Casey stared at Derek's face, full of genuine happiness, surety, and a touch of hesitancy - all of which Casey could feel echoed through their Bond.

Casey jumped off the stage and ran up the center aisle into Derek's surprised arms.

"Yes," she spoke into his ear, "I'd love to go to prom with you, Derek Venturi."

Derek breathed out, what Casey knew to be relief, and relaxed into the hug. It was the first time Derek was letting her hug him, Casey realized, among her bliss. No sooner had the realization hit, then the marks pinched and started bleeding. They broke apart.

"Sorry," Casey apologized.

"For what?" Derek rolled his eyes, but was actually smirking at their marks, as if they made him happy.

"I think I jinxed it by thinking about how that was our first hug," Casey admitted.

Again, Derek rolled his eyes, but then he turned his fond gaze to Casey: "You're something else, Casey McDonald."

She smiled.

That night Casey called up Emily and told her the good news about Derek.

"I think he really does like me, Em. Who would have thought? Derek actually having feelings for his klutzy step-sister?" Casey had her door closed, but still spoke quietly. Saying it aloud actually helped the nagging doubts in her head. Casey was always too hard on herself and it didn't help that the idea of such a genuine crush being returned by Derek was so hard to fathom. Casey didn't doubt Derek's capacity for affection, rather she doubted her capacity to be accepted.

"Wait. So, you admit to liking Derek? Am I hearing this right?" Emily didn't sound surprised enough, a tad too smug.

"You knew?" Casey asked. Casey, herself, hadn't realized she really liked Derek that way until their date. She had kept it to herself after their big fight over her misconstrued assumptions (read: insecure doubts) and hadn't faced the full force of her affection for Derek until the prom asking.

"Well… I had my suspicions. I mean, you're Bonded, Casey. I think we all knew this was bound to happen sometime," Emily replied.

Casey frowned, replying worryingly: "So, you think we only like each other because of this Bond between us?"

"Definitely not. You and Derek have had this underlying tension between you two for a while now, even before you got Bonded. It just took the Bond for you to look this thing between you two right in the face. I mean, that's what I think. I could be wrong," Emily said.

"No," Casey said with a shy smile, "I think you're totally right."

"So…," Emily responded, "prom planning?"

"Absolutely!"

The next few days were a flurry of prom details, secret smiles, and civil dinners. It got to the point where even George noticed. (No offense, George.)

"Um, Casey," Mom called after dinner, one night. "Can you join me in the kitchen, please?"

"Sure, Mom." Casey shot Derek a questioning look. He shrugged.

"You too, Derek," George called, before Derek could sneak upstairs.

"So close," Derek muttered. "Spread my legacy, Edwin. Remember me, Marti!"

Derek, ever the dramatic. Casey rolled her eyes with a smile.

"Oh, now I see it…" George muttered. Both Casey and Derek snapped toward him, confused.

"See what, Dad?" Derek asked.

However, Casey's mom interrupted before George could answer.

"Derek, Casey," Mom turned to face each of them in turn, "is there anything you want to tell us?"

Mom looked expectant and hopeful for the truth. That look usually ended with confessions on Casey's part. Not good, if they wanted to keep their new relationship status a secret from their parents. Only, Casey didn't actually know if they agreed to share it or hide it. Derek had declared he was ready to tell the world. Did that world include their married parents? (They'd been too in the hospital cleaning after their marks bled to really go over details.)

Casey looked at Derek, biting her lip. Derek looked at Casey's mouth, caught on the action. Mom said Casey's name questioningly. George muttered, "I'm going to be sick". And no, nope, Casey was not kissing Derek in front of their parents. Nope!

Casey turned to her mom: "I'm sorry, Mom. We should have told you right away. Derek and I are-"

Derek interrupted, "Fighting again. Only we agree to be civil in front of the family. Sorry, we should have told you about our pact."

Everyone was shocked. Even Derek, it seemed. Mom looked between Casey and Derek, sceptical. George looked down, relieved. And Casey looked at Derek, disappointed. She couldn't believe she'd really thought he'd-

"Kidding!" Derek laughed awkwardly. "We're dating! Surprise!"

Everyone's emotions swapped all over. Mom looked at George for his reaction, but Casey didn't miss the disappointment shot Casey's way for not telling her mom earlier. George looked shocked, before easing into scepticism directed toward Derek. And Casey was relieved. She could feel Derek's anxiety- worried, no doubt, about their parents' reactions- as he stared at his feet. She sent her most positive energy (calmness, reassurance, comfort) into their Bond toward Derek.

But Casey too was anxious. However, she turned to face her parents, ready to defend Derek and herself, if it came to that. She didn't need their Bond to know that this thing between Derek and her was strong. She would fight for it, with all that she had. What else could she do?

George spoke first: "Are you sure, Derek?" Derek's head snapped up. "I mean, is this really what you want?"

Mom opened her mouth to defend Casey. Casey did the same. But this time, Derek responded.

"Yes, Dad. I may not be good enough for her, but for some reason Casey likes me. And I-," Derek faced Casey, "I really like her back, Dad."

Mom smiled, "Well, I think that's all we really need to know then. But there will be some ground rules."

Casey nodded, overjoyed that her mom was taking this so well. Derek sighed dramatically, rolling his eyes. But Casey could tell he was relieved too.

"Wait a minute. Nora, you're okay with this?" George broke from his resulting daze from Derek's declaration.

"Yes, George, I think we should suppor-"

"But it's Derek and Casey!" George laughed, as if the idea was absurd. Which, it kind of is. And yet.

"Dad, we're not even related." Derek pointed out, defensive.

"I know." George offended. "But-"

"George-"

"Why are you so against this?" Casey questioned. All eyes turned to her, but despite all the attention, Casey had resolved to stand up for this. For them. "You and Mom found happiness in each other. Why can't we do the same?"

Mom turned back to George, who closed his mouth in thought. Casey felt the pride from Derek like a hug, enveloping her. She didn't need to turn to know that he was looking at her, a smirk on his face.

"George?" Mom prodded.

"Well, I just. I'm not quite sure, to be honest. I-I'm sorry, Casey, Derek. I didn't mean to insinuate anything. It's just- Well. I'm so used to you both hating each other and fighting that-"

"We never hated each other, Dad," Derek corrected.

"Well, I thought you did," George responded. "I'm sorry. Casey's right, of course. You both deserve the happiness Nora and I found." George smiled at Casey's mom.

"But really, about those ground rules-"

"Dad!"

"No, your dad's right, Derek," Casey's mom said, "I think-"

And so, the ground rules were set in place.

Number one: No sleeping in each other's rooms. ("Fine. Casey snores, anyway." "I do not!")

Number two: No door closed while in each other's rooms. Ever. ("Gross, Dad. You want to watch?" "Der-rek!" "Kidding!")

Number three: No kissing in front of the kids. ("Why not?" "Marti's still impressionable, she might get the wrong idea." "She's ten!" "Still.")

Derek still protested rule number three. Casey let it go. Not because she liked rules, but because university was coming up and they'd both likely move out. She still had to plan for prom, anyway.

Telling the kids was a easier in some ways. Almost similar, really.

("You're sure, Casey?"

"You're sure, Derek?"

"I thought you were already Bonded.")

All it took was an assurance from each Casey and Derek that, yes, they were sure, and an explanation to Marti that you can be platonically Bonded. And than an explanation as to what "platonically" meant. She may be ten, but Marti (thankfully) didn't understand everything yet.

Through all the confessions, explanations, and prom-mania, Casey barely noticed that people had started treating her differently at school. A few girls would whisper when she walked down the hall. But most girls glared or smiled from afar. Jealous or in awe, but caught up in their own lives.

It was the guys, Edwin warned Casey to watch out for. But none of them cared. Or at least that's what Casey thought, until Emily let it slip that she heard Derek had had a chat with his hockey team and told them to spread the word. Sam, Ralf, and some other guys had apparently backed Derek up.

(Casey was beyond thankful. She didn't like violence, but if there had to be a fight, she preferred Derek have a winning chance.)

So, things changed, but not all that much. Casey and Derek shared their second kiss. And then, a third. Derek often walked Casey to class, wherein Casey then attempted to get him to actually go to his own class. But between the ground rules, prom shopping, Derek's hockey, and school, there honestly wasn't much room for change.

Until, prom night was finally upon them. For once, every went (almost) according to plan. There was only a few hiccups.

For example, George awkwardly trying to choose whether he should attempt to intimidate Derek and play the "over-protective step-father" or let himself get teary at the realization that his kids and step-kids were growing up so fast.

George went with the former.

To which Derek replied, "Dad, just stop trying".

Which, subsequently, Mom chastised Derek's rudeness with a warning, "Der-rek..".

The likes of which, Casey would be saying herself. Except, Casey could feel the embarrassment coming off of Derek in waves as everyone in the family took pictures and complimented their cuteness and overall made a big deal out of the evening.

Derek responded to the first few comments well, showing off Casey with pride. But eventually, it seemed to get a bit too much. And they hadn't even left the house yet.

"Thanks, guys! But if we don't leave now, we'll miss our reservations..." Casey tried, hoping everyone would take the hint and let them leave.

Surprisingly, it was George who kept prodding for more pictures. Mom holding him back with a hand on her husband's shoulder and a smile on her face.

"Oh, 'reservations'," Edwin raised his eyebrows, "Taking Casey somewhere classy, D?"

Lizzie smiled, bumping Edwin's shoulder, Marti on the step below her.

"You know it, Ed. But can't take her there, if we never leave..." Derek replied, with a clenched smile.

Casey let her hand find his wrist, where one of their Marks was, sending comfort and ease through the Bond. Derek's jaw unclenched and he let out a breath.

"You two enjoy yourselves," Mom said gently, after the moment had passed.

"Thanks, Nora," Derek replied. Casey smiled. Derek helped her into her coat and Casey was sure a flash went off from someone's camera.

"Bye, everyone!" Casey called, as they walked through the door.

"Don't wait up!" Derek yelled.

They got in the limo where Emily and Sam (who knew?), Amanda and Ralf were all waiting. They'd all agreed to share the limo, so they could split the cost. It was Emily's idea and Derek had jumped at the opportunity, but Casey didn't mind. University crept closer and closer on the horizon, taking up all of Casey's extra attention.

Once they finished their meal - full of laughs, giggles, and cooing -at the restaurant they'd all agreed upon, they headed to their school for the actual dance.

The music was loud, the lights were moving, and seeing everyone from their year all in one place took Casey's breath away with the realization that this was it: Their last dance as high schoolers. (Derek had caught on to Casey's looming fears somehow and had already termed Casey's condition "futuritis".)

And it was Derek who grabbed Casey's hand, squeezed, and led her onto the dance floor. Casey can't fathom how she'd ever have been able to do this without him.

At some point, Emily and Derek shared a dance. Casey didn't mind that either. She danced with Sam, who gave Casey a genuine talk about not breaking Derek's heart, which Casey both found extremely weird and comforting at the same time. She was glad Derek has other people looking out for him too, though.

Finally, Casey and Derek got their slow dance.

"You've been glowing all night." Derek comments, as they sway to the music. "You're not pregnant, are you?" Derek jokes.

"Derek, we haven't even done anything yet." Casey whispers back, playing along with a smile she can't keep off her face.

Derek leans back to catch her eyes, before raising his brows.

"Yet? You want to?" He asks.

Casey blushes, tilting her head down.

"Maybe," She admits. Sway left, right.

Derek smiles, but lets it go, looping back to her original comment.

"Well, maybe you and Truman had…" Derek gulps, uncomfortable.

"No," Casey assures him; they sway- left, right. "We never." She leaves it there.

Derek nods.

"So you're glowing because…?" Derek keeps the question open ended, not keeping eye contact.

Casey smiles, comfortable again. She touches Derek's face, catching his gaze.

"Because of you."

Derek's eyes widen, marginally, before he coughs, looking down in embarrassment again.

Casey laughs. Turning the tables was always her favorite of their games.

Lucky for Derek, the switching of the song saves him from having to respond. The band goes from one to a hundred, volume loud and bouncing again.

Casey laughs, as Derek recovers and brings out Crazy Legs.

They leave soon after that. Everyone loose and free, the feeling of being on top of the world still rushing through their veins.

When they get back to their house, everyone (except Marti) is still up, trying to act like they weren't waiting by the window.

Casey just hopes they didn't catch the kiss she gave Derek on the doorstep. Some things Casey likes to keep private, just theirs.

They bid everyone a goodnight, as Lizzie and Edwin are ushered to bed after waiting up so late.

"Doors open!" Mom calls, in what is becoming a familiar nighttime ritual. Casey and Derek share a look of exasperation, but Casey knows it's for the best. It may be prom night and she may have found the one, but she's just not ready yet.

Derek kisses Casey on the cheek, as they pass each other going in and out of the bathroom. And Casey's happy.

She changes out of her dress, climbs into bed, and turns the light off.

A few minutes later, her eyes blink open to the sound of movement from the next room and suddenly-

Derek's climbing into her bed. Casey can't help, but panic.

"Relax," Derek whispers in the dark, "I heard them head to bed and I closed both our doors, they'll never know."

But that's not what Casey was panicking about. She knew what guys most guys expect on prom night and she didn't know how to tell Derek she just wasn't ready yet.

"Case?" Derek asked, into her hair. He probably felt her panic, especially touching as much as their bodies were.

"I-I'm fine," Casey replied, voice wavering. She liked Derek. She really did. But-

"Casey, look at me." Derek said.

Slowly, Casey turned to face him in the dark, flinching away when their bodies lined up.

"Casey," Derek sighed.

Oh, no, Casey thought. He noticed and now he's going to-

"Casey, I just wanted to sleep."

"Oh." Casey opened eyes, she didn't remember clenching shut.

"Right. I knew that." Casey lied.

Derek chuckled, "Night, Casey."

He wrapped his arms around her and snuggled in close.

"Goodnight, Derek." Casey relaxed against him.

Casey, relaxed and well-rested, woke up the next morning to Marti's "Ooooh, you're gonna be in trouble" from the doorway, as she and everyone else in the family was well aware of the new ground rules.

Casey reluctantly nudged (read: kicked) Derek out of bed and shuffled him into his own room. Closing his door to keep him in, just as George started up the stairs.

For the next week, everything continues as (their new) normal, complete with busy school halls, hockey games, and a panicking Casey.

"It's the 'futuritis' acting up again", Lizzie said, sympathetically, at dinner, when talk of graduation and final decision deadlines had reached the table and Casey excused herself to rush upstairs, in response.

Casey collapsed on her bed. The anxiety and fear, stressing her body in the form of aches and pains, exhausted Casey physically and mentally, due to ruminating thoughts about the future.

Casey knew someone was likely to come up and check on her, after everyone finished dinner most likely. However, Casey did not expect her door to open and behold Derek on the other side.

Derek closes the door behind him and Casey wants to comment about rule number two, but-

"It's okay to be scared." Derek says, as he wanders around Casey's room.

Casey watches him inspect all her belongings like he hasn't been in the room before. She drops her gaze.

"You're not," She says. It's not as if she wants him to feel the same gut-clenching fear she has, but it's just so frustrating to be the only one.

Derek turns around to stare at Casey in disbelief.

"Of course I am, Casey" Derek says, "We're all scared out of our minds. Did you think you were the only one?"

His voice sounds sad when she nods, "I'm sorry, Case."

"For what?" Casey looks up, confused.

Derek gets up again with an exasperated sigh.

"Because! If I could just read your mind or know your feelings all the time-" Derek shakes his head, "Ugh, this Bond is just so stupid sometimes. It- it makes me feel useless when I can't help you."

Once Derek's words have sunk in, Casey gets up. She turns him to face her, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head against Derek's chest.

"Derek?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

"I didn't do anything, Case."

This was true in a way, Casey thought. But it felt as if Derek had changed her whole world view in an instant.

"You helped. I don't know how, you just- you did."

Derek seemed to understand past Casey's simple wording. He had a way of doing that. He could read her without telepathy just fine.

They stood there together in comfortable silence. And, wasn't that a feat all on its own?

"Do you believe in Fate?" Casey asked. She couldn't help, but ask.

"Do you?" Derek retorted, and of course, he wouldn't give her an open answer right away. He'd make her work for it. But, that's alright. Casey liked a challenge.

"I don't know," She answered honestly, "I didn't before...but now…"

The silence settled in again, into the tiny gaps between their bodies.

"I guess I do believe in something." It was Derek, this time, who shooed the silence away.

"Like what?"

"You."

Even though Casey could feel his honesty, she couldn't help but respond, thoroughly embarrassed:

"Der-rek…"

"How about this," Derek said, "We make a deal that we'll go to the same college, no matter what."

Casey pulled away, "Why?"

"So that I'll always be there to "not" help," Derek replied, teasing dripping from his words like honey, but again, Casey knew Derek was being sincere.

Casey smiled. But it dropped when a thought struck her:

"What if you don't get in?" Her voice small and apologetic.

Derek didn't wince, but it was a face that showed discomfort. Casey wanted to take it back, but if they were genuinely planning, then it had to be said.

"Then I'll go to somewhere nearby, or get a job in Queens or something."

Casey was sceptical, "How did you know I wanted to go to Queens?"

Derek tapped his head, "Mind reading."

The smile returned to Casey's face.

School chatter moved from prom-mania to finals and graduation talk. Back at home, the looming release of Casey and Derek from the nest was being firmly ignored. The only change was Lizzie and Mom kept coming into Casey's room to have more and more "girl-talks" and Derek admitted that Marti was giving him more hugs, as of late. Speaking of Derek, Casey's talk with him helped ease some of her fears for the future, knowing she wasn't alone in neither fear nor future.

The future which crept upon Casey like the night: slowly blending in, then there all at once.

Emily pointed out that the approaching date for Casey and Derek's Soul Bond registration probably didn't help Casey's anxiety decrease. It was true. The registration ceremony was set for a week after their graduation.

The last monthly meeting with Dr. Gilmour and Dr. Angelino had been about preparing them for the registration ceremony: officially acknowledging their Bond, agreeing to its bounds, and telling the world. (Well, anyone in the world who cared to know.) After the registration process, they would officially be Bonded by Fate or God and by law. They would be free to tell anyone they wished and live their lives with all the benefits of a Bonded couple.

It would be totally, undeniably real, after that.

Fortunately, Mom and George had a surprise of their own, before graduation and the ceremony: they were having a baby! Casey couldn't be more pleased!

The whole house was a flutter of studying, tutoring, and baby shopping, after that. Casey silently thanked her mom for taking some of the attention of her and Derek. And they were getting a baby brother or sister! Ah!

Casey also kept an eye on the mail for any acceptance letters for Derek. (She'd received her scholarship letter from Queens not two days ago, but she couldn't help but hold the relief until Derek got a letter too. She didn't want to leave him behind, no matter how much he claimed he was fine with working, maybe taking classes online.)

Then, finally, graduation was upon them. Casey practiced her (third) speech in her head, Derek and Emily holding her hands on either side of her, as they sat in the auditorium waiting for the ceremony to begin.

"Relax, princess," Derek whispered in her ear.

Casey blushed, reigning in the urge to snap at him when she felt comfort and reassurance through the Bond.

Edwin (oh, brother) followed Derek's footsteps and pulled a prank during the opening remarks. (Unbeknownst to Casey, Derek had given Edwin strict instructions to pull his prank before Casey went on to give her speech.) But even then, Casey couldn't help a small smile. They really were growing up. She went to squeeze Derek's hand and realized he wasn't in his seat.

Suddenly, Casey's name was being called to give her valedictorian address. Casey started to freak, when-

"He's at the back," Emily quietly told her. Casey turned around. Sure enough, Derek was there. Blending into the audience, but there if you knew where to look.

Casey released a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. She walked on stage and gave her speech.

The faces blurred, Casey stuttered, but in the midst of it all she felt their Bond and Derek and relief. She wasn't alone.

When Derek's name was called, he, of course, made a big show of receiving it- complete with a spotlight, wind in his hair, a poster, and balloons. Casey couldn't help the laughter that bubbled out of her throat. That was Derek, ever the dramatic.

Derek sent her a wink, as if sensing her pride.

Casey smiled, too happy to blush.

Afterwards, they went to dinner with the whole family- Abby and Casey's dad, Dennis, included.

Both biological parents took the news of Casey and Derek's new relationship better than expected.

"Don't break my little girl's heart," Casey's dad said, with firm hand on Derek's shoulder.

"Wouldn't dream of it, sir," Derek responded, intimidated, but Casey could feel he was sincere.

"Look after this one, Casey," Abby said, with a warm smile.

"I'll try," Casey said, smiling too.

"We have an announcement to make," Derek said, grabbing Casey's hand and rising in his seat.

"We do?" Casey asked.

"Another one?" Marti complained.

"I don't know if I can take anymore surprises, Derek," George said.

"You'll like this one, dad," Derek assured. He turned to Casey. "Casey and I are going to Queens!"

The table erupted in exclamation.

"We are?!" Casey squealed.

"Congratulations, Derek," Casey's dad said. He, of course, had already been informed of Casey's scholarship. But now that Derek…

He got in! Casey couldn't help it, she kissed him.

Derek stilled, surprised.

"Ahem," someone cleared their throat.

Casey pulled back, blushing.

"Sorry...But we're going to Queens!"

The table laughed and congratulations were given out again, in different variations from everyone.

When Casey turned to look at Derek, he was already looking at her. The awe she was so fond of, back in his eyes.

The celebrations are nothing compared to that look, Casey thought.

And so, the week came and went. And the Bonding ceremony arrived. And Casey was more nervous than ever, Truman and Vicki's disgusted expressions ingrained in her mind. It was one thing for most people to accept that they were dating. But it was entirely another that they were picked for each other for life, especially as strong as their Bond was.

But, Derek held her hand the whole way from the McDonald-Venturi house to the city courthouse and through the entirety of the official registration itself. There was no fancy ballgown or heartfelt vows, like a wedding. It was just Derek and Casey and their parents. In a courtroom.

When it was over and their names were signed on the official documentation, Casey felt disappointed. She'd made it all up to be a telling of the world about their Bond, but in reality it was so plain and simple.

"Hey," Derek nudged her, as they walked back to the car, "We're Bonded."

Casey found a small smile, just for him.

She looked out the window on the drive home and- but they weren't going home. That was the turn and they went right past it and-

"Where are we going?" Casey asked.

Mom and George turned toward Derek, who smirked.

"It's a surprise, Case. Don't ruin it, now."

Casey felt the giddiness rise in her chest again. She let herself be led out of the car and into Smelly Nelly's and-

"Surprise!"

Everyone was there. From Derek's football team to Aunt Madge, and everyone (it seemed) in between. There was Lizzie, Edwin, Marti, Emily, Sam, Ralf, Amanda- everyone!

Casey thought she even saw her Aunt Fiona, but thankfully, no Vicki.

"Oh, thank you, everyone!" Casey tried not to get teary, but it was just so overwhelming to see the support.

"It's supposed to be a happy time, Case," Derek whispered.

"I am happy, Derek," Casey smiled, pushing through her emotions. "I'm just so happy! Thank you!" She wrapped her arms around him tight.

Derek froze up at first, but eventually melted into the hug.

"Anything for you, Case," Derek muttered.

Casey pulled back, "Anything?"

It was the great Derek Venturi's turn to blush.

"Well, not anything, anything, but you know.."

Casey smiled.

The kids came up and congratulated them both.

Aunt Madge pinched Derek's cheeks.

Derek's coach gave Derek a hearty pat on the back and a "Congrats, Venturi".

And everyone ate and laughed and Casey started tearing up again.

She felt so incredibly thankful, to fate or God or whomever, that Derek Venturi and she were Soul Bonded. They weren't a perfect couple – far from it – but they were stronger, happier together, as cheesy and cliché it sounded in Casey's head.

"So," Sam said, with a sly smile, as he, Emily, Derek and Casey all sat at a booth, taking it all in. "Is this like the wedding night, where you finally get laid?"

Derek punched him in the shoulder, Emily giggled, and Casey blushed.

"I was kidding!" Sam defended.

"Don't mind him," Derek told Casey, "We have all the time in the world."