(NY, Sunday March 6 2011, 7 pm)
Nathan collapsed on top of Haley breathing hard.
"That was…"
"I know" Nathan smirked. "What can I say? I aim to please"
Nathan rolled off Haley but as he did he pulled her into his arms so she was resting on his chest.
They whole car ride Haley had teased Nathan mercilessly. He had been so aroused by the time they got to Haley's apartment, that he had practically taken her in the elevator. It was all he could take to get her inside and then he had spent the next hour returning the favour. At the end he had Haley begging for release. There was a desperate tinge to their lovemaking, it was like they were trying to keep the magic of the Hamptons alive and keep the world at bay for a little while longer.
Haley lay there in Nathan's arms and suddenly all she wanted to do was run.
'What am I doing?' she wondered. 'I'm just setting myself up for another broken heart'
"Stop"
"What? I'm not doing anything"
"Stop over analysing this. Just be"
"Nathan it's not that easy. I could have done that if it was someone else but you're my husband. I can't just dismiss a weekend with you as just sex or just a good time" Haley pulled away from him then, "Unless that's what you're thinking"
"No, of course not Hales. You have to know by now that you mean so much to me"
"Do I Nathan? Because honestly your actions these past years pretty much say the opposite"
"Hales, is there any way we can move forward without going over our pasts?"
"I don't think there is. I have so many questions and you're the only one with answers to those"
"Why can't you just let it go?"
"Because that's not who I am and if you knew me at all, you'd know that"
Nathan sighed unhappily. He wanted to tell her everything but he couldn't find the courage.
"I can't"
"Why not Nathan? I just want to know how you went from promising to love me forever to not wanting me"
"How can you say that? I want you so bad. I have craved you all these years. My life was hell without you"
"So Peyton wasn't much of a replacement huh?"
"Don't go there"
"Ok, I'm getting a little sick of this. Why won't you talk about her? You did it on TV" Haley tried to squirm out of Nathan's embrace but he was holding her too tightly.
"Haley, some things are better left in the past. I admit it, Peyton and I, we made a mistake when we got together. But I can't say anything bad about her even for you. She has been there for me when no one else was"
"Oh so it's my fault? I wanted to be with you, you sent me away"
"That's not what I meant. Peyton, she loved me when I didn't deserve to be loved. As hard as this is for me to say to you, Haley, she saved me. So even if Peyton and I decide not to be together, she will always be in my life."
Haley yanked herself out of his grasp and moved away.
"Saved you? I don't understand Nathan. You can't keep doing this to me. Tell me the whole truth or just go"
Nathan started to speak when Haley spoke again.
"Wait a minute; IF you and Peyton decide not to be together, as in you still are together?"
Nathan couldn't take it anymore. He got out of bed and pulled his boxers on. He looked around the room to find his clothes that he and Haley had flung in different corners in their hurry earlier.
"I refuse to do this with you now. I told you, Peyton wanted a break and I agreed. Besides, from that phone call in the car, I'm guessing you and Matt haven't broken up have you?"
"That's not the point. You are still not lying to me. Just tell me the fucking truth for once. Why did you stat dating one of my closest friend months after rejecting me?"
"I did not reject you damnit" Nathan shouted losing his temper. "And if I turned to Peyton it was because she was there and not off making music with Chris Keller"
Haley got out of bed too. She had a sheet wrapped around her and her hair was messy. Her eyes were flashing with anger and she looked stunning.
"I was not there because you did not want me there" Haley shouted back. "So stop throwing that in my face. You asked me to leave"
"I was hurt. I had just come all the way to New York to see you and you told me that our marriage was a mistake. Did you actually expect me to welcome you home with open arms? Do I look like a fucking door mat to you? You made your choices Haley just like I made mine. If you wanted me and loved me as much as you claimed to that night, you would've stayed and fought for me. But you left again" Nathan had stopped shouting by the end.
"How was I supposed to know that?" Haley asked sadly. "All I knew was the man I loved was standing in front of me saying he didn't want me to stay with him"
"Look Haley, this is what I didn't want. Can we just not do this? Talking about the past isn't going to change it. It's not going to take away the pain and anger and disappointment. So why bother?"
"What do you want Nathan?"
"You, us, I want to try again"
"Why? We didn't even last a year the last time"
"We owe it to ourselves Haley. We can't run from each other forever. So what if we made mistakes, we were kids. We know better now"
"No we don't because until you tell me why you did the things you've done, I'll never know. And I can't live my life guessing"
"Hales"
"Nathan, either you tell me now or you leave"
"Don't do this Hales" Nathan moved so he was standing right in front of Haley. He cupped her cheek with his large hand and looked deep into her eyes.
"I'm not doing anything Nathan. I just want to know" Haley felt a tear drip down her face.
Nathan softly wiped it away and then kissed her cheek where the tear was.
"I want to tell you Haley but if I do, it'll change everything and I'm not ready for that. Not yet"
"Then I guess you have to go" Haley closed her eyes. She couldn't bear to see the heartbreak written so clearly on his face. But she had to be strong.
Nathan looked at her for a moment. How he loved her.
"I can't walk away from you" he whispered. "I let you go once, I won't survive it again"
Haley started crying. Nathan pressed a soft kiss against her lips.
"You're the one Haley. We are meant to be together. I don't care how long it takes; I'll prove that to you. You will love me again" Nathan looked at her one last time before he grabbed his jacket and left the apartment.
"I never stopped" Haley whispered when she heard the door close.
………………………
"We hope you enjoy you're flight"
Nathan sighed and leaned back in is seat. After his showdown with Haley he had driven straight to the airport and bought a ticket for the first flight to LA. Luckily there were always tickets available in first class. He called Lucas and told him what time he was arriving and then Nathan had started to brood.
'Some things you can't forgive'
Nathan firmly believed that. He wanted to tell Haley about his past and hope that things would magically become better but he was a realist. He was stuck in a no-win situation. If he didn't tell Haley something soon, his chances with her would reduce. But if he did, they would be non-existent. So he picked the lesser of the two evils.
The whole flight, all Nathan did was obsess over his situation with Haley and what he should tell Peyton the next time he spoke to her.
'How did I get myself into this stupid mess?'
……………………..
Haley went straight for the cookie dough ice cream after Nathan left. As she was walking back from the kitchen, she noticed a light blinking on her answering machine. Haley hit the play button and stood there to listen.
BEEP
"Haley bub, since you haven't called to yell at me, I'm assuming you and Nate had a good time." Taylor laughed naughtily. "I want details. Love you. Bye"
BEEP
"Hey Haley. I'm sorry I didn't take your calls before but I wasn't ready to speak with you just yet. I'm leaving for a couple of days. I should be back late Monday night. I have a family thing. When I get back we should talk. Don't worry about calling me; I probably will be out of range. I'll just meet you at yours when I get back. Umm, I guess that's it"
BEEP
"I love you"
BEEP
"Tutor girl, I called Nathan and you and both you phones were turned off. So I'm guess you guys are getting freaky together" Brooke teased. "Is he as good as you remember? Oh wait, you did him a few weeks ago. Anyway, call me!"
BEEP
Haley stared at the machine in shock. She deleted all but one message and that she played over and over.
"I love you"
"I love you"
"I love you"
"I love you"
"I love you"
After she had played it the fifth time Haley sunk to her knees. She literally collapsed.
'Matt' she thought wildly. 'What did I just do?'
Haley had been so wrapped up in Nathan she hadn't spared a thought to man she was with, who loved her.
'I'm no better than Nathan' she thought. 'I should've ended things with Matt before things with Nathan went this far. Or I should've just left when I realised it was him waiting for me and not Matt'
Haley knew she had to come to a decision. If she stayed with Matt, Haley knew she would be content. He loved her, his family adored her and he treated her like a princess. Nathan, with him Haley could taste sweet ecstasy. She could just wait it out, see if he would eventually confide in her. But at the same time he could hurt her more than anyone else ever could. Loving Matt was easy and simple. Loving Nathan was a double edged sword. She would never know when she would be cut and would always live with that fear
So who was it going to be? Matt? Or Nathan?
……………………………………
(LA, Monday March 7 2011)
"Has he said anything yet?" Brooke spoke softly.
"Not yet. Whatever happened up there has him really messed up" Lucas said.
They both turned to look at the 'he' they were talking about. Nathan Scott was sitting in their lounge staring at the TV which wasn't even on.
"I'm worried Luke. After what happened last time" Brooke paused. "What if he can't handle whatever he's going through? Peyton isn't even here. We need to be there for him"
"We will be Brooke. I'm not letting little brother out of my sight until I hear the whole story" Lucas said.
Nathan had to strain to not snap at them. They were standing not ten feet away from him and they were talking as if he wasn't even there.
'I'm not going to snap again' he wanted to shout but he didn't. After all, that might just be a lie.
After Luke had picked him up the previous night, Luke had taken one look at him and despite his protests, Luke had driven them straight to the home he shared with Brooke. Once there, Nathan had brushed off their attempts to talk to him and had instead just shut himself up in one of the guestrooms.
It was past lunchtime today when he had finally emerged. Brooke had immediately started to fuss over him. She had the cook make him his favourite foods and then she and Lucas had sat with him and tried everything to get him to talk with no success.
Nathan knew why they were acting all crazy and he also knew if he didn't tell them something soon, Brooke would freak. Over the years she had gotten all mother hen on him when he was upset. But Nathan didn't want tot ell them what happened. Because that would make Haley sending him away real.
Nathan tensed slightly when he felt the couch compress but then he relaxed.
'May as well get it over with' he thought
"Nate, do you want to talk?" Brooke asked gently. She was sitting next to him. Lucas was sitting on the couch next to Nathan's.
"Not really" Nathan said and then continued, "But I don't think I ever will so I may as well tell you now"
Nathan told them how well the weekend had started and then about their fight and then the final discussion.
"Haley is so damn hung up on knowing all the details about Peyton and me and the last six years. I don't get why she can't just let it go"
Brooke and Lucas exchanged a look.
"Nate, you never did tell us how you and Peyton got together. After all these years we're still curious, can you blame Haley for wanting to know?"
Nathan tossed him a dirty look.
"Nathan, we can't tell you what to do. What we can tell you is that we're here for you no matter what you decide"
"Thank Brookie" Nathan said affectionately. Over the years he had come to love Brooke and depend on her. He couldn't imagine his life without her and he was so happy that his brother had found her.
"Anyway, we have some fabulous news" Brooke grinned impishly.
"You're pregnant?" Nathan guessed
"What? No. But you never do know, he is a Scott" Brooke said pointing at Lucas.
Lucas and Nathan shot her irritated looks but she laughed it off.
"Back to my oh-so fabulous news" Brooke paused dramatically, "We're getting married"
"Uh, Brooke?" Nathan said hating to point out the obvious, "I know. You've been engaged for like two years"
Lucas laughed.
"Ha Ha, Mr. State-the-obvious, I meant we set a date" Brooke said excitedly.
"Finally" Nathan said "So, don't keep me in suspense any longer"
"June 11th" Brooke and Lucas said together.
Nathan blanched. That date was burned in his mind.
"Is there something wrong?" Brooke asked.
"No, nothing" Nathan said shaking his head.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry, I totally didn't even think" Brooke said realisation dawning on her face.
Flashback
(Tree Hill, June 11 2004)
"Happy Anniversary" Nathan said the moment Haley opened her eyes.
She smiled happily. "Happy Anniversary. I can't believe we've been married a month already"
"I can't believe I'm lucky enough to be married to you" Nathan said kissing Haley gently.
Just as Haley started to get into the kiss Nathan broke it off.
"I'm sorry Hales, I have to get to work" Nathan said apologetically.
Haley glanced at the clock, "Damn, I need to get to work too" She frowned.
"We'll celebrate when we both get home ok?" Nathan said trying to cheer her up.
"Okay"
………………
(Karen's Café)
"What's with the long face?" Karen asked.
Haley sighed. "Nothing, today just happens to be mine and Nathan's one month anniversary and I've been so busy lately that I forgot to get him anything"
"Well, I can see two people who just walked in who could help you with that" Karen said.
Haley turned around to see Peyton and Brooke who had just entered the café.
"Oh no, I'm not asking them to pick an anniversary present for Nathan from me. Brooke would probably pick porn or something and Peyton would get something so depressing we wouldn't be able to enjoy the day"
Karen laughed at Haley's expression.
"I meant you could take the afternoon off and go shopping with them"
Haley's face lit up, "Really? Cos I don't want to leave you short handed or anything"
"Nonsense, go. Have fun"
"Thank Karen" Haley said as she untied her apron.
"Anything for love"
"Brooke, Peyton, you guys got a second? Or a few hours?" Haley asked.
"Maybe, depends on what you want" Brooke said.
"Today is our anniversary and I haven't gotten anything for Nathan yet. Karen gave me the afternoon off to go shop and since you are like the queen of the mall, I was hoping you would come with, both of you" Haley said.
Peyton smiled and nodded, "Sounds cool"
Brooke was way more excited, "Oh yay, I have the perfect idea for an anniversary present. Wait, first anniversary, is that like paper or plates?" She asked as she dragged Haley and Peyton by one arm each out of the café.
"Paper and that's for the first year anniversary. This is out first month" Haley said suddenly scared of what she had gotten into.
"That's even better! We can totally star a new tradition then" Brooke said clapping her hands. She ran to her car and got in.
"What the hell are you guys waiting for?"
Peyton looked at Haley and shook her head, "You've unleashed a monster"
Haley laughed and followed Peyton to the car.
…………………
Haley put her key into the lock and slowly opened the door. After hours of shopping, Brooke had finally convinced Haley to buy a new dress as well as a present for Nathan. She had insisted Haley get ready at her place and Brooke had just dropped her off.
"Oh" Haley gasped when she entered.
There was a trail of purple flowers starting at the front door leading to the bedroom. Haley followed and when she entered the room she gasped again.
The room was decorated beautifully. There were candles set out but not yet lit. Flowers were everywhere even on the bed. There were dozens of helium balloons floating at the ceiling each with a card attached to the end. At one corner of the room stood her husband who was trying to get his tie knotted right.
"Hey"
Nathan turned around at the sound of her voice.
"Hales, what are you doing here? I thought you were working for another hour" He let his eyes linger on her face for a moment before he let them drift lower.
"You look beautiful"
Haley was wearing a green strapless dress that fell a few inches below her knees. Brooke had curled her hair and applied a little make up.
"Thanks. Karen gave me the afternoon off so I went shopping with Brooke and Peyton." Haley said and then she looked around the room again.
"I can't believe you did this"
"I told you we'd celebrate when we got home" Nathan said smiling.
He crossed the room and pulled Haley to him for a passionate kiss.
"But you're early. It's not ready yet" Nathan said breathing heavily as he ended their kiss.
"I love you" Haley said.
"I love you too but I'm still gonna kick you out for a couple of minutes" Nathan laughed.
"Fine, I'll go to the bathroom. Do your thing while I do mine" Haley said laughing as she went into the bathroom.
As soon as she closed the door, Haley turned to the mirror and stared at her reflection.
'This is it' she thought and then grinned to herself.
She let herself out a minute later hoping she had given Nathan enough time to finish setting up.
When Haley re-entered the bedroom, Nathan was standing right outside the door with a single rose in his hand.
"Thank you" Haley said as she accepted it. She got on her tiptoes to press a kiss against his lips before surveying the room.
All the balloons were now floating over the bed. The candles were still around but the lamps by the bed were also on. On the floor in the middle of the room, there was a blanket spread out. A picnic style dinner was laid out for them A bottle of champagne was laid out on ice.
"Nathan, this is so… I don't know what to say" Haley said stunned by the effort he had taken to make this day special.
Nathan smiled and just gestured for her to sit on the blanket. He poured them each a glass of champers and then raised his glass slightly.
"To my beautiful wife, you have made me happier this last month than I have ever been in my whole life. And if being married to you means I get to spend the rest of my life this happy then I know I'm the luckiest man alive. So here's to us being together. Always and Forever."
"Always and Forever" Haley echoed as she clinked her glass with his and then took a sip.
Nathan got up and pulled one balloon towards him. He handed it to Haley.
Haley smiled as she opened the card that was hanging off the bottom.
'When you smile it's from you're heart. When you smile at me, I know I'm in your heart forever.'
"There are thirty one balloons here, for each day we have been married. I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me" Nathan said as he watched Haley's smile grow as she read the card.
"Give me" She demanded.
"How about we eat first?" Nathan said his eyes twinkling.
"Fine" Haley pouted, "But only because you obviously cooked"
"I did" Nathan said proudly.
Haley finished her dinner in record time. Nathan was barely half way through when she dropped her fork in her now empty plate and announced,
"All done"
Nathan laughed good naturedly at her behaviour. Giving in he put his fork down. He motioned for Haley to get up.
"I'll be right back" Nathan said. "Don't move an inch"
He quickly picked up the plates and took them to the kitchen and then made his way back to their bedroom.
When he entered he saw Haley standing where he had left her but she was staring at the balloons intently.
"If I get a kiss for every balloon you can read the cards" Nathan said surprising Haley who hadn't heard him enter.
Haley squealed happily. She got on the bed and started grabbing random balloons and opening the cards.
'When you sing I can see into your soul'
'You always sigh and bury your face into my chest after we make love'
'When you're nervous you fiddle with your wedding ring'
'You make me want to be a better man'
Haley was overwhelmed. Some of the cards listed her funny habits, others spoke of his love for her and the rest were how she made Nathan feel.
She carefully laid each card down after she read them. Nathan just sat next to her watching her read, enjoying her delight in them.
"You said thirty one" Haley said suddenly. "There are only thirty here"
Nathan smiled secretively. He got up and opened their closet. He pulled the last balloon out. He brought it their bed and gave it to Haley.
Haley grabbed the card.
'If I spent eternity with you it would never be enough. I love you now, always and forever'
"Turn it over"
Haley did as instructed and read the last line.
'Pop the balloon'
Haley looked at Nathan weirdly but took the pin he was holding out to her.
'POP'
There was a loud band and then Haley felt something drop onto her lap. She took the now deflated balloon into her hands and shook it. Out of it fell a shiny object. She picked it up.
"Nathan it's beautiful"
Haley was holding a small heart shaped locket in her hands. She opened it and smiled at what she saw. On one side there was a picture of her and on the other was Nathan.
"I love it" Haley said. "I just need to get a nice chain to go with it" she laughed.
Nathan reached into his pocket and pulled out a delicate gold chain. He took the locket from Haley and hung it from the chain.
"Turn around" he said.
Pulling her hair off her shoulders, Haley waited as Nathan carefully secured the chain around her neck.
Nathan dropped a soft kiss on her neck and then began kissing her neck.
Haley broke away and stepped away from him. When she turned to face him she had a seductive smile on her face.
"You ready for your present?"
"Sure" Nathan said.
Haley licked her lips sexily before sliding the zip of her dress down and letting it fall to her feet. She stepped over the dress and looked at Nathan.
"Happy Anniversary baby"
All Nathan could do was stare. There in front of him stood his wife in just lingerie and high heels.
Haley was wearing a green and black lace corset. It fastened in front and ended just above her belly button. She wore a matching thong which was attached the garters around her thighs. The outfit was completed by a pair of black stilettos.
"You look…" Nathan felt his mouth go dry. He cleared his throat and willed him to speak. "Sensational"
"Thank you. I had a little help" Haley said thinking of how Brooke had practically forced her to buy the ensemble and then practically squeezed her into it.
Nathan couldn't take it anymore. He pulled her to him and kissed her. Haley undressed him quickly and then she started to undo her corset when Nathan's hand stopped her.
"Leave it" he smirked.
That night Nathan had spent ages showing Haley just how much he enjoyed her present.
End.
Brooke gave Nathan a sympathetic look. "If you want we'll change the date"
"No, it's fine. Now that you've finally picked a date I'm not going to be the one who makes you cancel" Nathan sighed, "Besides, practically every date has a memory for me."
Lucas who had looked lost suddenly realised what the significance of the date was.
"If you're sure man"
"I am"
………………………..
I don't own OTH.
Sorry about not updating last night. I had a huge test this morning so I was studying.
I hope you enjoyed this chap. I felt like a flashback. The early days of Naley marriage must have been so happy. I just wanted to give writing happy Naley a shot.
I have a request. I am writing the bit about the Brucas wedding and I'm stuck on the wedding song. What should they dance their first dance to? Please can you all give me a hand? Any sappy love ballad that describes Brucas and preferably one sung by a woman. Thank you!
I know a lot of you are frustrated by Nathan refusing to talk about the past but hopefully he'll come clean soon.
Thank you for the reviews. I'm so sorry I haven't been able to reply to you all individually but know that I do appreciate you taking the time to let me know what you think of DVL.
Please review! Makes me soooo happy!