Characters: James, Chase

Pairing: Chase/Zoey/James

Timeline: During Chasing Zoey, before Chase and Zoey reunite.

"So…you're Michael and Logan's new roommate?"

"Well, ex-new roommate. I'm moving out. You can have your old room back. I'm assuming you're Chase?"

"Yeah I am." He replied.

"It's nice to meet you. People talk about you a lot."

Prom had just started and the two teenagers had crossed paths outside the housing office. Couples were walking together, laughing, smiling. Chase had been given the set of keys to his old room, despite hearing that his old bed was no longer vacant.

The two exchanged an awkward moment of silence before it was broken.

"Look…James. You don't have to move out because of me. It's not your fault." Chase stumbled over his words, nervous.

James smiled, "Can we talk for a second?"

The two stopped at a table and sat. The tension in the air was evident. Chase couldn't help but feel self conscious – James was taller than him, a good-looking guy. All while he sat there with messy hair, ripped pants, and an overall sense of diminishing self worth. If Zoey wanted that kind of guy, he knew he stood no chance.

"I know why you went to England. Michael and Lola told me everything. I wouldn't have even gone for Zoey had I known, it doesn't seem right." James said.

"It's okay. Things happen. It's not my place to be angry." Then, confused, Chase asked, "Speaking of Zoey, why aren't you two at the prom?"

"She broke up with me"

Chase's eyes widened. "What? Why?"

"She broke up with me because I told her I loved her." James sighed. "Well, to be fair, things had been getting weird for weeks. I know she was trying but I just don't think she really wanted to be dating me."

Chase nodded, staying quiet. A mix of smugness and hope came over him. Afterall, she already said that she loved him.

"I just want her to be happy, with whoever that is." James said, after a moment of silence. "I know you must love her a lot. She broke up with me, and I have a feeling you might have something to do with it."

"I'm sorry," Chase replied.

"None of this is your fault. I just don't want to get in the way. I do hope we can be friends though at some point." James smiled.

"For sure." Chase answered. "I'll see you around I guess."

The boys parted ways, and Chase made his way to Maxwell Hall, dropping his stuff off without unpacking. It was getting dark, and he wanted to find her as soon as possible.

He left the dorm and headed to the lounge, and out of the corner of his eye saw a familiar blonde girl walking the other direction.

Found this on my old laptop today. Figured it was worth posting, even though I haven't touched this in 4 years. Not sure how active this community is anymore, but feedback/reviews/general comments always welcome.

-Sarah