A/N-Before- Just wanted to point out;that in this story-everyone looks like they did in Season 1- even if roles are reversed.

Well well, my other stories are being ignored because of a certain someone motivating me to update, aka cheeryxotigger , then again you can't technically blame her it is of my own freewill, but just like she loves my updates-I love her reviews. Maybe more of you should review like her or just review. Thank you to the other reviews and when I can get a non Brucas fan to read the story I feel like I'm doing something right.

cheeryxotigger ;I'm so glad that I made you happy with the last chapter. I hope that you enjoy this chapter. I do apologize for the lack of Brucas in the last chapter, at least there wasn't any interaction at all-give me that at least. hehe.

ENJOY!


Thursday Late Afternoon

"Have you even told your mom you're playing against Lucas yet?" Brooke asked as her and Nathan walked home from the river court.

"No, I guess I've been avoiding it. You remember why I quit Junior League?" Nathan questioned as they continued walking down the sidewalk, him dribbling his basketball.

Thinking for a second, "Yeah, you said that you didn't want your mom be forced to see Dan after what he did to the two of you. Is that why you haven't told her that you're playing this game or the fact that if you win you'll be on the Ravens?" Brooke questioned.

"Yeah, I guess I don't want her to feel like just because I'm on the team that she has to go to games or anything. I'll have you Uncle Keith and Jake and the guys. Sure I'd love if my mom came, but if it's too painful for her to see Dan then I'll be fine with that." Nathan told her as he stopped dribbling and placed the basketball underneath his arm.

"That's sweet and nice of you Nate, but it's completely wrong. She'd want to come because she's your mother and knowing how strong your mom is- I highly doubt she'd back down just because some asshole is going to be there. Look at me, Lucas is going to be there and I'm still going." Brooke said as she playfully nudged him before stopping outside the cafe and walking up the steps, opening the door and walking inside with Nathan following her.

"Thanks B. I appreciate, I'll talk to her tonight, since it's tomorrow." Nathan said as he and Brooke took seats at the counter.

"Talk to who about what?" Deb questioned coming from the back. Wiping her hands on her apron, she walked over to the counter and leaned across as Nathan greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

"I actually need to talk to you about something." Nathan clarified as he watched his mom came out from behind the counter.

"Sure,just let me close up. It's been dead for about an hour anyways." Deb said as she walked over to the door and locked it before switching the 'open' sign to 'closed'. Turning back around, she eyed Nathan curiously before taking a seat at their usual table and waited for him to join her.

"I'll just go check on the chili-yeah." Brooke muttered mostly to herself as she jumped off her stool and walked behind the counter towards the back.

Letting out a breath, Nathan got off his seat and walked over to the same table and sat down across from his mother. "You know how much I love basketball right?" Nathan questioned lamely, knowing that if anyone knew how much he loved and breathed the game it would be his mom.

"Of course Nathan, I remember when you got your first basketball. You would never let that thing out of your site. Slept with it if I recall it correctly." She said laughing slightly before looking over at Nathan. "What's this about Nathan?" Deb asked him, suddenly concerned.

"I'm not in trouble mom, well maybe I will be with you after I tell you this." Nathan muttered, knowing that he should stop beating around the bush. "The thing is, Whitey offered me a spot on his team and I wanna take it." Nathan finally spit out.

Opening her eyes wide in surprise, Deb was taken back at her sons confession. "Wow." She said softly as the two fell into a silence.

Deciding to break the silence Nathan finally spoke, "And the thing is that Lucas has a problem with that. Somehow I ended up agreeing to play a one on one game with him tomorrow night. If I win, I get on the team and if he wins-well things won't change." Nathan said. "I'm not expecting anything of you mom. I'm not forcing you to come to games or anything. I just wanted you to know that by the end of tomorrow night I'll be on the Tree Hill Raven's basketball team." Nathan told her.

"Nathan how could you even think that?" Deb asked as she looked at him incredulously. "Sure I don't want you on the team, but for completely different reasons. I don't want your love of the game to be replaced with greediness of winning. I know that would never happen to you, but I've seen what the game can do to people and I don't want that for you. Of course I'll support you, I think that you are smart enough to make your decision- what time should I be there tomorrow night?" She ended with a smile.

Before Nathan could answer a voice from the back piped up, "At ten, but I'm sure Nate will be there like an hour early." Brooke told them with a dimpled smirk as she carried a tray with three bowls on it. "Chili's done-what?" Brooke questioned as she looked back and forth between Nathan and Deb who had amused looks on their faces.

"Nothing B, let's eat I'm starving." Nathan told them as he patted his stomach for emphasis and smirked.

Brooke scoffed, "Yeah, because that buffet you ate at lunch clearly wasn't enough. You do realize the way you eat you're making it look like momma Deb doesn't feed you at all." Brooke said as sat the tray down and took a seat next to Deb.

"So what are we talking about?" Brooke said as she scooped a spoonful of chili and shoveled it into her mouth.

"We could tell mom about you making the squad and have known about it since Tuesday." Nathan spoke up before taking a bite of his chili.

"Brooke that's great and hear you thought that you were completely uncoordinated." Deb said as she pulled Brooke into a one armed hug.

"I don't care what you say, everyone says that the Davis girls are the most coordinated girls and I say that it must've skipped me because Mouth is the one that taught me my routine." Brooke said shaking her head slightly. "Whatever just wait until cheer practice actually starts and then I start injuring girls because I'm that bad."Brooke muttered.

"I don't think Mouth taught you that high kick or how to do the splits at the end of it now did he B? You're good whether you want to admit or not. I think you found your other calling, aside from tutoring?" Nathan questioned, effectively getting Brooke to blush and bury her face into her hands. "I'm serious mom, you should've seen her. When she was done, everyone had like bug eyes and their jaws were on the floor it was completely hilarious." Nathan said as he laughed at the memory.


Thursday Night

"What's this I hear about you playing Nathan for your spot on the team?" Lucas heard from his dad the moment he got out of his car and saw his father doing the same thing.

"Where did you hear that from Dad?" Lucas muttered as opened the door and walked inside. Tossing his gym bag on the floor near the doorway, he rubbed his face as he father continued.

"From Tim Smith's father. You're risking everything because of your pride?" Nathan said as he followed Lucas into the kitchen.

Suddenly coming to a stop, he felt his dad crash into him and send him forward a few steps. "Lucas what did you stop for?" Dan questioned until he looked away from his son and looked towards the kitchen table.

"Check it out, it's called dinner and usually families eat it together." Karen said as she placed a bowl of salad in the middle of the table.

"If it isn't my wife." Dan said as he walked over and greeted her with a smile and a hug.

"Wouldn't that require a family?" Lucas muttered to himself as he walked over to the fridge, opening it he grabbed a bottle of water. Closing the fridge door, he leaned up against it as he opened the water and took a drink. "I'm going to my room." Lucas said as he pushed himself off the fridge and began walking out of the kitchen.

"Lucas!" Dan shouted, effectively halting Lucas mid step. Letting out a groan, Lucas slowly turned around and looked at his parents. "You're making me eat with you two aren't you?" Lucas said as he took another drink of his water and made his was towards the table. Taking a seat, Lucas grabbed a plate and began putting food on it.

Taking his seat at the head of the table, Dan took the bowl of salad and began putting it on his plate. "This looks great Karen." He said as she took a seat across from Lucas and took the salad bowl away from him.

"Thank you, I figured since we didn't get to spend time before I left now that I'm back we could make up for that." Karen said with a smile across her face as she set the salad bowl back in the middle of the table. "So Lucas how's basketball?" She asked.

"Fine." Lucas said shortly as he took a bite of the piece of lasagna on his plate.

"How's Haley doing? You two are still together aren't you?" Karen asked, trying to make an effort as Dan poured her a glass of wine and handed it to her.

"Yeah, we are. She's fine." Lucas said as he took another drink of his water and went back to eating his food.

Seeing the tension, Dan decided to speak up. "So Lucas, are you going to win tomorrow night?" He said, trying to keep his anger in check over the actual situation.

"Oh is there a game tomorrow night? I thought the season didn't start until next week." Karen said as she took her palm pilot out of her pocket and began checking it.

"You're right, it doesn't. Lucas is just playing a one on one game with Deb's son." Dan said before taking a drink of his wine.

"Nathan? Is this a friendly game or are their ulterior motives?" Karen asked as she placed her palm pilot beside her plate and picked up her fork to take a bite of her salad.

"He wants on my team, he's going to have to take it from me." Lucas said as he took another big bite of his lasagna, making sure to keep his answers short.

"Well I don't think that he would want to take something from you Lucas." Karen said as she took another sip of her wine. "Did you ever think that maybe he just wants to be on the team for fun?" She suggested to Lucas.

Lucas scoffed before taking another bite, "Right." He said unbelievably.

"Ok, Lucas are you keeping up with your studies?" Karen said trying to change the subject.

"Yep." Lucas answered shortly as he stuffed yet another bite of lasagna into his mouth.

"Lucas answer your mother properly. She's trying to make up for being gone and you need to make the same effort." Dan scolded his son, before taking a drink of his wine.

"Oh, I need to make an effort for my mother being gone?" Lucas questioned as he dropped his fork on his plate. "Fine. Haley's doing great if we aren't breaking up we're having sex. As for school, that doesn't really matter because I have basketball. As for Nathan, he's the bastard of Tree Hill that suddenly wants everything I have and he has my last name. On top of it I'm related to him because dad couldn't keep it in his pants. Is that a proper enough answer for you?" Lucas spat out before rolling his eyes. "It's been great having you here mom, maybe next time you're in town you can schedule me in for more time,just have your people call my people." Lucas said as he stood up from the table and tossed his napkin on top of his plate. "I'm not hungry anymore." He muttered before grabbing his bottle of water, leaving the kitchen and heading upstairs to his room, slamming the door for a full effect.

"Am I really gone that much?" Karen questioned sadly before taking a large gulp of her wine.

"No Karen you aren't, even if you are we know that you are doing it for your family. Lucas is just under stress because of the game tomorrow. You can come tomorrow night and you'll see that once he wins he'll be happier." Dan said as he squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"Yeah, I'm sure that you're right. So how are things down at dealership?" Karen asked as she finished off her wine and poured herself another glass.

"Great, Tim Smith apparently wrecked his car again. So his father was in there today buying another one. Just thank him when we take our next vacation." He said laughing, before taking a drink of his wine.


Friday Morning

Hearing his alarm, Lucas kicked off the covers and stretched. Sitting up, he turned off the alarm. Getting out of bed, he grabbed a pair of sweats from the end of his bed and slipped on his tennis shoes. Grabbing his mp3 player, he placed the buds into his ears and hit play. Opening his bedroom door, he closed it behind him as he headed down the stairs. Heading out the front door, he jogged down the driveway and towards the street. Going left, he began jogging down the side of the street towards the town. Silently mulling over the conversation that he and his father had the night before.

Flash Back

It had been about two hours since Lucas had stormed out of the kitchen and holed himself up in his bedroom. Watching some horror movie, trying to let everything else fade away. His dad. Basketball. The one on one game. Haley. School. Everything. Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted when his door suddenly opened and slammed against the wall.

Revealing a disheveled and slightly drunk Dan Scott standing in the doorway. "How dare you speak to your mother like that, are you that ungrateful?" Dan spat out as he slightly stumbled to the end of his sons bed.

"No I'm not ungrateful dad. Excuse me if I can barely remember what my mother looks like because she's at work so much!" Lucas spat out.

"Watch your tone Lucas." Dan warned as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Or what dad? Watching my tone isn't going to make mom spend more time at home." Lucas replied as he turned up the volume on his television.

"You need to rethink your attitude son." Dan started off, "Your main focus should be on basketball, not sulking because your mother hasn't been giving you enough attention. She's working, bringing in money to take care of you. Show her some respect!" Dan yelled before turning around, walking out of the room and slamming the door closed.

"I'll get right on that." Lucas muttered sarcastically,rolling his eyes, Lucas just shut of the television and rolled over to his side. Picking his mp3 player off of his nightstand, he put the buds into his ear and hit play, closing his eyes he let the rest of the world fade away.

End Flash Back

Taking his ear buds out of his ears, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and face. Hearing laughter, Lucas snapped out of his thoughts and slowed his jog down to a walk before coming to a complete stop. Glancing around, he took in his surroundings noticing that he was near the river court. As he continued walking, he saw the person behind the laughter.

Brooke Davis.

Seeing Nathan standing beside her laughing also, Lucas questioned why Nathan wasn't stressing over the game they were playing tonight. To say he wasn't jealous over Nathan's carefree attitude would be a lie, even though Lucas would never admit that. Placing his ear buds back in place and picked up to a jog again, thinking in the back of his head that the way Nathan was acting was the way it he wished it could've been for him.


"Oh my gosh, you totally like her!" Brooke said laughing as she clapped her hands together in excitement.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Nathan said as he averted his eyes away from Brooke's.

Noticing he wasn't looking her in the eye, Brooke bust out laughing, "You so have a crush on her! Just admit it!" Brooke said as she continued laughing.

Rolling his eyes, he looked over at Brooke and began laughing as well. Letting the ball from his hands, he covered his face as Brooke continued laughing at him. "Brooke stop, it's not that funny." He said, trying to make sure he wasn't blushing.

"Ok, Mr. I have to be serious for the game. Stop making that face, a few more shots and then we have to go see your mom before school." Brooke told him as she walked over to basket and picked up the basketball that had rolled over there when they had began laughing.

"Whatever, I wasn't the one that started laughing. That was you and it was completely random and out of no where. What were you laughing at anyways?" Nathan questioned as Brooke tossed him the ball. Bouncing the ball a few times, he set up the shot and watched it go through the next.

Catching the ball, Brooke tossed it back to Nathan as he went to take another. "You're face was just priceless."

"Yeah yeah, I don't get why you think I like her anyways." Nathan told her as he made another shot and looked at Brooke as she caught the ball.

"Girls intuition. Besides, your eyes kind of glazed over at the mention of her name. I was actually surprised that you hadn't started drooling yet." Brooke stated with a dimpled smirk.

"Yeah yeah, let's get going B." Nathan told her as he tucked the ball under his arm and began walking with Brooke towards the cafe.

"Ok, change of subject I get it." Brooke said as she raised her hands in surrender and brought them together as she thought of something new to talk about. "You nervous about school today since it's the big day?" Brooke questioned as they continued walking down the sidewalk.

"No, not really. Just a bunch of people that I don't know patting me on the back will be saying I'm going to lose behind it." Nathan told her.

"Ok,the game tonight, you nervous?" Brooke asked as she looked down the street and saw Deb's Den in the distance.

"No." Nathan stated simply. "You lying?" Brooke questioned as they stopped walking and Brooke looked at him with a serious expression.

Stopping next to Brooke, he looked over at her. "Yeah, I'm lying." Nathan replied as they continued walking.


Lunch time at School (Friday Afternoon)

Looking over at Brooke and Nathan, a 'light bulb' went off in Tim's head. "I got it, wait until tonight before everyone shows up. You know Nathan will be there before, put on a ski mask. Grab a bat and hit him in the knee. He wouldn't be able to play against you if you broke something." Tim explained

"Tim that is the dumbest idea that I have ever heard." Lucas said rolling his eyes before taking a drink of his water.

Scoffing in disbelief, "No it not man, it's complete genius." Tim concluded.

"Wanna hear what's genius?" Lucas questioned before continuing, " Tonight's the game. He can't win if he doesn't show up." Lucas said as he watched Nathan sit down next to Brooke.

"You're gonna kill him?" Tim asked completely shocked as he looked over at Lucas with his mouth hung open.

Shaking his head in disbelief, "No you idiot." Lucas stated before leaning close to Tim and whispering what his plan was.

"Nice thinks yo." Tim said as he held out his fist towards Lucas.

"Just say it's a good plan Tim." Lucas said as he rolled his eyes and stood up to walk back into the school with Tim following him like a lost puppy.


"Oh crap, I forgot to go give Mouth's tape to Whitey." Brooke said as she picked up her backpack and began rummaging through it, finally coming up with a tape.

"Here B, I have to go talk to Whitey about something anyway. I'll give it to him while I'm there." Nathan said standing up from the table and holding out his hand towards Brooke.

"Nate, you're the best!" Brooke squealed as she launched herself into his arms giving him a hug.

"What'd you do to get a hug like that Nate?" Jake questioned laughing slightly as he set down his tray on table before taking a seat.

"Just doing me a favor." Brooke answered as she handed him the tape before sitting back down next to Jake. "Which I will forever be grateful for." Brooke said with a dimpled smile.

"Yeah Yeah Davis. I'll make sure you repay me for it." Nathan said playfully before kissing the top of her head and bumping fists with Jake before walking off in the direction of the school.

Taking a bite of her sandwich, Brooke placed the sandwich back down and picked up her backpack. Picking out a book, she began flipping through the pages until she had found her spot. Pausing for a moment, she turned her head towards the person sitting next to her."Jakey?" Brooke said.

"What Brookie?" Jake questioned as he opened his bags of chips, he dumped some on his plate and began eating a few before picking up his sandwich and taking a bite of it.

"Can you go get me a cookie from the vending machine? Please?!" She pleaded like a child. "Please please please please, I'll love you forever and you can be my best friend." Brooke tried to persuade him, with her own form of bribery.

Letting out a laugh Jake shook his head, "I'm already one of your best friends Davis, but who can say no to that face." He said as he reached over to Brooke with both his hand and smushed her cheeks together. "You know the cost." Jake told her before he let go of her cheeks and got a straight face.

"Oh, I totally forgot." Brooke said before shaking her head slightly and placing a kiss on both of his cheeks. Laughing again, he stood up. "I'll be back in a few." He said as he took his wallet out of his back pocket and began walking away towards the vending machines.

Smirking to herself, she grabbed some money out of her purse and placed it Jake's backpack. Picking her book back up, Brooke opened it up and began reading from where she left off. Picking up her sandwich, she took a bite as she continued reading. In the midst of her reading, a shadow blocked the sun. Looking up, she was surprised to see Haley James standing across from her.

"You're a tutor right?" Haley questioned as she adjusted the backpack on her shoulder.

Looking back down at her book, she continued reading. "You're asshole's girlfriend right." Brooke stated as she turned the page.

"I guess we're both right." Haley muttered while tucking some of her hair behind her ears.

"Now that we've established who we are, I'd appreciate it if you left." Brooke told her before taking another bite of her sandwich.

Trying to resist rolling her eyes, Haley knew that this conversation was going to be far from easy to have. Especially with the way her friends treated Brooke and her own friends. "From what I can tell you're really good friends with Lucas' brother and Jake." Haley said, referring to the display of affection Brooke had given Jake by kissing his cheeks.

"His name's Nathan and honestly, we're friends. I seriously don't get why that is such a hard concept for any of you to believe. If you want to date one of them or both of them. You're going to have to talk to them about that arrangement not me." Brooke said before.

"Retract the claws, I know we haven't exactly been inviting and cheerful when it comes to you and you friends." Haley said, earning a scoff from Brooke. "I actually came here to talk to you about Lucas." Haley said as she took a seat across from her.

"Oh please, I haven't even seen Cassa-horndog in like three days so I haven't been 'flirting' with him or whatever you think I'm doing." Brooke stated simply before closing her book, setting it down beside her tray she looked over at Haley. "And if this is some lame attempt to start bonding and becoming friends just because I'm on the squad-you can walk away now." Brooke said as she picked back up her sandwich and took a bite.

Biting her tongue, Haley let out a soft sigh. "Lucas is planning on doing something to Nathan tonight-before the game." She told Brooke, waiting for her reaction.

Putting down her sandwich and wiped the crumbs off of her hands. "What's he gonna do?" Brooke questioned as she raised her eyebrow and waited for Haley to answer.

"I don't have any specifics;but he will do anything to win the game. So you might wanna warn Nathan." Haley told her as she glanced over her shoulder and saw Jake coming back towards the table. "Don't say I didn't try to help." Haley said before getting up from the table and walking away. "Jake." Haley stated simply as she continued walking away.

"James." Jake said as he passed her before taking his seat next to Brooke and placing her cookie on her tray.

"Thank you." Brooke said absent mindedly as she continued going over the conversation she just had with Haley.

"Davis." Jake said, trying to get her attention. "Brooke." He tried again as he waved his hand in front of her face. Snapping her out of her daze, he laughed slightly as she jumped from how close his hand actually was to her face.

"Sorry, what were you saying?" Brooke asked as she picked up the package and ripped it open. Taking out a cookie, she broke it in half. Handing the second half to Jake before taking a bite of her own half.

Taking the half of the cookie, he tilted his head and looked over at Brooke. "I was trying to see what the conversation between you and Sawyer was about-but I didn't get as far as your name until I realized that you were in your own little world. Want to talk about it?" Jake offered before breaking off a piece of the cookie and putting it in his mouth.

"Nothing to worry about really." Brooke muttered as she took a bite of her cookie. "So are you and Nathan going to actually win us a few more games this season?" Brooke teased as she playfully nudged Jake with her shoulder.


Friday Night

Walking back and forth outside the cafe, Brooke kept glancing on her cellphone looking at the time. Letting out a huff, she walked up the steps and walked inside the cafe.

"Still not picking up his phone?" Deb asked as she wiped down the counter and looked over at Brooke.

Shaking her head Brooke took a seat across from Deb, "No, I haven't talked to him since lunch. Honestly I'm a little worried." Brooke said as she turned around hearing the door bell chime, letting out a sigh as she set her eyes on Nathan.

Jumping off of her stool she walked over to him, "Where have you been? Why haven't you been answering your phone?" Brooke demanded as placed her hands on her hips and looked at him sternly.

"Chill B, I've been at the river court just clearing my head and my phone was charging." He said as he pulled her into a hug. "I'm fine, promise." Nathan told her as he reassuringly rubbed her back.

"You scared me." Brooke said into his shirt before pulling away from him. "I've been trying to get a hold of you all day. Lucas is going to try to pull something tonight." Brooke stated as they pulled away from one another.

"Let him, I'm don't care anymore. I'm not scared of him." Nathan said as the two of them walked to the counter. "What time is it?" Nathan asked as he leaned up against the counter.

"It's 9:10pm, why?" Brooke asked curiously as she shut her phone and slipped it into her pocket.

"I'll just meet you guys there. Ok." Nathan told her.

"Just be careful Nathan." Deb stated as he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Heading towards the back, he stopped as he felt someone grab his arm. "Maybe I should come with you, just to make sure he won't pull anything." Brooke suggested.

"B, I'll be fine. Just chill, I'll see you at the court." Nathan stated with a smile before kissing the top of her head. "Fifteen minutes tops. Don't worry." He reassured her before walking through the back and out the back door. Letting out a sigh, Brooke walked towards the front of the cafe to help Deb out.

Closing the back door behind him, Nathan began walking down the alley towards the street. Hearing tires screech from behind him, he stopped walking and turned around to check it out. Seeing a mini van, he burrowed his eyebrows together in confusion as he saw the side door slide open, revealing Tim Smith. "Yo Nate!" Tim shouted as he got out of the van followed by another guy.

Seeing the two of them heading towards him, he began backing up to make a run for it until he felt someone wrap their arms around him from behind and pushing him towards Nathan and the other guy. While the three of them began pushing him towards the van. "What? Get off of me!!" Nathan yelled as he began fighting against them.

Tim and one of the other guys grabbed his arms, while the third guy placed a bag over his head. Getting one of his arms free, he felt his elbow connect with Tim's face. Still struggling, he felt the other two guys push him into the van as they got in after him. "Get in the van! Get in!" Nathan heard Tim yell at them before hearing the door slide close, then another door open and closing before he felt the car take off.


Finally feeling the van come to a stop, Nathan felt himself being pulled out of the van. Getting his footing, someone took the bag off of his head. Taking in his surroundings, he saw where they were forcing him to walk, "Oh! Come on!" He said as he began resisting the direction they were walking until they threw him into a puddle of mud. Letting out a 'oomph', Nathan began pushing himself up to get out of the mud.

Hearing someone saw 'whoops' through the others laughter, Nathan stood up completely and saw Lucas standing a few feet from him in his letter man jacket with a smug grin on his face standing next to Tim."I warned you. I gave you a chance to crawl back under your rock," Lucas began as Nathan looked back and forth between the guy to his left and then back to Lucas. "Seems like you and me have something in common. We don't quit." Lucas told him.

"You and I, moron." Nathan muttered, rolling his eyes slightly atLucas' stupidity.

Raising his eyebrow, "What?" Lucas questioned, trying to find out what Nathan was referring to.

Shaking his head and letting out an exasperated sigh, "Nothing." Nathan said as he continued messing with the tie that was binding his wrists together that they had put on him in the van on the way over.

"You quit Junior League, I don't know why you are even trying to join now. You aren't good enough." Lucas spat out. "This is my team, my school, and my life. I'll be damned if I let you try and take any of that away from me. So I'm going to be nice and let you walk away from this game." Lucas told him.

"I think we should take his clothes." Tim said laughing slightly as he looked away from Nathan and at Lucas.

Furrowing his eyebrows together Lucas looked over at him, "Tim what is wrong with you?! You pitch that every time we kidnap a guy."

Nathan looked over at Tim before glancing at the two guys who were on either side of him who were looking at Nathan, then at each other. Shaking their heads, they each took a step away from Nathan in sense of saying they weren't going to take his clothes off.

"I just thought- I mean it'll make it harder for him to get home you know?" Tim tried to reason before turning his gaze at the ground away from everyone else's gazes.

"Yeah, so will something else. Tim. " Lucas said as he watched Tim walk over to him and began searching his pockets. Taking out his cellphone, he handed it over to Lucas.

Glancing at his screen he saw that Nathan had a few new text messages and missed calls. "Looks like someone's worried about you, let's find out who." Lucas told him as he flipped open his phone and clicked view at the most recent message. Letting out a laugh Lucas recited the message out loud, " 'Nate, I'm really worried. Fifteen minutes was like thirty minutes ago. Just call me I'm worried, B.' How cute, the river court slut is worried about you." Shutting his phone Lucas tossed it over his head and into the watery puddle of mud they had thrown Nathan in.

"Come on." Nathan exasperated, referring to his phone before he watched as the rest of the guys walked back to the van. Looking at Lucas, he shook his head as he heard Lucas say, "Tell anyone about this and you're dead." Before getting into the van and driving off. Leaving Nathan there stranded, letting out a sigh, he began walking attempting to find a road.


Getting out of Jake's SUV, Skillz, Junk and Fergie began looking around for Mouth, Brooke and Nathan. "Shouldn't he be here by now?" Jake questioned as he searched through the crowd. Finding Mouth on the bench with his microphone, he saw Deb and figured Brooke was nearby. "I'm going to take to Mouth, maybe he's seen him." Jake told them before walking off in a different direction.

Walking onto the court, they walked over to Lucas who was getting warmed up with Tim and a few other guys. "Yo where's Nate?" Skillz directed his question to Lucas.

Letting out a laugh and simple shrug, "Who knows? Hey maybe he chickened out. He was going to lose anyways. Maybe being Tree Hill's bastard was enough." Lucas concluded with a smirk on his face.

"Well maybe you're a dick." Fergie responded as he saw the smug grin fall from Lucas' face.

Taking a step towards Fergie's direction, "What'd you say?" Lucas questioned as Tim and the other guys immediately came to his side to back him up.

Before Fergie could reply, Deb looked between the two groups of boys and asked, "Where's Nathan?"

"That's what we're trying to find out." Junk replied as he and the others looked over at her before turning her attention back to one another.

Looking over at Tim who had a goofy grin on his face, "Tim, how'd you get that shiner on your eye dawg?" Skillz questioned as he saw Tim worriedly glance in Lucas' direction before looking back at Skillz. "You and your boyfriend here like it kinda rough?" Skillz asked.

Laughing dryly, Tim walked over to Skillz. Stopping in front of him, he stopped laughing and pushed him. Getting his footing back, Skillz looked back at Tim before bringing back his right arm and swinging his fist full force into Tim's already black eye. Instantly reacting, Lucas and his friends along with Junk and Fergie, they began pushing each other back trying to get the other to back down. Before another punch could be thrown, they were being pushed apart by Keith Scott and Coach Whitey Durham.

"Break it up! NOW!" Whitey yelled as the two groups took a few steps back from each other. "The game hasn't even started yet. You are still on my team!" Whitey yelled as he turned in direction of Lucas and the others, "If I see something like this again-on school property or not-you're off the team." He said before walking away.

"You guys ok?" Keith asked as he looked at Skillz and the others. Seeing them all nod their heads yes, he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. "Good. Nice punch Skillz." He said before they all started laughing.

"Keith." Deb scolded. "My son better be alright." She said sternly, glancing in Lucas' direction, catching his eye she gave him a disappointed look before walking away with Keith.

Letting out a sigh, Lucas hung his head before shaking it off. "Ball!" He demanded as he watched Tim jump slightly at his tone before immediately tossing him the basketball.


Walking down the side of the street, he finally got the ties off his wrists. Throwing it onto the ground, he began rubbing his wrists. Hearing a car come up behind him, he turned his head as he continued walking until her realized he recognized the car. As he stopped walking, he noticed the car come to a stop beside him, as the window rolled down.

"Get in Nate." The driver said as Nathan opened the door and climbed inside. "How'd you know where to find me Jake?" Nathan questioned as Jake pulled away from the side of street and began driving.

"Surprisingly, Haley James helped me out." Jake told him.

Flash Back

Getting out of Jake's SUV, Skillz, Junk and Fergie began looking around for Mouth, Brooke and Nathan. "Shouldn't he be here by now?" Jake questioned as he searched through the crowd. Finding Mouth on the bench with his microphone, he saw Deb and figured Brooke was nearby. "I'm going to take to Mouth, maybe he's seen him." Jake told them before walking off in a different direction.

Walking over to Mouth, "Hey, you seen Nathan?" Jake asked as Mouth hit stop on his recorder.

"Not since this morning. Last one to see him was Brooke, she said that he would meet her here. He left the cafe at like nine or so. I'd ask Brooke,maybe she knows-" Mouth said before someone cut him off.

Coming up to Jake and Mouth, "Have you guys seen Nate?" Brooke questioned as she looked between the two.

"Or maybe she doesn't." Jake said as he glanced at Mouth momentarily. "Ok, Brooke-did he say where he was going or anything?" He questioned.

"No! I'd already tell you if he did. He just, he came into the cafe and just as soon as he got there he left. I warned him that Lucas was going to try something and he said he didn't care. I don't know." Brooke said as she took out her cellphone.

"Davis, calm down. What do you mean warn him that Lucas was going to try something?" Jake asked her.

"Haley came to me at lunch and warned me that Lucas will try something because he wants to win the game." Brooke said as ran her hand through the hair on the top of her head, moving it out of her eyes.

Searching the crowd, Jake set eyes on Haley. Looking back at Brooke, "Brooke. Look at me." He said as he gently placed his hands on either side of her face, forcing her to look at him. "It's going to be fine. Don't worry, just keep trying to get a hold of him. I'll be right back." Jake told her firmly as he quickly kissed her forehead and walked away from them.

"James." He said as she stopped in front of Haley. "Where is he?" Jake asked.

"Where's who Jake?" Haley questioned. "There are a few so called 'he's' here tonight. Whitey is over there. Lucas is over there and your loser friends are over there by Lucas. You're going to have to be more specific." Haley told him rudely.

"Wow, aren't you just a ray of sunshine Haley." Jake said sarcastically. "I'm talking about Nathan-"

"And why the hell would I know where your friend is?" Haley asked as tilted her head to the side waiting for his response.

"Seeing how your boyfriend did something to him, you would know." Jake told her.

Before Haley could respond, she was cut off by another voice entering the conversation. "Haley, just tell him. You know where Lucas took him, it's where he takes all of the new boys. The only reason he didn't take Jake is because his father has more money then Dan Scott and we all know that." Peyton cut in.

"Peyton shut up." Haley told her, looking back and forth between Peyton and Jake. Looking over in Lucas' direction, she let out a sigh. "If you drive about a mile and half out of town, there's a dirt road on your left side. Take it, it should lead you to an open field. It's usually where he dumps them, making them find their way back into town." Haley told him.

"How do I know you're tellin the truth James?" Jake asked her, not sure if she was being honest or not.

"Guess you'll just have to take my word for it." She told him smugly.

Letting out a sigh, he took his car keys out of pocket. "Yeah, I guess I will. Thanks, I guess." Jake said as he walked away from them and headed to his car.

End Flash Back

"So Haley James actually helped out-of course after she was backed into a corner. Remind me to thank her." Nathan said sarcastically as he pulled his arm out of his damp and dirty hoodie.

"Well Sawyer forced Haley to tell, so maybe you should thank both of them?" Jake said. "Maybe Peyton will want to say 'you're welcome'?" He suggested with a smirk.

Shaking his head, he continued taking off his hoodie. Balling it up, he placed it in his lap. "Just drive Jake." He told him as he looked out the window.


Looking around, Mouth brought his microphone back up to his lips. "Well this game looks like a forfeit with Nathan Scott a no show, it looks-" Mouth said before getting cut off.

"Wait a second Mouth." Brooke interjected as she continued walking towards the court up to Lucas. "What did you do to him?" Brooke questioned.

Catching the basketball as Tim threw it back to him he looked over at Brooke, " What? It's not my fault that your lil boyfriend finally grew a brain." Lucas told her as he held the basketball with his left right hand against his stomach, while he reached his left hand out towards Brooke's cheek and gently caressed it with his thumb. "Gorgeous."

Bringing her eyebrows together in confusion and anger, she watched as Lucas pulled his hand away from her face. "Lucas, just tell me what you did to him?" Brooke said again.

"What makes you think I did something to him?" Lucas asked as he put up another shot and waited until Tim threw the ball again.

Letting out a sigh, "Haley warned me that you were going to try to do something. A part of me honestly didn't think that you were that cruel- clearly I was mistaken. I-" She cut herself off as she heard a car pull up and some people start cheering. Turning her head, she saw that Jake's car was pulling up and that Nathan was opening the passenger door. Letting out a sigh of relief, she walked away from Lucas and over to Nathan.

Greeting his mom, he reassured her that he was fine. Handing over his damp hoodie, shaking his head as she saw the confusion across her face as she examined it. "Don't ask." He simply stated before turning his head towards the court, seeing Brooke walking over to him. Opening his arms, he ushered her into a hug.

"I was worried about you." Brooke mumbled into his shirt as she felt him hug her tighter. Closing her eyes, she felt a wave of relief wash over her knowing that he was safe.

"Now I'm wishing you would've come with me B." Nathan tried to joke to lighten the mood. Before Brooke could respond they were interrupted.

"Are we going to play or are you too busy with your girlfriend?" Lucas spat out as he held his hands out on either side of him, waiting for Nathan.

"Kick his ass Nate." Brooke stated fiercely as she pulled away from the hug and went to stand next to Deb, Jake, Skillz, Fergie and Junk on the sidelines near Mouth who was sitting in the bleachers.

"Am I too late?" Nathan asked Whitey sarcastically. "Not by my watch. First to twenty one, each shot is one point." Whitey said as he tossed him the ball.

Clearing everyone off the court, Nathan tossed the basketball to Lucas. "Shoot for ball" Nathan told him.

"No problem." Lucas said catching the ball and putting up a jump shot.

Catching the ball, Nathan tossed it Lucas as he began walking towards the middle of the court where Lucas was standing. Tossing it back to Nathan, Lucas bent his knees a little as Nathan stood in front of him before mirror his own stance and held the ball out towards him.

Taking the ball, Lucas faked right and jumped up shooting the ball. Seeing it go through the net, he had a smug grin on his face as he heard the crowd roar.

Rolling his eyes, Nathan retrieved the ball and switched positions with Lucas as he tossed him the ball. "Typical move." Nathan stated as he held his arm out to block Lucas as he began dribbling. Faking left, he turned around and headed straight for the basket, jumping up he dunked the ball. Holding onto the rim for a second, Nathan let go and landed back on the ground. "Go Nathan!" Brooke screamed as she clapped her hands together.

Shot after shot, block after block. It was now 17 to 19; the game in Lucas' favor." Mouth announced.

Heading towards the basket, Nathan was behind Lucas trying to block him. Trying to get passed him, Lucas glanced over his shoulder and brought his elbow into Nathan's face. Seeing Nathan fall down, he put up the shot seeing the ball go through the net. Hearing 'oohs' from the crowd as Lucas caught the ball and watched as Nathan stood back up, his hand covering his mouth and nose and his other hand holding the back of his head, nursing it from the impact it made on the court as he fell down.

"Shit!" Fergie and Junk exclaimed from the bench next to Mouth. "That's just playin dirty." Fergie told them as he watched Nathan fall to the ground.

"Damn H. James. Lucas wants to win this game huh?" Peyton questioned rhetorically. "That's him toning it down P. Sawyer." Haley muttered a reply.

"Give him a minute." Brooke said as she grabbed both Skillz and Jake's arms, stopping them from stepping out on the court. "He needs to do this on his own, you guys know that." Brooke stated as she let go of their arms before wrapping them around herself. Bringing her hand up to her to her mouth in shock, Deb looked over at Nathan worried before letting out a sigh of relief noticing that he was standing back up.

Regaining his balance, he walked over to the sidelines as he leaned over his hands on his knees. Spitting out the blood that was in his mouth, he wiped his mouth and nose with the back of his hand. Taking in another breath, Nathan spit out some remaining blood and stood up straight.

Walking over to Lucas, he grabbed the ball out of his hands. "No foul." He breathed out. "Basket counts. Besides you won't score again." Nathan told him.

"Basket counts. It is not 18-20. Lucas is one point away from the win." Mouth stated regretfully as he made eye contact with Brooke who looked worried before turning her attention back to the game.

Passing Lucas back the ball, Nathan began blocking him as he headed up to the net and began doing a layup only to have Nathan slam the ball against the backboard blocking the shot.

"Lucas for the win-oh denied did you see that? Some day men will write stories about that block. Children will be named after it; Argentinian women will weep for it." Mouth exclaimed.

Holding her arms on top of her head, she let out a sigh "Told you two that he needed to do it by himself." Brooke stated excitedly with a smirk across her face.

Taking the ball, Nathan put a free throw shot and heard the crowd roar in response. Glancing over at Brooke and everyone else from the sidelines, giving him encouraging statements.

Catching the ball, Nathan heard his part of the crowd start chanting. 'Nathan' over and over again, making eye contact with Lucas as he put up the same shot making it again. Hearing claps and 'whoops' from behind him, he felt a smirk grow across his face.

"It is now tied 20 to 20, the next shot wins. It could go either way, everyone here is holding their breath as the ball is handed to Nathan Scott." Mouth announced as silence over fell the court. Getting the ball from Tim, Lucas walked over to Nathan pushing the basketball against Nathan's chest, he got into his stance. "He's never claimed you- not once in all these years. Just the bastard of Tree Hill and once you miss that shot you'll be the loser too." Lucas told him.

Shaking his head, "This is for my mom." Nathan said as he began dribbling the ball in between his legs as he began making his way to the net. Turning his back towards Lucas he fakes left and goes right throwing off Lucas.

"Nate for the win" Mouth yelled as everything seems to slow down as everyone watched Nathan put up the ball, watching it go through the net. "And it's good! Nate takes it 21-20!" Mouth exclaimed.

Smirking to himself, he turned towards his friends, seeing his mom headed towards him. Wrapping his arms around her, he began laughing as he held her close before letting her go. Clapping hands with his guys, he felt others from the crowd pat him on the back and congratulate him. A few minutes later, the crowd parted away from him letting Whitey through. "Nice game. Practice after school don't be late." Whitey told him as he threw him a jersey. "Sure thing Coach." Nathan said laughing slightly as he threw the jersey over his shoulder. "Where's B?" Nathan asked, noticing that he had be thanked by everyone but her. "I think she's sitting with Mouth." Junk spoke up as he took the basketball from Nathan and began messing around with Skillz, Fergie and Jake.

"I'll see you at the cafe mom?" Nathan questioned as he walked away from his friends and the rest of the crowd that was dispersing. "Yeah, I'm going to get business from this." Deb said as they hugged again before she left.

"B, where were you hiding?" Nathan asked after Mouth congratulated him before getting off the bench and headed towards the rest of the guys.

"I wasn't hiding, just wanted to give you time to revel in your glory. How's it feel?" Brooke questioned as she playfully nudged him before snatching the jersey off of his shoulder. Standing up, she held out the jersey. "Scott. 23. I like it, I think I just keep this." She joked before slipping it on. "I like this new dress Nate." Brooke said sarcastically, noticing it stopped mid thigh. "Let's go B." Nathan said as he stood up and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Let's eat guys!" Nathan hollered out as they made their way to Jake's SUV.


Two Hours Later...

Having Tim drop him off, he shut the door and walked up the front steps. Letting out a breath, he opened the front door and dropped his bag near the door. Closing the door behind him, he slowly made his way inside. Stopping at the entrance to the living room, he let out a sigh of relief when he saw it was empty. Walking into the kitchen, he immediately stopped in his tracks as he saw his dad sitting at the kitchen table with a bottle of scotch and a bottle of wine sitting on the table in front of him, along with an empty glass with lipstick on it-assuming his mother had joined him before going to bed. Letting out a sigh, Lucas quietly walked into kitchen towards the refrigerator. Opening it up, he grabbed a bottle of water and quickly closed the fridge.

"Sorry we couldn't make it to your game son. Your mother and I we're having a pre-celebratory drink and then we just got lost in conversation." Dan lied before continuing, "So how was the game anyways?" He asked.

Looking down at the trashcan, Lucas shook his head. "Yeah, don't worry your name's safe." Lucas said as he set down his bottle of water on the counter. "Would worry about the environment though- with all these glass bottles-" Lucas said as he picked the trash can and dumped it all out on the kitchen table in front of his father, revealing seven empty bottles of different types of alcohol. "maybe you and mom should learn how to recycle." He stated as he threw the trash can on top of the table.

"You say the 'Scott' name is safe, then why the hell did I get a call that you lost the game?!" Dan shouted as he stood up from his chair.

"You mean you were sober enough to answer the phone, congratulations dad-really. I'm out of here." Lucas said as he picked up his water bottle and began walking out of the kitchen.

"Lucas! Do not walk away from me!" Dan yelled, scaring Lucas into freezing his movements. Striding towards Lucas, he moved so that he was in front of him. "What have I told you about that tone son? Now you're losing a game against Deb's son? What has gotten into you, that girlfriend of yours? Pick up the mess that you made on the kitchen table now!" Dan scolded.

Twisting the cap off his water, he took a drink as he looked his father directly in the eye. "Do it yourself dad, or how Uncle Keith calls you- boozy." Lucas said as he twisted the cap back on and went to walk past Dan only to be pushed back by his father. The next thing he knew, he was on the floor holding his nose.

Suffering from his fathers first, Lucas already tasted the metallic flavor enter his mouth as it dripped from his nose. "Nice dad." Lucas stated as he wiped his nose with the back of his hand. Pushing himself up from off of the floor, he brushed past his dad. Grabbing his car keys off the hook near the front door, he walked outside and jumped into his car. Revving it up, he peeled out of his driveway. Not knowing where he was going, just knowing that he had to get the hell out of that house.


Pulling in front of Deb's Deb, Lucas let out a sigh as he turned off the engine. Pulling the keys of the ignition, he reluctantly got out of the car. Shutting the car door behind him, he slowly made his way up the stairs. Seeing that the sign was still open, he hesitantly pushed open the door and stepped inside. Closing it behind him, he heard Deb's voice come from the back. "I'll be right with you!"

Walking into the middle of the cafe, he stopped and stood in his place as he shoved his hands into his jean pockets and began looking aimlessly around the place.

"Didn't think I'd see you tonight." Deb said, making him focus on her, as she wiped her hands with a rag and looked over at him. Taking in the dry blood and red stained skin by his nose, Deb instantly got worried but Lucas began talking before she could question him about it.

Shaking his head, "I know that you probably hate me because of Nathan and I understand that- I can't say that I don't blame you. I'm an asshole- it's just who I am and the way I was raised." Lucas told her. "I just- I didn't have anywhere else to go and I had to get out of that house. I don't even know what I'm doing here- it just seems that when I'm here I'm content." Lucas said as he scratched the back of his head. "That probably makes no sense at all, I'm really don't know why I came- I'm just gonna go." He told Deb as he turned around and quickly began making his was towards the door. Putting his hand on the doorknob, Lucas paused as he heard Deb's voice.

"Lucas, did Dan hit you?" She questioned him as she came out from behind the counter and made her way over to him. "Lucas, look at me." Deb demanded as she noticed that Lucas kept his back to her.

Slowly turning around, he averted his gaze from Deb as he felt her eyes on him. "It's nothing Ms. Lee. I ran into a door, I was messing around with Tim and just wasn't paying attention to where I was going." Lucas lied, already knowing that it was pointless.

"Lucas, you can lie to everyone else but don't you dare lie to me. Now I'm going to ask you again, did your father hit you?" Deb asked in a fierce tone.

Not being able to form words, Lucas just nodded his head as he felt Deb instantly wrap her arms around him and pull him into a hug.

Tensing his jaw, he made sure to show no emotion as he kept his hands by his side. "What do you want me to do Lucas?" Deb asked as she let go of him.

He shook his head, "Nothing. Season starts next week, it'll be fine." Lucas said in his most convincing tone.

"Lucas..." She trailed off, she was stuck between a rock and hard place. She wanted to help Lucas and get him away from Dan. At the same time, she knew that putting Lucas through the whole process of trying to get the police to take her word over well known respected and popular Dan Scott would be a pointless fight.

"It's fine Ms. Lee, I'm just going to the beach house and hang out there. Give my dad the weekend to calm down, he'll be fine on Monday." He told her as he forced a smile across his face. Turning around, he opened the door and quickly closed it behind him, making his was back to the car. Getting into his car, he placed

"Lucas!" Deb called out as she walked outside and up to his car, knocking on the passenger side window she got his attention as he rolled it down. "I hate that there isn't anything I can do for you, but just in case it's too late to drive to the beach house." She said as she held her hand out towards him, revealing a key chain with two keys on it. "Keys to the cafe. I trust you." She told him as she gave him a reassuring smile.

Nodding his head, he took the keys from her and placed them in her jacket pocket. "Thanks Ms. Lee" Lucas said in a soft voice.

"Now go get some sleep, I'd put some ice on that nose and start being the person I know you can be." She said as she pulled away from the car and walked back into the cafe. Rolling up his window, he started up his car and drove towards the beach house.


r\ e\ v\ i\ e\ w\ s \ my anti-drug.

A/n- after;who does Nathan like? I'm asking you for once. let me know who you want it to be.;; I know I know- I made Haley have a 'nice' moment-shoot me. Just kidding-don't, I figured I was turning her into enough of a bitch that she deserved a semi-nice moment. I'm SO sorry it took a little longer to post this. I've caught the flu recently and all I wanna do is sleep, so that's what I've been doing-sorry, but there's your update is 19 pages! So feel loved that even sick I care that this chapter is long enough for you guys.