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Homecoming Week

Chapter 5

Intermural soccer field Monday 2pm

Derek glances at the clipboard in his hands fiddling with the whistle around his neck. "Yo Derek!" He looks towards the shout and sees Kevin, Sean and Steve walking towards him. "Hey, did you guys sign up for this game today too?"

"We all did once we saw who was playing. Kevin's girl is on one of the teams and Chrissy and Susie are on the team I signed up to coach." Steve wraps Sean in a headlock. "And Sean here has decided to come along to see Susie again. I told him he would like her. You so owe me dude."

Sean ducks out of the headlock. "I actually think we are even. Without me, you wouldn't have gotten that date yesterday anyway."

Kevin interrupts nodding behind Derek. "Is that Casey?" Derek glances behind himself to see her approaching. Derek tries to signal to Kevin to scram and thankfully he gets it. "Hey, there are some open seats behind our team." Kevin hooks a hand behind both Sean and Steve's necks and herds them towards them throwing a nod in Derek's direction. The two protest, "Hey wait, can't we say hi."

Casey comes to a stop next to him. "Hi, so how are they looking?"

"Hey Case. They both look like they are really serious about winning."

"Yeah, I couldn't make it to any of the team practices or the girls from my dance team might have made me join them on their team. Luckily they had found Chrissy and Susie to join the team instead. As Cindy put it to at the Rec Centre yesterday, there is a trophy at stake."

With the game about to start, Casey goes to sit on the bleachers by herself when Kevin waves her over. Casey looks around her thinking it was someone else he waving to when Sean waves too and yells "Casey come on." She is a little wary to move but is not one to give up the chance to not sit alone in a crowd. She gets up and moves to sit next to Kevin and Sean while Derek and Steve tend to the game. "So Casey, do you know anyone who is playing today?"

"Well Cindy I know from her working at the Rec Centre and some girls from my dance team are playing against her team."

"Who are you cheering for then? It would be such a waste if you do for your dance team when we both know Cindy's team is going to win."

Sean catches on what they are talking about and throws his two cents in. "What a second. Are we going to bet on this game? If we are, there has to be food involved." They both give Sean funny looks so he shrugs. "Hey, it is the first time any of us have brought around a girl to the house that can cook and was willing to share," Sean says causes them both to laugh.

"He has a point though. When we can't cook, if Derek found one who can it's amazing for all of us hopefully." Kevin puts on an obliviously mock serious face. "Just a heads up, don't ever try anything Sean here cooks or let him near your cooking wanting to help."

Sean punches his friend in the shoulder in retaliation. They easily put Casey at ease as they banter back and forth about the game, sports and life in general while all the while ribbing on each other. She can tell they enjoy having an audience and Casey can see why Derek likes them so much. She smiles to herself as the topic veers and they bring up food once again remembering what Derek had said about a girl setting off the smoke detectors. No wonder they were so enthralled by the idea of a home cooked meal at the house. The whole time sitting with them is refreshing to Casey since most of the friends she has made since coming to Queen's have been two girls from the dance team or Janice and now hopefully Cindy. Making friends and not just acquaintances was never easy for her in high school. Though it has been better since Queen's has been a big enough place for everyone, especially her and Derek, to find their piece of the spotlight and her drive for success in the classroom was actually helpful since she had gained a couple friends from a study group last year. She was a little puzzled as to why they accepted her but it seemed that if Derek liked her, they were willingly to at least give her a shot.

After the game, Derek congratulates Steve's winning team and ambles over to the bleachers. Steve slides an arm around Chrissy and him, Chrissy and Susie find seats among them on the already crowded bleachers. "Hey Derek have you been over to the International Diversity Celebration yet? The food there was amazing. We stopped by for lunch and I have to say Indian food is great," Kevin remarks as Cindy sits in between his legs.

Casey perks up. "Oh wow, I was going to go over there after the game. I heard they have a booth for Henna tattoos and music and dance demonstrations. Janice and Rob already went. I wonder who I can get to come with me."

"Indian food sounds interesting. I have never had it. I will go with you if you want." Derek says taking the game results from the other officials and emailing them from his phone to the school newspaper.

"Oh sure, that would be nice." Casey starts to get down from the bleachers and slips almost falling to the ground. Derek catches her before she hits the ground with a low chuckle. Casey goes beet red and thankfully her hair falls to cover her embarrassment. She steadies herself tucking her hands safely in her back pockets. Derek shoves his hands likewise into his front jean pockets after gesturing for her to lead the way.

Derek and Casey wave to their friends as they start to head to where the festivities are happening. The silence is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Casey isn't sure what to say since she doesn't know what Derek thinks about last night. They were okay earlier around other people but what now when it's just them? Her shoulders look like they have the weight of the world on them and her hands twisted together. Derek is not the type to like awkward tense silence and is for once considering doing what Rob does in times like these. It always seemed dumb to Derek but blurting out the word 'pineapple' seems to work making people laugh and relax.

Sensing Casey's tension, Derek decides to face it head on and do things his own way and take charge laying his cards on the table hoping it works. Derek pulls her into the first alcove where they won't be seen when they walk into the building before placing his hands on her shoulders. "So since we have already had the first date go shockingly well, there should be no reason for any awkwardness so chill Case."

Casey lets go of a breath she didn't even know she was holding as relief sets in that they are for once on the same page. Derek cocks his head and a half smile forms on his lips his face lighting up. "I just realized I forgot to do something yesterday."

"What's that?" Casey asks brows narrowing together squinting with confusion not understanding what he means and how it has anything to do with right now.

Derek tugs her close and ducking his head he brushes his lips softly across hers. Casey lets out a barely audible gasp opening her mouth a little at the shock waves that hit at the simple touch of his lips. She surprises him threading her fingers in his hair hugging him to her. Derek quickly recovers taking the opportunity to cup her face with his hands and kiss her more deeply pressing his hips harder against her pushing her up against the wall behind them. He moves his hands to her hips to play with the hem of her shirt touching the skin right about her jeans with his fingertips. They both start to forget just where they are until Derek hears the sounds of people walking past. Derek realizes where they are so he starts slipping his hands out from under her shirt. Derek pulls restraint from somewhere inside him to slow down and drops his hands to her waist. Somehow Casey has the ability to throw him off balance no matter what they are doing. He backs off just enough to trace his tongue along her bottom lip and press his lips to her jawline. As her eyes flutter open, he rubs his nose gently against hers. She dazedly smiles whispering, "Hi."

Unsure of himself more than ever, he doesn't reply right away. He isn't used to being like this. A girl hasn't made him veer off the game plan in a long time and only one other girl ever had before. He had been going for something light, gentle and soft filled with promise, the perfect first date kiss. Hard, fast and heart pounding was unexpected. Derek usually is much more smooth and in control. Gathering himself, Derek eases back as he says "Hi to you too." He starts walking backwards and taking her hand by the finger tips he tugs her away from the wall she had collapsed against from the aftermath of their kiss. She looks up to see one of his rare sweet genuine smiles and it had just a hint of tentativeness to it. Casey beams up at him while weaving her fingers with his and giving their arms a little swing. Derek reaches up with his free hand and tucks her hair behind one ear. "Ready to go try some Indian food with me?" Seeing her light up, all the tension leaves and he can feel the knot in his stomach loosen as he gives his head a mental shake. He was wrong; must be. He has still got it and it was just a kiss. It's nothing to be shaken up about. He backs up out of the alcove pulling her with him. He stuffs his hands into his pockets and nudges her with his arm. She loops an arm through his resting her other hand on his arm. He flashes her a grin as they pass under an archway where they are bombarded with colors, sights and sounds from all over the world.

They stroll through the various booths very slowly. Derek has managed almost with no effort on his part to make friends with the captains of all the varsity teams and clubs and it doesn't hurt his popularity around the rest of the crowd that his team is on a winning streak. Between people hailing to Derek vying for his attention and Casey making sure to read every poster and try every dish, it is taking them awhile to weave their way through the crowd. They make it to the center of the room where there is henna tattooing and a couple teaching an Indian dance.

"Hey Derek!" They turn to see a couple guys waving to them. "Derek, come here. We have news for you about the next Captains' Round Table meeting." Derek looks over at Casey who waves for him to go. Flashing a grateful smile, he jogs over to the guys. Derek catches the soccer ball Mike tosses him that is never far from his hands. John and Mike start talking to him animatedly about the upcoming games, parties and their coaches.

While Derek is busy catching up with the captains of the soccer and rugby teams, a petite Indian girl gets up from the henna table wearing traditional dress done in blue and gold from head to toe reaches out a hand to Casey. Casey turns to see Priya, a dance teammate and a friend. "Hey Casey, come on. You have got to let me give you a tattoo and try this dance with me." Priya tugs Casey down to a table showing her a chart of ones she thought she might like; turning to a couple ladies at the table. "Would you two help me with her henna designs?"

After pulling himself away from the guys, Derek turns to see Casey with her hair pulled up and with gold bangles on her arms and currently trying to follow the steps Priya and her friends are showing her. As he gets closer, he notices she has henna designs all down her arms reaching to her hands. Derek laughs and hearing his unique presence she drags him over to where she is insisting he join in. Derek tries to back up and find his way off the dance floor. He stops seeing the look on Casey's face and resigns himself to dancing with her. Silly funky dancing he can do and do well but the structured graceful dances she is so natural at only highlights his two left feet. Casey tries to come up with a way to make him stay. "Just one song ok? Then we can go over to the Japanese booth and try the sake."

Derek knows when he is defeated and cocks his head to the side. Casey has to really want something for her to negotiate with him to get it. "If I trip and we fall, it will be completely your own fault."

Casey places her hands on her hips and laughs. "It's a deal. I will take full responsibility."

"Okay, remember you have been warned." Priya interrupts getting the group's attention and they switch their attention to her and her boyfriend where they are demonstrating the steps. Derek trips and also steps on someone's feet either on his left or right no less than three times but laughs it off. "Good thing we aren't competing right Casey?"

"Well if we were judging, I think that couple over there would be beat you guys," Priya laughs gesturing over to a couple who already had the first few steps down. Giving up on the dance for the night after making plans with Priya for lunch sometime, Casey throws her hands in the air in a sign of resignation before stalking over to the food table. Derek chuckles at her reaction rolling his eyes and walking up behind her to steal her plate. He flashes a half self-assured grin and kisses her cheek before lifting a fork full of food to his mouth. "I did warn you, remember," Derek reminds her with his mouth still half full. Casey grabs a drink from the table and hides a smile behind her cup.

After trying some spicy curry and her friend lending her a pretty green sari blouse and skirt to try on, they leave to amble over to the Japanese booth. Derek takes two shot glasses from the boy behind the counter and holds one out to Casey. "A deal's a deal Case." Clinking their glasses, they throw their heads back downing them in one gulp. Casey's eyes start to water and she pops one of the sushi rolls they have on ice in her mouth. Derek looks on in disgust at the raw fish and downs a second glass. Casey glances at her watch and winces. "I have to go. I have a presentation to give in my morning class tomorrow. I need to make sure I am ready."

"Casey if I know you at all, I am sure you have been ready for it for days and even have the PowerPoint and note cards to prove it. It isn't that late yet."

"I can't stay, sorry. You don't have to leave too. I can walk back by myself since it's so early yet."

"Oh no, I never not walk a girl home afterwards. Let's get you back to those books, Keener." Casey makes no comment on the nickname noting the teasing tone of his voice. Derek drapes his arm around Casey's shoulders as they make the walk out of the mayhem still happening around them into the moonlight outside. She leans into him a bit and is now wishing they had walked slower as she sees can now see them approaching her residence hall. They come to a stop by the front doors of the building with the street lamps lighting up their faces. Casey slips out from under his arm turning to face him. Derek dips his head and softly kisses her. He cups her face in his hand running his thumb over her cheek. She leans into his palm before he steps backwards slowly. "Get another A under your belt and I am going to play pool and grab some drinks with some of the guys. My meeting with the coach isn't till 10. Night Case."

Casey gives him a little wave which he returns as he walks backwards before he turns and starts heading towards the Queen's Pub. Casey spins a turn shaking her hair loose around shoulders whipping it in the air. A girl from her residence hall is bounding down the steps and past her with a back pack when she stops and calls out to her. "Hey, you're Casey right?"

Casey nods facing her. "Do I know you?"

"No, I'm Sarah. I live on the second floor. That was Derek Venturi you were with?" Casey nods again. "Well I got to go meet up with some friends but just be careful with that one okay? He dated a girl I know last year. So thought I would give you fair warning and just say he broke a few hearts last year. I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't really playing pool with his friends or at least doesn't end his night alone. "

"He wouldn't do that. You don't know him. He is different," Casey states defending him.

"Hey it's nothing to me if you don't believe me. Hope you're right. Only restating what I heard. I could be wrong, though this was from the head cheerleader." Sarah adjusts the strap on her back pack and walks towards another residence hall. Casey visibly tenses as she knows the head cheerleader. She doesn't know her extremely well but Chelsea seems like a nice girl. She wonders if she had dated Derek or if it was a friend of hers. She distractedly opens the door to the hall making her way up to her third floor room ignoring Cindy and Janice calling out to her from the main floor lounge too lost in her own thoughts to hear them.

Queen's Pub 9 pm

Derek walks through the doors and looks over after hearing his name. He strides over to where the guys are playing and Cory hands him a pool stick. "Great now that you're here, you can help me kiss these guys' asses. John you ready to play a new game?" When John doesn't answer, Cory hits John on the shoulder with a pool stick and Derek and Mike laugh with him when John jumps as it jars him from the Toronto Raptors on the nearest TV. "So what's the score?" Derek asks as he racks the balls and bends over the table to break.

"It is tied in the third period. They are so getting cheated. These refs are letting Chicago get away with anything." John tears himself away from the game as the waitress comes around to bring second rounds for the other guys and a first for Derek.

"Oh on, Toronto is just not on their game tonight. If this is how they are in the preseason, the season does not look good at all," Mike comments shooting a stripped ball in a corner pocket.

They are on their second game of the night with Cory and Derek playing against John and Mike when Derek's phones goes off. He is studying the table trying to line up his next shot. Their waitress tonight sets their drinks on their table next to the pool table. John and Mike are still arguing about the Raptors but have since moved on to whether the trade of one of their point guards was a bad move or not. Cory is trying to flirt with the waitress making her laugh when Derek yells across the table to them. "Hey, can someone get that?"

The waitress, holding the now empty tray with one hand, picks Derek's phone off the table and flips it open trying to stifle her laughter at Cory's joke. "Hello, Derek's phone. He's a little busy at the moment. One second." She pulls it away from her ear in puzzlement as she hears the person on the other end hang up. She hands it over to Derek who had made it over to her after making his shot. "Don't know who it was. They hung up." She gives a shrug with one shoulder and heads to another table. Derek flips his phone open and sees Casey called him. He calls her back and it goes straight to voicemail. He opens his mouth to record a message when Mike calls out to him telling him it's his shot again. He sets his phone back down without leaving a message ribbing on John who had scratched on his turn. Derek lines up a difficult shot with all thoughts of Casey going to the back of his mind thinking he would just call her tomorrow and see what she needed.

****End of Chapter 5****

Hey, so so sorry this took so long to post. Time got away from me and also I have been working on some original stuff lately. Hopefully you guys like it and like where it's going. Sorry for any editing or spelling and grammar mistakes. I try to catch them all. Thanks for reading and hopefully reviewing. Thanks to those of you who reviewed the last chapter: nottingham12, Dark-Supernatural-Angel, kmr04, sammy sosa the 13th, Holly Hillocks.