A/N: Hi readers. Sorry it's taking me long to update, I have most of the fic written, it just needs editing and I also (surprisingly) have a life outside of the fanfiction universe lol. Anyway, I'll try to get at least one chapter up per week. Enjoy reading and please read and review! I've loved my reviews so far lol.

By the time dinner rolled around, I had already been reacquainted with George. The first thing I noticed when we all sat down was the seating arrangement; it was the same as before I left, with the parents at opposite ends, McDonalds on one side and Venturis on the other, me across from Derek. He avoided making eye contact with me as the family questioned me about my life. I answered them of course, but my eyes kept coming back to Derek.

"So Casey," my mom started on yet another question. "Where's Dylan?" At the mention of my fiancé, Derek looked at me, and again I looked away.

"He had to stay behind for a few days. He was recently assigned to a big case. He should be here soon though. He's really excited to meet you guys."

George smiled. "I'm glad that there's something in common between us. That way I can keep in conversation," he paused. "Not that I wouldn't be able to if he weren't into law." And he paused again. "Because we'd like anybody that you would." And another pause, but I jumped in before he made himself confused.

"Thanks George. I get it." I laughed.

"Did you guys pick a date yet?" Lizzie asked once she saw an opportunity to speak.

I was about to shake my head when a clang interrupted me. Derek had dropped his fork onto his plate.

"Derek, you haven't said a word all night. Are you feeling well?" My mom asked reaching for his forehead.

"No, I'm good, just a bad headache. May I be excused?" he said as he brushed my mom's hand away.

"Of course honey. Go lie down and rest. You could always stay the night if you want."

"Thanks Nora." Replied Derek as he left the table. I only stared after him.

After everything was cleared, the kids went up to do their homework and George and my mom went down work on their separate businesses. I was left alone in the living room. Why did I come back? I mean, I missed my family but seeing Derek brought back all these unwanted emotions, emotions I couldn't even describe.

"Do you ever stop thinking?" A voice said, startling me.

"Derek! I thought you were sleeping."

He sat down beside me. An awkward silence filled the room. I sighed and decided on starting a conversation that wouldn't make things any more awkward.

"So what's happened to you in the past six years?"

There was no answer at first. "Went to community college. Then got a job at a small advertising company."

"So you're in marketing?" I smiled. "That's good. What happened to your hockey career?"

"Still play it as a hobby. You didn't think I'd make it a career did you? He asked, almost smirking, but not quite.

"Actually, yes I did." I paused, gathering my thoughts. "I always figured you'd achieve anything once you put your mind to it."

"Not everything." He whispered, intentionally for me to hear I don't know, but I heard it anyway. I didn't want to go down any road with Derek, unless it was about our platonic step-sibling relationship. Of course, this was me, being suspicious of his motive, for all I know, there might have not been any deep meaning behind what he said. Derek was right, I do think too much.

"You used to always pick on me and challenging me…and win too."

"What are you trying to tell me Case? You want us to start fighting?"

"No Derek," I was starting to feel wound up. "I want to know why you gave up! You used to dream of getting a scholarship and be drafted for the NHL. You would actually work…in some twisted way to get what you wanted." In that short little speech, I somehow found myself practically in Derek's face, however still separated by the armrests.

Derek leaned in just a bit closer and stared into my eyes. I think I stopped breathing again.

"When Derek? When did you give up?" I whispered, looking back and forth between his deep brown eyes and his lips. I had the urge to kiss him. I wanted to throw all caution to the wind and forget about morals and everything that came with it. Unfortunately, Derek's answer pulled me out of my stupor.

"Since you left." I felt my eyes get larger and instinctively pulled back. "Are you happy now?" Derek whispered back. He stared at my shocked expression for awhile before leaving me in my silence.

A/N: Seems like Derek has a habit of leaving Casey hanging doesn't he? And just to explain, Casey is really confused at the moment, which is why she thinks so many different things about her feelings for Derek, poor girl lol. Again, hope you liked it.