Author's Note: Sorry if this chapter took a while. Unfortunately, my computer once again broke. But I got a brand spankin' new one, and now hopefully, I won't experience the same problems.

Uh, this chapter certainly isn't my favorite, but it's necessary. It's the second to last. Yes, that's right. The next chapter is the last one. Sad, isn't it? Well, I think so. Hehe.

I'll hopefully get review replies up next chapter, so review, review! It's one of your last chances!

Enjoy. Hopefully.

Non-Photo Blue

Chapter Eight: Too Far Gone to do More Than Breathe

Nathan stood outside the doorway of the lounge, where he'd met Haley as Lucas's fiancé, and even first discovered his brother's death. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open, squeezing his eyes shut.

When he'd opened his eyes, he was still there. Nothing had changed. He shook his head. "That was stupid."

He began to pace back and forth through the room, contemplating. He had to change things. He had to get back to that night with Lucas and Haley. But how? Every time he'd managed to travel through a time period, it had been an accident. He had absolutely no idea as to how he could do it himself.

Taking a seat at one of the tables, he lowered his head into his hands. Through the corner of his eye, he saw an object on the table. Frowning, Nathan lowered his hands, picking it up.

Running his hands over the twisty edges, and trying to identify the picture on its surface, Nathan realized he was holding a puzzle piece. Placing it back down onto the table, he saw the rest of the pieces surrounding it.

"Really, it's like a," Keith paused. "It's like a puzzle. It's all just a matter of fitting the pieces back together."

He examined the pieces. Not knowing exactly why he was doing it, Nathan began to fit them together. With each piece he set down, the picture began to take shape more and more until it finally became a lake.

And once he'd placed the last piece down, completing the puzzle, he felt himself begin to slip away.

-

"Haley." He grabbed for her hand. She turned to look at him.

He sighed. "I love you."

She put her other hand on top of their already interlaced hands, a smirk forming on her features. "So he finally says it."

Nathan chuckled. Haley grinned and turned, venturing deeper into the room. It was his parents' mansion, and he'd never forget it. He loved this house despite all its bad memories.

"I think," She said lightly, her voice high and perfect, "this is my favorite room in the entire house. With all of the plants and flowers. It's so beautiful."

As he followed her, Nathan began to comprehend what was happening. He was back at that night. In just moments, he'd shatter his brother's heart. Unless he changed what happened. He now had the power. He could fix things.

Only, in order to fix things, he would cost himself his heart.

Sighing heavily as Haley excused herself, he took a seat on one of the room's fancy loveseats. Once she returned, taking a seat beside him, he knew that things would never be the same. This moment coming would ruin both of their lives. But as long as there was no accident, as long as Lucas would live, he'd be okay with that.

She took his hands. "Nathan, those words you said earlier-"

He cut her off. "Haley, I love you. And most likely, despite my best efforts, I probably always will."

"Okay?" Haley gave him a nervous smile.

"But," He paused, drinking in the sight of her. Her light, wavy hair falling down her back, and her chocolate brown eyes looking up at him earnestly. He almost felt he couldn't do it. It felt so wrong. "But um, we have a choice right now."

"A choice." She repeated, looking down at the ground.

"Hales, Lucas is my brother. And as much as I love you, I can't do this to him." Nathan shook his head, pulling her closer. He'd treasure the last moments they had together.

Haley smiled sadly, tears in her eyes. "But you can to me?"

"I'm sorry." He squeezed her hands, and she squeezed back.

"I'll always love you, Nathan Scott. No matter what."

He kissed her forehead. "Always and forever, Hales."

Pulling away, Nathan felt a sinking in his stomach. As he turned towards the darkened part of the room, he could barely make out a figure through the shadows.

"Luke!" He shouted, standing up. "This - it isn't what you think."

However, Lucas was already walking away. Haley followed him, and Nathan watched in agonizing guilt as Lucas sent her away as he had before. This wasn't supposed to happen! Things were supposed to be different this time!

He watched Haley leave, her heels clicking hard against the ground as she ran.

Turning towards Lucas, he shook his head. "Lucas-"

"I don't know want to hear it, Nathan."

Just as he had before, Lucas began to make his way up each staircase the house contained. Closer and closer to his tragic death.

"Please try to understand, Luke." He said helplessly, running to keep up with his brother.

"Oh, okay. Now I forgive you."

"I'm sorry! But please, don't go up there, okay? It's not safe!"

"Nathan, just leave me alone, okay?"

In just moments, they had once more reached the top landing. This was it, Nathan thought. This was his moment of truth. He was determined to not let Lucas fall. But Lucas wasn't making his job very easy. The older Scott brother kept taking tiny steps backwards as he and Nathan argued.

"Luke, please! I ended things with her, okay? I told her that you were more important to me."

Lucas laughed bitterly. "Oh, so what? Now you're the hero? Maybe you should have thought about me before you started sleeping with her."

"You're right, okay? I'm an idiot, and I'm sorry! But I love her, man. And I gave her up for you."

"How very noble of you." Lucas spat out bitterly.

"Come on. We're brothers." Nathan offered a smile.

Lucas shook his head. "No. Not anymore. I would have never done this to you."

"Luke-"

"Just get out, Nathan. Get out of my house. Get out of my life." He clenched his jaw. Nathan took a step closer.

"Come on, Luke. It's our house."

"Like hell it is. Get out, Nathan! Get out!" More steps backwards.

"Fine! Okay? I'll leave. Just come here. Please. Don't get so close to the edge!" As he began to walk towards Lucas, Lucas began to back away.

"No, stop!"

It was too late. When he'd reached for Lucas, grabbing his jacket, Lucas had pulled back roughly, sending him falling over the edge. Nathan leaned over the side, watching his brother. It was terrifying. Lucas's body fell to the ground in a heap, and Nathan felt a sob escape his lips. This wasn't supposed to happen.

Racing down the steps, Nathan leaped towards his brother's body once he'd reached the bottom. He hastily pressed his index finger to Lucas's neck. While it was faint, he could definitely feel a heartbeat.

Lifting Lucas up, Nathan proceeded to carry him towards his car, ignoring the ringing of the telephone as it sounded. This was far too important to worry about silly things like who was calling.

After strategically placing Lucas's body into the car, Nathan himself got in. He looked over at his brother. "Hang on, man. It's going to be okay."

The car zoomed down the long, winding road towards the highway. Driving past the sign that would lead them to the cliff-side, Nathan shook his head. They were going straight to the hospital.

"There isn't going to be an accident, Luke. You're going to be fine."

As they drove, Nathan couldn't help but curse the fact that the rode was so narrow. The fact that it was slim made it almost impossible to dodge other cars at the speed they were going, but he managed it.

Staring straight ahead, he could see headlights coming in his direction, from farther away.

Lucas uttered a pained groan, eyes fluttering. Surprised, Nathan turned to look at him. His brother's eyes were flickering open and closed, and he was gasping.

"Don't worry, man. We're almost there."

It was then that he noticed that Lucas was suddenly growing brighter. A light was shining upon him; headlights.

Turning to look forward, Nathan barely got a glance at the car before him as they collided.

The last thing he managed to see was the other driver's face.

Haley's.