Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lucas Scott sat on the edge of the bed in the small, dimly lit room at Dan's house, headphones on, music blaring, but he wasn’t really listening. The lyrics faded into a blur, just like everything else around him. His mind raced in a dozen directions at once, fueled by an incessant energy that was both a gift and a curse. He felt restless but couldn’t quite find a way to channel that energy into something productive. Instead, it just turned into a dark cloud hanging over him, leaving him feeling more isolated than ever.

His room felt like a prison—paint peeling off the walls, old posters of basketball stars hanging askew, a bed that never felt quite like his own. It had been three months since he had come to stay with Dan, and in that time, things had changed drastically in Lucas's life. He missed his mother fiercely. Every corner of Dan’s house served as a reminder of what he didn’t have: safety, love, and the warmth of home.

He heard footsteps outside the door. Dan’s heavy boots were unmistakable, and Lucas immediately stiffened, memories flooding back of Dan’s angry outbursts mixed with cruel jokes. Lucas knew Dan was still seething over Keith, his uncle, and he worried every time he crossed paths with him.

“Lucas! You in there?” Dan called out, his voice grating against Lucas’s ears.

“Yeah,” Lucas replied weakly, pushing the phone further into his ears, as if he could drown out his discomfort.

Dan swung the door open, leaning against the frame with a smirk. “What are you sulking about in there? You’ve got a life to live, kid. You can’t just hide away every day.”

“I’m fine,” Lucas snapped. “Can’t I just listen to music without being interrupted?”

Dan’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t sound fine. I know you miss your mom, but—”

“It’s not just that!” Lucas shot back, squeezing his eyes shut. The tears he’d been holding back threatened to spill. “I’m just… tired, okay?”

Dan opened his mouth to retort, but the moment lingered uncomfortably. Instead, he shoved his hands into his pockets and turned away. “You’ve got basketball practice later. It might do you good to get out.”

Lucas didn’t respond; he just let the silence hang heavy in the air as Dan walked away. He turned the music up louder, hoping it might drown him in its familiar embrace.

Later that night, after practice, Lucas found himself huddled in his blanket, the weight of the day pressing down on him. Alone in the dark, he finally allowed the loneliness to seep in. Thoughts of Keith and his mother swirled in his head, colliding with new nightmares that danced across his mind every time he closed his eyes. The familiar feeling of shame washed over him as he recalled the embarrassment of wetting the bed just a few nights ago. He could still hear the mockery in his head, a voice taunting him, reminding him he was just a kid—old enough to know better, yet somehow trapped in this cycle of grief and shame.

Lucas buried his face in his pillow, tears streaming down his cheeks, soaking the fabric. He didn’t want Dan to hear him cry, didn’t want anyone to know how deeply he was hurting. But that night, he couldn’t hold it in anymore.

“Lucas?” came a soft voice. It was Deb, Dan’s wife. She peered into the room, visibly concerned.

He quickly wiped his tears and forced a half-hearted smile. “I’m fine, Deb. Just… tired.”

Deb stepped into the room, sensing something was amiss. “You’ve been here for a while now. It’s okay to miss your mom, you know. It’s okay to feel sad.”

Her kindness only made the tears flow harder. “I just… I feel trapped. Like I can’t escape.”

Deb sat beside him, giving him a comforting presence. “Lucas, just remember that you’re not alone. Your family is here... even when things are tough. And it’s okay to talk about it.”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Lucas replied, the walls he had built around himself growing taller.

“Okay, then,” Deb said softly. “Let’s just sit here for a bit.”

But sitting in silence didn’t ease the turmoil inside him. Instead, Lucas felt the weight of secrets pressing down all the more, aware that no one in the house knew the full story of what he was going through—especially not Dan, who had seemingly turned his life into an elaborate game of manipulation and revenge.

A few days later, Lucas’s nightmare reached new heights. When a classmate showed him a video that had somehow found its way onto the school’s monitors—with the title “Lucas Scott: The Bed Wetter” plastered across the top—his heart plummeted. It felt as if the walls of the school were closing in on him, the laughter of peers ringing like eerie echoes in a vast canyon.

Mortification surged through him as he stormed out of the cafeteria, tears blurring his vision. He just wanted it to stop. The ridicule. The sadness. Everything.

In that moment, he reached for his phone and dialed his best friend Skills, his voice shaky as he uttered the words, “I need you to come get me.”

“On my way, man,” Skills responded, instantly recognizing the urgency in Lucas’s voice.

Lucas felt relief wash over him as he waited, cradling his phone in trembling hands. The world continued spinning around him—but for a brief moment, he held the hope that, maybe, things could change.

He was ready to escape.

Chapter Text

As the laughter and taunts from the video replayed in Lucas’s mind, he made a snap decision: he couldn’t stay in this place any longer. Everything had spiraled out of control, and for the first time, his feet propelled him into action, running with a singular purpose—he needed his mom.

The cold air stung his cheeks as he sprinted through the night, his heart hammering in his chest, no longer able to ignore the darker shades of his emotions. He knew he should be thinking about Keith, how he’d gotten dragged into Dan’s cruel schemes, how his uncle was going to get hurt. But that concern was eclipsed by an overwhelming need for comfort, for safety, for the familiarity of home.

By 4 AM, he finally reached the small house where he had been raised, a place that now felt like a distant memory. It was quiet, and he tiptoed through the front door, careful not to disturb anyone. He could hear the rhythmic sound of his mother's breathing drifting through the hallway. It was familiar, a lullaby that beckoned him home.

He stopped outside her bedroom door, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over him—the warmth of being a child, the peace that came from feeling protected. With a small intake of breath, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

“Mom?” he whispered, his voice trembling as he finally saw her, illuminated by the soft glow of the bedside lamp.

His mom stirred awake, her eyes blinking against the light. When they finally focused, her expression shifted from confusion to concern.

“Lucas?” she said, sitting up. “What are you doing here? Why are you out so late?”

Without a word, he ran to her, collapsing into her comforting embrace. The world around him melted away as she wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly to her chest.

“Oh, baby,” Karen murmured, rubbing his back soothingly. “What’s wrong?”

“I just… I’m so tired, Mom. I need you,” he sobbed, feeling the weight of his worries dissipate, if only for a moment.

They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, Lucas feeling like a little kid again, the chaos of the past weeks fading into the background. The warmth and safety in his mother’s presence felt like a balm he had been desperately searching for.

As the first rays of dawn began breaking through the window, Lucas pulled back, wiping his eyes. He took a shaky breath and gathered his thoughts. “It’s Dan. He… he’s been making things really hard. He has this lawyer, and I think he’s hurting Uncle Keith. He paid someone to make Keith fall in love with someone else. He said I had to stay with him, or he’d tell people things.”

His mother frowned, concern knitting her brows. “Lucas, you shouldn’t have to deal with any of that. It’s not your fault.”

“I know,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “But I see it happening, and I can’t… I can’t just let it go.”

“Okay, we’ll figure this out together,” Karen promised, brushing a hand through his messy hair. “But you also need to take care of yourself. You know that, right? Is it your medicine?”

Lucas nodded, guilt rushing back into him. “Dan wouldn’t let me take it. I’ve been feeling so off, Mom.”

She sighed, a wave of anger rippling through her. “I’m so sorry, Lucas. You should never have had to endure that. You know we can get you back on track. We’ll make sure you have everything you need.”

The connection between them brightened the shadows that had overtaken his thoughts, and he felt a surge of relief as they settled down, cocooned in each other’s warmth.

As morning crept in, Lucas moved to his own room, finally letting the exhaustion catch up with him. He dove under the blankets, his beloved CDs scattered around him, colourful patches of memory that painted his life back to brighter days.

For a week, he found solace in the simplicity of being home, eating breakfast with his mom in the kitchen, slipping between memories and laughter, and shooting hoops with friends at the river court. He skipped school to catch up on his medication, sleeping in late and taking long walks under the sun. Each day felt like a small victory, a return to a semblance of normalcy.

“Lucas!” Skills called as he ran up to meet him on the court one afternoon. “You’re back, man! Everyone was worried about you.”

Lucas looked around, taking in the faces of his friends, their excitement lifting his spirits. “I needed a break. Just… time to focus on me.”

“Good call, man,” Skills replied, high-fiving him. “We missed you. Let’s show these guys how it’s done.”

As they launched into a game of basketball, laughing and shouting, each dribble and shoot felt cathartic. The worries about Dan, about Keith’s pain, all faded into the background. For the first time in weeks, Lucas was just a kid again, playing the game he loved, surrounded by friends—and, most importantly, feeling the unmistakable presence of his mother’s love guiding him from just down the street.

In those moments, he found his peace, and with it, a promise to stand up against whatever storm was brewing on the horizon. He wasn’t just Lucas Scott. He was more than the burdens he carried; he was a son, a friend, and a fighter—ready to reclaim his life.

Chapter Text

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the river court where Lucas Scott and his friends were enjoying a spirited game of basketball. Laughter and friendly banter filled the air, the sound of sneakers squeaking against the asphalt accompanied by the rhythmic bounce of the ball. Lucas felt alive, relishing the freedom of being outside, surrounded by friends—everything he had longed for in the past few weeks.

On the sidelines, Mouth stood with a microphone in hand, animatedly calling the plays as if he were commentating for a live audience. Though he wasn’t an athlete in the traditional sense, he loved the game and had a passion for sharing it.

“Look at that move from Lucas!” Mouth shouted, his voice projecting excitement. “He’s a true MVP!”

But just as Lucas made a stunning layup, there was a sudden shift in the atmosphere. A group of older men swaggered onto the court, and their demeanor soured the fun instantly.

“Hey! What’s going on here?” one of them shouted, glancing menacingly at Lucas and his friends.

A wave of unease swept over the group. Mouth’s eyes widened as the men moved closer. Lucas instinctively moved toward Mouth, who stepped back nervously. Lucas knew that physicality made Mouth uncomfortable; he flinched at the thought of someone invading his space.

“Mouth, it’s okay! Just stay close to me,” Lucas reassured him, but the words only seemed to fuel Mouth's anxiety.

Before they could react, one of the men lunged at Mouth, grabbing him by the shirt and shoving him backward.

“Let him go!” Lucas shouted, adrenaline surging through him. He charged forward, trying to pull Mouth out of the man’s grip. Skills joined in, both of them pushing back against the aggressors to free their friend.

In the commotion, the men knocked over Mouth’s recording machine, sending it crashing to the ground. It shattered into pieces, a sickening crack echoing through the air.

“No!” Mouth cried out, his voice breaking as he watched his beloved machine get destroyed. “Not my record!”

With the situation escalating, the men finally realized they were outnumbered and took off running. Lucas and Skills rushed to Mouth’s side.

“Mouth, are you okay?” Lucas asked, his heart racing as he knelt beside his friend, who was shaking visibly, his face pale.

“I… I don’t like being touched!” Mouth stammered, tears brimming in his eyes at the sight of his broken machine. The fear was palpable, and Lucas recognized that Mouth needed grounding.

“Breathe, okay?” Lucas instructed gently, looking straight into Mouth’s eyes. “Let’s take deep breaths together. In... and out.” Lucas demonstrated, breathing slowly, and to his relief, Mouth began to mirror him, albeit shakily.

“Good. That’s it,” Skills added, placing a reassuring hand on Mouth’s shoulder. “You’ve got this, man.”

Once Mouth had calmed down slightly, Lucas rushed to the car to grab the first aid kit, returning to patch up Mouth’s scrapes and bruises. Mouth winced at the sting of antiseptic but managed a small, grateful smile, appreciating the care his friends were giving him.

“I just wanted to record some awesome plays today,” Mouth murmured, looking at the remnants of his recording machine with heartache.

“I’m sorry, Mouth,” Lucas said softly. “But we’re gonna make this right, okay? We’ll get you a new one.”

After they wrapped things up at the court, Lucas offered to drive Mouth home. The car ride was quiet, and Lucas could sense the weight of the day bearing down on Mouth’s shoulders. When they arrived at Mouth’s house, his parents greeted him with concern, quickly gathering him in comforting arms.

Lucas lingered for a moment, and after assuring Mouth that he would think of a solution, he made his way back to his own place. Once home, he instantly dialed Skills and Q.

“Guys, we need to come up with some cash to get Mouth a new recording machine,” Lucas said urgently after a few minutes of small talk. “His really meant a lot to him, and I can’t let him feel like that alone.

“I’m in,” Skills replied without hesitation. “I’ll put my lawn-mowing money together.”

“Me too,” Q added. “Let’s see what we can scratch together from odd jobs.”

After an intense few hours of gathering, calculating, and pooling their resources, they managed to scrape together enough for a top-of-the-line recording machine—a model Mouth had always dreamed of owning.

“Alright, let’s do it!” Lucas exclaimed, pure excitement coursing through him as he made the purchase.

The next day, Lucas and Skills arrived at Mouth’s house, their hearts racing with anticipation. They carefully wrapped the new recording machine, each of them grinning at the surprise they had planned.

They climbed into Mouth’s room, making sure to stay quiet. The boys set up the recording machine on his desk, hiding behind a stack of clothes and waiting for him to return. They listened intently, and soon the front door creaked open.

“Hey, Mouth!” one of his parents called. “You home?”

“Yeah!” Mouth replied, his voice drawing closer.

Lucas exchanged an excited glance with Skills. “Get ready!”

Mouth stepped into the room, his expression shifting from confusion to disbelief as his eyes fell on the recording machine. “What—?”

“Surprise!” Lucas and Skills shouted in unison, jumping out from their hiding spots.

“No way!” Mouth gasped, his hands flying to his mouth in shock. “You guys… you really got this for me?”

“You bet we did!” Skills laughed, slapping Lucas on the back. “We couldn’t let you stay down about that other one. This is a real upgrade—totally worth it!”

Mouth carefully approached the desk, his hands trembling with excitement as he examined the machine. “I can’t believe this! Thank you so much!” His voice was thick with emotion.

Lucas smiled, relief washing over him as he saw the sparkle return to Mouth’s eyes. “You’re our friend, and we’ll always have your back. Besides, we want to hear your commentary on all the cool plays you’ll record with this.”

Mouth’s grin widened, filling the room with joy. “You guys are the best.”

In that moment, Lucas knew they had triumphed over not just the chaos of the previous day but also the uncertainty that had plagued their lives lately. Together, they could face anything. With friendship at their backs and the dynamic energy of youth surging within them, they felt ready to take on the world—one recording, one game, and one moment at a time.

Chapter Text

The sun filtered through the curtains, casting warm stripes of light across Lucas's room. He stretched awake, feeling the promise of a good day ahead. It was a "Keith and Lucas Day," a long-awaited tradition that his uncle had promised after Lucas returned home. With Karen away on a work trip for the week, Keith had come to stay with him, and Lucas was grateful for the distraction and the companionship.

He got up, excitedly rummaging through his closet to gather the essentials for their movie marathon. By the time he heard a knock on the door, his heart was racing in anticipation.

“Hey buddy, you ready to kick off the day?” Keith asked, poking his head through the door, a wide grin plastered on his face.

“Absolutely! I got our favorite snacks!” Lucas exclaimed, holding up a bag of popcorn and a stack of DVDs. “I thought we could start with that action movie you love and do a little basketball documentary after.”

Keith chuckled and ruffled Lucas’s hair. “You know me too well. Let’s get this party started.”

They settled onto the couch, snacks in hand, and the opening scene began to play. With each explosive moment unfolding on the screen, Lucas found himself laughing and cheering alongside his uncle. It felt good to finally have that sense of normalcy return, if only for a day.

“So, what do you want to do after the movies?” Keith asked, tossing a piece of popcorn into his mouth.

Lucas thought for a moment. “Maybe we could shoot some hoops? Or play video games?”

“Or both!” Keith winked. “This is our day, after all. Whatever you want.”

As the credits rolled, Lucas felt a heaviness on his heart lift slightly. He had spent far too many nights tossing and turning, dreading the next school day, worrying about the teasing that had become his unwelcome shadow. Dan’s relentless taunts lingered in his mind, layering on top of the jeers from classmates who thought it was funny to mock his bedwetting.

“Hey, you okay?” Keith asked, leaning forward, sensing the change in Lucas’s demeanor.

“Yeah, just thinking,” Lucas replied, forcing a smile. “School’s been rough. Dan won’t let up about… you know.”

Keith’s expression darkened. “I know he’s been a real jerk about everything. Just remember, what he says doesn’t define you, Lucas. You're stronger than that.”

Lucas nodded, but the words felt sharper than they should have. “It just gets exhausting, you know? And it’s not just Dan. It’s everyone else at school too. I just want to go back in time and be the kid that nobody bothered.”

The lighthearted atmosphere shifted slightly, and Keith softened his tone. “I get that. But you have me, and you have your mom. You're not alone in this. We’re a team, alright? You can always count on me to have your back.”

Lucas felt a fresh wave of gratitude wash over him. In this moment, he remembered what it felt like to have allies in his corner. He needed this, needed time away from Dan’s cruelty, to focus on the good things around him.

“Thanks, Keith. It really means a lot,” Lucas said, feeling a bit bolder.

“Alright, enough heavy talk. Let’s hit the basketball court and show those guys what we’re made of!” Keith declared, jumping up from the couch. “Then we’ll come back and finish that documentary.”

“Let’s do it!” Lucas responded, his spirits lifting once more.

At the court later that afternoon, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. Keith and Lucas took turns showing off their skills, laughing and challenging each other to shooting contests. Lucas felt a rush of adrenaline, his worries temporarily fading as they engaged in friendly competition.

As the sun hung low in the sky, casting golden rays across the court, he spotted a couple of schoolmates hanging out nearby. A pang of anxiety shot through him; he hadn’t expected to see them here. But with Keith by his side, he felt a sense of determination rising within him.

“Hey, look, it’s the bed wetter and his uncle!” one of the boys shouted, beckoning to the others while smirking.

Lucas’s stomach twisted, but before he could react, Keith stepped forward, his voice steady and firm. “You really think it’s cool to pick on someone for something out of their control?”

The boys exchanged hesitant glances, the bravado faltering for just a moment. “Come on, man, it’s just a joke!”

“Yeah, well, jokes only work if everyone’s laughing,” Keith shot back. “You think you’re all tough, but you’re just proving how weak you really are by hiding behind your jokes.”

Lucas felt a swell of pride for his uncle. Keith’s protective presence emboldened him, and he found himself feeling less afraid. The jeers from his classmates lost their sting, dissipating like the cool breeze that flowed through the court.

“Forget them, Lucas,” Keith said, giving him a supportive pat on the back. “Let’s just play.”

They returned to the game, losing themselves in the rhythm of the ball hitting the court and the sound of laughter. By the time the sun began to set, Lucas felt lighter, more like himself. The trials of the past few weeks receded into the background, leaving him with moments of joy and laughter with his uncle.

As they wrapped up the day, Lucas headed home, exhaustion settling in but feeling a deep sense of fulfillment. He realized that while Dan and the guys at school had managed to make his life difficult, they hadn’t managed to snuff out the spark of who he was.

That evening, they curled up on the couch again, ready to watch another movie and dive back into their comfort zone without the weight of the outside world intruding once more. As they laughed and shared snacks, Lucas felt a profound sense of gratitude.

Together, he and Keith filled the space left by Karen's absence, creating a bond stronger than any whispered doubts or hurtful jokes. Though challenges lay ahead, Lucas knew that with his uncle by his side and the love of his mother wrapping him in warmth, he could face whatever came his way.

Chapter Text

Tree Hill High was buzzing with chatter and laughter, the sounds of young lives swirling in a bubble of innocence. But the tranquility shattered when the sharp crack of glass echoed through the halls. Lucas stood in the cafeteria, engaged in his usual banter with Nathan and the others, when the reality of the situation came crashing down.

The glass doors at the entrance shattered, and panic erupted. Students screamed, running in every direction, their faces masked with pure terror. The figure of Jimmy Edwards, trembling and wild-eyed, held a gun that glinted ominously in the fluorescent lights. His voice, once so full of laughter in the intersections of their social lives, now held a chilling edge.

“Get back! Get back!” he yelled, a mix of fear and rage spilling over.

Mouth looked up to talk but he could so he put his head back down sobbing. He was visibly shaking, his panic rising like a tidal wave.

“Let’s go!” Nathan urged, pushing through the crowd with Lucas at his side. “We can't just leave them. We need to help!”

As they approached the shattered entrance, the world outside seemed distorted. Heartbeats thundered in their ears as they took deep breaths to steady themselves. But all of the confidence they had as they strategised evaporated at the sight of their friend holding the weapon.

“Jimmy, please! Put it down!” Lucas called, his voice steady despite the knot in his stomach.

“Shut up! You don’t get to say anything!” Jimmy screamed, panic fueling his desperation. Lucas’s heart raced wildly in his chest; fear wrapped around him like a vice.

Mouth cried, looking wide-eyed between his friends and the chaos unfolding.

Lucas rushed to him, wrapping an arm around Mouth’s shoulders. “Hey, it’s okay. You’re alright, just focus on me,” Lucas said in a low voice, even as his own fear threatened to overwhelm him.

Haley stood close to Nathan, comforting him as his face flashed between concern and sheer disbelief. “What the hell happened to him?” she whispered while squeezing Nathan’s arm.

“I don’t know, but we can’t let him do this,” Nathan replied, his own fear blazing into determination.

Skills stood frozen, mouth slightly agape, the shock visible on his face. Jimmy had been a quiet kid, an outsider in many ways; they had never imagined he would do something like this.

Rachel held onto Marcus, her face pale, while

"Get back” he screamed, as he saw Lucas going closer to Mouth pointing Jimmy pointed the gun toward Lucas.

The world froze for Lucas. The weapon aimed at him felt like an inescapable nightmare. “Please, you don’t have to do this, Jimmy!” he begged, but his voice trembled with fear. All he could think about was trying to save everyone around him. Mouth was still shaking, desperate to get out of there

In that moment, Lucas’s instincts kicked in. “Stay close to me,” he urged, pulling Mouth under his arm to give him some semblance of comfort.

“I just want my mom!” Mouth murmured, curling into Skills, his body folding in on itself

As the chaos continued, Abby, a classmate who was diabetic, finally found her chance as Jimmy briefly lowered the gun. “I—can I go to my locker? I promise I won’t mess with anything!” she pleaded, her eyes darting nervously.

With barely a moment’s thought, Jimmy nodded, and Abby took her chance. She dashed outside, her heart racing, knowing she needed to get help.

Jimmy’s attention shifted to Mouth, who was still trembling. “Don’t come any closer!” he shouted, and the gun shook in his hands.

“Mouth, just breathe. You’re not alone,” Lucas whispered, trying to be a rock in the storm.

Before Lucas knew it, Abby had returned with a group of police officers, their presence charging into the scene. The look of relief on Abby's face was palpable, but before she could say anything, Lucas seized his moment.

With a surge of adrenaline, he helped helped everyone try and get out, but as they moved, Jimmy turned wildly. “NO! Stop!” he cried, pulling the trigger in desperation.

Lucas felt an intense jab of pain in his leg and stumbled. He fought to stay upright, windswept by the chaos around him as adrenaline surged through him. “GO!” he shouted, watching her collapse, but instinct kicked in, and he couldn’t leave her behind.

As chaos ensued, police swarmed in. Lucas felt Pain lancing through his leg but forced himself to move, reaching for Peyton. “I’m right here,” he gasped, pulling her alongside him as they made their way toward the exit.

“Lucas!” Nathan yelled, horror washing across his face as he spotted his cousin stumbling.

“I’m fine!” Lucas lied, gritting his teeth against the pain. But just as he got to the door, the officer shouted for everyone to get down.

And then there was silence.

Ambulance lights flickered in the distance while sirens wailed, sounding surreal against the backdrop of a school that would never feel the same again. Lucas was lifted onto a stretcher, blood pooling under him, the pain in his leg becoming a fierce reminder of the day’s horrors.

“We need to get him treated!” an EMT shouted, working quickly.

As they wheeled him away, he could see the police struggling with Jimmy, cuffing him and leading him away into the chaos. Lucas felt a knot in his throat, guilt swelling with every question he didn’t have answers for.

It wasn’t just about surviving this day; it was about what would come after. As the ambulance doors shut, he caught one last glimpse of Tree Hill High—the place where laughter and friendship had thrived, now stained with sorrow.

As the sirens echoed around him, stripping away the innocence they had fought to protect, Lucas closed his eyes, whispering a silent promise—to face whatever came next, surrounded by family and friends who would find a way together. In the depths of fear and uncertainty, he vowed to be the strength they all needed.

Chapter Text

The sterile scent of antiseptic hung heavy in the air as Karen and Keith rushed into the hospital room. Lucas lay in bed, his usually vibrant green eyes dimmed with fear. The bright lights overhead cast harsh shadows across his face, making him feel more vulnerable than ever.

“Mom, is that you?” Lucas croaked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Lucas, sweetheart, we’re here!” Karen rushed to his side, her heart aching at the sight of him. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m scared.” His voice trembled as he looked up at her, tears welling in his eyes. “What if it hurts? What if I don’t wake up?”

“It’s okay to be scared,” Keith said, pulling up a chair next to the bed. “Just focus on us. We’re not going anywhere.”

Lucas took a deep breath, trying to steady himself as the doctors entered the room. “This is going to be quick, Lucas,” one of the doctors said gently. “You’re in good hands. Just remember to breathe.”

“Just breathe?” Lucas replied, a hint of bitterness in his voice. “That’s easy to say when you’re not the one being poked and prodded!”

“I know,” Karen said softly, brushing his hair back. “But we’re right here with you, and I promise it will be over before you know it.”

As the procedure began, Lucas shut his eyes tightly, tears escaping as the pain lanced through him. “Mom! Mom!” he cried out, desperation thick in his voice.

“I’m right here, Lucas. You’re doing so well,” Karen reassured him, holding his hand firmly.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the procedure ended. The doctors left, and Lucas lay panting, overcome by a mixture of pain and relief.

“Can I go home now?” he mumbled, his voice raw.

Karen exchanged a worried glance with Keith. “Not yet, honey. You need to recover, but you’ll be home soon.”

Over the next two days, Lucas struggled to cope with the realities of being confined to a hospital bed. Night after night, he was haunted by nightmares. He awoke screaming, drenched in sweat, and embarrassed to find he had wet the bed.

“Lucas?” Karen knocked gently on his door one morning. “Can I come in?”

He didn’t respond at first, wanting to sink deeper into the sheets. Finally, he muttered, “I guess so.”

She stepped inside, her heart heavy when she saw him curled up, a shadow of himself. “You didn’t sleep well, did you?”

Lucas shook his head, his voice cracking. “I keep dreaming about… about the gun. It won’t go away!”

“Oh, sweetheart.” Karen sat on the edge of his bed, brushing her fingers through his hair. “Those dreams are normal after everything you’ve been through. It’s okay to feel scared. It’s okay to feel sad.”

“I just want it to stop!” Lucas shouted suddenly, frustration brimming over. “I just want to be normal again!”

“You will be,” Keith said from the doorway. “It just takes time. We’re here for you, every step of the way.”

But as the weeks passed, Lucas struggled to feel any sense of normalcy. School was canceled for two weeks, but those days felt like a prison rather than a reprieve. He spent hours lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, while the teddy bears from his friends gathered dust in the corner.

“Lucas, can we talk?” Karen asked one afternoon, hesitation seeping into her words as she entered his room.

“Do we have to?” Lucas replied, turning away from her.

“Yes, we do. I’m worried about you,” she insisted, sitting next to him. “You haven’t left your room. It’s not good for you to isolate yourself like this.”

“I just don’t want to face anyone,” he admitted, his voice barely a whisper. “What if they ask about what happened? What if they look at me differently?”

“They care about you, Lucas. They want to help,” Karen said gently. “And so do I. You need to let us in, even when it’s hard.”

“I keep wetting the bed, Mom,” he said, shame washing over him. “I don’t want anyone to know.”

“Lucas, it’s okay. That’s part of dealing with what you experienced,” she reassured him. “We can work through this together. You’re not alone in this.”

Keith knocked on the door, peeking his head in. “Hey, can I come in too?”

“Sure,” Lucas said, a mix of reluctance and relief washing over him.

“Listen, buddy,” Keith began, sitting across from Lucas. “I know it feels like everything has changed, but you’ll get through this. We’ll get you the help you need.”

“Help? Like therapy?” Lucas frowned, uncertainty clouding his features.

“Yes, therapy,” Karen nodded. “It’s not a bad thing. It can really help you talk through what you’re feeling. You don’t have to carry it all alone.”

“But what if it doesn’t help?” Lucas asked quietly, vulnerability creeping into his voice.

“Then we’ll find something else,” Keith said firmly. “But we won’t give up on you, Lucas. You mean too much to us.”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” he whimpered, burying his face in his pillow.

“That’s okay,” Karen said softly. “We’re not trying to push you. We just want you to know we’re here for you when you’re ready.”

As the days turned into weeks, Lucas remained in his cocoon, trapped in a world of darkness and self-doubt. His parents’ concern deepened, but they tried to be patient.

One evening, as Karen sliced vegetables in the kitchen, she glanced at Keith, who was trying to distract himself with the news. “I just wish he’d let us in,” she sighed.

“He’ll come around,” Keith said, maintaining his gaze on the screen. “We just need to keep encouraging him. We’re on his side, no matter what.”

They had no idea how long it would take for Lucas to heal, but Karen was determined to fight for her son. The teddy bears and flowers were just small gestures—she knew that what Lucas truly needed was the assurance of love and support, no matter how long the road to recovery might be.

Through the storm, they wouldn’t let him sail alone. They would be by his side, ready to carry him back into the light.

Chapter Text

The morning sun spilled through Lucas's bedroom window, illuminating the anxious expressions etched across his friends’ faces. Lucas stood in front of the mirror, his hands trembling as he adjusted his tie. Today was the day they would face the courtroom, a day that felt heavy with dread.

“Lucas, you good?” Skills asked, leaning against the doorframe, fidgeting nervously with the hem of his shirt.

Lucas met Skills’ gaze in the mirror and sighed. “I don’t know, man. I don’t want to do this. It feels… I don’t know, wrong?”

“It’s not wrong; it’s necessary,” Q chimed in, trying to sound optimistic. “We have to face this. For Jimmy and for ourselves.”

Mouth, clutching his beloved giraffe teddy peeking out from his backpack, added, “But it’s different for you. You’re not just testifying against a classmate; he’s your friend.”

As they piled into Skills’ car, the weight of the situation pressed heavily on their shoulders. The mood was tense, each boy lost in his own thoughts. Lucas remained silent, the same questions swirling in his mind: Could he truly do this? How would it feel to walk into that courtroom and confront the events that had changed his life forever?

When they arrived at the courthouse, Lucas felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He watched as his classmates, some with anxious looks and others with determination, filed in. As they gathered in the waiting area, a sense of discomfort settled over him.

“I can’t do this,” Lucas muttered, shaking his head. “I want to go home.”

“Lucas, focus. Just breathe,” Skills said firmly, his hand on Lucas's shoulder. “We’re right here with you.”

And then, chaos erupted. A figure rushed into the waiting area, panic etched on their features. “Someone has a gun!” they screamed.

Time seemed to slow as fear surged through Lucas, freezing him in place. He felt the familiar weight of dread settle over him, like a cold wave crashing onto the shore. Skills and Q grabbed him, their grips firm. “Come on, Lucas! We have to go!” Q shouted, pulling him away from the chaos.

They dashed outside to Skills’ car, Lucas struggling to breathe, his heart racing with panic. “I can’t… I can’t breathe!” he gasped as they reached the car, collapsing into the back seat.

“Just focus on us, Lucas,” Skills urged from the driver’s seat, glancing back at him. “You’re safe. You’re okay.”

As they sped away, Lucas’s mom was waiting by the door when they arrived almost breathless. “What happened?” she asked, her face full of concern as she ushered them inside.

“Someone yelled there was a gun,” Q explained, still catching his breath, glancing anxiously at Lucas.

Mom’s eyes softened as she settled next to Lucas on the couch, placing a comforting hand on his back. “Just breathe with me, Lucas. In… and out. You’re safe now.”

Lucas closed his eyes, trying to mimic her deep breaths, the rhythm slowing his racing heart. “I didn’t want to go back there, Mom. I just wanted to be done with it,” he admitted, the weight of his fear pouring out.

“I know, sweetheart. But you’re facing this head-on. You’re so much braver than you think,” she replied softly, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.

As the four boys sat together in Lucas's room later that night, the weight of the day hung heavily in the air. Haley and Nathan arrived to check on him, their expressions serious.

“Hey, you okay?” Nathan asked, concern etched on his face.

“I don’t know,” Lucas replied, feeling overwhelmed again. “I feel… everything right now.”

Haley sat next to him, placing a comforting hand on his knee. “It’s okay to feel that way. You went through a lot today. We’re here for you.”

After a bit of chatting and catching up, Haley and Nathan left, but Lucas still felt restless. “I don’t want to be alone,” he admitted.

“Let’s have a sleepover!” Mouth suggested, his eyes lighting up with the idea. “Giraffe and I can’t sleep without a party.”

So the four boys settled in for the night, making a makeshift fort with blankets and pillows in Lucas’s room. They ordered pizza, laughter slowly easing the earlier tension. As they sat in a circle around the TV, movies flickering on the screen, a sense of normalcy began to return.

Lucas picked at the pizza, the weight of the day still lingering in his mind. “I can’t stop thinking about Jimmy. I feel awful that he’s going to jail.”

“I know… it’s tough,” Skills said, his mood sobering. “But he made choices, and we can’t blame ourselves for that.”

“I just wish things could have gone differently,” Lucas said quietly, the memories flooding back. “I didn’t want any of this to happen.”

As the night deepened, Mouth pulled out his giraffe teddy, hugging it tightly as he settled next to Lucas. “Dude, we’re all here for you. You’re not alone in this.”

Lucas smiled faintly, grateful for the unconditional support of his friends. But while they were having fun, he felt the shadows creeping in again. Eventually, feeling restless and unable to shake the heaviness within him, he slipped out from under the blankets.

“Where are you going?” Q asked sleepily.

“Just… I need to be somewhere else for a bit,” Lucas replied, his voice low.

He padded down the hallway to his mom's room and slipped under the covers next to her. She stirred, wrapping an arm around him, murmuring softly. “Hey, sweetheart. Bad dreams?”

“Just feeling overwhelmed,” Lucas confessed, burying his face in her shoulder.

“Take a deep breath,” she suggested, stroking his hair soothingly. “You’re safe here with me.”

With those simple words, Lucas felt his heart begin to settle. For a brief moment, the chaos of the day faded away, replaced by comfort and warmth. In the cocoon of his mother’s presence, he finally felt like he could breathe, and eventually, he drifted off into a troubled sleep, hoping that tomorrow would bring a glimmer of light to the shadows that clung to him.

Chapter Text

Lucas lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his heart racing. Each night brought a new wave of nightmares, vivid and terrifying. The sounds of chaos echoed in his mind—screams, sirens, and the rush of fear that gripped him like a vice. He turned over, trying to shake them off, but the anxiety clung to him like a shadow.

“Lucas?” His mom, Karen, knocked gently on his door. “Are you awake?”

“Yeah,” he croaked, his voice barely a whisper.

“I can hear you moving around in there. Can I come in?”

“Sure,” he replied, his heart heavy.

She entered and sat on the edge of his bed, concern etched across her face. “What’s going on, honey? You look like you haven’t slept at all.”

“I can’t. I keep dreaming about… about the school,” Lucas admitted, his voice trembling. “I’m scared, Mom. Really scared.”

“Sweetheart, I know this is hard for you. Have you thought about talking to someone?” Karen suggested gently, wanting to ease his burdens in any way she could.

“I don’t know. I just want to stay home. I don’t want to go back to that place,” he confessed. “It keeps feeling real… even when I’m awake.”

Karen sighed, knowing this fear was consuming her son. “Okay, we’ll think of something. Just remember, you’re safe here with me.”

But as night fell again, Lucas found himself overwhelmed by another panic attack. He got out of bed in a rush, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. Grabbing his whale shark teddy, he crept down the hall to his mom’s room.

“Mom?” he whispered, tapping softly on the door.

“Lucas?” she reacted immediately, her voice filled with concern. “Is everything okay?”

“I… I can’t sleep. I had a bad dream again.” He opened the door slowly and crawled into bed next to her.

Karen pulled him close. “You’re safe. Just breathe with me, alright? In… and out. You’ve got this.”

With each breath, Lucas felt a little calmer, but the shame of wetting the bed the night before gnawed at him. The embarrassment made it hard to look her in the eye. “Mom, I… I messed up again. I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” she reassured him. “You’re going through something really tough. We’ll get through this together.”

Days turned into weeks, and Lucas’s fear kept him rooted at home. He started to skip school, each morning filled with dread of facing his classmates and the memories that haunted him.

“Lucas! Come on! Let’s go!” Uncle Keith’s voice boomed from downstairs one afternoon. “We’re going to grab a bite to eat. You need to get out of this house for a bit.”

“I’m not hungry,” Lucas called back, burying his face in his pillow.

“Just come down, please?” Keith persisted. “A little fresh air can’t hurt.”

With a sigh, Lucas stumbled out of bed and made his way downstairs. “What if I just… stay here?”

“Not an option,” Keith said firmly, trying to keep the mood light. “Besides, I’ve got a new video game we can play together afterward. Just you and me.”

Lucas felt a slight lift in his spirits. “Fine, but only if I can wear my sweats.”

“Deal,” Keith chuckled as they left the house.

Later that evening, Lucas found himself at Keith’s place, surrounded by the buzz of activity, but he still felt isolated. As bedtime approached, unease settled in his stomach.

“Hey, buddy, it’s time to hit the hay,” Keith said with a smile, trying to project a sense of calm. “You wanna watch a movie first?”

“No, I just… I don’t want to sleep,” Lucas admitted, panic creeping into his voice. “What if I have another nightmare?”

“Lucas, I’ll be right here. You’ll be okay,” Keith reassured, but Lucas could hear the uncertainty in his uncle's voice.

When the lights dimmed, darkness swallowed Lucas whole, and the memories flooded back. Suddenly, he was overwhelmed, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Keith glanced over. “Hey, what’s wrong? Talk to me,” he urged but felt helpless when Lucas just shook his head.

“I can’t breathe! I want my mom!” Lucas sobbed, letting raw emotion spill over.

“Alright, alright,” Keith said quickly, his heart aching for his nephew. “Let’s go get her. I can drive you home, okay?”

“Please,” Lucas gasped, nodding vigorously.

Within minutes, they were in Keith’s car, Lucas clutching his whale shark teddy closely. The familiar streets flashed by, but he was trapped in a fog of anxiety.

Once they arrived at Karen’s house, Lucas bolted for the door. He could feel the warmth of home wrapping around him, easing some of his dread. He didn’t stop until he reached his mom’s room, flinging the door open.

“Mom!” Lucas cried, rushing into her embrace.

“Lucas? What happened?” she exclaimed, pulling him close, concern flooding her features.

“I was scared,” Lucas mumbled against her shoulder. “I just need you.”

Karen felt her heart ache. “You can stay right here with me. Always,” she promised, tucking him beneath the covers.

Lucas sunk into the comfort of her presence, his whale shark teddy nestled beside him. “Can you just… stay with me for a while?” he asked, looking up at her.

“Of course, sweetheart. I’m not going anywhere,” she assured him softly, kissing the top of his head.

As Karen held him close, Lucas felt the weight of the world begin to lift, if only slightly. In those moments wrapped in her warmth, he rediscovered a sliver of safety amidst the shadows of his fears.

Chapter Text

The soft morning light streamed through Lucas's bedroom window as he stirred awake. It had been a few weeks since he returned to school, and while the nightmares still crept in at night, the panic attacks had subsided. He felt more like himself, and each day felt a little brighter.

“Hey, Lucas! You ready for today?” Skills called from the kitchen, flipping pancakes.

“Yeah, almost!” Lucas replied, pulling himself out of bed. He had a sense of hope he hadn’t felt in a long time.

As he made his way to the kitchen, the front door swung open, and a flustered Haley rushed in, her cheeks flushed.

“Lucas! Karen! You won’t believe what just happened!” she exclaimed, breathless.

“What is it?” Lucas asked, concern flooding his expression.

“I’m... I’m pregnant!” Haley blurted out, her eyes wide with excitement.

Lucas's heart raced, a rush of joy washing over him. “Oh my God, are you serious? That’s amazing, Haley!” He wrapped his arms around her, lifting her slightly off the ground.

“I can’t believe it! And I want you to be the godfather!” she added, a huge smile spreading across her face.

“I’m going to be a godfather?!” Lucas shouted, almost in disbelief as pure happiness bubbled up inside him.

“Yes! You’ve got to help me with everything!” Haley laughed, her face lighting up with joy.

“Of course! Karen, we need to make this baby’s life wonderful!” Lucas turned to his mom, who stood there smiling, her pride evident.

“Let’s get started,” Karen said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “We can go shopping for baby clothes this weekend!”

“Shopping for baby clothes? I’m so in!” Lucas exclaimed, already imagining all the adorable outfits he could pick out.

As the weeks went by, Lucas became Haley’s right hand in her journey to motherhood. He fueled her cravings, whether it was pickles or chocolate-covered strawberries, always ready to rush out to get whatever she desired, often with a beaming smile.

One evening, he visited a local store and picked up the perfect elephant teddy bear, soft and cuddly. “This will be the baby’s favorite,” he decided, imagining little hands grasping it tightly.

When baby Jamie was born, it was a whirlwind of happiness. “He’s so adorable!” Lucas declared as he held the little bundle for the first time. “Look at those eyes!”

“Jamie Lucas Scott,” Haley announced proudly, looking at Lucas with a grin. “Fits your name perfectly,” she winked.

“I’m so honored!” Lucas said, holding Jamie close, while Brooke stood beside him, smiling brightly as Jamie yawned, his little face scrunching adorably.

As the years passed, Jamie grew into an energetic six-year-old, full of laughter and curiosity. But recently, Haley had noticed something troubling.

“Lucas,” she said one day, her voice soft but concerned, “I think Jamie's been having some bed-wetting issues. I don’t know how to help him.”

Lucas felt a pang of recognition as memories of his own struggles flooded back. “I remember when I went through that,” he replied, determination setting in. “I can help.”

“Really? That would mean so much!” Haley replied, relief washing over her.

Lucas set out to gather everything Jamie might need. “I’ll get him a comfort teddy that helps him sleep,” he suggested, already picturing the smile on Jamie’s face when he saw the soft, furry gift. He also picked up some training books and pants.

After purchasing everything, he knocked on Haley's front door, holding the items proudly. When Jamie opened it, Lucas knelt down to his level. “Hey, buddy! Look what I brought for you!”

“What is it?” Jamie asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

“It’s a special teddy! He’ll help you sleep through the night,” Lucas said, holding up the comfort teddy, which was adorned with gentle colors and had the softest texture.

Jamie’s face lit up. “Wow! He’s so cute!”

There was a twinkle in Lucas's eye as he watched Jamie snuggle the teddy. “And I got you these training books and pants too, just in case,” he added, handing Jamie the package.

“Thanks, Lucas! You’re the best!” Jamie exclaimed, throwing his arms around Lucas in a tight hug.

“You’re welcome! I know you can do this,” Lucas replied, returning the hug and feeling the warmth of confidence and friendship blooming in his heart.

As Lucas left, he felt a sense of fulfillment. Just like the comfort his mom and Uncle Keith had given him during his struggles, he hoped to be the same support for Jamie. He smiled, knowing that these moments were just the beginning of a promise to be there for the next generation, just as those before him had done.

Chapter Text

Seven years had passed since the school shooting that had turned Lucas’s life upside down. Although he had found ways to cope, the nightmares still clawed at him relentlessly. Each time he succumbed to sleep, visions of chaos flooded back—he could feel the fear, the panic, and the weight of helplessness. And each time, he woke up in a damp bed, shame pooling in his chest.

It was a quiet night when Jamie stayed over at Lucas’s, excited chatter echoing through the house. “Can we watch Octonauts later?” Jamie asked, bouncing on the couch.

“Of course! That’s a must,” Lucas chuckled, ruffling Jamie's hair.

Later, as Lucas tried to shake off his anxiety, sleep caught up with him too quickly. The nightmares played out on repeat, and just like the nights before, he awoke to find that he had wet the bed.

“Lucas?” Jamie’s soft voice called as he peeked into the room, his big brown eyes filled with concern. “Are you okay?”

Feeling a rush of embarrassment, Lucas tried to muster a reassuring smile. “Uh, I’m fine, Jamie,” he lied, but his cheeks burned with shame. “Just had a rough night.”

Without missing a beat, Jamie hopped up onto Lucas’s bed, clutching his comfort teddy, which had quickly become a symbol of security. “You can borrow him if you want! He always helps me sleep through the night.”

Feeling touched by his thoughtful god son kindness, Lucas blinked away the embarrassment. “Thanks, buddy.” He accepted the teddy, appreciating Jamie’s unwavering support.

Jamie then looked around and said, “Let’s clean it up together! I can help!” His eagerness to assist lit up Lucas’s heart in ways he hadn’t anticipated.

“Alright, let’s do it,” Lucas replied, grateful for Jamie’s understanding. Together, they pulled off the wet sheets, gently tossing them into the laundry basket. It felt oddly comforting to have Jamie there, both of them working towards a fresh start as the sun began to rise.

Later, as they sat side by side eating pancakes for breakfast, Jamie looked up, a syrupy smile on his face. “I love pancake mornings, especially when I get to stay at your house!”

“Me too, buddy,” Lucas said, breaking into a smile, the heaviness of the night slowly lifting as they shared the meal. “You know, you’re a really good helper.”

“Well, you’re a great cousin!” Jamie beamed, and Lucas felt a warmth that seemed to wipe away last night’s embarrassment, if only for a moment.

After breakfast, they decided to head to the park. Lucas felt anxious thinking about how he was supposed to be a role model for Jamie, yet here he was, struggling with the same issues he had faced years ago. “I hope this doesn’t change how Jamie sees me,” Lucas thought, as they walked together, side by side.

At the park, they met up with Mouth, Q, and Skills, who greeted them enthusiastically.

“Ready for our best basketball match ever?” Q hollered, dribbling the ball expertly.

“Always!” Jamie shouted, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Lucas felt his earlier worries begin to dissipate.

The game started with laughter echoing through the air. Lucas watched as Jamie ran circles around the court, his joy infectious. Even as the match progressed, Lucas couldn’t help but notice how great everyone was playing and how much fun they were having.

At one point, Jamie narrowly missed a shot but didn’t let it weigh him down. “Aww, close one!” Lucas cheered, giving him a high-five.

“Let’s keep playing!” Jamie exclaimed, enthusiasm radiating from him.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Lucas felt a sense of clarity wash over him. Watching Jamie’s unyielding determination reminded him that it was okay to face challenges, big or small.

After a particularly close call during a final showdown, Skills declared, “Best game I’ve had in a while! We make a good team, huh, Jamie?”

“Yeah! We totally do!” Jamie grinned widely.

Leaving the park, Lucas realized that no matter the battles he faced—whether with nightmares or bedwetting—he was not alone. Jamie looked up at him, filled with admiration, and in that moment, Lucas knew he could be the role model his god son needed, one day at a time.