I'm back. Sorry, sorry for the wait. I had some personal issues going on this weekend - nothing bad and everything is okay but I just had no time to get online to check my email let alone upload a chapter. :)
As always, thank you so much for the story/author alerts I have and continue to receive for this story. And a big thanks to J. Caroline, NALEYAAF23, 2naley (chapters 18-19), ScRuPuLoUs, alwaysandforever08, SPNALEY, saderia, kaefoster, Othfan48, GRemy, MatTeneyMoNdlerLoVer, woz1971, naleyhumor, and the guest for your reviews. They always put a smile on my face.
AN WARNING: Again, there is no Nathan and Haley in this chapter. It is all Lucas and Haley, and it contains mostly dialogue. I feel bad for making you guys wait so long for a chapter that doesn't even have any Naley. The next chapter does and it's a small turning point for their relationship so I hope you guys can deal with one more chapter before then. :)
Please forgive any spelling/grammar mistakes. I didn't proofread this thing that well.
Disclaimer: I own nothing affiliated with One Tree Hill.
Haley pushed the already open door wider, stepping into the room. "Hidy ho, neighbor!" She greeted, looking at her best friend who was sprawled across his bed with a book open in front of him.
Lucas turned at the sound of her voice. "Hey, Hales."
She smiled, dropping her bag full of books onto the floor before jumping on Jake's bed. "I brought pizza!" She exclaimed, setting the large box at her side on the mattress.
"Good. I'm starving!" He proclaimed, hopping up and strolling the two feet, plopping down next to her. "What kind?" He questioned as he opened the top half, instantly meeting the wonderful aroma of cheese and sauce and bread, mixed with whatever other ingredients were mixed in.
"Duh." Haley huffed out, playfully. "Your favorite - supreme with Italian sausage and extra green peppers and extra onions."
"You, my best friend, are a God sent."
"I know." She smiled, shrugging her shoulders in response. "Please tell me you have drinks because I brought nothing. Forgot all about it."
"I have water."
"That'll do."
The two grabbed some pizza and water before adjusting themselves comfortably on the beds, Lucas on his and Haley on Jake's.
While she chewed, Haley grabbed the magazine off the desk between the beds and began flipping through the pages. "Well, the magazine pages are sticky again, you little perv. Hey, Luke - you been reading this?" She smirked.
"I don't know, Haley - is that the "why do you I hang out with you?" issue because you're on the cover of that one, right?"
"No. Actually, it's the "my best friend's an idiot" issue and..." She held up the magazine, "there you are."
Lucas laughed, shaking his head as he bit off a big piece of pizza. He watched Haley as she continued flipping through the magazine. "Hey, Hales, I'm really sorry about how I acted at the Halloween party."
Haley glanced up, waiting for her friend to continue.
"I was out of line - something Brooke had no problem pointing out to me. She was right, though. I just...I worry about you, Haley. You're my best friend but you're so much more than that. You're like my little sister. I mean, we've known one another practically our whole lives. You're family. All I wanna do is protect you and keep you safe."
"I understand that, Luke." She smiled softly. "I do but you can't protect me all the time. I don't want to sound ungrateful for you concern but sometimes I feel like I can't breathe. You kind of suffocate me with that over-protective nature of yours. You have to learn to trust me. Believe me, if I have a problem or am in any kind of trouble I'll come to you. But you've gotta let me live my life."
"I know." He quickly said. "I'm trying and I'm sorry. Forgive me?"
Haley sighed dramatically. "You're just lucky that I love you, Lucas Eugene Scott."
"Right back at ya, Bob." Lucas chuckled as she expelled a loud, drawn out groan.
"My parents had to be stoned when they signed my birth certificate that way. How do you justify naming your child, specifically a girl, after a male cat? There really is no justification. They were stoned. Or maybe drunk. Probably both."
"You should be flattered."
"And how pretail are you going to reason that?" She challenged.
"Well, your grandparents really loved that cat, right?" He asked as she nodded in confirmation. "Your parents named you. Out of all your siblings, they named you after him."
"Yeah, probably because they ran out of girl names after I popped out considering I was their fourth."
"Nope. I don't believe that one. Face it, Haley Bob - you are just that special." He stated, sporting the infamous Scott smirk.
Haley caught his glance and couldn't help but smile. After a few seconds, she sighed and turned her head away. "No, they were stoned." She said as they both laughed.
Lucas laid flat on his stomach against his bed before glancing over the athletic website for Duke University that he already had uploaded. He clicked on one of the pages he has bookmarked, waiting as Mouth's commentary appeared on the screen and sounded through the speakers.
Haley watched him silently as he stared solemnly at his laptop. "Are you okay?"
He nodded. "Yeah. It just feels really weird to be listening to the first basketball game as opposed to being there. I mean, I could be in Wisconsin right now instead of laying here and taking in these all too familiar surroundings if the circumstances were different."
"Why didn't you go with the team? Brooke told me that Coach K said you're still considered part of the team and you are always welcome to go with them to the games." She said as Lucas nodded. "So why aren't you there?"
He shrugged. "I couldn't. I'm really okay with everything and I've accepted it, but it's still fresh. I need just a little bit more time before I can be there in person." Lucas explained as Haley told him she completely understands that. "I'm trying to remember last year - winning the NCAA tournament. That was pretty awesome. At least I ended my basketball career with a bang."
She smiled boisterously. "That's the spirit!"
The two fell into a comfortable silence as they finished the pizza, working on their individual homework and listening to the rest of the game. Duke won, 64-47. Both Lucas and Haley were proud of Nathan who scored 32 of those 64 points, along with contributing to several other stats.
"So..." Haley began, taking the same cautious approach she took with Nathan just a couple weeks ago, "Nathan told me Dan has been - well, it sounds weird to say happy but I guess that's what the man has been."
Lucas nodded, letting out a small sarcastic laugh. "Yeah. It is kind of weird. He told me that he was very sorry for basketball and he felt guilty - I guess he feels responsible for the whole HCM thing. I was stunned in silence at first but after a few minutes I was finally able to respond, telling him it wasn't his fault. Dan then said he was proud of me - I was a great basketball player but even better with my academics. I don't know, it's nice that's being...nice but it's weird. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop."
She laughed, watching as he sent her a confused look. "You and Nathan...gosh, I swear you two are so alike. I forget that sometimes because you're so different, too. Your brother practically said the same thing." Haley put her text book aside and lifted herself into a sitting position on the bed. "Look, I completely understand why you both are waiting for Dan to turn right back into his assy self, but maybe instead, you should cherish this weird phase of his. We both know the man probably won't stay this way for long so why dwell on it. Just enjoy this while it lasts."
"You're so wise sometimes, Hales." He grinned.
"Well, I do enjoy hearing a compliment every once in a while." Haley smirked. "Changing the subject - how are the wedding plans coming?"
"You probably know more than I do." Lucas said as they both chuckled. "Brooke's kind of taking charge with all of the planning, and I am more than okay with that. I just want to be told what to wear and where to be and what time to be there. I think she's feeling the stress, though. Especially with her mother who is driving her crazy. I'll tell you - Victoria Davis is one scary lady. I definitely see where Brooke gets it from."
"I haven't met her yet but I'm not in too big of a hurry with that one from all the things I've heard."
"Take my word for it." He said.
"The wedding is in less than seven months." She stated as he nodded. "Lucas, you're getting married."
Lucas smiled boisterously. "I know. I can hardly believe it."
"I can. Any girl would be lucky to have you. You are quite the catch, Lucas Scott. And Brooke is an amazing girl - you're lucky to have found her. I am so happy for you."
"You know, I had to fight Brooke on one little detail." He said as she raised her eyebrows in confusion. "Even though I have Nathan and am so happy that he's gonna be my best man, there was a part of me that really wished you could stand up there - on my side."
Haley smiled as tears filled her eyes.
"But that fiancé of mine demanded you as a bridesmaid. She made quite the case." Lucas shrugged. "Besides, as long as you're up there and a part of my wedding then that is enough for me."
"Well, I am honored to be a bridesmaid and I would have been more than honored to stand up there by you. I love you, Lucas Scott." She said, standing from the bed and plopping down next to Lucas on his. Haley threw her arms around his neck, embracing him in a tight hug.
"I love you, too, Haley James." He returned, both the words and the hug. "You will always be my best friend."
"Hey, do you remember the first day of my freshman year of high school?" She asked, leaning out of their embrace.
"Oh, you mean when you asked me to pretend to be your boyfriend so the other guys wouldn't bother you?"
"Yes!" She exclaimed, over-enthusiastically. "You were the best fake boyfriend ever."
"I do my best."
"Gosh, I can't believe I missed my chance. I had you first and I just gave you away like that. What was I thinking?" She teased as Lucas laughed, telling her she was so weird. "But you love me anyway."
"God help me I do."
"You're officially growing up - getting married and graduating from college. Now that you're a senior, have you given any thought to what you're gonna do next? I know you're earning an English major. Do you have any job prospects?"
"Actually, there is something I've wanted to tell you. I haven't told anyone yet - not even Brooke." He began, watching as her eyes lit up with excitement and intrigue. "I've decided to write a novel."
"What?!" She exclaimed. "That's awesome, Luke."
Lucas nodded. "Yeah. I've been thinking about it since last year and this summer I decided to just go for it. WIth no basketball, I have a lot more free time to write."
"Maybe this HCM is a blessing in disguise then."
He chuckled. "Haley James - always trying to put a positive spin on things."
"Well, isn't that one of the many reasons we're such good friends? You do the same." Haley noted as he said she had a point. "But really, Lucas, I'm so proud of you. You've talked about writing the next great American novel for as long as I can remember."
"I don't know if it's gonna be the next great American novel but I'm hoping it's a decent read."
"I'm sure it'll be fantastic. You, Lucas Scott, have such an amazing sense of writing. And you're so passionate about it - all the great writers are. I can't wait to read this thing."
"You'll be one of the firsts. And please don't say anything to anyone yet. I kind of want to see where this goes first."
"I promise not to say a word." Haley said, smiling. After a few more minutes of comfortable silence, working on their individual tasks, she changed the subject slightly. "So I talked to your mom last night. She wanted to call and make sure I was coming home for Thanksgiving. And by home, she of course meant your house. Anyway, we started gossiping and guess what she told me." Haley continued without giving Lucas the chance to guess. "Nicole Schuler was accepted into Wake Forest University School of Medicine, studying toward a pediatric physician.
"You're kidding me - queen ditz of Tree Hill High is in med school?"
Haley nodded. "Yeah. Apparently, she's a completely different person. She doesn't drink anymore. She doesn't even party whatsoever. She is also in a committed relationship from what Karen heard Nicole's parents talking about at the café."
"Wow, I can't believe that." Lucas laughed. "Well, good for her. It just goes to show how different high school is from the 'real' world. How much you change from who you once were." He said as she nodded in agreement. "Nicole was my first kiss."
"I remember. You bragged cause you 'bagged' an older woman." She laughed.
"Hey, I was thirteen. I was rather proud of myself for kissing a fourteen year old who was so 'mature'."
"What is it with you and your brother - all of your firsts include someone who is older? It is a Scott thing?"
Haley instantly thought about thow Nathan's first time having sex was with Taylor - her own sister. She cringed at the thought. She now kind of understands how Lucas might feel if he were to find out about her and Nathan. The situations were different yet similar.
"Maybe it's the experience thing. I don't know."
Talking about Lucas's first kiss had Haley thinking about her own - well, her almost first kiss. She was fourteen, attending her first boy/girl party - yeah, she was kind of a late bloomer in that aspect. She went with Lucas, of course. Nathan was there but Haley can't really remember seeing him at all. There was a group of kids playing spin the bottle. Haley was pretty reluctant to play but her best friend convinced her to have some fun - live a little. So she did. Haley watched as the game went through a series of spins, a series of kisses. One landed on Lucas, and she can't remember who the girl was. When it was his turn to spin, the bottle landed on her. They both looked at one another in shock. They said no but the circle of people surrounding them kept chanting. Giving in, they leaned forward. Just as their lips were about to touch, Lucas and Haley both back away simultaneously.
Haley remembered saying, "Nope. Sorry, I can't. I feel like I'm about to kiss my brother. Can't do it."
"You know, you were almost my first kiss." She informed him, quivering at the though.
Lucas cringed slightly. "Really?"
"Well, it's not that surprising. Come on, you remember?"
"I guess I never really thought about it. It's not like we talked exactly about who were kissing or who were sleeping with. That's pretty obvious considering I had no idea you weren't a virgin anymore." He stated, looking pointedly at her. She only smiled in response. "I think I'm okay with that. I mean, I know I prodded for information before and I am still curious but it's only because I thought I knew everything about you. I understand, though why you didn't tell me. I probably would have sat you down for a lecture so I get it. You're my best friend and I know we can tell each other anything but there are some things we don't need to talk about."
"Agreed." Haley said as the two friends shook on it, laughing in the process. "By the way, do you think you can tell your fiancé that?" She asked as Lucas looked at her questioningly. "That girl is way too forthcoming with your guys' sex life. I don't know how many times I've had to plead with her to stop. One of these days, Luke - I'm gonna tear my ears off and send them to her."
Lucas chuckled, blushing slightly as well. "Yes. I will definitely have a talk with that fiancé of mine."
"Thank you."
"Who was your first kiss?"
"Doesn't that question go against everything we just talked about and agreed to?" She questioned, smirking.
Lucas shrugged. "Just curious. I don't want the details or anything - please spare me - but I was just wondering who it was with."
Haley was quiet for a second or two, hesitating. "Junk." She finally revealed, expelling a small breath. She glanced at her best friend and saw him laughing. She pouted. "Don't you dare laugh at me, Eugene. It was on a dare set by your brother. And you know me, I don't ever back down from a dare. Well, provided it's legal and nothing too self-deprecating."
"Is that why you kissed Chris last year at Fright Night?"
"Of course. Why else would I kiss that guy?"
"I thought maybe you were into him." He teased.
"Gross." Haley cringed, shoving her friend lightly. "I like the guy but not like that. I would turn to girls before ever hooking up with Chris Keller."
"Well, if your feelings for the guy weren't clear before they sure are now." Lucas laughed as Haley playfully rolled her eyes. "So speaking of guys..." He began, raising his eyebrows, "does a certain best friend of mine have her eye on any guys here on campus? Details free, of course."
Haley felt her cheeks heat up as she instantly thought about Nathan. She didn't even realize her lips curved up into a goofy grin until Lucas pointed it out. She shook her head. "There's nobody, Luke. I'm much too busy with school and work to think about guys." She tried covering.
"You know, you're not getting any younger, Hales."
Her mouth opened wide as she let out a scoff. "Excuse me. I'm twenty-one." Haley laughed. "I think I've got some time before I start freaking out about settling down."
"I'm just saying - a lot of people meet their future husbands or wives at college."
"Thanks for the tip, Luke." She winked. "But I'm not too worried about it."
Lucas put his hands up in defense. "Okay." He laughed.
Haley smiled softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Thank God that conversations seems to be at an end. She really didn't want to be talking about how she's been having sex with Nathan - Lucas's brother. Haley really didn't think her best friend would be to receptive with that conversation.
On top of however Lucas may feel, Haley hated lying to him period. She felt so guilty - when they didn't talk about it, she didn't have to feel that guilt. There were so many days Haley really wanted to just reveal everything to him but she knew exactly how Lucas would react. She wasn't in the mood to deal with that headache. And Haley couldn't shake this feeling that as soon as Lucas, or anyone else for that matter, found out about her and Nathan it'd be all over. She wasn't ready for this thing with Nathan to be over.
Shaking her head, Haley grabbed a text book out of her bag and stretched back against Jake's bed.
"This has been fun, Hales." Lucas stated, smiling at his best friend who returned the sentiment. "It's been awhile since we hung out like this - just the two of us."
"Umm, Luke - we went shopping together for Halloween costumes, remember?"
He tilted his head to the side, sending her a bemused glance. "You know what I mean, Haley James."
She smiled at him and nodded her head. "Yes, Lucas Scott, I know what you mean."
Haley did know what he meant. It has been a really long time since they've hung out like this - just the two of them. She can remember back when they spent almost every waking moment together - talking about nothing, doing nothing. Just simply being together. They've been practically inseparable since the day they met. They were a family. Lately though, things haven't been the same - not in a bad way by any means but different. Lucas is busy with Brooke and focussing on his upcoming nuptials. He has been busy writing a novel apparently. He's busy with his final year here at Duke. And Haley - she's been busy with her own stuff. Classes and work - the usual. Nathan. She's been spending most of her free time with Nathan. And that's exactly how she wants to spend her free time. But tonight - sitting, doing and talking about anything and everything with her best friend was so relaxing and just what she needed.
There you go. Please let me know what you think. Again, sorry about the Naley free chapter but I feel like the Lucas/Haley and Lucas/Nathan relationship plays a part in Naley's relationship. Besides, after Naley, the best friends and the brothers relationships were my favorite from the show.
Anyway, I hope to have another chapter uploaded for you guys soon.