"Payton. Where is Lucas?" Nathan finally tracked her down.
"I don't know" she looked honest "I haven't seen him today"
"It's not like him to skip school" Nathan was worried, he had tried to call him but the call went directly to his voicemail.
"I'm sure he's alright" Payton rubbed his arm soothingly "Don't you think we wouldn't know when something happened to him? It is a small town"
"You're right" he wasn't sure at all "I pay him a visit after school"
"Do that" she smiled, he was so cute when he was insecure "Tell him Payton said hello"
"He knows your thinking about him. You're practically joined at the hips" he joked.
"Uhhh" she grimaced "Thank god we are not. There are things I don't want to see. I don't even want to think about it. Ohh, thank you for putting these traumatizing images into my head"
Nathan laughed and forgot his worries for a while "I have a hard time with these images too"
"Something tells me it's not a metonymic remark" she shuddered.
The look Nathan gave her spoke volumes "You're so naughty" she chuckled "Don't corrupt my little boy" she wiggled her finger in front of his nose.
"Believe me. You did a good job there is nothing left for me to corrupt" she blushed, true she was pretty naughty herself but they didn't talk about sex that often. She looked at Nathan and blushed again, yes they did talk about sex often mostly about fanfiction, boy love manga and hot boys "You won" she sighed. He patted her back "Well, at least you realized how naughty you are"
"Jerk" she swatted his hand away "Let's grab something to eat before people start talking"
"Let them talk I know who I belong to" Nathan grinned "Good doggie" she ruffled his head.
"Hey" he chuckled "Stop ruining my hair" he combed his hair back in place with his fingers. Payton laughed at him. He was more worried about his hair than the doggie remark. He really was dedicated to Lucas's.
Haley watched the scene. She took a deep calming breath before she joined them "Hey" she sounded normal.
"Hey, is it me or was biology really boring today" Payton asked her "It was boring. I don't understand how a teacher can ruin a lesson about hereditary diseases. It should be interesting but I almost fell asleep. It should be prohibited to talk for ninety minutes nonstop"
"School? Without nonstop talking? Girl, that's utopistic" Nathan mocked, school was school.
"You're not as stupid as you look like" Payton grinned, it was fun to banter with him.
"You see, Lucas didn't get all the brain" he sipped on his juice "but I compensate my lack of intelligence with my stunning appearance. He's the brain I'm the beauty"
"Wishful thinking" Payton shot back. Haley watched them with interest "Okay, what did I miss" she knew exactly what she missed between Nathan and Lucas but wasn't sure what kind of relationship he had with Payton.
"Huh?" Nathan mumbled dumbly.
"I just realized that you're not on each other throats. How long do you two get along so well?"
"She's Lucas's friend" Nathan frowned "and I want to be friends with the people he likes most"
"He's right" Payton put in her two cents "We didn't get along before because he was mean to Lucas but it's not a matter anymore so why continue to fight"
"True" she nodded "Speaking of Lucas where do you think he is? Skipping school for a sexy blond?"
A sharp pain shot through Nathan's body "He would never skip school for a date" Haley laughed inwardly, she hit a sore spot. She made a mental note, who knows when the information could be useful "Not a sexy blond then"
"He prefers brunettes" Payton looked bored, she knew what Haley tried "Brunette, tall, athletic and intelligent"
"Uh-hu, and you know it so well because…" she waited for Payton to finish for her.
"Because I talk to him and I listen but that's something you forgot how to do" she gave her a 'you know damn well whom he likes' look. Payton was friendly to her because of Lucas but the blond wasn't around so Haley was completely and utterly at her mercy.
"I do talk to him" Haley pouted "We talk about everything. We have no secrets"
"When was the last time you stopped drooling over Nathan long enough to speak with him?"
Nathan almost choke on his juice "I-I talked to him after the incident with Keith. We had a long talk" she lied; she couldn't remember the last time she talked to him. Haley was disappointed in herself, what kind of friend show disinterest in their friends.
"That's not true Haley why bother with a lie? He spent his time with me; I'm the one who comforted him. You know what you're doing is wrong change it before it's too late" Nathan wanted Lucas to be happy he couldn't be happy while losing a friend.
"I'll work on it" she had a lot to think about. Haley bid goodbye and left.
"Do you think she understands?" Payton pinched the bridge of her nose
"Love does strange things to all of us. I don't think she has the intention to hurt him but we should be careful" Nathan studied the canteen. He searched for Skills but he was nowhere to be seen.
What Nathan missed was that Skills left the room only seconds after Haley. He heard them talk and decided to have a little chat with Haley.
Nathan stood in front of Karen's house and shuffled nervously with his feet. After a few calming breaths he rang. He was afraid Karen would throw him out or beat him for befriending her son.
"Hey Nathan" she opened the door with a big smile "How are you?" she signaled him to enter.
" you" he was still nervous "How is Lucas? He wasn't at school today and I wondered if he's sick"
"He had a headache. Happens sometimes" they made up a reason in case people ask about his whereabouts.
"I was worried" Nathan confessed "I should go, tell Lucas we can go to the cinema, tomorrow or the day after"
"Wait" she grabbed his arm "He feels fine. His headache stopped a few hours ago but you can do me a favor. Please wake him while I get some ice cream for us"
Nathan was confused but obeyed "Okay" he headed upstairs and knocked.
Lucas opened the door, he looked pale and sleepy "What are you doing here?" he asked positively surprised. He had really slept for an hour because of last night's lack of it.
"You weren't at school and I was worried" he looked around and gave his lover a quick peck on the cheek.
"Have you ever had a migraine?" Lucas looked slightly amused.
"No" the brunette shook his head "Be thankful" Lucas sighed and patted his lover's back.
"Karen is waiting for us. Your mom said something about ice cream" Nathan wasn't sure how to act in front of Karen.
"Cool" the blond hurried into the kitchen "Nathan said you got ice cream?"
"Yeah" she gave him a bowl. Vanilla ice-cream with chocolate sauce, cream and brittle "You're the best" he dug into his ice.
Nathan grinned at him, he acted like a child. The childlike and carefree attitude suited him "Are you sure you're the older brother?"
"Damn sure" Lucas laughed "You should try to be less serious"
It wasn't an accusation "Maybe I should" Nathan grinned; he would show him how playful he could be the next time they were alone.
"Here" Karen gave him a bowl "and both of you stop the underlying messages while I'm around" she blushed slightly "There are things a mother doesn't want to know"
Nathan almost choked on his ice. His mouth opened but no words came out "Oh mom, I hadn't the impression you were disinterested while we talked this morning. You were quite eager to ask questions"
Now she was totally embarrassed "But not when both of you are around" she shoved a spoon into her mouth.
"Sure mom" Lucas winked, she took another spoon full of ice carefully avoiding her son's gaze.
Nathan paled while he watched them banter "She…" he swallowed.
"I know you're dating my boy" she was thankful for the change of topic.
"Are you not…" he was at a loss of words. There was so much he wanted to ask.
"No I'm not angry nor disgusted" her playful tone changed into a motherly voice "I had many years to get used to the thought, but to be honest I never thought you two would get together"
"How long do you know that he's in love with me?" Nathan frowned it must be a long time when she was okay with it.
"Always" she smiled at him. Karen put her bowl into the sink before she approached Nathan. She pinched his cheeks to lighten the mood "What a cute son-in-law you are".
Lucas stared at his mother's retreating back and burst out into a laughing fit. Nathan looked so shocked and confused it was adorable. His mother had a talent to confuse people but she used the same talent to make them happy. He would be nothing without his mom.
"You told her?" Nathan yelled, Lucas stopped laughing. The brunette regretted his choice of tone as the beautiful laugh died down and his beaming face fell.
"I didn't tell her" Lucas avoided his eyes, he felt ashamed for not regarding Nathan's feelings. He was so happy that his mother still loved him that he hadn't contemplated to warn his lover.
Nathan's anger faded away. The blond looked ashamed and you could practically see his inner turmoil "What gave us away?" he tried softer.
"The necklace" Lucas continued to avoid his eyes "She has a memory like an elephant"
The brunette took Lucas into his arms "I was shocked, I'm not mad at you" he tried to sooth his lover's insecurities.
"I'm sorry for not regarding your feeling, I should have warned you" the fact he hadn't bothered him greatly.
"It's okay" the brunette placed a gentle kiss on top of his lover's head "I like your mom" he added to lighten the mood.
"She's great" Lucas said lovingly "She's always there for me. She'll never abandon me"
"Why should your mother abandon you? You're her little boy" Nathan was confused.
"Blood isn't always the matter" Lucas bit his bottom lip, he talked too much and needed to come up with a new topic luckily Nathan noticed the change in him "Are you still in the mood for a movie or do you want to go somewhere else?"
"I want to see the movie" Lucas pulled himself together and stood up. Nathan stepped back "Great, I hoped you'd say that"
Nathan took his hand "Bye Karen" he waved "Have fun" she smiled "and Nathan!"
He stopped to look at her Lucas was already out off the door "Yes?"
"Take good care of my boy" her eyes sparkled with some unknown emotions "he's not an easy person"
"I always will" Nathan vowed "and I don't think he's too difficult" there was something in her eyes what confused him but he couldn't figure it out.
Karen nodded and returned to her task. Nathan would learn how Lucas's mind worked and then he would come to the conclusion that he indeed was difficult. There was so much going on in her son's mind what he didn't share with anyone. It was a wonder that he defended himself against Dan but such a behavior was rare. He only did this when he couldn't take it anymore and she wondered when the time would come he wasn't able to handle his life anymore. It wasn't fair that life was throwing so much dirt at him.
"Mommy takes care of you" she whispered to herself, Karen knew she couldn't protect him from life and she couldn't be there forever but sure as hell she would try.
"I think it was a failure to come" Lucas let go of Nathan's hand. Two minutes after the light went out Skills and his friends hurried into the hall.
"Damn it" he heard Nathan curse. The brunette hoped they got seats far away from them but no such luck. The hall was only half full and as they spied Nathan they chose the seats next to them. Two settled down next to Nathan and Skills picked the seat next to Lucas.
Nathan saw his lover's growing nervousness. The blond stared at the screen ignoring Skills. It was hard to blend him out while he tried to start a conversation.
Nathan glared at his friend while he whispered into Lucas's ear but the blond didn't acknowledge his tries.
Skills frowned he wasn't used of being ignored and it bothered him "Hey bastard, I said stop dragging him down. It's bad enough you bring trouble into the team but do you really want to stain your brother's image. What says Dan to your little friendship?"
It was hard to remain neutral, it wasn't the time to make a scene in the middle of the movie but he really, really wanted to hit the guy. His hand clenched and unclenched a few times. Skills smirked; he was breaking his calm demeanor.
"Maybe I should give your old man a call and tell him what his little boy is doing. Befriending the son of a slut " he crossed his arms to hide his next move, he leaned closer and laid his hand on Lucas's upper arm and dug his nails into his skin "Stop ignoring me it piss me off. You think you're better than us but news flash pretty boy, you are not"
Lucas had enough and pushed him away; he moved forward and pressed his arm against Skills throat. He looked up into Lucas's furious eyes, Lucas pinned him to the seat and he wasn't able to move "Listen pretty boy. I don't know where the problem lies but I will not abandon my family for you and I don't think I'm better than you but I know that Nathan and my mom are" he pressed his arm harder against his throat "Leave my family alone. Do you understand?"
Skills tried to nodded a little, it wasn't easy while Lucas arm was in the way. Lucas let go of him and made himself comfortable. Nathan stared at him that was a side of his brother he heard about but it was the first time he saw it with his own eyes. One or two times he saw him discus with people from afar but never thought he could flip out like that. Nathan realized how much fighting spirit his brother possessed and how dangerous he could be when threatened. He made a mental note to never piss him off.
"Lucas?" he didn't dare to touch him not with the team around.
Lucas looked at him his eyes were warm and loving, no trace of the steely gaze they held moments ago "Let's watch the movie"
Nathan nodded and returned his attention back to the movie but his thoughts continued to stray back to his lover.
"Nathan" someone elbowed him in the ribs, he startled "Do you want to see the final credits or can we go now?" Lucas looked amused.
"We can go" he collected his thoughts; that was embarrassing.
Skills and his friends followed "I'll get you for that" Skills hissed but kept his distance.
"We will see" Lucas turned around and ran into the arms of a cute brunette "I'm sorry"
"No problem" she smiled sweetly "You're Lucas, right?"
"Yes. Do I know you?" he frowned he saw her somewhere before.
"I'm Nathalie" she reached out a hand "I saw you at school"
"You're a class under me" he stated "Yes" she looked at the boys there was no potential girlfriend "Would you like to hang out with me?"
"No. I have plans for today" Lucas said truthfully. Nathan glared at her; a storm was bubbled under the surface. Lucas smiled at her and he held her hand far too long for Nathan's taste.
After she asked for his plans for the upcoming weekend he had enough "Lucas we have to go" he grabbed his brother's arm and dragged him out of the cinema.
Skills watched them with a big grin plastered on his face. He learned three new and very interesting things that night. Lucas protects Karen, he wants to keep his brother and Nathan has a crush on the cute brunette. That was something he could work with. Maybe they should follow them a little longer.
"Nathan" Lucas tried to free himself "Nathan you're hurting me"
The brunette let go of his arm "I… I'm sorry" he stuttered shocked about his own behavior.
"What's the problem?" Lucas was clueless.
"She was all over you and you're asking what the problem is?" Nathan tried not to yell.
"And what should I have done? Sorry I fuck my own brother and kissing you senseless in front of Skills?" Lucas was angry but kept his voice low.
Nathan realized how irrational his act was, of course Lucas couldn't do that but it bothered him to see him with someone else. The thought of losing him to her or anyone else hurt.
"Or should we end it so we don't have to worry about it?" Lucas knew that was low but it couldn't be that they fought forever every time a girl hits on him. He saw it in Nathan's face that this will be the case when they don't work on it.
Nathan's eyes widened in shock he grabbed Lucas's arm and pushed him into the car.
"Nathan" Lucas struggled but got no answer, after his third try to get his brother's attention he gave up. The brunette stared at the road, gripping the steering wheel tight. His mind was racing as fast as the car he almost missed his apartment. Lucas was nervous, the brunette got off the car and opened Lucas's door.
"Come" he choked out and dragged the blond inside.
"Nathan you're scaring me" Lucas tried to get an answer, Nathan's grip started to hurt.
Nathan pushed him onto the couch and hovered over him "Do you want to leave me that bad?"
"I don't want to leave you but we can't make a scene every time a girl shows her interest, you know that" Lucas felt queasy; his brother looked dangerous while he stared at him.
Nathan kneeled down on the couch, one knee between his brother's legs and one knee on the edge of the couch, his arms on either side of the blonds' head "You'll not leave me; I'll not stand by and watch you walk away"
"I don't want to leave" Lucas yelled "but you're scaring me, I don't want to be scared every time you're angry"
"I'm sorry" the brunette whispered and slumped down on top of his lover "I'm sorry" he whispered into the soft fabric of Lucas's shirt.
Lucas sighed deeply and wrapped his arms around him, pressing him closer. He couldn't stay angry at his brother when he needed protection from himself.
"Hush, it's okay" he stroked with his fingertips over Nathan's soft cheek "Don't be jealous. I love you and I have no intention to leave. I can be jealous too when the girls at school have their paws on you but we can't make our relationship public so we have to learn to handle it properly"
Nathan nodded against his chest, enjoying the gentle caresses "You're the first person I love so much. I'm overwhelmed with emotions I'm not used to"
"You're hotheaded" Lucas smiled and lifted Nathan's head up with a gentle motion "I love you how you are but it's not good to be so hotheaded. It makes your life difficult. Try to control your emotions and think before you act. You almost gave us away today"
"I know" the brunette looked into deep blue eyes; his own eyes were watery with tears he was too proud to spill "Can I kiss you?"
Lucas smiled at him and pulled him into a breathtaking kiss "I love you Nathan"
"I love you too" Nathan initiated a more passionate kiss "Let me show you how kinky I can be"
"Stop talking proves it" Lucas smirked.
"Come on sweetheart time to get up" Nathan kissed him "man you're cold. Did you sleep on top of the blanket again?"
"I think so" Lucas mumbled his skin got cold at night when his blood pressure dropped and Nathan tended to steal the blanket a night "and I'm not as hot-blooded as you. You're always so warm"
Nathan took him into his arm with a big smile on his face "I'll keep you warm then"
Lucas soaked his body heat in "We have to go to school, in less than an hour"
"Get ready"
"But you have to let go of me first" Lucas tickled him.
Nathan chuckled ant released him "Hurry up sweetie" he gave him a pat on his firm butt.
"Sweetie" Lucas mumbled to himself "What am I? A cupcake?" he strolled into the bathroom.
The disturbing fact was he liked the nickname, in a strange and girlish way. Sweetie was not a nickname for a man but it came from Nathan and that made it alright, somehow. Lucas was sure he called him that only to annoy him.
And what do you call your male lover anyway? He had no answer to that "Sweetie it is" he stepped into the shower.
"Hey I thought you're lost with all hands" Nathan grinned.
"You're shower is too small to get lost in it" Lucas threw his towel at him and started to get dressed.
"Wait" Nathan took the necklace out of his lover's hand and put it around his neck "I like to do it" he adjusted the pendant.
"Let's go" the blond gave him a loving kiss "I have to work tonight so it would be nice if you could pass by for a while. I owe you a dinner"
"Deal" the brunette put an arm around his shoulder and grabbed his car keys.
School life seemed to stop as they drove into the parking lot. Pupils and teachers were staring at them and whispered. It was the first time they drove to school together "Okay love tell me the truth. Were we really so obnoxious to each other?" Lucas tilted his head and looked at him. Lucas seemed amused and maybe a bit surprised.
"I think I was pretty nasty sometimes" Nathan gave him a rueful smile "but I don't think that is the reason" he frowned.
"Why not?" Lucas eyed the people, what did Nathan saw what he didn't?
"Gut feeling" Nathan couldn't put a finger on it, something was odd. The way they looked at them, the way they whispered was baleful.
"Time to face the mob" Lucas joked half heartedly and opened the door.
A shiver ran down his spine as all eyes settled on him, they whispered but couldn't hear a single indication of the matter.
"Lucas" Nathan stopped beside him "Stay strong" he smiled. The blond nodded and they rushed into the building.
A few hours later and not one step closer to a clue they met at the canteen "Geez" Nathan let his tray fall on the table with a loud 'thump' "It's absolutely nerve-wrecking"
"Do you think they know?" Lucas whispered, panic creeping into his gaze.
"No" Payton joined them "Damn girl, don't do that" Nathan pressed a hand against his chest, his heart beating wildly. Lucas looked as shocked as he did "Hell, Payton don't creep up on us. I thought I get an infarct" he really did.
"Sorry guys" she sighed "I'd one hell of a day"
"The day is not over yet" Lucas rubbed his forehead, he was developing a headache.
"Don't remind me" she looked disgusted at the thought "The day is definitely over for me"
"Do you know why they stare at us?" Nathan spread his arms to accent what he just said.
"Yes but you won't like it" she leaned forward, elbows resting on the table "You" she pointed at Lucas "stole his lover away" she pointed at Nathan "They say Lucas is playing with you, gaining your trust and when you're too involved he uses his advantage to hurt you"
"What?" Lucas jaw dropped "I don't want to hurt him, never"
Nathan took a deep breath; it was so close to the truth that it was scaring the hell out of him. But it wasn't Lucas who played games it was him, he was the bad guy who planned to crush his older brother with help of emotions.
Nathan felt sick what had he thought while he made the deal with Skills? Obviously, not much. How could he play with the feelings of other people? What gave him the right to judge people without to know them? He felt like the devil himself.
"Nathan? Are you well?" Payton asked and he noticed that they were staring at him.
"Yeah" he shook his head "Does that mean they are angry at Lucas and have pity with me?"
"God" Lucas groaned, he crossed his arms on the table and rested his head on top of them "How long do you think the rumor will remain?"
"I don't know it depends on the person who spread it" Payton rubbed his back, Nathan wanted to take him into his arms but it wasn't the right place for affection "Nathan I swear I tried to let her down carefully" the blond was scared the rumor could affect their relationship especially after their fight the night before.
"I know" he wouldn't let them affect his life. He wanted Lucas by his side and he would make sure it remains that way. But what when Lucas was the one playing games with him? No, the brunette shook his head; Lucas acted out of love as he accepted his friendship and love, and not out of spite "Ignore them. They can't hurt us"
"Yes they can" Lucas muttered under his breath "Huh?" Nathan and Payton heard him mutter something.
"I said you're right" Lucas knew their downfall was approaching, slowly but steady. He felt it in his guts. Lucas hoped so much he was wrong "Have you seen Haley?" he changed the topic.
"No, she called in sick two days ago. The flu or something" Payton explained "She didn't look that good last time I saw her"
"I pay her a visit after school" the blond looked up at them "but don't catch whatever she has" Nathan smiled, a flu meant a sick Lucas, that was something he never wanted to see and second, no sex and that was something he never wanted to give up.
"Naughty boy" Lucas whispered "I can practically see what you're thinking right now"
Nathan chuckled "That's because you're as naughty as I am"
Payton watched their little banter, they were so cute together and she hoped nothing could break them apart.
"Hey you" a burly boy spoke to Lucas, he bent forward "Don't you dare laying a hand on my girlfriend do you understand? We will not stand by and watch you whoring around with our girls"
Lucas stared at him wide-eyed that was a development he didn't expect. Nathan stood up and grabbed the boy's collar. He took him by surprise and shoved him on top of the table "Don't you dare to threaten him ever again or I make sure the rumor mill will have a lot of fun with you and your friends. Do you understand?" Nathan hissed.
The boy stared at him in surprise "You will see what your friendship with him will bring you" he took all his courage together. That was the first time he had an argument with Dan Scott's boy and he hoped it was the first and last time.
Nathan shook his head and pulled him off of the table "Stay away from him" he shoved him in the direction of his shocked friends before he returned his attention to Lucas "Let's find a quieter place"
Lucas followed him out of the canteen. Payton stayed behind and eyed the burly guy. She was angry and before she could think twice about it she threw her now lukewarm coffee into his face "Should you pull a stunt like that again I'll make sure your girlfriend hears about your one night stand with the redhead with the big boobs. What was her name again? Sarah, Samantha? Hmm, oh right you had them both. I already thought my memory is turning into a sieve, haha. Oh, did I say it out loud? My bad" she smirked and went away. Before she reached the door she heard girls screaming and loud slaps. Seemed like his girlfriends left burning red handprints on his cheek, Payton chuckled. Revenge can be so sweet.