Disclaimer- No, I don't own the characters or the show.

Dan sat alone at the bar, staring across the room. Staring at the love of his life, his best friend, and his closest confidante, Erica. Every so often, he was almost sure she'd take a small look at him, and with a slight grimace, go back to her in depth discussion with Jack. He knew what Jack was trying to do, trying to convince Erica to re-think the break up, to take Dan back and pretend everything was ok. But Dan doubted this would ever happen. He remembered the fire burning in Erica's eyes as she pushed him out the door, let out a final yell, and slammed the door in his face. Dan didn't know exactly what had pushed her to the edge. It could have been his dramatic mood changes, or his inability to open up to her anymore, or his decision to take up extra shifts at work. Whatever it had been, Erica was angry alright, and Dan doubted that she'd ever take him back. But Jack was adamant that Dan was just being negative, and so set about attempting to fix the broken relationship. And that was why Dan was sitting there, staring at Erica, wishing he could see just a glimmer of hope. Dan let out a heavy sigh. He knew he didn't deserve Erica, and if breaking up was the only way he'd be able to stop causing her so much pain, that was the way it was going to be.

'Dan, sitting over here alone really isn't doing you any good,' Zoe advised, taking a seat on the bar stool next to him.

Dan, who's chain of thought had been interrupted by Zoe, let out a deep sigh. He wasn't sure why Zoe had even come to have drinks with them, she seemed to constantly be working, and it was odd to see her away from the hospital. Dan really didn't appreciate the company, and attempted to ignore her Zoe shrug her off, but Zoe just didn't take the hint.

Zoe decided to break the awkward silence. 'I heard about Erica, I'm so sorry.'

'Great,' Dan thought, 'Another well wisher.' He really was very sick of sympathies.

'Yeah, well so am I,' Dan muttered, avoiding eye contact.

'She's crazy to let you go.'

'Erica obviously doesn't feel that way.'

'Isn't there anything you can do?'

'Erica's made it pretty clear there's not.'

'Anything I can do?'

'Not likely.'

That question had stumped Dan. How could Zoe help? Why was she even involved in his business? Surely she should have just kept her mouth shut and concentrated on fixing her own life. Because from what he had heard, she didn't have much of one.

However, before the thought could run long in Dan's mind, he noticed Zoe's hand placed firmly on his knee, and looking up to question what she was doing, he found himself being drawn into a passionate kiss. Although his first intention was to draw away, he found the lure of the kiss irresistible.

Across the room, Erica and Dan had halted their conversation, and were observing the kiss in amazement. They watched as Zoe eventually pulled away from the kiss, stood up and exited the room, with Dan following shortly after.

Erica felt physically sick. She had always thought that Dan would be the loser after their break up, and now he had already moved on with Zoe. And Zoe of all people? She certainly didn't have a great relationship history, and wasn't she a bit too old for him?

'I can't believe them!' Jack raged, his anger evident. Dan had been complaining to Jack only an hour ago about wanting Erica back, and he'd already moved on! And in front of Erica! 'That can't have been what it looked like.'

'What else could it be? Face it Jack, Dan doesn't need me!' Erica fumed as she paced over to the bar.

Following her, it hit Jack that Erica was still in love with Dan. She was jealous, and that's why she was so upset.

'He'll come round Erica,' comforted Jack, placing his arm around Erica and whispering into her ear, 'He'd be crazy not to.'

Out in the car park, Zoe turned around to witness Dan running across the road to catch up with her.

Continuing to walk, Zoe asked 'What's the matter Dan?' as he caught up to her.

'What's the matter?' Dan panted, tired after the sprint, 'Back there, you, you just…' Dan lowered his voice, 'You just kissed me!'

'Oh that,' said Zoe, not phased by the situation.

'How are you so calm about this?' asked Dan, confused.

'It was just a kiss! Come on, did you see Erica's face. She was so jealous!'

'What?'

'You didn't think I would seriously just kiss you like that did you?'

'It did seem odd.'

'Of course it did. Everyone knows the best way to win back an ex is to make them jealous. Erica will simply realise how important you are to her, and desperately try to get you back.'

'Oh, I see. Thankyou, I guess.'

And with that, Zoe said goodbye and hopped into her car leaving a still puzzled Dan alone in the car park.