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 #8

(Chase's thoughts)

so, this is it. I'm on my way to go and meet Zoey.And i have to admit, I'm a little nervous. But its more of an excited nervousness, maybe even a little of a panicked one too. I mean, now Zoey is going to know that i like her after tonight. Will she feel the same way? What if she doesn't? Oh, god. What if Zoey sees me and takes off in the other direction running? I can't risk that! ...No, no! You are not chickening out this time chase. I am going to meet Zoe This could be my only chance. I'm not going to blow this now. If i do, i will loose Zoey. And i will be damned if I'm going to just stand by and let that happen. Not now, not after coming this far. This is it, I'm at the pier. But, wait where is Zoey? This is where we were supposed to meet at...well, right now. Oh, there she is. Whew! For a second i thought she might have changed her mind, that was close. Wait a second, she isn't alone. Whoa, why is Zoey with Charlie? And more importantly, why are they kissing? What the hell is going on here!? What is she doing with that jerk! ...She was supposed to meet me here. Not...not him. Well, it looks like my evening just went to hell. ...

(end Chase's thoughts)

( Zoey's pov)

" Zoey?" i hear someone call from behind me. I'm in too much of a haze to recognize who the voice belongs to at first. That is, until they same my name once more. And its then that i stand frozen in my tracks, I'd know that voice from anywhere. It belongs to chase. But what is he doing here? With a reluctant sigh as i give Charlie a sad smile, i slowly turn around to greet my friend.

" chase...hey, whats up?" i ask cheerfully as i turn my attention from my brief lip lock with Charlie towards chase. If truth be told, I'm a little disappointed about this. That was an amazing kiss. What is he doing here anyway? When i last talked to him, he told me that he hadn't had any plans for tonight. But whatever it is, chase is my friend. And he would be there if i needed him, so why shouldn't i be for him? Besides whatever it is that just happened between Charlie and i can always be sorted out later.

I watch as every muscle inside chase tenses. Trying to keep his cool though, he casually asks," weren't you supposed to meet whoever left you that note by the pier?"

nodding my head excitedly at the reminder, i attempt to contain my giddiness in front of chase as i grip onto Charlie's hand," yeah, and i did chase. It was Charlie. Who would have guessed right?"

" whoa, you think that Charlie wrote that note?" inquires chase with disbelief. What the heck is that supposed to mean? I don't have to think that Charlie wrote it, i know. He just told me that he did. Why could chase ask a question like that? ...And what is he dressed up for anyway? He looks really nice for someone who doesn't have any plans for tonight. Oh my god! Does chase have a date?

" well, yeah. I mean, he told me that he did." i explain with an arched eyebrow. Why would chase ask a question like that anyway? And who could chase possibly have a date with? I mean, he has never once mentioned anything to me about a date. I didn't even know that he liked anyone. Shows how much i pay attention. But who does chase like though? Maybe whoever it is, is supposed to meet up with him here. ...

(switched to Chase's pov)

" he what?" i manage to get out as i feel a sharp pang stab into my chest. And its a pang I've come to know well apparently. That was my heart breaking. Unbelievable, Charlie lied to Zoey and said he left her that letter? What a prick! I can not believe he would stoop THAT low. But then again, this is Charlie Salinger we're talking about. Why am i not surprised? Man, i really want to punch this guy right now.

" i left that note for Zoey. I thought it would be a good way to tell her how i felt." acknowledges Charlie like the lying and deceiving bastard he is. Look at him and his smug smile. What i wouldn't give to knock it clean off of his face right now. But i can't. Then i would have to explain to Zoey why i did, and thats where things could get messy.

Casting a glare in Charlie's direction, a fist curls up at my side," Zoey, he did not leave you that note."

shaking the temporary daze from her head, Zoey looks up at me with confusion evident in her eyes," what do you mean he didn't chase?"

" i mean that Charlie is a liar. He didn't write you that note. I know this for a fact, because..." and this is when i stop dead in my tracks. I quickly turn away from Zoey and lower my gaze to the ground. I can't tell Zoe that it was me, not now. Not after i saw her kissing Charlie. I'm not stupid, you know. I saw the look in her eyes when she turned around. There's no way she would feel the same way about me now, even if there was she slightest chance that she could have. Thats all gone now, i know that look. Zoey's falling for Charlie, while I've already fell for her. I'd be a fool to tell her now.

" ...because what, chase?" starts Zoey as she walks up behind me. As she reaches to touch my shoulder, i automatically flinch. Biting at my tongue now, i silently will the tear thats found its way into my eyes not to fall. Not now at least, not in front of Zoey. And especially not in front of this jerk. So, instead I'm forced to suck it up and face Zoey once more. And let me tell you, its not an easy thing to do either.

" nothing, forget i said anything Zoe. Just...whatever." i mutter, doing my best to show no emotions. I refuse to let Zoey see the heart break that lies behind my cool exterior. And as i take one last look up at the girl that i almost put my heart and soul on the line for, i turn away just as swiftly and take off. I'm not exactly sure where i am headed. But i know that it is going to be far away from here. That much is for sure. ...

(Logan's pov)

" your back late man. Am i to take it that your date with Zoey was a success?" i pry when chase walks through the door. Stealing a quick glance over at the clock, i notice that its 10:30. wow, thats a half hour past curfew. That has to be a good sign. Way to go chase! Looks like chase finally got his girl, and it only took him two years. I knew Zoey liked him back all along.

" leave me alone." growls chase as he pushes past Michael and i. Well, that was kind of rude! Say, whats with him anyway? He just came back from a date with the girl of his dreams. Shouldn't he be happy right now? I don't get it. Why wouldn't he be? Zoey couldn't have turned him down. There's just no way. ...Could she have?

Watching as chase stalks into the bath room, Michael and i both cringe as the door slams shut," that can't be good. What happened man?"

locking the door behind him and peeling off his clothes, chase turns on a hot shower," i don't want to talk about it."

" why not? Did it go that badly?" i called from outside the bathroom door. This earns me dead arm from Michael. Letting out a loud yelp, i grab at my arm before returning the gesture. Was it really necessary to hit me? I mean really, it was just a question. And whose to say Michael wasn't just thinking the same thing? I just thought it verbally.

" Zoey was playing tonsil hockey with Charlie when i got there." confides chase with a bitter sarcasm present in his voice. Whoa, hold on. She was what?! Why would Zoey kiss Charlie? I thought that the two of them were just friends? Last i heard she turned the guy down when he asked he out. So, then why would she go and kiss him?

Shuddering at the mental image, Michael immediately sympathizes with chase," thats rough, I'm sorry man. Are you ok?"

closing his eyes in frustration, chase stands under the hot and steaming shower water," I'm fine. But apparently Charlie told Zoey that he wrote her that note. You know, the one that i left for her."

" what a jerk! So, why didn't you just tell Zoey the truth? That it was you? She would have believed you chase." i offer as words of comfort. I'd be lying if i said that i weren't fuming mad right now. We may not always get along, but chase is my roommate and best friend. And thanks to that idiot Charlie, his date with Zoey was just ruined. I can't believe that guy would lie right to Zoey's face, how could she not have seen through him? Is the girl completely dense?

" i was going to, but i decided against it and just took off instead. I couldn't face Zoey, not after seeing the two of them kiss. If i would have stuck around any longer, i would have clocked that jerk Charlie for sure. And explaining why I'd done so wasn't exactly high on my priority list." explains chase in a defeated sigh. If i were him, i would have cleaned Charlie's clock for lying. Heck, if i ever run into him...i may do just that. And he would deserve it too, chase really likes Zoe and he just snagged her from the poor guy. And right when he was about to tell her how he felt too!

" you really should have told her the truth man. Now Zoey thinks that Charlie really did leave her that letter. And he didn't, you did. Can you really live with yourself knowing this? Knowing that he lied to Zoey and stole her from you?" questions Michael as he grabs himself a blix. He's right too, chase should have told her the truth. What if Zoey starts to see this jerk now? If Zoe got hurt, it would be Chase's fault for not telling her the truth while he still had the chance. Is he really willing to risk letting her get hurt? If chase really does care about Zoey..he wouldn't be. ...

(Zoey's pov)

" hey Michael Is chase here?" i asks as soon he the boys' dorm door opens. I know that its kind of late, but i need to talk with chase. And its important that i talk with him now. I want to know why he said that Charlie hadn't written that note. Even more importantly, i want to know what makes him so sure and how he knew so. And i want to know now.

" he's in the shower right now Zoe, you could wait for him though." offers Michael with a smile. And i can't help but notice the concern that flashes in his eyes upon my arrival. Thats weird, why would Michael be concerned? What? Does everyone besides me know something that i don't? And if so, when are they going to clue me in on it?

Quietly entering the boys' dorm, i seat myself on Chase's bed to wait for him," thanks Michael."

regarding me with yet another look of concern, Michael sits down beside me as he asks," is everything ok, Zoey?"

" not really, I'm starting to think that maybe Charlie is a jerk." i admit with a frown as the events from earlier runs through my mind. And its true, i kind of am. After chase left, Charlie admitted that he had lied to me. Thats when i slapped him. How could he have lied right to my face? And how did chase know that he was lying? That is what i really want to know.

" yeah, i heard what happened. I can't believe him, that was really low. Even for him." points out Michael as he places a hand on my shoulder in sympathy. Great Michael knows too? Who else knows? I know Logan probably does. This is perfect, now I'll get a giant 'i told you so' from Lola and the others. That much is inevitable. And, right now? That is the last thing that i need.

Nodding my head in agreement with Michael, i laugh bitterly and to myself mostly," your telling me, the worst part is that i was almost starting to fall for his charm. And the stupid fool that i am probably would have too. He kissed me and my knees felt like jell-o, Michael. No one has ever done that to me before...I feel like an idiot now."

silently panicking as tears fall down my cheeks, Michael quickly pulls me into a hug," whoa, hey. No water works Zoe, come on. I was never really good when it comes to girls and tears. Thats Chase's department." ...

(switched to Chase's pov)

" is she ok man?" i can hear Logan ask as i finally hop out of the shower. She? Who is Logan talking about? Who the heck could be here? Its nearly eleven! Overtaken by curiosity, i press my ear up against the bathroom door. I want to know what and who Logan is talking about. The thing is, i can't really here. Their talking kind of low on the other side.

" man, does it look like it? Go get chase, will you?" i hear Michael order in a hushed tone. Wait, go get chase? Thats me! Why does Michael want me? And who in the heck is out there with them? As i here the soft sounds of sniffling, i quickly dry off and dress. Well, whoever it is they sound upset. That much is evident.

Dressed in only a pair of sweats and old t-shirt, i poke my head out of the bathroom door," why? Whats up? ...Why is Zoey here? Its almost going on eleven o'clock. Thats way past curfew."

wincing as Zoey cries into his shoulder, Michael pats her back lightly," dude, its not important. What is important is that she's here to see you. And that prick Charlie had better not show his face around me."

" why? What did he do?" questions Logan as he reenters the conversation. I watch as Michael gives him a 'your a moron' look. This doesn't faze me, Logan usually gets this look a lot. ...You know, from everyone. My attention turns to Zoey instantly, as i realize that she has been crying. And more importantly, that she still is. The question is, why is Zoey crying?

" are you really that dumb man? He lied about sending Zoey that note, thats what he did! Don't you pay attention to anything?" snaps Michael in irritation. Ah, this would explain why Zoey is crying. But wait, how did she find out? You know, aside from me saying that Charlie didn't. There's no way she could know that was the truth unless...oh no, one of these two idiots must have let slip that i left Zoey that note! Thats the only explanation. They were the only ones i told!

Looking over at me with red and puffy eyes, Zoey swipes at her cheek," I'm sorry chase."

taken by surprise when Zoey walks into my arms, all that i can think to do is hold her," what for Zoe?"

" for whatever i did, to make you take off the way you did earlier." mumbles Zoey between hiccups. Make me take off? What is she talking about? Zoey didn't make me take off before...well, not entirely at least. It was Charlie that did, if I'd have stuck around...he would more then likely have a black eye right now. And why is she apologizing? I don't get it, she's the one who has been crying. Why would Zoey apologize to me? It doesn't make any sense to me.

" i wasn't angry with you Zoe, just with that jack nut Charlie. He lied to you about that note you received the other day. That wasn't from him, I'm telling you that right now Zoey. It wasn't." i look right into her eyes, as i tell her this. Its something that Zoey really needs to know. Because Charlie didn't leave that letter under her dorm door. I did, but there is no need for Zoey to know that now. I couldn't tell Zoe this now, even if i wanted to. Its not important anymore, not right now. Right now, Zoey is upset because of that lying bastard. And thats all that matters.

Glancing up at me with curiosity shining in her eyes, with a sniffle to herself Zoey carefully asks," i know that it wasn't him chase, he admitted it wasn't after you left. What i want to know, is how you knew?"

brushing a strand of hair from Zoey's face, i consider just telling her the truth once and for all. But something just won't let me, so instead i decide against it," i just know. How i know doesn't really matter Zoe. Just, trust me."

" oh, for the love of god. Would you just tell her already chase! You were going to anyway, so why not now? Get it over with already!" snaps Logan, after having heard enough. Crap, i forgot Logan and Michael were here. I hate Logan! When is he going to learn to just keep his damn mouth shut! If i wanted advice from him, I'd ask for it. But i don't, and now Zoey is staring at me expectantly. And so are they! Man, its at times like this i really hate ever having roommates.

" no! There's no point. It won't change anything. So, why don't you do me a favor and give it a rest. And stay out of this!" i yell out with frustration at Logan now. None of this is any of his business, so he really needs to bud out right now. And i need to think of a quick escape. Zoey's eyes are cutting into me like a knife right now, and its slowly killing me. Its bad enough that i haven't been completely honest with her. Which, by the way makes me no better then Charlie right now. But Logan just had to go and throw me completely into the blender now? As if knowing that I've been keeping this secret from Zoey wasn't enough? Does he really think that he's helping me out? If so, how demented can one guy be? No matter with way i look at things, I'm screwed. Logan's brilliant exclamation has managed to back me right into a corner. I'm so going to kill him for opening his big mouth, just wait and see. ...