Chapter Twenty-Four: Those read and delete girls

"Brooke, wait up" Lucas said following Brooke out into the hall.

Brooke continued walking until her anger got the better of her "What is with you Lucas?" She said turning around unexpectedly "Nothing happened between me and Dean"

"That's not what Dan said" Lucas fired back

"Since when did you believe everything Dan told you? And the last time I checked… you were the lying, cheating jerk NOT ME!" Brooke shouted back.

"Are you ever going to forgive me for that?" Lucas retorted sounding exasperated.

"Oh I forgave you a long time ago Lucas; it's just the forgetting that's not that easy"

"Brooke…"

"And even if something did happen between me and Dean, it has nothing to do with you; I don't need you protecting me"

Lucas shook his head. Brooke not needing him was becoming more and more familiar to him. "You never need me Brooke" Lucas muttered hopelessly

"What as apposed to your girlfriend Peyton who always does"

Lucas ignored the Peyton comment continuing with what he was saying "How do you expect me to be there for you, if you're so damn head-strong that you won't allow yourself to need anyone"

"You're kidding right?" Brooke brushed her hair behind her ears, putting her hands together, clearly stressing her point "I needed you Lucas I did... I needed you to tell me the truth about your kiss with Peyton... I needed you all this time when I haven't been talking to my best friend or when my parents haven't even cared to call me to see if I'm…" Brooke broke off, reluctant to talk about her parents or lack of them.

Lucas caught her eye, he knew that she didn't have a good relationship with her parents, in fact she didn't really have one at all, but having her stand there in front of him unable to talk about it because it hurt so much; made him wish more than ever, that in that moment he could just hold her, just be there for her and be all the love she'd ever need.

Brooke took a deep breath "Lucas… I needed you to need me back and you couldn't ever do that"

"Brooke… I did need you, I still do" Lucas looked Brooke in the eyes wanting so badly to hold her as he told her how he felt "I might not have said it Brooke, but I couldn't have gotten through Keith's death without you, I needed you then more than I've ever needed anyone before… Some mornings, thinking about you, knowing that I was going to see you was the only thing that got me up, out of bed…"

Brooke could feel her eyes burning.

"You were so strong, you were there for me and I loved you so much for that."

Brooke could feel her heart melting, she knew all she wanted to do at that very moment, was run into his arm and tell him to 'hurry up and kiss her already' but she couldn't. There was still that voice nagging away at her, that persistent thought

"Lucas… about Peyton…" Brooke practically whispered, as if to try not to ruin the moment.

"We're not together anymore" Lucas smiled slightly stepping forward.

Brooke noticed how Lucas had stepped forward as he said that, how he'd smiled as if given a new hope. "I know, she told me" Brooke replied watching him closely.

Lucas looked a little surprised but glad "I was thinking that we…"

"We could what Lucas?" Brooke snapped "There is no "we" Lucas" Brooke said stepping backwards. She could see it all know, why Lucas was being so open, so out there, why he all of a sudden had this desire to talk about how he felt "God, this is just like you" Brooke smiled bitterly "You break up with Peyton and you realise there's a vacancy for 'Lucas's new girlfriend' and you think right… I'll get with Brooke"

"Brooke…" Lucas tried, confused at why she had gotten so angry.

"No, I suppose it is my turn right. Brooke, Peyton, Brooke, Peyton… do you know how sad that sounds"

"Brooke it's not like that"

"You're right its not, because I'm not going to let it happen again, this yo-yoing between Peyton and I... I get it, she broke up with you and you don't want to be alone"

"Brooke that's not it and you know it. You're just saying all of this because you're afraid"

"Afraid of what?"

"Of being with me. You think I'll hurt you again"

"Can you blame me" Brooke said, unsure whether she had just admitted to wanting to be with him.

"You're not going to push me away Brooke. When we got back together, I told you I'd never let you go again and I did. Letting you go was the biggest mistake of my life and I can't take it back. But what I can do is fight like hell to be with you, to prove to you that I love you and that I'm in love with you"

Brooke couldn't hold back the tears anymore. She didn't want to be vulnerable… not again. She didn't want to admit that she still loved him, that despite everything he had done, everything that had happened between the two of them… that she wanted to be his pretty girl again. Brooke turned and ran out of the building, tears running down her cheeks. She wanted so much to tell him she felt the same but she couldn't.

She just couldn't.

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The phone rang loudly echoing throughout the landing.

"Are you gonna get that?" Rachel asked from upstairs

"Yeah sure" Brooke said getting up from the sofa to answer the phone. "Hello"

"Hey Brooke"

"Hey Mouth" Brooke smiled, surprising herself. She didn't know she'd be happy to hear from him until now. "What's up?" Brooke asked

"Nothing much, just wanted to see if you were okay, after today. I didn't see you for the rest of the day"

"Yeah I went home… I should really stop doing that; the teachers might actually start to notice"

Mouth laughed and so did Brooke. It was strange how they could most times be so absorbed with the whole Dan fiasco and yet have moments where it would seem as if none of it even existed, as if they were just two friends talking, laughing, being there for one another; without what felt like the weight of the world problems on their shoulders.

"Did you get my text about Dan?" Mouth asked

"Erm…" Brooke thought before remembering "Oh crap. No I didn't… what did it say?" Brooke asked.

"Why, what's wrong?"

"Well it depends on what it said… was it the sort of text anyone could read or the sort of text that…"

"That shouldn't be read anyone else except you" Mouth said, finishing her sentence "Why did Rachel see it?"

"Worse…" Brooke said

"Who?"

"What did it say?" Brooke asked again, not wanting to tell Mouth were her cell phone could be.

"It just said, not to worry about Dan thinking it's you, that he has no proof and that I'm sorry I haven't been there for you... something like that"

Brooke smiled at the words, before reverting back to the reality of the situation. "I left my purse at Dan's… and it has my cell in it"

Mouth didn't respond.

"Mouth, you still there?"

"Yeah I am" Mouth said slowly, trying to think "Brooke… you've got to get it back"

"How? Lucas did say, he'd ask Karen to get it from Dan next time"

"No don't do that" Mouth said quickly "What if he doesn't know you left it there and getting Karen to tell him, could draw attention to it and he's just read your texts… oh my god what about all the other stuff I've sent you, tell me you've deleted them"

Brooke's heart started to beat faster "Why couldn't I be one of those read and delete girls"

"Brooke, you've got to get it back"

"How?"

Mouth paused long enough for Brooke to realise what he was suggesting.

"No, no way. I promised myself that I would never go back to that house again, not again"

"Brooke…"

"No Mouth, I'm not doing it. If you're so concerned about it, why don't you get it"

"Brooke we have to…" Mouth began

"Look Mouth, I have to go. I have and incoming call" Brooke lied

"Brooke" Mouth said

"I'll talk to you later"

"But…"

"Bye" Brooke said quickly putting the phone down. She knew she couldn't let herself be talked into going to Dan's house again. I mean, sure Dan had her purse but she could easily get it back from Karen right?

Although Brooke tried to convince herself that telling Karen was the best option she knew that Mouth was right. She had to get it back.

"Hey Rach, I'm going out for a bit" Brooke called, wanting to avoid staying in and going around circles thinking about it all night.

"Ok, well if I'm not here when you get back… don't wait up" Rachel smiled widely, leaning over the banister.

"Do I even want to know this time?" Brooke asked preparing herself to cringe at Rachel's sordid response.

"Hmmm… you might not want to know" Rachel grinned "But Josh Barts definitely does"

"Oh my God… him again" Brooke said tilting her head back "I thought you dumped him because he was, what was it… too dumb"

"Yeah well he got smart again" Rachel grinned, shrugging her shoulders

"And yet you're still shallow. I guess change isn't for everyone" Brooke teased

"Whatever just get your skanky ass out of here already"

"I'll take that as a goodbye then shall I" Brooke smiled

"Bye" Rachel waved sarcastically, before laughing "See you later"

"Bye" Brooke smiled, grabbing her jacket and heading out the door, into the darkness. She wasn't sure where she was going, all she knew is that she needed to think that or try and stop thinking about everything.

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It was a quarter past nine. Lucas had just locked up the café and his mum was already asleep. He walked through the kitchen, past Karen's room; briefly looking in to check on her before making his way towards his bedroom.

As he approached his room, he could see his light on. Lucas wondered who it could be… Nathan? Although long gone were the days when Nathan used to crash at Lucas's after a fight with Haley. Nathan had really pulled his act together, taking care of Haley and their unborn baby, Lucas often found himself envious of his brother, for becoming the man he had struggled to become.

Lucas slowly entered the room, looking towards the door, but there appeared to be no-one.

"Hey" said a raspy voice from behind him.

Lucas spun around quickly, shocked by the presence of the beautiful brunette standing in his room. "Oh my god, you scared me…I think I just had a heart attack" Lucas said putting his hand to his heart

"Luke, are you serious?" Brooke asked, worried

Lucas nodded quickly, leaning forward.

"Oh my god, I'm sorry, are you okay, do you…, should I…?" Brooke stuttered stepping towards him, really concerned.

"Yeah, I think I'll be fine as long as you keep doing what you're doing right now" Lucas said, his hand still on his heart.

"Yeah sure, what is it?" Brooke asked, stroking his shoulder

"Talking to me" Lucas smiled, unable to pretend anymore

"Lucas Eugene Scott, I am going to kill you" Brooke said hitting him

"Hey" Lucas said, faking to be hurt

"I was seriously worried there"

"Sorry" Lucas smiled before bursting out laughing again

Brooke just shook her head, walking over to his bed to sit down whilst pouting so Lucas would stop laughing.

"Okay, okay…I'll stop" Lucas said trying to stop himself from laughing only to start all over again.

"That's it, I'm going" Brooke said still sitting on his bed.

Lucas smiled, unconvinced.

"I will" Brooke said getting up.

"Don't go" Lucas said reaching out for Brooke arm "I'll stop" He smiled

Brooke stopped instantly as she felt Lucas touch her. The tingle of his touch making her heart beat a little faster, she couldn't hide it. Instead she looked down at his hand on her arm, as if seeing it would make it any less real.

Lucas noticed looking up at Brooke but before he had the chance to meet her eyes, Brooke brushed her hair behind her ear with her free hand and smiled quickly "I'll stay if you give me my arm back" Brooke said jokingly

Lucas could see what she was doing but decided not to push it, after today it was clear she definitely wasn't ready to admit anything she still might feel for Lucas. Lucas let go returning her smile. "So you're staying?" Lucas asked

Brooke nodded, walking over to sit on his bed again.

"And you're talking to me?" Lucas asked as Brooke nodded in response

"Hmmm…" Lucas was clearly confused "It's just today…" Lucas began

Brooke took a deep breath in, realising how unfair she was being "I don't know why I came, I was just went for a walk and ended up here" Brooke admitted honestly

Lucas nodded, pleased that she was here. Even if they were just going to hangout and he was going to have to be nothing more than friends with her then… that was fine, just being with her was enough.

"Do you want anything to drink?" Lucas asked

Brooke shook her head "I told Rachel I wouldn't be long, she wanted some advice with what to wear for her date with Josh" Brooke laughed, not knowing why she had just lied but comfortable with having a ready excuse to leave.

"No Dean then?" Lucas asked

"Nope, she said he's not her type… something about public humiliation" Brooke smiled sarcastically turning to face Lucas.

Lucas looked away, knowing she was talking about his fight with Dean earlier today.

There was a silence as Brooke debated whether or not to bring up Dean again. "Is everything okay, Luke" Brooke asked softly

"Yeah" Lucas answered simply

"It's just your fight with Dean today…"

"The guy's a jerk"

"Half the guys at our school are jerk's but I don't see you getting into fights with them… and don't say it's all because of me because I know you Luke, starting fights that's not like you" Brooke said turning to face him "Why are you so angry?"

Lucas looked up into Brooke's eyes. He'd missed her so much, he wanted to be open with her tell her how he was feeling but opening up wasn't one of his specialties. He was good at closing off, dealing with things by himself, in his own way. He could see her eyes, pleading with him to just talk to him, confide in her. It was all fair and good him telling her he loved her and wanted to be there for her but being in a relationship loving someone, is letting them love you back, letting them be there for you too.

"This whole Dan thing…" Lucas began "The writing on the wall… it's just. You saw it, didn't you?" Lucas asked

Brooke shifted on the spot uncomfortably "Erm… yeh I did"

"And what did you think?"

Brooke looked away, uneasy with the topic. She could tell that Lucas was edging towards something, by the way that he was talking, asking her questions as if to justify his own thoughts "I don't know what to think" Brooke shrugged simply

Lucas nodded as if to process his thoughts before speaking "This is probably going to sound crazy but part of me feels like I don't… that I can't believe that Jimmy killed Keith"

Brooke took a deep breath, turning to face Lucas

"I know that he did, I know that it couldn't have been anyone else, it just knowing that doesn't stop me from thinking, hoping that it's not true" Lucas spoke looking Brooke in the eyes, hoping for an answer or an explanation.

Brooke could feel her heart beating faster; she wanted to tell Lucas that he was right, that he wasn't crazy and that Jimmy didn't kill Keith. After all it wasn't fair to any of them not knowing the truth, it wasn't fair to Jimmy's memory but she knew she couldn't. She couldn't be the one to tell him, it would destroy him. She had seen how angry he was when he had an ounce of doubt about Keith's real murderer… what would he be like when he knew it was Dan, when he knew the truth. "Lucas I…" Brooke began already stuttering "If you think Jimmy didn't kill Keith then maybe… I think… If wasn't Jimmy then who else do you think it was?" Brooke asked

Lucas looked at her, the answer on the edge of his tongue but he couldn't say it. It was too dangerous to think that way. The last thing he wanted to do was to go back to that place of disbelief, hurt and anger. Jimmy had killed Keith whether he wanted to believe it or not and that was something he was going to have to live with "It was Jimmy, I didn't want it to be, I never really wanted to believe he could to that but he did" Lucas said clearly convincing himself.

Brooke watched him, she could see his trail of thought; how he processed and ever so cautiously separated what he was thinking from what he was feeling. She had gotten used to watching him, identifying those moments when he chose not to say something, when he decided that he would appear to vulnerable if he said something. She could see it now, only this time he was trying, he was trying really hard to be open and talk to her; it was just that Keith's death… everything surrounding Keith's death was still too painful to talk about especially after Friday.

"I guess when I stopped being angry at Jimmy, I needed someone else to blame, someone else to be angry at for taking Keith away and… well, what happened on Friday gave me that" Lucas continued clearly still unsettled by everything "It just doesn't make any sense Brooke" Lucas said getting agitated and angry again "I just don't know how I can be so angry about something… something that everyone seems to be so damn fine with"

It broke Brooke's heart having to see him like this; so torn between the truth and a lie he so clearly didn't believe a lie which heart could never accept. "I know" Brooke nodded sadly, reaching out to hug him, as he pulled her closer "I know you are, but its okay. Remember when I told you everyone will heal eventually… well they will… it'll just take some people longer than others; it doesn't mean it won't happen. It hasn't even been a year Luke" Brooke spoke softly in his ear.

Brooke could feel Lucas nod; as he slowly caressed her back "You're not always going to be angry and if you are well… I'm sure Dean's face can take a few for the team" Brooke giggled as Lucas laughed too. Brooke pulled out of the hug to see Lucas smile.

His smile always made her hopeful, hopeful that one day everything would be alright, that everyone would heal.

"I heard you hit him, like twice" Brooke smiled, playfully

"Twice… it was at least three times" Lucas smiled back, pretending to be offended.

Brooke laughed. She had to admit that although she still thought it was a stupid thing to do, it was kinda cute him defending her honour like that.

"So, how are things with you?" Lucas asked

"Errr… fine" Brooke said flicking back her hair casually.

Lucas raised his eyebrow, unconvinced "I mean like, some of the stuff you were talking about, earlier on today…."

"What stuff" Brooke said, clearly aware of what Lucas was talking about

"Stuff about you not talking to your best friend and how things are with your parents…"

"Well, things with my best friend or shall I say ex-best friend are just…" Brooke looked up at him, clearly uncomfortable "Luke I don't… I mean this is weird right, me talking to you about Peyton… it's just…"

"No, its okay, I want to be here for you. I want you to be able to talk to me" Lucas smiled simply

Brooke looked at him, unsure and slightly reluctant "Well…" She began "She kinda asked me if we could be friends again"

"That's good, isn't it?" Lucas nodded

"Well not really, seeing as we ended up getting into a fight because I… well I… because it felt like, just because she's broken up with you she all of sudden wanted to be friends again. Like whatever reason, she had for breaking up with you, I mean I know that's to do with you guys, I mean I didn't ask or whatever" Brooke began rambling, before noticing and trying to bring herself back down to normal talking speed "It's just, she didn't break up with you… to be friends with me, not that I wanted her too or anything, it's just… basically… if she hadn't had broken up with you then she wouldn't have even been having that conversation with me. If that makes any sense" Brooke smiled looking at Lucas who nodded slowly.

She could see that he trying to make sense of what she had just said but she could also see him holding something back. Like she had said something that had bothered him but he didn't know how to tell her.

"Lucas…" Brooke began "What is it?" She asked

"What?"

"You have something you want to tell me"

"No…" Lucas said slowly, confirming Brooke's thoughts

"Lucas, you have that look"

"What look?"

"That look you do when you have something you want to say but you're not sure whether you should, that look you know, you squint your eyes, hunch your shoulders… you're doing it right now"

Lucas laughed, now aware that he was in fact doing exactly what she'd just said. "I just don't think it's my place, I mean it doesn't even really matter"

"Yes it does, now come on tell me" Brooke insisted "Lucas…"

"Well, you kept saying Peyton broke up with me but… I broke up with Peyton. I mean it doesn't even matter I guess I just…"

"No it does" Brooke said, slightly taken aback. Of course it was a possibility but it hadn't actually entered her mind. She had never really considered that Lucas had broken up with Peyton. She looked at him, wanting to ask why, but afraid of his answer.

There was a silence as both Lucas and Brooke stared ahead. She wanted to ask him why and he wanted to tell her but neither of them said anything, just sitting there comforted by the each other's presence, until Lucas broke the silence.

"What about your parents?" Lucas asked wearily, he knew it was a touchy subject and he didn't want to push her to talk about them, if she wasn't ready.

"What about them?" Brooke asked, the bitterness apparent in her voice

"You said you haven't spoken to them in a while"

Brooke nodded slowly "Yeah, I guess they find it easier to send me money than actually talk to me"

"Brooke…" Lucas said, turning to face her fully.

"I don't miss them or whatever" Brooke lied "It would just be nice to know that they actually cared" Brooke turned to look at Lucas briefly before looking away again "I mean… they didn't even call me on my birthday" Brooke's whispered, her voice breaking, as she tried to hold back the tears. She hated how much it upset her, I mean her parents were the ones who left her, she shouldn't have cared anymore but she did, she still did.

Lucas looked over at her. In that moment she looked so helpless, so hurt and vulnerable completely different to the head-strong Brooke Davis who acted like she wasn't fazed by anyone. Lucas however knew better, this was the Brooke that he knew, the Brooke that gave her heart so fully and completely to others, hoping for love in return.

He hated her parents for deserting her, for hurting the way they did, but even more so, he hated himself for not being there for her every time that she'd been upset and every time that she'd cried.

Lucas reached out to hug her. At first he thought she'd resist but instead she folded into him as he pulled her closer, leaning back as she rest her head on his chest. He sat there holding her, thinking of all the times that she'd cried and he hadn't been there to hold her, to protect her.

Brooke felt tears roll down her cheek. She hadn't wanted to cry, to be vulnerable, she didn't want to be upset about her parents but she was. She was here in Lucas's room, the guy she'd spent endless night crying about; talking about her parents. And even though she probably should have felt, embarrassed and unsure she felt safer than she had felt in a long time. There so perfectly in his arms, she felt safe and loved.

Brooke listened to his heart beat. It was slow, calm unlike hers which felt like it was beating at a thousand beats a minute. She lay there listening to his heart beat as hers slowly returned to normal. It felt nice thinking of their hearts beating together. Brooke smiled to herself, as Lucas stroked her hair, she didn't have to look at him to tell he was smiling too.

Brooke slowly sat up, brushing her hair behind her ears. Lucas sat up too, smiling sadly at her as he reached out to her cheek wiping her tear. Brooke looked down as he did so, until she felt him ever so slightly lift her chin as her eyes met his. She could feel her heart start to beat a little faster, alarm bells going off in her head.

Brooke stood up suddenly, pulling on the sleeves of her top nervously. "Luke, I should really be going" She said trying to regain some control of the situation.

Lucas stood up too, wishing she would just stay "Brooke…" Lucas began but Brooke shook her head avidly, even hearing him say her name was making her melt inside.

Brooke walked towards the door, her hand on the handle. She wanted to turn it, she knew she should turn it and run out of his room, away from him and his eyes, his smile… his touch.

"Brooke don't go" Lucas said breaking Brooke's thoughts.

Brooke took a deep breath in, tilting her head back in relief. Although she didn't want to admit; she had felt relieved hearing Lucas call her name. She wanted him to stop her, she wanted to stay. Brooke stood there, with her back to him knowing that she shouldn't turn around. She couldn't turn around and look him in the eyes, look into those beautiful blue eyes and leave, she knew she couldn't.

"Brooke…" Lucas whispered again, as if to dare her to stay, to turn around.

"Lucas, I've got to go" Brooke said turning around; her actions clearly going against what she was saying, but that was all Lucas needed. She might have been saying she was leaving, but she hadn't. She was still here because in her heart she wanted to stay.

Lucas quickly bridged the gap between them, walking across the room towards her, not breaking eye contact for a second. He stood there only inches away from her, looking into her eyes. It was like he was looking into her soul, into heart, into her inmost desire. She could feel her hand on door handle, everything inside her told her that she could leave right then if she wanted to but, she couldn't. She didn't want to, she knew it and he knew it. She wanted him, just as badly as he wanted her. Lucas moved closer again, as if to dare her, dare her to run, dare her to kiss him.

He was close, so close she could feel his heart beating against hers as her heart beat faster and faster. Lucas stroked back her hair leaning forward, towards her. Brooke subconsciously licked her bottom lip, she hadn't noticed she done it until she caught Lucas smile ever so briefly before doing the same. She couldn't take it any longer. Brooke held her breath, as her eyes fluttered shut. She made no attempt to escape, no attempt to run away as she felt his lips crash into hers. At first their lips collided soft and gently but passion and desire got the better of them as Brooke grabbed his t-shirt tightly. She could feel him breathing harder, his heart racing. Lucas leaned further forward leading her to the wall.

As her back met the wall, she felt herself grip his t-shirt tighter just so her knees wouldn't give way. Lucas tugged on her bottom lip, seeking entrance as Brooke part her lips; his tongue begging for hers as she meet his. Brooke moaned softly as Lucas's hands left her cheeks, making his way down to the small of her back, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss. Brooke's hands found their way to the back of his neck pulling him down; her tongue battling with his as they both tried desperately to taste all of each other.

Just as they both thought they were going to pass out from lack of oxygen. Lucas stepped back, gently pulling away as Brooke fell back against the wall, trying to catch her breath; both of them panting, their sense still spinning so out of control that neither could bring themselves to say anything close to coherent.

Just then, as Brooke and Lucas tried to compose themselves, a small creek of the door caused Lucas to turn around.

"Lucas?" Karen whispered before seeing Brooke "Brooke? Is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine" Lucas replied quickly, whilst subtly trying to straighten his shirt.

Karen looked slightly suspicious between the two of them as Brooke nodded frantically, praying Karen had only just woken up. Karen might have been half asleep but she wasn't stupid. "I was actually just leaving" Brooke said, reaching for the door handle again, this time successfully turning the handle.

"Brooke…" Lucas said turning to face her.

"I'm sorry" Brooke whispered, shaking her head, as she opened the door, disappearing into night.

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So there are the two chapters… finally brucas kissed!!

Hope you enjoyed the brucas. I definitely felt like we were in need of some brucas loving, lol.

Drop me a line and tell me what you think!