Hi guys, I am back with an update, apologies this has taken time to get up, work has taken up a lot of my writing time and I sat down and just had a burst of writing this week. This story won't be left but it might just take time between some chapters than others, the next chapter will also be up within the next week so that is a bonus 😊

Enjoy and as always thank you so much for your reviews and messages in relation to my writing, it really means a lot.

Chapter 6

'That's odd' Lucas commented as he and Brooke approached his apartment noticing the door was left open.

'Maybe Nathan or Haley popped out to get something.' Brooke shrugged as she slipped past him with the takeaway bags. Just then her heel snapped on a piece of glass. 'What the….' Brooke began as she dropped her bags in fright.

Lucas rushed in behind her..'Brooke.' He glanced down towards the living room and there Nathan was sitting with his head in his hands. 'What happened?' Lucas panicked not really understanding at all what was going on.

Nathan ran his hands through his hair before standing up. 'Dan happened.' He said, his tone void of any emotion.

Brooke felt a heavy sense of foreboding as she watched Lucas eyes scan the distance between their kitchen and living room area where shards of glass had scattered.

'What the hell?' Lucas reasoned as he glanced between the shards of glass and Nathan. 'How did he even get in here? Did you invite him in?' Lucas could feel his anger rising.

'What do you think? Take a bloody look around the place Lucas it wasn't exactly a father and son night!'

'Now is not the time for sarcasm Nate! I want to know how the hell he got in here.'

'He had a key.'

'Did you give him one?' Lucas seethed bitterly.

'No, I didn't fucking give him a key Luke and you know what it pisses me off that you even have to ask me that.' Nathan said annoyed as he went to leave the living room. 'And you know what after the day I've just had this is the last thing I need.'

'You're not walking away from this.' Lucas said as he went over to block his way.

'Move Lucas or I'll..'

'Hey….stop!' Brooke interrupted as she moved in-between them. 'This is exactly what he wants, look at the two of you…seriously!'

Nathan sighed, as much as he knew Brooke meant well he was in no from for her interferring tonight.

'Lucas…can you just sweep that up and then reheat the food?' Brooke said sweetly before turning back to Nathan. She knew the only way Nathan would even stay to talk was to give Lucas some time to cool off.

'Brooke…not ton..'

'Where's Haley?' Brooke interrupted hoping the direct question would distract him.

Nathan sighed audibly again. 'She came in with me and then Dan was here, so she left.' He said shortly not giving much away.

Brooke nodded all the while picking up that there was more to the story. 'So, Dan was just here waiting?.'

'I took a weeks leave and in the meantime they lost out on a major contract to another company, he wasn't happy.'

'But he knew you were gone!' Brooke said rolling her eyes, of course all he was here for was business. 'Are you telling me he smashed the place over a contract..'

'It's Dan Brooke.' Nathan said with a shrug not really wanting to discuss this any further. 'Look I'm beat, I just need to get some rest I'm back into the office tomorrow.'

Brooke stepped aside as Nathan went down the hall to his room. She went into the living area then as Lucas popped the food in to reheat.

'Why was he here Brooke?' Lucas said a little calmer.

'Work.' Brooke replied with an eyeroll as she came up putting one arm around Lucas. 'Some contract was lost while Nathan was off.'

'He's just manipulating him again can't he see that. Hell, when Nathan took no time off they still lost a contract!'

'I'm sure he knows that. Lucas you two are just going to go around in circles if you keep having the same argument.'

'What do you suggest I do Brooke? Because it's gone to far, him coming into our apartment like that…they way he is trying to control Nathan its..'

'I think you're forgetting that Nathan grew up with Dan, it's going to take a good bit of time for him to break away from that.'

'How many close shaves does it take Brooke? Because next time it won't be our kitchen floor.'

'I know but Nathan is the one that has to see that, the more you try to push him on this the further away he will go…,give it time ok.' Brooke reasoned as she rubbed her hand gently up and down his arm.

Lucas sighed as he heard the timer go off on the microwave. 'What happened to Haley?'

'Nathan said she left after they came in; Dan was here waiting.'

'I'm changing the locks first thing in the morning.' Lucas sighed heavily.

XXXXX

Haley felt her heart pounding in her chest as her feet pounded the pavement, she had only intended to go for a gentle jog this morning but at some stage it had progressed into an intense run around Central Park. She had a restless nights sleep after she got home, and she felt even more frustrated with herself that it was partially related to Dan Scott. Why the hell was this even getting to her?

'Too bloody nice, that's why.' Haley fumed to herself just as her body collided forcefully with someone's chest. She felt completely winded as she stumbled back resting her hands on her knees to catch her breath.

This person really picked the wrong day to run into her. 'You nearly knocked me over you…'

'Haley..' Nathan panted out surprised as he stared at her.

You've got to me kidding me. Haley looked up from underneath her black NY yankees hat observing Nathan as he stood in front of her panting heavily, his hair was matted with sweat and he looked completely worn out.

'Your obviously new to this running malarkey…it helps to look in front of you.' Nathan got out between breaths.

He seemed very on edge which Haley wasn't surprise by considering last night.

Seconds later Nathan felt two hands punching him in the chest shoving him back. 'What the hell?'

'That's for nearly knocking me out you moron.' Haley fumed.

Nathan rolled his eyes. 'Little early to be this dramatic isn't it?'

Haley scoffed. 'Are you serious, I'm actually winded Nathan.' Haley said as she stood up straight catching her breath.

'Are you okay?' Nathan questioned a little worried he had actually hurt her.

'Are you actually concerned?' Haley spat out.

'Look Haley I've enough on my plate I don't need your moany ass going back to Lucas complaining.' and just like that any of the previous worry on his face was completely masked.

'He's pissed after last night isn't he?' Haley said crossing her arms in front of her as she observed Nathan's reaction. He was completely unreadable again, his stance and facial expression void of any emotion.

'Look as much as I'd love to rehash family drama it's none of your business Haley so move out of my way before I push you out of my way.'

Haley stood there in shock as Nathan without another word started running again and was out of her sight in a flash.

She should be used to it, him being a direct ass to her, that was nothing knew but he was never so cold about it.

Haley dragged her feet to the nearest park bench and sat down with long sigh. She had somehow found herself directly in the middle of this situation however it had happened, and she was having no more. Nathan was her friend, maybe even an acquaintance at best through mutual friends, there was nothing more there so why was she even worried when he would never show that same concern towards her in any given situation?

Lucas was one of her closest friends, but he had Brooke and this situation between him and Nathan…well he would just have to figure it out himself because she didn't want to hear about it again.

It was occupying to much space in her head and she was done.

Haley pulled out her cell phone dialling her sisters number. It went straight to voicemail. Haley almost laughed, of course it did. It was before 7a.m. after all.

'Hey Quinnie, don't worry I'm fine…I just had a crazy idea to go running this morning….anyway I'm hoping by the time you hear this you might have started packing, what do you say to getting on the road to Tree Hill a day early. I need to get out of here!'

XXXXX

'Welcome to the peasants corner.' Rachel mused as she sat up on Nathan's desk with her coffee cup in hand. 'Sorry I didn't get you one, not really my job anymore.'

'Haha.' Nathan deadpanned as he sorted through the files on his desk trying to figure out which ones actually demanded his attention in the short time he had left in work. It was only Wednesday, and it felt like the longest week, it was his third day now working on the ground as they called it in his dad's company. Upon coming back to work on Monday he had discovered that he had been demoted from his own office and was now down on the open office in the ground floor. His dad had not said much to him since with regards to 'his performance lacking' and at this stage Nathan did not want to speak to him. Nothing good would come of it, it would only end in someone getting hurt. And he just couldn't afford to walk away from work right now. So he was here, sticking this mess out.

'So, is it true?'

'Is what true?' Nathan said off handily.

'That this was daddy's decision.'

Nathan rolled his eyes. 'I took a week off. Dan didn't like it.'

'Surely that's discrimination.'

'It's Dan's company Rachel, he can do whatever he likes.'

'Figures.' Rachel said as she sipped her coffee. 'There's a lot more talent on this floor actually.'

'Haven't you somewhere to be….I don't know…like polishing my dads shoes.'

'Ow…ok I'll let that one go grouchy but just a heads up, big brother at 2 o'clock.' Rachel winked as she hopped off his desk.

Nathan sighed inaudibly as he glanced over to see Lucas coming his way. They hadn't said much to each other since what happened Sunday night.

'When were you going to tell me?' Lucas said as he came right over to Nathan's desk.

'Look Luke I…'

'Seriously Nate, he has you on the ground floor and you're still here….what the fuck has he on you?'

Nathan stood up from his desk and walked down the corridor into one of the meeting rooms off to the side.

'You can't just barge into my company shouting like this Luke, fuck sake have you no job of your own?'

Lucas scoffed. 'Last time I checked it wasn't and never will be your company.'

'None of this concerns you Lucas so you need to..'

'I need to what Nathan, fuck off? Is that what I need to do? Then fine.' Lucas resolved irritably. 'But you keep doing what you're doing and you'll end up just like him, all on your own.'

Nathan watched as he left the meeting room cursing under his breath. He paused at the door before turning around. 'You can find your own way to Tree Hill this weekend, that's if you even leave work to go.'

Nathan sighed and fell into the black leather chair resting his head in his palms. When had everything got so messy, he felt like he'd been doing the same amount of work for Dan for the past two years and now all of a sudden Lucas was dead set against it, he'd never shown that kind of resistance when he started working for him. Things just seemed to be getting worse.

XXXXX

Haley carried out the now filled pitcher of prosecco as the rest of the girls giggled around the table. 'What have I missed?' She mused as she joined the group who were sitting on the deck chairs in the back garden. It was a beautiful spring evening and the promise of summer seeped through the air with the sounds of the crickets chirping.

'We were just saying how funny it is that the two girls not from Tree Hill were the first ones down,' Peyton said as she happily filled her glass with prosecco.

'Brookes a New York girl' Haley said pointing her finger at her jokingly.

'I got here as fast as I could.' Brooke mused.

'I just love it here; it reminds me of summers when we were young.' Quinn smiled glancing at Haley.

'Brighton Beach.' Haley smiled as she took a sip of her drink. 'Those summers were the best.'

'I was more of a Coney Island girl.' Brooke said.

'Figures.' Haley joked.

'Hey.' Brooke teased back as she tossed a Dorito at Haley.

'I'm sure none of your summers were as wild as ours here in Tree Hill.' Peyton mused. 'There was just so many parties in Nathan's beach house.'

'How did you even get away with that?' Brooke said.

'Well Dan Scott was always gone, and Deb didn't care.' Peyton shrugged.

'Were Lucas and Nathan friends then? 'Quinn questioned curiously.

'After freshman year yea they became close, up until that point they didn't even acknowledge each other…quite like now.' Peyton said with an eye roll.

'Ah the infamous Scott brothers.' Quinn mused. 'Haley spent the whole car journey cursing them'

'Quinnie.' Haley admonished not wanting her to bring up what she had said. 'It wasn't the whole car journey. Anyways I just think what's going on is..'

'Ridiculous.' Brooke interrupted. 'yea, Lucas and I travelled up here alone. He said he wasn't taking Nathan in the car with him.'

Peyton scoffed. 'Honestly, you think they would have learned from the past.'

'Nathan is a stubborn ass though.' Haley countered.

'Please Hales, tell us how you really feel.' Brooke joked.

'What?' You know I'm right. I bet if Lucas offered him a lift he wouldn't get in the car.'

'Is he even coming?' Quinn asked.

'He is tonight yea.' Peyton said.

'Peyt….seriously.' Haley whined.

'I love you when your drunk.' Brooke mused.

'I'm not drunk.' Haley scoffed. 'Just merry.'

'Look if the two have anything to get off their chests let them tonight that way we can all enjoy the christening tomorrow.'

'I think all this christening talk is making me broody.' Quinn teased.

'Quinnie you're texting how many guys?' Haley mused.

The rest of the girls laughed.

'So…I have options, who would produce the best-looking baby.'

'Oh girls, to be single again.' Brooke laughed.

A few hours passed by as everyone joined the girls out in the garden. Haley came inside carrying another empty pitcher and made her way over to the sink deciding now was probably the best time to fill this up with water.

'Here let me get that.' Nathan interrupted as he went to take it from her. Haley was dressed in a white kami and blue denim shorts, her blonde hair was tousled up in a wavy pony, she looked effortlessly gorgeous.

Haley watched as Nathan came to grab the pitcher, he was wearing a light blue shirt which was now rolled up at the sleeves and pulled from his work pants which told her he had obviously come straight from work to get down here this evening. He looked a little dishevelled but strikingly handsome, she cursed him for always looking so good.

'You know what I don't need your help and I don't want it.' Haley spat at him as she went over to the water cooler to fill it up.

'You just seem a little…' Nathan began only to be interrupted.

'What? Annoyed….I'm not being nice to you Nathan not after how thick you were to me in the park the last day.

'Well I was going to say tipsy…' Nathan began only to find that Haley was still rambling.

'and maybe you're avoiding everyone out there because of Lucas but it doesn't mean you can just come in here and decide you can just talk to me one minute and then be an ass the next..' Haley fumed turning to see that stupid smirk on his face.

'Hi aunt Karen.' Nathan said watching as realisation dawned on Haley that she had heard that last part of their conversation.

'My boy.' Karen said enveloping Nathan in a big hug. She pulled away then and smiled back at Haley. 'Hello Haley, how are you?'

'Good Karen.' Haley said. 'How is everything with you guys.'

'Ah very good, it's so nice to have everyone here.' She smiled before turning back to Nathan. 'You look exhausted honey.' She said concerned as she pulled away taking him in.

Nathan swallowed hard. He couldn't even say to Karen that he wasn't tired, she'd knock sense into him right there and tell him how things were. He just really didn't want to touch on anything like this with Haley or anyone else around.

'It was a long day that's all.'

'Working you to the bone isn't he?' Karen said as her eyebrows furrowed.

'Whatever Lucas said.' Nathan shrugged wearily.

'Look Nathan putting everything with Lucas aside for a second, you know you can come to me, you're a second son to me and if there's anything that you're worried about I'm here…ok?' Karen said whole heartedly as she patted him on the shoulder.

'I know, thanks Karen.' Nathan smiled but she could see that it never quiet reached his eyes.

'And I don't need to tell you two boys to sort whatever this is going on between ye out, you're both better than that. You're both better than him.' Karen left through the patio door out towards the back garden.

Nathan glanced over to see that Haley was now making a start at cleaning up. He came closer to her and started to clear the bowls of crisps and dips that had been brought in.

'Look I don't want your ..'

'Help. I know but I don't want to be out there so suck it up.' Nathan said a little irritable. She was just bringing out the worst in him now, she always managed to do this. 'Prissy bitch.' He muttered to himself.

'Excuse me.' Haley said turning around from the sink.

'Nothing.' Nathan said smirking. 'I'm pretty sure Karen was a little in shock at the words coming out of sweet, kind, Haley's mouth earlier.' Nathan goaded.

'Whatever.' Haley spat. 'If she heard half of that conversation she'd know you were to blame.'

'Not true.' Nathan corrected. 'Karen loves me. '

'She has no choice.' Haley retaliated. 'And at least I can actually tell someone I'm annoyed with them, I've no problem telling Karen about our little conversation.'

'What do you mean by that?' Nathan said as he glanced up from where he was tidying up everything that was laid out on the kitchen counter top.

'Prissy bitch.' Haley countered as she loaded the dishwasher. 'If anyone is a little bitch it's you. You can barely stand up to your own father.'

She knew it would get a rise out of him; she didn't care. If it worked and kept him away from her for the rest of the night then that would be for the best.

'You're out of line Haley and you know it!' Nathan said back coldly.

'What? You call me a prissy bitch and I'm out of line.' Haley scoffed. There was no reply for a while and Haley glanced back to see that Nathan was tidying up with a completely unreadable expression on his face.

'Well now I know what to say to get you off my back.' Haley muttered to herself.

'Real fucking mature Haley.' Nathan mumbled back.

'That's funny coming from the way you handled things tonight.' Haley mused.

'You just won't give up will you, I actually came in to help you.'

'Yea and as soon as I didn't need your help you reverted back to your factory settings of being a complete ass.'

'You know what fine, I'm done.' Nathan said harshly and turned to leave out the patio door.

'Nathan honey perfect timing can you take these in for me and help Haley finish tidying up the rest there. I'm just going to make sure we've all the correct orders in for food tomorrow.' Karen said as she handed Nathan a handful of stuff and came in to sit at the kitchen countertop.

'I'm doing ok here.' Haley called out.

'Nonsense, we didn't call you down to clean.' Karen said as she started going through the list.

Haley glanced over her shoulder as Nathan came up beside placing more dishes down. He wouldn't even look at her. And she couldn't bring herself to look at him.

They continued cleaning in complete silence.

The tension in the room was palpable and they were sure Karen could feel ever morsel of it.

Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

'