Twin Mania

by Daizy92

Derek and Casey live together, sharing an apartment as roommates during the second year of University, when Casey finds out she has a long-lost twin sister named Misty. She is rebellious, obnoxious, and a free spirit. Misty falls in love with Derek even though she realizes the chemistry between Casey and Derek. Love, jealousy and drama surges as Casey faces her hidden. RATED M

8. Upside Down

Chapter 8: Upside Down

Casey needed a plan to push the envelope further, just to get a little bit more of a reaction. She felt amazing after that dance, but it didn't take long to become irate that Derek played the silent game, wouldn't talk to her other than "hey, and goodnight," and she was steaming with irritation. Unsurprisingly, that bubbly feeling drained, and she was moody.

It didn't help that there was no rest for her tormented soul. She was plagued with nightmare upon nightmare over them kissing. In one dream, she was sitting in the audience as Derek and Misty got married, she was yelling at them "I object! Absolutely object, don't do this, " but they ignored her. She raced towards them, trying to interrupt the final "I do," but it was too late. Derek was kissing Misty madly and stopped to tell her she could just look away. She woke up clutching the blankets and burst out into tears.

This was an emergent situation now, she needed Derek to crack and get him to look at her differently. She was being crazy, suddenly her pride had become a thing of the past. However, Misty being in love with Derek was more than she could rationalize and the tornado was devastating just imagining Derek kissing her. She avoided Misty, because she didn't trust herself not to just rip her hair out for kissing HER Derek.

It seemed ridiculous to be so possessive over him, but it was official she desired Derek on a cellular level, yet couldn't admit she loved him. She was too mad to love him, but not angry enough to just sit back and let Misty win.

So the plan began with changing her image a little, to become a little more unpredictable. She was tired of being so lame and nerdy. It was a hard project, so she took one baby step: all she did was skip class. It actually made her stomach bail with anxiety, but sure enough, it got Derek pounding on her door.

"Case, are you sick? I heard you haven't been on campus for like two days." She couldn't help but smile a little as he sounded concerned.

"Nope, not sick….you can come in if you want, I'm not contagious," she teased.

Derek came in, shooting her an alert glance. He took an intake of breath, and she hid behind her magazine to keep from blushing. She didn't even bother to change, was lounging on her bed in her silk white robe, and she didn't care. It wasn't exactly that revealing, yet she felt the rove of his gaze go over her with utter shock.

It must have been a bizarre scene: Soft music playing, a cosmopolitan in one hand, and she was reading a magazine. SHE HAD NEVER EVEN READ ONE BEFORE.

When she dared to look at him, he was staring with bewilderment, "Oh.. what the fuck?"

She smiled as he looked away with this perturbed expression, looking tense and uncomfortable.

"Watch your language, Derek. You're ruining my serenity time, " she said calmly, even though the hum of attraction dilated all her senses. He was so cute, fidgeting nervously. "What's wrong Derek?"

He blushed slightly, and their eyes locked. "Can you just get dressed so we can talk like normal people?"

Casey laughed, and pushed herself to channel her inner seductress, "I don't feel like it, stop being such a wimp, It's not like I'm naked." Oh, this is so, so, not me! Yet this thrill went over her, she was flirting and not sucking for once.

A squeaky laugh escaped his lips, and there was a crackle of amusement, "well you managed to burn my eyes anyway, and are you seriously morning drinking?"

"Yes, it's quite… fun," she sipped on her drink, giving him a confident smirk, "now let me finish this page, it's about 10 ways to get a man."

Derek laughed, though he looked terrified, "Why would you need to read that garbage? You are already dating someone."

"Turns out I am extremely old-fashioned, doesn't hurt to know some other tricks."

He looked skeptical as if changing her outlook on dating made her an alien or something. "Well uh good for you for um, evolving. Anyway, I guess I'll just be quick, why haven't you been at school?"

Casey just smiled, and leaned back on her bed, trying to portray a laid-back energy, "Didn't feel like it, you know Derek, I can see why you enjoyed slacking all these years. It's kind of nice to just…skip a class here and there."

He raised an eyebrow, and he laughed loudly, "You, the girl that literally cried one time because you didn't get the award for perfect attendance, you're skipping class for fun?"

Casey grinned even though the stress of just knowing the amount of work she had to catch up on was eating her senses, "that's right, I've decided a little breather here and there won't kill me."

He was clearly stunned although he tried to be cool about it. "It's just…really freaking weird, are you sure you're not sick?"

"I'm fine, just chill out Derek, " it was hard not to notice how handsome he was in a deep olive shirt, his hair styled into these adorable curls. She tried to keep the soft eyes in check, but it was near impossible.

"I totally get skipping here and there for sanity's sake, but only once in a while, right?"

"Oh I don't know, I like how I feel right now….now let me get back to my morning of celebrity gossip."

"Wait, you're not even studying for your midterm tomorrow?"

"Nope…now either hang out with me or go away."

Derek looked utterly confused, "oh well as much fun as that would have been, I have to go, I am submitting my movie today."

Casey beamed, she couldn't help it. He worked so hard on that movie. It was some detective short film, and so far the buzz was Derek was giving 120% into the project. The synopsis was about rival detectives working together to solve a crime, and it's a comedy. She wanted to ask if it was inspired by their own little detective moment in the attic but was too scared to ask.

"Oh look who's being a total nerd and submitting things on time? Well, good luck, I am sure you will win. You have a really good creative eye and well…..you're kind of amazing."

He smiled softly, clearly stunned by her sweetness, "thanks Case, try not to go too wild on your own, alright?"

"I'll try my best."

Derek was about to leave and he paused for a second, "Casey? I'm glad you're taking time to breathe a bit, if anyone deserves a couple of lazy days, it's you." He threw her his signature charming smile before leaving, making her deliriously happy.

Oh, that smile was delicious and addicting, and knew she'd do just about anything to see that smile every single day. Her heart was still racing just from the way he looked at her. Something had definitely changed between them since her dance moment, but it was clear she'd have to pull out all the stops to get him to just kiss her. It annoyed her that she had to plot this way, knowing Misty got that from him so easily.

That light feeling went away as she got ready for a family dinner. Casey had told Misty that they were no longer talking until she got rid of the idea of going after Derek, which she quickly laughed at and stated that she'd be waiting an eternity then because she wasn't getting over him anytime soon. That made Casey more intent on making a move. Casey had to give this seduction her entire soul and to do that, she had to alienate Jacob, Emily, and some of her friends since they would definitely freak out over her drastic changes, she was a lone wolf now.

When Casey arrived at the house, she was fully expecting to be invisible. But as soon as she made it through the door, she got escorted away by Nora and Lizzie. They hugged her tightly, and she was freaked out, as they both looked at her with glassy expressions. "Um hello to you too," she muttered with surprise.

Nora took her hand and looked over her with a glowing smile. "Casey, Liz and I have been wanting to talk to you for some time now, maybe about taking a little adventure just the three of us."

Casey glanced at Lizzie with surprise, "Why just the three of us?"

Lizzie looked incredibly guilty, "it's clear we've been really absorbed by Misty lately, and I just feel like hanging out only with you."

Casey smiled a little, "you really want to go on an adventure with me? Where?"

Nora clapped with excitement, "how about that Van Gogh exhibit you've been talking about all year, we can go to Montreal to see it together."

At first, Casey felt a welt of excitement , but suddenly she had an extremely sour feeling, "Wait, do you really think that's the best adventure I could want?"

Lizzie looked surprised, "well no, but you love his paintings and we thought it would be just up your alley."

Casey suddenly remembered that her dorky self needed to be executed, no more museums and exhibits for her. Lizzie had been asking her to go rock climbing, like cliff-side rock climbing forever, and she just rejected it because it terrified her, but now the idea seemed so right. "Well, it's not what I want to do. Why don't we go rock climbing or something, I am in the mood for something a bit more daring?"

Lizzie burst out laughing as if she'd just uttered the most amazing joke, "But Casey, you're terrified of heights. You'd just scream the entire time."

Before she could respond, Derek came from behind, putting his arm around her, "why would Casey scream, fill me in," he teased.

Nora looked at Derek with a telling little look, "Derek, Casey wants to go rock climbing, and not the indoor kind."

Derek burst out laughing, "seriously? You would spend the entire time crying, you're a bit of a heights chicken Case."

Casey glared at him, he really didn't think she could be truly daring, clearly. "Yeah like you're so macho, do I not recall you skipping gym whenever we had to do the rope? You are a bigger wimp than me."

Derek grinned with amusement, "maybe I'm not a fan, but not as bad as you."

Nora smiled a little, "I'm not young anymore sweetie, but I'd be willing to go up maybe a couple of rocks and cheer you on from the bottom."

Derek reached for Nora with a big pleading look, "please you need to video every second of Casey just stuck on level 1, promise me, please."

"You really are a jerk," Casey muttered with annoyance. She would show everyone that she had a backbone, and she was certain Misty would go rock climbing, so she had to get over her fear.

As everyone sat down, they talked about all sorts of things. Misty was running late, no surprise there but it was nice to just be able to talk to the family and have them actually listen. When Misty arrived, everyone did a little double-take. She was dressed really...demurely. Her hair was up in a ponytail, still had the electric makeup on, jeans and a regular-looking blue fitted sweater. She still looked phenomenal, but that sexy edge was toned down a little.

Edwin was staring, and he uttered what everyone was thinking. "Misty….you look so different.."

"Would you say I'm more cuddly and approachable?" she taunted.

"Uh, ya for sure…you still make people nervous though just because it's you. But you look more a better version of Casey," he teased.

"Edwin," George said firmly, "was that really necessary?"

Derek didn't say anything to that surprisingly, usually he would leap at the chance to make fun of her. Misty flashed a smile around the table, "Nah just trying a more serious look, do I pull it off?"

"You look beautiful Misty, " Casey said tightly. All the women agreed, and Misty looked so incredibly happy.

And then she cast Derek a look, "What do you think brown eyes? Is this more up your speed?"

Derek blushed, stunned by her comment, "Uh you look... nice, why the sudden change?" he said awkwardly.

Misty just beamed, she looked like a pearl, "Thanks….I have some news…" she was so excited. "I am going back to college for criminology and wanted to look the part of put together college student. I always thought about getting into detective work, plus I would look hot in one of those trench coats. I still love acting but I think I could do both."

Detective? As in like Derek's movie? That was clearly her way of getting his attention, but it seemed to go over his head. Nora beamed, and clapped with way too much excitement, "Misty that's incredible honey, oh this calls for a celebration."

"Way to Go Misty, I think you'll rock it," George said trying to main that cool stepdad energy.

Casey noticed Derek smiling at Misty, and her stomach tightened deeply, "looks like you're uh finally being you hey?"

What did he mean by that?

Misty smiled at him, "yeah, it was time to stop hiding who I am."

Casey interrupted the moment with a little clap, "Oh congrats Misty, you are clever and it would totally suit you."

Casey became distracted after that, she couldn't stop staring at Derek and Misty, they were being too nice to each other, and she hated it with a burning passion.

Suddenly Nora turned to her, "honey, so I got a letter the other day that you're getting the recognition award for excellence for your law degree."

Casey just flushed. God, why did the sound of her over-the-top achievements make her so embarrassed now? She was such a geek. Misty elbowed her and said, "way to go sexy nerd."

She didn't want to be a nerd anymore, the realization hit her full-on. Lizzie was just as excited, "That's such a big deal Casey, so proud of you."

Casey glanced at Derek and he was smiling at her directly, "seems about right, kinda shocked this is the first one this year," he said with a wink, and just went back to eating his food.

She was so over it now, and she put her fork down and straightened her shoulders, "Actually I am not going to that ceremony."

Everyone gawked at her, and Derek choked on his food, coughing loudly, "Why not Casey?" Nora asked with concern.

Casey just put on a cool exterior, "I don't need another certificate, plus once you're in college it is almost seen as bragging, and well I happen to like having friends."

Misty clapped, "that's so awesome Casey, that's exactly what I'd do too."

"Casey, that's an outstanding award, it's a big deal," Nora muttered with surprise.

Somehow it was worth it to get that kind of reaction, even though deep down she wanted that award more than anything. "I still get it in the mail mom, no worries I'll give it to you to store with my other accomplishments. I personally don't care about it."

"Alright, have it your way," and she lifted her glass, "we can still celebrate it for you though right?"

"If it would make you happy," Casey said flatly.

"To Casey kicking butt in university," Nora smiled at everyone at the table. It was nice to get such a fuss about it, but she was no longer that Casey, she couldn't be anymore.

That night when Derek drove her back to the apartment, he was extremely quiet. When he turned off the car, he turned to her in the darkness. "You're really not going to this ceremony?"

Casey sighed deeply, why was he being so pushy? "Why would I? I don't need another emphasis on my preppy status."

"Because you live for school and love getting attention for being a nerd?" he said really tenderly. She looked at him, covered in shadows, all she could see were his tender, dark eyes.

"Well, I decided I don't want to be known as the overachiever anymore, alright? Just let it go."

Derek frowned, "It's just I am confused, you skipped classes which I thought was hilarious, but now you're not going to this ceremony…. It's a little freaky."

"Bad freaky?" she asked with alarm.

"No, just….you're so surprising Casey, I don't think I'll ever figure you out. Since when do you care about your keener rep that badly?"

Since you kissed my rebel twin sister! she wanted to scream. "Since I got a reality check, Derek, just let it go, please. I thought at least you'd be impressed."

A slow smile went over his face, "I am but it's just….weird to see you not care about school for once. But hey, kudos it got the family talking for sure…..wait, you didn't do this to get their attention, did you?"

Casey turned away from his reading gaze, "No, is it so crazy that I just don't care about it anymore?"

"Extremely crazy. Anyway, you go in…I am hanging out with the guys tonight." To her surprise, he reached over her and opened her door. The sudden closeness made her freeze, but he didn't seem to react to it the way she did. "Goodnight Case."

After that, Derek went back to the distant treatment, which she hated. She needed to do more, but now suddenly her piling assignments were making the slacker stuff become too hard. She needed to find another way to get Derek to snap. However she didn't get a chance to plan. One night, Misty came over and claimed she had an emergency. At first, Casey didn't believe her, until she knocked on her door frantically.

Misty looked absolutely terrified, "Misty...what's wrong?"

"C, a guy I dated has been stalking me. He always gave me odd and weird vibes. He's been following me, and every time I tell him to go away he just laughs and says he'll never leave me alone. I know you're angry at me…but surely not enough to not help me. I really think it could escalate."

Casey warred with herself, "what? Are you okay?"

Misty lowered her voice, "he's forced himself on me, and I was able to escape him, but I am legit terrified he could succeed."

Derek's voice interrupted, he was suddenly right behind Casey. "Who did what?" he sounded really intense and angry. "Case, aren't you going to let her in?"

Casey returned a tight smile and pulled Misty in. Derek looked extremely protective, " Misty, what's his name I'll find him and teach him a lesson-"

Misty literally jumped him, hugging him tightly. Derek looked stunned, but he didn't push her off until she slowly pulled back. Casey knew it wasn't the time to get all jealous, it wasn't Misty making a move, she was actually terrified but she hated the way he looked at her. Misty choked on a sob, "Derek my ex-boyfriend is stalking me, his name is Steve Richards. He's a total gang member, and I just don't know what to do. I've tried to call the police, but he is good at hiding."

Casey put a hand on Misty's back, and summoned all the care she could, "Oh Misty, I am so sorry, that must be terrifying, what can we do?"

Misty took a few deep breaths, "I need to crash here until the police find him, please...he knows where I live."

Casey knew that their Derek rivalry wasn't important at the moment, Misty's safety was a priority, even if it did mean Misty had to live with them for a few days. Derek cast Casey a patient look, "Can she bunk with you?"

Casey nodded, she'd never forgive herself if anything happened to her. "Yes, of course, you are safe with us."

Derek took the suitcase Misty already had and took it to her room, when he came back he still had that vivid expression, "Misty if he gets close to you again, I want you to call me, alright? You can always count on me if you need me in that way."

Misty was melting, and Casey shoved the jealousy away, why did she care so much that he'd go to that lengths for her? "You'd really do that? You are such a sweetheart."

Derek just shook his head, "Not sweet, it's kind of my role now." He then grabbed his camera, and swiftly muttered, "Um I have to go, but I'll see you guys later."

When Derek left, Casey tried to claw away her unsettled feelings about having Misty and Derek under the same roof, but as if she could read her, she said, "I swear I won't invade your space this way unless it's necessary, I promise I'll stay out of your way."

Casey sighed and put her arm around her, "Despite everything, you're my sister. You're always welcome here."

Misty hugged her, "sister fight on hold?"

Casey laughed a little, "yes, but no making moves please-"

"No I won't just seduce Derek, don't worry," she said sweetly.

For that entire week, having Misty around wasn't that bad. She was only around for sleep, and during the day she went about doing her usual routines. It surprised Casey just how much she changed, she was definitely focusing on things other than just her looks. Which Casey admired. However, every night like clockwork, Derek would ask Misty about Steve. He was actually worried about her, and Casey should have been moved by his sweetness, but it stung that he took the time to talk to Misty every night, yet when it came to her he just seemed to avert her.

One morning, Derek had made a bit of a mess in the washroom. His towel was on the floor, and she slipped. She got up urgently, and with a huff decided that she was annoyed with him, and he was going to get an earful. Her heart was pounding as she tore through his bedroom door.

Derek was shirtless, sitting on the edge of his bed in just jeans, much to her shock. She looked at him, and for a second that anger swirled to a deep attraction. She almost forgot why she was there. "hello, Earth to Casey?"

Casey shook herself out of the trance, "you left your towel on the floor."

Derek got up, moving in like a predator. He looked irritated with her for some reason, but she couldn't think of a reason when he was the one ignoring her these days. "Oh did I? Should we call the police?"

Casey held her ground, no matter how sexy he looked, she wasn't going to let him off easy. Yet that stirring in her stomach made her dizzy. "I've got a bone to pick with you."

"Let me have it," he said with heavy sarcasm, "Just make it quick won't you, I've had an infuriating day and you yelling at me is so not what I need right now."

She felt heat flood her face, as she took in the scent of his cologne. Since when did he wear cologne? "I'll make it quick, don't worry I won't ruin your day too much."

The emotional pang in her voice seemed to betray her anger, and he softened a little. "Casey….what's wrong?"

Casey was suddenly pacing back and forth in front of his bed, "Oh so you care what happens to me now?" She spat.

Derek's heated gaze seemed to follow her around, and he reached out to stop her crazy pacing. "Woah, Casey. What's with the lasers? What did I do?"

The desperation and weeks of Derek's avoidance made her snap, she couldn't contain the words. "Guess I have to have a stalker, be in crisis for you to pay attention to me, right?"

"What? I think you're officially nuts."

Casey felt this boldness consume her, and she moved until he was corralled by the corner of his room. "Would you shut up and let me finish?"

"Fine, rip me to shreds, give it to me good." Casey blushed as his gaze turned to offended, to suddenly intense, looking at her dangerously.

"You are sloppy, annoying, you are always so infuriating, and you can be such an idiot," she said brashly.

Derek smirked a little, "Oh is that all? Glad I wasn't sitting for that. Now if you excuse me, I have to go or you could just tell me why you're acting like a psycho."

Casey couldn't handle it anymore and unraveled. It didn't help that he was so intoxicating, she was attacked with the desire to just touch him. "So you've ignored me for weeks, but Misty gets stalked and you go all Mr. Nice Guy with her, which believe me, I get. But what I don't get is why you don't even bother to check on me ever."

Derek rolled his eyes, he was getting extremely agitated. "It bothers you that I am looking out for your sister? She was terrified, and I am her step brother, remember?"

Casey was shaking, and she grasped his taut forearms rightly. She almost let it slip that step sibs don't make out, but she held back. "Oh right, you keep telling yourself that! yes, It bothers me that you are all gogo- gaga and protective over her, when have you ever protected me that way?"

Derek froze, and any sign of amusement, or annoyance disappeared, "what are you talking about? Casey, I have always looked out for you, and you know it."

"Yeah from a distance! Why won't you admit you have feelings for her? "

Derek clasped her wrists tightly, he was enraged, "Because I don't! For goodness sake, Case, you're totally overreacting. I always looked out for you too, remember when you cried the other day? Did I run off ? No! I held you and comforted you, I even wiped your fricken tears away. You're so dumb sometimes, clearly I care about you Casey!"

He was so indignant and passionate, it was hard not to feel pulled by the attraction. Casey just mumbled, "Well thank you for giving me a spec of attention three weeks ago, you're right Der, I am set for life."

Derek snapped and tugged her into him, his gaze burned with intensity, "You are infuriating Casey, what is this really about? Are you jealous?"

Casey just made herself laugh, "Me, jealous? Of what?"

Derek shrugged, "jealous that I may end up liking Misty more than you one day or something."

"That's ridiculous," she said with agitation.

Derek towered her, and he was breathing roughly, "You're right I haven't been around you much lately, but I don't like Misty, nor do I care about her more than you. "

Casey felt the dam in her chest about to burst, and she forced herself to turn around. "Somehow I don't believe you."

Derek suddenly raced in front of her and blocked the door, his face was red from a boiling emotion. "What the hell do I have to do to prove that I don't want Misty?"

Casey looked away, "Nothing, I just know there's something."

"Why are you so fucking sure?"

"I see the way you look at her, I'm not blind," she said with a quiver in her throat. The fact he was denying it when she heard it out of his own mouth that he kissed her was like a punch in the gut.

Derek sighed with agony, "Case...you're totally blind, actually you have to be the blindest person that ever lived. "

"Oh I am seeing things so clearly, Derek," he locked in on her and she felt butterflies deep within. "So why have you been ignoring me then?"

"Didn't know you wanted me around, I am not a mind reader," he said with agitation.

Casey laughed angrily, "I don't need you to be attached to my hip. I am just saying you could extend a few minutes a day to just talk to me, would that kill you?"

Derek was clearly aggravated, and he let out a slow breath, and he snapped. "Actually it would, I can't stand you these days!"

"Why not?"

Derek suddenly reached for her hand, tugging her close. It dawned on her that he looked exhausted, and he let his guard down. He looked at her with a riveting energy that made her flutter. "Alright, if you really want to know, being around you makes me-"

Before anything else could be said, they heard Misty come back from her jog. Derek immediately let go of her, opened the door, and as if nothing had happened just muttered, "Do me a favor, next time you want to yell at me, please knock."

"What were you going to say?" she whispered desperately.

He avoided eye contact, "just never mind, it was nothing. Go, please," and he gently pushed her out the door before slamming it shut.

It wasn't her imagination he was clearly going to reveal something emotional. Why couldn't he just be real with her? Casey left with turmoil in her chest, what was he going to say? Misty started talking to her, and the more she did the madder she got. What was Misty's secret to getting Derek to kiss her? This intense desire would definitely take her to the brink of her sanity.

That week she just went on with her routines as usual. One day she was at the library catching up on her work. She went to the corner of the library, and as she dropped a book, and straightened up, she was suddenly whirled around and pressed into the bookshelf. It was a guy she'd never seen before, and he was starting to seize her against him, "Oh hey gorgeous, nice coverup."

He was tall, had big blue eyes, and a wide smile that made her feel this innate fear, Casey wriggled out of his grasp, "Excuse me? Get your hands off me, now" and she shoved him back hard.

The guy laughed, and moved away, slightly "wow still such a charmer. No need to freak out, you know I'd never hurt you right?"

Casey didn't get a good feeling from him at all, "Who are you?"

"You know me, I've been thinking of you for two years," he said with a slow calculating look up and down her body, and he was trying to touch her and she pushed him back. "God you're beautiful, come on let's fuck around, please."

Casey felt a frantic throb go through her body, "I don't know you, but you're creeping me out now, get out of my way unless you want me to call security on you."

"Call them I dare you, come on lovebug you know you want it." He tried to kiss her and she kicked him swiftly.

He laughed and tried again, he clearly had no problem doing such a horrible thing in public. It was disgusting. She suddenly had an idea, a guy like him needed to be outed for being a harasser. "You're right, I do want it...why don't you let me put my stuff away, and I'll be back. Where will you be?"

He lit up with a smile, and sat at a table by the window, "I'll be here sexy girl," he winked.

Somehow she managed to walk away without shaking from adrenaline, she raced through campus, and her heart raced brutally. She knew exactly where Derek would be. She crept into his art class, hiding in the back, and he was looking at footage on the computer. When he looked up, it was clear he was surprised to see her. She waved him over, he went over to her at once. "You lost?" he asked quietly.

Casey couldn't breathe, her heart was thumping, "I need- help me…."

Derek pulled her by the arm at once, and once they were outside in a quiet part of the hallway, he turned around, "Casey what's wrong, you're shaking..."

She shook her head, taking a deep breath. "Der, there's this creepy guy, he cornered me in the library and tried to kiss me and he wouldn't take no for an answer."

Derek's face went shell-shocked, and in a whirl, he had his arm around her. "Did he touch you? Oh, who is he, tell me, and I'll set him straight this fucking moment."

Casey just shivered at the thought, "no he didn't get a chance to because I shoved past him, but I asked him to wait for me in order to trick him so I could get help. I think he could be dangerous."

Derek was breathing hard, he was viscerally angry, "thank god you are tough as hell, but I am kicking his teeth out, where is he?"

Casey took his hand urgently and Derek followed her as she made her way back. Casey pointed him out, "that guy with the cap."

Derek was already moving before she could do anything and stood in front of the guy, "Hey, creep, want to explain why you've been harassing my step sister like a drooling pig?"

Casey stood beside him, somehow she wasn't afraid anymore. The guy looked amused, "you made up a step brother? Wow, that's new…I thought you liked the cat and mouse game, you love being chased."

Casey gasped, and Derek was towing over him, "excuse me? Casey isn't playing any game, and you better leave her alone or I'll make your life a living hell."

"Casey? Nice try Misty….just taking on another identity, hey? Your acting has never been better."

Casey was angry for another reason, so that was Steve. In an instant her protectiveness spilled over, "I am not Misty, I am her twin sister. Also, who do you think you are to stalk her that way? She's not interested, leave her alone, I will get you arrested."

Derek put his arm around her supportively, he looked almost feral. "You messed with the wrong twins , you better leave Casey and Misty alone or I swear you will regret it , you don't have any idea of what I'd do to protect them."

Steve laughed maniacally, "Wait, you are her twin?"

Casey proudly nodded, "yes and I'll kill you if you hurt her."

He got up eyeing her dangerously, "well I think you may be even hotter than Misty. I thought it was odd seeing you study so much, now it makes sense…man can I have your number?"

Derek laughed purely in a dark way, he pulled Casey closer protectively "you're a fucking idiot. No, you cannot have her number, she's taken."

Casey smiled at him with surprise, no wonder Misty fell for that, "yes I am taken and I'd never go for such a creep like you."

The guy scanned between them, he was fascinated by the scene in front of him."Wait you are step sibs but you are fucking each other? Wow, you're freaks."

Casey blushed, her mouth dropped open, "we aren't-"

Derek interrupted, with intense fury, "and if we were, it wouldn't be your business at all, it's not like we're related. Either way, she's not on her own, now leave her alone. And by the way Steve, I have access to the library's cameras, I will get an entire description of you and have it sent to the police, or you can disappear forever, what will it be?"

The guy stood up, gathering his things, "Fine, Misty isn't worth that...also, it's clear you want Casey, I don't blame you she's a fiery one."

The guy got up and left, she was burning in the face due to his comment. When she finally had the courage to look up, Derek was staring at her sheepishly, she couldn't help but look at him softly, "he's….so so, stupid….sorry for um what I said he just got on my nerves."

Casey smiled with a spark in her eye, oh she was melting. "No um, it's okay, and clearly, what he said was stupid right? You and me?" She needed to test the ground deeper and hope he'd give her an opening.

Derek tried to laugh, he rubbed his neck awkwardly, "well if he assumed that it's because he mistook my protectiveness as jealousy…..but yeah I guess it's a little taboo but it's not that weird, we aren't related."

Casey smiled even more, it was the sliver she needed, "you're right if we wanted to be together technically it's not illegal. But anyway thanks for looking out for me Der. .."

Derek stared at her with a deep stillness, "you're welcome…but I think he could still follow you. You can call me anytime. See….I still look out for you too."

The sweetness coiled between them, and she felt so guilty for the way she berated him about Misty. "I guess I overreacted, could I thank you properly?" she asked quietly.

Derek shrugged meekly, "thank me how?"

Casey had been through so much in such a short time, and she just needed a moment with him before he went off and ignored her again. He meant so much to her, and she slowly moved closer. "You're an amazing guy Derek Venturi," she whispered, "thank you." and she kissed his cheek softly.

Derek froze. When she pulled back he looked stunned, and a flicker of energy went over him, "uh you're welcome….but why?" he croaked.

Casey smiled, but she was deeply battered inside, she wanted to kiss him always. "I'm sorry I traumatized you but some affection wouldn't kill you would it?"

Derek blushed intensely, "So we went from swarmy warm moments to random kisses? Case, I'm not some teddy bear alright, and I refuse to be seen as a sweet brother, you hear me? It's never going to happen."

"I don't see you as a brother," Casey said with tenderness, finally strong enough to admit what she never could before, "not even a little."

"You don't?" He asked slowly. The indignation was melting away, and replaced with deep intrigue.

Casey shook her head, "I tried to believe me, but I just can't seem to put you and brother in the same sentence. It makes me sick, can't we just be friends now?"

"Friends…" Derek asked skeptically.

She knew the conversation was getting intense, but she couldn't pull back anymore. Maybe it would give him the clue that she was attracted to him. "Don't you trust me? We live together, we even like each other once in a while and even fight like friends….."

Derek immediately moved back as if she'd slapped him, "Casey….we are not going to be friends, ever," he said urgently. "There isn't a label for this. We're just Casey and Derek, not friends, not siblings...we're just some weird thing in the middle, we are just us."

She quickly realized he probably took it as if she viewed him as a confident, someone to hold her purse, someone she'd go to for boyfriend advice. It was cute how annoyed he was by that. "Fine.. you're right friends doesn't fit either. I'm just thankful I have you in my life, is that okay?"

He smiled sweetly, "I guess I can stomach that. Back at you…. " he said softly. "Now, let me get back to work, stay out of trouble Casey, please," and he just popped the sweet moment and literally bolted away from her once again.

And that's when she realized in some way he'd cleared up that he didn't see her as family, nor a friend. It meant that she had a shot, and it was time to step up her seduction game, no more cautiousness, she was going to wear him down until he gave in to her passionately. She would make him pay for kissing Misty, it was revenge and desire mingled and admittedly her own excuse to cross the line she always wanted.

---

Misty moved back out after they could ensure Steve stopped stalking her, which ended up being three weeks in total. Misty was very appreciative and bought Derek and her thank-you gifts. Sharing her space with her wasn't that bad…but it made it hard to hold back from asking about the kiss.

Casey was finally able to get back to her plan. She needed to push the envelope further. Dropping the ball in school just wasn't enough anymore. She nervously hatched a prank on the dean of admissions. And just the thought of getting Derek's help was too strong a desire to resist. A part of her thought it was foolish, she'd get kicked out of her program for attempting such a crazy act. But lately, she just didn't care about school like she used to, this other side of her was suddenly winning over her usual tendencies. It actually made her feel a swell of pride.

Casey knocked on his door, waiting nervously. "I'm about to sleep, what do you want?"

She fixed her shirt, and hair, and cleared her throat. "I was wondering if you'd be up to pulling a prank with me. You see, my dean of admissions has been a bit of a pain, and I want to give him a little scare, want to help me?"

At first, there was silence, and the door fell open. Oh, the sight of his messy hair made him smile. He was deeply surprised, clutching to the door as if she was a ghost, "Wait, you want to prank the dean…and with me, are you serious?"

"He's annoying, please Der if you don't want to get your hands dirty, I get it. But I could use your brilliant mind, please," she pouted.

Derek fixated on her with a dashing smile, "Are you aware that this could mess up your perfect student record? You're already chilling out way too much with your schoolwork as it is."

"Yes and I don't care, I'm feeling spontaneous these days…." She tried to come off as confident as possible.

Derek stared at her for a few heart-melting seconds, "How risky are you willing to get? Are we talking switching out his food with something gross….or stealing his car?"

Casey then felt this confidence, and she grinned, moving a little closer. His mouth opened a little into an O as if her getting that close to him was a breach of space. "Aw, that's cute. Sure we can steal his car, spray paint his car, egg it after, and move it to a no parking zone, have it towed, and have him pay the fine."

Derek's eyes became like pebbles, round and confused, "you're insane, you're talking about full-on theft and vandalism and getting the poor guy to pay for your crime? Damn you're dark. Even I wouldn't go that far."

"I know, OK I'll pay the fine then, " she grazed his arm gently, he tensed up. "So should I do it on my own, or are you helping me?"

He rubbed his eyes as if it was a bizarre dream, and he smiled vividly, "Oh I am helping you, mostly because I just know you're going to mess this up somehow. Believe me, I'm busy as it is, and don't want to have to go out of my way to bail you out."

"So that's a yes?" she asked with a wiggle of her eyebrow,

He leaned over her with amusement, "Hell yes, now is this a during-the-day operation or night?"

Her heart raced with adrenaline just thinking about it. "Day. It's more fun that way isn't it?"

He gaped at her, chucking darkly, "Alright, but I know you, you're going to cry afterward and go all guilty, and you'll turn yourself in for sure."

"No, I am down for this, please Derek," this thrill went through her, overwhelming her. Surprisingly she felt almost euphoric as if they were about to go off and sleep together.

It didn't help that he was giving her that look too, this dangerous energy swirling in his gaze that made her breathless. Maybe this would be the way to seduce him, in least it would be the most fun she'd had with him in ages.

"Let's fucking do it, " he said darkly. And then to her surprise, he pulled her by the hand, into his room, "We need to go over strategy."

Casey wanted to go in with no plan at all, but this was a rare opportunity to just spend time with him, and in his bedroom no less. It was funny, when it came to pranks, Derek was surprisingly structured. He thought of everything, from distracting the dean to having one of them steal his car keys. She also tossed in her suggestions, like having the car moved to an abandoned warehouse a few blocks down the road.

He was shocked, "you mean that creepy ass haunted place?"

Casey called him a chicken, but he was down after some real teasing. Derek let her figure out the creative stuff, like how they would paint it, and what no parking zone to take it to. They eventually ended up talking about other things, with Derek just lounging on his bed, completely relaxed. He awkwardly, but adorably stated that she could lie down, that he wouldn't bite. She got in bed and they just talked all night, she hadn't laughed that much in a long time.

They became more playful, with their usual shoving and annoyingly poking each other. At one point, they were just staring at each other after they had stopped laughing for hours straight. There was this glow on his face, and it was beyond distracting. They were so close, yet there was a gulf between them. Everything in her wanted to tackle him, but somehow she couldn't. Why couldn't she be brave? To their surprise, when they looked at the clock by his bed they realized they stayed up all night, it was 6:30 am. It was a perfect night, oh how she missed him.

On the day of the prank, Casey dressed up in a skin-tight red body suit, and she went a little overboard with the makeup. She wanted to be the most exciting girl Derek had ever partnered up with. It was her mission.

When he saw her, Derek took her in with a glint of approval, "you really dressed for the part I see."

"Did I?" she said excitedly.

"You're going to totally call attention to us, no one goes to school dressed like that unless they are pulling off a bank job Case," he said with a bit of sneer.

"So I should change?"

Derek pulled her by the arm, laughing softly, "no are you kidding, then I would have to wait for you all day. Let's go."

Derek went over the plan with her as they walked across campus, and she was smiling the entire way. He had such a captivating voice. When they got to the office, he reached for her and ordered her to take a deep breath. "Alright Case, pull off the doe eyes."

Casey nodded, and then Derek left and hid behind another wall. She cleared her throat as she knocked on the door. The dean opened it, and immediately she started crying, "Mr. Drake, could I talk to you for a moment?

Mr. Drake looked automatically concerned, "Do you want to come in?"

Casey shook her head, "no, I just need you to look at my courses, I am starting to freak out over the load and don't think I can handle it." She reached into her purse and sniffled slightly, as she handed him the folder.

Mr. Drake smiled, "alright, are you sure you won't be more comfortable sitting?"

"No, I am running out of time."

As he scoured through the information, she watched as Derek sneaked behind him, she just kept talking in a tangent, trying to keep the conversation going as long as possible. She watched as Derek found his coat, and searched it quietly. He really was an expert, moving slythly. As soon as he got them, he slowly left and disappeared back down the hall he'd been hiding. After the best performance of her life, she tried to be nonchalant with Derek but she was overly excited.

"Nice job pulling the tears," he said with a rewarding smile that warmed her up from the inside out.

Casey squealed, "I know, right? You were so quick and sneaky, you really are gifted Derek."

He laughed and handed her the keys, , "Oh I know. Lead the way rebel," he said with a nudge.

Casey had spent a couple of days studying the dean's routine and so she confidently found the red jeep, and Derek kept scanning around to make sure there were no eyewitnesses.

She put on some sunglasses just in case and Derek gave her the cue to get in. She threw the duffle bag into the back seat with the materials they needed and jumped in the passenger seat.

Derek started driving , and her heart was whopping in side her chest, what if they got caught? "Case it's not too late to turn back."

No way would she back out a have think she was a scardeycat. She just smiled and rolled down the window. She took out a cigarette, only really trying to make the best of the rebel vibe.

Derek cast her an astonished glance, "uh what ya doing princess?"

She took out the lighter and took a puff. She tried not to cough and just smiled with confidence , "it's my wild day , it's just part of the image."

She was happy it got a reaction out of him. She loved getting him riled up. "You're smoking …..Casey you have done major speeches against the effects of it and nowyou're just casualy going to smoke for a prank?"

"Absolutely, it's just one time why are you being such a baby about it?"

Derek laughed , oh she was subjected to his twinkling eyes, he was getting a kick out of it "you really are lame you know that right?"

Casey gasped, "take it back , tell me I'm fun this moment."

"That'll never happen, " he teased, "you'll always be a big dork Casey."

I'll show him what a fun dork I can be then.

When they got to the warehouse they pulled out all the supplies. She let him boss her around for once. They lowered behind the vehicle and started spray painting together. Derek kept peaking around the car, all while she focused on the task. For the next hour they took their sweet time, it really seemed he was enjoying the time together just as much. Derek was in a fantastic mood, cracking jokes, laughing, and teasing her, it was magical.

Eventually, she decided to test the boundary. She tried to find any excuse to lean against him, touch his arm briefly, even gently touch his back to "move around him." He wasn't stopping it, but every time he reacted as if he got shocked. It was a reaction, and it propelled her to do more. She needed to be more daring, so she stood up and leaned over the hood of the car so that he got a good look at her from behind. She couldn't believe she was stooping this low to seduce him, but he was proving to be quite the challenge. She got the nerve to look over her shoulder, and his gaze crackled with intensity as he rove it up until their eyes locked. He was blushing slightly. He definitely checked her out, it was a little victory.

"You okay?" She asked innocently.

Derek cleared his throat, laughing a little, "yeah it's just - I can't believe you're doing this ….I was expecting you to run away by now."

"Do I look rebellious?" she asked hopefully.

"Oh ya," he said a little thickly. He quickly shifted his attention to the tires, and he got on his knees and painted the rims slowly. She sat beside him and quietly helped.

She noticed a bit of paint in his hair and couldn't help it, she carefully pushed the hair on his forehead back a bit. Oh, it was heavenly. . He stopped as she pulled at the paint, clearly off guard. He didn't move to stop it. She marveled internally, something about the richness of his eyes made her feel alive. She let go of his hair, and he sighed deeply.

Casey pushed herself to say something charming, "Derek do you remember when we first met?"

He smirked lividly, "how could I forget? I knew you were trouble right away."

Casey giggled, the memories filled her heart like sunshine, he was such a jerk, but she amped herself up. "Here's a truth I thought I'd take to my grave…."

He sat down and pat the ground beside him, and leaned in with fascination. "I'm intrigued, tell me."

She took a deep breath, she wasn't going to let out everything without feeling it out first. "I thought you were cute….too cute but then you just started talking, and you quickly became the most infuriating guy I'd ever met. That hasn't changed, but sometimes I still think you're cute."

He broke out into an earth-shattering smile, his eyes lit up light like a candle. Be still my heart. "Only cute? Come on Case, throw me a bone here, that's what you call a baby in an elmo costume, aren't I a little bit cuter than that?"

Casey giggled, "I guess you are cuter in a different way…..what did you think of me?"

He blushed a little and looked away, focusing on the painting. "At first glance, I thought nerd alert but then I realized you were also incredibly annoying. Yet I was really curious about you and pushed past that. Something changed when we started plotting together, I realized you were just as intense as me in a different way, super clever and I may have found you extremely...adorable. It's weird, meeting you left an impression because I don't remember life before the merge."

Warmth overloaded her. God, she was addicted to his compliments but wished he'd call her hot again. He wouldn't look at her, and it made it hard to read his emotions. "I don't remember life before meeting you either. Also, is adorable the best you can do? Cats are adorable Derek, and I know I am cuter than you."

He didn't even hesitate, and smiled at the ground, "Oh yeah you're definitely much cuter than me, and you know how full of myself I am, so it's quite a big deal."

"Really?" She couldn't help the breathless longing.

He finally looked at her, there was definitely emotion on his face. He gave a little nod and then stood up urgently. He looked ruffled. And it bugged her that he just put a hole in their sweet moment, again. This helpless back-and-forth dance was making her dizzy. "Come on, we still have to egg this sucker."

He put the egg carton on the hood and gave her an inviting look, and they threw egg after egg. They laughed the entire time. She didn't feel guilty because she planned on ensuring the car was cleaned and returned to the dean in top condition. It was worth any price.

After they were done, she stared at the final work with a sense of achievement. She felt the pull of his gaze, and then Derek took her hand and pulled her towards him, he was excited and happy. "Damn that was fun, I didn't realize how stressed I was until I was belting those eggs, thank you, Casey."

She wanted to hold him so badly but unfortunately, their moment got interrupted as they saw the blue rims of a cop car. Derek grabbed her arm and they hid in the warehouse, there was this little dark room with a window and they hid by the curtain. Casey was staring out the window, her heart racing, "Oh God we've been caught," she muttered with fear.

Derek moved in behind her and gently held her by the hips, leaning over her to look out. Her heart was in her throat as he whispered, "Chill for a second will you, you are falling apart, and they'll be able to hear you."

The cop shone a light into the car, looking mystified as he looked inside it. He had a walkie-talkie, and they heard him say, "I think we found it, it's by the warehouse, with the keys in the ignition."

Derek looked around the room quickly and found a trap door, he pulled her hastily, "you wanted an adventure, well you got one." He opened a floor door to a crawl space and they hid in there. It was a tiny space, and they were up against each other front to front, with no space, and she was instantly inflamed by his presence. Derek turned on the light of his phone, and she wished she had a confident reaction, but her usual tendencies came screaming back.

She hated getting in trouble, but now the thought that she jeopardized Derek too was consuming her. Unable to stop the anxiety from soaring through.

"Case, you're shaking," he muttered with concern, "if they find us, you will lie and tell them I dragged you into this, understood?"

"No Derek, I can't do that to you, it's all my fault," she failed, she wasn't fearless at all.

He put his arm around her. "Shh...stop it Case, just breathe," she closed her eyes and leveled out her breathing slowly, God she was so pathetic. Misty would have confronted that cop and manage to leave the scene unscathed.

Derek smiled tenderly as she fidgeted nervously, "Yeah I don't think you were quite ready for a prank this size."

The fear that she failed her mission ate at her, "I'm not nervous because of that it's just being in here with you," she muttered, trying to salvage the moment.

"Why does it scare you?" he asked in a deep, rich, voice.

"Because we are...touching again, it reminds me of the wine cellar."

Derek grinned, "so it seems it's our new normal, it's not that big a deal is it?"

The reminder of that encounter seemed to make the environment thick and energized. She smiled a little, "I guess not."

They stayed there for maybe 15 minutes with them just looking at each other, this tension was escalating by the second until at last Derek laughed, "Today was fun, it's been a while since I've been that excited by a prank. Do you regret it?"

Casey shook her head, "No, I admit I missed you. We haven't really done anything together for a long time, and I wanted to hang out with you."

Derek's eyes softened, "you could have just asked to hang out."

"Well last time I mentioned it you got annoyed and told me you didn't want to be around me but I needed a prank, it keeps my mind sharp and it's more fun to live on the edge," she said with deep conviction.

"Well, we are definitely on the edge for sure."

"Did you miss me?" she asked with difficulty.

"Yeah, I did..." he said softly, "it doesn't even feel like we live together, but I needed to have some space from you."

"Why?"

Derek didn't respond, just looked at her steadily, as if he was trying to channel a thought. Her heart started thumping against him. "Derek... " she started to move closer, wanting to just get over her fear and kiss him, "why can't you just tell me, is it something I did?."

"No, it's just I have this guilt I can't get rid of, and it's making me a bit of a jerk, I am sorry." What was he talking about, what guilt?

Derek suddenly touched her mouth abruptly to keep her quiet. Another sabotage from the universe interrupted the moment as footsteps were heard overhead. They both instinctively reached out to hold each other tightly, until the sounds faded. It should have made her happy, but holding him wasn't enough. It was a protective hold, not the passionate encounter she'd been looking for. And it was at that moment, she realized she failed. She was unable to seduce him. Clearly, these types of games were just not ...sexy enough. What else could she do to get a reaction?

They managed to leave the warehouse undetected, it was a close call. Derek told her she was ready to become a prank master officially, and it should have made her happy, but she couldn't move on from the failure. When she went to sleep that night, she just lay there, turning and tossing. Maybe she just didn't look the part of exciting and sexy. Yeah, cute, adorable outfits were no longer going to cut it, she needed to charm Derek and everything up to that point wasn't working. She turned on the light and put together a plan to change up her look a bit, and increase the wild factor because clearly, she was nowhere near Misty yet. And her wild attempt was not at Misty's level yet. What did Misty do to get him to kiss her? When he thought of Misty's rebellious charm, she sat down and typed out another plan, this would for sure leave behind her goody-too-shoes label.

---

Derek was officially in a new dimension of torture, he could have never imagined. The guilt, love, and lust were at an all-time high. Guilt over not being able to tell Casey about the kiss with Misty was keeping him up at night. He couldn't be around her without feeling this itching need to unload it all, but he just couldn't, afraid of how she would react to it.

He was just burning for Casey in a way he didn't think was possible. After the prank, it dawned on him that she was being extra nice and even flirty, whether it was on purpose or not, he couldn't tell. The raging lust and love he felt for her at all times was pure insanity, he just wanted her so badly. There was also confusion as to what was going on inside her head lately because it seemed Casey was on a mission to be a slacker for once.

The first head-scratching event was Casey becoming the class clown. Yes, the class clown! Casey was actually kicked out of class for inappropriate jokes. When she told him, he rolled on the floor laughing, he couldn't believe it. It just seemed so out of the realm of reality and was deeply amused. When he could stop laughing after a few solid minutes, he asked why she was ditching the serious student all of a sudden.

She smiled brightly and just said, "I was thinking of you Derek, you don't take things so seriously and seem to get by okay. It was an extremely boring class, I just didn't think, I just opened my mouth and it turns out I have the mouth of a sailor when I want to."

Derek just stared with total shock, he didn't want to be amused by it, but the thought of Casey getting in trouble and being okay with that was a picture he never thought he'd see, and it actually made him smile. "I guess If I don't see it for myself, I won't believe it."

It was funny, but maybe he should've seen it as a warning of what was about to come. Turns out it became the talk of the campus. Casey was enraging the professors with unsocialized comments and criticism of their work, and then actually made jokes about their teaching styles, and had people laughing. Casey didn't have a mean bone in her body, so he couldn't believe she was going to those lengths when she was at the top of her class. She was playing a dangerous game that could get her kicked out of her program.

The most surprising part was that Casey didn't seem to care about it. When he told her, "Don't you think you're taking it too far now, Case? I mean the jokes at first were funny, but now you're getting pretty vicious."

And she just skewered him with a determined glance, "Don't be such a worry wart, Derek, I will be fine, I'll make it up to them somehow but don't take this away from me, please."

Casey wasn't fine though because she continued to pull crazy stunts. She failed a midterm on purpose, as in she didn't even bother to go in. The most shocking part was that she didn't even cry, didn't even bat an eye when he asked her about it. She looked him square in the eye and said "so I failed, I'll live." It was deeply disturbing.

After that, he was consumed with worry. He caught himself staring at her more and more, perplexed by just how relaxed she seemed all the time. He couldn't remember the last time she was a huge tornado trying to finish a million things at once, or the last time he even saw her with her textbooks. Now she was spending too much time looking for the next party. She'd gone to a few which she invited him to but he just couldn't be around her anymore, he was too afraid of spilling his guts to her.

There was a new intensity to Casey that was almost frightening and felt more concerned. So Casey was living on the edge more, so she was actually okay failing for once, so she rejected a public award, so she was more dangerous than ever, wasn't this what he always wanted for her? So why did he feel this huge knot in his stomach, this complete dread? Clearly, she was out to compete with Misty at some level. Ironically, it seemed Misty was digging deep to be more like Casey in some way.

Nothing could have prepared him for what happened next. One night he got a phone call that turned his life upside down, "Is this Derek Venturi?"

Derek felt a weird chill go over his body, "uh yeah...that's me."

"I see you are Casey McDonald's roommate, and emergency number."

Derek's heart sank, and he sat down slowly on the couch, seizing the phone closer, "What's wrong?"

"It seems your step sister had a bit too much to drink, and she was driving recklessly. We have confiscated her driver's license and are holding her here overnight for questioning, but she is too intoxicated to really talk. She has been asking for you though."

Derek shot up like a weed, "wait, are you sure this is Casey and not Misty? She has a twin..."

"No, she's calling herself Casey, and insists she won't answer any questions unless you're here."

Derek managed to speak, "I'll be there right away."

He drove in a strange haze, Casey McDonald drinking to the point of not being able to safely decide not to drive was such a ridiculous thought, who was this woman? And since when did Casey get that drunk? When he got to the police office, Casey was sitting in a chair with a blanket wrapped around her. She lit up when she saw him, "Oh he's here, my Der is here," she said with an infectious giggle.

Derek tried to keep a stern look on his face, but she, unfortunately, looked ridiculously cute. She was looking at him like some kind of angel to the rescue. "Casey," he said thickly, "what the hell happened? Why didn't you call me to pick you up?"

"I wanted to be fun tonight," she said matter-of-factly. "They are being so boring as if they were never college students."

The officer approached them and turned to Derek with a seriously intimidating look. "Casey here was driving at 130 miles per hour, in a residential zone."

Derek's mouth flew open, "Seriously?" and he looked over at Casey as she giggled.

"It was so much fun, Derek," she slurred.

Derek was flabbergasted, "Casey, you could have hurt yourself or crashed into another car, that was such a stupid thing to do!"

Casey gasped, "since when are you Mr turtle when you drive?"

"But never under the influence Casey!" he was completely rattled.

Casey looked struck and confused. "Wait you're mad at me?"

Derek just looked away from her, "Oh I'm not mad, I am pissed." She could have been seriously injured, what was she thinking?

The officer went on for about an hour about how it was a serious offense, and that Casey would face criminal charges for knowingly driving under the influence. He pleaded with them, "This is the most responsible woman on earth. Please, I'll pay the fine, but this kind of record on someone who's never had a wild moment in their entire life is a bit much. Please... I am certain she'll never do this again."

"You call her dangerous driving responsible?" he asked with surprise.

"Who doesn't have a girls gone wild moment? Please, I get having to strike her license, but I swear she'll never do this again. Don't ruin her record, she will have an anxiety attack tomorrow after she realizes what she did, she has the most guilty conscience of anyone I know. "

Casey interrupted with a burst of giggles, "No I won't, Derek I am no longer a polyester preppy pants, I will not be guilty!"

Derek cast her a chiding glance, "would you just shut up Casey? for the love of God."

The guy seemed to be in a good mood thankfully. "She's lucky she has you, but the fine is $5000."

Derek was shocked, and Casey gasped, "Ooo that hurts."

"I have three credit cards, here" and he literally threw them at the counter. Damn, he couldn't get the rents to help with this, Nora would go crazy. As he led a really drunk Casey to his car, she kept saying, "you're cute when you're mad."

Derek just bit back, "well I must be fricken gorgeous then because I'm beyond pissed at you."

When they got to the apartment, he put his arm around her to steady her and tucked her in her bed. She was being quite...handsy and came on to him a little. He didn't have time to think about why she was doing this. He was beyond upset, what if she had crashed? A sick chill went through him, the love he felt for her was making him crazy. Why was she going this far? God this insanity needed to be stopped. He texted Misty to get suggestions on what he could do, and she was shocked.

M: It's a cry for attention, clearly. Damn, she's snapped.

D: Attention from who? This is clearly not Casey at all.

M: Oh you really are a cute idiot, aren't you?

D: Can't you come and talk to her? I don't think I can.

M: I would but she has declared war with me. She has avoided me for weeks.

D: Come on Misty, this is an emergency.

M: She's breathing and safe, there's not much I can do.

The next morning Derek woke up early and waited for Casey. It was an infernal night for him, he couldn't even sleep. He needed to know what was going on, and nip it in the bud, he had enough of her living on the edge. She eventually stumbled out of her bedroom, and to his surprise, she didn't look hungover at all. "Good Morning Derek," she said cheerfully.

He glared at her intensely, "Good? There's nothing good about this morning, Casey….what the hell is going on? I had to pay 5 grand because of your little wild ride."

Casey laughed, looking completely pleased with herself. "Oh I am so sorry I'll pay you back by the end of tonight, " and to his shock, she just sat down and started eating.

"Wait, you're not upset?" he got up from the couch and stood over her, completely shocked.

Casey grinned, "why would I be? I had fun last night but clearly, I took it too far."

"Casey you drove drunk," he fumed, "what you did was incredibly stupid. Where is your annoying guilt these days?"

Casey then leaned back on her chair, eyeing him mysteriously. "I wasn't that drunk, actually," she said with a wink.

As the memories of trying to get her to lie down came back, he laughed a little too loudly. Casey was definitely not aware of her tendency to get all touchy, clearly. "Oh really? you were grinding on my leg when I tried to put you to sleep."

Casey coughed a little, blushing wildly, "I did?"

Derek blushed, remembering it made him burn up instantly, it was sexy but so wrong given the circumstances. "Yeah you were rowdy as fuck, so tell me again how you weren't just drunk out of your mind?"

Casey was giggling more and more, "so you bought it then."

"Casey, " he pulled a chair and sat down, his eyes were as round as marbles. "What do you mean? I am just so confused."

"Yes I had alcohol, but if you look at my report it was barely over the alcohol limit..." she looked at him with a twinkling expression, "I would have never driven if I truly didn't think I could do it, don't you know me?"

Derek just sat there with bewilderment, "Are you telling me you pretended to be drunk, drove wildly, and acted all flirty with me because..."

"I wanted to have a dangerous unexpected moment, I am just tired of being predictable. I was looking to get in trouble on purpose to see what it was like, and it turned out to be exhilarating, I see why you do it, Derek."

Casey had said numerous things throughout the night about him being cute, and how he had a nice butt, and she kept reaching for his hand throughout, which he allowed because he was clearly not thinking right. She did all of that knowingly...and it made everything even more perplexing. Yet she didn't seem embarrassed at all.

"And you were flirting with me because..." he asked shakily.

Casey shrugged, tossing her hair back as if it wasn't the strangest thing in the world, "I was playing the part of a ditzy randy drunk girl, and you bought it. And I must say, you are such a gentleman Derek, so respectful, it made me...appreciate you more. "

Derek reached over and snapped her hand, feeling cheated somehow that she played with him that way. "What? Casey, why did you do this? I swear my brain is scrambled."

Then Casey eyed him and grinned widely, "Didn't you tell me once that I needed to live dangerously?"

If someone told him one day that Casey would have pulled a stunt like this, he would have called that person an idiot, yet there she was proud of her accomplishment. "Well yeah, but I meant staying out past your curfew, drinking at a party, breaking a rule here and there, but not this. You were about to get criminally charged Casey. What were you thinking?"

"Don't guys like the bad girl types?" she asked totally seriously.

Derek was immediately enraged, "Did Jacob say he wanted a wilder girlfriend because if he did, he's a moron Casey!"

Casey looked annoyed now, "No, I just wanted to be wild, and I enjoyed it. So I got a little infraction, turns out I can survive not being perfect. "

He was so lost, and nothing was making sense. Misty was right it was a cry for attention, and it was clear she was just pulling a Misty. But why? "Is this about all the times I called you lame? "

"What if it was?" she leaned over the table a bit, "Are you really that shocked by me?"

Derek nodded, "I take it back…you don't suit the extreme rebel type…."

"As in I can't be like Misty? Everyone likes Misty's crazy side why shouldn't people like me this way?" she got up now, getting angrier. "I just can't believe this Derek, I can't win can I? "

Derek got up after her and seized her shoulders tightly, "Because you aren't Misty. You're Casey, yes a little bit of unpredictability is nice, but why are you taking it this far?

Casey glared at him, "I've decided to change for my own good. This is the new me, so live with it, okay?"

"You can't fool me, Casey, this is all just a game to you. And I will get to the bottom of this, sooner or later..."

Casey got up as a sweltering flush went over her entire face. "You really are a moron." And she ripped herself away, "this isn't a game, if you don't like it then step aside because it's only going up from here."

"You mean there's more of this craziness?" he asked frantically.

"Haven't even started," and she got up angrily, and stomped out of the apartment, leaving him with his scattered mind.

It was a promise she definitely kept. Just when he thought she couldn't top her rebel strike, she added the sexy factor. Casey shocked his entire being when she announced she was getting her eyebrow pierced, he actually laughed thinking she was making a joke, all to realize she was 100% serious. Casey got her eyebrow pierced. She looked kind of cool, to be honest, she just seemed like a total rocker chick all of a sudden, and while he made jokes, she did look hot, but she didn't need any of that to be hot.

And if that wasn't enough, she also had a matching belly button ring with Misty. And it was easy to tell because, for some reason, Casey's fashion sense had become more…well she had no problem showing off her stomach in low-rise jeans, and she was clearly wearing smaller clothes that did nothing to hide her figure. It wasn't at the level Misty dressed, but still enough to get him staring with surprise.

Jacob had come over a few times and when Derek asked what he thought about Casey's change, he just grinned, "I like it, she's finally expressing her sexuality, if you know what I mean," he winked suggestively.

What the hell did that mean? His mind was filled with horrible scenes of them having sex. He was in deep agony. He needed a distraction, so he invited Sam and Ralph over one night. For some reason, Casey was in a good mood that day and said she'd cook up something for them.

When Sam and Ralph arrived, they both stared with shock, as Casey moved around the kitchen slowly, every moment seemed to have this sensuality. Did she have any idea what she was doing? She was wearing short shorts and a tight white tank top that exposed her belly button.

They were clearly attuned to her, and he barked at them "Um can you guys stop staring already? Damn you're pathetic."

Sam leaned in, looking a little caught. "Sorry, it's just Casey is going through a bit of a…hot nerd to sexy rebel change, hey?"

Derek just hid his face, trying not to show he cared so much, "Oh I'm sure it's no big deal, Casey will eventually realize how ridiculous she's being, and change back. She finally hit that college phase and is just living it up, but it won't last.."

" Casey's popularity has skyrocketed, or haven't you noticed?" Ralph asked with intrigue.

Derek rolled his eyes, of course, he noticed. She went from hanging out with four other girls to now being followed by like 10 guys, who she claimed were just her friends. He looked her square in the eye and laughed, "Casey, I am pretty certain they don't care for friendship, they clearly want to be the next runner-up to date you, just get a clue okay?"

Casey just smiled provocatively, "wow you're a little jaded Derek to not believe a girl and a guy can be just friends."

"I am a guy, I know how they think," he bit back.

The tension was overwhelming these days, as she laughed quietly, "Well that's their problem because I am definitely into someone else."

"Oh, so things are good with Jacob then?" he was miserable, would this ever end?

"You are definitely a little dumb sometimes Derek Venturi." And she had tousled his hair, with a little smile, "so, so dumb."

Ralph interrupted his thoughts, "So hot...like seriously, why did she ever think preppy was her style?"

Derek turned to him and punched his arm hard, "What are you talking about? She looked just perfect before, it suited her, and now she's just like every other girl out there."

Ralph gave him a calculated look, "so you liked the preppy style hey, D?"

Before Derek could respond, Casey interrupted with a tray of gooey nachos. "Alright I made nachos and other snacks which I will set up in a second, could you take your feet off the table, Derek?"

Derek just smirked, "make me, " he threw back. And Casey just grabbed his foot and tossed it overboard, with a playful smile.

Casey then placed the food in front of him, and as the guys got busy scarfing down the best nachos ever, she came back with different candies. "So Case, what's with the extra niceness today?" He asked carefully.

Casey came back and didn't answer him. She took a bag out of licorice, and then she looked straight at him, with this dark look. She took a small, slow bite of the licorice, and with the sexiest look in her eye, she twirled it in her mouth for a second ."Want some Der?" The way she said it was deeply unsettling, it made goosebumps go all over.

Derek just stared as she leaned over just slightly, she was being so damn sexy, and the guys stopped and stared at her. "Uh sure," he stuttered, "but maybe one you haven't eaten already," he said with a forced laugh.

Ralph and Sam both noticed her provocative smile, "I will have some Casey," Ralph said vivaciously.

Casey threw him a fiery smile and handed one to him and to Sam. Derek was so annoyed by her giving that same attention to them, that he snapped at Sam since he was closest to him, "hey could you maybe take your chainsaw teeth somewhere else?"

Sam didn't seem to hear him because he was zoned in on Casey, so Derek just snapped at Casey. "Okay Case, what's with the food?"

Casey straightened up with an overexcited smile. "I just wanted to formally invite you guys to my first party."

Derek coughed on the nacho he was eating, "what?"

Casey gave them an invitation, "I booked this insane place, it's at a ranch but the venue is pretty wicked. There will also be a stage with a dance pole... It will be the craziest, wildest party of the year, I promise. "

Derek almost threw up as seething images consumed his mind, surely she didn't say what he thought. "A dance pole...why would you need that? " he asked with fright.

Casey blushed and looked directly at him, "I have been taking some pole dancing classes, just for fun, and thought at my own party I would practice what I learned..."

Derek felt suckered punched, bewilderment went over him. He literally had his mouth open and found himself standing up and towering over Casey. Sam and Ralph just stared at Casey with round eyes, "wait...are you telling me you're going to be pole dancing, in front of everyone?" he asked shakily.

Casey smiled confidently at him, "not everyone, just whoever wants to watch," she said with this dark glint in her eyes.

He was aware his friends were watching him like a hawk, so he tried to appeal levelheaded, but inside he was screaming. How could she do that to him? How could she just pole dance and show off her body in that manner, in front of strangers? If she wanted to be all sexual, fine, she deserved to express her sexuality, but the problem was that he didn't want to share with anyone, he wanted to be the only one to enjoy that side of her, just him, only him. Couldn't even handle the thought of her own boyfriend getting that kind of satisfaction. And No way did he want to see Sam and Ralph dying over her, couldn't stand the thought of random guys whistling at her. He'd never been turned on and enraged at the same time.

Casey McDonald pole dancing. Somebody needed to drop a bucket of ice to wake him up from this alternate universe that had become his life. It was the biggest slap on the face. He managed to speak, "As much as I love pole dancers, and am a huge fan of their work, do you really think I want to see you getting all freaky on a pole? Are you insane?" he was close to just shaking her.

Casey then bit her lip a bit, and lowly said, "well then you don't have to look, there will be other fun things you can do at the party."

Derek shot a warning look at his friends, as he realized she was dead serious. "I think it's time for you guys to scram, clearly Casey has lost her mind and I need to talk some sense into her."

Casey interrupted, with a blazing smile, "I want them to come too, please tell me you'll come."

Sam and Ralph couldn't deny Casey's charms, and they both muttered, "Uh sure... and actually I think it does sound like an awesome party, I bet you are a fiery pole dancer Casey," Ralph said with a wink.

Derek threw them a murderous look and Sam caught it, reaching for Ralph hastily, "Alright let's go before Derek incinerates us."

Casey stood there, waiting for him to speak as the guys left them to their heated gaze. "Case, please tell me this is all some prank, " he asked with too much hope.

Casey looked unabashed, "I am not changing my mind, Derek, this is my party and you have to be there."

Derek groaned heavily, this was torture of the evil kind. "Casey I can't tell you how much I don't want to be there, why the hell would I want to go?"

Casey moved closer, and she stroked his arm really lightly, "I want you there...You know how hard it's been for me to fit in this year. Please come Derek. I am sure I will just get booed off the stage anyway, it will make for a good laugh. Please..." she continued to move closer, stroking his arm even deeper, "Won't you support me?"

His breath caught, this was too much for him. "Casey, it's just not right okay, that's a side of you I have no right even being close to," the remainder of his family responsibility really was frostbite at times.

"Please," she urged again, "I am begging you."

Derek sighed and closed his eyes with a heaviness, of course, he was going to be there. Casey had no clue what kind of creeps showed up to these types of things, and he had to protect her, it was his duty...it had nothing to do with his own curiosity." Alright, but that means I get to ask you to leave at any time if the party gets out of hand. I don't want Nora to skewer me if anything happened to you, deal?"

"As long as you don't go overboard and let me have some fun, then we have a deal," she stuck out her hand.

He shakily shook it, and she looked likes she was about to wipe the floor with him, "Are you just trying to get a heart attack out of me?"

Casey smiled, "Is it working?"

"Yes okay, never in a million years would I have thought you'd pole dance."

Casey looked so proud, "it's really….freeing, I was surprised by how much I loved it. I don't feel like such a control freak, you know? I'm just …free."

Despite the agony, he was fascinated, and curious to see her do it, he was certain she was fully in control and it was probably going to be too sexy to behold. "Fine, Case….I'll come, can't say I'm too excited though."

Casey yelped excitedly, "yay," and for a moment her usual self came through and he felt such a strong reaction to that. He ended up smiling at her. How could he be smiling when he was so jealous? It was just Casey once again doing the unexpected and well she made it sound like it was a huge achievement. And he knew he'd hate every moment, but there was nowhere else he'd rather be…..plus he needed to keep her safe. Derek actually felt this…weird sadness, his heart was aching and at the same time, it was impossible not to have a reaction to her.

What had happened to his adorable keener? He missed her so much, yet no matter what disguise Casey used, he was still so deeply in love with her.

---

The night of the party, Derek realized he wasn't going to make it out alive. The nerves over what Casey would do tonight sent him into a deep panic. He couldn't eat for almost two days, and he was barely conscious of his day-to-day interactions. It took all of his strength to get out of bed and go to this thing. Misty didn't know about the party and he had accidentally let it slip, it was clear it hurt Misty's feelings to have been excluded, but she said she understood it was Casey's time to shine.

When he arrived, he took in the venue with a calculated look. It was huge and while it was a barn setting it was clear it was set up for a rave. He took in the stage with the famous pole, and his heart lurched, Casey would be dancing there, it just didn't seem to be real. This was insane. Casey's party topped any party he'd ever seen. He was nervous as hell as he watched crowds arrive, and kept his eyes peeled for Casey.

He saw a familiar face, Emily waved and moved closer. "Hey Derek, you're here," she said with round eyes. "Clearly Casey didn't tell you the plan she had for tonight or you'd be screaming and running away."

"Oh she told me," he said with deep distress, "someone's gotta look out for her behind the scenes."

Emily chewed her lip thoughtfully, "what are your thoughts about Casey these days? She's kind of scaring me. She ignored me for weeks and suddenly wants to party all the time and she's become a bit of a flirt just like Misty. "

"Wait now she's just flirting with random guys? What's the matter with her," he said with desperation.'' I swear she's gone mad that's the only explanation."

"Yeah, I can't believe she's stripping for fun."

Derek stopped breathing, and he stepped back as if someone shot him. This had to be a nightmare but the words were definitely spoken. She suddenly grasped Emily by the shoulders, "wait, she's stripping? I thought she was just pole dancing which was already a nightmare, but that can't be true, please tell me it isn't true."

Emily looked shocked by his sudden volcanic display of concern. "Derek I thought stripping and pole dancing were kind of linked. If it makes you feel better she said she wouldn't be totally explicit about it, but that she planned to be as sexy as possible ."

No, no he refused to believe she'd go that far. He was freaking out, a heated sweat was taking over. "You need to stop her, isn't she your best friend? Please talk to her."

"I've tried Derek, but she's stubborn."

He was ready to go give her an earful. "Where is she?"

"Coming with Jacob…. I feel bad, I think she feels replaced by me somehow just because I like Misty too."

"Yeah, and she left Misty out of this for a reason. I think she's trying to outpass Misty's wild record. I can't believe Jacob is okay with this, if that was me I'd go crazy."

Emily watched as he drank down his drink absently, trying to calm himself. He felt as if someone clobbered him over the head. Casey was out to kill him. "You don't look OK now Derek. You're pale and look like you're going to throw up. Didn't know you cared that much for Casey."

He tried to smile to cover up his shock, "Regardless of my …annoyance for Casey every day, it's not enough for me to just not give a rats ass …..what is she thinking?"

"She's determined to get a rise out of someone for sure."

"I am so talking to her, she's not thinking clearly," he said with a rattled breath, he started pacing a bit, just trying to come up with a new strategy.

She stopped him in his place, trying to calm him down."I don't think you should Derek, you're too altered, and when you two fight she just does the opposite of what you tell her."

He couldn't calm down, he was losing everything he loved about her, and yet he loved her more than ever. Emily stroked his arm, "Derek I get you want to look out for her but there are some mistakes Casey has to make, you know? She's lived a life full of structure and perfection, I think we need to let her figure out what she really wants."

He felt this horrible knot in his throat, something resembling a weird cry, and his eyes stung. "I can't just sit back, never in a million years would I have imagined My Casey stripping in front of strangers, how could she do this to me?"

Emily's mouth opened, clearly startled. "Your Casey?" She asked it so softly, "What do you mean?"

Derek took a deep breath closing his eyes, he was losing control. "I meant to say to my step sister. I am just fucking lost right now and clearly, I'm speaking gibberish, it's not what you think" he said weakly.

Emily smiled, "you know Casey is so sure you hate her guts, if she could only see just how sweet you're being she'd probably melt a little. Maybe if you showed this side more it may move her enough to rethink things."

"Tell you what I'll think about it, anyway I have to go and try not to die tonight," he just needed to get away.

Derek disappeared into a closet and just hyperventilated into a bucket. Casey was putting on a strip tease show, he'd never felt this kind of agony before. He let out a few muffled screams into his arm. After he could breathe again he rested against the wall, just trying to come up with a plan. He needed to whisk Casey away before her show, but would she let him? Probably not because she clearly loved making him suffer. He wanted to stay in there forever, but he needed to be there when she arrived. After a few shuddering breaths he went out to find his friends.

He got a drink and sat on a barstool facing the entrance. Casey was nowhere to be found, and he was getting sick. Suddenly he saw someone come out of an upstairs balcony, a shadow moved down the stairs slowly, and then he saw her. Derek felt a chill go through his entire body. For a second, he thought she was Misty. This had to be a nightmare….a very sexy nightmare. Casey descended the stairs with an unsettling sensuality, looking at the entire room with this confidence. She was wearing a deep purple corset with these tiny buttons down her front, pushing up her breasts to showcase them, in a mouthwatering display that made him literally choke on air.

The shape of her body was mesmerizing, fiery, and perfect. Casey had a really sexy ass, and the tiny black skirt she wore did little to hide how deliciously curvy she was. She wore high heels making her legs look extra sexy. Her blonde hair was down in streams of gold. She wore these huge gold hoops. Her smile was so alluring, her eyes were like diamonds. And to top it all off, she was wearing this tiara, it softened her look a little. Always a princess even in her seduction game and it made him smile despite the shock.

Oh, Casey McDonald, just run me over with your hotness, will you? Fuck you're killing me! She was absolutely gorgeous, too much to endure. Never in his entire life did he want to tackle a girl so badly, not only because he was turned on as hell, but because he couldn't stand the thought of anyone else looking at her, not for one moment. Yet he was in denial, it's not Casey, it can't be, this has to be Misty, but it was her. Vivid, intense, and clearly set on winning some kind of challenge that had no name. And then she locked in on him. She shot him a devilish smile and she winked at him. Damn her she was too charming.

He dropped his drink from the impact of her smile, breaking into a million pieces. Sam skewered him a look, "Derek are you okay?"

He got down trying to clean up his mess but a bartender was already on it. He looked back up at Casey, she was still looking at him.

Derek straightened up, he was so fucking lost now, "Sam, do me a favor…can you go see if that's Casey or Misty?"

"Could it be the great Derek is stumped by a twin?" he jeered.

"No, I'm pretty sure I know who it is, but for my own sanity you have to go ask. Please." he sounded ridiculous, but he couldn't think properly, and Casey was just looking at him with this bashful smile as if she was enjoying his discomfort.

Sam walked over to her, and then suddenly this flood of jealousy confounded him as he noticed the way guys were looking at her. He watched in agony as Casey giggled, "of course I'm Casey. Is Derek too chicken to ask me himself?"

Sam laughed, "you stomped him good."

Derek just walked slowly towards her, he was staring like a moron, blushing wildly. He couldn't stop looking over her sinfully beautiful body.

"Hi Derek," she said with a challenging smirk, "Enjoying the party?"

"Case, hi….…uh what, I mean why….who…where.." he sputtered stupidly.

Sam burst out laughing, "Smooth."

Casey giggled, "sure I'll answer that ….what do you think?" and to his shock, she spun around in this slow circle so he could see her from every angle.

"I'm not thinking anything," there wasn't a truer statement. He was totally captivated, and the realization that this was Casey before the strip show made him nauseous.

Sam on the other hand smiled at Casey, "digging the new look Casey."

Casey beamed at him, and his heart went wacko. He literally got in between them and shoved Sam back. "Alright, fashion show over….I'm assuming this type of dress is just part of the pole dancing experience?" Please let this be a one-time thing.

Casey placed her hands on her hips, standing up straight, "nope it's permanent. Maybe not to this level but I am ready to show a much more confident me. Misty was right, this is a great feeling."

Derek was crumbling at the seams, was she doing that on purpose? "Sam, could you stop staring and leave us for a moment?"

Once he was left with Casey, he tried to get his breathing under control. He fixated on her face to avoid burning from the incessant lust. "Casey...what, I mean why are you doing this?"

Casey smiled proudly, "Derek I'm living dangerously for once, and tonight...old Casey has passed away. I decided I don't like her, and this is who I am now."

"Well I like old Casey much better," he said urgently. "Please Casey you're being ridiculous. Don't go up there, you're going to regret this night, I know you will."

Casey moved in like a panther, giving him an intense rove over, "What I'll regret is never trying, I need to do this. I have felt so invisible for so long, and I just want to be seen. I want to be beautiful."

Derek reached for her hand desperately, but the cord snapped within, he couldn't contain the desperation. "You are beautiful, but you don't need to go up there to prove that."

"You're just saying that, you don't mean it," she accused with a well of emotion.

He actually felt like he'd burst and he took her other hand, looking at her with all the care he could bring forth. "I swear I'm not, you're too damn beautiful and I'm not just saying that as your step brother. You don't need to prove anything to be seen, Casey."

"I thought you were going to be supportive, why are you doing this to me?" she asked hazily.

"Please...please don't do this, I can't just stand by and watch you do this, it's madness."

Her eyes softened, she looked moved and overcome with emotion. "It's too late to back down, if you want to leave I understand, but I have to do this, " she said with a heavy voice.

He pulled her into a hug, he just couldn't think anymore. He held her tightly, and she wilted in his arms as he whispered. " I can't leave you...I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to you."

Casey stepped back, wiping away one tear, "Then stay. I need you to stay Derek, don't reject me too. I've had enough of that the past few months."

He wanted to scream, but he couldn't deny her anything. He didn't want her to go over the edge, but it seemed she was determined and nothing would stop her from doing this, it was such a helpless situation. He gasped out shakily, "I'll be here Casey, I promise," he said gutturally.

He watched with a heavy heart as she walked away. He was tattered, completely overwhelmed with sadness. As he watched other guys hooting and surveying her in ways that made his skin crawl, he made his feet move, wanted to scoop her up and take her away from harm but it was too late. The sound of loud music enveloped the whole room and Casey was heading toward the stage. He found himself saying out loud, "Don't do this Casey, please, I love you!"

But Casey was too far away to hear his last plead. He disappeared into a sea of nameless faces, all standing there waiting to see Casey express her newfound freedom, a side of her that no one truly deserved, not even him. Casey was too pure to be degraded to only a sex symbol, and he died inside. There was no way he was making it out of this night alive, but he would fight like hell to bring her back, there was no way he was letting Casey disappear.

---

Thank you to my dear readers for reaching out, it was so heartwarming to get your encouragement to continue. Due to the size of this chapter I had to split it up because it would have been almost 25 000 word count chapter, which is massive. I am sorry for ending it at this point, but the good news is that the next chapter is almost fully written out, and will aim to update it as soon as possible. Hopefully within two weeks.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter even though it was Casey unwinding, it was necessary since she has reached a point of complete identity crisis and she truly believes this is the only way to have Derek's love. And to make you feel better, she was never actually going to strip, and she won't because Derek's words got to her, so you can all breathe :) But she's still dead set on seducing him, and we know she's going to give that her full heart.

Look out for some major Dasey feels coming up next chapter 3