It's Happening Again

Author's Note:

I do not own Degrassi nor any other pop culture or literary references in this story. This is my first Degrassi fanfiction, and only my second fanfiction ever. I wrote a Harry Potter story in high school, but scrapped it about three quarters of the way through. I feel a bit more inspired with this pairing though, than the one I tried to write for Harry Potter, because Clare and Eli remind me so much of my high school experiences, what with their IMing and sarcastic flirtation. Also, Eli is just delicious, both to watch and to write, so here goes…

Clare was awake much later than usual Tuesday night. It was almost midnight, but she couldn't seem to clear her head enough to fall asleep. After what had felt like hours, she pulled her laptop on to her bed and opened up her instant messenger.

"Of course Eli would still be awake," she said to no one in particular.

Rather than seem to eager, Clare decided to see if he would initiate a conversation. Several minutes passed by, while Clare checked her email, and then finally, he sent her a message.

Eli: Someone's up late.

Clare could feel her shoulders tense up, then release.

Clare: Someone can't sleep, and you're one to talk, night owl much?

Eli: Did you expect any different? I'm always up this late. What's keeping you up?

Clare: Just got a lot on my mind, I guess. Did you finish reading our book for English?

Eli: Ah yes, Their Eyes Were Watching God. Just what every teenage boy wants to read, a story about a woman's tumultuous love life. I finished it this afternoon.

Clare: Good, we're gonna need to shell out our thesis for our essay tomorrow.

Eli: And if I hadn't finished, would you have come up with another clever scheme to meet with me tomorrow?

Clare could picture perfectly the crooked smirk that would have adorned his face, had they been having this conversation in person.

Clare: Ha…ha… What makes you think I don't just want to get the paper done?

Eli: I call 'em like I see 'em. So the dot? After school?

Clare: That'll do. G'night Eli.

Eli: Sweet dreams Clare.

Clare logged off her instant messenger and closed her laptop. She fell asleep, still thinking about that crooked smirk, and how much she looked forward to seeing it in person. Sweet dreams indeed.

The following day in English class…

Clare walked alongside Alli to English, listening to her go on and on about her evening with Drew. They had gone to a movie, and while Alli couldn't tell her a single thing about the plot, she could describe in excruciating detail nearly every feature of Drew's body.

"And then he drove me home, and oh Clare, it was the perfect goodnight kiss, heated, passionate, he had me pressed up to the door…" Alli continued until Clare interrupted her.

"Um, maybe you should slow it down with Drew a little, you haven't exactly been going out that long."

"Uh huh, somehow I think somebody just wishes a certain dark and dreamy hearse-driving somebody had them up against a door," Alli teased as they walked into class.

Clare couldn't help but blush scarlet red at her words. Alli may have been teasing, but she hit the nail on the head. All she could think about lately was that kiss for the Romeo and Juliet project. Sure, she had told Eli she would give him some time, but man, it was tough waiting. Every minute she spent with him was drenched in this romantic tension. Every time he'd smile or rather smirk his crooked grin she could feel her heart start to race. God forbid he actually touch her, she felt like her skin would burst into flames. She caught herself staring at him all the time, and he caught her more times than not. She'd blush and look away, and he'd chuckle and mention it later to make her blush again. How long could this keep going on, seriously? She thought she'd die from the anticipation. Stupid teenage hormones. No, more like stupid teenage boys who exploit them.

Clare sat down in her usual seat, behind Eli and across from Adam. Their little trio. Poor Adam had to be getting sick of her. Despite the fact that she had no problem thinking of Adam as a guy, it was hard not to talk way too much about Eli to him, just because he was always there. Alli didn't hang out with them, so there's only so much she could understand. Besides, she was with Drew all the time, and rather than give insight into Clare's Eli drama, she believed wholeheartedly that Clare should just jump his bones and be done with it. Alli never was one for subtlety.

Adam on the other hand, could give Clare the guy's opinion, but he'd strictly declined doing any more recon for Clare after the whole Romeo & Juliet project. Too awkward, too silly, and just plain too much information than Adam wanted to know about his two new friends.

"Morning gentlemen," Clare chimed as she took her seat.

"So, manage to get some sleep?" asked Eli as he leaned his head back on Clare's desk.

"A bit," she simply replied. He smirked, and raised his head back up as the teacher began outlining their essay requirements. Clare blushed, and Adam just shook his head. It was like this everyday. Clare and Eli danced around the same spot, always flirting, always sarcastic, and never moving forward.

"So how's your paper coming?" Clare inquired to Adam outside her locker once class was over.

"Lame, I can't believe I have to work with Wesley on this paper. It's going to be a nightmare. Why can't she give us another group project?" complained Adam.

"Yeah, he's not exactly the easiest person to work with, he's a little too smart to still be functional, and speak of the devil…" replied Clare.

"Surely you weren't referring to me," answered Eli as he and Wesley both sauntered forward.

"Well if it dresses like death, and it drives a hearse…" teased Clare as Adam and Wesley left to discuss their paper.

"My wardrobe is highly offended, and don't hate on the hearse. It has its advantages."

Clare couldn't help but blush, thinking about what he was implying. She started to walk towards the parking lot. Eli followed closely behind.

"Actually, I was referring to the price, but I suppose the space opens up a lot of options as well, now that you mention it," he said, perfect crooked grin in place.

"I.. I didn't mean…" Clare started.

"So… to the dot?" asked Eli, himself blushing slightly as he opened the car door for me.

"Hmm.. apparently chivalry isn't dead. Yes, sir, to the dot," she replied.

"Righto," he mocked in a fake British accent as he sat down in the driver's seat, and started the car.

Great, Clare thought, my own authentic, sarcastic chauffeur.

So… tell me what you think. I kinda like it so far! Chapter 2 coming soon!