Chapter 2: Unpacking

All rights go to the creators of H2O: Just Add Water. I own nothing.

"Well, would you look at that - you boys have finally got a kingdom of your own," Bella called to the blond and brunette males that were lifting a couch together. Zane and Will both turned their heads at the same time.

"Bella!" Will called, his face brightening up with a smile. From the day Will had met Bella, she could always brighten up his day, with no effort at all. They'd made themselves an official couple around the time of their final year of school- which dated back to nearly five years ago.

"Hey, handsome," Bella responded, moving forward, squinting her eyes to block out the blazing sun.

"Hey, pretty lady," Will opened his arms for a hug, and Bella closed in on him, resting her head on his chest and inhaling his scent. After a few moments they parted, and laughed, noticing Zane looking away awkwardly.

"Mate, if you really want to join, just ask," Will joked, grabbing Zane's attention.

"That's too much affection for me just watching - I'll be sick if I get any more," Zane threw back, acting disgusted at the couple's embrace.

"Sure, sure," Will responded, then taking his eyes from Zane. "So, Bells, how're the girls?"

When Will then brought his attention back to her, Bella processed his question. Bella's eyes lit up with excitement as she'd recalled the engagement - but then disappointment chased down the glint as she remembered it was for Cleo and Lewis to tell. "Oh, um, nothing. It was - uh - good. Great."

Will shook his head, laughing as he did so. "You're hiding something. Spill."

Bella frowned at his remark. "No, I'm not," she insisted, though she knew Will would be able to see right through her.

Will chuckled at Bella's attempts, "I love you Bells, but you're such a liar."

"Oi, do you want me to help you move or not?" Bella exclaimed, hopefully putting an end to the subject. It was a daunting task to hide something from him for a whole day, but she was determined to keep the news under lock and key.

"Alright, I'll drop it. I bet you guys just had an embarrassing dance party," Will stated, a bit disappointed he couldn't pull the truth from Bella.

"You've got it, dreamboat," Bella responded sarcastically with a small laugh.

"Hey guys, I still exist, just to let you know," Zane butted in, as he picked up the box that read 'ZANE'S BOX - DO NOT TOUCH'.

"Oh, shut up. You get my attention most of the day, it's time for someone else's turn," Will remarked, shaking his head at Zane.

They were unlikely friends, Will and Zane. After school had finished, Will moved on to college. He majored in business, alongside what would be his enemy-turned-friend, Zane. When the two first met, they clashed instantly. They learned to severely dislike each other, and Zane's kissing Sophie while dating Rikki didn't quite help the case. Rikki and Will were good friends, and after Zane and Rikki's break-up, Will's distaste for the guy rose significantly. However, when roomed together at university, the boys had no choice but to learn to tolerate one another. Eventually, they - god forbid - became friends. It even turned into being best friends. But, there was no doubt that Will always felt a bit guilty about becoming so close with Zane. Will and Rikki's friendship was never quite the same afterwards - but only in the small things; she didn't stop around his place as much, and whenever the group was meeting up in the dormitory that Zane and Will shared, Rikki insisted she was busy. It was quite a sad thing, really. Everyone saw the change, but it was never brought to the surface.

"How about you two stop making lovey eyes at each other, and do something useful?" Zane suggested, shaking his head at the couple.

After Zane's relationship with Rikki went down the drain - because of his actions - Zane made many changes; some for the better and others, not so much. He became quite a cynic when it came to love. Sure, he might've been on a date or two in the years, but he would take the dates as a joke. They'd never end well, and he went home even less willing to open up to others.

Another change that occurred in Zane's life was linked to his father. Earlier in high school, their relationship had been mended, but unfortunately, this state didn't last long. You see, the Bennett family was always a broken one. When Zane was born, something tragic happened. His mother, Marie Bennett was lost in childbirth. Harrison's heart was torn into pieces. He'd lost the love of his life, and now he was left to raise his first child on his own. After this event, Harrison was turned bitter. He didn't know how to act with Zane, so they were never close during the boy's childhood. As Zane aged, Harrison became harsh and cold to Zane, insisting that he was useless and would never do anything productive. Harrison was a workaholic, his only focus being ways to make more money.

Zane lashed out in high school, as an attempt to catch his father's attention, but to no avail. Eventually, though, they'd taken some time and bonded with one another. This left things good for a few months, but their relationship quickly deteriorated. Harrison was never around - always at work or with his obnoxious girlfriend almost the same age as Zane. The two started fighting more, and everything was spiraling downhill. There was a point where things got even worse than they were, as Harrison expressed his anger towards Zane's choices. One day, a fight got heated - probably the worst one ever. Neither one of them could tell you what it was about, but that one was a lifechanger. When Zane left, he made a vow to never come back. He was breaking away from his father for good. That was four years ago, and Zane made no move to contact Harrison since. He moved on to college, and never looked back. It was a rough time on his own, but Zane chugged through it. And that takes us to Will, Bella, and Zane today.

"Right, let's get to it then," Bella started, frowning at the enormous amount of boxes.

Will groaned at the amount of boxes, and thought for a moment. The procrastination side of him took over as he made a suggestion, "Let's get some ice cream first."

"Sounds good," Zane agreed, already desperate for a break from unpacking.

A/N: Oh my gosh! I sincerely apologize for not updating sooner. I meant to, but sooner than I knew it, I was on vacation! I also apologize for the short length of this chapter. It's still early on in the story, and I know things are moving slow as details are still being established, but I'm super excited for what's to come. I really do appreciate reviews, as it helps push me through writing. Look forward to an update soon!