AN: Ok, i think i owe you guys a little explanation with this one. I'm supposed to be working on my other story, (the northern - read it!) but this popped into my head and i had to get it down on paper. Anyways Logan is a made up character but obviously i modeled him after Logan Lerman specifically for Aislinn Paul. Please don't hate me right now! It'll all work out in the end! maybe...

Chapter 1- The Lightning Thief

"Clare, no matter how many Twilight movies you make me watch, or Fortnight books you make me read, I will never fathom your attraction to broody men who sparkle and want to suck your blood."

I laughed at Eli's facial expression. He looked like he had just drunk a gallon of pure lemon juice. As if to make his point clearer, he held the book-in-question at arm's length like it was a dead animal. Clearly, he didn't consider himself a "broody" man, so he couldn't quite relate to the irony of that statement. I could. He looked at me strangely as I continued to giggle helplessly. Yup, I was losing it. It's gotten to the point where I have absolutely no idea why we broke up. Yeah, there were those few awkward weeks after he ended it (with no explanation, I might add!) but things have basically gone back to normal. We hang out, we laugh, and we're basically inseparable. There's been some shameless flirting on my part (and maybe his…), there's been some unbearably close moments, but nothing's gotten further than that. And it breaks my heart. I still lo- like him, so much. I just don't understand why he did it.

I was angry for a while; at myself and at him. I wished he could somehow see me cry myself to sleep, just to make him feel guilty. I wished I could've slapped him the minute he said the words instead of running away; which is what I did. I couldn't let him see me cry. Damn you, pride! I heard him calling me back, I heard his hurried footsteps on the floor as he ran after me, and then…he stopped. He stopped calling my name, he stopped chasing me, and he gave up on me. I didn't look back. There's been something different about Eli since that day, too. He's been quieter; more thoughtful. And sometimes, when he's looking at me, he has that look. Maybe he regretted breaking up with me. Maybe that's just my wishful thinking.

"What's so funny, Edwards?" He asked, eyebrow cocked, smirk solidly on his lips. I looked up to his eyes and my laugh died solemnly in my throat. Oh, how I missed those eyes. Eli was always good a hiding his emotions, but he could never hide his eyes. Somehow, that special shade of green managed to sparkle and laugh. Eyes are said to be the windows to the soul, and because of Eli, I believe it. Shoot! Stop it! I told myself. I had made a point of avoiding his eyes for a while now. It hurt too much.

Looking at the floor, I closed my locker. "Nothing…" I managed to mumble weakly. I felt the sting of tears pierce my eyes. Ahh, this is useless! I need to get over Eli, now. I shuffled away from the wall of lockers and Eli followed, Fortnight tucked under his arm.

"Clare? Are you okay?" He asked quietly, like he cared. No, I'm not okay, I wanted to shout. Yeah, the 'getting over him' thing wasn't working out so well; I was still a little touchy.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I shuffled a little faster. I just wanted to be away from him right now. The faster I get to chemistry, the better.

"Look Clare," I hazarded a glance up at him. He was staring at the floor too, "I've been meaning to explain something for a while now and-"

"Oof!" Walking down a crowded hallway with one's head down was a bad idea. I collided with an opposing force and my books went scattering across the floor.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" I stumbled as I knelt down to start picking up the books. I was vaguely aware of the other person stooping to do the same thing.

"That's okay. Guess I shouldn't be walking with my head down," The mystery boy said with a chuckle.

One of his hands grazed mine as I looked up, "Yeah, that goes for me-" I stopped in mid-sentence. An inch away from my face was a stranger. He had dark brown hair that was splayed carelessly across his forehead and the most wonderful blue eyes I had ever seen. They contrasted brightly with his red uniform. "too," I finished breathlessly. We both laughed nervously as we both stood up, books in hand.

"Has anyone ever told you," the strange boy started, "that you have ridiculously beautiful eyes?"

I giggled and blushed, sending a sly, sidelong glance at Eli, "I might have heard something like it before." Eli's expression was stony, studying the newcomer like a science project.

"Well, you probably don't hear it enough. I'm Logan," He held out his hand casually and I took it.

"Clare," was all I could manage. He lifted my hand delicately to his lips. I felt my cheeks burn with blush. I hoped I didn't look like an idiot. I heard Eli clear his throat beside me and I rushed to make up for my rudeness. "And this is Eli."

Eli shook Logan's hand firmly, dumb men and their posturing. "So Logan," He began coldly, "haven't seen you around much, are you new?"

Logan's grin was friendly, and wow, did he have a nice smile! "Yeah, just started today," He looked down and saw the book in Eli's hand. "Fortnight? Nice, dude." Eli might as well have growled. Logan's expression grew serious, "Umm, if you don't mind me asking, are you two dating?"

Eli was caught off guard, "Ahhhhh-"

"Nope," I might have spoken a little fast for Logan's grin widened and Eli scowled. I blushed even more.

"Well, in that case I'll see you later; can't be late for my first class. Bye Clare. Eli." Logan's eyes didn't leave mine until he turned and made his way down the corridor. I could feel the ludicrous smile plastered on my face.

"What were you going to say, Eli?" I asked, although I wasn't really paying attention.

"Nothing," He mumbled to the floor, "I'll see you later, Clare." With that he started making his way to his next class.

I smiled to myself, head still in the clouds. Maybe getting over Eli won't be so hard after all.