Just for the record, I don't own Degrassi in any way, shape, or form.

Set just before Weddings, Parties, and Anything;

Part 1: Crush

Ellie Nash ran a hand through her long red hair as she lounged on the couch in the garage that Downtown Sasquatch practiced in, watching Marco set up his guitar and waiting for the remaining band members to arrive. Marco finally got the guitar set up and set it gingerly down before making his way to the couch. Ellie moved her feet for Marco to plop down beside her before replacing her feet in his lap. "Why are the guys always so late?" Marco mused. Ellie laughed slightly and shrugged.

"Maybe they have better things to do?" She turned her head and distantly gazed at the ground, fidgeting with her fingers.

"El, what's wrong?" Marco asked, throwing his best friend a concerned glance. Ellie smiled weakly and shrugged, no happiness ever reaching her eyes. "Don't tell me: guy problems. Wait, let me rephrase that: Craig problems."

"Whatever Marco, I don't know what you're talking about." She looked away quickly, too quickly; it gave her away.

"El, it's pretty obvious. Every time Craig talks, your face lights up, and you give him these goo-goo eyes. I'm surprised I haven't seen any drool dripping from your mouth." Marco made a funny face and pretended to wipe saliva from his mouth, eliciting a real laugh from Ellie, the first real laugh he'd heard from her all week.

"Okay, so maybe I like Craig a little, but it's not like I could ever tell him that."

"Why not?"

Ellie sighed. "Because he would never wanna be with someone like me. I'm just a freak."

"El, you're amazing. You're beautiful and sweet, and Craig Manning would be the luckiest guy on the planet if he were with you." Marco took Ellie's hand in his own and gave it a squeeze for support. Ellie smiled and nodded. Just then Jimmy and Craig entered into the garage.

"Aw did we miss a Marco/Ellie moment?" Jimmy asked. The two just smiled and said nothing.

"Come on guys, we've got to get practicing. Downtown Sasquatch has a gig coming up soon, and we need to be ready." Ellie swallowed hard as his voice spoke, rhythmically as if music was always in him. Craig Manning smiled at Ellie as he walked towards the couch, guitar in hand. He held out his other hand to her. She took it, trying to keep a calm composure as she felt a shock of electricity flood her body. She stared into his eyes for a moment, a lazy grin appearing on her face.

"Whatever you say," she told him. She was counting the seconds their hands were intertwined. 1…2…3…and then it was gone. And she was left wondering whether Craig had felt the electricity too. Ellie turned and sighed to herself before taking her place at the drums.

"Okay guys," Craig started, taking his place in the front, "1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4!"

Ellie sighed as she opened her locker to get her bag. School had been a slow, boring day, one that had dragged on painfully for all those involved. But at least it was Friday. She couldn't wait to meet up with Marco and discuss their weekend plans. She needed a fun, refreshing weekend. She thrust her bag on her shoulder and slammed her locker, only to find Craig Manning leaning up against the next locker, looking at her. "Hey Craig," Ellie said.

"Hey El, listen I just wanted to say that you were awesome on the drums yesterday at practice." Ellie laughed as she and Craig walked in step down the hallway.

"Craig you don't have to lie to me. You can be honest. I know I'm not the best drummer. I'm no Spinner."

"Hey El, you being no Spinner is a good thing. We don't need someone like Spinner. We need someone like you. And you are awesome on the drums. I would never lie to you El. NEVER, got it ok?" Ellie smiled and looked down, fighting the urge to lean into him.

"So what is the great Craig Manning doing over the weekend?"

"Nothing really. Probably just practicing with the band and writing some music stuff."

"Craig do you ever stop doing stuff for the band?" She laughed.

"I just love it so much you know. Music is my passion."

"I understand. And it should be Craig. You are an amazing musician. I have no doubt that you're going to be famous." Craig stopped and looked at her, a smile on his face.

"Do you really mean that?"

"Of course I do, and when you do become famous, don't forget all the little people like me." She laughed and he laughed, before his face grew serious.

"I could never forget you Ellie." He hugged her. "Okay, I'll see you at practice El. Don't do anything drastic over the weekend. Can't have my best drummer hurting her drumming hands." She smirked as he continued past the doors and around the corner. Ellie just stood there replaying that last comment in her head. I could never forget you Ellie. I could never forget you Ellie. I could never forget you Ellie. She opened the door and found Marco waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. She sat down next to him, a hazy look across her face.

"Woah, what happened to you? Did Craig do something that was absolutely amazing?" He chuckled and added dramatic flair to the last part. She rolled her eyes and playfully pushed Marco before laying her head on his shoulder.

"Only make me want him more."

It was official: She was falling in love with Craig Manning