A moment ago it seemed
It was yesterday
You were here with me
And everything seems to be the same

Brooke woke up and looked at the alarm clock. 4 a.m. She really didn't want to get up and go school today. As if on cue Alex started crying so she gently crept out of bed. She didn't want to wake Lucas. He had a rough practice last night and was up until 2 a.m. studying. It was good having him back, but awkward at the same time. He had kept his word and moved back to Tree Hill to be close to her and Alex. He had moved in with Brooke because Dan blew a gasket when Lucas transferred schools. He wouldn't let him anywhere near the house. Brooke had allowed him stay so he could be near Alex, but that's as far as any content with him went. She knew he was uncomfortable on the couch so she offered him to sleep in the room, as long as there was no physical contact. They had done well with that except the two times they shared heated kisses in the beginning. Brooke didn't let it get any further than that though, not after the last time.

Lucas had been back for about a month. Nathan and Haley had taken Alex for the night and she and Lucas decided to stay in and just hang out. Lucas had rented some movies and Brooke picked up some take-out. They had gotten through one film and started talking. They shared a laugh about when Alex had thrown up in Lucas's face when he spun him around. Lucas fake pouted and Brooke jokingly cupped his face in her hands and talked to him like a baby.

When the laugh was over neither dared to move. Lucas leaned in first and lightly brushed his lips against hers. Brooke felt her entire body get goose bumps just from his touch. She slowly parted her lips and he slipped his tongue into her mouth. Before she knew what was happening they were in the bedroom. Lucas was fiercely kissing her beneath him. Her tiny hands were molded to his arms. He balanced his weight on one arm while the other hand moved to the buttons on her shirt. She moaned into his mouth because it felt so nice to have his hands touching her. When his hands ran over her stomach down she suddenly realized what they were doing. She pushed him off of her and told him that they couldn't do it. She buttoned her shirt back up and went and slept on the sofa.

What am I supposed to do
With all these empty rooms?
Sit here in solitude
With the smell of your perfume

She crept from the room and made her way to the kitchen to grab Alex's bottle. She wasn't feeling good today. She knew she had a fever and standing up made her feel like passing out. She had been trying to rid herself of a cold that she couldn't seem to shake. She quietly grabbed Alex from the crib and tried to feed him, but he was fussy. She could tell he wasn't feeling good today either and his screams seemed to intensify every time she moved him. The pitch was only intensifying the headache she already had.

"You not feeling well baby," she asked as she grabbed the thermometer to take his temp. She saw that he had a fever and brought him to the bathroom to get some medicine. He wouldn't stop crying. "Shhh baby. I'm gonna get you some medicine to make you feel better," she said as she gently rocked him in her arms. She closed the door so she wouldn't wake Lucas, but apparently it was too late for that. Lucas came into the bathroom looking slightly disheveled. He was in shorts, had dark circles under his eyes, and his hair was sticking out everywhere.

"Everything okay," he asked as he squinted his eyes to adjust to the light.

"He's got a fever and has a temp. I was just giving him some medicine. He won't eat for he," Brooke said frustrated. "I'm sorry I tried not to wake you."

Lucas motioned for her to hand him Alex. "Here let me try," he said as he took his son. Alex seemed to quiet down a little when Lucas held him. Lucas noticed that Brooke didn't quite look herself today. "You okay pretty girl," he asked worriedly.

She looked up and gave him a small smile. "Just tired and not feeling too good today. I can't seem to shake this stupid cold."

Lucas took the palm of his hand and brushed it against her cheek. She was burning up. "Why don't you go lay down Brooke and I'll take care of Alex." He saw that she was going to argue with him that she could handle it, but he beat her to it. "No arguing Brooke. I'm up and I feel fine so go lay down," he said as he grabbed her hand and led her to the bedroom. He made sure she got into bed and then closed the door so she could get some rest.

He focused his attention back on his son. "What's the matter little guy," he asked as he watched his son chew on his fingers. Lucas took his finger and placed it in Alex's mouth. "Someone's fussy because they have some more teeth coming in huh," he asked as he saw the new tears forming in his sons bright blue eyes. He walked to the freezer and pulled out a teether and Alex went to town on that. He seemed content and when he was done with that Lucas fed him. He wouldn't eat a lot but anything was better than nothing. He could see that Alex was still tired so he brought him back to his room and rocked him in the rocking chair till he fell back asleep. Lucas glanced at the clock and decided he would try to go back to sleep for at least another hour.

He climbed back into bed and checked on Brooke first. She had moaned and pushed his face away. He took that as a sign to leave her alone so he closed his eyes and tried to fall back asleep. The sleep he so desperately needed wouldn't come. He turned on his side and faced Brooke. She looked so beautiful when she slept, even with her breathing different and a runny nose. He wanted to pull her into his arms and let her feel safe and comfortable next to him, but he didn't want to wake her. He whispered very quietly "I love you" and placed a small his on the top of her head.

At eight he tried to tell Brooke he would stay home and take care of her and Alex, but she was moody this morning and told him to go to school and get out of her face. When she didn't feel good she was one crabby person. He grabbed his bag and keys and rushed to class. He had finals today and made it just on time. He was supposed to have basketball practice, but he told the coach he couldn't because he had a sick family. He got a one-time pass to skip.

Nathan had caught up to him after his last final. Lucas was proud that he had gone back to school. Nathan bitched and moaned about it, but he secretly loved it. Lucas barely spoke to Dan anymore, but his mother had been great at helping to watch Alex when he and Brooke had school. She had partly done it to help and so that Nathan could go back to school. Lucas had told her he would take some time off, but she wouldn't hear it.

"Man, you look like shit, didn't anyone tell you that," Nathan laughed as he sat on the bench next to Lucas. He found it even more amusing when Lucas looked up at him with a dirty glare. "Did someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed today," Nathan teased in a baby voice. "Now I see where Alex gets his temper in the morning," Nathan laughed.

"I think I'm still sleeping. After practice I went home and studied till 2 in the morning, and after about an hour and a half of sleep Alex woke me up. He's teething and Brooke is sick. So yes I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, so cut the shit," Lucas sneered.

Lucas's bitter attitude didn't faze Nathan though. "Now you know what Brooke went through for months alone. You have only had to put up with this for what four months? Imagine when she was on her own," Nathan jabbed back. He watched his brother's face contort a bit and kind of felt bad for bringing up a sore subject. "Speaking of Brooke. How are things going between the two of you? Have you professed your undying love yet?"

Lucas sighed deeply. "It's going…nowhere. I am so in love with her, but I'm not sure she feels the same. We share the same bed, never touch, and I feel like sometimes she wants more but I don't know how to approach the subject. I always just want to kiss her and tell her I love her but I'm not sure what she feels so I haven't tried to talk to her about it."

"Give her time Luke. She loves you, but she needs to be sure you are not going anywhere." He watched his brother about to argue that point but cut him off. "When she is ready Luke you will know. Just be glad you have them both with you and be thankful for that. I miss my little nephew. I think I may borrow him for the weekend if you guys don't mind. He needs his bonding time with Uncle Nathan. Maybe that way you and Brooke could be alone. Possibly relieve some tension that you both have," Nathan chuckled.

Lucas laughed. He loved that his brother adored his son. "Yeah that's fine with me. I'll run it by Brooke, but I'm sure she'll be fine with it. But I'm going to go run to the store and then home. I'll see you latter little brother," Lucas said as he threw his bag over his shoulder and headed to the car. Maybe a little alone time with Brooke is what he needed, but he wouldn't give Nathan the satisfaction of knowing that..

This wasn't what I wanted to be
A man in misery
Girl I look back a thousand times
And can't believe that you left me
Why you leave me baby
Why can't you understand my pain
How can I explain
Girl I don't know what I'm doin' wrong
I can't believe that your love is gone

"Thank you for skipping school with me today . I love you for helping me,' Brooke said as she curled up on the couch.

"Anything for my best friend. I haven't gotten to spend a lot of time with you lately so I'm glad you called. How is everything going," Peyton asked as she sat on the couch next to her friend. "And if you get me sick I will kill you," she giggled.

Brooke laughed at this too. "Things are going okay. Lucas has been a big help so I feel less stressed out. It's just that it's all a little…" she trailed off looking for the right word. "Awkward."

"How so, B?"

"I love having him here, but it feels different between us. I think I am in love with him again, but sometimes before bed it gets awkward. I wanted to kiss him the other night and I thought he did too but he didn't try. He got this look like he was off in thought and then smiled and turned off the light. It's been over a year since I've been with him and I find myself wanting those things again," Brooke said sadly.

"Well have you talked to him about this Brooke. Sometimes my brother is a bit thick headed." They both laughed at this because it was the truth.

"I'm just not sure how to bring it up. Oh hey Luke, you've been great with Alex and helping me out, but do you want more from this relationship than just friends. Just wondering because thoughts of having sex with you and being in a real relationship go through my head everyday,' Brooke said laughing. "How are things with Jake," Brooke said trying to change the subject.

Peyton grabbed her friend and pulled her into a hug. "Things with Jake are good. After two years together I am more than ever in love with him. Looking forward to prom coming up. Speaking of just ask Lucas to be your date so I can have you there with me. We have been talking about prom for forever and it wouldn't feel right going without you. Just talk to him Brooke. And for the record it is awkward talking about you wanting to have sex with my big brother." They both broke out into laughter at this. They would always be best friends and be there for eachother.

"Peyt if you knew how good he was you'd understand," Brooke said looking up. She realized how disgusting that sounded for his sister by the look that crossed her face and she couldn't stop laughing.

Lucas walked in and smiled at the two girls. Brooke was laughing and Peyton looked mortified. He hadn't seen Brooke laugh like that in what felt like forever. It made his insides melt. When they both saw him standing there they broke out into a new fit of giggles. He wanted to ask what was so funny, but he knew it was probably a private moment. Instead he held up the bag and told Brooke he brought her some soup and medicine.

"Thanks, Broody," she said before turning back to Peyton. She didn't notice that his nickname had slipped, but it made his heart beat faster and slower all at the same time. She hadn't called him that since they were in a real relationship and he wished for it so many times. Hearing that name roll off her tongue gave him hope.

Ooh yeah
You're all I need
You're all I see
And I wish that we could do it again

"That's disgusting Brooke. I'm leaving now," Peyton said as she got off the couch. She walked over and gave her brother a hug. "You've got one crazy girl on your hands there," she said to Lucas before she left. He just laughed and shook his head. He wouldn't have it any other way.

It had been three days since they had both spoken to others about their feelings, but both had yet to speak to the right people about it. Brooke had agreed to let Nathan and Haley take Alex for the night, but she was nervous about being alone with Lucas again. He sensed that she was nervous but he wasn't sure about what. He thought maybe she was nervous because she hadn't spent much time away from Alex lately. He reassured her that Alex would be fine and she gave him a small smile. He knew something was wrong, but he wasn't sure how to broach the subject.

"You going out tonight. Nathan said one of the guys from the team was having a kegger," Brooke asked, secretly hoping that he wouldn't go.

Lucas looked at her like she was crazy and then laughed. "No, no party for me. I haven't slept much lately and I've been looking forward to staying in and getting time to sleep in since Nathan asked if he could watch Alex." He watched her face slightly relax at this news. "Besides going to school and being a daddy is hard work," he joked to lighten the mood. "All work and no sleep make Lucas no fun," he laughed as he tapped her nose with his finger.

She laughed back at this. "Agreed. Being a mommy at 17 is tiring." She watched him laugh and then lean his head back on the couch and close his eyes. It looked like something was bothering him or on his mind. When he said he was looking forward to sleep her heart sank a little. Didn't he want to be alone with her? Since they were friends she figured it would be okay to ask. "Hey Luke, you okay."

He opened his eyes and sighed. She certainly knew how to read him. "How'd you know," he asked and smiled.

"You were being a brooding bastard," she said in her raspy voice and playful smacked him in the arm. He smiled back, but she could tell he didn't find it too funny.

"Can we talk Brooke," he asked nervously. He knew he had to talk to her and it couldn't wait any longer. He needed her to know where his feelings stood.

When those words left his mouth she panicked and she tried to hide it in her facial expression. She was afraid he was going to say he was moving out, or that he was seeing someone else. He had after all been different lately. She couldn't put her finger on it but something had definitely changed to make things weird between them. "Sure," she said and tried to plaster on her best smile.

He didn't know how to start so he just opened his mouth and hoped it all came out right. "I know I've been a little different lately and that you can sense that. I know that I made you insecure when I left and I'm sorry about that. I'm sorry that I made you question my feeling in the past about you." He stopped when he noticed her face contort a little. "Brooke…" but she said something first.

"Lucas you don't have to be sorry. We aren't together and you don't have to apologize. The past is the past. I'm sorry for.." but she couldn't finish. She didn't want to hear him say that he didn't love her anymore. Those were the only words that would break her. She stood up and walked towards the kitchen, but he was right behind her.

He pulled at her wrist and forced her to turn around and look at him. "Please let me finish Brooke. I need to ask you something and I need an honest answer," he waited for her to say anything but she didn't. "Do you still love me, or could you ever love me again," he asked and closed his eyes fearing rejection.

When he asked her this she shifted her gaze from the floor to his face. His eyes were closed and she knew he was bracing for rejection, like she had thought was coming for herself moments ago. "Lucas, can you look at me," she asked. He slowly opened his eyes and looked into hers. She could see the fear behind them. "I do love you Lucas, but I think we want different things."

"What do you want Brooke," he asked somewhat frustrated. "I can tell you what I want. I want to be able to come home to my amazing son and a beautiful girlfriend. I want to be able to go to sleep at night giving you a kiss and holding you in my arms, not feeling like we are strangers sharing a bed. I want to be able to kiss you at anytime I want. I want you to want to make love to me as much as I want to with you. I dream about making love to you every time I look at you. I want a family with you, not just two people living in a place and raising a child. I want to love you, or rather be in love with you for the rest of my life," he said as he held her eye contact. He saw her hold on to his arms, as if for support. He saw the tears form in her eyes and braced himself for the rejection he felt would come. He didn't doubt her, but he doubted himself.

He watched her open her mouth and close it. He started to back away to give her some space, but her grip tightened on his arms. He could barely here her when she whispered, "I want all those things too, more than you know." He moved a little closer to her and asked her to repeat what she just said. She locked her eyes on his and spoke loud and clear. "I said I want all those things with you too, more than you know. I'm just scared Lucas."

"What are you scared of pretty girl. Please just talk to me because I am so in love with you and I need to be with you in order to live," he begged. "Please just let me in and I promise you will never doubt me again."

Baby you never took the time to know me
You never took the time to understand
Oh oh
Yeah
Said you never took the time to know me
Yeah
Because of you now I'm just a lonely man
Oh
Because of you now I'm just a lonely man

Okay so what did you think? Thank you for all the reviews in the last chapter and from every chapter. Thank you to Love me some Julian, BDavisLScott23, onetreehillgirl066, SouthernBellBrooke, bjq, arubagirl0926, Chelsea, Dani OTH, Princesakarlita411, dianehermans. Leona, Lesley, gg, xxlostangelxx, and everyone else who has reviewed! Much appreciated and I hope you enjoy! Please review and I'll be working on the next chapter.