No One Compares-

Summary: Haley James and Nathan Scott have been best friends since they were in diapers, however they have both had more than 'just friends' feelings about each other for years. Everything was going great on their senior year until Nathan got a girlfriend; Peyton Sawyer. Major Naley/Minor Brucas.

Disclaimer: I own nothing except my brain.

A/N: Thank you guys so much for reviewing I love reading them and hearing about your thoughts on chapters, etc. So, here is the new chapter, enjoy!

Chapter 6- Lingering Feelings

Haley reluctantly rolled out of bed, she was still exhausted from last night. Not only did she get in late but she stayed up for hours thinking back to Nathan and the way he kept acting around her. How every time she kept convincing herself that it would never happen, that she just wasn't the girl for Nathan, obviously Peyton was.

She pulled on her cheer outfit, they had a pep rally and another game that was vital to being in the championship. Haley knew Nathan was stressing, he had to make it to finals so he would be there to show up Damien.

Glancing at the clock, Haley realized she'd be late for school if she didn't hurry. She grabbed her car keys and ran out the door.

--

Since it was a few minutes until the first bell rang, Haley expected the parking lot to be relatively full but she didn't worry. No one ever parked in her spot because every one knew that was Haley's spot, even Peyton parked in the next column. But today was different, Haley started to pull in only to find Peyton's car in her spot, Haley bit her lip and turned around parking a few spots over.

She walked over to where Nathan and Peyton were standing, their arms around each other. 'See Haley, obviously he doesn't want you, it was all in your mind,' Haley thought to herself.

She changed her mind and started to walk away, anywhere but by the two lovebirds.

"Hales!" Haley heard Nathan call. She decided to pretend not to hear him, if she didn't hear him then she wouldn't have to go by and watch him and Peyton.

She kept walking only to feel herself being turned around and came face to face with Nathan's gorgeous blue eyes.

"Hey," Haley tried to smile but it just wouldn't work.

"Haley," Peyton started, "I didn't want to take your spot, there were a bunch of goons that decided they didn't know how to park."

"Oh, its fine," Haley lied. Even though her parking next to Nathan was just a small thing, it still hurt Haley. It made her feel even more replaced by Peyton than she already had.

Nathan noticed Haley's lie, he always could. He knew this was bothering her, he vowed to try to spend some time with her over the weekend.

"Nathan, do you want to go to the movies or something this weekend?" Peyton asked.

"Uh, no, I really need to study, Haley would you mind helping me?" Nathan said.

Haley thought about it, she missed him, she didn't want to admit it, but she did. And she was a tutor she couldn't turn her back on someone who needed her help.

"Sure," Haley said. Even if she wanted to, there was no way her heart would let her. Haley accepted that Nathan was taken, she and Nathan could still be close friends.

"Great," Nathan said picking up Haley in a hug.

"Nate!" Haley squealed, "Put me down!"

The two were so engaged in each other that they didn't notice the glares Peyton was sending Haley's way.

'Who was I kidding?' Peyton thought. 'He loves her, even a blind person could see that.'

Nathan put Haley down and finally it registered in his mind that his girlfriend was standing there the whole time with a hint of jealousy written on her face.

"Nate," Peyton began, "Can we talk, privately please?"

Nathan looked at Peyton and back at Haley. He knew it was coming. "Sure."

Haley grabbed her things and began walking toward her class.

Once Haley was out of earshot, Peyton sat down. "Nate," she began.

"Its about Hales," Nathan said, he already knew it was about Haley. Every girlfriend Nathan had had since he was born was always jealous of Haley.

"Look, I know she's your best friend but I'm your girlfriend," Peyton said.

Nathan sighed as he ran his hands through his hair. "I know Peyton."

"I tried not to be jealous, but I don't think we're gonna work out," Peyton finished.

Nathan looked at her shocked, he knew she was upset but to break up with him?

"Peyton, I don't know how to explain it," Nathan said.

"Well, look, think about it this way, if it came down to it, if Haley and I needed a transplant and you were the donor, who would you pick?" Peyton asked.

Nathan knew who he would pick. Haley, hands down.

"Your silence is the answer I was looking for, if we stayed together I'd always be second," Peyton told him.

"I'm sorry for hurting you," Nathan said.

Peyton nodded. "Friends?" She said holding out her hand.

Nathan shook her hand and pulled her into a hug. He didn't want to break up, but he knew it was best for both him and Peyton in the end.

Great, he lost a girlfriend and he still had these crazy feelings for his best friend. What was he supposed to do now?