Thanks so much for the reviews. I just first want to say I have been hinting what will be the traumatic event; however, I don't think I will bluntly say it. But some of you have guessed it already and that's the point! Lol Anyways here's another chapter and I hope you enjoy it. For those who still don't know, by the end of the next chapter or two you will.

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"Shit."

"What?"

"Dan."

Haley glanced in the direction of Nathan's gaze and met eyes with what Nathan said, "The Devils Spawn." She felt his grip on her hand tighten, and his body tense as Dan made his way towards them. He had a smile that would both make you believe he was trustable to those who didn't know him however, for those who did it was a sign of creepiness. Haley couldn't help but lean closer to Nathan, who didn't mind. He felt the need to protect her as he always did, especially from Dan. Stepping ahead of Haley slightly Nathan made himself an obstacle between Dan and Haley.

Since the marriage Dan hadn't spoken to either of them, if he did, it was nothing civilized.

"Well look who it is, Tree Hills very own newlyweds." Dan said as he stopped in front of Nathan glancing behind him to Haley, giving her a wink. Nathan saw it and could feel his insides set on fire; he then stepped closer to Dan as if challenging him.

"What do you want?" Nathan spat out.

Dan held up his hands in defense. "Just wanted to say hello to my daughter in law, I haven't had the opportunity to do so."

"And you couldn't wait until we were done with school?" Nathan asked as he pointed around them. Though they weren't making a scene a few passing students couldn't help but stare. "Why don't you put this little reunion off- hey I'll make you a deal. We'll talk once you admit you're an ass." Nathan said with fake joy as his eyes glared at Dan.

Dan laughed rolling his eyes at his son. "Come on son, stop being ridiculous."

Shaking his head without a word, he pushed his way past Dan bringing Haley in front of him. Haley told herself not to look at Dan, no matter what told her otherwise, don't look at Dan. As Nathan relaced their fingers together they both stopped at the sound of his bellowing voice.

"I'll be seeing you two," Haley turned to grab Nathan as he nearly dodged for Dan. "Especially you Haley- you are my favorite waitress." With that said and a final laugh Dan turned and walked off.

Haley couldn't help but feel disgusted; she looked at Nathan who had his jaw clenched. "I really hate him." Nathan finally said. His eyes were still staring at the corner where Dan has disappeared around. Haley let out a sigh, how she hated seeing him like this. She wanted nothing more to take him away from this.

"I know," pulling lightly yet meaningful on his arm she beckoned Nathan to come. "Come on, let's get to class."

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Haley wiped down the table she had just finished clearing. She looked around as she wiped the mild perspiration that formed on her forehead at the café; they weren't busy however there were a few tables occupied. Haley glanced at the clock that hung near the phone. 6:54.

She sighed as the realization hit her, only six more minutes and she would be off. Back home. Back to Nathan. Haley smiled as the thought of his name led to his face which led to countless memories tied with her feelings. She never knew that love could exist like this and overall, come and find her at such a young age. Nathan was all she wanted and more, he was her first for everything and she knew, and gladly accepted it, that he was her last.

The café bell jiggled breaking Haley's previous thoughts as she came back to the present state of mind. She looked up and rolled her eyes.

Dan.

Haley glanced once more at the clock. 6: 56. She was still on the clock; perfect.

"Welcome to Karen's café, what can I get you?" Haley asked with as much sarcasm and dullness she could muster up. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up as Dan continued to smile at her.

"I'll have a cup of coffee, and…" Dan quickly looked at the special for the day board before bringing his eyes back to Haley. "And the chocolate chip pie."

Nodding quietly Haley went and grabbed a mug and began pouring Dan's coffee. Though she had the strong urge to spit in it, she quickly decided that wasn't for the best. Bringing the mug over she placed it in front of Dan without another word.

"So how's my boy?" Dan asked not even glancing down at his cup.

Squinting her eyes out of annoyance and frustration, Haley finally had it. "Look Mr. Scott since Nathan and I began dating I promised myself that I would be as nice and civilized as I could to you and Mrs. Scott. But after a few months, you know what conclusion I came to?" Haley asked not expecting him to answer just for him to ponder. "That Mrs. Scott is a bitch while you're the biggest jackass on the planet!" Keeping her voice lowered yet stern Haley stepped closer to the counter. "And one more thing, stay the hell away from Nathan. You two have put him through enough as it is, your problems are your own- I will not let you take him down." Dan who had his own tricks up his sleeve as he walked in was suddenly quiet and speechless. Haley wasn't sure how long they were staring at each other, but as the cafes door jingled. Once more Haley diverted her eyes from the cold, soulless eyes of Dan to the customer. From the sight of him she smiled, a new change of expression from the one she previously had.

"Hey Luke."

"Hey." Luke said back as he eyed Dan and then Haley. Haley knew the questions would start once they exited the café. "Ready to go?" Luke asked.

Haley smiled her response, taking her apron off and sliding it under the counter. "One second, I'm going to say bye to your mom." Skipping to the counter window she knocked on the wood with a melody that had been playing in her head all day. "Hey Karen, I'm going to get going. Plus there's a customer out there waiting for the special." Karen popped her head up from the cakes she had been making.

"Okay Haley, Luke's here right?"

"Yes, so I will see you tomorrow morning. 'Night."

"Take care; tell Nathan I said 'hi.'" Karen said as she waved her chocolate spotted hand to Haley. Suddenly Haley saw the stiffness appear in Karen's movements and anger wash over her eyes. Before Haley could ask what, Karen stormed out into the front of café. "Why what do I owe this pleasure of Dan Scotts presence in my café?" Karen asked with fake enthusiasm.

Dan's face sparked with his usually flare. "Thought I'd come back for seconds," He said as he lifted his cup to his lips. "Oh, and for the coffee as well." He winked playfully at Karen's angry face.

"Couldn't you read the sign up front? No dogs allowed. Should I have Lucas show you the way out, I'm sure Deb is worried."

Haley could see this was just the beginning of another verbal battle; she quickly gathered her things and headed for the door with Lucas.

"I was actually hoping to see the outcome for that." Luke said as they were clear away from the café and in his car.

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Haley quietly unlocked the door to the apartment, unsure on whether Nathan had decided to hit the sheets early. Yet, to no surprise he was wide awake. She found him sitting on the couch watching the game; she loved when she was quiet enough to sneak up on him. Nathan who was to busy consumed in the game that was on the TV screen didn't notice or hear Haley take off her jacket or the soft thump of her purse as she laid it on the floor. Haley smiled as she tip toed behind Nathan putting her small, soft hands over Nathan's eyes. "Guess who?" She whispered in his ear.

"Couldn't be the stripper I ordered?" Nathan asked as he reached over the couch and swung Haley over. She squealed with delight. How she loved to be the only thing in the world that could be better than basketball. Nathan brushed the few strands of hair that had fallen out of her ponytail and on her face. "You don't look like a stripper…definitely hotter than the ones I normally have." He teased.

"I'll be sure to tell my agency that- normally my customers are buffer, hotter, and smoother than you. But I suppose you will do." Haley said as she pulled Nathan closer before smiling.

"Thanks hales." Nathan said as he pretend to be really hurt by it. "Really know how to hurt a mans ego."

"Sorry." She said quietly as she touched his cheek with the palm of her hand. As if the guilt wasn't going to let her rest to night, tonight's events washed over her. She was never good with keeping things from Nathan and she knew this would be no different. Haley knew Nathan was wondering what she was thinking. "Nathan, I have something to tell you." She scooted herself up gently pushing him back to do so. "I figured it would be for the best. I don't like putting stress on you or adding up to the problems we have, but-"

Haley was stopped as Nathan pinched her pink lips shut. "Haley, you're rambling. What is it?"

She licked her lips as Nathan let go. She looked up at his awaiting eyes, waiting for what she had to tell. "Dan," The name alone had Nathan tense, quiet and quickly angry.

"What about Dan? What did he do? Was he bothering you, Haley?" His questions coming out in one short breath. "I swear-"

It was Haley's turn to shut Nathan up. Her tiny finger was on his upturned lips. "Let me finish before anything else is said." She more of directed than asked. Nathan kissed her finger and motioned her to continue.

"Dan came into the café today, and…he was being Dan! He just sat there, staring and smiling, it was beyond creepy! At first I told myself I would brush it off; remember you said not to let him get to me?" Haley asked rhetorically. "So I tried to do that but…"

Nathan watched her, waiting for the rest of the story. "Oh Nathan, I'm sorry! When he asked about you I couldn't stop myself. I blew up- I started yelling at him."

"What did you say?" Nathan asked in a neutral tone.

"I might have called your mom a bitch and Dan a jackass- I also warned him to stay away from you." Haley whispered as she looked down at her hands which were fiddling with Nathan's. She closed her eyes to the silence, she expected Nathan to be a little mad. Looking up to explain herself Nathan's lips crashed against hers. "Mmm." Haley murmured as Nathan's hands roamed around her back, she pulled him closer by grabbing fists full of his shirt. When they broke apart, their breathing rougher, Nathan leaned his head to Haley's. "God, you're so sexy when you're protective of me." He teased with a smile.

Haley moved back to see his face. "Wait, you're not mad?"

"Mad? Why would I be mad?"

"I- I assumed…Nathan their still your parents. They've been in your life since the beginning, and I just…I don't know." She finished with a small shrug. Nathan smiled at her honesty, but he shook his head.

"You're right. They still are my parents, but that still doesn't change who they are or what they've done. Yes, they've been in my life since I can remember, but have they ever been apart of it? No. You been in my life for an only a few months yet, you have always been there for me. I'm sorry you got yourself into this, I know I warned you while we were dating yet I had no idea that after we got married…" Nathan shook his head. Haley lifted her hand to his cheek, pushing his face up.

"Hey, look at me." She instructed. Haley didn't continue until Nathan did so. "I love you. I married you knowing exactly what it was like, and I don't regret it. I'm here for you. Nathan, your problems are my problems. Now, do you love me?"

"Of course." Nathan placed a small kiss on her lips. "Always and Forever."

Nathan looked at Haley before continuing. She was always there for him, no matter how small of a thing it was; she never questioned his motives or who he was. He knew he had her for the rest of his life, and he couldn't help but find his heart swell at that.

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Nathan lifted the last box of equipment into the back of his old beat up car. Today was the first day of camp for him and the guys on the team. It wasn't a necessary camp, just something that Nathan and the guys on the team came up with. Closing the trunk Nathan let out a tired sigh, it was too early in his book but being married to Haley he learned the motto, "The early bird gets the worm."

"Nathan you almost forgot this." Haley called out as she ran down the stairs of the apartment complex and jogged her way to Nathan. "Here put it on or you'll freeze to death."

Before Nathan could say anything Haley had wrapped Nathan's sweat shirt over his head, covering his eyesight. "Thanks hales." Nathan muttered from the sweatshirt. Haley laughed as she helped fix the mangled sweatshirt.

"I can't believe your going away for so long."

"It's only for two days, Haley. I'm sure you can live without drama in your life for that long." Nathan teased as he wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her in closer. Still sad from the situation Haley shrugged as she laid her head against Nathan's chest and brought her arms around his waist.

"I suppose, just make sure to be careful. Don't drink at all, okay? Plus try not to stay up to late you know how grouchy you can get when you do that, and-"

"I get it. Be good." He said as she placed a small kiss on her forehead. "Don't worry, whenever I think of doing any of that I'll just pretend your behind me ready to attack." Nathan said against her forehead.

Haley pulled back. "You make that seem like a bad thing."

"No, no. I wish you could come with me. I want you to come with me…but I don't want you exposed to any of the other guys living styles. Best to just stick with mine."

Haley leaned up on her toes and wrapped her arms securely around Nathan's neck, pulling him until he met with her lips. She wasn't going to see him for two days, three days tops, so she wanted one last keepsake before he left. She smiled against his lips and poked her tongue out, tracing it along the edges of Nathan's mouth until he granted her access. Though Haley wasn't one for public display, it was five in the morning, who could possibly be watching? Nathan pulled her tighter to him, every curve and dip of her body he wanted to fill. "I don't have to go…right way." Nathan choked out as Haley moved her lips from his mouth to the blazing hot skin on his neck. Despite the cold, his body had overheated from Haley's first touch. Nathan couldn't see Haley's face but he could even feel her smile on his skin.

Moving her head back, crooking it up in order to look in his darkened eyes. Haley bit down on her lip, not pondering on Nathans request but to hide the smile that she could feel burning on her lips. She gently removed his scarf, throwing it on the top of the cars roof, as she secondly removed Nathans jacket. Sliding it off Nathan couldn't help but let his smile break through; he helped her shrug it off and threw it on the ground. Not being able to contain herself, Haley smiled as she removed her thermal and let it fall with a small thump. Though Nathan knew it was building up with this, his throat went dry as the sight of Haley in just her jeans and bra was standing in front of him. Though the thrill of it set through him, and he wanted nothing more than to have her right there and then; his protective instinct kicked in.

"Hales…someone could see you." He said as he turned them around, pressing Haley's back to the car as his he used his body to shield her from any prowling eyes. Haley giggled. "Nathan, who's going to see me?"

"Peeping toms or homeless men that wander around- your body is only for me."

Haley crooked her eyebrow up. "Is that so? Aren't you a little stingy?" Nathan smiled, it did sound like that. But it was true, Haley was his, and even when the guys on the team joked about Haley like that Nathan became furious. One incident with Brandon from the team stopped the whole team all together from Haley sex jokes.

"I just protect what is mine…and you Haley Scott," Nathan kissed her neck, feeling her pulse race as he placed his lips to her skin. "Are mine."

"Well…," Haley choked as Nathan pushed his body closer to hers. His hand working his way up her exposed skin. "I…" Nathan smiled as Haley trailed off; he loved when he had that effect on her.

Haley couldn't take it anymore and grabbed both sides of Nathans head and brought her lips to his. With such force that Nathan was sure they would both have bruises there by the afternoon- but that didn't bother him. He brought his hands to her hair, tangling his rough hands into her wavy brown locks.

Haley lifted Nathans shirt up, almost freeing him from it when a pair of car lights past and stopped on the other side of the rode. Haley pulled Nathans body closer, hiding herself from whoever that was. "Nathan, my shirt!" Haley hissed, as if it being off in the first place was Nathans fault.

"Calm down- its just Lucas. He's riding with me."

Haley grabbed her thermal and quickly put it on. "Lucas? That makes it worse!"

Just as Haley pushed back Nathan to grab his jacket and scarf for him Lucas was making his way down towards them. "Don't worry Haley I didn't see anything- thank god." He said as he shook his head from the sight he did see. Nathan put his jacket and scarf on with the help from a blushing Haley.

"Hey Luke, you ready to get going?" Nathan asked as he popped the trunk for Lucas, who placed his bag in there.

"Ya, lets get going."

"Bye Luke, you guys be good, okay?" Haley said sternly with a smile as she kissed Luke on the cheek.

"Oh you bet." Lucas stated sarcastically as climbed in the passenger seat shutting the door behind him.

Turning to Nathan, Haley gave him a quick kiss on the lips as she hugged him. "I love you." Nathan smiled against her hair, wrapping his arms tighter. "I love you too, I'll call you whenever I can, okay?"

Nodding her head, Haley pulled back. "Well get going, I'm sure Luke is getting irritated." She said with a small laugh.

"Bye." Nathan kissed her forehead and sat in the driver's seat.

Haley waved to them as they drove away, and when they were out of sight she made her way back to her apartment. Closing the door behind her, she welcomed the silence and darkness. Even with Nathan gone she felt content, at home… safe.

Crawling into the sheets, closing her eyes as she subsided into slumber there wasn't any fear or doubt in her mind that Nathan wouldn't come home safe. Haley knew it, but as smart as she was, and as brave as she felt when she was with Nathan, there was little that she knew or would ever imagine.