Okay, this is one of the stories I promised my readers about! In my story, Eli is 21 and Clare is 19-turning-20-soon. They both go to university and live together in an apartment. They've been dating since the Vegas Dance (Clare forgave Eli), Clare's parents stayed together and Eli only has a mom named Eva. Inspiration for this puppy chapter came from a picture I found. The pink to that picture is on my profile page, so check it out before you read this so you can see what kind of puppy I'm talking about. Okay, no more talking from me, on with the show!

Disclaimer: I do not own Degrassi because if I did my FF would actually happen (:

Clare opened her purse and fished around for her key. She was completely worn out from having a full day of classes at the University of Toronto and was looking forward to relaxing, taking a warm bath and reading a book. This didn't sound very fun, but to Clare it was the perfect way of spending the evening after a day filled with exams, projects and work. She found her key and used it to unlock the door and let herself inside the small, cozy apartment she shared with Eli. She was facing the door while locking it and didn't notice the little bundle squirming in the blanket that Eli was holding.

"Eli, I'm home! I had the worst day ever…" she yelled, thinking he was in another room. She pulled her flats off and squealed when she had turned and faced Eli.

"Ohmigosh! A puppy!" she squealed, running towards Eli and taking the tiny wiggling black puppy from his arms. She giggled when the puppy licked her face enthusiastically, but then immediately looked at Eli, her smile sliding off her face.

"W-why do you have a puppy?" She asked, wondering what could possess Eli to get something as cute and fluffy as it. She had already asked Eli multiple times if they could get a pet and his answer had always been a firm "no".

"I was driving home from work and a little kid was sitting in front of his house holding a box, gazing into it sadly. I stopped, don't ask me why, and he told me his dog had just had puppies but he wasn't allowed to keep them." Eli said, trying to explain.

"Yes, but that doesn't tell me why you, out of all people, would feel sad for those puppies and want to take one home," Clare stated, still as confused as before.

"I have no idea, but I think it could be the look this little guy gave me," he said pointing to the dog she was holding. "Anyways, he was the only black one so of course I had to take him. Consider it an early birthday present."

Clare looked at the puppy, who was staring back almost sadly, as if he was pleading her to keep him. She smiled hugely, put the puppy on the couch and wrapped her arms around Eli, giving him an enthusiastic kiss. The kiss then deepened, getting serious. Eli wrapped his arms around Clare's waist, pulling her closer. They suddenly broke apart quickly when the loud bark of the puppy scared them. The little dog sat, looking up at them and wanting attention. Clare laughed and Eli picked the puppy up and faced Clare.

"So what are we gonna name him?"

"Hmmmm… How about Shadow?" she suggested.

"Wow, Saint Clare suggesting a rather dark name for her pet. It must be the influence I have over you," Eli smirked.

"I guess living with you isn't such a good idea if I'm going to go over to the dark side," she responded sarcastically.

"Ouch. Well we wouldn't be able to do this if you left this apparent dark side," he said, wrapping his arms softly around her waist and pulling her closer, leaning in. She wrapped her arms around his neck and slid her fingers through his dark brown hair, pulling his face to hers. They stood there for a while, ocean-blue eyes staring into emerald-green eyes, with their noses touching. It was peaceful and calming, and Clare forgot about everything as she lost herself in his eyes. Slowly, Eli closed the distance between them and placed his lips over her pink ones. He kissed her gently, but his kiss was filled with emotion and love. They stayed like that for a while, just enjoying how good it felt to be wrapped in each other's arms.

The peacefulness dissolved as Shadow started barking, and they laughed and let each other go.

"Well if I get this cute puppy as an early birthday gift, I really can't wait till it's my actual birthday!" she joked.

Eli smirked, but inside he was excited and nervous. She had no idea what he was planning to do on her birthday, and he hoped it stayed that way. Because her 20th birthday was going to be one she never forgot.

Did you like that? I had to make it sort of short because the next chapter will probably be her birthday and I'm hoping that one will be super long. Any suggestions, comments, reviews? Please send anything because I enjoy getting feedback as it inspires me and helps me write my stories. 3

Poll: For Clare's birthday, should it be an elaborate surprise party or a cute and cozy dinner with just Eli and her?