AN: Wow, I was totally speechless when I saw everyone's reviews. Thank you all so much! I'm glad that you enjoyed the hott Naley scene. Now, in this chapter, I don't want you guys to be disappointed when they don't declare their undying love for one another. I know many of you want them to just get together now but Naley really isn't there yet emotionally.

What happened last chapter with Naley made them a lot more aware that something is developing between them; but they're still really confused and in denial about it. They've only been living in the apartment together for a little over two weeks. The realizations of their true feelings aren't just going to pop up in such a short amount of time. However, something does happen in this chapter that will make things different between them. It'll be a step in the right direction, so to speak. But I just wanted to clear that up. So here's the next chapter for you guys. I hope you like it and please review!

Chapter 24

"Haley, you have to go back to the apartment sometime," Brooke declared. "It's been three days." Ever since that incident between her and Nathan on Saturday, Haley had been staying/hiding out at Brooke and Peyton's dorm. She just couldn't face him—not after that. She felt like such an idiot. She wasn't even mad at Nathan. Haley was angry with herself for letting things get that far.

When they were kissing—even if it was just for a few seconds—Haley had considered throwing caution to the wind and just letting Nathan take her right there. It was that thought that scared her more than anything. He may be her "husband" but they weren't really committed to one another in an emotional sense. And yet, Haley had almost been willing to give him that part of her. Sure, Nathan wasn't completely horrible. She knew that he had some shining moments. But that didn't outweigh the hostility and angst that was constantly between them. Saturday's incident only served to confuse Haley further.

"I can't you guys," Haley replied.

"Was it really that bad?" Peyton questioned. "I mean, you guys have had fights but I haven't seen it this intense."

"Yeah, maybe if you just tell us what happened, we can help," Brooke offered. Even though Peyton and Brooke had allowed Haley to stay with them, she hadn't told them what occurred—and she wasn't going to. What happened between her and Nathan may have been confusing, but it was also highly personal and private. As much as she loved her friends and was grateful for their support, she just didn't feel like this was something she should be running her mouth about.

"I'm sorry. I can't," Haley told them.

"Why not?" Brooke prodded.

"It's complicated."

"But…" Brooke started to protest.

"I appreciate your concern you guys but this is something just between Nathan and me. I'll figure it out. I promise. I just needed some time away from him to think about stuff," Haley explained.

"You're sure you have it under control?" Peyton asked.

"Yes. I'll probably talk to him later today." Haley knew that she couldn't hide out with them forever. Eventually, she'd have to face Nathan and they'd have to talk about it. Unfortunately, saying she was going to do it was a lot easier than actually completing the intended task. And to make things worse, Haley knew that people were starting to talk. Haley James Scott staying at her friends' dorm for a few days without ever seeing her husband definitely didn't make them look like the golden couple everyone had claimed they were.

"Well, if you do change your mind, we're here," Brooke stated.

"Thank you," Haley replied as she hugged them both. "I'm just going to start packing my stuff." Haley had slept at the apartment Saturday night but she and Nathan hadn't said two words to each other. When she had left Sunday morning—before Nathan even woke up—she'd gotten some things together for a few days and threw them in her duffel bag.

"Alright, well, I have to go meet with my art professor this afternoon about a piece he wants me to work on. I'll see you guys later at practice," Peyton said.

"Ok," both Haley and Brooke replied with a wave.

"I'll help you," Brooke stated as she got a few of Haley's things together and handed them to her.

"Thanks, Tigger," Haley responded.

"Can I just ask you one question?" Brooke gave Haley a pleading look and she nodded for her to go ahead.

"Does this have anything to do with that whole Shane confrontation?"

"What Shane confrontation?" Haley asked confused. "Do you mean the one between me and him last week?"

"No, the…um, you know what, never mind," Brooke suddenly dismissed.

"Brooke," Haley urged.

"Just forget it. I don't know what I'm talking about."

"No, apparently you do. Tell me what's going on." Haley folded her arms and waited for an explanation. What else happened that I don't know about?

"Well, it's just that Lucas told me that he also bumped into Shane. I think it was yesterday or something. Anyway, he had started to yell at him for being such a bastard to you. Shane got really pissed and started ranting about how Nathan had already given him a warning so Luke's threats weren't necessary."

"What? Nathan talked to him?" Now Haley was seriously baffled. She hadn't heard any of this. And Nathan didn't mention anything about it.

"I guess, but I think it was worse than that. Lucas said that Shane was sporting a really nasty-looking black eye. Lucas asked Nathan about it but he wouldn't answer him directly. I haven't really talked to Nathan myself since I've been trying to help you. I just thought that maybe that's why you're so pissed at him. Although, personally, I'd be happy if Nathan beat the crap out of the weasel. He's been a complete ass to you. The guy deserved it," Brooke concluded. Oh my god, Nathan beat up Shane? When did this happen? Why did he do it? How did he…whoa, I wasn't expecting that.

"You didn't know, did you?" Brooke questioned a minute later after she saw Haley's shocked expression.

"No, I didn't," Haley replied shaking her head. Now she absolutely had to talk to Nathan. There were so many things going on that they needed to straighten out.

"Sorry," Brooke apologized.

"It's ok. I'm glad you told me." And she was. It certainly helped to put things in a whole new perspective.

"Nathan, pick up the pace!" Coach K yelled from the sidelines. "Tyler, get open! He's all over you." Nathan and the team—after doing about a million suicides—were playing a practice game. It was about an hour into it and based on Coach K's yelling, it was safe to assume the he was not impressed with their performance today. But Nathan knew for a fact that it wasn't his body that wasn't cooperating. It was his mind. Ever since Haley left to go stay with Brooke and Peyton for a few days, he'd been a mess. He couldn't concentrate no matter what he was doing. Too many things were unresolved.

It also didn't help that he had people coming up to him asking if everything between him and Haley was alright. It was really starting to get annoying. Nathan hadn't gone after her. He figured that she left because she wanted space. But now it was worse. Haley was standing about twenty feet away and he still couldn't talk to her. He'd look at her from time to time. Sometimes she'd meet his gaze. Other times she wouldn't. The really bad part was that it was now starting to affect his game.

"Damn it, Nathan, get over there! Vince, pass the ball!" Coach K shouted. The guys played for another ten minutes before he threw down his clipboard angrily and blew his whistle. "What the hell is going on with you all today?! You're all playing sloppy. My seven-year-old niece and her basketball team could take you all right now." All the guys remained silent.

"Well, what do you have to say for yourselves? Scott?" Coach K asked Nathan.

"Sorry, Coach. I guess my head just isn't in it," he replied.

"Really?" Nathan nodded. "Well, thank you for being honest. Now go take a seat on the bench," he instructed.

"What? Why?" Nathan asked confused.

"Because I don't want you on my court wasting my time if you won't play to the best of your ability. That's not going to help us become NCAA champions this season. So go take a seat for the remainder of practice. The rest of the guys are here to work. Unless they want to join you?" The rest of his teammates all shook their heads.

"But, Coach…" Nathan protested but was interrupted.

"I said you're out, Scott. Go," he ordered firmly. Nathan was furious but decided to keep his mouth shut. Lucas gave him a sympathetic look before he stalked over to the bench and sat down begrudgingly. A minute later, Coach K blew his whistle and the game resumed.

Haley saw the whole thing during their ten-minute break and couldn't help but feel guilty. She'd noticed Nathan staring at her the entire practice. She looked at him a few times but she wouldn't always meet his intense blue eyes. Haley was still trying to figure out a way to approach him and talk. Her lack of enthusiasm during practice hadn't gone unnoticed by Brooke and Peyton—or Rachel.

"What's the matter, Hazel? Have you lost the will to cheer?" Rachel questioned as she came to stand next to her.

"It's Haley," she corrected.

"Whatever," Rachel replied as she followed Haley's gaze. "He's a hottie, isn't he? I'd do him."

"What?" Haley questioned turning to face her. Rachel nodded to Nathan.

"I've seen you staring at him all practice. I can't say I blame you. I've been looking at him, too. He is fine. Although, I don't think that your husband would appreciate you ogling at other guys," Rachel stated as she eyed Haley's ring. Haley could feel the anger building up as she rolled her eyes.

"Then I guess it's a good thing that Nathan is my husband, huh?" she fired back with a sweet smile. Rachel stared at her shocked for a moment before she quickly regained her catlike composure.

"Oh, so you're his old ball and chain. I have to say I didn't see that one coming. He's so hott and you're just…well…not."

"Well, lucky for me, my husband thinks the exact opposite," Haley replied. "But then again, skanks like you don't really understand the concept of class."

"Or maybe he's just settling since he really hasn't gotten to know me yet," Rachel taunted with wicked smile. It took everything in Haley at that moment to keep herself from bitch slapping her.

"In your dreams, freshman," Haley stated. "And I'd watch that mouth of yours because if you keep this attitude up and piss me off, I'll have you thrown off this squad so fast your fake, plastic-looking head will spin."

"Is that a threat?" Rachel asked stepping closer to her.

"No, that's a promise," Haley retorted standing up to her.

"Is there a problem here?" Brooke questioned breaking up the mounting hostility. She looked at Haley and then glared over at Rachel.

"No, we were just having a friendly little chat," Rachel lied. She then gave Haley another smug smile before walking off to go talk with a few of the other girls.

"Are you ok?" Brooke asked.

"Just fine," Haley practically gritted out as she stared at Rachel's retreating form. She then looked back over at Nathan. He still appeared pretty pissed and upset. Haley felt the same way—but for an entirely different reason. Rachel's comments about him had definitely rubbed her the wrong way.

"Uh, Brooke," Peyton interrupted. "The ten minutes are up. You wanna go through the whole thing again?"

"Yeah, sure," Brooke replied as she continued to stare worriedly at Haley. Peyton soon did the same.

"Tutor Girl, are you sure…" she trailed off when Haley cut in.

"I'm going to talk to Nathan." It was obvious that they were both doing horribly at the moment. And it wasn't like he was going anywhere.

"Right now?" Peyton asked

"Yeah," she answered. "If that's alright with you?" she checked with Brooke. She didn't want to walk out on her during practice if they needed her.

"No, that's fine. Go work things out," Brooke encouraged. Haley nodded her thanks and then walked around the court to him. Nathan was sitting there watching his teammates play when he felt a light tap on his shoulder. He looked up and was surprised to see that Haley was suddenly standing next to him.

"Hi," she greeted timidly.

"Hey," he said awkwardly back.

"I was wondering if…um…maybe we could talk?" she inquired. Nathan noticed that she was biting her bottom lip. She's probably just as nervous as I am.

"Sure," he replied.

"Not here, though," she quickly clarified. She then pointed to the seats up in the stands. Nathan nodded before getting up to follow her. He noticed that Coach K was giving him a disapproving look but he didn't care. He'd benched him during practice. It was a waste of time just sitting there and watching everyone else. They sat a good distance away up in the stands. Haley sat down first as Nathan did the same. Afterward, they turned so they were both facing each other.

"I…" they both began at the same time. They smiled politely at one another before Nathan motioned for her to go first.

"I just wanted to say that I'm sorry," Haley declared

"You're sorry?" Nathan questioned perplexed. "What do you have to be sorry for?"

"The way I reacted on Saturday after…everything," she replied. "And then leaving the apartment for a few days. I should've just talked to you instead of running away. I guess I just needed some time to clear my head and think about things."

"I don't really blame you. And I'm the one that needs to apologize. We were actually getting along for a change and I ruined it."

"Nathan, it's not entirely your fault," Haley informed him.

"Yes, it is. I started it," he pointed out.

"So? It's not like I stopped you…right away," she added. Haley could feel her face blush just thinking about it. Damn it. Not now."I'm just disappointed in myself. It all happened so fast. I really don't know what was going on with me."

"Well, I'm still sorry. I wasn't thinking clearly either," he apologized. A few moments of silence passed between them. "So…uh…are you coming back to the apartment?"

"Yeah," Haley answered. "I brought my bag with me."

"Good," he commented—unsure of what else to say.

"Look, Nathan, I'm going to be honest," Haley declared. There was still something else they had to discuss. "I was freaked out about what happened on Saturday. I'm not going to deny that. But…um…how do I say this?" She took another minute to formulate the right words in her head. "It wasn't so much what we did as opposed to why we did it. We usually tend to argue and be at each other's throats. But then sometimes—like on the cruise and Saturday, for example—we're completely all over each other. We seem to get caught up in the moment. It's not like us—or me, rather. The fact that there seems to be no control or middle ground is what scares me." Haley felt really uncomfortable admitting that to him but she had to get it out. It had been bothering her for the last three days.

"I know. I noticed it, too," Nathan agreed. He and Haley always went to extremes. Their marriage and some of their fights could definitely attest to that. Sometimes it could be intriguing. But mostly, it was just really confusing. He didn't know how he felt about everything. All Nathan knew was that this whole arrangement wouldn't work if they kept going on this way.

"I kind of have a way to fix it—possibly," she informed him. "You don't have to agree to it right now. I just want you to hear me out."

"Yeah, sure. What is it?" he asked curiously.

"I think that we should become friends," she revealed. Haley was sick of them constantly arguing. Sure, she liked it once in awhile. But at this point, she was past all the drama it caused. And Haley didn't know if she could handle another incident like on Saturday. It was all just too much too fast for her to take in. If she was going to survive the rest of the school year, Haley needed some type of stability and understanding to occur between them.

"What?" Nathan questioned utterly shocked. He thought that she would suggest that they avoid each other while in the apartment. When they were out in public, they'd play it up but then go their separate ways afterward.

"I'm not saying we have to be best friends or anything. I just think that maybe if we call some type of truce and agree to be more considerate of one another, it will work out better. We don't really know each other all that well—which I think is part of the problem. If we try to be friends and just put all the crap behind us, it might lessen the tension and things won't get so…um…out of hand again." Nathan thought about Haley's proposal for a couple of minutes. It does kind of make sense. We were getting along pretty well on Saturday before all the heated-turned-awkward face sucking. It's worth a try.

"I think we should do it," Nathan declared.

"You do?" Haley asked surprised. She had originally thought that he'd laugh in her face at such an idea.

"Yeah," he confirmed. "It is the only thing we haven't tried. Maybe it'll actually work."

"Ok, then it's settled. We'll be friends," she said as another unresolved issue popped into her head. "But there's just one more thing."

"What?" Nathan questioned cautiously. Haley was biting her lip again. This isn't going to be good, he pondered.

"Is it true that you beat up Shane?" she asked. Nathan was, once again, in shock. He hadn't expected her to bring that up. The only other person who had found out about that was Lucas. Note to self: kill him later.

"Nathan?" she prodded when he didn't answer right away. He thought about denying it but figured there was no point. She had a right to know, anyway.

"Yeah, I did," he confirmed.

"Why?" she questioned. She looked somewhat bewildered but Nathan also noticed the appreciation in her eyes. He suddenly felt a pang in his stomach at her glance.

"Well, I never really liked the guy. It wasn't right the way he treated you, and I didn't want you coming home crying anymore. So I gave him a black eye, shoved him around a little bit, and warned him to stay away from you. It wasn't that big a deal," he tried to downplay it.

"Trust me, it is," Haley replied with a small smile. The next thing he knew, Haley was leaning in to give him a kiss on the cheek. Her lips lingered on his skin for a couple of extra seconds. The warm, tingling sensation that it caused then spread throughout the rest of his body. Just friends, he reminded himself.

"Thank you," she stated after she pulled away. "Technically, it wasn't the nicest thing to do. But I'm glad that you did it."

"You're welcome," he said—hoping that his voice sounded somewhat normal.

"So, do you have to stay for the rest of practice or can you leave now?" Haley inquired. Nathan was kind of just sitting there watching her. She could feel her cheeks involuntarily starting to flush.

"I think I can leave. Why?" he asked finally snapping out of it.

"I'm going to cut out of practice early. I'm not really up for it. I'm actually going to go back to the apartment and cook dinner if you're interested," she offered.

"Definitely," he replied. "After tasting your food, the dining hall stuff tastes like slop."

"That's because it is," Haley laughed as she got up. "I'm just going to grab my stuff. I'll meet you at the doors." She then walked back over to the other side of the court to grab her duffel bag and purse. She looked over at Brooke who only smiled and winked—letting her know that it was ok to leave. As she started to walk to the doors, her eyes met Rachel's. She sent her a warning glare before continuing on.

Nathan was waiting patiently for Haley while avoiding Coach K's annoyed look. Meanwhile, he saw the cold exchange between Haley and a familiar redhead. Crap, that's the girl from the library. He hadn't even noticed her until now. His eyes had been focused on Haley the whole time. She's a cheerleader? Great, he thought with dread. The feeling only increased when Rachel's eyes suddenly locked with his. She gave him a seductive smile and wink. Nathan quickly looked away from her and turned his attention to Haley as she stood in front of him.

"All set?" he asked

"Yeah," she replied. He nodded briefly before wrapping his arm around her waist. Some of the other cheerleaders and a few of his teammates were watching them. Haley seemed to pick up on it and mimicked his action. Just before they started to leave, Rachel caught his eye again. She was staring at him and then seemed to glare at Haley. Instinctively, Nathan pulled Haley tighter against him.

"So what do you want for dinner?" Haley questioned as she tried to ignore the spark she felt at the contact of their bodies. Nathan looked away from whatever he was staring at to answer her.

"Pancakes," he replied while leading them out the door.

"Pancakes?" Haley laughed.

"Yeah, I was looking forward to them on Sunday. But you never made them since you left. I've wanted them ever since."

"Then pancakes it is," she declared with an amused smile.

"With chocolate chips," he added.

"With chocolate chips," she agreed. They smiled at each other briefly while continuing their walk. Haley shifted her duffel bag on her shoulder. It was starting to feel heavy since their apartment wasn't that close.

"I'll take that," Nathan offered when he saw that she was having trouble.

"No, it's ok…" she began to protest but he simply ignored her and took it anyway.

"Thanks," she mumbled a few seconds later. It wasn't long before they finally reached the apartment. Nathan pulled out his key and unlocked the door. He opened it and allowed Haley to go in first. She entered and turned on the light, but then stopped dead in her tracks. The place was a mess. There were pizza boxes and soda cans all over the coffee table. Down the hall, she could see clothes on the floor in the bedroom. She next walked into the kitchen to find a sink full of dirty dishes.

"I'm gone three days and you trash the place?" Haley questioned with her arms folded.

"Well, the kitchen and bedroom are my fault. The guys came over Sunday night and left the living room like this." She definitely doesn't look too happy about this.

"And you didn't clean because?" she prodded.

"Because I'm a guy and I have no sense of organization?" he guessed. Haley looked at him for a couple of seconds before letting out a defeated sigh.

"Apparently, yes." She couldn't say that she was surprised. She'd seen Nathan's dorm room last semester. That place had been a disaster. "Look, I'll clean the kitchen and get dinner ready. You can do the rest. Fair enough?"

"Yeah," Nathan agreed without argument. He really didn't want to get on her bad side again—especially after they just worked everything out.

"Alright, I'll let you know when it's ready," she informed him as she walked to the kitchen. Nathan put their things in the bedroom before he started cleaning. It was another half hour before Haley called him into the kitchen. He entered through the archway and saw that the room was completely spotless. He took his usual seat at the counter as Haley put a plate of pancakes and scrambled eggs in front of him. As soon as he inhaled the scent, his mouth began to water.

"This looks great, Haley," he complimented.

"Thanks. What do you want to drink?" she asked as she poured herself some milk.

"I'll have what you're having," he said. Haley poured another glass and handed it to him. Afterward, she went to put the milk away and ended up pulling out a can of spray whip.
She put it all over her pancakes. He smiled at her actions.

"You know, I think I'll have some, too," Nathan stated.

"I thought you said it was gross," Haley pointed out as she put some on his pancakes.

"I said it was gross on oatmeal. Pancakes are fine, though."

"Same thing," she said while taking a seat.

"No, it's not," he declared as he ate.

"Yes, it is."

"Is not."

"Is too."

"Is not."

"Is too."

"Is not."

"Is too."

"Are friends supposed to fight like this?" Nathan asked.

"We're not fighting. We're simply disagreeing," Haley proclaimed. "That's totally allowed."

"Oh, then in that case, it's not."

"Whatever, I'm still right," she retorted and took a bite of her eggs.

"No, you're not," he laughed. Haley rolled her eyes in response as she went back to eating. "Hey, Hales?" he said after a little while.

"What?" she replied looking over at him.

"I'm glad you're back." She expected to see a smirk but was surprised to see a small, genuine smile on Nathan's face. Automatically, her heart began to beat a little faster. Just friends, Haley repeated in her head.

"Yeah, me, too."