Hello everyone! Well, today is my last day of freedom. School starts tomorrow. Just orientation, but that still sucks. Anyways, this is a request from a good friend of mine who wanted to see Adam play cupid.

Enjoy!

Adam's eyes darted nervously between his two best friends, their small 'disagreement' transforming into a full-blown argument.

Harsh words were flung like bullets. Adam froze when a particularly dirty, rotten comment flew out of Eli's mouth. Adam's head whipped up as he stared at the silent duo. Eli was frozen, a look of horror on his face.

Clare's eyes went wide and her lips parted in silent shock.

"C-Clare, I…" He didn't finish. Tears poured freely from her eyes. Adam watched as she grabbed her bag, turned, and walked away.

Eli sighed as he sat down, holding his head in his hands.

How had this wonderful afternoon turned so sour?

At first, all three friends had been sitting in the park after school, doing homework. Eli had been in a particularly foul mood, though only Adam knew why. The one year anniversary of his grandfather's death was upon him. Eli's grandfather, Jacob Goldsworthy, had been one of the closest family members Eli had. He was funny, and witty, and brave. When he died, a hole was left in Eli's heart.

Clare had noticed Eli's lack of attention and brooding demeanor. Trying to be loving and supportive, she tried to get him to open up. Eli had snapped at her, and, instead of backing down like she usually did, Clare only pushed further. Soon, she was calling him a bad boyfriend who never opened up, and he was calling her a pushy girlfriend who didn't know when to leave sleeping dogs lie.

Then, he had snapped completely and, in the heat of the moment, said he didn't think they were good for each other.

So now, Adam watched as Eli grabbed his stuff and left, wallowing in self-loathing. This, Adam thought. is bad.

X

That had been on Monday. It was already Wednesday and neither had spoken a word to each other. Adam hung out with Eli, who only moped, while Clare hung out with Alli and Drew.

Clare generally avoided contact with Eli, but would give a small smile to Adam. Adam sighed.

"You need to apologize, dude. Make things right." Eli ran a hand through his hair and shook his head.

"She'll never forgive me. I was a total ass." Adam chuckled and nodded in agreement.

"Still, she's my friend, too. I want this stupid fight to be done with. After English, I'll tell her to meet me after school at The Dot. But, you'll be the one that's there. Not me. Okay? Then, you can apologize." Adam grinned at his brilliant plan. Eli smirked.

"That's a great idea! Adam, you are a genius." Adam grinned as they headed into English class.

This class had been the hardest. But, at least Ms. Dawes hadn't assigned any group assignments, so things had been relatively calm.

"Settle down, ladies and gents. Today, we'll be working in groups of two. As soon as you are all paired off, I'll announce your assignment. Now, pick your partner!" The room went haywire as boyfriends and girlfriends grasped hands and best friends high-fived.

Adam watched as Eli gazed at Clare, who refused to let her eyes wander over to them. Adam's eyes widened as a boy walked up to Clare and spoke to her. She smiled at him and nodded.

Oh crap. He asked her to be his partner. Adam thought. He put a hand on Eli's shoulder. Adam's eyes wandered down to Eli's hands, which were being clenched into fists.

Adam scooted his chair forward and sat beside Eli.

"Okay," Ms. Dawes said once the class was quiet. She went around the room and dropped a piece of paper on each pair's desk. Adam looked over Eli's shoulder to see that the paper said. It had one word: anger. Adam's eyes shifted to Eli, who was smirking bitterly at the coincidence.

"That piece of paper holds an emotion. Using one of Shakespeare's plays, find a scene in which your emotion is being displayed. You will then have the option of writing an essay explaining your emotion or acting out the scene. You have this period to do research or discuss." The class immediately started chattering.

Adam wondered what Clare's emotion was. He hoped it was something like sadness, or envy. Not anything like shyness or happiness.

"So…" Adam began nervously. He followed Adam's gaze to Clare and the boy. He knew his name was something like Andy or Randy.

He was fairly good-looking, with dirty blond sleeked back hair and a forever tan, not to mention his steely gray eyes.

"What a tool." Eli muttered, shaking his head. Adam frowned at his jealous friend, but did not speak. Instead of thinking of an angry monologue from a Shakespearean play, Adam only prayed that Clare would agree to go to The Dot.

Once the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Adam jumped up and followed Clare. He was relieved to see her smile and slow to a stop when he called her name.

"Hey." He greeted, hoping this wouldn't get awkward.

"Hey, Adam. How've you been?" She asked, walking slowly to her locker. Adam shrugged.

"Fine, I guess. You?" He asked. She shrugged. Neither happy nor sad. This was probably a good thing.

"Fine. Though, I kind of sympathize with you. Being the third-wheel sucks. I know sometimes Alli just wants to rip my throat out." Adam knew the laugh she added was forced. He faked a smile.

"Yeah, I know. But, hey, why don't you hang out with me today, after school? We could grab a bite to eat at The Dot. I'm sure Alli and Drew could use a break, and I miss hanging out with you. So, what do you say?" Instead of the yes he was expecting, she gave him an apologetic smile.

"Rain-check? I'm going to the park with Andy, my partner for English class, to practice." Her face fell for a moment before she plastered another false smile. Adam made a mental note to tell Eli. My plans foiled by some spray-tanning airhead. Adam thought angrily, but smiled sweetly to Clare.

"Okay, maybe some other time." Before he left, he asked one more thing. "By the way, which emotion did you get?"

Adam hoped his shock and anger didn't show when she giggled.

"Oh, I got love. Crazy, right?"

X

Adam had found Eli after his final class let out and dragged him to Morty.

"Mind telling me what's going on?" He asked as Adam yanked the key from his chain and started to unlock the door. He pushed Eli in and rounded the hearse, sliding into the passenger side.

"Houston, we have a problem. Clare bailed. She's going to the park to with Andy, the freaky orange guy who's tall and slightly muscular!" Eli's eyes widened slightly. But, he only shrugged.

"They're partners. It's to be expected." Adam groaned and smacked his forehead. Playing cupid was hard.

"Eli, their emotion? Love!" If possible, his eyes widened even more. He started up the engine.

"Where're they going?" He practically growled. Adam let out a sigh of relieve, for his friend had finally grown a pair and was taking action.

"To the park!"

X

Clare sighed as she looked through the collection of plays Andy had picked. Sitting at the picnic table, she wished she had Adam for an English partner. But, she'd rather work with this good-looking, kind boy rather than him.

She hated to admit that she missed him. She missed Eli. But, she couldn't be sure if they were really broken up, or just in a little lover's spat. She was too afraid to find out.

"Well, which one do you like best?" Andy prompted, flashing a flirtatious smile that Clare did not read into. Clare sighed.

"I hate to say that I don't like any of them. And, they're all to cliché. I was actually hoping to do the play 'As You Like It.' There's this once scene where one of the characters, Phebe, is trying to express her feelings—or, rather, her lack of feelings—for the love-sick Silvius. I think it would be original and refreshing to see a one-sided love, rather than two sappy teenagers. Don't you agree?" She looked up to find Andy had been staring at her.

"You're pretty. He stated bluntly. Clare's eyes widened slightly.

"Uhh…err…thanks. But, we really should be getting back to the assignment." She said, ducking her head.

"Why do boring, old work when we can be doing other things." Clare sighed.

"Look, I'm flattered, but I'm not interested." She was beginning to grow annoyed with her partner. She just wanted to get the assignment done.

"Why? I think you're cute and smart. I like you. And, I'm handsome. What more do you need?" He asked, placing his arm on the table and leaning forward. Clare inwardly groaned.

"I'm spoken for. Now, can we please get back to the assignment? I have to be home very soon." Clare looked up and was shocked, and slightly scared, to see a cold glint in his eye.

"Don't be such a tease, Clare. We flirted all through English, or will you deny that?"

"Oh, please! You told a joke and I laughed! On what planet is that considered flirting? Get off your high horse." Clare scoffed and rolled her eyes. Collecting her things, she packed her bag.

"Where you going?" He asked accusingly. Clare didn't bother to look at him as she spoke.

"Home. You obviously don't want to work, so I guess I don't need to be here." She stood from her seat and stalked off.

She yelped when a hand suddenly yanked her wrist, spinning her around.

"I don't take no for an answer." He growled. Clare winced when his grip tightened.

"Get your hands off of me." She sneered, yanking her arm free. She tried to walk away, but he slammed her up against a tree and placed both hands beside her, thoroughly trapping her.

"What the hell?" She hissed, rubbing her sore shoulder. "Move." She ordered.

"Or else what?" He challenged. Clare tried to steady her racing heart.

"I'll scream." She glowered. He smirked. Before she could comprehend anything, he had his lips on hers. Clare pushed him away. Before she could stop herself, she slapped him. His dark, steely eyes turned to her.

"You really shouldn't have done that."

X

Adam and Eli watched from afar as Clare spoke and Andy stared. Eli continued to clench and unclench his fists. Adam suddenly perked up when she started to leave.

"Now's your chance." Adam cried happily. Eli unbuckled himself and stepped out of the hearse, calling over his shoulder "Wait here."

He froze as he watched Andy grab Clare's wrist. Obviously, something had gone wrong. Anger boiled up inside of him, fresh and alive. He was going to pay for that.

He stalked over to them slowly. His pace quickened when he saw the male shove Clare up against a tree. He almost lost it when he kissed her. Oh, this guy was going to have hell to pay.

From where he was walking, Eli had a good creeping advantage on the male. His fingers curled into a fist.

"You really shouldn't have done that." He heard Andy hiss. Eli tapped his shoulder politely.

"Can't you see that I'm-" Andy turned, but didn't have the chance to finish, for Eli's fist had connected with his jaw. The unexpected attack made Andy lose his footing as he fell on the floor. Clare had yelped when his fist made contact, but only stood silent.

Eli touched her arm gently. She looked down, not realizing she was trembling.

"Go wait in the car." He ordered gently. Clare nodded and complied. She raced to the car and slid into the passenger seat. She didn't even notice Adam was there. From her spot in the car, she watched as Eli dropped to a crouch. His face was completely cool, calm, and collected as he spoke to Andy, who was lying on the grass. He even smiled. Then, he stood and walked away, leaving behind an angry looking Andy.

Eli slid in the car smoothly and started up the engine.

"Nice punch." Clare jumped when Adam's voice suddenly came from behind her. She looked back to see him giving her a concerned look from the back of the hearse. "You okay?" He asked.

She nodded, but everyone could tell from her violent shaking that she was most certainly not okay.

"I'm fine." She lied. Eli drove in silence until he reached the Edwards residence.

"Well, I need to stretch my legs." Adam lied, sliding out of the back. He shut the hood behind him and leaned against the car.

He only hoped that they were talking things out.

After several minutes had past, Adam decided to peek. He cupped his hands around his eyes and peered inside. He made a face and pulled away. He really didn't need to see his best friends playing tonsil hockey. He came around the side and yanked open the passenger door.

"I need to get home." He lied. "You guys can smooch some other time." Eli chuckled and Clare giggled as they broke apart. They shared one last fleeting kiss before Clare hugged Adam goodbye and disappeared behind her door.

Adam slid in and buckled himself in.

"I take it things are back to normal?" Adam asked as Eli started the car and sped down the street.

"Yes, sir. And, I must say, thank you." Adam shrugged the apology off.

"No biggie. Hey," Adam said, suddenly remembering something. "What did you say to Andy?" Eli chuckled as he neared Adam's house.

"Just that I'd kill him if he ever touched Clare again. That, and some other gruesome stuff. Nothing you need to hear." Eli chuckled darkly. Adam shivered from Eli's creepy threats.

"Uhh, yeah. Well, I'll talk to you later." Adam slid out of the car and shut the door. He walked into his house and straight up to his room. He plopped down on his bed and let out a sigh. Playing cupid is hard work.

Adam rules. 'Nuff said. Leave a review?

~S.S.