This is a reminder that this was before I watched the finale and it's what I thought was going to happen based on the Promos. Thanks. xoxoxo

Chapter 1

"You have pretty eyes," those were the words that started it all for Clare. The words that made her heart flutter in her chest, helplessly frantic to escape the cage of her ribs and fly to the sun. Yep, that was how Eli made her feel; every look, every smirk, every day. Now, as she walked hand in hand with him to English class, she felt the electricity flowing through the veins in her arm. Eli stopped just outside the doorway and shoved his hands anxiously into his jean pockets.

"Listen Clare," He started, "I was just wondering, you know the dance is coming up and, I- I was thinking- do you want to go to it with me?" He shrugged his shoulders, dark eyes staring into Clare's.

Clare giggled, going pink, "Of course, Eli." His smile was so bright Clare couldn't help but giggle more. Leaning in, Eli kissed her sweetly effectively taking her breath away.

"Seriously, you guys? Get a room!" Adam groaned, playfully punching Eli in the shoulder. Eli pulled away and stared unabashedly at Clare as if she was the only person in the world. Clare, meanwhile, blushed ear to ear but returned Eli's gaze. Adam rolled his eyes, "I swear, I almost liked it better when you two weren't talking. At least then I didn't feel like a third wheel. I mean, really! Haven't you heard that kissing in front of the loveless is just cruel?"

Eli laughed and patted Adam on the head, "We'll find you someone, my friend."

"Hey, look who it is. The Freaks!" Fitz pushed in-between Eli and Adam on his way into the room, successfully slamming both of them into either side of the door jam. The fire started in Eli's eyes as he started after Fitz.

Clare cut in, pushing both hands against Eli's chest. "He's not worth it, Eli! Stop!" Clare watched as Eli struggled to rein in his temper. Shrugging his backpack over his shoulder once again, he put a hand to the arm that got hurt.

"You okay?" He asked Adam who wordlessly nodded, still glaring after Fitz. Fitz's violence towards both Eli and Adam had grown over the last few weeks. Each time Clare had been able to stop Eli before he had the chance to do something stupid, but she worried that one day even she wouldn't be able to keep him from snapping. Together, the three of them silently entered the class.

"Today we're starting a new group project for short stories," Mrs. Kwan addressed the class. "You will choose one story from the list and write a personal response on the piece. Your partner will be your editor and someone you can bounce ideas off of. I want groups of two, preferably one boy and one girl."

Clare tapped Eli on his shoulder, claiming him as her partner as always. Mrs. Kwan had noticed the exchange "Not so fast Miss. Edwards. I will be picking the partners this time."

Eli shrugged helplessly as Clare pouted in her desk. Mrs. Kwan began listing off pairs, each followed by either a hushed "Yes!" or a disappointed groan. "Adam Torres and Fiona Coyne," Adam's head jerked nervously in Fiona's direction. She smiled warmly and gave a small wave that Adam shyly returned.

Eli smirked, "Looks like you won't need us to hook you up for the dance. You're doing fine on your own!" He laughed but his chuckle turned into a choked cough as the teacher called the next set of names.

"Eli Goldsworthy and Bianca De Sousa."

Bianca levelled a disgusted glare at Eli and his skin paled a few shades. Adam laughed at Eli's face. Mrs. Kwan continued, "Hmm, who do we have left? Ah, yes! Clare Edwards and Mark Fitzgerald."

Clare felt her eyes go wide. "Fitz?" She whispered. Eli grew ridged in his seat. Clare's gaze shot towards Fitz. He had no visible reaction; he just slouched in his desk, eyes trained on the open notebook on his desk. Eli turned abruptly and clutched Clare's hand tightly within his own.

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"I'm sure it'll be fine, Eli. Just relax."

"How can I relax? My girlfriend is entering the house of my brutal arch-enemy and may or may not make it out alive. Does that give you reasons to relax?" Eli paced beside Morty, clenching and unclenching his fists as he spoke.

Clare narrowed her eyes, "Now you're just being dramatic. It's an English project, not a ransom. It's a house, not a dungeon. I need a good grade on this assignment and you need to worry about how you're going to work with Bianca. I can take care of myself. You can trust me." Eli stopped pacing, gripped Clare's arms and searched her eyes. Slowly, he bent and his lips grazed against hers. Clare shivered.

"I do trust you; it's him I don't trust." Eli said.

"Well, you're just going to have to let me go. There's no avoiding it."

Eli spoke through clenched teeth. "Fine, let's go."

The ride to Fitz's house in Morty was silent and tense. When they finally made it, Eli gave Clare a small kiss on the cheek before driving away. The house looked normal enough, yet Clare still felt nerves rising within her. Taking a deep breath, Clare climbed the steps and knocked on the door. Her hands shook in anticipation.

Fitz answered the door. "Hey Clare, Come on in," He smiled.

What's this? Clare thought, Fitz smiling? There is a first for everything.

The house seemed fairly clean, but it was hard for Clare to tell because every door was closed, as if each hid a different secret. While the venue seemed normal enough, Clare had a bad feeling, as if the walls had seen and heard things she couldn't even imagine. "Is anyone home?" she asked.

"Nah," Fitz looked almost relieved, "both of the rents are out all day. Probably all night too, but I don't think this will take that long."