Description: this is my first Zoey/NC new character story, so bare with me. It may seem like it won't end up Zoey/chase at times. But if you want to know if it will, you'll have to R&R to find out. I don't expect much, just three reviews per chapter is what i would love from you guys. Other then that, enjoy this story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Zoey 101, but if i did there would be more conflict and love triangles.

Authors note: is my third Zoey 101 story, if you haven't read the others you should check them out )

Chapter #5

(Zoey's pov)

" relax, i just meant that they really care about me. Thats all. And they say you're nothing but trouble Charlie." i explain as i notice him flinch at my earlier confession. Yeah, i know. It was kind of harsh. But its true, my friends do care about me. And he should know that. You know, in case i am just a game to him. They warned me ahead of time.

" well, i could look you in the eyes and tell you that their wrong. That they don't know me. But the truth is, i kind of am bad news Zoe." points out Charlie with his eyes lowered towards the ground the entire time. And if truth be told? I know that he is, or was. I mean, people could change. I should at least give him the benefit of the doubt, he deserves that.

With only a shrug of my shoulders, i offer Charlie a knowing wink," oh, i know. But luckily for you, i have a feeling there's some good in you. And unless I'm convinced otherwise, I'm going to assume that there is."

picking up my books once more, curiosity takes over as Charlie finds himself asking," why even bother though?"

" well, its simple. The way i see it is, everyone at least deserves a chance. And thats what I'm doing. I'm giving you, yours Charlie. So, try not to blow it." i tease with an amused smile. This receives a laugh from him. As i follow him though the girls lounge, i can't help but shake my head. You know, maybe Charlie really isn't a jerk. Maybe he just used to have a bad reputation. Out of all the times I've talked to him, never once has he hit on me. ...Well, except before when he asked for a kiss. But he was only joking, so that doesn't count.

" has anyone ever told you that you're one of a kind Zoey Brooks?" asks Charlie as he walks me to my dorm door. With a knowing smirk, i grab my books from him. Why was he carrying them in the first place? I never asked him to. Maybe he was trying to be nice. Well, either way i thought that it was kind of sweet of him.

" sure, i hear it all the time. Hey, so look...thanks for walking me to my dorm." i offer with a shy smile as i kick as the ground sheepishly. Biting at my bottom lip, i glance up at Charlie unsure of what to do next. And as my impulses get the better of me, i place quick kiss on his cheek before rushing into my dorm. With the door closed behind me, i blush to myself. Wow, could i really like Charlie Salinger? ...

(Zoey's thoughts)

have you ever wished that your friends would just mind their own business sometimes? Because i know that i sure do. They saw me hanging around with Charlie Salinger today. Bad move. Especially since sure enough, i was interrogated by them all. ...Well, everyone except for chase that is. I'm not sure where he was. But I'll most likely hear his disapproval of my new found friendship. I get that they're my friends and are concerned for my well being. And I'm grateful for it. That doesn't change the fact that i have a good feeling about this guy. I honestly don't think he's all that bad. To be honest, i think he's kind of nice. So i really don't see the harm in at least giving Charlie a chance. If I'm wrong about him, thats fine. I'll just consider it a lesson learned. Until then, I'll trust his friendship unless I'm shown otherwise. But, I'm hoping that i won't be. It would be a real shame, you know...since Charlie is kind of cute. ... (end Zoey's thought)

(Chase's pov)

" hey, so whats on your mind Zoe?" i question as i walk up behind Zoey. She's sitting by herself at the beach. This only happens when she has something on her mind. This is her thinking spot i guess you could say. Whenever Zoe needs to get a hold of her thoughts, this is where she goes.

" what makes you think that i have something on my mind?" inquires Zoey as she looks up at the nearly night sky. Its just about dusk. Standing behind her still, i watch as the sun slowly sets below the ocean. Its beautiful. And i don't mean the sunset, i mean Zoey. She's always been beautiful, always will be. Heck, Zoe is the kind of beauty that words could never come close to explaining.

Sitting near Zoey in the sand, i watch as the waves crash in the ocean in front of us," oh, you mean aside from the fact that your always out here when something is on your mind? Absolutely nothing, just thought that I'd ask. You know, for the hell of it."

laying back beside me, Zoey stares up at the now night sky," well, rest assure chase. Tonight i only came out here to be alone."

" mind if i keep you company then?" i offer as i lay beside her. Our arms accidentally touch. And in the brief second, a tiny bolt of electricity runs down my spine. Why does Zoey almost always have that kind of an effect on me when we touch? And more importantly, has she ever felt it?

" that all depends." states Zoey in a dry tone. Glancing over at her, i roll on my side to face her. She's really debating whether i can keep her company or not? Wow, what did i do? Last i checked, nothing. wait...nope, nothing. Is Zoey mad at me for some reason? If so, for what?

looking down at Zoey now, i give her my full attention as i face her," on what?"

stretching out in her spot, Zoey sighs to herself," on whether or not you are going to get on my back like everyone else already has today."

" about what?" i question with confusion. And I'm exactly that, confused. What could Zoey have possibly done that i would need to lecture her? And why has everyone else already done so? Have i missed something here? What could Zoey have done, that has everyone on her case?

" you know, about Charlie Salinger. And all of the reasons i shouldn't even bother with him. I've already heard it chase, the last person i need to hear it from now is you." reports Zoey with a hint of irritation. Oh, that would explain it. Great, now i remember why i was so depressed earlier. Zoey's been hanging around with that Salinger guy. ...Stupid, incredibly handsome jerk that he is!

Curling up a fist at my side, the muscles in my jaw clench up as i attempt to keep calm," if you want to date this guy, i can't stop you Zoe. Thats up to you."

turning toward me completely, Zoey crinkles her nose up in bewilderment," who told you that I'm dating Charlie?"

" aren't you?" i inquire as i braise myself for her answer. Even though i know that she won't, i still can't help but want her to say no. That she isn't. That she turned him down, and told him to take a hike. But, somehow i know that she didn't. Thats just not something i can see Zoey doing.

" no, we're just friends chase. Thats all, nothing else." explains Zoey as she once again turns her attention upward. I stare at her with even more confusion then before. So, Zoey isn't dating Charlie? But she is friends with the guy? Why would she ever want to be friends with a guy like him? And why would he settle for just friendship? The guy asked Zoey out for god sake!

Breathing a mental sigh of relief, i sit upright once more," i thought that this guy asked you out? You know, on a date Zoe."

grabbing hold of my hand, Zoey pulls me up with her," oh, he did chase. But i told him that i wasn't sure that was such a good idea."

" thats because its not. Zoey, this guy has..." i begin but am quieted by a hand to my mouth. Zoey's hand is over my mouth. I guess i was about to go into lecture mode. Even after i promised not to. So, it looks like i deserve to be shut up by her hand covering my mouth.

" cheated on every girl that he has ever dated?" finishes Zoey with a smirk and a chuckle. Wow, its like she read my mind or something. But i don't get it though. If she knows this guy is a prick, why is she bothering becoming his friend? That makes no sense at all. But at least she's not dating him. It could be worse.

Walking with Zoey across the beach, i look down at her with surprise," exactly."

snickering at to herself at my predictability, Zoey gives me a playful nudge," i already know, he told me chase. He also told me that none of those girls mattered to him. Not like i do. So, i told him that if he meant that. Then he would accept my friendship."

" why is it that you always insist on looking for the good in people Zoe? You know, that is the one thing I'll never understand about you." i confide as i shove at her gently. We both laugh at this. But its the truth. This guy is the biggest jerk at PCA...you know, aside from Logan that is. But Zoey is still willing to give him a chance. She amazes me sometimes.

" so then why try to? Now, come on. Walk me back to my dorm chase. Its starting to get late...and a tiny bit cold out. Oh, and chase? Thanks for not grilling me like everyone else already did. I really appreciate it a lot." admits Zoey in a soft tone. I tense briefly as she leans over to kiss the side of my mouth. It takes all of my will power not to just turn my head two inches. Two measly inches and i would have kissed Zoey. Knowing this both thrills and kills me.

" well, i figured that since you have already heard it from everyone else. There's no use in me repeating it all over again anyway. So, your welcome Zoe." i joke as i offer a teasing smirk. This earns me a pinch on the arm from Zoey. And she doesn't need to hear it from me. Zoey knows what she is doing, she doesn't need me to tell her that its a bad idea. Even though, like everyone else i think that it is. Thats not my decision, and if Zoey wants to befriend this Salinger guy. Who am i to stop her? Sure it may break my heart, but its not like she's dating the guy. Yet somehow, knowing that doesn't make it break any less. I would just hate to see Zoe get hurt, and for Charlie's sake...she had better not. ...

Well, that was chapter five. And i must say. I'm shocked that no one has brought this up yet. Was i the only one old enough to have ever enjoyed part of five? Zoey just befriended Charlie SALINGER. Ring a bell to any one? He's only the oldest brother on party of five! Come on people! It only went off the air in 2000. i just got the season dvd, and his name stuck with me while writing this story. So, i created a younger Charlie Salinger. Eh? Bet not everyone would have guess that huh, damn. I'm not THAT old, pick up a remote people. Lol P