A/N:

"Clare! Hey!"

She turned around and saw Eli jogging towards her. They immediately smiled at one another and started their trek through Central Park.

"So where are we going?" she matched his stride.

"To the Pond," he simply said.

"Aren't there a lot of ponds?"

"The Pond and Gapstow Bridge," he specified, "I found it during my first year in NYU. It became my getaway when things were getting rough."

"I'm sorry," her voice was soft.

He accepted the apology, "There's usually a lot of people, but it's still a great place to think."

"I never realized Central Park was so big," she watched everyone pass by, "I think I need a week just to explore this place."

Clare continued to follow Eli. The walk was further than she expected, but she didn't complain. She sometimes glanced at Eli who seemed to be focus on the walk. He took notice.

"Is there something on my face?" he asked.

"What? No," she instantly replied.

He turned his head, "Then why do you keep looking at me?"

"Because we're hanging out," she smiled, "Why wouldn't I look at the person I was hanging out with."

"Whatever you say."

They finally reached the Pond and Clare instantly loved what she saw. She took her phone out and snapped a few pictures.

"Can we go to the bridge later?"

"Of course."

She took a seat on one of the vacant benches and just spent some time looking around. The leaves were starting to change colors and Clare decided that fall in NYC would be her favorite season here.

He sat down, "Do you want me to take a picture of you?"

She gave him her phone and Clare decided to have some fun by doing silly and dramatic poses, with Eli eventually joining her. They took turns with their phones and even took a few pictures together.

They went to the bridge and stood at the center, taking a few more pictures. It was late afternoon so the sun was hitting the scenery perfectly. A few people joined them and took their own photos before moving along.

"How's your second year at NYU treating you?" Clare put her phone away.

"Not too bad," he tapped his fingers, "Most of my classes are film related, but I am taking one documentary course."

She nodded, "That's smart – having a class or two that's different from the others."

"And how is Columbia?" he asked.

She shrugged, "I think I'm still adjusting. I mean, my classes are fine but being away from home…"

"I know what you mean," he remembered, "I remember being homesick and just going through the motions of attending classes and events. After a while though, you start to genuinely enjoy yourself. I'm sure you will too."

"I hope so," she sighed, "I'm already involved in different clubs and organizations, hoping to take my mind off of being homesick."

"You've got me," he said, "If you ever need anyone to talk."

She was silent for a moment, "You've got me too."

They let their words hang in the air, watching the lake and leaves move and sway.

"Thank you for taking me here," she moved closer to him, their arms touching.

"If you like this, we can check out the north side of the park next time," Eli offered.

Clare nodded and smiled, accepting the invite.

A/N: I know nothing about their courses/majors so I tried to keep that conversation as vague as possible. Anyway, how am I doing?