Chapter 45

"Mom... Mom... Mom..."

Haley blinked her eyes open quickly at the whisper-yelling that was happening about a foot from her face.

"Macey. What?" Haley mumbled, rubbing her eyes and looking at her daughter.

"I'm bored," Macey informed her, shrugging slightly. "Sawyer is still asleep and Nick isn't home yet."

Haley tapped her phone screen lightly, sighing at the time. It was 6:45. Of course Sawyer was still asleep and Nick wasn't back.

"Why are you awake?" Haley said softly, looking back at Macey.

"I heard Nick's grandma and Lucas leaving to go to the store and it woke me up," She said back.

"Shh..." Haley raised her finger to her lips, turning her head to look at Nathan, who was still sleeping peacefully despite the noise the eight year old brought in with her.

"Will you come downstairs with me?" Macey asked, raising her eyebrows.

Haley threw her legs over the side of the bed, sitting up slowly. After a moment, she stood up.

It only took a second for Nathan's head to pop up, looking confused at the loss of Haley next to him.

After a moment, his eyes adjusted and he looked up at Haley, then over at Macey.

"What time is it?" He grumbled, raising his hand to rub his eyes.

"Morning!" Macey chirped in response, nodding up at Haley.

"It's early. Go back to sleep," Haley urged, reaching down and rubbing Nathan's back for a moment. "Come on, Mace. Let's go brush our teeth in the bathroom down the hall so we don't wake up Peyton."

Nathan laid in his back against the pillow, sighing softly.

Haley missed the warmth of him next to her. She wanted more than anything to curl up next to him again. But she had to be a parent. Lame.

She entered the bathroom slowly, grabbing both her and Macey's stuff, before leading her daughter down the hall.

After getting a little bit ready for the day, Haley let Macey drag her down the stairs.

"Will you make me some breakfast?" Macey asked her, smiling brightly up at her. "Nick's grandma said I could eat mashed potatoes for breakfast today."

Haley nodded slowly, tucking her hair behind her ear, walking over to the fridge and getting Macey some mashed potatoes as requested, sticking them in the microwave.

She waited, grabbing the bowl once the timer had two seconds left, so that she wouldn't make any noise. The last thing she wanted to do was wake up Rachel.

Haley set the bowl in front of Macey, who was sitting at the table, patiently waiting.

She took a seat next to her, resting her elbow on the table and leaning her head against her hand.

"Nick's family is kind of weird, huh?" Macey whispered, looking over at her curiously.

"Why do you say that?" Haley asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Nick said he doesn't like his Grandpa Phil. He's too loud. But he loves his Grandpa Dan. But it doesn't seem like Nathan likes him," Macey said, frowning slightly.

Haley smiled slightly, brushing back Macey's hair from her face. Kids picked up on more than realized.

"Nathan loves his dad," Haley assured her, nodding.

"Is he nice?" Macey asked, looking at her food.

"Nick loves him, doesn't he? Does Nick like people that are mean?" Haley asked, raising her eyebrows.

"I guess not," Macey said, nodding slowly.

She seemed to accept that answer.

Haley closed her eyes, sighing softly.

Some days Macey was up before seven. Some days she had to be dragged out of bed.

"If my dad was still alive, do you think I would like him?"

The question made Haley's eyes open quickly, a sad smile forming on her face.

She leaned over and kissed the top of Macey's head lightly. "I know you'd love him," She urged. "And boy, did he love you."

Macey shrugged slightly. "I don't remember anything about him."

"You were very little," Haley reminded her, scooting her chair closer to Macey.

Macey sighed softly, looking down at her food. "Sometimes I kind of wish I had a dad. But then I remember that I have Nathan."

Haley nodded slightly, unsure exactly how to reply to that comment.

"Right?" Macey said, looking up at her quickly.

"You do," Haley confirmed, kissing her forehead. "And you'll always have me."

Macey smiled at her comment, leaning into her, "You're all I really need," She admitted. "Love you."

"I love you," Haley said back, rubbing Macey's back.

As if he heard them talking about him, a sleepy looking Nathan stepped into the kitchen.

"Morning," He mumbled, running a hand over his hair, flattening it down.

"Morning!" Macey said happily, waving at him. "When do you think Nick will be back?"

"I have to go pick him up," Nathan said, his voice still slightly hoarse from sleep. "Wait... What's that over there?" He asked as he approached the table, pointing off.

Macey followed his finger quickly, a confused look on her face.

Nathan leaned down and pressed a brief kiss to Haley's lips, causing a smile to form on her face, taking a seat in the chair next to her.

"I don't see anything," Macey said, looking back at him.

"Must be my sleep deprived eyes playing tricks on me," He said, shrugging.

"What does that mean?" Macey asked, looking up at Haley.

"It means he's tired," Haley said, tapping Macey's nose and looking over at Nathan. "And I told you that you could keep sleeping."

Nathan shook his head, scooting his chair right up next to Haley's, awkwardly leaning down to rest his head against her shoulder. "I missed you," He whined, sighing softly.

Haley laughed, kissing Nathan's head. "Go back to bed, Nathan."

Macey giggled quietly, shaking her head. "You're so weird, Natey."

"I'm weird?" Nathan gasped, sitting up straight. "You take that back."

"No because it's true," Macey hummed, shoving a spoonful of mashed potatoes in her mouth.

"Hales," Nathan said, looking down at her. "Tell her."

"Tell her what?" Haley laughed, looking at Nathan, then at Macey.

"Tell her I'm not weird," He said, poking her side lightly.

"Macey, Nathan isn't weird," Haley said, covering the side of her face and nodding at her daughter, mouthing 'he's weird.'

Macey laughed quietly, scrunching her nose up at Nathan.

"I miss Nick," Nathan said, sighing and folding his arms on the table and laying his head on them. "He's always nice to me."

Haley smiled, rubbing Nathan's back lightly.

"I'm tired," Macey sighed, pushing her empty breakfast bowl away from her.

"Oh, you're tired now are you?" Haley laughed, rolling her eyes. "You're tired?"

"Yep," Macey answered, shrugging. She hopped off her chair, grabbing her bowl and walking over to the kitchen sink.

"I've got it," Nathan said, standing up quickly. "You go play quietly with the toys in the living room, okay? Or you can go back to bed," He suggested, walking over to the sink, taking the bowl from her.

Macey nodded, grinning up at him, before skipping away happily, most likely because she didn't have to clean the bowl herself.

Haley stood up slowly, letting out a sigh and walking over to Nathan, wrapping her arms around him from behind and leaning her head against his back. "The nerve of that kid, right?"

"Yeah. She says she's tired? After she woke you up?" He laughed, cleaning out Macey's bowl and setting it in the opposite side of the sink. "I pinky promise you I will unload the dishwasher for my mom once the sun rises."

She laughed, hugging him tightly to her. "What time are you going to get Nick?"

"Probably like nine or ten. I have to see what Luke wants to do," He said, leaning against the countertop.

"Oh, right... About playing basketball," She said, kissing his shoulder blade lightly, before dropping her arms from around him. "Come on," She said, turning him to face her, grabbing onto his hand.

Nathan pecked one more quick kiss to her lips, before following her to the living room, where Macey was laying on the floor, toy car in one hand, sleeping.

"Of course," Haley said, shaking her head and sighing.

Nathan laid down on the couch, rolling onto his side and scooting back against the cushions behind him, patting the spot next to him.

Haley smiled slightly, making herself comfortable next to him, sighing softly when his arm wrapped around her waste. "Silly kid."

"And she says I'm the weirdo," Nathan said, kissing Haley's head lightly, hugging her tightly to him.

"It's definitely her," Haley agreed, laughing. "But you're also a weirdo."

"Shh," He raised his hand to cover her mouth. "I'll push you off the couch."

"Sure you would," She hummed, snuggling back into him, closing her eyes. "Not when I'm cold and need your warm arms around me."

"You've got me there. Let me know when you're not cold anymore and I'll push you off," He laughed, burying his face in her neck momentarily, before laying back on the arm rest.

"Will your family think this is weird?" She asked him softly, tracing her fingertips along his forearms.

"No," He assured her, "I bet you anything they take a picture to prove that I have a soul."

Haley laughed, rolling her eyes. "They don't know that you're actually really sweet, hm? I'll make sure to let them know."

"No, don't ruin my reputation. I think you've already Grinched me enough," He said, laughing.

"Grinched you?" She replied, pushing her elbow back into his rib cage lightly. "I love you."

"I love you too," He hummed, hugging her tighter to him, squeezing his eyes shut.

After about a half hour of dozing on the couch, the garage door opened and slammed loudly, causing both the parents to sit up quickly.

Macey didn't even bat an eye, of course.

Nathan stretched his back, looking over at Haley and sighing.

"I think I'm going to go finish getting ready," Haley said softly, leaning over and kissing his cheek. "Will you keep an eye on her?"

"Of course," Nathan said, nodding at her.

"Thanks," She said, pinching his chin lightly, standing up and heading out of the room and up the stairs.

Deb entered the living room, jumping slightly. "Nathan, I didn't expect you to be up."

"The kid woke us up," Nathan laughed, nodding at Macey. "And then fell back asleep quickly."

"Kids are good for that. I hope you've been quiet though, because Rachel-"

"Wouldn't dream of waking her up," Nathan laughed, tapping his knees. "Do you need help carrying anything in?"

"Ah, Lucas and Greg have got it. As long as you fake asleep when they come in," Deb said, winking at him. She walked around the couch and took a seat next to him, smiling. "I bought stuff for Nicky for Christmas, and I didn't even realize you might not be here."

"Um... That's something that Haley and I have not really talked about," Nathan said, shrugging. "So just keep thinking we're going to be here until I tell you otherwise."

She smiled, nodding her head. "So... I haven't really had the chance to talk to you about last night. Lucas didn't have much to say."

"There really isn't a lot to say," Nathan said, shrugging. "Dan did what Dan does best. Takes credit for things he doesn't have a right to take credit for."

"I'm sorry, Nathan..." Deb said, shaking her head. "Want me to call him?"

"I'm thirty, Mom," He reminded her with a laugh. "He tries to be a bigger person, but something inside him just won't let him cross the bridge when it comes to me. It's like he needs to tell me that he made me who I am."

"I do think your father has gotten less insufferable over the years," Deb said, shrugging. "He loves you, Nathan. That much I know."

"But that doesn't help," Nathan responded, shrugging.

"I know," Deb patted his back. "It's easier for Lucas because Dan just kind of left him alone growing up. But you... You're a whole different story. Talk about smothered."

"Yeah," Nathan agreed, running his hand through his hair.

"So it didn't go great?" She asked, sighing.

"Grandma and Grandpa are there and you know how Grandpa gets about basketball," Nathan rolled his eyes, "This family is ridiculous."

"Yep. Your grandfather is just as bad as your father," Deb agreed, shrugging. "Where's Haley?"

"She's upstairs getting ready," Nathan mumbled, pressing his hands to his face.

"How are things going with her?" Deb asked, nudging him and winking.

"Great," Nathan said simply, smiling slightly. "She makes me laugh more than I ever have."

"Good," Deb said, standing up slowly. "I better go check on them. Make sure they didn't break any of my new dishes."

"Mom... Didn't you just get new dishes last year?" Nathan laughed, shaking his head.

"There was a sale, Nathan. I'm only human," Deb laughed, winking at him and exiting the room quickly.

"You have a problem," Nathan mumbled to no one, laughing and shaking his head.

At about nine-thirty, the door bell rang.

Nathan and Haley were sitting in relatively the same spot on the couch, watching Macey, Sawyer, and Cooper's kids play with the new things that Deb bought—because she just had to buy stuff for today too.

What a pushover when it came to kids.

"Nathan, will you get that? Breakfast is almost ready!" Deb called from the kitchen.

Nathan stood up slowly, stretching his back and walking over to the front door, pulling it open.

He was not expecting who was standing in front of him.

"Dad," Nathan said quickly, frowning.

"And me!" Nick cheered, stretching his arms out.

"And you," Nathan said, leaning down and hugging Nick. "Why don't you go in and tell Haley you're home?" He said, gently tugging Nick inside, before stepping outside. "I told you I would come get him at ten."

"I know," Dan said, shrugging. "Just wanted to stop by and wish your mother a Happy Holidays."

Nathan closed the front door, shaking his head. "Do you really think that's a good idea?"

"I don't think it's a bad idea," Dan laughed, shaking his head. "I come in peace, Nathan. Relax."

Nathan shoved his hands into his pockets, sighing.

"Just let me in. It's cold, and you're not dressed to stand outside all day," Dan urged, gesturing to the door.

One second later, the front door was pulled open, Deb appearing.

"Dan, hi," Deb said, nodding at him. "What can I do for you?"

"Just wanted to say Happy Holidays," Dan said, clearing his throat. "I thought Halloween was a month ago."

"Hilarious," Deb said, rolling her eyes. "Come in."

"Mom, really?" Nathan said, glancing over his shoulder at her.

"Yep. Come in. We're just about to eat and then the boys will be ready to go play basketball with you."

Dan sent Nathan a triumphant grin, before pushing past him, heading inside.

Nathan sighed, debating on staying in the cold longer, but deciding against it.

He walked inside, closing the door behind him.

He made eye contact with Haley, who was not giving away any form of shock, but he could just see it in her eyes.

"Mr. Scott, hi," Haley greeted him, standing up slowly.

"Dan, Haley. Dan," Dan replied, shaking her hand again.

"Hi Grandpa Dan!" Macey chirped from across the room.

"Grandpa Dan!" Sawyer said, running over and hugging him.

Dan picked Sawyer up quickly, hugging her tightly to him.

Nathan smiled slightly, walking over to Haley, resting his hand on her back.

"Nick and Macey are reunited once again," Haley whispered to him, shaking her head and laughing. "Those kids."

Nathan looked over to where the two kids were talking animatedly to each other, as if they had not seen each other in weeks, even though it had been less than twenty four hours.

"Greg!" Deb yelled for him, before covering her mouth. "I'm about to be murdered if that woke up Rachel."

Greg entered the room a moment later, raising his eyebrows in surprise. "Hi," He greeted, nodding.

"This is Dan," Deb informed him, glancing between the two. "Dan, this is Greg."

"Nice to meet you," Greg said, reaching out and shaking Dan's hand quickly.

"You too," Dan agreed, nodding. "Cooper and Rachel are here?"

"Yep," Deb said, nodding.

"Amazing. He actually shows up every once and awhile instead of just saying he'll be there," Dan commented, shrugging.

"Leave it," Deb said, sending Dan a stern look. "Well... Sit tight. Lucas and Peyton should be down soon. Cooper and Rachel will probably be up any minute. Greg... Can you help me come set the table?"

Greg nodded, following after her quickly.

"So, you're staying for breakfast," Nathan said, clearing his throat.

"Hey, you heard her. I was invited," Dan hummed, winking at his son. "And I guess we're playing basketball after all."

"I guess so," Nathan said, rubbing his hand up Haley's back lightly. "One condition."

"What's that?" Dan asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Macey gets to play too," Nathan said, tilting his head over to Macey.

"Well, of course," Dan laughed. "I figured you, Lucas, Macey, and Nick can all team up against me."

"Hilarious," Nathan said, rolling his eyes and smiling slightly. "Careful, Dad. I brushed up last night and I'll take you down."

"You're forgetting that your knee injury was career ending, mine wasn't," Dan said, patting his son on the shoulder and heading out of the entry way into the living room, making himself comfortable on the couch.

Haley laughed, grabbing onto Nathan's hand and following his father.

"And don't worry, son. Nick says that he wants to play but if he gets bored he'll stop," Dan said, nodding at him. "And I don't care either way."

"Great," Nathan said, sitting down on the other couch in the room, tugging Haley down next to him.

"Oh, god," Cooper groaned as he entered the room, rubbing his hand down his face. "It's too early for this."

"Cooper," Dan greeted, a smile that was all but friendly on his face. "Still sleeping until ten I see?"

"Still imposing on my sister's life, I see?" Cooper grumbled, rolling his eyes.

"She invited me in, Cooper. Might want to get your stories straight before you make a scene," Dan replied, shaking his head.

"They hate each other," Nathan whispered in Haley's ear.

"I gathered that," Haley responded, nodding slowly.

"Give it a rest, Cooper. My god, you are so annoying," Rachel muttered loud enough for everyone to hear as she entered behind him.

"How's your heart?" Cooper asked Dan, a scowl on his face.

"Working good as ever," Dan responded, tapping his chest. "You're not lucky enough to be rid of me yet, Cooper."

"I thought that the divorce would do that," Cooper said, shaking his head.

"Go help Deb instead of bitching," Rachel said, pushing Cooper towards the kitchen, walking around and sitting on the couch. "Excuse my language."

"I don't think they heard anyways," Nathan laughed, waving his hand dismissively. "Sleep well?"

"Not even a little bit," Rachel let out a sigh. "This baby drives race cars in her sleep."

"Whatever that means," Nathan responded, clearing his throat. "Rachel, you remember Dan."

"How could I forget," Rachel said, nodding at him. "Hi Dan, sorry about Cooper."

"We have a long history that needs no apology," Dan said, clearing his throat and nodding.

"Okay! Breakfast!" Deb announced, shaking her head. "I have no clue where Lucas and Peyton are."

"Hiding," Nathan whispered to Haley.

Haley laughed, shaking her head and nudging her elbow into his side. "Shh..."

"So they'll join us when they join us," Deb said, clearing her throat. "Dan, would you grab Sawyer and get her some food?"

"Oh, absolutely," Dan said, grabbing onto Sawyer's hand. "Okay, Sawyer. Let's get you some breakfast."

Haley smiled slightly, resting her head on Nathan's shoulder.

It was clear Dan loved his grand kids.

Nathan kissed her head, standing up slowly. "You hungry?"

"You go ahead," Haley said, tilting her head. "I'll sit with Macey. I doubt she's hungry."

"I bet she has room for something," Nathan hummed, pulling Haley up to her feet. "Nick, Macey... Time to eat."

xxxx

"And that is game," Nathan said, highfiving Macey, a grin on his face. "Nailed it, Mace. We nailed it."

"Yay!" Nick stood up on the bleachers, clapping his hands next to Haley. "Great job, Dad!"

"How did we get beat by Nathan and an eight year old?" Lucas asked, scowling and looking at Dan. "No way did that actually just happen."

"You two are awful as team mates, that's why," Nathan said, shrugging his shoulders, using the collar of his shirt to wipe sweat from his forehead.

"Nice work, Macey!" Haley cheered, smiling brightly at her daughter. "You really are something."

"Did you see that? I made Lucas fall over," Macey whispered, giggling quietly.

"Hey, I heard that!" Lucas groaned, running his hand through his hair. "Come on."

"Macey," Nathan gestured for her to come over, leaning down and whispering. "Say 'need a doctor for those broken ankles' okay?"

Macey looked at Lucas, "Need a doctor for those broken ankles?"

Lucas groaned, before laughing. "Good one," He said, walking over and highfiving her.

"Really nice work, Macey. Who taught you all of that?" Dan asked her, smiling.

"Nathan did!" Macey hummed, giving Nathan a thumbs up.

"I should have known," Dan said, nodding at his son. "Mind if I show you a thing or two?"

"Show me too!" Nick said, jumping off the bleachers and running onto the blacktop court.

Nathan took a seat next to Haley, leaning back and watching the trio on the court.

"Peyton, you didn't even cheer for me," Lucas said, sitting down next to Peyton.

"You were losing, Luke," Peyton said, patting his back.

"And I wanted Uncle Nathan to win!" Sawyer hummed, looking at Nathan and giving him a thumbs up.

"Great," Lucas groaned, shaking his head.

Haley laughed, looking over at Nathan and smiling. "Having fun?"

"More than I thought I would," Nathan said, shrugging.

"I like watching you play," She hummed, winking at him. "I think it's sexy."

"Sexy?" He whispered back, shaking his head and laughing.

"You two stop it down there," Lucas laughed, rolling his eyes. "We can't hear you but we know what's going on."

"Just like I know you forgot to unlock my side of the bathroom door before you came down for breakfast," Nathan said, shaking his head at Lucas.

"You said you unlocked it," Peyton said, laughing and pushing Lucas lightly.

"I thought I did," Lucas said, shrugging.

"Yeah, and you two have a house here. Couldn't wait?" Nathan joked, kissing Haley's head.

"You think we didn't see you leaving the women's bathroom at Tric the other night?" Peyton shot back. "In my club."

Haley gasped slightly, covering her face with her hand. "Oh my god..." She groaned.

"That's not fair, we don't have a house here," Nathan said, shaking his head quickly.

"Not helping, babe. It's not," Haley said quickly and quietly.

"How about we cut this conversation short?" Lucas laughed, leaning back against the bleachers.

"Yes, let's what the kids play basketball," Nathan said, turning to watch Dan and the two children.

"Sawyer, you want to go out there?" Peyton asked, smiling at her daughter that was playing games on her phone.

"Um... No," Sawyer laughed, her curls bouncing. "No basketball for me."

"She knows what she wants. I guess neither of you got kids that like basketball. Must be a curse for taking it so seriously," Peyton laughed, zipping up her jacket quickly.

"Macey loves it and I have zero interest in sports. Her father probably cared less than I did," Haley laughed, patting Nathan's leg. "At least she has Nathan to teach her."

Nathan nodded, placing his arm on the bleachers around her, watching as Nick successfully did as Dan told him to do, cheering for him loudly.

Haley looked at Nathan and smiled slightly, leaning forward and pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"Thanks," Nathan hummed, smiling slightly.

She laughed, leaning forward and kissing his cheek once more.

"I want to see Nathan play," Macey said after a few minutes.

"You just watched me play with you," Nathan reminded her, laughing.

"I want to watch," Macey corrected herself, running over and hopping onto the bleachers. "Please?"

Nathan looked down at Lucas, who shook his head slightly.

He then looked at Dan, who was looking back at him expectantly.

"Okay, fine," Nathan said, standing up. "What do you want to play to, Dad?"

"How about twenty?" Dan suggested, nodding at him. "You can have the ball first, you'll need the advantage."

"You realize I just beat you with an eight year old on my team, right?" Nathan replied, smirking slightly.

"Doesn't count. I had Lucas," Dan said, sending a joking look to his older son. "Kidding."

"No, no. Macey is better than me," Lucas replied, laughing.

Nathan stepped up to half court, tilting his head from side to side and shaking out his arms. "I dedicate this game to Macey Avery Bowen and Nicholas Royal Scott," He announced, waving over at the kids.

"Not you!" Macey laughed, poking Haley. She then turned to Nick and highfived him.

Dan smiled at the girl's reaction, laughing quietly. "She's a feisty one," He informed Nathan quietly, passing him the ball.

Nathan began to dribble down the black top, nodding. "She is," He agreed, faking right, and then left, then charging right, catching Dan off guard, he scored a layup.

"Oh, it's on now, son," Dan said, passing him the ball again.

Once again, Nathan drove his way to the basket and scored.

"I hope this doesn't get too heated," Lucas whispered over to Haley. "When we were in high school, we used to do this father-son game, and Dad always took it too far."

Haley glanced over at Lucas, before looking at Nathan nervously. She had the feeling he wouldn't be one to back down either.

After another point, Nathan finally missed behind the three point line, the ball bouncing off the rim and flying out of bounds, which gave Dan the ball.

Dan laughed as Nathan checked it to him, making his way towards the hoop.

"So, how are things going?" Dan asked Nathan.

"What do you mean?" Nathan asked, making sure to guard Dan closely.

"You seem to have created a new family for yourself," Dan commented, faking a shot from the corner of the key, causing Nathan to jump to block it, before shooting it for real, watching as it sailed through the net.

Nathan rushed to grab the ball quickly, checking it to Dan once again.

"It's great," Nathan said, clearing his throat.

"Macey really seems to like you," Dan said, slowing his pace slightly.

Haley watched from the sidelines, hoping that the conversation was not trash talk that would upset Nathan and ruin his relationship with his father further.

"Yeah, she does. Either that or she likes my pool. Depends on the day," Nathan joked, smacking the ball away from Dan but he was able to get ahold of it before Nathan had the chance.

"Nick really seems to like Haley too," Dan observed with a laugh, regaining control of the ball.

"She helps him out quite a bit," Nathan said, shrugging. "With his anxiety and stuff. He trusts her. He actually always has."

"She seems great," Dan said, stepping back behind the three point line, shooting quickly.

Nathan watched as the ball sunk in, tying up the score. 3-3.

"It's called having range. Might want to work on that," Dan chuckled, jogging back to half court.

Nathan sighed, shaking his head and grabbing the ball. He hurried back over, passing to Dan once again.

"I wonder what they're talking about," Peyton commented, shrugging.

"All grown ups do is whisper," Macey informed her, rolling her eyes.

"Watch the attitude, Macey," Haley warned, holding back a laugh.

"Your grandmother liked her," Dan informed him, clearing his throat.

"Could have fooled me," Nathan replied, shrugging. "All she ever wants to talk about is Katherine it seems. I'd almost rather get yelled at by Grandpa."

"Give her a break, Nathan," Dan said, sighing.

"Haley acts like it doesn't bother her but I can't imagine what it's like to always be compared to someone else," Nathan said, frowning and taking his eyes off of Dan for one second to glance over at the subject of their conversation.

Dan took the opportunity and hurried to the basket for an easy lay-up.

Dan passed Nathan the ball, moving back to half court.

Nathan passed it back to him once again.

"She didn't know you were unhappy until you told her you were getting divorced," Dan said, shrugging. "It's not like you tell us anything."

"Want me to tell you something?" Nathan said, scowling. "You were a huge dick last night."

"I know," Dan said, shaking his head. "And I can tell you why, if you'd like."

Nathan stayed quiet, keeping his eyes on the ball.

"I made a lot of mistakes with you, Nathan. And I'd like to redeem myself. Truthfully I'm jealous of your mother and the fact that she still has a relationship with you, whereas if your son didn't care about me, I'd never see you," Dan informed him, bouncing the ball back and forth between his hands.

"My relationship wasn't like that with Mom until a few months ago," Nathan said, shrugging.

"I know," Dan sighed, shooting the ball towards the hoop.

Nathan jumped, smacking it out of the way and hurrying to retrieve it. He brought the ball outside the three point arc quickly, too fast for Dan, shooting up and scoring a three pointer.

"There's the range," Dan said with a laugh.

"Yay!" Macey and Nick cheered from the bleachers. "Is he winning now?"

"He is," Lucas confirmed, smiling. "Score is five-four."

"Thanks for defending me against Grandpa last night," Nathan mumbled, nodding.

"It's long overdue," Dan said, passing the ball to Nathan.

The rest of their game went like that, the lead switching back an forth between Dan and Nathan while they talked quietly amongst the two of them and the group on the bleachers wondered exactly what was being spoken.

Nathan flew off the ground for his last point, his fingertips gripping the rim, his legs swinging up as he dunked in, and dropped back to the ground, scoring his winning point. 20-17. He was still the better Scott.

And damn was he going to be sore later.

But Macey, Nick, and Haley's loud screaming and cheering was worth the pain he'd feel in his knee.

Even Sawyer looked up from Peyton's phone to watch what was happening.

"Good game, son," Dan said, clapping him on the back.

"I'd like to thank my biggest fans," He said, walking over and hugging each kid, although they opposed it due to his sweat.

He landed on Haley, pulling her in for a sweet kiss.

"Gross!" Macey groaned, covering her eyes and Nick's. "You-"

"I know, I promised," Nathan laughed, winking at Macey. "Accident."

Haley laughed, patting Nathan's cheek. "Good job, babe."

"Good job to you too, Grandpa Dan!" Nick cheered, jumping off the bleachers and running to his grandfather, Macey trailing behind them.

Dan laughed, bumping fists with both of them.

All heads turned as another car pulled in.

Skills got out quickly, hurrying onto the court. "My man Luke texted me, Junk, Fergie, Jake, and Mouth and told me there was a game going on and I couldn't help but come-" He stopped in his tracks once he realized Dan was here.

Dan let out a laugh. "Well, well, well... Antwon."

"Oh, uh, hey," Skills said, scratching his neck.

Dan slapped Skills on the back, shoving the ball into his arms, and speaking again.

"Why don't we play a father and sons game until your other friends get here? You can stand in as the other father."

xxxx

Nathan winced slightly as he placed pressure on his knee, shaking his head and sighing, poking at the tender area.

Haley entered the bedroom a second later, carrying a bag full of ice. "You pushed yourself too hard," She commented, setting the ice delicately on his knee, gesturing for him to scoot back against the headboard.

"You think?" He grumbled, scowling.

Haley handed him some aspirin, pointing to the water on his nightstand.

Nathan scooted back against the headboard, sighing.

"This is going to be a bitch to walk through the airport," He said, taking each pill quickly, setting the glass of water back down.

"It probably will be," Haley said, squeezing his foot lightly.

"It was hardly even hurting an hour ago," He said, groaning. "I guess between the game with Luke yesterday, and everything today... It was just too much."

"Ahem," Haley cleared her throat, raising her eyebrows.

"Oh right and the game with you, how could I forget," He corrected, smiling slightly.

"That's what I thought," She hummed, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "What can I do?"

"Nothing," He replied, rubbing his hand down his face. "I shouldn't have dunked it so many times. I should've stopped after I beat Dan, but Macey thought it was so cool and I'm kind of weak when it comes to James girls."

Haley smiled, resting her hand on Nathan's shin. "Well I'm sorry you're in pain."

"It's fine," Nathan said, looking down at his knee.

"How did you feel today went with Dan?" Haley asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Good, I guess," He said, shrugging. "He said if I have time to stop by and say goodbye to my grandparents before I leave tomorrow. But now I don't think I'll be able to," He said, closing his eyes.

"Maybe you'll feel better tomorrow," Haley urged, smiling slightly.

"I don't know about that," He said, shrugging. "It's too bad my bedroom is upstairs at my house..." He trailed off, before shooting her a look.

Haley laughed, "You could probably sleep on the couch in your living room."

"Oh yeah, you're right," He said, nodding. "Phew. Problem solved."

"Or maybe you could stay at my house for a few days. Break our little agreement until you're feeling better," She said, squeezing his shin lightly.

"That might be a better idea," He hummed, winking at her.

"But don't expect me to take care of you," She teased him, glancing down at his knee. "I can't have you milking your injury."

"I would never," He gasped, grinning at her. "Okay, maybe I would."

"Alright, fine. I'll get you I've and stuff for your knee," She said, shaking her head. "And pain killers. Whatever you need."

He laughed, looking at her and smiling slightly. "You're amazing."

"How so?"

"Because I was in such an awful mood when you walked in the room but I'm not anymore."

"I think that's the drugs," She said, shrugging.

"I think it's you," He responded, grabbing her hand. "I guess that means I'll have to work from home for a couple of days too."

"Oh, so you'll be with me 24/7? How will I have time to sneak in my other boyfriend?" She asked, laughing.

"I'll put on noise canceling headphones and sit in the other room. We can make this work," He replied, rolling his eyes.

"So accommodating," She hummed, letting out a deep breath. She crawled up the bed, sitting next to him. "I think you're really impressive, Nathan."

"Yeah?" He laughed, looking over at her. "Is it my busted knee?"

"That might have something to do with it," She said, kissing his cheek lightly, tucking her legs underneath her, resting her hand on his chest. "Or maybe it has a little more to do with this," She hummed, sliding her hand over his heart.

"That was just..." He looked at her, smiling slightly. "The worst."

Haley gasped, pushing on him lightly. "I thought it was sweet."

"Oh, come on. My heart?" He teased her, shaking his head. "Do better, Hales."

She laughed, kissing his cheek. "You're right," She hummed. "I just like watching you play basketball, honestly. That's why you're impressive."

"Hopefully just me, right? Not Lucas, or Skills, or worse, my Dad..." He shuddered.

"Just you," She assured him, laying her head on his shoulder. "How are we going to do this tonight?"

"Do what?" Nathan asked, knitting his eyebrows together.

"Sleep," She said, shrugging. "I was wondering if maybe I should sleep somewhere else."

"What? No way," He replied. "We just have to be careful. I was thinking I would sleep sitting up."

"Sitting up?" She questioned.

"Yeah, it will stop me from moving around, which you know I do better than anyone," Nathan hummed, lifting up the ice off his knee, stretching it slightly and wincing.

"Okay..." She trailed off, shaking her head at his actions.

"I just had to make sure it still hurt," He said, shrugging.

"Will the ice even help? Should you be putting heat on it?" She laughed,

"Go to bed, Haley," Nathan said, shaking his head. "I'll probably just watch a movie on my phone or something. Don't worry, I'll wear headphones. You were already in bed when I asked you to get me some ice. Sleep."

"We should have stayed downstairs," Haley said, sighing. "Are you even going to be able to go downstairs tomorrow?"

"I'll be fine. Going downstairs is easier than coming up," He laughed, "It's just sore, not useless."

Haley eyed him, kissing his cheek one more time. She got up, turning off the lights, laying down in the bed next to him.

"Wake me up if you need anything," She mumbled, rubbing his leg lightly. "I'll try to keep my hands to myself."

"Hey, do whatever you want, just steer clear of the knee," He laughed, winking down at her. He pushed his headphones in his ears, picking up his phone off the nightstand.

"Good to know," She laughed, grabbing onto his hand. "I'll take this for now. I'll definitely miss snuggling up with you."

"I'm feeling better already," He began to slide down the bed, wincing. "Okay, I'm not."

She smiled, scooting further away from him, still keeping a grip on his hand. "This will do."

"But I'll be better soon," He urged. "Unless you want to give me a sponge bath when we get home?" He made a face, shaking his head. "Are sponge baths sexy?"

"No," She answered, sitting up. She leaned over, turning his head and kissing him quickly. "Almost forgot to kiss you goodnight."

"What is with you and the cheese tonight?" He asked her, laughing.

"You love it," She said, carefully laying back down on her side, holding onto Nathan's hand once again. "Ready to go home tomorrow?"

"Oh, I am so ready to get back to our little bubble," He informed her, smiling. "Goodnight."

"Me too. Love you. Goodnight."