11. Midnight visits

As Peyton walked towards her car, she felt something weird, she wasn't comfortable; why in the hell would he say that it's her loss? Lucas was made of arrogance and it drove her insane, even when he told her she's finally free of his stalking, he still manages to keep some threads attached, the word kept repeating in her mind as she walked towards the car no matter how hard she tried ignoring it, she told herself that it doesn't matter, that it's only words of sore due to being finally cornered into giving up.

However, as she reached her car and put her hand on the door to get in and leave, she made the quickest decision of going back one last time to put him in his place.

How could he say she's not a good person? After all he's done and still doing? She's the bad person? He doesn't even know her. He doesn't have the slightest of rights to say what he just said to her.

As the club came to her view once again, she stopped in her tracks at what she saw; a few men had a man on the ground and kept kicking and hitting him mercilessly. She was shocked and petrified at the scene and didn't know what to do for a moment, however, her instincts told her to do something to rescue the poor man, as she began panicking over it, she saw one of the men move aside so the beaten man's face was in view, and she recognized him as no one other than Lucas Scott himself.

Without thinking she ran towards the scene taking place and with a glance caught a familiar face between the men; however she wasn't in a straight state of mind to place his face in her memory, so, her mind just took a mental note of it, "Leave him alone." She screamed as she ran and when nobody seemed to be alarmed –which was only logical seeing as the smallest of them was twice her size, she proceeded to the door which opened revealing a ready agitated Nathan, "Help, it's Lucas." She said out of breath and in an instant she saw him punching one of the guys in defense of his brother followed by Skillz and eventually Chris Keller.

"Oh my God," Haley gasped as she came running as she and Peyton glued their backs to the door on their nerves in foreboding.

After exchanging a few punches, the four men quickly withdrew to their car driving away hurriedly, Nathan gave up trying to catch them and ran back to Lucas' messed up body leaning down next him shaking him softly,

"Luke, Luke, are you okay?" he asked getting no response from him, "Are you okay? Can you hear me? Answer me please."

Skillz leant down joining him as he placed his hand on Lucas' wrist and then his neck and his features relaxed a bit as he located his pulse, he carefully hit his cheek slightly moving his head to the side earning a muffled groan from him which seemed to release the breathes they have been holding, "Wake up, you're gonna be fine, Lucas." He tried again and they got nothing more than the groan, "Hey, Nate, let's carry him inside." He suggested and they got up as they began adjusting him to take him inside, but as soon as Skillz moved his right arm Lucas yelped in pain and he quickly caught on the issue as he carefully put it back down.

"What? Is it broken?" Nathan questioned.

"I don't know, it might be." Skillz replied, "We have to take him to the hospital. Let's just hope there are no more broken bones." He said concerned.

"I can drive you, wait I'll bring my car up here." Peyton offered speaking up again with a shaky voice.

After they have managed to get him in the car, Peyton drove with Nathan and Haley and Skillz said he would meet them there and Chris vaguely agreed. As Peyton drove in the empty streets, she got over the initial shock of the situation during the short drive and she began thinking straight, however her mind was trying to play her tricks in refusal of correctly replacing the face of the man she saw attacking Lucas; but the more she tried to deny that he is one of Dan's men, the more memories she get of him.

And at this realization, she left as soon as she dropped them at the hospital.

XxXx

Dan was nervously pacing back and forth in his office; he always had things under control, and he always got what he wants, but now, because of the stupidity of his men, he has to consider the possibility of Peyton recognizing one of the men, or worse, she might feel bad for Lucas and on the contrary of his intentions this whole scheme would bring her closer to the guy.

Those idiots couldn't make sure she's gone before starting the action!

He has been expecting the visit, so when he heard noises coming from outside, he wasn't surprised. He took a deep breath and opened the door to come face to face with the scene of Peyton fighting with the man outside who was trying to block her way of reaching his office. The eyes were suddenly on him and he told the men to leave, they instantly disappeared from around her and he ushered Peyton to the office.

"What did you do?" she screamed as soon as she set foot inside the room not even waiting for him to close the door; this was why he told the men to leave. "You did it, didn't you? You sent people to hurt Lucas?" her eyes were big and already glistening with tears.

"Calm down, Peyton."

"Calm down? You're not even denying it."

"Yes, I did it. But, it's not like I had a choice." He raised his voice.

Peyton stared blankly at the man in front of her; all this time she has been defending him and saying he is not a bad man and that everything is just a rumor, sure he tends to rough up people who crosses the line and she has always asked him not to do this and deal with things any other way, however, that was it, nothing serious, only for her to find he sent his people to beat up his enemy.

"I couldn't handle him hurting you." He went for further explanation when she said nothing.

"What?" she hissed questioningly in confusion.

"He's after you, I know. And you didn't tell me."

"This is exactly why I didn't tell you, I didn't want you middling, although I never thought middling would be beating him up to death."

"Death wasn't an option; they weren't going to kill him."

"Is that your excuse? That he wasn't going to die? He's still in the hospital, Dan. He's still got beaten up… and for what? For nothing."

"For nothing?" he narrowed his eyes, "Peyton, he was using you. Can you tell me that he hasn't been following you around?"

"I was handling it, Dan. Besides, even if, that's not a reason to go beat someone up like this, there's no reason on earth that justifies it, Dan."

"Handling what? He wouldn't have stopped and I wouldn't wait for you to get hurt, no he needed to be put in his place." He said ignoring the last part she said.

"So, you send people to hit, kick, punch and break him? God, Dan, I thought you were a better man!" she screamed crying.

"Peyton, you know I only did it because I care for you, right?" he said taking a step closer and she took a larger step backward.

"Don't. Stop it, stop caring, Dan. If people are going to keep getting hurt because of me then don't care for me. I was handling it."

"Are you… did you fall for him?"

Her head shot towards him and she widened her eyes, "Is this what you got from what I'm saying?" she hissed and narrowed her eyes, "I can't believe you right now, he's a person, Dan, and you hurt him, and it's because of me and… and… what if he got hurt badly? What if it's serious? What if he died? What if… what if he goes to the police?"

Dan internally relaxed when he heard that she still cares, "He won't. Even if he does, Peyton, there's nothing connecting this to me, is there?"

She stared at him taken aback, something in is tone sent chills down her spine, it was new, she was never taken aback by Dan before, and she didn't know what it was, but there was this voice inside her head repeating 'except for me'; she's the one who knows the truth now and she's the one who got stuck in the middle, but Dan isn't threatening her, no, that's not it; however he's silently asking her to cover for him.

She shook her head, "I… I can't do this. Not now. You… I'm shocked, Dan. I saw him getting beaten, I saw it all and I now know it's because of you, because of me… it's… I have to go." She struggled to form words to express how she feels at the moment so she got up and headed for the door before stopping, "I can't forgive you though." She said before tears started falling once again and she opened the door to leave hurriedly.

Dan sighed and threw his body on the couch, this went well, she will get over it, she's just shocked from what she watched, and she has a soft heart, she's sensitive, of course she criminalizes the action, but Dan knows that Peyton is naïve, and that it's hard for her to process the fact that this is in her best interest; in his best interest.

The only problem is, she feels guilty, but that's not a hard one to overcome.

XxXx

It wasn't until the next afternoon that the same scenario took place once again with Dan in his office when he heard noises outside and this time it was Brooke Davis, and this time he couldn't care less, so, with heavy steps he opened the door and let her in; apparently she needed a reality check and he was more than happy to give it to her,

"What's with the yelling, Ms. Davis? It doesn't suit a young lovely lady like yourself." He sat behind the desk.

"You manipulative, son of a-"

"You can't come in here and start insulting me, and expect to come out in one piece; I'd be careful if I were you." He cut her off warningly in the same cold tone of his that always drove anyone else out of their minds, "Besides, it doesn't suit you as I mentioned."

"You used me, Dan! You're using me!"

He slightly frowned, "I thought you knew."

"Knew what? That you're using me to spy on Peyton? That you only wanted to hurt Lucas? You tricked me!"

"It's not a trick when you're in your right state of mind when you willingly choose to tell me something, Ms. Davis."

"You told me you only cared about Peyton. That's why I helped you, that's why I agreed; I believed you." She accused, her raspy voice coming out through her gritted teeth with tears gathered in her eyes.

"I do. I care about Peyton, and I don't want Lucas near her."

"So you hit him? You sent him to the hospital, he has broken bones, and it's because of you, because of me."

"Look, Ms. Davis," he got up and walked around the desk to face her, "I don't have to ever give you reasons, but due to your emotional state, I haven't kicked you out, and I'm telling you that Lucas needed a fair warning to stay away from Peyton, and you are not allowed to discuss my actions with me."

"You're damn right I don't, in fact I don't want to discuss anything with you anymore, I want out, Dan, I'm done."

"Done, huh?" he chuckled before his eyes turned dark, "I realize you may still have unsettled feelings for the boy and you are worried about him, but if you think for one moment that you get out of this deal on your own terms, you're completely mistaken."

"Really? So, what I'll stand by and watch you hurt the people I care about whenever you feel like it? No way. I'm out of here, Dan Shaw." She said and turned around to leave but he grabbed her roughly,

"Listen, Brooke, this is my game, now, and you're my player, you work for me with the money you took beforehand, I don't care where your heart lies, but your loyalty is with me, so, yes, you'll stand by and watch as I do whatever I please whenever I want, with your help, and if you ever think of hiding something or selling me out, you'll end up a lot worse than Lucas Scott." He said and as roughly as he grabbed her he let her go.

Brooke has already had tears in her eyes, but by now that the tears were falling down her face, they were not only ones of guilt and anger, they were also tears of humiliation, of being powerless and the worst thing is she didn't know how she got here or how to get out –if there is a way out.

"You can't do this." she cried hopelessly.

He moved closer and cupped her face letting his thump trace over her cheek towards her lips wetting all over her face with her own tears, "Oh, I already am, darling."

"Please, let me go."

"Sweat girl, you're not allowed to go anywhere," he whispered looking at her tears eyes intensely, "You're going to tell me everything Peyton does, and if the either of the Scotts come as near as pass on the same street as her, you tell me, understood?" he hissed and added a smile at her when she only cried and didn't answer, he patted her cheek, "Good, you understand."

Brooke knew she's drowning; because this can't be anything less suffocating, she is in deep, deep shit and she doesn't know how to get out, even if she did, she'll never get out of it clean; she has already unknowingly betrayed Lucas, yes, maybe he wasn't her favorite person at the moment, but it's Lucas, she didn't want this to happen to him, she'd never wish it for her worst enemy, even though Dan is making it hard for her to not wish the worst for him. How can she ever be responsible for something like this once again? Brooke felt she was drowning, suffocating and breathless… and at this moment she wanted nothing more than for those things she's feeling to be literally true.

XxXx

To say the night was fully booked at Karen's would be an understatement, it was three days after the attack on Lucas, and the whole town of Tree Hill has heard of what happened and was curious to dig for more details, but it was not only curiosity that brought them there, it was also the first night that the promised duet of Haley James and Chris Keller would be performed, and people were eager to see what comes out of it.

With the absence of Lucas, being at home healing as he suffers a broken arm, broken rip and has his head wrapped in a bandage, Nathan was crazily busy, he was glad he had Skillz to help along with their oldest crew members, Owen and Chase, things were crazy but under control.

As he was buzzing around busily, he couldn't help but stop moving and stand petrified in his place when it was time for Haley and Chris' performance. Of course he has seen it before, but, he knew Haley was worried how people will receive it, but for him, as much as he hates to admit it, he thinks it's perfect; Haley is perfect, he can't deny Chris is good, but he also can't be compared to Haley, not in his eyes anyway.

He watched her emerge to the stage looking like a Greek Goddess who just left mount Olympia to lovingly take care of the mess her fellow human-beings had caused, and her angelic voice was her healing power, she would then have an eye for one of the men, as she falls in love with the lucky man she will decide to stay on earth with him; and he liked to believe he was that one lucky human-being. However, he felt jealousy tingling in his stomach as his attention was brought to the fact that Chris Keller is up there with her on stage.

He knew they were just working together, but he's a man, and he understands other men too, and it wasn't unnoticed that Chris Keller had an eye for Haley, well, not just Haley, the man seemed to hit on every walking female, but the fact that the duet with Haley –his Haley- was so good, that it was fitting and dare he say it –magical, it irritated him and he couldn't help but not like Chris even more, on a personal level.

And as expected, people were mesmerized by the performance, it wasn't a common thing to see a collaboration in Tree Hill, not a live one anyway and to see it happen with such passion was something else. It brought mixed feelings to his heart though; it burned with jealousy even more, but in the same time he was happy for Haley knowing she'd be eager to reach another level of success, because even though she was against it in the beginning, but she has grew to really like the song with Chris.

He knew he said he would wait for Haley to be ready whenever she will be, and he is, he is waiting for her, which seems to be giving her more confident in him, making her lean towards him day by day, but sometimes it gets hard for him; for he knows now, he knows she's the one he wants to spend the rest of his life with, he has never felt that way before, and she doesn't even know half of it, he is taking things slow for her sake, but he has a rising volcano of emotions inside him.

They are not really going public with their relationship, not yet, they haven't confirmed anything but to Lucas, however, people around them knows there's something going on, and while Nathan wanted nothing more than to scream to the world he loves her and boast that she chose him out of every other man, he wanted her to be the one ready to announce she chose him.

Once the performance was over, and people were going crazy cheering for the due on stage, he decided to let everything aside and join in the cheering; she deserved it. His heart skipped a beat when her eyes scanned the crowds finally settling on him and her smile grew bigger, and suddenly, the Greek Goddess turned into a five-year-old girl as she jumped off the stage much to everyone's confusion as she ran towards him and jumped in his embrace, he was overwhelmed with happiness dizzying his thoughts as he lifted her up and spun her around hearing her giggles in his ear as she wrapped her hands around his neck tightly.

It wasn't until two seconds later when he put her down that they realized everyone's eyes were on them cheering even more if possible.

Haley looked at the people and back at him again with a giggle; it was in this moment that she realized she is already letting herself trust Nathan, and that she's opening up to him more and more without even realizing it, but as she looked up at him, she knew he's worthy.

It fascinated her to find out he's the only face she was looking for in the crowd to calm her down, and to share this happy moment with.

"That was amazing; you were amazing." He told her and she beamed even more.

"This means so much to me."

"I know," Nathan nodded; he saw her getting excited over this show, wanting to try something new, something she is passionate about and share it with the world.

She shook her head, "No, I mean this. You." She clarified, "You being here for me, being the one face that matters the most in the crowd."

He has to admit that his heart felt like flying, he wasn't used to Haley letting her guards down, this may be the most emotional thing she has said to him so far, and he, he was eager to hear more.

"Is there a catch?" he teased and she hit his shoulder as he let out a chuckle.

"I'm being serious." She complained looking away with an embarrassed smile; she knows he wants to hear such things from her, and up to this point, she had no idea what she should say, it was all very new to her, and felt awkward, however, somehow, he makes it natural, and somehow, sometimes she just feels those words flowing effortlessly, while gathering the courage to actually say them is something else.

He gazed at her and softly pinched her chin turning her head back so her eyes met with his, "Hey, please, don't be shy around me, Hales."

"You're not helping when you point it out like that."

He smiled, "It's adorable though." She groaned as a response and he got serious, "I'm serious though, I don't want you to hold yourself back with me, or ever feel like you can't talk to me."

"I won't." she nodded, "I promise."

His smile was beaming once again, "Good. Now come on, it's time for your cocktail."

"Oh, I believe you have something special for tonight?"

"Not so much, no." He admitted getting behind the bar as she hopped on the chair in front of him with a playful frown,

"No? How come?"

"I made you something you already tasted and like."

"Oh… I thought… I mean I kinda had the idea that you choose special cocktails for special occasions." She said and he stopped in his tracks for a while and avoided her eyes, "What? Did I say something? You told me to talk whatever I-"

"No, no, it's not that." He cut her off before her fears get the worst of her, "You're right actually." He scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"What do you mean?"

"I do; my cocktails are chosen based on… well, basically how I feel about you, which yeah, are special occurrences."

"So…" she kinked her eyebrows playfully, "you've been telling me how you feel through drinks?"

"Well…" he said still avoiding eye contact, but couldn't help the embarrassed smile forming on his lips while Haley on the other hand was enjoying being the teasing one for a change.

"Oh dear Lord, I wonder what I missed? Tell me which one meant what." She demanded.

"No."

"Why?"

"Because…"

She raised an eyebrow at him and he rolled his eyes, "I'm not telling you."

"Why? You were giving me messages."

"And you didn't pick up on them, your chance is up."

"Okay, not fair." She chuckled, "You need to tell me, Nate."

"Here's your drink for the night." He said ignoring her quest.

She grabbed the glass with the mint drink, "Hmm, Grasshopper; I wonder what it means." She said taking a sip. "Chocolate, mint, creamy… happiness, tingling freshness, and comfy," she analyzed slowly with a smirk.

"Stop trying to break codes."

"I won't if you tell me."

"I'm not. Not now."

"Okay, putting this aside; why didn't you make a new special one tonight? Or are you re-sending me the message?" she narrowed her eyes while Nathan rolled his.

"No, I didn't think there's anything special tonight." He shrugged lying through his teeth and she laughed.

"You're a terrible liar, Nathan. You know I was excited; which leads us to re-sending a message."

"What are you? Detective Hercule Poirot?"

"Yes, I am, and I will uncover your secrets right now." She said mysteriously, "Now, when you made me this, I said it was my favorite so far. Are you trying to please me, Nathan Scott?" she narrowed her eyes.

"Maybe…"

"That'll be a no then." She concluded seeing how fast he agreed to the suggestion, "Well, it's… different, almost as if it's cozy but also refreshing, it's like-"

"Alright, alright." He cut her off defeated, "You win, I didn't make you something new because, I didn't like the idea of tonight being… different."

"I don't get it…"

"I mean, it's just a new show… it's not like you're just meeting Chris or… or singing for the first time… it's just another new show…" he stumbled over his own saliva while speaking quickly while Haley just stared at him with a forming smirk as it started sinking in.

"Wait… are you… are you jealous of Chris?"

He groaned.

"Oh my God, you are!" she exclaimed.

"I'm not, and why are you so enthusiastic about it?"

"You are!" she argued confirming, "You're reminding me of something good between us."

"You're not making sense right now, don't over analyze, Haley, this-"

"Nathan," she said softly reaching out to hold his hand and gave it a squeeze which seemed to calm his tensed nerves as he looked at her smiling face, "Chris is just… Chris." She chuckled and he couldn't help but do the same, "I'm with you, and you don't need to remind me of how amazing you are, because it's already the only true fact in my life at the moment." She assured, and he didn't know how much he needed to hear that until she said it, and for that he was grateful.

He nodded, "I know that," he nodded rapidly trying to act cool as she chuckled.

"Sure you did."

He gave a smile wondering how his life is taking all the right turns right now, wondering how long it will last, and hoping the answer is forever.

"You know what just happened now, right?"

"What?"

"You freaked out about us, and I made it right." She said proudly as he smiled knowing it's true.

"I didn't freak out."

"If that's what you need to believe." She rolled her eyes taking another sip from her drink.

"Well, well," Brooke's voice brought their attention to her and Peyton as they approached them, "If you two are done loving each other can we join?"

"Brooke!" Haley's eyes widened and immediately blood rushed to her cheeks.

"Seriously, Haley?" Peyton squealed with a smirk, "Without telling me?"

"What are you talking about?" Nathan put in to save her knowing she's not ready for people to know about them for sure.

"What are we talking about? Only what we have known would happen all along, at least ever since the New Year's Eve." Peyton pointed out.

"Really?" Haley asked in disbelief, "Why would you think that?"

"I seriously can't begin to imagine how you two could be so clueless." Brooke said referring to the two girls, "I believe we asked you about it, Haley?"

"Yes, but I said there's nothing."

Peyton laughed, "Oh, Haley, it was more than obvious that Nathan Scott had his eyes only for you."

"I'm still standing here." Nathan reminded but deep down, he was enjoying what's happening, especially that Haley didn't seem bothered with that fact that they're caught, which came as one more surprise for him.

"Doesn't change the fact." Peyton shrugged.

"I didn't know it was so obvious." He narrowed his eyes.

"Neither did I." Haley agreed.

"That's because you're blinded by the affection for each other." Brooke sighed dramatically, "Thankfully, you found your way to each other eventually."

"I'm happy for you, you make an adorable couple." Peyton said dropping the smirk and replacing it with a genuine smile.

"Yes, you do." Brooke agreed, "And also, what we originally wanted to tell you before you declared your undying love in front of everyone is that… you were amazing." She said it in one breath earning soft chuckles.

"Thank you, this means a lot." Haley nodded, for some weird reason, she has been warming up to Brooke, even though her constant nagging and forwardness is quiet annoying, but, she couldn't help not like her.

"So, one Scott down, and one to go." Brooke said turning to Peyton as Haley and Nathan did the same.

Peyton felt uneasy; she knew the subject would surface one day or the other, but she has been avoiding it for so long and surprisingly but also thankfully for her, Brooke has been too, until that moment.

Peyton was guilty, and she didn't know that Brooke was too. Both held the responsibility for what happened to Lucas against themselves; and both have been avoiding the subject at all. Both were secretly eager to know how he's doing, and if he's okay, and Brooke felt it was time to bring it up since they were in the presence of his brother.

"Speaking of, how's he?" Brooke asked with concern in a low voice.

"He's…" Nathan shook his head, "He's been better."

"Understandable." She remarked.

"Is he home yet?" Peyton asked after two seconds of silence, knowing it will probably earn her trouble regarding the attraction theory Brooke is developing, but she couldn't not ask; she needed to know more.

"Yes, yes, he's on bed rest though."

"Why? Is it serious?"

"No, thankfully it wasn't, but he's still in pain."

"Is he… injured?" Brooke asked not hiding her concern.

"I thought you know…" Nathan frowned, "He broke an arm and a rib."

Both girls felt as if cold water was poured on them sending shivers all over their bodies, each gulped down her sorrowful guilt knowing the boy is hurt and in pain because of her.

"I didn't know."

"How's he?"

"He's in a bad mood." Haley responded, "He's angry."

"That's understandable too."

"Yeah, I guess it is. He's just shutting us out, he barely talks." Nathan said thinking back to how in the past three days Lucas barely directed a sentence to him, he's not saying if he's in pain, if he's comfortable, if he's feeling bad, sad, sick, he doesn't say anything at all, and it's making him worried; he realizes that it must be a hard time for him, but he wished that he shared it.

"Give him time, it just happened, Nathan." Haley said.

"I know," he nodded, "I know." He repeated and then shifted his attention to the other two girls and noticed that they are each in her own thoughts, however, they both looked sad or worried, or both, and it made Nathan wonder a few things, he wondered if Peyton actually returns Lucas' feelings back, or if Brooke still has something for him, but mostly, he wondered if both girls actually had feelings for his brother, which would definitely result in some drama.

The three girls were fixing their makeup back in Haley's room, and they have been quiet for a while since Lucas' case was discussed. Peyton was applying lipstick and looking in the mirror when she cleaned her throat, "I was thinking," she said bringing their attention towards her, "I was thinking if it's a good idea to visit Lucas."

They stayed silent for a few seconds but then Haley spoke, "I think it might be good."

"Do you? I mean, I don't know if…" she trailed off; aside from her guilt, Peyton was worried Lucas is blaming her, she was worried he thinks she actually told Dan about what happened, and she wouldn't blame him if he believed that, but it wasn't true, and she doesn't know why she suddenly cares what he thinks of her, but she knows she doesn't want him taking the wrong idea regarding that case, even though it was still because of her, but she would've never wished for this to happen.

"If what?"

"Um, nothing, it's just, I was kind of mean to him right before the… the incident."

"Oh, I'm sure it's nothing." Haley as clueless as she is shrugged it off.

"I have been thinking of visiting him too." Brooke spoke, "I also had the worst encounter with him lately." She justified to them her hesitance of seeing him, "I'm not his favorite person right now."

"Neither am I." Peyton agreed.

"Why not go together then?" Haley suggested. "I think he needs support right now."

"This might be a good idea if you're up for it." Brooke said addressing Peyton.

"I am, yeah."

"Great, we could go tomorrow."

"Actually, why not tonight?" Peyton said and both girls looked at her questioningly; the night was almost over at the club and midnight was approaching, so, it wasn't really an appropriate time to visit. Peyton turned to look at them and sighed opening her mouth to explain, "For the past few days, and don't take this the wrong way, but, I have been feeling bad about it knowing I… I treated him in a mean way, and now that I know how he is… I can't wait." She said knowing she'll never hear the end of Brooke's all wrong assumptions; but it was true, she has been feeling bad and she can't make herself fall asleep shushing the guilt one more night, not after she knew he's not well, apparently neither physically nor emotionally, and she feels responsible for both.

"Okay," Brooke nodded without even a smirk, "We'll go tonight." In fact, Brooke needed to rest her conscience too.

Peyton was surprised but thankful; maybe Brooke isn't all cocky and playful after all.

"That's nice of you," Haley said, "you know what, Peyton, I really think you should give Lucas a chance to see he's actually a nice guy."

Haley didn't say it in any pressuring way, but Peyton felt pressured anyway, maybe the thought of him being actually the nice guy they say he is would feed her guilt more, and it wasn't something she could bear.

XxXx

"So, do you want to eat now?"

"No, Mouth, just like you when you last asked five minutes ago." Lucas replied staring back at the pages of the book in his hand blankly.

Lucas was sure grumpy, and Mouth was running out of things to do or say, it looked like Lucas doesn't want to do or say anything at all, and he didn't know how to get him out of this state, it's something he has never seen his lifetime long friend in before.

On the other hand, Lucas hated everything about his life at the moment; starting from Peyton's cold speech about hating basically his existence to actually acting upon her threat and having Dan send his men to beat him to death, to having to stay at home suffering from broken bones and heart while everyone else thought he has to be babysat. He didn't need anyone with him; he simply wanted to be left alone to heal.

He knows they care but he couldn't take it when they would keep asking what he needs, or if he's feeling okay, or if he's in any kind of pain; of course he's in all sorts of pain, not only did he got hit in front of Peyton but also because of her. He kept wondering if he has done something that was so bad in his life that would deserve this.

"I'll get it." Mouth said jumping to his feet when the door knocked. Lucas let out a sigh and threw his head back in frustration which sent instant pain to his chest due to the sudden movement, he groaned in pain and got up from the couch dodging the book to the side, he probably should call it a night and head to sleep, or more like pretend to sleep allowing himself to have some alone time.

"Look who's here." Mouth said returning back and Lucas first instinct was to roll his eyes and snap; he was treating him like a kid, plus who else would it be but Nathan. However, as he turned around to reply with a witty comeback, he stood still seeing the last two faces he'd expect staring back at him.

"Hey, Lucas." Brooke spoke in a shy low voice, and he was still processing it, well as for Brooke it's normal, they always had their ups and downs and it was no big deal that they recently had a fight, of course she'd forget about it and come visit him, but Peyton? He didn't have an explanation for that.

"I'll make you something hot to drink." Mouth announced choosing to leave the scene as he felt the tension.

"How are you, Lucas?" Peyton spoke and yet again he didn't answer and only kept staring back, Peyton looked at Brooke puzzled and Brooke sighed.

"Why don't we all sit down?" she suggested and finally Lucas showed a kind of response when he gave her a small nod and gestured for them to take a seat with his free hand while returning back to his position on the couch.

"I'm sorry, Luke." Brooke started and he shook his head.

"Don't be. It's not the first time we fight, Brooke."

She gave a small smile, this was good to hear but it didn't ease her guilt though, she looked at his bandaged head and his broken arm and gulped knowing she's the reason for that, although she didn't mean to, she never would.

However, she wasn't going to tell him that anyway, so, she thought she might as well help making him feel better, and Brooke knew nothing would make him feel better but acting normal.

"You look like hell." She spoke with a forming smirk and he rolled his eyes however feeling grateful she's not tiptoeing around words like everyone else.

"Thank you, Brooke." He replied, up to this point he was busing himself with a conversation with Brooke to ignore the other girl he wanted to scream at.

Peyton was starting to believe it was a bad idea coming to visit; he is acting as if she's not even there and it was clear that of course he blames her and don't want to see her face again, she looked down playing with her fingers as she was sure her face is getting red right now.

"Are you okay though?" Brooke repeated Peyton's unanswered previous question.

"I've been better obviously, but yeah, I'm good."

"I'm glad you're fine." Peyton raised her eyes towards him once again; after all she wasn't there to stay silent, she was there to let him know she has nothing to do with the attack.

Lucas finally looked at her and frowned, "Why are you here, Ms. Sawyer?"

Brooke cleared her throat, "Where's Marvin? I'll see if he needs any help." She said before things escalate and get awkward as she disappeared from the room.

"Why are you here?" he repeated his question with kinked eyebrows and a mastered blank gaze.

"I… I wanted to see how you are, Lucas."

"Why? To make sure the work is done?" he was hurt, and he fought to cover up the disappointment in his voice.

Peyton was calm though, she shook her head slowly and poured her gaze on him leaning forward in her seat with a slightly creased forehead, "You, you don't think I did that, do you? You think I actually told Dan so he would… hurt you?"

He didn't respond and only stared back at her with the same expression only difference is his hurt was more obvious now, however it was enough confirmation for her.

"Lucas," she exclaimed softly and shifted to be setting on the edge of her seat, "I wouldn't. Why would I do that? And, I… I tried to help."

She had him the moment she said his name, his doubts and accusations were gone with the sound of it, just like that, that was what it took for Peyton Sawyer to be exculpated in his eyes, but, he didn't want to believe, he didn't want to think she's innocent again, he will only end up getting hurt one more time.

"It's okay, Peyton –excuse me, Ms. Sawyer- as you say, we're not friends, so, it doesn't matter."

Is that how it feels when she says those words to him? This throbbing emptiness? Because if it is, then she has a lot more to apologize for. "Lucas, I'm sorry, I truly am, but, you need to believe me, I didn't tell Dan anything, I would never, I only said I would because… because I-"

"Because you wanted me to leave you alone, I know that."

"Lucas-"

"Hello, big bro." Nathan's voice echoed cutting whatever apology she was about to utter followed by the Scott brother himself and Haley. "Oh, did we interrupt something here?"

"No, we were done anyway." Lucas said and Peyton's face fell as she took the hint and got up.

"Yeah, I was leaving."

"Shoot, looks like we'll need more, Mouth." Brooke came holding a tray with four cups of tea, which purposely took them a long time to prepare.

"No, Brooke, we're leaving." Peyton said sending her a look.

"We are?"

"Why, we were just about to have dinner. Join us." Haley suggested.

"Maybe some other time." Peyton said giving a quick smile and decided enough is enough; he was basically kicking her out, and she doesn't have a chance to explain anything at the moment anyway, so, she just headed to the door.

Between exchanged looks and glances at Lucas, who didn't look any better, it was understood that those two are still not getting along, "Okay, goodnight then." Brooke said.

"Wait, Brooke, I'll walk you home." Mouth offered.

"I think I should be the one walking Peyton home." She said thoughtfully sending Lucas a glance.

"You guys go; I'll take care of her." Haley said. She honestly had other plans for the night, she wanted to talk to Nathan, she had some things in her mind she wanted to say, but now, she doesn't feel comfortable acting as if Peyton doesn't need someone to talk to.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I want to." She assured, "I'll see you tomorrow?" she addressed Nathan with a smile which he mirrored and nodded,

"Sure thing."

The three of them left the Scott residence as Haley chased after Peyton who was already walking away while Mouth and Brooke went the other direction.

"Is it me or there was this big tension in there?" Mouth spoke.

"No, definitely not you." Brooke chuckled, "Welcome to the relationship between Lucas Scott and Peyton Sawyer."

"So, there is a relationship?"

"Not yet, but, as you can see… feelings are brewing."

"And… are you okay with that?"

Brooke stopped for a moment, "Yes." She nodded, "Look, I'm not saying I didn't hurt because of it before, but, anything that was there between me and Lucas is gone, long gone. And, it's fine; it's how it's supposed to be."

He nodded, "Happy to hear that."

"Yeah, me too."

"So, Brooke, why do we never see your assistant with you?"

"My assistant? You mean, Millicent? Millie is more like a friend than an assistant."

"Millie." Mouth repeated, "Then why doesn't she join you?"

"She's more of a home person." She shrugged but then looked at Mouth with narrowed eyes, "Why do you ask anyway?"

"What? Nothing, I was just wondering."

"Mouth,"

"Yes?"

"Do you have an agenda walking me home?"

"What? No!"

"Ah, and I thought you offered because you care about me." She teased.

"I do care about you, Brooke."

"I know." She smiled already starting to imagine how she can bring Millicent and Marvin together and for a starter, when she got home, she rang the doorbell instead of using her key.

"Brooke? Where's your key?" Millie asked in confusion as she stood by the door.

Brooke smiled and stepped inside, "I can't seem to find it. Have you met my friend, Mouth?"

"Yes, we met before." Millicent replied but Brooke already has proceeded inside leaving Mouth to handle it from there. She sighed happily as she headed to the staircase.

"What did you do, Brooke?"

She jumped out of fear and turned her head to meet the familiar figure of Julian. "What the hell are you doing here? You scared me."

"What did you do?" he shook his head, "I told you not to get to his bad side, Brooke." He said approaching her slowly.

"What are you talking about?"

"Dan of course. You went to fight him?"

She rolled her eyes and ignored him proceeding to the stairs like she was doing before, "Go home, Julian."

He held her arm as she stopped on the third step while he was still on the floor looking up at her, "You shouldn't have."

"I shouldn't have? What I shouldn't have was being so damn stupid and letting him manipulating me. He used me to hurt Lucas."

"He would have hurt him anyway; it's not your fault."

"Stop!" she brushed his hand away, "Stop acting as if this is all normal." She spat and ascended the rest of the stairs.

Julian huffed and looked at her for a second before racing behind her to catch her at the entrance of her bedroom.

"You're right, it's not normal, and in order to survive it, you need to do what I say."

"I'm sick of your threats, you can tell your boss that I'm out, he can do whatever he wants, I don't care." She said and entered her room and as she was going to close the door, he slipped in and closed the door pressing his back towards it.

"This is not about Dan."

"What do you think you're doing? Get out."

"You need to listen to me, Brooke." He pressed, "Dan doesn't even know I'm here right now."

"Then why are you here?"

"To set your mind straight, you obviously don't know what's good for you."

"Oh, and you do. You know what, I'm not a fool, Julian, you can't keep coming in here giving me instructions and asking me to act for Dan's favor and claim it's behind his back and expect me to believe it every time, well, no, and not after what he did, he's been fooling me from the beginning."

"Well, I'm not fooling you. I'm not Dan."

"Right." She chuckled sarcastically, "You're his shadow."

"No, Brooke, I may be loyal to Dan, and I have my reasons, however, I'm not here for Dan's favor, I'm here for yours. Dan won't hesitate to make you vanish from earth."

"Like you care!"

"I do!" he argued. "I do care. Why do you think I keep going through the trouble of getting to your stubborn head?"

"Julian, just quit the act, it's-"

He sighed rolling his eyes and held her arms with both his hands, "It's not an act, Brooke," he said as sincerely as he can be as he looked in her eyes, "I do care, and I don't want Dan to hurt you, but you keep heading that way…"

"Why?" she whispered although she didn't know what she's asking exactly, or even if she wanted to hear the answer, she didn't even know if she believes him.

"Brooke…" His grip tightened on her arms pulling her closer.

"Yeah…?"

Julian has always thought of Brooke as a hot sexy woman, he knew also that it wasn't only him, everyone thought the same of Brooke Davis, and it was no secret, that's why he particularly liked the idea of Brooke working with Dan and seeing more of her, also why he keeps coming back; he sure doesn't want Dan to hurt her, she's too good to be hurt, and it'd be a shame if her working days with them are over so soon. He was attracted to her and he wasn't denying it, however, he only named it as a physical attraction.

And in this exact moment, this attraction was at its peak, and Julian is not an amateur, he knows when he should and shouldn't act upon his desires, and he knows when the attraction is mutual.

Which it was.

He didn't waste more time to push through the distance between them and kiss her slowly but as she replied, things escalated quickly and soon they were out of breath, however, it was only the start as not seconds later, clothes were starting to disappear.

XxXx

As Mouth walked back to his home feeling lightheaded just from the few greeting words Brooke gave him the chance to exchange with Millie, he was lost in his own thoughts walking through the all so familiar streets and dark alleys. It was dangerous at night to take shortcuts, but, Mouth always felt safe knowing it's where he lives, everybody knows him there; so he shouldn't worry.

He was unconsciously thinking of all the possible scenarios he can meet Millie once again, and how it might go, and it was no deny that it was all rainbows, buttrflies and bunnies in his head right now, however, he was snapped out of his thoughts when his ears caught something.

He was rounding the corner before his home, and dark alleys with dead-ends were on both sides of him in the narrow streets, he looked and sure there were two people talking, he quickly backed gluing his body to the wall and perked his ears to the familiar voice,

"It's a deal then." The deep voice of Dan Shaw said. "Oh, the Scott boys are not going to be able to know where trouble comes from."

"But, you're not going to hurt anyone, right?" Another familiar voice replied, however Mouth couldn't put a face to it at the moment.

"That's their choice, not mine."

Mouth's heart pounded in his chest; what could Dan possibly be cooking? He stopped when he thought he had heard their family name being said at first, however, he thought it would be people gossiping, or wildest and worst case scenario it would be one of the guys who attacked Lucas talking about it, what he didn't expect though was to hear Dan Shaw conspiring against his best friends.

This was mostly aftermath and things are changing for everyone. Spoiler alert for next chapter: A lot of Naley along with other couples. What do you think Dan is scheming?

I'm sorry if it caused any confusion last chapter, this one should have covered it but in case it didn't, yes, Dan planned the attack because Lucas likes Peyton, and he made sure from Brooke's words. As for Peyton herself, her harsh actions will be explained.

Get ready for drama to start soon!