What Happens Next

Chapter 18

Author's Note: Sorry it took me so darned long to update this chapter. I wasn't sure how i wanted to end it. Hope you like this chapter. Definitely not my greatest, but it has its moments.

I don't own any rights to Saved By the Bell or Dawson's Creek (or any of their characters) or TBS.

Thanks! And enjoy!

"I can't believe this!" Haley sat up and scooted away from him.

"Haley, shhh," Nathan sat up and rested a hand on her arm, "You're going to wake Natalie, and your parents."

Haley pulled her arm away, "Good," she hissed, lowering her voice, "Then my dad can kill you."

"Haley, just listen to me for a second. I've never cheated on you, and I never will. You're the only person for me," Nathan paused, "I was going to tell you about Lucas."

"What is it? He's not dying is he? Oh God, that's what tonight was about. He's dying and wanted to spend time with me…"

"Haley, stop. Lucas is NOT dying."

"Then what is it?"

Nathan took a deep breath, "Lucas took you out tonight because, well, he wanted to tell you he's seeing someone."

Haley looked at him quizzically, "All that, just to tell me he's seeing someone?"

"He wasn't sure how you'd take it."

"Who could he be dating that could be so bad? Taylor's not back, is she? Not that I'd care if they were dating."

"No, not Taylor. Lucas is dating, well, he's dating Tim."

"Good for him. He deserves to be happy." Haley's eyes grew big, "Wait. Id you say Tim? As in Tim Smith, your best friend Tim?"

All Nathan could do was nod.

"Lucas is gay?"

"He didn't know how to tell you."

"Who all knows?"

"Everyone."

"For how long?"

"About 8 months or so."

"Wow. I can't believe Lucas is gay. And that I was the last person to know my best friend's sexual orientation."

"Don't feel bad Hales. It came as quite a shock to all of us."

"It's kinda ironic if you think about it."

Nathan looked at her, "Okay, I'll bite. How is this ironic?"

"Well, up until two years ago, you were bitter enemies, and now you're shacking up with each other's best friends."

"Guess I hadn't thought about it that way." Nathan pretended to pout, "Though, I would like to think that what you and I are doing is more than just 'shacking-up'."

Haley kissed him, "Oh, it is baby." She smiled. "So, why have I not seen Tim since returning?"

"He and Lucas decided they didn't want to have to hide anything, but Lucas wanted to give you time."

"That's sweet, but it must be hard on their relationship."

"They're dealing. It helps that you're not at school…they can be all over each other there."

Haley grimaced, "So how did you find out? Did he like, sit down with everyone and announce it, or what?"

"No. I was the first person to find out – and it was a complete accident. I had to go back to school after practice because I forgot something in my gym locker, and walked in on them making out in the locker room."

Haley clasped her hand over her mouth, "Ohmigod. Are you serious?"

"Yeah. It was horrible."

"Please tell me they had clothes on."

"Just towels."

"Ewwwww."

"Yeah. Anyway, we were all pretty embarrassed. A few days later, once we were actually able to face each other, I told them I'd keep their secret temporarily, but they had to tell people soon, otherwise they might not be so lucky the next time."

"Lucas and Tim each told their parents, then they sat down with me, Brooke, Mouth, Peyton and Jake to tell them and think of a way to go public. Eventually it was decided that Brooke would 'keep quiet' around the cheer squad where the 'rumor' spread like wildfire. Within a week the whole school knew."

Haley smiled, "Gotta love the cheerleader gossip line."

The next morning Haley was pouring bowls of cereal when Nathan walked into the kitchen, Natalie on his hip, "Look who was up."

"Hey cutie pie," Haley reached for her, "I'll take her while you eat."

"Thanks," he mumbled shoving a spoon into his mouth. "So, how are you doing, with the news about Lucas?"

"I'm fine. It doesn't bother me at all. I just wish he'd told me himself."

"So do I babe."

"I was thinking…"

"Deep subject."

"Shut up. Last night, Lucas and I were talking about how so many people, especially you, have changed since Lucas joined the team."

"Especially me? What about you?"

"That's and entirely different conversation. Right now, there's something I need to know. How much has Tim changed since and Lucas hooked-up? Please tell me that he's still loveable, yet annoying, Dim."

Nathan laughed, "That's what has you the most concerned?"

"Well, yeah. As much as I really hate to admit it, I've missed Tim."

"Have no fear, he's still Dim."

Haley clapped her hands, "yay."

Natalie mimicked her, "Yay."

Nathan and Haley both looked at her and laughed.

Nathan kissed Haley, "Well, off to school."

"Have a good day."

Nathan searched out Lucas before classes started and found him all over Tim in their locker pod. Used to it by now, he tapped Luke on the shoulder, "Fun night?"

"Hey, yeah, we had a good time."

"So I let you take out my wife, and you don't even tell her? What happened to the plan?"

"I don't know. I guess I chickened out. I really did mean to tell her."

"Well, you don't have to worry anymore. I told her."

"You told her?"

"Someone had to Lucas. And it was becoming obvious that you weren't going to. I'm surprised that she didn't find out before now. She was going to find out."

"What did she say?"

"She's cool with it." He smiled and looked at Tim who had stepped back to watch the interaction between brothers, "And this morning she admitted that she's missed you Tim."

Tim smiled, "Of course she did. Who wouldn't miss their Tim time?"

Lucas looked at Nathan and they both rolled their eyes. "I know I do," Lucas kissed Tim.

"And now," Tim kissed him again, "you can have more time again, since we don't have to hide from Haley. I told you that we could've told her sooner."

"I'm sorry babe. Can I make it up to you?"

"Tonight."

"It's a date."

Nathan shook his head, "I'll see you two at lunch."

"Morning Haley-bub."

"Hi mom."

"How was your evening? You got back late."

"I had a great time with Lucas."

"Is that what you and Nathan were fighting about last night?"

Haley grimaced, "Did I wake you? Sorry. No, actually we weren't fighting. It was just a small misunderstanding and overreaction on my part."

"So you're okay?"

"Yeah. We're good, I'm good."

"I'm glad. Look," Lydia scooped Natalie out of her high chair, "your dad and I have been talking."

"Am I going to like this?"

"We've decided to leave a day early."

"You're leaving tomorrow?" Haley asked, surprised.

"You don't need us here Haley. You're doing well, and your family is doing well. Nathan is taking good care of you and Natalie. You two need to be a family, together, without us."

"Where are you going?"

"We're going to drive up and see Quinn."

"Does anyone know about Natalie?"

"Not yet. We didn't tell anyone when we found out you were pregnant. But we want to tell them. If that's okay with you."

"It's fine. Do you have pictures?"

"Of course, like we'd leave without pictures of our granddaughter. We're grandparents, we love to brag."

"You'll be back to visit, right?"

"Of course. We love you Haley, and we're sorry."

"I love you too. And I know you are, and I forgive you. I'm glad to have you and daddy back in my life."

Nathan pulled his now vibrating phone out of his pocket during study hall. Glancing at the caller id first he answered, "Haley? Is everything okay?"

"Yes."

"Hales, babe, I'm in class."

She rolled her eyes, "Just study hall. I still don't get why you didn't opt out."

"Because I need the time to study," he stopped at that, not wanting to get into how she was a distraction, so he truly did need the study hall to get anything done, "What's going on?"

"Can you get out of work tonight?"

"Probably. Why?"

"My parents are leaving tomorrow and want to take us to dinner tonight."

"I thought they weren't leaving until Saturday."

"They said we don't need them anymore."

"Are you okay with that?"

"Yeah, my mom made a good point. She said I already have once person taking good care of me and that I don't need two more."

"Lucas does take good care of you…"

"Oh be quiet."

"Yes ma'am. So, anyway, I'll call Keith at lunch and let you know."

"K. I should let you get back to studying."

"I love you Hales."

"I love you too Nathan."

Lying in bed that night, Haley cuddled up against Nathan, "Do you know what my favorite part of the day is?"

"Your daily ritual of watching Saved by the Bell and Dawson's Creek on TBS in the morning, drooling over Zack and Pacey?"

"Just for that, I'm not going to tell you," Haley pouted.

"Come on Hales. Okay, I'm sorry," Nathan paused, "No Haley, I don't know. What is your favorite part of the day?"

"This, right now, you and me lying in bed together at the end of the day, talking."

Nathan kissed her neck softly, "Just the talking?"

She turned towards him and smirked, "Yeah, just the talking, nothing else really interests me."

Nathan stuck his tongue out at her, "I like this too."

"Think we'll ever tire of doing this?"

"Never. I will always find comfort in falling asleep with my arms wrapped around you."

Post Author's Note: Okay, so I'm wondering, and need input. I'm thinking of making this my last chapter of the story. I have more ideas, but I think they might best be done as a sequel. I think this ties up this story well. Let me know what you think.