TITLE: Back to You
AUTHOR: Dayz Sollers
SUMMARY: Post season 2 finale. As Brooke, Nathan and Jake come back from their summers away from Tree Hill, the group has to face the trials and tribulations of their senior year of high school, and find out what is really important to them. Mostly B/L but it will take a while. Be patient, it will get there. I promise. P/J and N/H also. Feedback wanted! Please R&R
Disclaimer: Don't own One Tree Hill, too bad for me. And also, the lyrics I have used in this chapter belong to the song "you're the safest place" by the backstreet boys. I don't own them either
Rating: PG13-maybe to an R later on
Category: Romance/Drama
karaokediva419: Well this chapter is a little longer! Hope you enjoy it
Jeytonlover: You're in luck, updated today with a little more Jake and Peyton :-)
Melbell315, MaddieMadison & kelz3192 thanks for your responses, I am glad you like the story
Chapter Seven- My Safest Place (to Hide)
For Brooke, the car ride to Tim's had been unbearable. Lucas drove in awkward silence as she tried to understand what had happened moments before. She had been ready to kiss Lucas, but he had backed away. Brooke silently cursed herself for listening to Haley. 'memo to self. Kick Haley's ass.' She thought.
By the time they had arrived at Tim's, the music on the stereo was blaring so loud that Brooke barely heard Lucas tell her he needed to go talk to Nathan. She rolled her eyes, and watched him go as she made her entrance. There was no way Lucas Scott was going to ruin a party for her. She was Brooke Davis, queen of the party scene. And had no intention of backing down off of her throne.
"Party's here," She grinned as she headed into the house. People glanced up and waved at her all happy that she had made her way back to Tree Hill. Theresa and Bevin walked towards her to say their hello's. She noticed Peyton and Jake slip out of the house and smiled. At least her best friend would be happy. As she turned around, she noticed Haley talking to guy.
Brooke paused. A guy? Who wasn't Nathan? What was Tutorgirl thinking. She pushed past Theresa and Bevin, and ignored the dirty looks they were sending her way. She needed to stop her friend before she made a huge mistake. Before she had a chance to get to her friend, she heard Nathan come up from behind her.
"Brooke."
She cringed. "Nathan, hi!" She pulled him into a hug as he handed her a drink. "How have you been, long time no see. Wait- where's Lucas? I thought he went to go talk with you."
"Lucas? I uhh…I haven't seen him all night, didn't even know he was here yet."
Brooke's heart sunk. Lucas had lied to her? Again? After everything they had been through, he was going to continue to lie to her? She fought back tears and remembered the situation at hand. Just because Lucas and her wouldn't work out, didn't mean that Haley and Nathan couldn't. And she wasn't about to let Haley do anything stupid to ruin it.
Haley leaned against the wall, a beer in one hand, and her purse in the other. She listened as the stranger before her asked if she was there with anyone. As she shook her head no, she gazed across the room at Nathan. He had his back to her, and was deep in conversation with Brooke. Which was good, cause if it had been anyone else, she probably would have felt jealous.
"What's your name?"
"Haley."
They had been talking for over five minutes, when she had finally registered that
he was trying to hit on her. And perhaps at a different time, and in different circumstances, Haley would have flirted with him. He was cute- Nathan's height, well toned muscles, with dark brown hair and matching eyes. But he wasn't Nathan.
"It's nice to meet you Haley. I'm Mark."
She shook his hand but pulled it back abruptly as he leaned in towards her. "How about we go somewhere quiet? You know so we can be alone." He had his hands on her shoulder, his fingers moving their way up her neck. Haley rolled her eyes, knowing what he had wanted from her. Not knowing what to say, she raised her left hand and waved it in the air.
"I'm married."
Technically it hadn't been a lie. The annulment papers hadn't been signed so legally she was still Mrs. Haley James Scott. She smiled, it felt good to say that again. He pushed up against her causing her to fall hard against the wall.
"Doesn't matter. What he doesn't know won't hurt him."
Haley was about to say something when she heard footsteps, and felt Mark being pulled off of her. She regained her original position and watched as Nathan shoved him.
"Watch it man."
Mark pushed Nathan back and turned to Haley.
"You heard her. She doesn't want to go anywhere with you."
Mark shrugged his shoulders.
"And you would be?"
Nathan chuckled. "I would be the husband."
Haley couldn't believe her ears. Had he just said that? In truth, he was her husband but wouldn't be for much longer. Her heart wanted to jump for joy as Nathan stood there, defending her honor with a guy who had tried to cop a feel. Instead, she stood in silence and turned to Brooke. Brooke put her arm around Haley's shoulder, and grabbed the beer from her hands.
"You okay?"
Haley simply nodded her head.
"Good, lets dance."
Brooke took a quick gulp of the beer and sat it down on the table. Grabbing Haley's hand, Brooke made her way towards the center of the room, and began to dance. Haley turned back and mouthed a thank you to Nathan before joining Brooke.
"Where are we going?" Peyton asked as Jake continued to pull her hand so that she would follow him. "And why do I have a blindfold on?"
He smiled. He had been doing that a lot recently. Ever since he had gotten back in town, a smile had graced his lips. There was something about being in Tree Hill, and in Peyton's arms that made him feel whole once more. He loved the girl that stood behind him more than he had ever loved anyone in his life.
"You'll see. Hold your horses. There."
Jake gently pulled the bandana from her eyes, and Peyton looked around in awe. They stood on the beach, with a blanket at their feet and the ocean in plain sight. In the corner of her eye, she could see a picnic basket filled with a snack for them to share.
Peyton sighed as she thought back to the last time she had been there. It was a different time in her life, filled with the pain of losing him and the realization she would be alone for the summer. But being back there, with him made all those feelings disappear. She smiled and turned to face him.
"I remember the last time I was here." They sat down and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her body towards him. "It was right after you left. I couldn't believe you were gone again. And Lucas showed up. Heartbroken over Brooke." Jake listened, as Peyton continued. "I just don't want them to suffer anymore, you know?"
Jake nodded his head, understanding his girlfriends feelings. Lucas and Brooke were two of the most important people in Peyton's life, and there was no doubting where their hearts were. He wondered to himself, how people who had the chance at loving someone completely would turn it away. Shaking his head, he leaned down and brought his lips to her neck. He knew, whatever happened to him, he'd never let Peyton go again.
"I love you."
Peyton turned to face him, and felt tears enter her eyes. She didn't push them away, she didn't need to. For the first time in her life, she had found someone who loved the real her, and would be there for her always. She smiled, and cupped his face in her hands. Pausing for a moment, she pressed her lips to his and pulled away.
"That's good. Cause I love you too."
As he pulled her near, the sound of a love song played in the background. He turned around to see Brooke standing in the distance with the DJ. She winked at him, and headed back towards the crowd. What was it about Brooke? On the outside she seemed ditzy and selfish. But on the inside, Jake had realized was one of the best people he knew. She was always looking out for all of her friends. Always making sure her friends were happy. He wondered silently when someone would return the favor.
"Wanna dance?"
Peyton nodded her head as he pulled her to her feet. They held each other, swaying softly to the song. Placing her head on his shoulder, she listened to the words of the song and shut her eyes. Happy to have him home with her, happy to finally know she was safe.
When this whole world gets too crazy
And there's nowhere left to go
I know you give me sanctuary
You're the only truth I know
You're the road back home
Can you see me, here I am
Standing here where I've always been
And when words are not enough
I climb inside your heart I'd still find
You're my safest place to hide
My safest place to hide
I know I promised you forever
There's no stronger word I can use
To reassure when the storm is raging outside
You're my safest place to hide
After twenty minutes of looking for Haley, Nathan was just about to give up when he saw her make her way towards him. She approached him, her brown eyes sparkling and a smile stretched out on her face. Before he could say a thing
she had drawn him into a hug. They lingered there, a moment longer than perhaps they should have.
"Thank you."
Haley released him, as he nodded his head. He didn't say anything, just handed her a beer. She took it, glad that there hadn't been need for any awkward talk. They watched silently as Tim hit on Theresa, and Lucas approach Brooke. Haley grinned happy that they were going to talk.
"You wanna play some pool?"
Haley nodded her head, and Nathan set up the game. They spent the twenty or so minutes playing, and Haley jumped for joy when she won. Nathan raised an eye brow, and shook his head.
"Damn. There goes my ego, where'd you learn that?"
"Wouldn't you like to know."
Haley teased. Brooke had been the one to teach her, explaining to Haley that every girl should know how to beat a boy at pool. She never knew it would come in handy, but the look on Nathan's face was priceless. Nathan had always been so competitive, so the fact that he lost a game, to a girl no less was a striking blow. Haley was glad it was her to do the honors.
"Well what else have you learned?"
Haley's eyes shot up to Nathan's and she noticed a familiar look in his eyes. Was he flirting with her? They stood there, their eyes locked on one another's. Beneath the hurt, Nathan's eyes hid a desire that mirrored her own. She bent down and put the 8 ball in the rack. Her fingers rubbed against his, and a jolt ran through her body.
And the look on his face said he felt it too. She stared at their hands, hers still lingering against his, and bit her bottom lip. He grinned, and looked over her shoulder.
"You wanna go somewhere?"
Haley giggled, but raised her hand once again, revealing her wedding band. "I would…but I'm married." She smiled. He shook his head, and leaned in closer to her.
"I'm sure he wouldn't mind." Nathan was going along with it.
"Well if he wouldn't mind."
Nathan took her hand in his, and headed towards the hallway. Haley didn't want to think about tomorrow, all she cared about was tonight. And as Nathan led her into the dark room, his lips crashed down on hers.
"I saw what you did. For Peyton and Jake I mean."
Lucas approached Brooke as she turned to face him. He could tell by the look on her face that she had been hurting, and wanted nothing more but to explain things to her.
"Can we talk?"
She shook her head no, and took another sip of her drink. Brooke had a habit of doing that, when things got bad she'd turn to the bottle- or in this case the cup. He understood her being mad at him, but he needed to explain things before things got out of hand. He didn't want to rush into anything, before he knew for sure she was ready. The last time they had been together, they had rushed things. And that had left her with a broken heart.
"Fine. Then dance with me."
He didn't give her a chance to decline. He grabbed a hold of her wrist forcefully and pulled her to the center of the room. Other couples were spread out, swaying to the music as Lucas firmed his grip on Brooke. She wiggled around trying to break free, but gave up when she realized she wasn't getting anywhere. Sighing, she placed her head against his and his lips found her forehead. He placed a gentle kiss and shut his eyes. He allowed himself to have that moment, and listened as the song came to a close.
Oh! Can you see me, here I am
Standing here where I've always been
When I feel like giving up
I climb inside your heart I'd still find
Yeah, yeah
You're my safest place to hide, oh yeah
You're my safest place to hide
Lucas released her from his grip, but smiled when she didn't back away. She held on to him, perhaps more tight then she had before. For a moment, no words were spoken. They didn't need to be. Lucas Scott and Brooke Davis were in love, and finally where they had wanted to be.
"I want to be with you too."
She whispered up at him and looked into his eyes. The words he had waited a summer to hear, had finally fallen from her lips. Brooke was willing to let go of what had happened to her, and take him back. And that broke his heart. He didn't say anything, but took her hand and walked down the hall. Lucas opened a bedroom door and she grinned.
"Slow down Broody- we've been together for like what? A minute? Oh hell! We've waited all summer that's long enough."
She reached for his shirt, pulling the top button apart. Lucas shook his head no, and pushed her hands away from him causing Brooke to panic. What was going on? He led her into the room, and motioned for her to sit down. She obeyed, and looked up at him her eyes begging him not to hurt her again.
"We need to talk."
tbc...
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