Thanks for reading/reviewing!

As for the other couplings in the story, I haven't decided yet. However, I do like the idea of mixing up the couples : ) That is the fun of fanfiction, after all.


Haley couldn't believe it. She thought she had moved on past this silly little crush she had on Lucas. She was in love with Nathan. She was married to Nathan. But here she was, watching as he practiced free throws, thinking the same thoughts she did not so long ago.

"Hales?" Lucas asked, letting the ball roll away.

"Huh? What?" Haley asked, breaking out her trance.

"You okay?" He asked, walking over and sitting next to her.

"Yeah…fine…just thinking." Haley stammered.

"About Nathan?"

"Uh huh…" Haley said. It was at least partially true.

"Well you want to go do something else?"

"No, I'm fine."

"It's got to be boring, just watching me shoot baskets."

"Not really."

"You're right, I am quite the sight to see." Lucas said, pulling off his shirt and grinning.

"Get over yourself, loser." Haley grinned.

"You know you love it." Lucas laughed as he ran to retrieve the ball.

He dribbled to the basket, jumped up and slammed the ball in.

"Show off." Haley called.

"Whatever you say." Lucas said, coming back over to her.

"Look at you. You're disgusting."

"How?"

"You're covered with sweat." Haley wrinkled her nose.

"There's nothing better." Lucas smiled, reaching out.

"Ew!" Haley shrieked, laughing and running away.

"Come back!" Lucas laughed, chasing after her.

"No!"

Lucas finally caught her and squeezed her tight.

"Stop! Ew! You're so gross Luke!" Haley shrieked trying to break free.

Lucas just laughed.

They stumbled a couple of steps, Haley trying to escape, Lucas trying to hold on, and fell on the ground, laughing.

They were lying on the ground, laughing and trying to catch their breath.

"That was fun." Haley said.

"It was."

"Except for the fact I'm covered in your sweat."

"That's a problem."

"I needed that. Just to forget about everything."

"Is it getting better?" Lucas asked, his gaze intently on her.

"I think so…" Haley said quietly, looking into his eyes.

"Good." Lucas smiled. He got up and stuck out his hand to pull her up.

"So what should we do now?" Haley asked as Lucas went over to pick up his t-shirt.

"I have no idea. Want to go for a walk and we can figure something out?"

"After you shower."

"Come on."

"After you shower." Haley repeated.

"Fine." Lucas rolled his eyes.


"Satisfied?" Lucas said, coming out into the living room where Haley was watching TV.

"Thrilled." Haley said, turning off the TV and getting up.

"Ready to go?"

"Yeah."

"Alright. After you." Lucas said, opening the door for Haley.

"Why thank you."

"I'm starving." Lucas said as they turned on the sidewalk.

"You ate right before you went to play basketball."

"So?"

"Nevermind." Haley laughed.

"Okay, so where can we go?"

"Anywhere but the café."

"Actually, I could really use some coffee, you want to get some?"

"Sounds good."

"Definitely needed that." Lucas said as they sat down at a table outside.

"Me too. So how are you?"

"I'm fine…been thinking about what happened."

"With Brooke?"

"Yeah, I don't know…it just seems to suck less and less everyday."

"That's good." Haley said.

"How about Nathan?"

"Haven't talked to him."

"Oh…"

"I don't know, it hasn't been that bad."

"Good."

"I know I keep saying this, but-"

"Yes, I know, thank you." Lucas grinned.

"You're a smartass."

"And you love me anyway."

"Yeah whatever." Haley grinned.


"Well I had a lovely time." Lucas said teasingly as they made their way back to his house later that night.

"Yes, what a lovely date. For once." Haley smirked.

"We always have a good time."

"Yeah…I guess." Haley said, smiling.

"So do you want to come in?" Lucas asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Why Lucas Scott, I'm shocked." Haley gasped, feigning shock.

Lucas laughed and wiggled his eyebrows.

"Want to watch a movie?" Lucas said, getting serious.

"Yeah."

"And sorry, I have no chick flicks."

"Shut up, you totally do. Your mom buys DVDs too."

"Damn, you caught me."

"Don't worry, I will pick something you like too."

"Okay, I'm going to grab a soda. You want one?"

"Yeah."

"Here you are." Lucas said, sitting down next to Haley on the couch.

"Thanks." Haley said, leaning back on the couch.

"No problem."

Lucas put his arm around Haley, who despite her conflicting feelings, snuggled up against him.

"You're really taking care of me this summer." Haley whispered later as they were both falling asleep on the couch.

"What's that?" Lucas mumbled sleepily.

"I said you're taking care of me. Like you always have."

"I'm always there for you. You know I love you."

Haley felt her heart skip a beat. What was she doing? She loved Nathan. But Lucas was here, and he was taking care of her, like he always did.

"I love you too…loser." Haley added to make it seem less intense.

"Okay, I am about to fall asleep. Wanna go to bed?"

"Yeah." Haley said softly.

"Okay." Lucas turned off the TV and stood up.

"Luke?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I stay in your room tonight?"

"Um sure, you want me to go in my mom's?"

"No, I just…I don't really want to be alone."

"Oh." Lucas smiled.

"Is it okay?"

"Absolutely." Lucas said, reaching out for her hand, which Haley grabbed and squeezed tightly.

They walked into his bedroom and sat on the bed.

"I need to talk to you about something Hales." Lucas said quietly.

"Okay…"

"Well, I'm really confused…"

"About what?"

"I haven't been that upset about Brooke leaving the past couple of days."

"Oh. Wow, Lucas I don't know what to say…"

"I don't know. It just feels like, you and me, alone for the summer? It feels right. It feels normal to me, like this is what I'm supposed to be doing."

"I know what you mean."

"Yeah…I just wanted to tell that I'm glad you're here with me. I've missed you. And if Nathan doesn't come around, then he's an idiot. You're amazing and I'm so happy we're spending the summer together."

"Me too." Haley said, trying not to smile too widely.

"I just…I just wanted you to know that. I know Nathan is your husband and everything, but I swear, I wouldn't give up any time with you for anything in the world."

"You're so sweet. I wouldn't give this up for anything either." Haley said.

"Good. Well…goodnight." Lucas said.

"Night." Haley said as she lay down.

A few moments later, Lucas rolled over and put his arm around her, just like he did the night of the storm.

Haley snuggled beside him, starting to feel like everything was going to be okay again. Because she was pretty sure Lucas was starting to feel the way she did.


Aww. Laley. I love them.

Please read and review!