A/N: Thank you for the reviews! I'm happy to see that so many of you like this idea and are excited to read a Dasey time travel fic. Please continue to follow and let me know what you think.

For being 120 years older than me, Declan is a pretty decent guy.

I was a little nervous when he woke me up for breakfast this morning. I have a slight hangover and the thought of having to swallow another fifteen pounds of food makes me want to throw up.

On the way to the dining room on D deck, I told Declan in detail about my experience last night with those stuffy ass rich men and the never-ending supply of wine. I told him about the seafood, chicken, duck, lamb, beef, potatoes, pudding…well you get my drift. And I mentioned how Casey kicked me over and over because I was being a total ass and drank too much.

He laughed, finding my misery hilarious. He said he wished he could have seen those men's faces at having to sit through an entire meal with some 'uncouth swine.'

I got a little offended that Declan was calling me an uncivilized pig.

Even if it is the truth.

Anyway, now I'm currently sitting at breakfast, chowing down on some ham, eggs, and coffee.

Finally. Some real food.

He promised that they aren't going to be feeding us enough to supply an army. The ham and eggs were all I was going to get. We would also be eating early around three o'clock because lunch and dinner were combined.

I could have some soup later tonight, if I want, too. I hate soup, but if I don't have some, I'll be starving by midnight.

"Tell me, Derek, my boy." Declan began as he cut into his own piece of ham. "Did you have a nice time with that sweet Casey of yours? The two of you came in quite late last night," he says with a wink.

I pause mid bite, raising my gaze. The twinkle in his eye is all knowing, and I have the sudden urge to stick my fork in it.

What did I tell you? Nosy as hell.

Despite rolling my eyes, a small smile touches my lips at the mention of Casey. I can't even force myself to hide it. What in the hell is she doing to me?

"That good, was it?" he asked with another wink.

"Hasn't anyone ever told you to mind your own damn business?"

"Oh, all the time," he says, reaching over to shove my arm lightly. "But where's the fun in that?"

I can't help but chuckle at Declan. He's such a character and totally invested in my love life…or lack thereof.

"I had that same starry gaze when I met my Bessie all those years ago. I was just a tad younger than you are now." Declan's thick accent cuts through me, and I freeze at the horrible thought that creeps into my mind.

Was I really wearing my heart on my sleeve? Was it that obvious? If Declan could see it from the first moment he met me, maybe Casey can too?

"That's great, but…I'm not so sure she feels the same way," I mutter. I'm silently cursing myself for admitting my biggest fear out loud. Maybe my infatuation with Casey is completely one sided and I would inevitably get my heart ripped from my chest and stomped on. I hate how depressed I sound. It's like I don't even recognize my own voice. I take a spoonful of eggs and shove them into my mouth, looking down at my plate.

I was surprised when Casey asked me to take her in my arms last night. She looked so fragile, scared, and lonely that my heart was breaking into a million pieces. It took me off guard when she got straight to the point and asked for a hug.

On instinct, I stepped back and hesitated, trying to figure out where I should put my hands. I've always stopped myself from touching her in the past because I knew I couldn't handle it emotionally or physically. On occasion, I would casually drape an arm around her shoulder just so that I could have some kind of contact with her. But that was the extent of it.

I touched her more yesterday than I ever have in the past two years combined. And now I'm craving more.

Maybe I can start completely over with her?

Maybe it wasn't too late?

We're so used to fighting day in and day out, that the bickering is still in full swing, and it probably always will be. But if I can just learn how to keep my mouth shut and throw her a compliment here and there, I can repair some of the damage I have created.

I know it's all my fault and I'm beginning to hate myself for it.

Last night, it felt incredible wrapping my arms around her, breathing in her familiar sweet scent mixed with the cold ocean air. All bets were officially off. I'll never want another girl. Hell, I don't even have the urge to flirt with another female anymore, and that has never happened.

"Don't be so down on yourself, Derek," Declan continues with a reassuring grin. "You didn't see how frantic she was when she thought you dead. No young woman would ever act that way unless she was completely and utterly smitten."

"Maybe," I say unsure. The thought of Casey making a fool of herself over my possible death does make me feel a little better in some twisted and morbid way.

There was another aspect to Casey and I's relationship that I haven't got around to telling Declan yet, either. I'm not sure how he is going to react. Grossed out? He'll probably throw me out on my ass and say I can't stay with him anymore.

However, I do consider Declan a friend. I feel like I've known the guy way longer than 24 hours.

If I can trust anyone with my dirty little secret, it's him.

"There's something about my relationship with Casey that I haven't told you about," I say, leaning towards Declan, my arms crossed on the table in front of me.

He raises an eyebrow in question, "Oh?" he responds, waiting for me to continue. I take a deep breath. If anything, this is going to be good practice for when I eventually tell our family that I'm totally crazy about the keener.

"Casey is my…stepsister."

I cringe slightly, waiting for Declan's reaction. He is just staring at me, a blank expression covering his features.

"And?"

And? That's not the reaction I was expecting.

"And…you don't think that it's a little weird?" I ask, trying to push him to give me any real response at all.

And then, he does give me a response. Just not the one I was expecting. Not even close.

He is laughing right in my face.

I sit back in my chair, and stare at the guy. I draw my eyebrows together in confusion and realize that I was prepared for any comeback he could throw at me regarding my twisted desire for Casey. But this is throwing me for a loop. Okay, I'm pretty sure Nora and Dad aren't going to react with a full-on belly laugh.

"Of course, it's not odd! She's a beautiful girl. Why wouldn't you be in love with her?"

"Because she's my step…sister," I say again slowly. Maybe he missed what I said the first time around.

"Can I let you in on a little secret," Declan says, leaning towards me in hushed whisper dripping with amusement. "My brother married our cousin."

My lips twitch. "And I thought it was bad when I made out with Vicky."

"Whose Vicky?" he asks, sobering slightly.

I shove a piece of ham into my mouth and begin talking while chewing. "Casey's cousin."

Declan takes in a deep hissing breath through his teeth. "You kissed her cousin? Stupid move, my boy. Maybe Casey doesn't like you after all."

"Ha…ha," I say, rolling my eyes, but grinning. "You should see Vicky before you try calling me an idiot. She looks a lot like Casey. Totally hot."

"I'm guessing hot means attractive?"

"You guess right, my man."

"Well then, I will leave you and your…hot…girl to eat your breakfast alone. I'll see you later this afternoon Derek," Declan says, rising from his chair. I follow his gaze. Casey is entering the dining room, looking back and forth. The moment she spots me, her smile brightens, and my heart nearly stops at the sight.

Fuck, I'm so in love with her.

She's wearing a white dress, more casual than the one from yesterday. To my disappointment, it covers her chest from my hungry gaze.

Declan puts a hand on my shoulder, leaning down to whisper in my ear. "Respect, Derek. Treat her kind and show her how much she really means to you. Don't screw it up. Regret is a terrible thing," his words sink into me as he straightens to welcome Casey. "Casey, my dear, aren't you a sight for sore eyes. You look lovely," Declan beams, taking Casey's hand in his own before brushing a light kiss on her knuckles and helping her into her chair.

"Thank you, Declan," She says with an adorable smile. "You're leaving?"

"I promised Bessie we would play a game of shuffleboard today. I best be running along." He says, tipping his hat before turning my way and giving me one last wink.

"Good day, Derek"

"See ya, Dec." I say, watching him walk away.

"I love the way men act in this time period," she beams, reaching over to grab my cup of coffee and taking a sip. She grimaces slightly at the black liquid. It's not exactly Starbucks and those girly drinks she gets back home.

"You like that?" I scoff condescendingly, but quickly shut my mouth. Declan's words are soaking into my brain like acid. I really should give this 'nice' thing a try, I guess.

"What's not to like? The suits, the chivalry, the whole putting their wives safety before their own…it's just so romantic," she sighs, staring off into the distance.

I have the sudden urge to gag. Casey and her ideals of romance have always been a load of crock, but she's not necessarily wrong. We are stuck in a time period where men make it hard for me to live up to her expectations, but I sure as hell can give it a shot.

If that's what Casey wants out of a man, I guess I can try to be that guy.

I clear my throat. "Anything on the agenda for today?"

Casey frowns as she starts to speak, but at that moment, the waiter chose to walk up and ask Casey what she would like for breakfast. She asks for fruit and tea. Naturally, she would go for the girliest options ever. Not that second class has a very big menu, but it's not bad.

"Thank you very much," she says politely before turning her gaze back to mine and frowning once more. She whispers, "I didn't get much sleep last night because I suddenly realized that someone was missing from dinner. Probably the only person who can stop this whole thing from happening."

"That's great! Who?"

"Shhhhh. Not so great," she says before looking around to make sure no one is eavesdropping on our conversation. "Bruce Ismay."

"So, let's go find this Ismay guy. What are we waiting for?"

Casey gives me a weary look. She starts picking at the white tablecloth. "I'm not so sure that's such a great idea. He kind of has a reputation for being a pompous jerk and a coward. I mean, he's the reason there aren't enough lifeboats, for starters. And you think we're going fast now? Just wait until April 14th when he demands we go even faster so that we can make 'headlines' and reach New York a day early."

"Wait wait wait," I say, holding my hand up to stop her. "I thought Smith was to blame. He is Captain of the ship. What he says goes, right?"

"Wrong. Ismay is kind of…Captain Smith's boss, I guess you can say."

The waiter returns at that moment, sitting Casey's breakfast in front of her. When he walks away, I say "hurry up and eat so we can go talk to him."

"I told you, Derek. He has a reputation for being a total ass."

"Hey, sometimes guys get bad reps. I should know. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt until we're proven wrong."

I've officially been proven wrong.

"Who do you think you are, coming into my own private state room dressed like that?! I should have you arrested!"

Bruce Ismay is a total ass, just like Casey said he would be. After breakfast, we made our way over to first class, and let me tell you, big mistake. The entire walk down the hallway, people were staring at us like we were rats. Personally, I think I look good. It's not like we're wearing clothes with holes in them or baggy overalls like some of the guys from steerage are.

Considering the fact that there are more third-class people on this ship than first and second combined, you would think I would be seeing more of them. But I guess they are hanging out on the lower decks, because I've only seen a few.

I can give a shit about classes. They have gates locked to keep everyone separated. Luckily, I'm not much for authority.

I give zero fucks about rules.

But third class is ordered to stay hidden.

And Casey mentioned that they paid 35 bucks for a ticket which comes up to like 600 American dollars in 2007. If I paid 600 bucks for a damn ticket, I better be sitting on a throne, treated like a King.

Anyway, lets get back to this Ismay character.

The jerk wad, who is wearing yet another hideous mustache (Surprise, surprise. Guys in this century really need to learn how to use a damn razor) can have Casey and I arrested considering we aren't supposed to be on this part of the ship. We may have also barged into his room when he tried to shut the door in our faces.

Okay, I barged in. Casey just followed me.

He is the managing director of White Star Line, after all.

It makes me appreciate how kind Captain Smith actually is, because he could have demanded we be arrested, too.

When we reached first class, I asked the first lady I saw where Ismay's room is. She looked at me like she was totally going to faint.

At first, I thought she was going to keel over. I have that kind of effect on women. I'm like a fucking rock star with the opposite sex. Well, with all women except for Casey, that is. But when she composed herself, she gave us a look of pure disdain before pointing down the hall with her white gloved hand and turning around, making a disgusted sound.

Now here we are…face to face with Mr. Coward himself. In case you aren't aware, this guy slips into a lifeboat to save his own ass. Everyone else who is responsible for Titanic goes down with the ship after trying to save the passengers first. But not him.

"Listen, man," I start, stepping forward. Ismay is shaking with rage at this point and his face is bright red. I want to punch him so fucking hard, my knuckles are itching for it. "I don't know who you think you are, but…"

"So sorry to bother you, Mr. Ismay," Casey says, jumping in front of me to halt my steps. Her back is pressed to my front firmly and her arms stretched out wide. "We'll be going now. There's no need to call the police."

She turns around, placing her hands firmly against my chest. "Let's go Derek…now."

"I'm not going anywhere until this asshat and I have a real conversation."

"I won't let the likes of you speak to me this way. I'm calling the authorities." He walks over to his desk, picking up his telephone.

"Stop…talking," she says through gritted teeth. Like I said, I'm not big on authority and this guy threatening to have me arrested doesn't scare me one bit. Truth be told, G had to bail me out of the slammer last year when I got into a fight with someone from the football team and he totally pressed charges because he's an absolute pussy.

Okay, it wasn't exactly the slammer. It was more of a holding cell and they were hoping to throw me in juvy. Having a dad who's a lawyer comes in handy sometimes when you find yourself in trouble because you can't control your temper.

"I'm not going to leave until I knock some sense into this guy," I say back.

"If they throw you into Titanic jail, Derek, chances are you will end up below deck and die the second we hit the darn ice burg. Is that what you want?"

This makes me pause as I take in her words. I hate how smart she is sometimes, but she's always there to knock some sense into me when I'm acting like a total idiot. I can hear Ismay talking into the telephone and want nothing more than to rip the receiver from his white knuckled fingers and bash his head in with it, but to my surprise, I don't.

I take Casey by the hand, throw the door open, and walk back out into the hallway. I know I'm being rough with her, and I should stop, but my anger is to the point of eruption. I can barely contain it from boiling over.

"Derek," Casey says, trying to pull her hand from my own. I keep walking, wanting to get out of the stuffy hallway. I feel like the walls are closing in on me and I can't breathe. It's not until we reach the crisp outside air that I let go of her hand and begin walking down the deck.

"Derek," I hear Casey say again from behind me. "It's fine. We'll think of something else."

I whip around, pinning her with a look of disbelief. "Something else? Casey! There is nothing else. If the damn guy in charge of the fucking Titanic isn't going to listen to us say two words…there's no hope! Don't you get it? I'm sorry I ever even mentioned trying to save the ship from sinking in the first place," I finish, lowering my voice considerably.

"So that's it? You're just going to give up?" I watch her bite on her lower lip as she drops her gaze to the ground. For the past two years, I've wanted nothing more than to be the one that Casey came to when she needed help; when she needed me. And now we've been forced into a situation that gave me every opportunity to prove to her that I was the perfect man for her.

That she can feel safe with me.

And it was slipping through my fingers before I ever get the opportunity to even try. If anything, Casey has been the one trying to save us. I never want her to feel that kind of burden.

"It's over, Casey," I say, unable to meet her eyes. "There's nothing we can do...so we might as well prepare to ride the ship down."