So this chapter is pretty light and fluffy. I know I keep saying it's going to get dramatic- but this is the last happy Naley for a while :/ I know, I know, but i made it long, next chapter is going to be Jackson's birthday party, and something HUGE happens. Just saying... Enjoy this chapter! It's my favorite one so far. Embrace the Naleyness because the next few chapters are going to be drama, drama, drama! Enjoy :)

Disclaimer: I don't own anything except this story line. All rights belong to Mark Schwann and whoever else created this perfectness.

Nathan groaned loudly as the room went black, and shook from the thunder.

"I hate rain storms." He muttered as he fell back onto the couch, but he didn't realize that Haley was sitting right there.

Haley giggled. "Nathan! You're crushing me!"

Nathan quickly jumped up. "Shit sorry! Did I hurt you?"

Haley smiled, even though Nathan couldn't see her face. "No, I'm okay, are you?"

"Yeah." He lied, but truthfully he was extremely upset that his plan didn't go through.

Nathan quickly turned his head when he noticed Brooke walk back into the living room with candles. "This will have to do for now."

Lucas followed Brooke back in with another set of candles. "This sucks."

Nathan scoffed. "Really? I thought you of all people would be happy. I wouldn't be surprised if you turned the lights out on purpose!"He spat.

Lucas stared at Nathan. "Look man, I wouldn't do that. I'm not that much of an ass."

"Could've fooled me." Nathan muttered, as he walked back and forth in the living room

Haley was confused as to why the two cousins had tension among themselves.

"What's going on?" She asked innocently.

Nathan immediately calmed down from hearing her voice.

"Nothing. I guess this storm was just a sign." He sighed dejectedly.

"For what?" Haley asked.

Nathan ran a hand through his damp hair. "I guess just a way of telling me that things happen for a reason and maybe some things aren't meant to happen."

Haley furrowed her brows, but giggled at his cryptic answer. "Umm okay?"

Brooke quickly interjected. "Nathan, you can't give up yet! Don't let the storm ruin it! Keep the faith." Brooke advised.

"Am I missing something here?" Lucas asked, and Haley quickly agreed.

Nathan took a deep breath. "It's nothing Luke, you win."

"What?" Lucas asked.

"You got what you wanted, so I hope you're happy."

"Nathan, I really don't know what you're talking about!" Lucas replied.

Nathan laughed sardonically. "Yeah right."

Lucas quickly got up, grabbed a flash light and dragged Nathan by the arm into the kitchen.

"What the hell, man!" Nathan shouted.

"Tell me what's going on!" Lucas demanded.

Nathan sighed. "I give up."

"On what?" Lucas asked confused.

"Haley!" Nathan whisper shouted.

"What? Why?" Lucas asked.

Nathan rolled his eyes. "Like you even care."

Lucas put his hand on Nathan's shoulder. "Look man, I know I've been hard on you about Haley, but tonight I saw the way you looked at her, and I realized that you actually do like her- and plus Brooke has been telling me like every second.."

Nathan exhaled sharply. "That's what I've been telling you all along!"

Lucas frowned. "I'm sorry, it's just she's like my little sister- she's been through a lot, and I just want to protect her."

Nathan smiled. "I know. I do too. I would never, ever hurt her. I'm crazy about her man."

Lucas laughed. "I know, it's pretty obvious."

Nathan frowned again. "It doesn't matter though, it's not going to work."

Lucas shook his head. "Why not?"

"Because tonight was supposed to be the night that I tell her how I felt and now everything is ruined!" Nathan shouted.

"Don't give up just yet. You're Nathan Scott. Scott's never give up!" Lucas laughed.

Nathan smiled sadly. "I don't know. I'm starting to think that maybe it's just not meant to be."

Lucas shook his head. "Don't let Brooke hear you say that." He joked.

Nathan laughed too, "This is so ironic."

"What is?"

"You're actually okay with my feelings about Haley, and now I can't even tell her!"

Lucas furrowed his brow. "Why can't you just tell her right now?"

Nathan quickly shook his head. "No man, tonight was going to be perfect. I had it all planned out. It was going to be so romantic- I can't do it here."

"Well I'll help you form a new plan. It's the least I can do. I know I've been an ass."

Nathan nodded. "Yeah, that's an understatement."

Lucas laughed. "C'mon, Haley is here, go back out there and be with her."

Nathan shrugged. "I don't know how much longer I can keep in my feelings."

Lucas put a hand on his shoulder and led him to the living room. "It'll be alright."

The guys walked in as Haley and Brooke were in the middle of talking, and Haley was laughing loudly. Nathan's heart rate picked up at the sound.

"Hey." Brooke said as she noticed them walk back in. "Everything okay now?" She added.

"Yup." Lucas nodded.

They all smiled, except for Nathan.

"I'm going to get some clothes that are in my car." Nathan said.

Haley stood up from the couch. "Nathan! It's pouring out! You can't go out there!"

Nathan laughed. "It's alright I'll be right back. I need to get out of this suit."

"Just borrow some of my clothes." Lucas suggested.

"You're frail. I won't fit in your clothes." Nathan joked.

"Fine suit yourself."

Nathan quickly ran out of the house and into the rain, but he didn't realize Haley was right behind him.

He opened up his trunk and grabbed his bag of sweats. The rain was falling hard, and when he turned around, he saw Haley running on Brooke and Lucas's lawn.

"What the hell are you doing!" Nathan screamed above the thunder. "You're gonna get sick!"

Haley giggled like a teenager. "I love the rain!"

Nathan smirked as she twirled around in her dress.

He quickly ran over to where she was, and grabbed her. "You're crazy, James. You know that?"

Haley laughed louder. "I always wanted to do this!" She yelled happily.

Nathan smiled as he starred into her eyes. He slowly was leaning in for a kiss when he noticed Haley's eyes snap shut. He was about three centimeters from her lips when he heard Brooke's voice from the door.

"What are you two doing? You're going to get yourself killed!" She screamed.

Nathan inwardly growled. He was going to let Brooke have it later.

Haley quickly pulled out of Nathan's embrace and blushed. "It's just water Brooke, Come out here! It's fun!" Haley yelled back, and continued to run around in the rain. Nathan just stood there watching as Haley danced around without a care in the world. He realized in that moment that he was in love with her. There weren't many moments in his life where he could look back and think 'that's when everything changed' but tonight he knew. He laughed at himself for being in love with a woman who he didn't even know if she liked him back. They weren't even a couple, and only knew each other for about two months, but Nathan fell for her, and now there was no way of undoing the fall.

Haley screamed when Brooke jumped on her, and Nathan continued to stand in the rain smiling like an idiot. By this point, Haley was completely drenched and her make up was running, but Nathan still thought she was beautiful. Her dress stuck to her like glue, revealing even more of her curves, and Nathan felt all the blood rush south. He didn't even care if anyone saw, he was just so damn happy.

Haley continued to shriek when Brooke was chasing her. She looked so happy, and truly beautiful. She had a dazzling smile on her face, and her eyes shined through the darkness.

Nathan stood there and began to fantasize, which became a norm recently, especially around Haley.

The rain was falling hard, and Haley stood by the window smiling as she watched the drops of condensation drip down the glass.

Nathan quickly came from behind her, and held her in his arms. "Hey baby, what are you smiling at?" He asked.

Haley jumped when she first felt Nathan grab her, but instantly fell back into his arms when she realized it was him.

"The rain."

"What's so great about rain?" Nathan asked as he kissed her neck.

Haley turned around and looked into Nathan's loving eyes. "C'mere I'll show you." She leaned on her tip toes and quickly kissed him on the lips, but soon pulled him to the door.

"Hales, what are we doing?" Nathan laughed.

Haley didn't reply but instead, ran out into the rain and started twirling around in circles.

Nathan started to chase after her and laughed loudly.

Once he finally got a hold of her, he held her tightly around her lower waist. and pulled her in for an earth shattering kiss. They stood there in a heated make out session for what seemed like hours.

Nathan reluctantly pulled away when he needed air, and looked into her deep brown eyes.

"I love you Haley James." He whispered.

Haley felt her heart leap through her chest, and couldn't wipe the smile off of her face.

"I love you too, Nathan Scott."

Nathan smiled as he thought about what it would be like for Haley to say she loved him. He stood there day dreaming, and didn't realize that Haley was now behind him. She quickly jumped on his back, and Nathan laughed. "Oomph!" He said as he felt Haley jump on him and Haley giggled.

"Are we just going to stand here all day?" Haley joked.

Nathan continued to laugh, and started to run around the lawn with Haley on his back. He knew he shouldn't be putting pressure on his back, but he didn't care. He was having the time of his life.

Lucas quickly ran out of the house, and laughed. "You're all crazy!" He screamed.

Brooke giggled. "You know you wanna do it too!"

Lucas continued to laugh and grabbed Brooke in his arms. "You're right. I love you Brooke Davis!"

"I love you too, Broody!" Brooke giggled, and kissed her boyfriend.

Neither Nathan nor Haley noticed Brooke and Lucas kissing, because they were chasing each other still. By now everyone was soaking wet, but no one cared. A minute later, the wind started to pick up, and thunder roared above them. Haley shivered, and Nathan noticed.

"C'mon Hales, it's time for you to go in."

She frowned but her heart warmed at his concern.

They all walked back inside and Brooke handed them each a towel.

"That was a lot of fun!" Brooke gushed.

Haley smiled. "It was!"
Nathan nodded. "Yeah. I think I might actually like the rain now."

Lucas chuckled. "I think I'm going to take a warm shower now."

I need a cold one Nathan thought as he eyed Haley leaning down to wipe her legs. Nathan gulped hard. Focus Scott, focus. Nathan tried everything to keep his eyes everywhere but Haley, but it was impossible. She was like a magnet, and he was being pulled in by her force filed. Nathan swore he started to drool when he saw Haley flip her hair, to get some of the water out.

Once everyone dried off, Brooke and Lucas went into their bedroom to change, and Nathan started a fire to warm up, and add some light since the power was still out.

"So this night wasn't too bad." Haley joked as she stood behind him. Nathan's shirt clung tightly to his muscular back, and Haley couldn't help but stare. She couldn't fight her attraction to Nathan. He was easily the hottest guy she had ever seen. She watched intently as he poked around with the fire, and she blushed when he turned around, hoping he didn't catch her staring.

"Yeah, you're right. That was really fun."

Haley bit her lip at Nathan's intense stare.

They stood there for a few minutes just looking at each other, neither saying a word. It wasn't awkward though, it was actually quite intimate

Brooke suddenly walked in as she saw Nathan and Haley having "eye sex", and she chuckled to herself.

"Hales, I have some dry clothes for you if you want."

Haley quickly turned around and blushed. "Oh, okay. Thank you!" She said and quickly walked into the bathroom to change.

"Soooo." Brooke drawled out smiling at Nathan, who was still in awe from starring at Haley.

"Huh?" Nathan asked as he quickly looked away from Haley's retreating form.

"The sexual tension in this room is so thick I can cut it with a freaking knife!" Brooke joked.

Nathan laughed. "yeah you suck Davis."

Brooke feigned a hurt expression. "Me? What did I do?"

"I was so close to kiss Haley out in the rain, but you had to ruin it."

Brooke shrieked. 'Are you kidding me!?"

Nathan chuckled. "No. I wish I was."

Brooke groaned loudly. "Ughhh! Naley was about to kiss and I ruined it! God, I hate myself right now!"

Nathan continued to laugh. "Yeah, I kinda hate you too."

Brooke stuck her tongue out at Nathan. "Whatever, you guys were still cute though."

"Of course we're cute. Do you see me? And do you see Haley?!" Nathan smirked.

Brooke smiled. "Wasn't she beautiful?"

"God, she's perfect!" Nathan gushed.

Brooke laughed. "I can't wait for you two to finally get together!"

"Well at this rate, I don't think it's going to happen!" Nathan groaned.

"Oh enough! Hush up!" Brooke demanded.

Lucas and Haley then walked in both wearing fresh clothes.

Nathan looked up, and his mouth went dry again. Haley was wearing a white tank top, and baggy 'Tar Heels' sweat pants, which were rolled at the top. Her wet hair, was in a messy bun on the top of her head, but she still looked hot as hell.

"I don't know if i can talk to you anymore Hales." Nathan said trying to keep a straight face.

Haley quickly frowned. 'What? Why?"

"I'm a Blue Devil. I don't associate with Tar Heels fans." He explained.

Haley rolled her eyes. "Ha ha." She said sarcastically.

"Oh, I'm serious."

Haley pouted. "Well that's a shame."

Nathan couldn't help but smile at her adorable pout. "Alright, I guess you can be the exception." Nathan joked,

Haley smiled, and crinkled her nose. "Good, but just so you know, I'm still a Duke fan."

Nathan laughed. "Good."

With that, he walked into the bathroom and changed into a grey Charlotte Bobcats sweatshirt, and blue sweatpants.

He walked back out with a flash light and headed back to the living room where he found Brooke, Lucas, and Haley sitting around on the couches surrounded by candles and drinking wine. He smiled at the sight, hoping they could do this more often.

"We're playing truth or dare!" Brooke shouted. "So truth or dare?" She asked Nathan.

Nathan quickly thought about it. "Hmm, I guess Truth." He said.

"Okay, so is there anyone you like?" Brooke asked.

Nathan was confused. "Uh what do you mean?"

"Like do you like someone?"

Nathan furrowed his brow. "Yeah, I do, but you already knew that..."

Haley's heart sank at the thought that Brooke knew who Nathan liked and she didn't.

"Okay moving on. Haley truth or dare?"

"Truth." She said confidently.

"Okay have you ever 'brooked' yourself?" She asked.

Nathan was drinking wine, and almost started to choke at the question.

"Have I what myselfed?" Haley asked.

"You know..." Brooke said.

Haley gagged. "Ew! No! Brooke what's wrong with you?"

Nathan couldn't help think about the dirty thoughts racing through his mind, and he was glad that the lights were out.

"I don't know, I mean your single..."

"Enough! I don't want to hear this!" Lucas shouted.

"Okay Broody, truth or dare?" Brooke asked.

"Um truth."

Brooke rolled her eyes. "You guys are boring. Okay um, who do you think Haley should date?"

"What?" Lucas asked. "That's stupid."

"Just answer the question!"

"Um, I don't know. I guess she'd be good for Nate."

Haley instantly blushed, and Nathan gulped.

Things were about to get awkward.

Brooke clapped, satisfied with the answer. "Nathan, truth or dare?"

"I'll do dare." He said.

"I dare you to kiss Haley!" Brooke smiled.

Nathan instantly felt his heart stop, and looked over at Haley who was starring at her feet and even in the dark he could see her blush.

"What is this? Seventh grade?" Nathan asked.

Brooke shook her head. "You have to do it!"

Nathan licked his lips, and looked at Haley. She looked up shyly. "Well... If you have to."

Nathan smirked and went over to where Haley was sitting. He pecked a quick kiss on her lips, and Haley sat there with her eyes closed.

Brooke shrieked happily.

"Awww!"

Lucas rolled his eyes, and chuckled.

Nathan smiled wide when he saw Haley open her eyes, and she blushed deeper.

"Okay Hales, truth or dare?"

"Truth." She replied still in a shy, quiet voice.

"What was your first impression of Nate?"

Haley smiled.

"He was really sweet." She gushed.

"And?" Brooke pressed.

Haley swallowed. "Well, he had nice eyes." She sad biting her lip, and Nathan smirked.

"And?" Nathan joked, and Haley playfully hit his arm.

"He was cocky."

Nathan pouted. "That was weak."

"Okay, you had a nice smile." Haley said looking in his eyes.

For the next thirty minutes, the four of them continued to play games, and tell stories about their childhood. They were having a great time, but soon Brooke was starting to fall asleep and decided to get ready for bed.

"So, I will set up the couch bed for you guys." Brooke said standing up from Lucas' lap.

"Uh.." Haley quickly blushed.

Nathan stood up. "Haley can get the bed, I'll sleep on the floor." He quickly said.

Brooke shook her head. "But your back..." She pointed out.

Nathan shrugged. "It's fine. I can get the floor, let Hales get the couch bed."

Haley frowned. "Nathan, you have a bad back, I'll sleep on the floor."

Nathan shook his head. "No I can't let you do that Hales."

Brooke laughed. "Whatever, you two kids figure it out. I'm gonna set up the bed."

Haley bit her lip. "Nathan I won't be able to sleep if you're on the floor."

Nathan laughed. 'Haley, I'm okay, seriously."

"I'm sleeping on the floor."

"Well So am I." Nathan said.

Brooke and Lucas quickly said goodnight, and Nathan and Haley were left in the living room deciding who should get the couch bed.

They were both stubborn, so they were both on the floor right now.

"Nathan, please get the couch bed." Haley begged.

Nathan sighed. "How about, I sleep above the covers, and you sleep under them?" He suggested.

Haley quickly gulped. She never shared a bed with a man in her entire life.

"Uh, are you sure?"

Nathan nodded. "Only if you're okay with it. I think it's silly if we both stay on the cold floor."

"Okay, you're right." Haley agreed and quickly got under the covers. "Goodnight Nathan."

"Night, Hales."

Haley layed on her side away from Nathan and couldn't suppress the huge smile on her face. She felt like a love sick teenager.

Nathan was on top of the covers, with his hands behind his head thinking about the recent events. Sure his plan didn't get to work, but he was glad he got to hang out with Haley. He thought about a new plan to tell her how he felt, and he was grew confident that it would be even better. His eyes quickly started to close, but he opened them when he felt Haley start to shiver.

"Are you cold, Hales?" He asked concerned.

Haley nodded. "yeah, I'm okay though."

Nathan quickly got up, and Haley opened her eyes. He went to get another blanket and he wrapped Haley in it. He then slowly took off his sweatshirt and Haley felt her body rise about 1,000 degrees. She never saw someone that muscular in her life. She was starring at Nathan's six pack, and muscular chest, and she couldn't look away.

He handed Haley his sweatshirt and smiled. 'here, wear this."

Haley obliged and out itt on, and instantly felt better.

"Thanks Nathan. Good night." She said as she lay back down, this time facing Nathan. Nathan couldn't help himself and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. "Goodnight, sweet dreams."

And with that, Haley fell fast asleep. Somewhere along the night Nathan ended up under the covers and Haley rested her head on Nathan's chest. He wrapped his arms tightly around Haley, and they were both in a deep slumber.

Haley was in the middle of an amazing dream, and didn't realize her sleeping arrangements with Nathan.

Haley was lounging on a pool chair in her backyard as she watched Jackson and Nathan playing and splashing around in the pool.

"Momma! Come on in the pool!" Jacskon shouted.

Haley smiled.

"Oh, I don't know baby."

Nathan smirked, and quickly got out of the pool.

Haley watched in awe as she saw the perfect god-like body rising out if the water. She felt her body rise in temperature. She licked her lips as she saw Nathan in his black swim trunks that lay low on his hips. Nathan ran over to where she was sitting and quickly picked her up in his arms.

"Nathan!" She squealed.

Nathan chuckled. "Let's go babe! You're coming in the water with us!" And with that Nathan carried Haley over to the pool, kissed her on the lips quickly, and threw her into the water. She came up and started laughing. "I hate you!" She joked.

Nathan dove in and met her in the middle.

"No you don't." He said as he wrapped his arms around her neck. "You love me, and I love you." And she kissed him deeply.