Title: Word Problem

Author: Katie

Story Summary: Snapshots of Casey and Derek's lives/relationships mostly in College (Casey/Derek or Dasey)

Ratings: PG 13

Spoilers: Full series

Pairing: Casey and Derek (Dasey)

Authors Note: So the challenge was to write as much or as little as each word inspired me to. Then I was given the list of words. I have been having major writers block lately so this seemed like a great idea.

There are 50 words total and I will be posting 5 per chapter. Words are in no particular order and all words exist in the same universe (i.e. each mini fic tells a part of one big story).

This is a new style for me, so please be kind.

I have not seen every episode so if something isn't accurate please let me know.

Unbeta'ed so all mistakes are mine.

Distribution: Please! Just let me know.

Feedback: I worked quite hard on this, so please review!

Disclaimer: I own nothing, disclaimer applies to all chapters.

Chapter One: Market, Freedom, Pain, Waves, Potatoes

Market

They've been at college for about a month and a half and they've (mostly) resigned themselves that, at least for the foreseeable future, they're going to be sharing a cramped two bedroom apartment. For the most part, it's actually working out a lot better than either one of them anticipated.

One constant issue, however, is the grocery shopping. When they'd first moved in Casey had made of chart of who would do what basic chores when. The entire chart was immediately dismissed by Derek, but by some twist they actually used her grocery plan where they alternated shopping weekly. Except, when Casey did the shopping she always came back with bags of vegan organic foods and when Derek went he always came back with bags of potato chips and gummy worms.

Which is why Casey is currently pushing a shopping cart down the produce isle accepting that her chore chart was a found memory.

Derek pulls a grape off of the display and she sighs when it bounces off the side of her head before turning around and "Der-ek!"

Freedom

College was supposed to be all about freedom; parties and hot chicks and hockey and…whatever! So when his dad and Nora tell him and Casey that they'll have to live together he's a little devastated. Casey is like anti-freedom.

Five months later when he and Casey kiss and fall (eventually) in to some kind of relationship and his freedom is taken away in a whole new way…it's actually not bad at all.

Pain

Casey crashes into him as they kiss, and when his hand fists in her hair, she molds herself to him expertly. When she pulls away, she clears her throat softly and with tears still thick in her voice she says that they can't do this anymore…that she won't do this anymore. Derek's pretty sure he's never felt pain like this.

Waves

'Family vacation' might be the worst thing Derek's ever heard. He and Casey are just finishing their first year at college and he really hadn't even decided if he was going to go home for summer break when his dad calls. George says, in no uncertain terms, that he and Casey had better be there. He gives a date and time and directions and leaves no room for argument (threatening to take back the Prince). Neither Derek nor Casey is pleased about these new summer plans.

But, they've been at the beach a few days now, and it's not been horrible.

Now, he's sitting on the beach with Marty, helping her build a sand castle. He looks down the beach a little and sees Casey sitting on the sand, holding their new little sister in front of her. The water rushes up to them and the little girl screams in delight as the water tickles her toes. She then looks up at Casey with delight and awe and Derek realizes that he's kind of looking at Casey the same way right now, and something pulls painfully in his chest.

Potatoes

It's Casey's birthday and her friends are planning on throwing her a party over the weekend, but Derek knows how much she enjoys birthdays and wants her to have something that day. So, with the best of intentions, he tries to make dinner for her. No one ever told him that you couldn't just throw potatoes in the oven…apparently you have to poke holes in them first or they explode.

Which is why, when Casey gets back to the apartment he's trying to clean four exploded potatoes out of the oven. She laughs at him as she helps and the apartment smells like potatoes for weeks.

Hope you liked it, please review!