Dying to get Together

Summary: After a terrifying incident, Natalie's plan for Casey gets the ball rolling.  And it continues on its own momentum.

Disclaimer:  None of these characters are mine, etc.  Also, the idea for this story came from a letter written to this web sight.  I took that idea and look where it got to!  And no, I'm not getting paid, and hopefully not sued. for this story!
Note:  I have used double colons for actions, simply out of habit of role-playing.  Put up with it! ::grins::

Cast:
C - Casey
D - Dan
Da - Dana
N - Natalie
I - Isaac

And now, the play!

(Scene:  Dana is walking to work.  As she passes an alley, a man jumps out and grabs her.  She screams.  The man picks her up by the neck and pins her to the wall.  Several feet in the air. )
MAN: Give me the money, damn it!
Da: ::trembling:: no.
MAN: Need a little more incentive?  I can arrange that.  ::Pulls out a gun and holds it to her head.::
(Dana kicks her legs and connects with his chest.  He falls backward and drops the gun.  She bolts, terrified.)

(Scene:  CSC newsroom.  Dana walks in, trying to look normal.  Her neck is sporting a large, hand-shaped bruise and people are staring at her.  She is too shaken by the incident to notice.)
N: Yo!  Dana!
Da: what?
N: what happened?
Da: Nothing.
N: no, I mean it!
Da: Seriously.  Nothing.  I tripped, that's all.
N: How could you bruise your NECK by falling?
Da: I'm fine.
N: ::uncertainly as walking away:: Okay...

(Scene: Dan and Casey's office. Casey's typing, Dan's putting.)
D: Casey, I've been thinking.
C: 'Bout what?
D: You need a plan.
C: Not THIS again!
D: No, really.  Because you know what today is?
C:::checks calendar:: Our five year, ten month, two week, and one day anniversary?
D: ::rolling eyes:: Funny.  Seriously, Case.
C: Well, it's October eighth, 1999...
D: And what happened a year ago today?
C: What happened on October the eighth, nineteen hundred and ninety-eight -
D: A.D.  You didn't show up 2000 years before the birth of Christ.
C: ::thinking:: oh.  You mean the reception thing?
D: Yeah!
C: So?  Why do I care?
D: Because it was the first day you knew about your competition.
C: My "competition?"
D: "Dan, this is my date, Gordon."  That ring a bell?
C: And once again, I'll ask if there is a POINT to this conversation?
D: Because it's also been almost six months that Dana's been available.
C: And you think I need a plan?
D: Yes.
C: For what?
D: For getting Dana to go out with you.
C: No. No more plans ala Danny.  Last time YOU came up with a plan, Dana was pissed at me, Sally broke up with me because she felt so guilty after Dana confronted her, and Natalie withheld our pants for 7, count 'em, SEVEN shows!
D: So it backfired a little.
C: Yeah.
(Natalie walks in)
N: Hey, Dan, can I talk to Casey alone for a minute?
D: If you can convince him he needs a plan that has not belonged to a defeated general, I will never forget to share ever again.
N: Sure.
D: ::leaves::
C: Okay, Nat, what's up?
N: You should talk to Dana.
C: You know, if you and Danny joined forced -
N: No.  I'm worried about her.
C: ::looking puzzled:: why?
N: Haven't' you seen her yet today?
C: No.  Why?
N: She has a HUGE bruise.  All over her neck.  I asked her about it.
C: And?
N: She said she just tripped.
C: So let me ask, have you explored the possibility that she tripped?
N: Dana doesn't trip.
C: Is it like a rule or something?
N: No...she just...doesn't.
C: So WHY should I talk to Dana?
N: Because you're secretly in love with her.
C: Did I miss a step here?
N: You are!
C: No, I'm not.
N: You know the thing about the two of you is that you deny love with passion.
C: Now what's THAT supposed to mean?
N: It MEANS you should talk to Dana because it would kill three deer with one bow and arrow.
C: "Kill three deer with one bow and arrow"?  Is that some sort of weird Ohioan saying?
N: Not really.  And yeah, three things.  One: You'd be sure she's okay.  Two, you'd be able to finally pursue her in the process.  And three, since this IS a plan of sorts, I'd be able to double Dan's punishment next time he forgets to share!
C: No.
N: Come on, Casey!
C: Why should I?
N: well, I could punish you...
C: Fine!  I get the picture! I'm there!

(Scene: Dana is talking to Jeremy in the edit room when Casey comes in.)
C: Hey, Dana, could I talk to you a sec?
Da: Sure, what's up?
C: Come with me.
::Casey walks to his and Dan's office and Dana follows.  The door is partially shut, but not all the way::
C: Dana, what happened to you?
Da: What do you mean?
C: What I mean is how did you get that bruise in the shape of a hand around your neck?
Da: I tripped.
C: Dana , there is now way you could have gotten that bruise by a non-human.  Who did this to you?
Da: ::sits on couch and lowers head:: You don't want to know.
C: Yes, I do. ::sits on couch next to her:: What happened.
Da: ::is quiet for a second, then looks up at him with slightly teary eyes:: I was walking by that alley on 51st.  You know, but those old buildings? ::Casey nods:: Some guy grabbed me and held me up by the neck.  My feet were DANGLING, Casey.  And he demanded I give him my money.  But I refused and he held a g-gun to my h-h-head. I k-kicked him and got away, but...::breaks into tears.  Casey hugs her:: I-I could've b-been k-k-killed this morning.  I-I mean...
C: ::holding her tight and stroking her hair::Shhh.  It'll be okay...
Da: I...
C: Don't worry about what could've happened.  It didn't', and you're safe now, Dana. ::Hugs her tighter in hopes of consoling her::
::Dana raises her head from Casey's chest and looks up at him.  After a moment, she kisses him on the mouth, a long kiss.  Dan starts in, then leaves, seeing the passionate display. They part, looking shocked::
Da: I'm sorry...I don't know what came over me, I just...
C: It was fine.
::they smile at each other.

(Scene: Dan goes to the conference room where Natalie is setting up for the noon rundown)
D: Natalie, you'll never believe what I just saw.
N: What?
D: I just passed mine and Casey's office.
N: So?  You do that sometimes, Dan.
D: SO Dana and Casey were in there...::pauses for dramatic emphasis::...Kissing.
N: ::incredulously:: KISSING?!
D: Yes.  And now, I don't know what kind of plan that was, but I now must never forget to share again.  After all, a deal's a deal.
N: Dan, that wasn't my plan.
D: It wasn't?
N: I wanted Casey to ask Dana exactly two things: 1) How she got that awful bruise.  And 2) Out to dinner.  Kissing wasn't even mentioned.
D: So I don't owe you anything? Cool.

(Scene: Casey and Dana are still in the office.  Her head is lying on Casey's chest again.  Casey has his arms around her.)
Da: Hey, Casey? What time is it?
C: ::checks watch:: Uh-oh.
Da: What-oh?
C: It's, uh, 12:09.
Da: ::jumps up:: The rundown!
::they dash to the conference room::

(Scene: The conference room.  Everyone is in their places, and staring at Casey's and Dana's chairs, which are empty.)
I: Where the hell are they?
N: I don't know.  It feels wrong to start without -
::Natalie is cut off by Dana and Casey throwing open the door and rushing in.  Everyone stares at them as they sit::
N: - them.
D: Sorry, guys.  Item one!
::everyone looks oddly at her, but the meeting continues as normal::

(Scene: Natalie and Dana are in the editing room.  Dana is at the machine, Natalie sitting on the couch)
N: Can I ask you a question?
Da: Yeah?
N: Why were you and Casey late to rundown?
Da: He was just helping me with something.  We lost track of time.
N: What?  Refining your kissing technique?
Da: Natalie!
N: well, what was he helping you with?
Da: Natalie...I was mugged this morning.
N: ::eyes wide:: WHAT?!?
Da: Some guy wanted my money...held me up by my neck...held me at gunpoint...
N: Oh my God...How'd you get away?
Da: Kicked him in the chest.
N: And what does this have to do with you and Casey locking lips.
Da: ::glares at her:: I got upset, okay?
N: ::raises eyebrows:: Hey, sounds like a perfect strategy to me.
Da: Natalie, I'm not employing a strategy.  It just happened, all right?  And I don't want anybody to know.
N: Then you've got a problem, Dana.
Da: Who'd you tell?
N: Well, in the words of Jeremy, "I told many, many people."
Da: You never learn.
::Dana leaves and goes to Casey's office.  Casey is at his laptop, Dan at the other computer::
Da: Casey!
C: What'd I do?
Da: Dan! Out!
D: Okay, Okay, I get it!::leaves::
C: What, Dana.
Da: You told NATALIE?! Who would ever tell her? Unless they WANT everyone to know!
C: Dana-
Da: You WANTED them to know! God, you're even WORSE than Gordon -
C: ::angrily:: First of all, Don't even compare me to him!  What he did to you was awful and WAY below me.  Secondly, I didn't tell Natalie ANYTHING.  Dan saw us and told her.  He told me just now and I was ready to kill him.  So don't blame ME for this, Dana.  I didn't do anything wrong.
Da: ::remorseful:: I'm - sorry.  I can't believe I assumed that you -
C: Dana, it's okay.  Hell, if I thought you'd told everyone...::lets it hang::
::Dana nods, though still angry at herself::
C: I'll tell you what.  We have our night off next week.  Let me take you to dinner.
Da: Casey-
C: No, really.  Not like a DATE.  Just as friends having a good time.
Da: I- yeah.  With one change.
C: What?
Da: Let's MAKE it a date.
C: Okay, then ::Kisses her passionately::
~END~
�Remembrance�
By Kasey
Summary: Dana and Casey spend their night off together, recalling ironic beginnings and
     even more twisted endings.
Disclaimer: The chars/show/etc. aren�t mine, this particular story is, yada yada blah blah,
       etc.
The Cast:
C = Casey
D = Dan
DW = Dana
N = Natalie
L = Lisa (as in Casey�s ex-wife)
S = Sally
DV = Dave
W = Will
CH = Chris
*Other characters will be used as needed...this IS a flashback story!

And now, the story!

Scene: At the anchor desk, just before a broadcast.
C: You�re sure you don�t need me tomorrow night?
D: Trying to weasel your way out of your night off?
C: Nope, just concerned for you.
D: ::sarcastically:: sure.
Control Room
DV: Two minutes to VTR, three minutes to live.
N: Hey, Casey, I�m gonna need you to stretch a 15 blindrel into a 20 at 64.
C: A 20 to a 64 at 15? Since when do we count in base 4?
N: A 15 to a 64...wait, that can�t be right!
DW: A 15 to a 20 at 64.  What, is your earpiece dislexic?
C: Not unless you SAID it backwards just now.
N: So it�s your hearing?
CH: You can�t have dislexic hearing.
W: You can.
CH: It�s not possible.
W: My SISTER had it.
CH: Your sister who was involved in that drug bust?
DV: Can everyone understand when I say �SHUT UP!�?
::silence::
DV: Roll VTR.
At Desk
So you�re not trying to weasel your way out of your night off?
C: I am not.
D: So what are you doing?
C: Well, I�m getting ready to host a cable sports show, Danny.
D: ::rolls eyes:: I mean tomorrow night.
C: Nothing.
D: Come on, tell me!
DV: In 3...2...1...
C: ::OTA:: Good evening, from New York City, I�m Casey McCall alongside Dan Rydell.  Thos stories plus the approaching final four.  Can the Magic pull a rabit out of a hat and be back in the running?
D: All that and more coming up after this, you�re watching Sports Night on CSC, so don�t change that channel!
DV: We�re out.
Dana�s office
::DW grabs her coat as N passes::
DW: Natalie!
N: Yo!
DW: You�ve got everything under control for tomorrow night, right?
N: yes.  Enjoy your night off.
DW: I will ::Grins::
N: Uh-oh.
DW: What?
N: Who�s the guy?
DW: What guy?
N: Who�re you going out with tomorrow night?
DW: Who said I was going out with anyone?
N: You.
DW: When did I say that?
N: Well, why else would you enjoy your night off so much?
DW: I have plans.
N: What are they?
DW: I�m going to a play and then to dinner.
N: What play?
DW: That new one...�Boston Marriage�...it�s a bit of a drive, but I heard it�s good. ((editorial comment: -----^  he he he....))
N: Cool.  What restaurant are you having dinner at?
DW: Tony Anthony�s.
N: Interesting...
DW: Now what the hell is THAT supposed to mean?
N: Did you ask Casey what he was doing?
DW: No...why do I care about his plans?
N: Amazingly enough, it�s the same thing.
DW: What a coincidence.
N: Great idea! I knew it was a great idea!  Jeremy thought the inside- and outside-linebackers had a better chance together but I KNEW-
DW: Shut up!
N: What?
DW: I mean it!  You say nothing of this to ANYONE, got it?
N: Yeah, yeah.
Scene: Tony Anthony�s.  Dana (dressed in her black Richard Tyler) and Casey are sitting at a table as his beer and her martini arrive.
C: ::noticing Dana�s drink has a lemon twist:: Actually, she asked for an olive instead of a lemon twist, she�s allergic to lemon peels.
::Waiter leaves with Dana�s drink::
DW: ::looks oddly at Casey::
C: What? Is it a crime to keep you from breaking into hives?
::new drink arrives::
DW: Thank you.
::Small pause:
DW: Casey, can I use your phone?
C: Calling Natalie?
DW: I just want to check on something.
C: Imagine my surprise.
DW: Casey-
C: Am I the only one who remembers how nuts your drove Gordon on the �Great Date Disaster�?
DW:  You drove Lisa more-
C: And am I the only one who remembers that not only did Natalie cover a breaking news story, but she was the one to BREAK it?
DW: No, but-
C: So why don�t you just relax and let Nataie do her job?
DW: I will, but first how �bout you give me the damn phone.
::Casey looks a bit hurt but tries to hide it.::
DW: What?
C: I guess I�m just another Gordon to you, huh, dana?
DW: Casey, what are you -
C: Saying the same things to us.  Very nice.
DW: Casey- ::pleading look::
C: ::Holding up hands:: no no, that�s fine. I�m just another lousy boyfriend like all the others...
DW: no, you aren�t.  And okay, so Gordon was the REAL sleazy, slimy, adolescent, oversexed, overpaid blowhole, but not all of my boyfriends were losers.
C: oh, no?  What about the one who sold cocaine out of the back of your car without you knowing?
DW:  okay...so you may have a point...
C: of course, whoever set me and Lise up must�ve been derranged...::stops as Dana punches his shoulder:: Okay, okay...But seriously, Dana, I still remember that...
Flashback sequence
Scene: A college classroom.  There are about 20 kids, including a younger Dana and Casey.  The bell rings and Casey timidly approaches Dana.
C: You�re Dana, right?
DW: Yeah...what�s it to you?
C: well, I was wondering.  I�m going to that party this Saturday and was wondering if you wanted to go with me?
DW: Saturday...I can�t...I have a paper due Monday and I haven�t even started it.
C: ::disappointely:: oh.
DW: But hey, I�ll tell you what.  My best friend was thinking of going, she�d go with you.
C: ::a bit uncertainly:: okay...
DW: ::checks clock:: shit, I�m about to be late for advanced trig...I�ll give you our number tomorrow so you can call her, okay?
C: sure thing ::is left standing as Dana rushes off::
C: <VO> See, Dana? It was you I really wanted!
DW: <VO> Yeah, but it was LISA you really married!
Scene: Dana and Lisa�s apartment, almost four years later.  Dana is putting away groceries as Lisa walks in
L: Hey, Dana, i need to tell you something.
DW: What?
L: It�s about me and Casey...
DW: Oh, did you two break up? I�m so sorry, Lise, I-
L: I�m engaged, Dana.
::Dana gapes at her::
DW: E-Engaged?!
L: Yeah...::Grins::
DW: To who?
L: ::rolling eyes as if Dana�s an idiot:: To Casey!
DW: ::as if she can�t belive it, even though any moron would:: CASEY?!
L: yes.
DW: ::slams cabinet door::You said yes to CASEY?!
L: So what if I did?
DW: YOu�re actually going to get MARRIED?
L: yes.
DW: To CASEY?!
L: Dana, I was kinda hoping your reaction would be a �Hey, Congratulations, Lisa� or something along those lines.
DW: Sorry.  Congrats, Lise. ::deep breath, so you can tell she�s this close to snapping:: So, when�s the big day?
L: We don�t know.  We�re gonna figure it out in a few months...after graduation.
DW: Oh....you know what? I just realized I forgot something I really have to buy...I�ll be back in a few, k, Lisa?
::Dana walks down the street to a lamp store and walks inside::
C:<VO> You bought a lamp?
DW:<VO> I bought a lamp.
C:<VO> Must mean you were pretty upset.
DW:<VO> I�d had a crush on you for over three years...what do you think?
C:<VO> I see your point.
DW<VO> yeah...then you met Danny.
C:<VO> Who would�ve guessed we�d end up as best friends, especially after the way we met...
Scene: A psychiatrist�s office.  Casey walks in.
Receptionist: May I help you?
C: Yes, I�m Casey McCall...I�m supposed to shadow Dr. Bates as the final requirement for my Psych class.
Receptionist: Yes, I see he made a note of it here...Go on ahead through that door, Mr. McCall.
::Casey walks into a room.  Dr. Bates is at a desk::
Bates: YOu must be Casey McCall.
C: Yes, sir. ::they shake hands::
Bates: Good to have you here.  I have a patient coming in about five minutes, and I thought you could just take mental notes?
C: Sure.  What�s the background?
Bates: His brother was killed in a car crash the first night he was off at college.  The brother was drunk, high, and just barely a legal driver.
C: sheesh...
::A youngerish Dan walks in::
Bates: Daniel, how are you?
D: Better...better...
Bates: Good to hear.  Oh, bu the way, this is Casey McCall, he�s shadowing as a requirement for a class, okay?
D: Sure, sounds good to me.
Bates: So, how�ve you been progressing?
D: I dunno...it�s like, i know I personally didn�t cause the accident, but I still feel like i did.  I mean, I�m the reason he started doing drugs and all that in the first place...Sam looked up to me.  And i let him down.
Bates: That�s a normal thing, Dan, but it�s not true.  It wasn�t your fault.  It was Sam�s choice.
C<VO> To this day, he still thinks it�s his fault.
DW:<VO> He feels bad that he was the reason you did Lone Star, too, instead of Late Night...
Scene: A house in Dallas.  Casey and Lisa are in the living room, half-unpacked boxes around them
C: So? What do you think of the house?
L: It�s nice...for being in Texas and on the salary of an anchor of a fifth place sports show...
C: Lisa, would you stop that?!
L: Why�d you turn down Late Night, Case? To protect Danny? You could be a national superstar right now, for God�s sake, ut no, you would rather be a sports caster on a tiny show in Texas no one even knows about!
C: Lisa, I love sports. You know that.  And leave Danny out of it, he doesn�t even know.  He thinks I got turned down.
L: Why didn�t you tell him?
C: Because i don�t want him to turn into YOU and tell me every reason why what I did was stupid.
L: turn into ME?!  At lease HE might talk some sense into you since nothing I say gets through your thick skull!
C: Why would I want it to? All it is is criticism anyway!
::four-year-old Charlie runs in from the hallway, unseen by Lisa and Casey::
L: It�s not criticism, it�s realism!  The show�s not gonna make it and then YOU�LL be out of a job!
C: Oh, and that�s your expertise, since you got fired from the restaurant in college, huh?!
Charlie: Mommy, Daddy, stop it!
::silence as Casey and Lisa turn to stare at Charlie, who bursts into tears::
CHarlie: don�t fight...please don�t yell....
::lisa picks him up and galres at Casey over his head::
L: don�t worry...everything�s okay...let�s go back to bed, okay?::caries him down the hallway to leave Casey standing in the living room::
DW:<VO> Meanwhile, I was producing the other sports show in Dallas.  And you still came after me!  For almost three years you did that!  So when I got the call from Isaac, I figured I�d finally gotten away from you!  I never figured you�d follow me to NYC...
Scene: CSC newroom on the first day of operations.  Dan and Dana are gettng acquainted
DW: So you�re the great Dan Rydell of Lone Star Sports.
D: Yeah.  And I�m even more handsome in person, aren�t I? ::grins and bats his eyes::
DW: ::laughing:: So, who�s your co-anchor?
D: oh, he�s a great guy.  I�ve worked with him before, you�ll like him a lot.
::they reach D/C�s office::
D: ::Calling inside as DW stands just outside the door:: Hey, Case, come meet our producer!
::Casey steps through the door::
DW/C: ::simulatneously:: YOU!
D: You know each other? Cool.  I�ll see you later.  ::Walks off::
DW: I finally got AWAY from you!
C: Oh come on, it�s not like I followed you around like a lost puppy!
DW: Excuse me?
C: Okay, but still.
DW: so you�re STILL following me!
DW:<VO> And that was just the beginning!  As things disintegrated more with you and Lisa, you chased me down more than ever!
Scene: Casey and Lisa�s apartment.  Casey walks in from work.
L: ::excitedly:: Casey, guess what!
C: What?
L: you got an offer!
C: An offer?
L: Out in LA for ABC�s late news show.  We could move out there by next month!
C: Lisa.
L: What?
C: I�m not gonna take it.
L: YOu can�t be serious, Casey.
C: I am.  I�m not going to move cross-country for a job I don�t want.
L: Casey, it�s the number one news program in the COUNTRY< what�s not to want?
C: It�s not sports.
L: Not this again.  You know what, Casey? I�m sick of you thinking of no one but yourself all the time!  Just get out!
C: ::increduously:: What?
L: You heard me.  Get out!
Scene: Casey at a payphone, dialing
DW: ::Groggily answers:: uh...hello?
C: Dana, it�s me...I need a huge favor.
DW: Huh?
C: Lisa kicked me out...Can I-Can I stay over there?
DW: uhhh...I guess...ummm...
C: Thanks, dana, I really appreciate it! ::hangs up::
C:<VO> I really WAS grateful!
DW:<VO> But you also made me take sides and get involved!
C:<VO> Dana, we were two of your three best friends. Yout would�ve had to get involved sometime!
DW:<VO> Maybe, but I didn�t need everyone thinking I�d taken your side!
Scene: Back at restaurant.
C: I never thought that, Dana.  I just thought how lucky I ws to have such a generous, incredible, kind-hearted, smoky friend who-
DW: you�re sucking up, aren�t you?
C: I�m just saying.
DW: Well, thank you.
C: And while we�re on the subject of past memories, there�s something I need to tell you.
DW: What?
C: Ever since I first met you, I�ve loved you.  And maybe I hurt you over the years, but deep down, I alway  loved you.
::They kiss, then look at the TV.  Sports Night�s credits are rolling::
DW: We missed the show.
C: I didn�t miss it. ::They grin at each other.
Scene: the next day, D/C�s office.  Casey walks in, grinning.
C: Good morning, my favorite co-anchor!
D: uh, Case? How was last night?
C: Good.
D: Did Dana wear the black Richard Tyler?
C: Yeah, she - wait.  How�d you know?
D: Natalie.  Now, why didn�t you tell me?
C: Uh...because the last time I told you something, you told Natalie, who not only told Dana and made her mad at me, but also witheld out pants.
D: ::slightly POed:: Casey, I�m your best friend.  I should find these things out from YOU, not from Nat.
C: What do you mean?
D: How many times did Rebecca and I go out?
C: huh?
D: How many times did Rebecca and I go out?
C: Four times, but-
D: What gift did I get her?
C: Antique Abacus from Dang Luck, but-
D: How�d I find out about and Sally?
C: What? Danny-
D: I dragged it out of you after Sally came in and told you she couldn�t find your shirt.
C: And what�s your point?
D: My point is that I tell you everything and you don�t tell me a damn thing!  You didn�t even want to tell me about you and Lise...
Flashback sequence
Scene: D/C�s office.  Dana and Casey walk into the newsroom together and Dan watches.
C: Hi, Dan.
D: Hey, Casey.  Why�d you ocme in with Dana?
C: She gave me a ride.
D: She lives across town from you.
::silence::
D: (Cont.) And I�ve been back from my parent�s for four days, and you�ve come in with her every day.  Why cna�t Lise give you a ride? it�s even on her way!
C: ::quietly looking down:: Because she kicked me out.
D: What?
C: ::looks up:: She kicked me out, Danny.
D: Why?
C: �cause I wouldn�t take an offer from ABC.
::silence::
D: God, Case, I...I mean I...
C: Just  forget it.
D: you want to stay with me or something?
C: probably be best...Dana�s kinda mad I got her involved and whatever...if you don�t mind...
D: No problem.  Just get your stuff from Dana�s whenever...
Back at present.  Dan�s standing facing Casey in their office.
C: sorry.
D: I could punish you for this you know.
C: Go ahead.
D: oh, By the way, we got notives yesterday for the CSC�s annual corporate reception. Tomorrow.
C: And we HAVE to go?
D: Senior staff of every show, plus some VIP�s downstairs.
C: Rebecca?
D: Shut up.
Scene: The newsroom, the next night.  Dan is dressed, Casey is without pants and rushing around frantically.
C: Has anyone seen my pants?
N: no, but I�m seeing something else.
C: What?
CH: well, I see England.
W: It�s France.
N: We all see Casey�s -
C: I�m surrounded by second-graders!
::Dan walks out, twirling Casey�s pants on one finger::
D: Missing something?
::Casey snatches them away and hurridly puts them on, blushing::
D: Maybe now you�ll share.
::Dana walks out, looking amazing as usual::
DW: are we leaving or not?
Jeremy: Just as soon as Casey learns that Dan DOES punish those who do not share.
Scene: The party.  Danaa and Casey are talking when Dana sees a familiar face. Or two.
DW: Damnit.
C: What?
DW: ::points descreetly:: Look.
::Sally�s head towers over the rest of the people::
C: Uh oh.
::Sally sees them and comes over, accompanied by Gordon::
S: Dana, this is my date, Gordon.
DW: ::trying desperately to keep her cool:: Nice to see you again, Gordon.  This is MY date, Casey.
::Sally looks a bit shocked, but covers quickly::
C: So, Sally...who�s covering the 2 A.M.?
S: Wimbledon this week; We�re all off.
C: Ah...uh, dana? Could you help me find Danny for a second?
DW: sure. Nice seeing you guys.
::They make their way across the room::
DW: So, was that as weird for you as it was for me?
C: just a bit.  But we still aren�t having the worst night.
DW: How do you figure?
::Casey points to Dan, who is standing and staring at Rebecca, who is with Steve.  Dana and Casey walk to him::
D: Look at that.  She doesn�t even smile around him.  And he doesn�t listen to a word she says.
DW: Dan...don�t do this.  Did Casey tell you who we saw?
D: no...who?
C: Sally.
DW: Gordon.
D: YOu think they were on a date?
DW: yes.
D: you DO?
C: yes.
D: I totally disagree.  I mean, they were together, big deal.  It�s not like Sally came over to you and said,� Guys, this is my date, Gordon.� I wanna know exactly what she said when she introduced you to him.
DW/C: ::together:: She said ,�Dana, this is my date, Gordon.�
D: Of coures, I could be wrong...But c�mon, guys, don�t worry about it.  I mean, all the sleazebags here deserve each other.
C: What about Rebecca?
D: no.  She deserves better.  And I�ll find a way to give her better than Steve Cisco. Somehow...
Fade out.
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