As always, the characters belong to Disney.

~ Last Chapter ~

That's when it happened, his eyes locked upon hers again. There was something almost magical about those instances with them; their eyes would relieve everything the other hid. It was in that instant that Lizzie understood why he was asking such a thing; it had to do with Miranda. What were they going to tell her; if anything? Whatever the decision would change everything for the "Three Amigos", and they both knew it.

"So," Gordo's voice asked again, his eyes aching for her to always be near him, "what are we going to do about us?"

~ Chapter 6: Realizations ~

"Well, I, um." Lizzie was dizzy with thoughts; the only thing she really knew was that she wanted their friendship more than anything. However, she had found another side of Gordo recently that she didn't want to lose; and she needed to think in all out. "C-can I think a little? I mean, you've obviously had time to contemplate; can't I have the same?"

"How long?" He sighed heavily; as if she'd already said something wrong. "You're right, it's only fair, I just.When can I expect an answer?"

Lizzie fidgeted with her hands nervously as she sat down beside him. "Well, um.I'm n-not really sure how long I need." Mind racing on everything that she and he had ever been through; the mystery play where Kate had flat out told her of Gordo's feelings; that same night when she'd realized her own feelings toward him; her fourth grade crush on him; everything. "I'll tell you before the end of the camping trip; that'll only be a couple of weeks from now."

Gordo nodded, "Whatever you think you need, McGuire. I just.I can't do this is all."

Lizzie could sense he was hiding something from her; she could feel his fear. Was he scared of caring for her? No, that was definitely not the case. Was he scared she'd reject him, tell him to forget everything that'd happened between them? Lizzie paused on that train of thought, he hadn't expected her to hear his words and say all she needed was him; did he? She couldn't say that, it wasn't true; and she couldn't lie to him. She needed Miranda and her parents as well; she needed time to be herself and think too. She loved Gordo in more than one way; that was clear, but she couldn't spend every waking moment with him; just as he couldn't with her.

"Gordo," she turn to face him, but he was already gone.