BlueSilverLining, OTHlover04, tardychick! Thanks so much!
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:Twelve:
Keith caught Lucas by the shoulders, holding him steady.
All around the trio, broken dishes, scattered vegetables and utensils. The trash was kicked over, forgotten frying pan holding the burnt remains of breakfast. It had started so peacefully, a surprising break through for father and son.
"Luke, I'm sorry."
The blond raised questing fingers to his chin, swallowing the metallic tang of blood.
What a picture they made.
Dan leaned forward, too close. Trying to examine his son's face.
"I'm okay, alright."
Just leave me alone.
"I didn't mean to-"
Lucas' eyes were hard. "What? Didn't mean to beat each other up? I don't have to be a part of this. It isn't even about me." He shook off Keith's support, stepping through the fractured china.
"Son, wait."
Dan felt the boy stiffen under his touch.
"Sure Keith and I have some history. That has nothing to do with you. We aren't blaming you for any of it. But we do need you to make a decision."
Lucas hesitated, surprised at his father's diplomacy.
"Tell big brother you're staying with me."
Forget that.
It was the man he'd always thought was his dad that understood Lucas best.
"I'm sorry I drug you into this."
Luke spared a tiny nod. He knew the simple spoken apology was meant to cover far more. And so help him, he couldn't let the past go that easily. Keith's whole demeanor echoed the guilt within. And tomorrow he'd be passed out on the floor. Maybe not, but Lucas had long since given in to the odds.
"Why don't you go lie down, son?"
Dan. Still trying to take control.
Luke turned into the hall, walking taut and straight backed. He felt like the china, another shove and be broken.
X
"This is your fault. He's supposed to be resting."
"Then why drag him on the emotional roller coaster?" Keith kicked the trash basket aside. "And what do you mean, resting? He wasn't sick when he left."
"Please. The doctor advised it."
"What have you been up to? We had a deal."
"I'm not breaking my end. Why are you?"
"I knew this was a bad idea the minute you drove up. You haven't changed a bit, Dan. Not a bit."
"Wish I could return the compliment, but the alcohol's done it's work. Boozy."
"I'm leaving, with Lucas. Say goodbye, if he wants to listen."
Dan smiled, the merest imitation.
"You finally told the lie. Now deal with it."
"I can't. I can't give him up." Keith pushed past the table, now positioned haphazardly in the corner. "I could if I knew it was for the best. But you're no good to him."
"At least I'm there."
"Maybe Luke is better off on his own."
X
The front door opened, straw do-dad thing catching Nathan in the nose.
He slapped it aside, wondering how many hits the thing could take. And when his mom would notice. What was with women and pointless decorations, anyways?
The mat caught under his foot, prelude to belatedly realizing the gum Tim had thrown was, indeed, on his shoe.
Home.
Dust motes rose in the bright sunlight, playing tag...
And Lucas. Sitting on the landing.
Nathan's head swiveled, taking in the sight of his dad's Jag.
"Hey." He slammed the door.
No one took any notice.
"Luke, why are you here?"
The blond tore his gaze from some sightless perusal of the carpet.
"Long story, Nate."
The dark haired boy didn't object to the familiar name. This time.
"Where's my dad? Uh-our dad?"
Luke waved a hand toward the kitchen.
"Who's in the driveway? That the new cook?"
"Your Uncle Keith."
"Crap!" Nate dropped his basket ball jacket. "I've never met the guy."
"Aren't family reunions great."
"Hey-" the younger brother bent close.
"You look like you've been punched. In the mouth."
"Run on in, get yours."
"Really? Dad and Uncle Keith-"
"You missed it."
"Dang!"
Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Where have you been?"
"Tim and some of the guys-oh, Tim's a friend of mine. He's kind of annoying, but useful."
"That sums it up."
"Hey." Nathan clattered up the remaining stairs, returning with a cold washrag.
"Here."
"Thanks."
"So." Lowering himself beside Lucas. "What's going on?"
The blond felt his lip with a tentative tongue. "Can I hold off on conversation for a while?"
"Sure."
Nathan twiddled his thumbs.
"So, who slugged you?"
"Dan."
"Crap! He just hauled off and-"
"Things are a little different. We were actually sort of getting along."
"And-"
Luke lowered the rag. "My head got in the way, okay?"
"Do I hear glass?"
"Oh." The blond lowered his face, nearly touching his knees.
"Mom's going to spin. Unless that cleaning girl get's here first. I saw a memo on the fridge. You seen her yet?"
"What am I looking for?" Lucas' voice was muffled.
"I don't know. Haley James. The guys were talking, and they said she's kinda hot."
Luke spread his fingers. "Nathan, I have some serious issues here."
"Ya. Right. I guess I'll leave you alone." A sympathetic smile tugged at the corners of Nathan's mouth . He scooped up the jacket and car keys, disappearing onto the second floor.
"Hey-" the words floated from the bathroom.
"Call me if you see her!"
X
Dan tried the handle. It wasn't locked.
Lucas' room, few books, clothing hung neatly in the closet. It appeared the kid hadn't already packed. The person in question was perched on the edge of the fourposter. Staring darkly at his father under lowered brows.
"I was wondering where you'd gone to."
No response.
"Don't think I can't understand what you're going through. Because I do."
"What am I going through?"
"All this stuff with Keith. I know you have feelings for him, but it's time to do something for yourself."
"What everyone keeps telling me." Dully.
"Did you take your medicine today?"
"Ya. Otherwise, I'd probably be dead."
Dan took a step closer.
"You could be. It's your life, Lucas. It's serious."
"When has my life been anything other than serious." It wasn't a question.
"You don't look so good."
'I really needed you to tell me."
"Put some ice on that."
Luke drew his legs up, shifting to stare at the wall.
"Keith is waiting, in the living room. He plans on taking you back."
"Is there a reason I should stay?"
"I can think of one."
The blond rubbed his temple. "I'm so tired."
"It's been a long day." Dan laughed. "Morning. Why don't you take some time, think about what I've said."
The elder Scott's hand was practically on the door knob when Lucas spoke.
"You haven't said anything."
Silence stretched, following that soft statement.
"I'll say that I've missed you. I missed doing all the things a dad has a right to do."
"Is it real? Or am I just a victory to you."
No mistaking the wistfulness behind those words.
"Lucas. Stay with me.Give me a chance."
"Never ask. You never ask."
Dan touched his son's sleeve. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"You don't get it." Lucas got to his feet, jaw set.
"Luke. Tell me what you mean."
"Dad, always telling me. You can't even ask me to stay without ordering it."
Dan threw his hands up. "That's who I am, Luke. Look to yourself. Whatever's going in that mind, you're saying something different. Have you ever let anyone know what you really feel like? Inside?"
"What does this have to do with-"
"Everything. Until you find the courage to be honest with yourself-"
"What?"
"Life's just going to keep throwing it at you."
"I don't have to listen to this."
Dan grabbed the blond's arm.
"Running won't get you anywhere you want to be."
"Don't touch me."
"Stop doing this to yourself, Lucas. Let him go."
The kid futilely tried to break Dan's hold.
"Tell me what you want. It's as simple as that."
"You don't understand."
"Maybe I do, a little."
"Let me go."
"The perfect life isn't out there, son. I know your choice of father's seems pretty slim. But your mother isn't the option you're looking for."
The bruised lips opened in retort, then hesitated.