Hi guys, i'm really sorry about the long wait but I had some family stuff going on and i've just been to stressed out to write. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and it's been really crazy and emotional around here. Once again i'm sorry for the lack of updates but i'll try as much as I can to write more for you guys cause your reviews are awesome!

Disclaimer- Don't own anything except for Riley, Devon, Blake and maybe the plot! Casey too!

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"I made a mistake."

"What?" He said, completely and utterly surprised.

"I made a mistake, Lucas." The person said and closed their eyes for a moment. They opened them up and Lucas couldn't help but get lost in them.

"Brooke..." He started but wasn't sure what to say. His heart was beating faster as he heard the words come out of her mouth. She looked at him with hopeful eyes. He wasn't sure what mistake she had made but he was praying to god that it was what he thought.

"Lucas, I realized that...I was wrong when I said that it couldn't be like this. I want us. No but about it. I know that i'm a little late but I always keep my promises." She said with a small smile. Lucas looked at her and for a moment he believed that she was telling a complete lie but he realized that what she was saying was what they both wanted. Eachother.

Lucas watched her face go from hopeful to nervous within seconds and he realized that he had yet to say anything to her. He sighed and walked towards her out onto the porch. He shut the door behind him so that he wouldn't wake Haley up. She looked up at him as he turned back to her. She looked more beautiful then he could have ever imagined. He could also tell that she was scared.

"Brooke, I don't know what to say to all of this." He said and ran a hand through his short locks. She looked at him, searching his eyes for some sign of hope. "I mean, how do I know you're not gonna run again when it gets tough? Because honestly Brooke, I couldn't handle it. I can't handle it anymore. " He pleads with her to understand and in a way she knows he's right. She sits down beside him and he turns to look at her.

"Lucas, I know that you have no reason to believe me but I do love you. I...tonight, when Riley and I were in that place...I thought about you and the mistakes that we both made and I almost laughed. We are two of the worst people to eachother sometimes but you know what? It doesn't matter because we both love eachother. Right?" She said, sadly. She was praying that her bad judgement before wasn't going to stop him from wanting to be with her.

He looked at the girl in front of him and he knew she was scared. He knew that she was petrified of what he was going to say to her. Did he still love her? Of course he did. Was he ready to tell her that? Sure. Was he scared that she would run away again? Hell yes. Did he know what to do right now? Hmmmm...now that was a good question.

"Brooke...I love you too." He said and she smiled softly at him. "But..." He started and her smiled faded.

"There's that but...Lucas, look, I know we encountered a lot of things but you can't give up on us! You just can't!" She yelled, starting to get angry. Lucas looked at her, slightly amused. "I know that I screwed up but you screwed up too you jackass and..."Brooke continued to rant but was cut off by Lucas' lips crashing onto hers. It took her mere seconds to realize what was actually happening and before she responded. They both pulled away when air became necessary. Brooke searched Lucas' eyes for a moment until she noticed the smile on his face.

"You talk to much. I had to find a way to stop you somehow." He said with a playful smirk. She tilted her head sideways, indicating that she was trying to figure him out. "I was going to say, that I love you too but...we have to be together in order for me to ever say that phrase to you again." He said, the smirk still playing on his lips. Brooke smiled and rolled her eyes.

"Well, in that case..."She said, trailing off. She looked at him and leaned in and kissed him again. He wrapped his hands around her waist as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He deepened the kiss and trailed her bottom lip with his tongue until she granted him enterance. They stayed like this for a couple of minutes until Lucas pulled away abruptly with a kinked eyebrow.

"Jackass? Is that the best you could come up with?" He asked in an amused tone. Brooke smirked and shrugged, slightly.

"Shut up and kiss your girlfriend." She said confidently causing Lucas to break out into a huge smile. He pushed her down, lightly, on the chair and leaned down and kissed her softly.

"Hmmm...gladly." He mumbled against her lips. She smiled and pulled him down on top of her. They were about to deepen the kiss when Lucas' door opened causing both of them to look up.

"Time to get up." Haley said looking at the two of them.

"What?" Lucas questioned looking at Haley with pure confusion. He didn't understand.

"Get up!" She yelled causing Lucas to fall off Brooke and for everything to go black.

PRESENT

"No!" Lucas yelled, sitting up abruptly on his bed. He looked over to see that Haley was looking at him, shocked. He sighed and closed his eyes, rubbing the sweat that had accumulated on his skin from the apparent dream. It had felt so real. Haley looked at him with pure concern.

"Luke, are you alright?" She asked hesitantly, while he ran a hand through his sweaty hair.

"It was all a dream." He whispered sadly. Haley almost didn't hear him. She looked down at her best friend and had had enough. She was going to take Brooke and slap her upside the head. But...she needed one other person to help her...one the brunette girl might fear...

DEVON'S HOUSE

Riley yawned loudly and sat up in Devon's bed, smiling like an idiot. She looked around and frowned when she saw that Devon wasn't there beside her. She looked around the room and found absolutly no trace of him except the clothes from last night. She had to smile at the memory of last night though. It was everything she had wanted it to be. She had felt the love pouring out from him and it had felt soooooo good. Riley shook the dirty thoughts from her mind as the bedroom door opened.

"Morning beautiful." He whispered as he waiked in carrying a tray of pancakes, orange juice and an apple. Riley smiled softly at how sweet he was. She then smirked at the fact that he was also shirtless. Oh, i'm gonna have fun with this, she thought to herself.

"Morning." Riley replied, slightly raspy. He sat down next to her, setting the tray on the stand beside the bed, and smiled when he saw her eyes light up at the sight of the pancakes. "You did this all for me?" She asked him, turning to look at him. He shrugged and smiled lovingly at her.

"For me too, I mean...I don't think you'll be able to eat all of those." He said with a small smile. He turned to get off the bed but was stopped when Riley pulled him back to her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. He responded immediatly, wrapping his arms around her waist tightly. "Mmmmm" He moaned while she smiled against his lips.

"You'd be surprised." She mumbled before pulling back and looked at him with a cheeky smile. His hands never left her waist and her arms never left his neck. Riley knew that it was now or never. Was she ready to be with him again?

"Was that a thank you for the breakfast?" He asked quietly, kissing her neck softly. Riley closed her eyes and rolled her head back, enjoying the pleasure.

"Mmmmhmmm." She mumbled, concentrating on his moist lips on her neck. She pulled his face away from her neck and crashed her lips onto his. He lightly pushed her back on the bed and fell on top of her. His hands trailed down one of his old button ups that she was wearing. She wrapped her legs around his and lightly raked her nails down his back as he kissed a trail down her neck

Just as things were about to go further, Riley's cellphone went off causing both of them to groan. Devon sighed and rolled off Riley, allowing her to grab her phone. She smiled at him apologetically before reaching her phone and flipping it open.

"Hello?...hmmm...ok...ya of course...ya...ok i'll be there...in like 10 minutes...ummm...i'll tell you later...ok...see you at school." Riley finished her conversation and snapped her phone shut. She looked over at Devon who was staring at her slightly worried. She smiled at him and grabbed her clothes and started getting dressed.

"What's going on?" Devon asked, getting up and walking over to her. Riley pulled her shirt on and turned to look at him, rolling her eyes.

"Haley and I are going to do some Brookecology." She said and laughed a little. Devon wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and rested his head on her shoulder.

"Brookecology?" He asked with a smile. Riley sighed and leaned against his chest for a moment. She nodded.

"In other words, Brooke's being stupid and we've got to knock some damn sense into her." Riley said and rolled her eyes, playfully. Devon kissed her shoulder lightly and sighed.

"Riley, are you sure you're ready to go back to school? I mean..."Devon started but was cut off by Riley.

"Ya, i'm alright. I wouldn't lie." She said, turning to face him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a small peck on the lips. "Don't worry about little old me. I'll be fine." She stated with a small smile. Devon stared at her for a moment and sighed.

"I can't help but worry about you though, Ry." He said sincerely. Riley nodded and hugged him tightly. He returned the hug and pulled her in closer, if that was even possible. Riley pulled away and smiled.

"Well, Haley awaits me. I'll...uh...see you at school." She stuttered slightly while managing an awkward smile. He nodded, somewhat sadly before she disappeared out the door. Devon sighed and walked over to the bed before collapsing on it. He wanted to ask what they were now but it just wasn't the right time. He wanted to be with her again but did she want to be with him?

SCHOOL

Haley sighed as she sat on a bench waiting for her sister-in-law to arrive. Lucas had looked so dejected and heartbroken this morning and Haley hated seeing him like that. She knew that Lucas would be angry at her for meddling but she was only trying to be a good friend, and if worse came to worse, she could always put the blame on Riley too.

"So are we seriously going to do this?" Riley said sitting beside her friend. Haley turrned to her and sighed again. " I mean, I know Brooke is being a stupid whore right now but I don't think she deserves to be cornered by the two of us." Riley chuckled slightly and raised an eyebrow.

"She hurting Lucas though! You know! Your BROTHER!" Haley yelled, standing up and waving her hands around furiously whie glaring at Riley slightly. Riley was taken aback but scoffed and stood up as well.

"I know he's my brother, Haley, but Brooke is my friend and i'm not going to punish her for not wanting to be with my brother! It's her decision!" Riley spat back, getting angry. Who was Haley to question her ability of being a good sister?

"Look, I know you're in some happy fantasy land with Devon and all but you've got to realize that your brother needs you right now!" Haley replied, desperatly but still with a hint of anger. Riley glared at Haley.

"You don't know ANYTHING about Devon and I! Stop pretending like you do, Haley!" Riley hissed, angrily. Haley looked slightly taken aback at Riley's tone but she shook it off and stood her ground. By now there was a slight crowd forming, watching the fight between the two girls, including Nathan, Brooke, Peyton, Jake, Devon and Lucas who had just arrived.

"I'm not pretending anything, Riley! I'm trying to look after my family!" Haley spat out, glaring at the girl murderously. Riley let out a bitter laugh and clenched her fists.

Everyone looked at eachother surprised, as they watched the two girls who had basically put the group back together, fight so intensly. Riley couldn't deny that what Haley had said, about looking after her family, had hurt. It did. She wouldn't show it though. No Scott did, not even Haley.

"What's going on you guys?" Nathan asked as he and the others, pushed their way to the front of the group. Haley and Riley made no movements, as they both glared at eachother, ignoring Nathan and the others.

"In case you've forgotten Haley, this is our family. Ours. I am looking after my brothers! I'm just also looking out for my friends." Riley said calmly, although she was still fuming. "Unlike you." Nathan opened his mouth to speak again but was cut off by Haley.

"Whatever Riley, just because you're related by blood doesn't mean you're in this family." Haley said snottily, causing Riley to snap. She pulled her fist back and launched it forward, hitting Haley in the jaw causing her to fall backwards. Haley landed on the ground with a thud. Lucas sprang forwards putting himself in between the girls. He knew Haley had deserved the hit but he had no clue why they were both acting like this. This just wasn't them. "Look, just because you're scared doesn't mean that you need to act like this." Haley mumbled but loud enough for Riley to hear.

"What are you talking about?" Riley asked, fear evident in her voice. "I'm not..."

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, Ry... or should I say whoever..." Haley stated which got a few gasps.

"Your a bitch." Riley growled, trying to keep her cool. The last thing she needed was to get kicked out of school.

Devon and Nathan walked up beside Lucas and watched as Haley stood up and dusted herself off. She looked up at Lucas' face and felt the guilt surge through her. How could she just attack Riley for no reason? What was wrong with her?

"Riley..." Haley started, watching as the girl she used to call her sister-in-law, turn her head away. "I'm just trying to make a point..." She trailed off as she saw Riley snap her head around to look at her astonished.

"A point? Is that what this is? A point, Haley?! There is no point when it comes to something like this! It's not our situation, it's theirs!" Riley shouted, pointing to Lucas and Brooke who glanced at eachother briefly. "We have no right to meddle in their business, just like you have no right to meddle in mine!" Riley snapped, storming away from Haley and the crowd that had formed. Everyone in the crowd went silent. Lucas and Haley were engaged in a staring match while Nathan, Brooke and Devon looked on confused.

HALLWAY

Riley slammed her locker shut, a bit forceful. She sighed and leaned against it, resting her forehead on the closed locker. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in. She was about to move when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist from behind. She smiled slightly.

"Hey." He whispered in her ear before resting his chin on her shoulder. "You alright?" He asked with concern. Riley turned around in his arms so that she was now facing him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and nodded.

"Ya, i'm okay. Just tired of it all." She replied, tiredly. He nodded and kissed her forehead, softly. She heard him sigh and that's when she realized what he had came to see her about. It wasn't just to ask if she was okay.

"Ry, I know this isn't a good time but...what are we doing?" Devon asked quietly, looking into the blond girl's eyes. Riley looked away for a moment. "I mean, you said you wanted to be with me." He said and smiled. "We made love last night."

"Three times." Riley said raising her eyebrows suggestivly, with a smirk. Devon chuckled and nodded.

"We said we loved eachother. I just...I want to know how you feel about this." He said with slight concern. He wanted so badly to be together with her again but if she wasn't ready, he woudn't push her. Riley stared into his eyes, looking at how fearful he looked.

"I feel..." She paused, trying to get a rise out of him. She knew how she felt the moment he said he loved her the night before. "I feel like your girlfriend." She stated with a sad smile. Devon looked at her face, surprised. "But..."

"I knew there had to be a but." Devon said, looking at the ground and letting go of her. Riley almost cried at the loss of contact. Devon slowly backed away from her and that's when Riley started to panic.

"Devon..no..I..." Riley said, reaching out to touch him but failing.

"You thought last night was a mistake and you regret it, right?" Devon said angrily yet sadly. Riley shook her head wildly.

"No, Devon...I" Riley stuttered trying to form a sentence but nothing was coming out of her mouth. He was closing off to her and she couldn't help but feel like she was losing him.

"I tried Riley...I tried to make you see that I loved you but you just kept pushing me away and I just can't take it anymore." He stated sadly, not meeting her eyes. The moment he had used the past tensed word was the exact moment her heart broke into a million pieces. "I'm sorry." He whispered before walking away from her for the last time or for what she thought was the last time.

Riley looked at his retreating form and let the steady tears fall down her face. She had lost him for good and it was all because of her stupid insecurities. She turned slightly when she felt a hand on her shoulder but turned back to the back of her former love.

"Don't worry. I'm always here for you, and I always will be." The person said and Riley gave a soft nod and turned and hugged the person tightly. "He'll come around."

"I don't think he will, Luke. I think he's finally realized what everyone else has." She said and sighed. "That i'm just not worth it." She stated, letting out a sob.

"Don't you dare say anything like that ever again." Lucas replied, frowning deeply at his sister as he pulled away enough to look at her. "You have one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen and you are worth so much more then any of us are. Trust me when I say that." Lucas said, pulling his sister back into a hug. He could feel her nod slightly. They pulled away and Lucas sighed. "Fight for him, Riley. Go after him. Do something. "Lucas stressed looking into his sister's eyes. "Or you will lose him forever." Lucas finished sadly. Riley nodded and let out another sob.

"I can't Luke...I just can't." Riley said, tears falling down her face. She wiped at them roughly and looked down at the ground to avoid her brother's stare. "I'm not really up for anything today so i'm just gonna go home." Riley said and Lucas nodded, giving her a tight hug.

"Do you want me to..."Lucas started but stopped as Riley shook her head.

"No, I just want to be alone. Thank you though." She said with a small, sad smile. Lucas nodded and let her go. She turned and walked down the corridor until she was out of sight. Lucas sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Everything was falling apart once again. What else was new?

"Hey." A raspy voice said from behind him. He closed his eyes momentarily. Did the world honestly hate him? Lucas sighed and slowly turned towards the girl he knew that his life would never be complete without.

"Hi." He replied, turning to face her completely.

"How are you?" She asked, timidly. Realizing that it was a stupid question she opened her mouth again but shut it, not knowing exactly what to say.

"Not really that good Brooke. The girl I love ripped out my heart and stomped on it." He said tiredly. Brooke was surprised that he didn't really seem angry.

"Lucas..."She started with a sigh but was cut off by his somewhat angry tone. There it was.

"Brooke, I didn't want to have to do this but you've given me absolutly no choice." He said and sighed deeply. "We're either together or we're not , Brooke. That's your choice." Lucas said sternly, not wanting to make her choose but seeing no other way to get past this. Brooke looked at Lucas and could tell that he was serious. She stayed silent and Lucas sighed. "Think about it. In the mean time I have stuff to do." He said somewhat stressed.

Lucas walked away from her, trying not to make it look like he was speeding out of there. All he wanted to do was hold her and kiss her and tell her that he loved her endlessly. But he couldn't do that. Not until she made her decision. Or if she even made it at all.

PRISON

Riley took a deep breath as she walked into the place where her former lover was presently in. Riley gave a nod to the guard who opened a door for her to walk in. Once inside, the door closed and Riley was staring into the face of a man she once thought she loved.

"Hey." Riley whispered, not really knowing how to act around him anymore. Casey smiled slightly and motioned for her to sit down.

"Don't worry, I won't bite." He said after seeig her hesitate. She let out a small smile and sat down across from him in the tiny room. "What's wrong, Riley?" He asked softly, seeing her sad face.

"I needed to come...to ask you some things and to get...closure, I guess." She said and shrugged, glancing up at him before looking at the floor.

"Yah..."Casey said, somewhat sadly. He really did miss her. "Look, Ry, I am sorry for what I did. I messed up big time and I regret it, but i'm glad that you came to see me today." He said with a small smile. Riley nodded. "So, go ahead. Ask anything you want and i'll tell you the honest to god truth." He replied and leaned back in his chair.

"Actually, I came here to get some advice." She said timidly, looking up at her ex-boyfriend. Casey raised an eyebrow in confusion. "I know this might be totally inappropriate and all , and you can totally stop me if i'm asking to much but..." Riley rambled more nervous then ever. Why did she come here again?

"Ry, you're rambling." Casey stated and let out a soft chuckle. Riley smiled and took a deep breath. "It's about a boy, isn't it?" He asked and Riley looked up at him, shocked. She nodded and gave him an apologetic smile. "It's alright. What advice could you use from me though? I'm not exactly Dr. Phil." He said sarcasticallly, causing Riley to glare at him slightly. "Ok, ok, ask away."

"His name's Devon. You know, the guy that pushed me out of the way..." Riley said, trying to jog his memory. Casey nodded and Riley ran a hand through her hair, nervously. "I love him, Casey. Sooooo much." She said, closing her eyes, trying to push back the tears. She opened them and took a deep breath. "But I just can't seem to let him in."

"Why?" Casey asked, knowing that it was his turn to help his ex-girlfriend.

"Cause, he hurt me so bad the last time we were together." She said and upon seeing Casey's look she shook her head rapidly. "No, not like that. He...cheated on me." She choked out and closed her eyes again, pushing back more tears. They just didn't seem to be stopping. Casey, noticing her pain, felt his heart break slightly. "He broke my heart and I just don't know if I can take being hurt again." She said and looked down.

"How do you know he will hurt you again, though?" Casey asked, leaning forward to put his hands on the desk. Riley looked up and sighed.

"I don't, but there's still a risk Casey, and...and I don't think my heart can take anymore. I love him, and I want to be with him, but i'm having so much trouble finding a way to let him back in. Fully." She explained, while leaning her head on the back of the chair. Casey took in a deep breath.

"I can't believe i'm going to say this but..."Casey mumbled, but loud enough for Riley to hear. "You need to look inside your heart and ask what it wants. If it wants this Devon guy, then you should go for it. You should take the risk because that is what true love is, Ry. " Casey explained and then thought for a moment. "I remember hearing a quote awhile ago and it fits really well for your situation. 'True love is giving someone the chance to destroy you, but trusting them not to.' "Casey said and gave a small smile at Riley, when she perked up slightly.

"I don't even know if he wants me anymore, Casey. He told me that he couldn't take it anymore. Couldn't take me anymore." She whispered sadly, finally letting a small tear trickle down her cheek. Casey frowned.

"Tell him...no show him that he's wrong. I mean, come on Ry. I know you well enough to know that you were never the one to give up on something you wanted. You fought for it. So..." Casey said and smiled. "Fight for him."

Riley looked at Casey and let a soft smile grace her delicate face. He really did seem different. She nodded and stood up. Casey stood up as well and went to turn to leave but Riley stepped forward and put a hand on his arm. He stopped and turned around to face her. Riley pulled him in for a hug. Casey held her waist tightly, but not to tight. She pulled away and he let her go.

"Thank you Casey, you helped me a lot." She whispered with a grateful smile. He smiled back.

"Anytime you need someone. Come visit." He said and she nodded.

"You, Casey Colson, are on the fast road to recovery. Keep it up boy and you might just find that special girl. "Riley said with a wink and a smile. Casey chuckled and waved goodbye as he exited the room. Riley turned and went out the other door with a new found sense of determination. New hope. But how long would it last?

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There it is guys! Hope you enjoyed it! I know I didn't write a lot of Brucas but it's because I just don't have the spark back yet for them. Don't get me wrong...they are my FAV couple, but i'm a little disheartened because of the way the season is going and everything but i'll get it back and i'll make sure there will be more in the next chapter! As always, it would mean lots if you wrote a review! Thanks guys!