I know this is my second story for Zack but, to be honest, I am tired of the Cody/Bailey stuff and thought Zack could use a little attention. Plus, he's my favorite character. Some of you may think this is a little OOC but I think there is more to these characters then they are given credit for. I hope you enjoy.

*I don't own Suite Life or its characters, just my story*

He's the guy all the girls want when they want to have fun. Just once, he doesn't want to be that guy. Sure, it's been a lot of fun and he loves the attention but it never lasts. The girls get what they want whether its to forget an old boyfriend, get over a nasty breakup or feel better about themselves. Whatever they needed at the time, then they leave, move on to a guy they think has potential as a serious boyfriend. Zack smiles through it all, the envy of many other male students. Each time it happens though, another small crack happens in his heart. He hides behind a charming smile and a ne'er-do-well attitude, hoping the next girl may actually see him and not another escape from her problems. Never did he think that the girl he's been waiting for is waiting for him to notice her.

Maya with the long brown hair and funky personality is the latest to leave him. Another crack, another fake smile. He had really thought she might be the one but it turns out she was trying to heal some emotional scars from her last break up. After she felt better, she used the 'you're a great friend' speech on him. Now, he gets to be tortured constantly by his inadequacy every time he goes to work since she is a waitress there.

Zack walks over to the railing on the sky deck, contemplating the stars. It is way past curfew but that has never stopped him and he needed to clear his head. He leans down heavily on his elbows and sets his chin on one of his hands. It's so quiet right now, all he can hear is the faint thump of music coming from one of the discos down below. No one else is around. He sighs, feeling the loneliness creeping in.

"Zack?" He jumps at the sound of his name, not having heard anyone approach. Turning around, he is relieved to see his visitor. London is one of his oldest friends and they have become quite close while going to Seven Seas High together. They often get lumped together with school since they are considered two of the worst students and no one else wants to work with them. Zack pretends to be annoyed by it but secretly he's happy to spend time with her. She is one of the few people he is comfortable being himself around.

"Hey London." Zack smiles at her. "What are you doing up here so late?"

"I could ask you the same thing." London smile back at him. With him, London shows more of her true self knowing she is safe with him. While Zack hides behind his charm, London hides behind her ding-bat heiress persona. People accept it because it is what they expect from her. She even still has Cody fooled to a point but not Zack. London joins him at the railing. "I couldn't sleep."

"Me neither." Zack sighs and looks out at the dark water spread out beyond the boat.

"Thinking about Maya?" London asks, sympathetic.

"Sort of." Zack answers, scowling a bit, trying to put his thoughts into words. "More like wondering why it never works out. What am I doing wrong?"

"Nothing." London answers definitively.

"It can't be nothing." Zack shakes his head in frustration. "It must be something because they all leave and it isn't just because their cruise has ended. The girls I've dated here in school were the same."

"Zack." London reaches over and lays a hand on his shoulder, turning him towards her. "There is nothing wrong with you. If those girls can't see what an amazing person you are, it's their loss. You are caring, funny and loyal." She smirks at him. "Not to mention handsome and steadfast."

"You really think so?" Zack asks uncertainly then he grins wide. "You think I'm handsome?"

"Like you need me to answer that." She rolls her eyes.

"Steadfast?" He raises a brow.

"Yes, look how long you lasted with Maddie. While it never worked out, you never gave up. Even now, you'd still do anything for her." London sighed wishfully. "Do you have any idea how lucky I always thought she was to have you around?"

"You thought she was lucky?" Zack stares at her with wide eyes. "Funny, she always thought it was annoying."

"It is something special to have a person care so much about you. Someone who is always there for you and thinks you are the most special person in their world. I don't think Maddie ever truly appreciated what she had with you." London says enviously. "I would give anything for that."

"Don't you know that you already have that?" Zack pulls her to him and wraps his arms around her for a hug. "I seriously don't know what I would do without you, London."

Zack feels tears wetting the front of his shirt at his chest and pulls away slightly. London hangs her head, trying to hide her wet cheeks. He hesitantly puts his fingers under her chin and lifts her face up so he can see her. Looking into his ocean blue eyes, she gives him a watery half smile as another quiet tear drops. Zack can feel his heart ache for this beautiful girl in his arms and wipes away the streaks of tears. Lost in her golden mocha colored eyes, he pulls her closer. Unable to stop himself, unwilling to stop himself, he lowers his head and claims her lips for one heart-stopping, perfect moment. Catching their breath, they close their eyes and lean in once more. Zack tilts his head slightly to deepen the kiss, setting off a series of tingles through their bodies until they finally pull apart and stare at each other.

"Wow." Zack whispers.

"Yeah." London whispers back.

Please review and let me know what you think. I was think of keeping this a one shot but might change my mind if you want to hear more. Thanks for reading!