AN: Sorry that this took so long to get up. I ran into a bit of writers block in the middle of the chapter.

Eli's eyes were on Veronica, watching her carefully as he had been since he saw her leave the doors to look for him. Eli was worried that one wrong move could hurt her or cause something to happen to the baby. It may be unexpected but he wasn't going to wish for anything to happen to his girlfriend or kid either, he loved her and already cared about the baby. He was worried about any of the PCHers, or anyone else for that matter, being too rough with her.

"I vote you do it during your study period and that you actually hang out right now. Because working during lunch when you're supposed to have a break from school and work but I could be mistaken," Eli teased her, a smile on his face.

"You win, I'll do it during my study period. You're starting to sound like Wallace though," Veronica smiled when he glared at her. "He always complains that I don't actually hang out when we hang out but you on the other hand shouldn't have anything to complain about. I mean unless you want then I can think of a few ways to limit how we hang out," she smirked at him.

When the other three boys laughed Eli just glared at them and looked at her. "Ah I see how it is, V. Two can play that game you know," he told her as if it wasn't a big deal when he knew that she was just teasing. He was teasing as well but he couldn't stop the smirk from appearing on his lips.

"Fine you don't sound like Wallace. Happy?" she asked, as if giving in when it was all just joking and he knew that she knew that.

"Very," he chuckled, as did the other three men. Eli knew that Veronica wouldn't take it personally it was just something they did sometimes. They liked to pretend they were being serious but it was really just a form of flirting.

Though it felt light part of him felt the secret they were both keeping, maybe not because of Hector and Thumper but because of Felix. They boy was his best friend and it just felt wrong to keep this from him. It felt like they were doing something wrong, it felt like when he first started dating Veronica. It was easy for PCHers like Thumper and Hector to assume that Felix was only Eli's second because of his brother but that wasn't it. The male was smarter than he let on and though he wasn't like them or even like Eli he was tough and a bad ass in his own ways. He was smart and was quick on his feet and he was loyal and that was something Eli liked in a person. Eli didn't think he could say the same about Thumper or Hector but he also kept what he heard and knew to himself around them, knowing they couldn't be trusted, not fully anyway.

Sitting here now he found himself wanting to make sure that Veronica and the baby were as protected as they could be. It was the main reason he wanted to tell Felix besides that the male was his best friend and he felt as if he was lying by not saying anything bu tit was up to veronica not him and they had a lot to talk about still so he didn't think that telling Felix would happen anytime soon. Finishing his drink he watched as Thumper took his phone out to text someone then put it back.

"Oh um I'm planning on hanging out with Wallace one day this weekend. He was complaining about not getting enough best friend time. He also invited me to the game and then Logan's party after but we all know how much I like going to 09er parties and basketball games," she rolled her eyes as she finished her food, pushing the tray away from herself.

With a raised eyebrow at Veronica he nodded, not one to tell his girl she couldn't do something when he knew that she had her mind made up and no doubt had promised Wallace. Eli knew that Wallace wasn't his biggest fan and still held resentment towards him for taping him to the flagpole but they were trying and that's all that he wanted for Veronica. "As long as you two actually hang out, we both know how picky he gets about the definition of the term 'hang out'," he laughed.

"Yeah yeah rub it in," she giggled and looked over at him.

Eli wondered what she was thinking and he wanted to ask but it wasn't that easy, not when he wanted to talk about this morning. They currently had an audience and it was painfully obvious that there was tension in the air. Thumper had always made it clear that he didn't approve of Eli dating Veronica but Eli always made sure that his personal life wasn't Thumpers concern unless Eli made it his concern. It never bothered Eli in the past but now it did, seeing that Felix was the only one besides himself that treated Veronica like she belonged there. Looking around he spotted Wallace with the basketball team and he knew that Veronica didn't like sitting with them because she wasn't on the team. Here was where he wanted her but he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable.

"Blondie," Felix started to get Veronica's attention. "Think I could get you to make me some of those cookies you make?"

"Yeah not a problem, I'll make some tonight. Anyone else want any?" she asked.

"Thanks," he smiled as he hugged her.

"Because cookies will fix everything," came Thumper's voice laced with irritation followed by a roll of his eyes.

"Hey, I'm the one that asked and she only asked to be polite no need to be an asshole," Felix said, ready to defend Veronica if the other male said one more word.

"Both of you calm down, it's cookies not money. You don't want any fine but a simple no would do. Where's your manners huh?" Eli roared, wanting to keep the fight from breaking out.

When the bell rang to signal the end of the lunch period Thumper and Hector stood and walked towards the school. Eli and Felix just stayed there for a moment to make sure Veronica was okay and she nodded at them.

"Thanks but don't fight over me. I'll have the cookies tomorrow," she smiled and stood. She hugged Felix, who hugged her back and then moved to give Eli a kiss before grabbing her bag and heading inside.

Eli watched her go and then stood. "Come on, we need to get to class. You know what she's going to say, 'no cookies if you don't go to class'," he said with a laugh but knew it was something his girlfriend would say.