Author's Note: Things are really getting exciting right now for me. The story is going to start unraveling and I'm so excited. Once I get my schedule for next week, I'll have a better idea of when I'll update this again. Also, I want to thank the three of you who PMd me and asked me to continue. Excitement like that is one of the main reasons I really keep this going. I would also like to thank, once again, Miss Corey (BRUCAS123) because she BETA-d this chapter even though she's sick. It means the world to me that you care about this story as much as I do.
I would also like to thank my best friend, Maranda. As much as I know she hates not getting spoiled and not being the one I go to for this story, she looks past it so that she can make me happy and make sure that I get an honest opinion from her. She knows how much that means to me. Thank you.
And now, no further adieu..

"What About Now"

Brian grumbles as his hands curl into fists. His face turns down with the grunt and Brooke is thankful for the distraction. She turns to look at him. She can feel those hands on her arms and she has to get away. She walks over to the baby and picks him up before she finally turns back to the man at the door.

It's Julian Baker, Brooke's wayward boyfriend, who spends more time on sets around the world then at home with her and their child. She's not sure if she wants to be happy or angry. She does know that she doesn't want to upset the already grumpy Brian, so she holds her tongue for now. "I didn't know you were coming."

"That's why it's a surprise." He says as he walks into the house, leaving his bags by the door. He eyes the baby and clears his throat, "Is there something you want to tell me?" For half a second, he wonders if she had a baby without his knowledge. Has he been gone that long?

She looks up at him curiously and then down at Brian. "What?"

Julian walks over to her and he pretends not to notice how her shoulders go stiff. "Who's the little guy?"

Brooke eyes widen. How could he ask that question? While she wants to snap at him, she holds back. "It's Brian. Haley went to pick up Jamie so I'm watching him." When was the last time he was home? She tries to remember but her mind goes slightly blank. It shouldn't be like this. She doesn't want it to be like this. But he always says he loves her. She needs to be supportive of him. He's achieving his dream.

"Br--No way." He looks at the little boy and lets out a slow breath. He's never even met Brian. Haley was still pregnant the last time he was home. "How old is he?" He wonders aloud. His stomach tightens with nerves when he hears her say he's eight months. It's been so long.

* * *

It's been so long since Lucas felt like his life was starting to work out. Of course, he's happy to be with his daughter. And he loves having the support of his mom, best friend and brother. But now he feels like he had some kind of importance that has made him more into a person, than just a father.

Brooke Davis. She is incredible and independent, these things he has always known. But she's also stubborn and would sacrifice everything she has to make everyone else happy. That's exactly what she's doing now with Julian.

Honestly, Lucas feels a little responsible for that. He had really pushed them to be together. Now the man that Lucas had thought would make Brooke happy only makes her sad. He hates that he was a part of that.

He walks up to the front door and knocks on it. Today is move in day. He had left Penny with his mother so he could move Brooke's things without worrying about the little girl feeling neglected. He's excited, more than he thought he would be. And since he knows it's probably going take Brooke awhile to get to the door, he decides to just open the door and let himself in.

He pulls out the key from his jeans pocket, twists it open and pushes the door. "Brooke! I'm coming in." He calls out so she doesn't worry.

But as he steps in, he can only stare.

Julian looks up at him from the couch. "Hey, Luke." He doesn't feel comfortable knowing that his woman's ex-lover has a key to her house. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask the same thing," he snaps. He's been with Brooke this whole time. He's watched her cry over Julian, and the last thing he wants to do is be civil. But he also knows that Brooke doesn't need any drama in her life right now. She is very pregnant so he doesn't want to start anything. For her sake. "I mean--we thought you'd be in LA for another couple weeks."

Julian puts his hand on the couch and pushes himself up. Lucas Scott is a good guy, and he's probably only being nice to a friend, but Julian can't take that chance. He had already lost one girl he truly cared about to him. He won't lose another. "Came home early," he says simply. "Brooke mentioned moving in with you."

"So that's what this is about."

"You're damn right that's what this is about," Julian hisses. He keeps his voice low but steps in. "Who do you think you are? What kind of man invites another man's pregnant girlfriend to live with him?"

Lucas is trying but it's getting harder and harder. "I was just trying to help, Julian. She's alone here all the time. It's not safe." He isn't trying to come on to Brooke. He is just trying to help. At least, that's what he thinks he's doing. When Julian says it, it sounds a lot worse. Is it?

"Well you don't have to worry about that anymore. I'm home, now."

However, Lucas lifts his head when he hears a voice from the other room echo through the hall. It is Brooke asking for help to reach something. He starts to take a step forward but a hand on his chest stops him.

Julian is shocked at how dense Lucas is. Didn't he just hear what was said? "I got it, Luke. She's mine. She's my girlfriend and it's my baby she's having. If she needs help, I'll help her. Not you." He pushes back a little, stone cold expression on his face. "Just stay away from her."

Lucas just stares as Julian turns and heads down the hall.

"Coming, baby." Julian says as he disappears into the bedroom.

* * *

"Come on, daddy!" Penny squeals as she runs up the grass towards the front of the house.

"I'm coming, baby." Lucas says with a smile as he shuts the backdoor of his car once Grace slides out. He holds his hand out for her and she takes it easily, like it's no big deal for her to hold his hand. He likes feeling this close to his god daughter. She's sweet and kind, and the perfect friend to his little Penny.

"Did you have fun at the park today?" He asks Grace. She looks tired, he notes, and she probably needs a nap. Penny however looks like she's ready for a marathon race--which he knows means that she's going to pass out soon. He watches her do a couple gymnastics rolls as he walks up towards the house.

Grace nods sleepily, "Mmhmm. Me and Penny drew our families."

Being friends with Haley James Scott, Lucas doesn't even realize as he corrects. "Penny and I."

The little brunette just shakes her head and points into her chest. "No. It's was me and Penny. Not you."

Lucas chuckles and looks down at her as he swings their arms back and forth. "No, Grace. I didn't mean it was me with Penny drawing the families. Saying Penny and I is the right way to say it."

Her face squishes up for a second as she considers this and then finally shakes it. "Mm-mm. You were playing with Uncle Nathan. It was me and Penny drawing. 'Member?" She asks when they get to the door.

Lucas reaches into his pocket to grab the key and unlock the door. Talking proper grammar with a four year old probably isn't the best thing to do. So instead he goes along with it. "Oh! You're right. I was hanging out with Uncle Nathan, wasn't I?"

She nods happily as he opens the door.

He lets go of Grace's hand and reaches for Penny. "Come on, Pen. Let's get you cleaned up. It's nap time."

"I don't want to nap." She groans, reluctantly moving towards her father. She's given a reprieve however when she hears a car pull into the driveway. She brightens and bounces back on her heals before taking off after the boy she sees in the passenger side. "Jamie!"

A handsome eleven year old steps out of the car and leans down to give his little cousin a hug. "What's up, little bit?" He asks as he puts his arm over her shoulder and walks her towards the door. He sees the chalk on her hands and makes a face, "You went to the park without me, didn't you?"

Lucas smiles as she giggles and then looks up to see Haley slip out of the car. "Hey Hales. Where's the baby?" He asks as he gives her a hug, too.

Before she has a chance to answer, Grace's voice pipes up. "Daddy!"

He doesn't even think, he just turns. "Yeah, baby?" But she darts into the house.

Lucas doesn't feel the curious stare Haley gives him as he walks into the Davis house. "Grace, where'd you--" He stops mid-sentence as he sees the little dark haired girl hanging from Julian Baker's arm like a monkey. She squeals in delight and giggles when he pulls her into his arms.

Julian looks over at Lucas in his front door and just stares as he holds his little girl. "Hey Luke."

* * *

"Hey Luke..." Brooke holds her phone against her ear as she paces behind the counter of Clothes Over Bros. It's been a couple of days since she's seen him and it isn't like them. Ever since Julian came back to town, things have been different and she doesn't like them one bit. "It's me."

Her voice is soft, raspy and quiet. She doesn't know why she feels like she's been punched but her chest hurts. "I just haven't talked to you in awhile and..." And what? Why didn't she write down what she planned on saying before making the call? Why didn't she at least have an outline? She presses her lips together and lets out a small sigh.

Why did this feel so hard?

"I miss you." She says into the phone before slowly bringing it down from her ear to flip it closed. Is he angry with her? Why isn't he talking to her? What did she do? She tries to think back on what she may have done. She goes through the last couple of times they've hung out but nothing comes to mind.

"I miss you, too."

The voice makes her turn quickly and her cell phone falls from her hand. He looks at it and then to the door. She presses her hand against her chest, "My God. Luke, you scared me. Do you really think it's a good idea to sneak up on someone who has issues with being alone in her store?"

He smiles at her as he walks into the shop. "I didn't mean to scare you." He steps around the counter, bends to pick up her phone and then rises. He places it on the counter before looking at her rounded stomach. The smile on his face widens slightly as he, unable to control himself, reaches his fingers out to brush over it. "How's she doing?"

Her pulse flickers and she swallows a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Who? The girl with the issues or the baby?"

"Both," he says feeling the baby move beneath his fingers. He is anxious to meet this little girl that made Brooke's dreams come true. He wants to hold her and see Brooke in her eyes, smiling back at him. He shrugs that thought away, though, as his thumb circles the spot she'd kicked.

Brooke doesn't want to say anything to ruin it. She just watches him with the bump, and it makes her smile. He has always been so kind and tender with her, careful and caring. She would never admit it but sometimes, late at night when Julian had been gone for weeks on end and it was just the two of them and Penny, she would pretend they were a family. Just for a second. Then guilt would take over and she'd swear to herself she wouldn't do it again. "We're fine." She finally admits. "I had a doctor's appointment yesterday. He said everything's good."

"Good. That's good." He hates not seeing her regularly. He has relied on her so much lately. Maybe she doesn't deserve the extra burden but he likes thinking that he's able to help her, too.

She hesitates for a moment before blurting. "Why haven't you called?" God, she sounds so needy. Brooke hates sounding needy but she can't change what she said or how she said it. It's out there now.

Lucas considers answering the question honestly. He considers telling her what Julian said, but he doesn't want to start trouble for them. Besides, he's seen her with him. She looks happy. And she deserves to be happy. "I should go."

"Lucas." She shakes her head and reaches for his arm as he starts to move away.

"No, Brooke. Now's just not a good time." He's had a lot of time alone with his daughter. Feeling the loss of Brooke around was different then losing Peyton. Maybe knowing Brooke is still out there with someone who isn't right for her makes it worse.

"Well then when will be a good time for you?" She crosses her arms over her chest, resting on top of her stomach.

He holds his hands up and retreats. "I'm sorry. I just can't."

"Lucas..." She doesn't want to do this. She doesn't want to cry, but she's seen this scene before. She remembers seeing Lucas backing away from her after the party at the high school shortly after the school shooting. She has always felt like she lost a big part of him that day and now she worries that she's losing him again. The tears easily fill her eyes. "Please don't leave."

He's seen her cry before but not like this. The past couple months it's always been about Julian. Now they're tears he's causing her to cry, something he hasn't done in many years. It stops him. "Brooke, don't cry."

"What did I do?" She asks, almost as if she hasn't heard anything he said. "Just tell me what I did. I hate us not talking and I feel like it's my fault."

"It's not your fault."

"Why have you been avoiding me?" Her hands go to her face and wipe at the tears. It's so easy to cry now and that is one thing she's hoping goes away after she gives birth. Lately everything makes her cry, and while she could blame these tears on hormones, she knows in her heart it's something deeper. Something more significant than just having a bad day.

He steps forward, wanting to comfort her. He can't stand her crying. "Brooke."

"Tell me." She insists, not sounding as demanding as she planned on.

"I can't!" He growls back, and in his mind, he really can't. She needs to be able to have this without him making problems for them. So Julian was a jerk to him, so what? That doesn't mean anything. He's just trying to take care of his girlfriend, right?

She wipes her hands over her cheeks and bites her bottom lip. "Why?" She watches his face and she sees the struggle. There is something he's trying not to say and it's driving her crazy. Why can't he tell her? Is it really that bad? "Lucas..."

He doesn't even think. He leans in, hand cupped at the side of her face and he brushes his mouth against her lips. The kiss is soft and short, too short, but it shakes her down to her toes. Her eyes are still closed as he slowly pulls back and gives her another kiss on the forehead.

"I've got to go." He whispers as he pulls himself away from her and walks out of the shop.

* * *

Haley walks into the house with Jamie and Penny at her side. She's not really sure if she heard what she did. Oh, forget it. Yes, she did. She knows exactly what happened. She saw the way Lucas jumped the second he heard Grace say daddy.

It isn't until she steps through the doorway that she realizes Grace wasn't calling to Lucas. "Julian. What a surprise!"

Jamie also notices Julian and just crosses his arms over his chest. Ever since he was a little boy, he's been in his Aunt Brooke's corner. He isn't a kid anymore, and he's been able to see exactly what has been going on. "What's he doing here?" He questions under his breath, getting an elbow from his mom.

"It's good to see you again too, Jamie." Julian says as he gives Haley a small hug. "You look great. And Brian's so big. I can't believe how fast he's growing."

A small part of Brooke really wants to point out that Julian didn't even know who Brian was a few minutes ago. But she doesn't say it. No point in it. "Grace, baby, why don't you take Penny and Jamie to your room and feed your fish?" Lucas had won a goldfish for both her and Penny. Ever since, Grace has been obsessed with fish and wanted nothing more than a fish tank for her birthday.

Grace excitedly rushes over to Jamie and takes his hand. "Mama got me a new one. It's yellow and purple and I named him Bob!"

"Oh really?" Jamie says as he takes her hand, "Come on and show me Bob, monkey." The three head down towards the hall. Jamie was a pro at knowing when parents needed 'adult talk' time.

Lucas listens to them chatter happily before looking down at the floor. He shouldn't be here. He can't hang around while Julian's here. And he surely isn't going to be able to talk to Brooke about the almost kiss while he is. He clears his throat and turns to Haley, "Do you think you can drop Penny off when you head home? I have to go… do something."

She nods, "Sure."

But as he leaves, it's Brooke that watches him. He doesn't even say goodbye. "I'll be right back," she says as she heads to the door. Before stepping out, she turns on her heal and passes Brian back off to Haley, then heads out.

"Brooke--" Julian calls after her.

"I'll just be a second," she says as she hurries outside. She sees Lucas already at his car and calls out to him. "Luke! Wait..."

He looks up honestly a little surprised that she chased after him. "Brooke, I have to--"

"No, you don't." She puts her hands on her hips. "You've done that to me a million times," she says about calling her on it when she's about to lie. "And every time you say it's because you know me so well. Well guess what, I know you, too. So what's going on?"

"It's nothing," he says, grabbing his keys out of his jeans and shoving one in the car door to unlock it.

"Lucas Scott!" Her voice is stern as she watches him get into the car. No way is she letting him just drive away like this. It's probably irrational but she steps out into the street and stands in front of his car. "Don't you lie to me. What is it? Why are you leaving?"

He turns the key to start the car but she doesn't leave. He feels a tidal wave of emotion move around him and he can't hold it in. She's not budging, so he lets out a huff and throws the door open. "You really want to know why?" He asks, one foot in the car, the other on the ground. He half leans on the hood of the car, half on the window.

"Yes!" She insists, "I really want to know why!"

He barely lets her get to the word 'know' when it just comes spilling out. "Because of him, Brooke. That's why." He sees her start to open her mouth and he doesn't let her say anything. "Because he breezes back into your life but when he leaves again, who's going to be there to pick you up? Who's going to sit down with Grace and tell her it's not her fault that her dad's not staying?"

"I do that!" She hisses, throwing her hands out at her side. "I'm her mother. I don't know if you've noticed but I'm not that same pregnant girl who couldn't do anything for herself. Grace is four, Luke. And F.Y.I, I never complained about having to pick you up when Peyton died."

He shakes his head, "I'm not... complaining."

"Oh no?" Her hands are back on her hips.

"No."

"Because it sounds a lot like you are. And since when do you have to explain to my daughter why her father is out of town? I never once asked you to do that." Secure that he isn't going to just drive off, Brooke lets her anger fuel her as she walks towards the door.

"She asks." Lucas said, stepping out from behind the door. "She's smart and she asks a million different questions and every time Julian leaves town, she always asks why. How are you supposed to make a four year old understand that she's loved even if her father would rather chase his dream around the world than spend time with her?" He watches her closely as she looks down. "And what's that even teaching her? That it's okay to be with a man that treats her horribly and runs away every chance he gets? You really want to raise her to stay in a relationship with the wrong guy?"

She looks up then, confused. "Wrong... guy? What are you talking about?"

He feels the way he felt in the park. She looks up at him and he's lost in that moment. The whole world is spinning out of control but he can only see her. Maybe Nathan is right, and this has been a lot longer in the making than he orginally thought. "You know exactly what I'm talking about," he says. It takes every ounce of courage he has in his body to move his hand forward and touch hers. His fingers curl against her palm, pulling her just an inch closer.

She's lost, hardly able to think, barely able to breathe. Nothing seems to exist for a small moment. She shakes her head, or at least, thinks she does. "Luke..."

The feeling is growing between both of them, ready to explode and he can't help himself. He doesn't want to. "Shh," he whispers as he leans in and very gently brushes his lips across hers. All the worries about tomorrow are laid to rest for the moment. All he needs to feel is her and this moment.

She's floating. She's sure of it.

As he slowly breaks the kiss and opens his eyes, he sees hers are still closed. "Brooke."

She just presses her lips together and moves her hand to his chest. She sniffles once and then looks up at him. He just kissed her. She's surprised but excited. She's thought about this happening. She's wondered about what his lips would feel like on hers. Again. It has been so long since she's felt them. But everything is just flowing against her, through her.

"Brooke, say something." He's sure he'll go crazy if she doesn't.

She lets out a shaky breath and taps her fingers on his chest once as she fights back the tears in her eyes. "It's my turn to go." She whispers and takes two steps back. "I'm sorry, Luke. This... can't happen." She wants it. She screams out for it. But it can't.

Turning, she walks up towards her house with her arms wrapped around her body, trying to calm herself so she doesn't look a mess when she goes inside.

Lucas, on the other hand, just stands outside and watches her go.

What did he just do?

AN: You probably already know this song but the lyrics are beautifully Brucas, so I wanted to post them. Please enjoy. As always, please review, just don't be cruel. *Rosie

Shadows fill an empty heart
As love is fading,
From all the things that we are
But are not saying.

Can we see beyond the scars
And make it to the dawn?
Change the colors of the sky.
And open up to

The ways you made me feel alive,
The ways I loved you.
For all the things that never died,
To make it through the night,
Love will find you.

What about now?
What about today?
What if you're making me
all that I was meant to be?
What if our love never went away?
What if it's lost behind words
we could never find?
Baby, before it's too late,
What about now?

The sun is breaking in your eyes
To start a new day.
This broken heart can still survive
With a touch of your grace.
Shadows fade into the light.
I am by your side,
Where love will find you.

What about now?
What about today?
What if you're making me
all that I was meant to be?
What if our love,
it never went away?
What if it's lost behind words
we could never find?
Baby, before it's too late,
What about now?

Now that we're here,
Now that we've come this far,
Just hold on.
There is nothing to fear,
For I am right beside you.
For all my life,
I am yours.

What about now?
What about today?
What if you're making me all
that I was meant to be?
What if our love never went away?
What if it's lost behind
words we could never find?
Baby before it's too late,
What about now?