AN's: My first Degrassi/Eclare fic to celebrate the new season. Drabble and total fluff and 100% cliché', but here it is. Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Degrassi or these characters.


It was going on midnight when Clare Edwards realized she'd read the same paragraph three times. She closed the book with a sigh and tossed it on her bedside table.

She couldn't sleep.

How could she? School started again tomorrow.

It had been a nice holiday and she hadn't allowed herself any time to dwell on what had happened at the Frostival.

But now in the stillness of the night, with the next day pending, it was all she could think about.

She smiled to herself, bringing her hand up to touch her lips and remembering the feeling of his.

Even when they weren't together, her feelings for him were always there…she couldn't deny that. She hadn't planned to kiss him, but it was as if everything had been leading up to that moment. Something had come over her, telling her that if she didn't say or do something the moment would pass.

So for once, Clare didn't stop to think.

She had surprised him. She had surprised herself.

A part of her was still afraid that it was too soon. That she'd moved too fast. That he may have a relapse. That he didn't feel the same…

A noise at her window startled her and she sat up, shocked to see Eli crouching in the tree outside. He smiled and gave a little wave. Clare's eyes went wide and she looked frantically at her closed door before standing. She crossed the room; opening her window and helping him climb in.

"Eli…what are you doing here?" She asked in a hushed whisper, looking to her door again. "When did you get back?"

Eli stood with his hands in his pockets, as calm and collected as ever.

"Just this evening," he answered. "I figured you'd still be awake…worrying."

He glanced around her room- at the book on her nightstand and the still made bed. His lips quirked up in a smirk and she huffed, her hands on her hips.

"Why should I be worr-"

She was cut off when he kissed her; slowly at first and then with more passion. She responded immediately, wrapping her arms around him as his hands tangled in her hair. Eli smiled at the feel of her heart beating against his chest- in rhythm with his.

He pulled away.

"You told me to hold my thoughts until after break," he cupped her face in his hands. "Well that was all I thought about and you…you have nothing to worry about."

Clare's breathing was heavy, her mind muddled. She leaned into him, burying her face in his neck.

"Don't let go," she whispered.

Eli held her tight.

"Don't worry," he said, pulling away slightly to look into her eyes. "I'll always hold on."

He rested his forehead against hers.

They both knew there would be more to say, but for now…this was enough.