Disclaimer: I do not claim any rights to Degrassi, the characters of the series, etc.

Author's Note: I made a revision to this chapter's ending. I felt that the original ending seemed a little too abrupt, so I tweeked it somewhat.

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What had begun as a terrible day, soon turned happier and more enjoyable. In addition to the vast movie collection in the Nelson household, there were tons of sodas and junk food to keep Manny's mind off the events which had perspired at school. As she, Emma, and Craig jugged down bottle after bottle of Coca Cola and stuffed their faces full of sweets, they also occupied their time by watching classic 80's cinema. The two girls swooned at the sight of Ponyboy, Dally, and Johnny as they watched The Outsiders, and when Ferris Beuller started to twist and shout in the Chicago streets, Craig decided to join in as well.

For quite some time, they continued on with their movie marathon, hyped up on sugar and full of energy, but as the sky darkened and the hours passed by, they slowly grew tired and weary. The first to fall victim to the sandman's spell was Emma. She fell asleep huddled in the armchair, with her hair disheveled and a blanket covering her body.

Though tempted by the alluring prospect of slumber, Craig and Manny were still awake. Manny laid on the couch, her body turned sideways towards the television, while Craig sat comfortably on the floor in front of her. The lights were turned off and the living room was almost completely silent. The only sound came from Patrick Swayze uttering the immortal line of "Nobody puts baby in the corner", as the remaining two watched Dirty Dancing. Their eyes were fixed upon the television as the music swelled and Jennifer Gray's character was lifted into the air by her love interest/ dance partner.

Certainly Manny appreciated the romantic moment of that scene, being that she was quite a romantic herself. So, as was expected by Craig, she let out an audible swooning sort of sigh. As best as he could, Craig tried to stifle the chuckle which was gradually arising from within him, but within only a few seconds, a laugh emerged from his lips. Manny, reacting towards Craig response, furrowed her eyebrows and asked, "What's so funny?"

With still a few chuckles escaping from him, Craig answered, "It's… It's nothing. Just, it's so like you to act like that to this sort of stuff."

Feeling somewhat offended, she retorted, "And why, may I ask, is that such a bad thing?"

"It's not." Craig told her. With a sideways smile still remaining on his lips, he turned his head up towards Manny and said, "Coming from you, it's pretty predictable, but… in a good way."

"Oh. 'In a good way'…" she repeated, an appreciative expression gradually appearing on her face. With a cute ear to ear grin, reminiscent of those she made from her younger, more innocent years, she looked at Craig and muttered sweetly, "Thanks."

"Don't mention it." he answered, looking right back at her. Suddenly, Craig became extremely aware of how close they were to one another. He gazed at her, completely breathless. Her lips, which previously formed a wide smile, subsided to a small, subtle smirk. Her soft short hair gracefully fell onto her shoulders. And then her eyes… even in the dark their intensity couldn't be masked. He loved her. He always loved her. And in one quick sweeping motion, Craig threw out all his inhibitions. Not caring about what the outcome would be, he cupped Manny's cheeks with his hands… and he kissed her. It was a short sweet kiss, both passionate and gentle.

When their lips finally parted, neither one of them said a word. There was an evident trace of surprise in Manny's facial expression. Their eyes remained locked on one another, waiting to see which of them would be the first to break the silence. But ultimately, it was neither Craig nor Manny. Emma had just then woken up, slowly wrestling herself free from the blanket which was wrapped around her. Suddenly remembering that Emma had also been in the room, Manny was quick to avert her eyes, looking awkwardly at anything else but Craig.

Completely unaware of what had just happened, Emma let out a yawn, and said, " It's getting pretty late, you guys. I'm just gonna head off to bed." As she drowsily made her towards her bedroom, Craig called after, with his eyes still fixed on Manny, "Yeah… I probably should get going too."

Slowly he rose from his spot, taking one last look at Manny. She remained in the same position and made no move as to escort Craig to his car. But that was all right, he thought to himself. He kissed her, and if the case was that she didn't share his feelings, he did not regret what he had done. Craig walked through the Nelson's front door and made his way towards his car. He jingled the cars keys with his fingers and stared up at the sky, when behind him Manny's voice called out, "Craig!"

He turned around, seeing Manny's silhouette at the doorway. She ran towards him, stopping just mere inches from his body. In silence, she looked up at him, nervously biting her lip. And then, just as Craig had done, she gently cupped his cheeks with her hands… and she kissed him. It was a short sweet kiss, both passionate and gentle.

"Thank you," she whispered breathlessly, her eyes shimmering with tears that threatened to fall, " You didn't have be here. You didn't have an obligation…"

"But I did," Craig answered back, wiping a tear as it fell from Manny's cheek, " You might not think so, but I did. Manny… whatever happens, I'll be here for you."

"Well, I'm glad…" Manny said, sweetly smiling up at him, "It makes me feel better. Like you're my protector." And with that, Craig pull her into his arms, embracing her more lovingly than he ever had before.

-The End-

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I always loved that "protector" line. After watching "Weddings, Parties, Anything", I decided it would make a cute addition to the story. Anyways, thanks again for reading my fanfic. I hope you enjoyed it. And again, I'd appreciate a review. Thanks.