LA Kings
Disclaimer: I don't own LwD
AN: One more chapter to go!

LA Kings:
Chapter 5

Lizzie always came through when Derek needed help surprising and or pranking her sister. An angel, truly. This time she got Casey's spare key from the Venturi-McDonald household for Derek. He knew Casey would be at work and he wanted to be there when she got home. But surprising Casey… making it there without her knowing, that was hard. He was supposed to be in Texas. But instead, he took a red eye to Toronto to make it in time for his morning meeting, that Casey had no idea about.

After his successful meeting, Derek made his way to Casey's apartment. He knew it would be empty apart from Rambo who was sure to make a fuss when Derek entered.

"Hey bud!" Derek cooed picking up the fussy pup. Rambo weighed less than 10 pounds but somehow the whole neighborhood could hear his bark "It's just me! We're all good," he explained to the guard dog.

When Rambo settled, Derek made his way to Casey's bedroom making sure not to leave any evidence of his arrival behind him. He ordered himself some lunch and snuggled up with Rambo until they both dozed off.

Hours later Derke woke up to Rambo standing on his chest on high alert, ear perks up, tail wagging back and forth. Casey was coming home, he could tell. A smile tugged at the corner of Derek's lips. He was impressed by the little dog. He was glad he had picked such a loyal animal to watch over his girlfriend.

He heard the front door open, and steps following it. Quietly, he dropped Rambo onto the floor, knowing he normally greets Casey when she walked through the door.

"Rambo!" she called.

She was instantly greeted with the sound of Rambo's little paws running across her floor. "There you are!" she cooed. "Where you asleep?" she asked.

Derek relaxed in bed, putting his arms behind his head, knowing how he was seconds away from surprising his girlfriend. He was dealing with a long distance as best he could, but it had been over two weeks since he had last seen her, he was itching to get his hands on her, but he stayed put, waiting for her to come to him.

It wasn't long before her footsteps lead to her bedroom door. She must have been tired because she didn't see him right away. She walked straight into the dark bedroom, kicked her shoes off, dropped Rambo onto the bed, and made her way to her closet to undress. The same closet where Derek had left his duffel bag. He watched as she froze, and stared at it for a moment.

"Surprise," he said trying his best to be charming and romantic. He watched her flinch at the sound of his voice, spinning around to face him quickly.

"Derek?!" She said, hesitating only a second before pouncing onto the bed and on top of him. "Your here?" she asked, squeezing him in between the blanket that lay on top of him.

Derek chuckled, enjoying the greeting. "I wanted to surprise you."

"How long have you been here? Why are you here?" she asked pulling away to look at him, concern replacing the excitement that had been on her features. "You're supposed to be in Texas. You don't have a day off. Are you hurt?" she started to ramble.

Derek shook his head, holding her hands in his. "Come here," he said gently, pulling her down to properly kiss him. "Hi," he smiled, pressing his forehead against hers. She seemed calmer then.

"Hi," she smiled back softly.

"I'm ok," he promised, pulling her down to lay down with him and Rambo, who had found himself on top of Derek's chest again. "Something came up and I thought I could use it as an excuse to see you."

"What came up?" she asked, snuggling deeper into his side, melting into his warmth.

"Well…" he started, wrapping an arm around her tight. "I had a meeting with the Ottawa Senators"

Casey's eyes went wide for a second. "Is that good?" she asked, unsure. "I know it's not the Leafs but…"

Derek chuckled. "Yeah, it's good...they want me to play for them next season. It's only a short flight away. It's not home but it's close enough. I could see you every week, depending on the schedule."

Casey chewed on her bottom lip, Derek couldn't read her. "What's wrong?" he asked gently. He thought she'd be excited by the possibility.

"Do you want to be in Canada?" she asked, looking up at him with big doe eyes.

"I want to be closer to you," he replied simply.

She blushed, hiding her face in the crook of his neck. "I have to tell you something."

"Hmm?" he asked, running lazy fingers through her hair.

"A position opened up for the LA headquarters ...My transfer got approved. I've been waiting to tell you." she mumbled

Derek pulled away to look at her face. "That's an amazing Case! Why didn't you tell me you were even thinking about applying?"

She shrugged. "I thought the chances were slim. But internal promotions are more likely so…" she smiled, proud of herself.

Then it dawned on Derek. They went from no options to two. "Well, what do you want to do? Sunshine or snow Princess?" He asked with a smirk.

Derek had survived his first season as a professional hockey player. One for the books for sure. But it was finally the off season and he was going on a well deserved vacation with his girlfriend.

They had decided on the beach first. He had the entire off season to enjoy, so they left Italy for the next time. They were laid up on the beach just before sunset. The sun casting all sorts of pretty colors on them.

Derek watched Casey from his position in his lounge chair. Casey was walking along the sand collection seashells and rocks to take back home.

Being long distance for the season was hard. The constant countdown was harder. But they didn't have to do that anymore. He was at peace for the first time in a while. He allowed himself to be present. To enjoy the sound of the waves crashing, his toes in the sand, and his girlfriend. He took a pull of his beer and relaxed.

"Come on Venturi! The waters warm!" She teased, dropping her new seashell collection on her lounge chair. She had been trying to get him into the water with her all afternoon.

"I'm enjoying the view," he countered, raising an eyebrow at her.

"You could enjoy more than the view," she smirked, trying her best to pull him up.

"Fine fine" he sighed like he had given up the battle. He got up, lacing his fingers with her, and headed into the water.

Once they were in deep enough water, Casey wrapped her legs around Derek's center, throwing her body back to float in the water behind her giggling. She was perfect and he was beyond lucky.

"Home I'm home!" Derek yelled, dropping his gym bag near the door. Rambo was already there to greet him. Derek scooped him into his arms easily, looking for his girlfriend.

"Out here!" she yelled from the balcony.

When Derek stepped out onto the balcony, he found her lounging out in her bikini, working on her laptop with an iced coffee next to her. LA in the fall is weird. But it worked. She seemed happier than when she was back home and alone. Maybe it was the sunshine. Maybe it was Derek. Whatever it was, Derek was glad to see it.

"Working hard or hardly working?" he asked, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

"Both!" she teased. "Trying to enjoy the last of the sun," she explained. "How was practice?"

He shrugged. "A blur. I brought tacos, you hungry?"

"Starving," she smiled.

AN: Hope you enjoyed it!