Narcissistic Cannibal

One

"From the Outside Looking In"

Lucas Scott tugged on his fraying sweatshirt, the collar annoyingly tightening around his neck; the feeling took away from his shot. Sighing, he finally decided to remove the material from his body, and watched as the large "Scott" printed on the back of it crumpled onto the concrete. Lucas moved the sweatshirt farther away from the three-point-line. He'd get ten threes in a row. Lucas had done nine before, but now it was time to finally get ten—he knew Nathan had.

Lucas quickly shook his head. His younger half brother didn't care that Luke existed or that Lucas knew his scoring record from his freshman and sophomore years by heart. Luke was counting now for Nathan's junior—the younger Scott was up to eighty now, and the season was just beginning. Pretty soon, Nathan would beat the school high for points—taking the title from his (their) father Dan. Lucas didn't actually know the record setting number of shots that Dan held; Lucas had known at one point, but it seemed to be a moot tidbit of knowledge to know.

Lucas twirled the basketball in his hands, feeling the bumpy material rub against his already calloused palms. One day, he'd spin the ball in his hands, then pass it off to Nathan who'd smile at him in silent 'thank you' before going up for a perfectly formed layup. Even if Nathan didn't know it, and even if Lucas didn't truly know the kid, Luke was proud of his younger brother. He was a success at the ripe age of sixteen and had nowhere to go but up. The thought made Lucas sigh. It seemed like it should be easier to get to know Nathan—Lucas had a valid excuse and reason to. Nathan was untouchable, though; even to a substantial percentage of his teammates. Nathan Scott was god of Tree Hill—it was an honor for him just to glance at you in the hallway. Lucas had always told himself that that was crazy. No teenager should have that much power—especially one who had an ego as large as Nathan's. Lucas realized though that as much as he despised his brother's cold and cocky ways, Nathan had a way of making up for all of it on the court.

Now, Lucas would never flat out admit that he was infatuated by his brother, because in all honesty, that would be a lie. Infatuation wasn't what Lucas felt for Nathan. The younger Scott seemed to be a part of Lucas—a part that was suffocated and dormant all his life. Luke knew that he'd never allow it to wake up. If he did, Lucas could bet that only misery would come. Shaking his head, Luke spun the ball in his hands one more time before lifting his arms, bending his knees, and focusing his eyes on the basket.

Swish.

That was one. Nine more to go.

"Nice shot. Plan on doing this all night?" Lucas turned around to find Haley James standing behind him, smiling. Crossing her arms, she walked closer to Lucas. Her auburn hair was swirling in the wind that hit her face with its full impact. She was so cute in situations like this. Luke smiled.

"Depends on how good your alternative plan is," Lucas said, walking backwards to get his basketball, still keeping eye contact with Haley. Lucas smiled brighter, earning him only a sarcastic eye roll from Haley.

"It's amazing how that basketball means more to you than me. I mean can that piece of rubber make you a nice hot sandwich and take you up to the rooftop where she put up the lights again?" Haley smiled, a devious look flashing in her eyes. Scurrying over to Lucas who had just retrieved his ball, she stole it from his loose grasp and began to jokingly run away. Lucas quickly caught up to her, wrapping his arms around her from behind and slipping the ball from her hands.

"You put the lights up? Hales, you haven't done that in like a year. What's the big occasion?" Lucas raised an eyebrow, beginning to dribble the basketball absent-mindedly.

"Oh, so now there has to be an incentive to do something nice and fun?"

"Well is there?" Lucas watched the sarcastic tint in Haley's features fade away to pure and utter delight.

"Okay, yeah, there is. So, you know how I tutor Jake?" Haley again folded her arms.

"Jake Jagielski?" Lucas cocked his head slightly. Jake was a Raven—what could Haley possibly want from him?

"Yeah, that Jake. So anyways, I talked to him, and he's going to talk to Whitey about giving you a shot at joining the team." Haley smiled brightly.

"Th—the basketball team? Hales, I… why?" Lucas' heart was racing. Being on the team meant facing rivalry, Dan, and Nathan… he wasn't sure he could handle it.

"Why what? Why would I do that? Luke, come on; you've wanted to play for the Ravens since freshman year. I finally have the chance to help you… why wouldn't I have done it?" Haley cocked her head. Why was Lucas acting so negatively towards the idea?

"I just don't know if I can face it. If I do join the team, that'll mean my life will be closer to Dan and Nathan's, and I don't know how my mom will take it," Lucas replied, rolling the basketball between his hands. It was true that it would be hard on Karen; but that wasn't what weighed heavily on Lucas' shoulders. The second that word got around school that he'd be considering joining the team, Nathan would suddenly notice him… talk to him; Lucas didn't know if he could take that.

"Haley, how is there even a chance for me to get on varsity? Tryouts were three weeks ago." Lucas dropped the basketball to the ground, stopping it from rolling with his foot. He looked at Haley expectantly.

"Well, Jake was telling me about this little mishap some of the players had a couple of days ago."

"Mishap?" Lucas ran a hand through his dirty blond hair. His mind was on fire.

"Yeah. Some of the team stole a bus after the game on Thursday, and were caught. They'd also been drinking. I think it was like four or five guys who got cited and banished from the team. I don't remember what Jake said. Anyway, so there are openings on the team now—Whitey's looking for people. Who else would be more perfect than you?" Haley smiled.

"Ha," Lucas replied uneasily, "well, um, thanks, Hales. That means a lot to me." Luke supplied his friend with a timid smile, his thoughts still trying to process what was happening.

"What's wrong, Luke? You don't seem that happy." Haley took a seat on the concrete, and Lucas walked over to her, slowly sinking down next to her.

"I don't know, Haley, it's just been my dream for so long." Haley smiled in giddy response. "No, Hales, it's always been a dream; nothing more. I've imagined being on the team and getting to know Nathan for so long, I don't think I can face what it will actually be like." Lucas shrugged his shoulders.

"I get why you're nervous about the team. But why Nathan? He's just a jock who's a jerk; I'm sure you're not missing much." Haley formed a disgusted look on her face, and straightened her slouching back.

"Because he's my brother," Lucas mumbled.

"Since when?" Haley spat back in return. "Luke, you may be related by blood, but even that's clouded. You're nothing like him, and you shouldn't want to know him. He's just a jackass who gets whatever he wants. I don't understand how that makes him worthy of being called your brother." Haley brought her legs up to her chest.

"Someone seems to have strong emotions. Did something happen between you two?" Lucas raised an eyebrow, staring intently at his best friend.

"We're not talking about me right now, Luke."

"We could," Lucas replied. He'd do anything to get out of this conversation of basketball and Nathan.

"No, Luke, you. Do you want me to tell Jake not to tell Whitey that you're interested? He was planning on telling Whitey tomorrow… want me to call off the dogs?" Haley leaned in closer to her best friend, smelling the peppermint hint in his breath. She knew it was cliché to find that scent so attractive, but call her predictable…

"I don't want you to tell Jake anything. I'm sure it's just nerves, right? I'll be fine. And you're right—I don't even know Nathan. I've lived this long without him as my brother, why start now, right?" Lucas gave a convincing smile. Truth was, a part of him wanted to know Nathan because he felt that if he did, he'd know Dan. And knowing Dan would help Luke come to terms with what happened between his parents all those years ago.

"Yay!" Haley squealed, hugging Lucas around his torso. "So still up for that sandwich and the rooftop?" Haley took her arms from Luke, looking up at him expectantly.

"All the way," Lucas returned with a genuine grin.

Ravens Practice—Next Day.

"All right Ravens, gather up," Whitey beckoned, saving his varsity team from their last suicide. Nathan slapped the last line he needed to, before jogging over to Whitey. It was customary for Nathan to finish first—the amount of endurance his father made him do should surely allow him to finish a hell of a lot quicker than the others. The rest of the team straggled into the circle Whitey and Nathan were beginning to make, heaving and praying for air. With all of the boys clutching their thighs and bending forward, it made Nathan feel even more powerful as he loomed over them, completely unfazed by the conditioning.

"You all know why you're running. I'm not going to spend time going over rules and morals you boys should have learned years ago. We have a game this Thursday. That's three days from now, gentlemen. I expect nothing other than your best; no matter how much empty space is on the bench. Now hit the showers, and be ready to work again tomorrow." The team knew that was their exit, and they began limping their way off of the court. Staring at the lines painted on so innocently, they seemed like torture devices as the boys' lungs still screamed at them, longing for a normal breath.

Nathan didn't follow his teammates though, rather standing in the shadows by the bleachers. He needed to talk with Coach about how the loss of players would affect the starting lineup and his own personal game; the latter clutching the priority spot. Just as Whitey began approach him, Jake Jagielski ran up to Whitey, snatching his attention.

"Say, Coach, can I talk to you for a second?" Jake looked at Whitey patiently.

"I'll give you a minute, Jagielski. I need to be getting home." Whitey crossed his arms, waiting for his player to speak.

"Well seeing as how we're four players down, that leaves some vacant spots that need to be filled," Jake began mildly. He wasn't quite sure how to address Whitey.

"Thank you for reminding me of the obvious, son. What's the point you're trying to get at?" Coach Durham lowered his head, giving Jake a more stern and intent stare.

"Well, I have someone you might be interested in," Jake replied. Nathan's ears perked at those words. Slowly creeping closer, he wasn't about to miss this information. What could Jagielski possibly suggest to Coach that would be worthwhile?

"Is that so?" Whitey seemed to be warming up to the conversation.

"Yes sir. Lucas Scott, sir. He plays at the River Court. I've driven by a few times, and he seems really promising. He has just as good of a three shot as Nathan." Jake gave a nod to finish off his sentence.

"Lucas Scott," Whitey echoed. He knew very well the hotheaded Nathan would be in a fiery fit if Lucas was to make the team, but every boy deserved to play ball. Having his half brother on the team might even help Nathan come to terms with basketball being a team sport; not simply figures passing him the ball so he could take all of the glory. Whitey gave a wise smirk. "Alright, Jagielski, I'll give the kid a shot."

"Thank you Coach, you won't be disappointed."

"Alright, Jake, you're done role-playing as a sports agent. Now hit the showers so I can get home, son." Jake nodded eagerly in return, jogging off towards the locker room. Nathan slid deeper underneath the bleachers, going unnoticed by the pleased Jake. Nathan scowled at the goody-two-shoes, wishing he could just pit over all of Jake's purity. It was people like Jagielski and Lucas that really pissed Nathan off—they were too genuine to go unnoticed, as Nathan would like them to. Raising his eyes to the retreating form of his coach, Nathan Scott glared at him, hoping his dark stare would serves as daggers, slipping deeply between the disks in Whitey's back. With one last clench of the jaw, Nathan stormed his way towards the showers. Tonight, Lucas Scott would regret ever attempting to enter into Nathan's world.

The River Court

Nathan slammed the door of his jet black Mustang. Basketball firmly tucked under his arm, Nathan was all too slickly pleased to find Lucas bouncing around the ball alone.

"A little juvenile, don't you think?" Nathan spat at his brother oily. The rival his half brother's dribbling, Nathan began to spin his basketball quickly on his pointer finger. Watching Lucas acknowledge his presence with such a respected horror brought a smirk to Nathan's lips.

"It's never childish to practice the basics," Luke replied quietly, continuing to bounce. There Nathan was—talking to him… noticing him. That fact blinded Lucas from the fact that Nathan was personality wise an utter douche bag. Lucas licked his dry lips.

"I heard you're going to try out for the team," Nathan returned, allowing some sarcastic enthusiasm to enter his voice. "Don't. No one wants you. Whitey is only considering you because he's desperate. I know I certainly don't want you, so neither does the rest of the team. Why are you even bothering?" Nathan began to slowly circle his brother, dribbling his basketball at a rhythmic pace.

"Because I want to," Lucas bit out in return. Lucas began to bounce his ball at the same tempo as Nathan. He watched as his younger brother got subtly irked at the movements.

"Then you're more of an idiot than I thought you were. It's only going to be hell for you. Don't try and take my life, Roe," Nathan sneered. He had called Lucas by his mother's maiden name. "You don't deserve to use the last name of Scott. You're only an embarrassment to its legacy." With that, Nathan began to change the tempo of the dribbling, adding and subtracting a bounce here and there. Lucas caught on quickly, beginning to slightly circle Nathan in response.

"I don't want it anyway. That name is the legacy of jackasses."

"Oh, that's cute. Look, just stay away from my game, my girl, and my team. Stay in your life, I'll stay in mine."

"It's a free country, Nathan. The team isn't off limits."

"Like hell it isn't," Nathan shot back. "I own that team. Join it, you become my property. You might as well just stay away." Nathan stopped his dribbling all together, turning his back to his brother and beginning to walk back to his car. Lucas watched the strong form draped in red walk away, and that only irritated Lucas further.

"Only the weak walk away," Luke called to his brother.

"There's nothing to walk away from. You don't exist to me," Nathan said, turning around and vacantly looking at Lucas.

"When I join the team I'll exist. And you'd better be ready; that scoring title is mine." Lucas sneered at his brother. It broke his heart to do this—Lucas only wanted to be friends. But it seemed, Nathan wanted anything but that. Two could play his juvenile game.

"Good luck with that one, Roe. I'll be interested to see if you even step onto the court outside of practice." Nathan glared deeper at Lucas.

"It's you who'll warm the bench. Your spot? Mine." Lucas jabbed his thumb into his chest, elongating his last word.

"I swear to god, I'll make it so you can never walk again," Nathan threatened darkly.

"Is violence the only comeback you have? That's sad."

"Go to hell, Roe," Nathan muttered in irritation, turning from his brother the second time that night.

"I would, but there are two Scotts already destined for hell. I don't think they'll have room for a third." Lucas supplied Nathan with an innocent little grin.

"You act like you're so different from my father and me, but you're lower."

"Would you look at that, the caveman actually knows proper grammar; I'm impressed."

"Want to know one good think about using violence as a comeback? I get to do things like this:" Nathan raised his powerful right arm, and swung hard enough at Lucas' face for him to feel the shattering pain, but not strong enough to actually break the bone. He watched as Lucas fell to the ground, clutching his left cheekbone.

"Welcome to hell, Lucas," Nathan sneered coldly into Lucas' ear, and Nathan cracked his knuckles on the hand that had just smashed Lucas' face. Rising easily from his kneeling position, Nathan went back to his car, driving off in a roar.

Lucas propped himself up on his elbow and forearm, massaging his throbbing cheekbone. When Nathan's flesh had met with Lucas', it bound together two brothers linked by Dan. Lucas knew this season wasn't going to be easy, but it was worth the fight to bring Nathan into his life as his brother. It would just take time…

Okay, so I've just started One Tree Hill, and absolutely love it. As you can tell, this story will be slightly AU, and so will some couples. Please let me know if some characters (out of the few that you've seen) are really OOC. I know Lucas is to some degree—it he's supposed to be. Please leave me a review with some suggestions for plot if you wish. It took me a good while to write this first chapter, and would really appreciate and enjoy some feedback; it'll only take you a second.

Be good and review!