This is something I was asked to write to help save our beloved Brucas. It's supposed to be a oneshot, but it turned out to be really long so I decided to post it as a three part story.lol I hope you enjoy and everyone should do whatever they can to help save OUR couple. Go to s a v e b r u c a s . c o m for details. Just take out the spaces. Anyways on with the story.
Only In Tree Hill
Part III
Brooke let out a huge sigh of relief once they were safely inside Karen's house. The day had been a lot of fun up until the end. Hearing Peyton's confession had definitely put a dark cloud around the reunion. One that she had wanted to avoid herself by keeping her relationship with Lucas a secret. She'd been so considerate of Peyton's feelings. Why couldn't Peyton return the favor? Was this how it had always been? Had she always been the better friend? There were so many questions and thoughts circling her head. All she wanted was to get away from it all. She'd been crazy to think that nothing bad would happen on this trip. It was after all Tree Hill and drama was always lurking in the corners.
After walking wordlessly into Lucas' old bedroom where they were set to sleep Brooke began to look through her luggage. Quickly plucking out her desired night attire she turned to leave the room.
Lucas stood and watched her preform her tasks not bothering to look his way. He wanted to say something, anything, but he didn't know what was wrong. It was when she was about to leave the room he decided enough was enough."Hey."he voiced sincerely grabbing at her arm.
Brooked paused her actions and looked up at him."What?"she asked casually.
Lucas looked down at her confused."Where you going?"
Holding up the clothes in her hands she pointed out the door."I need to take a shower."
He nodded, a smile crossing his face."You want some company?"he could definitely use a hot shower with Brooke.
Brooke quickly shook her head."I'm tired Lucas. I just want to take a shower and go to bed."she gave him as big a smile as she could muster up before once again trying to leave the room.
Lucas was a bit taken back at her refusal. Something was definitely up and it wasn't just that she was tired. He stepped to the side and blocked her path.
Scoffing and dropping her hands to her side Brooke looked up annoyed."Lucas."she exasperated."I said I was tired. Just let me pass."she let out with a slightly raised voice.
Lucas shook his head."No until you tell me what's wrong. I know it's more than just you being tired. Just tell me what it is."he pleaded of his girlfriend.
"Nothing is wrong Luke."tried to assure Brooke, but no way was he gonna buy it. She could tell just by the look in his eyes.
"Try again babe."prodded Lucas. It had to be something serious if she was so adamant about avoiding it. Which also meant that they really needed to talk about it. What frustrated him the most was that he had absolutely no clue what it could be that was bothering her.
Brooke bit her bottom lip as she began to pull at the threads of her tank top. This was crazy. She was acting crazy. She was taking Peyton's stupid confession out on Lucas and it wasn't right. After catching the confused look on Lucas' face she decided to just tell him what Peyton said."It's Peyton. She said something that really got to me. I don't know."she murmured looking down at her hands.
Lucas looked on interested."Well what did she say. It has to be serious for you to be acting this way."he concluded.
Brooke nodded at took a deep breath."Peyton still has feelings for you and she wants you two to try again."she quietly admitted looking anywhere and everywhere but at him.
Of all the potential things wrong, this hadn't made the cut. Peyton wanting to be with him hadn't even crossed his mind. It didn't really make any sense. He hadn't spoken a word to her since the day they broke up nearly four years ago. He now understood why Brooke was being so distant. She was worried."Oh, wow...um...okay."he wanted to maker feel better. To assure her some how, but he couldn't find the words.
Brooke's face contorted in anger."Is that really all you have to say? I mean I just gave you some pretty big life altering news. You'd think you'd at least have something to say."she raved madly.
Lucas looked on amused. He hadn't seem her act like this in years. It was kinda funny to see her so worked up over nothing."I'd hardly call this life altering news B."he muttered in amusement.
Brooke scoffed."I just told you the love of your life wants you back and you're acting as if it's nothing."she was furious at his lack reaction.
Lucas rolled his eyes. He could see this was gonna get ugly. He'd hoped to push it aside with laughs, but Brooke seemed to not want to have any of that."She is not the love of my life Brooke. We were together for a few months only. That's hardly long enough to be considered the love of my life Brooke."
"Yeah, that might have been so, but you two were pining for each for longer than that."she spit out.
Lucas shook his head."Once again you're wrong Brooke. I was always pining for you. You still don't get it. It's you. It's always been you. When I'm not with you I want to be. You're the love of my life Brooke. I wish you would understand that so we won't have to always have this conversation. I thought we left all this crap back in high school."he finished exasperatedly. He couldn't believe how insecure Brooke was acting. He hadn't done one thing to make her feel this way.
"You don't seriously expect me to believe that this has no effect on you. That you don't care either way about Peyton's feelings."she prodded. She felt that if she kept this up long enough she could break him and find out what he was really thinking.
Brooke was starting to piss him off. Was this how she really felt? Did she still not trust him?" I don't know what you want me to say Brooke. Okay Peyton still has feelings for me. So what? I don't feel anything for her. I don't see why you're making such a big deal about this. Seriously Brooke just knock it off."shouted Lucas with fury. The last thing he wanted was to be fighting with her right now, but that seemed to be exactly what she wanted.
"I've lived through this twice already Lucas and both times I've come out the loser with a broken heart. Excuse me if I'm not all that thrilled of it happening a third time."she shouted just as loud. Lucas just didn't seem to get how hurt she'd been in the past. He didn't understand that her whole world crashed down around her every time he chose Peyton. If it happened again, she wasn't sure she'd be able to pick up the pieces.
Lucas looked at her defeated."I know that I've hurt you in the past, but Brooke when I told you I was done being the stupid kid that didn't know what he wanted I was telling you the truth. I'm not him. I know that I love you and I know that that's not gonna change. I don't care if you believe me. It's the truth damn it. Peyton can love me forever. It's not gonna change the fact that I'm gonna love you forever. I wish that you would just get that. I tell you I love you all the time. I show you even more. I don't know what else there is to do."he placed his head in his hands and paced back and forth. He knew it was a mistake coming back here. He wasn't sure what he was gonna do if coming home ruined his relationship with Brooke. It was as if this place was cursed. Bad things always happened here.
Brooke watched him pace angrily around the room. The last thing she wanted was to make him angry. She just didn't know what to do. She hated when Lucas was mad at her. She hated it even more when he acted like this, disappointed in her. She could tell that he was hurt that she didn't trust him. But she did trust him. She knew that he loved her. It was just that this had happened before. Twice. With the same outcome.
She continued to watch him. He'd long since stopped pacing. He had his back to her and was facing the wall. She didn't want to fight him him any longer. She didn't want any of this to be happening, but it was and she couldn't stop it. What she could stop was them fighting about it. She loved him enough to trust that he wouldn't hurt her again. Without a seconds hesitation she crossed the room and wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. She smiled into his back when she felt him relax into her touch."I'm sorry."she whispered quietly holding him tighter.
Lucas let out a sigh as he turned around to face her."I'm telling you the truth Brooke. I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, nobody else. I hate that I still make you feel so insecure."
Brooke shook her head."You don't."she assured."I know you love me. I know that you would never do anything to hurt me like that again. It's just this place. It takes me all the way back to high school. To how scared I used to feel. I know things are different now and I'm sorry that I made a big deal out of this. I hate having to have you reassure me about us. I know we're for real and there is no way I'm gonna let my insecurities ruin what we have."she shook her head adamantly."Not again. I'm sorry."she gave him a small smile.
Lucas nodded and pulled her into his chest."Me too Pretty Girl."he kissed the top of her head and held her to him securely.
After a few moments Brooke pulled away slightly and looked up at him."It scares me how much I love you."she whispered.
"Don't be scared, just know that I feel the same way."he affirmed lowering his head and capturing her lips with his.
Brooke placed her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. Her tongue trailed his bottom lip before slowly sinking between his parted lips. She smiled into the kiss as she heard Lucas moan in pleasure. It still amazed her how a simple kiss from her could cause that reaction from him. As they continued to kiss she began to back him toward the door.
Lucas took a few backward steps before pulling away."What are you doing?"he asked a little out of breath.
Brooke looked up at him mischievously."You said you wanted to keep me company in the shower."she smirked at the sexy look Lucas gave her as she pulled him by the hand out of the room.
--xx--
Brooke stood in front of the stove in the kitchen at the cafe an stirred the marinara sauce. Karen was making her favorite. Chicken Parmesan. Everything was almost ready and it smelled so good. She and Lucas had arrived early to help Karen set up, but once she got a whiff of the food she abandoned her job to check on the food, or rather taste it instead.
Lucas walked into the kitchen after he finished the tables. He smiled as he watched Brooke continually taste the food."What are you doing?"he growled as he wrapped his arms around her tiny waist from behind and kissed her neck.
"Nothing."mumbled Brooke as she chewed a piece of garlic bread and turned around in his arms.
Lucas' brow narrowed playfully."Right."he slowly let out before leaning in to kiss her. He pulled away quickly."Then why do you taste like garlic bread and marinara sauce?"he asked with amusement.
Brooke shrugged her shoulders innocently."I have no idea."the dimples that always accompanied a wide grin shown proudly.
Lucas rolled his eyes at his girlfriend and let out a chuckle."Can I have some?"he asked opening his mouth.
Brooke nodded and leaned back to dip the bread she'd been eating into the sauce before turning back around and feeding it to Lucas.
"I know our friends are not the brightest crayons in the box, but I'm pretty sure they'd figure out what was going on if they walked in on that."informed Rachel watching Lucas hold Brooke tight as she fed him.
Both Brooke and Lucas quickly turned in her direction."You scared me."concluded Brooke not bothering to leave Lucas' embrace.
"Sorry, but just so you know, you two suck at this."she grinned."Tell me again why you two are keeping the fact that you are together a secret. Because I just don't get it."she shrugged looking around the kitchen.
"You and me both."added Lucas as he kissed Brooke's cheek.
Brooke playfully pushed him away."We're doing it to save feelings from getting hurt."started Brooke but was cut off by Rachel's scoff.
"You mean the person who point blank told you yesterday she still has the hots for your boyfriend? Is that the persons feelings you're trying to spare?"she asked pointedly.
Brooke let out a sigh."She doesn't know we're together."deduced Brooke.
"Like that ever stopped her before. Why you still care so much about her feelings is beyond me."she let out casually.
Brooke turned to face her, hand on her hip."Can we please not do this right now? Everyone will be here soon and since this is probably the last time we'll all be together for a while I want it to be a pleasant get together. We could have more if someone wasn't leaving right after dinner."insisted Brooke giving Rachel a sharp look.
Rachel rolled her eyes at her."Don't look at me like that. Not all of us have the luxury of being our own boss. Duty calls."
"So what's his name?"questioned Brooke knowingly. She wasn't going back for work. It was because of a guy.
Rachel sighed happily."His name is Franco, but I just call him Frank."she shrugged.
"Is it serious?"asked Brooked interested. She hoped that Rachel was finally settling down.
"I think this is my cue to leave."laughed Lucas as he kissed Brooke before leaving the room. He gave Rachel's shoulder a squeeze before exiting.
"So is it serious?"repeated Brooke.
Rachel smiled wide and nodded."I think it is. I think I am finally ready to settle down."she said as if she had just read Brooke's mind." Can you believe that? Me settle down? We're actually having dinner with his parents as soon as I get back to Paris. So that's why I can't stay."
Brooke nodded with excitement."Good for you. I'm so happy for you. If anyone deserves to be happy it's you."beamed Brooke. She meant every word. Rachel had done so much for her in the past it was time she was happy.
Rachel shook her head."It's you. Which is why I'm so glad you and Lucas worked things out. You two always made each other happy. No matter what Peyton says or does don't let her ruin it."
"Believe me I'm not."laughed Brooke who held out her arms.
Rachel sighed with mock annoyance and pulled Brooke into a hug."Promise we'll keep in touch this time."let out Rachel seriously."I really did miss you."she added.
"I missed you too and yeah, we'll definitely keep in touch this time."said Brooke as they pulled away.
"Good. Now I'm gonna go see if Lucas' mom needs any help before I start to cry."let out Rachel sadly.
Brooke nodded at her red haired friend as she turned and walked out of the kitchen. She still couldn't believe that at one point she and Rachel hated each other because right now aside from Haley she was gonna miss her the most.
Not long after Brooke's conversation with Rachel did everyone start to show up. First it was Nathan and Haley along with James.
Neither Brooke or Lucas had seen him in a while so they understandably flocked to him."Look at you."cooed Brooke. You've gotten so big. Do you see him Luke?"she asked hitting him in the stomach.
Lucas laughed at her enthusiasm."Yes I see him B. He's quite the little guy."beamed Lucas. He hadn't realized how much he missed his nephew until now.
"He's like a whole little man now."let out Brooke in shock. Sure she'd seen Lily often, James was different. He was like a mini Nathan, right down to the basketball he carried. She turned to Lucas and pouted."I want one."she groaned.
Lucas let out a nervous laugh."Someday Pretty Girl. Someday."he knew he was gonna have kids someday. He even knew that they were gonna be with Brooke, but still the thought of having to be responsible for another persons life scared him.
"Did you just promise to give Brooke a baby someday?"asked Haley sneaking up on them.
Lucas looked up at Brooke before turning to Haley and saying the first thing that came to mind."Yeah."he shrugged."If she's good I might give her the privilege of having my kid."he smiled cockily.
Brooke let out a huge hearty laugh."I know you did not just say that Broody."this guy was too much.
"Say what?"asked Peyton walking over to the small group.
Lucas' eyes quickly sought out Brooke's. He wasn't sure how he was supposed to act toward Peyton. The last thing he wanted was to upset her like she was last night."It was nothing."he finally answered after a few moments of hesitation.
"Oh, well it's good to see everyone again."she turned to Brooke."You feeling better?"she asked sincerely.
Brooke nodded."Yeah, all I needed was a good nights sleep. What about you? How was it being back at home?"she asked deciding to just forget everything. They'd be gone in a few days anyways.
"It was surprisingly okay. I mean it was really quiet, but I was always used to that."she smiled.
"Yeah, you and me both."smiled Brooke sadly. Hers and Peyton's childhoods had been the same after Anna died. It really was sad how fast they had to grow up.
"Dinners almost ready."shouted Karen from behind the counter."We're still waiting on a few people right?"she asked as she sat Lily down at the counter.
"Yeah, Skills, Mouth, and Bevin."answered Lucas as his mother went back into the back.
"I'll be right back."chimed in Brooke before quickly excusing herself.
"Wow! I can't believe this is baby James."smiled Peyton as she took in the sight of Nathan and Haley's little boy."He's gotten so big. Where is Lily?"asked Peyton as she looked around the room wondering about the other little kid in the group. Her eyes quickly found the little girl, who was laughing hysterically as Brooke tickled her."They look awfully close."she smiled."I think I'll go say hi."excused Peyton."Hi Lily. You probably don't remember me, but I knew you when you were a baby."smiled Peyton."I was a friend of your brothers."she further explained.
Lily looked at Brooke for reassurance. She nodded so Lily felt it was okay to talk to her."Hi."she smiled before turning back to color at the counter.
Brooke let out a slight chuckle."She's a little shy at first, but give her time. Before you know it she'll be talking your ears off."explained Brooke.
Peyton nodded."Well you two seem close."she let out.
Brooke searched her friend for any bitterness she might find, but there wasn't any. It seemed like a simple observation so she commented."Yeah, well with Lucas living in California I tend to spend a lot of time with them when they visit."
"It's good you have Lucas to keep you company out there. I know first hand how lonely things can get when you don't know anyone."she informed quietly.
"Yeah, I know it too. After you left California I was there by myself for two years before Lucas moved out there. It was pretty lonely."agreed Brooke.
"It's amazing how good of friends you are. I'd give anything to have that with him."she let out sadly as her eyes landed on Lucas.
Brooke followed her gaze. She was looking at Lucas. She'd kinda hoped that Peyton didn't mean what she said last night but this proved that she did. Lucas made her feel so much better about this last night, but that all seemed to go down the drain with one longing glance at Lucas from Peyton. She wondered when the blonde was gonna tell Lucas how she felt. She wondered what he'd say to her when she finally did. Just the thought of Lucas with Peyton sent her sense out of whack. She couldn't think straight."I'm gonna go check on something."said Brooke not waiting for a response from Peyton before walking away.
Brooke was happy to find the kitchen empty. Karen was playing with Lily out front. She wasn't gonna freak out again. She kept repeating that over and over in her head. She was so preoccupied with her thoughts that when Haley went up to her she screamed in surprise.
"Dude what is it?"jumped Haley who was startled by Brooke's reaction to her.
Brooke shook her head."You scared the hell out of me."answered Brooke with a hand at her heart.
"Well I was calling you, but you didn't say anything."said Haley calming down.
"Sorry. I was just thinking about something."
"It must have been something important."interjected Haley.
Brooke shrugged uncomfortably as she looked down at her hands.
"Whoa, this seems serious. You want to talk about it?"she offered.
Brooke once again shrugged. She knew she could trust Haley. There really wasn't any harm in telling her and she could really use someone to talk to."Yesterday Peyton told me she still has feelings for Lucas."
Haley nodded at her words."Wow. Um...I guess that's a bit of a surprise. So how do you feel about that?"
"That's the thing. I'm so scared he's gonna realize he wants her too."let out Brooke sadly.
"Okay, and why does that scare you?"prodded Haley. She'd had a feeling something was going on with Brooke and Lucas and this all but confirmed it. All that was left was for Brooke to say the words.
"Because Luke and I are together."she spit out hoping Haley wouldn't be too mad at her for keeping it a secret."I'm sorry we didn't tell you. I was just afraid that if we told anyone the outside influences would ruin us. I just wanted to be us without anyone else. Please don't hate me."she cried out.
Haley snorted."I could never hate you Brooke. I am a little sad you didn't confide in me, but I'll get over that. How long have you and Lucas been together?"she was dying to know all the details.
"Since the day he did all that stuff to help me open my store."she cringed as she awaited Haley's reaction.
"That long?"shrieked Haley loudly."You've been with Lucas for a year and you didn't say anything."
"I'm sorry."interrupted Brooke."I know we should have told you. It was stupid not to. Just like it was stupid keeping my mouth shut when Peyton told me she had feelings for my boyfriend yet again."answered Brooke.
"What did you tell her?"asked Haley deciding to forget for the time being that Brooke kept something this big from her.
"Nothing. Rachel called me away before I had the chance to say anything. I totally freaked out on Lucas yesterday. We had this pretty big fight last night."
"Is that why you left early?"
"Yeah. I couldn't stay there and act as if nothing was bothering. I made Lucas take me home and that's where we argued. I told him about what Peyton said and he says doesn't care about that. He says he loves me."she informed Haley of last nights argument.
"Well do you believe him?"off Brooke's nod she continued."Well do you love him?"
Brooke let out an exasperated sigh."You know I do. I love him so much Haley."she swallowed taking a deep breath. There was no question how she felt about him.
"Then what are you gonna do about it? Is this gonna be a repeat of senior year? Are you just gonna give up and let Peyton have him? Are you gonna push him to Peyton?"she asked question after question in hopes that Brooke would see how ridiculous she acted all those years back and not make the same mistake twice.
Brooke shook her head furiously."No. I'm not gonna do any of those things. I love Lucas too much do that."
"Good because even without you telling me about you and Lucas I already knew. Anyone with eyes can see that you two are crazy about each other."she smiled at her skills at being able to read them accurately.
"I know. It's just that the last time this happened they got together and I don't think I could handle it if that happened again."let out Brooke sadly as she closed her eyes and fought back tears.
"I don't mean to sound harsh or anything but everything that happened last time was your doing. Lucas wanted you for so long after you broke up with him, but you kept pushing him toward Peyton. I personally think he went to her simply because it was you that asked him to. "
"That's absurd. He was with her because he wanted to be."opined Brooke.
"Yeah, maybe after they got together. I'm not trying to say he did love her I'm just saying it was because of you. But that doesn't really matter. What are you gonna do now that you know about Peyton's feelings? Are you gonna tell her you're with him?"
Brooke nodded."Yeah. I just don't think it's something to tell her with everyone around. I'm gonna wait until everyone leaves tonight."she'd already decided that doing it alone was what was best.
"Good. Now I don't know what's gonna happen, but what are you gonna do if she doesn't want to back off?"she asked knowing that was definitely a possibility. One thing she knew was that both girls had always felt strongly about her best friend.
Brooke thought about Haley's question. It hadn't even entered into her mind that Peyton might not back off. She shrugged."I'm gonna do what I should have done senior year. What Lucas wanted me to do. Fight for him. I have no other choice. I love him. We have a life together out in California. What we have is real and I'm not gonna let anyone ruin it." spoke Brooke confidently.
Haley smiled at her friend."Good. That's exactly what you need to do. I don't have anything against Peyton, but I know that it's you that makes Lucas the happiest."it was a simple observation.
Brooke nodded."I just hope it doesn't have to come down to that."
"I just know that whatever happens, you and Lucas are gonna be okay."smiled Haley as she pulled her friend into a hug. Besides all the drama that had once again found her friends this was really good news. She'd been waiting to get Brooke and Lucas together for forever.
"Brooke. My mommy needs you."giggled Lily as she interrupted.
Brooke broke apart from her hug and knelt down in front of the little girl."Oh yeah?"she questioned as she quickly scooped her up and carried her out of the kitchen."Were you looking for me?"asked Brooke as she approached Karen who was talking to Lucas.
Karen nodded."I was just wondering if you checked on the chicken while you were back there."
Brooke shook her head."Sorry. I was just talking to Haley back there. I can go back and do it now?"she offered.
"Oh no, it's okay. I'll do it."smiled Karen as she watched Brooke still tickling her daughter."You stay out her and keep an eye on her."she let out a small laugh before disappearing into the back.
"Do you hear that Lily Willy. I'm in charge of you now."laughed Brooke as she held her.
"No."giggled Lily playfully, holding out her arms for Lucas.
"What?"laughed Lucas as he joined in on the tickling. He smiled as Brooke caught his eye. He wanted more than anything to just lean in and kiss her.
Peyton turned when she heard a little girl's laughter. Brooke had walked into the room carrying Lily and she looked so happy. It wasn't long after that Lucas joined in on the tickling of his sister. She found herself smiling at the sight in front of her. They all looked so happy together. She was happy they were all as close as they were. It surprised her a little that she was actually happy for Brooke and Lucas when years ago a sight like this would have made her jealous.
Something inside Peyton snapped. If she was happy that Brooke and Lucas seemed close, did it mean that she didn't have any feelings for Lucas? That had to be it. It was as if all the pieces of the puzzle were finally coming together. The answers were staring her in the face. Coming here and trying to hide out from what she had in New York was a mistake. There was a great guy there who loved her and wanted her to move in with him. She had just freaked out when he asked and fled the state like a coward.
It had just been overwhelming. Peyton found herself scared to let things get serious with this guy. She was afraid he'd turn out like everyone before him and leave. People always leave. It was what she believed. So she got on a plane and ended up in Tree Hill. She figured if she could come down here and still make herself want something with Lucas it would be a big enough reason to justify not getting serious with her boyfriend. But it wasn't working. She tried making herself want Lucas, but it just wasn't happening. Sure she missed him, but she missed everyone. He and Brooke were huge parts of her life so of course she missed them more than the others.
Peyton now knew what she had to do. She was gonna go home and tell him she loved him and wanted to move in with him. He made her happen and she was done running.
"Hey."said Haley as she walked up to Peyton.
"Oh, hey."said Peyton as she momentarily tore her gaze away from Brooke and Lucas. She was thankful now that she knew what was waiting for her back home.
"What were you looking at?"she questioned curiously. The look on her face had been unreadable when she walked up.
Peyton pointed toward Brooke and Lucas who were still playing with Lily."Them. They look happy, don't they?"she questioned with a smile.
Haley's brows arched in confusion. She couldn't have heard correctly, not after what Brooke had just said."Yeah, they do."she smiled at the couple.
"I told Brooke that I wanted to be with Lucas last night."she spit out not exactly sure why. Maybe she just needed to get all this off her chest.
"You did?"asked Haley uncomfortably, knowing she didn't sound surprised, but Peyton was so distracted she didn't seem to notice.
"Yeah. I guess I was feeling sentimental or something yesterday. I don't want to be with Lucas. I was trying to make myself want him."she continued looking at the couple.
"Why?"asked Haley curious. She was a little confused by all this, but relieved at the same time.
"I was just scared about something in New York."she let out vaguely, not wanting to get into everything. She finally looked at Haley."You're closer to them than I am at this point so maybe you can help me understand something."stated Peyton intently.
"Yeah, I'll try."let out Haley unsure of what was going on.
Peyton nodded."Well I know that Brooke and Lucas are just friends and I'm happy for them, but I've watched them these past few days and I see how happy they make each other. Why don't they get back together?"she never thought she'd want Lucas and Brooke to get back together, but here she was wanting just that.
Haley was a bit surprised at what Peyton just asked her. She wanted to scream out that Brooke and Lucas actually were together, but it wasn't her place to make that announcement. It also crossed her mind that Peyton might just be fishing for information from her, though she really doubted that."I don't know, but I've asked myself that question so many times."she offered up with a smile. Maybe drama had actually passed them up this time.
"I really want to kiss you right now."whispered Lucas once he and Brooke set his sister down.
Brooke looked up at him."And I really want you to kiss me right now."she smiled as she looked around the cafe. They couldn't go to the kitchen Karen was in there and would more than likely lecture them about hiding out. She smiled as she got an idea."We can use the store room."she suggested with a quirked brow. Back in high school she and Lucas often found themselves in that room making out when Lucas would have a shift.
Lucas chuckled before nodding in agreement."Lets go."he looked around before slipping to the back.
Brooke quickly followed suit when she was sure no one was watching. The second she reached the room Lucas pulled her to him. He wrapped his arms around her and brought his lips to hers. Brooke kissed him back hungrily. She didn't waste any time as she dove her tongue between his parted lips deepening the kiss.
Lucas pulled her even closer to him as he backed her up against the wall. For some reason he just couldn't get close enough to her. His hand slowly trailed up her stomach. He cupped her breast and the moan that escaped past her lips only spurred him on. Before he knew what he was doing he had her shirt up and off her body. His lips left hers, but only to sear a path to her chest. He hungrily kissed at her cleavage before she pushed his head back to kiss her lips.
Brooke was desperate to feel his warm skin against hers. She pulled at his shirt and effortlessly pulled it over his head and discarded it with hers. She gripped his lower waist and pushed him up against her. At that moment she wished with everything they were back at their penthouse alone, but they weren't so she couldn't let things go any further.
--xx--
"Has anyone seen Lucas or Brooke?"asked Karen as she began to bring out the food.
Haley looked around. Neither were in sight."No, but what's up Karen?"she asked.
"Nothing. I was just gonna ask them for some help bringing this out. Do you mind helping?"
Haley shook her head."Not at all. I'll even get Nathan to help."she smiled at her husband.
Nathan groaned playfully."Somebody go find Lucas."he said with mock seriousness.
James grabbed Lily's hand after he heard his dad's request. They both went off in search of Lucas.
"See."said Skills walking through the door."I told you we weren't that late."he turned to Mouth and Bevin."They ain't even started eating."he concluded.
"Hey y'all made it."let out Nathan as he carried a big dish of pasta.
"Yeah, sorry we a little late. Bev's parents wouldn't let us leave."said Skills shaking his head.
Bevin let out a laugh."Please. You were the one that didn't want to leave. They were talking about some book my dad sent him that he just finished."
Skills glared at her."Girl, that ain't their business."he pulled her to him and playfully covered her mouth with his hand.
"Good. You're here."smiled Karen as she set the last of the food down."They still haven't showed up?"asked Karen as she looked around for her son and his girlfriend.
"Who you lookin for?"asked Skills not being able to tell who was missing in the big group around the table.
"Brooke and Lucas."let out Karen.
"Oh snap I didn't even know they were gone."he shrugged at mouth."Hold up lil man."he bent down and caught James as he and Lily ran into the room giggling."What's so funny homey?"
James just stood there not saying anything while Lily continued to giggle.
"Lily sweetheart, what is it?"asked Karen curiously. The look on her daughter's face was a sneaky one.
Lily removed her hands from her mouth."We saw Lucas and Brooke naked."she sang and quickly brought her hands back to her mouth and giggled some more.
Everyones eyes widened at the little girls words. A few people weren't at all surprised, but a few like Peyton and Nathan couldn't believe it.
Karen quickly ran to her daughter and knelt down beside her. She hugged her tight as if that would some how erase what her little girl had seen. She was gonna kill Lucas and Brooke as soon as she saw them.
Haley too ran to her son. She couldn't believe they had been so careless as to have sex with two kids around. She couldn't wait to get her hands on them.
Both Brooke and Lucas walked through the side door and stopped when all eyes turned to them. A few looked angry. Brooke turned to Lucas."What's going on?"she whispered to Lucas.
Lucas shrugged and turned to everyone."Uh...what's going on guys?"he asked hesitantly.
"Lucas Eugene Scott, you and Brooke have pulled some pretty outrageous stunts back in high school, but you two are adults now. You should act like it."yelled Karen with fury.
"Karen what are you talking about?"asked Brooke confused. None of this made sense. There was no way they could have done anything wrong. They hadn't even been in the room.
"I cant even speak of your inexplicable behavior out loud."Karen cringed. She was really upset that her baby had witnessed her big brother having sex. A four year old just shouldn't see things like that.
"Oh I can."shouted Haley as she walked over to Lucas and punched his shoulder as hard as she could.
"What the hell was that for?"asked Lucas with a slightly raised voice.
"While you and Brooke were in the back having sex the kids were watching you idiot."explained Haley hitting him again.
"What!"shrieked Brooke."We weren't having sex?"she exclaimed loudly.
"They saw you Brooke."said Haley.
"They might have seen us kissing, but we definitely didn't have sex. Trust me, I know."joked Brooke wanting to lighten the mood. It occurred to her in that moment that she had just admitted in front of everyone that she and Lucas were out back making out. Her eyes quickly found Peyton's. She couldn't read her friends expression.
"So Lily didn't see something she shouldn't have?"asked Karen still next to her daughter.
"Brooke had her shirt off, but her bra was on."said Lucas giving a little too much detail for Brooke's liking.
Karen sighed in relief."Oh thank god. I was so worried my daughter was scarred. I apologize for over reacting, but you two really need to be more careful."insisted Karen.
"I'm sorry too."voiced Haley looking at Lucas."I shouldn't have hit you, but Karen's right. You two really do need to watch what you do with kids around."
Brooke nodded."We really are sorry Haley. I thought I locked the door."
Peyton looked on at the conversations going on. Neither Haley or Karen seemed all that surprised that Brooke was kissing Lucas. The only face in the crowd that kinda resembled hers was Nathan's. It wasn't that she was angry that Brooke and Lucas were together. She wanted that for them. What upset her was the fact that they kept it a secret from her. No matter how much she knew it was gonna hurt Brooke she was still honest with her senior year. She told Brooke she had feelings for Lucas and now Brooke thought keeping the fact that she was with Lucas a secret was a good idea. More than angry she was hurt. Hurt that Brooke thought so little of the friendship the once shared.
Peyton stood up from the table and walked to the back without muttering a word. She knew Brooke would know to follow her.
Brooke gave Lucas a small smile before walking off in the direction Peyton did. She found Peyton waiting for her with her arms crossed."I guess I should explain."started Brooke.
"You're damn right you should explain. How could you not tell me Brooke" Don't you think I have the right to know?"asked Peyton with a raised voice.
Brooke had expected Peyton to be upset by the news but not this angry."You don't have the right to know anything."spoke up Brooke getting defensive."None of us have heard from you in years Peyton. You can't expect to come back into our lives and expect for nothing to have changed. We all moved on just like you. Should I have told you? Yeah, maybe, but no you have no claim or right here. You gave that up a long time ago. Now I'm sorry if my being with Lucas hurts you in anyway, but I love him Peyton and I'm not gonna apologize for being with him."she concluded with her head held high. It was like she told Lucas and Haley. She was gonna fight for Lucas. It had killed her senior year when Lucas told her she never fought for him and her response had been that she wasn't going to. The look on his face broke her heart. She remembered crying herself to sleep that night.
Peyton scoffed and shook her head."Is that why you think I'm mad? Because you're with him? I could care less about that Brooke. I'm mad because you let me go on and on like a fool about my feelings for Lucas when you were with him. I'm angry because you didn't feel like you could trust me with this. I know that there are a lot of people in that room that knew about you and Lucas before Lily told everyone. I'm hurt that I'm no longer the person you share these things with. I know I screwed up when I distanced myself from everyone, when I didn't make an effort to call you."she paused to take a breath.
"But I'm here now. I want to make this right. I want to be the one you tell all your secrets to again. We were getting there again even after Lucas and I got together. We can do it again Brooke. Lucas is with who he's supposed to be with. I know that now. I've known it for a while now. I didn't mean what I said yesterday."she watched Brooke give her a skeptical look."I'm being serious Brooke. You can even ask Haley. I was being stupid and I wanted to use Lucas as a way to run away from everything, but now I don't feel that way. Now I want to go home and I want to be with the guy that I love. I want to move in with him. I'm gonna stop pushing him away."she ranted pretty sure she was making no sense at all.
Brooke stood there motionless. She wasn't sure what had just happened, but it seemed as if Peyton was okay with everything. She didn't feel like she needed her permission, she didn't really care if Peyton was against her being with Lucas, but she felt a little relieved. If she and Peyton were gonna actually work on their friendship they both had to be okay with everything."I want that too Peyt, but so much has happened. I'm not sure we can ever be how we once were, but I'd really like to try."said Brooke with a smile.
"Good."she turned to Brooke and looked at her seriously."Are you really happy Brooke?"she asked interested.
Brooke nodded."Yeah, I am. He makes me happy."she smiled wide.
Peyton too smiled. She wasn't gonna lie and say hearing Brooke talk about Lucas was easy, but she figured she owed Brooke this and so much more for everything she put aside to be her friend senior year."Okay."she finished.
Brooke wasn't all that comfortable talking about her and Lucas to Peyton so she decided to change the subject."So tell me about this guy of yours."she smiled.
The girls decided to go back to the others after a few minutes of talking. Lucas watched as Brooke entered the room with a smile on her face. He watched as the same look appeared on Peyton's face. It looked as if everything was okay. He let out a sigh of relief. The last thing he wanted was for Brooke and Peyton to be fighting.
"Is everything okay girls?"questioned Karen as she sat at the table next to her daughter.
Brooke nodded."Yeah, everything is fine, we were just catching up."
"Well that sounds good. Do you think we could sit down and have dinner now?"she looked up.
"Sure. Sorry for holding everyone up."apologized Brooke taking a seat next to Lucas. She smiled as Lucas took her hand in his under the table. She gave it a gentle squeeze before looking up."God this all smells so good Karen. I just want to say thank you for doing all this for us."beamed Brooke.
"Yeah, mom, you're the best."smiled Lucas looking across the table at her.
The room filled with more thanks from the rest of the group. The rest of dinner went along smoothly. The conversation was kept light and they all learned more about what everyone had been up to the last four years.
Lucas stood up as everyone finished up their dessert."I just wanted to say something since I know a lot of you are leaving tomorrow. You can ask Brooke, but I was a little skeptical about coming. I wasn't sure that anyone was actually gonna come and then I thought that things would be awkward since a lot of us hadn't seen each other in so long. I'm glad to say that I was wrong. I haven't had this good a time since the last time we were all together. So thank you everybody."he looked down and caught Brooke smiling wide at him."I don't know if this will work again, but I think we should make another pact. Whether we all stay in contact with each other, which I hope we do, or if we all go back to our busy lives separately, we should all promise to get together like this again. I say two years from tonight we should all meet up at the Rivercourt. And we should keep doing it every two years. This way no matter how busy our lives get, we will always be connected to each other. What do you all say?"asked Lucas looking out out the rest of his friends.
Brooke smiled as she too stood up from the table."I think that's a brilliant idea Broody. Count me in."she said as she grabbed his hand and looked at Haley who sat next to her.
Haley stood up as well as everyone else and they all held hands forming a perfect circle around the table. The pact was once again set. No matter what happened in their lives they were always gonna find time to come back to place that started it all.
In two years time, the tight Tree Hill group would once again be back. Many things may change, but one thing would always remain the same. They'd be connected forever by this small town.
Things like this happened...
Only In Tree Hill.