I apologize for the long wait, but I have a feeling you'll like this chapter. ;)
Thanks for sticking with the story! (assuming people are still reading, lol)
"Are you ready?" Haley asked softly as she ran her delicate hand over Nathan's back, attempting to calm his frayed nerves.
Nathan blew out a deep breath as he glanced out at all of the cameras and reporters that surrounded the outside of Tree Hill High.
After days of solitary confinement in order to hide from the Media, Clay had finally gotten Nathan to agree on scheduling an official Press Conference to explain the whole situation so that the Bobcats wouldn't officially fire him because of his violation of a contract. Nathan was extremely reluctant to speak to the public because he didn't want to expose Haley and Jackson to the public, but he knew it had to be done. He really didn't think it was fair that he was fired because he was in love. Plus, he wanted to set the rumors straight. He and Haley weren't having a "sexual relationship"... it was pure love, and there was nothing wrong with it. If he couldn't continue his job as a coach, AND couldn't get back in the NBA, then he'd really have no idea what he'd do. But at least he had Haley….
"No, not really." He answered throatily when he felt Haley's small hand straighten out his tie.
"You're going to do great. Whatever happens, happens. The only thing that matters is that I love you, so do what you have to do and I'll be by your side every step of the way. Okay?" Haley reassured him with a sweet smile, and a chaste kiss against his lips.
Nathan took a deep, calming breath and nodded. "Thank you."
"For what?" Haley whispered.
"Being here. Supporting me. Loving me." Nathan confessed with a smile. "You're amazing, you know that?"
Haley giggled quietly, "So are you."
"How can you be so calm right now? Our lives are pretty much on the line. I am so sorry for dragging you into this-"
Haley licked her lips and looked sternly into Nathan's oceanic blue eyes. "Listen to me baby, we did absolutely nothing wrong. This is not your fault. Trust me, I'm just as worried as you are, but I know everything is going to be okay. I have you by side."
Nathan took another deep breath and reached out gently caressing Haley's cheek. "Yeah, you're right. I just hate dragging you and Jackson into this mess…"
"Just do what you have to do, and know that we both love you-"
"I love you too, Haley." Nathan promised, and was about to lean down in order to meet her for a kiss, when they were interrupted by someone clearing their throat.
"Nate, man, c'mon. It's time." Clay announced and pointed toward the small podium which was surrounded by reporters.
"Good luck." Haley called out after him as Nathan reluctantly retreated away from her as he made his way up a small flight of stairs and took his spot behind the makeshift podium. Immediately he was blinded by the dozens of camera flashes, and blinked hard as he glanced to his left and found Haley and Clay giving him reassuring smiles.
One look at Haley, and he found the sudden strength he needed. She made him brave.
Hardening his jaw, and inhaling sharply, he looked out at the small crowd and gave a small smile.
"I know I haven't been in the public eye in a while, and there's a reason for that. I haven't been completely honest with everyone. As most of you know, I was injured in a car accident preventing me to play basketball. What you don't know is that I was responsible for the accident considering I was driving drunk that night-"
Immediately more flashes lit up the atmosphere and many gasps were sounded, as well as sudden chatter.
"I am not proud of what I did. I live with the guilt and pain every single day. As part of my punishment I was suspended from the Bobcats, and I'd have to steer clear from Media until further notice, and so I took up a job at Tree Hill High. So yeah, I'm sorry for lying, and I am sorry for letting you down, but the reason why I'm here today is not to apologize for my recent allegations."
More camera's flickered and reporters eagerly started scribbling notes down.
"See, while I was here at Tree Hill High, I met someone who changed my life. By now, I'm sure you've heard various rumors, and you can take what you want from them, but the truth is, I fell in love with a fellow co-worker." He revealed after a shaky breath, then turned towards Haley who had a small tear running down her cheek.
Nathan's voice grew louder over the growing murmurs around him. "I see nothing wrong with falling in love. I will not apologize for that. I will also not share my personal relationship with my girlfriend, but I will say that being in love is not a crime. We have kept our relationship hidden due to privacy, and warnings from our boss. We have never let our relationship interfere with work, but I understand the rules and consequences, despite the fact I do not agree with them. I also understand if the Bobcats want to abolish my contract, but if they don't, either way I will be officially retiring from the NBA."
The shocked gasps grew dramatic and high pitched, but Nathan kept going.
"I am officially retiring because I have realized that I have grown to love my life outside of the NBA. I love it here in Tree Hill, and I absolutely loved coaching the high school basketball team, but most importantly, I have found the girl of my dreams, and I don't plan on ever letting go of her." He proclaimed as he looked directly into Haley's shining brown eyes as they both boasted prideful smiles. "I do not know what the future hold for me career wise, but I do know that Haley and I will be together, and nothing can stop us." He promised as his smile grew larger.
"I won't be taking any further questions today, but I'd like to take the time to thank all of my fans throughout the years. I appreciate all of the love and support. Thanks to my agent and best friend Clay Evans for always being here for me, and finally, I'd like to thank my girlfriend, Haley James. Thank you for everything, I couldn't do this without you. I love you." Nathan finished with a proud smile as he gave one last wave to the crowd and quickly exited from the podium as he walked over towards Haley who had tears streaming down her face.
"You were amazing, Nathan." She whispered happily as she met him for a passionate kiss, and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. Even in heels, she still wasn't able to reach him all the way, so she stood lightly on the tips of her black pumps in order to gain more leverage. "I love you."
Nathan smiled and agreed with another short kiss. "I love you more."
Clay then approached the happy couple, once again breaking them up from their kiss. "Great job, Nate. I think this calls for a celebration!"
Nathan met Clay with a strong handshake, as he pulled him in for a quick hug. "Thanks for your help man, I really appreciate it."
"No problem, really. I just hope everything works out for you two. You really deserve the best." Clay grinned.
"Thanks Clay." Haley smiled sweetly as she gently squeezed Nathan's hand that was intertwined with her own.
"Now, come on love birds, let's go out to eat. My treat!"
The atmosphere was light and humorous as Clay shared many of the embarrassing stories of Nathan during their years at college together. Haley let out a loud cackling laugh as Clay finished telling the story of the time Nathan wet the bed.
"I was drunk, alright?" Nathan grumbled angrily as Haley took a breath in order to calm her loud fit of laughter.
"Sure whatever you say, babe." Haley giggled as Nathan glared at his so called best friend.
Nathan rolled his eyes as he took a swig of beer, when a sudden sound of a phone ringing interrupted their conversation- fortunately in Nathan's condition. He didn't want his girlfriend to hear anymore embarrassing stories.
Clay frowned, "Sorry guys, I have to take this. I'll be right back."
"Okay." Haley smiled then turned towards her blushing boyfriend to kiss him softly on the cheek.
"I'm so proud of you, baby. You were so brave today." She gushed as she ran her hand slowly down his bicep.
"I really couldn't have done it without you." Nathan swore against her lips.
Haley pressed a gentle kiss against his lips and pulled away with a reluctant smile. "What happens now?"
Nathan slowly released a breath and ran his hand over his face. "I don't know, Hales. I guess we wait-"
As if it were some kind of movie, Clay reappeared with a sly grin stretched over his face.
"What is it?" Nathan asked nervously, as Clay say back down glancing over at the couple.
"That was the Superintendent of Tree Hill School District." He said slowly.
Haley's eyes widened as Nathan felt his stomach drop. "What did he say?"
Clay clasped his hands together, watching as Haley clung tightly onto Nathan.
"He told me he watched your interview."
"And?" Haley asked extremely impatiently.
"He re-read the code of conduct…"
"Get to the fucking point Clay!" Nathan snapped.
Clay chuckled softly, "Alright. Well, apparently he re-opened the case and read the code of conduct. There are technically no rules that say teachers can't date. You were both cautious about it, and he said that students have been coming up to him begging for you to be re-hired, and they even started a petition-"
"So what does this mean?" Haley asked excitedly.
The quirky blonde man smiled. "Technically you can only be fired if you were having sexual relations, but because you're in love, it's okay…"
"So do we get our jobs back or what?" Nathan asked hopefully.
"Yes you do. You both have to speak to him tomorrow about the rules and conditions but you're both allowed to be together, and you get your jobs back." Clay announced proudly.
Haley let out a joyful shriek. "Oh my gosh!" Happy tears started flooding from her eyes as she looked up at Nathan and pulled him in for a fiery kiss.
Nathan laughed excitedly. "I can't believe it! God, babe, I'm so happy!"
"Oh wait. It gets better!" Clay stated smugly. "Rimpkus was fired."
"What? Why?" Haley exclaimed with a happy smile.
"She was found to be having a sexual relationship with another student."
Nathan let out a sarcastic laugh, "Are you joking?"
"Nope. So I guess at least you guys were dating, and both the same age, the Superintendent doesn't see it as a problem unless you actually like do it in the school..." Clay grinned as she took a drink from his whiskey glass.
Haley blushed faintly, but still couldn't stop smiling. "This is great! I can't believe it."
Nathan smiled blissfully and leaned down once again to kiss his girlfriend.
"I told you everything would work out." Clay told the kissing couple with a content smile.
Yay! So from here on out it'll probably be happy naley, unless I decide to add a sudden twist of drama… there are still a few secrets that need to be revealed but other than that it's not too crazy. I like writing Naley fluff and the main reason why I wrote this was because whenever I'm in class I always daydream that like Haley was my teacher and Nathan works at the school and they date and like everyone loves them as a couple haha, so yeah fan girl problems.
So probably next chapter will be the student's reaction of Naley, and some more Jackson and Nathan. It'll most likely be fluffy after all the drama.
Thanks for reading and sorry for the long wait!