A/N: I'm sorry I killed off Chris, I was sad to write this but I had to do it for the Dan storyline. A LOT of you were concerned with Lucas, and I promise you he will get better! I just envisioned Lucas to be battling with some demons in this story but just remember that he WILL get better! There will be more Naley scenes in the next chapter, since I have been slacking a little on those. I just wanted to get the Brucas storyline settled first but trust me, big things are coming for Naley!

THANK YOU for the endless amount of support, reviews and favorites! This is my first fanfiction that I have fully dived into and I am so glad to see that some people are actually reading it!

XOXO Samantha

Chapter 15: Demons

It was cloudy that day. There was a cool breeze that went through, even though it was the middle of June. The weather fit the day to a T. Funerals weren't meant to be happy, they were meant to be sad. There was something about a funeral that caused so much discomfort. Maybe it was the raw thought of death, or the fact that something like a funeral is so permanent. It is the realization that this person is never coming back. You will never see them blink again, laugh or talk. You'll never hear them breathe again or see them engage in something that they are so passionate. People come together for funerals, to celebrate the life of this said individual, but right now, she didn't feel like celebrating anything.

It seemed like the past two months had been filled with complete and utter chaos; that it was never going to stop. A good thing would happen but then something bad would follow immediately after. It was a never-ending cycle and it was emotionally exhausting.

She didn't know how to feel. Just two months ago this person had literally saved her life and now he was gone. She couldn't save her and for that she felt guilty. Of course, she didn't know that he was going to be brutally murdered; there was no way to predict that. But she felt like she could have stopped it some way. She had an idea who the killer was, but she didn't want to share that information with anyone for fear of being wrong and making herself look like a bitch. So instead, she just blankly stared at the closed casket that was waiting to be buried, and fought with her enormous amount of emotions of sadness and guilt.

"I can't believe I'm watching Chris Keller be buried right now." Nathan said, muttering it so low that only Haley could hear. "He saved your life and I couldn't even save his." Haley knew that Nathan felt guilty too. Nathan felt this overwhelming urge to always protect Haley and Chris had done that for him when he couldn't, and that's why he was forever grateful for Chris Keller, even if he was a bit on the cocky side sometimes.

"I can't believe he was murdered." Haley responded, looking up at the sky hoping that Chris would notice her looking up at him and the tears rolling down her cheek. They were friends, and he was there for her when Nathan wasn't.

- Friends First then Love –

Lucas didn't know why he kept taking the pills but he couldn't stop. Ever since he called Rachel that night for some dextromethorphan, he couldn't stop. He was spiraling downward but he didn't care because it made him forget everything. When he took the pills he was able to escape his body and feel good all the time. He didn't have to worry about his future or what he was going to do. He didn't have to worry about his heart condition or his bastard of a father. He was able to be free, which is why he kept calling Rachel and taking the pills. No one knew because no one asked. Lucas was just quiet around all his friends, and they figured he was just tired. He hadn't spoken to Brooke in days and he didn't blame her for ignoring her. He had pushed her away. The gender reveal was coming up that his mother was planning for him and Brooke and he knew he should be excited but he didn't care. He was beginning to rely on these pills to get him through the overwhelming days of his life.

"Back for another dose of pills druggie?" Rachel said, smirking as Rachel approached him at the river court.

"Shut up Rachel and just give me the pills. I'm not in the mood for talking today."

"Aw what a bummer, and I was beginning to think that Lucas Scott and I were becoming friends." She said walking over towards the river and looking aimlessly ahead. "It's funny how reflections change isn't it Lucas?"

"What are you talking about Rachel?" Lucas was annoyed. He had been confiding in Rachel more than he should have lately, but he wasn't in the mood to talk at all.

"You were such a hotshot in high school, a basketball star in everything. Dating the head cheerleader and everything. Now, here you are relying on some pills looking a mess, and avoiding the reality that you're going to be a father soon. Who would have thought?" Rachel smirked, she knew she was getting under his skin but that's what her goal was.

"You don't know anything about me Rachel so don't start acting like you do."

"Actually Lucas, I know a lot more about you than you think. I know how people like you act and turn out. You're just going to keep spiraling out of control and be a dead beat father just like Dan was to you. And do you want to know how I know that? You are out here buying drugs from me when you have a beautiful girlfriend at home who is carrying your baby and your choosing to spend your time here and avoiding her, rather than being with her during such a "precious" time."

"Shut up and just give me the pills Rachel."

"Fine. Have it your way. But do not come crying to me Lucas Scott when your life finally turns to shit and you're the only one out here on this court." She handed him the pills, took his money and walked away. Lucas knew she was right. This wasn't who he was supposed to be but here he was. So he opened the container and popped the pills back like it was nothing, ignoring the fact that he was going nowhere fast.

Nathan decided to take Haley away for a weekend. With everything going on between Chris' death, her kidnapping, Brooke staying with her, fighting with Nathan and wedding planning, she needed a break. She had been hesitant at first because of Brooke but Nathan encouraged her that it would be something that would be exactly what she needed so she reluctantly agreed to go. He wouldn't tell her where they were going but he kept promising her that she would absolutely love it.

"Nathan! Can you please just tell me where we are going?" She giggled, playfully hitting Nathan on the shoulder as he continued to drive down the long road. They had been driving for quite a while now and Haley was anxious to get out and figure out where they were.

"I can't tell you Hales, it's a surprise! Just trust me when I saw that you're going to love it."

Friends First then Love –

Karen sat with Brooke at the café as Brooke drank her root beer float and vented to Karen about how stupid Lucas was acting. Karen had become Brooke's second mother and she loved that she was able to talk to Karen about these things, even if they did involve her son. Karen also was understanding and usually remained unbiased. She adored Brooke, and thought she was a great match for her son.

"I think Lucas is just a little lost right now, but he will come back. He always relied on Keith for everything when it came to being a good man. Keith was the father he never had, so when he lost him he lost a part of himself like I did. I have Lily to rely on but he's on his own. I think he's lost because he's going to be a father and doesn't have anyone to talk to about it. Dan was never a father to Lucas and the one father he had is dead. Lucas never really got over Keith's death." Karen explained, hoping to provide some comfort to Brooke.

"I just wish he would talk to me about it. That's what I'm here for. I'm just as scared as he is."

"I know hunny, and deep down he knows that too. He's not one to really talk about his emotions. Haley even struggles with getting him to open up sometimes. He'll get there and he will come around, I know he will. I raised him to be a better man than his so called father, or sperm donor as I like to refer to him." Both women laughed at the joke about Dan just being a sperm donor. "Speaking of sperm, I have an idea for the theme of your gender reveal."

Brooke squealed. "DO TELL!"

"What about, "Little Fashionista or Future NBA Player? I think it fits both of your hobbies well."

"Oh my gosh Karen I love it! I can't wait to see what you do! Thank you by the way for doing this. My mother would have never."

"Anything for you Brooke. Besides, you're giving me my first grandchild and for that I am grateful."

-Friends First then Love –

Haley was pretty confused when Nathan stopped the car in front of a gorgeous light yellow house with white shutters. She didn't know this place and she wasn't sure why Nathan was surprising her here. She was expecting some sort of beach trip, or a trip to the park but not to some cute little house that looked empty.

"Nathan, where are we?"

"Well, what do you think Hales?"

"I think it's a cute little house I'm just confused as to why you took me here." Haley looked around. The house was absolutely beautiful and petite. It was exactly the type of house she would like, and it was 10 minutes away from Duke. She had noticed the Duke University signs at first and figured Nathan was taking her there. They wanted to make a trip to walk around the university before Orientation began in a couple weeks, but other things had been coming up.

"Well I'm glad you like it because its ours."

"WHAT? What do you mean its ours? Nathan?"

"This is our new home Hales. We are just renting it while we are here at school but this is going to be our new home. It's small and in a great location. Duke is about a 10-15 minute walk from here." He smiled at her and her shocked expression. He loved surprising her. He handed her a key. "I even got your key personalized to looking like a guitar. I know it's kind of corny but music is important to you. Besides, mine looks like a basketball." Nathan showed her the key as she bursted out laughing. They were so corny but Haley loved it.

"Nathan this is amazing! Thank you! Can we go in and explore?"

"Of course we can – It's ours! We move in on Saturday. I already have the U-haul rented and everything."

"You are amazing Nathan Scott. How did I get so lucky?"

"The real question is how did I get so lucky?" He kissed her as she took his hand and ran inside dragging him in with her. They roamed around talking about different ways to decorate the place. They couldn't make any major changes since they were just renting it but she could see herself staying here after college was over. It was so perfect and would be a great place to raise a family. It wasn't in the downtown college section of town, it was on the other side so it was rather quiet.

"This can be the bedroom." She said seductively as she led him into the room. There was a fireplace in the room, along with some sort of rug. She kissed Nathan and bit his lip, knowing that it was one of his weaknesses.

"Haley, we can't."

"Sure we can, that rug looks awfully comfy."

"But we don't know where it's been Hales." He said laughing. She was so hot. Damn that's my girl.

"I mean it's not like we haven't against a wall before." He slammed the door behind them and picked her up as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

"I love you Nathan."

"I love you Haley James Scott, always and forever." For once, Haley believed that things were going to be okay.

- Friends First then Love –

The weekend flew by and before they knew it, Haley and Nathan were headed back home. It had been the perfect weekend and for once, Haley felt at peace. Nathan had made her feel comforted, even if he could be an ass sometimes. But then again, what boy didn't have his moments?

"So I was thinking that we could start looking at different venues tomorrow? October is going to come much faster than we think and I would feel a little better if we had a place that we could tell our friends about." Haley grabbed Nathan's hand as he continued to drive. Nathan continued to be quiet whenever Haley would bring it up anything wedding related. "Earth to Nathan, did you hear me?"

"Yeah, sure. Whatever you want Hales." His eyes remained focused on the road, not once looking over at her.

"Is everything okay? You haven't said much or looked at me at all. I figured you would want to help pick out our venue."

"Yeah sorry, just consumed with the thought of moving Saturday and pre-season conditioning starting soon. I have to hit the gym tonight."

"So, you're good with going to the venues tomorrow then?"

"Yeah, whatever you want. I honestly don't care where we get married because either way I get to marry you." Haley rolled her eyes. She was distracted when she saw an incoming text from Brooke.

Lucas is off the wall, HELP

What do u mean?

Come home quick please. Drugs

Haley called Lucas immediately after seeing the text. He picked up on the first ring sounded absolutely out of his mind.

"Luke? Is everything alright?"

"Yeah I feel purple."

"Uh, what Luke? What do you mean? Purple is a color not a feeling."

"This is wild Hales."

"Luke, where are you?"

"I'm on my steps, you know at home. I feel like I'm floating this is crazy!"

"Do not go anywhere I am coming Lucas Eugene Scott." Haley knew something had been weird with Lucas lately but she never pictured him to be the type to take pills. That was stupid and he knew that. He had seen Deb's downfall when she was addicted to getting high and he had heard the stories. So why was he participating?

"Nathan, I need to see Lucas. He doesn't sound right. He sounds like he's messed up on some sort of drug. I've never heard him like that before."

"Drugs? Lucas? I'm sorry but do we know the same Lucas? My brother wouldn't stupidly take drugs."

"That's what I thought too but apparently he is. I knew it was weird that he had been texting Rachel a lot lately. I should have known."

As soon as they got back into Tree Hill, Haley rushed over to Lucas's house. He was out front looking around as if he was waiting for someone to come out and attack him. He looked paranoid and sick. The color of his face was draining.

"Lucas? Lucas, are you okay?"

"I'm great Hales!"

"Lucas, what is this about drugs?"

"They're my escape Hales. I can't be a father. I need Keith and I don't have him." Haley's heart broke. She should have known this would come back to Keith's death.

"Stop that nonsense. Keith is with you in your heart Luke and you're going to be a great father."

"I don't want to be a father Haley."

"What? What does that mean?"

"Exactly what I said."

"You're just saying that because of the drugs. You've been excited about it since the beginning, minus the whole prom escapade." Haley shook her head, reminiscing on that awful night.

"I don't want to be a father Haley."

"You should have thought about it when you decided to have sex Lucas."

"I have some demons I have to work on." Haley was getting frustrated. She knew Lucas needed help and her heart broke for him but at the same time he was acting like such a Scott that she couldn't stand it. Nathan was running away from this wedding (or so it felt like), Lucas was running away form being a father and Dan had run away from his children.

"What is with you Scott boys and acting like the father that you both hate? Do you see how irrational and careless you're being?! YOU HAVE A HEART CONDITION AND DRUGS COULD KILL YOU!" Haley threw her hands up in frustration.

"I know Hales." He breathed, standing up and starting to pace.

"Do you? You have a child on the way and a girl who would do absolutely anything for you and is madly in love with you. And what do you do? Get mad, push her away and me, and take drugs! You're Dan!" Haley knew the words stung when she said them but she couldn't take them back. They had slipped out in the moment of frustration and she knew it was the only way that she could begin to get through to him.

"DON'T!" He yelled, getting closer to her looking enraged.

"Keith would be disappointed in you Luke and so am I." Haley walked away leaving Lucas standing there as it began to pour. He knew Keith would be ashamed of him, he was ashamed of himself. He needed to get help, especially with the gender reveal coming up and the baby. He needed to be there for Brooke, but not like this. He had nothing when he acted like this. He had no Brooke, no game, no father, and even his best friend didn't want him.

"Who have I become?" Lucas muttered as he sat on the steps and placed his head in his hands hoping that the rain would wash away his tears and his pain.