Okay, this is something I had in my head and it was going to a one-shot, but decided on a short 3-shot fic

Enjoy:)


Casey always knew how to handle Derek through any given situation. When he's being a jerk to his siblings, she sets him straight with the snap of her fingers and a sassy glare. When he was teasing her and pranking her, she scold him and call him enough names to satisfy him into going to his room an keeping quiet. When he was in a particular mood, and nobody knew how to handle it, Casey was up in his room giving him a piece of her mind, making him laugh and become normal again.

It was all so effortless, really.

Now, when Derek broke his leg during a hockey practice at Queens, he shut himself out, and made himself a stranger to his friends and family. He wasn't returning phone calls, emails, and refused to answer his door. He only left his apartment for class, and even then he made himself scarce. Obviously, this was a job for a certain step-sister.

Considering she wasn't his friend and refused to acknowledge him as her family, she was still slightly offended when he ignored her call. Not that she was surprised, of course, but offended nonetheless.

"Derek, cut the crap, and let me in." Casey banged on his apartment door not twenty minutes after he ignored her call. Instantly, a stereo was turned up, and she saw the blindes close. She rolled her eyes.

With quick thinking, she bounded down the steps of the apartment complex, and found the Prince parked in it's regular space. Being that she'd one this hundreds of times in the few years they'd been at Queens, she knew exact;y where his spare key to the front door was. As always, she was right and found it taped near the front right tire.

With a grin, she easily made her way inside, placing a few bags on the couch. She'd get to all that later.

Not to her surprise, the apartment was a mess, but not so much more than usual. Derek was always messy. This wasn't new. Without making her way to his room, she quickly grabbed a large garbage bag and filled it with the waste and empty pizza boxes that were splayed out across the counters and floor. That took all of five minutes before she started the dishes, which didn't take long at all, considering that he drank from the cartons and used paper plates. Quickly, she wiped down all counters and pulled out the Swiffer she'd gotten him as a gift when he first moved into his apartment and cleaned out the living room and kitchen. She spent about twenty more minutes on his bathroom.

On any other day, Casey would go into much finer detail when it came to a mess like this, but this would have to do. For now.

Now, she made her way to Derek's room, where the music was still booming out of his speakers. Without knocking (because c'mon, it'd be pointless over that racket), she barged in and made her way to his surround sound system.

Through the corner of her eyes, she saw him sprawled out pathetically on his bed in nothing but his black boxer briefs and the obvious white cast and boot he was forced to wear around his left foot.

Before she'd made it to the sound system, she saw him shoot out of bed (one crutch under his arm) immediately blocking her way. Before he was able to stop her, though, she'd grabbed the remote and turned it off.

"Casey, leave me alone!" He yelled, towering over her the best he can, but only managing it at an angle.

"Why aren't you answering anyone's calls, Der?" she challenged him, putting her hands on her hips, and looking up at him. He was a mess, and she didn't need the light to be turned on to see that. He needed a good shave and shower.

Derek huffed, annoyed that she was the only person who wasn't intimidated by him. "I have to find a different hiding place for that stupid key." he grumbled, tossing his crutch on the floor, and throwing himself on his bed.

"Derek." she said. He only groaned and made a shooing motion with his hand. "Der, either you get out of bed, or it's going to be ugly."

"Because I'm so scared of the keener." he said, and faced away from her.

"You've left me no choice." With that, she made her way to the kitchen, grabbing the bucket she'd just cleaned out to mop the restroom when the Swiffer wasn't cutting it.
Without thought, she put in a couple handfuls of ice, and made her way to the restroom, filling it with the coldest water she can. Casey McDonald meant business.

"One more chance, Venturi." she warned him once she made it back to her room.

"Case, keep it down, your nagging is about to rupture my ear drum."
Without another word, the ice bucket of cold water was poured on him, and he sat up with a gasp of air. She unceremoniously tossed the bucket to the side and met his glare.

"What the fuck, Casey!?" he yelled louder than she expected him to. She flicked the lights on, and stood over him, hands back on her hips.

"Get up, and take a shower. I can smell you from the parking lot. I'm not sorry for what I've just done, but I will gladly throw your blanket and sheets in the wash."

"Alright, Space Cadet, how 'bout you leave before I cut all your hair off." Derek glared at her. Casey briefly flinched, grabbing onto a brown lock, then instantly rolled her eyes.

"You probably couldn't even catch me. Anyways, take a shower, jerk, before they condemn this place purely because of your own stink." She made her way out, leaving his light on and door wide open.

"I hate you." He called after her. She smiled at that.

To Casey's satisfaction, she heard Derek turn the faucet on in the restroom, followed by the shower. With quick movements, she made her way to his room, grabbing his sheets and blanket, along with any other article of clothing that was left thrown around, mumbling the words "Pig" and "Disgusting" when she found garbage or dishes.

By the time Derek stepped out of the shower, he could smell the beginnings of a well thought out supper. To this his stomach gurgled. He hadn't had a decent meal that wasn't takeout in almost the whole month he'd been MIA. He made his way into the kitchen, phone in hand, and leaned his shoulder against he door frame as he watched Casey move around his kitchen. He was standing there a few minutes before she stilled briefly, and continued her business.

"Well, you certainly smell a lot better."

"Yeah, well some psychopath threw ice water all over me, almost getting my cast wet, I might add."

"Sounds like that psychopath was doing you a favor, eh?" she turned around finally, and he was glad to see a small smile on her face.
She was pleased with herself. He'd actually shaven and put on clean clothes. He even had a little light in his eyes. The one he usually got when he was teasing her.

"There better be enough for me." he strode over beside her, his crutch bumping her on the shoulder as he stood next to her.

"Nope. Just me." she said coolly. "I just wanted to use your kitchen." she shrugged.

This was what Derek needed. He needed tough love and a good meal.
"Well, your ass is getting huge, so you better give me at least half of it. Really, I'd be doing you a favor." he shrugged. She didn't even flinch at the fat joke, because that's how she took it. As a joke. This was the environment Derek needed. Not pushy phone calls asking him how he's holding up. She'd save that for later. She needed to have him fed and comfortable first.

"Well, asshole, seeing as I did make too much, maybe there's enough for you." she shrugged. "Consider it an early birthday gift." His birthday wasn't for another few months.

Derek only rolled his eyes. "So I see you cleaned up the place. Hope you're not expecting compensation."

"Believe me, it was a pleasure." she shook her head. She grabbed two glasses and served them both iced tea that she brewed while he was in the shower. She handed him his glass, and pulled his seat out for him, to which she gestured lazily so he could sit. He didn't say it out loud, but he appreciated that she put a small stool next to his chair to elevate his leg.
With that, she served him a salad with his spaghetti and garlic bread, and took a seat next to him, and quietly ate.

"I have no idea how you ever manage to do all of this in short periods of time." he shook his head at his plate, and ate loudly next to her. She only shrugged, because to her this was normal. "So lay it on me." he said with his mouth full.

"Lay what on you?" she cocked an eyebrow up at him wiping her mouth, and sitting back, leaving half of her food uneaten. Derek took the liberty of stealing a meatball, making her roll her eyes.

"The lecture. Why you're here. Just say it so you can go." he said rudely, and finished his food with an obnoxious burp.

"Alright..." she sat up straighter, shaking off the sting of the unappreciative tone of his voice. "You need to at least call George or your mom...or mine. They're used to you rarely calling as it is, but the fact that you've been ignoring them for well over a month now, is ridiculous, Der."

"Why do I need to call them now, you've already seen me, you can tell them yourself." he shrugged.

"Why are you being like this? Yeah, you broke your leg and can't play hockey for a few more weeks, big deal." she shook her head. "Move on already!"

"You don't get it." he shook his head.

"I get that you're being a spoiled brat! Your friends are asking about you. Even Sam called me. Why haven't you been in the quad with him lately? He's been trying to hangout with you everyday since that practice." Casey scolded him, talking faster and louder.
Derek didn't answer her. He only sat in the silence and glared at his plate, trying to control his temper.

Swiftly, Casey collected his dishes and hers and set them up in the sink for a wash.
"Look, I'm sorry I'm being so harsh, but you need to snap out of it, Derek. Stop pushing everyone away, would you?" she said softly. When he didn't answer, she sighed. "Have you at least spoken to Maggie?"

"She dumped me a few days after I'd broken my leg." he mumbled.

Casey stilled. Derek had been dating Maggie for three years now. She never particularly liked Maggie, but Derek never stayed in relationships that long, so she assumed he had real feeling for her. Maggie had a bad attitude and was always reapplying her makeup or perfume. Every time she left, Casey knew Derek would open the windows to air the place out.

"What?" Casey turned around, still not understanding that Derek and Maggie were no longer an item.

He only shrugged. "She said she couldn't be seen with someone who's social status was going to be non-existent any day now. Whatever that means."

"That bitch." She covered her mouth after the word left her lips. Derek looked up at her and smirked, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Sorry." she said softly. He shrugged again and shook his head.

"Guess I should've seen it coming. I heard she was going out with James recently." James was the player that was temporarily replacing Derek while he healed.

"Is that why you're holed up here?" She took a seat next to him. Derek wasn't typically a sharer, but when he was down enough, Casey knew he was like a patient talking to his therapist.

"Partly...plus it's too depressing to see my hockey friends anymore, including Sam. I'm jealous that they still get to play and I have to stay here." he gestured around the room.

"You'll be back out there in a few weeks. It isn't forever, stupid." she said softly. He let out a low laugh at her insult combined with her nice voice. It was typical Casey.

"Maggie was right, though...My reputation is going to be non-existent, except probably the fact that I'm officially a has-been." Derek pressed his forehead against his table, and clasped his fingers behind his head. "I'm so pathetic."

"You really are. I'm calling Sam." Casey stood up and walked over to the living room where her purse was.

"What? No! Case, stop!" Derek reached around for his crutch and hobbled over to her, but she was already on the phone with his best friend before he got to her.

"Sammy, code pink. Come over." she said briefly and tossed her phone back in her bag.

"Code pink?" Derek cocked an eyebrow. Casey only shrugged, crossing her arms. "Case, I don't want to see anyone to constantly remind me about-"

"Shut it, Der!" she put her hand over his mouth, and stepped up to him so their chests were touching. "You're not throwing everything away just because you feel like nobody's going to think you're cool anymore. The Derek I knew didn't care what people thought of him, and that's why they thought he was cool." she slid her palm over to his cheek, and cradled it. "Now stop being such a girl." with that last word, she gave him a light slap, and turned to the kitchen.

"Not that I'm saying you're right...but I hate when you're right." He called towards her. To that, her laughter instantly rang out.

Derek plopped himself on the couch, and next to her purse was a bag full of his favorite movies, still encased in plastic, which meant she just bought them. He flipped through them, and grinned. When did Casey get to know him so well?

"Another early birthday present." she walked back in from the kitchen, and reached in her purse for her phone, flicking through it quickly. "Sam's on his way up."
With that, she slung her bag over her shoulder and slid her flats onto her feet. "You better get your act together, Der. I'm coming back tomorrow. I'll call your dad, but you better cut the crap and get out of this..." she waved her arms around, "whatever it is." She looked around the room to be sure she wasn't forgetting anything, and there was a knock on the door. "Your sheets are cleaned and I made your bed. Try and keep this house decent until I come back tomorrow."

"Don't come back, Casey, I'm fine." he tried for a nicer tone.

"I'll believe that when I see it." Casey walked to the door, and swung the door open. Derek saw his best friend and instantly felt guilt ride over him. This was someone he should always feel comfortable with.

Sam's arms wound around Casey, and hugged her to his body. Derek didn't like the gesture, but didn't comment on it. It wasn't his place to say anything about their friendship anymore.

"How is he?" Sam asked casually, walking over to Derek, and putting his hands on his hips.

"Being a baby, as usual. Do your worst, Sammy."

"What, you're leaving?" Sam looked over to her, brows furrowed.

"Yeah, I have a paper due tomorrow and I promised coffee to this guy in my economics course." she shrugged on a sweater. Nobody noticed Derek making a face at the fact that she had a date to go on. "Derek." she pointed at him, and gave him a slight glare, not saying much else, then turning her attention to their mutual friend. "Sam...good luck." she shook her head, and walked out.

"Please tell me she cooked." Sam walked to the kitchen, finding a plate served for him, covered in foil. "I swear...I should've wifed her while I had the chance." he shook his head.
Derek rolled his eyes.

The night mainly consisted of them watching movies, and Sam encouraging him to get out of the damn apartment. Derek only groaned and apologized to his best friend. He didn't sugar coat why he was staying in. He told him everything he'd told Casey. When he was done, Sam lectured him the same as Casey, not afraid to be harsher, if anything.

"I can't believe Maggie." Sam shook his head.

"Yeah..." Derek shook his, too. "Casey called her a bitch." he chuckled.

Sam laughed a hearty laugh. "I believe that. Maggie was a bitch, but she saved a particular bitchiness for Casey. Good riddance."

"What do you mean a particular bitchiness?"

"C'mon, Der." Sam laughed. "You have to notice the sudden chill the room got when they were both in the presence of one another. Why do you think it's been months since we all hungout with Casey?"

Derek shrugged. "I just figured the Princess got another boyfriend or something." he said the word boyfriend distastefully, but Sam didn't comment on it. He never did when Derek acted jealous about Casey.

"Well, Maggie was jealous of Casey. Must be a hot girl thing." Sam said. "Most hot girls don't get along. They especially don't get along when their boyfriend is always with someone that's hotter than them."

Derek scoffed and threw a pillow in Sam's direction. "Don't ever say Casey McDonald is hotter than any of my girl friends ever again!" He shivered.

"Uh, Earth to Derek! She is hotter than any of your girlfriends. Why do you think they all hated her?"

"For the same reasons I do? She's always around nagging and trying to take care of me when she thinks I need help." Derek threw his arm over his eyes and tried to shield out the conversation.

"Some people actually see that as endearing. It doesn't help that Casey doesn't know that she's hot shit. She's humble, and that pisses girls off even more. You just see her as annoying because you think she's your sister that you can't get rid of." Sam said, nonchalantly eating another piece of garlic bread.

"Casey is not my sister, I refuse to acknowledge her as such, and so will you." Derek declared. To that, Sam turned and cocked his eyebrow up at him. "What?" Derek made a face.

"Why isn't she your sister?" a knowing smile spread across Sam's lips, and Derek was speechless. He only shook his head with his mouth hung open. "C'mon, Derek. You always tell me not to call her your sister. What is she to you?"

"She's Casey! She's...She's a...Dammit, Sam, what kind of mind games are you trying to play with me?" Derek stood up impatiently grabbing his crutch, and glared down at his longtime best friend.

"I'm not trying to play any mind games with you, Derek." Sam looked up at him with an amused smile. "I just want to know after about eight years of Casey living with you, you never once wanted to call her your sister, yet you can't stay away from her."

"I always try to get away from her!" Derek immediately defended himself. "She's just always there! Like today, I asked her to leave, and she dumped an ice cold bucket of water on me, telling me to suck it up!"

"Why would she do that?" Sam crossed his arms, and leaned back further into a couch. Now they were getting somewhere.

"I don't know, because she's infuriating?" Derek paced the room. "I can go on all day, really. She loves to do this. She loves to take care of people. She saw an opportunity, and she took it. It wasn't because it was just me, she did it because Casey needs to take care of people to sleep at night." Derek said harshly,

Sam stood up, too, halting Derek from his pacing, and stuffed his hands into his pockets, still expressing that knowing grin on his face. "While all of that may be true, Venturi, you're also wrong." he said, and pushed Derek onto the couch, taking away his crutch and pretending to walk around the room with it while Derek watched.
"Sure, she's infuriating. Believe me, I remember. And, yeah, she likes to take care of people, but is that really a flaw?" Sam held up his hand before Derek could answer him. "Don't answer that." He put his hand down, and continued. "But did you ever stop to think that she did this for you because she specifically cares about you? Honestly, Derek, if anyone can read Casey McDonald better than anyone else, it's you, and you know it."

"Difference is, I don't care about her." Derek shrugged and looked away. He felt Sam's eyes on him, and he groaned throwing his head back. "Okay, I care about her. I'm not a fucking robot, Sam."

"Now we're getting somewhere!" Sam exhaled, and sat on the coffee table across from Derek. "So you care about her...and?" Sam nodded at Derek as if to encourage him to speak more.

"And what?" Derek asked stupidly.

"God, Derek, do I have to spell it out for you? I'm tired of waiting for the two of you to open your eyes!" Sam exclaimed.

"What are you talking about now?" Derek asked, offended by his friends tone.

"You and Casey are in love with each other!" Sam yelled. "God!" Sam was standing over Derek now, waiting for a reaction, but all he got was a big fat moment of silence.
Derek's mouth hung open wide, and he blinked stupidly, because what the hell? Why on God's green Earth would Sam ever even consider that Derek was in-ugh-love-bleh-with Casey McDonald (shudder).
Sam grinned, and gave Derek a few seconds to ponder what he just said while he patted him on the shoulder and told him he was fixing them both a drink.

Derek took his time. Sure, he cared about Casey, but honestly, why wouldn't he? She was the reason he even graduated high school...or even gotten this far in college, really. She always did his laundry and cleaned up his apartment for him. Isn't that what most mother-like figures did, anyway? Casey was practically a mom. A very hot mom. Ugh...gross...
He shook the mom thought out of his head. Okay.
So she took care of him all the time. He'd already established that with Sam, though. What else?
She was probably the only girl he knew that could take his harsh criticism and sarcasm. Actually, she was probably the only girl who can shoot it straight back at him. That thought made him smile.
Think harder, Derek. Why else could there be a possibility of feelings there?
Then it all came crashing down.
Derek hated when Casey ever had boyfriends. He hated when she would miss a call for him, or take too long to reply to his text messages. He always got that awful feeling when he saw her talking to other guys on FaceBook, or in the quad at school. Whenever someone else made her smile, he'd always try to steal her away from him and talk to her until she was smirking along insults with him. Typically, she was the first person he thought to talk to everyday. The mere thought of life without Casey honestly made him sick to is stomach.

"I see you've put it together." Sam laughed and handed a glass to Derek, to which Derek threw back quickly, feeling the burn slide down his throat.

He groaned and leaned back into the couch, throwing his arm over his eyes. "Why Casey, though?"

"I don't know." Sam shrugged and took a sip of his drink easily. "It took me a while to see it. I don't know when I figured it out completely, but today it really settled it when Casey called me asking if I'd seen you...and then she cussed me out for not bothering to come over." he laughed

"Don't expect me to apologize for her." Derek rolled his eyes.

"No...I needed the cussing out. I should've stepped up to the plate before her, but I thought you had things under control." he sighed, and stood up. "Seeing as she took the liberty of doing your laundry, cleaning your house, making you dinner, and making sure you had entertainment," he gestured at the pile of DVDs. "I don't even know why I'm here except to tell you that you need to step up your game with her before it's too late."

"Doubt it'd ever be too late."

"I don't know, Der. I saw the guy that asked her out earlier. He was pretty hot. And he had a pile of books. You know how Casey digs smart guys." Sam teased him.

"Please. Don't even insult me." Derek smirked at his friend confidently.

"Really, though, Derek...you need to open your eyes and realize what's right-fucking-there." Sam pat his head. "I'll be over in a few days. Busy with classes and girls and whatnot."

With that, his best friend left.
Derek groaned, and threw himself across the couch and covered his face with his hands. Curse his best friend for throwing all of this feelings crap on him when he was still in depression mode over not being able to play hockey and practically losing everything that was important to him the moment he broke his leg.
Regardless of the revelation that was discovered tonight, he decided he wouldn't act on those...ugh...feelings until he knew for sure it was mutual between him and Casey.


The next chapter will be up in a couple days. It's already written, just need to edit.

I know I suck and haven't updated any of my fics, but I'm in the midst of writer's block -_-. Don't hate me. This story will hopefully make up for it.

Please review, and tell me what you think?