thank you guys so much for the reviews on the last chapter!! i think i said i would update before i actually did, so i'm really sorry!! i've been so busy, it's horrible! anyway, i'm glad everyone liked the rain scene, i worked hard on that. keep reading, and keep reviewing! :):)
NOTE - Chase's chaacter has been replaced with chris, i will explain why at the end of the chapter. so brooke has been with chris keller for just over a year, like we saw in one of haley's flashbacks. chris grew up with the gang, and chase doesn't exist yet, even if he'll exist at all. :)
15. Slide
'Hey Brooke, don't be mad, but I'm in Tree Hill, do you want to meet up?' Haley spoke into her phone. She blushed when she caught Nathan looking at her, love in his eyes. 'Yes, in the café, that's perfect. Love you too.' She hung up the phone and turned to Nathan. 'And what are you looking at?' she quizzed, leaning on the kitchen worktop.
Nathan walked over to her, smirking. 'You.' He stated simply. Haley giggled, and leaned up, so her lips were inches from his.
They hesitated for a few seconds; the kissing part was still slightly awkward. Nathan gave her a quick peck, and they both muttered excuses and left the room.
Haley's heart was racing. Lucas had never made her feel that way. She felt guilty instantly for comparing the two boys.
'Haley James! When did you get back in town!' Brooke shrieked as she hugged Haley and they sat down at a table.
'Promise you won't be mad?' Haley asked slowly, praying that Brooke wouldn't be hurt that she hadn't told the brunette she was staying.
Brooke shook her head.
'I never left.' Haley silently crossed her fingers, hoping not to receive an outburst from Brooke.
'WHAT?'
Too late.
'But I dropped you at the airport!!' Brooke shrieked. Haley wasn't sure whether the shrieks were happy, angry or confused. Probably a bit of all three.
'I know. I got on the plane, then I realised Tree Hill was home. I practically had to fight the air hostess to get off!' Haley giggled. 'I'm so sorry I haven't called. I was just trying to sort things out with Nathan.'
Brooke nodded understandingly. 'I get it, things are ok now yes?'
Haley nodded, smiled and blushed at the same time. Brooke gasped.
'Wait, you guys, you're not…' she gasped again. 'You are!?'
Haley bit her lip and shrugged. 'We might have gone on a walk through a thunder storm and protested our love for each other, then made out a few times…' she said sarcastically.
Brooke clapped her hands together and giggled. 'Yasss! Finally! Plan Naley is complete!'
'What the hell?' Haley asked, suddenly confused.
'Well, a while back… screw that, about 5 years ago, about a year before you got with Lucas, me and Peyton devised Operation Naley.' Haley raised an eyebrow as Brooke continued. 'Which meant, we were going to get you two together.' She laughed.
'I don't remember any 'Operation Naley' going on back then.' Haley shrugged.
'Oh, but do you remember that time we fixed you up to go and play '7 Minutes in Heaven'?'
Haley giggled and thought back to that night.
'You guys totally didn't work. We put you in there and all you do is talk?' she shrugged.
Haley let her mind wander as Brooke ordered drinks.
--
5 years ago.
'Ok Felix!' Brooke yelled, knocking on a bedroom door. 'You're time with Bevin is up! Get your asses out here!'
It was a few weeks before Haley was turning 16, and the group of teens were at their usual Friday night party.
Felix and Bevin emerged from the bedroom, both looking very proud of themselves. Haley and Nathan sniggered, whispering about what they probably did.
'I bet they just ruffled up each other's hair and vowed to tell everyone they got it on!' Haley giggled.
'Haley you are so immature!' Nathan replied.
Haley smacked him on the arm. 'Come on! You totally agree with me! We both know Felix is such a tight ass.'
'NATHAN AND HALEY!' Brooke yelled, interrupting their discussion. 'Your turn!'
'You've gotta be kidding me…' Haley trailed off, walking over to Brooke. 'Me and Nathan?' She asked her. 'Now that's a waste of time.'
'Come on Hales, it just means we can have 7 minutes to talk in peace.' Nathan shrugged.
'I like the way you think.' Haley smirked and walked into the room after him.
They sat on the bed in the dark in silence for a while. Then Haley decided to speak.
'Nathan… I have an embarrassing confession to make…'
'What's up Hales?'
'Well, you know Jack that I dated last year? Well, you know how I broke up with him.'
'Yeah, because his breath smells.' Nathan laughed.
'Well, no… he broke up with me.' Haley spoke shamefully.
'He what? Oh I swear I'll kick his ass that little…'
'Nathan!' Haley interrupted. 'It was last year, we were 14!'
'I don't care. Why would he break up with you?'
'He said I didn't kiss properly…'
'Oh.' Was all Nathan said. He then stood up, taking Haley's hands in his and pulling her up.
Haley could barely see Nathan in the dark, but she could see the light on his green eyes.
'That's better.' He mumbled. 'I can see you now.'
Haley blushed. 'I don't know how to kiss properly.' She mumbled.
'Hey, Hales. You're only fifteen, you have ages to get good at kissing. Don't worry about it.'
'But how am I supposed to get good? The next guy I kiss won't kiss me for long enough because I'm so bad!' she whined.
'Ok.' Nathan said, touching Haley's cheek with his hand. 'Close your eyes.'
'What?'
'Close them Hales.'
Haley closed her eyes, then felt Nathan's lips touch hers. She jumped in shock, but Nathan held her steady. Nathan pulled away and for a split second Haley wanted more.
'Now. That's just a peck. But now part your lips slightly.'
'Nathan…' Haley whispered, panicking.
'Trust me. I'm teaching you.' Nathan now placed both hands on either side of Haley's face and leaned forward. His lips met hers and his tongue slid into her mouth.
Using his tongue, Nathan encouraged Haley to explore his mouth as well. Soon Haley was backed into a wall, their tongues now battling for control.
Haley kept her arms around Nathan's neck. But Nathan's hand was slowly moving up from Haley's waist. She ran her hands through his hair, and Nathan pressed Haley harder against the wall. His hand slid up her top.
'HEY! TIME UP DUDES!' Brooke yelled, making Nathan and Haley jump apart.
'You get it now yeah?' Nathan said quietly.
'Yeah…' Haley nodded. 'Thanks Nathan.'
'No problem. Just a friend helping out a friend.' He smiled.
'Emm, I believe the correct term is 'best' friend?' Haley corrected him. And the two linked arms and laughed as they exited the room.
--
Haley walked into the apartment, newspaper in hand. She threw it onto the table and flicked the coffee maker on.
'Hey gorgeous. How did Brooke take the news?'
Haley turned around and leaned back against the kitchen worktop. 'Very well actually. She was screaming that Operation Naley was complete…'
'Naley?' Nathan raised an eyebrow as he got mugs out of the cupboard.
'Our names put together.' She started matter-of-factly.
'So what was operation Naley?'
'Brooke and Peyton had a plan to hook us up since we were 15!' Haley laughed as Nathan's eyes widened. 'Do you remember that 7 minutes in Heaven?' Nathan nodded. 'They set that up!'
'They expected us to get together. When everyone thought we just sat and talked.' Nathan walked toward Haley.
Haley felt herself getting hot. She simply nodded.
'Remember I taught you how to kiss?' he smirked, touching her waist and leaning into her, his tall body towering over her small frame.
'I think it meant more than just a lesson…' Haley whispered, her breathing heavy and fast. How Nathan could turn her on with just words was amazing.
'Definitely not. But I taught you well.' He smiled and crashed his lips onto hers.
Haley breathed in a deep breath and raised her chest as she ran her tongue along Nathan's lips. He happily parted his lips and Haley slipped her tongue inside his mouth.
She threw her arms around his neck while her lifted her up and placed her on top of the kitchen counter.
'Wow, easy tiger!' A voice came from the doorway.
Haley clambered off the counter, pulling at her top. She turned round to meet the smirking face in the doorway.
'Oh my goodness. PEYTON?!' Haley squealed and ran into the blonde's arms.
'Yip, in the flesh. Can you believe it?' she giggled.
'I'll grab my purse. We are going for lunch.' She ran into her spare room, her voice shouting though. 'Nathan! Put shoes on, you're coming too!' she bounced out of the room and patted him on the back.
'Doesn't change does she?' Nathan smirked as Peyton nodded.
'Nope. Still the amazing girl I know.' Peyton laughed as Haley grinned proudly.
The group sat at the pizza place just like old times. Nathan, Haley, Brooke, Peyton, Chris and Jake were sitting in a booth, waiting for their pizza.
'I think the last time we did this was like…5 years ago.' Jake said.
'No, don't be stupid Jake, it's been like 2 and a half.' Brooke hit him on the arm.
'He meant just us, without Lucas…' Haley said quietly.
'Oh, Hales, I'm sorry, I didn't mean…' Brooke stuttered.
'It's ok Brooke. I understand.' Haley smiled as Nathan squeezed her hand under the table.
'So Haley. Are you staying in Tree Hill?' Chris asked, just as the pizzas came.
'Emm, yeah I think so.' Haley said, taking a bit of pizza. 'I just need to find something to do. I can't cope with starting university one year late. I guess I'll find a job.'
'Well, actually Haley, I have a job for you. I've been recording stuff at a studio, and I kind of need someone to help me produce my record.' Jake suggested.
'What do you mean?' Haley sat up in her seat.
'Well I'm using Peyton for the album artwork, but I was hoping if you could help write out some dedications and lyrics and sorting out the album stuff. Oh, and you can give me opinions on my songs.' He grinned.
'Yeah Hales, you always had amazing music taste. You could do good there.' Peyton added.
'Oh ok, that sounds good. When do I start?' Haley asked, stirring her drink with her straw.
'Well I don't have studio time until next week, but I'll call you about it.'
'Thanks Jake. It means a lot.' Haley grinned. 'So, don't mind me asking, but are you two together?'
'Peyton and me? Yep.' Jake smiled at the blonde girl.
'Good.' Nathan smirked.
'Yip it is.' Brooke laughed cheerfully. 'Now we all have someone!'
'Wait, Haley and Nathan don't…' Chris put in.
Peyton, Brooke, Haley and Nathan suddenly started a coughing fit.
Brooke stopped coughing and looked at Peyton. 'Wait, why are you coughing?'
'Because I kind of walked in on them getting freaky in the counter…Oh shit.'
'Peyton!' Haley whined.
'You two are together?' Jake asked as he and Chris looked between the two young adults.
'Maybe…' Nathan spoke slowly.
'About time.' Chris sighed.
'Chris!' Brooke cried. 'Don't be rude. Haley was with Lucas!'
'But that was never going to last, even if they got married.' Chris just shrugged.
'I loved Lucas!' Haley cut in.
'Yeah, but you were just going to get with Nathan.' Jake added.
'He's right Haley.' Peyton piped up.
'GUYS! Can we please stop it? Lucas is gone, and none of you know what would have happened if he was still here!' Haley cried, standing up. 'I'll see you guys later.' She turned and walked away.
'Guys, you totally just screwed up.' Brooke sighed, tears falling down her face.
Nathan sighed. 'Why would you do that?'
'We were just joking around Nate.' Chris said, shrugging. 'It's no big deal.'
'No big deal? That girl has been to hell and back, and you say it's no big deal?' Nathan yelled.
'Yeah. It is no big deal.' Chris challenged, standing up. 'It was two bloody years ago, and she's always had you. Haley never needed Lucas, she would always have you. She should stop trying to get sympathy and get over herself.'
'Watch your mouth!' Brooke yelled.
'It's just the truth! We all got over it, why can't she?'
'She was married to the guy!' Brooke cried. 'How can you expect her to move on?'
'Because she never loved him, she always loved Nathan more!'
'Stop it! Stop saying things like that! You don't know Haley! Stop trying to pretend that you know her as well as me, or Brooke, or Peyton does! Because you don't! And I swear, if you mess with her again I will personally come over and kick your…'
'Nathan! He's not worth it!' Brooke tried to pull Nathan away.
'No, but he doesn't stick his nose in to something that is none of his business.'
'Well it is my business, considering I got your scholarship because you dropped off the team, because of some chick.'
'What the hell has come over you man, Haley is not just some chick. She was Lucas' chick, she's my chick. And hell if you don't understand what it's like to loose someone so close to you, then you shouldn't be butting in at all.'
'What's come over me? What's come over you? You mope about for two years, then you suddenly come out here and start bossing people around? You can't do that! Haley is just a girl, why does she change you?'
'Haley is not just a girl, so stay out of it!' Nathan yelled walking away.
Brooke walked up and slapped Chris. 'That's a new low.'
'Haley, what are you doing?' Nathan walked in, indicating the laptop and the newspapers scattered all over the floor.
'I'm looking for a place to stay.' Haley spoke simply.
'Why? I thought you were going to stay here?'
'Nope. Look Nathan people obviously don't approve of us. It's a bad idea.'
'What made you think that? People were saying we were always going to end up together?'
'They made fun of Lucas Nathan. They said I didn't love him. They said we wouldn't have lasted!' Haley cried, standing up.
'Haley please don't cry.' Nathan walked over and cupped her face in his hands. 'You and Lucas were in love. The guys, they don't know anything.'
'I loved Lucas. But I love you Nathan, is that so wrong?'
'Not when I love you too.' Nathan smiled as he leaned down to kiss her.
'Brooke, what are you doing?' Chris asked, walking in.
'Packing your stuff. I want you out of my sight.'
'What, why?' Chris walked over to Brooke and tried to kiss her.
'Get off me! You know what? We're done.'
'Why is everyone acting like psychos?' Chris sighed.
'No.' Brooke pointed her finger at him. 'You're the psycho in this situation. My best friend's fiancé dies, and you throw it about in her face. And then you stick your nose in other people's business? Oh no, not cool!'
'I did nothing of the sort!'
'Don't deny it! I finally saw you clearly for the first time today, the way you treated me, the way you treated Nathan, and the way you fucked about Haley! Stay out of my sight!' Brooke yelled, pushing Chris out of the door and slamming it in his face.
ok, so i hope you liked that chapter. the reason i changed chase to chris is because i love chase, but i needed the argument to happen, so i thought i should just use chris, and get him out of the picture. :)
