DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything which sucks
AN: I apologise profusely for the long wait. I have been busy in my real life and unfortunetly this has been the victim. However I have been trying to work on my chapters. I know the lack of Naley in my updates is frustrating but the other characters serve their purpose for the longterm. This is most definetly a naley and they are the heroes of the story but we all need friends. Thanks to everyone who has read reviewed and favoyrited this story your support means alot and u hope I can repay you by getting the next chapter up asap! So as always I hope you enjoy this update and let me know what you think!
CHAPTER EIGHT
Nathan tried to concentrate on the road ahead of him. It had been a week since he'd last seen or even spoken to Haley. He knew she was mad. Actually furious would be a better description. Nathan hated hurting her, the look of frustration, pain and hurt and anger killed him. But he couldn't do it. Nathan loved Haley more than he ever knew was possible and the moment he realised that was the moment he promised himself he would do whatever it took to protect her. Even if he had to protect her from himself. But Haley didn't see it that way. And he'd be damned if he let himself take advantage of her in anyway.
It had to be right. Haley deserved that and he was gonna give her that. Letting her first time be makeup sex was just not gonna cut it. Haley didn't understand and honestly a lot of the time he didn't either. But at the end of the day he wanted everything to be perfect for Haley. So he was going to wait until the time was right and it could be and would be perfect for her. Even if he knew he wasn't.
As Nathan took the Charlotte turn-off he took a deep breath. He wasn't that far from the hotel and he knew Haley was already there getting ready for the ball with his Mom and Brooke. Deb had been a little tyrannical about the ball and he couldn't wait for it to be over. But first he needed to gather his courage and talk to Haley. He had suffered for a week and it was a week too long for Nathan. She had been ducking his calls and being away at Durham meant he couldn't just drop in on her. And he couldn't hide just how much he missed her. God he loved that girl and he couldn't wait to see her beautiful face and kiss her senseless. If she'd let him that is. Haley could be scary when she wanted to be, and she was pissed. He would make it up to her and then hopefully make out with her.
He smirked to himself as he pulled up in front of the Ritz Carlton Hotel. His mom had booked rooms for the night and the girls were upstairs getting ready. Nathan parked and handed his keys to the valet while slinging his duffel bag across his body. He'd planned on getting to the hotel earlier but had a late practice. He reached the desk and found his mom had already checked him in and Lucas had also arrived. Taking his swipe-key Nathan made his way to the elevators and his and Luke's room.
Nathan unlocked the door and found Lucas sitting on the edge of the far double bed lifting a small hand weight.
"Getting a workout in Brooke?" Nathan greeted with a snicker as he walked in and dumped his bag on the first bed.
"Hey man" Lucas nodded as he used the weight to do a bicep curl.
"What's going on? Need me to spot you?" Nathan mocked
"Wouldn't want you to hurt yourself, I know how much you need your right hand" Lucas chuckled as he continued to do his reps
"Yeah, I'll need it to smash your face"
"You've got to relieve stress and tension somehow" Lucas snickered
"You really do want me to hit you?" Nathan growled
"Geez what's wrong man? I was kidding" Lucas said with a raised eyebrow
"Nothing man, it's been a long day" Nathan ran a hand through hair before flopping down on the bed. 'Or a long week' he thought.
"Well be prepared it's just gonna get longer. And thank yourself lucky you weren't here earlier" Lucas winced
"Why?" Nathan turned his head to look at Lucas
"Your mom is a party nazi"
"I could've told you that"
"I thought Brooke was bad, but man your mom is on a whole other level"
"Where do you think Brooke gets it from?"
"That's a scary thought"
"Just wait till they're planning your wedding" Nathan put his hands behind his head
"W-wedding?"
"Brookezilla won't even begin to describe what you're in for man"
"Www-edding?"
"Don't looks so shocked. The moms have been planning since the minute you two got together" Nathan pointed out
"So what's this ball tonight for?" Lucas asked brightly
"Nice redirect" Nathan guffawed
"Yeah so anyway, the ball. Why's it so important?"
"I dunno" Nathan shrugged "Another chance for Dan to kiss some corporate high roller ass? He's been on this surge of snapping up fleet sales so probably just $$$ in his eyes"
"And it always helps to parade around the all-american perfect children"
"Too bad he gets Brooke" Nathan snickered
"She seems to love this though" Lucas mused
"She loves the shoes and the dress and the limit increase on her credit card. She loves the rest of it about as much as I do" Nathan said sarcastically
"And you're gonna love it even more when you see the tux you have to wear"
"Ugh" Nathan groaned
"It's era appropriate and 'southern elegance at it's best' or so your mom says" Lucas quoted using finger brackets
"In other words it's uncomfortable, ugly and over the top" Nathan rolled his eyes
"More like very detailed"
"What do you think my parents would say if I wore my sneakers?" Nathan chuckled
"Nice knowing you" Lucas retorted
"So did my mom say what time we have to be ready? I was kinda hoping to se Hales before"
"Soon I think." Lucas checked his watch as there was a sharp knock on the door. "Or now" Lucas put down his small weight and moved over to open the door.
"Lucas why are you not dressed yet?" Deb asked as she rushed past him into the room.
"Hi to you too Deb" Lucas muttered as he glanced at Nathan who hadn't moved.
"Nathan Royal Scott get off your lazy ass and get off that bed right now!" she ordered
"Hi mom" Nathan greeted sarcastically
"Don't hi mom me; why didn't you call the minute you got here?"
"I was busy" he excused
"Clearly not getting ready" she huffed
"Lucas needed me to spot him" Nathan smirked while Lucas rolled his eyes
"This isn't a locker room!" Deb put her hands on her hips
"You get dressed in both" Nathan pointed out
"Don't give me that Scott smirk" Deb pointed her finger at him "Your limo is due to leave in less than an hour and you're not dressed!" she shrieked
"Relax Mom it doesn't take me that long" Nathan rolled his eyes
"Please "Deb dismissed "I know how long it takes you to do your hair" She walked over to the closet and opened it while Lucas tried to stifle his laughter as Nathan lobbed a pillow off the bed at him. "Now the girls are running slightly behind schedule, the make-up artist was running late. The amount of money that woman is charging you would think a little punctuality wouldn't be too much to ask for. That's the last time I take a recommendation from the president of the golf clubs wife. That woman wouldn't know quality service if it bit her on the ass. And don't get me started on her husband. We all pretend we don't know what he gets up to with the club secretary on the weekend but, oh here they are" she finished her rant with a flourish as she carried the suitbags over to the bed and laid them down."Now boys I expect you down stairs handsome and polished in forty five minutes" she demanded
"Don't you want us to pick up the girls rather than meet them in the lobby?" Nathan asked perplexed
"Nathan I would appreciate it if you would clean out your ears. I just told you they are running late the limo will take us to the ball and by then the girls will be ready and can make their grand entrance"
"But they're our dates" Lucas pointed out
"Think southern elegance. You are their escorts and as unmarried girls not yet of age they shall be arriving solo and then once at the ball you can ask them to dance under the chandelier. This is so romantic!" Deb gushed
"But it's a masked ball how the hell am I gunna find Haley?"Nathan panicked "It's alright for Luke he only has to look for the most elaborate dress and mask in the room, not to mention the biggest head and Brookes not known as the human bullhorn for nothing!"
"As if you won't be standing by the door holding a welcome mat salivating at the thought of Haley" Lucas mocked
"Speak for yourself and don't forget to wear your leash tonight" Nathan retorted
"You wanna go there?"
"I already did Dairy Whip"
"BOYS!" Deb yelled
"Sorry" they both replied sheepishly
"Trust me they'll both be hard to miss"
"Brooke never is" Nathan muttered getting a hard elbow to the ribs from Lucas
"Now get ready. Chop chop!" Deb clapped her hands together as she flounced from the room. "And Nathan no sneakers!"
"Damn it!" he cursed as Lucas threw his head back in laughter."Shut up" Nathan pushed him over before stalking off to the bathroom.
He emerged a few minutes later shirtless with his face freshly washed.
"Aren't you showering?" Lucas asked when he noticed Nathan back in the room.
"Had one after practice" Nathan dismissed unzipping the suitbag on his bed and removing the dark suit "Thanks mom" he groaned as he eyed the waistcoat and cravat.
"Southern elegance my ass" Lucas shook his head as he checked out his own suit also with waistcoat and cravat. The two stood staring at the garments in silence before turning to one another and muttering "Brooke!"
"I guess we should get this show on the road" Lucas scratched his head before he headed towards the bathroom "And you should probably get a start on your hair, your mom will kill us if we're late"
"If only you could look this good"
"I can, just with less product"
"Product" Nathan snickered
"Shut up" Lucas walked into the bathroom
"Don't hate Luke!" Nathan yelled after him.
"Too late!" Lucas retorted
Nathan struggled with the cravat which hadn't been pre-tied for him, eventually giving up knowing his mom will fuss over it anyway. "That was quick" Nathan said as Lucas re entered the room.
"Learned behaviour from showering with Tim for the past four years"
"That's true" Nathan agreed
"Only guy to ever bring a loofah into the boys locker room"
"And ask you to wash his back" Nathan and Lucas both shuddered
"I don't think I've ever seen a shower empty so fast" Lucas shook his head as he started to get dressed
"Tim has that effect on people" Nathan replied as he started to play with his hair in the mirror
"Dude really?" Lucas snickered as he buttoned his shirt and then shrugged into his waistcoat.
"Jealousy's a curse Luke" Nathan replied not taking his eyes from his hair
"So is overdosing on hair gel"
"It's wax" Nathan retorted
"You're a walking, talking advertisement for overuse"
"I thought that was your right hand" Nathan mocked
"No that's you" Lucas retorted as Nathan stiffened "Besides I have Brooke to help out with that" he winked
"Lucas" Nathan gritted his teeth as he turned around "You might be my best friend but you ever talk about Brooke like that again to me or anyone, I swear to god I won't be responsible for what I do to you"
"I'm sorry I was kidding" Lucas looked at Nathan with a raised eyebrow. "You alright?" Lucas stared at the dark haired boy who was angrily twisting the lid back on the small jar in his hands.
"Yeah, look man, it's just…Brooke may act tough and strong on the outside but she's still my sister and she deserves better than that. I won't let anyone talk crap about her or hurt her in anyway. Not even you. I'll do whatever it takes to protect her; that's a promise."
"I know that. Brooke means the world to me and I'd never hurt her. I'm sorry" Lucas said sincerely
"I know, I'm sorry too" Nathan ran his hand over his face "I don't know. Look Luke you're my boy and it's been that way for a long time but Brooke's my family. It's just I'm trusting you with her okay?" Nathan said pointedly
"I get that, I'd never betray you and I'd never betray Brooke. I love her"
"I know, it's just…just forget about it" Nathan said throwing the tub on top of his duffel bag before putting his wallet and room key in the pocket of his jacket then picked up his cell phone "Moms probably freaking out we're not downstairs" He waited as Lucas tied his shoes then grabbed his own jacket.
"You know your cravat isn't tied?" Lucas pointed out as he gathered his own stuff
"My what?"
"Your cravat, look nevermind" Lucas walked to the door with Nathan following behind still confused. They reached the lobby to find Deb and Dan waiting by the entrance. Both boys eyes widened as they took in the older couple. Dan was dressed in a similar suit to their own while Deb was wearing an ice blue gown with a huge underskirt. Both her ears and throat were dripping with diamonds and she carried an elaborate jewelled mask by the long handle.
"Holy crap" Nathan muttered as they approached his parents.
"Nathan, you're a mess!" Deb exclaimed thrusting her mask into the hands of her husband who was barking orders at the valet staff. "Why didn't you tie this?"
"I don't know how" he shrugged as she pulled and tugged the cravat into place before smoothing down his shirt and jacket.
"At least you didn't wear those god awful sneakers" she added
"If only" Nathan muttered
"Here's your masks" she said handing over the simple masks that matched their waistcoats and ties
"Mom" Nathan whined
"Don't start with me Nate, this is an important night and despite what you might believe the world doesn't revolve around you" she chastised as Lucas snickered getting a hard glare from Nathan in response.
"Cut the attitude Nathan you better be on your best behaviour tonight. I don't want any of your crap, think about someone other than yourself for once" Dan snarled before leading his wife by the hand to the limo that had been pulled up.
"Pot calling the kettle black "Lucas suggested as Deb was manouvered into the sleek black car.
"More like the pots gonna give the kettle a black eye" Nathan growled as he made his way into the back of the car. This was going to be one long assed night and he still hasn't spoken to Haley.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Haley winced as the dressers Deb had hired tightened the corset of her dress.
"Can't breathe"
"Suck it up" Brooke ordered as she balanced on one foot as another assistant strapped her into blood red stiletto heels.
"You may enjoy this torture, but I don't" Haley snapped letting out an audible grunt as the corset was again tightened.
"Fashion is pain Hales and we look gorgeous if I do say so myself, so quit whining and smile"
"Like that" Haley returned half smiling half grimacing
"Kind of…I guess"
"There you go miss" The assistant said to Haley helping to support her as another assistant straightened out the huge skirts before helping her into her own peep toe heels.
"I feel like a toilet roll dolly" Haley complained staring down at the huge skirt "How am I supposed to walk in this?"
"With grace and elegance my dear James" Brooke said in her best southern accent to which Haley quirked an eyebrow "It's a Gone with the Wind ball Haley"
"You are enjoying this way too much"
"What's not to like? I look gorgeous and I'm going to have my own dashingly handsome southern gentleman swooning at my gorgeous scarlet clad feet"
"Does Lucas know?" Haley mocked
"Like you won't be all swept up with my idiot of a brother. Besides Lucas promised that tonight he's going to make it up to me for being a complete ass at midnight madness. And I like me some grovelling boy that's all about pleasing Brooke Scott"
"Ewww" Haley scrunched up her nose
"Oh yeah, you might want to keep your stuff packed because you won't want to come knockin on my heavens door" Brooke winked
"Okay that was an overshare"
"An overshare would be telling you about Brandons party when Lucas did this thing with his.."
"BROOKE!"
"Geez louise sorry! And don't think I missed that toilet roll comment. If you think I would ever let you wear something I designed that was less than perfect than you don't know me at all"
"It is kind of perfect" Haley mused as she ran her hands over the fabric as she appraised her reflection in the mirror.
"It is isn't it" Brooke beamed coming to stand behind Haley. The original emerald green Brooke had picked had been softened with a thin layer of gold translucent material. The result was the dress looked almost irredescent. It was off the shoulder with a one inch band around each arm. The dress was cinched tight by the corset which then met the huge skirts. The dress was offset by a vintage necklace and matching earrings that were glittering against her skin. She wore her golden hair lightly curled and styled in a half up half down style and her makeup was light and natural. The look was finished by the delicate gold beaded mask that was fastened by a tiny gold ribbon in her hair. Despite her earlier protests the finished product blew her away. "I'm so good" Brooke added watching Haley's stunned expression in the mirror
"You look gorgeous too Brooke" Haley complimented
"I know" Brooke agreed twirling in her red and gold strapless gown. The dress screamed Brooke and she'd accentuated it with a ruby necklace of Debs. It glittered against her throat that was exposed as her dark hair had been curled and pinned to one side cascading over her shoulder.
"How can you do that with that skirt?" Haley asked dumbfounded
"I'm talented" Brooke shrugged before smoothing out the huge skirt. Once she was happy with her appearance Brooke started bouncing on her toes "Aren't you excited? This is gonna be so much fun!"
"More like torture "Haley muttered
"Okay I think you need to show a little more enthusiasm"
"How can you be jumping up and down? I'm trying to work out how on earth I'm gonna get to the elevator in this dress and you're jumping around like a jack rabbit!"
"Okay, you're more coordinated than you give yourself credit for. I've seen you balance a lunch tray with five plates of mac n cheese while reading a book and dancing around my brother at the same time"
"Whatever" Haley rolled her eyes
"Haley James, you're a cheerleader which implies a certain level of coordination. If I ever live to see a wrinkle than you will one day have to accept you're not a klutz! I honestly can't work it out, you can pull off a backflip, triple spin on your toes not to mention the fancy crap you do in the air in cheer, but you still think you have two left feet!" Brooke blustered as she led Haley by the hand towards the door.
"Brooke, wait stop pulling I'm gonna…not fall over?" Haley looked perplexed for a moment while Brooke accepted their evening bags from the assistants. "Brooke, why am I not falling over?"
"Because you're graceful" Brooke supplied sarcastically
"The skirts really not as heavy as it looks" Haley muttered
"Yeah it's a wonder of modern technology" Brooke rolled her eyes before dragging Haley to the elevator. Once they were downstairs the girls were ushered into their waiting limo.
"I wonder if Nathan will be waiting for me" Haley pondered
"Knowing how tightly my brother is wrapped around your little finger then I would assume so"
"He's not wrapped around my finger" Haley denied
"Yes he is, he's like a rattle snake. He's probably called a hundred times already"
"No" Haley disagreed while simultaneously rifling through her purse for her phone. "I forgot my phone" Haley panicked
"No you didn't"
"It's not here!"
"I took it out of your purse"
"Brooke! Why would you do that?" Haley yelled
"Do you think they had cell phones in the old south? And besides your phone is silver it doesn't go with your outfit" Brooke dismissed
"Deep breaths, deep breaths, deep breaths" Haley chanted softly as she shut her eyes
"Relax Hales you'll be with lover boy soon enough" Brooke said turning to look out the window.
Haley was freaking out. Ironically the thing that normally calmed her nerves was Nathans voice, but the thing she was nervous about was seeing him. It had been a week since the night in her bedroom and she was still no closer to understanding his motives. She had been angry and upset at first but that had given way to confusion. She kind of got where he was coming from. Makeup sex was definetly not how she'd envisioned her first time but she couldn't help but think there was something else behind his reluctance to take their relationship to the next level. She knew he'd do anything for her but the one thing she wanted he flatout refused to discuss. She knew Nathan would never cheat on her but to Haley he didn't want her either. Haley had been touched in the beginning of their relationship when he'd told her he wanted to wait until she was ready, until they were, but she'd been ready for awhile and Nathan was still putting up a roadblock.
The thought that Nathan didn't want her the way she wanted him killed her and it always sent her mind and insecurities into overdrive. The past week had been hard. The hardest possibly of her young life, and Haley knew they needed to talk. That talk however was what was scaring her. She'd ignored his calls, texts, voicemails, emails all begging for her to listen, because she had a feeling that listening would change everything, and Nathan meant too much to lose.
"Are you ready for this?" Brooke turned to face Haley before pulling the mirror from the ceiling down and checking her hair and makeup were still perfect.
"Brooke I think I'm gonna be sick"
"Are you okay?" Brooke asked concerned
"No, I can't do this"
"But you've been to plenty of these things before"
"I don't mean that" Haley shook her head "I can't face Nathan"
"What? Why? Please tell me my brother hasn't already done something stupid? He was only just forgiven for the Junk and Fergie thing! Seriously Hales Nathan might be my brother but I warned him that if he hurts you has to deal with me and I went to three Tae kwon do classes in the second grade!"
"Nathan didn't do anything" Haley sighed, literally she thought
"Then why are you upset? Brooke looked confused
"Nothing it's okay" Haley said closing her eyes and taking deep breaths.
"Haley are you sure you're okay? I have no problem stabbing my brother'"
"Brooke, I'll be fine" Haley said conjuring up a shaky smile "If it's not, it helps that you're here"
"And if it's not, I'll kick Nathans ass!"
"I don't think that's necessary" Haley laughed
"Maybe not, but I still owe him a good ass-kicking" Brooke said as she was helped from the limo by a door greeter "Thank you" she smiled before looking up and gasping at the sight before her.
"Brooke what is it?" Haley asked as she was helped from the car "Whoa!"
"Hales I think I died and went to Hollywood" Brooke said in awe
In front of them was an original paddle boat steamer adorned with thousands of twinkling fairy lights. The girls took a few steps towards the dock where the boat was tied up.
"It's gorgeous" Haley breathed admiring the decorations that adorned the vessel.
"Tonight is so going to rock!" Brooke cheered as the girls walked down to where guests were being helped aboard. After having their names checked off of the list they were helped onboard and led to the ships 'Grand Ballroom'. "Hotness check" Brooke stopped Haley and looked her over. "Not bad Hales, if I do say so myself" she approved
"You're not looking so bad yourself B Scott"
"Why thank-you! Now let's go teach these fine people how real elegance is done" she fluttered her eyelashes still talking in her 'southern accent' causing Haley to laugh. The two girls entered the ballroom and were met by people dressed in exquisite formal attire and masks moving around, talking in groups or waltzing on the large dancefloor.
"Wow!" Haley said as two ladies dressed in elaborate gowns and jewels walked past. "This room is amazing" she continued to gush eyeing the massive crystal chandelier.
"Close your mouth Hales unless you want to give a very unladylike appearance to all of these men who will then have gross indecent thoughts" Brooke scolded
"Brooke!"Haley exclaimed going red "Don't be crass"
"Crass would be pointing out what these dirty old men are visualising in that mouth"
"Brooke, ewww, ewww, ewww" Haley grimaced "Please stop!"
"Fine! Sorry" Brooke replied a little sheepishly "Okay last hotness check; dress?"
"Check" Haley said glancing at her skirt
"Shoes?"
"Check"
"Sexy kissable lips?"
"Check" Haley rolled her eyes
"Fabulous hair?"
"Check"
"To die for body? Definetly a check" Brooke winked "Jewelled masks that P Sawyer outdid herself making?"
"Check" Haley replied lightly touching her mask "Although it's so light I keep thinking I've lost it"
"Like your sanity? It is questionable considering you're dating Nathan who's biological make-up should be questioned, although considering we're possibly related I'm questioning my own DNA which is a little weird especially since I'm all shades of awesome but that's kind of besides the point" Brooke rambled
"Ye-ah, you're a miracle Brooke; is my mask okay?"
"Sensational and I'm not just saying that because the creator made my masterpiece as well" she said pointing to her own red beaded one.
"They're gorgeous, how did Peyton make them?" Haley asked
"No idea, I've given up trying to understand her creative whatever. Just accept she's a genius and we have her on speed dial"
"What are they made of?"
"I think it's glass beads and that soft jewellery wire she used to make the cover for our spirit stick, it's flexible and it moulds to shapes" Brooke answered "I like it either way"
"I know, we owe her big-time for this" Haley suggested
"We should buy her a present or something, ooh I know, something dark and depressing that will make my parents flip when they get my credit card bill!"
"They already flip over how high your credit card bill is"
"Not anymore, I pretended to be mom and got my bill tacked onto hers, dad blows his top at her clothing bill not mine" Brooke looked smug
"You're an evil mastermind Brooke Scott"
"I prefer sexy superhero, fighting for truth, justice and the fabulous way!"
"Brooke, Haley! What are you doing just standing there?" Deb cried as she rushed up
"Brooke? Who's Brooke? You have me confused with someone else, sorry!" Brooke said dodging her mom and dragging Haley away by the hand.
"Brooke you're hurting me!" Haley whined
"We already established you're not going to fall over and even if you do this is like an old Hollywood movie set, every gentleman here is obligated to catch you in his big strong manly arms!"
"You've been watching way too much hallmark channel"
"I need to counteract all of the hours of ESPN in the Scott household" Brooke excused
"I thought Deb already evened it up with the shopping channel?"
"She does; now if you were Lucas where would you choose to search for your sexy, gorgeous one of a kind girlfriend in a crowded masquerade ball that's also a good hiding place from a set of annoying, ass-kissing social climbers?" Brooke asked as she stopped to survey the room.
"It's scary that I didn't have to think before I knew you meant your parents"
"They don't call them the Devil Scotts for nothing"
"Why don't we do a loop of the room, if we keep moving then we should be able to evade your parents" Haley suggested
"Good point James, evasion is key"
"And we can look for the boys at the same time"
"Haven't I taught you anything? Boys come to us. You need to make them work for it! Besides Lucas is supposed to be sucking up to me, which means he drags his sorry ass around this beautiful boat for as long as it takes to sweep me off of my Jimmy Choo'd feet"
"You're kind of bossy dude"
"My dear James this is the South; we don't say dude! Now curtsy and follow me" Brooke demanded.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Nathan and Lucas both shook hands politely with the business associate of Dans they'd been stuck talking to for the past twenty minutes. Taking their leave they made their way over to the bar, ordering some drinks before snapping up two empty seats at a nearby table.
"What the hell was he on about?" Lucas asked
"I have no idea"
"Nathaniel Scott! What on earth are you doing?" Deb exclaimed as she approached "Both you and your sister are unbelievable!"
"That she is" Lucas smirked getting a sharp kick to the shin from Nathan
"Mom, my name is Nathan, not Nathaniel"
"It's era appropriate, and don't talk back"
"But it's not my name"
"I'm your mother and your name's whatever I say it is"
"Not really" Nathan said scrunching up his face.
"Stop arguing with me Nathaniel! I have too many people to mingle with and I don't need this; now get up and circulate! I have to find out where Brooklyn went"
"Her name's not Brooklyn" Nathan pointed out
"Brooke's here?" Lucas asked hopefully
"Somewhere" Deb huffed "The girls ran off the second they got here, honestly you would think I raised my children in a barn!"
"At least it was an expensive barn" Nathan joked
"Clearly the importance of this evening escapes the both of you. Nathaniel can you do one thing for me? Hide your ego and bad manners and at least pretend you have some class!" she demanded before stalking off.
"My name is not Nathaniel" He gritted out under his breath
"The girls are here, we should go find our ladies" Lucas suggested
"Yeah let's go" Nathan agreed as he stood, eager to find Haley.
"How do you think we'll find them?"
"Brooke's high pitched voice for a start"
"I like her voice" Lucas defended
"You're the only one who does, and by default you have to, if you didn't she'd complain and complain and whine all day looong"
"Thanks I get it" Lucas winced "But I meant what do you think they're wearing?"
"Masks" Nathan deadpanned
"Smartass, but seriously"
"I don't know. Hales said something about the dresses being designed and made and knowing Brooke then they'll be pretty full on"
"Come to think of it, Brooke might've said something about a design process and a dressmaker"
"?" Nathan looked at Lucas questioningly before realisation hit him "You zone her out"
"What? No!"
"Yes you do! Oh this is too good" Nathan cheered
"Lower your voice" Lucas whispered as they began to circle the room
"You block Brooke out!"
"Look she talks alot, and by alot I mean a-lot! Sometimes it's easier to nod and smile then to fake interest"
"She's gonna be pissed"
"She doesn't need to know" Lucas dismissed "I love Brooke, and I love the person she is, but she's still a girl and I'm still a guy and two hours discussing Christian La-whoever doesn't interest me, same as she can't stand more than ten minutes of Kobe and LeBron"
"We are definetly not related"
"But I'm crazy about her, so I fall on my sword"
"Huh?" Nathan said confused
"Nevermind, it's like you and Haley, you love her, so for her you pretend to study"
"I don't pretend"
"Yes you do"
"Trust me I don't, she sees right through me, she makes me actually study or no Haley lips, speaking of can you see my girl anywhere?" Nathan scanned the room intently as they walked
"It's becoming sad how whipped you are"
"Keep talking, we've done five laps of this place and still can't find the girls! Where the hell are they anyway?" Nathan said stopping and looking around.
"I don't know, we have been looking for awhile" Lucas agreed
"Damn these stupid masks" Nathan groaned as he rearranged his own
"Take that off and I disown you" Deb threatened as she materialised from nowhere before disappearing again.
"Why do I complain that my parents are absent?" Nathan grumbled
"Who knows" Lucas replied "Look, clearly wandering around isn't helping us locate the girls, maybe we should stay in one spot for awhile?"
"I need to keep moving"
"We're not gonna find them like this, we should give it a rest for a bit"
"Luke I haven't seen Hales in over a week, and I'm stuck at this suckfest and she's nowhere to be seen I need to find Haley before I go crazy"
"What do you mean before?" Lucas mocked
"Don't mess with me man" Nathan warned before glancing wildly around the room again
"Point taken, look we will find the girls but in the meantime let's have a seat and keep an eye out the girls are probably doing rounds same as us, for all we know we keep missing them"
"Sounds kind of like Brooke but if we stay here chances are my parents will come within ten feet and I'll be forced to run, and all I want right now is Haley"
"Deal" Lucas agreed taking a sip of his drink as he leaned up against a pillar. "We wait and if we see either of you parents you can run, in the meantime we stay here and eventually you'll be with Haley"
"But Luke!" Nathan whined "I want Haley now!"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Where the hell are they Hales?" Brooke ranted
"I don't know! Can we sit for awhile please my feet are killing me!" Haley complained
"Beauty is pain James"
"And so is my fist connecting with your face!"
"No Nathan sure makes Haley grouchy"
"So do you" Haley grumbled falling into a vacant chair.
"We need to keep moving" Brooke whined
"I need to rest"
"But I need Lucas"
"Brooke why don't you bootleg some champagne and sit for a minute. For all we know they're walking in circles looking for us. If we stay in the one spot both of them will find us in no time" Haley argued
"But Ha-ley!"
"Sit down before I make you" Haley warned
"Fine, but if Lucas hasn't swept me off of my feet as the music swells in the next five minutes I'm holding you personally responsible" Brooke huffed as shr crossed her arms.
"Please just sit down" Haley pleaded
"How do you expect me to be swept off of my feet if I'm not standing?"
"I'm not even going to begin to understand your logic" Haley muttered
"Hi, um Brooke?" a deep male voice asked from behind. Brooke spun around while Haley peeked around her.
"Yeah, um... Julian was it?"
"That's right, you remembered" he smiled
'Well you only kept me company for an hour or two the other week" Brooke shrugged
"It wasn't all bad. I love your dress. The sketches don't do it justice" he complimented.
"Thank-you"
"You're talented, you definetly have an eye for costumes"
"Thank-you again" Brooke said slightly embarrassed as Haley eyed her curiously with a quirked eyebrow.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt" he said when he noticed the exchange between the girls
"Oh right, I'm sorry" Brooke apologised "This is my bestest friend in the whole wide world and future sister in law, Haley James"
"Hi" Haley smiled
"Hi, Julian Baker" he held out his hand
"Nice to meet you" she said politely "I like your outfit" she eyed his confederate army officer costume.
"Oh thanks, I got the invitation a little last minute, and suits aren't really my thing and well 'Gone with the Wind' I figured it would pass"
"It's definetly original"
"It seems you have an eye for costumes as well" Brooke smiled
"Occupational hazard I guess" he said a little embarrassed "So are you ladies hiding out over here?"
"My escort is unfashionably late" Brooke huffed
"Well how about you wait with me? Maybe on the dancefloor?" he asked
"You know what? Why not? Lead the way kind sir" Brooke took his outstretched hand. Haley watched them move through the couples who were already on the dancefloor until they were out of sight.
"What's a gorgeous girl like you doing here all on your own on a night like this? A male voice sounded from the chair beside her, causing Haley to stiffen.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Luke we should have seen them by now" Nathan complained
"And you should have stopped whining by now" Lucas retorted
"Where are they?" Nathan was getting agitated
"They're here – somewhere"
"Then why haven't we seen them?" Nathan pressed
"Nate you need to relax"
"Dude I haven't seen or spoken to Hales in over a week, she's nowhere to be found in this huge suck-fest of a boat and my parents are annoying the crap out of me, DON"T TELL ME TO RELAX!"
"Nice rant! Hi Luke, who's your friend?" A slim brunette walked up in a blood red scooped necked gown with long sleeves and a full skirt.
"Alex?" Lucas asked surprised
"Duh! I know who I am I asked about your friend" she said fixing her gold mask
"Not interested" Nathan snapped at her
"Didn't think you were, egotistical much?" she bit back
"Whatever, where is Haley" he muttered under his breath as he shifted from foot to foot
"Don't mind Nate, girlfriend withdrawals" Lucas mused "So I didn't know you were coming to this thing?"
"Me either" she said as she glanced at Nathan who was bouncing on his toes trying to look over the heads of the large group of people nearby.
"Your parents forcing you to be here?" he questioned
"Chasing a boy" she smirked
"And I'm chasing a girl who clearly doesn't want to be found in this huge room who I should be able to see since she's gotta be the most gorgeous girl in the room but she's hiding, yeah that's gotta be it she's hiding from you you dumbass" Nathan mumbled under his breath agitated
"Right" Lucas scratched his head.
"So you like my dress?" She did a twirl showing off her dress "I borrowed it from the theatre club on campus, they did a production of Emma like two years ago, I know it's not perfect but it's the best I could do on short notice, besides, it makes my breasts look totally awesome" she pushed her chest up as Lucas turned his head to look elsewhere
"WHERE THE HELL IS SHE?" Nathan exploded
"She is right here, although she just might now be deaf" Alex grabbed her ear
"THIS IS RIDICULOUS!" Nathan yelled
"You need to calm down" Lucas tried to soothe
"You might pop a blood vessel" Alex watched him closely
"Did I ask for your opinion? "Nathan snapped
"No, but I'm gonna give it anyway" She shrugged "I'm rather observant and I have great opinions, I think it has something to do with my IQ and how well I converse with people it's "
"Isn't one Brooke enough?" Nathan growled before storming off while Alex continued to ramble.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"A girl as pretty as you shouldn't be sitting here all on your own, you should be out on the dance floor" he smirked
Haley narrowed her eyes as she stood to leave.
'C'mon baby, don't fight it, me and you are destined to spend at least one night together between the sheets"
"I'd tell you to drop dead but I'd rather not waste my breath" she spat
"Especially when you're gonna need all your energy to scream my name later' he stood up and began to follow her.
"In your dreams" she snarled as she spun around to face him "The only screaming I'll be doing is for the cops" she said angrily
"Like it rough huh?" he smirked as he looked her up and down "I'm cool with that"
"Don't you have a life to ruin?"
"Trust me baby after one night with me you'll never want anyone else"
"Sorry, I'm not into beastiality or necrophilia for that matter" she said sarcastically "Considering when my gorgeous strong taller and better boyfriend sees you near me you'll be a dead man" Haley crossed her arms triumphantly
"He's no match for me sweetheart, you know that"
"I'm going to say this once, nicely, go away, leave me alone and make nice with yourself with thoughts of someone else or it's your funeral" Haley warned
"Why would I want to do that when I have you for company?" he smirked again as he reached and grabbed her by the wrist yanking her against him
"Get off me Asshole" Haley seethed
"You feel so good, I knew you would" he whispered in her ear as she struggled against him
"Get off me!" Haley pushed him away harshly
"Stop fighting it baby!"
"I think you better step back!" another strong male voice interrupted, Haley let out a relieved breath as she spotted the tall boy striding towards them, feeling a smile begin to form on her face.
"This has nothing to do with you" The first guy dismissed turning back to Haley
"That's where I beg to differ, see I believe that Haley told you to get off of her, and when a lady tells you to get off of her you do it"
"Haley's no lady"
"Look asshole" Haley exploded
"Hales, stop, I got this" he looked down at her placing a hand on her waist "Haley's here with me, and as she wants you to leave her alone then I suggest you do so"
"We both know she's not here with you" The first guy smirked "And we both know she's leaving with me"
"Like hell "Haley narrowed her eyes angrily
"I asked nicely, so you better leave before I make you leave" he threatened, Haley looking at him gratefully before throwing a glare of her own at the object of her anger.
"You think you can take me?"
"You want to try me?"
"C'mon let's go, he's not worth it" Haley tried to diffuse the situation before it could escalate. "This is not the time or place, don't ruin this for a lowlife like him"
"You're right" he conceded looking down at her pleading eyes "Let's dance Hales" he said brightly grabbing Haley by the hand and spinning her around before dragging her off towards the dance-floor. "Sorry man, looks like I got the girl" he called over his shoulder. Haley laughed at his antics until they reached the centre of the dancefloor.
"Um I'm not that good at this" she warned him as she looked nervously at the other dancers
"Dancing? Aren't you a cheerleader, they usually know how to dance" he pointed out
"Smart-ass" she slapped his shoulder
"Maybe so, but you're in luck I happen to be a wonderful dancer" he smirked before spinning Haley around doing a couple of twirls and then dipping her low. "And dancing with beautiful girls happens to be my specialty" he winked as Haley laughed. In the next second he'd pulled her straight to her feet and held her in the dance frame before beginning to glide around the floor in the perfect waltz. Haley moved with him, letting him lead as the other dancers began to step back and give them more room as they waltzed around the room, spinning and dipping to the swells in the music. He spun Haley away from him before following her and lifting her and spinning her around effortlessly in his arms. Haley was almost out of breath when her feet hit the floor and they finished with the final strains of the music falling away. "See I told you I was good" he smirked as he leaned her back her golden hair grazing the polished floor.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON HERE?" A loud booming voice reverberated around the room making Haley instantly freeze.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Lucas stood by the same pillar as Alex continued to ramble on about a movie that was rumoured to be in preproduction on campus. He was absently nodding his head trying to block her out
"Lucas?" Brooke asked Lucas's head shooting up at the sound. Brooke looked between Lucas and Alex taking in the blood red gown that the brunette wore.
"Brooke!" Lucas exclaimed as Alex's eyes focused on the girl and the tall dark haired guy behind her in a confederate uniform. "I've been looking for you everywhere"
"It doesn't look like it" Brooke said staring at Alex
"There's alot of people in here, and the masks and I didn't know what you were wearing"
"Right" Brooke laughed sarcastically staring at Alex's gown again before glaring at the brunette.
"Well I didn..." he trailed off as he watched the girls glaring at one another before noticing the almost identical dresses that were identical to his own waistcoat and cravat. A split second later realisation landed on him "Shit Brooke, I didn't know" he pleaded
"Wow you all match" Julian said brightly, everyone turning to stare at him.
Before anyone could respond the entire room dropped silent at the sound of shattering glass followed by a high pitched scream and a loud SPLASH!