Nathan had been walking around with a permanent scowl since his fight with Dan. Nothing anyone did he could shake the sour look on his face and that worried Brooke. She hated that he was still so upset but for the most part she couldn't blame him. She just wished he would talk to her. He wasn't home as he was at the arena with the team and Brooke was at her office working on some story about the Nets off season workouts. Since she wasn't the only writer for the Nets on staff with this paper she almost never got to interview Nathan but that was ok because she didn't want it be seen as professional biased if she was interviewing her fiancé.

"Davis, I need you to head over to the arena. See if you can get that rookie Jake Jaglieski to talk to you today," Dave Lewis, sports editor, said poking his head into Brooke's office.

"Sure, no problem Dave," Brooke replied as she saved her work and shut off her computer before leaving to go to the arena. An interview with Jake, could she handle that? She wasn't sure but she didn't have time for the doubts. Dave needed her to do a job and she was gonna have to push all personal feelings aside and get it done. Or kiss her job good-bye.

"Nate what's goin on with you lately bro?" Jake asked as him and Nathan were playing a little one on one.

"I don't wanna talk about it," Nathan replied coldly. He hadn't been talking to anyone, not even Brooke, since he had talked to Dan.

"Dude you can't bring that stuff on the court with you. Whatever it is, leave it at home. You'll mess up your game if you don't."

"Jake please. Just drop it." Nathan could feel his anger rising and he really wasn't in the mood for an argument or to cause a disruption.

"Whatever man." Jake sighed as he realized Nathan was set in his decision. There would be no talking about whatever was bothering him. He hoped that Nathan was at least talking to Brooke about whatever it was but by the looks of things Jake was guessing not.

"Jake Jaglieski. Just the man I was looking for," he heard Brooke say from behind him. Jake turned around slowly to see a radiant Brooke Davis making her way over to him.

"Hey Brooke, what can I do for you?" Jake asked.

"Let me interview you for the paper."

"Sure. And then maybe you can tell me what's gotten into Nathan."

"Oh god. He's freezing you out too?"

"Yup. He won't tell me what's going on and I thought you'd know but maybe you don't."

"No I do. But he's not talking to me about anymore so I don't know why he's still hanging on to it."

"All right. Enough about Nathan. Let's have that interview shall we?" Jake flashed Brooke a smile and she nodded. About 15 minutes later Brooke was done with her interview and she was getting ready to leave when Nathan came over to where they were sitting.

"Hey sweetie," he said as he kissed her sweetly.

"Hey babe. Don't freeze Jake out. Talk to him, he's your friend," Brooke replied knowing she had to do something before the two guys got into a fight.

"Brooke."

"Nathan, I'm serious. Jake didn't do anything wrong. He just wants to know what's going on with you. Now you can either talk to him about it calmly or blow up at him later because you can't keep inside any longer. It's up to you but I hope you make the right choice. I gotta get back to the office so I'll see you later."

"Brooke, wait."

"What Nathan?"

"It's not that easy. I can't just talk to Jake about this. I don't want to think about the fact that Dan shot Keith, never mind talk about it. It hurts too much. I can't do it."

"I didn't say go into detail but at least tell Jake that's what's bothering you. It'll make you feel better if you do and if you can't do that much leave your drama at home."

Nathan rolled his eyes. Now Brooke was sounding like Jake but he knew they were right. If he couldn't talk about it or focus on his game because of it, he needed to leave his personal drama at the door. Carrying personal drama onto the basketball court never did any good for his game and he didn't want to mess anything up because Dan was once again in his head.

"Thanks Brooke. I love you sweetheart," Nathan said as he wrapped his sweaty arms around Brooke's frame.

"I love you too but could you please get your sweaty arms off me," Brooke laughed. Nathan smiled and let go of the hug. Standing on her tiptoes Brooke kissed Nathan quickly before turning to leave the arena. She was getting hungry and now that she had gotten her interview with Jake she another piece to write. It was gonna be a long day for her.

Nathan watched as Brooke left before going over to where Jake was standing still holding the basketball.

"Look man, whatever's going on you can tell me," Jake said.

"I know but I don't wanna think about it," Nathan replied, "but I can't get it out of my head."

"Come on, you know you can trust me. Nate what's up?"

"Dan shot Keith."

"What? I thought Keith was killed in the shooting at the high school?"

"He was."

"Then how do you know Dan did it?"

"Brooke told me. Jake, she saw Dan do it. That sick bastard had the balls to kill his brother and then pretend like he was grieving with the rest of us."

"How did this come about?"

Nathan recapped the entire thing for Jake but make sure to leave out the parts where he cried. Nathan Scott was not known as a crier and he didn't want to change that.

"Oh shit. Man, I'm sorry. At least you've got a great girl by your side," Jake said when Nathan was done.

"Don't I know it. She's the best girl anyone could ask for," Nathan replied. Jake raised an eyebrow at Nathan.

"Ok, she's the best girl I could ask for," Nathan laughed.

"That's better."

"Jaglieski, Scott! Get off the bleachers. This isn't social hour!" Coach Frank yelled as he walked into the gym.

"Sorry Coach," they said in unison as they stood up and went back to playing.

After they were done practicing Nathan and Jake went to the weight room to lift for a while before going home for the day.

"Nathan take it easy," Jake said as he watched his friend push himself.

"I'm fine," Nathan grunted as he continued lifting the heavy weights with all his might. He could feel his knees about to buckle underneath he but he didn't want to stop. He kept pushing until he couldn't do anymore. Just as he was about to lift the weight for another set of reps he felt his knee give out under him. Jake saw Nathan falling to floor and he grabbed onto the weight and his friend so the weight didn't crush Nathan.

"Nathan, you're not fine. Go home before you kill yourself," Jake said as he helped Nathan stand on his feet.

"Who do you think you are? My mother. I don't have to listen to you," Nathan snapped as he grabbed the weight intending to do more reps. Jake put his hand on the weight and pushed against it. Nathan grunted at Jake to move but Jake didn't budge.

"Damn it Nate. Don't do this. You're pissed at Dan, I get that but working yourself to death isn't gonna solve anything. It's only gonna hurt Brooke and your sons. Now stop. Go home to Brooke and let her take care of you. Clear your head man."

"Fine!" Nathan let go of the weight and shoved his way past Jake to the locker room. He threw his gear in his bag and stormed out of the building without showering.

The entire ride home Nathan was fuming with anger. He wanted to kill Dan. It wasn't like him to let Dan's actions get to him on the basketball court or in the weight room. Those were supposed to be the two places Nathan could go to escape from Dan. This time was different. It felt like he was more angry at Dan as soon as he had gotten to the arena that morning. All he wanted to do now was go home to Brooke and forget about his day of basketball. He pulled into the driveway and went into the house slamming the door behind him. Usually he would yell to let Brooke know he had come home but this time was different. Nathan stormed up the stairs and went straight to the shower. This mood he was in was really starting to get on his nerves but he had no idea how to shake it.

"Nathan," Brooke said as she knocked on the bathroom door.

"What!" he snapped.

"Don't snap at me."

"Brooke I'm not in the mood to play games. Whatever it is, just say it."

"What's wrong with you? Why are you storming around the house and slamming doors?"

Nathan swung the bathroom door open and looked Brooke straight in the eye. He couldn't believe she didn't understand why he was angry. Brooke saw the anger in his eyes and knew they were in for a fight now.

"Are you serious? Did you not witness my complete break down after Dan's stunt the other night?"

"Yes but Nathan you never let anything Dan does get to you like this. Why now?"

"Because my fiancé knew the truth about who really killed my uncle and didn't bother to tell me for 5 years. Five years Brooke! You knew the truth and let me wonder who or why Keith was dead."

"Is that what this is about? You're pissed at me for not telling you the truth? God, Nathan, I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to get hurt. I know you don't get along with Dan but I didn't think you wanted to hear that he was the one who shot Keith."

"Whatever." Nathan turned and went back into the bathroom slamming the door in Brooke's face. She jumped as the impact of the door slamming shut vibrated her chest.

"Luke come deal with Nathan," Brooke said as she picked up the phone.

"Brooke what's wrong?" Lucas asked.

"He's being a jerk. I can't handle this right now. It's too much stress. Please just get out here. Before he does something stupid to himself or me. You're the only one he'll listen to."

"All right. I'll have my agent let team management know I need to take a few days off for a family emergency but I can't promise Nathan will listen to me."

"Thanks Luke. Call me so I know when you're gonna be here."

"Ok. Hang in there. I'm sure everything will be fine."

"Bye."

"Bye."

Brooke hung up the phone and went downstairs to get something to eat. She hadn't eaten much all day with the exception of lunch which she had basically eaten anything and everything she could get her hands on.

Lucas had booked himself a flight out to New Jersey and he was now getting his clothes packed so he could head over to the airport. Instead of leaving his car there, he was gonna have a teammate drive him to the airport and pick him up when he got back. It was times like these Lucas wished he had a girlfriend who could help him with these things but he didn't have time to think about that. Not only that but he didn't wanna go down a path that always led him to thoughts of Melissa. It was still too painful to think about and it had been a couple years now. Lucas was just zipping his bag shut when he heard the doorbell. He grabbed his bag and his keys before heading down the stairs to answer the door.

"Hey Scott, you ready to go?" Jared Ashley asked him.

"Ya. I really appreciate you doin' this for me man," Lucas replied.

"Not a problem bro."

The two walked down the driveway to Jared's Mustang. Lucas whistled at the car. Normally he didn't care much about cars anymore but this one imparticular was amazing.

"Nice wheels," Lucas complimented.

"Thanks. My pops bought it for me when I graduated high school," Jared replied.

"And it still looks this good? Damn I'm impressed."

"What can I say? I love my car."

Lucas laughed. He had never had a car like this and it would be a while before he had something more reliable then his current set of wheels. A beat up 1997 Honda Accord, it had been Keith's spare car and since Nathan had a car, Karen decided Lucas should have it. That was the only reason he was in no rush to buy a new car. This was a tangible link to his uncle.

"So what's up with your family man? You said you had a family emergency in Jersey," Jared asked as they rode to the airport.

"Ya my brother's fiancé called me, she's worried about him because our dad pulled some weird shit on him and I guess he's still letting it bother him. And with all the stress it's putting on him, he's taking it out on her and she lost it. Basically she wants me to play referee and take the stress off her. Which I'll gladly do because she doesn't need any stress right now, especially since she's pregnant with my nephews," Lucas explained.

"That's crazy. Do I even wanna ask what your dad did?"

"Probably not. But I'll tell you one thing, be glad you're not his son."

"I think I am and I've never met the dude."

"I hope you never have to."

"So he's not gonna come watch you play?"

"Probably not. Except if we're ever playing in Charlotte."

"Why Charlotte?"

"My hometown is only like two hours from there and unfortunately he still lives there."

"So don't tell him when we're in Charlotte."

"I know but I know him, he'll look it up online and make sure he's there just to piss me off."

"Damn. Now I'm really glad he's not my dad."

"His brother was always the better man."

"I take it he's dead?"

"Unfortunately."

"I'm sorry man."

"Ya me too. It's been 5 years now and it still hurts."

Jared nodded. The only death he had experienced in his life was his dog and he was only 8. There was no way he could know what it felt like to be in Lucas' shoes and lose an uncle. Although he imagined he might feel similar to the way Lucas seemed to feel if he did know that pain.

"All right man. I hope everything works out with your brother and his fiancé. See you in a couple days," Jared said as he pulled up to the curb at the airport to let Lucas out.

"Thanks Jared. See you in a couple days. Later man," Lucas replied. The two pounded fists before Lucas shut the door and walked into the airport.

The airport seemed to be full of families who were coming and going from vacations. Lucas walked through the airport quickly he wanted to get through security as fast as he could so he didn't have to worry about missing his flight or anything. Brooke had sounded beyond desperate when he talked to her and he wasn't gonna do anything to make getting there take longer. The only thing he wasn't gonna worry about was the flight. There wasn't a thing Lucas would be able to do to get him to New Jersey faster. As soon as he went through the security check point Lucas took out his cell phone to call Brooke.

"Hey it's me. I'm at the airport. The flight leaves in about an hour. So I'll be in Jersey by about 11:00 your time," Lucas said.

"Ok. I'll pick you up. Just call me when you're on the ground," Brooke replied.

"No problem. How's he doing?"

"I dunno. He won't talk to me now. He took a shower and then went downstairs to his weight room."

"Did you try going down there to talk to him?"

"Yes. But he's got the door locked and the stereo blasting. I'm surprised the neighbors haven't complained yet. I had to come all the way upstairs to watch tv because it was giving me a headache. I can't live like this all the time Luke."

"I know you can't. And you won't have to. Nathan will be ok, he just needs to get his anger out of his system, hopefully I can help. But like I said, no promises."

"Right. No promises. I just don't want him to hurt himself. Lucas, he's my everything. If something happens I'm pretty sure it'll crush beyond words. More than Haley's leaving crushed me."

"Brooke, it'll be all right. I'll talk to him. You just take it easy. No stress remember?"

"I remember. But it's so hard not to worry about him and worrying stresses me out."

Lucas knew that too well. The more Brooke worried about something the higher her stress level got. And right now, that was the worst possible thing for her considering her condition.

"Just try and stay calm. For the twins. They need you to stay calm," Lucas said gently.

"I'm trying. I don't wanna do anything to hurt the boys. If something were to happen to them because I'm getting stressed out I'd never forgive myself and I'm sure Nathan would be crushed too. Oh god, Luke, what if I already hurt them?" Brooke replied.

"Hey don't panic. I'm sure they're fine. After all, they are Scotts."

"They better not be arrogant like their uncle."

"Hey! I'm not arrogant. You're fiancé is the arrogant one."

"No he's not. Nathan is sweet."

"Oh please." Lucas was trying to resist the urge to make gagging noises. If Brooke had been in a better mood he would have done it but he was trying to be mindful of her current frame of mind and he didn't think it would go over well.

"You're sweet too."

"That's better."

Brooke laughed. She should have known Lucas was just fishing for a compliment. It was typical Lucas when they got into a conversation about which Scott was better, him or Nathan. They talked for a while longer before Lucas hung up to board the plane. Brooke reminded him to call her when he landed in New Jersey and he told her not to worry and he would call her in about six hours. As soon as Lucas was on the plane he found a seat toward the back and put his bag under the seat in front of him and settled in. Flying wasn't something he liked doing very often but it was a good way to get a nap so he wasn't gonna complain. Lucas fell asleep before the plane taxied off the runway.