Actually, Casey does feel the tension... She's just too dense to realize what it means/is. Hehe. See, so Derek's sorta in control. But Derek's definitely gonna have some problems with the tension (hence the reason why he took a cold shower at the end of the last chapter). So Derek's liable to snap. He has poor self-control.

And, yeah, you're right about them being song titles, but there's something about the bands...

By the stuff Casey misinterpreted, do you mean when he hit on her? 'Cause he might've actually been serious there. They're in the bathroom together on the show too (like the whole knocking thing, which I got from the first episode where Casey wants to shower, but Edwin, Marti, and Derek are all in there... She says something like: "Doesn't anybody knock around here?" And then Derek gets everybody out and asks Casey to leave so he can go to the bathroom... Lol... And she refuses, so he's like "Okay. Suit yourself." Naturally, Casey runs away).

But actually, no, this chapter is not the party... That'll be a few chapters on. Speaking of which, what/who should they go as? 'Cause I'm thinking Derek in something dark with a leather jacket and lots of hair gel... And Casey in a totally not Casey outfit so Derek'll be like going insane and guys'll be hitting on her.

In this one George and Nora leave and Derek's grandma shows up... And the next chapter is Casey dealing with that... Or maybe at school, I don't know... And then... Somewhere later on, you'll get the party... Which might be four-ish parts, I'm thinking... Or, well, I dunno. Yeah, 'cause there'll be one about Derek and the party's beginning... And then one about what Casey does... And then Derek supervising the party/afterparty thing with Sam... And then there's gonna be my personal fav, the Casey one where she... Yeah. But I haven't gotten any of this written... Oh well.

Yeah, I'm gonna up the rating... 'Cause Derek is a pervert and he's always thinking... Well, uh, you don't want to know, really... It's tamer than some of my other stuff though... lol... Like Consequences. It's weird, actually... I always like screwed up couples (man, I'm gonna have one screwed up boyfriend). And when they get together and get all domestic and cute, yeah, that sorta kills it for me... I mean, a moment here or there, that sort of thing. Step-siblings, rivals, enemies, people who have other things standing in their way like jobs, boyfriends, age differences, beliefs, etcetera. These are the couples I like. But I'm strange... Very strange. Lol.

Anyways, don't you think it's ironic that Casey told Derek to get over and forget about his feelings for her? Hehe. Gotta love dramatic irony.

On a side note, isn't it weird that Derek is such a good big brother to Marti, y'know, sweet, nice, and all that... But not like that to anybody else? Especially Casey/Lizzie. Eh, he's still better than my brother... We've been beating each other up for years. Actually, oddly enough, my brother is like Derek. I mean, he has brown hair/brown eyes, is a total slacker when it comes to grades (yes, including the flunking; he's always retaking tests), is athletic, has loads of friends, somehow gets girls (though both girlfriends dumped him... haha), and even had to retake the same grade as Derek. First. Now, isn't that creepy? And I just realized this now... 'Course my brother's 14 and nowhere as cool as Derek, or as manipulative, for that matter... Anyways...

Oh, and since this isn't clarified in the show... I made Casey and Derek sophomores... Frankly because I don't buy either of them as freshmen. So, therefore, Casey is fifteen-going-on-sixteen like a normal sophomore, whereas Derek is sixteen-going-on-seventeen. But Lizzie and Edwin are nine and ten, respectively, and Marti's still 6... Aww.

And actually, there's a picture of her on Disney where she's (Casey) wearing make up... She looks a lot like Vicky there, but really pretty.

"Sucker."

I have no idea how I'm going to survive a four-day weekend all alone with Casey. I mean, I could barely stand being in the same room with her yesterday for a few minutes... The longest few minutes of my life, might I add! I had to restrain myself from mauling her several times... And not because I was mad at her, even though I was some of the time.

Seriously. I had to take a cold shower. The water was so cold. I hate cold water.

I mean, I couldn't even stop myself from hitting on her. That stuff I said at the end wasn't just because I wanted her to get out of there. I probably would've completely lost it if she hadn't left when she did. Lucky me... I was about to do something stupid.

Not that shoving Casey against the wall and shoving my tongue down her throat was stupid. Actually, right now, it sounds pretty damn great.

But right now I'm so tired anything sounds great... And guess why I'm so tired? Come on, guess! Casey. I was thinking about Casey. It's really annoying having all these feelings at the same time. I mean, first I'm annoyed, angry, frustrated (both sexually and emotionally, might I add!)... And I hate her. But then I start worrying and doubting myself. I never doubt myself.

How does she feel about me? What happens if Dad finds out? Blah, blah, blah... How do I break her and Sam up? Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera...

Though that is a good question? How do I break them up? I mean, they're like the frickin' golden couple. Not that I can't do it. Of course I can. If anyone can, it's me.

I'll just wear Casey down. I mean, I saw the way she was looking at me last night... She doesn't think I did, I can tell, but I so did. She was as obvious as the nose on her face when she did it. Poor, sweet, naïve Casey. She didn't know just who she was tangoing with... Derek Venturi the Conqueror.

I always get what I want. And right now, damnit, I want her. I don't really know why and I don't care, I just do. Okay, so that's a lie too. I do care. I mean, for crying out loud... She's my stepsister. I shouldn't be feeling this way. But I can't just turn it off, so why should I bother trying? After all, it's not like I'm in love with her or anything... I've never been in love with anyone. A waste of my time, really.

Falling in love would just screw up my plans. There, you caught me. I'm as plan-obsessed as Casey. Of course, my plans are more like... Pass this test and make out with that girl, but whatever... At least I get every last one done.

I'm just lusting after Casey. I'll probably get over it after I kiss her. That's the way it always goes. Almost makes me pity the girls. Almost. Remember, I'm too cool to really care deeply about things. That's why Casey's not cool. Being all sugary sweet might work at that fancy girls' school of hers back in Toronto, but here... At public school? People here see straight through that crap. You're cool if you don't care... about anything.

Now, the real question is... How am I going to break Casey down? Well, let's review what she likes, shall we?

Hmm, she's smart... Applying myself is too much effort. I could ask her for help though... Her boyf-Sam is blond... But blond hair looks horrible on me. She's not into the sweaty look (though that means I can shower like I did today...). But she is into the wet look. So I'm gonna have to be in the bathroom a lot. Like when she's showering... Maybe if I take a quick peek I'll be satisfied, and, bammo, crush-like thing ended! I hope.

I really, really, really hope. Because this Casey thing? It's completely effed up. I mean, I have to work at it. I'm actually catching myself being nice to her... And then I have to fix it by being an ass.

I let her eat my cereal yesterday morning. And I didn't shower yesterday morning because she needed it. For instance.

And then I overcompensated by picking a fight over the milk, saying that her jeans made her butt look fat (total lie there... Those are actually her tightest pair of jeans... And my favorites), and trying to get her to do my English homework for me. It didn't work.

But I see my chance here.

Nora and Dad are leaving today and no one has school. The party's tomorrow. Friday... Halloween. You know, they say anything can happen on Halloween. I'll be in costume. Maybe I can make a play for her...

Speaking of which, I'd better be getting downstairs... I can hear Casey screaming at me even with the music on. Is it completely wrong that I think her voice is hot? Actually, I'd say that's the least of my worries.

"Derek! Our parents are leaving! We won't see them again until Tuesday! You need to say goodbye!" Casey shrieked shrilly. Damn, she's loud... I wonder if she's that loud when... Okay, Derek, stop right there. You don't want to have to take your fourth shower in 36 hours, now do you?

I should go down there... I mean, they are leaving. But hmm, the thought of making Casey come up here and drag me downstairs sounds... nice. And she'll be all feisty and angry and hot. I love it when she's like that. That's why I pick so many fights with her. You know, I should make her wrestle me for the remote again...

Oh, right... She doesn't like perverted guys, does she?

We may have a problem here.

Nah, screw it. She's not psychic. She can't read my mind. I'm good. I just have to be sure to keep my lust hidden. Really, really well.

Hey, as a matter of fact, I think I can hear her footsteps now... Good. Okay, the door's opening. I need to look hot... It'll help if I take my shirt off, right? The door's turning right now... I've got to move fast. Man, who knew that taking off my shirt was a wrestling match? Phew, but I finally got it off and over my head, hurrying to lounge back over on the bed. I had to look completely relaxed.

Even though I'm really wound up right now... Should the thought of seeing her make me this excited? I really don't think this is healthy.

I waited for an impatient two seconds before the door finally opened... And was disappointed to see Edwin. Damn it. I scowled, rolling over and glaring at him. Somehow, my little brother still managed to speak.

"Uh... Dad's leaving, don't you want to say goodbye?" Edwin questioned nervously. How cute is this? My own brother's terrified of me. Priceless.

I rolled over, rolling my eyes at him and pretending as if I had just gotten up or had been interrupted in the middle of doing something really important... Well, I guess thinking about Casey is important... "Tell Casey that if she wants me down there... She's gonna have to come up here and get me herself," I drawled listlessly, purposely altering my voice so I sounded sleepy. Edwin frowned, but then nodded and hurried down the stairs.

I shifted into a more flat position, staring at the door, waiting for Casey to come. She had to come. She wanted me down there, right? To say goodbye to Dad and Nora? Right? Is she coming or not? Jeez, this is more nerve-wracking than I would've thought! Is this how girls feel around dances?

Come on, Man... GET A FRICKING HOLD OF YOURSELF HERE. You sound like a pansy. It's just Casey, for crying out loud!

The very same Casey who you want to... Fill in the blank here.

Chillax, Derek. Chill. Relax. Chillax. Deep breaths now. It's just Casey. You've done this before, and you can do this again.

That, however, was before you liked her, doofus. WHAT? LIKE? I don't like Casey... I just want her for her body... And she looks hot when we're arguing. Come on, one kiss and I'll forget all about it... Hell, I might even forget about it if I see her without make-up. I must be delusional or something.

Casey stormed in my room furiously just as I was thinking this. With a lot more boldness than I would've expected after she walked in on me last night, to tell the truth. I mean, there were some instances in which I just wanted to rip off the damn towel and throw her to the floor and... Okay, Derek, really, bad time to think about screwing Casey.

I mean, dude, she's in the room.

And lookin' hot as ever. Mm, mmm, mm. She looks good. And, once again, she's not even wearing make-up. Though, seriously, how hot would she be with make-up, am I right? And maybe if she parted her hair down the middle or curled it or something... She'd be a total babe like her cousin Victoria. Mmm, Victoria. Damn fine kisser.

Wonder if Casey's a good kisser... I could ask Sam, but I can just imagine the look he'd give me. It would be somewhat like this: "What the hell, man? That's my girl and your sister we're talking about here! INCEST! INCEST! WHERE IS THE DAMN INCEST PATROL WHEN YOU NEED THEM!" I don't know... She doesn't look very... experienced. Bet I could teach her a trick or two. That'd be nice. Mmm... Kissing Casey...

"Derek? What is your problem! Our parents are leaving... For six days... And you're up here, drooling like a vegetable, instead of saying goodbye! What, may I ask, is more important than our parents' departure?" Casey sniped, gesturing around the room, a disapproving look on her face.

I smirked up at her, my eyes half-lidded, arms stretched out behind my head. "I was having a very pleasant dream about me, a girl, and a shower... If you must know," I mumbled, tone heavy with sleep. My smile widened a little mid-sentence. Casey gaped at me, incredulous. What? She knows me... I smirked at the look on her face. Maybe I was working... Wearing her down.

Above all else, this is a battle of wills. It has always been a battle of wills and will continue to be a battle of wills until one of us gives in.

"Too bad you had to interrupt... Unless you want to join us," I yawned, stretching. Casey's eyes widened. She was blushing a little. What the hell is wrong with me? I've seriously gotta stop coming on to her or she'll suspect something! Like the truth... And aside from that, she hates perverts!

I do this to every girl I like. I come on strong. Very strong. Not usually this strong, though.

What can I say? I don't do things half-assed. Except my homework.

"Ugh. Get your mind out of the gutter... You can return to your dreams... alone when they've left," Casey grimaced exasperatedly, turning away from me. Aww, cute. She's embarrassed. Well, I oughtta make a show for her.

I rose to my feet quickly, approaching her from behind without a word. I debated tapping her on the shoulder, but decided it would be more fun to grab her waist and whisper in her ear... She's going to be so freaked. I gently slid my arms across her hips, wrapping around her waist and pulling her against me.

Casey shrieked and jumped about a foot in the air. "DER-EK!" She squealed, her voice hitting a disturbingly high note. She placed her hands on my arms, pushing and trying to break free. But I was much stronger than her, so she wasn't having any luck. Somehow, she managed to twist her body around so that she was now facing me... And flat against me.

This is so backfiring on me.

Her hands insistently pressed against my chest as she struggled to wriggle free. But, once again, I wasn't letting her escape. She was so close... She smelled nice. And it was driving me crazy...

If she was a regular girl, I would've crushed her lips to mine in a kiss right now. We would be making out with reckless abandon, to tell the truth. But this is Casey, and I can't do that with her. Because she's Casey.

But still... She was so close. Here in my arms. Would it really matter if I stole a kiss?

I mean, there's kissing cousins. So, why can't there be kissing step-siblings? It's not illegal...

But, honestly, have you heard some of the things they say about kissing cousins? Yiikes.

Casey would totally freak. Argh, I don't get why I can't do this! I used to do this all the time when I was little... It's part of the reason why they held me back in first grade. I would walk up and just peck all of the girls. Muah, mwah, mwah. I lived for it.

But now... Stupid Casey. I'm powerless... I don't want to let go... I can't let go. But I can't keep holding unto her without doing something rash and insane.

And is it just me, or is it weird that she hasn't said anything this entire time? Does that mean...? Nah, what am I thinking? It can't be! But she hasn't moved. She could've moved, right? Right?

So why isn't she? This is sort of freaking me out... But hmmm... Not that I really mind.

I must be more delusional than previously determined.

She's only inches away...

I'm gonna crack. Maybe not now, maybe in a few minutes, maybe in a year.

But probably in a few seconds, because I can't take much more of this.

Her lips are so... inviting. And pink and just begging for me to kiss them... Kiss her. I want to. But I can't! I can't... I can't.

I'm about ready to snap. I can feel what little impulse control I have fading away and breaking.

God, help me.

I'm going to do it. I'm going to kiss her.

Damn the consequences.

I repeat... God, help me...

It's time. I can't possibly hold on any longer. It's time.

And, thank you, God, saved by Lizzie! "Casey? What are you doing!" Lizzie questioned, sounding alarmed. Her voice rose in pitch and there was a wide look in her eyes. Casey's eyes also widened as she realized just how close we were and exactly what Lizzie thought was going on. Then, suddenly, she'd shoved me halfway across the room... Who knew she was so strong?

Lizzie crossed her arms over her chest, fixing Casey with an expectant look. She wanted to know what was going on. After all, Casey and I were supposed to hate each other. Except I didn't really hate her... Most of the time. Casey sighed, running a nervous hand through her hair and shooting me a dirty look. Naturally. "Ask Derek, he grabbed me!" She muttered, glaring at me. Hey, you didn't move! Who knows what could've happened...

Lizzie turned to me, giving me a disapproving look. I rolled my eyes at her, walking past Casey and ruffling Lizzie's hair. I turned back to give Lizzie a look. "Relax, Kid... I was just trying to scare her. Now, do we not have parents to say goodbye to?" I replied coolly, gesturing for them to follow me out. Needless to say, they followed.

We didn't acknowledge what had almost happened. But that was okay. I'm great at playing it cool. After all, I do it for a living... Dad, Marti, Edwin, and Nora were all down there, waiting for us. A vaguely irritated look crossed Nora's face at what I can only assume was my lack of clothing, but I continued walking down the stairs. I nodded to Dad and Nora. They were about ready to lecture me. Fun.

"Morning, Derek... Now, remember the rules. No parties. You may have some friends over, but they cannot stay the night... Especially not Sam. We left you two money for take-out in the secret stash, and your grandmother will be here to pick up Marti in about an hour or two," Nora explained bossily. Yeah, yeah, yeah... I knew that all already. I've been prepping for this for like two weeks. I am beyond prepared. I am a Boy Scout here.

Dad winked and smiled at me, wrapping an arm around Nora's waist. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do..." He drawled. Of course, I knew exactly what Dad had done when he was my age... And I can safely say I won't do some of those things... The things they did in the sixties... Or seventies. Whenever he was growing up... The fashion crises.

"And take care of your brother and sister!" Nora exclaimed worriedly. Casey and I exchanged a look before nodding in chorus. Then Nora went nuts and started hugging and kissing everyone. Which was a bit weird for Edwin and me, to tell the truth (and also a bit weird for Nora). Then Dad hugged everyone, and, without a word more, the two lovebirds were off. Which meant that until Grandma showed up, it was pretty much all us kids.

We waved at the car, faking smiles until it had entirely disappeared. The moment it had, Casey rounded on me furiously, gesturing to my lack of apparel (surprisingly without a blush this time). "Put some clothes on, Derek! Honestly, no grandmother should have to see that!" She sniped shrilly. Oh, gee, thanks. I think you're hot , and I'm actually nice to you for once, and this is what I get?

I glowered back at her, getting into her face a little. That always pissed her off. "Funny. You didn't seem to think so when you were checking me out last night..." I retorted sharply, jabbing my finger to prove a point. Casey paled and blushed at the same time, while Edwin and Lizzie could merely stand there looking floored. What? I'm attractive! I should not have said that.

Casey sputtered, looking absolutely flummoxed. Ooh, I love getting her confused. She looks even better right now. Edwin and Lizzie gaped, surprised to see Casey speechless. Frankly, so was I. But she didn't disappoint me... She spoke a moment or two later. "I was not!" Casey screeched back, still flushed. Wow, great comeback...

I crossed my arms over my chest and snorted. Casey's eyes narrowed at me. She had opened her mouth and was about ready to speak when I interrupted her, a deadly smirk on my face. "I think you barged in the bathroom last night because you wanted to see me naked..." I accused slyly. Edwin and Lizzie's jaws dropped simultaneously, and my smirk grew. Marti, bless her, hopefully didn't understand any of this... If she did, she was liable to be emotionally scarred. Or more aptly, mentally scarred... Like me (you know, the whole liking-my-stepsister-thing... I really think Freud would like to examine me)!

Casey's eyes were wide from shock or fury. "But I didn't see anything, and I didn't want to! It was an accident that I walked in on you last night! I didn't mean to do it!" Casey screeched pleadingly, as if trying to convince Lizzie and Edwin of her innocence. I turned to Edwin, getting a sudden idea.

"Edwin, did you tell Casey I was in the bathroom?" I asked, ignoring Casey's look of desperation. Edwin nodded, remembering something. Casey paled, and I felt myself smirking yet again. Damn... She was gonna hate me.

"I said you might be in there... She was looking for you," Edwin elaborated, glancing briefly at Casey. Lizzie frowned, furrowing her brow. My eyes immediately riveted back to Casey.

"And she found me," I retorted sarcastically. Casey winced, but trudged on bravely, trying fruitlessly to defend herself. It was sort of endearing, really.

"I didn't mean to!" She shrieked, beginning to really panic. No, she looks hottest when she's panicking. Completely desperate and insane is a good look on her. I would look good on her. Okay, Derek, cool it! You'll give yourself away. And we can't have that at this crucial stage in our plan, now can we, Derek?

But it's healthy to think this way! No, Derek, it is not healthy to think dirty thoughts about your stepsister! What are you, a Brady?

It is healthy. I am a growing boy. What red-blooded man... In his sexual prime, might I add... I'm almost seventeen, after all! As I was saying, what red-blooded man in his sexual prime doesn't think this way? Sometimes... I'm only human, after all! And so what if I have to take a few extra cold showers... As long as I resist my impulses...

But that's just it, I guess. I've always had shoddy impulse control.

"You could've knocked, but you didn't. And you had some idea that I could be in there. The facts speak for themselves. It wasn't an accident, Casey," I pointed out rather insistently. I knew I was wrong, but, the way I said it... It sure didn't sound that way.

"You are seriously twisted, you know that, Derek? Besides, you're the one who's been hitting on me!" Casey snapped furiously, hands on her hips, anger rolling off of her in waves. Sure, turn the tables on me, why don't you? So hot though. However, I was getting rather tired of the stunned looks on Edwin and Lizzie's faces to tell the truth.

"Only good-natured joking, Case. You just get so riled up and then you blush... It's hilarious," I said hurriedly, though somehow without losing my cool. I had to be more careful... Cover my tracks. Don't wanna be Mr. Obvious, now do I?

Casey rolled her eyes at me, clearly disbelieving (and with good reason, as I was lying like a rug). "Now do as I say and put some clothes on... Or else!" She barked at me. Interesting. My lack of clothes bugs her. Hmm... I could so use this to my advantage. Hehe. Point for Derek!

A slow smirk spreading across my face, I approached her languidly, getting a bit closer to her than she wanted me to be. "Or else what?" I whispered directly into her ear, making sure she felt my breath, my presence. It was impossible not to. I was everywhere, especially in this house.

Casey shuddered, shoving me in the direction of the stairs rather abruptly. "Go... Dress," She mumbled, motioning for me to go up the stairs. It was so bad she wasn't even looking at me. Great, just great. Way to go, Derek! Not. Well... Best do as the lady says, right? Y'know, if I ever want to get to make out with her... It might help if I actually listened. "Okay, I'll do it. But put on some make-up, Casey! My eyes are starting to hurt!" I shouted over my shoulder as I sauntered up the stairs.

I could practically see the smoke coming out of her ears. And I barely glanced at her. But I hurried getting dressed, pulling on some baggy jeans and a black button-up shirt (I was already hot enough as it was without adding the extra layers). I left it half-unbuttoned because I knew just how much that would set her off. I put a little gel in my hair before washing my hands and heading downstairs, fixing the collar the way I liked it as I went. I smirked, sliding down the banister. Ah, life was good.

Casey glared at me from the bottom of the stairs and I frowned at her in return. "You didn't put on any make-up," I muttered, slightly disappointed. She could be so hot if she did. Casey rolled her eyes, scowling at me, gesturing to my own attire as she spoke.

"And you still don't know how to put on a shirt right. Here, since you're so incompetent, let me do it for you!" Casey countered, roughly grabbing my shirt and starting to button it for me. You know... Maybe I should do this more often... I mean, a little cold is so worth her buttoning up my shirt everyday. Maybe someday she'll unbutton it... Okay, what was I just saying? No dirty thoughts, D. She won't want you. She doesn't want you.

What am I talking about? I'm her stepbrother and she hates me. The only way I'll get her is by surprise or by being in the right place at the right time. But jeez... She won't want you? Man, way to be self-defeatist. All the girls want you. Why do you only care about the one who doesn't? Duh, because she doesn't. You're thinking too much, D. Really. It's becoming a problem. The less you daydream, the more you do.

Well, you better stay in those daydreams, my friend. For a while. Because they won't become a reality for a while. A looong while. Jeez, D, cheer up.

The doorbell rung in the middle of this. Casey was too focused on her task to stop and answer it (I wasn't just letting her button up my shirt, you know. It had to be with a bit of resistance... So she won't get suspicious), and well, I was too focused on her to answer it... "Somebody answer the door!" Casey hollered, glancing around for someone to come.

When no one did, I took it upon myself to accomplish this. "Edwin, get your scrawny butt down here!" I shouted up the stairs. Edwin came running to answer it. And guess who was at the door? Yep, good old Grandma Venturi.

"Oh, Derek, honey, you've got to introduce me to your new girlfriend," Grandma exclaimed, flying in the door. Casey's eyes went as wide as saucers, and she backed away from me as if I had the chicken pox again. It was sort of amusing. But I saw my opportunity and before anyone (namely Casey or Edwin could correct her), I smoothly grabbed Casey and pulled her against me, smiling.

"Granny, I'd like you to meet Casey... My girlfriend," I said lovingly, wrapping my arm around Casey's waist. Edwin stared at me like I was an alien, and Casey's eyes, if it was possible, widened even further. Granny smiled at Casey benevolently, but Casey grabbed me by the collar of my shirt, turning to face my grandmother.

"Um... Grandma Venturi, do you mind if I have a little talk with my... With Derek? For a second? You can, uh, catch up with Edwin... And he can introduce you to Lizzie, who's watching Marti right now. We'll, uh, be right back..." Casey explained somewhat awkwardly. Granny nodded, looking delighted, and turning to Edwin. That being done, Casey dragged me out of the room... None too subtly. Or gently, for that matter. I rubbed my neck as she dragged me into the kitchen.

"What the heck was that, Derek? Me, your girlfriend? Are you delusional? You don't even have a girlfriend! And she knows you have step-siblings..." Casey hissed violently, beginning to pace like a caged animal. I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"Kind of hard to know that when you weren't invited to the wedding, now isn't it?" I retorted, moving closer. Casey looked uneasy, but she nodded anyways. It's not like we were invited to the wedding either. They eloped. In Niagara Falls one weekend. How cliché.

Casey had her hands on her hips now, and she was still glaring at me. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Okay, fine, looks like I'm going to have to explain this one. And I can't tell her the whole truth, so this is going to be interesting... Yes, I did say she was my girlfriend for more reasons than the fact that I want to make out with her! "Okay... It's like this. My grandmother has hated every girlfriend I've ever had. They're tramps, they're prudes, they wear too much make-up, they wear too little make-up, they're too drab, they're too bright, they're drunks, they're drugged out, they're too thin, they eat too much... Blah, blah, blah. She always finds a reason, and it doesn't help that I change girlfriends so easily... Anyways, I haven't had a girlfriend lately, so I lied and told her I had a serious one. I never said the name... She did catch us in a pretty compromising position... So, look, just say you're my girlfriend. You'll only have to pretend for a few minutes, and... I'll let you invite all your private school friends to the party tomorrow!" I justified quickly, sounding and feeling a bit more desperate than usual.

Casey mulled it over for a second before finally looking at me, surrendering with a weary sigh. "Okay, I'll do it."

I smiled widely, escorting her out with my hand on the small of her back. Casey gave me a look like: "Who are you kidding, Derek?" But I didn't care, because, until my grandma left... Casey was all mine. And I'm a hands-on kind of guy.

This is going to be so much fun.

Loren ;

Sorry it took me so long. But it's long... So, review! Oh, and I don't own any of the characters/references/things you recognize... like from the show for instance.