Breathe…..You, Breathe!/b

Rated K+

Hey guys, I can't tell you how truly honored and grateful I am for all the replies and kinds words, I have received on this fiction. It really makes you writing that more enjoyable. I really struggled with this chapter because I'm not sure if it was a waste of time, but it does fill the request of some readers. Others may consider it irrelevant. Either way, I would love your feedback. The next post will be lighter and more fun, but I hope you still enjoy this one.

Chapter 2 Haley Is The Sun

"Your cell may be cleaned, but I know you have the contraband, inmate 23?" Haley shouted into the next room.

"I don't have your Corrine Bailey Rae cd, Baby. Alright….yeah…I like some of the sounds you forced me to listen to…..but I'm innocent, Hales." Nathan pleaded from spot Haley dared him to move from.

"Scott men are never completely innocent. You're going to be punished, Babe." She promised with a surly confidence as she continually tapped her night stick against her the palm of her neatly manicure hands.

Coming from the bedroom, Haley stroll slowly towards the kitchen in her sexy black pumps. Nathan stole a peak under a bowed head at every twist of her hip and bounce of her full breast and golden locks as he stood at attention beside the kitchen counter dressed in an orange jumpsuit. His heart raced and his groined throb as her shapely legs grew closer. His mischievous eyes wandering up her body to the only clothing she wore, a security guards shirt and loosened tie that hung around her neck and lay beside the several open buttons that reveal a sexy black bra trapping her even larger than normal bust due to pregnancy. She had found the boring outfit that turned into a completely seductive and beyond erotic ensemble on her (as far as Nathan was concerned anyway), along with a matching guards hat that hung low on her cute head as golden locks streamed from beneath it, creating a blanket around past her shoulders and down her back at thrift store after finding an orange Brunswick County Jail jumpsuits (from one of his many public intoxication arrest while she was away) in his bedroom at his mom's when they finally got back together when she return from the tour. She surprised him with their first time at role-playing while they were at the Classic and Nathan had left a very happy boy and with a new game for both of them to enjoy.

As of three weeks ago and some heavy spotting from Haley, the doctor had advise them to stop having sexual intercourse during her risky pregnancy, but that didn't stop Haley from wanting to satisfy her man. Since the day she found out she was pregnant, it been a bumpy road for the pair, from Nathan being all Nemo over the limo crash, to Strawberry Slutcake stalking him, to him receiving a scholarship to Duke, to their extreme money issues, she had assumed the worst was over, when bbam!/b. She pushing her husband to safety only to be struck by a Cadillac herself. The next thing she knew she was waking up with her leg in a sling, bruised ribs and the possibility of loosing her child. However, hearing the heartbeat of her growing baby, she knew she could make it through her injuries because Nathan was being the strong one for a change. He was right by her side, supporting her every need during her hospital stay and her return home. So when she found out that Nathan had not only withheld the truth when she assume he got the money they desperately needed from Dan, but his dealing with Daunte had not only almost lead up to her demise and put their unborn child in danger. Hearing a car screeched, she could vividly recall how she found out.

Hearing raised voices outside her hospital room on her third and final day there. Raising the bed, she lifted up her head to try and see who was causing the big fuss. Catching glimpses of the twosome, she was more confused than ever. Why were Nathan and Skills arguing? Suddenly, she was distracted by the New AT Noon's headlining story:

For those just tuning in, Tree Hill's Mayor Dan Scott has been exonerated of all charges in the death of Daunte Fox. The controversial politician had been found hitting the local ganster's limp body at the car wreckage after Fox had plowed his black Cadillac into the body of Scott's pregnant daughter-in-law Haley James-Scott outside of Karen's café as she and his son left after celebrate the Tree Hill Raven's winning the state championship. The mayor has spent the last three days in county jail waiting the autopsy result. In a press conference an hour ago, the County Coroner announced that Mr. Fox alcohol consumption had been twice the legal limit and he died of internal injuries from hitting a concrete embankment during the accident before Mr. Scott ever hit him. The mayor has since been released and surprisingly only made a small comment.

(A clip of Dan on the steps of the jail, dressed in a white dress shirt and dark slacks appeared) "Mr. Fox deserved what he got for driving drunk. Now, if you'll excuse me. I would check on my beautiful daughter-in-law."

The rest of the reporters words became a blur. Haley just assumed Dan didn't give a damn, that's why he hadn't shown up to see her, after all Deb was still a no-show. But her father-in-law sitting in jail for trying to kill someone that brought harm to her was just weird. Yes, they were getting along a lot better, but Haley still felt Dan thought of her as a distraction to Nathan's basketball future. Her head was spinning again, when Nathan pushed the door partially open before stopping at the sound of Skills voice.

"Hey, Nate….man. I'm just taking up for my boy because he doesn't need the pressure on his heart and you were wrong as hell! Luke and I warned you about dealing with that dude. Own up and tell Hales before I have to….. And if I do it….. I ain't going to paint a pretty picture." Skills shouted before walking away.

"Hey, Baby. Ready to go home and get pampered?" Nathan came in with a nervous smile and kissed my forehead, handing me my overnight bag and busying himself gather all the cards, stuffed animals and balloons I have received from lots of classmates, family and friends in an empty suitcase. I only nodded, waiting for him to elaborate on his conversation with Skills, but he said nothing.

"Nathan, why were you outside arguing with Skills?" I finally ask.

He looks over at me with those amazing blue eyes and his mouth in a tight line before he took a deep sigh. This was definitely not some boys-will-be-boys crap. Slowly he came over an took a seat beside on the bed, facing me. His right hand playing with the ends of my hair.

"I love you so much , Hales." He said emotionally.

"I love you too, Nathan." I admitted and kissed him quickly, trying to relax him apprehension enough for him to tell me what the hell was going on, but that only seem to make his body more rigid.

"There's something I need to tell you and I don't know how you're going to take it." He confessed without ever making eye contact. I was really starting to get afraid. My intuition was telling me that this was going to be bad. But Nathan and I had already been to hell and back and weather enough storms for a lifetime in our short marriage. This couldn't be on that level. It was time for our shot at a normal, happy family life.

"Nathan you know you can tell me anything. We'll work through it together as long as you're honest." I place his hand between mine and stroke his palm lightly.

He ran his other hand over his face and through his dark hair before speaking. "Remember when the lights were cut off and we didn't have…."

Unfortunately, he didn't get to finish because and angry Peyton barged in and dragged him out of the room, Brooke looked just as pissed, hot on their heels. Lately, these lifelong friends couldn't be civil long enough to cash in a joint winning billion dollar lottery ticket, but here they were tag teaming my husband about something he obviously did or he would have dismissed them quicker than Rachel's lame advances. They were both outside ripping into him like they were making the movie Freddie and Jason Kick Nathan's Scotts Ass. All I could hear was bits and pieces. "This is all your fault! How could you be so stupid?", "I know I messed up, but I didn't think it would get this far." "Lucas and Haley could have died." "He was after me, I never thought she was in danger….I swear.", "You never think? Your such a selfish ass!", "If she would have lost Lucas or the baby, Haley would never have forgiven you……none of us would have!"

That's when he shrugged them both off and marched back into the room. He went back to packing my things without a word. Now I was mad, lost, and frustrated. "Nathan Scott you better start talking an don't stop until I know why all our friends seem to be ready to hang you by the rafters in the gym!" I trying to tease, hoping to lightening the mood and get him to confide in me.

But when he turned around his eyes were red and brimming with tears. "I never meant for this to happen, Hales." In three quick steps his was back on the bed, his head fell on my breast. "I wouldn't knowingly let anyone hurt you or our baby…you have to know that Haley. I love you more than anything in this world. I should have been me and if I could take your place or all the pain away, I would…..I swear, Baby. I swear." He was crying so heavily now, I'm wearing about asking my next question. "What did you do, Babe? We can't make it better if you don't let me in. Let's figure this out together."

The next several minutes were spent with Nathan telling me how he met this Daunte guy and borrowed the money we had needed from him, a local loan shark and thug, instead of his father as I had been lead to believe. He didn't want to let me and the baby down and he didn't know another way to come up with the funds. He went on to tell me how he point-shaved the Raven's playoff game and Lucas found out about his misdeeds. He added the threats to his future and mine and when Nathan had found out he was the one to give me a hundred dollar tip in the café, he demanded that he leave him and me alone only to have health of his knee threatened in a back alley by Daunte and his lackey, Bear (what kind of name is Bear?) after Nathan had refused to throw the championship game. He had even gone to Dan after the banquet and begged for his help, but Satan himself couldn't even get him out of the deal with Daunte. So, he had planned on sabotaging the state finals too. However, Lucas had told Skills Nathan's plan and they had tried to shut him out the first half so he couldn't rig the game. But his talk with me at half time had change his mind, knowing I would love him and be proud of him whether he played basketball or not had been the turn around he needed to do the right thing. So he defied Daunte's wishes and helped his team win the game. He thought his father could make some arrangements on repaying his debt to the bad man (now the new report made sense). He never seriously thought my life or the baby's was in jeopardy. That's the only time, I lost faith in my husband and found Nathan Scott completely unattractive.

I was so disappointed in him. The man I married was honest with me to the point of fault. At times I felt he loved basketball far more than me, so to find he was willing to tarnish the game was disheartening and shameful. Yes, he did these things in the name of family, but he shouldn't have stooped to this option without at least discussing them with me first. (I thought we learned that when took off on tour without never really sitting down and talking to him about it. That crippled our relationship for a long time.)

After his confession, he sat there watching me as a I let the weight of his words sink in head, my heart, my soul. As soon as I'm at the point of glossing in over because he had good intention, I think about Luke and I know he didn't take his medicine so he could try and win that stupid game Nathan was going to throw. I look at the cast on my leg or feel the bandage around my ribs. I'm reminded of the scratches to the usual flawless skin of my face, and my hand goes to my abdomen and I think about just how close I came to dying or loosing our son and the high risk I still had of miscarrying him. Now I'm hurt and my angry brown eyes seer into him like laser beams.

"I thought you could never by like your Dan Scott, but your worst. I can't do this right now. You can't be here. Get the hell out, Nathan!" I lash out, watching the sadness and shame consume my husband. But let it sting if it meant he would never do this again, not only for his family's sake but his own. If I hadn't have pushed him out the way. I would have been him that his actions hurt, and my pain wouldn't be any less.

"Baby, don't this." Nathan sniffed, reaching for my hand, but I was quick and snatched it away. "I'm going to spend the rest of my life making it up to you and our son. I love you so much, Haley. I learned a long time ago, I can't live without you again. I just can't." He keeps trying to touch me and I shrugged him off.

"I'm not going anywhere, Nathan. I just needs some time. You promised to always protect me, you promised! It hurts to look at you, to know the last person I would think would ever bring me any harm not only put himself in danger, but could have gotten me and our unborn child killed… and although your brother should have taken his medicine, you're the reason he didn't and had a heart attack! We could have lost him!……. I'm sure your mom or dad would let you sleep one of their houses tonight. I need you to go, Nathan." I was weeping so hard now I could barely breathe with the bruised ribs. My spirit was in such turmoil, I laid back and turn away from him. I shut my eyes, suddenly feeling very tired and alone. I remember his lips on my temple, but when I turned around to scold him for still being there, he was gone.

I awoke two hours later with my room packed. Brooke was sitting by my bedside, reading Parenting Today. She spent the rest of that day and most of the next helping me in anyway she could and letting me cry on her shoulder and vent to her without so much as a peep about her opinion on what Nathan had done. I know it took a lot for her to do that, and I love her for it.

I have never been the one to hold grudges or to maliciously punish someone for making mistakes, because we're all only human. However, I really struggled with getting over what Nathan had done. He had lost my trust and respect. Now, I clearly see why it took Nathan so long to get over the way I had left to go on tour. He was feeling the same things I was.

For weeks, we lived more like roommates than newlyweds. Yes, he was at my dispense, but I only called him if I truly needed him because the wounds of his mistake were too raw and having him around me only made the ache worst.

While I was still on bed rest, not only did he learn to cook all most all my meals to perfection, but he served them on a tray with a vase of our purple flowers, making sure the food was healthy for our growing offspring. He brought me a new magazine every day, washed my hair and carefully combed out the tangles, and gave me sponge baths without a sexual suggestive remark. He helped me dressed and made sure I had quality time withth my friends, to keep my spirits up. He even got my parent to come and spend a week with us, where I had their complete and undivided attention.

The apartment was immaculate and we he found out Skills dad got the contract to clean all the Brunswick County schools and public offices, he went directly to Mr. Tanner and asked him for a job. The pay was several dollars more than one he could pick up at the mall or working fast food, but the work was harder and Mr. Tanner wasn't going to put up with being late or absent. But he could absorb skills he could absorb for later in life get health insurance and put some much needed money away since his father paid all our medical expenses and the money he didn't have to pay back Daunte had cleared all our back debt.

He started working 6pm-12am the weekend after I got out of the hospital. He never forgot to tell he loved me before he left for school or work, would remind me while doing his homework after school, and he whispered it against a forehead kiss each night when he hoped in bed beside of me. He would hurry home, take a shower, jump in bed and tell me how things went that day at school and work, good or bad, whether I wanted to hear it or not. He never forgot to ask about my day and listen and remark with sincere interest about how I was feeling and doing in school (since I had a lot of work to make up), what was going on with the our baby, and my music. Every night, no matter how exhausted he takes time out to talk to Baby Scott like he was already out of the womb and he reads his energetic kicking boy a different fairytale before they both drifted off to sleep to one of my lullabies.

Before I knew it, two months had past. My scars, bruises and leg had healed, the baby was growing stronger every day and I was back at school. From the outside our life was back to normal as we walked hand in hand through the quad to meet our friends for lunch, but Nathan and my marriage was once again in a lull, but this time he was the one most of our friends were ostracizing, not me. We were talking and spending quality time together, and as horny as the pregnancy had made me sex had definitely came back into play. But, it wasn't the lovemaking we usually share although he always gave a hundred percent to my pleasure. Nathan never said a word, but I could see the lost of intimacy in his eyes when I kissed him and turn over after sex instead of cuddling, flirting and making pillow talk the way we use to. I was hating the cold, cautious woman I was becoming. I wanted to reach out to my husband, but I was still so detached. I just wasn't moving past my fears that in the future, he would again be so dangerously careless with my heart and health or that of our child.

Then, the week of prom, three weeks before graduation, I heard Lucas and Skills pay us a visit one Wednesday, afternoon (Nathan's on day off during the week) when Nathan thought I was asleep in the opened door bedroom.

Lucas and Nathan's relationship was still strained, but surprisingly Nathan had made an effort to grow closer to his brother and spend time with him regularly, along with Dan.(Nathan and I had even gone to visit Deb in rehab a few times.) He was showing just how important family was to him and yes, I still loved him for it..

"Dawg, make a move. You haven't shot hoops in months and you need to practice if I'm gonna be kicking your Blue Devil ass from the court and not the bench when I'm ballin at NC State next year." Skills boasted and Luke laughed knowing badly he was going to miss this when they all went their separate was by the middle of the summer since the other two would be moving to the university of their choice for weightlifting and basketball camp in July.

"I can't man. I'm busy."

I watch my Rivercourt boys and read their minds as they looked around the immaculate room, he didn't need to clean. The television was off and there wasn't one in the bedroom, so he wasn't playing NBA Live. Nathan was still dresses in the jeans and polo he had worn to school and not shirtless with loose fitting basketball short and his hair all over the damn place, so he wasn't busy getting laid. "What the hell?" I was thinking the same thing as Skills and Luke "Why was Nathan Scott, Mr. Basketball himself passing up a pick-up game at the Rivercourt? I had not noticed the absence of his favorite pasttime? What kind of wife am I? When was the last time he had played? The state championship? Nah, that can't be right?"

"Man, I know we've been hard on you lately….but it's all in love. 'Cause you can never do that shit again to Haley or yoself , Nate. Now change your clothes and come on." Skills insisted.

"He's right, Nate. We've had Haley's back since elementary. Whether you guys are together or not, she's my sister." Luke clarified.

"Besides, even pregnant, your wife is hot." Skills put out there while ducking behind Luke as the dark haired Scott narrowed his eyes at him. "I have to stay in good with her in case she drops your ass and needs a chocolate fix."

Nathan swung his long arms over his brothers chuckling head and smacked Skills in his bald head as I peaked out the bedroom door. Hee hee.

"We'll shoot a few games, swipes some beers from Tric and comeback here and show you how to play Madden because, Dude, you suck at football." Luke added.

"Go ahead without me. Haley went to the studio a couple of times last month, I just going to listen to her the new tracks she put down again and see which one would be best for her to send to that producer Dallas Greene, from the Breast Cancer Benefit Concert. He's been begging for some of her new stuff and since Stanford is out in California, I don't see why Haley couldn't get an album together make some money with her music in fall." Nathan said calmly before going to the refrigerator for a drink.

I watched Skills and Luke eye each other before blurting out exactly what I wanted to say. "But you guys are going to Duke. You have a scholarship!" In unison.

"Why should I get my dream when I almost killed my wife and child? Hell, you almost died, Luke because I was too busy playing hoops than to get a job so we wouldn't have needed the money from Daunte in the first place. Epic's west coast office is in San Franciso, that's only about an hour from Stanford, so Haley can work on her music while we go to school and raise our son. Almost loosing her made me realized that she's my dream, not basketball and I won't forget that again."

"Does Hales know about this? Going to Stanford?" Luke questioned. "Because the last thing you need to do is keep something from her right now." Luke argued, scared she had already agree and part of his family would be living across the country when he still desperately needed them in close proximity.

Nathan walked into view, leaning against the counter with his head dropped. "She thinks I'm dad and so do you, but I'm not…." He said quickly. "This isn't about planning her life for her, but just being able to share it with her. That's all I want, Luke."

The guilt of the words I said out of anger months before swept me as I continued to listen.

"She mentioned Dallas calling yesterday during breakfast to see if she would be attending Stanford in the fall, telling her, they were looking for a fresh face and sound that thought she could definitely provide… hoping she has something he could let his bosses listen to….. You should have seen how her eyes light up, she bounced around all day, singing and jotting down lyrics. She talked to me all through lunch and help me study for my exams after class. She waited up for me to get off work and we made plans for the baby before she fell asleep in my arms. She seemed like her old self again, we were us. I would give anything to have that with my wife again, man…….including a scholarship to Duke.

So with our money is still short, I had Whitey call his contacts at Stanford and see if they're willing to give me a shot. I couldn't get admitted on my grades alone, but hopefully they haven't given away all their basketball scholarships. I talked to Whitey after school and I was about to tell Haley, because I should get an answer in the next couple of days……… If not, I'll take some classes at one of the community colleges. All I need is for Haley and the baby to be happy to be content. Let's face it, if we head to Duke with the same tension that has been surrounding us for the last few months. I'm going to play like shit and loose my scholarship anyway. It doesn't matter whom else believes in me, I won't be anything if Haley doesn't trust and have faith in me again……She has to."

I walked away from the door and sat down on the bed, still stunned by his words. My husband just put my needs first. His love me and our child immeasurable. He was willing to give up what he had held sacred for most of his life (his scholarship to Duke, basketball in general) to do what he assumed would make me content. My chest was suddenly warm as my heart swells with pride and my eyes fill not only with water, but love. Sure he'll make mistakes, we both will but he will never cause me real pain again because he had grown from his error. His wife was the center of his universe I was his everything. That doesn't make him weak, or insecure or needy. It makes him my equal in every way since he's been the center of my world since the day he stood out in the rain to apologize to me and later asked me to be his wife. That makes him a hundred times the man his father could ever be.

I didn't need to distance myself from him anymore and I let my guard down again. What I got in return has made my happier than I could possibly imagine.

"I was just some idiot burning out, Hales. Please, Baby." His eyes were full of worry and his hands are on me as he gently shakes me from my daydream. I firmly shove him back a step and I see the fear in his eyes until I slap my night stick against my palm again.

"Stop trying to be nice, Scott. I know you're hiding something I want." He can see I'm ready to play again as I circle him, batting my eyes and pointing to area between the stove and the counter. "Get over there against the counter. I'm going to have to strip search you." I command.

"Yes, Ma'am." Nathan's happy ass almost sprints over there, his excitement tenting his jumpsuit as a follow and place my weapon and hat on the island, making sure to toss my shiny dark gold locks as I approached my waiting spouse. He loves that.

I saw him wet his lips and put his hand out to touch my hair before jerking his itchy fingers back. Scared, I would stop our game. He was such a good boy.

Without a word, I reached up and pull apart the snaps that held his orange jumpsuit apart with one tug, eliciting a low groan from sexy partner as his chiseled chest was exposed. Pushing the fabric down his arms. When he tried to assist me I stop and looked him straight in the eye.

"Do you want to me quit, 23?" I threatened, meaning it.

"Please….no, Hales…. I mean Officer Haley. I'll behave." He practically whimpers as I freed his arms from the garment and moved my hands to the top of his muscular ass before dropping to my knees (yes, a pregnant girl can still work it.) to shove the jumper down his to expose his bulging excitement, his strong legs and away from a body that could only be described as a masterpiece. We were so close and he was aching for some action….any kind as a stood there for an entire minute making him suffer before kissing him hungrily on the mouth and backing away. The doorbell is ringing but the blinds are shut and the curtains are close and there's not way, I'm going to pass up play time with Nathan. He only has thirty minutes left of his lunch break.

"I knew you had what I need, 23." I raise an eyebrow admiring my man's very special attributes. "Since you've been so co-operative. I'll let you tell me what I should use to enjoy it. Should it be my hands?" I run my finger down his chest and circle the tip of his cock and I swear he just squeal like a girl.

That door bell is ringing again, and this time some heavy knocks have been added. "With my mouth?" My lips suck at his around his soapy smelling belly button and he puts his hands behind his back so not to lock one of the on the back of my head to guide me to his satisfaction. "Or with my tongue?" I taunted and get ready to lick……

The infernal knocking and the ringing has distracted Nathan to the point of deflation and made me loose my mojo. Oh, Truck! I'm going to be the one wearing a jumpsuit in a minute after I kill whomever is at the damn door! I snatch the night stick and march to the door throwing it open.

"Brooke Davis!" I shout pointing the club at our guest as my whole body turned a deep shade of purple. It wasn't her.

"Lucas… Mr. Scott." My male in-laws were standing there wearing basketball shorts and wife beaters and each carrying their own Dance, Dance revolution mat. Damn, I forgot it was Thursday!

"Officer, Haley." They said in unison as Lucas covered his eyes and Dan smirks just like his other son. "Nathan definitely chose the right sister."

Pamela