This is When Love Takes Over- Part 2 in Eli's point of view in its entirety. It's also the last time EClare will be stress free. The next Eli POV will have Fitz and tears and such. I'm probably going to cry a lot while writing it…

Anyway, enjoy this chapter! :

Adam and I walked along the sidewalk in silence until Adam broke out of his mental musings.

"You know, I think I'll go visit Fiona tonight. Maybe I can…test the waters again; see if I can't get her to admit that last night wasn't a mistake, and that she does have feelings for me!"

"Good for you, man," I encouraged. Adam deserved to be happy, and he obviously wanted to be happy with Fiona. I really hoped things went better for him soon. "Just remember I scheduled a rehearsal before school in addition to our afternoon rehearsal. We need all the work we can get. So, you really shouldn't stay out too late…"

"What are you my mother? Of course I'll be responsible. Don't worry, Eli."

"Who, me- worry? I would never!"

"True; telling you not to worry is like telling to ocean not to be wet."

I rolled my eyes at him but cracked a smile. He was right- I had an anxiety issue. I mean, people with calm nerves don't go around hoarding. "Har har; you're so funny! Can I give you a ride home, big shot?"

"To Morty," Adam declared proudly. Sometimes he was such a dork, but I loved him like the brother I didn't have.

I quickly dropped Adam off, and reminded him, again, of the morning rehearsal. I drove home, but I didn't spend more than a few minutes there before I realized I was bored, and I had to get back out of the house.

I hopped in my hearse and started to aimlessly drive around town until I ended up in front of Clare's house. I really hadn't meant to, but I guess subconsciously I wanted to see her. I always wanted to see her, but I hadn't realized how bad my ache had been until there was only a tiny distance that separated us. Weird- I saw her a few hours ago…

I got out of Morty, and knocked on the door despite the fact that I felt slightly unhinged. As long as I was on her doorstep I would take advantage of the chance to have some time alone.

Clare answered, a polite smile on her face, until she saw who was standing on her porch. Her face slipped into a surprised mask. "Hey, is everything okay? I wasn't expecting you."

I quickly took in her appearance, smirking to myself. Her short, curly hair was pulled back in a messy pony tail, she was wearing pajama pants and a tank top, and had a pencil stuck behind her ear. If I had to guess, I had interrupted homework.

"Everything's great," I quickly assured her after deciding not to make a comment about her current style. "I didn't plan on coming over; I was just driving around. But somehow I always seem to end up here. Go figure."

Clare's look of surprise slowly disappeared, and a smile took its place.

"Come on in; you can help me with some math homework."

I made a face and slipped into the house. Math was never my favorite subject, but if Clare truly needed help with it I was game.

Clare led me to the kitchen table where she had her text book, her notebook, and her calculator already set up.

"How long have you been at this?" I asked, sitting down beside her.

"About a half hour- it's pretty simple substitution and elimination, but I'm just not in a math mood so I've been kind of spacey."

I took a deep breath. "Ah, yes, I can just smell the brains frying in there."

Clare swatted at my hand which was tapping on her temple. "Have I ever told you that you're a jerk?"

"Probably. But I've rewired my brain to hear, 'you're amazing, Eli,' instead."

Clare rolled her eyes, and plucked the pencil out from behind her ear. Just as she was starting in on a new problem her mom bustled into the kitchen.

"Oh, hi Eli. I thought I heard the door. How was your night last night?"

The accusations in her voice were clear, and she was shooting daggers at me with her eyes.

"It's good to see you, ma'am. You know, I have the utmost respect for your daughter, so last night was extremely peaceful. Lots of sleeping and not much of anything else happened. The only reason Clare stayed the night was because she wanted to get away from the fighting. I promise I was a perfect gentleman."

Clare's mom relaxed only slightly. I knew she still didn't like me, but there was no way to doubt the sincerity behind my words.

"I am glad that Clare has a haven for when her dad and I fight, but next time I'd really prefer it to be Alli's house."

"Mom," Clare spoke up, "Alli's having some family trouble right now; that's why I spent the night at Eli's instead."

"I know, I know. We discussed this already. You two have an early morning tomorrow, so Eli shouldn't stay long, okay?"

"Yes, mom, I know. I'll come say goodnight before I head to bed."

Mrs. Edwards nodded, gave me another sharp look, and then turned on her heel and headed upstairs.

"I'd say she's warming up to me!"

Clare sighed. "She'll come around. She has to."

"I'm afraid she doesn't really have to do anything. But it would be nice, huh?"

Clare simply nodded and turned her attention to her homework. I watched her concentrate, loving how she smiled just slightly every time she finished another problem. It was a small accomplishment, but Clare still took the time to appreciate it. She was just so beautiful.

"How's Adam," Clare asked, breaking the silence once she was almost done with all the problems.

"Adam is probably in bliss at Fiona's. Just like last night…I'll let him tell you all the juicy details, though. I wouldn't want to steal his thunder, you know?"

Clare punched me in the arm. "That is so not fair!"

I shrugged. "Adam would probably disagree. Besides, you need to hear him talk about it. The guy's smitten. It's kind of cute."

"I am telling Adam you said that."

"Please don't; I'll be forced to tickle you to death."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Don't test me, Edwards. You won't win."

I waggled my eyebrows at her, and she leaned in to give me a quick peck on the lips. "I can't argue with that logic. We really do have to get up early, though. I think you should get going."

"Kicking me out so early? I am wounded."

"I think your self-esteem will bounce back, Mr. Sarcasm."

"Oh, without a doubt…but, just to be sure, how about a kiss for the road?"

"I don't know; that's a pretty taxing demand."

By that time, Clare and I were at her front door. I narrowed my eyes at her, and leaned in. To my surprise, Clare actually pulled away. "Fine, I can play hard to get, too. Bye, St. Clare."

"You know I hate when you call me that."

I winked at her, and she let out a groan. "I'll see you tomorrow- bright and early, stage manager extraordinaire. Actually, do you want a ride to school?"

"That would be great, actually- if it's not too much trouble, of course."

"Ha. Because spending time with you always constitutes as a hassle in my book. Silly Clare, of course it's not too much trouble."

"Just making sure…now go before my mom's head explodes."

"Fine, fine; I can take a hint." I quickly pulled Clare in for a bear hug, and then I slipped out the door with a final wish that she have a good night.

On the drive back home I tried to think about anything but Clare, but that proved to be basically impossible. Valentine's Day was on its way, and I needed to do something special, romantic. But simple was always good, too. Perhaps the classic dinner and a movie would be fine. I was always trying to think outside the box, so we had never tried anything that laid back.

And yet…yeah, I liked the idea that had taken shape in my head way better than dinner and a movie. Clare was going to love it.

With Valentine's Day plans solidified in my head I was able to sleep peacefully. Not even my eerily empty room could keep me from a full night's rest.

I woke up extra early the next morning so I could shower, dress in my Degrassi Drama t-shirt, and head to pick up Clare. I sent her a quick text when I pulled up to her curb to let her know that I was there, and then I switched my radio to a station that we could both tolerate. Clare soon slipped into the seat beside me.

"Good morning, love. It feels good to be out of those polo's even for a little bit, huh?"

"It certainly does. It's also a plus that the t-shirts are black. I miss my freedom to dress the way I want- black on black on black."

"The uniforms could be worse…but I do miss my own style."

"Do you think Simpson will ever revert back to the old Degrassi ways?"

"One can only hope."

I pulled into a parking space, and Clare and I slipped out of Morty. We walked up the front steps, but just as we were about to head in, Clare stopped me to read one on the fliers posted to the door.

"Lovers lunch today…in the cafeteria. Sounds like fun- let's go!"

"Really, Clare?"

She frowned at me like I had just turned down the opportunity to travel to France. "You don't want to go with me?"

"That's not it at all…it just sounds a little…lame."

"What's so lame about eating lunch in the cafeteria? We do it every day."

"Yes, true, but there will be an over abundance of pink, commercialized, sappy Valentine's day type things all packed into one room. It's not really my style."

She raised her eyebrows at me. "You won't sit through that for me?"

When she started to bat her eyelashes I knew I was a goner. "Fine; if it will make you happy I will attend."

"It will make me happy."

"Good. Speaking of making you happy, I have a special date planned for the actual big day. You'll be free, right?"

"This ought to be interesting. You're like the Grinch of Valentine's Day. But, of course I'll be free."

I slung my arm around her shoulder, and we walked into the auditorium. Much of the cast and crew were already there, waiting to take direction. I quickly informed them of the scenes we would try to cover before school started, and they immediately got to work setting up.

Problem was, I was missing my two leads, and nobody could seem to find Adam or Fiona. I was going to kill that kid; he promised me he would be responsible.

Right before Clare and I sent out a search party, Adam sauntered into rehearsal, out of breath.

"And we have Adam," Clare announced, and I narrowed my eyes at him. He did not look like he got much sleep.

"Sorry I'm late," he apologized, out of breath.

"Any chance you brought your leading lady?" I asked hopefully. We couldn't get much work done if we didn't have both our main characters. I was really starting to get nervous about this show. I mean, if everything went awry opening night it would technically be my fault.

"Uhh, Fiona probably slept in," Adam admitted sheepishly. "We were up late."

"Rehearsing?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

"If that's what the kids are calling it," Adam joked. I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help feel proud of him. He was growing up so fast. Clare shot me a quick smile; she was happy for Adam, too.

"Officially, I don't support this diva-like behavior. Unofficially…up here!" I raised my hand for a high five, and Adam happily obliged, smacking his palm against mine. Clare looked on lovingly, and I quickly winked at her.

"You were right, dude," the smile never leaving Adam's face. "Fiona's totally into me."

I knew she would be. Adam was a great guy, and you didn't need any alcohol to see that. "No champagne required," I deduced proudly. But, Adam hesitated as if trying to find the right way to say what was on his mind. "She's drinking again," I concluded disappointedly.

"She likes champagne and me separately," Adam started to defend her. "If you spent time with us you'd see that."

"Well, then let's spend time with you," Clare offered brilliantly. "I'm dragging Eli to the lovers lunch in the caf today...you and Fiona should come with." I rolled my eyes at the mention of the lunch. Just kill me now. However, if Adam was going to suffer through it, too, I might actually enjoy myself.

"T-t-today?" Adam questioned nervously.

"Unless you have other plans," I mocked playfully, knowing that he didn't have a good excuse to miss it.

"No, that…that should be fine," Adam assured us reluctantly. I had to wonder if his hesitation was rooted in the same reason I didn't want to go, or if there was something deeper.

"Great," I declare conclusively, "then we'll see you at noon."

Adam nodded, and Clare smiled up at me.

An extra named Pete walked up to us then. "Since the female lead isn't here, is practice cancelled till the afternoon?"

Ah, yes, I had momentarily forgotten my role as director. "Oh, yeah, thanks. Hey, everyone- thank you all for showing up so early in the morning. Your dedication is appreciated. However, because not everyone seems to share that dedication, I've decided the best use of this rehearsal time would be to work on Adam's monologue. I will see you all at four, and, once again, I'm sorry."

After everyone filed out of the auditorium Clare and Adam turned to me. "Are we really working on my monologue? Because I have slaved over that thing for days, and I could really just use a break."

"Nah, I'm confident you'll do fine. I thought you could fill Clare in on all the details you told me yesterday, instead."

Clare laughed. "You are a conniving person. Here I thought you were actually planning on being productive."

"Where's the fun in that?"

"Fair enough; okay Adam, tell me everything!"

Adam launched into his tale, giving Clare much more detail than he had given me. I was pretty sure he was just trying to pacify her, though. Before we knew it the bell was ringing, and we all had to get to our first class of the day.

Time seemed to pass very quickly, but it could have been because I really didn't want to go to the lover's lunch. Like it or not, though, I was going. So, at noon exactly I met Clare and Adam and my locker, and we walked to the cafeteria together.

"Fiona's definitely coming, right?" I asked Adam as we were shown to our table.

"I sent her one of those cheesy invites, but I didn't hear back. So, I guess we'll have to wait and see."

"I'm sure she'll show up," Clare assured him, but she shot me a worried glance.

Fiona still hadn't showed up by the time they opened up the lunch line for all the 'lovers'. Holly J took the stage, and said something lame about dessert, and then all was quiet. I could see Adam shift uncomfortably in his seat, and glance down at his watch…which probably hadn't moved much since he had looked at it at least 5 seconds before.

"Twelve ten," Adam declared. "I guess she's not coming."

He looked so broken and vulnerable…but Fiona kept doing this to him; toying with his emotions. I wanted to be supportive of him, but I was kind of starting to resent the girl. And I didn't even really know her. Clare met my gaze, and I could tell she was thinking something along the same lines.

"Hellooo," A loud voice called out, making Adam's head snap up. Then, a very cheery Fiona plopped down in the seat next to a relived looking Adam.

"You made it," he pointed out the obvious happily.

"How could I resist spending time with you, Eli and Clare?" She was talking just a tad too loud, and she looked slightly off kilter. I had seen my parents like that many times before…always after they had had one too many drinks. I was their official designated driver. "You have pretty eyes," Fiona complimented Clare, her attention shifting quickly. Comically, that had been the first thing I had said to Clare, too. The only difference being that I was sober.

Clare looked away awkwardly, not knowing how to react. "Um, thanks…"

"The color of that shirt does nothing for them," Fiona persisted. She almost sounded upset by this fact. Clare looked down at her shirt in confusion, still not knowing how to handle Fiona's drunkenness. I really wanted to laugh, but Fiona didn't need encouragement.

In fact, what Fiona really needed was a glass of water and to sleep off whatever buzz she had worked up. "Dude," I whispered to Adam, "you need to get her out of here- she's wasted."

Apparently, I wasn't being as discreet as I wanted to be because Fiona leaned in closer to me and Adam. "It's not very nice to whisper, is it?" she yelled in Adam's face, giving him a pointed look.

"Come on, let's go for a walk." Adam no longer looked happy that Fiona showed up. He seemed disappointed and confused. Not that I could blame him; I'd probably feel the same way in his place.

"But we just got here," Fiona whined. "Besides, Clare and I are really hitting it off."

For lack of a better word, Fiona flirtatiously placed her hand on top of Clare's. Clare returned the gesture, placing her other hand on top of both hers and Fiona's, but with a sarcastic edge.

"No, I want to be alone with you," Adam tried, his annoyance shining through.

"Oh," Fiona laughed, finally understanding, "that type of walk."

"Yeah," Adam grabbed her hand to pull her along. "Come on."

Before she left, Fiona turned to Clare." We should go shopping; call me!"

And with that…she and Adam were gone.

"So much for seeing how much she likes him without champagne involved," I let the acidic sarcasm color my tone.

"That was…interesting," Clare agreed.

I laughed. "Have you never dealt with a drunken person before? You were, like, in shock."

"My mom and dad were never big drinkers, no. That was a little…weird for me. I'll never understand the desire to lose control like that. Why would you want to be so…unaware of your words and actions?"

"Some people don't like the person they are, so it's easier to just numb the pain. Maybe Fiona's struggling with some big self-discovery. Or, maybe she's just an alcoholic."

Clare laughed humorlessly. "It could be both."

"That is a very good point, my love. Thanks for dragging me to this lunch. That was kind of entertaining. I just hope Adam learns from this. I don't really think he needs to be dealing with Fiona's emotional baggage on top of his own. That girl has some serious work to do on herself before she's ready for our Adam."

"Aww, you sound like his big brother."

"I'm just looking out for my friends. It's what I do best."

Clare couldn't argue with that, so we ate our lunch in a peaceful silence.

XXX

After the whole lunch debacle Clare and I went looking for Adam, but he seemed to be missing again, so I decided to send out a memo that rehearsal had been canceled. Adam clearly needed us to be there for him, and be there we would be.

After school ended, Clare and I searched the entire school until we found Adam in the auditorium. He was facing away from the doors, so I couldn't see his face, but I could tell he was upset by the way he was hunched over.

"We've been looking for you," I informed him, and he jumped just slightly. "We canceled rehearsal."

Slowly, Adam stood up and turned to face us. He looked tired and beat. Poor kid just couldn't catch a break, and he deserved one more than anyone I knew. "Sorry…about Fiona."

Like it was his fault that his girlfriend decided to show up to lunch drunk.

"Don't be," Clare told him tenderly.

"Women are trouble," I added playfully, although the statement was true enough.

"Even me?" Clare asked, turning toward me.

I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and pulled her as close to me as possible. "Especially you," I reminded her fondly. For a moment I forgot that Adam was in the room entirely. I was lost in Clare's 'pretty eyes.' She was just so damn beautiful that it made my heart pound painfully. I glanced down at her lips, aching to kiss her, but Adam spoke up, reminding me that he was still there, and that would have been awkward.

"I want that," Adam said longingly, "what you two have."

I couldn't blame him; everyone in the world should get a shot at being as happy as I was with Clare. But I could not think of one single person more deserving than Adam. Hell, he deserved it more than I did. "And get it you will," I truly believed that he would. "But for right now…let's blow this joint!"

Adam and Clare giggled at my tiny attempt to be gangster, and we all turned around to head out the door. The only thing stopping us was Fiona…who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.

"Did I miss rehearsal?" she asked sheepishly. "I thought it started at four."

Clare and I turned to Adam simultaneously, waiting for his cue on how to proceed. "Can you guys give us a minute?" he requested.

"We'll be out there if you need us," I assured him, and Clare and I took off to sit on the bench just outside the auditorium. Adam and Fiona weren't talking loud enough to hear, but Clare and I were practically holding our breath so that we could catch small fractions of the conversation.

They weren't in the auditorium for very long, but they came out hand in hand. "Thanks for waiting guys, but I'm going to walk Fiona home," Adam told us, beaming.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing…I wanted to shake Adam senseless. How many times was he going to let Fiona stomp on his heart and disappoint him before he let her go? I just didn't have a good feeling about this.

"Okay, be careful," Clare told them, all smiles.

"Are you nuts?" I asked her once Adam and Fiona were out of earshot.

"Look, I don't like them together as much as you seem to, but it's what Adam wants. We have to be there for him."

I sighed. "You're right. Damnit…I hate when that happens."

"You must hate your life, then, because I'm always right."

"Yes, dear."

Clare laughed. "I love you, you know that, right?"

"I love you more…can I take you home?"

"But of course. It's been a long day…I could use a nap."

"Me too…and then tomorrow you're in for the date of a lifetime."

"I'm counting on that," Clare narrowed her eyes menacingly.

I simply laughed, loving how light I felt whenever I was with her.

XXX

The next morning at school Adam was very excited. He was going on and on about how things seemed to be finally falling into place and that Fiona promised to stop drinking so much. Clare and I shot each other skeptical looks throughout his entire blissful rant, but we tried to be happy for him just the same.

In other news, Clare kept trying to weasel the date plans out of me, but I refused to ruin the surprise. We were so occupied, in fact, that we didn't notice Adam was missing at lunch.

We did, however, get the message loud and clear when Adam texted both Clare and I that he was taking Fiona to rehab, and he needed to meet us at The Dot after school.

I diligently cancelled rehearsal again. I didn't have the complete story yet, but I was thinking this show needed to be postponed or cancelled. If our leading lady was checking into rehab then it would be a little difficult to put on a production.

Then, the guilt kicked in because thoughts about the show should have come second to my concern for Adam.

As soon as the final bell rang, Clare and I hopped into Morty and took off for The Dot. Adam was already there at a table. He looked so upset.

"Hey, man," I greeted him as I slid into the chair next to him. Clare plopped down in the other available seat. "What exactly is going on now?"

"I tricked Fiona into going to rehab today. She hates me now."

"I'm sure that's not true," Clare assured him.

"No, it is," Adam told her miserably.

"Well, do you want to talk about it?" I asked. He shook his head. "Okaayyy…"

"We can't help you if you don't tell us what happened," Clare reasoned, but Adam just shrugged.

I looked around for a clue as to what I should be doing, but all I saw was freshly baked apple pie…well, it was worth a shot. Comfort food was a miracle worker, right?

I walked up to the counter, and slid a few bills to the waiter. "Can I have a piece of pie, please?"Almost immediately a plate with a large slice of pie was handed to me, and I took it over to our table. "Pie?" I offered, placing the plate in front of Adam. He shook his head. "Come on, it'll make you feel better!"

"Fiona says she never wants to see me again," Adam elaborated slightly. That was harsh…Adam was just trying to help, after all.

"She wasn't thinking straight," I offered, trying my best to be comforting. I was really out of my element, though. I had never been in the situation myself, so I couldn't empathize, and I was kind of pissed at Fiona for hurting Adam again, so it was hard to be understanding. She had hurt my friend one time too many.

"She'll change her mind," Clare jumped in, sounding much more convincing than I would have.

And yet Adam sighed dejectedly, and hopped out of his chair. "Where are you going?" I called after him.

"To wallow in self pity," Adam shot back matter-of-factly.

Before he could make it out the door, though, Holly J was there. Clare and I shared a knowing look, and then turned our attention away so they could talk.

"Looks like we'll have to reschedule our date. I think we need to be here for Adam instead."

Clare nodded. "At least tell me what you had planned. The anticipation is killing me!"

I hesitated a moment, but decided it was the least I could do. "I was going to take us on a trip to all the important landmarks of our relationship- the picnic table, our special bench, the piercing salon, the abandoned church…you know, all the special places that remind me of you."

"Aww, Eli, that's so romantic. But, you know, Valentine's Day is all about being there for the people you love…and there is no one I love more than you and Adam."

I nodded in agreement. So, maybe Valentine's Day wasn't so bad after all. As long as I got to spend it with Clare everyday for the rest of my life I would never complain again.

Love will do that to you.

Coming soon to a computer near you- Jesus, Etc in Eli's point of view! I'm so excited, but so sad at the same time…

Oh well. How was this chapter?