Author's Note: This fanfic was inspired after I watched the promo for the upcoming Degrassi episodes and the Blink 182 song "Asthenia" . I'm a big Eclare fan so my story is going to focus around them. I do not own the characters or the show Degrassi. I hope you enjoy and comments are always welcomed.

"Things are going to be getting way more difficult," Eli said to his friend.

"I know man, I really dropped it on you. It's going to take some time to process but I swear I'm not going to go back and forth to Gracie anymore. I'm Adam. Always have been, always will be," the boy sitting next to him at the picnic table replied.

"No. It's not that. I mean, that was huge-don't get me wrong- but I'm fine with it. You just have to be yourself. That's what I've always believed in."

Adam adjusted his black skull cap, "then what is it?"

Eli didn't reply but quickly cast his green eyes over to the entrance of Degrassi. Adam followed his gaze trying to figure out who his friend was now staring intently at.

"I don't see them," he said.

"Who?"

"Fitz and Owen. I think they're both still suspended." Adam said wincing as his still bruised back touched the hard wooden table as he leaned back.

"Oh, those morons. No, this thing is far from over with them. What they did to me? What they did to you? Hell, even what they did to Drew. No…suspension was just a slap on the wrist as far as I'm concerned."

Adam put his hand up to shield out the blazing afternoon sun coming down on them.

"Then who are you talking about?"

"Hello…Clare"

Adam shifted up to his elbows, "Dude, you don't have to be such a jerk about it. I was just trying to figure it out."

"No, I mean, Hello. Clare." Eli said pointing towards the girl walking up to them.

"Hello Adam. Eli," Clare said smiling as she approached them. "It's getting pretty hot out here. I think it's going to be a warmer fall this year."

"Yeah," Adam agreed. "And this guy won't stop dressing in all black. I don't know how you aren't out here dying of heat stroke, man."

"I'm fine," Eli replied curtly causing Adam and Clare to exchange a quick glance in between them. They both could sense that comment meant something more than just talking about his choice in apparel.

"So, do you want to come over and work on that new assignment we got in English today? We could stop by The Dot first if you would like. I know I could use some coffee," Clare asked brushing her blonde curls that the breeze had blown into her face.

"Why don't you and Adam go and I'll meet up with you later to work on the assignment?" Eli said standing up and grabbed his backpack of the table. Clare didn't reply to him. She stood still obviously confused by Eli's lack of his usual humor and warmth. Adam cleared his throat trying to break some of the tension away.

"Yeah, I love me some coffee. Let's go Clare," Adam said getting to his feet.

Clare didn't say anything but nodded and slowly followed Adam. Eli took off in the opposite direction. His determination to get away as quickly as possible faltered for a moment because he knew that he had hurt her with his behavior. He turned his head to look behind him. She had turned back to look at him too and when their eyes met he felt his heart clench in his chest. She looked at him with those blue eyes that were beginning to tear up and he couldn't watch anymore. He broke into a light jog leaving his two friends behind. He shoved his other pair of headphones over his ears and turned the music up as loud as it could go.