Disclaimer: I don't own One Tree Hill

Title: Never Better

Author: ReadingRed

Chapter Three: Nose Bleeds

"Daddy over here! I'm open!" Brennan yelled waving his arms in the air.

Luke smiled and tossed the basketball to his oldest son and watched the boy dribble it down the court before tossing it through the hoop, much to the delight of his team mates.

Nathan and Lucas had spilt the cousins into two teams Lucas, Logan, Bryce, and Levi on one team and Nathan, Jamie, Brennan, Liam, and Matthew on the other. Lucas keeping a constant eye on Bailey where she sat in her pack 'n play on the side of the court, holding her stuffed basketball.

Levi chased after the ball as it bounced away after its fall through the hoop. He finally caught up with the ball and tossed it back to the court. The ball sailed through the air in a perfect arc before hitting the ground and bouncing back into the air before slamming into Liam's nose.

The six year old's pain filled shriek pierced the air as he dropped to his knees, pressing both hands to his face. Lucas raced over to his son and slid to his knees in front of the child. Already a group of concerned family was crowding around the little boy.

"Liam" Lucas said as he tried to pull the boys hands away from his face. "Liam, move your hands buddy. Come on, let Daddy see."

Lucas pulled Liam onto his lap sideways so the boy's right side was against his chest. He gently pulled at Liam's hands, trying to see the injury. Already blood was seeping through Liam's fingers and dripping down onto his jersey. Finally Liam moved his hands and let his dad get a good look at his face.

"Daddy, it hurts" Liam said through the tears.

"I know buddy, I know. You'll be okay. It's not broken." Lucas slipped off his outer shirt and balled it up before handing it to his son. "Here, hold this against your nose. It'll help stop the bleeding."

Liam nodded and did as he was told; tears streaming down his cheeks the entire time.

"Liam, I'm sorry" Levi said, crying almost as much as his older brother. Levi knelt down next to Lucas and Liam and tried to catch his brother's gaze. "I'm really sorry."

Liam nodded his acceptance and Levi grinned. Every took that as the cue to say their well wishes to Liam and after they all told him how strong he was being, and that he'd be okay, the crowd dispersed.

Lucas stood with Liam in his arms and started walking back to the car. "Guys, I think it's about time we head on home. Grab your basketballs and say goodbye to your cousins."

They'd been at the River Court for a few hours and it was about time to go home any way.

"Okay, Daddy" Logan said before herding her younger siblings around the court to find all their equipment. Lucas opened the car door and slid Liam into his booster seat. "I have to go get Bailey and her pack 'n play. Will you be okay for a minute?" he asked Liam as he brushed the sweaty hair off the little boy's forehead. Liam nodded and Lucas smiled. He left the car door open, just in case Liam needed anything and raced across the court to where he'd set up the playpen.

"Hey baby gi…." He said as he neared the playpen. They words died on his lips when he looked over the side of the playpen and saw that his daughter was gone.