SHOUT OUTS/ANSWERS

Ladysteinbeck: Thanks. Read on and see.

Lalez: I'm glad you enjoyed the vid. I know what you mean. It was incredible. What do you mean? Your stuff is good. Thanks. Yeah, it is legendary.

CherryAndBroody4eva: Thanks. Glad you think so. Yes, it is.

Long Live BRUCAS: I'm glad you enjoyed it. Well, yeah, it's Dan. Well, what can ya expect? Well, keep reading.

DISCLAIMER

Based off of the youtube video "I Love You, Mom" by Fanaticfan84 who has allowed me to tweak the plot for the fic. I only own the characters you don't recognize. I use a scene from the actual series.

Nathan walked down the boys' locker room as he and his teammates entered the gym. As the Ravens paraded out, the boys could hear the roar of the crowd. He looked out to the bleachers where the parents clapped and cheered enthusiastically.

"Wow," he murmured. This is amazing. I can't believe how this still pumps me up, he thought to himself. Lucas came up behind him.

"Ready, Little Brother?" he asked.

"Always," he confirmed. They laughed and took their spots. Meanwhile, Peyton, Brooke, and Haley led the crowd into a cheer. Nathan nodded to himself. Yeah, this was good. The girls were happy, he and Luke were happy. This would be a good night. The tip off came and they were on their way. Lucas and Nathan were in top form, getting the ball to each other and to their teammates. Feeling someone looking at him, Nathan turned to see Dan watching the game intensely.

"Hey." Nathan turned to Lucas. "Don't worry about him. Just play." He nodded and went to his position. Nathan blocked one of the rival players and the Ravens were all over the court. Karen clapped encouragingly as the game progressed, but Dan's face became more and more dour. When half-time came, the boys convened in the locker room.

"You boys are doing well, I'm proud of you," Whitey stated. There was a derisive laugh.

"'Well'? What game are you watching, Whitey? This game is pathetic," a voice commented. They all turned to see Dan.

"What are you doing in here, Dad?" Lucas asked tightly.

"You watch your tone with me, Luke," Dan snarled.

"I'm sorry, Sir," Lucas responded through gritted teeth.

"Now, Nathan, what do you think you're doing? You think the scouts are going to be impressed with your performance here tonight?" Dan demanded.

"You know what? Forget the scouts, Dad! And get out! This isn't your team!" Nathan shouted. Before anyone knew what had happened, Dan had grabbed Nathan and shoved him against the locker.

"You listen, you little punk. You better shut up and start paying attention to me! Because if you don't, you're never going to amount to anything in this game," he said, slamming him against the locker again.

"Let him go!" Lucas cried, grabbing Dan. The man backhanded his oldest son, who fell to the floor.

"That just cost you, Lucas. We'll talk tonight," he said, causing the older brother's eyes to widen slightly, but he said nothing.

"Danny, get out of my locker room before I throw you out," Whitey growled. Dan just smirked at the coach, and then walked out.

"Hey, you okay, man?" Nathan asked, reaching down to help Lucas up.

"Dang it, Nathan! Why couldn't you just leave it alone?" Lucas snapped. "Why couldn't you have just kept your mouth shut? Why do I have to keep protectin' your butt, huh?" he asked angrily.

"Luke," Nathan said in surprise.

"Just do as he wants---finish the game his way," Lucas snapped. With that, he pushed his way past their teammates and led them out to the court. The game ended with the Ravens winning. As the team crowded around them, Nathan saw Rachel bound up to Lucas and wrap him in a hug. They kissed briefly, but broke apart when Dan approached. Nathan saw Dan say something and Lucas slumped his shoulders. Then, without even a glance at Rachel or the team, Lucas let their father led him out of the gym.