(A/N): Chapter 3 sorry for the wait but here it is! I would have had this up days ago but fanfiction was having problems with uploading documents

Disclaimer: I do not own One Tree Hill

Because You Live

Chapter 3

Peyton's breath seemed to be forced out of her lungs. Her brain just couldn't seem to comprehend that Lucas Scott was actually sitting right there in front of her. Lucas looked just as surprised, staring up at her with wide as if she had sprouted wings and flew away. He looked the same, almost the same. There were dark circles under his eyes lined with fatigue; his once vibrant blue eyes were dull and gray, someone slowly losing their will to live.

He was the one who broke eye contact. Peyton watched as Lucas slowly rose to his feet, pushing his hands into his pockets sheepishly. When he finally decided to look up again Peyton's face was tear stained and wet. "H-Happy Birthday" She said stumbling over her words. He couldn't find the words; actually there wasn't a single word in the English language that could possibly tell her what she deserved to hear.

Before he knew what was happening, she thrust her arms around his neck forcing him into an embrace. Lucas trembled at her touch. Peyton dug her face into his shoulder taking in his familiar sent. Wait a minute, why was she hugging him. Peyton harshly pushed him away. "You inconsiderate jerk!" She yelled red faced and huffy. Lucas's expression was blank staring past him at nothing in particular. Lucas heard her, but didn't respond. He deserved it. She slapped him across the face tears running from her eyes steadily. Peyton raised her hand again to hit him again but dropped it instantly covering her face with her hands.

"Peyton?" Lucas winced at his cracking voice. " . . . I'm sorry." Lucas said finally. Peyton looked up teary eyed. That's when she hugged him again, but this time he hugged her back. When they broke apart, Peyton quickly wiped away her tears her face turning serious.

"Where were you? What happened?"

"Peyton please, not now." Lucas said rubbing his head. Peyton pouted taking a step back. That's when it occurred to her.

"Daddy play with me!"

"I shouldn't have come here . . ." Lucas said keeping his head down.

"You shouldn't have left!" Peyton spat harshly. "Did you think of you're Mother! Or Keith! Or . . . me?" Peyton said tears filling her eyes. "Or her? Were you thinking about her?" She said sniffing. "You didn't even come to her funeral." Peyton whispered hiccuping.

"After what I did . . . I didn't deserve to be there." Lucas said his eyes watery as well.

"That little girl called you Daddy." Peyton said out of nowhere.

" . . ." Lucas dropped his eyes down again.

"Is that . . . your Daughter?" Peyton said unwilling to believe that Lucas could've possibly gotten together with anyone after Brooke.

"Yes." He said finally. Peyton starred at him in complete shock. "Her name is Emily . . . Emily B-Brooke Scott." He stuttered. Peyton looked up at him.

"Brooke?" Peyton whispered. "Do have anywhere to stay?" She asked playing with the ends of her sleeves.

"No." Lucas said.

"Come on then, you can stay with me." Peyton watched as Lucas didn't argue but instead turned back to the car pulling out the little sleeping girl wrapped in a blanket.

"Peyton?" He asked.

"What?" Peyton said back not turning around.

"Thanks."

"Yeah well you're always saving me; I suppose it's my turn." Peyton said clenching her fists.

"Come on," She said sticking her hands I her pocket. Her whole body was numb. The thought of Luke having a daughter was surreal. The one question that ran though her head, who was the mother? But it wasn't a question to be asking him right now. He looks so tired. Like life picked up a hammer and just wouldn't stop beating him.

(A/N): Aw I feel so bad for poor Luke! A lot more drama is on the way! Please review!