A/N: So, I wrote a second chapter. It's not as good as I wanted it to be, but it's here. It's not much Dasey. It's just a fluffy moment. Anyway, R&R. Thanks! -Mac

Disclaimer: I don't own Life With Derek.

Learning A Lesson

Casey stared at Derek while she tried to register what had just happened. She was waiting for him to say something rude and arrogant to ruin the moment. But he didn't. He remained silent, a genuine smile gracing his lips. It wasn't that blasted smirk that screamed "I'm tricking you...don't trust me." It was real. Casey could do no more than stare at him, her mouth hanging open slightly.

"Don't look so surprised, MacDonald." Derek chuckled lightly. "It's just milk."

"What's the catch?" Casey mumbled.

"Catch? Does milk usually have a catch?"

"With you...everything has a catch."

"Well...I just..." Derek stammered. He didn't know what to say. He couldn't very well tell her he only did it because he made a deal with a six year old, which wasn't even the complete truth.

"What is it?" Casey asked, her voice going soft as she noticed the change in Derek's behavior.

"I had a conversation with Marti yesterday...about sharing." Derek started.

"I remember. My mom said you were their last resort. I thought it was cute." Casey smiled.

"Yeah, well...What can I say?" Derek raised an eyebrow and Casey laughed. "So yesterday, when I tried to explain why she should share, she called me on something."

"What was that?" Casey inquired.

"That I never shared with you." Derek answered.

"And?"

"And that I couldn't possibly care about you if I didn't..." Derek replied.

"So you were proving a point...to Marti?" Casey accused.

"No. It's just...it's not true. I do care aobut you. And I wanted to show it, in a subtle way. But I guess that didn't work, since you made me explain myself."

"Derek...you hate me." Casey corrected, her voice just above a whisper.

"No I don't Casey. That's what I'm trying to tell you." Derek sighed. "You couldn't just let me be nicer?"

"I wasn't about to trust the nice, it's not like you." Casey said.

"You don't know me at all, do you?" Derek joked with a smirk.

"Not at all, I guess." Casey responded.

"Case, I do care about you, probably more than I should." Derek replied. "And not in a sisterly way either."

"Derek..."

"Let me finish. Okay?"

"Okay." Casey nodded.

"I've known for awhile, but my talk with Marti made me realize how bad I treated you sometimes. I never showed that I care about you, and I wanted to...hence the milk. And now I'm going to walk away before I make an even bigger fool of myself."

Derek turned and walked from the room before Casey could say a word in response. He climbed the stairs and went back into his room.

Derek stayed in his room for a long time before he worked up enough courage to go back downstairs. When he arrived in the living room, Casey was sitting on the couch watching TV. She had the remote in her hand as she nonchalantly flicked through the channels. Derek plopped down beside her on the couch. Keeping with his deal to share more, he didn't even attempt to take the remote.

Then, it was Casey's turn to surprise him. The TV landed on a hockey game and stayed. Derek found the remote willingly placed in his hand. He looked up at Casey, his expression mirroring hers from earlier that morning.

"But Casey..." Derek began.

"Sharing is caring, right?" Casey responded, ignoring what she knew he was going to say.

Derek could only nod as he realized what she meant by the gesture. Casey smiled as she settled back into the couch to watch the game with him. Derek beamed as he turned back as well. A moment later, he slowly reached over and took her hand in his. Casey looked down at their clasped hands, but instead of saying anything she just smiled softly and gave his hand a squeeze.

Sharing was caring, and Marti had taught them both a lesson. They had learned it well.

A/N2: I don't want you to feel forced to review, because of course you aren't obligated...but I would love to get more feedback. Even if it's only "it sucked" or "good job", I would love to hear from you guys. You keep me writing. So please, please,PLEASE review. Kick it up a notch and I will reward you. Thanks.