Zalex One Shots

Said I Couldn't Love Someone(cause i might break)

Credits to luvsongs on ao3

Zach rings the doorbell once, twice, before shoving his hands in his pockets and shivering. The soft pitter-patter of the rain is picking up its pace, and he taps his foot impatiently, waiting for someone to answer the door before he’s soaked.

The door swings open, and Jessica’s bright smile appears. She throws her arms around Zach, catching him off guard. “Zach! You made it!”

Zach chuckles. “Yup. It’s not like you texted me only a hundred times, telling me that I’d be sorry if I didn’t come.”

Jessica hits him playfully before shouting. “Guys! Zach’s here!”

When Jessica had gone home to her dad’s house over the holidays and invited her high school circle of friends over for a new years eve party, Zach was hesitant to come - high school held way too many bad memories for him, and he wasn’t sure if he wanted to be surrounded by the same group that had been a part of those memories - but Jess had begged and now here he was, standing in her doorway.

He looks around as he enters the house.

Everyone made it, it seems.

There’s Clay, his eyes a little brighter than they ever were in high school. And Ani, a fuzzy sweater hanging over her crisp white dress. Courtney is in the corner chatting with a joyful looking Tyler. And-

A sudden knot forms in Zach’s stomach as his gaze lands on the blonde boy Jessica has gone over too. He doesn’t know why he suddenly feels uneasy (no, that’s a lie, he knows exactly why he feels the way he feels) but he tries his best to shake it off as he walks to Alex.

He clears his throat as he reaches him.

“Hey, uh, Alex.”

Alex turns away from Jessica. His eyes meet Zach’s, and a smile twists across his face. “Zach!” There’s a beat of silence and then the two boys are embracing each other. Jessica laughs.

“I’ll let you two have your moment.” She says in a singsong tone as she walks away.

“I missed you, a whole fucking lot. It’s been a while.” Alex says.

“It’s actually only been, like, six months since we last saw each oth-”

“Shut up, will you?” Alex groans before pulling Zach in for another hug.

“Everything feels different without you.”

Zach stays silent. He doesn’t know how to respond to that.

They break apart. Silence falls over them again until Zach asks “How’s Berkeley?”

“It’s...good. Amazing, actually. I get to see Jessica all the time, I’ve found some new friends that get me, I’m doing great in all my classes...everything is okay. It’s so okay. And I love it.” Alex breathes.

“That’s great. I’m happy for you.” Zach does his best to keep his words light and airy, but something pokes at his heart.

Alex is okay. After everything they’ve been through in high school, he’s okay. His life is just fine how it is.

Zach swallows hard. “I’m gonna go, uh, find Clay.” he mumbles.

He’s about to head away when Alex asks “So are you gonna tell me why you’ve been ignoring me?”

Zach spins around. “I - what? I haven’t been...what?”

Alex chuckles. “Okay, Zach. Keep telling yourself that.”