A/N: I was really bored one night and contemplating Eli's reaction to pretty much everything...
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing. :(
Eli POV
"You'll be doing this project in pairs," the monotone teacher directed. "That I will choose."
Groans echoed around the room, but the replacement teacher ignored them. She picked up a piece of paper with various names on them. I phased out until I heard my name.
"Eli Goldsworthy and KC Guthrie," the teacher called.
A few seconds after the teacher spoke, a shadow appeared on my desk. I looked up to see KC standing there. He wasn't too close that it would be weird, and not too far away that made me think I smelled or something.
"Um, hey," he said carefully.
"Er, right, yeah," I muttered, picking up my books.
We walked over to one of the practical experimenting counters and sat down across from each other. KC awkwardly fiddled with his hoodie sleeve, eyes lowered. I slowly pulled my headphones off my neck and tucked it into my bag.
"Aren't you in Grade 10?" I asked, staring at him.
"Yeah," he said. "I do Grade 11 Science and Maths," KC muttered.
"Oh, right," I said.
CRAP, this kid was a juvenile Einstein. I don't even pay attention in class. For once in my life, I wished I listened to what the teacher said.
"Um, so what do you think we do?" KC asked.
"I like food," I said stupidly, immediately regretting my answer.
"Um, how about how different energy drinks affect different people," KC suggested, blinking.
"Sure, whatever," I mumbled.
"Now what?"
"There's about two minutes until the end of class so I'm not planning on doing anything."
"Alright, whatever."
KC leaned back against the wall beside him, staring out the window. I pursed my lips, stabbing the table with my pencil. After a while, the bell rang and I grabbed my books, sweeping out of the room before KC could say anything smart. I walked to Clare's English class, waiting for her and Alli to get out. Grade 10's streamed out of the door, Alli and Clare last. Clare was struggling her with her books so I skimmed most of them off.
"Hi," she said, smiling.
"Hey. How was English?" I asked, grinning.
"Ugh, boring," she groaned. "How was Science?"
"We're doing a project of our choice," I explained. "In pairs."
"Oh, who are you with?"
"KC Guthrie," I said.
Clare's face paled a little and her smile wavered. She quickly recovered, but I could tell something was wrong. Clare never seemed to have a problem with KC.
"Are you okay?" I asked, wrapping my arm around her tense shoulders.
"Fine," she said, smiling faintly. "Can I go check something?"
"Sure, I'll be waiting with Morty," I said.
Clare smiled at me tightly before disappearing. My eyebrows knitted together in confusion.
"What's with her?" Alli asked.
Huh, I'd almost forgotten she was there. I glanced down at the top of her head.
"No idea," I mumbled.
Clare POV
CRAP! Eli was paired with KC for a Science project! I didn't know this would happen! What it KC spilled about me and him? Eli would never speak to me again!
I ran over to KC's locker, the location I had memorised. Luckily, KC's locker wasn't very far from mine. He was standing there, pushing books away. I skidded to a halt, trying not to crash into him. He turned to me, smiling a little.
"Oh, hey Clare," KC said. "What can I do for you?"
"You're partners with Eli for your science class, aren't you?" I said bluntly.
"You're boyfriend? Yeah, why?"
"Please don't tell him about…us," I said uncomfortably. "Y'know, from before?"
"Oh, right," KC said. "I won't. Don't worry Clare."
"Thank you!" I said, throwing my arms around him, hugging KC tightly.
ELI POV
Clare was taking a while to just check on something. I was sitting in Morty, listening to a Dead Hand album. Sighing, I got out, leaving the music playing. Walking in, I went to Clare's locker, looking around. Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw Clare's curly hair. Around the corner, I saw Clare hugging someone.
KC?
CLARE POV
I quickly let go of KC, blushing furiously. He was staring at me weird, like I had grown a unicorn head. Oops.
"Um, sorry," I said, stepping back.
"It's okay," he said, smiling tightly. "I guess I understand you wanted to keep that under wraps. I'll be quiet."
"Thanks, KC," I said genuinely. "You have no idea what Eli means to me."
KC shook his head and nudged my shoulder with his arm.
"He's probably waiting for you," he shrugged.
"Alright, I owe you one," I said. "See ya tomorrow."
"Tomorrow's Saturday, Clare," KC rolled his eyes.
"Oh, right," I said, blushing. "See you on Monday."
"Okay."
I hurried around the corner, my bag bumping against my back when I ran into Eli. He had a look of confusion and hurt on his face.
"Er, Eli," I said awkwardly.
"What was all that about?" he asked, his brow furrowed.
"I just had to ask KC a favour," I mumbled uneasily.
"So that favour was so important it deserved a hug?"
"Eli, you know KC and I are just friends," I said in a pleading voice.
"What was the favour?" Eli asked.
"I… can't tell you," I said, ashamed. "Nothing is weird, I swear!"
"Okay," Eli said, smiling at me.
"Hey guys!" Adam said, coming out of nowhere. "Do you want to go to the Dot?"
"Sure," I said.
"What the hell," Eli shrugged.
"Do you mind if Drew and some of his friends come?" Adam said. "Like KC or Dave or whatever?"
I blanched but hid it quite nicely. It worried me that I was becoming so good at lying. I don't think lying is a sin, unless it would seriously injure someone, right?
"It's okay," I said, clenching my teeth.
Eli shrugged again, obviously not worried by KC. I gnawed on the inside of my cheek until Eli kissed my forehead. I smiled up at him as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders.
"Come on!" Adam whined. "I'll go with you guys and Drew and KC will meet us there."
"Stop your whining," I said, hugging Adam quickly.
"Fine, I'm not paying though," he said, grinning. "Eli can."
"When did I agree-" Eli protested.
I rolled my eyes and gave him my best puppy eyes. Eli looked down and sighed.
"Not fair with your advantage, Clare!" he groaned.
"You are so whipped!" Adam yelled, laughing.
Everyone that was around us looked at Eli, smiling a little. There was a moment of complete quiet. I picked at my sleeve. Eli's arm slackened around my shoulders. Adam stood, staring at a weed growing through the asphalt. Who would have though something so tiny was so strong, I thought absently.
"Can we go get some food now?" Adam said, breaking the silence.