So not a huge turn out on the reviews for this chapter. Thank you to those who voiced their opinions: stephluvvsyou, Ellivia22, CraziiCookii and StarfishOnTheBeach. Thanks to all of my silent readers, as well. Every one of you is appreciated!

*Still don't own SL or it's characters.*

Previously:

"Did you get lectured too?" London asks in concern, laying a hand on his arm. Zack stands up and kisses her cheek affectionately.

"No. I told him that I love you and he left it at that." Zack laughs at London's frustrated look.

"Wish that would have worked on Bailey!" London grumbles.

Chapter 6

Earlier in London and Bailey's room…

"London, can we talk?" Bailey asks sitting down on her bed, watching London brush her hair at the vanity.

"Apparently we can." London answers smartly with a smirk. "What about?"

"You and Zack." Bailey leans forward, clasping her hands in her lap. "What's going on?"

"You know, for a smart girl you're awfully slow." London quips turning away from the mirror to look at Bailey. "I think it's pretty obvious by now that we are dating."

"I got that." Too use to London's insults to be truly offended, Bailey focuses on the conversation at hand. "I want to know how that happened. Yesterday you two were just friends, really good friends. Now, suddenly you're an item. It has me concerned, especially with Zack just getting dumped by Maya and his usual player attitude. Except for Maya, he goes through girls like water."

"That just shows how little you understand him." London responds, a little anger in her voice. Did it ever occur to you that those girls used Zack? That maybe it wasn't always his fault?"

"Are we talking about the same Zack?" Bailey asks confused.

"Open your eyes Bailey." London snaps. "All those girls wanted something from him. They used him as a fun date or to get over an old boyfriend or to feel better about themselves. He's a handsome guy who's known for being a laid back prankster who never takes anything seriously. They figured they could take what they needed and walk away with a smile and he let them do it. You want to know why?"

Bailey, her eyes as wide as sauces at London defense of Zack, shakes her head yes. Afraid of making London madder or to cause an end to this very interesting and informative rant, she stays silent.

"Because he wanted to help them. He was always waiting, hoping one of them will really see him but none of them did." London frowns looking down at her hands. "They saw what they wanted to see and went on their way never realizing the damage they were causing."

"What about Maya?" Bailey can't help but ask.

"Her too." London shakes her head sadly. "She almost had him fooled. Maya was getting over an ex and Zack was just a rebound guy. She might have lasted longer than the others but she wasn't any different. She came close to breaking him, I think. Closer than he wants to admit."

"Even if all of this is true, it still doesn't explain why you two are dating." Bailey stands up with her arms crossed. "What happened?"

London closes her eyes for a moment before answering. "I can see him." She says simply opening her eyes to look at Bailey. "I see how caring he is and thoughtful. I watched all those girls waltzing in and out of his life, none realizing how amazing he is. They just let him go and I had to see the broken look in his eyes before he covered it up."

"That's great but it doesn't explain why you have to date Zack." Bailey starts pacing across the room in front of London. "Have you even thought about the consequences of your actions should this end badly? You will have ruined a long standing, close friendship. It will put everyone into an awkward situation because we are all friends with both of you. Then there is the fact that he could break your heart."

"Bailey, what makes you think it won't work out?" London asks, curious. "And why will only my heart be broken? What about Zack's?"

"London, this is Zack." Bailey says as if that explains everything. Seeing that London still doesn't understand, she continues. "Zack has never been able to keep a girlfriend. It stands to reason that he is more likely to break your heart than the other way around. When he does, things can get nasty for all of us."

"You haven't heard a word I've said." London says, angry again. "You don't believe me, go ask Cody how long Zack loved Maddie. Ask him if Zack's heart broke a little every time a girl left. Ask him how big of a crack Maya left in it." A tear streaks down one cheek. "You think he can't be faithful and steadfast, but you're wrong. He's loyal to the very heart. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for those he cares about."

"London…" Bailey tries to interrupt.

"I love him." London stands up and looks at her. "I have for a while and I'm not going to stop just because it may not work out. He's worth the risk." London walks out the door leaving a stunned Bailey behind.

It takes Bailey a while to sort out her thoughts but she finally comes to a few conclusions that are surprising. First, she really needs to talk to Cody. Second, London is head over heels for Zack. Third, not once during that whole conversation did London sound like an empty airhead heiress. Last, Bailey still isn't sure how they started dating, since London never answered that question.

Bailey walks out of their room to find Cody, hoping he had better luck with Zack. She catches up with him in the student lounge where he is absentmindedly flipping through channels on the television. Bailey sits down next to him on the couch.

"Hey Cody." He turns off the television and looks at her.

"Hey Bailey." They smile at each other shyly. "Did you talk to London?"

"Yeah." Bailey answers with a baffled look on her face. "I got some answers but they aren't they aren't to the questions I asked."

"Okay." Cody stares at her, uncertain of what she means. "What did she say?"

"Can I ask you something first?" Bailey looks up at him as he nods his head. "London told me to ask you how long Zack loved Maddie and if Zack has been hurt by the string of girls he's dated." Cody thinks about this for a while before answering.

"Zack loved Maddie for years. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for her even though she always turned him down when he asked her out." Cody frowns as he continues. "Zack doesn't let people see how much he really cares. I know he's hurt every time a girl has left him. Maya was the worst."

"I thought he was a player." Bailey whispers. "You know, the love em and leave em type."

"That's what he wants everyone to think." Cody sighs. "He rarely even lets me see his true feelings but he can't hide the hurt from me. I know him too well. Why did London want you to ask me this stuff?"

"I was worried about her getting hurt." Bailey answers. "I've never seen Zack stick with one girl for long and I didn't want him breaking her heart. London got really angry and defended him. She loves him. She really, truly loves him."

"I don't think you need to worry about Zack breaking her heart." Cody laughs. "He loves her, too."

"How do you know for sure?" Bailey raises an eyebrow at him. "He thought he was 'in love' with Maya for a while. How do you know this is different?"

"Because he told me and I believe him…" Cody takes a deep breath and looks squarely into Bailey's eyes. "Because he looks at her the way I look at you."

What do you think? Love/Like/Hate let me know. Please review!