Thanks for the reviews and for reading the last chapter.

Chapter Thirteen

October 27, 2007

Haley rolled over and stretched, smirking when she looked at Lucas and saw that he was still sleeping.

Whispering Haley tried to wake him up, "Hey Lucas… Luke… wake up."

When she got no response Haley shrugged, oh well she tried to wake him up the easy way. Now it was time for the hard way.

Walking softly out of the room Haley went to the kitchen and got a metal pan and metal spoon out of their respective cupboard and drawers. Entering Luke's room again she decided to try to wake him one more time. "Luke… psst…. wake up."

Haley shook her head in mock sadness, although she had a impish smile on her face. Luke's way didn't work so it was time for Haley's way.

Lucas sat up in bed once he heard the crashing noises coming from above him. "I'm up! I'm up!"

Looking over Lucas saw Haley giggling at his side, holding a pan and spoon.

Haley had been quiet since Lucas picked her up at the café the previous night; so seeing her happy was an improvement. Careful not to let her see that he was relieved Lucas glared up at Haley in fake anger, "I should have known better than to insist that you spend the night Hales. You always pull the same trick."

Haley laughter ended in a shriek when Lucas yank her to the bed and started tickling her.

"Stop… come on Lucas! You… know…I'm …….ticklish," Haley spoke, barely able to get the words out because she was laughing so much.

"Nu uh, not until you recognize my superiority and promise not to wake me up that way again," Lucas said as his fingers found her sides.

Haley stubbornly refused to admit anything.

"Come, on Haley. You know you want to give in," Lucas teased her.

"No… haha… I'm not going to," Haley refused.

"I can kept this up all day Hales," Lucas said as his fingers moved faster.

Haley spoke over her laughter, "I can't take it! Fine Lu-."

"Ahem… sorry for interrupting, but I need to talk to Haley," Nathan interrupted from the door.

Luke's fingers had stilled when he heard the voice coming from the door and Haley took that opportunity to wriggle away from him.

Lucas glanced between and uncomfortable looking Haley and a nervous looking Nathan, "I'm just going to go into the kitchen. Bye"

Haley stared at her feet, jumping slightly when Nathan spoke; realizing that he must have moved closer because when he spoke his voice was coming right in front of her. Looking up she was startled to see that he was barely two feet away from her. Oh shoot, I can't think with him so close.

Seeing Haley take a step back, Nathan spoke up, "Haley, I ne-."

"This isn't a good time, Nathan. I'm not feeling too good," Haley interrupted.

"You seemed to feel fine when you were messing around with Lucas," Nathan said bitterly.

Haley opened her mouth to blast him, when he started talking again.

Wincing Nathan said, "Sorry. But I just need you to listen. Just a couple of minutes, Haley."

Haley shook her head, "I can't… not now."

Haley turned and ran out of the door leading outside that was located in Luke's room.

Peyton stood on the docks, looking around in anticipation. It had been a couple of months since she had seen her father and she was looking forward to it.

"Baby!" Larry Sawyer said as he ran to her.

"Hi daddy," Peyton smiled as her dad picked her up and twirled her around.

Larry set her down and looking at her said seriously, "Now sweetie are you sure that you want to come with me? Once we are out there we can't make any unscheduled stops to take you back home."

Peyton nodded, "I'm sure daddy, I need the time away."

Larry grinned, "It's going to be so good to have you with me."

Peyton nodded and picked up her bag to follow her dad to his ship. "It really is daddy."

Lucas and Haley were at the music store looking for new CD's

"Luke, did you ever here of UHF?" Haley asked

Lucas thought about it, "Yeah, UHF. They're from Portland right? They're good."

"Cool."

Lucas glanced up and saw Nathan walk in. Lucas nudged Haley and nodded toward the entrance.

"You going to be okay?" Lucas asked.

Haley nodded, "Yeah, I can handle it."

Lucas eyed Nathan and left the store.

"How did you find us?" Haley asked, still looking through the stacks of CDs.

Nathan gave his trademark smirk, "What makes you think I followed you here? I could have just come to find some new music."

Haley blushed slightly and started walking away, "Whatever."

Nathan spoke up got too far, "No, sorry. I went by the café and Karen said you guys were going to be here."

"Oh."

"Look, can you just listen to me?" Nathan asked.

"Fine," Haley agreed.

"Good. I didn't know that Theresa read the note, okay? I don't even know how she found it. I wouldn't do that to you Haley, I promise," Nathan explained.

"Okay," Haley said accepting his explanation.

Nathan looked relieved, "Great, so we're cool?"

Haley shook her head, "No."

"Well you believe me don't you?" Nathan ran a frustrated hand over his head.

"Yeah I do, and I'm sorry for not listening to you and believing Theresa, okay," Haley bit her lip.

Not understanding the problem, Nathan asked, "Well, then… what…"

Haley shook her head, "Look, this whole tutoring, hanging out, whatever it is, thing. It's all just a bad idea. For both of us. So it's done. I'm done."

Haley left the store with Nathan watching.

As Brooke walked to Nathan's house, she read the text message from Peyton again, Family emergency. Be back in a couple of weeks.

Peyton could get into her moods, but she had never taken off without calling her first.

Taping a finger on her chin she thought about what could have set Peyton off while she waited for someone to answer the door. She had asked Haley what she thought about Peyton's disappearing act but she didn't have any idea.

"What are you doing here Davis?" Nathan barked out.

Brooke shook her head, "Tsk tsk, is that anyway to talk to someone who's here you?"

Nathan rolled his eyes, "What could you possibly do that could help me?

"Maybe set up a certain hot shot with a certain tutor girl?" Brooke drawled out.

Nathan's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What are you talking about?"

"Look, I talked to Theresa last night. I know what she did to you guys. I just want to help," Brooke told him impatiently.

"Why?" Nathan asked, still suspicious.

Brooke rolled her eyes, "Don't be so cynical Nate. I like Haley."

"If you like her why would you want her with me? You hated it when Peyton and I were together," Nathan pointed out.

"You and Peyton brought out the worst in each other," Brooke bluntly stated. "I'm not even sure you guys really liked one another."

Nathan shrugged; what else could he say. It was pretty much the truth. "It still doesn't explain why you are okay with me being with Haley."

"I hate to say it but you have been acting… differently since you started hanging out with her," Brooke admitted. "I'm willing to give you a chance as long as you don't screw it up."

Nathan finally accepted the Brooke's explanation with a short nod, "Okay, so what are you going to help me with Haley? I talked to her this morning and she seemed pretty much against the idea of us even being friends."

"I know, I talked to her on the phone this morning. Just be at the café to pick her up at seven," Brooke handed Nathan two envelopes. "Take these with you and don't open them until you are with Haley, okay?"

Nathan decided that he would have to trust Brooke; whatever, it wasn't like he could get in a more crappy situation, "Alright."

"Bye Nathan," Brooke waved as she left.

Nathan called her to a halt, "Wait… um… thanks Brooke. I appreciate this."

Brooke smirked at Nathan's awkward thanks; he obviously had no experience in showing his appreciation. "Don't worry about it. You'll find a way to make it up to me."

"Tutor Girl!" Brooke said as she sailed into the café.

Haley looked up from where she was refilling salt shakers, "Hey Brooke. What's going on?"

Brooke shrugged, "Nothing much since I talked to you this morning. Have you seen your gorgeous BBF around lately?"

Haley made a face, "Not since this morning, but he's going to be at the Rivercourt later."

Brooke rubbed her hands together, "Excellent, I might have to ambush him there."

Haley laughed, "Was that all you wanted to know?"

"Actually, no there was more." Brooke said. "I did something for you."

"What did you do Brooke?" Haley asked warily.

Brooke said cheerfully, "I'm hooking you and Nathan up tonight!"

"Oh, Brooke I don't know if that is a good idea."

"Look, you're blaming Nathan for something that Theresa did and that's not fair. She was being a bitch and was pissed because Nathan actually likes you… I can help," Brooke said persuasively.

Haley bit her lip, "I'm not sure…"

"Be impulsive Haley, Nathan will be here at seven to pick you up," Brooke rushed out of the café before Haley could answer.

"Great, guess I'm going on a date tonight." Haley said to the empty café.

Haley threw her rag to Keith, "Okay. Both inventory and the counters are done. I'm going to head ou…out." Her voice faltered as she saw Nathan outside of the café. She threw a smile over her shoulder to Karen and Keith, "bye guys."

"Hi Haley, I'm glad you agreed to the date," Nathan handed her a rose.

Haley smiled at the rose, and looked up uncertainly, "About that. Are you sure this whole date thing is a good idea?"

"Yes."

Haley laughed at how positive Nathan sounded, "Okay then. Let me just go put this rose inside," Rushing inside she handed the rose to Karen to take care of. When she got back outside she asked Nathan, "Where are we going?"

Nathan scratched his head and admitted. "I'm not entirely sure. You know that Brooke set it up right? She gave me two cards and told me not to open it until I picked you up?"

Haley widened her eyes, "And you listened? I'm impressed Scott."

"So am I," Nathan tore open the first envelope and read, "Okay the first one says 'Convince Haley to GO'."

"We're good on that one. What about the second one?" Haley asked impatiently.

Nathan smiled slightly at Haley; since getting to know her he had noticed that she hated surprises. "Okay the second one says 'Go to 1423 River Street and find your next envelope. On the way, tell three things you like about each other.' Ready?"

Haley was unsure, "I don't know…"

Hurriedly Nathan started speaking before she could say no, "Look, I'll go first. You're the most patient person I know. You don't go postal on me during tutoring and you don't treat me like some kind of a moron. I really appreciate that." Deciding to lay it out for her Nathan continued, "Look, I know I have no right to ask, but we've been having fun together. I don't want to lose that. And plus, this is Brooke. I mean, you can bet it's not gonna be boring.

Haley was blushing slightly at his words, "Okay, what the hell. Why not?"

"Good," Nathan decided to go for it; he reached over and joined their hands. She didn't push him away, so that was a good sign.

"So, what's the second thing that you like about me?" Haley asked.

Nathan didn't even have to think about it, "I like the way you believe in me. I've done horrible things, and you have no reason to think that I'm any different than all the rumors say I am. But you do, and I think that you're the first person who has."

Haley's face softened, "I'm sure that isn't true Nathan…"

"It is Haley," Nathan disagreed. "I have my friends and that's cool, but they don't really see anything other than Nathan Scott, hotshot basketball star. And that's fine, it's not like I show anything other than that."

"Don't you have friends that you can confide in?" Haley subconsciously rubbed her thumb over the back of Nathan's hand in comfort.

Nathan thought about it, "Tim and Mike probably. I've known them the longest and they've been around enough to see how Dan is."

Haley smiled encouragingly, "That's good then."

"Now, we're on to the third thing I like about you." Nathan changed the subject.

Accepting that Nathan didn't want to talk about it anymore Haley answered back, "And what's the third thing?"

"Well you know that you are gorgeous and that makes looking at you fun," Nathan said smirking at her, "but I would have to go with your loyalty."

Haley quirked up her brow, making a 'huh' face.

"Don't give me that face. You know that you are loyal to the people you care about. I see it with Lucas and Karen all the time." Nathan insisted.

"Maybe."

"It's cool," Nathan said. "Now my turn."

"Ah yes, three things I like about you," Haley made a show of being deep in thought.

"My good looks," Nathan interjected.

"Haha no," Haley rolled her eyes. "I like the way you let me in, past the bluster that you give everyone else. Because even thought you said I believe in you I wouldn't be able to do that if you didn't show me that you were worth believing in."

Nathan silently watching her, not daring to show her how much her words meant to him.

Haley smiled slightly, "The second thing I like about you is your smile. Sometimes the way you smile after you solve a problem… anyways, your smile."

Nathan smirked; he did have a damn good looking smile.

"The third thing I like about you?" Haley rolled her eyes. "What the hell might as well admit it, you aren't horrible to look at."

Nathan's smirk grew, "You can admit it James, you know you think I'm sexy."

Haley just blushed and said fast, "Oh look we're here. Oh, god… here?"

Nathan laughed after he saw where they were, "Lingerie store, nice work Brooke."

"Come on let's just get this over with," Haley pulled him inside of the store. "We have to find an envelope that looked like the other ones."

Haley and Nathan searched through the store, with Haley blushing and Nathan grinning, until Nathan finally found it stuck to one of the hangers holding up a thong, "Ah-Ha!"

"So what's this one say?" Haley's curiosity got the better of her and she walked closer.

Nathan read out loud from the card, "It says, 'Now, buy each other a gift and exchange them on the way to…' and then there's another address."

Blushing even more Haley said, "I'm going to kill Brooke."

"And here I am, wanting to buy her flowers," Nathan joked.

Haley slapped Nathan's arm, "So not funny."

"Ah so, violent Hales," Nathan moved back after Haley turned to face him again. "Just kidding."

Haley shook her head, "This is so wrong."

Nathan asked her, "So you don't want to do it?" He thought it was fun, but he didn't want to make Haley do anything that she was uncomfortable with.

"I didn't say that," Haley took off, "let's go… and no peaking!"

Both Nathan and Haley tried to covertly pick out their gifts without the other seeing, Haley finished first and was waiting outside for Nathan.

Once Nathan was done he walked out laughing, "Did you see what that saleswoman was wearing?"

"Or not wearing," Haley peeked through the window.

"Ready to exchange gifts Hales?" Nathan handed her his bag.

Haley nodded and passed hers over, "You go first."

"Alright," Nathan opened the bag and pulls out his gift. "Socks."

Haley blushed, "I was playing it safe. What did you get me?"

Nathan gestured to the bag, "Open it and see."

Haley opened the bag and pulled out a beautiful cream negligee. "Oh my gosh, Nathan. This is really nice. Thank you."

Nathan smiled down at her, pleased that she liked his choice. "Okay, we have one more card that was in the envelope. If we go to this next place and we hate it, we can just go get some pizza, okay?"

Haley nodded, "Okay."

Brooke slammed the door of her beetle shut; licking her lips as she eyed the sandy haired boy playing on the court. Yum.

Hearing the door slam the boys on the court turned, and a chorus of "Hey Brooke" was heard.

"Hey boys," Brooke quirked an eyebrow at Lucas before she took a seat next to Luke's friend…. Lips?

"Hey Lips," Brooke greeted him as the game resumed.

Blushing, he replied. "It's Mouth, well it Marvin but my nickname is Mouth."

"Really? That was my nickname at summer camp." Laughing at the expression on his face Brooke explained. "Because I always slept with my mouth open."

"Oh okay." Mouth said in a rush, embarrassed over what he had thought was the meaning behind the nickname.

"So do you have a girlfriend?" Brooke asked, hoping to pass some time.

About 20 minutes later when the guys on the court finished playing Brooke had come to adore Mouth.

"Hey Pretty Girl, what made you come here?" Lucas walked to the bleachers as he used a towel to dry off.

Brooke linked arms with Mouth, "hanging out with my new best friend."

Mouth beamed, managing to look both happy and dazed.

"That's too bad, I was going to leave and I was hoping you would give me a ride home. I guess I'm stuck walking," Lucas said, pouting out his bottom lip a little.

Mouth immediately stood up, "Go ahead and give him a ride Brooke, I should get going anyways."

Brooke leaned over and gave mouth a kiss on him cheek, "I'll call you tomorrow and we'll do something. Okay?"

Mouth managed to beam even brighter, "Great. Bye Brooke, bye Luke."

Mouth waved as he walked to the rest of the guys.

After Brooke and Lucas said their goodbyes they walked to Brooke's car and got in.

"So where are we headed Broody?" Brooke asked, her eyes darkening and her voice getting huskier.

Lucas raised an eyebrow, "Finish the book yet?"

Brooke shook her head, "No not yet."

Lucas sighed and looked over at her, "Guess where headed to my house than."

"Awwww, why?" Brooke sulked.

"Isn't that the deal we made when I gave you the book? You read the book and I'll 'loosen up'. Since you aren't done with the book yet, there will be no loosing up for me. Even though I think that I'm loose enough already. You just haven't seen me li-"

"Whoa, hold up. Have you been taking rambling lessons from Haley?" Brooke teased.

Lucas flushed, "I was just trying to make a point."

Brooke pulled up to Luke's house and after putting the car in park leaned over and trailed a hand up his thigh, "And you made that point very well. No date until the book is done."

Date? Lucas nodded and he thought about what she said. I didn't realize that she was talking about a date, but I guess that would be okay. I mean I really like her, and now that Pey-… well this would be a perfect time to give us a chance. The date will be fine, it'll be fun. Brooke is fu—good god Lucas; you really are starting to ramble like Hales.

"That's right Brooke, no date until book is done," Catching her hand as it trailed even higher he brought it up to his lips. "If I could offer a word of advice on reading the book? Hurry."

Lucas opened the door and stepped out, leaning down and using the car frame to hold up his weight.

Brooke smirked, "Don't worry, I'm going to. Later Broody"

"Bye Brooke," Lucas stepped back and slammed the door shut. Watching as she drove down the street Lucas hoped he wasn't getting himself into something he couldn't handle.

Haley sat down in the chair that the waiter was holding out for her. She looked around and smiled, "This place is really nice, and it's a nice day to eat outside. Brooke did a good job. Thank you," She said to the waiter who handed her a menu.

"May I get you something to drink, or start you out on some appetizers while you are making your choices?"

"Just water for me," Haley spoke up.

Nathan nodded to the waiter, "Water for me too."

The waiter handed Nathan an envelope, "A Miss. Davis left this for you."

After the waiter walked away Haley leaned closer and whispered, "I wish I was a little more dressed up, I'm feeling underdressed."

"If you are so am I," Nathan smirked, "and I looked great so don't worry about it. It'"

Haley laughed, "So what does the last note say?"

Nathan read, "Order your favorite dish for the other person."

Haley grinned, "Sounds fun."

"Any chance that your favorite food is prime rib?" Nathan asked hopefully.

Haley giggled at the expression on Nathan's face. He really was so cute. "Sure, we have prime rib at my house all the time."

"Any hints as to what you are going to order?"

Haley shook her head, "Nope, and I already know what I'm getting you so soon as the waiter comes back I'm good."

Nathan shrugged, "It was worth a try, I know what I'm getting you too."

"Great. Oh hey, Brooke told me that Peyton texted her; something about her having to go somewhere? I'm not sure what happened exactly; Brooke was speaking really fast," Haley told him.

Nathan grimaced, "Peyton, yay. My favorite subject."

Haley felt bad, "Sorry we don't have to talk about her if you don't want to."

Nathan shook his head, "Don't worry about it. I shouldn't have said that. Peyton isn't a bad person and I don't hate her. We just… we weren't good for each other."

Trying to be optimistic Haley suggested, "Maybe you guys can still become friends."

Nathan shook his head, "That isn't likely. I was a major dick to her and she isn't the type to forget."

Haley laughed, " I know, she's warned me against you and sometimes….," Haley hesitated, not sure if her feelings were worth mentioning," sometimes….. I don't know I just get the feeling that she wants to drag me away from you."

Nathan got irritated; he wasn't going around trying to ruin Peyton's thing with Lucas or whoever she was after these days. Looking at Haley and realizing she didn't care what Peyton thought improved his mood greatly, "I'm glad you didn't listen to her Hales."

Haley smiled and reached over and squeezed his hand, "I told you Nathan, I'm going to believe in you until you give me a reason not to."

Before Nathan could reply they were interrupted by the waiter who took their orders. They whispered their orders to the waiter so they wouldn't give hints to each other. After the waiter left hey moved to lighter topics until the waiter came back with their food and an additional envelope.

After the cover to his food was removed, Nathan started laughing, "Seriously? I thought you would be into lobster."

Haley just shook her head and grinned, "Dude, macaroni and cheese is the food of the gods."

Nathan smirked and laughed, "Yeah, if the gods are five year olds."

Haley laughed, "Well it's not like your favorite food is a surprise."

Nathan shrugged, "I never claimed to be original, just hot," Nathan winked. "Okay, last envelope. I think. Want me to read it before we eat?"

"Sounds good to me," Haley started cutting into her prime rib.

"Okay, Brooke writes for us to 'Reveal a secret that nobody else knows about you'."

Haley stopped cutting, "Really?"

"Yep," Nathan looked slightly uncomfortable.

Haley leaned forward, "Okay… well when I was in second grade I stole some candy."

"Nope , come on that doesn't count.. Tell me something for real." Nathan persuaded.

Haley bit her lip and admitted, "I cheated on a Geometry test last year."

Nathan sat back shocked. Compared to everything that he had done it wasn't a big deal. But this was Haley…. he couldn't imagine her doing it. "Haley James cheated?"

Haley nodded, "Yeah, My dad wasn't here and my mom was sick and I had to take care f her so I didn't have time to study and I didn't want my grade to suffer so I cheated.

"Did you get caught?" Nathan wondered; if it had been him and he had cheated he would have forgotten about it as soon as he realized that he had gotten away with it. But he could see that this was eating at Haley.

"No but that's not the point. I mean, I knew what I had done and that didn't sit right with me. I couldn't let it go."

"So what did you do?"

"I started tutoring. I guess I thought it would be like penance or something. But it turns out that I really liked it. Sometimes I feel guilty about that. I did this bad thing and I tried to punish myself, but I ended up getting something that I really enjoy." Haley looked Nathan and saw him shaking his head. "So what is your secret?"

Nathan thought about it and started to tell her "My secret… is that-."

"Nate!"

"What up, Nathan?"

"Hey, Nate."

Turning Nathan saw that a group of his friends were walking toward them. Even though he was annoyed that they were interrupting his date he tried to be nice. He didn't want to be an ass in front of Haley and scare her off. "What's up guys?"

Mike looked resigned and nodded to the table, "What's this?"

SHIT! Suddenly Nathan remember the bet, Mike must think that this had to do with that. Nathan felt sick, Haley deserved better than this. Not wanting Mike to think that this was him trying to win the bet Nathan hedged, "Well… you know that Haley is Luke's best friend right? We're just having dinner."

But Mike wouldn't let it go and pointedly told him, "It looks more like a date to me."

"No dude, it's definitely not a date." Nathan said firmly, his eyes burning as he stared Mike down. They had been friends for a long time and Mike knew that Nathan wanted him to let this go.

Mike looked confused and shrugged, "If that's your story, okay. Whatever. Talk to you later Nate."

After a chorus of goodbyes Nathan breathed a sigh of relief. He would have to deal with that damn bet before it ruined his relationship with Haley.

Facing Haley he told her, "Hey I'm sorry about that. It's just that…." Nathan trailed down as he took in the hurt and bewildered look on her face.

Furious, Haley asked him quietly, "Are you really that embarrassed to be seen with me?"

SHIT. SHIT. Way to go bonehead, you didn't think about what Haley would think about you insisting that this wasn't a date? Fuck. Knowing it would sound lame Nathan tried to explain what he could, "No. I'm not. He just…. He was going to…. Haley you don't-."

"Why are you only nice to me when we are alone?" Haley questioned. "I mean I know no one is supposed to know that I'm tutoring you but….."

Not know what how to explain to her what happened Nathan stayed silent and Haley stood up, "You know, for a few hours there I was actually starting to think that you weren't a son of a bitch and you just…. God… fooled me again."

Haley turned to walk away not pausing when she heard Nathan call after her.

"No! Uh, Haley wait!" Standing up Nathan started to go after her when he remembered that he had to pay the bill.

By the time he was done paying Haley was out of view. Maybe it's for the best. I should probably settle this bet thing before talk to her again. Nathan didn't want to think about the bet anymore, but he knew that he would have to take care of it.

Nathan was sitting on the front sets of Mike's house, waiting for him to get back from wherever went with the rest of the guys.

After he had been there for almost two hours he saw Mike's car pulling into the driveway.

Mike got out of the car with Tim and Vegas.

Since it was dark in front of the house they didn't notice him until they were closer to the front doors and Nathan stood up saying, "We have to talk."

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