While a love triangle on any TV show is going to be interesting and entertaining, there’s nothing like this type of storyline on a teen drama. And one teen drama that features a really well-done love triangle is One Tree Hill. On the air for nine seasons, the show gave audiences the chance to get to know a group of close friends who, yes, sometimes dated one another.
Three of the main characters involved in a love triangle are Peyton Sawyer (Hilarie Burton), Brooke Davis (Sophia Bush), and Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray). What makes things even juicier? The fact that Peyton and Brooke are best friends. Here are five reasons that Brooke is better for Lucas, and five reasons that Lucas and Peyton are meant to be together on One Tree Hill.
10. Brooke: She’s Fun And Balances Him Out
People say that opposites attract in romantic relationships, but the same seems to be true for friendships, at least when it comes to Brooke and Peyton. While Peyton is moody and artsy, Brooke is a social butterfly who loves chatting with people and going to parties.
Brooke was better for Lucas on One Tree Hill because her optimistic, always up for a good time personality balances out his much quieter, sometimes shy side. They seem to have fun together, and that counts for a lot.
9. Peyton: They’re Both Soft, Sensitive Types
On the other hand, Peyton was better for Lucas because they both have very similar personalities: they’re soft, sensitive, and emotional. Peyton is insecure from growing up without a stable family and spending most of her time alone, and Lucas has always wondered about his dad, the cold-hearted and wealthy Dan Scott (Paul Johansson).
These two characters feel things deeply and they help each other get over their issues so they can truly be together. It doesn’t seem like a coincidence that they end up getting married, having a baby, and moving away. They help each other heal, and it’s really nice to see.
8. Brooke: She Keeps Him On His Toes
Although Brooke wants to see other people along with Lucas, he’s not interested and wants them to be in a serious relationship. This becomes clear in the season three episode “From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea” and it proves that Brooke is good for him because she keeps him on his toes.
It seems like Brooke is testing him and doesn’t believe that he could really commit to her since she’s insecure from her lonely upbringing. She basically forces him to admit that he has feelings for her, and that’s good for him since it teaches him to be even more honest and open about his emotions and thoughts than he already is.
7. Peyton: He Always Loves Her, Even When He’s With Brooke
It’s definitely true that even though Lucas and Brooke begin seeing each other in the first season, he likes Peyton first. He doesn’t stop feeling that way even when he’s with Brooke.
Lucas and Brooke have a pretty on and off again relationship for the first few seasons of the show. When they date again in the third season, it seems like he’s still hung up on Peyton. This is especially true since they kiss when it looks like she could die in the tragic school shooting episode “With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept.” Lucas is all about Peyton, always and forever.
6. Brooke: She Leans On Him, Giving Him Confidence
Brooke and Lucas really connect with one another in the first season episode “The Search for Something More.” When they go to a party and a college student gives Peyton drugs without her consent, Lucas is the person who Brooke thinks of, and he rushes to be there for them. She leans on him, which makes him feel more confident and secure that he can be the caregiver for someone. This is good for him since he has to deal with the insecurity of growing up with only one parent.
Fans look at this as a big moment for Brooke and Lucas as he realizes that she’s not simply a party, fun-loving girl but someone who can be vulnerable, too. The two characters share a real connection, and it makes sense that they would be drawn to one another.
5. Peyton: The Relationship Feels More Stable And Less Dramatic
It’s true that many high school relationships aren’t exactly stable, and that’s definitely the case on a drama like OTH. But there’s something special about Lucas and Peyton’s relationship that feels wise and mature. It seems like Brooke’s insecurities get in the way of her truly falling for Lucas. She always acts like he can’t possibly like her and like things aren’t going to work out.
At the end of season two, for example, Lucas explains his feelings to Brooke and she gets really upset since she’s heading to California. But… isn’t that what she’s been waiting to hear? Isn’t that a good thing? Lucas and Peyton’s relationship feels more stable and less dramatic (even though, yes, there is still plenty of drama since this is One Tree Hill).
4. Brooke: She Makes Him Own Up To His Actions
In the same season two finale, “The Leavers Dance,” Lucas explains to Brooke that he was wrong and he’s not going to behave the same way again. She forces him to own up to his actions and she teaches him that he can’t treat people this way.
While many OTH fans love Peyton and Lucas, it’s true that they start seeing each other when he’s already with Brooke in season one, which isn’t cool. Brooke is good for Lucas because she makes him admit what he’s done wrong. That’s important for his growth and self-development.
3. Peyton: She Never Pretends Or Plays Silly Games
While Brooke and Lucas are a sweet couple, the truth is that Brooke spends a lot of time playing silly dating games with him. She’s the Queen of not wanting him to know her actual emotions toward him or wanting to show her hand. She even suggests they have an open relationship where they can casually date others.
Peyton is the better partner for Lucas because she never pretends or plays any kind of game. She loves him, she wants to be with him, and that’s that.
2. Brooke: She Helps Him Leave His Comfort Zone
Since Lucas and Peyton are similar, she doesn’t really help him break out of his comfort zone. They’re both prone to poetic dialogue and overthinking situations and while that can be romantic, it’s not always good to date someone who is exactly the same.
Brooke is better for Lucas than Peyton in this sense. She pushes him to be more social and have a better time instead of wallowing on sad things. Peyton does have a tendency to get really miserable.
1. Peyton: They’re Soulmates
Peyton and Lucas do end up together, living happily ever after as husband and wife (and the parents of their daughter, Sawyer). Despite the cute moments that Lucas and Brooke have shared, it’s easy to see that Peyton and Lucas are soulmates, and she’s better for him.
Peyton is even willing to risk her best friendship with Brooke for this love story. Brooke claims to never, ever want to talk to Peyton again twice, all because Peyton loves Lucas. And while that’s tough to watch, many fans know that this is one of those epic loves that can’t be messed with or changed. Peyton and Lucas will always love each other.
