A/N: Hello there! Updates are scarce but I'm doing what I can. I hope you're still interested in the story. As I said, this chapter definitely has Eli and Clare interaction.


"Graduates!" Dallas' voice boomed through the house, "It's time to take a shot!"

The crowd erupted in wild cheers as a few of the Ice Hounds gathered around the kitchen. Bianca made her way to the group but stopped when she saw Clare and the others.

"Now I know there are at least two of you graduating," she crossed her arms and gave them a teasing glare.

Jake, Eli and Katie looked at each other. Jake stood up first, "One shot. I am designated driver."

Adam intervened, " You have no excuse, Eli, I'm designated driver."

"Then Imogen has to join us," Eli responded, "You may not be graduating from U of T but you are still graduating this year."

Imogen jokingly sighed loudly, "If I must. Ms. Matlin?"

"Well… I don't usually like to do these things but it is my last year…" Katie said.

"That's the spirit!" Bianca smiled and led them to the kitchen.

"Have fun!" Alli teased.

"Oh you'll have your time," Jake replied back.

The others watched them walk off in amusement. The round of shots lasted for a minute before the four of them came back with beers in their hand and sat down in their original spots.

"I can't believe it's almost over," Katie thought out loud, "What happens now?"

"Our trip to California and New York," Jake put an arm around her.

"If you need a place to stay, Fi and I have plenty of room," Imogen piped up, "Eli will be joining me and Fi for part of the summer."

Clare's ears perked up as she looked at him. Eli looked back and responded, "My family and I are planning a road trip after a graduate."

"Immediately after?" Clare couldn't help but ask.

Eli wouldn't break eye contact, "Maybe two weeks after. Adam and I have to move out of the apartment."

"Is everyone leaving Toronto this summer?" Alli grabbed on to Adam, "Adam, Becky, please don't tell me you'll be leaving too."

They shook their heads as Adam answered, "We'll be staying. I'm moving into this house after we leave the apartment and I'm sure my mom is going to make us clean this place after all the parties Drew has thrown."

"Sorry Clare, I'm temporarily replacing you," Alli joked.

Clare laughed at her best friend's antics and she noticed Eli was still looking at her.

"Where are you going this summer?" he asked.

"Uh… London," her voice lowered, "I'm studying abroad."

Everyone congratulated her but she continued, "I haven't accepted yet. I have until April 22 to decide."

Clare noticed Eli's eyes falter as Imogen and Adam looked over at him. A silence almost overcame them until Imogen stood up, "Oh! It looks like Fiona is calling. Eli, come with me, I know she misses talking to you."

Eli blinked a couple times before getting up to join her. The others were already starting a new conversation but Clare kept her eyes on them as they walked off. She focused back on the group and Adam gave her a reassuring smile.

Half an hour passed until Eli and Imogen returned. Clare noticed his behavior was happier than before as he held on to another beer. He walked over to her and smiled, which she happily returned.

"Can I steal her away for a second?" Eli put an arm around her shoulders.

Adam laughed and took Becky's hand, "Sure, dude. We'll be on the dance floor."

They walked to a quieter spot in the house as Clare asked, "So how was your talk with Fiona?"

"It was really good. I miss her," Eli got straight to the point, "She and Imogen – they are just living the life, you know? Living together in New York, all happy and such. I mean, I'm happy that they're happy, of course! How messed up would that be if I weren't happy for them –"

She stopped him, "Imogen seems great. I'm glad we met her."

"And she's glad to have met you," he went off again as he pulled Clare in closer, "I'm glad I met you."

"I'm glad I met you too," she was enjoying his rant.

"You're a cool girl, Clare. It's a shame we only met this year. Who knows what would have happened if we met before," Eli's eyes widened, "I mean with our friendship! If we had known each other longer, our friendship would be longer…"

"No, right, of course," she started to blush from the comments and the beer, "But we're friends now, and our friends are friends, and we're all enjoying each other's company."

"I enjoy your company," he whispered.

"Me too," her arm found its way around his waist.

Eli buried his face in her hair, "I really enjoy your company."

Clare held on to him for a little bit, not minding the smell of his cologne mixing with the beer. She started to pull away from him but kept her arm around him.

"How are you doing?" she looked up at him.

"Really good," he then looked down at her, "And it's not the alcohol talking."

Clare did her best to keep her focus on his eyes but when Eli's focus moved to her lips, she found herself moving closer to him. He didn't seem to object as his hold on her tightened a little. His head tilted to the side and she had to remind herself to breathe. Eli's lips barely touched Clare's but it was enough for them. They kept each other close, not wanting to let go.


A/N: There you have it – Eli and Clare interaction! And it was good interaction, yes? I always appreciate your reviews!