A/N: God this couple is addicting. This will be a 2-3 shot based on Clare and Eli in the future. Inspired by the fic "Next to Me" by dracosgem. Best. story. ever.

Basically, after High School, they kept being together until some point in college. But somehow, they always find their way back to each other.

Open Windows

I woke up abruptly when I felt the breeze on my face. Shit. I had left the window open again last night. No doubt the Chinese family next to me would file another complaint.

I remove the comforter from my legs and walked to the bathroom. I kept the door open because I needed to see her. Make sure it wasn't a dream again. Yep, there she is. Lying in my bed. Her auburn curls are disheveled across the pillow and her lips are swollen. I can even see some love bites I placed along her neck the night before. Her pale skin glowed in the dim morning light, even the skin that was concealed by a sheer black blanket.

I slipped on my boxers and walked sluggishly back to my bed. I started settling in when I heard a small moan escape from her lips. I couldn't make out what she had said, but she sounded like she was having a pleasant dream.

My eyes drifted when I heard my muse utter "We left the window open again."

I smirked and turned over to face her. Her beautiful blue eyes were hidden under her lids, but I could almost feel them piercing me.

"Yeah well I was a little distracted last night." I said slyly. Her eyes opened, and the devilish blue ignited a familiar spark in my stomach.

"Elijah Goldsworthy distracted? When does that happen?" My sarcasm had transferred to her over the years. She laughed a little, and I rolled my eyes with a smile on my face and sat up on the bed.

I could tell without a doubt I had serious bed head, and some of my limbs were sore. I looked down at Clare, who was stretching and elongating her body. I tried my best not to stare, but she was incredibly beautiful it was hard not to look.

She pulled the blanket along with her as she got up to change. I laughed to myself. Same old modest Clare.

She grabbed some of my clothes and slipped them on. And I had to admit, she looked almost as good in my boxers and t-shirt as she did naked.

I rolled over the bed and stood up in front of her, wrapping my arms around her waist. She smiled coyly.

"Clare Edwards." I sighed. "Why are you so beautiful?" My hands rubbed her lower back. She looked at me from under her eyelashes. Without answering, she gently placed her lips on mine. Her kisses were soft, and cautious like her, but she always counted on me to heat things up.

I pressed my lips on hers harder, replaying every single second of last night in my head. Her hands held my face, and I tingled at her warm touch. I deepened the kiss and she moaned in her throat.

I started paying attention to her other features. My lips found her cheek, her collar bone, her neck, her ear…but nothing went farther then that. Clare and I had both had the pleasure of getting back into bed before, but it did mean canceling meetings and rescheduling appointments.

"Eli," she whispers. "I...have…to go." My head dropped. But I knew all good things must come to an end. Clare wasn't just my good thing; she was my inspiration for every step I took in life.

I let her shake out of my grip. She walked with a slight limp, which made me smirk a little bit.

She touched my door handle when she turns to me and breaks my heart.

"You know Eli," she starts. "I met someone." My insides feel like they're melting. But I didn't show it. I didn't know what she wanted me to say, but I broke the silence anyways.

"And he…makes you happy?" I asked. I hoped the answer was no, but only a dumbass would think Clare was a bad judge of character. Even if she did love me. She shrugged.

"Not as much as you did." She says quietly. I walk slowly to the door. I look at Clare with my green eyes. And she stares back at me with her blue ones. They were glistening and watery.

"Clare," I whispered hoarsely. All I wanted to do was tell her how much I loved her, but I knew I had blown my chance a long time ago.

I still caressed her face with my narrow fingers. She rubes her face on my hands and I smile a sad smile. My fingers pick up her face and I see a tear rolling down her cheek. I wipe it away with my thumb and place a final kiss on her soft lips.

"I love you Eli."

"I know." She sadly sighs and walks out the door.

I love you too.

Is it worth it to put the rest up? Don't worry, I'm a sucker for a happy ending.