One Tree Hill 1. Preview

It had been an incredibly busy year for Hollywood. The famous city seemed to buzz with life of the newest and greatest stars. From spring until fall, all the celebrities' lives seemed to be on the front cover of this magazine or that television show. A few names were constantly popping up everywhere. Everyone loved them and watching them succeed. It only made it even more perfect, and them more likable, that the biggest names this season all happened to be long time friends.

Brooke Davis, famous fashion designer and owner/founder of Clothes Over Bros, was big for not only launching many new lines, but for making a big self change. She had come out as a lesbian during the summer and started a new LGBTQ inspired line, plus doing charity events for the group. Surprisingly, this had been received extremely well by the public and her company not only kept old customers, but saw many new ones.

Lucas Scott had published yet another book, which was an instant hit. He had also officially married his editor, Lindsay Strauss, who he had been in a relationship with since meeting her in New York years ago. He had just gotten done doing a huge book tour for his latest release and had recently returned with his new wife from a dream honeymoon.

Nathan Scott, half brother to Lucas Scott, was a famous pro basketball player. He was currently playing for the Bulls and had been MVP three years in a row now. His season was now over and practice didn't start until next spring. Nathan was married to high school sweetheart Haley James. Haley was a famous singer but mostly only did recordings and single shows. She hadn't been on tour since having her and Nathan's 5 year old son, Jamie.

Mouth McFadden was a nationally recognized face of sports television and was known as one of the greatest hosts of his time. He was currently together with Millicent, Brooke Davis' personal assistant. Rachel Gatina was one of COB's biggest models, being known as one of Brooke's personal favorites. Skills Antwon Taylor was a famous basketball coach and was currently looking for a new team. He had been sticking mainly to doing private lessons with pro players the last few years. Like Rachel, it was publicly known that he was single and liked to mingle.

It had been a busy year for the famous crew, and they had all decided it was time for a winter long get together. Thanks to a little planning on Millicent's part, the group was now boarding on a flight to a secluded mansion turned hotel for celebrities to get away from all the hustle and bustle of their lives. With the ten of them, it was bound to be a good time. They just didn't know how much their life would change this holiday season...


	2. A Glimpse of Gold

The gang had already settled down in all of their rooms after arriving at the five star hotel early that morning. They had all decided to meet back in the spacious lobby at noon to grab lunch at one of the hotel's inside restaurants and then go check out the area. They had just all arrived and were discussing which restaurant to eat at.

Brooke POV

"No, we should definitely go to that surf and turf place."

I gave Haley a skeptical look. "Steak is for dinner Hales. This is lunch."

Rachel jumped in to agree with me. "Yea, so that's why we should totally go to that sandwich shop." Lindsay and Millicent nodded at her option.

Nathan objected and put in his two cents. "But I'm way too hungry for a sub. I'm a man ladies, gotta eat more than that." All of us girls shook our heads as Luke shyly agreed.

Mouth spoke up, "well they had that burger joint I think..."

"Eww, that's way too much grease for an after flight meal. We'll all be sick."

I groaned and decided to put an end to this once and for all, I was hungry god damn it! "Okay, I think I saw a buffet spot earlier, how about we just go there and we can all just get what we want?"

Everyone seemed to nod in agreement until Lindsay asked, "so, where in this huge place did you happen to see this buffet anyway?"

I thought for a second, before turning around to point behind me. "Hmmm, I think it was that..." I stopped mid sentence and felt my breath catch in my throat. My heart skipped a beat as I caught a glimpse of the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. She was standing just to the right of the direction I was facing, just close enough for me to be able to make out her features. I felt my arm drop, along with my jaw as I looked this woman, no, this GODESS over.

She was tall, but looked to be about my height, and lean. She had just the right curves though, considering her slight frame. Her low toned blonde hair was rolling over her shoulders in big, loose curls, framing her face perfectly. Her face was tan and clear. Her large doe eyes looked like an amazing shade of emerald from here. She had a cute button nose and ridiculously lick able lips that seemed to be shimmering with what I assumed was lip gloss. I licked my own lips and couldn't help but wonder what flavor it was.

Her shoulders were lean and ran down to tan skinny arms. The well worn looking black jean vest she had on showed them off perfectly. It also dipped enough to see the black tang top the girl had on under it. Her chest looked a little small, but perky and Brooke guessed they'd be just big enough for her to grab them in her hands and...mmmm. Continuing on my visual journey over the woman, I noted how her slim stomach turned seamlessly into the sexy curve of the blonde's hips. Her legs seemed to go on for days in those faded out jeans. The rips in the knees gave a glimpse at the tan legs that they hid. Black cowgirl boots seemed to finish her look, and they fit her rocker look perfectly considering how they looked a little scuffed.

I gulped as I watched the gorgeous woman talk on her phone, she seemed aggravated, and I immediately felt the urge to embrace her and kiss the crease on her forehead away. I was jerked from my thoughts as Haley grabbed my arm. Looking back at her with wide eyes, I tried to cover for my blanking out. "Oh, um, uh, sorry. What'd ya say?"

Haley gave me a weird look. "Actually, you were telling us where the buffet place was and then you just stopped. You were zoned out for a minute. What were you looking at anyway? We tried calling you're name but nothing."

I blushed and turned back to look at the beautiful blonde. Quickly turning back to my friends, I asked them. "Do you see that blonde right there?"

They all looked around, some even pointed once they found her. I blushed and smacked at their fingers, glad that she somehow didn't notice all of us now staring at her. "Yea, well do any of you recognize her? I don't have any clue who she is? Is she a new celeb or something?"

Nobody could place her, but skills was quick to question why I was asking in the first place. "Naw dawg. I don't think any of us know skinny girl over there. But why do you wanna know? You never care about keeping up with celeb life."

Lindsay must have recognized the look on my face because she squealed some and grabbed my arm. "Oh my god! You think she's hot don't you!? That's why you wanna know!"

I looked down, slightly embarrassed, which I was even surprised by. I hadn't been embarrassed or shy about liking anyone in a very long time. I was usually super confidant, but this girl...there was just something about her. The girls all got around me and squealed. The boys smirked and shook their heads at us.

"Well, she's hot. That's for sure. You got good taste Brooke." Nate said, which Haley and I both smacked him for.

Lucas, always trying to be the nice guy said I should go over and talk to her. Everyone else was quick to join him, telling me different things to do.

"You should just ask her a question. Like hey how you doing?"

"No. You should definitely use a cheesy pick up line, get her laughing."

No, she'll either be laughing at her or thinking she's a total loser. What you need to do is 'accidentally' bump into her and then start talking."

"You should act like your lost and ask her where something is!"

"Oh and don't forget to compliment her!"

I shook my head at my friends, getting flustered from all of their excitement. I held up my hands, "woah, woah, there guys. Just calm down. I'm just gonna go say hi. She might not even be into girls..."

"A girl that hot is definitely into girls." Mouth stated like it should have been obvious.

Haley popped in, "and with that rocker look, oh yea. And even if she's not, I'm sure with a little bit of that Brooke Davis charm."

Everyone else jumped in to help reassure me, and I nodded to myself, smoothing out my outfit and collected all of my usual confidence that I could. "Okay, I'm gonna go say hi." I turned to look at the blonde again and smiled huge, taking my first step towards her. Right as I started to head in her direction though, she shoved her phone in her pocket and started to move away from me, heading in the opposite direction. All of my confidence flew out the window and I froze in my spot, just watching her walk away. I sighed miserably as I lost sight of her in the crowd. I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Millicent. The rest of the gang stood right behind her.

"Well, at least she's staying here right? I mean, I'm sure you'll be able to find her again." Lucas tried to soothe me. I gave them all a weak smile. Haley came up and wrapped one arm over my shoulder, pulling me into a side hug.

"Don't worry. We will make sure you meet you're girl, even if we have to hunt her down. But in the mean time, how about tp we head to that buffet. She might be there, ya never know. And even if she's not, we can't hunt on an empty stomach!"

I laughed a little at her and rolled my eyes, heading with my friends in the direction of the buffet, hoping to myself that I'd see the blonde again, very soon.


	3. A Splash in the Face

It had been a few days since the gang had arrived. They had all settled in at the resort, ready to spend the winter in luxury. It was a nice day, and the gang all decided to head down to the indoor pool. As soon as they had got there, Jamie had raced off towards the kid's section while the adults settled down by the poolside. The boys had all jumped in the pool to rough house while the girls settled down in some lounge chairs to watch. About a half an hour passes with everyone just enjoying themselves.

Brooke POV

I sighed in content. Ahh. Could it get any better than this? It's so nice to finally relax. I hummed again to myself as I stayed in a dozed off state of consciousness. I barely paid any attention to Luke as I saw him get out of the pool and head our way. He grabbed a towel from the bag next to Lindsay and gave her a small kiss before turning to me. "Hey Brooke, you might wanna get up." I leaned up on my elbows, giving him an 'are you serious' look. He's crazy if he thinks I'm giving up from my comfy spot.

"And why the hell would I wanna do that?"

He smirked before answering, "cause your little cutie is right over there." He jabs his thumb behind him as he finishes. I immediately snap up and look around for her, seeing her sitting on the edge of the pool with her legs in the water. Once again, I find my jaw dropping at the sight of this mystery woman. It should be illegal to be this sexy. Her bikini was modest but still showed off enough to be sexy. I eyed the silver loop that held the white bikini top together, before moving them over that beautiful tan skin, and down over those stunning legs. I bit my lip and imagined running my hands up under the white skirt like bottoms of her bathing suite. The spilt on the side gave me just enough of a view of her thigh to let my imagination run wild. I was just glancing over the silver hoop that sat on her hip, holding her bottoms together, when is got distracted by all of the girls trying to talk to me.

Reluctantly turning my head to face my friends, I saw all of the girls looked excited and Luke just looked amused.

Haley spoke first, with a huge grin on her face. "You HAVE to go talk to her! And c'mon, she's sitting by herself, she's probably here alone!"

"Yea come on Brooke. Go say hi." Lindsay said with a kind smile.

I glanced nervously back towards the blonde. "Um, I don't know guys. She might have come here to be alone...and uh, I don't wanna seem like a creeper..."

Rachel was quick to jump my ass and call me out for that one though. "Oh, would you stop being such a coward. Just go talk to her. She's not that damned scary. And if you don't say something to her than your going to regret it for the rest of your life. And some of us actually want to enjoy this vacation, so please, for the love of god, just go fucking say hi already!"

I shrank back into my lounge chair, before sighing and watching the blonde. I gulped before pulling all of my confidence together and standing from my spot, subtly fixing my sexy black bikini. I glanced back at my friends, receiving reassuring smiles and some thumbs up. I looked back to my target, and starting walking around the pool's edge to reach her. I did my best sexy walk and stared only at her as I got closer. She still had yet to notice me and sat with her arms supporting her weight behind her and her head just barely tilted back. I could tell that her eyes were closed and she was probably just enjoying swinging her feet in the water.

She was beautiful up close and I stopped about a foot away from her, standing adjacent to where she sat. I debated fora second before I made a move to actually sit tight next to her, but before I knew it someone shoved into my back and made my fly forward, straight into the sexy woman. I'm pretty sure I felt my knee hit her back before I saw both of us falling and felt the rush of water envelop my body. A couple seconds passes with so e flailing before my head broke the surface. I was gasping for air and blinking to get the water out of my eyes. I turned just in time to see the blonde pull herself out of the water just about a foot away from me. I grabbed for the pool' sedge and immediately pulled myself to it, using it to keep me afloat while I caught my breath.

Now though, my gasping wasn't from the water in my lungs, but once again from this gorgeous girl. I couldn't help but openly stare as she pulled herself out of the pool. Her shoulder blades were decorated with matching black angel wing tattoos and she had another one, a quote written in pretty cursive, just on the small of her back. I was enamored by watching the muscles move under her smooth skin and probably looked like a gaping fish. I was stunned when she was on all fours and turned to look at me. God damned she was beautiful, and sitting like that, with her hair dripping wet...mmmm...oh wait, shit, she looks pissed.

She looks like she's waiting for me to say something but when I'm still sitting in my stunned silence she apparently gives up and scoffs. Before I know it, she's up and futilely trying to wipe the water from her skin, but quickly switching to wringing out those golden curls. She looks back at me for a moment, and all stupid me can do is stare at her and blush, then she rolls her eyes and mumbles something like, "my one fucking day off," before she's stalking away, with my eyes still glued to her.

A few moments after she's gone I really let it all sink in and groan to myself, letting my head drop to the side of the pool before dragging myself back over to the side that my friends are at. I pull myself over the edge and drag my feet all the way over to the lounge chair I had been sitting in earlier. I plop down in it and cover my eyes with my arm, groaning pitifully. My friends looked sympathetically at me. The boys had gotten out of the pool sometime and were sitting over by out chairs now too. They all tried to talk to me to make me feel better.

Haley grabbed my hand and rubbed it gently, "oh sweetie. I'm sure it wasn't that bad."

"She hates me Haley. You didn't see the look on her face. She hates me, I just know it!" I whined out.

"Well, what'd you say to her when she looked at you?" Nathan asked.

I groaned again and answered, "nothing. I didn't say anything. All I could fucking do was stare at her. God, she probably thinks I'm a total asshole now."

"On the upside, you have all winter to change her mind." Millicent tried to comfort me.

"Yea, and we all know you can make someone stop hating you, I mean hell, look at us." Rachel smirked.

I glanced at them, trying to cheer up. They did me a favor and dropped it after that. I still couldn't get that girl off my mind though, and I really hoped I'd see her again and get to apologize and maybe even explain before she decides she really hates me. As we moved on with out day, I could help but just want it to be over. I wanted to just mope at the unfairness and embarrassment of it all alone in my room with a bucket of ice cream. And of course sit with my thoughts of that beautiful blonde angel. 'Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.' Hmmm...what an interesting tattoo...

P.S- Please review! I would love to know what y'all think and I've been a little stuck on this one, so feel free to give suggestions! I'm still pretty new to this!

Special thanks to NALEY23alwaysforever, you've helped me stay motivated to follow through with this plot! Hope you like it!


	4. Midnight Snacks

Thanks to those who have said how much they like this story! I'm excited about writing it! Keep reviewing and don't forget to check out my other Breyton stories!

P.S.- Yes, there will be some in Peyton's POV, starting next chapter actually :) Enjoy!

Brooke POV

I groaned as I dragged my feet over my hotel room's floor, flopping down on the comfy bed face first. Rolling over, I glared up at the ceiling, still burning from the embarrassment of 'the incident' as I decided to call it. Even though my friends had tried to help cheer me up throughout the rest of the day, I just couldn't get it off my mind. Deciding that if I was gonna be mopey, I'd at least do it right, I picked up the room service phone to order tons of sweets and junk food for my soon to be solo mope fest. I figured I'd take a quick shower and get into some comfy pajamas.

The door bell was just going off as I cam back into the room, decked out in my comfiest cotton pink pj's, all decorated in cute little Eiffel towers, the top, being a tank top, was light and airy. I was just towel drying my hair some more as I walked to the door to let the service person in. I swung the door open for them to bring the cart in, but froze when I saw who exactly was at my door. My eyes were open wide, my mouth dropped open, and my hands froze with the towel in my hair.

From the looks of it though, the blonde was just as surprised as I was. The shock only showed on her face for a moment, before she recovered, clearing her throat some, obviously not expecting to be seeing the woman who ran her down earlier. I blushed and stumbled to speak. "Uh, um, I'm, I'm...oh well you can just come in, or, uh, I mean, bring the stuff in. Just sit on the bed, no, uh I meant, set IT on the bed. The uh-the stuff..." I finished lamely, feeling like a complete idiot. God Brooke, you finally have a chance to talk to her, and you go and make a complete ass of yourself.

She just raises an eyebrow at me and moves through the door I'm holding open for her. I watch her as she walks over to drop the snacks on the bed. Damn, she even looks sexy in a housekeeper's uniform, just look at those damn legs. Shaking myself out of it, I try to talk to her again, "so uh, you work here?" Damn, why did that sound so condescending!

She turns to look at me, offended by my tone and immediately becoming defensive. "Well not all of us can be superstars." She glares at me a little and turns to go back to setting up my snacks, her back tense now. I groan to myself again and mentally smack myself for that. I nervously step up next to her, trying to seem as non threatening as possible, before I bring up the next subject, hoping it will go better than my previous attempt.

"So, uh, listen, I'm really sorry about the pool thing earlier. I was right behind you when somebody knocked into me, and, well, it just kinda knocked me off balance enough cause I'm a total klutz and should seriously be wrapped in like, a bubble or something. And well, I just, I slipped, and the next thing I know, I'm practically falling into you and then we were both in the water and-" I watched her face as she listens to me ramble, which first looks annoyed before she looked like she was trying to decide whether or not she actually believed me and finally looking pretty amused until she finally cut off my rambling.

"Dude, seriously, it's okay. I mean it's not like I drowned or anything." She had a half smirk on her face and was still fiddling with the bags of food on my bed. I smiled at her, glad to finally be getting a positive response from her.

"Yea, but you looked pretty pissed this morning...,"I trailed off in an unsure voice.

She glanced back at me, letting out a small sigh. "Yea, it was my first day off in awhile and I was just a little cranky. They just switched me from days to nights and last night and this morning was my day off, or my so called 'adjustment period.' She put her fingers up in quotes and spoke the last bit sarcastically. I giggled some at her. "So, sorry if I was a raging bitch this morning," she spoke sincerely and gave me an apologetic look, finishing up with my food and straightening up her cart.

"It's okay. I know switching schedules suck, especially when you're sleeping has to get readjusted." She just nods and starts to turn to leave.

"Well, I hope you enjoy your snacks, and sorry again for the attitude this morning."

Biting my lip, I decide to take a chance and stop her before she can get out the door. "Hey, actually I'm the one who should be sorry. After all I did knock you in the pool, so here, let me make it up to you." Before I can say anything else though, she interrupts and puts her hands up to stop me from whatever she thinks I'm going to do.

"Oh, no that's fine really. I don't need your money. The last thing I need is you throwing your money at me in pity. I get enough people trying to shove 50's and 100's at me when I deal with all the creepy guys that stay here."

I stand shocked, mostly at the fact that she is so forward and is basically telling me off a little bit, but also by the fact that she is refusing big easy money, most housekeepers would jump at the chance. I can't help but also notice my agitation at the idea of creepy guys hitting on her but I push that to the back of my mind. I shake my head at her, laughing some, "I wasn't going to offer you money." She just looks at me with a skeptical look on her face. " I was actually going to ask if you'd be interest in having lunch with me sometime. I'd offer to make it my treat but I'm not sure if that'll get me snapped at again or not," I say with a little bit of a laugh.

This time she at least looks a little surprised and I think I see a hint of a blush before she clears her throat some again, moving some golden curls out of her face before settling her eyes on mine again. She takes a little bit of a breath before answering, and I'm already thinking of how I'm going to woo her on out lunch date. "No." That startles me out of my thoughts. I probably have a really stupid, surprised look on my face. "What!?" I squeak out.

She leans against her cart, looking a little cocky as she repeats herself. "I said, no."

"But, but why?" I say, completely flabbergasted by this girl.

"Hmmm, can't mingle with the guests," she says in a slightly playful voice.

"Oh and you've never broken the rules before?" I ask a little more coyly now.

She gives me a knowing smirk and moves to push her cart away and down the hall, but before she even gets a foot away, she turns back to me. "I work nights, 7 days a week, only on this floor. I answer all the calls." She smirks again and then is off, on her way to give someone else their midnight snacks. And I smile huge and can't help but feel the butterflies in my stomach. Well it might not be an out right date, but I know I'll be seeing her every night until I convince her into one. I smirk to myself, heading back into my room to enjoy my self therapy marathon, feeling better than I had in a long time. I couldn't wait until tomorrow night.


	5. Attack Plans

Thanks again for all of the support guys! I love reading your reviews, they help inspire my new chapters! Sorry this one took so long! Hope you enjoy!

Brooke POV

The gang was all sat down in the living room part of my hotel room, which honestly was more like an apartment. They had all come over when I hadn't shown up at our arranged meeting spot and had immediately decided to just stay in and hang out for awhile to see why I, miss perfectionist, hadn't been up and waiting for them, considering how I am usually the first one to arrive anywhere. The girls had immediately known something was up when they had walked in to find my leftover mess from my pig out last night and me passed out on the couch. They had the boys pick up my mess while they woke me up. Shortly after waking, we had all settled down in the living room, assumingly so they could question me.

"So are we gonna do this the easy way or the hard way?" Haley asked from her spot on one of the couches, in between Nathan and Jamie.

Skills jumped in from where he stood by the entry way, "yea dawg, cause we know somethin's up. You ain't been cleaning out a tub of Ben and Jerry's last night for just no reason."

I blushed and cleared my throat, trying to compose myself, or at least as much as I could sitting in my pajamas with my hair not even brushed. "Guys it's nothing. Really. I was just in a mood last night."

"And would this mood have anything to do with what happened with blondie yesterday?" Lucas asked in a knowing tone, giving me that squinty eyed look from behind Lindsay, who sat on his lap in the recliner.

I felt myself turn redder at the mention of that, which brought on the thoughts of last night, which I unconsciously smiled at.

"Wanna clue us in on why you're grinning about that now? Yesterday you looked like somebody kicked your puppy anytime we even mentioned it." Rachel pointed out from her spot on the arm of the couch.

"Well," I started, " we MAY have had another run in last night..." I trailed off.

"Oh my god! You have to tell us what happened! How'd it go!?" Lindsay said excitedly.

I glanced around at all of their interested faces before answering. "Well, I called room service last night to order my snacks and she was the one who brought them up-"

"Wait, she works here!?" Nathan cut me off, sounding surprised. Everyone else seemed to feel the same and all I could do was nod.

"Yea, I know right. I was just as surprised about it as you are."

"It's no wonder none of us recognized her then." Millie pointed out, standing with Mouth next to my seat.

"Yea. But, wow. I didn't think someone like her would ever be a housekeeper. I mean she's, well she's..." Mouth trailed off, not sure how to explain it.

"She's too damn pretty to work in anything remotely like a housekeepers job" Rachel stated boldly, saying what was on all of our minds.

I just nodded again. "Yea, so that was a shock to me last night, and her. And then I opened my mouth and offended her, after I of course tripped over my own words and sounded like a blubbering idiot."

Haley tried to soothe me, "ohh honey-"

I cut her off before she had a chance continue. "BUT, then I apologized for what happened at the pool and we talked for a minute. I even got her to kinda smile at me!" I found myself grinning just talking about it. "And then she thought I was gonna give her money and she kinda told me off, but I asked her out and she said no." I saw Haley about to speak again and beat her to it. "BUT, she told me that she works on this floor every night and that she answers all the calls! I mean come on, if that's not a flirty hint I don't know what is!" I finish excitedly.

"Damn dawg, you was busy last night. Making blondie go from hatin to flirtin in 24 hours. Nice." Skills said nodding his head.

"Yea Brooke, that's great news. Now you can keep trying to get your girl. I mean, she's bound to cave eventually." Nathan assured me.

"Yea, I mean I am Brooke Davis after all" I say proudly.

"Brooke Penelope Davis." Jamie pipes up in his cute little voice. We all laugh together and then Haley gasps and jumps up, grabbing my hands.

"We should totally have a sleep over tonight! That gives you the perfect excuse to keep calling her down and we can help you make the moves on her!"

All the other girls are quick to agree and before I know it we are planing a girls' night/sneak attack on my little cutie. Oh yea, tonight should definitely be interesting, I couldn't help but think to myself.

Peyton POV

I leaned over the counter of the still closed bar where my best friend was setting up for lunch hours. I had stole a quick nap and shower after my shift before heading down to the bar and grill in the hotel. It was still closed but a couple of knocks on the side door and my friend came to let me in. We rarely got to hang out and usually would just meet up between shifts, even if it meant hanging out during prep, like we were now. While I was a housekeeper for one of the hotel's floors, meaning I was responsible for everything the guests on my level wanted, my friend was the bar keeper of this in-hotel restaurant. He was actually the head barkeeper, so he did all the prep and worked most evenings and nights, working until the early morning hours, much like myself.

Basically laying belly over the counter, I blindly reached for a glass before finding one and picking it up and holding it out towards my friend with a cheesy smile.

"Ya know, if I had known you were gonna be more work I would have just left you at the door," he smirked at me but took my glass, filling it with water and a few ice cubes before handing it back to me.

I smirked to him after taking a gulp. "Aww, but you would have been bored without me Alistair. Admit it."

"Nah, but I would probably get done with this quicker." He says playfully. I stuck my tongue out at him. "No thanks baby girl, I prefer to get that from the men." I laughed at that, shaking my head at him. "Speaking of midnight fun, how was the first shift on midnights? Enjoying the dark side Sawyer?"

I took another sip before grimacing at him. "Well, I coulda killed the guy in 210. The creep. Kept peeking at me through the door crack every time I walked by. Plus the lady in 203 kept calling down because she's sure the place is haunted. Some people apparently don't realize that refrigerators actually do make a sound when they run. Crazy old bat."

Al chuckled at me, "so no sexy ladies staying on your floor?"

Thinking back to the curious encounter I had with the brunette woman, I smirked a bit. "Well, there is this one. Room 207. She's...interesting."

Al gave me a curious look, immediately interested in anyone who can actually catch my attention. "Ohhh, so who is she?"

"How the hell should I know?"

All I get is an incredulous look from my friend. "Are you serious? We work in a hotel for famous people, you know, the ones that have their names, faces, and lives publicly shown, like, EVERYWHERE! How can you not know who she is!?"

"Oh please, you know I don't pay attention to all that shit. I deal with all that enough while I work." I wave him off.

He just rolls his eyes at me. "Well, maybe you should look her up and find out. Maybe it'd help you know what she-"

"And who said I wanted anything to do with her?" I ask, cutting him off before he can start in on that speech.

"Well I've never heard you actually call someone interesting." He points out.

"Well it's not everyday someone falls on me and pushes me in a pool, then insults me, apologizes for said pool incident and then asks me on a date." I say with a bit of attitude.

"Woah woah woah! She asked you out!? And what'd you say?"

"Um, no..." I trail off, knowing I'm about to get an earful.

"What!? Peyton!? Are you serious!? She asked you out and you said no!? Why? See, this is what I mean, you need to give people a chance! This woman could be the best thing for you-"

"AL! Shush!" I tell him in a short, loud voice. "The last thing I need is to get involved with any of these celebrities and their drama. Besides, she was probably doing as some sick joke anyway. Like someone like her would actually want to take a housekeeper out." I grumble out into my glass of water, finding the ice clinking on the bottom suddenly very interesting.

I hear rather than see Alistair sigh, "sweetie, you can't really think that. I know you come from-"

"Al, don't. Just...don't. Okay?"

I hear him sigh again before he apparently lets the subject drop, which I am thankful for. Not comfortable with the awkward silence that now surrounds us, I clear my throat and try to get us back to comfortable conversation. "So, , what's the special tonight?"


	6. Peyton

Brooke nervously paced the room, waiting for the clock to strike 9. The girls had all decided to come over later to allow all 'activities' to be done on the blonde's shift. After all, it would be a waste to go through all of this and get the wrong person. So Brooke waited, ready to jump on the phone when the hotel had shift change. First, she was to call room service and order some basic junk food and goodies for all of her friends. Later, when the girls were all here, she would finally have a chance to get to know the blonde a little.

Brooke POV

I glanced at the clock and saw that it was 9:07 when I got off the phone. I had just put in the snack order at room service. So that means my mysterious little hottie should be here in the next 20 or 30 minutes, and the girls should be here in an hour. I glided through the room, making sure everything was nice and neat. I kept myself busy just picking up and straightening up until the buzzer finally went off. Rushing to the door, a little too excitedly, I stopped to collect myself before I opened it. After straightening my outfit and taking a calming breath, I opened the door.

Smiling once I saw the smirking blonde, I greeted, "hi. Funny seeing you again huh?"

She snickered in response, "mhm. You'd think I'd work here or something..."

My smile broadened at that.

"So ya know, I'm starting to think you've got a problem or something. You must be a junkaholic to be getting this much food...again." She says in a joking way.

I laughed at her comment. "No, no. I'm actually having some friends over tonight. We all came here to vacation together and the girls and I figured we'd get a night to ourselves."

She nodded at that. "Boyfriends taking up all your time?" She raises her eyebrow at me, almost challenging me to answer.

"Just theirs. Most of us are in relationships. Me and two of my other friends are the only single ones of the group."

"Oh yea? I bet that's awkward" she says as she finally brings the cart in the room. This time she sets everything up on the breakfast bar, setting out the spread like a pro.

I follow her and come to stand on the opposite side of the bar, facing her. "Not really. We've all been best friends since like forever. Plus us single people are planning on going to a club while we're here. Ya know, pick up some ladies. It's been too long since I've had a pretty lady lying next to me." I'm whispering by the end of it and giving her a very pointed stare. I'm not sure if she catches it or not.

She glances up at me for just a split second before going back to setting up the cheese platter in her hands. "Sounds like fun. And yea, I know what you mean..." She trails off.

I squint at her some, trying to figure out how to crack her. "Do you know anywhere we could go?

"What? You mean any gay bars?"

"Yes. Well, kinda. One of us is actually a guy, the other girl is bi-"

"And let me guess, you're the lesbian?" She cuts me off to ask with a smirk.

I nod, suddenly afraid of how she's going to react.

She lets out a small chuckle and looks up to give me a small smile. "Well at least y'all got the whole set right?"

I smile and let out a small giggle in a rush of a breath. I give her a tiny nod and clear my throat. "So do you know any places my friends and I could go then?"

"I might know a few" she trails off ambiguously.

"Any in specific that you'd suggest?" I give her a flirty look when she looks at me.

She gives her own flirtatious look back and I have to stop myself from kissing her. She leans forward sexily and whispers to me, " well, I'd say Roxie's, that's where I always go, but that's for lesbians only." She leans back and gives me a another smirk. "I guess the second best option would be Open Door though. People of all kinds go there."

I'm very glad she has gone back to setting up the food because I can't seem to get this stupid grin off my face. I fight myself to not do a happy dance right here and now. I can't believe she's a lesbian! I actually have a shot at this! Play it cool Brooke! Play it cool!

I lean back and go to say something but there's a knock on my door before I have a chance to get it out. Furrowing my eyebrow, I go to answer it, leaving the sexy blonde to finish with the food. Irritated with the interruption, I swing the door open to see all of the girls in their bikinis and wrapped in towels.

Haley is the first to step up and speak. "I'm sorry we're early Brooke, but we were just at the pool and figured we'd just take showers here before we all hung out. That way we wouldn't be late."

I huff out a breath of air. "Yea, it's fine. Go ahead and come in. Help yourselves to the shower. But um," I lean forward and the girls all lean in to hear me whisper, "she's already here. She's setting up the food." I almost regret letting them in when I see all of their eyes light up and they practically run me over to come see blondie. I groan to myself and pray that they won't make me look stupid in front of her.

I walk in cautiously after them and see that they have all already split up. Millicent, being the good girl she is, has actually went to take a shower. I knew she was my favorite for a reason. Lindsay is fiddling with her bag on the couch, presumingly pretending to be looking for something. Apparently it's just a coincidence that she has a perfect view of the kitchen from there. Rachel and Haley are taking the direct method and head straight for my little crush. Unfortunately Rachel and her irrational mouth gets there first.

"Hey Blondie, got any beer stashed up in here anywhere?" She says loudly as she slips by the blonde housekeeper to head to the fridge and answer her own question. I see the poor woman jump, obviously not expecting to be addressed, as she had dropped her head to focus solely on the food. Haley notices too and decides to help the poor girl.

"Oh hush up Rachel." She says sternly towards her friend who is still raiding the fridge. Turning to the blonde she continues in the sweet smile and apologetic tone. "I'm so sorry about her. She can be a bit...abrasive."

I watched intently and curiously as the now silent blonde barely lifts her gaze to meet Haley's. She gives a small nod and continues to set up the food. I can tell from my spot a few feet behind her that she is super tense and I can't help but wonder why. We were just flirting and having fun. She was totally comfortable and fine. Feeling bad now, I come up to stand beside her, thinking maybe it's the fact that she's in a room of total strangers that's making her uncomfortable. At least she's talked to me once or twice...

Haley looks a little downtrodden at the blonde's reaction and shoots me a questioning look before trying again. "This sure is a lot of food. Brooke always did go way overboard with these things. Is there any way I can help? I'm used to taking care of my family, so I promise I won't burn something just from touching it." She laughs at her own joke a little.

Still not lifting her head, she responds quietly in a very formal tone, "thank you miss, but that will not be necessary. I'd hate to ruin your evening, so please feel free to carry on with your activities. There is no need for your acknowledgement, or worth it. I will have your food prepared in just a few moments and will leave you to enjoy your night."

I turned to the housekeeper with wide eyes and a surprising flash of hurt in my chest. I've never heard someone dismiss themselves like that. How can you talk about yourself and make it seem like you're nothing? The fact that she still refused to meet anyone's eyes wasn't helping either. I just want to wrap her in my arms and tell her how important she is. I catch Haley's face, and she looks just as shocked and sad as I am that someone would say that about themselves.

We stand there in a moment of awkward silence, when the housekeeper apparently finishes her work and quickly fixes up her cart. She only stops for a second, nodding to us and wishing us a goodnight before she's letting herself out the door.

We all just stand in our spots, unsure where to go with that. Rachel is the first to speak up, having given up on finding any alcohol. "Well, she's cute. Little stiff."

"She hasn't been. Hell, we were flirting like two seconds before you guys knocked." I tell them in wonderment.

"Maybe she's super shy?" Lindsay tries to throw in.

"Hmmmm, no. It would have been nice to see her facial expressions...but she didn't sound timid. She sounded..."

"Formal", Millie answers, coming into the room dressed in her pjs.

"Huh? You saw that? I ask her, surprised since I didn't see her come back in the room.

"Just the last little bit here. But she sounded formal. Business like. Just like she should have."

"What? How could you think that?!" Rachel almost shouts, astonished at Millicent's words.

"Think about it. One one one is different than a whole group. I'm sure with just Brooke around, she knows she can be comfortable, especially with what happened at the pool. And I'm sure Brooke has made it clear that she doesn't expect the girl to act like her maid. Most of the people that come here probably do. Most celebrities she deals with probably treat her like dirt and expect her to act like that. She might have just expected it from us. Or the hotel might actually have the housemaids act like that. They wouldn't want their visitors being bugged, especially considering how spoiled some stars are. After all, they'd probably rather have their workers act too professional and be standoffish a

Than have them in the customers faces, trying to get autographs and drinks with them, especially if there is a group of them. I get it. It makes sense. I've had a job like that before as an assistant."

"Well that's a bunch of bullshit. People shouldn't be required to allow themselves to be treated like dirt for their jobs." Lindsay says, disgusted with even the idea of it.

Before we can get any further in the conversation, the is another buzzer going off. Confused as to who it may be, I go and open it. Another worker is here, in the same uniform that my little cutie always wears on the job, and she hands me a couple cases of beer. She apparently notices my confusion and explains to me,"we are aware that one of the guests was attempting to locate some liquor. Peyton, your usual housemaid has had an emergency and had to take the rest of the night off. I will be your temporary replacement. She asked me to bring this to your room."

And just like that, she's gone before I can say another word. I turn around to look at the girls, whose confused looks match mine. My mind switches focus in a second though and I find myself smiling.

"What are you smiling about? We just found out your girl apparently took evasive action and took off on us. And now this whole plan is a bust!" Rachel exclaims, obviously aggravated.

I look up at her and answer proudly. "Peyton. Her name is Peyton."


	7. Drunk and Disorderly

Don't forget to review!

A few days had passed since her minor freak out in that woman's apartment. Peyton knew she had a good reason to have the uneasy feelings she felt when surrounded by that group, but it didn't mean that she thought it wasn't ridiculous. As far as she was concerned, she figured she should be over it by now, be used to being surrounded by people. She should be stronger than this. Taking days off to avoid a girl...a complete stranger. How ridiculous was that?

Peyton POV

Throwing back my shot of whiskey and cringing as the liquid fire burned my throat. Slamming the glass down, I crinkled my nose and turned back to the crowd. My frown deepened as I watched the women in the club go through the motions. Sex on the dance floor. Make outs on the couches. And then us loners drinking our weight in alcohol. Yes, us. I had become one of them. Lonely loser lesbian. Blugh. Frowning at that thought, I turned back to the bar, calling for another shot.

This went on for another good hour or so and before I knew it I was pretty smashed. Glancing around the room harder, I couldn't make out any individual figure. The other people in the room seemed to blur and tangle in a puddle of colors. Swirling colors. Dizzying, swirling colors. Nauseating, dizzying, swirling colors. Suddenly feeling the alcohol hit the wrong way, I jumped up from my perched spot on a leather barstool and made a beeline for the bathroom. Some butch chick stopped me before I could enter though. Apparently the fact that I was completely ignoring her and trying to get around her didn't send enough of a message.

She grabbed my arm that wasn't holding my mouth closed and jerked me to her, not helping my stomach at all. I leaned over, consequently moving closer to her, to try and stop the inevitable. "Hey sexy, how bout you and me get outta here? I'd love to see those long legs wrapped around my neck."

I can only groan back and stumble as I try to pull away. Seriously bitch, I'm about to blow chunks, not the best time for horrible pick up lines. Apparently all I manage pd to do was piss her off, and considering how drunk I am, I had no way of stopping what she did next. I did trip this time as she jerked me forward and slammed me into her. Her arms were wrapped around my waist before I could even settle back on my own two feet. Okay, that REALLY did not help my stomach! Now I'm trying to wiggle free from this creep and her squeezing me is only making that horrible taste in my mouth rise up at an alarming rate.

"HEY!" Someone yells from right beside us. I'm feeling a little too queasy to even turn and look and instead just clamp my hand back over my mouth, starting to feel myself gag. The butch turns to glare at whoever it was though as the stranger comes to stand right next to us. "Let her go, now, bitch!" I hear the mystery person again.

"And who the hell are you?"

"Her girlfriend. Now, as I said before. Let. Her. Go."

"Or what? What are you gonna do? Hit me? Go ahead?"

"No, but she might just-" and I can't hear anymore as I give the chick one last good shove and stumble back just a step as she finally frees me. I immediately lean back over though and let it all out. Everything gets distant and fuzzy for a second before I come back to reality. Whoever the stranger is has one arm wrapped around my hips, the other is pulling my hair back. "Shhh, it's okay. Get it all out." I hear softly in my ear. I don't know why, but it helps and I feel myself relax for a second, leaning my head into the other woman's neck.

"WHAT THE FUCK! YOU THREW UP ON MY FUCKING SHOES!" The shouting startles me, and the stranger uses her grip on my hips to keep me steady before answering.

"Well, you shouldn't have stopped a drunk girl from heading to the bathroom. What the hell did you think she was going in there to do? Better yet, you should have just let her go to begin with."

"Oh fuck this!" I hear before the sounds of squishy stomps move away from us. I groan again, feeling the horrible light headed ness and cold sweat that always follows when I get sick from drinking too much. The stranger has long since let go of my hair and now rubs my back, moving to stand both of us up right. My stomach protests though and I end up curling into her and leaning on her, my face against her neck. She doesn't seem to mind and just holds me closer. My eyes close and I just get lost in the feeling of being held. It really has been too long.

A soft tissue wiping gently over my mouth surprises me and I jerk back just a tiny bit to look down, the errant thought that it's a chloroform soaked rag flitting through my mind. Instead the woman whispers to me again, "hey, it's okay. I just need to wipe off your mouth. You got a little something on your chin from getting sick." Trying to process all of this, I tilt my head to finally get a good look at the woman who helped me. She doesn't flinch as I obviously look over every inch of her face that I can see, instead she only continues to wipe off my face. My brow furrows as I recognize this girl. But where from?

My thoughts are interrupted by her soft voice again, "c'mon. Let's get you out of here. I don't know where you live so you'll just stay in my room. That shouldn't be too much of a problem though, considering you work there."

Suddenly my brain decides to start working as she is helping me into a cab. After she climbs in and tells the driver where to go, I look at her and ask, "207?"

"What?" She looks at me confused.

"You're 207." I say, like it's the most obvious thing in the world.

"Well, I'm staying in room 207, but I do have a name you know."

"Oh yea? What is it?"

"Wait, you seriously don't know who I am?"

"Ummm...no?" I ask, suddenly not feeling to certain about anything in my inebriated state.

"Brooke Davis? Fashion designer? You know, Clothes Over Bros?" She has that pretty little eyebrow up like she can't believe I don't know. She looks surprised, but not offended, which I'm oddly happy about.

"Nope. No idea." I shake my head, my curls bouncing around my face.

The pretty brunette, now deemed as Brooke, laughs and slips an arm around the back of my waist. I don't find myself minding it one bit and instead let myself fall into the nagging exhaustion. I lean into her and we ride like this in silence the rest of the way. I'm dozing off when we get to the hotel and I'm barely anymore sober than I was back at the bar. Her half walking, half carrying me to her room is a blur, as is the trip to her room, where she helps me sit on the plush bed. I moan in appreciation at actually being on one of these babies. I clean em all the time, but never get to sleep on anything even remotely this comfortable. She smiles at me. "You're welcome to sleep in here. I'll just be in the guest room-"

I cut her off though. "Stay." I don't know why I said it, but now it's out there and I'm waiting in fear and tension as she looks me over. I'm not sure why I want her here, or why I'm comfortable with it, but I just know I don't want her to leave. She finally lets out a breath and answers me.

"Okay." She moves over to the other side of the bed, pulling the comforter back and preparing to climb in. She stops and looks my way as I stand a little clumsily from the bed. Catching her eye, I blush and look away before stripping myself down to just my shirt and black lace underwear. I settle down in the bed, facing her. She raises and eyebrow before smirking and doing the same. I can't help myself from staring at the red satin thing she's wearing. "See something you like?" She chuckles.

I blush again and clear my throat. Once she settles down, I think for a splint second before saying fuck it and move to cuddle into her side. I'm overjoyed when she accepts and wraps her arms around me. There are no questions and no uncomfortable feelings. We just lay here and enjoy it. I'm just barely hovering on the edge of consciousness when I whisper out, "thank you."

I feel a soft kiss on the crown of my head and barely hear, "goodnight Peyton." I smile and then let the welcome feeling of sleep come over me.


	8. Breakfast in Bed

To Guest (Amie): First, thank you so much and I am glad that you like this story. I am excited about writing it and the image I have for it in the long run.

To explain the Alistair character, I honestly stopped watching the show a few seasons back. When I had read a bunch of stories with him in it (not realizing they were all from Fauxdilocks) I actually thought that he was a character that was later introduced into the show. I only recently actually joined Fanfiction and started realizing who wrote those stories. (After I had already wrote this,you made me realize that so thank you) as a result, I have thought about going back and changing the name of the character but haven't gotten around to it yet.)

In the meantime I would like to say I don't own any of the OTH characters and that credit for the Alistair character goes to xfauxdilocksx. Who you should totally read btw, her stories are awesome!

So I hope that clears it up, and until I get around to changing it, which will happen before he is featured in another chapter, the character is based off the xfauxdilocksx character.

To NALEY23alwaysandforever: Thanks again for always reviewing, I always look forward to hearing what you think and watch for your review to pop up. I'm glad you like protective Brooke, I love writing her. I just have a thing for dominant Brooke/submissive Peyton. One of these days I'm going to write one with Brooke being the weaker one.

To On The Hill: Yes, Peyton is much better with just Brooke. I figured it's been long enough, and that the poor girl should have a chance to get somewhere with the blonde. I'm really looking forward to moving them forward with this next chapter and I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to say about it. I always enjoy your opinions on my story and they help me with the upcoming chapters. So thanks again for always speaking up!

Brooke POV

I just flipped the last pancake when I heard a groan from the bed. I placed the pancake on the small stack sitting on the plate on the counter and walked over to the waking blonde. As I got to her side of the bed, she rolled onto her back and groaned, throwing one arm over her eyes. I smiled down to her and sat on the edge of the bed next to her legs. Feeling the bed move, she moved her arm up a bit and lifted her head from the pillows. I watched her squint her eyes at me before blinking a few more times. Her face screwed up in a mixture of confusion and pain before she dropped her head back against the pillows, her arm covering her eyes once more. She groaned pitifully before finally addressing me.

"Where the hell am I?" She grumbled out.

"With 207." I smirk at my own response. She reveals her face again to shoot me a confused glance. "What, you don't even recognize where you work?" She finally leaned up onto her elbows to look around the room. A look of surprise crossed her features.

"Oh."

"You know, most people have more to say than just 'oh' when they've spent the night in bed with Brooke Davis." I tease her lightly.

She ignores my joke and asks, "how did I get here?"

I tone down my smirk to a kind smile. "I brought you here. You were pretty out of it last night at that bar. I didn't wanna leave you there, especially with that butch bitch still lingering around."

"Oh, well um, thanks." She looks down shyly and I find it absolutely adorable.

"Do you have a headache? I can get you some orange juice, it'll help-"

"Oh, no. I'm fine. I should really get out of your hair. You've already done way too much and-"

"Nonsense. I didn't do anything I didn't want to. And you aren't going anywhere, I just made breakfast. C'mon, I know you must be feeling at least a little crappy after how sick you were last night. Just stay. I want you to."

She looked up at me, looking unsure and nervous. I grabbed her hand and squeezed, begging. "Please?" She finally sighed and smiled a little.

"Okay, food does sound pretty good right now."

I got a huge smile on my face, dimples on full show and bounced off the bed. "Awesome. You stay right here, I'll go grab our food. We can veg out and watch some mind numbing TV."

"What? You don't have to-"

"Now you stop it. Right there. I told you, I wanted to. Now be a good girl and let me cure that hangover of yours." I told her with a pointed finger and stern face. She cracked a smile at me dramatically puffed out a 'fine.' I giggled at her and rolled my eyes before retrieving our pancakes and glasses. When I returned to her she was sitting up in bed and readily took the food I handed to her. "I hope you like pancakes. I figured I'd just go plain in case your stomach was still upset. And the OJ should help any headache." I told her as I sat down with my own plate, getting comfy on the bed.

As I picked up the remote and turned to ask her what she preferred to watch it caught me off guard to see her stuffing her face. Like seriously, she looked like a ravenous starving dog going at a prime piece of filet mignon. I stared, a little baffled at the girl scarfing down her breakfast. She apparently picked up on my gaze and turned to me, speaking with both cheeks full and puffed out from pancake, "whuht?"

All I could do was stare at her for a minute before I started bursting out in laughter. She looked mildly offended and swallowed before speaking again. "What? What's so funny?"

"You" I managed to say between giggles.

"Me?!" She says indignantly.

I finally calm down and look at her. She looks a little more on the offended side now and I immediately want to make her feel better. I bump her shoulder with my own. "Yea, you're kinda cute...especially when you look like a chipmunk with those little cheeks all puffed out.

Her face colors red slightly as I giggle a little more. I glance at her again and she sticks her tongue out at me. We both finally calm down and go back to eating, her going at a more normal pace now. She breaks the silence a moment later, "well, you can't really blame me. This is really good."

"Well thank you. I try."

"And I'd say you succeed."

"So it's blondie approved?" I tease.

She sticks her tongue out again at me. "Well anything actually cooked is bound to taste amazing when all you eat is stuff out of a box."

I raise my eyebrow at her. "What? You're a housemaid that can't cook?"

She gives me a defiant look at that comment. "I'll have you know I can cook very well actually. My mama taught me how to cook everything and anything from scratch. I just don't have the time. And quite frankly, I'm surprised that a fashion model like yourself does."

I smile at her, generally enjoying talking with her. Inside, I'm jumping for joy at every little bot of information she is giving me about herself. "And what is it that keeps you so busy? I odd believe food comes first, skinny. You'll die without it. And I always find the time to treat myself to whatever food I want, making it myself just makes it that much better. Plus I am on. Vacation. Right now, so you know, I have all the time in the world. And it's fashion designer by the way. I see you do remember something from last night then, miss 'I don't know who the hell you are.' "

She hides her smirk behind another bite of pancake. "Maybe..."

I smile back and we sit and enjoy each others company in the relaxed atmosphere. After we ate, we just lounged in the bed, talking about absolutely nothing. Eventually we did turn our attention to the television. She had started to make fun of me when I had turned on Cartoon Network. Unfortunately, her cell phone broke through out tranquil bubble, and I tried not to let my disappointment show. I sat quietly on the bed, hiding the fact that I was ease dropping on her conversation.

"Yea, yea I know."

The man on the other end of the line was yelling loud enough for me to hear him clearly from my spot next to her. "And don't screw it up Sawyer! Remember I need you to be extra good! It's our busy season, we need these people bringing their friends in! Pull your skirt up a little higher and up bottom that blouse for 201, and don't stay in 209 for any amount of time. They already have to deal with annoying fans all the time, they do t need to deal with people like you too! And I swear, if I get one complaint, your ass will be out that door faster than a lightning bolt! Got it?"

By now she was looking down at the bed, her free hand playing with the bed comforters. She looked like a child getting scolded by their hateful parent. And god did I know how bad that felt.

"Yes sir I know."

"And I expect you to be there ASAP. And NO OVERTIME PAY! Don't even bother asking about it!" I heard the phone click and assumed that he hung up on her. She dropped the phone on the bed, both hands scrunching up into the comforter now. She kept her head down and she seemed tense all over again. I frowned at this and moved one hand under her chin to pull her to look up at me. The look I got was one of confusion, sadness, and stress, nothing like the playful girl I had seen seconds prior.

Looking into her eyes and using my thumb to sweep comforting strokes across her cheek, I said, "he shouldn't treat you like that. No one should have to work like that. It isn't fair and it isn't right."

She looked up into my eyes for a moment. Then she jerked out of my grip and completely away from me, grabbing for her jeans and struggling to get them on. "No, but it isn't exactly a choice either. Listen, I'm really sorry about last night and this morning and leaving like this. Leaving you the mess-"

"Hey don't be sorry," I interrupted her rattling, "I'm glad this morning happened. Maybe, uh maybe, it could happen again? But without the drinking, huh?" I ask shyly.

She stops wrestling with her jeans and looks at me, surprise clear on her face. She clears her throat and finishes with her pants. She speaks out softly and unsurely, "I, uh, I'd like that." She smiles at me, her face a little red from embarrassment.

I shoot her another huge smile and watch as she starts to walk out the door. She turns around and stares at me for a moment again before rushing to say, "and Brooke? Um, thank you. For everything. I'm looking forward to seeing you again."

"You too Peyt." This time it's her who gets a huge smile on her face, and god is it gorgeous. She's out the door a second later and I immediately break out in my happy dance, jumping on the bed excitedly. I actually have a shot at this! Operation Peyton is a go!

Peyton POV

As I rushed away from Brooke's room, I felt my heart pounding. Damn it! Why'd she have to be so nice!? Why couldn't she just be like the rest of them and be a jackass!? Then these feelings could just be left behind and I could forget that I was ever attracted to her! The one fucking time it's someone who isn't a class A asshole! Ugh, I need a drink!

Feeling my stomach roll with a reminder of last night, I change my mind. No, what I need is to blow off some steam. I just need to get it all out, then I'll feel better. I shake my head at myself as I pull my phone out of my pocket and start to dial my best friend's number. All the while, my mind was stuck on how my name rolled off. Her tongue. And that fucking nickname. I tp just felt so right. I moaned in my head, thinking how it would sound with her moaning it out...mmmm. Wait, wait a second...how the hell did she know my name?!


	9. Have a Nice Day

Okay so, lots of news on this story. I'm sorry for waiting so long to update, I've been trying to get all of my stories updated these last few days. Also, I'm sorry if this chapter seems inconsistent with the rest of the story. Part of the reason I hadn't updated was writers block. And well, when I was hit with inspiration, it kinda changed from the original idea. It is still going to be the same general idea with the rich vs poor aspects, but I was honestly having trouble moving the girls closer to each other while they where still in the hotel environment. I do believe that the new twist in the story will help with the plot, as I have already been able to plan out more of where I want to go from here, which is what I had been having a problem with.

So I do hope you all enjoy and bear with me as I iron out the details for you, I'm hoping by the end of the next chapter that I will have the transition down from the hotel to the new location of the story and then we can really get moving on the girls' relationship, which I already have lots of ideas for! Please do let me know what you all think though, I love and cherish your REVIEWS!

PS-

To Guest- I promise that there will be many more steamy moments now that they will be living together!

To NALEY23alwaysforever- Again, as always, thank you for the continued reviews on ALL of my stories. I hope you are enjoying the NEW YEAR and have a good 2015!

To On The Hill- I also thank you for continued support on all of my stories, as it reminds me that someone out there does read them! Also, thank you for the PM! Also, the girls are on the fast track to spending. MUCH more time together, and this will give them a chance to get to know each other better. (Eh hem, Peyton's past and such) And yes, her boss is definitely a jerk!

"Wait, so he called her in way before her shift starts, and then refused to give any overtime pay? Isn't that like, illegal?" Haley spoke questioningly.

"Well besides the fact that it makes him a dick, yea. I'm pretty sure it is. I mean she's practically working a double isn't she?" Lindsay wondered out loud.

"Yea, but she said herself that she didn't have a choice." Millicent pointed out.

"Speaking of which, what was that all about Brooke? She didn't say anything else?" Rachel asked the brunette who sat next to her. The girls had come over soon after the blonde had left and where now discussing the prior nights events while lounging on the bed.

"No, she was too busy rushing out the door, I assume to not get fired." Brooke answered.

"You don't think he'd actually fire her over something so stupid, do you?" Haley spoke, hoping the girl's boss wasn't really that radical.

"From the way he was yelling at her on the phone, I would say he actually probably would." Brooke said with irritation clearly in her voice.

"What a dick!" Rachel ranted, pissed for anyone being treated like that.

"Yea, that's not even the worst part. He practically told her to sell herself for the other creeps on this floor. I'm sorry, but I really don't like the idea of her in a hiked up skirt or a shirt that practically has her tits hanging out and her being stuck in a room with any of those creeps. The could seriously do something to her. I don't think that ass of a boss even gives a shit about that." Brooke ranted out, secretly a little mad about anyone besides herself seeing the blonde like that.

"Okay, now that IS illegal. She shouldn't put up with that shit. No woman should." Rachel fired out, getting just as pissed as Brooke.

"I don't know how she puts up with that. I can't even stand when a guy leers at my ass for too long. God knows how many creepy remarks she has to put up with." Lindsay trailed off.

Suddenly Lucas's voice broke through the apartment, along with the sound of the other boys following him in. "Whose leering at your ass?"

"Uncle Lucas you said a bad word!" Jamie jumped over to point at him with a stern face. This caused all of the group to laugh as the boys settled into sit by their respective partners. Jamie crawled to sit in Brooke's lap.

"Calm down Lucas. We were just talking about Brooke's little blonde friend and her Jack- or uh, meanie, of a boss." Lindsay informed the group.

Skills raised an eyebrow to the fashion designer. "Boss? What, he come runnin' in here when you two was getting down and dirty?"

Brooke's face went red from that and she quickly cleared her throat. "No! He called her while we were hanging out, just hanging out," she emphasized and gave a pointed look to Skills, "and bitched her out for no real reason."

"Well, and he called her in and basically told her to be a slut." Haley said bluntly.

"Mama!" Jamie shouted.

"Sorry Jim Jam."

"Wait, what? What'd he say to her?" Nathan asked concerned. Even if he did seem like a cocky bastard sometimes, he always believed in treating women right and being a gentleman.

"Basically to pull up her skirt and unbutton her blouse to give everyone a free show." Brooke grumbled out.

"What!? That's so messed up!" Mouth said, shocked at the idea that such a professional place could make their employees do such a degrading thing.

"Seriously! Why is skinny girl putting up with that?" Skills wondered, just as shocked. "Ain't no girl deserve to be treated like that."

"I don't know! But damn it, I wish she wouldn't! I just wish I could help her somehow you know?" Brooke ranted, upset at the situation.

Silence took over as the group seemed to think over the situation. It was broke only moments later by the youngest of the group. "I'm hungry. Can we go down to the lunch bar?"

"Sounds good to me. How about the rest of you?" Nathan asked as he stood up.

Everyone agreed and were soon on their way to the 7th floor, where the complimentary food bar was. A shout managed to catch Lucas's attention on the way there though. He stopped to listen for a second, gaining the attention of the others who had now also stopped to see what the hold up was.

"What's wrong honey?" Lindsay asked as Lucas seemed to be staring off in space with a pensive, concerned look on his face.

"Hm? Just...just listen for a sec."

Everyone stayed quiet and waited. Since there was no one around them but other guest rooms, the hall was deathly silent. Jamie went to go speak but was cut off by the shouting.

"You're so fucking stupid! So god damn worthless! I swear, I'd be better off with a fucking monkey to do this job!"

Now all of the adults stood shocked at hearing such language. Haley immediate moved to cover Jamie's ears while the rest of the group moved to trace the hollering back to a door just a few down the hall, 703.

"You can't do one god damned thing right! I thought you were supposed to be one of my best floor managers here! Why the hell can't you seem to handle them!"

By now, the guys had moved in by the door, surprised to see it cracked open a bit. Nathan mouthed to Haley to take Jamie to the lunch bar. It was obvious to the whole group that whatever was going on in the room, they were not going to allow. Something just didn't seem right about it. None of them could consciously walk away without checking on whoever was on the receiving end of such anger. Nathan peeked in the door, his eyebrows raising as he saw the current situation. Everyone else stood behind him, trying to get a peek of what's going on. Being the pushy person that she was, Brooke moved to stand right by Nathan. Now having a clear look at exactly who was in the room, she tried not to let her anger boil over.

"All I give you is 4 floors and you can't even keep up with them! You've been slacking, moving slow, getting shit wrong! And I heard from 509 that you almost slapped him when he tried to touch your ass! In case you haven't noticed, Penny, but that's all you're fucking here for! You just have to stand still and look pretty for the guests! They have every right to do whatever the hell they want! That's what we do! Give them what they want!"

"It's Peyton." The blonde standing in the middle of the entry room barely whispered out, just loud enough to be heard by straining ears.

The sleazy looking man who had been pacing in front of the ashamed looking blonde stopped and turned to her with a look of disbelief and disgust. "I don't give a shit. All you are to me is another disposable worker. Just another stupid, worthless," with each word he took another step into the blonde's space, eventually getting in her face, "easy piece of meat, nothing little girl." He glared down into her face as she silently took the belittling scorning. "And you're fired." He said with a sickening smile. The blonde's head shot up at that and went to protest, but was surprised when she was cut off.

Brooke, for her part, saw flames when she heard the man's degrading words. Her whole body almost combusted in anger as he got in the silent girl's face. But she could no longer hold her tongue when he muttered out the very same words he had threatened the innocent woman with just earlier that morning. Without much thought, and giving no one a chance to stop her, she barreled into the room. She went straight for the sleaze ball who had turned to face her when they heard the door slam open. Brooke got straight to the point and got right in his face, backing him into a wall and sticking her finger in his face as she ripped him a new one.

"Don't you ever, EVER, fucking say that shit again! The only piece of worthless, pathetic shit in this room is you! How can you treat your employees like that!? And do you realize that what you're 'encouraging' these girls to do is practically just short of prostitution! I thought this was a fucking family friendly five star hotel! And let me tell you, there ain't nothing family oriented about having your employees sleaze around like a bunch of sluts, or the way you've been talking to this one here! You should consider yourself lucky that she hasn't quit by now! I mean, 5 fucking floors for one god damned manager!? That's ridiculous and completely against workers' rights! She could turn you in to the union for that shit! And that's besides the sexual harassment and bullying management!"

Brooke's chest heaved as she took a breath before continuing on her rant. "And you can forget firing her, because she fucking quits!"

Again, Peyton's head shot to look at the brunette to try and speak, to discount what the obviously temporary insane woman had said and to beg for her job back. Instead she watched helplessly as her boss and the woman she had found herself spending the night with got into a pissing match over her.

"Oh, she quits, huh?"

"Yes, she does!"

"And just where is she gonna go!? Cause I'm sure that, as she knows, when she loses her job, she loses her fucking spot in the basement! And that means no more roof over her head, or nice warm meals! No more 3 dollars an hour pay, and let's face it sweetie, ain't nobody without even a high school diploma or GED gonna get a job that pays more than that. Hell, she'd be lucky to get another job at all." He stared at the stressed blonde as he spoke in a twisted, amuse voice. Peyton turned her head back to the ground in embarrassment and self consciously rubbed her left arm with her right hand.

By then, the rest of the group entered the spacious hotel room. Rachel and Lindsay stepped to the upset blonde, taking up a place on each side of her. Lindsay wrapped an arm around her waist, whispering into her ear, while Rachel rubbed one hand over her back, glaring daggers at the man that caused this. The guys had all stepped up to back up Brooke, seeing as the man was starting to get pissy back. Each of them was ready to jump him if he even made one wrong move towards their friend. Millicent stood just in the doorway, watching it all play out.

Brooke though didn't seem intimidated in the least. Instead, she came right back at him, twice as hard. "Actually, she already has a fucking new job! And I can guarantee you, it's far better than working in this shit hole! Don't you worry one fucking second about what she will and won't have anymore!"

The man snorted, "oh, and just what would this job be, hmm? A lot lizard?" He sneered at the short brunette.

She gave him an eerie smile and spoke calmly. "She'll be my personal maid and house assistant. And she'll be much better off than she ever was working in this sweat shop." She then turned on her heals and stormed out, only stopping to grab the stunned blonde gently by the wrist and tug her along behind her. As the two exited the room, Rachel and Lindsay barked out "DICK" and ASSHOLE" before following the other women's footsteps. The men stayed only long enough to threaten the man's life if they saw him near any of the women again before also heading out.

Just as the rest had left and the man started to straighten himself out, Millicent stepped back into the doorway, having never really left. She stared the man down and spoke in an overly friendly voice that dripped with hidden hostility. "And you'll be hearing from your HR. I'm sure the unions will love this. And good luck with the business, when everyone catches wind of some of the biggest names in Hollywood boycotting this place, I'm sure you'll have a much more relaxing business, what with having no customers and all." She let out a small, breathy laugh and turned to walk away, turning back for just a split second to throw in, "oh and don't worry about us. Our party will be out of this establishment before the weeks up. Have a nice day."


	10. What Was and What Will Be

Hope y'all like it! I'm working on updating all my stories this weekend! Might even do another chapter for How To:Brooke Yourself, not sure. We'll see. Enjoy though!

Peyton POV

It's always amazed me how my life could be so horribly mundane for so damn long, and then one single thing would change in just a matter of seconds and throw everything in my life into a tailspin. I should have expected something like this really. It's been awhile since anything truly crazy has happened. I guess it was due? I don't know...

I find myself sighing again as I sit numbly on the edge of the bed. I had been sitting quietly, just watching as Brooke, my self proclaimed new boss, packed up her things in the hotel room. I still can't believe all of this is happening. I mean, how did I go from a miserable housemaid who got fired to personal assistant, or err, maid, or damn it, whatever she called it! But how did I end up working for a nice, rich person, who is even willing to move me in with her...wherever it is we're going, when just two days ago I was a miserable floor manager at this place? It just didn't make any sense to me.

I can't figure out why this woman would go off on my boss like that, but then also even go and basically take me in as her own. I mean, who does that!? Well...Brooke Davis apparently. My eyes focus in on her, watching an almost alarming amount of shoes fill up one rather large suit case. Speaking of suitcases...that reminds me that I still have to get my stuff from downstairs. That's not something I was looking forward to, seeing as how it was bound to not only be embarrassing but I'm semi positive that it will set Brooke off again. She's been all ranting and raving ever since she drug me away with her.

She had basically told me I was going to be coming with her, working for her and such, and that she wasn't going to allow me to stay here. Apparently it wasn't up for discussion. And then she started rambling on about living conditions and sweatshops and a whole bunch of other shit that I hadn't really heard. No, I had been too fuzzy headed from the panic and confusion of first losing the only job I thought I could have, and then from the fact that I'd be leaving this place in just two short days.

Well, low and behold Sawyer, your two days are up and what have you done? Jack shit, that's what! It didn't help though that Brooke and her friends have all been persistent about helping me, even after I assured them there'd barely be a whole box full of stuff. And I had been doing everything I could to keep them away from the 'employee rooms' aka, the dirty basement with paper thin walls put up, but I didn't think I could avoid it anymore. I was gonna have to go get my stuff, and Brooke was still being adamant about being there to help. I was not looking forward to her reaction.

There was only one other thing that had me upset about this whole deal. It meant that I'd be away from Jay(formerly Alistair) and would no longer have my one friend to just be myself with. And as much as I hated to admit it, but that kinda scared me. I didn't know how I was supposed to say bye to my best friend. I mean, ever since I came to this town he has been the one person there for me. He helped me get out of the hell that I was in and he got me a job here. Not saying that it's great here, but it was better than where I was.

My eyes flicked back up to watch the brunette fashionista who was now speaking on the phone to someone about our new traveling arrangements. I eyed her every move and took her in. Everything about her screamed dominant, in command, privileged, and perfect. As far as I could tell, the rest of her friends had seemed the same way. I don't know why they would want to be around someone like me. Why SHE would want to be anywhere in the same vicinity as someone like me. I was lower than the dirt their expensive designer high heels walked on. They really shouldn't be wasting any of their time on someone who was so worthless, broken. Someone who had-

My thoughts were cut off by a hand being placed on my shoulder. I blinked and realized that Brooke was standing in front of me with a kind smile. She rubbed my shoulder as she spoke, "c'mon Peyton. Everyone else is ready and packed up. We just need to go down and get your stuff. Nate, Luke, Skills and Rachel are gonna meet us in the hall to help get your stuff. Everyone else is gonna start getting their luggage out into the cars." She cut me off as I went to go speak, "and I don't care what you say, even if it is just one box, you aren't going to carry it yourself. That's what we have the boys for." She winked at me, officially shutting me up.

Grabbing my hand, she pulled me up and led me down the hall to her waiting friends. I gulped, knowing this was not going to be even remotely pleasant. They all greeted each other as we reached them. I kept my eyes away from them all and stayed silent. Feeling the hand around mine squeeze softly, I felt a tiny bit better and gave a squeeze back. "Ok, so where are we going anyway Goldilocks?" The red head, who I've come to know as Rachel, asks as she moved to stand by me side. I swallow again before answering, "umm, it's in the basement. Just, uh, just follow me."

I shakily led them down to the first floor, through a maze of hallways to a dark oak door, way off where no one would be able to just happen across it. The sign on it read Employees Only, only serving to remind me of all the things that were about to change in my life. Glancing back at the line of people behind me I shuffle to get my keys out and pick out the right one. I'm so wound up though that my hands are shaking, which apparently doesn't go unnoticed as Brooke rubs my back lightly.

As soon as I open the door, I see that the hanging lightbulb is already on, barely lighting the rickety old wooden staircase. Hmmm, well someone's down here. I start down the stairs, causing the wood to groan under my weight. A hand on my arm stops me though and I turn back to see Brooke looking more than just a little worried.

"Um, are these even safe? I mean, they look like they're about to collapse. I'm pretty sure I can even see some missing boards already."

I nod my head, "they'll hold, just move kinda quick."

I catch the Scott boys sharing a look at my words before turning around and carrying on my way. Once we reach the bottom, they all seem to take a breath of relief and I just look around for a second. "C'mon." I say softly before moving through the stone passageways. I can hear them murmuring behind me and try to ignore it. I mean the place is kinda shocking to anyone, so I can't even begin to imagine how bad it looks to people who are used to only the very best in life.

My eyes glaze over everything as we pass, looking for my room. The stone walls, if you can even call them that, are old and crumbling. There has barely been any construction down here, save for a couple of support poles used to hold up the ceiling, so it looks like the halls and doors have just been left after being cut into the rock. The place is dingy and dark, with only free hanging light bulbs and loose wires hanging every twenty feet or so to light it. It smells musty and the moss growing on the walls is a testament to why. The air is freezing and there is no source of heat on this level.

Finally, I saw my room and walked through the open doorway. I stopped in the middle of the room and heard gasps as the others stepped in. Not wanting to see the disgusted faces I'm sure they were making, I let my eyes take in the room for one last time. Two dingy old mattresses sat in the floor, one in each corner. The mattresses were taking up most of the room and were both covered with a ton of old blankets, no pillows in sight. On the other side of the room sat a long row of about seven different sized boxes, all open with clothes in them. There was another pile of clothes in the only other corner of the room on the floor.

My attention was grabbed away from the place I had called home for the last few years though as the fashion designer came to stand next to me. "You live here?!" Her voice is an interesting mix of anger, sadness, and shock. I turn around to see the same response from her friends and quickly look forward again. I just sigh and shrug my shoulders. Moving on, I walk over to a medium size box in the middle of the line and grab it, dragging it over to the doorway.

As I move towards the bed in the left corner, I notice Brooke immediately take a look into the box I left by them before I feel her eyes on me again as I kneel down and crawl on the bed. Feeling that someone else was in it, I shook the blanket, before a black haired woman uncovered herself and groaned at me. "Ugh, Sawyer, what do you want?" I tugged at my blanket, which she was currently laying on top of. She just groaned again before rolling over so I could quickly grab blanket. She rolled back over as I got off the bed saying, "sorry Sasha." I quickly moved to throw the hole filled baby blue blanket into the box.

Skills stops me with a question though. "You getting busy with this girl here Skinny? That's kinda cold, just leaving her in the bed like that." Brooke smacks him and gives him a nasty look. I quietly explain. "Um, no. There's seven of us in this room. We share the beds." Not bothering to wait for a response I go to the pile of clothes. I sit and start sorting through, checking for any of my own. Brooke comes and sits next to me as I have a small pile collected. "Any way I can help?"

"Um, you could put these clothes in that box."

"Okay, how about bathroom stuff?"

"Ugh, it's communal, so I already have it all packed in a bag in my box."

I see her swallow and nod at me, picking up the clothes to go pack them. Soon after, I follow her and close the box, dusting myself off and finally looking their way.

"That's it?!" Rachel says surprised.

I nod and notice Brooke take a deep breath before grabbing my hand and pulling me back the way we came, shouting back, "hey Luke, can you grab that?"

I hear him reply, "yea" and then mumble out, "damn, she wasn't kidding."

We all stay quiet as we reach the first floor again. I drop my key in the bowl that's standing on the nightstand by the door, taking a breath. "You ready to go?" Brooke asks me. I hesitate before nodding. As we turn to head to the door though, I hear my name being yelled.

"PEYTON!"

I see Jay speed walking down the hall and I immediately take off to meet him half way. I jump into his arms as we meet, completely forgetting about the people behind me watching us. We hug and cling to each other for what feels like forever before we pull back to look at each other with tear filled eyes. He sets me back down on the ground and puts one hand on my cheek. "Hey, it's gonna be okay." He whispers to me.

"How?"

"You're gonna go and be something Peyton. You're gonna be better than this. Better than this place, you deserve that much. You have always deserved better than the shit hand you got dealt in life. This is your chance."

"But what about you?" I'm fighting back the sobs at this point and look at him like a scared child being torn from their parent.

"I'm gonna be just fine. I'm gonna get that job at the Concert place and then I'm gonna move out of here and be happy. Have a better life, just like you are going to do now. In the meantime though, I'm gonna be waiting for a call to see how amazing your doing with your great new life. And I better get that call Sawyer! Don't make me come hunt you down!" He says, laughing and crying.

I laugh some and hug him again. "I really am gonna miss you Jay." I whisper in his ear.

"Imma miss you too P."

We hug for another minute before separating and wiping our eyes. He looks over my shoulder and I see him nod. Glancing back I see Brooke standing with a soft smile on her face, watching us. "You take care of yourself." He tells me, gaining my attention again. We nod at each other, both fighting off tears once again as he turns and leaves.

I feel lost for a second, stuck between what was and what would be. The exhaustion finally hitting me, from the last couple emotional days and from all the physical work I had been doing before them. A hand grabbing mine brought me out of my haze though. My eyes met chocolate ones and I felt an arm come around my waist. A small kiss is laid on my cheek before she silently urges me along, the rest following behind us. Before I know it, we are loaded up in two limos and then boarding a plane. First class. Who knew traveling could be so comfortable? The last thing I remember is my head rolling over into Brooke's shoulder and hearing a soft, "it's all gonna be okay. You're okay now." Before drifting off to sleep.


	11. Beginning of a New Day

So sorry that it's been so long. I really don't have a god excuse, just have had a lot going on lately. But, I'm starting to get back into the groove of things so I'll have more time to start writing! Thank you all for the continued support of all of my stories! I'm excited to say that this one currently has the most followers, so awesome! Also, for my The Pretender fans, expect a new chapter soon. It's already half done! Next on the to do list is Be My Baby.

So again, thank you all! Enjoy and as always, I love reading your reviews! Keep them coming!

Peyton POV

Mhmmmm...so comfy. It feels like I'm floating on a cloud. Ugh...this must be what heaven is like. Soft, warm, cozy, sweet...wait, sweet?

I cautiously opened my eyes, immediately finding the source of the pleasant smell. Brooke. Moving my head out of the pillow some, I looked up to her. She was sitting up in the bed, back against the headboard. Her legs were bent up and it looked like she was writing something. She was wearing a black tank top that said C/B and black shorts and I could smell her sweet perfume clearly now. Lilacs...hm...

"Oh, you finally awake?"

My eyes snapped back to her face as her voice caught me attention. All I could apparently manage in my half asleep state is to stare wide eyed at her. She sent a small smile my way.

"You were out cold after we got here. I barely got you awake enough to get out of your pants before you fell in the bed. You must have been tired to sleep so heavily. Considering yesterday though, I could see why you'd be so exhausted..."

"Hmmm" I hum softly, not really sure what to say.

"Hey, how about you take a couple of minutes to wake up, and then when you feel like it, we'll grab some lunch. Everyone else is taking the day to settle in, so I figured maybe I could take you and show you around some. We got in pretty late last night so I know you didn't really get to see the area at all."

Finally leaning up onto my elbows, I stay laying on my stomach as I look at her more directly and speak. "Lunch? Don't you mean breakfast? And um, I can just make something. I mean, that is kinda my job now right? Oh and, where exactly is 'here' again?" I look around the cozy room. It's made from dark oak logs and have very homey holiday decorations everywhere.

I hear a little giggle escape her. "Honey, I think noon is kinda late for breakfast."

"Noon!?" How the hell had I slept that long!

"Yea. Like I said, you were pretty exhausted. I figured I'd let you catch up on your rest. But no, you will not be making lunch. Not today at least. I want you to enjoy yourself too. I'm assuming you've never had a vacation, so consider this it. And just because you're my 'maid' doesn't mean I need you to do everything for me. I'll let you know when I need you to do something." She gives me a reassuring look as I just nod an okay. "So, moving on to the exciting part. We are currently residing in one of my beautiful, privately owned Aspen log cabins!"

My eyebrows shot up into my hairline at this news. Aspen! Jeez, how rich is this girl!? Where I'm from, Aspen is like freaking Atlantis!

"Oh, you're gonna love it here! It's so beautiful this time of year! And the keepers have them all nice and decorated for Christmas! We figured this would be a good new spot for the winter. With little Jamie and all, it'll be nice for him to actually have snow on Christmas. Oh I can't wait for you to meet him! He's such a fun little guy! Oh, and that's the other awesome thing about it here. All of my cabins are right out here, in pretty much a mini circle, so we can all still be together but have our own privacy. The cabins are huge so we can all hang out in one. There's a travel service that'll come and get us to take us to town, or we can take the snow mobiles. There's lots to do out here. Skiing, snowboarding, ice sculptures, all the usual snow related festivities."

She finished her rambling and looked my way. I sat frozen in my spot, more than just a little overwhelmed with all of this. It didn't help that I didn't really know where I was supposed to fit in with all of this. Was I supposed to stay here and take care of the cabin? Was I supposed to go with? Was I actually gonna be doing this stuff with them? Was I supposed to hang back and wait to see if she needed me for anything? God, I felt so lost...

"Hey, you okay?"

"Um, y-yea...I'm okay." I mumbled out.

"Sorry for rambling about all of that." She looks down and blushes. "I'm just really excited to be here and have you here. It's been awhile since I've had someone to share all of this with. I usually end up on my own when the group splits. Bad part of being single right?" She sends a shy smile my way and I can help but give one back. That apparently gives her an ego boost, as she continues. "And, honestly, I'm really excited about showing you around. Usually anybody that comes here is used to this kinda stuff and gets bored or only wants to do one thing. I'm a little eccentric and I kinda like doing a bit of everything. I'm hoping you'll be willing to try everything with me? I'd love for you to enjoy yourself while your here. You really do seem like you need a break..." She looks at me with a look of curiosity and expectation.

I look at her sideway and debate for a second before answering. I shrug and nod at her. "I'm willing to try anything once."

The brunette flashes me a huge grin and soon I feel one coming out on my own face. We just stay like this and look at each other for a moment before I get my courage up to talk about what's been bothering me.

"Hey, listen, I just uh. I just want to say...thank you. You know, for everything. I don't really know why your doing this, and, honestly...I'm don't understand why someone like you would even bother with someone like me but-"

"Woah, now you stop right there! Someone like me? Someone like you? I won't have any of that business here. There is no difference between the two of us. We are both people and that's all that matters." She grabs my hand and holds it. "Listen, the way you were treated back at that hotel? That's not right and you didn't deserve it. Nobody does. I don't know your life story, and I'm not going to pretended to understand you and act like I know you, but I do know that your friend was right. You don't deserve that. And let's just say that I know what that's like. And I just might kinda generally like you. Who knows, maybe I'll like you even more as we get to know each other." She smirks at me. "In the meantime though, I want you to just get comfy and let me help you. Okay?"

"Okay." I whisper out, taken with all the emotions running through me at her speech.

"Good." She smiles. "Now, get up and go take a shower. We have to go to town. There's shopping to be done! We need to stock up on groceries. Then we need to go to the clothing store. We both need clothes more suited to this weather and I noticed that you don't have a heavy jacket, so we need to get you one. We'll see how late it is when we're done and then we'll decide if we want to cook or pick up something for dinner. Once we get home, we'll unpack and set up for the night. Now go, get moving with that skinny butt." She smacked my butt as I got up and starting heading to the connected bathroom, shaking my head the whole time. Oh yea, this should be a rather interesting winter.

Brooke POV

I watched from one of the clothes racks as my new blonde friend surveyed over her own racks on the other side of the store. Today was going extremely well, if I did say so myself. I had managed to get her back to being relaxed around me. Though she did still seem a little nervous about the whole situation. Can't really blame her for that though. It is a major change. She does seem to be enjoying all the new things. It's cute really, how amazed she looks when she sees something or how excited she gets when I tell her about some of the other things we can do here...even if she does try and hide it.

When we stopped at Jennie's for lunch, she couldn't believe that somewhere in such a remote area would have such an array of food. After 10 minutes of trying to figure out what she wanted, she finally decided on a maple smoked salmon with shrimp platter. I ordered my usual Italian pasta dish with sesame chicken. Peyton was practically melting at how good her food was. And when I fed her a bite of mine, the blush on her cheeks was adorable. And when she moaned...oh god, this girl is gonna be the death of me!

I blinked back into reality when I noticed said blonde walking back towards me with a single pair of jeans in hand. I raised my eyebrow at her.

"I'm all done. You about ready?"

"Done? Where's the rest?"

This time she looks confused. "Um, this is it." She says holding up the jeans.

My mouth drops some and I shake my head at her. "Um, ok. Number one, no, that's not it. You need more clothes than what can fit in one tiny little box. Number two, a lot of those clothes were tank tops and t shirts. Not exactly appropriate for snowy, freezing temperatures. And number three, you didn't even get the coat that we came here for." I give her a pointed look.

"But I already have a coat. My leather jacket-"

"Sweetie, leather ain't gonna cut it here. It's not nearly warm enough. Plus, if you really like it so much, I wouldn't want you to fall while skiing and mess it up or something."

She just looks down and whispers out, embarrassed, "um, I only have enough for these jeans..."

"I smile at her and grab her hand. "Now listen, I didn't bring you here to make you spend your money. The clothes are on me. Count it as supplying uniforms to my new employee! So, give me those jeans and lets go look for some cute clothes for you. They have a ton of adorable sweatshirts here that I think would look great on you. And while we're at it, you can look at the winter coats!" I oozed enthusiasm as I urged her towards the back of the store.

Time skip

After a couple hours of shopping and trying on clothes, we returned home with arms full of bags in tow. After we managed to get in and set down the bags, Peyton flopped on the couch to catch her breath. I just stood by the door, admiring our haul. We had managed to get a variety of sweatshirts, hoodies, sweatpants, jeans, and underwear items for Peyton. She also got that winter coat and even a pair of winter boots. For myself, I got a couple sweatshirts, a couple pairs of boots, and a new coat. I was happy and definitely counted today as a win. I had at least supplied my new friend with some much needed new apparel if nothing else.

Glancing back over to her I smiled. Letting her have a moment, I moved into the kitchen for a glass of water. Suddenly all of the business of the day hit me and I felt exhausted. I got my water and moved back into the living room, checking that the front door was locked. I moved to sit on the couch with Peyton and stopped when I saw her. She was out cold, her legs hanging over the arm of the couch. I smiled and moved to sit on the only cushion she wasn't covering on the other end. I sipped my water before putting it on the table and grabbing the remote. I flicked on some random lifetime movie about fall and leaned back to get comfortable.

I couldn't help that my eyes spent more time on the blonde next to me than on the tv. She was so beautiful, and the stressed and tense look she carried while awake disappears in her sleep. She looked so relax and serene. I couldn't deny my curiosity towards her. I wanted to know everything about this girl. There was just something about her that pulled me in. I wanted to know what haunted her, how to make her happy, what she liked and all her secrets that she couldn't trust anyone else with. My mind was all filled with thoughts of the mysterious blonde as I slowly drifted off to sleep myself. My dreams were filled with a beautiful curly haired blonde angel...


	12. Waking in a New Light

Okay, so I know it's short. However, I just wanted to get it up and since I plan on a lot happening in the next chapter, the actual dinner. (Hint hint, some of Peyton's past being revealed) I just didn't want to crowd it. So enjoy and there will be an update soon! Happy Valentines day!

Brooke POV

My eyelids twitched as a vague sound broke through my haze of sleep. It sounded again, and this time I scrunched my face up and rolled my head up from the back of the couch lazily. Blinking a few times, I yawned and looked over as I heard another sound. My vision cleared up just enough to see Haley setting a note down on the coffee table. I finally recognized the sound that roused me when she hit the top of the pen to the table top for a fourth time, lost in thought as she eyed the paper.

"Haley?" I mumbled out blearily, still trying to clear the sleepy fog from my head.

Her head shot up and she immediately put a finger up to her lips, shushing me, and pointed towards my lap.

Confused, I looked down to find a head full of gold curls lying in my lap. First I was surprised, before the warm fuzzy feeling of elation filled me. I breathed out slowly as I fully realized our position. Peyton had moved to curl up completely on the couch, facing towards the back. Her legs were curled up on the end cushion. Her arms were tucked into her chest, her hands hiding just between my back and the couch. I could feel that one of them was wound into the bottom of my shirt. Her head was in my lap, face tucked into my stomach and curls splayed across it. I had my left arm laying over her shoulders, bringing her unconsciously closer to me. Taking a slow breath, I gently moved my arm to tuck some curls behind her ear. Her face was serene as it came into view. I think there was even a hint of a smile there. My heart warmed as she cuddled a little further into me.

I let my hand rest on the back of her head, running lightly through her hair as I looked back up to Haley. I blushed at the knowing look in her eyes. She crept a little closer to me and whispered out, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you. Just wanted to tell you that we were all planning on having dinner together tonight. It's on me and Nate. I didn't know if she'd feel comfortable coming..."

"I don't know. I'll talk to her about it when she gets up...but no promises." I responded in a hushed tone.

"I understand. How's she doing? Warming back up yet?"

"She's coming along." I gaze back down to the mysterious girl in my lap.

Haley only nods and whispers out that she's going to go. As she turns, her knee rams into the table and she lets out a yelp. Before I can even blink, Peyton shoots up out of her dead sleep. She's up on her feet standing behind the couch before I even realize she moved. Haley looks just as startled as I feel at the quick movement. I glance back and see the look on Peyton's face. She looks totally freaked out and like she's going to bolt at the slightest sound. I can just look at her and see how tense her body is, literally ready to run at any second. Haley must notice this too as she gingerly steps down onto both feet and holds her hands out apologetically.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" She rushes out quickly. "I was just going to leave, and I bumped the table. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

Peyton is still staring at her but she takes a deep breath and nods her head, looking visibly shaken still.

"Haley was just here talking to me Peyt. It's okay." I gently say, trying to help calm her.

She runs a hand through her hair, nodding again and closing her eyes. She opens them and looks between both of us, blushing slightly. "Yea. It's okay. Um, I'm sorry. I'm just- uh, easily spooked in my sleep." She crosses her arms and looks self conscious. I have to fight myself to not take her in my arms right then and there. She's adorable.

Haley shoots her a smile over my head and tries to lighten the mood. "That's alright. I sleep walk. You should see some of the stuff I've woken up to find myself doing. I always manage to scare myself awake somehow." She laughs at herself, to which I join, remembering a few times I myself saw the aftermath of a Haley James Scott sleep walking event. This apparently calms the newest blonde, as she lets out a small smile.

It gets awkwardly quit for a moment, before Peyton clears her throat. She looks between Haley and me again, asking, "so, what were you talking about? Anything important? I can go in the other room if you needed to discuss something."

I speak up, a little too loudly in my rush to speak, "no! Um, it's nothing like that. We were just talking about dinner." I finish out awkwardly, realizing my over eagerness.

Haley takes over for me though. "I was just letting her know that everyone else was planning on having dinner at our cabin tonight. I wasn't sure if you two would want to hang out for another day or two or come join the gang..." Haley trails off, obviously trying to milk the blonde for information.

"Oh, well, whatever Brooke wants to do."

"Um, no. What do you want to do? We could stay here or whatever. We don't have to hangout with everyone. If you don't want to." I tell her, looking directly at her. She looks uncomfortable and I think for a quick second. "Or, if you, ya know, want some time alone, I could go and you could stay. I mean, a lot has happened the last couple of days. I'd get it if you wanted a break from me..." I try to keep the disappointment out of my voice at the very idea of it.

She looks up at me then, gazing deep into my eyes. I swear it's like she's looking into my soul. She surprises me when she speaks.

"Actually, I was thinking everyone could come over here? I could make dinner. I mean, aren't you the one with the kid? You shouldn't have to make the whole bunch a big dinner."

"Oh!" Haley says, just as shocked as myself. "Are you sure?" She asks Peyton, but she eyes me. I shrug my shoulders, wondering where the blonde was going. Hey, if she was okay with it, I was just gonna roll with her. Whatever pace she's comfortable with.

"Yea, it'll be nice to actually meet everybody. I mean, we are all here on vacation right? You're like Brooke's family, so I'm sure we are gonna see a lot of each other." She smiles at Haley, and misses my proud smile. I was so excited to see her coming out of her shell.

"Great! Oh, I'm Haley by the way! You'll meet the rest of my family later. They're a hoot!" Haley leans over the couch to shake hands with Peyton, a huge friendly grin on her face.

"Peyton Sawyer, Brooke's new maid." I let out an aggravated hum and give her a pointed look. "Or, um, her new friend." She corrects, to which I smile. She just rolls her eyes at my reaction.

Haley keeps her bright smile, now extremely energetic. "Well, Peyton Sawyer, it's awesome to meet you! And, I can't wait for dinner now! I'm gonna go ahead and let Nate know we're off the hook for cooking. He'll be so excited to not be stuck on dish duty. So I'll see you ladies tonight!" She says as she makes her way to the door. She's almost out, when she turns back. "Oh, Peyton, what time should everyone be here?"

"Dinner should be done by 7, if that's alright." She answers confidently.

Haley grins and nods, "perfect. Bye ladies!"

I watch the door shut and immediately turn to the blonde. I eye her before questioning. "Are you sure?" I don't even bother to clarify, knowing she'll understand what I'm referring to.

"Yes." Her voice has a tone of finality. "I was serious Brooke. They're obviously important to you, and as kind of a person as you are, to be like that with them, I figure they must be pretty special themselves. And if they're special to you, then they matter to me."

"Peyton-" I breathe out. My emotions coming over me and catching me off guard at her words.

"I'm serious Brooke. You've already done too much for me. I'd like to at least be like what you said...you know, friends. And any friend of yours is a friend of mine. I at least owe you that much. Honor of the street."

Her last sentence confuses me a little, but before I can ask her about it, she's turned around and heading towards the back of the cabin.

"You better start getting ready!" She calls back to me.

"What?"

She comes back just enough to stick her head around the wall she had disappeared behind. "You, little miss, have to take me to the store. I have a dinner to make, and I'll be damned if I serve up grilled cheese for the first time I meet your friends."

I smirk to myself, getting up and moving to clean myself up and change into new clothes. I keep it to myself, but I'm glowing. Wether Peyton realized it or not, she sounded like a nervous girlfriend trying to impress my family that she's meeting for the first time. Oh, if only...


	13. Getting to Know You

Okay, again I am sorry for the wait. I was trying to plan out what all I wanted to happen in this chapter. I know things probably aren't accurate with how foster care works and I apologize if that bothers anyone but this is how I need to use it to make it work in this story. Otherwise I hope you enjoy! And don't forget to review!

Brooke moaned as she followed her nose into the kitchen. She had just been finishing getting ready as Peyton was finishing up dinner. It was a little after 6:30 and they were expecting the gang to come anytime now. Taking one last look at herself in the reflection of one of the cabin windows, she applauded herself for making sure to look good for Peyton tonight. Of course if anyone asked, she just wanted to look good since it was their first 'official' vacation dinner. She smoothed down her silky chocolate locks, checking that her smoky eyes and red lipstick were still perfect. The red knit turtleneck sweater looked cozy and fashionable all at the same time. The sleek Clothes Over Bros jeans she wore with it made the outfit casual but still sexy.

The brunette glided into the kitchen, surprisingly unnoticed by the blonde. She took the opportunity to check out her new roomie. Dark golden curls fell over the slim woman's shoulders. Peyton had decided to wear one of the new sweatshirts Brooke had gotten her. The tight gray sweater vest looked good on the blonde. The attached hood made it look cute and the white long sleeves of the blonde's undershirt made it look more casual. The vest was also long enough to just cover the woman's jean clad butt, almost giving it a short dress like appearance. The whole outfit showed off the blonde's slender form and really brought out the delicious curves of her supple body. The brunette licked her lips as she had to admit that the blonde definitely cleaned up nice.

Grabbing a couple bottles of wine out of the storage cabinet in the kitchen, she snuck up behind the blonde. Sidling up beside her, the brunette settled herself to lean against the counter, sparkling green eyes immediately moving to meet her own. Smiling towards the other woman, she started speaking to her.

"So, which wine should we serve with dinner? I'd be able to pick myself, but somebody wouldn't tell me what they were cooking..." She gives a sly smile and playful glare.

Peyton rolls her eyes but smiles kindly. "Well, I'm not too sure. I'm not too much of a wine connoisseur, but I'm not sure any wine will go with this too well. I didn't realize that it was supposed to be that kind of dinner." She finishes, sounding nervous now.

Feeling bad for obviously making the blonde worry about her choices, she reassures, "no, no. I'm sure whatever you make will be just fine. Trust me, my friends are happy to eat any food that they don't have to cook themselves. It'd be pretty hard to disappoint them. And usually we don't. We aren't big wine drinkers, some of them don't really even drink it at all actually. Haley and Lindsay just like to have a glass now and then. Me too, but I could drink a nice glass of wine anytime, regardless of what it comes with. The guys usually get beers and Rachel, well I never know what the flavor of the night is with that girl. And Millie doesn't drink. So really, don't worry about it. And besides, I do know wines, well, I know enough anyway. Just tell me what you're making."

"Um, okay, if you're sure. I hope everybody likes what I made. I don't want to leave anyone hungry..."

The brunette chuckles at this. "Peyt, it's fine really. So... What are ya making anyway?" The bubbly girl plays it up with an overly sweet smile.

Peyton cracks a smile and shakes her head slightly, relaxing again. "Well, I went with what I know best. It's down home southern cooking. Homemade double breaded fried chicken, baked Mac n cheese, home redskin mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, boiled corn on the cob, butter and bread rolls, and I made some tea. There's sweet and unsweet. I hope that's okay..."

"That sounds delicious. When you said you could cook I didn't know you meant totally from scratch like that. What are you, a secret down home southern country girl?" Brooke asked, completely amazed at the blonde before her.

Peyton smirked. "Something like that."

The doorbell going off cut the conversation short. Brooke went to let all of her friends in and get them settled as Peyton started to set up the food. Shortly after everyone got in the cabin and rid themselves of their coats and snow covered boots, they were sitting at the table as Brooke and Peyton moved all of the food onto the dining room table. Finally everyone sat down and dug in. Just as everyone was settling into their plates, Haley grumbled and raised her hand a little, getting everyone's attention as she swallowed her bite of food.

Haley: oh, okay. So first off, this food is delicious and thank you for it. But I just realized you never actually got introduced to everyone!

Brooke: oh my god, Hales you're right. Oh, I'm sorry Peyt. Ok, so everyone, this is Peyton Sawyer, my new friend and roomie. Welcome her into the family because if I have it my way she's gonna be hanging around for quite awhile!

*she gives a sideways smile to Peyton who is blushing beside her. If only she knew what I really meant by that, Brooke thinks to herself*

Everyone nods and says jumbled hellos to Peyton and she gives a small awkward wave back.

Brooke: Okay Peyton. So the redhead is Rachel. Baldy here is Antwon, but we just call him Skills. The pretty one in glasses is my amazing friend and assistant, Millicent. That's her boyfriend, Mouth, next to her. The blonde couple is Lucas and Lindsay. And last but not least is Naley. Nathan and you've met Haley. And then of course, my handsome little nephew and godson, Jamie."

Peyton: it's nice to meet all of you. And it's an honor to meet you, little mister. You're aunt has told me again and again how amazing you are!

Everyone smiles at the blonde and Jamie's face lights up.

Jamie: Aunt Brooke is pretty awesome herself. And that's okay, she tells everyone else how cool she thinks you are. She always says how much she likes you.

It's Brooke's turn to blush as Peyton's face turns surprised before smiling again.

Peyton: Well, I like her too, so I think we're even there.

Jamie: I like you too! *the little boy lets out a brilliant smile that everyone else can't help but copy. He turns to his aunt Brooke.* Aunt Brooke, I really like Peyton. Can we keep her?"

Everyone has to fight not to bust out laughing at that. Skills almost chokes on his beer and Haley looks thoroughly embarrassed.

Nathan: Ugh, Jamie, it doesn't really work like that.

Brooke: She's not a puppy jimmy jam. She's a grown woman, and if she wants to leave than she can. That's her right as a person. It's completely up to her.

Jamie: Will you stay, please please please Peyton! I really like you and I just know we'd have a lot of fun together! And I know you'd like me too and aunt Brooke! I can ask aunt Brooke to be extra nice to you! I'm sure I can get her to give you an extra scoop of ice cream like she does for me! It could be super cool. And between us, daddy, uncle Lucas, and uncle skills are getting kind of boring...

Skills, Nate, Lucas: HEY! *they laugh as they all say indignantly*

Jamie: Sorry! So? Please Peyton!?

Peyton: Well, I don't know about forever, but I know I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon.

The curly blonde is the only one who misses Brooke's small smile at those words.

Jamie: Yay! *he cheers, throwing his hands up into the air*

Haley: Alright, alright. Calm down and eat your dinner. Peyton worked really hard on it.

Lucas: And it's delicious by the way. What brands did you use?

Brooke: Actually, it's all made from scratch. * she says excitedly with a smile, watching Peyton's shy smile come back.*

Lindsay: Really!? Wow, where'd you learn to cook like this?

Peyton: Um, well actually. It was an old friend of mine that taught me. She was kind of like a grandmother to me for a couple of years...

Mouth: What happened to her?

Peyton: She passed away when I was 15.

Millicent: Aw, I'm sorry. How long had you known her?

Peyton: Hmm, I think I was 12 or 13 the first time she found me. She took me in for the night and ended up showing me how to bake this dessert she had been working on. Ever since then we had hit it off. I'd come back there a lot, almost every day at one point and she'd show me how to cook something and then we'd sit down and eat.

Lindsay: Weren't your parents worried about you running off to some stranger's house?

Peyton: Well, actually, my parents left me when I was young. My mom died when I was little and my dad left me in foster care...

Mouth: Oh, so this woman was one of your foster homes then?

Peyton: Well, no. I was just kinda on my own by then...

Brooke could tell the blonde was getting very uncomfortable with this conversation and even though she really wanted to know more about it, she didn't want to make the blonde retreat back into herself. Deciding to save the blonde, she tried to switch topics.

Brooke: So, where are you originally from then?

Peyton: Um, well I was born in Detroit. I was there until I was about 10...

Skills: Damn skinny girl, Detroit?! That's rough.

Rachel: wait, if you're from the worst part of Michigan, how'd you end up all the way down south?

Nathan: And how'd you get all the way to Cali to the hotel?

Peyton: *shifting uncomfortably in her seat. She tries not to let her nervousness show but she was worried about what they would think once they knew about her past. Especially Brooke.* Um, well foster care. That's how I ended up down south. I, uh, was kinda back and forth between foster care and living on the streets when I was in Detroit. For some reason, they just decided to move me...I guess. That, um, that wasn't very uncommon. Detroit had a lot of...um, homeless people already. They moved a lot of kids out of there...

Haley: *sounding completely concerned and sympathetic to the blonde* Oh, that must have been hard. I can't imagine having to move away from the only place you've known like that. So did you at least find a permanent home down south?

Peyton: Um, no, not really. I still got bounced around a lot...

Rachel: But you were around this cooking woman for like two years?

Peyton: I, ugh, I was back on the streets when I met her...and the system in Louisiana was a little more loose. They didn't see a reason to move me again until she died.

Lucas: Where'd you end up after that?

Peyton: I, um, I just kinda took off. I ended up in Georgia and stayed there for awhile. That's where I met Jay. He's, uh he's the guy I said bye to at the hotel.

Skills: So y'all decided to take off to Cali together?

Peyton: no. Not really. He left Atlanta when we were 17. I didn't end up in California until I was 18 and I was there because a friend of mine was taking a chance and trying out for an audition. When we got there we ended up splitting up and I was kinda stuck out there. I, um, was pretty much back on the streets when I ran into Jay again. He got me the job at the hotel and I just never really left. I knew I wouldn't have been able to go anywhere else.

Haley: So, since you were moving around so much, where did you get to graduate high school from?

Peyton: uh, well, I uh, I never really did...I dropped out in middle school. The foster home I was in at the time wouldn't take any of us to school. They said they were homeschooling us, but they just...didn't. We never really got back on track after that. * Peyton was staring at her food as she spoke, afraid to look up and see pity or disgust in their eyes.*

The skinny blonde did look up in surprise though when she felt a warm hand wrap around the one of her own that was sitting in her lap, tightly clenching the hem of her sweater in nervousness.

Brooke: *leaning over to whisper in her ear* I am sorry that all happened to you. *she leans back and speaks regularly, a tone of finality in her voice, letting the others know it's time to drop it and stop asking the poor girl so many personal questions* But, you're running with us now. So you can bet your sweet ass you won't have to worry about any of that anymore, or anything else for that matter.

Peyton only gives a small emotional smile to the strong brunette that she's come to find herself having an immense amount of respect for in just the last 36 hours.

Brooke: So, seeing as how you basically got kidnapped by a bunch of strangers, I'm sure you want to know more about us too. Feel free to ask any questions you want Peyton. We're all friends here. They won't bite.

Peyton: Um, okay. Well, how do y'all know each other anyway?

Lucas: Well, it's pretty funny actually, because except for Millie and Lindsay, the rest of us are actually from the same small town. We all grew up together.

Peyton: Really?

Brooke: Yup, good old Tree Hill, North Carolina. Most of us even started our careers there.

Nathan: Yup, I was doing basketball ever since I was a kid. I was a star player in high school and got my full ride to college. A couple scouts found me in college, they had recognized me from my high school team, the ravens and I went pro from there. Plus Haley and I got together in high school. She was my tutor and eventually I won her over. We got married and had Jamie by the time we graduated.

Haley: Don't let him fool you. He was a classic jock when I met him. He finally just realized what a jackass he was being and turned into the guy I always knew he could be. And I actually did my tour in high school. I had my little spurt of fame with singing, but in the end I just knew it wasn't right. I wanted to be home with Nathan and now I'm happier than ever and I love my teaching job. I guess I'm still right back where I was in high school, teaching everyone else.

The gang laughed at that and Peyton finally let herself relax some again. She was more than happy to not be the center of attention anymore. Plus, she was genuinely starting to find these people interesting. Their dynamic was intriguing to the new girl.

Lucas: And I started writing my first book while I was in high school. It didn't get published until a year after I graduated, but still. And that was when I met my beautiful wife, Lindsay. She was my editor and we ended up getting together on my first book tour. She came with to show how t handle the first couple stops. It just kinda went from there.

Lindsay: Best decision of my life was taking that chance on a small town boy and his little book. *the couple shares a small kiss and smile to one another*

Skills: And ya know skinny, I was on that star b-ball team too in high school. Don't let Scott here fool ya. I was number two, I just went with tutor mom's idea and started coaching instead of playing. I'm still looking for a new team though. I gave up on the ones I had last season. Too much attitude.

Peyton: Tutor mom?

Haley: That's Brooke's crazy nickname for me. I went from tutor girl, to tutor wife, to tutor mom? She has one for everyone, as I'm sure you've figured out by know. You'll learn them all eventually. Oh and those couple nicknames she does.

Peyton: Oh, like Naley?

Brooke: See, you catch on quick! You'll be able to speak fluent B. Davis before you even know it! I knew you were smart P. Sawyer!

The gang smiles at the display, but the two girls only look at each other as they share a smile.

Brooke: Well, moving on, I was actually captain of the cheerleading squad and class president. That's actually how I met Rachel and Haley, they were on the squad. And now Rachel is one of my top models for Clothes Over Bros. She helped me start up my designs in high school. All of the gang helped me make them and then I sent them off to this contest in Paris and amazingly enough, I won it. I got to take my designs to the runway and I've just took off since then. I didn't even go to college, all I have is a high school diploma. *she throws in, secretly trying to make Peyton feel better about her own lack of education*

Rachel: Cheerleading, now those were the fun years. So much drama, so little hot boys to go around. Brooke really did us a favor when she came out.

The gang laughed and shook their heads at the inside joke.

Mouth: Oh yea, and I got to announce all of it. I was always the announcer of all of the sports games. I was a total geek, av director, tech guy, all of it. I always dreamed of being a news reporter and now I am!

Peyton: I thought you looked kind of familiar.

Brooke: Oh, so you know mouth but you don't even know my name or Clothes Over Bros? *she says it jokingly but is secretly jealous*

Mouth: Well, it's always nice to know people actually do watch. Well, besides my wonderful Millie! *he smiles at his girlfriend's modest smile*

Millie: I always watch you, just like I always support you. And really, we have Brooke to thank for us getting together. If she hadn't hired me as her assistant back when she first moved to New York, we wouldn't have met.

Mouth: Yup, Brooke Davis, always bringing people together!

The gang all smiled as they enjoyed the conversation and finished eating.

Jamie: Mama, I'm tired.

Nathan: Oh, well it's already past 9, no wonder you're tired. It's way past your bedtime.

Skills: *Yawning* yo! I think it might be past my bedtime too. Skinny girl's food is about to put me to sleep. It was just too good!

Everyone laughed and agreed. Seeing as it was late, everyone helped clean up the food and moved out towards their own cabins for the night. It was 10:00 by the time Brooke and Peyton were left alone. Brooke turned to the blonde and wrapped her in a hug. Peyton was caught off guard but slowly moved her arms around the brunette to hug her back.

"Thanks for tonight. And I'm sorry if they made you uncomfortable at all. They're just a little curious." She says as she leans back to look Peyton in the eyes, still holding her around the waist.

"Oh, uh, it's okay. It's understandable that they'd have questions."

"So, I think that's enough seriousness for today. Now, I have a surprise for you! So turn around and close your eyes!"

Not getting a chance to protest, Brooke spun Peyton around and held onto her shoulders as she led her through the cabin. Soon, they stopped and Brooke told Peyton to open her eyes. She did and was confused to see that they were standing in a huge bedroom. It was all done up to look homey and comfortable. The room had reds and greens all over, covered in woodsy Christmas themes. The king size bed was built in logs and had a dark see through canopy. The sheets were maroon and looked extremely inviting and warm. The night stands, dressers, and vanity were all also made out of log and fit the woodsy look. A huge fuzzy rug covered most of the center of the wood floor. It was altogether well finished but also still looked to have a lot of space. She could also see a huge walk in closet, where all of the bags of clothes she had bought yesterday were now sitting

Turning around to face the brunette, she let her confusion show. "Um, what is this supposed to be?"

"Do you like it?" The brunette asked excitedly.

"Well, it's a really nice room-

"And it's all yours!" She cut the blonde off.

"What?" Peyton asked, now very confused.

"Well, we are gonna be here all winter. You need to have a room. I was gonna show it to you yesterday but we kinda crashed out on the couch. I even already brought all of your bags in here for you! And you can change it however you want. We can go about and get some new decorations, make it more P. Sawyerish. Whatever you want."

"Brooke, this is. This is too much! I don't- I-"

"You'll accept it and say thank you Brooke. It's not too much. I want you to be comfortable here Peyton. And I'm not doing anything special. I'm just treating you like a person, like you should have been all your life."

"Thank you," she says, full of emotion.

Brooke comes forward to hug her again before stepping away from her. "Okay, now go to bed blondie! I have plans for us tomorrow and you're going to need your energy!" She bounces out if the room over to the next bedroom to get some sleep herself.

Both girls fall into their beds, amazed at how today went and lost in thoughts of exact other. The last thing they whisper to themselves as they fall asleep is "wow."


	14. Snow Day

So, like I said I'm determined to get these stories going again. Sorry for the long pause. Hope you all enjoy this chapter. Hint: next chapter will contain some hardcore breyton fluff and maybe move them into an actual relationship! Wait and see, hopefully I will have it up in the next two weeks at most! Thanks for all the continued support! And don't forget to REVIEW! I do love them!

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"Are you sure? I don't want to ruin whatever plans you two had for today..." Haley rambled out unsurely.

"Really Hales, it's fine. I was just planning on showing Peyton some of the fun things to do around here." Brooke told her.

"Oh, Jamie won't keep you from doing anything right?"

"No, we might skip out on skiing now, but I'm not totally sure she'd be up for it anyway. Really Haley, it's fine. We can keep the little guy for the day. Besides, I have a feeling he'll be happy to spend the day with his apparently new favorite person." The women laughed at that.

"Yea, he was really hyped up about her after dinner last night. It was cute. I've never seen him take so easily to someone. He even told me how worried he was when he was getting into bed. He was upset for her because of her old families and was going on and on about how he was gonna cheer her up. He was bouncing off the walls after we told him he might spend the day with you two."

"Aw, that kid of yours. He's too sweet. You and Nate did really good with him. And I'm with him there. I just want her to be happy, especially after finding all of that out last night."

"Oh, I know. I felt horrible bringing it up and all. I mean, the poor girl looked like she was gonna bolt. But, we just had to know. She's still a stranger Brooke. You don't really know anything about her, especially since she's had such a rough past...and something tells me she wasn't even scraping the surface with what she DID tell us. Just...be careful, okay? I know you love helping, but it's not worth your OWN life..."

Right as Brooke was about to reply they heard Jamie scream. Both of them took off down the hall without a second thought. They skidded to a stop at Peyton's open door, Brooke in front. The women froze in the doorway at the sight before them.

Peyton and Jamie were both on the blonde's bed, tangled in the red comforter and rolling around. Jamie ended up on bottom and trapped between the woman's arms as she used them to keep her body off the young boy. Jamie squealed again and writhed as Peyton blew raspberries on his stomach. His hands grabbed for her hair, making her bed head even more apparent. The two broke apart as Peyton leaned up and away from Jamie. He moved to tackle her, grabbing around her stomach. Peyton dramatically flopped backwards, pretending to be trapped beneath the little boy as he tickled her. Jamie's high pitched squeals and giggles mixed with the blonde's playful cries for help. After a minute of tickling her, he stopped, demanding that she say boys rule and girls drool. Peyton went blank faced and the smile on the little boys face faded at her sudden seriousness. Suddenly, the blonde said seriously, "never." And reached up to grab a pillow, lightly hitting the boy with it. He screamed again and fell backwards, laughing all the way. Peyton took the chance to roll over and get on her hands and knees. Jamie was quick to jump on her back though and she flopped back down, groaning as if taken down by his weight. He stole the fluffy weapon and hit Peyton over the head.

The two continued to laugh and roll around as Brooke looked back over to meet Haley's gaze.

"Yea, she's really dangerous." The brunette said sarcastically. "I think we'll be just fine tutor mom."

"She is really good with him..." The other blonde amended as she watched this new mystery woman with her son. She smiled, hoping her optimistic side was right about this woman. "Okay, let me just break this up to tell my son goodbye. Then he's all yours for the day." The two laughed again.

"Alright you two, break time. Mama needs a goodbye kiss. And Peyton would probably like a chance to get up, since I'm guessing you ran in here and woke her up." The little boy looked bashful as he jumped off the bed and ran to his mother. The three women laughed as he grumbled about his mother embarrassing him. Mother and son exited the room and Brooke made her way over to sit on the messy bed with the equally messy haired blonde.

"Sorry he woke you up, he was just really excited to see you."

"It's fine. I'm used to little kids running around. And he's too cute to not just go along with." The two shared a smile.

"Well, I'm glad you think so. Nathan has decided to take Haley away for the day so Jamie's ours to watch til at least dinner. I hope you don't mind. We can still go out and do everything I had planned."

"I don't mind. Everything is more interesting with a five year old around right?"

Brooke smiled again, happy the blonde was willing to roll with the new plan. "Okay then. So why don't you go ahead and get dressed, while you still can. He's probably gonna be glued to you all day. And make sure to dress warm, and don't forget your coat. We are gonna be outside a lot today."

The brunette then left the blonde alone to get ready for the day.

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"And then the ballon exploded, and went BANG!"

The women laughed at Jamie's enthusiastic story telling. He carried his hot chocolate in both gloved hands and walked in between the two women. Brooke sipped on her coffee as Peyton drank her tea. The warm drinks helped ward off the cold as the trio walked down the cleared sidewalk of the downtown area. They had already been on a zip line bus to get a view of the mountains, had tried their hand at ice skating, watched ice sculptures being made, and had ate lunch at a small, warm bistro.

Brooke thought the day couldn't have been going any better. It had been absolutely adorable to watch Jamie and Peyton interact all day. The brunette couldn't believe how good she was with him. Jamie was as in love with the blonde as Brooke herself was.

The two had taken turns pointing out anything and everything on the zip line tour. It was a contest on who was more amazed. At one point the bus was full enough that Peyton had simply picked Jamie up and sat him in her lap so they could still discuss the view. Brooke was squashed in beside Peyton. At one point Jamie had squealed out that there was a moose. Her travel buddies practically had their noses pressed to the glass to watch the moose walk further down the mountain. Peyton had looked over to Brooke and grabbed her hand, excitedly rushing out, "Brooke, look! You have to see this! It amazing! He's so big!" Before she turned back to the window, listening to Jamie ramble about what to name him. Brooke had only glanced down to the moose, choosing instead to keep her eyes on her two favorite people.

It was an old woman sitting next to her that broke her from the trance. "You have a beautiful family there darling. Your wife and son are just adorable." The old woman said gently with a smile.

Glancing back at the two, Brooke could only smile and reply, "yea, they really are..."

Ice skating had been funny if nothing else. Jamie had been scared to even touch the ice, demanding that Peyton go first. Brooke had tried to show him it was fun and easy but he only wanted to see the blonde do it. Putting her own uneasiness aside, Peyton had slapped on her rented ice skates and marched right out onto the ice. Sadly enough, the second her blade hit the frozen water, she lost her balance and fell flat down on her butt. Brooke giggled before fighting to hold it in. Jamie hadn't been so modest and flat out laughed at the surprised and offended look on the blonde's face. Smirking, Peyton had challenged him. "Oh, and you think you can do so much better?"

Jamie had quieted down after that and Brooke helped Peyton stand again. She stayed standing between the open entry to the ice rink, between Peyton who was holding onto the wall for dear life and Jamie who still looked scared.

"C'mon Jamie, it's not that bad. It's even a little fun. I'll be sad if you don't come with me." Peyton had told him over the short wall. That had apparently done it and the little boy moved to enter the rink with help from his aunt. He hesitated last minute before looking back up at the women, "but what if I fall?" He whispered out.

"Then we'll help you back up. And you'll laugh it off." The blonde said in a completely sure voice.

Seemingly reassured, the boy slowly made his way onto the ice. Eventually, he ended up attached to the blonde's leg closest to the wall, and she attached to the wall. Peyton was slow and careful with her movements, being sure not to lose her balance and to help the boy keep his. Brooke followed along right behind them, ready to catch either of them if they fell. The brunette was patient with them both as they made the slow trip, only managing to make one full round in the rink within half an hour. She never even mentioned or motioned that she was an excellent skater or offered to remove either of them from the other to show them how to skate, or lead them for a round. She was perfectly content waiting them out, letting them go about it how they were comfortable, just sitting back and supporting them. She warded off a few nasty looks sent their way and moved to stand a little closer to Peyton's side when someone would skate a little too close to the pair.

After only about another two rounds that were only slightly faster than the first, the two blondes had decided they had enough skating. They were on their way to find lunch when they ran across the ice sculptures. Peyton was the one who noticed them, asking Jamie if he had ever seen any. Shortly after, the three found themselves stopped and looking through the variety of sculptures set out. A man had come out of the neighboring building and asked if they were interested in any. After discussing for a few moments, they had went back to browsing. Brooke had snuck away from the pair to pay of the man to make a new one for them to watch. The two blondes had been enamored with the process, and Brooke watched their reactions with a secret pride. She patted herself on the back for the good idea and when the two were officially amazed at the end product, which ended up being a nice bear, she corralled them over to a near by cafe for lunch.

All in all, Brooke was happy with the way the day had gone. They were now heading back through a park area to drink their warm beverages before heading back to the cabin. Jamie had finished first and had gotten bored of sitting on the neck waiting for the women to finish their's. He disappeared behind the two before a snowball hit Peyton square in the back of the head. Both women squealed as the cold snow bursted onto both of them. They turned around just in time to dodge the next one.

"You little sneak!" Brooke laughed as she moved to dodge another ball.

"That's it, get him!" Peyton laughed as the two ran to catch the small boy. That's how they managed to find themselves in a snowball fight in the middle of the park. The trio was laughing and having a blast until a stray snowball hit a man walking by on the sidewalk. Both women got serious and went to apologize but before they could reach him he grabbed Jamie who was standing closest to the sidewalk.

The man pulled him by the arm and Jamie yelled in fear.

"Hey, you little brat! What the hell do you think you're doing!?"

Brooke charged towards the man to get him off of her nephew, but Peyton barreled past her and slammed her hands onto his chest, gripping his coat and shoving him back. "HEY!" She shouted in a voice Brooke could barely believe came from the tiny girl.

In his surprise, the man had released Jamie's arm and the boy fell back into the snow. Brooke immediately moved to check on him, wrapping her arms protectively around him and watching the blonde face off with the man.

"Back off bitch! Someone needs to teach that kids some manners!"

"You leave him alone! He's a child!it was an accident! What the hell is wrong with who!? Who attacks a five year old!?"

"Shut the fuck up, you don't know shit!" The burly man hollered, getting in the blonde's face.

Peyton didn't back down and only leaned in even further, pointing her finger in his face and telling him off. "BACK OFF!" She said strongly once again as a last warning.

The man reached up and slapped her across the face, causing her to take a step back as her face was thrown to the side slightly. Brooke screamed out Peyton's name, but the blonde only took the step forward again just as quickly as she had been moved back and laid her fist straight into the man's nose. He went down groaning and at this point two other men and another family had run over to stop the commotion. The men gathered up the attacker and held him while the police were called. Brooke had come up beside Peyton as the mother of the family checked on her. Peyton turned to face Brooke and immediately asked if Jaime was okay.

"He's fine, but are you. That guy was huge. There's no way you didn't feel that. God, your eye is already red." She spoke as she used the hand that wasn't holding Jaime on her hip to touch the blonde's cheek. The woman flinched before she smiled back, trying to calm Brooke's worrying.

Eventually, the three made it back to the cabin, although later than expected. Brooke had decided to just grab to go food and settle everyone down on the couch to unwind from the park incident. Jaime was stuck to Peyton before, now he flat out refused to leave her side. It was a fight to get him to leave her alone to take a trip to the bathroom even. He had calmed down though and eventually crashed out on top of Peyton on the couch. They had been watching a Winnie the Pooh movie when the doorbell went off. Brooke went to go get it, since Peyton was held down.

"Hey guys," Brooke answered tiredly.

"Hey, you sound tired." Haley noticed immediately.

"I hope he wasn't too much today. It means a lot that you took him." Nathan through in, worried that his son gave the women a hard time.

"What? No, he was a dream. Him and Peyton had a blast today. I'm sure he'll tell you all about it tomorrow."

"That's great! I hope she didn't mind?" Haley said.

"Oh no. I think she had just as much fun as he did. But, uh, there was one incident..."

"What?" Nathan asked slowly, picking up on Brooke's nervous tone.

"Well, we had a snowball fight at the park, and Jaime accidentally hit this guy that was walking by. The guy lost it and grabbed him-"

"Oh god, is he okay!?" Haley asked jumping to move into the living room.

"Haley, he's fine! Calm down! He might have a bruise in his arm from the guy grabbing him but, well I went to go get Jaime away from him and Peyton ran past me."

"So what happened?" Haley asked.

"Well, Peyton grabbed the guy and shoved him back. He let go of Jamie and then her and the guy kinda got into it. He kept trying to come at Jamie and she stopped him. He hit her-"

"Is she okay?" Nathan asked concerned.

"Her cheek is bruised pretty badly. The guy was huge. But after he hit her she came right back at him and decked him. He hit the ground just like that. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it."

"Seriously? Peyton, skinny little twig Peyton, knocked some guy out?" Haley asked surprised.

"Yup, and when other people came to sit on the guy she immediately checked on Jaime. He was a little shook up over it. Wouldn't leave her side after that."

"So...she protected our son?" Haley asked for clarification.

"Like the very best of them. Nathan couldn't of done the guy in any better himself." Brooke assured.

The parents of the boy shared a look before nodding and thanking Brooke. They moved in to collect their son, Nathan managed to get the sleeping boy off off the woman and thanked her for taking care of his son. She nodded and moved along with them to the door. In the light, Haley caught the bruise already forming on Peyton's cheek, just below her left eye.

"Oh, Peyton! That looks horrible!"

"It's fine, really. You just go home and take care of that boy of yours." She assured as they all wished each other goodnight.

Finally alone, Brooke pulled Peyton into her arms and whispered into her ear, "thank you."

"For what?" The blonde asked as she pulled away.

"Just...for being so amazing."

Peyton blushed and threw Brooke for a reel. It amazed the brunette that the shy girl blushing at a compliment is the same strong woman from earlier who had taken down a man five times her size.

"Well, I'm kind of tired." The blonde lamely said as she excused herself to her bedroom, wishing Brooke a goodnight.

"Yea, goodnight Peyton. Sleep well baby..." She whispered out as she watched the mysterious woman disappear down the hall.


	15. Bad Dreams and Breakthroughs

So here's the next chapter. As promised, there is a major step up in the breyton relationship! Hope you all enjoy it, a lot is going to be changing for the girls from here on out. Also, I do believe I did make it in the two week time frame. Next up is The Pretender! Might do a new chapter for Date Nights too.

In the meantime, I hope you all enjoy this chapter and don't forget to REVIEW! Happy Easter!

Oooooooooooooo

Brooke POV

I sighed and rolled over for the hundredth time that night. I've been laying in this bed for almost two hours and I still can't seem to fall asleep. Thoughts of the mysterious blonde laying in the next room over are clouding my mind. I still can't get over how great today was. Peyton had been so amazing with Jamie, and the way she took up for him. Plus she seemed to really enjoy herself. I'm so glad I could give her a good day.

It still bothers me about what all happened in her past. I can only imagine all the things that she went through that she wasn't willing to tell us about...it makes me wonder. What did she mean she was used to having little kids around? Was it when she was in foster homes or on the streets? What happened to her on the streets? What did those people that were supposed to care for her in those homes do to her? How the hell did she take that punch like it was nothing? Why is she even able to hit that damn hard? I can't stand not knowing.

And damn it, I want to. I want to know everything about her. I want her to tell me everything. Her past, how she feels, what scares her, what makes her happy. I wanna be that person for her, the one that gives her everything. I can't help this feeling, this wanting that I have towards her. There's just something about her...it makes me want to wrap her up in my arms and never let go.

My thoughts are broken by what I could swear was a yell. It sounded muffled though, and I sit up in bed, listening for it again. It comes again, and I get up from my plush mattress, unwrapping myself from the cranberry comforter quietly so as not to alarm whoever it is that is here. I grab the baseball bat that's hidden under the bed, thanks to Nathan, and slowly make my way out into the pitch black hallway. I catch a glimpse of a clock that's across the cabin in the kitchen, seeing that it's 12:47 in the morning. I slide along the wall, trying not to let my fear show and focus instead on getting into Peyton's room to check on her. I have to make sure she was okay.

I just started to push her door open at a dead man's pace when I heard it again, much closer this time. I jumped out of my skin when I heard the muffled groaning holler echo from inside the blonde's room, accidentally pushing the door completely open, causing it to slam into the wall with a bang. In my surprise, I had managed to drop the bat, almost screaming myself when it landed solidly on my foot. I leaned against the door jam, biting my lip and holding my foot when that horrible noise sounded once more. Snapping my gaze up, I realized it was Peyton herself that was making that god awful scream.

She tossed violently in her bed, groaning again as she curled up in a ball. Her legs kicked back out with enough force to shake the bed and she flipped back onto her back. Seeing how uneasy she was, I forgot about the pain in my foot and moved to stand at her bedside. As if she knew someone was in the room, she turned to face me, crying out in a harsh whisper. After flicking on her bedside lamp, I immediately took in the tear streaks running down her face.

Without a second thought, I sat on the bed and pulled her head onto my lap. Wrapping my arm around her back, I cradled her to me and whispered to her. "Shh, baby girl. It's okay. You're okay. I've got you. Nothing's gonna hurt you. Shhh sweetie. I won't let anything hurt you." I ran my free hand through her messy curls. I moved a stray curl from her sweaty forehead and watched helplessly as she continued to pant and sob in her sleep. Trying a different tactic, I moved my hand to her tear ridden face and wiped at the wetness on her cheek before gently tapping it. "C'mon baby. Wake up Peyton. It's okay, just wake up sweetheart. It's just a bad dream."

It seemed to rouse her slightly, but only enough to get her mumbling in her sleep. "Mhm...no...please! Don't! Don't touch-" was all she managed to get out before her heavy breaths turned into a more frantic pace. Concerned that she'd somehow choke up on the air in her sleep, I shouted to the hyperventilating woman, "PEYTON!"

That seemed to get through to her as her eyes snapped open and she jumped back from me, at least as much as she could with my arm still firmly around her back. I watched a horror stricken look come over her face for a split second as her eyes met my own. She seemed to have stopped breathing completely for that second, but before I could do anything else she let it all out. A huge rush of air left her in a semi-sob as threw herself back in my arms. Not too sure what to do, I simply held her. Rubbing her back and repeating some more comforting words in an attempt to calm her from her nightmare. I couldn't help but acknowledge the warm feelings that spread through me as I held her warm body against my own, or how heavenly her hot rugged breath felt against my neck. A satisfaction also came through me as I comforted the girl, being the one to give her a sense of safety and chase away all her pain, even if only for the moment.

I kept waiting for her to pull away as she calmed down. I was sure her walls would come back up. She surprised me though as she only clung to me harder, cuddling even further into me. Deciding to go along with it, I laid us back on the bed, delighted when she only moved to get comfortable at my repositioning. I gave her a few minutes to collect herself, and tried to think of how best to approach the situation. After a little while spent in silence, I spoke out gently, rubbing her back as she still laid against me.

"You wanna talk about it?"

After a couple minutes of nothing, I started to think she wasn't going to answer me. Suddenly though, I heard her sniffle before croaking out, "not really."

I hummed. "Ya know, talking about it might help. Everybody has bad dreams, it's nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about."

"...but what if it's not a bad dream? What if it's a bad memory?"

"Then you should definitely talk about it. When you bottle it up, you let it eat you, from the inside out. Sometimes...sometimes you have to let other people know, so they can understand. And they can help you carry that load."

"What if it makes them hate you though? And- and they realize how worthless you are?" The broken blonde asked in such a small, worried voice, it was absolutely heartbreaking to even hear.

Furrowing my eyebrows, I pulled her closer, as if it was possible, and tucked her face completely into my neck before resting my chin on her golden curls. I kept her pressed to me and firmly let out, "there is nothing in the world that could make me hate you. You're too good of a person Peyton."

"How can you say that? You don't even know me...you don't know any of it..." She said, sounding upset again as she struggled to escape my grip. She managed to move out of my arms and sit up next to me, running her hands through her mop of hair. I followed suit and grabbed her hands, encouraging her to look me in the eyes.

"But I do Peyton. I do know you. I know you're a great person. I can see it in your eyes and in your soul. And even if I couldn't, today would have shown me that. This-" I ran my hand gently over her bruised cheek,"-this is proof of it. I don't have to know everything about you, or about your past. I know you're a good person Peyton Sawyer."

"But-" she tried, only for me to cut her off again.

"No buts. Your tattoo says it itself."

This time the blonde looked at me in surprise. "What?"

"Your tattoos. 'Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future'. And with those angel wings across your shoulders. I'm not sure they could be a more accurate mark for you Peyton."

"When- when did you see my tattoos?" My favorite blonde stumbled out, now sounding embarrassed.

I smirked to myself at the memory. "That day at the pool. When I knocked us both in and you gave me that death glare."

I smiled some as I saw her blush at that. "I am sorry about that. I shouldn't have been such a bitch to you. And that's exactly what I mean. If I was a good person, I wouldn't have acted like that. I mean, it's not like you even did it on purpose and-"

I cut her off again before she could get herself worked up. "You had a perfectly valid reason to be grumpy that day. And it's alright, I still thought you were beautiful, even when you were glaring at me." I only realize what I've said after it's already been done. Cursing myself, I try not to look freaked out and instead decide to hope for the best.

The look on her face isn't giving me much hope though, she looks like she just had the shit scared out of her. "W-wh-what!?" Her breathing picks up, but I notice that her grip on my hands only tightens.

Deciding that since it's already out there, I may as well go with it, I answer back calmly. "You heard me. You're beautiful."

"You-you don't mean that. You can't mean that!" She's starting to freak out and I can't help but feel disappointed at her reaction. Is me liking her really that bad? She's shaking her head now and she completely pulls away, getting off the bed and backing away from me some, as if burned by the very thought of being close to me. She looks like she's about to start crying again, and now feeling bad for upsetting her again, I get up to follow her.

"Peyton, it's okay. Just calm down."

"NO! You don't understand. You CAN'T like me! You can't think those kinds of things about me! I can't ruin you!" She cries out, backing herself up against a wall. Starting to cry again, she slides down it and curls up, arms around her bent knees and hiding her face in them. She looks so small that it shocks me into stillness for a moment. However the confusion comes rushing back and I find myself kneeling right in front of her, hands on her arms, trying to comfort her again.

"Hey, don't cry. I didn't mean to upset you. It's just the truth Peyton, I can't help it. You're beautiful, inside and out." I tell her, completely sincere.

"You can't...I'm not good enough for you...you deserve someone who-"

I cut her off the only way I can think too, and it works. She's shocked silent as I smash my lips over hers. At first I thought she was gonna pull away, even though she really couldn't due to being pinned against the wall. She surprised me though, and kissed me back. The kiss was gentle, yet curious. Simple lips resting against the other's. I pulled back to look at her. Wide, glassy green eyes stared back at me, a contemplating look on her face. I opened my mouth to apologize but the words were stopped as she threw herself at me again. This time she brings our lips together. As soon as I feel her arms wrap around my neck, I move mine to encase her tiny waist. Slowly, giving her time to move away, I open my mouth and gently run my tongue over her bottom lip.

She opens her lips slightly and I let my tongue explore her mouth. I take my time and get to know every inch of her, feeling her tongue rub submissively along my own as I dominate the kiss. She moves one hand to tangle it into my chocolate locks and deepen the kiss, while I let mine smooth over her sides, enjoying the feeling of her curves even through her shirt. A moan escapes her, bringing all kinds of heat into my body as the delicious sound reaches my ears. We finally break apart for air and I finally realize we had moved positions at some point.

I was now sitting on the floor and Peyton was straddling my lap. I kept her close in my arms as we caught our breath. She seemed fine with it and even moved to rest her forehead against my own. I smiled up at her, seeing her eyes closed and how flushed her face looked. I sighed, just enjoying the moment. I was relieved that she stopped being upset, at least for the moment.

"Brooke-" her shaky voice breaks out, but I interrupt before she can turn this into something bad.

"No, Peyton. Just stop and listen to me okay." I make sure her eyes are directed completely on my own before continuing. "I like YOU, Peyton. I want YOU. I don't want someone better. I don't need anyone else. I don't know why, but there's just...there's this pull to you. I just...I feel it. I feel it so, SO deeply. I just want a chance."

She looks at me nervously as I go on. "I just want a chance with you. I want to show you how good life can be. I want to show you love, because I'm not so sure you've gotten to experience that yet. And I want to make you happy, because you deserve that. And before you start, yes. You do deserve that. You deserve so many good things, and you've been through so much bad. And I don't even have a clue about most of it Peyton, but I just, I can just tell. You've been through so much. I just want a chance to give you everything that you really deserve. And it's not because you're a charity case. I just, I feel this concern for you. It's like I loved you from the second I saw you. And I know, I know that feeling Peyton. I had the same thing with Jamie. And yes, it's a totally different kind of love. But just like then, I just...knew. I know I could love you and I know you've never felt it, so I just want a chance. I want you to take a chance and trust me. Let me love you. Just give me that chance Peyton."

I'm crying now as I hold tight onto her, begging for this, for us. I don't understand where this is all coming from, so god only knows what's going on in her head. But I just, I feel this love for her. It's stronger than anything I've ever felt before...this pull to her. It feels so natural and I have no shame in going as far as begging to get it. I just can't keep it in anymore. These feelings have come out of nowhere and consumed me completely after just meeting this girl.

She finally breaks through the haze of my thoughts. Her hands feel warm on my face, tender as she now wipes the tears from my cheeks. The warmth of her lips on my forehead is like my own personal salvation. Her breathing is soft and steady, anchoring me to this moment. "Okay."

Surprised, although I'm not sure if it's more at the sound of her voice, or to what she's actually saying, but I find my gaze shooting up to meet her own once more. The sight of her unguarded emeralds is enough to break through to me and allows me to comprehend what she means as she repeats herself.

"Okay." Suddenly her voice sounds the angels in the heavens themselves.

Not wanting to get ahead of myself, I hold my breath. "Are-are you sure?"

She bites her lip, looking down into my eyes. "Yes...I know...I trust you, Brooke. You've done so much for me. No ones ever really given me the time of day. Not many people have ever really cared. You're such an amazing person. I didn't think people like you existed. And so, you know, I figured, if anybody knows about this love stuff, it's probably you. And um, if I'm, if I'm ever gonna try it out, I think, no, I want it to be with you."

I only look up at her in awe now. The fact that she's letting ME in, this broken girl who's been through so much, trusting me, it means more than anything else I've ever been given. "I guess, what I'm saying is...I don't know the last time I really felt like this. But I just...I trust you Brooke. For some reason, my heart is telling me to just say yes, and for once my head is agreeing. And for the first time in my life, I don't have this feeling like I'm gonna be waiting for the fallout. I just...I feel like I can just TRUST you." She sounds almost relieved as she finishes.

We can only stare into each other's eyes now as we take it all in. Just to be clear though, I speak up. "So...yes?"

"Yes."

We are silent after that as I bring our lips together once more, reveling in the feeling of her and the realization that this was really happening. She was really giving me a chance. She and I could really become WE. This was it...my dream was coming true.


	16. Skiis and Eskimo Kisses

So again, sorry for the wait. Hope nobody has lost interest because of it. Glad to see people still reading this! The favorites and followers always make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! And as always, reviews make my day! And if this chapter seems choppy or a little rough with some mistakes, I'm sorry. I've been squeezing in time to work on it here and there. I've read it over, but you know how a few typos always slip by you. But without further ado, here is the next chapter! Enjoy! (Be looking out for The Pretender to be UD next!)

Ooooooooooooo

Peyton POV (kinda third person)

Snowflakes fell outside like the the quiet words of a poet, blanketing and coming together to create a beautiful layout. The cozy warmth of the log wood cabin beat out the fatal chill of Mother Nature. Tranquil, serene. That was the world at this moment.

BZZZZZZ BZZZZZZZ BZZZZZZZ BZZZZZZZZ *crack!*

Peyton groaned as the alarm clock next to her bed went off, quickly throwing a hand out to beat it into a submissive silence. Green eyes glared into the air as the wonderful feeling of sleep left them. Fighting the feeling of wakefulness, the blonde turned over and cocooned herself in the plush comforter. The odd thought that she didn't remember setting the alarm ran through her mind before she quickly pushed it aside, deciding instead to settle on getting back to sleep.

"Peyton," a husky voice called out.

One emerald eye cracked open at the disturbance.

"Peyton!" The voice sounded again.

Squeezing her eyes shut, the tired woman decided to ignore it and hope that she looked like a bundle of blankets. 'If they can't see me, they won't know I'm here' she thought. It even seemed like it worked as the cabin fell into silence once more.

"PEYTON!" Was called excitedly as a weight jumped on the bed, causing the blonde to bounce. Again, Peyton groaned and rolled over to face the intruder as she began to feel the comforter she was wrapped up in being pulled away from her.

"Whhhaaaaat?" She grumbled out, eyes squeezed shut to avoid the harsh light that was now on in the bedroom.

A giggle was heard somewhere above her before she felt a hand run through her wild curls. Her eyes snapped open at the feeling and she looked to see Brooke kneeled next to her on the bed. Sitting up, the blonde rubbed her eyes and yawned before turning her attention to the brunette.

"Whatsgoin on?" She slurred out, still feeling half asleep.

"It's time to get up, that's what. I let you sleep in but we have to leave in an hour." Brooke explained patiently with a smile.

"What? Where are we going?"

"The gangs all going skiing today!" Brooke let out in excitement, clapping her hands together and flashing a dimpled grin.

"Oh, um. Am I watching Jamie or-"

"Of course not." The fashionista interrupted. "You are coming with us. They have a kids area for the little ones. Jamie will get to be supervised and go sledding, have snowball fights, all kinds of fun stuff. And you, missy blonde girl, are gonna come with me so I can show you how to ski. We can even take the snow mobiles today."

Peyton could only blink back, not feeling nearly awake enough for any of this. Brooke giggled at the look on the blonde's face before giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. Peyton flinched and sat frozen as Brooke bounced up from the bed and skipped off, shouting back for Peyton to get up and get ready. Shaking herself out of it, the skinny woman got up from the bed to get ready for another new day.

Ooooooooooooooooo

No one POV

The couples had piled on their snow mobiles together, Jamie riding with Skills, and bounded down to the ski resort. Hooting and hollering could be heard as the boys drove their ladies down through the snowy hills. Skills and Jamie took the lead to 'show them that Jimmy Jam was the bestest.' Brooke had been racing along with the boys but had slowed down when she felt Peyton's vice grip on her waist begin to tremble and the blonde bury her face into Brooke's back. The brunette's face softened at the blonde's actions and she let everyone else race away a few paces in front of her. Lightening up on the speed, she also made sure to take softer turns, worried that she was frightening the blonde.

Arriving a few minutes after everyone else, Brooke pulled up and parked by where her friends were now standing with their own snow mobiles. She pulled off her shades and leaned back to signal for Peyton to jump off. It surprised her though when the other woman didn't budge. The arms that had a vice grip on her waist only tightened at the brunette's movement. The blonde even kept her face tucked into the designer's back. Smiling softly at the adorable behavior, Brooke gently grabbed one of the blonde's glove covered hands with her own. Squeezing it she turned her head as best she could to whisper, "Peyton?"

"Is it over?" Was the tight voice she managed to make out from the muffled sound the blonde made against her jacket.

Her smile widened a little as she answered, still holding the other's hand. "Yea, we're here. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

Peyton reared back at that, chin upturned and pulling an offended look. "I wasn't scared!" She said indignantly with a pout.

Brooke only smiled at the girl's failure to look as fierce as she had tried to sound. Brooke couldn't help but find the behavior endearing. It amazed her that this sweet, sensitive girl was so dead set on being tough and callous, but could also turn around and be so shy and quiet. The bitchy mask she showed when she first met someone may have been believable, but after spending some time with her, the brunette knew better than that. In a way, Peyton's behavior had reminded her of her younger self, before she allowed herself to trust people and become friends with the people she now called family.

Brooke's thoughts were broken by a small voice that was fast approaching them. "Aunt Brooke! Peyton!" Jamie squealed out as he made his way to them. Finally, a reluctant Peyton released her grip on Brooke to quickly jump off the machine as if it had burned her. Brooke fought back a giggle at the blonde's over dramatic behavior and got herself off the vehicle. As soon as her feet touched the ground, her godson was in her arms. The designer laughed and twirled him around in her arms before setting him back on the ground. The little boys giggles died down and his smile only brightened as he turned to his new favorite blonde.

"Peyton!" He screamed happily before launching himself at her legs. This earned a chuckle from the skinny woman as she leaned down to wrap him up in her own embrace. He released her legs to wrap his tiny arms around her neck as she was kneeled down.

"Hey buddy!" She countered, sounding just as exited as the little boy.

"I missed you." He whispered.

Those words gripped at the blonde's heart. "I missed you too bud." She said sincerely with a gently smile.

Jamie ran one hand over her still sore cheek, frowning when she flinched. "Your boo boo is all gone, but does it still hurt?"

Peyton smile widened at the boys concern, finding him absolutely adorable. "No bud, it doesn't. That kiss you gave it yesterday made it all better," she promised him, not having the heart to reveal the powers of a good make up job to the little boy. "And how are you feeling? Still good? That man didn't hurt your arms did he?" She whispered to him, gently running her hands over the upper arms of his overly puffy jacket.

Jamie shook his head and smiled. "Nope! Mommy checked my arms this morning. No boo boos for me!"

Peyton laughed as the boy proudly exclaimed that. "Well, that's good."

Jamie only nodded his head before turning to the rest of the group that had been watching the two with different expressions. Grabbing the blonde's hand tightly in his own, he spoke up. "So can we go now, please!"

Everyone laughed at the suddenly impatient boy, as if he wasn't the one holding them up.

"Okay, okay. Calm down Jimmy Jam. We can go in now." Haley assured her son. The young mother went to retrieve her son but when the young boy started dragging Peyton along with him through the parking lot, obviously not willing to release her, she let him go. She knew now that he was safe with the newest woman. Instead the young mother grabbed her husband's hand and found herself walking next to Brooke amongst the group. The two women watched the blonde pair walk just a few steps ahead of them while the rest of their group fell behind.

"You were right Brooke." Nathan said suddenly, earning the gaze of both Brooke and Haley.

"About what?" The designer questioned.

"Peyton. We may not know her really, and she may have a bad past, but anyone who sticks up for my kid like that is all good in my books."

Haley nodded in agreement. "She definitely has my respect."

Brooke only smiled, glad to have two of her friends on the blonde's side. The walked in silence for a moment before Haley broke it once again.

"So, how are you two doing anyway? I mean, I know you've really wanted to get to know her. How's she handling all of this?"

Brooke turned her attention back to the mystery woman herself as she answered. "Well, she's- it's complicated." She shrugged her shoulders. "Sometimes she's so sensitive and sweet, and then she'll turn around and close herself off. I think she's just trying to bottle it all up. I'm just not sure why yet."

"Well, that sure sounds familiar," Nathan said slyly.

"Yea, I know." Brooke amended. "Last night she had a nightmare about something. It must have been pretty bad, she was crying and trying to fight off something."

"Did she say anything about it to you?" Haley questioned.

"Not at first. I heard her screaming and went in and found her tossing and turning. When I woke her up she was still kind of out of it. She did open up some though."

"That's good," Haley smiled.

"Yea, she said she'd give us a chance." The brunette smiled brightly.

Haley's eyes widened. "Wait, as in like, dating!?"

Brooke hummed, thinking for a moment. "Yes and no. It's more like just giving me a chance and letting me in. Letting me show her how things can be, even just for herself. I just want to show her that life can be good. I figure that if its me making her happy, it's just brownie points."

"You know, if anyone else ever said that it would sound like they had an ulterior motive and we're trying to basically bride her into a relationship by showing her that she can be happy," Haley whispered with her eyes squinted at her friend. "But with you, I honestly know that all you want is to make this girl's life better, wether you're in it or not."

Brooke's eyes turned to her friend, taken by how sincerely her friend spoke.

"You're really just that nice of a person Brooke Davis. Anyone would be lucky to have you." Haley's eyes flicked back to the pair ahead of them. "But just remember, it may take some time for some people to realize that."

Brooke's gaze joined Haley's as they rested on the skinny woman walking with Jamie. "Yea, but I just know it'll be worth it," she whispered.

The conversation was dropped as the group finally reached the gates. Jamie was bouncing up and down, telling Peyton about all of the fun stuff there was to do.

"Calm down little man, before you tear the poor girl's arm off." Nathan told his son.

Jamie pouted before turning back to his new friend. "C'mon Peyton! I want to go sledding!"

"Hang on kid, we gotta pay first. Now c'mere so we can get in line." Nathan laughed as he scooped up his giggling son.

Peyton froze at those words. She turned to Brooke as the brunette came to stand by her side. "Um, I don't-"

"I got it. Come on." Brooke looped her arm with Peyton's before the blonde could protest and moved to lead her to the waiting line. They stood behind the rest of Brooke's friends, with Jamie leading them all.

"So, you ready to go skiing?" Brooke turned to her blonde conquest with a bright smile, dimples on full display as their arms were still locked together.

Peyton's face turned down some, a not so pleasant look arising on her soft features. She looked back up at Brooke and bit her lip. "I don't know about this actually. Maybe I should just go with Jamie-"

"Nuh uh. And besides, it's an adult free zone where he is going."

"I thought you said he'd have adult supervision?" She counters with a cocked eyebrow.

The designer rolled her eyes. "Besides the supervisors. And he'll be fine. He's been here before, he loves this place."

"Well, I could just stay back and watch him then."

"No, you're coming skiing with us. It's supposed to be an adult group fun day."

"I don't know if this is gonna be very fun..." The blonde pouted.

Brooke shot the girl a questioning look.

"If it's anything like ice skating than I don't think I stand a chance. And plus it's down a hill. I'm probably gonna die." She whined.

Brooke openly laughed at this. Shaking her head, she tugged the blonde just a little closer.

"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you."

Peyton only grumbled unhappily back. Brooke decided to ignore it and instead redirected their attention to the woman at the ticket booth as they stepped up to her.

"How many?" The rough woman barked out at them.

"Two please for the all inclusive package."

"700" said numbly and stuck out her hand.

"Seven-what!?" Peyton squeaked out.

Brooke was just handing the wad of cash over when Peyton grabbed her arm and pulled it back.

"Peyton! What are you doing?"

"Seven hundred dollars! That's ridiculous!"

"Actually, it's a really good deal. It's the whole package and-"

"No! It's too much money."

"Um, it's my money. I think I'll say when it's too much. And it's totally not, now stop freaking out and let me pay the woman so we can go in."

"Well, then I just won't do it!" The blonde said stubbornly, crossing her arms in defiance.

The designer squinted her eyes at her, turning to face her. "Um, yes. You will."

"The hell I will." She snarled back.

"Well why the hell wouldn't you?" Brooke countered.

The two glared at each other before Brooke's gaze flicked around, noticing the growing line behind them. She sighed and softened at the blonde. Taking a second to really take in the other girl's stance, she abruptly turned around and switched the money for the tickets. Looking back over her shoulder as she walked away, she said, "well, I'm not going to sit here and make a scene. If you want to come with me then c'mon, I have your ticket. If you don't, well then feel free to sit out here until we are all done having fun."

Peyton's eyes widened as she was left standing on her own. To her utter amazement and confusion, she felt her eyes start to tear up and her chest hurt just a little bit. Biting her lip and fighting the odd feeling back, she glanced behind her to the line of aggravated people. Her eyes shifted as she weighed her options. Seeing the last flickers of chestnut hair almost disappear into the crowd had her rushing off after them.

Losing sight of her for a second, the blonde felt her heart constrict as she pushed through the crowd. Just as she broke through the line of people she came face to face with a smirking Brooke Davis. Peyton immediately frowned. Her broody demeanor coming back.

"Decide to join me?" Brooke popped off, amused.

Peyton stayed silent, looking anywhere but at the brunette in front of her. Brooke sighed again and grabbed the girl's hand in her own. The unexpected touch prompted the blonde to meet Brooke's gaze. The designer only tilted her head with a soft, sincere smile. "I just want you to have fun." Seeing the other woman relax some at that, she continued. Tugging on her hand, she lead her away. "Cmon. I wanna show you something..

Ooooooooooo

Brooke POV

I smiled as I watched Peyton fumble around on her skis. It was like watching Bambi learning how to walk all over again. I slid smoothly up next to her, the rest of the group just a few feet away. We were waiting to take off down the first of the slopes. It was a smaller one and shouldn't have been too hard. One of the guides had been giving Peyton a quick overview of how to ski but even with the information fresh in her mind she seemed to be having trouble.

I grabbed her arm right before she slid and fell. I helped stabilize her and when I got a glimpse of her face I could tell it was red, and not just from the cold. Feeling a little bad, I smiled at her. "Hey, you don't really have to do this if you don't want to."

She glanced back towards the hill, I could see her gulping. Instead of backing out though, she surprised me.

"No, I do want to. It's just...um..."

"Scary?" I finished for her.

"Yea," she whispered, sounding ashamed.

I moved one of my stakes into my other hand and laid my free fingers over one of her hands. I wasn't all that surprised when I felt her knuckles were tense, probably from an iron tight grip on the stakes currently holding her upright.

"It's not that bad. It's actually pretty fun. The first slope is the best and worst." I try to encourage her. Seeing the nervous look still on her face, I continued."I was petrified the first time I did it. Now I love doing it."

This at least got those beautiful eyes to look away from the slope and towards me. Smiling again, I released her hand and moved to slide backwards the tiniest bit. "Cmon, trust me."

She took a moment before nodding. She awkwardly tried picking up her left foot to turn and face me, but ended up tripping herself. Before either of us could react this time, she feel forward straight into me. I fell back at the force. Even with my coat on I could feel the cold on my back, but my focus was on the warmth that rested on my front.

Peyton's body was strewn over mine, matched limb for limb and her lips only inches from my own. I licked my lips and stared at her pink ones. They looked glossy and I momentarily wondered if they were also flavored. A slight movement drew my gaze to those shining emeralds. All I could feel was the warm puffs of her breath over my lips. Wanting to kiss her, but not wanting to pressure her, I froze. I waited in anticipation to see whether or not she'd make a move.

It felt like forever before her face moved glacially closer to my own. Her eyes flicked down for a second before meeting my own once more. She came just an eighth of an inch closer, I almost couldn't tell if that warmth was her breath or the tiniest touch of her lips on mine. My mind focused on her still open eyes again for a split second before everything went white.


	17. Two Steps Back

Hello again readers! I'm not dead just took an unplanned break. I am very happy to be getting back into my writing with new vigor though. I'm hoping the gap in time hasn't caused a loss of interest. Still always happy to hear what everyone thinks, especially since it's been so long! You are all so very much appreciated! Every fave and follow makes me smile! So just a little update, and happy reading! Love to you all!

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Peyton flinched and shot up away from Brooke once she felt the cold snow on the back of her neck. She shoved her knit covered fingers down the back of her coat and shirt, trying to rid herself of the chill the frozen water left behind. A shiver escaped her and by default she glanced down, just realizing the position her and the brunette were in. The blonde's face turned beet red before she clumsily rolled off the girl, mumbling an apology as she went. Once she was sat in her own spot in the snow she curled into a ball slightly, tucking her face into her knees. Whether it was more to hide her embarrassment or because now even more of her body was cold she tried not to show.

Brooke frowned as she watched the other girl. 'We were so close...' She thought whiningly to herself before turning with a glare to find whoever caused the blonde's retreat. Her eyes widened for a split second before turning into a cold 'I'm gonna freaking kill you' face when she saw Lucas standing only a few feet away giving her a stern look and obviously wiping snow off his gloves. She shook her head at him before glancing back at her new friend. Sad to see that the girl was still holding the reclusive stance, she decided to make the first move. Using her sticks to help her stand, she turned to Peyton once she was steady on her feet. Showing a sweet smile she held her hand out to the other woman, speaking softly. "C'mon, let's get you up and out of the cold. And hey, now that you've already fallen, the hill won't be so scary." The designer tried to lighten up the mood.

She was met with guarded eyes and the same defensive stance. Unsure of how to proceed she asked, "Peyton?"

The still red faced blonde finally looked up fully and held Brooke's gaze for a moment before shaking her head. "I changed my mind, I don't want to do this." She moved her hands down to the skis, fumbling with the straps that held her boots in place.

"What?" Brooke asked in shock, which quickly turned into concern. "Hey, don't let a silly little trip up like that stop you from having fun. It's nothing to be embarrassed about-"

"I'm not embarrassed." Peyton said shortly, frustration building at the inability to get the skis off.

"Okay, well how about you just try it once-" the brunette tried to convince in a gentle voice.

"I SAID I DON'T WANNA DO IT!" The curly haired woman snapped and gave a hard glare.

Brooke looked at her in surprise and stayed silent for a moment. By the time Brooke snapped out of her surprised stupor Peyton was back to messing with her ski straps. She glanced up and around and saw not only her friends but other guests looking at the two of them. Some with concern, others with disgust. She took a deep breath and focused back on the blonde in front of her. She could tell by keeping a close eye on her that Peyton's breathing was uneven and that her attempts to undo the straps were becoming more of just desperate tugs.

Not wanting to upset her anymore than she was, Brooke slowly kneeled down to her counterpart and tentatively reached for the girl's skis. "Here, let me." Peyton stayed silent and kept her head down as she let her own hands curl into her lap. She tried to even out her breaths as she felt her skis loosen thanks to the brunette's hands.

Brooke couldn't help but glance towards the girl's face as she undid the straps. She was trying to sneak a peak to gauge the woman's reaction. She did let her help, which Brooke counted as a positive thing. However when the designer did catch a glimpse of emerald eyes, she could have swore that she saw tears being held back. This only confused and concerned her more. Staying quiet, she unsnapped the last strap and gently pulled the skis from the girl's boots.

Once her feet were freed Peyton immediately jumped up to her feet. Her arms were still hugging around her waist and she barely gave a glance and mumbled thanks to the brunette. Brooke only frowned as she stood up to face the blonde. They stood facing each other, Peyton looking everywhere but at Brooke and Brooke staring undeterred at Peyton. An awkward silence overcame the two.

"Um, did you maybe want to go do something else? I know a lot of other things I could show you-"

"I REALLY just want to be alone for a little while." The curly haired woman cut her off. Viridian eyes finally met hazel and Brooke couldn't quite tell what emotion those eyes held.

"Oh, well um.." The brunette trailed off, unsure of what to do when all she really wanted to do was take the girl in her arms and calm her. "Well here." She said to get Peyton's attention while she dug around in her pockets. Peyton kept a curious but defensive stance as she watched the woman pull out a cell phone, she recognized it as one of the newest and high tech on the market, and a small bundle of cash. She held both out to the blonde. Peyton only widened her eyes and shot her new boss a confused glance.

Brooke smiled kindly before answering the silent question. "I've been meaning to give you this. We aren't always going to be together so you need to have someway to get ahold of me. You don't know the area at all and I wouldn't want you to get lost. Plus in case there's ever an emergency. Um, all of our phone numbers are programmed in their, along with a couple of the local taxi services here in the area."

"Oh, um, thanks." Peyton mumbled out softly, only sparing a quick glance to the brunette's sweet face. She couldn't help but think to herself 'this woman really is too nice. Why the hell is she putting up with someone like me?' Part of her wanted to refuse the gift, but another part of her was thinking of how she could put it to good use. So she stuck with a small thank you and delicately took the phone from Brooke's hands. She was surprised though to find that she had also grabbed the cash. She quickly took it and held it back out to the designer.

Brooke held her hands up and shook her head. "No, take that with you too."

"But-"

"No buts. You might need it for food or a taxi if nothing else. Consider it an advance on your first paycheck."

Peyton still looked unsure but after another moment of refusal from the brunette, reluctantly moved to put the cash wad in her pocket. "Are you sure?" She whispered in a small voice, eyes never leaving Brooke's.

Brooke only offered another kind smile and small nod. "Yes, and if you come across anything you'd like to do, please just help yourself."

Looking unsure now, but still wanting to be alone to think, Peyton silently nodded. She turned away, ready to head off back to the Main Street of the retreat, before turning back for a moment. "So...ill see you tonight?"

Brooke picked up on the girl's hesitance and assured her. "I'm only a phone call away too."

That was the last thing said between them before they shared one last glance. The leaner woman quickly turned on her feet and set off on her way. Chocolate eyes didn't leave her figure until she was well out of sight. Sighing now that the blonde was gone, Brooke turned her attention to her old friend, intent on giving him a piece of her mind.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Brooke POV

"I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU!" I seethed and marched straight to Lucas. I no longer cared if people were staring. Everyone always did like a show, right?

"What!?" He tried to squeak out and sound innocent, hands up in surrender. I wasn't buying it.

"You know what! How could you do that!?"

"Hey, hey! Everyone calm down, what's going on?" Haley gave us all that mothering tone, trying to break us up. She physically got between us and I felt her hands on my arms holding me back slightly as I watched Lindsay wrap her hands around Luke's arm.

"That jackass is what happened!" I bellowed again, pointing a finger to the blonde man.

"Davis, calm down! What the hell happened!?" I heard Nate bite out from somewhere to the side of me.

"Luke-ASS here just had to go and ruin my moment with Peyton. She was about to kiss me! We were finally getting somewhere!"

"Well, you don't need to be kissing that stranger! You don't know anything about her or where she's been Brooke! Hell, she could be using you!" Lucas snapped back, pulling away from his wife to flail his arms around in protest.

"Excuse me!? I'll kiss whoever I damn well please! And don't you sit there and talk about her like she's some dirty freaking dog Lucas! She's a person, just like you and me! She's a good person!"

"How can you know that Brooke!? You haven't even known this girl a whole week yet!"

"So? She's told me about her past, which isn't exactly shining. She protected Jamie. She hasn't been welcoming to me spending money on her, really at all, so don't make it sound like she's using me for that-"

"Oh? And what was that little temper tantrum just now Brooke? The girl obviously isn't totally stable, and her past should just make you more concerned!"

"She's pushing people away Lucas. If you'd pull your head out of your ass, you'd realize-"

"Realize that she needs to go! Yes!" He cut me off again, only infuriating me further. I could only shake my head at my old friend.

"Fine, if that's the case then I guess I should be leaving too." In a huff, I started to take off my skiis and gather my things. Everyone around me started trying to get me to stop and calm down. I ignored them and stormed a few feet away.

Finally Lucas spoke back up, running after me and catching my arm to turn me around. "Brooke, wait! Stop! Listen, I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry. I know, and I know you just want to help this girl. But I'm just worried about you, you're like a sister to me. I don't want to see you hurt, not again."

"I know Luke, and I love you for that. But there's something about this girl. I just really need you to give her a chance. She's hurting and I just want to make it better. I don't want anyone to feel like I did back then. And I'm pretty sure she feels worse than I ever did already. I need your guys' help here. Or at least your support."

"Okay. And I'm sorry I didn't give it before. I promise I'll try to give her a chance from now on."

"Thank you. I just hate to see someone go through that pain."

"I know you do pretty girl. You have ever since you went through the program. You have such a big heart..." He trailed off. I could only give a sad smile in return, the memories returning to me upon mention of my time in the program.

"Thanks," I only whispered out this time. He held his arms out to me and I gladly accepted the friendly supporting hug. I was glad to have more of my friend's support. I had a feeling that I would need it now that Peyton had seemed to take one step forward and two steps back...

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Peyton POV

I kept my arms wrapped around my waist as I shuffled down the busy street.

'This place was huge. These rich people obviously have way too much time and money on their hands...seven hundred dollars just to get lost and freeze my ass off...ugh!' I moaned to myself.

I ignored another catcall and wolf whistle as a group of men walked past me, some turning back to yell obscenities. My eyebrows furrowed and I'd decided that I'd had enough of this crap. Glancing around, I saw a small cafe that actually seemed to be mostly empty. Which was quite a surprise, everywhere in this damned place seemed to be busy and packed with a constant flow of people.

Stepping into the small building, the warm aroma of freshly ground coffee enveloped me like a welcomed blanket. I ran my hands along my arms once or twice for good measure before removing them, basking in the warm room. I took off my gloves, hat, and scarf, carefully tucking them in my coat pockets. Running a quick hand through my hair, I breathed in the smell of caffeine and glanced over the menu. I didn't even realize that I was hungry until I looked over the pastries and my stomach growled rather loudly.

Deciding to just relax and help myself, I stepped up to the counter with my order in mind. A nice looking young man with short black hair and sweet brown eyes was dressed in a green apron, looking a little too cheery in my opinion as I stepped up.

"Hi! How can I help you today ma'am?"

"Um, can I get a large black coffee and one of your turkey and cheddar wraps. And um, a raisin muffin please?"

"Yes, ma'am. That'll be right out. Here's your coffee. That'll be 11.75. If you want to have a seat than we'll bring you your food once it's done!" He finished with a smile as I took my drink and pulled out the cash wad. I hadn't paid much attention to it earlier, but I was sure Brooke would at least have given me a twenty. I almost choked when I saw six one-hundred dollar bills sitting in my hand. Caught off guard, I opened and closed my mouth, thinking how ridiculous this was.

'It was only 12 dollars, why the hell did she give me six hundred!? What the hell was she expecting me to go off and do!?'

"Ma'am?" He asked after a moment of silence from me.

"Um," I stumbled, still stupefied. "Um, can-can you break a hundred?" 'Oh god, this is so ridiculous. It's only twelve dollars, who the hell pays twelve dollars with a one hundred dollar bill!?' I was freaking out to myself, thinking how crazy I probably looked.

He only smiled as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Of course we can ma'am. How would you like that broken? With a fifty or all twenties?"

My immediate thought was, 'fifty? They make those?' I quickly shook it off though and nodded. "Um, twenties are fine." I got my change and my coffee and moved to an empty corner table. The lights were slightly dimmed and the place was quiet. There wasn't even a hand full of people in the building and most of the other patrons were on laptops or reading a book. I took a moment to glance around, surprised by the old, homey look of the place. It didn't really match all of the busy tourist looking things just outside the cafe's doors. It was like its own little world. I liked it.

A look at the walls left me smiling as I saw some old record cases and guitars hanging on the walls. A lot of historical pictures and old posters covered them too. A couple of small bookshelves were lined up behind a small set of lounge chairs and worn looking couch. There were even a small pile of board games next to the shelves. A voice stole my attention from venturing any further. I glanced up to see familiar muddy eyes and let out a polite smile and thanks as the man set down my sandwich and muffin. He left with a grin and cheery "enjoy."

Settling myself down against the cushioned booth, I sipped at my coffee and dug into the sandwich. After the first heavenly taste, I practically inhaled it. My muffin followed soon after. With my stomach full and a comfortable warmth now soaked in, I almost felt sleepy. It felt good to finally relax some. Maybe these people had the right idea after all. Maybe a break wouldn't be too bad.

My eyebrows shot up as that reminded of what I had been planning on doing. Hastily, I snatched the phone Brooke had given me from my pocket. I hesitated for only a moment before throwing all concern out of my mind and dialing a number I had long since come to know by heart. Tucking a little further into the corner, I waited on pins and needles to see if there would be an answer.

I almost gave up hope when six rings in I finally heard a rough voice break through the line, "hello?"

"Jay?" I could have cried from the relief of hearing a familiar voice.

"Who is this?" He sounded as if he'd just woken up.

"It's Peyton."

"Peyt...?" He mumbled off before it hit him a moment later. "Peyton!" He sounded much more excited this time.

I laughed quietly, trying not to disturb the other people in the cafe.

"Yea, it's me."

"Hey, how's it going? Where are you? Are you okay?" He fired off one question after another.

"Yea, I'm, um, I'm doing okay. I'm in some rich peoples' resort. It's kind of crazy actually." I kept my voice down, not wanting to draw attention to my words.

"What? You're working there?"

"No, no. Nothing like that. Brooke, or uh, that brunette woman...she brought her friends here and told me to take a vacation. She's acting like we are friends or something." I mumbled uncomfortably.

I heard chuckling on the other end of the line before a rough voice, "well that's probably because she wants to be your friend Sawyer." He made it sound like the most obvious thing in the world but there was no way that could be it.

"But why?"

"Why not?" He countered almost immediately.

I bit my lip and nervously glanced around the room as I was thrown into an awkward silence, nth sure how to respond.

I heard Jay sigh. "Listen Pey, the girl wouldn't have volunteered to whisk you away to the magical dream land of the non-miserable if she didn't feel something for you."

"But what if she just wants something from me? What if- what if this is just HIM all over again?" I let out shakily.

"Well just the fact that you are getting emotional over it at all tells me that you already know what to expect. If you really thought this was another psycho situation you'd be fighting all nine hells and then some. But you're not. You're just fighting letting her in." He said wisely. He always did understand what was going on in my head when I wasn't even sure what to make of it.

"Yea, maybe." I breathed out.

"Yes, you are. And it needs to stop."

"But-"

He cuts me off before I can even get the second word out. "No, Peyton! Just stop running, trust yourself. You know better than you think you do, you just need to trust yourself. And trust this girl. I can tell that you want to. Just let her in."

I sit in silence, contemplating what he's told me. "But, -"

"No buts, just relax. Be yourself, your real self. She'll love you for it, I know I do. I really think this girl could change your life Peyt."

I sigh again and glance out the window, thinking about deep chocolate colored irises. "That's what I'm afraid of."


End file.

One Tree Hill, Humor, Romance