So, I've been a bad writer lately. School kicked me in the butt this fall and I have not had the time to master anything - nor the imagination or the motivation. But this story suddenly popped into my head yesterday, and I remembered how much I loved writing the first chapters. So I decided to continue this one for as long as I can. I won't promise you guys anything, but this story makes me happy so for now I'm enjoying writing again! I really hope you like this next chapter, it's a developing chapter for them..

November 24th

Nathan stared down at Haley's beautiful face. The sun framed it so perfectly as she slept peacefully in his arms. Her chest rose and fell with her steady breath, and for a second Nathan could just enjoy the feeling of happiness wash in over him.

Haley made him happy.

Happiness wasn't a feeling he had encountered much in the previous years. Not since his mother lived. Nathan knew his father felt the same way, and now he also knew why the feeling of happiness was tied to her. Haley was to him what his mother had been for Keith. This was the true feeling of happiness. This was the true feeling of love.

The thought of loving Haley scared him, but it also made him smile. Was it too soon? Was she ready for him to confess his love for her, or would it just scare her and make her run from him? That was the last thing he wanted her to do.

No – Nathan had to play it cool. One step at a time, that was the best way to win Haley's trust. And the best way to win her heart, just like she had already won his.

Haley stirred next to him and he felt her body turn. She buried her head in his neck and gave him a small kiss. Nathan chuckled at her touch, and he felt her hot breath against him as she smiled and exhaled.

"Good morning" She whispered.

"Good morning, beautiful" Nathan smiled. He couldn't deny it; having Haley in his bed was something he could seriously get used to!

"What time is it?" Haley asked him and he checked the alarm clock on his night stand.

"11.45"

"Oh gosh! Did we really sleep that long?"

"No, you slept that long. I've been up for a couple of hours" Nathan laughed as she looked at him with confused eyes.

"Why didn't you wake me?" She wondered.

"Because you looked so peaceful. I didn't want to disturb you" He explained. Haley gave him her cutest smile, dimples and all. Nothing warmed her heart more than hearing him care for her. The thought of Nathan watching her sleep didn't disturb her the least. The fact that he would lie in bed just to watch her sleep just made her heart beat faster for him. He really was the sweetest guy she had ever met.

Haley watched as Nathan finally got out of bed and headed towards his closet. He was wearing a loose T-shirt and basketball shorts. Haley loved the fact that he respected her enough to keep clothes on in bed. Not that she wasn't dying to see how he looked underneath, but it still warmed her heart that he was so careful with her. Not many guys would do what he had done for her.

"I'm gonna jump in the shower quick" He said. "Don't go anywhere"

Haley smiled as she watched him carry his towel and clean clothes out the door. She closed her eyes and thought about that amazing kiss they had shared the previous night. And about all the great kisses that came after that first one. It was a very special first kiss. It had taken them a while to get there, but Haley felt good about how everything turned out. She knew he was ready for it. And she definitely knew she was ready for it. It had been a long time coming, that was for sure.

Nathan shared her smile as he stepped under the hot water. Okay, maybe it wasn't that hot on this particular morning. It was actually rather cold, which he needed badly at the moment. It wasn't like the little guy didn't' react to having Haley sleep in his arms. Especially not after everything that had happened earlier. Haley's lips felt so soft against his. He only wanted more. So much more!

When he walked back into his room, he saw Haley standing by his window. She looked like she was in deep thought, but at the same time she had a little smile on her face. Nathan walked over and wrapped his strong arms around her petite figure. It amazed him how she fit so perfectly against his chest.

"What's on your mind?" The question lingered in the air for a couple of seconds before she finally answered.

"I was just thinking about last night. Thanks for taking me in, I must have looked like such a wreck – "

" – Stop, Haley. I can't even imagine how you must have been feeling last night. And to be honest, there's nothing I want more than for you to come to me when you're feeling down. My door is always open, Hales."

"Thanks.."

They both fell silent, enjoying the feeling of each other. His skin was cool. Haley smiled, he felt so good.

"So.." She started. "About that kiss.."

"What about it?" He chuckled.

"It was nice"

"Nice? Ouch.. I must not have been very good!" Nathan laughed as Haley punched his arm.

"Nathan! You know what I mean!" She argued.

"Yeah. I think I do" He said. Suddenly he seemed much more serious. Haley turned in his arms so she was facing him. He looked at her with the deepest blue eyes she had ever seen. It was like he was looking directly into her soul. She was stripped of everything, and she had nowhere to hide from him.

"So, does that mean you still want to kiss me?" Her question seemed to surprise him for a moment. But his reply was better than ever.

He crashed his lips on to hers.

November 30th

Haley sat in deep thought as she starred down in her chemistry book. She had no chance of paying attention to what the teacher was saying. She had given that up completely a long time ago. All she could think of was the raven haired boy that sat next to her. She could feel the electricity between them even though they weren't touching. It was like the mere presence of him completely tore her focus away from everything else. He was consuming her – big time. And Haley knew exactly what that meant.

The bet had backfired completely. She was the one who had fallen head over heals for this sweet and wonderful boy. And there was no way she was giving him up, not even for her title as cheer captain.

It's not like cheerleading even meant that much to her anymore. She only did it because Brooke expected it, and she didn't wanna back out on Brooke. Haley hated disappointing Brooke, because she was the closest thing she had to family. That was – before Nathan came along of course.

Nathan was her family now. And Keith! He was like the dad she never had. Literally! All though she didn't think of him as her father – no, that would just be creepy. But he was her father-in-law, right? Or at least that's what it felt like.

Haley thought about their first kiss for the millionth time. She could still feel hos gentle it had been when she touched her lips. And then she thought about the one they had shared in his room the next day. How he had just crashed on to her and given himself to her in that simple moment. And then she thought about every kiss they had shred since then. Haley could still remember each and every one of them, even though they added up to a big sum by now! But that's how special they were to her. That's how special he was to her.

She was brought back to reality when the bell rang and the whole class practically ran out in a matter of a few seconds.

"Hey, you in there?" Nathan's concerned eyes met hers. She loved how he always looked at her with that look when he was unsure of what she was thinking or feeling.

"Yeah, I was just thinking about how wonderful you are" Her confession made him smirk. Good think he was a guy and didn't blush easily cause she was pushing his buttons.

"Oh, really?"

"Yes"

"Well, good thing you think that! Cause I was wondering if you maybe wanted to go out with this wonderful guy on Friday?" He smirked his usual confident smirk. The one that she loved so much, and that made her melt inside.

"Really? Like a date-date?" He almost laughed at the excitement in her voice.

"Yes, like a date-date! I'm allowed to take my girl out, aren't I?"

"I just didn't think you were into the public scene" Haley giggled. The thought of going on a real date with Nathan felt so good. She wanted to show the world that they were together. She wanted everyone to see what a great guy he was. She just wished her friends would share in that opinion.

"I'm not, but that doesn't mean I can't make an exception for a pretty girl"

"Nathan Scott, you really know how to make a girl feel special" Haley winked.

"I try my best" He replied.

"Oh! Wait a minute! We have a game on Friday, and I kind of have to be there since I'm cheer captain and all.. But – why don't you come? And then we could go out after?"

"I-i-i-i don't know, Hales" He doubted. "That just might be a little too public for me! Plus, Lucas wouldn't like it"

"Oh, screw Lucas! I would really appreciate it if you came!"

"Pleeeeease" He looked defeated as she flashed him her puppy-dog-eyes and pouting lip. How could he resist that?

"Fine" He caved.

"Yes! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I promise you won't regret it!"

"Oh, I doubt that very much!" He had a sneaky feeling this was a huge mistake. A very bad idea. But how could he resist her? She had power over him he didn't even know existed.

What had he gotten himself into?

December 1st – Game day, Tree Hill High gym

"Another basket for number three, Lucas Scott! He is on fire tonight, ladies and gentlemen! Ravens up by seven points, just two more minutes till half time!"

The speaker was a scrawny sophomore. Nathan noticed right away that he was passionate about his job. He definitely had a talent for it! Lucas was playing well in this game. Nathan didn't even know if he had seen him, or if he knew that he was gonna be there. He saw his uncle Dan enthusiastically shouting down by the sideline. He exchanged dirty looks with the coach every time. The battle of the alpha males was definitely on!

Although it was quite interesting to watch the team play, Nathan could help let his eyes drift over to Haley every once in a while. One time their eyes even met, and they shared a smile that warmed his heart more than ever. Haley was a good cheerleader! That just made him even more proud to call her his girlfriend.

She was his girlfriend, right? He asked himself. They made out several times a day - In his car, in his bed, in the tutor center, heck even in the janitor's closet once. He couldn't find any other words to describe what he felt for her, but he could have to ask her later on their date.

It's not like he was scared she would say no, but it was still a pretty big deal for him to ask her if she wanted to be his girlfriend. He had never had one before. Hearing her answer would only make whatever they had deeper and more important to him. But the thought of calling her his girlfriend was more than enough to make him take risks.

"And that's it for now, ladies and gentlemen! While our boys rest we will have some half-time entertainment for you guys! First up is our talented cheer squad, lead by the beautiful Haley James!"

Nathan applauded while he watched Haley run and line up next to her girls. The music began as they performed their routine. Do doubt she was talented. Haley did splits and cartwheels. She was tiny so se even ended up on top of the pyramid they built at the end. He couldn't help but feel proud of her. And he could see that she was enjoying herself for once. After everything she had told him about the pressure she felt, it certainly seemed like she had left that on the sideline! She was absolutely amazing!

As the girls wrapped up their routine and hurried back to their corner, the speaker took the microphone once more.

"Thank you, ladies! You were brilliant as ever!" The whole crowd, including Nathan, cheered them on and gave them a well-deserved applause.

"Now, on to the second part of tonight's entertainment. I hope you all have your tickets ready, because on the back you will find a number that represents you in this next little challenge. I will call out three numbers, and whoever possesses those has to join me down here for a little game of free-throws!"

Nathan fished up his ticket from inside his pocket. He hoped to God he would not get selected. Nathan hated that kind of attention..

"First up we have… number twenty four!" The speaker announced as a skinny blonde boy walked nervously into the court. He looked to be about twelve years old.

"Welcome!" Speakerboy spoke warmly to the little guy. "Now, let's see who your first opponent is going to be! And the next number is … seventy three!"

Nathan watched as none other than his uncle Dan walked confidently towards the little blonde boy. The crowd cheered enthusiastically as Dan smiled his smug smile to them. Nathan couldn't stand that smile.

"It's none other than our old champion, ladies and gentlemen! Dan Scott, who still has our scoring record for most points in one season! This one is gonna be a tough one to beat!"

"But, we still need one more player! And the number is…" Nathan looked down at his ticket again.

129

Please.

Not me.

".. One hundred and twenty nine!"

Shit!

The crowd stilled for a moment while they waited for the owner of that ticket to show himself. Nathan felt the sweat creep up his back. Why me?

"Who has that ticket? I know someone does!"

Slowly, Nathan rose from his seat and walked with unsure steps towards the others. He could see his uncle's smirk, so confidant that he was gonna win. What an ass, Nathan thought.

"Finally! Welcome to you too!" The speaker said. Nathan nodded carefully. All he wanted was for the ground to open and swallow him whole. He looked desperately over at Haley, but all he saw was her reassuring eyes. They calmed him down. He could do this! It was just a free throw! He had made thousands of baskets in his life.

"The rules are simple. You each take turns at free throws. If you make the basket you get to continue, if you don't you're out. For every round you take one step back, making it just a little bit more difficult! Understood?"

All three nodded as the little boy stepped up to the free throw line. He made the basket and the crowd applauded him as he went back in line. Nathan watched Dan step up and easily put the ball in the net, nothing less than he expected.

"Don't choke now, Nate! It's just a free throw!" Dan laughed as he patted Nathan's back. He stepped up and bounced the ball twice before entering into his usual free throw position. The ball left his hands and flew gracefully through the air..

Wosh.. And it went in..

Nathan looked relieved as he once again found Haley's eyes. Her smile covered her entire face as she cheered him on. He smiled back before walking back to Dan.

"No problem, uncle Dan" Nathan shrugged. He could see that his uncle was quite surprised by his success. But then again Dan had never seen him play. He didn't know how good Nathan had been at his old school. But there was a big part of Nathan that wanted to show him!

"Wow, he's not all that bad!" Haley shivered as the familiar annoying voice that belonged to Rachel spoke. "But he's very tense, Hales! You should work on relaxing him a bit!"

"Shut up" Haley was so not in the mood to deal with Rachel's sarcastic comments.

"What? Strike a nerve, did I? Or have you just not managed to get him in to bed yet? Clock's ticking, Hales! Only a month left!"

All three made their next baskets as well. The blonde boy stepped back for his third try, but this time he was not as lucky. The ball never made it to the hoop and he left the court with his head down. Nathan felt bad for him. It's not like he had the same advantages he had. The boy was barely five feet four. That was nothing against Nathan's six foot three figure.

He didn't even pay attention as Dan stepped up and made his basket. All eyes were on him as he tried once more. He bounced the ball two more times, and like the previous tries – he made the shot. Nathan could clearly sense Dan was getting annoyed with him. But Nathan was determined not to go down without a fight!

"Well, well! Looks like we have a grand finale between two Scotts here! Can the younger beat the all star?"

Dan laughed as he took another step back. They were now well outside the three point line. He looked at Nathan with his smug eyes before concentration on the basket. Nathan held his breath as Dan jumped up. The ball flew high before it his the rim..

.. And bounced back!

Steam flew out of Dan's ears as he picked up the ball rolling towards him. He handed it firmly over to Nathan, almost smashing it into his chest. Nathan stood steady as a rock. The crowd froze as he took his position.

He bounced the ball once. Looked at Haley. Bounced again. Looked at her again. She nodded at him – it was like she spoke without speaking.

"I believe in you"

"You can do this"

"It's just me and you"

Nathan bent his knees; his eyes were now completely focused on the basket. He took one more deep breath before making the shot. His feet left the ground, and the ball left his hands. It felt like an eternity passed as the ball curved neatly and landed perfectly in the net.

The crowd went wild; you could almost think that basket actually mattered!

"What a shot by Nathan Scott! Taking down his uncle and winning today's battle! Congratulations!" Nathan just smiled as several people he had never seen before congratulated him. As he walked towards his seat he saw her coming towards him.

Haley jumped into his arms and planted her lips on his.

"Holy shit, this just got a lot more interesting" Rachel laughed as she watched the couple exchange smiles in front of her.

"Maybe you should let this one go, Rach"

"Not a chance, Brooke! This squad is so mine!"

Drop me a few words if you liked it :) Thanks!