Chapter 2

A/N: So even with only five reviews the numbers seemed really good for the first chapter. Thanks to everyone who reviewed they made my day. So I don't know how long this story will be. I have always had issues with multi chapter fics ( I have two semi abandoned multi chapter fics on here to prove it) my mind seems to write in one chapter segments lol. I am however determined to see this story to its end. Probably because I am so happy that my favorite couple of this cycle of Degrassi may be getting back together. So I am planning on adding up to four chapters and ending it the day part two airs. On to the story.

The walk back to Clare's had been… eventful. And not in the Rory and Jess walk around Stars Hallow making out and almost getting run over eventful. No just like always for them it was much more dramatic. That was one thing about their relationship that Clare actually loved though. It was never easy and sometimes they would yell and fight but even with divorced parents Clare wouldn't want it any other way. Because unlike her parents fighting was actually good for her and Eli. She would rather they fight and get everything out then keep things in like her parents. At least getting things out could lead to growth and forgiveness.

Forgive and forget? She knew that they could never fully forget what had happened, on either side. But why would she want to forgive and forget. She hated that saying. If you were to totally forget then you would make the same mistakes again or let someone else do the same. In Clare's mind you should never forget. Move on yes and forgive the person yes. But part of that forgiveness should be never forgetting what they did. So if and when that person shows growth you see it and remember it more. Because you saw how far they had come to get to that point. She just hoped that Eli would see that, and maybe after the walk back to her place he would.

Flashback

Walking home Clare kept secretly pinch herself. The entire afternoon seemed like a dream. If it wasn't for the freezing winter air biting at her cheeks, and Eli's gloved hand interlaced with her own she might have believed it was.

"Man it's days like these that I miss having my own car," Eli mumbled beside her. His face fell almost instantly when he realized what he said. She watched as his eyes seemed to get distant and his body pulled into itself.

'Oh no he isn't going to pull away. Not now.' Clare thought as her hand gripped his even tighter than before. "Eli… Eli look at me." When his green eyes continued to avoid even looking in her direction Clare knew this was bad. That the conversation they planned on having at her house needed to start here. "Eli, relax I am not leaving the second you bring up our past. Or our mistakes."

When he still didn't look at her she felt like she had no choice but to let go of his hand and cup his face with both of her hands. "We can't change the past and honestly I don't want to." She was stopped by him huffing at her with an eye brow raised like he was waiting for her to admit that was a lie. "I don't Eli. Without it we wouldn't know what we are fighting for now or what we had to go through as individuals to get here."

His face softened a little at that and his classic one sided smirk started to appear. "Do you really mean all that?" His voice was soft as his arms wrapped around her waist and his head moved from her hands and nuzzled her neck.

"Yes I do." The 11th grader's voice was quiet and slightly breathless and his lips brushed against her body. "We can't tip toe around each other for the rest of our relationship. That's not a real relationship, that's a half assed safety blanket relationship. One that is all about the surface. No deep connection, no chemistry, no sparks, no fire. And we always have had chemistry." A husky laugh vibrated across her skin at the last sentence.

"Yes… yes we definitely have chemistry. I missed you so much Clare." His face finally lifted from her neck only to place a small kiss on her lips, letting his lips hover over hers.

"I missed you too. Promise me that we will talk about everything. Past, present or even future stuff." Clare pleaded wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Promise." His reply brushed their lips together once more making her melt into his embrace.

End of Flashback

That had been over an hour ago. After they finished talking they had rushed to Clare's house almost running just to get out of the cold. Now they were laying on the couch mindlessly flipping through TV channels and snuggling under a blanket. He was on his back with her nestled into his side her head on his chest. Clare loved being like this with Eli, she never felt as safe anywhere else. Even when things were going crazy in her life she found peace in his arms.

Clare was almost purring with happiness as Eli's fingers rubbed up and down her back. That was until the front door opened and slammed shut, "Clare are you home?" Jake's voice boomed through the house. Worried Clare tried to sit up but Eli's arms only wrapped tighter around her. She gave him a quick questioning look before sighing and settling back against him. He was probably thinking that Jake was going to find out they were back together anyway so why not now. They didn't have to edit themselves or how they acted around other people, and she knew he was right.

"In here Jake." The couple almost laughed at the shocked expression that crossed her new step-brother's face when he saw them.

"Oh so I guess you two made up." Jake tried to look anywhere but the pair on the couch hand rubbing his neck nervously.

"Yep." Eli answered popping the p at the end of the word his one sided smirk on his face. He let his hands once again trail up and down her body. Clare always found it incredibly hot that he got so possessive… just so long as his mental state kept that jealousy in check. Still she slapped him lightly on the chest receiving a real sorry from her boyfriend.

"Sorry Jake Eli is just happy."

Eli was about to make another remark when his cell went off. Grabbing his phone from his pocket his saw his dad's number flash across the screen. It wasn't until that moment that Eli realized he hadn't called his parents after school let out. Lately he had been filling them in more, just a quick call after school, to let them know what his plans were. That he was ok.

Mouthing a quick sorry Eli pulled himself up from the couch and almost shivered. Walking into the foyer he already missed Clare's warmth against his body. "Hey Bullfrog sorry I didn't call I got cared away."

"It's ok kiddo just worried about you. Are you coming home soon?" Bullfrog's voice held some apprehension but talking to Eli seemed to set that a bit.

"Yea I'll be home soon just hanging out with a friend." Eli tried to keep his voice calm and vague. Everything was so new with Clare that he figured telling CeCe and Bullfrog in person would be best.

"Ok, do you need a ride home? Are you at Adam's or Fiona's?" CeCe's voice spilled from the phone this time. Great they had him on speaker phone. It was probably CeCe's idea she had been hovering a little more lately.

"No it's ok I can walk home. I'll be there soon." There was a hint of disappointment in his voice at the idea of leaving Clare that his parents thankfully missed.

"Ok. See you soon." Bullfrog's voice came through one last time before the Eli said good bye and the phone call ended.

Trudging back into the living room Eli settled back onto the couch next to Clare. He waited for a minute for her and Jake to finish whatever they were talking about. When they still didn't stop Eli decided to get her attention his own way. Taking her distracted state as the perfect opportunity he snaked his arms around her waist. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Clare smile at the touch. When he felt her relax completely against him he made his move. His fingers were suddenly everywhere against her sides tickling her, making her scream and giggle. Clare fell back into the couch with Eli partially on top of her. Neither noticed an awkward looking Jake escape the room. "ELI! STOP!"

"What's the magic word?" His whispered next to her head making sure not to get to close so their heads wouldn't slam together as she wiggled beneath him.

"Eli!" Clare screamed again. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction of winning but he needed to stop.

"Oh Clare. Scream my name again." Eli's voice was husky and playful as he continued his attack.

His words were like a trigger for the girl underneath him making her cheeks turn a deep red. "Eli!" She tried to sound disgusted but the lust that she saw swirling in his eyes made her plea come out breathless.

Suddenly her boyfriend stopped the torture only to capture her lips in a head spinning, moan worthy kiss. That was until she actually did moan. It was soft but he heard it, and she knew he did when he drew back and smiled. "Well, well, well looks like someone getting all hot and bothered." Pulling back he helped them both up so they were sitting. "Sadly Blue Eyes, I have to go. CeCe and Bullfrog are getting worried."

Pouting Clare just nodded before they got up and walked towards the door. Sharing one more lingering kiss the couple mumbled good bye's before Eli was out the door.

Leaning against the closed door the young writer couldn't help the goofy smile that spread across her face. And neither could her boyfriend…. Until he got home.

Even after all the drama that had happened over the past year Eli was happy that one thing hadn't changed, home was still home. Sure his parents watched him a bit more and they were more hands on but it wasn't too bad. Yes it did annoy him a little that their new parenting included restrictions that were never there. They had given him so much freedom growing up, they had always treated him like an adult.

If he were to be honest he didn't really notice the differences until he tried to have Imogen spend the night and Bullfrog had blocked the idea. It was a good thing he did though in retrospect. Eli wasn't sure where he and Imogen would be if she had spent the night. Let alone him and Clare.

Clare… she had always been supportive. Or at least tried as hard as she could before things got too much for her to handle. At first he had been so mad at her for bailing on him when she knew he needed so much help. When he needed her. But after he started on the medication and therapy he realized how wrong that mind set was. He couldn't expect her to sit by when he was self destructing, especially after she tried to help. Pulling away was her way of getting out of his way, so he would get treatment. Whether it was because it was too intense for her, she didn't want him focusing on her or a combination of both he wasn't sure.

But she had stood by him in the beginning. Eli remembered all the times she sat in his room with him gently nudging him to get rid of things he didn't really need. How he had made the joke about she earning a whole year free stay at hotel Eli. And she joked back asking if it was four stars. The conversation had ended with them slightly joking about her spending the night. His stomach had flip flopped when she said she would when she felt ready. The promise of the future with her was all he needed even now.

"ELI!" Bullfrog yelled next to his son bringing Eli out of his thoughts. He made his way to the living room and sat on the leather chair, next to the couch they were on.

"Oh sorry what were you saying?" Eli tried to recover and not think of Clare more.

"How was your afternoon did you have fun with Adam? Or were you hanging with Fiona? You never did answer the question." CeCe supplied.

"Actually…. I was with Clare." His voice was barely a whisper but when both his parents looked shocked then frowned he knew they heard him.

"Clare? Well that's nice that you to are friends again." His mothers voice was a little to sugar-y sweet. It was the same voice she was using more and more lately. Whenever she wanted to say something more about a subject but didn't want to over step.

"She isn't just a friend we, well we got back together." The statement was followed by such a silence that Eli swore he could hear crickets.

"When did this happen?" That was one thing about his dad he loved he always tried to get the facts first.

"Today. We talked things over after school." Eli was trying to keep his answers as short and sweet as possible. If he only gave them the need to know stuff he and Clare could hopefully figure things out without parental interference.

"Oh well ok then. Not to sound negative but did you really think this over Eli?" There was his mother's sugar-y sweet voice again.

"Yes mom" Eli huffed before continuing, "I have wanted this for a while. Clare seems to be in a good place too. And my therapist wants me to act like a normal teen if I feel stable."

CeCe sighed before getting up from the couch and hugging him whispering that they were here for him. When she finally pulled back Bullfrog just gave him a quick pat on his back before heading upstairs to go to bed.

He knew his parents were worried, but he was sure that this time things would be different. Together the two could get through anything… well he hoped. School tomorrow would be the first real test.