Title: Hot Mess
Rating: R
Chapter: 6
Fandom: Degrassi: The Next Generation
Summary: Clare uses her womanly whiles to protect Eli. Eclare. Flare. Misfits!
Comments: "Hot Mess" by Cobra Starship.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the idea.

Fitz stood in front of Clare's locker, pacing in a small four foot line as the words he wanted to tell her tried to fit together in his head. He mumbled his scattered thoughts under his breath, clutching the small, purple gift bag in his hand.

"Fitz?"

Fitz froze at the sound of his name, looking up at Clare and immediately smiling. "Clare," he sighed, his breath hitching at the sight of her; it was as if a light glowed around her, giving her the look of an angel.

Clare rose an eyebrow, smiling at him sweetly, "What's up?"

Fitz blinked, holding the bag out to her, "Um… this is for you." Clare took it willingly, opening the bag and pulled out a small clay rose; while the stem was a regular green, the petals were each a different color as if to make a rainbow. Her mouth opened slightly, looking up at him as he spoke. "I made it over the weekend because I had to leave during art on Friday. I… I thought you'd like it."

Clare smiled with a nod, "I love it." She sighed heavily, staring at it for another minute before gently setting it back in its packaging. "But I can't accept this," she informed sadly, handing the bag back to him.

When she placed the bag in his hand, Fitz could feel his heart break. "Wh-why not?" he asked, stuttering slightly.

"I'm with Eli," Clare stated simply, pulling her purse back up on her shoulder.

Fitz felt his eyes well with tears, but he refused to let anyone see him cry. Instead, he grabbed the nearest kid and shoved them onto the floor before storming off.

Clare watched him helplessly before closed her eyes in pain. She knew she did the right thing. She adored Fitz, but she could not lead him on anymore.

DTNG

Fitz found his way into the auditorium. He made his way to the left wing – Clare's usual workspace. He took in a deep breath, shaking all over as the pain eased its way through his body. Tears started to fall from his eyes as his heart ached.

How could he have fallen for her? How could he be in love with her? She was just another good time – another fuck. Yet somehow, looking at her made him want to die, yet fly high in the air at the same time. He loved her. He had never experienced such an overwhelming emotion in his life.

He closed his eyes, reaching into his pocket for his knife. He flipped it open and stared at the sharp blade intensely. Killing Eli would be so pleasurable, but, in a way, it would be giving them what they want – a reaction.

He rolled up the sleeve of his shirt, shaking as he lifted the knife to his wrist. He stabbed him himself harshly, biting his lip hard to keep from crying out and, instead, winced in pain. He stood there for a minute in that position, his eyes staring into the wound, before sliding it down his arm in a deep, vertical gash. He dropped the knife, falling to his knees while holding his wrist against his chest. He closed his eyes, slowly dropping himself into a laying position underneath the props table.

DTNG

Clare sighed heavily, dropping her backpack and purse in one of the auditorium chairs. She took in a deep breath, closing her eyes. She should have been in class, but she needed to get away from all the drama.

She started up the stairs to the stage, heading to her prop table. She stopped suddenly at the sight of a body under the table, a muddled line of blood drug from the person's feet to where they lay under the table. Her eyes went wide, screaming as loud as she could in fright. She rushed under the table and felt as if she would throw up. "Fitz…" she trailed off in shock, tears filling her eyes.

She placed his head carefully in her lap, running a hand through his hair and then down across his pale cheek. "Fitz, wake up," she whispered, trying to wake him up. She closed her eyes, starting to cry. "Fitz, please..."

Fitz's eyes fluttered open exhaustedly, looking up at her. He swallowed hard, mumbling, "Clare…"

Clare's heart stopped at the sound of his voice, looking down at him. "Oh my god," she sighed heavily. "Babe, stay with me, okay?" she begged, running one hand through his hair while the other gently held his gushing arm.

Her words fell upon death ears as Fitz closed his eyes. His head rolling to the side, starting to lose consciousness again.

"Fitz!" Clare shouted in his face. She gently set his head down on the floor. She took off her white sweater, wrapping it around his arm tightly. She leaned into his arm, pushing pressure onto it, to clot the wound, with all her might.

She looked around frantically, screaming out for help, "Somebody! Anybody! Help! Please! HELP!"

DTNG

Clare stood over Fitz's hospital bed, her eyes staring at his weakened frame. She reached out, running a hand through his hair. She leaned down, kissing the corner of his mouth only to be met with a tilt of his head and his lips against hers.

She sighed in relief, kissing him back softly on the lips while her hand cupped his cheek gingerly. She pulled her head back a bit with a smile. "Thank god," she whispered before kissing him again.

He kissed her back willingly, running his good hand through her hair. He pulled back after a moment and sighed softly, "Clare, I'm sorry."

"You better be fucking sorry," Clare snapped softly, tears running down her cheeks. "You really scared me."

Fitz smiled a bit at the sound of her words, reaching up and cupping her cheek. "I love you," he stated, stroking her cheek gently with his thumb.

Clare smiled, looking into his eyes, "I love you too."