17. Knights and butterflies
When Lucas woke up the next day, he found himself alone in a bed he didn't recognize, but, it didn't take more than a few seconds to remember last night's events as if they were a distant dream. He stood in his place for a while to appreciate the events before he gets up ready to face the rest of the world again.
He actually had a good sleep night, and he was glad that despite all the mess in his life, something has finally turned out right, as if he was given hope after drowning in a series of dark events.
He got up and looked around for his clothes and when he didn't find them where they were left the night before, he left the room and immediately his nostrils were met with a pleasant smell. He went down the stairs and looked for her kitchen to find her standing there and humming along a song in the radio.
Her back was facing him as she was pouring coffee in cups and he looked at the table to see freshly sliced apples, and toast with margarine, two oranges cut in half and a few slices of Spam.
He gave an impressed whistle which caught her attention of his presence turning around, "If I knew I'd be greeted with such luxury breakfast I'd have gathered the courage to talk to you sooner."
"Luxury? Most of my vegetables are ruined in the garden; I couldn't make you everything I wanted." She said setting the two cups on the table looking at him with pursed lips.
He gave a smile, "Well, seeing as I usually settle for Cheerios, this is luxurious." He told her with a chuckle and moved forward as he cupped her cheeks, "Good morning."
She smiled wide, "Good morning to you too." She said and moved forward to peck his lips.
He gave an impressed noise and a teasing frown, "Who are you and what did you do to Peyton Sawyer?"
"Shut up and enjoy your luxury breakfast." She gave him a playful glare which soon turned into a smile.
He did so as he sat down and she joined him, "By the way, do you have any idea where my clothes are?"
"Yeah, in the backyard."
"Aha." He said taking an apple slice, "Wait, what? Why are they in the backyard?"
She quickly lowered the cup of coffee from her lips to prevent herself from chocking of laughter, "They're drying." She giggled, "I washed them and left them hanging out there to dry."
"When did you do that?"
"After you fell asleep." She shrugged, "I figured you'd like to have clean clothes for the day, don't you? Is there a problem?" she asked skeptically.
"No, no." he shook his head, "You didn't have to do that though." He said with a smile.
She shrugged, "I just thought that you'd like a fresh day…" she bit her lip.
"You're… amazing. Thank you." He smiled gratefully. He didn't expect all of this, he was used to be taking care of himself since his mother left, and he had to admit that having her doing those things for him felt absolutely amazing, it's like she was taking loads of things off his shoulder by just doing small gestures that she could have just skipped and everything would have still been more than fine, but it was the fact that she did them all by herself, the fact that she wanted to take care of him, that's what mattered.
"It's nothing really." She smiled and looked down as they fell in a comfortable silence continuing their little meal.
"Hey, Peyton," he spoke after a while.
"Hmm?"
"I don't think you should stay alone." he said showing concern
"Do you think Dan will hurt me?"
"Don't you?" he raised an eyebrow, "You were just held hostage by him."
"Yeah, but, I'm fine." She shrugged.
"What are you saying?"
"Lucas, he used me yes, and I know that now, I won't allow it again. But, I don't think he'll hurt me."
"Won't he? You're taking a side other than his, Peyton. A side he's fighting actually."
"Yes." She nodded and took a deep breath, "But, he won't hurt me; he made a promise to my mom."
"What?"
"He was in love with her." She told him, "And before she died, he made her a promise to keep me safe." She explained, "But, nobody knows that, Luke. Just me, him and Haley… and now you."
He nodded in understanding, "I get it, no one will know. But, I don't think Dan Shaw is a man of his words, Peyton." He shook his head, "I don't think you're safe."
"I could stay at Brooke's." she smirked and he sent her a glare.
"That's just like staying at Dan's."
"Luke," she sighed and he groaned; she has been calling him that since the last night and it always had an effect on his nerves, and he really didn't want it to at the moment. "I think you were a little too hard on her, at least let her explain, maybe-"
"No, don't defend her, Peyton." He cut her off with a frown.
"Do you really think she'd sell you out just like that?"
"My own brother sold me out." He exclaimed.
She sighed, "Okay, I know what you think right now, but… you confronted Nathan, you gave him a chance, you didn't give Brooke though."
"Why? Why are you taking her side?"
She scooted over towards him with her chair, and put a hand over his shoulder and the other on his extended hand on the table, "I'm not. Luke, there's no sides, and if there is then I'm on your, okay? That's not the case." She said tenderly and he had to groan yet again knowing she's already got her access to him. "I just… don't want you to regret things later because you don't want to give her a chance."
He let out a groan, "I have a lot of things to deal with now, Peyton."
"I know." She nodded, "But, just consider it, okay?"
He sighed, "Well, for now everything stays the same, okay?" he told her and she squeezed his shoulder, "And I still don't feel comfortable leaving you here alone." he looked at her over his shoulder.
"I'm fine, Lucas." She reassured him. "I appreciate your concern though."
"I don't want anything to happen to you."
"It won't trust me." She smiled, "If I felt any danger, I'll come running to you, I promise, okay?"
He chuckled and nodded, "As long as you're happy."
"I am." She nodded before clapping her hands together standing up, "Now. Wash yourself up while I iron your clothes for you." She said energetically and he had to watch her in admiration still in awe of the fact that this is happening, she- Peyton Sawyer, just made him breakfast, let him sleep in her bed, washed his clothes and is basically taking full care of him at the moment. Peyton Sawyer, the fallen angel from his childhood.
A while later, he was dressed and ready to go face the real world once again to which he complained with a groan as she chuckled and told him he could come running to her too anytime he wants. Eventually, he left with a goodbye kiss promising to come by later again, because, how can he not?
He walked the distance home planning out his day in his mind, he knew he will have to sit down and talk to everyone and tell them what had happened this exactly, and he knew that his mother is going to have a lot of questions and she'd blame him for keeping things from her that whole time, and he for sure wasn't looking for all of that. However, he was planning on speaking to them all at the same time to avoid having the same conversation over and over again.
"Lucas," He heard his mother calling as her head popped out from the kitchen door as he entered the house, "You're here." She said locating him.
He sighed and walked over to find her having breakfast with Haley. He glanced at the brunette who looked guiltily at him. He guesses she felt bad already, but he wasn't going to have that argument now.
"I am." He nodded as he kissed his mother's forehead choosing to ignore Haley.
"Where have you been?" she asked him.
"I'm fine, mom." He assured her.
She examined him seeing he's definitely organized in comparison to the state he has appeared by at the court, and arose her suspicions seeing that it was also the last time she saw him, "Yeah, you look fine." She gave him a questioning look and he couldn't help but look away fighting a smile knowing that his mother would read him if he looked at her.
"Yeah, listen, we will talk later, okay?"
"Yeah, we sure will. Come sit." She said referring to the breakfast they were having.
"No, I already ate. Listen, finish up and get ready so we'd go to the club and talk along with Skillz and Mouth, there's a lot to tell you about."
"Yeah, I bet there is." She gave him a knowing look and he smiled.
"Later mom." He said and turned around.
"Where are you going?" she called after him.
"My room. I will relax a bit." He said and ascended the stairs; he wasn't going to relax, he didn't need to, he was pretty fine this morning, he has planned on changing and refreshing when he gets home, but he didn't have to nor wanted to now, those were the same clothes he was wearing two days ago when driving to Red Heights, but now that they were cleaned and ironed by Peyton, he didn't want to change, and he has already washed there to so, he was just going to sit and organize his thoughts.
He took off his hat when he entered the room and smiled to himself; Peyton has told him that he has forgotten it at her house when he came the last time and she has kept it.
"Where the hell have you been the whole night?"
He jumped as he turned around with wide eyes at the sudden angry hiss and there from the darkness of the corner of his room a figure took a step forward until the shadows fell off his face.
"What the hell-" Lucas started but Nathan clapped his hands over his mouth to stop his exclamation.
"Voice, man. I have been quiet the whole night so they won't hear." He warned removing his hands.
"You've here all night?" he hissed with a frown, "What the hell are you doing here in the first place?"
He gave him a frown, "To talk to your ass and settle things, but you never showed up."
"Settle what now? Do you want your share in the club?" he hissed sarcastically.
"Are you serious? You really believed that?" Nathan asked with wide eyes and a look of shock but then turned into a smirk as he saw his brother's frown.
"I could ask you the same thing."
"Of course not, idiot!" he rolled his eyes. "I had to do this, Luke!"
"You bastard." Lucas exclaimed in a loud hiss and a glare.
Nathan gave him an apologetic look, "You know you're a bastard too." He attempted to joke and Lucas continued to glare at him before reaching out to pull him into a hug.
"You… you…" Lucas tried to form an angry insult but couldn't as he pulled back from his brother.
"I know. I'm sorry." He said apologetically, "There was no other way, though." He said.
"Why? What happened?" Lucas asked sitting down on the edge of his bed as Nathan mirrored him sitting on the chair behind Lucas' desk.
Nathan sighed, "He came and he said that you are looking for Peyton instead of helping me, and of course I didn't believe that," he hurried to say the last part when he saw Lucas open his mouth to protest defending himself. "He said that he has the proof that you will never find, and the price is for me to work with him."
"So, you just took it?"
"There was no other way." He insisted. "He had access to the police, he got you somehow late for the trial, and he wanted a deal, I had to take it, I knew if he was so sure then you must have had trouble and wouldn't have anything even if you made it." He explained and Lucas looked down with a sigh.
He nodded, "I didn't." he whispered regretfully.
"I know. And it's okay, Dan must have made sure you don't."
"He did, Nathan. He sent me all the way to Red Heights on a fake lead to keep me away until the trial."
"Is that so?" he smiled.
"Yeah, I swear that's what happened."
"So, you weren't after Sawyer?" he smirked and Lucas gave him a look while Nathan raised an eyebrow.
"No! I wasn't of course."
"I know, I know, I'm just teasing you." He laughed.
"So, what now, Nate?"
"I am staying at Dan's, let him think I work with him and hate your traitor ass, and get dirt on him." He shrugged.
"Nathan, that's-"
"That's the only way we're going to beat him." Nathan cut him off sternly.
"Yeah, also the way he could kill you." Lucas pointed out.
"Not if I'm careful, which I'm planning to be."
"Nathan, that's insane, what if he figured it out? What if he already suspects you?"
"It's worth the try, Luke." He argued, "Look, I'm not being bind by anything, I could walk away anytime."
"I don't think it's that easy with Dan."
"Okay, you're right. But, we need someone close, someone inside, haven't you been trying to get something on him? It has been no use."
"I don't know, Nathan."
He sighed, "Listen, trust me on this okay? And keep it just between us. I would have kept you in the dark too knowing you'd react that way," he pointed out as Lucas gave him a look, "but, I couldn't not tell you; I know you were hurt, so, I came late last night and you kept me waiting till the morning." He said adding a smirk, "Where were you, Lucas?" he asked.
"Out." Lucas shrugged before adding a sigh changing the subject, "Listen, if you must do this then there's things you should know."
"What?"
"Brooke," he started, "she… she's on some sort of connection with Dan." He said remembering the conversation he just had with Peyton about Brooke.
"Brooke?" Nathan gawked.
"Yes, Mouth saw Julian leaving her house and… kissing her. And when I spoke to her I figured she knew Peyton's place but never said anything."
"Oh, yeah, she slipped up yesterday." Nathan muttered with a frown, "But, really, what is she doing?"
"I don't know that yet." He decided.
Nathan nodded, "Alright, we'll figure this one out."
"Yeah, there's something else." He said, "It's a secret, Nathan, I shouldn't tell you, but, maybe it'd help you looking for something while you're there…"
"What is it?"
"Well… Dan was apparently involved romantically with Peyton's mom." He told him, "But, like I said, this is a secret, keep it only in your mind."
"Alright," he frowned, "and how do you know that?" he narrowed his eyes at his brother and looked at him analyzing his appearance and expression before raising his eyebrows, "That's where you spent your night, isn't it?"
"Well…"
"Oh my God, I should have known, what happened?"
"Nothing, we just… talked." He said with a smile that he couldn't help.
"Just talked?" Nathan gawked, "I don't think you just talked."
"Well, we did, and… she said she has feelings for me."
"About time." He smirked as Lucas rolled his eyes.
"Luke, honey, we're ready if you are." A soft knock on the door followed by Karen's voice interrupted their conversation.
"Alright, coming, mom." Lucas called as they heard her footsteps walking off. "How are we going to communicate?" He asked his brother.
"I guess I will come when I can. Unless you plan on spending all your nights out, I will meet you at her house then."
"Not funny." He pointed a finger at him as Nathan chuckled quietly.
"Okay, then go, and I will sneak out after you're all gone. They're both going with you right?"
"Yes. Take care, Nate."
"You too."
And so, after a quick hug, and a pat on the back, Lucas left contently as his morning just became better, he was ready to go talk with everyone else because it didn't matter anymore who believed him and who didn't.
XxXx
Explaining everything again, wasn't much of a burden as it was before, as Lucas sat with his mother, Haley, Skillz and Mouth and told the story for the third time, although with Nathan it was less detailed, but, it was another weight being lifted off his shoulder now as they listened.
"Okay, Lucas," Haley took a deep breath; she has been trying to talk to him on their way over to the club but he wouldn't let her, "I want you to know that I didn't mean what I said yesterday."
"Didn't you?"
She took another breath knowing his mad at her, "No, Lucas, I didn't." she shook her head, "I know you wouldn't do that to your brother, it's just… I was really, really stressed out and I didn't understand what was happening, and it was wrong of me to take it out on you." She said looking up at his stiff eyes, "I'm sorry, Lucas."
He sighed, "I know." He told her, "But, dammit, Haley, you can't keep accusing me of things like that."
"I know, I know." She said apologetically, "That was very unfair of me."
"It was." He agreed.
"Come on, Luke, don't be hard on her." Karen said motherly. "She was scared; it was a hard time for all of us."
"As long as I'm not accused of disloyalty towards my family again…"
"Lucas Scott, always dramatic." Skillz smirked in an attempt to ease the tension, "She's basically your sister-in-law, cut her a slack."
Lucas chuckled at that while Haley's heart sunk to her stomach remembering the last words Nathan said the night before.
"Fine, you're forgiven, Haley James." He said and offered her a smile which she guiltily returned.
"Thanks, Lucas. I know I was being… mean and unfair but I promise I'll be more rational."
"Now, that everything is clear, and that you're thankfully okay," Karen said looking at her son and his features instantly held a knowing pained expression, "Wanna explain what you have been hiding from me, Lucas?"
"Okay, I will go… clean the bar. Care to help, Mouth?" Skillz said getting up knowing that if he stayed throughout this conversation he'll be scolded just as much as Lucas for keeping the woman out in the dark.
"Yeah, you better run." Karen said after them.
"I'm going to see Mia." Haley stood up too.
"Really? You're all leaving me alone?" Lucas protested.
"Well, Haley is the only one who doesn't need to escape, because she the only one who has been honest with me." Karen gave him a look as Haley sent an apologetic one while Lucas groaned.
"Of course she has." He frowned; Haley doesn't really have the ability to keep secrets for long, he has been on the receiving end of it himself when she told him about Peyton; she does it for good reasons though, but he still hates to be on the other end of it.
"You said it was an accident that broke your arm, Lucas." His mother started shaking her head.
"It was."
"It's not called an accident when it is a planned attack." She raised her eyebrows, "Why did he do that?"
Lucas groaned; this was exactly why he didn't want to tell his mother about it, now he has to bring Peyton's name into it, and he really doesn't want his mom to think of her as the reason why Dan sent people to beat him.
"He has been nagging us since the club took success." Lucas decided to build a base first before going into details. "Dan just didn't take it well."
"Aha, so the fact that he's playing father to the girl you like has nothing to do with anything?" she raised an eyebrow.
Lucas closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "Dammit, Haley!" he muttered under his breath and re-opened his eyes to meet his mother's smirk, "Look, mom, Peyton really has nothing to do with anything, he's been using her, she… she's not involved in this business of his."
"Yeah, I know she's not."
"You do?"
"As a matter of fact, Lucas, I do listen when people explain, so, when Haley explained things to me, I didn't jump to conclusions like you, my own son expected me to." She scolded.
"I didn't want you to worry."
"Why don't you let me be the judge of what I can handle and not?"
"It's not like that…it's, I know you'd try to stop me if I told you I'm after Dan."
"Of course I would have."
"See? Then I was right not to tell you." He said and she glared at him.
"Lucas!" she exclaimed, "From now on, you tell me everything; I need to know what my own sons are up against instead of being bombarded with sudden decisions I can never see coming like yesterday." She said and he didn't miss the look or the tone of hurt in her voice.
"I'm sorry, mom. I never intended to hurt you." He said, "And I'm sure Nathan didn't either."
Her eyes instantly lit up, "Have you spoke to him?"
"No," he quickly denied and then sighed, "I mean, just after the court like I said, his problem is with me though, not you and not anyone else."
"That will soon be under the bridge I'm sure; you're brothers." She gave him a sympathetic motherly look.
"I don't know." He sighed, "We'll see." He said not wanting to really make a conversation out of it; he didn't want to give anything away.
"Anyway," she said sensing his need to change the topic and knowing it's a sensitive, "No more secrets, okay?"
"Okay," he nodded although he just kept one from her a moment ago.
"Great then, I'm going to need to meet her."
"What? Who?"
"Goldilocks." She said with a smirk.
"Peyton? Why?"
"Why?" she repeated raising an eyebrow, "Well, I want to meet the girl who has captured your attention all those years ago, and obviously things have finally took a turn between you, and I'd like to know what she has done to you last night to return color to your face and revive your soul like that and thank her." She said proving that despite how secretive he believes he is, she can still read him like ever.
Lucas on the other hand blushed, only Karen –and Keith- had this ability to make him blush whenever she would make a remark about his love life, usually about Peyton. He opened his mouth wanting to deny but he figured there's no use as he let out a defeated noise and looked away.
"So? When am I meeting her?"
"We'll see about that, mom." He muttered.
"So, I'm right?" she smiled brightly, "That's where you were."
He groaned; he couldn't believe he fell for it once again, he could have just denied it, well, at least Nathan wasn't here right now, otherwise he'd never have let him hear the end of it if he saw his face right now as red as a tomato.
"Well, I got to go see how things have been around here." He said standing up while she never dropped her smile.
"Okay, lover boy." She called teasingly after him; while it was hard on one hand to understand what Nathan was going through and hoping the suffering on this part would end soon, Karen was glad that on the other hand her other son had found comfort inside all this mess and she hoped it was really worth the trouble she knows now he has gone through for.
"Hey, Luke," Skillz called him, "did you talk to Brooke yet?"
"Uh, no, not yet." He has decided to keep this one for himself for now, it was enough that he told Peyton and Nathan at the meantime, choosing to listen to Peyton actually and wait so he wouldn't regret anything later; even though he can't stand the brunette at the moment, but he should probably give her the benefit of the doubt, after all he really never heard what she has to say, so maybe he'll talk to her when he has cooled down a bit.
"Alright, do you have any plans regarding Dan?" Mouth asked him.
"No, not now either, no." he shook his head; he really didn't, Nathan was there and he didn't know what will happen with that, and he didn't even know if there was anything to find in the first place, he didn't know anything in the moment.
"Okay then, I think I have something, and I'll see if it's right." Mouth said.
"Something? What?" Lucas narrowed his eyes.
"Well, it's more of a theory; I'll tell you all about it if it turns out to be true. I'm investigating, just wanted you to know." Mouth elaborated as Lucas nodded and told him just to be careful or to let it go if it's not worth it, because Dan has proved to be a heartless monster who wouldn't flinch on crushing someone, but Mouth had his mindset because if his theory turned out to be true, it'd turn things and nothing will be the same again.
XxXx
Peyton thought it is absolutely bizarre the fact that at this exact time yesterday, she was worried that Lucas hated her, that he would blame her for everything that has happened, after all they had history of throwing false accusations at each other, but she was done, she just wanted to be with him, and she was sure of it when she saw him in front of the court, so if he has thrown it all on her she wouldn't have blamed him but she would have been crushed.
But, the way things have turned out, was better than she would have expected them to be, all she wanted was a chance to get to know Lucas, but, when he showed up at her door looking the way he did, and obviously needing all the comfort he could get, it suddenly felt like she has known him her whole life, and she didn't even think, she just for the first time let herself do how she felt.
For the first time, Peyton Sawyer sought the freedom she was always dreaming about, she unleashed her emotions and the outcome was beautiful, she thought it was magically strange that it was so easy talking to Lucas, she didn't only let him know she wants to be with him too or that she likes him, no, she invited him to spend the night with her… in the same bed.
A month ago, she would have freaked out if she was told that this would happen. But, then again, she knew by heart that this was just right.
Her mind worked but she only wanted to right all the wrongs she has made when it came to Lucas Scott, she knows she has been a part of the pain e has felt, and she wanted to take it away, that's why she felt like she wanted to take care of him, to let him relax, to consider the little things she could do to make him feel the slightest bit better.
Peyton wanted to help, and she was glad to see that it actually worked.
And so, she wasn't about to stop helping.
She knew that if Lucas knew about her plans for the day, he'd be mad, or scared, that's why she didn't tell him beforehand, she was going to tell him later though, she has had enough of keeping secrets, she was delaying the conversation till the night.
So, there she was walking the all familiar way until she reached her destination, it was a short walk anyway and she didn't want to take her car, she walked through the gate and up to the door and knocked,
"Peyton?"
"Hello. Can I come in?"
Brooke hesitated for a while but let her in anyway, she didn't know if she knew what had happened, and if she didn't know, would that just make her look even worse with Lucas?
"What are you doing here? Are you okay?" Brooke asked as they sat down.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Good." Peyton replied, "I came for you actually."
"For me… Lucas told you, didn't he?" she asked but she has already knew the answer from the look on her face.
Peyton nodded, "Yeah, he did."
"So, you spoke…"
"Yeah, we're good." She nodded once again, "How are you?"
"I've been better." Brooke nodded awkwardly.
"Brooke, what happened?"
"Peyton, I don't think it's a good idea that you're here. I don't want to cause any more trouble and-"
"Brooke, Brooke," she cut her rambling, "I came here by myself, and I want to talk to you, I'm sure Lucas will too once he cools down."
"I don't think, so, he's so convinced that I am not trustworthy."
"Well, I don't think that's true."
"And it's not completely false either."
"What?" Peyton frowned, "What do you mean?"
"Peyton, it's complicated." She shook her head, "Really complicated."
"I think I go along with complicated just fine."
"You'll hate me."
"I don't think I will." She shook her head, "See? I don't think you're a bad person, I have had my share of misjudgments, and I think I can understand." She gave her a warm smile.
"Peyton…" she started and stopped unsure if she should really give in and talk to her; she wants to make things right, she does, but, she doesn't want Peyton to hate her when she knows the truth, but then again, will it be any better if she didn't talk? Lucas already hates her and he has already told Peyton, and it won't be soon until he tells everyone else, at least if she told her side of the story, she'll have a chance.
"Well," she cleared her throat, "the truth is," she looked Peyton in the eyes, "I am working with Dan." She bit her lower lip.
Peyton nodded slowly; she won't judge, not now, she needs to hear the whole story, if she has learned anything recently, it's to never jump to conclusions. "Okay… what does that mean?"
Brooke was surprised by her reaction, but frankly thankful, "It's not what you think… not what Lucas think." She shook her head, "Well, it started way back when I wanted to start the garments designing the first time, I needed money and Dan lent me…" she decided to start from the very first start and she told her how she failed miserably and lost all her and Dan's money, and how he kept blackmailing and threatening her, and how he suddenly came to ask her for a 'favor' in exchange of letting go of her debt. She told her than how she really thought he cared for Peyton and she swore she would have never done it if she thought he's solely spying on her or that he'd hurt her or Lucas or anyone else for the matter.
Peyton listened and she couldn't hide the little bit of disappointment for the fact that her friendship with Brooke is based entirely on a scheme Dan prepared. She was still having hard time seeing Dan for he who truly is, she was still unable to let go of the idea of Dan being her guardian or the man she spent her life defending against all the people and the crowd, the one she chose to stand by against everyone else and took all the insults and the judgments for.
And now, she finds out, he's toying with her feelings, using her as a tool to hurt her beloved ones, and locking her away to keep her from her newfound friendships.
And to 'hire' Brooke to spy on her? That's a new low she didn't think of before.
Brooke proceeded to tell her she regrets it terribly that she unwillingly played a part in Lucas' attack, and then she told her how she tried to get out but couldn't, and how she was trying to flip the game on him and spy on him through Julian, but now, after her last fight with Julian after she realized his role in Nathan's arrest, she never let him in again.
"…And Peyton… I'm so sorry… I didn't know you were locked up. I thought that you were safe, and I thought having you away for a while will keep everything settled for some time until I have something on him… I thought it was the right thing, I swear, I didn't mean to harm you or Lucas or anyone else, I'm so sorry…" she was crying as she spoke between the sobs.
"Oh, Brooke…" Peyton reached forward and hugged her, "This is very messed up! How did you get yourself tangled in all this mess?" she said as she rubbed her arm up and down as Brooke cried.
"I know. I just… he got me Peyton, I owed him a sum of money, he waited until I was so desperate and made me do his work. I thought I was… being helpful somehow." She told her and then pulled back, "Peyton, our friendship isn't just that." She needed to tell her, "Dan might be the reason I started talking to you, but I really, really liked spending time with you. I really think of you as a friend."
Peyton sighed; she isn't going to pretend she's not mad. Brooke was one of the people she hated leaving behind when she went to Red Heights, she was one of the first people she ever trusted and let in her life, almost around the same time she did with Haley… she think of Brooke as one of the reasons she actually let Lucas in, Brooke was always pointing out his feelings for her and even her feelings for him, and she turned out to be right.
But she hated that it was based on a lie.
"You're mad, right?" Brooke squeaked out through her tears.
"Brooke… I don't know… I'm not mad. I'm sad."
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"I know." She nodded; it wasn't the time for holding grudges or looking back, "How are we going to get you out of this?"
"We?"
"Yes, Brooke, just because you made a poor judgment, doesn't mean I'll leave you in this alone. You shouldn't be in it alone." and she meant it; she might just recently becoming aware of Dan's devilish actions, but, she has seen enough to know just how manipulative he gets; after all he had her fooled for years.
"No, Peyton, you don't have to, you don't want to trigger him again… especially that obviously things with Lucas are… better."
"Dan played us all. Literally everyone participated one way or the other in his schemes, do you know why?"
Brooke shook her head as no.
"Because we all kept secrets and he used it to his own good. We weren't completely honest with each other and he used that to turn us against each other, I mean just because Lucas was too busy to share his plans, he managed to convince Nathan that he turned his back to him."
Brooke was seriously flattered; this was not the Peyton Dan was describing as naïve when he convinced her to spy on her for him. And it was true, Peyton was only restricting herself and her mind while living on Dan's terms, that have been imprisoning her all along without her noticing, and it took an actual physical imprisonment for her to see it.
"Peyton, that's really nice of you, but…" she blinked shaking her head, "… I don't think anyone else will see it that way."
She rolled her eyes, "Stop being so negative." She exclaimed playfully, "Of course everyone will see it that way, Brooke, everybody hates Dan enough. And if you mean Lucas, don't worry about him, he'll cool down and I'll talk to him."
Brooke was already feeling a lot better at how Peyton took it, and she couldn't help herself smiling, "You'll talk to him, huh?" she wasn't teasing, she was genuinely smiling, "I guess I've been right all along."
Peyton smiled, "You have." She admitted, although she knew Brooke will not let it go once everything is better.
"I'm glad you realized that, Peyton. He needs you by him. And you need him."
Peyton looked down for a second, "Is it… really okay with you?"
Brooke narrowed her eyes at her, "Are you really asking me that, Peyton Sawyer?" she tilted her head to the side a little; how is she asking this now? After all the pushing she has done for her to be with Lucas? And after all the things she also did that ended up sabotaging their coming together? "I've been waiting for you to come together for so long." She cracked a smile, "You are now, aren't you?"
Peyton smiled tightly trying not to look too happy about it, "Yeah."
Brooke saw it though, "About time…" she teased, "But, really, I'm happy for you." She smiled genuinely.
Brooke has to admit that it was hard at first to watch it, but she wasn't blind, and she wasn't going to see it and not address it. Peyton was the reason she and Lucas broke up in the first place, but the blonde never even knew it. Lucas has always been in love with Peyton, his whole life, even if he was so scared to admit, but, it's the truth.
Brooke remembers very well how she waited for Lucas to completely open up for her when they were together, but she didn't realize that he was already giving her all he could, there was a part of him that he couldn't just give, and simply because he always wanted to give it to Peyton all along.
When she has noticed his gaze at her every time he saw her, she was going mad, there was a time when Peyton Sawyer was her mortal enemy without her remotely having an idea about it, and what made her even crazier was when she confronted Lucas and he didn't deny it, she told him that he has something for the blonde and he didn't say 'no, Brooke, I love you' he instead said that he thought he was over it and that he never meant to hurt her.
When they broke up, Brooke was really mad and upset, but as time passed, she realized that Lucas was never in love with her, and that he really was confused, it was only misfortune that she ended up getting hurt in the process. She let herself fall for him too quickly at the time and he just never got there. She was able to let go of it, or at least tried to, because in the end, she didn't want to lose him entirely.
And when she saw Peyton Sawyer entering the picture once again, she knew what was coming, and it certainly awoke old feelings of jealousy, that is until she got to know Peyton better and she has to admit that she was curious to get close to that girl when Dan asked her to. But, then she realized she's really nice, and she saw the flame between her and Lucas before she could see it herself, she pushed her into believing what Brooke knows to be true constantly because she wanted to watch it happen, part of her wanted it to happen so that she knows she's let go of Lucas for a reason, that he really belonged to someone else, and part of her also wanted to make sure it was true, that Lucas really never loved her and that he always had eyes for Peyton.
It wasn't only to bring to people together, it was helping her move on entirely.
And that's why it was easier teasing Peyton about it and not Lucas, the night they fought, she was mad at him for all sorts of reasons, for the fact that he hurt her previously, and for the fact that he broke up with her for Peyton yet never took a step closer to her, and for the fact that he is actually upset Peyton and was driving her away –that's what she thought was happening at the time anyway.
That was until she started seeing Julian differently, she wasn't really holding on that anymore, she had another issue in her mind; she saw something in Julian, and it really bothered her that he was insisting on being a damned followed to Dan and not man up and stand to him, he wasn't being his own self, but she knew he has it in him… to be someone respectful.
"Brooke, he's coming again." Millie appeared by the entrance of Brooke's reception.
"Oh, God!" Brooke let out; Julian has been trying to make Brooke forgive him or at least open the door for him to let him at least explain himself, but she never did, she just left him by the door until he left.
And sure enough there was a knock on the door, "Brooke, it's me." Julian said from behind the door.
Peyton looked at Brooke with a confused look as she recognized the voice, Brooke quickly put a finger on her lips asking her to stay quiet.
"I know you said you don't want to see me again… and that you are making it clear by not answering right now… or… the previous times," he took a deep breath, "but, God, please, it's so hard. I. Need. To. Talk. To. You." He said banging his head slightly throw the door between the words of his last phrase, "I'm sorry. I know I upset you, and I hurt you, and I was… I was being a jerk."
Peyton looked at Brooke who had her face buried in her hands; she couldn't believe this was happening, this was Julian, Peyton knows Julian, he was filthy and disgusting and… stupid. But, this man talking behind the door, she only recognizes the voice, but can't quite picture his face saying those things.
"But, Brooke, please, I'll do whatever you want…" he paused and they heard a thud indicating he was resting his forehead to the door, "I said that day, and I said it every time after, and it never changed, it's not just a spur of a moment. Brooke, I love you."
Peyton's eyes widened at this declaration; this was Julian? She never thought of him as capable of having feelings, he was so much of a jerk that it was just impossible to imagine.
"I just need you. I need you to forgive me."
She looked over at Brooke and could see her struggle as she listened; Peyton saw something she never thought of before, it was weird, bizarre, unexpected on all aspects, but Julian loved Brooke and Brooke loved him back.
She was just struggling to let herself come in peace with it, which was perfectly understandable.
This was really complicated like Brooke has said.
And it definitely wasn't a time to hold anything against the girl, because Brooke needed her right now, and she's not going to let her down.
XxXx
Lucas has been waiting to get back there since he left this morning, it was still a new feeling for him, this was Peyton, the girl of his dreams, and she was his, his eagerness to see her again was only expected, so, when Peyton opened the door for him, he wasted no time connecting his lips with hers in a deep passionate and knee-weakening kiss as he pushed forward closing the door behind him before pushing her against the wall never losing the connection. Her arms ware crossed around his neck and his hands were on her waist pulling her closer.
"What was that for?" she asked after they pulled away breathlessly.
"I missed you." He said tracing her cheek with his fingers, "Also, I have always wanted to do that." He said with a boyish smirk.
She smiled although blush crept up her cheeks.
"You know, this must be my new favorite thing." He said, "When you blush, I mean."
"Now, you're making me blush even more." She said trying not to sound too shy but it wasn't possible as she looked down.
"I know." He chuckled, "I love it." He smiled, "Why are you dressed though? Where are you going?" he asked looking at her black tight skirt with the white tight blouse tucked in it.
She cleared her throat, "Actually I wanted to talk to you about that…" she bit her lip as she held the fabric of his shirt between her fingers.
"Yeah…?" he urged her to continue in anticipation.
"Promise not to get mad."
"What happened, Peyton?" he asked alarmed.
"Nothing, nothing, I'm fine." She reassured him and sighed, "I was already out. I just got back."
"Okay… where were you?" he asked already forming an idea.
"I went to see Brooke."
"Oh, God."
"Just hear me out."
"Why? Why would you do that?"
"Because Lucas," she used a high pitched voice, "she's your friend, she's my friend, and she deserved to be heard. And just so you know, I was right." She explained and taped his nose in the end.
He groaned, "You… you're…"
"Amazing?" she offered with a big smile that he just found the most adorable thing in the world.
He looked away fighting a smile, "Well, at least you didn't go to Dan." He said; that was his first suspicion.
"Well…"
"You went to Dan?"
"No!" she exclaimed and he instantly relaxed again, "I wanted to though, but decided against it."
"Wow, probably a good decision, Peyton." He said sarcastically.
"Well, I didn't, okay?"
"That's because you shouldn't even want to do it." He frowned and then sighed, "Look, I just… I just found you, Peyton. I don't wanna lose you again. I… I just can't."
"I know, Lucas." She nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck again, "You're not going to."
"Yeah, not unless you keep thinking he's better than he actually is."
"Trust me, I don't anymore." She shook her head, "Look at us," she smiled and he looked at her confused, "we just had our first fight after being together for less than a day."
He chuckled, "Well, to be fair, this was not our first fight."
"Hmm, you're right on this one."
"I like to think I'm right on everything." He furrowed his eyebrows playfully.
"Oh, no, you wish." She giggled, "Don't you want to know what happened with Brooke?" she bit her lip and he sighed.
"How about you tell me about it on the way?"
"The way where?"
"To the club, you're coming with me." He informed her.
"Just like that," she said with an open mouth.
"Mhmm." He confirmed.
"So, we're going to let people know we're together?"
"Please, everyone already know." He said, "Now get your coat, we don't wanna be late."
She reached for her coat as he helped her put it on, "I thought you were supposed to give me yours when I'm cold."
He raised an eyebrow, "So, you used me last night as a pillow, and now you want my coat, are you using me?" he smirked mocking her when she was accusing him of the exact same thing.
She hit his arm, "You're so cheerful, aren't you?" she said as he offered her his arm to hook hers through and she did.
"I have you to thank for that." he said and turned to kiss her forehead, and just like that she stopped bantering and melted next him as she moved closer to him and reached her other hand to put over their hooked arms just for him to reach his over hers as they walked the distance to the club.
The club was regaining its publicity, other than the people who have already kept coming during their crisis, there were now people who decided to attend again after Nathan's innocence was proven and people who went just for the juicy gossip spreading everywhere regarding the conflict with Dan and how sides are being taken.
Whatever the reason, customers were their again, and they liked the new changes Karen applied and spend some good time there.
When they arrived, Mia was just starting up the stage, "Oh, you got Mia." Peyton smiled.
"Yeah, Haley worked on it. How do you know her?" Lucas wondered.
"She used to work for my old tailor, when he died his son took over, and he's not the best person ever."
"What do you mean?"
She shrugged awkwardly; which made him concerned when he wasn't really before, "No, tell me."
"He's a jerk; he doesn't know how to treat women that's all."
"Did he… mistreat you in any way?"
"Look, it's nothing, okay? I don't wanna talk about it." She said and gave him a smile to get him to drop it.
He felt like he wanted to know more, he felt like there was a lot of unknown unfortunate events in her life that she's not letting on, he suddenly thought that maybe her constantly pushing him away must have been for a reason. But that would take some time to get to of course.
"Lucas, you're back."
Lucas almost rolled his eyes at his mother who came to greet him knowing she's only wearing that smile and eyeing the girl next to him waiting for him to introduce them to each other.
So, he thought he'd save them all time, "Hello mother. Peyton, this is my mom, and mom this is Peyton." He said in a fake bored tone, "But, you already know that." He mumbled under his breath.
Karen sent him a disguised glare as she smiled at the blonde who suddenly felt nervous, "Hi, Peyton, you can call me Karen."
"Hi, Karen, it's nice to meet you." Peyton smiled and stole a glance at Lucas for support; she didn't expect his mother there, she knew she'd meet the woman at some point but she didn't know she'd be at the club.
"Likewise, dear. Hey, Lucas, Skillz needed to see you when you got back." Skillz didn't really need him in anything, she just wanted him gone so she'd get to know the girl alone.
Normally, this would be too soon. Everything is, however no one felt that way because they were already late at taking the step of getting together.
"Oh, um, okay…"
"Go on, I'll be fine." Peyton told him even though her nervousness was still kicking in.
"Of course she'll be. How about a drink?" Karen suggested.
"Sure."
"Alright, I'll be back soon." Lucas said as he left them while Karen led the blonde to the bar.
Lucas figured the trick as soon as he approached Skillz, and on looking towards the two women, he smiled at their small talk and decided to let them go at it for a while, Peyton looked fine anyway, so he walked around taking care of his usual business.
And for a second, everything was just fine.
That was until Dan Shaw walked into the club with Nathan and Julian.
"You've got to be kidding me." Lucas tightened his fists as he walked over blocking the man's way. "How on earth do you think you can come in here?"
"Lucas, I just did." Dan said stating a fact.
"Well, you're not welcome." He gave a fake smile.
"By you." Dan pointed a finger at him, "But, your partner here," he pointed at Nathan, "invited me." He smiled.
Lucas glared at Nathan who was glaring back. Well, of course now it was all acting, but Lucas really didn't like Dan here, he knew Nathan did it to make himself even more believable in front of Dan, but, damn it was really annoying.
"What is going on?" Karen came to stand next to Lucas.
"Hello, Karen, aging is treating you just fine." Dan smirked looking at her.
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm a customer, although you should be hospitable enough not to let me pay, but that's okay."
"Dan, please don't do this." Peyton stepped forward and Lucas automatically held her arm tugging her backward.
"Peyton, darling, good to see you again." He extended his arms for a hug but Lucas stepped in front of her pushing her behind him with a glare. "I see." He let his arms fall to his sides, "You found yourself another protector then." He raised an eyebrow, "Although we talked about it before, Peyton." He gave her a pointed look.
"Is that a threat?" Lucas took a step forward.
"Back off, man." Nathan stepped forward challengingly.
"Really, Nathan? Now, you're bringing him here, and defending him against us?"
"You're the one being unreasonable. Back off, you don't want to fight in front of your lady."
"Let her out of this. I thought you said you're not going to be against your family."
"I'm not. Everything is fine; it's you who need to back off."
"Of course everything is fine." Karen stepped between them sensing the tension and not wanting it to grow even more.
"Nathan?" Haley joined the party.
"Later, Haley." Nathan dismissed and led the way inside the club to find a table for his 'guests'. Dan on the other hand gave them a nod and a smile as he passed.
"He's gone too far." Lucas dissed.
"Just calm down, Luke, give him time." It seemed like the only excuse they could give Nathan right now, they didn't know what else to say, it was too soon to tell anything, the situation was still heated anyway.
There was one thing Karen knew though; it was very not healthy for Nathan to be socializing with Dan. Nothing, nothing good ever comes from the man.
"Luke, I think it's better if I go home?" Peyton told him; she heard it when Nathan mentioned her, and she didn't want to stay in front of him with Lucas; it will only make him believe even more that Lucas abandoned him for her.
Lucas's head shot towards her and instantly gave a scoff, "There's no way." He shook his head, "Also no way that after what just happened you are going to stay alone in your home."
"Lucas…" she said attempting to disagree; she'd be lying though if she said that Dan didn't just give her chills.
"No, seriously, Peyton… he's everywhere, and don't say he'll not hurt you please, I think we all know he will if he wants." He reasoned.
"I can take care of-"
"How? With your umbrella?" He cut her off with a pointed looked and she glared at him.
"You know, I think he's right, Peyton." Karen interrupted as she put a hand on her arm. "You're always welcome at our house."
"Thank you but… that's just too much, I couldn't…"
"Honey, please, don't think like that, Dan is a dangerous man, and you're either his friend or his enemy, and right now you're with us so an enemy it is. I wouldn't just forgive myself if he hurt you. Haley is already with us, so you won't be stuck with an old lady." Karen attempted a joke.
"God, no, that's not what I meant, but-"
"I think you should come, Peyton." Haley spoke softly from behind her. They haven't spoken since the court, but Haley knew she owned her an apology and she was planning to do it as soon as possible.
"How about you just enjoy the night with us and then you and Lucas could go grab your things and come back home?" Karen suggested warmly and Peyton looked between her, Haley and Lucas and only saw warmth; something she hasn't seen before, she liked the way Karen said 'home', and somehow, and as crazy as it sounds, she thought it could be just that, just because those people were already treating her as if they really care about her… which suggested the idea that maybe they really do.
"I guess it's settled." Lucas shrugged with a smirk.
Peyton just nodded, "Thank you so much, Karen."
"Don't mention it, honey." She patted her hand motherly.
Lucas was too happy that his mother actually thought of her that he just let her handle the talk as he watched, it was heartwarming to watch, and in fact, having Peyton with them in the house would just rest his mind even more, worrying about Dan hurting her all the time was going to make him walk around with a half-mind.
Karen on the other hand, she thought there was something similar between Haley and Peyton, both were lonely and both were really nice, and from her own experience with Dan, she knew he wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of that and hurt them to hurt her boys or vice versa, and she had a motherly instinct to keep them safe.
She saw what he has already managed to do between her boys, and she hated it, she knew Lucas and Nathan originally hid Dan's schemes from her so she wouldn't worry, but she had to know that after all these years of enmity and hostile between Dan and her and Keith, he wouldn't just let it go like that.
If anyone knew how bad Dan can get when he feels threatened, it is her, she has seen so much of him already and she knows just what to do.
When the night was over, and when Dan left, she quickly followed, and she knew she'd find him in his office, and as soon as he saw her, he ordered his guards to let her in and leave,
"I should have expected your visit, Karen." He welcomed her, "Take a seat, please." He sat down himself.
"I'm not here to sit, Dan." She said sternly, "Leave the boys alone. Your problems have always been with us… and now with me."
"Leave them, huh?" he nodded, "They are the ones who triggered me, Karen; they opened a club. Maybe it's in their blood."
She cringed at his tone but stood still with her stern face, "I'm not playing games. Leave the boys out of anything."
"Or what?"
"I'll expose you and your filthy old actions."
He wolf-whistled, "That's dangerous, Karen. But, um, how exactly are you going to that?"
She raised an eyebrow, "Do you really think Keith would have let it go? Do you think he never held anything against you?"
"That's lovely, Karen, but I know your husband had nothing."
"Don't challenge me, Dan, because I swear to God-"
"Listen, listen," he stood up and put his hands on her arms and she harshly shrugged them away, "I am not going to stop anything, your boys are big enough to make their decisions and deal with the consequences… which is already happening."
"What is it that you wish to achieve exactly?"
He smirked at her anger and shrugged his shoulders, "Nothing. I've already achieved my big goal."
"Which is what exactly? Come between them? Separate them? Hurt them?"
"No, no, Karen." He smiled, "They did all of that by themselves, and anything that is to happen will also be their own doing… I just had to do one thing." He leaned closer to say in her ear, "Own them."
She stepped backward in a horrified glare, "Own them?" she scoffed and then gave a threatening glare, "You maybe their father, Dan, but you never did and never will own one bit of the boys, do you hear that? And if you come as close to try any of your schemes on them again, you'll have to deal with me. Leave. Them. Alone."