Getting Our Affairs in Order
It's been awhile! I know I write for GG Universe but I needed to expand. I've always been Naley but because there the only couple I know that have actually end-game together, I didn't feel a need to write… until know. Based on Sweet Home Alabama and some other fics that were also based on the film. I do not own OTH or Naley. Song is the English version of Taeyang's "Wedding Dress". Please read and review! Thanks!
She's a rockstar. He's a mechanic. She travels the world. He's been in his hometown his whole life. She's dressed by a stylist. He's dressed in grease. She's living her dreams. He resents his. He was her husband. She is still his wife.
Marriages are Legally Binding
Flashback – 8 Years Earlier – The Proposal
Nathan and Haley were at the Rivercourt. He was showing her how to shoot 'free-shots'. After teasing her relentlessly on her free throws, Haley ran away with the ball. Despite her being athletically challenged, Nathan was surprised that she could run as much as she did. He was still sweating and slightly huffing, which earned her a little revenge teasing. Nathan Scott, supposedly a basketball God, but couldn't keep up with his petite girlfriend. With the sun shining down on and music blasting, they attempted to catch their breath lying on the grass, under a tree, side-by-side with intertwined fingers.
"When were you first attracted to me?" Nathan asked after a moment of silence, with his signature smirk out in full force.
"Who says that I am?" Haley teased.
"Marry me?"
"What?"
"C'mon, I can't make that question any clearer, Hales. You. Me. Marriage." He emphasized by pointing to themselves, respectively.
"No."
"Marry me."
"No."
"Why?"
"Because…
"Because, why?" Nathan stresses again.
"Because we're just kids, Nathan. Happily Ever Afters aren't real."
"Yes they are… we'll be proof of it."
"We're just kids," she reiterates.
It's not a 'no' that means never. That just means Nathan's going to keep asking Haley to marry him… and one day, while he's holding a ring as beautiful as her, she will finally say 'yes.' They'll walk down the aisle and both say, 'I Do' while he's wearing a tux and she's wearing a white dress. One day Haley James, will marry Nathan Scott and be Mrs. Haley James Scott.
"What if I don't want a wedding? Marriage isn't about the ceremony or a piece of paper; marriage is a feeling. Besides, with you being a Hotshot basketball player for the Bobcats and myself as an international rockstar, won't we be just another celebrity couple cliché?"
"C'mon Hales, I've seen the scrapbook you made since we were 5; there's an entire section dedicated to your dream wedding. One day, that collage will come to life. As far as our dreams are concerned, we'll support and challenge each other. Simple as that."
Nathan refuses to let this go. She just laughs. His dedication to this never fails to amuse her.
Nathan huffs and pouts a bit. "Fine… but for now… I'll settle for a dance."
"I never figured you as the type to dance."
"I'm not. Actually, I can't. That doesn't mean I won't with the right partner. Dance with me?" Nathan asks with an outstretched hand and a twinkle in his eye that's reflected in hers.
They… he fumbles on the grass, as his feet constantly, yet unintentionally step on her toes. Nathan apologizes profusely with a face that looked like a small child caught making trouble. Haley was a great sport about it though and she stuck it out with him throughout the whole song.
"It's fine. To be fair, you did warn me." Haley says with a wink. "Well, step one is to look at me, not at the ground."
Nathan laughs as they attempt to dance to another song. He's pretty sure he'd never forget that step.
End Flashback
"If there are any objections to this marriage…"
"Wait…"
The entire church gathering turns to the bridesmaid.
"Haley… I can't let you do this. I've got to tell you something."
The bride in white turns to her best friend with Haley's honey-blonde hair swaying. Her hair shielding the guests from seeing the confusion and hurt etched on her face.
"Peyton, is this really the best time?" Haley gestures to the many in attendance sitting on the pews.
"You can't marry Chris, Haley… because you're still legally married to Nathan."
An audible gasp erupts.
Haley stiffens and glares daggers at the one person who just blew up her entire life in that mere admission.
With everyone on pins and needles to the bride's reaction, the supposed husband-to-be ushers Haley to the corner.
Now the right thing to have asked was if Haley was alright, but since this is Chris Keller he asks, "Haley, is it true? Are you still married to Nathan Scott?"
Damn his name.
International rockstar Haley James stares up at the man she was moments away from calling her husband, fellow musician, Chris Keller. In front of all their friends and family and the state of New York, they were going to be husband and wife. Although a bit self-centered at times, Chris means well. At least Chris owns up to his ass-like behavior. Unlike Nathan Scott.
Damn his name.
"I… I don't know how this happened Chris. I'm… I'm soooo sorry. God, I really thought Peyton and I were over our little petty problems in high school… but this…"
Haley knew she was being harsh on Peyton. Despite their initial dislike for each other, they eventually became best friends, much thanks to Nathan Scott himself. With a bit of prodding over the years, Peyton, discovered the raw, unearthed rockstar talent Haley kept hidden behind textbooks and tutoring. Haley knew she was the success she was thanks to Peyton (and by extension, Nathan. Although she was grateful to him for that, she was too hurt at the moment to acknowledge it); it was a no-brainer Peyton Sawyer is not just Haley's manager/producer, but also bestfriend and bridesmaid.
The cracks in her voice and the few tears in her eyes led Chris to embrace her.
"Shhh… babe, its fine. Look, I'll get someone on this right away…"
"No, Chris I can't ask you to do that. This is my mess. I'll figure something out."
"Okay." After a moment of silence, Chris continues. "Just promise me one thing, Haley."
"Anything."
"When all of this is settled, when all of your affairs are in order, we're still getting married, right?"
"Of course. I love you Chris Keller."
The look in her eyes was all the confirmation he needed and he nodded in acceptance.
"Love you too, Haley."
What started out as the beginning of Haley's future, ended with Haley dejectedly looking into the past.
1 Week Later
"I'm sorry, Chris. This is something I've got to handle. Don't worry, this trip won't take long. We'll be married soon enough."
Haley James sat in her private plane. Destination: Tree Hill, North Carolina. In other words: Home. Well… the home she distanced herself from. The past she ran from.
By the time the plane hit the tarmac, Haley James wanted to strangle Nathan Scott. She signed those damn divorce papers. But according to Peyton, and despite numerous attempts to get him to sign, Nathan did not.
So here Haley was: home.
Haley drove across town to the once familiar address. She got out of the car and immediately spotted Nathan's frame underneath a car Haley was sure he was fixing up. That was Nathan's thing, restoring classic cars. Something he picked up from his Uncle Keith. As if sensing her (she hated how after all these years, their bodies were still so in tune to one another), Nathan rolls from underneath the car and gets up, his stupid, sexy smirk plastered on his face.
Nathan and Haley were once again face-to-face.
She's a rockstar. He's a mechanic. She travels the world. He's been in Tree Hill his whole life. She's dressed by a stylist. He's dressed in grease. She's living her dreams. He resents his. He was her husband. She's still his wife.
"Hales, you're home. I was just about to make some mac and cheese."
I've never felt so strong
Life can lead us to a happiness never ending
If we just know that we belong to each other
Never worry, grow as we go
See you in your wedding dress
I can see you in your wedding dress
I see you walking down in your... (wedding dress)
I can see you in your wedding dress
Baby girl you won't regret
Come along just take my hand
Let's start this journey livin' life so beautiful
This happy hope that we spread, love and see
It goes deeper so deep from my heart