A/N: i do not own Life With Derek, so these ideas are just my own. So please read and relax.
He saw her as she left her room. She appeared tired, and had undoubtedly been studying for the day's exams all night. She was wearing sneakers, a pair of old blue jeans that were slightly fraying around her ankles, and a gray hooded sweatshirt; nothing spectacular, but incredibly comfortable for the day to come. Even though she was dressed modestly, her beauty caught his eye.
They reached the top of the stairs simultaneously. Without a word, they faced each other. He noticed that the pull-string on her hood was uneven, and sought to fix it. Silently he straightened her sweatshirt.
Now, everything was perfect.
He moved a stray piece of hair behind her ear, leaned in, and whispered "good morning" to her. Though his words could normally be taken as a casual greeting, she knew that they meant more. The tone of those words made her heart race, something that no other casual greeting had done before, leaving her with only the ability to stammer "good morning" in return.
He smiled, and turned to walk down the stairs.
"Wait", she said, after he had gone down a few steps. He stopped and turned to look at her. She seemed nervous. She went down some steps until they were at eye level, and leaned in gradually. Their lips lightly brushed, but it was enough awaken them both.
As she pulled away, he could faintly hear her whisper "thank you, Derek".
He smiled again. Though they hadn't said it, they had both confessed to each other.
With a new found spark, Casey reached out and grabbed Derek's hand, creating a mutual hope that they would never have to let go.
Hand in hand, the two walked down the stairs, filled with love, and confident that they could withstand any trial that was sure to arise.