I own nothing. Everything in this story belongs to the creator of One Tree Hill and the CW

Prologue

Haley had a good buzz going, and was on the dance floor with Brooke, Peyton, and Lucas. She was currently having the time of her life. After all it was a little over a week ago her heart was shattered into a million pieces, not that she didn't deserve it. She'd shattered his heart countless times over the years. At that thought she looked over her shoulder towards the bar. She noticed him quickly only because of the crutches that were leaning on the bar. He however was face down on the bar, an empty bottle of tequila in front of him. He use to come to her, they use to be best friends. However she ruined that years ago by making the wrong choice.

Looking at Lucas she spoke. "Lucas, what's wrong with your brother?" Haley questioned pointing her head in the direction of Nathan. Lucas looked up, his face falling as he watched his brother reach behind the bar grabbing another bottle of alcohol, ripping the spout out and chugging it straight from the bottle, then lowering his head back onto the surface of the bar. As if sensing someone was watching him he lifted his head and looked directly at her their eyes doing all the talking. Then she flashed back to his return to tree hill.

Flashback:

Haley was at the airport. She was currently waiting for Nathan. Deb was supposed to pick him up but she and Karen had had and emergency at the Club. Something to do with an inspection. Deb had practically begged her to pick him up. She tried to get out of it claiming the Lucas, Brooke, or Peyton would be better options. Deb however had quickly shot them down. Stating that Peyton would be with her and Karen. Lucas was in New York and Brooke was just unreachable. After a bunch of begging by Deb, reluctantly she had agreed to do it. She hadn't seen him in years. In fact it had been 4 years, 6 months, and 3 days.

It was then that she spotted him. He was in jeans, blue polo, and a black baseball cap pulled down real low, and had a back pack on his back. He was ripped as ever. Even with all his clothes on she could see it. Professional Basketball suited him. Last she noticed he was on crutches and looking around. Her heart broke at the sight. He'd been injured in his last game of his first professional season as a Laker, after making the shot that won them the championship which of course had been a slam dunk. He came down wrong on his knee. It was then that he spotted her. She watched as shock ran across his face before it was quickly transformed into a cold hard scowl. She started towards him after taking a deep breath.

"What are you doing here Haley?" Nathan spat coldly.

Her heart broke a little hearing him call her Haley. Before he had always called her hales. She rolled her eyes to mask it before speaking. "Well, hello it's good to see you too. I'm great by the way. How are you?" Haley questioned in a sickly sweet voice.

"Like you care. You can leave, I will find my own way home." Nathan stated as he turned and started towards the exit.

Haley quickly started to follow. "Come on Nathan. We were best friends once and I do care, and I know you wanted more, so did I, but…" She stopped sort when he started laughing

Nathan stopped and laughed. "You're kidding right. No you didn't in fact you proved it when you picked him over me. How are the two of you, you get married?" He choked on the last part.

"Almost, but no, I couldn't do it. There was someone else, someone who meant more..." Haley said coming to stand in front of him.

Nathan laughed again. "If it's me you are wasting your time. I've got someone, you're 4 years too late, and I am over you." Nathan then watched her eyes as his words registered and her heart shattered as a million thoughts ran through her mind. Nathan then turned and left her.

His words had left her shattered, she didn't follow him, and she just let him go.

Nathan's face harded as he started drinking again.

That was just one of many encounters since his return, so she was trying to move on. She and Lucas watched as Nathan then got up and started towards the restrooms. Lucas then answered her question. "His girlfriend hasn't been in contact with him since after his accident. He thinks she might only be with him for the boost in fame. She's a new hot upcoming actress, with NBA's hottest rookie. Wouldn't be a first time. Its stuck in his head so he is beating himself up."

Haley looked at Lucas. "Are you serious right now?"

Lucas nodded in confirmation. Lucas then went back to dancing with Peyton and Brooke.

Haley however continued to dance and watch Nathan as he had returned and continued to drown himself in alcohol.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the arms of her date Damien wrapped around her pulling her back into him. She looked at him and smiled.

"Hey, where'd you go? You look spaced out?" The guy asked kissing her cheek. She pulled back, the smell if cigarette smoke making her sick. "Just dancing with my friends." She stated as she pulled away, want to desperately get away from the offending smell. "Are you thirsty?" He asked. "Yes, could you get me a glass of red wine. I'm going to use the rest room."

"Sure" Damien responded, she started toward the restroom. "We'll meet you in two after the song is finished." Brooke stated as she and Peyton continued to dance

Damien however started towards the bar.

Walking towards the restroom Nathan came stumbling out of the men's room with his head down and without his crutches clutching the wall.

"Nathan are you okay? Lucas told me about your girlfriend." Haley stated putting her hand on his shoulder to help steady him.

Nathan lifted his head and looked at her. Her eye's full of concern. Nathan smiled. "Haley, I'm fine. Just a big loser as always. No more girlfriend or basketball" Nathan slurred slightly. "But, you and your date seem to be getting along well." Nathan finished softly with a tinge of jealousy that didn't go unnoticed by Haley.

"His name is Damien, and Nathan, look, I heard about your girl…" Nathan cut her off "He isn't good enough for you." Nathan finished as pulled her hand off of him and placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand. She felt anger rise in her at his words. She pulled her hand from his and it came up quickly slapping him across the face. "He's not good enough for me. You've no right saying that to me, Nathan. That's not fair to me, and that not fair to your actress girlfriend either." Haley stated looking at the ground.

Nathan then snapped "I have no right? You're the one that fucked my brains out, not once but multiple times prom night." Haley's head snapped up at that. She remembered that night, it had meant everything to her, and she knew they had done more than… she couldn't even think the word. Her heart broke hearing him say this.

Nathan noticed but kept going. "You then asked me what I was thinking. Shame on me for being honest and telling you, I was the one that wanted you and wanted to take the relationship past being friends, and that I loved you. That I had been feeling that way for a while. However you freaked out. As soon as I was asleep you ran. You avoided me, then I left for training camp. You sent me a letter, stating you wanted more. However refresh my memory. Was it you or me that was engaged when I returned? Oh no wait that was you." Nathan spat at her

Haley shook her head. "I was scared. But the night we were together it was special please it hurts me to hear you..." Nathan cut her off as he laughed bitterly. "Hurts you? Imagine how I felt Haley. We were together, I pour my heart out to you which you know isn't easy for me then you just left me. You used me, and went back to him."

Haley put her hand to her head trying to keep the tears that were stinging the back of her eyes at bay. "I tried to make things right with you. But, you shut me out."

Nathan exhaled loudly. "I shut you out because you crushed me Haley. Damn it. That year was the worst year of my life… and I needed you, and you shut me out because I was honest with you…. You know what. Never mind doesn't matter." Nathan stated as he turned to walk away but Haley's hand on his arm stopped him.

Haley felt horrible. She knew she had hurt him, and she was finally seeing how much. "It does matter. When you're ready to talk I'll be here. I'm not going anywhere and I am so sorry Nathan." Haley whispered

Nathan said nothing as he Noticed Brooke and Peyton quickly approaching. "Sorry, whatever." Nathan muttered as he then turned and walked away from her back towards the bar.

Peyton and Brooke approached Haley. "What was that heated exchange between you two?" Brooke questioned

Haley shrugged. "Nothing new. We've been this way for years." Haley finished as she look past them towards Nathan. He was at the bar ordering water. She turned and entered the restroom with Brooke and Peyton.

"What's with that anyway? You two were best friends what happen?" Brooke asked

"He and I… well it just…It's complicated, just drop it." Haley stated wanting to change the subject.

"Haley really." Peyton said making eye contact with Brooke both already knowing.

"Yes, Nathan Scott and I are a sore subject." She stated

"Okay, for now. But, you're going to spill and soon." Brooke stated before walking into a stall. Peyton and Haley taking other stalls.

Nathan sat at the bar. His head was pounding. The water he had ordered was helping. He noticed the guy that Haley had been dancing with and had kissed her cheek receiving drinks a beer for him and wine for who he knew was Haley. As Owen slid the drinks to him Nathan watched as his hand went around his beer. Nathan watched as he reached for the wine. Fist closed and then opening over the top. Nathan watched as two small white pills were dropped into the wine. Picking up the wine he swirled it to make it disappear. Nathan felt rage rush through him as he quickly stood up ignoring the pain in his knee. Nathan looked up and noticed Owen walking towards him.

"Nate whats up?" Owen asked

"Call the police we've got a predator in here slipping drugs into drinks." Nathan said as he rushed over

"You got it." Owen called after him

Nathan made it to him in three strides ignoring the searing pain in his knee. "You're good but I saw what you did." Nathan spat angrily

Damien turned with a smug smirk. "What? Why don't you mind your own business?"

Recognition passed through Nathan at the man in front of him. "Damien West." Damien smiled "Well if it isn't Nathan Scott, the injured rookie joke. What do you want?" Damien questioned. "I saw what you did West. I suggest you get the hell out of here before the police show up.

Damien laughed. "What's it to you. She's just some stupid whore. I'm looking to score tonight and that will help me. If not" Damien patted his front pocket of his jeans. " I have plenty more to help."

All of the anger and rage snapped inside of Nathan in the moment. Nathan swipped the wine glass off the bar top shattering it. A piece of glass breaking off into his hand. "Stay the Hell away from Haley, and get the fuck out of here. Now."

Damien shocked held up his hands in surrender. "Okay. Scott." Damien turned towards the door but stopped and turned back around. "You know what I think I'll stay." Damien finished as his fist came flying and connected with Nathans face splitting his lip.

Nathan wiped the blood from his lip. "You're going to regret that." Nathan stated as he then lunged for Damien tackling him to the ground.

In the bathroom Haley was reapplying her lipstick, Brooke her eye shadow, and Peyton her foundation.

"So, Hales how's your date going?" Brooke asked tucking her eye shadow into her bra.

Haley looked at the reflection of her two best friends in the mirror. "He is cute, but he smokes, he chain smoked the whole way here in the car. He smells like an ash tray it's disgusting. I'm away from him right now but I can still smell it. it's on me. I can't wait to go home and shower." She finished shuddering.

"I'm sorry Hales." Brooke stated reaching out and patting her on the shoulder.

"me too." Peyton started. "If this isn't working for you, I could introduce you to someone…" Peyton trailed off.

"No. I think I just want to be alone for a while." Haley stated

"Is it because you really want to or, because a certain Raven haired friend of ours has returned after years of being away?" Brooke questioned kinking her eye brow.

Haley was about to respond when all three started hearing people in the club screaming fight. All three quickly left the restroom. All three running to where the crowd of people had gathered.

Pushing through the throngs of observes they came to see what it was.

Nathan was being pulled off of a guy by Lucas and a member of Security. Looking back Haley seen Damien who was sprawled across the ground clutching his bleeding nose. She quickly ran to him grabbing his arm. "I was getting us drinks, and he just went crazy. The guy is an absolute lunatic." He stated as he was helped up off the ground by Haley and another member of the security team.

She looked over her shoulder at Nathan. His lip was bloody, and still had fire in his eyes. The emotion however she couldn't read. "What the hell?" Haley questioned.

Nathan used his hand to wipe the blood from his mouth before speaking. Pointing to him he began to speak. "That guy is not good for you, he is a creep. While he was getting you both drinks I seen him, slip something into your wine." Nathan stated

Haley turned back to Damien with wide eyes. "I did not. I was simply giving it more oxygen. It helps the wine taste better." Damien stated taking a step towards Nathan challenging him.

"You're lying. I seen…" Nathan stated also taking a step back towards him but was cut off by Haley who stepped in between both of them.

"Enough! Both of you." She then turned on Nathan pushing him backwards. "When are you going to grow up?" She spat.

"What?" Nathan questioned "If anything you should be thanking me. That guy is a predator."

"No! Stop. You need to stop. You…" Haley trailed off as two officers intervened.

Nathan Scott, Damien West. You're both under arrest. The officers stated as they started cuffing Damien and Nathan.

"What?" Nathan boomed "Come on."

"Hey don't do the crime if you don't want to do the time." The officer stated and he tried putting the cuffs on Nathan.

"Is this really necessary? I'm supposed to be on crutches." Nathan said as he pulled away again

Lucas then spoke. "Look my brother Nathan said that he was slipping pills into drinks. If you find the pills on Damien do you really need to take Nathan in? I mean he didn't do anything wrong. He may have thrown a punch but Damien hit him first. That was in self-defense."

Both officers looked at him then turned to look and both Damien and Nathan. Damien looking a little greener then normal. "Yeah I guess." With that the officer grabbed Damien and started patting him down. The officer pulled out his wallet, keys, change, and a prescription of Rohypmol.

Haley watched in disbelief as they pulled it off of Damien. A sickening feeling falling within her gut.

"Rohypmol. Name on the prescription is Regina West." The officer stated

"It belongs to my mom I picked it up for her." Damien stated as he shifted uncomfortably.

The officer then opened the bottle after checking the count. "two are missing." The officer stated as the other was jotting notes into his little note pad.

Haley then walked towards Damien in disbelief. "How could you?" She questioned.

Damien shrugged. "You were pulling away, so I figured if I drugged you I could at least fuck you while you were out of it."

Haley reached up and slapped him across the face. "You piece of shit. Get him out of here." Haley spat.

The officer nodded as he hauled off reading Damien his rights and charges. The other looked at Nathan. "You're a free man. Thank you for looking out for the well being of others." With that the officers turned and left.

Haley, Lucas, Brooke, and Peyton all stood staring at Nathan. "You did a good thing Nate. We're proud of you Superstar." Brooke stated as she patted him on the shoulder. Peyton quickly agreed and gave him a hug. Haley was about to say something and it was then that Haley noticed Nathan's hand cut wide open.

"Oh my god Nathan your hand." She stated coming up and grabbing his hand in hers.

Nathan winced. "Ouch. Easy."

Haley then grabbed the collar of his shirt with both hands and pulled him in to a hug. Nathan stood there not hugging back, arms hanging at his sides. She pulled back looking into his eyes. "Thank you. I love that you are still protective of me after everything. I'm so sorry Nathan, I…"

Nathan laughed bitterly. "I thought I needed to grow up." He spat as their friends watched. Nathan looked at Haley. "You want to thank me, stay away from me." he stated as he then turned looking at Lucas. "Please take me home." Lucas said nothing and nodded.

Peyton and Brooke watched as Haley then took off for Peyton's office.

"What the hell was that?" Peyton questioned. Brooke frowned "I think something happen between the two of them. I think Haley loves Nathan, and I know Nathan loves her. I know something happen between them back in high school."

"How do you know?" Peyton asked. Brooke smile. "Peyton, she was heart broken after Chase announced he was going into the air force, broke up with her then left for basic. Remember it was two days before prom. Nathan ended up taking Haley, he was so happy, he'd always had a thing for her. They were looking like a real couple, I even witnessed a kiss between them. They also disappeared that night. The next day remember how Haley avoided him?" Brooke stated as realization came across her face. "I seen the kiss too. Nathan spoke to her before leaving for basketball camp. I know she sent him a letter. I was with her when she sent it. But, then we seen Chase. They… Oh my. What do you think happen? Peyton asked. "I don't know but, I sure as hell am going to try and fix it. I miss all of us hanging out like we use too. First we gotta get Haley to tell us everything." Brooke finished as her and Peyton started towards her office where Haley was.

The car was silent as Lucas drove Nathan home. Not being able to take the silence anymore Lucas spoke.

"You were kind of a dick to Haley back there." Lucas stated

"Well she did kind of deserve it." Nathan said

Lucas shook his head. "No she didn't. She hates when we fight. What's going on with you two? You used to be friends what happen?"

Nathan shook his head. "Nothing."

Lucas shook his head. "That's bullshit. I can tell she's hurting, you're hurting but won't say anything. So I am gonna ask you again What happen?"

"For now just leave it alone, please Luke." Nathan pled

"Alright, but stop treating Haley like shit. Because if you think you're gonna continue to mistreat Haley you're wrong. Because if you do. I'm going to hurt you." Lucas finished as he pulled into Nathan's drive way.

"Sorry, look, thanks for the ride home. See you later." Nathan stated as he climbed out of the car. Lucas not waiting for Nathan to grab his crutches handed them to him through the window.

"Take a shower, get some sleep, and I will see you in the morning." Lucas said

Nathan nodded. After watching Lucas pull away Nathan went into his house. Closing the door and looking around he felt alone. Hobbling over to the couch he laid down. Reaching into his pocket he called the first person he could think of. He got her voicemail. His heart broke. He decided to leave a message again.

"Hey babe, it's me. Look I'm in my home town tree hill. Hope filming is going well. I miss you so much baby. Anyways, hope to hear from you soon." After he hung up Nathan threw his phone against the wall watching it shatter. Getting up he grabbed a crutch hobbling over to a shelf he started grabbing his basketball trophies and started throwing them around. He didn't hear his front door open, as he kept destroying every basketball achievement he could find. His hand still bleeding but he did care. Grabbing his MVP award from high school he threw it against the wall and it shattered.

"Mommy, Daddy, what's wrong with Cousin Nathan?" A five year old Lily asked her daddy.

Nathan stopped turning to his company. Shocked he finally spoke. "Uncle Keith, Karen, what are you doing here?"

Brooke and Peyton entered her office to find Haley crying on the couch. "Haley, I know you're having a hard time right now. But, you need to tell us what happen between you and Nathan."

Haley hiccupped. "What?" Haley questioned

Peyton spoke. "Nathan hasn't been home really since Prom night senior year. Brooke and I saw the kiss and we both thought you'd finally given in and admitted what you felt for each other. But, that's obviously not the case. Peyton finished arching a brow at Brooke.

"You my friend also suck at hiding your feelings, you are also in love with Nathan. I've watched you mope around for the past 4 years. So we ask again what happen?" Brooke finished with a challenging look.

"It's not…" Haley began but Brooke cut her off.

"Don't you dare say it's nothing? It's obviously something. Besides if you finally tell us we may be able to help you." Brooke stated

Haley sighed defeated. "Okay, but it started way before prom. So in order for you to understand, I'll have to start at the beginning."

Brooke and Peyton shared a look. "When did it begin?" Peyton asked with a smirk

Haley wiped her cheeks as she felt them start to heat up. "Spring of Junior year, summer before senior year."

Brooke and Peyton looked at Haley shocked. "Okay, I guess start there."

After a few deep breaths Haley began: "Well, see it all started when…"