She hugged her knees that were pressing against her chest as she sat against the leg of the bed, her butt resting on the floor. Her breathe shook as she blinked back tears from how far her thoughts had taken her, those memories that clouded her mind and still sometimes managed to slip their way into her dreams.

''I used to be somebody, Haley, do you understand that?''

He was leaving the NBA.

And she knew, she knew that this was all his decision. But what if he changes his mind? He's done that before, he's done that in high school, in college, after graduating. Basketball has been one of his constants, she's always known that. Now it suddenly wasn't going to be there anymore, just like last time. The last time when he was so dark and scary. She can't go back to that again, the stress was too much.

It seemed like everything was piling on top of her, her mom's death, her depression, the pregnancy, Quinn and Clay, now this.

What if this was going to be there thing that tore them apart for good?

''I'm nothing! And I have nothing!''

The bedroom door opened and she heard his footsteps enter. She quickly wiped the two tears that had fallen from her eyes and rolled her cheeks. He was going through this too; she didn't want to add further stress to the situation.

''Hales, what are you doing?'' his humorous voice questioned from above her.

''Oh hey,'' she sniffled, forcing a laugh. Haley looked up at him, seeing his dishevelled her and creased clothing, he looked exhausted. She frowned at him. ''Where've you been?''

''At Clay and Quinn's, cleaning up a little.''

Haley smiled slightly. ''That was nice at you.''

Nathan shrugged sheepishly, sitting down at the spot on the floor next to her. ''Now, are you gonna tell me what's up with you?'' he asked softly. ''Is... is this about the NBA?''

''A little,'' she sighed at his pointed look. ''A lot.''

''What is it?''

''What- what if you go back to like last time?''

He stayed silent for a moment before muttering, ''I'm never gonna be that guy again.''

''I didn't mean...'' she trailed off for a second, not meaning to offend him. ''I just- I'm just a little worried.''

''I hated that guy,'' Nathan whispered, staring at some random spot on the wall. ''For what he did to you and to Jamie, to our family. And if I can take it all back, then I would in a heart beat because I can't bear to think about how it almost ruined us.'' his voice grew weak. ''I promise, Haley, I'm never gonna be that guy again.'' he repeated.

She brushed her nose lightly against his cheek before placing a soft kiss on it. ''Okay,'' she said simply. ''I believe you.''

And it was that easy.

He could simply wash away her fears with just being there and saying those words that she couldn't doubt for a minute.

''Graciously and courageously,'' she stated, mirroring his words from weeks earlier. ''That's how you're gonna get through this.''

''With you by my side?''

''Always.''

AN: I don't know where this came from, I was just watching 8x04 and it popped into my head. It's not very good, but I thought I'd post it and I hope you enjoyed it anyway. Those of you who are looking out for my new story, it shall be here soon, and those ones that asked for a preview should get it in the next few days. The title comes from the song ships by umbrellas.

Reviews make me smile! x