A/N Conflicts start to come into play. Plot will now include more drama, direct and indirect problems. Happy reading. =D
Max prepared grilled salmon which included soy sauce, brown sugar marinade, a hint of lemon and garlic for both of them. Cody watched her while she worked. It was very strange at first but then it was nice to see Max bustling around the kitchen.
It really brings out her feminine side, Cody thought to himself. He didn't realize it, even though Zack would, but he was checking her out now. He was silent but inside he was taking time to appreciate Max's refined feminine body. She had all the right curves and straight, sharp, long brown hair with her bangs brushed to the right. He didn't think she saw him yet.
"So how long have you been standing there?"
She said this in an indiscernible voice. Well, she saw him. Or rather sensed him like a Jedi.
With his presence being known he decided to tell the truth... most of it.
"Couple of minutes, you know, just making sure you can handle everything," Cody said casually. Max saw through the cover up.
"Right. And you weren't just staring at me," she smirked. Even though she had her back against him she could tell he was flustered.
Damn it. What is she? Yoda? Cody thought, but kept trying to play innocent... and failing miserably.
"Nope. So what'd you make?" Max rolled her eyes before turning around and carrying two dishes of grilled salmon and placed it down, one on each opposite side of a long table with white cloth covering it.
"Just sit down. You'll figure it out," she said.
Cody sat down and gestured for them to eat. He's still formal, Max thought but smiled and complied.
They ate in silence for a while before Cody commented on the food.
"Hmm. A taste of soy sauce, salty-sweet fillet, a hint of lemon, and do I detect garlic?" He asked to see if he was correct.
"Yeah, make sure there's no poison, either," Max said sarcastically, but in a friendly way. Cody flushed.
"I just like knowing my foods. I'm chef prodigy myself. Food to a chef is like- like-"
"Pokémon?" Max suggested. Cody thought about that.
"Yeah. I guess in variety. I was going to say food is like chemistry in which only certain formulas mix together to create successful reactions and all others result in explosions including minor injuries to death, but Pokémon works too," Cody finished after saying all that in one breath. Max felt a bit unnerved.
Good job, me, I just saved myself from death, Max thought. "I'll clean up she added noting the finished plates. Cody of course, wanted to be the gentleman.
"No. If you don't mind, I'd rather it you cook, I'll clean," he said sincerely. Max smiled at his kindness.
"And what if you cook? I clean?" Max asked.
"No, I still clean," he responded happily. Max restrained herself from rolling her eyes but she smiled. "Have it your way..."
"Burger King reference," Cody pointed out. You'd probably say, Really, now? But to Max it was cute and she laughed a bit. Cody felt a bit joyed that he got Max to laugh.
"You can take the guest room. Or any room really. Except my parents', they'd kill you if you messed up anything," she joked.
"That's impossible, I'm a germaphobe. Or at least I still am mostly," Cody said. Max raised an eyebrow.
"Mostly?" She questioned.
"When you spend time with Zack, some things start to grow on you... I learned that not everything needs to be perfectly spick and span," he replied. Cody thought and then added, Especially when you play and watch horror. There's no time to clean up. Like Dead Space..." He shivered.
"You played Dead Space?" Max asked very surprised. It seemed very unlikely for Cody to involved in horror. With the exception of Zombie Mom.
"Yeah. Zack forced me to play it when I was still in recovery mode. I think I still am. He said I had to stare fear in the face to get over with depression... It doesn't help when you're not exactly staring at a face..." He shuddered again. "That game got me thinking, This is what people think about? Then I thought I must've been scarred for life... So yeah, it took 3 sittings to finish the game. Play it, beat it, and never think about playing again."
"How'd you do? Did you die a lot?" Max asked. That seemed very likely. She got a unexpected answer.
"No, it went rather quickly. I did scream a lot, though. I guess pressure and nerves under a horror situation changes people... I just wanted to finish the game quick..." Max noted Cody paling. She sympathized. Zack could be very cruel... or have a sick sense of humor... or maybe both...
"Well, it's quite feat for you to finish. Maybe you did face your fears. Congratulations, achievement unlocked. Or trophy. Which system did you play on?"
"Xbox 360. It's the better choice in my opinion. Plus PS3 gets hacked quite a bit. Also, Xbox's got Halo. I find the story quite interesting for a Sci-fi," Cody said.
"Maybe I'll play you sometime. Assuming you know how, of course," Max said challengingly. Cody smirked.
"Max, I can know anything I want. Besides, I already know most things," he added slightly cocky like Zack. She sighed but smiled. Like twin like twin.
It was 8:47 when Max checked the time. She and Cody headed upstairs to brush and get ready for bed. Cody finished and started mouthwashing.
"Peppermint? What's that for? Regular use or a date?" Max asked teasingly. Cody almost choked. He finished and turned to Max to scowl. But he just couldn't bring himself to glare at her.
"Regular use. I find it helps," He said instead. She smirked and went to her room as Cody went to the guest's room. She crawled in bed to get comfortable but a moment later she realized she left door open. Looking up she saw Cody closing the door slowly. She could've remained silent but she decided to play with before going to sleep.
"What are you doing?" She asked.
Cody stopped and gave an innocent smile.
"Well since you're still awake, good night," He said politely. She smiled but rolled her eyes.
"Are you competent enough to go to bed?" She said sarcastically but not in a mean way.
"Yes," He said in the same manner but with more banter.
"Then close the door. Most of us sleep without light. Night, Cody. Now get in bed," she said before realizing her words. Both blushed and Max was glad she had the cover of darkness. "I mean your bed, she said. Cody obliged and went to his room quick after closing the door. He felt very embarassed by her accidental comment even though he didn't say it. He felt more uncomfortable when his emotions didn't feel guilty for thinking that that comment wasn't so wrong. Was he starting to feel that rush again? Wait, wait, Cody thought. I haven't thought about this enough. What if she doesn't feel that way. But his emotions argued with him and reminded him something important. Face your fears. That's what he needed to do. If he was sure she was the one, he should try to ask her out, not fearing rejection. Cody thought that was reasonable, I mean, he thought. We do have some chemistry. That was enough to give him hope and go to sleep thinking positive thoughts.
But not for long.
It seemed like his ears were ringing.
What? Oh, wait. It's my phone.
Cody rolled over to check the digital clock. 5:03
Unghhh. Cody moaned. Who calls at 5 in the morning? I mean, I like to get up early, but not that early... He picked up his cellphone and touched the screen to answer the caller.
"Hello? Is this you Zack?" He asked suspiciously.
"Zack? No, it's London. But your brother did remind me something important. Cody, I need you to produce the next few weeks' episodes of Yay Me! Starring London Tipton!" London screamed excitedly like she always did. Cody however was not excited. In fact he was bitter, tired, and regretfully awake. Zack. Of course. Only he would plan a call at 5 in the morning. Do you know how unbelievably stressing it is to get up unexpectedly at that time? But then like always, a few minutes later, gew or take a few, Cody got up half-grudgingly to get ready for the day while still talking to London.
"So anyways, I need you to come over in about 2 hours for setup. Today marks the beginning of my viral web series takeover!" She yelled again excitedly. Cody groaned not that he hated the job, well, okay right now and a few other times. But it was the fact that he was supposed to be retired and she just pulled him back on duty.
"Congrats. You just earned a very devoted fan just now," Cody said heavy on the sarcasm which London completely missed.
"Really? Who? That's amazing! I didn't have to even bribe them with 5000 dollars!" She exclaimed rapturously.
That would've been enough to get a pair of earmuffs and ticket to anywhere but here within a 1000 mile radius, Cody thought longingly.
"He'll be there in about 2 hours," Cody said unenthusiastically. London continued to speak.
"Great! Also, I need for you to get a few celebrities for the show. Maybe at least 6, alright Cody? 6 is the number," She said.
At least she didn't say seven. Then it would be a reference.
"Actually, make that 7." Cody almost facepalmed.
Damn it. Thanks a lot Bungie, thanks a lot.
"Gotta go! See you later, Cody!"
Well at least one of us is happy, Cody thought. He sighed and made his way downstairs to make eggs for breakfast. Well, he did say he was going to get me back.
While he was working the sweet smell of the eggs woke him up. Filled with the delicious scent, Cody worked without further complaint about the morning. Unknown to him, Max was watching, smiling at him.
"How long have you been up?"
Cody was still absorbed in the scent that he was only half-surprised.
"About a half-hour. Waken regretfully by the phone," Cody said.
"Who was it?" Max asked sympathetically, noting his slight tiredness.
"Technically it was Zack. Literally it was London. I have to do this show called Yay Me! Starring London Tipton!" Cody imitated. Max laughed a little. That always seemed enough to raise his spirits just a bit.
"I've seen it a few times. That cross-dressing looked painful, though."
"Yeah it was, even for me," Cody said honestly. To most people that would've been shocking and would leave room to question but those who knew Cody well had by now accepted his... eccentricities.
"Well, let's eat first," Max said drawing away from the subject.
They sat down like yesterday and ate. Like Cody, Max commented on the food.
"Hmmm. A bit of basil, speckled with pepper, and mixed well with mozzarella cheese. You did all by yourself?" She asked smiling at him.
"After a month's worth of lessons with Chef Paolo. Then, everything I cook, I cook on my own. With the occasional collaboration," he added truthfully.
Max forked her last piece. She decided to tease his talent.
"Hmmm. Not bad," she said agonizingly unimpressed. However Cody saw this act.
"Not bad?" He questioned looking offended. She rolled her eyes but admitted the truth.
"Alright, it's delightfully gorgeous," she admitted with a look that said, Happy now?
"Like you?" Cody said innocently. This time the comment was intentional which made Max blush lightly.
"Well, it could do with a bit less cheese," she said playfully. Cody rolled his eyes, but smiled seeing her face.
"I'll note that for next time," he said banteringly.
"So, who you gonna ask to appear on the show?" Max asked finally changing the subject.
Cody sighed. "Well, there are a lot of celebrities. But the chances of them being here? I'm probably going to have to call a few favors."
"You sound as though you have it figured out," Max noted in his tone.
"London's going to supply me with whatever I require for the show. As they say, 'The show must go on'... even if it means spending a few Ks..."
"Sounds like money doesn't matter," Max said. Cody looked at her.
"It never does to London. She's got the entire world's wallet," he said and that sounded very true.
"Well, could I help in any way?" Max asked innocently. Cody smiled at her in thanks.
"If it's not that much trouble for you, then yeah. I guess I could feature an assistant. Or an apprentice under the wing of a Master. Hmm. Maxine Alyson Stoner. Sounds like a celebrity name anyway."
"Well, let's go. I bet everyone's waiting for us." She and Cody walked out the house with her closing the door and locking it after placing the dishes in the sink.
Max and Cody walked to the Tipton while discussing all the possibilities for celebrities. Cody felt getting a variety would be the best choice and Max was inclined to agree. She suggested a few names, some of which he took. (Not going to reveal them yet. But I'll leave hints for you to guess =D) By the time they stepped through the door he had decided to get a few artists, an author, and the rest he was still thinking about.
"Cody! My other blond person has returned!" A welcoming voice said. Cody smiled as he recognized the voice.
Esteban was now the hotel's manager but other than the suit, he looked the same. He and Cody hugged and Max who never officially met him was introduced and shook hands with him.
"So, Esteban, how's married life?" Cody asked. Esteban smiled.
"Very well. I am a very lucky man. My wife is just plain spicy and we have baby coming along!" Esteban said proudly.
"I'd knew you'd do well. Catch you later, Esteban."
"Yes, my friend. Is this your lucky lady?" Esteban gestured toward Max. Each hid their own blushes.
"Well, sort of. I'm lucky to have her as a best friend," Cody corrected. Max smiled at him. Unlike Zack, Cody didn't use this as an advantage to place false claim over her. His honesty was also always encouraging to hear.
"I was lucky once, but that's said and done. I don't like to talk about it..." Cody ended that last part quietly. Max and Esteban felt his spirits go down. Both knew better than to pursue the matter.
"I see. Well have a good day, Cody! Don't worry," Esteban added. "You still have much going for you I can bet. As a matter of fact, it's very close by..." This time Max and cody din't blush but it was hard not to. Esteban smiled and waved them goodbye as he returned to his duties. Cody and Max went into the elevator to the penthouse which was basically London's entire suite.
Upon entering the center room of London's suite, they were greeted by London herself, Maya who on the couch sitting next to Zack talking, Zack himself, Arwin, who was working on something technical with the cameras and stereo, and Maddie who was setting up the laptop.
Everyone turned upon the sound of the opening door and greeted the two.
"Cody, what took you so long?" Zack asked smirking.
"Hey, Cody," Maya greeted rolling her eyes at Zack.
"Cody! How's my apprentice doing?" Arwin said looking over happily.
"Hi, Cody. Long time no see," Maddie said as he gave her a friendly hug.
"Cody! Do you have any idea what time it is! You're- you're-" London checked her watch. "Right on time!"
"Uh yeah, I'm here now," Cody said awkwardly. Max saw this and greeted everyone else to cover up for this.
"Hey guys."
"Hey, Max," Everyone generally said or something like that.
"So, Cody... Sleep well?" Zack asked purposefully. Cody rolled his eyes as he narrowed them a moment at Zack.
"Well until 5 in the morning," Cody replied bitterly. "No thanks to you."
Zack smiled as though he didn't understand what he was talking about.
"Why whatever do you mean, dear brother?" Maya was suspicious. Zack was never formal under normal circumstances. So this wasn't normal. She would have to investigate.
"Zack, what'd you do?" Maya asked a bit sternly, only because he was her boyfriend. Zack smiled charmingly but that didn't fool anyone.
"I just gave him a friendly wake-up call, that's all," Zack said innocently. Maya sighed. Whatever she deducted was probably accurate.
"Yeah, yeah, that's great. Cody, we need focus. Arrange the room for launch," London said completely ignoring everything just said. Cody sighed as he set up the room for today's webisode.
While he was arranging the furniture, Arwin had to attend to other things so he said goodbye and left. Maddie was helping Cody arrange things while everyone else just watched and talked.
Finally the room was set with the curtains drawn back, cushions in their places, gear prepped, camera crew ready, stray items organized and 6 attendants.
"Alright, Cody. Give me the countdown," London said dramatically. Cody gave his mark with his fingers counting down.
"3, 2," And at where 1 was he cued London in.
"Welcome to Yay Me! Starring London Tipton!" Then she proceeded with the theme song we all know so well.
"London Tipton's really great, really great, really great! London Tipton's really great and deserves the opposite of hate, which is love!"
She finished this with her little dance. This caused boys to have hearts in their eyes and girls to be either jealous or have a fangirl moment.
"Today's episode is brought to you by, yours truly, me! I mean, what would this show be without me, right? Absolutely nothing..." She said very much in a manner like Zack would. Nearly everyone felt discouraged at this except Maddie who put up with her best friend better than everyone else.
"And now to introduce my assistants! Maddie, my current producer, and Cody! My original producer!"
Maddie and Cody waved at one of the four cameras as they were introduced. Maddie looked modest and cheerful, while Cody looked sheepish and stressed, though still he smiled.
"And of which, my producers have a special announcement. Maddie? Cody?" London pressed on.
"We're going a very busy time on our hands because..." Maddie left off for Cody.
"...We're featuring 7 celebrity guests..." Cody said sufficiently enough with enthusiasm, which he didn't feel at the moment.
"Oooohhh... I wonder who could show up? Cody would you fill in our viewers?" London asked.
"Well, I was thinking of a few artists and a couple others, but I'm sure they'll be great, whoever they are," he said.
"Good point, because everything's great when you've got London! Yay me!" She yelled again. Everyone just hid their discomfort by putting on a false face of cheeriness.
"Just smile and wave, guys, smile and wave," Max said. Cody smiled at her. And luck would have it, Zack noticed. You can guess what he did.
"So Cody, what happened between you two last night?" He said in a tone that suggested something that was not... let's just say, not rated T. And definitely not PG.
Blushing on the internet viewed by millions would be a grave error at the moment so Cody and Max almost had to kill themselves with the effort not to blush. Cody recovered first.
"Zack, this is supposed to be a family-friendly show. Besides, I would never do that to Max. I respect her too much," and the said brunette smiled as Cody stood up for both of them. Then she decided to stick up for him.
"Zack, make a another comment like that and see what happens," Max said innocently sweet but to Zack it sounded deadly like poisoned honey. He dropped the subject... for now.
"Good one," Cody complimented. Max smiled slightly. However this was short-lived comfort.
"Well, viewers, tell us. Do Cody and Max make a good couple or what?" London said with no regard for subtlety. This time the blush came anyway. This was very good and very bad at the same time. But unlike math, they didn't cancel each other out. In fact they remained there like mist in the air. It was very good because some viewers liked a complicated romance to watch like on a soap opera. It was very bad because some viewers got jealous or just plain disapproved of this suggested pairing.
"Let's see the comments," London said.
"Let's not," Cody said quickly. But London had already made her way over to the laptop.
"You want the bad news or the good news first?" London asked. Before either Cody or Max could respond-
"Let's see the good, I want the best for last," London said. Cody and Max looked like they were being held hostage. They wanted the bad first to get over with it. The only way to see the bad news as good was for everyone else because then they could discuss and gossip, unlike them who were being discussed and gossiped.
"Kittykat101 says: 'They look so cute together! Totally MxC 4lyfe!' The list went on:
WhiteDove71:'They could definitely work. I can see them blushing!'
S0u15e4rcher: 'Cody's one lucky dude! Go 4 it m4n!'
I Puppies88: 'Max, you r 1 gurl I envy, go get h1m!
And the list went so on for a good fifteen minutes. Then came the dreaded bad news which didn't help that it was longer...
B3TT3R-TH4N-U: Fuck off, Cody, Max is way out of your league... :(
FA5H10/\/QU33/\/: 'Th3/\/\ 2g3th3r? No fukin way, cody's much b3tt3r w1th m3
I'll cut it off here. You get the point.
Cody and Max were having the most awkward time of their lives. But there were particularly 3 comments that got his attention.
ZnCM1NE4EVA: 'Max can drop dead for all I care, Cody is mine 4eva! Zack 2! I luv u guys! Both of who were mentioned felt that stalker-like prescence.
3l335T: 'Cody is mine and mine alone, so step off bitch :(
And this last you should be able to guess.
Lucky B-Bunny16: 'Cody wouldn't go out with Max, because I know he still has feelings for me. I know he'll make the right choice for us.
That comment sounded very familiar to something I bet you can guess. Cody started to suddenly feel depressed again and everyone noticed this change from the look on his face. Maya felt sympathetic, Zack confused, Max angry, Maddie awkward, and London plain happy with all the publicity, completely oblivious to the change in atmosphere.
Oh, London. How I envy you, Cody thought. He wished he could pass off matters that mattered like that easily. But the heart is a weakness he couldn't shut out.
Zack tried to lighten the mood.
"Hey, Cody, looks like you got a fanclub," Zack said under the wrong timing. Cody gave Zack a cold, merciless, unnerving stare.
"Shut up, Zack. You're not helping," he said very out of characterly. It was rare for Cody to snap out like that. But then, these weren't normal circumstances.
Cody sat down on the couch on the right side, putting his head on his hand which was on the armreast. He wished this episode would end. Then the door opened. Jessica and Janice walked.
"Cody! You look terrible! You poor, dear thing!" They both said and rushed to him. He sat between them as they comforted him. London looked delighted with more guests and Max was inexplicably jealous as both twins put an arm around him, while they doted him, brushed his hair and whispered comforting promises. It sounded a little cliché and generic but their intentions were genuinely felt and Cody was a bit comforted.
"Wow, Cody. That sensitivity makes you a chick magnet," Zack said impressed. "He grows up so fast. I'm so proud. I think I need a tissue..." Zack said pretending to cry while wiping a fake tear. Maya rolled her eyes. Maddie looked at Zack like, Really?
Cody caught on to what he was doing. It wasn't the best comforter, but he was trying.
"Thanks, Zack," Cody said. "Sorry about that," He added apologetically. Jessica, Janice, Max, Maya and Maddie looked at him adorably.
"Awwwwww. He's sorry..." The twins said together in perfect unison.
"Yeah, Zack. Why didn't you apologize first?" Max said accusingly in a teasingly patronizing tone. Zack had no answer and Maya and Max high-fived. Zack looked betrayed.
"Come on, Maya. Please don't be mad?" Zack asked with puppy eyes. But Maya turned away while she and Max exchanged a smirk.
"Jeez, I hate when girls stick together," Zack said, almost not believing that his puppy eyes didn't work. He turned to Maddie.
"Maddie, you forgive me right?" He said almost masking his desperity for support. Maddie tried to let him down as easy as possible.
"Zack, you could learn a thing or two from Cody. Just keep what you learned today from Cody for the future," she said and gave a friendly wink to Cody. Zack was in disbelief.
"This is so discouraging when not even your own girlfriend backs you up," Zack said very dejectedly. Cody looked sympathetic. He gestured to Jessica and Janice. They caught the message and went over to comfort Zack like they did with Cody. Zack looked up surprised and Cody smiled at him. Zack smiled back and gave a thumbs up which was his way of saying thanks.
Maya watched for a while but then got jealous enough to ask the twins to get out of the way. She told Zack that next time she got to comfort him first. He promised with sincerity which was one of the few times he did.
Cody, after all that had just happened, felt better and everyone seemed happy again. He thought he noticed Max sitting a little closer as well. Then he thought about those comments.
"Anyways, back to the show!" London said so suddenly it caught everyone off gaurd.
"So, the question is, who will be the celebrity guest stars? Maddie, would you care to answer?" London said professionally dramatic.
"Well, there's only so many possibilities. But not many chances for appearances. You do realize, London, that they must all have very busy lives," Maddie reasoned.
"Nevermind. Cody, answer," London said dismissing Maddie's answer in which she rolled her eyes annoyed.
"Well, I was thinking about an actor or two. Like Adam Sandler, he's one of my favorites."
"Good choice, but I like Orlando Bloom better," London said.
"Well, we'd have to be able to talk to him instead of you obsessing over him. Remember Jesse McCartney?" Cody reminded.
"Oh yeah, I told him we were getting married. I guess you have point. Well, go on."
Cody sighed. He was getting tired of talking. He instead stalled for time.
"Guys, why don't you answer or something? I'm tired," Cody said. Zack smirked.
"Sick of producing? Could I be your replacement?"
"No thanks. We need someone who can work," Cody replied insultingly. Zack's face showed hateful embarassment. Everyone else smirked at the twins.
Right now, Cody was thinking about those messages. They sounded like people he knew. Could they be? Are they? What if-
Then the door opened and Cody was the first to notice. This wouldn't the only person coming in though.
I know, ending could be better. I'll make the next chapter with more drama and conflict. Please R & R.
