"Space"

Summary: Eli raised his eyebrows to the roof when he realized the entirety of Adam's dilemma. "I wouldn't tell her! Your mom is cool about things now, but she's unpredictable. Seriously, don't even consider it!" – Fiona/Adam pairing!; Eli/Clare/Alli friendship; Post "Wanted" and "Daylight".

Author's Note: This is a timeline fic! It takes place roughly two weeks after the fics "Wanted" and "Daylight", and a month after "How To Save A Life".

It's set in April of Adam's Junior year at Degrassi and occurs before "The Wedding" (also set in April).

For a complete listing of the timeline stories, visit my Author's Profile :D

Categories: Romance/Friendship/Family/Humor/Angst

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Degrassi!

-oOo-

"It feels like we're sneaking around," Fiona admitted.

Adam looked at her, taking in her pensive expression. It was night time and they had retired to his room not long ago. This issue had been building for the past couple of weeks. Every since they had resumed the intimate part of their relationship they began to feel a little smothered. If they wanted time together and it wasn't the middle of the night they had to come up with an excuse. It was exhausting and by now they were scraping the bottom of the barrel.

"I know," Adam sighed. He wasn't sure what to do. When he and Fiona started dating his parents weren't thrilled. His mom was set against it for a long time, but now things were excellent between them. Fiona was welcomed here anytime and was allowed to stay over. He didn't want to rock the boat.

"Maybe we should tell them that we need space," Fiona suggested. She winced at her own words. She didn't think his mom would react well to this at all. Being on the bad side of that woman scared her. However, she strongly felt if they wanted to be treated like adults they had to act like adults. If they continued as they were, eventually someone was going to catch them. Fiona didn't want a repeat of the time his mom walked in on them.

Adam looked at her for a long moment. "You're right."

"Of course I am," she teased as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Adam smiled at her and brought his hands to her waist. He then leaned forward and kissed her.

When he pulled away he cupped her cheek. "We'll figure this out," he said decisively, even though he wasn't sure how yet.

-oOo-

"And that's how I beat level 16," Eli finished.

Adam smirked at his friend. He had just given him a detailed description of his progress with a new game they both had wanted. Eli camped out at their local video game store two days ago. Adam wanted to go with him but his mom wouldn't allow it. The older boy waited on line for fourteen hours but from what he described it had been worth it.

"Lucky bastard," Adam said with a touch of awe.

Eli's grin widened. "You know it! Anyway, drink up! It's on me."

They were at the Dot. Adam suggested they go after school. He seemed distracted though, as if something was on his mind. Eli watched him take a long sip of his coffee.

"There! Feel better," the older boy laughed.

Adam snorted. "Thanks mom!"

"Anytime son!" Eli retorted.

The two boys laughed.

"Okay, you had me waiting long enough. What's eating you?" Eli asked curiously.

Adam sighed. "Well… I kind of need your advice," he said cryptically.

Eli furrowed his brows. "With what?"

Just then Clare and Alli entered the restaurant.

"Hey guys!" Clare said brightly. The two girls promptly sat down at their table.

Adam took another sip of his coffee to hide his annoyance.

Eli gave Clare a lopsided grin. "Oh, nothing much. I was just about to give my worldly advice to our young grasshopper, here."

Clare smiled at him. "You're so very kind," she teased. He shrugged.

"Advice about what?" Alli asked curiously.

Adam sighed. "It's kind of a guy thing," he declared. He gave Eli a pointed look.

Clare and Alli shared a look. They realized they may have been a little presumptuous by joining their table without asking first.

"We can leave if you want," Clare offered solemnly.

Adam bit his lip. Now he felt like a jerk. Eli was frowning at him and he looked away.

"No… You don't have to," he said reluctantly.

"Are you sure?" Clare questioned. She didn't want to make him uncomfortable. The past two weeks Adam had been his old self again. She didn't want to rock the boat.

Adam looked at her. He recognized the concern in her voice and he hated it. "Yes," he insisted. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Maybe I could benefit from having multiple opinions on this."

"Well, what is it?" Alli asked. She was dying to know.

Adam paused.

.

tbc

A/N: This fic is a four-shot. Will update soon!

Reviews rock! :D