I know. It's been like five months. I'm so sorry, I never meant for this to happen. I've been in like major writers block for this story as well as a HUGE protest because the last chapter got deleted and I didn't want to re-write it, but finally after motivation- thanks to Naley12- I took the time to update. I really hope people are still interested because I hate to waste time on this...

This chapter is really short, and I'm sorry for that, but I'm not exactly in love with this story as I once was, so I lost a lot of inspiration, but I made a promise, and I am determined to keep it. So to ease into things, this chapter is super short to try and ease back into things, but it's still packed with drama :)

Thank you everyone who have been waiting patiently, and I really hope everyone is still interested. Just drop me a quick review if you are.

I finally finished "I Never Told You" and now I want to work on my newest story, "The Story of Us" but Thanks to Naley12- I had the inspiration to start this up again. I also want to write more for "Sweeter Than Fiction". Anyway, I owe this all to Naley12 because without her I definitely would not have updated. SO, THANK YOU! :)


Haley let out a shrill shriek as she witnessed Nathan's fist pummel Lucas's eye. Lucas growled lowly, and shoved Nathan against the wall, while kneeing him in his groin area.

"Shit Lucas!" Nathan yelped, and instantly fell to the ground.

"Nathan!" Haley screamed and ran over to her boyfriend, while glaring at Lucas. "Are you okay?"

"Figures. You ask your boyfriend if he's okay rather than your BEST FRIEND since age 6!" Lucas spat while holding his hand over his right eye, that was now sure to be black.

"Lucas! Stop!" Brooke scolded.

"No Brooke! You stay out of this!" Lucas snarled.

"Lucas! What is your problem?" Brooke asked.

"My problem? My problem is that my BEST friend, and COUSIN lied to me!"

"Luke we didn't Lie-" Haley began.

"I don't care Haley! You didn't tell me about your relationship! I'm pissed off, and honestly I don't care about either of you anymore, so I really hope you're happy! You got what you fuckin' wanted. Congratulations!" Lucas screamed as he stormed out the front door and hopped into his Chevy truck and sped down the street.

"Shit." Nathan muttered as he ran a hand through his raven-black hair.

Haley couldn't help the tears that were cascading down her cheeks in full force.

"Hales, don't cry..." Nathan said in a strained voice.

"I-I don't know what to do..." Haley sniffled.

"I'm here for you. Always and forever." Nathan promised.

Haley nodded softly, and wiped a stray tear from her eye.

"I uh.. I'm gonna go find Luke." She whispered.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Nathan asked tentatively.

Haley shook her head softly, "No, it's okay. You stay here with Jackson. I'll be back soon."

"Okay." Nathan nodded, "I love you."

Haley smiled softly at the love evident in his voice. "I love you too." She said quietly as she placed a quick kiss on his lips, and headed out the door.

Haley headed to the first place she could think of. The River Court.

Like she guessed, Lucas was there in his own little world, running up the court while shooting a basketball through the basket.

Haley discreetly parked her car and tip toed toward the court.

"Hey." She said loud enough for Lucas to hear.

Lucas stopped in his tracks and turned around to look at Haley. "Hi." He muttered softly.

After several seconds, they both muttered "I'm sorry" and chuckled lightly.

"You first." Lucas nodded.

Haley took a deep breath and bit down on her lip. "Look, I'm sorry we didn't tell you. Trust me, we were planning on it. More people found out about it before we even got to think things through. I wanted to tell Jackson first, and then you, but a lot has been going on and I was worried about what you would think, and I'm sorry. I know I should've told you, but I guess we were afraid of getting in trouble. I know, for some reason, you don't like Nathan and I together, but you have to know that he makes me feel the happiest I have ever felt. I know you think he's going to hurt me, and if he does, I'm a big girl, I'll handle it, but for right now, I am so happy, and I am so in love. This is the first time I've really felt like this and Nathan is one of the best things to happen to me. It all happened so fast and expectantly but I wouldn't change it for anything. Nathan is so genuine, and caring, and understanding. I told him... about my past... I know that's what you were worried about, but when he found out, he told me he respected me and that he loved me no matter what. I don't know what you want us to do to prove to you that we're worth being together, but at this point, Luke, I'll do anything. You're my best friend- practically my brother- and Nathan is the love of my life. I need you to accept that. You can hate me but please, please- don't take this out on Nathan. He really is a good guy. Just give him a chance! You guys are cousins. I know before me you guys were so close.. I don't want to tear you apart. Just be happy I'm dating him and not some stranger. I know he has a past, but he changed Luke, he really did...he treats me and Jackson better than you can ever imagine. I love him Luke. " Haley finished her rant with a deep breath as well as a tentative smile.

Lucas squinted his light blue eyes at his best friend and smiled at her, which Haley then breathed a sigh of relief.

"I'm sorry.." Lucas breathed. "I know I've been an ass, and a million apologies won't make what I did right. The thing is... I was worried about Nathan breaking your heart. I didn't know that he knew about your past, and considering his past, I guess I miss judged him and assumed he was only with you to take advantage of you... But now I know the truth and I understand why you didn't tell me. I'm not like a hundred percent happy with it because I guess I still need Nathan to prove it to me, but I can see you guys really love each other and I'm so happy for you. Just.. Please be careful, okay?"

Haley nodded and smiled through her tears as she ran to her best friend and have him a wide hug.

"Thank you for understanding!" Haley cried.

Lucas placed a soft kiss on her forehead and smiled. "You're welcome. I'm just so happy that you're happy. "

Haley nodded, "can you just do me a favor, and please talk to Nathan? He's really upset and he wants you to accept this relationship. It would mean a lot to him..."

Lucas nodded, "Yeah. I'll talk to him."

Haley smiled, "Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome, Hales."

Haley embraced her life long friend one last time and then made her way back to Brooke's house. Lucas followed her home, and together they walked back inside the abnormally quiet house.

"We're home!" Lucas called out.

Nathan looked up from his spot on the couch and ran over to Haley. "Are you okay?" He asked quietly.

Haley looked into his clear blue eyes and smiled softly. "Yea, I am now." She whispered and hugged him tightly.

Lucas was starring at his feet as Nathan and Haley exchanged an intimate embrace.

"Uh, Nate... do you think we can talk?" Lucas asked in a quiet voice.

Nathan reluctantly pulled away from Haley, and looked into his cousin's eyes as he softly cleared his throat. "I guess so." He shrugged.

Lucas nodded solemnly, and headed up the stairs, whilst beckoning Nathan to follow behind.

"Everything will be fine. I love you." Haley whispered, and pressed a short kiss against his lips.

Nathan smiled, and inhaled deeply. He then made the trek up the stair case and walked into Lucas's home office.

"I know you probably hate me..." Nathan began.

"No. No, I don't." Lucas said quickly as he paced around his office. "I was just worried about Hales. I didn't know that you knew about her past, and I thought you were just using her."

"Wow. I'm glad my cousin thinks so highly of me." Nathan said bitterly.

Lucas frowned, "I'm sorry man. I believe you now, but, it's just, you've never been interested in having a relationship, so I guess I had my doubts."

Nathan nodded, "I understand. But Luke, I need you to know the way I feel about Haley is real. I've never felt this way before. Hell, I never even thought it was possible to feel this way. It's just... everything happened so fast, and I didn't think I would fall so hard but I did. I'm in love with her man. I know we haven't been dating long, but I'm so in love with her. Whenever I'm away from her, I miss her like crazy. And when I am with her, I can't even breathe. My heart races whenever I see her, and I get these giant freaking butterflies when she smiles. I really don't know what you want me to do, or how to prove to you my feelings are real, but they are. I'll do whatever it takes to get you to be okay with this. That's how much I love Haley. I'll do whatever it takes to get you to approve of me. I know you have your doubts- and I understand that, but I would never, ever under any circumstances ever hurt Haley." Nathan said, and then paused.

"I... I know I shouldn't be thinking of something like this so far in advance... but.. Haley is going to be the girl I marry. I know it."

"Nathan.. she has a past. I don't know if she wants to get married..." Lucas said reluctantly.

"Well it's okay. I'm still going to be with her forever.." Nathan said proudly.

"Nathan. You can't say something like that and then go back on your word.." Lucas said.

"Are you kidding me?" Nathan snapped harshly. "Did you not just hear what I said? I'm in love with her! I'm never going to leave her-"

"What if she leaves you?" Lucas asked.

"You'd like that? Wouldn't you?" Nathan shouted angrily.

"No!" Lucas snapped back. "Don't put words in my mouth! I'm trying to protect you guys. First of all, I don't want you guys to break up. You're both happier than I've seen you- in like- forever. So no, I don't want that to happen. I'm just saying, you really shouldn't move too fast. You might scare her, and she could end up breaking your heart. You both, just really need to be careful. Okay? I love you guys. She's like my little sister, and you're like my little brother.."

"Ew! That means I'd be dating my sister... Ugh. Thank god she's not my sister, because the thoughts I have would be so, so, so wrong." Nathan snickered.

"Ew! Don't think like that about her! I don't want you having dirty thoughts about her, you pig!" Lucas scolded.

"Dude, she's my girlfriend, and she's so sexy. Obviously I'm going to think about her like all the time." Nathan said with a dopey smile.

"Okay seriously, this is NOT helping the situation!" Lucas said with a small chuckle.

"You're right. Sorry." Nathan shrugged.

"So, anyway..." Lucas began, "You don't have to apologize. I realize now, your intentions are real, and I'm sorry for being an ass. I just didn't want Haley to get hurt, but I'm glad she's with you and not some stranger who I never met. You're a great guy, Nate. I truly am happy for you guys. Treat her right, okay?" Lucas said.

Nathan smiled, "I will." He promised.

"Good." Lucas smiled back and pulled Nathan in for a hug. "I just can't help but wonder what's going to happen with your NBA contract? Weren't you supposed to stay out of the spotlight, and what does this mean for Haley?"

Nathan sighed and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "I have no idea what's going to happen man. I'm just so scared. I don't want to get her involved, but yet some how now we don't have jobs, and I don't know what to do..."

Lucas sighed, "This was what I was afraid of..."

Nathan slumped his shoulders and groaned, "I'm sorry Lucas."

"It's okay. We'll get through this. Together." Lucas declared with a half smile.

Just then, Haley came barreling through the door with a shocked expression on her face. "Nathan you have to come downstairs." She said frantically.

Nathan quickly spun around and gulped nervously. "What is it baby?"

"The News..." She said quietly as she turned around and ran back down to the living room, where Brooke was standing in front of the television holding her hands over her face. Lucas and Nathan soon followed and their faces faded to white as they listened to the News Report.

"Hi, I'm Bill Brown and I'm reporting live at Tree Hill High School, where former NBA Charlotte Bobcat point guard, Nathan Scott, was the school's gym teacher. Today, he has been reported to have been fired because of having sexual relations with a had been out on medical leave from the NBA and was supposed to be under wraps from media for a signed contract of two years. It has yet to be confirmed who the co-worker is, but students have suspected it is Tree Hill's newest English teacher, Haley James. Principal Mrs. K, Rimpkus had warned the pair of having a relationship, because it is against the Code of Ethics. Tune in tomorrow for more information as the investigation takes place."


Thoughts?