If Lucas had met Peyton during their sophomore year instead of junior year. If the Psycho Derek attacks had happened during their junior year instead of senior year...

Enjoy :)

Nathan Scott loved to run.

It had all started when he was old enough to get some freedom, running had become his excuse to leave the house after a fight with his dad. He loved the challenge, the freedom of being able to go as far as he wanted. It was a great feeling, almost like a opiate high, but unlike a drug, it left him feeling completely clear headed.

He was pushing himself that morning, he may as well have been running a marathon with the amount of sweat dripping from his brow, but he kept going. The particular route he'd chosen would take him right past Peyton's house, a good three miles away from the apartment. He liked how quite her neighborhood was, he didn't have to worry about a lot of traffic.

And though he'd deny it if she ever asked, he wanted to check on her.

Peyton had been guarded since the day her mother died. After the funeral, she had withdrawn from everyone a little bit, becoming more guarded about her life. There had been a few mistakes, psycho Derek/Ian, but she'd learned to keep her doors locked since.

Which is why Nathan knew something was definitely wrong when he saw her front door wide open.

"Peyton?" He called, jogging up the driveway. "Peyton!"

Peyton closed her eyes and prayed she was dreaming. Nathan Scott was not standing in the doorway, shirtless and sweaty in all his glory, while she lay on the ground, dazed, with her boyfriend standing over her.

I treated Peyton pretty bad. She had every right to walk away. Okay, yeah, it was my fault. I screwed up. I just wish I had another chance.

"Peyton?"

No such luck. He was still there, and he crossed the room, kneeling down in front of her. He rested a hand on her knee, his eyes hardening as he took in her appearance.

"Peyton?" Nathan drew out. "What the hell is going on here? Are you okay?"

I'm sorry, that's a little played out.

Oh, and being with you isn't?

"Nate..."

She was prepped with a thousand and one excuses, but she couldn't find her voice. She wasn't okay, she was far from it. She just hoped Nathan could see through all the lies.

"What happened?" He demanded, turning to face Ricky. His eyes narrowed. "I swear to god, if someone doesn't start talking right now..."

"She tripped." Ricky offered, forcing a smile. "And fell... I just got here... Are you okay, Peyt? Do you want me to get the first aid kit from your bathroom?"

Fell my ass. Nathan thought.

Without warning, he grabbed the front of Ricky's shirt, yanking him forward.

"Nathan!"

"What did you do?" Nathan hissed, ignoring Peyton's weak attempt to calm him. "There is no way that she just tripped, and fell! Look at her! Does she look okay to you?"

Still in denial?

About what?

Missing her. It's okay that you do.

The old Nathan Scott would have kicked Ricky's ass first and asked question later. But he wasn't who he used to be, he had his frail blonde friend to think about.

"It's alright." He muttered, shoving Ricky back. He moved back towards her.

"It's alright." He said again, easing her arm over his shoulder. "You're gonna be okay, Peyt. It's okay."

Without breaking stride, he moved towards the door.

"Where the hell do you think you're going, Scott?"

"I'm going home." Nathan replied, tightening his grip on her. "Stay the hell away from her, man."

He let the door fall shut behind him and jogged back down the street with her in his arms.

Peyton remained silent, her head resting heavily against his shoulder. It was somewhat comforting, he'd held her like that a million times when they were together, she'd always felt safer when one of the Scott brothers was around.

I don't know anymore. This whole good guy thing is new to me. I guess I'll always have feelings for you, Peyton, but I owe it to Haley to be a better guy than I've been. I just don't wanna be the kind of guy that cheats on her.

Then don't be. Nathan, I'm proud of you, you know, standing up to your dad, being a good guy for Haley. You've turned into the guy I always knew you could be.

"So..." He said, glancing down at her. "Wanna tell me what really happened, Sawyer?"