16. Rose petals in the storm
Everybody was fazed, no one knows where that came from, what could have possibly happened all of a sudden that made Nathan drop everything and follow Dan? When did they even agree on it?
One moment everything was fine and Nathan was finally free and they were all ready for life to get back to normal, and then the next Nathan has walked out of jail but into another one making a deal with the devil willingly.
"Well, I hope you're happy."
Everybody's eyes fell on Haley who had her arms crossed over her chest and a frown on her face as she fought tears while looking at Lucas.
"What?" the blond man frowned as he took a step closer looking at her with a glare; he was already deeply enraged from the prank Dan pulled and he walked right through it willingly, and he didn't need other stupid ideas at the moment.
"It wouldn't have killed you to work harder and find Peyton later, Lucas." She spat while her tears filled her eyes.
He clenched his fists trying to control his rage, "I… you don't know what you're talking about."
"Yes, yes I do." She sobbed, "If it weren't for you, he wouldn't have followed that demon. You crushed him, Lucas."
"Haley," Karen tried to interfere but Lucas was fed up already, he couldn't keep it to himself anymore.
"Me? God, you're so funny!" He screamed throwing his hands in the air, "You weren't with me. You have no idea what I have been doing all this time, you don't know anything, Haley, so, you really should shut up."
"No, I won't, Lucas." She took a step forward despite Karen's attempts to get her to calm down, "That's right. I don't know what you were doing; nobody did, because you never told us, because you were running after her."
"Haley, that's not true." Mouth interfered.
"How would you know, Marvin? Every single time I asked you about Lucas you said you don't know where he is."
"You really think," Lucas said through gritted teeth, "You really think that you would care about my own brother more than I would."
"I didn't before, Lucas." She spat, "And I really held my breath hoping that you really do care, but now, yes, I do believe I care more, Lucas."
"You're insane! You don't even know me, Haley. You have no right." Lucas shouted. "I have done nothing but try to end it all."
"Good job by the way. The guy just showed up and confessed, he must have been only hiding from you!" she scoffed sarcastically.
"It's all a game! A set-up." he exclaimed.
"God, you have the nerve! Everyone knows how crazy you are about her. Everyone. And I knew it all along that you will drop it all, and go look for her instead of rescuing your brother."
"Haley," it was Peyton who spoke this time with wide eyes and shaky fingers as she started to wrap her head around things, "I came alone. I only met Lucas out here." She shook her head.
"Well, of course you'll say that." She spat. "This is all your fault, too. If you didn't go…"
"Leave her out of this, Haley." Lucas growled.
"See?" she said in a humorless bitter chuckle, "Just her knight in the shining armor."
"Oh my God, you've gone out of your damn mind." Lucas said disbelieving.
"Let's calm down and think straight, Haley, I think you need to take a breath and listen." Karen tried putting a hand on her arm.
"You… you weren't here, Karen, Peyton is all he thinks about." She cried.
"Are you really that slow, Haley?" he shouted angrily, "It's a set-up. Open your eyes! I told you before it's all Dan's fault and you also said I was crazy, and look… look where we are. All because of Dan." He continued shouting madly while his voice got louder and louder with each sentence.
Peyton stepped forward with blurred vision and put a shaky hand over his shoulder comfortingly.
"We're here because of you, Lucas."
"That's enough, Haley. Enough." Skillz said as he pushed forward and tugged her arm away.
"No, this is all-"
"This is all bad enough, let's not make it worse, alright?" he said cutting her off.
"Well-said." Karen commented. "Let's all calm down and go home instead of making a scene… a bigger scene."
"Yeah, that's better." Mouth agreed.
"Come on then." Karen spoke and began leading Haley away before she stopped looking at her son who hasn't moved, "Lucas?"
"Go ahead, mom, I have to take care of stuff."
"Right, sure you do." Haley scoffed.
He was about to start shouting at her once again but his mother sent him a pleading look so he slammed his mouth shut and let out a grunting noise of annoyance. He then turned towards Skillz, "Can you make sure they're home safe? I'll meet you later on in the club, okay?"
"Sure, man." Skillz agreed and followed Haley and Karen.
Mouth and Brooke, and Millie started following the too, "Wait, Brooke. Wait a second." Lucas called for her and she looked back nodding and Mouth stopped too not wanting to leave without her and Millie.
Lucas turned towards Peyton who has been standing and letting silent tears fall shaking much like Brooke was. As soon as he turned to look at her she shook her head bringing her hands up to her chin in shame, "I'm sorry, Luke, I didn't mean for any of this." she squeaked out.
"Hey, shh, it's okay, you didn't do anything." He replied soothingly as he put his hands on her arms, suddenly his tone changing from shouting and aggressive, to tender and caring.
"But, it's my fault." She whispered in a sloppy voice. "It all happened because I left, Haley is right, isn't she?"
"No, no, it's not your fault, okay?" he confirmed looking her in the eyes, "Are you okay?"
She nodded, "Yes." And then her eyes widened as she looked up at him as if suddenly remembered something, "I didn't know. I ran away as soon as I knew. And I don't know what Dan have done, or what he's planning, Lucas, I really don't." she rambled.
"It's okay, it's okay." He said even though he didn't understand but he only saw she's scared and she was looking for security and probably a safe haven so he pulled her into a quick hug just to let her know it is fine now, "Go on and rest for now, okay?"
She nodded, "I'm sorry, Lucas, I really am."
"Stop saying that, it's not your fault." He shook his head and then turned to Brooke, "Hey, Brooke, can you make sure she's safe?"
"Yes, sure, I will." She nodded as she moved forward and hugged her friend rubbing her back, both were crying but Peyton already looked way worse, "Come, on, Peyton Sawyer, let's get you home." She said as they walked side by side as Millie joined them and Lucas sighed watching them leave before turning around.
"Hey, Luke," Mouth called and caught up with him, "What are you doing now?"
"If he thinks he can just mess with me or my brother and get away with it, then he's surely mistaken." He stated as he took big angry steps with Mouth following beside him.
"I know you're angry, Lucas, but stop and let's think for a while."
"Think? Think? What's there to think about? It was a set-up. He tricked me and I fell for it." He cried, "And I don't know how he managed to convince Nathan, but unless he believed I was dead or something, then he is dead to me too."
"You don't mean that."
"Yes I do." He stopped abruptly and looked at his friend taking a deep breath finally letting his hurt show, "I would never give up on him, Mouth."
"I know that." He nodded.
"Then how come he doesn't?" he threw his hands in the air in frustration, "How could he believes Dan over me?"
Mouth shook his head looking down for a second, "I don't know. But, listen, he was –is devastated, he was scared and I'm sure that's where Dan pushed from."
"Still," he shook his head, "See, I would never believe it, because I never would do it. Hell, Mouth you know I've going west and east and all possible directions trying to solve it."
"I know, Luke, and just… give him time and he will too."
"No. It's not about time. It's now or never." He said the anger returning to his eyes once again as he continued his furious walk.
"Wait, Lucas, just think it through."
"I told you, there's no thinking."
"But, you have to. Come on, let's talk. I have something I want to talk to you about, anyway."
"Not now."
"It's important, Lucas."
"Not as important as this."
"Yes, Lucas, it-"
"Mouth, please." He snapped, "I can't do this right now." He determined, "I will meet you and Skillz in an hour in the club." He said and it was final, Mouth knew Lucas was not going to change his mind about this, he knew he can neither say nor do anything to stop him from going over to the snake's burrow.
Lucas walked into Dan's place and no one tried to stop him and of course Dan was waiting for him with a smug smile; he has known he's coming, and if Lucas didn't know any better he'd say he was eager to meet him, but then again maybe he actually is.
"Where's Nathan?" Lucas asked straight away choosing to ignore the gloating smirk on the man's face.
"Your brother is resting, he needs it after all this time, you know in a real bed… unlike the one you were going to let him spend the rest of his life on." Dan said calmly, "But, take a seat, Lucas."
"You know very well that I never gave up."
"Oh, I know." He nodded, "But, nobody else does, Lucas." He shook his head, "I mean, you didn't even let me do any work, you made sure of that yourself."
"Seriously, Dan? You didn't do any work? Danielle Joker?"
Dan looked at him for a while with a growing smile and then he burst out laughing, "I'm sorry, but this one was actually really funny."
"It's one thing to mess with me, Dan, but to come between me and my brother… that's not even going to work, and you will pay for it." He threatened loathingly with a glare.
"Now, once again, I didn't really do anything here. That was all on you, Lucas, you didn't visit your brother, and you didn't find anything to help him, after all it's me who got him out of jail time."
"Just because I didn't hire someone to take the plea, right?" he spat.
"Who said I hired anyone? Why would you assume that it's not the real murderer?"
"Because it's you, Dan. Nothing is ever real with you."
He thought for a second, "Maybe you're right."
"Where's my brother, Dan?"
"Why? Why do you want him?"
"Why? Because, there's no way he's staying here, he needs to come with me."
"No, he doesn't. Look, Lucas, instead of throwing everything on me, just accept the facts, he made a decision."
"Because you deceived him."
"You really should give your brother more credit than that." He pointed out faking disappointment, "But, if it was so easily done, maybe you weren't so close after all."
"You scum, son of-"
"What's going on?" Nathan cut him off walking into the room all cleaned up.
"Nate," Lucas said looking towards his brother and not failing to see the intense look on his face, "Come on, what are you doing here?"
"I'm staying here, Lucas."
"Here? With Dan? Why?"
Nathan shrugged, "Why not?"
Lucas stared at him for a while in utter shock, "What… what happened, Nathan? What did he tell you, huh? Did he tell you that I abandoned you? That I preferred to look for look for Peyton instead? What could he possibly have told you to make you come here?"
"Nothing, Lucas, I didn't need anyone to tell me anything."
To say it hurt would be an underestimate to what Lucas felt at the moment, "And you actually believe that?" Nathan shrugged at him, "Come on, Nathan, what's the catch? Did he threaten you?"
"Why is it so hard or you to believe that your brother is just smart enough to play for the winning party?" Dan interfered.
Lucas shot his head towards him with a glare, "You shut up. What did you do, huh? What do you want?"
"Enough, Lucas!" Nathan frowned, "I just want to be here."
"Well, what about us? Your family, Haley? The club?"
"Do you really think there's hope for the club anymore? Oh, that's right, you wouldn't know." Nathan said making sure the sarcasm is obvious.
"Alright, alright," Lucas frowned back with a deep frown and intense eyes, "Forget about me, what about Karen? And Haley?"
"Forgetting about you, I think I can handle my own relationships and family."
Once again it felt like a stab directly in the heart, "Do you… do you realize what you're saying?"
"I am, yes." He nodded with raised eyebrows.
"Nathan, have you lost your mind?"
"I'm perfectly sane, Lucas! Why is it really hard to understand that I can't stand you right now?" Nathan said taking an angry step forward.
"This is stupid! I'm telling you for the last time, quit being an idiot, put some sense into your mind and stop playing games. Come with me."
"I don't want to be anywhere near you." He gritted his teeth.
"You… you're an asshole." He threw his hands in the air, "Fine, Nathan, but don't come back crying and forget you have a brother."
"With pleasure."
Lucas turned around to leave before the feeling of suffocation kills him right then and there.
"Make your visit longer next time." Dan shouted after him as he left while grasping for air.
Lucas knew his brother could be stubborn if he felt left out or somehow twisted things in his mind that he doesn't belong, he has a history of shutting himself away from them whenever he feels so, but every single time Lucas was able to reach him and calm his demons down. It has always been that way, but never like that. Even in his darkest cases, Nathan never thought of dropping out completely like that, of joining forces with an enemy just to hurt him… and hurt him he did. Lucas' vision was blurred with tears, and he hasn't cried in a long time. A very long time.
It can't be only this morning that he has been tied up in a house in Red Heights. It feels like another lifetime. And then, Lucas was already so tired, having barely slept in weeks, and loads of tiredness have been added emotionally and physically and of course mentally, he was at a point that it wasn't impossible to imagine having an easy normal day.
He didn't need people's stares as he walked to know that he looked like shit at the moment. He must have the look of a homeless person, because he feels like a homeless person.
He knew he said he'd meet his friends in an hour, but, he took his time, he let his legs wander slowly through the town, he didn't take a direct route to the club, and he didn't exactly walk like he has a destination, in fact he couldn't even find the will in him to do so, he was only going there because he said he would and he needed to have a talk about anything else other than his idiot of a brother, maybe all the buzzing and noises in his head will stop then.
It was still a couple of hours before opening when he finally made it and sure enough Skillz and Mouth were both waiting for him there.
"Lucas, are you okay?"
"What happened, man?"
"Ah… it doesn't matter." He attempted to bring it out in a normal voice, but it came out in a weak sniffle, "Tell me… how are things around here?"
"Forget about it here, it's fine. What happened with you, Luke?"
He groaned and took a deep breath, "Can we please talk about this later?" he pleaded and then looked alarmed, "Unless… do you also believe what Haley and-"
"No, no, God, no!" Skillz shook his head, "Not for a minute."
His features relaxed a bit, "You must be the only ones then."
"Come on, Luke, she didn't mean that… and neither does Nathan. Give it time."
"Time can't fix what's broken, Antwon." He looked down and Skillz didn't reply; because if he called him by his real name, then he must be really broken and it's really serious.
"So, tell me, how are things?" he repeated his previous question.
"Actually… we wanted to tell you something." Mouth said sharing a look with Skillz, "But, it can wait if you're not up for talking."
"You can tell me anything as long as it's not about Nathan."
"Well," Skillz began, "it's not about Nathan, but it could be about Dan."
"Could be?" he narrowed his eyes finally finding something that could get his mind occupied, "What is it?"
"Well," Mouth began shifting in his seat, "It happened a while ago, just as we were starting the investigations, and I was… I mean, I was by Brooke's house late one night… and I saw Julian coming out."
"Julian?" Lucas cried in disapproval.
"Yes, and… they kissed."
"Wait, what? Who kissed?"
"Him… and Brooke."
It must be the thousandth time that Lucas' mind stop functioning only that day. How in the hell could Brooke be kissing Julian? He has stopped him from harassing her once, and… and he's Dan's tail!
"The man is like the paluge. Everywhere and reaching everyone!" he cried out in frustration, "Oh, Brooke, what are you getting yourself into?" he whined washing his hands over his face, "Have you talked to her?"
"No." Mouth shook his head, "I tried once, but it didn't seem like the right time, and with the investigations and everything… I didn't even know what to think of it… but, I don't think we can ignore it anymore… if Dan is in on something else to harm her too we need to stop it."
"I… I will take care of it." Lucas offered.
"Are you sure? You have been taking care of a lot of things lately, Lucas."
"No, it's fine. I need the distraction anyway. Besides, despite everything, I think can connect with her on this one…"
He nodded, "Right…" Mouth inhaled deeply, "I just… I told you because, I don't know… with everything that's happening, I don't know what could be helpful piece of information and what isn't."
"No, Mouth you did the right thing telling me either way."
Brooke Davis is the next stop then.
XxXx
Haley was seated behind the table in the kitchen at the Scott house sharing tea with Karen in silence after she's stopped crying.
"I'm sorry, Karen." She whispered out.
"For what, dear?"
"I disrespected you." She brought her eyes up to meet the older woman's in shame.
"I understand. You're upset." Karen said while taking a sip form her tea. "Because… I know how it feels to see someone you love slipping away and you can't do anything about it."
She might have known the younger woman only a few weeks, but they have come closer, it was only easy to like Haley as a person, and it was easier to just adore her knowing she has been taking care of her boy and seeing the support she offers him, she saw her connecting with him in a way she has no other one do before. She may have never held Nathan in her womb, but he is definitely her son just like Lucas is.
It has only been a few weeks yes, but it's the hard times that brings people closer, and Karen was beyond grateful for Haley, and also she was worried about her at the same time.
Karen remembers how it felt losing Keith, she remembers having him as her other half and all of a sudden without any warning without any signs, he's gone. She remembers how scary it is to rely on something staying with you and then it's not true anymore.
And as hard as it was, she can't re-live another loss with Nathan, not her boy, that would only be harder, and the worst thing is, he's throwing his life away with his own consent, there's no accident, no higher forces, nothing… Nathan willingly decided to choose the wrong side.
Dan's involvement in the case came as a surprise to her, the kids –her sons and their friends- managed to keep the secret from her the whole time, and she only heard about it during Lucas and Haley's fight in front of the court, Karen was a smart woman, she knew her son was hiding something from her but she has wished it was only regarding where his heart lies, and she hoped that once everything was over, he'd be able to open up, but now as she realizes, it is much bigger, and she's yet to get the details, and she won't settle for anything less than the whole story.
"Why did he do that, Karen?" Haley squeaked outputting her cup down.
Despite having her own heart aching at that, Karen reached over and brought the girl to her embrace, "I don't know, dear. But… Nathan has a good heart although it might mislead him sometimes."
"Yes. Yes, he does. He has a very big heart… that's why I don't understand."
"Nathan is my boy. I know him. Sometimes he's under the impression that he doesn't belong, but… that has always been solved in no time, so, I'm positive it's nothing. I'm positive he just needs to overcome his own demons."
"I really hope so."
"But, you know who else have a good heart, Haley?" the woman gave a tender smile and Haley looked down knowing where it is going, "Lucas. He does, just like his brother."
"I know that." She mumbled and closed her eyes taking a breath, "I know, I just… we, we are all here worrying, and Lucas is gone all the time barely letting us know his plans… and then he's late and he shows up with Peyton and I-"
"You were scared." Karen finished for her and Haley was confused for her tender tone, after all, it is her son that Haley just attacked throwing accusations at.
"Yes, I was… I am."
"I know." Karen nodded with a smile, "But, it's going to be fine, Haley." She said even though she didn't know that herself; she had a lot of missing gaps and she needed to get the whole picture. Her theory of everything turning out to be fine was based only on the fact that she does know her sons, and she knows that both of them are devoted to family, they knew each other inside and outside just like Karen likes to think she does with them… and she knows that Lucas can't just not do his best to help his brother, and Nathan wouldn't just believe so and leave.
"Why don't you have some rest, and then when you wake up you could start telling me the whole story you've been hiding form me?" Karen suggested earning herself a sorry smile from the girl.
"Hiding? What hiding?" Haley said although she's smiling.
"Nice try, but I'm going to know all the truths here." Karen said pointing a finger at her.
"Do you think I should be the one telling you everything?"
"Well, seeing that my own sons haven't done it so far, and since you have been following them in that case, then yes, I think you should. I don't care what they think; I will get all the facts."
Haley nodded firmly, "Yes, ma'am." She agreed; she would have wanted the same thing if she was in her shoes.
"Now, go get some rest."
"I think you should too." Haley nodded standing up, "I will be back by night."
"In fact…" Karen spoke up, "Why don't you stay? You could use Nathan's room." she offered.
"Karen…" she started shaking her head.
"No, no, it's okay." Karen reassured, "I could use the company, and I bet you could too."
"That's right; I could." She nodded, "Thank you, Karen." She said as the woman only gave her a warm smile, she stopped at the door of the kitchen and turned around again, "Hey, Karen?"
"Yes?"
"Just a reminder, but you did a good job; you've raised two great men." She told her and Karen's smile grew wider as the girl left. She knew it was Haley's way of letting her know that she never meant what she said to Lucas, and that Nathan will find his way back home, and that she –Karen- needn't some to worry about.
XxXx
When her doorbell rang, Brooke was ready for a fight thinking it was Julian coming to mend things. But, Lucas was the last person she thought would be giving her a visit at the time; she thought he'd be having a lot on his mind, and if not running after the facts again, he'd be resting.
"Lucas," she said with wide eyes as she let him in, "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to talk to you." He said as they sat down her on the sofa and him on the adjacent chair.
"Of course." She nodded still a little confused, "How are you?" she figured it has to do with the whole drama going on.
"I'll manage. But, it's not about me."
"What's going on, Lucas?" she frowned.
"Brooke, we've been friends for a long time," he started, "and sure, we had our drifts, but, I like to think that we are good friends."
"Of course we are." She confirmed feeling taken aback having no clue where it is going.
"Good." He nodded, "So, based on that, do you have any secrets that you'd like to share?" he asked and Brooke's breath got caught in her throat.
She closed her eyes feeling stupid; she should have expected it, she has slipped up this morning, she has left the impression that she has been hiding Peyton's whereabouts from everyone. And even if no one told him about the incident, it was about time that he talks with Peyton herself and he might get that piece of information sooner or later.
"Luke" she started with furrowed sorry eyebrows and a sorry look, "I'm so sorry."
"Hey, it's okay." He said in a considerate voice.
"No, I know how important it was to you. I just thought that it's for the best."
"What?" he asked now getting confused; what was important to him? He only wants to make sure she's not involved in another Dan trick having Julian over, but… what is important to him?
"When she said it's better to disappear for a while, I thought it's a good idea. It was before anything that has happened and I… I still thought that it's better for everyone that she's away for a while."
"Wait, what are you talking about?"
Her heart rate quickened, "About… Peyton." She said and watched as his expression held confusion trying to process as she gulped, "You… you're talking about me knowing she was in Red Heights, right?"
"Peyton was in Red Heights?" he narrowed his eyes.
"Yes." Now she was confused, "I thought you knew that, I thought you brought her back?"
"No," he shook his head taking offence in it, "I didn't, Brooke, I was trying to- you know, it's not even important." He decided then frowned, "You knew?"
She gulped once again feeling stupid, he didn't know, but he was going to eventually anyway. "I did. Lucas, I'm sorry, I only thought it would be better for her to stay away for a while."
"You thought?" he spat, "Or Dan thought?"
"D- Dan?" she asked with wide eyes; why would he bring Dan's name now?
"Yes, Dan, because Dan is the one who wants Peyton away from me, and Dan is the one who thought it's funny to send me off to Red Heights on the same day of my brother's trial ironically enough the same place Peyton was," he listed coming face to face with the facts as he spoke them, "Oh, and he's also the boss of Julian, you know him? I think he's been a visitor here?"
"Julian?" she asked in horror, "How… how do you-"
"It doesn't matter as long as it's true, Brooke."
She stayed silent.
"Brooke," he called his frown deepening, "Is it true?" he insisted and she only gave a sob as an answer as she held her head down with her eyes squeezed shut.
"I can't believe this." he breathed out as he got up, "You? You're working with Dan?"
"What?" her head shot up in horror at that as she looked at him shaking her head fiercely, "No, no, Lucas! Don't think that way."
"That way? In what way do you want me to think, Brooke?" he asked and gave a humorless chuckle, "I actually came here in fear for you, thinking that you might be in danger, thinking that I could be actually one ahead of Dan protecting people I care about." He exclaimed, "But, once again, he manages to slab me across the face."
"Lucas," she pleaded, "It's not what you think. I'm not working with Dan."
"Really? As I remember it, you had financial problems with him, and then, suddenly, he's off your back, and you're fine. And then, Julian leaves your house and gives you kisses, and then you tell Peyton to leave. If that's not Dan's work then what is?"
"It's not, I swear, Lucas, I was just-"
"What happened with you debt, Brooke?" he cut her off. "What happened? How did you deal with that?"
"I- it's not… I mean…" she stuttered not knowing how to answer that question; because in a way, she is working with Dan, but she also isn't. And if she's being honest with herself, knowing that Dan wants Lucas and Peyton away from each other actually affected her thinking that Peyton should stay away, so maybe it was Dan's work even if indirectly.
"Is it paid? Or are you offering service in exchange?"
"Lucas, no! Please let me explain," she pleaded in hysterics.
"I don't think there's any more explanation needed." He said stepping away, "You know I never thought you'd step that low!"
"I didn't. I'd never, Lucas. You know me, I didn't."
"You know what, I don't wanna hear it, I can't do this." he said shaking his head fighting the hurt look not to appear on his face; he thought that he had people around him that he can count on, that he can consider as family… but, even real family wasn't on his side anymore.
"Don't come near me again, Brooke." He said as he took big steps towards her front door wanting to escape.
"Lucas!" she screamed after him.
"Or near Peyton." He warned even though he had no idea where Peyton stands concerning him, but he had the urging feeling that she was now in danger from Dan just like everyone else. After all, her appearance this morning wasn't the brightest.
"Lucas! Wait." Brooke screamed as he slammed the door after him and she fell to the floor feeling coldness creep among her body, and soon, Millie came to take her in her embrace without telling her any 'I told you so' or any other sort of words.
Brooke has been breaking slowly with a crack after crack and Millie knew all she needed at the moment was a warm embrace and a shoulder to cry on.
XxXx
Nathan only wanted to sneak in quietly and grab a few things of his that he needed, and he wasn't sure if meeting Lucas or anyone else for the matter was a good idea at the moment. He has managed to get to his room without being caught, and as he started moving around gathering things, he heard a groan as he froze in his place.
"Hmm, what's going on?" He heard the voice that he would recognize anytime and anywhere as she turned around to see her rising from his bed, "What- Nathan?" Haley exclaimed in recognition as she jumped off of bed and ran up to him wrapping her arms around him.
"Haley." He whispered out as he wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace pressing his head on her hair inhaling her scent. She pulled away just a little and kissed him on the neck.
"Nathan, I knew it, I knew you'll come." She said and he felt his heart drop.
"Haley-"
"I was scared, I thought that it was all ruined and –" she stopped and looked up at him with a happy grin, "I'm so glad you're here."
"Me too, Haley." He said and pecked her lips, "I missed you."
"I missed you too." She said and leaned upwards to capture his lips in a passionate kiss and he closed his eyes caving in. Once they pulled away, she beamed, "Come on, Karen will lose her mind." She said pulling him out of the room.
"No, wait-"
"Karen." She called excitedly, "Karen, come on, Nathan is back." She exclaimed as the older woman appeared emerging from her room with sleepy eyes as she stared for a while before running forward towards the taller man.
"Oh my God you're here." She said as she hugged him, pulled back away cupping his face before pulling him in a hug once again. "You're here, Nathan. Come on, come sit down." She said starting to pull him towards the downstairs but he stopped in his place stopping her along. "What? What's wrong?"
"I… I just need to grab a few things." He said pointing to his room.
"Why? Where are you going?"
"I um… I'm going back."
She stared at him for a while before letting out a disbelieving small chuckle, "Back?" she tilted her head to the side, "Back to where, Nathan? This is your home, this is back."
"Karen, I-" he started shaking his head a little wearing a guilty look.
"Do you want to go to Dan?" Haley asked accusingly, "Dan, Nathan. Dan. The very same Dan who has been insuring us all a hellish life."
"Yes, I am." He nodded, "This is for the best now, I-"
"I don't care what you think your brother did, whatever it is, whatever happened you don't go running to your enemy's hellhole."
"That's not what it is, you don't understand."
"Then what is it? Tell me, Nathan." She challenged, "Because all we have been talking about is wishing for life to go back to normal, so we can go back to being happy, and now that it's over, you're the one who's screwing it again."
"I'm not screwing anything, it doesn't matter where I am, it won't affect anything between us."
"Won't it, Nathan?" she frowned, "Everything near Dan gets burned, so what about living with him?"
Nathan didn't really know what to say, he didn't want to tell anything, and he wasn't about to cave and back away from it either.
"Nathan, dear," Karen said touching his arm, "Why don't you sit down and we could talk?"
"I… don't think there's anything to talk about." He shook his head.
"Really, Nathan?" Haley spoke again, "Don't you think we at least deserve an explanation?"
"For what?"
"For going out of your mind and leaving everything behind to go to Dan." She exclaimed.
"Do you really not know why?" He knew he was being a little bit harsh on her, but he couldn't do it any other way.
"Nathan," Karen put in again, "your brother didn't give up on you, he was working day and-"
"Mom, please." Nathan said closing his eyes, "Leave what's between me and Lucas between us." He begged.
"But, she's right, Nathan, you don't have to-"
"Please, stay out of it, I don't want to talk about it."
"This is not getting back to normal, Nathan." Haley shook her head with a frightened look.
"Maybe you're right." He nodded with a murmur.
"What?"
"Maybe there's no normal." It broke his heart to say it, but he needed to make sure she's at least safe, "Maybe there should be no normal."
"What? What are you saying?"
"Nathan, honey, you need to calm down and think before taking any decisions, okay?" Karen said trying to pull him again so they can sit down.
"No, I just…"
"Come on, we've all missed you."
"Mom, please." He refused as she looked at him studying his features as he masked it with a plane look, and Karen only pulled him in a hug and he wrapped his arm back around her as she rubbed his back up and down with a pained look. "I just… I just need to grab a few things and go." He whispered as he pulled back after a while.
She nodded, "Okay, honey." She gave a teary smile, "Alright."
"What? You're just leave?" Haley whispered out as she followed him while he picked up a few things from around his room.
"Haley," Karen said as she tugged her back.
"What? You're letting him leave?"
"You'll talk. You'll talk later." She squeezed her arm and patted his back as Haley looked at her as if she's lost her mind. Nathan turned around with his stuff ready to leave as he glanced at the two women.
"But you'll come back, right?" Karen asked with a small smile.
"I don't… maybe, yeah." Nathan let out barely audible.
"Okay, honey." Karen said warmly touching his arm.
He gave her a meaningful look that Karen liked to interpret as grateful before proceeding to leave.
"But, N-" Haley started before being held by Karen once again.
"He's leaving, Karen."
"I know."
"For someone who knows you're freakishly calm."
"He's hurting." Karen said looking over at the path Nathan just took. "He's got some conflicting thoughts."
"What? How can you tell?"
"Because, he called me mom. Twice." She said looking back at the girl next her, "And he never does unless he really needs to feel it." She explained and Haley gave a nod in realization and leaned her head over the woman's shoulder while Karen wrapped her arms around her.
And again, it was just the both of them.
XxXx
Lucas' legs were dead. He has been walking around town almost the whole day. Aside from the little while he has spent with Mouth and Skillz he has been walking with wandering thoughts as he rounded the town a few times.
He finally came to a stop, one he has wanted to make for a long time but dreaded. Wither he was ready to have that talk or not he needed to do it and now, even though he can't take any more disappointments, but, he's already taken a lot in one day, so another one would only make it the worst day in the history of worst days.
The blond opened the door to see him leaning on the doorframe looking like a dead man, inside and outside, "Lucas." She said breathlessly as he pushed himself forward when she made space for him.
"Come on," she said as she led him to the couch where they have shared their kiss the last time he was there. "You…"
"Look like crap?" he offered as she gave a tender smile.
"Wait, I'll make you a cup of tea." She said and turned around but he grabbed her wrist to stop her making her look at him.
"I need to talk to you." He said.
"I'm not going anywhere. We'll talk." She said, "Just a cup of tea to make you feel better." She said with a smile as he loosened his grip on her wrist and she left.
He threw his head back on the couch closing his eyes in tiredness already feeling a little bit calmer at her welcome of him as he hoped it will only stay the same.
She came back after a while as he opened his eyes and looked at her as she pushed a hot cup of tea in his hands, "I thought you fell asleep." She said as she took a place beside him holding her own cup of tea.
"No, I couldn't even if I wanted to."
She gave him a sympathetic apologetic look and he shook his head,
"No, don't give me that look, it's only…" he trailed off, "No, actually give it, I'm screwed anyway." He attempted to joke but let out a sorrowful chuckle.
"I'm so sorry, Lucas." She started, "I know my presence only made it worse. Brooke told me." She said and he winced at the mention of the girl.
"You didn't do anything, Peyton." He assured her, "Why… why were you there anyway?" he remembers vaguely what was briefly exchanged between them this very morning before the hurricane began.
"I wanted to help. I was going to say everything I knew Dan did. I came as soon as I knew."
"As soon as you knew?" he questioned with narrowed eyes, "You didn't know about the trial you mean?"
She shook her head, "No, I didn't know about the arrest in the first place." She said and knew he needed clarification, "You see, when I left I went to a farmhouse that belonged to my mom," she started.
"In Red Heights." He said making sure and she nodded.
"You knew where I was?"
"No," he shook his head, "I only knew about an hour ago."
She nodded intending to ask about it later, "Anyway, I went there, and suddenly Dan's men don't want me anywhere out of the house, I didn't see anyone for weeks until I sneaked out and found everything out. I only managed to run away this morning."
He nodded as he began to link the lines in his head, "Because they let you run away."
"What?"
"I was in Red Heights too." He said.
"You were?"
"Yeah, Dan managed to trick me into going there; I thought I was meeting a witness to clear Nate's name. But instead Dan's men held me in there until this morning too. And I have to say that running way was really easy."
"But… but why would- oh! To let Nathan see." She said in realization.
"You definitely got it faster than Haley." He pointed out taking a sip of his tea.
"Give her time, Lucas. She's probably shaken up and stressed."
"I know. But, I am too and I can't take any of it right now."
She reached over and touched his hand, "I know, it must be a really hard day." She said as she ran a thumb over his hand, "How is your hand?"
He has really forgotten that it was broken and that he's supposed to not use it in hard work, but then again, what was hard work? "It's fine I think." He said.
"You think?" she raised an eyebrow with a slight teasing smile.
He chuckled, "Yeah, it's the least of my problem, I don't think I'll notice if it hurts."
"Oh, Lucas. I'm so sorry." She gave his hand a light squeeze. And he liked it.
"For what?"
She looked at him for a while before meeting his eyes, "For everything. I'm sorry that this is happening… and I'm sorry I wasn't here I think." She added the last part in a murmur.
"You think?" he asked mimicking her earlier question.
"Yeah." She nodded looking down, "I mean, I wanted to have been here for you… but… I don't know if you did too, so…" she trailed off and it was silent for a while as he stared at her while she looked down.
"Why did you leave, Peyton?"
She withdrew her hand away and replaced it in her lap and brought her eyes up to him for a second before chickening away at his gaze, "I thought… I thought that Dan is hurting you all because of me."
"Peyton…" he shook his head trailing off in disapproval.
"No. I mean, after your attack that we all know was to keep you away from me, there was the incident with Nathan and Haley, and I was only getting closer to everyone, I thought he wanted to keep me deserted, that it was because of me he's after you… and I didn't want to be the reason for anyone getting hurt." She explained before taking a deep breath, "But, I guess I ended up being a tool to do just that." She said daring to bring her pained eyes to his.
He nodded, "And… and why did you come back?"
"I told you I wanted to come back for the trial to testify."
"So, that's the only reason you are here?"
She paused, she didn't expect that question now, but she was an idiot not to expect it, and if she's being honest, she doesn't want to lie or hide anything anymore, it was all tiring and enough, and seeing how things turned out, hiding only keeps complicating things, wither it was lying to herself or to him, it all only ended in pain.
"I… I guess no." she said and locked eyes with him, "I think it was a mistake leaving."
"You do?"
She nodded.
"So, you think it's alright for people to get hurt because of you now?" he asked teasingly.
She gasped, "Lucas!" she looked away shyly and he chuckled.
"Sorry, it's just… I haven't had a decent conversation with anyone in a long time." It was true, this was his first decent talk in a while and so far he was liking it. "No, really, why do you think it was a mistake?"
"I think you know the answer to that."
He shook his head, "No, I don't." he said seriously, "I don't think I know anything anymore. Especially when it comes to you, Peyton."
She gave him a guilty look which he couldn't help but feel bad about, but, in the same time, he's not going to assume anything with anyone at this point, his assumptions were apparently the worst.
She nodded knowing he's right, "I know. You're right." She took a deep breath, "I shouldn't have left. Just like I shouldn't have led myself to believe you were using me. It was only different ways to run away from the truth."
"And what is the truth?" He asked with a racing heart, Haley has told him that other night that Peyton said she likes him, but, he couldn't be sure unless she said it herself, it could have been a misunderstanding or it was what she thought she felt at that moment, it could be anything, and he wasn't going to get his hopes up or nothing, at least he thought he wasn't getting his hopes up.
"That I have feelings for you?" she said in a mumbling shaky voice, but he heard it loud and clear.
He stared at her with his heart pounding in his chest wondering if he has heard it correctly, and she stared back biting her lip wondering if he has heard her at all.
"You… you what?"
"I have feelings for you, Lucas." She repeated louder this time.
"So, it's not a trick?"
She shook her head.
"You really do?"
"I really do." She smiled, "I have had them for a while, but I think it was too scary to admit."
"God, Peyton." He shook his head looking down, "You… I thought this would never happen."
She reached out to put a hand on his cheek scooting over towards him, "I'm so sorry, Lucas." She said sincerely, "I have treated you so badly and you didn't deserve that."
"It's… in the past. What matters is now. Right here, this moment." He said and tilted his head to the side a little kissing the balm of her hand on his cheek. He reached over holding it in place when she was lowering it, and reached with his other hand to hold her free one, for the first time in weeks feeling a wave of warmth invading his heart. "I… you've just turned the day over, Ms. Sawyer."
She let out a breathy smile, "Just Peyton." She whispered and he smiled back, "How are you, Lucas?" she asked with real concern.
He moved his body closer leaning his head to the back of the sofa using her hand as a pillow while facing her and she rested her hand on the back of his neck brushing the small hair there gently.
"How am I? Let's see, earlier this day, I told Nathan to forget he has a brother when I really didn't mean it even though it felt like he stabbed me in the heart when he chose to believe Dan over me."
Peyton pushed his head forward as she moved even closer so his head was now resting on her shoulder and she was wrapping an arm around him while her other hand was held between his big ones in a sense of security for the both of them. She said nothing and let him continue,
"And then I found out that Dan has more access than I thought he does."
"What do you mean? What did he do?" she rubbed his arm soothingly.
He took a shaky breath and told her everything, not just about the day's events, he started talking and he found himself opening up about all the pain he has felt in the past weeks up until this point, he told her about him chasing a clue that never existed to get Nathan out, and about his fight with Nathan over at Dan's, he told her about how he felt when he was held back in Red Heights and about Brooke, and he told her how inside of all this mess, he'd wished she was there so he could go over and let his heart out much like he's doing at the moment.
She listened carefully, she wanted to take it all away, he was hurting and she wanted him to stop, so she listened while he caved between her arms like a little boy, and she gave him all the care he needed.
"I feel like I'm standing all alone in the middle of a spinning world trying to stay fixated, to stand still and not let it knock me over, but each time I steady myself a hit comes to unbalance me… until I'm no longer standing, I'm spinning along and I have no control. Like… like a petal in a storm, it has nothing to do but flow with the wind inside the mess." He explained and she turned her head to place a tender kiss to his temple.
"You don't have to be alone." she whispered out, "I can spin with you, until we find the solid ground once again."
"Why would you do that?" he asked softly only wanting to hear some words of affection, just to make sure she really does have feelings for him.
"Because… I want to be with you, Lucas. If that's what you want of course."
His head immediately shot up as he repositioned himself while looking in her eyes for any sign of doubt and found none, he cupped her face caressing his thumb over her cheeks as she looked back at him impatiently waiting for an answer, her pulled her closer moving forward for their lips to meet in the middle in a delicate feather-like kiss.
The connection quickly sent sparks down her stomach as she shivered, it was a new feeling she has never experienced, after all, Lucas was the first man to ever kiss her, and this was the third kiss, but somehow the first, when the real first was only acted upon by him taking her by surprise and didn't end well, while the second was mixed with the nudging feeling to stop it and run away, while this one, it came when everything is in the clear, and it is only driven by the feelings they have been holding for one another.
He pulled back and didn't move his hands as he looked in her eyes, "It is the one thing that I have always wanted since I saw you."
She smiled wide.
"You're pretty." He told her and her smile widened while blush immediately was seen on her cheeks getting a chuckle out of him, "I'm not letting anything ruin this, Peyton. Not even Dan, so, don't think of leaving again because I'm not letting you go anywhere."
"Good. Because I'm not planning to."
He let out a sigh of content, "I can't believe how easy it is to talk to you."
"I love listening to you." She smiled.
He groaned dropping his hands to his lap, "Now, I have to go and have that conversation."
"What conversation?"
"I have to go and explain to everyone what had happened, and why I claim to have not chosen finding you instead of being there for my brother." He complained, suddenly feeling how exhausted he really is after being allowed to relax for a while.
"You don't have to."
"What?"
"You don't have to do it tonight." She told him, "You have already worn yourself out so much; you don't need to go through it all today, Lucas."
"But, I can't avoid them."
"You won't. They will still be there tomorrow. You deserve a rest, Luke." She whispered caringly in a soft voice. "You can stay here. Take a break."
"Do you want me to stay here?" he asked absentmindedly reaching out for her hand as if asking for confirmation.
She smiled and shrugged, "If you want to," she bit her lip.
"Do I want to spend a night with the girl I have liked my whole life? That's a tough question."
She let out a soft giggle, "Come on then, let's get you some rest." She said getting up and offering him her hand which he took getting up.
"I have nothing to change into though."
"I have a few night gowns." She said aloud.
"Oh, dear God."
She laughed, "I'm joking, there are actually a few of my father's old stuff lying around, some that my mom didn't have the heart to give away."
"Peyton," he stopped her as she looked at him, "you don't have to."
"I want to." She offered a smile. "I could use the company too, Lucas. Besides, an extra pillow is more than fine."
"So, I'm a pillow now?"
"Uh-huh." She giggled.
"So, we're sleeping in the same bed." He pointed out and she raised an eyebrow.
"If you prefer having your own bed, fine, it's your loss." She shrugged.
"No. I won't have it any other way." He said in a genuine grateful smile.
And as it turned out, as they laid next one another with her resting her head over his chest while his arm wrapped around her to rest on her waist, seeking the comfort and security from each other's company, he was finally able to sleep peacefully, it was his first comfortable undisturbed night ever since he found himself in this storm.
Apart from the story, did you guys notice before that the brunette mother (Karen) had the blond son and the blond mother (Deb) had the brunette one. I just figured it's funny, probably from staying at home so long lol.
Anyway, what do you think about this one? It's slowly coming to an end, and I write more than anything in the world now, so, I published a new story fully aware that it might be so hard to keep updating, but I have always been excited to share new ideas that I get, so, here we go.
Let me know what you think please :)