A/N: The room Lucas and Haley currently share isn't ICU..let's say it's somewhere between regular stays and the ICU (not sure if such a wing exists, but let's go with it, wink).

Illus Yourself

"Hales, he's amazing," Lucas beamed as he held Aiden. "He looks just like you."

"And of course he has the infamous Scott smirk already, at two days old."

Nathan smirked, just as Haley finished her sentence.

Pointing at her husband she confirmed, "See, that's what I'm talking about."

Nathan looked oblivious, "I have no idea what you mean."

"Sure you don't," Haley laughed, motioning for her husband to give her a kiss.

"Hey," Lucas interrupted, "Kid in the room."

"Don't you mean kids?" Brooke asked, as she walked in holding a take-out bag. She sat down beside Lucas, looking at the bed arrangement. "What happened to your adjoining beds?"

Aiden was now asleep in Lucas' arms. Motioning for Nathan to place him in the basinet, Lucas answered, "That's only during the night. I need my space you know," he joked, looking at Haley, which earned him a glare.

"At least I don't smell," Haley retorted.

"Hey! I don't smell. I simply have a natural fragrance."

Brooke rolled her eyes. "Okay, I'm going to pretend that wasn't your come back. How about a sponge bath?"

Lucas smiled as he sat up, looking at Haley. "See what I mean by privacy?"

Haley nodded. "Yes, yes I do. And this time, I'm going to give it to you. If privacy means you bathe, I'm all for it."

Lucas faked pained while Brooke gave him a kiss. "It's okay Broody, I love your…fragrance."

The four shared a laugh, only to be yet again interrupted by the nurses, shooing the couple left standing out.

Vitals checked and ten minutes later, the two re-entered.

No sooner than a half hour after their re-entry, Dr. Macy walked in.

"Mr. Scott, Haley, Mr. Scott…Ms. Davis, if I remember correctly?"

Brooke smiled and met his hand. "Yes, but you can call me Brooke."

Lucas rolled his eyes at the interaction. Macy and Brooke weren't flirting, but Brooke's bubbly interaction with the opposite sex still made him jealous once in a while. He never understood why. He knew she loved only him. Still, who wouldn't want Brooke?

Dr. Macy cleared his throat. "Um, Haley, I have some news for you," he stated quietly, looking around the room.

Sensing his nervousness and discomfort, Haley replied, "Oh, it's okay Macy. It's kind of hard to practice patient-doctor confidentiality when I'm stuck in a bed in the same room with another." She looked at her husband who gave her hand a re-assuring squeeze, than at Brooke and Lucas. "You can tell all of us; I'm gonna have to tell everyone sooner or later," she smiled. "This way, you'll save me from repeating myself, at least twice."

Dr. Macy smiled and nodded. "Very well then. First of all, congratulations to the both of you. You have a beautiful, healthy son."

Nathan and Haley smiled in response. "Thank you."

Macy's posture and tone turned austere. "So, now would be the time for chemotherapy."

"Would doctor?" Nathan questioned.

Noticing his confusion, Macy continued. "Yes. Unfortunately, Haley's body isn't as strong as we hoped it would be. It's very dangerous to start chemo after a baby is delivered. In fact, we don't recommend chemo until at least two weeks after."

"Isn't that still too soon?" Nathan asked.

"Yes, but it's either that," Macy's voice dropped, "Or-"

"I don't stand a chance," Haley cut in.

Everyone stole a glance at Haley, and then looked away. Nathan couldn't find his voice. He hated feeling helpless. Haley was the sick one and she was taking everything in stride.

What can I do?

"So," Haley continued, "the only chance I have is to do the chemo, but it might be too late." She paused before asking, "What about the surgery?"

Nathan's head shot up. "Isn't it too dangerous?"

Haley chuckled carelessly, "Honey, I don't think it's as dangerous as me dying."

Nathan looked at his wife and felt his hand drop, harshly pulling away on a somewhat unconscious level. "What's the matter with you?" Nathan burst.

Haley was taken aback. "What do you mean?"

"You're dying," Nathan stammered, "and you're sitting here, making jokes about it!"

"Honey, I-"

"Save it," he interrupted, "I-I can't be here right now."

As Nathan stormed out, Brooke looked at Lucas as he gave her a light squeeze, motioning that it was okay for her to go over to Haley who was now silently crying, talking through her tears.

"What about the surgery," Haley repeated, her calm voice betraying her appearance. She felt Brooke's hand occupy the space Nathan's left. "I'm a strong enough for that?"

Macy cleared his throat, put down his chart, and looked at Haley in the eyes. "Haley, I'm going to be honest with you." Haley shook his head for him to continue. "The surgery is what I would recommend. We should do it within the next day or so; we have to do it soon. The thing is; you won't be as strong as we'd like for either option, but it would give you the best shot."

Lucas' voice carried, "So, she could die during surgery?"

Macy nodded. "Yes. But it's the only viable option left."

"Wouldn't I be in more pain, if it was that serious?" Haley pleaded.

"You aren't?" Macy asked, interested.

"I am; a little more than usual, but I still feel…okay."

"That's because of the pressure."

Haley frowned while Brooke and Lucas looked confused. Macy explained.

"The tumor is putting pressure on your spine; it's also numbing some of your nerves. You're in a lot more pain that what you're actually experiencing."

Haley nodded and lied back down, never letting go of Brooke's hand.

He stood up and gathered his things and looked back. "I'm so sorry Haley."

Nathan found himself in the courtyard, once again. Even though it was a heavy foot-traffic area, he felt like it was the most relaxing place to think. The silence of the corridors could drive one crazy.

He knew he was being difficult, but in that moment, he couldn't believe she was making fun of her death. Her death.

He breathed out and tried to inhale anything that would make it all go away. He wanted to go back to when she was healthy, and the scariest thing they ever faced was Dante.

He caught himself, realizing that if they weren't where they were today, they wouldn't have Aiden.

Nathan sighed and stretched, leaned back and extended his right arm so that was lying lazily on the backrest of the bench. He slowly, looked over, aware that his arm would be slightly snaked around Haley's shoulders if she were sitting beside him. Tired and heavy, he lifted himself off the bench and headed toward the hospital.

No matter what he felt, it was about Haley. Haley, his wife.

While Brooke went out to find Nathan, Lucas listened while his best friend attempted silently to cry herself to sleep. All he could see was her back and the way it slightly shook, heaving from time to time.

Haley woke up with a pounding headache, not sure if it was from crying or her illness. Haley was starting to think that maybe sharing a room wasn't the best thing. Lucas would have to witness their arguments and her petty crying. He has enough to deal with on his own. He doesn't need me to add to it.

Tired of counting how many holes were in each square of the ceiling, Lucas was relieved to see his friend stir, now doing the same.

"So, you're awake now."

Haley couldn't help but smile. "I'm awake now."

Haley looked at Lucas and then back at the ceiling. Sensing his worry, she answered looking away.

"I know it's hard for him too. I just don't know how else to deal with it."

Lucas nodded, but seeing as how she wasn't making eye contact, he answered, "I know. Really, I do. But you have to understand that maybe he thinks you've given up. Maybe he's scared that you've accepted it. He doesn't want to be alone."

"He won't be alone. He'll have Aiden. He'll have-"

"You know it's not the same Hales."

Haley sighed, "I know," she chuckled, "thought I'd give it a try."

"Luke, I'm not going to leave him. Ever. But if we do all the emotionally draining things now, it's like I'm already dead."

Lucas looked at Haley, realization slowly dawning.

"It's like if I act like I don't know what can happen, it'll just be harder. I'm not going to live like I'm already dead. It's worse than dying. I just want to live like there is a tomorrow, like it's normal; like I can take it for granted."

Lucas hesitated. "Hales?"

"Yes," Haley replied, softer than she intended.

"You need to tell all this to Nathan."

She nodded. "I know; and I will. As soon as he comes back."

"Good."

Haley snorted. "You act like I wasn't going to tell him anyways."

Lucas laughed. "I knew you were. You just needed to know that I knew you knew you were going to tell him without me telling you you knew."

It was Haley's turn to laugh. "Okay, either no more medication for you or you need to stop reading the old people."

"Hey, the old people were very wise. I like old people."

"You love them, hmmm…maybe that why you smell like-"

"I do NOT smell!"

Haley laughed, stifling her mouth as she continued. "Sure you don't."

Lucas, now self-conscious, asked sincerely, "Hey, I don't smell. Do I?"

"Four chai-teas please, thank you." Brooke handed the cashier a $10 and waited for her order. As she leaned against the wall, she spotted Nathan just as the teas were ready.

"Hey, Scott!"

Nathan turned around and offered a smile, advancing toward his friend and carrying the drinks for her.

"Who are all these for?"

Brooke looked at him quizzically, "Who do you think? Room 114 of course."

"Oh," Nathan smirked, "They're for us."

Brooke nodded. "Yes Einstein."

A comfortable yet pregnant silence accompanied their walk. Half-way to the room, both spoke at once.

"Elephant."

The two laughed at their comical outburst. Once the laughter subsided, Nathan motioned for Brooke to go first. She shook her head.

"No, mine's longer, you go first."

Nathan cleared his throat. "Sorry about earlier. I just needed some time to sort things out."

Brooke offered a genuine understanding smile, "It's okay. Haley's fine too, but you should still tell her that." Nathan nodded.

"Okay, now you."

Brooke explained what Macy told them, placing a hand on Nathan's back as he took a misstep.

"You, okay?" Brooke asked as they continued, not giving him time to respond. "I mean, no, you're not okay, so that was a stupid question, but, I mean, are you going to be able to support her?"

Nathan nodded robotically at first, attempting to persuade Brooke and then himself that he could do it.

"Yes," he said. "I'm here for her. Whatever she needs, I'll do. I'll be."

Nathan and Brooke walked in to a very child-like Lucas, pouting in his bed, and a smirking Haley, reading a magazine and sneaking glances at Lucas every so often.

"Ok, what's going on?"

Haley looked up as Lucas offered the first response to Brooke's inquiry. "She says I smell."

Brooke looked between the two, handing out the teas. "Seriously? This again?"

Nathan joined in, shyly taking the seat beside his wife. "Maybe you do smell."

"Do I Brooke?"

"No baby, you don't. But, you do smell like hospital, but that's because you're in one."

Haley squeezed Nathan's hand. In five years of marriage, that small little gesture told Nathan that she was okay and that they would talk later.

"So bro, you do smell."

Lucas looked at his brother and best friend, a small smile creeping on his lips. "You're just saying that because she's your wife."

Nathan looked at Brooke and back at Haley, staring into her eyes and brushing the hair from her forehead.

"Yes, she is."

"I'll see you tomorrow Haley-Bob."

Haley smiled up at her dad. "Okay," she said as he kissed her forehead. "Even though you just really come to see Aiden," she winked.

James winked at his daughter. "You got me. But really, I'll come by before and stay after the surgery."

Haley studied her father's face. She knew it was hard for him; he was trying not to show it.

He kissed her again and smiled as he left, nodding to Nathan who was on his way in.

"Did he just get here?"

"No," Haley answered. "He was with Aiden for awhile and then he came to see me." She accepted his kiss and leaned back. "How was it?"

Nathan took a seat and turned on the television, whose volume was merely on mute. "How do you think it was, watching a bunch of pre-school and kinder-garden kids running around at a jungle gym?" Nathan replied, exhausted.

Haley chuckled. "Tyler's your brother." Haley looked pensive. "Just think, in a couple of years you'll have to do the same with Aiden."

Nathan leaned in and took her hand, smirking. "You mean we, don't you?"

Haley leaned in to kiss Nathan, "Yes, I do mean we. We both will have to put up with crazy kids running around, having the time of their tiny lives."

Nathan slid on top of the covers next to Haley, her head resting on his chest. Nathan looked around, and aside from the television noise, there wasn't any sound. That's when he just noticed they were alone.

"Where's Luke?"

"He's getting some tests done." She felt him tense up. "No worries. Just routine rounds."

He relaxed and whispered, "So, we have the room all to ourselves?"

Haley looked up at Nathan. "Oh no, so not happening."

Nathan looked playfully confused. "What?"

"Don't 'what' me. You know very well what you're implying. The answer's no. There's windows, we share a room, and who knows when a nurse or friend or family member will pop up."

Nathan chuckled. "Honey, I didn't mean that. I don't think you can, you know-"

Haley laughed, "Oh, I could. Never underestimate me," playfully responded. Still jokingly but serious, Haley added, "It just may not be wise until a little longer."

Nathan held her close. "It's okay. I can wait. You're worth it."

"I better be. I'm your wife."

Nathan laughed, "And you always will be."

A/N: Sorry to end there! Felt like it was a good spot. Promise, NICE chapter ahead. Well, in terms of drama anyways

Formerflautist: Hold on to your vibe!

xNaley-2158x, vampiregurl, HJS-NS-23, krizue, brucas3 I enjoy the humor too! Man, they need some!

Bellasmomma: No worries…thanks for the review!

Scott-bruthr-luvr3-23: Thanks hun!

Ell6ange: Your optimism keeps me grounded!

Daymiracle: They better NOT do that to the friendship, lol. Hmm…thanks for the epil. Idea ;).

Courtneylovejason, Naley: I loved your reviews! Thanks so much! You guys make me know I'm not just writing crap!

To ALL, thanks!!!!