Author's Note;; I would like to thank all my wonderful, loyal reviewers. I wanted to write all your names but for some reason it won't let me.

Also, in this chapter, Cody's crush is to be revealed.

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Previously, Max asked "Zack" what he and Cody were hiding...

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Cody's POV

"I can't tell you. I'm really, really sorry, but I just can't. I know you're probably pissed at me and I hate that but I don't know what else to do," I said, feeling really bad. She just stared at me really hard but finally her expression softened.

"I understand. I know that you're my friend and you wouldn't keep a secret from me unless it was really important. It just hurts... that someone I... care deeply about would keep secrets from me. But, I'll leave it alone," she replied, softly.

"Thanks, Max, I..." I started, before realizing what she said," Wait, what? Did you say, care deeply about?"

"Yeah, dude.. I like you a lot. I always have and I always will. I have to go now though. Bye, Zack." I felt an odd leap in my stomach when she said this. I didn't know what to do or say so I just watched her walk away.

The whole day dragged on very slowly. Usually, school was a lot of fun for me but today, it wasn't. I didn't pay one bit of attention in any classes and I just couldn't wait until the bell rang. At least the teachers seemed to have the old Zack back. I didn't understand why I was thinking about it so much but finally I realized something that I needed to tell Zack.

Finally, the last bell rang and I ran out the door. I wasn't watching where I was going and I ran into Zack, head on.

"DUDE! What is up with you? You need to watch where you're going, man!" Zack said, sitting up and rubbing his head,"What are you in such a rush for, anyway?"

"Sorry. But, I have to tell you something. I can't go out with Kasie tonight."

"WHAT! You are NOT backing out. You said you would do this for me."

"I know, I know.. But, I like Max. And, if I go out with Kasie, then I would screw things up."

"You like Max? Wow, I never would've seen that happen. When did you figure this out?"

"This morning, when she said she likes me.. well, you."

"Oh, wow. Max likes me? Well, of course she does, cuz I'm so darn likeable."

"Zack..."

"Right. Sorry, dude. So, you going to tell her or what?"

"Sure, I guess.. Oh, damn, wait. I can't. I'm you."

"Oh, yeah. Ok, bro. We'll figure something out. But, please. I need you to go out with Kasie tonight for me. Pretend you're not you. Pretend you're me. Which you kind of are. I mean.."

"If you would just shut up, I'd be able to tell you I'll do it."

"Thanks, man! Let's get home and get you ready."

We left and went back to the Tipton. Since we left school, I had been really worried about the whole Max situation. I couldn't figure out what to do. I was so worried, I even ignored Maddie and London talking to me, which is something I never do. They thought I was Zack but even so, Zack doesn't even do that. Once we reached our suite, I got changed into a black dress shirt, black dress pants and a black tie. I walked out of our room and Zack, who was sitting on the couch said,"Dude, you look like you're going to a funeral."

"Leave me alone. I'm doing this for you, remember?" The doorbell rang and Zack said he would get it. I was starting to get really nervous because I didn't want to screw this up for my brother but I was so worried about Max. Zack opened the door, and in walked Kasie. She came over and gave me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. However, while this was going on, I didn't notice someone else walk through the door. Max.

"What the hell is going on here, Zack?" she said, sounding really pissed off. I got a huge lump in my throat and pushed Kasie away.

"Max, you don't understand.. it's not what it looks like."

"SAVE IT! Zackary Martin, I never want to see your arrogant ass ever again!" she yelled, and walked out with a huff.

"What the hell, Zack? Are you going out with that girl?" Kasie said, and looked at me with cold eyes.

"No, but I like her.. I mean, no, wait," I said, and before finishing, she slapped me across the face, turned around and walked out the door as well. I put my hand to my cheek and I was stunned. But, more importantly, I felt terrible about hurting both of them. Zack opened his mouth like he was going to say something, but I turned around and ran to our bedroom. I slammed the door and jumped into my bed. My eyes became wet and before I knew it, I was sobbing. ((A/N;; I'm not sure if Cody would actually start sobbing but he's a sensitive guy so I think if he was hurt enough, he might.))

Zack's POV

I walked into our bedroom softly and sat down on Cody's bed. I wasn't really sure what to say to him because I haven't seen him cry like that in a long time. And, he has never cried like that over a girl.

"Hey, Codeman. You alright?" I said, feeling really dumb because it was obvious he wasn't alright.

"Leave me alone, Zack," I think he said. His voice was muffled because he had his head in pillows.

"Alright, dude. But, don't be mad at me. I'll fix this. I promise," I said softly to him and walked out of the room. I closed the door and noticed mom was sitting at the kitchen, watching me.

"Is he ok, Cody?" she said to me.

"Yeah, fine. Look, mom, I don't want to talk right now, ok?"

"I understand sweetie. I have to go rehearse anyway. I guess you guys aren't hungry right now. Well, when you are, dinner's in the microwave. Just heat it up, ok?"

"Ok, cya." I sat down on the couch and just stared at the tv set which was off. I really felt bad about this whole messed up situation. I was so mad at myself, that I wasn't even hungry which was definitely a first. I didn't know how but I knew I had to fix this. Max hated him because I made him go out with a girl for me. I had been a selfish asshole and that made my brother get hurt. I'm the older brother and I was supposed to protect him. Even though I liked Kasie, what was more important was that my brother wasn't in any more pain. I realized what I had to do. I wrote a quick note to my brother, grabbed my coat and walked out the door.

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Ha, I'm being nice. No cliffie this time. Unless you count not knowing what Zack is going to do being a cliffhanger. So, this story will probably be about 5 more chapters. The next chapter will be about Zack fixing the situation mainly. Please continue reviewing and I'm going to start writing Chapter 9 right now. Hopefully, I will have it done by Tuesday.