BRIEF NOTES:

Thank you again for the reviews. :D I'm glad a lot of people like the story.

So this chapter is, by far, the longest one I've written – it was kind of necessary though since it involves father-son interaction.

Enjoy.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own One Tree Hill.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"Goodmorning Tree Hill! This is THQR 100.4! It's 7 o'clock on the dot and there's no better way to start today than with NoFX's Linoleum..."

Lucas shot up from his bed with the biggest grin he'd sported in years. Mentally, he sang with the loud song on the radio… remembering the first day he actually said anything to Peyton.

"That's me inside your head. That's me inside your head." It was the best sign anyone could ask for. He picked up his phone from the bedside table and began typing his message.

Morning, Peyt. Was wonderin if I could take Rob out today, if you don't have any plans. Just for ice cream or something.

He pushed the send button, praying for her approval. Less than a minute later, a beep came through.

K. He's with Nathan at the body shop. Pick him up there and bring him home before dinner.

It was an open window… He tried to test things out with his next reply.

Great. Better if you join us though. Please? )

He made sure to add a smiley for extra effect, but the response came too soon.

Busy.

He flipped his phone closed with a sigh. "I'll try again later" he said to no one in particular. For now, a day with his boy would be enough, he thought as he headed for the shower.

It was going to be a good day.

The Scott body shop was Nathan's pride. After having Dan's lawyer turn over all of his father's properties to him, he made sure to make a clean slate out of it all – that none of his father's despicable branding would remain. He closed the dealership and turned it into an auto repair and customization center – a dream for him and a tribute for Keith.

"Yo, Nate! Susie said you got a visitor in the office!"

Nathan came out of the paint room, confused. He didn't have any appointments due. "The Rodriguez kid?"

The employee responded, "Don't know. She didn't say." Nathan shook his head as he headed for the front office.

"Can I help you?" he absently asked as he made his way inside.

Lucas chuckled. "Who would've thought that between you and me, you'd be Keith and I'd be our father." He then turned to face his little brother who was clearly caught by surprise at his presence.

"Are you really not used to saying hello to me? Or are you too angry?"

Nathan snapped back to reality. "Luc. Hey. Yeah. Peyton said you were coming by, I just didn't think it'd be this early. Sorry."

Lucas shook his head. "No. I'm sorry. I'm this much of a coward to be apologizing so late to you and Haley." He looked down, clearly embarrassed with himself.

The younger Scott extended an arm to his older brother "Doesn't matter. We're glad you're back, man."

"What made you come home, Nate?" His question didn't need elaboration for Nathan to comprehend the meaning.

"Ryan. When Haley and I were in Duke, He was always fussy and agitated – throwing tantrums on an hourly basis. But everytime we took the drive going here on weekends he would just lighten up, like he felt that he wasn't so trapped. One day before final season in senior year, I realized that I'd been feeling the same way – that no matter how ugly things had gotten, it was nothing compare to the good stuff I grew up with here. And yeah, I could've put that all aside for a little bit – play a short stint in the NBA and come home to Tree Hill a couple of million dollars richer, but it just didn't seem so appealing anymore so I decided against it. Now, seeing how good I've done with the business, how awesome I feel being assistant coach to the Ravens, and how happy Haley and Ryan are being close to family and friends, I know I made the right choice."

The older Scott contemplated his brother's words, wondering if he had made his decision a little too late.

Nathan had picked up his vibe. "It isn't too late, Lucas." Lucas looked at him, clearly concerned. He chuckled.

"Even after you left, Peyton continued to believe that you were gonna come back better than before. None of us agreed; and to be honest, somewhere inside of me I'm still thinking that you're going to screw something up. But Peyton doesn't, and we all know that she really isn't the expert in optimistic perspectives…"

Both of them shared a small laugh at the truth in his last statement.

"Just don't lose it, man. If it feels like it's too difficult, we're here for you. And between you and me, Sawyer may be acting tough now, but she'll soften up before you know it. She loves you too much."

Lucas Scott prayed that his brother was telling the truth. "Thanks, Nate."

Nathan grinned. "Anytime. Now, let's go find those runts." He picked up the phone and dialed the secretary's local line "Hey Susie, would you do me a favor and page the boys. Thanks."

"Robby and Ryan to the front office. Nathan's looking for you." The voice over the PA system announced as the two barreled in, all squeals and laughter.

Lucas's heart clenched at the sight of his smiling son. He knew now that the raw feeling at the sight of his boy he felt before wasn't awkwardness… it was an unknown happiness only a father could feel.

The two boys came to a screeching halt at the sight of him, much like they did the first time they faced each other. Only this time, the two had retreated to Nathan's side and each sought security beside the dark-haired man's legs. Lucas, however, was too up in the clouds to notice the timidity. He approached Robby.

"Hey buddy." He said as he reached out to touch his son's arm.

Nathan's hand, which was flattened against the little boy's back, gently pushed him forward. He wasn't used to seeing this lively boy so shy, but he understood. "Hi." Robby replied softly as his father reached to place both hands on the boy's shoulders.

"You wanna come spend the day with Daddy?" His voice was covered with joy.

"Why?"

The wariness in his son's blue eyes ripped him at the seams. The rush of guilt was almost too overwhelming. "Oh. Well, umm, coz I just got back, and I asked your mom if you and me could get some burgers and ice cream together… and she said yes. But if you don't--"

The mere mention of his mommy was enough for Robby Scott. "'Kay. I'll get my jacket." He answered, albeit with the slightest hint of apprehension. The little Lucas look-alike went for the coat closet.

Relief flooded Lucas, though he hadn't failed to notice the lack of excitement in the little one's voice. It's okay, he thought, the both of them would be okay soon.

He turned to Ryan. "How about you, sport? You wanna come with me and Robby?"

The young boy's answer was short and stern, matched with a hardhearted look that he obviously inherited from Nathan. "No."

"Ryan Keith." The boy's father scolded.

Ryan's expression turned soft. "No, thank you." He forcedly said as he looked away. Just then, his little cousin emerged from the coat closet looking ready to go.

"Bye, Uncle Nate. Bye, Ry." He bade as he embraced each of them.

Lucas moved forward, took Robby's hand in his, and exited the office. As soon as they were out of earshot, Nathan scooped his son up and placed him firmly in his lap.

"You wanna tell me what that was about?" He asked in a firm, yet gentle, voice.

The boy frowned, "I don't like him."

Ryan's answer stirred his father. As far as they all knew, only good things were spoken on Lucas's behalf for the sake of the children, especially for Robby. "How come?"

"Because he hurt Aunt Peyton and he doesn't want Robby."

Nathan's eyes widened. This was much worse than he anticipated. He composed himself for all of two seconds and inquired, "And where did you hear that?"

"You're gonna get mad at me if I tell you." Ryan spoke softly this time, obviously frightened at the anticipated reaction from his father.

The older man decided to soften up. "I won't, buddy. Please tell me?" He coaxed.

The little boy gave out a sigh as he looked shyly at his father. "Me and Rob heard Aunt Peyton and mommy talking in the kitchen after Uncle Lucas left again. We didn't mean to, dad. I promise! We came from playing and we got thirsty and we were gonna get water and they were there and Aunt Peyton was crying and mommy was saying she couldn't believe he didn't want Robby and--" Ryan had begun to ramble and his words were almost too jumbled to understand, but Nathan understood.

His soon mistook his silence for anger, the young Scott began to cry.

"Hey. Hey. Don't cry, Ryan. Daddy isn't mad. I'm just surprised, that's all." He comforted as the boy restrained his sniffling.

Nathan figured now was a better time as any to start explaining. "You know, Ry. Robby was right about this age," He put his hand up and drew an image of a pregnant belly in the air before he continued "when Aunt Peyton told your Uncle about him. Around that time, he was in a pretty dark place--"

"He lived somewhere without lights?" Ryan cut in, causing Nathan to chuckle mid-story.

"No, no. What I mean is, he was pretty sad and about the way things turned out – with what happened to Grandpa Keith and everything. Anyway, back then he really didn't know what to do with things, so he ended up making a lot of mistakes. But you know how Aunt Peyton always said good things about him?"

The boy nodded in agreement. "Well, all those things are true. Your uncle is a good man, Ryan. He just got lost for a while, but he's back now and he's trying to do the right thing for Robby and Aunt Peyton. You might not believe it now, but soon enough you'll see what I mean. And anyway, what did mommy and me teach you about second chances?"

"That people always get to have one, even if we think it's not a good idea."

Nathan smiled down at him. "That's my boy."

There was doubt in Ryan's eyes. "He better not make mistakes again."

The protectiveness in his son made Nathan smile. "He won't, son." He assured as he held Ryan close.

"I hope you're right, Daddy." the boy replied as he returned the embrace.

In the back of Nathan Scott's mind, he hoped for the same thing.

It was about 3 in the afternoon when Lucas and Robby reached the river park. The pair had gone to lunch, eaten ice cream, and strolled around the mall. All in all, it was what one might call a successful attempt at bonding. That is, Lucas thought, if you didn't count how reserved Robby had been through the entire event.

The boy wasn't really cold or hostile towards him, which was what he half-expected. He wasn't totally unresponsive, either. Whenever Lucas asked a question, Robby would answer, even if they were short and snappy replies. If Lucas offered a hand, the boy would take it, albeit hesitantly. It was just really unsettling to the older Scott to know that his young toddler was so guarded around him.

They made their way to an empty bench and seated themselves. Out of the blue, Robby said, "You can stop playing pretend nice now."

Astonishment was an understatement to express Lucas's reaction. "Wha… What?"

"I know you don't want me; me and Ryan heard Aunt Haley to talk to mommy about it when you left. It's okay, I don't care. But I know you wanna get my mommy back now, and that's okay too. But you don't have to like me to do that. You make mommy happy, I see it even if she doesn't say so. And if she's happy, I'm happy too. You can get her back, only don't make her sad again coz that's gonna hurt us more. So you can stop being pretend nice now."

As soon as the little boy was done speaking, he rushed off to the sandbox; leaving an extremely flabbergasted Lucas behind. It took the older man a good five minutes to regain the breath that was knocked out of him; he then went to follow Robby.

As he sat down beside the little boy, the sight of Robby stiffening tore him up. He longed for the openness this child had once offered him, and to know that the absence of it now is entirely his fault broke him in two.

Lucas looked at Robby, who was now looking away and biting his lip. He smiled a little at the gesture – he was his mother's image when he did that; but when the boy faced him with those smoldering blue eyes, there wasn't a doubt in Lucas's mind that this boy was the mirror of himself.

"Robby, I know I said a lot of things that hurt you and your mom. Maybe you won't believe me now, but I am sorry for hurting you… I wish I could take it all back because I was just mad at the world and at myself when I said those things. I was in bad shape because I let the bad things take my goodness. But I'm trying to change now, because I want to be good enough for you, son. I want to be a daddy to you, Robby. I really do. I can understand if you're still mad at me for what I did, but can I ask you something?"

The little boy cocked his head, anticipating the question.

"Do you think you could give me a chance to try and be a daddy to you?"

Robby considered the plea. "Okay." He said with the slightest hesitation and continued, "Can we go home now?"

Lucas nodded in agreement as he reached for his son's hand. He couldn't restrain the smile that crossed his face when Robby granted his request.

It had definitely been a good day.