Brooke aimlessly flipped through the channels using the TV remote. She frowned as there seemed to be nothing worth watching on cable yet again. Even the new Style channel's exclusive profile on the high fashion for winter was of little or no interest. Yawning, she checked the Guide again.

A few feet away, a key turned in the lock. The front door opened and an exhausted Lucas dragged himself in, dumping his keys and wallet on the kitchen table. He could see a faint light and hear noise coming from the television in the living room and his curiosity got the best of him. He peered inside and there she was wearing blue and white pajama bottoms and a white tank that rose with each movement, exposing just enough of her creamy flesh. She was without all the makeup and her long dark hair was wet, fresh from a recent shower. She looked absolutely beautiful and he couldn't help himself from staring. It was a few minutes before she even noticed him standing there.

"Hey you", she smiled. "What are you doing standing there all alone in the dark? You stalking me or something?"

"You wish", he returned her grin. "What's up?"

Brooke shrugged.

"Just hanging out, watching the tube. Care to join me over here with my little late night in house picnic?"

Lucas marched over to her. It sounded like a good idea. Spread out before them on Deb's coffee table were a few slices of leftover ham, cheese and crackers, a plate of assorted fruit and a large bowl of popcorn.

"Interesting ensemble", Lucas observed.

"I know but it's delicious. Help yourself."

He sat and munched on the snacks.

"So what are we gonna watch? No chick flicks, I hope. Please. I can't take it."

"I wish there was a chick flick on to watch but so far it's looking pretty bleak."

Lucas grabbed the remote.

"That's where you're wrong, my dear. You're in luck. The game is on."

Brooke wrinkled her nose.

"What game?"

"Buffalo vs Philadelphia", he said, kicking off his shoes and getting comfortable. "This is gonna be a good one. Watch. It's always hot when the Bills take on the Eagles."

"Who are you rooting for?"

"Buffalo, baby", he grinned proudly.

"Oh", Brooke shrugged. "I'm not really a fan. Sorry. I never watched football before, except when I was cheering and I didn't pay much attention then."

Lucas rolled his eyes.

"Oh God!"

"And just what is that supposed to mean?" she demanded, hands on her hips.

"Nothing", he laughed. "I'm totally cringing over here but I guess it's cool. Cliché but cool."

"Let's see, you were the star athlete, the most popular jock", she reminded him. "Sounds like you know a thing or two about clichés."

"No need to get all defensive on me. Maybe you're right. I mean, look at us…the captain of the basketball team and the pretty head cheerleader at home watching TV on a Saturday night."

Brooke chuckled.

"That's not cliché, more like ironic."

"Anyway, I don't mind. I love football season. Try not to miss a game ever."

"Did you play football, too?"

"Horsing around with my buddies but not for the school team or anything. I wanted to and I was good enough but Dad wouldn't sign the parental consent forms."

"Why not?"

"Basketball was his thing so that meant it had to be my thing too. He was afraid I'd get hurt out on the field and injuries don't set too well with NBA scouts so…"

"That sucks. You regret it? Not being able to play, I mean."

Lucas thought for a minute.

"I guess but it's not like it's important now."

Brooke shrugged.

"It's always important. I know what it's like to want to do something for yourself, be something, only to have other people hold you back. I know what that's like to have other people control you and try to make all your decisions for you. It sucks."

Lucas couldn't help but notice the sad expression that overtook her face.

"Yeah", he said quietly. "I guess maybe it does."

"Yeah", Brooke sighed, flipping her damp hair as she changed the station yet again.

"Hey!" Luke protested.

"Oh quit being such a whiny baby. It's half time. I promise to turn back as soon as your precious games comes back on. I give you my word, okay? Then you can explain to me all about touchups."

"Touchdowns, Brooke."

"Whatever. See? I told you I have a lot to learn."

"Oh I see the gimmick now. I have to play teacher and miss my game?"

"I learn fast, hence the whole racing thing. Remember?" she pouted.

Lucas just laughed and shook his head.

"Brooke. Oh no. Come on. Not this."

"What?"

"Please. Turn. I will do anything."

"I love this show."

"Well, I don't."

"It's classic television. How could you not like the Jeffersons? George and Weezy? And Florence? She was a riot!"

"There has to be something else on."

Brooke grinned.

"Come on. Sing the song with me."

"Like I know that song."

"That is the catchiest song in all of TV land. Everyone knows that song."

"Brooke…"

"Come on. Do it. You know you want to. You know you love it."

"No!"

"Luke! Come on…"

He gave an exasperated sigh.

Well we're movin on up, To the east side.
To a deluxe apartment in the sky.
Movin on up
To the east side.
We finally got a piece of the pie.
Fish don't fry in the kitchen;
Beans don't burn on the grill.
Took a whole lotta tryin'
Just to get up that hill.
Now we're up in teh big leagues
Gettin' our turn at bat.
As long as we live, it's you and me baby
There ain't nothin wrong with that.
Well we're movin on up,
To the east side.
To a deluxe apartment in the sky.

"I cannot believe I just did that with you."

Brooke laughed so hard her sides ached.

"And you said you didn't know the song. Liar! I'm the one that messed up on the words. You didn't miss a beat, Lucas."

"Tell anyone we did that and I'll have to kill you and bury you in the backyard."

"Oh it was fun. You had a great time and you know it!"

"Maybe so but can the torture end now?"

"Fine but I expect your ass on this couch when the Gilligan's Island marathon begins."

"I'd rather skinny dip in hot, volcanic lava."

"How could you hate Gilligan? And I just bet you had a thing for Ginger."

"Ginger was hot but I liked Mary Ann. Mush have been those cute short sets she always wore."

Brooke smiled.

"Well, I for one am not ashamed to admit I had a crush on the Professor."

"The Professor?"

"Don't knock it, buddy. You men had a choice of Ginger and Mary Ann. We girls had to pick from Gilligan, Mr. Howell, the Skipper and the Professor."

"Don't forget Lovey."

"Who?"

"Mrs. Howell. She was pretty cute for a grandma", he winked.

Brooke rolled her eyes.

"The conversations we have", she sighed, passing him the bowl. "Popcorn?"

Lucas grabbed a handful and shoved it into his waiting mouth.

"Thanks. Hey, this is pretty good. Kudos for not torching it."

"My cooking skills are vastly improving, thank you very much. I have come a long way from the whole almost setting the house on fire with a TV dinner thing. I am now the master of the microwave."

"Impressive", he quipped. "Figure out the whole dishwasher deal and I will bow at your feet."

"Ha, ha, Mr. Smart ass", Brooke threw a kernel at him.

"I can do that too", he said, tossing popcorn in Brooke's direction.

She opened her mouth, cocked her head back and caught the single piece.

"One of my many hidden talents", she giggled.

"Lucky break", he scoffed. "Try again."

Lucas took another shot at it and Brooke proved she was no one hit wonder.

"You know, Luke, we could do this all night. My record is like 27 straight in one night. I was the drunken toast of my sorority after that."

"A sorority sister and a cheerleader? Whoa! My heart can't take it."

"Watch it!"

"Okay, okay. Just joking. Seriously though, I am impressed."

"Thank you."

A sly grin formed on Lucas' face.

"You know, you're not the only one with hidden talents."

"Take your best shot", she challenged.

"Watch and learn, amateur."

Lucas picked up the fruit plate. With no hands, he used his teeth to grab a cherry by the stem. Then he proceeded to tie it off using just his tongue. And as if that weren't astounding enough, he balanced the cherry on the very tip of his tongue. Slowly and methodically, he stuck it out and curved his tongue so that the cherry just touched the tip of his nose. When his little balancing act was complete, he chewed and swallowed it.

"Oh. My. God!"

"You like that?" he grinned.

Brooke blushed. Lucas Scott had the longest tongue she'd ever seen. His trick was far more difficult…and far sexier.

"I am stunned! Really. I don't know whether to be turned on or creeped out."

They looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"See? You learn something new everyday. You teach me your trick and I'll show you mine."

"I doubt I can learn yours, Freak of Nature but the game is back on so you can teach me a little bit about football."

"Okay", he agreed. "Lesson 101…touchups."

"Touchdowns", she grinned.

"See? Look at you, you're catching on already. High five?"

"High five!" she slapped his hand.

They focused their attentions back to the game and Lucas began explaining the basics. From time to time he stammered or completely lost his train of thought but it was only because she was so damned beautiful. It was the little things he hadn't taken the time to notice before…her giggle, her sexy voice, the twinkled in her eyes, the way her face could light up an entire room.

She smiled over at him and he smiled back. With the official end of his marriage to Haley, he'd felt a sudden rush of sadness that had been lit by the faintest glimmers of what one could call hope. Sitting next to Brooke, his spirit sudden felt renewed. It wasn't sexual and it was more than a feeling or a crush. Whatever it was, it just felt good and Lucas was relaxed. It was nice to enjoy one night where the usually troubled Mr. Scott didn't have to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.