Title: Moonlight

Author: Cleo Clipper

Genres: Drama, Angst, Romance

Warnings: Slash, violence, abuse, hints at sexual abuse, language, adult themes. If you don't like to read about Lucas and Nathan being romantically involved (as brothers or not) or if abuse/sexual abuse is a touchy subject for you, then don't read this story. You have been warned!

Author's Note: This is an AU where Lucas and Nathan are not brothers! They are just best friends. Lucas' father died when he was younger.

Thank you for all the lovely reviews! I agree with bobbysinger200 that this pairing definately does not get enough love :( But I plan on changing that!

This chapter is more of a filler chapter, but it does introduce Lucas into the story and this is where the slash does begin :)

Disclaimer: I don't own, sadly. I just own this plot

Lucas Roe stared at the glow-in-the-dark stars that were illuminating his bedroom ceiling. He shifted under his blankets to turn towards the door when he heard a car park and stop outside. He knew that it had to be Nathan; he usually came around this time when he was forced to be home, beaten and bruised from his father's latest forms of punishment. Lucas always hoped that each time would be different, that when Nathan came he wouldn't have any bruises or cuts or those leaden blue eyes that spoke volumes of the abuse and suffering he experienced at home.

He prayed that tonight would be different for Nathan, but since they lost the championship, he knew this wasn't the case.

He tried, albeit desperately, to get Nathan out of going home with his father, tried to get his best friend to just come with him to the café where Hayley and Brooke and the rest of the Tree Hill gang would be celebrating the fact that they even made it as far as the championships. Nathan had agreed—Nathan would never turn down an opportunity to get away from that monster—but Dan always, always, got Nathan to do things his way.

Lucas held both of Nathan's hands in his, their fingers laced together. They were standing behind the school gym where the game had taken place, where no one would see them. The moonlight was blocked by the gym, leaving the area in complete darkness; the light didn't illuminate the true relationship between the best friends as they stole kisses from each other, happiness in both their eyes as they enjoyed their time together. Nathan leaned against the stone wall, touching his forehead to Lucas', embracing the moment with a smile dancing in his eyes.

Nathan dipped his head and stole another kiss from his boyfriend, drawing him in so his arms wrapped around his waist. Lucas immediately wrapped his arms around Nathan, their foreheads never parting. He could feel Nathan's breathe against his lips and he smiled. "Come home with me babe."

Nathan's smile faltered slightly but he didn't let go of Lucas. "I can't. Dad wants me to go straight home, he's pretty pissed that we lost; probably even more pissed that he can't find me right now."

Lucas pressed a quick kiss to Nathan's slightly swollen lips before pulling back a bit and looking into Nathan's eyes. "Nathan, please, just come with me. Hales wants you to watch her sing her duet with Chris at the café and my mom misses you. She even said you could stay the night."

Nathan sighed, rubbing their noses together. "I can't, Luke. You know how he gets, if I don't do exactly what he says when he says it, there'll be a worse punishment than the one I've got coming. I'll come over tonight, promise."

Disappointment was obvious in the younger's eyes and he cupped Nathan's face with one hand. "That's why you need to come with me! Your father is pissed because we lost the game. I saw his face, and he is not going to let you off easy whether you come home tonight or tomorrow. What if he goes too far this time, then what Nate? What's gonna happen when…?"

Nathan silenced him with a passionate kiss, one that they both felt from head to their toes. He pulled back and leaned his head against the wall, bringing Lucas into an embrace.

"I know you're worried, Luke, but I'll be fine. I always get through this with him and tonight will be no different. Don't worry about me, babe, I'll be okay, and I'll be back in your bed before you know it."

Lucas opened his mouth to say something when they heard footsteps coming into the alley. They quickly parted before the very person they were talking about appeared in the sliver of moonlight that illuminated the alley.

"Nathan, there you are. We need to go, your mother is waiting." Dan Scott's voice held a warning of severe punishment should he choose to disagree. Lucas felt rather than saw Nathan tense up and resisted the urge to hold him, to tell Dan to fuck off and leave him alone.

Nathan slowly went to his father, who placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed hard, making him flinch. With a glare towards Lucas, he turned Nathan and steered him out of the ally, leaving Lucas alone to fear for his boyfriend.

Lucas was brought out of his musings when he heard light footsteps approaching his door. He quickly and quietly stood and rushed to open the door. The sight of an upset-looking Nathan made his heart thunder madly in his chest as he drew Nathan into his arms. His heart ached as he felt Nathan shake with silent sobs, and he wished with everything he had that Dan would drop dead.

Pushing Dan into the back of his mind, he whispered words of comfort and love to his lover, pushing his back door closed with his foot. Slowly, gently, he guided Nathan over to his bed and set him down. Turning on the lamp on his nightstand, Lucas was able to clearly see the extent of Dan's damage. He took in the cuts on his face, and the purpling bruises around Nathan's neck, and he knew that the damage was worse below.

Lucas grabbed Nathan's shirt and slowly pulled it over the injured boy's head, his mind spinning at the huge purple and black bruises that were already starting to form. He looked over Nathan's arms, but he didn't find any bruising. Dan always made sure to leave his mark where he knew it wouldn't be visible.

Lucas reached into his drawer in the nightstand and pulled out a healing cream, and with gentle fingers, he massaged it into the bruises on Nathans neck, chest, and back. When he was done he placed a kiss on Nathan's lips and threw the bottle on the floor.

Nathan scooted over to the other side of the bed to make room for Lucas, and settled into the warm blankets as Lucas turned off his lamp. He felt soft arms wrap around him and he drew Lucas to him, kissing him on the head and placing his head under his chin. Lucas placed a kiss on his wounded neck and murmured a 'goodnight,' before quickly falling asleep. Nathan whispered back an 'I love you,' following Lucas to the land of dreams, the moonlight shining through the partly opened window.

As always, reviews and feedback are appreciated!