Author's Note: Sorry for lack of Naley, but no need to worry...mUses are turning the tables-(There will be a heated Naley chapter next time)- I still own nothing and no one, all songs don't belong to me they belong to the artists--

THanks for all feedback---keep it comin

Everyone, except for Tim, was sitting at a table enjoying chips, salsa, and fresh beer when Brooke stood up. Tim had found himself a new girlfriend at the bar and Brooke wanted to dance. She walked over to the jukebox and popped in a quarter. She chose Jessica Simpson's "Underneath." "She pressed the button and walked over to her husband.

"Dance with me Mr. Scott."

Lucas stood up and kissed Brooke's forehead. "Whatever you say Mrs. Scott."

Jake and Peyton were watching Lucas and Brooke when Peyton grabbed her boyfriend's hand and dragged him out on the dance floor. Jake was happy to have Peyton back. They had a long distance relationship. Peyton and Haley lived in New York. Lucas and Brooke lived in California (Malibu), Tim lived in Philadelphia and Jake lived in Rhode Island. Nathan and Audrey lived in Texas. The whole gang was spread out.

Nathan and Haley were left sitting at the tables. Haley glanced over her shoulder and smiled at him.

"So isn't it weird. I mean....we have all split up and become successful in our own right. You and Lucas are both playing basketball in the NBA. Brooke is gorgeous and doesn't have to work. Peyton has her doodles and I am a lawyer. I bet we never thought it would be like this. You and I are the loners. Lucas and Brooke are together and Peyton and Jake are catching up, and yet we were always the loners."

Nathan put his drink down. "Hales, its not like that at all. We all have each other. Look at it. We all come to back to Tree Hill at least twice every three months for something. Nobody is a loner. We all need each other and we all have each other." Haley looked over at Nathan. "Okay maybe your right. Hales you are a loner. I, on the other hand, have my beer." Nathan smiled. "Hey do you want to go for a walk? It's stuffy in here an all these love connection is making me sick."

Haley nodded and the two of them walked out of the bar. They walked in no particular direction and talked about nothing in particular. Some how they managed to end up out by the docks. They sat down at the table where Haley use to tutor him. Engraved on one of the benches were the initials N.S&H.J. Haley and Nathan looked at the engraving for a minute before Haley asked.

"Do you ever wonder what would have been if I hadn't been such a chicken?"

Nathan was silent. "Honestly?"

"The truth the whole truth and nothing but."

"Yeah I do. I think about it everyday. I think about how lucky I was and how sad I was. I think about it and I hope that Audrey doesn't do that to me and I pray that I don't bring her that kind of pain."

Haley smiled as tears welled up in her eyes. She gently brushed her hand against Nathan's cheek. Rather than pulling away, Nathan scooted closer. He gently touched her cheek and closed his eyes. He could feel little sensations running through his body. He wanted to savor every moment. Haley pressed her forehead against his and he did the same.

"I still love you Nathan. I always have and I always will. I was stupid for running away, but I was scared. I didn't want to hurt you, but I did and now it's over for us."

Nathan ran his hand through her hair. He missed her and everything that she was. "You're doing it again."

"What am I doing?"

Nathan gently pinched Haley's lips close. "You're mumbling about absolutely nothing." He pressed his lips against hers and kissed her with a heated passion.

Their lips stayed glued together while their tongues playfully danced in and out of each other's mouths. The chemistry was so deep between the two that when they pulled away they were happily gasping for air. Haley frowned as Nathan scooted away.

"Hales, I am sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I think we need to go back to the bar. I really need to get back to the house."

Haley agreed. "Yeah your right. It's getting late and we wouldn't want them to be worried."

The two went back to the Courtyard. They sat there quietly and waited until it was time to go home. Haley and Peyton got in their rental car and headed back to Haley's house. Nathan got in the car with Lucas and went back to his cottage.