A/n: Hello you all I am back from vacation with the latest installment of this story. This is dedicated to everyone who has reviewed this story so far. Your reviews are the only motivation I need to continue writing so thank you all. Oh and also thank you all for those new story alerts...I was surprised to see them in my inbox!

Now this chapter…well most of it is Brooke centric, her journey in to realizing some things. I'm a bit nervous about it so let me know what you all think. The first part should be familiar to you all...

Hope you enjoy!

Chapter Fifteen

My Heart Will Go On

The sky was dark and gloomy; it looked like it would rain any minute now but that didn't matter to Brooke. She was on her way to a very important place, a place that she had been to many times before. She stepped out of the cab and into the curb of the sidewalk and looked at the place that she had visited every month for the past year. She took a deep breath grabbed the nice arrangement of flowers she always brought with her, got her purse out, paid the cab driver and then began walking towards her destination.

As usual she looked at the sign that said, "Gate of Heaven Cemetery" and immediately got that same nostalgic look she always got on her face whenever she passed by it. It didn't matter that it had been a year since his death; she still got the same effect whenever she came by.

Brooke hesitantly stepped inside the cemetery surprised that it was as empty as it was today. Knowing perfectly well where she was going, she started making her way there. She had been going to the same place every month for the past year that it was no surprise when she immediately found herself in front of his headstone.

She took a deep breath and as always, she read the writing on the headstone of her first love, the man who stole her heart when she was just eighteen.

HERE LIES

JULIAN ANDREW BAKER

LOST BEFORE HIS TIME AND LOVED BY THOSE THAT REMEMBER HIM DEARLY

APRIL 24, 1985 – OCTOBER 17, 2010

DEVOTED SON, BELOVED BROTHER AND DEDICATED HUSBAND

MAY HE REST IN ETERNAL PEACE

She got rid of the flowers from the last time she came and put new flowers in their rightful place. She knelt down and touched the headstone carefully as if she was afraid it was going to crumble under her touch.

"Julian." Brooke whispered softly with silent tears already coming down her face. "I'm here again like I have been for the past year since…well you know." she told him smiling sadly at his headstone.

She took another look around the place and still saw how empty it was and it made her sad that people weren't visiting their deceased loved ones. It made her even sadder to think that this was probably going to be the last time she visited hers for a while.

"You know people used to say that we were perfect for each other, that we were going to end up together sooner or later. Then you asked me to marry you and I'll admit I wasn't one hundred percent sure about it but I agreed because I loved you. We had our ups and downs but deep down I knew I could spend the rest of my life with you...forever." she took a huge deep breath almost positive she was closed to breaking down. "I guess forever just got a lot shorter." she stated as she let out a dry laugh. "God has a weird way of working and maybe it was your time to go."

She took another deep breath and continued with what she was saying. "I just hadn't been able to let you go that easily because Julian you have to know that even after everything that happened between us, you meant so much to me and losing you was probably one of the hardest things I ever had to go through."

"A part of me will always love you but everyone's right, it's time to move on." What she said broke her, but knew that she needed to say those words if she truly wanted to move on.

"When you died I was lost and felt so…so alone that I didn't know if I was ever going to be able to move on. I lost myself for a while and if it wasn't for Haley…if i-it wasn't for Lucas, I don't know where I would be right now." She sniffed a bit and carefully got rid of the tears that had escaped.

"You taught me what it was like to fall in love with someone for the first time so thank you."

A small sob was soon then heard from the brunette and she began crying. It didn't matter to her that he died a year ago; the wounds were still fresh in her mind. She let it all out, all the pain, the suffering, the guilt and the sorrow. She swore this was going to be the last time because everyone was right and it was time to move on.

Brooke composed herself and stood up taking a step back. "I'll always remember you but my heart must go on." She made a move ready to leave but changed her mind and instead took a step forward, placing her hand once more on top of the headstone.

"Goodbye, Julian Baker." she uttered sadly, looking back at the name before this time leaving for good. She turned around and started walking the same way she came, not once looking back.

When she got near the entrance gate, she saw someone leaning against a nearby tree and despite everything that went on just a couple of minutes ago, she smiled. He never was good at listening to her but she didn't mind. She needed a friend right now and as always he was there.

"What are you doing here?" Brooke asked him as soon as she got closer to him.

"I thought you could use a friend." Lucas shrugged as he shoved his hands in his pockets. She shook her head in disbelief because he always knew what she needed. She went to him as fast as she could and wrapped her arms around him. He quickly wrapped his arms around her and inhaled her sweet vanilla scent that had become so familiar to him.

"How are you?" Lucas whispered in her ear, sending tingles running down her spine. He always had that effect on her but lately it seemed to be happening more often. She took a deep breath trying to calm down a bit.

"Honestly?" Brooke asked, slightly pulling away from him. He nodded his head looking down at her. He always wanted her to be completely honest with him not matter what. "I feel a bit better." she confessed with a sad smile. "Ever since Julian died I've felt like my life had been set on a…pause. It was like I wasn't allowed to enjoy my life because deep down inside I had been blaming myself for what happened to him."

"Brooke it wasn't your fault." Lucas made sure to assured her.

"I know that now…but I had been feeling guilty because I knew I could have done some things to make our relationship better. I could have made his last days the best days he ever had but I didn't. This guilt didn't truly let me move on but now…now I think I can."

"That's because your heart is finally healing." Lucas stated as he hesitantly lifted his hand and put it over where her heart would be. He felt her heart beating fast and he wasn't sure if it was because of him or because it just was. "You can finally move on…" Lucas spoke without thinking and when he saw her face fall, he mentally chastised himself for saying that.

"Luke…" Brooke trailed off frowning slightly. She wasn't sure if she was ready to have this talk now. He brought it up a few times ago but she would always tell him she wasn't ready to talk about it. The last time he had brought it up she had quickly changed the topic and she knew how much that really hurt him. She didn't want to hurt him anymore but things between them remained un-cleared to this day. She knew she liked him but she wasn't sure if she was ready to start something with him yet.

"I know." Lucas regrettably said as he removed his hand. He didn't mean to sound like he was pushing her right now because he wasn't. He just wanted her to know that he was still here…waiting. Lately it seem like she was never going to give him a chance but after today he thought things were going to be a little bit different. He didn't expect much from her but he at least wanted some sort of sign that told him he wasn't wasting his time. She told him she was ready to move on with her life a few days ago and he believed her.

Guess he was wrong to do so.

"Umm so how are things?" Lucas asked as he began walking towards his car. Brooke quickly went after him not knowing what to think. Was he hurt? Sad? Angry? Frustrated?

"They're going." Brooke simply responded. "Where did you park?"

"Just a little bit over there" He pointed at the place he parked his car. "Took a cab right?"

Small talk.

She hated when they were forced to have small talk. God, why did she have to make things awkward between them? Why couldn't she just tell him what he wanted to hear? Oh yeah, because she was this insecure girl who was too scared to give in to what she really wanted.

"Umm yeah."

"Alright. Come on I'll give you a ride to your mom's store then."

"Umm…I thought maybe we could hang out for a bit." Brooke hopefully said even though she already knew his answer to her suggestion.

"I have things to do." Lucas replied curtly, not bothering to look at her as he unlock his car and got in. He didn't know why he was acting like this. He told her he was going to wait for her but he was just so frustrated with her at the moment. He needed time to think and Brooke being around him wasn't an option right now.

Brooke followed him and quietly went inside the car. She looked at him waiting for him to say something but he didn't. He started the car and they spend the rest of the drive in complete silence.

He was definitely angry.

Victoria was in her store sorting through the racks of clothes. It had been almost a year since that crisis she had involving her store but thankfully they had held on thanks to Clay's fully paid internship with Lucas' company. Now that her son had graduated and had a stable job things were getting better for them but they still had a long way to go.

"Mom?" Victoria heard her daughter calling out to her. She turned around and saw her daughter stepping inside the store. It had been a year since Julian's death and Brooke had somewhat managed to pull through it, Victoria couldn't have been happier for her.

"How was your visit to the cemetery?"

"It was fine." Brooke simply replied.

"You sure? Doesn't look like it was just fine." Victoria commented.

"Lucas showed up. We talked some and then he dropped me off." Brooke casually said, not really wanting to tell her mom what happened. She knew her mom would take his side and make things ten times worse than what they already were.

"Really?" Victoria wondered doubtfully. She found it strange that Lucas would just leave like that since usually when he would drop Brooke off, he would stopped by to say a quick 'hello' to her. That's how close they had gotten in the year they known each other. Something was obviously going on here. "Did you guys get in a fight or something?"

Brooke sighed knowing she was going to have to tell her mom what happened. "Not a fight per se…but I-I think he's finally getting tired of waiting for me."

"I hardly think so." Victoria said with a slight scoff. "That boy is too crazy about you to just give you up after a year of waiting."

"People eventually get tired of waiting for something that might never happen mom."

She shook her head. "Not Lucas sweetie. He loves you way too much to ever just give you up like that." Victoria told her, making Brooke feel bad about this whole situation. "You love him too you know." she stated with a knowing look.

Brooke let out a surprise gasp. "Mom I don't-"

"Deny it all you want sweetie but deep down inside you know it's true."

"Mom, Julian died a year ago. How can you even say that I'm in love with Lucas?"

"Who said anything about being in love?" Victoria asked with a hint of playfulness in her tone.

Brooke shook her head annoyed. "Mom…you know what I meant."

Victoria smiled. "Whenever he's around, there's this certain light in your eyes. You give him these looks that you're not even aware of." she said, chuckling a bit. "You are so in love with that boy that it's so funny how he doesn't even see it himself."

"Mom, I can't be in love with Lucas." Brooke said in a panic voice. "Julian he-"

"Julian is dead sweetheart." Victoria interrupted in a gentle tone. "And you're just in denial."

"Mom I…" she trailed off not knowing what to say. What could she possibly say to this? She knew her feelings for Lucas were far more than friendly but was she really in love with him? Was she ready to start something with him? Was she finally going to move on like she told Julian's headstone earlier that day?

"You're scared, I get it Brooke." Victoria stated when she saw her daughter's face. "But you have to give love a chance again. If it's with Lucas great, if it's someone else fine, but you can't keep living like this. You told me a few days ago that you were ready to move on, well then prove it."

"I don't know if can. What if I lose him too?" she asked in a vulnerable tone.

Victoria put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Life is unpredictable Brooke. No one knows what might happen but just know that you have to give your heart a break. Don't let what happened to Julian ruin what could be the best thing that has ever happened to you." she told her cupping her face in a caring manner.

"Hey mom, hey Brookie." Clay greeted the two most important women in his life as he came inside the store.

"Clayton, aren't you supposed to be working?" Victoria asked with a raised eyebrow as she turned to look at her son.

"I am but Luke sent me on a job errand. I'm supposed to go do some scouting for a nearby college and then meet a couple of potential important clients but I thought I could drop by and say a quick hello to you both first." Clay explained briefly, looking at the state they were both in. It looked like they were having a mother/daughter talk and he wondered if he had interrupted something important between them.

"That's great honey." Victoria told him with a smile. She was so proud of Clay for achieving his longtime dream. After a year of doing his internship with Lucas' company, then finally graduating, Lucas offered Clay a full time job to work in his company. Although hesitant at first, Clay took it knowing it was the best for his family.

"I know." Clay grinned happily. "I get to do these kinds of jobs because I'm best friends with the owner." he jokingly said.

"Right…and how did you meet the owner again?" Brooke teasingly asked.

"Oh you know one day we met in the park." Clay said giving his sister a mocking look.

"Shut up." Brooke playfully hit his arm.

"Hey that hurt." Clay grumbled as he rubbed his arm. "Mom Brooke hit me!" he whined pointing a finger at his sister.

"I did no such thing! Your arm just happened to have run into my hand." Brooke responded, sticking her tongue at him.

"Mom did you see that? She stuck her tongue at me."

"Alright children behave." Victoria rolled her eyes at them. "Now I need to run to the backroom, do I need to take one of you with me?" she teasingly asked making them both roll their eyes at her. "I'll be back then guys." Victoria said before leaving them.

Clay smiled; it was times like this that he had been missing. He missed all three of them being playful with each other like they didn't have a care in the world.

"So…how are things going little sis?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Umm good I supposed." Brooke replied. "Clay I-"

"Hold that thought sis." Clay said holding his hand up as he got his cell phone out. "Hello? Oh hey Theresa…I'm with my sister at the moment…umm sure I can meet up for a bit…okay see you then."

He ended his call and put his cell phone away. "Sorry that was…"

"Theresa." Brooke glumly said. She had to admit that when Clay told her he was friends with Theresa she flipped out on him. She couldn't believe that a girl like Theresa would be friends with a guy like Clay. Theresa, who had always criticized her for not being at her same social level as her, was now friends with her brother.

"Yeah…she wants to meet with me so…"

"I don't even know what you see in her." Brooke interrupted with a blank look on her face. "Like seriously Clay, not even when I told you who she really was did you bat an eye."

"Theresa is not a bad person Brooke." Clay defended the brunette who he had gotten to know for a year. He knew she could have her moments but he liked her and that was all that mattered to him.

"She has always hated me and the fact that you're with her makes my skin crawl."

"Whoa Brookie calm down." Clay told her laughing a bit. "Theresa and I aren't even together, together."

"If you guys aren't together, then what the hell are you doing with her?"

"Contrary to what you believe, Theresa isn't that bad and I like hanging out with her." he declared nonchalantly. "And not that it it's any of your business but Theresa and I are grown adults with basic human…needs."

It took a few seconds for Brooke to realize what her brother meant and when she did she pulled a face of pure revulsion. "Eww!" Brooke yelled in disgust. The thought of her brother and Theresa…she shuddered at that.

"It's just sex Brooke." Clay shrugged indifferently like it was no big deal, which it wasn't to him. "People do it all the time. In fact I betcha somewhere out there right now, two people are going at it." he commented with a grin.

Brooke rolled her eyes. "It's not just the sex Clayton! It's the fact that you're doing it with Theresa that makes this horrible. Do I need to remind you of all the awful things she did to me?"

"I know Brooke but she's changed." Clay told her with a tired sigh.

"No she hasn't! Theresa is a manipulative, selfish bitch who is probably just using you to get back at me."

"Don't." Clay said in a warning tone. "She hasn't done anything to you as of late for you to say that. And I'm not going to stand here while you insult her either so just don't Brooke!"

"Are you seriously that blind?"

"Blind or not at least I'm doing what I want unlike certain people." Clay said, giving her a look that Brooke immediately caught.

"Oh and what is that supposed to mean?" she questioned, hand on her hip.

"It means that unlike you, when I want to do something I do it because I want to. If I want to hang out with Theresa and have sex with her on occasions with no strings attached I do." he explained. "You on the other hand are so scared to do the one thing that will make you happy. And why? Because you can't see what you have in front of you. You have this perfect amazing guy who has been in love with you since God knows when but you're so stupid to realize just that."

"I know he loves me I just-I just…"

"You just what Brooke?"

"When did this even turn into me and Lucas?" Brooke asked irritated, not knowing how this conversation turned around to her love life. "We were talking about you and Theresa."

"And now we're talking about you and Lucas."

"No we're not!" Brooke exclaimed heatedly, grabbing her purse all of a sudden. "Mom already told me what she thinks and I don't need you doing the same thing." Brooke informed him and then quickly turned around to leave.

"Running doesn't solve anything Brooke!" Clay shouted after her but she just kept on walking.

He knew how true those words were. He had been doing just that for a while now trying to bury what he had been slowly starting to feel for a certain best friend of his. He didn't know how it happened but it just did. Over the past year, little by little Quinn James had been over taking his mind to the point he couldn't stop thinking about her. But she was with David now and there wasn't anything he could do about it. Although Theresa was just the distraction he needed, he would be lying if he said he didn't feel something for her.

"Brothers tend to be annoying Brooke." Haley tried comforting her when she came to her house all upset about her argument with Clay. She knew from personal experience how annoying older brothers could be. Heck she had four to deal with when she was younger and to this day they still annoyed the hell out of her even if they're just talking through the phone with her.

"Yeah but not like mine." Brooke disagreed, sitting down in a nearby couch. "I swear he could be the sweetest most caring brother when he wants to but he can also be an insensitive ass who loves to annoy me."

"Tigger I know, I have four older brothers remember?"

"Yeah well at least you don't have to live with them." Brooke said without thinking and when she saw Haley's face drop, she immediately regretted her words. "I'm so sorry Hales. I didn't mean to upset you or anything like that." Brooke instantly apologized. She knew how important her family was to Haley and how much she missed having hers all together.

"It's fine Brooke, I know you didn't mean no harm." Haley assured her. "I mean yes it sucks my family is not here with me but they have their lives to live and New York just wasn't doing it for them."

"At least you still have Quinn and plus don't forget you have me, my mom, Owen and Lucas who love you like if you were our family. Then there's Nathan who loves you with all his heart and will do anything for you."

"I know." she smiled sadly. Because yes she had all these wonderful people by her side but it didn't mean that she missed her family any less.

"Haley?" Brooke called out to her after a couple of seconds of silence. "So about you and Nathan…"

"Ha, nice try Tigger but nope we were talking about you before my family came up and I want to finish talking about it because I also have some things to say."

"Haley…" Brooke whined. "I'm just curious to know when you're going to tell Owen the truth about you and Nathan."

"When the time comes." she answered in a calm tone.

"It's been a year Haley." Brooke pointed out.

"Same thing can be said about you Brooke."

"Your point?" she asked stubbornly.

"My point is that your mom and Clay are right." Brooke let out an exasperated noise. "Yes they are and don't give me that look Brooke."

"What look Haley?"

"That I'm-about-to-argue-over-something-I-know-I'm-wrong look."

"I don't have that look." she said through gritted teeth.

"You have it right now." she remarked with a cheeky smile.

"Whatever." she replied, crossing her arms in annoyance.

Haley rolled her eyes; her friend could be so stubborn. "Brooke, you said it yourself that you were ready to move on so why don't you actually do it?"

"It's one thing to say I'm moving on but it's another to actually do it Haley. I mean, wouldn't it look bad on me if I just start something with Lucas? Julian died a year ago and I'm scared people would talk. I don't want them to think that I didn't love him because I did Haley I swear."

"You don't have to tell me that Brooke. I know you loved Julian but…"

"But what?"

"I just think it's time to really move on." Haley told her sympathetically. "You deserve to be happy and honestly I think Lucas is the only one who can make that happen."

She wasn't surprised to hear that. Even before Julian's death, Lucas had always been there making her the happiest she had ever been in a long time. Besides Haley, Lucas was her best friend, the person who she could practically share anything with. He had been her rock throughout this year, one of her constants. She would be lying if she said she couldn't feel anything for him because in all honesty she already did. She liked Lucas Scott simple as that and maybe Haley was right and it was time to show people she was actually moving on. Yet another part of her told her it was too soon to be thinking about dating someone else.

She didn't know what to do. If she continued on the same path she was going on, there was a possibility that she was going to lose Lucas for good. But if she decided to take a chance with him, there was a small chance that Lucas could make her the happiest girl ever.

"I-I have to go." Brooke informed Haley as she got up from the couch.

"Where are you going?" Haley asked curiously as she stood up from the couch too.

"I just need…I need some time alone to think."

Brooke grabbed her belongings and then hugged Haley briefly before letting her go. "Thank you so much Haley for always being here listening to my stupid problems."

"No problem Tigger." Haley faintly smiled at her.

"Oh and Haley? I think it's time you tell Owen about you and Nathan. Owen is not stupid and he probably suspects something's going on between you two."

"Why do you think that?" Haley asked a bit worried.

"You and Nathan aren't exactly keeping your relationship on the down low."

"Is it that obvious?"

Brooke nodded her head. "Yes it is and I know you're scared but like I've said it's been a year and Owen deserves to know the truth."

"I'll take that into consideration."

"Good." Brooke smiled and then just like she came she left.

Lucas was at the office trying to get some work done. He was signing paper after paper, fixing a couple of contracts and looking through some players stats. He was more than sure that he was one of the very few people who were still working and honestly he didn't mind that. Work was the only thing that kept his mind busy and that's what he needed right now, a distraction.

"Hey Luke I got some more papers for you to sign." Mouth came inside his office carrying a few papers in his hand.

"Thanks…just leave them in my desk…I still have some contracts to look over." Lucas tiredly said, stifling a yawn.

"Lucas you alright man?" Mouth asked in concerned.

"Yeah just been a busy day today." Lucas replied not once taking his eyes off the papers he was looking over.

"Maybe you should go home and rest." Mouth suggested. He didn't like seeing Lucas overworking himself. It wasn't like him to do that, there was obviously something that was bothering him.

"I'm fine Mouth." he said dismissively. "Anything else?"

"No…I'll see you later then." Mouth said frowning and then left his office still worrying over his friend. He knew that when he got in one of his moods, it was better to leave him alone until he got out of it himself.

Once outside he let out a tired long sigh. It had been a long day but seeing Lucas so distant and overworking himself really made an impact on him. He had never seen him so stressed, so focused on his job.

It was really starting to worry him.

"Long day?" Mouth heard a familiar voice asked him.

Mouth looked up and was surprised to see Brooke standing before him.

"Brooke? What are you doing here?" Mouth asked curiously as he went over to hug her. They had become very close after they met that fateful day in that bar. Brooke one day had gone to pay him a visit in his office to thank him for what he did for her when they met. They talked a bit and realized why they had gotten along so well in the first place and the rest was history. They instantly became friends and since then Marvin McFadden had become one of the very few people she could trust.

"I was just walking around the park trying to clear my head when I had a sudden urge to come here." Brooke answered as she accepted his hug. "Is Luke still here?" she asked, pulling away from him.

"Yeah…"

"I think I might go see him then…if that's okay of course."

"Go ahead; Gigi is on her lunch break so it should be fine." Mouth told her.

"Cool…I'll see you later then Mouth. Text me and we'll hang out soon okay?"

"Yeah, sure thing…but Brooke?" He stopped her when she was about to go inside Lucas' office. "He's been in one of his moods the whole day so be careful."

Brooke rolled he eyes. "Mouth don't worry, I can always handle Lucas when he's in his broody state."

"Well…good luck then." Mouth said chuckling bit at her response.

"Thanks." Brooke simply said smiling and then turned around and walked towards his office door. She slowly opened it, peeking inside the room to see where he was until she spotted him sitting down on his armchair.

If she was being honest with herself, he looked incredibly sexy at the moment. His white shirt was rumpled with a few buttons opened showing some skin, his tie was nowhere to be seen and his hair was going all over the place just how she liked it. She found herself just staring at him, biting her lip ever so often until his blue eyes met her hazel ones.

Lucas slowly stood up, disbelief all over his face. He wasn't at all expecting to see her again today. They remained quiet, staring at each other neither breaking eye contact as Brooke continued to bite her lower lip. She was attracted to him she would admit which only made what she was about to do harder than she thought it would be.

"What are you doing here Brooke?" Lucas finally asked as he came around his office desk and then leaned against it.

Brooke took a step forward wrapping her arms around herself. It wasn't like she was cold or anything like that, but more because it was a way she could somehow protect herself. "I didn't like the way we left things earlier." Brooke told him and Lucas simply crossed his arms, his face remaining neutral.

She was beyond nervous he could tell. He had a feeling she came here to tell him something he wasn't going to like.

"And I know things are complicated between us, but I've been thinking a lot since then. I don't want to hurt you anymore Lucas because honestly I'm not sure if I'm ever going to be ready to be with you like you want me to. I think this is for the best and I-"

"You're running away aren't you?" Lucas asked her, somewhat frowning. Brooke lowered her gaze not wanting to see his probably disappointed face. "Tell me, why are you so scared of loving again?"

He took a few steps forward when she didn't answer; her gaze was still looking at the floor. In an instant he was right in front of her. "Tell me." Lucas ordered in a soft tone as he lifted her chin so he could look at her straight in the eyes. "Why are you so scared of loving again? Of loving…me?" he whispered the last part.

"I do love you Luke." Brooke made sure he knew that because she did. She loved him; things were just complicated between them. "Is just that, that…"

"You're not in love with me." Lucas finished for her sadly. He knew there was a possibility that she didn't feel what he felt for her but that actually never crossed his mind for one bit. He always thought that what they had between them was something special that could someday be more than just friendship.

"It's not that." She shook her head because she herself didn't know what she was feeling at the moment.

"Then what is it Brooke? Because honestly I don't know what you want from me then?" Lucas questioned, taking a few steps away from her. He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Tell me, why are you so scared of loving again?" he asked, moving closer to her again.

"Because…" Brooke took a deep breath and stepped back from him. It was getting difficult for her to think straight when he was that close to her. "I-I don't know if I can love again Lucas." she confessed, tears brimming near her eyes.

"Why not?"

Brooke closed her eyes, making the tears fall down instantly. "Julian was the first and only guy I've ever loved. I-If…if I let myself fall in love with someone else, I would be betraying him."

"Brooke…"

"I already felt bad enough with what I was beginning to feel for you." she murmured, not letting him say what he was about to say.

"Brooke, Julian is dead." He didn't want to sound so direct but that was the truth. Julian was gone and he was never coming back.

"I know that!" Brooke retorted angrily. She was getting tired of people reminding her that. She knew he was dead, that he wasn't going to return anymore. She didn't need to constantly hear it from everyone else.

"Then why are you still holding on to him? To his memory?" Lucas asked her softly. "You said you were ready to move on," he reminded her. "but you keep using him as an excuse. So why haven't you moved on?"

"I-I don't know."

"There has to be a reason." Lucas insisted. He didn't want to push her but it was the only way to know what was going on with her. If he knew what was bothering her, then maybe he could help her.

"I-I…"

"Brooke…why?"

"Because I'm scared okay!" Brooke cried, more tears coming down her face. "I'm scared of falling in love only to lose that love all over again." she finally admitted her fears. Eventually she handled losing Julian but if she ever lost Lucas, she didn't think she would be able to take it.

Lucas shook his head. "You won't lose it, at least not with me."

"You can't say that!" Brooke yelled, shaking her head frantically. "What makes you think that Lucas? What makes you think you're going to be here forever?"

"I'm not saying that I'm never going to die because sooner or later everyone does." he said taking her hand in his. "But what I am saying is that for every day of our lives together I'm going to be here with you always."

"How can you even be so sure? What if you meet someone else and realize that what you felt for me wasn't as strong as you thought it was?"

"Because I already told you, I'm that guy for you Brooke. But…but what I should have also told you was that you're the girl for me." He placed both his hands on her waist pulling her close to him. "You're it for me Brooke. There's no one else in the world that can ever compare to you."

"Luke…"

"Be with me." he told her without thinking.

"W-What?" Brooke stammered out in surprise.

Lucas took a deep breath; he was going to take a chance. "Be my girlfriend Brooke and I swear I'll make you the happiest you've ever been."

"I-I c-can't." she cried softly.

"I love you Brooke and I know deep down inside a part of you loves me too." Lucas told her, his hands now holding her face as he leaned closer to her. "Be with me." he repeated, locking his gaze with her. "Just let me love you." he whispered, kissing her lightly on the corner of her mouth. "Please?" he said, as he continued to hold her face, hoping she would accept him.

He said he would wait for her and he was, but he wasn't going to be begging anymore. This was it; if she rejected him he was done. He couldn't keep holding on to a hope that someday she was going to change her mind. He loved her he really did but he couldn't just keep giving in hopes that she would one day return his love.

"I-I'm sorry." Brooke whimpered and at that moment Lucas felt like his world had split down the middle. He took a step back, his hands falling from her face.

"I can't do this anymore." Lucas told her, regret cleared in his voice.

Brooke looked up at him in surprise. "Luke…" Brooke started saying, not liking how those five words sounded coming out of his mouth.

"I won't be bothering you anymore." Lucas continued as if he hadn't heard her. "I can't keep opening myself up to you only for you to tell me you aren't ready."

"You said you were going to wait." Brooke reminded him even though a year ago she told him he didn't have to. She was just being selfish trying to hold on to him in any way possible and she knew that the minute those words came out of her mouth.

"I know." Lucas whispered, his eyes dropping to the floor for a moment before quickly going back up. "And I am going to wait…I'm just not going to keep opening myself up to you anymore. Every time you say no it hurts and I-I can't keep doing that to myself…not anymore."

Lucas walked towards his window, his back to her. He ran his hand through his hair making it messier than it already was. What he told her hurt him to say but he needed to make it clear to her that he wasn't going to keep begging for her to give him a chance.

From then on, it was all on her.

Brooke looked at Lucas with a saddened expression on her face as he continued to keep his gaze towards the window. Even though he said he wasn't giving up on her, it felt like he was and it caused her this pain she didn't think was possible to feel. She didn't like this feeling, the feeling like she was losing him.

Then a thought occurred to her, one that she had previously voiced out. What if while waiting for her to make a decision, to make a move, he met someone new? What if he started liking that someone new? And what if that liking turned into love? She couldn't stand the thought of Lucas loving someone else that wasn't her and that's when she realized it.

It was like a bucket of ice water was thrown at her making her realize what she should have known all along. She had been denying it for so long but now with just the thought of losing him for good did she finally realize that what she felt for Lucas was love.

She loved Lucas Scott simple as that.

All those doubts, all her fears and excuses flew out the window. Without having to think twice anymore, she knew she was finally ready to be with him. It took her the thought of losing him to realize it but she was ready and he needed to know.

"Luke." Brooke called out to him in a gentle manner.

"Just leave Brooke." Lucas said, shaking his head. "I think you've said enough so just…just leave me alone."

Brooke felt like her heart was breaking bit by bit with those words. "I'm sorry Luke." she whispered so quietly that Lucas wasn't even sure he heard her right. "I'm sorry that I…that I keep doing this to you and I'm…I'm sorry it had to come to this point for me to finally realize something."

Slowly Lucas turned around, his face scrunched up in confusion. "What are you talking about Brooke?"

She took a deep breath knowing that with what she was about to say was going to change their whole relationship completely. "I want to be with you." Brooke stated shakily but with great amount of determination.

This had to be some sort of cruel joke she was playing on him because he couldn't have heard her say what he had wanted her to say for a long time. He didn't dare hope in case he heard wrong but the look on her face told him otherwise.

"What did you just say?"

"I said," she took a step forward, smiling shyly at him. "I want to be with you."

"You want to be with me?" Lucas asked hesitantly, taking a few wary steps towards her until they were close to each other.

Brooke understood his hesitancy and if she had been on his shoes, she would have felt the same way too. She knew that she needed to do something to prove to him that she was being serious so she raised her hands, snaking them around his neck and pulled him in close. She stood on her tippy toes and gently pushed her mouth against his lips.

Though surprised, Lucas responded to her kiss pulling her closer to him. This was what he had wanted for a long time that it almost seem surreal to him. Was this really happening? The kiss continued for a few more seconds until Lucas pulled away.

"Are you sure?" Lucas asked wanting to make sure this was what she wanted. The kiss should have been proof enough for him but this was Brooke Davis after all and he knew her well enough to know that she could easily change her mind.

"I'm more than sure." she kissed him lightly on his lips.

A smile appeared on his face. "Lucas!" Brooke squealed when his arms suddenly went around her waist and then lifted her off the ground. He spun her around in circles, happiness radiating from him. "Luke…" She clung on to him, burying her face on his neck when he finally set her down. "I'm dizzy."

"I know and I'm sorry but I'm happy." Lucas told her, his hands staying on her waist. "I've waited so long for this that it almost seems-"

Brooke interrupted him with a kiss. She loved kissing him. She thought that it would be completely awkward kissing him but it wasn't. It felt right, like if she was always meant to be kissing him. "I know but believe it Broody; you're stuck with me from now on."

"Good." Lucas simply replied before he pulled her in for one more kiss. He tightened his grip on her waist as his tongue sought to enter her mouth. Brooke let out a startled gasp as his tongue slid into her mouth but soon relaxed against him responding to the kiss with more intense passion. When air soon became a necessity, they pulled away resting their foreheads against each other.

"I'm sorry it took so long for me to realize what I had in front of me." Brooke said, gently caressing his cheek with her left hand as the other played with the little hairs on the back of his neck.

"It's okay." He closed his eyes, enjoying the way her hand felt against his cheek and his neck. "You came to your senses and that's all that matters." Lucas said with a playful smirk as he opened his eyes.

"You're so lucky I'm in such a good mood right now or else that would have earned a slap from me."

"Well how about make it up to you and invite you to a late lunch." Lucas suggested, pulling her closer to him.

"I like that idea Mr. Scott." Brooke said, smiling like she had never done before. She was happy simple as that and like she told him, she couldn't believe it took her so long to realize that she wanted him.

"I thought you would." Lucas replied kissing her one more time before releasing his hold on her.

"Let's go then." Brooke said giving him her dimple smile that he loved so much. She grabbed his hand and started pulling him towards the door.

Just as they were about to reach it, the door suddenly opened revealing a female figure who Brooke had never seen before. Lucas however was a different story. He knew her really well and though she looked different from the last time he saw her, he recognized her immediately. He couldn't believe she was standing right in front of him smiling at him like if nothing happened between them.

"Luke? Who is this?" Brooke curiously asked as she tugged his hand to get his attention. She felt the way he tensed up when he saw the person who was in front of them.

It was like if Lucas was in some sort of trance and Brooke didn't know what to think. She tugged on his hand one more time and finally he snapped out of his stupor.

"Lucas who is she?" Brooke asked one more time getting impatient from his lack of an answer.

Lucas took a deep breath, not once taking his eyes from the girl in front of him. "Anna." Lucas whispered in disbelief, looking at the brunette he hadn't seen in a long time.

"Hey there Luke….miss me?" Anna asked with a wicked smile.

To Be Continued…

Well there you guys go. Brucas are finally together!

*Crowd Cheers*

I know I'm such a dork :P

Hahaha anyways yes I know it took me long enough to get these two idiots together but I felt it was what had to happen considering how this story started. Now about that ending…DON'T WORRY about it guys! Anna won't be causing problems. She'll be gone by the next chapter; it'll be like she never even came :)

Quick question…was BL getting together too cheesy? Because to me it felt like it was lol. I'm not that good at those kinds of scenes so that's my excuse.

Please Review!