Drake and Josh characters belong to their proper owners. I did create some characters for this fanfiction. "Measure of a Man" is sung by Clay Aiken. It was written by Steve Morales, Cathy Dennis, and David Seige. Any other songs mentioned also belong to their proper owners. Because you all know how much I love sticking lyrics in these things.

I'm hoping you're not getting the rotten fruit to pelt me with because I broke Drake's heart again. Anyway, let's see how the two are holding up.

Drake sat on his bed with his guitar, not even playing it. He hadn't been able to write since Cassandra's parents banned them from seeing each other a month ago. He felt like his talent was slipping away, but he had no heart to play. He thought about everything that led up to the moment he lost her again and even after it happened. He remembered how hard he tried to gain back her trust. It had taken a long time, but he had done it. He couldn't believe he was suddenly not allowed to see her. He thought of what she said to him in the woods that one early morning. He thought of the way she looked at him.

Not even two days after that vacation, she told him she couldn't see him anymore. He thought of when he told Josh he knew he was in love with her, he still was. He just couldn't let go.

"Hey man," said Josh.

"Hi," said Drake, without much emotion.

"I was wondering if you wanted to go to the mall. The new Zero Gravity CD came out today," said Josh.

"I know," said Drake.

"Come on, you gotta get out of the house," said Josh. "I know you're still down about this thing with Cassandra, but maybe you could try to get a date for this week or something?"

Drake shot Josh a look.

"You know what Josh?" Drake asked. "The only person I want to go out on a date with this week is not allowed to see me anymore. Do you know why? Because I used to date other girls randomly every week. Even when I stop, it's not enough, right? Why fight it? You know? Drake Parker can't stick to one woman."

"Drake," said Josh. "That's not what I meant. Look, I'm sorry. I know you're upset, but there's nothing we can do. Her parents seemed pretty firm on this. I wish I could help you, but I can't." Josh hung his head. He felt a bit defeated. Normally, he and Drake could work through anything. This one threw them.

"I know Josh," said Drake. "Sorry. I just can't stand it. I mean, I really and truly cared about her, more than any other girl I've ever dated. I just feel like I did so much for nothing."

Cassandra went to dance team tryouts. She needed something to get her mind off of Drake. She couldn't stop thinking about him though. Once or twice, she thought about sneaking off to see him, but she knew deep down she couldn't disobey her parents.

She walked into the gym at the school. It felt odd to be there in the middle of July.

"Okay," called Melanie, the new dance captain for the upcoming year. "Everybody get in line and we'll call you up to show us your moves!"

Cassandra took a spot in line and watched the other girls perform the routines they'd practiced.

"Oh, Cassandra, I didn't expect to see you here," came a voice that Cassandra knew and couldn't stand.

"Hello Sam," she replied. If Sam found out she couldn't see Drake anymore...neither one of them would hear the end of it.

"So," said Sam. "I hear you and Drake are no longer an item."

"Where'd you hear that?" asked Cassandra.

"A little bird told me," said Sam. "I believe it was the same little bird who spoke with your parents while you were away." Sam smiled slyly.

"Who told you?" demanded Cassandra. "Who told them?"

"Why should I reveal that information to you?" asked Sam.

Cassandra hated to beg. In fact, she refused to beg to Sam. Instead, she had an idea.

"Fine," said Cassandra. "You don't have to tell me...if I don't make the dance team."

"Hmm," said Sam. Sam couldn't resist. If Cassandra didn't make the team, she'd be twice as upset. "You've got a deal."

"Good," said Cassandra, and they shook on it. Cassandra knew how Sam's mind worked, and she'd be plenty happy if Cassandra was more depressed than she already was. Cassandra felt slightly worried. Why did she make such a stupid bet? A lot of these girls looked really good. Her odds of making it onto the team appeared pretty slim.

"Cassandra Blane," called Melanie.

Cassandra headed forward to audition.

Drake still moped around the house, feeling depressed.

"Man," said Megan. "It's not even any fun pulling pranks on you anymore. You don't respond."

"Megan," said Drake. "Just leave me alone, okay?"

It was clear to Megan that Drake was extremely unhappy about being forbidden from seeing Cassandra anymore. Megan was a bit disappointed when it happened. She had actually liked Cassandra. She left Drake to his thoughts.

Why couldn't Cassandra's parents see that he wasn't dating like that anymore? Really, wasn't it a big clue when the only person he saw for months was their daughter? Drake didn't know what to do. He didn't want to date other girls. It was so weird for him to be this way.

It's okay to not want to date other girls, thought Drake. I love her. I shouldn't want to see other girls. I know there's not much I can do though. Why don't I just face it? As much as he wanted to face reality, he couldn't. He couldn't let her go. He wanted to be with her. He wanted to protect her. He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to tell her what he should have told her in Michigan but was foolish enough to think he'd have another chance. Well, where was this other chance? It was gone, taken away. He felt defeated.