I decided to try the same gimmick I used in Hey Jealousy, only in Derek's POV. They're both at college. James is Derek's roommate and my own creation. Apologies if it's OOC or whatever.

DISCLAIMER: not mine. Alas and alack.

You're sitting in your empty dorm room, trying not to work on your essay on Golden-Age American cinema that's due in two weeks. Your computer is open, and you are totally killing at Minesweeper when your roommate walks in and shuts the door. Without turning around, because you are so close at beating your record, you say, "Hey, Jamesie-boy, what's up? How'd your--"

"Derek."

Well. That's new. James usually doesn't interrupt you like that-he's kind of a wimp, to tell the truth. Practically worships you, as a matter of fact. So him breaking into your attempts at conversation-actually trying to be nice- is something to take notice of.

Sadly, while you were contemplating James' sudden backbone growth, he was talking. You try to listen, but you only really catch the last few words.

" …And I know you're very protective of her, since, um you know, her brother and all, but I was wondering if I could? You know date Casey?"

Wait.

What the fuck?

By the way James is looking at you, you can infer that you might just have said that out loud. And when did you shove him up against the wall?

"Um…I guess I can't date her then?" James' voice sounds tinny and far away. Your vision's getting all blurry. It must be from playing that damn Minesweeper game too much.

"No." Well. That could have come out better. Because now James is staring at you all funny, and you can feel your arm shaking, and you feel as though you should punch James through the wall. And then may be puke on him.

You shove him away and stalk back to your computer. With one hand on the back of the chair, you ground out "Leave."

"But I just—"

"Leave, James."

And, with one final look, he is gone.

You stay there for a moment, leaning against your computer chair, looking at the floor. Then, with one swift movement, you shove the chair into the wall, knocking over the picture of you and Marti. You sink down in the center of your room, and you realize:

You're attracted to your stepsister.

Well, fuck.

Review, brethren and wenches alike.

-Rhapsody