I know I said I wasn't going to update but I wrote this really quickly because I was excited and I had a good idea. It's short but I wanted to post it, so enjoy it! Oh and thanks for all the reviews/birthday wishes. I had a great day! And one more thing, Naley isn't going to get together for a while sorry, please be patient because when they do get together it's going to be perfect. I have a lot of drama in store so this is the last cute chapter for Naley for a while…

It was Monday morning and Haley began her day like she usually did. She dropped Jackson off at Brooke's and she made her wake to work. When she got to her classroom she noticed a sticky note on her door that read "Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! It's been so great working with you, and getting to know you. I appreciate you, even though you're not my teacher- although I wish you were! –NS"

Haley read the note and had a huge smile on her face. She didn't know what Brooke and Peyton were talking about Nathan being an arrogant ass, because so far he's been nothing but sweet and compassionate it to her.

He's just a friend. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. A friend. Like Lucas. No, definitely not Lucas. Lucas doesn't make my heart race. Lucas doesn't have a sexy smirk. Lucas doesn't make me blush. Dammit Haley, get it together.

Haley took a deep breath and walked into her classroom. She had first period off, so she decided to grade papers. After about fifteen minutes into the period, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." She said not looking up from her work.

"Hi Haley. I just wanted to let you know we have a staff meeting today after work." Haley's fellow co-worker Jane Mitchell said.

"Oh, okay, thank you." Haley said kindly. Jane and Nathan were the only other staff that she genuinely liked, because they were nice to her, unlike the rest of the staff.

"So, what's up?" Jane asked.

"Not much, a lot of grading, but I really don't mind it." Haley said smiling.

"Okay, I'm just gonna cut to the chase. What's going on with you and Mr. Scott?" Jane asked wiggling her eyebrows.

Haley started to cough. "Wh-what do you mean?"

Jane rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh please. Everyone knows that you and Nathan have a crush on each other."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Haley said trying to be nonchalant.

"Yeah right!" Jane laughed. "You have lunch with him every single day. You know how many women here wish they got to eat lunch with the Nathan Scott?"

Haley just shrugged. "We're friends."

"Well, I think you're crazy! Nathan Scott is like the hottest male on this planet."

It was Haley's turn to laugh. "Okay, now you're acting like a teenager."

"I'm serious. Nathan is so attractive; I don't know how you can just be friends with him." Jane argued.

Haley smiled. "He's a great guy. We get along, and yeah he's cute, but I don't like him like that."

LIES, LIES, LIES, LIES

"Well I think he likes you." Jane said smirking.

This got Haley's attention, and she bit her lip. "What? Why would you say that?"

Jane chuckled. "Right, and you expect me to believe you don't like him. Seriously though, before you came Nathan would hide in his office all day. No one ever saw him, and he never smiled. But now, all he ever does is smile. And he eats lunch with you every day- which is absolutely adorable by the way- I mean it can't be any more obvious."

Haley just shook her head. "We're friends Jane. That's it, besides, nothing can happen between us. It's against the code of conduct."

"Pft, like anyone actually follows that. And I'm not saying you should date but I mean like you can totally do it with him!" Jane said clapping her hands.

"Do what?" Haley asked confused.

Jane laughed, "Tell me you're joking."

Haley just stood there with a blank expression.

"Nathan Scott is the kind of one night stands. Every woman in this school is dying for the chance, and by the looks of things you can be the lucky gal."

Nathan? My Nathan? No way! He's not like that? Is he?

Haley was suddenly upset by this thought.

"No, no I would never do that." Haley said firmly.

"Okay, well do you think I have a chance?" Jane asked.

Haley laughed, but Jane didn't say anything.

"Wait, you're serious?" Haley asked.

"Yeah. I've been dying for Nathan to notice me. I'm only two years older than him. I'm single, he's single. He's attractive. Do you think you can set us up?

Haley bit her lip.

Is she freaking kidding me?

"I mean, as long as you're okay with it…" Jane said.

Haley was starting to get annoyed. "It's fine. I don't care. I'll tell him you're interested"

"Thanks Haley! You're the best!" With that Jane quickly hugged Haley, and she stood there in shock, trying to process everything that just went on.

A&F

Nathan was dribbling a basketball down the court, and was about to go for a layup when he heard the gym doors open. He saw who it was and quickly walked over, placing the ball down on the floor.

"What happened? What did she say? Do you think she likes me?" Nathan rushed out.

Jane stood there with a funny look on her face. "One question at a time Nate."

"Sorry. I'm just nervous."

"Well I think you should sit down for this." Jane said solemnly.

Uh oh.

Nathan looked at her with an anxious look in his eyes. "So?"

Jane put her hand on Nathan's shoulder. "She said that she only thinks of you as a friend. I'm sorry Nathan."

At that moment, Nathan's heart felt like it had been ripped out of his chest and stepped on a thousand times. He ran a hand over his face and blew out a deep breath. "Are you sure?" Nathan asked.

Jane nodded. "Yeah. I'm sorry. I know you like her."

"Yeah, I do. I like her a lot. I don't think I've ever felt this way before. I thought she liked me too, but I guess I was wrong." Nathan said frowning. "I don't know what to do." He said running a hand through his dark hair.

"It'll be okay Nathan. I'm sure she'll realize it sooner or later. And if not then there are plenty of fish in the sea."

Nathan gave a sad smile, and shrugged. "I guess, but I never dealt with something like this before. What do I do? Should I just tell her how I feel?"

Jane shook her head. "No that'll make things awkward. Until you know for sure that she likes you, I think you should just be friends."

"How do I be friends with her? Friends aren't supposed to feel this way!" Nathan shouted.

"I know it's hard, but you'll get through it."

"How?"

"It takes time, but you'll get over her."

"I don't know. I've never felt this way before." Nathan argued.

"Well she's crazy not to like you Nate, you're a great guy." Jane gave him a friendly smile.

Nathan took a deep breath. "Well thanks for your help. What'd you say anyway?"

"I just asked her if she liked you, I told her I thought you liked her, and then said that I wanted to.. maybe… sorta… kinda…"

"What?" Nathan asked.

"Sleep with you." She squeaked.

Nathan threw his hands up in the air. "Oh great! Now she thinks I'm a play boy!"

"Sorry. I wanted to see if she'd admit that she liked you but she said that I should go for it."

This made Nathan feel worse than before. He honestly wanted to cry. Nathan only cried twice in his life. Once when he was ten years old and he fell off his snow board and broke his arm. Dan then yelled at him, and he never cried again. Until recently… that fateful night.

Stop it.

Nathan blew put a breath. "Okay. Well I'll be sure not to tell Mike that you want to sleep with me." Nathan chuckled.

Jane punched him lightly. "Jerk. You said you wouldn't tell! I'm helping you out, don't be an idiot."

Nathan smiled. "You're right, sorry. Thanks again. I guess I'll figure something out. I don't want to try too hard, but I also don't want to give up. I want to date Haley, but I also don't want to pressure her. God this is so damn difficult! This is why I don't get involved with women! They're so complicated! I don't want to make her fall for me; I just want it to be natural. I'm not giving up, but I don't want to just be friends, you know?" Nathan exhaled deeply again.

"Well whatever happens, I'm sure it'll be ok. Things happen for a reason." Jane advised.

Nathan smiled. "Thanks Jane. I really appreciate your help."

"No problem, any time."

Nathan gave Jane a quick, friendly hug, but was unaware that Haley was standing in the gym doors watching the exchange.

A&F

Haley realized she had to tell Nathan about Quentin failing her class, so she quickly walked to the gym. When she got there her heart shattered into a million pieces. She saw Nathan and Jane in a tight embrace. Haley swallowed the lump forming in her throat, and blinked rapidly so stop the tears from spilling out of her eyes. Unfortunately, she was unsuccessful and quickly ran to the bathroom and went in the stall to cry.

I'm acting like a baby. You were never dating. It's not like he cheated on you. He's a guy. Maybe Jane was right.. No I refuse to accept that Nathan is like that. Ugh I hate Jane!

Haley never realized until that moment how much she liked Nathan.

Why did I tell Jane it was okay to go after him? God, I'm so jealous! That should be me! I do like him! I do! Ugh!

Haley wiped her eyes with her fingers, and choked back a sob.

I'm acting like a baby!

She composed herself and walked out of the stall, to look at herself in the mirror.

I'm a mess

She splashed cold water on her face, and wiped her black mascara off of her face. She smoothed out her black dress, and gave a fake smile to the two girls who walked in.

"Hi Miss James." One of the girls said.

"Hey Casey. How are you?" Haley asked sweetly.

"Good. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks. Have a good day." Haley said forcing another smile.

With that Haley walked out of the bathroom straight into a tall hard body.

Can this day be any worse? Haley thought.

She looked up into those bright blue eyes that consumed her every thought, and swallowed.

I guess that answers my question

Nathan laughed loudly. "You know Haley, you don't have to keep bumping in to me if you want to talk, you can just say hi."

Haley threw Nathan a 'whatever' look, and started to walk away.

"Hales, wait! I was just kidding. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. Are you okay?"

Haley actually smiled and turned around. "You called me Hales." She said still smiling.

Nathan glanced down at his feet, nervously. "Oh I'm sorry, do you not like being called that?"

Haley shook her head. "No, I like it. It sounded nice."

Nathan smirked. "Well are you okay, Hales?"

Haley playfully rolled her eyes. "Yes, I'm fine."

"You're a little high on yourself going around telling people you're all fine, when I know you're not." Nathan said.

Haley looked up confused.

How did he know?

As if he read her mind Nathan put his finger under her eyes, and gave her a sad smile. "You were crying."

Haley's heart rate picked up in speed, and blushed profusely.

"I- I-" she tried to explain.

Nathan wiped the little bit of mascara that was left with his thumb. "Don't you lie to me Haley Something James. I know you were crying."

Haley tried to suppress a small giggle, but failed.

"See, that's the Haley I know. Remember what I told you on the first day?"

Of course!

Don't want to see you cry, ever. It breaks my heart. I want to see that beautiful smile on your face, because when you smile, I smile. But when you're sad, I'm sad." Nathan said looking deeply into her eyes.

The look was so deep that Haley wanted to cry again.

Maybe he does like me? No… he probably likes Jane. Stupid Bitch.

At that thought Haley looked down at her feet.

Nathan put his finger under her chin and forced her to look at him again.

"Tell me what's wrong." He said compassionately.

"Nothing. I'm fine now."

"Were your students bothering you again?" Nathan's blood started to boil with anger. "I swear Hales, if they were, tell me, I'm going to kill them."

Haley laughed again. "No it's not that but actually I wanted to talk to you about Quentin." Haley said changing the subject.

Nathan instantly balled his fists. "Did he do something to you? I told him to stop…"

Haley smiled, and put her hand on his bicep. He instantly lost some tension. "No actually, the past week he hasn't showed up to class. I'm worried about him. He missed a test, and he hasn't been reading the assignment book. He's actually failing right now."

"Shit." Nathan muttered. "I told him he needed to do well in order to play. The team really needs him, but I'm not letting him get away with it."

Haley agreed. "I understand. That's why I decided I'm going to tutor him every day and give him another book to read for extra credit. If he reads it and does his work than he can pass with a B-. Does that sound okay?"

Nathan smiled. "That's great. God I wish I had a teacher like you. You're so caring, and you have a huge heart. Those kids are really lucky to have you."

Haley blushed, and her heart swelled with pride. "Thank you Nathan that meant a lot."

Suddenly the bell rang and Nathan frowned.

"I gotta go, but I'll meet you for lunch later and we can finish discussing this. Have a good day Hales."

"Thanks you too!" They both walked away with smiles on their faces.

A&F

Haley was in the middle of teaching her 5th period class when suddenly there was a loud knock on her door. She stopped her lecture and opened the door. One of the ladies at the front desk was standing there with a large bouquet of purple flowers. Haley stood there in utter confusion.

"Hi Miss. James, sorry to interrupt but these were left at the front desk for you." The elderly lady said as she handed the flowers to Haley.

Haley smiled. "Uh thank you." She walked over to her desk completely forgetting about her class and searching for a sign that would let her know who the flowers were from.

She saw a small typed up note that read: 'Miss. James, Happy Teacher Appreciation Day. You make coming here so much better. You're the best teacher I know. I wish I was more like you. I really look up to you. Thanks for being amazing. I don't know what I'd do without you. You're my role model, and in my eyes you're perfect. Thanks for everything.' Haley was flattered but had no clue who they were from.

"Are those from your boyfriend?" One of the girls in her class asked.

Haley giggled. "No. I don't know who they're from. There's no name."

"Well what's it say?" One boy asked.

Haley blushed, contemplating if she should read it aloud. After her class begged, she caved, and read it to them. The girls all gushed over it, and the guys thought it was weird.

"Who do you think they're from?"

"I'm not sure." Haley replied.

"Maybe they're from Coach Scott. That would be so romantic!" One girl gushed.

Haley bit her lip, trying not to blush.

"Or maybe they're from some creepy stalker guy." One kid said.

Haley rolled her eyes. "I don't think either of you are correct."

Although I wish they were from Nathan…

"Well I think Coach got them for you. He's like in love with you." A boy in the back shouted.

Haley felt her face get hotter, and the class erupted into loud shouts.

"You guys would be such a cute couple!"

"Coach is so hot!"

"Do you like him?"
Haley cleared her throat.

"That's enough. Coach Scott and I are only friends. I'm sure the flowers are from a fellow student. If it was one of you, thank you very much it was so sweet, but we need to get back to class…"

A&F

Nathan waited patiently at his desk for Haley. She promised she would get the Chinese food, and Nathan was starving. He was nervous because now was the time he was going to tell her how he felt but now that he found out she only liked him as a friend he decided to save the embarrassment. He forgot all about the flowers that he sent her. He was going to give them to her as a way of telling her how he felt, but he chickened out. Nathan was deep in thought when Haley walked in with the Chinese Food.

"Hey." She greeted.

Nathan looked up at the beautiful woman in front of him and he smiled. "Hey there you are."

"Sorry I took so long, the line was out the door!"

"It's okay, here let me take that." Nathan said as he grabbed the bag from her hand.

"Thanks."

"So what's up? You feeling better?" Nathan asked while setting up the food.

Haley nodded. "Yeah, the strangest thing happened. I got flowers last period, but I have no idea who they're from."

Nathan pretended to be shocked. "Really? Was there a note?"

"Yeah, but there wasn't a name."

"That's weird. Who do you think they're from?"

"I don't know. I thought it was a student but I'm not sure. Maybe you can help?" Haley said handing Nathan the card.

He pretended to look it over. "Sorry, I don't know. It seems to me you have a secret admirer though." He smirked.

Haley blushed "I don't know about that."

"Oh no I think you do. I'm sure all the boys in your class like you."

Haley rolled her eyes. "I doubt that! And they certainly don't like me today. I assigned them so much homework."

"Well other than that I think you're a great teacher." Nathan gave her a sweet smile.

"Thanks. And thank you for the note, it was really sweet."

"Sure no problem!"

"But I know all the girls love you, and even the guys think you're some god." Haley joked while taking a bite of fried rice.

"I don't know about that but hey- that's my rice!" Nathan said while trying to grab Haley's fork.

"You have your own! This is mine." She laughed.

"Fine." Nathan pouted, and Haley laughed.

Nathan just stared at her smiling.

"What?" Haley asked beginning to grow self-conscious.

"You're laugh is really pretty."

Haley blushed a light shade of pink, "Oh thanks."

"So I guess I need to beat up some punk huh?"

"Huh?" Haley asked.

"Some kid likes you."

Haley took another bite of her food. "I don't know."

"Haley everyone likes you."

Haley blushed again. "No, Mrs. Turner doesn't."

Nathan laughed. "Well then she's on drugs."

Haley giggled. "Well what do you do if a student likes you?"

"Well it happens to me all the time so I just got used to it." Nathan said cockily.

Haley playfully punched his arm. "You're so full of yourself."

"I only speak the truth."

"Okay what else you got genius?" Haley asked provocatively.

"Well if you get a fortune cookie, and add the phrase 'in bed' at the end, it still makes sense." Nathan said.

Haley laughed loudly almost choking on her lunch.

"I'm serious, here I'll show you." Nathan said cracking open a fortune cookie.

He cleared his throat. "You are a master of your craft- in bed." Nathan smirked. "See?"

Haley giggled. "I don't believe you," She said grabbing the fortune, and she was shocked when she saw it was true.

"Told you." Nathan smirked again, and Haley stuck her tongue out at him.

"What are you five? I mean seriously your son is more mature than you. You like mac n cheese, and you stick your tongue out." Nathan joked.

"Whatever." She rolled her eyes, "let me try a fortune." She opened a cookie and smiled. "Don't trust anyone- in bed. Wow. That sucked."

Nathan smirked, "Here I think this one suits you better." He handed her another fortune, and she read it aloud.

"Don't be afraid to take chances in love and life. –in bed-." Haley laughed. "Haha" She deadpanned. "I'm pretty sure you're the immature one."

Nathan pretended to look hurt. "Well then, I guess you're not getting my surprise."

Haley's head shot up. "Surprise?" She smiled. "I like surprises."

"Well you were bullying me, and abusing me before so now you can't have it."

"I'm sorry. I won't do it again. Can I please have my surprise now?" She pouted.

Nathan couldn't resist. "Okay fine. So last Thursday you told me how you used to eat cracker jacks when you were a kid, which was like what? Two years ago?" Nathan joked and Haley rolled her eyes. "Anyway, I saw them in the store and I couldn't resist. So I bought them." Nathan pulled out the pack and opened it. "Oh look! There's a bracelet inside." Nathan pulled it out and grabbed Haley's wrist, and slid on the multi-colored bracelet on her. Haley's heart warmed, and she smiled wide. "It's for you." Nathan said.

"Thank you. I love it! Now what do you want?"
Nathan's eyebrows rose. "I am shocked that you would think I'm trying to bribe you!?'

"I totally can call you on your bluster and bs Nate."

"Fine you caught me." Nathan's hands shot up. "Well… on Friday night I have some stupid charity thing and I don't want to go alone, so I was wondering if you would want to come with me."

Haley's mouth fell open. "Like, on a date?" She asked.

Nathan's leg started to shake and his mouth went dry. "No, no, definitely not." Nathan rushed out quickly.

I wish He thought.

Haley's heart sunk. "Oh. Okay."

Dammit She thought.

"Well I wouldn't want it to be weird for you." Nathan clarified.

I knew she wouldn't want it to be a date

"Right." Haley said.

"So?" Nathan asked.

There's no way I can go to this with him, I'd want it to be a date but obviously he doesn't

"I'm not sure if I can… I need to see if Brooke can watch Jackson. You should ask Jane though."

Nathan was shocked. "Jane?"

Haley swallowed hard. "Yeah, Jane Mitchell. Don't tell her I told you this but I think that she likes you. I think um.."

I can't say it.

"You should go for it." Haley said softly. Her heart broke as she said it.

Nathan shook his head. "No. I'm not interested in her." He said as his eyes bore into hers. "I like someone else."

"Oh." Haley said trying to hide her excitement.

"Yeah. Why would you think that?"

"I don't know I just thought- I don't know."

"Okay well I understand if you don't want to come. It was just a suggestion. I'd rather go with you than some random chick."

Haley was confused.

Maybe he is a player

"Oh I mean, sometimes Brooke sets me up on random dates, and I hate it, so I would feel more comfortable if you were there instead." Nathan rambled.

Haley bit her lip. "Um. I'll think about it."

Nathan smiled. "Thanks Haley."

Haley shrugged. "I think you should ask the girl you like though."

Nathan furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"

"You said you're interested in someone, you should ask her."

Nathan tried to cover up his tracks. 'Oh I asked her already."

Haley was hurt.

I guess I'm just a second option

"What'd she say?"
"I don't really know honestly." Nathan said.

Can I be any more obvious that I like her?

"Well ask her. I'm sure she'd love to go with you. I don't want you to feel like you have to take me."

Nathan took a deep breath. "But I want you to come."

Haley gave him a half smile. "I'll get back to you."

I can't believe he likes someone Haley thought

Great, so I was rejected two times today by the same girl. This is awesome. Haley James you will be the death of me. Nathan thought.

Wow this was a lot longer than I planned. So I spent my birthday writing this! I don't mind though it's fun. It's long because it's going to be a while until next update. I don't know what direction I'm going to go in because I basically just write and then whatever happens-happens, so feedback is much appreciated! If you're confused or have suggestions let me know! Thanks :)