"USE SOMEBODY"
Chapter 4
Then Slowly Grows
Disclaimer: I don't own one tree hill and any of the characters from the show, any scene, dialogue you might recognize from the show I don't take credit for, only this story's concept.
"Captain Crunch, Lucky charms, Fruity pebbles, coco pops, trix maybe?" I murmured to myself as I scan the aisle filled with different types of cereals. Seriously this is a headache in the making there's just too many kinds to choose from, it's absurd.
"Talking to your self?" I almost jump out of my skin when I heard someone spoke behind me; last time I checked I was alone in this aisle. I dropped the box of trix I was holding to the floor, I hurriedly picked it up with a grunt, twisting around scowling at the owner of the voice.
"Oh wow! Twice in a week, aren't I lucky?" I sarcastically said, placing the box back on the shelves along with the other cereals, while dropping a box of captain crunch on the cart before pushing it forward ignoring the person following me behind.
"Woke up at the wrong side of the bed?" he asked, I kept quiet as I try to make my way to the checkout counter him following behind.
"So this is how Haley James looks on a normal day? Without the makeup" he said, as I turn around I caught him looking me up and down.
I felt self conscious; I probably look like I just got out of bed, my hair up in a messy bun, no makeup on. I'm in my track suit and flip flops. I consciously tucked a piece of hair that got loose from the bun behind my ear, as I bit down on my lower lip.
"J. is that for James?" he said pointing at the monogram on my track suit and then fingering the letter on my hoodie.
"No" I snort swapping his hand away. "J, if you must know stands for Juicy Couture" I said rolling my eyes at him.
"Looks good on you" he said with a wicked smile.
"Whatever" I said trying to hide my blush.
"Your turn" he said pointing at the cashier, who right now has a frown on her face, impatiently waiting.
"$147.99" the girl dryly said. Geez if you're not happy with your job, quit. I stopped myself from rolling my eyes; instead I gave the girl a sweet smile, too sweet to be real actually if I may say so.
To my horror, as I was about to reach for cash, it dawned on me; I forgot to bring any with me. I turn around in panic and saw him still standing a few feet behind me with a box of Gatorade in hand obviously waiting for his turn on the register.
"Excuse me; I'll just… ahh…" I stuttered. "Give me a few seconds" I turn around and hurriedly made my way to where he was standing.
"Give me $200 dollars" I didn't ask I demanded as I stood in front of him holding my palm out to him.
"Why?" he frowned completely baffled.
"Well I forgot my wallet at home, and I need to pay for those things I bought, or at least that's what I'm trying to do, but like I said I forgot my wallet, so you're going to have to lend me some." I rambled waving my hand in the air.
"Don't make me beg" I said exasperated when he didn't speak.
"This is embarrassing" I sighed shaking my head, I was about to walk away to tell the cashier I forgot my wallet when he grab my arm, not harshly but just enough so he can get a hold of me, and escorted me to the checkout counter with him.
"Oh hi" he said to the too young to have a menopausal attitude cashier girl.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting… you see my girlfriend here" he said draping an arm around my shoulder "Forgot to add this to the cart" I watched him work his charm, as he drops the box of Gatorade on the customer divider to be scanned. I saw the girl smiled and I almost wanted to vomit with how openly she's trying to flirt with him.
"Oh that's okay, you know girls, we tend to forget things sometimes" she said batting an eyelash at him, I snorted and I heard him chuckle under his breath tightening his hold on me.
"Doesn't my girlfriend look beautiful without make up on?" he asked the cashier. Looking down at me with a smile, I glanced away, focusing on the girl in front of us instead, who obviously didn't share the same feelings as him. What is he doing?
"I like my girl all Natural" the double meaning in his words didn't go unnoticed by me. I bit hard on my lower lip, out of embarrassment at the same time trying to keep myself from saying something.
"But it doesn't mean that I don't like her all dolled up, it's just nice to see girls not needing make up to make them look good instead only enhancing what they already have" he continue to ramble to the cashier who's trying to pack all the items as fast as she can, wanting to get rid of him, of us.
"Here" the girl snootily pushed the plastic bag in front of us; he grabbed the plastic filled with groceries and the box of Gatorade and carried all of them in one hand. "Next" she said completely ignoring us now.
I saw a satisfied grin on his face, as we walk away "Why'd you do that?" I hissed.
"I don't like girls who come on to guys who obviously are already with someone else" he said shrugging.
"Like you don't enjoy that? Please! Who are you fooling here? I'm sure you get that all the time" I said totally unconvinced as I try to discretely shrug his arm off my shoulder.
"Okay fine you caught me, she's not my type, is that answer honest enough?" he said letting his arm fall off from my shoulder but then grabbing my hand pulling me towards the exit.
"Figures" I mumbled as I let him pull me with him.
"Besides I sensed you were getting a little jealous" he added. I stopped dread on my tracks halting him in the process. I looked at him mouth agape.
"I was not!" I spat. "Can your ego get any bigger?" I crossed my arm across my chest, while he has the nerve to grin back.
"Give me my stuff so I can go home" I demanded, glaring at him.
"No. Remember I paid for it, so until you pay me, all these stuff are mine" he said childishly hugging the plastic filled with groceries to his chest, I huffed stomping away from him, not in the mood to argue, over something I can buy again.
I've been walking for a couple of minutes when I look back surprised not to find him following behind.
"Argh! Ass! He really took my stuff!" I continue walking towards my apartment, completely fuming now.
I jarred into a halt when I saw the person standing in front of my door with a proud smile plastered on his face. Damn I forgot he knows where I live, jerk!
"What are you doing here? And how did you get here so fast?" I asked a mix of annoyance and amusement at how fast he got here; he must have run I thought to myself. "Stop stalking me"
"I'm not. Just thought you might want your food back, and since I'm here now, you can pay me" he said still wearing the same smile… a smile that says he pulled one over on me.
"Fine, wait right here I'll go get your money" I huffed as I made a move to grab the plastic bag from him, but he wouldn't let go of it.
"Not so fast, I don't want your money, I'm hungry, we can have breakfast together and you can consider your debt paid" he smirked.
"I don't think so" as I sauntered away from him.
"Oh come on Hales… I'm just joking" I had to stop at that, I turn around to look at him with narrowed eyes.
"I thought you said we're friends now" he pouted like a petulant child.
"You're a jerk Scott! And stop pouting!"
"Why?" he pouted some more.
"Cause…cause… "I stopped to think whether or not to continue "cause?" he cajoled.
"Never mind" I said.
"Oh I know, you find it irresistible huh?" yeah…
"I knew you want me James" his smirk grew bigger. I knew it, that ego of his.
"Yeah Scott, irresistible, in a lost puppy dog kind of way, and I've always had a soft spot for animals" I quipped before turning around to open the door, trying to suppress a giggle.
"That's Low Hales!" he said following after me as I walked inside.
"Get over it Nate" I said over my shoulder, eyeing him with a raised eyebrow.
"You're mean!"
"It's high time you know about it! Now follow me to the kitchen" I ordered with a fake stern look.
"Aye Aye captain" he saluted, I laughed.
"What's for breakfast mom?" He asked chin on his arms that's folded in front of him where he's perched on the stool at the kitchen island.
"Shut up! I'm too young to be a mother, especially to a brat like you" I played along, as I move around the kitchen placing the newly bought groceries inside the kitchen cabinet.
"What are you doing here anyway? I mean, don't you have to be at practice or something? I remember when Michael and I used to date I barely saw the guy, he's always out somewhere practicing, at least that's what his excuse was" I said as I start to heat water on a pot, I heard him grunt.
"What?" I asked.
"You just said a bad word Haley" he clipped.
"Oh! You mean Michael? Why? Michael and I used to date, Michael and you are teammates, so why can't I say Michael's name?" I spurted, trying to give him my most innocent smile.
"'Cause Michael is an Ass, that's why" he fussed.
"It takes one to know one" I said jokingly, he glared at me. "Sorry?" I said insincerely.
"You're forgiven" he said dryly. "So now what's for breakfast?" he asked impatiently.
"Geez can you be any more like a five year old?" I laughed. "We're having macaroni and cheese" I said proudly. "And you still haven't answered my question yet, don't you have practice?"
"Now who's five years old? Macaroni and cheese… Seriously Haley" he whined.
"Oh don't knock it till you try it" I said pointing the spoon I'm holding at him.
"Whatever you say, and to answer your question, I don't have practice today, coach is still on his 'birthday leave' I just decided to run instead and by the way I live five blocks up from here" he explains.
"Oh ok." I nodded my head in understanding before I added " And by the way it's good that as early as now you learn not to question my taste in anything, I have great taste In things Scott, this macaroni and cheese included" I quirk an eyebrow at him.
"Oh wow! A little cocky aren't we James?" he smirked.
"Well you're not the only one allowed to have an extra large ego Scott" I smirked back.
"Nice" he said with a chuckle as I continue to make our breakfast.
"That was good" Nathan said, we finished the macaroni and cheese, him eating most of it. We now moved from the kitchen to the living room, he sat at the end of the sofa and me on the other end my legs tucked under me as I sat sideways facing him.
"I told you" I said smugly "never doubt me… I can't breathe I'm so full" I laughed patting my belly.
We were silent for a few moments; he then spoke finally breaking it.
"So Haley, you know my job as a basketball player, but I still don't know what you do for a living, it's a Wednesday and you're at home, don't you have to be in an office or something?" he asked with pure interest, he shifted on the sofa so he can look at me.
"Well, I do work, hence the strewed papers and pens you had the privileged of seeing the first time you paid me a visit. I mostly work at home and then I go to the office if you want to call it that, at least twice a week" I shared.
"Oh so you're a writer?"
"Lyricist, composer is what I'd rather call myself" I said.
"You write songs? Do you sing them too?" I just smiled.
"You do don't you? Can I expect a private performance? For friendship sakes?" he cocks an eyebrow at me.
"Ha! Don't count on it" I stated.
"You're such a kill joy" he whined good naturedly.
"If you must know, I'd rather perform in front of thousands of people, even millions if they'll listen, rather than perform for just one, there's just something so scary about the thought of singing your heart out for just one person in particular. It's like standing naked in front of thousands of people… not that I know the feeling really, but you know what I mean" I rambled in a serious tone, there was a comfortable silence that filled the room for a moment, then he speaks…
"Naked, I like that" he said making me laugh.
"You and your one track mind, you're such a guy" I threw a throw pillow at him that he so easily ducked, damn.
"Your aim sucks James" he teased.
"Shut up!" I retorted.
"Come here" he said crooking a finger at me. "What? Why?" I asked.
"Just scoot closer will you, then I'll show you what it is" he said.
I crawled on all fours, stopping right in front of him, tucking my legs underneath me like I did a while ago, my hands on my lap.
"Here…close your eyes" he said, I did as I was told. I felt his finger touched the skin under my right eye... his finger felt cold against the warmth of my skin.
"Look" I opened my eyes to see what he got.
"You saw that from here?" I asked surprised when he showed me a piece of my eyelash.
"Yeah but I already saw that earlier when we were in the kitchen, I just didn't say anything, I thought it'll fall off on its own, but it didn't and now it's bothering me"
"Bothering you huh? Wow Nate I didn't know you've been staring at my face" I smiled playfully at him.
"Ouch!" I wailed swapping his hand away, when he pinched my nose. "That hurts Nathan!" I pouted.
"Awww did I hurt poor little Haley" he cooed taking my protruding lips between his thumb and forefinger.
"Stop it! You're so violent Nate" I said puffing a fake annoyed breath, moving away from him where he couldn't reach me.
"I'm not, you're just too cute" he said with a smirk, trying to reach for me again but I moved further away.
"Your charm won't work on me Nathan Scott" I said behind squinted eyes, trying hard to hide the smile that's threatening to come out.
"And besides, cute are for little kids who still wear their hair up in a pig tail, and I haven't worn my hair like that since grade school mister" I puffed.
"Now I know you're just fishing for compliments, besides I already said you're beautiful at the grocery store, what more do you want from me? You're so vain Hales." I stare at him mouth agape.
"I am not!" I shrieked standing up, picking up the throw pillow he ducked earlier from the floor and hit him in the head.
"That's for saying I'm vain" I stomped my feet like a child throwing a tantrum "arghhh you are so infuriating!" And he had the nerve to laugh.
"Lock the door on your way out, I'm taking a nap" I said walking away leaving him in the living room.
"It's too early for a nap" he shouted after me with a laugh, I ignored him and locked the bedroom door to keep him out.
So I wasn't really angry but I did fell asleep. I twisted my head to look at the clock on my night stand and saw that it's already 2 in the afternoon, that was an awfully long nap I had. I slowly force myself to get up, dropping both of my legs to the side of the bed, as I pinch the bridge of my nose still trying to wake myself up. Nathan I quickly made my way out of my bedroom as soon as he came to mind, but found the living room deserted, no Nathan, no nothing, my whole apartment is back to its quiet state, I'm not sure if I still like the quiet.
I Shrugged not wanting to be bothered, but still I asked myself, if he really did thought I was mad, cause I really wasn't and if I'm being honest, I'm actually enjoying our banter, the back and forth teasing, sometimes he wins, sometimes I do but it's all in good nature, and I like that. Who would have thought Nathan Scott could actually be a good company? I'll tell you… Not me, but he sure is a surprise, a good kind.
I smiled thinking about how easy it is to be around him, he can be a cocky bastard sometimes, I giggled inwardly, but it's actually starting to grow on me, he's growing on me.
I let my mind drift away from Nathan and tried to remember the things I have yet to finish today, I headed back to my room, to take a shower, ready to start writing again.
BROOKE & LUCAS
"So did you come up with a plan for Haley's birthday next week? I already got our tickets for New York, we're leaving early Tuesday and then the dinner will be the same night. Now all we have to do is plan the surprise, I called Peyton yesterday she said she and Jake are a go, she'll try to get their other friends to come too" Brooke told her husband seated across her at the dining table.
"That's good, I'll give Nathan a call within this week to ask for suggestions or you can ask your friend Peyton, they know New York better than we do, On second thought just ask Peyton, since she'll be at the dinner too" Lucas said, between bites of his meal.
"Lucas Scott! Don't talk when your mouth is full" she admonished her husband. "Okay I'll call Peyton early tomorrow and speaking of Nathan, are you going to invite him to Haley's surprise b-day dinner?"
"I don't know, the last time I talked to Haley, she was a little upset that I gave Nathan her number, I think she's still upset about what happened at the wedding, and I don't want to ruin her birthday by inviting him, so maybe not" Brooke almost choked on her water, Oh that's what you think.
She got to talk to Haley earlier that day and she mentioned Nathan having breakfast with her at the apartment among other things concerning her best friend's growing 'friendship' with her husband's brother.
Boy can my husband get any more clueless? She quietly giggled, but Lucas heard it never the less.
"What? What's so funny?"
"Huh? Oh nothing. I just remember something, anyway if you don't think it's a good idea to have Nathan there, then that's cool, but don't you think it's a good way for those two to get to know each other, to…you know…. Get the hostility out of the way"
"You may be right, we'll see."
"Yeah… okay… we'll see" Brooke smiled wickedly, Lucas totally missing it as he devoured on his food.
HALEY
I woke up to the sound of rapping at my front door, I lazily got up from the bed, took an elastic from the drawer of my nightstand, pulling my hair up in a bun. I rub my eyes with my knuckles, completely forgetting the previous knocking at the door, when the thought finally came back, I hurriedly went to open it, only to find the hallway empty but there on the floor is an envelope, I picked it up and went back inside.
I examined the envelope, there at the back is my name Haley written in bold letters. I quietly opened it as I sat on the couch, my feet resting on the coffee table in front of me. I first took the note out of the envelope and started reading it.
Hey Hales, sorry been busy these past few days, got a big game coming up; coach's been killing us on the court, doing suicides after suicides.
Hope you're still not mad about me calling you vain hehe… anyways speaking of big game, the game is tonight at eight and if you're not busy, I'd like you to come and watch. We'll celebrate if we win and if we don't I'll need you to amuse me…. I'm just kidding! So? Come to the game? There's a VIP pass in the envelope with this note, it'll give you access anywhere in the arena, you can even check me out at the boys locker before. *wink* *wink* [I giggled he is such a dork] the address is at the back of this note. Hope to see you there
-Nate
I finished reading, with a smile, if it were any other guy I'd find the gesture too forward but since it's Nathan, I surprisingly found it cute and really thoughtful. His charm sure is working on me now. I shook my head still smiling.
I'm now inside the arena, I look around as I watch with amazement how many people actually watch games like this, I never really saw the appeal of basketball or any other types of sports for that matter, probably because I've always been a sport handicapped, gym class throughout my whole school life were a complete nightmare, totally left me traumatized and scarred for life. Just remembering how I almost didn't graduate high school because I suck at P.E. makes me flinch.
Nathan was right though this VIP pass hanging around my neck does give you access anywhere, I didn't have to fall in line coming in and no one has stopped me once as I loiter. It's already 20 minutes before 8pm meaning the game is about to start soon, as I was walking at the sidelines I bumped into someone, I look up and saw Nathan's coach.
"Oh Haley, you here to watch the game?" he asks with a smile.
"Yup coach, Nate gave me a VIP pass" I said showing him the said badge.
"That's nice of him, well they're out back, killing time, waiting for the game to start, do you want to go with me so you can say hi to your boy?" I blushed at the "your boy" comment, I nodded "yes" and he guided me to the locker room.
"Nathan, your girl's here to wish you good luck" his coach said getting the whole room's attention, all of Nathan's teammates are looking at me now Michael scowling, and it made me feel so small, I felt myself blushing again.
"Hey" Nathan said from where he's seated, he stood up and with a few strides he's standing in front of me, towering over me.
"Hey" I said back, smiling up at him.
"Glad you made it" he said kissing my temple like it's the most natural thing in the world; I had to close my eyes at the feel of his lips on my skin.
"You look good" he said. Looking me up in down, in my fitting purple tee and denim jeans, I decided to let my natural curls loose; I opted for sneakers, thus making our height difference more apparent.
"Are you ready to win the game?" I said trying to ignore the comment.
"Ready to watch me sweat it out in the court?" he wiggled his eyebrow at me; I laughed slapping his chest playfully. "You are so full of yourself" I shook my head at his antics.
"So Haley… did you miss me these past couple of days?" he asked with a smirk, tucking me to his side.
"You wish!" I puffed lightly, looking up at him my hand involuntarily coming up to rest on his chest as he squishes me.
"You didn't? Damn" he said feigning disappointment.
"Ok maybe I did a little… just a tad" I admitted looking down, avoiding his gaze.
"Good! 'Cause I sure did miss your macaroni and cheese, I'm hooked!" he chuckled, I look up mouth agape, he let out an "ouch" when I pinched his side.
"Ha! Serves you right!" I said laughing at him.
"Oh you're mean for a tiny little thing" he said rubbing his side.
"Stop calling me tiny Nathan… I'm just… I'm normal!" I complained.
"Again, I think it's cute" he said touching a finger on the tip of my nose. I was about to remind him about what I said to him not calling me cute when we heard his coach's voice filled the whole room.
"Okay lovebirds… Haley it's time to say goodbye to your boy the game is about to start in 10minutes…does she blush like that all the time Nate?" the coach added when he must have seen the sudden change in my skin tone.
"Yeah coach…all the time. I think it's adorable" Nathan said hugging me to him, I didn't protest.
"Do great out there" I said pulling away…he pulled me back "a kiss for luck?" he said giving me a hopeful smile.
"Fine" I said planting a kiss on his cheeks, I was taken aback when he held my face, planting a kiss on my lips, realizing the whole team is watching and remembering that we're still supposed to be boyfriend and girlfriend in front of these people I didn't fight it and just let him kiss me as I kiss him back I felt him smile when I did, we heard someone fake coughed and we pulled away from the kiss, grinning at each other. "You're bad!" I said to him under my breath.
"Hey you're my girlfriend tonight" he said coyly.
"See you after the game" I said pecking him on the cheek one last time. "Thanks coach, and good luck guys" I said embarrassedly… before leaving the room.
I'm now standing outside the locker room waiting for Nathan to come out, the game finished an hour ago, I got tired of waiting at the bleachers so I decided to move in here. I stood silently as I listened to the coach's voice coming from the inside, lecturing his team.
Though Nathan did amazing on the court it wasn't enough to win the game for the team. I felt bad; I'm starting to convince myself that I'm bad luck. I sighed.
I heard the door click open and I look up to find Nathan's coach with a solemn expression on his face, though he tried to give me a tight smile I knew he's still upset about the lost.
"I'm sorry you lost coach" I said sincerely and quietly.
"I'm sorry too Haley…. I'm sorry too" he said shaking his head in disappointment. "Nathan will be out in a few he's showering I think" he said giving me a small smile.
"I don't know a lot about basketball but I know it's a team sport, you could have won if Michael didn't hog that ball that last few seconds" I spoke bitterly surprising myself and the coach. "I'm sorry, just ignore me, I just feel bad for the whole team and for Nathan" I rushed out apologetically.
"Don't be sorry Haley, you're right, basketball is a team sport, and I feel the same way too about Sparks, don't worry there's always next year it's just sad we didn't make it to the finals, the boys worked so hard for that" he said. "Anyway I have to go, you sure you want to wait out here? You can wait at the bleachers at least there you can sit"
"Nah, I'm fine really, besides I've been sitting the whole time I was watching the game, I'll be fine here" I smiled at him.
The coach has long been gone, before I heard the guys come out one by one from the locker room, I got a few "Hey Haley" from some of the guys from the team, luckily Michael is not in the mood to mess with me, he just passed by me when he came out.
I noticed everyone from his team left except for Nathan who has yet to appear at the other side of the door, I decided I've waited long enough; I quietly made my way inside the locker room. I found him sitting on a bench, shoulder slouched, head down, his elbows on his knees, hands clasped together as if he's praying.
"Hey" I said softly not wanting to startle him. "Are you okay?" I asked taking a seat next to him.
"Yeah, sorry I made you wait" he said not looking up.
"I'm sorry you guys lost, but hey you did great out there" I soothed, placing a hand on his back trying to lighten his mood. "I think I'm bad luck" I said with a soft laugh.
"Thanks, and you're not bad luck, I'm actually really glad you came tonight Haley, Sparks just frustrates me sometimes" he let out an exasperated breath.
"I'm sorry" I said kissing his temple and caressing his back, feeling him relaxes little by little with my touch.
"Well c'mon! You guys lost, which means I have to amuse you… remember?" I playfully elbowed him; he finally looks up, his infamous smirk back.
"what are we still doing here?" he eased himself up, he then reached for his gym bag on the floor, slinging it into his shoulder and pulling me to his side, walking us out of the locker room and out of the arena, thinking what have I gotten myself into.
"Nathan! This is frustrating!" I whined.
"Well you wanted to amuse me, and this is amusing enough" he said grinning at me. We're now at his luxurious pent house, sitting on the floor in front of his huge plasma TV playing NBA live, or at least I'm trying to with no success.
"Of course you would find my lack of talent in sports amusing, I mean how embarrassing is this? This isn't even the real thing and I'm already missing every shot!" I complained.
"Here let me show you how it's done, sit here" I let him pull me to him sitting me in between his legs. He handed me the joystick and I held onto it, as he wound his arm around my waist pulling me further into him as I gasped at the sudden contact of my small back to his broad chest.
"Okay now put your thumb right here" he instructed his breath tickling my ear. As his huge hands covered my much smaller ones that's holding the controller.
We stayed like that for the next 20 minutes me grunting every so often when I would miss a shot, but mostly it's Nathan who's playing for me. And then I've had enough.
"I don't want to play anymore Nathan; this is stressing me out, seriously!" I declared letting go of the controller.
"You are such a girl Haley" he said in my ear, his arms back around my waist.
"Wow you noticed!" I said sarcastically twisting my head so I can look at him.
"Oh believe me, I've noticed, a long time ago" he squeezed me tighter, and then there It is again, that smirk, I tried to keep my eyes on him but I just had to look away.
"Perv!" I said standing up as I move from the floor to the couch, him following suit, laughing.
"So the season's over for your team huh?" I said, before sipping on my bottle of beer, we decided to order a large pizza for dinner.
"Yeah, but it's okay, at least I can relax for the next couple of months, I won't have to worry about seeing Sparks" he said, grabbing my beer from my hand and sipping on it, handing it back to me after.
"Hey get your own beer" I said slapping his hand.
"That's the last one" he shrugged.
"Well you already finished four bottles, geez!" I rolled my eyes. "Anyway that's a bonus, I mean you not having to see Michael for the next couple of months" I added, grabbing a piece of pizza.
"Yeah, and you might like the part where, you won't have to worry about bumping into him anytime soon, he usually goes home to Seattle during off season… and we don't have to play pretend anymore" I could swear I heard some hint of bitterness in his voice but I tried to shake the thought off, as I put my piece of pizza back in the box not feeling hungry anymore.
I couldn't understand the sudden sadness that washed over me when he said what he said.
"Yeah" I said quietly. And we stayed that way for a couple of minutes, not saying a word, both staring at nothing.
"Anyways I'm going back to Charlotte, I'm thinking of visiting my mom and staying there for a couple of weeks or maybe for the rest of the off season…it depends." I heard him say, I twisted on my seat looking at him.
"Oh… when are you leaving?" I tried to act interested, but the thought of not seeing him for the next few days or maybe weeks, is bothering me for some unknown reason.
"In two days" he said.
"On Monday" I said under my breath, he heard it anyway "Yeah Monday" he confirmed.
"Oh okay… well I'm sure your mom would be happy to see you" I smiled half heartedly.
"Yeah she would be" he said.
"What time is your flight on Monday?" I asked resting the side of my head at the back of the couch.
"In the afternoon, will you see me off?" he said as he rested his head on the back of the sofa the same way I did, so he can look me in the eye.
"You want me to?" I asked looking back at him, he nodded.
"Okay" I said, as we stare at each other for a few minutes, his blue orbs boring into my brown ones, we stayed like that for a moment before I had to close my eyes.
"Feeling the buzz?" he said probably noticing my now lack of energy, I opened one eye and nodded, he pulled the throw pillow behind him and laid it on his lap, patting the top of it "lay here" he said to me,
I scooted close and laid across the couch my head on the throw pillow on his lap. "Thanks" I said.
"You're such a lightweight" he said massaging my temples "that feels good" I moaned.
"Well you see how tiny I' am" I said enjoying the feel of his hand.
"Oh so you're now admitting you're tiny" he laughed, as he continues to work his fingers on my temples.
"Shhh you! You're lucky I have a buzz" … I slap his chest with the back of my hand, he chuckled.
"Nate…" I said after a while.
"Yeah?" I contemplated whether to say it or not. "What is it?" he asked again.
"Nothing, never mind, I forgot" I laughed nervously.
"Okay if you say so" I heard him say.
Don't go yet, stay for a couple more days, I want you to be here on my birthday. Is what I would've said. But I didn't want to sound too needy.
"So you're a quiet drunk, damn" he said disappointed.
"And why is that a bad thing?" I asked my eyes barely open.
"Well I was hoping I'll see you rowdy" he said looking down with an eyebrow raised at me.
"You wish!" I said, letting my eyes close completely.
"Well a guy can dream" I heard him say and I giggled despite myself.
"Stay for the night" he said kissing my forehead, gently raking his fingers through my hair, I didn't speak instead I turn to my side facing his body, snuggling close to him, I felt myself drift into slumber, as he continue to gently play with my hair.
"Goodnight Hales" was the last thing I heard before everything faded.
I woke up at the start and I was instantly aware of two things, one: I'm not in my bed, because this bed is amazing!!! No kidding. And second, is that I'm hungry.
I blinked a couple of times trying to adjust my eyes to the sun light streaming from the glass window, before getting up from the bed. I went straight to the bathroom, I realized I'm not just in a guest room but I'm in Nathan's room, when I saw all his stuff inside the bathroom cabinet, I washed my face with water and gargled with the mouth wash I found sitting on the sink. I ran my fingers through my hair combing it, trying to make it less rowdy before coming out of the room to go look for Nathan.
I found him sitting on the huge couch in the living room his back to me; I quietly made my way to him. I reached for his shoulder as I stand behind the couch. He looked up, resting his head on the back of the sofa "hey" he smiled, I smiled back, I bent down to leave a kiss on his forehead.
"Thanks for carrying me to the bedroom last night, where did you sleep?" I said my face still inches away from his; he surprised me by grabbing the back of my neck and pulling my head down, his lips meeting mine with a sweet kiss.
"You're welcome and I slept beside you" he said after he pulled away surprising me, I felt butterflies in my stomach with the information and with the kiss.
A foreign feeling of some sort filled me, nothing like the goose bumps or the shivers I usually get from kissing him whenever we have to play pretend, this kiss, just felt different, different good, yet different scary.
"Don't worry… I didn't do anything… I was a good boy… I promise" he added, I just smiled.
I walked around the couch to sit right next to him. He reached for me, and I moved closer to him, he draped his arm around my shoulder and I snuggled closer to him, inhaling his scent.
"You showered" I pointed out.
"Yeah, are you hungry? We can eat before I go to the airport" I pushed at his chest so I can look at him. "Airport? Are you going somewhere?" I asked confused and a little panicky.
"I got a call early this morning, it's my mom"
"Is she okay?" I interjected.
"Yeah she's ok hales, no need to worry, it's just that, I'm going to have to come home earlier than I expected, she told me my uncle Cooper is coming for a visit and he'll only be staying for a day or two, and I haven't really seen him in a long time, I don't want to miss this chance to see him again" he explained the excitement evident in his eyes.
"Oh okay, that's nice Nathan, well what time is your flight?" I tried to swallow the lump in my throat.
"After Lunch, so we still have time to eat breakfast and maybe even lunch, do you still want to see me off?" he asked hopeful.
"Yeah, but I have to shower, maybe we can go to my apartment first before going for breakfast and then heading to the airport" I suggested, snuggling back to him.
"I so got you hooked" I laughed as I watch him stuff his face with macaroni and cheese.
"I don't know what's with your macaroni and cheese Hales, but it's so damn good" he chewed as we sat on the stool next to each other in the kitchen island.
"You're a pig" I said, thumbing the mess of cheese on the side of his mouth, as I giggle at his little show of immaturity.
"I'm going to miss this" he said looking at me.
"What? The Mac & Cheese?" I stopped laughing to smile at him.
"No, this…breakfast with you" my breath hitched in my throat at how serious he looked when he said it.
"Too bad, I can't come with you to Charlotte, so you're going to have to settle for those instant Mac & cheese out there" I joked trying to make light of the conversation.
"Yeah too bad" he muttered, going back to his food, I continue to watch him, already missing him.
I found it ridiculous how much I'm dreading his impending departure, I can't be this affected, at least not yet, I keep telling myself, I haven't even known him that long. But I really am going to miss him, I sighed.
We're now at the airport waiting for Nathan's flight to North Carolina to be called, we sat side by side, hands entwined, just relishing on being together for the last time before he leaves.
I wanted to laugh at the scene; it's like watching a cliché romantic flick, boy and girl, dreading the impending separation.
I felt him tighten his grip on my hand and I squeeze back.
"Don't miss me much" he finally said breaking the silence, I chance a look at him and found him smiling at me, a smile that failed to reach his eyes.
"I won't" I said shrugging.
"You know you could at least pretend that you're going to miss me" he pretends to whine.
"Well if that's what you want, then yes I'll miss you Nathan Scott… happy now?" I pinched his cheek as I grin at him.
"Yeah that would do" he smiled.
We waited some more, still holding on to each other's hands, my head resting on his shoulder, as I play with his fingers that are entwined with mine.
"You have big hands" I marveled at the size difference of our palms, mine disappearing under his.
"Well my feet are big too you know" I heard the teasing in his voice, I look up and sure enough he's smirking back at me "And you know what they say about big feet, equals big…" I covered his mouth with my free hand not letting him finish.
"Do NOT finish that sentence Scott, you are so dirty!" I laughed despite myself.
"What?" he taking my hand off from his mouth. "I was going to say, big feet equal big shoes, geez Hales, you and your one track mind" he giggled at my flustered face.
"You did not just say that to me, and we both know you weren't going to say 'shoes'" I shake my head at him.
"Maybe, maybe not, guess you'll never find out" he winked at me before dropping a loud kiss on my cheek, and I felt the butterflies on my stomach for the second time today.
Finally we heard his flight being called,
"Well that's my flight" he said, letting go of my hand and encasing me with his arms in a tight embrace crushing me as I held onto him.
He pulled away just enough so he can look me in the eye, "I'll see you when I get back, I'm expecting a macaroni and cheese waiting for me" he joked and I laugh slightly.
"Okay" was all I said. He then planted a long lingering kiss on my forehead before he pulled away; still holding my hand as he bent down to take what very little luggage he has slinging it to his shoulder. It appeased me to a very little extent knowing he has no intention of staying in Charlotte for a long time, considering the things he packed, but then again, he might have everything he needs there too.
"Nathan…" I said almost in a whisper, he turned back to look at me "huh?"…. I didn't say anything; instead I stood in front of him, letting go of his hand, placing my now free hand on to the back of his neck, pulling him down, meeting his lips with mine. Both my arms encircling his neck my fingers locked together keeping him in place, surprising him and myself with my sudden boldness.
I traced his lower lip with my tongue asking for entrance, he opened his mouth and I sighed contently at the first contact of my tongue with the inner crevices of his mouth. Once again everything else faded as the kiss progress. The air became an issue after a while and I regretfully pulled away my fingers still locked behind his neck.
"Sorry…habit" I said sheepishly, I can feel myself turning red, he chuckled squeezing me yet again, his arms locked around me lifting me off the ground, I squealed, joining in his laughter.
"Bye Haley" he said, kissing my nose and putting me back on the ground.
"Don't go looking for a new fake boyfriend now" he teased.
"Well… if you don't come back soon, I might do just that" I teased back.
"Well then I better come back soon eh?" he said keeping one of his arm around me the other rakes through my hair pulling it gently tilting my head upwards, his face inching slowly to mine, finally leaving a kiss just right at the side of my mouth.
"You better" I said through ragged breath, as I try calm the hard pounding on my chest.
He finally lets go of me, with one last kiss on the cheek, he turn around as I watch him walk away until he disappeared in the crowd of people hurrying to catch their flight.
"Don't go looking for a new fake boyfriend now" his earlier words keep ringing in my ear.
Wouldn't dream of it… I smiled.
So that was chapter 4 :) like it? don't like it? let me know and leave me a review, and btw thank you to everyone who left their reviews for the previous chapters of this story, it inspires me to see people actually reading this. so thank you thank you for taking a few minutes of your time to leave comments :)
Anyway, next chapter will be Haley's birthday... You're probably wondering whether Nathan will make an appearance, honestly, i'm wondering too LOL.
Will try to update with the next chapter as soon as I can :)
Thank You again.
xxx-sheenanastaja
