Hey everyone! Thanks so much for all of your reviews. You'd be surprised at how annoyed my family gets when I squeal due to the number of messages in my inbox. Love you guys!

Today was long and tiring. But, I finally got all of my tasks accomplished. So, I'm a happy camper!

Well, I finally posted something on my lonely fictionpress account. If you guys want to go check it out, my name is 'Adorably Lethal' so, yeah, be sure to leave a review if you read it. *wink wink*

Anyways, here's another chapter for you all! Enjoy!

Clare took a deep, steadying before she pushed the key into the lock, unlocked the door, and pushed through. She rolled her luggage in behind her. Eli followed her though.

When he shut the door, the sound of the door closing left an echo that filled the silence.

"Wow." Clare breathed. The reality finally kicked in. This was her home now. Sure, she would always be welcomed at her previous house, but this is where she lived. It was home. Eli rolled his suitcase out of the way. He slid his jacket off and placed it on the coat rack, one of the few pieces of furniture they owned.

Sneaking up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her. Clare leaned back into his embrace.

The apartment wasn't perfect. But, it was a start. For two college students with low paying jobs, this was affordable. Their home was small, a two bedroom apartment with a kitchen that merged with the living room. The apartment was close to the college they attended, and it wasn't too far from their parents' home either.

Clare pulled herself free from Eli's hold and wandered around her new apartment. Walking into the area known as the kitchen, she was pleased to know that they had a working refrigerator and stove. The cabinets were relatively all right, though one of the doors hung off the hinges.

The only furniture they had brought in was a full sized mattress and a coat hanger. That, and some clothing.

"So, after classes, your dad and I will start moving some of your furniture here." Eli explained after putting both bags into their respective rooms.

"That's good." Clare turned to him and smiled shyly.

"Feels weird, huh?" Eli asked, moving to stand beside her. Clare rested her head on his shoulder.

"Yeah, but in a good way. An exciting way." She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "You did a good job finding this place." Clare applauded. Eli grinned.

When Eli first asked Clare to move in together, she was a bit reluctant. They had decided to search for a place for starters.

When they couldn't find a place after two weeks of constant searching, Clare was ready to tell Eli that they should just wait a while longer. But, as fate may have it, an opportunity arose and they took it.

Now, they were living here.

Clare walked over to the window and opened it. The nippy December air chilled her to the bone. She closed the window and wandered the house.

Clare walked into her new bedroom and smiled softly. Her mattress, decorated with her purple sheets and a few pillows, was pushed to the corner of the room.

Just then, she realized something.

Walking back into the living room, she watched as Eli pulled out a phone from his suitcase and started to plug it in.

"Glad you're here," He said without looking up at her. "Is pizza okay? Or do you want to get something else?" He asked, standing up straight.

"Pizza's fine." She responded.

"Where are you going to sleep?" Clare asked, genuinely concerned. Eli didn't respond. Instead, he pulled out his cell phone and started dialing.

After a few seconds, the newly set up phone started to ring. Eli hung up his cell phone.

"Works like a charm." He smiled. Clare crossed her arms, knowing he was avoiding the question.

"I'll ask you again. Where are you sleeping, Eli." This time, he shrugged in response.

"The floor I guess. I have a few pillows and a blanket." He didn't turn to look at her as he scratched the back of his neck. Clare felt her heart sink.

"Why didn't you bring your mattress?" She asked. Eli laughed slightly.

"Well, we could only bring one tonight. And, for our first night living together, I'd like for you to be comfortable." He turned to her and hugged her. He placed a small kiss on her temple. "I'm going out. Going to pick up some food for tomorrow. I'll also pick up the pie. You want any toppings?" Clare shook her head. He placed a kiss on her cheek, grabbed his coat, and left.

Clare was left feeling lonely. Reaching into her bag, she grumbled when she realized that she had left her book at her parents' house.

She had already done all the homework she could for the night. With nothing left to do, Clare retreated to her bedroom, lay down, and let her mind wander.

She couldn't believe she was lining here with Eli. He was being so thoughtful and considerate, trying his best to provide her with everything.

It was a little scary. The though of her mom and dad not being right down the hall. Clare curled herself into the ball. At first, when Clare agreed, her parents thought she should wait. They thought that she was too young and that her relationship wouldn't last.

But, Eli was a constant. He wasn't going anywhere. So, Clare decided to move in with him. She knew she would make the best out of any situation. Besides, she loves Eli, and love conquers all, right?

I miss Eli. Clare though sadly, the silence feeling all too consuming. With no source of entertainment, Clare had nothing to distract herself with.

When someone rung the doorbell, Clare jumped suddenly, feeling nervous and giddy. She tiptoed out of her room, down the hall, and to the front door.

When she looked through the peephole, she saw the distorted face of an elderly woman. Clare opened the door.

The woman looked up at her and smiled sweetly.

"Hello. My name is Dolly Lawrence. I live right down the hall. I knew the people who lived here before, so I thought I'd introduce myself to my new neighbors, or neighbor." Dolly outstretched her hand. Clare took it gingerly and shook.

"A pleasure to meet you, Dolly. My name is Clare Edwards. My boyfriend, Eli Goldsworthy, and I are going to start living here. Would you like to come in? The house isn't well furnished, but-"

"I'm fine, sweetheart." Dolly reassured with a smile. "I just came to drop off a few welcoming presents. And I'm glad I did. Such a young, pretty thing like yourself must be having hard time adjusting to a place like this." Dolly gestured around them. Reaching to the side, she handed Clare a plate full of cookies, wrapped up with plastic wrap.

"I had my daughter bake them. Trust me, she's an amazing chef." Clare smiled and nodded. Dolly reached over and handed Clare a small lamp.

"A little, rusty old thing I've been dying to get rid off. Been driving me insane! Maybe it'll be useful, that is, until you buy a better one." Dolly finally handed Clare toilet paper.

"Bet you didn't think of that now, did ya?" She teased. Clare giggled, because they hadn't thought of that.

"Thank you so much, Dolly. This was a real help. I'll be sure to tell Eli to stop and say hello. Please, come to us if you need anything." Dolly placed a hand against Clare's cheek fondly before leaving.

Clare shut the door with her foot. She set the cookies down on the counter that separated the kitchen from the living room. She placed the toilet paper in the bathroom.

Clare looked down at the lamp. It was cute and dainty. Clare decided to put it in her bedroom. She plopped down on her bed and felt impatience gnawing at her.

Where's Eli? She thought with a sigh. When she heard the front door open, she all but jumped up and flew out of her room.

She zoomed down the hall until she reached the living room, where Eli was setting the pizza box down.

She flung herself at him, wrapping her arms and legs around his torso and waist. Eli stumbled, but regained his balance and set Clare down. He laughed from the playful and unexpected gesture. He kissed her nose.

"Miss me that much, huh?" He teased. Her cheeks flushed, but she didn't deny it. She had missed him. He looked down at his watch and chuckled again. "I've only been gone for twenty minutes!" He laughed.

"Yeah, well, with nothing to do, I got lonely." She defended, her lower lip pushed out. Eli laughed and shook his head.

The two sat on the floor, eating their pizza in silence. While Clare could only stomach about one, or two depending on how hungry she was, Eli had three whole slices. They sat in comfortable silence, occasionally Eli would mention some of the stores around the neighborhood, or Clare would state something about the apartment. Eli shut the pizza box and shoved the remaining pizza in the refrigerator once they finished.

"Where'd those come from?" He asked, jutting his chin towards the plate of cookies.

"A house warming present from Dolly. She lives right down the hall. She's really nice; you should go talk to her." Eli nodded.

"Tomorrow. Right now, I'm too tired. Shall we get ready for bed?" He asked. Clare smiled and nodded in agreement. She closed the door to her room and changed into her pajamas, feeling butterflies flutter in her tummy.

She'd only ever slept alone with Eli once, at Adam's house. That was after Clare and Adam's high school graduation. They had partied to the wee hours of the morning. Adam had fallen asleep in his bed while Clare and Eli had fallen asleep on the futon in Adam's living room.

After changing, Clare grabbed her toothbrush and some tooth paste. While she brushed her teeth, Eli wandered in to do the same.

The butterflies start to flutter again. She was nervous. But, he would be sleeping in his room and she would be in hers. There really was nothing to worry about.

But, Clare was a little sad. Eli would be sleeping on the cold, hard ground, while she slept in the warm, comfortable bed.

After much debate with herself, Clare knew she had to ask. After rinsing her mouth, she turned to Eli.

"Would you like to sleep with me to night?" He turned to her and arched an eyebrow. "I mean, it's got to be better than the floor. And, my full sized bed could probably fit us both." Eli thought about it for a moment, before smirking and nodding.

"Sounds good, Clare. I appreciate it." Once finished, they both walked back into Clare's bedroom. After shutting the light, they both crawled into bed.

"No funny business, Eli." Clare twisted in bed and faced him. She smiled, but she hoped he knew she was being serious.

"Wouldn't dream of it, love." He reached over and pecked her lips. "Just, try not to be so loud when you snore." Clare gaped.

"I do not snore!" She reached over and playfully pushed him. He chuckled.

"No, you don't. But, you do talk in your sleep." Clare's cheeks flushed.

"No, I don't…" This time, she didn't sound as convincing, because, her mother had told her that when she dreams vividly, she speaks. Eli laughed again.

"Yes, you do. Adam and I heard you a few times. And, you have some weird dreams, Clare. Princesses and pancakes, what a combination." He chuckled as her cheeks flushed a deep maroon.

"Goodnight, Eli." She grumbled, scrunching her nose in annoyance. Leaning over, he pressed his lips to her softly.

"Goodnight, Clare." He breathed when they parted. Clare smiled and shut her eyes.

The silence was no longer forlorn, but comforting. Clare could get used to living here, with Eli. Before she fell asleep, Clare groped around until she found Eli's hand. She grasped it tightly. It wasn't perfect, but it was home.

I once spoke in my sleep. I made my sister cry, she was laughing so hard. Well, this was a suggestion by Alexis Goldsworthy, and I did it since the idea intrigued me. I didn't like the ending, but overall, I liked it. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this.

Review?

~S.S.