A/N

Hey guys, first of all I have to say a huge thank you for all your support on this story. 40 reviews for 2 chapters is pretty amazing! I get so excited when I get a new review in my inbox, so please don't stop!

I take all your comments into account and will try and incorporate your ideas but I have some big plans for this fic so will only include them if they fit right, I'm sure you understand.

So personally I love this chapter, it was so much fun to write. Please let me know what you think in the form of a nice long review! Enjoy K x

Chapter 3- Positive Tension.

Two weeks had passed since Brooke had arrived back in Tree Hill, and yet she was still the talk of the town. However it had to be said she did little to help her self. The locals were slowly becoming accustomed to her ways. It was now common to see her speeding through town, roof down, her music pumping, sunglasses on and hair blowing in the wind.

Today was no different.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning. The sky was clear and the autumn sun still had warmth in it. Brooke had woken early despite last nights activities.

Since her return Rachel had made it her personal duty to show Brooke the best nightlife Tree Hill had to offer. Although she wasn't entirely sure whether Rachel's generous act was more for her own benefit than Brooke's- finally she had found someone who could keep up with her, party hard, drink plenty and look smoking hot in the process.

Last nights club had been amazing, at least what she could remember of it was. Brooke had soon come to realise that Rachel and vast amounts of alcohol went hand in hand. But even with her foggy memory it was clear that something was missing.

No matter how many guys Rachel forced on to her, not one held her attention. This puzzled Brooke greatly; she was the first to admit she wasn't exactly fussy. Many times she had been excused of sighting her target to any male with a pulse.

But the guy's of Tree Hill really weren't doing it for her.

They were all the same; brainless rich boys, bad dress sense, too much product in their hair and flashing daddy's cash to them get laid. She had her own father's dirty money she didn't need anyone else's.

Was it too much to ask to find someone different? Intelligent, witty, hot, someone who challenged her. There had to be a guy that was right for her in this god forsaken town.

She rolled over throwing the sheet off; sighing dramatically. The house was silent Nathan and her father no doubt already at the gym like every other Saturday, her mother sound asleep thanks to the two empty wine bottles in the kitchen trash.

For some reason unknown to her she had woken at the crack of dawn after only a few hours sleep with the urge for blueberry muffins and a pedicure. So after showering and quickly applying her makeup, she grabbed her sunglasses, jumped in her car and zipped into town.

This Saturday morning had started off much like any other. Early morning run followed by a gourmet breakfast (curtsey of their cook) with his mother, father and unexpected crashers Haley and Quinn. The Roe's cook was famous all over town so it wasn't unusual for various family members to drop in on the off chance, there was nothing quite like a Roe breakfast.

Today's topic of conversation…college applications. Lucas felt himself zone out as his father questioned Haley about her Stanford application, enthusiasm oozing out of his pores. This was the way it always went. Keith's heart swelled with pride hearing his niece speak animatedly about her plans to attend the perfect college whilst Lucas sunk deeper into his chair wondering if he would get away with sneaking out the back door on his way back from the bathroom, not likely.

Every so often his ears pricked up at the sound of his own name but was disappointed to hear it followed by 'Yale' and 'Business Major' the usual equation, the same one that had been drilled into his head since he was a little boy, the same one that his father, grandfather and great grandfather had followed. Just when he felt about ready to make a run for it his father's cell rang breaking up the family breakfast. Seeing his chance Lucas rose from the table,

"I'll see you guys later" he said grabbing his ball off the shelf.

"Where do you think your going? Breakfast isn't over yet" Karen asked her son, putting her coffee cup back on the table ready for his reaction.

"The river court. Do you really think dad's coming back? I have to practice ma" Lucas said his hand or the back door.

"Great you can give us a ride to the mall" Haley said jumping up out of her chair.

"No can do, I'm walking. Catch you later" Lucas called over his shoulder leaving a very annoyed Haley behind.

"Game!" Lucas said as he scored the winning basket.

"Unbelievable" Jake panted as he double over trying to catch his breath

"What can I say I am the master" Lucas said as he walked over to the bench where Skills and Mouth currently sat.

"What are you guys talking about?" he asked placing his ball on the floor in between his feet.

"Tonight" Mouth answered as he moved up the bench allowing Jake to sit down.

"Ahh the Scott's annual basket ball appreciation evening. Remind me why we go to this again; we all know it's just another opportunity for Dan to royally show off." Jake asked taking a sip from his water bottle, the midday sun beating down on his and Lucas's bare chests.

Every year since they were kids, the Scott's had hosted the annual Ravens appreciation party. An elaborate thanks to the teams sponsor's and a chance for the team to get to together, relax and be treated like kings. At least that's what it said on the invite. For team Roe it was pure torture having the Scott's sickeningly indulgent lifestyle thrust down their throats, hearing Nathan gloating shamelessly at every given chance. It was enough to make them wanna slit their wrists. But unavoidable none the less, it was compulsory for all team members and cheerleaders so that meant Jake, Skills, Lucas and Peyton had to make an appearance.

"Because we have to. For the team. Besides we can't let them get to us, their just a bunch of pretentious wannabes. Did I tell you my dad got the hotel deal? And the advertising campaign, the board didn't even seriously consider giving it to Dan Scott. They can see through his crap. Underneath all the cars and houses is just a shady con artist he's got everyone in this town fooled but the real world isn't so blinded by his charm."

"I know you're right Luke, but it doesn't help us with the deal tonight. How we gonna make it through the night, they have the home advantage?" Skills questioned spinning his ball on the tip of his finger.

"Stick together. We're better then them, don't you forget it."

"What ever you say man. I gotta bounce, I'll see y'all tonight" Skills said heading towards his car.

"I'm gonna head out too, I still got to go pick up my suit. Hey Skills you wanna give me a lift into town?" Jake called after him, jogging to catch up with him.

"Looks like it's just me and you Mouth" Lucas said

"I'm afraid it's just you. I promised Peyton I'd swing by hers and help her with her film project, sorry Luke. Try and stay out of trouble tonight" Mouth said walking towards the railing his bike was tied to.

"I'm making no promises" Lucas called after Mouth's retreating form.

He turned back to face the net in front of him, he wasn't ready to go home yet, the sun was still shining and the sooner he went home the sooner he would have to face his mothers lecture about tonight. Lucas was well known for subtly sabotaging these annual events in ways that couldn't be traced back to him. Nothing major just kids stuff, like putting a bottle of chilli in the punch, blocking the upstairs toilet or setting of the sprinklers as particularly pompous guests walked past, it certainly made the evening go a little faster. His father chose to ignore his activities, his mother on the other hand strongly disapproved.

He had been practicing his jump shot for around twenty minutes when the sound of a very unhealthy engine disturbed him. He looked up to see a black Mercedes pull up on the edge of the road, smoke rising from the bonnet. He started towards the car opening his mouth to offer a hand when the car door opened and Brooke Scott emerged looking nothing short of furious.

"You have got to be kidding me" she said banging her hand on the bonnet in frustration.

"Car trouble?" Lucas asked fighting off the laughter in his voice.

Brooke's head snapped up to see a sweaty, topless Lucas Roe in front of her an amused expression on his face.

"Wow you're a regular genius. I wonder what gave it away? Could it black smoke currently polluting my oxygen…" she said sarcastically, leaning through the window of her car she grabbed her cell of the seat. Who to call? Nathan was at the gym and never heard his phone in there. She had no doubt that Rachel would still be knocked out after her busy night. There was no way she was calling her father. Great she was stranded.

"You want me to take a look at it; I know a fair bit about cars…" Lucas wasn't sure what made him offer, maybe it was something to do with him feeling a tiny bit guilty for accusing her of plotting against him the other week, but he offered none the less.

Just the sight of her standing in front of her smoking car, cell phone in one hand the other one running through her hair in frustration as whoever she was calling failed to answer, made something inside Lucas want to help her.

"No thanks, I don't trust you. What's with the sudden act of kindness, you've been shooting daggers at me all week, now you wanna fix my car? What is this some scam to strike me off? 'Sure Brooke I'll fix your car', I turn away for a second and you cut the breaks." She said dialling Nathan again, but finding it difficult to concentrate with Lucas's bare muscular chest exposed and directly in her eye line. So he was her mortal enemy, but still, what was he trying to do to her? She was a woman after all. And this woman that couldn't help but notice one hell of a man standing in front of her.

"Just trying to be nice" Lucas said picking up his shirt off the bench and slinging it over his shoulder.

"Yeah well don't, it's freaking me out" Brooke snapped opening her car door to pick up her purse.

"Fine. Have a nice walk home, those are some funky looking walking boots" he said gesturing towards her feet which were currently adorned by 4 inch Jimmy Choo's. He smiled boldly picked up his ball and began walking home, bouncing it every so often.

She really needed to change her karma.

Brooke slammed the front door loudly. Kicking her shoes off as she struggled to keep her balance. She fought to keep a hold of her huge shopping bags only to turn and bump into a feeble looking man dressed in cheap polyester pants and an ugly shirt. Great the caterers were here already; this assumption was confirmed as five other poorly dressed clones fled from the kitchen, trays in hand all headed towards the garden.

She stomped up stairs weaving her way through the multiple strangers that seemed to keep appearing from every angle, it was a mad house.

She reached her room but hearing a movement from down the hall she stooped. Looking up expecting to see her brother, she was met by the distinctly dishevelled appearance of her best friend, wearing the same clothes as last night and trying very hard to shut Nathan's door, as discreetly as possible but failing miserably.

"Rachel Virginia Gatina! Please don't tell me you slept here last night" Brooke whispered the words flooding out of her mouth.

"Holy crap, Brooke! Are you trying to give me a heart attack? I thought you were Satan himself" Rachel said jumping out of her skin and raising a hand to her chest to try and calm her self.

"Lucky for you my dad's out. Now get in my room and explain yourself you no good ho" Brooke said grabbing her arm and dragging the red head into her bed room.

"Careful B, my stomachs not exactly settled I guess that's why they haven't marketed a tequila, vodka and beer cocktail. It seemed such a good idea at the time." She groaned.

"So?" Brooke stood in front of her hands on her hips a confused expression on her lips.

"So what?" Rachel asked collapsing onto her best friend's bed.

"Look Rachel, I'm having a pretty shitty day, my car broke down and who was there to help me out not the fine southern gentleman that seems to turn up on the road side in all good chick flicks, oh no that would be too much to ask, none other than Lucas fucking Roe…"

"He seems to fit the fine southern bill pretty well if you ask me" Rachel said a naughty smile gracing her face.

"Seriously lacking in the gentleman department. Rachel, you do realise that's Lucas Roe you're fantasizing about, emphasis on the Roe"

"Oh believe me I know. It's forbidden so you know that makes it ten times hotter. Gentleman is just another word for sissy; girls like us need real men. Come on Brooke, are you trying to tell me you've never thought about what it would be like? And don't say no, I've seen you checking him out at practice, you were practically drooling. Not that I blame you that boy is too hot to be wasted on those losers" Rachel finished looking over at her friend who sat at her vanity, staring at her clearly annoyed.

"Drooling? I did no such thing you lying slut. Anyway, to top it all off we have this boring ass party here tonight which my dad gave me strict instructions to wear something that 'showed my best assets', like that's gonna some how score him a new deal. So cut the crap and explain to me what the hell you were doing sneaking out of Nathan's room at 1.30pm, how in the world can you sleep so late anyway?" Brooke finished collapsing on the bed next to her friend.

"Don't judge me you boring old shrew, unlike someone I got laid last night" Rachel said closing her eyes

"Okay so first of all ew, that's my brother you're talking about. Second, what happened to the JT look alike I left you with?" Brooke asked still recoiling slightly at the thought of Nathan and Rachel.

"Him? Oh he started talking about all this deep shit, wanted a 'meaningful relationship' I got out of there just in time. Besides Nathan's hotter" Rachel said a smile forming on her face.

"Why don't you just tell him how you feel?"

"Who JT?" Rachel said opening one of her eyes

"Nathan. It's blindingly obvious you want to be with him. Only him. All these random guys mean nothing, why bother?" Brooke asked rising up onto her side and propping herself up on her arm.

Rachel opened both of her eyes and focused on a fleck of paint that was falling off Brooke's ceiling,

"Tried that, didn't work out so well. This ways better, safer, for both of us. A screwed up relationship is better than no relationship at all, right? So, how'd you get home?"

"The guy from the garage gave me a lift, no thanks to you. I called you like 50 times. My car won't be ready for days." Brooke groaned.

Rachel rolled over and got up off the bed.

"I got to go home and get ready for tonight." She said as she walked towards Brooke's door

"I'll see you later, I'm wearing green watch out for me. What am I talking about? You won't miss me I'll be the exceptionally hot girl driving all the men wild." Brooke laughed and gave her a wink before laying back down on her bed, a nap was just what she needed.

The Scott mansion was decorated to the nines. Flowers everywhere, food circulating throughout the people and a bar overflowing with free drinks. Lucas had been there for around 30 minutes and had already heard Dan refer to himself as the 'paradigm of independent businessmen', 'Tree Hill's most valuable asset' and his personal favourite 'A vital pillar of the community'. He wasn't sure how much more he could stand.

As Dan took centre stage and prepared to perform his speech Lucas searched the room for an ally, he saw Peyton walking towards him and let out a breath.

"Thank god I'm two minutes away from slipping arsenic in his vintage scotch…" Lucas muttered.

"Tell me about it. These people are unreal I can't believe I'm actually being forced to socialise with these brain dead bimbos…" Peyton said looking around at the group of cheerleaders huddled around Nathan, flipping their hair and laugh periodically.

"Wanna go explore chez Scott? Search their closets for skeletons and all that? The big speech is starting and I for one can't handle any more of Dan Scott's bull" Lucas asked seeing his chance to reek havoc on the Scott mansion.

"Hell yes" they slipped away almost unnoticed, catching the eye of only one.

Brooke and Rachel currently stood at the back of the room somewhere between the punch bowl and the kitchen. Although dressed to perfection the sour expression on her face ruined the outfit. Brooke's dress was a beautiful crimson, with a plunging neckline and perfectly fitted in all the right places, her hair hung in volumous curls around her neck.

"What's going on with those two? Are they together?" Brooke asked Rachel, her eyes fixed on Lucas' retreating figure. Rachel took a break from sending dirty looks towards the posse of cheerleaders surrounding Nathan to see who her friend was looking at,

"Lucas and Peyton? They're strictly F.W.B's. Why? Jealous?" Rachel teased.

"Would you stop? I wouldn't look at him if he was the last man alive" Brooke said she was getting sick of Rachel's frequent Lucas jokes.

"Of course you wouldn't unless you wanted to start world war three. And from what I hear the first two weren't exactly a bundle of laughs so I wouldn't advice it. I was just joking Brookie even you wouldn't be that stupid" Rachel glanced back to Nathan and sighed loudly.

Brooke looked to the left of her to see a balding, slightly overweight man eyeing her chest with hungry eyes. Her stomach turned. She looked to her right to see her friend, still watching Nathan,

"I need another drink, you coming?"

"You don't have to ask me twice"

"Well well what do we have here?"

They were upstairs in a room that could only be described as a combination of an office and a den. Lucas had been opening cupboard doors searching for something incriminating for a couple minutes now, whilst Peyton made herself comfortable in a huge squishy leather chair, helping herself to Dan's personal supply of brandy. After opening a few cupboards and finding nothing of any interest he had come across row upon row of what looked like home movies. He began running his finger along the rows scanning the labels.

"Jackpot. Surveillance tapes. What does that say about something a man? He has cameras installed in his own home…" Lucas' excited voice halted mid sentence.

"Luke? What is it?" Peyton asked standing up and joining him by the TV.

He was frozen in front of the cabinet his finger paused on one video. The label on the box read 'Karen' in neat hand writing.

Lucas pulled it out and slipped it out of the case quickly. He inserted it into the VHS player.

"Luke maybe we shouldn't…" Peyton tried but Lucas wasn't listening he was to busy pressing play.

On screen appeared a shot of the Scott's front porch. After a couple of seconds two figures walked up the drive stopping at the front door. It was clear that the woman on the screen was his mother and the man…Dan Scott himself. They were just talking, but something was off. Something about their body language was strange, too familiar, too in tune.

Dan reached out to touch Karen's arm as he spoke to her, she gazed up into his eyes. The next thing he knew her hands were around his neck and they were kissing.

"Oh my god" he heard Peyton mutter. Lucas felt his heart drop to his stomach. Something in side of him began aching in a way he didn't know possible.

He turned away from the screen and raised a hand up to his head, rubbing his eyes. The date in the corner read 2004. He thought back three years, what had he been doing?

Were his parents having problems? No arguments or bad vibes over breakfast sprung to mind. He silently cursed himself for being so unobservant, how could he not realise this was going on?

Was it still going on? No. That much he was sure of. His parents loved each other they couldn't be happier. Normally he complained about their PDA's but right now he was thankful for them. They were devoted to each other it must have just been a fling. Unsurprisingly that provided little comfort. Which ever way you looked at it, it was still an affair. That in itself was bad enough, but Dan Scott? Disregarding his last name for a minute, he was still the most self righteous, arrogant, conceited human being alive

"Luke it doesn't mean…"

"Don't Peyton. Don't say it doesn't mean anything because it sure as hell means something to me… I can't be here right now…I'm sorry, I uh, I'll see you tomorrow…" he stuttered as he rushed out the door.

Peyton watched him go, helpless. She turned back to the screen and pushed the off button.

Defiantly not what they were looking for. Why the hell didn't people lock their damn doors?

He stumbled out into the third floor hallway. Looking around he saw a half empty glass on a table by the window. He picked it up downing it in one go, the alcohol burning his throat. The combination of that revolting drink, 2 JD and coke's and Dan Scott's lecherous expression was making him feel sick. He turned towards the exit but seeing Peyton's concerned face searching the crowds of party goers, looking for him, he acted on instinct. Feeling the wall behind him for a door handle he slipped into the nearest room closing the door as discreetly as possible. He lent up against the door eyes closed, sighing loudly.

Suddenly a light went on. Lucas' eyes snapped open in shock.

"What are you doing in here" he questioned. On the other side of the room sitting on the bar was Brooke Scott, vodka bottle in hand, fire in her eyes.

"It's my house asshole. The question is what you are doing in here?" she asked the switch of the standing lamp swinging by her head.

"I… uh needed a minute" Lucas said as he loosened his tie, flash backs of the video he had just seen floating around his head.

"Know the feeling…" she asked taking a swig of her bottle, her face showing no signs of her distaste for the pure spirit.

"…but you gotta get yourself a new hideout. I found this one fair and square and I'm not about to share it with the likes of you…"

"Give it a rest Brooke" Lucas snapped. He was desperately trying to sort out the torrent of thoughts racing through his head and the sound of her raspy voice was making the job a whole lot harder.

"Pardon me?" Brooke asked somewhat put out by Lucas' rudeness.

"Can we not do this now? Cause frankly I don't have the energy for this dance and to be honest it's getting a little old."

Lucas said bluntly, he was becoming strangely familiar with this routine. They would nit at each other, a few snide remarks a couple of sly digs, and then she would run off leaving Lucas feeling irritated and unsatisfied.

"I don't know what your talking about." Brooke said as she poured the clear liquid down her throat.

"Sure you don't. That innocent cheerleader act might work with some guys but you don't fool me. Contrary to popular believe you're not stupid Brooke." Lucas said closing his eyes, unable to focus.

"Someone's touchy this evening. What's wrong? You and goldie locks have a lovers tiff?" Brooke asked choosing to avoid the implications in Lucas' previous statement. She couldn't explain what made her pick these petty arguments with him. She got no pleasure out of it, in fact often he annoyed her more than anyone else but she kept ending up in the same situations. Alone with him. Being a bitch was second nature to her.

"Peyton and I are just friends. Not that it's any of your business" Lucas said massaging his temples.

"That's not what I heard" she answered not giving up.

"You should know better than anyone, you shouldn't believe everything you hear." Lucas replied.

Laughter penetrated the room, as a group of people passed by, the door handle rattled slightly but thankfully no one attempted to open it.

"I've got to get out of here." Lucas said crossing the room. He stopped when he reached the door not turning to face her,

"Coming?" his voice just above a whisper but there was no mistaking the question.

"I know you're having a bad night. But you didn't happen to hit your head did you? Because only a bout of amnesia would make you ask me such a stupid question. Why would I go anywhere with you? Didn't you get the memo, we're sworn enemies." Brooke slurred the effects of the vodka becoming more visible.

Lucas turned to face her; she couldn't help but notice he looked worn out, what had happened tonight?

"Anywhere's better than here, right?"

The drive there was almost silent. They took Lucas' Range Rover, he drove, even though he was more than certain he was over the limit.

"What are you doing back there?" Lucas asked as he saw the red dress Brooke had been wearing earlier being thrown carelessly across the front seat.

"Changing. Keep your eyes on the road soldier." Brooke said as she wiggled around in the back seat.

"Pretty spacious back here. That the reason you bought it?" Brooke asked she couldn't seem to resist making a dig at him. But to her surprise he didn't respond, just carried on driving.

"Where are we going anyway?" She said as she climbed into the front seat, now wearing tight skinny jeans the same red heels and a red tank top.

The car slowed down as they pulled into the parking lot of the same bar they had met at almost three weeks ago.

"I should have guessed, what is this like your local hangout?"

"Pretty munch. No one can find me here" he answered as they walked in.

"I like the sound of that" she said as she sat down at the bar. He ordered them both two shots and downed them both one after another and began ordering a beer. She hadn't moved, just sat there looking at him.

"I never thought I'd be the one to say this but, don't you think you should slow down?" she asked picking up her first shot.

"I've got a lot of sorrows to drown" she tilted her head seeing his reasoning.

"Bottoms up"

They had been drinking for about twenty minutes when she decided she could avoid it no longer.

"So at the risk of you driving off and leaving me stranded here with a load of sleazy old men, I gotta ask, what happened tonight?"

"I just realised a few things" he answered remaining guarded.

"Yeah like what?"

"Parents suck" he said cryptically.

"I could have told you that a long time ago, why you think I stopped listening to them?" she said with a smile. He nodded weakly but continued to stare off into space, clearly distracted.

"So if you had your way. No parents to rule your life, just you, what would you do?" Brooke asked, trying again to get him to reveal some snippet of information about tonight. If there was one thing she couldn't stand it was a secret and he was obviously harbouring one.

"That's a bit deep for us isn't it?" he joked as he took another sip of his bottle.

"Just answer the question smart ass" she said looking across at him, her eyes gleaming.

"I don't know. Not go to Yale. Not study business. Get the hell away from here." He said his eyes turning cold and detached as spoke.

"I thought you liked it here? What's got you running for the hills?" she asked as the bartender made his way towards them.

Lucas sighed remembering how determined she could be when she wanted to.

"My mother had an affair with your dad" Brookes face fell. Her eyes wide astonished she down the rest of her drink. Nothing her father did surprised her anymore. She signalled to the bar keep,

"Rudy, where gonna need a bottle over here."

They were both down right drunk. The vodka level in their own personal bottle was disappearing slowly but surely. Following Lucas' confession, Brooke had gone on to stutter incoherently for a few minutes before demanding an explanation. A few dozen expletives later and she was filled in Lucas's eventful night. It felt good to tell someone, a weight lifted off his chest and he began to relax letting the alcohol do its best at numbing the pain.

"How about you Brooke, what do you want?" Lucas asked his eyes looking even bluer than normal, it could just be the alcohol in her system, but she was sure they weren't normally that beautiful.

"Therapy after that little revelation" she said rubbing her eyes.

"I'm serious. If you could have one wish what would it be?"

She thought for a moment racking her brains for the genuine answer to that question. What did she want? Hmmm the green Balenciaga Purse she had seen at the mall today, someone to complete her chemistry project for her, another drink.

"To be someone else" she said quietly.

Her answered surprised him. He had been expecting her to say something light hearted, fun but this was just another example of how Brooke Scott was not like other girls.

"You can't run forever" he said honestly.

"Not forever, just one night" He looked across at her and saw innocence and vulnerability that wasn't apparent before.

"Okay. I herby grant you a new identity. Pick a name." Lucas said looking at her puzzled face.

"I'm sorry, what?" She asked now completely confused.

"Pick a name. You wanted to be someone else here's your chance, from now until the end of this night you are no longer Brooke Scott" He stated a large smile forming as he saw her face dawn with understanding.

"Anything..?"

He nodded, his smile turning into a smirk as he watched her putting in so much effort into deciding on a name. He could practically see the cogs of her brain turning.

"…Marsha" she said finally unable to contain her grin, her dimples showing.

"You're sooo not a Marsha" Lucas said shaking his head in amusement.

"You said anything" Brooke reasoned. Lucas held his hands up in surrender.

"Fine. If you're Marsha than I'm Jeff."

"Now that's just plain ugly." She said screwing up her face in disgust.

"What and Marsha isn't?" he laughed. She joined him, holding her hair off her face as she leaned back in the booth they had switched to after Lucas had dropped the Dan/Karen bomb.

"So Marsha, tell me about your self. You can be whoever you wanna be"

"I'm a dancer"

"Exotic?" Lucas asked raising his eyebrows an impish half smile on his lips.

"No perv." Brooke replied giggling.

"Okay what else?"

"I'm a gypsy. On the road travelling from state to state. Everyday new people, new adventure and every night… a new party, a new place to rest my head." As she talked Lucas saw an unfamiliar expression settle on her face- content.

"What about your family?" Lucas asked transfixed by her.

"They live in a little house by the beach. At weekends my mom cooks us breakfast and we sit down and eat it like a proper family, and not because she's forcing us because we want to.

We talk. About important things you know? Oh and we have a sausage dog called Bert."

"A sausage dog called Bert?" he questioned.

"What's wrong with Bert?" She asked innocently.

"Nothing, nothings wrong with it crazy girl."

He looked across at the girl in front of him, his breath catching in his throat. The curls in her hair had fallen out hours ago; messy tendrils now fell seductively across her chest. Her green eyes were slightly squinted thanks to the ridiculous amount of alcohol they had consumed but he didn't think he had ever seen anything more beautiful. Her raspy voice Brooke his trance,

"Your turn, what's Fred like?"

He smiled lazily, leaning back into his seat.

"I'm fearless. Spontaneous… I live life on the edge. One morning I woke up and decided that today, I was going to go get on a plane, I didn't know where to. It didn't matter. Just as long as it was far from here." He paused to think for a moment.

"I didn't go to college instead I spent three years travelling Europe and writing my first novel and falling in love with a hot Italian woman…." Brooke smiled meeting his gaze across the table.

"…I spend my days talking to the locals and enjoying fine Italian coffee and getting burnt to a crisp in the scorching Italian sun. I'm happy. I'm free" he finished looking into her eyes.

It was back. The connection he had felt weeks ago, the first time they met, he hadn't imagined it. It was back with vigour.

"Sounds like a pretty sweet life." She said the lightness gone from her face, replaced with a more intense expression.

"Believe me it is…" they held eye contact for a few more seconds before she broke it unwillingly.

"So Fred, you wanna go pick a song?" she asked sliding out of her seat clasping hold of his free hand that lay on the table and dragging him towards the juke box. He followed obediently his balance slightly off due to his current drunkenness. He leaned up against the old machine watching her eyes run down the list, seeing them light up from time to time when she found a song she liked. He took this opportunity to look around the bar; it was empty except for Rudy, the bar tender and a fat trucker who sat chatting to him. This place really didn't get much business he was surprised it had managed to stay open this long. Suddenly the smooth opening notes of 'Let's get it on' filled the room.

"You gotta love Marvin Gaye" Lucas said as he watched her move seductively to the music, her eyes closed in a world of her own. He now realised why she was a dancer. As cheesy as it sounds, she was one of those women that were born to dance. It came naturally to her and boy did she look good doing it.

"Dance with me broody" she said grabbing his hand and pulling him towards her. They swayed to the music, their hips in sync. She could feel his ragged breath on her neck. They were dangerously close but neither one of them showed any signs of pulling away. His hand rose to the small of her back pulling her closer still. She nestled her head into the crook of his neck humming along to the music softly. She exhaled loudly feeling his cool breath blowing on her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. He was challenging her; seeing how far he could push her before she drew the line. His lips placed feather light kisses up her neck, pausing to lick her pulse, point finishing up behind her ear. Oh god he was driving her crazy.

"Lucas…" she moaned breathlessly.

"Uh uh. You know that's not my name…" he whispered into her eye. She smiled despite the intenseness of the situation he could still make her laugh. Somewhere along the line they had moved up against the far wall, his body boxed her in covering her own petite frame fully.

"Hey Marsha…" he whispered as he continued his assault on her neck. His words tickling her but in a good way.

"Yes?" she moaned, barely hearing him, in her own world completely.

"…you're vibrating" he finished. It took her a minute to come back to her senses and realise what he was talking about, she searched her pocket for her cell. The name on the screen brought her back down to earth in a matter of seconds,

"It's my dad" she said putting a hand up to his chest, pushing him back from her, gently but firmly.

"He must have noticed I'm not home. First time for everything right?" Brooke joked trying to break the awkward tension that had fallen over them. She busied herself checking her messages, refusing to meet Lucas' eyes. He stood watching her, leaning back against the wall for support.

"Wow it's late, really late. I should get going" Brooke said as reality came crashing in for the first time in hours.

"Brooke…" Lucas said seeing her change back into her normal closed off self, right in front of him.

"Lucas… I gotta go" she whispered meeting his gaze for the first time. Her eyes were sad full of pain.

He stood watching her hurry across the room towards the exit. Before he new it she was out of sight leaving him confused and alone.

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