Author's Note: The lyrics in this chapter are from the songs, What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts, and James Blunt's, You're Beautiful… This chapter is my absolute favorite particularly because of the different lyrics that really bring out the importance of this step for Brucas. And just to clear this up so there is no confusion there are two different flashbacks. I hope you also like the chapter and don't forget to leave a review! The next chapter will be up in a couple of days.

Chapter Seven: Needing You

"When he kisses you he isn't doing anything else. You're his whole universe...and the moment is eternal because he doesn't have any plans and isn't going anywhere. Just kissing you...it's overwhelming." –Unknown

The group had stayed and talked for hours. Elizabeth had talked to Lucas privately and Brooke with Nathan and Haley and also with Lucas for a short time.

Then Lucas invited Brooke and Elizabeth to stay at his house overnight but they declined. Elizabeth went back to her apartment because she had to work tomorrow while Brooke accepted Haley's invitation to stay with her, Nathan and their three kids.

Now in the guest bedroom Brooke tossed and turned listening to the rain pounding on the roof. Her brain wouldn't stop…she was lost in the memories; the ones she had been trying to block out for the past eighteen years to no avail.

I can take the rain on the roof of this empty house
That don't bother me
I can take a few tears now and then and just let 'em out
I'm not afraid to cry every once in a while
Even though going on with you gone still upsets me
There are days every now and again I pretend I'm ok
But that's not what gets me

How can I just let you walk away,
just let you leave without a trace…

Flashbacks

(High School)

"I can't do this anymore…"

"Wait! I love you pretty girl."

"What?"

"I love you pretty girl."

"Oh, I love you too Lucas."

Flashback #2

(The night Brooke left)

"We can't do this anymore," she said.

"Why not"

"I already told you we're just in one vicious circle going round and round- we aren't going anywhere."

"So this is how it's going to end?"

"Yea, I guess so…"

"This seems surreal…"

"It's real," she replied before finally walking out the door never taking one last look behind her.

End Flashbacks

What hurts the most
Is being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was trying to do

She didn't know what had come over her. All she knew was that she needed him and that was why she was pounding on his door at 3 am in the morning drenched from the rain…

Lucas woke up startled. The rain was heavy pounding away on his roof but someone was also beating at his door. He quickly got out of bed throwing on a shirt on his way to the door. To his surprise on the other side was Brooke drenched from the rain.

But I know if I could do it over
I would trade give away all the words that I saved in my heart
That I left unspoken

Brooke didn't know what to do…she threw herself at him hoping she wouldn't regret this in the morning when the memories would haunt her even more fervently…

Lucas hungrily kissed her back, pushing her into the apartment and closing the door, while relishing in the feeling of her wet body against the length of his.

Brooke wrapped her arms wrapped around his neck and continued to kiss him passionately. After what seemed an eternity they pulled away and their eyes filled with desire and love locked. Seeing this Lucas gently pressed Brooke against him again and began kissing his way down her neck while backing up toward the bedroom…

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.

There must be an angel with a smile on her face,
When she thought up that I should be with you.

Her gentle breathing was so comforting it made Lucas wish she'd been with him the past eighteen years and that she wouldn't regret what had gone on between them…

Brooke woke up feeling unusually warm and comfortable. As she woke up completely her mind also did and she remembered what had happened. She turned her head slightly and saw Lucas studying her.

"Good morning."

"Good morning…pretty girl."

"I'm a mess…"

"You're still beautiful to me." He then added hesitantly, "I missed you so much- I lo-ve you pretty girl."

"Lucas- We can't do this…"

"I know I really do. But I promise you if you give me just one more chance- I'll never let you go."

"Lucas…"

"I love you pretty girl since the first time I saw you…I've loved you all these years. A lot has changed but not that."

She hesitantly replied, "I love you too…I tried to stop but it hurts too much to."

"Can we take a chance then?" Lucas asked in reply.

There must be an angel with a smile on her face,
When she thought up that I should be with you.
But it's time to face the truth…