­A/N: I wrote this chapter on Saturday, but the site hasn't let me put any documents on until now. Sorry! And I'm only able to get it up here because I put it into NotePad and then went through the whole thing, italicizing and bolding the right things. Needless to say it took forever, but be happy because I did it for all of you!

Here's a chapter that I'm sure a lot of you have been waiting for. I know the song is really cheesy, but this is how I saw it, so it was how I wrote it. Let me know what you think . . .

Song is " Juliet" by LMNT.

To all of my wonderful reviewers, thanks for getting me over 100. I didn't think it would ever make it this high, never expecting so many great reviews.

Enjoy and review.

Disclaimer: I own nothing

Chapter 13: A kiss and a goodbye

Casey made it out of the house without Derek noticing. She walked through her back yard, crossing to her neighbors' house and lightly knocking on the back door. Emily opened the door and instantly knew it was Casey. They had been best friends for years, so it wasn't a surprise to Casey that Emily saw right through her costume. After a few pleasantries and apologies for not talking as much since college started, they made their way into the living room where the party was going on.

As Casey was making her way through the party, Derek put on his shoes and left his house through the front door. He made his way across the front yard to the house next door, walking through the open front door. Derek saw many people from high school that he had not seen in a while, making small talk with them. Bouncing from person to person, Derek finally saw his best friend Sam. After a complicated handshake they made up when they were 7, they began talking about their respective college experiences so far.

Both were reliving times past and having a great time with old friends. They completely forgot of the feeling that something was going to happen between the two them.

Casey was enjoying catching up with Emily and hearing of her relationship with her boyfriend. She was really happy that her best friend had found love, especially since the love was returned back to her. Derek also learned that his own friend had found someone at his own college. Sam went on about this girl in his English class, describing every curve of her body and every word she spoke. They were both glad to hear that things worked out for some people, wondering if things would ever work out for themselves.

Making his way into the kitchen, Derek opened the fridge to find a bottle of water. With all of the people in the living room dancing, it was getting really hot in the house. Turning from the fridge, his heart beat sped up as his breath caught in his throat. Casey was standing in front of him in the most amazing green dress he ever laid his eyes on. She looked extraordinary. And although she looked nothing like her self, especially in the blond wig, he knew it was her. He could never mistake her eyes for anyone else's.

Surprised at the stare Casey was receiving from Derek, she couldn't help herself but stare right back. His costume was simple, but on him it was amazing. There was something about him that made the plain black pants and white shirt stand out. She though he looked charming, as if out of a fairy tale. People may not have known it was him right away, but she did. Looking into his eyes, she had no doubts whatsoever.

A million things were going through each of their minds. They didn't know what to do, what to say, wondering if the other knew it was them. Neither made a move initially, both just taking in the view of the other.

Casey finally snapped out of her trance and made her way over to Derek. She had no idea what she was doing or what she had planned on saying. It was like her body was moving without her mind telling it to.

"Hey, I'm Danielle." Immediately Casey thought her ears deceived her. She couldn't believe she lied about her name. Casey didn't think that Derek could tell it was her, but she had no clue as to why she was lying. It just sort of slipped from her lips.

Derek was just as surprised at Casey. He didn't know what was going on, but he figured she couldn't tell it was him either. Derek smiled at her and grabbed her hand. He brought it to his lips and simply stated " Chris."

Neither was worried that the other could tell it was them from their voice. The music was so loud that they were practically shouting.

Handing Casey a bottle of water, Derek leaned on the counter and smiled at her. Looking over her outfit, he would have thought she was a goddess. "So, what are you supposed to be?"

Casey actually had not thought about what her costume was supposed to be. She was just compelled to wear that dress, she didn't really care about having to be something. So Casey said the first thing that came to her mind. " Juliet."

Laughing to himself, Derek responded. "Well, if you're Juliet, then I guess I'm Romeo."

Casey turned completely red, both from blushing and laughing so hard. She couldn't believe that Derek would say that he was Romeo after hearing that she was Juliet. Although she thought that he had no idea who she was, she couldn't help but find his reply endearing and a little upsetting at the same time. Why would he want to be someone's Romeo . . . he is supposed to be mine.

"Really? Because I thought you were some kind of lame 3 Musketeer." After seeing Derek's mouth drop open, Casey couldn't help but start laughing again. Soon enough, Derek joined in, making his way across the room to her. He always liked how snappy she was with her one-liners.

Derek leaned into Casey, whispering into her ear "Anyway, did anyone ever tell you how beautiful you look in green Danielle?" He couldn't believe he said that. He had told her before that she was beautiful in green. She has to know it's me now.

Casey couldn't help but blush. Derek was the only person to ever tell her she was beautiful in green. She immediately thought that Derek knew it was her and that he was only playing with her head. Looking up into his eyes, she saw how sincere he was. "Yeah, just once."

Their faces were extremely close, feeling the other's breath on their own skin. Casey stared into Derek's eyes. She saw the way he always looked at her, seeing the emotion she could never pinpoint.

He saw the same look in her eyes, that emotion that he could never decipher. But that look was always in her eyes when she looked at him. For an instance he thought that Casey knew it was Derek, but he quickly dismissed it when she said his 'name'.

"So Chris, having fun at this party?"

"Only for the past 5 minutes."

Happiness was evident on her face, learning that she made Derek have fun. Suddenly, she became very upset. Why did he have to have so much fun with a stranger? Why can't he have as much fun with me?

A new song began and Derek immediately knew what song it was. He remembered Lizzie playing it over and over a few years ago. He smiled when he realized that their playful banter had a meaning now. It gave him an excuse to dance with her.

"So, Juliet, can I have this dance?"

After Casey nodded, he grabbed her hand and made it out towards the center of the living room. He knew that the song was a little lame and wasn't the song he wanted to dance to, but it will do. Their conversation in the kitchen and the way he felt seemed to fit perfectly with the lyrics.

Hey Juliet
Hey Juliet
Hey I've been watching you
Every little thing you do
Every time I see you dance
In my homeroom class, makes my heart beat fast
I've tried to page you twice
But I see you roll your eyes
Wish I could make it real
But your lips are sealed, that ain't no big deal
'Cause I know you really want me, yeah
I hear your friends talk about me, yeah
So why you tryin' to do without me
When you got me
Where you want me

Casey thought about how perfectly the song complimented their conversation a few moments before. It didn't surprise her though, songs always seemed to portray her feelings. As she danced with Derek, he was the only thing she saw. They both wanted a slow song to play so that they could be closer together. They both had an understanding that the song playing was perfect for who they were. It described their situation and their wit. It was cheesy but it was perfect for them.

Hey Juliet
I think you're fine
You really blow my mind
Maybe someday, you and me can run away
I just want you to know
I wanna be your Romeo
Hey Juliet

Derek spun Casey as the song played. He wanted to be her Romeo. He wanted to dance with her forever. He wanted to tell her how he felt, despite the thoughts he knew everyone would have. Their love would be wrong, it would be a sin in the eyes of the rest of the world. But Derek couldn't care less. He needed her to know everything. But when would be the right time?

Girl you got me on my knees
Beggin' please, baby please
Got my best DJ on the radiowaves saying
'Hey Juliet, why do you do him this way'
Too far to turn around
So I'm gonna stand my ground
Gimme just a little bit of hope
With a smile or a glance, gimme one more chance

As they danced, Casey could only think one thing. When am I going to tell him? When am I going to tell him I want him to be my Romeo? Casey knew it was wrong to love her stepbrother. She knew he could never feel the same way about her. But her heart broke everyday she saw him, everyday she looked into his eyes. She couldn't fathom that he would ever feel the same way about her. She thought he only saw her as a friend, maybe a sister, but never as someone he could love. All hope was lost.

'Cause I know you really want me, yeah
I hear your friends talk about me, yeah
So why you tryin' to do without me
When you got me
Where you want me

Derek wished that Casey would reciprocate his feelings. He wanted to have a happy ever after with her. He wanted her to want him, but he thought he never would. He was dancing in front of her, the music illustrating everything inside of him. She has me, but does she want me?

Hey Juliet
I think you're fine
You really blow my mind
Maybe someday, you and me can run away
I just want you to know
I wanna be your Romeo
Hey Juliet

Casey wanted to lyrics to be coming from Derek's mouth. She wanted him to be saying that he wanted her. She wanted him to love her, even if their love would be frowned upon. She wanted him to be her Romeo.

I know you really want me
I hear your friends talk about me
So why you tryin' to do without me
When you got me
Where you want me
You don't have to say 'forever'
For us to hang together
So hear me when I say
Hey, Hey, Hey Juliet

Derek wanted to be with her forever. He wanted to see her everyday for the rest of his life. He wanted to have her in his embrace, wake up to her face every morning. He wanted just her.

Hey Juliet
I think you're fine
You really blow my mind
Maybe someday, you and me can run away
I just want you to know
I wanna be your Romeo
Hey Juliet
Hey, hey, Juliet

If he asked, Casey would run away with him in a second. She'd leave everything she cared about because she would be with him. Casey would give anything to know that he felt the same way as her. If those words every left his lips, I would be with him forever.

By the end of the song, both Casey and Derek decided that they needed to get their feelings out. They needed to let the other know how they felt for so long. Though they both feared rejection, they couldn't stand not knowing anymore. Their love was growing by the day, suffocating both of them. The words were always on the tips of their tongues, wanting to be released.

As the song ended, Casey's back was to Derek. He leaned in and kissed her shoulder lightly. His lips wanted to linger, but his mind told them to move. It was not the time to declare his love for her, not when she thought he was someone else. He whispered into her ear that he would be getting a drink and that he would be right back.

Making his way across the room, Casey's body seemed to be once again on autopilot. She needed to be near him. His lips sent shivers down her spine with the slightest touch, her body craving more. Her body followed Derek's into the empty kitchen, while her mind told her it was not the right time to say anything.

Turning from the fridge, Derek noticed Casey making her way towards him. Suddenly, Casey reached up and planted her lips onto his. She had no idea what she was doing, it was like her body was working on its own.

The second their lips touched, both minds went numb. It wasn't an amazing kiss, it was very chaste and soft. However, it was the best kiss either of them had ever had, because it was with someone they loved.

Regaining the mind that ran away from her, Casey began to pull away slightly. She was stopped when she felt Derek's arm wrap around her waist, pulling her in closer to him. Even though her mind was racing, she couldn't help but think how perfectly his arm fit around her waist.

Derek deepened the kiss once his mind registered that he was kissing Casey. This was what he wanted for so long. Although he thought that Casey thought she was kissing some other guy, Derek did not want the moment to end.

It wasn't a kiss seen on tv or in the movies. It didn't burn their skin at every touch. The touch from the other did something completely different than either ever thought. The kiss calmed the soul and the mind, but kept the heart racing. It tuned out everything, especially the incessant questions in their minds. The kiss was everything they ever wanted, never expected and now could never be lived without.

For what seemed like eternity, but was actually only a few minutes, both felt bliss. When they finally pulled apart for air, their hands reached up and touched their own respective lips. They missed the warmth of the other's lips on them, the way they perfectly molded onto the others. It was a perfect kiss, their perfect kiss.

They both felt really self conscious all of a sudden. They both put all of their feelings out in that kiss. Casey was afraid that Derek saw right through her, as Derek was afraid of the same thing.

However, they were unaware of the feelings radiating off the other. Casey and Derek were consumed with what they did that they didn't notice the feelings reciprocated back to them. But, that was how it always was with them, they never noticed the other's attempts to show how they felt, because they were internally battling themselves.

Their thoughts were broken when someone bumped into Casey, causing her to fall into Derek. He caught her and looked down into her eyes. They were so open and full of the emotion he always saw, knowing that his own eyes most likely held the same thing. But he couldn't believe that what he saw was love, the emotion in his own eyes. He told himself it had to be something else, but he was unsure what that was.

When Casey regained her balance, she made eye contact with Derek one more time, before they both turned away from each other and left in opposite directions. They couldn't be there anymore. They couldn't look at each other. Casey needed some space to think about what she saw in Derek's eyes. The emotion she saw so many times before. The emotion she told herself had to be something other than love.

Casey was about to leave the house through the back door when someone called out her name. Turning around, she saw her best friend.

"Hey Case, that was some lip lock you had there." Emily stated, expecting details.

Casey had no idea what to say. It was the best kiss of her life, but she couldn't admit that to Emily. She couldn't admit that she was in love with Derek to her best friend. She wanted to tell Derek and after he rejected her, she would never have to tell another soul.

"I guess I just thought you would finally tell Derek instead of moving on to someone else." Emily obviously didn't know it was Derek who Casey kissed.

"Wha . . . You . . . Huh?" Casey was shocked at Emily's statement. She knows. Casey couldn't get out a single sentence. How long could Emily have known? Have I ever told her? Casey knew she never let out her secret, but how would Emily know then? Casey always thought she hid her feelings very well.

"Case, it's ok. I've known for years. I never wanted to say anything until you decided you wanted to tell me. I always thought you would let it out eventually. I thought that living by yourselves would bring out your true feelings. I never thought that you would get over him without telling him first."

Casey still couldn't bring herself to say anything. Emily knew, she knew for years. Who else knows? Could Derek know? Casey didn't think that Derek had a clue, he never gave her a reason for her to think that he knew. But then again, neither did Emily.

Emily spoke again, seeing her friend was incapable of speech. "I thought you would tell me when I got over him, but I guess you were afraid. I don't think any less of you and I don't think anyone else will. It wasn't your fault that your mom married George. We can't help who we fall in love with."

Casey finally snapped back. She knew she had to tell him, she had to get it out.

Wrapping Emily into a hug, Casey said "Thanks Em. It really means a lot." Backing away, she started for the door. "I'll let you know how it all works out," she called over her shoulder.

Just before she shut the door she heard Emily shout out, "You better!"

As Casey realized that her best friend knew all along, Derek found his own best friend out on the Davis' front lawn. Sam was drunk, looking around for his keys to the car that wasn't even there. Derek helped Sam into his own jeep, driving towards his house.

When Derek arrived at Sam's house, he helped him to his front door and into the house. Derek dragged his friend up the stairs and into his bedroom. After saying goodnight, Derek walked towards the bedroom door. Before walking out, Sam said something that made Derek stop in his tracks.

"Did you tell Casey yet?"

Derek didn't know what he meant. He knew Sam was drunk, but the way he said it made it sound like Sam knew more than Derek thought he did.

"Did you tell Casey you love her yet?" Sam said, clarifying his first question.

Derek just stared at Sam, who was lying in his bed, looking up at his ceiling. Derek had no idea he knew, he had no idea anyone knew. He thought he was good at hiding his feelings for Casey, but now he knew he was wrong.

"I know man. I knew all along. I would have given you permission, since I dated her and all, but you're Derek. You don't need anyone's permission. I thought you would have told her years ago, but from your silence I can tell you haven't said anything yet."

" Sam, I'm sorry. I know you liked her . . ." Derek didn't really know what to say. He thought that the only person he would ever tell would be Casey. And when he would be rejected, like he knew he would, he would never have to admit it to anyone else.

"Don't be sorry. It's not weird or anything, you only met her when you were 16, only 3 years ago. You can't control it, you can't control love. The heart wants what the heart wants right?"

All Derek could do was nod. His heart wanted Casey, and only Casey, he couldn't help it. He tried to make the feelings go away years ago, but they only grew stronger. "Thanks Sam," he said before walking out of the room.

Halfway down the stairs Derek heard Sam yell "No problem Derek."

Making his way home, Derek knew he was going to tell Casey. He needed to let her know. Even if she broke his heart into a million little pieces, the feelings needed to be let out. Pulling into the driveway, Derek noticed the living room lights out, telling him everyone was either still out or asleep. Walking into the house, he saw something that broke his heart.

Their family picture was sitting on the shelf near the stairs, with the moon light cascading over it. Everyone had such happy smiles on their faces, they were the perfect family.

Derek couldn't ruin it. He couldn't cause problems for his family. He couldn't make his dad and Nora disappointed in him. He couldn't explain to Edwin that he was in love with the one person he shouldn't be in love with. He couldn't see the look on Lizzie face, thinking he was a freak for loving his stepsister. He couldn't think of what his Smarti would say, probably asking if Derek still loved her even though he loved someone else.

It was decided by the time he made it up the stairs. He could never break his family. He would never break their hearts just to save his own. He thought Casey couldn't love him back, so why should he break apart his family just to give himself some peace.

As he made his way down the dark hallway, he passed Casey's door. Looking at it, he said goodbye in his head. He said goodbye to his feelings, letting them know that they would never be released. He was saying goodbye to his happy ending. He was saying goodbye to his Juliet.

Derek had no idea that no more than 30 minutes earlier, Casey came across the same picture. She had the same thoughts that he did. She said the same goodbyes. She cried herself to sleep, trying to lull away her broken heart. She cried, unaware that Derek would shed his own tears that same night, mourning the same thing she did.