Thanks for the reviews. Didn't get as many reviews as I thought I would. Lol Well, I guess you can't win them all! I added a synopsis to my new story, besides Fumbling Towards You, called Lovesick Mistake it is under my profile. Hopefully the first chapter for both of those will be up by the end of next week. Enjoy!

Also, I noticed in the last chapter I had Haley introduce Lucas as a Scott, sorry! My mistake, I didn't realize I did that. You all know in this story he is a Roe. Haha so, if you didn't notice- good, if you did, now you know.

The department store was busy. Countless women went up and down the room, trying to hunt down whatever it was that they came in search for. Haley had been in the store for nearly twenty minutes and hadn't gotten the courage up to ask the employee what she wanted. She never had been in this type of situation, not that it was one; just Haley made it out to be one. She was in the right section, but she couldn't find the piece she was looking for that she had spotted in the department's monthly catalog. Opening the thick catalog once again, Haley skipped the pages before finding the item of her desire. It had said it was in stock, and the catalog had just come out two days before. The grip on her paper bag tightened, it making a crunching sound as it pushed against her chest, as she walked over to help desk with caution. Inside the bag was three months worth of envelopes, paper, stamps, and set of new black pens. Nathan was leaving today, in just a matter of hours he would be gone. Haley wanted to make his last hours with her, in freedom, were perfect.

"Can I help you Miss?"

Haley jumped from the sound of the lady's voice. She turned and faced a round, older woman. She wore the proper uniform that indicated she worked here. The lady eyed Haley as she waited for an answer.

"Yes, I-I was looking for this particular item."

The sales woman took hold of the catalog that Haley handed over, pointing to the piece.

"Oh, why of course, right this way."

Haley followed the woman to the back where the fitting rooms where located.

"Take your clothing off in this room and I will bring you the item. Any particular color?"

Haley set down the bag and her handbag on the little seat that resided in the small fitting room. Color? Thinking about it, a smile came upon her lips as she remembered. "Do you have it in dark blue?"

The plumped woman nodded as she smiled along, her cheeks showing as two small dumplings on her face. The lady left closing the door behind her. Haley took off her small hat, her gloves, and unbuttoned herself out of the dress before placing each item carefully on the stool by her bags. Haley had left Nathan home alone this morning, needing to do a few errands before they would have to go to the train station. Nathan was asleep when she left, but she knew in a matter of minutes after she left he would be up. A small knock at the door got Haley out of her thoughts as she called out for the sales woman to come in. The old lady handed Haley the item.

"Would you like some help?"

"No, no thank you." Haley smiled as hugged the silky cloth against her chest. "Do you mind waiting though? I would prefer if you rang me up."

The woman nodded and closed the door behind Haley, leaving her to change.

Haley tried on the outfit and found herself not recognizing her own reflection. It wasn't too much, which was what she was looking for, but it provided a new side of her that Nathan would be the only man to see. Liking it, she quickly unchanged and returned into her street clothes. Once her hat was place back on her head she proceeded with to the checkout excited but dreading her way home. It had been raining all week in Tree Hill, with a few occasional sunny days; the rain would somehow take over by the end of the day. Today was no different and ironically provided the perfect mood for the events that would come in just hours. She decided to walk back to the apartment, needing the fresh air and noise to keep her from fainting. Not having anything to eat all day, Haley found other ways to keep her spirit up until the very end.

She rounded the corner of their street. Across the street where another set of apartments was located a taxi was parked. Haley stopped as she couldn't help but watch the bittersweet goodbye between the solider and the woman. For a brief second she saw Nathan and herself, saying goodbye trying to make each kiss, touch, and look memorable for it could be their last. The idea had Haley's head swirling as she felt her knees give in, she collapsed against the wall. The tears were coming, her throat closed as she was trying to be strong. The slam of the door from the taxi got Haley to look up. There, waving with the woman was a little girl and boy at her side waving off the taxi, watching it disappear down the street. A clap of thunder rang around her as the rain began to pour once again. Grabbing her keys she unlocked the door to the stairs and rushed in.

She passed by some neighbors as she made her way up the stairs to the second floor. Shifting the bag to the other side she unlocked their door and entered. Nathan was nowhere in sight, yet the sound of the running water from the sink was heard, letting her know where Nathan was. Haley quickly rushed to her table pulling open one of the small drawers and drew out the papers she had already began writing on. Late last night as Nathan fell asleep she used the free time to begin writing her first letter to Nathan. The first of many. Knowing she didn't have much time, Haley quickly scribbled down her last thoughts before she slipped the three page letter into the cream envelope. Rummaging through the drawer she pulled out a picture she had saved for this purpose and slipped it in with the letter before sealing it.

Just as she put the letter into her clutch the bathroom door swung open.

"Hey, didn't hear you."

"I just got in. I picked up lunch for us as well."

Nathan smiled as he leaned in to kiss her. His lips landed just above her left eyebrow as he held the towel around his body.

"Do you want me to add mustard to your sandwich?" Nathan asked as he went to the bag.

Haley grabbed the department store bag and slipped it behind her back as she backed her way into the bathroom.

"Actually, I need to change first. I don't want to eat right now."

Before Nathan could turn around and question her Haley had disappeared into the bathroom and began to take off her clothing. She was nervous; a mixture of many things ran through her. Mainly because this was the last time Nathan and her would make love, and she wanted it to be perfect. She pulled the silk fabric out of the bag and began working it over her body. Looking at herself in the mirror she pulled out the bobby pins from her hair, leaving her hair down in small, gentle waves. Grabbing her robe from behind the bathroom door she wrapped herself in it. She could hear Nathan walk around the room as she wiped her eyes away from any tears or distraught makeup from earlier. Opening the door Nathan stood by the small chest of drawers holding a rectangle shape paper in his hands.

"What you doing?"

"Nothing. Just looking at the train ticket one more time; see what time we have to be there."

Haley watched Nathan place the ticket back on the table where his polished shoes were.

Her hand was shaking. Holding the rope to the robe to steady them she walked towards the bed and took a seat. Nathan ran a comb through his hair as Haley watched him. He could sense her eyes on him and it made him wonder if she could feel his whenever he took moments like this and watched her.

"You finished packing?"

Nathan nodded. "Yes, I just packed what I could into my duffel bag." He pointed to the door where the green, worn out bag was at. "I hope you don't mind that I leave the rest of my stuff here."

Haley smiled as she laughed. "Of course not, this is your home too."

Nathan made a face, he felt embarrassed. "Right."

"Your clothes ironed already? If not I can do that."

"No, I got it. Thanks though."

His eyes locked with hers through her reflection in the vanity mirror. Neither said a word, finding peace in this small embrace. Setting the comb down, Nathan messed his hair up as he ran a hand through it. He hadn't started getting ready, he wasn't sure if it was the fact that he had three hours until he was to leave or that he was avoiding it all together. To his right was his uniform, ironed and ready to be worn, while on his left was a picture of Haley and himself at the pier just days ago. Nathan found himself standing between two worlds that he made a vow of devotion to, yet only one was something he would truly die for. With one last look at the photo he turned around, holding the towel to his body as he made the move to sit down next to Haley. But as soon as he sat on the bed Haley darted up. Nathan smirked as she moved so fast away from him.

"You okay?"

Haley smiled back, nodding, as the butterflies presumed their fluttering in her stomach. Her trembling hands pulled at the robe, untying it, and letting it fall open. Haley kept her eyes on Nathan as she slipped the robe off, her blue slip and garters now visible for him to see. She couldn't help but smile as the revealing had Nathan eye wide and mouth open. The slip she had purchased was exactly what she was looking for; it was tasteful but very much revealing. It hung to her curves stopping just a little past the hip as the dip on the neckline suppressed normal necklines. Nathan shifted his seating on the bed as he felt a familiar twitch occur underneath the towel. Haley stood a few feet away from him unsure of how to appear sexier, but little did she know it didn't take much for Nathan to see her as sexy. Nathan let out a shaky exhale as his arousal was clearly visible. Haley smiled, walking towards him, as she saw the effect she was having on him. She ran a hand through his still wet hair, grabbing a hand full as she titled his head up. They locked eyes, brown with blue, passion and need. Nathans hand instinctively trailed up Haley's body, resting at her hip. The cool of the silk slip upon his warm hand was driving Nathan insane. Bending down her lips found Nathans as she crawled on the bed, straddling his towel covered half. His erection was obvious even when concealed by the towel. Their lips caressed one another, slowly and gently, neither wanting to rush this moment. It was the last time they would be able to be with one another and there was no way that they were going to rush it.

"God, you're beautiful." Nathan whispered once they broke apart.

The blush crept on her pale cheeks creating a new color of warmth. Nathans hand brushed along it as his other wrapped tighter around her waist. Sneaking a hand between their bodies she loosened the towel before pushing it aside, leaving Nathan exposed to her. He smirked as he stood up, pulling her closer as she wrapped her legs around Nathans waist. The rest of the towel fell off his body and to the floor where a pile was forming. Haley gasped as Nathans hands trailed along her smooth legs, up her thighs, before slipping under the slip and gripping the sides of her underwear. The ache between her legs intensified as Nathan cupped her bottom, pulling her closer to his naked body. Nathan turned them around and laid Haley back on the bed, her body bouncing slightly. Her cheeks were flushed and her breathing was growing heavy. And seeing Nathan, hovering over her naked with a lustful look in his eyes, she felt herself grow wetter. Grabbing hold of his neck she drew him closer attacking his lips with such need, it scared both of them.

Nathan pushed Haley's slip higher as he ran his hand over her body. He didn't have a plan, just the need to feel her, anywhere and everywhere. Leaning down he kissed her knee before the inside of her thigh, and giving her a small glance, on her soaked underwear. Haley moaned as she felt Nathans lips right there, her hands balled the sheets. Nathan inhaled Haley's unique scent, engraving it in his head. His thumbs took hold of her panties and slid them slowly, it drove Haley mad. Haley was exposed to him, minus the slip that was now bunched up around her breasts. Seeing it as a barrier, Haley sat up quickly and pulled the silk cloth over her heated body and let it fall from the tips of her fingers. There in the mid morning, with the rain falling outside, Haley and Nathan resided on the bed trying to hold on to each other for as long as they possibly could. Nathan dismissed the separation as he kissed Haley, gently pushing her back down. The cold sheets against her back and against his arms provided a drastic temperature considering how hot their bodies were. Nathans lips kissed their way along her jaw line to her neck, before stopping at her pulsing point and nibbling the skin. Haley arched her back, her hands immediately holding on to Nathans bare back. His teeth tugged at the heated skin before his tongue came to smooth over it. Haley couldn't take it anymore and she lightly pushed her hips up pressing them against Nathans hard erection.

He moaned against her neck as he resisted the urge to just sink himself deep into her heat. Yet Nathan wanted this night to be the pivotal and best moment they would ever experience together. Even being with Haley the heavy weight on his heart was more poignant than ever. He would be leaving soon, he would have to say goodbye, and he wanted their last few hours together to consist of their love in the most emotional and physical adaption possible.

Nathan lifted his head up, his arms like bars at each side of her head. Haley's face was flushed as her hair fanned around her head. Nathans breathing was coming out in palpitating rhythm as his eyes raked over her features.

"I love you."

Haley nodded as she leaned up and kissed his chin, his right side of his jaw and kissed his ear before whispering, "I love you."

Nathan groaned from her declaration, along with Haley gently grabbing hold of Nathans firm buttocks and pulling him to the place she wanted to feel him at.

Leaning in, he kissed her in such a way it made Haley begin to cry. Her throat began to tighten as the pain in her heart was becoming unbearable. Her hold on Nathan tightened as he began to move in her. Pulling away he looked down at her, seeing how she was losing herself in this moment; just what he was doing.

"Haley," His voice was raspy.

Her eyes opened as Nathan still continued to move within her. Their bodies glided together in perfect unison, every thrust set off the tiny undoing's that would lead to their release. He couldn't find any words to say to her, this wasn't the time for words; that would be needed soon- not now. Now was about expressing the raw emotion that lay deeper than words; the very emotion that made their blood boil and their heart skip a beat.

His thrusts started out slow gentle and continued to be that way for some time; both savoring their joint bodies as it created pleasure that neither could fathom. They worked together, gliding with one another, and breathing the same air. Nathans thrusts were no longer gentle and slow, but changing into a new pace. The bed began to creak with the change of pace and angle. Haley moaned as she felt the tip of Nathans head hit the back of her inner walls. He pushed himself deeper as he pressed his forehead against Haley's. Nathan groaned when Haley's feminine muscles clenched and unclenched around his length, pulsing more warmth around him. The pain was no longer there, there were no thoughts of this being the last moment between them for some time and instead, it was about being with each other to the fullest. The fog that surrounded them in a thick cloud of ecstasy was heavy and consumed them.

"God," Haley moaned as Nathan thrust the same time he pinched her pink, protruding nipple. Haley's head rolled back as the pleasure coursed through her body. "Nathan."

His movements were quick but fulfilling in the most surreal way. Nathan was going over the edge as he was surrounded completely by Haley in every way. The warmth of her core around his length, the feel of her legs wrapped around his waist, and the electric touch of her hands running everywhere on his body. But most of all it was the claim she had on his heart that made it that more pleasurable. Haley loved him, and he loved her. It would be like this every day after his return, but for now it was the tiny moments they stole together from the world.

Something took over him; he found himself pounding into Haley watching as the tears that had escaped Haley's eyes began to dry as she moaned her approval to Nathan. She held him tight, lifting her hips to bring him deeper.

"Haley" Nathan panted as he felt the final strings of his orgasm break off.

Haley pulled him in for a kiss, their mouths open as they both came. They could taste each other release as they breathed in one another. Haley's grip on Nathan didn't budge nor did Nathan move from his spot. They stayed still for a few minutes as they knew reality would creep back in the room.

The cab bounced lightly as Nathan threw his bag in the back trunk. Haley sat still in the back seat as she watched the rain fall down lightly now outside. They spent the last few hours together in bed, rotating between making love and talking about anything that entered their minds. In no time, the clock struck closer to the departure time and reality came knocking at the door. Haley sat in a pale blue dress with white gloves and a small pin hat to finish the outfit out. The cab driver waited in the front for Nathan to return. The trunk closed with click and Nathan entered the back seat besides Haley.

"Wilmington Train Station on 40th avenue and Central." Nathan directed the cab driver as he closed the door. Immediately Haley turned to Nathan reaching for his hand and interlacing them.

Haley hadn't said a word since they got up to change, she was afraid to open her mouth and instead of saying something encouraging she would cry. Nathans hand tightened its hold as he placed their interlaced hands on his lap. The matching pale blue purse Haley held with her other hand carried a few things she would have to use when they arrived. Inside were tissues, for she knew no matter how brave she thought she could be the tears would come. Along with the tissues was a tube of lipstick, and most importantly her letter to Nathan. The train station was just outside Tree Hill, about fifteen minutes, roughly. They had just a few minutes to spare with one another, but neither could say anything. They enjoyed how the train station was in a different city- their time together was expanding.

Looking to his side, Nathan watched Haley look out the window in a daze. This was hard on both of them; it broke his heart that he was leaving her so soon.

"How about a game?"

Haley showed no signs of engaging in conversation just yet, instead she looked at him curiously. Nathan took this as a good sign; he had to let Haley know that she could still live her life now as he left and if anything were to happen to him.

"We name cities in order of the alphabet, get it? Like 'a' is for Anaheim." Nathan explained. "Your turn, what's one for 'b'?"

Haley just stared and in one small move she went back looking at the scenery passing them outside the window. Nathan felt his heart break and before he could turn to the window on his side he heard the small voice.

"Boston."

He smirked as he turned back towards her. Haley was now facing him as she gave a smile of her own.

"Chicago."

"Denver."

They continued to name cities in alphabetical order as the cab drove closer to the station. After they finished a quick game they talked of various things. Haley told a story of how she had a dog named Mr. Waffles when she was younger. Nathan smiled at her the whole time, regardless of the tale she was telling, he couldn't help it. He listened as she told of how she got a black eye from playing with the boys in neighborhood. Than Nathan talked of how he got stuck in a tree when he was just a boy, only climbing it because he wanted to prove to the neighborhood kids that he could do. Haley laughed as he explained how he got out; it ended with him running home in just his underwear. The tension had subsided and found a release. It was there but it wasn't taking over their last moments anymore. The driver titled his head to the side and called out that they had arrived. The tales seized as the moment they both feared had arrived. Nathan dug in his pants and paid the driver for his service before opening the door and helping Haley out. Grabbing his duffel bag and swinging it over his shoulder he reached for Haley's hand. They walked into the tall, spacious yet very crowded station hand in hand. Nathan held Haley tight and close as they passed groups of people saying goodbye to loved ones. Husband's fare welled wives, brothers said goodbye to brothers, and friends wished the best to friends. Everywhere they turned were masses of people, Nathan pulled Haley along until they found a small clearing by the awaiting train.

Haley stopped in the small clearing and Nathan turned around quickly without a warning sign and pulled her small body to his and kissed her. Haley opened her mouth and welcomed his warm, moist tongue, and they quietly moved together. Nathans duffel bag fell to the ground by their feet as he pulled Haley closer, wrapping his arms around her waist. Haley held tightly to her purse but snaked her free arm around Nathans neck leaning into him. Their kiss tasted of sadness, need, desperation, and in that realization Haley began to cry. Her throat tightened as she tried to swallow the lump that fought hard to move up. Nathan pulled away after he left a small kiss on her lips.

"I will come back, Haley."

"Is that a promise?" she choked.

"As long as you wait for me."

Grabbing his face in her shaking hands she brought their foreheads together, eyes remaining locked with one another. "Always and forever. I will wait for you."

The first whistle blew, echoing against the walls of the station. They had ten minutes left; time for them was almost up. Nathan and Haley stood in their spots unsure of what to do next. Nathan took hold of Haley's hands that were on his face and wrapped his warm, rough hands around them, holding them to his chest.

"I will write to you the first chance I get, the first chance I know our mail post."

The tears fell almost willingly, needing to escape the confinement of Haley's eyes as she nodded. Nathan lifted one hand, still holding Haley's, and wiped the falling tears away.

"Listen," Haley looked up at Nathan, his thumbs wiping the tears. "This has been the best week of my life. The absolute best moments of my being. I will never forget it. I started this week not having anything than," Nathan bent down, kissing Haley's cheeks that were already tear stained. "I met you. Now I have something to live for and..die for."

His words made her smile, she felt the same way. But his last sentence didn't settle right with her, it wasn't until a few seconds later that Haley knew what he was doing even if he didn't know he was doing it.

Haley shook her head. "No, stop that Nathan Scott. Do not say goodbye to me!" She cried out. "Do not say goodbye to me! You will come back, I know it!" Her voice gave in as she began to cry against Nathans chest. He hugged her, holding her close.

Nathan swallowed the lump in his throat as he tried to comfort Haley. But he couldn't hold it in, and his eyes welled up with tears, one escaping. Nathan swiftly wiped it away with the back of his hand; as if it never existed.

"I'll never say goodbye to you. Ever." Nathan stated.

Haley nodded, doing her best to have some composure. "I have something for you." Nathan watched as she opened her clutch and pulled out an envelope.

Taking it in his hands now, he clutched to it, holding the sealed envelope to his chest. The tears in his eyes blurred his vision momentarily before Nathan blinked them away, not wanting his last look at Haley blurred.

"Read it when you absolutely can't feel me anymore. In this letter, my own words, you will be reminded." She ran her hand along his cheek. "I love you and I will wait for you."

Not wanting to lose it, Nathan stuffed the letter into his front pocket. The second whistle blew; five minutes remained for the couple. Nathan stiffened at the sound; he looked back at Haley as a new set of tears fell down her face.

"I love you. I love you. I love you." Nathan said looking into her eyes as Haley let out another sob. "Be safe, take care of yourself; I asked Luke to keep an eye on you." He confessed. "Go to him when you need help, no matter what it is, understood?"

She nodded her head frantically as she wrapped her arms around Nathans uniformed body. They held onto one another for the last few minutes they had together. Nathan engraved everything about her in his head, the way her body fit against his, the way she bit down on her lower lip, how her hair smelled of flowers, the sound of Haley laughing or the sound of her voice, the beautiful sounds she made as they made love, and most of all, how she looked at him. He held on to her, onto these memories, knowing they would be the only things to keep him alive and going.

Than the minute whistle blew sending soldiers running around, quickly saying goodbyes and making their way to the train's entrance as the roar of the engine began.

Nathan and Haley pulled back, yet only far enough for Nathan to lean down and give Haley one last kiss. They didn't care who was around or watching, it was only them in the steam of the train in the middle of the station. Nathan kissed her senseless, tongues found each other, teeth bumped, and lips swollen. Pulling away as the conductor yelled for the young men to hurry up, Nathan couldn't help but keep going back to kiss her. Every time was some place different; her lips, her cheek, her nose, her forehead, until the whistle blew one last warning. Nathan grabbed his duffel bag as he made his way to the train entrance.

"I love you Haley Scott." Nathans said, his voice breaking with emotion.

"I love you Nathan."

Already halfway in Nathan couldn't let go of Haley's hand. He couldn't breakaway, no matter how hard he tried.

"Don't go, please." Haley found herself begging with a sob.

Nathan closed his eyes as her words hit him hard. He opened his eyes to find a broken Haley. The tears were no longer controlled, her eyes swollen already, and her voice raspy.

"I have to-god, I wish I didn't." Nathan kissed her knuckles. Then it hit Nathan, he could easily step off this train and leave. Run. Anywhere, he didn't mind, didn't care, all he wanted was Haley. They could hide out for some time, Luke would help them. Yes, that's what he could do, should do. At that moment Nathan decided he could do it, all he had to do was take two steps forward and he would be off the train. Nathan stepped forward but immediately felt pushed back as the last second soldiers began to run in. Nathan lost Haley's hand as she was pushed back by the soldiers barging in the train. Nathan watched as she disappeared back into the crowd.

Haley's eyes darted everywhere in search for Nathan, he had just vanished. Stepping to the side where a few soldiers had pulled down the windows of the train and waved to loved ones, she found him. He had set down his bag and opened his window. The train began to move, finding a small speed. Nathan looked at Haley, as she stood helpless in a middle of other wives, friends, and family saying goodbye. Haley began walking with the train, keeping Nathan in her eyesight. Yet, the train gained speed, though she tried to keep up it was impossible. Nathan was gone.

Haley felt the sudden pain of Nathans absence as the trains steam engulfed her.