can you feel it?

@freewheelingxbane​

Nathan moved his jaw from one side to another, a little shocked that he was just slapped by his wife. He didn’t blame her at all. He was being an ass, but my god did he miss kissing his wife. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” He admitted softly to the woman below him. 

He moved away from her, allowing her to leave if she wanted to. The shit that they went through was enough. In just one kiss alone he was reminded of what he missed and what he had been losing out on in the last few months being in his head. He didn’t want to lose the woman that he fell in love over a decade ago. 

“I don’t want to lose you, Haley.” He slowly moved back closer to her, bringing his hands to her hips. “I’m sorry for the shit I’ve put you through. Our family through.” He commented. “I want to come back to bed. Tonight. If you’re okay with that.”

She hated how confused she was by the whole situation. It was if she had whiplash, how quickly he had turned back into the husband she had craved for for months. But maybe throughout his own thoughts, he hadn’t noticed that she was slipping further and further away from him. The urge to fight was gone in her. Not even with him apologizing was it enough. She pulled herself out of his hold, shouldering her bag once more as she smoothed down her shirt and tucked her hair behind her ear. “You’re sorry?” she questioned, raising a brow. As if that would magically fix everything? “You don’t want to lose me? Well that’s just a little bit too late. If you think for one second I’m just going to accept that and come running into your arms like you think you deserve, you’re completely off your nut.” she added, before clearing her throat. 

She made to open the door, before turning back to face him. “If you want to come back to the bedroom, that’s on you. But I won’t be there. I’m going to stay at Quinn’s for a couple of days. At least until the papers arrive to you. Because I’m not doing this anymore, Nathan.” 

Magnus: I swore I'd never try to date someone in the closet. Yet, here I am.

Magnus: Of course, babe. Do you want to come over and talk to me?

Haley: Oh honey...

Nathan closed his eyes tight and took in a deep breath before he let it out and turned to face his wife. He had shut the door when he entered her classroom and the other guy left. He was now standing in the middle of her classroom and she walked past him. Jesus Christ. 

“Haley, wait.” Nathan rubbed his face hard, trying to make sense of everything. “Jesus, Haley. I said wait!” He raised his voice a bit to ensure he got his point across. He normally didn’t raise his voice, especially with Haley. He didn’t like to either. With the exception being on the court or at a basketball game. 

He made it to her before she could open the door. “Haley James Scott, I am your husband and you will listen to me.” He turned her around so her back was against the door and she was facing him. He wasn’t pushing her against the door necessarily, but he wasn’t giving her enough room to turn around and leave either. 

He absolutely loved it when his wife was angry. He’d always loved the little bit of bite Haley got when she got riled up. Right now might be the best time, but decided to go for it anyway. He traced his eyes down his wife’s body, stopping at the cleavage that was peaking out at him, and back up before his mind was made up and he brought their bodies together in a heated embrace. It had been so fucking long since he had even kissed his wife like this.

It only riled her up further, the way he chased after her and stopped her from opening the door. She had every right to storm out, but hearing him order her made her blood boil. Before she could even move away, he had her against the door and she looked up at him with a fierce look in her eye. “Married or not, you do not speak to me like a 1950′s housewife!” she snapped, feeling nothing but hatred towards the man standing in front of her. 

She didn’t like being pinned in and she almost missed the look in his eyes as he looked her up and down. She couldn’t say anything else before his lips were on hers and on instinct she returned the kiss, skin and lips igniting from the touch she hadn’t had for months. After all their years together, their bodies fitted together like puzzle pieces. Tongues entwined, dancing together in a mutual give and take- 

-that was until her anger boiled back to the surface and she pushed him away, panting lightly as her hand came up to smack against his cheek. “That’s for speaking to me like I’m your property. Fuck you, Nathan. You don’t get to ignore me for months then just kiss me like that...” 

She certainly was something. Even Raphael could appreciate the beauty and the way she played was an art in itself. He always did like beautiful things. He politely shook his head, lips stretching into a charming smile. “It’s true, we have a don’t touch policy….but for you, I’ll make that exception. Who am I to stop such exquisiteness.” he left it at that, whether he was complimenting her playing or her, he’d leave it to her to decipher.  

At the question of being the owner, the smile grew and he stepped forwards to meet her at the piano. “I am indeed. Raphael Santiago. My guess is you’re not from around these parts. What did I do to get so lucky to have you visit my humble store?” he questioned, holding out his hand for her to take. 

He intrigued her. In a way she felt flattered but also uneasy. As if he had a secret to him. “Well aren’t you a charmer?” she questioned, taking his hand in hers and gently shaking it. “Haley James Sc-” she cut herself off. “Haley James.” she corrected, with a wistful smile. “I’ve always meant to stop by, I come here once a week for tutoring....I normally teach at Groves. So I guess you’re right, I’m not from around these parts. Is that a problem?” she added, raising a brow. 

Nathan had had a pretty good day. It was Thursday, so one more day and then two days off. Who would complain about that? He finished the plays he wanted to try to officially implement into the the playbook for next practice ahead of schedule. So, he locked up his office and dropped some things off with Coach Clayton before heading over to his wife’s classroom. 

In the beginning, mixing work with pleasure was fantastic for them. There was a brief moment before he’d accepted the position as head basketball coach that he thought maybe working with him wife wouldn’t be good, but she assured him that she was more than okay with it and they wouldn’t even be in the same area of the school. So, he accepted the offer. And when he first started it was like they were students at Grove’s again. Sneaking around. Doing not so innocent things in his office… and on her desk. After school, of course. Nothing past PG-13 during school hours. He smirked as he passed a particular janitor’s closet that they revisited once as staff that they had as students.

He rounded the corner in the direction of Haley’s classroom when he noticed another faculty member, an office member if Nathan wasn’t mistaken. Oscar? It didn’t matter. He handed Haley an envelope and talked for a little bit longer. Nathan chose to stay back. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust his wife per se, but he definitely didn’t trust other men that didn’t have a rapport with. 

He observed for a few minutes before he decided to make his presence known. As he came forward he noticed them kiss. He shut his eyes hard for a brief moment to make sure he wasn’t going crazy. He had just seen that, right? That fucking prick kissed Haley. And Haley allowed him to do it. Nathan didn’t believe what he saw. 

Oscar passed him exiting out of the English classroom as Nathan got closer. He didn’t make eye contact with the other guy, but did step into the doorway and wait for his wife to notice. Nathan scoffed. “And I thought we were still married.” Nathan pushed himself off of the door frame and entered the room. “What was that, Haley?”

How curious that only now Nathan was actually taking an interest in her which didn’t revolve around their son or the false pretense they were giving to everyone else. When another man had paid her attention, of all things. “Oh? We are? Could’ve fooled me with the way we’ve been for months. Seeing how you only take an interest when it suits you.” she seemed unfazed by his attitude towards her. If he wanted to get mad, that’s fine, he could join her in how she’d been feeling the past few months. 

She had no idea why things had gotten bad between them. Back when she had cared, she’d gone over every little thing leading up to the point of Nathan moving out of the master bedroom. She had tried anything and everything to get his attention. But if he thought he could get away in making out she was the bad person in this, he had another thing coming. 

“Not that it’s any of your business, it was simply a kiss goodbye between friends. Believe it or not, I have friends you don’t know. I kiss people on the cheek all the time. So get off your high horse, Nathan.” she added, shouldering her bag as she stalked towards the door. 

Magnus: It's complicated.

Magnus: I'm always in your business, you are my best friend it's part of the job.

Magnus: Do you want to talk about it? That sounds...worrisome.

Haley: I could do with complicated.

Magnus: I'm on a bit of a pause from all of that right now.

Magnus: Not to get in your business but what's going on with you and Nathan? He seems more bitter than usual.

Haley: A pause? Are you sick or something?

Haley: That means you want to get in my business.

Magnus: I was just trying something new, you know? I was bored.

Haley: You? Bored? What's happened, slept your way through all the fun guys in town?

“Hey, Hales. I managed to find that sheet music you wanted.” a simple comment, followed by her pleased squeal and the clapping of hands could be heard as she was passed the brown envelope. This would be perfect for a Glee club open show. “Ahh, Owen you are a star. You’ll have to tell me your secret for being able to find such pieces.” she praised, giving him a mega watt smile. One of the principal’s administrative assistant who Haley particularly gelled well with, he always seemed to be at hand in helping her. Ever since her first day coming back as a teacher. 

Both of their laughs combined together, before Owen brushed off her compliments. “Ah, but if I did , I’d have to kill you and the world is ugly enough to not risk losing such beauty.” he commented back, throwing her a wink. 

Another laugh escaped her, their banter back and forth continued for another minute or two. “-okay, promise me you’re joining for two for one cocktails at Pirates tomorrow?” Haley let out a groan, before holding up her hands. “Okay, fine. I’ll make an appearance. Two cocktails and you’re buying.” she appeased standing up from her desk as she grabbed her bag. “Let’s say four cocktails, I’ll buy and you get that butt of yours on the piano and regale us with a song?” She rolled her eyes playfully. “Maybe, okay? Right now I have to meet Coach Scott and go pick up Jaime. I’ll see you tomorrow.” with that, both leaned in, an innocent brush of lips against mutual cheeks before parting their ways. 

A smile still remained on her cheeks as she locked away some of the papers in her desk and moved over to hit the lights for the classroom. That was until she saw Nathan in the doorway. Her smile dropped instantly. 

“I thought I was meeting you at the car?” her tone was cordial, she had long given up giving any genuine enthusiasm at seeing her husband. Why should she, when he had been the one to make this divide between them by ignoring her, avoiding her and even sleeping in a different room from her. The pretence of things being fine was too exhausting to keep up. Sometimes she considered if divorce would be best for them both. She had no idea what she’d done to him, but now she didn’t care.

@nxthxnscxtt​

Magnus: How do I get glitter out of my carpets?

Magnus: You try one make-up look with glitter, it turns out amazing and then you are pissing glitter for weeks later.

Haley: You pray and then pray again. Glitter is the devil.

Betty wasn’t trying to eavesdrop - she just hadn’t been sure who Miss James had been talking to. even so she couldn’t help but chuckle lightly, stopping abruptly as she gained the teacher’s attention. “don’t let anyone hear you say that, they may start asking you for ideas, in that case.” her smile was light, appreciating the realization that maybe not all teachers were completely out of touch.

A pleased laugh escaped her as she closed her bag and looked over to Betty. “Oh please, they wish they could have my ideas.” Could blow them out of the water the tricks we used to pull.” well, Brooke used to pull with Haley’s help. “Forgive my comment though, that was somewhat unprofessional. Can I help you with anything?” she added, wondering why Betty was still hanging around. There were some students Haley adored, the ones who truly put passion into all their work and stuck true to their morals and ideals. Betty was one of them. 

Business was always slow for Raphael. Not that he minded as such, the clients he normally entertained in his shop usually bought once and bought high which was more than enough to keep him going. But every now and then, someone would come in he wouldn’t expect and today was one of those rare days. It had started with the tinkling bell of the shop door. 

Raphael had been cataloguing a new item when the shop door closed and for a few seconds he heard nothing. Until suddenly the tinkling notes of the piano filled his shop and he carefully placed down the item, brushing his hands against his pant leg as he stepped out from the back and headed over to see just who was playing such a beautiful melody. The woman seemed lost in her own world as she continued to play, dark auburn curls gently brushed her shoulders over her smart skirt and blouse. He hadn’t seen her before, at least not on the Southside. 

“Chopin. Nocturn No.20. Good choice.” he murmured when she finally fell silent. He loved classical music and like a moth to a flame he was drawn to the exquisite way she played. 

@hxleyjxmes​

Haley never ventured over to the Southside, at least not as much as she used too. As a teenager, she often got dragged over by Brooke and Peyton for bars and also just to sate their own curiosity for a world that was completely different from the Northside. Only her tutoring brought her over the town divide, a family that hired her for English tutoring for their younger son. Every time she passed the antique shop, never going in but something told her today was the day she should. 

As she stepped in, the tinkling bell filled the quiet shop and she peered around looking for a proprietor or a worker. The shop had numerous items, each exquisite and no doubt unique. It seemed odd such a place existed in the Southside and wasn’t targeted for theft. But once she spotted the Steinway a mad desire took over her and she was instantly drawn to it. How often would she get the chance to see one this up and close and like a child on Christmas morning she had sat down on the accompanying stool and forgetting where she was, her fingers began to play. 

The acoustics weren’t perfect, she was hardly in a hall or music room but the melody reverberating around her sounded beautiful and she became lost in her playing and didn’t even hear the person approach from behind. She really did love playing, the piano had been her first love before she turned to guitar and it was divine going back to her roots.

As the melody came to an end, she felt like she could sit for hours and play and she was about to stand up to look for the owner when the voice spoke and she turned around on the stool, a look of embarrassment and she held up her hands as a nervous laugh escaped her. “Forgive me, I couldn’t resist. I’m sure there are rules about touching items. I don’t know what took over me.” she explained, looking over at the man. He seemed young, yet the clothing he wore and the way he held himself was curious. He also recognized classics. He most certainly didn’t come across as a regular Southside inhabitant and he had an exotic look about him that expressed mystery and something she couldn’t quite place. 

“Are you the owner?” 

Nathan moved to the side of the breakfast bar when his son rushed out of the room when his mom threatened (all in good fun) to eat his part of his breakfast if he wasn’t dressed in ready in a few. This put him and his wife closer than he had been in a while. He missed the smell of her perfume. A lot. 

He glanced at the newspaper, where he’d seen Haley’s eyes go to more than a few times since he’d returned home. The Savannah Star. It was their local newspaper. Nothing new there. But what was of concern was there was a face on the front. It was of a teenage boy. Nathan didn’t recognize him, but it didn’t mean his heart didn’t go out to his family when his eyes scanned over the word ‘overdose’. 

“The kid,” Nathan gestured to the paper between them. “Did he go to Grove’s?” He took the plates from Haley and separated the three of them before splitting up the food. 

“It was fine. Nothing abnormal. How was waking Jamie up this early for the first time in months?”

She shook her head, taking a glance towards it once more. “No, not one of ours. It’s still sad though. The loss of life so young.” she mused, knowing she was one of few who actually felt pity towards the kids who came from the southside. She wanted every kid to have a good future and she hated the idea of so many of them living in poverty and surviving by the skin of their teeth and doing what had to be done to get by. “He must have been completely out of it, I hope he didn’t feel pain.” 

She was a sensitive soul. Her compassion was an admired trait to many and something she prided herself on. Once the food was divided out, she grabbed her cup of coffee and placed it on the table at her space. Grateful for the distraction from the boy, she let out a snort. “Frustrating. He’s definitely starting to channel that teenage moodiness we all went through. Maybe if he wasn’t up dunking a basketball until eleven pm last night he might not have been so tired.”