two started towards the street.

"So what is going on in that pretty little head of yours?"

"I did a lot of thinking today, and tonight. And I came to some conclusions." Brooke mustered up all her confidence, she had to really tell him how she felt.

"Yeah, Nathan told me he saw you down the river court. But, he wouldn't tell me what you guys talked about." Lucas wanted Brooke to know that she could trust Nathan, he was glad that they were starting a friendship of their own.

"I was thinking about us, and the things you have said. I am scared Lucas, I am really scared actually. Getting over you was the hardest thing I ever did, and even that didn't go so well. I never want to have to do that again. I don't want you to hurt me again." Brooke knew she had to say it, he had been so open about his feelings with her.

"I don't want to hurt you again. Like I said, all I can is prove that to you. I can say it up and down but those are only words, let me prove it to you. Things will be different this time."

"They have to be. I want use to take things slower this time. I think that last time we jumped into bed too soon, our relationship didn't have enough substance. I want use to talk to each other and go out and do stuff together." Brooke wanted Lucas to know that it wouldn't just be about sex this time.

"That sounds great to me, we will take it slow. We will really spend time getting to know each other. I am glad that that is what you want, that is how I want to do it too. I don't want to make the same mistakes again." Lucas was relieved to hear her say that she wanted to try it again.

"And Peyton, I need you to swear to me that she is out of the picture." Brooke hated to even bring her up, but she couldn't pretend that what happened never happened.

"Totally and completely out of the picture, I promise. I will not cheat on you this time Brooke, not with Peyton, not with anyone. I won't do that again. That part I can swear to you. Everything else is going to have to just develop between us, the trust and all that, but I need you do hear me say this and believe it. I will not cheat on you again Brooke." As he said this he turned Brooke towards him, he looked her right in the eyes as he said it.

"I believe you Lucas. And I promise to let the past be in the past. I want to start this fresh." Brooke knew that she was taking a leap of faith, but she knew with all of her heart that it was the right thing to do.

"Well, all that being said. Would you do me the honor of having dinner with me tomorrow night Brooke?"

"That sounds perfect. I will be there."

With a smile Lucas held out his hand, "Until then, I would love nothing more than to walk you home." And right there, underneath the streetlights, at 4:30 in the morning, Brooke cupped Lucas' chin in her hands and softly kissed his lips.