Hey guys. School sucks for the first few weeks and that will always be true. But, what can you do? Anyways, I've totally been PMSing. That or I'm bipolar. Needless to say, I've been having a lot of ups and downs this past week.

Okay, once again, I'm stepping out of my comfort zone and writing a one-shot that Peaches Naughty Cream requested. If I totally suck, feel free to leave a review telling me that I should never attempt to do this again!

Note: Eli and Clare are NOT dating in this chapter.

Enjoy!


Baby, I, I'm fiendin', I know you got your reasons for keeping it to yourself,
but you got plenty, honey, I don't think it's funny gotta give it, give it, give it or else,
I might just lose my mind.


Eli Goldsworthy was not usually one for parties—or any type of social gathering for that matter—but, when he caught wind that his favorite blue-eyed, English partner would be attending, he knew there was no other choice but to attend.

The Bhandari residence was simply booming with music and laughter. Eli knew he would only here for a little bit. Adam and Eli squeezed their way through the door and finally found a comfortable place to stand.

In a matter of minutes, Adam was off talking amiably with some girl. Eli scurried away, not wanting to be the third wheel. He sighed and shoved his hands deep in his pockets.

He never really liked parties. He didn't usually communicate with any one outside of his tiny group of friends, only if mandatory. He wasn't a heavy drinker, thus you wouldn't find him in the kitchen, swallowing alcohol like a dying man swallows newfound water. And there was no chance in hell that he would be caught on the dance floor.

Eli contemplating leaving, sending Clare a text that he would see her on Monday, but soon enough, her auburn locks and pallid skin came into view.

Eli was rather shocked to see apparel. Donning a black polka dotted dress with spaghetti straps and a black bow, she giggled loudly as she stumbled into the common room. It was obvious that she was drunk, with her flushed cheeks and constant giggles.

Her eyes locked with Eli's and her smile broadened.

"Eli!" She called in a sing-song voice, stumbling over to him. People made way for her, wolf whistling and encouraging her drunken state. The minute she got close enough, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad you're here!" Her words slightly slurred, and her eyes were alight with mischief and delight.

"Uhh, hey, Clare." Eli stumbled, causing Clare to go into a fit of giggles. Eli knew that Clare was different, and she often made his cool demeanor fade away, but this was completely different. He was used to a shy, polite Clare. He loved to see a wild, confident Clare. But a drunken Clare? Eli was clueless as to how to react.

Her body reeked of beer, masking her natural, sweet smell. She had her body pressed up against his, while Eli had his back against the wall. Not knowing what to do with his hands, he placed them at her hips lightly.

"God, this party is kick ass!" Okay, Clare swearing was totally out of character, even for a seemingly harmless word like ass, but her saying the word 'God' was completely bizarre. She usually stuck to 'goodness' or 'gosh.' Her body swayed slightly to the heavy bass of some song Eli did not know.

"I've been thinking about you." She had leaned up to whisper in his ear. Her arms slid from his neck, to his shoulders, down to his chest. Eli pinned Clare's hands to his chest so she could not venture down farther.

Eli was very attracted to this Clare, but he had to remind himself that she was drunk and vulnerable. He had to protect her, even if he went mad in the process. Clare giggled madly, her cheeks reddening from the lack of oxygen.

"How much have you had to drink?" Eli plastered a smirk so she couldn't hear the worry in his voice. She tilted her head, a look of confusion crossing her features.

"Not sure." She slurred. "Alli gave me a few cups of really tasty punch!" Her words slurred from excitement and drunkenness. Eli made a mental note to strangle the tiny ball of evil otherwise known as Alli Bhandari.

"Don't you think you should go home?" Eli expected Clare to say that he was being a worry-wart or something like that. She surprised him when she leaned in close, her blue eyes—standing out from the black eyeliner and mascara she had applied—locking with his.

"Are you trying to seduce me, Mr. Goldsworthy?" His breathing hitched in his throat as she slowly leaned in closer.

"Actually, Mr. Goldsworthy is my father, and I think I should take you home. It's late." He pulled away and grabbed her wrists, trying to steady his rapid heartbeat.

"No!" She protested. She twisted her arms to grab Eli's wrists. She pulled him forward and smirked. "Why are you so quick to get away from me?" She asked, her tone laced with nothing but pure innocence, despite the jumble of her words. Eli groaned.

"Because you're driving me crazy." He murmured to himself. But, Clare had caught it and grinned happily.

"You're right, Eli! Who needs this party? We can go have fun all on our own!" Her cheery tone was colored with a suggestive tone that made Eli want to pounce on her. Eli shook his head slightly, disbelief flowing through him. Clare Edwards was drunk. And she was practically inviting him to sleep with her.

How was he going to survive the night?

He grabbed her wrists and pulled her outside. She stumbled a few times, the chilly night wind blowing her curls away from her face. When they finally reached Morty, much to Eli's relief, Clare had hopped on the hood. She rested her elbows against the cool, black exterior and took in a deep breathe.

Then, she giggled madly.

"I love you, Morty." She patted the hood of the hearse affectionately. She turned to Eli, who was fumbling to put the key in the car door. Clare was driving him nuts, with her flirtatious attitude and seemingly innocent pose. She slid off the hood and stood beside him, angling her body towards him.

"Relax." She whispered, sliding her hand over his and directing his hand towards the key hole. He pushed the key in an unlocked the door.

"Get in the car." He snapped, trying to regain composure. It was strange, having Clare acting like this. Though it didn't come completely unwelcome, it was very hard to resist temptation. If he took advantage of her, he would lose her. And the very thought made Eli shutter and want to curl up in a ball.

She complied silently, seeming to be unfazed by his harsh attitude. She slid into the passenger seat and buckled up.

Eli slammed the door as he slid in. Turning on the engine, the car roared to life and he drove to his house. She would sleep over, in his room. He knew if he took her home, he would have hell to pay with Mr. And Mrs. Edwards. He wanted to ask Clare if they would be home, but he knew he would be setting himself up for that.

He would ask her and she would make a sly remark about them not being home (or, in the case that they were, announce that the back of the car had plenty of room.)

So, he drove and listened to her deep breathing. He wondered if the silence had sobered her up.

"You okay?" He asked tentatively. He frowned when he turned to her and saw that naughtiness dancing in her eyes.

"Why wouldn't I be? I'm here with you." Eli slowed to a stop at stoplight and rested his head against the steering wheel. She was too damn tempting for her own good. He wondered briefly if she would remember this tomorrow morning.

When the light turned green, he sped home. When he reached his driveway, he was startled when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Clare was smiling sadly. It made his heart ache terribly.

"If I'm bothering you, I'll leave you alone. I promise. Actually, I swear. I don't want to be a burden." Eli groaned and grabbed the hand from his shoulder. He squeezed it gently.

"You could never be a bother." After the words left his mouth, she leaned over and pressed her lips to his zealously. Eli struggled to grasp the fact that he had to push her away when her tongue had invaded his mouth, taunting him.

Eli pulled away reluctantly and gave her a stern look. She smiled, like a child whose hand had been caught in the cookie jar. She was a devil in disguise. A drunken Clare was a demon sent from his personal hell to make him lose her forever.

He pulled her out of the car, albeit, a bit roughly and dragged her into his house. He had her sit on the couch while he prepared for the night.

He was grateful that his parents had decided to stay an extra week up north. While he worked on tidying his room at an inhuman pace, his thoughts toyed with him.

A huge part of him wanted to take Clare up here, kiss her senseless and ravish her.

But a smaller part called out that they would both regret it later and that he had to protect her at all costs.

The smaller voice rung true and clear. When he came back downstairs, he wasn't surprised to see Clare humming a tune and rocking back and forth slowly.

When she heard him, she looked up and smiled devilishly. Eli tried to ignore her lewd comments about the two of them being in a bedroom as he dragged her into the room. She kicked off her shoes and flopped onto his bed, grinning at him.

"Well, are you just going to stand there?" She asked, arching a brow. She patted the spot next to her after crawling underneath the dark comforter.

Eli stood, unsure of what to do next. He sat down timidly on the bed, as far away as possible. She stared up at him, her bright blue eyes darkened with an unidentifiable emotion.

Eli sighed deeply, and ran a hand through his hair. Getting up, he left. Several seconds later, he returned with a glass of water.

"Drink." He ordered. She shook her head stubbornly. Then, she grinned that mischievous grin that had been popping up all night.

"I'm sure you can think of a few ways to make me." She challenged. Eli set the glass down on his bedside and leaned in close to her. If ignoring her didn't work, Eli would have to use his last resort: fighting fire with fire.

"And, how do you suppose I do that, Ms. Edwards?" He placed his hands on her shoulders as he pushed her down gently. He placed his hands on both sides of her head as he hovered over her.

"I…uhh…" Eli bit back a laugh from self satisfaction. Eli had once again regained control.

"It's late." He murmured, his face leaning in closer and their breath mingled. "You should be asleep. And tomorrow, when you wake up, I'll take good care of you." Her cheeks tinted red and Eli smirked. He had her now. All he had to do was keep her nervous.

"Go to sleep, Clare. Please?" He tilted his head and smirked when her eyes grew wide as she nodded slowly. Eli leaned in until his lips brushed hers ever so gently.

He felt her shiver beneath him. Her hands came up and wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer. Eli's arms shook as he kept himself upright.

He pulled way after a few moments, his breathing labored. Her cheeks were red and her eyes were glazed over.

"Goodnight." He whispered. Eli pulled away from Clare, tucked the quilt around her, and left, shutting off the light and closing the door on his way out.

Eli thought about what to do next. He would sleep on the couch, wake up early, and help Clare with her impending hangover.

But first, Eli knew he had to do one thing, and that was to take a shower. A very cold shower.


I know some of you are thinking that Clare was a bit OOC, but alcohol really messes people up and makes them act different. Many a time, a shy person will become overly confident with the right amount of drinks.

I know that I did a drunken Clare chapter, but she was more giggly than flirty. Anyways, hope you like it everyone, especially you Peaches!

Review?

~S.S.