Karen's Cafe was the place to be these days, the drinks flowing, the music going - the company almost as sweet.
Miss Haley James was a name no man could forget after visiting Karen's. Her angelic voice grabbed their attention, and her body made them stay. She had men lined up for days, although none made it past her best friend Lucas.
Haley James and Lucas Scott, two peas in a pod. Where you found one, the other wasn't far behind.
The pair had been best friends since their days in elementary school. Over the years their friendship group grew, Antonie 'Skills' Taylor and Marvin 'Mouth' McFadden joining the clan.
The four of them ran the town with Karen's Cafe, Lucas the owner - taking over after his mother had left town heartbroken over the death of her husband. Haley, the renowned jazz singer with Skills her talented piano player and Mouth the town's reporter.
As good as business was, there was one looming problem for the foursome.
Dan Scott.
He was the proud owner of Comet Club, a rival club to Karen's Cafe - and Lucas' estranged Uncle. He was never far behind wherever trouble lurked. Something they were well accustomed to.
Since the war began, Dan's demeanour has worsened. His sharp words and threats grew tenfold. Some blame his attitude, others blame his nature - Haley knew the real reason.
Nathan Scott.
The son of Dan and Deb Scott, Lucas' cousin and a member of the 30th Infantry Division fighting in central Europe.
Haley wasn't Nathan's biggest fan, stemming from the obvious tension that Lucas and Nathan had throughout their whole childhood, as well as the (well-established) rumour that Nathan was a lady's man. Courted them all night, then left them hanging the next morning.
She, a romantic at heart, couldn't understand why a man would treat women like that. She dreamed of the fairytale ending, a man and woman falling in love and living happily ever after. Nathan Scott screamed the complete opposite.
A slight tap on the shoulder drew Haley out of her daydream, the sound of the band coming into play as she crooked her head to the side to see who had interrupted her.
"You ready Miss James?" Skills asked, a knowing smile playing on his lips as he nudged his best friend once more. "Or are you too busy daydreaming again?".
Heat rushes to her cheeks, as she looks down at her hands sitting in her lap and shakes her head. "I wasn't daydreaming Skills".
"Whatever you say Babydoll". The nickname only made her blush even more. "You ready?" He asks once again, his hand now placed on her shoulder blade, as he guides her towards the back of the stage.
"Good crowd out tonight, it should be a good show" She replies, taking one last glance at the crowd before going behind the curtain. "It's always a good show when you're singing Haley" Bringing her hand up to his lips, giving her a knowing wink before turning away and making his way towards the piano.
"Ladies and gentlemen, It is my greatest pleasure to bring to this stage for your entertainment only at Karen's Cafe, Miss Haley James". The applause begins, as the curtains lift up. The harsh light takes a few seconds to get used to before the first notes of the piano start to play. Haley takes a deep breath, and then she sings.
Nathan hears the music from down the street, groups of people surrounding the walkways with cigarettes in their hands and smiles on their lips. The outside wind wasn't too harsh, his uniform standing out against the black suits the rest of the men seemed to be wearing.
His train had arrived home within the hour, his bag still hanging on his back as he made his way through the doors of Karen's Cafe. It takes him a matter of seconds to stop in awe, her yellow dress hanging onto her figure as she moves across the stage. Her bright red lips smile as the words play on her tongue and her bright brown eyes practically glow with happiness.
God, he missed her.
The song continues, and the sound of someone coughing behind him breaks him out of his trance as he nods his head in apologies before making his way towards the bar on the side of the room. A man with sandy blonde hair wearing an all-white suit manages to steer his attention away from Haley - the glass of whiskey in his hand almost predictable.
"You'd think after how many months you'd move onto a new drink"
The blonde is already shaking his head before turning his attention away from the stage and towards Nathan.
"Well look who's back" Nathan raises his arms slightly, his signature smirk appearing on his lips at the notion. "Nathan Scott"
"That's Sergeant Nathan Scott to you"
Lucas rolls his eyes at the term, placing his glass down before bringing his cousin in for a hug. "Ah! It's good to see you"
"You too buddy, you too". Nathan responds, the pair pulling away from each other as the song picks up more pace. Their attentions are once again pointed towards the singer on the stage, her hips swaying from side to side, her arms up in the air as she belts the last line before the music cuts off and the crowds cheer.
"God, she's amazing" slips from his lips, and a knowing smirk appears on Lucas' as he looks between his best friend and his cousin. "Not a chance" Lucas notes back, shaking his head at the love-sick look taking over Nathan's face.
Before Nathan could respond back, arms are wrapped around his neck before lips are pressed against his cheek - over and over again.
"Well, well. Look what the tide dragged in. Mister Nathan Scott". Her arms release him from her embrace, but she doesn't step away.
"Hello, Brooke".
"Hello? That's all I get? And here I thought time was meant to make a man fonder"
"I think that's only in the case of love Miss Davis"
"Pity." she starts, looking between Lucas and Nathan before her sly smirk grows in size "You would have been such a great addition to my bedspread" Years of dealing with Brooke Davis taught him not to get caught up in her crude comments. The slight pink appearing on Lucas' cheek is enough for her to feel accomplished in her mission.
"Always the charmer aren't you Brooke".
"I know." She brings her lips to his cheek once more, before stepping away. Just when he thinks she is gone, she turns her head to catch his gaze. "Say hi to Haley for me" and then she's off.
"Has she always been that…" Lucas starts, "…forward? Yes. Even at school, She's a good kid, just got handed some lousy cards" Nathan finishes, he liked Brooke - hell he would even go as far as calling her one of his very best friends. He knew she didn't have it easy, and as horrible as it may be - she did what she did to get what she needed.
Nathan's attention turns back to the stage, his heart skipping a beat when he notices Haley is nowhere to be seen. He misses Lucas excusing himself, his gaze following the room to locate her yellow dress.
In the corner of the room, he finds her, laughing at something Skills had said - her hand covering her lips as her head falls back. His legs are moving towards her in an instant. Her giggles become louder as Skills shakes his head - his gaze catching Nathan's as his eyes widens at the sight.
He doesn't wait for her to turn around, his hands going into his pocket as he sends a wink to Skills.
"Hey Doll".
Haley feels her laugh catch in her throat, her body turning slightly to catch the voice from behind her. The nickname only ever uttered by one man. His hands were in his pants pockets, his body leaning against the wall with his stupid smirk painted on his lips.
Nathan Scott. Back from War.
Somehow he was even more handsome than she had remembered. The army uniform sat on his figure nicely - his arms filling out the sleeves, his hair had grown out from the buzzcut she had last seen him with. Almost everything about him seemed different, more defined but the second she caught his eyes, that was all the Nathan she knew. His bright blue eyes.
The butterflies she hadn't felt in years returned in an instant - just from the sound of his voice.
"Nathan! Wel-Welcome home" She smiles at him, a slight blush appearing on her cheeks.
"That's all I get?" He asks teasingly, pushing himself off the wall and making his way closer to her, "Not even a kiss on the cheek Hales?"
He watches as Haley tilts her head slightly, almost as if she is thinking about it before her hands graze his cheek. "I think someone's already taken care of that" as she wipes away a bit of red lipstick off his cheek. Nathan curses Brooke silently, quickly walking in step with Haley as she starts her way in the other direction. "Oh come on doll, that was just my Ma".
She rolls her eyes instantly, shaking her head. "She's just happy her only son is back from the war, that's all".
She stops her step for a second, her body turned to face him as she raises her eyebrow. "Nathan, I saw your mother earlier today and you and I both know she doesn't wear red lipstick" Brooke manages to pass the two of them at that very moment, her hand gripping onto his bicep before giving it a slight squeeze. "Great show Haley, amazing as always" and then she's off. Haley nods her head towards Brooke before adding "I think we both know who that lipstick belongs to".
He manages to cut the groan from leaving his lips, Haley already three steps ahead of him as he catches up once again. "Okay! Fine. It was Brooke. But you know how Brooke is - You know it doesn't mean anything. I was waiting for you to finish your show and she just pounced".
She hums almost mockingly, the pair reaching the bar - Lucas and Mouth in some heated discussion about whatever seemed to be the latest gossip of the day.
"The usual?" Clay, the bartender asks, Haley responds with a "Yes please" before turning her attention back to the Scott man in front of her.
"Nathan, what are you doing here?" Her smile is gone, and a slight crick in her eyebrows appears. Her hands play with her discarded gloves.
He wonders for a minute, a cocky response playing at his lips but her gaze wipes it instantly. Instead, he lets the truth slip out.
"I wanted to see you"
She wasn't expecting that response, clearly from the way her lips parted open and her eyebrows scrunched in confusion. "Nathan…" her voice was suddenly soft, and he knew she was trying to reject him but for once he couldn't allow himself to let her get away. Not after all the wasted time he already let pass.
"Haley, please. Just" he pauses, thinking of a way to extend the night. "How about a dance?"
He can see her argument in her eyes. Her gaze leaves his for a second to catch the dancefloor before her lip falls between her teeth. "I-I I don't know"
"Just one dance Hales and then I promise to leave you alone. Okay?" he reaches his hand out to her, counting the seconds before she softly places her hand into his. He feels a sigh of release leave his body as a soft smile appears on his lips.
"One dance - that's all" she pushes, the band starting up another song as more couples join the dance floor. "Anything you say, Miss Haley James".
The dance fall isn't overly crowded once they finally reach it, an upbeat song takes over their bodies as the pair dance around together. He doesn't miss the way some of the surrounding men catch their gaze on Haley's hips and chest. Not liking the idea, Nathan moves himself to practically cover their line of sight - Haley seeming none the wiser as she lets herself get caught up in the music.
Nathan watches her with a smile on his face, the way her eyes light up with the music - a grin painted across her face as she lets out a giggle or two at his horrible dance moves. She points it out once or twice but he's too consumed by her to care.
And before he knows it the band plays out the song before calling out for a five-minute break. The ticking time bomb finally goes off, as Haley seems to come to the same conclusion. It was only one dance. Couples surrounding them start to move away, making their way towards their tables or up to the bar for another round of drinks. Haley almost waits for Nathan to take the lead but it seems his words are all caught up.
"Thank you for my dance Nathan" she practically whispers, bringing herself close enough to him that her lips hover over his cheek for a beat or two, before they ever so softly press against his skin. The peck lasts a second before she's turned away and disappears into the crowd.
Haley feels her heartbeat growing in her chest, her fingers coming to her lips - the feeling of his cheek almost burning her. Too caught up in her daydream, she misses the drunk man making his way towards her - a stumble in his step as he practically falls onto her.
He grabs her immediately, a laugh leaving his lips - the smell of alcohol hits Haley's nose. "Well if it isn't the pretty singing lady" he slurs out, his hands falling down south and grabbing onto her dress - managing to pull it up to show off her legs.
"Hey! Get off"
Her request doesn't seem to bother the man, his grip becoming even tighter as he pulls her into his chest once again - his lips falling onto her cheek as she tries to pull herself out of his embrace.
"Oh, let's have us a dance"
"Get off!"
Before the man could make another pass at her, she felt him being ripped off her - the sound of a fist hitting skin before the man slammed his head into the bar and fell onto the ground. The notion took no more than five seconds, her attention finally being pulled away from the drunk as she felt two hands pull her by her shoulders and shift her body away from the unconscious man.
She meets blue eyes instantly.
"Are you okay? He didn't hurt you did he?" Nathan starts cursing out questions, his eyes running up and down her body - checking to make sure she is okay. He feels himself suck a deep breath in at the red finger marks painted on her upper arms. His finger grazes over the mark, Haley tensing up for a moment before relaxing.
"I'm okay Nathan" she mumbles, the attention of the surrounding crowds finally catching up to her as she feels herself shrink just a little. Her body screams at her to get away from the crowds, her cheeks heating up from embarrassment as she attempts to remove herself from Nathan's grip and towards the entry doors.
"Skills!" Nathan calls out, the piano player there within an instant, "Take Haley to get her coat and get her outside. I'll be there in a minute" The pair give each other an understanding nod, Haley trying to catch Nathan's gaze but he manages to miss it - he couldn't bear to look at her right now. Not when he knew she'd be disappointed in what he was about to do.
"Nathan…" She starts, her voice cracking as he shakes his head, looking at Skills once more as he starts to roll his sleeves up. "Skills get her out of here"
Skills starts to pull her out, Haley fighting against him as she tries to get Nathan's attention - calling his name out over and over again. "Skills! You have to let me talk to him. You can't let him do this" She pleads, the pianist only pushing her further out of the cafe and towards the street. She starts to slam her fists into his chest, begging him to let her go. "Skills! Please. He's going to get himself in trouble. Please!"
All he could respond was "I'm sorry" as he finally pulled her out into the street and away from Nathan.
Police arrive within ten minutes, Haley watches from the curb she was sitting on, her body shivering as she grips Skills jacket tighter - attempting to keep her warm. Skill brings his arms around her, pulling her into his embrace as the pair sit in silence. It couldn't have been more than five minutes before they walked out with the drunk from before. Haley couldn't help but gasp at the sight of him, blood covered his face - his once white shirt now covered in dark crimson as he stumbles out. A cop on either side of him.
Standing up, Haley made her way towards the Cafe once more, Skills' hand stopping her before she could walk through the doors. A small shake of his head is enough for Haley to back down.
"Skills. I need to know he's okay" she practically chokes out, her eyes welling up with tears as she looks towards the door once more - waiting for Nathan to walk out those doors. "He'll be okay babydoll. This is Scott we're talking about. Trust me. Let's just wait for him to come to us okay?"
The pair make their way back to the curb, her head resting on his shoulder, Haley playing with the buttons on Skills jacket. Skills doesn't attempt to start a conversation, instead, he holds his best friend and waits for Nathan Scott to appear once more.
A cough catches both their attentions, Haley jumping up immediately as she catches sight of the blue-eyed man. Her arms wrap around his neck in an instant, his arms holding her close to him so she won't fall.
"Are you okay?" She mumbles into his shoulder, her grip somehow becoming tighter. He lets himself hold her for a few seconds before nodding his head. "I am now". Giving himself the opportunity, he holds her close to him - letting himself pretend everything is okay for the moment. He pushes away the scenes from inside the cafe, his fist hitting that drunk's face over and over again, instead, he lets himself breathe in Haley. Her body shakes in his grip as she only tries to get closer and closer to him. "I was so worried" she cries into his neck, his hand running through her hair as she tries to soothe her.
"Sh. It's okay. You're okay Hales. I promise I'll never let anything happen to you again" and he meant it. He swore as he beat that man over and over again that he would never let another person hurt Haley again.
The pair eventually pull away after a minute or two, although their hands don't leave each other's embrace. Haley finally gets a look at his hands, the broken skin mixed with blood causing her to take in a deep breath as she brings his hand closer to her. Her fingers ran over the broken skin so softly, he almost missed it.
"Nathan…"
"...I'm fine. It's fine. Owen took a look at them and said they were just bruised"
He watched her watch him, her eyes looking all over his face before back down at his hand in her grip. He watches as she brings his hand up to her lips, placing gentle kisses over the cuts.
"You didn't have to do that Nathan"
"Yes, I did. Nobody gets to treat you like that Haley. I don't care who they are. And I promise you, I'll always protect you if anyone thinks they can"
She lets his words wash over her, his voice firm with his point. She looks past his shoulder and towards the street, her lip falling between her teeth before she brings her attention back to his gaze.
"Do you wanna go for a walk?"
A smile appears on his lips, one reserved just for her, as he nods his head a little. "I thought you'd never ask Miss James".
They walk in comfortable silence for a while, the sound of the night around them surrounding their senses. Nathan every few moments catches himself starring directly at Haley - a small smile appearing on his lips every time. He doesn't allow himself to react when he feels her hands grab onto his, or when she moves just that little bit closer to him so their arms brush past each other every time they step.
They passed house after house, picket fence after picket fence - Haley's smile only growing at the sight of all the lived-in homes. As a little girl, she loved to walk past houses and imagine the stories within those four walls. She'd picture husbands and wives with their children, siblings running around up and down stairs - maybe even a dog or two chasing after the children. She had always wanted that life for herself - and as she looked up at Nathan once again she couldn't help but wonder if he'd give her that.
They passed another house before coming up towards the house that had always been a part of Haley's dream. The old Durham house. It had been owned by a couple a few years back, a husband and wife. They had lived in that house for over thirty years before the wife sadly passed away - heartbroken from the loss, Mr Durham had left town - leaving the house without a spot of life in it. Haley used to come by this house as a little girl, dreaming of the day she would be old enough to live it in with her husband. Bring back some of that life that the Durhams had so gracefully filled it with years before. Her mother always told her that the Durhams only ever wanted one thing in their life, and that was children. She made a promise to herself that night, years ago, that one day she'd have enough children to fill every room in that house - just like the Durhams deserved.
Nathan watched as Haley's steps slowed as they passed the old abandoned house, her gaze softening as she looked over every window, a soft smile taking over her face.
"You okay there Hales?"
She only hummed in response, swaying a little as she made her way closer to the fence. "Doesn't this place just feel like it's filled with magic?"
He looked over to the house once more, taking in the old timber and the broken windows. He didn't want to disagree with her, but to be completely honest this place kind of scared him. His mother had told him that years ago a lady had died in this house and ever since then he always made sure to skip past this place just that little bit faster.
"Uh…" he starts, looking down at the floor before kicking a small rock. An idea formed in his head, as he looked back up to Haley.
Picking up the rock he kicked, he nudged Haley before nodding his head towards the house. "Here" he handed her the rock, her eyes filled with questions. "You're meant to throw the rock at the house"
A gasp leaves her lips, as she pushes Nathan's hand away from her "No! You can't do that. I love this old house" He almost laughed at how upset she got at the idea of hurting a house, but instead, he took a step closer to her, the rock still in his hand before explaining "No, you see, you make a wish and then try and break some glass. See I'll show you". He gets himself ready to throw the rock, his wish ready before her arm comes across his chest once more before looking towards the old house again.
"Oh no, Nathan, don't. It's full of romance, that old place." She pauses, her smile growing as she adds, "I'd like to live in it".
"You'd like to live in that old place? Bu-but it's haunted!"
"Haunted?" Haley giggles, her attention drawn away from the house and onto Nathan. "What makes you think it's haunted? It's just a house, Nathan."
"Uh. Well. You know. Everyone knows it's haunted" Her laughter filled the air around them, and he couldn't but join in as she shook her head. "Are you scared of an old house Nathan?" her shy voice, doesn't convey innocent, as her lips are playing with a mocking grin.
"I-I. No. Of course not"
"Uh-huh" her smile only growing as she took one last look at Nathan before taking off towards the house in question. "Haley! What. What are you doing?" Nathan calls out, before running after her and towards the house. "I thought you were scared Scott?" She calls out, she's still a good five paces in front of him. Too consumed with trying to catch Haley he doesn't realise just how close they are to the house.
Haley makes it to the front porch, taking two steps at a time as she pushes the front door open and makes her way into the house. Nathan's feet stop once he reaches the porch, the front door now wide open from Haley running inside. He feels his heart start to speed up a little, the old house somehow seeming bigger and darker now that he was standing right outside. He almost thinks about turning around, but instantly moves on from the idea at the sight of the open front door.
Haley was in there.
He slowly makes his way up the front porch steps, walking through the door he instantly looks around at the giggling girl he was chasing a minute ago but instead is met with silence.
"Haley?"
He takes another two steps inside, closing the front door behind him as he looks into the opening on his right. The sight of an old dinner room of sorts fills the room. White sheets covering the furniture, it makes him sad for a moment. This was someone's home once and now all that was left was old furniture and dusty white sheets to cover them.
He makes his way further into the room, looking for any sign of Haley.
"Where are you?"
A second or two passes, his heart definitely speeding up now. Why'd she have to run off like that? He goes to call out her name once more before he hears someone yell and arms wrap around his body.
"Oh my god! Haley!" his hands coming up to his chest, his heart pounding. Her giggles fill the room, as she pushes herself off him - a smile covering her lips as her eyes light up. Her hands cover her mouth, shaking her head before bringing her hands over his. "I'm sorry! I'm really sorry".
"I can't believe you did that" She only seems to laugh harder in response, bringing her hands up to his opened uniform and pulling him closer to her. "I can't believe you're actually scared of a house"
"It's not the house I'm scared of! It's what happened inside the house. This place could be filled with ghosts for all we know"
"Ghosts? Big bad Nathan Scott is scared of ghosts. Oh everyone is going to have a field day with this one"
The pair of them hadn't noticed just how close they had become during their conversation, Nathan's attention dropping from Haley's eyes to her lips. She notices the shift instantly, her eyes finding his once more.
"I really want to kiss you Haley James" he practically whispers, his face inching closer and closer. Her grip tightens on his uniform, managing to pull him closer somehow. "I really want you to kiss me, Nathan Scott".
Their lips touch softly at first, almost scared of the other's reaction. Finding rhythm, Nathan's hands come up to the sides of Haley's face, deepening the kiss. They kiss until they break for air, their foreheads resting upon each other - shy smiles painting their lips.
"That was-"
"-yeah". Haley finishes the sentence, small giggles leaving her lips before pulling away, the playful look takes over her face once more before she runs off towards the big staircase. "Haley!" Nathan calls out, laughing a little as he shakes his head before following her up the stairs. They both run through hallways, rooms on either side filled with more furniture.
She makes her way into the door at the end of the hallway, an empty room with a piano in the middle, with a white blanket covering half of it. Nathan makes his way inside a few seconds later.
"Ta-da!" her smile only causes Nathan's smile to grow bigger. "Isn't it beautiful and look-" she starts, as she makes her way over to the big window "-It has a perfect view of the backyard" Nathan follows her line of sight, the window overlooking the overgrown backyard, his eyes widening at the size of the place.
"Wow"
"I know right? Just think, being in here, the music filling the room and they look outside and their backyard is filled with their children playing. Ugh, it sounds like heaven"
"They?" Nathan questions, his attention turning onto Haley who was staring out the window longing. "The couple who lived here before. My mother told me that they were a married couple who bought this house because they wanted this big family. They decorated every room themselves, put every light bulb up and hung every curtain in hopes that one day they would have children to fill their house with laughter and joy".
"What happened?"
"She died, cancer they believed and he was stuck in this big house with no one but himself and the dreams they never got to have"
"That's…"
"...Yeah. I guess that's why I love this place so much. That's why I want to take care of it y'know? It's the life I want, the life I've always dreamed of and if I can bring just a little bit of that hope back into this house I think they'd be okay with that. Like they still had some of their dreams come true"
His mother always told him that one day he'd meet a girl, and she'd be like nothing he had ever known before. She'd knock him off his feet with her grace and beauty and when he least expected it, he'd realise he was completely and utterly in love with her. As a little boy he always begged her to tell him how he would know, and everytime she'd response with a small smile, and a knowing glint in her eyes and say, "You'll know'.
As he listened to her talk about filling this home with love and children, as she spoke about her dreams so freely with him he found himself completely and utterly in love with her.
"I love you, Haley James"
Her gaze moves instantly away from the window and towards his face, her eyes widen at his confession. "I-I. What?"
"I love you, Haley James and I think I always have"
Her eyes manage to grow even bigger, a shy smile appearing on her lips before she brings her lip between her teeth. "You love me?" he nods his head in response, bringing himself closer to her. His arms sitting on her waist, "I love you"
"I love you, Nathan Scott"
"Oh thank god" he mumbles on her lips, before kissing her once again.