Hey, I'm back with another chapter! This chapter isn't my "favorite", to be honest. I certainly don't hate it - I just had a difficult time writing it as I kept feeling like it was too cliché, and I wanted to dig more into Nathan and Haley's feelings but it felt like I was just repeating things I've already written. Does that make sense? Haha! I think (hope) I captured that our favorite couple is making progress but they clearly both have a lot of...doubts about things and each other. This chapter is also kind of a filler - but a necessary filler. I hope you guys enjoy it regardless of how I feel about it, though. I just wasn't really "feeling" this chapter (which is horrible of me to admit). ;)
A huge thanks to saderia, Sangeetha23, naleyhumor, jena23, deb025, NALEY23alwaysforever, thibbs65, Laura, SiMPLY U niqu eBS, NaleyWriter23, NaleyLover, VicksPuff, 2naley, Naleylover87, othfangirl, Laura (chapters 10-12), ScRuPuLoUs, SPNALEY, ktlynrose, forhimonly67, rocklesson86, NsHjs23, and all the guests for your lovely reviews. It means so much to me to know people are enjoying this story. And, thanks to all of the story/author alerts I've been receiving as well.
Please forgive any spelling/grammar mistakes.
Disclaimer: I own nothing affiliated with One Tree Hill.
June 15, 2013
Nathan, hand in hand with Haley, strolled along the sidewalk of Grace Street.
Tree Hill was kind of a busy place on this warm, sunny day. They have crossed paths with dozens of people along their walk - people who were all smiles and friendly with their greetings. A few high school boys stopped them, starstruck by Nathan's presence and asked for autographs. Many females, from teenagers to middle-agers, gawked at him as they passed by. Two young woman who went to high school with Haley even stopped them to "catch up" with their old classmate; broad smiles illuminated their faces as they openly flirted with him and were even daring enough to "casually" touch him.
Nathan quickly shot down their advances by wrapping his arms around Haley, tucking her closely into his side while placing a lingering kiss on her forehead. He could see the girls were very put off by his actions to which he was very happy about; of course, they tried desperately to not show it. What he hated most was how disrespectful they had been towards Haley - not to mention, two-faced as they stood there pretending to be all friendly with her. Their true intentions were obvious - even to Haley who embraced the situation like a champ by not letting those girls get to her; instead, Haley smiled politely and remained friendly. Nathan was proud of her - she had to know those girls meant nothing to him.
Nathan has really enjoyed their day so far. This morning, Haley asked him if he wanted to go on a walk with her - that was a little over three hours ago. They haven't been doing anything "exciting" either; she has just been taking him around the town, showing him different landmarks and pointing out significant places for her growing up here. Tree Hill really is a quaint, little town. While he definitely came here just to be with Haley, Nathan is thankful that her hometown is making his visit worthwhile as well.
A few more feet of walking and they had arrived at the intersection of the streets of Grace and Front.
Curious as to why they stopped, Nathan looked up and saw they were standing in front of an old, light brick building. The whole building actually stretched along most of the sidewalk but contained several different businesses. The particular business they had stopped in front of, though, was a small cafe. Lydia's Cafe, to be exact. There was a sign on the stained glass door - Come in. WE'RE OPEN. Nathan smiled.
"This is my mom's cafe." Haley informed him with a wide smile.
"Oh, really?" He replied, smirking down at her. "I completely missed that. That sign up there wasn't very clear."
"Shut up." She huffed, bumping him with her hip. "You can be such a jerk at times."
"But you like me anyway."
"Crazily enough, I do." She sighed before squeezing his hand. "Come on. I'm starving!"
Chuckling, he reached out and twisted the handle of the door before opening it. He stood off to the side, allowing her to enter first before following in after her as she thanked him.
"This is it!" She grinned, glancing around the cafe. She then closed her eyes, taking in these all too familiar scents and sounds. "I've spent practically my whole life in this cafe."
"You've missed it." He pointed out knowingly.
"I really have." She nodded. "I know it's just a small town but...I love it here. It...it's home, you know."
He simply nodded, not really having an actual response for her statement. He loves New York City, a lot, but he doesn't think of it like she clearly thinks of Tree Hill. Sure, it's home to him but he can be away and not miss it. When he's on the road, he misses his own bed in his own apartment and he misses playing in Madison Square Garden and he misses his friends and family. But, he is still okay - he doesn't feel that longing for being back in Manhattan. Not like the way Haley feels homesick for Tree Hill. He can't help but wonder if it has to do with their families. He has been here in Tree Hill for only two days now, not even a full forty-eight hours, so it's hard for him to say he "misses" New York anyway. Sure, he misses hanging out with Lucas and his other friends but he can go for several weeks at a time with being away from them. The one thing he was dreading was being away from Haley for so long; so, as soon as Lydia invited him to come spend the summer in Tree Hill, he snatched up the opportunity as quickly as he could. He hasn't regretted his decision yet, and he doesn't think he will any time in the future either.
"Haley?" A female voice sounded. "Haley, dear, is that you?"
"Crap." Haley breathed out, barely audible.
Nathan stiffled a laugh as he glanced at who the voice belonged to - a middle-aged woman with short, dark auburn hair and blue-green eyes with glasses. A man stood beside her - looked to be around the same age and had medium brown hair and dark green eyes. Nathan wondered who these people are - especially to Haley who seemed surprised at seeing them and even uncomfortable in their presence.
"Hi, Gail." Haley greeted, plastering on a fake smile as she embraced the woman in a somewhat awkward hug. She eased out of the woman's arms and then smiled kindly at the man with her. "Hello, Roger."
"Haley." He returned with a smile and a nod.
"It's so lovely to see you again, Haley." The woman said sincerely and then let out a small laugh. "Of course, I mean in person as I've seen your beautiful face in the magazines and on the television a lot lately."
Haley blushed and tucked some hair behind her ear in slight embarrassment. "Yeah, I suppose so."
The middle-aged couple shifted their gaze onto the young NBA player.
"Oh." Haley began, looking at Nathan, "Nathan, this is Roger and Gail Adams. Roger, Gail, this is Nathan Scott...my boyfriend."
"Yes, we, umm...we heard about...this." Gail responded, pointing between the two of them.
Nathan couldn't tell if this woman was being insulting or if that was just a simple statement. Her tone seemed to insinuate the first one but having just met the pair, he was hardly in the right to cast such aspersions. Nathan simply smiled at her, choosing not to let the comment affect him.
"Nathan Scott." Roger acknowledged. "My brother is a huge Knicks fan."
"And, you're not?" Nathan questioned, joking as he grinned.
Roger shook his head. "Not so much. I'm a Miami fan."
"Oh, God." Nathan scoffed, shaking his head.
"Sorry, man." Roger said, grinning himself.
"It's okay." Nathan replied with a shrug. "There's no accounting for taste, right?"
The two guys laughed.
"Chase asked about you the other day, Haley." Gail said, changing the subject abruptly as she smirked somewhat at the petite brunette. "He misses you a great deal, you know."
Somehow I doubt that, Haley thought bitterly but still smiled softly at the woman.
Nathan's ears perked up at the Chase mention - now, he was just curious as to who this guy was to Haley.
"I hope he's doing well." Haley sincerely wondered.
"He is!" Gail chirped, grinning widely.
"That's great." Haley supplied with a small smile.
"You know, I have his new telephone number." Gail continued, either oblivious to the girl's discomfort or purposely ignoring it. "You should give him a call. I'm sure he'd love hearing from you."
"How about you just tell Chase I say hello the next time you talk to him?" Haley suggested instead, smiling kindly and hoping her voice sounded friendly enough, too. She just wanted to get away from these people. She was having a great day with Nathan and wanted it to continue. The last thing she wants to think about let alone talk about is Chase Adams. Plus, she is really hungry. Haley had to make her "great escape" right now. "Well, it was very nice seeing you again but we're going to go find a seat. I'm starving."
Roger chuckled. "You always did have a healthy appetite, Haley."
Nathan laughed at that - he couldn't help it considering how true the man's statement was. An elbow jabbed into his ribs and he smiled apologetically at Haley who was playfully glaring at him. He mouthed "what" in response before breaking out into a huge grin. Nathan loved teasing her about how such tiny girl can eat so much.
"Oh, of course!" Gail said as she hugged the petite girl again. "It was very good seeing you, Haley, and I do hope we can see each other again soon."
"Yes, that would be lovely." Haley responded.
"Well, enjoy your food, dear." Gail waved at the couple before leaving the cafe with her husband following closely behind her.
"Who were they?" Nathan asked.
Haley shrugged. "Just the parents of...an old classmate of mine."
"Chase?" He deduced, wanting desperately to know more about this guy.
She nodded but offered up nothing more.
He was just about to prod for more information when he noticed Lydia James strolling over to them.
"Haley, Nathan!" She greeted, happily surprised to see them. "I didn't know you two were going to drop by."
"I told you I have been craving the food here." Haley smiled at her mother.
"Well, I'm thrilled to see the both of you." Lydia said.
"You have a nice place here, Lydia." Nathan complimented.
"It's just a small, local cafe but we like it. As do our neighbors." Lydia said with a shrug.
"It's very nice." Nathan repeated. "I'm so used to big, fancy restaurants."
"Aww, you poor little rich boy." Haley teased.
They all laughed.
"I really do like it here." He reiterated. "The whole town actually. It's..."
"Nice." Haley said, mocking him.
"Exactly." He smirked.
"Well, go on. Sit, sit." Lydia urged the young couple as she handed Nathan a menu, knowing he would most likely need it. "I'll be right over with some drinks in a little bit. Same as yesterday?"
Haley and Nathan both nodded. They watched as Lydia turned and walked away from them before they found a booth to sit in.
"So, what do you feel like, Nathan?" Haley asked as he opened up the menu.
"What do you recommend?"
"Oh, it's all good." She promised him with a smile.
He perused through the menu and then thanked Lydia when she returned with their drinks. He told her he wanted a cheeseburger deluxe and French fries, watching as she nodded while scribbling down his order.
"Your usual, sweetie?" Lydia asked as she ran her fingers through her daughter's hair in a gentle, soothing motion.
Haley nodded enthusiastically. "Of course!"
Lydia laughed and leaned down to kiss her daughter on the forehead before taking the one menu and leaving the couple with a smile.
"What's your usual?" Nathan asked, sipping some of his Pepsi up through the straw.
"Macaroni and cheese." Haley gasped playfully as he laughed at her choice. "Hey, mac and cheese is the food of the Gods."
"Yeah, if the Gods were five year olds." He mumbled.
"Well, I like it." She replied before taking a drink of her soda.
Nathan couldn't help but smile at her.
OTHOTHOTH
Haley stepped out of the bathroom, fresh from a long, hot shower. She had towel dried her hair as best she could and thrown it up into a messy bun. She then slid some white panties up her legs before dressing in her pajamas. Normally, she wears a spaghetti-strapped tank top and a pair of tiny, boy shorts to sleep but with Nathan sharing a bed with her, she opted for a blue, long-sleeved t-shirt with Ravens printed in white on it and a pair of black, cotton shorts. All dressed, she walked across the hall and entered her bedroom. Nathan was sitting in the bed, reading through some new basketball play his coach had sent with him to study and learn. He had already changed into a white t-shirt and a pair of gray, cotton sweatpants. He looked up and she felt goosebumps at the way his eyes stared at her - she could see the lust swirling around in those piercing blue orbs of his. She loved the way he looked at her - it has been intensifying more and more lately. Haley smiled at him as she walked to the dresser and grabbed her coconut-scented lotion before moving to sit on the edge of the bed.
"Good shower?" He asked her with a husky tone.
"Amazing shower." She corrected, rubbing lotion down her smooth, shaven legs.
Nathan stared at her, watching her every move. It was hypnotizing. The scent of her lotion impaled his nostrils - it smelled incredible, and he had the urge to throw her down on this bed and lick every bit of it right back off. He wanted her - very much. He has wanted her for a long time now. When Lydia said they would be sharing a room, more specifically a bed, for the next several weeks, he felt excited and aroused...but also, nervous. Nathan doesn't want to do anything to make Haley uncomfortable.
Things between them were still so uncertain. The feelings were there - that much was obvious - but they were taking things slow. Too slow, at times. But, they would both rather go slow than risk rushing into things and ruining their friendship as well in the process. It was hard, though, sometimes. Especially with their sharing of a bed. And, it has only been one night.
"Who's Chase?" Nathan suddenly asked, needing to get those other thoughts out of his mind. Plus, he really needed to find out more about this guy who caused Haley to tense at the mere mention of his name. "He's clearly not just an old classmate of yours."
"He's, umm...he's my ex-boyfriend." Haley relented with a sigh.
"Is he the one?"
She looked at him confused. "Huh?"
"The one you wrote that song about." He expanded softly. "During that blackout we had back in December."
"Oh, umm..." she glanced down at her hands as she mixed in the last of her lotion, "...yeah, that's him."
"You really loved this guy." He noted quietly, an unsettling feeling forming deep within him.
"I did." She confirmed, placing the lotion bottle on her nightstand before climbing underneath the covers. "I thought I would marry him. Have kids. The whole...shebang, you know."
Nathan winced at the fact that Haley loved this guy. Of course, he knew this - he knew she had an ex-boyfriend who she loved. They've talked about him briefly before; hell, she wrote a song about this guy. It was much harder to hear that now, though. Haley seemed to still have feelings for him considering her body language and her soft spoken words. The pain in her voice. The sadness and longing in her eyes. Haley was the type of girl who - when she fell in love with somebody, it was not easy to just let it go. That thought and realization hurt - more than anything Nathan has ever felt before.
"But...obviously, I was wrong." She finished, shrugging.
"I'm sure he loved you, Haley." He reassured, practically choking on his words.
"No, I'm sure of that, too." Haley replied. "It just wasn't enough for him. He didn't love me the way I loved him. If he did, he never would have left. Or, he would have at least made an effort to make us work while he was away but...he didn't."
"He left?" He asked as she nodded. "Where'd he go?"
"He joined the Air Force. He left the day after graduation."
"You didn't know he was..."
"Nope." She answered before he even finished asking his question. "I knew he was interested in flying but...I had no idea he was thinking about joining the military." She shook her head while expelling a short, sardonic laugh. "He just...dumped me. Two years - we were together for two years. I loved him; he said he loved me. I lost my virginity to him which...was a big deal to me, and two months later he was gone."
Nathan felt jealousy soar through him at the thought of her having sex with this guy. Of her having sex with anyone really. It seemed worse, though, hearing about her first time. Again, he knows Haley - knows what type of person she is. Haley takes sex seriously so her letting this guy be the one to take her virginity meant something special to her. Nathan can still remember his first time - doesn't most everybody? But, it was hardly meaningful for him - he was a freshman in high school, at a party, got drunk, and had sex with some upperclassman who's name he can't even recall. There was absolutely no love on that night. Not like what Haley experienced at all. Until he met Haley, sex was just sex to him. But now, Nathan was beginning to see how special and meaningful sex can be - with the right person.
But maybe he wouldn't be enough to fill the void in Haley's heart where this Chase guy clearly still fills.
Silence enveloped them then.
"I didn't realize you were such a fidgety sleeper." Haley laughed, interrupting the silence that hung over them seconds later.
"Huh?" Nathan asked, looking at her with confusion at the sudden subject change.
"You fidget. All night long." She informed him. "You toss and turn, Nathan, and I'm sorry but it's really annoying."
"Sorry." He apologized with a deep chuckle. "I can't help it, though."
She scoffed and shot him a look of disbelief.
"I'm serious, Haley. I usually..."
"You usually...what?" She drawled out slowly when he paused.
"Look, I usually sleep with no shirt on, okay?" He revealed, blushing slightly.
"Oh."
"Yeah."
"You can sleep without a shirt on." Haley approved. "I don't mind."
"You sure?" Nathan questioned, surprised. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
"It won't make me uncomfortable." She assured and then shrugged before reaching over to finger the hem of his t-shirt. "On the contrary, I think I'd really enjoy it."
"Oh, really?" He grinned.
"Mmm hmm." She hummed, licking her lips as she stared lustily at him.
"Well, if you're so insistent." He emphasized as he leaned forward and gripped his t-shirt, pulling it slowly off his body. He tossed it off the side of the bed before looking at her with raised, wiggly eyebrows. "How's that, better?"
"Much." She whispered.
"I don't know, Hales." He said, shifting onto his knees. "I think you need a better view of the merchandise."
Haley bit down on her lower lip as she watched him. He was now on his knees, crawling over to her side of the bed. The comforter was lifted a few inches from her body. Then, he positioned his legs around hers so he was practically straddling her. Nerves swept through her body - this situation could turn serious very quickly if they weren't careful.
Would that really be such a bad thing?
Haley's eyes drifted down his naked chest, on down to his stomach. He had the most amazing abs; she wanted to run her fingers over them. Why does he have to look like this - he is gorgeous! Nathan had the muscular body of a Greek God - all that lifting weights and running and basektball training has been very beneficial. It's unfair really. She has to sleep next to him every night for the next two months. How was she going to be able to do this and not do anything? It has been one night and already she wanted to let him do anything and everything imaginable to her. Desire pooled deep within Haley's stomach.
Sitting on his knees, Nathan moved his hands to her sides with the intention of pulling her body down so she was laying flat on her back against the bed. The second his fingers ghosted along the skin that was peaking out between her shirt and shorts, though, a small giggle fell from her lips. She quickly covered her mouth with her hands. Nathan looked at her and saw the innocent way she was looking up at him.
"Oh, is Haley James ticklish?" He asked, thoroughly amused by this newfound information about his neighbor.
She snorted. "No."
"I think you're lying." He argued with a smile. "And, I think I need to..."
"No, you don't need to do anything." She quickly replied. "Don't do it, Nathan."
His smirk only widened as he went to grab at her sides again.
"Nathan." She warned, laying there helpless as his fingers began to pinch, gently at first, at her sides. "No, Nathan! Stop it! Sto...Nathan!"
Nathan laughed as Haley fell into a fit of hysterics while squirming rapidly from side to side on the bed underneath him. After a minute or so, he decided to stop torturing her and ended his tickling. As soon as his hands left her body, though, he felt her hands pushing on his chest; he barely registered that he had fallen onto his back. She climbed over him then, her legs straddling his, and she sat very low on his waist. Nathan could only stare up at her in amused surprise.
"Ha!" Haley exclaimed, smiling in satisfaction and victory at him. "Not so tough anymore, are ya?"
"No." Nathan whispered huskily.
Her breath caught in her throat. His fingers ran softly along her hips, shooting sparks straight through her body. The tips of his fingers dipped underneath the waistband of her shorts and began caressing her warm skin. She closed her eyes at the sensation and leaned back slightly. Of their own accord, her fingers brushed down his stomach. She shifted and froze suddenly when her lower half came into contact with his clearly growing erection.
"God, Hales." He breathed lowly, snapping his eyes shut as his fingers dug into her skin.
The door flew open, startling them both.
"Oh!" Quinn exclaimed, smirking at the scene in front of her. "Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt your...foreplay."
Haley sighed as she shifted again so she could face her sister more.
"Stop moving, Haley." Nathan pleaded, quiet enough so only she could hear him.
"Sorry." She apologized, blushing furiously. Craning just her neck, she looked back at her sister. "What do you want, Quinn?"
"Well, I was just wondering if you wouldn't mind helping me with some wedding stuff but clearly...you're busy." Quinn chirped, grinning at the couple as she pointed down the hall. "So, I will just leave you to it."
"Wait, Quinny." Haley called, halting her sister's movement. "I would be happy to help you."
"You sure?" The oldest James girl asked. "I can handle it on my own."
"I'm positive. I'd love to help." Haley reassured with a smile. "Just, umm...give me a minute. I'll be right there."
"Take your time. I'll be in my bedroom." Quinn smirked, winking at them before rushing away and closing the door shut behind her.
Haley shook her head and then looked down at Nathan. "So, I, umm...I'm just goin to..."
"Yeah." Nathan said, nodding slowly.
"Do you need..."
"Just go."
A smile tugged at Haley's lips. He was laying there, perfectly still underneath her, with his eyes snapped shut. Deep, heavy breaths expelled from his lips as he tried desperately to calm his body down. Then, he was gripping her hips and helping to ease her off of him - groaning quietly in the process. She couldn't help loving how affected he was by her. Their relationship was changing, day by day. The fact was both thrilling and terrifying to her. She liked Nathan - a lot and not just in a friendly kind of way. She hasn't felt an excitement like this in a long time. But, the last time she let herself get vulnerable with a guy, she had her heart broken. Crushed, really. Sighing at those thoughts, Haley climbed off of the bed and left the bedroom after issuing out a goodnight.
Eyes still closed, Nathan shook his head and groaned once more as he mentally processed exactly what just happened between him and Haley.
There you go. Please let me know what you think.
I hope to have another chapter for you guys as soon as I can.
Have a great day/weekend! :)