She wasn't sure why he felt the need to go over there. She understood that challenging someone who was creepy enough to change schools at the last moment (after deposits had been due!) would only be taken as a challenge, not as something that should be taken seriously. She'd done what she'd always been taught to do in this kind of situation: go to someone older who can handle the situation. She'd spoken with her RM about it and he seemed more than willing to help her out. She would probably have to move as the one making a complaint, but she figured that would be the least of her worries if it meant she got away from Joe. The idea that she might be moving soon didn't stop her from unpacking, however. She just couldn't stand the mess.

It wasn't long before Derek returned. Casey saw his shadow before he came into sight and she'd gone back to busying herself with things, pretending that she hadn't been trying to eavesdrop. She gave him her best annoyed face. "You didn't have to do that Derek." She saw him out of the corner of her eye opening his mouth to say something, but she wasn't done. "You could get yourself in serious trouble doing things like that. I've already talked to Sal about the situation and he's working on going through administration to figure it out. He or I might have to move to another dorm, but I'd prefer the separation." Casey straightened so that she could scold him properly, hands on her hips as she gave him her best (and well practiced) 'Der-ek' look. She watched with a small touch of satisfaction as he shut his mouth, looking a bit like a fish out of water. She managed to resist the urge to giggle.

"I just wanted him to know that he couldn't mess with you. I promised to look out for you."

"And I you." Casey pointed out, letting her stern face slip as she smiled. She watched the smile form on his face at her words and the feeling that they would be okay together settled in her core.

"Aw, Case. I can take him." But he didn't look as convincing as he sounded. She rolled her eyes as she decided not to wound his ego by pointing out his own concern for himself.

"I'm sure you could, but I would rather it not come to that." She shoved him lightly toward the door. "Now go. Unpack or something." Derek raised a brow.

"But you might be moving."

"I haven't got anything better to do." She watched him waggle his eyebrows at her, suggestively, before laughing and shoving him again. "Out." And just as she was managing to make headway—although, if she were being honest he was probably allowing himself to be pushed out—her phone rang, blaring her mother's ringtone.

Derek grinned as if he had a secret and then he saluted Casey, heading back to his own room presumably. Casey answered the phone. "Hey, mom."

"Hey, Case. Sorry I didn't answer earlier." Casey shrugged although her mom wouldn't be able to hear it. "So, meet any cute boys?" Casey dropped her phone in a coughing fit before scrambling to pick it up. In time to hear mother laughing. What did she know? Hell, Casey wasn't sure if she wanted her mother to know. Not yet, not when it was still all so new. Not when she was still a little scared. Especially when she wasn't sure how Nora would react.

"What's so funny?" Casey demanded.

"You are, honey." Casey waited for further explanation. "Derek already told us." Hearing the sharp intake of breath from her daughter's phone, Nora plowed through before Casey could begin. "I'd kind of bugged him about it before you set off on your road trip. I thought maybe the separation from everyone else would help you figure out yours and his feelings." Had everyone else known?

"I…" she stopped, expecting her mother to fill something in or guess what she was going to say. Something. When she didn't and the silence had become uncomfortable, Casey continued. "I was going to tell you…"

"Eventually." Her mother supplied, now being helpful. Casey couldn't help but chuckle a little.

"Yeah. Eventually. I was still… sorting through everything."

"And you were worried about my reaction."

"A little."

"Casey, honey, I love you. I love Derek. And you both care for each other so much. Why wouldn't I want that for you?" Casey smiled, deciding not to ruin the moment by telling her about Joe. It was being handled, after all.

"Thanks mom." Another piece of stress fell off her shoulder.

Casey and her mother chatted for another twenty minutes before they got off the phone and Casey returned to her unpacking until she got an e-mail that she would not have to move but Joe would instead, with the promise that they will not explain the reason for his having to move. The e-mail went on to inquire whether she would be interested in putting some kind of restraining order, if she is overly concerned with her safety. She felt like that was a bit excessive for the time being since he made no threats nor had he attempted anything with her. The word 'yet' crossed her mind but she shook it away quickly. Her reply was short and sweet: for the moment she is not interested in a restraining order, but she will keep the idea in mind if things get worse. She signed it with a formal thank you and then happily went back to packing, sending Derek a text to update him… reminding her that Derek had spilled the beans.

Also, you're in trouble.

What else is new? He responded, quickly followed by, And glad to hear about Joe. Should have taken the restraining order. .

I'll be okay.

What am I in trouble for?

Telling our parents… without telling me.His reply took a lot longer than the others, and she assumed he was writing a paragraph.

They were dying to know. Beside, how could I not share the news that I managed to snag the most beautiful woman?

You might be in less trouble.She conceded. His only reply was a happy face and then she turned to the task of wiping down drawers and counter tops.

By the end of the afternoon, Casey was completely unpacked. She'd stopped by Derek's room to see what he'd managed to get done. Nothing. She started to help him unpack until it became clear that she was doing all the unpacking while he lounged on his unmade bed. This had earned him a smack with a pillow and then she had left the room, pretending to be put out. Really, she hadn't expected any less but still… just because they were dating—are they dating? Casey wasn't really sure—didn't mean that there little fights and spats couldn't continue. They had, after all, turned from malicious intent to a way to pass the time, among other things. No, the pranks and all that came with it would continue.

As she left his room, she decided to explore the dining hall…

The week of orientation passed by uneventfully; the biggest excitement was when Joe moved out. And since he was in another building, she hardly ever saw him during orientation activities, except perhaps from a distance. Every time he did see her, though, he managed to wave to her since he was unable to leave his group to say hi. Everyone was too busy for the time being, so he never came to her door. For that, she was grateful. She'd registered for classes, got into all the ones she wanted and even managed to get two classes with Derek. Their relationship was blossoming, she felt like, and she became more and more comfortable with the idea that he was her boyfriend. He was more lax with his No PDA rule, but nothing to obvious. He would have a hand on the small of her back, or on her thigh just to show that he was there or that they were together without being possessive. It was nice. All in all, Casey was really looking forward to the college experience.

That is, until the first day when Joe was in all three of her classes including the one she had with Derek and she was forced to sit between them.

He couldn't possibly be in all of her classes and so she really looked forward to going to the next day.

That is, until Joe showed up in all of those classes too.

A/N: In other news, I just recently watched the LWD movie (how did I not know this existed) and the prom episode which felt very Dasey at the end. 3 I'm tempted to try some one shots regarding these and other scenarios that they gave me ideas for. I'm also taking suggestions, if anyone is willing. Sometimes you have an idea rattling around in your brain, but you don't know how to write it?

I'm also willing to do the one-shots where there are specific instructions to follow, a prompt. Not sure what that fanfic would be called but I've seen them done… So yeah, taking those kinds of suggestions.

Disclaimer: I still own nothing. Unfortunately.