I know it's been a while, and I am sorry for that, it has just been a crazy time for me. Hopefully it's getting better now and I will not be late again. It's supposed to be just one more chapter so there we go.

If you read The Bet then I am also working on it don't worry.

Thanks for sticking along and for reading this. So let me know what you think.

22. Warm rain

Sitting on an uncomfortable chair next to the hospital bed, resting her head next to his shoulder and holding his unmoving hand while fast asleep is how Lucas woke up to find Peyton. It pulled a guilty string in his heart knowing he caused his family and friends –and Peyton- pain in those past few days since he dropped it upon them he's going to kill Dan and disappeared.

But, it needed to be done. He was really ready to do whatever it takes to keep them safe, to keep her safe. When Nathan followed him though and told him again that he already spoke to the DA, and that at least he should try this plan out before doing anything stupid, he was convinced seeing his point, however, the DA told them that no one else should know but those involved, for everyone's safety.

And so, they acted out their plan.

And he got to confront Dan, get answers, and know for sure that some people just sell their soul to the devil, because there's no way Dan has one.

What really infuriates him though, is that Dan managed to escape, but at least they destroyed all his empire, they got the evidence, they got Mouth, they got his men, but they lost the man himself.

However, he likes to believe it's only a matter of time before he's captured. Now, there's more important things to focus on, like the beautiful blond sleeping by his hospital bed.

He slid his arm from hers and with difficulty due to his wound on the other shoulder, he placed his hand on the back of her head and gently caressed her hair back, she whimpered a little before shooting her head up alarmed and looked at him for a second before processing he's actually awake.

"Luke," she called, "You're awake."

"Hey, princess." He put his hand on her cheek instead, "I am."

"Are you okay? Do you need anything?"

He shook his head, "Just you."

She visibly relaxed a bit, "You… you idiot! You scared me! You… you-"

"I know. I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to."

"Why didn't you tell me, Lucas?"

"If I did, would you have let me proceed?"

"Of course not."

"That's why."

"You… you, bastard." She squealed and then took his hand between both of hers and brought it to her lips placing a kiss, "I missed you."

"I missed you too."

"Don't do this to me again, Lucas." She shook her head, "You don't know how scared I was."

"I know, I'm really sorry."

"No, you don't know." She insisted, "I don't even know… how or why, but… I… I have been on my own for the whole of my life and I was just fine, but now, suddenly, I can't live without you, and it felt like, as soon as you knew that, you went ahead deciding to disappear and with such a scary thought, I… I couldn't process that, Lucas, I couldn't imagine you hurting someone, or being caught or… or…" she shook her head with the horrified look in her watery eyes causing his heart to ache all over again.

"Hey, it's okay, I'm fine, I never hurt anyone, I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere, Peyton I promise." He squeezed her hand as she was still holding his. "Come here." He gestured pulling her a bit, as she moved forward carefully not wanting to hurt him, he wrapped his arm around her though and reached his other hand in the bandages to pull her arm as she wrapped it around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder while he kissed the top of her head, "I'm here." He reassured her.

"Thank God you are."

He felt himself weakly smile to that; he suddenly found out that Peyton Sawyer, the little girl passing by with her mother in a beautiful white dress who stole his breath away as a little boy and gave him the hardest of times when he just tried to approach her, that Peyton Sawyer has just stayed by his bed in a hospital waiting for him to wake up.

And he didn't realize how much he loved the fact that she's finally by his side until then.

"Thank God you are too." He whispered leaving a chaste kiss on her hair.

She nuzzled closer and said nothing deciding to be selfish for a few more moments before she will have to go tell the others that he's awake or go get the doctor.

"Peyton?" He was the one to speak again.

"Yes?" she popped herself up in the fear of hurting him with the position she was at even though his smile and his voice didn't say that. She looked at him and inspected the bandage to see if he was bleeding and apparently he wasn't, so, she looked back at him to see what he needed,

"I love you." He said managing to wash her worries away as she breathed out in relief letting go of the breath she didn't know she was holding.

"I thought you needed something." She told him with the biggest smile she has had in a long while; since he took off to be specific.

"I do." He nodded, "I want you to go get some rest."

"I'm fine, Lucas, don't-"

He cut her off when he reached his hand to rest his balm against her cheek softly, and she leaned into his touch a bit, "You should get rest, Peyton. I am fine, and I'm not going anywhere, and I'll be home before you know it."

She took in a deep breath and sighed, "Let's just get you the doctor and see what he thinks." She said standing up, "I should have done this once you woke up, but, well… I wanted to enjoy you alone at first."

He beamed, "You made the right call."

"I'll go now get the doctor and tell everyone you're awake; they were all worried."

He nodded and she stood there hesitantly for a while before leaning down giving him a quick peck on the lips before going.

Despite knowing that their mission wasn't a complete success, and that Dan is still somewhere out there, but Lucas felt a lot accomplished at that moment, maybe he escaped this time, but they did prove all the corruption around him, and getting him is supposed to be a matter of time now… so, after all, he felt like he did protect his loved ones from him after all, there's no way he can come near them now even if he somehow still has powers or connections.

And so, he can finally be happy with Peyton… and for that alone, when he woke up he felt like he was born again.

XxXx

"So, is this your thing? Exchanging casts between hands every other month?" Skillz said as he entered the hospital room finding Karen, Nathan, Haley and Peyton in the room.

"If it's keeping devils away, then sure." Lucas replied.

"Don't you dare wrap another cast." Karen said with a threatening finger.

"He won't; he promised." Peyton said giving him a look.

Nathan smirked at the look on his brother's face knowing he hates it when he's being treated like a child like that. "Yes, Lucas, listen to your mother and your girlfriend, if you have a broken bone just let it hang like that but never put on a cast again." He said as they laughed while Karen sent him a playful hit across the arm.

"How's Mouth?" Lucas asked Skillz who has just come from Marvin's room where he was healing as well.

"He's getting better." He nodded, "He says thank you by the way."

Lucas shook his head as a reply; after all, he was in danger because of them in the first place.

"So, when are you out?" He asked him changing the topic.

"Should be soon, I wanted to get out today, but, they preferred I would stay at least one more day to check on the wound." He answered in a bored tone. "By the way, if you're all here, who's taking care of the club?" He frowned.

Nathan rolled his eyes, "Relax, Haley and Skillz will go in a few and I will go later."

"Is it going well?"

"Are you really worrying about business right now?" Peyton asked him.

"I'm fine." He complained, "Why shouldn't I?"

"No, you're not. You have a bullet hole in your body, Lucas. Just recover and let us take care of your precious club."

"Is it me or is she getting jealous of the club?" Nathan smirked and Peyton's cheeks reddened.

"No, I'm not; I just think he should only focus on getting better."

"I agree with you, and Nathan stop teasing the poor girl already." Karen said and he held up his hands in defense while shaking his hands.

It wasn't that they forgave Karen for keeping the truth from them this whole time, but, after all that had happened, it was impossible to keep being mad at her; she's a mother after all, and at the end of the day she's their family, so, every other talk or reproach has been pushed to a later time where things would be more stable.

"Why don't you stop worrying about me for now and start taking care of yourself?" Lucas said looking at Peyton not failing to notice her pale face and the dark circles forming under her eyes that he has noticed since he woke up to find her next to him.

"I'm fine, Lucas."

"No, you look tired." He said guiltily.

"Actually, he's right, Peyton." Haley said, "You need to rest."

"What?" she gave a chuckle, "I'm fine; I had rest, I did sleep."

"You call fast-sleeping on that chair next to a hospital bed rest?" Lucas shook his head.

She groaned, "I'll have better sleep when we go home, I won't be here tomorrow anyway, so I want to stay now." She reasoned.

"What are you doing tomorrow?" Lucas asked in confusion.

"I have plans with Haley." She shrugged childishly and he looked between them questioningly so she continued with a sigh, "I just need some stuff from my house and she does too, so, we're going together." She explained to him.

"Oh," he nodded but couldn't hide the smile being happy at the thought of her settling more in his house.

"That's even more reason for you to go home and get some real sleep." He told her after thinking for a few seconds.

And as if on cue, Brooke entered the room, "Alright, so, I'm ready." She announced giving Peyton a pointed look; she was with them before, but then she left with Millie to go see Mouth, and she has told Peyton before she did that she will come back so they would go together.

"He's going to be fine, Peyton; I'm staying with him, anyway." Karen reassured her motherly as she saw the look of anticipation on her face, "You need all the rest you can get."

"No, mom, go with her… I don't think it's a good idea for any of you to stay alone for now…" Lucas said with a frown.

"Yeah, that's why she's coming with me." Brooke said, "Millie is staying with Mouth, so I'll be alone tonight anyway, so, we agreed that Peyton should come with me and Karen stays here."

"I never agreed to that." Peyton frowned.

"Come on, Peyton, you know you need it. If anyone came and saw this number in here, we will all be kicked out anyway." Brooke told her.

"Go. I will be out tomorrow hopefully anyway." Lucas told her and she looked at all of them basically all urging her to just go so she gave a huff,

"Fine, I'll go, but not because I need it. Because Brooke is staying by herself."

"Sure, whatever suits you." She smiled at her.

"We better get going too." Skillz said looking at Haley.

"Yeah, you're right."

"Okay, before you go though, since we're all here, I have something to say," Nathan spoke holding Haley's hand as she looked at him and then smiled knowing what he wants to say and nodded, "Haley and I set a date for the wedding."

"Oh, really? When?"

"Next month, the 10th."

"Too soon? Why didn't you tell me? We have to prepare." Karen said freaking out.

"No, no, we want to keep it simple. Just a small celebration would do." Haley said.

"Do you know howjkjj much it takes to prepare for a quick celebration?" Karen said in the same tone with her eyes wide while everyone else looked at her in amusement, "Anyway, we'll have to sit and talk tomorrow, we'll plan everything." She said shifting to excitement.

The others congratulated more properly since the time they announced they were getting married wasn't at the best time possible for such an announcement; probably the worst even.

And then, Haley, Brooke, Peyton and Skillz were ready to leave. Nathan asked Skills to speak with him a little outside about work supposedly so the three young women went ahead to wait for Skillz outside the small hospital while talking.

"I'm making you the dress." Brooke said in a tone that was not negotiable.

"I was hoping you'd say that."

"Oh my God, this is so exciting. It's been a while since I've been to a wedding, and I've never been friends with the bride." Peyton said excitedly and although they agreed, but Brooke and Haley shared a smile for a different reason, "What? She asked them.

"Look at how lively you've gotten. You're revived." Haley smiled.

"Well…" she smiled looking ahead, "Lucas is fine, isn't he?"

"Jeez, I wonder what happened to the Peyton who used to scream at me whenever I put her and Lucas in the same sentence." Brooke smirked.

"She opened her eyes." Haley teased.

"And her heart." Brooke continued.

"Okay, you too, are you going to keep talking about me to each other? Yes, I was wrong and I realized it, and now I know that I love him, happy?"

"Very. But mainly because you're."

She smiled at Haley then turned to Brooke, "What about you? Don't you think it's about time you open your heart too?"

"What?"

"I'm saying are you planning on speaking to Julian?"

Brooke didn't answer.

"Well, I don't know the backstory, but, we have all seen how he looked at you, so, maybe she's right." Haley put in, "Nathan has said he thinks he's sincere too."

"I never saw Julian showing any emotions…" Peyton said.

Brooke felt pressured; she has also seen how Julian looked at her, no how he has been looking at her, but is she to blame? She have talked to him and the way he thinks, and the way he responded to her scared her away, and yes, sure, he's just made a right call and stepped into the good side against Dan, but… it's hard to trust him; it's hard because it would hurt as hell if she did and she turned out to be wrong.

And suddenly, she understood what Peyton was going through when they were pushing her towards Lucas, she understood how scary it is to just let go and put your faith in someone from an entirely different world than yours.

"I don't know…" she mumbled.

Peyton sighed and before they could speak to her furthermore about it, Skillz came and they divided into two groups each going their own way.

And Brooke knew that since Peyton is spending the night, this won't be the end of it which made her wonder if it was the right thing to invite her over; because she just walked herself into it.

XxXx

On the contrary of what she thought it would carry out, Brooke was pretty surprised by Peyton's understanding. When they got to Brooke's house, the blonde had looked so tired as if she was finally dropping the act with her clothes as she got into more comfortable ones, and only the sight of a comfortable bed made her body ache for it, and as soon as she had hit the mattress, she was gone.

A few hours later, she woke up and while having dinner together, they got to talk. And talking brought more talking, and in the end, they had pretty much talked about everything, they talked about Peyton and Lucas, and Peyton voiced her concerns about how Brooke feels about it once again; since the last time she asked her, it was a hurried conversation while in the middle of wrapping up the chaos that took place after Nathan's trial –which seemed like ages ago already- and Brooke told her off pointing out she's the one who noted Lucas' feelings to Peyton in the first place, she went ahead and told her that anyone who knew Lucas for a long time, would know that he had always had a thing for her while only living it in silence.

Peyton, feeling encouraged, told her that she actually liked the confidence he had and the way he stood up to Dan the first time Dan took her to Karen's, only for him to go ahead and ruin at their very next real encounter.

Admiring the long way Peyton has come from then to this exact moment she was talking so liberality about her feelings with that proud smile on her lips, only brought Brooke's thoughts to Julian.

She wondered why it seems like she always chooses the wrong men, first she was with Lucas whose heart has never been hers, and now, her own heart is leaning towards a man who has been and known nothing but to be manipulative and sneaky learning from the devil himself.

And as expected, Peyton visited the topic again, and she asked her how she feels about him, and Brooke didn't know how to answer that, because she really doesn't know, she wasn't able to make up her mind about Julian and his intentions, all she knew is that, she wants to believe he's capable of being the good man he took a step towards being, but, she didn't know if she should give him that chance.

She didn't know if it's worth it, if he's worth it! After all, the last time she was falling for Julian under the cover of using him, she almost ended up losing all her friends. And really, she can't afford that, they're her family and she doesn't want to sabotage her relationship with them for something she has no idea how will carry out.

Peyton's only advice for this whole dilemma was to talk to him, saying that she should be able to make up her mind when she does so.

So, instead of going with Haley and Peyton on their tour to both of their houses, that's exactly what she was doing, with making the plan that they would pass by and pick her up with Peyton's car while on the way back to the Scotts' where Lucas should be out of hospital and safely home.

Haley told her where Nathan said Julian was staying now, and apparently, it was where they used to meet when going through their plan. It was a small apartment in an old small building in the one part in Tree Hill Brooke has never been to.

Yet, there she was, in front of his door and knocking softly after taking a deep breath.

The door opened to reveal a tall surprised Julian with a messier hair than she ever remembers. If he wasn't fully and neatly dressed she would have assumed he was with some woman, but, that left her with the conclusion that this is his state at home.

"Brooke," he said as if saying her name would make it real that she is there, and when she didn't evaporate in thin air, he moved aside, "Come in."

She stepped inside taking in the small almost no furniture apartment, and it reminded her of her own house just a sum of weeks back before she started making money from working with Bernice and started buying small stuff again.

He led her to an old couch and slid a wooden chair across the floor sitting on it conversely with his legs each on one side and resting his arms over the back of the chair as he looked at her, "I'm sorry for the mess, I wasn't expecting anyone."

She shook he head telling him it's not a big deal, "How are you?" she found her voice and thought that this was a lame start after she said it.

He nodded, "Better than before. How about you? How's Lucas?"

"Good. Good. He's going home today."

He nodded again, "Good, it wasn't a serious wound anyway." He said making small conversation and internally wondering why she's here and where the hell is this conversation going.

She looked at him for a couple of seconds and ignored his last sentence when she spoke again; she wasn't there to discuss Lucas' health with Julian, "Can I ask you a question?"

Apparently, they were getting to the core of the conversation quicker than he thought, "Sure you can, what is it?"

"Why did you help Nathan and Lucas?"

That was a complex question that Julian didn't know how to begin answering, so he cleared his throat awkwardly, "Why do you ask?" It wasn't rude, it was rather out of confusion, and Brooke was able to see it.

"I want to know…I didn't expect you to." She answered truthfully biting her lower lip.

"So, it's just curiosity?"

She looked uneasily at him, "No, Julian, you and I both know it's beyond just curiosity… and in a way, you owe me an explanation."

He nodded in understanding; she made a solid point, so he better cut the needless discussion short and start explaining "Okay then, at first, I thought it was only for you."

"At first?"

"Yeah, because I realized 'for you' actually reflects to 'for myself' because after all –let's not lie- I do want you. And I realized that if I ever have a chance with you I better start with giving myself a chance." He said thoughtfully hoping he's doing a good job explaining it correctly; he was never good with words, no, actually he has never tried words other than witty ones.

Brooke nodded; his answer wasn't what she expected but in fact it's better than what she expected. So far, he wasn't showing any sign for her to fear, not in his voice, not in his looks and not in his words, "Don't you regret it?"

"What? Giving Dan away?"

"Yeah."

He looked down for a moment before speaking again looking at her, "I thought I owed Dan for saving my family, but, the truth is I don't." He paused thoughtfully then continued, "I have been paying him this entire time by working for him… and it was half payback and half fear of him hurting them."

"Well, what made you think he wouldn't hurt them now if your plan failed?"

"I didn't. I actually didn't get into this plan until I was granted their security. The DA helped." He told her, "Brooke, I told you I wasn't happy about my life, but, I did think I didn't have a choice… and actually I didn't have a reason to change anything. I wasn't working for him because I thought he's a good man for helping us, it was a favor for my loyalty."

"You're not exactly loyal now, are you?"

He gave a side smile, "Like I said, I had no reason before, but when I spoke with you, and when Nathan did, I started seeing things for what they really are, and I realized this lifestyle was capable of hurting people I care about rather than protecting them, and I would have never forgave myself if something happened to my mom, my siblings, or… you."

She didn't say anything and he had a lot to say so he continued ignoring the fact that she showed no reaction what so ever to his last sentence, "So, yeah, maybe I grew up alongside him, and maybe he taught me a few skills, but he also taught me manipulation and to be his second. Do I wish it turned out another way? Yes, maybe. But do I regret what I did? No." he said answering her original question at last.

She stayed silent for a long time, longer than he liked, and he didn't know what to expect next; does she not believe him? Is she contemplating whether or not he will one day sell her out too? Because it's not an option.

"Are you not going to say anything?" he mumbled when he couldn't bear the silence anymore.

"I… don't know what to say." She said honestly and he could see the doubt in her eyes.

"What did you come here looking for, Brooke?"

"You."

"I'm right here."

"The real you."

"Right here." He repeated.

"I want to believe you."

"Then do it."

She shook her head, "It's scary." She admitted.

"I understand… but, why?"

"What if I'm wrong about you? I can't have that. I can't get hurt like that or hurt my friends for what it matters." She blurted out then regretted saying it for some reason.

He knew that all along, he knew she cares about her friends more than him, he knows it, but, he doesn't like it. He also knows she doesn't trust him, he was hoping he gained some trust lately though, and considering the fact that she came to talk, he should have gained it, at least he's hoping so.

"How can you be wrong about me when you were the one who saw something in me when I didn't see it myself?"

This one had her; she didn't know what to say to that. She did see something good in him.

"Look, Brooke, I have never felt this way about a woman before, and I know it's real. I don't want you to say anything right now; take all the time you want and make your decision." He was being the bravest he has ever been with a woman right now; he needed to say this so she would have all what he wants to say when she's thinking about it, even though he thinks he has a pretty tiny chance, after all what would Brooke Davis want to do with someone like him? He had his best luck throwing him her way, or throwing her his way to be more specific, and Dan having an upper hand over her worked as his door leading to her, but, now that everything is over, and that she's even regaining her name in the town once again, he's of absolutely no use to her,

"You know where I stand, you know where to find me, and you will always find me waiting if you decide to talk to me ever again."

"I…"

"You don't have to say anything." He shook his head.

She nodded standing up as he mimicked her, "If I'm honest, Julian, I didn't expect any of this. I… I will talk to you later." She said as she stopped by his now opened door ready to leave, but, before doing so, and right after she finished her sentence, she hesitantly moved forward planting a kiss on his cheek, and then she left.

A kiss that left Julian's heart dancing in his chest, his legs pinned to the floor and his mouth opened agape staring after her when she was long gone, but it also left him almost feeling guilty.

On waking up from his trance, he realized that it was a good thing she left when she did, or else he would have been late. And he couldn't be late.

He put on a hat pushing it down to cast a shadow over his face and left. He walked carefully, and by the time he was out of the neighborhood, he was positive he's being followed, but, that was fine; actually one of the first things he was taught by no one other than Dan Shaw is to lose trace of who's following him.

And surely, it wasn't five minutes of unexpected turns and hiding his body behind walk-byers and he lost him.

Then just for more security, he walked through a longer route to where he was going, and eventually, when the shop came to his view, he recognized the man with his back towards him looking at the shop window. He walked over standing by him and cleared his throat announcing his presence.

The dark haired man smirked, "You found me."

Julian let a smile on his lips pretending to be interested in the suit in front of him, "How can I not?" he replied walking a step away pretending to examine yet another suit.

"Were you followed?"

"I took care of it."

"Good. Now, we can talk…"

XxXx

"Are you planning to invade their house, Haley?" Peyton said in boredom as she folded her arms over her chest while Haley moved to yet another shelf in her cupboard going through its contents one by one and putting what she wants in a suitcase."

"I'm getting married!" Haley exclaimed making it enough for an excuse.

"Exactly! We need to get you new stuff."

"I will get new stuff! But, I'm not throwing out my old ones. Besides, I'm just keeping like only half of them anyway." She reasoned gesturing towards the things she kept putting back in the cupboard.

Haley was permanently leaving her apartment to the landlord, and so, she wanted to get all of her stuff, which really wasn't a lot since continuous traveling didn't allow her to carry a lot along, but, since she stayed longer than usual in Tree Hill, she has bought things from there, and those are mostly the things she's keeping.

"Are all of these things going to fit in Nathan's room?"

Haley laughed, "Quit complaining!" she gave her a knowing look, "If you weren't too eager to go back to Lucas you wouldn't have said anything."

"I didn't see him since yesterday." She reasoned.

"I never thought I'd see you like this." Haley smirked.

"Stop saying that." She said feeling her face heating. "I could have lost him, okay?" she said in a shy voice, "And… I didn't get to be with him enough."

Haley dropped the dress in her hands and reached over to give her a hug, "Well, it's over, you'll get to be with him for as long as you wish." She understood; after all, it wasn't that long ago when she went through almost the very same experience when Nathan was arrested.

"Yeah." She nodded and took in a deep breath, "Go on, finish packing so we leave." She said and Haley laughed shaking her head before going back to what she was doing.

Peyton moved over to help her and to prevent her from letting go of a masterpiece as she called it, however, not so long after, the door knocked, and Peyton frowned as she stuffed a nightgown in Haley's second suitcase,

"Did Brooke say she is coming?" Haley asked her.

"No, we are supposed to pick her up after this." Peyton said and crossed the bed in her way to the front door.

"It could be the landlord."

"Okay, I'll get it, continue what you're doing." Peyton said and disappeared from the room.

Haley wasn't choosing or letting go of clothes according to their prettiness or how fashionable they are, but, according to their memories with her, like she was instantly getting the creeps from the gold dress she performed in one of her nights at The Comet, the night that she began hating Dan, his club and the looks he was giving her, while a smile would come to her lips when she holds the dress she wore on her first night in Karen's.

She thought she heard a thud that made her head turn towards the door of the room dropping all her thoughts from her mind and dropping the clothes in her hand, "Peyton?" she called as she began moving towards the room exit, "Peyton, are you okay? Who was it?" she asked with her heart dropping as well to her knees.

"Peyton!" she screamed when she was by the door of the room and her legs that were sprawled out on the floor came to her view making her rush towards her, however, as soon as she attempted to, she let out a yelp and the room began spinning around her and quickly went black before she could understand what happened to leave her unconscious next to her friend.

XxXx

"Mom, I can walk!" Lucas complained at his mother's constant attempts of helping him walk or simply get him things solely based on the thought he might be needing them.

"Right, so, if it was Peyton doing this, would you still have complained?" she raised an eyebrow with her hands on her waist as Nathan chuckled watching his brother groan.

"I hope you realize it's different." He mumbled and she rolled her eyes.

"No, it's not; we all are just worried." She shrugged.

He groaned again not wanting to go through this conversation again; he never thought of the possibility of his mother being jealous or putting herself in a competition with the girl he'd fall in love with, not with him and not with Nathan, but maybe that was because he didn't really think he'd fall in love, or more specifically, he didn't think he'd get to be with the one he's in love with, so, it was all the same in the end, but, now that it has happened, he knows that Karen whom he has always thought of as a sensible woman is in fact hilariously jealous that both young men are now shifting their attention to other young women rather than her, and it made him wonder if Keith was still alive if she would have still cared or is it only because she was feeling lonely.

However, it wasn't even that big of a deal, at the end of the day, she loves both Haley and Peyton and he also knows for a fact that she considers them as daughters, she has always complained about living in a house full of nasty men -as she liked to call them- anyway.

But, that all doesn't matter now, what really matters is that he's home, and he misses Peyton who didn't meet them at the hospital with Haley and Brooke as planned… he was hoping that she'd be at home when they got there but now, obviously, if she was, she would have shown up already.

His eyes still wandered around for any sign of her, and of course Karen noticed and knew what he's looking for, "She's not here. She'll probably be here soon."

"She told you that?"

She shrugged as she tied up the couch absentmindedly for him to sit comfortably, "She knows what time you're getting out of the hospital, if they couldn't make it, they would come here straight."

He nodded not helping his mood dropping down just a bit; he was excited to leave the hospital and see her again, and actually spend some time with her and everyone else at night after the night in the club that he's yet again to miss, but, this is still going to happen anyway, he'll just need to wait a little bit more.

"Why don't you go change and have some rest until she's here?" Nathan suggested.

"Right, good idea." Karen agreed.

He nodded and Nathan smirked, "Don't worry, I'll send her t you right away."

He sent him a dirty look to Nathan's content.

"Nathan, don't talk like a pimp." Karen rolled her eyes at him before looking back at Lucas who was making his way upstairs, "Lucas wait, I'll make your bed."

"I can do it, mom, thank you."

"No, you can't. I left you two alone for a while and came back to your broken arm and your brother in trial for murder only for you to go ahead and get shot again."

"What does any of this has to do with making the bed?"

"It has everything to do. You know nothing." She said passing him up the stairs as Nathan stood there laughing at their banter as it finally seemed like things were falling back into place. As soon as they disappeared up the stairs, there was someone at the door, and Nathan hurried to open it expecting, Haley, Peyton and Brooke but he only found the latter.

She stormed inside in mock anger, "Where are they? How could they forget me?" she frowned tapping her foot to the floor with her arms crossed over her chest.

"What? Who?"

"Your fiancé and your brother's lover."

"What are you talking about? And why are you here alone? Aren't you supposed to come with them?"

"Exactly!" she exclaimed, "They never showed up. Aren't they here?"

"No. I thought you were driving them late." He admitted and she glared at him.

"I thought they were running late so Peyton preferred to run to meet Lucas at the hospital and was mad they didn't let me know at least." She frowned.

"What is taking them so long?" He frowned.

Brooke looked up at him with big eyes, worry beginning to kick in, "I don't know, they were only picking up their things." She shook her head, "They should have been at my house like an hour ago."

"Exactly." He spoke in a lower tone, "That's why I thought you had to be the reason they're late."

There was no time for her to take offence at his note this time, "Do you think… Do you think something happened?"

"Oh, you're here, where's Peyton? She needs to go to Lucas before he starts getting all grumpy and-" Karen spoke as she came down the stairs but stopped her joking sentence in the middle looking at their pale faces looking back at her and she moved over to them wearing a worried frown, "Is something the matter?"

"Haley and Peyton never went to Brooke."

Her frown deepened, "But, they were supposed to- wait, you don't know where they are?" she looked between them with high eyebrows and wide eyes with her face paling.

Brooke shook her head, "I thought I'd find them here."

"I will go check what happened. Maybe the car broke down or something…" Nathan said knowing that if the car broke down they wouldn't stand helplessly next to it, nor will they care to get it fixed at the moment and will instead get a cap and deal with it later, if they didn't show up, there had to be a strong reason, strong enough to make Peyton miss Lucas' departure of the hospital when she was refusing to leave his side at all.

"I'll come with you." Brooke said and he nodded not really knowing if it's the right thing to do or not. But, it sure will be if it turned out that something is wrong and he would need someone to think with, and maybe it's selfish of him, but he was honestly tired and scared to hell to have to go through the same cycle once again.

"Wait, what do I tell Lucas?" Karen asked with panicked eyes.

"Don't tell him anything. Stall." Nathan replied hurriedly and Karen knew he's right, she knew that there could be something wrong, and if Lucas heard, he'd not like being left out of the search party which he surely can't handle now.

And so, Brooke and Nathan left with no further words hoping for the best.

XxXx

While Brooke and Nathan were making a tour looking for both girls at all the possible places, and as they first went to Peyton's house to find it deadly silent, and then off to Haley's apartment to find Peyton's car parking in peace there and then the worrying abandoned clothes up there with no sign of them as if they just vanished into thin air, and while they were panicking and decided to make one more stop at the club in the hopes that something occurred and they had to go fix it, while this journey was taking place both girls were slowly regaining their conscience back.

Haley groaned in pain feeling the throbbing ache in her head where she was hit, she painfully opened her eyes blinking as she saw the faint rays of light that escaped the high windows in the opposite wall making it clear that it will soon be dark.

"Haley?" she looked towards the source of the sound in the completely empty dark place that looked like a storage, she made out the outline of a tall man sitting in the opposite chair with her narrowed eyes and it took her a couple more seconds to recognize him.

"Julian?" she called out in surprise and tried to move only to find out her arms and legs are tied to the chair she's sitting on, and it took her another second to figure out Julian was too, and then she remembered what happened.

And with panic, she looked to her side to see Peyton in the very same position still unconscious with her head falling to her chest; it was only when she called her name three times and began to wonder if something else was wrong with her that the blonde began to wake up.

She went through the exact same things Haley did when she woke up and soon fear and confusion were the uninvited guest among them.

"Where are we?" Haley asked looking around.

"I can take a wild guess." Julian said with a frown.

Peyton's eyes fell on him for a while thoughtfully and he looked back at her when he felt her look, "What happened to you?" she asked.

"I was at home, the door knocked, I opened, and next thing I know, I'm here."

"That's exactly what happened to us." Haley told him, "Do you think… Do you think it's him?" she whispered fearfully.

"I can't think of someone else who would be poetic enough to kidnap the three of us?" Julian answered her logically. "Don't worry, I'll find a way and get you out of here, I promise."

"Why the three of us?"

"To get back at Lucas, Nathan and Brooke." Peyton answered her with a hint of sadness in her voice; she should have known that he wouldn't let her be just like this, she should have known Dan better than this.

Haley grumbled in annoyance, "What does he still want from us? Isn't it enough already? Isn't it over?"

"Dan doesn't accept defeat." Julian said.

"Nor does he accept treason." Came the voice of the one and only Dan from behind the girls and facing Julian at the door of the storage that closed dramatically after him following his sentence. "And the three of you betrayed me." He said calmly walking over towards them.

He stood next to Peyton, "And for what?" he asked in the same tone raising his hand to touch her cheek as she cringed moving her face away with the little movement her position allows, however he still touched her again tracing the back of his fingers down to her neck and collar bone. "Love?" he whispered pushing her hair back to her back before moving towards Haley and traced one finger from her lips down to her chin and neck, "Fame?" He then turned around and gave Julian a knowing look, "Or redemption?"

"No one betrayed you, Dan." Peyton spoke, "We all simply took the right decisions for us… and the right ones regarding you in general."

"No, no, dear Peyton, you still don't understand." He said walking up towards her and cupping her face, "You switched sides to those no-ones and gave them the impression they are stronger than me, which can't be true."

"But, it is. You're evil, Dan. And evil can't win."

He burst out laughing, "God, you're still as naïve as I've ever known you." He shook his head, "Power always win, Peyton. But, it's okay, I'm correcting things now and getting back what's mine. Whether you like it or not, you three are back where you belong: my side."

"You don't own us, Dan." Peyton shouted with potential.

He gave a lopsided grin, "You sound a lot like my son, the blonde one."

"His name is Lucas!"

"So cute, Peyton. So cute!"

"Do you think you'll get away with it? It's over, Dan." Haley said with a glare, "The police are looking for you, you're uncovered. The empire you're trying to save no longer exists."

"The empire I have is a legend, Haley. If it's not meant to be continued here, then somewhere else with a whole new name."

"You still don't get it, do you?" She gave a sympathetic smile, "I'm telling you it's over, you have nothing left. No men, no money, no one. Nothing."

"Do I?" he questioned, "Do I, Julian? You've been so quiet, what do you think, or are you enjoying the show?"

Julian just looked up at him and said nothing under the pressure of the three set of eyes on him,

"What's going on? I didn't know you to be so shy." Dan said shaking his head, "Do you not like big revelations anymore?"

"It was you, wasn't it?" Peyton spook looking straight at Julian with hatred. She shook her head, "I thought it was, but… yet, you're here… tied up…" the man at Haley's door had his face covered but for the eyes, but Peyton thought they were a familiar set and seeing Julian when she woke up triggered the memory but she had to let it go thinking it can't be true.

"What are you talking about?" Haley asked her.

"It was him, Haley. The one who got us here. He's working for Dan."

"What?!"

"That's quite an improvement." Dan said impressed, "But, being smart doesn't really help you now, does it?"

"Julian, is it true?" Haley asked him.

"Answer her, Julian, I see Peyton's spirit rubbed on her." He chuckled moving to stand behind him beginning to fiddle with the robe tying his hands.

Julian looked her straight in the eyes and with a confident scary look that neither girls wished to see on his face ever again he spoke, "Did you really think I would betray Dan?"