Walkaway Joe - The End

By Whitney

Chapter 10

You can't start a fire without a spark

Haley let her finger dip into the alcohol stirring the small ice cubes around in the glass. She and Nathan had arrived twenty minutes earlier and Robin hadn't stopped talking since. It seemed she just forgot to let Tim and Peyton know about drinks and they were still getting ready, as was Luke, so it was just the three of them. The first five minutes had been fine, Robin had been waiting at the bar, so when they sat down Haley had taken the seat next to her blocking Nathan from anymore of her "touching". Then suddenly Robin had a coughing spell, complained about the smoker next to her and slid into the seat on the other side of Nathan. She'd been chatting him up ever since, bringing up his stats, asking about his routine, and ignoring Haley completely.

"You must have an amazing home gym." She cooed leaning in slightly letting the emerald dress she was wearing dip a bit in the front and providing a brief shot of the minimal cleavage she did have. Haley almost laughed at the disappointed look that flashed across the woman's face when she realized Nathan had been too busy asking the bartender for another drink to even notice.

Nathan suddenly stood abruptly, and turned to Haley, "I'll be right back." Haley nodded as he walked through the bar to the near by restroom. She was glad Nathan was away from that little barracuda, but now she was alone with her, and she did not want to say even one word to her. Thankfully Nathan's coat began to vibrate, and Haley reached in for his cell phone, before she could answer Robin spoke up.

"Shouldn't you wait for Nathan?"

Haley eyed her a moment silently before ignoring her completely and flipping open his phone. She was done with the phony pleasantries, she didn't plan on being an all out bitch, but she wasn't going to be nice either.

"Hello?" She answered his phone, her voice tinged with mild frustration as Robin hovered behind her, obviously trying to spy on the phone conversation.

"Haley?" Came the annoying male voice on the other end. Brian, a man that rivaled Robin in irritating behavior. When she'd first met Brian she hadn't had a problem with him, he was in his thirties, married, no kids, she remembered him most by the fact that he liked to golf a lot. And then Nathan's star power picked up, he became more popular and Brian turned up a lot, always calling, faxing, generally bugging the hell out of her at the most inopportune moments. It seemed he just got worse and worse, he couldn't even leave them alone on vacation. Still somehow he was a welcome reprieve from the redhead sitting next to her.

"Yes." She returned her voice short as it always was with him. He'd asked her once if she disliked him, and she'd been frank with him. She didn't care for him one way or the other, she just didn't appreciate him intruding on her life. He seemed to be amused by her response, because since then he'd always tried to suck up in small obvious ways, bringing her flowers when he visited, making sure she was comfortable at press events. She let him figuring she should get the most out of a crappy situation, and she loved the way Nathan reacted every time he brought her a new bouquet. It didn't make her boyfriend happy to see other men giving her flowers, even his very married agent. "Nathan's not available right now is something wrong?"

"Oh no, no," Brian chuckled in the background, "I just wanted to check in make sure everything is going smoothly down there for the two of you. How do you like Miami?"

"It's not my first trip here," Haley reminded him, but her voice wasn't as cold as when she answered. She had to admit she was easily amused by his sucking up to her. "But we're having a fabulous time, thank you for asking."

"Well have to keep the clientele happy. Did Nathan get a chance to tell you, you guys made the front page of the gossip section again. It was a lovely picture, I think the general city press are a little jealous that Miami got you first."

"Nathan didn't mention it," Haley replied, "it was a surprise to us both to have the press there."

"I imagine it was," Brian laughed again trying to keep the mood light, "alright, I'll speak to Nathan when he gets back about the charity function. Last time we spoke he wasn't sure if you were on board, we're all hoping you can make it Haley."

"I'll certainly try to work it out in my schedule," she assured with false promise. Her schedule wasn't the problem, the problem was the press. She knew they would be swarming all over the benefit, and she didn't feel like parading around all night for them. Still it was important to Nathan, so she was sure in the end she would go, probably even walk the carpet with him. Brian didn't need to know that though, he could sweat it for a while.

"Alright, alright, I'll let you go. Have a wonderful time, and see you when you get back. Tell Nathan I called. Goodbye Haley."

"Goodbye." Haley returned before clicking it off and slipping it back in Nathan's coat pocket. She turned back to her watered down drink and motioned for the bartender to take it away, she'd had enough alcohol that week to last her a lifetime, and she felt the strong need to keep an eye on Robin.

"Something important?" Robin questioned trying to seem casual, but failing miserably in hiding her interest. Haley shrugged, not willing to give her any details. Not that it mattered if anyone knew what she and Brian spoke of, she just wanted to make this girl squirm.

"Well you look beautiful tonight Haley, I love your dress, designer?"

Haley nodded in response. Brooke had picked it up for her for Christmas when she visited the city. It was a silk strappy black number, that fell gracefully down her body, she was wearing the black onyx earrings her grandmother gave her for her sixteenth birthday, and she'd opted to let her hair remain down and flowy with curls. Nathan had seemed especially pleased with the results before they left their room.

"Thank you." Haley didn't return the compliment, she didn't feel the need to. Robin looked like a mix between a librarian and a streetwalker, two styles that just did not mix. Whoever said green looked good on a redhead had lied, she should have used another bottle to match with her dress, because the current combo wasn't working. And her shoes had to be the tackiest dominatrix like things Haley had ever seen, she was just waiting for her to fall on her ass.

"So Luke said you worked for a publishing company?"

"Uh-huh." Haley nodded staring off into space in the direction that Nathan had disappeared. As much as she hated Robin near him, the girl was unbearable without him, she just did not know when to shut up and let silence hang. It was like she was trying to torture Haley to death with talk so she could whisk Nathan away.

"Have I offended you Haley?"

Haley's head jerked around at the question in surprise. She didn't expect her to be so upfront, and she really had no idea what to say. She wanted to make a scene and accuse her of hitting on her boyfriend, but that would only cause problems for Nathan and Luke, and they didn't need them. She opened her mouth to answer when Peyton and Tim rushed up. Peyton looked like a goddess in a flashy orange salsa dress that looked like it was made for her. She would definitely stand out in any crowd, but then Haley was used to that.

"Peyt!" Haley jumped up happy to see her ignoring Robin's question as she pulled her friend down to sit on her lap, while Tim slid into Nathan's empty seat. Peyton eyed Haley surprised at her private congregation with Robin, and Haley provided a fake smile that anyone could have spotted.

"Sorry we're late," Peyton ground out, "I didn't realize we were getting drinks so early."

"Oh my fault," Robin tried to laugh it off, "but you're here now."

"Yes, I am." Peyton assured with a glowing smile, before turning to the bartender and ordering a drink. Then she turned back to Haley, appraising her look.

"You look hot," Peyton giggled, "I love your hair like this. You should wear it like this more often. Don't you think Tim?" Peyton turned to Tim waiting for an answer, but he shook his head in a begging manner.

"Not going there again, last time Nathan looked at me like he was going to kill me. A repeat performance and I just might end up at the bottom of the beautiful Miami ocean."

"Wimp!" Peyton chastised jokingly, looking closer at Haley's earrings, "I love these things, you have to let me borrow them."

"My jewelry box is always open." Haley smiled kindly, and Peyton returned the gesture. They really were that close, but it was clear they were trying extra hard to put on a show for Robin and make her feel uncomfortable. Haley hadn't even told Peyton about Nathan's earlier confession, but Peyton had obviously felt the tension the moment she walked in, and she always loved to add to a bad situation.

"You look very pretty Haley," Tim smiled across at her sweetly, and she returned the gesture. Over the years Tim had become almost gentle with her, which was odd thinking about how they started, so far from gentle. Still Haley knew he meant well.

"Well thank you," Haley smiled, "You look sexy." She grinned, and he bulked back his shoulders in male pride. Peyton shoved at his shoulder playfully as he did.

"Don't feed his ego please, I spent the whole afternoon listening to stories about all three of his girlfriends. I think he needs to settle down, what do you think Hales?"

"Three might be a bit much." Haley joked, and she caught a quick glance of Robin across the bar, just sipping on her drink dejectedly. She almost felt bad for her, but then she remembered the little show she put on for Nathan, and that feeling was quickly swept away.

"Nathan!" Peyton announced loudly as he approached the group again. Tim and Nathan nodded in a greeting as he came to stand behind Haley's chair, placing his hands firmly on her shoulders, while she leaned her head back momentarily to kiss him.

"You two are just so damn cute," Peyton exclaimed, "and I hate you for it."

Haley laughed leaning in to place a small kiss on Peyton's cheek, "We love you too Peyt."

"Well, at least she does." Nathan joked jovially, and Peyton popped him hard in his arm. He winced for a minute before breaking into laughter with the others. "Have you been taking steroids Peyton, that kind of hurt."

"It was meant to." Peyton assured him lightly before taking another large swallow of her drink and motioning for the bartender to fill her up again.

"I don't know where Luke is," Robin broke into their conversation, "he should be down here by now. Maybe I should go up and check on him..." she took a moment to look around at all of them before continuing, "Nathan would you mind walking with me, I saw a special about hotel muggings the other night, and I would really appreciate some company."

Nathan tried to keep a smile on his face as he fished for an answer. He really didn't want to be anywhere alone with this girl. But he couldn't just flat out refuse her. Before he could open his mouth to speak, Tim jumped out of his own seat.

"Hey I'll come with you, I gotta give Luke hell for being late, I'm usually the tardy one." Tim smiled brightly at her, and she nodded her acceptance reluctantly, sending a short wave to the others as she and Tim exited the bar.

Nathan walked from around Haley sliding back into his seat, while Peyton remained on her lap content to be the center of attention.

"I never thought I would say this, but thank God for Tim."

Peyton's ears perked up at Nathan's words and her eyes shot back and forth between Nathan and Haley before finally speaking, "Do I detect a new development? Do spill." She ordered.

"Oh you know just that little skank hitting on Nathan last night, and!" Haley exclaimed hotly, "and, touching him!"

"Eww," Peyton made a gagging noise and then turned her attentions to Nathan, "what did you do?"

"I didn't do anything," he shrugged, "Jake came back, and she dropped it and I got the hell out of there." Peyton laughed, and Nathan stared back at her unamused. "You think that's funny, Peyton. What the hell am I going to tell Luke, she wants me to walk her to her room? This is all bulls hit."

Haley reached across Peyton, laying a comforting hand over Nathan's, "You were right the first time. We don't have to be around her much longer, and I'm sure Luke will dump her sooner or later. I mean they're not even sleeping together-"

"Which is why we have to tell him now," Peyton broke in, "before he makes a really big mistake. I mean that girl is trash, plain and simple. I don't know why he didn't just stick with Molly."

Nathan rolled his eyes, "Here we go. She was married remember?"

"So?" Peyton returned with a shake of her head, "Luke's young he doesn't need something permanent right now. Molly was perfect, she was nice, pretty-"

"Married." Nathan repeated again, but Peyton continued.

"She had money, she didn't have kids, she was-"

"Married." Nathan through out once more, and Peyton finally quieted down, as Haley sat back laughing at them both. Their daily snark fests had become hilarious to her, when they didn't go to far.

"So you liking Miami?" Tim asked as he walked beside Robin down the hall. She was practically running, and he had no idea how she was doing it in those heels. It was obvious she wanted to get Luke as fast as she could, he wasn't exactly Nathan after all.

"Sure, it's okay." Robin threw out as she barreled on. Then suddenly like a light bulb hit her she slowed down and refocused on Tim beside her. "So I guess you're pretty close to Haley, you guys seemed...tight."

"Oh yeah," Tim nodded, "I love Haley, she's great. She and Nathan are like family to me."

"They've been together for a long time huh?" She prodded, and Tim nodded unsure of where she was going with it, but willing to let her show her cards. "It's unusual for high school relationships to last, especially with Nathan being who he is. He must have woman throwing themselves at him all the time. I don't think I could handle that if I were her, I'd have to wonder if her...you know..." She turned to Tim with a questioning gaze, and he nearly choked right on the spot. Peyton was right, she was a piece of work.

"Nathan would never cheat on Haley," Tim stated proudly, like he was speaking of himself. "If I were you I wouldn't say something like that to him, he gets pretty pissed off when people mess with their relationship. This one time in high school, Jake, Brooke's husband, liked Haley and they got into this big fight. Nathan's pretty volatile."

"Well I'm sure he's matured," Robin stated as though she knew him personally, and Tim almost gagged at her tone. The longer he was with her, the more he wanted to get away from her. He didn't know what would be next, talking about their sex life? He didn't like this girl one bit.

"Not when it comes to Haley," Tim stated bluntly, "he'd do anything for that girl."

Robin nodded taking in his words as they arrived at Luke's door, before she pushed the pass key in, she turned to Tim once more, "I guess I just wonder why they haven't married."

Before Tim could answer she'd already walked past him to retrieve Lucas, leaving him standing there in the hall. He had to admit he wondered why they hadn't married as well, but he wasn't going to tell her that. He was sure it was logistical, not at all about love, because he'd never seen anyone as in love as Nathan and Haley were. He brushed it off when he saw Lucas emerge.

"Now who's late!" Tim goaded, and Lucas just shrugged him off.

"I was tired."

"Well I forgive you." Robin cooed, snuggling into him, as Tim walked on the other side.

Chapter 11

Do you believe in the path that you follow?

Peyton occupied herself by twisting a piece of her hair in her fingers while the other two couples took to the restaurant dance floor. She didn't feel quite so alone with Tim there, and he'd even asked her to dance, but she wasn't in the mood. She'd had to watch Robin fawn all over Luke all night long, with the occasionally reprieve when she fawned on Nathan. She'd come to the conclusion that Robin was some sick virus infecting them all with pure hatred. Because Peyton hated her, every time she saw Luke twirl her around she hated her a little bit more. Dinner hadn't even been brought out yet and Peyton was ready to leave.

"You sure you don't want to dance," Tim asked again as he watched Peyton stare out at the happy couples. He wanted to smack Luke upside the head for her, but it seemed even that wouldn't do it. For some reason he was oblivious to the entire tables dislike of his girlfriend. "How about jumping off the dock, wanna swim with the sharks?" Tim joked.

"Don't tempt me with suicide." Peyton returned finally looking away from the hideous display to grab a hush puppy from the basket and butter it up. Miami was making her fat, but she didn't care, she needed a little comfort at the moment and food seemed her only source.

"You know you and Haley were right, Robin's no good." Tim admitted softly. He hadn't had a chance to tell anyone about his earlier encounter with the girl, and he was almost busting at the seems to spill.

"Oh really," Peyton twisted towards him with more interest, "did she hit on you too?"

"No," Tim shook his head with a short laugh, "but she insinuated that Nathan has or will cheat on Haley." Peyton stared back agape and he continued, "Yeah, she was creepy. She definitely has a thing for Nathan and she kept asking about me and Haley-"

"God she's a piece of work!" Peyton exclaimed angered by these new revelations. "I don't care what Haley and Nathan say, Luke deserves to know what a witch she is. You with me?" She cornered Tim, her eyes imploring him to say yes.

Tim was unsure of what he should do, he knew Robin wasn't the right choice for Luke, but he also knew that Haley was right, bringing this to light could effect Luke and Nathan in a negative way. It had taken them years to get to the place they were at now, it would be a shame to let some nobody wreck it. Ultimately though he hadn't figured out how to say no to Peyton Sawyer, so he nodded his head in agreement, worry instantly settling into his stomach. He just wanted to get out of Miami intact.

"Good," Peyton shook her head, "I don't even know how we can tell him something like this. I mean, do we just say, "hey Luke, your girlfriend would rather be screwing your brother than you" or do we be more tactful?"

"Tact is good." Tim opined, "But if one of us is saying something, I vote me or Haley if she'll do it. Luke won't believe you or Nathan, he'll say it's a jealousy thing, Haley and I have nothing at stake here."

"Why would I be jealous? There's nothing to be jealous over. Luke I are through, I know that, he knows that, the whole damn world knows that. I just care about him, okay, and Robin whatever the hell her name is, is no good.-"

Tim reached out a hand to still Peyton and stop her rant, "Hey, I know that. I'm just saying Luke will latch onto that so he doesn't have to believe you. Denial is a powerful thing, we don't want to alienate him, right?"

"Whatever." Peyton agreed, as Luke and Robin came to sit back down.

Haley and Nathan stayed out on the dance floor, as the next song started. Nathan kept his arms wrapped around her tightly, blocking the wind from the ocean from hitting her and giving her a chill. While she nestled her head into his shoulder, enjoying the warmth of his body.

"You look amazing tonight." He breathed softly into her hair, taking in a fragrant whiff of her perfume. She'd added a little something extra tonight, and he liked it. His arms rested gently on her lower back, and he moved his thumb in a circular motion against the thin material of her dress, causing her to shiver.

"This place is beautiful," she commented as the ocean came into view again. The moon was hanging low on it's surface illuminating the entire shoreline. She loved New York, but she could understand why Brooke always refused to leave this place. It was almost paradise, or at the very least a nice vacation spot.

"We should come back down again at the end of the year, maybe go further south, The Keys?" He suggested. Dancing by the ocean with Haley, felt so serene, like nothing else existed but them. It was a feeling they seldom got to revel in and he wasn't letting it go this time until he absolutely had to.

"Not Key West," Haley vetoed, "it's too commercialized. Maybe Key Largo, Brooke said she and Jake took a weekend down there one time, and it was beautiful. Very secluded which is perfect." Haley closed her eyes letting the salty air take her over, she felt like she was floating.

"Secluded enough so we can make love on the beach?" He whispered into her ear, and she had to bite down on her lip to stifle her urge to moan as his voice washed over her. His voice had the ability to melt her insides.

She giggled lightly a moment after regaining her composure, "We could probably pay somebody off."

"We could rent a boat," he continued to plan, "drive out far enough and find a sand bar, make love in the ocean, drink all day. Sounds like paradise."

She smiled into his jacket so he couldn't see her, "All you want to do is have sex." She tried to keep her voice serious, but a few small bursts off laughter escaped her lips, as she felt his hands travel lower on her back. She could only imagine but the old couple next to them thought at the very moment.

"What else is there?" He chuckled, and her head shot up to see his mocking laughter. She glared at him a moment before breaking into a large smile. It was easy to see he was joking, although she knew Nathan favorite kind of vacation was shacking up in a cabana for seven days and seven nights, only sending out for food and drinks. She had to admit, she enjoyed those trips as well.

"I want to learn to scuba dive." She announced happily, "I hear they let you swim with the dolphins down there, I think that would be fun."

"As long as we don't get killer dolphins." He joked, and she swatted at his chest lightly before continuing.

"No come on, I'm serious. What would you want to do?"

"Anything you do." He admitted content with her in his arms. She was staring straight up at him now, her big brown eyes wide with glee, and her mouth curved into a pouty smile, he couldn't help but to kiss her. He leaned down slowly capturing her lips in a soft prodding kiss, that hung between them as the moonlight glowed down on them. He pulled back after a moment and she laid her head back upon his chest.

"I don't want this to ever change." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but he heard her. He pulled her tighter against his body as a silent reassurance, and they continued to move to the melody, unwilling to release one another.

"The food is taking forever," Luke complained stretching back in his seat as the wind whipped across them all. He'd enjoyed tonight, although he definitely felt the absence of Jake and Brooke. Brooke could light up any party. Peyton was usually the same way, but he'd noticed she was rather sulky that evening. It bothered him more than he would have liked.

"Well you have to be willing to wait for good food." Robin returned cheerily, and Luke smiled down at her. She was the first person he'd ever met who could put a good spin on everything and he liked that. He needed a little fun in his life. He was still reeling from his relationship with Molly. He'd known going in it could never be anything serious, but part of him had fallen in love with her, and it stung more than he would have liked when she decided she didn't want him or her husband, she just wanted to be alone. He'd met Robin a week later and she just seemed to be the answer to his prayers. That’s why he hadn't minded going slowly, he didn't want to rush into another relationship only to get his heart smashed once again.

"Hey Luke," Peyton broke into his thoughts, "will you dance with me. I feel left out, I wear this pretty dress, and I don't have anyone to dance with."

Lucas nodded his head happy to oblige. Peyton walked around the table, and he immediately took her hand, sending Robin a reassuring smile before he walked Peyton out onto the dance floor, and pulled her close. She felt just the way he remembered, soft and smooth. Her hair smelled like tangy oranges, and he wondered if that was something she picked up in Miami or something he just hadn't noticed in New York. He studied her face intently for a moment as her eyes drifted out to the ocean. It was older, slightly more worn, but still absolutely flawless somehow.

"You look good Peyton." He smiled down at her as they swayed to the music. Her whole face seemed to light up at the compliment, and it did something to him. Touched a place he thought he'd destroyed long ago. Still he found sometimes when he was with her, nothing was off limits. She got to him in a way that no other woman really had.

"You do too." She grinned up at him shyly for a moment, before turning her gaze back at to the lapping waters. He knew what she was doing, painting a picture in her head, she'd used to do it all the time. She could find something beautiful in everything, and for a while so could he.

"What are you thinking?" She turned back to him appraising the odd look that passed over his features. For the first time in a long time she felt nervous, which was always a reaction he could get from her. She felt like a bumbling teenager trying to find the right words, but never really succeeding. She used to hate that feeling back then, but now she felt alive.

"That this feels right." He murmured softly into her ear before pulling her closer. Peyton stayed frozen in his arms, shocked by his words. It had been a long time since anything remotely intimate had passed between them. But for once it seemed his guard was down.

"Yeah it does." She agreed, as a tiny smile played on her lips. She knew enough not to push the moment, Luke would get freaked out, push her away even harder. She'd been down that road before. For once she was just content to let a thing be, and enjoy it. Nothing compared to being in his arms.

Suddenly the song ended, and he pulled back abruptly, smiling her way for a second before walking back off to Robin. She stood still surprised by how fast it all passed, Nathan and Haley walked up beside her.

"Foods here." Haley smiled at her pleased, and linked arms. Nathan walked behind them like a guard dog, protecting his own. Peyton found the whole scene amusing, it seemed at the end of the night she always ended up as Nathan and Haley's date, never with one of her own, never with the one she wanted.

They all settled back down at the table, as the waiters passed their plates around. Haley and Nathan were sitting on one side of the table facing the ocean with Peyton, while Tim, had graciously taken a seat closer to the other side with Robin and Lucas, the other three were all grateful.

Nathan grimaced at the sight of Haley's plate, he wasn't really a fan of the kind of food she liked. Raw was definitely not on his menu. He'd opted for a big juicy steak as always, and he'd let her convince him to get a salad, she'd been on a health kick lately.

"That looks gross, Haley." Nathan commented motioning to her plate. She'd ordered the sunset platter, apparently this restaurant was famous for their Sushi, he didn't understand how they could be when it looked like that.

"Good thing you don't have to eat it." She returned shooing him away, as she poured some kind of red sauce over it.

"I love steak," Robin broke in, already slicing into her own meal, which of course mimicked Nathan’s. Haley almost gagged at how obvious she was, but it seemed Luke STILL did not notice anything out of sorts.

"Yeah." Nathan nodded trying to avoid a conversation. He really had no idea what he was supposed to say, without being a total prick. He wanted to tell her to back the hell off and stop complicating his life, but somehow he didn't think that would go over to well with his brother. Still if Lucas was going to be that much of a dumbass, maybe...wasn't his problem.

"God this soup is to die for," Peyton announced happily as she lapped at her crab bisque. Brooke had recommended it before she left, and Peyton knew Brooke would never steer her wrong in such matters.

The table was silent, and all it's occupants uncomfortable. They'd already exhausted the topic of Nathan's career at the bar, and although it was obvious Robin could have gone on forever, Haley had cut it off every time she tried.

"Hey Hales," Peyton called to her, "do you want to do the spa thing tomorrow since it's our last day. I heard they have an amazing massage therapist on staff."

"As long as you let me sleep in," Haley agreed, "I'm still recovering from that wedding. By the way Luke," she turned to him, "did your mother mention anything about my shoes?"

"Your shoes?" Luke repeated, "No, I would have remembered that."

"Oh!" Robin exclaimed suddenly, "she gave them to me to give you back. She said she couldn't find you the other night before she left. They're up in our room, if you want to come by and get them later."

"Sure," Haley nodded, "thanks."

"So Tim," Luke began, "How are you liking New York?"

"It's good, an adjustment, I'm trying to convince Nathan and Haley to come up and visit me, you and Peyton should come to..." he stopped and back tracked, "I mean not together, I-"

"We know what you mean Tim." Peyton assured.

The rest of the dinner was spent in silence besides a few small pleasantries. Everyone was ready to get the hell out of there when the waiter came by to ask about dessert, but Robin spoke in quickly ordering some coffee cake thing, which as the waiter said, might take a while since it was a rare order. Robin assured him it was no problem and everyone slumped back down into their seats.

After a few minutes Robin whispered something in Luke's ear, and he immediately turned to Haley a dopey grin on his face.

"Can I have this dance?"

"Huh?" Haley lifted her tired head off Nathan's shoulder, she was ready to drop or drop kick Robin one. Still after realizing what he wanted she obliged him and went out to the dance floor with him.

"You look great Hales, I know I see you in the city, but Miami seems to be treating you well. Things are okay with you and Nathan right?"

"Yeah," Haley nodded a smile forming on her lips at the thought of Nathan. "Everything’s good with us."

"Good, because I want you guys to be happy."

Haley smiled up at Luke again. He was like a brother to her, she'd loved him most of her life, and she'd worried about him most of that time as well. He just didn't seem to be able to be content, and it scared her to see him so unhappy at times.

"I want you to be happy too, Luke." She spoke honestly, letting her eyes rest comfortably on his. "I know that things with Molly hit you pretty hard, and Claire before that...I just don't want you to make a mistake because you're lonely."

"I'm not," Luke assured, "Robin and I are taking things slow, we connect. I really like her Hales, and I want you to like her too. You know how much I value your opinion."

Haley sighed, "And you know I'm always going to give it to you straight. I liked Molly, Luke, but I told you from the beginning it would end up hurting you. I'll be honest I don't think this thing with Robin will be much different...she's just-"

"She's what?" Luke challenged defensively.

"She's not Peyton. She's not even Molly. I just don't think you're going to find what you're looking for."

"You're wrong about this one Hales, you'll see. Just give her a chance okay? I want you guys to be friends."

Haley just smiled back at him stiffly, unable to promise such a thing. She didn't want to hurt Luke's feelings, but she wasn't letting that woman into her life, not even for him. She loved him, but she just couldn't.

Another song started up and Haley and Lucas stayed on the dance floor, while the other waited impatiently at the table. Robin leaned across suddenly, words about to form on her tongue obviously directed at Nathan, but before she could speak, Peyton jumped out of her seat dragging Nathan along with her.

"Come on Nate, I wanna dance!"

Nathan watched her oddly for a moment before following after her. Anything had to be better than waiting for some damn dessert with that girl who wouldn't stop staring at him. Even dancing with Peyton.

"Don't look so bored, I just saved your ass." Peyton announced as they swayed to the music, staying back a bit from Lucas and Haley so they could talk freely.

"What do you mean?"

"She was gonna ask you to dance man, and what could you say. So I rescued you. I'm super Peyton, bow down."

"Not in this lifetime He-Woman." Nathan spat back, slightly amused by the rambunctious blonde in front of him.

"Oh Nathan, Nathan, don't kick a gift horse in the mouth." She smirked happily up at him as he continued to scowl.

"This would work a lot better for me if you didn't talk."

Chapter 12

There's nothing I'd like better than to fall

Haley slid her bare toes into the sand as she and Nathan walked along the beach hand in hand. After Robin had picked at her dessert for twenty minutes, she'd finally agreed to go and they'd all traveled back to the hotel where they split up again. Nathan had suggested a walk by the ocean and she'd readily agreed. She knew they were both avoiding "the talk" it felt like they had been avoiding it for years. And something about a boxed in hotel room made her claustrophobic, at least out here she could run away, not that she planned to.

"Is nice out here." He finally spoke, his voice taking on a dreamy-like quality. She'd liked Nathan like this, at peace. He was always running around in the city, something always had to be done, it was rare he had the chance to sit down and relax, which made the sight of him doing just that, very welcome.

"uh-hmm." She agreed softly, as the wind whipped through her hair. He looked down at her, mesmerized by her presence beside him. Her face was fairly blank of all expressions, which was nice, it made her look more raw, like he could see right through her. When they'd gotten back to the hotel he could feel how jumpy she was, and he knew why. The talk. He still had absolutely no idea what they were really going to discuss, and he could see she wasn't fairing much better. Part of him just wanted to blow it off, he liked his life the way it was. But he had noticed lately she'd become more restless and it made him uneasy.

"So we should probably...talk." He finally suggested and the air around them went cold with tension and silence. He'd done his part, he'd opened the discussion, now it was her turn, because he honestly had no idea what to say next.

"Or we could just pretend that we did..." He remained silent beside her and she knew he'd agree to whatever she wanted. Still as easy as it would have been to bury the subject once more, for once she was ready to tackle, or at least get it out in the open. "Right," she nodded with a short uncomfortable laugh, "probably not the best thing. So the talk...I don't really know where to start Nathan." She admitted quietly, and he squeezed her hand a little tighter as reassurance. Haley took a deep breath of the salty air and steeled herself to continue. "Do you want kids?" She turned to him, stilling their movements.

Nathan stopped beside her, and let her hand drop as he brushed his hand through his hair, and let out a heavy sigh. He hadn't really thought about kids, really. He liked other people's kids most times, and he really enjoyed working with the charity, the hands on stuff was his favorite. But the thought of a child of his own, scared him. He knew first hand the Scott techniques at parenting and he didn't want to subject that on a child of his own.

"I don't know." He shook his head, unable to come up with an answer, and she sighed turning away from him to look out at the water as it lapped at their feet.

"I mean this afternoon, you insinuated..." her voice trailed off. For some reason the words just wouldn't form, her hands were getting clammy, and she was feeling trapped. She didn't know why she was so nervous, she and Nathan talked about everything, it was the reason they'd worked so well, but now...it just seemed too close, like every word he spoke could break her, and she didn't want to be broken. She wasn't sure it was worth the risk. "Don't you ever think about it?" She questioned turning back to look at him briefly.

He remained silent for a minute, obviously contemplating her words. He didn't want to lie to her, or placate her. He knew she deserved the truth, he was just worried it would hurt her, and that was something he never wanted. "Not really," he admitted finally, "I just...I never thought- it just hasn't come up."

She nodded and he could see she was saddened by his answer. He stepped forward to touch her, or pull her into a hug, but he thought better of it. So he remained a few feet back from her, trying to think of something to say. "Have you?"

"Sometimes," she replied quietly, still refusing to meet his gaze, although she could feel his eyes boring into her, "I mean it's not like I'm just dying to have kids or get married, we're so busy already, I can just imagine how hellish it would be if we had a baby to take care of as well. I'd have to take time off work- it's really implausible I guess."

Nathan watched her carefully as she flitted about, listing off all the reasons why they couldn't have a baby, yet he realized she didn't list one of why she didn't want to. Haley was easy to read when you looked past the big rambling words and her false smile, her heart was always right there, easy to break no matter how hard she tried to be tough.

"But do you want a baby?"

She blanched at his question, she didn't want to lie to him, but she'd been lying to herself for so long she really didn't know what the answer was. Part of her was screaming "NO!" it would be insane to have a kid, now or ever, it just wouldn't fit into their lives. But the other more sentimental part of her thought of a baby as a gift, something they could share forever.

"Maybe." She admitted quietly as she kicked up the sand by her feet. Her admission made her uncomfortable, nervous, ready to bolt, but at the same time it felt almost freeing. She'd been dishonest with herself for so long, that actually saying aloud that she wanted a child was...liberating.

"Oh." He swallowed hard unable to think of anything else to say. He knew it probably wasn't the right response, he could see she was nervous enough as it was and he wanted to reassure her. But he wasn't sure if a baby was really what he wanted, at least not at this point in his life.

"I guess I know how you feel." She finally turned back to him, a meek smile hanging on her lips. She looked sad, as the moonlight brightened her pale face. He hated being the one to make her unhappy, but he knew he couldn't commit to a baby right now, not without thinking more about it. It was huge decision. For some reason making that decision weighed him down. If she got pregnant by mistake, that was something he could deal with. It would just happen and they would adjust their lives, but actually consciously deciding to bring a baby into the mix terrified him.

"I just don't know if I'm ready." He admitted softly, taking a few cautious steps towards her. He still didn't reach out to touch her, he just needed to be closer to her. He didn't want her to pull away from him now, not when things were so perfect between them.

She nodded tears springing to her eyes, "What if I am?"

The question exploded between them, Nathan once again stepped back, as she traveled farther down the shore line, the distance between them growing by the second. Neither knew what to say, it seemed they were at an impasse.

"I don't know." He sighed heavily wringing his hands in front of him. He was trying to get a grip, trying to reign his thoughts in. But every time he thought about having a baby, being a parent, panic rose in his throat. How could he be responsible for another persons happiness, he tried with Haley, but she was an adult in the end it really was up to her. But a baby, a baby would look to him, would expect him to protect it and love it, and all he could think about was how much he would screw it up. Like Dan screwed him up, and how would that affect he and Haley, would she hate him? He didn't want to risk that.

"I know I kind of sprung this on you," she bit her lip trying to hold off her oncoming tears, "and it's not fair at all. But it's how I feel. I tried to tell myself it just wasn't for us, and I almost believed that, but I mean why can't it be for us? Why can't we get married, have kids...be a family?" She looked to him for answers, as her questions became more desperate.

"We are a family already," he shot back, "I love you."

"And I love you," she agreed, "but sometimes I feel so alone Nathan. You're out living your life and I'm glad you're happy. And I'm happy too, when I'm with you, I'm so happy, but you're not always there, and sure I love my job, but it's not the same." She took a deep breath her eyes becoming wistful, "The other day I went with Peyton to the park, she was looking for a real life portrait you know, and we saw this girl, she was probably 23, 24 years old, my age, and she was playing with her son on the swings, and he was laughing and she was laughing and it just looked...perfect. I want that, I want to be a mom. To enjoy it while I can, I mean I always thought when I got settled, when I fell in love...and I am. We're financially stable, I know that you're the only person on the planet I ever want to be with, and I want to share this with you, I want to move forward."

Nathan rubbed at his face tiredly, "So what are we talking about here?" He questioned, "You want to get married first or?"

"Marriage would be nice," she laughed for a moment before turning serious once more, "it would make since. Look, I'm not trying to push you into something here Nathan, I just want to be honest, and until today I really didn't know what I wanted."

"I've thought about marriage," he admitted, "you just never seemed to be into it, and I've seen my parents, I didn't want that to be us. Things are so messed up with them, and me and you, what we have it just fits. I guess I was being selfish...You have to know that when I want kids I want them with you, it's not..." He let out a low growl of frustration, "why is this so hard?"

"I don't know," she shook her head, "look I had to get here on my own. Obviously you haven't even thought about it. I can wait. I don't want you to think this is some kind of ultimatum, if you really don't want a baby, I mean- we'll just deal with it. I don't want to lose you, us, that’s not what this is."

He finally closed the distance between them pulling her tightly to his body, he could still feel the cracks their conversation had made. But he was willing to ignore them just to hold her, to feel her in his arms, he needed it.

"I won't lose you." He breathed into her hair, as the wind picked up around them. She leaned back to smile at him, and he quickly found her lips with his own, brushing them against hers with urgency. She responded immediately, bringing her hands up to frame his face and pull him closer. She felt him guide her onto her knees in the sand, as he took the same position in front of her. He pulled away momentarily to take his jacket off and place it on the sand behind her, before pushing her softly onto her back, while he came down on top of her, his lips refusing to release her own.

Haley could feel the cool sand seep into her skin from beneath but she ignored it as her fingers ran through the short spikes of Nathan's hair urging his mouth away from her own, and sending it down her neck, where he nipped hungrily at her skin, causing her to cry out in surprise, before she relaxed into the sensation. Her other hand found the bottom of his white dress shirt, and slipped underneath to greet the tight naked flesh of his stomach, she rubbed the tips of her fingers lightly against his chest, causing him to roughly pull her hand away the sensation quickly getting to him. She laughed amused before freeing her hand once more and beginning to unbutton his shirt completely.

His mouth continued it's exploration down her neck, stopping shortly at the edge of her dress. Her breathing had become erratic causing her chest to heave slightly, he watched his affect on her happily for a minute before letting his mouth drop back down to the smooth flesh peaking out. He moved the straps of her dress off her shoulder, as he tried to urge the material down as well, but it only tightened across her breasts as he pulled.

"Nathan," she reached up to still him as frustration became evident on his face. "We should go back to the room."

He wasn't listening though, he gave up his pursuit of the top of her dress, and let his hand run up her thigh pushing the much looser material of the bottom of her dress with it. She closed her eyes at the sensation, as his mouth dropped down placing small kisses up her thigh where his hand had previously traveled. Before he could reach his desired location, she pushed her dress back down roughly, and rolled out from under him, leaving him flat on his back in the sand, as she straightened out her dress. He groaned unsatisfied, and she relented slightly dropping back down next to him on her knees again as she leaned over him.

"I don't feel like getting arrested for indecent exposure," she explained with a small laugh, as her fingers went to the buttons of his shirt and she quickly redid them. She didn't need the temptation sitting so close to him.

His hand came up to her shoulder and slid down her arm, where he linked their hands. She tugged lightly on him to get up with her, but he refused to move, and she resituated herself in the sand.

"Don't pout. There is a perfectly good bed in our hotel room."

"I want you now." He announced petulantly, as his other hand came out to latch onto her waist and yank her down on top of him. She wiggled for a moment getting comfortable before allowing him to hold her in place. His hand moved from her waist to rest on her butt, and she giggled at the gesture. He could never just give up.

"Come on," she pleaded, "I want to take a bubble bath and if you're really nice I'll let you join me."

He smirked, "Define nice."

She smiled as the thoughts came to her head, "Well you could let me light those scented candles I like-"

"They don't smell like anything." He countered for the millionth, time and she reached her finger up to his lips to shush him, and he obeyed.

"And you massage my back, because I've been really tense lately."

"Anything else?" He leered down at her, and she bit her lip in mock contemplation. Finally she shrugged as if nothing else came to her mind. "You sure?" He asked again, raising his eyebrows in suggestion.

"Oh I can't do that until I'm married," she batted her eyelashes up at him dramatically, "it just wouldn't be proper."

"Oh no?" He teased pulling her body further up his, so her head was hovering straight over his own. "I seem to recall you really not caring earlier today. So now I need a marriage certificate to-"

"Watch your language." She purred with fake sweetness.

He pulled her to her feet abruptly beside him, dragging her along by the hand. She stumbled a bit, trying to grab his jacket as they went before finding out what had possessed him.

"Care to tell me where you think we're going?" She giggled as he strong-armed her down the beach.

"Vegas," he smiled, "I think you finally figured out how to get me to the altar, threaten me with your virtue."

"Ha. Ha." She glared at him, yanking her hand away.

"No, I'm serious come on, lets just get married right now-"

"You're insane, and you are definitely not joining me in that bubble bath." She rolled her eyes trying to pass him by. She couldn't tell if he was serious or not and it was freaking her out. When she thought about marriage, she thought about at least a few months planning, not some shot gun hitching in VEGAS!

"Come on I've decided," he announced triumphantly, "we're getting married."

"No." She shook her head resolutely, staring back at him like he had gone insane.

"You know you want to," he came at her playfully and she batted him away. Suddenly he stopped his face turning completely serious, she the change in his attitude and stilled herself as well.

"I'm not getting married in Las Vegas." She announced with complete certainty.

"What about New York?"

She blinked taking in his words. He was serious. Her eyes widened as he stared back at her expectantly. It made her uneasy that just fifteen minutes ago he was unsure and now he wanted to tie the knot as soon as possible.

"You don't have to do this Nathan." She tried to beg out, becoming very uncomfortable with the situation and the way his eyes were boring into her own, expecting some kind of answer.

"Look, I can't say I want kids yet, because I haven't even really thought about it, and I think something that important shouldn't be taken lightly. But I love you, what’s marrying you going to change. We live together already, we're already committed in our hearts, I know I am-"

"I am too." She assured.

"So we get it on record and we get a pretty little ceremony, and you get to bitch about it being your day. Besides I think you'd look hot in one of those white dresses-"

"You do look good in a tux." She admitted with a small smile.

Chapter 13

Drifting on a blue ocean

Haley reclined back in the plush leather seats afforded to them by first class tickets, as she slushed her ice around in the alcoholic beverage the stewardess had just dropped off. She hated flying, she didn't know what was worst, the taking off which made your ears pop, the in flight movie that never seemed to end, or the landing that banged the hell out of you. The whole experience was something she tried to avoid as much as she could, hence her watching Nathan's away games on TV with the rest of America instead of traveling with him. She had no idea how he survived all the plane rides he was required to go on for his job.

"Hey!" Haley jerked back up in her seat to see Peyton sliding into Nathan's empty seat. He'd vacated it for the bathroom earlier, and she was sure he'd been stopped by some over eager fans on the way.

"Can I just tell you how much I love you and Nathan for upgrading me to first class?" Peyton practically squealed. "I mean I was so afraid I was going to have to brave coach with Robin and Luke-"

"Even Nathan doesn't wish that on you." Haley returned with an exhausted smile, as she leaned her head back against the head rest once more and closed her eyes. She knew it wouldn't deter Peyton from talking, but if she was lucky sleep would take her over pretty quickly.

"I can't believe she weaseled her way onto this plane with us, you know she's going to want to go to dinner when we get back. Tim is one lucky bastard for getting a different plane-"

"He doesn't live in the city," Haley reminded, "why would he fly there?"

"Maybe I should move, just to avoid the little bitch." Peyton contemplated. She'd spent the entire morning watching Robin play up to Luke, and it had made her nauseous. She didn't understand how he could see her a genuine person, when obviously everything about her was fake.

"Do what you gotta do, Peyt." Haley responded lazily.

"So you've been acting weird all morning what’s up?" Peyton shook Haley a bit to get her attention. Finally Haley relented and sat back up, regaining her bearings along the way. She was so close to a happy dream place, where everything that was bothering her would just fade, and now Peyton wanted to analyze it.

Haley bit her lip unsure of what to say, "So I guess Nathan and I are getting married."

Peyton stared back at her blankly, obviously shocked by her announcement. Peyton knew better than anyone that Nathan and Haley were the forever kind of relationship, still she figured after all this time, if they hadn't gotten married by now, they just weren't going to.

"Wow." She finally responded, the shock evident in her voice.

Haley nodded, "I know. We talked last night on the beach, about kids, marriage, you know, and I told him I wanted kids-"

"Wow." Peyton repeated again.

"I don't think he does," Haley took in a deep breath, "I mean he said that he just wasn't ready now, but he just didn't seem sure. And then suddenly he springs the marriage thing on me, he was ready to elope last night if I'd agreed. It just feels like he's trying to placate me. And I don't want to just rush into marriage, not for the wrong reasons-"

"But you love him and you want to be with him no matter what right, kids or no kids?"

Haley hesitated a minute before responding, "Of course." She shook her head quickly, and it made her uneasy. She loved Nathan more than anything, but the thought of never having children was daunting. Before kids had just been this specter, something she could easily get by. But finding out Brooke was pregnant, shook her up. That was what she wanted, a family, a baby to call her own, to care for and protect. Right now she felt her life was just coasting, she was happy, but she didn't feel complete.

"You don't seem so sure." Peyton commented but stopped when she saw Nathan approaching. She lifted out of his seat quickly, sending Haley a gentle pat on the hands before returning to her seat ahead of them.

Nathan slid back in beside Haley, and watched her for a moment. He could see something was bothering her. He was hoping she was just nervous about getting married, he himself was anxious. He hadn't thought about marriage until she brought it up, but it seemed right, the timing, everything just fit, so he jumped in. He thought she would've been happy, but ever since he'd asked she'd gotten sullen, pulled away and he didn't like it.

"So have you thought about when you want to?" He asked hopefully. He wanted to do it soon, no year long wait. Too much could go wrong. The sooner they were married, the sooner things would settle down again, and that’s what he wanted more than anything.

"Not really," she shook her head with a small smile, "we can talk about that later."

"How much later?" He prodded.

She laughed, "Nathan we just decided to do it less than twenty four hours ago, what’s' the rush?"

He sighed heavily, he didn't want to push her, but he couldn't help the questions that were bubbling in his mind. When they'd talked about kids, she'd said she could accept it, could wait, but from the way she was acting, he wasn't sure if she meant it.

"I thought this was what you wanted." His voice came out slightly annoyed, and he instantly regretted it. He knew his words would only strain their conversation more.

"Do you?" She shot back immediately, the question obviously weighing on her mind, "I don't want you doing this because you think you have to. If we get married, I want you to want it like I do-"

"I do," he assured taking her hand into his and rubbing small circles over her soft skin, "I want this more than anything. I'd marry you right now on this plane if I could."

"Where's the sudden interest coming from Nathan?" She pulled out of his grasp, but kept her eyes locked on his, "Yesterday you hadn't even thought of it, and today you want to drag me down the aisle. I just don't know what to think. I don't want you to marry me because you think-"

"Because I think what?" He challenged.

"That you have to." She blew out, turning away from him, and lowering her voice as she continued. She didn't want to have this conversation with him again, not when she was still so raw from his previous answer. But things felt so unsettled with them, so unsure and she hated that feeling. For the first time in a long time she didn't feel safe. "I don't want you to marry me because you think it's the only way to please me, or to satisfy me because you don't want a baby- that’s not what I want this about."

He let his head drop back against the head rest defeatedly, "I want you to be happy."

"I know," she turned back to face him tears welling in her eyes, "but not at your expense."

"I want to marry you," he assured again, "and someday I want kids. I just- I don't think I can do that right now...I know that’s not fair, to ask you to wait, but I don't know what else to do."

Haley nodded silently, as she once again relaxed back into her seat for sleep. She just couldn't deal with this right now. She needed time to process, to think, and she couldn't do that with him. He was going to be out of town for the next week with the team for some kind of training thing, she could use that time to sort through her own thoughts before broaching the subject again with him.

It was four hours later and they had finally found their way back to their apartment, guests in tow. Somehow Robin had managed to squeeze and invite out of Nathan for her and Luke to just stay with them, since the commute to her place would be so far this late at night, and Haley had insisted Peyton stay over as well.

"This place is amazing!" Robin cooed as they walked in and Haley set about to turn on all the lights. She didn't feel like hosting that little twit tonight, and she didn't intend on being her tour guide. This was Haley's sanctuary, and she didn't want Robin infecting it.

"Thanks." Haley clipped tightly, as Nathan walked past them all and closed himself off in their bedroom. Everyone remained silent for a moment as the tension consumed the room, Nathan had been pissy ever since they got off the plane, and no one really knew why. Even Haley was left in the dark, the last time she checked, they were okay, slightly confused but okay. She figured it was just jet lag, or Robin's annoying voice that had gotten to him.

"Well he seems so bright and shiny," Peyton rolled her eyes giving Haley a small hug before walking past them like Nathan did previously and shutting herself off into the guest room that she frequently stayed in.

"I'll show you guys to your room. I think the morning train leaves at eight, so what time do you need to be woken up?"

"Oh I thought we could all go to breakfast-" Robin began trying to weasel in more time with them. Haley was beyond tired though, and she was done with the pleasantries. She'd been nice to the little witch long enough.

"We can't," she cut in briskly, "Nathan has practice and I have a lot I have to get done, since we've been away. We'll have to try for that some other time."

"Hey no problem," Luke smiled up at her, not unaware of her thinning patience. He didn't attribute it to Robin, but more to Nathan. Something was going on there, and it seemed both just needed the time alone to figure it out. He would have been happy to make the commute home that night, but Robin was insistent that it was too dangerous. "Can you wake us at seven, Hales, and then we'll be out of the way. Thanks for everything."

"Okay," Haley smiled smally and leaned into a quick hug with her friend before leading them down the opposite hallway to the second guest room and showing them. After a five minute explanation of where everything was, she excused herself and headed for her own bedroom.

Nathan was doing pull ups in the bar he's installed by the bathroom. He'd changed into his work out clothes, minus a shirt, and Haley had to admit the view was very distracting.

"You have to be tired," she called back to him as she stripped out of the sundress she'd previously been wearing and grabbed an oversized t-shirt to change into. She turned back to face him to find his eyes boring into her, with an expression she couldn't quite place. He either wanted her really badly, or he was extremely pissed off, she was guessing a mixture of both.

"Better lock the door," he glared back at her, "you never know, Robin might try to sneak into our bed."

"Sure." She turned and locked the latch on the door before turning back to him with a questioning gaze. She didn't know what she'd done to deserve such nasty treatment, but she was way too tired to argue with him or even care at the moment.

He let go from the bars, and let out a rough sigh, "Can you pass me that towel." He motioned to the one by her on the dresser, and she picked it up bringing it over to him and stopping short right in front of his sweaty chest. He towered over her.

"Anything else?" She clipped, doing her best to imitate a stepford wife. His face remained unmoved and she turned around to walk back over to their bed, suddenly his hand reached out snatching up the material of her shirt and yanking her back around. Before she could regroup, he'd lifted her off the ground into his arms, as his mouth crushed her own with demanding kisses. She instantly replied, trying to run her hand along his face, but he shrugged off the caring gesture, as he slammed them back against the bed, he on top. His mouth moved down from her mouth giving her a second to catch her breath, as he nipped forcefully at the naked skin along her neck. She knew it would be red in the morning.

"Nathan..." She swallowed hard trying to regain control, as she felt his hand latch roughly onto her thigh guiding it around his waist to give him better access. Unable to control the sensations pulsating through out her body, she ground her heel into his back, causing him to press against her harder. She bit her lip to control the scream that was bubbling up in her throat as his hand pressed down hard against her breast, while he pushed up her shirt, letting his mouth fall onto her naked stomach.

She pushed herself farther back on the bed, making him follow her, and regaining at least some control of the situation. She'd seen him like this before, raw, intense, it used to scare he. Not that she believed he would hurt her, because she knew he never would. But sometimes it seemed like he was trying to hurt himself, his eyes got dark and stormy, and his self-loathing would go to new highs, she hated it.

Suddenly a knock sounded at their door, and Nathan rolled off of her, letting her catch her breath and pull herself together. Haley grabbed for her robe hanging on a nearby chair and tied it securely around her before popping the lock and opening the door to find Peyton standing there with a bottle of scotch. Haley let the door fall all the way open for her to enter, and she dropped onto the bed opposite Nathan, as both of the rooms previous occupants simply stared.

Finally Peyton spoke, "They're having sex."

"What?" Haley asked, her mind still hazy with lust, she was just grateful that Peyton couldn't tell. "Who's having sex?"

"Besides the people you just interrupted." Nathan shook his head annoyed, and sent a menacing glare Peyton's way. She snitted up at him for a moment before turning back to Haley who was still standing at the end of the bed waiting for an answer.

"Sorry if I interrupted, I just didn't think you two-"

"Who's having sex?" Haley repeated, not wanting to talk about her situation with Nathan at the moment. Things had just become progressively weirder with them, and she didn't feel like analyzing that with Nathan right there.

"Luke and that whore," Peyton supplied, "I got up to get some water and I heard them. She was giggling and moaning and- ugh. You would think they would have more respect for your house, not to just go and screw in your guest room!"

Nathan sighed, "Do you want me to go and tell them to hold it down. Because if it will get you out of my bedroom I'll do it."

"You know what Nathan why don't you stop being such an ass, you're just going to run everyone out of your life, including Haley!"

"Something you'd know a lot about right, Peyt. Didn't you used to be Lucas's girlfriend? Oh that’s right, you cheated on the poor bastard!"

"Screw you!" Peyton roared back.

"HEY!" Haley jumped in, "Why don't you both go find somewhere else to have this fight because I'm tired, and I'm not going to play referee this time. Peyt, I'm sorry Luke is sleeping with Robin, but you two have been a part for a long time, and maybe it's time you move on. And Nathan, it would not kill you to be nice, I don't know what the hell your problem is, but I can't deal with it right now. For once I want some damn peace and quiet and if I have to go somewhere else to find it I will!"

Both Nathan and Peyton stared back at Haley shocked by her outburst. Haley was usually the passive one, the family therapist. They'd both grown accustomed to that, but she just couldn't keep up the facade tonight. For once she was putting herself first, and they could just deal with.

"I'm sorry," Peyton relented first climbing off the bed and hurrying over Haley to pull her into a hug. "I know I'm driving you crazy, I don't mean to. And you're right, I just have to move on. Luke can screw all of New York if he wants to...I'm moving on!" She announced triumphantly, and Haley shot her a small smile, though it was obvious even Peyton wasn't sure of her statement. After letting the moment rest for a second she turned back to Nathan on the bed who was still scowling, "And as per our deal, I'm leaving your room, so can you please go tell them to keep it down?"

Nathan just nodded blankly and Peyton let herself out of the room. Nathan hopped up from the bed pulling on his pajama pants and gray cotton t-shirt before bypassing Haley and going for the door. Before he left he turned back to her, his face a mirror of regret.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be such an asshole."

Haley nodded, coming up beside him, "Come on, lets tell our company to quiet down."

"You don't have to come." He assured knowing she didn't need the added stress. He'd felt uneasy since their conversation on the plane, and he'd taken it out on her. He didn't like disappointing her, and it seemed lately he'd become the expert at just that.

"Oh I better, or Robin might invite you into a threesome." Haley giggled at the disgusted expression that played on Nathan's lips. "Kidding."

"Not funny," He shook his head.

Chapter 14

I love you baby, goodbye

Haley rubbed tiredly at her eyes as she padded into the kitchen and turned on the light, and then immediately switching on the coffee pot. She'd come to a point in her life when she couldn't survive without the caffeine fix, she'd had way too many late night-early morning combos to forego it now. Nathan didn't really drink coffee much, which suited her fine. She always sought out some interesting blends, her favorite lately being the mocha-brownie blend. She knew it was completely fattening, but she comforted herself with the knowledge that she had an amazing gym right in her home, forcing herself to use it was another story.

She nearly jumped two feet off the ground when she caught sight of someone moving in the shadow. She instinctively pulled at her robe, as her eyes adjusted just enough to make out said persons face. Luke. He looked sheepish at first, so she tried to smile and diffuse the situation. Nathan had unceremoniously told his brother to keep it down the night before, and when Luke tried to apologize, Nathan had simply said once again to keep "her" quiet. It had been pretty embarrassing for all, especially Luke.

"You're up early," Haley commented as she rooted around in the cabinet for her favorite coffee mug, and then moved to the fridge to pull out the cream. She liked her coffee diluted.

"Couldn't sleep." Luke admitted, running a tired hand through his tousled locks. Haley stared back at him questioningly for a moment, unsure of her own voice at the moment. More than anything she wanted to scream at him and ask him why he just couldn't find a nice girl, not a married one, or a psycho one, but a nice, normal girl. She knew it would be pointless though so she kept her mouth shut. "Hey Haley," He approached her pulling a mug out for himself before he continued, "I'm sorry about last night, we just got carried away-"

Haley held up her hand in protest, "Oh uh-" she stuttered, "please I don't want to know."

"We didn't sleep together." He assured, and then a small smile hit his lips and his voice took on a dreamy quality, "Robin and I are taking it slow, it's just sometimes when I'm with her I can't help it. I mean that’s love right?..."

Haley hesitated and turned her back to him as she grabbed for the coffee pot, "I think that’s lust." She finally answered, and steeled herself for Luke's denial. He liked to live in the clouds, pretending every romance he had was the great one. It was like he was looking for forever, yet her looked for it with women who screamed temporary.

"You don't like her," he stated blankly, "I can tell. I didn't think Brooke or Peyton would, just because they're Brooke and Peyton. But I kinda of counted on you to make it okay..."

Haley sighed, motioning for him to follow her to the bar stools set up behind the counter. They settled in with their coffee, and Haley took a tentative sip before responding to his statement. "I wish that I liked her Luke. I mean with Molly, she was married, and I thought it was totally wrong. But I liked her. I just...I just don't like Robin, I'm sorry."

"Why?" He turned to her exasperated. He knew Haley was a fair person, if you were good to her, she was good to you. Haley had the ability to see the good in people Luke could have easily written off as terrible. That was why it really bothered him that she didn't like Robin. But then he knew Haley didn't agree with a lot of his choices, it seemed like she was constantly having to clean up his messes. Most recently with Molly, but he knew she wasn't even close to the first wrong decision he'd made lately. Still he thought Robin was a good step, she was kind, she had her head on straight, and he'd been extra careful with their relationship. He honestly did not see why Haley didn't like her.

"I just don't think she's right for you," Haley hedged, but his eyes remained persistent, so she continued, "Robin's really nice Luke, she says all the right things, and smiles at all the right times. But it's fake, it's an illusion. I don't want you to get hurt by her when she shows her true colors."

Luke laughed placing a light hand on Haley's shoulders, "I think you're a little paranoid Hales. I know I haven't made the best choices in the past, and I've paid for that, you know I've paid for that. But I really feel like this thing with Robin is going to work, and I really hope that you can get over whatever you have against her."

Haley nodded, her face awash with uncertainty. She knew she would never like Robin, but if Luke was determined to be with her, what could she do. It seemed every time she tried to help him, it pushed him to do just the opposite. And she was tired of having to micromanage everyone else’s lives, along with her own. At this point she had her own troubles to deal with, if Luke was going to crash and burn again he would have to do it alone. She knew it was the only way he would ever truly learn, yet it hurt her heart to think of the pain Robin would eventually cause.

Three hours later and all of their guests had cleared out. Peyton had taken the first cab she could find, and simply refused to say goodbye to Lucas and Robin who were getting their things together in their room. Haley knew it would be futile to argue so she just waved her off as always. When Luke had asked about her, Haley could see it hurt his feelings to receive such an obvious brush off, but what could he really expect after the last nights incident. Peyton was strong, but she wasn't unbreakable and it seemed every time she saw Luke she needed at least a two day period of mourning before she was back to herself. Nathan made Haley tell the imposing couple that he was still asleep, Luke seemed to take that brush off much better, knowing how notorious Nathan was for sleeping in. Robin on the other hand could barely hide her disappointment, which filled Haley with a certain kind of glee, she even alluded to keeping Nathan busy the night before, just to b extra bitchy to the woman who had worn out every inch of hospitality in her body. Finally they were all gone, and she and Nathan had the next two hours before he had to leave for training with the team.

"Have you packed yet?" Haley questioned as she came back into the bedroom to find Nathan lounging about watching some sports special on TV. She wasn't sure they even got a channel besides ESPN, because he refused to use the button to switch it.

"I did before we left for Miami."

Haley smiled pleased, "Very efficient...who suggested it?" She knew Nathan, it wasn't a conclusion he would have come to on his own. In fact she was betting he didn't even pack for himself that was what "gophers" were for, as Brian had explained to her one time.

"Brian." Nathan answered back lazily, trying to look around Haley who was blocking the TV. Haley's face became tight with a smile, annoyed by his disinterest, they barely had any time before he flew off and he wanted to watch TV. She thought about throwing the nearest object at his head and stomping off, but she didn't want their goodbye to go like that, even if she was slightly irritated with him at the moment.

She grabbed onto the silk belt of her robe, untying it slowly for effect, and letting the thin material fall open to reveal the lace underwear she'd changed into that morning after she got up. She'd planned to go ahead and get dressed, but Peyton's theatrics had deterred her, leaving her almost naked under her robe. Nathan still didn't seem to notice her, so she continued with the strip tease. The robe glided down her body falling at a puddle on the floor, and suddenly her fiancé’s eyes were all hers.

She watched as his eyes glazed over with lust, and his thumb pounded down on the off button of the TV, the previous sports show completely forgotten. It was incredible how short a mans attention span could be when a woman was nearly naked before him, well okay not really, she knew this would happen, and she took much delight in it. Nathan stayed propped back against the pillows, letting his eyes roam over her naked skin. Pleased by his reaction she walked to the end of the bed climbing up and crawling towards him on her knees, he remained motionless, a smirk etched onto his lips.

"Is that new?" He questioned reaching out a hand to finger the thin lace of her bra. She smiled slyly and gave him a short nod, letting him know it was. She'd bought it down in Miami at one of the boutiques at Peyton's behest. She'd said it was the "do me now" look, and Haley had reluctantly agreed to buy it. She really didn't like the frilliness of it, in fact that lace was irritating her skin, but the raw look of passion in Nathan's eyes made up for the discomfort. She liked knowing she was the only one that could put that there, that need, and she liked it even more knowing he was losing control.

"I like it." He swallowed hard letting his fingers trail down the edge of her bra, pushing into the plump flesh peaking out. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to regain some semblance of control over himself, but the sight of her before him was enough to do him in.

"I thought you might." She purred, leaning in over his body, and letting her mouth fall just shy of his mouth, and lingering on his tightened jaw. She could feel the tension radiating off of him, and it only served to turn her on more. He groaned as her knee came up applying pressure between his legs.

"Nathan?" She let her big brown eyes meet his foggy blue ones, and they locked for a moment before, he found his voice to respond.

"Yeah?" He sucked in a deep breath, her proximity driving him crazy. He wanted to reach out and grab her, but this game she was playing was too much fun to stop now.

"Kiss me." She ordered forcefully her eyes daring him to say no. Not needing to be told twice, his hands came up to rest on the sides of her face, pulling her face down to his, he pulled at her lip seductively, dipping in and out, before finally letting their mouths settle. Her tongue swept out begging for entry, and after teasing her for a moment, he granted her access, battling her every step of the way.

She moaned pleased as he flipped her over, crushing her body with his own.

Haley poked through her wallet hurriedly and finally slipped the cashier some money for the magazines she had under her arm. Nathan got bored easily on planes, especially when half of his teammates had already flown down, just leaving him and a few other stragglers, he was particularly close with. So she'd taken it upon herself as always to find him some suitable reading material, she bought one of each men’s magazine she didn't find completely degrading, and then she bought some candy just in case the in flight food sucked...which it always did.

She walked back up to the private terminal the team held, and found Nathan talking with one of the airport janitors, the man looked to be late 50's probably retired, and doing this for extra money. It was clear he was a fan from the way he kept patting Nathan on the shoulder appreciatively, and chuckling at every word he said. Haley smiled unable to stop herself at the sight. She didn't particularly love the female fans that bombarded Nathan all the time, but she did enjoy watching Nathan make someone’s day, as well as his own. It warmed her heart towards the public life more than anything else.

"Hey." She smiled warmly at both men, as she came up to stand beside Nathan. Nathan immediately placed a proud arm around her shoulders to pull her closer before turning back to the man in front of them.

"Haley this is Oscar, Oscar this is my..." Nathan stumbled for a word, "-fiancé' Haley."

Haley laughed, a little un-nerved by his jitters, "I think he's still getting used to that. It's nice to meet you Oscar."

"You as well ma'am," the old man offered her a light tug on her hand, "I was just asking Nathan about the upcoming season, I really think it's going to be your year, son, and I've been watching this game since I was a boy, I won't embarrass myself and tell you how long ago that was."

Nathan smiled honored by the praise, "Thank you, I hope so."

"He's being modest," Haley grinned lightly, "it's definitely going to be his year."

"Well it was nice meeting you two, now you have a safe flight."

"Nice to meet you too." Nathan nodded with a charming smile, as the man trudged back down the cheap carpeted hallway. Haley and Nathan watched him for a moment before turning their attentions back on one another.

"Hi." She smiled up at him, pushing the bag containing the candy and magazines into his hands. He looked down it quizzically shuffling through it as a small smile lit his lips. He leaned down with an appreciative kiss before pulling back.

"Thank you." He breathed heavily, "You sure I can't convince you to make the trip with me for a few days, I hear it's nice in Palm Springs this time of year..."

"It's just two weeks, I think you'll survive just fine without me," Haley assured him, although her voice had already began to choke up and her eyes were watering, she hated goodbyes, even when she knew it was only for a little while. "I'll miss you." She promised, pressing into his warm chest for a hug.

Nathan wrapped his arms around her protectively, "When I get back we can start planning the wedding, I'm sure there are about a million wedding planners in this town who would die to do our wedding-"

"A bitchy New York socialite, yippee for Haley." She responded sarcastically trying to side step the issue. She wanted to marry him, she really did. But she still wasn't sure it was what he wanted right now, and it just felt wrong to rush into it, like it would taint them all together if they weren't careful.

"Well I could plan it myself, but I hear brides can be pretty picky." He joked, leaning down to place a small kiss on her forehead, as they continued to stay in one another’s arms, dreading his impending departure.

"I'm not Brooke," she assured, "I could go to a justice of the peace and be happy. It's not about some lavish affair for me, you know that."

"Yeah, but weddings are a big deal," he interjected, "you should get the white dream. I want you to have that."

Haley smiled uneasily knowing her couldn't see her and nodded. She didn't want the big splashy affair, she didn't want a million people she didn't know critiquing her, and a waiting line of paparazzi a mile long. She just wanted her and Nathan, something simple. But it seemed he really wanted the grand affair, so she went along with it, it wouldn't kill her to be sociable for a day.

"Well we can begin planning when you get back. I want you to have a say in everything...well not my dress of the shoes- oh!" She jumped as a thought hit her, "I think you should know I plan to go barefoot, it's my day, I don't want to harm my feet."

"Barefoot it is." He agreed, as the announcer came over the intercom announcing Nathan's flight. He leaned in once more pressing his lips hungrily to hers and nearly lifting her tiny body off the ground to get better access. When he finally let her go she was breathless and he was pleased.

"I don't want you running off with another groom while I'm gone." He explained playfully, and she rolled her eyes in response.

"Don't get too friendly with one of those personal trainers," she returned in the same joking manner as he began to walk off.

Suddenly he dropped his bag and walked back to her, lifting her all the way off the ground into his arms and kissing her once more, letting his lips linger on hers. Haley bit her lip as hard as she could to stop the tears from slipping down her cheeks, but it was useless.

"I love you." He exhaled regretfully.

"I know," she smiled wiping at her face, "I love you...always." She added fresh tears forming behind her lashes, as he dipped in for one last kiss before walking away. She could see he almost turned to look at her once more, but he threw his arms off in defeat refusing to look back before finally boarding the plane.

Chapters 15 - 19

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