Unconditionally

The next couple of weeks were great for Zack. He and Charlotte had spent a lot of time together and gotten to know each other a lot better. He was at the studio with the boys, working on the new album, even though he was on his phone texting Charlotte a majority of the time. She had grown on him. Zack still wasn't letting his wall down. It wasn’t like that.

“Will you get off that damn phone and help me with this guitar track?” Brian shot. “You’ve been talking to her all day. Just fuck her already.”

Zack locked his phone, looking up at him. “You’re so fucking disrespectful.” he said, getting up and grabbing his guitar.

Brian cut his eyes in his direction, with a grin. “You fucking like her, Baker.” he said with a small chuckle.

Zack shook his head. “She’s a friend, and you’re over there talking about her like she’s some sort of piece of meat.” He shot. “She’s a really sweet person and you’re tearing her down and making her into a whore.”

Brian shook his head. “Dude chill. It was a joke.” he spat as he sat down in the chair by the sound panel, plugging his guitar in.

“It’s not like that.” Zack said, moving beside him. “I can’t let it get like that.” He sighed moving around, grabbing the cord to the amp and plugging it in, as he sat down. He was terrified of getting hurt again.

Brian looked over at him. “Just take her out on a date.” he said bluntly. “You can’t spend the rest of your life being ‘just friends’ with someone, just because one person fucked you over.”

Zack nodded with hesitation. “True, but I’m not ready for that.” He heard his phone buzz from across the studio. He looked over at it, then back at Brian before shifting his guitar on his leg. “Alright. Let’s do this.” he said.

Brian laughed a little. “Go get it.”

Zack grinned, getting up and moving toward the phone. He opened the text and looked at it.

Hey, I know by this time, you’re probably recording or something, but I was thinking that maybe when you’re done at the studio, you could drop by for dinner. Let me know if you want to when you have a chance. <3 - Charlotte

He grinned at the message, thinking to himself about what Brian had said, just moments before. Brian was right. He couldn’t spend his life being afraid. Besides, Deep down, he knew that Charlotte wasn’t like that.

Hey, yeah. We were just about to get started. I would love to. We should be done here in a bit. See you at 6? -Zee

He waited patiently for her to respond. He looked over at Brian who was waiting for him. “I’m having dinner with her tonight. Happy?” He asked with a smirk.

Brian shook his head. “That’s great, man. I’ll be happier if you bring your ass over here and lay this damn track.”

Zack rolled his eyes as his phone vibrated again in his hand.

Sounds great. I’m going to grab a movie or two as well. I’ll see you then.” -Charlotte

Zack knew that he hadn’t spent a whole lot of time with her recently and he knew she was going to come up with everything in the world to keep him there as long as she could. He sat his phone back down onto the table.

“Are you done now?” Brian asked with a heavy sigh.

Zack grinned. “Yes, you asshole. I’m done.” He said taking his seat next to Brian, before finishing the guitar track.

-----

“Alright, that’s it.” Brian said, pushing the stop button on the playback. “Thank god, because I’m starving and I’m ready to get the hell out of here.

Zack looked at the clock. It was a little early to go to Charlotte’s just yet, but he was hungry and figured why not. He could surprise her. He gathered his things up from around the studio. “I’m gonna go ahead and go.” he said, looking over at Brian.

Brian nodded. “You running off to your precious Charlotte?” he laughed.

Zack rolled his eyes once again. “I can’t believe you.” he said with a laugh.

“I can’t believe you, man. You’re obviously crushing on this girl and you’re letting ‘Gena’ hold you back from something good.”

Zack nodded. “Maybe you’re right.” he said with a sigh. “But.. I told you. I’m not ready for that, just yet.”

Brian scoffs. “Dude, it’s been forever.”

“It’s been two months.” Zack corrected.

“Either way. Gena was a bitch. We know this.” he looked at him sympathetically. Zack was his best friend and to know that someone as vindictive as Gena had ruined his chances of ever being happy, made him sick to his stomach. “Just try it.” he blurted out. “Get the hell out of here and go to her house and do whatever you guys are gonna do. Just let it happen. Stop fighting it.”

Zack nodded. “I’ll think about it.” he said. “That much I can promise, is I’ll think about it.”

Brian nodded in agreement. “Fair enough.” he agreed.

Zack sighed, shifting his backpack onto his shoulder. “I’ll catch you later, man.” he said as he turned toward the exit.

“Mmhmm.” Brian grinned. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” he said.

Zack shook his head, still making his way toward the exit. He knew what Brian was implying. He also knew that he wouldn’t let things get that far. He cared for Charlotte. Enough that he didn’t see her as a piece of meat, despite what Brian thought.

He didn’t even bother stopping by the house and showering. Instead he sent a text letting her know he was on his way.

Hey, loser. Got done at the studio a bit early. Heading your way. Hope that’s alright. -Zack

He sent the message, before sitting the phone into the center console. It wasn’t long before it vibrated and sounded. He grabbed it looking at the message.

That’s fine. I’m ready when you are. The door is open. Come on in when you get here. -Charlotte

The drive took longer than usual it seemed. Perhaps it was because he was excited to see her; although he would never admit that to anyone. Zack chewed at his bottom lip, as he pulled into her drive, trying to hide the smile that begged to form on his lips as if someone could see him grinning.

He shut off the engine and got out of the car, making his way to the door. As he opened it, he called for Charlotte. There was no answer.

He looked at the table next to the door. There was a NERF gun sitting there with the extra foam bullets laying beside it, along with a not that read.

I see you made it, loser. Load up and come find me. Loser cooks dinner. May the odds be ever in your favor.

He grinned as he sat the note back down, grabbing the gun, stuffing the foam bullets onto the pegs in the chamber, before wandering through the house looking for Charlotte.

Notes

Sorry for the wait. Here's the new chapter. I'm working on getting a few chapters written before posting again. so guess what... More waiting. please be patient. Comment and let me know what you guys think and if you want to see anything in Zack and Charlotte's future. I'll try my best to work it in. Subscribe so you guys don't miss out. Oh and vote. Thanks everyone that has commented so far. I really appreciate the support.