"Okay so how did you even get these tickets?", Claire smiled at Eli as she stepped out of the cab. She had told her parents she wanted to spend time with Alli and they had allowed it, seeing as Santa Barbara was a bust.

Eli shot her his sideways smirk that, admittedly, always made her turn into a mini jell-o packet. "My dad scored the tickets. He cancelled out all incoming calls and was number #10." Claire laughed fully, taking her ticket. Eli smiled at her. She was so pretty. She had on a powder blue high wasted skirt, her new Dead Hand shirt tucked under it. "You cold?" Eli asked.

"Kinda. It may sound stupid, but 15 kilometers east is about 15 degrees warmer." Clare stiffened at the night air. Eli started to shrug out of his jacket. "No! No, Eli you don't have to-"

"Hey, I don't mind – warm natured." He smiled, handing her his worn leather jacket. It smelled like peppermints and something she couldn't place her finger on. "Better?" he asked. A large man in a black suit came out and announced that it was time for the reading.

Clare smiled, "Much . . ." she grabbed his hand and led him in, "buddy." Eli laughed as they stepped in. Three hours later, Claire and Eli exited last, garnering a signed copy of Fight Club each from Chuck and a picture with him. "You should keep it, you got us the tickets!"

"No you keep it", Eli pushed the picture towards her, "you can scan it or something and I'll get the copy." Clare looked down at the picture and smiled.

"I had a really fun time tonight, Eli."

Eli leaned against a lamp and smirked, "Better than Santa B?"

"Way better." Claire giggled. God, he loved her laugh.

"Eli!" a voice called. He looked over to Imogen waving erratically at them, drew close behind her with two coffees.

"Hi-I Imogen. What's up Drew?" Eli was impressed that Drew was already putting his plan into action. Eli would have been doing the same if he hadn't forfeited. It may have been wimpy but he would be damned if he didn't give whatever this was with Claire a chance.

Drew smiled at Eli then looked at the girl next to him. She looked familiar but foreign at the same time. "Eli, who is your girl? And are you single." He smiled at her, but patted Imogene's shoulder to assure her he was joking. Even though he wasn't completely.

Claire laughed even though Eli looked around cautiously – praying Drew wouldn't fuck this up. "Drew, this is Claire. Claire Edwards?" Eli smiled at Claire, "Drew here can be a space case." Drew was trying to form words.

"Wow, Claire . . . new haircut . . ." Drew laughed nervously, nudging Imogen. "C'mon, Gigi, we should leave the love birds." They left, walking towards the cinema.

Claire turned to Eli, "What is Drew Torres doing with Imogen Mor-psycho?"

"Um, he and Alli are in a fight and I think he's trying to make a point." Smooth, Goldsworthy.

"What is that going to prove?"

Eli squirmed. He really didn't want Claire to find out about this. "You know Drew can be self centered. He just wants to prove that he can get anyone if he wants. Even though Imogene isn't much of a challenge. I think it's also a slap in the face making her think that Imogen would be a close second to her. It's really insulting."

Claire scoffed, "Yeah, to Imogen! Eli your friends are really mean. I should know, I used to associate with them."

"Well, I'd rather have mean friends that no friends!" Eli stated. He didn't mean it in the way Claire took it. She pushed her picture towards Eli.

"Screw you, Eli." She stormed off, hand in air, signaling a taxi.

"Claire, wait!" Eli screamed. "I just meant that they can be mean but they are descent people. If you met the rest of them, you'd love them."

Claire folded her arms, "Don't you think they would be just a little bit shocked that their leader is dating Claire 'Jesus Freak' Edwards!" I mean Drew practically fell to pieces when he realized it was me! And after that spectacle with Imogen I'm starting to think this might not even be real. Or if it is, it's only because of my little makeover."

Eli came up to her side, placing his hand on her hip, "Claire, you are the kindest, most clever and all around spectacular person I've ever met. Does your hair look cute? Yes. Are your eyes more lively when those coke bottle glasses aren't in front of them. Honestly, yes. And is it easier to do this . . ." he leaned down to place a chaste kiss on Claire's lips, "Without braces? Absolutely! But does it change how I've always felt about you? No. The only thing that has elevated my interest in you, truly, is the fact I've actually gotten to know you. Will you please believe me?"

He still had his fingers under her chin. Lightly, she smiled. They were leaning closer to each other's lips when a cab that had stopped by them moments ago blared loudly. The two looked at the driver, their fingers mindlessly intertwined, "You's two's gonna get in or what?" the pair laughed and Claire slowly moved away.

"I think we can call this a night. Ring me later, Mr. Goldsworthy." She smiled, stepping into the car, his jacket still wrapped around her. And for the first time of the night, Eli felt the chill. And it felt good.

I know this filler kinda sucked but hey for a minute you were like 80 Claire almost figured it all out! PLEASE REVIEW!