Thank you to everyone that has given this story a chance and have stuck with me so far.

Sorry this update is so short, I'm swamped with school right now. It may be another week until my next update, sorry. I have so much due this week and well this weekend is a huge party weekend and when you go to one of the biggest party schools in the US, you don't pass these up. Sorry, I'm getting off topic. Please enjoy and review.

I do not own Life with Derek or Looney Tunes.

………

"Nothing, I have to go do something." Edwin stated cryptically while he gathered his coat.

Casey placed a squirming Andie into her father's favorite chair. She quirked an eyebrow, sending Edwin a questioning look. The hand resting on her hip gave her an air of serious wonderment.

Edwin adjusted his coat and looked back at her with the same amused seriousness. "What? I'm going to be late." He stated as he headed hastily toward the front door.

Casey just stared at him, and did nothing more. She sighed, turned cartoons on for Andie, and went to make breakfast.

The rest of the morning passed slowly and it wasn't until later in the morning that everyone began to wake. Casey supposed that since it was a Friday and everyone was on vacation that sleeping in should be expected. She just wished she could have as well. She exhaled slowly, acknowledging the fact that she usually got more sleep on days like this, which was primarily due to the fact that Derek always got up early to watch cartoons with Andie and let Casey sleep. Her expression became very serene, almost at ease at the thought of Derek kissing her forehead and telling her to go back to sleep and that he'd take care of Andie.

"You look happy this morning." Casey looked up suddenly at the sound of her sister's voice. Edwin was trailing behind her. She was startled at the sight of him because she hadn't seen him come home. She watched as he put a finger to his lips and waved his other hand in a 'don't mention anything about this morning' motion.

Casey blinked a few times, quickly realizing what Edwin was trying to communicate to her. "Oh-uh, happy?" Casey fidgeted a little. "I made pancakes this morning. They're in the fridge they just need to be reheated." Casey stated in an attempt to regain her composure.

"Thanks, that sounds great." Lizzie said while moving toward the fridge.

The door bell rang unexpectedly, which made everyone's eyes dart toward the other room. They slowly looked back at each other in a more mature game of 'not it'.

"I'll get it." Casey stated agitatedly. Before leaving the room she smiled knowingly at Edwin then made her way toward the door. Edwin pretended not to notice the look.

Half-way to the door, a loud banging noise could be heard from the stairs. Casey stopped abruptly to narrowly miss Marti knocking into her while she flew toward the door.

"I got it!" Marti yelled as she reached for the knob.

Casey looked a little shocked standing there holding her stomach in an effort to calm her racing heart. "Apparently." Casey uttered sarcastically.

"Hey Travis." Marti said expectantly before pulling him inside.

Casey moved Andie onto her tiny lap and relaxed into Derek's chair. She calmly looked over toward the boy standing in the doorway. "Hey Travis, back already?" She asked kindly.

"Oh, hi… Casey." The teenager said doubting whether he'd had remember her name correctly or not. He looked a little uneasy so Casey gave him a slow nod to reassure him.

"Come, sit down you two." Casey said while pointing toward the couch. "Unless you're hungry. There are pancakes in the kitchen."

Travis almost looked as if he was going to take her up on the pancake offer. However, before he could speak Marti shook her head forcefully and pulled him toward the stairs. "We were just leaving." Marti stated quickly.

Edwin nearly jumped into the living room. He was looking quite upset. "No way Marti. Just because Dad and Nora are out doesn't mean you can bring your boyfriend to your room." He stood defiantly in front of the kitchen.

"Fine." Marti stated, feeling almost as if his words were an attack. She always thought her older brothers were too protective of her. She felt as if they didn't think she could take care of herself. There was nothing Marti hated more than the feeling of independence being ripped from her grasp.

The two plopped down onto the couch. Travis gave Marti a pleading look. "Go eat." She said shooing him away with the flick of a wrist in an uncaring fashion. She was obviously pissed. Marti looked over her shoulder toward the kitchen. Her expression was one of anger, but also of defeat.

"It'll be okay Marti. If you want, I'll let you take Andie up to your room to play." Casey said mockingly. Marti crossed her arms over her chest and sent Casey a piercing glare.

Everyone's attention was brought suddenly to the door once again as it swung open.

"Daddy!" Andie shouted, jumping up from her mother's lap. She almost knocked a lamp over while she scrambled toward the door. She made a running leap into Derek's arms.

Casey huffed and looked away. Marti laughed hysterically at Casey's disgruntled expression and the sudden turn of events. She attempted to disregard Marti's laughter and got up angrily from her seat. She promptly ignored Derek and made her way to the kitchen, hoping for what she currently considered to be better company.

Derek watched her go but he stood defiantly in his place. "Daddy, I want to watch cartoons." Andie exclaimed while dragging him to the couch.

"Andie we've been watching cartoons. Let's watch something else." Marti said gesturing toward the television set.

"No we haven't. I want cartoons!" Andie stated firmly. The young girl scooted closer to Derek and looked up at him happily, she seemed to be in utter bliss.

"She means these cartoons." Derek explained and held up a tape labeled 'Looney Tunes'. Derek stood and put the tape into the VCR. He backpedaled to the couch and pulled Andie onto his lap. She clapped excitedly as the screen began to play the familiar images.

In the kitchen, Casey couldn't stop taking ambiguously suspicious peeks toward the three seated on the couch.

"Just put it in the basket. I've got to do laundry today anyway. Once Mom and George get back I'm going out with my Mom to run errands. I'll do it after that." Lizzie said to Edwin. Travis listened, seemingly interested in their talk of such menial things while they ate.

Casey distractedly took a bite off of Edwin's plate. He didn't seem to notice.

"Is that Looney Tunes?" Travis asked excitedly, like a child with a new toy. He watched the television from over his shoulder and stood eagerly. He looked down at his plate, wondering what to do with it. Casey just smiled and took it over to the sink for him. She held her stomach and winced. The baby had been kicking even more frequently lately, she tried not to show it though.

When Casey turned around again she caught a glimpse of Travis jumping into Derek's chair. She shook her head and thought about how that wasn't exactly the best move Marti's newest boyfriend could have made. She took a deep breath and quickly joined in on Lizzie and Edwin's conversation.

Derek stared at the boy that jumped so unceremoniously into his chair. Travis however, was oblivious to anything and everything that didn't involve either a pig that stuttered or a coyote running head-long into a cliff-face.

Marti noticed though and was anticipating any remarks Derek may have. "Ah, Travis, how about you come over and sit next to me?" Marti asked anxiously. She smiled nervously at Derek when he turned his attention to her.

"I'm fine here." Travis stated around a fit of laughter.

"Excuse me? Who are you?" Derek asked vehemently. He never took his eyes off the kid, even when Marti spoke for him.

"Derek, this is Travis. He's my boyfriend. Travis- Travis look at me." Upon getting his attention she continued, "This is my brother Derek".

"Oh, you're Derek. I met your wife last night." The boy stated in a friendly manner. His smile dropped from his face however with one look at Derek's blank expression directed at him.

After a few short moments, Derek's gaze left the boy's face. Travis breathed a sigh of relief. Derek looked down at Andie who was entranced with her cartoons. "I need to go shovel the walkway. I'll be back soon sweetie." He said kissing her cheek then the crown of her head.

"Okay." Andie said. She looked up at him and he neatly moved her off of his lap. The young girl smiled at her father then resumed watching the television.

He stood up and stretched leisurely. Travis immediately froze when he was met with a fierce look from Derek. He visibly gulped.

"Come on Travis. Let's get to know one another." Derek stated while grabbing him by the front of his shirt and lifting him from his seat. Travis stood obediently and sent a panicked look at Marti who was still seated on the couch.

"Don't hurt this one Derek." Marti said with calm sarcasm. She smiled and moved over to wrap an arm around her niece.

………

I don't want anyone to think that my interpretation of an older Marti is snobby or too sarcastic (there's a reason for this). So far, Marti has only been seen when her boyfriend is around. Much more Marti later, since well, I love Marti.

Please review, I've loved everyone's comments so far.