Disclaimer: I do not own Degrassi, Eli or Clare. I just love the couple.

Summary: Different Ending to the scene in Better Off Alone where Eli IMs Clare even though I know it will be done may be a bit OOC, but it worked in this and we haven't seen to much of him yet so maybe it isn't OOC. Oh this is a ONE SHOT unless I get reviews asking for more.

Frustration was emanating from the tawny shoulder length haired girl. In all her years of school nothing had irritated her more then this English class, more specifically the latest assignment. How could her teacher say that her writing was impersonal. Ok sure, maybe the past pieces weren't as detailed as before, but she couldn't "hide" as her teacher had said behind vampire fiction anymore. Not to mention the fighting that seemed to surround her every time she stepped into her own home. As if on cue the voices of her parents grew louder, they were arguing again and apparently heading in her direction. Staring at the word document in front of her Clare once again deleted the mediocre story. She needed an escape, an escape from her parents and their issues, and the blank screen in front of her that seemed to mock her with each passing minute. As if on cue the small IM screen popped up, and with it the first smile Clare had had since arriving home.

The message was from Eli " More Public Embarrassment Tonight?"

Her smile turned into a smirk as she quickly replied " Is that an invitation?" She didn't know why but around him she acted with more bravery then normal.

Almost immediately his answer appeared on the screen " Do you want it to be?" She let a little giggle escape her lips at the response, it was a typical Eli answer. She could almost see his eyebrows lift up and disappear under his long dark chocolate colored hair as one corner of his lips quirked up into a smirk.

Pausing for a moment Clare wasn't sure how to respond. Did she want to get out… more then anything, but could she was the question. Just as she was leaning towards saying no to his very appealing proposal, she did have a paper to write after all, the voices grew even louder then before and crushed the happy oblivious bubble she had been in. Without another thought she typed a simple "Yes" back.

It seemed like forever for his response, she guessed he was not expecting her to agree so quickly. That idea alone made her fill with even more courage, she had thrown him off. She didn't think that was entirely possible to do, after all she had ditched with him. Yes they had ended up trying to finish her assignment but still. When he finally did reply it wasn't a question on what she wanted to do but a statement " Meet me at the schools parking lot in 30 minutes." Quickly her mind thought about her parents plans for the night. Her dad was going back to the office and her mom had a function to go to, listening for a few minutes she heard the door behind her slam two separate times. She was home free and was going to use it to her advantage, for once she was going to act like a normal teen. Agreeing she signed off the IM and focused on the blank document in front of her again but this time with the smirk still on her face. Giving into her sudden inspiration, she let another one of her vampire stories fill the page. The words just seemed to pore out of her now and she couldn't stop it. Except now the vampire in her mind wasn't the dirty blond hair and blue eyes of Declan but the dark brown almost black hair and hazel eyes of Eli. Before she knew it she only had 15 minutes to get to the school. So after brushing her hair and grabbing a jacket Clare was out the door.

Walking up to the parking lot Clare had to keep herself from running toward the dark black mass that she knew was Eli's hearse. Even though it was a warm autumn night a sudden shiver had her clinching at her light jacket. Once she got to the over sized car she saw Eli laying on the hood. His right arm was between his head and the windshield and his eyes were closed, he had his huge head phones on and Clare guessed he wasn't really paying attention to the world around him. Feeling brave once more she let her eyes skim his body. He wore black pants that fit him perfectly without being to tight and she could see the chain from his wallet shine in the moon light. Underneath his black jacket, he was wearing the usual black t shirt. She never fully got why he wore only black but she couldn't deny that he looked good. Breaking eye contact with his body she felt that her cheeks had heated up. So after taking a few deep breathes and hoping her face looked normal again she reached out and gently shook his shoulder.

Slowly he opened his eyes and let them adjust to the lack of light. Without getting up he locked his hazel orbs onto her blue ones and gave her that one sided smirk she had been thinking about not even an hour before.

"Hey, you actually came." His voice was soft, like he had just woken up but she could still hear the sarcasm underneath.

" How is it you can still doubt me." Without realizing it she had lowered her voice to match his and with it leaned closer to him so he could hear her.

"Well you're a complicated girl Clare Edwards." His sarcasm was even thicker but what caught her really off guard was the that his face was suddenly much closer to hers. He had changed positions as he was speaking, propping his body up onto his elbows.

"Wow thanks," her voice now had an edge of its own, "If all you are going to do is make fun of me I think I'll be leaving." With a fake frown Clare started to walk away.

But she only got a few steps before a cool hand wrapped around her wrist and spun her back around. The power of the spin made the two teens chests collide and knocked Clare off balance, sending her backwards. Closing her eyes she waited for the pain that would accompany her hitting the parking lot but it never came. Instead the hand that had been around her wrist looped around her waist. Still shocked but Eli's save Clare opened her eyes and suddenly felt as if she was in one of her vampire tales. Where the handsome loner boy saves the young main character after an embarrassing moment.

Helping her to a standing position once more, Clares mind flashed back to the memory of them standing by the tree earlier that day, when they had almost kissed. Her body seemed to respond to just the mere memory of it. The feelings only increased when she noticed that his arms were still firmly around her waist. The chemistry between them had her mind racing and her body shivering even more.

Clearing her throat she spoke once more her voice now back to the breathy whisper it was when she had awaken him minutes before, "So what are we doing tonight, what public embarrassment do you have in store for me?"

Seeing she was still shaken up Eli responded with a serious tone, loosening his grip on her waist to give her some space but not fully letting go, " I didn't really have anything in mind I just thought you may want to get out of your house."

Her heart raced by the sweet sediment, and the fact that he didn't go into details. Truth be told she had forgotten about her parents since she had seen him laying on the hood of his car. Unlike before though, even after he mentioned her parents her good mood didn't waver. Sighing one hand went up to her hair to push it back into place as the other loosened his grip on her waist and replaced her hand in his. His eyes flashed with some emotion, whether it was shock, excitement or both she didn't know.

"Can we just hang here, let me clear my mind?" Her blue eyes pleaded for him to agree.

Not missing a beat Eli gripped her hand a bit tighter as he walked back to his faithful hearse. Sliding onto the hood once more he pulled her up, never letting her hand leave his.

Looking in his eyes Clare felt safe, and she wanted to laugh at how cliché that sounded. Not only was her writing lacking personality so was her own feelings He didn't say a word just let his thumb draw designs on the inside of her palm. She knew he was waiting for her to pick a topic and he would follow her lead. Smiling she pulled them both down so they were laying on the hood side by side, once again and not knowing what to say really. Deciding she wanted to focus on anything but herself or her family she asked

" So what were you listening to when I got here?" It wasn't a particularly interesting question but it sent him into a mini monologue that let her just relax and laugh

A few hours later they were still lying on the hood of his beloved hearse but two things had changed. One, was that she was laughing so hard she was crying. It had started when he had mentioned one of his favorite bands was 30 Seconds to Mars, and then finding out not only did she not listen to them but had never even heard of them. The other was he had his left arm under her head and she was holding his left hand with her own as they laid next to each other. The sides of their bodies touching leaving no gap.

"Ok fine if it will get you off my back how about you lend me their CDs and I'll listen to them for myself." She replied abruptly ending his current rant on the subject.

Leaning up onto his left elbow he hovered above her with a strange look in his eyes. "You are only saying that to shut me up aren't you." His voice was still sweet but he tried to add in a tough edge to it, but Clare could see through that.

Stifling another laugh she looked him dead in the eyes, "No why would you say that." The overly sweet tone of her voice showed him he was indeed correct and now he wanted her to admit it to.

"Oh come on admit it you just want me to stop ranting because you know I am right." His one sided smirk was a full blown smile now and it gave him away.

"Nope." Was her simple answer.

Having no other choice he released her hand and started tickling her sides, keeping himself propped up by his knees on one side of her.

"Say it." He repeated.

Clare was gasping for air in between the fits of laugher, but still refused shaking her head.

"Say it." He said once again this time laughing with her.

The need for air was getting to strong. Hating that she was going to have to surrender she let out a quick answer of, "Fine you're right."

His fingers stopped and he moved his hands onto either side of her head. As he hovered above her he couldn't help but notice how free and happy she looked. Her cheeks were bright red and her hair was messed up from moving around when she was laughing. She was gorgeous and sweet, and she was hanging with him. That meant a lot to him, even more then he would ever admit. "Now was that so hard?" His one sided smirk returned.

Looking up at him, Claire loved that she could see his full face. His bangs were hanging down towards her and didn't hide anything. Looking into his hazel eyes though, she could still see that there was something locked inside. It was his closeness though that made her take in the position they were in. Suddenly her eyes locked onto his lips and it was like gravity was pulling her to him.

Letting her arms snake around his neck she lowered his lips to hers. Her lips moved slowly against his not asking for much, and after a few moments he eagerly responded. They found a rhythm and soon the kiss heated up, the electricity she felt around him seemed to surround them now egging them on. Her hands wound into his soft hair combing through it or spinning it into her fingers. His slide up and down her sides stopping just below her breasts and just above her hips, he didn't want to scare her off.

After a few minutes Eli pulled back smiling surprised she was the one to make the first move. As he tried to catch his breathe, he watched as her entire upper body seemed to move as she did the same, he couldn't help but give her one more quick peck on the lips. Breaking the kiss once move he pulled them both up so they could sit.

"Wow." Clare's mind was swimming and she ducked her head in embarrassment when she realized what she had just said.

Laughing at how she could go from being daring enough to kiss him one second to being embarrassed about it the next he reached up and placed his hand under her chin. Pushing her head up enough so he could lock eyes with her, he spoke in a voice you would use for a scared child " It's ok. You don't have to be embarrassed about that kiss. I'm not going to laugh at you,… not when I liked it a lot to." He smiled a genuine smile to prove his point, as his eyes never left hers.

Sighing in relief, Claire's pulse slowed down and she couldn't help but let a goofy smile slide onto her face as she asked, "Really?"

Laughing Eli just wrapped his arms around her instead of replying. Melting into him she lat her arms once again go around his neck. She felt so good in his arms. She hadn't felt this safe since….. well since K.C. It scared her that she felt this safe, this quick with a guy, but she didn't want to over analyze this anymore.

After a minute, they reluctantly pulled apart. Knowing that she couldn't deal with having her heart played with again Clare had to ask a question that could drive him away, though she hoped it wouldn't.

" Ummmm Eli, so you… you like me right?" She couldn't look him in the eyes instead she watched her hands play with her jacket.

Chuckling he replied as he grabbed her hands yet again, "Clare do you think I would kiss you like that if I didn't?"

She smiled in spite of herself at him using a question to answer a question like he had done earlier that night on IM. The next part was even harder so her eyes stayed put on her hands interlaced with his. She wanted to memorize this and the feelings that came with it. Incase this was the last time it ever happened. " So does that mean… I mean are we…?"

"Are you asking if this means we are together?" He finished for her.

"Yea." Was all she could manage finally looking up, and her could see how nervous she was.

Letting go of one of her hands he reached up and tucked a piece of stray hair behind her ear. Watching for her reaction he let let one word slip out "Yes."

Her light blue eyes lit up like a child on Christmas morning as she lounged forward and gave him another quick hug and kiss. Careful to keep them both on the hood he smiled back at her. He usually didn't fall for a girl like her but she had something about her. Something that drew him in and he could see the strength she had just under the surface. Under the shy girl she normally portrayed.

As Clare was reaching for his hand once more so they could lay back down she saw the face of her watch. It was 11 o'clock! Jumping off the car, she looked at him and for a second she thought she saw disappointment in his eyes. Not wanting him to think anything was wrong she explained as she started walking backwards towards her house. "Sorry I gotta go, my parents will notice I am gone if I stay out any later, but I'll see you tomorrow at school. Ok?" Sliding off the hood of his car he just gave her a small smile and wave, and she know he understood. Turning around she almost tripped once more as she speed her way back home.

A little while later she made her way up the drive way a smile still on her face. Noticing both cars still missing she didn't have to sneak into the house or her room. Which Clare was thankful for because as happy as she was she knew she was going to make a lot of noise.

After changing into her PJs the 10th grade girl slide into bed completely happy for the first time in weeks.

The next morning Clare Edwards could have sworn she woke up with the smile still on her face. The morning was a blur of countless different outfits, a breakfast she only partially ate ( and couldn't even remember what it was) and the butterflies in her stomach at the idea of seeing Eli.

When she finally made it to school she was still half an hour early and the butterflies hadn't subsided. She couldn't even think what it would be like when she saw him again. All the sudden Clare started to panic. What if last night was a fluke. What if he didn't really like her. Or what if he didn't want to date a grade below himself. Her mind was spinning so out of control she didn't even hear Alli approach.

"Clare.. Clare.. CLARE!" Alli shouted finally getting Clare's attention.

Shaking her head Clare focused in on her best friend. "Oh sorry Alli, Hi." She tried to hide her confusion as she hugged her best friend.

" Hi. Are you ok Clare?" Alli asked as they walked over to their lockers to get their books for the day.

" Yea totally fine Alli, just got the writing assignment on my brain I didn't finish it last night." It wasn't a lie, not really. She really didn't finish her writing assignment, she just didn't want to tell Alli why. Because Alli would want all the details from what happened the night before and with the new doubts in her mind Clare didn't want to say anything incase it all fell apart.

"Ok whatever you say weirdo." Alli replied, but Clare could tell this wouldn't be the end of it.

"Anyway, how was your night. How was the party?" Clare asked, and just like that Alli went off on this long rant about how awesome her night was and how she had made out with Drew. But Clare was only slightly into the conversation. She kept flashing back to Eli ranting about the band he liked. It wasn't until Alli's face fell in shock as she looked over Clare's that Clare was pulled back to reality. Following her best friends gaze she saw that Eli was heading right for her. In spite of the new worries she couldn't help but smile.

" Hey,.. Eli." Clare almost whispered as her eyes once again watched as her hands started messing with the edge of her skirt.

" Hey Clare." As he answered a flash of confusion shot through his eyes at her odd behavior. " I thought we got past this last night?" He inquired as his fingers lifted her head up to meet his gaze.

As Alli's jaw hit the floor, Clare smiled up at Eli. "We did or atleast I think so. I don't know exactly what you are talking about specifically. I don't want to assume anything. I know you are a year older then me and I get it if last night was just a one time thing. I just hope we can still wor-"

Her rant was cut off by Elis' lips descending onto hers. The kiss wasn't like the night before it was fast and full of passion, like he was trying to convince her how much he cared. Soon she melted into the kiss and put just as much into it as him. They battled for dominance and Clare couldn't help but smile into the kiss. After a few more minutes they broke apart needing air, As they broke apart, the smile that was still on her face was reflected on his. That was until the hall filled with woof whistles and cheers. As a blush crept onto Clares face she hide it against Elis' chest. Slowly Claire was able to gain control back as she felt Elis' hand slowly rub up and down her back giving her the comfort she needed, the comfort she missed from someone having your back.

Slowly Clare pulled back, but not wanting to break all contact she reached for his hand as she faced Alli. The look on Allis' face was priceless. Her mouth was still open and her dark brown eyes were wide but as Clare moved to stand next to Eli, Alli seemed to come out of her trance.

"Clare is there something you want to tell me?" Alli asked and suddenly Clare felt like she was caught in a lie.

After taking a few deep breaths and feeling Elis thumb drawing designs on her palm once more in comfort, she started explaining. "Well Eli and I hung out last night to get my mind off things and one thing led to another, and well…" she looked up at Eli once more for some kind of conformation before saying it out loud. He just lifted up his eyebrows in a way to say 'well what are you waiting for' so she continued, "We are together now."

Then the unbelievable happened, Alli just looked between the two of them smiled and said " Well good for you Clare it is about time you moved on from K.C. You two have fun, don't do anything I wouldn't do," Then she shut her locker and walked away. While Eli had a smile on his face, Clare couldn't help but feel like something was off with Alli. Her response was way to withdrawn and as see turned away it seemed like Alli was mad at Clare, like Clare had betrayed her somehow. The feel of her arm being tugged snapped Clare out of her thoughts.

" Come on, we don't want to be late for math." Eli spoke giving her a sarcastic smirk that made her giggle. Yea like he actually cared about being late. Switching out the last of her books Clare closed her locker and turned to Eli once more.

" Ready." She spoke with that crazy happy smile back on her face. As they headed down the hall his right arm wrapped around her shoulder and she reached up with her right hand to hold his, just like the night before. \Allis problems could wait right? How bad could it really be?.