A/N: Hello all! I know it has been an uber long time since I've updated anything. What can I say except real life took hold & all my muses seem to have deserted me. Anyways, I'll keep this short & sweet: thank you to all of you who have continued reading this through the drama & my many impromptu breaks, I appreciate you & your reviews more than you know. I hope you enjoy this chapter & I will have another one posted this weekend, along with an update for both my Jasam fic & my Brathan one. Enjoy! :)

Daylight Dreaming

~ All men dream: but not equally. (T. E. Lawrence)

Haley stood in the entranceway of the nursery, watching as her best friend rocked his son in his arms. It was such a beautiful sight to see, father and son. She knew that he'd yearned for a family for years now and was happy he'd finally gotten his wish; that her friend Brooke had finally gotten her wish as well.

"Hey there," she smiled as she stepped inside, watching as the unlikely non-brooding blonde turned to look at her. "Who's that handsome boy?" She said as she stepped closer.

"Well," Lucas cradled the infant with one arm while pretending to pop his collar with the other one, "I try."

"I wasn't talking to you goof," she said with a wide smile. "I was talking about my handsome nephew," she stroked the baby's cheek gently. "Hey there little man, I'm your favorite aunt, Haley." Her eyes met her friend's. "Can I hold him?"

"Of course," Lucas beamed like the proud pap he was as he handed his son over to her waiting arms.

"He's so gorgeous," she smiled down as he snuggled even closer to her. "Did you know that Keith," Haley smiled warmly at the bundle in her arms. "You are officially tied with the most gorgeous baby boy I've ever seen." She let out a small laugh as he cooed up at her. "Oh Luke, its amazing isn't it?"

"It is," he agreed with a nod. "I can't believe he's mine you know, the Brooke and I made these perfect little people." He sighed ruefully. "It's a little daunting too."

"It is," she agreed as she gazed down at Keith, rocking him gently. "I was so terrified with Jamie. He was so tiny, and he was bigger than this little guy and I just knew I was going to mess up but luckily I had Nate and Deb to help; and you and Brooke were great godparents."

"I just thought I'd be better prepared since I helped take care of Lily and I was close to Jamie but it's different with you own children," Lucas replied. "You just realize that every single decision you make will affect their lives, it's all on you."

"It is," she offered him a comforting smile, "and it's normal to feel nervous, especially with the way Keith and Kayla came into the world but you're doing great, and you will do great." She looked down at he nephew. "Isn't that right little man?" She smiled as he cooed before yawning. "I think he's almost ready to take a nap." She bounced him a little as his eyes started to close before handing him to his father. "You're going to be an amazing father Luke, trust me." Haley leaned over to kiss the baby on the forehead before kissing her best friend's cheek. "I have to go pick up Jamie and catch a flight to New York."

"Brooke gave you the keys to The Loft right?" he asked. "No reason to stay in a hotel when she's got two houses sitting there."

"Yeah I stopped by to see her before I stopped in on you two," Haley answered.

"Good," he nodded. "Tell Nathan I said to go to work," Lucas said as she made her way to the doorway. "And Haley," he waited for her to turn around, "thanks."

"What are best friends for," she shot him another smile before leaving as quietly as she came.

Lucas looked down at his sleeping son, unable to control the smile that took over his features, feeling that everything was going to work out just fine.

"Hey there biotch," Rachel said as she stepped inside the hospital room. "Are you actually working?" she asked as she saw the papers strewn across the bed.

"The business world doesn't take maternity leave," she answered as she straightened the papers and sat them on the night stand. "But I could use a small break. How are you?"

"I'm good," Rachel said as she sat down. "Ori's doing great and adjusting, and I think me and Owen are back on track."

"Back on track to what?" Brooke quirked an eyebrow, "Have you been holding out on me?" She peered at her friend for a few moments before a wide smile came across her face. "Oh my god, you two totally did it and I didn't even notice."

Rachel laughed. "I think you were more concerned about your wedding and having your babies."

"Yeah I guess they threw my radar off," she said with a smile. "Being a mom is pretty perfect isn't it?"

"Yeah it is," Rachel nodded in agreement. "Having Orianna and then getting her back are the best things that have ever happened to me. She can't wait to see Keith and Kayla either; she's excited about her new honorary cousins."

"As soon as she's able to see them I'm sure they'd love it," Brooke replied. "Keith is actually allowed to the room so she could come see him and Kayla's getting stronger everyday so it shouldn't be long."

"You look really happy Brooke," Rachel reached over to hold her friend's hand. "It's a really good look on you."

"On you too," Brooke squeezed the red head's hand. "Who would've thought we'd go from, well us," she paused to laugh, "to who we are now."

"It was a long journey from high school to here but I'm happy as hell I got to take this wild road with you," Rachel replied honestly.

"Hey, you're going to make me cry." She wiped at the stray tear that rolled down her cheek. "My hormones are still over the place and besides, you're making it sound like the journey is over. We're just in a new stage Rach."

"A mature one?" it came out as more of a question.

"Sure," Brooke smiled. "And speaking of mature, how was it now that you guys are older? Was it good; great?" She watched the tinge creep across the other woman's cheeks, her mouth dropping in astonishment to anything causing that reaction in her friend. "That good huh; that's so great Rachel. Well go ahead, spill."

"It was the best sex I've ever had and you know me Brooke, I've had a lot of sex but this was different," Rachel explained. "I can't even explain it but I never thought it could actually be like that."

"You're in love," Brooke said softly.

"I am," Rachel nodded. "Can you believe it?" She sighed. "I mean being with him, its better than I ever dreamed it could be."

"Actually I know exactly what you're saying," Brooke nodded as she glanced down at her ring. "Now, tell me everything." She laughed.

Rachel joined her as she scooted closer, preparing to tell her best friend all the juicy details.

Nathan made his way to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water, popping off the lid and leaning his head back as he chugged at least half the bottle before going over to the glass pane to look out at the New York skyline. He could hear the faint sounds of the TV in the background; it had been tuned to ESPN to keep him in the zone all day. He'd pumped himself up; going running early, avoiding the paparazzi in an old gray hoodie, and then coming back for a few reps in Brooke's on site gym. He laughed at that, thinking in all the years he'd known her he'd never once even heard her mention a gym.

He looked out at the city again, stepping out onto the balcony to look at the view. It was beautiful but a stark contrast to Tree Hill. Tree Hill was so simple, so quiet; it was a sleepy little town for the most part with a lot of hidden drama. There was nothing hidden about New York, at least form what he could tell. This city was complicated, and noisy; and it was buzzing with a life all of its own.

He tried to calm his nerves but he knew that tonight's game would be the beginning of his future. He'd spent so much time working to get to The NBA and his first game would determine how he was seen within the league. He knew that's what his coach had been trying to tell him yesterday.

"I just wanted to give you a heads up, this first game is really important and I just want to make sure you're at your best after the time off," Mike D'Antoni explained.

"I'm good," he said before letting out a deep breath. "This is it huh…" he couldn't help the nerves in his voice.

"You are ready Nathan," he replied before watching the young man who'd he'd watched really bloom from afar since his comeback nod his head. "Now get out of here and get some rest; tomorrow you'll make us all proud."

"Thanks Coach," Nathan said with a smile. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow," he nodded as Nathan exited the office before going back to his computer.

"This is it," Nathan said to himself before looking out at the basketball court one last time and taking in everything it symbolized for him, knowing tomorrow his dream of actually playing a game in The NBA would be realized.

He turned at the sound of the door opening behind him. "Haley," he said surprised. "I didn't think you were going to be here."

"As if I'd ever miss your first game," his wife smiled as he wrapped his arms around her in a warm embrace before turning back. "Isn't that right Jimmy Jam?"

The little boy ran up to his parents, laughing as his dad scooped him up in his arms. "We wouldn't miss your game for the world."

"Thanks buddy," Nathan said as he wrapped his arm around his wife again. "I'm so glad you guys are both here."

"No where else we'd be," Haley replied as she leaned into him.

Jake and Peyton sat silently as the doctor finished checking his vitals. "You seem to be making a recovery," the gray-haired man said encouragingly. "Now you're not completely out of the woods yet so we're going to continue with the precautions for a while, all visitors must wear a mask and gloves, but if things keep improving the way they are you are on your way to a full recovery." He paused briefly. "Make sure you get some rest."

"Thank you Dr. Bazil," Peyton nodded with a smile.

"Thanks," Jake said before watching the doctor exit. "You know," he said as his brown eyes meet his fiancé's green, "you should probably get out of here and get some rest yourself."

"I'm fine," she said as she reached out a gloved hand, taking his hand within her own. "As long as you're okay I'm fine."

"I'm okay Peyton," his eyes were still peering into hers. "I'm serious Peyton, I'm okay."

"I know," she fought the tears that begun to well up in her eyes. "I just... I was really scared Jake."

"I know you were but I'm going to be okay and we're going to get married and be together till we're old and gray," he replied.

"I'm going to hold you to that," she smiled.

"Good," Jake returned her smile. "So that means you can go home now and get some rest."

"Okay I'll make you a deal," she sat up straighter in her chair. "We'll ro-sham-bo for it."

"You want to play rock paper scissors?" he laughed.

"Yes," she grinned. "We'll play for it; if you win I'll go home and rest but if I win I'll stay right here and watch you sleep."

"You're crazy but you're on," Jake let out another laugh. "Best out of five?"

She nodded. "Ready…" she met his eyes briefly. "One two, three," she used her pointer and middle finger to make the scissors symbol.

"I win," Jake smiled smugly as he held his hand in a fist.

"Yeah, yeah," Peyton rolled her eyes. "Again…"

Jake once again used his fist, shaking his head at the squeal on glee that erupted from the blonde's mouth.

"Paper beats rock," there was a triumphant look in her eyes. "Let's go again."

"One, two three," Jake counted before once again using the rock symbol as Peyton held up the symbol for the scissors once again. "I win again."

"Ridiculous," Peyton rolled her eyes as they went again, using the scissors, thinking it would throw him off but lost again when he pulled out his trusty rock. "You cheated!"

"That's three out of five," he laughed, "and I didn't cheat; the odds favor rock."

"Oh do they?" she rolled her eyes with a smile he couldn't see.

"And that means you have to hold up your end of the bargain and go home Peyton," he spoke firmly.

"Fine," she stood up defeated, "but I'll be back soon. I love you."

"I love you," Jake replied as he reached for her hand. "Come here."

"Oh no," she said, recognizing the gleam in his eyes. "No kissing; mask remember?" She motioned to the offending object.

"I'll chance it," he retorted.

"I won't," she reached over to stroke his hair gently and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze before walking towards the door. "See ya' later."

"Peyton come on," he pleaded.

"I'm living with my punishment, you live with yours." The laughter danced in her eyes. "I'll be back soon baby." Peyton offered him a wave before slipping out the door.

Lucas stood outside of the hospital room, cell phone up to his ear. "So they're really excited about the movie premiering?"

"Yeah I put out some feelers and Hollywood is buzzing," Julian's voice drifted through the receiver. "I think we can get it in theaters in six months if it'll be ready by then."

"That soon?" Lucas let out a heavy breath.

"Is that too soon man?" he asked. "I thought the editing was primarily done on your side?"

"No it is, Suzanne has already done her rough cut several times over and I was with her on doing the director's cut right before mine and Brooke's wedding," Lucas answered. "I still have to fine tune a few things and then hopefully we can get together when everything calms to finish the final cut."

"That sounds good," Julian replied. "Just let me know and I'll fly back out there." He paused briefly. "By the way, how are Brooke and the little rugrats?"

"They're great man," he said proudly. "Brooke is already working from her hospital bed and Keith's almost ready to be moved into the regular nursery and Kayla's getting stronger everyday."

"That's great," he replied. "I'm happy for you man. And Peyton and Jake?"

Lucas paused momentarily before answering. "They're good; Jake's getting stronger which means Peyton's happier."

"I'm glad," Julian replied. "I really mean that."

"I know," Lucas nodded even though the other man couldn't see him. "Well I have to go but I'll let you know when we can finish up the editing. This is amazing man."

"A dream come true, for both of us. Bye Lucas," Julian replied.

"Goodbye," Lucas said before hanging up and making his way back into the hospital to his wife's room. "Hey Pretty Girl," he spoke as he entered. "How was your girl time?"

"Hey," she smiled up at him from the magazine she'd been flipping through. "It was great spending time with Kayla, and Keith and I had our mommy/son time earlier." She let out a sigh as she scooted over in her hospital bed to make room for him. "I'm so bored when they're not with me."

"I know," he placed a soft kiss on her forehead before sitting down next to her. "I have some good news though."

"Really," the excitement was evident in her voice. "I could use some while I'm confined to this bed."

He let out a chuckle at her dramatics. "Julian called," he started. "He said Hollywood is really buzzing about Ravens; he wants to have it in theaters in six months."

"That's amazing Lucas," she looked up at her husband, her eyes sparkling. "I am so proud of you; I just know it's going to be a hit."

"Especially with my hot assistant director," he replied before pressing his lips to hers in a chaste kiss. "I mean it Brooke," his soulful blue orbs gazed lovingly into her hazel green. "None of my dreams: the book, the movie, our amazing kids; none of those would be true without you. I am so lucky to be your husband."

"Then I guess we're even then because you have made all my dreams come true too," she replied with a smile before tilting up to press her lips to his in an ardent kiss.

The crowd cheered and yelled on both sides, a sea of faces completely enthralled in what was going on on the court below. For many, basketball was not just a game. It was a purpose; it meant team spirit and sportsmanship and the ability to feel like you could fly. That was just a few of the things it meant to Nathan Scott and as he listened to his coach give their final play, it meant the beginning of a dream he'd dreamed not only in the recesses of his mind during the night but a dream he dreamt just as vigorously, or maybe more so, in the light of day.

Nathan wiped the sweat off his brow as the teams ran back out on the court. His teammate had just missed the two free throws and now there was only 11.6 seconds to go. Time seemed to still for him as his teammate Felton passed him the ball; the crowds cheers sounding more like the water sounds you hear from a seashell, oddly far away.

Blood pumping through his veins he sped down the court fluidly, juking around the opposition before tossing in a high floater and falling to his left. A hush seemed to fall over the auditorium for the briefest of instants as the orange ball whooshed through the net as the last seconds of the clock ticked by and the buzzer was sounded.

"And The New York Knicks Win!" the announcement was heard through the auditorium as the streamers began to fall from the sky.

Nathan and his team cheered, hugging each other and hitting one another's hands in comradery before his eyes went to his wife and son who were cheering on the sidelines ecstatically.

The rest of it seemed to move at warp speed, shaking the other players' hands and talking with his teammates and before he knew it he was running back across the court, finding Haley and Jamie waiting for him.

"Oh my gosh Nathan!" Haley jumped up in his arms, wrapping her legs around him as she showered his face with kisses. "You were amazing!"

"You did it Daddy!" Nathan let go of his wife only to hoist his son up. "You played in your first NBA game and you won!"

"Is it everything you'd dreamed it would be?" Haley lifted up on her tip toes to give him a small kiss on his lips.

He looked around the gym, still feeling the warmth of the crowd's cheers, as he hugged his wife and son even closer. "It's better… much better."

T. E. Lawrence wrote, "All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible."