I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who read and to everyone who took time to review. I'm going to try and update at least every three days. I have the next couple of chapters written (just need to proofread them a couple more times) and the whole story planned out, I'm not exactly sure how many chapters it's going to be but it's going to be fun writing them.

Chapter One

Six Months Earlier

October 4, 2007

Haley James was growing more and more irritated, the windy October air was currently making a bird's nest out of her hair and the story she was hearing was not helping. She was walking down the street with her best friend as she searched her pockets for something to tie up her hair.

Lucas was telling Haley what had happened when Dan showed up at the rivercourt earlier that evening.

Still searching, Haley looked over at Luke and bumped shoulders with him, "So, Dan told you not to join the team? Why am I not surprised? That Jackass. You aren't going to listen to anything that man says, are you?"

Lucas squinted and sighed, "No, I'll admit that for a minute I was intimidated, but I'm just going to play. Keith went to bat for me to be on this team and I really want this and I think I deserve a chance."

"Then do it."

Lucas still looked troubled, "Do you think I'm being selfish by playing?

"Do You?"

"A little bit. I mean, if I walked away, then my mom wouldn't be at her café worried about it.

"Ahh Ha!" triumphantly Haley held a rubber band in the air then pulled her arms back to tie her seriously tangled hair into a bun. "Oh sorry, Luke."

Luke didn't smile, just quirked a worried brow at her.

Haley looked over at him and gave him a smile, "Buddy, you know, I don't say things like this very often because it's sounds weird, but… You're a really good guy Luke, and I'm glad we friends. But both you and your mom worry too damn much."

Luke let out a short laugh and put an arm around Haley.

Haley smirked at Lucas, "You know I didn't mean to imply some hideous sort of 'Joey loves Dawson' scenario right? Because that's gross and it would totally creep me out."

"Awwww, I'm crushed."

"Riiiight, I'm sure, because I'm a tall blond cheerleader with curly hair," Haley stuck her tongue out at Lucas and laughed when he groaned with embarrassment. "Oh come on loser, miniature golf is waiting."

Nathan Scott walked out of the steamy bathroom thinking about the game the Ravens had the next day.

"Nathan."

Turning around he faced his father, groaning inwardly even before he noticed that Dan Scott looked on the verge of being truly pissed.

"Hi dad."

Dan looked down at Nathan's bare chest and with a smirk he tweaked Nathan's nipple ring. "If I wanted a daughter I would have had one."

Nathan flushed slightly and rolled his eyes. Only his asshole father could embarrass him with something as insignificant as a nipple ring.

Dan faced suddenly looked more serious and Nathan got nervous.

"Listen, I just talked to the kid at that shithole he calls a basketball court. I told him that he couldn't play for the team but I don't think he's listening."

Nathan rolled his eyes at his father's presumption. Really, let us recap. Father of the year, Dan Scott, gets his high school girlfriend pregnant, leaves her with false promises of marriage and forever, gets another woman knocked up and when he moves back he throws that in the first girlfriends face. Oh, and all the while he is ignoring his oldest son. I can't believe that Lucas doesn't listen to Dan! He has so many reasons why he should! Not. Nathan thought sarcastically.

"So? What does that have to do with me?"

"Don't be an idiot. If this kid gets on the team he's going to take your spot. We have worked way too hard to let this boy ruin it," Dan was turning red in the face. The vein in his forehead looked like it was on the verge of popping.

Nathan wasn't worried about his new team member. He was more interested in when that vein would finally pop, he'd been waiting for that to happen for years. Basketball, on the other hand, was one area in which he had supreme confidence. He ran his team; he knew what he was worth to them. He wouldn't get replaced by some new guy, no matter how good he was.

"Chill dad, I got this covered."

Which was obviously the wrong thing to say, if Dan's changing face color was any indication. Too bad Nathan couldn't bring himself to care. He'd been busting his ass for years, trying to get on Dan's good side, until he finally came to the realization that nothing would ever be good enough for Dan.

Huh, well look at that. The devil was turning even redder. All Dan needed now was his pitchfork and horns, and Nathan was sure that the horns were just hidden.

Dan exploded, "You little shit. This is all your fault, you stupid fuck up; if you and your little friends hadn't decided to steal a fucking bus then that boozy uncle of yours wouldn't have been able to get him on the team."

Ooops, Nathan winced, knowing that that the whole bus thing was indeed his fuck up. Well big fucking deal. Who gave a fuck if Lucas joined the team? He rolled his eyes again and this time Dan caught him.

The only acknowledgment Dan gave was by making his voice even colder, "You are going to have to get him off the team. I don't care what it takes to make it happen. Do it."

Nathan just stood there. He didn't want this to turn into another screaming argument, it wouldn't be smart to mention that he had no intention in doing anything to make Lucas quit the team.

"You hear me boy?"

Nathan reluctantly nodded, he wasn't agreeing, just acknowledging that he knew what Dan wanted.

"Don't disappointment me again."

Nathan turned around and walked into his bedroom.

Dan stood there watching his song walk int his room and jumped in surprise when someone else came out of the bathroom wearing only a towel.

"Hi there Mr. Scott."

Dan smirked as he watched her walk down the hall. He knew that extra swing was for him.

"Ms. Sawyer."

She was worried about her best friend. She didn't want him to know just how worried she really was. This was his time to shine. It really was so great that he was getting the chance to show everyone what he could do, especially that worthless father of his. But she had this feeling that Dan wouldn't let it go. From what she had observed she noticed that he had an unbelievable ego.

Haley started thinking back to the way that Luke described the encounter with his father.

Four Hours Earlier

"Hey kid!"

Unable to believe who's voice he was hearing Lucas turned around. Once he confirmed who it was behind him, he ignored Dan and went for a fade away.

"The fade away is weak. Too bad you're only half the player my son is." Dan smirked at Lucas.

"What do you want?"

"What do I want? What do you want? Besides my son's girlfriend and his spot on the line up. Yeah, I've seen you staring at her. You're pathetic, you know that? Nathan's slut doesn't want you, given the amount of time she spends in his bedroom. None of them want you on the team. I don't want you there. Even your own mother wishes you stayed off the team, and you know that is true. The only ones who do are my boozy loser brother and the old man, and if I have my way, he's not going to be there too much longer. You'll do well to remember I always get my way," Dan paused and stared coldly at his son. "It's not your life, and it'll never be your life. Do what Keith has taught you, just give up.

Lucas might not have realize it yet, but Haley knew that Dan had unknowingly been part of the reason that Lucas agreed to join the Ravens, and his actions today had only further cemented Luke's conviction to stay on the team. Just the opposite of what Dan had been trying to do.

No, she just knew Dan wouldn't let it go. There was nothing that Haley could do with this knowledge, just be there to help whenever and however she could.

"Hey, Hales, you're up!"

Broken out of her thoughts she made her way over to Luke and the last hole. "In a hurry for me to kick your butt again, Scott?"

Haley winked at him and started cheering when she putted the ball in on her first try.

Luke smiled as he watched the picture his best friend made. When Haley started dancing around the course Lucas couldn't contain his laughter, "Nice victory dance, geek."

Nathan was laying on his bed thinking about the conversation he just had with his father outside the bathroom. Peyton walked in and headed straight to her bag of clothes. He rolled his eyes, sometimes he thought she got off on walking around in towels or skimpy clothes around his father.

Whatever. Not like he cares.

Peyton looked over at the bed and sees Nate staring up at the ceiling in apparent boredom. Deciding to put off getting dressed she walked over to him and laid down next to him. Nothing. Would it be so hard for him to acknowledge that she was there? Unwittingly her thoughts drifted to his brother. Lucas Scott. Now there was a hot guy, who was also sensitive, smart, and nice. She had come to realize that being nice was a quality that was vastly underappreciated. After spending a couple months as Nathan Scott's girlfriend she had a craving for someone who would be there for her. Someone who wouldn't treat her like an unwanted afterthought. She looked at Nathan again, still nothing. On second thought, maybe she just wanted some attention. She didn't really want another relationship, too much drama there, sex and a little companionship was all she needed. With her eyes on her practically comatose boyfriend she couldn't help but wonder how Lucas would compare to Nathan in bed. Because, in all honestly, sex with Nathan was fantastic. Too bad the companionship was lame and getting worse everyday.

"Hey, babe"

"What?"

"You okay with what your dad said?"

"Whatever."

"Nathan, you can talk to me, you know."

Nathan rolled his eyes at her, what the hell was this? Twenty freaking questions? Peyton could never be bothered with his problems before, so why was she pretending now?

"It doesn't matter, he's an asshole who shouldn't open his mouth."

"What did Dan mean when he said that you'd find a way to get Lucas off the team?"

Ahhhh, there it is. Peyton's mysterious reason for being concerned. She was looking out for her little crush.

"Nothing."

"You're going to do something to him aren't you?" Peyton stood up and put her hands on her hips. "Why do you have to be such a jerk? What did Luke do to you?"

"Luke? What are you guys friends or something? I thought you didn't even know him," Nathan knew that she was interested in his brother, it just amused him to toy with her about it.

Peyton flushed, "He just fixed my car Nate, when you were too busy to be bothered. Remember that?"

Great, now they were going to fight. Another typical night for them. Sex and fighting, that's all they ever did. He really was tired of it, but since lately he was trying to be honest with at least himself, he could admit that he had helped instigate this fight with his comments about Lucas.

Even thought he knew that he shouldn't have talked about Lucas to her in a way guaranteed to make her mad, Nathan could feel his irritation with her growing, really what the hell was the matter with Peyton? Why did she always assume that he was going to do the worst thing possible? So what if his asshole of a father told him to get rid of Lucas. He wasn't going to do anything. He didn't hate the guy. In fact, it would be amusing to see Dan's reaction to having both his sons on the team, so even if he did hate Lucas, it would have been worth it just for that. But did Peyton ever get that? Nope, it's Nate so obviously he must be doing Dan's bidding. Nathan realized that he could be a big asshole, but would it kill his girlfriend to once think the best of him?

"Whatever."

"I'm serious, Nathan, don't do anything to him."

Damn, she really couldn't she make it any more obvious that she wanted to get into Luke's pants. Nathan knew that if he and Peyton broke up and she started dating Lucas that it wouldn't bother him. He didn't really care about Peyton. It was easy sex. That was what their relationship basically was, and all of their fights were sucking all the fun out of that. And Lucas, damn, Peyton never asked so she didn't even realized that Nathan didn't hate Lucas. The situation was awkward and it sucked a lot, but that wasn't really Luke's fault. When he first found out that he had a brother his father tried to condition him to hate Lucas, but Nathan had realized that he actually wanted a brother. That didn't happen, but he never wanted to hate him so he didn't. Older now, Nathan was pretty much over wanting to have a close relationship with his brother, but a small part of him hoped that since Luke was now on the basketball team, it would allow them to grow closer.

Nathan has always refused to give in to Dan about this, no matter how much he wanted the devil off his back. It was a quiet rebellion, but that didn't make it any less real. Sometimes Nathan looked at his dad and Uncle Kieth and wondered how they got to where they were at. At least they had grown up with each other, they had a foundation made up of a shared childhood and memories, but they still hated each other. When he looked to them as an example he felt so discouraged with the possibilities of what could become of Lucas and his own relationship, but then he reminded himself that he was not his father. At least, not yet he wasn't, maybe he should take another step away from being Dan Jr. and make an effort with Lucas before tomorrow's game. Since Lucas joined the team, he didn't really know how to treat him so he had been basically ignoring him at practice.

Glancing at Peyton and seeing the outrage on her face Nathan wondered if he should just break up with her so she could go after her brother, like she so obviously wanted to. Nah, why make things easy for her? Nathan smirked at the thought.

So he was being a dickhead, big surprise.

Peyton notice the smirk and immediately became even more concerned that Lucas was going to have major trouble coming his way. Not bother to ask herself why she cared so much, Peyton turned on her heel with a huff and got dressed.

Uninterested Nathan stayed on his bed while she slammed out of the room.

Finally.

"Luke! Let's go!" Haley hollered to Luke. Swear to god, the man took longer to get ready then she did. And he was playing basketball, what did he need other than his uniform?

"Hey Haley" Karen walked into the kitchen with Keith.

"How ya doing?"

"Hey Karen, hi Keith," Haley flashed a smiled in their direction. "You guys going to go watch the game now?"

Karen looked worried but she nodded her head in agreement.

"Cool, we're go as soon the girl is finished primping."

"Haha, Hales. I was not primping." Lucas walked over to Karen and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Bye Ma."

"Sure you weren't."

"I was looking for my shoes."

"Mmmmm'kay."

Lucas rolled his eyes, and Haley giggled. Pulling his arm they went outside and got into his car. Luke waved to his mom and Uncle Keith as they got into Keith's truck.

Haley rambled all the way the school, telling Luke about what her parents and siblings were up to while Lucas stayed silent.

When they got to the school Luke parked, but didn't get out of the car, just sat there with his hands gripping the steering wheel.

Haley broke off mid-sentence and stared at him with concern. Obviously her plan to distract him didn't work.

"Hey, Luke, don't worry, buddy, you're going to be great."

"I just... What if I can't do it Hales? What if I prove to Dan and Nathan and everyone else that I can't handle it? That Dan was right to ditch me."

"Lucas Eugene Scott, stop right there! You are a great basketball player! And even if you weren't a good at the game that is no excuse for a father to abandon his child!"

Lucas winced at Haley's outraged voice and at the dreaded use of his middle name. Before he could start talking Haley continued in a slightly softer tone.

"I'm not lying to you, or just saying this to make you feel better. Hell I don't even really get basketball, I just know that you are going in there and you are going to score all your touchdowns and kick some ass while doing it. And if you don't? Well everyone has an off night. It won't make you a less worthy of anything. Especially not that prick's attention."

Luke had to smile at her impassioned speech and swung an arm around her shoulders, dropping a quick kiss to her head.

"You're right. Thanks buddy, I don't know what I would do without you."

Haley eyed him a bit suspiciously, surprised at how quick he changed his feelings on the matter.

Lucas caught her look and started laughing. "I know. Fast turnaround, right? Look, I just get what you mean. If I suck, I suck. All I can do is play my best and that's what I'm going to do. Just like I do at the rivercourt."

Haley thought for a moment then hesitantly asked, "Luke? You mentioned Nathan, has he been giving you grief lately?"

"Actually he hasn't, you know that most of the time we just ignore each other. I did kinda expect that he would try to get me off the team, but not because of anything he has done, I'm expecting it because of Dan."

Haley bit her lip, looking indecisive. Deciding to just say it, she blurted out, "That's not really like you Luke, you are usually more fair than that. Maybe you should give him a chance?"

"Well..."

"Look I go to the same school, I hear all the stories about what a asshole he is, but they are just stories Luke. Neither of us really know him. Try not to hate him just because you are totally in love with his girl." Haley finished with a cheeky smile

Ignoring the truth of her last statement Luke nodded in agreement, "You're right Hales, I shouldn't write him off unless he does something. That work for you?" Lucas raised a questioning eyebrow at her.

Haley nodded her head and clapped her hands, "Great! Let's go before you get reamed for being late. Your coach can be scary." Haley winked at him, "and I should know. Lucas knew she was referring to the time she spent with the Durham's when she was younger.

Lucas laughed a little as he got out of the car.

Walking into the school together Haley tried to keep the mood light, while keeping her arm wrapped around his waist. When they arrived at the gym doors Luke dropped another kiss on her head, and with a goodbye turned to head to the locker room.

Unfortunately he didn't the man standing there and walked right into him.

"Owwww!!"

Looking up, Luke grew still. Standing there was his unacknowledged brother, Nathan Scott. They had worked together at practice, but this was the closest that they had ever been to one another. Nathan was staring over Luke's shoulder intently but when Lucas turned around to see what had Nathan captivated there was just Haley walking to the bleachers. Narrowing his eyes he turned around to face Nathan again, but Nathan was now staring at him.

Lucas didn't know what to think, Nathan had never been a jerk to him, but he had never sought him out either. A part of him truly believed that Nathan hated him, the rest of him? Well the rest of him didn't know what to think. But maybe this was where Nathan showed his true colors.

"Lucas. Can I talk to you for a minute before we go into the locker room?" After seeing Luke nod, he continued. "Good, I just wanted to say that I know that we haven't really talked before, but I hope you do well tonight."

Lucas was speechless. He had been sure that Nathan was going to tell him to quit the team like Dan did.

Seeing Luke's face, Nathan smirked. "Hey man, you got game, this team could use some more talent, even if it already has me. If one man could win a championship for a team, you know who'd it be." Nathan pointed his thumb to his own chest as his smirk grew even bigger.

Sensing that Nathan was only partially serious Lucas laughed. He couldn't believe it, really could not believe it. The brother he never spoke to before was standing in front of him, talking to him like they were friends. Shit, I haven't said a word. I probably look like a moron.

"Thanks man, I rea-"

"Nathan."

Oh motherfucker, Nathan hadn't expected the devil to catch him this fast.

Nathan and Lucas both froze at the sound of Dan's voice. Both turned and froze a bit more, for different reasons.

Coming up behind Dan was Peyton. Nathan hadn't seen her since the day before, when she stormed out of his room. He knew she was waiting for an apology, but she wasn't getting one. Nothing had changed from the day before. She looked at Nathan suspiciously, she mouthed to him Don't pull any shit before she gave him a fake grin. She glanced at Lucas and directed her smile at him, her smile noticeably softening.

Nathan rolled his eyes. He really needed to dump this girl. His eyes drifted to the bleachers, trying to find the girl he saw Lucas kissing and hugging. Nathan smirked when he thought about how upset Peyton was going to be when she found out that Lucas was already with someone.

"I need to talk Nathan alone," Dan gave a pointed look to Lucas. "Now!"

Nathan tried to look clueless. "Sorry, Dad, gotta get inside. Whitey will be pissed if me and Lucas are any later."

Pulling Lucas along with him, he looked over his shoulder. Dan's face was turning redder by the second while Peyton looked even more suspicious at his friendly behavior.

Nathan laughed a little bitterly. He wondered if Peyton knew that most of the time the reason he was on his worst behavior with her was because she seemed to expect it. She never seemed to remember the days when they first started dating, and he wasn't such an asshole to her.

At the sound of Nathan's laughter, Lucas looked at him strangely. "You okay?"

Nathan nodded, "Yeah, and you're going to be okay too."

Giving Lucas a light punch to the shoulder Nathan made his way over to where his locker was.

Feeling like the weight on his shoulders was a bit lighter, Lucas started changing his clothes. I'll be fine.

When Nathan arrived at his locker his friends pounced.

Tim whispered, "Nate, why are you talking to the bastard spawn? You're dad called us, told us that we had to haze him to get him off the team."

"He did what?!" Nathan whispered furiously. He couldn't believe his father. Nate looked over at Mike and Vegas "Did he call you guys too?"

Mike and Vegas nodded.

Nathan was pissed, he knew that jackass just couldn't let it go, he just didn't expect that the devil would have enlisted his friends behind his back. He looked at his friends, "Don't do anything to him and do NOT talk to my father about this. Got it?"

All the guys nodded, and Nathan looked over at Lucas again. Shit, do I warn him or not?

Not knowing what to do Nathan was surprised at how concerned he was. He usually didn't give a damn about anyone but his own ass. But he knew that he couldn't let Lucas deal with Dan on his own. Eventually deciding to worry about it after the game, Nathan finished dressing just in time for the Whitey's "pep talk".

Several minutes later the whole team was outside the doors to the gym. Lucas met Nathan's eyes and nodded once, determined to play the best he could, unaware of the new undercurrents circulating through some of the team. Nate nodded back, determined to give his best game, and to figure out what to do about Dan and Lucas as soon as he could.

Whitey turned and looked at them, "Let's win it boys."

The doors leading into the gym started opening...

Next up...

The Game

The Afterparty

The Beginning of Naley

Disclaimer: I own nothing; not OTH or its characters.