Derek Meets His Match


CHAPTER 4:

Romance? Or is it just me?


Tuesday: August 22, 2006 - around 7:45 PM

(After dinner)


Derek's POV:

How. Dare. He!

Oh, I'm pretty sure you're all probably lost here, right? Well, here's what happened. And, I'll explain it all in two words: Drake Parker. Argh! The guy just made me look bad in front of Casey.

Casey.

The only girl I can never have. And, to tell you the truth, I really don't know why. I mean, she and I aren't really related, so, why does it matter so much if I date her or whatever? Seriously! Though, I know how much her image means to her. Well, actually, same here, but, I'm already popular and an active idol to most, no, wait, all of the students in my school.

Well, except Casey, that is.

You see, she's the only one that proved a challenge. Well, her and Sandra, but, I eventually got her, right? The 'Derek Venturi Charm' works every time. Well, in Sandra's case, Marti helped, but, hey, I got her out and on the couch, didn't I?

Well?

Yes. Derek Venturi always gets what he wants. And right now, what Derek wants is Casey. Wow, talking in the third person is weird...

Uh, as I was saying, you can probably tell that my plan to completely demolish Drake's confidence on getting Casey was, well, it went pretty bad. When we left our house after Casey asked for permission (no, I didn't ask...I just kinda waited outside...) I quickly put my plan into action:

"So, Casey. What do you think of our new neighbors so far? Oh, and, while you're telling me, would you also mind enlightening me with the fact on why you volunteered me on escorting Drake and Josh to our school!"

Ok, so, I hadn't meant to yell that last part out, but, hey, like I said before, I wasn't going to walk around with such dorks.

"Derek! You didn't need to yell. And, for your information, Drake and Josh seem like nice people! They sure aren't pigs like you."

Ouch! I am offended! What a way to treat her step-brother, don't you think? Oh, and, she continues..:

"Both Drake and Josh are nice enough to have us in their house for dinner and all you can do is say how much you don't want to return the favor and help them out? Well, I'm sorry Derek, but, thats just mean, don't you think?"

"Well, whoever said I wasn't?"

Tell me, did I have a good point right there? Because I really think that I had her there, and that I won the argument. Of course, not without my traditional smirk.

As I smirked, Casey instantly turned away, rolling her eyes.

"Wait, Casey."

"What, Derek?"

"Ok, then. Maybe I will help them out. But, first, what's in it for me?"

You didn't think I wouldn't ask that did you? Well, if you didn't, then, its like you don't know me at all!

"De-rek!"

"Aw, c'mon Case. You didn't actually think that I wouldn't ask that, right?"

"Well, I thought that for once you would have some sort of decency and help other people. Obviously not."

"Oh, its like you don't even know me if you think I'll just do this out of decency, really."

"Ugh, fine, Derek. You don't have to do it, happy? I'll just tour Drake around, and, I'll ask Emily to do the same to Josh. Happy now? You're not on the list anymore."

Wait. Only Casey's gonna be escorting Drake around? Oh, heck, I'm so not leaving those two alone together! You know what? I cannot believe I'm being so overprotective of my step-sister. Argh. Stupid emotions!

"Uh, wait, Casey. I change my mind. I'll go with you!"

"What? But, I thought that you didn't want to?"

Ok, I should just tell you. At that point, we were like, already on the front steps of Drake's front porch. Ok, ok, just thought you should know, that's all! Jeez...

"Well, Casey, I changed my mind, I'd be happy to help you help Drake around school...and maybe embarrass him if I'm lucky.."

"Wait, what?"

"Nothing, just saying that I'd love to help little 'Drakey' out."

"It's Drake, Derek. Not 'Drakey.' And, since when did you like helping people without anything for you?"

"You expected me to help you without pay before, didn't you? Why not now? C'mon. I've changed! Is that so hard to believe?"

"Yes."

That hurt! I'm standing right next to her, trying to change my ways and she doesn't believe me? Oh, and, you do? Aha, I didn't think so. See? You all know me! Apparently, Casey doesn't since she believed me and flashed me one of her amazing smiles. I barely ever receive that smile from her, so, I'm rejoicing!

"Awesome, so, c'mon. Gimme a hug!"

Heh, so, here's the scene: We're standing in front of Drake's door, which may open at any time, and Casey and I are hugging each other. That's right folks, she agreed! Well, after a weird look at me, but, still! I'm actually hugging Casey. I bet Drake couldn't even get this close to her. Ha.

"Ok, um, Derek?"

"Hm?"

"Can you, like, let go of me now!"

Ok,I wanted to hug her longer, so sue me!

"Uh-huh..."

After I let go, I let my arm drape around her shoulders for awhile as she rang the doorbell. She looked at me weirdly like she was saying, "What the heck are you doing, you freak?" Heh, you'll soon see, Case.

After we heard a thud from the door (in my opinion I think someone just attacked the door from the inside like they hated it..wow, violent much, Drake?). Where was I? Right. After we heard a thud from the door, I quickly moved my arm down to Casey's waist and just let it hang there, like I didn't care, but, I still held her. Casey jumped a little and, (from what I could tell) was about to jump away and yell at me, but, she refrained from that second part since Drake had just opened the door.

"Hey Casey-" he took time to look at my arm (I smirked a little at that) "-and, Derek?"

Aw, he was questioning my arm around Casey. Hah, it seemed as though he was jealous there for awhile.

"Uh, you guys wanna come in? Dinner's on the table and you guys can just sit on the couch and eat."

He seemed a little unsure of himself, which is just the way I liked it. I flashed him another smirk, and, after Casey stopped squirming under my grasp, led both me and Casey inside. Drake stood by the door, (from what I can tell) thinking. Hmm...ha, he's jealous! Yes!

Well, after I looked away from Drake's figure by the door, I realized there was a small, staircase step in front of me that I didn't see before, and, well, I kinda tripped on it. Luckily, I avoided tripping over and caught myself.

Casey, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky and, well, she kinda tripped on my leg (and the missed step!) and landed head-first into this huge box in the middle of the floor.

Oh God, that was hilarious!

Lucky for her (and everyone else) she was wearing pants, and not a skirt, so...yeah, you can probably imagine what her face would be like if she landed in there head first in a skirt right? Oh, man, that would've been awesome! But, this...this is just funny! Ha!

So, as she was screaming into the box and her legs kicking the poor air around her, I laughed. Oh, come on, like you wouldn't? That's right, I'm talking to you!

While I was laughing, from the corner of my eye, I saw Drake look at Casey, well, Casey's flailing legs in disbelief. Heh, I guess he didn't think that anyone would be that careless to just drop head first into a box. As he lunged forward to help Casey, I suddenly blocked him and well...uh, tried to help her out. Tried! Never said anything about succeeding on 'helping her out.'

You know what?

Casey is so ungrateful. I try to help her, and she hits me on the arm!

Ugh..

Then, all of a sudden, Drake, "The Hero" goes to Casey right when she calms down and gets her out! Oh, sure, let him help but not me...

"Derek! You stupid incompetent jerk! I cannot believe that you'd be such an idiot to let me fall in there and a moron to not get me out! Arrrgh!"

You know, in the end, she kinda sounds like a pirate–– what am I saying! Ok, back to the story:

Well, anyways, after that oh-so-scrumptious dinner that Drake's mom had made for us, (it really was good, though, seeing as I got most of it, heh), I had taken off my now stained precious leather jacket.

My jacket.

Oh man. This was the most prized possession that I owned! This was the one that was worth more than anything else of mine. Dad had gotten this for me for my 16th birthday (which was about a couple of months ago) and I had loved it since then. I cannot believe that he would just do and say that!

So what if his little instruments are worth more? I bet he doesn't even play his guitars all that much, and that he barely uses his drum set. Man, if Casey wasn't there, I would've completely thrashed the dude. Oh well. There are other times...

Anyways, well, here I am, sitting down on Drake's couch while Emily and Josh were talking about, wait, what the heck are they talking about? Well, I can't really say that I was listening, due to the fact that I really wasn't, since, that would be lying. Ah, well, what the heck.

As I looked over to my side, to where Casey and Drake were supposed to be, I came upon...well, nothing.

No Casey.

No Drake.

Just plain air. Yay. Like I can really talk to air.

All of a sudden, I heard something open. A door, maybe? Hey, maybe the new couple are eloping! Oh, yay.

But, sadly, its not. It was just Drake running back inside (with no Casey) and going upstairs, (I heard a few things crash) and running back down, acousticguitar in hand.

So.

That's what his precious guitar looked like. Didn't look all that amazing to me. Of course, what do I know about guitars? The only guitars I play are 'air guitars' when I listen to my music and sometimes, sometimes, (remember that 'sometimes' word!) pretend that I'm playing a guitar...Sometimes, ok! Oh, like you don' t do it!

Ahem.

Anyways, while Drake was running in and out, Josh and Emily seemed to be oblivious to everything around them since they haven't moved away from staring and talking to each other since Emily got here. Oh, why don't you just kiss her already, Josh? Everyone already knows!

Uh, well, as soon as I grew bored, (which wasn't very long considering I was doing nothing!) I decided to get out of the couch and go after where Drake went: outside.

With Casey.

Alone.

Get the drift here?

Oh, shoot! Who knows what they could be doing out there! At this point, I'm practically jogging to their door that lead outside. What do you call these things? Oh, never mind!

Who knows! They..they could be, making out...or...or.. talking!

What kind of sick joke is that! And here I was, all.. I shudder at the thought of this, worried about Casey! Humph.

Well, me of course, being Derek, wanted to see what they were talking about (can't be even more boring than Emily and Josh's conversation, I'm sure). So, I quietly opened the door, hoping that it didn't creak or anything and stepped out. Lucky for me, they were facing the other way so they couldn't see me. I hid behind some bushes and sat down next to Drake's guitar. Huh, so, he just went in to grab it and put it down here. Wait a second! What if..nah, he's not gonna play it! He can't play it! Can he? Anyways, their voices were swift and clear from here. Score!

The first voice I heard was Casey's:

"...Drake, I'm really glad I met you. I mean, you're not like Derek at all. You're nice, sweet, funny, and talented."

"And, Derek's not?"

Yeah! And, Derek's not? Hey! I'm talented! And funny! And, well...when I want to be: nice!

"Well, Derek is..well, he's complicated. Sometimes, he can be a total jerk like he was in the beginning, making me trip into the box, and others, he can be nice. Like the time I was called the school's 'Grade Grubber'—"

"'Grade Grubber?'"

"-Uh, yeah, 'Grade Grubber.' You know...the student that asks for each and every point in a test even though you've already done well enough?"

"Oh, yeah...that must've sucked."

"Well, to tell you the truth, it did. But, luckily for me, after I got Derek and I received an 'A' on this really important project, he helped me get that 'Grubby' name off me."

"How'd he do that?"

Oh, puh-lease. He says it like he doesn't believe I can actually be nice.

"Well, remember when he said he was all popular and stuff?"

"Yeah..."

"Well, since Derek practically controls what happens to most of the school population, he just told people that I wasn't a 'Grade Grubber.'"

"Whoa. Just like that?"

"Yeah. Derek's nice like that. But, that was the only time, well, from what I could remember, that he was ever nice to me."

"Oh."

Aw, c'mon, Casey! I've been nice to you plenty of times! Like when I let you date Sam...and, that time..with the place..and the people..Oh, who am I kidding! I haven't been all that nice to Casey ever since she came to our house. And why should I?

"Were you popular at your school, Drake? I'm just kind of curious."

"Well..to tell you the truth, not that much. I was just considered cool, that's all. I mean, sure, I'm no hockey captain, but, I was still just considered cool since I played guitar and was in one of the most popular bands in all of California. Sure, I had friends, but, they didn't worship the ground I walked on, if that's what you meant by popular."

"Well, yeah, that was kinda what I meant, since that is what Derek is considered at school. Everyone practically does worship the ground he walks on...its kind of annoying. If only they knew his true side..."

"Which is..?"

"Annoying and stupid."

I turn around to look at Casey...well, the back of her head...but, still! Does she really think that wayabout me?So, in her life, I'm just'Derek, the annoying and stupid brother?'

"Annoying and stupid?"

"Yes...at times!"

Well, that answers my question...

"You know, its really comforting to have someone that just listens. Thanks, Drake."

"No problem, Casey."

"So, was your band really famous back in San Diego?"

"Was? What do you mean, was? Heh, it still is! Even without me, I'm sure they'll do fine."

"Hey, Drake?"

"Yeah?"

"Can you play me some sort of song with your guitar?"

"Uh, sure! Not a problem! Just let me grab it."

Oh, crap. This officially sucks. Oh no..I probably should get outta here! Yeah...probably! Hey, is that a chair creaking?

Oh crap, crap, crap!

Ok, wait! There!

I spot this beat up lawnmower (one of those car things...dunno..) and quickly duck behind it.

Whew... Thank God I was wearing a black shirt!

When I finally turned my head back up, all I saw was the bush, some grass, and...a spider on the lawnmower. Spider? Ugh, gross.

After jumping away from the spider (Ugh, hate them!), I heard some music playing.

Darn it. Drake really can play. And, pretty good, too. He was playing this slow, mellow tune that just sounded really...well, must I say it? Well, I think you get the idea!

To tell you the truth though, Drake's song is actually pretty good. Wait! What! Back up! He's the enemy! I cannot think that way about the enemy! Or his songs!

Oh, great. Just great. Now, he's singing. Oh, why doesn't the whole world just start singing with him, then?

Great.

I was joking!

I think that as soon as I thought that, Casey's mind heard it and started making Casey sing. I guess she got used to the words and decided to just sing with Drake.

Most of what I heard them singing were these words:

"And all I can say is you save me, changed all the things that have made me, entertaining, thoughts are raining, down we fall, it's all ok, when I say, you and I, take your time, I can't wait, to see you fly. "

Yeah. Those were the words I heard most often in his song. I do have to admit though, they did sound pretty good. Casey's voice added a nice tint to it. It was amazing.

Not Drake.

Just Casey.

Man. Those words..kinda..made me think...(does that surprise you?), mostly about how I've treated Casey. I mean, she's kinda changed me. When she came, I've dated less and less. I mean, sure I still had dates and make-out sessions, but, still.

No spark.

No chemistry.

But, I'm wondering this: if and, uh, when I kiss Casey, would there be a spark there? Would there be...chemistry?

No, not the subject. Ugh, that completely ruined that 'thinking moment' I was having in my head!

Bleh. Oh, wait, they're talking again!

"Wow, Drake! That was awesome! It was...amazing. Really!"

"Heh, thanks, Case. You weren't so bad yourself! I can't believe you got the words down just like that!"

"Well, I'm very...advanced, per say."

Then, all I heard was...laughing. Then:

"You know, Drake, its really awesome to have another person to just listen to me and not obsess over Derek. You're...not...obsessing..over..Derek, are you?"

"What! Ha, no...heck no!"

"Hah, sorry, it..would just have been weird."

"Ya think?"

Great. More laughing. And, hey! What's wrong on having people obsess over me!

"Like I was saying! Its really nice to just have another person to just, you know, talk to. And, I know we've only known each other for an hour or so, but, you're a really awesome guy. I can tell. I'm usually not wrong about these things! Like, when I predicted Derek would have been a jerk. And, guess what? I was right!"

"Huh, thanks, Casey. Its really nice to talk to you, too. Usually I talk to Josh, but, he usually thinks about his girlfriend, Mindy, well, ex-girlfriend, but, still.."

"Yeah, I know. I usually talk to Emily, too, but, she's almost always thinking about Derek."

And she says my name as though she's disgusted or something. What's that about?

"Thanks, Drake."

"No problem, Case."

Oh my God. They're about to kiss! Oh...crap. I gotta, have to...break this up...why am I being so jealous?

"Casey! Drake! Derek! Mom, Dad, and Megan are back!"

Luckily, I didn't have to! Yeah! Thank you, Josh!

I heard them groan. Oh, right, blame the parents for breaking their soon-to-be-kiss..they shouldn't even be kissing! They just met! That's not Casey!

"Derek?"

"Wait, did Josh just ask for Derek, too?"

Oh shoot. I gotta get outta here and into the house. But, they had to be distracted first.

"Oh, wait up, Casey. I gotta get my guitar inside and its on the bench."

"I'll go back there with you!"

Oh, come on! The bench wasn't that far away from the door! Well, I guess I did get pretty lucky seeing as I am now inside and in sight of Emily, Josh, and his parents and little sister, and not under suspicion of Drake and Casey. Ah, life is good.

Well, after Casey and Drake got back in, Casey immediately said her thanks and yadda yadda...she was a great cook, something, something, and then, we suddenly had to say our goodbyes.

Emily and Josh shook hands and said their goodbyes.

Josh and I shook hands...again...ugh.

Casey and Drake's parents shook hands and smiled.

Casey and Drake looked at each other, hugged, and said some stuff that I couldn't hear.

THEN, we left. Finally!


Well, as usual, ( I was bored, ok?) Ilistened toCasey and Emily's conversation on the way back and this is what I heard from their porch to Emily's porch:


"Oh my God, Em. Drake is really amazing. My mom...was..right! About a guy!"

"I know! Josh is really interesting, too! It seems that he's this really smart guy! I asked him to help me with my French! Oh, don't giveme that look, Case! French, the language!And, guess what he said?"

"...Yes?"

"Duh!"

"Nice! Oh, well, here's your porch, Em. I'll see you tomorrow, ok? Remember, we're showing Drake and Josh around at...lets see..school starts at 7:45 AM, so, we should get to school at around 7:15 to 7:30 if we want to be able to show them where their classes are."

"Did you tell them this yet?"

"Yep! They're gonna meet us in my house at 7:15 tomorrow, so, be there!"

"Ok, bye Casey! Bye Derek!"

"Bye Em!"

After that...interesting...talk, we walked back and I left her alone. Oh, please, did you actually buy that? Of course not! I talked. Duh.

"So, what did Drake need his guitar for? I, uh, saw you guys come in with it."

"Well, if you must know, he played me a song. And he was really good! I can now understand why they were famous back in the States!"

"Ah."

And with that, we entered our house, ran to our rooms, and waited for the next day.

Oh, puh-lease! Heck no. Of course I didn't just let her leave without a fight...this is me we're talking about, remember?

"Oh, and, Casey?"

"Yeah, Derek?"

"Nice job tripping on that box...!"

"De-rek!"

"Yes...Klutzilla?"


A/N:

Hey guys! Well, here's my update! It's like, 12:11 AM! Whoo! LOL, anyways, this chapter (in my opinion) seems to be the longest so far. Well, it kinda is! Whoa, it took me a long time to figure out what to write! I know that the ending isn't really...ideal, but, hey, its late in the morning! Usually I stay up longer, but, I'm too hyper to wait until tomorrow to update this. Oh, and, I couldn't think of another chapter name...so, its stuck being called, "Romance? Or is it just me?" Weird name, I know...

Oh, and when Derek started talking about putting his plan into action, he was kinda talking about BEFORE dinner...sorry if it was a little confusing! I didn't spot it until I read the update myself...darn. Sorry if it was a little confusing!

Anyways, right, about Drake's song. I didn't really want to put the entire song in there, so, I only put in part of the song. The song is "Down We Fall" by...well, Drake Bell, duh.

Again, chapter 5 is going to be in Drake's POV...and, mostly about what's gonna happen on their first day...heh...gotta get to work on that! Must..stay...awake! Grab the sodas!

Well, here it comes:


DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN LIFE WITH DEREK or DRAKE & JOSH.

Even though I've only written that on 2 chapters, I'm already getting tired of it!

LOL, please review!


Thank you all for your reviews! You all rock! I know I said that last chapter, but, everytime I say it, I mean it! Yup Yup!

PLEASE REVIEW!