A/N: This is the second to the last chapter of Careful What You Wish For. I think this chapter turned out a little weird for me, but the next chapter is already written and I really liked how I ended it. I still have to type up chapter thirteen, but it's spring break and I've been typing up a storm. After chapter thirteen I have two, count them TWO chapters of Cadillac Hotel to type/post as well. Those should be up before the end of the week. Now, enjoy! R&R! Thanks! –Mac

Disclaimer: I don't own LWD.

Chapter Twelve

Fixing What Was Broken

"Casey, damn it Casey open the door!"

Casey lifted her head off her pillow. She sat up and looked around her. She smiled as she realized she was back in her teenage body, in her old room, and everything could be made right. She had been given a real second chance. There was another swift knock on her door and Derek's voice broke through. Her eyes lit up and her heart began to beat rapidly, the smile on her face widening. She had never been so delighted to hear his voice.

Casey slipped from her bed and moved toward the door. She slowly pulled open the door causing Derek to stop mid-sentence. He blew out a breath and instinctively reached out to her.

"Case, you've been crying." Derek whispered, his fingers gently stroking her cheek.

She took his hand and pulled him into her room, closing the door behind him. He shook his head as he took in her tear stained cheeks and all around ruffled appearance. He was so angry with Sam for hurting her this way he could barely contain himself.

"He doesn't deserve your tears, Case. He really doesn't." Derek said, shaking his head again.

"I know." Casey nodded. "I'm done crying over him."

"Yeah?" Derek asked, "All of a sudden? You were so upset earlier."

"I was, but maybe I realized that I should have noticed a long time ago where it was going…It never would have lasted." Casey shrugged. "I don't think either of us would have been happy if we kept it going."

"That's very…mature, I guess." Derek responded, "That's good. I don't want you to be upset over Sam's somewhat idiotic ways. He's my best friend but sometimes he's just clueless."

"You've got that right." Casey laughed lightly.

"So you're okay?" Derek inquired.

"Yeah, I'm okay." Casey nodded.

"Well, then, I'm not needed. I should go." Derek said, "Goodnight Casey."

He was halfway back to her door before she spoke up. "Derek, wait."

Derek flipped around, "Yeah, Casey?"

"I just wanted to say, thank you, for everything." Casey replied—'and everything you will do' was on the tip of her tongue.

"What all did I do?" Derek looked confused.

"I just mean…It's nice to have you on my side for once. The moral support and all. You tried along with everyone else earlier to get me to come out. You didn't have to and you didn't have to come back again either. It's just nice, so thank you."

Derek stood there silently for awhile. He ran his hand through his hair. He was confused by this sudden burst of emotion from Casey. It seemed so out of place, but he was just glad she wasn't crying anymore. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before he responded. He wanted to be sure about what he was about to say.

"You're welcome." Derek said, "I actually wish I was there for you more often."

"Wish. There's a heavy word for you." Casey muttered to herself, "Hmm, be careful what you wish for. You might just end up stuck with me for a good fifteen years."

Derek shrugged, "Maybe I wouldn't find that to be such a bad thing."

Casey smiled, "That doesn't sound like you Derek."

"Yeah, I'm not exactly myself tonight." Derek breathed in deeply. What came out of his mouth next was purely accidental, "I just don't like seeing you hurt."

Casey's eyes widened, "I'm okay, Derek. Really, I am."

"I know, but you weren't. And I know it is totally unlike me, but just the idea of you being hurt kills me. And, and…" Derek shook his head, "There's something I've been meaning to tell you for a long time and I've just never been able to get it out…"

"Derek…"

"I can't even get it out now, I don't know why I brought it up. This is not going the way I thought it would at all…"

"Derek…"

"You know what, forget I said anything. Better yet crack some joke about me forgetting my medication this morning. I probably should see a doctor about some crazy pills, I'm rambling on like a buffoon—"

"Der-ek!" Casey exclaimed. Finally she caught his attention and he stopped talking long enough for her to get a word in. "I have something to tell you and I think you're going to like it."

Derek nodded for her to go on, "Okay."

"I…I love you." Casey forced out and before Derek could respond she continued. "I'm pretty certain about that because I think I have an idea about what it would feel like to not have you in my life. So rather than run risk of that happening in the future, I'm telling you now. Before I get a chance to talk myself out of it."

"Casey, do you really mean that?" Derek questioned, "Because…"

"Yes I mean it." Casey gave a short nod, "And I think I know what that thing you've wanted to say is."

"How do you know?" Derek frowned.

"There's not much that can throw a guy like you into incoherent, crazed ramblings." Casey responded. "And I would put money on it being love."

"Love? You think?"

"You shouldn't be afraid to say it. I've already said it." Casey murmured.

"Casey, I'm not sure I…Do you think this is the right time for all this? I mean, you and Sam just broke up." Derek replied.

"The right time was a long time ago. I should have realized it sooner. I've been wasting my time with Sam when I've been wanting you." Casey responded, "Derek, don't waste anymore time. There is no better time than now."

Derek slowly cracked a smile, "Maybe you're right."

Casey laughed, "Of course I am."

"Case." Derek reached out to touch her cheek. "I love you. I have for awhile now. And I don't know how long it would have taken me to say it if you hadn't forced it out of me."

"Not long, I would imagine." Casey murmured, stepping closer to him.

"If I kiss you, you won't run?" Derek whispered the question.

"I'm done running from you." Casey whispered back.

Derek's other hand found her waist and pulled her closer to him. They shared a soft smile before he kissed her. Their lips melded together, their arms tightening around each other. The kiss deepened and they found themselves shuffling toward her bed never breaking from each other. They collapsed upon it together, a tangle of limbs.