Disclaimer: I still claim no ownership of Zoey101 or the P.C.A. campus either .

' Oh my God , I love my ring so much ! ' exclaimed an excited Zoey, holding her hand out in front of her to examine the twinkling diamond ring more clearly ,' you couldn't have picked a more perfect ring for me , Chase '

Chase nodded his head , inordinately proud in his choice of ring . It hadn't been an easy decision , so many styles, so many settings, so many rings , and so many different amounts of money . Buying a wedding ring had been a major important deal and he was relieved that he had done right by the woman he loved more than anything .

' I'm glad and also very happy that you said yes , Zo '

Zoey rolled her eyes upwards and brought her lips to his in a reassuring kiss .

' Of course it was a yes, Chase ! I can't believe for a minute you thought that I wouldn't want to marry you '

Chase put his arms around her and gave her a squeeze .' I know you love me , Zoey, but with our track record , I was preparing myself for the just in case you had other ideas ..'

Zoey elbowed him, sharply .' Well, you can just stop it now and be happy with me . We are going to get married ! Oh my God , we have to tell all of our friends ! Lola and Quinn and Lisa are just going to die when we tell them ! '

' Think the guys will be cool with it ' commented Chase seeing as his three best friends had helped him search for the perfect ring but he didn't want to spoil it for her .

Zoey spun around suddenly , a whirlwind of honey blonde hair and questioning eyes , as a realization dawned on her as she faced her fuzzy haired now fiancée .

' Where did you get the money for my ring, Chase ? Please tell me you didn't use money from your college expenses or God , you didn't borrow money from Logan ? Tell me that you didn't borrow money for this ring from Logan Reese ? '

Chase caught both of her hands with his , holding her in one spot before she decided to go take a swing at his roommate . He might enjoy watching Zoey lock horns with Logan but it wasn't something he wanted to remember about this day either .

' Whoa, Zo, calm down ,' replied Chase , matter of fact ,' I didn't do any of those things . I had some money saved back for your ring . I didn't just decide to propose to you on a whim or anything , I've been thinking about it for a while now .'

A slow smile curved around her mouth from his admission and warmed her throughout .

They had only discussed marriage and children briefly as the topic had came up one evening during supper with the gang . Naturally she and Chase had seen eye to eye on everything that they wanted but she had kind of figured marriage would be later for them .

Chase's proposal was unexpected but so like her guy, Zoey knew that he was who she wanted to spend the rest of her life with . Whew , her family was in for a surprise !

' Good , " Zoey swung his hands a bit , playfully as the sounds and shrieks came from the lower class dorms around them but none of that mattered to her . Anyplace on campus that had Chase was romantic to her ,' swear you didn't borrow money from Logan ? '

Chase laughed and kissed her again .' No but to be fair , Logan did offer to help .'

He didn't tell her how Logan in a manner that was very uncharacteristically Logan Reese like or maybe it was that he was under the influence of being madly in love with Quinn but no matter , Logan had offered to give him the cash to buy Zoey's ring .

Chase couldn't accept it but was touched that his pal had even offered and with no restrictions or strings . If he had wanted to buy Zoey a five thousand dollar diamond ring, Logan would have just handed him over the cash . It was nice and maybe Chase decided it was like a testimony to their friendship or something . Logan could be the worst jerk on the planet but he was also one of his best friends and he knew he could always count on him to come through if he needed him .

Zoey smiled again .' Quinn makes him nicer '

' True ' agreed Chase as they began walking back towards Maxwell Hall where all of their friends were currently hanging out in the guys dorm room this evening ,' We should get back so we can tell them or before Michael is done bouncing off walls '

Zoey chuckled with him . ' Of course you would tell Michael about this , he's your best friend .'

' Yeah '

' My parents are going to freak out ," realized Zoey , abruptly coming to a halt in front of the fountain ,' I don't even know how Dustin is going to react . We should definitely tell them in person when they get in from their flight in a couple of days …..or should we video chat them ? This seems too important to tell them that way though ….'

Her folks were flying in from England for her graduation soon and she knew that Chase's parents were coming in from Baltimore as well so they would all be here . Maybe after the ceremony , they could all go out to supper and she and Chase could tell them together .

Chase gestured for her to sit down on the edge of the fountain and he joined her . He patted the concrete affectionately recalling how he had apologized to Zoey for the stolen Techmate incident , the I love you text that she had never received , and he had even lamely attempted and without any luck tried to tell her he had a girlfriend here . They had lots of important conversations on the fountain and she had been here to comfort him on his birthday after finding out his Grandmother had passed away .

If they didn't have the flagpole , they had this fountain . Yeah , it was their fountain .

He figured if Logan and Quinn could lay claim on a bench and they did then Chase figured him and Zoey could called this fountain as theirs .

'As long as Dustin doesn't try to hit me again ,' said Chase with levity ,' I think we should give your folks time to get over their , you know, jet lag , before we tell them the good news .'

Mike and Amanda Brooks had always been nice to him though Chase always kind of felt as if Zoey's father was sizing him up to make sure he was right for his daughter . Somehow he always wound up acting like a blundering idiot around her Dad , always .

.

' Dustin has grown up since then , Chase ,' scolded Zoey of her little brother who was now fourteen ,' I highly doubt he's going to want to beat you up for asking me to marry you .'

Chase made a face .' Right ,'said Chase as his cell went off in his pocket . It was probably Michael or Logan wanting the scoop ,' Look, Zo, I already told my parents that I was asking you the big question . Once Mom stopped yelling at me , she understood and Dad was really supportive of my decision so they are on our side .'

Zoey's lips thinned .' You think my parents wont approve ? '

Chase lifted his shoulders and let them fall . ' Maybe ..I don't know it seems it might be a possibility . I mean you got accepted to the Allied School of Design in Paris and I'll be in Stanford unless we figure out a new way with the long distance and all .'

College ! Zoey had faith that their relationship could withstand the long distance though she knew Quinn and Logan had been arguing over the same issue without the marriage proposal themselves , it was rough . She supposed she and Chase could be engaged for a bit but the idea didn't sit well in her gut either .His proposal changed things now .

i

' They will probably maybe want us to have a long engagement …'

Chase had been afraid of that .' Is that what you want ? I mean, I know we have a ton of stuff to talk about now and I really want to tell the guys still …" He looked longily in the direction of the dorm then back at her for confirmation ,' Or we don't have to hash everything out now ..ten minutes after I asked you to be my wife either .'

' We'll figure it out but I do not want a long engagement , Chase ' reassured Zoey , firmly ,' I don't think we would do well waiting a long time to get married . Come on, I don't want you to get cold feet worrying about us so lets go tell our friends the good news .'

They stood and Zoey leaned in to kiss him, deeply, the kiss more telling than words could soothe . They had survived countless misunderstandings, long distance , not to mention , Zoey's ex-boyfriend James , so they would figure out getting married part together .

' Okay, I'm good , I believe you '

Arms around each other , the couple headed into Maxwell Hall, resisting the urge to announce their news to friends as well as students they barely knew as they passed in the hallway and neared the door to room 148, Chase and Zoey could hear Logan and Quinn arguing yet again .

Chase tapped the door lightly and as they entered the room they spotted Michael and Lisa on the couch trying to look around the fighting couple to the huge television screen where Reckless in Love was playing while Lola and Vince observed the fight .

' Logan , this is getting to be annoying ! You are annoying ! Do we have to do this again ..now ? Don't you trust me ? ' declared Quinn, arms crossed protectively across her chest , hurt evident in her eyes ,' Can't we fight in private for a change '

Logan waved his hands up in the air , frustration etched in the lines on his handsome face as he turned to stare at the woman he loved more than anyone in his life .

' This stupid chic flick brought the whole thing up again , not me ! You know I trust you, Quinn , its all those smart nerd genius scientists that are going to be in college with you that I don't like ! And …and I can just transfer there so that we can be together '

Quinn sighed , heart tightening a little , and bit down on her lower lip .' Logan, don't be ridiculous . Boston has the best film school around and as sweet as the thought is that you want to transfer , I cant let you do that .'

Lola had heard enough .' Why don't you guys just take us out of our misery and just break up '

Aghast , Logan and Quinn stared , defiantly at the actress .' NO !'

Lola settled back against Vince's chest , lips pursed .' Just saying it'd be easier than you two arguing every other day about it so you know , just end it .'

Vince put a restraining hand on his girlfriends arm and then in a gentle tone ." Lo, honey, just leave them alone .'

Lola pouted ." It makes sense , Vince '

Logan pulled Quinn into his arms .' I don't want to fight with you, Quinn ,' confessed Logan in a strained voice ,' I just get frustrated and pissed when I think of having to be away from you . You know I love you, right ? Cause I do love you..'

Quinn rested her cheek against his .' Oh Logan, I love you too . We'll figure it out '

Chase cleared his throat , loudly , as Zoey made a point to slam the door behind her .

' Uh hey, guys , ' rambled Chase , putting an arm around Zoey's waist ,' sorry to interrupt the Quinn and Logan show but Zo and I have an announcement to make .'

The argument was quickly forgotten as all eyes focused on the couple intently , waiting .

Michael grasped Lisa's hand and leaned forward , anxious . Finally , this was it !

He'd been about going out of his mind - Cheese and rice, Chase and Zoey took forever !

' Chase proposed ! He asked me to marry him ! '

A wide grin split across Chase's face .' Zoey and I are getting married ! '

' Oh my God ! '

' Zoey ! '

' Let me see that ring ! '

Lola, Quinn, and Lisa scrambled up and around Zoey , screeching and screaming in utter delight as they pulled her in for a group hug while Lola gave her hand a forceful tug so that they could take in the very important diamond ring on her finger .

' This is so exciting ! Did Chase get down on one knee to ask you ? I bet he did ' sighed ever the romantic scientist , dreamily ,' I'm so happy for you , Zoey '

Zoey laughed as she wiggled her finger , the diamond shined .' No , he asked me in a game of Would you rather . He was so adorable ! '

Lola studied the ring with a critical eye . " It doesn't look fake '

Quinn and Lisa gave the actress stern, disapproving looks .' Lola, stop it ! '

' Chase wouldn't get Zoey cubic zirconium ! It's a beautiful ring, Zo ' added Lisa, wistfully .

' Oh, I know he wouldn't ,' allowed Lola , a twinge of jealousy in her tone ,' this is the best news ever . Did you have any idea that Chase was going to propose ? '

She caught Vince's gaze and smiled softly at her boyfriend . Marriage had been bandied about here and there among their friends lately but she hadn't given it much thought . She was going to be an amazing actress and Vince had already been recruited for his football expertise at one of the best colleges in the country and it was good between them .

Marriage would be long time down a different road for them . Just later .

Still she was thrilled for Chase and Zoey as to her they were the perfect couple .

Zoey shook her head .' Not a clue , the rat ! I thought we were just walking to the beach ! Next thing I know we're standing in front of the flagpole and he asks me if I will marry him ! '

' So, ' muttered Lisa , blue eyes sparkling ,' how long before we get to plan an engagement party for you two ? '

Zoey tore her gaze away from the girls to watch as Chase was engulfed in manly hugs by his three best friends followed by hearty slaps on the back and a tearful hug from Michael . This was how it was supposed to be yet the word engagement sounded as ominous as if someone had uttered 'Covington ' to her .

*********************************PCA*********************************

' Chase , man, Chase ' cried an overly emotional Michael Barrett , flinging his arm around his best friend since the sixth grade ,' Didn't I tell you she would say yes ! I am so happy for you! I knew Zoey couldn't say no to your bushy hair …'

' You're an idiot , Michael but thanks ' said a good natured Chase as Vince helped pull Michael away from him ,' I admit it was scary for about a minute when she didn't speak . I thought I might explode or throw up . Maybe both ..'

Michael sniffed and wiped at his eyes , unashamed of his behavior . Chase was like his brother . Best friend and brother . This was like an epic moment in time.

' We so need to throw a party to celebrate you and Zoey getting hitched and all '

' Maybe you should put that on hold until after we tell her parents ,' offered up Chase ,' worse case being that her Dad kills me and all .'

Logan slapped him on the back .' Chase, man, your losing it . Breathe . The hard part is finished , Zoey said yes to you, and you just leave the wedding part up to the women .'

' Thanks, Logan, I think ,' muttered Chase , still reeling a bit ,' don't get ahead of me. Zoey and I haven't even talked that far ahead to the wedding plans and stuff .'

' You probably should ' said Logan, checking up on Quinn out of the corner of his eye . She was talking excitedly with Zoey but he recognized that hint of uncertainty in her brown eyes behind her glasses and knew it was because of him . They would have to talk again about their own quandary soon .

.

Vince pumped Chase's hand in a ceremonial gesture .' You're a brave man, Chase Matthews . So you guys thinking , what , a two year engagement or what ? '

Chase swallowed the massive lump he figured might be nerves in his throat and gestured towards Zoey on the other side of the room . He really should have thought about those details and all of the millions of questions his friends were throwing at him .

Why, why, after all these years, did he still suck at thinking on the spot ?

He opened his mouth , raised a finger , and a thoughtful expression played across his face as he took into consideration everything that was brought to his attention .

Why had it seemed much easier the proposal and everything just falling in place on those old TV shows from the 1980's that he and the guys liked to watch ?

.

' Wow, Vince , two years is a really long time away from now . Zoey and I haven't had a chance to talk about it or anything . Cuz we wanted to share our good news with you guys '

Always calm and amiable, Vince nodded and strode to pull Lola away from Zoey before his girlfriend accidentally suffocated the poor bride to be .He knew that Lola was already getting swept into the bridal frenzy and it could only get worse .

' Well, buddy, no rush , you and Zoey have all the time in the world to decide ' said Vince, gently steering Lola towards the single bed in the room to sit ,' Lola, maybe you should give Zoey a little breathing room .'

' Vince , you need to see the diamond that Chase got her , its gorgeous ! '

' I'm sure it is '

' It is a lovely ring ,' voiced Lisa , noting that Michael 's puppy dog expression seemed fixated on the happy couple then zoomed back on her . As much as she loved Michael, she was afraid that Chase's proposal would bounce back to him ,' should we pull our money and order celebratory pizza ? '

' Aw thanks, guys ," Chase was touched by their enthusiasm ,' that's nice .'

Suddenly all of her feelings and love for Chase washed over Zoey Brooks giving her the sense of calm and knowing unlike anything she had ever experienced before and just like the first time they had kissed , Zoey knew the truth deep within her heart .

' I don't want to wait a year or even two years to get married '

Chase moved towards her , expectantly as he had imagined every scenario possible a hundred times over and then some . Logan had even braced him for two years as they had all agreed that it took Zoey that long when it came to making important life changing truths .

' When do you want us to get married ? '

Zoey reached for his hands , needing their connection .' Soon '

Chase would marry her any day , any place, anytime of the week if she told him so.

' How soon ? '

' This summer towards the end of our vacation ' announced Zoey, not skipping a beat ,' I want us to be married in Louisiana at my Grandma Cory's house . That's what I want - just a simple, beautiful wedding in the South . What do you think, Chase ? '

' Sounds perfect, Zo, ' stated Chase, through his shock ,' though I'm open for marrying you here at P.C.A. after graduation too . I'm easy .'

' Good but no, Mom would kill me if we wanted to be married on campus ,' declared Zoey, hugging Chase's side then fixed the girls with a patented look ," Quinn, Lola, Lisa, be my bridesmaids ? '

' Of course ! '

' What Quinn said ! '

Lola pouted , crossing her arms over her chest .' Can I be your maid of honor ? '

Zoey laughed, knowingly .' Oh no, I'm not going to have a maid of honor and then have to listen to you and Quinn fight over that ! All three of you are my bridesmaids .'

' Good call , Zoey ' said Lisa , stifling her own chuckle . It really was the only logical decision to make otherwise Zoey would risk hurting Quinn 's feelings ( even though Zo had known Quinn longer than Lola ) and Lola would claim she was her first roommate and would be mad . Bridesmaids made sense .

' That isn't the way it goes ,' dictated Lola , trying to argue her point ,' Haven't you read Bridal magazines ? You have to have a maid of honor . I'm going to go buy a bunch of them and we can look through them and help you decide what styles you want .'

' Save that crap chic talk about dresses and stuff between you ladies ,' chimed in Logan ,earning him a fixed look from Quinn,' we don't care .'

' I care ,' offered up Chase, not wanting in trouble over his own wedding ,' it's my wedding too .' He jostled Logan," Jerk .'

It went unsaid that Michael, Logan, and Vince would stand up with Chase as he had already gotten the mushy stuff out of the way and asked them to when they had went to help him pick out Zoey's ring . He wouldn't want anyone else but those three idiots standing up with him on the best day of his entire life .

Logan shot him the finger .' Like you care about wedding colors, Chase .'

Chase gulped a lump down his throat .' Colors '

Zoey beamed , devilishly .' Good because pink is my favorite color and I know blue is yours . It's perfect , right , Chase ? '

' Uh, sure '

Everyone began talking as once about actual plans for the up and coming wedding , the venue, the dresses, who was paying for the wedding, and would they have enough time to plan Zoey's dream wedding in such a short time ?

Vince, always Zen and ever the calm during any storm, stepped between the group and whistled , loudly , startling them as they gaped unbelievably at him .

' Much as I hate to put a damper on things , I have just one question . When are you going to tell Zoey's parents the good news ? '

Chase looked as if he was on the verge of panicking again but Zoey wouldn't let him . If her parents didn't agree with her decision, they would have to get used to it . She was an adult, she loved Chase, and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, period .

' Soon '

Michael pulled the couple into a bear hug and tossed the cordless phone to Lisa .

' Chase and Zoey are getting married ! Put a sock in the negative crap, Vince, and lets order pizza and get this party started ! '

It would be the first of many firsts that the best friends would celebrate together .

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