Author's Note: I'm thinking about making this a series of Eclare one-shots inspired by songs on my iPod or what Pandora plays for me. Each "chapter" will be its own story unless I deem necessary to extend it, most likely based off of your reviews. I won't post lyrics, because the lyrics are like under copyright and such. I don't like getting sued, you know? I will post the song title and respective artist, and then you can look them up if you like and listen to them. I recommend listening to them, because some of the dialogue and lines are parts of the lyrics of the songs, but not in its entirety.

I won't have a set point-of-view for all of them. Some might be Clare, some might be Eli, and some might be third-person. I'll let you know.

All songs used in these one-shots are not owned by me of course, but I am indeed a big fan of them. I also don't own Degrassi or its characters, if you thought I did, then you're just crazy and such.

This is set post "Umbrella" Part 2, and the "Halo" episodes, etc, but doesn't mention or hint from any 2011 promos.

Song: "I Need You" by Relient K

Clare POV:

I had been spending at least one night a week over at Eli's house helping him clean out his room. Ever since he told me about his hoarding issues, I knew that he needed me. It was a feeling I really liked, too. I felt wanted, if not, needed. A feeling I could never get enough of.

Eli had been getting better. He was much more open with me about his issues and the whole Julia thing. Every once in awhile we'd come across something of Julia's and he would have a mini breakdown for a little while. He'd hug me and we'd make it through it… together.

Yesterday, I was over at Eli's. We were going across boxes and boxes of his stuff. We came across an old perfume bottle. It was half used. Eli picked it up and just stared coldly at it. I swear he was about to cry. Once I saw his face, I knew it was Julia's. He looked attached to it. I bet it was her favorite and he can still smell her through it.

"Eli," I said calmly to him.

"Yeah," was all he replied back to me.

"You should really keep that. It's okay to hold onto some stuff. I really think you have a good reason to. You don't have to be afraid to hold on to this part of Julia. She meant the world to you and I don't think you need to just push her out completely. I'm fine with it," I mentioned, honestly.

"Are you sure? I don't want you to feel like I care about her more," he choked out.

"I'm positive, and I know that you still care for me. I'm always here for you. Don't you even forget about it. You know I'm always going to be there for you and that you mean the world to me, Eli."

"That's really great to hear, Clare. I'm glad you'll be here. I know I can trust you," he replied.

"I'm just glad to help you out," I added.

"Clare, I'm going to be completely honest with you. Clare, ever since I met you, I knew that you would be somebody dependable. Lately, these thoughts have become even more certain. You support me and make me such a better person. Since you came into my life, I've improved my grades, been friendlier, and haven't skipped school as often. You're such a positive influence on me. Right now, I need you most. I would never have even thought about cleaning up my room and getting over Julia. You bring a sense of security that only you can give me at this time. I can always go to you with anything. You've learned about how different we are, and you still learn to accept me. You never abandoned me. You're everything I want, and everything I need. I need you," he explained.

I almost went to tears. I was so happy and touched by his words. All I could do was say thank you and give him a hug. After we pulled apart, I could say, "I'm glad to be needed, and I need you, too. You've helped me so much with my parents' divorce. You made me open up about it and let my parents know about my feelings. You've improved my writing…you're just so great, Eli, and I need you, too."

With that he leaned down to me and kissed me passionately. The kiss was innocent, tender, and sweet. After we parted, he gave me a huge smile and leaned down his neck to rest it on my shoulder.

I knew that Eli needed me, and I was glad to be needed. I realized that on our own, we'd be nothing. We had both found a sense of security, protection, and happiness from each other. We both needed one another, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

-Hit? Miss? Too short? OOC? Any ideas? Let me know. Please press that little button there. You know you want to. I'll update when I can. Okay. Hope you liked it.