AN: It has been a while and i know i am a little late but Happy 2012 everyone!

What does everyone think of season 9 so far? i think we are in for a crazy awesome season. I must say i am also happy to see Keller back i think he is going to add some much needed humor to this dark looking season. and what about James (Nathan's) voice overs? does anyone else get chills? i love his voice overs.

I would also like to thank everyone for the reviews it helps to know people are liking the story and to kaya17tj thank you so much for all of your help. Here is chapter 8! Please read and review.


I own nothing. Everything in this story belongs to the creator of One Tree Hill and the CW

Haley and Nathan had been having a wonderful day together. While at Karen's Café, he never brought up what she had said at the hospital. She didn't either and he acted as if she hadn't said it at all. They laughed and joked with each other over breakfast. Then they went to a movie, where she had suckered him into seeing one of the twilight movies.

Later that afternoon, they held hands and walked through the mall together, window shopping. Nathan stopped off into a shop. He had ordered a large plaque of a Policeman's prayer and it was ready. He had one back in LA and wanted one in his new house. He felt that it kept him safe. He thought Haley would laugh at him but she didn't. When the salesman showed Nathan the plaque, Haley listened as Nathan read it aloud;

Policeman's Prayer
Dear LORD,
be with me as I serve
this day and every day.
Grant that I may ease or
help another on their way.
Let me be kindly to the old,
and to the young, be strong.
And let me triumph over
those whose acts are cruel and
wrong. And if according to
Your plan, I am to pass
away, please bless and protect my family
each and every day.

Haley had tears in her as eyes she looked at the plaque. The salesman wrapped it up and she and Nathan left to go back to his place. Haley hadn't spoken and it didn't go unnoticed by Nathan.

"What's wrong Hales?" Nathan asked.

Haley turned and looked at Nathan with a small forced smile. "Nothing." She said as she went back to staring out the window.

"You're lying and I know that because you haven't said a word since we left the mall. Now what's up? Is it about this morning?" Nathan asked.

Haley turned towards Nathan "No it's not about this morning. It's just…" Haley trailed off not sure what to say.

Nathan didn't want to pry but he wanted to know what was on her mind. "It's just what?" he asked.

Haley took a deep breath and faced Nathan as she answered. "Your profession, I just realized today that I could lose you forever. I almost did a month ago and didn't even know it. I guess it just hit me today that with the job you have one day you could go to work and not come back." Haley finished as a single tear rolled down her cheek.

Nathan hated that she was crying. He slowly reached over and wiped the tear off her cheek. "I'm sorry." Nathan said as he finally turned into his driveway. He shut the car off and faced Haley.

"Tell me what to say because I don't know what to say." Nathan stated with a scared look on his face.

Haley laughed at his expression as she reached over and grabbed his hand. "Nothing because there isn't anything you can say. Just promise me something." Haley said as she looked at him.

Nathan nodded "Anything." Nathan said looking into her eyes while giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Haley took a deep breath before she spoke "Just promise me that you will take care of yourself. Don't try and be a hero. I know we aren't officially back together yet but I don't know what I would do if anything ever happen to you." Haley finished as another silent tear fell.

Nathan felt his heart constrict at the sight of the single tear. Reaching over, he cupped her cheek in his hand and brushed it away the with his thumb. They locked eyes as she leaned into his touch and he trailed his thumb across her bottom lip as his eyes traveled to her lips. She had kissed him in the elevator and he wanted nothing more in that moment then to kiss her.

When Nathan looked back up, Haley knew what that look meant and she was surprised that she wanted him to kiss her.

Nathan, then seeking permission first, slowly started leaning forward. As he did so, he noticed Haley also start to lean in and their lips met. The kiss started off slow and quickly started to gain momentum, becoming more and more passionate. Haley then ran her tongue along his bottom lip asking permission to enter as he opened his mouth, their tongues quickly started to battle for dominance.

Their kisses were becoming heated and Haley soon found herself straddling Nathan's lap in the driver's seat. After a few more moments, Haley felt his erection through his jeans. She absentmindedly started to grind her hips into it, eliciting a groan from Nathan as he quickly stilled her movements placing his hands on her hips. After another moment, he finally broke the kiss, both of them needing air.

Haley and Nathan both trying to regain their breathe, locked eyes and Haley smiled at the wonder she found shining back from Nathan's eyes. Nathan smiled back at Haley. He wasn't expecting a little make out session but it is what had happen.

Smiling, he finally spoke. "So does this mean we have gone from friends to dating?" Nathan questioned. Haley then got off Nathan's lap and back into the passenger seat. She was deep in thought as to what Nathan had just said. She knew they weren't ready for the whole marriage bit but decided that dating was a great idea.

With a smile on her face, she turned towards Nathan as she answered. "I would think so. Friends don't kiss like that." Haley finished with a wink.

Nathan laughed. "I would hope not. What would you like to do, girlfriend?" Nathan asked, finally taking his keys out of the ignition.

Haley thought for a moment. "I have to meet the girls to work on wedding stuff in a few hours. But I had forgotten what a great kisser you were, so would you like to remind me, for an hour before I have to go?" Haley asked with a flirtatious smile.

Nathan smiled at Haley as he answered. "Whatever you want girlfriend." He finished as he turned to open his door with Haley following his move on her side.

Nathan waited in front of the car for Haley. They walked hand in hand to Nathan's front door. They walked in together and into the living room. Nathan was about to turn to ask if Haley wanted anything to drink but he never got the chance because Haley pounced on him, taking off from where they had left off in the car.

An hour later, they stood at Nathan's front door. Haley had to go and meet Brooke and Peyton.

"So I will see you tonight at Karen's right, girlfriend?" Nathan asked as he placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

"Yes I will be there." Haley said as she smiled at Nathan.

Nathan leaned in and gave Haley a hug but as he was about to pull away, Haley pulled him back in for a kiss.

As Haley pulled back from the kiss, she gave a small smile. "I will see you later." Haley said as she turned and left. Nathan watched as she got into her car and drove off. He then decided to call Sarah and Clay to catch up.


Haley pulled into her driveway. She cursed when she saw the time. She was late and she was sure she was going to hear it. So she quickly climbed out of her car and made her way into the house. Sure enough, Peyton and Brooke were waiting in the kitchen for her.

"Where have you been?" Brooke questioned as Haley set her purse down on the kitchen counter.

"I was with Nathan. We went to a pre-op appointment for him this morning, then got some breakfast, caught a movie, and then walked around the mall a little bit." Haley stated nonchalantly.

"Pre-op appointment?" Both Brooke and Peyton questioned at the same time.

Haley nodded "Nathan is having surgery Monday morning. He has to have the bullet removed and something repaired in his shoulder." Haley finished with a frown.

"Why didn't we hear about this before?" Brooke asked in an angry tone.

Haley just shook her head as she answered. "I don't know. I just found out this morning and I am willing to bet he wouldn't have told me if I hadn't gone to his house this morning. When he told me he said that he didn't want anyone to know because he didn't want anyone's pity or sympathy and that he still doesn't feel like he belongs."

"Still?" Brooke asked "I thought things were better." Brooke stated. "Looks like I'm gonna have to have a talk with Nate." Brooke added as Peyton quickly jumped in to change the subject.

"So what movie did you see?" Peyton asked.

Haley smiled "I got him to see the new Twilight movie." She finished with a laugh as Brooke and Peyton burst out laughing with her.

"Nathan Scott saw a Twilight movie!" Brooke asked in between giggles.

Haley shrugged. "He was in the bathroom when I got the tickets. He didn't know until we were in the theater and it started that it was a Twilight movie. We were supposed to see something else but I tricked him." Haley finished with a shrug and a small smile.

"That's hilarious. Lucas won't even go near a theater when those movies are out." Peyton said.

Brooke just shrugged "Julian goes but that is only because he is a movie fan. He just likes to go so he can make fun of the sparkly vampires."

Haley just smiled. "Nathan took it like a champ and he didn't make fun of it."

Brooke then noticed Haley's red swollen lips. "Hales' your lips are looking a little chapped there. What else did you do today?" Brooke questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah Hales, you're also looking a little ruffled." Peyton added with an already knowing smile.

Haley smiled as she shrugged. "Things between Nathan and I are going great. We have stepped it up from friends to dating and we may have had a little make out session." Haley finished with a blush.

"That's great Hales!" Peyton said with a smile. "Is he treating you right?" Brooke asked.

Haley nodded as she answered. "He is being wonderful. He hasn't pushed me at all. Actually, I was the one that made the first move. I kissed him first." Haley finished as her blush deepened.

"Well that's good. Glad to hear Naley is getting back on track after all these years." Brooke said.

"Yeah, it finally feels like things are getting to the way they should be." Peyton finished with a small smile.

"Yeah it does." Haley agreed as she smiled thinking of Nathan and how she couldn't wait to see him tonight.

Peyton then wanted to get started on the wedding planning. "Well ladies, I am two months away from being married and this wedding isn't going to plan itself so let's get going." Peyton stated as she pulled out her plans.

"And the bridezilla returns." Brooke said as they all laughed and settled into planning.

Haley checked her phone and saw a text from Nathan saying that he already missed her. She smiled as she replied and then put her phone away to give her full attention to her best friends.


Nathan was currently sitting in the living room at Karen's. It was Saturday evening and the girls were in the kitchen making dinner. He was the last one to arrive and tried to see Haley but Brooke had kicked him out of the kitchen. So he was with everyone else in the living room. Lily was on his lap and he was currently teaching her how to play NBA live. Even though Luke was playing with them, he and Lily were winning which was causing Lily to laugh every time she made the shot when Nathan told her to hit the button and making Lucas mad because he was losing.

"You're cheating." Lucas shouted playfully at both Nathan and Lily. This caused Lily to sequel out in delight and Nathan laughed.

"Luke, you have always been a sore loser." Peyton said as she came around the corner with Brooke and Haley following.

"I am not. And you cheat, too." Lucas said while point towards Peyton.

Haley and Brooke laughed as Peyton shook her head. "I didn't cheat. The student just became the master." Peyton said and finished with an evil laugh.

Everyone but Nathan laughed he felt out of the loop. "Wait, what am I missing?" Nathan asked look between Lucas and Peyton.

Lucas shook his head "She is a cheater."

"Lucas Scott, I am not! Nathan, he taught me how to play. Then I ended up getting good after a while and I beat him. We played again a few days later and I beat him in every game. After that he refused to play me, stating that I cheated and that something was wrong with his controller." Peyton finished with a small laugh.

Nathan busted out laughing. "She beat you. That's hilarious." Nathan said laughing.

Brooke smiled "Careful Nate, I am pretty sure she could beat you too." Brooke finished with a small laugh.

"I don't think so." Nathan said shaking his head.

Lucas then spoke. "I think I hear a challenge." He finished with a laugh as everyone else but Nathan started to laugh a long with him.

"You want to give it a shot, Peyton?" Nathan asked taunting her with the controller.

All three girls laughed. "Sorry, Nate it's gonna have to wait. Dinner is ready and waiting for us." Peyton said.

"How about after dinner?" Nathan questioned as he got up from the couch, flashing his signature smirk before adding "That is unless you're scared." He finished coming to stand in front of her.

Brooke and Haley laughed. "Alright Scott, you're on." Peyton said as she patted his good shoulder.

"Good. I'm gonna go wash up." Nathan said as he turned and started walking down the hall way towards the bathroom. He didn't know it but Haley was behind him.

He stepped into the bathroom and started washing his hands in the sink as two small arms came around his waist. He jumped a little in surprise and turned to find Haley laughing lightly.

"Sorry, but for a cop you sure are jumpy sometimes." Haley stated as she stepped up on her tiptoes and planted a kiss at the base of his neck.

Nathan laughed as he answered. "Well we aren't usually jumped in a bathroom, Hales." He said as he turned back around to shut off the water dried his hands and turned back around to face Haley.

He then planted a soft kiss on her lips. "How was the rest of your day?" he asked pulling back to look in her eyes.

"It was good. We got a lot of planning done today." She said as she reached out to shut the bathroom door. "I missed you though." She finished as she locked the door.

Nathan laughed as she locked the door and turned to face him. "What is it with you and locking us in today?" Nathan questioned as he reached out and pulled her in for a hug.

Haley shrugged as she breathed him in. "I just want you all to myself." Haley said as she pulled back to look at him.

"I missed you too. You also look amazing tonight." Nathan said as he quickly leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips but just as he was about to pull back she deepened the kiss. After a few moments, they both pulled back as there was a load knock on the door.

"Nate, Hales come on dinner is ready." Lucas said to a closed door.

"We will be right out Luke." Nathan said as he looked down to a blushing Haley.

Nathan grabbed Haley's hand after he unlocked and opened the bathroom door. "Come on you goof, let's not keep our family waiting." Nathan said as he led them both to the dining room.

They both sat down together. Everyone else was already seated and waiting for them. Some looked amused as others pretended not to notice. After they said grace, they all dug in. The girls had made spaghetti, garlic bread, and a salad.

"So Nate, are you ready for Monday?" Lucas asked.

Nathan's head shot up in surprise but he quickly recovered. "Yeah I am." Nathan said and quickly changed the subject. "Peyton, how's the wedding planning coming?" Nathan asked looking quickly to Peyton.

Everyone looked at Nathan confused. "Wait Peyton, don't answer that yet. Nathan, honey, what is Lucas talking about? What are you ready for?" Deb asked setting her fork down as everyone else looked to Nathan for an answer.

Peyton shrugged and gave Nathan a sorry look as she then glared at Lucas and kicked him under the table.

Lucas never acknowledged the kick; he was too focused on the angry look Nathan was throwing his way.

Nathan glared at his brother and clenched his jaw and fists. However, he quickly recovered as he felt Haley's hand on his knee in comfort. "Just tell them." Haley whispered so only he could hear.

Nathan let out a sigh as he answered. "I am having surgery Monday morning on my shoulder." He stated pushing his food around his plate.

Dan then spoke. "Nate, why didn't you tell any of us?" Dan asked.

Nathan looked up and saw hurt flash through his mother's eyes and he hated himself for it. "I just didn't want anyone's pity nor is it a big deal." Nathan said as he took a drink of his water.

Deb shook her head. "Nate, you are having surgery. Of course, it is a big deal but don't worry I will be there all of the way. I can even stay with you for a few days after the surgery to make sure you're alright." Deb finished with a smile.

Nathan then choked on his water as panic sank in; this was the last thing he wanted. He loved his mom but after he came back and told them about his HCM, it took almost a week to get her to stop bringing him food. "Mom it's okay um…" he trailed off not sure what to say.

Lucas then spoke to save his brother. "I promised that I would take him. It's early in the morning and should only last an hour. No big deal. I will bring him home and he will just need rest." Lucas said as he took another bite.

"Your mom and I will come stay for a few days then, just until you're back on your feet." Dan announced more then asked.

Nathan was about to protest when Haley spoke. "I was actually going to stay at Nathan's and take care of him. He and I already have everything setup. I will stay with him at his house. Right, Nathan?" Haley said looking over at Nathan who seemed to be anywhere else but there at the moment.

Nathan quickly shook his head silently praising Haley's brilliants. He then looked at Haley sending her a silent thank you as he turned and confirmed the news. "Yes, Haley will be staying with me. So you don't need to worry." Nathan said as he took another drink of his water.

"Well, that's fine but I am still gonna drop by and check on you." Deb said as she picked up her fork and started to eat again.

Dinner continued unusually quiet until Nathan finally spoke. "So Peyton how is the wedding planning coming?" Nathan asked not able to tolerate the silence any longer.

Peyton looked up to Nathan in shock. As she looked at him, she noticed that he was really interested in details. She smiled at him and then told him and everyone else everything but the detail of her dress.

Nathan and everyone else made comments when appropriate and as everyone finished eating he got up and started clearing the table.

Karen noticing this stood up. "Oh Nathan, I can get this. Please just sit down." Karen said as she tried to take the dishes from his hands. However, Nathan's grip was just a bit firmer than what she was expecting.

"Nonsense." Nathan said as he continued to collect the dishes. "You ladies cooked and it is only fair that us guys do the dishes. Isn't that right, Lucas?" Nathan stated as he looked at his dumbfounded brother.

Lucas quickly recovered and answered. "Sure." Lucas said as he too stood up and started helping.

As soon as he and Nathan were in the kitchen alone, he braced himself. But, nothing came to his surprise. However he was still waiting. Maybe Nathan sensed someone listening and he was waiting for his moment when no one was. So he continued to move around the kitchen on guard and waiting for Nathan to say something about his earlier antics. Lucas, however felt that everyone including Deb and Dan had the right to know that Nathan was going under the knife. Which was the why he said anything at all.

Nathan was watching Lucas from the corner of his eye as they started to wash dishes. Nathan was laughing in the inside. Lucas looked as nervous as a turkey on thanksgiving and he was enjoying watching Lucas squirm. But, truth was Nathan wasn't planning anything. He just wanted to do something nice for Karen.

However, after about the hundredth time of seeing Lucas shift, he gave in. "Luke, relax okay. I'm not mad." Nathan said.

Lucas relaxed "Why not?" He asked "I basically threw you under a bus in there." Lucas said as he washed a cup and handed it to Nathan to rinse.

"True but I know why you did it. So it's okay, you were right." Nathan said as he rinsed the cup and placed it in the drying rack.

"Why do you think I did it?" Lucas asked.

Nathan shook his head as he answered. "You thought everyone had the right to know and you thought I was selfish for not wanting to tell the others. So you forced me to tell them myself." Nathan said as he looked at his brother's dumbfounded face.

Lucas shook his head "How the hell did you know that?" Lucas asked with a laugh.

Nathan chuckled "I'm a cop. We can read people pretty well." He finished as he heard footsteps approaching.

He and Lucas turned to see Haley, Brooke, and Peyton with their arms crossed. Brooke was the first to speak.

"You're right. Nathan killed Lucas. Look he is covered in bubbles." Brooke finished in mock horror as she turned to look at Peyton who was convinced Nathan was beating Lucas. Haley laughed as the brothers turned with "What the hell" expressions on their faces.

Nathan then spoke. "It's alright. I am not mad so you three can go back to your girl talk and not worry." Nathan finished as he rinsed off a plate and put in gently down in the drying rack.

"Sorry Nate." Peyton said.

Nathan waved her off. "It's okay." He finished dismissively. "You still up for that round of NBA Live or are you going to chicken out?" He questioned as he looked over his shoulder with a small teasing smile.

"In your dream Scott, I'm so ready." Peyton stated as she put her hands on her hips.

"Alright Peyton, I have finished my job. Lets go set it up so you can crush Nathan." Lucas said as he dried his hands and walked out of the room with Peyton and Brooke following.

Nathan continued to rinse the dishes; he knew Haley was behind him. "What's up Hales?" Nathan questioned throwing a glance over his shoulder.

Haley walked over and stood beside him. "Are you okay?" she questioned as she rubbed his arm.

Nathan nodded as he answered. "Yeah I'm fine. Why?" he asked.

Haley smiled. "You just looked ready to rip Luke's head off and we came in here to find you two laughing." Haley finished with a laugh.

Nathan nodded. "Yeah but I had time to think and Lucas did the right thing. I really shouldn't be keeping something like that from everyone regardless of how I feel." Nathan said as he popped the drain stopper out.

Haley watched as the water started to drain as another thought popped into her head. "So do you want me to come over and stay Sunday or Monday when I get out of work?" Haley asked with a small grin on her face as she watched Nathan freeze in place and then look over and smile down at her.

"What?" Nathan asked with a grin wondering if he had just heard her right.

Haley laughed before she answered. "When do you want me to come and stay at your house?" She asked again.

Nathan shook his head. "You don't have to do that. But thank you for saying that so I wouldn't have to live with my parents." Nathan said as he bent down and kissed Haley on the cheek.

"But I want too. You're not going to be able to take care of yourself or Duke for that matter and I just want to be there to help you. So I will ask again, when do you want me to come over and stay?" Haley asked.

Nathan chuckled as he was rinsing the sink out. He knew by her stance that there was no arguing with her because she wasn't going to take no for an answer. This was something she wanted to do. "Alright, how about you come after work Monday?" Nathan answered looking over at Haley.

Haley smiled but on the inside she was dying, she really wanted to come over Sunday because Brooke would be going to New York for the week to tend to meetings for Clothes over Bro's and she didn't want to be alone. "Monday is good." Haley said slowly after a moment.

Nathan then thought for a moment. He wouldn't really be great company on Monday and he didn't want to wait until Monday and with the way things were going between them, he didn't like being away from her. So he quickly corrected himself. "Hales, I have a better idea. Why don't you just come Sunday that way you can get settled and we can have a nice dinner?" Nathan finished flashing a hopeful smile her way.

Haley smiled. "That's a great idea. Sunday it is." Haley finished as she stepped up on her tip toes and kissed Nathan's cheek. However when she pulled back she noticed a mischievous gleam in Nathan's eye.

"What are you…" Haley started but was cut off when Nathan flicked his hand her way that had been holding the spray hose sending water up the front of her shirt and onto her face. Haley looked up to Nathan in shock.

"What?" Nathan questioned innocently.

"I can't believe you did that." Haley said.

"What? this?" Nathan stated as he took the sprayer and did the same thing again this time doubling over in laughter letting go of the spray nozzle.

Haley smiled as she noticed the water still on and noticing that the sprayer lying in the sink. She quickly reached over and squirted him as he was bent over.

Nathan stopped laughing and stood up and Haley was now the one laughing. "What?" she questioned just as he had and then started laughing again.

Nathan just laughed along with her. "You look good wet." He said and he continued to chuckle and turn towards Haley.

Haley smiled still laughing. "You don't look so bad yourself." She said as she stepped closer to him. Nathan then reached out and wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in for a hug. "You're amazing Hales." Nathan said as he dipped his head down to capture her lips in his. When he pulled away a moment later he spoke.

"Let's dry off and go join the others." He said as he picked up a clean towel and handed it to Haley. She quickly dried off her face and arms and handed the towel back to Nathan. He did the same and then hung the towel up on a hook. He then turned and Haley followed him out into the living room where everyone was waiting.

"Bout time Scott. I was starting to think you had changed your mind." Peyton said as she held out the other controller for him to take.

Nathan chuckled. "You wish. How about we make this interesting by making a bet?" Nathan said with a raised eyebrow as he took the controller and a seat. Haley sat on his other side.

Peyton looked at Nathan and laughed. "What do you have in mind? She asked.

"Well I'm having surgery Monday and I kinda want to go out. I was thinking, we could go to Tric tonight and the loser of this game buys the drinks for tonight." Nathan finished with a smirk.

Peyton and everyone in the room laughed. Brooke clapped her hands together in excitement. "I like that idea." Brooke added causing everyone to laugh.

Peyton then nodded. "Alright Scott, I accept your bet." She said as they all settled in awaiting a winner.

Peyton chose the Knicks while Nathan went with the Bobcats.


A few hours later, they all sat at a table in Tric beside one of the pool tables. They were taking a break from playing. Brooke had ordered them a round of shots that had arrived.

They all pick the shot as Brooke handed them out. Once everyone had one in hand she spoke.

"Here is to all of us being here. It's been years since we have done this but now we are doing it legally. So here's to us and Nathan for paying for all the drinks tonight, Cheers friends." She finished as she laugh and threw down the shot as everyone else had. Everyone was making faces as they did so.

"Brooke what was that?" Haley questioned as she set aside the shot glass.

Brooke smiled. "Pucker Fuckers. Vodka mixed with a fruit flavored pucker. I picked grape since Nathan has been nothing but a sour grape since he lost to Peyton here." She finished with a smile and a shrug.

Everyone laughed as they looked at Nathan. "She cheated." Nathan claimed as he took a drink of his beer to rid his mouth of the awful after taste of that shot.

"I told you she cheats." Lucas said with a laugh.

"How do I cheat?" Peyton said.

"I don't know but 108-80 you made me look like a chump." Nathan said.

"Oh stop being a bitter boytoy and suck it up." Brooke said with a smile.

Everyone laughed again at the use of Nathan's old nickname. "Watch it Penelope!" Nathan warned.

Then the music was turned up as a remake of Good Vibrations started to play by Gym Class Heros. Haley stood up "Come on girls, let's dance and leave these two to brood." She finished gesturing towards Lucas and Nathan.

"I like the way you think teacher girl." Brooke said as she stood up with Peyton in agreement as they followed Haley to the dance floor.

As the girls went to dance the guy watched for a few minutes. Lucas had been meaning to talk to Nathan about Monday and he decided now was a good time.

"Hey Nate." Lucas said trying to get his brothers attention.

Nathan looked at his brother. "Yeah" Nathan said snapping his attention to his brother.

"So is Haley really going to stay with you after your surgery or did she just say that because she knew you didn't want your parents staying with you?" Lucas finished taking a drink of his beer.

Nathan thought for a moment and answered. "Both I guess. At the time when she said it, it was just to keep my parents from staying with me. But she and I talked, she is going to come over and stay with me starting Sunday. Why?" Nathan asked also taking a drink of his beer.

Lucas shrugged. "I was just wondering. You're lucky she did that." Lucas said with small chuckle.

"I know tell me about it." Nathan laughed along with his brother.

Julian then walked up to the table. "Hey guys, where our girls at?" He asked taking a seat next to Nathan.

Lucas pointed to the dance floor as another fast song began. "Perfect. Brooke doesn't know I'm here. She thinks I am still in New York, I'm gonna go surprise her." Julian said standing up and walking toward Brooke.

Lucas and Nathan both watched as Julian walked over to her and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned and screamed out in joy as she threw herself into his arms. Both Peyton and Haley looking on with smiles on their faces but as Julian started dancing with Brooke, both looked to them.

"I see what's coming." Lucas said as he took a drink of his beer.

"Yep they are going to make us dance." Nathan said as he finished his beer and placed it down. "It's a good thing I want too." Nathan said as he stood up and walked towards Haley.

"Traitor!" Lucas shouted after him as he walked away. Peyton was now in front of him.

"Luke, will you please dance with me?" Peyton asked looking at him with hopeful eyes.

Lucas smiled. "Sure." He said as he stood and he and Peyton then joined their friends on the dance floor.

They danced for two songs before a slow one came on. Nathan looked at Haley and smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck and he wrapped his around her waist. He smiled and kissed the crown of her head as he heard her let out a sigh of contentment once she had placed her head on his shoulder.

"I missed this the most." Nathan said into her hair as they continued to rotate to the music.

Haley pulled back to look into his eyes. She smiled and nodded and then reached up to kiss him. "Me too" she stated with another sigh of contentment. They danced together slowly turning in tune with the rhythm of the music each content with being in each other's arms.


It was now Sunday. Nathan and Haley had spent the day together and Nathan had made dinner again. They hand finished the night watching a movie. After the movie Haley was tired and wanted to get some rest so Nathan showed her to the guest room. He made sure she was completely comfortable and told her if she needed anything that his bedroom was across the hall. He then went to his own bedroom closing the door. He changed into a pair of basketball shorts and left his room to go to the bathroom.

He got to the door and it was open with the light on. Haley was brushing her teeth. Nathan smiled as he came up beside her, the bathroom had double sinks so he used the other. He grabbed his tooth brush and quickly brushed his teeth. When he was done, he rinsed off his hands and turned to dry them on a towel. Haley had just finished washing her face and was now putting on a lotion.

Nathan stepped forward and placed a kiss on the top of her head. "Good night Hales." He said as he turned to leave.

"Hey." Haley said as she turned towards Nathan with a playful pout on her face.

Nathan chuckled. "What?" He questioned as he looked into her eyes.

"You missed." Haley stated as she point to her pout.

It took Nathan a moment to catch on as soon as he figured it out he chuckled and mumbled an apology. He walked up and placed a soft kiss on her lips, he smiled as he pulled back. "Good night Hales." Nathan said as he began to walk towards the door.

Haley smiled. "Good night Nathan." She finished as she turned off the light and went to the spare bedroom.

They both went to bed and fell into restless peaceful sleep, at least for now.

Haley was sound asleep; however she could feel herself being pulled from it. As she slowly started to wake she kept hearing a grunting and mumbled talking as she listened more it sounded like someone in pain. She opened her eyes and was disoriented for a moment unsure of where she was. Then she heard the voice again, it was Nathan.

Not thinking twice, she sprang from the bed and ran to his bedroom. He was in bed and jerking and mumbling, she also noticed that he was in a cold sweat as she put her hand to his forehead.

She moved her hand from his head to his shoulder to wake him because it was obvious he was having a nightmare.

"Nathan." She said softly as she gently touched his shoulder. She did this a few more times without success. So she knelt down and started running her hands along the side of his face. Slowly but surely he started to wake up.

Then with no warning he sprang up into a sitting position panting with his hands over his face startling Haley.

"Nathan?" she said in a questioning voice. "Are you alright?" she asked as she sat on the bed next to him rubbing his back soothingly.

Nathan sat there for a moment trying to regain his senses. This dream made no sense. Once he had control of his breathing, he removed his hands from his face and turned to face Haley.

"I'm sorry." Were the first words out of his mouth as his eyes started to water when he looked at Haley. This dream felt so real to him and he reached out and grabbed Haley's hand and held it in his own. He let out a breath in relief that she was okay.

Haley was taken aback by the look and tears in Nathan's eyes. He looked as if he had lost everything and the same way he looked that day in the bathroom at Karen's when she had wanted to end everything. "Its okay, do you want to talk about it?" Haley questioned as she looked into his piercing cobalt blue eyes.

Nathan shook his head as he used his other hand to wipe his eyes. "No it's okay. Just a bad dream, it wasn't real." Nathan said as he lay back down. "Sorry, I woke you." Nathan said as he lifted her hand to his mouth and left a soft kiss on her palm.

Haley forced a smile. She hated when he did this but she also knew that he would tell her with time. "It's okay, I will just go back to bed." Haley said as she stood up and pulled back Nathan's covers and climbed in beside him.

Nathan slowly scooted over to the other side with a shocked expression on his face. "What are you doing?" Nathan asked clutching the comforter.

Haley giggled "Well since you had a bad dream, I figured I would sleep in here with you. That way I can protect you." Haley finished as she lay on her side facing Nathan with a small teasing smile on her face.

Nathan chuckled. "Oh well in that case you better hold me." Nathan said as he also turned on his side to face her.

Haley then laid her back and opened her arms. "Come here." She said.

Nathan scooted over and laid his head on her chest as she wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you Haley. I don't deserve this treatment from you with everything that I have done but thank you." Nathan said as he closed his eyes as Haley started running her fingers through his short raven colored hair.

Haley didn't respond because she didn't know what to say nor did she want to say anything instead she just sighed and continued to run her fingers through his hair. Haley's steady heart beat and easy breathing was quickly lulling Nathan back into a deep sleep. Before he completely fell asleep he whispered "Good night Hales, sweet dreams."

Haley kissed the top of his head. "Good night." She said as she too soon fell back asleep with Nathan still in her arms.

LINEBREAK

It was Monday night and Haley was on her way to Nathan's. Haley got a call from Lucas that everything had gone smoothly at that Nathan was still groggy from the anesthesia so he was sleeping.

She pulled into his drive way and wasted no time grabbing her things and going in. Lucas was in the kitchen with a bottle of water. "Hey Hales." He said "You missed a funny morning. Nathan on anesthesia has got to be one of the funniest things I have ever seen." Lucas said as he took a drink of the water.

Haley chuckled. "You are so mean." She said as she slapped him in the arm.

"I'm serious. He was singing country songs! Since when does he listen to country music?" Lucas questioned.

Haley laughed. "I don't know but I have witnessed him singing and dancing to it. It is quite funny." Haley agreed.

Just then Nathan came walking into the room shirtless with his shoulder bandaged and his arm back in his sling wearing, just a pair of black basketball shorts. "What's so funny?" Nathan asked going to the fridge grabbing a water.

"Nothing." Lucas said quickly.

Haley, however answered. "Luke was just talking about your singing performance this morning." Haley finished with a small giggle.

Nathan shook his head. "I know I can't carry a tune to save my life but must we make fun of a drugged me?" He question as he came up and placed a soft kiss on Haley's forehead.

Lucas laughed "Hell yeah. By the way Nate since when do you like country music?" Lucas questioned.

Nathan shrugged. "Sarah and Clay are fans and whenever I was with them it's all they would listen to. I didn't like it at first but it kinda grows on you after a while. It's a comfort thing now I guess. Why?" Nathan said as he took a sip of his water.

Lucas laughed. "After they gave you meds this morning at the hospital, you started singing some song about a solo cup. The nurses kept looking at you like you were crazy." Lucas finished still chuckling.

"Did he do the dance?" Haley asked.

Lucas shook his head. "Not really he just sang really loud."

"Well I got to hear him sing and dance which was awesome." Haley quickly threw in sarcastically.

Nathan shook his head. "I have a feeling I am never going to hear the end of that, am I?"

Lucas and Haley nodded as they looked at each other and then answered together. "Nope." They both said at the same time laughing as they did so.

"Great!" Nathan said as he started walking back towards his bedroom. "Alright you two have fun. I'm gonna crash, I'm not feeling well." Nathan said.

This got Haley's attention and she watched as he walked away. Lucas stood up "I have to get home. Peyton wants us to go out tonight. So I will talk with you later Hales." Lucas said.

"Alright." Haley said as she also stood up giving Lucas a hug before he left.

When Lucas was gone, Haley fed Duke and let him out. She then decided to see if Nathan wanted anything to eat. As she approached his bedroom, she heard him finish up a phone conversation and she stopped at the door just as he hung up.

"How are you feeling?" Haley asked walking into the room and sitting on the bed.

Nathan scrunched up his face. "Fine, just groggy from the anesthesia." He said as he shook his head and placed his phone on the night stand.

He then nodded towards his phone. "Sarah and Clay called, they are coming in to see me this weekend." He said with a small smile.

"That's nice." Haley said with a smile "Do you want anything?" she asked.

Nathan shook his head. "No. I'm good."

"Okay well, I have some papers to grade. If you need anything, just call for me I won't be far away." Haley said as she kissed his lips and stood and moved towards the door.

"Okay." Nathan stated as he watched her go. He then laid himself down onto the pillows and before he knew it he was out.