It's all my fault today, I'm sorry for the way I was to you
It's all so wrong, you see, and I'm sorry for the words I say to you
But if you ask me I will go, anything for you
But if you ask me I will go, cause baby I need you

Just as Chris was about to respond the door jingled as it flew open. Nathan Scott ran through the doors panting from how fast he ran from his car, there were no parking spaces so he had to park around the corner.

''Hales,'' he said breathlessly, walking towards the counter. ''Can I talk to you?''

She just stared at him.

She stared as he looked at her desperately, silently begging her to forgive him for ignoring her because he was ashamed of being tutored, of her. At least, that's what she thought was the reason.

She stared because she had no idea what do say to him.

She stared as her heart started to race frantically over the fact that he was sorry.

She just stared at him.

Nathan took a deep breath. ''Hales, I'm so sorry... I did it because I didn't want people knowing about the tutoring, you don't understand what it's like having all of those people think things about you-''

''Yes, she does understand. Thanks to you.'' Chris quipped, only saying something like that to a jock because he knows Nathan won't kick his ass in front of Haley, especially when he's begging her for forgiveness. Plus, he's on the other side of the counter. But of course, he doesn't know Nathan, or the reasons for his ignorance.

''Haley, can I talk to you in private?''

''I'm working.'' she spoke for the first time since he arrived, but it came out in a harsh tone.

Nathan ran his hands over his face in frustration. He needs her in his life; he's not giving up on her now, never. ''Haley, please can I talk to you in private?''

Haley was about to say no, because she was still so mad, he shouldn't have ignored her and treated her like she was nothing. She's treated him with respect, but of course he's used to that with Alex and Carrie watching his every move. She was supposed to be something to him; he treated her like she was when they were alone. Now she's figured it out.

But Chris beat her to it. ''Hales, take your break. It's time for it soon anyway.''

Nathan was about to hit him for calling his crush Hales, but the perv has made Haley unable to say no, so he's cool with him... for now.

Haley sighed and walked from behind the counter, not forgetting to discretely kick Chris' leg on the way out. She walked past Nathan, with her hands stuffed in her pockets. Nathan followed her behind with a satisfied smile on his face, even though she was practically walking away from him.

She walked out of the store and continued to walk, not saying anything but not running away as Nathan walked by her side. They walked towards the docks and sat down on one of the picnic benches, giving them a perfect view of the water as it crashed against the rocks.

Nathan sat across the from her, smiling at the sight as the wind blew her hair out of her face, giving him a perfect view of her soft, tanned skin. His smile widened as she smiled slightly at the birds, her smile is the prettiest one he's ever seen. But her eyes looked sad, which made him sad too, especially since he was the one that caused it.

''Hales, I'm really sorry.''

Haley didn't look at him; she just continued to stare out into the water. She then started to speak, but didn't glance at him once. ''I thought we had something special, you know?'' she laughed slightly. ''As lame as it sounds I thought that we were special. Like, we would fight yet I was unable to stop smiling. I thought we had something more than a tutor and tutee relationship, I thought we were friends. That's why it hurts so much, because I thought you weren't the same guy from the beginning of 2011.''

''I'm not,'' he said softly. Everything she 'thought' was completely true. They are special, they have something special, they do have something more than a tutor and tutee relationship, and they definitely are friends, only Nathan's hoping for something more. ''I promise you that I have changed, thanks to you. I know it's crazy, but being popular it's like... it's the only thing I can control.''

Haley sent him a confused look when she finally looked at him, so he continued.

''I know that I sometimes I say that I don't care about it, but I do. Because everything right now is crazy. I mean, my Mom isn't my Mom, Deb Lee is. Lucas and Lily are only my half siblings. And my Dad pressures me constantly. Popularity was the only thing I could have control over, no one could change it. But then I realised that it could. But I don't care anymore, because you mean more to me than that. I care about you, and I'm not letting you get rid of me.'' Nathan said determindly. He was half lying, because all of that is true, he just didn't tell her the main reason.

Which was that he's crazy about her, and he was mad when he realised that she still liked Lucas.

Or so he thought.

He cares about me more than popularity? She thought, allowing herself to smile. He was genuinely sorry, he really regretted it. She could understand his reasons, like she lost something she thought she had control over, but that's something she doesn't like to think about.

''You're forgiven, for now. But I swear Nathan if you treat me like that again-''

''I won't.'' he interrupted with a grin. ''And I'm sorry for skipping on you at breakfast.''

Haley shrugged. ''I never asked you to. I mean, you're the one paying for my hot chocolate and sausage barm every morning.''

''Well to make it up to you, how about I make you dinner?''

Her smile widened, though she would have to decline, she's working. ''I have to work.''

''After work?'' Not taking no for an answer, Hales.

Being the true nerd that she is, she would have to say no again. ''I have to do my homework.''

''Well I need to do mine too, we can do it together while eating food at my house.''

''Will Dan be there?'' she asked with a slight annoyed groan.

''No, I'm not stupid, we can go to the beach house.''

Haley eyebrow's raised immediately. ''You have a beach house?''

Nathan nodded and laughed. ''Yep.'' he said, popping on the 'p'. ''Do you need a ride? I can pick you up.''

''Nah, Chris can take me when our shift ends.'' she said, standing up. ''It's not like it's a date or anything, we're just two friends having dinner.''

He had to force his smile not to fall. ''I know, friends.''

''I'll see you later, jock.'' she laughed before skipping back down the street towards her place of work. They're two friends having dinner, but Haley can't help but wonder what it would be like if they were more than friends. And she couldn't stop her heart from racing when she thought of that idea.

''Bye, nerd.''

Chris rested his chin on his hand as he looked around the empty store; he's starting to regret sending Haley away because now he's extremely bored. He doesn't fully regret it though because he wants Haley to be happy, and he already knows that Nathan makes Haley happy, that's all he's really wanted for her, she deserves it.

He glanced to the counter and realised that Haley had left her phone on the counter and smirked as he picked it up.

After scrolling through the contacts he found the one she was looking for.

Rachel.

He quickly dialled the number in his phone and saved it.

His smirk widened as he did so.

Smoke was everywhere.

Nathan ran his hands over his face in frustration. After Haley left he realised that he only had two hours to make them something to eat so he stopped at the store and bought some Mac and Cheese, which was her favourite, and some prime rib (which was his) for him. He wanted to make an effort to show her that he's better than Lucas, to hopefully make her like him back. He has to do this now before Lucas leaves, because he can't be second best either.

He knows that Haley and Lucas could be together, or they could sleep together. And he honestly doesn't know how to handle that, or handle it in the future. But he's trying to force that out of his mind, and focus it on getting Haley to like him as much as he likes her.

But it isn't going too well so far. He's burnt the noodles and now the oven has set on fire, luckily he had a fire extinguisher to put it out.

He picked up his phone and dialled the familiar number.

''Hey Lucas, I need a favour...''

Knock. Knock.

Nathan quickly put a marshmallow in the hot chocolate before running to the door a little too eagerly. He opened it with a big smile on his face, because it was her on the other side of the door. Yep, he's definitely crazy about her. Even though it scares him, he's not going to let that get in the way of making her his.

Haley smiled at him when he opened the door. Has he always looked this cute? She was immediately hit by the smell of her favourite food. ''Oh my god, have you made Mac and Cheese?''

''It's your favourite, right?''

Haley walked inside eagerly, surprised that he knew that fact, it even made her blush a little. ''I've not had this it in forever.''

Nathan led her into the dining room with a laugh. ''We had it last weekend.''

''Exactly.'' She froze when she reached the doorway. ''Nathan,'' she gasped. ''This is amazing.''

There were two plates opposite each other, one with Mac and Cheese and one with prime rib. Next to the Mac and Cheese plate was a mug, presumably hot chocolate, or at least she was hoping that it was. And a glass of water was next to the prime rib plate. Then there was a little candle in the middle of the table, it wasn't a big tall one like the restaurants, it was small, but incredibly cute.

Nathan shrugged nonchalantly, feeling his cheeks heat up. ''C'mon, it's gonna get cold.''

Haley nodded, grinning at him like an idiot as they sat down. ''It's safe to eat this, right?''

''Yes.'' he mock-glared at her.

She immediately stuck her fork into the food and took a bite; she couldn't help but moan at the tastiness. ''Yum.''

''Good right?''

She nodded eagerly. ''Yeah, but you know what? It kinda tastes exactly like how it is a Karen's Café.''

Nathan sighed in defeat. ''I, um, kinda burnt the noodles, and then started a fire in the oven. I called Lucas and asked him to go to the café and get some food. He wouldn't do it until I told him it was an apology meal for you. Then he, Peyton and Lily brought it over.''

Haley felt those butterflies in her stomach, not because Lucas was mentioned, but because Nathan's done all of this for her. She didn't feel angry that Lucas was hanging out with Peyton, she honestly didn't care, she was happy for them. These weren't the same butterflies as before; they're wilder than before... for Nathan.

She laughed. ''I did doubt that you could actually cook.''

''Ha ha.''

''Seriously, Nathan. Thanks for this, you didn't have to, I know that you're sorry.''

''I wanted to.'' he insisted.

Haley gasped suddenly after she took a sip of her drink. ''You put mini marshmallows in my hot chocolate? You're amazing Nathan Scott.'' she declared, feeling all tingly over that sweet gesture.

Which made him feel all tingly too.

Half an hour later they had now settled on the couch, with their homework on the big coffee table like it was a regular tutor session.

''Oh!'' Haley randomly announced, picking her bag up from the floor. ''Here's your homework, you weren't in second period so I got it for you.''

Nathan grinned at the gesture. ''You're not in my Calculus class.''

Haley's eyes widened as an unfamiliar pain ripped through her chest. ''Yes I am.''

Crap. He thought as he looked down at the floor, bowing his head shamefully. ''Sorry, you know what I'm like, only care about myself. Sorry Hales, I'm a really crap friend, aren't I?''

There's that word again, friend. None of them liked it, but they couldn't say anything else, could they?

''It's okay, I guess.'' she shrugged, her good mood faltered. ''Did you know that Calculus isn't the first class we've shared together?''

''You remember that?''

''What?''

''The first class I had with you was English last year,'' he stated. ''Hales, I remember who you are.''

Haley grinned. ''You remembered that?''

Nathan nodded, smiling at her beautiful smile. ''Yeah, I, um, walked in there and I looked around and saw you. You blushed your cute blush.''

''Cute blush?'' she asked with a raised brow, that same blush forming on her cheeks.

''Yeah,'' he grinned, unashamed. ''that one right there.''

Haley laughed as more heat rose to her cheeks.

''I smirked at you and you rolled your eyes.''

That made her laugh even harder. ''Yeah, you were so shocked at that.''

Nathan rolled his eyes, his smile widening (if possible) at her pretty laugh. ''I had a big ego, okay?''

''No, you have a big ego.''

Their conversations were always light and easy, they always enjoyed each others company. Which could always made them wonder why they had never been together sooner. Because the feelings were definitely there.

For both of them.

''Done.'' Haley announced, putting her homework into her folder and placing it inside her bag. ''Do you need some help?''

Nathan shook his head as he rested his back against the couch. ''Nah, I finished mine ten minutes ago. Looks like you're not so smart, huh? Belle.''

''Belle?''

''Oh, I forgot to tell you. Lily loves princesses, and Belle is her favourite. Lily told Brooke that Belle is just like you, so she might start calling you that from now on.'' he explained, remembering the weird story Brooke told him at lunch yesterday.

''Belle means beautiful in French, you know.''

''Yeah, but I don't think Lily knows French.''

Haley giggled. ''I guess you're right.''

Nathan sat up. ''Not that you aren't,'' he said urgently, hoping she didn't think that he didn't think that she was. ''You're stunning.''

Haley blushed and stared at him wide eyed. ''Really?''

''Yeah, of course.'' he said, staring intently at her red face. It was taking all of his self control not to kiss her right now. Well, it always does. Now he's discovered his feelings it's becoming harder and harder to be around her.

She coughed awkwardly; this conversation was getting way too serious. He doesn't like her, she doesn't want to be getting excited for no reason. ''Um, L- Lucas, he's really worried about you, you know.''

Nathan groaned and leaned back. Great conversation killer, Hales. ''You would know, wouldn't you?''

''Um, yeah?'' she said in confusion. ''Last night he asked if he could talk to me, he knew about our tutoring and wanted to know why you've been avoiding him.'' Haley noticed Nathan's eyes widen. ''Don't worry! I didn't say anything, I promise. I wouldn't do that to you.''

Oh God, that was what they were talking about last night? I'm such an idiot. ''I just- I don't know how to act around him. He was my brother, and now he's half, it's just weird. I think he has a right to know, but I can't tell him 'cause he'll flip.''

Haley reached for his hand and took his on hers, those butterflies multiplying as she did so. ''I get it, okay. I understand. But you can't take it out on Lucas. It doesn't matter if Lily and Lucas are only your half siblings now, they're still a part of you and you're a part of them. You guys love each other, it doesn't change anything. Family is the most important thing, it shouldn't change anything between you guys.''

''Thanks, Hales.'' he said softly, taking his hand out of hers and pulling her into a hug. His heart raced immediately when his skin touched hers.

When she leaned further into the embrace she accidentally knocked her bag from the sofa, when Nathan pulled away he picked it up and a little piece of paper fell out, he picked it up and noticed that there were words on it.

Stay on your own side and leave Nathan Scott alone. He's mine.

Nathan handed it to her, his blood boiling. ''What the hell is that?''

Haley scanned her eyes over the paper and laughed. ''It was in my locker at the end of the day.''

''Well do you know who wrote it?''

''No,'' she shook her head with another giggle. ''So I don't really know who's claiming to be your owner, sorry.''

''I'll give it to Brooke, she'll find out who wrote it.'' he stated, taking the paper from her hand and putting it into his pocket.

Haley laughed again. ''You don't have to, I'm not worried about it.''

Nathan didn't look amused. ''I'm giving it to her.''

''Fine.''

''You wanna watch Family Guy? I think it's on now.''

Haley shrugged, still mad that he was making a big deal over a stupid note from a stupid stalker. ''Sure, but then I have to leave.''

Nathan tried not to be disappointed by this information, but failed miserably. ''Okay.''

He didn't know it, but she was sad about it too, even though she was acting like she was pissed off.

''Oh my god, Stewie is so funny.'' Haley laughed halfway through the show. ''He's a talking baby!''

''Which is unrealistic.''

Haley nudged him in the ribs. ''You just don't like him because his head's like a football, your mind is focussed on basketball.''

Nathan rolled his eyes. ''No, this show is just unbelievable.''

''The Simpsons has been running for twenty years, Maggie should be celebrating her 21st birthday soon but no, she can't even talk yet.''

''It's not real, Hales.'' he mocked.

Haley gasped, attempting to respond but then changed her mind, she couldn't be bothered to argue with him. ''Fine, I'll just stay quiet then.''

Ten minutes later Nathan realised it was a little too quiet, she wasn't laughing at any of the usual jokes. Her head had been resting on his chest for a while but he didn't think much of it, he was just too happy over her position. He glanced at her and realised that she was now asleep, her eyes twitching from the dream she was having. This was similar to the time over a week ago when they fell asleep, only this time he can't help but like her a little more.

And before he knew it, he'd fell asleep as well.

''I can't believe we're late!'' Haley screamed, throwing a pillow at him as he ran down the stairs after getting dressed. ''This is all of your fault!''

''My fault?'' he asked incredulously. ''You fell asleep!''

Haley ran her hands through her hair that seriously needed washing, but she had no time. They had woken up ten minutes ago and school starts in another fifteen, it takes eight minutes to get there too so she has no time to go home and get ready. She doesn't want to get a late mark, which would look bad on her record. Nathan had offered to find some women's clothes, and he's finally returned.

''You should have woken me up.'' she moaned as he reached the bottem of the stairs.

''You should have woken yourself up!''

''How is that possible?''

Nathan just shook his head and smiled at her, she was so cute when she was angry. ''At least you've got all of your homework done, right?''

Haley smiled slightly and nodded. ''Yeah, did you find me some clothes?''

''Um, not exactly. My Mom only has business suites up there, it's like the only thing she owns. So I got you this.'' he through a t-shirt to her, which she surprisingly caught.

Haley unfolded it and looked at the t-shirt. It was polo and a pretty light blue colour; it had a medium sized 23 at the right of the chest. It was clearly big on her, but wouldn't look too ridiculous if she wore it. ''Seriously?''

''It was mine last year, it's clean, I promise. I ordered it on The Raven's website but it was a way too small and couldn't be bothered sending it back, so I just shoved it in my wardrobe. You can just wear it over your jeans, no one will notice.''

Haley quickly shrugged and ran up the stairs. Ew, this was gross. She's not had chance to shower or get some fresh clothes, not even underwear. But she has gym second period, so she will be able to shower after that, which was a little better. It still didn't change the fact that she had to wear Nathan Scott's shirt to school today.

After putting it on and spraying lots of Karen's perfume from the bathroom, she made her way downstairs.

Nathan was sat on the couch eating a bar of chocolate, turning his head when he saw Haley run down the stairs as she tied her hair into a tight pony tail. She's half asleep, angry, and her hairs pretty wild, despite the way it's styled. He can't help but smile at her beauty, and how sexy she looks wearing his shirt... and his number.

Haley grabbed his chocolate bar from his hand as she walked past him and took a bite. ''Chocolate for breakfast, really?''

''There's nothing else.''

''Whatever,'' she said, taking another bite of the chocolate before picking up her bag and running to the door. ''Hurry up, Nathan! School starts in ten minutes!''

Nathan stood up, he doesn't care if he's late but she clearly does, so he ran a little faster to the door. ''Okay, let's go. And I must say, you're looking very pretty today, Hales.''

Haley blushed and smacked his arm as they hurried towards his car in the driveway. ''Shut up.''

''I'm being serious.''

''Okay.'' she said sarcastically with an eye roll.

Nathan climbed into his car and she copied his actions, they immediately relaxed once he started the car and started their journey towards Tree Hill High.

''Why are you wearing me Mom's perfume?'' he asked, scrunching his nose up at the sweet smell.

''I smell, at least I did.''

''No you didn't,'' he told her. ''She's gonna kill you if she finds out, that stuff costs loads.''

Haley laughed. ''No she won't, because you're not going to tell her.'' she said sweetly, with a smile to match.

Nathan smirked. ''Really?'' he asked, knowing he wouldn't.

''Yep.'' she nodded. ''God, everyone's going to be giving me evils today.''

''Why?''

''Because a Ravens t-shirt.'' Haley stated with a gasp. ''Haven't you heard? Like, nobody who's not part of the team or cheerleading squad are aloud to wear the logo it's like... forbidden or something.'' she said in a snobby tone, then she giggled. ''Especially not a nobody like me.''

Nathan was shocked, of course she wasn't a nobody, she's amazing. ''You're not a nobody, Hales. You're somebody, especially to me.''

Haley's heart fluttered at his words as she smiled at him. ''Thanks. But I guess whoever wrote that note isn't going to be happy when they see us walking into school together... that is if you want to walk into school together? It's fine if you don't want to be seen with me or anything.''

Nathan scoffed. ''I meant what I said, you goof. You mean more to me than my popularity, I want to be seen with you.''

''But what if people know you're being tutored?''

''It's just tutoring,'' he shrugged. ''I'll just say that I have to do it to stay on the team, which is true. They just won't know that those tutoring sessions are the best part of my day.''

''Really?'' Haley asked astounded, her chest feeling like it was on fire.

Nathan nodded as he parked his car in his very own parking space, everybody knows not to park in Nathan Scott's space. When they climbed out they walked into towards the school, realizing that they had a few minutes before homeroom. They noticed a few heads turn when they reached the doors, but didn't think much of it.

But then they walked inside.

Every cheerleader and jock turned their heads to look at them, and at least half of the other students looked at them in amazement too. Many looking at the shirt that Haley was wearing, and noticing how close the basketball star and the tutor were stood next to each other.

The rumours are about to go wild.

AN: Hope you liked it! I'm not impressed with how I wrote this, but I have no time to change it, sorry. OH MY GOD 19 reviews, I love you guys! That's the most I have ever gotten for a chapter, ever. Thank you so much! The song was 'Apology' by 'SafetySuit', yes I used another SafetySuit song, they're amazing so I don't care:)

ObsessivePrincess - I hope you don't hate me anymore, haha. Thanks for your review, I hope you liked this chapter, too. And at least you know what happens now:)!

Cuteyfruity - Thank you, and it's okay. Well, you don't have to wait anymore, because it's here! Thanks again!

If you liked my last HJ fic, then check out my new one shot Little League Butterflies.

Please review, and I'll send you a preview of the next chapter. x