So, to say my updates have been appalling would be an understatement! But I've had a few problems that last few weeks, especially with my internet! So I'm sorry that I haven't updated sooner and I hope this chapter satisfies you! Enjoy!

The others watched from the car as they saw Lucas storm off after his exchange with Dan.

"I'm glad he's still behaving the same way to Dan" muttered Nathan from the driver's seat.

"Yeah. But he doesn't usually let Dan get to him that easily. I wonder what he said to make Lucas so angry?" wondered Haley.

They looked back over to Dan who ran a hand through his hair and sighed deeply.

"Is it just me or does Dan actually look worried?" asked Brooke.

The others nodded as they observed him.

Dan huffed in frustration as he watched his eldest son storm away from him. He allowed his eyes to roam across the cemetery and spotted the black range rover that he knew belonged to Nathan and Haley. He reached the window and knocked, seeing the scowl on Nathan's face as the window wound down.

"Can I help you?" Nathan snapped.

"I don't think Lucas would appreciate you all following him" Dan replied softly as he looked around the car.

"Since when do you care about what Lucas feels" Nathan snapped again.

Haley placed her hand on her husband's arm, calming him.

"Mr Scott, what did you say that made Lucas so upset?" she asked calmly.

Dan stared at her for a moment before he replied. "That's not my place to say Haley" he said sincerely. "Just know that Lucas needs all the family he can get at the moment. I'm glad he has all of you to watch out for him."

With that, he turned away, leaving four shocked occupants in the car.

"Ok, what the hell??" asked Brooke after a long pause. "What was that?"

"Apparently that was Dan Scott being sincere" answered Peyton.

"Yeah, well I don't buy it. He's probably the one causing all this hassle for Luke." Nathan spat.

"Honey, you can't know that for sure yet. We need all the facts before we come to a conclusion" Haley soothed.

"Ever the teacher" smiled Peyton.

Nathan scowled at Dan's retreating back. "Well Luke sure as hell looked pissed when Dan spoke to him. He has something to do with it" he said, not choosing to believe after all he had done that Dan Scott could care about someone else.

"Come on, let's go and see where Luke went" he said as he pulled the car out of the cemetery.

Lucas was beyond angry. What right did Dan have to interfere?

Well he always did like to be in control of everything. When is he going to get the message and just stay the hell away? Lucas ranted in his head as he stormed along the sidewalk.

He didn't really look where he was going, putting himself at the mercy of his feet as they stamped along.

Before he knew it, he was through his front door and was making his way over to the cabinet that held an assortment of liquor. He grabbed the nearest bottle and poured himself a very generous measure and downed the lot, enjoying the feeling of it burning his mouth on the way down.

He sighed as he once again re-filled the glass and made his way into the chair that sat in the corner of the lounge. He fell into it allowing its comfort and the alcohol to relax him.

Lucas knew that he wasn't dealing with this the way he should. Pretending like nothing was wrong was failing, his family had shown that. But Lucas still couldn't come to terms with it, because by doing that meant that he believed it. And he didn't want too.

He closed his eyes and rested his head against the back of the chair, trying to clear his mind. His mind kept yelling at him, calling him an idiot and a coward, but he tried to ignore it.

Dan's words drifted through his mind

You don't have to do this alone.

For all his crap, Lucas knew he was right about that. He wasn't alone. If he told them he would have the support of everyone. Nathan, Haley, Brooke, Peyton, Skills, Mouth. The list was endless. Lucas tried to take comfort in this but he just couldn't find the courage he needed to tell them. Besides, it wasn't fair to bring them down with him. They shouldn't have to worry about this too.

He kept his eyes closed and brought his glass up to his lips, taking a large gulp.

"You know, I'm getting too used to seeing you with a drink in your hand" a voice pierced through the room.

Lucas' eyes snapped open and saw Nathan, Haley, Brooke and Peyton standing in the front room. He must have been really deep in thought to not have heard them come in.

Nathan continued "Sitting in the dark alone, drinking? And you say that nothing is wrong? Sorry Bro. I don't buy that for a second."

Lucas glared at his brother. He was sick of people butting in.

"You know, it's rude to just storm into people's homes without permission" Lucas muttered.

Nathan looked a little taken back. "Since when have we ever needed permission?"

"Since now. Cant a guy get a little privacy?" Lucas spat as he got up from his chair and finished his drink. He made his way over to the cabinet, but Haley got in his way.

Lucas huffed in annoyance as he tried to get around her but she kept blocking his way.

"Haley. Move. Now." He growled.

Haley merely raised an eyebrow at his tone. "Why? So you can drink yourself into an early grave? Not going to happen Lucas. No way." She said forcefully, crossing her arms.

Lucas looked at her for a moment before he turned and slammed his glass on the coffee table.

"Fine."

He turned to make his way to the door, only to find that it was now Brooke who was blocking his path.

"Sorry Broody. All exits are closed" she said.

"What the hell is this huh? Cant a man even be left alone in his own home?" he shouted as he threw his arms in the air and turned his back to them all.

"Lucas." Came Brooke's voice. "We are all here because we care about you. A lot. And we can't stand to see you like this. We need you to tell us what's wrong." She soothed.

Lucas let out a humourless laugh.

"Oh I get it. This is an intervention right? Nice one guys but it's not going to work" he scoffed.

Peyton moved towards him and placed her hands at his elbows. It was the first sign of life she had shown since she entered the room.

Lucas felt instantly soothed by her touch and Peyton felt him relax, if only a little.

"Lucas. Please look at me." she asked desperately.

Although he struggled to do it, Lucas kept his gaze firmly on the floor.

"Please Lucas" she asked again.

"I'd rather you do it willingly but if I have to force you I will" she said firmly when he still wouldn't comply.

Slowly, Lucas allowed his eyes to travel to her caring green eyes. This was his first mistake.

All he saw looking back at him was trust, compassion, understanding and what Lucas thought was love. He had allowed himself to be pulled under her spell and knew that if she asked, he would tell her everything.

"Lucas. We aren't here to hassle or annoy you. We are here because we all care for you and we can't stand to see you like this. It kills me Lucas. Let us help you. Please. Whatever it is we can get through this but you have to trust us ok. Pushing us away isn't going to help you because all we will do is dig our heels in harder and you are going to waste all your energy."

Lucas continued to look deep into her eyes and allowed her words to wash over him and soothe his soul.

She knew she was getting through to him. She saw the walls behind his eyes start to crumble. The others saw it too. They knew they were on the verge of a breakthrough.

That was until Nathans cell began to ring and effectively snapped Lucas back into focus. Nathan swore as he scrambled to turn the phone off.

Peyton saw the shutters slam back down as Lucas pulled out of her grip and turned away.

"Look. I appreciate the effort but you all need to leave now." He snapped, not looking at them.

"Lucas...." began Peyton but was cut off by him.

"No. I want you all to go" he repeated.

"Lucas, don't do this" Haley pleaded.

Her sentence was interrupted when this time, Lucas' house phone decided to interrupt.

No one moved to answer it; they were all locked in a staring contest. After a few moments, the answering machine cut in. And when it did, all colour drained from Lucas face.

"Mr Scott. This is Doctor Grainger. I'm calling once again to ask you to get in contact with me immediately. This is really important Mr Scott and it is imperative that we discuss your surgery........"

Ok. Many of your guesses hit the nail on the head. I guess it was a little predictable, lol. I just hope you all enjoyed it! Please don't forget to leave a review!