Author's Note: Hey guy's here's my second update of the day. I was going to space out these updates, but I love you all too much to make you wait. So, I'm posting Chapter Four of this story right after I post this.

I did something a bit different with this chapter, there's another flashback, but this one flashes way back to when the girls were five and the boys seven. I was home for a week with my family for a funeral and looking through old photographs one night and one inspired me to write this particular flashback. It was really fun and incorporates something that means a lot to NH and us from the actual show. It will come back too. ;)

With that said, enjoy! I may be confusing people with who Lucas will end up with in this story, but in Chapter 4 it will become clear, as will all the character's interests.

Ok now enjoy while I update the next! You guys are blowing me away with your support of this story and your reviews are the reason I keep writing. :D

A big thanks to Ha for beta-ing. Love ya girl!

Chapter Three "Tiny Little Fractures"

Peyton Sawyer brushed an unruly curl out of her face as she and Haley strolled down 5th Avenue, randomly stopping at high end boutiques and watching Haley spend obscene amounts of money.

History enabled Peyton to realize this was a sign of something troubling her friend. Sure Haley spent money and enjoyed shopping, but she was never overly extravagant. It was odd, but even coming from the insane wealth she came from, Haley always carried around some latent guilt for having it all, as Peyton's obnoxious therapist would say.

It was probably why she threw herself into charity work so fiercely. Haley liked to play coy, act as if it was nothing, but Peyton knew it was her salvation from the life they were forced to live.

"So, you going to tell me what's wrong, Haley Bop or do I have to call Brooke?"

Haley groaned, "Please don't inflict her on me," She paused at an outdoor café and took a seat, Peyton following suit.

"Sorry, Foxy, it's just you haven't worn me out like this in awhile, not to mention you've spent the last two nights in my bed, which you haven't done since we were like ten. I do have guest rooms," She teased and Haley knew she really didn't have a problem with sharing her bed.

When Anna Sawyer, the only true loving parent any of them had, passed away when Peyton was eleven, Haley and Lucas both spent almost every night in Peyton's bed, soothing the blonde girl to sleep as tears endlessly flowed.

Peyton had then practically moved in with them for a year after that, the three always ending up in the same bed again most nights. Haley respected Lucas a lot because of it. After losing his own mother, he didn't hesitate in being there for her.

They were all grieving though. Anna was the only parent who baked them cookies, organized slumber parties, always including the boys, and forced them to even clean up their messes, even if she had a slew of servants. It was nice, it was normal; it was something they all still missed desperately.

"It's Nathan," Haley finally sighed and Peyton just shook her head as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, which it was.

"Has he moved in?"

Haley nodded, "Yeah and he's driving me up the wall. I either want to slug him or fuck him." She was blunt, but Peyton was used it.

She remembered when they were younger and she was the more cynical of the two; Haley always believing some knight and shining armor was going to sweep her off her feet. But as always, life had beaten that dream out of her.

No one in their circle ever found that kind of love. They all knew they were destined to be married to someone they barely loved and end up miserable, fighting everything to recapture their youth. As if that time in their lives was all they had to hold onto, a time when they still had hope that maybe things could be different…they could be different.

Nevertheless, while Peyton knew this was simply their fate, it still broke her heart to see Haley so jaded. Of them all, she had the biggest heart and the ability to change those she touched.

She deserved that white knight or black knight, Peyton found herself smiling, thinking of the raven haired Scott. Sure, he wasn't what most people thought of when they pictured the man that could make all your dreams come true; he was usually the one you pictured that would crush them all, but he was different when it came to Haley.

He'd been in love with her probably since the first time he laid eyes on her when he was three years old, if that was even possible. Where she was, he was. Granted Lucas was always with them, but even as a child Peyton had noticed the way he teased her, watched her and looked out for her.

And even if she never admitted it, Haley felt the same, which is why she ran for so long with Justin. She couldn't allow herself to even entertain the thought that Nathan could ever want more with her, so she clung to the first boy that had the nerve to ask out Lucas' little sister.

Maybe it was a way to rebel against Nathan too. Justin asking her out was something Haley knew Nathan could and would never do because of Lucas, even if he did like her.

And Peyton knew that notion smacked Haley in the face at fourteen, when she would blatantly flirt with Nathan and he'd push her away time after time.

She wondered if Haley even knew about the time Lucas had gone off at Nathan when he simply caught his brother touching his sister's cheek, her innocent eyes full of hope. After that, Nathan only pushed harder and now here they were eight years later, the two of them playing a much more dangerous game.

Now, they believed they were invincible, that no one could infiltrate their hearts and that was laughable, as Peyton knew when it came to each other, Nathan and Haley truly had no clue how much power they hold over one another. Still, underestimating that kind of hold would only lead to disaster.

"Jesus, Peyton, zone out there," Haley griped, waving the waiter off, after having to order for Peyton as well.

"Oh, sorry," Peyton shrugged, "Anyway, so why don't you just fuck him."

"Ok, Brooke," Haley rolled her eyes.

"Or maybe you two could just try to be friends, without the groping."

Haley considered that for a moment, before a wicked smile graced her lips, "And what would be the fun in that?"

"Speaking of that, you're on your own tonight. I'm not waking up to you moaning in the middle of the night anymore. I love ya, Hales, but I draw the line at listening to your wet dreams."

Haley blushed and that made Peyton smile. She was still jaded, but sometimes Peyton saw a few cracks and when she blushed, even after all she's done, it gave Peyton a sliver of hope that her idealistic friend was still in there somewhere.

"Anyway…" Haley broke in, "You coming back to the house with me? Lucas and the guys are apparently getting drunk by the pool. Should be entertaining."

"A drunken Lucas is always an entertaining Lucas." Peyton quipped and this time Haley smiled at her. She knew her friend always held a soft spot for her brother and it went both ways.

…

Peyton and Haley emerged on the rooftop decked out in their tiny bikinis, the blonde's black, the honey blonde's lavender, and strapless, with a gold clasp holding her top together at the front.

Their boys were everywhere, most of them stumbling drunk.

Damien spotted them first, jogging up and scooping Haley into his arms, "HALO!" He slurred loudly spinning her around.

Coming up behind them, Lucas handed Peyton a large daiquiri, waiting for Damien to put his sister down to hand her one too.

"Thanks, Luke." Peyton winked taking a large sip.

Lucas threw his arm around her shoulders, "You're pretty, you know that?" He squinted, as if he needed a closer look.

Haley laughed, once her feet were back on the ground and took her drink, "Aw, is my Lukey drunk?"

With a goofy smile, he faced her and smacked her cheek with a loud kiss before taking in her appearance, "Yes, but not drunk enough to see that you need more clothes.."

"So, Peyton's pretty and yet I need more clothes?"

He glanced between the two looking confused, his eyes roaming over Peyton's figure, "Uh, yeah, I don't know. You're confusing me, Hales."

Ignoring him, she found Nathan floating on a raft, his eyes closed, ignoring the entire scene.

"Fuck, Haley looks hot," Andrew spoke up beside him, as he floated near him on his own raft.

"When doesn't she?" Nathan threw back and eyed him. Andrew was good looking in that pretty boy Brad Pitt sort of way. He'd only been in their group for a year or so, having lived in Europe all his life. While he annoyed Nathan most of the time, he was still glad Andrew had bonded with Lucas, meaning Haley was no where near fair game.

Andrew laughed, "True, man. God, I'd love to hit that. I bet she's fucking crazy in bed."

"She is." Nathan smirked, not that he knew from personal experience, but from their encounters alone that had him near cumming at all times, he knew the big show would literally blow his mind along with his load.

"I thought about asking Luke." Andrew hedged and Nathan shot his eyes back to the bastard.

"What do you mean ask Luke? Are you that big of a dumbass? First, he'd kick your ass, and then cut you out so fast, you wouldn't be invited to a damn two year olds party in this town.

With a sigh, Andrew nodded, "I guess you're right. It's just...look at her," and he did. Of course, all he did was look at her when she walked into a room and even when she wasn't around, he was picturing her, whether he was working out or jerking off, all he saw was her.

It was twisted, it was torture, and it was his life. All he could do was make her just as miserable as she made him. Even if she hated him, the thought of her tossing and turning at night with images of fucking him, amused him greatly.

Jake watched Nathan in the distance, knowing what was going through his mind and he frowned. As long as Jake could remember, he had gotten an ominous feeling around the two of them and lately that feeling had only intensified.

It wouldn't be long until all of their worlds were turned upside down.

"Jake the snake!" Haley giggled, sliding in between his legs on the gleaming white chaise, taking his arms and wrapping them around her, which she knew he would have eventually, but she needed the warmth now. There was something always so comforting about Jake, always had been.

He bent down and kissed her cheek, "Hey, Baby girl."

"So, I have a huge favor," Her head fell back against his shoulder.

"Anything," He said without a moment's hesitation and she knew he meant it.

She turned slightly and he met her gaze, "I was thinking of a masquerade ball for the Pediatrics cancer fundraiser. You in?"

He laughed openly, "Masks and all? Is it going to turn into one of those 'Eyes Wide Shut' parties?"

Slapping his arm, she grinned, "Yes to the masks and a maybe to the orgies."

"HALEY!" Lucas bellowed, sitting at a table with a bottle of Patron and all the fixings for shots before him with Peyton in his lap slicing limes.

"Ugh, come with me," She stood and took Jake's hand, dragging him to the table.

...

"I'm sooooooo drunk, Curly Q." Lucas slobbered in Peyton's ear.

Haley laughed along with Peyton as she fought to maintain her balance, but failed and collapsed in a nearby couch.

"Nice to see you too." Nathan grumbled when Hale landed directly on top of him, ass first.

"Oh." She giggled, "I thought the couch was lumpier," She grinned, not making a move to get up.

Wrapping his arms around her waist, he turned her sideways on his lap, so her legs could stretch out against the emerald green material of the coach. "Just don't puke on me."

Haley beamed, gazing up at him, her hand coming up to cup his cheek, "You'd still love me anyway."

He flinched at her words, which she missed due to her drunken state.

She giggled when he said nothing, "You'll always love me. Hey, dance with me?"

Struggling out of his lap, he held onto her waist as she got to her feet. "Not in the mood, Hales."

A pout formed on her lips, "You always dance with me."

His hands now on her hips, he pulled her back down to her previous position, bending down to whisper in her ear, "Your brother may be drunk, but he's not blind."

She whipped her head around to face him. "Dancing is innocent."

He smirked, "Not when we do it."

At that moment she became aware of his erection pressing into her ass and ground down, enjoying his eyes rolling back in his head, "That's what you get for not dancing with me."

He said nothing and she leaned up and brushed her lips against his, "How long are we going to keep this up?"

His throat went dry, "Wh-what?"

"I want you Nathan, I want you inside me," She murmured backing away to garner his reaction.

One hand gripped her ass, the other her bare thigh, "You don't want that, Haley," He tried, his voice weak with lust.

"Don't tell me what I want," She spat, trying to push off him, but he wouldn't let her.

He glanced around making sure Lucas was still out of sight, then dropped his face onto her neck, "Fuck, Baby…don't do this to me."

She felt her usual numb heart lurch in her chest, "Tell me."

In spite of not asking an actual question, he knew what she wanted to hear and he felt his resolve wavering. He placed slow hot open mouthed kisses up her neck and brought her earlobe between his teeth, sucking gently before answering, "I want you…all of you."

Moaning, she grabbed his face in her hands, forcing their eyes to lock, "Then take me."

A breath away from doing just that, he spotted Lucas stumbling back outside, leaving him only one choice. He grabbed her wrists and forced her hands from his face, "You're drunk, nice tactic though, you almost had me." He tore his eyes from hers, not wanting her to see his disappointment, but in doing so, he missed hers as well.

Anger soon replaced hers, however, and when she moved out of his embrace this time, he didn't stop her. "You're a fucking coward, but you're right it was all part of the game." She taunted, the lie leaving a bad taste in her mouth.

He watched her saunter away and pull Peyton into dancing with her. She laughed wildly as her hips moved in tune against the other blonde's.

Maybe he had been wrong and it really was just another part of her game. He'd thrown it out there, as a way to end whatever it was they were about to do, but a part of him believed she wasn't only messing with him, that she wanted him as much as he did her.

Though, now he started to think he'd only imagined it.

Call him cocky, but he knew she wanted to screw him, that much has always been clear, but something unspoken crept up in their conversation, something much more serious and much more revealing. He never expected to admit he wanted something else with her, yet he had, as soon as her luscious lips formed the request.

He could only pray that during her manipulation, she hadn't felt the loaded meaning in his statement of wanting all of her.

Shit, he needed her out of his head. He used to believe that after fucking her, she would be, but that argument carried less and less weight as the years wore on. He sure as hell wasn't getting into what that meant, but he did know he simply wanted to be around her, at all times it seemed.

Luke collapsed beside him and followed his line of sight. "You better not even think about it."

Nathan froze, "Huh?"

Lucas nodded toward the girls, "You're fucking gawking at her."

"Jesus, Luke they're in front of me."

"Whatever, but I don't feel like fucking the same girl you're fucking."

Nathan turned to him, confusion written all over his face, "What the hell are you talking about?" Why would Luke even think of Haley that way?

"Peyton," Luke finally made himself clear, "I'd prefer not to share pussy with you."

Laughing out loud, Nathan shook his head. "I wasn't looking at Peyton."

Lucas' eyes narrowed, "Then who were you looking at?"

Fuck, maybe he should have said Peyton. "I told you I wasn't looking at anyone. Maybe I glanced their way, but only because Haley was about to fall down earlier. Didn't think you'd want her falling head first into the pool."

Finally smiling, Luke slapped him on the back, "Sorry, dude. Thanks for looking out for her. Kind of like she has two brothers, huh?"

Nathan had the intense compulsion to punch his brother in the mouth, "Yeah, I guess." He grumbled.

"You remember when we were seven and she forced you into that fake wedding? Kind of gross thinking back now, I bet."

Nathan couldn't help himself and smiled.

...

"What are y'all doing?" Lucas laughed as he and Nathan, crackerjack boxes in hand walked into Haley and his massive play room. Brooke and Peyton were in matching blue Cinderella dresses, complete with gloves, a frown on Peyton's face at having to wear a dress and Haley stood in front of a large antique mirror in a pristine white off the shoulder wedding dress made for dress up. She even had a tiara, veil, and matching patent leather shoes.

Brooke giggled and twirled, "We're playing bride. Don't I look fabuwus?" She was five and missing two front teeth, her words keeping in tune with that.

"I don't," Peyton pouted, plopping down on her butt, arms crossed.

Brooke forced her back up, straightening out her dress, then turned to Haley. "Hawey, you can marry Nathan."

Nathan looked up at that, "We're not playing, Brooke." Luke nodded with him in agreement.

Haley spun around and skipped over to Nathan, tugging on his sleeveless t-shirt. "Please, Nathan." Her front teeth were still in tact, her words much clearer than Brooke's.

Blue met sparkling brown and he was a goner.

Lucas groaned at the sight, knowing that Nathan never said no to Haley. Not that he ever did either.

"Fine, but make it fast."

"Yay!" She clapped and so did Brooke. Even Peyton got excited, probably because someone else was going to be tortured.

A few minutes later, they were all in the lush garden of Haley and Luke's house in the Hamptons. It's where all their families stayed in the summer for the most part.

Standing in front of a grand fountain, roses bushes surrounding it, Nathan and Luke waited in front of it as Peyton and Brooke giggled and walked towards them.

Once there, Brooke got a worried look on her face, "Luke, you have to be the preacher."

He rolled his eyes, "Why can't you?"

"Siwwy, I'm the maid of honwor." She spun around as if the full view of her dress would hammer home her point.

Peyton grinned, "I'll be the best man." She went over beside Nathan, happy to not be in the typical female role.

After they were settled, a maid hit a button on a boom box, signaling the wedding march. Haley's outfit came complete with theme music.

Haley appeared out the French doors, a bouquet of plastic blue flowers in her hand. As she got closer, she started to blush, and as agonizing as Nathan thought this was going to be he found himself smiling as she reached them.

'She is so pretty', was all he could think in his seven year old head.

Luke cleared his throat, clearly getting into his role as he faked opening a bible, "Hold her hand," He instructed his brother and now Nathan blushed when he took her hands in his, her flowers now in Brooke's safe keeping.

"Do you, Nathan, take Haley to be your wife, to have and to hold for always or maybe forever…whatever they say." He shrugged. He'd been dragged to enough weddings by his parents to know the gist of what the preacher said.

Nathan's young eyes never left hers, "I do."

Haley smiled broadly, "I do too."

"I didn't ask you yet," Luke corrected his sister and they all laughed. "Do you, Haley, take Nathan to be your husband, to have and to hold, always and forever?" Why pick when you can use both, he decided.

"I do." She said a second time, with even more conviction.

"We don't have any rings," Lucas frowned, as did Brooke.

Nathan let go of one of her hands and reached in his pocket pulling out a multi-colored plastic bracelet he'd found in his crackerjack box earlier. "Will this work?"

Luke smiled and Nathan took Haley's left hand and slipped it on her wrist, "Don't say I never gave you anything." He smirked at her, obviously a habit he'd adopted early on.

"Aww," Brooke happily cooed and Haley stared in amazement at the beautiful bracelet. She was never going to take it off.

"Ok, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride." Lucas proudly declared, content he'd done a good job.

Leaning over Nathan placed a soft kiss on her creamy cheek causing her blush to deepen.

"Ew, you actually kissed her," Luke laughed and Brooke slugged him in the shoulder.

Nathan turned to his brother, ready to tell him off and Haley took the moment to lift up on her toes and give him his own kiss on the cheek.

Surprised, Nathan looked back at her and she only giggled before stepping away from him and running off into the house with her friends.

"That was so boring. Basketball?" Lucas asked his brother, not noticing the smile still left on Nathan's face.

...

"What do you think Nathan is grinning about?" Peyton asked her friend, once they ceased their dancing and were stepping into the pool to cool down.

Haley glanced at him and sighed, "Probably plotting."

She didn't really want to imagine what was going on his head. She was too busy licking her wounds. She'd sobered up a bit, thanks to him.

Nonetheless, she knew he was right in stopping, no matter what his reasons, even if it royally sucked. If they had given in, it would only lead to tragedy, not because of the sex, as the sex would be a sin worth committing, but because she knew, she was asking for more than sex and opening herself up to him would end up destroying her.

Sadly, she gave herself enough credit to know she could destroy him as well. Destroy what he shared with Luke and maybe more.

She wasn't enough for him, probably not anyone. Once she truly let him inside, he'd see what a wreck she really was and she'd lose him all together. At least this way, she could stay close to him—stay connected. She didn't know if she could live without him and that thought scared the hell out of her.

Peyton let it slide and switched subjects, "So did Jake like the masquerade idea?"

Haley brightened. "He loved it. It's going to be amazing. I already looked into this incredible estate outside of the city that has this whole castle feel. Brooke already has a designer working on our gowns and matching masks by the way."

Peyton's eyes lit up at that, "You know we shouldn't even show the guys our outfits. Have them meet us there."

"Why is that? They'll figure it out when we open our mouths," She laughed.

"If we open our mouths…to talk that is," Peyton winked. "A little anonymous fun never hurt anybody."

Haley found herself staring at Nathan as Peyton's words sank in. He was laughing with Jake and her brother, a thick blunt passing between the three. "No, it didn't," she smirked.

It was definitely going to be a party to remember.

Cath