And you could be the greatest thing that has happened to me,
Though I don't know you now...
Don't Hold Your Breath.
Chapter One.
The sound of the round, orange ball hitting against the wooden flooring echoed in his ears, along with the sound of his Nike's scuffling against the floor and the almost deafening screams of fans, drowning out the boo's from the opposite team supporters. He kept his eyes focussed on the hoop which was nearing closer and closer with every breath he took.
This was it.
The crowd went silent- their eyes half on him as he dodged the other team as they tried to steal the ball, the other half on the clock, with three seconds left that was ticking away painfully fast for them, but the complete opposite for number twenty three.
Three.
He brought his arms up, the ball resting just in front of his nose. His heart started to pound, which was the only sound he could hear in his ears as he realised the inflatable, rubber ball from his grip.
Two.
It was like slow motion as the opposite team tried to block him and the ball from passing. But Nathan didn't focus on them, not for a split second. His blue eyes, which were sparkling in adrenaline, followed it as it neared the hoop; it was all he could see. Nothing else mattered in that moment, other than that ball getting through the hoop.
One.
And it did.
The buzzer sounded, just as the ball sailed through the hoop with a swoosh.
Nathan was instantly trampled in hugs and pats from his fellow team mates, who were all grinning widely and laughing in jubilance. They all knew, just like he did, that this wasn't just any other game. It was the last game of the season, and his last game playing for the LA Lakers. Everyone was going to get a little sentimental as they celebrated their win together for the last time. In some sense, they were a family.
''You did it, man.''
''I'll miss you, dude.''
''Great shot, Scott.''
Those were some of the congratulations he received (well, the ones he could hear over the fans screams anyway). He waved to his friends who were cheering his name, looking proud like they always do, even if they don't always get to attend all of his games.
His eyes wandered around the court, along the posters and lights and advertisements. The fans, who were still waving around and screaming. The yellow and purple that he convinced himself would blind him some nights.
As much as he complained about how lonely it become, or how LA wasn't home, he knew that sooner or later he would begin to miss this place.
But right now, he just needed to home, for good.
After the celebrations and quick interviews were over, he made his way to the locker rooms, him stomach flipping nervously when he caught his father's evil stare from the huge crowd. That was never a good sign. Ever since high school his father has judged his performance, he always looked down on him and scrutinised his talent, something Dan Scott lost years ago. Even now, being in the NBA still didn't appear good enough for his dad.
Nathan sighed as he reached his locker, grabbing a towel before showering and dressing quickly, beating all of his team mates. If he was this fast, then he may get out quick enough to avoid talking to his father.
All hope was dashed when his phone buzzed.
Meet me at the car park, I'm at my car - Dan.
Suddenly his movements because a lot slower as he continued to get ready, he even sent his friends a couple of texts to tell them not to meet him later, and that he'd call them tomorrow. Nathan even thanked one of them for being there, because it was a rare thing, but it couldn't be helped.
''Finally, there you are.'' Dan drawled when Nathan eventually met up with him. ''We have a lot to talk about, son. Get in the car,'' he demanded in his typical fashion, snapping his fingers. ''We're going to dinner.''
''But my car is here,''
''Get it in the morning,'' his tone began to become irritated. ''Nathan, get in the car.''
Nathan obliged, climbing in the passenger seat. Whenever his dad began to get frustrated, Nathan knew not to challenge him, that wasn't a good idea. Despite the fact that he's twenty six, living on his own and has a ton of money, he still fears his father, while hating him with a burning passion at the same time.
As soon as Dan started to drive, the typical, judging words flew out of his mouth. ''You were a little slow today, Nate.'' he sniped. ''You know, I'm surprised The Bobcats,'' Crap. ''Even decided to sign you with your performance recently.''
He swallowed thickly. ''Uh- Dad, I-''
''You know that I didn't want you playing for that team, Nathan.''
For reasons that Nathan still fails to understand, Dan has always objected to him wanting the play for The Charlotte Bobcats, ever since he expressed his love for the team when he was younger. So when Nathan signed, he only told his friends, not even his mom (not that she would care, anyway) to avoid it getting back to Dan. The transfer was quiet and wasn't to be revealed for a couple of weeks, but his dad has ways of getting information out of anyone. Nathan shouldn't have even been surprised by his father's visit; Dan loves to stick his nose in business that isn't his, especially the business of his only son.
''It's home.'' Nathan insisted, hating how shaky his voice sounded. Usually he would snipe or send a sarcastic comment his father's way, but knowing how passionate Dan expressed his feelings over Nathan playing for The Bobcats, he felt more scared than smart right now.
''Exactly,'' Dan barked, his fingers curling around the steering wheel tightly. ''It's full of distractions.''
''No- no it's not.''
Nathan saw his father's knuckles begin to turn white. ''Yes it is! I can try and get you out of this, Nathan, just play for another team, just not 'Bobcats.''
A small smirk played on his lips at how weak Dan's tone was. ''It's a done deal. I've already got an apartment out there, I'm moving next week.''
Dan glanced at him, his big eyes wide. ''W- what about your friends? The ones you can't do anything without, huh? How are you gonna live without them? Or that girl,'' he spat her name in disgust. ''She won't leave here.''
''It's their home too,'' Nathan chuckled quietly, feeling a strange sense of bravery. ''And I've got Damien.''
''Oh? So you're moving because that idiot's on the team,'' His eyes were on him now. ''Distractions, that whole town is full of them, especially West.''
Nathan looked at the road ahead, seen as his father wasn't doing the same. ''No he's not.'' his voice grew quiet, trying to tone down the disagreement without actually backing down. ''He's my best friend.''
''Friend? He'd leave you in a heart beat for some other girl, they all would if something better suited them.''
His eyes grew dark as he glared at Dan. ''You don't know anything about them, okay? They've done more for me than you ever have, you don't understand what it's like to have people that love you.'' he growled, anger shooting down his veins. His father had hit a nerve. ''That'll always be there, no matter what. Unlike mom.''
Dan laughed darkly, humourless. ''Your mother who's locked up in some rehab clinic somewhere, the stress of raising you is what got her in there.''
''No, the stress of being married to you for so long is what did it.''
''You were always a problem child,'' he stated, ignoring Nathan's comeback. ''Always wanted your mom, and would always cry and lash out if you got a tiny bit of constructive comment. You're weak, Nathan. You need those stupid little friends of yours to make you feel better, or some random slut at a bar. You hate me, but you're going to be just like me one day, alone...''
Nathan shook his head, trying not to let it get to him. He turned his attention back to the road, panic shooting through him while his eyes shot open, glued to the car that was heading their way. ''Dad, look out!''
Dan swerved the car to the left, putting himself right in target as the car that wasn't stopping. He pressed his foot onto the pedal, attempting to drive to the side of the road before the speeding, swerving pick up truck hit them.
He didn't drive fast enough.
Pain tingled in Nathan's side, travelling through his body before he could even think about anything. It went up his body, numbing his senses wherever it touched. His mouth went dry and his eyes grew weak, his mind went dark.
Everything went black.
Nathan tapped his foot impatiently on the tiled flooring of the Tree Hill shopping mall, looking around for a girl he didn't even know. Stupid Luke, he grumbled inwardly. His stupid brother's girlfriend, Brooke (which confuses Nathan, because he was with Peyton the other week... But he doesn't really like to get involved in that weird drama) decided that she needed Luke to help her out with some yard sale, meaning he had to cancel his plans.
Apparently Lucas has this other best friend that Nathan's never actually had a chance to meet. Her dad makes a ton of money so she goes to the all girls, private school across town. But she had met Lucas at a library (nerd, he had instantly summarised her when his half brother told him this) and hung out with Brooke and Peyton a couple of times too. She was supposed to be meeting Lucas at the mall here today to hang out and her phone was broken so he couldn't contact her before she left her home.
And Nathan, being the kind, considerate brother decided to meet her here and break the bad news.
(And to check out if she was hot).
(But he wasn't gonna admit that to Lucas).
He and Lucas were still kinda awkward around each other these days. They've been hanging out for a while, which is an extreme improvement considering they hated each other the year before. Lucas and Nathan have the same father, Dan, but different parents. Dan had left Lucas' mother, Karen, and got his new girlfriend named Deb who he had gotten pregnant in college and chose to be with her, leaving a pregnant Karen with nothing except his brother Keith. But to cut a long story short, Lucas and Nathan had put their obvious problems behind them, while Karen had married Keith and had a girl, Lily, who is now fourteen.
He tried not to look too creepy as he checked out the girls, trying to find one who may appear lost or irritated.
''Um, excuse me.'' a small voice said as the girl tapped his shoulder, gaining his attention. ''Uh- have you seen...''
Nathan turned around to face the owner of the pretty voice, that had silenced when he did so.
That didn't matter much, though, considering the breath caught in the back of his throat when he laid eyes on the short girl. Her brown eyes resembled chocolate, with flickers of green swirling inside them. Her auburn hair was styled in a side plat, which rested on her shoulder as lose strands of hair rested on her face. Her clothes were simple, a normal pair of jeans and plain blue t-shirt, accompanied with some pumps. Her cheeks were glowing- she was glowing.
She was gorgeous.
''Have I seen?'' Nathan finally found his words, smirking at her.
''A guy,'' she coughed, clearly regaining her senses. ''He's got, like, dirty blonde hair,'' she touched her head, as if this would help. ''And he's a little smaller than you, your eyes look similar, too.'' she pointed out. ''He was supposed to be meeting me but I think that jerk stood me up. His name's Lucas, Lucas Scott.''
He chuckled at the huff she ended her explanation with, stopping when she glared at him. ''Uh, yeah, he's my brother actually.'' Nathan stuck out his hand. ''Nathan Scott.''
She shook if formally, her small hand fitting perfectly with his, tingling as their skin touched. ''Haley James.''
''Luke, he couldn't make it, and your phone was broken or something.'' he explained, searching his mind for a quick lie. ''He- he had to... uh, he's grounded, for... uh, breaking his curfew.''
Haley eyed him carefully, already catching out his little fib. ''Lucas wouldn't break a curfew,'' she stated knowingly. ''He said you're the bad one.''
''I wouldn't call breaking a curfew 'bad'...''
''Whatever,'' She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest defensively. Though she was smiling slightly, she knew he was fibbing but didn't call him out on it. Nathan already liked her. ''So he's not coming?''
''Nope, sorry.''
His nonchalance seemed to piss her off, considering the smile fell and was replaced with a glare. ''Fine,'' Haley snapped, turning away from him and towards the escalator leading towards the next floor which lead to various food places and sports shops.
''Wait,'' Nathan called, causing her to freeze. ''Where are you going?''
Her eyes met his and she blushed, fiddling on the hem of her t-shirt. ''The chocolate cake in the food court is really good.'' she responded, cheeks glowing and all. ''Luke or no Luke, I'm here so I'm getting some.''
''No kidding? Sometimes I come here just to get some of that cake.''
''Really?''
''Yeah,'' he shrugged sheepishly. ''Half of the reason I agreed to meet you here was because I wanted to go to the food court. Even if I do look lame eating cake on my own in the middle of the day at a busy mall.''
Haley laughed, her pearly whites gleaming. ''And what was the other half?''
He coughed, hoping a blush wouldn't spread to his cheeks too. ''Luke said you were pretty.''
''You perv,'' she laughed even louder. ''I get it. You're a perv who eats cake on his own at the busy crowded mall, right? You're that guy.''
''Shut up,'' Nathan laughed at her sense of humour. ''You want me to come with you, or what?'' He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, ignoring his strange racing heartbeat. ''You know, so we don't look lame.''
Haley shrugged her shoulders. ''Sure,'' The two turned back towards the escalators, walking then standing right next to each other when they made their way towards the food court. ''Aren't you a jock or something? I thought they couldn't possibly, ever be lame.'' she mocked. ''Or are you the exception?''
''I guess I am. But Luke's a 'jock' too, and he's the lamest guy on the planet.''
She slapped his arm weakly. ''That's your brother.''
''So? I mean, you met him at a library.''
Instead of slapping his arm this time, she punched it, hard. ''Hey! Was that your subtle way of calling me lame? 'Cause you're not very good at it.''
''No, of course not.'' he said, mocking sweetness. ''But really, are you popular at your posh, private school?''
''How do you know about that?''
''Lucas.''
''Oh,'' she said quietly as they approached the line for the cake shop. ''Well, no.'' she grumbled, kicking something invisible on the ground. ''I'm not popular at my 'posh, private school' but everyone at my school sucks, I don't wanna be popular.''
''Hey Nate, you got me really scared there for a while...''
''Everyone wants to be popular,'' Nathan stated in disbelief.
Haley snorted, rolling her eyes. ''That's what popular people think. Some people are perfectly content with their high school status, you know, there's more to life than basketball games and parties and drinking.''
He chortled. ''Really, like what?''
''...Now I just need you to wake up, okay? Because we- we could still lose you if you don't. And I really need my best friend...''
''An education,'' she shrugged as they almost reached the front of the queue.
''You're so lame!''
''Whatever,'' Haley stuck her tongue out playfully at him, glancing at the row of cakes. ''You're lamer.''
''At least I get the last chocolate cake.'' he laughed, running to the now empty counter, ordering the very last chocolate cake. After he got given the small box, he walked past her, still laughing cruelly. ''Bye lame girl.''
''...You've stood by me through anything, and you can't just go now. I mean, what if I actually meet a girl, huh? Then who's gonna be there to talk me up to her and be my wingman? Nate, just open your eyes...''
Haley sighed, following him out of the shop. ''Aw, Nathan, come on. Give me a little bit of it, please.'' she begged, still trailing behind him. ''Nathan, Nathan.''
''I didn't hear an apology...'' he said in a sing song voice, opening the box and running his finger along the edge of the cake and placing the small bit of chocolaty cream into his mouth. He was teasing her, chuckling at how flustered she had become, he didn't realise that it had become hot in here...
''I'm- I'm sorry, okay? Just give me some cake.''
''...As cheesy as this sounds, I can't live without you, man.''
Nathan stopped walking and held the box out in front of him. ''Okay, just a little, though.''
She grinned before snatching the box out of his hands and running down the steps next to the escalator. ''I'll pay you back, lame boy!''
''Haley!'' he shouted down the steps to where she was now skipping away happily, not even bothering to catch up with her. ''Haley, wait up!''
Nathan ran a hand through his hair in frustration, though he couldn't help but laugh. Haley James was definitely the craziest girl he had ever met before, and he liked it.
''Haley!''
''Haley! Haley!''
His eyes shot open and were hit with a bright white colour, it took him a moment to realise that it was the ceiling. His mouth ached, especially when he shouted out of it subconsciously. The right side of his body felt sore and his head throbbed. He looked around the simple hospital room, seeing the flowers, balloons and ''get well soon'' cards.
Then his eyes landed on his best friend, who was gaping at him before a huge, typical grin spread on his face.
''You're awake,'' Julian stated dumbly as Nathan attempted to sit up. ''I should get, like, a nurse...''
''No, wait.'' Nathan croaked. ''Just... give me a second,'' his voice grew into a whisper as he nodded towards the jug of cold water, next to the plastic cups. With much effort, he pushed himself up with his weak arms and leaned against his pillows while Julian handed him the cup of ice cold heaven.
He drank the whole cup slowly, feeling his throat begin to soothe.
''You're such a girl,'' Nathan said quietly, teasing. ''Of course I was still gonna be your wingman, if you ever got a girl that is.''
Julian rolled his eyes. ''You're one to talk,'' he chuckled. ''Damien's on the plane from Charlotte, he couldn't get an earlier flight, he'll be here soon.'' he looked at his best friend earnestly. ''I'm- I'm so glad you're awake. God, I thought you were dead and I was so worried, dude.''
''You can't get rid of me that easily,'' he reassured him with a small chuckle, wincing at his sore head. ''Wh-what happened to me?''
''You got into a car crash.'' Julian explained simply. ''I'll let the doctors explain the rest. I'll go and tell someone you're awake,'' he said, the grin still not leaving his face. He stood up and headed towards the doors, looking back at Nathan in slight confusion. ''Oh, and who was that name you were shouting? Haley or something.''
Nathan wracked his fuzzy mind, getting flashes of shops and people and chocolate cake. And that girl, the stunningly beautiful, dark haired girl in his dreams with the dazzling smile.
''I... I don't know.''
AN: Well, it's finally here! So here's some things you need to know: If you don't like build up, Julian, cliffhangers (which are mainly for my benifit really) or a wait for them to finally be together, then this story isn't for you. These are all essential parts in the story that will happen. Especially lots of Julian, well, because.
A big thank you to Nancy (cuteyfruity) for your help. Without you then this story probably wouldn't have even begun. This is written from a prompt from kaya17tj, and it's very different to the other dream related stories out there. Her ideas are like rainbows, okay? I cannot stop writing them.
The song + title is the song don't hold your breath by athlete.
I really wanna know who's reading this, so I know how many people are interested in more chapters. So, please review! Oh, and you'll get a preview of the next chapter:-) x