I'm really sorry it's taken me so long to update this story. But I have finally cleaned up my act and organized the chapters and all. This fic will be 12 chapters total. Thank you for sticking with me, and even enjoying, as I write this crack ship. I hope you enjoy chapter six!

Before we get started, though, I got a Tumblr! The link is on my page at the end of my bio, but the URL is just my pen name. Follow me and we can chat. You can also read my pointless, sarcastic observations about all things Degrassi.

Okay, now it's time to get this party started!

"Why won't you just tell me where you're taking me?" I asked Sav for the tenth time since he had picked me up from my house with his mother's car as a surprise.

"Because I like watching you squirm," he turned briefly to wink at me before turning his attention back to the road.

"I don't even know if I'm dressed appropriately," I harrumphed.

Sav stopped at a red light before turning to look at me once again. His eyes raked over my body in a way that made me shiver and blush. Apparently that detail didn't escape Sav's notice; his smile grew more pronounced.

"You look absolutely stunning, Clare."

I picked at the hem of my black dress, a bold color that I usually avoided, and tried hide my appreciative grin. Even after a month and a half of our relationship, Sav was still the sweetest guy ever. It was just like him to plan a spontaneous date just to make me feel better; I had been unnecessarily grumpy the last few days. But that was going to change…I would not mention Alli once the entire evening. Not even how messy she was or the way she left the toilet seat up in my bathroom…

Yeah, I wasn't having trouble adjusting at all.

I loved Alli, I really did, but we both had these preexisting habits that were impossible to give up after years spent solidifying our ways. It made going through our morning routine hell. While I spent minimal amounts of time in the bathroom getting ready for school, Alli hogged the space until I barely had a minute of time to freshen up before we had to leave. Alli applied generous amounts of makeup to her face, and product to her hair whereas I liked to keep my look much more subdued.

And that wasn't even the part that bothered me the most- Alli being a complete pig, on the other hand, was maddening. She was always leaving clothes lying around the floor on my room for me to trip over in the middle of the night, and there were remnants of her morning routine in the bathroom sink. I liked to keep my space generally organized, and I definitely kept my sink clean, so I felt endlessly frustrated with Alli's disregard for sanitation.

Not to mention, I was starting to feel our living arrangements slowly take a toll on our friendship. I was stressed and angry all the time and Alli remained totally oblivious. Every time I broached the subject Alli seemed to think I was not to be taken seriously.

Then, whenever I brought up the subject with Sav, he would thank me for being so generous in the first place. It was sweet that he was so appreciative, but the only comfort he had to offer me was that the arrangement was temporary. Of course, he would assure me, should I get pushed too far, he would talk to his parents about working things out. All I had to do was say the word.

"Someone's looking pensive," Sav joked, poking me in the side as he parked the car in front of an unfamiliar restaurant.

"Sorry…I was just lost in thought…I'm all yours now."

Sav smiled as he got out of the car, and crossed past the front bumper quickly so he could open the door for me. "Good, because you know I've always been one hundred percent yours. I want this night to be all about us; cute couple stuff we never get to do with Alli around to pretend like she's gagging."

"I think I can manage that," I smiled softly as Sav took my hand and lifted me from the car. We started walking toward the restaurant, still intertwined, and I rested my head against Sav's shoulder, content. "Where are we anyway?"

"The Spaghetti House," Sav turned his head to wink at me.

"Seriously? I mentioned wanting to come here weeks ago!" I exclaimed, remembering the not-so-subtle hints that I had dropped. Sav made it seem like he had completely ignored me when in reality he had picked up on what I was saying. "You're such a sneak, but I love it."

Sav pulled me tighter for a moment before opening the door to the restaurant for me, "Anything for milady."

The main room of the restaurant was fairly small and crowded, but Sav had made reservations, so we were led to a table for two in the center of the dining area. After giving us our menus, the hostess stalked off. "This place is really nice," I commented, silently thanking my lucky stars that I had worn a dress. "Should we split the bill?" Sav glared at my across the table and I held my hands up in instant surrender. "The thought never even crossed my mind!"

Sav chuckled and started to flip through the menu. "That's my girl. Seriously, though, don't worry about the money. My dad let me run some extra work errands this week so I could earn some extra cash, and I want nothing more than to spend it on you."

I flushed and looked up to find Sav staring at me, a look of admiration in his eyes. I hoped the feeling I got in the pit of my stomach when he looked at me like that never went away.

After we ordered, Sav and I fell into comfortable conversation. He asked me if my parents were still seeing each other often, which they were, and I told him they continued to be weird and elusive about the whole thing. We talked about school, teachers, current events that we had heard about.

When the food came we fell silent because it was so delicious, but the night was still amazing. Spending time with Sav always managed to make me feel beautiful, safe and at home, and I didn't want the night to end.

We finished up our meals, and Sav assured me that he had alternate plans for our dessert. So after he paid the bill, which he wouldn't even let me see despite my complaints, we got back into the car and Sav started toward a destination unknown to me.

Sav even gave me control of the radio as he drove, which was a very rare occurrence. Basically, the night was perfect. And that had been my thought before Sav pulled into an obscure parking lot, announcing our arrival to stop number two.

"Please tell me this stop is cheap," I joked, winking at Sav.

"Free actually," he smiled brightly at me and I tilted my head in inquisition, but he only hopped out of the car and started to remove his shoes and socks.

"What are you doing?" I giggled, crossing around the front of the car and getting a whiff of salt in the light breeze.

"Well…this is a beach, so I am trying to avoid sand in my shoes."

My face brightened instantly. "A beach?" I pulled off my flats in an instant and Sav and I tossed our shoes into the backseat of the car.

Sav pulled me under his arm and we started toward the metal staircase that lead down to the sandy area. The stretch of beach wasn't huge, but I could just barely make out the opposite end. "I thought it would be an interesting place to take a walk. Not to mention, it's dark, and late enough in the season, that we can have the place to ourselves." Sav's arm tightened around me, and I snuggled close to his side as we made our way close to the water's edge. I was so lost in the water and the stars and the perfect scene before me that I actually jumped when Sav broke the silence after a little while. "So…yesterday I started applying to some colleges," he ventured softly. After my heart rate returned to normal I looked up at him and gave a small, encouraging smile.

"That's great Sav; like where?"

"Well, University of Toronto was one of them…the University of Winnipeg was on the list, too."

"Well, that's great," I put on a brave face although my heart sank at the thought of Sav going off to Winnipeg. It wasn't horribly far, but I hadn't even thought of him shipping off to college yet. I clung closer to him, suddenly unwilling to let go.

"Um, but there was one school in particular; it's a long-shot, but it would be beyond amazing if I got in," Sav rambled nervously, and I started to feel anxious in reaction to his sudden shift in mood.

"Spit it out, Sav; you know you can tell me anything."

"Well…I sent in my application to the Manhattan School of Music. They're really selective, so I probably won't even get in. I guess that means it's not even a big deal, but they have a great course of study and it's really focused on what I want. They're like a world renowned conservatory and it would be so pandemic if I did get it…but we can always cross the bridge when we come to it…"

I held up my hand to silence Sav's anxious chatter. There was almost too much for me to wrap my head around; Sav wanted to go to college in the states? It would be so hard to visit each other…but if it made him happy; if that's what he wanted…I could support him. Hell, I loved him. I wanted him to chase his dreams. We could make it work, when he got in.

I took a deep breath, mustering my courage, and started. "Sav, first of all, you're extraordinarily talented, so you will get in. Second, I love you and you should go to college wherever you want."

"You're not mad," he seemed amazed by the fact, incredulity dripping from his words.

"Why would I be? I mean, would I love to keep you in Toronto with me…yeah, I would. But I can't be that selfish. Sav, music is your dream. I want you to follow it. And you and I are strong…if we're supposed to work out I guess we'll try the whole long distance thing."

Suddenly, Sav stopped walking and bent down to capture my lips in a passionate kiss that literally stole the breath right from me. His lips were moving against my mouth in a way I was not familiar with, demanding yet gentle. I could feel all the passion and love that he felt for me; kind of like he was trying to pour his soul into my own. I shivered, leaning closer to him, wanting to remember what the moment felt like forever.

Sav pulled away too soon, though, and I was left dizzy and breathless. "Wow," I commented, "what was that for?"

I heard the hitch in Sav's voice when he spoke, proving he had been just as affected but the unexpected, yet powerful, moment. "For being the most amazing girl in the world. I love you so much; sometimes it scares the crap out of me."

"Then we should have no problem when you go off to school in New York," I joked, a hit of pleading seriousness lurking under my tone.

Sav pulled me close again and kissed the top of my head. "No problems," he agreed.

XXX

I opened my locker, leaned in and let out a huge yawn. The late night had been worth it, but I was feeling a tad groggy…and Alli was starting to get frustrated.

"Seriously, Clare, who falls asleep in the shower? I didn't even have time to do my hair this morning," she complained for about the millionth time. I looked over at her and I had to admit it was odd seeing Alli sport her silky, raven hair piled atop her head instead of flowing around her shoulders in waves. But it wasn't like she looked bad…she never looked bad.

"I think you look great, Alli…besides, part of the reason I didn't get any sleep last night was your snoring." I stuck my tongue out at her when she gasped in horror.

"I do not snore," Alli whispered maliciously.

"You're right; it must have been my neighbors mowing their lawn in the middle of the night."

"Oh, good one, Edwards," Eli smirked proudly at me as he started to fiddle with the padlock on his locker. "I've taught you the art of sarcasm well."

"Great; when's graduation from the Goldsworthy School of Snark?" I sneered, smiling playfully at him.

"As soon as you stop using jokes like that," Eli smiled at his own jab and I punched him lightly in the shoulder.

"Annnnyyyywayyyy," Alli drew out the word, "Clare, do I really snore?"

"Just a little," I admitted. "It's cute." Eli snorted at my flimsy attempt to make Alli feel better. Alli bought it, though; she gave me a relieved smile."

"There's my girl!" Drew called from down the hallway, swooping in and draping his arm around Alli. She smiled up at him lovingly and Eli made a gagging sound. I laughed, shaking my head…but I felt kind of the same way about Alli and Drew's sickly sweet puppy dog eyes.

"If it isn't Mr. and Mrs. High School," Eli smirked exaggeratedly, and I was caught off guard again by how…gorgeous the boy was. The good thing about Eli, though, was he always ruined my swooning moment by opening his mouth. "The only person we need to complete this love scene would be Clare's boy-toy."

"Sav," I emphasized, "is in the music room for a while. He's a recording a live demo for his application to the Manhattan School of Music." I couldn't keep the proud parent tone of my voice down…it was just that I was proud of Sav. Even if that meant, come next year, I couldn't be as close to him as I would like."

"He's going to school in the states?" Eli asked, trying to keep his voice indifferent. But some unidentifiable emotion seemed to creep into his voice…it sounded a lot like…hope?

"Well, it's not certain yet, but he's considering it, yes." Eli just nodded, eyeing me funnily. "Anyway, Alli, Drew, you guys are free this period, right?"

"As a bird," Alli assured me and Drew just nodded.

"Great; Eli, should we make them our first victims?"

Eli perked right up and started to rub his hands together in a mad scientist kind of way. In his best Igor voice he said, "Yes, master!" It was a little freaky when he let out an evil cackle.

"Could you at least try to be normal for a minute?" I joked, pushing him hard enough that he almost stumbled over.

"Normalcy is a figment of the imagination. By the way," Eli whipped his phone out of his pocket. "It's for you, Edwards. The pot is angry at you for calling the kettle black."

"Har, har," I shook my head and both Alli and Drew rolled their eyes.

"So what exactly are we volunteering to be victims for?" Drew piped up nervously as we made our way toward the library.

"Eli and I have decided to take on a little project. Basically we just need to ask you two if you think love is a choice or an emotion beyond human control. After we've interviewed enough students, we'll make a display and install it in the JT Yorke memorial garden. Eli already cleared it with Simpson," I explained, reaching up to ruffle Eli's hair…mostly because I knew it would drive him insane.

He expertly side-stepped my attempt, catching my arm mid-reach; the closer Eli and I got the more he seemed to ignore his unspoken, careful rules regarding human contact. Of course, it was only with me- he still refused to get physically close to anyone else. "That was a pitiful attempt, woman."

"You know I hate it when you call me that," I grumbled, pulling my arm free of his grasp.

"I know," he responded, smug as ever. I saw Alli raise her eyebrows at me, all kinds of accusations in her eyes. Dang, there was going to be no escaping her…she was ruthless when I only saw her in school, but she lived with me now. I could already hear the earful she would give me later; ever since my epiphany, Alli had started to dislike Eli Goldsworthy more and more.

"Um, let's get started, shall we?" I quickly picked an empty table as we entered the library. Alli and Drew sat down next to each other, basically in each other's laps, so Eli and I took up residence on the other side of the table. I was expecting Eli to sit as far away from me as possible because, though he had been more open, he was still cautious and reserved, but he sat far too close. In fact, it seemed like he was trying to give Alli and Drew a run for their money.

I was about to shift away when I was suddenly caught off guard by how alluring Eli smelled. There was something musky about it…not a scent that came out of a bottle, but something totally Eli. I found myself inconspicuously inhaling, glancing up at Eli's face through my eyelashes. Why did he have to look so mysteriously handsome all the time?

Apparently I had not been inconspicuous enough, though. Alli cleared her throat loudly, shooting me daggers. I blushed a deep red before sliding my chair just far enough away that I would not offend Eli but the distance would please Alli.

"So, which one of you wants to go first?" Eli asked after making a funny face. He pulled out his English notebook from his backpack, the place we had decided to keep our tally, and uncapped his pen with his teeth.

"I guess I will," Drew announced, making his lovesick eyes at Alli. He leaned in quickly for a kiss, but Alli got a hold on the collar of his shirt and held him in place as their kiss intensified.

"Okay, obviously they have other plans for their lips," Eli sneered.

"Sorry," Alli giggled, finally releasing Drew. "We'll behave."

"Doubtful," Eli suggested under his breath so only I would be able to hear and I couldn't choke back my laugh. Alli and Drew watched the exchange with distain…for very different reasons. "So, Drew do you think you have to choose to fall in love, or does fate choose who you fall in love with?"

"I think it's a choice," Drew decided after a moment of deliberation. "I've known some people who are so completely in denial about feelings that they become an emotionless automaton. Just like happiness, or any other emotion, love is a choice." Eli started to scribble in the notebook as soon as Drew started talking, but when Drew mentioned denial Eli's cheeks colored with the lightest of blushes and his pen hesitated over the paper for a brief moment. In my peripheral I saw Eli's eyes flicker to me and then away almost so quickly I could have sworn I imagined it.

"Good," I breathed immediately, suddenly desperate to keep things moving. "Your turn, Alli."

But she was ignoring me. "So did you have to choose to fall in love with me, boo?" I rolled my eyes at Eli and he gave me a sweet, small smile.

"You're so beautiful, the choice wasn't that hard," Drew shot back.

"I think I'll have to write that one down; that's a great line," Eli asserted sarcastically.

"As if you need any new material, smart ass."

Eli's hand flew to his mouth in mock horror. "Did Clare Edwards just swear? I think this must be the end of the world!"

"See, right there…girls fall all over that arrogance; adding clichés to the mix will only make you irresistible. We wouldn't want that, now would we?"

"Clare, didn't you say it was my turn?" Alli broke in before Eli could make another comment.

"Yeah," I blushed, realizing that Elli and I had done it again. It just always seemed like the other people in the room started to fade away when we were together. Which was bad; I shouldn't feel like that. But I had it under control. Right?

"Same question," Eli prompted, the same ounce of annoyance in his voice that he got every time he talked directly to Alli.

"I think love is out of control. I mean, if I had a choice in the matter I would definitely avoid boys altogether…it would certainly make life at home much easier. And, especially at our age, when hormones are so out of control, we don't get to consciously choose who we fall for, you know?"

"Both great arguments," I smiled at Alli and Drew as Eli finished the last of his scribbles and capped the pen. "Thanks for letting us use you guys as our test run."

"No problem," Drew smiled, but I knew he would not have participated if Alli hadn't forced him.

"Yeah, that was kind of fun," Alli admitted.

"Hey guys," I suddenly heard Sav's voice approach behind us. He swooped down to kiss my forehead before sitting at the head of the table. I saw Eli look down and fiddle with the rings on his fingers. "Whatcha doing?"

"That project I told you Eli and I were going to work on," I answered, reaching for his hand. "How was the music room?" I asked, and he gave my fingers a loving squeeze.

"Great. I'm not done yet…I was actually coming to find you and Alli to ask if you would be cool with walking home? I have to stay late to edit the track."

"That should be fine," I answered as Alli huffed. "Take all the time you need to make it perfect; I know you'll break a leg, or whatever."

"I think good luck is appropriate in this situation," Sav joked, bringing my hand to his lips and giving it a kiss. "I'll call you later?"

"Sure thing," I smiled. "I love you."

"I love you, too…and you Alli," Sav laughed, batting at her bun before getting up and pacing away from the table.

"I don't want Sav to go to college in the states," Alli said suddenly, jutting her lip out in a pout. "When he leaves who is going to be my ally at home? I need him. Damn him for being such a good big brother. If he were a pain in the butt I wouldn't have to miss him when he leaves."

"We don't know if he's going yet," I pointed out, secretly agreeing with Alli. Sav was so sweet; it would be so sad if he moved stateside.

"The school would be stupid to reject him; he's amazing."

I couldn't argue with Alli on that point. "Don't worry baby, you'll still have me," Drew kissed the top of her head. I assumed that was his way of being supportive and comforting, but it just seemed kind of out of place in context.

"Very consoling," Eli joked scathingly. "I'm sure that you'll replace her brother perfectly."

For once, Alli didn't look like she wanted to throw something at Eli; there was a begrudging agreement in her eyes.

Thankfully, before Drew could come up with something to say, the bell rang, saving us from anymore awkwardness.

"I'll meet you at the front steps, okay, Alli?" She nodded and her and Drew went their way as Eli and I went ours. He seemed to be lost in thought, though, and didn't say much to me as I grabbed everything I would need for the night from my locker. "See you tomorrow." Eli nodded at me once before I turned on my heel and walked away. Alli feel into step with me as soon as I walked out the front doors. We were quiet for a few blocks, but then Alli seemed to explode.

"We need to talk."

I gulped, knowing this had been coming. Those were never good words to start a conversation with. "Okay, so, talk."

"Clare, Drew and I are dating, but you and Eli seemed to flirt more than we do!"

"Okay, so we flirt; I was unaware that was a crime," I put up my defenses right away.

"It is when you've admitted to being attracted to him on some level. And just think about the way he looks at you, Clare. You're giving him the wrong idea! Stop it; Sav would probably flip if he saw the way you two were acting earlier."

"God, Eli and I are just friends! Why can't you just trust me? I can handle this! Sav has nothing to worry about because nothing is going to happen."

"Alright, fine, answer me this: if you saw Sav flirting with another girl would it not make you jealous?"

I wanted to deny it for the sake of my argument, but I thought of how Sav had acted around Anya when we had run into her the very first time we had hung out. I had been jealous then and Sav and I weren't even dating. Now that we were that jealousy probably would have been multiplied.

"I'm not going to say that I wouldn't," I admitted, but kept on before Alli could cut in, "but Sav and I are mature enough to trust each other…as we should. After I got over the initial jealousy I would see that there was nothing to worry about."

Alli rolled her eyes at my answer. "Yeah, but it's more than just flirting with you and Eli. You guys have some bizarre chemistry that is hard not to pick up on. I just don't like it. I think it would be better for you to stay away from him, Clare."

I couldn't help the anger that spiked. I was sick and tired of people telling me who I could be friends with and who I couldn't. "Look, I appreciate your concern, but I am capable of choosing my own friends, thank you. I love Sav, Alli. I'm not going to throw our relationship away from some mysterious boy that I have minimal information about. Eli's a good guy when you get to know him; damaged, but he's thoughtful and smart. I enjoy his company, and I don't need you to tell me I'm making some kind of tactical error. Eli knows that I am with Sav. End of story."

I stormed ahead of her a few feet so she couldn't respond. I hated that I would have no escape when I got home because Alli would be in my room with me…

The rest of the walk home was awkward and fueled with my fuming anger. It didn't help matters when I walked through the front door to find my mom and dad sitting at our kitchen table laughing over coffee.

"There's my Clare-bear!" Dad exclaimed when he saw me. "How was school?"

"What are you doing here?" I asked, not even bothering to hide my confusion. His face fell, and my mom shifted in her seat uncomfortably. The atmosphere suddenly changed- like pressure dropping in an instant. It was dizzying the way they were both staring at me with such pity. What the hell?

Alli seemed to sense the change as well and inched toward the stairs. "I'll, um, be upstairs if you need me," she announced before taking off. I heard the faint click of my door after a few seconds, and my parents didn't even move a muscle in front of me.

Maybe it was the fight I had just had with Alli, or maybe it was the fact that I had been waiting for an explanation from them for weeks without fruition, but I suddenly snapped. "You know, none of this is fair to me. You guys just got divorced; make up your minds! You won't tell me what's going on, but you're always together, and I am sick of thinking the worst. Can you just stop jerking me around and tell me what's going on!"

My mom pulled out a chair for me and patted it; a solemn look on her face. "Sit down, sweetie, we need to talk."