A/N: Hi guys! Yes your eyes are not deceiving you its an update, i completely suck but life has been ridiculous for awhile. I've had no time for myself and with minimal response for this story my enthusiasm started to wane. But i'm gonna try and work on the timemanagement thing and see where it takes me I still have big plans for this so hopefully you'll stick with me while i get the thoughts from my head into Microsoft word in arial 12 point type. Thanks to everyone who have stuck by this story, read and reviewed you made me come back to this. I did consider not finishing and taking this down and leaving ngb as a solo but i want to get this done, and it seems there might be a few of u that feel the same way. So this is for you. I would thank my beta, but after whining nonstop for too long with no action I've updated this unbeta'ed, so boo to you. If i wasn't on a no chocolate timeout right now I'd raid your stash!
I hope you enjoy this I'm trying to set the story up. As always please read, enjoy and let me know what you think!
DISCLAIMER: OTHER THAN MY WARPED IDEAS IT BELONGS TO SCHWAHN!
CHAPTER TEN
"This is nice" Haley said as Nathan kissed her neck.
"Mhmmm"
"It was such a good idea"
"Mhmmmmm" he mumbled into her neck as he moved lower to leave a trail over her collarbone
"And it's such a beautiful day, too much of a waste being inside"
"Mmmmm"
"It just sucks that we have to go home soon"
"Mmmmmm"
"I wish we could do this more often"
"Mhmmmm"
"But with us in separate places for the time being I guess we need to make use of what time we have, and it was nice of you to suggest that Brooke and Luke spend the day alone as well, I mean things haven't gone exactly to plan last night to mention this year and I'm sure they appreciate getting the chance to spend some real alone time together. What do you think they're doing?"
"I don't care" Nathan mumbled as he continued to kiss her throat
"Of course you do, I mean Luke is your best friend and Brooke is your sister and my best friend, you care about them and.."
"Haley read my lips: I...don't...care and now my lips will return to their previous activities" he said before attacking her with kisses once more
"I'm just saying it was a nice thing you did for them"
"I didn't do it for them" he groaned when Haley sat up on the grass where they had laid out a picnic lunch earlier.
"Of course you did"
"No I didn't, I did it to escape the lecture Dad was preparing for me and so I could spend the day with my girl with no interruptions, well I thought there'd be no interruptions" he gave her a pointed stare
'What?"
"Hales I've been trying to kiss you for the past hour and babe you haven't shut up"
"Yes I have!"
"No you haven't"
"Yes I have, I ate lunch" she pointed out smugly
"The only thing you've used your mouth for other than constant chatter" he complained
"What are you insinuating?"
"I don't know what that word means" he shook his head
"What are you trying to say?"
"Are we involved in the same conversation?" Nathan looked confused
"Honestly sometimes you're so frustrating, you have a one trackmind has anyone ever told you that, you know there's more to spending time together then just making out. I have a brain you know Nathan and there's more to me then just my mouth. God you're so easily distracted! One of these days wait is that Mr Whippy?"
"Really?' Nathan looked amused
"C'mon Nathan let's get some ice cream" she said excitedly as she dragged him to his feet and off in the direction of the ice cream van.
Nathan was brought out of his daydream by the sound of books landing on the desk beside him. His head snapped up at the sound of hushed laughter coming from Tony, Taylor and David who were eyeing him with mirth. After morning practice Tony and Nathan had headed to their business class then the library to start work on an assignment. Shortly after they had been joined by Taylor and David and had been comfortably studying since. Well Taylor had been painting her nails and Nathan had been daydreaming about Haley and the day after the masquerade ball for the past hour. He looked up from the large textbook that was on the table next to him and then the smirking face of the tall blonde who had dropped them.
"Go away frat boy" Nathan grumbled trying to concentrate on the page in front of him.
"I can't" Clay shook his head before dropping into a vacant chair at the table. "You see I got a lovely text from your blonde goddess saying that you wished to speak to me urgently and not to let you out of my sight until you said what you needed to say"
"Traitor" Nathan muttered under his breath
"Sorry I missed that" Clay replied before continuing "Which considering this is my conversation is really unacceptable. Maybe you could turn your decibels up a notch or watch your enunciation or talk to my face and not my chest" he quipped getting more snickers from the others.
Nathan shot a glare at the others before turning to Clay "It was nothing don't worry about it" he said through gritted teeth.
"But Haley said not to let you say it was nothing" Clay pressed
"Yeah Nate, I'm sure it's something" Taylor added
"It's nothing" he replied pretending to read his textbook.
"I beg to differ" Clay crossed his arms
"I don't know what she was talking about" Nathan tried to ignore them
"Yes you do" Taylor took the book away from him.
"I was reading that" Nathan complained
"No you weren't"
"Taylor" Nathan warned
"That's my book" she pointed to the cover "Unless you're thinking about changing your major to event management with a minor in fashion" she said pointedly causing the rest of the group to snicker while Nathan inwardly groaned. "Besides I believe you were trying to have a heart to heart with goldilocks over here"
"That he was" Clay agreed
"Don't you have a freshman to corrupt?" Nathan grumbled
"Jacks in class, and I prefer enriching existence whilst broadening the horizons of someone not as fortunate as I"
"Huh?"
"I'm improving his quality of life"
"He's not dying Frat boy" Tony rolled his eyes
"Metaphorically speaking maybe he was, when I found him he was floundering in a sea of uncertainty and selfdoubt. Now he is confident and drowning in self belief. He exudes positivity and sex appeal and has the rest of his life opening ahead of him like the open highway"
"Yesterday he was on the quad dressed as a chicken" Tony pointed out
"Memories my friend, memories is what college is all about"
"I thought it was to get an education" David eyed Clay
"It's all part of the journey. That's why we're here. To forge ahead and experience life in a way that only college can provide and to hear what Nate has to tell me"
"Damn" Nate closed his eyes
"So close" Tony chuckled. Before anyone could say anything Nathans phone rang. He reached into his pocket and pulled it out before answering the phone.
"Hey baby"..."But I"..."I told yo"... "I was gonn"..." But"..."Fine"..."Yes"..."I promise"..."Okay"..."Alright I love you too"..."I'll call you later"..."Bye". Nathan hung his phone up and put it back in his pocket. He sent a death glare towards Taylor before turning to look at the blonde
"I'm sorry" he said to Clay before turning back to his books. The group shared a confused look before cracking up in hysterics. The group were broken apart by a library aide shushing them. Nathan stared at his friends like they had two heads. "What the hell is so funny?"
"Have you ever apologised to anyone before?" Taylor regained the power to speak first.
"Of course I have!"
"Sorry, Nate but you suck at it" Clay snickered
"Do you want me to revoke it?" Nathan threatened the blonde boy.
"Technically you would have to really apologise first" Clay replied "And technically my face isn't getting any better" he pointed to his blackened eye.
"Nice job" Tony elbowed Nathan
"I try" Nathan grinned back
"Yeah tried to drown me" Clay interjected
"You pushed me overboard"
"To stop you from destroying my money maker" Clay pointed to his face again
"If that's your money maker you better sign up for unemployment now" Nathan quipped
"Right" Clay pulled out his cell and started typing.
"What are you doing?" David asked with a raised eyebrow
"Texting Haley" Clay answered nonchalantly
"That's not necessary" Nathan reached for the phone
"On contraire my dear friend, she promised a genuine, remorseful and sincere apology from Muhammad Ali over here and as I am yet to receive this than I am left with no other option"
"You're right" Nathan conceded
"Of course I am" Clay looked at Nathan over the top of his phone
"I am the greatest it's true" he smirked for a split second before Taylor leaned across and slapped him up the back of the head. "Ow"
"You deserved it now apologise" she ordered
'Who died and made you queen bitch?" Nathan rubbed the sore spot
"The North Carolina Cheerleading Association" she smiled back "Now do it"
"Fine" Nathan relented
"And I want to hear it with some feeling" Clay encouraged
"Do you want an apology or not?" Nathan snapped agitated
"Not in that tone of voice" Clay said jokingly
"I'm in hell" Nathan grumbled
"C'mon Nate, it's not that hard, you say sorry for attacking my face with your fists whilst I; in true gentlemanly fashion was defending the honour of our fair maiden"
"I thought you were from Florida" David asked
"Besides the point" Clay dismissed "The point is that an overstimulated Neanderthal with an inferiority complex was hitting on the heroine of our story and I as a true friend and an awesome agent swooped in and saved the day. Yet rather than thanking me and buying me a cold beverage, our hero over here attacked my face with his athletic basketballer fists which could endanger both of our careers by the way; leaving me with no choice but to even the playing field by well; changing the playing water so to speak"
"Did you get any of that?" Tony asked the table whilst Nathan glared at the blonde
"Don't confuse the situation with your big words and whatever" Nathan denied "Haley was being hit on by an asshole yes, but then you hit on her yourself with your twinkle toes" Nathan argued
"Twinkle toes?" David asked the others whilst being completely ignored by the two arguing
"We were dancing, and rather well if I do say so myself, Haley actually complimented my ability"
"How good are you?" Taylor asked
"Don't encourage him" Nathan ordered
"Shutup Nathan, Frat boy and I are talking"
"Why does that name sound so much better rolling off your tongue" Clay asked
"Everything is better rolling off my tongue" Taylor shrugged
"It's true" David smiled getting a glare from Nathan while Tony tried to cover his laughter
"Your hands were all over her ass!" Nathan exploded
"I deny that accusation, my hands held a perfect dance frame" Clay denied
"Your hands are gunna be broken in a minute" Nathan threatened
"Apologise" Taylor fake coughed
"No" Nathan crossed his arms
"I would man" Tony agreed looking down at his phone
"What why? You're my friend"
"True, but I also have to live with homeboy, besides your woman is kinda scary, and she's waiting" he held up his phone so Nathan could see the screen and Haley's current facebook status.
"Haley James is happy her guy is going to be the bigger man" he read out loud "What the hell is that supposed to mean" he grumbled before looking down at the new comment "Taylor!"
"What it's true" she shrugged with a smug smile
"He has to grow a pair first" David read out loud from Taylors phone before snickering along with Tony and Clay.
"Right" Nathan pulled out his own phone and starting tapping away.
"Nothing you come up with beats that" Taylor smirked
"Besides I believe you were oh I don't know apologising for assaulting this perfection. I mean really Nathan I go out of my way for you. It's all part of being professional. But I assure you that there is an anger management clause in your contract."
"What the hell are you rambling about?"
"Nathan I may be your agent but I am also your friend and that means I look out for your best interests; and that includes keeping asshats away from your woman"
"How do I keep away this asshat?" Nathan asked Tony
"I understand your anger and hesitation Nathan. Trust is an issue for me too, however I choose to look at it positively; it's a challenge. But it's one we can overcome together. As your agent I promise to look out for you; get you the best lunch and library tables and the best seat on the team bus, whilst you promise not to pummel my face when you get angry. It's a give and take relationship. So I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. You don't have to apologise, hell if I were you and saw me dancing with Haley I would beat me too. But I was only saving the damsel, and if that gets me fired then so be it"
"Well technically I can't fire you"
"I know clauses and such but still, So we cool man? That's awesome. I gotta go work on your endorsements. One of the clubs on campus is talking about having you appear at one of their events. But trust me I'll get you the best possible deal, how do you feel about ruffles? Never mind I'll work on it and let you know. Okay peace out my brothers" he gave them all the peace sign before gathering his books and walking out of the library stopping to wink at a couple of senior girls by the front tables
"But you're not my agent!" Nathan yelled after him "What the hell just happened?"
"I think frat boy just apologised to himself on your behalf" Tony answered
"Needs to grow a pair" Taylor fake-coughed causing the rest of the table to snicker. Nathan glared at the group before gathering his books together and storming out of the library typing on his phone as he went.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Haley put the books from her last class away in her locker while searching for her history book. Most of the day had passed uneventfully with Brooke talking nonstop through lunch about her "magical" day with Lucas after the masquerade ball the previous weekend. Even chatter about the Ravens upcoming first game of the season couldn't derail her. Haley was just closing her locker when she felt someone knock into her with their shoulder.
"Watch where you're going" Sue Garvey sneered
"Considering I'm stationary and you're moving I'd suggest you follow your own advice" Haley replied curtly
"I guess I'm just a little tired, big weekend you know how it is"
"My need to know about your weekend died out around the same time as you're cheerleading talent" Haley rolled her eyes. Sue had been a bigger bitch than usual for the past few weeks and was quickly getting on Haley's last nerve.
"So you are dying to know, although I'm not surprised Nate didn't tell you about my visit, Dukes such a beautiful place to spend the weekend" Sue smirked
"Yeah it is" Haley agreed "But so is Charlotte"
"Duke's not in Charlotte"
"No but Nathan was...this weekend" Haley smirked as the gleam dropped from the brunette. "I'll let him know you liked Duke, and that you were happy to hear how much he enjoyed Charlotte".
"You do that" Sue glared back
"She will while you drop dead or something equally productive" Brooke sneered as she approached with Peyton in tow.
"Brooke... and Peyton" Sue glared
"Spew" The tall blonde retorted with a smirk "Ready for history Hales?" she asked as she linked arms with the shorter blonde who was still eyeballing the brunette
"Sure" she replied
"Good let's go, don't let the drool trip you on your ass, or do" Brooke called over her shoulder before turning back to her friends as they walked down the hallway towards their classes.
"You might want to watch the deathmatching in the hallways, Whiteys still pissed about two of his players joining the cheer squad and is looking for any excuse to rip us to shreds"
"I'll rip Garvey to shreds, did you hear her? Insinuating she spent the weekend with Nathan! As if I wouldn't have a clue what my boyfriend was upto. Stupid cow" Haley seethed
"True" Peyton agreed while Brooke started distractedly texting on her phone.
"I mean with the advances in technology there is no such thing as emotional separation!" Haley ranted as they entered their history class waving to Brooke as she continued down the hall to her own class phone still firmly in hand "I mean we have email and text messages and skype and IM and then there's phone calls and love letters and all the options presented by facebook.."
"How good is facebook" Bevin asked cheerily as Haley took the seat beside the blonde with Peyton on her left. "Your status today has caused a college meltdown, I'm inviting myself to your house for Christmas"
"What?" both Peyton and Haley looked confused before Haley took Bevins phone from her
"Taylor and Nathan have a game of facebook bitch slap happening with those comments" Bevin laughed as Haley shook her head as she read the long list of comments from Nathan and Taylor insulting one another under her last status update. "Although why no-one likes my comment I'll never know" the blonde mused
"Nathan is the bigger man he wears a size 14" Peyton read out loud while Haley handed the phone back to the blonde. Before anyone could say anything else their teacher entered the room quieting the class down as he held up a pile of papers that he started to hand out.
"I've graded your first essay, and I'm surprised to say they weren't all bad, in fact in general your grasp of the impact of the great wars is quite good, but then again as seniors it should be by now"
"Awesome grade go Bev-in, go Bev-in" she celebrated her grade after receiving her paper
"You're right, a B minus can be considered an awesome grade, although Miss Mirskey it may have been higher if you hadn't cited Noah and Allie from the Notebook as your example of post war life" he said pointedly as he made his way back to the front of the room to lean against his desk while Peyton snickered.
"Why not?" Bevin argued "They're the perfect example of post war love"
"They're not real for a start Miss Mirskey"
"I have never" Bevin looked offended
"You raise some good points but maybe you can look at someone with a true story on your next paper"
"Not again" Haley muttered
"Noah and Allie are as true as it gets" Bevin argued while Peyton smacked her head on her desk.
"It may feel that way to you Miss Mirskey but that's not the point"
"Of course it is!" she exploded "Noah is a war hero, he watched his best friend die in front of him in the midst of battle. He watched him take his final breath on that cold, dirty, bloody field. That last breath took away chances of love, of family, of a home, of a future! And Noah promised that he would not let his own love and life die, he would never give up. He would carry on for his friend and his one true love. That's why he never gave up." Bevin argued.
"Kill me now" Peyton whispered as Haley snickered while Bevin continued on her rant
"Just like those terrible days of battle Noah continued on and he built that house, because if he could survive the war he could survive anything and it would make him stronger and he would eventually be back in the arms of the woman he loved and he could thank the war for the strength not to give up on Allie. One of the greatest things to come from the war was Noah and Allie back together. When we watch the Notebook we know true mateship and true sacrifice and what it means to know loss but also true love"
"It's an interesting theory Miss Mirskey"
"It's not a theory" she replied staring the teacher in the eye "It's the power of the Notebook"
"It's a movie" Peyton muttered
"And on that note, today we're focusing on the great depression, it occurred between the two great wars"
"Isn't that a little politically incorrect" Bevin gasped "I mean as far as I know depression is a disease I'd hardly refer to it as "great" Bevin said using finger brackets.
"I take it back... kill me now" Peyton said to Haley.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"We only have a few days until the first game of our season and it's time for the Ravens to lift a few notches" Brooke was standing in front of the cheer squad after practice had ended. "And I have to say I liked what I saw out there today. You were focused, you were flexible and above all you were listening to me so all in all good job everyone" she said happily while everyone sighed in relief. "But tomorrow is a new day, no resting on your laurels and no thinking by any means that practice tomorrow will be easy, which goes double for you Miss Haley 'too busy sexting my dumbass of a brother to listen to my inspiring post practice speech'" Brooke ended sarcastically while everyone turned to stare at Haley who put her phone down in her lap sheepishly. "Now hit the showers" she dismissed the squad.
"Nice speech captain" Peyton said after most of the squad had dispersed to the locker rooms and out of the gym.
"I know I was inspired" Bevin added brightly
"Bevin please remove your lips from my ass" Brooke replied
"Okay" she grinned back just as brightly before stopping and looking away slighty confused.
"Sorry about the phone thing" Haley apologised "Although yours has been surgically attached to your hand all day"
"Just be thankful that it's you Hales anyone else I would've been forced to go all Naomi Campbell on your ass" Brooke said pointedly
"I'm sorry, but Nate and Taylor are trying to destroy one another via social networking and Sue is trying to make me crazy and jealous, and the best way to calm me down is to talk to my usually sweet boyfriend who is currently in his communication class and won't text me back. As if I wouldn't know where my boyfriend was all weekend, and as if he would ever spend five minutes let alone an entire weekend with that whore! Besides Nathan and I are fully committed to one another and the chances that he would even go near her are as small as the chance of me ever getting a B on my homework. Who the hell does she think she is? Nathan is my boyfriend! MY BOYFRIEND DO YOU HEAR ME?" Haley exploded
"Whoa!" Bevin and Brooke looked taken aback.
"It was only a matter of time before she started showing Brooke like tendencies" Peyton shook her head.
"Where the hell did that come from Hales?" Brooke looked a little shocked.
"I hate her" Haley seethed
"Why are you so angry?" Peyton asked "We all know she's the jealous one and you have nothing to worry about when it comes to her"
"I know, it just makes me so mad!"
"STUPID WHORE!" Brooke yelled.
"Brooke you don't know why Haley is mad" Peyton pointed out
"I don't need to know P Sawyer. She has upset my friend and that's enough in itself. Noone hurts my best friend and gets away with it! So I'm all in for operation destroy Sue Gerbil!" Brooke cheered
"Garvey" Peyton corrected
"I like Brooke's name better" Haley interjected
"Haha Gerbil that's funny" Bevin snickered.
"So girls what's the plan for the bitch" Brooke asked
"Did you have to get her started?" Peyton looked at Haley.
"She has chosen to mess with my Naley which means by default she's messed with me. And in all the years that we've known each other, have I ever let anyone mess with me?" Brooke asked Peyton pointedly
"You let Lucas mess up your hair" Bevin said brightly to which the rest of the group groaned.
"Bevin, just go ...do something" Brooke dismissed before turning to the group. "Okay let's go you two" she grabbed her gym bag and started striding off towards the exit.
"Brooke where are you going?" Haley called after her.
"Planning the downfall of a bitch, are you coming or what?" she asked over her shoulder without stopping.
"That's what she said" Peyton snickered to Haley as they followed her out of the gym to the parking lot.
"I heard that and I did" Brooke retorted
A half hour later, Haley was in the Sawyer kitchen putting together a tray of snacks. As she was putting the popcorn in the microwave her phone rang causing her to stop.
"Hello"
"Hey beautiful"
"Don't beautiful me" she replied..
"Why? You are beautiful"
"Don't try and charm me and whatever else you do to butter me up, you're in trouble mister"
"What why?"
"Fighting with my sister for one thing"
"I'm not fighting with her; she's fighting with me!"
"That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard"
"No it's not, you've spoken to Tim plenty of times and he regularly says the dumbest thing you've ever heard" Nathan corrected.
"Whatever, you're still being dumb, and on the topic did you apologise to Clay?"
"That's a little harsh Hales, and yes I did apologise to frat boy"
"And by did you actually say sorry?"
"Technically Frat boy said sorry to himself on my behalf which I guess was nice of him to do"
"Nathan you were supposed to say sorry and mean it!"
"Trust me Clay was very sincere in his words"
"Which explains Clays current facebook status" Haley muttered
"Are you and Clay facebook friends?" Nathan asked annoyed
"Yes and so are you" Haley replied
"Since when?"
"Pretty much the start of semester" she shrugged as she pulled the now ready popcorn from the microwave.
"Haley you're meant to be my girlfriend, not frat boys facebook friend"
"It's not a big deal Nathan and I'm only one of many"
"Why don't those words make me feel better?"
"I don't know you're the one with the fanclub anyway?"
"Huh?" Nathan asked
"Even graduated... which I helped you to do by the way... you're still the most popular guy at Tree Hill High with a bunch of girls ready to take my place at your side at anytime, but why am I telling you this you probably love the attention. I mean before we got together you were the stud of the town" she ranted
"Stud?" he asked
"You spent a great deal of time batting them away with a stick and despite the fact you now live over an hour away they still want a piece of you despite the fact that you have a girlfriend that goes to school with them, it's ridiculous honestly!"
"Hales what happened?"
"I don't know you tell me?" she accused
"Huh?" Nathan was taken aback
"How is Sue Garvey doing?"
"Who?" Nathan asked
"Don't play dumb, you know who she is she's the president of the Nathan Scott fanclub"
"I thought you were the president" Nathan quipped
"Apparently she became the president this weekend at Duke" she said icily
"I was in Charlotte with you this weekend...wasn't I?"
"THAT'S BESIDE THE POINT!" she screeched
"What the hell!" Nathan pulled the phone away from his ear and looked at it.
"I am very upset right now Nathan!"
"I can tell, baby what's wrong?"
"I'm sorry" she sighed
"Babe talk to me"
"I'm sorry Nathan" she sniffled. "I hate this. God I'm becoming one of those neurotic girlfriends that can't be away from her boyfriend for a few days without going completely crazy"
"What happened?"
"Stupid Sue Garvey happened"
"Who's Sue Gardey?"
"Garvey" Haley corrected
"Whatever" Nathan replied
"The president of your fanclub" Haley said sarcastically rolling her eyes
"Don't roll your eyes"
"I didn't" she mumbled
"Yes you did"
"I hate that you know me" she muttered
"No you don't"
"Right now I do"
"Hales you know you're the only member of my fanclub that matters to me"
"Really?"
"Absolutely, you kind of ruined me to all the other Nathan Scott club card holders"
"Sometimes you say the sweetest things" she smiled down the phone
"I try"
"Why are you so nice to me"
"It's kind of in the rulebook"
"Sure it is" she rolled her eyes despite the smile on her face,
"Hales it doesn't matter what anyone says, I'm yours. Period"
"You better be" she mumbled which caused Nathan to laugh lightly.
"Haley what's taking so long with the food! I need something large and hard to swallow to muffle all the bullshit coming out of Brookes mouth!" Peyton complained as she entered the large kitchen
"Too bad Luke doesn't fit the category" Nathan quipped causing Haley to gasp
"I really don't think I want to know" Peyton stopped when she noticed the look of horror gracing the face of the petite blonde.
"Trust me you don't" Haley shook her head as Nathan laughed.
"Look I have to go Brooke's waiting" Haley started
"So make her wait" Nathan replied
"Nathan we both know patience is not one of your sisters finer qualities"
"It isn't one at all" Peyton added as she grabbed drinks from the fridge.
"I've got to go Nate. I love you"
"I love you too baby, are you sure you're ok?"
"Yeah, I'm fine" she answered twisting the ends of her hair around her fingers.
"Haley..." Nathan pressed
"I'm fine Nathan really just promise you'll stay away from groupies, and ...Sue"
"Haley"
"I know I'm sorry I got to go, I love you" she said quickly before hanging up the phone and slipping it into the back pocket of her jeans.
"Are you okay Hales?" Peyton asked
"I know I'm being stupid" she shook her head
"No you're not. You're being normal. Brooke however is as far from normal as possible" Peyton shuddered "I had to get out of there she was plotting a way of putting protein powder in Sue's milk after I talked her out of cutting off Sue's long hair"
"Either of those scenarios are surprisingly appropriate to me" Haley mused "Although Nathan has never really had a thing for brunettes so her hair wouldn't be a great loss"
"Please don't tell Brooke that. I need you onside to stop her from doing anything stupid" Peyton pleaded.
"I'll try but anything she does, Sue will have coming" Haley warned
"You know Nathan doesn't like her right? I don't think he even knows who she is" Peyton pointed out "Besides how would you feel if her and her friends were sitting around after school planning horrible things against you"
"They probably are"
"When did you get so jaded Hales?"
"When did you stop being so jaded?"
"All I'm saying is that we shouldn't go down to their level"
"Did I tell you that Sue was flirting with Jake in chemistry?"
"The bitch is going down" Peyton gripped the cloth in her hand in a vice like grip as he eyes narrowed
"That's what I thought" Haley snickered. "Even if it was ninth grade chemistry" she added mentally.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Lucas walked side by side with Alex across campus. He was distractedly playing with his phone while she rambled on about some guest professor on campus that she was dying to meet but no one had seen or heard since his arrival.
"Sorry what did you say?" he asked when he realised she'd stopped speaking.
"Not that you seem to care, but I was asking about your first game of the season. It's coming up soon right?"
"Yeah, not that I'm gonna get to actually play"
"Q seems to think he's gonna star"
"When did you talk to Q?" he focused his attention back on the brunette
"The other day at that football party. He and a couple of the guys from the basketball team crashed and Q was running his mouth. Although I don't think he impressed too many people with the things he was saying" she shrugged
"What things?"
"I don't know" she shrugged again "After he tried to put his hand down the back of my skirt I kept a solid ten foot perimeter around myself. Your room-mate is kind of grabby"
"He's an ass"
"True, although I was gonna go with douche. Speaking of, how did things go with your friend from the party? He still wringing river water out of his clothes?" Alex asked turning to look at Lucas
"I think it all turned out okay. The next day we found him curled up in a cabana with his girlfriend and they spent the next day together and as far as I know he's still at Duke so I guess he's well enough to outrun his Dad" Lucas ran a hand through his hair.
"That's good" she said as they walked in silence for a few minutes "I'm sorry about Brooke"
"It's okay, we worked it out no harm done" he said adjusting his backpack on his shoulder.
"She was pretty mad" Alex pressed
"Nah, she was just upset we hadn't seen each other yet and we had plans which well you were there. But we talked later and it's all good. Brooke and I are good" he smiled.
"So who was that guy she was with? You know the one in the weird suit" Alex watched his face closely as they continued to walk
"Umm Julian. They met here a couple weeks ago, remember when she came to see me for the afternoon"
"Yeah I remember. It's a little strange that he would be here on campus then turn up at the party don't you think? I mean he wasn't there to see her?"
"No" Lucas shook his head "He was drumming up investors for some project he's working on"
"What kind of project?" Alex asked quickly
"I don't know I didn't really ask" Lucas answered "Why?"
"Well if it was me and my girlfriend kept running into some gorgeous guy then I'd want to know everything about him" she said as they stopped out the front of Lucas's dorm.
"It's not like that" Lucas dismissed as his phone started to ring. He flipped it open holding it up to read the screen a smile instantly forming.
"From the smile on your face I'm gonna guess that's Brooke" Alex looked away as she crossed her arms over her chest
"Yeah" he agreed as he went to answer the phone
"I'll see you later Luke, just do yourself a favour. Don't dismiss anything... okay bye" she waved before walking off to her own dorm building. Alex turned around and watched as he answered his phone.
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Brooke pulled her bug to a stop in front of the Scott house looking sheepish.
"Thanks for the ride" Haley said as she unbuckled her seatbelt and gathered her things together in lightning speed
"Haley I'm sorry" Brooke tried lamely as Haley closed the car door
"Please don't make me relive it 'Haley pleaded as she took a few steps backwards.
"It's just, Luke's away and I was alone, and you were in the kitchen and last weekend was amazing and Luke was saying the most amazing things"
"Okay eww, eww eww, I really don't need the mental picture"
"To be fair you didn't get a picture it was Peyton who walked in, and it wasn't like I used her bed, I was in the guest bathroom and technically we hadn't started doing anything yet"
"Brooke please just stop"
"I'm sorry okay, and it won't ever happen again, well it probably will just not when you're around"
"Eww, eww eww" Haley screwed her eyes shut.
"Besides look on the bright side I took your mind off of Sue Garvey for a while"
"And now you reminded me gee thanks."
"Look Hales, don't take this the wrong way. You're my best friend and I love you but you need to chill out."
"Excuse me "Haley looked taken aback.
"You're freaking out over nothing"
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"You're jealous; and technically you have nothing to be jealous about"
"You heard her in the hallway" Haley pointed out
"Yes and I also heard you"
"Where is this coming from Brooke? Half an hour ago you were plotting her downfall now your here singing her praises I thought you were my friend!"
"I am your friend"
"You know how to show it!" Haley accused
"I'm going to overlook that right now because I am your friend. You're pissed because you miss Nate like mad, but rather than appear vulnerable and girly, you're venting at a girl who has no chance with him." Trust Brooke to be honest and straight to the point.
"That's not what this is about" she denied.
"Isn't it? Nathan has eyes only for you Hales, well he has eyes for his basketball and the hoop and well the defence but that's because he's a basketball player but that's totally beside the point"
"Brooke?"
"Sorry. Anyway the point is, Nathan loves you, he's not looking at anyone else and Sue can go suck on that. The only reason she's getting to you is because you're letting her. I may be the queen of teenage bitchfights; but even I can see that this jealousy crap is a complete waste of your time and energy. Just be happy Hales there's no greater way to slap a bitch"
"That's kind of deep dude" Haley looked taken aback while Brooke shrugged with a smile. "And kind of poetic for someone who just got busted...well brooking themselves in their friends bathroom" Haley laughed and started for the front door of her own house. While Brooke stood standing next to her car mouth wide.
"Guest bathroom!" She finally yelled at the closing door.
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The morning of the Ravens first game of the season, Haley exited her bathroom back into her bedroom tying her hair into a high ponytail. After the week she'd had she was looking forward to it being all over. But first she had to get through todays classes and then the game tonight. Haley fastened a long blue ribbon into her hair before opening her closet door to get her cheer uniform. Haley closed the door and jumped three feet in the air and jumped out of her skin when she noticed the tall boy leaning casually against her dresser.
"Hi Hales" he said nonchalantly
"What are you doing here?" she asked with one hand on her hip.
"Thought I'd hang out today" he shrugged before taking a bite of the apple in his hand.
"Since when do you eat fruit?"
"It was the only thing in your kitchen" he shrugged again "You need to tell your mom to do some grocery shopping"
"You still didn't answer my first question"
"Yes I did"
"Right "she rolled her eyes as she went back into her bathroom emerging a few minutes fully dressed in her Ravens cheer skirt and matching top."You shouldn't be here" she said as she removed a pair of white socks from her drawer before bending down to pick up her cheer shoes from the bottom of her closet.
"Oh yes I should" he disagreed as his eyes raked over her.
"Don't you have classes today?" she asked as she made her way to the edge of her bed to put on her shoes
"Yeah, but they finish early on a Friday anyway"
"You shouldn't be missing classes Nathan"
"I don't miss classes, you on the other hand I miss like crazy." He bent down and took her foot from her grip and tied her shoelace for her. Haley felt her breath hitch in her throat as his fingertips grazed the skin above her ankle socks. Once her shoe was on to his satisfaction he ran his hands over ankles and calves before looking up at Haley. A moment later he felt Haley grab his collar and pull him up crashing their lips together. Without breaking contact she pulled his weight up so he was covering her on her double bed. "I definitely missed that" he groaned as they broke contact to breathe.
"Me too" Haley smiled before she captured his lips in a passion fuelled kiss once more.
"Oh My God not again!" They were broken apart by Peyton shrieking and Brooke's laughter as she followed the curly haired blonde who was thundering down the stairs.
"Sorry!" Haley called out
"What did they mean by again?" Nathan asked confused
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"I really wish you hadn't explained that" Nathan shuddered as he brought his mustang to a stop in front of the Tree Hill High.
"You asked" Haley grinned at her boyfriend who was turning green, before her smile faded as she noticed a brunette walking towards the front of the school. "Ugh" she groaned
"What?" Nathan looked over his shoulder "What's wrong?"
"Her" Haley grimaced
"Who?"
"Sue Garvey"
"Who's Sue Garvey?"
"Really?" she asked sceptically at Nathans confused expression. "That's the girl I was telling you about"
"Her? Totally not my type Hales" he replied while she eyed him sceptically "She's no Haley James" he smirked
"You say the sweetest things" she rolled her eyes smiling
"I also kiss the sweetest things" he leaned across her seat and placed a few kisses under her jaw
"That makes no sense baby" Haley said closing her eyes as his lips grazed her skin
"It doesn't have to" he said grabbing her face and bringing her lips in contact with hers. A moment later his tongue slipped past her lips as he began devouring her mouth. A soft moan escaped Haley as she gripped his shoulder with one hand and his bicep with the other. Nathan deepened the kiss further as his hands tangled in Haley's ponytail. A moment later she pulled back to take a breath but found Nathan force her mouth back to his kissing her more passionately than before. They continued to battle each other for long minutes before Nathan finally let Haley take a deep breath as he rested his head against hers with a smirk playing across his lips. "Take that fan club stalker" he whispered
"Huh?" Haley asked opening her eyes and looking at Nathan. He glanced for a split second towards the school and Haley followed his line of sight spotting Sue Garvey scowling at them from a few metres away before stalking off. "Nathan!" she punched him in the shoulder
"Ow Hales, I thought you'd be happy!"
"Why on earth would that make me happy?"
"Because I make you happy, and I just made her extremely unhappy, plus I'm one hell of a kisser" he pointed out while she glared at him. "Don't deny it Hales, besides you taught me everything I know" he whispered huskily in her ear.
"Damn you' she leaned back into his touch attaching her lips to his once more.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
There was only a few minutes left before the game started, and Brooke was having a meltdown. Whitey was still pissed about Junk and Fergie cheering and had made a last minute attempt to woo them back to the basketball team. While she was arguing with Whitey Peyton and Jake had disappeared.
"Where the hell is my player Miss Scott?" Whitey boomed
"If I knew don't you think I would tell you!" she yelled back
"Like you told me you were stealing my other players"
"I'm sure they're around here somewhere" Haley tried to intervene
"Stay out of this Miss James" Whitey held up his hand. "Miss Scott you don't return my player to me in the next two minutes the only team you'll be cheering for is the detention class"
"One, detention is not a team and two this is not my fault!"
"You destroyed my team!"
"You tried to destroy my squad!"
"Guys I think we should split up and go look for them, I know we already sent Bevin and Skills, but if we all go we can cover more ground" Haley suggested
"Fine, as soon as coach Durham admits that I didn't do anything wrong" Brooke said stubbornly
"I will do no such thing"
"Then I won't help you look for Jagielski, and neither will my squad"
"You won't have a squad!"
"Okay okay enough!" Haley yelled.
"Whitey, this is not Brooke's fault, Junk and Fergie made their own choices and you need to accept that. And Jake and Peyton disappearing is noone's fault but theirs. We have five minutes til kickoff..."
"Tip off Miss James Tip off! Argh!" Whitey shook his head
"Whatever! Anyway instead of standing around arguing this energy would be better spent looking for them. Whitey keep the rest of the guys with you we will get the squad together and find Jake. C'mon Brooke" Haley started walking towards the rest of the cheerleaders. Brooke and Whitey looked at each other dumbfounded before Brooke chased after Haley.
"What the hell was that?" Brooke finally asked as she caught up with Haley outside the gym. Haley had separated the squad and sent them off to look for the missing two with instructions to meet back in the gym in four minutes.
"Hey what's going on?" Nathan asked as he approached the girls walking to the carpark.
"Nathan I thought I told you to go back to Duke" Brooke put her hands on her hips.
"And I thought I told you no" Nathan retorted
"Are you forgetting that what I say goes?"
"No, I'm ignoring you" he replied smiling down at Haley "So what's going on/"
"Jake and Peyton are missing" Haley filled him in
"Probably trying to get as far away from Brookie as possible" Nathan suggested getting a punch from his sister in response.
"Bite me" Brooke glared at him before turning to Haley "I thought we discussed this. If one of our boyfriends can't make it home then the other can't come either. Solidarity sister?" Brooke whined
"So long sister" Nathan interjected putting his arms around Haleys waist and pulling her back against him.
"Step back and let the best friend go Nate" Brooke warned
"Guys enough. We have seconds to find Peyton and Jake"
"Fine' Nathan relented pecking Haley on the lips before removing his hands from her waist and lacing his hand with hers. "Where should we look?"
"P Sawyer's car" Brooke suggested
"Why?"
"Jake's truck is too small" Brooke shrugged as she made her way across the parking lot. "And despite Peyton's protests she is just as hormonal and horny as the rest of us"
"Speak for yourself Brooke"
"You can't deny it H James, correct me if I'm wrong but were you on the top or bottom this morning?" she winked as Haley went bright red. She then elbowed Nathan as he laughed out loud.
"What?" he asked innocently
"Watch it" Haley warned
"Oh we did, this morning. Even if you making out with my brother is the creepiest thing ever" Brooke shuddered "Look I was right, found them" Brooke called as she walked around the side of Peyton's car and knocked on the window "If the comet's a rockin Brooke will come a knockin!" she called
"Oh My God!" Peyton shrieked as she untangled herself from Jake who started rummaging in the backseat for his shirt. "Oh My God"
"That's what he said" Brooke snickered behind her hand
"I think my eyes are scarred for life" Haley buried her head in Nathans shirt.
"After the other day I think you owe me an apology P Sawyer!"
"It's my car Brooke!"
"And my squad that's threatened if we don't get loverboy here back to his coach in the next 60 seconds" Brooke crossed her arms "On second thought I guess you have time to finish" she smirked as Peyton turned beetroot red and Jake ran a hand through his mussed hair.
"C'mon guys let's go" Nathan started leading Haley back towards the gym.
"Brooke" Haley called over her shoulder.
"I'm coming I'm coming! Kind of like you guys!" she laughed as she ran away Peyton right on her heels.
"Guys" Haley groaned as she watched Brooke bolt towards the gym Peyton chasing after her. "Dammit" Haley chased after them the three bolted down the corridor and into the girls locker room.
"OH MY GOD!" they all came to an abrupt halt as Bevin and Skills broke apart. Skills hands flying out to cover Bevins bare chest while she slapped her hands over her eyes.
"Oh My God! What is the deal with this week!" Peyton yelled before bolting from the room Haley hot on her heels.
Brooke chuckled as she retreated to the door "See you guys on the court in 30 seconds, and Skills nice to know the stereotype isn't true" she called as she backed through the door.
Brooke tapped Haley on the ass as she walked back towards the gym, "Move it or lose it!"
"You okay baby?" Nathan asked as Haley tried to bury her head in his chest.
"Scarred for life" she muttered
"It could be worse" He rubbed his hands soothingly over her back
"How could it possibly be worse?" she pulled back to look at him "I have to go in there and cheer for and with them now"
"It could've been Tim naked in the locker room" he grinned as Haley looked at him in horror