First Life With Derek Fic, so be gentle! And thank you for tuning in.

Disclaimer: Alas, i do not own LWD otherwise Derek would just be... well anyway i don't own it.

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Chapter Seven

I thought I was floating, at least in some way or form I must be drifting high. I had an actual conversation with Derek today. Not a long complex one or just a small meaningless one. It was a few brief words, definitely not meaningless, and interaction. He put an arm around me; he really reached out and made a kind gesture. I was so surprised. So, I took the chance and leaned my head onto his shoulder. It felt comforting, and I never wanted to move from our little touching embraces. Derek can really be a good guy sometimes. I can see it him, even if he tries to cover it over with his jerky attitude. When he talks to Marti, or when he just smiles; I see the goodness. Like today when he was hugging his Grandmother, I wanted to just join in. He has that special goodness about him, I know it's in there. Even if it's deep, deep, deep, deep, deep deep down, I guarantee I will find it.

Then there's Jake. He is just something else-wrapped in a great old sweet heart-thrown in a bag of cute. He talked to me for the longest time today. First, it was when we all got in the car on the way to the funeral home. He was covering the basics: friends, school, likes, hates, boyfriend/girlfriends. So apparently he is a junior in high school and his best friends are Dave, Mike and Lina. He loves art, action movies, anchovy pizza, and being in relationships. He hates rap music, wintertime, liars, chocolate, and funerals. He has had three actual girlfriends: Elizabeth, Destiny and Hilary. Then we talked some more just a little in between when we drove from the funeral home to the church and the church to the cemetery. But it was on the way back to the house we talked most intently. He was telling me how much it bothered him to see his mom and Grandmother hurting. And he said how easy it was for him to talk to me. And a few times, I noticed, he squeezed in how beautiful I was. Man, did he know how to make a girl blush. He is such a great talker and an even better listener. He applies the perfect mix of smiling, nodding, and touching. So when I am talking it makes me almost forget what I was about to say, especially when I feel his hand graze the skin of my arm or rub at my knee. He even held my hand on for a few minutes before we got back to his house. And with him I don't even have to search for the good, it's right on the surface. Actually, more like it's been tossed in my lap and curled up into a ball and decided to stay. That's how undeep his goodness is. So, no soul-searching challenge is required.

But I have always appreciated a challenge. I mean I am Casey MacDonald after all.

The door creaked open and after two bodies thudded through, it slammed back in it's usual closed position.

"Where did you boys wonder off to?" Candice wondered aloud, looking over at her son.

"We just had a talk. You know catch up a little more." Jake smirked and cast a glance over at me. My heart skipped a little; he really is cute when he does that.

"Oh that's nice." The Aunt chided, pouring four cups of coffee, which rest on a tray beside a plate of cookies. "Hey, I have an idea. Why doesn't Jake show you two around town?"

I smiled, nodding in agreement with the idea. What a better way to spend the afternoon, than with them two agonizingly gorgeous guys? Hmm, anyone care to share their distain, anyone?

Derek on the other hand remained without emotion of the suggestion. He stood their, looking back at Jake and me a few times, but he eventually voiced a grumbled "whatever".

"Alright, so let's go then." Jake stretched out his arm, elbow bent, and wink at me. "My lady?"

I couldn't help but laugh a little, but I hooked my arm through his nonetheless.

Derek stood in front of us, looking a little peeved. "Uh, right now?"

"Yeah, why not?" My smile beamed. "Come on Derek."

He gave an eye roll, but did follow behind us. Well, he was behind us for a little while, until he crunched in between, separating our linked arms. I swear he did that on purpose, but then again it's Derek.

"So, where to Jakey." He chuckled.

"I figured I'd take you were me and my crew hang out. You can meet 'em."

Derek and me shared a look, and in unison said, "Your crew?"

Jake didn't agree or even respond, he just continued walking down the sidewalk. Turning the corner a minute or so later, we are faced with an old pizza place.

"Don's Pizza Palace" it blinked at me in faded red neon. We all swung through the door, hearing the bell ding each time. Inside it had four booths on the left wall, a few small round tables off towards the right-center, and all the way to the right was a small arcade room. It consisted of air-hockey, pinball, a few racing bikes and steering wheels and a dance by arrows game. I guess I could see him hanging out in a place like this.

"Oh, a pizza place." My voice trembled out very skeptically. I didn't mean for it to, it's just I didn't fully expect to go there.

I heard Derek laugh a little. "And where exactly is 'your crew'?"

I scanned the place; it mainly consisted of kids, and only a couple at that. But then I heard the bell ring, and feet clatter in through the tiny glass door.

"J!" I heard a girl scream. And the recently standing Jake is being jumped on by a tiny redhead.

I step back, looking at Derek, to notice he has the same confused look as me.

After the girl managed to hop off his back, she's turns over to us. "Hi."

I force a smile. "Hi."

And she gave me back a large grin. She is tiny and short, really short with red hair in a short pixie cut, just a few black streaks through it. She had brown eyes with dark black heavily stenciled around them; a ring hooked at the very right edge of her lip, and about four more piercings in each ear. Her style reminded me of a punk-skater girl look. The kind that sort of puts on the "stay away from me" vibe, but she is really nice.

"This is Lina." Jake motioned to the tiny redhead.

She gave a little curtsy as he said her name and giggled. "The one and only!"

"This is Casey." He wrapped an arm around my waist.

Lina went to greet me in some form, when Derek interrupted, stepping between her and us. "And I'm Derek Venturi. The only person you'll meet today that really matters." His smirk played across his features.

She shrugged. "Maybe so," And then she peeked over at the arcade room. "But can you kick ass?"

He took knowledge of the room, his eyes settled on one thing. "Well, I don't wanna intimidate you, but I've been referred to as a 'hockey god' once or twice."

"So, what? You wanna go Venturi?" She stepped up to him trying to be intimidating herself. But her forehead just barely came up to the bottom of his chin. If you ask me she looked a little pathetic, but that's just my opinion.

He tipped his head down, staring down at her. "Oh it's on." With that they both scrambled to the air-hockey table, ready to take on each other.

Jake asked me to sit at a booth with him, so I slid in on the opposite side of him. I watched him wave over at the guy behind the counter.

"Is a large pizza okay for all of us?"

I was about to nod yes, when I remembered his odd love for anchovies. "Um, is it okay if you make half pepperoni?"

Jake smiled, and hurried to the guy behind the counter, telling him our order. I really didn't care much for pepperoni, but I knew it was Derek's favorite.

With that thought, I looked over at him and that girl playing there game. They both were smiling and laughing. When I watched her toss the puck in his goal, she did a little dance around. And he would complain, but in a more playful way still with a smile. Stupid short little redheaded pierced girl! Then I watched him sink one point in her goal. She would jet out her bottom lip in a pout and stare up at him. He would raise his chin and smirk. And I found myself root inside for him and laugh at her. I mean she is a nice person, so maybe I'm not being fair. But still that's my Derek. "Wait, what are you saying?" Oh, crap.

"I hope coke's okay." I look up to see Jake smiling, with two cups and a pan of pizza. He set the cokes down and the pizza tray.

Derek and Lina walked back over to the table. Well, Derek walked and Lina did more of a hop-skip. He said something about being hungry and she giggled along saying something as well. I found my eyes now rolling at her giggle.

I saw Derek eye the booth, seeing the two empty spaces, one beside me and one beside Jake. I quickly glanced from him to the spot beside me, hoping he would get the hint to sit there. He did.

"Dude, pepperoni is my favorite." Derek grinned, snatching a slice from the pan quickly devouring it.

Lina slid in beside Jake and didn't necessarily whisper in his ear, but she spoke hushed and quite close to his face. I saw him smile, and she reached out for a pizza slice. Then she took her free hand touching his shoulder, talking again in a hushed tone. Stupid short little redheaded pierced freak! What is she going to take both of them now?

"I creamed him!" She screeched in her high-pitched tone of voice. "Ain't that right Mr. 'hockey god'?"

I looked over at him; he had a bashful little smirk. "Well, what can I say my girl's got some skills." How did she get him to smirk that way, and not in a cocky way?

Jake, Lina and Derek shared a little laugh. I did not see fit to join in. I was too caught up in how he said "my girl." What exactly did that mean? I should be his girl. But I did manage a small grin, to keep up with appearances.

I felt a sudden vibration tingle my thigh. My eyes darted downward, and I saw Derek's leg right against mine. For a second I thought my body had just come up with a new reaction to feeling, but then I saw him reach into his pocket fishing out his cell phone.

"Hello?" He used his free hand's pointer finger to plug his other ear. "What?" Then he left the table.

I kept my eyes on his distant figure for a while, before I even acknowledged the rest of the people at the table again. But I looked back, I saw them still talking. Lina giving him her stupid giggle.

Derek came back in; I knew so because I heard the bell. I didn't look up. No, I was too busy letting my eyes burn holes in Lina. I was starting to very much dislike her. I know it's not a nice thing, but well, too bad. I don't have to be nice all the time. Especially to the girl who is wriggling in with the guys I happen to like. And why did she have to be so, so like nice. It's almost clingy. Yeah, I mean Jake said she was a friend, a best friend. And guys aren't usually friends with girls they are interested in romantically. So maybe he considers her like one of the guys. Hah, yeah maybe he doesn't even find her attractive. But he finds me attractive, in fact he finds me beautiful. So beat that chick! And well, Derek he can't be interested in her. I mean he played air-hockey with her. He wouldn't try to challenge a girl would he? Guys don't like girls like that, do they? Well, it doesn't matter if he thinks she's cool or even finds her attractive; we're leaving in a week. And then I get Derek all to myself. So hah again. Um, oh crap I'm doing it again. "Why do I have to like my stepbrother so damn much!" Because he's cute, funny, a really good brother to Marti, and can be really nice if he wants to, and his eyes…

"Um, Case?" It was Derek's voice. I shook my head and looked up. I first saw Jake leaned forward with a questioning look and then I looked at Derek, he had the same look. Crap, that means somebody was talking to me. I apparently zoned out on the pizza. So I looked from one boy to the other a couple more times, then down at the pizza. And I just murmured silently to myself.

So, Pepperoni or Anchovy?

x-x-x

"You wanna go Venturi?" The much shorter girl joked around getting in my face. Well, she tried to get in my face; she only got up to my chin.

I let my peripheral vision work it's wonders, and I noticed Casey's expression growing sour. I would have rather stayed with them, to keep an eye on my ass hat of a cousin. But I couldn't resist in furthering with this girl, from the way Casey was getting so pissed. Could she possible be jealous? But I told myself, its just Casey.

I look down at her, trying to put on my most intimidating face without laughing. "Oh it's on."

She gave a little punch to my arm and hopped over to the table. I couldn't help but laugh following behind her.

"Alright, so this machine's giving me," She pauses looking up at the bar screen. "Seven chances to put you to shame. Ready?"

I gripped my fingers over plastic, getting in position. "Born ready, baby."

She cleared the screen, switched on the air and threw the puck on the rink. I heard the air rev up and then lightly move the plastic puck in my direction, only slightly. I whacked it hard, sending it bouncing all over. I laughed watching her eyes darting with it, and then she gave one forceful hit, sinking it in my goal. My mouth parted open a little in surprise and she did a little dance.

"Is that your victory dance?"

She stopped, whipping her head in my direction. "Oh, that isn't till later. But don't worry I'm sure you'll see it."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't be so sure."

She giggled in response. And then sunk another goal, following in the same suit.

Then I got one, then her, then me twice, and her. It continued a little like that for a few minutes. I was about to shoot my puck, when I felt eyes on me. I turn and see Casey looking over. I figured she'd turn away, but she focused on me not moving a single inch. She is so beautiful. She looked especially beautiful today; she's wearing a sleeveless black dress it cut respectively and it would because this is Casey. And her hair was down, she has the most beautiful hair; and eyes. Her eyes always find a way to lure me in. So, I really had felt she looked beautiful, I felt it but my cousin said it. And then he would get the girl. He played the game well. Damn it.

I heard the puck clunk in my goal and then a few little beeping noises. And I looked up and saw Lina doing a different little dance. I smirked; this was the victory dance I assumed.

"Well played." I reached out my hand.

She examined it carefully and gave it a good shake. "You too, Venturi. You just don't mess with a master." Then with her hand still gripped to mine, she looked over at the table and back at me. "And some advice; don't deny it."

I smiled, dropping my hand. Was it that obvious?

We walked back to the table and I saw her looking at me, I wasn't sure if she wanted me to sit by her or by Jake. After a second I just slid in beside her. I'm sure if she didn't want me to, she would have voiced it.

I look down at the pizza with a grin. "Dude, pepperoni is my favorite." And with that said, I grab a slice and start to immediately cram it. How the hell did he know pepperoni was my favorite? He wouldn't know. I steal a glance at Casey; but she would.

"I creamed him!" I hear Lina say from across the table. Her eyes narrow in on me. "Ain't that right Mr. 'hockey god'?"

I wanted to laugh. She just had that bouncy type of personality that makes you have to smile when you're around her. "Well, what can I say my girl's got some skills."

I shrug; Jake and Lina burst into laughter. I can't but laugh along as well. And my eyes get side view of Casey. But she isn't laughing; no she's not even smiling. I don't know why she looks so upset, so far into thought. I wish I knew what she was thinking about. I wish I knew how she felt about things or people. How she felt about me.

My whole leg starts to tingle with vibrations. I look down at my pocket. Aha, cell phone. I stuff my hand in and draw in to my ear, clicking on the green talk button. "Hello?"

I can almost make out the voice, but it comes out so grabbled and riddled with static. So I take my index finger to plug up my free ear, hoping to hear the person just a bit more clearly. "What?"

After hearing nothing but more static, I stand from the table and exit the building. The reception must have gotten much better, because I next hear a voice lowly say my name.

I can't really recognize it and I feel hesitant to answer. "Yeah…"

"It's me… honey it's your mom." Her voice came out so vibrant and clear.

My mouth decided to go dry and my stomach turned. My mother is on the phone with me? The mother who I haven't seen for five years, that mom? The mother who, when she was pregnant for Marti decided she was sick of being in our family. This is the mom that is now calling me up acting like we're old pals. Is this that mom?

"What do you want?" I didn't exactly say it in a mean way; I just made sure there was no emotion apparent.

"I just wanted to say hi…"

I scoffed; it's never just to say hi. "And?"

"And… I was wondering if we could get together. So we can talk." Her voice was really kind and sounded sincere, but that wasn't the problem. The problem was that it was always an empty request. Either she just wanted to know about dad's life now, after her, or to hit me up for a favor. There was never something good to come out of being with dear old mom.

"Why?"

"Because, I miss you. I miss you and your brother…"

"Edwin. His name is Edwin." I said a little cocky. But I really couldn't help it after the way she left us; I grew bitter towards her.

"I know his name." I heard her sigh. And there was a pause. "Derek, honey I just would like to see you again. I heard you were in town for the week. And I know you probably don't want to see me and I can't blame you. But it would really mean a lot to me to see you."

I remained silent. I didn't know how to respond.

"Okay, well you don't have to decide now. But please call me. Like I said it would mean a lot to see you again. But I do understand if you don't want to."

I was silent again.

"Alright, goodbye." She lingered a second, then I heard the line click.

It took me a few seconds before I removed the phone from my ear. I stare down at the blank screen. She couldn't have called just because she wanted to see me. She never even wanted to spend more time with me than she had to when her and dad were married. Why would she now try to make an effort? Why did she call me? Ugh.

I look back at "Don's Pizza Palace" and my stomach grinds. I swing back the door slowly entering and as I let the door fall back, I hear the bell ring loud. Looking over the table I see no one is disturbed. Jake and Lina are still talking and Casey, well she is just staring at the two of them. I don't really want to go back over there, I really just wanted to turn around and leave. But I don't want to leave Casey.

"Guys," I start approaching the table. "I think I'm gonna head out."

"What's the matter man?" Jake asked, managing to pry his attention from a girl for one second.

"I'm just not feeling too good." I didn't lie, I really feel out of it now.

I look at Casey, her eyes downward. "Do you wanna go now?"

She didn't reply or even move. Which probably means no.

"Or hey, you could stay here with me." He smiled at her. She still didn't move an inch.

I wasn't sure what had her so in thought, but I was now getting curious. "Um, Case?"

Finally, her head darted up. She looked at my quizzically and the same way at Jake, in fact she did this quite a few times. Whatever she had been thinking about must have something interesting enough.

I watched her head lower again and asked my question. "Do you wanna get out of here?"

I saw her eyes wander around the whole room taking it all in for a second, and then she smiled at me, standing to her feet. "Definitely."

A/N: Hey guys! Alrighty so this is chapter seven! And I made this one a bit longer and a little different than the rest! I really hope you all liked it. But if you don't just let me know too! So, all I BEGGG is that you review! I really take every single review I get as a push to continue! Therefore the more reviews the quicker I update!