Author's NoteI believe someone has accepted my challenge to keep up! Hope it goes well for you! XP Megan, I am having a much more difficult time writing as Derek than I had as Casey, because me and Casey have tons more in common. But I accepted my own challenge to make a semi-good story with a perspective that isn't like my own. That's what really good writers do. So thanks again for your tips! To those who don't know what 'lackadaisically' means, it's a real word, don't worry. It means lacking spirit or liveliness- or languid. Back to Meg. About Derek making a list of things to do, I wanted to imply that Casey was rubbing off on him slightly at this point. He had said before that if he wanted Casey he would have to think, and this is my way of showing that he is trying to think a bit like Casey to get Casey. Hope that helps? Thanks Mac! I didn't want them to stop, but it was too Derek to make her want more. .

DisclaimerI don't know if Derek actually has 'gigs' where he plays, in this, he does. Yay! Sheldon would be the singer, if this ever comes up again, because I like his voice. XP I don't own it.

"So Emily," Derek said in the car, "Where do you want to go?" Emily smiled emphatically at him

"I'll go where you want to." Derek smirked with thoughts of Casey's bedroom running in his head.

"You don't want to go where I wanna go. Just pick your favorite restaurant and I guarantee I can pay."

"You have a job?"

"Yeah, you could say that." He smirked at her and she looked down, giggling.

"What is it?"

"Well, I get some of the money from my band's gigs. I also have money that I get from my dad."

"I always thought it was so cool that you played in a band." She looked at him dreamily.

"You know, you have to pick a restaurant so we don't sit here all night." Derek looked up Casey's window and saw her looking down at him. She looked sad. When she noticed he was looking, she turned and left the window.

"How does that sound?"

"Huh?"

"How does Wimpy's sound?" Emily asked, smiling. Derek thought of Casey's smile while they were kissing.

"Yeah, sounds fine." He started the car and left the driveway. "What kind of music do you listen to?"

"Oh, all kinds. Anything you like, I probably like too." Derek reached down and popped in a coldplay cd.

"How about these guys?"

"I love coldplay!" Emily said clapping her hands. Two and a half songs played through when they got to Wimpy's. They were seated a half hour later, because it was a bit busy. Derek was stuck with what to talk about. After they ordered, all he could think of saying, or asking, was about Casey. He decided that whether or not it was suspicious, he was going for it.

"You and Casey haven't spoken for almost a week."

"Yeah. She doesn't like me talking about you all the time." Derek looked at her funny. "I was just so excited that you asked me out on a date. I never thought that would happen. I mean, the first time it was…you know. But I'm glad we are doing this and it has nothing to do with Casey." Derek let out a small cough.

"So you think she'll talk to you after our date?"

"I guess. Am I going to go on another one?" Emily thought she was sly, but Derek saw that. It was so obvious. She pretty much asked him out on another date.

"I'd have to think that over the weekend. Maybe get back to you." Derek said, looking away from her. He hoped no one saw him, even though she probably told many people that they were going on a date.

"Ok. I can wait." Emily was just too happy.

"So, what do girls usually talk about anyways?" He questioned, trying to avertedly ask about what her and Casey talk about without asking it so directly.

"Boys, family, school. Music. Movies. Gossip sometimes. It all depends on the type of girl actually."

"What do you and your friends talk about?"

"You mean me and Casey?" He shrugged his shoulders and made a gesture for her to continue anyway. "Well I talk to her about boys and gossip, and she talks to me about boys and, uh, problems at home."

"Which is usually me right?" Emily nodded her head yes, and looked away.

"She complains too much." He said, looking away.

"Well, there are times where I would have to side with her." Derek furrowed his eyebrows. "Sometimes she is right and you're wrong. Sometimes I think you were just trying to have fun and she took it the wrong way. I get annoyed by her too you know."

"Hmm." Derek didn't like the way the conversation was going so he tried to change it. "So how has life been for you? You and I don't talk much."

"Pretty good. You?"

"Fine." Derek thought of the kiss him and Casey shared before he picked Emily up. A soft wave of heat was sent through his body.

"Is your favorite color still blue?" He leaned back against the seat. The waitress served their food. Derek started eating, and Emily copied him.

"Yeah. How did you know it was my favorite color?"

"Oh, I heard you say it to an old girlfriend." She stated as though it were nothing.

"Ok…What's your favorite color?"

"Blue." Emily smiled. What is she, like a stalker? Wouldn't be the first one I've had. They all are girls. Well except that one guy. Derek shuddered. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. It's great we have the same favorite color." Inside Derek was rolling his eyes in disgust.

"Heh. Yeah." The night continued in awkward conversation, and it didn't come time to leave soon enough. When he dropped her off she kissed him on his cheek and went into her house.

Derek walked into his house and the whole family, minus Casey, was sitting in front of the TV.

"What are you guys watching?" He asked, hoping it was something good.

"My favorite show Smerek!" Marti piped up.

"Well, I'd love to join, but I have business to deal with upstairs." Derek stated sarcastically. Everyone's eyes were glazed over as they peered lazily at the TV. He walked upstairs and sat on his bed. Casey walked into the room.

"You know, you are the biggest jerk I have ever met!" She shut the door.

"What? I already know this." Casey crossed her arms.

"I cant' believe you went on that date! I was hoping that you would cancel it."

"If you wanted me to cancel you could have told me."

"Why did you want to go on a date with Emily anyways?" Derek stood up.

"Like you meeting up with Sam all the time is much different."

"It is. Because we are just friends. Emily really likes you."

"So. She probably has already figured it out that it won't happen."

"She did, until you asked her out on a date."

"She'll get over it. Everyone gets over it." Derek crossed his arms. They do. They all get over it. With me, it's a fling, and they know it.

"I can't be with you."

"Why?"

"Because. This is why."

"I don't know what you mean."

"Because you will never be able to give me all that I want. And I will find a way to get over it. 'Everyone does, right?' "Her words stung him deep. He had thought it was only because they were steps that she didn't want him, and now he finds that it's also because of this. I guess she's right…If we could find a way to get over it, then we'd be good, but I don't actually know if I could commit to her. The whole idea of commiting freaks me out.

"Good night Casey." Derek turned on his bad boy mode and pushed her out of the room. At the moment, he couldn't stand to look at her.