Disclaimer: I do not own Life With Derek.

Misery Business

by: A Nonny Mouse23

CHAPTER 2

Things slowly progressed after that night. Derek started being nicer and nicer to me. First at home, he'd take my shift of doing dishes when I had a recital, or ask if I needed help with anything. Soon his grades began to go up as he became more motivated to do his schoolwork. Our weekly tutor sessions had turned into nightly occurrences where we would both do our homework together in a companionable silence, talking every now and then.

Our strange relationship turned into a friendship and over time we became the other's best friend. It killed me when I had to give him advice on how to be the perfect guy for Kendra, and I could always find something wrong with her or what she'd done and never any imperfection with him. I think he might have noticed, but if so, he never said a word.

Kendra was nice enough to me though, she was always urging me to go on dates with a guy she knew. We would go on a double date and it never worked out...whether it was the fact Kendra didn't know what type of guy would be best for me, or that I knew the only guy who would ever be good enough, no one knows.

Tonight is the same old, I'm meeting a guy Kendra's set me up with. She says he's a knockout, his name's Brendon. Something's different though, the past week Derek's kept more to himself and has been preoccupied, and I feel something will happen tonight. I'm just not sure what.

Later:

I find this guy boring as all the others. He wants no stimulating conversation, he only wishes to speak if it's to praise himself. It reminds me of the older Derek... Kendra is engaging him, and I'm zoning out, staring at Derek thinking of how perfect he is and how Brendon doesn't hold a candle to him. On no, I think they're talking to me now, I hope he hasn't noticed me staring...

"I'm sorry what?" Casey asked, coming out of her stupor. Derek smiled at this, "Space Case, Kendra just asked if you would go to the ladies room with her." Casey blushed at this nickname, "Um, yeah..." This was normal, they would go, discuss how Casey felt about the guy, and Derek would find out how the guy really was, man-to-man.

"So this guy's a keeper right?" Kendra asked hopefully. "I don't know, he's not really my type..." She said the same line she would always say after a date failed to impress her. Kendra sighed, exasperated, "Alright let's go break the poor boy's heart gently."

When they arrived only one boy was sitting at the table and he looked extremely pissed off. "Der Bear, where'd Brendon go?" Kendra asked, slightly afraid of him for the look his face bore. Derek growled at her in response. "He is scum worse than that on the bottom of a shoe!" Casey was shocked, "What happened?!" "As soon as you two left for the bathroom, he asked me how long I thought it would take him to get in your pants! Then I proceeded to knock his lights out and when he came to, he couldn't run away fast enough."

Derek's anger was radiating off of him, but to see Casey's face, half furious, eyes brimming with tears, his anger was directed towards Kendra. "How did you let this happen? Who are these guys you are setting Casey up with? Guys who don't care about her only of themselves and whom only want one thing?!" There was only one thing at this point which could calm Derek down, and only Casey could do it. Kendra began to stutter, turning angry herself, "It's not my fault Casey's a bore and has nothing in common with these guys. Maybe she should stop being such a tease!"

Derek blew up at Kendra's words, "How dare you! LEAVE! NOW! I DON'T EVER WANT TO SPEAK TO YOU AGAIN!" Kendra ran through the doors of the diner with tears streaming down her face. Derek upon realizing he'd gained the attention of the entire place, he put a sizeable amount of money on the table and escorted Casey out. They rode home in silence, Derek calming his anger and giving Casey her space, and Casey fighting a battle within.

Why me? I don't know whether to cry or shout. To be glad or sad. I'm so confused. I can't believe Derek stood up for me like that, but then again, yes I can. He's perfect! WHY CAN'T HE SEE THAT HE'S PERFECT FOR ME?!

Casey was asleep by the time they got home and Derek carried her up to her room. He got a knowing look from Edwin who was going to the bathroom, but thankfully, no one else was up. He tucked her into bed and gave her a quick peck on the forehead and whispered, "Goodnight Case."

A/N: Revised. Reviews are appreciated.