Sorry it's been so long since my last update. My internet's been back for a while, but I was too lazy to actually take the time to post... oy, and now that I am updating, it's really short... I'm sorry! But, well, I'll update again soon and I promise it'll be longer next time! Hope you enjoy this installment despite it's lack of content... (T.T)

Disclaimer: Nope, nope. Don't own it.

Oh hey, just noticed! It's... double digits! Yay! Blow out the candles, Mr. ficcy! You're 10! eh... sorry. um.. enjoy!

Summer Heat
Chapter 10: Schoolgirls, Sprained Ankles, and Questions

CCC

That night I lay on the couch thinking when Derek came in. He walked past the couch, not even looking in my direction, then laid on the floor and pulled the blanket up to his chin.

After a while I realized that my thoughts were completely on him and I couldn't get him out of my head.

Ah! I though, hitting my head with my palm, I feel like a stupid little schoolgirl! I have to know for sure…

"…Derek?"

Pause. Scuffle. Sigh.

"What?"

"…uh… do y… do you… um… nevermind…"

I can't! I can't do it! How stupid will I sound if he doesn't? But I… I really wanna know…

I opened my mouth to speak again, but thought better of it and just turned over to go to sleep.

DDD

The next morning I got up early, which is completely unlike me, but I had to do it to avoid Casey. She almost asked me something last night. I mean, I suppose a question starting with 'do you' could be just about anything in the world, but… considering the events of the past few days there's one that glows a little brighter than the rest…

Either way, though, she just has to be avoided. I can't let her ask me anything, no matter what it may be.

Anyway, I woke up Sam and the two of us went out for a morning run. It was pretty enjoyable, actually. Well, up until the point where I tripped over some old lady's dog. I twisted my ankle pretty badly, but of course that's not what the lady was thinking of. She bolted (a lot quicker than you'd expect) towards the dog and grabbed him, then started shouting at us about how 'he could've been killed' and 'you should watch where you're going'. Once she had finally left, Sam helped me up and we limped back to the condo. Luckily Casey had already gotten up, so I laid on the couch.

"I'll get some ice," Sam said, then got up to leave.

When he came back, I put the ice on my ankle, then told him I was beat and just closed my eyes and tried to get some rest.

CCC

Later that evening, I was reading in the kitchen when Sam came in.

"Hey Case, we're going to go get dinner, you wanna come?"

"No thanks," I said, "Not in the mood."

Sam nodded, "I understand. See you when you get back."

He started to leave, then seemed to remember something and turned at the door.

"Oh yeah, Derek's ankle is hurt so he's not coming. Could you take care of him for me? Thanks!" and with that, he turned and left.

"Wait Sam!" I called after him, "I can't take care of… him…"

But he was already gone.

"Damn," I cursed, "Why'd I get stuck with this?"

I tried to stay in the kitchen so I wouldn't have to see him and therefore not have to help or interact with him. After a little while, though, I started to get really bored with what I was reading.

I got up and walked to the door, looking down the hallway. I made a face at it.

"Why do you have to do this to me?"

It was then that I realized this could be my perfect chance to ask him. Nobody else is here and he's incapacitated, so he's a little bit less threatening. I gathered up all of my courage, then started to walk to the living room.

"Hey," I said as I moved to my suit case and dropped my book in, "How're you feeling?"

"Fine," he said tiredly, starting to sit up.

"I have a question to ask."

"Um, not right now. I'm not feeling well," he said, sort of quickly.

"It's, uh, kind of important," I said, moving my eyes to his face, which was down toward the couch, "Derek… do you… do you like me…?"

He paused for a second in his scuffling on the couch.

"What?"

"Do you l…"

"I heard what you said. It's just ridiculous. Why the hell would I like you?"

I dropped my head, staring at the carpeted floor, surprised by the ruthlessness and intensity of his response.

"So you… don't…?

Before I knew what was happening, he had gotten up and walked towards me. I looked up at him. He placed one hand on the small of my back and drew me towards him, then leaned down past my face until his lips were just by my ear. I felt his heavy breath on my neck and goose bumps rose up on my arms.

"Derek… y-your ankle…"

"Case…" he said, his voice loud and deep in my ear.

I closed my eyes and tried not to let it affect me, but then I felt his lips, warm and moist, as they touched my jaw and lingered there for a moment before returning to my ear.

After a moment, he continued, "…Stop fooling yourself."

Then he turned and walked off into the kitchen.

I practically collapsed onto the floor, sitting with my head down as tears started to form in my eyes.

What the hell?

DDD

Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. Why the hell did I just do that to Casey? When she looked down and asked me again if I liked her she just looked so cute. I couldn't help it. Before I knew it I was up and kissing her freaking neck! I didn't know what to do, but I certainly couldn't tell her I liked her right then, right after I said I didn't. Did I really have to say it so harshly, though? I wish I hadn't but I didn't know what to say; I had to think quickly. Damn it, though. Now I'm gonna have to avoid her even more.

Again, sorry it was short... and I know I keep just going back and forth with Derek and Casey, but please stick with me! I promise it'll get somewhere very soon! And next chapter will be super long, I swear: 3