Hey guys! Sorry it's taken me so long to get this up but it's pretty long so I'm hoping that makes up for it! I know that Haley is starting to get frustrating but it's a build up! A special thank you to those of you who have continually reviewed this story. This story hasn't been doing as well review wise as my past ones so I don't know if it isn't appealing to people or what but seriously the feedback that I do receive instantly makes my day better. Anyway I'll stop with my rambling and let you all get to the story!

Disclaimer: I do not own One Tree Hill

Chapter 8

"Was that your jump shot?" Nathan asked with a laugh catching the ball that Haley had just thrown. "Because if that was your jump shot I can't date you anymore."

Haley rolled her eyes and smiled.

"It's a good thing we aren't dating then, Scott."

"Still in denial James?" He shrugged. "It's cool, I know you think I'm sexy."

"To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Nothing, I'm meeting Tim and a couple of the guys for a pickup game. Finding you was just a bonus." He smiled.

"You think you're so charming don't you?"

"It's worked in the past."

"I'm meeting Luke here." She explained.

He nodded. "So what are you up to tonight?"

"Nothing, but something tells me you're about to make plans for the both of us."

He laughed and nodded. "Karen's opening back up Tric tonight, it was a club she started with my mom right before she passed…anyway Karen wanted some renovations done on it so it's been closed for about six months but tonight's the grand re-opening."

"Sounds like fun." She smiled.

"It should be, I was actually wondering if you wanted to go together." He paused before continuing. "Non date like, of course."

Haley laughed and looked at him. This place was probably really important to Nathan. It was something that was a part of his mother and he was asking her to spend the night with him. She knew he had added the part about it being a non-date for her own sake. He didn't want to scare her off. They had agreed to casual fun – they had a fleeting moment of vulnerability on the back porch of one of Rachel's parties two weeks ago but Haley had quickly averted them back to their flirtatious banter and light demeanor. Despite Nathan made it no secret that he wanted something more and lately whatever they were strongly resembled a relationship. She let that thought out of her head and focused on the fact that Nathan was sharing something really personal and meaningful to him with her.

She smiled and nodded her head. "I would love to go with you Nathan."

"Great." He smiled. "So you excited for Thanksgiving next week?"

"Yeah." Haley nodded. "Brooke is actually coming to town."

"That's cool," He nodded. "I can tell you've missed her."

"Yeah." She agreed. "Well, what about you?"

"What about me?"

"You're not excited about the endless amounts of turkey and pie you will undoubtedly be consuming?"

"Um, I'm excited my dad is going to be in Washington for a business trip which means I won't have to endure the awkward family dinner where he grills me about basketball and Keith tries to defuse the situation."

Haley chuckled. "Sounds like fun."

"Oh, Scott dinners are a blast." He nodded sarcastically.

"Looks like we'll be spending thanksgiving together then." She added.

"What do you mean?"

"I told Karen about Brooke coming over and Clay is coming down again to spend Thanksgiving with us too and I think she saw how overwhelmed I was about the notion of cooking a thanksgiving dinner for the four of us so she insisted we join in."

"This could be fun." He laughed.

"Don't forget Travis and Clay will be there too."

"I take back what I said about it being fun."

She laughed and shoved his shoulder. "Shut up."

"Nate dawg ready to get your ass beat by the Timster?"

Haley laughed loudly as Tim approached her and Nathan and she saw Nathan shake his head at his friend's choice of words. "You're white Tim."

"I know, I'm not color-blind homie."

Haley chuckled. "Have fun."

"Where are you going?" Nathan questioned.

"Lucas is taking too long, if he shows up just tell him I'll meet him at the record store."

Nathan nodded. "I'll see you tonight?"

"Yeah." Haley smiled and threw the basketball she was holding towards Nathan who caught it easily. "Pick me up around nine?"

"See you then Hales."

"What's going on tonight?" Tim asked once Haley was out of earshot.

"I'm going to Tric with Haley."

"You hit that?"

"I'm going to hit you." Nathan gritted out.

"Relax." Tim laughed.

"It's not like that with Haley." Nathan explained.

"I know." Tim nodded. "Just a heads up though."

"What?"

"There are some rumors going around town."

"When aren't there rumors going around town?" Nathan questioned sarcastically throwing the ball he was holding towards the net.

"Yeah, but these rumors involve you." Tim replied hesitantly.

"Since when have I cared what people are saying about me Tim?" Nathan sighed.

"Yeah, but they also involve a crazy psycho brunette."

"What?" Nathan questioned confused. "Just spit it out Tim."

"There are some rumors going around that Teresa has her sights set on you."

"What are you talking about?"

"Yo, I'm just telling you what I hear. She's threatened by a certain blonde hottie you've been spending time with and you have just added fuel to her fire my friend."

"Great." Nathan groaned.

"I'd watch out at Tric tonight." Tim suggested. "She's probably gonna be there."

"Are you gonna be there?" Nathan asked.

"Yeah." Tim nodded grabbing the basketball from Nathan and spinning it in his hand.

"You have to distract her!" Nathan pleaded.

"Nope." Tim laughed.

"Tim, seriously!" Nathan groaned.

"Teresa is hot but she's crazy." Tim shook my head. "She's also a bitch and insults me every chance she gets….and she's not joking when she does it like you or Skills."

"Tim, I'm begging you."

"And I convinced Anna from the squad to hang out with me tonight." He continued. "She's hot and sane so I'm gonna pass up on the Teresa offer."

Nathan groaned. "I do not need this right now."

"Just relax." Tim waved off.

"I'm trying to get Haley to take me seriously, I don't think Teresa pulling shit is going to help my case." Nathan explained exasperatedly.

"You'll figure it out."

"Tonight is going to suck."

"Tonight is going to be so much fun!" Brooke squealed into the phone.

"What makes this party any different from all the other ones Damian has thrown?" Haley questioned amused going through various bins of old records.

"Nothing, but I'm so ready to just get drunk…this week has been killer." She explained.

Haley laughed at her friend. "Well, besides Damien's ragers any developments on the boy front?"

"Nope." Brooke sighed. "I'm just over it Hales."

"You switching sides on me Davis?" Haley teased.

"No." Brooke laughed. "I don't know I just want someone who isn't an asshole. Is that too much to ask for?"

"No." Haley smiled. "You'll find the right guy."

"Anyway." Brooke waved off changing subjects. "I booked my flight for Tree Hill earlier this morning."

"Brookie! You got the name right, I'm so proud of you!"

"Funny." Brooke mocked. "I'm so happy to see you, it's been almost three months!"

"I know." Haley sighed.

"Please tell me Clay is going to be there." Brooke whined.

Haley laughed loudly. "He will."

"That boy is too hot for his own good."

"I think he has a girlfriend in New York, Brookie."

"So? That doesn't mean I can't look." Brooke defended with a laugh. "You happy there Hales?"

"Yeah." Haley smiled. "With the exception of this town missing my best friend it's been good for me Brooke."

"I'm glad." Brooke replied. "I'll see you next week, James."

"Bye, Davis." Haley hung up and turned her head when she heard someone entering the record store.

"Hey." Lucas greeted walking up to Haley.

"Hey." Haley smiled. "I thought you were gonna stand me up."

"Sorry, I was helping my mom out at the club and I got caught up."

"Oh yeah Nathan told me about the grand reopening."

"Yeah, my mom has been freaking out all day." Lucas laughed. "You coming tonight?"

"Yeah, Nathan asked me to go with him." Haley nodded.

"Interesting."

"Luke."

"What?" Lucas defended. "I'm just making an observation."

"Well, observe these bins and help me find some good music you dork."

Lucas shook his head and chuckled. "Whatever, just admit that you are into Nathan."

"What you want us together now?" Haley questioned amused.

"I want you to be happy." He shrugged. "You've been through a lot Hales, you deserve it."

Haley smiled at her friend and nodded. "Thanks Luke."

"Travis!" Haley yelled into the house, it was late and Nathan was picking her up in less than an hour. She still had to shower and get ready and as much as she hated to throw Nathan into the lion's den she needed Travis to open the door for him and make conversation in case he came by before she was ready. She paused when she heard laughter coming from the kitchen. She curiously made her way towards that part of the house and was surprised with the sight in front of her.

"Hey." She greeted curiously. In front of her was Travis laughing and drinking a beer with a girl. A really pretty girl.

"Hey Hales." Travis nodded. "Uh, this is my…friend Lindsey."

Haley smiled at the pretty brunette. "Hi, I'm Travis' sister, Haley."

"Nice to meet you." Lindsey smiled.

"So how'd the two of you meet?" Haley asked.

"Oh, me and Travis went to elementary school together back before you guys moved. I saw him at a club last week; he was next to me at the bar and his friend kept yelling 'Travis James stop being such a pussy' – I recognized the name and struck up a conversation." Lindsey explained.

Haley laughed. "Sounds like Clay."

"You need something Haley?" Travis questioned. She could tell he wanted her to get the hell away and was just trying to appear like the attentive older brother.

"Yeah, actually." Haley nodded. "Nathan's coming to pick me up soon but I need to get ready so can you just let him in when he rings the bell and send him up to my room?"

Travis laughed loudly. "Send Nathan up to your room?" He looked at her before shaking his head. "Nice try, Nathan will be waiting down here for you when you're ready."

"Okay, whatever." Haley held her hands up defensively. "I just thought you'd want some alone time with your friend."

Travis shot Haley a look at the tone in her voice. She chuckled and smiled over at Lindsey who was holding back a laugh before moving to leave the kitchen. "Please be nice to Nathan!"

"Whatever." Travis mumbled.

"Friend, huh?" Lindsey smiled over at him once Haley had left the kitchen.

"Well what would you have rather me used." He challenged her.

"Girl I'm seriously crushing on would've been more accurate." She teased.

Travis laughed and shook his head. "Come on." He said holding out his hand to her.

"Where are we going?" She questioned putting her hand in his.

"The living room. We have to wait for this punk to come over and I'm not taking any chances of him sneaking in."

Lindsey laughed loudly.

"What?" Travis questioned.

"You are so the psycho older brother."

Nathan rushed around his room getting ready. He had stopped by the flower shop after the river court to pick up some flowers for Haley and now he was running late. He hastily pulled a black and grey striped sweater over his head and ran his fingers through his hair to try and make it look less disheveled.

"Nathan!" A booming voice called up the stairs and Nathan instantly groaned.

"Come on." He mumbled.

"Nathan." Dan entered his son's room and looked at his disheveled state. "Where are you going?"

Nathan sighed before turning to him. "Tric's reopening tonight, remember?"

Dan stayed silent as Nathan moved about the room. "Oh, yes…Keith mentioned something about Karen doing renovations on it."

Nathan nodded curtly. "Did you need anything?"

"I was coming to see if you wanted to go to the gym but you already have plans." Dan nodded.

Nathan looked at him weirdly as Dan turned to leave the room.

"Dad." He called out. "Are you coming tonight?"

A fleeting look of pain passed Dan face before he shook his head. "I have some conference calls to make."

Nathan nodded and mentally noted that he didn't have conference calls to make when he wanted to go to the gym two minutes ago.

"You have a good night son, your mother loved that place."

Nathan took a deep breath before knocking on the front door of Haley's house. He saw Travis' bike in the driveway so he was mentally preparing himself for an awkward encounter.

After a few moments the front door opened and Travis ushered him inside. "Hey." Nathan greeted.

"Haley's still getting ready."

"Okay." Nathan nodded awkwardly.

Travis looked down at the flowers that were in Nathan's hand and scoffed. "Come on." He nodded towards the living room and Nathan trailed behind him.

Travis sat down next to a blonde girl on the couch and Nathan stood awkwardly in the doorway.

"Well, don't just stand there Scott." Travis called out motioning to an empty chair.

Nathan sighed softly before walking over. Come on Haley.

"You're not being very welcoming." The blonde laughed before turning towards Nathan.

"I'm Lindsey, I'm Travis'-"

"She's the girl I'm seriously crushing on." Travis finished.

When Lindsey shot him a look he chuckled. "What?" He shrugged. "I thought that's how you wanted me to introduce you?"

She rolled her eyes before turning to Nathan again. "So where are you guys headed tonight?"

"My Aunt Karen is reopening her club tonight so we're going over there to show some support."

Lindsey nodded and smiled. "That's nice, how long have you and Haley been together?"

"Oh, no we're not together." Nathan shook his head.

"Oh." Lindsey stated awkwardly. "I just thought…"

"So what are you two exactly?" Travis questioned.

"Friends." Nathan answered nervously.

"Friends who go on dates and buy flowers for one another?" Travis retorted.

"You forgot skinny dipping." Nathan joked.

To his surprise Travis slightly chuckled at his statement. He got up from his spot on the couch and walked towards the stairs. "Haley come on!" He yelled. "You've left Nathan down here long enough."

"This is new." Nathan mumbled.

"What?" Lindsey questioned.

"He's actually calling me by my name."

Lindsey smiled before nodding. "He's just protective."

Nathan nodded in understanding before standing from his seat when he heard Haley coming down the stair hastily.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." She apologized walking towards him.

"It's cool." He waved off with a smile. "You ready to go?" Although he had just had what seemed like a breakthrough with Travis he wasn't about to risk it by getting too flirty with his sister right in front of him.

"Yeah." She smiled.

"These are for you." He handed her the bouquet of little purple flowers he had picked up from the store.

"Thanks Nate." She blushed slightly and Nathan gave himself an internal pat on the shoulder.

"I could put those in water for you." Lindsey offered.

"That'd be great." Haley smiled handing her the flowers.

"Have a good time!" Lindsey called out as they walked towards the door. When Travis remained silent she shoved his shoulder.

"Ow." He mumbled. "Yeah, have a good time." He called out deadpanned. Haley laughed at her brother's insincere statement before following Nathan out the front door of her house.

"They are so cute together!" Lindsey gushed once the front door closed.

"Shut up." Travis mumbled.

Lindsey laughed before leaning in towards him. "What're you doing?" He smirked.

"Trying to get that grumpy look off your face." She whispered.

"How about I kiss you for a few hours." He smiled moving his face closer to hers.

"That sounds perfect, friend." She teased.

Nathan walked Haley past the line of people waiting out front to get into Tric. "Wow, this place is crowded."

"Tell me about it." Nathan chuckled. "Then again there isn't much to do around here, that's why Karen and my mom opened the place, they thought it'd be a good place for people to see live bands and things like that…Karen does an all ages night a couple of times a month."

Haley smiled at him. "You're mom would've loved this."

"Yeah." He grinned. "She loved this place."

He reached the front of the door and greeted the bouncer. "Hey, Junk." He nodded.

"Hey, Nate." He nodded and checked off something on the clipboard and moved aside so that Haley and Nathan could pass through. "You better head inside, Karen's been asking me if you came yet every five minutes."

Nathan laughed and patted Junk on the shoulder. He grabbed Haley's hand in his and led her inside. "Thanks man."

"Wow." Haley exclaimed once she had walked into the club. "This place is amazing, Nathan."

"Yeah, it looks really good." Nathan smiled when he saw a piece of art hanging on the wall opposite of the front door.

"Somebody told me that this is the place where everything's better and everything's safe." Haley read the sign out loud once she saw Nathan staring at him. "I like that." She smiled.

"My mom used to say that." He turned to her. "She used to say that about Tree Hill."

Haley smiled softly at him. "Nathan!" Karen exclaimed running over to the pair.

"Hey Aunt Karen, the place looks great."

"Thanks sweetie." Karen smiled. "Could you do me a favor and go downstairs and bring up the cases of beer by the door? I already have Lucas doing something for me."

"Yeah, no problem." Nathan nodded hesitantly. He could tell his aunt needed the help but he really wanted to hang out with Haley. He also wanted to make sure that Teresa stayed far away from her.

"Thanks Nathan!" She hastily ran away towards the bar leaving Nathan and Haley alone.

"Sorry." He apologized turning towards her.

"It's no problem." She waved off. "Go help Karen, I think I see Peyton and Rachel over there." Haley pointed to a booth in the corner of the club and Nathan nodded when he saw the red head and blonde laughing over something.

"I'll come find you when I'm done." He leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek before disappearing towards the back.

Haley smiled at his retreating figure and then moved to make her way towards the back booth where Rachel and Peyton were seated.

"Hey guys." She greeted taking a seat next to Peyton.

"Well, look who it is." Rachel smirked.

"What?" Haley questioned defensively.

"We couldn't help but noticed who you walked in with." Peyton smiled.

"Where's Jake?" Haley retorted.

"Not gonna work, James." Peyton laughed. "Me and Jake are actually together…unlike whatever it is you and Nate have going on."

Rachel shook her head and laughed. "It's obvious blondie here isn't going to fess up to her feelings so why don't we hit the dance floor."

"I'm in." Haley smiled grateful that the attention was getting taken off of her.

"I'm gonna wait for Jake." Peyton declined.

"What else is new?" Rachel teased.

"Whatever." Peyton scoffed. "Have fun being a hoe."

"I will." Rachel laughed before linking her arms with Haley and dragging her towards the dance floor.

"Rachel, I need a break." Haley laughed dragging her off the dance floor. They had danced for about five songs when Haley had decided she needed a drink. Well, that and she was starting to wonder where Nathan went.

"Amateur." Rachel teased.

Haley chuckled and smiled at her friends once she had reached the table. "Hey Jake, Skills."

"What's up shortie." Skills nodded.

"Where are Luke and Nathan?" Rachel questioned.

"They were here earlier but Karen needed them for something." Jake explained.

Haley nodded and looked around the club for Nathan but he was nowhere in sight. She took a sip of her coke that was on the table before turning to Rachel. "I'm going to the bathroom, if Nathan comes by tell him I'll be right back."

Rachel nodded with a knowing smile. "No problem."

Haley made her way through the hoards of people before finally entering the bathroom. She made her way over to the mirror and pulled out her lip-gloss from her purse. The sound of the door opening made her turn her head and she had to let out an internal groan. Teresa had just entered the bathroom and was making a beeline for Haley.

"Well, well if it isn't miss popular." She started out.

Haley chuckled before shaking her head and turning back towards the mirror. "I'm listening."

Teresa looked at her weirdly. "What?"

"You obviously have something to say to me, given the fact that you just busted in here Mean Girls style…so just say it." Haley answered focusing on applying her lip-gloss.

"This thing between you and Nathan is a joke." Teresa spoke up.

"Is that it?" Haley questioned.

"I just want you to know your place." Teresa shrugged. "You waltzing in here acting like you own the place, it's pathetic. Before you showed up you think Nathan was this caring and attentive? He was an asshole. You're just a challenge - one he'll get bored of."

Haley smiled before turning to the brunette. "Are you done?"

"Why do you have a witty come back?" Teresa questioned.

"Yes, I do." Haley smiled. "I want you to know your place." Haley pointed out. "Don't come in here thinking you can say some mean words and threaten me, it doesn't work like that honey."

She shook her head before continuing. "Whatever is going on between me and Nathan is our business. And what's pathetic is that even if all this was a challenge like you say it is and he did end up getting bored of me you think he'd coming running to you? Nathan's told me about how much you annoy him. I think the exact words he used were stage five clinger."

She smirked at the look on Teresa's face. "So the next time you think you can corner me in a bathroom and try to intimidate me you better come up with some better things to say." She shrugged and moved towards the door of the bathroom leaving a disgruntled looking Teresa behind.

"Are you okay?" Nathan questioned. He walked behind Haley up to her front porch and followed her lead by taking a seat next to her on the top step. "I'm sorry we didn't get that much time to hang out tonight…I didn't know Karen would be needing so much help."

"It's okay." Haley nodded. "I understand."

"Well something else is going on." Nathan stated. "You've been acting different all night."

Haley sighed. "Sorry." She said sheepishly.

"What's going on in that pretty head of yours?"

She sent him a smile at his sweet words before debating on telling him about her encounter in the bathroom. "Um, when you were helping Karen I went to the bathroom to fix my makeup."

"Okay…" Nathan stated.

"And Teresa walked in." Haley finished.

"Shit." Nathan mumbled.

"Yeah, shit." She joked.

"Listen Haley, whatever she said is just bullshit. Tim told me she was going to pull something but I was so busy helping out with Karen that I couldn't look out for you." He explained apologetically.

Haley laughed before shaking her head. "I handled her just fine myself."

"What did she say?" He questioned.

"Just that you were an asshole before me and that you'll always be an asshole so I should just know my place and stop wasting my time."

Nathan sighed before shaking his head. "It amazes me that people who know nothing about me can just say shit without any validation."

"I know you." Haley smiled grabbing his hand in her. "You're not an asshole, Nathan."

"Not anymore." He shook his head. "You make me want to be a better person, Haley."

"That's funny considering I'm pretty screwed up myself." She teased.

He looked at her before turning to face her completely. "I want to be with you Haley."

"You are with me."

"You know what I mean." He shook his head. "I want to get out of this weird having fun casual thing we are and be with you."

Haley shook her head. "Nathan."

"Why are you so scared?" He questioned.

"I'm just not ready for a relationship." She explained.

"If you don't like me like that then just tell me."

"Of course I like you like that, I wouldn't be going on dates and telling you things I hardly tell anyone and kissing you if I didn't."

"Then what is the problem?" He sighed exasperated. When she failed to speak up his nodded softly and got up from the porch. "I'll see you at school, Haley."

"Nathan." Haley called out softly.

"It's cool Hales, you need time. I get it." He smiled gently at her before making his way to his car.

When he had completely pulled out of her driveway Haley banged her head against her knees that were pulled up to her chest. "Why is this so hard?"