Fitz showed up early for the next few weeks. He tried to help whenever he could. Once awhile he caught Clare's eyes and she smiled a approving smile. Fitz had never wanted someone to approve of him, the way he did with Clare. Some would say he was obsessed. And maybe he was. Maybe he was crazy obsessed with it. Fitz couldn't help it. With each look, Fitz ran around trying to get another one. It was a bout 3 weeks after they had talked and Clare and Fitz stayed behind to clean up.

"You know you can go home." Clare told him

"Its OK. I want to help." Fitz told her honestly

"Ok." she laughed "I just figured you would have something better to do then clean up a church." she smiled

"I don't." he told her "What about you? I know you said you and Eli weren't dating but are you not friends anymore?"

"I don't know anymore. I want to be his friend, but I just know if I could handle it." Clare shook her head "Its kinda complicated. You probably don't care."

"Try me." Fitz told her. Clare looked into Fitz's eyes and saw something so honest and true

"Ok. I never liked anyone the way I liked Eli. But its like after I fell for him I found out all this stuff and its just. I want to be his friend but I don't think I could be his friend and get over at the same time." Clare had a sad smile on her face "You get it?"

"I understand." he smiled. "Listen, we are almost done here, wanna go out for some gelato?" Fitz said "My treat?"

"That sounds fun."Clare smiled so wide that Fitz couldn't help but smile back. The rushed to finish and then they walked to the gelato shop. Fitz got cookies and cream and Clare got peanut butter cup. The sat outside. Clare put a spoonful in her mouth and groaned "This is so good. Thanks."

"No problem." the way the sun hit Clare's honey colored hair made her look like she had a halo. It was almost too breathe taking to Fitz.

"So Fitz, what are your hobbies?" Clare asked. Fitz was surprised by the question. No one has ever asked him that before. Owen and Bianca didn't care what interested him. But then again he was afraid to tell them. "What you don't have any hobbies?" Clare said

"No I do!" he said "Its just kinda embarrassing." he admitted

"Oh come on. We all have our guilty pleasures. Mine? Is writing Fortnight fan fiction" Fitz looked at her surprised "What?"

"You just don't strike me as the kind of person who would be one of those obsessed vampire people."

"Oh yeah?" Clare laughed "So come on, you made fun of me, now I get to make fun of you."

"Ok. I like to" Fitz sighed and looked down. "I like to draw." he expected her to laugh, but Clare once again surprised him. She smiled at him and said

"Why are you embarrassed? I wish I had any kind of artistic talent. If anything I am jealous."

"I am not that good." he said

"Well you will have to let me see a few pictures. Let me be the judge."

"Count on it." the continued to eat the gelato in silence, but it wasn't awkward. Fitz had never spent anytime with a girl like Clare. She was smart and interesting. When she talked she had something to say. She also looked you in the eye. So many girls just talked to hear the sound of their own voice. Not Clare. Fitz liked that. The more time Fitz spent with Clare, the more he found little things he liked about her. She was genuine and real.

"Oh darn. I have to go home." she said after she finished her gelato

"I'll walk you." Fitz offered

"Wow, uh thanks." Clare said and they walked to Clare's house. Half way there Clare asked "Why aren't you going to school anymore?"

"Simpson and my probation officer didn't think it was a good idea."

"So your not gonna graduate?"
"Guess not."

"But your so smart. What about getting a tutor?"

"Yeah. Good luck finding someone who is smart and has the free time." Fitz smiled

"What if someone could be found? Would you, you know, want that?" Clare asked sincere

"Sure. Give me something to do." they arrived at Clare's house

"Well thanks Fitz. I know you have to help at the church, but I am glad your actually helping. And thanks for the gelato. I needed it."

"Anytime."

"We should hang out more."

"Just name the time and place and I will be there." he told her. And she smiled and went inside.

…...

Clare knocked on Simpson door on Monday morning,

"Ms. Edwards, what can I help you with."

"I was wondering if I could finish off my community service at the school you know for setting off the stink bomb by tutoring." Clare said

"Ok, who?
"Mark Fitzgerald."