So Nathan and Cooper arrived at Shin-Dig that Kristen's parents were throwing. This reminded Nathan of all the dinner parties his dad would always throw; it would always be about a show. Dinner had passed by uneventfully, and everyone now was just mingling and laughing at some boring jokes; that Nathan had no idea why it was so funny. He once again stayed in the background he wasn't feeling too comfortable here yet. If he was in Tree Hill he'd go play basketball or just leave, but here was different territory he let out yet another sigh for the millionth time.

Nathan watched as Haley talked with a couple older ladies. She seemed so content and to anyone else; that smile of hers would make them think that she was perfectly happy to be there, but Nathan knew it was nothing but a fraud. Nathan knew that for sure because he himself perfected that smile. Nathan saw Haley excuse herself and she went outside. Nathan followed her and questioned, "You needed to get out of there huh?"

Haley spoke, "No I just needed some fresh air." Haley wasn't going to admit to Nathan of all people she was bored out of her mind. Haley gave Nathan the fake smile she had given the old ladies inside.

Nathan said skeptically, "You know I mastered that smile."

Haley puzzled, "What smile?"

Nathan answered, "The one that says 'I'm happy and into everything you're telling me, but really means will you people just shut up so I can have some fun.'" Nathan gave her a satisfied smirk, which only got bigger when he saw Haley's face drop.

Haley remarked, "You have no idea what you're talking about, and for you information I fine talking to them I really just wanted some air." Haley was not going to stand there, and get analyzed especially not by Nathan Scott.

Nathan smirked, "You're right you are fine; pretty damn fine actually, but that wasn't what I meant" Haley rolled her eyes at his comment.

Just then they were interrupted by Haley's cousin Mike who stated, "Haley, Kristen is looking for you" Haley went inside. "So you're Nathan the one who hazed Lucas, and your Cooper's favorite nephew who has a good heart. I will have to give you a benefit of a doubt; since Cooper speaks so highly of you. Here's a word of advice you better not be messing with Haley because of Lucas, or you're going to have to deal with me."

Nathan replied, "Okay here are three things you should know. One I wouldn't want to mess with Haley like that, two Lucas and I are tight now he's a good guy, and three I'm Cooper's only nephew."

Mike responded, "Usually I'm not a pre-judgmental guy, but I remember talking with Lucas and Haley during that time. I also know Cooper is a good judge of character, so I guess I will just have to find out for myself."

Nathan spoke, "I'd appreciate that."

Mike remarked, "But don't get your hopes up."

Nathan smirked, "Trust me I never do because than in the end you're not disappointed."

Mike said, "Good philosophy."

Nathan stated, "In Tree Hill they're words to live by."

Later on Nathan went down and sat on the beach "So how do you like Laguna?" Haley asked while she sat down next to him.

Nathan remarked, "Are you sure it's okay to be out here with me. I don't want your watch dog after me again."

Haley felt bad that Mike reigned down on Nathan. Haley spoke, "I'm sorry for whatever Mike said to you."

Nathan responded, "You know I was happy to come here to California, because no one knew me it was a fresh start."

Haley whispered, "I'm sorry."

Nathan could here the sincerity in her voice Nathan replied, "I like here ya know no expectations. I don't have to work my ass off everyday."

Haley asked, "Your dad is really hard on you aren't he?" Nathan was surprised she could see what he really meant. "I mean I see it at the games or in the halls at school. You want some advice?"

Nathan spoke, "Sure."

Haley explained, "Well coming from a big family like mine. I finally had to give up on trying being everything my parents wanted me to be. There is a downside to finally standing up for yourself to your parents. Is when you do that its worse trying to be everything you want yourself to be, so you just have to find a happy medium?"

Nathan stated, "You shouldn't be so hard on yourself Haley. How much more perfect do you want to be? I mean you have the highest g. p. a. in our class, your amazing tutor, and you're a great friend."

Haley smiled and said, "Thank you" Nathan leaned in his head towards hers. Nathan gently laid a lingering kiss on Haley's lips. Haley began to return the kiss, then she pulled away, and they gazed into each other's eyes for a bit. "I umm…I gotta go." Haley went to leave Nathan gave her a smile as Haley went towards the house.

Nathan thought 'I just kissed Haley James.'