Second Chances Ch 2: The Ceremony, a life with derek fanfic

"Second Chances"

Chapter 2: The Ceremony

A/N #1: Hey this may be a faster update but I wanted to update because of the premiere of "Vacation with Derek" which was great.

A/N #2: For the longest time, I didn't know WHAT Casey should say during her speech (I didn't like most of the original one) plus she was "wingin' it" and she had to have a Winchester mentality when talking about the future (if that makes sense). So some of her speech in this has some of the original but it was definitely longer (my own valedictorian had an amazing 12 minute speech that was definitely inspiration, funny and thankfully on Youtube =D). Casey's speech is in BOLD. (Italics are still thoughts).

A/N #3: I just want to thank everyone for reviewing, reading and alerting my story. It means a lot to me and things do pick up after this whole graduation ceremony bit. Thanks again for reading and reviewing! I love you all for it!

Disclaimers: I don't own Life with Derek or Supernatural. They belong to their respective owners (I thank them for creating them in the first place).

Full Summary: Graduation is finally here and both Casey and Derek are thrilled. But will a visit from two strangers get Derek to realize what he has right in front of him before it's too late? Now what if these two strangers cause Casey to act differently than what Derek is use to? [Set during 'Futuritis'] Crossover with SPN (pre-series).

Remember: John Winchester is Nora McDonald-Venturi's older brother (Siblings: John, Nora & Fiona)

Casey's POV:

[Sat. June 26, 2004]

Once I got inside the school, the atmosphere just hit me all at once. In just a few moments, I would be a high school graduate. It felt so surreal that I couldn't really believe it now that it was here. Sam and Dean were here to celebrate with me, Aunt Nora, Lizzie and the Venturis were here to support me (and Derek) and then everything is going to change. For better or for worse, I don't know at this point but I can't think about it right now. I have to get through graduation and my speech. Now is definitely the time to embrace my Winchester identity.

"Casey!" I turned around at the sound of my name and I found Emily rushing over to me while carrying a blue graduation gown in her hands as she was already wearing hers.

"Emily, hi!" I greeted back as I embraced my best friend at Thompson High. Emily was my very first friend here and I'll never forget that. She's helped me go through a lot when I couldn't get a hold of Sam or Dean. I'll definitely miss Emily Davis.

"So you excited?" Emily asked as she pulled away.

"You could say that." I blew out a big breath. The ceremony would be starting any minute now. I just wish I was sitting with Emily instead of on stage. Being valedictorian has me sitting on stage then in the first row with the rest of the students but either way, students were seated alphabetically for efficiently. (A/N: My graduation had us formatted this way plus it made more sense for me so just go with it.)

"Might I say, you look amazing Case, it's a shame these gowns cover it up."

"Thanks Em and I see what you mean. All I see is blue on you." Emily laughed and I just smiled. Emily did have a way of distracting me by talking about 'girl stuff.'

"Anyways, I grabbed your gown for you." Emily handed me my own graduation gown and I couldn't help but hug her as I expressed a thank you. "I figured you might be preoccupied with your speech." She quickly explained as we pulled apart.

"That's very sweet Em, thanks." I started putting the gown on as she ushered me closer to the auditorium.

"No problem. You ready?"

"I think so." I took another deep breath.

"You'll be fine Casey, just relax." Emily assured me and I could only nod. Before I knew it, one of the teachers was escorting me to the stage to take my seat as Emily joined the rest of the graduates to take their designate seat.

Everyone was getting seated at this point. The lights were a little blinding but I could still see where everyone was. I could see Aunt Nora and the others seated on my right, I could see Sam and Dean standing in the back as Dean was casually leaning on the wall. Strangely enough I saw Derek's friends, Ralph and Sam, standing a few feet away from my brothers yet close to the door instead of in their seats. That got me suspicious but I continued to search the audience as the room got quiet. I could see Emily in the second row as well as a few fellow students. I could see the empty chair near the end of the graduates' row and I knew that Derek was still not here. I couldn't believe he was actually skipping his own graduation. Sam and Dean didn't get to go to their own against their will yet he chose to skip his. Unbelievable.

"And now it gives me great pleasure to introduce Sir John Sparrow Thompson High's class valedictorian, Casey McDonald." It was Mr. Lassiter's introduction that brought me out of my thought and I was stunned to a point that I thought I couldn't feel my legs. The clapping got me out of my stupor as I made my way towards the podium as Mr. Lassiter took my seat.

"Thank you Mr. Lassiter." I automatically replied and I got a nod in response before I looked back out in the audience. I took a deep breath as I looked immediately to my brothers as they brought two thumbs up in encouragement. I gave a small smile before I continued.

"Good afternoon parents, teachers and my fellow graduates." I took a deep breath as I gripped the podium tightly. I slowly exhaled and smiled as I let the thoughts whirl in my head, remembering what Dean told me and just generalize my feelings.

"I was supposed to give this inspiring speech about the future but I don't really know where to start. For one, I am excited for the future but the truth is I'm also scared." My grip loosened and I was subconsciously twirling the silver ring on my finger as I remembered why I was scared. I'm scared to dive into a hunter's life because of all the uncertainty it holds. Never knowing whether it's the hunt that makes or breaks you, not knowing what will happen next. I was so use to predictability for the past few years, I'm scared to see that diminish. Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic to be reunited with my brothers but I just wish we could stay and have a normal life together…..I know that won't be a possibility until we kill the thing that killed our mom. I just started listing things that came through my mind, making sure to make them relatable to everyone.

"I'm scared about leaving this part of my life behind, scared to say goodbye, scared for change in general because the future is unpredictable, unexpected, unreliable to a point that everything can change in an instant, whether it's a good change or a bad change, no one knows. The point though is that you choose what to make of it. It's up to us to decide how we want to live our lives." I paused to catch my breath before I released the podium all together. I tried to minimize the hand gestures but some couldn't be avoided.

"See we make all these plans and we hope we're doing the right thing but the truth is, we have no idea. We could be making a huge mistake and for all we know, something could get in the way. What we choose to do with those obstacles in life is what makes us grow as a person." The fire was the first thing that came to mind, it torn the family apart and it took away our mom, our home and our ability to live an innocent life because once we learned what was truly out there, you're not really innocent anymore. The next obstacle I could think of was moving in with Aunt Nora. I was dead set against it but it eventually turned into a positive since I learned a lot of things during my stay in Canada.

"There are so many adventures out there just waiting for us to take a chance, to take a risk and to just live life to the fullest as we found ourselves. It's better to do something and be wrong about it than to do nothing and regret it." I knew I was being a hypocrite on that last part but I couldn't help it. There are certain aspects of life I'd rather remain in the 'what if' category because I'm too afraid of what reality would make of it. Revealing certain emotions to certain people is something I don't want to deal with right now, not at the chance of risking the already rocky dynamic between us. I can't afford any awkward moments at my expense. I took a pause as I looked to my peers.

"I know my fellow graduates have mixed emotions about the future but I hope this advice comes in handy for them one day. Whatever you choose to do, from this point forward, just remember, take any opportunity you get, live like there is no tomorrow, live with no regrets and spend all your time enjoying something that you love. Don't forget the loving support you get from your family and friends because what is life if you can't share it with the people you love? I raised an eyebrow to see if any one would object to the last part and I just saw a couple of nods of agreement and I couldn't help but smirk a little.

"Someone told me that I have 'futuritis' but in a way, I think all graduates have that, even if they acknowledge it or not." I couldn't help but chuckle a little as I quoted Derek from last night. It may not be a word, but what it represents does matter and I'm glad that Derek brought it up last night. I quietly clapped my hands together as I was planning to end off my speech.

"So, graduates of Thompson High, it's time for us to embrace our fears, to stand up, to do something…..even if you risk making a total fool of yourself. I say thanks for everyone to everyone because we didn't get to this point alone. Graduates, it's been a pleasure, and who knows, we may run into each other in the future. Congratulations everyone and let the adventures begin because I'm not running. Thank you."

Once I said it was time my hands weren't together but in a pumped up movement as I gestured to the crowd as I was giving my thanks and ending the speech. I gave a confident smirk which turned into a smile as the applause broke out. I could hear graduates calling my name and I could have sworn I heard my brothers simultaneously call out 'yeah Casey' to me which made my smile widen.

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Mr. Lassiter was making his way towards me as he was going to take over the podium but before he could dismiss me back to my seat in the first row of the graduates, the back door opened up with a disguised Edwin running through the auditorium to the stage, in his 'Edweirdo' wrestling outfit. I could only roll my eyes at Edwin's prank and I looked to Dean who was just very amused at the attempt. Sam, on the other hand, wasn't expecting that. I'm just thankful Edwin waited until after my speech because I didn't write any of it down. I did catch a glimpse of George's face and I think he paled when he saw that it was Edwin that was interrupting the ceremony. I had to bite my lip to prevent myself from laughing as Edwin was making weird sound effects.

"Yo!" Edwin greeted as he remained masked and standing only a few feet away from me.

"Who is that masked man?" The principal questioned as it sounded like he was going to loose his temper.

"I…am…..Edwin…Venturi." Edwin revealed as he slowly removed his mask.

"There's another one?" Mr. Lassiter looked furiously in George's direction and I saw him shrink down in his seat just a little.

"And I'll see you all in September! Venturi away!" Edwin took a bow before running off the stage with Mr. Lassiter closely behind him as he calls out "Come back here!" I had noticed that Ralph and Sam helped Edwin in his escape before they made their way to their assigned seats (thankfully they were at the end of their rows).

With the departure of Mr. Lassiter chasing Edwin, the crowd was talking about the ceremony's prank. I knew I had to do something so I raised my hands to get the voices to stop, repeatedly saying 'settle down'. Eventually it worked until all attention was back on me again.

"Well, I can't say that I wasn't expecting that but let's get this show on the road. I have a feeling some graduates just want to get their diploma already, am I right?" My answer was a round of applause from the graduates and I gave a small chuckle. "Alright then lets…." I was interrupted by the back door again but with Mr. Lassiter walking back through, all the audience's attention was on the principal. "Welcome back Mr. Lassiter. Shall we continue the ceremony?" I questioned while he made his way to the podium.

"Yes lets. I apologize for the interruption and thank you Casey for that wonderful speech." I nodded in appreciation before I headed to my seat in the front row. Graduates around me were whispering 'great job' or 'nicely done' and all I could do was say thank you.

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Mr. Lassiter started calling the graduates up to receive their diploma alphabetically and everyone was clapping after each graduate went up to receive their diploma with most parents taking a picture of that moment when their child is handed their high school diploma.

My smile widened when the ones I've had memories with got their diploma.

"…..Noel Covington….." Noel was my costar in the spring play last year and we still remained friends after that whole miserable blind date thing that Derek and I tried to set up between him and Kendra. Noel is heading to Toronto to pursue a career in the performing arts or maybe in literature, he hadn't decided which since the last time we talked extensively.

"…..Emily Davis….." Emily has been there for me through practically everything and for that I'm truly grateful. There are a few things she doesn't know about me but other than that, she's been a great friend. Emily is going to Toronto in the Fall and I do hope I get some time to say goodbye to her this week.

"…..Truman French….." Truman was definitely something and even though I'm still mad at him for kissing cousin Victoria, it was because of him that I was able to blame my 'sudden' attitude change that brought me closer to myself yet some would say I would be acting like Dean. Either way it's who I am and I love it. Thankfully Truman is heading off to Halifax so the chances of me running into him again in the future are slim to none.

"…..Trevor Jones….." Although the friendship started out because of a bet, I'm glad to say that Trevor is a friend. He's a great guy and an excellent example of the common lesson 'don't judge a book by its cover' because Trevor is a sweet guy with a punk exterior. I think he's heading for Toronto as he continues his studies in human rights.

"…..Kendra Mason….." Even though it started off with her using me for a project and then to get to Derek, Kendra wasn't that bad. She did attempt to help me on occasion and it was kind of thanks to her that I met Max when I did. I don't know if Kendra would be considered a friend but she's definitely more than an acquaintance like some of my fellow graduates. I believe Kendra is staying in London as she goes after a career in fashion.

"…..Casey McDonald….." At the sound of my name I made my way to the stage to receive my diploma. I could already see Aunt Nora in place to take that picture and once Mr. Lassiter handed me the document, a flash went off. I thanked the principal before I made my way back down to my seat as the clapping continued. I caught a glimpse of my smiling brothers before I took my seat with a smile of my own.

"…..Max Miller….." Max and I haven't spoken that much since the break up but we don't have hard feelings like I do with Truman at the moment. Max ended up going back to his ex-girlfriend Amy a few weeks after our 'closure' ceremony. Thinking back, I'm kind of glad we didn't get back together because I didn't want to become the person I was when I was with him and because of other feelings I had for someone else. I think Max got a football scholarship to Western. I think if him and Derek went to the same school, their sports rivalry would have still continued.

"…..Ralph Papadapolis….." I was surprised that Ralph graduated (it was also a shock for the teachers) since he isn't the 'sharpest tool in the shed' but he is a great guy. It wasn't too long ago that I was told that Ralph was Derek but in a way, I'm kind of glad he wasn't Derek. I personally got to see what a guy Ralph is that one weekend he stayed over. He was great company and he got along really well with the McDonald-Venturis. Ralph is staying in London with Amanda, possibly going to community college maybe. Who knows, he might perfect his drumming abilities.

"…..Sam Richards….." Sam was accepting his diploma and I couldn't help but smile a little. A lot happened between Sam and I and I'm glad that we decided to remain friends. He was definitely supportive when I needed it and he tried getting Derek to back off on his torture on me so I should be thankful for that too. Sam got into Queens on a hockey scholarship. Maybe that's a possible school Derek was referring to.

There were a few more students before Mr. Lassiter was about to announce the last student, Derek.

"And, uh, last but certainly not least…." All of a sudden the auditorium lights go out and its pitch black in the room and stadium music is playing before "Derek Venturi" was announced like it would at an arena.

Suddenly the spotlights turn on and there in the limelight stood Derek Venturi. Everyone didn't know what to say but there were whispers and gasps throughout the crowd. A few moments later, Derek's student photo dropped down in the background like a fast-moving projection screen and he continued to smile like he was king of the world.

Smoke effects and wind effects surrounded Derek as he looked into the crowd of his fellow graduates. I could have sworn at one point he locked eyes with mine and he still held his smile. I couldn't help it but his name escaped my lips in awe. There clearly is only one Derek Venturi.

With help from Sam and Ralph, the graduates were chanting Derek's name as they raised their diplomas. I followed along because I too was impressed with his prank. I guess he wouldn't be Derek if he didn't enter his graduation like that and I'm glad he did decide to come.

Derek raises his hands to lower the chanting of his name before he spoke into his microphone. "My fellow graduates, we did it, so let's make some noise!" With that the graduates got up to head on stage to join Derek while Mr. Lassiter tried to get us all under control with no such luck. Balloons started to fall and some confetti as many of the graduates hugged each other to celebrate. I ended up hugging Emily, Sam, Ralph and I think I could have snuck a hug in from Derek if he didn't go talk to Mr. Lassiter.

Lizzie and Marti ended up joining us on stage as the rest of the parents remained seated as some of them laughed to the fact that their child just completed a milestone. I was jumping up and down after Lizzie hugged me and I couldn't help but wave at Aunt Nora and my brothers, who seem very pleased by our display of celebration. I couldn't believe it, I'm finally a high school graduate. I couldn't stop smiling.

Dean's POV

By the time we got into the auditorium, mostly everyone was seated. I saw Casey heading for the stage while Sam dragged me to a spot against the back wall beside two other graduates, one of them didn't look like they were wearing pants. Interesting.

Sam nudged me again in the gut and I just stared at him once again.

"Quit hitting me, once was enough."

"Quit spacing out then."

"You space out more than me." I retorted back.

"Yet you're doing it a lot today."

"Can you really blame me, I got a lot to think about and process."

"What's there to think about?"

"You serious Sammy? It's the first time in four years we get to see Casey, my mind is whirling, why isn't yours?"

"Oh, it's whirling, I can just multitask better than you."

"Oh shut up. Anyways, Casey's up." We remained silent as Casey headed towards the podium when she was called. I wish she was called 'Casey Winchester' but I knew it couldn't happen. Casey's eyes seemed to roam the crowd before she landed on us. We gave her thumbs up for encouragement because from what I could see, she was definitely nervous.

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Casey's speech was incredible and I couldn't believe that she considered that as wingin' it. If she hadn't called last night about ripping up her original speech, I would have thought that this was the one she spend days writing up. As we all clapped at the end of her speech I saw that confident smirk on her face and I knew that she felt like herself. I looked to Sam and he seemed to get the same idea as we both yelled 'yeah Casey' simultaneously. I couldn't help but chuckle as I saw her smile widened, I knew she heard us.

"It seems like your talk with her last night made her speech perfect."

"Thank you for noticing my contribution." I quipped as the clapping continued.

"You're impossible you know that." I could sense that Sam rolled his eyes at me but I held my gaze to the stage.

"I figured you'd be use to it by now."

"Whatever man….." Before Sam could finish his sentence there was this weird guy in a wrestling costume that burst through the doors close to us and he ran to the stage. I was highly amused since he practically looked like a homemade superhero only kids dream of becoming. The kid had great timing because if he interrupted my sister's speech, I think I was going to have to pound him.

"Who is that masked man?" The principal questioned as it sounded like he was going to loose his temper.

"I…am…..Edwin…Venturi." Edwin revealed as he slowly removed his mask. My eyes widened at the last name…..it couldn't be.

"Do you think that's-" Sam whispered but was interrupted once again.

"There's another one?" Mr. Lassiter looked furiously to a guy who just sunk down in his seat just a little.

"And I'll see you all in September! Venturi away!" Edwin took a bow before running off the stage with Mr. Lassiter closely behind him as he calls out "Come back here!" The two graduates close by earlier rushed to open the door for the prankster's escape before they made their way to their seats with the other graduates. Guess that's why they were back here.

"I'm guessing we just met stepbrother number two." I stated as I looked around the distracted crowd.

"I assume no one was expecting that."

"Except for Casey."

"What do you mean?" Sam turned to me for answers as Casey tried to calm the crowd.

"She looked like she was expecting something to happen. I'm just glad it was after her speech." I explained.

"Me too." Sam agreed. The principal walked back in at that time and took his place at the podium where he apologized to the crowd and praised Casey for her speech before she left the stage to her new seat.

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The principal started calling students up to get their diplomas and I knew it would be awhile until Casey was called.

"She was amazing, wasn't she? I can't believe she thought of most of that on the spot." I broke the silence between me and Sam as we continued to clap when the others did.

"Yeah, she may have changed during the past four years but it still looks like she has the same insight about the future. Pros and cons with what we do and all."

"Can't really blame her, she's finally had a taste of a normal life while we've had it before the fire."

"Yeah I guess you're right."

"I always am." I said back as a reflex. It was a few seconds later that Sam's words registered in my head. "She may have changed? No Sam, she has definitely changed in the past four years."

"Physically yes but she's still the same old Casey." Sam tried to reason but I wasn't going to have any of that. My role as a brother has just doubled its list of responsibilities like watching out for her dates or making sure no guy took advantage of her.

"No, she's the same old Casey with a teenage girl's internal hard drive." Sam raised an eyebrow at me.

"Are you even listening to what your saying Dean? Internal hard drive?" Sam smirked and I had to groan while I continued to clap.

"You know what I mean. Grown up Casey is gorgeous, just like mom, and she still has that attitude of hers. How the hell am I gonna keep the guys off her?" I've always been protective of Casey growing up, it just so happens that now it's going to be turned up a notch.

"Compliments and some paranoia Dean, wow." Sam quipped and it was getting annoying.

"Shut up. I know you're worried too." I told him and he just nodded but before he spoke, the principal's voice stopped him.

"…..Casey McDonald….." Both Sam and I were smiling as we watched Casey get up on stage to receive her diploma. I saw a woman get out from the aisle and position herself to take a picture just like some of the parents had previously done. I could only assume that it was Aunt Nora until she took Casey's picture. I was clapping louder as she scanned the crowd again to find us and she smiled to us before getting back to her seat.

"Yeah I am but I'm not overreacting. She can take care of herself in that department." Sam continued on with our discussion.

"She shouldn't have to." I replied back.

"But she's proven that she can take care of herself these past four years. After living with you she knows how to deal with guys." Sam did have a good point. Casey has already been introduced with dating when she stayed here and growing up with us got her exposed to the 'parental approved' and the 'parental disapproved' behaviors of a guy. So it would be safe to say that she knows what certain moves from a guy meant, right? I sure hope so; I'd have to clarify with her later.

"It just seems like she's growing up too fast." I simply stated.

"Yeah, she was only fifteen the last time we saw her."

Before I could bring up that I had missed Casey, the lights in the auditorium went out and it was pitch black. I was hoping that it wasn't a demon but those thoughts were gone once I heard the stadium music playing followed by a male voice announcing "Derek Venturi" as if we were at some sport's arena. Oh boy.

Suddenly the spotlights turn on and there in the limelight stood the guy Casey danced with during the contest weeks ago, Derek Venturi. Everyone didn't know what to say but there were whispers and gasps throughout the crowd. A few moments later, Derek's student photo dropped down in the background like a fast-moving projection screen and he continued to smile like he was king of the world. That's some kid.

"Looks like stepbrother number one knows how to make an entrance." I couldn't help but say with a smirk while Sam gave a slight chuckle.

"Seems like Casey wasn't exaggerating when she said the Venturis were pranksters. Kind of like you, Dean." I had to give a small laugh to that as some of our memories involving our prank wars came flooding back.

"Good times."

Smoke effects and wind effects surrounded Derek as he looked into the crowd of his fellow graduates. I could have sworn at one point he stalled in Casey's direction but I couldn't really tell from back here but he was still smiling.

The graduates started chanting Derek's name as they raised their diplomas. I couldn't help but think that Casey wasn't exaggerating once again when she said that Derek was basically 'King of the School.' This just proved that this guy had a way with people.

Derek raises his hands to lower the chanting of his name before he spoke into his microphone. "My fellow graduates, we did it, so let's make some noise!" With that the graduates got up to head on stage to join Derek while the principal tried to get them all under control with no such luck. Balloons started to fall and some confetti as many of the graduates hugged each other to celebrate. I saw Casey hug a few guys and I think she tried to hug Derek too but I doubt it happened since she did mention that he had a 'no hugging' policy.

Lizzie and another little girl ended up joining Casey and the others on stage as the rest of the parents remained seated as some of them laughed to the fact that their child just graduated. If only dad were here to see this. I saw Casey start jumping up and down with excitement as if she was a little girl on Christmas morning again and I couldn't help but smile. In so many ways Casey has grown up but in others, she's still my Baby Girl. I'm glad that some things will never change with my baby sister.

"That was some ending." Sam complimented as we watched the scene unfold before us.

"Yeah, but it looks like Casey will be awhile, let's head outside. Too many parents for my liking." I suggested as I headed towards the door as some parents were getting out of their seats to find their respective teenager.

"No wonder you have that rule." I rolled my eyes as Sam followed behind me.

"Geez you think? Now come on." I replied with sarcasm before getting serious. I never liked parents because they always think they have authority over everyone who's younger than them plus they are always sizing you up. It's annoying.

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Once we reached the Impala, I took out my cell phone, ready to text Casey that we were outside. I wasn't expecting her to text back immediately but at least she'd know we didn't just bail.

"You regret it right? The years we've missed?" I broke the silence a few moments later as I leaned on my car as Sam paced in front of me. My question caused him to stop in his place and looked at me. He knew then that I was being serious. We never really talked much about the years we weren't allowed to call Casey.

"Yeah, maybe if we all fought harder against Dad's order, maybe things would have been different." Sam finally answered to which I only nodded.

"Yeah maybe but then Casey wouldn't have had this experience and you know it." I countered and he only sighed.

"I know, I just can't help but wonder." There was silence again and I was tempted to go into my car and put some of my classic rock music on but I resisted as I saw some people leaving the school.

"Do you really think she fell in love with him?" I blurted out before I realized what I said.

"Who knows, she's only nineteen but we could always observe the two of them together. Compare it to couples we know." Sam suggested. I think the question caught him off guard since I usually avoided the 'love' subject but if it involves Casey, I'll talk emotions if I have to. If it is the real deal for Casey, I don't know what's going to happen when we have to leave next week.

"Like mom and dad?"

"Well it would be harder for me to remember but yeah basically." Sam sighed.

"Alright then, enough of that, I see Casey and Aunt Nora coming this way." I informed Sam so that there wasn't a chance for Casey to overhear our conversation. He nodded in response as Casey got closer and closer.

Derek's POV

I hid backstage as everyone was getting into position but no one could see me. Before anyone came in, I made an easy path from backstage to both the hallway and the center of the stage. I couldn't wait to pull my prank so before I knew it, Mr. Lassiter was announcing for Casey to make her speech. I noticed that she was a little tense and nervous before she began. I was tempted to just ignore her boring speech but a part of me wanted to know what she came up with, with only one night of working on it. It usually wasn't like Casey to do things at the last minute, that sounds more like me but I usually pay Edwin to do the work on such short notice.

"Good afternoon parents, teachers and my fellow graduates." Typical Casey intro.

"I was supposed to give this inspiring speech about the future but I don't really know where to start. For one, I am excited for the future but the truth is I'm also scared." I couldn't believe that Casey actually admitted to weakness in front of everyone, she rarely does that. I tried to concentrate on her words as I peeked around the curtains that still covered me.

"I'm scared about leaving this part of my life behind, scared to say goodbye, scared for change in general because the future is unpredictable, unexpected, unreliable to a point that everything can change in an instant, whether it's a good change or a bad change, no one knows. The point though is that you choose what to make of it. It's up to us to decide how we want to live our lives." I couldn't help but think that she did have a point. I'm scared of those things too but I'll never admit them. I've always been 'King of the School' and next year, I'll be in a bigger school with so many people that have never heard of me before. Intimidating right?

"There are so many adventures out there just waiting for us to take a chance, to take a risk and to just live life to the fullest as we found ourselves. It's better to do something and be wrong about it than to do nothing and regret it." I couldn't help but scoff to myself when Casey mentioned taking a risk and living a full life. That sounds just odd coming from a keener like Casey who thrives on order and preparations. What does she know about taking risks?

"Someone told me that I have 'futuritis' but in a way, I think all graduates have that, even if they acknowledge it or not."I couldn't help but smile from the mention of our disagreement last night. It seems like she does pay attention after all.

As Casey ended her speech and the audience was clapping, I had to resist the urge to clap too. Through her speech, I noticed Casey never looking down and if I really thought about it, she didn't have any cue cards with her when she approached the podium. "Quite impressive Case," I whispered to myself as I slipped out into the hallway once I saw Mr. Lassiter get out of Casey's original seat.

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I knew Edwin would be interrupting the ceremony at this point so I rushed to get in place in Mr. Lassiter's office as I was suppose to wait for Edwin. It wasn't until I took a seat in the principal's chair did I hear accelerated footsteps in the hallway. I couldn't help but smirk since I knew it was Mr. Lassiter chasing Edwin down. I was confirmed when the footsteps came to a stop in front of the office door.

"Principal Lassiter, we haven't been formally introduced." I could Edwin say outside the door.

"Oh I think we'll have lots of time to get to know each other…..You can take a seat in Derek's chair, Edwin. Or should I call you, Derek Jr.?" I rolled my eyes at Mr. Lassiter's attempt to seem intimidating to Edwin as I had my back turned from the door.

"That's the coolest thing anyone has ever called me!" I was amused by Edwin's enthusiasm and I shortly heard the door opened followed by a click. I slowly turned around to see only Edwin standing by the door. I glanced down at my watch.

"Eleven seconds late…not bad for a rookie." I loosened up at the end as I was impressed for Edwin's first prank at Thompson High. Edwin smiled at my approval while still catching his breath.

"Thanks Bro but shouldn't you be getting into position?" Edwin pointed out and I glanced at my watch again. Mr. Lassiter would have started the ceremony up again by now. I slowly got out of the principal's chair and headed for the door.

"That I should, come on Ed." Edwin followed me back to backstage where he stood by the switchboard for the lights and the controls for the sound system in the auditorium. Edwin was supposed to return back to the off once I mad my final announcement so that Mr. Lassiter didn't give him more trouble. No need to have Edwin expelled from Thompson High before he started.

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I was now in the same spot I was less than 15 minutes ago when Casey gave her speech. Mr. Lassiter had just given Trevor Jones his diploma when I arrived so I took the time to double all that was around me. I signaled to Edwin to make sure he was set (which he was) before I turned to my own graduation gown that I put off to the side. By the time I finished putting the gown on, Casey was called out to get her diploma. I snuck a peak and saw that Nora was taking a few pictures. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the typical parental action.

It wasn't long before Ralph and Sam got their diplomas. I was amused that Ralph wasn't wearing any pants, the guy could be really clueless most of the time but it was always funny. I was the last of all the students which was fine by me, can't have anyone coming after me now can we? I quickly grabbed the turned off microphone that was still connected to the sound system as I waited for Mr. Lassiter's attempt to introduce me.

"And, uh, last but certainly not least…." Edwin cut Mr. Lassiter off as he flicked all of the auditorium lights off, causing the room to be pitch black in darkness. I used that opportunity to sneak out to the middle of the stage. Meanwhile Edwin started playing the stadium music I burned on the CD that played before my name was announced like it would at an arena. Did you expect anything else?

I was standing proud and ready as Edwin flicked the spotlights on to me as I gave a cocky smile to the crowd which was followed by many gasps and whispers. It was seconds later that my huge photo descended in the background like a fast-moving projection thanks to Edwin's help (he pulled the rope).

I continued to smile as I looked into the crowd as my smoke and wind effects were still in action. I knew Mr. Lassiter was freaking out by the podium but I didn't care once I spotted Casey. Her expression surprised me the most, I thought she would have one of those 'Derek-I-can't-believe-you-did-that' type of face but I could have sworn that she looked impressed as if she approved. That just kept me smiling because for once I wasn't going to get a lecture from her about my pranks.

As everyone started chanting my name, I got a glimpse of two guys in the back that I haven't seen before but they both seemed pretty amused. Guess they know a good prank when they see one. I swear, at one point I thought I heard my dad chant my name too. I bet Nora isn't too happy about that.

I calmed the crowd down before I turned on my microphone. "My fellow graduates, we did it, so let's make some noise!" With that the graduates got up to head on stage to join me while Mr. Lassiter tried to get us all under control with no such luck. Balloons started to fall and some confetti as many of the graduates hugged each other to celebrate. A lot of people came up to praise me on my prank as I side-hugged some of my teammates and high-fived others before making my way over to Mr. Lassiter to get my diploma.

"Derek Venturi, how could you?" Mr. Lassiter grabbed my shoulder as he tried to scold me. He's the one to blame for putting the prank idea in my head.

"Oh c'mon, loosen up Lassie." I quipped back as I knocked a balloon out of the way. Mr. Lassiter just tried pointing a finger at me as he fumbled on his words.

"Why you-oh, what the heck-ski." Mr. Lassiter raised his fist and I gave in to a pound before he handed me my diploma. "Here" I nodded a thank you before turning back to my fellow graduates.

Everyone was hyper and dancing at this point and I was eventually tackled by Marti who joined us on stage with Lizzie (I assume she found Casey). I carried Marti and danced with her in my arms while the parents remained seated. I think I saw my dad and Nora laughing, possibly forgetting my prank at the moment. I couldn't keep the excitement down as I was finally done with high school. Let the adventures begin.

A/N #4: How was it? I didn't know Trevor's last name so I made one up plus at one point the series said Kendra was in the grade ahead of them but she was still on the show when Casey and Derek were in their senior year so I assume she's in the same boat as Derek was (failed a grade). Next chapter is when Derek meets Sam and Dean Winchester and it's going to be something. Question: Would you rather see their dinner at home (like on the show) or at a restaurant? I think I could show Dean's womanizing ways at a restaurant ;D

A/N #5: Usually I won't do three POVs but I originally had Derek eavesdropping on Sam and Dean but then that didn't really work out with his prank AND I wanted that specific discussion between the Winchester brothers. Sorry if it seemed repetitive at some parts but I'll try to minimize that as we move further on.

A/N #6: I just saw "Vacation with Derek" and it's amazing! I don't want to give it away but there were so many possible DASEY moments that I was seriously squealing when I saw them. You actually see Derek and Casey as they usually are as well as laughing and having fun with each other too! I already have so many one shot ideas to make Dasey but I have to watch it again. There are age inconsistencies but I definitely loved it when Casey made a decision (so many options for us fanfic writers!) I couldn't help but he a Casey/Jesse fan too.

A/N #7: Back to my story, thanks again for reading this chapter, please review and tell me what you think and I'll get started on the next chapter! THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE! Have a great weekend!

Originally Published: June 26, 2010

(TOTALLY freaky, I just realized that it's the same date I had the ceremony take place on just 6 years ago)