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.

Note: First, i must must apologize for the longest wait you had to endure. I just couldn't find the time to write. Now i have to tell googleaddict: Actually, i'm not southern if you can believe it! But i really would blend well down there! And soulmatesDC: Please, no apology will be accepted cause one is not needed! I am just thankful and happy you did review! I appreciate a great writer like yourself taking the time to read through my story! And wow, ya'll should know this is definitely the largest review response i have gotten on any chapter. I felt so special and happy! You dudes freakin rock man: atruwriter, lildreamer1112, RAWR-IKICKBUTT, jannikajade, googleaddict, sballLuvr5, PinkTribeChick, tji80, shalzi, emma676, funnechick, DramaQueen121, the littlest weasley, rmrivera, missmiamya, -Epitome of Bold, GDgirl1993, iluvacting, riteurheartout92, POTCchick091, Colonel Samanthat Carter, iluvarcticmonkeys, soulmatesDC and DEMPSEY'S GiRl x3.

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Chapter Eight

"Do you wanna get out of here?"

I slowly brought my gaze up and scan over the whole place, taking a mental picture of it all. Then my eyes finally find their way back to Derek, and I can't help but smile. And standing to my feet I answer his question. "Definitely."

A flutter runs through my stomach as I walk down the sidewalk, Derek to my immediate right. I had fallen into step with him at some point, and as I look down at our feet I notice us still walking in the same rhythm. I was ecstatic that Derek had asked me to leave with him; I don't know what I would have done with his cousin and that little redhead cuddling up right in front of me. Well, not necessarily "cuddling" but still very cozy. Besides I didn't care about Jake anymore at this point, I was with Derek. And he was my alternative to everyone.

"What's on your mind?" He asked quietly.

Well, other than you? "Nothing worth sharing. You?"

I knew he was looking at me, but I didn't dare glance up. "A lot of things." He spoke flatly and serious.

And I was taken a little by surprise from his tone of voice being so soft and quite serious. In fact, every time him and me have been alone today he has seemed to be off into serious thoughts about something else. It may have been due to his great grandma Jean's funeral today and everything, but still when his usual demeanor could be compared to a class clown... Well yeah, anyway I was a bit surprised.

We both grew silent. The only sound being heard was by our shoes. My heels making a faint click on the pavement and the awkward squeak his made. A few times during the symphony of our shoes I glanced down at his hand, wanting to envelope it in mine, wanting to get him closer. So, I instead looped my arm through his, closing in those few inches in a more innocent way. He didn't flinch, or even push me away, he just continued walking as if nothing out of the norm had occurred. I felt myself grow content, as I lean into him and rub at the bare skin of his forearm. And when a few people passed us by, I knew they would automatically think we were a couple in some way, but it just made my heart skip and a smirk grow on my face.

"Case?" I hesitantly pulled my whole self from touching him, stepping away about a foot, afraid he was getting agitated in some way by my contact with him. Then I looked before me, and saw that we're standing right in front of a park. With the whole works: swings, teeter-tooter, metal slide, tire swing, and a merry-go-round. "What are we five?" I looked up at him, my face becoming very quizzical.

He lightly jerked on my hand, smiling. "Come on."

Not like I would fight him on that invitation. "It would be rude," I told myself. So, I followed him sitting on the little merry-go-round. I thought he would join and take the space beside me, but instead he grabbed hold on one of the bars, slowly spinning me around. I laughed a little as I twirled around. He did that a few more times, us both laughing some. Then he finally did sit beside me to my immediate right, following my suit of Indian style.

We kept up the ritual of silence for a little while, both subconsciously keeping our hands busy. I was picking and poking at a tiny hole in my nylons. And Derek was drumming his fingers on the cold metal beneath him. Still prodding at the increasing run in my stockings, I glanced up at him finding myself staring once again, my eyes tracing over every feature in his face. The way his hair fell over his eyebrow, how his eyes are set with their soft hazel feel, how perfectly proportioned his nose is to the rest of his features, and how his bottom lip juts out in the slightest bit when he is thinking… and well yeah, I was kind of staring. It was when he looked up; that I didn't turn away or blush as I would usually I just smiled.

He returned the sentiment, but focused his eyes back on the incessant tapping of his fingers. "My mom called me."

"When?"

"Today, when we were at the pizza place." He peaked a glance through his hair.

I knew something had been bothering him. "Oh, what did you two talk about?"

"She wants to see me."

I stiffened at his words and my eyebrows slowly rising, I sent a look his way. When was the last time she called any of them, nonetheless seen them. Who does that? I didn't know much about her, but from what I've heard here and there I could make a good assessment. And let me just say she would never be getting any "world's greatest mom" type award soon.

"Yeah, I pretty much had the same response." He chuckled uncomfortably.

"Uh, so are you going to go see her?"

He shrugged. "I don't know."

I touched his knee, hoping it would seem right. "Well, do you want to see her?" I felt so bad for him. I know he loves his mom.

His eyes caught mine. I know I was trying to be a confidant to him at that moment, trying to keep myself focused on his feelings. But I found myself focusing on his eyes. Momentarily loosing myself in his dark orbs.

"Will you go with me?" He asked.

I instantly looked down. "Oh…"

"Um," He seemed a little flustered. But I wasn't sure it was because of my response or due the question asked to begin with. "I mean if you want."

I subconsciously slapped myself. "No I want you, TO! I want to. I didn't mean you." I stopped my ramble, taking in a breath. Okay Casey, open mouth and insert foot. I'm an idiot and now Derek probably think I'm either: A) really insane, B) really, really insane, or C) a total insensitive jerk. None seem very promising. So, taking another breath I replied coolly. "I would be happy to go with you."

He smiled, putting a hand on my thigh. "Thanks, Case."

I beamed back, feeling my skin burn under his touch. "No problem." And before I realized it, he had me in embrace.

His arms wrapped around my waist locked tight, and all I found myself able to do was lean into him throwing my left arm over his shoulder rubbing at his back. Now probably everyone has experienced a hug in his or her life. And it is just a hug. But no one will ever know how I felt within this exact hug. My body molded into him and my face muzzled into the space between his neck and shoulder. I took in a deep breath of his scent, he smells so good. And I continued to rub the palm of my hand over his back. I was feeling more comfortable against him, and I caught myself almost kissing his neck. But before I had to worry about myself, Derek placed a peck to my temple, which followed with a whisper in my ear. "What I would do without you?" Then he pulled back, running his hand down my lower back and over my thigh as he did. And I remember wanting to burst.

I felt frozen in my place. From the hug, from the small kiss, from the ear whisper, from the words said in the whisper and his hands. Does he know the effect he has and what I'm feeling inside right now? If he did, he really wouldn't be doing that kind of stuff. But I knew it was completely and utterly platonic to him, I just knew it. And he stood, extending his hand to me with a smile. And I wanted to scream. He is so unbelievably attractive, and he was just engaging in things of no feeling to him. Well, other than probably brother-sister.

Then for the third time that day he asks me to follow him and for the third time I agree and do follow.

x-x-x

Did I just actually hug Casey? And I told her "what would I do without you"? Talk about keeping it cool. On the upside, she didn't seem at all repulsed. Even though she is probably just viewing it as some brother-sister moment. Completely opposite to the whole "throw my arms around her and plant a big kiss on her" thing I'm feeling. You know, just a bit different.

I walked over to the set of swings, plopping in one of the bucket seats as Casey did the same. I watched as she just lightly swung herself back and forth without much effort. Then she spins around, twisting up the chains and once they got tight she would lean her head back twirling like a top. She is such a beauty, an amazing sight to my eyes. From her long chocolate hued locks, to her bright baby blue eyes that always seem to look into your soul, to her tiny mouth, to her body almost to perfect to describe and right back to her tantalizing cherry lips. And it's not just physical attraction, she is so smart, and has pretty good personality. Especially when we're not fighting at every chance. Why does she have to be my stepsister? She is such a great girl. I can't believe she would go with me to meet my mom. Ugh, my mom. She is one person that can ruin anything. I wish she didn't call me. And she knew that if she acted so innocent and sincere like she tried, I would feel guilty and definitely meet up with her. At least, I'll have Casey there with me.

"Derek…" Casey muttered softly, eyes closed and head still leaned back slightly.

"Yes." I said just as quiet, not wanting to disturb this moment in any way.

She didn't move. "I like this."

I looked around. I almost asked what I originally questioned in my mind as, the playground. But I instead just asked simply. "And what would this be?"

"Us, the whole not fighting thing." Her lips curled up a bit at her own words.

I felt my smirk form, partly due to her starting by saying "us". And I really liked this too. I finally am starting to feel closeness with her.

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I quickly flipped open my phone; punching in the numbers I think are still the same. One ring, two rings, three rings…

"Hello?"

"Fine, we'll meet." I said, getting right to the point.

"Derek?" She sounded a little confused.

"At Janine's Diner, this friday at six o'clock."

"Janine's, sure honey. But are you-" I cut her off abruptly.

"I'm giving you a chance mom. Don't screw it up." I didn't give her much time to rebuttal, flipping my phone shut.

I stood there leaned against a slide, the tips of my fingers and ears starting to feel the cold. My eyes drifting back to the now empty swing still rocking back and forth. My eyebrow kinked in confusion, as i wondered where the hell she drifted off. I dug my icy hands deep into my pockets, stepping forward my eyes scanning the open area. And in due time i heard a voice from behind me.

"Looking for me?"

I whipped my head up in the direction of her voice, seeing her sitting on top of that slide legs bent under her, a large grin glued to her face.

"Listening in on my calls, huh?" My eyebrow still cocked in question.

"Of course, Der. Obviously, what else would i be doing?" He mouth now forming a little smirk. And i could tell from her tone, whatever little weird"moment" in the playground we had been having was over.

I shook my head approaching the metal slide. "You're really a pain you know Macdonald?"

"I know." She said, sending some hair behind her shoulder. "But your just so easy to get a rise out of, i can't help myself."

"I'm easy to get a rise out of?" I scoffed. "Hi, have we met i'm Derek and you are?"

She started to giggle. "See what i mean, and that was just me getting you irritated by telling you how easily you get irritated. Now, if i was to bring up something like your weak backswing..." I cleared my throat.

"Excuse me, but i think you are mistaken. There is nothing weak about my game."

"Well, i was just stating that when you fall under pressure... it's a little um weak." She squinted her eyes, tilting her head to the side. "Just something i noticed."

My blood started to bubble, running quick through my veins. But i still couldn't help noticing how beautiful she looked, even while patranizing me. "Well, yeah you noticed wrong then. I mean, just cause you prize yourself on some grade-grubbing genious doesn't mean you know a single thing about anything important." Damnit, she was right.

"Wow, i guess i'm completely wrong. You never overreact or anything like that." She shrugged, knowing even a little action as such could drive me nuts.

"It's fine, don't feel like you have to apologize or anything though. You can't help if your insite is one-hundered percent uncorrect. It happens to the best of us." I chuckled to myself a bit, really knowing how freaking right she was about me. How the hell does she know me?

Her eyes just rolled back again, although i could have sworn i saw a smirk. "Whatever, and it's incorrect. Now just help me down, Venturi." She said mocking me. And i loved ever second of it.

x-x-x

"Now just help me down, Venturi." And my stomach did a little flutter as he held his hand out for me.

Me and Derek were back to acting like normal again. Of course, it wasn't as sweet as a little while before, but i'm actually glad in a way. Neither of us are like that, and honestly if we were like that all the time with each other i would lose it. Toning it down every once in awhile is good, but the bickering and the confrontation is what makes it. If we didn't argue i don't think i would like him as much as i do.

By the time we reached the house it was just getting dark, and i hoped Jake was already home so we wouldn't have to explain anything. Derek creaked open the door quietly entering and i followed in the same motion.Twisting my head, i scanned the living room, into the empty kitchen, and bare hallway.

Silence. Not a single audible sound. Although a little out strange, I had just figured everyone was pretty much drained from the day's events.

"So, i guess we'll just... go to bed." He stated with a questioning look. Obviously feeling it strange as well.

I just nodded lightly, sending a shrug his way.

And with him leading the way, we headed downstairs quiet, figuring the everyone was in bed.

I sat on the couch, to unbuckle to strap of my heels. When i looked up, Derek was looking back leaned back against the bathroom door. His expressiong was blank. I turned to my side, looking at the empty seat cushin, then back at Derek. A smile cracked a little, and he shifted his feet. I thought maybe he had the same idea, sleeping on the couch just one more night as not to disturb the others. I didn't mean to smirk at the thought, and i knew he saw it. He stared at me for a few more soundless seconds. And then i rubbed my hand over the cushin. He smiled a pretty much full smile and started approching me.

Well, somehow he must have made a noise, because as soon as he moved Jake's door pull open.

"Casey." I heard his tired voice. "Your home."

"Yeah." He has great timing i thought. "We just got in."

He juggled looks between me and Derek, then finally kept his eyes on me. "Well, i'm glad you got home before it was to dark."

I gave my eyebrows a quick raise and nodded my head a little.

He smiled shyly. "Yeah, well if your not tired maybe we could talk..."

"Oh, actually i'm pretty beat." I quickly faked a yawn. "But maybe tomorrow." I stood approaching the little girl's bedroom door.

His head fell a little, but kept that same little smile. "Okay, goodnight Case, sweet dreams."

I twisted the knob, prying the door a bit. "Thanks, you too." And with that i slipped in the room.

I felt bad for blowing Jake off, but i was just not in the mood for him. Tonight the flavor i was craving was definitely more Rocky Road, than just strawberry. And i guess it's not really that fair comparing Jake to plain strawberry ice cream, considering i haven't gotten to know him too much. But i like what i do know, and he is such a sweet guy. I really felt bad when he said goodnight, he is such a soft guy. He treats me so nicely, better than any guy has ever. I can really could see good things happening with him. So, he's a sweet little cone of delicious strawberry ice cream.

But like i said, i just happen to be craving a much wilder flavor.

(A/N: I AM SO SORRY!!!!!!!!! Like a hundred million times sorry... but i couldn't find the right way to end this chapter. And what i chose i really don't like that much. I actually don't care for this chapter itself at all... it's short and a bit of dribble. But i hope you guys like it and don't hate me! Tell me what your thinking... Love for all my readers!!!)