Delicate

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A/N: Thank you all so much for the amazing reviews! They mean absolutely everything to me, so if you're able to review, I'd really appreciate it… keep them coming! The next couple of chapters are going to be a little more light-hearted, because we just had 3 super angsty chapters in a row… and because I felt like it! So I hope you guys enjoy them all the same, and still recognize in the more humorous light-hearted chapters the same heartfelt friendship and longing that I tried to convey throughout the previous chapters so far. Enjoy! Chapter title is a song by Vaughan Penn.

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Chapter Six: I Can't Help Myself

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There are many things you could call me; a brain, yes; a drama queen, maybe a little; a perfectionist; always. But a quitter? No, definitely not. Y'see, I blame it all on my upbringing. Growing up, I've always really looked up to my dad; if he told me to do something, you better believe I did it. Whenever I had a problem, I'd go to him for advice and he'd impart little pearls of wisdom on me. One of the most important things he taught me is to be independent. In this world you'll have people who care about you, but in the end, you have to look out for yourself. And if there's something you want, something you feel you deserve, then it's important for you to go out there and get it—don't wait around and hope it comes to you.

That night of the "bathroom incident" as Derek would so eloquently put it, I decided. I wanted Derek Venturi to see the light and return my feelings, and instead of simply waiting, I'd make it happen.

The very next day, I began to strategize. Not on paper, of course, though I was itching to make a pro's and con's list for some different ideas I had. I'd learned the hard way that writing down things (even secret operations) that you didn't want people to find was never a good idea. I brainstormed inwardly and then, in an instant, it came to me. I'd find a way to get Derek to kiss me! Yeah… it was perfect. In movies, kisses always changed things. From my own experience they somewhat did too. So here was the plan: I'd get Derek to kiss me… somehow (note to self: work on that part of the plan) and then BAM! He'd fall in love with me, and tell me that he was ready for a serious relationship. It was a flawless plan.

The only problem was, I never anticipated how hard it would be to get Derek 'Ladies' Man' Venturi to kiss me.

Attempt number One; about a week after 'The Bathroom Incident', I was in Derek's room one night. That was the scene of my first unfortunate misstep. Literally.

The target was at his computer at about midnight, finishing up an assignment that was due the following day, while I lounged on his bed, bragging that I had already completed mine a week ago. It was your average night.

I stood up then, stretching an exaggerated yawn as he glanced over, bemused. Shaking his head, he returned to typing up a report on the World Wars as I slowly wandered about his room, looking at different items.

I spotted a box underneath several layers of dirty clothes. I bent down, brushing a hockey jersey away. Ooh, what's this?

"Don't touch that."

I stood up quickly, and glanced around innocently. Never mind, I'd snoop another day. I glanced at Derek subtly out of the corner of my eye; still typing away, a confused expression clouding up his face.

Here was my chance. I took a wrong step, making sure I tripped over a pair of sneakers, and down I went.

"Ow!" I cried out, holding my knee.

Derek rushed to my side. He was so cute when he was concerned. "What did you do?" he asked, as he pulled me upwards, placing me on his bed.

"Why do you assume I did something?" I snapped, annoyed. "It was your stupid shoes, lying in the middle of the stupid floor where anyone could trip over them!"

"Well you shouldn't have been snooping around then, huh?" he scolded, a small smirk playing on his lips.

I pouted, letting out a whimper for effect. "I hurt my knee," I explained, as if he wasn't already aware by the way I was clutching it.

"Let me see that," he said, moving my hand away.

"I think it's going to bruise," I sighed.

"I'm sorry you got hurt, Space Case," Derek said with a sympathetic smile as he rubbed my knee, comfortingly.

"Would you do me a favour?" I asked sweetly.

"What's that?"

"Kiss it better?" Derek's eyebrows shot up and his mouth twisted into an amused smirk, but he leaned over giving my knee a gentle kiss.

"There," he said. Damn, lucky knee.

The moment of truth. "That's not the only place I injured myself," I said sadly.

"Oh no?"

"Right here," I pointed at my lips, as I gazed in the direction of the door (anywhere but at his face). I sighed sadly.

"You… landed on your mouth…?"

I nodded glumly. "Unfortunately it's true," I chanced a glance at him, and he didn't look concerned as much as deeply amused. "So what are you going to do about it?" I smiled shyly at him, leaning a bit closer as I gazed at his full moist lips. Mmm.

He lifted a hand and brought two fingers to his lips, kissing them quickly and then placing them against my half-open mouth. "There," he said happily. "All better. Now, back to that essay. They don't write themselves you know, though I wish they did."

"Crap," I hissed to myself as I snapped my fingers.

"What was that Case?"

"I was saying… er… good luck… chap." I laughed awkwardly.

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It was time for Attempt Two. And this time I decided to use some holiday incentive… who could say no to mistletoe?

"Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree… how lovely are your branches," I sang softly to myself as I hung a wreath on the front door. If I was going to do this mistletoe thing, I needed some other decorations too; just so it wouldn't be too obvious. I could be subtle if I wanted.

"Casey," George's voice called from behind me. "You do know Christmas isn't for over a month, right?"

"Yes I do, George," I responded brightly. "But it's never too early for Christmas cheer! Besides, it's one less thing to have to worry about in the busy Christmas season!"

"Uh… right," he mumbled something about trees not being in season yet as he wandered away.

I hung the mistletoe right in the passageway between the dining room and the kitchen. There was no way that Derek could avoid it in such an obvious location. My plan was genius.

That night I cleverly convinced Derek to go for a milk and cookies run with me. We made our way down the stairs and into the kitchen, eating and drinking somewhat quickly so that we wouldn't get caught. As we left, I made sure I was walking in pace with him.

"What was that sound?" I asked suddenly, and he paused alongside me, listening closely.

"I don't hear anything," he whispered.

"Oh… it must have been the wind," I replied innocently. "Hey," I placed my hand on his arm and motioned upwards. "Look."

"Ah, the mistletoe," Derek nodded with a grin. "I heard something about you spreading Christmas cheer today from Dad. You do know Christmas isn't for over a month right?"

"Why does everyone keep saying that?" I whispered impatiently. "Is it so wrong to want to try and help out our family by getting things done early? I don't think so!"

"Right," Derek laughed, reaching upwards to scratch his messy mop of hair. "So anyways, to bed we go…"

"Wait," I stopped him quickly. "We're under the mistletoe."

"So?"

"So… it's tradition," I said lightly. "And you know how important tradition is to me."

"Do I ever," Derek smirked. "Alright, well…" he laced his hands around my waist, drawing me closer as I smiled serenely up at him. This was it. Our moment. "Merry Christmas," he whispered. I closed my eyes, and felt his warm breath against my face.

And then it was all over.

"A kiss on the cheek?!" I exclaimed angrily.

"Shh," Derek hushed me as he made his way over to the staircase. "Keep your voice down. Come on, let's go to bed. I'm getting sleepy."

Sighing angrily, I followed.

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It was getting a bit ridiculous; I had to admit. Chasing some guy around, trying to get him to kiss me, all in the hopes that he'd feel something for me similar to what I felt for him. But, the problem was, Derek wasn't just some guy. So for that, I decided to try just one more tiny little plan. Doesn't the saying go 'third time's the charm', anyhow?

It was perfect timing; George and mom had planned a dinner-date and insisted that Derek and I would watch Lizzie, Edwin and Marti for the evening.

I spent most of the night taking care of the kids while Derek played his role by not even caring enough to help. Finally, 10 o'clock came around and I had sent the kids to bed. My guests would arrive at any moment.

First Emily appeared, and then Sam and Ralphie. I'd used the premise that Derek had been really down lately and needed some friends to cheer him up. I told them to come over to watch movies and eat junk food, all along not caring about either. I had a more… intriguing activity planned.

I knocked on Derek's door, and let myself in before he could answer.

"Kids asleep?" he asked quickly from his spot on his bed.

I nodded, wordlessly, my palms sweating. Tonight was the night. We'd finally kiss, and I'd get the fairy tale realization I'd been dreaming about.

Derek grinned. "Good thinking, getting them in bed early. Now come to bed so that I can reward you…" he arched an eyebrow.

As intrigued as I was, I shook my head with a happy smile. "Nope. Come downstairs, I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise huh?" he smirked, standing up quickly. "Well, lead the way. It's not more mistletoe right?"

"Not exactly," I replied triumphantly as we made our way down the stairs, to a chorus of greetings from our friends.

"What's…going…on...?" Derek asked, turning first to his friends and then to me, utterly baffled.

"Man, sorry to hear you've been depressed lately," Ralphie said quickly, coming forward to slap a comforting hand on Derek's back. "But we are here to brighten your day, right guys?!"

"Yeah!" Emily exclaimed with a bright smile.

"Sure," Sam agreed.

"Listen guys," Derek began. "I don't know which idiot told you that I was depressed but…"

I reached behind my back, pinching Derek on the arm. "But depressed isn't exactly the word." I continued. "He's more melancholy. Now, Derek…" I turned to him. "I realize that it's a bit difficult right now, being that you're so…"

"Melancholy?" he offered, an amused smile twisting up the corners of his mouth.

"Yes. Melancholy. But your friends are here to offer friendship and support. I strongly recommend that you take them up on such an offer."

"Uh, sure. Why not," Derek smiled stiffly.

"Great!" Ralphie exclaimed and the guests took their seats on the couches.

Derek grinned awkwardly in their direction and turned to me with a whispered hiss. "I know you're up to something."

I smiled brightly in return. "You're welcome Derek. So, everyone, what shall we do first?"

"We could watch a movie?" Emily offered.

"Oh yeah, I brought over that new romantic comedy with Drew Barrymore in it!" Ralphie exclaimed. After receiving a look of utter confusion and in some cases, disgust, from everyone present, he continued. "What?! She's a hottie!"

"Hey, Casey, are those Christmas decorations?" Emily asked.

"Isn't Christmas a month away or something?" Sam inquired.

"It's a long story," I sighed.

"And a strange one," Derek smirked.

"So yeah," I cut in suddenly. "I think we should play Spin the Bottle."

"What, with so few people?" Derek asked, his eyebrows raised.

Better odds for me. "It'll be fun!" I insisted. "And besides, you guys might luck out and get to see a girl on girl kiss." Emily and I laughed, but the guys were intrigued.

"What are we waiting for?!" Ralphie exclaimed. "Let's get that bottle!"

I produced a bottle from underneath the couch, holding it up, an expression of shock on my face. "Oh my! Look what I found!"

"What a coincidence," Derek smirked.

I ignored the sarcasm dripping from his voice. "I know!" I exclaimed.

"So… let's spin this thing!" Ralphie grinned.

I smiled triumphantly. "Derek, why don't you go first?"

He spun the bottle quickly, and then remarked "Just so you know, I'm not kissing any of the guys. Every time a guy spins, the other guys should step out of the circle."

"Fine by me," Sam agreed and Ralphie nodded with disgust.

Excellent, my chances would be made even greater.

The bottle landed on Emily. Damn it.

Derek leaned forward as he and Emily awkwardly laughed. They pecked quickly. "Hey, it's not like that was the first time," he remarked with a grin. What did he mean by that?! Note to self: interrogate Emily later.

She spun the bottle and it landed on Ralphie, who spun it and it landed back on her. Emily spun it one more time and it landed on Sam.

Finally when it was his turn, the bottle landed on me. Oh well, it wasn't as if I hadn't done this before. I leaned over and we kissed lightly.

"My turn!" I announced brightly. Derek stood up then, making his way into the kitchen. "Where're you going?!" I asked, in a panic.

"Getting a drink," he announced.

"But… we're playing…" I turned to the others. "Rules are very important to me," I explained quickly.

"Well it doesn't matter, he's your step-brother so it would be weird right?" Sam asked.

My heart sank. "Right," I sighed. I spun the bottle half-heartedly and it landed on the spot that Derek was supposed to be in. Here's to cruel irony.

"Hey, it's closest to me!" Ralphie exclaimed.

Kissing him was just a side-dish to my misery.

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A couple of hours later, I was lying sideways on Derek's bed as he busied himself brushing his teeth in the bathroom. This whole charade was pathetic. He was probably laughing at me at that moment, reminiscing about all the ways I had made a fool of myself the past few days. It was certainly obvious that he didn't want to kiss me; I'd given him every opportunity in the world to, short of begging, and still he never did.

I begun to make a pro-con list in my head. The pro's to not kissing Derek were; no family complications, no unnecessary explanations, no awkwardness, no horrible break-up. The con's to not kissing Derek were; well… not kissing Derek. I sighed.

"Making a pro-con list in your head again?" Derek's voice inquired.

I glanced up from my misery and smiled weakly. "You know me so well."

He flicked off the light and removed his shirt, leaving only his boxer-shorts on. What a cruel individual. Lifting up the covers, he settled in on his side of the bed. "So," he said suddenly. "What was the list about tonight?"

"Nothing that would interest you," I said sadly.

"Was it… a pro-con list for having Christmas all year long?"

I shook my head. "Nope."

"Hm…was it… a pro-con list for getting a restraining order against Ralphie?"

I laughed a bit, unable to help it. "No," I said in a scolding tone.

"Was it… a pro-con list for kissing your favourite step-brother?" he asked quickly.

"How…how did you know?!" I asked, utterly baffled.

Derek chuckled lightly. "I can read you like a book, McDonald."

"Oh yeah?" I turned around quickly then, just barely able to make out his features in the dark. "What am I thinking now then?"

"De-REK!" he screeched.

I lunged forward, smacking him on the arm. "Not funny," I laughed. "No, really. I want to see how accurate you are."

"Hmm… okay…" he responded thoughtfully as he reached forward, placing his arms around my waist. He leaned closer, and as he responded his voice deepened, like it always did when he was trying to be quiet. "You're thinking that you want me to kiss you," he said.

I nodded slowly, smiling at him. "So? What are you waiting for?" I whispered eagerly.

He paused. "The right moment," he said.

"Huh?"

"Casey… I'm not going to kiss you," he explained. I tried to move away, but he pulled me closer to him. "Don't get mad," he said quickly. "It's not that I don't want to but…"

"It's because of Sally isn't it?" I sighed.

"Nah, I mean… somewhat," he replied. "But it's more that I don't think we should force things. I think we should just take our time and if a kiss happens then it happens, you know?"

"I understand," I said slowly.

"So why do you want to kiss me so bad anyway?" he asked with a smirk.

"I just wanted to see what it would be like," I lied.

He nodded in response. "I get that."

"So how long have you known? That I've been trying to get you to kiss me?" I asked curiously.

"Oh," he laughed. "Since you tried to get me to kiss your mouth better."

"You knew all this time?!" I exclaimed, genuinely shocked. "Why didn't you say any of this before?"

"And ruin your plans to try to get me to kiss you?" Derek scoffed. "Not a chance. It provided me with some solid entertainment the past few days," he chuckled. "And," he reached up, smoothing down my hair. "You were pretty adorable."

"I thought I was being subtle," I whined.

"Casey, you are many things, but subtle is not one of them," Derek replied with a grin. "And that's one of the things I love best about you."

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Next chapter: Derek keeps fighting with Sally, then making up, then fighting again. The worst part of it all is that he keeps whining about it to Casey. When she decides she's had enough she plans to make Derek jealous with a date of her own. But will stubborn Derek Venturi ever admit to being jealous?!

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A/N: Hah, Casey is so much fun to write. Poor little Casey. Please review! Reviews equal love!! Spread the love!