AN: I am terribly sorry.. I completely forgot about this story.. onward!

Disclaimer: I don't own Life With Derek or it's characters.. I'm just borrowing.

Later that day at dinner, Casey and Derek kept stealing glances at each other. Unlike Derek's stolen glances at Casey's butt, these glances were of worry and pleading. Derek hoped that, with his eyes, he could tell Casey not to tell their parents about what had happened after school.

Casey's mind was in overdrive. She was constantly replaying her kisses with Derek in her mind, while also trying to stop thinking about them. It was quite a tiring task. Casey was determined not to let it happen again, no matter how much she wanted it. Kissing Derek again would not be right. They were step-siblings.

Soon the awkward dinner was over and Venturi-MacDonald household went about their normal tasks, watching TV and finishing homework. Casey and Derek both went upstairs to their rooms, intent on avoiding each other for the rest of the day. For Casey going upstairs after dinner was normal, as that was where she usually finished her homework and studied. For Derek, watching TV was the norm and Nora and George gave each other odd glances as Derek walked up the stairs.

Once in her room Casey immediately grabbed her diary to begin writing, but, then, remembering that Derek had read it, threw it down in disdain. She would have to settle for formulating her ideas in her head. At least there it wouldn't be found. She thought for hours about what she should do. Finally, around nine o'clock she figured out what she should do.

Derek spent the hours hastily trying to figure out why Casey had been so uptight. She was usually quite uptight, but... she had kissed him back for Godsakes and then she said that they can't be together. Derek was certain that he would never understand Casey, or any girls for that matter.

Lying there, Derek noticed a small squeaking noise that was customary for his door. Sitting upright, and turning to see, Derek noticed Casey peering in through the two inch wide crack.

"It's alright Case, you can come in." Derek said with a sigh, laying back down.

"Thanks, Derek." Casey replied. She walked into the room cautiously, remembering what had happened the last time she had entered his room. She said on his desk chair and spun it around so she was facing him. "Derek, I-"

"Casey, I-" Derek began. "I need to apologize"

"Apologize for what? I was the one that was going to apologize!" Casey asked.

"For kissing you, I, I should've realized that doing that is wrong because of our parents." Derek explained. "Wait. What were you going to apologize to me for?" Derek asked, sitting up.

"I was going to apologize for running away like that. I should've explained myself better." Casey admitted. "But, I also came here to tell you something."

"Yeah?" Derek intoned.

"Well, it wasn't really to tell you something, more like... to give you something." Casey mumbled as she sat down on the bed next to Derek.

"What could you give me?" Derek asked, laughing.

"This," Casey replied as she closed the gap between their bodies with a swift kiss.

Derek was surprised, but reacted quickly and kissed her back, placing his hand ever so gently on her neck.

When the couple pulled apart they looked at each other.

"You know Casey, when my Dad said he was getting married I wasn't very happy with the idea of a step-family." Derek admitted.

"Neither was I!" Casey replied with a laugh.

Derek put his arm around Casey, pulling her closer to him. With her head rested on his shoulder she could inhale his bitter scent all she wanted. It was a mix of sweat and TAG body spray.

"I'm so glad I didn't try harder to sabotage George and Nora's wedding." Derek whispered into Casey's ear.

"You know, they're going to find out sooner or later." Casey whispered back after a minute of hugging Derek intently.

"I choose later." Derek replied as her kissed her once more.