PART I

"I still can't believe you ate almost an entire pizza!"

"Hey, I'm a growing boy, I need my food."

"Just as long as you're not growing here." Haley gave his stomach a playful pinch, her giggles bouncing in the night air.

Nathan gave an indignant gasp before wrapping his arm tighter around her shoulders, his fingers playing softly with the collar of her thin sweater, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath it. Haley snuggled in deeper to his side, using the night air as an excuse to be closer, as they walked towards his car. A comforting silence surrounded the two as their shoes made soft plopping sounds against the wet pavement. A late spring rain had washed over the town, while the dense humidity had made tonight's crisp air a welcomed change. They reached Nathan's Mustang quietly, the only sound the distant murmur of people outside the movie theater and he let go of her shoulder to open her door. She always reveled in the way he sought out to do the little things for her. Whether it was opening a car door or ordering a drink for her in a restaurant, Haley loved the feeling of being taken care of, of having someone constantly looking out for her. And it had become so much more than that.

She had fallen in love. She wasn't quite sure when it had happened, where it had all fallen into place during their flourishing relationship, but she could say without a shadow of a doubt, that she loved him. Nathan was hardly the person she had imagined being her first love, but as the days and weeks passed and their bond grew tighter, she couldn't imagine calling anyone else her first love. She felt silly thinking about it, remembering her conversations with both Peyton and Lucas only last week. It had felt good to say she loved Nathan to them, even if at the time she hadn't mustered up the courage to tell Nathan. Lucas had played the protective brother card, as if she didn't have enough of those already, but underneath it all, she knew he was happy for her. Happy that she had been right to take this leap with Nathan, and maybe a little proud that his brother had been the one to make her so happy.

Her conversation with Peyton had been entirely different.

"Hmmm, the big bad sex issue."

"Yeah. I mean, we start making out, and it's great and I totally get into him, and then I just hit this point."

"Bet he loves that."

"Yeah. I guess I just always thought I'd wait until I fell in love and got married and then I met Nathan, and everything got really confusing. It was never something I had to deal with right away. It was always a few years off. And then all of the sudden-"

"It wasn't? Been down that road."

"I don't know if I'm ready Peyton."

"Or maybe you're just not sure Nathan's the right guy?"

"No. I'm, I can safely rule that out. Ah, he, I can't breathe when I'm around him and when I'm not around him I want to be. I'm just, I'm totally in love with him."

"Well, then you've gone farther with him than I ever did."

Sex. Three little letters, one huge leap. A leap she was getting closer to taking every day, if she was being honest with herself. Even just recently she found herself subconsciously finding it harder and harder to tell Nathan to stop in the middle of a heated make-out session. She wanted to keep going, to feel him on top of her, his breath hot on her skin, his skin heated against hers, and it was easy to get lost in the moment, but every time she'd reach a point and make him stop. It had never been an easy thing to say, she could hardly pass it off with a witty remark, but instead it often came out on a breathless moan, which hardly gave her any credibility that it was what she wanted. She still wasn't sure what she wanted, but she knew that a decision was on the horizon, a decision that would change them, and her, forever.

Haley settled into the leather seats as Nathan started the car, the radio clicking on loudly and a raucous rap song blaring. Haley rolled her eyes good-naturedly at Nathan's lack of music sense, and guiltily found herself singing along with the lyrics. If Luke could see her now. She giggled quickly, and earned a curious glance from Nathan.

"What's so funny now?" He gave her the look that told her he knew exactly what she found so funny.

"Nothing. Just appreciating my new found ability to flow." She let loose another round of giggles, which had Nathan shaking his head in mock dismay before laughing along with her.

"You did not just say that." He continued to shake his head.

"Oh I did baby. Pretty soon I'll be referring to your hubcaps as rims and talking about getting some bling." She wiggled her eyebrows at him.

He laughed loudly then, the thought of Haley ever calling her jewelry "bling" obviously too much to comprehend. "God, I love you." He sought out her hand in the dark, intertwining their fingers before settling them on his thigh.

Haley's breath still caught whenever he said he loved her. It had only been a little over a week since their exchange at that fateful bus stop, but she still found herself smiling ridiculously whenever he said it.

"Nathan, I know I'm driving you crazy."

"No, you're not."

"Do you think that I'm a tease?"

"Stop it."

"Well what do you think?"

"I think that you're my girlfriend and I like to spend time with you. Look, I just don't want to push you."

"You're not."

"But I am. Haley, you got a tattoo for god sakes, and it just freaks me out, a little bit, because obviously this whole thing with us means a lot to you. I just don't want to do anything to pressure you, or drive you away. Even though sometimes I can't help it. Just like I can't help that I fell in love with you. 'Cause I did. I love you, Haley. And it scares me a little bit, but there it is."

"Wow, there it is. I love you too."

It was a big step for them, this declaration of love, even if she had felt he loved her far before he said it, because she knew just how hard it was for Nathan to show emotion. So it had come as a shock that he had said it first. Nathan wasn't usually one for wearing his heart on his sleeve, but in that moment, they both knew how important the words were. They had slowly been building to that moment, and to think it had all come out of yet another discussion about sex, and of course, her new tattoo.

An impulse, a mere moment in her life when she decided to be less like tutor-girl, and more like impulsive, fun-loving girlfriend. She hadn't told anyone, not Lucas or Peyton, and most certainly not Nathan, but instead had kept it to herself and for awhile it had been a guilt-charged rush. She was in love, she was happy and giddy and loving the feel of being in love, and she had wanted a permanent reminder of that feeling. The feeling that anything was possible, that love was as good as the movies made it out to be, full of cheesy moments: long romantic walks, watching sunsets, heated dark moments. Okay, so she and Nathan hardly ever walked anywhere together, and if they did it was hardly romantic, and they had yet to watch a sunset, but those heated dark moments were definitely there. She had come to see that love wasn't those singular moments of perfect colors and places, but rather a series of events, little things that added together to create a relationship.

Nathan pulled the car onto her street, the slick road slapping at the tires, as he rolled to a stop in front of her house. He looked over at her with a menacing grin before leaning over the consul to give her a full kiss. Haley felt her breath rush out in one quick moan all the while angling her head to deepen the kiss. Nathan pressed back just as feverishly, his tongue circling hers, teasing the sensitive skin of lips, his mouth tasting of that almost entire pepperoni pizza he'd eaten with little help from her. It was moments like these that had her rethinking everything, had her wanting to take a leap on the love they had built and follow through on what her body longed to experience. But still something held her back, and even as her body responded to his touch, her mind was clicking through all the reasons she should be stopping him: she was only 16, she wanted to wait till marriage… but then his hand grazed the side of her breast before tightening on her hip and every logical thought rushed out of her head in one quick swish. Haley was living in the moment, relishing the feel of his hands on her, wishing he'd push further to touch skin, wishing she could give him access, all the while moving her arms over the soft cotton of his sweatshirt to feel the heat that radiated off him. This was lust mixing with love; this was complete love, the wanting to share your self completely with someone else, to give them a part of you that no one else could have. There was no doubt that Nathan would be her first, but the time seemed to be moving closer and closer and she felt herself pull away from his lips and turn forward to look out through the windshield.

She could hear his rapid breathing, not outdone by her own, and could feel him pulling back the emotions that had tumbled to the surface. They were silent, the dark quietness settling before she heard his voice low and guilty. "I'm sorry Hales."

It was this part she hated more than anything. His apology. He seemed to believe that whenever she pulled away it was because he had pushed her too far. Couldn't he see it was the exact opposite? She had to pull away because her resolve was slipping and she wasn't sure she was ready for that. Lust and love beat inside her senselessly, wore down her long thought out beliefs until she was constantly second guessing her self imposed "no sex till marriage" rule. She loved him and she wanted to be with him, but a part of her still felt she wasn't ready for that step, to give her self to him completely. But in no way was that his fault, and no matter how many times she tried to tell him that, he didn't seem to get the message. "Nathan, you have no reason to apologize. You didn't do anything wrong." She turned to look at him then, taking in the contrite expression on his face, the worry that clouded his dark blue eyes. She reached out to touch him then, a soothing hand along his jaw line that had him turning into her touch. "I love you, and I want to be with you. I'm just- I'm not ready. And I'm sorry if I'm being unfair to you, I don't mean to be."

He held her hand against his cheek even as she tried to pull it away, moving it to his mouth to place a soft kiss on her palm. "Hales, I love you too. And I'll wait as long as you want, but I can't help feeling guilty that I'm making you second guess something you've believed since you were little."

Haley sighed deeply. How could she not love him for that alone? It was times like these that she wished everyone could see behind the basketball pedigree that he was destined to be, and to the man that he was becoming, the strong, confident, caring man she had fallen in love with. "It was my decision to make in the first place, and it's my decision if I want to change it. I love you. More than I thought possible and I wouldn't take back one second with you." She leaned over and gave him a soft kiss on the side of his mouth, keeping her lips close to him as she whispered, "besides, it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind." She pulled back to study his face, giving him a warm smile.

His eyes studied her, searching her face for any signs of distress or pressure before giving her a smile in return. "I guess I better get you in your house before I do something I'll really need to apologize for." He kissed her quickly before throwing open his door and bounding over to open hers. She took the hand he offered, using it as leverage to pull herself up against him to place a soft kiss on the corner of his jaw. Pulling back she gave him a quick flash of grin before she pulled him up the walk way to her front door. The soft glow of the porch light illuminated them both, creating a serene setting. Every night it seemed harder and harder to leave him, all she wanted was to stay with him, be with him, even if it was just to sleep. To feel him beside her all night. She knew how wonderful that was, feeling his warm body beside hers all night as they lay huddled in her bed, and once again she found herself thanking Tim for throwing a non stop party in Nathan's apartment. It was the only time she could imagine herself thanking Tim for anything.

Haley felt his warm hands sliding up her back, running tiny circles through the soft cotton of her sweater, and she shivered visibly. This was the feeling she had always hoped love would be. The want, the need, the passion and the love, all mixing into one beautiful feeling. How had she lived so long without it? How could she deny herself this any longer? She felt her resolve dip a little lower as she turned to meet his eyes, noting the playful wink he sent her. Nathan Scott knew all too well the affect he had on her. Wanting to wipe that smirk of his mouth, but above all else, wanting to feel his lips on hers again, Haley raised herself up on her tiptoes and pulled him into a searing kiss. She had long since lost the nervous and shy girl, and instead had learned to take and show initiative, and as she felt him respond by nipping at her lower lip with his teeth, he clearly wasn't protesting to this side of her.

The sudden rush of sound and light from the now open front door had them both pulling away to blink at the interruption.

"Oh lord, you two nearly gave me a heart attack." Marion glanced back and forth at the two and the noted the crimson that was spreading across Haley's cheeks. "So," she settled her gaze on Nathan, "you must be Nathan. I'm Marion. Haley's mom's best friend," she shook his hand sweetly, "I've heard Haley just gushing about you for weeks, and I can see why. Handsome devil aren't you?" She sent him a wide grin and playful wink, ignoring Haley's audible groan.

"Uh thank you." Nathan, for once, seemed to be at a loss for words.

"Good to see our little Haley has excellent taste in boyfriends. So now," she leaned in conspiratorily, "have you met Jimmy and Lydia?"

Nathan could only shake his head no. Was this lady for real?

"No? Well then let me tell you, you are in for-" she paused as Lydia joined them in the doorway.

"What are you telling this boy Marion?" She sent Nathan a warm smile before turning back to Marion. "Weren't you going home?"

"Yeah, yeah, I expect full details later." Marion sent them all a quick wave and made her way across the street to her own house.

"Nathan, I assume. It's so nice to finally meet you." Lydia gave him a quick hug, startling him as he glanced at Haley's still reddened expression.

"It's nice to meet you too, Mrs. James."

"I was beginning to think you didn't exist." She smiled at Haley, pulling her into her side. "I had just figured that Haley made you up so I'd leave her alone. But here you are. Jimmy!" She yelled into the open doorway and Nathan could hear a muffled response. "Come on out on the porch and meet Nathan. He doesn't seem to be imaginary." Haley groaned loudly from under her mom's arm and sent him an apologetic look.

"What do you mean he's not imaginary? I could have sworn Haley had an invisible boyfriend." Jimmy James appeared in the doorway, his face alight with a large grin, in his hand the television remote. "Nathan. Good to meet you. It's been a long time coming."

"Yes sir. Nice to meet you too."

"Mom, Dad, Nathan was just dropping me off. So, Nathan, thank you for tonight, I'll call you later." Haley finally spoke up, trying to usher him back down the walkway.

"Haley James, you stop being so rude. We're not going to embarrass you, are we Jimmy?"

"Of course not." Jimmy stepped out onto the porch. "Now Nathan, did Haley ever tell you about the time she got a pea stuck in her nose?"

"Dad!" Haley's shriek had Nathan laughing, even as Jimmy tried to continue with the story.

"She was about five years old and I told her she had to eat five peas because that's how old she was, and she-" Haley clamped her hand over her father's mouth, even as he continued to muffle through the story.

Lydia laughed as she watched her husband try and pry Haley's hand from his mouth, and took the opportunity to speak to Nathan. "We're so glad we got to meet you, but I wish we could get to know you better. How about you come over for dinner tomorrow night? We'd love to meet the man who has Haley all up in knots."

Haley broke her hold on her father at her mom's words. "Mom!"

"Haleybub, it's true. No use in denying it. So what do you say Nathan? Dinner tomorrow?"

At that moment with both Lydia and Jimmy grinning at him, and Haley watching him with careful eyes, he couldn't agree fast enough. He had known Haley must have had great parents, but it seemed he hadn't quite given them the credit they deserved. And if only 5 minutes with them was this entertaining, a whole dinner was going to be quite something. "I'd love to Mrs. James." He gave her a sincere smile.

"Wonderful. Okay Jimmy we better let the two love birds say goodbye properly." She brushed past Haley, pulling Jimmy through the door and shutting it quickly behind them.

Nathan looked at Haley then, watching as she seemed to study the porch. "I'm so sorry Nathan."

Nathan's forehead crinkled in confusion. "Sorry? For what?"

She met his eyes then. "For what? For them! That ambush you just had to endure." She threw her arms out, exasperated.

"I like them Haley, there's no reason to apologize. They seem cool, and I'm glad I finally got to meet them. You're important to me, which means making a good first impression with them is important. And I can already tell your mom's friend loves me, and I mean, who wouldn't. So don't worry about it, I like them already." Nathan pulled her into him, nestling her tightly in his arms.

"Well I'm still sorry, that wasn't how I'd planned it would go." Her words were muffled into his chest as she snuggled deeper.

"Hey," he spoke softly, his words raising her head to look him in the eye, he kissed her softly, "if they are half as great as you, I'll love them too. Don't worry so much." He kissed her again, before pulling back to walk to his car.

There she stood in front of him, in a simple sweater, looking more beautiful than he could remember. She was it, they were it, and he could feel the importance of what they were building, of what continued to grow as they fell deeper in love. He gave her a wide smile then and playfully pulled on a lock of hair. "I'll see you at school. I love you." He saw the words register across her face, the quick smile they brought to her lips, the bashful glance.

"I love you too." She stepped forward to give him one last kiss before pushing open her front door and giving him a quick wave as he walked backwards down the path to his car.

Nathan felt himself soar as he walked quickly in the brisk air towards his car, his step a little lighter than normal. They were good, he and Haley, and for once in his life Nathan felt like he was doing what truly made him happy.

Throwing open his car door he was startled by the voice that permeated the night air, "Goodnight Nathan!" He glanced towards the house and saw Marion's figure on her porch, her hand raised in a wave, a wicked grin on her face.

Nathan chuckled loudly before returning the wave. "Good night Marion. Nice to meet you."

He could hear her talking to herself as he closed his car door, "That sure is a handsome young man; Haley's got herself a keeper." For that alone he had to smile.