I hope you guys enjoyed the last chapter because there is more to come. I have decided that I will be making as many chapters (and perhaps possibly more) as there were episode of TDROTI, so sit down, relax, and read.

Jo P.o.v.

My eyes slightly opened and a groan escaped my lips as I felt my shoulders being shook.

"Hmm…mm…what?" I asked barely coherent, for the fact that my brain is still asleep.

"Jo, we have to get up. It's late. If we get caught, there could be some serious repercussions." Brick stated, trying to pry my fingers off of his shirt.

"I don't care. Just let me sleep." I buried my head deeper into the crook of his neck and curled my fingers tighter around the fabric of his clothing.

I felt him shiver a bit before he lifted me off of him. He placed his hands under my knees and on the top of my back and lifted me up. Pushing open the door with his shoulder, he stepped into the small room. The scent of hairspray and fake tanner hit my nose, drowning out the warm, minty smell I had become accustomed to. One of the girls stifled a laugh as they watched Brick carry me to the bunk.

He laid me down on the bed and pulled the blanket over me, the sheet barely touching my chin. I felt him kiss my forehead, and my pulse sped up instantly. A warm, tingling sensation spread from the spot where his lips touched my skin. I could hear his footsteps as he left the cabin; the only silence being from the lingering moment when he ceased walking to the soft click as the door shut.

For some reason, the sheets felt colder than I remembered and the pillow lacked the warmth I had become fond of.

~The next morning~

The first challenge of day two was more or less an overdramatic game of truth or dare, but without the dare. We were to walk down to the Bay of Dismay, or whatever it's called and wait for further instruction.

"Hey, Jo."

"What?" I replied as I turned to face the overly perky red-head.

She placed her hand over her mouth to try to camouflage a smile. A red flush colored my cheeks as I thought back to the events of last night.

"I thought it was pretty cute, how you kept whispering in your sleep. 'No, don't go. Please, Brick. Don't leave me.'"

I bit down on my lip, and flicked my eyes to the opposite direction. She noticed my embarrassment and put her arm around my shoulders.

"Relax, I was just kidding around. Okay, maybe not about the whispers, but it still was pretty cute. I think you guys will make a great couple."

I removed her arm and glared at her out of the corner of my eye. Her smile dropped and was replaced by a look of pure terror.

"Uh, sorry, Jo. I really didn't mean anything by it and if you would be so kind not to kill me, I would greatly appreciate it."

I shook my head slightly. "Really, Zoey. It's fine. I will let it slide this time, but, so help me, if you mention this to anyone else I will be forced to kill and or dismember you."

She gave me a nervous smile and I theorized that we had reached an understanding. When we reached the location of our next challenge, Brick decided to relocate beside me.

He nudged my side with his elbow. "Hey, I thought it was pretty cute, too."

My eyes widened and I couldn't stop the blush from spreading across my cheeks. A slight growl escaped my lips as I walked over to the bleacher-like box above the water.

Once everyone was strapped in, Chris explained our next challenge.

"Hey, these harnesses are too tight. They're cutting into my shoulders." Scott complained as he tugged on the edge of the yellow strap.

"Yeah, children's size harnesses will do that. Now, this challenge will allow us to get to know each other better. I hope you like getting your secrets revealed." Chris stopped momentarily to laugh at the faces of shock and betrayal before continuing.

"Here are the rules: I will reveal an embarrassing secret and it is your job to come clean and hit the poorly wired buzzer. If you do not, this will happen."

He pushed a small remote control that had a red button on it and we were plunged into the water; the sheer iciness knocking the breath out of me. Just as we were raised back to the surface, a creature that appeared to be a shark but somehow possessed legs, tried to attack us.

My clothes clung to my frame and my hair was plastered to my face, somewhat restricting my vision. The cool breeze ripped right through my drenched clothing and made me involuntarily shiver.

"Hey, are you alright?"

I turned my head to see Brick watching me with a worried expression.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little cold from the water. But you know it's nothing. I take showers colder than this."

He held out his hand and I took it without thinking. Heat immediately shot from his skin throughout my entire body. I gave him a smile of gratitude and he squeezed my hand in response.

"What was that thing? It looked like a shark with legs!" Mike screamed as he flailed his arms above his head.

"Well, remember what I mentioned about the waste having an effect on the flora and fauna? It turns out it also effected the creatures under the water. So, meet the new and improved Fang." Chris stated as a picture of Fang before and after the mutation flashed on the screen above the podium he was standing at.

"As I was saying…if no one on the team fesses up to their own shame, the other team can steal for a point. However, if they are wrong, this happens," he finished, once again pressing the button. After a few seconds the other team resurfaced, just as wet and cold as us.

"Ok, first question. Who did this on the one and only date they ever had?" As he said this a question mark, passing gas could be seen on the screen.

"Where did you get that?" Sam asked as a burst of electricity sparked from the buzzer. Fits of giggles erupted from the Rats.

"Next question. Maggots, which person on your team had to go through therapy for depression?"

I looked at every person on the team, but none of them had any tell-tale signs it was them.

"Alright then. Dunking it is." Chris said with a smile.

"Wait!"

My eyes practically popped out of the socket when I heard his voice.

"It-it's me." He hung his head in shame as he pressed the buzzer, the shock not fazing him.

"Oh, so cadet boy has some issues. What a surprise. All you military folk are the same. Hear one story of a bomb going off and you sink into depression." Scott called out, laughing almost uncontrollably.

B smacked the back of Scott's head, while the other members of the Rats' team just glared at him with disdain. A resounding thud could be heard as flesh met flesh.

Brick dropped my hand and proceeded to cross his arms tightly across his chest. He refused to meet my eyes and simply stared out into the water.

"Ok, then…moving on. Rats, who used to weight almost three-hundred pounds before he finally got into shape?" He asked, unfazed at what just happened.

No one buzzed in, but I could see the red creeping in on Lightning's cheeks.

"Very well then. Enjoy your swim."

Drops of water rained down on us as the other team was pulled underwater.

"Maggots, any guesses?"

Leaning closer to Brick, I whispered into his ear. "Please don't be like this. No one's going to think any differently of you. I don't, and as you know, I am usually the most judgmental."

"Easy for you to say. Your most important secret didn't just get spilled to the entire world."

Truthfully, I had no idea how to respond. So, I changed the subject.

"Hey, Red. I think it's Lightning."

"Are you sure, because I don't want to get dunked again." She replied nervously eyeing the water beneath us.

"I'm sure. Trust me; everything will be fine." I replied looking at Brick as I said the final part.

It's sort of hard to grasp that out of everyone he would be the one with depression. He has always seemed so sure of himself even in the short time I have known him. But, I guess looks are deceiving. I just hope that this doesn't change anything between us, because I kind of liked spending time with him.

"Hey, Chris. We're guessing it was Lightning." I called out, sure of my answer.

"And you guessed right. Ooh, we have a picture."

"No, Lightning thinks it would be best if you didn't show that. Sha-no!" He cried, covering his eyes with his hands.

A picture of Lightning that had to have been taken only a few years ago flashed across the screen. He was wearing plus size clothing, and was in an unflattering position on his bed. The picture was taken from the side, capturing every roll and extra chin of fat he had.

Peals of laughter, even a slight chuckle from Brick, rang throughout the air.

"Yeah, I know right? It amazes me how much weight you lost. You must have had lipo, because there is no way you could have even moved to exercise." Chris replied nearly doubled over in laughter.

"Sha-ok. And now, because Lightning's already been embarrassed, Lightning is leaving. Sha-bye-bye." And with that he unclicked his harness and attempted to jump into the water. Only stopping when Fang decided to venture upward to try and reclaim his meal.

"Ya, I've had enough wit' t'is challenge. I'm outa 'ere." Anne Maria stated as she tried to remove her harness, only to find the straps stuck.

"People, please." Chris begged, though no one heard him.

"Hey, I think we have been humiliated enough for one day, so let's say we move on the next challenge. Okay?" Brick asked as he crossed him arms.

Chris seemed to be impressed with his cold demeanor and nodded his head in approval.

"Alright, campers. Hurry back to cabins and we will continue with our next challenge."

*Static*

"Wow, I never would have guessed Lightning was that overweight. I guess it proves that no one is how they appear. Maybe, I don't look like a stick to others. Maybe that's only how I see myself." Cameron stated as he began to flex his "muscles". "Ow! I think I pulled a bicep! Uhh, should it be swelling like this?"

*Static*

"I'm really worried about Brick. He hasn't spoken to me for awhile, and usually that wouldn't bother me, but he just seems so…empty now. We usually try to compete to see who would be first back to the cabins, but he just hung his head low and trained his eyes on the ground. I really miss the old Brick. And if you tell anyone that, you will be snapped like a twig." I stated to camera breaking a stick in half to prove my point. "Ooh! Splinter! Why you little-"

*Static*

As we trekked back to the cabins, I kept glancing back at Brick to make sure he was still following us. I usually could pinpoint where he was, thanks to the constant marching, but as he fell back further I could barely hear his footfalls.

I stopped and just waited until he caught up. He lifted his head and walked right around me, as if I was just a figment of his imagination.

"Hey," I whispered as I grabbed the fabric of his shirt. "Come on. You know I'm not the sensitive type, and frankly the thought of being one makes me want to vomit, but regardless I cannot have you act this way. It is not good for the team and it is not good for you. So, soldier, I need you to buck up and be at your best for the next challenge. Alright?" I asked, placing my hand on my hip.

"Yes, I understand, Ma'am. Right away," He replied as he saluted me.

"Besides," I whispered into his ear. "We can talk later and you can hopefully tell me what this whole thing is about."

A smile spread across his face and he nodded in agreement.

"You know, I needed that. Thanks."

"No problem, just helping out a team mate. And don't get to use to it. Er, at least in public," I said adding that last part in quietly.

Looking back and forth to see if anyone was watching, he pressed his lips against my cheek for a brief moment. I bit my lip and looked away from him. He laughed slightly, and grabbing my arm he pulled me towards the cabins.

We were the last ones to reach the cabins and according to the shocked looks given by the rest of the campers they didn't expect us to arrive so late.

"As I was saying, your final challenge for the day is to complete this obstacle course; complete with man-eating badgers and the occasional broken bone. First up, is Anne Maria and Lightning. If this doesn't give you a "kick start", forget about coffee. After that is Dawn verses Brick. Better watch out for the cannons; they could leave a mark. Third, are Jo and Scott. Look out for the wrecking ball, we do not offer life insurance here and we are not going to start. After that are B and Zoey. Be careful, we cannot afford a lawsuit because of man-eating beavers. Next, are Mike and Sam. Time your jump just right and hopefully you can make it to the other side without permanent damage. And finally, Cameron and Dakota will compete to see who can avoid the giant baseball bats, and the possible concussion, and make it to the large glove on the opposite side. And as a bonus, each member will carry their mascot. Oh, intern!" Chris finished, clapping his hands as the intern carried two small cages toward the obstacle course.

"A mutant maggot for the Maggots, and a toxic rat for the Rats." He said as Anne Maria and Lightning were both handed their respective mascots.

"And…begin!"

Lightning was kicked in the ass by the large boot, and fell off the platform into the muddy slush beneath. Anne Maria, however, managed to avoid the shoe and hop onto the next platform with ease. She handed the maggot to Brick who began running across the platform, every so often ducking to avoid a canon ball. By the time Dawn received the rat, Brick was already halfway over to me. Somehow Dawn managed to catch up and was running at an even pace with Brick. She said something to him and he began to slow down slightly, his cheeks flushing at whatever she said.

"Dawn, lookout!" Brick cried as a stray cannon ball was hurled at her. He pulled her to the ground seconds before the ball hit, gritting his teeth as the ball ricocheted off of his shoulder. He groaned as he pushed himself off the ground. Once he had restored his balance, he offered his hand to Dawn who was still lying on the wooden platform. She grasped his hand as she was pulled up. She spoke one more thing to him before placing her hand on his shoulder. He involuntarily winced at the contact, but still gave her a smile.

They continued running down the platform until they reached Scott and me. Brick handed me the maggot, our hands brushing for a split second before I took off down the course. As I waited for the perfect opportunity to cross, I watched Scott run out into the path of the wrecking ball and get flung across the platform. When the ball was close enough, I jumped on top of it and waited until it reached the highest point. I leaped off and landed right in front of Zoey. Scott was lying on the ground petting the rat, obviously getting on B's nerves as well. B snatched the rat out of Scott's grasp and stuffed it into his pocket as he crossed over the platforms. The beavers below had begun to gnaw through the beams and B was sent down into the slush. Thinking quickly, he built a life size replica of a female beaver out of mud and pieces of wood. He escaped whilst the love struck beavers coddled the fake female. Unfortunately, by the time Zoey was crossing, they had discovered it was indeed fake and attempted to make a meal of her instead; going so far as to even take out a bottle of ketchup.

Red kicked each of the beavers in the crotch and escaped before they could recover from the blow. However, seeing as B had already given the rat to Sam, the other team was in the lead. But thanks to Dakota's cluelessness, she missed catching the rat and Sam was sent into the mud. After receiving the maggot, Mike was somehow able to do a serious showmanship of flips and forward hand springs to give us back the lead. Dakota, thankfully, was too caught up in her photo opportunities to even notice what was going on. Cameron managed to give us the win and I was actually sort of proud of the little string bean.

We won and the Rats were going down to the bonfire again. I can only hope that Lightning is the one who receives the marshmallow of loserdom.

As the rest of the campers headed back to the cabins, I stayed back and waited for Brick. He saw me and picked up his pace to catch up with me.

"Hey, are you alright? That canon ball hit you pretty hard."

"Hmm…oh yeah. I'm fine. I've gotten hurt a lot worse in training. This is nothing." He replied smiling.

"So…are you ready to explain about the "stuff" that happened earlier?" I questioned, momentarily stopping and looking at him.

"Yeah, sure."

We continued walking until we came to the Dock of Shame. He sat down on the edge on the pier and pulled me down next to him. I rested my head on his shoulder as he started his story.

"Well, you see my parents discussed getting a divorce when I was seven and they insisted it wasn't because of me. However, as the years past I began to realize most of their problems originated around the time I was born. They didn't plan on having kids yet, so I was sort of an accident. The judge decided that I should stay with my father, seeing as he had a better job and was more suited to take care of me. One night, though, he returned home drunk and started screaming that it was my fault he lost the love of his life. He pressed me against the wall and I could smell the Bourbon on his breath. He called me an accident and a mistake. He said if it wasn't for me he would still be living a perfect life. Then he set me on table and instructed me not to move. He went into the kitchen and I heard clattering as items were thrown about. When he returned he was holding a gun. He looked straight at me, his bloodshot eyes spilling tears. He spoke softly, but with venom in his voice. 'Remember, you did this to me. So, when you think back to this day, know it was you who pulled the trigger.'"

Brick stopped speaking and I could see the tears shining in his eyes. "And that was it. For years I have blamed myself and I still do. But that's not important anymore. What's past is past and there is no changing it."

I placed my hand over his heart and turned his head to look at me.

"As you know, I'm not the most sympathetic person. Heh, who am I kidding. I'm not a sympathetic person, but I can tell you that it is not your fault, by any means. He had no right to blame you. And I understand the feeling of loss as well. I grew up with four older brothers and my father. My mom died a few hours after I was born. I never had a female role model, which is why I turned out the way I did. But, everything happens for a reason, and I believe there was a reason." I finished staring into his eyes.

"Cheesy, right?" I asked, a smile on my lips.

"Very. But, thanks for trying to make me feel better."

"Eh, no problem. It's what friends do."

My speech slurred those final words, as we leaned in closer. Our lips met for a brief second before we pulled away.

"I would like to revoke my last statement. You did make me feel better." He said with a slight smile.

"Great, that's what I was going for."

He placed his hands on my cheeks and brushed his lips against mine. I could feel his heart pulsating against my palm.

"Hey, guys!"

Our heads whipped to the side and unfortunately, we jumped in surprise and ended up falling into the water. When we resurfaced, Zoey was standing on the edge of the dock a look of fear on her face.

"Hehe, sorry Jo. I didn't mean to startle you. Or interrupt you guys for that matter."

"Sorry, Jo? What about me? She's not the only one in the water."

"Well, I thought the apology towards you was sort of implied." Zoey said biting her lip.

"Never mind. What did you want?" Brick asked brushing the hair out of his eyes.

"Well, I was just going to ask if I could borrow your brush, Jo. But, seeing as you have better thing to do, I'm just gonna leave." She finished flicking her eyes between us.

"Ok, yes, you can use my brush, now can you leave? We were kind of busy." I said heaving a sigh.

"Yeah, I could see you were "busy", and thanks. See ya."

"Bye," Brick and I called out simultaneously.

"Now, where were we?" Brick asked slyly.

"Ohh, no. The moment is ruined and I am wet, so I'm going in." I said trying to pull myself onto the dock.

"No, you're staying," he replied, grabbing my waist and pulling me back into the water.

"And, what? You're going to make me?"

"Yes."

He placed one of his hands on the beam supporting the dock and the other one on my hip. I gave him a questioning look and he just smiled and pressed his lips to mine. And you know what? He's goddamn lucky I like him.

Wow, this is the longest chapter I have ever written. I hope you guys liked it. And so what if it is kind of soon for them to become a couple. If you have waited as long as I have, this is way over due. Anyway, I hopefully will be able to update soon and until then, please review. It would be greatly appreciated.