A/N: We're back with another update that is LONG! I considered making it two but then just decided to post the whole thing together. Thank you for your reviews, your patience, and your follow-up. And for loving this world and story just as much as me. Your feedback is so important to the process! I think you'll really like this chapter. It's fun, it's angsty, and it's the start of what's to come. :) Let me know what you think!
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Chapter 34: A Tree Hill Raven always knows if the best is yet to come, the worst has already begun.
After brunch, the schedule broke out into extra-curricular reunions across campus for the afternoon, giving Haley time to process everything that's happened. She heads to the Tutoring Center, a permanent grin on her lips as she thinks of this morning. Nathan met her halfway, and more, and was ready to try again. That's all she'd wanted the last ten years – to be his and bask in the glow that his love brought. The way her confidence, and trust, and perspective, blossomed around him is earth-shattering. The notion felt dramatic, earth-shattering? Really? But there is no other words for how he made her feel.
With Nathan, she was whole, but the kind of whole that builds on who you are, rather than replaces it. It made her brave knowing he wanted to know every thought, every idea, every memory she was wiling to share – that her voice was important. Her entire life, someone had spoken on her behalf. To find someone who doesn't advocate for you, but instead gives you the encouragement to advocate for yourself… to say what you want, how you feel –it's priceless. Nathan Scott was priceless. He may have had a net worth of over $45 million, but that didn't matter to her.
And then Haley's thoughts turn to where they usually go when Nathan crosses her mind, her mother. It burned her from the inside out every time she was reminded of what Lydia talked her into – putting money above her partnership; an ultimatum of family or friends, loved ones or lovers. In the span of one decision, Haley both protected her family and lost all the support systems she had. Nothing could ever be the same. Nothing could ever be as good. Until now.
"Haley James, as I live and breathe," Whitey drawls, pulling Haley from her thoughts. She looks up to find him stopped in his tracks on the concrete path.
"Coach. Oh my gosh!" Haley beams, closing the gap between them, squeezing his ageless figure. "You know you look the same as you did ten years ago."
"Not sure that's a good thing," Whitey chuckles. "Where you headed?"
"Tutoring Center," Haley nods.
"Ah, should have known you were a good apple," Whitey observes.
"I don't know about that. Just like helping people," Haley says shyly.
"I know," Whitey replies, they lock eyes, an understanding between them. "Speaking of. And I hope this isn't too forward, but what am I about to walk into with my players?"
"What do you mean?" Haley says, nervous.
"Darlin', I keep in touch with Nathan. And as delightful as it is to see you, I'm concerned about where he may be at," Whitey says, cutting to the chase. "You blew that boy's heart to smithereens."
Haley nods, taking it in. Her cheeks heat in shame. "If it's any consolation, I blew my own heart to smithereens."
"It is," Whitey says with a small smile.
"You have nothing to worry about Coach Durham," Haley says, turning slightly to walk away. "It was good to see you."
Haley leaves Whitey, veering off towards the cluster of buildings up ahead. Her heart races in guilt. She'd prepared herself for backlash from Nathan, her friends, even her classmates, but what she hadn't anticipated was facing her mentors. People she loved, people who loved both she and Nathan, and people who knew that she'd left him without a trace. The disappointment courses through her and starts to taint the elation from this morning.
Haley pulls open the heavy oak doors and enters the equally oaky hallways of the Administration Building. Arched ceilings with skylights loom overhead as cases and cases of awards shimmer in the patches of sunlight on either side of the hallway. Haley's breath catches at the sight of it, just how she left it ten years ago. Surreal.
She walks down the hall until finally, she sees the familiar double doors of the Tutoring Center. She enters, finding Karen behind the front desk.
"Ms. Roe!" Haley calls out, tears welling in her eyes unexpectedly.
"Oh Haley," Karen says, rushing over for the biggest of hugs. "You're a sight for sore eyes."
Haley steps back, wiping a few stray tears from her eyes. "Gosh, I didn't mean to be such a baby about this. I didn't realize how much I missed you."
"It's so good to see you too," Karen says, reaching out to squeeze her shoulder. "Come, come. Sit! Talk!"
Haley follows Karen to a tutoring table, taking a seat across from her.
"You know I wasn't sure anyone was going to show up," Karen laughs.
"Are you kidding? I loved tutoring. I've been looking forward to seeing you again," Haley says.
"Thanks Haley. You never know who cares about an old bird like me," Karen laughs.
"Everyone," Haley says sincerely. "You cared about us so much."
"I did," Karen says with a small smile.
"I'd never had a teacher invest in me," Haley says, her smile small. "You helped me become myself, or at least want to try. I'll never be able to thank you enough for that."
"You were a bright young woman, Haley. I didn't do much," Karen says, placing her arm on Haley's forearm. "I can only imagine the woman you've become."
"She's OK," Haley says with a laugh. "I'm in Boston now, I have been since I graduated college. I'm a learning specialist at Boston Children's Hospital and work with patients to keep up with their school curriculum."
"Haley that's perfect for you," Karen says. "A real tutor at heart!"
"Quite literally," Haley says, bashful. "You know I never told you this but I was a cardiac kid. Always in and out of hospitals. Just feels like a good way to pay it forward, ya know?"
Karen eyes Haley, her fondness apparent. The revelation only reinforcing the pride Karen already had for her. A little choked up, she manages, "that sounds pretty selfless."
Haley's nose twitches, still barely able to take a compliment. She gets up, and starts perusing a nearby bookshelf. Karen watches her, letting her lead the conversation. Dealing with Haley was always like taming a wild horse – she was equal parts timid and determined, wary and sure. One wrong move, and you're out.
"You know these halls bring back a lot of memories Ms. Roe," Haley says, fingering a book on the shelf. She starts to pull it then puts it back. Nervous.
"You grew up in these halls Haley, I would hope so," Karen says, innocently.
"This room, gosh the amount of people I watched get it. Watched the 'ah ha' realization of something clicking. It felt good," Haley says.
"I always appreciated how seriously you took it," Karen observes.
"I know what it's like to struggle. I'd give anything to alleviate that from someone's shoulders," Haley admits. "Even if it's something as simple as passing a math test."
"We're all fighting our own battles," Karen agrees.
"I know I sure am," Haley says, walking past the bookshelves, dragging her fingers across their spines. She stops at an oversized filing cabinet. "These still the test files?"
Karen nods, watching as Haley starts spot-checking the new tests in each file. She smiles, pulling out Mr. Turner's file, holding it in her hand triumphantly.
"I should have known Turner didn't change his tests every year!" Haley says with glee. "And he had the audacity to say I was helping Brooke cheat on her exams."
"Turner's just lucky he's on tenure," Karen jokes.
Haley laughs, putting the file back. Satisfied with her exploration, she comes back to join Karen at the table.
"How is Brooke, by the way?" Karen asks.
"Good, I think. Guess I don't really know. We um, we don't really keep in touch," Haley says, a longing in her voice.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Karen says sincerely.
"Not as sorry as I am to say it," Haley says, uncomfortable from her own misgivings. "You know, a few doors down is where you forced me into detention with Nathan."
"I would never," Karen says with a laugh. "But if I did, I recall you were mad."
"I was so mad," Haley laughs. "And thrilled. And mad that I was thrilled."
"Do you mind if I ask..." Karen begins, hesitant.
"What's going on with Nathan and I?" Haley finishes.
"If you're comfortable," Karen nods.
"I'm sure you know but um, we haven't seen each other since graduation," Haley confirms.
"I do… I actually saw Nathan that night, at the café," Karen states.
"God that makes it even worse," Haley says, guilt washing over her. "But to answer your question, we hadn't seen each other, and now we have. And it's been confusing… dramatic… but good. Worse than expected, but in some ways better."
"It's a bit everything," Karen replies.
"It is… everything," Haley says, her lips curving into an effortless smile. "You know I've been living a pretty lonely decade. And even if Nathan can't talk to me, or even look at me, I can't tell you what it feels like to be near him."
"You had something very rare, like a tether between you two," Karen points out. "If he moved, you moved. If you moved, he moved. It wasn't kid stuff. I know adults that have never had a connection like that."
"Do you hate me for ruining it? You were so supportive," Haley says in earnest.
"Of course I don't hate you! And I'm still supportive," Karen confirms, reaching for Haley's forearm in comfort. "You know I don't know what happened, and I don't need to. All I know is we all do things our own way, on our own time. Sometimes that aligns with our partners, and sometimes it doesn't. Time will always tell."
Haley leans over, overwhelmed, and wraps Karen in a hug. "Thank you."
"I just have one request," Karen says, pulling back slightly.
"Of course," Haley says.
"Stop explaining yourself to everyone. Just, forget what anyone else thinks. Right now, all that matters is how you both feel," Karen suggests.
"I just can't shake the disappointment I feel when I walk into a room full of people that know I broke his heart," Haley sighs.
"Screw 'em," Karen points out.
"Karen!" Haley cackles.
"None of that matters. When you're my age, you realize how much time you waste wondering what other people may think. Half the time, no one even cares," Karen continues.
"People definitely care," Haley says, her lips slightly pouting. "It sucks."
"And again, screw 'em," Karen affirms.
"Maybe I will," Haley says, genuinely considering it. Karen pulls her back in, squeezing hard.
"It really is so good to see you," Karen states. "You were my favorite student. Don't tell anyone."
"Our secret," Haley laughs, getting up from the table.
"Where are you off to from here?" Karen asks.
"Cheer squad," Haley says, rolling her eyes.
"Ah that's right. R-A-V… E-N-S. Go, Ravens!" Karen says mockingly.
Haley sticks out her tongue, before turning to leave.
"See you at the gala tonight!" Haley calls with a wave, exiting out the oak door. Karen can't help the beaming smile on her face. Haley James had come a long way, mistakes and all, and she deserved all the happiness in the world.
…
9 Years Ago
The elevator dings and Haley slides her way through the stainless steel doors before they fully open. She rushes down the hall past orderlies and visitors until finally finding a nurse's desk. A nursing student stares at the computer, blowing a piece of gum.
"Hi," Haley says, out of breath. The nursing student doesn't give her the time of day. "Excuse me?"
"What?" The nursing student says.
"I'm looking for Nathan Scott," Haley states.
"You and everyone else. That boy is fine," the nursing student says, unbothered and unwilling to look up from the computer.
"I'm being serious," Haley says, annoyed.
"And so were the five other girls before you," the nursing student replies. "Go find a guy you don't have to break any HIPAA laws for."
"But I know him," Haley argues.
"Then why don't you text him," the nursing student points out, finally looking up from her computer.
"It's complicated," Haley admits.
"Sounds like an excuse someone who doesn't know him would make," the nursing student observes before returning to the computer.
"I'm telling you, I. Know. Nathan. Scott. OK?" Haley says, her voice rising. "You're the second person to interrogate me today."
"Want to make it three?" Haley hears from behind, turning to find Owen.
"Not particularly," Haley says, perturbed. "Who are you?"
"Name's Owen. Nate's trainer," he confirms. Haley's eyes light up in hope.
"Oh thank god! Finally, someone who can help," Haley states. She flicks her attention to the nursing student, who rolls her eyes, then walks over to Owen. "Look, everyone has made it abundantly clear that Nathan is cattle-prodded by horned up women everywhere he goes. So you probably can't tell my ass from their elbow. But I'm telling you, I know Nathan. And I really, really need to know if he's OK."
Owen smirks in amusement. "A lot to unpack there, mostly about you."
"Sure," Haley says, relaxing.
"But I guess we can start with, who are you, knower of Nathan's, ass and never elbow," Owen teases kind-heartedly.
Haley rolls her eyes, sticking her hand out for a shake. "Haley. Haley James."
Owen moves to shake Haley's hand, pausing slightly as realization washes over him, before firmly shaking. "Haley James... How do you know Nathan?"
"Old friends," Haley says unconvincing, pulling her hand back.
"You're eighteen," Owen points out. "Can you have an old friend at that age?"
"I do," Haley says, her façade cracking, her anxiety taking over.
"Give me a sec," Owen says, walking over to the Nurse's Desk. "Gina, how much longer till the doc can see Nathan?"
"Should be about 20 more minutes," the nursing student replies, much warmer.
"If you can make it 10, I'll love ya forever," Owen flirts.
"I'll see what I can do," she smiles, picking up the phone to make a call.
Owen returns to Haley, walking past her as he says, "Come with me."
Haley rushes the few steps to catch up, and falls into stride with Owen.
"What if I said I know who you are?" Owen asks.
"I'd be surprised," Haley admits.
"You're his ex-wife," Owen says, his voice low. This stops Haley in her tracks.
"How?" She whispers.
"I think the bigger questions is, why'd you do it?" Owen asks.
"That's not really any of your business," Haley pushes back.
"It kind of is. You're making my most reliable player, absolutely erratic," Owen argues. "And as his trainer, it's my responsibility to keep him healthy physically and mentally."
"What are you saying?" Haley asks, her voice cracking.
"Real talk? I don't think you should see him unless you're ready, you know, to deal with everything," Owen sighs. "You can't just see him, make sure he's OK, and leave. Surely you know that?"
"I didn't necessarily think this through OK? I just know I can't see him hurting," Haley says, her voice low. "I need to know he'll be fine."
"From the fall?" Owen asks.
"Sure," Haley says, running her hands through her hair, a sob escaping her lips. "How could I be so stupid? Of course I shouldn't see him. I can't. I actually can't. And even if I did… it wouldn't change anything."
"Hey, come on," Owen says, grabbing for Haley. She hesitates at first, then lets him wrap his arms around her. "Don't cry."
"Is he happy?" Haley asks, her voice muffled by his shirt.
"Don't know if I'd describe Scott as happy, but he's driven. Works hard. Great guy," Owen notes.
"The girls that, um, swarm… does he –" Haley asks, unable to help herself.
"Not really your business," Owen says, pulling back from Haley to look her in the eye. "But for what it's worth… never. To be honest, I thought he might be gay."
"Definitely not," Haley says, her laugh small. "Thank you. I know he's entitled to be happy… in um, all areas. I'm not naïve enough to think he won't move on."
"That will happen," Owen confirms.
"I know," Haley says.
"You can't be mad at him when it does," Owen reminds.
"I know," Haley says, wiping tears from her face. "One more thing?"
"One," Owen agrees.
"He's still close with his brother, right? I just need to know he has someone there for him. Someone I'd trust just as much as me," Haley sighs. "He deserves that."
"Lucas would go to every away game if we let him," Owen laughs. "They're thick as thieves. Lucas is the only person that Nate will let loose with. I don't see that changing."
"Good," Haley says, taking a deep breath. Coaxing herself to do the right thing.
"And when he doesn't have Lucas, there's me," Owen points out. "I'm doing a good job looking out for him right now. Aren't I?"
"I'd argue too good," Haley says.
"I'm sorry," Owen says, putting his hands in his pockets. "I can see how much you care."
"Tip of the iceberg buddy," Haley says, taking another deep breath, attempting to hold back a second wave of tears. "If I'm going to go, I have to go. Now."
Owen nods.
"Tell him I'm sorry," Haley squeaks. "Well, don't tell him anything. Don't tell him I was here. But, know that I'm sorry. Know that if I could change it all I would."
Haley turns and starts walking. Owen watches, her Scott jersey flowing around her with each step. He waffles on if he should say anything in return. Finally, he calls out.
"Hey, knower of Nathan's!"
Haley turns, her cheeks are tearstained but the faintest smirk plays across her lips.
"If you can ever change it all. You should try," Owen suggests. "I don't believe in 'too lates'."
Haley nods, appreciating the sentiment. She mouths 'thank you' unable to speak, before walking as fast as she possibly can to the elevator. The crushing reality of being so close, yet so far, from the person she loves was too much to bear.
…
Nathan sprints across the court, light years ahead of anyone else. Tim tries desperately to keep up, looking more like a lost puppy than anything else. Jake trails toward the back, regretting the Bloody Mary at brunch.
Lucas is amused from his seat next to Whitey, watching his old teammates run suicides across the court. What he'd do to be out there with them if it weren't for his HCM.
"You know this is pure evil," Lucas laughs.
"Can't let you boys forget who's boss," Whitey huffs. "Jagelski's pathetic."
"He's hungover," Lucas admits.
"Didn't stop your sorry asses in high school," Whitney points out.
"Touché."
Whitey blows his whistle. "Had enough?"
"Yes!" They all grumble.
"Great, one more lap then," Whitey smiles.
"You're killing me," Jake groans.
"Two for you Jagelski," Whitey says, thoroughly pleased with himself.
Nathan claps Jake on the back. "You know, the ol' man can't really tell you what to do anymore."
"Try me," Whitey calls. "Two laps – both of you!"
Nathan rolls his eyes, secretly elated to have time with Whitey again. He jogs off, as Jake attempts the laps at a snail's pace. As the rest of the team finishes their final lap, they watch Nathan pass Jake to complete his second lap, before Jake has even made it halfway back from his first. Whitey blows his whistle again.
"Jagelski, put us all out of our misery and get over here," Whitey says, coming to a stand. "Lucas, think you're up for a little Shirts vs. Skins?"
"Think I can take it!" Lucas says, excited.
"Good – you're Shirts. Let's have Boy Toy be Skins," Whitey says, teasing Nathan. "Pick for teams."
Lucas and Nathan choose teammates one-by-one until everyone is assigned. Half of them peel of their shirts and find a spot on the court, a mix of in-shape, dad-bod, and out-of-shape bodies filling the court. Nathan though, was an Adonis. An Adonis with a… hickey?
"Dude, is that a hickey?!" Tim shouts, looking at Nathan's chest. He stands beside Lucas on Shirts.
"What? No way!" Lucas says in shock, choking back a laugh.
Nathan looks down, noticing the faint purple mark on his peck. "Oh shit."
"Damn Haley," Jake says, unable to help himself. Nathan smacks him, but it's too late. The other guys snicker.
"Seriously, Jake?" Nathan whispers.
"Sorry," he whispers back.
The guys and Whitey watch Nathan with interest. He sighs, knowing he has to take the moment into his own hands.
"OK fine," Nathan says. "I have a hickey. Grow up!"
"We did!" One of his teammates calls. "That's why we don't get hickeys anymore!"
"Burn!" Tim yells.
"Can we just get to the game?" Nathan says in frustration, totally embarrassed.
"No, please continue about the nipple hickey," Whitey chides from his spot nearby, ready to toss the jump ball. "Riveting."
"It's on my peck. You're getting senile," Nathan jokes. "Just blow the whistle, will ya?"
Whitey puts the whistle to his mouth but doesn't blow.
"Whitey, I swear, just blow the damn whistle," Nathan says, half joking.
Whitey wiggles his eyebrows, not ready to let Nathan off the hook yet, until finally, he blows his whistle and the game starts. He tosses the jump ball, which Nathan grabs before Lucas, taking a shot from half-court. The basketball flies through the air, landing perfectly in the hoop.
The guys watch, dumb-founded. Whitey smirks at the gentle reminder just exactly who they're messing with.
"Any other questions?" Nathan says.
No one answers.
"Great," Nathan says.
…
"So, I've got a little surprise," Brooke says giddily from the middle of the circle – Haley, Peyton, Rachel, Bevin, and the rest of their old squad stand around her in the middle of the practice fields beside the gym.
"I love surprises," Bevin squeals.
"Yes you do," Brooke squeals back before plopping a gigantic cloth sack in the middle of the group. "Our old uniforms!"
"You've got to be kidding me," Haley grumbles.
"Oh hell yes, I think I'm skinnier now than I was then," Rachel says, rushing to the bag.
"Once a chicken leg, always a chicken leg I guess," Peyton accepts.
"Come on, I know everyone will still look bangin'. And if it needs a little hemming on the fly, it's a good thing I'm a designer," Brooke winks.
"So what are we just like, putting on the uniforms for funsies? Do a couple cheers and call it a day?" Peyton asks.
"Oh no, we're putting these things to use. Whitey always has the boys do a Shirts vs. Skins game at the reunion," Brooke says.
"I'm going to kill you," Haley says.
"Or thank me," Brooke says, slapping Haley's butt as she skips across the field towards the locker room entrance. She turns, watching her hesitant squad, "Let's go ladies!"
…
"I look… great," Haley says as she looks in the mirror. Her old uniform fit like a glove, a little tighter in her curves, but flattering. "I actually look really, really great. Look at my butt!"
"There she is!" Brooke says, happy to prove her point.
"Not going to lie, I'm kind of living for the A-line of this skirt," Peyton admits. "Why am I so into this uniform right now?"
"Because we're hot! Why did no one believe me!" Brooke teases. "Cheerleading uniforms are timeless, ask Lucas."
"Gross," Haley says with a fake gag.
"Oh I believed you," Bevin agrees, staring at herself in the mirror.
"Me too," Rachel says, pulling her skirt up just a smidge more than is appropriate. Haley notices, and tries her best not to compare. It doesn't help she knows Rachel was Nathan's on-and-off again partner, and she was flashing her toned abs and cellulite-free thighs. Neither of which Haley had.
"Like what you see?" Rachel says, noticing Haley's stare.
"Sorry," Haley says.
"I'm sure you are," Rachel says sarcastically before running over to the mirror.
"Ladies, are we ready?" Brooke says, elated with how her squad cleaned up. "R-A-V…"
"E-N-S," Peyton continues.
"Ravens, Ravens! We're the best!" The rest of the girls cheer as they race out of the locker room behind Brooke and into the gymnasium.
Haley hears the commotion before she sees it: the squeak of sneakers coming to an absolute halt on the court; the basketball dropping, and bouncing slowly to a roll.
"Shoooot," Jake says with a whistle.
Brooke marches to the sideline, as her fellow cheerleaders slowly flank her on either side. They were like Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, gorgeous, and heavenly, and showing age is nothing but a number and zero is not a size. They were every man's fantasy, including their old classmates on the court. It's no wonder they had half of these boys wrapped around their finger in high school.
Haley shuffles in, finding a spot on the end and finally takes in the scene before her. The basketball team is frozen in place, blindsided by their old cheer squad.
Nathan finds Haley immediately. She watches his Adam's apple bob, giving him a little wave. Her own pulse heightens at the sight of his bare chest – sweaty and inviting; her favorite pillow mere hours ago.
"Cat got your tongue, boys?" Brooke says, satisfied. "Thought you were Ravens!"
"Caw caw, baby girl," Tim says, absolutely entranced.
"Dude, that's my wife," Lucas reminds.
"I'm open if you're open," Tim offers.
"No!" Lucas and Brooke both shout, breaking the ice.
"Well can we cheer you guys on or what?" Peyton asks.
"Anything for you Ms. Sawyer," Whitey says, amused by the situation.
Peyton curtsies in thanks. "So what're you at?"
"Shirts have 9, Skins have 13. Best to 21," Nathan answers. "But I would have won already if I didn't have to carry everyone else."
"Stay humble baby," Rachel says with a wink. Nathan shakes his head before regretfully looking over a less-than-pleased Haley.
"Just do your thing boys. Give us something to cheer about," Brooke says, putting the attention back on the game. She quickly cuts Rachel a death-glare, who was waiting.
"Oops," Rachel whispers.
"Uh huh, I'm sure," Brooke says, unconvinced.
Lucas stands on the sidelines, throwing the ball to Tim to resume the game. Tim dribbles across the court, swerving past his teammates until he gets to Nathan. He fakes left, goes right, but Nathan catches him, intercepting the ball and sprinting back down the court for a lay-up before anyone can catch up.
The cheerleaders holler, attempting an old cheer from memory with minimal accuracy. They laugh at their lack of coordination as the teams reset.
Lucas stands beneath the basket, and tosses the ball to Fede who dribbles down the court, goes down the lane, and instead of shooting, passes the ball to Tim at the last second. Tim shoots and misses, but Jake rebounds, tossing it to Nathan. He turns, dribbling across the court for another effortless lay-up.
Haley immediately jumps up and down, something Nathan catches out of the corner of his eye. A small smile crosses his face as a warmth blooms across his chest. He looks at her, giving a wink before jogging back in place.
His smile turns into a smirk as he chides his old teammates, "Come on, you're making this too easy."
"Sorry we're not in the NBA," Skills complains.
"NBA is for chumps. Hardest games I played were right here," Nathan tosses.
"That can't be true," Lucas laughs, coming to guard Nathan.
"Probably not, but we did play some pretty tough games," Nathan shrugs.
They watch as their old teammate Dustin passes the ball in to Fede, who takes his time dribbling to their end of the court. He sees Lucas with Nathan, Jake covering Tim, and Skills unguarded under the basket. That'll change as soon as he passes the ball.
Fede continues to dribble, almost out of time. The girls start cheering on the sideline, rooting for the Shirts. Peyton does a kick and Brooke shimmies, bumping her hip against Bevin's, as they wait for what's next. Finally, Dustin sets himself up in the far corner, his long blonde hair matted against his forehead, covered in sweat.
"Fede, do something," Whitey commands.
And just like that, Fede passes to Dustin who takes a three-point shot, misses, but Skills rebounds and scores a point for the Shirts. The girls squeal, happy to see the underdog back on the board.
"Damn, I've got to have you follow me around all the time," Skills jokes.
"Now we got a game going," Whitey says. "Shirts 11, Skins 17."
In the quickest reset of all time, the ball ends up back with Nathan, who easily makes a thee-pointer for the Skins. They need one more point to win.
"Hell yes," Jake calls. "Nice one Nate."
"Nathan, Nathan he's our man. If he can't do it, no one can," Haley screams, adorably cringe as Brooke and Peyton look at her in horror. Nathan stands with his arms crossed, biting his lip not to laugh, the faintest blush springing on his cheeks. That was so unapologetically Haley. And he loved it.
"Are you eighty?" Peyton jokes.
"Oh you know I'm not good at this stuff," Haley says with a laugh. "It was kind of cute right?"
"He thinks so," Brooke says, glancing over at Nathan. "Now let's step it up ladies! One point could end this game, and they haven't even seen the good stuff yet. Think we can do our old Huddle Formation routine?"
"Brooke I barely remembered it then!" Haley whines.
"You literally kicked me out," Rachel points out.
"Welp," Brooke says, clapping her hands. "Now's your chance to make up for it."
Lucas is huddled with his team discussing their final attempt to stay in the game.
Jake walks over to Nathan, bumping fists with him as they wait. "We got this."
Tim scurries up, trying to make it a three-way bump.
"You're on the other team Tim. You should be in that huddle," Nathan says, dumfounded.
"Lucas sucks. I'm team Nathan," Tim says, making himself the sixth man on the court.
Nathan rolls his eyes, about to respond when music starts to echo in the gym, a familiar electric guitar chord filling the air as "Huddle Formation" begins to play.
"5… 6… 5, 6, 7, 8," the cheerleaders sing along before starting to perform. Unlike before, muscle memory takes over and the whole squad is in sync. They wave their arms, roll their bodies, and kick their legs, spinning and moving in unison. Nathan watches Haley, lost in her own world, as she dances. It's a sight to behold, and something she would have shied away from in the past.
Lucas smirks, knowing how happy Brooke is in this moment, before putting his attention back into the game. He uses his brother's distraction, passing the ball to Fede who runs down the court, pausing just outside the key to throw a three-pointer before anyone can realize. He scores, bringing the score up to 14 – 20.
"I see you brother," Nathan says to Lucas, prying his eyes from Haley.
"Not my fault you were distracted," Lucas says, amused.
"Pretty sure your wife is spearheading this little show," Nathan tosses back. "Seems like sabotage to me."
Lucas shrugs, having little sympathy as he watches Nathan meet Jake at the sideline to reset. Jake passes the ball in to Nathan and runs down the court, trying to get open. The defense swarms Nathan, who passes the ball back to Jake. Jake dribbles, accidentally tripping and losing the ball.
"Oh come on!" Jake yells at himself.
"Nice one Butterfingers!" Whitey calls.
The basketball rolls towards the cheerleaders. Peyton notices, and steps out of the cheer formation to grab it.
"Take the shot Ms. Sawyer," Whitey observes. "These boys need all the help they can get apparently."
"Oh I don't know," Peyton says, as un-athletic as it gets.
"Do it Sawyer," Nathan encourages.
"Come on Pey, show 'em how it's done!" Brooke calls from behind. Peyton turns to find her squad has stopped, turning their attention to her.
"If you insist, but I tried to warn ya'll" she says, dribbling and making an utterly perfect air ball. Skills runs and grabs the ball, throwing it back to Peyton.
"Come on Curly, try again," Skills says, tossing her the ball.
"Oh no, we're done here," Peyton says, catching the ball before turning to Haley. "Come on Haley, you try."
"No, no, no. I'm like the least coordinated person here," Haley says. "Give it to Nathan, he can score and that's game."
Nathan smirks, walking over to his friends.
"Ah, but what's the fun in that," he says as Peyton hands him the ball. Nathan walks over to Haley, holding the basketball out to her. "Take the shot Hales."
"I'm not going to make it," she says with a laugh.
"Try me," Nathan says. He puts a hand on the small of her back, guiding her further onto to the court. Haley looks at him, smitten, but acutely aware all eyes were on them. She looks back at Brooke and Peyton, who are downright giddy in anticipation.
"Do it Tutor Girl!" Brooke yells.
Haley nods to Brooke, before turning back to Nathan. She grabs the ball from him, pausing for a moment. "This won't be pretty."
"Somehow I doubt that," he returns.
Haley's cheeks blush as she gets into position, bending her knees and squaring her shoulders. She raises the ball in front of her face, starting to aim.
"You got this," Nathan affirms.
"Just remember, you can't unsee this," Haley says with a laugh, before abruptly switching her aim from overhanded, to underhanded. She hunches over, swinging the ball between her legs before flinging the ball toward the basket, granny-style.
The basketball flies through the air and hits the rim, teetering for a moment before falling into the net. Haley jumps in triumph. Nathan lights up, catching her by the waist and swinging her in circles in excitement. Haley squeals with delight and wraps her arms around Nathan's shoulders, holding on.
"Skins win!" Whitey calls, giving in to the chaos.
Finally, Nathan puts Haley down before the cheer squad comes crashing in. Brooke and Peyton rush Haley, squeezing her into a group hug. They release her, and find their fellow cheerleaders have grabbed some of the basketball team to dance along to "Huddle Formation" still playing in the background.
Lucas approaches Brooke, holding his hand out for a dance. She grabs it, and he pulls her into his arms before dipping her.
"Lucas!" She squeals before grabbing him by the shirt, pulling him into the dancing mayhem.
"Jagelski!" Peyton yells, running over to him. "You better put your old square dancing steps to good use."
Haley watches Brooke, then Peyton go, amused by their antics before turning back to find Nathan staring at her.
"What?" Haley says, her stomach flipping under his gaze.
"You," Nathan says.
"Me?" Haley says, her cheeks burning.
"Yup," Nathan says, grabbing her hand. Haley interlocks their fingers, giving them a squeeze.
"What about me?" Haley says before bringing their hands up over her head, twirling between them. Nathan watches Haley, her hair whipping around her face, her eyes closed in content. Finally she stops, her gaze dreamy.
"Just you," Nathan says, pulling her back in. She rests a hand on his bare chest, swaying slightly to the music. "You're pretty damn cute."
"Is that so?" Haley says, looking up at him innocently.
Nathan nods, leaning down to kiss her. Haley sighs at the feeling his lips, parting her own slightly before pulling away.
"I could get used to this. Kissing you any time I want," Nathan says.
"You better," Haley says. "Though I think you should be afraid of me kissing you any time I want."
"Why's that?" Nathan says with a laugh.
"Well we just wouldn't stop," Haley says, leaning up to kiss his cheek. She gives a playful pat to the hickey on his chest before skipping off to join Brooke, Peyton, and some of the cheer squad now doing a can-can routine.
Nathan watches her go, absolutely gobsmacked. You couldn't wipe the grin off his face if you tried.
And someone was trying.
Off in the distance, on the bench, sat Lucas Scott's cell phone.
17 Missed Calls.
35 E-mails.
60 Texts.
A communication frenzy that could only mean one thing: the media had a story.
A story about Nathan.