Really… I am so... SO sorry it took me so long to post this update. I've broken my left wrist a couple times and when I use it too much I still feel a lot of pain and the brace doesn't help that much. Every time I went to type it up this chapter I had about 5 minutes of good writing time in before the pain came back. So I took a little break from the computer and wrote out the chapter plots for a couple other stories. I was able to type this up pretty quickly and the pain hasn't come back so I think it's good to go for a while.

Good news for me though, is that I got a little bit more info on that story I was looking for.

Brooke is new to Tree Hill. Lucas and Nathan are brothers and their dad died. Their mom is traveling and they live on their own. They fight in some underground fight club type of thing to get extra money. They are friends with Owen and Jake, who are also fighters. Owen hooks up with Rachel. Haley, Rachel, and Peyton are friends but Peyton is obsessed with Lucas. Brooke moves to town and meets Haley in class who introduces her to Rachel. Um, Rachel and Haley insult each other a lot. Peyton isn't that close to them because she's always thinking about Luke. Oh! And Felix is in the story. He has a fight with Lucas where he cheats by wearing brass knuckles. Nate, Owen, and Jake help out Luke. (using lawn chairs and a bat.)

LOL I know that seems confusing but Lisa couldn't remember anything else about the story either. (Thanks Lisa for sending me that information!)

Anyone who could help with an author's name or the story name it would really be appreciated.

Chapter Twenty-Two

November 29, 2007

"We can't… do this… Nathan," Haley managed to get out through the kiss she was currently sharing with her boyfriend.

Haley had been minding her own business walking down the hall when she felt a hand grasp her arm, right above the elbow. She was herded into an empty classroom and before she could say a word she found herself pressed up against a wall, being kissed senseless.

Nathan mumbled an agreement, while continuing his exploration of her mouth. Giving in Haley melted into his embrace, before she strengthened her resolve and slipped under his arm that had been braced against the wall. Haley pointed a finger at him, "You stay away, I'm already late for tutoring and you have basketball practice."

Nathan smirked and licked his bottom lip, enjoying the taste of her that lingered there.

Almost entranced at the way his tongue glided across his lip Haley froze which allowed Nathan to move closer. Bending down he barely grazed her lips before pulling back, "I'll just kiss you later."

Nathan was to the door when he heard Haley groan in frustration; he smirked and looked over his shoulder, "I totally got you, didn't I?"

Nathan kept walking and smiled when he heard her say behind him, "Okay… you kinda did."

He was still smiling when he arrived in the locker room, even though he was late and would probably get in trouble with Whitey. Being with Haley just made him so happy.

"Heya homey," Tim appeared and held a hand out for Nate.

Nate slapped his hand, "You do know you're white right?"

"What else would I be?" Tim shrugged and pulled a small packet of pills out of his pocket he slipped them into Nathan's hand. "Are you sure about this?"

Nathan rolled his eyes, "You have met my dad haven't you?"

Tim nodded, understanding the pressure that Nathan was under. "Okay… if you are sure. Here's the deal, Rick told me that these are basically amphetamines. They're like steroids on speed or speed on steroids… some shit like that. You gotta be careful Nathan."

"Whatever… I just need to be jacked up for Cove City next week," still Nathan looked at the packet doubtfully and slipped it into his gym bag without taking one.

Tim nodded and started walking to the gym when Nathan called out, "Wait! Tim, um… thanks man."

"What the hell are you doing with these boys?"

Nathan ignored the voice and continued playing even though he heard his dad berating Whitey behind him. Lucas grabbed the rebound and shot him a look. Nathan merely shook his head and clapped his hands, indicating that that he wanted the ball.

They managed to ignore Dan until he moved from Whitey to the players.

"Williams you're playing like a cripple! Roberts your defense is…."

And so it continued, Whitey was telling Dan to leave and Dan was ignoring him. Some of the team members started shooting Nathan dirty looks like it was his fault. So in that respect he guessed he was lucky that Dan turned his attention to him.

"Nathan! Your conditioning is crap! And you are too weak inside. You've been spending too much time with that slut and-."

"Hey!" Both Lucas and Nathan yelled at the same time.

Dan turned and gave Lucas a disgusted look. "You two are sharing her now? Oh Nathan, why did you have to start slumming?

Lucas moved before Nathan had a chance, his fist flying and catching Dan on the cheek. Jake ran up and pulled Lucas back. Grabbing hold of the opportunity Nathan lunged forward to fill the void left by Lucas only to find himself pulled back by Tim and Mike.

The guys on the team who had moved up from JV stood in shock at Dan's display, not used to seeing anything like it. This was their star player's dad... they aren't supposed to act like that. The rest of the team had seen Dan in action before and this didn't even faze them.

Dan just stood there with a smirk and his face and let out a light chuckle.

"Practice is over! Hit the showers. And Danny if you come back to my gym I'll have security escort you out." Whitey yelled.

Dan shrugged slightly and strolled out of the gym, uncaring of the mayhem he caused.

Nathan shrugged his friends off him and walked into the locker room.

Oh come on! Nathan thought as he turned his car onto Haley's street. He watched as Jake walked out of her house holding some type of file. Fuck he knew that Haley was only helping him with something but did he always have to be around?

Jake didn't seem to notice Nathan, just got in his car and drove off. Nathan pulled into the spot that Jake had previously occupied and his lips turned sardonically as he thought about the hidden meaning in that.

Getting out of the car he walked into her house, smiling a little when he saw her laying on the couch her legs hanging over the arm, flipping through the channels. Trying to be quiet he edged closer to the arm of the chair and jumped over it ending up on her, straddling her hips.

Haley did what any normal girl would do when a man jumped on her.

She screamed.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Haley stopped screaming when she saw that it was her boyfriend on her who couldn't stop laughing. Trying to calm her racing heart, she breathed deep before yelling, "Nathan Scott! That was mean! How could you scare me like that, you know how 

I get. Now you are going to have to stay the night. I didn't even notice that you came in. When did that happened? Nathan! Stop laughing!"

Nathan managed to calm down and move their bodies so that she was now resting on him. "I just got here, I couldn't help it, you were just lying here."

A snicker escaped and Haley eyed him narrowly. "I'm going to get you back. You do realize that right?"

Nathan shrugged, "Do you worst."

Haley grabbed the controller, "You know what this means…. time for 'Grey's Anatomy'."

Nathan groaned, "All that angst."

Haley merely smiled and snuggled closer.

As they watched the show Haley noticed that Nathan seemed to be more distracted than usually. As much as he complained about the show she knew that he tended to get sucked in, but she could tell that tonight his mind was wandering. She bit lip, wondering if she should try to find out.

Nathan looked down at her and saw that she was worriedly watching him; shaking his head he let her know he didn't want to talk about what was bothering him.

So they watched the show, although neither were paying much attention. One was consumed by the thoughts in his head and the other was worried.

After the show was over they turned off the TV and were just lying in each other's arms.

Eventually Haley spoke up, "You know I'm here for you if you want to talk right?"

"I know… I guess I just can't right now."

Nathan pulled her closer, running a hand down her back. He wanted to tell her, but she didn't need to get involved in all of his problems. She had enough things going on without him adding to it.

November 30, 2007

Haley stood at the edge of the court, it was her first game cheering and she was surprised at how calm she was. She had messed up a couple times, but Brooke had been surprisingly nice about it. Peyton had laughed and whispered that it wouldn't last. The cheer nazi would be back soon enough.

Yay.

She couldn't wait.

"Let's go Nathan!" Haley jumped up when she saw that Nathan was open and Lucas was about to pass the ball to him.

But really, cheering for her boyfriend was fun. Being on the sidelines she was up close now and she didn't miss a thing.

Nathan got the ball and started dribbling, looking for the shot or an open man.

Haley watched, enthralled in his movements. No matter how many times she saw him in a game the power that his body held, the grace of his movements, and the utter beauty of him captivated her.

The game was close but the Ravens were up by three, and there were only 21 seconds left in the game. If the Ravens made a shot it would clinch the game for them.

Nathan faked his defender and took a shot. The Ravens were up by five with 11 seconds. Time winded down and the game was quickly over.

"You did it!" Haley jumped into Nathan's arms after the game was over and he twirled her around.

Holding her tightly Nathan buried his head in her hair, enjoying the feel over her in his arms. Looking over her shoulder he saw Dan staring at them, trademark smirk firmly in place.

Nathan pulled away, "I'm going to go take a shower are you going to wait for me or are you going to the party now?"

"She's with us Hot Shot," Brooke walked by with Peyton and grabbing Haley by the arm.

Laughing she turned around and blew Nathan a kiss, "See you at the party baby."

The Ravens had arrived. Lucas, Nathan, Tim, Mike, and some of the Rivercourt guys walked through the front door, commanding the attention of the party-goers.

Ignoring the loud cheering Nathan began to search the party for Haley, eventually he caught sight of her. She was sitting on the couch next to Brooke. Obviously Peyton had already had her share of the alcohol since she was passed out on the couch next to them, a red plastic cup dangling from her hand.

Nathan nudged Lucas and pointed to the girls and they walked over.

Brooke had obviously said something funny because Haley had her head thrown back and she was laughing. Her hair was a waterfall, cascading down her back.

Nathan paused and just stared at her. God, my girl is gorgeous.

Nathan continued walking and picked up Haley when he reached her. Setting her on his lap he brushed his lips against her neck.

"Is she okay?" Lucas squinted at Peyton, and squatting down carefully took her face into her hands.

Brooke nodded, "She's fine, she just drank too much."

Lucas shook his head, "She might have been drugged again."

Rolling her eyes Brooke told him, "She was not, she made all her own drinks and I was with her, nobody put anything in it. She just needs to sleep it off."

Lucas nodded, but still looked uncertain and worried.

Brooke bounced up and wrapped herself around him, "Let's go upstairs."

Lucas shook his head, "Even if she's just drunk I don't think it's a good idea to leave her alone."

"She's not; Naley is right next to her."

Both turned to the couple who were in there own world, unaware of the conversation taking place next to them. Haley had her hands under his shirt and he was tracing circles on her leg, bared by her skirt.

Brooke smirked, "Maybe we better stay."

Looking disgusted Lucas nodded, "Let's go sit on the other couch. I don't want to get too close to them."

"Who knows maybe if we're lucky we'll get a free show."

"Brooke!"

A couple hours later and the four were standing in the kitchen; Brooke had finally got Lucas to agree to leave Peyton since the couch was only one room over.

"What is everyone doing for Christmas break?" Brooke asked curiously.

Lucas smiled at Haley, "Keith and I are going to visit my mom in Italy, it's Haley's present to us."

"Part of his present," Haley interjected. "You know my buddy is going to get something more than that."

Brooke raised her eyebrows, "Okay, big spender. My parents are flying me to Aspen for a week. What about you Nate?"

Nathan made a face, "Grandparents will probably come down."

Since Haley was in front of him with his arms loosely wrapped around her waist she couldn't see his, "You didn't tell me they were coming, it's nice that you get to spend time with them."

"Tutor Girl?"

Haley shrugged, "My parents are supposed to come home, but who knows if they really going to happen." Slightly depressed at the thought, Haley turned to Nathan. "Are you ready to go?"

Looking uncomfortable he told her, "I'm sorry Haley, I told the guys that I'd hang with them tonight."

Though she was disappointed Haley thought she hid it pretty well, "That's okay. I'll just get a ride home and see you later."

"Look if I don't stay late then I'll come by after."

She shook her head, "Don't worry about it babe, I'm going to sleep as soon as I get there. You stay and have fun with your friends."

"Okay… if you're sure."

Haley smiled up at him, "I am." She turned to Brooke and Lucas. "Are you guys leaving soon?"

Lucas shrugged and looked at Brooke, "Probably an hour or so."

Haley bit her lip, "I'll just ask someone else."

"Hales… I can just bail. The guys won't mind."

"No Nathan, I want you to stay and have fun." Haley saw that Jake was walking past the kitchen, "I'll just ask Jake."

Haley took off after Jake, leaving Nathan with a scowl on his face. A few minutes later she came back smiling. "Jake's about to leave so he's going to drive me home." Haley got a good look at Nathan's face, "Are you okay?"

"I'm good."

Haley looked unconvinced but Jake was waiting for her so she gave Nathan a quick kiss and left. Nathan mumbled a goodbye to the couple standing next to him, grabbed his drink and left to go find his friends.

"Is Nathan jealous of Jake?"

Lucas shrugged, "I don't know."

"I think he is… he did not look happy."

"Whatever… let's go back to the living room. We should check on Peyton anyways." He noticed that Brooke was looking at him strangely and he smiled reassuringly at her.

Brooke silently followed him, slightly unnerved at how concerned he was over Peyton. Brushing the feeling away she settled down on Luke's lap next to Peyton.

December 5, 2007

Nathan should be happy, practice had been going well and the team was ready for the game on Friday. He should be happy but… his dad was still giving him shit about the game and anything else he could think of.

He was so damn tired of it. He wanted to win the game tomorrow, but even more than that he wanted to beat his dad's record. Just once he wanted his dad to admit that he was better than him.

The bag of drugs was sitting on the nightstand next to the edge of the bed that Nathan was sitting on. Nathan stared at the bag of pills, still undecided about whether or not he was going to use them. He wanted to take one, but so far he hadn't. He really wanted the boost on his game, but every time he opened the bag he thought about Haley. She wouldn't understand or approve and he didn't want to disappoint her.

But… the game was only two days away. If he was going to use them he would have to do it now.

Reaching over he opened the bag and pulled out one of the pills. Rolling it between his fingers he thought about what he should do…. what he was going to do

December 6, 2007

"Haley!"

She turned around and smiled at the boy walking to her, "Hey Jake. Practice get out already?"

"Yeah."

"Oh well did you need something? I'm supposed to meet Nathan here but if practice is already out I'll just go there."

"I just wanted to let you know what's going on."

"Walk with me?"

Jake started explaining what was going on, but Haley soon interrupted him.

"Shoot, sorry Jake I left my phone in the tutor center. I'm just going to run back and get it. Wait for me here?"

Jake nodded, and watched as she ran down the corridor towards the tutor center. As soon as she rounded the corner he heard Nathan speak from behind him.

"Why are you always with my girl?"

Jake stifled a sigh and turned around. "Look man, we're just friends. We have been since before you two even got together."

"And I bet that just eats you up doesn't it asshole? That you were there first but she still choose me?"

Speaking slowly Jake enunciated, "Ju-st…Fri-ends."

"Don't give me that shit; I know you are after her. Don't deny it man, you'll always calling or hanging around. Needing help. Some lame ass excuse to get her to talk to you."

"Nate, I'm not going to do this with you. You're obviously heated, but whatever this is? It's not worth it to me."

Jake was walking away when he felt a hand tightly gripping his shoulder whipping him around.

Nathan started whaling on him, Jake fought back but it was like a dark force was possessing Nathan.

Small hands grabbed his arm, before he could hit Jake again.

Nathan lowered his arm, breathing heavily as he watched Haley. She was staring at him, looking horrified at what he had done.

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

xxktnxx-Thanks! Sorry for the long wait

Drama4zashley-Naley- Nathan being jealous does get old after a while, because there is obviously nothing going on. I tried not to overplay it. But sometimes there is something really sexy about a dominating, jealous man. Mmm Nathan… sorry off topic ;) I'm glad you like the Brucas. I'm really trying to handle the triangle with Peyton right.

Thanks for the compliment dude! :)

AJE33192-Sorry about the lack of Naley, the chapter was pretty much just setting up for the next couple of chapters. Naley closer is never a bad thing! Two more chapters then we jump to the future, but it won't be where we left off. Sorry :(

Thanks for the review

nickcheer-not really sure what you are trying to get across, but thanks for reading and reviewing.

luvnaley23-Thanks for the review. Good guess on who was watching Haley at Jakes. Sorry it took so long to update.

Colviper8-Thanks for reading and reviewing!

RedRoom323-Thanks! Dan will be assy for a while longer, but hopefully Nathan will be able to forget about what his dad wants and concentrate on what he wants. I'm glad you liked the Luke and Nathan interaction. I know they haven't had much in the story so far, mostly it's been alluded to. I'm glad you like the Jaley interaction. I always thought they'd be good friends, they are both so nice.

'The Invisible' was awesome. LOL. But now I'm really waiting for you to write and update for 'Cruel Intentions', 'You Want What You Can't Have', 'Whatever It Takes' etc… I'm really looking forward to an update on 'Twilight'

Thanks for reading and the review Em!

naley19- Thanks for reading and reviewing! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Naley- Thanks! Sorry for the long wait

Loving Naley- Thanks! Sorry for the long wait

LuvNaley- Thanks! Sorry for the long wait

Marta- Thanks! Sorry for the long wait

Felicity- Thanks! Sorry for the long wait

b.freeman-Thanks I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Sorry if I freaked you out with the flash forward scene. Let me just say that I'm a total Naley fan and I hate Pathan. :D

Sorry for the long wait on an update. Thanks for taking the time to read and review.

anon- I can't help it you made me laugh. Rachel isn't even in this story so I'm assuming you are talking about my other story 'Tangled Web'? I'm not trying to throw Peyton under a bus, and if you don't like Brucas I can't do anything about that. I'm not going to change my story because of what you are telling me.

If everyone gets mad (which I don't think will happen) there is nothing I can do about that.

Thanks for taking the time to read and review.

Jess2303-Hey Jess, I'm glad the surgery along with the recovery is going well. Sorry if jealous Nathan got tedious; it was all setting up for what happened at the end of this chapter and the beginning of the next one.

But hey possessive Nathan is pretty hot ;)

Thanks for reading and the review.

How is your story going?

NaleyIsLove23- Awww thanks! I'm glad you are enjoying it. Sorry for the long wait. Can't tell you right now about why Nathan was kissing Peyton. :( Sorry.

preenad-Thanks! I'm glad you luv it. Sorry about the long wait.

cyke93-Thanks! LOL pretty good speculations. There is a bit more too it but you did guess the gist of it.

Thanks for taking the time to read and review!