***Disclaimer: I do not own Sonny With a Chance***

"Feeling better today?" Chad asked, spotting Sonny in the hallway.

"A lot better. Thanks, Chad. For everything." For the first time since the scene with James, Sonny smiled.

Chad's heart melted. He fought the urge to run up and take Sonny into his arms as he longed to do every time she was near. But he held back, like he had every moment since they met. Her hair glittered in the harsh fluorescent light, shining like a million shooting stars. He stopped himself, trying to keep control. Stupid cute.

"Alrighty then…" Sonny said, feeling awkward with Chad just staring and saying nothing. He turned around and started to walk away. "Wait!"

"Yeah?"

"Could you give me a ride home today? I usually had…J-James…" Sonny felt herself growing upset, but found shelter in Chad's sparkling ocean blue eyes.

"Fine. Whatever. See you later." Chad rushed by Sonny and avoided making eye contact.

What was that about? Sonny asked herself.

* * *

Chad felt bad about the incident with Sonny, but he had the feeling Sonny wasn't hoping for the same type of drive he was. As much as he loved being her shoulder to cry on, he didn't want to be thought of as her girlfriend for the rest of their lives.

Or, for that matter, her sloppy seconds.

Chad had begun to accept the fact that Sonny would never want him the way he wanted her to. As much as he knew he would never care for someone as much as he cared for her, he had realized that it was perhaps best to just let her go. His heart screamed to keep her close, but his head knew it could never be.

Conflicted and confused, Chad walked onto the Mackenzie Falls set, ready to forget all of the drama.

* * *

Chad walked down the hallway towards Sonny's dressing room. The day had been a complete waste, since James hadn't even showed up for filming. It was odd; James had never missed a day at the studio.

As Chad got closer to Sonny's room, he began to hear screaming voices coming from the other side of her door. Chad rushed to the door, but found it locked. The screaming continued, progressively getting louder and louder.

"Stop James! Just Stop!"

"Sonny's in trouble?!" Chad had to do something, sloppy seconds or not. Taking a deep breath, he backed away from the wall and gave to door a giant kick. With a satisfying crack, the door flung open, revealing a crying, terrified girl and an angry, red faced boy, both staring at the busted door.

James quickly turned around, grabbing Sonny by the wrists. "Sonny, I love you. Please stop this. Come back to me." He then moved his hands to her waist and pulled her closer.

Sonny shoved him in the chest, fighting to pull away. But James was strong, and he pressed her body against his.

"James, stop! Let go of me!"

"That's not what you want," James smiled an evil smile. He grabbed her face and began kissing her aggressively.

Chad was so shocked by what he saw, he hadn't moved an inch. However, upon seeing Sonny fighting to get free, he sprang into action.

"GET AWAY FROM HER!" Chad growled, marching across the room towards the pair. He wound his fist back and, with a slight snarl, punched James square in the jaw.

James fell back, releasing a traumatized Sonny as he crashed into her desk. He quickly recovered, and tried to retaliate with a swing of his own.

But Chad was too fast for him. Chad ducked quickly, avoiding the strike. He then bounced right back up and hit James again. This time he fell down hard, taking Tawni's bright pink vanity chair with him. He stood up slowly, visibly embarrassed and ashamed.

"You will not come near her. Ever. Again. Because if you don't, nothing, not even your Mackenzie Falls career, will be safe. Now get out." Chad shoved him out the broken door, slamming it behind him.

Chad looked over to Sonny, whose expression mirrored his: terrified, unbelieving shock.