AN: Writer's Block sucks ass. I had that first sentence down for like, two months, but was never able to get past it. So then I just made myself. So sorry if the first few paragraphs suck, it was like pulling teeth getting them out. And apologies for length, but this seems like a good place to end it. And yes, hot sex scene will be the next chapter, which I will write as soon as possible.

Disclaimer: I don't own Degrassi, PowerPoint, or the concept of taboo. I just find it really fascinating, and was bored. A slight AU, takes place after Whisper to a Scream, as though Paige never told Ms. Suave about Ellie.

Chapter 11

Paige checked her watch for the umpteenth time. 6:24. She slung her messenger bag over her shoulder and turned away from Caitlin Ryan's office building. There was sorry-I-lost-track-of-time late, and then there was I-really-didn't-want-to-meet-you-in-the-first-place-but-instead-of-saying-no-then-I'm-just-going-to-be-a-bitch-and-stand-you-up late. And Ellie was definitely the latter. Paige started walking away, trying to think about happy things. Like chocolate. And kittens. And not Ellie.

"Paige!"

Paige turned around and there was Ellie, trotting down the stairs, red braids bouncing behind her. "Going somewhere?" she asked with a grin, catching up with her.

Paige returned the smile. "No, just…stretching my legs."

"Sorry I'm so late, another one of the kids was sick but his interview still showed up, so Caitlin had me do the interview. Guess who it was."

Paige blinked, not used to Ellie being so friendly. "Uh… DJ Mad Bulletz?"

Ellie paused only for a second. "…No. Better. Cameron Sprowles."

"Who?"

"You know the squatters over on 10th Street, the ones protesting the demolition of that really old building? He's the leader."

"Ohhhhh," Paige exclaimed, "THAT Cameron Sprowles. Why didn't you say so?" She grinned at the redhead, who pushed her lightly.

"He's cool to me," Ellie said defensively. "Non-violent resistance and all that." She glanced over at Paige. "But uh, what did you want to talk about?"

Paige's throat clenched and her stomach did a couple back handsprings. "Um, I'm kinda thirsty, can we go to the Dot?"

"Sure."

(AN: And now we're going to imagine that there's a nifty little montage of them walking through downtown, chasing some birds, feeding ducks in a pond, trying on funny hats, and walking into the Dot. Obscure alternative music plays throughout.)

Paige sipped her iced nonfat caramel latte. She glanced at Ellie, who was drinking black coffee. Her gaze moved around the room, and noticed everyone kept glancing at their table. This would never work, she thought, we're way too different. Why am I even bothering…?

"Thirst quenched?" Ellie's voice broke Paige's reverie.

"Um, yeah." Paige smiled weakly. "Ellie, I… crap." She took a deep breath. "Um. I just wanted you to know that… what I told you last week, it… it wasn't a joke. I really do.

Ellie's eyebrows raised of their own accord. "Do…what?"

Paige closed her eyes. "…Like you. I do. A lot." She opened her eyes but looked at her drink. "And I know that you probably want nothing to do with me , but I just thought that you deserved to know that I wasn't trying to embarrass you or trick you or anything, because that was all real."

"Paige, are you serious?"

"YES, Ellie, I'm serious! I-" Paige looked up and was astonished to see Ellie grinning from ear to ear. "What?"

"I've liked you since the first moment I saw you."

Paige couldn't believe it. "For real?"

Ellie nodded, biting her lip. This couldn't be happening. "For real."

But then Ellie thought of something that made her smile fade.

"What's wrong?" Paige asked.

"Spinner."

Paige didn't skip a beat. "I'll break up with him tonight. I mean, if you want to… you know."

Ellie's smile returned. "I think I do. I mean, if you…"

Paige nodded. "I do. It's just…"

"What?"

"I've never dated a…girl…before."

"It's pretty much the same as a guy. The main difference is… well, I'll tell you later."

"What is it?"

"Later." Ellie smiled. "It's a good thing."