Important A.N.! Okay, just so people know, Maude divorced Ned when the two become distant, before the start of this story! I'll explain more about that when it's pertinent! Just wanted people to be aware of this change before I went too much farther! XD

Ned shows up in this chapter, I've never written about him, so I'd like people to tell me if I portray his way of talking alright. Any help on it would be greatly appreciated! XD

Chapter 2-W…What?

*Smithers' POV*

I woke at the sound of my alarm and groaned in aggravation. I was laying on my stomach, face buried in my pillow, so my arm flew out randomly as I sought out the alarm. Finding it I hit the off button, then slowly pushed myself up. "Damn…" I muttered groggily, head aching from the alcohol I'd ingested last night. I looked down at Zoe as she slept peacefully on her side facing me, her red hair spread across the pillow. I gently shook her shoulder, trying to wake her up. She stirred slightly, grumbling under her breath. "Zoe…come on, I need you to get up now." I said softly, shaking her again until her bright green eyes opened. She glanced at the clock, then back at me, her eyes narrowed into deadly slits.

"Waylon…I'm going to get you for waking me up this early…" Zoe muttered as she pushed herself into a sitting position.

"Sorry!" I apologized, stroking her cheek softly. "But I need to get ready for work and I wanted to tell you some things before I left." I then explained to her where I worked as I tugged her to the shower, making sure she knew how to contact me via my cell phone or my office number. I also made sure she had a spare key to my apartment so she could get back in if she left. As I went on to tell her where things in my apartment were, she silenced me with a finger to my mouth.

"I think I can survive!" She said laughing as we dried off from our shower. I smiled, wrapping a towel around my waist as I shaved the slight stubble off my face. By the time I was done Zoe was already finished dressing and she headed to the kitchen to scrounge up breakfast. I dressed hurriedly, spiked my hair, and joined her in the kitchen, making a bowl of cereal. As I finished eating, someone knocked at the door. I moved over to it, opening it, and blinking in surprise at the sight of Grady.

"Oh, hello Grady. What brings you here?" I asked, raising my eyebrows at him. Zoe, who had been in the kitchen (which was visible from the door), quickly ducked behind the counter. But I could tell Grady had seen her anyway.

"Who is that Waylon?" He questioned, pointing slightly, his voice was accusing. 'As if he were still dating me.' I thought wryly.

"Um…that's…"

"Oh, hello there!" Zoe's head poked over the counter and she smiled, holding up an earring she must have pretended to drop. "I found it!" She walked over, reaching out her hand for Grady to take. "I'm Zoe, Waylon here knows me from one of the get-togethers with the plant from Shelbyville and the one here. I moved to Springfield without anywhere to live and Waylon was kind enough to let me stay here until I could get enough money for my own apartment." She explained, I blinked rapidly, surprised by her quick answer. Grady looked just as surprised as me.

"Hmmm, I see." Grady murmured, not looking entirely convinced. "I just wanted to give you this," He said, pushing some envelopes into my hand. "They must have accidently been put into my mail box, so I wanted to make sure you got them alright."

"Oh, thank you Grady." I said, giving him a slight smile. He nodded, then turned and left, heading back to his apartment. I closed the door and faced Zoe, sighing slightly in relief. "Thank you for that, Zoe."

"Hey, no problem Waylon. It would be sorta awkward to explain why I was really here." I nodded and gave her a small smile before grabbing my jacket from the coat rack next to the door.

"Well, I need to go to work now. You'll be fine, right?" I questioned, raising my eyebrows at her. She laughed, patting my cheek softly.

"I'll be alright Waylon! I need to go shopping later, but could I stop by your office to have lunch with you?" Zoe questioned, giving me a beautiful smile which caused my face to turn slightly red.

"Oh…um…I…I suppose that would be alright…" I murmured softly, scratching the back of my head nervously. We set up a time to meet and she gave me her cell number. "Alright, I'll see you later then."

"Bye, Waylon!" Zoe said, wrapping her arms around my neck in a hug. I blinked in surprise and hesitantly slid my arms around her back. She pulled back after a minute, kissing my cheek before stepping back and skipping her way to the kitchen to clean up the mess from breakfast. I smiled at her back and slid out of my apartment. I headed downstairs and to my car and drove to Burns Manor.

X X X X X X X X

*Zoe's POV*

I was a little sore from last night, but that was understandable. Other than that though, I felt more cheerful than I ever had been. After I finished cleaning up the dishes, I decided to head to the mall to go shopping. 'After that I need to head to the hotel I was staying at to pick up my clothing, and to check out of the room.' I headed downstairs after making sure I had everything I needed and locking up Waylon's apartment. I headed outside of the building and flagged down a cab. I instructed the cabbie to drive me to the mall. Once there I paid him and headed out of the car. "Wow, this is a nice mall, though not quite as big as the one in Shelbyville." I murmured, looking around the area. "Costingtons, huh?" I said softly, noticing a department store across the street from the mall. I headed over there and wandered around the store. I managed to find several new outfits, much to my delight! I then headed to the mall, wanting to wander around there before meeting Waylon for lunch.

I found myself laughing softly at the names for the stores as I browsed through them. 'Girdles N' Such, Eye Caramba, Gum4Less. Ooohh! A bookstore!' Gleefully I headed into the Popular Books store and found several I wanted to buy. I was just getting ready to head outside, needing to head to get my things from the Hotel. But I spotted an interesting looking store. "The Leftorium?" I questioned, I glanced up at a clock on the wall. It was almost 11 a.m. 'If I look quickly, I should be able to get everything done that I need to before meeting Waylon at 12.' I headed into the store, smiling at the items there. "Oh, items for left-handed people!" I laughed softly, picking up a left-handed toothbrush. 'I doubt it really matters if the toothbrush is for lefties or not! But it's the thought that counts!"

"Well howdy there!" A voice came from behind me, I turned to see a man with brown hair and glasses. His mouth turned up in a smile and his mustache twitched as he spoke.

"Hello!" I said, his smile becoming contagious as a wide one spread across my face. "Do you own this store?" I questioned, gesturing around the at the items.

"Well, I sure diddly-do!" He said, chuckling lightly. He reached out his hand for me to take, I shook it as he introduced himself. "I'm Ned Flanders, and it's a pleasure to meet you!" 'He acts so happy, but his eyes hold a deep sadness.' I thought and felt the urge to hug him.

"I'm Zoe Hart." I glanced at the clock again, frowning slightly. "I'd love to look around this store more, but I really need to be somewhere now." I squeezed his hand before dropping it. "But I promise I'll stop by tomorrow to check it out more! It's a relief to find a store for lefties as it's hard to use some items that are made especially for right-handed people." He blinked slightly, then smiled again.

"Well it sure is! That's the reason I opened this store. I…shouldn't keep you then." He seemed disappointed that I was leaving so I smiled warmly at him.

"I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!" I said seeing his eyes light up with complete happiness, no sign of any sadness. His eyes crinkled as he smiled back.

"I do too, Zoe." I hurried to the door, then turned slightly to wave over my shoulder.

"Bye!" I called back before rushing out of the store and moving quickly out of the mall. 'I have to hurry if I want to meet Waylon.' I thought as I hurried to pick up my stuff. 'I need to drop everything at Waylon's place and change also.' I hoped I could finish in time for the deadline.

X X X X X X X X

*Ned's POV*

'It's been almost a year since…Maude divorced me…' I thought as I stood at the counter of my store. 'This is the first day that I've been truly happy! That woman Zoe, it would be impossible to not be joyful! She was so cheerful, and I really am looking forward to seeing her again!' I found myself in a very good mood for the rest of the day, welcoming guests with renewed vigor. By the end of the day though, I was reluctant to head home to my empty house. Rodd and Todd had spent the last week with me, but now I was alone in my house. Maude had moved across town and I hardly saw her or the boys except for those times when the boys stayed with me. Even after a year, it was still hard to believe that Maude…had left me. I tried putting on a happy façade for everyone, but deep down, I was very depressed. Today was the first time I felt that depression lift completely from my heart. So it wasn't horrible to enter the empty house after closing shop. 'I may be sad right now, but at least I'll see her tomorrow! That's something to look forward to!' I found myself happy for the rest of the night and was surprised by the development.

X X X X X X X X

*Zoe's POV*

I managed to make it to the Power Plant at 10 to 12. 'Made it!' I thought happily as I headed into the building. I found my way up to the top floor and headed down the hallway. I was going to go into Waylon's office when I heard voices from Mr. Burns' office next door. I slid closer to it and pushed the door open slightly. I looked inside to see Burns sitting at his desk reading some papers. Waylon set a tray of food on the desk. "Here's your lunch, sir." Burns mumbled something to the papers as he tossed them aside.

"Ah, thank you Smithers." He told Waylon, patting his hand gently. I smiled at the gesture. 'All of those rumors about Burns, no one would ever expect him to act like this! He seems like a very nice and caring man underneath that tough exterior.' Waylon smiled at his boss, before cutting up the meal. Waylon stayed by the desk as Burns ate and the two of them chatted amiably. Smithers sat on the edge of Burns' desk and laughed at something Monty said. They were talking too quietly now for me to hear. Burns stood after he finished eating and placed his hand on Waylon's shoulder. I saw a deep look of longing in Burns' eyes. He smiled slowly at something Smithers said, eyes shinning brightly and I grinned widely. 'I think he's going to tell Waylon how he feels about him!' I felt happiness burst in my heart and I leaned closer trying to hear what they were saying.

"Smithers…there's something I need to tell you." I was practically jumping in excitement by now. "I…I…" I leaned too close and suddenly found myself stumbling into the room. 'Damn it! Stupid stupid stupid!' I hissed at myself as the two men pulled back from each other. Waylon's face was full of surprise, Burns' was the same, but turned quickly angry. "Who are you and what are you doing here!" Burns snapped at me.

"Eh hehe…" I laughed nervously, staring at the floor chagrinned. 'If I wasn't so snoopy!' I thought to myself. "Well, um…you see…" I was reluctant to reveal the reason for my visit. I could tell Mr. Burns had deeper feelings for Smithers than the latter realized. 'If he knew I was meeting him for lunch, he may take it the wrong way!'

"She…came to meet me for lunch…" Waylon stated as he stood up from the desk. 'Gah! Damn it Smithers!' I thought to myself seeing Burns' face crumple slightly. 'He thinks we're dating, doesn't he? I'm sure Waylon only slept with me because he was drunk. I gotta make Burns understand we're just friends!' I hurried over to the desk, an excited smile on my face.

"Hey Waylon, guess what guess what guess what!" I said, bouncing on my toes next to him. He blinked quickly, surprised by my demeanor.

"Um…what Zoe?" He asked, raising his eyebrows at me.

"I met a really cute guy today at the mall, I'm going to see him tomorrow and I think I'll ask him out then!" Mr. Burns looked happier at that statement and Waylon's lips turned up in a smile.

"That's great!" Waylon looked genuinely pleased by this development. I took his hand and started dragging him towards his office.

"C'mon! Lets have lunch already!" I stopped suddenly and turned back to the desk. "Nice to meet you Mr. Burns! Waylon has told me so much about you!" He grumbled something, but I could see the hidden joy in his eyes and I gave him a smile before leading Waylon into his office. Once inside I sighed in relief. "Man! I can't believe I almost ruined it!" I murmured softly.

"What was that?" Waylon asked. I shook my head as I sat on his desk.

"Oh nothing, Waylon! So, what's for lunch?" I asked and he chuckled at me. He took out a couple of sandwiches from his desk. We ate them, chatting together. I was careful of what I said or did, noticing the door was cracked slightly even though I was sure I'd closed it. We finished eating and I stood from up from the desk. I gave him a hug and quick kiss on the cheek. "Have fun with Mr. Burns, Waylon!" I said, grinning and ruffling his hair.

"Zoe!" He exclaimed, flushing darkly and fussing with his glasses. I laughed softly, turning towards the door in the room, watching a flash of blue come from the crack in the double doors in the other wall. "Bye!" Waylon called out, I waved over my shoulder before exiting the office. 'I hope they can work this out! Let's just hope Mr. Burns comes clean with his feelings! I know Waylon won't tell him! He's too afraid of rejection!' I sighed as I headed to the elevators. 'I don't know what to do to help get them together.'

X X X X X X X X

*Burns' POV*

I watched Smithers and his friend Zoe while they ate lunch. From the way they acted, I could tell they were just friends and felt myself strangely relieved. 'What am I doing? Spying on my assistant! I…don't know what's gotten into me lately! I've found myself…rather happy to spend time with Smithers. When…Waylon…brought my lunch earlier, something in his gaze prompted me to tell him how much I cared for his company. But that woman interrupted my confession, and now…I'm not sure I can tell him…' I hurried back to my desk as Zoe got ready to leave, busying myself with my paperwork as Waylon entered my office. "Um, sir? You wanted to say something to me earlier, what was it?" He asked, stopping in front of my desk. I found myself flushing slightly, and shook my head.

"It's…nothing Smithers…" I told him, glancing up and seeing a quick look of disappointment run through his eyes before he nodded.

"Alright sir. I'm heading for my rounds of the Plant now, I'll see you later."

"Okay, Smithers." I watched him walk out of my office and sighed when the door shut behind him. "Damn it Monty! Why are you such a coward? You know he has strong feelings for you! But…are you sure he still does?' I thought back onto all of his actions and frowned slightly. 'He always acts like that, so how can I be sure?' I have tried to be subtle about showing him my feelings for him, but it didn't help me determine his feelings for me. 'I'm not sure I can just come out and tell him. I…I'm afraid he'll get tired of me, that he'll hate me…' I don't know how long I sat there, just thinking. My head resting in my hand. I jumped suddenly as a hand touched my forehead, Smithers' face in front of me.

"Are you alright sir?" He asked, concern etched on his face. "I've called your name several times already." I blinked quickly, turning to the window I saw it was already dark.

"Goodness!" I exclaimed, standing up quickly. Unfortunately I miscalculated the distance Smithers was from me and cracked my head against his face. I rubbed my head as Waylon pulled off his glasses, rubbing his nose and eye where the frames had pushed into his face. "Oh Smithers! I'm so sorry!" I reached up to touch a crescent shaped bruise forming under his eye.

"It's alright, sir! Just an accident!" I frowned, then pushed him towards my office chair.

"I'll get some ice. Sit down already!" I snapped, giving up on trying to force him down, I was too weak to budge him. He sat at my voice, looking surprised at my worry.

"I…could get it, sir." He said softly, blinking quickly at me.

"Nonsense! I can get it!" I hurried out of the office, grabbing a bag of ice and washcloth from a room down the hall before heading back to Waylon. I hurried to stand in front of him. 'He looks…cute without his glasses on…' I thought as I gently placed the ice wrapped in the cloth on his eye. I looked down at him, letting my worry for him show on my face. 'Please let him understand!' I placed my hand on his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin. 'Just do it Monty!' I pulled the ice away from his face and leaned closer, kissing his lips softly. Waylon gasped, his eyes going wide with surprise. I pulled back when he didn't kiss back, feeling a deep sadness take me over. I dropped the ice and turned away from him.

"Um…sir?" I ignored him, and hurried out of my office. 'How could I be so stupid! How could I have mistaken how he felt about me?' I thought, feeling tears prick my eyes. "Mr. Burns! Mr. Burns!" I heard him call out, I slid into the elevator and pushed the button for the bottom floor. The doors closed as Smithers got to them.

"Oh Waylon." I whispered softly, letting the tears fall down my cheeks. As soon as the doors opened, I rushed outside to my car. 'This shouldn't be so hard!' I thought, sliding into the driver's seat. I managed to make it home without running into too many things. I managed to stop before crashing into the stairs of my house, but barely. I headed inside and went straight to bed, not feeling up to eating anything.

X X X X X X X X

*Waylon's POV*

'Oh god! Why couldn't I kiss him back?' I thought desperately, running my hands through my hair as I sat in a taxi, needing to explain to him what happened. Once at Burns Manor, I hurried inside and went straight to Monty's bedroom. "Sir?" I questioned, seeing him laying on his side facing away from the door. I moved closer, placing my hand on his shoulder. He jerked upright and pushed my hand away.

"Go away, Smithers!" he snapped angrily. I flinched away from him, feeling my heart ache.

"But, we need to talk about that kiss…" I trailed off as he stood up, poking my chest hard.

"I don't want to talk about it! I got what I needed from it, now I don't need you anymore!" He told me and I felt my heart break.

"What…are you saying." I asked softly, not liking where this was going.

"Smithers…you're fired!" He hissed, pointing at the door.

"W…What?" I whispered, feeling as if my heart had been ripped out of my chest.

"You heard me!" Monty was close to shouting now, and I felt the tears ready to fall from my eyes.

"B…but, I didn't do anything!" I said desperately trying to appease him. 'He just couldn't fire me!'

"That's the problem…" He whispered, shaking his head slowly. "Just get out of here! And don't come tomorrow!" He said angrily. I was trembling from head to foot now. I turned quickly to hide the tears falling down my face. "I don't want to see you!"

"Alright, Monty." I whispered softly as I walked to the door of his room. "I…I'm grateful for everything you've done for me…and I want you to know that I'll miss you very much!" I told him before rushing out of the room and hurried to my car. I didn't know where I was going, but it definitely wasn't to my apartment. I needed time alone, to wallow in my sadness. 'I…blew the chance I've been waiting to happen for so long! How stupid could I be?' I parked somewhere and found myself crying until I fell asleep.

Tbc

So? How'd you like it? Please let me know!