A/N: Hello again! Sorry for the gap between updates - life has been hectic and I struggled to find time to write in between, but we made it! A nice long chapter that is fun, sweet, and irons out a few of our wrinkles. I hope you agree, we are finally getting to the other side of an uphill battle for Naley... thank you for being a part of this ride! Happy New Year and hope you enjoy.

Chapter 31: A Tree Hill Raven always knows that breaking up is hard to do, but making up is nearly impossible. Nearly.

The group walks into town, a bottle of tequila between them. The good vibes from winning Trivia Night are contagious and everything around them just felt right – the stars were bright, the air was crisp, and they were laughing, deep belly laughs, like none of them had in a very long time. Things were good, if only for the moment.

"Never have I ever!" Jake yells, tossing the bottle to Lucas.

"You're really going for it tonight," Lucas laughs, taking a swig.

"I'm here for a good time, not a long time," Jake jokes.

"God I'd hate you if I didn't love you so much Jagelski," Peyton jokes.

"You know you want me Sawyer," Jake says. "Now, never have I ever!"

Haley watches her friends with amusement, arm and arm with Brooke. Nathan walks not far behind.

"This is nice," Brooke says. "Having you here."

"You know I was thinking the same thing just now," Haley sighs. "I think this is what I hoped for coming this weekend. Just a little bit of normal."

"To be honest this isn't really our normal anymore. With Peyton in Paris, Jake in St. Louis, you who knows where… normal is Luke and I, and Nate when we can see him," Brooke sighs. "It's nice to have everyone in one place."

"Without the baggage," Haley adds.

"Without the baggage," Brooke agrees excitedly. "Luke, throw me that bottle."

Lucas tosses her the tequila. Brooke takes a swig then hands it to Haley, who takes a swig.

"God that burns," Haley sighs.

"Need a chaser," Nathan says from behind. Haley turns to find him pulling a napkin out of his pocket.

"You didn't," Haley giggles.

"I may have," Nathan says, opening the napkin to reveal a handful of cherries. Haley grabs giddily and pops one in her mouth.

"Much better," she sighs.

"I'm going to go… not here," Brooke laughs and runs up to Peyton who's in a very heated round of Never Have I Ever with Jake and Lucas.

"You know you're being rather sweet Nathan Scott," Haley observes.

"I think I'm just resigned," Nathan admits.

"Resigned to what?" Haley asks.

"It's hard for me to be an ass to you," Nathan states.

"Were you trying to be?" Haley questions playfully.

"No," Nathan sighs. "But I certainly wasn't trying to be sweet."

"And now?" Haley asks, her eyes bright.

"Now I'm just being," Nathan states. He watches as Haley observes him, taking him in. She looked to his face, his shoulders. As if she couldn't believe he was standing beside her. Finally, she smiles.

"Me too," she says, offering him the tequila. He takes a drink, grimacing after.

"Cherry," Haley offers. Nathan shakes his head.

"They're all yours," he sighs.

Haley nods to herself, absolutely giddy. It was nice to walk with Nathan, no problems looming over their heads. It was peaceful, their quiet moments. So much of why she loved him was in what they didn't have to say. He had a habit of just being there, and to have that back warmed her heart as much as the tequila.

As they approach the center of town and walk the main drag, a thought occurs to Haley. "Hey Brooke?"

"Yes," she singsongs.

"How were you able to get us tattoo appointments so late at night?" Haley asks.

"I have my ways," she says suspiciously.

"Should we be scared?" Peyton jokes.

"No! Oh come on, it's not a big deal. I just may have mentioned that basketball superstar Nathan Scott wants to get a tattoo with his friends," Brooke says before skipping ahead and into a glowing storefront that read "Velvet Saloon Tattoo Parlor".

"Brooke!" Nathan calls after her as the group laughs. He looks at them before grumbling, "I'm going to kill her."

"We were getting along so well," Haley pouts, following her friends into the tattoo parlor. It was small space, with only a few stations on each side, but welcoming. The seats were velvet, the aesthetic old timey. Ornate frames lined the wall with hand drawn sketches. It truly was a velvet saloon.

"Welcome!" The owner greets cheerfully before directly her attention to Nathan. "Mr. Scott we're so happy to have you. We're big fans."

Nathan swallows his pride and smiles. He absolutely hated special treatment. "Thank you so much for doing this. Especially so last minute."

"It's our pleasure – we have our whole team here tonight. You're in good hands," she affirms. "Now, who wants what?"

…

"Ahhh," Jake wails, as the tattoo artist digs into his ankle. He squeezes Brooke and Peyton's hand, who stand on either side, holding back tears from laughing so hard.

"Regretting your little wager," Peyton observes.

"Not at all," he replies through his teeth. "This is easy-breezy baby."

"Mhm," Brooke notes, looking at her bandaged wrist. "You're lucky mine came out so damn cute!"

"Mine too," Peyton agrees, shaking her wrapped elbow. "How are my other boys doing?"

In true Scott fashion, both Lucas and Nathan are silently taking the pain.

"Good," they both respond.

"Hales?" Peyton calls.

"Peachy," she says, biting down on her lip. "Tequila please."

Peyton walks over to Haley who is lying on her side and hands her the bottle, trying to see what the tattoo artist is working on. They move gracefully along the side of Haley's ribcage.

"Hey! I thought these were a surprise," Haley whines, grimacing from the tequila. "Oof, this burns."

"I'm just being nosy," Peyton says.

"I don't doubt that," Haley says, hearing the rest of her friends chuckle.

"Ha ha," Peyton mocks before grabbing the tequila bottle and sipping. She gestures to the tattoo artist. "Want some?"

"Get over here Curly," Nathan calls. Haley watches as Peyton skips over to Nathan. It was inspiring what the six of them had - their own relationships with each other. There was a genuine bond between each person and that was really special to be a part of.

"You're almost done," the tattoo artist affirms. "It's beautiful."

"Thanks," Haley smiles, wincing at the pain.

"Can I ask what it means?" she questions.

"Too much," Haley laughs.

"Fair enough," the tattoo artist agrees, and with one final area of shading, Haley was done. She holds a mirror up so Haley could see. "You are done my lady."

Haley observes the art, running her fingers around the edge of the reddened area. It was perfect, tears welling in her eyes.

"You really captured it," Haley whispers. "Thank you."

"It was my pleasure," the artist smiles. "It's really a beautiful piece. Now I'm going to bandage you up so you can join your friends."

Haley nods, half listening.

…

Ten Years Ago – Wedding Day

"Nathan I'm nervous!" Haley calls from the bathroom of the bridal suite at the 24-hour chapel.

"I'm not," Nathan says confidently. Haley cracks the bathroom door, peeking her head out at him.

"You don't feel crazy?" Haley laughs.

"Nope," Nathan says, tightening his tie.

"Not even a little worried about what people will say?" Haley questions.

"Nope," Nathan says, walking over to Haley. He leans his forehead against hers. "It's just you and me, Hales."

"Nathan…" Haley breathes. "I want to believe that."

"Then believe it," he replies, his blue eyes boring into her.

"But there's so much not normal about us… I don't know…" Haley sighs.

"That's the point," Nathan says, leaning in to kiss her. He steps back, putting a hand under her chin. "No one will ever understand what we have. I wouldn't even expect them to try."

"You're right… I'm sorry. I think I'm just so used to worrying about everyone else," Haley states. "I'm being silly."

"Not silly," Nathan affirms, going back to finishing his tie. "People will always talk. You just have to learn not to care."

"Yeah," Haley says, unconvincing.

"Be here with me, Hales," Nathan sighs. "We have the rest of our lives for everything else."

Haley smiles at the thought, 'the rest of their lives'. "You're right. You're absolutely right baby."

Haley goes back into the bathroom, before popping her head out. "See you at the alter Mr. Scott."

…

The group poses for photos with the tattoo team, happily surprised with their tattoo experience. They walk out into the street, waiting as Nathan signs a few autographs.

"Oh I can't wait to see what everyone's got!" Brooke squeals.

"There's my Cheery," Jake eggs on. "Welcome old friend."

"It scares me when you two scheme," Peyton jokes.

"Good," they both agree, laughing at the timing.

"What's next Jake?" Lucas asks.

"Why the reveal of course," Peyton says, waving her fingers in the air.

"But where are we going?" Lucas pushes, skeptically.

"I know a place," Haley chirps. They eye her, surprised.

"Well, lead the way," Peyton suggests.

The group follows Haley a few more blocks into town near a darkened Karen's Cafe, all closed up for the night.

"Guess I should have called and name dropped Nathan here too," Brooke jokes.

"Not quite," Haley smiles before beelining for the nearby alley. She stops at the dumpster and turns to her friends.

"This is the spot?" Peyton asks, a bit perturbed.

"I was picturing somewhere a little less… fragrant?" Brooke says, her face disgusted. Jakes laughs. Even Lucas is amused.

"Yes, I took us to a dumpster so we can have a heartfelt moment," Haley says, deadpanned. They all stare back at her until finally, she points up. "Fire escape."

Jake's face brightens as he goes behind the dumpster to jump up and pull the ladder down. The metal screeches as the ladder falls until it's about six feet off the ground.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Jake shouts as he hops up the ladder until he gets to the first floor of the fire escape. He makes it look easy.

"Keep going until you get to the roof Jakey," Haley instructs and watches as he swiftly starts clamoring the few flights up.

Peyton passes Haley, eyeing her with awe. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"

"Some better than others," Haley says with a sigh as she watches Peyton attempt to pull herself up onto the ladder, her legs dangling and her lack of upper-body strength apparent.

"You look like a rag-doll P. Sawyer," Brooke giggles before squatting below her to form a basket with her hands. Peyton presses her foot into it, like their cheerleading days, and Brooke boosts her up the ladder. They cheer in excitement. "Still got it!"

Peyton offers a hand to Brooke as Lucas shows up behind her, lunging to offer his thigh. Brooke steps on it, taking a moment to nod at the peace offering, before Peyton hoists her up. Lucas jumps up and effortlessly scales the ladder behind them. And damn if he doesn't look good.

"Show off," Nathan calls.

"You coming?" Lucas shouts back.

"Figured I'd have to help short-pants over here," Nathan says, nodding to Haley.

"Short-pants... really?" Haley says, attempting to hide her smile.

Brooke looks between the two of them, before grabbing Lucas by the elbow and walking up the metal stairs. "We'll see you kids up there. Let's go Luke."

Haley watches them, self-conscious, as she's left in yet another moment alone with Nathan Scott.

"So how do you want to do this?" Haley asks.

"Do what?" Nathan replies, his face amused.

"Escape," Haley says, her heart pounding. Nathan's eyebrows raise. "Not escape, like escape. Like, go somewhere. Like escape as in fire escape. This is a fire escape."

"Wow, please tell me more about the fire escape," Nathan says, smirking.

"Nathan," Haley says, embarrassed.

"Yes, Haley James," Nathan states, taking a few steps closer to her.

"You make me nervous," Haley admits.

Nathan takes a few more steps, closing the gap between them.

"Good," he replies, searching her widening eyes.

Haley watches him intently, gasping slightly as he places a hand on her waist, squeezing her hip and spinning her around to face the ladder. She feels another hand splay on her other side, applying the slightest of pressure. Nathan leans in to whisper in Haley's ear.

"Just relax your hips. Bend your knees. And on the count of three get ready to jump," Nathan whispers. "Ready?"

Haley nods, unable to speak. Her was heart in her mouth, her brain in her pants. This man had her totally turned upside down and inside out.

"Gimme a verbal, Hales," Nathan pushes.

"I'm ready," Haley whispers.

"Let's hope," Nathan says off-handedly. "1… 2... 3…"

And in that second, Haley is free. It ends just as it begins, She squeals in delight just as Nathan grabs her hips, lifting her high above his head to the top of the ladder. His hands slide to the back of her thighs, holding on until he knows she's got a good hold.

Haley scurries the rest of the way up the ladder and onto the metal landing of the fire escape. She turns to look back down at Nathan, but instead runs straight into his chest.

"Holy hell," Haley gasps. "Who are you, Batman?"

"Maybe. If you're into leather," Nathan jokes. Haley looks at him, the blush on her face deepening.

"I know that you know what you're doing," Haley states, before stomping her way over to the staircase.

"And what's that?" Nathan asks, following her as they make their way up the flights of stairs.

"You're…" Haley says, cutting herself off.

"I'm what?" Nathan says, his tone playful.

"You're," Haley looks around as they reach the final set of stairs, before whispering, "seducing me."

Nathan grabs Haley's hand, stopping her on the stairs in front of him. She turns to face him.

"I'm not seducing you," Nathan says, taking two steps up to be eye-level. "There would be no question if I were seducing you."

Haley swallows, nervous. She nods in agreement.

"But I am flirting with you," Nathan says. "Is that OK?"

Haley nods, unable to look away. "If you must."

"It's been impossible not to," Nathan says, giving her hand one more squeeze before dropping it to jog up the final stretch of stairs and onto the roof. Haley takes a minute, letting out a nice long breath. Nathan Scott was a rollercoaster and she was tall enough to ride. Lord help me, Haley frets before joining her friends on the roof.

They look around in awe, taking in the makeshift mini-golf course full of odds and ends. Old bicycles with feather boas strung around the tires, planters with pink flamingos sticking out – every inch the definition of 'one man's junk, is another man's treasure'. Twinkling lights shine overhead with a long picnic table in the middle of the chaos.

"Dude, what is this place?" Peyton asks, standing near a mannequin. She wiggles the giant clown glasses on its face.

"Tree Hill's best kept secret," Haley smiles. "Karen used to tell me about it. She built it when she was a kid and she'd have to come hang out at the cafe while her parents worked. It became a bit of a sanctuary for employees on their break so her parents have left it up all these years. Each employee adds their own little twist to the decor."

"This is really dope," Jake says, taking a seat at an oversized picnic table. They join him, wedging on either side of the table. Silence falls between the group as they wait for someone to go first.

Haley clears her throat, nervous for her next words. "I'd like to say something, before we do this whole tattoo reveal."

"The floor is yours, my lady," Jake says, waving his hand in her direction. Haley gives him a small smile, the encouragement giving her the push of confidence she needs.

"So, um, I owe all of you an apology. I –"

"Nope!" Brooke and Peyton yell in unison, obviously on the same page. Haley looks at them, startled.

"But I –"

"Noooo," Brooke demands again. "Look, tonight only works if we don't break the spell."

"What spell?" Haley asks, a little frustrated. She needed to get this off her chest. She needed to make things right.

"First rule of Fight Club is there is no Fight Club," Jake reminds, as if his explanation was obvious.

"OK?" Haley says, looking around at her friends who are all equally confused.

"So the first rule of Night Club…" Jake starts.

"Is this Night Club?" Haley questions.

"Obviously," Jake points out. "We're all having a night together, aren't we?"

"We are," Haley agrees.

"OK, so the first rule of Night Club is there is no Day Club," Jake states. "We only exist tonight. Everything else doesn't matter. It didn't happen. The only thing that matters is what's happening right now."

"So no rehashing the past," Haley points out.

"Hell no," Lucas states before rolling up his shirt sleeve to show his bandaged arm. "We want to still have a good night, don't we? Now get out your tattoos and let's do this."

"Someone's feisty," Peyton jokes.

"I don't particularly want to rehash the past tonight either," Lucas grumbles, "Where's the tequila?"

"Right here man," Nathan says, lifting the bottle from the ground behind him. "And pathetically low."

"We'll make it work," Brooke says, eyeing her friends. "Here's the deal. You share your tattoo, you say a little bit about it, you take a swig. Got it?"

"Sure, but you do realize that talking about our tattoo is inherently talking about the past, no?" Haley points out.

"There are exceptions to every rule. And for the sake of full best friends disclosure, we will allow historical references in relation to the tattoos only. What say you Jake?" Peyton questions.

"Here, here," Jake says, smacking his fist on the wood. "The tattoo reveal has officially been ruled an exception. You can reference our collective pasts during this time only."

"The man has spoken, Haley. Let's just keep the fun train moving?" Peyton pleads. "Pretty please."

"Fine," Haley sighs. "Forgive me for wanting to –"

"Nope!" Peyton and Brooke yell, cackling with each other.

"But I –"

"Nope!" Peyton and Brooke say again.

"You guys are the worst," Haley grumbles.

"You love us," Brooke says, wrapping her arm around Haley. "Now show us the goods."

Haley looks at her friends, the light vibe suddenly feeling heavy. Her tattoo was simple, but it meant so much, maybe even too much. She wasn't entirely ready to wear her heart on her sleeve again.

"Please don't make me go first," Haley begs.

Peyton sighs, unwrapping the tape around her arm. "Ya'll, come on. I'll just go."

The group watches as Peyton reveals a minimalist flock of ravens, the small birds in various stages of flight just under the crease of her elbow.

"Oh Peyton," Brooke coos. "It's beautiful."

"An unkindness," Lucas observes.

Peyton nods, admiring the work. "They're equal parts grace and mystery. Watchful and steadfast… it reminded me of us."

"You did good Sawyer," Nathan states, handing her the tequila bottle.

Peyton takes a swig, eyeing Jake who's a little quiet. "What's the matter Jakey?"

"You put a lot of thought into it," he laughs, blushing as he stands to put his foot on the bench. "I kept it simple."

He rips the bandage off the inside of his ankle to reveal a small basketball.

"Well if that's not the cutest little basketball," Haley observes. "And very fitting."

"Bud if it makes you feel any better," Brooke states, taking her bandage off in solidarity to reveal a small cheerleading pom-pom on the inside of her wrist. "I got a pom-pom."

Peyton squeals, grabbing her arm. "It's adorable! So you!"

Brook laughs, pulling her arm back. "Watch the goods! It's sensitive."

Jake takes a seat, grabbing the tequila for a sip before passing it to Brooke. She takes a sip, tipping the bottle to Lucas. "What about you, Luke?"

"Let me guess," Nathan chides. "It's a quote from a book."

"Too many to choose from," Lucas says, rolling his eyes. "Besides, when I think about the best thing to happen to me here, I only think of one thing."

Lucas pulls the bandage back on his bicep to reveal the name "Cheery" in a delicate script.

Brooke gasps, her eyes willing with tears. "Seriously?"

"Seriously," he smiles.

"So you don't hate me?" Brooke sobs.

"No," Lucas says as Brooke gets up to come sit on his lap. Jake scoots over to give her room. She plops on Lucas' lap and kisses him.

"I'm sorry Luke," Brooke says. "And to you Nate. I never should have hid –"

"Not to be technical, but this kind of goes against the rules of Night Club," Jake interrupts.

Peyton watches as Nathan tenses at Brooke's words. "I'm with Jake on this one."

"Sorry, you're right. You're right," Brooke says. "Continue."

Nathan and Haley look at each other, neither eager to reveal their tattoo.

"Lady's first," Nathan says, waving a hand to Haley. His tone is light but he immediately sees the terror in Haley's eyes. His stomach knots in regret.

"Oh, OK," Haley says, sheepish. "So, in true Tutor Girl fashion I totally overthought this. I feel kind of silly actually."

"Hales, I highly doubt your tattoo is silly," Peyton coaches. "If it means something to you, it's special."

"You're right," Haley says, her eyes tearing. "You're totally right but I'm sorry. I can't do it. I'm just feeling really embarrassed."

Peyton puts a hand on her back in support. "You can do this."

"It's just us," Nathan says, his voice barely a whisper. He watches her with caution. Haley's eyes cut to him, he's right.

"I don't know about 'just' but you're right. It is us, and I owe it to all of you to follow through," Haley sighs, lifting the side of her shirt to reveal a depiction of her campus swing. A delicate tree branch sits at the top of her ribs with rope and vines intertwining down to a wooden seat below. The vines are dotted with purple flowers. It's small, only a few inches, and simple-meets-chic, just like Haley."

"Haley that's stunning," Brooke says. "Why would you be embarrassed?"

"It's fucking awesome," Jake joins. Haley gives him a small smile in appreciation.

"Oh I don't know," Haley says, her cheeks red. She pulls her shirt down, putting a hand on her chest. "Gosh, my heart is like beating out of my chest."

"Art is vulnerable," Peyton reminds. "And that girly, is a piece of art."

Haley nods, sheepishly. "I guess it is."

"Tell us about it," Nathan asks. The whole group turns to him, surprised, except for Haley. She couldn't look at him. Her face burns.

"It's the swing," Lucas states.

"The swing doesn't have flowers," Nathan points out.

Haley finally looks at him, preparing for frustration but instead finds warmth in his features. She takes a deep breathe before speaking, never breaking eye contact.

"When I think of Tree Hill, I think of love, safety, and home. I think of you and this swing and everything that happened around it," Haley states,

Nathan nods, listening.

"And I thought, if I can take that with me wherever I go the rest of my life. Look in the mirror and feel that. I'd be grateful," Haley says, watching as Nathan's lips curl in a small smile. He doesn't say anything, just picks the bottle of tequila up and passes it to her.

Haley looks at him, searching for more, but Nathan stays quiet. She takes the bottle and drinks.

"I guess it's my turn," Nathan states.

Nathan glances at his friends, they watch wide-eyed with hope and concern, then back to Haley.

"You never answered about the flowers," Nathan continues. "So I guess I will."

Nathan turns back to his friends, their interest peaked.

"The chapel we got married at was right on the beach," Nathan starts. "We said our vows in the dunes surrounded by beach grass and these little purple flowers. They were definitely weeds, but we didn't care."

Brooke and Peyton smile at the notion, how romantic, to be that in love and present.

"Anyway, I picked a whole bundle to make a bouquet and when Haley took them from me, she put one behind her ear and a few in my suit pocket and said –"

"Let's always make flowers out of our weeds," Haley says, her voice soft.

"Shit that's sweet," Jake interrupts, the group laughing.

"It was… it is," Nathan continues. "I've never forgotten that sentiment."

Nathan reaches behind his right ear to remove some gauze. He turns his head to show a tiny purple flower along the curve of his ear, barely visible behind his earlobe.

"Nathan," Haley gasps.

"Ten years is a long time. It's long enough to get over something," Nathan states.

Haley nods, understanding. She did what she did and it's done.

"But it's also long enough to know that you just won't," Nathan sighs, his hand tapping lightly on the table.

"What does that mean?" Haley asks, her eyes wide.

"I guess it means I'm still trying to make flowers out of our weeds," Nathan sighs.

Haley leans forward and places a hand over Nathan's on the table.

"I was hoping you'd say that," she admits and in that moment, Nathan Scott whole body shifts. His shoulders dropped, his jaw slacked, his eyes pinched in the corners and his mouth twisted into a smirk. Relief. For the first time in a decade, Nathan Scott felt peace.