Looking For Solid Ground

+++++++++OTH+++++++++


"So..." Haley smiled as Brooke crawled into bed behind and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.

"You know, I'm really growing tired of that word," Brooke sighed.

"It feels good to be back," Haley continued, looking around. "I've missed my room."

"And I've missed you."

"Since when have you become such a sweetheart?" Haley asked, turning in Brooke's arms to face her.

She shrugged, "I have my moments."

Haley's eyes flicked to Brooke's lips and she leaned up slightly, but paused. Brooke rolled her eyes as she leaned down to kiss Haley softly. Just that slight touch made her head spin.

"You know if you want to kiss me, just do it," Brooke teased, pulling away.

"Sorry," Haley replied, biting her lip nervously.

Brooke kissed her forehead, "You are too cute for words."

Haley's cheeks turned a bright red.

"And you suck at taking compliments."

"I'm just not used to it I guess," she admitted.

"Well, you had better start getting used to it. Because you are beautiful," Brooke said, kissing one cheek. "And funny," she kissed the other. "And adorable," she kissed her nose. Haley's face was now crimson. "And smart," she kissed her lips. "And sexy," Brooke added, daringly kissing her neck.

"Brooke," Haley warned, despite the fact that she was aching for her to continue.

"Too much?"

Haley nodded.

"Sorry," Brooke smiled. "I tend to get carried away."

"It's ok," Haley returned the smile, as Brooke pushed a piece of hair behind her ear.

"So...guess what?"

"I thought you didn't like that word."

Brooke stuck her tongue out before continuing, causing Haley to laugh, "Tomorrow is Saturday, meaning we don't have school, meaning we get to sleep late. Yay!"

Haley looked up at her guiltily.

"What?"

"I have work tomorrow morning."

"Haley, you can't be serious. You’ve worked nonstop all week."

"How do you know that?"

It was now Brooke's turn to look at her guiltily.

"Brooke?"

"Well, I've sort of been stalking you, trying to get you to talk to me. But you were always at the cafe, and Lucas was like your guard dog or something, so I couldn't go in there. So, I just sort of passed by at 30 minute intervals, hoping to get a glimpse of you."

Haley captured Brooke's lips in her own for the first time. However, when Brooke tried to deepen the kiss, she pulled away.

"Sorry."

"Stop apologizing," Haley smiled gently. "Look, I know we are at completely different experience levels, so I know this is frustrating you, but I'm sorry. I just really want to take this, whatever this is, slow. Is that ok?" she asked, looking at Brooke nervously.

"It's perfect," Brooke replied, kissing the top of her head.

"Thank you," Haley yawned, tiredly.

"Well, I guess we had better get to sleep then because some of us have work in the morning," she teased.

"And if I weren't so tired, I'd respond to that, but sleep sounds good," Haley replied, snuggling into Brooke and sighing deeply as Brooke tightened her arms around her. She had missed this so much.


++++++++OTH++++++++


Haley awoke in a state of pure bliss. She realized that if she woke up everyday for the rest of her life in Brooke's arms, she would die happy.

She also enjoyed the fact that she got to watch Brooke sleep. She looked so beautiful with her eyes lightly closed and her lips slightly pouting.

Haley looked at the clock and frowned. If she didn't get up now, she'd be late for work. So, she carefully tried to slip out of Brooke's arms, but Brooke immediately tightened her grip on Haley, pulling her closer.

"No," she mumbled in her sleep.

Haley smiled to herself. This had to be heaven. She tried once again to lessen Brooke's grips on her, but this only cause Brooke to stir.

"No," she repeated, her voice groggy.

"Brooke," Haley said sweetly, running a finger down her cheek, raising a smile to Brooke's lips. "I need to get up."

"No you don't," Brooke replied.

"Yes, I have work."

"So?" Brooke asked, finally giving in and opening her eyes.

"So, that means I have to get out of bed, so I can get ready."

"But I don't want you to."

"Brooke, you know I have to go to work. I need the money."

"You can't just call in sick just this once?" she asked hopefully.

"No, Karen's really counting on me. She's out of town for the weekend, so I told her I would open and close the cafe for her," Haley explained.

"Close?" Brooke squeaked.

Haley smiled, "Yes."

Brooke pulled her even closer, "Now, I'm really not letting you go."

"Brooke," Haley laughed.

"But I don't want to," Brooke pouted.

Haley felt her heart melt at the pout. She took a steady breath; she had to stay strong. "Why not?"

"Because I'm going to miss you," Brooke replied, adding puppy dog eyes for effect.

Haley closed her eyes, shaking her head, "Brooke, you aren't playing fair."

"So?"

Haley sighed, still not opening her eyes, "Listen, I really need to do this. Karen has really been helping me out with extra shifts and stuff, so I need to return the favor."

"What about tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow, we can stay in bed as late as you want," she said, opening her eyes, hoping it was safe.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

Brooke nodded with satisfaction.

"So, now will you let me go?" Haley asked carefully.

"No," Brooke smiled.

"Brooke," Haley sighed, fighting back the agitation in her voice.

"But I really am going to miss you," she insisted.

"You can come see me in the cafe. It's not like I'm going to Europe or anything," Haley laughed.

Brooke began to pout once more.

Haley closed her eyes again, "That's it. I'm shutting my eyes, I can't see you. Now I'm taking your arms off of me," she said, grabbing Brooke's arms, and pulling them from around her.

Brooke smiled at Haley's closed eyes, and she slid her hands down into Haley's and pulled them around herself, making Haley lean in.

"Brooke," she warned, her eyes still closed. "I need to--"

But she was cut off as Brooke kissed her quickly.

"Go," she finished softly when Brooke had pulled away.

"Ok, you can go now," Brooke gave a dimpled smile as Haley opened her eyes.

"You know, you really don't play fair," Haley frowned.


++++++++OTH++++++++++


"It's good to see you smiling again," Lucas commented as he walked into the back to put in some orders. "Although, it would have been nice to have a little warning so that when I got home I wouldn't have freaked out to find your stuff not there. I thought we had been robbed or something," he laughed.

Haley leaned up to kiss his cheek as she passed by with two plates full of food, "Thanks."

"For what?" he asked as she opened the door.

"I know you had something to do with it."

Lucas shrugged innocently as Haley turned to enter the dining area. It was dinner time and the place was as packed as ever. She placed the plates on a table, and turned to the next one to take their order.

"That'd be two hamburgers, one with everything, one with only mayo and mustard, and two cokes. Got it," she said with smile, turning to go back into the back.

"What does a girl have to do around here to get a decent cup of coffee?" a voice asked from the counter as she passed.

Haley's eyes lit up and a smile grew on her face, "I could think of a few things."

She turned to find Brooke smiling at her from a bar stool. Brooke hopped down, and pulled her into a warm hug that Haley melted into.

"You looked like you needed that," she whispered.

"You have no idea," Haley replied with a smile as she pulled away. "You had a good day? From the way you were acting this morning I was expecting to see you sooner than this."

"Yea, sorry about that. Peyton wanted to go shopping. It's her and Lucas's whatever month anniversary," she replied with a frown.

"Sorry," Haley sighed, rubbing her arm comforting. "You okay?"

Brooke nodded, "Yea, I just would have rather been here."

Haley nodded in understanding, "And you don't have to apologize."

Brooke looked at her questioningly.

"For going to the mall, or hanging out with Peyton. You don't have to apologize. You love doing both those things, and if it means I don't get to see you as much, I'm ok with that."

Brooke shook her head, "I wish I could kiss you right now."

Haley winked at her, "Stick around, and I'll let you help me close."

"Really?" Brooke asked her eyes dancing excitedly.

"Yea, but now I need to get to work," Haley smiled. "You still want that coffee?"

"Nah, I'm good. You look busy."

"Nonsense, I'll get it for you."


++++++++++OTH+++++++++

Haley sat down exhaustedly on a stool next to Brooke. She rested her head on her arms and blew a curl out of her face. It was finally closing time, and she and Brooke were the only ones left in the cafe. Haley had let Lucas head out early to get ready for his anniversary with Peyton.

Brooke smirked from behind her magazine, "So, I take it that's a ‘no’ on my coffee?"

Haley groaned. "Brooke, I'm so sorry. I was just so swamped. Here, I'll get it for you," she said, standing. Brooke, however, put a hand on her shoulder, pushing her back down onto the stool.

"You sit and relax. I'll get the coffee," she said.

Haley rested her chin back on her arms and smiled at Brooke appreciatively, "Thanks."

"Anything for my lover," Brooke smiled from behind the counter.

"You wish," Haley laughed.

Brooke looked at her with a raised eyebrow. She leaned over the counter and placed her index finger below Haley's chin, raising her head. Then, with that slightest touch, she brought her face forward and leaned over the counter until there was only a breath of air between their lips. She could see the anticipation and longing in Haley's eyes. A playful smile grew on her face.

"It's only a matter of time. You can't resist me forever, remember, you already tried that," Brooke replied with a wink. She let her finger fall, and went back to making the coffee.

"You know, you are my least favorite person right now," Haley grumbled, but Brooke just went on doing what she was doing, humming to herself happily.

She poured the coffee into two mugs and fixed Haley's just the way she liked it, then turned to fix her own. She handed Haley her mug as she walked back around the counter and took her other hand in her own, leading her to a booth. She placed her mug on the table, motioning for Haley to do the same and she slid in on the seat. She pulled Haley forward, causing her to fall on top of Brooke, where she was greeted by a passionate kiss.

"You are my favorite person in the world," Haley smiled, after they had separated when air had become an issue.

"I figured this much," Brooke said, returning the smile. Brooke scooted up some, leaning against the wall. Haley turned around, so she could lean against her. She laid back, resting her head against Brooke's chest as Brooke wrapped her arms around her waist.

"This is perfect," Haley commented, taking a sip of her coffee.

"I'd hope so. I've seen you make it for yourself a million times."

"Again with the stalking," she teased.

"Hey, if it weren't for my stalking, we wouldn't be here right now."

"True."

Haley turned her head, pushing herself up more, and kissed Brooke lightly on her lips. Brooke raised a questioning eyebrow.

"Thank you for stalking me," Haley replied.

Brooke smiled, kissing her forehead, "Thank you having me."

Haley tried to hold back a laugh, "Having you? Like what, I'm you're mother now?"

"No, I mean, like you know, letting me be with you. Like, for I don't know," she sighed, frustrated.

Haley laughed, "I know what you meant."

Brooke pouted, "Then why did you question me?"

"Because, seriously, how high was the corniness level getting?"

"Way to ruin the moment," she rolled her eyes.

"And also," Haley smiled, "You are so cute when you're frustrated." She kissed her nose playfully.

"And the corniness level is on the rise again," Brooke laughed.


+++++++OTH+++++


"You can't go anywhere," Brooke smiled as she felt Haley shift in her arms.

Haley laughed, "I know; I was just getting comfortable."

"Good, because you promised," she replied firmly.

"Yep. So what do you want to do today?" Haley asked, turning to face her.

"Stay in bed."

"Brooke, we can't stay in bed all day."

"Yea, we can. And you promised."

"I know," she smiled gently as if talking to a little kid. "But eventually we'll get hungry, and eventually we'll have to go pee."

"Talk for yourself," Brooke replied stubbornly.

"Brooke," Haley laughed.

"I know, but I hate getting out of bed because when I get back in, I can never get as comfortable as I was before."

"Well, how about you stay in bed, and I'll make us breakfast?"

"Will you stay in bed with me after that?"

"If you brush your teeth," Haley teased.

"But then I'll have to get out of bed," Brooke pointed out.

"If you don't, I won't kiss you."

"How about you bring me my toothbrush with toothpaste and a glass of water?" Brooke asked, batting her eyelashes.

"Since when have I become your slave?"

"Since you promised I could stay in bed all day," she grinned.

"Remind me not to promise you anything anymore," Haley frowned as she climbed out of bed.

"Now, go start with the breakfast. Oh, and make it chocolate chip muffins."

Haley raised an eyebrow.

"Please," Brooke added, flashing dimples. Haley shook her head with a smile as she walked to the kitchen.

Brooke sank back down in bed in complete and total bliss. She took Haley's pillow and breathed in deeply. She loved the fact that it smelled like her. Brooke frowned as she smelled herself. Maybe staying in bed all day wasn't such a great idea. She sighed as she got out of bed and headed to the shower.

Haley smiled as she heard the shower turn on. She knew Brooke couldn't last all day in bed--she was a hygiene freak.


+++++++OTH++++++++


Haley sighed as she put the muffins into the oven. They were out of mix, so she had had to make them from scratch. She then went to the bathroom to take a quick shower herself while the muffins were cooking.

Brooke was in the bathroom, drying her hair.

"So much for staying in bed," Haley teased from the doorway.

"Hey, as soon as I'm done in here, I'm going back," Brooke yelled over the noise from the blow dryer.

"You put pajamas back on?" she laughed.

"They're clean pajamas, and yes, I did."

Haley walked behind her as she turned off the blow dryer and wrapped her arms around Brooke's waist. She had to reach to put her chin on Brooke's shoulder, causing the taller girl to laugh.

"Good morning," Haley smiled, looking at Brooke in the mirror.

"Good morning," Brooke smiled back, wrapping her arms around Haley's.

"You need to get out," Haley continued with a smile.

"Huh?" Brooke raised an eyebrow.

"I need to take a shower," she explained. "And unless you want burnt muffins, I suggest you get out the bathroom so I can get started."

"Or," Brooke smiled, turning to face her. "I could just stay here, and we could shower together."

"You already took a shower," Haley pointed out.

"You can never have enough showers."

Haley rolled her eyes, "Nice try."

"Ok, ok," Brooke replied. "Well…how about I just sit here and watch you shower?"

"Brooke," Haley laughed. "You're hornier than a teenage boy."

"And you know you love it," she said, wiggling her eyebrows.

Haley shook her head with laughter and pointed to the door, "Out."

"You never let me have any fun," Brooke grumbled on her way out the bathroom.

Haley reached out and grabbed her wrist, spinning her around quickly, and planted a firm kiss on her lips. When she pulled away, Brooke had a goofy grin on her face.

"That's what I thought," Haley smiled. "Now go."

Brooke walked out of the bathroom, still in a slight daze, as Haley turned on the water to the shower.


+++++++OTH++++++


"Now see," Brooke smiled as the sat in bed. Haley was nestled close to her side, and Brooke had an arm around her. She was running lazy fingers up and down Haley's arm, causing goose bumps to rise. "How perfect is this?"

"It's pretty perfect," Haley admitted. They had eaten breakfast in bed, and Haley had managed to convince Brooke to get out of bed to brush her teeth, so she wouldn't spill water everywhere, while she had done the dishes.

"And think, we only have two more weeks left of school. After that, we can do this everyday."

"What's wrong?" Brooke asked, looking down at Haley when she felt the smaller girl tense in her arms.

"Two weeks?" she gulped.

"Yea. You're not scared are you?" she teased.

"Brooke, that means next week is finals."

Brooke mentally hit herself for bringing it up, knowing she had just ruined their whole day.

"We haven't even started studying yet. Oh, gosh, we are so far behind," Haley grumbled, bringing a hand to her forehead.

"Haley, we're going to be fine. You are like a genius, so you probably could get an A with out studying at all. And, I just so happen to be living with the greatest tutor in the world, so I'm going to be just fine," Brooke replied, trying to calm her down.

"But I had this study plan all drawn out for us, and now it's all screwed up."

Brooke struggled not to laugh.

"You think this is funny?" Haley squeaked, looking up at her, horrified.

"No," Brooke grinned, placing a kiss on her forehead. "But I do think you are the most adorable person in the world."

Haley gave a small smile as a slight blush tinged her cheeks. Brooke smiled to feel the tutor relax slightly.

"Now, here's what we are going to do," she said. "You are going to go get your books and notes and whatever you need to study out of my car, and bring them back up here. That way, we both win. We'll be studying...in bed."

Haley nodded, standing up to go get her things out the car.

"Hales..." Brooke began as Haley began to walk out that door.

Haley turned back to her, "Yep?"

"Could you put some clothes on, like at least a t-shirt or something before you go outside?"

Haley looked down. She like Brooke had put on some more pajamas after her shower, which consisted of a pair of short boxer shorts and a tight spaghetti strap shirt.

"Jealous?" Haley asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No," Brooke lied. "I'm just worried."

"About?"

"Well, if I were driving by and I saw you walking out wearing something like that, I'd end up in a ditch." Brooke explained. "I mean, I'm just looking out for everybody else here. We don't want some old man having a heart attack or anything as he passes by and sees a major hottie wearing practically nothing,"

"Yea, like that would happen," Haley laughed. "But," she continued, grabbing a loose t-shirt from her closet, "if it'll make you happy..." She pulled the shirt over her head and smiled at Brooke cutely.

"You're the greatest, you know that?" Brooke said.

"Yea, but it doesn't hurt to hear it once in a while," Haley replied with a wink as she walked out the room.

++++++++OTH+++++++


"Brooke, come on. We're almost done, so try to concentrate," Haley said.

"It's kind of hard to focus on history, when you have an incredibly hot tutor sitting right next to you. And the way you keep biting your lip as you read, isn't helping one bit," Brooke replied honestly.

"Damn," Lucas laughed as he sat down at the table where Brooke and Haley were sitting. "I never thought I'd actually see the day when Brooke Davis stepped foot into a library."

Haley slapped his arm.

"Hey!" he cried indignantly, grabbing his arm. "That actually hurt."

"Yea, well, you deserved it."

"It was only a joke," Lucas replied. He turned to Brooke, "Seriously, you know I don't see you like that Brooke. I just noticed Haley has been riding you kind of hard lately about your school work, so I just wanted to lighten the mood."

"It's ok," Brooke smiled. "I needed the distraction, even if it was only for like 2 seconds."

"I haven't been that bad," Haley argued.

Brooke raised an eyebrow. "Not that bad? Haley, we've done nothing but study for the past 5 days. And, I mean nothing," she stressed the last word.

Haley rolled her eyes, "Quit exaggerating."

"I'm not exaggerating," she replied. "Seriously tutor girl, if I don't know this stuff by now, then I'm screwed."

"Yes," Lucas agreed. "And that is exactly why I'm here. Tomorrow is senior skip day, and everybody is going to Bevin's. Please tell me that you two are going to be there."

Brooke frowned, "I can't miss school."

"Why not?"

"I promised tutor nazi that I'd go to all my classes. And while yes, I think I'm fully prepared, I can't miss the last classes before finals."

"Tutor nazi is really rubbing off on you," he laughed.

"Hello," Haley said, waving her hands. "I'm sitting right here, you know."

The other two burst out in laughter.


++++++++OTH+++++++


Haley sighed as she turned over in Brooke's arms onto her back. She couldn't seem to fall asleep. Brooke
nuzzled her nose against Haley's cheek in her sleep, causing her to smile. She absent mindedly began to draw circles on Brooke's arm that was wrapped around her stomach.

"Haley?" Brooke asked groggily.

"Shh, babe, I'm sorry. Go back to sleep," she soothed, running a hand through Brooke's hair.

"You can't do that, and expect me to go to sleep. At least not without a kiss."

Haley smiled, turning her head to kiss Brooke softly. She couldn't help but laugh as she felt Brooke kiss her back tiredly.

"Am I really that boring of a kisser?" she asked, pulling away.

"No," Brooke smiled lazily. "I'm just tired. Trust me, you are an incredible kisser."

Haley kissed her forehead, "Thank you. Now go back to sleep." She turned her face back to the ceiling. She could feel Brooke's warm breath against her cheek.

"What time is it?" she asked, yawning.

"It's 4:08."

"Haley," Brooke said, waking up slightly. "What are you doing up at four in the morning?"

"I can't sleep."

Brooke tightened her grip around Haley's waist, burying her face tiredly in Haley's neck, "Anything you want to talk about?"

Haley shook her head.

"Are you lying?"

She took a deep breath. "Do you really think I'm a tutor nazi?" she asked worriedly.

Brooke pushed herself up onto her arm, laughing lightly. She pushed a piece of Haley's hair off of her face and behind her ear, "Haley..." she began.

"I knew it. You think I'm horrible," she groaned, shutting her eyes tightly.

"Hey," Brooke soothed. "Sweetie, where is this coming from?"

"I don't know. I was just thinking about what you said earlier, and I realized it was true. I have been super strict on you lately, and--"

But Brooke cut her off, "Haley, I was only joking. I mean, I've been called a cheer nazi tons of times. I guess I didn't stop to think how you'd take it. I'm sorry. But trust me, you are not a tutor nazi."

"No?"

"No," Brooke smiled gently. "You are amazing. I mean seriously, anybody else would have given up on me a long time ago when it comes to school. But you stuck by me, and I really appreciate it."

She heard Haley sigh, and she kissed her forehead.

"Now, are you ok?"

"Yea," Haley nodded.

"Ok, now try to get some sleep. We have school tomorrow."

"Oh, man, I am starting to rub off on you," Haley groaned, causing Brooke to laugh.