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"Okay Lucas, it looks like your shoulder is healing nicely." Lucas's doctor told him.
"That's good news." Lucas replied.
"Absolutely. Between that and taking out your stitches, you are almost as good as new."
"More or less." Nathan said.
"Thanks Dr. Reynolds." Lucas said, shaking the doctor's hand.
"Not a problem. Keep taking care of yourself."
"Will do."
"So can this be the last hospital trip you make for awhile?" Nathan asked Lucas in the parking lot.
"I can try."
"Thanks man. All this worrying about you is exhausting."
"It wasn't a big deal though."
"I always worry about you. It's never a good feeling to hear your brother is in the hospital, even if it's because he had to pass out in the most dramatic way possible."
"Thanks Nate. That was almost nice."
"Anytime. Let's go grab Jagielski and head to the beach."
"Your right arm is back in action I see." Jake said, walking up to Lucas and Nathan at the beach.
"Finally." Lucas said.
"Can you believe we're graduating this week?" Nathan asked.
"Not at all. I still can't believe I made it. I was this close to dropping out for good." Jake nodded.
"I'm glad you didn't." Lucas said, patting Jake on the shoulder.
"I never thought I would be reminiscing about high school with you two." Nathan grinned.
"Who knows where we'll be in the next few years." Lucas mused.
"Where do you think we'll be?" Jake asked.
"Right back here on the beach. Jake will bring his guitar and play his latest song, which Luke you probably helped him to write, and Luke will have yet another book in his back pocket." Nathan laughed, pulling the book out of Lucas's pocket and whacking him lightly on the head.
"Let's hope it's one I wrote." Lucas said, grabbing his book back.
"What do you think Nate? Is the NBA in your future?" Jake asked.
"That would be amazing. Let's just hope I don't screw it up at Duke first."
"I'll make sure you don't." Lucas said, putting his arm around Nathan.
"Good. I need you to keep me straight. And I need to keep you in a plastic bubble or something to keep you out of the hospital."
"I'll be okay Nate."
"If you say so."
"Where will our girls be?" Jake asked after a moment.
"Peyton will probably be trolling the streets of Los Angeles and discover the next big thing while they're humming to themselves at Starbucks." Lucas said.
"Haley should be a teacher." Jake said.
"No way. That's lame." Nathan laughed.
"Teachers are not lame. You're just a lazy jackass." Lucas swatted his brother on the arm.
"Yeah, yeah. I think she'll end up doing the music thing in the future." Nathan said.
"Really?" Jake asked.
"I could tell at the show how much she missed it. Anyways, Brooke will own like a billion stores, and one day we'll come over and we won't be able to find Luke under the piles of clothes they'll have in their house."
"That sounds accurate." Lucas said, laughing.
"What do you think gentleman, are these girls the one?" Jake asked.
"Yes." All three said in unison.
"We made it!" Haley squealed, running up to Lucas and Nathan at graduation.
"Finally." Nathan grinned, putting his arm around Lucas.
"I can't believe we're actually graduating." Lucas said.
"I can't believe that I'm actually graduating. Both of you have helped me get through school. I wouldn't be here without your help, so thank you both." Nathan said.
"Of course." Lucas said.
"Tutoring worked out pretty well for me in the end." Haley said, leaning over to kiss Nathan.
"Okay you three, time for a picture." Deb said, coming up with her camera.
Lucas and Nathan stood on either side of Haley and smiled for Deb.
"I have to go find my parents. I'll see you at the ceremony!" Haley said.
Dan walked up to his family and smiled.
"I am so proud of both of you." Dan said.
"Thanks Dad." Lucas and Nathan said.
"Lucas!" Karen called, coming up with Andy and Keith.
"Hey there." Dan said, shaking Andy's hand.
"Hey yourself. Big day, huh?" Andy said.
"I can't believe my baby is graduating." Karen said tearfully, hugging Lucas.
"Just think, in eighteen years we'll be doing this again." Andy said, looking at Karen's growing belly.
"Oh my God." Karen said, starting to cry. She pulled Lucas into another hug, holding on tight.
"It's okay, Mom." Lucas said, kissing her on the cheek and gently pulling away.
"Let's go find our seats." Deb suggested.
"Want to sit with us?" Dan asked Karen, Keith and Andy.
"Definitely." Andy said.
"I think it's time for us to line up, buddy." Lucas said to Nathan.
"Let's do it." Nathan said.
"Hold up nephews. Let me give you one piece of advice." Keith said.
"What's that?" Nathan asked.
"Let me guess. Don't trip?" Lucas asked.
"You know me well." Keith said, clapping Lucas on the shoulder.
"Yeah I do. I'm glad you're here."
"From now on, I'm here always. I promise."
"The grandparents are here." Lucas noticed as they were sitting through the ceremony.
"Oh wow. That's cool." Nathan said.
"You know what's crazy?"
"How boring this ceremony is?"
"True. But besides that fact."
"Do tell."
"If you and I never got to know each other, we would still be sitting here next to each other, ready to graduate, as strangers instead of brothers. I tried to tell you that after prom, but you fell asleep on me."
"Oh. My bad."
"What I'm trying to say is that I'm happy we're here, and I'm really proud of you. I wouldn't give up spending this day with you for anything."
"Right back at you, big brother." Nathan said, patting his brother on the shoulder.
"You guys, you're missing truly inspiring speeches." Peyton hissed from down the row.
"I highly doubt that." Nathan whispered back.
"Lucas Eugene Scott." The principal said.
"Eugene." Nathan snorted.
"Shut up." Lucas said as he walked up the stairs to the stage.
"Nathan Royal Scott."
Nathan followed his brother across the stage and received his diploma. Once they got off stage, Lucas and Nathan stopped and smiled at their family.
Out in the audience, Dan was getting emotional watching his sons walking across the stage. Deb squeezed his hand as he tried to keep his tears at bay.
"I could have missed all of this." Dan said, mostly to himself.
"Yeah, but you didn't." Karen said, smiling at him.
"You did a great job with him. Thank you for such an incredible son." Dan said.
Karen smiled at him and squeezed his hand briefly before turning back to the stage.
"Both of you." Dan said, turning to his wife, who kissed him.
Tim decided to jump off the front of the stage instead of walking down the stairs like everyone else.
"They gave that kid a diploma." Lucas said in awe.
"It was either that or keep him another year to torture the teachers." Nathan pointed out.
"Congratulations. Oh I can't believe my baby boy is all grown up." Karen said, hugging Lucas after the ceremony.
"We're really proud of you." Andy said, giving Lucas a hug too.
"Thanks guys." Lucas said.
"We did it!" Brooke exclaimed, rushing over to give Lucas a hug.
"Oh honey we're so proud of you too. I couldn't ask for a better girl to love my son." Karen said, embracing Brooke.
"Thanks Karen."
"Did you parents come?" Lucas asked quietly.
Brooke's smiled faded for a moment, but she quickly smoothed out her hair and rolled her eyes.
"No. My dad had a conference or something. Doesn't matter. You three are the ones who matter to me today."
Lucas kissed the top of Brooke's head.
"Don't forget Baby Hargrove." Lucas said, pointing at Karen's stomach.
"Of course! The four of you are all the family I need." Brooke smiled.
Karen smiled and took Brooke's hand as everyone went to find a good place to take pictures.
"I love you pretty girl. It's their loss." Lucas said, leaning in for a kiss.
"I know."
"Brooke, we actually wanted to ask you something." Karen said.
"Oh really?"
"We were hoping you would move in with us. I hate the thought of you in that apartment all by yourself, and besides, I would love to have you around the house. I'm sure Lucas's little brother or sister would too."
"Plus we've got a business to get started on." Andy said.
"Are you serious?"
"Of course! You know we love you."
"I'd love to move in! I promise that I will earn my keep. I will do dishes, or laundry, and I can take care of the baby any time you want me to!" Brooke exclaimed, hugging Karen and Andy.
"That's really amazing, mom. Why didn't you tell me?" Lucas asked.
"I wanted it to be a surprise. We have one for you too. Go get Nathan though, it's technically for both of you."
"Okay." Lucas said, going to find Nathan.
"He's going to be so excited." Brooke whispered to Karen.
"We're here!" Lucas said, steering Nathan over to the group.
"What's up?" Nathan asked.
"Karen and I talked to your father about your living arrangement next year. While we agreed to let Dan pay for both of your tuitions, we wanted to do what we could to help out." Andy said.
"Please let it be a Porsche." Nathan whispered.
Lucas laughed and rolled his eyes.
"How does a house sound?" Andy asked.
"A house?" Lucas asked.
"Lucas, I know how much you love the house you grew up in. There's a lot of memories there. We wanted you to make some of your own in that house as an adult." Andy said.
"What are you saying?"
"We never sold the old house. We intended it to be yours." Karen said.
"You're joking." Nathan said in amazement.
"Dead serious." Andy said, smiling.
"Thank you so much!" Lucas said, hugging his stepfather.
"This is amazing. Are you sure?" Nathan said reluctantly.
"Of course." Karen said. She smiled at Nathan, and then hugged him. Nathan was surprised but happily returned the embrace.
"No dorms for us." Nathan said, giving his brother a high five.
"I can't believe it. Thank you so much." Lucas said.
"Whatever, I get a walk-in closet." Brooke teased.
"Lucky girl." Lucas smiled.
"Yes I am." Brooke said, kissing Lucas.
"Okay bitches, let's practice our drinking game skills." Tim said at his graduation party. He was already pretty far gone, and the party had barely started.
"Bring it, Smith. What are we going to play?" Brooke said, sitting down at the table.
"Let's start off easy. Never Have I Ever." Tim said, taking a shot of tequila.
"Sounds good. Rally the troops." Peyton said, sitting down next to Brooke.
Haley and Nathan came in and sat down to play. Haley shifted uncomfortably in her seat. These kinds of games made her feel nervous and childish.
Her discomfort grew when Bevin and Theresa came to join them.
"Where's Lucas?" Brooke asked.
"He and Jake are coming." Peyton replied.
"Here." Lucas said, walking in with Jake.
"Let's do this." Tim said, drumming his hands on the table.
"Okay. I'll go first. Um...never have I ever stolen candy from the grocery store." Lucas said.
"You need to walk on the wild side a bit more." Nathan laughed as he took a drink. Haley, Bevin, and Brooke joined him.
Tim chugged his drink and got up to refill it.
"Damn, Tim, you just have to take a sip." Nathan said.
"That was for my own benefit. Let's keep going." Tim said.
"Okay. Never have I ever…flashed anyone." Haley said quickly.
Brooke, Peyton, Theresa, and Tim raised their glasses and took a drink.
"What poor person did you flash Tim?" Nathan asked.
"How the hell should I know? I was in a moving car. Whoever it was, they're lucky."
"If you say so." Haley said, rolling her eyes.
"My turn. Never have I ever made out with a girl." Peyton said.
"Lame." Brooke teased.
Tim, Jake, Lucas, Nathan, Bevin, and Brooke took a drink. Jake raised his eyebrows at Brooke.
"Wow." Lucas said, blushing.
Brooke shrugged and smiled at her boyfriend, who smiled back.
"I have a good one." Tim said suddenly.
"This should be interesting." Brooke snorted.
"Never have I ever…had sex with Nathan Scott."
Nathan's breath caught in his throat. He didn't dare look at Haley. Or anyone at that table.
Haley, Peyton, Brooke, and Theresa sheepishly took a drink. Haley stared at Theresa for a moment before hurrying out of the room.
"Real dick move, Tim." Nathan said angrily.
"Whatever." Tim mumbled.
"I'll go talk to her." Lucas said, getting up.
"Shouldn't I go?" Nathan asked.
"No. Not this time. I'll be back." Lucas said, patting Nathan on the shoulder.
Lucas found Haley outside staring out at nothing in particular.
"I guess I should have known. Maybe I'm just naïve." Haley said after a moment.
"He was going to tell you."
"Wait, you knew?"
"He told a couple of weeks ago. The day after I hurt my shoulder. Maybe I'm naïve too because I didn't put two and two together until then either."
"We're quite a pair, you and I."
"Listen, Haley, he knows that he messed up."
"Why would he let me be humiliated like that in front of all our friends?"
"I'm sorry, Haley. You know that his heart has always been with you though."
"Luke, how can I believe that?"
"You have to know it's true. He never was able to move on from you."
"If he really loved me all along, how could he be sleeping with someone else? And it's not like it was even random rebound sex. He was dating somebody and he cannot even tell me that their relationship meant nothing."
"Look, I don't know what to tell you. Yes, he liked Theresa a lot, but I think he knew it wasn't forever. She was there for him through some tough times and that's important. But he wasn't planning his future around being with her."
"So what, they were going to break up before college?"
"Not that I'm aware of. But I do know that he would choose you every time."
"But he didn't choose me! He wanted to date. He wanted to date her specifically."
"He needed to. He was so hung up on the past and all of his regrets that he was not going to be good for you back then anyway. First of all, he needed some time by himself. Then he just needed someone that he enjoyed spending time with. He was too scared to put himself out there for you, but Theresa was really great. I'm sorry but I am not going to deny that."
"I feel horrible. She's a nice person. None of this is her fault and here I am, thinking of her as an obstacle, not an actual person."
"She's a very nice person. You don't need to worry about her, or Peyton, or Brooke. Okay?"
"Okay. I'm sorry, I know Brooke isn't like that. I know she and Nathan don't have anything going on. I'm just being crazy."
"Don't worry about it. Theresa's okay with how things turned out, and you and Nathan are back together and you get to make a future with him. He wants you, Haley. The only person he has ever been in love with is you, and nobody can ever change that."
"You're right. Thanks Luke."
"Of course. Let's go back and show them that the past doesn't own you."
"Okay." Haley said, finally allowing herself to smile
Lucas stuck his hand out and pulled Haley up to a standing position. He pulled her into a hug, which she eagerly returned for a few moments.
"Look, Nathan is my brother and I love him, but don't forget that you're my best friend and I love you too. I'll do whatever I can to protect you. Both of you. I really believe in the two of you. Don't let this shake you up. You've waited too long to let this fall apart over something that cannot be changed."
"You're right. Let's go back in."
Lucas opened the door for Haley and followed her back inside the house.
"Hey." Nathan said tentatively as Haley and Lucas came back in.
"Hi." Haley said, kissing him on the cheek before she sat down.
"What happened to Tim?" Lucas asked.
"I do believe he had to go puke for awhile. He's been chugging down drinks all night." Jake said.
"Charming." Lucas said, rolling his eyes.
"Hey guys. I have one." Brooke said, glancing at Haley. Everyone who had been at the table nodded.
"Go ahead." Haley said.
"Never have I ever been madly in love with Haley James." Everyone at the table but Nathan, Lucas, and Haley said loudly.
Nathan smiled, stood up, and downed his drink. Haley laughed and kissed him.
"I think I need another." Nathan said.
Everyone at the table laughed, including Theresa. Haley caught her eye and smiled. Theresa smiled back.
"So boyfriend, I'm going to need your help moving." Brooke said later that night.
"I am at your service. So, you're happy about this arrangement?" Lucas said, taking her hands in his.
"Ecstatic. But I do have to say, I hope my next move is with you."
"Let's make sure it is."
"Sounds like a plan."
"I'm really excited about all of this." Lucas said happily.
"Me too. I really meant it earlier, I couldn't ask for better people in my life."
"I told you at that rehearsal dinner, you are my family. My mom loves you so much and I know that my little brother or sister is going to adore you too."
"It better be a girl."
"Nathan wants a girl too."
"I thought he would want a boy so you two can teach him basketball as soon as he can stand."
"He wants to be the only little brother I have."
"That's so cute."
"I told him nothing could change our relationship."
"That's true."
"I love you, Brooke Davis."
"I love you, Lucas Scott."
"Can I tell you a secret?"
"Of course."
"Every year, Haley and I write our predictions for the coming school year. This year mine finally came true."
"What was it?"
"I will try again with Brooke Davis."
"Really?"
"Really. I spent all summer wanting to make things right with you."
"You did a really good job."
"In case I don't say it enough, I'm really glad you gave me the chance."
"I was worried about getting hurt again. I wish I could have said yes sooner, but I was just scared. You really showed me that I made the right choice though."
"I'm glad. I understand that you were scared. I was too."
"You were worth the risk though."
"I want to be. Every time." Lucas said.
Brooke leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Lucas. They stood there for several minutes, taking in the silence and enjoying being with each other.
Their moment was interrupted by the door opening with a squeak.
"Hey. Luke are you ready to go?" Nathan said, hovering in the doorway.
"Oh. Sure." Lucas nodded.
"Sorry, I didn't meant to interrupt. It's just getting late and you're going back to your mom's, right?"
"Yeah, no problem. Should we find Tim?" Lucas asked.
"I haven't seen him. I'm still pretty pissed off at him for what he did earlier. Maybe now's not a good time to talk to him."
"Fair enough. Go find Haley and we'll go."
Lucas woke up the next morning to his phone ringing. It was Dan.
"Hey Dad. What's up?"
"Hey Luke. Do you mind coming over here?"
"Right now?"
"Yeah."
"What's going on?"
"There was an accident last night. Tim…he apparently was really drunk at his graduation party. He went out driving around 2:30 and ended up slamming right into a tree."
"Oh my God. Is he okay? Is he…" Lucas gasped.
"He didn't make it son. I'm sorry." Dan said softly.
"Does Nathan know?"
"Not yet. Deb is going to go tell him. I thought he might want his brother here when he finds out."
"Of course. I'll be right there." Lucas said quickly.
"Thanks son. See you soon. I love you Luke."
"Bye Dad. I love you too."
"What's wrong?" Karen asked as Lucas rushed out of his bedroom, pulling on his shoes.
"I have to go to Dad's. Tim got into an accident last night. He didn't make it."
"Oh that's awful."
"I have to go be with Nathan. This is going to destroy him."
"Oh honey, I'm so sorry. Please send him our love."
"Okay. I love you Mom." Lucas said, realizing how important it was for her to know that right then.
"I love you too sweetie."
"Nathan?" Deb said, hearing someone come down the stairs.
"Yeah?" Nathan replied, coming into the living room.
"Honey, come sit down."
"What's wrong?"
"Oh sweetie. I'm so sorry I have to tell you this. Last night after the party, Tim was driving around, and he had been drinking a lot—"
"No." Nathan said quickly, going pale.
"Nathan, I'm so sorry. He hit a tree head on."
"No…" Nathan said quietly, locking eyes with Lucas as he came into the room.
"I'm so sorry, honey. I'm so sorry." Deb said tearfully.
Lucas quietly approached his brother, who was looking at him in utter bewilderment.
"Nate…" Lucas said as Nathan sank to his knees. Lucas quickly knelt down beside him.
"It can't be true. There's no way." Nathan said breathlessly, looking at Lucas pleadingly.
Lucas felt completely helpless. Nathan was looking at him like he was the last hope of it not being true, as if he were there to say Deb was mistaken. Lucas sadly shook his head.
Nathan stared at Lucas for a moment. Lucas watched as the gut-wrenching realization set in.
"I'm so sorry." Lucas whispered, reaching out to Nathan. Deb wiped away her own tears as Dan put his arm around her.
Nathan didn't reply, he just limply fell into Lucas's embrace and started sobbing.
Please let me know what you think! And as always, thanks for reading!