this is starting from when they first hooked up and he ran up to her outside the school and pushed her hair back... So they are just starting out dating and I'm starting from there... Kind of keeping the Nathan he was before with some new Nathan.

Chapter 1 "Fitting in"

Haley James woke up that morning feeling different than every morning previously. She had a new boyfriend... she finally had her first boyfriend. She had Nathan Scott one of the schools most popular boys...the star of the basketball team, she felt a bit overwhelmed by it all. She went through her closet nervous and unhappy with all she had planned to wear. She finally choose a Red shirt with some blue jeans. She was unsatisfied...She wanted to look extra nice for Nathan but failed to feel that way. Although deep down she may have knew she looked just fine. She looked in the mirror a couple of time frowning at the image on the other side. Haley insecurities got more frequent as she waited for Nathan to pick her up and drive her to school. She soon heard the door bell, she looked out her window and saw his car. She let out a big sigh...and whispered under her breath "He's just a boy". She went down the steps shaking just a bit... she thought to herself if she couldn't even make it down the steps cool how could she get through the day with Nathan. Her doubts flew out the window as she opened the door to see Nathan in his school jacket and blue jeans.

"I'm not to early am I?' Nathan asked looking at his watch. To Haley he looked as calm as can be...as if he has done this a thousand times. A part of her hoped he was just as scared as she was. Nathan looked Haley up and down and told her she looked great. Haley hid her excitement and grabbed her coat and book bag. They walked to the car...Haley walked a step behind gathering thoughts on what to say on the drive to school. Her and Nathan talked so well but it was different now, she wasn't just his tutor and that became more of a reality with every step. Before Nathan started up the car he looked over at Haley and gave her a small peck on the lips. He grinned of course...this was new and she definitely would enjoy it.

Later that day Haley and Lucas walked...Lucas new about her new found relationship but the thought of asking her about it was puke worthy in his head. Haley noticed Lucas reluctance to asking her and decided to play along. As they entered the lunch room she searched around through the crowd...finally finding Nathan. He waved her over...A bit nervous she looked up at Lucas who had evidently notice Nathan wave.

"You don't need my permission Haley, go ahead" Lucas sounded a bit sarcastic, It put Haley an a rather awkward position but she gave him a hug and walked over to Nathan table. It was full with the basketball team and cheerleaders. Some of the kids stared at her a bit weird but she ignored them as Nathan moved over making room for her. He gave her a look of reassurance and leaned in to whisper something in her ear.

"You ok?..." He said slightly...she gave him a nod and he turned back to his friends. As they ate their lunch conversations of sports were exchange. Haley watched Nathan talk...so easily, so guy like. She had never seen this side to him. It was refreshing but she felt a bit overlooked. Nathan must have noticed this and turned to her and put his arm around her neck letting it hang over her shoulder. One of the cheerleaders witnessed this and spoke out a bit jealous.

"I haven't seen you around...you new?" She said obviously trying to insult Haley average popularity. Haley was a bit upset but answered unaffected.

"Maybe you haven't looked well enough...I've been here all along. Nathan noticed me." She gave the cheerleader a bit of a angry look. The girl returned her look and rolled her eyes before responding.

"I guess I simply...overlooked you" She turned around to the girl next to her and smirked congratulating herself on her great delivery of that line. others at the table smirked to. Nathan just held on to Haley tighter now rubbing her shoulder some.. it got a bit quiet , however Tim started talking and the mention of a party was brought up.

"Hey Nate you coming to the party tonight right, you have to man....bring Haley if you want but you can't miss this one" Tim asked him....more so telling him though. Nathan hesitated before answering. He looked over at Haley and shook his head no...

"come on man you got to come"

"Just drop it Tim!" He snapped back at him... Tim was upset but he obeyed. Soon enough the bell had rang... The period was over and the table cleared pretty quick. Nathan helped Haley stand up from the bench and grabbed her hand to walk to class. She wanted to hold her question she was dying to ask...but it was Haley and she decided to speak her mind.

"Why didn't you want me to go to that party with you" She asked taking Nathan by surprise...he let go of her hand and faced her.

"I just...I just don't think it's your kind of scene...It's a crazy high school party and I don't want you getting mixed up in all that." Nathan said trying to convince her it was for the best... she looked down and then back into his eyes.

"If I'm your(hesitates) Girlfriend. I want your scene to be my scene. You don't have to protect me Nathan."

"Ok...Ok we'll go but we can leave whenever you want" He grabbed the bottom of her chin to lift it up for a soft kiss. They began to walk again as he slipped his fingers in-between hers. "And I will protect you, if you want me to or not" He gave her a smile and she felt happy. She had survived school with Nathan and couldn't wait for the Party... it was her chance to fit in with him to prove that she can be a everyday part of is life. How bad can it be she thought to herself.

A/N-The next chapter will be the party...Haley will face the demands of being popular.. and Jerky Nathan will make an appearance. r/r