A/N's I know there's been a lack of Baley scenes in the last chapters, and while many of you are wondering, no I don't plan to let that friendship die. I love their friendship, so they WILL resolve their issues, within the next couple of chapters and same goes for the Nathan/Haley friendship.
Sighing deeply, Nathan ran his hand through his short brown locks in exasperation. Stealing a look at his beautiful ex-girlfriend, he felt his heart literally skip a beat as he watched her.
God she was just so beautiful and he loved her so much.
But he had fucked up.
He knew that, and he knew Brooke pretty damn well.
She wasn't going to let him slide on this one.
Regardless, he had to try. He just had to, because she meant everything to him and he just simply couldn't be without her.
But damn it, she was making it so hard. After yelling at him and cursing him out, she had gone to just completely ignoring him. Shutting him out.
And he didn't know what to do with that. The anger he could deal with, but her silence?
God, it was killing him.
"Brooke, how many times do I have to tell you that I'm sorry?" he began again, speaking for the first time since he'd parked in the middle of the road just outside of town.
No response.
"I know I was an idiot okay? And you'll never truly know how much I regret it and wish to take it back."
Again nothing.
"Brooke, c'mon, hear me out! I love you so damn much and this thing with Rachel meant absolutely nothing okay? It's you I want to be with. Only you."
When she again refused to respond, he pulled back and slammed his hand against the steering wheel in anger.
"Damn it Brooke! What do you want me to say here? What do you want me to do?"
Sneering, she turned to look at him and he had to flinch at the cold and dead look in her beautiful hazel eyes.
"I want you to leave me the hell alone." Her voice was pure ice and she was staring at him calmly, which scared him more than he would ever admit. "I don't care about your excuses or why it happened, because either way you cheated on me and no amount of apologies is ever going to erase that okay? So quit wasting my fucking time and take me home."
"But-"
"I'm not going to be sympathetic to your self-control issues! And I refuse to accept that as an excuse!" she snapped, her eyes flashing angrily.
Screw this, she was done crying and feeling heart-broken over the whole thing. Now she was just angry.
"I don't know how many times I have to tell you that we're over and I never want to see you again. But you just don't get it! I don't want to see you. I don't want to be with you!"
Her words tore at him and he took in a shallow breath. This wasn't happening. He couldn't lose her. He just couldn't.
"Brooke, baby please I'll do anything..anything you ask me to, but please, please just forgive me.." when she scoffed and turned away from him, he clenched his jaw.
Her show of indifference made something inside of him snap.
Reaching across the center console that separated them, he grabbed her and brought her towards him fiercely.
Fine, she didn't want to listen to him, then he would just have to show her.
Not giving her a chance to react, he bent his head down and captured her lips with his own, almost harshly.
She gasped in surprise and she struggled against him, but when she felt his tongue tracing the bottom of her lip, she just couldn't help herself and her struggles subsided.
She wanted to hate herself for it, but she gave in to him. Her arm came to rest against his chest and she tilted her head, to allow him more access.
Satisfied with her lack of resistance and the way she almost seemed to melt against him, Nathan brought her even closer, exploring every inch of her mouth hungrily.
God, it had only been a couple of days since he'd been able to taste the sweetness of her lips, but it felt like an eternity and he wondered how he could have ever gone so long without her.
After several minutes, he pulled away from her. Pressing his forehead against hers, he closed his eyes at the million sensations coursing through his entire being.
"Tell me again." he demanded breathlessly. "Tell me honestly after that, that you don't want to be with me anymore. Tell me, that you didn't feel anything between us and I'll leave you alone forever."
"So, where you really planning on making your escape without saying bye to me?" Haley teased, walking towards Lucas as she spotted him leaving the gym. Wrapping one arm coyly around his neck, she leaned in for a quick kiss. "Hey you."
Clearing his throat, he attempted a smile as he watched her, almost transfixed. "Hey."
"What's wrong?" she asked, frowning as she watched the hesitation flash across his beautiful baby blue eyes.
Debating silently, he finally pushed aside the images of her and Felix earlier in the halls out of his mind.
Shaking his head, he smiled and wrapped both arms around her waist, bringing her in closer. "I'm just tired, that's all."
She seemed to accept that and he dropped a quick kiss on her lips, before wrapping one arm around her shoulder.
"Are you hungry?" he asked her as they both made their way towards the parking lot.
"I could go for some food."
"Well, listen, my mom..uh well she has her own café as you might know and she uh.."
Smiling as she took in his slight nervousness, she replied. "She wants to meet me?"
Chuckling, he looked down embarrassed. "Yeah. I kinda told her about you..about us and well…listen if you don't want to then that's totally cool. We don't have to and we could go somewhere else-"
Stopping in her tracks, she turned towards him and cut him off with a sweet kiss.
"It's okay. I want to, really. I've heard your mom serves some of the best food in town." She smiled at him reassuringly and he couldn't help but smile back. "And besides, I really want to know what all you've told her about me." she finished in a teasing tone, before leaning over and kissing him again.
Taking a deep shaky breath, Brooke closed her eyes as she breathed in Nathan's unique scent. She was so stupid, so utterly and totally idiotic. How the hell did she let him kiss her again? Why had she given in so easily to him?
Because you love him. And you know that no matter what he does, you will always love him.
Gathering her thoughts, it took everything in her to push him away but that's what she did.
"How dare you?" she fumed, blinking back tears. "How dare you kiss me after all that you've done to me? Don't you get it? Nothing will ever be the same between us again!"
"You say that, but I don't believe you. Because I know you still love me. As much as I love you."
"It doesn't matter!" she screamed, turning towards him. "Love is not everything Nathan."
"Why not?" he demanded. "Is it so hard for you to accept that I screwed up? Brooke, if you'll just say that you forgive me, I promise I won't look at another girl ever again. You're it for me baby, so please...please just forgive me. I love you."
"I can't." she admitted tearfully. "I can't forgive that you slept with Rachel. I just can't."
"You can try."
Closing her eyes, she turned towards the window, refusing to look at him anymore. God, he was just making it so hard to hate him right now. And a part of her, wanted so badly to forgive him, to let it all go and just start all over again. Because as much as she hated herself for it, she couldn't deny that she loved him. And she missed him, god she missed him so much. Missed his touch, his kiss...just being with him. A large part of her was telling her to just screw it all and to give in to what her heart so obviously wanted.
But the other part of her refused to do so. The other part of her knew that things would never the the same between them ever agian.
"I can't." she finally replied, wiping the tears from her eyes. "And most importantly, I don't want to. And if you really do love me Nathan, then you will respect that. Now, can you please just take me home?"
Watching the quiet determination on her face and the finality in her words, his heart thudded painfully against his chest.
"Fine." he responded, clenching his jaw as he revved up the engine, giving in to her request.
He'd agreed, only because he knew how much he was hurting her right now, so he wouldn't push the issue with her anymore.
But there was no way, this meant he was accepting it and giving up on her.
He would just give her time, and he would show her that he loved her and needed her.
One day at a time.
"Hey Jake. Can I talk to you?"
Looking over his shoulder, Jake nodded and smiled at the curly blonde shifting nervously behind him. He turned back to Brad and Tyler and told them he'd see them at practice.
"Hey, what's going on?"
"Umm..yeah..listen I wanted to-" pausing, she frowned as she looked around her. "I just don't...okay about.."
"Is this about what you told me yesterday?" he asked her knowingly, watching the adorable way she looked up at him, her eyes wide.
"Err...yeah." she let out a breath and gave him an uncertain smile.
"Listen, if you're worried I'm going to say anything-"
"No, no that's not it. I know you're a trustworthy guy Jake, and I know in a way that's probably putting you in the middle. Y'know with Brooke and all but no that's not what I wanted to say."
"Then what is it?" he asked gently.
"Forget I ever said anything okay? Our little heart to heart from yesterday..just rewind and erase."
"Rewind and erase huh?"
"Yeah. I was..suffering from temporary insanity and-"
"It scares you doesn't it?" he interrupted her.
"What?"
"Your feelings for him. It scares the crap out of you."
Biting her lip, she looked at everywhere but at him. Afraid that he'd see through her with one look into her eyes. Finally taking a deep breath, she pushed her curls out of her face.
"There are no feelings Jake."
"Denying it won't make it go away."
"Seriously, it's nothing."
"Peyton, it's okay if you like Nathan." he insisted gently. "It's not the end of the world or anything."
"Maybe not your world." she retorted. "But in my world, it's totally unacceptable to go around kissing the sworn enemy."
He raised an eyebrow, "Sworn enemy?"
"Oh c'mon, you know what I mean. Lucas and Nathan hate each other and I just.." she stopped and huffed in annoyance. "Forget it okay? Let's just drop the whole thing please."
"Okay, okay fine." he agreed. "But listen, I know we don't really know each other that well but I just want to let you know that if you ever need to...talk to someone, I'm here okay?"
She tilted up her head and she smiled at the sincerity in his words. It was in that moment she realized that Jake Jagielski was truly one of a kind and she wished there were more guys like him. She couldn't help but wonder how Brooke could be so blind when it came to him.
But then again, she was so in love with Nathan and…
Ugh, she was thinking way too much again.
"Thanks, Jake." she replied softly.
Stepping forward, he wrapped her up into a quick friendly hug and was happy to feel her relax against him as she returned his gesture.
"I'm not interrupting anything am I?"
Pulling apart quickly, they turned to see Brooke standing before them, a peculiar expression on her face. Shaking her head, Peyton muttered that she was late to class and took her leave.
Watching the scene unfold in front of her, Brooke suddenly felt a flash of annoyance course through her but shook it off quickly and blamed it on the lack of sleep.
"Hey, Dimples." Jake smiled over at Brooke once Peyton left. "What's wrong?" he asked, noticing the look in her eyes.
"You know me too well." she gave him a sad smile. "I'm sorry about yesterday Jake. Nathan had no right to be that way with you. I don't know what came over him, but then again, Nathan Scott and complete jackass is one and the same and.."
"Don't worry about me. How are you doing? I didn't hear from you last night."
Looking down, she fought the tears that flooded her eyes suddenly. "He uh, he asked me back and I said no of course. But being near him again...I-I don't know." she admitted. "And if that wasn't bad enough, this morning Bitchoria reminded me that the Charity Ball is coming up in a couple of weeks, and y'know it's just expected of me and Nathan going together and I tried to tell her, but it's not like she cares anyways right?" she let out a bitter laugh and it made his heart constrict with pain for her. He wrapped her up in his embrace in a show of support and she reciprocated back gratefully.
"I hate this, all of this and more than anything I hate the fact that I still love him. With everything inside of me but he hurt me so much and I just..I really think this time it's over." Pulling away, she gave him an embarrassed smile. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't dump this all over you and I'm sure you're sick of me going on and on about the same thing."
"Don't feel that way Brooke. I'm always here for you. Don't ever question that okay?"
"You're the best friend any girl could ask for Jake Jagielski." Wrapping her arms tightly around his frame, she smiled to herself as she leaned into him. "I don't know what I would do without you. And if I don't say it enough, thank you."
Feeling the air being sucked out of him, he closed his eyes as his arms wrapped tightly around her small waist. "You're welcome." He whispered, breathing in her scent. "I'd do anything for you Dimples."
Because I love you.
"Hey, Peyton."
Turning away from the books she'd been shoving into her locker, Peyton turned towards her right and smiled a little uncertainly.
"Uh..hey. Tyler right?"
He nodded as he leaned against the locker that was next to hers. This was good, she knew who he was.
"So I know this might sound like it's coming out of nowhere but there's something I want to ask you."
"Okay..."
"I was wondering if Friday night after the game...you and I could maybe.."
Shutting her locker, she turned to him, her green eyes slightly amused.
"You're asking me out?"
"That obvious huh?"
She let out a small laugh as she hugged her books to her chest. "Yeah."
"So, then what do you say?"
"Uh..listen, you seem like a really good guy but-"
"Well, that's a no if I've ever heard one." he interrupted her, laughing to cover his embarrassment.
"No..it's not like that." she paused, unsure of what to make of the whole thing. "It's just..I-"
"You're into someone else." he provided, watching her eyes widen in surprise.
"Why do you say that?"
"Well, it's either that or I'm just not your type." he smiled and she couldn't help but notice that he really did have a nice smile. "I just figured since Lucas is so obviously with Haley that you'd-"
"What?" she tilted her head and stared at him confused. "What do they have to do with anything?"
"I know you and Lucas-"
"Wait, what?" she cut him off, laughing. "Me and Lucas? Look, we're just friends. Seriously. Despite the rumors, we're not into each other."
"Oh, okay." Taking her books from him, he smiled as he led them down the hall. "That's good to hear."
"For who?" she lifted an eyebrow, as she walked alongside him. "For you?"
"Well, yeah." he admitted. "Look, I think you're really pretty Peyton and I just want to get to know you. Is that so bad?"
"I guess not."
"So, what do you say then?"
"I..I don't know Tyler. I'm not really into the whole dating thing."
"So, we won't then. Make it a date I mean. How about we just ride together to Tim's party after the game? You are going right?"
"I guess. I mean, that seems to be the regular routine after a game."
"So then can I? Take you there I mean. We can just...hang out and get to know each other."
Hesitating, she stared at him thoughtfully before she decided that there was really no harm in the whole situation.
"Sure, why not?"
Sitting in his 5th period English class, Nathan turned to his right side, attempting to catch Brooke's attention. He'd been wanting to talk to her all day, but she'd expertly avoided him.
Seeing as this was the only class they shared, he figured that this was his only opportunity.
Scribbling on a blank sheet of paper, he discreetly tossed it over to her. I'm not giving up on us Brooke. Can we talk after practice?
Sighing in annoyance, she gave him a deathly glare, before purposely crumpling it up, not bothering to even read it. He stared at her and she just rolled her eyes. Didn't he get the message?
"Early in his career, Hemingway was frustrated." Their teacher's voice broke through and it was a good reminder that they should both be paying attention to the lesson. "He was a good writer who wanted to be great. And eventually, he discovered that less is more." he paused, and he stared at Brooke, who's attention was obviously diverted. Clearing his throat, he stepped right in front of the beautiful brunette's desk. "Ms. Davis, I'm not boring you am I?"
Jumping slightly, she turned on her full charm and flashed the young teacher her trademark smile. "Of course not Mr. Kelley."
"Very well Ms. Davis. Turning back to the discussion, Hemingway believed that less was more, and that sometimes flowery language wasn't necessary to get a sentiment across. All that sufficed was one word. So, Ms. Davis, let's try it shall we? Can you describe, let's see, Mr. Scott in just one word?"
Flipping her brown locks over her shoulder, she raised an eyebrow as she shot a glance at Nathan, then at Lucas who just so happened to sit a couple of seats away from her.
"Which one?"
This caused slight laughter to ripple throughout the classroom and Brooke grinned to herself satisfied when she saw Nathan glower at her, obviously unamused.
"Amusing Ms. Davis." the teacher supplied, walking back towards the center of the classroom. "Why don't you take your pick?"
"Um.."
"Nathan it is. Ms. Davis, please describe Nathan Scott using just one word."
Sucking in her breath, Brooke's hazel eyes locked with Nathan's beautiful blue orbs, the ones she was so familiar with.
Struggling a little bit, she tried not to let her voice betray her, as she sat up straight and stared at him.
"Liar."
Closing his eyes, Nathan shifted in his seat to face the front again. He'd been watching as she struggled within herself, and his heart broke a little as he realized once again, how much he'd hurt her. But her voice had rang out strong and sure, and he couldn't help but feel the sting of her words, or word as the case may be.
"Okay." Mr. Kelley nodded, and he felt a slight curiosity as he watched the exchange between his two students. He'd been at THH long enough to know that Nathan Scott and Brooke Davis had been one and the same for so long, but now it seemed that was no longer the case. "Let's try this again shall we? Mr. Scott.." watching Nathan's attention turn towards him, he nodded towards the blonde boy sitting a couple of seats away from Brooke. "The other Scott. Lucas, please describe Brooke with just one word."
Looking up surprised, Lucas turned his attention to Brooke. Furrowing his brow, he studied the brunette thoughtfully. Many different words came to mind, beautiful, cheerleader, perky, bitchy, snobby...
But as his blue eyes, connected with hers, there was only one word that could really serve justice to what exactly she was at that moment.
Lifting one shoulder, he sent her a small smile as he settled on. "Heart-broken."
Turning in his seat, curious to know what Lucas had to say about his ex-girlfriend, Nathan had never expected that. And he hadn't expected Brooke to give his hated half-brother a soft look, along with a smile and he felt a surge of anger hit him.
"That's two words." he snapped, and he gritted his teeth and jumped out of his seat, much to his classmates surprise. "And you don't know the first thing about it, Pucas."
Staring in shock, Brooke watched as Nathan lunged towards Lucas and soon the two were tumbling around in the floor.
Sitting right outside of Principal Turner's office, Lucas still didn't quite comprehend why he was there.
Nathan had lunged at him and he'd just defended himself, so why the hell was he in trouble?
He still didn't know why Nathan had attacked him. I mean, sure the two had always been at odds with each other. Sharing the same father could do that to you, but still...
All he'd done was comply with his teacher's request.
He picked up the ice pack the principal's assistant had given him while he waited his turn and he put it against his already swollen eye.
He didn't even want to think about how his mom was going to take this, let alone his coach.
Letting his head fall back against the wall, he straightened up as he watched Nathan's ex-girlfriend, suddenly appear in the deserted hall.
He shifted in his seat uncomfortably and was confused when she noticed him and decided to take a seat next to him.
"Here, let me." Brooke took the ice pack from him and he was almost surprised by the gentle way in which she applied it to his eye.
She tried not to apply too much pressure and smiled sympathetically at him, when she saw him wince in pain. "I'm sorry about Nathan."
"Why are you apologizing for him? The guy is a fucking jackass, plain and simple. He always has been."
"I know. But he was way out of line."
"Yeah, understatement of the week. What the hell was that?"
"He was just jealous."
"I guess I hit a nerve with him, huh? Brooke, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that."
She looked down in surprise when she realized that he'd taken her free hand. "No, it's okay. I mean it's the truth anyways."
He didn't know how to respond, but he could see the sadness reflected in her hazel eyes. "Hey, it's going to be okay. You're going to be okay Brooke Davis."
Snapping her head up, she looked at him in surprise. A smile lit up her face and she shook her head. "Uh..thank you, I guess." staring at him thoughtfully, she realized that his blue eyes were so sincere and just so honest and she felt something inside of her shift. "You're...really sweet Lucas. And I can't believe..."
It was as if she was truly seeing him for the first time ever.
"I don't know why Nathan hates you so much...how anyone could hate you really."
Staring at her quizzically, he was about to respond, when the school's office swung open before him, and an angry looking Nathan appeared, along with the school's secretary.
"Lucas, Principal Turner is ready to see you."
"Okay." he sighed, dropping the ice pack and standing up, before squaring his shoulders and walking into the office.
Looking up, Brooke could see the questioning look in Nathan's blue eyes as she was sure, he had just seen her with Lucas.
Smirking, she stood up and gave him a heated look, before sauntering down the hall.
A new plan was formulating in her head and all she could think of was..
Revenge is going to be a bitch Nathan Scott.
A/N Uh-Oh, is that a sign of what's to come? Brooke and Lucas...hmm.
Reviews would be lovely people!
