Sorry for the wait, but I'm here with the next chapter of Crash! Once again thank you to all of you that have been reviewing this story. I know a lot of you are getting frustrated with Haley just know that her attitude about relationships and love is leading to some serious character development! Well without further ramblings read, enjoy and review!

Disclaimer: I do not own One Tree Hill

Chapter 9

"The flight must be delayed." Haley explained apologetically.

"It's cool Hales." Lucas waved off.

"Thanks for coming with me." Haley smiled.

"It's no problem." He chuckled. "You excited?"

"Yes." Haley nodded enthusiastically. "I've missed Brooke so much."

"So I have a question." Lucas stated hesitantly.

"Yeah?" Haley replied distractedly looking around the airport trying to spot her friend.

"You wanna tell me what happened between you and Nathan?"

"What?" Haley questioned looking over at him.

"Seriously Hales?" Lucas questioned. "You guys have been weird at school the past couple days."

"Nathan is just giving me some space." Haley explained.

"Space that you asked for?"

"No." Haley shook her head. "Nathan made the conclusion that I needed space all by himself."

"Listen Hales, Nathan really-"

"HALEY JAMES." A familiar voice broke the two friends out of their conversation. Haley looked up to see a familiar brunette running full speed towards her.

"Brookie!" Haley laughed and ran towards her friend embracing her immediately.

"I missed you friend." Brooke smiled softly.

"I missed you too." Haley laughed.

The sound of Lucas clearing his throat brought the two friends out of their embrace. "Well, who's this?"

Haley rolled her eyes at her friends flirtatious tone and the smirk that was adorning Lucas' face. "That took all of two seconds." Haley quipped. "Lucas this is Brooke."

"Hi." He smiled.

"Hey, handsome."

"Brooke, you seriously left me to carry all your shit?" A new voice came up to the trio and Haley's eyes widened at the person in front of her.

"Julian?"

"Hey, Hales." He smiled pulling her in for a hug.

Haley got over her shock and immediately shot a look over to Brooke who was all of the sudden finding the floor very interesting.

"What are you doing here?" She questioned.

"Davis didn't tell you?" He questioned back.

"No, Davis didn't tell me." She practically gritted out towards Brooke.

"So Lucas was it?" Brooke turned to the confused looking blonde next to her.

Julian rolled his eyes before turning to Haley. "My parents and Brooke's parents planned to take a thanksgiving vacation together in Catalina."

"Okay." Haley answered confused. "That still doesn't explain what you're doing here."

"When my parents found out that Brooke was coming to visit you they figured I would just be causing trouble on my own in Catalina without Brooke and they didn't want me ruining their vacation so they thought it would be a great idea for me to go visit my girlfriend."

"The Bakers think you guys are still going out." Brooke added.

"My parents haven't become any less attentive since we broke up which is pretty sad considering we haven't been together for awhile now."

"Wait." Lucas interrupted. "You two used to go out?"

"Yeah, last year." Haley explained.

"Travis is going to love this." He laughed.

"Thanks Pucas." Haley gritted out.

"Brooke said she checked in with you and your brother said it was cool."

"I didn't not want to visit you!" Brooke yelled out. "My parents weren't gonna let me go unless it was with Julian!"

"Nathan is going to love this." Lucas laughed.

Haley glared at him before turning to Julian. "Look, I'm sorry I wasn't so welcoming...this is just a surprise."

"It's cool James." He waved off. "So are we gonna head home or just stand around all day?" He joked.

"Travis is going to kill you." Lucas laughed.

"Lucas!" Haley yelled. "I don't need any more commentary on my current situation."

"Someone's grouchy." Brooke mumbled.

Haley rolled her eyes before speaking again. "Let's just go home. Julian you're gonna have to lay low, maybe I can convince my brother that he still needs to raise me until I'm 18 so I can't have him murdering you and then going to jail." She turned towards the exit of the airport, Brooke trailing after her apologizing profusely.

"I'm kinda scared." Julian turned towards Lucas.

Lucas chuckled before patting him on the back. "You should be."

"Haley are you fucking kidding me?" Travis exclaimed pacing around the kitchen.

"Will you lower your voice?" Haley shushed.

"You want your ex boyfriend to stay here for thanksgiving weekend?" He stated incredulously.

"Yeah my ex, as in we're not together anymore!" Haley pointed out.

"Haley." Travis groaned.

"Travis you won't even know he's here! You have Clay and Lindsey to keep you preoccupied, besides where else is he going to go?"

Travis sighed before shaking his head. "He sleeps on the couch."

"Done." Haley nodded.

Travis rolled his eyes before grabbing his keys to his motorcycle off the kitchen island. "Where are you going?" Haley questioned.

"I'm going to Lindsey's and then we're gonna go pick up Clay at the airport and grab dinner. I'll be back later tonight…try not to cause too much trouble."

Haley followed Travis out of the kitchen and towards the front door. "Brooke is sleeping in your room, Clay has the spare."

"Okay." Haley nodded. "Thanks Trav."

He nodded half-heartedly. "I didn't really have a choice, did I?"

Haley laughed. "Not really." She sighed a sound of relief when Travis walked out of the front door and slowly made her way to the living room.

"Sorry." Julian stated sheepishly once she had entered the room.

Haley scoffed at the sight of Lucas and Brooke flirting like there was no tomorrow before turning to Julian. "They've been like this the entire time?"

"Pretty much." Julian nodded.

"You have the couch." Haley stated sitting in the chair by him.

"What we can't share a bed like old times?" He teased.

"You're funny." She replied dryly.

"I'm just playing with you." He waved off. "Besides…me and Bevin are kinda a thing now."

"You and Bevin Mirsky?" Haley questioned.

"Yes." Julian defended. "Is that so hard to believe?"

"Well, Brooke told me you guys were hanging out but I didn't think that you could stop being an asshole for long enough to score a girlfriend." She smiled cheekily.

"Nice to know the queen of gossip over there is still keeping you in the loop." He glared.

"Are you guys talking about me?" Brooke called out.

"Yup." Haley nodded.

Lucas laughed before standing up from his spot on the couch. "I'm off, I have to go meet Nathan."

Brooke eyebrow rose at the name. "Who's Nathan?"

"Oh, he's my cousin and Haley's-"

"Okay!" Haley called out interrupting whatever Lucas was about to say. "Thanks for coming with me to the airport."

"No problem." Lucas laughed. "Nice meeting you guys." He smiled over at Brooke.

"Same to you Broody." She smirked.

"I'm gonna puke." Haley mumbled.

"I heard that." Lucas whispered as he past her on his way to the door. "I'll see you guys tomorrow for dinner."

"Luke." Haley called after him following him hastily outside onto the front porch.

"What's up?" He questioned turning to face her.

"Um, you're not gonna tell Nathan about Julian are you?" She asked hesitantly.

Lucas laughed loudly. "That's all you buddy."

"Haley, I'm sorry." Brooke whined plopping down next to her friend on the bed.

"You could've given me a heads up." Haley stated.

"Are you still into Julian?" Brooke questioned.

When Haley sent her a glare she let out a laugh. "Just checking."

"Dinner is going to be so awkward tomorrow." Haley groaned.

"Is Lucas coming over?" Brooke asked excitedly.

"We're going to his place."

"Dinner is going to be so much fun tomorrow." Brooke clapped.

"Yeah, fun." Haley rolled her eyes sarcastically.

"What's up with you miss grouchy pants?" Brooke questioned mockingly. "You and Julian are friends."

"Yeah, and as my friend I'm concerned for his well being."

"What are you talking about?" Brooke asked exasperated.

"Nathan is going to be at dinner." Haley pointed out.

"I'm guessing Nathan is boy toy?" Brooke smiled knowingly.

Haley nodded slowly. "So what's the deal with you guys?"

"I wish I could tell you Brookie." Haley sighed.

"Haley, do you like him?" Brooke questioned bluntly.

When Haley nodded Brooke laughed. "Then do something about it dummy."

"Clay!" Travis yelled out when he saw his friend coming out from the airport.

"Hey, man." Clay smiled walking towards him. Travis noticed a brunette standing next to him and he decided to speak up.

"Hi." Travis nodded.

"This is Quinn." Clay introduced. "Quinn, this is Travis and Lindsey."

"Hi." Quinn waved. "Thanks for letting me crash your Thanksgiving."

Travis looked at Clay who only shrugged in response. Lindsey gave him a slight nudge and he spoke up. "No problem."

"We should get going." Lindsey smiled. "Come on, my car is this way." Lindsey and Quinn fell into step with each other and walked a little ahead of the boys.

"Seriously?" Travis questioned.

"Dude, she's hot right?" Clay smiled.

"Thanks for the heads up dumbass."

"What?" Clay stated innocently. "Dude she was stranded in New York for Thanksgiving, she couldn't get to Utah to be with her family so I asked if she wanted to come along."

Travis shook his head before sighing. "I have to call Karen and apologize for the army I will be bringing over tomorrow."

"Dude, it's me you and Hales plus Quinn. It's not that big of a deal."

"Yeah plus Lindsey and Brooke and Julian." Travis stated exasperatedly.

"Julian?" Clay questioned confused.

"Don't even get me started."

"Well, I'm off." Brooke smiled walking into the living room where Julian and Haley were talking.

"Where are you going?" Haley questioned confused.

"Dinner with Lucas." Brooke smiled.

"Are you serious right now?" Haley asked disbelievingly.

"Look Hales we'll talk later tonight."

"Brooke!" Haley called after her friend's retreating figure.

"Love you!" She called out.

"Brooke!" Haley was immediately met with the sound of the door closing and turned her body when she heard chuckling from besides her.

"Are you really surprised?" Julian laughed.

"No." Haley scoffed. "Looks like it's just you and me for dinner Baker."

"Just like old times." He smiled swinging an arm around her shoulder.

"Please don't touch me." Haley shrugged his arm off.

Julian laughed loudly. "What'd I say? Just like old times."

"Shut up." Haley laughed. "Let's go."

"Thanks for paying." Haley stated while leading her friend over to an abandoned picnic table overlooking the dock.

"No worries." Julian shrugged while taking a bite of his pizza. "I figure it's the least I can do since you not only saved my life from your brother but were nice enough not to ditch me tonight."

"So how's life back home?" Haley questioned.

"Same shit." Julian laughed. "I'm kind of excited to go to college in a couple years, see what else the world has to offer."

"But until then it's party central in LA right?" Haley stated knowingly.

"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."

"Or leave them as the case may be with me." Haley joked.

"Well how's North Carolina treating you?" Julian asked in a somewhat mocking tone.

"Really good actually." Haley smiled.

"I'm glad, you seem happier Hales." He noted.

"I am." Haley nodded. "I know I joke around a lot about what an asshole you were but you know I'm just kidding around right?"

"You're asking if I know I'm awesome?" Julian quipped. "Yes, I do…contrary to popular belief I never needed that confirmation from you."

"I'm serious!" Haley laughed while shoving his shoulder. "You're a good person…just try not to get caught up with the wrong people." She advised.

Julian shrugged. "I've been with Bevin a lot lately so I haven't really hung around Damian or Felix that much."

"Good." Haley stated bluntly. "So you and Bevin? How exactly did that happen?" She laughed.

"I know, everyone's weirded out by it but it works." Julian smiled. "I really like her Hales."

"It probably helps that she's sleeping with you." Haley pointed out.

"Be nice." He scolded.

"I am being nice!" She defended. "I'm glad you're with someone who can give you what you want."

"It was never about that with us." Julian pointed out.

"I know." Haley nodded. "And that is why I know that you're not like Felix or Damien, you never pressured be once throughout our relationship and you didn't go around saying that I was sleeping with you when I wasn't."

Julian smiled at Haley before speaking up. "For the record."

"Here we go." Haley sighed. "You couldn't just let us have a nice moment Baker?"

"I just want to know if you've found the right person to lose it to."

"I'm glad you're that comfortable to ask me about my sex life." Haley retorted sarcastically.

"Just a question." Julian laughed.

"For the record, no." Haley answered. She looked out into the river hoping that Julian would drop the subject altogether. Julian never knew the real reason for Haley's insecurities with intimacy. He just took her not wanting to have sex for face value of her telling him that she wasn't ready. He never pressured her or told the guys different and for that Haley would be eternally grateful.

"I get it." Julian smiled. "We'll change the subject."

"Thank you." Haley laughed softly before turning to face him. "So tell me how you and Bevin got together."

"Tim, you need to learn how to talk to girls." Skills shoved him on the shoulder.

"I know how to talk to girls." Tim defended.

"Right." Nathan laughed.

"Don't be hating on the Timster."

"That right there!" Skills pointed out. "Stop with the nicknames."

Tim laughed. "You're jealous, I get it."

"Tim where are you going?" Nathan questioned once his friend walked further down the market street docks.

"I need to go to the pharmacy and get condoms."

Nathan stared at Skills who only tried to stifle a laugh in the process. "I'll meet you guys at the Café." Tim stated.

"Actually I need to stop by and get something for my pops." Skills nodded.

"I'll come with." Nathan joined his two friends.

"You guys ready for the game against Pinkerton?" Tim questioned.

"Please." Nathan scoffed falling into step with his friend. "If we don't win that game we don't deserve to even compete for a spot in the state championship game."

"Is that Haley?" Tim pointed out.

Nathan's ears immediately perked at the sound of her name and he followed Tim's gaze to a couple sitting on a picnic table, eating pizza and laughing. The girl was definitely Haley - what was bugging Nathan was the guy she was sitting with.

"Hales!" Tim called out.

"Tim." Nathan gritted out. Haley turned around and smiled when she saw the familiar faces. Tim and Skills were already walking towards her so Nathan had no choice but to follow. Too late.

"Hey." Haley smiled at Tim and Skills.

Nathan slowly walked up to the group and Haley focused her eyes on him. "Hi, Nate." To which he nodded in return.

An awkward silence fell upon the teenagers before the sound of Julian clearing his throat brought Haley out of her thoughts.

"Oh!" She exclaimed. "Sorry, guys this is my friend Julian, Julian this is Tim, Skills and Nathan."

"Nice to meet you guys." Julian nodded. Nathan remained silent staring at Haley.

"How do you guys know each other?" Skills questioned.

"California." Haley answered trying to ignore Nathan's gaze. "Julian is visiting with my friend Brooke for Thanksgiving."

"Cool." Tim nodded. "So you guys have known each other for awhile?"

"We used to date." Julian laughed.

Haley internally groaned at his admission and snuck a glance over at Nathan who was busily looking anywhere but in her direction. "Hey Tim," He spoke up. "Don't you have to go to the pharmacy?"

"Yeah." Tim nodded.

"Nice meeting you guys." Julian nodded.

"Later." Skills waved.

"Nathan." Haley called out.

He turned to her and Haley wanted to bang her head against the picnic table repeatedly because she figured if she was unconscious she wouldn't have to face the look that Nathan was giving her at this exact moment.

"I'll talk to you later Haley." He spoke curtly. "Have fun."

"That was semi awkward." Julian pointed out once the trio had left.

"Let's just head home." Haley sighed dejectedly.

"Where have you been?" Nathan questioned once Lucas entered his room.

"What're you doing here?" Lucas asked taking off his jacket and taking a seat on his bed.

Nathan sighed before closing the laptop he was using on Lucas' desk. "My dad left earlier than expected so your dad wanted me to stay here."

"Cool." Lucas nodded.

"So where were you? You bolted out of the river court earlier today without an explanation."

"I was on a date." Lucas smirked.

"You were on a date?" Nathan questioned skeptically.

"Yup." He nodded.

"With who?"

"Brooke Davis." He smiled.

"Haley's friend?"

"Yeah, dude she is amazing." Lucas spoke animatedly.

"Well I'm glad the whole girl situation is working out for one of us." Nathan sighed.

"What are you talking about?"

"I ran into Haley at the docks."

"Okay…" Lucas nodded not getting where his cousin was going.

"She was having dinner with her ex-boyfriend." He stated dejectedly.

"Julian." Lucas nodded.

"You know this kid?" Nathan asked confused.

"I went with Hales to the airport earlier this morning."

"Well, thanks for the warning asshole." Nathan rolled his eyes.

"I didn't know he was coming!" Lucas defended. "And for what it's worth Haley didn't either."

"Great, he came to surprise her." Nathan scoffed.

"It's not like that Nate." Lucas shook his head. "They're friends."

"Friends that used to be in a relationship." Nathan pointed out. "Haley keeps telling me that she's not looking for a relationship but she clearly has no problem going back to past ones."

"You need to calm down and stop jumping to conclusions." Lucas advised. "Have you even talked to her?"

"No." Nathan shook his head.

"Just sleep it off, you're in for a long day tomorrow."

"Why?" Nathan asked confused.

"You forgot?" Lucas chuckled. "The James clan and company are going to be here for Thanksgiving dinner."

"Do me a favor and hold a pillow over my face during the middle of the night." Nathan commented dryly.

"And miss the awkwardness of tomorrow?" Lucas laughed. "Not happening buddy."