Verity's Little Book of Horrors, I Mean, Oneshots

It's Just a Job- *Carziger*

A/N I don't care for Carziger, but that DOES NOT mean I won't write it. I just don't ship it. I think this one turned out really well and I hope I did the ship justice.

It's not that he didn't want to give him the job; far from it actually. He was a good drummer and would be the perfect addition to the band. It's just, well, Maxx was Cody's ex. And they left on bad terms.

I was late. GOD I was late! Maxxie was going to be mad at me, wasn't he? Well, it's not MY fault he's out of a job! His band wanted to go a different direction, a direction Maxxie wanted NO part of.

I stumbled up to the front door and found it locked. Huh, ok... this is weird, even for Maxxie. Grabbing for my house key, I unlocked the door and slammed it shut. Maybe that was a little harsh. Nah, I was fine.

There was no warm greeting or gentle kiss waiting for me, which was also unusual for Maxxie. He ALWAYS greeted me by the door, no matter what. Even if dinner was on fire, Maxxie would kiss me and ask me how my day was. Where is he?

I made my way into the living room where I saw Maxx filling out paperwork and looking frustrated. I cleared my throat, but he didn't say anything. I tried again and he still didn't flinch. This is NOT the Maxx I know and love. He was different and I didn't like it.

"Maxx." My voice was stern and my arms were folded over my chest.

He glanced up at me before he continued with his work. "Hello Cody."

Wow, not even a nickname. God, what was his problem?! I was getting more and more furious. "What? No 'how was your day?' No 'you look awful. How can I help?' Not even a kiss?" I spat.

"Cody, if you couldn't tell, I'm trying to reorganize my resume and order a new drum set." His voice was strained. Oh, was the poor baby having a bad day? Ugh. I at least work! I at least DO something with my life! What was HIS excuse?

"All I want is a kiss and dinner. That's it! And yet I get neither. I'm not asking for a lot." He rolled his eyes and I started to fume. "And now I'm getting unwanted attitude! What is your problem today Maxx?!" I demanded.

"What's my problem?" He looked at me now; a hard, icy glare. I refused to flinch under his stare. "Cody, I'm bored; I'm unfulfilled, unsatisfied. I want to drum again. I want to make music again. And that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to find a band who needs a drummer and drum again. I can't keep being your little trophy husband. I want to DO something with my life Cody. Can't you understand that?"

I sighed. "That doesn't mean you can neglect my needs Maxx."

"Wow. Just wow." Maxx started to pack everything up. He pushed past me and headed upstairs. I knew what he was doing, but I was too mad to care.

He came back with a suitcase and stared at me for a few seconds before saying, "You know, you can be a real jerk Carson. You obviously have a big enough ego to be both people in a relationship. I'll just," He paused, taking in a shaky breath, "get out of your way."

He went through the front door and I slammed it close behind him.

But that was six months ago. He could've changed by then. Well, his drumming skills have improved, but his personality was yet to be determined.

Dan and Zach turned in their chairs to look at him expectantly. Cody could easily tell they liked him, which made him nervous. He looked down at his hands.

It's been six months. He's changed, matured. He didn't date after Maxx, because there was just no replacing him. Maxx was different, special. Without Maxx, there was always a hole in his heart where he should be. Without Maxx, he felt like he was missing something. Without Maxx, he was unfulfilled, unsatisfied.

He wanted, no, needed him back. So with a sigh, Cody looked up and nodded at Zach and Dan. They smiled and shook hands with Maxx. As they dispersed, he went up to him and said the first thing to him in six months.

"Hi."