The Venturi/Mcdonald family was together for the first time since Casey and Derek left for college. They had just finished their first semester in college; Casey had a great start with a 4.0 GPA while Derek just kept the required GPA to keep his hockey scholarship. They came home for winter break and would be home for almost 2 months.

Lizzie and Edwin were almost finished the first half of their sophomore year in high school. Edwin became relatively popular because of being Derek's brother. He dated the head cheerleader, Patty Ryan. Lizzie, on the other hand, recently broke up with Jamie; actually he dumped her and she was really depressed about it. In fact, she was in her room for the past couple days, only leaving to eat and go to the bathroom.

After Casey and Derek settled back in the home and unpacked, Nora urged Casey to go see Lizzie and try to cheer her up.

"Knock knock," said Casey as she knocked on the door.

"Go away!" yelled Lizzie, who wasn't yet aware that her older siblings were home.

"Geez Liz, I've been away for several months and that's all you can say?" said Casey.

"Casey!" exclaimed Lizzie as she opened the door and gave her stepsister a hug briefly before running back to her bed.

"So what's wrong Liz?" asked Casey.

"Well… Jamie and I broke up," answered Lizzie.

"Aww…you two have been together since you started high school," said Casey sympathetically.

"I know…it just came out of nowhere," said Lizzie who started to cry.

"So Lizzie, lets do something to get your mind off Jamie" said Casey. " How about house cleaning or maybe…"

"Maybe something less lame. Come on Lizard, grab your soccer ball and lets go to the park," said Derek.

"Ok, let me change first," said Lizzie.

Derek and Lizzie went outside and to the park and saw that the soccer field was empty.

"When I was stressed or down I would shoot pucks at Edwin. I always felt better afterwards. Maybe it'll work for you!" said Derek as he walked towards the goalie net.

"Super Lizzie gets ready to shoot. She stares down ultra-cool goalie Derek Venturi. She moves in and," said Derek in an announcer's voice.

Lizzie kicked the ball towards the top right corner of the goal post.

"She scores! Super Lizzie scores!" screamed Lizzie.

"Best two out of three!" yelled Derek.

"Ok" agreed Lizzie.

Best two out three soon became best three out of five. Best three out of five became best four out of seven. Next thing they knew…

"Come on Liz, best 38 out of 75" said Derek.

"Come on Derek, I've scored against you all but two times. The first because I slipped, and the second because I hit the post!" yelled Lizzie. "Give it up Venturi, this isn't a hockey rink"

"Ok fine Lizard. Lets go get something to eat," said Derek.

"Loser pays right?" asked Lizzie jokingly.

"Of course," said Derek.

Derek and Lizzie went to Smelly Nelly's. After ordering, Lizzie started to think about Jamie again and started crying.

"Liz, you know my crying policy," said Derek.

"Sorry D, it's just…I just broke up with Jamie," said Lizzie still sobbing.

"It's ok, I just don't do tears well. Lets not think about Jamie anyway. Lets talk about something else," said Derek.

"Like your wonderful goalie skills," said Lizzie playfully. Derek then pushed her and she pushed back playfully.

"So how did you do this season? Championship perhaps?" asked Derek.

"We lost in the semi-finals to the Cougars. They eventually won the championship. I made the all-star team though," said Lizzie.

"Great job! Soccer is cool I guess. It's sort of like hockey on grass without sticks. So much cooler than that dance junk that your sister does," said Derek.

"Yeah, I guess it is," agreed Lizzie.

After the meal, Derek and Lizzie walked home.

"Thanks Derek" said Lizzie as they walked through the door.

"No problem kiddo. Anytime" answered Derek.

"So I see Derek didn't torture you," said Casey.

"What? Is Casey upset that I was able to help Lizzie better than she could?" said Derek sarcastically.

"No, it's just that I'm usually Lizzie's lifeline. It's just weird I guess," answered Casey as she went up the stairs to check up on her sister.

"So, I see you're feeling a lot better. I was worried Derek was going to do something Derekish," said Casey.

"No, he was really nice. I had a great time with him. It's kind of sad that we never really bonded in the past," said Lizzie.

"Yeah, I guess that's partly my fault. Whenever Derek and I fought, I would always force you on my side," said Casey. "So do you want to hang out tomorrow?"

"Actually, Derek and I are going to see a movie tomorrow. You can join us if you want…" offered Lizzie reluctantly.

"That's ok Liz. I'm sure Derek wouldn't want me there anyway. I'll just do something with Emily," answered Casey.

"Ok, but if change you're mind, you're always welcome," said Lizzie.

"I'm sure. I'm just glad you're feeling better," said Casey. "I guess Derek is good for something".

The next day, Lizzie and Derek went and saw the latest horror movie. Lizzie, who usually isn't scared by movies, was really freaked out by the movie. After the first couple scenes, Lizzie just grabbed Derek and placed her head against his side. Derek then put his arm around his stepsister.

"Don't let go" whispered Lizzie.

"Don't worry, I won't" whispered Derek.

At first she held him because she was scared, no terrified. After a while, she felt safe enough to go back to watching the movie, but she no longer wanted to. She started thinking about Jamie and she didn't cry. In fact she didn't even feel sad anymore. She now had Derek, who was all she needed.

When the movie was over, Lizzie was in the same position she was in for the past couple hours.

"Uh... Lizard...the movie's over, including the credits" whispered Derek.

"I know…" answered Lizzie who just squeezed her brother more.

Derek just squeezed back, suprisingly not minding it even though the lights were back on. It brought back memory's of his days comforting Marti when she was little. Only this time, it was Lizzie who needed him.

I haven't decided whether this will be a one-shot or whether it'll continue. For those who are awaiting the next chapter of The Reunion, I promise that it's coming. Please review and let me know if you want more chapters or whether this is sufficient.