Life With Derek: The Secret

o7o

The next morning, Casey made as much noise as naturally possible. She decided to make breakfast for everyone; so while moving around and getting pans out, she clanged them together as much as she could. It was her retribution towards Derek for not only having to take him home after he got completely plastered, but because he suddenly threw their past at her again.

Part of her kind of wanted him to forget about what they had; it would give her more reason to hate him forever. If he hadn't apologized then maybe she could one day move on and look back and know that it was all his fault. Last night, she couldn't take the way he looked at her though; the way his thumb so easily sent shivers down her back as it traced her mouth.

It one short minute, Derek had brought up those old feelings that she had tried so hard to push down and demolish. She wanted to hate him; to hate everything he epitomized. His smug smile, his warm eyes, his delectable body. His easy personality, his calming embrace, his tantalizing kiss. If she could just forget all these things and never have to look at them then maybe all of the left over emotion she still felt for him would die away.

Casey needed him to get angry with her; to yell at her. At least then she could be vicious towards him; to scream at him for being an idiot with just cause. She wouldn't have to worry about her parents wondering why they were fighting or why she was crying. They would know that he had upset her for being his stupid, careless self and that gave her justified reason to rant and yell at him. They didn't know about their past; they didn't know that she had loved him.

After everyone sat down to eat, she heard Derek shuffle into the dining room, his hand lifted, running over his face. He hadn't bothered getting dressed; still wearing just his boxers."What is with all the noise?" he grumbled.

Smiling sweetly, Casey just stared up at him innocently. "What's a matter Derek? Not feeling well?"

Part of her truly enjoyed seeing him look like he was in pain. His head must be throbbing with a morning after hangover. From what she could see, he had downed enough alcohol to keep him buzzing for the entire weekend. However, there was another part of Casey -the forgiving part- that pitied him and his turning stomach.

Glaring at her, Derek slid into a chair and stared down at the food with a sour face. Casey plopped a pile of scrambled eggs down on his plate. Staring down at it, he visibly gulped. Soon after, he was running upstairs to the bathroom.

"What's wrong with Smerek?" Marti asked, her face worried.

Sighing, Casey rolled her eyes. "I'll check on him."

As angry as she was, she couldn't very well let him smother in his own vomit. She wanted to hurt him; she wanted to let him feel this without an ounce of leniency. A small voice in her head told her to rat on him to George and her mom. But she didn't know his reasons for doing what he did; and she knew he must have a reason. Derek didn't get drunk often; it usually took something big to make him drink too much. And it must've been something catastrophic this time, because he'd never had that much beer before.

Surprised at her volunteering to go, George and Nora simply stared at her with wide, shocked eyes. Lizzie glanced at Edwin, her eyebrow raised. He nodded at her before turning back to his food. And Marti, being Marti, simply went back to eating her breakfast.

Taking the stairs slowly, Casey's fist hovered in the air by the door before she knocked. She could hear Derek moaning for whoever it was to go away. Exhaling lowly, she pushed the door open. Walking inside, she found him with his face against the cold tile of the floor. His hands were clutching at the porcelain toilet.

Closing the door behind her, Casey sat down beside him.

"Come to kick me when I'm down?" he asked, his eyes closed.

"No, that's your job," she said.

Reaching out, she pushed his hair off of his clammy forehead. He looked horrible and she couldn't help but wince at her previous actions. His face was pale and drawn and his breathing was heavy and short. He was sweating rather profusely and his legs were brought up near his stomach, signaling that he was not feeling good at all.

Scrambling off the floor, he leaned over the toilet, letting out a round of discoloured chunks. He continued to do so for a rather long time and she became worried about his air supply. She had no idea he'd be going through this much; although, with how much he knocked back, it was necessary to get it all out. He fell back to the floor with a deep groan of agony.

Standing up, she walked to the cabinet behind the mirror. Pulling out a bottle of Tylenol, she poured a couple into her hand. Holding a glass beneath the tap, she filled it with cold water. Kneeling beside him, she wrapped her arm underneath him, sitting him up.

Derek's mouth dropped open, so she placed the pills on his tongue and lifted the cup to his mouth. After a couple gulps, he sighed.

"Are you done puking?" she asked, softly.

"Man, I hope so," he mumbled. His head lolled to the side, pressing against her arm.

Nodding, she helped him up from the floor. Wrapping an arm around his back, she walked him to his bedroom. "Sorry I made so much noise this morning," she said, quietly.

Shaking his head for a moment, he stopped. Lifting a hand to his face, he winced at the pain. "I deserved it," he gritted out.

Helping him into his bed, she lifted the blanket around him. Grabbing the small garbage pale, she pulled the bag out and put the empty bin beside his bed. "I'll check on you later," she said. "If you're feeling better, I'll make you some soup."

Walking out of the room, she came back with a thick throw blanket. Lifting it up to the window, she pinned it to the wall; throwing the room into darkness. Sighing, she made her way towards the door. "I'll tell mom and George that your sick. I won't mention anything about the party."

Before she closed the door, she heard him call out her name. His voice was deep and scratchy from the strain of throwing up. Turning back to him, she waited for him to say something.

"Thank you," he mumbled before turning over and pressing his face into his pillow.

The two words meant more than they might from most people; Derek wasn't one for pleasantries. Closing the door behind her gently, she made her way back downstairs. Sitting down at the table, she looked over at her mom and step dad. "He's really sick," she told them, shaking her head. "There's a flu that's going around. Sam had it last week, so I think he caught it," she lied; for the first time, she didn't feel guilty about it.

"Oh no," Nora said, sighing. "Maybe I should check on him."

Casey held up her hand to stop her mom from leaving. "No, he's laying down. I put his garbage can by him just in case he can't make it to the bathroom. I think he needs to sleep for now."

Pushing her fork into her eggs, she tried to act like nothing was odd about what had happened.

"So Casey," George said. "I didn't hear you and Derek get in last night. Around what time did you make it back from your dates?"

"I'm not sure," she said, honestly. "We went out for dinner and then we caught a late movie." She shrugged through the lie.

Nodding, George seemed to accept her answer.

"What movie?" Nora asked, interested.

"What- uh movie..." she stuttered, trying to think of what was on.

"I think Derek said you guys were going to that new action movie," Edwin spoke up.

"Yeah, no wonder you don't remember it," Lizzie said, rolling her eyes for added effect.

Smiling, Casey went along with it. "Yeah, I seem to remember a lot of... explosions."

"Oh, well that's... nice, I guess." Nora said; not really one for violence. "Did Derek seem alright last night?"

"I think so," Casey said, shrugging. "He seemed to like the movie. We didn't sit together. He was off in some other part of the theater. I only saw him on the way home. You know how the flu is though; it creeps up on you when you least expect it." Deciding to fill her mouth so she wouldn't have to answer any more questions, Casey looked away from them.

Nora and George didn't really suspect anything and continued to eat. Lizzie and Edwin, however, shared a secret look and nod once more. And Marti played with her scrambled eggs, trying to build a picture with them and her hashbrowns.

That afternoon, George and Nora decided to take the kids out to a movie at the mall. Casey offered to stay back and keep an eye on Derek, which they were surprised at but made no comment. Sitting down on the couch, Casey flipped through the channels, looking for anything worth watching. Being a Saturday, there wasn't much but cartoons playing.

Sighing, she sprawled out on the sofa and used the controller to turn the radio on; she kept the volume low, so Derek wouldn't be disturbed. She remembered the way his house used to look, with the lumpy old brown couch that used to occupy the living room. She had been to his house on a couple occasions when they were dating. Obviously his brother, sister, and father had been absent, otherwise they may have remembered seeing her there before. Or not, given just how many girls Derek had brought back to his house to enjoy the old couch.

Part of her mind, remembered their times at his house fondly; and another part truly wanted to hate them. One of the reasons she wanted to revamp the house when she had moved in with her family was because it brought up too many memories for her. She didn't want to walk through the house every day and remember their past together.

"You know, we can still make it to the 7 o'clock show for The Notebook," Casey suggested, smiling.

Snorting, Derek shook his head. "After I shelled out six bucks for this movie, I think we're set for a night at home." He pushed his key into the lock and turned it. "Besides, my family is out at my crazy aunt's for dinner. I'm lucky if this happens once a week." He stared at her pointedly. "One day with just us and the T.V. is not going to kill us." He smirked.

Rolling her eyes playfully, she followed him inside. Seeing as their was no real motherly figure to keep the kids from destroying the place, it was pretty messy and unkempt. Chuckling, she just shook her head. Typical Derek not to have a spotless house; but she didn't really mind.

Closing the door behind them, he led her around the house, showing her where everything is. "This is the kitchen," he said, throwing his arms around as they entered the cute area, even with it's disorderly counters. Smiling, he shrugged. "I could've cleaned before you came over, but I figured that'd be like hiding what my family is really like."

Laughing, she nodded. "Right," she said, drawing out the word. "I bet you were just dying to break out the mop and garbage bags."

Chuckling, he shrugged. "Come on," he said, signaling her to follow. He brought her upstairs, showing her his sister Marti's room first.

Smiling, she stepped inside. "It's very colourful," she said, nodding.

"She's got quite the personality," he explained.

"Well, with a brother like you, how couldn't she?" Her eyes wandered the little girls adorable room. Crossing to her dresser, she found a picture of Derek in a dress holding his sister up over his head. "Care to explain?" she asked, holding the frame up with a grin. "I had no idea what your extra curricular activities entailed."

Laughing nervously, he shook his head. "That's not me," he said. "That's my twin brother who no longer lives here." He tried to snatch the frame from her but she held it out of reach.

"Hmm," she said, nodding. "Yeah, I can see the difference. There's no way you could look that good in pink."

"Fuschia," he corrected, cocking his eyebrow. "And I'll have you know, it went great with my, or his, eyes."

Chuckling, she grinned at him.

Grabbing the picture, he put it back down on his sisters dresser and took her hand. Leading her out, he pointed at Edwin's room. "I'd show you his room, but I don't want you to get lost." Walking to the end, he opened his door. "Now, this room is mine. Don't get any ideas though, I'm not that kind of guy." He smiled.

Laughing, she looked around. "Nice posters," she commented, pointing at the many half naked women adorning his walls.

"Those are also my twin brother's. I should really take them down... and mail them to wherever he is." Derek nodded, trying to suppress a smile. "He's really a troubled kid."

"Oh I can tell," Casey said, with over exaggerated wide eyes. Walking over, she sat down on his bed. Bouncing a little bit, she let her eyes travel around the room again. "Is this your brothers bed too?" she asked.

Sitting down beside her, he shook his head. "No, it's all mine," he said, staring at her mouth.

Turning, she leaned over him. Placing one hand on the other side of his lap, resting on the bed, she let her face hover near his. "Derek," she said in a low voice. Her hair fell over her shoulder, brushing over his cheek.

"Y-ye-" He cleared his throat. "Yes?"

"Is the TV in the living room his? Because I'd like to watch the movie," she said, chuckling. Pulling back, she hopped off the bed and started for downstairs.

Laughing, Derek chased after her. Finding her already at the DVD player, he kneeled down beside her. "Do you know what you're doing?" he asked, amused at her confused expression.

"No, but I'll figure it out," she said, staring at the many different controllers in her hand.

Shaking his head, he grabbed the DVD remote and pressed open. Directing another controller at the TV he turned it to Video. Putting the DVD in, he smirked at her, he enjoying the look of amusement that pulled at her lips. Hopping off the floor, he laid out on the couch.

"Planning on sharing?" she asked, smiling.

Patting the space in front of him, he motioned for her to lay down with him.

Sighing, she complied with his wishes. Lying in front of him, she found herself relaxing against his chest, as their bodies molded together. Derek draped his arm over her stomach; after hitting the Play button, he laced his fingers with hers. His cheek leaned against her head as he watched the movie over her.

Whenever he laughed, she could feel the rumble of his chest against her back. His hand left hers to unconsciously draw circles on her hip. Their legs tangled together at the end of the couch. She felt completely comfortable with him even though they'd only been together for a collective four days and three dates; if she didn't include the night they met.

Reaching to the table, he pulled out a couple of pieces of red licorice. Holding one in front of her face, he motioned for her to eat it. She shook her head but he persisted until she laughed and gave in. While he ate popcorn, he refused to sit up so she constantly found some on her shoulder or cheek. Picking it up, she'd throw it back at him. Chuckling, he'd simply eat it and snuggle in closer to her.

After the movie ended, she rolled over, staring up into his dark brown eyes. His hand moved to rest on her flat stomach. Reaching up, she ran her fingers into his hair. Leaning down, Derek pressed his lips against hers. Running his hand down her lifted arm, he wrapped it around her shoulder. He ran his tongue over her lip, causing her to open her mouth. Sucking on her bottom lip, he grazed his teeth over it teasingly.

The phone ringing caused them to break apart. Derek sighed, resting his forehead against hers. Kissing her quickly once more, he reached over the arm of the couch and picked up the phone. "Hello?" Nuzzling against her shoulder, he pressed his lips against her neck. "Yeah dad," he mumbled. Nibbling at the crevice between her neck and shoulder, he ran his free hand through her hair. "Right, fifteen minutes," he muttered. Moving his mouth up, Derek placed small kisses over her cheek and against the side of her eye. "I'll see you then." He hung up the phone, dropping it on the floor.

Giggling slightly at his warm mouth, Casey tipped her chin down, catching his lips. Her eyes fluttered closed before she realized what time it was. Moaning against his mouth, she pulled back. "I've got to go," she said, sadly. "My mom says I'm not spending enough time with her."

Nodding, he pressed his lips against her shoulder. "Okay," he mumbled. "You go then," he said, moving his mouth over her neck.

Laughing, she caught his face. "Which means you have to stop doing that," she said, smiling.

Leaning in, he caught her mouth swiftly. "Stop what?" he murmured after a moment.

Rolling them over so he was underneath her, she chuckled. "I have to go," she said, trying to sound serious. "Besides, I really only said I'd come out with you because you promised you'd take me to a movie. Here we are, sitting at your house." She sighed as if it was a problem.

"Your sitting," he said. "I'm laying." Leaning up, he wrapped his arms around her waist. Attaching his mouth to her neck again, he laughed against her, sending a shiver down her back. "I happen to think this was much more fun than going out."

Sighing, she nodded. "Yeah," she breathed. Putting her hands down on his shoulders, she pushed him back slightly. "But I still have to go." Climbing off of him, she looked around for where her shoes were. Slipping them on, she stared at him as he fell back down onto the couch. "Come on, Romeo. I can't drive Sam's car to my place alone," she urged.

Rolling off the couch, he slipped his feet into his doc martens. Locking the door behind him, he took her hand and walked to the beat up mustang he had yet to return to his best friend. "What're you doing tomorrow night?" he asked as he backed out of the driveway.

"Hanging out with you," she said simply.

Grinning, he laced their fingers together for the drive out to her place.

Lost in her thoughts, Casey hadn't realized that Derek had plopped down on the couch beside her, his comforter draped around his shoulders. Shaking her head, she looked over at him. He still looked pretty sick and uncomfortable, but his colour had returned. "Uh, hey," she mumbled. She tried to hide her blush as the thoughts of them on the old couch were still fresh in her mind. "Are you hungry?"

Derek shrugged, slightly. "Kind of," he mumbled.

Standing up from the couch, she walked towards the kitchen. "I'll make you some chicken noodle soup," she told him. Turning around, she crossed her arms. "With or without crackers?"

Smiling slightly, he fell over onto the couch, curling into himself. "You know I like lots of crackers," he mumbled.

Nodding, she shrugged. "Just making sure your stomach can handle it."

Sighing, he gave her a small thumbs up. Settling farther into the couch, he pulled his blanket around him tighter.

Walking into the kitchen, she searched around for a pot. Sitting on the counter while the soup heated up, she leaned her head back on the cupboards. As much as she wanted to be her regular mean self to him, he was making it incredibly hard.

In fact, she was making it had on herself too. She just couldn't get him out of her head lately; all she could think about was the past. Memories of them together kept running through her mind. She just worried that their last memories were approaching and she didn't want to live that out again; not even in her head.

Noticing the soup was almost done, she pulled out a pack of soda crackers and crumbled them into the bottom. Getting all of the noodles into the bowl first, she then poured the broth in. Carrying the hot bowl into the living room, she set it down on the table beside him. Usually, she'd make him eat at the table, but she figured she could let it go just this once. Reaching out, she ran her hand over his face, brushing his hair off his eyes, to wake him up.

"Remember the first time you came over?" he asked. His eyes were still closed and his voice hadn't lost it's scratchy sound.

Sometimes, it felt like he could read her mind. Clearing her throat, she shook her head. "Can we please not talk about that?" she asked.

Sighing, his eyes opened slightly. Rolling onto his side, he stared at her. "Are we ever going to talk about it?"

"Eat your soup, Derek," she said, avoiding the question. She began to rise from the floor but his hand wrapped around her wrist.

"Come on, Case," he said, almost pleadingly. Except it was Derek and he never really pleaded. "We can't pretend it never happened."

"That's not true," she said, shrugging her shoulders. "I think we've both done a good job since we moved in together."

"I don't want to keep pretending," he muttered.

"Well, we don't always get what we want," she said quietly.

Pulling away from him, she left the room. Going back to the kitchen, she leaned her head back against the wall. Slipping down, she wrapped her arms around her legs and bit her lip to stop the oncoming tears. Shaking her head and closing her eyes, she begged the emotions to stop pulling her in. She begged Derek, silently, to stop being his old self.

oTBCo