Okay people, this is the very last chapter of It Had to Be You. It's been a crazy ride, huh? You have all been amazing, and I thank each and every one of you for your support. There were so many reviews, favorite, and story alerts that my ego is bursting. I'm kidding, but you really have been great, and I am beyond thankful.

This chapter will be written entirely in Aislinn's point of view. I hope this isn't a great disappointment for anyone.

As a last reminder, I do not own Degrassi. I also do not own Motion City Soundtrack- their song It Had to Be You was the inspiration for the title, obviously.

For those of you who are dedicated fans of the bad, such as myself, you will recognize some of the lyrics in this chapter. I in no way, shape, or form claim Justin Pierre's lyrics as my own words, they are simply brilliant. So, seeing as I used the title, I decided to make this last chapter a bit of an homage to the song. The lyrics are hidden in the dialogue, and may be altered slightly to make more sense in context.

If you get the chance, go look up the lyrics…and then smile when you realize which lines I've decided to use for the chapter. Heck, if you're feeling ambitious, go give the song a listen before you read the chapter. It's really great; I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Longest note ever, I know, but there won't be one at the end. So I had to get everything out now. Please let me know what you think at the end! So, without further ado, chapter 8:

It was the day we were to start filming our season finale- meaning everyone in the cast was called to the set all day. There would be several opportunities for breaks, and chances to chill in the greenroom, but most of the day we would be acting as extras if we didn't have a speaking role in the scene we were filming. Our season finales were almost always dances in the more recent seasons, so everyone was used if only for a second.

Normally, I loved filming the finale. Yes, it was bittersweet because that meant we would be going on hiatus shortly, but we also got to spend time together as a cast. And I meant altogether, which happened rarely.

However, my stomach was doing nervous flips as I walked to the studio. The anxiety of facing Sam and Munro in the same room was making me sick.

I just couldn't get the way Sam's face had crumpled right before his anger had kicked in, out of my head. Or the way he had yelled at me…

Sam didn't yell, and he had most certainly never yelled at me.

Not that I hadn't deserved it…I did…still do.

Just as I walked into the parking lot Jordy rushed out, throwing her arms around me. I had called her last night after I had rushed home from Sam's. When she realized I was in tears she promised me an extra big hug the next day. She would have been over that every minute if her mom didn't have a bizarre curfew for her when she had to go in to film.

"Are you feeling any better?"

I laughed humorlessly. "Not really- I screwed up big time. I never wanted to lose Sam as a friend, but I'm pretty sure I did a thorough job of screwing up our entire relationship."

I felt Jordy's hand rub small, comforting circles across my back. "I've got your back all day, girl. If things get awkward or hostile we'll just retreat to my dressing room for a few minutes."

"Have I ever told you that you're the best friend a girl could ever ask for?"

"Maybe once or twice…not that it matters; I don't have to be told I'm awesome to know it."

A small giggle escaped me; Jordan always knew what to say to make me feel better. After winking at me we walked through the double doors of the building, and I took a deep breath. I could do this. I had to do this.

As it turned out, I hadn't needed to stress so much about the first few hours. As soon as I was inside the studio I was whisked away to hair, then makeup, and, lastly, to wardrobe. We were filming the scenes from the dance first so our crew could work on cleaning out our gym set while we filmed in the hallways. I was put in a deep purple dress that was right up Clare's alley- something that accented my curves but wasn't too revealing.

After an hour and a half had gone by of nonstop commotion I was finally able to take a break, alone, in my dressing room. I was looking over my script, and mumbling my lines to myself when there was a light knock at my closed door.

I had expected Jordan or Mindy or even Munro…but I had never expected to find an ashamed looking Sam on the other side.

Yet, there he was- the expression on his face more of a confusion than the fact that he wanted to see me at all after what had happened the night before. I was the one who should be looking contrite…not him.

"Could I, um, maybe come in?"

His voice was a strange mix of regret, anger, and sadness. It broke my heart all over again, but I stepped aside as he quickly paced past me. I locked the door behind him- figuring this needed to be a private conversation.

I didn't know what to say, but for some reason Sam was looking at me expectantly- as if I had come to his room to talk, not the other way around.

I decided to go with the first thing that came to mind:

"I really am sorry, Sam. You might not want to hear it, and you certainly don't have to believe it, but I never wanted to hurt you like that. I may not love you exactly the way you want me to, but I love you dearly as a friend."

Sam barked out a dark laugh that made me cringe. "Yeah, yeah; I know. I'm…well I'm sorry, too."

What?

I wanted to ask out loud what the hell he could possibly be sorry for, but my mouth had popped open in a surprised 'o' and I couldn't get it to move. Luckily, Sam seemed to understand the question the expression on my face undoubtedly implied.

"Look, as much as Munro really deserved it, I hadn't meant to lose my temper like that. It wasn't very mature of me, and I really do feel bad about what I did."

"Did you…oh God, Sam; you didn't kill him, did you?"

"Oh, so I assume you haven't seen him yet this morning. Well, let's just say the bruise is most definitely my fault."

I let the relief fill my body as I realized Sam hadn't killed Munro…he had only decked him. Wait, what?

"You punched him?"

"Don't look at me like that; I think it was totally merited. I was angry, and that anger needed an outlet. It just so happened that Munro's face seemed to be a convenient solution."

Despite myself I giggled. How was it that even when Sam and I were both quite obviously falling to pieces slowly, he could still make me laugh? I hoped I was making the right decision.

A small, private smile flashed over Sam's face for just a moment before the pain flooded back into his eyes.

"You didn't come here to apologize about Munro's face, though, did you?"

"You always were a smart girl."

"So…what is this about?"

"I came…," Sam winced, clearly struggling with his words, "to give you my blessing."

"You're here to do what now?" I asked in disbelief.

"Please don't make me say it again, Aislinn. It hurts. However, he makes you happy…he always has. I saw this coming the moment he opened his mouth to say his first line. I don't want to have to, but I'm letting you go because I need you to be happy."

"Thank you," the tears in my eyes made my voice incredibly thick, and I could scarce talk above a strained whisper. It was a good thing our makeup artist always used waterproof mascara.

"You should know this doesn't mean I'm giving up, though."

"Sam, please," I whispered brokenly.

"No. I know what girl I want, Aislinn. I've tried to have feelings for others…but it's you. It had to be you; I knew it was you for a while now. I'll wait until you and Munro have had your fun…because, even though you hurt me immensely, I know you're worth the wait. I love you, Ace. I can't just turn it off like a switch. So I'll wait."

"I wish you wouldn't," I plead with him, trying to make him understand. "I want you to have a chance to be happy, too. Waiting for me will only make you miserable."

"And pretending like I have feelings for another girl would be ten times worse. I know you think that these feelings probably started for me when we first kissed those few days ago, but that's not true. I've had my eye on you since the middle of filming season 9. You're amazing, and I waited so long for that kiss, and I'll wait again. It's nothing new for me."

I viciously suppressed the sob that was trying to push its way out; I didn't want Sam to hear how much his speech had affected me. It would only make things harder for him, and I had already screwed with his life enough.

He slowly crossed the room, his eyes never breaking their contact with mine. When he was close enough that I could feel his breath fan across my face, he leaned in and gently pressed his lips to my forehead. I closed my eyes, feeling the tears spill over and roll down my face. Sam then moved his lips to my cheeks, kissing away the tears.

"Goodbye, Ace," he whispered softly against my lips before pulling away quickly, leaving me alone in my room. When I heard the door close I couldn't hold back any longer.

I let the sob break free from my chest as it constricted in pain.

XXX

Shortly after the conversation with Sam I was called to set; everyone was called to set. We were given our instructions about where our characters would be placed on the dance floor, every scene having its own unique corner. The actual extras filled up the rest of the space.

It took me much longer than usual to lose myself in the character I had become so familiar with after so many years of developing her. What with Sam's longing stares from across the gym and Munro's friendly, subdued small talk I thought it would be impossible to completely become Clare, but, thankfully, I let Aislinn fall by the wayside along with all Aislinn's trouble. Ah, the joys of being an actress.

The day was long, and for the first time in just about ever, it actually felt like work. The only thing that kept me sane was the fact that I could retreat behind Clare when we were on set, and when we were off, I could retreat to Jordy's dressing room.

I wanted to tell Munro the good news- that there wasn't anything standing in our way anymore- but I needed the chance to compose myself. Sam's earlier words had reached all the emotions I had been trying to suppress and brought them to the surface. I didn't want Munro to know how much Sam's act of valiance had upset me anymore than I wanted Sam to know. It would only end up hurting them both somewhere down the line.

Jordy had agreed to that line of logic, and had suggested I talk to Munro after we were all done filming for the day. I felt bad about making him wait, but there really wasn't any other option.

When Stephan finally called a wrap for the day I hurried to my room to change out of my costume. When I was back in my street clothes I practically ran to Munro's room, barely containing my excitement. As much as I was upset about hurting Sam I was thrilled to be with Munro.

"Come on in, I'm decent," Munro called when I knocked on his door.

"That's too bad," I joked, slipping in and closing the door behind me.

Munro whirled around. "Oh, hey Ace. I was about to come find you, actually."

"I have good news," I ignored his comment, getting right to the point.

"Do you now? That's my favorite kind of news; lay it on me."

"There is no longer anything in our way."

"You mean…Sam's out of the picture?"

I mentally winced, but kept my face composed. "He gracefully ducked out, leaving room for only you. Well…maybe not so gracefully," I noted, pointing to the greenish-purple bruise on Munro's jaw that was now visible. Apparently, Munro had removed his makeup.

Munro immediately brought his hand up to prod gently at the sensitive skin. "He had every right. Besides, I have to give him some respect; I never knew he had such a killer right hook."

I rolled my eyes; I would never understand men.

"He said he's sorry, by the way."

"I know he is, but he really doesn't have to be. Like I said, he was well within his right. I was out of line….not that I regret a thing."

The way he was looking at me turned my insides to jelly, and I was almost certain I felt my knees go weak. The way my heart was soaring reminded me that I had made the right choice for me. There was no denying the way Munro made me feel.

"So, we're official now, right?"

"Right," Munro confirmed, a smirk playing on his lips.

I laughed at how informal all this was, and Munro's gaze landed near my lips. I shivered as he crossed the room to me.

"I won't get punched again for doing this, correct?" Munro smiled down at me, winding his arms around my waist. His face was getting dangerously close to mine.

Instead of answering the question, I smashed my lips against his, sighing slightly. Munro chuckled into the kiss, and I took that as an opportunity to deepen it. My hands wound themselves in his soft hair as he pulled me as close to his body as I could possibly get.

Before things could get too heated, though, there was a knock at the door.

"Ace, I know you're in there, too," Jordy's voice called out. "We're all meeting in the cafeteria for food before we head home. I know you two probably want to get your snuggle on, but it's time to bond with the cast!"

"We'll be there in a sec," I called to her and I heard her laugh echo all the way down the hall.

When I turned back to him, I found Munro staring at me with a bemused expression. I raised my eyebrows at him in question.

"You know, I used to think what a disaster it would be if you discovered that I cared a little too much for friends, but apparently not enough to share. I couldn't have been more wrong. I'm so happy you feel the same way, Aislinn. Beyond thrilled."

"Well, I'm happy you decided to finally share."

A sweet, private smile lit up his face as he watched me with adoring eyes. I leaned in to peck him quickly on the lips once more before grabbing his hand and leading him to the cafeteria. We sat at the same table as Jordy, Mindy and Ray. No one commented on the way Munro's arm was loosely hung around my shoulders- it was like they had all expected it to happen eventually so it wasn't surprising.

I let myself get lost in the joyous banter of my best friends. After several minutes though, I felt something compelling me to look up. As I did, I saw Sam slowly backing out of the cafeteria, his eyes on me. He blushed when I met his gaze, and his face crumpled softly.

I tried to ignore the way my heart constricted, but it was hard. When Sam completely disappeared around the corner, lyrics from a song he had once put on one of the mix CD's he had made for me back when our friendship was strongest ran though my head.

I snuggled in closer to Munro, letting my head fall into the crook of his shoulder. I discreetly wiped away the single tear that had escaped as someone else's words summed up the feelings in my heart that I could not accurately express.

"And after it ends, we'll try to be friends. They say that what doesn't kill us makes us who we are."