Reasons that reason cannot know

Chapter 19

Lucas was still holding Brooke in his arms and he didn't want to let go. She still fitted so perfectly with is body it was amazing. And that feeling he had when he was holding her, it was something he couldn't compare to anything else. Eventually, Brooke pulled away. Lucas wanted to tell her to stay there, in his arms, but he knew he couldn't do this. She looked at him, smiling. He hasn't seen her that look on her face for a very long time. Like she was once again his Cheery. His Pretty Girl. Lucas looked in her beautiful shining hazel eyes and he just knew it. He loved her. He was completely and insanely in love with her. More in love that he has ever been.

Lucas was looking at Brooke's beautiful face and couldn't believe he ever let her go. He couldn't believe he survived so long without seeing her dimpled smile, or hearing her raspy voice, or feeling her embrace. He couldn't understand how he could have thought he got over her… It was impossible to get to have this amazing woman and to forget her. Lucas knew it way too well. Why? Because 7 years after he met her, 5 and half years since he has last been in a relationship with her, Lucas Scott loved Brooke Davis so much more than he thought it was possible to love someone.

She was talking to him, but he was lost in his newfound feeling for her. When she playfully slapped him on the arms, he finally came back to reality.

"Sorry, I just…"

"Went somewhere? Jeez, I would have never thought so."

She joked and he laughed. He wanted nothing more than to tell her he loved her and kiss her right there, but he couldn't. Not now. Deep inside, Lucas hoped there would come a day when he would get to do this, but he knew for sure now was not the right time. So he just tried to catch up with her.

"Sorry about that. What were you saying?"

Brooke smiled at him. She hasn't seen him that happy in such a long time and she couldn't be better now that he was on cloud nine.

"I just congratulated you and asked you if it's a dream come true."

He looked at her and smiled.

"It is. And once again, you are here when a dream come true for me, Brooke. I wouldn't have had it any other way."

Brooke's heart started beating faster and hope overwhelmed her, hope for her and Lucas. But he told herself it was impossible and she focused on their friendship.

"Let's go get Nathan, Haley and the others and then go celebrate at "Tric". What do you think?"

"Whatever you say, Cheery."

She smiled when he used her old nickname.

"Ok, let's go then, Lucas not-so-Broody-tonight Scott."

*-*-*

Lucas, Brooke, Skills, Mouth, Millie, Nathan and Haley were now all together in "Tric", celebrating Ravens big win. They all chatted, laughed, talked about high-school days and everything seemed perfect. But Lucas couldn't take his eyes off of Brooke. To say she was beautiful wouldn't be enough. She was wearing a beautiful black dress just above the knees, her hair was freely on waves on her shoulders, and she didn't have much make-up – just to emphasize her anyway undeniable beauty. She was stunning. But Lucas knew she was beautiful not just on the outside. He knew she was ready to give away everything for the people she loved. He knew she was strong, but vulnerable also. He knew she loved Anna more than anything in the world and was a great mother despite the bad example she had from Victoria. He knew she loved her mother even though didn't deserve it. He knew she was unsure about herself. He knew how amazing, kind and full of love her heart was. He knew her. The real her and he was completely in love with her.

A new song started and the girls went dancing. Skills and Mouth were talking about Mouth's new relationship with Millie. Lucas was sitting at his place and was watching as Brooke and the others were dancing like crazy on the dance floor and he was smiling.

"You know what that scene reminds me of? Senior year. Classics. After the mistake, everyone shocked for a while. But then Brooke started dancing this crazy robot dance and Haley started with her childish dance and shortly after we joined them."

Lucas smiled at the memory. He was so happy then. His mom and Keith were together, he was still playing basketball. They were all friends and he and Brooke were so in love…

"And I think there is one more similarity between that night and tonight, other than crazy dancing Brooke and Haley."

Lucas looked at him, not knowing what Nathan wanted to say.

"The way you look at Brooke. Like she is the only woman in the world. Like she has your whole heart. Like you are head over hills in love with her."

Lucas was confused. He wasn't sure if he wanted to talk about it anybody.

"Nathan, I…"

"Luke, I'm not gonna tell you what to do. Last time we had a similar conversation about that very same girl, things have been different. Now it's a lot more complicated with Peyton and Lindsey involved. And Brooke has a daughter. So I can't just tell you to go and confess her your love for her. Just don't do anything stupid, okay?"

"Nathan, I'm not planning to just tell her how I feel out of the blue. I know that things are very complicated and that we are just friends and she probably doesn't feel the same way and that I have no right to be selfish this time. I… I just love her."

Nathan smiled.

"Believe me, it is obvious."

Lucas looked at him surprised.

"What do you mean?"

"The way you look at her, the smile you have on your face when she's around. The way you talk about her. I've seen you like that once before: when you were in love with Brooke back in high school."

Lucas looked back at Brooke.

"I just… I don't know. Tonight, it was one of the best nights in my life. And the only person I wanted to share it with was Brooke. When she came in my arms tonight, it was everything fell back in place. And I realized how much I love her."

Nathan sighed.

"You realize how similar this situation is to your precious moment of clarity from senior year, right?"

Lucas didn't know how to explain it to Nathan, but he wanted to try.

"Peyton and I got closer after Brooke broke up with me and she really helped me get through it. And with what happened with Ian and everything, we just got so close. And we had this bond I can't explain. We still have it. And there was a part of me that wondered from day one what could have been. I've spent years admiring her and wanting to be with her, you know? I won't say I wasn't in love with her, because I was. But it's not the way it is with Brooke. When I first met her, I thought she was just a party girl who didn't care about anything but herself. But once I got to know her, to see who she really is, I saw this amazing girl with loving heart and beautiful soul. I won't say I fell in love with her right away. It took time, but when I finally admitted my feelings for her, they were stronger than anything I felt before. And when we were together, it was like I was on cloud nine. I could see my future with her. But things came in the way. When she broke up with me, I was a mess. I couldn't believe it was over. But time passed and Peyton was there. Yes, I loved her. Yes, I proposed to her. But it's just… You know Peyton and Brooke came back in tree Hill at the same time. Finally, I was glad we were over. I finally realized it was for the best. And Brooke… When she came back, I couldn't help but want to be around her and Anna. We became closer than we've been before. And tonight, I realized all of this was not just because she was one of my best friends. It is because I'm in love with her."

"What about Lindsey?"

Lucas sighed.

"I loved her. I did. I still care about her. But I think I've never really been in love with her, you know. I'm sorry I had to put her through all this."

"Luke, I'm gonna ask you something and I want to you to be sure when you answer, ok?"

"Do you think you've ever fallen out of love with Brooke completely?"

Lucas closed his eyes. He tried to ignore reason and listen just to his heart.

"No."

"That's what I thought. Look, man. I've always thought you and Brooke would end up together. I believed it even when you went to LA and proposed to Peyton. I still believe it. Just don't rush things. You gotta be absolutely sure you want to be with her and only her. You have to make sure you won't push her away like before. You have to make her see you love her for who she is, not because you missed your chances with Peyton and Lindsey. And you should never ever hurt her again. Because she can't take another heartbreak, especially from you. And it's not just about her anymore. Think about Anna. So please, just don't rush things and let them happen naturally. People that are meant to be together always find their way in the end."

Lucas smiled, remembering the first time he heard this words. He knew Nathan was right about everything.

"I won't rush it, Nate. And I would never hurt her again."

"Good. Because if you do, I'm gonna kick your ass."

Lucas smiled and just then the girls came back. They were laughing and glowing. Haley went to give Nathan a kiss and Brooke rolled her eyes.

"Get a room, Naley!"

The whole gang laughed and then Brooke turned to Lucas.

"So, are you having a good time, Coach Scott?"

"I'm having a great time."

They smiled at each other and it was one of these magical moments between them where no words were needed.

The gang continued having fun. They chatted, laughed, dance, joked. It was a great night. At some point, Brooke said she has to go – Deb was watching Anna and Jamie at her place – Jamie was staying with his Godmother so his parents could have a night on their own. Nathan, Haley, Millie, Mouth and Skills said it was time to go too. Lucas didn't want his time with Brooke to end, so he asked her something.

"Hey, you mind me walking you home?"

Brooke smiled at him. Even though she knew they were just friends, she couldn't help but love these small gestures.

"Of course not. Let's go."

They walked slowly and talked about everything and nothing. They laughed and just felt good to be together. They didn't realize when they got there.

"Thanks for the walk home, Luke."

"You are welcome. I love spending time with you, you know."

Right now, they both wanted nothing more than to kiss each other, but neither one of them would do it.

"I missed you so much all these years. I don't know how I made it without your support. Right now, I couldn't go through all that crap without you."

Lucas smiled at Brooke.

"I don't know what I did without you either. But I promise you I'm always gonna be here."

She smiled.

"Pinky swear?"

He laughed.

"Pinky swear."

Then, he took her in his arms and she rested her head on his chest. He kissed the top of her head. They stayed like that for a while, then Brooke pulled away.

"Hey, tomorrow, breakfast. You, me, Anna and Jamie. What do you think?"

Lucas just smiled.

"8 o'clock?"

"Perfect."

"Good night, Luke."

"Bye, Pretty Girl."