Half-Life

By Bindy417

Disclaimer: I don't own One Tree Hill. It belongs to Mark Schwahn and the CW. This story is loosely based on the movie Here on Earth, which I also do not own. The title is based on the song by Duncan Sheik.

Summary: Everyone has a past. For Nathan Scott, he's spent the last three years trying to escape his. But when one wrong move forces him to return to his hometown of Tree Hill for the summer, he can no longer run. He must face the mistakes he's made, the people he's hurt, and the one girl he swore never to leave behind.

Author's Note: Hey everyone, so this is my new story. As it states in the disclaimer, this fic is loosely based on the film Here on Earth. It's weird because I actually hate that movie. However, there are two aspects of its plot that I like and thought would make a great Naley story. I won't say which two things they are right now, because I don't want to give anything away. I want you guys to read this chapter first. But you should know that aside from those parts of the movie, the rest of this fic and the backstory is completely different. So please read and let me know what you think! Thanks!

Chapter 1

Nathan Scott sighed from boredom as he watched his friends drink themselves into a stupor. It was like this every Friday night. They'd head to the liquor store, buy a case of beer with their fake IDs, and head to the house of whoever was throwing a party that night. Nathan fought the urge to roll his eyes when he noticed a couple of blonde bimbos eying him several feet away. He vaguely remembered screwing them last weekend. They were nothing special. Plus, they never knew when to shut the hell up. Why even bother putting himself through that kind of torture again?

It was always the same—booze, parties, and girls. Nathan had been living in Oak Lake for three years. By now, he and his friends owned this town. That's what happens when your parents are filthy rich and part of the most elite social circle. And since Nathan's parents also happened to be the wealthiest, that put him in charge. Whatever Nathan Scott wanted, he got. In the beginning, it wasn't such a bad thing. If he was forced to live there, why not enjoy the perks? His father Dan Scott had always told him to make the most out of situations. So that's exactly what Nathan did.

He basked in his newfound status. He drank the best liquor. He attended and threw the wildest parties. He slept with numerous hott girls without ever having to worry about getting attached. To most people, it was the life. At age nineteen, Nathan was living almost every young man's fantasy.

But as he sat on the couch in his own living room watching activities going on around him that would probably be deemed illegal in several states, Nathan realized the truth of it all. He was sick of it, plain and simple. Same old booze. Same old parties. Same old whores. Been there, done that, time and time again. He was surrounded by people and yet he never remembered feeling more alone in his entire life. He never remembered feeling more unsatisfied. I can't stay here, he thought as some random girl plopped down next to him. Nathan could smell the hard liquor on her breath and knew that she was beyond wasted at this point.

"Hey, Nate, we brought you a little present," Damien said as he nodded to the smashed brunette.

"Yeah, apparently, she's a big fan of yours," Tim added with a grin.

Nathan shook his head at his friends. "Not tonight."

"What do you mean 'not tonight?'" Vegas questioned.

"I mean, not tonight," Nathan repeated.

"What's the matter, Nate? Can't rise to the occasion?" Damien busted him up. This time, Nathan did roll his eyes.

"No, I actually had something else in mind," he replied while standing up.

"Like what?" Tim asked.

"We're going for a little drive." He then motioned for his friends to follow him outside. On his way out the front door, Nathan grabbed the keys to his mom's new, red Mustang convertible. She'd told him that he wasn't to touch it. But she was away on yet another business trip, so it's not like she'd even know it was missing.

"Where to?" Damien inquired.

Nathan smirked as he got into the driver's seat. "It's a surprise."

"Ooh, I love surprises! Holla!" Tim exclaimed excitedly. Nathan just ignored him. He was used to Tim always making weird and completely asinine comments like that.

"Dim, you're in the back," Damien stated while shoving him away from the passenger's side door.

"But—" he started to complain.

"Just do it," Nathan ordered. He didn't feel like hearing his friend's incessant whining.

"So where exactly are we going, Nate?" Damien prodded.

Nathan's smirk only widened. "You'll see."

"Here's your receipt. Have a good night."

"Thank you," the woman replied. Haley James smiled at the customer before closing the register and returning to her spot behind the counter. She picked up a cloth by the coffee machine and began to wipe it down. There had been a rush of people earlier at the café, and the place was now a mess. It was a small establishment but popular among the people of Tree Hill. The town itself wasn't that large either. It was often forgotten among the other, much bigger towns and cities in North Carolina.

"Haley Bop, where the hell is the mop? Some brat at Table 10 spilled his milk all over the floor?" Taylor asked. Haley had to suppress a smile at the annoyed look on her sister's face. Taylor was two years older than her. Unfortunately, being twenty one didn't stop her from having the same level of patience as a five year old.

"It's in the broom closet where it usually is," a male voice said as he approached them. Haley looked over to see her father Jimmy sorting through some mail.

"Great. Now I have to go all the way in the back," Taylor grumbled.

"It's not that far, Tay," Haley laughed. All she had to do was pass the kitchen to get to the broom closet. It was actually a longer walk from their bedrooms at home to their own kitchen.

"Whatever."

"Still stubborn as the day she was born," Jimmy chuckled to himself.

Haley smiled in response. "It's nice to know some things never change."

"Unlike that hair of yours," he teased.

Haley whacked his arm playfully. "Dad, you promised you were going to stop."

"I'm sorry. I guess it's just going to take some getting used to." For most of her life, Haley's hair had always been blonde. But once she entered college, she felt like she needed some kind of change. It was during second semester that she finally decided to dye it a dark, chocolate brown.

"Well, personally, I think it looks gorgeous," a perky brunette added before taking a seat at the counter.

"You would, Brooke," Jimmy kidded.

"I should find that insulting, but somehow I just don't," Brooke replied with a shrug—her dazzling smile not once faltering. The girl never let anything get her down.

"So, what brings you all the way from your table to the counter?" Jimmy questioned.

"I was actually wondering if Haley here had a break coming to her yet. The guys are talking about sports, and I swear I'm about two seconds away from taking my butter knife and sawing off my ears."

"That's a gruesome picture," Haley teased.

"I'm serious. If I have to hear anymore basketball stats, I'm going to die!" Brooke exclaimed. The girl also had a little flare for the dramatics. Haley looked to her father for his permission. He was her boss, after all.

"Go ahead. You've got ten minutes, though. Taylor can't pick up all of the slack."

"Damn straight," Taylor declared as she walked by with a mop and bucket full of water.

"Whatever you say, Dad," Haley laughed. They both knew that she was really the one who took care of most things at the café.

"Come on, Tutor Girl," Brooke said. Haley smiled at the use of her nickname. Brooke was always making them up for everyone.

"Coming, Tigger," she replied, using the one she'd given her in return. Brooke was always so bubbly and on-the-go. The nickname was a perfect fit.

"Hey, guys," Brooke announced as they approached the table. "Look who has a break."

"Are you kidding?! They are so going all the way next season!" Lucas declared.

"They are not. My money is on the Celtics again," Jake argued.

"No way, the Lakers are going to want revenge. Mark my words," Trent spoke up. Chase nodded in agreement. Haley rolled her eyes. The boys were always going on about basketball.

"Hello!" Brooke interrupted loudly while waving her hands in front of their faces. "Can you guys shut up for like two seconds and include us?!" They all stopped talking and turned to face the girls. It was obvious that they were surprised by their presence.

"Brooke, when did you get up?" Lucas asked.

"And when did Haley go on break?" Trent added.

Brooke rolled her eyes and mumbled frustrated, "Idiots."

"I think what Brooke is trying to say is that you guys need to shut up about basketball for two seconds before we both find new friends/boyfriends who give us the attention we deserve," Haley declared. Brooke nodded in agreement.

"You can find new guys, but they won't be as pretty as us," Lucas said before pulling Brooke onto his lap.

"Yeah, we're one of a kind," Trent stated while doing the same to Haley. She squealed a bit in surprise. However, he quickly shushed her with a kiss. Haley wrapped her arms around his neck to bring him closer.

"Please stop doing that," Lucas complained. "She's like my baby sister." Haley couldn't help but nod in agreement. She never had a brother. It was always just her and Taylor. But Lucas Roe was definitely like family to her. They'd been best friends since they were born. In fact, their mothers had been best friends since they were young. When they got older, they also became business partners for this café.

Lucas' mom Karen was like a second mother to her, too. Haley didn't know what she'd do if she didn't have Karen around to ask for advice. Haley's own mother Lydia had died years back, and it had been rough on all of them. There were many times when Haley found herself in this café or at Karen's house with her and Luke to comfort her.

"Quiet, Luke. They're so cute!" Brooke gushed. "I'm so glad I introduced them. I told you I had a knack for hooking people up."

"We know. It's all you ever talk about," Jake joked.

"Quiet, Jaglieski," Brooke warned with a mock glare. Haley laughed. She loved Brooke. They'd first met at the beginning of fall semester last year. She, Lucas, and Brooke were all freshmen and in the same literature class. They went to a small college located in Gilmore. The three of them just immediately clicked. Lucas and Brooke even more so since they're now dating. Brooke, however, didn't live in Tree Hill. She lived just on the border in the town over called Pontiac.

By second semester, Brooke had been looking for a guy to match Haley up with. Haley, however, adamantly denied wanting a boyfriend. She just wanted to hang out with her friends and concentrate on her schoolwork. Brooke had other plans, though. As soon as Haley showed up at that dorm party, it was all over. She was introduced to Trent by Brooke—he was in one of her other classes—and the two of them hit it off surprisingly well. He also wasn't hard on the eyes. He was tall, had light brown hair, vivid green eyes, and a lean muscular build. Like Brooke, he was also from Pontiac.

"You better watch out. She's a fiesty one," Trent teased.

"You, too, mister," Brooke retorted while pointing a menacing finger at him.

"So, Brooke, what would you like to talk about then?" Jake questioned. He went to high school with Haley and Lucas and now college. They'd known each other for several years.

"Yeah, I want to hear this," Chase—Taylor's boyfriend from UNC—added.

"How about the fact that we survived our first year of college. I'm thinking of throwing a celebration party," she announced. "Do you think anyone would show up?"

"Brooke, it's you. You're like the party queen," Haley pointed out.

Brooke smiled. "You do have a point."

"Haley," Jimmy called. "Can you come here for a moment?"

"Sorry, guys. Duty calls." Haley then got up. She gave Trent a quick peck on the lips and waved at her friends before leaving.

"Hey, Haley, could you bring some more fries and drinks?" Lucas yelled after her. "Skills and the guys from the River Court are coming here, too."

"Sure," she replied. It'll be like one big reunion. They were more high school friends of theirs. The River Court was the main hangout for their group. It was nothing more then a basketball court next to a river—hence its name—but it had been a sanctuary for them all at one time or another in both their childhood and adolescent years.

"What do you need, Dad?" Haley asked when she reached Jimmy.

"I'm supposed to meet Karen tonight to check out another location. I'll need you to hold down the fort for me and close up later on. Can you do that?"

"Sure. No problem."

"Thanks, honey. Taylor, Haley's in charge," Jimmy called to her sister in the back.

"So what else is new?" she retorted.

Haley laughed and shook her head. "Don't worry. I'll make sure she doesn't slack off."

"Good," Jimmy chuckled. He then gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you at home. Don't be out too late with your friends."

"I won't. Promise."

"That's my girl. Bye, kids," he called to the group before leaving. Haley then went back to work. She waited on a few customers and cleaned up some more. The place was relatively quiet except for her group of friends and the guys who had just shown up.

"I'm taking my break now," Taylor said while walking past her. Haley nodded and went back to wiping down the counter. It was several moments later that she heard the bell over the door jingle, signaling a new customer. Haley looked up and could've sworn she felt her heart stop.

"What the hell are they doing here?" Haley looked over to her left and noticed Lucas now at the counter. She hadn't even heard him approach.

"I don't know," Haley said at a loss for words as she watched the group of guys take a seat at a booth by the window. All of their gazes were focused on the two of them.

"Well, there is no way in hell that I'm going to let them walk into our parents' café and pull something like this," Lucas seethed. "I'm going over there."

Haley snapped out of her daze and grabbed Lucas' arm. "You better not."

"Haley—"

"Lucas, it will only cause trouble. Besides, my dad entrusted me to watch the café. I'm not going to have you go over there and provoke them even more."

"So what am I supposed to do? Just sit back and let them get away with this?"

"For now, yes," she stated while reaching under the counter for something. "Just go back and sit at your table. And make sure the rest of the guys stay put, too." Haley could see Skills, Jake, and their other old friends Fergie, Junk, and Mouth shooting daggers at their new customers. Brooke, Chase, and Trent, however, looked on confused.

"And what are you going to do?"

With her small notepad in hand, she replied, "I'm going to take their order." Before Lucas could even respond, she was off. Haley made sure to keep her expression neutral. She really didn't want to be around these guys. But she didn't have a choice. Plus, somebody had to keep the peace.

"Welcome to Karen's Café," Haley greeted in the most pleasant voice she could muster. "What can I get you guys?"

"I have a question," one of the guys said. He was tall and had light brown hair. "How are your burgers here?"

"Uh, they're good," Haley replied.

"Because I was just wondering if they were just as juicy and tasty looking as the waitresses," he added. Haley fought the urge to roll her eyes. The other guys snickered. Well, all except one. But Haley made a conscious effort not to look at him. However, she knew that his eyes were on her. She could feel it.

"So, you want a burger then?" Haley replied, not taking the bait.

"With cheese," the guy said.

Haley wrote down the order and looked at the other two guys. "What would you like?" They were looking her up and down rather than the menu. It made the urge to bolt stronger, but Haley remained tough. "Well?" They finally decided they'd like cheeseburgers, as well.

Then, it was time to take the last order. Haley reluctantly turned her gaze to the last guy. She met his piercing blue eyes for a moment before looking away. "And what can I get you?"

Nathan was silent for a moment as he stared at her. Ever since he walked in the place, he'd had a hard time taking his eyes off of her. Her hair was different than he remembered. Her long, honey blonde tresses were now a dark, shoulder-length, chocolate brown. Her face looked a bit older, more mature. Her figure, too. She looked like she'd lost a little weight but gained more curves. Even her style of dress had changed. It was much more sleek and fashionable than he was used to seeing on her.

"Well?" Haley urged him on. It was then that Nathan realized his friends were there, watching him. A smirk then formed on his handsome face.

"I'd like prime rib."

"We don't have that on the menu."

"Really?"

Haley shook her head.

"Why not?"

"Does it matter?" she replied.

"Well, I for one am curious as to why such a popular and tasty dish like prime rib is not on the menu," he said. "What kind of establishment are you running here?"

"We're a small café. Not a five-star restaurant. If it's prime rib you want, then I suggest you go to Nicole's down the street."

"And you turn away business," the brown-haired guy spoke up again. "That is kind of strange."

Haley ignored him and kept her gaze on the blue-eyed boy. Her voice was polite, but she couldn't quite keep the small amount of edginess out of her tone. "Look, I don't have all night. My other customers are waiting. Do you want something or not?"

"A cheeseburger will be fine," Nathan finally answered.

"And for drinks?"

"We'll all have Cokes."

"Your order will be out shortly," Haley informed them before hurrying away. She sent a look over to Lucas and the group to let them know no harm was done. When she was behind the counter, she breathed out a sigh of relief.

"Give me the order, I'll handle it in the back," Taylor said from behind her. Haley nodded and gave it to her. She then went back to tidying up the counter and supplies underneath. A small tapping sound on the countertop got her attention a couple of minutes later, causing her to look up. This time, she felt her heart only beat faster.

"Is there something you need?" Haley questioned standing up.

"I'm hungry. I was just wondering what's taking so long."

"Well, seeing as though I just put the order in, I'd say several more minutes," Haley answered. "What are you doing?"

Nathan smirked as he took a seat on a stool. "Keeping you company. You're all by yourself over here."

"I'm fine."

"Well, maybe I could use the company."

"What about your puppets? I'm sorry…I meant friends. Won't they feel a little lost without you?"

"They'll survive."

"Whatever," Haley mumbled as she reorganized the coffee cups in front of her.

"You look good," Nathan said. She could feel his eyes appraising her but wouldn't dare meet them.

Haley laughed sarcastically. "I'm glad you think so."

"Hales—"

Haley's head snapped up and glared at him. "Don't call me that."

"Why not?"

"Oh please, Nathan, cut the crap," she ordered, losing her patience. "You know damn well why not. And what is this, huh? What are you doing here?"

"My friends and I were hungry."

"So you drove all the way from Oak Lake to here?" she asked in disbelief.

"Yeah."

Haley shook her head. "You always were a good liar."

Nathan looked her straight in the eye. "Not always."

"Whatever. I'll go check on your orders," Haley declared. She was just about to turn around when she felt Nathan's hand on top of hers, halting her.

"Ok, so maybe I didn't come for the food," he admitted.

"Then what did you come for?" Haley questioned back. She looked down at her hand. It was tingling—not a good sign. She then tried to pull it away. "Let go, Nathan."

His hold on her only tightened. "Maybe I miss you."

Haley felt her anger hit the roof. She couldn't believe he just said that. "Go to Hell."

"Is there a problem here?" Trent's voice intervened.

Nathan looked him up and down and smirked. "Not at all."

"Then take your slimy hand off of my girlfriend," he warned with a murderous look.

"Girlfriend?" Nathan questioned while glancing back at Haley.

"Yeah, girlfriend," Trent reiterated.

"What the hell is going on?" Lucas said, coming to stand beside Trent. Skills, Jake, Fergie, and Junk followed. It wasn't long before Nathan's friends were also up and by his side.

"Haley and I were just talking," Nathan said as he finally released her hand.

"And just who the hell are you?" Trent demanded.

"It's really none of your business."

Lucas glared at him. "See, that's where you're wrong. Because you hassling my best friend sure as hell is my business."

"Really? And what are you going to do about it?" Damien goaded.

"You wanna find out?" Skills threatened.

"That's enough," Haley intervened as she walked around the counter to stand between the groups. The situation was quickly starting to spiral out of control. The other customers were staring at the scene with a mixture of intrigue and fear.

"Haley—" Lucas began.

"No. Walk away."

"But—"

"Walk away, Lucas," Haley ordered firmly. She then dropped her voice so only he could hear. "You know that your mom will kill you if you get into a fight—especially here."

Taylor then came out from the kitchen and looked at Nathan and his group. "I think we're going to use the old right-to-refuse-service card. You boys can get the hell out of here."

Tim, Damien, and Vegas all looked to Nathan. He stared at Taylor, but her gaze was unwavering. "Fine," he conceded. The whole reason they came here originally was to mess with these guys. Seeing as though they'd succeeded, it was a mission accomplished. "We can take a hint. The service sucked anyway."

Haley glared at Nathan before sending a warning look at Lucas and the guys. Their patience looked like it was seriously ready to snap. Once the guys left, they finally returned to their seats. Well, everyone except Trent.

"Pull your shirt up, Haley," Trent stated.

She stared at him confused. "What?"

"Your breasts are all out. I'm sure those guys loved the show."

Haley looked down. Only a little bit of her cleavage was showing. It definitely wasn't enough to be deemed inappropriate. "It's fine."

"Pull it up, Haley."

She sighed agitatedly. Trent could get so worked up sometimes for no reason. "Fine. Happy now?" she asked once it was fixed.

"Thank you." He then gave her a kiss on the cheek before returning to the table with the others.

"That could've been ugly," Taylor commented.

Haley nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it could've."

"Did you see their faces?" Vegas laughed.

"I know. But did you see how that brunette girl reined them in?" Damien questioned.

"Yeah. What a bunch of losers!" Tim laughed.

"But then again, she was hott. I'd let her tell me what to do any day," Damien added.

"I'd do her," Vegas declared.

"Me, too," Tim agreed. "Unfortunately, Nate Dogg here was the only one who got to talk to her."

"And touch her," Damien reminded them. "So, how did she feel? Would you nail her? Nathan? Nathan? Nathan?!"

"Huh?" Nathan replied as if coming out of a daze.

"Why are you so quiet all of a sudden?"

He shook his head. "No reason. Let's just get out of here."

"Let's go back to the party," Vegas suggested. "I'm sure there are enough wasted girls to go around this time."

"Sweet!" Tim exclaimed.

"Hey, assholes!" someone called behind them. Nathan turned around to see Lucas and the other guys approaching them.

"Can we help you?" Nathan replied in a bored voice.

"You didn't actually think we were just going to let you get away with coming here, did you?" Lucas questioned.

"I didn't even know you had any say at all. It seems like your women are the ones who wear the pants around here." It was then that Haley, followed by Brooke and Taylor, came running out of the café after them.

"Lucas!" both Haley and Brooke berated.

Nathan smirked smugly. "Told you." It widened even more when he saw Lucas' fists clench at his sides.

"Says the trust fund bitches," Skills spoke up.

"Better rich than poor," Damien argued. "As least we don't have to go searching for clothes in the trash."

"Neither do we," Junk retorted.

"That's ironic. Isn't it, Junk?"

"Fuck you," he replied before more insults were slung back and forth by the others.

"As fun as all this hostility and sarcastic remarks are, they're really getting us no where," Nathan interrupted.

"I agree. Your face slamming into the pavement would be much more satisfying," Lucas proclaimed. Haley elbowed him in the side.

Nathan smirked at him unfazed. "I actually had something else in mind."

"Like what?" Trent questioned.

"A race," he answered.

"What?" Lucas asked perplexed.

"You heard me. A race. Or more specifically, my Mustang against whatever piece of shit you're driving these days." Haley saw Lucas start to mull it over and panic shot through her. This was bad. This was very bad.

Brooke, however, beat her to the punch. "Lucas, you can't possibly be thinking about going through with this."

Lucas ignored her and addressed Nathan. "What are the terms? What do we get if we win?"

"If you win, we promise never to come around here again."

"And what about if you win?"

"When we win, your girls come to one of our parties. I'm sure we'd all get along if we got to know one another better. Don't you?"

"In your dreams, scumbag," Brooke retorted with a dirty look.

"No fucking way," Trent objected.

"Ok, fine. When we win, we get to come back for a few meals on the house. What do you say?"

"Don't do it," Haley ordered.

Lucas was silent for a minute before replying, "Ok."

"What?!" the girls shouted.

"It's a deal. Let's go," Lucas said. He then nodded for Skills, Jake, and Trent to follow him to the car.

"Lucas!" Haley called after him.

"I'm going to kill him," Brooke seethed.

Taylor shook her head and sighed. "Idiots."

Nathan revved his engine as he waited for the go-ahead. He could vaguely make out Lucas and his friends sitting in the car next to his with his peripheral vision. The plan was to take the road that looped around the outskirts of town. It was usually deserted and didn't have as many sharp turns or bad curves. Whoever got back to the café first was the winner. There were no rules—just how Nathan liked it. Besides, it's not like he was ever one for following them.

He was glad that he thought of the idea to race. He'd been itching to see just how fast his mom's new car could go. Beating Lucas and shutting those guys up once and for all was just an added bonus.

"They better recognize, because we—" Tim began.

"Tim, just say we're going to beat them," Nathan cut him off. It was then that the short, scrawny kid named Mouth walked in between the cars. Nathan revved the engine again—as did Lucas.

"Are both cars ready?" Mouth called.

"Yes," both Nathan and Lucas called out their windows.

"Ok." Mouth raised his hands over his head before bringing them down. "Go!" The two cars sped off down the street.

"I can't believe they're doing this," Brooke muttered. Haley nodded in agreement. It was no longer just her, Brooke, Taylor, Chase, Mouth, Fergie, and Junk who watched the display. Everyone inside the restaurant had come out to watch the scene, as well. Haley prayed to God that Lucas, Trent, and the others were alright. Hell, she was even worried about Nathan and his friends. She didn't want anyone to get hurt. Haley had a bad feeling about this. The whole race was an accident waiting to happen.

Meanwhile, Nathan thought this was the best idea he'd come up with in a long time. He'd been feeling very restless recently. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he needed some kind of excitement in his life. And this was the perfect activity to satisfy him—at least for now.

"Nate, they're gaining on us," Damien informed him.

"Not for long." Nathan pushed down harder on the gas pedal and maneuvered the car so that he was driving in the middle of the road, forcing Lucas to stay behind him. However, he was forced back into the right lane a moment later by an oncoming truck. As soon as it passed, Lucas took the opportunity to speed up next to him.

"Shit!" Nathan cursed. He went even faster. It was then that he noticed a side road up ahead. If he remembered correctly, it was a shortcut.

"Nate, man, where the hell are you going?" Vegas questioned.

"It's a faster way," Nathan replied. He looked in the rearview mirror and noticed that Lucas was still on his tail.

"Whoa," Tim exclaimed as he took a sharp corner fast. "Nate Dogg, can you take it easy? You're making me nauseous back here."

"I'm a little busy right now, Dim."

"Dude, you're looking a little green," Vegas commented to Tim.

"Well, I tend to get a little carsick from time to time," he answered.

"What?!" all the guys exclaimed.

"And you're just telling us this now?!" Damien shouted. "We would've left your pansy ass back at the café with the girls."

"Tim, do not throw up in this car. Do you hear me?" Nathan demanded. Tim's only reply was a strangled groan. Nathan rolled town Tim's window in the back. "Vegas, make sure he pukes outside."

A couple of minutes later, the sound of Tim regurgitating all of the beer and food he'd had earlier at the party could be heard. Nathan noticed Lucas' car swerve out of the way to avoid the disgusting debris.

"Maybe he came in handy, after all," Damien joked. Nathan looked over at him with a smirk. After a few minutes, they were back on the main road. Lucas, unfortunately, was still behind them.

"Fuck!" Nathan shouted when Lucas was suddenly right next to him.

"They're like some kind of infectious disease. You just can't get rid of them," Damien growled.

"Go faster!" Vegas yelled.

"I am!" Nathan retorted. He could vaguely see the café up ahead. It was do or die now. There was no freaking way he was going to lose to Lucas. They were neck-in-neck as they sped down the road. Luckily, there was close to no traffic tonight. Perfect, he thought. That was until he saw the red and blue lights flashing from behind them.

"Oh shit. Cops!" Damien exclaimed.

"Now what the hell are we going to do?!" Vegas shouted panicked. Nathan had no clue. But he sure as hell was not going to stop. He looked over to see that Lucas was still right beside him. A moment later, there was another set of sirens close by. They were almost to the café. It's not like he could stop once he got there, but he still had every intention of winning the race. Nathan looked over at Lucas, once again. He met the blonde-haired guy's intense gaze and saw that he had no intention of giving up either. Just twenty more feet to go.

It was then that another cop car came careening out of a side street to their left. Nathan heard the sound of breaks as Lucas tried to avoid hitting him. The police car was right in his path. Lucas' car then swerved to the right and banged into Nathan's at high speed. Nathan then lost control. The impact was so strong that it sent his own car off in a spiral. He hit the breaks, but he was moving so fast now that they seemed to do little good.

"I think I'm going to be sick again!" Tim yelled. They swirled around and around. Nathan saw the café loom closer and closer as people ran to get out of the way. When he realized they were going to hit it. He closed his eyes and gripped the steering wheel to anchor himself.

"Fuuuuuuuck!" Damien's voice drawled as they crashed into the front windows of the café. The front-end banged the tables and chairs out of the way and bashed into the counter. A second later, the airbags in the car deployed. It felt like a few minutes had passed before Nathan realized they were no longer moving. It was then that he smelled the smoke. He moved his head back against the head rest and saw that the engine was, indeed, on fire. He looked to his left to see that Damien was alright and already unbuckling his seatbelt.

"We've got to get the fuck out of here," he proclaimed. Nathan looked in the back. Vegas and Tim seemed to be ok and were also moving.

"Nate, come on!" Damien urged. With shaky hands, Nathan undid his own seatbelt and pushed his door open. It only opened up so far. He had to squeeze himself out of the tiny space available. He had a hard time seeing as the dark, gray smoke filled the air around him. The café itself was now on fire. He and his friends quickly made their way outside. There were even more cop cars now and people gathered nearby to find out what had happened.

"All of you, put your hands in the air! Now!" one of the cops shouted with a gun in his hand. A few others joined him. It wasn't long before Nathan's hands were being cuffed behind his back as his rights were read to him and the others. He couldn't focus on the cop, though. A large explosion sounded from inside the café. It was so strong that the ground shook. Nathan's attention was no longer on the cop arresting him at all. Instead, his gaze was trained on the café as the now large flames started to consume it.