Ben and Zoe Relationship

"*[...] And given that we might die soon, I didn't want you to die knowing that I don't like you. Because I do. I think you're amazing.*"
—Ben to Zoe in *Spy School Goes South*
Defusing

**Zen** or **Boe** is the relationship between Benjamin Ripley and Zoe Zibbell. Zoe has always been Ben's friend since the beginning of the series, and is always supportive and helpful to Ben. Things become more complicated after *Spy Ski School* when it is hinted at (and then confirmed in the following book by Mike, who points it out to the group by comically addressing the "love square") that Zoe thinks of Ben as more than a friend. The latter does reciprocate these feelings, but there are several obstacles in the way of what their relationship could be, for example, Erica Hale and her relationship with Ben.

After *Spy School Revolution*, it is apparent that their relationship has fallen apart and it is no longer likely that any form of a romantic relationship will develop between them again. However, friendship is still a possibility, but *Spy School Revolution* ends with a lot of tension between Zoe and Ben. Although Ben says they can still be friends, he knows that their friendship may never be the same again.

## Development

### ***Spy School***

In *Spy School*, Zoe is under the impression that Ben had purposefully lured an assassin into his room while lying in wait for an ambush with his tennis racket, though in reality, Ben had been woefully unprepared and just plain lucky. But Zoe never learned the truth of what had transpired, and in turn told everyone her version of those events, which increased Ben's popularity significantly. As a result of the incident, Zoe gave Ben the nickname "Smokescreen," believing that his moments of true ineptitude were in fact ruses to lower his enemies' guard.

### ***Evil Spy School***

In *Evil Spy School*, Zoe points out how everyone at school knows that she admires Ben and did not believe Ben when he told her he joined SPYDER. She tells him she knows he would never turn evil. Upon Ben asking her to turn him and the Hales in to the CIA, she initially refuses, letting him know she wouldn't send the CIA after him.

### ***Spy Ski School***

In *Spy Ski School*, it's hinted that Zoe might have a crush on Ben, after Zoe claims that, "You don't invite someone to Disney World unless you're really into them." Ben disagrees, claiming he would take Zoe to Disney World, as he's not into her. She becomes cold towards him and stops smiling immediately after he says that, even pretending that she doesn't know him.

### ***Spy School Secret Service***

In *Spy School Secret Service*, Mike confirms that Zoe has a crush on Ben. This creates tension between the Zoe and Ben, as neither wants to address it.

### ***Spy School Goes South***

In *Spy School Goes South*, it is revealed that Ben also has a crush on Zoe. This is hinted at a few times throughout the book, notably with Ben making offhanded comments about how pretty she is, how good she smells, and even some jealousy arising at times when he sees her looking at Murray. It's only when their lives are in the balance that Ben finally admits his crush on Zoe. At the same time, he is reluctant to start a relationship with her, in the fear that doing so could create tension within the spy team. This is evident as Ben had the chance to kiss her several times, but in the end, chose not to. Ben did not want to jeopardize his relationship with Erica. After one of the "almost kiss scenarios," Zoe said she won't just wait around for him to make up his mind about her or Erica. At the end of the book, they do hold hands, but Erica spotted them so they quickly separated.

### ***Spy School British Invasion***

In *Spy School British Invasion*, Ben becomes jealous of Zoe, whom he learned had a crush on him in *Spy School Secret Service*. Zoe tells Ben that she won't "wait around for him" forever in *Spy School Goes South*, and Ben considers this when he thinks that Mike and Zoe are heavily flirting. Murray Hill even steps in saying to Ben, "Looks like your buddy Mike's moving in on Zoe, and she's giving him the all clear." Ben replies with, "I'm really happy for them." After, he admits that he lied.

Zoe and Ben get into a fight about Mike and Erica that ended with Zoe clarifying that she wasn't flirting with Mike and that they were just being friends. Later, they make up and Ben rests his head on Zoe's shoulder for the ride home.

### ***Spy School Revolution***

In *Spy School Revolution*, Zoe attempts to arrest Ben and Erica. She uses Ben to get to Erica and also to get a position as Nora Taco’s junior agent. Zoe claims she thought she was doing the right thing throughout the book and then feels bad about not trusting Ben. He and Zoe become friends again, but as Ben thinks at the end of the book, his friendship with Zoe will never be the same again.

### ***Spy School At Sea***

Zoe isn't activated for Operation Deadly Manatee, meaning she is not in the book very much. However, she video calls Ben before he and the others go to defuse a bomb on the Emperor of the Seas and gives him some blueprints. She is certain he will succeed in his mission and the video call ends with her saying "Go save the world. Again."