A/N: Hello there everyone :) I just want to point out that this story begins from the truck ride home after Nowhere to Run and continues into season 11.5 New Beginnings. It's just my take on the Eli and Clare relationship and how it might progress as the season continues. Warning now...this won't be a short story. I really want to build Eclare up to its former glory which will take some time; but I promise to update regularly. This is my first FanFic so I hope you give it a chance. I truly adore Eclare and am hoping their story line works out in Degrassi. I do not own Degrassi or any of the characters associated with the show. Hope you all enjoy and please review! I would love to hear what you think, any feedback will be much appreciated!

An hour had gone by since we left the cabin and still no one said a word. I was sandwiched between Jake and Eli in the small cramped space of Jake's truck, forced to suffer through the clearly awkward tension between the two of them. The only sound that could be heard was the soft rumble of the trucks engine and the muddles voices on the radio between each song. I could swear a cricket was chirping somewhere, taunting me. At this point I was beginning to wonder if inviting Eli to ride with us was a good idea. But thinking of him having to bike back, that didn't sit well either. I mean, Eli was the one to find me in the forest and I owed him for that. The last thing I was going to do was drive away, knowing he was going to have to bike home alone. I peered over at Jake; his straight expression solidified my suspicions that he wasn't happy I invited Eli.

How do you get yourself in these situations Clare?

I slid my palm against the worn leather of the seat till my fingers found Jakes. He took my hand and I squeezed tightly hoping to comfort him. He glanced my way, giving me a quick reassuring smile that things were fine between us. I felt my nerves loosen a bit, but couldn't help but notice how he didn't squeeze back. I pushed the thought from my mind, trying to focus now on easing the discomfort in the truck. If someone was going to break the silence, it was going to have to be me. It wasn't as if Jake and Eli would go out of their way to make conversation, especially with each other. I sucked in a breath not sure what I would say, but hoping at least for the words to come out in full sentences.

"So last night was pretty crazy," I said to no one in particular. Jake smiled but said nothing. I looked over at Eli who stared plainly out his window as if I didn't speak at all.

Nice try Clare...but that didn't cut it, not by a long shot. Round two!

"Eli," I said turning to look at him. "I'm curious why you came down last night."

Eli turned toward me, chuckling a bit. "Edwards, did anyone ever tell you how terrible your attempts at making conversation are?"

"What? I wasn't attempting anything. I was just-

Eli stared into my eyes with a smug and annoying smile. Clearly he could read through my buddy buddy facade. I rolled my eyes at him. "Well someone has to say something or I'm going to go crazy!"

"I think we've already established that I'm the crazy one here...unless of course your trying to steal the belt from me Clare. If so you have a lot of catching up to do." He raised an eyebrow at me in mock challenge, making me smile. I could swear I heard Jake chuckle a bit too.

"But honestly," I began again. Why did you come to the cabin last night? You knew Adam wouldn't be there, and well, you only hang out with Drew when he's around. Everyone else...I've never seen you take any interest."

He paused as if contemplating what to say. "I don't know really. I just thought with my recovery and all, I should start opening my door to new things, and new people. The cabin seemed like a good place to start. I wasn't exactly expecting the whole Axe murder rescue the damsel in distress business though."

"But what kind of party would that be then?" I laughed, meeting Eli's gaze.

"I suppose a safer but less entertaining one."

"We were never really in any danger."

"I guess not, but how's about next time I'll be the damsel and you can come rescue me...it's a lot less work for me that way."

I shook my head laughing. This was the Eli that I missed. Not the possessive intense Eli, but the sweet, sarcastic boy that I fell for, and for the longest time I thought disappeared. I suddenly felt a pit in my stomached and the smile on my face slowly faded. Eli seemed to notice, his joking demeanour was swept away in a second and he turned back to the window without another word. I let a sudden emotion get the best of me and now the moment was gone. I fell back against my seat with a sigh.

Jake glanced at me again and then back to the rode.

"We weren't far away. Drew and I...we would have found you eventually."

"I know," I answered softly. I placed my hand back in his, feeling soothed this time when he squeezed back.

...

I didn't know when I fell asleep but my eyes fluttered open to the twitching gleam of a street lamp outside Eli's house. I blinked a few times forcing myself to sit up. The sun was just beginning to go down, creating a beautiful horizon. I truly loved nights like this, watching as the colors changed from blue to pink to orange and then eventually everything would fade into the darkness, leaving only stars to gaze upon. I didn't even notice the truck was empty right away, the sound of faint voices just behind me snapped me back into reality. I looked around, Jake's door was swung open and the two boys were unloading Eli's bike. There was an awkward exchange of goodbyes and then Eli was striding away. I watched as he discarded his bike against the front steps and disappeared into the house.

"Look who's awake," Jake announced as he walked up the side of the truck and hopped back into his seat.

He shut the door and then leaned down, giving me a quick kiss. "Let's say we get home huh?" He started to turn the key in the ignition and then stopped, giving me a shocked expression.

"Oh man..."

"What?" I asked suddenly worried by his change in mood.

"We're actually living together now." He finished with a wide smile.

I smacked him on the arm and he laughed. "Don't do that," I warned. "And don't forget why we're under this current living situation."

"Let's not think of that right now."

He leaned over again. His lips moved wildly with mine and the warmness of his breath escaped into my mouth. Jake placed a hand to my cheek, wielding me closer to him and I let myself fall into his grasp. The kiss grew wilder and his tongue moved playfully with my own. I don't know how it happened, and I have no reason to explain why it did but for a split second, and it only lasted a second...I thought of Eli. His face pushed its way into my mind and although I pushed it out, he was there for a second too long. I felt myself slowing and then I was breaking our kiss.

I pulled away from Jake, catching my breath. He stared at me; a frown forming on the corner of his lips "Is there something wrong Clare?"

I looked out the window to Eli's house, feeling completely confused. Why did I just stop Jake from kissing me...it didn't make sense.

"It's nothing." I said, turning back to him with a smile.

I could tell just by the look on his face that he wasn't buying it. "Clare what is it?"

I looked at Eli's closed door again and then back at Jake. "It's just-would you mind terribly if I just said bye to Eli really quick?"

"You stopped our kiss to say bye to your ex," he heaved, turning away from me in frustration. Jake gripped the wheel tightly. "I thought we settled all this back at the cabin...me and Ally, you and Eli?"

"You know it's not like that. I just want to thank him for last night."

"Wasn't that little playful banter between you two earlier thanks enough?"

"Hey," I said gently. I placed a hand on his cheek, turning his face toward mine. "I love you, there's nothing to worry about."

"I know, it's just I'm your boyfriend. I have a right to worry sometimes."

I laughed, pecking him on the lips and climbed out of the truck

"You know this jealousy thing is kind of cute on you." I said flirtatiously.

"Just go do what you got to do Clare bear. I'm right here waiting."

I smiled, shutting the door and turned toward Eli's house.

...

As I walked up the driveway to the Goldsworthy residence I felt a sudden wave of anxiety and more deeply anticipation. What was I doing? I had no reason to be here. I looked back to Jake's truck, idling on the side of the road. There was still time for me to turn back if I wanted. The last time I had been to Eli's place was a few days before the incident with Morty, before things started to go downhill between us. I really didn't think I would come here again and the thought saddened me. What if Cece and Bullfrog didn't even want me to speak to their son? Eli was just in the beginning stages of his recovery and any contact with me might just spiral him into another emotional breakdown. They might even hate me for everything he went through last year, maybe despite everything Eli hated me. After what happened in the truck I wasn't sure what was going on between us.

I walked up the steps to his front door, frozen with my fist in the air to knock. I was seriously considering how fast I could make it back to Jake's truck unseen when the door suddenly swung open, startling me. Bull frog stood in the doorway. Despite the man's large and intimidating exterior he still had two of the kindest eye I had ever seen. He looked down at me with a surprised expression and then a wide smile formed on is lips.

"Well hello there Clarebelle!"

"Bull frog!" I said, catching my breath. "I was just-uh; I wanted to talk to Eli if that was alright with you?"

"Should it not be?"

"No! I mean yes! I mean...with everything, I didn't know if you wanted-

He smiled at me kindly and immediately I felt stupid for ever doubting Eli's parents. They were two of the kindest people I'd ever met. How could I have ever thought they would turn me away, let alone anyone who needed help away?

"Sorry I startled you. But I was just heading out to do the night shift for the radio show. Eli's just in his room, if you want to head up there."

I swallowed, Eli-in his room. This was a bad idea. "Maybe I'll just come back another time."

"Clare it's alright. Eli's doing a lot better now, he can handle this."

Maybe Eli could handle this but what if I couldn't. "Okay thanks Bullfrog." I gave him a weary smile before turning to enter the house.

"Oh and Clare-

I turned back to Bullfrog. "Word to the wise, be prepared for a very warm welcome from Cece. He chuckled, "The woman is to loving for her own good."

I nodded and the large man smiled once more, before retreating to his car.

I entered the house and quietly shut the door behind me. Immediately I headed for the stairs, hoping to avoid Cece if she was in the kitchen. I really did love Eli's mom but seeing Bullfrog had spurred more memories then I had hoped for already.

I followed the long stretch of hall till I reached Eli's room. The familiar skull doorknob was no longer bound by a lock; of course I didn't expect it to be, not since Eli's recovery. I looked down the hall again. I could turn back, there was nothing stopping me and the only person who knew I was here was Bull frog. If he told Eli I could just make up something at school about why I was there in the first place. I sighed. Who was I trying to kid.

I raised my fist about to knock and the door swung open.

"Really!" I gasped with a start. I placed a hand on my heart, needing to catch my breath.

Why did that keep happening?

Eli stood in the doorway staring at me. He looked surprised but more amused at my almost heart attack.

"Clare?"

"Hey," I said. I wanted to speak to Eli but now that he was standing before me, what did I really have to say?

"What are you doing here?"

Good question. "I just-

Jeeze! why was this so hard, maybe because I didn't have the slightest clue what I was doing here.

"I didn't say bye."

He nodded but there was clear confusion still etched on his face. "Do you want to come in?"

He leaned to the side to make space for me to step into the room.

"Sure," I said. I forced myself to move slowly into his bedroom. I looked around, taking in the familiar characteristics of Eli. The Dead Hand Poster above his bed, the stereo system with scattered CD's all over his desk, the large bookcase overflowing with literature. This room was once a huge obstacle in our relationship. It was one of the many things we went through as a couple, when I helped him get over the hording. I felt a pit form in my stomach...I missed this room.

"You don't have to stand there awkwardly Edwards. You can sit down." Eli laughed behind me.

I turned, suddenly aware of how close he was standing. He took a step forward and for an instant my heart jumped but he simply walked passed and took a seat on the edge of his bed.

I crossed my arms and looked down at him. For some reason the idea of sitting beside Eli on a bed that we had spend many hours making out on didn't seem like a good idea. Instead I pulled out the chair from his desk and sat across from him.

"So you didn't say bye?" he asked.

"That. And I never got to tell you thank you."

"For what?"

"For finding me in the forest back at the cabin."

He didn't seem to know what to say because he looked down at his hands, allowing some minutes to pass by without a word. I really hated silences, there had to be something we could talk about.

"The room looks good." I blurted out. Mentally I was slapping myself. That was stupid Clare.

He laughed, looking up. "You've seen my room clean before Clare."

"I know but something seems different."

"Different?"

"More you," I clarified. It was true, there was a new energy in the room and it mirrored the positive energy Eli now possessed. He no longer had the usual hard edge to his face, it was replaced by something much softer and more at ease.

He nodded. "I guess that makes sense. Before this room felt like a prison, now that I'm finally beginning to find myself again, I guess the atmosphere in here has changed as well."

"I'm glad." I said with a smile.

Eli smirked, and I felt myself immediately soften at his crooked features. I really did miss his smirk.

"How's treatment going?"

"Good. Dr. Jordan put me on these new meds." He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small yellow vile. He tossed it to me and I caught it, inspecting the label. "They still allow me to feel all emotions, but help me to suppress my negative ones a lot better."

"Cipralex" I read aloud. "So they're working for you then?"

"Seem to be. The meds aren't a sure thing though so I still need to go to therapy but it's a lot less frequently now." There was another silence between us and I began to search my mind for anything to talk about.

"Clare..." The change in his tone caught me off guard and I looked up to see a sudden intensity in Eli. Not a terrifying intensity but one I still didn't understand. "There's something I should tell you."

I never knew how to prepare myself for Eli's sudden mood changes but I found myself not wanting to run this time. I was grounded to my seat, unable to turn away from him.

"I'd be lying if I told you what I said back in Jake's truck was completely true."

"Excuse me?"

"I meant what I said about opening up to other people, but that wasn't the only reason. I think deep down, I came because I thought you would be there."

"Eli stop-

"After my medical vacation I made this list."

"Eli-I tried again.

"Please just let me get this out. I made this list of people I needed to apologize to. I thought when I made things right between you and Jake that I also made things right between us but I never did...not really." He paused. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that I really am sorry Clare, for everything I put you through last year. That person...that wasn't me, I hated that Eli."

I wiped a tear from my cheek with the back of my hand. Up until that moment I didn't even realize I was crying. "Why are you telling me this now?" I asked.

"Because I needed too."

I stood from the chair. Eli watched as I moved closer and took a seat beside him on the bed.

"I'm sorry to Eli. I didn't always handle things in the best way during our break up. I made you a promise I couldn't keep and it was unfair of me."

He chuckled quietly to himself. "I guess when two people love each other as much as we did; things were bound to go wrong somewhere. Don't all the best romances end tragically?"

I laughed. For the first time in a long time I had hope that things between Eli and I could finally be good again. The both of us were growing up but that didn't mean we necessarily had to grow apart.

"I'm glad Jake can be to you what I couldn't."

Jake. The sound of his name suddenly snapped me back. He had been waiting outside for at least twenty minutes.

I stood quickly, almost knocking Eli off the bed.

"Oh gosh sorry!"

He laughed bracing himself again. "Take it easy there Edwards you're a wreck." He smiled up at me. "You need to go?"

"Ya I do." I said, trying to ignore the sudden sadness I felt at leaving.

He nodded, standing. "I'll walk you to the door."

"Eli you don't have to-

"I want to." He interrupted with a smirk. We walked down the stairs in silence. I paused in the foyer and turned toward him. Immediately the words of goodbye froze in my mouth and I stood unspeaking, staring into Eli's green eyes. We stood there for a few minutes, a comfortable silence between us. That is until a powerful and high pitched scream echoed through Eli's house and startled us both back to our senses.

"Clare!"

We turned to see Cece walking out of the kitchen, sporting an "I love Rock n Rolls" apron. I laughed, entering the hug she held out to me with her open arms.

"Oh God honey! We haven't seen you here in a while. Up in Eli's room...should I be worried? She asked, raising an eyebrow at me.

"Mom," Eli warned.

I laughed at Cece's prying nature. She was always so immersed in her son's love life.

"Oh shush honey," she said waving a hand dismissively at him.

"You're staying for dinner I hope. I know it's a bit late but I just had this inkling to cook something and well here we are almost nine and mamas hungry!"

Eli rubbed his face. "Mom please-

Cece laughed. "Baby boy every child has embarrassing parents, at least your father and I are cool."

I looked over at Eli with a wide smile.

"Oh I missed you honey." Cece grabbed my arm, yanking me into an even tighter hug. "Please say you'll stay."

"I wish I could but my-I paused. There was no reason I couldn't say my boyfriend in front of Cece but for some reason I stopped myself. "I have a friend waiting outside." I looked at Eli, who by the expression on his face had noticed my hesitation.

The wide smile on Cece's face faltered just slightly. "Oh, well okay honey. Come back anytime though. It was so good to see you Clare." She put a hand gently on my shoulder.

"You too," I said. She gave me a wink and squeezed Eli's arm before heading back to the kitchen.

"Sorry about that," Eli smiled, shaking his head.

"Don't be. I love your parents."

"And they love you. Especially Cece, she misses having another female around the house. I think the testosterone overload get's to her some times."

I smiled, catching a glimpse of Cece dancing in the kitchen over Eli's shoulder. It made me sad how much I missed her crazy, outgoing nature.

"I should go." I said to Eli.

Eli nodded. I turned to the door and he reached over me to pull it open. He was close enough that I could feel the light pressure of his chest against my back and his breath as it rolled down my neck. My heart started to be a little faster at the sensation and I forced myself to remember that Jake was still outside in the truck.

As soon as the door had opened, I gave Eli a quick goodbye and raced down the front steps. I just needed to make it back to the truck in one piece without looking back.

"Clare!"

Shoot so close.

I turned to see Eli striding down the lot toward me.

"Ya?" I asked as he walked closer, closing the final steps between us.

"You didn't need to say thank you" he smiled.

"I don't understand?"

"For finding you before," He clarified. "You didn't need to say thank you. He paused, looking at his feet and then back up at me. "I'll always find you Clare. You ever need me and I'll find you."

I swallowed unsure what to say. Eli's remark had caught me off guard as did almost everything he did. Why was he always so completely unpredictable? It wasn't that I was afraid of his comment, I was more afraid with how it made me feel and how my cheeks flushed bright red when he said it. So what was I going to do now? There were so many things I could have said to him but only seven words seemed to make sense in that instant.

"So I guess I'll see you around?" I smiled.

They were the first words I had ever said to him at Degrassi and a moment of recognition passed between the two of us.

"Guess you will." He answered with a smirk. I watched as his figure turned and strode back to his house, leaving me standing alone under the gleam of that twitching streetlamp.