A/N: Sorry I am a bit later in updating, I've been a bit distracted lately. Anyways, thank you all for all of the wonderful reviews. They are definitely great motivators and I'm loving all the positive feedback I've gotten. And it looks like the lines are back too, so yea!!! Well, thank you for reading.

And can I just say I am stoked about Obama!!!! Anyhow, without further adieu...

Nothing to Fear But Fear Itself

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I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. (Frank Herbert)

Lucas looked down at the sleeping woman in his arms. In all the years he'd known her, he'd never seen her look so fragile. There were moments in her sleep where her body would jump or stiffen and all he could do was pull her closer, silently cursing the person who'd robbed her of her piece of mind. He watched Brooke as she slowly stirred, her eye lids fluttering before they opened, revealing the emotions she felt within.

"Hey," Lucas placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Hey," she attempted a smile. "Sorry I fell asleep; it's just been really hard for me to keep my eyes closed lately and I guess it kind of caught up with me."

"It's okay," he replied. She settled her head against his chest and after a few moments of silence, he spoke again. "Look Brooke, I have to ask you something. We don't have to discuss it but I need to know."

Brooke nodded against his chest.

"The robber who hurt you," Lucas eased in as best he could. "Did he do more than assault you physically? I mean, did he…" somehow he couldn't bring himself to say the words.

"Yes," Brooke whispered softly as she felt her eyes began to sting with tears; the flood gates that had been tightly closed for a week were now completely open. "He… he raped me." It was the first time she's actually used the word, as if not saying it would somehow make it less real.

"Oh Brooke," he pulled her as close as he could get her, trying to force down the rage that seemed to swell within his body. "Do you know who did this to you?"

"No," she shook her head. "I just want to forget it ever happened; I just want to forget Luke." Her raspy voice cracked.

Lucas could feel the moisture form her tears dampening his t-shirt. "You didn't report this, did you?"

"No," she shook her head. "I couldn't."

"Brooke," Lucas said sadly. "You have to report this."

"No," her voice was louder this time as she shot up. "I can't risk the press; having them taking pictures of me like this." Brooke shook her head. "And I had to think about my company."

"Your company?" he reached towards her. "Brooke…"

"Lucas," she interrupted "My company is all I have."

"That's not true," he replied. "You have me."

The brunette shook her head before turning towards him. "How is Peyton?" She did not say it with malice or with anger, it was just to remind him not to make promises he couldn't keep. As if on cue, his cell phone began to ring.

"Brooke," he said as he silenced the phone. "I will be here for you whenever you need me for as long as you need me."

She turned away from him, suddenly feeling guilty. "It rang before when I was sleeping." She chose to ignore his last statement. "You should go home Lucas, I'll be fine." Brooke stood up, making her way to the bedroom door.

"It wasn't Peyton calling," Lucas said as he placed his hand over hers on the knob. "It was Lindsay; she's calling about the book." He stepped back as she turned around, waiting for his next words. "I'm supposed to go to New York for some meeting but I can postpone it."

"You should go then Lucas," she replied. "It's important."

"Not as important as you," he lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. "I need you to know that, to know how many people care about you; to know how much I do."

She nodded. "I know Lucas. I just need some time, okay?"

"Okay," he exhaled deeply as he held her hand in his own. "I'll only be gone for a couple days but if you need anything, you'll call right?"

"Yeah," she said softly. "And Rachel's here so I'll be okay Lucas." She looked down at their intertwined hands. "This visit really helped, more than I can tell you." She looked up at him. "Thanks Luke."

Lucas smiled softly, his blue eyes looking deeply into her hazel ones as he leaned forward and pressed his lips softly against hers. It wasn't meant to be sexual but that didn't make it any less passionate; it was slow and sweet and filled with the same quiet comfort his arms held when she was wrapped within his embrace. It lasted a few moments longer than a friendly kiss should have but then again, their bond was deeper than simple friendship. It was meant to tell her that he loved her, that he'd always loved her, and that he always would. When they parted, he leaned his forehead against hers.

"If you need anything," his voice was barely above a whisper.

"Thanks Luke," she replied in the same tone before he walked out the door.

"So who was that guy?" Jake asked as he and Peyton strolled down the pier, cups in hand. "I'm sensing there's some history there."

"Not with me," she shook her head, "with Brooke." Peyton paused briefly. "They were dating and she really liked him but then he bailed on her because she decided to help this innocent baby get heart surgery."

Jake just nodded.

"When they first started dating he was always asking her what was underneath her clothes," Peyton shook her head as Jake chocked on his hot chocolate. "Get your mind out of the gutter Jagelski." She hit him playfully on the arm.

"What?" he held his arms up in the air as he laughed.

"I didn't mean it like that," she rolled her eyes. "It was just like he was so much deeper than her and when she does this really amazing thing, he can't handle it."

"Maybe he was just scared," Jake shrugged. "Not everyone is ready to commit to be a part of a child's life. And maybe," he glanced at her, "maybe he regrets ever letting her go and that's why he came back."

Peyton fiddled with the cup in her hand, wondering if there was something more to his words. "Speaking of coming back," she ventured. "How long are you here for this time Jake?"

"Maybe indefinitely," he answered.

"Really," she couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. "But what about Jenny; isn't that going to make the custody sharing with Nikki harder?"

"Nikki is no longer part of our lives," he said firmly.

"What?" Peyton grabbed his arm, stopping them in their tracks. "I thought she'd gotten her life together."

"She did for a while but a lot can happen in four years," Jake shook his head. "After a year, we went back to court and got joint custody of Jenny and everything was fine for about a year after that. We really learned to work together to do what was best for our daughter." He paused to let out a breath. "Then she got involved with this loser guy and he just brought her down. She got pretty strung out on drugs and eventually her parents put her out so I had to go back to court for sole custody."

"Oh my god Jake," Peyton couldn't help the anger that took over her features. "I can't believe she would do that to Jenny after all she went through to make everyone believe she could be a good mother."

"You know, I should've known better even if the courts didn't." Jake replied. "I knew what Nikki was capable of."

"This wasn't your fault," she held his hand comfortingly. "I knew me and Brooke should've sent her ass to South America when we had the chance."

Jake laughed. "Somehow I think she might've seen through that one."

"So what if Nikki cleans up her act again?" she looked up at him, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "She just gets to disrupt your lives again."

"That's not going to happen Peyton," he continued after seeing the doubt in her eyes. "My parents came into some money recently."

"So what, they like paid Nikki off?" her face scrunched up.

Jake shrugged. "Pretty much; she and that guy actually robbed a store and that loser boyfriend of hers roughed up a clerk. My parents paid for a high priced lawyer who basically got her a slap of the wrist while the guy went down. She had to do some community service, enter a treatment facility and my parents even gave her a hefty check. Their only string was…"

"She had to sign away her rights to Jenny," Peyton finished for him. "Wow, you two have really been through a lot. I wish I would have been there for you."

"Me too," he said as he looked into her eyes. "But in a way you were you know?" Jake smiled. "I missed you so much Peyton Sawyer."

She returned the smile. "I missed you too Jake Jagelski," she said as she linked her arm through his and they resumed their walk down the pier.

Haley stood in the doorway dumbfounded. Of all the people she expected to see when she opened the door, Chris Keller was no where on the list. She would have been less surprised had the President himself showed up.

"Aren't you going to let me in?" he asked. "Pretty shocked to see The Keller on your doorstep?" He raised his eyebrows up and down a few times.

"Just a little," her words came out slow as she squinted at him. "Chris, what are you doing here?"

"I'll tell you all about it as soon as you let me in," he smiled cockily.

"Oh what the hell," Haley stepped back allowing him entrance into her home. "Come on," she said as she walked into the living room. "Nate, we have a visitor."

"Who was at the…" Nathan turned to see the man standing behind his wife. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Daddy," Jamie admonished.

"Heck," Nathan corrected. "What the heck are you doing here?"

"It's good to see you too Nathan," he smiled. "I came because I need Haley."

"Excuse me," the tall brunette man walked towards him.

"For a song dude," he held up his hands. "I need Haley for a song." Chris laughed and then gave a shrug. "Relax man. Besides, the Keller has finally let a lucky girl chain him down." He glanced at the blonde in the room. "Although, you're looking pretty good Mrs. Scott."

"Is this guy serious?" Jamie pointed to the man holding a guitar.

"Yes," "Sadly," "Yes, baby he is," Deb, Nathan and Haley answered simultaneously.

"Chris, this is our son Jamie," Haley turned to her son. "Jamie, this is Chris Keller."

"How's it going?" Chris nodded before winking at Deb.

"Jamie, why don't we go show Chester all the stuff you got at the fair?" the blonde turned to her grandson as she picked up some of the prizes that were left on the couch.

"Okay," Jamie nodded happily. "Bye." He waved at Chris.

"See ya later little man," Chris replied before mouthing 'Call me' to Deb as they exited the room.

"You remember back when I used to hit you all the time man, we can go back to that." Nathan crossed his arms over his chest.

"Chill, I was just having a little fun." He laughed before leaning his guitar case against the wall and taking a seat on the couch.

"Make yourself at home," Nathan mumbled as he and Haley joined him.

"Okay, so I just got this song and it's great but it's not a Chris Keller song," he dove right in as he settled back against the cushions. "The minute I heard it though, I thought of you Haley. It's the perfect song to get you back out there."

"Who says I want to be back out there?" Haley countered.

"You do," he paused. "Look, I heard that album from that girl Mia. You helped with some of the background vocals." Chris sat forward, looking her in the eye. "I know you want it; the music is in you just like it's in me. It's like air to people like us and if you're not doing your music Haley, then you're not breathing."

"I have a lot of things going on right now," Haley explained. "It's not the right time."

He reached into his inner pocket and pulled out a cd. "There's a duet I could use your voice on and it could put you back out there before you release your own single. Just listen to them. The music industry needs real artists like us." He handed it to her. "I can let myself out." Chris stood up and walked towards the couch, retrieving his guitar case. "Hey Nathan," he waited for him to look his way. "Make sure she really thinks about it. I'll see you guys around."

"So," Nathan said as the door closed. "Are you going to listen to it?"

"I'm going to go check on Jamie," Haley tossed the cd on the couch before leaving the room.

"Hey," Rachel looked up from the magazine she was flipping through as she heard Brooke come down the stairs. "You kicking me out?"

Brooke scoffed. "I should kick your meddling ass out but I won't," she sat next to her friend, "yet."

"So," the red head peered at the girl beside her.

"So," Brooke repeated. "What?" When Rachel just stared at her, she spoke again. "What do you want me to say, thanks for going against what I said and bringing Lucas here?"

"You're welcome," she replied with a smile. "Admit it, you're happy he came." She shrugged. "I knew you'd never reach out to him on your own and when I saw him, he just seemed so worried, you know."

Brooke nodded. She had been happy to see Lucas.

"So are you going to call Peyton or Nathan and Haley?" Rachel asked.

"Not yet," she shook her head. "I just need a little time."

"I understand," Rachel placed a hand on her friend's comfortingly. "I wasn't as hurt physically but I do understand what you're going through."

"I know you do," Brooke replied softly. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you the way I should have been."

"Are you kidding?" she shook her head. "You are the best friend I've ever had; if it wasn't for you I'd probably be dead right now. You are going to get through this Brooke Davis because you are strong and you're a fighter and I am going to be there for you every step of the way."

She nodded. "You're right." Brooke shook her head. "After Lucas left I got back on the computer, looking at all the statistics. I don't want to be a statistic anymore but I don't know how to get me back; I'm scared." It took a lot for her to admit that.

"You know in rehab there's not much to do but read and one of the things I read was what a coward and a hero have in common is fear," Rachel looked at her. "A coward lets fear prevent them from getting what they want; it makes them run away from a fight and you Brooke Davis are not a coward and neither am I. So we're not going to be victims anymore." She crossed her arms over her chest proudly. "We're going to take back our power."

Brooke nodded, remembering what she'd told herself not long after the attack; that she would be the master of her own fate. "No fear."

Rachel returned the nod. "No fear." She gave a short laugh. "So are we going to eat now because I'm starving?"

"Yeah," Brooke's smile came easy this time. "Pass me the bag skank."

"Whore," she tossed a pair of chopsticks at her friend.

"You know for a thief, you're a really good friend," Brooke said smugly.

"Yeah," Rachel winked at her. "And don't you forget it."

Lucas searched through the top drawer until he found the business card he was looking for. He'd already called Lindsay to get his flight information and he just had one more appointment he wanted to set up while he was in New York. He stared at the card for a moment, remembering the day it was given to him.

"It's a lot to process, I know," she paused briefly. "But, now you know why I came home."

"Brooke, are you sure?" Lucas peered at her, raising his eyebrows slightly. "I mean, are you sure?"

She nodded, a slight smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "I'm sure," Brooke placed a hand over her chest. "My heart is sure…this is what I want."

Lucas was silent for a moment as he took in her words before nodding. "Okay."

Lucas picked up the cell phone on the dresser and quickly dialed the number in the card.

"Dr. Caspian's office," a woman's voice answered. "This is Vikki, how can I help you?"

"Yes," Lucas spoke. "Is Dr. Caspian available?"

"Let me see if he's between patients, please hold," Vikki said before soft music began to play in the background. "Sir, are you still there?"

"Yes," Lucas answered.

"Please hold while I transfer you," she replied.

"Hello," a man's voice carried through the phone. "This is Dr. Caspian."

"Hi Dr. Caspian," he paused briefly. "This is Lucas Scott; I got your number some time ago from Brooke Davis."

"Yes," he replied. "I wasn't sure if I'd be hearing from her again. I thought she may have decided to take a different route."

"She's just been a little busy with some other things but she definitely wants to move forward," Lucas replied. "That's why I'm calling. I'll be in New York tomorrow and I was wondering if you'd have some time to meet with me."

"I'm sure that can be arranged. Will Miss Davis be joining you?" he asked.

"No, it will just be me this trip." Lucas answered.

"Okay," Dr. Caspian replied. "Well call my office in the morning and I'll squeeze you in."

"Thank you," Lucas replied. "I'll see you sometime tomorrow." Lucas hung up the phone before walking over to the closet and pulling out his suit case, packing for his trip.

"Hey," Peyton walked up behind him. "What are you doing?"

"Hey Peyton," he turned around and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "You're home late?"

"Yeah," she smiled. "I was just catching up with an old friend; we kind of lost track of time."

"Sounds like you had a nice time," he replied.

"Are you going somewhere?" she tilted her head to the side, her eyes traveling to the suitcase on the bed.

"Yes," he answered slowly. "I know its last minute but my publishers called and they need me in New York for some meetings."

"When?" Her green eyes looked up at him.

"Tomorrow," he rubbed the back of his neck, a habit he'd acquired when ever he was feeling embarrassed or nervous; currently he was feeling the latter.

"Lucas," her voice almost broke as she said his name. "We're supposed to be choosing a wedding date."

"I know and we will, I promise." Lucas took her hands within his own. "I know I've been hard to live with lately and I appreciate how supportive you've been."

"Well that's what you do when you love someone," Peyton looked deeply in his eyes. "And I do love you Lucas Scott."

"Come here," he pulled her into his embrace, holding her body tightly against his. "I love you too Peyton Sawyer." Deep down he wondered though, if that was enough; if their fear of the unknown would keep them together or pull them apart.

Haley stood in the backyard, watching the stillness of the water as she felt a pair of strong arms reach around her from behind.

"Hey," Nathan whispered in her ear. "You okay?"

"Yeah," she nodded.

He raised an eyebrow, even though he knew she couldn't see him. "Really?"

"Really," she turned around and flashed him a smile.

"Chris Keller just showed up here offering to help you get back into the music industry and you won't even consider it and I'm supposed to believe you're fine," he tilted his head. "Hales, come on."

"Just let it go Nathan," she walked over to pick up one of Jamie's floaties that was left by the pool.

"Haley," he grabbed her by the arm. "Why aren't you even considering this?"

"I'm happy with my life Nathan, with our life." She exhaled deeply. "I love teaching and I love being Jamie's mother and your wife. I am happy. I just don't have time for my music right now."

"Okay," he nodded. "Now what's the real reason?"

"Nathan," she bit at the inside of her lip.

"What are you so scared of?" he looked down at his wife.

Haley sighed heavily. "We've just been through so much; with your accident, that psycho nanny, and now Dan's death. Things are just starting to get back to normal and you and I are so good right now. I just don't want to risk doing anything to compromise this family." She paused briefly. "Yes I love music and of course I want to be out there again but you and Jamie, you're my life. You two are my air." She shook her head. "And you sacrificed so much before for my dream."

"Because you deserve it, just like I deserve my chance and we deserve this family," he took her hand in his. "You're right about how dark things have been but look at where we are now; we both have the chance to acheive our dreams, together. Everything we've been through has only made us stronger so where's my fearless wife? The one who made me get off my butt and teach my son to work through the fear."

"When did you get so smart," her chocolate eyes looked up at him.

He pulled her in his arms and grinned at her. "Well, I did have an excellent tutor."

She threw her head back and gave a laugh. "I love you."

"I love you," he replied before he bent down and captured her lips with his own.

Frank Herbert wrote, "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."