Hey, everyone! I'm in a bit of a grumpy mood. Dermatologist appointments suck. Especially when you have to wait for an hour to see the doctor! Anyways, let me be quiet and get on with my review!

Well, I'm satisfied until next week. I'm glad they didn't rush Eli and Clare's relationship. But, I can't wait until next week to see the awesomeness that is Eclare!

Aww, Riley and Zane are so cute together! And Anya is so nice to Wesley. =)

Anyways, this will be a double-whammy, since I'm in such a loving mood. You guys rock.

This fanfiction is a request from escaperealityforawhile who asked for a one-shot from Eli's POV. This is his POV from chaper 21. Please don't kill me if it's terrible, people!

Enjoy!

I knew something was strange the minute I received those strange looks. I could hear people whispering about me. Normally, I wouldn't give a damn, but when Clare's name was mention, I perked up a bit.

I had missed the better part of the day. Better being because I had all those classes with Clare. Stupid doctor's appointment. I would've put it off for another day, but my father insisted. Then again, it had been a year since my last appointment.

Adam rushed up to me, smiling. I held out my fist and he tapped his to mine.

"Where have you been, man?" He asked, turning to walk down the hall. I followed behind.

"I had an appointment. What's the newest rumor about now? Did Fitz tell everyone I sleep in a casket or something?" I asked. Adam gave me a strange look, probably to see if I was joking. I was. I may be interested in death, but not that much.

"No. It's actually about Clare. She got in a fight. People are saying you were mentioned, along with her ex, K.C." I froze and turned to him. I knew my face showed disbelieve.

"Clare? No way." It just wasn't possible. He shrugged and we parted ways. I sat through my remaining classes, eager to see Clare.

Once the final bell rang, I jumped up and dashed out of the room. I waited by her locker, anxious for her arrival. When ten minutes passed, I started to look for her. I poked my head through different doors. All of the classrooms were pretty much empty.

When I reached Mr. Perino's room, I was surprised to see her there. Her curly auburn locks fell around her bend head.

"Clare?" I called. She spun around and stared at me, surprised. I smirked at her. Sometimes, she could be so cute. I pulled myself together and walked towards her.

"You do know that school ended fifteen minutes ago, right?" I asked. She nodded, her cheeks tinting a rose color. It just made her look cuter.

"Wait…" I said, realization hitting me like a brick. After school? In an empty classroom? All the pieces fit. "This is detention. Why do you have detention?" I asked, confused. I sat beside her. I watched as her face contorted into one of confliction.

"I got into a fight." She mumbled. I could feel my eyes get wide as I noticed a small bruise on her cheek. Without thinking, I let my fingers touch her soft skin. She winced. I felt a small bubble of anger well up inside of me.

"Yeah, I heard about that, but I didn't think it was real. Jenna Middleton, right?" I asked. I hoped I hid the anger. She nodded. I noticed, by her tiny pout and watery eyes, she was ashamed. Why? I couldn't even begin to fathom.

"That's my girl!" I cheered, patting her back. She looked into my eyes, her cobalt eyes shining with confusion. God, this girl drove me nuts.

"You…aren't mad?" I could tell she was genuinely surprised. I shook my head, my hair flopping back and forth.

"Mad? No way. I'm sure she had it coming to her." Clare shrugged, somewhat agreeing with me. My smile faltered. "I heard the fight was about me and Guthrie. Is that true?" I asked. Clare sighed deeply. I couldn't help but watch her lips. Snap out of it, you idiot. I mentally slapped myself for being easily distracted.

"Not entirely, but you were included. Something about K.C. being better than you. Of course, that couldn't ever be true. Things kind of went from bad to worse after that." She admitted. Although she tried to appear nonchalant, I could tell she was somewhat hurt and annoyed. Again, without thinking, I acted. I pressed my lips against her cheek, happiness bubbling inside of me. Clare Edwards cared about me enough to fight some blonde cheerleader.

"That is totally cool of you, Clare." I grinned at her. I knew there was a reason I was falling for this awesome girl. She gave a half smile back, but I could tell her mind was elsewhere.

"Come on. Detention isn't for you." I said, standing up. She reluctantly followed me out of the classroom.

"I can't. I'll get in trouble." She started to pull back, but suddenly froze when her eyes locked on something to our left. I turned and froze, too. Mr. Perino. I cursed my luck.

Much to my surprise, Mr. Perino stared up at the ceiling and started whistling a tune. I watched as he glanced at Clare for a minute and gave her a wink. I grinned and led her out of the school.

She followed, all the while giggling madly.

"Wow." She breathed. I nodded in agreement. I froze when I saw K.C. standing by Morty. He was glaring at Clare. Having longer legs, I strode past him and to the passenger door, opening it. Clare was about to follow, but was pulled back when K.C. grabbed her arm.

My animalistic nature stepped in and I quickly put myself between them, glaring at K.C. No one—and I mean no one—touched Clare like that.

"Get in the car." I whispered to her. We stared into each other's eyes for a moment. She seemed to sense that I could handle this. Unsurprisingly, she didn't glare at K.C. as she brushed past him and into the car. She kept the window rolled down to listen in.

"Who the hell are you, her bodyguard?" K.C. hissed.

"That's none of your business. Now, move. You're in my way." Something clicked in me. I wasn't in the mood to deal with a jock like him right now.

"It is my business, when she makes me girlfriend cry." Was he trying to be intimidating? Because, he was failing miserably.

"She has a name. It's Clare." I hissed back. "And I'm sorry your little girlfriend can't take an insult, but from what I hear, Jenna was the instigator." This didn't surprise K.C.

"Move." I ordered. Despite bumping into me purposely, I was a bit smug. I walked over to the driver's seat and slid in. My adrenaline was still pumping, but it felt good to put a person in his place.

"Thanks." She mumbled as I eased my way out of the parking lot.

"For?" I asked, heading into the street.

"Sticking up for me." I nodded, understanding.

"Any time." I smirk, feeling pride swell in me. Oh, my ego was huge right now. When we arrived at her place, she gave me a smile. She surprised me by leaning over and kissing my cheek.

Her lips were soft against my cheek. She pulled away, her cheeks turning red, and fled the car. She turned and waved before opening the door and entering her home.

I made my way home, feeling ecstatic. I couldn't help but chuckle at a thought. Clare Edwards, a modern day saint, was a scrapper.

Did I disappoint? Or was I pretty good? I hoped you liked it! Review?

~S.S.