AN: May make this just a one-shot. I dunno yet. I know if I did that it'd be a weird place to end it, but I'll file it under 'complete' unless something changes. Anywho, enjoy!

As Casey walked down the stairs, everyone looked at her in awe. Though Derek couldn't find it in himself to care enough to turn around. His eyes were glued to the TV.

"Casey, you look so pretty!" Marti exclaimed, practically bouncing up and down in her seat on the couch.

Ever since he'd pushed them together after pulling them apart, Derek tried his best not to think about anything Casey/Sam related. Though the way Marti kept going on about Casey's outfit, the brunet had to admit that curiosity got the best of him.

So, turning around, his eyes widened at the sight he was presented with. She was wearing a baby blue dress to match her eyes that hugged her body and curves in all the right places. Clear heels were strapped to her feet and her hair was slightly curled, makeup light to go along with it all.

"Derek, doesn't Casey look beautiful?" George asked, trying to get something out of his son. Nora must have talked to him or something. The only blond in the house was trying harder than usual to get the two eldest siblings to coexist.

Derek just let out a grunt of acknowledgement as his eyes were back to the hockey game. He was doing his best to keep from drooling and he knew if he kept looking… that's exactly what he'd do. Though Casey didn't take this as an insult. It was Derek. Her stupid step-brother. Why should she care?

Then there was a knock on the door. Casey flew to open it and there stood Sam with roses. Internally, Derek was puking. How could she handle such cliché gestures? Then again, Casey McDonald was a romantic and Sam was obviously aware.

Everyone bid the lovesick teens a farewell while Derek stayed silent. George knew that that was better than him insulting his step-sister. He'd take what he could get.

After the household dispersed, Edwin and Lizzie going to their bedrooms and Marti being taken to bed while their parents went into the basement, Derek stayed exactly where he was. He was going to be here when Casey got home.

She tried to be as silent as possible. Casey didn't know who was awake and who was asleep. She'd gotten home later than expected. Though, to her relief, everyone was sleeping soundly. Even Derek in his recliner. She gave an expression that read of confusion. But, as soon as she shut the door behind her and locked it, the boy shot up in his chair, suddenly alert.

"Yeah, whoa. I'm up."

Casey jumped in surprise and scratched the back of her head. "I can see that. Um. Why?" she questioned.

"I was waiting for you," he spoke truthfully.

"'kay. Any particular reason why?"

"Space-Case just has to know every minute detail, eh?"

Casey crinkled her brows together, trying to figure out what Derek wanted. He had to want something if he was sitting there waiting for her.

"Are you happy?"

The inquiry threw Casey off-guard. Especially since Derek sounded genuine when asking. "I'm sorry?"

"I said, are you happy?"

Casey went to sit down on the couch and nodded. "Very happy," she answered.

Derek's expression fell; he hadn't even noticed it had risen in the first place. "All right. Just wanted to make sure that Sam was doing his duty. G'night, Case," he spoke as he stood up with a yawn.

Casey couldn't let him go that easily. She was up and in front of Derek in a flash, blocking his way to the stairs.

"Why do you ask and why do you care?"

"'Cause I love you. Now, goodnight, Casey," he insisted, not even paying attention to what he'd just told her.