A/N : I just glanced at the live preview for this story and I realized to my shock that I have received 87 reviews for this fic. I can't even begin to explain how it felt when I saw this. I can only imagine this is what it feels like to win an award. I'm overwhelmed. I actually almost cried. I can't thank you all enough for every word that you send my way. I live for the little envelope in the corner of my screen telling me I have mail. You are why I do this. You are the reason all these fics keep going. I really try to take a minute to respond to each of you individually. If I missed someone, if someone doesn't know how much my little purple dragon and I appreciate all your support then I wanted to take a moment to let you know, that it really is appreciated. It's more than appreciated. It's the most wonderful thing in my life. Thank you once again. Though that seems such a small sentiment compared to how I really feel. And now on with the story. Sorry for the interruption.

Casey was leaning against me, her body so tightly pressed to mine I couldn't tell where she ended and I began. Her small, delicate hands belied a sudden strength as she tore at the t-shirt I wore. I heard the material rip. It was an obscene noise, like a scream in a moment of passion. I yanked the tattered rags from my shoulders and threw it to the floor behind me.

Then she was on me, her lips brushing across my skin, her teeth raking over my flesh. She rested at my Adam's Apple. This was familiar territory, she found the spot on our first night together. My hands dug into to her hips, drawing her tighter to me as she continued to suckle at my neck. I couldn't stand it any longer. She knew, she knew with erring certainty that it was the one thing I couldn't resist. Her tongue slid across my throat as I swallowed, digging in a little and making it slightly uncomfortable.

I threw my head back. God, I loved the feel of her mouth there. My whole body was humming with anticipation of what I knew was to come.

I tried, without much success due to my shaking hands, to undo the small pearl-like buttons of her sweater. I wanted to feel her pressed into me, flesh against flesh, her body melded with mine. Finally with a frustrated groan, she stared at me with pure unbridled need in her green eyes as she pulled the shirt over her head, flinging it to join mine somewhere behind us.

The softness of her pink comforter caressed my back, her hands caressed my chest. All my nerve endings were firing at once. I had no control over my hands and my mouth as they both fought to possess every inch of her.

She was kissing me, her tongue drawing across the roof of my mouth, her heated breath filling my mouth, mingling with my own air. She was breathing in the air I was exhaling and I was doing the same and it felt so erotic. Like I was taking a piece of her inside myself, sharing something more intimate than anything we had ever shared, the very air we breathed.

My musing was short lived as she continued to kiss me. My eyes were closed but suddenly it didn't feel like Casey anymore. It didn't taste like her. Even her body felt different under my wandering hands.

I leaned back, shoving my head into the pillow and gasped as a wave of dark hair fell over my chest, followed quickly by Rebbecca's mouth.

I woke to a soft hand on my shoulder shaking me. Blinking the sleep out of my eyes, I looked up and nearly jumped out of my skin as I saw Casey leaning over me. Never before had I had those dreams of her when she was with me. It was completely unnerving and I quickly jerked to my side to hide the evidence of the dreams content from her.

" You were calling me. " she said, with a touch of embarrassment. " Actually you were moaning for me, but let's just say it was calling. "

" I've been told I do that a lot honestly. " I answered, as I shifted again to try and get my body under control.

" You can stop squirming. I'm not stupid. " she smiled, impatiently.

" I'm sorry. " I could feel my cheeks redden. I didn't' blush. I had never blushed in my life. I had no idea where that was coming from. " I didn't mean to wake you up. "

She raised her hand and I thought for a moment that she was going to brush a strand of hair from my eyes, but she lowered it quickly, pulling at her long red t-shirt to cover the move.

" Why can't I ever stay mad at you ? " the look on her face was sad, as if she hated herself for not being angry. " I should be yelling and screaming and throwing things at you. "

I nodded in agreement. " Probably. But thank you for not doing any of those things. "

She smiled at me and my heart jumped into my throat. I really thought I was never going to experience that again, her smiling at me. It was like she was giving me a precious gift and I felt totally undeserving of it.

" Why don't you come over to the bed ? I can't stand to see you all bunched up in this chair and, " she smiled slyly. " I can't imagine it's very comfortable in your current state. "

Her eyes drifted to the area she was referring to then came back to my face quickly.

" Are you sure you want me over there with you ? " I asked, through my body was still throbbing and she had just brought my attention back to it.

She sighed and shrugged her shoulders. " I'm not forgiving you. I'm just saying we are both adults and I think we can manage to occupy the same bed without getting in each others space. "

I raised up with a bit of difficulty and gave her an appreciative nod. " Thank you. I'll keep my hands to myself. I swear. You won't even know I'm there. "

" I know. " she told me as she got into bed and scooted to the far side.

I joined her and shifted until I was comfortable, thankful for the softness of the bed after the torture of the chair. I lay with my hands behind my head, staring at the ceiling as her soft sighs began to fill the room, telling me she was asleep. I closed my eyes and tried to join her, but every time I did, the imagine of Rebbecca from my dream came back to me. I was sure a shrink would have a field day with that particular dream.

Then I almost jolted as Casey sighed in her sleep and rolled closer to me, her head landing on my bare chest and her hand coming to rest around my waist. Her warm breath blew across my skin, raising goose bumps as it did. I froze, not sure what I should do. Did I wake her ? Did I try to move her away from me ? I knew she wouldn't be happy in the morning to wake up laying on me. Would she blame me for it ? Think I had somehow manipulated her into her current position ? Then I realized she couldn't possibly blame me. I was sure she would realize it to. It was how we always slept when we were together. Her head on my chest, resting at the bend of my arm. It was instinct, a place where her body just naturally fit to mine. I moved my arms slowly and lowered it over her waist, where it usually rested. She sighed again and I breathed in a deep relaxing breath, easing the tension from my body. I hadn't realized it, but I had tensed when she rolled towards me.

I let myself indulge in her softness, sure I wouldn't be able to sleep again, but more than happy to simply hold her for the rest of night. I couldn't be sure when or if I would ever get the chance again.

The soft light of dawn slowly drifted in through the blue, gauzy curtains that covered the windows. I was still awake, having not slept a moment since moving to the bed. Casey was still laying, nestled against me, her head on my chest, her arm around my waist and her leg draped carelessly over mine.

I felt her stir and I tensed as her breathing became more shallow. She was awake. I expected an outburst from her at finding herself in my arms. Instead what I received truly shocked me. Her arm tightened around me.

I wanted to look down at her, to see what she was thinking. But I laid still, like a coward, feigning sleep.

She shifted and I could tell she was looking at my face. I could feel her gaze on me. She reached up and brushed a strand of hair from my eyes. It was a gesture so full of tenderness and love, I was certain I had fallen asleep and was dreaming again.

Then she moved again, going to the foot of the bed and climbing over me as softly as possible, trying not to disturb me.

I opened my eyes lazily, wanting to see her before she left me.

She was standing beside the bed looking down at me sadly. She didn't say anything at first. I blinked at her, waiting for her to make the first move.

" I need to go to my own bed before my parents wake up. " she said. " I'll see you at breakfast. "

I nodded. Then reached out to take her hand and she let me, much to my relief. " Casey, I really am sorry. "

She returned my nod. " I know. "

Then she turned away from me and left, closing the door softly as she went.

I got up instead of even attempting to sleep, grabbed a quick shower and dressed in a long sleeve orange t-shirt and jeans. Then headed downstairs.

Mrs. Cartwright was already at the stove, bustling away with a couple of steaming pans in front of her.

She smiled as I entered and made myself a cup of wonderful smelling coffee. I stood against the counter drinking it quietly until she looked over at me.

" You look tired, Dear. Did you not sleep well ? " she asked.

" I couldn't fall asleep. " I told her.

" Is there something bothering you ? " She turned from the stove and regarded me carefully. " I bet you miss your parents. You should call them. "

I smiled and nodded at her kindness. " I think I will. "

She turned back to the stove once again.

" Can I help with anything ? " I stepped over to her and looked down into the pans. Eggs, bubbled in one, bacon fried in another.

" You can check on the muffins. " she answered.

I went to the oven and peaked into the window. A muffin tin filled with delicious smelling banana nut muffins baked inside.

" They look good. But they need a few more minutes. " I told her.

" So, you cook a lot ? "

I went to the cabinet and started pulling out dishes to set the table. " I do a little more than my share, but with a house full of guys, one of us knowing how to survive is a miracle. "

" Well, I'm very grateful to you. It makes me feel much better knowing Rusty isn't starving or living on pizza and fast food. "

I went to the dining room and sat out the plates and silverware. Then I returned and gathered several oranges around the juicer in the corner.

" I really wanted to have a chance to talk to you. " Mrs. Cartwright said as she spooned the eggs onto a plate.

" Okay. " I nodded, continuing to squeeze orange juice.

" I want to thank you for taking care of Rusty and Casey like you do. Rusty never stops talking about you. You have really helped him find his place at school. " she began.

I shrugged, trying to wave off the praise I didn't feel I really earned. " Russ is a great guy. We're happy to have him. "

Mr. Cartwright stepped into the room at that moment. " It's cold as a witch's tit in a brass bra out there." he commented drawing a look of disapproval from his wife.

I laughed.

" Relax, Marge. I'm sure the boy's heard worse. " He came and kissed her cheek.

" Believe me, I've heard worse. " I agreed.

He gave me a nudge and a smile. " I imagine Jeff and Tommy will be here after lunch. "

Mrs. Cartwright pulled the bacon from the pan and put it on a plate as well. " They're bringing the kids with them. Trying to give Gloria and Joe a break. "

" I guess that means you'll have to go for a rematch with Ethan. " Mr. Cartwright winked at me.

" He kicked my butt last time. I'm not sure I'm up for another round. " I laughed.

Ethan turned out to be quite the player. Even at five, he was able to keep up with me fairly well. Then at the last minute he pulled ahead and took the win in our game of Need for Speed. Okay I let him win, but he's five. I had to.

Rusty and Casey came down to breakfast in the next few minutes and we all gathered around the table. Casey came and kissed my cheek before getting a cup of coffee and joining everyone at the table. I noticed Rusty watching her carefully, but he didn't say anything until we were alone in the living room later.

" I guess you worked everything out. " he smiled and slapped my shoulder.

I nodded, but didn't say anything. I hated lying to Rusty. He was one of my best friends. I didn't like lying to anyone, but I especially hated it when it came to people I cared about.

" I went looking for you after you left, but I noticed Casey's door was opened, so I decided not to knock. " he commented.

" Yeah, she stayed in my room last night. "

He gave me a smile and a knowing wink. I almost told him the truth. Not telling the truth is what got me into the whole mess to begin with. I felt like I needed to let him know that everything wasn't fine between Casey and I but before I had the chance the front door was flung opened and I was attacked by a forty pound ball of energy.

It went straight for my leg, locking onto it and holding tightly.

" Mr. Cappie. Mr. Cappie, " Ethan gasped. " Can we play again ? "

I bent and scooped him up, resting him on my hip. " Maybe in just a little while, okay ? "

He nodded and gave me that famous toothless smile. " I went to see Santa last night and I told him I wanted a puppy for Christmas. "

" A puppy ? " I exclaimed, " What kind of puppy do you want ? "

" I want a big one. I want it so big I can ride around on its back. " he informed me joyfully.

" Big like Oscar, or bigger ? "

His eyes grew wide and he buckled excitedly in my arms. " Bigger. "

I glanced over his shoulder and caught Casey watching me as she leaned against the door jamb with her arms crossed over her chest. She wore a look on her face that I couldn't really read and I gave her smile.

I was introduced first to Tommy, a clean cut nice looking guy about my age with blond hair and sparkling blue eyes, then to Jeff, who was slightly older, with long dark hair and a goatee.

The guys, Mr. Cartwright, Rusty and I talked in the living room. Ethan was still plastered to my side, not letting me go for a moment.

He was tugging at one of the chains I usually wore. For some reason he was completely fascinated with my jewelry. I let him wear the black leather band that I wore around my wrist. It nearly slide off his tiny arm, but he was delighted by it. Then he reached up and grabbed at my shirt collar, pulling it to his face and looking inside my shirt.

" Where's the other one ? " he asked.

" Ethan, " Tommy chided. " Let him go. "

Casey had just entered the room and came to sit on the arm of the sofa beside me.

Ethan's eyes lite up as he looked at her. " Hey, there it is. You let Casey wear your other necklace, just like I get to wear the bracelet. "

" I didn't notice that before. " Mr. Cartwright commented offhandedly, but he cast me one of those knowing glances.

Rusty nearly knocked over his the drink he was holding as he looked at Casey's neck. " Is that your lavaliere ? " he demanded. " When did you give her your lavaliere ? "

" Actually, " Casey smiled as she turned to Rusty. " I took it myself. "

I shrugged and returned his smile, though really I felt like sinking into the sofa and letting it swallow me. The lie just continued to grow bigger and bigger.

Casey didn't seem a bit fazed by it, instead she leaned down and kissed me.

Ethan pulled me away from her and dragged my ear to his mouth. " You're gonna get cooties ! " he exclaimed in an excited whisper.

Casey raised her eyebrows at him. " Oh, is that right ? I have cooties, do I ? "

Then she launched herself at the squealing, giggling child, kissing his face repeatedly. He fought against her valiantly but it was all to no avail. She won the battle.

When she finally let him go, settling herself comfortably in my lap, he raised off the couch, sitting up beside me and rubbing his face furiously.

" You know, Little man, one day, you won't mind girl cooties so much. " I informed him knowingly.

He huffed and went to the kitchen to find his Aunt, with a room full of laughter following behind him.

We were just beginning to settle back down when Marge entered the room, holding his hand with one of hers, the other rested on her hip. " Casey Cartwright ! " she exclaimed. " Did you give this boy cooties ? "

She bowed her head and nodded.

" Well, I'm afraid there is only one cure for girl cooties. Rusty, you need to take him upstairs and play video games with him for a while. I think until lunch should do it. " She said in a scolding tone.

Rusty got up and took Ethan upstairs. " But I want to play with Mr. Cappie. "

I smiled at Casey. " I guess I should probably go and help cure the little guy. "

" In a minute, right now, " she shifted a little and buried her head on my shoulder. " I'm comfortable. "

" Women can be so selfish. " Tommy teased.

Casey stuck her tongue out at him.