The Power of Love Chapter 22: Why Can't We Be Friends?, a zoey 101 fanfic

Hello readers. I'm just on fire right now! Thanks for reading and reviewing. 123 reviews. WOW! I'm still impressed. This story has gotten so much feedback, and I'm truly grateful. You guys rock. Twenty-one chapters and still going strong. This chapter has everyone in it. It will be pretty long so enjoy!

cookicreme007license2kill: Thanks for being a loyal reviewer. You will definitely hear from me soon. I'd like to read your High School Musical story when it comes out.

KaNdRaKaRgrl: No, I haven't forgotten about Nicole/Michael and Noah/Stacy. This chapter actually starts with them. Thanks for reviewing! It means a lot.

Chapter 22: Why Can't We Be Friends?

Michael, Noah, Nicole and Stacy were pacing. It was getting frustrating waiting for their friends to come out of their funk. The sight was morbid. Everyone lay passed out, but there were all faintly glowing. Logan and Dana lay there, together. Next to them Chase and Zoey, Courtney next to Bryan and Samantha and Dylan were side-by-side. Chase and Courtney had a faint green glow, Dylan and Zoey glowed a faint azure, while Samantha and Logan were glowing a deep shade of red. Dana and Bryan glowed a deep but faint black. Samantha said they'd be back in an hour.

That was two hours ago.

MICHAEL: Man, what are we going to do?

STACY: We're going in. That's the only way. They were supposed to get Dana and Bryan and get out.

Nicole had a glazed look in her eyes, like she was in a trance. Her whole body glowed white as she concentrated on her element. The breeze got stronger, but soon the glowing around Nicole subsided and she stood up. She spoke.

NICOLE: I know where they are.

MICHAEL: Where?

Nicole smiled a knowing smile. This left Noah, Stacy, and even Michael confused. Nicole rolled her eyes and pointed to her temple.

NICOLE: Dana's mind, duh!

NOAH: Let's go get 'em. I get the feeling they're in trouble.

STACY: Let's do it.

MICHAEL: Yeah, I'm down with that.

Nicole seemed uneasy about the whole idea. It was scary, but she wanted to help. Nicole nervously fiddled with her fingers. Michael looked at her and noticed.

MICHAEL: What's wrong?

NICOLE: I'm scared, Michael. I don't want to lose anyone.

MICHAEL: Don't worry, Nicole. I won't let anything happen to you. Your brother's here and so is my sister.

NOAH: He's right, Nikki.

STACY: Yeah, we'll all stick together and find them, ok?

NICOLE: Promise?

NOAH: Yes. We all promise.

Michael walked up to her and kissed her, and Nicole returned the favour. He wrapped his arms around her waist. Nicole kissed Michael with her hand resting on his chest. They pulled away, and hugged tightly. They pulled apart, smiling at each other.

MICHAEL: I love you, ok?

NICOLE: I love you too. Just don't leave me.

MICHAEL: I won't. I promise.

NICOLE: Ok. Let's go. I'm ready.

MICHAEL: And besides Skye and Sparkles will be there with us.

NICOLE: Ok, that makes me feel better. Let's go.

Skye and Sparkles are Michael and Nicole's guardians. Skye was an all white eagle, with a black diamond on his left wing. In human form, he was a brown-haired boy with pale grey eyes, and a sweet smile. He wore white from head to toe, and a touch of silver. Sparkles was a black and yellow tiger. Black with yellow stripes. In human form, she was African-American with long wavy black braids down went to her back (A/N: Yes, Sparkles is based on me…I just realized I have brown eyes with a ring of gold around them. It scares me but it's so cool. Okay, back to the story. I'm rambling). She had flashing gold eyes which were soft and captivating. She wore gold with a touch of black. Sparkles also had an air of mystery to her, but she was fun-loving. You didn't want to get on her bad side though. Soon the four remaining teens joined hands. They concentrated on the elements Air and Light. They had to get to Dana and their friends. Yellow and white illuminated the abandoned warehouse. Searing pain rushed through their bodies. Michael fell to his knees in pain, while Nicole had tears leaking out her eyes. Noah clenched his jaw, mentally wishing the pain away, mainly because everything hurt like hell and Stacy dug her nails in his hand. Noah didn't mind though. Stacy held on to Noah's hand tightly, while subconsciously digging her nails into it.

Soon their vision was consumed by an eternal darkness and they too, were on a journey to Dana's mind…

Time was of essence. None could be wasted.

Samantha, Courtney, Dylan, Bryan and Logan all made it back. There was so much tension in the air. It was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Dana and Logan stole a couple glances at each other, but both were still slightly angered at the sight of each other. It's not that they hated each other, but it was still complicated. Dana was still mad but decided instead of knocking Logan out, she'd talk. Logan thought the exact same thing. Only he had to think of what to say. Logan sighed to himself.

LOGAN (thought): Damn. This is harder than it looks.

Logan decided he'd talk from the heart. Usually Logan Reese would laugh at the idea of someone dumping him but he wasn't in a jerk-like mood.

Someone dumping Logan. Yeah, right.

He knew Dana was going to blow up at him, but if they broke up. He tried. At least he tried, but it would hurt like hell. Logan still held on to slim chance they'd get together. And he actually wanted to fix things with his big sister. If his mother were alive, she wouldn't be happy with her children fighting with each other. Besides he had to know. Why Samantha would try to put herself in an early grave, but then again, he contemplated the same thing. Logan was sure of one thing, they needed to talk things out. Courtney and Bryan both were silent. She was struggling on how to tell Bryan how she felt, and the dealing with the fact that she may never see Chase again was too much to handle. She sighed and ran a hand through her long dark brown hair and looked off ahead. Bryan was just confused about the whole thing. He wanted to tell Courtney so bad, but everything was so disoriented. What if she didn't feel the same way? Even though they were destined to be together, things changed. That was his only fear. Samantha was too silent. How could things change between her and Logan so fast? One minute they were pulling pranks on their stepmother and then the next, they were at each other's throats. Talking would help. She hoped.

Dylan was thinking about Zoey. The fact that she may be gone never really sunk in yet. It was going to be the same. Back in Louisiana, it was always "the Brooks Brothers, featuring Zoey as the Brooks Sister." They used to joke about that. Now they'd never get to do that. Dylan closed his eyes as a single rolled down his cheek. He wiped it quickly. A thought hit him, though.

Dustin.

What was he going to tell him? The kid practically worshipped Zoey at PCA. How was he going to tell him that he lost his big sister?

This sucked.

Courtney Matthews let a shrill scream that had everyone turning around and rushed to her. Courtney was shaking uncontrollably. Dylan came running and soon he knew why and paled. This couldn't be happening.

Chase and Zoey were gone…

Courtney had no time to cry. She was flaming mad. So mad it made her cry. How could have Chase moved while they were gone? Her anger was replaced by sadness, as she sobbed and fell into Bryan's arms. Chase couldn't be gone. Dylan was lost in a blank stare and Samantha placed a supportive arm around his shoulder. Dylan turned to face her. Samantha's eyes had some much concern in them.

DYLAN: I failed, Sammie. I failed—

SAMANTHA: Dylan…don't say that.

DYLAN: I did! I'm supposed to protect her! I'm her big brother. It was suppose to be like this. Not like this. Anything but this.

Samantha and Dylan locked eyes. Emotions ran high. Samantha just hugged him and Dylan returned it. But Zoey… That was too much. Samantha and Dylan pulled away and still locked eyes. Samantha wiped a falling tear away from his face and he smiled at her weakly.

SAMANTHA: Listen to me. Zoey's the luckiest girl ever. She has friends that love her. She has a boyfriend that is absolutely crazy about her, and brothers that adore her. You're the best big brother ever. I know you'd give up your life for hers if you could. Zoey's not dead. I can feel it, and so can you. Don't ever doubt that for a second. Ok?

DYLAN: Ok, thank you so much Sammie. It really means a lot.

Dylan leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. Samantha kissed him on the cheek as well. He whispered in her ear, while they were still holding each other.

DYLAN (whispering): I've been waiting so long to do that.

SAMANTHA (whispering): Me too.

DYLAN (whispering): You think we should tell them?

SAMANTHA (whispering): Yeah, but not now. I like the secrecy.

Dylan could feel her smirking, and he smirked back as well.

DYLAN (whispering): We'll keep it that way, then.

SAMANTHA (whispering): Good.

They pulled away before anyone saw anything. Luckily no one did, and they let out big sighs of relief.

Courtney and Bryan sat on the floor and he held her. She didn't seem to mind too much. He absentmindedly stroked her hair, and told her everything was going to be okay. Bryan felt her pain though. If anything ever happened to Dana, he'd lose it too. Courtney let more silent tears fall. Bryan looked at Courtney and put a finger under her chin so that their eyes locked. He cracked a small smile, and it seemed genuine. He placed a thumb on her cheek, and wiped a lone tear away. He hated it when Courtney cried. She smiled.

BRYAN: Courtney?

COURTNEY: Yeah, Bryan.

BRYAN: You did nothing wrong. Don't ever think any of this is your fault.

COURTNEY: But he's my baby brother. I'm supposed to protect him. He's not supposed to disappear or die or whatever.

BRYAN: Chase isn't dead.

COURTNEY (confused): What?

BRYAN: You heard me, Court. He isn't gone. You should know. It's a family thing. Just like I can tell when Dana's in trouble or worse. It's just that bond you and Chase have. It can't be broken, no matter how hard you try.

COURTNEY: How are you so sure of yourself?

BRYAN: Just trust me.

COURTNEY: Ok, I believe you.

The two teens sat there, holding each other. Courtney loved Bryan so much. She just didn't know how to tell him. What if he didn't feel the same way? It would mess up the awesome friendship the two possessed. Bryan was just entranced by Courtney's essence. Everything about her made him tingly inside. She was talented, beautiful, talented, a born leader, and smart. Courtney was so fun to be with. He decided it was time to tell her, no matter the risk.

BRYAN: Courtney?

COURTNEY: Hmm?

BRYAN: I need to tell you something. It's important.

COURTNEY (thought): Could he be trying to tell me what I think he's trying to tell me? Please, let it be what I think he's trying to say…

COURTNEY: Ok, umm, shoot.

BRYAN: I'm not that great with words so just listen because I'm going to come and say it. Courtney, I love you— I was planning to take this secret with me to the grave, but I realized how short life is to keep any secrets, so there I said it. I, Bryan Cruz, love you, Courtney Matthews.

Courtney was shocked, but very happy because she felt the same way. Bryan caught the happy glint in her eye and they both smiled. Courtney knew it was her turn to talk. Bryan admitted it! He told her he loved her.

COURTNEY: I feel the same way. I love you, too.

BRYAN: Seriously?

COURTNEY: Yes, Bryan. I love you with all of my heart.

Bryan placed his hand on her cheek and brought her face closer to his. It was happening. Courtney was actually going kiss Bryan! Sparks went off in her head. As their faces brought closer together, their eyes instinctively fluttered closed. Courtney's lips grazed his and soon their lips made full contact with each other. Courtney's lips were soft and she tasted like mangoes. Bryan begged for entrance and Courtney parted her lips to let him in to allow his tongue to mingle with her own. Her hand rested on his cheek, and his hands ran through her locks of hair. Her hand smelled like Herbal Essences and pears. That scent drove him insane. Courtney kissed Bryan with equal passion. She caught a whiff of his cologne. It turned her on, greatly. The passion in the air became top strong too ignore, but they pulled away from each other when their oxygen was running low.

COURTNEY: Wow…

BRYAN (smirking): Wow yourself.

COURTNEY: I'd love to be your girlfriend.

BRYAN: I'd love to be your boyfriend.

COURTNEY: Cool.

BRYAN: Cool.

They kissed lightly on the lips and wrapped their arms around each other.

Dana sat there, thinking. She couldn't avoid Logan forever. She spent two years trying to, so what made now any different? A song popped into her head. She laughed as it described Logan and her relationship perfectly. It had a love/hate thing going. She didn't want to break up with him. Logan also thought this same way. He laughed because it was amazing how he had this friendship/rival thing going, but they smiled as they thought the same question:

DANA/LOGAN (thought): Why can't be friends? I love the relationship, though.

Dana walked over to her unsuspecting boyfriend. She had to pretend to be mad, though. Just for the effect. Logan sat on the floor, cross-legged when he saw a shadow looming over him. He looked up and there stood Dana, crossing her arms stubbornly like she always did. He found it quite hot. Dana sat next to him.

DANA: We need to talk, Logan. Now.

LOGAN: I'm sorry.

Dana was surprised. Did Logan apologize to her? The Logan Reese? Ok, now that was messed up. Logan turned to face her. Dana found her words after a minute of gawking at Logan like he was crazy.

I seen ya, I seen ya, I seen ya 'round for a long long time
I really, I really, I really remember when you drank my wine

LOGAN: I'm sorry, Dana. Really.

DANA (thought): What the hell? He's supposed to be faking it. I'm supposed to be angry. We're supposed to be arguing. Oh well, I kinda like this sweet side of Logan—Wait, did I just think that? So much for being angry. Maybe it's time to be normal for once, but then again…what the hell is normal?

DANA: But why do you do things like this, Logan?

He sighed. For once, he didn't know why he said what he said. It was out of frustration. Everything was so messed up. He just wanted to be in his dorm asleep. Logan just wanted to sink into his covers and fall asleep. He hated Glenn. He hated Andy. He hated everything. Why did everything have to suck for him right now? Surprisingly, Dana wasn't causing any pain for him right now. So far so good.

LOGAN: I don't know. I just want to be in my dorm asleep. I'm supposed to be rigging Chase's alarm clock so he doesn't get up early for class. I'm supposed steal Michael's chip supply and sell them for profits. I'm supposed to be a jerk. The only thing I wouldn't change is us…

DANA: I know. I'm supposed to be finding ways to hurt Nicole. I'm supposed to be putting the fear of God into everyone. As you said, I wouldn't change us, either.

Why can't we be friends?

LOGAN: Just ever since, my mom was murdered, it's been tough, and I hate the woman my dad decided to marry. Or is married to—unfortunately.

DANA: Join the club. Stepparents are the worst. Take my stepdad for instance. He'd come home and abuse me, Bryan or sometimes at the same time. I'm in California, though. There's no way he could hurt me or my brother from the Bronx, so it's all good.

LOGAN: Harsh.

DANA: Yeah, so is life.

LOGAN: So you really think there's an "us", huh?

DANA: Yeah, or I wouldn't be doing something like this…

I seen ya, I seen ya, I seen ya walkin' down in Chinatown
I called ya, I called ya, I called but you did not look around
I pay my, I pay my, I pay my money to the welfare line
I seen ya, I seen ya, I seen ya standing in it everytime

Dana leaned him and kissed Logan full on the lips. He kissed her back, hand resting on her beautiful cheek. They wanted to stay like that forever. They pulled away, both cracking small smiles. The love/hate thing…still there. That's what made their relationship stand out in the crowd. Michael was right. They were like "Mr. and Mrs. Smith". That gave them an idea.

Why can't we be friends?

LOGAN: I'm forgiven, huh?

DANA: Yep, on one condition.

LOGAN: Which is?

DANA: Gimme your arm.

LOGAN: What?

DANA (rolling her eyes): Just do it.

LOGAN: Fine.

Logan reluctantly gave Dana his arm. Dana grabbed his arm and gave him the biggest "Indian Burns" ever. Logan yelped in pain, grabbing his arm. He gave her a glare, and Dana just smirked. There was a special gift from her. If she did right, it would stay longer than usual.

DANA: Look at your arm, first.

Logan looked at his burning arm. There was the mark of a red heart there, and he smirked.

LOGAN (smirking): Aww, you want me. Bad.

DANA (smirking back): Don't push it. Logan?

LOGAN: Yeah, babe?

DANA: Hold me, please?

LOGAN: Sure.

Why can't we be friends?

The color, the color, the color of your skin don't matter to me
As long as, as long as, long as we can live in harmony
I kinda, I kinda, I kinda, like to be the president
And I could, and I could, and I could show you how your money's spent

Dana and Logan sat there. Logan put an arm around her, just cuddling. They weren't at PCA, but this was good enough. If only Chase and Zoey had the same happiness. He kissed her hair.

LOGAN (thought): I'll never let you go again.

DANA (thought): I love you, Logan, but if Glenn messes with us, his ass is mine.

Why can't we be friends?

Sometimes I don't speak right
But did I know what I was talking about
I know you're working for the CIA
They wouldn't have you in the mafia

Why can't we be friends?

Just then two familiar voices were heard from behind. Everyone turned around to see from the source of the voices were coming from. There, hand-in-hand stood Chase and Zoey, beaming. Courtney looked shocked and rubbed her eyes to make sure she wasn't seeing things now. Bryan raised an eyebrow and Samantha gasped a hand to her mouth in surprise, and Dylan did the same as Courtney, testing his sanity to see if his sister and her boyfriend were really there. Dana and Logan's jaws dropped.

DANA: No way…

Everyone still stared, trying to get over the shock of having Chase and Zoey brought back. It was nothing short of a miracle.

CHASE: How's it going?

ZOEY (smiling): Miss us?

A/N: There's Chapter 22. I'm still on top of my game! So review. A lot of stuff happened here.

Courtney and Bryan are an item now, but what's up with Sammie and Dylan?

Dana and Logan are back on track.

Nicole, Michael, Stacy and Noah are coming to meet them because feel that they're not out of the woods yet. They don't know how right they are…

Chase and Zoey are back in action as well…GO ME!

I'm quite proud of this chapter…SO REVIEW!