Ravens23

A/N: Songs used in this chapter:
Crash Into Me – Dave Matthews Band
Love Song Requiem – Trading Yesterday

Ravens23

"Um… N-nice bracelet…"

She nodded.

"Thanks, it was a gift."

"Oh…"

Nathan nodded.

"Um. Speaking of gifts. I have one for you."

Nathan took out the gift that he had got Haley from his pocket and handed it to her.

"Here. Happy Birthday Hales."

Haley took the gift and opened, what she saw, was unexpected.

"Oh my God, Nathan…"

Nathan smiled. Suddenly, everything had disappeared, but her for him. They were alone and all of the awkwardness and screaming voices in the bar had faded. He stretched his neck to watch her pull out her gift by the diaphanous chain, by which a well-sized locket hung from the golden chain, which fit perfectly around Haley's graceful fingers. It was tangled in them as she pulled from the gift box. Her eyes widened and she let out a breath of shock. Nathan shifted his chair so that he could be closer to her. He could tell that she was speechless, which made him smile even more at her reaction.

"Nathan…"

"You like it?"

"I love it. It's beautiful."

She brought the heart-shaped locket closer to her eyes and examined it from every angle. She snuck a glance at Nathan who was watching her every movement as she traced the intricate outline of the designs on the locket. She then moved her hands to the heart-shaped locket and her fingers to the lock, trying to open it.

"It's locked…"

"I know." He flashed a tiny key that seemed to be too small for even Haley's tiny fingers to hold. "It's symbolic really…"

Nathan flashed Haley an embarrassed smirk and she looked at him, her eyebrows scrunched and her fingers toying with the lock.

"How?"

Nathan shrugged his shoulders.

"Well, that heartt that you hold in your hand there used to belong to me before I gave it to you and this," he said flashing the tiny key, "is the key to it… The key to my heart."

He pointed to the locket.

"Which is now yours. And it will be… Always and forever."

Haley's heart raced in her chest. She thought about his performance and his confession. It was then a rock dropped into the pit of her stomach and she looked down at her plastic bracelet. Was it possible to be in love with two men? She hadn't replied to Perseus in almost a week and was debating whether or not she should.

"May I put it on you?"

Haley snapped her head to look at Nathan, who had that smirk planted on his face. She felt her knees become week and, with a shaking hand, handed him the necklace. He took it from her and she turned in her seat. Haley lifted up her long hair and Nathan locked the necklace into place. She let her hair fall down, but noticed that Nathan still kept a light hand on her shoulder. She didn't turn back around, but kept her back to him. Haley's neck became full of goosebumps as Nathan ran a soft hand from her shoulders down her back and slid it around her waist. She could feel him coming closer to her and lightly kissed the back of her neck. Then, bringing his lips to her ear.

"I love you…"

She turned around to face him and opened her mouth, but he cut her off before she could speak.

"I know that it may seem a bit fast, but it's true. I-I've never felt this way about anyone before. You know, having to be around someone so much? And when you aren't with them, your heart is burning to be even remotely near them."

Nathan lifted his hand it rested on her cheek.

"That's how it is for me with you, Haley. When I'm with you…I'm the happiest of men. That's who you make me. I am the happiest of men. I just want you know that when you feel that your world is crumbling, you can run to me and you shouldn't ever fear me because I can only love you. I do love you and that'll never change."

Haley smiled and looked off to the side and let her mind wander. She thought of the one who was sending her the letters. She loved his words and even though she had never seen his face, if he were, in any way, as beautiful a person as his words were, then she'd have a dilemma. That one had never made him known to her and she thought it was time to end such an infatuation.

Right now, looking at Nathan with his eyes so hopeful, she could only feel love for him. The fear of voicing those feelings rose to her throat and she thought against her greater intentions.

"Nathan, you're amazing-"

"Lemme guess…but there's another factor?"

Haley scrunched her eyebrows.

"Um…more commonly known as Perseus?"

"How do you know about him?"

"Lucas told me about him."

Nathan hated to lie about it, but he didn't want her to find out just yet. He wanted to remain a mystery to her. He saw the guilt in Haley's eyes for not telling him and for not being entirely honest, or rather leaving out that detail. Nathan saw such emotion and quickly put a hand on hers.

"No. Don't look like that, please. It's okay. I mean, from what Lucas has said, the guy seems almost…honest. Just know that until you don't want me, I'll be here. Take your time, okay? I'm not going anywhere. It's okay if you don't feel the same for me like I do for you-"

"But I do!"

Nathan looked like a deer caught in headlights. His jaw dropped slightly and a smile formed on his lips.

"I-I love you, Nathan."

Nathan's smile grew even wider and Haley returned the smile.

"I love you-"

Nathan, pressing his lips to hers, cut her off and they shared an earth-shattering kiss with smiles on their faces. Haley closed her eyes so tightly and let her arms wrap around his neck. Haley dipped her head, as Nathan was lower than she was.

She loves me! That thought alone makes me the happiest man on earth. There are no lies in my words. Every word that had come out of my mouth when I was with Haley is the utmost truth. My smile is so wide that at this moment, Haley's kissing my teeth. I'm becoming serious because I noticed just how vital this moment was. My kiss is heated and I don't want to let go of her. She's my whole life.

He is amazing. I don't deserve him. He is everything I've ever wanted and more. His smile alone makes my knees go weak. I'm kissing him and my eyes are shut so tightly, like they are most of the time when he kisses me. My lips run across his teeth and I could tell that, just like mine, his smile hasn't faded yet. I feel guilty for not telling him about the letters and more importantly how I feel about the author of those letters. I try not to focus on that and tighten my grip on him. He's amazing!

Ravens23

The next morning, Nathan woke up with the biggest smile on his face. He looked down at the girl sleeping next to him and smiled even wider. The night before had been spent like every other night that he spent, secretly, in her bedroom. He looked at his watch and Nathan's smile turned to a frown when he noticed that it was 6:30. He had half an hour before he had to be doing his chores. Nathan let out a huff and slowly, rose from the bed.

He slung his feet over the edge and slipped his socks on his feet. He felt a hand run up his arm and his smile returned. Nathan turned and looked at Haley who was smirking up at him.

You've got your ball,
You've got your chain
Tied to me tight, tie me up again.
Who's got their claws
In you my friend?
Into your heart I'll beat again
Sweet like candy to my soul
Sweet you rock,
And sweet you roll
Lost for you, I'm so lost for you

"Leaving?"

Nathan nodded.

"I hate when you leave."

"You and me both. I wish I could stay here forever."

Haley's hand tightened around his forearm.

"Then don't go…"

Oh, and you come crash into me
And I come into you
And I come into you
In a boy's dream
In a boy's dream

Nathan looked at Haley and she pulled him back down near her. She tossed the comforter over their bodies as Nathan took her in his arms. She smiled widely and cupped his face in her hands. Haley then completely closed the minimal amount of space between them. Her lips crashed into his and Nathan deepened the passion by pushing her onto her back and he let his body hover above hers.

Touch your lips just so I know
In your eyes, love, it glows so
I'm bare-boned and crazy... for you.

Nathan kept his weight off of her, as not to crush her, by setting it on his hands. His biceps flexed and the butterflies in his stomach began to flutter as Haley ran her smooth hands along the course of his arm. They moved furtively around his neck and she pulled him closer to her, and his body, full of need, came closer to hers.

Oh, and you come crash into me
Baby, and I come into you
In a boy's dream
In a boy's dream

He ran a hesitant hand up the side of her body under her shirt. The warmth of Nathan's hand made Haley heat up and gave her goosebumps. She kissed him harder, biting on his lower lip and slipping her tongue into his mouth.

Nathan moved his weight onto one arm as he moved his other hand to her face, holding onto it gently.

And if I've gone overboard
Then I'm begging you
To forgive me
In my haste
When I'm holding you so girl,
Close to me

Haley shifted her weight upwards and pushed on Nathan's chest, rolling him onto his back. She sprawled her weight evenly over his body and shut her eyes tighter. Nathan nibbled on her upper lip and tugging it lightly. His hand moved under her shirt and felt the warm and soft skin on her back.

Oh and you come crash into me, yeah
Baby, and I come into you
Hike up your skirt a little more
And show the world to me
Hike up your skirt a little more
And show your world to me
In a boy's dream
In a boy's dream

Haley ripped her lips from Nathan's and they began their trajectory down his face to the base of his neck. They then moved up his neck to the front where his Adam's apple rested. She sucked on the spot for a second, making him roll his eyes back in pleasure. Haley's lips then continued to his jaw line where they ran up to just below his earlobe. She sucked on the spot, leaving a mark and then nibbled lightly on his earlobe.

Oh, I watch you there
Through the window
And I stare at you
You wear nothing, but you
Wear it so well
Tied up and twisted,
The way I'd like to be
For you, for me, come crash into me, baby
Come crash into me, yeah

Nathan guided Haley's lips back onto his and with any energy that remained, used all of it, fully, in his kiss.

Crash into me...
Crash into me...
Crash into me...

Haley left small butterfly kisses on his lips as they calmed down, each set of lips swollen. She lay on his chest and he put a soft kiss in her hair.

"I have to go. Duty calls…"

She nodded sadly.

"I know it sucks. If I could stay here all day, I would."

Haley looked at him, her chin rested on his chest, and pecked his lips.

"Okay."

You know, I'm the king of the castle,
And you're the dirty rascal, crash into me.
Please crash into me, baby...

Nathan rose from his spot and went to slip his shoes on. He tied them up and then turned to Haley, the love of his life, who, was smiling at him. She sat upwards, fatigue evident in her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly, but lovingly. She placed a final peck on his lips and he stood up and walked over to her window.

Oh, no no no...
Yes,
I see the wave come and crash into me.
I see the wave come and crash into me.
Crash into me.

232323

Nathan had made it back to his room at 10:15. He had just finished the gardening and had seen Haley taking a walk with Chris. She seemed to be taking part in their conversation and Nathan listened intently out of jealousy that Chris got spend time with her. He was a musician and liked to brag about how everyone told him how talented he was. He seemed to believe them.

Nathan was brought out of his thoughts by a knock on his glass window. He saw that it was his messenger and he opened it, hastily.

"Anything Mike?"

"Nah…sorry."

Nathan nodded.

"Okay…" He held up a finger. "Wait one second."

Nathan had moved into the room and went to his drawer. He pulled out two white envelopes and went back to the door. He handed them to Mike and he then heard the bedroom door open, Lucas was back from his line of duty.

"It's your full payment. And there's one more delivery. Make it this evening."

"Wait a minute…"

Nathan turned to face Lucas.

"I know you. You were just here. You're the guy who drops off Haley's let- No…"

"Thanks Mike. Bye."

Nathan closed the glass door and faced Lucas who now wore a look of shock and confusion.

"Lucas?"

"Y-you… You're the letter guy? You wrote Haley those letters?"

"Look, I know it looks bad-"

"No, no, no. You…you're Nathan, you wouldn't do that to her."

"I told you, it's bad. But Luke-"

"Shut up!" Lucas pointed to Nathan. "You played her. You…you let her believe all of this? Have you any idea how much torture she's gone through? Did you even think about how this is killing her?"

"I know! I'm scum! What can I do Luke? It's done! I can't take the letters back."

"You better tell her, you got that? You've hurt her enough…"

Lucas turned around and left the room, slamming the door in the process. Nathan brought a hand to his head and ran a hand through his sweaty hair. The time had come.

232323

Haley was sitting around the dinner table with the usual crowd of people. She was drowning in boredom and all she wanted to do was to spend time with Nathan. He was standing off in the corner and Haley sent a smile his way. He returned a weak one. He felt so full of shame and he felt like he didn't deserve the blissful feeling of looking into her eyes.

What's wrong with him?

Haley's thought was full of wonder and was broken when Lucas walked into the room, holding a white envelope. Victoria and Jimmy's eyes watched as Lucas walked over to Haley.

"For Miss Haley James."

Lucas handed the letter to Haley reluctantly. He eyed Nathan and sighed uneasily.

Haley excused herself and walked into the deserted hallway. This was the shortest, yet most important of all his letters.

The time has come. I cannot hold it in any longer. You will know who I am by this time Saturday evening. I am sorry that I couldn't be the right one as I've learned that you are in love and not with me. I need you to know. I love you, Haley James.

That was it. Haley folded the letter and thought to what Saturday's events were.

The Employee Dinner Dance.

Ravens23

Behind this mask, he was shielded from his identity, literally. Everyone in this amazing hall was wearing a mask. It had been almost two months since Nathan had given Haley that first letter about him wanting to give into temptation. Tonight was the night when he would reveal himself to Haley. Profess his love for her and tell her who he truly was. In the last letter that he sent to Haley, he promised her to be here, and here he was. Nathan stood just on the edge of the dance floor, watching as Haley danced with Damien West. He glared at him through his mask and couldn't feel anything but envy and had the need to protect her. Not that he should feel jealous. Haley had already kissed him as Nathan, but he just wanted tonight to be perfect. The music stopped and Nathan, with his mask perfectly in place, walked over to where Haley and Damien stood.

Haley was looking around the room for any sign of her letter guy or Nathan. She hadn't seen or been approached by either of them which, she thought to be weird. Haley was certain that Nathan would have been by her side the entire time. Haley would be lying if she said that she wasn't in love with Nathan. She was entirely in love with him. He was everything that she ever wanted. But, there was just something about letter guy that had drawn her in and there was a curiosity about her when it came to him. Tonight she would finally find out who he was. She was standing with Damien and he was talking her ear off about something about his father's company that she had absolutely no interest in. She heard the sound of a throat being cleared behind them and they stopped their dancing to find themselves face-to-face with a mysterious being. He was dressed in black, the colour of his mask and his hair was disheveled. Haley looked up at the figure who kept his gaze on Damien. Damien looked between the figure and Haley.

"Hey buddy, are you gonna move? The lady and I were trying to dance."

"You were trying…she was succeeding. I find it odd that a woman with such beauty as Miss James here would be dancing with a cretin of a man such as yourself."

Haley tried to hide her laughter from Damien. The figure walked forwards and grabbed Haley's hand. He brought his lips to her knuckles and grazed them softly before giving her a soft smile.

"Do you mind if I cut in?"

Damien looked at the man.

"Who are you? Find your own girl to dance with. This place is crawling with them."

The masked man smirked and turned to Haley.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Perseus."

Haley's eyes widened.

"Of course you can cut in. Excuse me Mr. West."

Haley let go of Damien and placed her hands on the man's shoulders. The two of them began to sway to the music.

Emily will find a better place to fall asleep
She belongs to fairy tales that I could never be
The future haunts with memories that I could never have
And hope is just a stranger wondering how it got so bad

"So tell me Haley, am I what you expected?"

"I haven't even seen your face yet. How can I make that assumption?"

"Well then, why don't I show you? I've told you everything I can already."

The man moved to take off his mask, but Haley stopped him.

"Wait!"

"What is it?"

"Not here. Maybe somewhere more private?"

The man smirked and nodded his head. Haley grabbed his hand, looking around the room one last time for a glimpse of Nathan. He was nowhere in sight. He told her what he would be wearing so that she could recognize him, but he was nowhere to be seen. She led the man out of the hall, with her hand in his. She felt that she should be worried being alone with this man, but she felt so comfortable with him, much like she felt when she was alone with Nathan. Nathan…his eyes so blue and smile so sincere and sweet. She shook her head from her thoughts.

I die each time you look away
My heart, my life will never be the same
This love will take my everything
One breath, one touch will be the end of me

The pair ascended a flight of stairs. Nathan knew this path all too well. This was the way to Haley's bedroom. Nathan looked at Haley, who stood an inch in front of him. God, she's so beautiful. I'm finally going to tell her… Oh dear God, I'm going to tell her. What if she gets upset? What if she hates me after all of this for keeping this from her? They came to Haley's bedroom. Haley opened the door and they filed in. She locked it behind them. She walked to him and grabbed his hand, leading them out onto the balcony. The moon was shining brightly along with the stars. There was not a single cloud in the sky. Haley looked up, but Nathan only looked at her.

"It's beautiful."

"Yes…you are."

Haley looked at the masked man. Haley blushed a little and she saw him smirk. He looked at her wrist and noticed something, which is when his smirk turned into a full smile.

"I see you're wearing the bracelet."

Haley looked at her wrist, smiled and nodded.

"I always do."

"Don't say I never gave you anything."

Haley's smile grew wider. Nathan's eyes then fell to her neck, she wore the locket that he gave to her and wondered if she ever opened it. He walked closer to Haley and placed his hands on her face.

"I dream of you every night Haley James. And the sight of you makes my heart beat so fast that it stops."

Haley chuckled. He grabbed her hand and brought it to his chest.

"I'm serious, feel this."

You could be the final straw that brings me back to earth
Ever-waiting airports full of the love that you deserve
Wishing I could find a way to wash away the past
Knowing that my heart
Will break, but at least the pain will last

Nathan felt Haley getting closer to him. She leaned up and captured her lips with his. His lips felt too familiar, Nathan's hands cupped her face as he felt her hands on his neck. His lips massaged hers. He didn't want this kiss to end, but something came to him, a voice. I can't tell her like this. She deserves to know, to find out, but not like this. I have to tell her as myself. This isn't fair to her. Haley broke the kiss and looked at the man. She moved her hands to his face to remove the mask he wore, but he moved from her touch. She looked at him confused.

"I came to tell you something."

"What is it?"

"I will no longer be writing to you. You're much too good Haley. You have an amazing heart and I don't want to be the one to break it. You have found love Haley James and you deserve it and please don't let your stepmother walk all over you."

The man grabbed Haley's hand and kissed it and then, he was gone. Haley held onto the balcony, so confused and sad. She looked behind her and saw her empty bedroom. She fell to the ground and small tears began to fall. She shouldn't be feeling like this. She was in love with Nathan, but all of this confused her. There was no doubt in her mind of her love for Nathan, but there was something about "Perseus" that made her feel comfortable because it felt familiar.

Nathan had shut the door to Haley's room and ripped his mask of, exposing his face. He had to breathe. He ran as quickly as he could to his room to change his clothes. He had to get back to Haley's room and tell her whom he truly was. He knew that she was crying right now and that only made him run faster. He got to his room and quickly changed. He felt like Clark Kent changing from being Clark to Superman. He slipped his mask over his head and combed his hair down and was headed back out the door. He took off in a sprint and finally reached Haley's room. He stopped to catch his breath and then put his hair down again. He lifted his mask and rested it on his head. He grabbed a hold of the doorknob and took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. Nathan opened the door and, sure enough, he heard sobs.

Emily will find a better place to fall asleep
Maybe she will save me in the oceans of her dream
And maybe someday love
Maybe someday love
Maybe someday love

"Hales?"

Nathan ran to the floor where he saw her crying. He held her in his arms and she leaned into him. He took a deep breath.

"What happened?"

"He's real…"

"Perseus?"

"Yeah, but he…"

She stifled a sob. He just caressed her hair.

"…He said that he was gonna stop writing and that I have a good heart and all these nice things. He just took off and left me here, wondering."

"Sounds like an idiot."

Haley looked up at Nathan, confusion written all over her face.

"What?"

"He let you go…the guy's an idiot. Sure, he's poetic and makes you feel good, but Haley maybe he's not worth crying over. You know…I sit here next to you and see the most beautiful human being to ever walk the earth. If I were the one you were to choose, I would never let you get away."

"You are the one I chose…I love you, remember?"

Nathan turned his body to face Haley and grabbed her hands in his. They both sat facing each other.

"Well, even so… You know there are famous words, which, I find, to fit my life when it comes to you. It's like advice, it's…the words are beautiful. It goes uh…Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes. I just think that this letter guy, maybe he's been in front of you this entire time. And he's the idiot for not telling you."

"Your words are beautiful Nathan, I just don't understand why he just…gave up. Not that I didn't want him to, but…I dunno."

Nathan took a deep breath.

"Maybe his intentions run deeper than you think, or maybe he's afraid."

Haley looked at Nathan and stood. She offered him her hand and he grabbed it. He got up off of the floor and Haley hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and took in the scent of her hair, vanilla. She then released him.

"Thank you Nathan."

He smirked and put his hand in his pocket. He whipped out a small purple flower that he had picked from their walk along the shoreline of the lake from days prior. He grabbed her hand and placed it in her palm.

"It's not a problem."

He looked at the flower. Here it goes.

"Don't say I never gave you anything."

Haley looked at Nathan, a look of shock on her face. Nathan looked nervous.

"What did you say?"

Ravens23

A/N: PLEASE REVIEW! This chapter was fun to write. Shout out to Kelly, Steph, Molly and Brooke for all of their inspirational words and for their help AND for simply being there when I need them! MUAH! PLEASE REVIEW!