Story Summary: Haley has a hard time with her music since she and Nathan separated. Brooke begins to help her find the music buried in her heart and alsouncovers feelings thegirls never knew they had for each other. Major BALEY ahead.

Chapter Summary: Brooke convinces Haley to take on a music project while Haley learns that Brooke has a hidden talent.

Author's Note: Italics are their thoughts. Italics are also used when they are singing. Anytime part of the song is in bold its Brooke and Haley singing together. It will make more sense when you get to that part in the story.

Disclaimer: This is my first Haley/Brooke story so reviews are greatly appreciated. I do not own any of the characters from One Tree Hill or any of the musicians used in this story.

Music in My Heart

Chapter 1 – Breathe

Haley dropped her backpack down by the foot of the bed before falling onto her stomach. She buried her head in her pillow letting out a small frustrated moan before rolling over onto her back. She put one arm over her face and the other on her stomach just trying to not think of anything for a minute.

This is the part of the day that I hate the most, coming home to our empty, silent apartment. She thought as she sighed. OUR apartment. She thought again then scoffed. At first, her thought of OUR apartment referred to Nathan, but this time for some reason her mind automatically switched to Brooke. They had been living together in the small one bedroom apartment for months now. I've spent almost as much time here with Brooke as I did with Nathan. She was taken out of her thoughts when a balled up piece of paper hit her in the head. Again she let out a small frustrated moan then lifted her arm off her head to see Brooke standing in the doorway with her hands on her hips.

"Hey Tutor Wife." Brooke said with a smile and her hands on her hips.

"Hey Brooke." Haley said with a small smile in return.

Brooke wondered towards Haley's bed and as she climbed on she lightly slapped Haley's left hip. Haley, so accustomed to this routine, took her cue and scooted over to the right so Brooke could lie down next to her. They had been doing this a lot lately, just lying in bed talking together. Brooke smiled softly at Haley as she laid down on her right side to face her friend and propped her head up with one arm.

"So what were you thinking about?" Brooke asked as she moved a stray hair off of Haley's forehead.

"You have to ask that?" Haley replied with a small guilty laugh.

"No, but I figure it's a good conversation opener." Brooke said with a huge smile.

"Meanie" Haley said teasing with mock hurt as she lightly smacked Brooke in the shoulder. Brooke gently grabbed onto Haley's hand to stop her from hitting her again and let their interlock hands lazily fall to the bed. She laid her head down on the pillow and just watched the thoughts run wild through Haley's head as she closed her eyes. She hated seeing Haley like this. All of her thoughts and the pain were clearly distinguishable on her face. Brooke knew they were all because of Nathan. He is such an idiot, how could he let such a great girl get away. She is way too good for him anyways and I don't know why she continues to let him torture her like this.

As Brooke continued to look at Haley the bright colored ball of paper that she had thrown at Haley caught her eye. She reached over Haley's head to pick it up. Her movements caused Haley to open her eyes and she was a little surprised to see Brooke's chest so close to her. Well now, that's unexpected. She let out a small nervous laugh. Brooke grabbed the paper then looked down at Haley as she heard her laugh. Brooke noticed the position they were in. Good God, she's so cute when she nervous. Brooke let a small nervous laugh of her own as she slowly moved away with the paper in hand.

"Sorry, I just forgot that this was what I originally had come in here to talk to you about." Brooke said as she laid down flat on her back and started to open up the ball.

"I found it near the trash can and wanted to ask you about it before I threw it away." Brooke said gently as she handed it over to Haley. Haley looked at it again and sighed. In bold letters on neon yellow paper the flyer read "Hot Spot Radio's Annual Cover Contest". Brooke rolled over onto her side again and put her head on Haley's shoulder so she could read the rest of it out loud.

"Win the chance to sing live inHot Spot Cover Concert" the cheerleader began. "Submit a demo of the following hit songs. A performer will be picked to play each song at the live show." Brooke became excited. "Oh my God, Haley, you totally need to enter that contest. You would sooooo get to play every one of these songs!"

"Easy there, Brooke. Its sooo not gonna happen." Haley said as she folded up the paper. She nudged Brooke to get off of her shoulder so she could turn slightly to put it on her night stand. She then rolled back over so she was facing Brooke.

"Why aren't you going to enter?" Brooke asked sadly. She loved hearing Haley sing and she knew how much the other girl loved it.

"Because I just don't feel it anymore. Ever since I left the tour, I can't take myself to that place inside. I don't have the heart for it anymore. I've been working with Chris ever since I got back and I've come up with nothing. I love Nathan with all my heart and Chris says that that's where the music comes from. He told me I was never gonna be able to do this until I work through everything that's in my head. I think he's right but I just don't know what to do. Nathan is in my heart, and in my head all the time. How can I work through everything when Nathan is keeping me in such limbo?" Haley frowned which made Brooke want to cry.

Brooke laid one hand on top of Haley's. "Hales, listen to me ok. I know your music is important to you and I know Nathan is important to you too but you need to just put Nathan in the back of your mind for a little while."

"I can't do that Brooke." Haley said with teary eyes. "If I just completely disregard everything that is going on with Nathan in order to create music, it's like I've chosen it over him all over again." Haley said with a frown a single tear ran down her face.

Brooke lightly wiped it away with her thumb then took Haley's chin in hand. "Hales, listen to me. Sure, maybe a part of you did chose the music over him when you left but it was Nathan who made you make that choice. And then once you gave up music and the tour, he still doesn't want you back? That's not fair. He let you know you couldn't have the best of both worlds, fine. But then that means that you shouldn't have to give up both worlds either. Nathan may not be here for you right now but your music is."

Brooke then rested her hand on top of Haley's and gave it a little squeeze. "And so am I."

Haley smiled at her warmly then frowned again. "But everything is so messed up in my heart and in my head. I don't even know if I'll be able to create anything worth a damn right now."

"But this is perfect." Brooke says all excited again. "Its' all cover songs. It's somebody else's emotions. Yours can stay nice and hidden for now."

Haley laughed again at Brooke's excitement and how adorable her best friend was being right now. Haley finally let out a sigh. "Fine, I'll do it."

"Yeah!" Brooke said excitedly as she kissed Haley on the forehead.

Haley continued to laugh at her antics but then had a serious look on her face. She grabbed Brooke's hand again and closed her eyes. "You have to help though." She almost whispered.

"Through anything" Brooke whispered back in reassurance as she continued to look at Haley while her eyes are still closed. "You just name it."

"Just stay right here for a little while." Haley whispered as she sounded as if she is falling asleep. She enjoyed the security she felt with Brooke so close.

"Forever." Brooke whispered back as she closed her eyes as well, still holding Haley's hand.

OTH

Brooke opened her eyes and noticed that it was dark outside. She didn't realize that she had even fallen asleep, let alone for that long. She looked at Haley. She looks so much more at ease when she's sleeping. As she let go of Haley's hand Haley stirred slightly and whined a little like a small child. Brooke gently rubbed her back so she would calm down. "Shhh Haley, its ok."

Once Haley was calm, Brooke slowly got off of the bed trying not to wake her up. She knew her best friend wasn't sleeping well at night and hoped maybe tonight she could. There were many nights that Brooke would hear Haley whimper or cry in her sleep. As she stood she noticed the peacefulness in Haley's face was gone and the worry wrinkles in her forehead were coming out. This made Brooke frown. She gently bent down and placed a single long kiss on Haley's forehead as if to try to make the pain go away. "It'll all be ok." She whispered. She walked toward the door then looked back at Haley one more time. At least I hope it will be.

OTH

Haley woke up in a cold sweat. She had that nightmare again. Ever since she came back from the tour she kept having the same dream. She was on stage and could see Nathan in the crowd. As she opened her mouth to sing to him, nothing came out. As hard as she tried she could not sing. Nathan began to slip further and further back into the crowd with a sad look on his face. She tried to scream to him over and over and over but nothing came out. Nathan was gone but she still couldn't get anything to come out of her. And then she's wake up.

She looked at the clock and realized it was 5:00am. The sun was starting to come up enough that she could tell Brooke wasn't in her bed. Haley raised an eyebrow in confusion then decided to see if Brooke was in the living room. She walked out to see Brooke sleeping on the couch. Her blanket had been thrown to the floor and Haley could tell she was shivering. She let out small giggle then sighed. Brooke had a habit of kicking the covers off of her then getting cold later. Haley laughed as she thought all of the times she has gotten up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night then would see Brooke shivering and put the blankets back on her just to find them on floor again in the morning. As she walked over to Brooke, Haley gently bent down to pick up the blanket and wrapped it around her best friend. She sat down on the floor, bringing her knees up to her chest and crossing her arms over them. She let out a long breath as she rested her chin on her arms. Haley just sat there on the floor for a moment looking at Brooke. She could see the worried look on her face even in sleep and she knew it was because of her. Brooke has been amazing since we've moved in together. I honestly don't know how I would be getting through this separation with Nathan without her. Haley sighed again with a smile. Well if she's going to try so hard to make me feel better I should at least give it a shot too. I need to start living my life, even if it's without Nathan for a while. With a sigh, Haley got up off of the floor and gently kissed the top of Brooke's head.

"Thank you Brooke Davis, you may have just saved my life."

OTH

Brooke woke to the sunlight hitting her in the face. Eewww, I hate the sunshine, this is the last time I spend the night on the couch. She groaned and pulled the pillow over her face. Then all of a sudden it hit her. It was a school morning! Haley probably slept all night and I didn't set her alarm and now we've both overslept. Brooke knew Haley would be so upset that they were running late. Brooke jumped off of the couch, getting her foot momentarily tangled in the blanket she had yet again thrown to the floor.

"Hey Tutor Girl, get up!" she yelled as she ran toward the bedroom. "You're…"

"not even here." Brooke finished as she stopped in the doorway noticing Haley wasn't in bed.

"What the hell?" Brooke said out loud as looked around the room with an eyebrow raised. This is weird. I knew Haley would be in a rush to get to school but I didn't think that she would just leave and not even attempt to wake me up. Brooke ran a hand through her hair in frustration as she walked back to the kitchen. She then noticed a note on the counter. She picked it up and smiled to herself as she read it realizing it was from Haley.

Brooke –

I thought a lot about what you said and you were right. I woke up at dawn and knew what I needed to do and that was get back into the recording studio. I figured I'd jump on the feeling before it flew away so I'm not going to school today. I'll be at the studio if you want to come hang out. I would really like it if you did."

Love, Haley.

ps: Chris will be there, so be prepared!

Brooke laughed again and folded the note up before sticking it in her pocket.

"Well then if Mrs. Scott doesn't see the need to go to school today, then neither do I." Brooke said out loud with a giggle. She hurried to the bathroom to shower. For some reason she just couldn't wait to see Haley.

OTH

Brooke didn't realize that she had been smiling the whole drive to the studio. It made her happy that Haley felt better and that she was the cause of the other girl's upswing in mood. She had an extra little bounce in her step as she walked up to the building. Once inside, she took her sunglasses off of her face and placed them on top of head. As she walked down the hall she absent mindedly dragged a finger along the wall. She stopped when her finger ran over a framed photo and saw it out of the corner of her eye. Haley? With a raised eyebrow she took a step back and looked at it again. She was right. It was a promo picture of Haley and Chris for their single. It looked like it had been taken from one of their concerts. They both appeared to be singing. Brooke stared at Haley, first noticing that her eyes were closed as she sang. Brooke's eyes then trailed down Haley's body, noticing that her left hand was on the strings as her right rested on the top of the guitar in front of her stomach. Brooke then lightly touched Haley's face then let her finger trail down to Haley's right hand. I'll get you there again. Brooke thought to herself with a confident smile on her face. She then glared at the picture of Chris. Without you there, of course.

OTH

Brooke pushed open the doors into the mixing room to see Chris and Haley sitting in the sound booth. Haley noticed almost right away that Brooke had walked in. She's here! I can't believe she came. She smiled and waved then put up one finger letting Brooke know she would be out there in a minute. Brooke smiled back and shook her head in acknowledgment. She sat down at the mixing board watching them argue about something but she couldn't hear what they were saying.

"Chris, I don't know what it is, but it just doesn't sound right yet." Haley said as she ran a hand through her hair in frustration.

"What are you talking about Haley? It sounds fine. In fact, I am so going to send a copy of this to Michelle. She is going to kick you butt for always turning her down when she wanted you to do this duet with her. I still can't believe she actually bought that line of bull that you couldn't sing this song."

Haley laughed at memory but then shook her head, trying to concentrate again. She started walking around the room with one arm folded around her waist and the other hand on her cheek. "Whatever, we still need to figure what else is missing."

"I already know what it is." Chris said.

"Chris, please, don't start." Haley said frustrated.

Chris just put his hands up. Haley continued pacing.

"I'm just saying, you need a little more attitude, a little less pathetic moping," He said with a smirk.

This made Haley stop pacing long enough to glare at him then she continued again.

"I need something else alright, I just don't know if I have that kind of attitude in me right now."

"Maybe, you could barrow some from her" Chris said nodding his head toward Brooke.

Haley laughed slightly. I might as well, I get enough of my strength from her right now anyways. Haley stopped pacing and looked over at Brooke. She could see her friend staring at her. They exchanged a smile. I'm so glad she's here. Haley thought before she began to pace again.

"Let's just listen to it again." She said to Chris as she walked up to the mic. "Hey, Brooke."

Brooke jumped slightly when she could now hear Haley's voice loud and clear.

"Yeah?" Brooke said.

Haley smiled and giggled slightly. "There's a blue button on the top row. I can't hear you until you hit it."

Brooke smiled and did so. "What do you want Tutor Girl?" Brooke asked in a fake irritated voice. She flashed a million dollar smile at Haley which made Haley smile back.

"Brooke, I need you to run the playback. You should see a flashing orange button. Hit it for me."

Brooke did as she was instructed then sat down in the chair as she heard the music start. She recognized that it was "Breathe" by Michelle Branch but it was Haley singing it. She swung around gently in the chair until her back was to the sound booth. Brooke smiled and began to sing along with Haley's voice.

Haley tried to focus on her voice as she heard the recording play over in the playback speaker. Suddenly she realized that something was different about the sound.

"Chris, do you hear that?"

He stopped and listened for a second. "Yeah, what is that? Where's that back track coming from?"

"I have no idea." Haley said as started to walk toward the mixing room with Chris right behind her. She opened the door to find Brooke singing along not yet realizing they were in the room. She was too lost in thought. Damn, who would have thought? Haley said to herself as she watched Brooke sing. She then looked at the mixing board noticing that the "intercom" button was still on. She looked at Chris who was smiling because he had noticed the same thing.

"Ok, you have sooo been holding out on me." Haley said with a huge smile.

"Oh!" Brooke yelped with a small jump as she finally realized they were in the room. She swiveled around in the chair to face them. "Damn you Tutor Girl, you nearly gave me a heart attack." She said as she put one hand to her chest.

"Yeah well you deserve it" Haley said as she walked over to Brooke, sitting down in the chair next to her. "Why didn't you ever tell me you could sing?"

"Hales, I can't sing." Brooke looked at her as if she was crazy.

"I beg to differ." Chris said with a smile.

Brooke just glared at him. "Look, I may able to sing along to a CD but I'm definitely no Haley."

Haley just smiled and put a comforting hand over Brooke's. They exchanged smiles before Chris interrupted them.

"But that's just the point. You have an…ok voice." Chris said. He always did have a way of downplaying everybody else's ability, "but it's the kind of sound that makes a good back up singer. That's basically all you were doing by singing along to the track."

Brooke glared at him then looked Haley. What are you thinking Tutor Girl? Haley smiled and squeezed Brooke's hand as if she could tell Brooke wanted to ask her something. Haley nodded in understanding then looked over at Chris.

"Chris, can you us a minute?"

Chris just laughed lighted "Yeah, sure. Just make it a quickie, ok? Time is money," he said tapping his watch and laughing again as he walked out into the hall shaking his head. Haley turned her attention back to Brooke.

"Look Brooke, we were in the sound booth listening to my track and the intercom button was still on. We could hear you singing too. Our voices were blending and we sounded amazing together." They both smiled shyly at the comment then almost simultaneously tucked a strand of hair behind their ears.

Haley continued, "Anyways, it would mean so much to me if you would sing back up on this track. I know it needs a little more behind it and I think you're it."

"Hales, I …." Brooke started to protest but then stopped when she saw the look in Haley's eyes.

Brooke sighed. Oh crap, I'm promised her I'd do anything for her didn't I?

"Ughhh… ok, I give in."

A light of hope and love shinned in Haley's eyes. "You mean you'll be my back up?"

"Yeah Tutor Girl, I will."

"Oh good!" Haley said with a big smile as she leaned in to give Brooke a big hug. Brooke laughed lightly then softly kissed the side of Haley's head. "I'll always be your back up."

"I know." Haley whispered back. She liked the way that sounded coming from Brooke.

For a moment they just stayed in each others embrace. Neither noticed Chris poking his head in the door. He had an evil smile on his face. Oh man, I can't to tell Nathan about this. He then knocked on the door.

"Ok ladies, let's get your asses in the studio."

The girls jumped slightly as they turned to face him then looked back at each other. Brooke gave Haley a scared pout which made Haley laugh. Haley placed her hand on top of Brooke's head. "Come on girlie." Haley said as she grabbed Brooke's hand pulling them up out of their chairs and headed toward the sound booth.

OTH

After Brooke got a copy of the words and Haley figured out which part Brooke should sing, they were ready to record a first take.

"Are you ready Brooke?" Haley said handing her the headset.

"ha ha, no." Brooke said nervously.

"You'll do fine. I'm right her next you. Just concentrate on me and the music."

Once again they did a simultaneous blush and hair by the ear movement.

"Come on ladies, move your asses." Chris said over the intercom. Haley just laughed slightly and shook her head. She gently ran her hand down Brooke's arm for encouragement then put her headset on as she walked over to her own mic. Brooke watched Haley walk away and put her head set on as well. Both girls closed their eyes and inhaled as she they heard the music start. Brooke opened her eyes and looked over at Haley. She was facing straight ahead but even from Brooke's side view she could tell that Haley's eyes were closed yet she looked extremely focused. Even as Haley began to sing she kept her eyes closed.

I've been driving for an hour
Just talking to the rain
You say I've been driving you crazy
and its keeping you away
So just give me one good reason
Tell me why I should stay
'Cause I don't wanna waste another moment
in saying things we never meant to say

And I

(Haley opened her eyes when she heard Brooke's voice)

Take it just a little bit
I

(Haley smiled)

hold my breath and count to ten

(Haley turned slightly to look at Brooke and smiled softly. Brooke smiled back)

I've

been waiting for a chance to let you in
If I just

Breathe

Let it fill the space between
I'll know everything is alright
Breathe
Every little piece of me
You'll see
Everything is alright
If I just

breathe

(Haley had an even bigger smile on her face now. She couldn't believe how great they sounded together. She decided having Brooke singwith her did give her a little bit more attitude)

Well it's all so overrated
In not saying how you feel
So you end up watching chances fade
And wondering what's real

(Haley turned toward Brooke more, almost as if she was singing to her)

And I

Give you just a little time
I,

Wonder if you realize
I've

been waiting till I see it in your eyes

(Haley and Brooke were still looking at each other and Haley felt like she was loosing her breath)

If I just

Breathe
Let it fill the space between
I'll know everything is alright
Breathe
Every little piece of me
You'll see
Everything is alright
If I just
Breathe

(Haley closed her eyes, but Brooke never looked away)

So I whisper in the dark,
Hoping you hear me
Do you hear me?

(Haley opened her eyes to see Brooke still looking at her. She felt like she was loosing her breath again)

If I just

Breathe
Let it fill the space between
I'll know everything is alright

Breathe
Every little piece of me
You'll see
Everything is alright

Breathe

Everything is alright

Everything is alright

if I just

Breathe Breathe

(Haley watched Brooke close her eyes as she did the same)

I've been driving for an hour
Just talking to the rain

Both girls kept their eyes closed even after the music stopped. They didn't open their eyes until they heard Chris' voice over the intercom. "That was.."

"Amazing." The girls said in unison, looking at each other.

"I wouldn't quite say that." Chris said. "I was gonna say it was a nice first attempt and that we should do it again."

Both girls looked at each other. There was something different in the air between them now. They could see it in each other's eyes. They had sounded amazing together and could feel this new electricity between them.