Enjoy

I don't own LWD but I do own a randomly named character (Michael) who may be mentioned a couple times.

Nora looked over at us worriedly as we packed up the car. Casey was anxious to leave, I could tell, but she didn't want to let her mom see that. Nora was trying hard not to worry, but I could tell it was hard for her to watch Casey go away. She hugged Casey and I saw her eyes tear up. Afraid of the mush, I went to my dad to say goodbye. We said bye to Lizze, Edwin, and Marti the night before so our parents could have some time alone with us before we left. I reached over to shake his hand, 'cause that's what men do but he pulled me in for a hug. I did hug him back, as I realized it would probably be Christmas the next time I saw him.

"I know you and Casey don't always get along. Try and watch out for her, at the very least for Nora. She wants to make sure Casey doesn't change too much being that far away from home." I nodded and rolled my eyes as if I could care less, acting the part, as he went on and on about taking care of Casey, of if he only knew how much I really did care.

"Of course I'll take care of Klutzilla." I smirked, and he nodded but he still looked unsure. "Dad, I promise I'll keep an eye on her. Won't let anyone take advantage of her etc. etc. it should be easy considering you're probably having her keep tabs on me." he grinned.

"Good, we've just been worried about her since the breakup…" he started to continue but I cut him off.

"She broke up with what's his face?" I asked, I'd never bothered to learn his name, he wasn't worth Casey's time, or mine for that matter. Dad looked guilty.

"Well yeah, I thought you knew… but I think I remember Nora saying something about Casey not wanting to tell anyone yet." I looked at him but then Casey came over to say goodbye, so we made a silent agreement that I would keep my mouth shut and I walked over to say goodbye to Nora.

Staring at the woman who'd become more of a mother than my own I almost started to cry, but if anyone asked me about it I would deny it. She quickly hugged me, and I returned it completely.

"You guys be safe." She whispered then let go. Not trusting my voice to speak so I just nodded. She looked over at dad and Casey saying goodbye. I followed her gaze and watched as Casey told George something about our trip, I'm assuming. I smiled; she looked so animated and excited as she spoke. I turned back to Nora to find her staring at me, I tried to keep a neutral expression as I stared back at the woman who'd caught me staring at her daughter, hoping she didn't notice what I'm sure my eyes had said. I opened my mouth to make a sarcastic remark but was stopped with one look. Nora and Casey were both good at that one look says it all thing.

"Derek…" she paused choosing her words carefully. "Watch out for her." I nodded and she hugged me again. "Just tell her." I pulled away from Nora searching her eyes. She smiled. "Oh yes Derek, I've noticed. I probably knew long before you ever did. I just want her to be happy. Don't wait to long." She said quickly as Casey walked up to us.

"For what?" she asked her mom curiously.

"To fill up on gas." Nora stated, not missing a beat. Hmm, maybe I'm not the king of lies.

Finally we were getting in the car when Emily come running up to the passenger side, followed closely by Sam who came to my side.

"Bye man, it's going to be weird playing hockey and Babe Raider without you." I thought back to the many practices we'd been through together, and the many nights we'd spent trying to beat the game and how it only took Casey one night to beat the entire game. I briefly thought of the Babe Raider outfit (for the second time this summer) she'd worn for her school project. Before I let my mind wander any further I turned my attention back to present day to find Emily standing next to Sam. I wondered how long she'd been standing there.

"Bye Derek!" she said in her usual perky manner. Then both her and Sam leaned into the window, practically in sync.

"Derek, time waits for no one." She whispered and Sam nodded.

"Yeah, you'll regret it if you don't tell her." He added, and I looked between the two of them confused. How had they known? I kind of understand Nora; she's very observant and lives with us.

"Oh please Derek, everyone knows." Emily scoffed, her voice still, thankfully, a whisper. "That's why Casey and Michael broke up, and why everyone at school started leaving Casey alone." I stole a glance at Casey, who was already engrossed in some book, wondering if she also knew.

"Of course Casey doesn't know, she's oblivious when it comes to these kinds of things. She still thinks you barely like her. George probably doesn't know either, but he isn't that observant in general." I looked back at Emily wondering if she was reading my mind.

"You actually, genuinely, care for her. Don't ruin it for yourself by never telling her." Sam said, and they both straightened and waved goodbye as I pulled out of the drive-way.

"De-rek!" Casey whined "I'm hungry." I grinned over at her; she was sitting with the seat slightly reclined and her feet on the dash. She was looking over at me with puppy eyes and playfully pouting, she looked so cute. She'd been like this ever since we'd turned off our street, all playful and relaxed, more carefree. It was nice to see. "I'm wasting away." She groaned clutching her stomach.

"Didn't you pack snacks?" I asked, remembering the bags and coolers in easy reach in the back seat.

"Yes, but I didn't pack complete meals… well some but those are for later. We can stop in about three miles or less from here." She said as she searched her papers looking for the right exit. "There's a little diner that I saw on the food network, their food looks amazing."

We sat silently for awhile before she spoke again.

"Hey, Derek?" she asked a little hesitantly.

"Hmm?"

"Why'd you agree to this?" she asked and I could tell she wanted me to give her a serious answer. I tried to think of an excuse to give her, but none came to mind, I was really losing my touch. Then I thought about it, why did I agree?

"I guess because it made more sense to drive the car than any other idea we'd thought of." And I get to spend more time alone with you, I added in my head.

"But why did you agree to the whole road trip? We could have just driven straight through instead of making extra stops and making it a longer trip. Why?" I sighed internally.

"I'm always up for a little fun." I said and gave her my classic Venturi smirk. "Why would I say no to that?" she shrugged.

"Because I was going to be a part of it. And even with the separate stops that's still a lot of time alone with me." I pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant, turning off the car I turned to face her, she stared straight ahead refusing to look at me. I know we argued sometimes, but I always thought it was kind of playful between us, and I just like the way she looks when she gets frustrated with me. And I know I played pranks on her, but I thought she knew that I had her back and that I wouldn't ever actually hurt her. I thought I'd made it pretty clear, especially lately, that I didn't hate her. I did things for her that I wouldn't do for anyone else, but I thought back to what Emily said and realized she may not have seen it that, just as me being nice, maybe making up for the past.

"Do you really think I hate you that much?" I asked.

"No, I just know you aren't my biggest fan." Boy was she wrong. Her eyes started to water a little. Shit, I hate tears.

"Casey, that's not it at all. I mostly fight with you for fun, I thought you knew that."

"I do. Just sometimes I wonder." She sniffled. Without thinking, I reached over and cupped her cheek in my hand, turning her to face me. In that moment staring at those beautiful blue eyes I thought about telling her exactly how much I didn't hate her, but I backed out. Surprising for the Derek Venturi, but despite what people think I have feelings, and I have a fear of rejection which is why I generally try to avoid feeling things like this.

"I don't hate you." I said a little more intently than I meant. She stayed frozen in her spot, staring at me, those clear blue eyes not blinking, not moving. I felt a lump in my throat and I swallowed hard. I quickly let go. It had only been for a few seconds, but it felt a lot longer. Trying to keep the tone light I added, "Now can we please go eat? I thought you were wasting away." She gave a small smile, and muttered something about finally getting some food. I tried to calmly climb out of the car but inside my heart was racing as I tried to forget how perfectly she had fit. Ooh if that girl only knew what she did to me.

A/n: and that's it for this chapter. I wrote this out while I was at work so sorry if it sounds a little rough and distracted, I tried to smooth it out as I typed. Anyway I hope you enjoyed, and chapter 4 is not far behind!