As always, dedicated to: kkbeatlesfan.
With A Little Help From My Friends, 2:44
Casey MacDonald couldn't believe she was friends with him. When had this even happened?
She splashes water on her face for nearly the tenth time. They were home, for the summer.
"Casey," Derek sighs from outside the bathroom door. "I'm sorry your mom called us friends, but honestly, what is she supposed to think?"
"That I still hate you!" she snaps at her stepbrother.
He chuckles, leaning against the wall opposite the bathroom door. "Do you believe that, Spacey?"
"You're mean to me, you pull pranks on me. I'm late to class, and you laugh. Geez, Derek. We haven't changed since high school, why should our feelings?"
The smile drops from his face. "I dunno, maybe because you chose this?!"
The door opens with a bang. "Excuse me? I what?"
"You did, Casey. I asked you to move in with me, remember?"
She glares at him. "I was desperate, and I know George and Mom made you do it."
"No. They didn't," he replies. "I chose to. To help you out, because you are my friend. Not because your mom married my dad, or because we lived in the same house since sophomore year. Because you're Casey; my friend."
Her head drops. "I didn't know that."
"Next time, Princess, ask before you assume things about me. It'll save us both a heck of a lot of trouble."
Casey smiles. "So, friends?"
"Eh, if we must have a label." He grins.
"Thanks, Derek."
"Whatever, Space-Case."