Author's Note: God, I know! I'm a horrible, horrible person. I hadn't even realized it had been so long since I'd updated, and then the site decided it hated me, and I couldn't post for forever. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. I struggled with it for a little bit, but I think it turned out well. Anyway, thank you for reviews, and enjoy.

Movie Script Ending

Chapter Eighteen: Have Your Cake, and Eat it Too

"Is it just me, or has December been the longest month of the entire year so far?" Brooke mused to her husband as she sipped at her green tea, eyes focused on the calendar on their kitchen wall.

Lucas smiled. "December is like," he paused, "last period. You know? The end of the day at school, and you only have one more class to go, and it's only fifty-five minutes long, but it feels like a million. Because it's the end. And it'll all be over soon."

"High school references," She made a face. "Gee, I sure miss those days."

He laughed, and she continued, "I don't think it will be. Over, that is. It's not like at the end of one year, your problems for the next year don't exist. The way I see it, at the start of next year, Nathan and Haley still won't be together, Nathan will still be unhappy, and we'll stay the same."

"Is that so bad?" Lucas stared at her intently, pulling off his tie, preparing to re-tie it. "That uh, you and I stay the same?"

"No, Sweetie. I didn't mean it like that," She stood, making her way towards him in quick strides, and wrapping her arms around him. "It's just that I sometimes wish things were different for us. Like, if you were around more, and I actually did something with my life.."

"You do do things with your life!"

"I mean, for a living."

"Baby, money isn't an issue, or anything, if that's what-"

She held a hand up. "No, no. I know we're well off, trust me. I just wish I could contribute somehow."

"Well, whatever you want to do, I'll support you." Lucas said seriously, and she couldn't help but giggle.

"I know you will," She stood on the tips of her toes, placing a soft kiss on his lips. "Thank you."

Footsteps echoed around the room as Nathan entered, clad in gym shorts, sneakers, and headphones. He nodded hello to the couple.

"Hey Nathan." Brooke smiled warmly, pulling away from a disappointed Lucas.

His face shifted however, from disappointment to excitement as he remembered the previous evening. "Nate, has Peyton called yet?"

Nathan sighed. "Luke-"

"I mean, I know it's been a couple days, but she's got to call at some point. Right?"

"Lucas," Nathan opened the refrigerator, grabbing a water bottle. "Peyton did call."

"She did?"

He nodded. "Yeah. Last night."

"And..?" Lucas grinned hopefully.

"And she said she doesn't think it's going to work out. After all, I did just get out of a ten year relationship." As he said this, Brooke cast her eyes nervously to the ground. She knew it was her fault Nathan was still currently single. Why she had done it, she didn't know. Maybe deep inside she felt a little protective over her brother-in-law.

"Well, yeah, but I mean.. you guys hit it off so well."

Nathan shook his head. "That was just Peyton and I catching up, man. We were good friends in high school. After we dated. We haven't talked in a while, so we had a lot to say. Luke, I'm not going to get over Haley that quickly. You're just going to have to give me some time."

Lucas looked defeated, but he understood. "Okay. I'm sorry. I just - I just wanted you to be happy."

"Well, you're definitely making it easier, brother. It just takes time.."

The two smiled at each other, and after a while, Lucas nodded. "Okay. Well, I'm off to work." He kissed Brooke quickly on the lips, patted Nathan's shoulder, and then left.

Brooke watched him go. "I'm sorry too, Nate. About you and Peyton."

He shrugged. "I'm not. No offense, but I sort of always knew me and Peyton weren't supposed to be."

She laughed, looking down.

Nathan hopped up onto the counter, and Brooke eyed him for a moment.

"Yes?"

"Do you work at all, or what?" She teased.

He rolled his eyes. "Look who's talking."

"Shut up."

"I work," Nathan shrugged. "I just haven't thought of the design that's going to make me millions.. yet."

Brooke nodded. "Yet. So there will be a multi-million dollar plan?"

"Of course."

"Huh. Well, at least your spirits are high."

They were silent for a few moments before Nathan finally spoke up. "I'm not - I mean.. am I bugging you and Luke? 'Cause I'm sure I could find a place to-"

"Nathan, don't be ridiculous. You know we love having you here." She smiled warmly, nudging him.

"Thanks, but uh, I think I'm a little too old to be living with my older brother. Besides, I get the feeling you and Lucas need some alone time. You deserve it." Nathan shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Nathan.."

"I'll start looking for apartments. And I'll be out of here before you know it."

"Nathan," Brooke said firmly. "That's not what Lucas and I want. You're here because you're our family, and we want to help you through this divorce."

"You've helped enough." He smiled, leaning down to kiss her cheek.

-

Nearly a week had passed, and Lucas sat in his office, looking over some business proposals.

A knock at the door startled him, and he looked up, smiling when he saw his younger brother. "What's up?"

"Look at you," Nathan smirked. "All hard at work."

"Yeah, who would have thought?" His eyes returned back at his paperwork.

"I would have."

The brothers met eye contact again, in a moment so calm and sacred. Their haunted past suddenly flashed through both of their minds, reminding them of how hard it had been to come to his moment; how difficult it had been to begin their brotherhood.

The moment was almost awkward, it was so powerful, and Nathan looked down, clearing his throat. "I uh, just came to tell you that I think I may have found an apartment."

"That's great, Nate."

"Yeah. I mean, it's not for sure or anything, but I really like it. It's my kind of place, you know? The only problem is the money, but I'm pretty sure I can scrounge up enough to take care of it. So, if you're lucky, I could be out of here before Christmas."

"Christmas is in like, five days." Lucas stated with uncertainty.

"I know, but the guy that owns the complex says that we could finalize the deal as early as tonight. I'm going back to the place right now to check it out."

"That's awesome, man." His brother smiled warmly.

"Yeah. Will you tell Brooke for me? She's like, out shopping or something, so I didn't get to tell her." Nathan shrugged, eager to get back to the apartment.

"Of course. Uh, good luck."

"Thanks."

Nathan gave his brother a small wave before leaving the room.

Lucas stared after him, sighing deeply. He felt as if, for some reason unknown to himself, he and his brother were drifting apart. And it wasn't like he hadn't tried to prevent this from happening either. He'd attempted to talk to him, he'd basically stopped talking to Haley altogether (although they hadn't talked much lately, anyway), and he'd even let him stay in his house! Yet, for some reason, they were less close than they'd been since before Nathan moved in. It made no sense to him.

He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts, and went back to work.

-

"A celebration?"

She hadn't seen her husband so excited since - actually, she'd never seen her husband so excited. Brooke carefully set her shopping bags onto the ground, smiling softly at Lucas.

She repeated herself. "A celebration? For Nathan?"

"Yeah," He nodded enthusiastically. "Like, to congratulate him about the new apartment."

"Sweetie, the only reason he has a new apartment is because he's divorcing his wife. I really don't think that's going to make him very happy."

Lucas shook his head. "Brooke, you should have seen him. He was really excited about this new place. Come on, it'll be small. Just you, me, and him."

Brooke raised an eyebrow. "That sounds kinky."

He paused for a moment, shocked to hear her answer. It seemed the old Brooke Davis-Scott was definitely returning; slowly, but surely.

"We could get a little cake and maybe a few balloons."

Brooke smiled, taking a few steps towards her husband, and placing herself easily in his arms. "You're a great brother."

He chuckled. "As a husband?"

"You are," She paused, standing on the tips of her toes to place a kiss on his nose. "The best husband."

-

Nathan closed the front door behind him quietly. It was only about eight-thirty, but he still didn't want to bother anyone. Leaning against it after it shut, he squeezed his eyes shut.

When he opened them, he was met with twelve multi-colored balloons, Lucas in an un-tucked button up with black slacks on, and Brooke in a sparkly, tight, bright purple dress that had thin straps and went to her knees.

"Surprise!" They said in unison, dimpled grins matching each others perfectly.

"Uhh.." He stuttered, not entirely sure what he should say. "It's not my birthday."

"We know, but we wanted to congratulate you on your new apartment." Lucas grinned, squeezing Brooke tightly.

"Let me get this straight," Nathan stood, taking a step closer to them. "You're celebrating because I'm moving?"

Lucas didn't seem to get it. "Yeah."

Brooke rolled her eyes, slapping Lucas lightly in the chest. He grimaced. "No, Nathan. We're celebrating because you got this apartment that you really wanted!"

"Oh," Nathan nodded. "Well, I didn't get it."

He took slow, determined steps towards the kitchen, pushing balloons out of his way as he did. Red, yellow, fuck, they'd even gotten ones that said, 'Congratulations on your new place!'.

Brooke and Lucas followed closely behind him.

"Nate, I'm so sorry. We were really convinced you'd get it." Lucas was saying.

He laughed bitterly. "Well, I guess my past doesn't agree. Apparently no one wants to sell an apartment to a young guy that's been in dept since he got married when he was sixteen."

Lucas and Brooke gave each other helpless looks. Neither had the slightest idea of what to say. There was nothing that would comfort him.

Lucas swallowed, taking a step forward and placing his hand on his brother's shoulder. "Look, man. I know it's hard, but you've just got to take this one day at a time. I know you're hurt. And I know you're not going to believe me when I say this. But eventually, everything's going to be okay. It's going to all work out."

Nathan took a painful breath, looking up at the ceiling. "I don't want to wait for 'eventually', Luke." His voice cracked, and Brooke felt tears spring to her eyes instantly.

The brothers embraced, and Brooke stood behind them awkwardly, suddenly feeling silly in her pretty dress.

When they pulled apart, Nathan looked over at the counter, where a moderately sized (for three people, anyway), beautifully decorated cake sat, the words, 'Congratulations, Nathan!' sprawled almost teasingly across it.

"Damn, you guys got a cake?" He tried to lighten the mood, scratching his head.

Brooke nodded proudly. "I made it myself."

Both men threw her a look.

"Fine, but I had it specially made, and that has to count for something."

"Thanks, Brooke," Nathan loosely threw his arms around his sister-in-law, before taking a seat at the counter. "Alright. Let's demolish this thing."

The remaining Scotts grinned, following him towards the counter. Brooke took a seat across from Nathan, and Lucas stood beside her. It was a tender moment between a family..

..One that was suddenly ruined by the loud ringing of a cell phone. Lucas fumbled through his pockets, and when he found it, made a face.

"I'm sorry, guys. It's work."

"Luke," Brooke frowned.

"It's fine," Nathan shrugged. "Don't worry about it."

Lucas smiled apologetically, bringing the phone to his ear and walking away. Brooke stared after him for a moment, clearly annoyed. Rolling her eyes, she turned back towards Nathan, who's gaze was flickering between hers and the cake.

"Nathan," She said slowly, "I just want you to know that I really enjoy your company. And just you being her in general. For what it's worth, I'm glad you're staying."

He grinned at her from across the counter. "That means a lot, Brooke. Really."

Nathan reached for the three plates neatly stacked, waiting to be filled with a hefty chunk of cake, but Brooke stopped him with her hand, holding up two forks.

"I think it's just you and me tonight, Sailor."

He looked over towards the living room, where Lucas was. "..No, let me check the computer, I think maybe.."

He turned back to Brooke. "I think you're right."

The two dipped their forks into the cake, each pulling out a bite-sized drop of chocolate heaven.

"You know," Brooke said, mouth full, "You'd think they'd want to give an apartment to someone who got married young. Shows responsibility."

Nathan shook his head. "Yeah. Real responsible. Car crashes, debt, ragers, more debt, and not to mention divorce."

She made a face. "Huh. Well, you're not divorced yet. Completely."

The darker-haired Scott brother bit his lip. "Actually, I am. I didn't want to sound like more of a brat, but uh, divorce went through today. We talked to lawyers separately, and I said she could have what she wanted, which was the apartment and everything in it. I've got the car. That's it. It's over."

"Nate," Brooke said, lightly touching his arm. "I'm so sorry. It is just not your night, huh?"

"That's not entirely true," Nathan smirked, "I did get cake."

They both laughed, taking another bite of the cake simultaneously.