Disclaimer ditto to the last ten chapters.

Here's the next chapter. Sorry for the wait! I hope you all enjoy it. thanks to everyone for their reviews.

I would like to clarify things, in this timeline Dan never confessed to shooting Keith. Lucas shot Dan and went to jail for attempted murder, Nathan never believed Dan was the one who killed Keith and was angry at Lucas for shooting Dan because Dan and Nathan were rebuilding their relationship as Dan was trying to 'be nice' s4 Dan. Everyone else in the group believed Lucas, Haley sided with Luke and it ate away at the Naley relationship. Brooke especially sided with Lucas and still wanted a future with him but Lucas didn't want her to wait for him so he cut all contact with Brooke and ended their engagement which devastated her and she has anger over the way he rejected her when she was willing to wait for him. Lucas was meant to be in jail for longer but he has been released early.

Chapter Ten

After sleeping in, the morning was frantic in the Roe-Davis-Scott home, "Jamie, please pack your bag" Brooke told her son for the third time getting more aggravated by the second. The kitchen door was wide open to the porch and she could see the back of him, "Jamie, now"

"My scooter is gone"

"You can look for it later, go pack your bag" she said as she finished putting the kids lunches in their lunch boxes and left them on the counter for them to take, "remember your library book"

"But I can't find my scooter" Jamie whined still outside and Brooke span around groaning, Lily bit her bottom lip waiting for her nephew to get into trouble, Brooke rarely got angry but when she did it was scary.

"Benjamin James Davis-Scott, if you are not inside in the next three seconds-"

"But-"

"One-"

"Mom"

"Two…"

Jamie slowly walked back inside, his chin resting against his chest and looking as if he was about to start crying. Sighing Brooke rolled her eyes, "for heaven's sake Jamie you can play with it after school, we don't have time for this now"

"It's gone"

"It's not gone, where did you put it last night?"

"I put it at the door" he looked up, his eyes wide, "right there" and Jamie pointed outside.

"Okay" Brooke nodded, cleaning up the mess from the counter, "you go get your library book and I'll find it after I drop you guys off"

"You promise?" Jamie narrowed his hazel eyes.

"Promise" Brooke grinned, "Now scoot"

Turning tail Jamie quickly headed for his room as Lily hopped down from her chair and walked over to Brooke to grab her lunchbox before putting it in her bag. Brooke grabbed Jamie's and followed Lily, she pulled open her son's bag and Brooke quickly took out yesterday's schoolwork to make room, well aware that her son inherited his penchant for putting off chores from her. The lunchbox was placed in and then Jamie came running back with his library book, "walk inside" Brooke told him without even looking up. The book in the bag Brooke suddenly stopped, "what am I forgetting?" she spoke aloud to herself and searched around the room, her eyes finally stopping on Lily, "oh, sweetie, let's get you sorted"

"I wanna wear my hair down today" Lily absently mumbled as she flinched away from Brooke who came at her with a brush. Ignoring the girl's words Brooke started to brush the girl's hair before parting it, "you know Mommy likes your hair up for school"

"She won't know"

Brooke just smiled as she quickly tied the two piggy tails, "that's it, grab your bags, let's go" and as soon as Brooke spoke Jamie and Lily were doing as she said.

Just as the bell was rung Brooke hurried the two children into the class, a distracted Haley gave Brooke a little wave and Brooke returned the action before leaving. Karen had forced Brooke to have two weeks off work, reassuring the younger woman that she had the café covered, the unexpected free time left Brooke even more confused with what to do, not having had 'free time' since having Jamie at the age of eighteen.

The pace back home was slow for Brooke, with no time limit or obligations she took the scenic route stopping by the market to get fresh fruit and then treating herself to a new hairstyle and manicure.

It wasn't until she'd been back home for nearly half an hour that Brooke remembered Jamie's scooter was missing, and after ten minutes of searching for it Brooke stopped by the back door and scratched the top of her head. It was nowhere to be found.

…

Under the light of day Tric was unusually bright and quiet, the only sound the scuffing of the floor as Owen, the bar manager, pushed the latest delivery through the bar. He stopped the moment he noticed the toned blonde standing in the open doorway, "we're closed"

Looking away from the stage Lucas turned his eyes to the large man, being shaken from his thoughts he squinted his already narrow eyes, "sorry, I'm here to meet ah… a Mr Morello"

Lifting his chin Owen gave Lucas the once over, "you Karen's son?" he asked not because he saw any resemblance but because he saw something in the man that screamed to him 'just got out of jail' and Karen had mentioned to expect her son.

"Lucas Scott" walking to him Lucas held out his hand.

Owen didn't take it at first, then just when Lucas was about to take his hand back Owen grabbed it and gave it a tight squeeze, "Owen, no one calls me Mr Morello. You ever worked in a bar before?"

Lucas hadn't even legally been able to drink when he was initially arrested, as if realising his mistake Owen quickly backtracked "don't worry, we'll start you off easy and you'll learn as you go. Let me show you around" Owen quickly got back to what he was doing, "first thing first, the storeroom"

Instinct kept Lucas from reminding Owen that he knew perfectly well where the storeroom of Tric was. He had been there when the club was created, spent too many nights to count with his friends on this very premise, and the storeroom had been a hideaway for Brooke and him all those years ago. Lucas kept silent and followed the other man, listening to everything he was telling him, yet his mind was somewhere else entirely.

…

The bright lights of the store had Nathan holding back a groan, dots played at the corner of his vision while he rubbed the spot just above his eyes trying desperately to relieve the throbbing pain that had been with him since the moment he woke up.

Migraines had haunted the basketball star since he'd left for college, or since he'd left Haley depending on how you viewed the timing.

Aspirin in hand Nathan quickly paid for the item and went to leave the mall, every sound was magnified and pounded through his head and all he wanted was to get back to his hotel room and into bed.

In his attempt to avoid more pain Nathan closed his eyes briefly as he rounded one corner, and just as he was opening them his body collided with someone else.

A bag fell to the floor and Nathan looked down as a brunette head went to pick it up, "hey, watch where you're- Nathan!" she froze when she looked up.

"Davis?" Nathan held out his hand, helping Brooke up and taking the bag from her other hand, his blue eyes taking a peak at the purchase "you bought a scooter?"

Brooke chuckled and taking the bag back she shrugged one shoulder while putting her free hand on her hip, "it's for Jamie. He managed to lose his already and I want to replace it before he notices"

"Sounds like someone I use to know" there was a silence after Nathan's words and the two old friends just stared at each other. Eventually Nathan shook his head getting rid of his visible shock, "how are you?"

"Good, I'm good. Well as good as can be expected. You heard I guess"

They started to walk together and Nathan didn't have to ask what she was talking about, he nodded and looked away before he met her eyes again.

"How does that work?"

"Still figuring it all out. How 'bout you, Hot Shot, how are you really beyond fame and fortune?"

His lip quirked, "still figuring it out" he repeated her answer.

Brooke stopped, turning around to step in front of Nathan she blocked his way forcing him to look down at her, "she misses you. We all do. If that helps"

A heartbeat went by before Nathan blinked, and he didn't let his expression change "can we just leave that?"

"As long as you know what you're doing is the second stupidest thing you've ever done"

"Brooke…" he warned.

She smiled, "you should come over some time, meet your nephew"

"I don't know-"

"What are you so afraid of?" and before he could answer she grabbed a pen from her bag and snatching his hand to write her new number, "anytime you want to talk or anything just call me"

Before he knew it, Nathan was alone again, his head still at war with the rest of his body, with even more thoughts circling his dizzy mind. Right there and then he ripped the aspirin open and swallowed two dry.

…

As soon as Lucas left Tric after organising his first shift for the next night, he started to walk through Tree Hill towards the elementary school where Haley worked and Lily and Jamie went to school. It wasn't far from the high school, Lucas' gaze lingered on Tree Hill High as he strolled by, he almost bumped into a man walking from the other direction "sorry" Lucas mumbled before facing forward again.

At the school Lucas chose a position across the road and waited, sure enough nearly ten minutes before the siren was due to end the school day Brooke's car suddenly appeared.

Lucas moved from the tree and hands in his pockets managed to reach the car a few seconds after Brooke parked. The engine hadn't even cut off by the time Lucas opened the passenger side and slipped into the seat.

"What the hell" Brooke exclaimed angrily glaring at Lucas.

"Brooke-"

"No, you can't just show up like this, you are meant to call first" she started, her hands going to her own doorhandle to escape. Lucas reached over and quickly locked her door, "nice, Luke" Brooke groaned going for it again but this time Lucas grabbed her hands.

"Just wait… please"

Brooke lowered her hands slowly and Lucas waited a few more seconds before letting her go. He took a deep breath, "I know I said it wouldn't happen again but the truth is I can't promise you I won't let you down, I can't swear that I'll do things right or that I won't make mistakes. I'm new to this and the rest I'm still getting use to again. But I'm going to try my hardest to be a good father to Jamie and to make things right again for everyone else. And if every now and then you need to yell at me or tell me when I'm doing something wrong then that's what needs to happen. But I'm not going anywhere, I'm going to keep coming back and trying because you and Jamie, and our family, you're the most important things in my life. And I'll do anything to protect you"

The look in Brooke's hazel eyes spoke of doubt and it killed Lucas, his heart ached from the emotions tearing him apart.

"Brooke…?"

She looked down, without saying a word Brooke unlocked her door and got out, then she waited at the curb.

For a second Lucas just stared at her back before he quickly followed her, when they were side by side Brooke gave him a discrete look from the side. She went to speak but quickly closed her mouth not knowing what to say, Brooke was exhausted, she didn't want to fight, she didn't want to even tell him off at the moment, she just wanted some sort of peace.

Then the siren went off, soon Haley was walking out with her class, Lily and Jamie stayed close to her side, their heads bent together as they talked.

Together Brooke and Lucas went towards the crowd, Lucas's hands twitched in his pockets as some of the mothers sent him strange cautious looks. He lowered his head and fell back behind Brooke.

As soon as they spotted Brooke the kids broke away from Haley, "Mom, Mom" Jamie yelled and bounced into Brooke's open arms, "Aunt Haley gave me a gold star today"

Lily on the other hand was the first to notice Lucas, she smiled shyly at her brother "I got two" she announced. Jamie looked over Brooke's shoulder and beamed at his father, "I got a gold star Daddy and a sticker, see!" he pulled at his shirt showing the sticker stuck to it. Lucas touched the red smiley face, "that's great, champ"

"They were both really good today" Haley smiled as she joined them, quickly ruffling both their heads, "if only they were that well behaved every day"

"Tell me about it" Brooke winked, only half serious because most of the time Lily and Jamie gave her and Karen no trouble. Giving Lucas a sideways glance Brooke bounced Jamie once and then sent him a hesitant smile, "now daddy's going to get you guys all set in the car while I have a word with Aunt Haley"

Before Brooke had even placed Jamie back on the ground, Lily snatched her brothers hand and beamed up at Lucas "are you gonna teach me how to play basketball?"

When Lucas sent her a questioning look Brooke bit her lip and turned to Haley. Rolling her eyes the teacher sighed, "mind if I tag along?"

Brooke quickly smiled grateful that her and Haley could communicate without using words but then Haley sent her a quick glare and Brooke knew she owed her best friend. In the next few seconds they quickly traded car keys, "what time do you want them back?" Haley asked.

"As long as they're back by dinner time its fine, you and Lucas can join us"

Haley merely mumbled and the two women turned to watch Lucas making sure the kids were securely in their car seats. Letting go of the breath she'd been holding Brooke whispered, "It feels like a dream sometimes, I'm just waiting to wake up and for Lucas to be gone again"

A small hand rubbed her back, "he's not going anywhere"

"That's what he said when he found out I was pregnant too, look how that worked out"

"At least he still wants to be part of your life" the sadness in Haley's tone had Brooke quickly turning to her.

Lips parting Brooke felt like such an idiot, "Hales, I'm sorry. I don't mean to sound- look, Nathan's here, he's finally back, okay maybe not for the best reason but there's hope. You're Naley!"

Haley just shook her head and finally took a step away, "let's just focus on one Scott boy at a time"

Just as Haley went to walk away Brooke quickly hugged her, "thank you" she whispered before she let her friend go.

Even if it was what she wanted Brooke still felt a feeling of nostalgia as she watched her car being driven away, to a stranger the two adults and two children could easily have been a happy family. She lifted her hand in a wave as Jamie grinned back at her, his hand going crazy behind the glass of the window, just before they turned the corner he blew her a kiss. Brooke caught it, closing her hand into a fist she placed it above her heart and managed a small smile.

…

Though Lucas was going to take the kids to the river court Haley quickly changed his mind, directing Lucas to their old high school instead.

The kids ran circles around them, "are you sure this is okay?" Lucas asked once they were outside the gym.

"I have connections" she winked and pulled the door open.

Jamie immediately pushed ahead, "UNCLE SKILLS" he yelled, running straight across the court uncaring about the giant teenagers he nearly barged into as they ran up and down the court.

"Jamie Scott" Skills grinned before blowing his whistle and Jamie came to a quick stop right in front of him, the boy placed his feet slightly apart, his hands behind his back and his little chin high. With another blow of the whistle Jamie loosened up and hurled himself into Skills arms.

"Can I be your as…assitant coach… please?"

"Alright little man" Skills put Jamie down and quickly placed the whistle around the boy's neck. Jamie immediately blew the whistle in two quick successions and giggled when all the older boys on the court quickly changed their direction. He kindly waited two seconds before blowing again, by this time Lily was at his side saying it was her turn.

They continued to control the Ravens as Haley and Skills hugged before the coach turned to Lucas and they quickly bumped fist before pulling each other in for a quick pat on the back, "you aiight?"

"Good. You?"

Skills groaned, "Been better" he crossed his arms, yelling at his team "PICK IT UP, MY GRANNY CAN RUN FASTER THAN YOU" and at least six boys moaned just before Lily blew the whistle again.

Something caught Lucas' attention and his eyes zoomed in on the framed jersey on the wall. Keith's old number had been retired so long ago, he'd almost forgotten it. A memory of his uncle teaching him how to hold a ball suddenly had Lucas zoning out of the real world, he could still hear Keith's reassuring voice in the back of his head when Skills thumped him on the back, "Luke… Luke…?"

"Ah… sorry… you were saying?"

Just as Skills was about to reply the gym doors slammed shut again and the coach's attention shifted focus, "Fields" he snapped, "you're late, if you wanted to be on the bench-" he was cut off by the sound of Quinton suddenly pounding down the court with the basketball he stole off one of the other boys. Flying into the air Quinton made an effortless slam dunk which had Skills and the rest of the team speechless.

"Did I tell you to stop" Skills yelled and gave Jamie a nod, the boy nodded back before giving a long blow of the whistle.

Eyeing Quinton, Skills frowned "give me a sec" he said in Haley and Lucas' direction before heading for the boy.

Haley grabbed Lucas by the arm, "come with me, Jamie and Lily will be fine in here" and she lead him over to the locker room.

"Want to tell me where you were last night. I tried calling you a million times"

He scratched the back of his head, "about that, I've lost my phone. I don't know how"

"So where did you go last night? I called Hank he said you left just after me. I even called Brooke and your Mom, you can't just scare me like that, Luke"

"I needed to think, I would have called but…" he shrugged.

"It's not funny, Luke. People worry about you" and she hit him on the shoulder, "at least when you were in jail we knew where to find you"

"Okay, okay. I get it. I spent the night at the river court, it won't happen again"

"And what about finding you in a bar, will that happen ag-"

"That might be hard to avoid seeing I'll be working in one" Lucas cut in and Haley stopped.

Slowly she started to smile, "you got the job? That's great. Really Luke, if you can prove to Brooke you can make it work-" her rambling was just as passionate but now instead of anger it was with joy, Lucas didn't want to interrupt her again but felt he had no choice.

"She's seeing somebody else" he lowered his head at the reminder.

Once again Haley stopped, not knowing what to say she went to Lucas and wrapped an arm around him.

Eventually she whispered, "the reason she gets so angry with you is because she still loves you"

"It's the same with Nathan, you know" Lucas whispered back despite the warning voice that told him not to. Haley huffed, and let him go.

Though she was trying to act like she didn't believe Lucas' words he could tell a part of her did, he bumped Haley gently, "he'd be an idiot not to still love you"

"Okay let's get back to the kids before this turns into some sort of Dawson's Creek hug fest" she bumped him back.

"Does that make me Dawson?" he asked as they started to walk out.

Haley seemed to consider it, "maybe the scrawnier version"

"As I recall Joey has a thing for Dawson"

"Yes but I'm not Joey"

"You're Jen?"

Haley laughed "no, I'm Pacey"

"Is Nathan Joey because that's kind of wrong"

Haley rolled her eyes, "okay let's just forget this" wasn't she meant to be angry at him, Haley briefly wondered as they joined Skills on the sidelines.

…

Swinging gently on the porch swing Brooke had a cold drink between her hands as she looked out over the yard. Tree Hill was so peaceful sometimes Brooke could almost forget any other place existed, she was just about to close her eyes when her tranquillity was broken by the soft ding of her message tone.

Startled Brooke managed to spill her drink and she placed the glass down before searching for her phone in her pocket.

Lucas' name blinked up at her and with one touch the message opened.

You look so pretty today, red is your colour.

Refusing to reply Brooke quickly deleted the message and slipped her phone back.

Tree Hill was always so peaceful before it wasn't, and as Brooke watched a dark cloud started to appear from the direction of the beach slowly looming closer to her home.

…

I don't think about Nathan Scott in terms of being my brother, there was a time when I had hoped that we could have a relationship despite Dan not acknowledging me as his son however Nathan had made it clear I was nothing to him. We lived in the same town, sat in the same classes, shared the same blue eyes, surname and the same man's blood ran through us yet we were as different as two people could be.

One day I decided to embrace that, I made a point to be different, if Nathan wanted to stand out I wanted to blend in.

But this is my court, my ground, my feet know every inch and crack of this court. Today we will play one on one, face to face, brother to brother. I'm not afraid to be who I truly am, I'm not afraid to show that I am just as good as him, that I deserve to exist and be me.

Nathan can't deny me here.

I don't know in this moment that the boy in front of me is even more lost than me, that he has just as much to prove, and I don't know that one day I will love my little brother and we will stand proudly side by side.

And it all starts today.

(Extract. An unkindness of Ravens, Page 36)