Hello! So here is chapter 5, I hope you enjoy it! As always I love hearing from you, good or bad, and I love any suggestions or ideas that you may have!! Thanks for reading!
Love me some Julian- I'm glad you liked the last chapter and thanks for reviewing and reading! Chapter 5 starts off at the beach party, enjoy! He doesn't go after her, but I;m hoping you like how it turns out!!
Ravens23Nate- Thank you for reading and reviewing the story, I'm happy that you like the story so far! Hopefully you'll like this next chapter! Ps, there are tons of awesome Brathan stories out there, that's what converted me too and now I'm hooked!
koumi11- Thanks for taking the time to read and review my fic, I hope you like this next chapter as well! Jealous Nathan? You got it, there will definitely be some of that down the line as Lucas will be in the picture!
fggt16- Seriously, thanks for always reviewing! I really appreciate it! So this chapter is about what happens now that the feelings are known, hope you like it!
bdavisrulz- Thanks for the review! I'm glad my attempt at sexual tension translated! Lol, and you can count on Lucas to keep his word this time and continue to fight for Brooke, he's not giving up anytime soon! And Rachel will kinda be the missing link in the Jake, Nathan, Brooke trio so I hope you like how it goes!
BrathanXOXO- Thanks a lot for the review! Glad you're liking the story so far! Hope you like Chapter 5 too!
Treenuh- Thank you for the review! Chapter 5 will be Brooke and Nathan dealing with how their feelings are going to change their dynamic and we'll see what other peoples reactions to this will be! I hope you like it!
TarynLewis- Thank you for reviewing the last chapter! Here's the next chapter and I'll be done sooner, so I hope to have updates more frequently in the next few weeks! Enjoy!
Leni
Chapter 5:
The beach party was a hit, almost everyone who was anyone was there. Both Nathan and Jake were pretty tipsy at this point but yet there was still no sign of Brooke.
"Nate!" a voice from behind Nathan called.
He turned around to see Lucas approaching him.
"Hey Luke." Nathan said, trying to sound normal as the sight of Brooke sitting on the beach from earlier that day flashed before him, angering him.
"Have you seen Brooke?" Lucas asked. He had come to the party in hopes of trying to talk to Brooke again, but knew it would be difficult since Peyton was also there.
"Actually, no I haven't but I don't think she really wants to talk to you man." Nathan said, sipping his beer. "And I think you've done enough for the day."
"So, she did tell you." Lucas realized, trying read Nathan's face. There was something off about his younger brother, but he couldn't quite put a finger as to what it was.
"She didn't have too. Anytime I find Brooke upset, it's usually because of you." responded Nathan. "Do her a favor and just leave her alone. Go be with Peyton, you know you'll eventually end up there anyway."
"That's not fair Nate. Look, I know you and Brooke have become really close and I know you're watching out for her but believe me when I tell you that I would never intentionally hurt her again. I really do love her." Lucas confessed. "I know why you would think that I should be with Peyton, but she's not the one I want. Peyton, she's my friend and she needs me."
"Give me some credit here Luke. I know you and Peyton aren't done yet." Nathan challenged. "Brooke deserves better than that. She deserves someone who is going to be there for her, fully be there for her, not some half ass attempt."
"Peyton and I are through, I've already told her where I stand in terms of Brooke. And I would be there for Brooke, I'm not going to make the same mistake again." Lucas argued. He understood why Nathan was being protective of Brooke but this seemed a bit much to him, but then again, Nathan was the one that had been there for her and not him.
"Oh really, so tell me, how did Peyton take that news?" asked Nathan, chugging some more of his beer. "Not well, I'm assuming. And I'm gonna go ahead and assume that she still has feelings for you."
Lucas remained silent, confirming all of Nathan's suspicions.
"And let me guess, you guys are still spending a lot of time together aren't you? I really don't see that flying with Brooke." Nathan finished, waiting for Lucas to answer.
"I told her that I wouldn't see Peyton anymore if she wanted to get back together." Lucas explained. "But she is my friend."
"How long will you be able to stay away from Peyton this time?" pressed Nathan. He knew he was starting to irk Lucas but he didn't really care at this point. "Look, if you can't see how truly amazing Brooke really is, then you don't deserve her. She doesn't need you to make her feel like shit."
"It'll be different this time, jeez Nate, what's with all the questions? You were always for me and Brooke, what's changed?" wondered Lucas, his eyes suddenly widened with realization as he allowed the last part of Nathan's sentence sink in.
"You have feelings for her!" accused Lucas. "Unbelievable."
"I'm unbelievable?" Nathan snorted. "You have a lot of nerve to say that to me considering everything you've done to Brooke."
"And you're not denying it! I can't believe you would do it Nathan. You have a wife for crying out loud!" Lucas said, starting to get a little upset as he was obviously assuming the worst.
Which was in his mind, Nathan and Brooke have been sleeping together all summer. He wasn't deaf or blind. He had heard through the grapevine that the two brunettes have been hooking up since Brooke moved in and how they were always seen together, they were literally attached at the hip. He couldn't believe Brooke or Nathan would do that. Then it dawned on him. There was no way that Nathan and Brooke could possibly have feelings for each other. Nathan was using Brooke to get over Haley, and Brooke was using Nathan to get back at him for what he did with Peyton. The thought of his brother and Brooke infuriated him.
"Brooke is still vulnerable, I can't believe, actually, I can believe that you would take advantage of that. I should of known with you two, you haven't changed at all. Remember how many people you hurt when that sex tape came out?" Lucas ranted on, lecturing his younger brother.
That was all the hypocrisy Nathan could stand before he stepped up to punch Lucas, but luckily for Lucas, Jake and Tim had been monitoring the situation for afar and made their move as soon as they saw Nathan step towards Lucas. At the same time, Peyton, who had been eyeing the exchange between the two brothers came to Lucas' side.
"Whoa." Tim said as he and Jake came up on either side of Nathan, restraining him.
"What's going on here?" Peyton asked looking at Lucas and Nathan. She eyed Jake uncomfortably.
"Nathan's just being his usual jackass self, that's what's happening here." Lucas said shaking his head at his brother not backing down as Nathan attempted to move towards him again.
"Whatever it is, it's not worth it Nate." Jake reasoned glaring at Lucas and ignoring Peyton completely. He didn't know what happened, but since Jake really wasn't Lucas' biggest fan at the moment, he knew Lucas was probably at fault. That and it most likely involved a certain still absent pretty brunette.
"Yeah, come on man. Let's go get another drink." Tim suggested giving Lucas a dirty look. He had no idea what was happening, but as his role as Nathan's best friend, he was going to side with him.
"You don't know what you're talking about." Nathan spat out. "For someone who claims to love Brooke, you have no fucking idea on who she is. Because if you did, you wouldn't be spewing this bullshit right now."
"Really? So you two aren't sleeping together? I highly doubt that." retorted Lucas angrily. The thought of his brother and ex made his blood boil.
"What's it to you? Jealous?" an angry voice that could only belong to Rachel Gatina came from a distance as she and Brooke emerged before the group. And Rachel looked like she was definitely out for blood. The two had heard the argument that had ensued as they walked down the beach towards the party.
Both Nathan and Lucas stared at Brooke who was standing beside Rachel silently. Brooke had no idea what was happening besides that fact that Lucas had just accused Nathan of sleeping with Brooke. She also heard Nathan defending her, which obviously touched her, as it showed how much he cared about her. Brooke snuck a glance at Nathan, who smiled warmly at her.
"My brother, Brooke? Is this your way of getting back at me?" Lucas asked painfully, staring at the still silent brunette. He took her silence as an admission of guilt.
"You're fucking delusional." snorted Rachel with a laugh. The amusement on her face garnered a laugh from Tim. "Please, don't flatter yourself, if they're sleeping together it has nothing to do with you."
"Are you?" Peyton piped up, searching Brooke's face for a giveaway and then looking at Nathan.
"Again, why do you care?" Rachel rolled her eyes at Peyton. "Figured you'd be happy as long as she wasn't with Lucas."
"Shut up Rachel. You haven't been here all summer, you have no idea what's been going on." retorted Peyton angrily.
Brooke silently looked at Rachel, they had heard pretty much everything after Lucas accused Nathan of sleeping with Brooke. She also knew that people had their suspicions but she had never denied or confirmed anything except to Rachel of course. Somehow, the redhead, though on vacation on another continent managed to hear the Tree Hill gossip, damn Bevin, and she was the only one that Brooke had discussed her feelings for Nathan with. At first Rachel was a little jealous that Brooke was staying with Nathan since she had an eternal crush on him, but when Brooke told her about all the things Nathan had done for her over the summer, it was Rachel who suggested that she may be developing more than platonic feelings for the other Scott and she was surprisingly very supportive about it.
"Please, all I have to do is look at you and know what's going on. You're so fucking transparent Peyton." snorted Rachel, giving the blonde girl a dirty look. She turned and eyed Jake up. "But I wasn't expecting you to get so ripped so soon, looking good Jagielski!"
Jake smiled at the redhead, though he knew she most likely said that to get under Peyton's skin, and it worked as she was now fuming. Then he looked over to Brooke, who had stayed eerily quiet throughout the whole exchange. He could tell she wanted to get away but things didn't really seem like they were slowing down anytime soon. Then her expression changed, which only meant trouble…
"Brooke." Lucas said again. "Is it true?"
"Does it matter?" asked Brooke sharply, moving so she was beside Rachel now.
"He's my brother, what do you think?" Lucas asked outrageously. "I should've known."
"Yeah and Peyton was my best friend. Bit hypocritical, don't you think. I can't even look at you right now." Brooke said, narrowing her eyes at the two blondes before her. "And is it really that hard to believe that someone might actually have feelings for me? Or that I may have feelings for someone besides you? If you just think that Nathan and I have just been fucking all summer... whatever, I don't have to justify anything to either one of you."
With that Brooke walked away, dismissing Lucas as he tried to reach out to her. She knew what she said was vague and Brooke didn't give a shit, Lucas and Peyton could think whatever the hell they wanted to. She headed straight to the drink table and poured four shots of Sambuca, downing them immediately. She would be damned if she was going to let those idiots ruin her night! Nothing was stopping B. Davis tonight. Rachel was back and that's all she needed right now. Someone who was on her side no matter what, though blatantly honest to a fault, she always had her back.
"Hey slut, where's my shot?" Rachel asked walking up beside her.
Brooke prepared two more shots each and smirked at the redhead.
"Let's get real drunk tonight." smiled Brooke devilishly.
"I like how your brain works." grinned Rachel, as she clinked her shot glass with Brooke's before downing both shots.
"There you are." Jake called out, walking along the shore as he approached Brooke, stumbling a little before taking a seat beside her once he reached her. "I was wondering where you went off too."
"Whoa there, someone needs to slow down a bit I think." Brooke teased, steadying Jake as he sat down. She laughed at how funny Jake was when he had a few drinks.
"I'm fine!" insisted Jake, sipping his beer. The truth was, since having Jenny, he obviously didn't have the time or money to be out drinking with his buddies like everyone else but tonight was great for him. Of course, he loves Jenny, but it was nice to be able to just be worry free even if it was momentary. That and he discovered he was a pretty cheap drunk so if he did ever decide to get wasted again, he knew his wallet wouldn't suffer too much!
"Mmm hmm. Right!" laughed Brooke. After finishing all the Sambuca off with Rachel, Brooke decided that it was probably better if she went for a walk. At the current state she was in, she couldn't be held responsible if she had a run in with either Peyton or Lucas, or even Nathan for that matter.
She needed to get away and think. Really think about what she was going to do about her feelings for Nathan. So she found herself a perfect spot in a secluded area, away from the party. She loved the smell of the water off the shore and the light mist that sprayed her body.
"Whatcha thinking?" asked Jake comically. He eyed Brooke, watching her play with the empty cup in her hand. He knew that what Lucas had said bothered her but he had to wonder if there was more.
Brooke shrugged.
"I don't wanna talk about me." she said defiantly. "Cuz I know what you wanna talk about. So we're gonna talk about you instead!"
"Oh yeah? Well, how bout we talk about me and then we'll talk about you?" Jake said.
"Deal." Brooke agreed. "So, really, how many drinks did you have? Cuz you're kinda obliterated right now."
"Aww, come on Brooke, are you really gonna bust my balls now?" laughed Jake. "In my defence, I'm a father now, I don't have the time or money to drink as often as you guys-"
"Just answer the question Jagielski!" teased Brooke, her eyes twinkling at Jake.
"Ok, ok, I had four beers." admitted Jake.
"Well, four isn't that bad-" started Brooke before Jake cut her off.
"Ok, I had two." Jake confessed sheepishly. He really couldn't lie to Brooke.
"Ohh, yeah you're a cheap drunk!" laughed Brooke. "But don't worry, I won't take advantage of you in your current state, but I'd watch out for Rachel though, she might roofie your next beer. I saw her eyeing you up!"
"Yeah, well, I'm pretty sure she was just doing that to make Peyton mad." grinned Jake. "But I will admit, I liked the attention."
"Oh, look who's the attention whore now!" Brooke smirked. She rested her head on Jake's shoulder and wrapped her arms around his. "I love you Jake."
She meant it, she loved Jake in a platonic way of course, but he truly was the nicest, most sincere and caring person she had ever met. He was a wonderful father to Jenny and he was so genuine, it was hard to find anyone who didn't like Jake. He was just one of those stand up guys. Over the summer, she had made a point to spend time with Jake and Jenny at least a couple times a week and soon the trio plus Nathan became inseparable. Again, this was something that she wasn't expecting. What she loved most about Jake was that she felt like she could tell him anything and he would never look at her differently or judge her. And he was always there for her no matter what and she tried to return the favour and be there for him as much as she could too. In a way, everything that had happened with Lucas and Peyton was a blessing in disguise, she found some truly amazing people in Nathan and Jake, unlike the backstabbing twosome that called had themselves her boyfriend and best friend. They were people she could really count on and she knew they would never disappoint her, that's what real friendships are about.
"I love you too Brooke." Jake said smiling down at the brunette.
He too, meant it as well, also in a platonic way. Brooke Davis was like a whirlwind that came into his life out of nowhere. He always wondered how differently things could've been if it wasn't for that fateful night at the diner. Brooke brought laughter, friendship, loyalty and hell into his life all at once but he wouldn't have it any other way. There wasn't a single person out there that he trusted more with Jenny, well maybe Nathan too, than her. The way that Brooke loved his little girl was amazing. Jake would forever be grateful to her because it provided a female presence in Jenny's life and it allowed him to practice with Nathan and hopefully regain his position on the basketball team.
"And because I care, you're going to tell me what's going on with you." Jake said sternly, well as sternly as a drunk man could anyway.
"I don't know what you're talking about Jacob." Brooke said innocently.
"Ohh, no you don't, Nathan told me about how you freaked out on him." Jake said imitating the brunette by raising an eyebrow. "Even for you, it was a little dramatic, don't you think?"
"Hey, well, did he tell you he was being an ass?" asked Brooke defensively, arching an eyebrow back at Jake.
"Yes, and that he was trying to apologize to you when you went crazy." answered Jake. "So, just tell me already."
"There's nothing to tell!" insisted Brooke.
"Does this have anything to do with your feelings for Nathan?" asked Jake bluntly. He looked at her, waiting for a reaction. The shocked-frustrated-flustered look and the fact her cheeks were now glowing gave Jake his answer.
"What! That's ridiculous! I don't have-" started Brooke. She realized that Jake had been spending way to much time with her as his interrogation skills have gotten progressively better as summer went along.
"Rachel already confirmed it." Jake said flatly.
"What!" exclaimed Brooke. "Oh, I am so putting Nair in her shampoo…"
"I kinda assumed you did, even before Rachel told me." revealed Jake.
"How did you know? That obvious huh?" asked Brooke miserably. She sighed and looked down, playing with one of the shells in the sand.
"This isn't a bad thing, you know that right?" assured Jake. When Brooke didn't look up, he lifted her chin and turned her to him. "I'm serious. Listen, I've been with you guys all summer. I see the way you guys look at each other and how you are around each other. I just can't believe it took you so long to figure it out."
"He looks at me?" asked Brooke hopefully, that little tidbit made her heart flutter. But she was a little confused now, was Jake trying to tell her that Nathan had feelings for her too, she thought to herself. She flashed back to Lucas accusing Nathan of having feelings for her, though he never did answer the question, no, that wasn't possible, was it? But even if he did, it didn't matter. There was still the tiny issue of him being married to Haley and his feelings for her. True love never goes away, always and forever…she quickly tried to squash the giddy feeling in her heart.
"Come on Brooke, are you serious? Nathan definitely has feelings for you, he told me." Jake said smiling as he saw Brooke's eyes brighten, but frowned, when her smile faltered. "Hey, isn't that a good thing? Talk to me."
"It's just everything that happened with Lucas and Peyton, you know? And then there's Haley…it just complicates everything." Brooke said obviously frustrated. "I mean, it's just… everything's just so difficult!"
"You're over thinking it. Honestly, Brooke, it's simple. You like him and he likes you. You guys get along great and you know each other better than anyone else. But most importantly, I see how you are together, you make each other genuinely happy." Jake said, putting an arm around Brooke before continuing. "At the beginning of summer, when we first started hanging out, you two were miserable. Then one day, it was like a switch went off and you two started living and enjoying life again and that's because you brought out the best in each other. It's always hard to see these things when you're involved in it but trust me, from the outside looking in, it was obvious that you two had sparks. Why did you think everyone thought you two were sleeping with each other?"
"I really wish it were that simple Jake, but it's not. I mean, there's Lucas-" started Brooke.
"Whoa, what about Lucas? Are you honestly thinking about getting back together with him? Because that's what Nathan told me and I just thought that there would be no way that you would." Jake said seriously. He was one hundred percent against that idea, that's for sure.
"No, I'm not but I'm scared of getting hurt again. I just said that in reaction to what Nathan said. I'm not completely over everything that happened and I know he still has unresolved feelings with Haley. I mean, he's still married!" explained Brooke, hoping that Jake would understand where she was coming from. "It's just that he makes me feel things I've never felt before, and…he could really hurt me."
Brooke took a deep breath. That was a loaded confession for her, and she felt much better now that she's told Jake. She knew that he could be trusted with this sensitive information. She hadn't told anyone that, not even Rachel, though she suspected that Rachel had a feeling. The thing with Rachel and Brooke, they were both very similar, which was the reason why they didn't along in the first place, but they could read each other like a book.
"Brooke, I understand why you feel the way you do, trust me, if anyone gets it, you know it's me." Jake said seriously, looking directly at Brooke.
Brooke nodded.
"Believe me when I say that you and Nathan would be great together. He probably has the same reservations that you do, but eventually we all have to move on. Don't make Nathan or yourself, pay for the mistakes that Lucas and Peyton made. You can't live your life that way and you'll never be able to move on." Jake reasoned. He smiled when he saw Brooke's eyes full of amusement. "What?"
"Who knew you were so wise Jake Jagielski." smiled Brooke. "Especially considering all those beers you had. Gee, you should really take it down a notch next time."
"You're never gonna let me live this down are you?" asked Jake, shaking his head.
"Nope!" squealed Brooke as Jake playfully pushed her in the sand.
"Think about what I said?" asked Jake, helping her up.
Brooke nodded.
"Ok, let's get me some more drinks!" laughed Jake as the two friends walked arm in arm back to the party, laughing the entire way back.
"So Hot Shot, did ya miss me?" smirked Rachel as she approached Nathan by the bonfire.
"You know I did, Tree Hill wasn't the same without you." Nathan smirked back, sipping his beer.
"Sorry to hear about wifey." Rachel offered, sipping her own drink and looking into the fire.
This was weird for her, having an actual, non sexual conversation with Nathan. Now that she knew that Brooke had feelings for Nathan, she obviously was going to back off with the flirting and sexual innuendos. She didn't really like Nathan, she just thought he was hot and she mostly did it to piss Haley off, why, she didn't really know. Something about Haley's perfect, goody two shoes, self righteous attitude just didn't rub her the right way.
Rachel and Brooke had really become close once they both put their facades down, turns out they were very similar, which was why they hated each other to begin with. Now, they can call each other out on the other's shit and it kept them both honest. Though it may not look like it, their friendship was very strong. For that reason alone, she would never come on to Nathan again, she wouldn't jeopardize her friendship with Brooke over a guy and she knew Brooke would never do that to her.
"Thanks." Nathan said flatly.
"Cheer up Scott, you got to spend the entire summer with that hoe of a Cheer Captain. So really, I don't know what you're pouting about." said Rachel, watching for Nathan's reaction at the mention of Brooke.
She had seen the way that he was looking at Brooke throughout the whole showdown with Lucas earlier. And something about that made her think that his current mood wasn't about his runaway bride.
She noticed how Nathan's face immediately lit up at the mention of Brooke.
"Yeah, she's been...amazing." Nathan smiled to himself, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. No doubtably, thoughts of Brooke.
"So you want her." stated Rachel bluntly.
Nathan was quickly brought out of his thoughts and stared at Rachel, who just rolled her eyes at him.
"You're about as transparent as Peyton. Please, I've been back for what, an hour? And I can feel the tension between you two." Rachel observed, chugging back the rest of her drink. "So make a move already. What, did Haley emasculate you or something? Cuz the Nathan Scott I know would've made a play by now."
"No, Haley didn't emasculate me." Nathan glared at the smirking redhead. "You don't get it, with Brooke, it's not about making a play."
"Then what is it about?" inquired Rachel, watching Nathan carefully.
She of course, noticed tension between the two brunettes, but she only knew where Brooke stood in terms of her feelings, she had no idea where Nathan's head was. There was no way that Rachel was going to allow Brooke to become involved with Nathan if she thought that he would hurt Brooke. Rachel had heard all about how Nathan used to be before he met Haley and the history between Nathan and Brooke (sex tape). She wanted to make sure that he wouldn't be using her friend to forget about Haley.
"Do we really have to get into this?" asked Nathan. He felt more than a little uncomfortable discussing his feelings for Brooke with Rachel.
"Yeah, actually we do. And I'm not leaving until I know what your intentions are. So start talking." ordered Rachel, grabbing another drink for Nathan and herself from the nearby cooler.
"What do you mean what my intentions are?" asked Nathan. "I don't plan on doing anything."
"Seriously, you don't?" blinked Rachel, man was this guy ever dense, she thought to herself. "And why is that exactly?"
"Look, I don't know what you think is going on between Brooke and I, but there's nothing. We're just friends, that's it." insisted Nathan.
Rachel looked at him sceptically.
"Yeah, but you want something to happen." Rachel said matter of factly. "And don't even try to deny it. I'm not blind Nathan."
"I don't know what you want me to say." Nathan said stubbornly.
"Ok, how bout starting off by admitting that you want Brooke." Rachel said loudly. "And guess what Boy Toy, she wants you too!"
Nathan looked at Rachel, searching her face to see if there was any truth to what she just said. Was it really possible that Brooke had feelings for him, he wondered. Had he really lost so much game that he could no longer tell that a girl was into him? Nathan was conflicted between feeling elated that there was a chance for him and Brooke and horrified that at the tender age of seventeen, he had lost his mojo. Man, did Haley do a number on him or what.
"You two are actually ridiculous!" Rachel said rolling her eyes and shaking her head. It was obvious to her as soon as she saw the way Nathan and Brooke looked at each other that there was something there. How they were unaware of this, baffled Rachel. "Really, Nathan? Seriously, you two are beyond help."
"I'm still married Rachel, and she's my brother's ex girlfriend." stated Nathan, all but actually admitting his feelings. "If you couldn't tell, things are a little complicated."
"So? First of all, get a divorce, she left your ass. And what, you're gonna put your life on hold and hope that maybe one day Haley will come back? Say she does come back, then you're gonna live happily ever after? Yeah, I highly doubt that." lectured Rachel, pausing to take a sip from her drink before continuing. "Secondly, who give's a shit about Lucas? He fucked Brooke over hard and now you care that she's his ex? And didn't you sleep with her first? I thought there was something about a sex tape that got Haley's panties all in a knot! Either way, if that's your reasoning for not going after Brooke, you're weak Scott!"
Nathan stared at Rachel speechless. He wasn't expecting the redhead to suddenly go off on him like that. He didn't know if it was because of the alcohol, but to his surprise, what she said actually made sense.
"Wow, I need to start listening to cheerleaders more often." grinned Nathan, impressed with Rachel's blunt and honest tongue lashing.
"Duh!" smiled Rachel as she realized that her words actually got through to the dark haired Scott. "So what are you going to do now?"
"I don't really know yet." sighed Nathan. He was feeling a little nervous but excited at the same time. "I just don't want to ruin what we have now. You and I both know that Brooke's still not completely over Lucas."
"Correction, Hot Shot, she's over Lucas, she's just not over the betrayal. She's scared to trust someone again and I don't blame her. The thing is though, she trusts you." assured Rachel. "I wouldn't be on your ass about this if I didn't think it was a good idea. She's been through a lot and the last thing I want is to see her get hurt again, but I saw the way you looked at her tonight and I don't think that you would do that."
"I get that, but I don't want to rush into it. I'm not entirely sure of what I'm gonna do yet, but I'll figure it out." said Nathan confidently. "I guess I should start by talking to her huh?"
"Yeah, and looks like you'll get your chance. Don't ruin this, or I'll kick your ass." Rachel said seriously as she directed Nathan's attention to Jake and Brooke walking up the beach. She waved her hand and got their attention. She was pleased to see the pair make their way towards her and Nathan. "Ok, Hot Shot, show time."
"Jake! Let's go get drinks!" suggested Rachel, jumping up from her seat beside Nathan. She stepped in between Brooke and Jake, manoeuvring it so that her arm was now linked in Jake's instead of Brooke. "We'll get yours too!"
"We'll be back, just stay put and…talk!" Jake yelled back as Rachel dragged him towards the keg, leaving the two brunettes to their own devices.
"Subtlety really isn't either one of their strong points." commented Nathan, patting the vacant spot next to him, indicating he wanted Brooke to sit down.
"No, definitely not." Brooke said, hesitantly taking the seat, not sure what she should say next.
"So…" started Nathan. He hated this awkwardness that was now between them, and he really didn't know what to do to fix it.
"I know, I hate how weird things feel right now." agreed Brooke, turning her head to face Nathan and instantly feeling her cheeks redden when he looked back at her. Good thing it was dark and they were sitting by a fire or she would've been so busted.
"I don't like this either." said Nathan, his heart clenching at how close she was to him.
"Well, we just have to put everything out there then." decided Brooke. "I heard what Lucas said earlier."
"Which part? The part where he accused us of fucking or the part where he accused me of using you?" joked Nathan, shaking his head. The only reason he wasn't pissed about it anymore was because Brooke seemed just as mad as he was and because she pretty much blew Lucas off.
"Yeah, I heard all of that." laughed Brooke. "But I meant about the part where he asked if you had feelings for me."
Nathan froze momentarily and swallowed, he wasn't expecting Brooke to say that. But then again, he shouldn't really be surprised. Brooke didn't have an issue with getting straight to the point.
"What about that?" asked Nathan slyly.
"You didn't answer." stated Brooke pointedly.
"What do you want the answer to be?" smirked Nathan leaning over and bumping Brooke's shoulder playfully.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" smiled Brooke back flirtatiously.
"I would but I think I know what you want." Nathan said confidently as he moved closer to her, finding himself getting lost in her eyes.
"Oh yeah? And what would that be Hot Shot?" breathed Brooke in a sexy voice, her hazel eyes dancing with amusement. Though she displayed an outward calm, her heart was beating frantically in her chest. It was insane how just being close to Nathan elicited such a response from her.
"You want me." Nathan said cockily. Even with the warmth of the fire, her breath on his skin caused goose bumps to erupt over his skin. It was a feeling he could never get tired of. He wanted her too, obviously, but wanted to see what her reaction would be first.
"Do I, now?" Brooke smirked, raising her eyebrow at him.
"It's ok Davis, it was bound to happen. I mean, really, we've been spending this whole summer together, you've seen come out of the shower hundreds of times now and not to mention watching me when I work out. I am Nathan Scott after all." boasted Nathan, flashing her his famous grin.
"Yeah, we have been spending a lot of time together, let's see…" Brooke contemplated jokingly. "I've seen you smell socks before putting them on, heard you sing Lady Gaga in the shower when you think I'm not around and-"
"And…" Nathan cut in, playfully grabbing her onto his lap and putting one of his hands over her mouth to prevent her from saying anymore of his bad habits. "You love it. Go ahead, admit it."
"Please, if anything, you want me!" squealed Brooke once Nathan removed his hand from her mouth and managed to wrestled out of his grasp. "And don't even try to deny it."
"Who says I'm denying it?" countered Nathan, standing himself now, staring intently into Brooke's eyes, smiling as he saw her cheeks flush a little upon his confession.
"Nathan." Brooke said quietly, her eyes moving from his eyes to his lips, suddenly hyperaware of his arm around that had made its way around her.
"Yeah…" Nathan responded in a low voice, instinctively moving closer to Brooke and gently wrapping his other arm around her waist.
"I…" Brooke started, meeting his eyes once again and giving into the feeling of being in Nathan's arms, she inched her face closer to him, placing her arms on his muscular chest and letting them roam to his equally built biceps.
"Yeah…" agreed Nathan, closing the gap between them with a searing kiss. Her lips were perfect, sweet and inviting. He couldn't get enough of them, as they moved perfectly with his.
Brooke was surprised at first but it didn't take long for her to respond. Nathan's lips were softer, more fuller than Lucas and it only took her a moment to get used to his kisses. She felt her body being pulled even closer to Nathan's and she could feel that his body was just as much on fire as hers was at the moment.
They reluctantly pulled away, breathless, and stared at each other in silence momentarily. Brooke smiled up at Nathan, wrapping her arms around his neck and stood up on her tip toes to kiss him again, more passionately and urgently then before, both not caring about how public their display was. She felt his tongue push past her lips forcefully, massaging her tongue as she let out a satisfied moan.
As soon as the moan escaped Brooke's lips, Nathan felt like a man possessed, his hands caressing her body as he pulled her into him, taking in how soft her skin was and how silky her hair felt. He only hoped that their kisses elicited the same emotions in her as well. He slowly moved his kisses down to her neck, smiling against her when he felt her shiver under his touch.
But somewhere, deep inside him, Nathan found the will power to stop. He knew where this would lead and he wanted to clarify things with Brooke before they went any further. Though he realized that they had already previously slept together, this time, the circumstances were way different than the last and he wanted Brooke to know that. He needed her to know that he wanted more than that and so he stopped himself.
Brooke let out a frustrated grunt, clearly not liking the fact that Nathan had stopped what he was doing. Then the frustration turned into panic. What had she done, she thought to herself. Now that she's kissed him, she didn't want to stop.
"Nathan." she whispered to him looking at him with a smile. "What are we doing?"
"I just want you." Nathan said simply. He looked down at her and smiled. It felt good to finally say it to her, though he wondered if it was enough. He was sure that she was used to elaborate speeches and endless love letters from Lucas but that wasn't his style. He was more to the point. "I don't want you to think that the kiss meant nothing to me because it meant a lot. And I'm not looking for a repeat of the night we made the tape, I want more. Somewhere between hogging all the hot water in the shower and eating the last Oreo, you got me. And I, I want to see where this can go, because I think this is good."
"Nathan, that's what I want too." Brooke admitted. She stepped up to him and forcefully pulled him to her by the top of his shorts, putting all of her unsaid feelings and emotions into the kiss in hopes he would feel them.
Nathan responded immediately with a passionate kiss of his own, gently pushing his tongue past her lips so he could taste her again. He could kiss her forever, the feeling it left him with was unlike any other he had ever felt. He pulled away and smiled at her, staring into her eyes. He lifted his hand to brush her cheek and push away her hair, happy at how natural it felt.
Brooke smiled back at him, closing her eyes as she turned her head along with his hand. She couldn't believe this was happening, any doubts that she had before evaporated the second she kissed him. Just as she had done, Nathan had poured all his feelings into the kiss and she knew he felt the same as she did.