Thanks to HalesnLukeBFF4ever, MariaKr, tylerhiltongrupie53, and Elsewhere 405 for the feedback and thanks to everyone who continues to be so patient on me updating this fanfic series! I get really busy with school and I try to update as much as I can so thanks for waiting. I hope you like this part. Thanks to tylerhiltongrupie53 for the suggestion for the following chapter!

Chapter 15

Comfort in the Wake of Horrific Sight

The aftermath of Lucas seeing Brooke and Chris together in Episode #307, "Champagne for my real friends and real pain for my sham friends"

Haley was walking back to her apartment after her date with Nathan when she ran into Lucas making a hasty exit from the apartment. He didn't look happy, so Haley was immediately concerned.

"Hey, Lucas. What's going on? What's wrong?" Haley asked, her hand on his arm in concern.

"Brooke," Lucas simply said. He couldn't say anything else, what he had just saw hurt him deeply.

Haley nodded, understanding what he meant without having to say another word. "C'mon, let's get out of here," she took his hand and they left in his car. They drove to the River court to talk. They sat down next to each other on the picnic table. "Whenever you're ready, I'm here."

Lucas didn't say anything for a minute, still processing what had just happened. He sighed, then spoke, "She slept with Chris, I caught them in bed together…I can't believe she slept with Chris. I thought I was more to her than some fling."

Haley was shocked. She had never thought Brooke would ever do that-she hated Chris. Then again, she knew Chris could be quite charming and manipulative. "I'm sorry you had to see that, Lucas. I can't believe she did that to you, either. Maybe it was an accident."

"How the hell could it be an accident? What did she do-accidentally strip off her clothes and fall on top of him? It wasn't an accident. She slept with Chris and I'm never going to forgive her for that. I'm done with her. If she wants to sleep with him, then that's fine. I'm sick of these mind games she's playing," Lucas said as he looked down at the ground, feeling angry.

"Ok," Haley softly spoke, not wanting to further push the issue. She knew Lucas had made up his mind about this. She felt bad for him and took his hand, intersecting their fingers together as she held his hand in hers.

Lucas smiled at the affectionate touch. He loved how Haley was always there for him, through good and bad. "You know, you're the only person in the whole world who understands me so well and knows just when to say something or say nothing at all. I don't think I thank you nearly enough, so thank you. I'm glad you're my best friend."

Haley smiled as well, "You're welcome." She put her head on his shoulder, still holding his hand in hers. "I'll always be here for you, Luke. No matter what."

"I love you, Hales. I really do. Why can't more girls be as loving and loyal as you are?" He asked aloud.

"Why can't more guys be as loving and honest as you are?" Haley asked back thoughtfully.

Lucas looked down at her, "Don't we look like two peas in a pod? I miss this, when it's just you and me."

"Me, too," Haley agreed, looking back up at him.

Lucas grinned, filled with happiness even after the horrific sight he had experienced. He looked upon Haley with love and admiration. They both leaned in and placed their foreheads against each other for a moment. Then slowly without thinking about it, Lucas turned his head and moved to capture Haley's lips with his in a soft and gentle kiss. Haley went with the flow, kissing him back. It was like the world had disappeared and it was just them, feeling in a moment. Just the two of them existed and nothing else mattered. They weren't sure what the kiss meant, but they didn't care. All they knew was that in each other was the best comfort love could give them.