Author's Note: Finally! Another chapter, I know it's been a while since my last update, for that I apologize. I don't really have any excuse, other than the normal life got in the way. Toddlers running around, my dog passed and my parents came and went, oh I am also in the middle of packing because we're moving…again! I hope you all enjoy this chapter. I had such fun writing it. Please don't forget to review, please! So without further ado…On with the story!

Haley's POV

"When are you two going to stop messing around and make it official?" I ask my hazel eyed friend as I throw down a $20 bill atop the bar, intending to pay for our drinks. I had just come off a set and I needed a pick me upper.

She lets out a grumble and shoves my money back towards me. "I got this, how many times do I have to tell you that we're not 'messing around'." She says as she puts up air quotes.

"Yeah sure, you're real convincing Brooke, considering all the countless times I happened upon you two in a tangled mess." I murmur into my ice cold Dr. Pepper.

"I don't know why you drink that all the time; I can tell you can't stand it." She says avoiding the subject of her and her beau, if you can call him that, according to her.

At her comment my lids droop close for a minute, with a sigh I avoid the subject of my unenjoyable pop and bring it full tilt back to her. "Well…?" I ask the normally bubbly brunette.

"I was and am being truthful Hales, you know that. We're not actually having sex. We just so happen to make out at times, albeit a little more than normal, recently." She says tapping the side of her glass with the tip of her middle finger, her eyes downcast. "I'm just not sure if I'm ready to take our 'relationship', if you can even call it that, to the next level."

"Oh you guys are definitely in some kind of relationship." I say with a wink and a snicker.

She gives me a light shove, "Hey!" She says playfully throwing her hands atop her hips.

"What are two you girls chatting about over here?" A deep, quiet, yet distinguished voice says.

I turn back to my drink and with a side glance towards the titillated couple I say, "Your spur of the moment make out sessions." At my response Brooke sends her Shirley temple flying all over the bar top and a bit on me. I notice Stefan hop back a step yet lay a reassuring hand upon Brook's back. "And that's my cue to leave." I say setting my drink back atop the bar and scooting back in my seat, I send Brooke a wink and rush backstage.

BROOKE'S POV

I cannot believe she just said that. That was a Peyton thing to say, not a Haley thing. I think to myself, feeling a tremor of nerves run up my spine.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Asks Stefan whilst rubbing his hands in a circular motion upon my back, He knows just how to calm me down.

"I don't know; it's just Haley, I'm worried about her." I say nodding toward the exit at the back, where my normally shy friend just disappeared into, while dabbing at the already formed stains upon my beautiful green mini dress. "Hey can I get a club soda, please?" I motion for the bartender, at his nod I turn my attention back towards the stains, immediately dipping a fresh napkin into the club soda that was placed in front of me, I vigorously rub against the offending stain. Suddenly I am interrupted from my task at hand by the handsome green eyed man standing in front of me; he lays his hands upon my face and holds my head steady so we're looking into each other's eyes.

"She's okay." He says with a small smile. "How's about we go back to the loft, get you out of this dress," at the mention of the dress he runs a quick scan over my body, with an arch of my brow I bite my lip and stare seductively up at him, not being able to contain the knowing grin upon my face, considering I can feel his arousal and desire. He closes his eyes for a moment, trying to contain his desire and looks back into my eyes. "Then we'll throw said dress into a bucket of club soda and pop a movie in…I'll even let you watch The Notebook." The last bit tumbling out of his mouth quickly, at that I jump up and giddily clap my hands together. Throwing a $50 bill on the bar I snatch his hand into mine and rush out of the club.

"Works like a charm…" I hear him say behind me; with a roll of my eyes I tug at his arm and shout over my shoulder "Come on Stefan! Stop moving like a grandpa, old man." I let out a shocked giggle as I feel the air whoosh out from under me, he cradles me to his chest and using his vampire speed we arrive on the fire escape of my loft.

"Works like a charm…" I say with a wink and stroll through the sliding door, up the circular stairs, into my room, taking off my heels as I go.

STEFAN'S POV

I can't help but stare after the hazel eyed temptress as she makes her way into her room. Even the way she removes her shoes is like an act of seduction. I run my hands through my hair and shake my arms out. I turn around and head towards the laundry room, intent on retrieving that bucket.

As I finish pouring the last bit of club soda into said bucket I feel a tingle along my spine, a tingle I only get when Brooke is near. I turn around slowly holding the bucket in my hands. As I face her I nearly drop the object, thank God for her fast reflexes she places her hand atop mine and glides her fingers over my fingers till she has a hold of the bucket's metal handle. Never losing eye contact as she places it on the ground and throws what looks to be her dress into it.

Before I can catch my breath she jumps into my arms, her lips finding their way to mine perfectly. I place my right hand upon her buttocks, easily holding her to me and the other scrunches up the silk of her robe my fingertips grazing the underside of her breasts. Not wanting to lose the close contact but wanting to get a good look at her I set her atop the washer, stepping back I can't help but admire the sheer goddess sitting in front of me. I run my hands up her smooth tanned legs and once again place my hands on her backside, gently pulling her close. I greedily find her mouth and run my tongue over her lush bottom lip. She sucks my tongue into her mouth as she runs her hands through my hair. I let out a groan as she bites down upon my lip, gently tugging it with her teeth. I am instantly aware of where we are and what we're doing and where, if I don't stop this, this will lead. Regretfully I pull my lips from hers and place my forehead atop hers.

"Brooke…" I say on a hushed breath.

"I know." She says in that breathy, sexy voice of hers. "I just can't help it. It's all I want to do when I see you lately."

"The feelings mutual," I say with a chuckle. I pull her in for a hug and kiss the top of her hair. "Let's go watch that movie, huh?" I say as I set her back on the ground. Before we can walk out of the laundry room she stops me and holds me to her, her head atop my chest and her arms around my back.

"You're so good to me. Thank you." She says as she backs away and twines my fingers with hers, leading me towards the living room, where the movie's menu is shining on the screen.

I sit down upon the couch and pull her next to my side as she gathers her feet atop the cushions and tucks her knees up to her chest. I find the sofa blanket and drape it over us as she clicks play on the remote. I could get used to this. I think to myself as I lay my hand upon her shoulder, holding her close and kiss the side of her head. I smile as I drift off to sleep, content on that sofa with Brooke at my side and The Notebook playing on the TV.

BROOKE'S POV

If I had a remote on my life I would hit pause and keep it here forever. Haley doesn't know what she's talking about, you don't need to be in a relationship in order to enjoy someone else's company, although it would be nice to call him my "boyfriend". I think to myself as I snuggle a little closer to his side, feeling his arm tighten his hold on my hip. Just as Noah and Ali are about to have their epic kiss on the screen, I feel my lids get heavy and hear a click of a lock in the distance. I look up from my comfortable spot against Stefan to see Haley slink into the room, looking disheveled.

At that disarming sight I raise my eyebrow and slowly lift Stefan's hand from my hip and place it upon a throw pillow. I then make my way to my tired looking friend.

"Hey…" I say quietly, hoping not to startle her.

"Err…Hi" She says, looking surprised to see me. "What are you doing up so late?" She asks, not making eye contact.

"I was watching 'The Notebook', than I heard you come in." I say stepping to the side to let her pass by. "I was worried about you, Hales."

"You don't need to be worried about me Brooke, I'm fine." She says with a flick of her hand. "Shouldn't you be on a couch somewhere, next to a certain someone?" She asks with a chuckle to her voice.

"Don't change the subject Hales. Something's going on with you, why won't you just tell me what's wrong?" I ask my friend, hoping she'll finally open up to me. She doesn't say anything as she walks into the bathroom, after a minute I hear the shower running. "So much for being such best friends…" I murmur under my breath as I sit at the edge of her bed. She lives with me ¾'s of the time. She only goes to her apartment when she needs some privacy, it gets too late after a gig, or if Stefan and I are otherwise engaged (in one of our many make-out sessions of course.)

Speak of the devil. I look up to see the handsome man who seems to always dominate my thoughts.

"You alright?" he asks, his arms crossed in front of his chest, leaning against the doorframe.

God he's yummy. He makes the simplest stance sexy. I quickly look down and back up again to clear my thoughts. "Not really, just worried about Hales, y'know?"

He pushes off the wall and holds me against him, him standing and me sitting. "She'll probably tell you what's going on tonight." He states matter of factly.

"How do you know that? I mean I know you've got special powers and all but you're no Edward…Not that you're not as, or sexier than him…Err, you know what I mean." I say fumbling with my words. Since when did I become such a brainless bumbling idiot? I think to myself as I stand up and pace the floor.

He just chuckles behind me; at my glare he apologizes and tries to suppress his smile. "First of all I am highly offended that you'd compare me to that "bedazzled" idiot, as Damon would say, but I know because I heard it in her voice. I can also tell by her actions. If she didn't want to talk about it she wouldn't be here. She'd be at her apartment." He says stepping up to me and placing a kiss against my forehead. "So, no more worrying alright?" I just nod my head in response. "She's done. I'm gonna go for a walk or something, to give you two some time to talk okay?" He asks as he walks towards the door, not without giving my cheek a kiss first.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do." I shout at his retreating figure, I hear him chuckle in response than all is silent except for the shower being shut off.

15 MINUTES LATER

I feel a blanket being pulled over me and footsteps retreating down the hall. I sit up and look around, realizing I must've fallen asleep waiting for Haley; I get up and go in search for my troubled friend. I notice the curtains rustling by the entrance to the balcony, pausing mid-step to think about whether I should grab a glass of wine or not; deciding not to I head towards the balcony.

"You don't have to just stand there staring at me Brooke, come on over and have a sat." Haley says as she pulls the other patio chair closer with her foot.

"Look Hales, I'm sorry if it seems like I'm trying to pry all the time. I am just really worried about you." I tell her quickly, hoping she doesn't get too upset with me; she's been really touchy lately.

She is quiet for a moment before she looks towards me and says, "I'm sorry Brooke. I know I've been distant and short; you guys don't deserve that, especially you."

I take her hand in mine and hold it a moment, before she gently pulls away and runs her hand through her long honey colored hair. "It's just…hang on." She says as she hands me a nearly full glass of wine. "I figured you're going to need that." She says with a snicker.

"You read my mind." I tell her taking a hearty sip.

"I got a package about 5 days ago."

"Okay…" I say, not being able to take the suspense.

"It was from Nathan…" She pauses, "and his lawyer."

"What?" I blurt out, "Why is his 'lawyer' sending you a package?" I say not giving her a chance to finish what she had to say.

She waits patiently before she continues. "He wants to annul our marriage, Brooke." At that she totally loses it. All her self-composure, her tough exterior, vanishes in an instant.

I don't do anything but mutter an "Oh no…"

HALEY'S POV

Oh no is right…I don't have any clue as to what I am going to do about this. I thought we were in love. Why does he want to just end us? I keep asking the same questions I've been asking myself over and over and over again since I got that stupid package 5 days ago.

I feel Brooke's arms go around my shoulders, and the weight shift on the chair I've been sitting on, meaning she's now next to me.

"I'm sorry Hales…I don't know what to say to that." She says quietly as she runs her hands down my hair in a caressing manner.

"It's okay Brooke. I don't know what to say about it either…" I manage to stutter out.

"Maybe he didn't know what he was doing as he sent it. I know he was hurting a lot when you left. He hasn't been able to focus a lot on anything. Just sits in the apartment and gets drunk…" She says trying to defend his actions, just hearing how much pain he's going through makes me cry harder.

"Oh Hales, I didn't mean to hurt you even more. I am just trying to say that maybe he's not thinking straight, maybe it was Dan or Deb's idea." She says holding me closer to her. "Do you know what you're going to do about it?" At the shake of my head she says, "You could always send it back and contest it."

"My heart says to do that but my brain says otherwise." I tell her as I stand up and stretch my arms over my head, walking towards the railing and looking out at the view a moment, before turning around and leaning my back against said rail. "Enough about me, let's talk about you…" I say with a slight smile "and Stefan," I finish.

"There's really nothing to say Haley." She says leaning back against the cushions of the chair.

"Pffftt…it's been 3 weeks since he got here Brooke and apart from the occasional day or two he goes back home to 'check' on everyone he's been here...with you!" I exclaim.

"I know alright, I just don't want to label us yet. I don't even know if there is an 'us' to be honest with you." She says throwing her arms across her chest and shooting me a glare, there's the Brooke Davis I know and love.

"Why wouldn't there be anything for you two? The guys is smitten with you, I would almost call it love." I say in a sing-song voice.

"No. It is not love. He doesn't love me. He's still in love with her. I can feel it." She says, her eyes downcast.

"Hey, you don't know what he's feeling Brooke." She scoffs, choosing to ignore that I go on to say, "If he loved her so much, why doesn't he stay in Mystic Falls with her? Why does he keep coming back to you?" I ask her, knowing she can't argue those questions.

"Are you going to seriously doubt how I know?" She says standing up and forcefully puts her hands upon her hips. "You're talking to a survivor of the Lucas and Peyton, I love you, no I don't, Oh wait I love you drama!" She angrily stabs at her chest.

"Okay, I'm sorry."

"Look I don't doubt that he cares for me…" I look to her, "deeply." She adds, "But I don't want to put a label on anything until I know for certain that he loves me and ONLY me." She lets out with an exasperated sigh.

"Well…" I say but am cut off by her glare.

"You should wait on signing those papers. I think you should talk to Nate first. I know you both still love each other." She says matter of factly.

"WELL…" I say on emphasis, "I think that you should take a chance on Stefan, he's a good guy Brooke and he does love you." I tell her with a wink.

"Fine…maybe…I don't know…Okay okay." She says, sputtering out words.

I can't help but feel extremely giddy so I jump up to give her a hug, but before I could do so we hear a knock at the door and a door bell chime.

Knowing it is not Stefan, since he loves the fire escape entrance so much, and considering the time it is we both look at each other with "WTF" looks on our faces.

We both get up and go answer the door.

As I open the said door I can't help but let out a *gasp* "What the hell…"

"Oh my God!" was all I heard coming from my brunette friend standing next to me.

AN: And there you have it. Aaahh! The dreaded cliffhanger, who is at the door? You'll have to wait to find out…I know, I am so sorry that there was no Damon or Elena in this chapter, this is more of a filler chapter, just to set up for the next "OMG" moment. What did y'all think of this chapter? Sound off in the reviews please! Once again thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Now onto my personal thanks…

watchtoomanyshows-fangirl: Thank you for the review. I am so glad you're still reading. I hope I haven't lost you yet and I really hope you liked this chapter! Who are you rooting for? Brooke and Stefan? Brooke and Damon? Brooke and Luke? Let me know

kmgproductionz: I know right? I felt so bad doing that to her, but it had to happen. Thank you for still reading and for reviewing, much appreciated!

b: I am glad you liked that chapter! What did you like the best? The make-out session between Brooke and Stefan or the punch that Damon got? Haha…let me know Thanks for the review!

Isabel camilla Scott: I am so glad you're still with me and this story! I still have no clue as to who I am going to put her with. She will have to do some serious thinking, because everyone wants her…lol! I will just have to see who she has the most chemistry with/who treats her the way she deserves to be treated. You'll just have to stay tuned. I will bring them all together soon, at least within the next couple chapters or so. I will be able to type out another chapter very soon, my son has an extra day off at school and my husband will be off from work for a bit. I am also almost done packing! So it shouldn't take me long to write another chapter. I am very excited about this story, again! Nothing like a little Youtube to get you in the spirit! Thanks for the review Belle! Let me know what you think of this chapter!