Author's Notes: hehe you guys are really awesome with the reviews!!! im not that quite contented with this chap but i promise to make it up the next time... haha so hope you enjoy!!!

"You still dont understand, do you, Nathan Scott?" the other girl said evenly, although her eyes were looking at him, almost piercingly. "It dont matter if you meant it or not, the fact still remains - you left."

Haley felt him tense beside her, tightening his hold on her on the process. She looked at him and all she saw was him looking at the floor, jaw clenched as if fighting the urge to say something. She slowly rubbed his back, hoping to calm him down. The motion caused him to look at her questioningly, which she just smiled in return.

"I cant believe this! Haley!"

"Brooke." Haley said, slightly turning to look the girl on the eyes, smile still on her face. "This isnt necessary."

"Not necessary?! Haley, have you forgotten the hell you've been through since this asshole left? I've watched you work your ass off trying to make ends meet, pregnant might I add, then cry yourself to sleep every night. Then this cute little baby came out, although I'm not complaining, and you now have to juggle work and the baby. Now that he just magically appeared out of only God knows where, and you're all open arms?! Sorry but this IS necessary!"

Nathan's eyes flew from eyeing the group to gaping at Haley. For the nth time that night, he felt the pang of regret and self-hatred wash over him. He cant believe that he had been so caught up with his own drama that he hadnt thought about what Haley must be going through. More than ever, he felt undeserving to stand by her side, claiming this family as his own.

"Guys, I understand how you feel but you have forgotten one thing." Haley countered, pulling away rather reluctantly from Nathan's embrace to face her friends fully and as if to shield him from them. "I was the one who first left, remember? If I hadnt done what I had done then, this wouldnt be happening."

"That was beside the point. You came back and he sure as hell wasnt carrying your baby." Peyton gritted out, still glaring at Nathan over Haley's shoulder.

"But I've got you guys. I've been there and done that and I personally prefer to be left than to runaway to a foreign place. At least I still have my friends and my family. But imagine what he might have felt living on his own, trying to get over the hurt I had caused him by running away and trying to clear his mind from the confusion I had caused by coming back."

"Hales..." Nathan started, not really sure on what to say. Haley always did know what he feels even if he didnt tell her, and, apparently, despite their distance. But he couldnt let her put the blame to herself. It takes two - it always takes two.

Haley smiled at Nathan when she heard him say her nickname. She loved the way her name sounded from his lips. It always made her feel special somehow. Ignoring the stunned faces of her friends still at the doorway, she returned to her husband's embrace. "You're here now and we're a family again." She whispered, not once looking away from his eyes. "Nothing else matters."

For a moment, all was stunned into silence, as every word spoken still being slowly absorbed. It was Lucas who broke the silence, with a deep sigh.

"I understand." He said slowly, eyeing the girl beside him from any violent reaction. He released the breath that he didnt know he was holding when he found none. Turning back to the couple in front of him, he continued, "For some fucked up, crazy way I do. Both of you messed up pretty badly, but then again, we're still young. We learn from our mistakes. Good thing you're both strong enough to withstand your stupidity." he ended, chuckling slightly.

Peyton rolled her eyes at the man standing beside her. "Sometimes Lucas, you are such a dork." She said teasingly, slapping his chest, earning a small laugh from the group. "But I guess if Haley lets you off the hook, then I can, too. But I warn you, it will require quite a lot of sucking up to me. And get your mind out of the gutter, Lucas Scott!" She added, when she noticed the sly look on Lucas' face.

Lucas just shrugged. "It works everytime, though." which earned him another slap from his girl.

"Baby in the room, people!" Haley chasticed as she and Nathan tried to cover their son's ear as if he can comprehend what's happening at the moment. "Really Lucas. I know you're ecstatic that you and Peyton finally - emphasis on the finally - stopped all your drama and be together - no offense Brooke..." she paused, looking apologetically at Brooke.

"None taken." the girl, flipping her hair with her trademark smile.

"But I, and I dont think neither would your nephew, would appreciate the visuals your words cause." Haley continued.

"Oh please, I havent said anything." Lucas rolled his eyes at his bestfriend's rambling. "Besides, Nathan is a lot worse than me."

"Oh, so that's an excuse because apparently he's also worse than you in cleaning, cooking, laundry and scrabble." Brooke countered, rolling her eyes. "Scrabble? It seems that no matter how emo you are, you're always on a loss for words."

"But its true!" Lucas defended, making the others laugh at his expense.

"Well he does have the disadvantage considering the fact that I tutored you long before I tutored him." Haley said, making Lucas aim a glare at her.

Nathan stood there awkwardly, still holding the baby, who fis still contented playing with the collar of his shirt. Although he welcomes the fact that he no longer feels like a prey in a lion's den, but it still felt rather uncomfortable seeing them being so at ease. The last time he had been with them like this... Well, the last time would be before the whole thing with Chris started and a lot had happened since then. Haley left, came back then it was his turn to leave. Now there is a baby, and another marriage within the group, not that it surprised him that much. Even before him and Lucas became close, he knew they were hopelessly drawn to each other and eventually be together. Not that he doesnt like Brooke. Its just that Peyton and Lucas seems to have some kind of a bond that neither of them could comprehend nor come close to achieving. It didnt even surprise him that they tied the knot this soon. And seeing them happy, seeing them like this, it doesnt feel like he fit in anymore. Watching them like this, made him feel a lot worthless. They had moved on, made a life without him.

But then, Haley looked back at him, with her welcoming smile, and instantly, he felt a whole lot better. He may not belong in this world, but at least she's not closing it on him. At least... he belongs in hers.