Thank you to everyone who has take the time to read, and for everyone who has reviewed. I really do enjoy reading what you think.

Chapter Six

October 16, 2007

"Oh, come on Haley, you seriously haven't seen it?" Nathan asked with a look of disbelief.

Haley shook her head, trying not to giggle; amused that Nathan was getting so worked up.

"How is that even possible? I mean it's a classic!"

Haley scoffed, "No it is not."

"Yes it is!"

"Well... If it was a classic then how come I've never seen it? I never have so therefore, it isn't," Haley grinned triumphantly at her logic.

"Oh honey, you have been so deprived," Nathan said with a horrified look on his face.

Haley burst into laughter, "It's just 'Scarface' Nathan, it's not like I haven't see 'Gone With The Wind' or something."

Nathan said with bewilderment, "'Gone With th-' HUH? Forget it, tell me that you have seen 'Dirty Harry', at least give me that."

She just gave him a wide grin, "Can't say that I have."

Nathan laid his forehead on the table and mumbled something. Picking up his head a bit he squinted at her and with shake of his head laid it back down.

Haley giggled as she watched him. "Um well, I have seen 'The Terminator'. How's that?"

Sitting up, he sighed deeply, "Well, thank god for that. I mean, it's no 'Dirty Harry' or 'Scarface' but it's better than nothing."

She smiled at him and he couldn't help but return it. "Hey Haley, you know what? You should come over and watch the movie with me sometime, we could make a whole afternoon of it. You could even pick out one of the movies yourself. So? What do you say?"

As she was about to reply she caught herself, Haley felt her smile fade as she remembered what she heard Dan talking about after that first game.

It was exactly a week after their first tutoring session and things had been going good. Nathan was doing most of the work assigned to him and whenever she had to help him with something he picked it up quite quickly. When they weren't studying they usually just talked. It surprised her that they got along so well, they didn't agree on a lot of things, but when they discussed things it was…… fun.

Nathan had asked her a couple days ago if they could have a couple afternoon or evening sessions and she agreed; wanting to give something back after all the good work he was doing. She regretted it later that night when she remembered what Dan said, but by then it was too late to take it back.

Frequently she had to remind herself about what she heard at the gym that night. It was the only way she could think of to distance herself from Nathan, by reminding herself about what kind of guy he was. No matter how hard she tried, though, she couldn't seem to keep it on her mind for long and let herself be drawn into long conversations.

Sitting up straighter Haley cleared her throat and changed the subject, "Let's just get back to work."

Nathan looked at her, confused at the abrupt change of subject, but pulled the book to him and opened it.

Haley started explaining the chapter and Nathan tried to pay attention but his gaze kept drifting to her. He had only started tutoring so he could get some help with his work and win his bet at the same time. It was the only thing he could think of that would allow him to spend time with her. Instinctively he had know that even had asked her on a date out of the blue, she wouldn't have had said yes if she didn't know him. So this was the perfect opportunity for him. But…. she was more than he expected. He enjoyed talking to her; when he talked to other girls most of the time he had the urge to tell them to shut up. He never wanted to tell Haley that.

He had a feeling that that there was something wrong; her attitude kept changing, just like it did today. They would be having a good time and then she would close herself off and just focus on the work. The way she treated him changed, too. She would go from friendly to cold. They never fought and she wasn't mean to him, but it was like she was closing herself off from him. Whatever, he didn't know what it was, but he didn't like it.

He couldn't figure out what he had done to piss her off. Yeah, if she knew about the bet he didn't think she would be too happy, but there was no way she knew, Mike and Tim wouldn't tell her and even if she did know did there was no chance that she would tutor him, even for a little while. Since she was still tutoring him, he could rule that out.

Nathan focused when fingers snapped in his face, "Whoa… sorry Haley."

Biting her lip, she tentatively asked, "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, I'm just thinking about my father's annual kiss-his-ass jamboree. It's in a couple of days and I want to skip it, but it's mandatory. It's going to suck," Nathan said, sighing as he thought about it. It was just going to be a bunch of old people who wanted to relive their glory days by making lame speeches and kissing Dan's ass. It was supposed to be a school function, kind of, but Dan always had to call the shots regarding it. It was going to be a fucking drag.

Nathan focused in on Haley; this might be a good time to ask her on a date. It would save him from being bored, at least. He didn't really care about the bet, but he said he'd do it and that's that. He's just lucky Mike didn't put a time limit on it. Or did he? Nathan couldn't really remember; crap, he would have to remember to ask Mike about it.

"Ah, yeah Luke was telling me about that. It sounds like so much fun!" Haley sarcastically said.

"Uh, yeah. So about the party, do you think that maybe you might want to come?"

Haley rolled her eyes, "Yeah like I want to kiss your dad's ass, but I guess I'm going to have to. Lucas already talked me into going with him and Jake. So I'll be there, miserable like you."

"Oh you are? Great," Shit, it would have been the perfect time for a date.

"Yeah, great," she said doubtfully, maybe I should just ask him about what Dan said? Even if he doesn't admit it then at least he'll know I'm on to him. ARGH! Just think about this later Hales, and don't forget to find Peyton!

"Come on, Nathan. Psychology awaits us."

"Hey Peyton! Wait up!" Haley said as she ran to catch up with the blond.

Reaching Peyton Haley bent over and rested her hands on her knees. Breathlessly she said, "Need air...don't exercise...hold...on."

With amusement Peyton looked at Haley trying to catch her breath, then she remembered that she was trying to avoid Haley and started thinking of an escape plan.

Finally catching her breath Haley stood up straight and looked at Peyton. Whoa, I've never seen her look so frazzled before.

"Oh hey, um, actually I've got to run, Brooke is probably waiting for me," Peyton lied as she started edging away.

"This will only take a minute," Haley said firmly and smiled.

"Sure, what is it? Is it about Luke?" Peyton hopefully said.

Haley shook her head slowly, "No, actually this is about Nathan. I wanted to ask you something about him.

Peyton panicked, did Haley suspect about the bet? Did she know that Peyton had heard them planning it? Crap what if Mike came clean and told her everything, she would be so screwed. No one would understand why she kept it to herself. "Oh, I don't really know what's going on with him."

"Oh I know you guys aren't dating anymore, but you did date for a while and that's why I'm asking you. He's been pretty friendly to Lucas lately and I was wondering if you knew if he was planning anything?" Haley said in a rush.

"I don't know anything," Peyton said surely. I'm going to hell.

"Are you sure?" Haley doubtfully asked. "Because I have to tell you; when someone isn't noticed they can pick up on a lot of things. Maybe some things that someone might not necessarily reveal. And Peyton, when I watch you I see someone who is constantly glaring at Nathan and Lucas, or looking at them with a worried expression on your face. I don't think that you're glaring at Lucas, who told me you gave him a mix CD, so that leaves Nathan. Just tell me Peyton, please. I just want to protect my best friend. Do you know anything?"

Peyton was silent as she thought. She really wanted to tell Haley about the bet, the only sure thing that would get Nathan away from Lucas and Haley. That was out of the question, with only four people knowing about the bet it'd be way too easy to figure out who told. Mike would tell Lucas about her and then she'd never have a chance. Maybe….. "Look, I just know that Dan really hates Lucas. He told Nathan to do something to get Lucas off the team and I think that he's going to do it. So I don't trust this friendship slash brotherly bonding thing Nathan has been doing, it's probably just a bunch of crap."

"But do you know anything for sure?" Haley asked persistently.

"I really don't know anything else. I gotta go." Peyton ran down the hall with Haley staring at her thoughtfully.

"Thanks for the ride Lucas," Haley said as she got out of the passenger side of Luke's car.

"No problem, buddy. I'm glad your car is ready, even if you aren't." He winced at the thought of driving.

She just smiled at him and winked, no caring what he thought about her driving.

"Hey Keith, what's the damage?" Haley asked as she walked to her car.

He named the total and she winced as she handed over her debit card.

Walking around Lucas took a look at the car they had fixed as they waited for Keith to finish the paperwork.

"You know Hales, you're just lucky that you the accident you were in only involved your own car. You wouldn't want to explain to anyone why you were driving on your own without a license. Having a permit means someone else needs to be in the car with you," He reminded her again.

"Christ, I know that Luke! You only tell me every other freaking day! But how am I going to practice if I don't live with anyone with a license? I'm going to have my test in five months, I do need to practice sometime," Haley said, slightly irritated. Lucas had been lecturing her about driving without a license ever since she got in the accident.

Lucas started to explain softly, "Don't be mad Haley; I'm just worried about you. I don't want you to get into another accident while you are unlicen-."

"Here you go Haley, now drive the car straight home. Okay? Don't want you getting in any trouble now. If you want, I can help you practice sometime soon," Keith told her.

Haley smiled and gave Keith a hug, "Thanks Uncle Keith! We can practice whenever you got time. You're doing me such a big favor!"

Keith hugged her back and after he pulled back handed her the car keys.

"Yes! I love my car!" Haley got into her mustang convertible and roared out of the parking lot, waving a hand goodbye behind her.

Keith and Lucas looked at each other and sighed.

"That girl doesn't know the meaning of driving slow," Lucas said mournfully, before heading to work at the café.

Driving home Haley couldn't help but think about what Peyton had told her earlier about Nathan. Was it true? What she heard Dan say that night in the gym and now with what Peyton told her she had to assume it was. But….. the past week she had gotten to know Nathan better, and she couldn't believe that everything was a big trick to get Lucas off the team.

I'm going to have to talk to Nathan and ask him straight out. Regardless of what I heard from both Dan and Peyton, I have to talk to him. He's….. better than this. I know he is.

Deciding to take a quick detour she sped off in the direction of Nathan's house. Once she got there she got out and knocked on the door.

Almost immediately after knocking the door was answered by a shirtless Nathan. Oh. My. God. Shaking her head as if she clear it she looked at Nathan and said, "I hope you don't mind me showing up unannounced, it looks like you're busy but I need to talk to you. Of course you might not be busy you might just be walking around shirtless, or you could be planning basketball, or taking a shower. But if you were doing anything of those things then why did you answer the door so fast. That doesn't make sense. Never mind, forget about that. Because, really, you could be doing anything or you could be doing nothing. I don't know, I mean how could I know? I do need to talk to you, though. So do you think that we could? Talk I mean." Nathan stood there looking slightly dazed, so Haley snapped her fingers in front of his eyes, hoping to break whatever spell it was. "Nathan? So can we talk? If you are busy now then maybe we could do it later? I would rather do it now, but if I had no choice then I guess later would be okay. It is import-."

"STOP!" Nathan yelled, and then looking shocked, he started laughing.

Haley stared at him with confusion as he slid to the floor with his back leaning against the open door.

Finally calming down Nathan looked up, "Girl, I don't think I've ever seen someone talk so much without pausing to take a breath. You do like to carry on don't you?"

Blushing slightly, Haley nodded and opened her mouth to reply. Then thinking better of it, she decided to just keep her mouth shut, ensuring that she didn't start rambling again.

Holding out a hand she helped pull Nathan up, but when he was fully up she tripped slightly and off balanced, she landed on his chest. Blushing again, she enjoyed the feel of his hard body against her, before realizing that they had been standing there for a while, bodies pressed together and eyes locked. Once she did she pulled away.

Nathan cleared his throat, unsure of what had just happened. "So you wanted to tell me something?"

Haley nodded, "Yeah, it is kind important. Maybe you could pull a shirt on and we can take a drive?"

"You sure you want me to pull a shirt on?" Nathan smirked at her, enjoying it when she blushed again. "It'd be no problem to just go in my basketball shorts."

Haley shook her head, "Shirt. Now."

Nathan lifted an eyebrow and shrugged. Turning around he walked slowing away, feeling her gaze on his back. This is perfect; I can tell that she is getting interested. I'm so going to win that bet. Truthfully, half the time Nathan forgot about the bet, it wasn't important. But his competitive side didn't allow him to think of anything but winning. It was in his nature.

Still walking slowing he felt something fly past his ear, "Vamanos, Scott! Move it!"

Laughing he walked more normally to his room to get dressed. Once he reached the front door again he saw Haley sitting on the front sets, deep in thought.

"Hey, you ready? My car is in the garage, I just got to pull it out."

Haley looked and grinned, "No need Scott, I got my ride today." She pointed the car at the side of the driveway.

He looked at the car and felt his jaw drop. That really was one nice ass car. "I didn't even know you drove. Doesn't Luke drive you everywhere?"

"I bought this car when I got my permit, I don't have my license yet so Luke hates it when I drive," Haley explained as she ran a hand over the custom paint job.

"Ahh, but you're still driving it now? Even though Lucas hates it?" Nathan question curious, he had assumed that Haley always did what Lucas wanted her to.

"Yep, so get in," Haley got into the driver's side and lowered the top.

They just drove around for a while until they ended up at the docks; silently they both got out and walked straight to "their" table.

"God Haley, no wonder you don't have you license. That was scary; you are the worst driver I've ever seen."

Haley just smiled, used to comments like that, "I'll get better."

After rolling his eyes they fell into a comfortable silence.

After a few minutes of silence Nathan looked over and questioned Haley, "Do you think you are ready to tell me what you are so worried about?"

Sitting back Haley thought about how to ask him. Did she ease her way into it or would it be better to just say it? Kind of like a band aid, just one rip.

Sighing she turned and faced him. "Before I start, promise me that you'll listen to everything I say and not interrupt."

Nathan nodded warily.

She took a deep breath, "Good. The night we met, at the game? Well after meeting you Luke and I were on our way to the parking lot, when I realized that I had forgotten something in the gym. So I went back to get it, when I got there I noticed that there was someone else there. The person in the gym was on the phone and he was talking pretty loudly about something. It was your Dad, Nathan."

Nathan moved slightly at the mention of his father and narrowed his eyes, but otherwise stayed still.

Haley continued, "He was talking about the game and his son, he said that his son had a plan to get Lucas off of the team. He went on to make a bet with the person on the phone, for ten thousand dollars, on whether or not you would succeed in getting Luke off the team. I've been confused about what to do about that for awhile so I asked Peyton if she knew anything and she told me that she knew Dan wanted you to get Lucas off the team and she thinks that you are going to do it. Please, Nathan, tell me what is going on."

Nathan didn't say anything for a while, and then he turned to face Haley and admitted, "Dan does want me to get Lucas off the team. He's been bothering me about it ever since Lucas joined. Haley, I promise you I never intended to do anything to get Lucas off the team. I'm not going to do anything to him, other than try to become his friend."

Biting her lip, Haley searched Nathan's face. Nodding slowly she told him, "I don't know if this makes me stupid or naïve, but I believe you. If you tell me that you aren't going to do anything to him, then I won't question it anymore."

Nathan felt a rush of relief and was slightly stunned. He hadn't really expected Haley to believe him. He hated to admit it but Dan and Peyton both screwed with him. Dan, because the asshole didn't realize that someone else was in the room and he never caught on to the fact that Nathan didn't hate Lucas. Peyton….. well, Peyton never really knew him or what his attentions to anything were. She just saw what she wanted to see.

Haley hesitantly asked, "Nathan? Can I ask you something?"

"Okay."

"Peyton was your girlfriend for a while, she probably knows you better than anyone. Why does she think that you are out to get Lucas?"

"Peyton never really knew me," Nathan said immediately. "It isn't all her fault, because I never gave her a real chance to know me, but I can't say that she ever wanted to know who I am. She saw what she wanted to see and that was that. About the Lucas part, well uh, I might have given her the impression that I didn't like Lucas. Not intentionally but I was pretty pissed that she just assumed that I would do something to get him off the team. She never once asked me how I felt about Lucas or if I was going to do something. If she had taken the time I swear I would have told her. Instead I just let her assume what she wanted."

"Well, I want to know so I'm asking how do you feel about Lucas?"

"I like him," Nathan blurted out, and then with a slight chuckle shook his head. "Wow, that sounded really weird. Look, I feel really uncomfortable talking about my feelings. Do you think we could leave it at that? I like Lucas and I promise I'm not intentionally doing anything that will hurt him." While he had been talking Nathan had subconsciously reached over and grabbed a hold of Haley's hand. He still didn't notice.

But Haley had noticed, and even though it was a bit odd it felt strangely right. She gave his hand a light squeeze and gently said, "Okay, I believe you. And about you and Lucas, if you really want a relationship with him then I know the two of you can do it."

Searching Haley's face Nathan questioned her, "You really believe me?" Haley nodded and puzzled, he asked, "Why? You don't even know me. I'm sure you know how I am; you had to have heard the stories. I'm not a good guy Haley. I treat you nicely, but to most other people I'm a totally dick. I've done nothing to prove to you that I'm sincere."

Haley cocked her head, "If you expected me not to believe you then why did you tell me?"

"Because you asked, no one else has before, and for some reason I feel like I can trust you. You aren't the type of person to go running around telling everyone how Nathan Scott feels."

"You can trust me Nathan, and not just for your sake. I would never do anything to hurt Lucas, and hurting you would hurt him."

"Okay."

"And I believe you, because you've never given me a reason not to. Regardless of what Dan, who's a major asshole, or Peyton says I know you better now. I'm going to believe in you until you give me a reason not to." Haley gave his hand one last squeeze and then let go. "That work for you?"

Hiding the fact that her words touched him, Nathan nodded and stood up and stretched, "Well all this talking has worked me up and appetite. How about me and you g-.

"You and I," Haley interrupted with a grin.

Without pause Nathan continued, "You and I go get something to eat?"

"Sounds good, let's go to Karen's Cafe?"

"I've never been there before, is Karen going to be okay with it?" Nathan questioned.

"Karen's great Nathan, you have nothing to be worried about."

"I'm not worried, it's just…. the Scotts have screwed her enough, I'm not going to go into the café and make her uncomfortable if I can help it."

"I know Karen really well, Nate, she'll be okay with it."

"If you say so," Nathan eyed Haley pulling out the car keys. "How about you let me drive?"

Haley swiveled around and narrowed her eyes at him. "Are you scared to be in the car with me? You aren't going to be that guy are you?"

Shit. "No, no, I'm not scared….um, I would just like the chance to drive the car."

"HA! You are scared! You know, a real man wouldn't be scared to drive in the car with me."

Nathan immediately clamped his jaw shut and nodded tightly, "Fine I'll be happy to get in the car with you driving."

Haley smirked at his back; Lucas and Nathan really were brothers. "a real man" worked on Lucas all the time.

"Thanks for letting me drive." Nathan really was grateful, Haley was a horrible driver. He had been sure that they were going to crash about 14 times on the way to the café. Didn't her parents make sure she was learning before letting her take out the car?

"You did pay for dinner, it was the least I could do." Haley grinned, "Plus Luke was there. No need to get him mad when you could drive away from the café for me."

Nathan laughed, "So I'm just a way to get you out of trouble?

"Sure you are," Haley teased, before she looked around confused, "This isn't the way to your house. Where are we going?"

"You don't live to far from me so I'm just going to drop you off and run back home. I need the conditioning for basketball," Nathan lied smoothly; he wouldn't be able to relax at home while he pictured Haley driving around town.

"Oh. How do you know where I live?"

"You told me on Monday, remember? I was supposed to drop my essay off, but we just met at the docks instead?"

"I remember now, well if you want to run home it's your business."

They reached Haley's house and she reached over to open the garage, Nathan pulled in and stopped the engine. Looking over he saw a silver 2007 Lincoln Navigator L.

"Wow Haley, another nice car. Does this mean your parents are home?"

Haley merely shook her head no.

"Oh," Taking one last look at the car he started out of the garage, "later Haley."

"Bye, Nate." Haley watched as Nathan ran down the street and sighed as she walked inside the house, alone. Again.

Feeling content Lucas finished wiping down the counter, he had sent his mom home early so she could rest while he closed the café.

He had just had dinner with Nathan and Haley; they all got along so well. It was going to work, this new friendship he had with Nathan, he was sure of it.

Hearing the bell above the door jingle Lucas turned around and started talking, "Sorry, we're closed. We'll be open tomorrow at ..….." Noticing who was at the door he trailed off. "Oh, hi."

Lucas gave her a smile which she returned.

"Hey Lucas, just thought I'd stop by to see you, but if you're closing……" She turned and started to walk out.

"No, wait. Come on in. I'll get you a drink and you can keep me company while I finished closing. Sound good?"

"Sounds great, water would be good."

"One water coming up." Lucas turned to get a glass and upon turning around he saw that she had moved closer. So close that they were almost touching.

Looking down Lucas couldn't stop himself; he pulled her closer and gave her a gentle kiss. Pulling back a little he looked into her eyes before moving in for another kiss.

After a couple minutes of intense kissing they both pulled back. Lucas pulled her closer, into the curve of his arm.

"I'm glad I came to see you, Lucas" she said softly.

"I'm glad you came too..."

Disclaimer: I own nothing; not OTH or its characters.