Total Drama Action: All-In Chapter 7: Endless Bummer, a total drama series fanfic

Total Drama Action: All-In

Happy new year everyone!

Knifez: After rereading it for a bit, I sort of understand what you mean!

Animation Adventures: In Gwen and Trent's case, I may be taking a risk here today! And everyone seemed to love Ezekiel's part in the previous episode! That puts me at ease because I was a little unsure about that!

Hideki Sohma: The thing with Ezekiel is that people either use him as an easy boot, or go completely overboard with his development and make him better than he'd be in such a situation! I'm pleased I found the right middle road for him and that you enjoy it as such!

The Phenomenal Flair (Who was until recently named Omniplackinstant): I'm really happy you love all the character plots going on at the moment and I hope you'll keep on doing so with the new ones that may commence!

Acosta Jose Rameiro: Anytime I'll try to keep up the good writing!

As for the rest; Thank you for your continued support!

I am genuinely sorry for having to cut Katie so early, but there was no other way. I'd have loved to let Katie stay and give her some development, but I really wanted their plot to happen, but I didn't know how to make it last without it becoming boring or one-note, so I had to cut her this early to avoid that.

I could still use a few votes for the poll on my page: What genre do you like better, Apocalypse movies or medieval movies? Vote if you like!

Hey, have you heard? The next big thing of Total Drama is announced in the form of Total Drama Daycare! Sure, far from everyone was happy and I wasn't exactly thrilled either but I've decided to give it a chance! It's something Total Drama related after all!

Total Drama Action: All-In castmates:

Screaming Gaffers: Bridgette, DJ, Eva, Gwen, Ezekiel, Leshawna, Noah, Owen and Sadie.

Killer Grips: Beth, Cody, Courtney, Duncan, Harold, Justin, Lindsay, Tyler and Trent.

Eliminated: Geoff. Izzy. Heather. Katie.

I hope you're ready for the storm that's to come!

Chapter/Episode 6: Endless Bummer

''Last time on Total Drama Action; With gunplay, lasso throwing, smack-talking and runaway steam engines, the western genre offers something cool for everyone! Ezekiel apparently felt a little too comfortable in this genre as he knew his way with the guns and the ropes, but especially with talking smack!''

''Noah helped Owen see the light after he moped for days, and gave him his groove back! He went on to win two valuable points for his team and ultimately the challenge itself! As Katie and Sadie's fight hit a peak, Sadie switched over to the Gaffers, and left Katie to bawl uncontrollably over finally losing her best friend. So where Owen pulled his weight for the Gaffers, the inconsolable Katie was seen as a deadweight by the Grips and sent her to boot hill... with which I mean off the show!''

''Indeed, there's no room for cry-babies here! You better go with the flow on this show because if you can't ride the wave, you'll wipeout! We'll make sure you don't have to go channel surfing during this totes rad episode of Total, DRAMA, ACTION!'' Chris finished the recap, lounging on a beach chair near the shore as the camera panned out to reveal the film lot once again, but during the day for once.

(Intro tune. No kooks allowed on this show!)

During the quiet evening, Trent was steaming in the hot tub by himself to clear his head of everything that happened today. He was so immersed in the heat and the steam that he failed to notice someone approaching him.

''Hey, got room for one more?'' Said someone kindly asked as Trent opened his eyes and saw Gwen, dressed in her swimwear and carrying a towel.

''I hope...'' Trent gently quipped as he looked around the spacious hot tub with a hint of irony.

''Though do you really want to risk Chris's anger when he finds out a Gaffer has been in it?'' Gwen asked as she climbed in and sat down next to Trent.

''It's Courtney I'm more worried about!'' Trent calmly answered as Gwen quietly laughed in humor, but got concerned once she noted that Trent remained a little too indifferent.

''Trent, is there something wrong?'' Gwen asked, both curious and concerned as she saw fit to have a good talk.

''I, I don't know. Today I felt a little... hurt.'' Trent hesitantly revealed.

''Hurt? Why?'' Gwen repeated, a little shocked.

Trent wavered, thinking about how to answer. ''Tss, I don't know. I felt like I could've enjoyed this challenge so much more than I did.''

''I knew it! You do like westerns after all!'' Gwen replied, humble but with a knowing smile.

''Yeah I do. I wanted to do so many things today, but I was afraid you'd find me...'' Trent continued before he paused to think of the right word. ''...tacky?'' He finished, raising an eyebrow and almost sounding somewhat accusingly.

''Tacky?'' Gwen repeated, slightly surprised that Trent choose that particular term but thinking nothing more of it. ''Look, I'm sorry If I made you think so, but I told you before I really don't care! Really, maybe you can show me sometime soon what you like so much about westerns!'' Gwen kindly suggested as she snugly slid up close to him.

''Yeah... I'd love that!'' Trent calmly agreed, relieved while his worry wasn't completely soothed yet. He gathered his courage to talk about the next topic. ''And then there's Dun-''

''Hey guys!'' Owen bellowed, cutting Trent off as he came walking towards them, carrying a small bucket of chicken wings. He eyed the hot tub longingly and dipped his finger. ''It feels terrific! Can I join?''

''Ask Trent, it's his tub after all!'' Gwen replied with a smile, jerking a thumb over to him.

''Fine.'' Trent allowed, slightly irked with his and Gwen's private moment being interrupted but not holding it against Owen at all as he threw his shirt off.

''Cannonball!'' Owen hollered before he jumped up and splashed down into the tub, splashing Gwen and Trent with the torrent he created to their brief annoyance. Owen then turned up the bubbles, struggling with the buttons for a moment before he sighed deeply and relaxed as the bubbles increased.

''I tell you, chilling out in a hot bath after a big meal is the greatest!'' Owen declared before taking a chicken wing. ''Or during a big meal!'' He corrected before swallowing it whole.

''It sure is!'' Gwen lazily agreed as everyone was slowly numbed by the hot water and forgot all their cares.

''Hey guys...'' Owen asked a little while later, struggling with an awkward request. ''mind if I go, uh, au naturel?''

''Uh... sure.'' Trent uninterestedly allowed after a brief initial shock.

''There's little we haven't seen before after all.'' Gwen wryly relented, a remark that made Trent a little uncomfortable.

''Cool!'' Owen quietly replied before he removed his short and breathed a blissful sigh.

''Well, what are you waiting for, Trent?'' Gwen cheekily asked after a moment.

''What? I-'' Trent stammered, flustered as he scrambled how to respond.

''Relax, I'm only kidding!'' Gwen assured him, running a hand over his chin. ''For now!'' She added with a mischievous smirk before she turned to Owen. ''Owen, if I may ask, how are you so comfortable with being naked?''

''I spent many summers with my grandparents on a nudist campground! You stop worrying about naked people really quickly once you see all those aged salamis and flap meats dangling around!'' Owen explained, his lingo disgusting Gwen and Trent somewhat.

''Ew!'' Trent called.

''Yeah, they had a really bad deli!'' Owen chuckled before Gwen and Trent chuckled along when they got the joke. Afterwards, it remained quiet between them for another short while.

''Guys, it was fun but I'm going to bed!'' Owen announced before he climbed out of the tub, after which the bubbles suddenly ceased to appear. ''Oh I forgot to tell you guys, I think the bubbler thingy broke!'' Owen called as he left, leaving Gwen and Trent pretty bewildered and disgusted.

''I think I'm going too.'' Gwen announced, not making it hard to see that she was disgusted as she climbed out too as Trent sighed bitterly at everything.

(Confessional cam. Their bubble burst badly!)

''Aw man, I wanted to talk with Gwen about her being so close with Duncan! I really struggle to ask her about it, because I don't want to come over as some possessive, jealous boyfriend! The moment was perfect, but then Owen came barging in!'' Trent explained, frustrated. He groaned in anger before he calmed down considerably and rubbed the back of his head.

''It's just... I've been cheated on before a few times, and it all went down exactly like this, but at the same time I don't want to be mistrustful of Gwen because I really love her!'' Trent mumbled, lost.

(End confessional cam.)

After the Gaffers' barbeque was over, Sadie went to get her bags and move to her new trailer. Once she entered the trailer of the Gaffer girls, she was treated to a warm reception from the girls present.

''Welcome to the cool side of the film lot!'' Leshawna loudly greeted her with arms wide and pulled her into a short embrace, taking Sadie slightly by surprise as she entered.

''Hey Sadie!'' Bridgette kindly greeted, wearing a white and beige baseball tee and matching shorts, dressed to go to bed.

''Hey.'' Sadie quietly responded as she sat down at an unclaimed bunk and looked a little lost.

''I wish there was a bigger welcome wagon waiting for you, but Eva is out jogging and Gwen is probably smooching with Dunca- I mean Trent somewhere!'' Leshawna added, intentionally making a mistake, followed by a brief snicker.

''What's up?'' Bridgette asked as she sat down next to her.

''I feel... odd! I'm supposed to feel happy, but I can't be because of how everything went down today!'' Sadie explained as she walked over to the mirror in the trailer as the others attentively listened.

''Not only that, but at last I can do things by myself, but I don't know how!'' She continued before she plucked a little at her outfit. ''Like, these clothes, sown by Katie! All of mine are! It's not that I hate them now, but I want something different, I want everything different! But, like, I don't know how. I have no inspiration! What do I like?'' Sadie wondered, slightly frustrated.

''Maybe you should just look around you for a while and go with what looks like something that appeals to you!'' Bridgette advised.

''Look around?'' Sadie repeated as Bridgette went to sit on her bunk.

''Exactly! And then it should come to you soon!'' Bridgette concluded as Sadie examined Bridgette's usual hoodie and shorts as well as her surfboard, and began pondering again, though this time with a small smile forming.

Over to the trailer of the Grip guys, Cody entered with his luggage, unsure what to expect or how to act but covering it up under a guise of bravado.

''Hey bros! What's up?'' Cody asked the boys present, which was everyone except for Duncan and Trent. Cody already felt the awkwardness creeping up on him as Justin shot him a unimpressed glare while Cody put his stuff down at an unclaimed bunk.

''Not much man!'' Tyler replied contrarily enthusiastic as he did push-ups, dressed in a white tank top and red boxers, ready for bed.

''Cool! No news is good news, a-amirite?'' Cody responded, Tyler nodded his head, making Cody feel at ease a little.

''Welcome! Now that you are here, I may've finally found my match in the game of Myths Of Arcadia!'' Harold declared as Cody cast a happy face. ''The only question is, do you play?'' Harold added as he unfolded a stack of elaborate playing cards.

''Do I play? Of course I do!'' Cody excitedly replied. ''I even have my own game with me!''

''Excellent! The only opponent I had on this team before was Tyler and he needed me to constantly explain what every card does!'' Harold said, annoyed, before Cody rushed over to his luggage and dug through it.

''I can't tell any of them apart!'' Tyler casually explained while he surprisingly kept going on strongly with his push-ups. Meanwhile, Cody had retrieved the game and he and Harold rushed over to the dinette and claimed it.

''What expansion packs do you have?'' Cody asked as he started to lay out the game on the table, including a board.

''The Madman Of Macedon, The Coalition and Height Of The Hellenistic Era!''

''Oh, I really love that one!'' Cody stated as they began playing.

A little while later, Duncan and shortly after Trent entered the trailer.

''Men- Gentlemen! So good to have you here!'''' Cody greeted them suavely, a little too suavely, as he briefly abandoned his game with Harold.

''Hey Cody.'' Trent greeted him, genuine but still remarkably indifferent before he walked off to his bunk, almost tripping over Tyler who kept going on with his push-ups before he plumped down and morosely rested his body on his legs. Justin took notice and walked over to him.

''Hey what's wrong?'' Justin asked when he noted that Trent was eyeing Duncan, who was washing his face in the sink. ''If you got something heavy on your heart, you got to say it or it'll weigh all of us down!''

''Nothing man. Forget it.'' Trent mumbled before he sobered up slightly.

(Confessional cam. The musician in green got the blues.)

''Someone tried to organize my elimination tonight, and it was Courtney, or Trent! Anyhow, I need to get the heat off of me, but how? I can try to make people see that Trent's moping is only keeping us back, but that'll make it obvious I'm trying to save my own handsome butt. And as long as Trent won't tell what's bothering him, I can't make use of that either! I'm at a loss for what to do!'' Justin pondered.

(End confessional cam.)

Much later, when all the castmates were sound asleep in the dead of night, Sadie left the trailer and snuck to the costume tent. Once there, she began to browse through the racks of clothes before she headed over to a sewing machine with a determined expression.

The next morning, the cast members predictably waited in line to get breakfast. However, one of them was still missing as DJ was once again struggling to provide everyone with decent food, while Chef just let DJ do all the work as he idly read today's newspaper.

''Hey, where's Sadie?'' Gwen asked Bridgette as they were in the back of the line and counted heads.

''I don't know either. She wasn't in her bunk when I woke up.'' Bridgette replied as DJ served Courtney pancakes, after which it was Owen's turn, to his obvious delight.

''DJ! Keep serving those pancakes! I got a hole in my stomach and only those flapjacks can fill it up!'' Owen exclaimed as he held his plate out to DJ as the latter served plenty of pancakes. The inpatient Owen already scoped one up from DJ's spatula and devoured it in a second.

''Holy (Censor) these are as great as I heard they are!'' Owen shouted, amazed as he hopped up and down in pure ecstasy. ''Can I have my next serving with lots of extra black sugar?'' He excitedly begged.

''Sure.'' DJ replied, which took the other castmates by surprise.

''Wait, can you do that for us?'' Courtney asked as she came running back.

''Uh, yeah. But-'' DJ stammered as he inched back, unsure of what he just started.

''Great! From now on, can you please-'' Was all DJ could hear from Courtney before many of the castmates made their requests known at the same time, making it impossible for DJ to understand them as he sighed wearily, now having to take plenty of individual wishes into account while cooking for the castmates already was pretty exhausting. But DJ didn't want to let everyone down, so he began stirring batter yet again.

The day quickly turned out to be exceptionally hot for the time of the year. All the castmates lounged around their trailers in the shadows; incapacitated by the heat. They either wore their swimwear or a combination of it and their regular clothes.

Trent mustered his courage and walked over to Gwen, who sat in the shadow of a tree, sketching in her notepad.

''Hey, what're you doing?'' Trent curiously asked as he went to sit next to her.

''Drawing a little! I've been sketching on this notepad ever since we arrived on Camp Wawanakwa!'' Gwen answered with a soft smile as she added a few more touches to her drawing. 'Here, look at this!'' She added before showing Trent what she was sketching, namely a very pretty drawing of Trent himself.

While Trent was flattered by Gwen's sketch, he did remember what he needed to talk about. ''I- there is something else I needed to talk about last night- I think! But then Owen came around and I-'' Trent explained though it quickly reduced to a stutter as he lost the confidence to continue. ''Never mind. It's not important.''

''Are you sure?'' Gwen asked. Trent only nodded affirmatively and left again, leaving Gwen a little confused but believing Trent on his word.

''Cowabunga!'' Someone happily shouted. Everyone turned their head to see Sadie walking towards them. Though, instead of her usual outfit, she had chosen to wear a open, white denim jacket over her bikini top and jean cut off shorts. In addition, on her head she wore a visor cap.

''Sadie, what is this?'' Bridgette asked, clearly seeing that Sadie has indulged into a surfer style.

''This is the new me, betty!'' Sadie announced, twirling one of her pigtails. ''Last night, when you told me to look around for inspiration, it hit me! I want to be a wahine! So I went to the costume tent and got myself a new outfit that's much more me! Then I gathered all the surf magazines I could find and read them all through the night! You dig?'' Sadie proudly explained before she struck a pose. While Bridgette was a little flattered, she was rather puzzled as well.

(Confessional cam. Do you know what surfers and fashion have in common? It's both about catching the right wave!)

''I wanted to tell Sadie that you don't really discover your personal style that quick, but who am I to judge her choices? She was so happy and maybe she really does dig the surfer look!'' Bridgette explained.

(End confessional cam.)

''It's totally aggro!'' Sadie cheered.

''That's not the right word to use!'' Bridgette kindly pointed out as Sadie responded with a slightly embarrassed look.

''Good morning castmates!'' Chris greeted as he came walking to them, wearing sunglasses and a sunhat. He almost immediately noted Sadie's change in style. ''Sadie, how did you know what genre we're going to do today?'' He asked, removing his sunglasses as Sadie raised her shoulders in confusion.

''Wait, are you saying...'' Bridgette replied, getting excited.

''Indeed, today we're centering the challenges around the neat-o genre of beach parties, wave riders with a deceptively deep understanding of philosophy and the ability to do all the cool things such as standing on a plank in the sea and robbing banks as well as an valid excuse to have people wear as little clothing as possible for 90 percent of the time! I'm of course talking about surfing movies!'' [1]

''Yes! Yes! Yes yes yes yes yes yes!'' Bridgette vividly cheered, pumping her fists repeatedly as Sadie next to her cheered as well.

''I knew you'd be overjoyed! You probably won't be in a few minutes anymore! Put on your swim trunks if you haven't already and meet me at the beach to the north of the film lot!''

The castmates reported to the beach of the film lot, where instead of a pirate set, a surfing simulator consisting of a board, a few wind turbines, water jets and a green screen behind it, set up above the water a fair distance away from the shore. Behind them on the beach, a large matrix signal was set up.

''This is the Wet Willie's Wipeout surfing simulator!'' Chris announced as the castmates gazed at it.

''You can tell me a lot of things, but that's definitely not a surfing simulator!'' Bridgette pointed out, not recognizing the rather nightmarish contraption as one.

''The rules are simple! Both teams choose three castmates to take turns surfing! Simply hang ten this deck into the big blue without swallowing tail into the soup!''

''What did he say, eh? This slang thing is tricky!'' Ezekiel asked, utterly puzzled as he turned to Leshawna.

''If I knew, I'd have told you.'' Leshawna answered, not much wiser than Ezekiel is.

Bridgette giggled briefly at their confusion. ''It means stay on the board without falling in the water!'' She kindly explained.

''The longer you stand on it, the more coolness points you earn, with ten points being the highest!'' Chris continued explaining. ''But that's not all yet! Aside from four surfers, each team also assigns a lifeguard! When someone falls of their deck, not only will you look pretty stupid, the other team can claim the remaining points by sending their lifeguard in to rescue the surfer! However, if the lifeguard fails to rescue the un-cool surfer. The lifeguard themselves will not gain any points and will look pretty lame too... As well as having caused someone to drown probably!'' Chris continued explaining, making the castmates cast a brief look of worry.

''The team with the most points wins! Go pick your lifeguard and your surfers!'' He concluded as the teams went into conclave.

''Okay I don't mean to brag, but I obviously go surfing!'' Bridgette excitedly called, inevitably coming over as a bit arrogant nonetheless.

''Hold on, was Chris right when he said you are a lifeguard the other day?'' Gwen asked.

''Yes. Why?'' Bridgette asked, already notably less excited.

''No one else is! We could score big points if our lifeguard rescues everyone who falls off that board!'' Gwen explained.

''And since besides the only one with lifeguard experience, you're also the only surfer, I think that'll be everyone!'' Noah flatly finished.

''If not for us, do it for when people really may drown!'' DJ additionally tried to convince Bridgette.

After some consideration, Bridgette relented. ''I guess you're right!'' She agreed with a weary smile. ''I really want to go for spin, but I can always go after the challenge is finished!''

Meanwhile, the Grips were still in the middle of choosing someone for the role of lifeguard.

''Does anyone of us have any idea how to be a lifeguard?'' Trent asked. ''And I'm not only asking for our chances, but also because there are several people on that team that I care about!'' He obnoxiously added as he cast a nervous glance over to the Gaffers.

''My boyfriend is a lifeguard! He surfs too!'' Beth remarked, though no one really cared.

''We need someone who, like, is really good at swimming!'' Lindsay stated, taking initiative.

''Really?'' Courtney sarcastically replied, sounding overly kind to which Lindsay happily nodded her head. ''Duh!'' Courtney then annoyingly added, disappointing Lindsay just as hard.

''I'd love to go in and save any hottie that risks drowning!'' Duncan replied with a cocky smile, earning him both spiteful glares from both Courtney and Trent. ''But I don't really know how! I'm afraid some of us would have the greatest trouble saving themselves!'' He continued slightly sarcastic, turning his head to Tyler.

''Don't look at me! I'm going to surf!'' Tyler denied, having completely missed Duncan's point.

''Hey Harold, you haven't by any chance gone to Saving Grace Steve's Lifesaver camp or anything named like that?'' Duncan then asked.

''No. But there is a Lifeguard Larry camp!'' Harold optimistically answered, to the surprise of his team. ''Too bad I went to his Junior Accountant camp that year instead!'' He continued, dashing the hopes of his team quite quickly.

''That should come in handy... if there's ever going to be a tax returns challenge!'' Courtney grumbled.

(Confessional cam. Coming soon onto your television; it's Total Drama Accounting! With challenges such as Tax-Free Takedown! Dependant Deduction! And let's not forget the fan-favorite: Fundraiser Fraud!)

''You never know! Seeing how Total Drama likely has a huge budget, It'll only be a matter of time before Chris outsources it to us!'' Harold stated.

(End confessional cam.)

''Hey, I don't know much about saving people's lives, but I do pull off the slo-mo run great!'' Justin declared as Beth and Lindsay quietly squealed behind him. ''I say we go with that!'' He confidently suggested.

''It's still better than nothing.'' Trent listlessly decided. ''Just make sure you try to rescue them!'' He moodily instructed.

''Have both teams picked a lifeguard?'' Chris called as both Bridgette and Justin stepped forward for their team. ''Good! The rest of you take five while the lifeguards go to the costume department to get their attributes!''

''Costume department?'' Bridgette repeated in a blend of dread and anger as she was expecting the worst.

''You heard me right!'' Chris replied with a sardonic smile before they left, Bridgette clearly reluctant and regretting her choice already. ''Rest of you, maybe it'd be a good idea to put some sunscreen on!''

''I say!'' Cody agreed as he scrambled to get a bottle and opened it, having learned from not too long ago. Just as he was to squeeze the bottle, Bridgette already came back; and made some heads turn.

Bridgette was dressed in a stereotypical red lifeguard swimsuit that displayed the features of her body very well as she carried a rescue tube with her. However, Bridgette was none too pleased herself to be wearing it, and covered up her face, which was almost as red from embarrassment as her swimsuit was.

While the girls admired how Bridgette looked, or felt sorry for her if they caught on to her body language, obviously, most of the guys liked what they saw, but kept themselves calm out of politeness or self-control, but upon seeing Bridgette, Cody squeezed his bottle a little too hard, sending a big squirt of sunscreen up.

''Heh! That usually never happens!'' Cody meekly stated as he awkwardly scratched the back of his head as he got glares from DJ, Noah and Sadie, who he had accidentally covered in sunscreen.

(Confessional cam. Don't pretend, Cody...)

''What a humiliation! I quit my lifeguard job because I got fed up with all the guys ogling me!'' Bridgette angrily exclaimed, throwing her arms up before she calmed down. ''Seriously, after the seventh guy pretended to drown just to get mouth-to-mouth from me, I have had it!''

(End confessional cam.)

''Looking sharp, Bridgette!'' Chris complimented her as everyone finally took notice that she also had a rescue tube and a whistle with her.

''Bite me.'' She grumbled, not fully certain whether Chris was sincere or not.

''I'm sorry you have to do this!'' DJ kindly apologized, notably remaining the most unfazed of everyone.

''That's okay... I guess.'' Bridgette indifferently reacted, not taking any consolation from it.

''Do you have any idea what's keeping Justin though?'' Chris asked, getting inpatient.

Bridgette turned her head into the direction she came from and pointed. ''Here he comes.'' She plainly answered.

Despite Bridgette's unfazed attitude, the other girls gasped when they saw what outfit Justin was given, if it could be called that. The only thing he wore was a red speedo, and it's unclear whether his natural attractiveness had a hand in it, but many of the girls cherished what they saw. Beth and Lindsay even bit their lip, trying to repress a squeal. Meanwhile, the few guys that did care and weren't Owen mainly were disgruntled that their respective girlfriends were fawning over Justin, like Trent as he saw that Gwen gave Justin some admiring looks, subtle compared to others, but admiring nonetheless.

''Do you like what you see?'' Trent asked, a little jealous.

''He's a looker, but not a keeper!'' Gwen answered as she shot a smile at Trent, who wasn't sure what to think of it.

(Confessional cam. Doesn't a certain deodorant claim this to be the... what was it, hammer effect?)

Justin chuckled pedantically. ''Seeing other guys so disgusted by my beauty is telling of their own lack of self-confidence in their looks!'' He explained. ''I don't mean to sound arrogant, but seeing that and just feeling their envy and their insecurities; that pleases me!'' Justin added with fake humbleness.

(Static)

''I thought that Justin looked pretty stupid, but Gwen seemed completely in awe of him!'' Trent remarked. ''Did it make her think I look plain? What if she expects I start wearing those trunks? I don't think I can do that!''

(End confessional cam.)

Justin strutted to the other castmates until he stood next to his team, and Beth walked up to him.

''What's up Beth?'' Justin casually asked with a self-assured smile, acting oblivious as Beth was incoherently babbling, at a loss for words and staring at Justin's body... and crotch. ''Beth, my eyes are up here!'' Justin gently said, pulling Beth's up to meet his.

''Oh! I- I'm so sorry!'' Beth stammered, followed by a flustered giggle and a dark red blush.

''Oof! How do you stay cool after seeing such hotness?'' Leshawna asked Bridgette, fanning herself some air as she noted the rather indifferent response of the latter.

''I was like that too on the first day of lifeguard practice. The magic wears off after a while!'' Bridgette explained.

''Right, who wants to go first?'' Chris asked the two teams, of which all the allowed castmates wavered to volunteer.

''Not me! I don't like water, and I don't like heights! And that board is high above water!'' DJ meekly denied, to Eva's quiet annoyance.

''Make way for me! I'm going to shred the waves!'' Owen loudly proclaimed as he proudly stepped forward. ''I always wanted to try surfing!''

''Don't drown rescuing him!'' Noah told Justin with a cynical smile.

''Good luck reeling in this fish!'' Owen called, grabbing his gut before he shared a quick high-five with Noah and walked over to get on the surfboard, which was hard enough in itself.

Once Owen stood on it, typical 50's surf rock music began playing and the green screen behind him displayed a ocean backdrop. Bridgette gently bopped his head to the music as the other Gaffers cheered him on while Owen struggled to keep his balance, but enjoyed it nonetheless as he was pretty obviously not bothered by the strong gusts that the giant fans started blowing at him.

''Hmm, chilly!'' Owen mumbled as he shivered slightly from the cold wind. He made a few nice moves on the board, but then an ominous creaking came from it before it broke in half. Owen tried to keep standing on the separately supported halves, but he fell down very shortly after. Everyone winced, nervously awaiting Owen's reaction to breaking the board, earning himself a score of four.

''Don't look at me like that! That board obviously hadn't enough attitude for me!'' Owen called after he noted the looks, to relieved smiles of the others.

''Justin, work your inherent magic!'' Chris allowed him as another counter activated, starting at six.

''Of course.'' Justin gleefully before he coughed slightly and began to run towards the water. Everyone, especially Owen, was enthralled by Justin's slow-motion walk despite the fact that the footage ran on regular speed.

''Oh my!'' Lindsay sighed as she looked on with doe-eyes as a slightly jealous Tyler looked on.

Meanwhile, Justin made it to Owen pretty quickly and pulled him back to the shore as the latter was still in a trance. The only 'resistance' Owen offered was a flustered chuckle shortly before Justin quickly helped him back onto shore.

(Confessional cam. Now you may start to understand why lifeguard shows were once popular…)

''A special thank you for my modeling coach David! You can only learn this from the greats themselves!'' Justin stated with a suave grin. [2]

(End confessional cam.)

''I still don't really know what you're doing, but it did get you the six points Owen didn't earn!'' Chris announced as the brunt of the castmates regained their senses a little as an intern quickly fixed the simulator. ''Grips, what and who is your response?'' Chris asked as he turned to the doubtful Grips.

''Peeps, chill! I got this!'' Cody suavely assured them before he strutted over to the board, his assurances doing little to put them at ease.

''This isn't surfing on the internet we're talking about!'' Duncan sarcastically pointed out, yet let him go surfing anyway.

''At least he offers to go!'' Trent defended Cody's choice.

(Confessional cam. Duncan said it exactly as you thought it, right?)

''I tried way too hard to be manly by tanning or growing hair, but it can also be as simple as just offering to take a blow!'' Cody explained. ''Besides, surfers are total chick magnets!'' He added as he leaned back with a flirty smile and crossed his arms.

(End confessional cam.)

Cody shook slightly on the board as the simulation began. He immediately had trouble keeping his balance and fell off shortly after, landing headfirst in the water, causing his trunks to slip off and flow away and arguably worst of all only earning himself two points.

''My trunks! Has anyone seen my trunks somewhere?!'' Cody yelped, frantically looking around as some of the girls giggled and the more mean-spirited castmates laughed at his misfortune. Meanwhile, the second counter activated.

''Go!'' Chris told Bridgette, who wasted no time running into the water, aware of the interested stares she got from the guys. Once deep enough, she threw her rescue tube ahead and dove after it.

Meanwhile, Cody was too busy looking around for his trunks to notice Bridgette heading for him, and once he did bother to flee from her, she had already put him in a tight but harmless headlock.

''Hey, surfers lose their trunks plenty of times! Why do you think I wear a wetsuit?'' Bridgette consoled Cody as they swam back to the shore, with Cody spotting his trunks as they went and quickly put them back on.

(Confessional cam. Bum...er!)

''Come, ON!'' Cody groaned as he banged his head on the desk. ''What must I do to make girls notice me?!'' He exclaimed before he realized he actually had one after he fell in the water. ''Preferably in a way I'm comfortable with too.'' He added.

(End confessional cam.)

''Very good Bridgette! Since you were as quick as a-'' Chris explained, pausing to snort briefly. ''-Flash, it nets you the eight points that remained!'' Chris announced as Bridgette dragged Cody onto the shore. ''The score's twelve for the Gaffers against the Grips' eight! But It's still everyone's game!''

''I want to go next! Me! Me!'' Sadie excitedly called before Chris could ask, waving her arm as she rushed to the front of her team. ''I've seen enough! I think I'm ready to hang ten and tackle these gnarly waves!''

''Sadie, surfing is harder than it looks! I'm happy you're interested, but you can't learn it overnight!'' Bridgette cautioned her to protect her from her own decision.

''Please, I know what I'm doing! Don't be so aggro! I'll tackle this ride! I'm not a Barney!'' Sadie indignantly denied Bridgette's advice as she made her way over to the board, leaving Bridgette to puff and place her hands on her hips.

Sadie undauntedly climbed onto the surfboard and took stance as it activated. Unfortunately, her stance was poor and her lack of actual surfing experience yielded no advantage as it was clear she only got so far by sheer luck alone. The gusts of wind did little to her, but Sadie having trouble keeping standing by herself was hard enough already, and earned another four points before she fell off.

''Blast! In the soup!'' Sadie scoffed, splashing the water as Bridgette subtly snickered, happy to not having to admit she was wrong. She then noted she was being admired by some of the guys again and groaned in annoyance and crossed her arms over her chests to at least obscure them from their view.

Meanwhile, Justin wasted no time swimming over to Sadie, whose attempt to flee Justin was only half-hearted as she couldn't help but sneak a peek at Justin occasionally. He then caught up with her and coaxed her to come along using only a charming smile.

''I may've swallowed tail, but this is a great consolation!'' Sadie swooned as she held onto Justin and they swam back to the shore.

''That wasn't hard, was it Justin?'' Chris asked as Justin walked onto the beach and let Sadie gently fall down in the sand. ''After all, Sadie got four points and you got six!''

''Sadie, surfing is something that takes years to learn and is not something you can master by only looking at a few others doing it!'' Bridgette explained as she stood over Sadie.

''Could you teach me a little?'' Sadie meekly asked as she got up.

''I suppose we could take some time for that!'' Bridgette casually agreed.

''So far, the Grips are up and have fourteen points as opposed to the Gaffers' sixteen and I got to say... you suck pretty hard at surfing!'' Chris chastised them with a smile, ticking some of the castmates off. ''You earned most of your points because your lifeguards are skilled or cunning enough to rescue you!'' He added as Bridgette and Justin smiled, feeling complimented.

''I go next, and I won't need any rescuing!'' Duncan cockily called, indifferently walking over to the surfboard. He climbed on and the simulation began.

Without much effort, Duncan remained perfectly balanced on the board, even with the gusts blowing as he slowly but surely earned points for the Grips. As Duncan made it farther than anyone else at that point, he was taken by surprise when the water nozzles came to life and shot high-pressure jets at him. He kept standing with some effort, but when a second pair shot him right in his stomach, he got disoriented and lost his balance. Even so, earning seven points was still the best performance displayed so far.

''I hope I'll be able to go to him without people ogling me this time!'' Bridgette moodily thought aloud, casting a glance over at some of the guilty castmates, who feigned innocence. Afterwards, Bridgette wasted no time and headed to Duncan to save him and the points she could still earn, but Duncan was determined to not let Bridgette have those points as he swam off. But while he could stall his rescue for a short while, Bridgette rapidly caught up with him. As Bridgette got in his reach, he immediately held Bridgette in a powerful hold, locking her head and one of her arms.

''You're not going to rescue me!'' Duncan tauntingly assured Bridgette as she struggled to break free from Duncan's hold, to no avail. ''They better send someone to get-'' Was all Duncan could say before Bridgette delivered him a powerful punch in his gut underwater, incapacitating him long enough for Bridgette to turn the tables and put him in a tight headlock as they swam back to the shore.

''You didn't need any saving, you say?'' Gwen asked with a smirk as Bridgette and Duncan walked out of the water and the former let go.

''You'd want some help too if you get beaten up by your own rescuer!'' Duncan responded as he got up, rubbing his sore stomach. Courtney shot Bridgette an angry glare in response to his remark, and Bridgette made a soothing gesture back.

(Confessional cam. If you know the treatment Duncan usually gets, he got off easy this time.)

''Important rule of lifesaving; It's okay to injure a drowning person to subdue them! Duncan is right, they aren't supposed to send someone else to rescue you as well!'' [3]

(End confessional cam.)

''That display of justified violence netted Bridgette three points! Now the turns are turned in the Grips' favor as they lead twenty-one to nineteen with both teams only having one surfer left!'' Chris announced.

''I guess I should show you how to do it!'' Gwen suggested with playful smugness before she headed over to the board.

''You can rock this Gwen!'' Trent cheered her on as the music started playing and the simulator turned on.

''Gee dude, help me remember: Have you been this excited when any of us surfed?'' Duncan asked, a little humored. However, Trent treated him to a glare in response, which left Duncan a little confused.

Meanwhile, Gwen did pretty well. The gusts were not strong enough to blow her away yet and they didn't disorient her very much either. However, a short while after, one of the nozzle sprung to life and sprayed water at her, which got right in her eyes. Gwen yelped in pain as she stumbled back and slipped off of the wet board, painfully hitting her ankle as she fell and earned five points.

''Ah! My ankle!'' Gwen yelped as she surfaced, splashing around to keep afloat.

''Gwen!'' Trent shouted in horror as he was about to rush into the water to save her, but was interrupted by an arm from Chris.

''No no Mister Desperate! Justin has to save her! No matter how grave it is!'' Chris formally stated as Justin ran in to do so and quickly made it to Gwen, who provided no effort to flee because of her injured ankle.

''You know, you're not making it very challenging for me!'' Justin remarked as he approached Gwen, a little smug.

''Whatever dude, just help me get back!'' Gwen hissed.

''Kindly so! Hold on to my back!'' Justin replied, happy with the easy points as Gwen did as she was instructed and swam back to the shore.

''Thanks.'' Gwen mildly appreciatively told Justin when they reached the shore.

''Gwen! Are you alright?'' Trent asked as he dashed over to them, overhearing Gwen thanking Justin.

''Yeah, I'll be fine!'' Gwen calmly responded, as Trent cast a relieved smile before he cast a dark glare at Justin instead.

''I'd compliment Justin on reeling in the remaining five points, but I'd figure he doesn't deserve it after having such an easy time earning them! Five points each!''

''Dude, what was that?'' Trent asked Justin as he swung an arm around his shoulder. Seemingly polite, though the venom in his voice couldn't be missed.

''What do you mean?'' Justin asked, genuinely confused.

''How you let Gwen hold on to you was really inappropriate! You remember she's my girlfriend, right?'' Trent cattily reminded him.

''How else was I supposed to get her back to shore?'' Justin retorted, feeling attacked.

''There are plenty of ways to do that!'' Trent angrily barked, catching the attention of all the other castmates. ''You just had to choose that romantic option of pulling her back didn't you?'' Trent berated him as Justin cast a intrusive glare back at Trent and quietly pondered..

''Dude, you're talking (Censor).''

''I am not, talking (Censor)!'' Trent growled, getting into Justin's face.

''Trent, calm down!'' Gwen intervened, and Trent immediately backed up and partially realized what he was doing. ''I don't know what this is about, but he was only pulling me back to the shore!'' She declared. Immediately, Trent backing off humbled and feeling guilty.

''Yeah, you're right. Absolutely right!'' Trent mumbled agreeably, wondering whether his anger was justified or not.

(Confessional cam. Where the real (Censor) is talked about!)

''Something is definitely bothering Trent! I feel so stupid! I should've noticed earlier!'' Gwen declared before she visibly worried. ''I don't know what to do! I need advice from someone who has experience with whimsical partners!''

(End confessional cam.)

''So, after that incident, who of the Grips is ready to either save their team from defeat or usher it in?'' Chris asked, his smile betraying he hoped for the latter.

''My turn!'' Tyler determinedly called before any of them could volunteer.

''Tyler, wait!'' Courtney called after him, but to no avail as he didn't listen. She expected Trent to say something but she noticed that he was distracted, by his own worry. ''Trent, say something!'' Courtney barked as Trent remained unresponsive, to her annoyance as Tyler was already halfway to the board.

He climbed onto the board, and the music started playing. Early on, Tyler almost lost his balance, but to the surprise of the castmates, he remained standing. Then the gusts of wind came, and while he visibly struggled kept standing nonetheless.

''He isn't doing half that bad!'' Beth remarked.

''Don't say stuff like that!'' Courtney berated him.

As if Courtney knew, Tyler got disoriented and was blown off the board, painfully hitting the simulator's scaffolding on the way down and being too busy doing so to see that he had earned four points as well.

''Help!'' Tyler shouted in panic before he briefly submerged. ''Help!'' He repeated as he resurfaced shortly after, splashing wildly. Bridgette dashed into the water, being closely looked at by many of the male castmates as she ran past them to her enduring frustration.

''Man, look at those bouncing tits, eh!'' Ezekiel dreamily mumbled as he looked in Bridgette's direction. Immediately upon hearing it, Bridgette froze on the spot and shot a piercing glare at Ezekiel as Leshawna shot him a incredibly offended look as well.

''Zeke! First thing I have to teach you is to watch your language! Your tongue got you in trouble before after all!'' Leshawna chastised him.

''What?!'' Ezekiel yelped, completely oblivious of what he did. ''Those are tits right?'' He asked as he pointed past where Bridgette was at a trampoline, where miraculously, some birds were bouncing off from. ''Or are they maybe sparrows?'' Ezekiel wondered as Leshawna looked on, utterly dumbfounded as Bridgette decided to continue as well.

(Confessional cam. That trampoline was actually for the interns, the birdies just claimed it as their own!)

''After we encountered a legit serial killer, I went logrolling with a bear and survived a bicycle ride with Izzy, you'd think nothing would surprise me anymore. But being on this show just keeps on finding ways to blow my mind again!'' Leshawna stated, sounding utterly unfazed.

(End confessional cam.)

Duncan cast a small, devious smile and spoke. ''I'm with Zeke though! Geoff is a lucky guy to have a hot girlfriend!'' He remarked as Cody nodded in agreement. Bridgette's heard his remark and her eyes widened in anger. She had tolerated this, but her limit was reached. She abandoned her rescue and swam back to the shore.

''What's that supposed to mean?'' Bridgette furiously hissed as she came stomping out of the water. ''Is the value of a girlfriend solely tied to how hot she looks?! Is that what you think?'' Bridgette spat at Duncan as Cody inched back, feeling intimidated. ''That is so... shallow! Is it really so important that a girl looks great to you? Why? So you can brag about it? Well, there is more than a girl than her looks!'' She ranted with passionate anger as the castmates listened.

''Bridge-'' Gwen said to catch her attention, but failed as Bridgette continued.

''So maybe if you'd stop thinking with your (Censor) and looked at the inside of a girl for a change, maybe you'll find some qualities much more valuable and they are sure to last as well! But of course-

''Bridgette!'' Leshawna shouted, loud enough to cease Bridgette's tirade. She cast a look over at Leshawna, who pointed over to Tyler in the lake, still splashing.

''Oh!'' She gasped, completely disregarding her rant and sprinting into the water.

Bridgette wasted no more time and reached Tyler and decided to play it safe, she let the rescue tube flow into his direction and Tyler wildly grabbed for it, confirming her suspicion that Tyler was in a state of genuine panic.

''Don't worry, I'm securing you!'' Bridgette assured Tyler as she went behind him and did just that before she swam back to the shore with Tyler in tow. As they arrived, Lindsay immediately ran up to them.

''Are you alright?'' Lindsay cooed, worried as she crouched down next to Tyler as Bridgette unleashed him from the rescue tube.

''I am a little better now!'' Tyler answered, smiling at Lindsay's concern.

''You almost got me worried that you'd drown for real!'' Cody remarked, somewhat impressed.

''So did I!'' Tyler grunted before he coughed up some water and got up.

''Despite how professional Bridgette's rescue looked, her fit of anger cost her a good amount of time and points! Crucial points too! In fact, as Bridgette only earned four points out of the six she could earn, the Gaffers lose today's first challenge to the Grips!'' Chris announced. The Grips cheered as Bridgette fell to her knees and held her head in defeat.

''Wait, I won us the challenge?'' Tyler repeated

''You had the circumstances in your favor, but technically you did.'' Courtney humbly agreed, allowing him to enjoy the moment.

(Confessional cam. Reality is falling apart!)

Tyler's confessional consisted of him cheering and dancing through the makeup trailer.

(Static)

''Ha! I knew calling Bridgette hot would anger her, but she fell even worse for it than I expected! Hook line and sinker!'' Duncan laughed.

(Static)

''Unbelievable how I lost the challenge! So, SO embarrassing!'' Bridgette mumbled, ashamed. ''It's just... I just hate it when I'm hounded by guys who only care for my looks or think of me as some lustful hottie! Aside from being a lifeguard, I also used to play beach volleyball and I loved it! But I got so many rude, demeaning 'compliments' from guys that I couldn't take it anymore!'' She explained with increasing frustration before a short sigh. ''Same as why I couldn't stand Geoff, I don't want people to think something of me that I'm not!''

(End confessional cam.)

Shortly after, the two teams were brought to a central point a little further down the shore.

''If any of you juniors have ever seen surf movies know that aside from riding tail, another important event is the bonfire party near the big blue where they're up for some neat-o fun?'' Chris asked.

''You clearly haven't seen surf movies!'' Sadie indignantly called as the rest struggled to understand what Chris was talking about. ''Like Sole Surfer; About a girl who has to conquer her fear of water after a brutal shark attack cost her a arm!'' [4]

''Surf movies are more than surfing alone! They feature a journey through oneself as they become better persons!'' Bridgette explained.

''Really, I think you took the easy road!'' Sadie suspected as she crossed her arms.

''Nonetheless, this is the road we take!'' Chris concluded, annoyed as he regained a chipper smile in the blink of an eye. ''The point of today's second challenge is to organize a crack-a-lackin' party that'll attract the most partygoers, which are our interns! All of them are pretty specific, and will go to whatever party appeals to them more! We will set up some TV screens showing the opposing team's party so that the interns can judge for themselves if the other party is worth checking out more! Whoever has the most peeps on their fling by midnight, or whoever's party is not a total disaster by then, wins!''

(Confessional cam. A party challenge? Geoff would turn around in his grave... if he was actually dead!)

''You'd think that the interns would be less picky if you saw how well they fare on this show.'' Noah uninterestedly guessed.

(End confessional cam.)

''You have until sundown to organize it using anything you can get your hands on, and no crashing the other party! Because the Grips had won the first challenge, they are already provided with some quality necessities for a great party!'' He started explaining before pointing down the shore in both directions. ''The Gaffers' beach is to the west, and the Grips' to the east! Get your groovy on and good luck!'' Chris concluded his explanation before the two teams headed to their respective beach.

The Grips were heading for their part of the beach. From a distance, they could a marked-off section decorated with a appropriate background and several potted palm trees.

''Does anyone have any problems if I go through what we have?'' Courtney asked as they got closer. Some Grips cast a look at Trent to see what his response would be, but he remained quiet and sulked on, and by remaining silent, they agreed with Courtney's request.

Once they properly arrived, everyone either leaned against the palm trees or sat down in the sand as Courtney went through what they already had.

''Let's see, we've got a bonfire ready, a boom box with different CD's and a bar! That'll work! But what else may we need?'' Courtney wondered, going through everything they were provided with.

''If we have a bar, we'll obviously need some drinks!'' Duncan declared.

''We can add some decorations! Festoons with lampions! I know how to make those!'' Lindsay cheerfully offered, wanting to do her say as well.

''And lights! I'm sure it'll get pretty dark here tonight! Maybe there'll be some of those tiki torches around!'' Cody suggested.

''We got a plan! Let's get to work!'' Courtney optimistically announced.

As expected, the Gaffers had nothing but the beach itself, the backdrop and the trees to start out with. To make it worse, their beach was rife with litter, some of which would've been rather painful to walk on.

''This is... not much.'' Gwen numbly stated as everyone just looked on at their beach.

''Please, my parents started out with 'not much'. You just have to make something out of it!'' Leshawna optimistically declared.

''You're right!'' Gwen agreed, her spirits lifting up. ''What do we all need for a great party?''

''Snacks, music, drinks, chow, a bonfire, decorations, and don't forget something to eat!'' Owen excitably listed, using his fingers.

''Can you cook us something great, DJ?'' Bridgette asked.

For a second though, DJ looked frustrated, but he kept calm. ''Sure!''

(Confessional cam. One of those moments where people say ''Sure!'' But actually mean ''Buzz off!'')

''To be frank, I didn't want to cook anything else today after working my behind off in the kitchen to make breakfast!'' DJ stated, weary and resting his head on his arm. ''But I can't let my team down, so I guess I can make an exception.'' He hesitantly added, not very convinced of what he said himself.

(Static)

''DJ is going to crack soon. I'm giving it a few days at best!'' Eva contently predicted.

(End confessional cam.)

''I can always stick a few surfboards in the sand for the looks! It's not much, but It's a start!'' Bridgette suggested. ''And if we can get lots and lots of flowers, maybe we can make leis to give to the interns!''

''That sounds really appropriate for a surf party!'' Gwen agreed, mildly enthusiastic.

''But first, we should clear the litter!'' Leshawna declared. As Bridgette left, many of the others went to work to remove all the litter.

''Hey Leshawna, can I ask you something?'' Ezekiel asked after a short while.

''What's up?'' She casually replied.

''Sorry for that whole tit thing, eh!''

''Don't mention it! It was really awkward!''

''Also, why did Bridgette get angry? I thought being called hot was a compliment, eh!'' Ezekiel wondered.

''It may be. But even if it may be a compliment doesn't mean anyone will treat it as such!'' Leshawna answered.

''Why that?'' Ezekiel asked, confused.

''Everyone has their own reasons. You heard Bridgette, she feels like people only appreciate her for how she looks and she doesn't want that!''

''I always thought that a compliment was always a positive thing, eh!'' Ezekiel explained, unsure about whether it really is anymore.

''They do not. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. But don't worry about feeling bad if you get flak. If you really didn't know you said something wrong, then they're in the wrong if they get mad with you!'' Leshawna conclusively assured him.

As the end of the day neared, the Grips' preparations were in full swing. Beth and Lindsay were making lampions, Cody had found some torches and prodded them strategically into the ground, Trent was moodily listening to the music and Harold was adding the finishing touches to a impressive looking sandcastle.

''Hey Duncan!'' Harold called.

''What?'' Duncan moodily replied as he came walking over.

''Kick over this sandcastle!'' Harold ordered.

''You want me to kick it? Your funeral!'' Duncan shrugged before he gave it a light kick, thinking it'd suffice. But to his surprise, the castle remained standing with ease. Duncan frowned and tried it again, and got frustrated when the castle again wouldn't budge.

''I'm not letting a dumb sandcastle belittle me!'' Duncan declared before he repeatedly tried to destroy the castle through several means... unsuccessfully.

''It doesn't matter if a man is wise or a fool to build his house on sand. With proper architecture, he can build everywhere!'' Harold proudly proclaimed as Duncan furiously kicked the castle repeatedly, determined to bring it down.

Meanwhile, a melancholic surf song accurately reflected Trent's mood and body language as he listened to it. Claiming it's for research but secretly using it as a means to slack off, not feeling like doing anything. Justin carried a torch and accidentally walked into Trent.

''Sorry bro!'' Justin quickly apologized before he was to resume what he was doing.

''No man,'' Trent interrupted Justin as he stood up. ''I should apologize. It was unreasonable of me to flip out at you earlier!''

''What was it about?'' Justin asked, despite already knowing.

''I really don't know. I keep having thoughts that I don't live up to what Gwen wants! Yesterday, I overheard her calling guitarists tacky and she looks so close with some of the other guys! And when she held on to you as you swam back to the shore... I don't know, I lost it!'' Trent explained, sounding less dejected than he actually was.

''It's okay dude!'' Justin assured him with a smile. ''Too bad about your Gwen problems though! It sounds like she's not very honest with you!'' He added.

''I know! It makes her interest in my movies and that sketch she made of me look so meaningless and...'' Trent sadly rambled until his speech slowly ceased as he remembered those particular moments and their significance. Immediately after, Trent notably cheered up. ''Wait, what am I even saying? She still loves me! I should just stop worrying so much and remember that! If she really had enough of me, I'd be single by now!'' Trent concluded before casting a bright smile.

''Thanks Justin! I really needed this talk!'' He said before he left, leaving Justin with a frown very unlike Trent's smile.

(Confessional cam. Proof that Justin's smile works wonders... if you disregard all the times it didn't!)

''It are moments like these my charms work too well!'' Justin stated before he crossed his arms and huffed in annoyance. ''What do I do now?''

(End confessional cam.)

As the other Gaffers were preparing, Bridgette returned with a few prop surfboards which she promptly put upright in the sand.

''Hey Bridgette.'' Sadie greeted her.

''Hey Sadie. What's hanging?'' Bridgette replied before sticking the last board in the sand.

''Funny you should mention hanging, can you teach me to 'hang ten' now?'' Sadie requested.

''You keep using hang ten, but it doesn't mean what you think it means!'' Bridgette remarked.

''It doesn't?'' Sadie responded.

''No. To hang ten is to stand on the tip of the board with your toes over the edge.'' Bridgette explained.

''Hmm, I guess I'll have to touch up my lingo a little then!'' Sadie guessed as she scratched the back of her head as embarrassment surfacing slowly. ''Can we practice some surfing then!''

''I guess we can!'' Bridgette answered before she and Sadie went to get a surfboard.

A short distance away, Noah and Owen were making leis using a variety of flowers. Though Noah had decided he had done enough and lounged back, letting Owen do the work by himself.

''Remember when Izzy played all those pranks on you in the pirate challenge?'' Owen asked Noah after a short chuckle after finishing a lei and starting on another.

''Yes...'' Noah bitterly responded, not recalling the memory as fondly.

''I love it when she does that!'' Owen stated before he looked over the shore and sighed contently. ''Ah... a party challenge! Who would've thought that?'' He asked before his expression turned a little dour. ''Too bad Izzy isn't here. She'd let it go through the roof!'' Owen stated, rather disappointed as Noah cast a cautious glare at Owen. ''But good thing there are still plenty of friends left!'' He then added, easing Noah's worry as Owen walked over to DJ, who struggled to carry a few plates and a bowl.

''Let me help you with that!'' Owen offered.

''Thanks man! I-'' DJ groaned, relieved and grateful until he found out Owen meant to help DJ by taking a serving of the food instead of carrying a plate like DJ wanted.

''This tastes great! What is it?'' Owen cheerfully asked after devouring it, still not feeling inclined to help DJ at all and even taking another hand from the plate.

''Nothing fancy, prawn cocktails. Some fruit salads.'' DJ tiredly puffed as he put the plates down where he wanted them. ''Don't eat them all up though! I haven't struggled to make them to not make it to tonight!'' He reminded Owen, letting the budding stress and annoyance shine through.

''Chill man! I'm not going to!'' Owen promised, though he longingly eyed the cocktails and couldn't resist but eat one more prawn cocktail. ''Starting now!'' He added before he walked away, annoying DJ some more.

At the same time, Gwen slowly left the beach.

''Hey guys, I'll be back in ten! I'm going to get us some drinks!'' Gwen called before she left.

Over at the Grips, Duncan thought of the same thing.

''Hey, I'm going to get the drinks! I'll be back in ten!'' Duncan called, having given up destroying the sandcastle.

''Don't get into trouble!'' Courtney told him.

''Yes mom!'' Duncan replied as he left, calm but annoyed.

However, what Duncan was planning to do could get him in trouble. As he thought of a plan, he bumped into Gwen.

''Hey!'' Duncan greeted her

''Sorry. I guess I still got some water in my eyes!'' Gwen apologized.

''What are you doing here?'' Duncan asked.

''I went out to get drinks for our party, but I have no idea where to get them from!''

''I have! I'm going to raid Chef's fridge! But I could do with someone standing guard! You get a share of the loot if you help me out!'' Duncan offered.

''You got it!'' Gwen enthusiastically agreed before they hurried over to the craft services tent. They observed Chef walking out and when he disappeared in the distance, Duncan and Gwen snuck in.

''Stay here!'' Duncan ordered Gwen as she stayed behind in the dining area while he ran into the kitchen and opened the fridge. After Duncan took some bottles of pop, his eyebrows arched when noticing bottles containing a different kind of liquid.

''Whoa, there is some heavy stuff in here! Scotch, Whiskey! Should we take it?'' Duncan asked, holding one of said bottles.

''Don't! Who knows how much worse he is when he hadn't had his night cap?'' Gwen chuckled.

''True that!'' Duncan agreed as he put the bottle of liquor back and claimed the remaining soda bottles instead. He then cast a look over to the garbage bin before he put the bottles on the table and quickly searched the bin.

''What's taking you?'' Gwen hissed, annoyed and slightly worried they'd be busted.

''Just a sec!'' Duncan replied as he scooped up a pile of gross mystery meat, something he couldn't contain his disgust from, and shoved it into the fridge.

''What was that about?'' Gwen asked as she came walking into the kitchen and helped Duncan with carrying the soda.

''Just leaving my calling card! Let's go!'' Duncan hastily explained before they ran off.

A short distance away, their run slowed down into a gentle walk, certain they weren't discovered.

''What was that with the slob? A calling card?'' Gwen asked, confused.

''Eh... that was nothing!'' Duncan shrugged.

''It didn't seem like nothing!'' Gwen remarked, smiling as it was clear to her that Duncan tried to avoid the subject.

''I, I got a little nostalgic when we were there!'' Duncan casually relented.

''To what?''

Duncan cocked his head as a awkward smile formed. ''Remember that night during boot camp when we got those snacks?'' He asked, to which Gwen affirmatively nodded her head. ''Courtney and I nabbed them from the staff buffet. We left a dead fish as a surprise for Chris and Chef to find!''

''Wait, you and Courtney of all people went to steal that food?'' Gwen asked incredulously.

''That's right.'' Duncan replied before he sighed. ''I hate to sound soft, but that was the moment I began to really like her!'' He remarked, trying his hardest not to sound dreamy.

''It's messed up that because of those little things, your time on camp doesn't seem half as messed up as it was!''

''I know, right?'' Gwen agreed before a short chuckle before she realized how good certain things were compared to the present. ''At least, it used to.'' She added glumly.

''Why?''

''Trent has been acting so odd lately. One moment he feels so distant and aloof and later he's so hostile! Just look at how he flipped when Justin helped me get to shore!'' Gwen explained as they resumed walking. ''I never thought dating and having a boyfriend would be so difficult!''

''It's a part of the package. I get my fair share of mood swings from my own girlfriend, so I know how that's like.'' Duncan declared.

''But how do I deal with this? How do I get the old Trent back? At first I thought he didn't feel appreciated by me, but now It's like he's jealous!'' Gwen continued, starting to sound worried. ''

''Maybe we should hang out a little less then?'' Duncan suggested, which was met with a condescending puff from Gwen.

'' If we keep hanging out, Trent won't calm down but if you and me would stop talking, he'll get suspicious! I think we'll do the wrong thing no matter what!'' Gwen disdainfully denied, angry with her cluelessness.

''Well, If so, I learned that, whether you like it or not, some time you just got to talk it out.'' Duncan alternatively suggested.

''I- I suppose. Is it really that simple?'' Gwen unsurely asked, which was met with a nod from Duncan. ''I'll try that then!'' Gwen declared, already much more at peace. ''I feel so relieved already!'' She added before she turned to Duncan and gave him a quick, friendly embrace.

''Thank you for being a listening ear Duncan! Courtney should be happy to have you!'' Gwen said before she broke away from him.

''I know right?'' Duncan chuckled.

''And thank you for the pop as well!'' Gwen added before they went their separate ways.

''That's your pay for a job well done!'' Duncan responded.

However, unbeknownst to both of them, a third person had been around for a short while; Justin. He'd been watching their conversation as his mouth slowly arched into a dark smile.

(Confessional cam. You don't want this guy to be your third wheel...)

''Bless my fortunes! I don't know what Duncan and Gwen were doing by themselves, but I don't have to know the fine details of it anyway!'' Justin stated with a wide gleam. ''As long as I tell Trent that they were doing something together, he'll lose his cool sooner or later!''

(End confessional cam.)

Back with the Gaffers, Bridgette had put a surfboard on two wobbly rocks as Sadie laid on top of it, struggling to keep her balance.

''Good, now stand up straight!'' Bridgette directed before Sadie attempted to get up, and eventually succeeded but wobbled madly on the board. ''Feet further apart!'' Bridgette added, but immediately after, Sadie lost her balance and fell.

''What am I doing wrong?!'' Sadie huffed, frustrated at another failure.

''It's hard to teach yourself into the right pose. You'll get the hang of it eventually!'' Bridgette assured her before Sadie let out another huff as she sat in the sand.

Shortly after, Gwen returned with the soda.

''Now that should keep a drought away tonight!'' Leshawna happily called as she and Ezekiel, who had been flanking her all day, helped Gwen store the bottles away. ''Where'd you get them from?''

''Duncan and I raided the craft services!'' Gwen answered.

''Y'know, you've been hanging out a lot with Duncan, eh. If I didn't know you, I'd say he was your boyfriend instead of Trent!'' Ezekiel noted, innocently as he didn't read that Gwen felt slightly attacked.

''What's that supposed to mean?'' Gwen asked.

''Exactly how he puts it.'' Leshawna replied, partially feeling the same way.

''Trent has nothing to worry about! I know he's been a little...out there, but I'll make sure that he knows that after tonight!'' Gwen assured them, pausing briefly to find an appropriate word, or more specifically one that didn't send the wrong implication.

A short silence persisted between the three as Leshawna parked her hands in her hips and shot Gwen a questioning glare, but cast a smile shortly after. ''Good! You don't want to let a fish like that get away!''

''Fish? You mean Trent right? Is that why relationships are called hookups?'' Ezekiel confusedly asked, which earned him a hearty chuckle from Leshawna.

''Zeke, you're a smart kind of stupid!'' Leshawna told him, humored.

A short while later, the sun had completely set and both teams had lit their tiki torches and both the Grips and Gaffers were ready for the party.

''Teams, the challenge starts now! Good luck and keep the party spirits and the interns satisfied!'' Chris called over a PA system. Moments later, at least one dozen interns, male and female alike, arrived at the shores about halfway between the Gaffers and the Grips.

''This way to our party! Care for some coke?'' Tyler said, holding a plate with several pints of cola as the route to there was lit by torches. This hospitality appealed to the majority of the interns as they took a pint from the plate and followed the lit path, leading them to the beach party of the Grips, which looked rather lively not only because of the lit lampions coating the beach in a soft glow, but also because Cody, Justin, Lindsay and Trent were dancing and especially the latter compelled the interns to join in.

''That was a smart idea to attract interns, Courtney! Look at how many there are already!'' Beth said.

''Like my mother taught me; Always give off a good first impression!'' Courtney answered as the interns danced to the music or went to get another drink from Duncan, who manned the bar.

The interns that didn't go to the Grips predictably went to the Gaffers' party instead, where Bridgette waited for them and put a lei around every intern's neck, a gesture that was appreciated. On this party, the interns were treated to music, dance provided by Ezekiel, somewhat off-putting Leshawna and Sadie while DJ stood behind a makeshift table, tending to the food. A big difference with the Grips is that the Gaffers already had lit their bonfire.

''Hmm, you can't tell me these are supposed to be many.'' Gwen told Leshawna and Owen, a little disappointed.

''The night is still young!'' Leshawna remarked cautiously upbeat while dancing.

''And who cares about the interns? We can have a great party without them!'' Owen shouted before he joined the dance floor. Owen banged his head aggressively until he noted Noah idly sitting by himself.

''Hey Noah! Come dance with us! Even Zeke is dancing!'' Owen excitedly asked, casting a glance over at Ezekiel, who's dancing looked pretty admirable.

''No thanks man, I'm not a dancer.'' Noah politely denied.

''But you become one very easily! Here look!'' Owen replied before he grabbed Noah's arm.

''No-'' Noah yelled before he was pulled onto the dance floor by Owen and Noah bopped his head and shook his arms lightly to the music almost instantly.

''See?''

''Hmm, this isn't so bad after all!'' He quietly noted, mildly surprised and not displeased that he was forced to try after all.

Back with the Grips, the party was in full swing and everyone was very much enjoying themselves as the majority of the guests were dancing to the music. A notable exception was Courtney, who observed and quietly managed the party from the sidelines and fidgeted around.

''Tell me again, why hasn't the bonfire been lit yet?'' Courtney asked Trent.

''If we light it this early, it loses its appeal! Lighting the bonfire should be a centerpiece of the party, with a little ceremony!'' Trent explained before he took a sip from his drink. ''It's a party! Relax!''

Courtney cocked her head slightly and followed Trent's advice, heading for the bar.

''Give me one!'' She requested from Duncan.

''On the house!'' Duncan said after he poured her in a glass of cola.

''You charged these people for it?!'' Courtney asked in shock, which made Duncan chuckle.

''Chill out Courtney, I was only joking!'' He soothingly assured her. Courtney couldn't even crack a smile at Duncan's prank, though more because of how naively she fell for it.

''You still haven't told me how you got those drinks.'' Courtney mistrustfully whispered before she drank some of her soda.

''A way you'd definitely approve of!'' Duncan answered.

''Then I probably don't.'' Courtney casually concluded before taking another sip.

''It was either that or lake water and the only reason you should drink that stuff is to spew it out immediately after!'' Duncan retorted.

After a short time, they noted that a sizeable part of the interns crowded around the TV screen depicting the other party and shortly after, they left.

''Where are you going?'' Courtney asked, both annoyed and concerned.

''To the other party! We're starving, and they have food!'' One of the interns answered before he followed the rest, with only a fraction of the intern crew and the Grips remaining as the latter knew that this was bad news.

Courtney groaned in frustration and stomped her feet. ''How could we forget something important like snacks?!'' She grumbled before jerking a finger in the direction of another pair of interns leaving.

''Where are you going?!'' She barked.

''This internship is freaking me out enough already! I'm not staying with a stress tornado like you!'' One of the interns answered before she turned their back on them. As the Grips were now left with only two interns, Courtney threw her hands up in frustration and defeat.

(Confessional cam. Learning from your mistakes is food for thought!)

''Ugh, I can just feel my sister Audrey silently laughing at my failures and thinking of ways to belittle me and criticize everything I do, like always!'' Courtney griped, angry at first but gradually becoming a little sadder and humbled.

(End confessional cam.)

It was quickly clear to the Gaffers that the majority of the interns had come to their party, and they had lined up in front of DJ to get a meal from the buffet along with many of the Gaffers. Everyone that already had food gathered around the bonfire for warmth and coziness. Among them were Leshawna and Gwen.

''What are you smiling about?'' Leshawna asked Gwen as they sat in front of the bonfire.

''Technically, this is the first party I've ever went to!'' Gwen admitted with a sheepish smile. ''If it's always this fun with so many people enjoying themselves, then I honestly can't help but beat myself up a little over what I missed!'' She added on a melancholic note.

''Don't do that! Don't linger at what you've done wrong in the past, but look forward to the future where you can do it right!'' Leshawna advised.

''And more wise words from Leshawna the all-knowing!'' Gwen happily replied.

''Easy! There's enough for everyone!'' DJ politely called as he struggled to manage the somewhat pushy interns

''I have a lot of hunger!'' Owen answered as he was the next in line, to DJ's latent horror. Owen wiggled his fingers as he eyed the cocktails, pondering on which to take.

''Dude, I think you had enough!'' DJ remarked.

''Just one more!'' Owen begged before he eyed one specific prawn cocktail. ''Oh, this one looks delish!'' Owen mumbled delightedly before he took one and immediately tossed it into his mouth. ''But this one does too!'' He added before it followed suit.

''Owen...'' DJ tried to stop him, but determined to stay mild-mannered. It almost seemed to have the opposite effect as Owen picked up another prawn cocktail before cutting all the brakes and devouring all that remained on the plate. DJ looked on in silent fury as Owen licked his lips and rubbed his gut in delight as the others in line behind were not pleased to say the least.

(Confessional cam. You got Prawn'd!)

''You slave away making great party snacks and then that...'' DJ grumbled, angry but hoping to contain himself. ''that black hole just waddles in and swallows it whole!'' He spat, very stressed before he took a few deep breaths. ''Settle down Devon, mama raised you to be better than getting angry over some prawn cocktails! There's still the fruit salad!''

(End confessional cam.)

''You know what'll really make for a great finish? A fresh dessert!'' Owen stated before he lifted the bowl with the fruit salad above his head and swallowed it whole as DJ collapsed on the desk, burying his face in his hands and shaking his head.

''Owen!'' multiple people called in anger as he acted innocently but knew too well what he had done.

''You beach leech!'' Sadie added, annoyed because she was next in line.

''That's weak dude!'' One intern called.

''You used to be my favorite contestant!'' Another agreed.

''Screw this, I'm going back to the other party!'' One intern said before he left, leading many others with him leaving the Gaffers with less interns than they had before they received the guests from the Grips.

''That lasted a good ten minutes.'' Noah flatly noted.

''Well done Owen, you ate up all our snacks! I hope it was tasty!'' Leshawna cynically told him. ''What do we have to give the interns now?''

''Sorry! I shouldn't have done that but I have had so much to catch up and-'' Owen stammered as he noticed that his apology earned him little sympathy. ''But- but we don't need food anyway!'' He continued as he jogged into the dance area. ''All we need is to have fun and dance the night away!'' He suggested before he began dancing.

''Sure. There isn't much else we can do.'' Noah shrugged before he joined Owen.

''They're back!'' Lindsay called as the interns returned to the Grips.

''But now we have to keep them here!'' Courtney determinedly told as she, Cody, Harold and Trent stood at the bar.

''I've got an idea I've practiced on today! A tribute to the goddess of fire! I'll be back!'' Harold announced before he left the beach.

''What?'' Duncan asked, rather confused.

''Oh, Harold has practiced this little ritual to light the bonfire! I thought it was pretty cool!'' Trent explained.

Shortly after, many of the partygoers were startled when Harold suddenly appeared, wearing an improvised tribal outfit, yelling unintelligible chants as he juggled and swung a burning torch around. After the initial shock, the interns grew to somewhat enjoy it.

''Pass it over!'' Beth yelled before Harold tossed the torch at her and Beth began twirling it like a baton as Harold pranced around her and kept on chanting. Beth then threw the torch in the air, but was too afraid to catch it and duck away, but Harold effortlessly caught it and powerfully threw it into the bonfire, igniting it with a big fireball and accidentally almost lighting Tyler on fire as well. However, the interns loved it as they cheered Harold on, who bowed politely. Then everyone resumed partying for a good while, to the relief of the Grips.

''I don't know what that was, but they like it!'' Duncan shrugged as he poured cola in a cup and handed it to Courtney.

''Told you!'' Trent replied as Chris came by. His expression angry and his arms folded behind his back.

''But how do we make sure they stay here?'' Courtney wondered just as Chris came walking at them with his hands folded behind his back and a scowl etched on his face.

''I heard someone raided Chef's fridge... again.'' Chris noted, annoyed. ''Whoever it was, I hope you stayed away from his personal bottles. This is a PG-7 show after all!'' He strictly remarked.

''Of course we have!'' Duncan answered smugly self-assured. Chris squinted his eyes at Duncan, sure that he most likely did it but not having proof at hand, before he left again as Courtney's eyes widened.

''You stole them?!''

''Yup! Gwen helped and we split the take!'' Duncan admitted, Courtney's shock turning into annoyance as soon as he mentioned Gwen. ''It worked when we did it!'' Duncan admitted, a little proud of it but secretly annoyed at the prospect of a nagging Courtney as she stared at him eyes wide and mouth agape.

''You rascal!'' Courtney muttered with a flirty smile as she lightly punched his shoulder, not giving it any more thought. This inspired Trent. He got his guitar he hid away somewhere and walked over to the music player to stop the music.

''What are you doing?!'' One of the intern shouted in confusion.

''We had some great fun dancing to some rad tunes, but it's time to mellow out a little!'' Trent announced as he changed the music from surf rock to ambient waves with very minimal music elements. Trent then began to play his guitar and the two combined along with the decoration and the soft glowing of the lights provided a very romantic backdrop. This quickly rubbed off on the partygoers as two interns slowly approached each other. They wanted to embrace, but immediately stepped back, hesitant to make a romantic move.

''No no! Go ahead! Go for this moment!'' Trent gently encouraged them after taking notice. Feeling confident now, the two interns started to shuffle on the music. Shortly after, many more couples formed and followed suit, leaving the one intern who has had more misfortune lately without a partner as she shook his head in disappointment. Moments later, Lindsay gently pulled Tyler along as they joined the interns, followed shortly by Courtney and Duncan.

Meanwhile, the Gaffers' party was dying out, not only because there weren't many interns present, but because everyone had lost the vibe to party. Even Owen had stopped dancing because he had completely fatigued himself. The only saving grace was the bonfire, where almost everyone sat around.

''Face it, our party sucks. It's become a big shubee fest!'' Sadie complained.

''Wrong term again.'' Bridgette noted.

''Look at the romantic dance the Grips organized, eh!'' Ezekiel remarked as he watched the feed of the Grips' party.

''They know how to organize a great party, unlike us!'' Leshawna remarked, casting a bitter glance over to Owen.

Off to the side of the Grips' dance floor, Beth, Cody and Harold sat in the sand watching the others dance as they had no partners to dance with.

''I wish Leshawna was here! I'd love to see my girlfriend's own enchanting take on this dance!'' Harold dreamily said.

''At least you had a girlfriend!'' Cody sourly noted.

''Had? Leshawna and me are still a thing!'' Harold insisted as Justin walked past them, casting a dark smile as he walked up to Trent.

''I want to dance with Justin, but what if he doesn't want to?'' Beth worried as she watched Justin.

''Why? I've been turned down tons of times! It's not like the end of the world.'' Cody remarked.

''I guess you're right!'' Beth guessed after thinking it over briefly.

''Hey.'' Justin casually greeted Trent, who kept on playing on his guitar.

''Hey.'' Trent replied almost identically. ''Lovely isn't it?'' He added, looking out to the couples on the dance floor. ''Just look at them! If anything, I want to set things right with Gwen right away and dance slowly to the sounds of the waves!'' Trent poetically said before he pointed at Courtney and Duncan, who both looked unusually serene. ''Like them.''

''Dude, that's what I wanted to talk about with you.'' Justin cautiously declared. ''Earlier today, I saw Duncan and Gwen walking over the lot. They seemed to have a great time!'' He revealed as Trent cast him a dreadful glare and stopped playing his guitar.

''Dude, she can be friends with whoever she likes! It doesn't have to mean anything!'' Trent disdainfully shrugged off as he resumed playing shortly after.

''I don't know Trent. If they're only friends, it looked pretty... romantic the way they hugged but that's probably just me!'' Justin casually revealed as Trent's eyes went wide with fury and stopped playing yet again.

''Why tell me this now?!'' Trent hissed.

''I- I-'' Justin stammered as he had to think up an excuse. ''I didn't think much of it, but seeing Duncan dance with Courtney over there, I couldn't leave you in the dark!'' He stammered as Trent frowned intensely and glared at Duncan, furthermore ignoring Justin. ''I'll leave you for now!'' He told him, with no response from Trent as Justin left.

''The trap is set!'' Justin mumbled delightedly, too busy to notice Beth until he walked into her.

''Oh! Sorry Justin!'' Beth stammered, mortified.

''It's nothing!'' Justin suavely replied.

''Nice!'' Beth whispered as it was clear she was struggling to ask something. ''Hey Justin?'' She eventually asked.

''Yes Beth?''

''Will you- Will you dunce with me- I mean dance with me?'' She quickly corrected herself.

''Of course, Beth!'' Justin warmly replied. Beth's eyes cast a twinkle as she

''Is your boyfriend okay with this?'' Justin asked.

''We, we live in an open relationship!'' Beth stammered, flustered.

''So you're technically single?''

''No but- yes but-'' Beth answered, unsure how to respond until Justin placed a finger over her lips.

''Shh. You don't have to answer!'' Justin soothingly assured her as they resumed dancing in silence, a blissful smile plastered on Beth's face.

Meanwhile, Trent had stopped playing his guitar and put all his focus on Courtney and Duncan, glaring intensely at the latter specifically. He held the neck of his guitar so tight that it could break under the pressure as furious anger was boiling up inside of Trent. He struggled to not act upon it, but when he saw Courtney laying her head on Duncan's shoulder and Duncan gently stroking her hair, Trent lost it. He shot up and stomped over to them and powerfully punched Duncan in his neck from behind.

''Argh!'' Duncan groaned as he stumbled forward, almost taking Courtney down in the fall. ''Dude, what-'' Was all Duncan could say before Trent lunged at him and tried to punch Duncan some more as a hostile wrestle match ensued.

''You user!'' Trent furiously yelled.

''I don't need this! I'm out of here!'' One intern declared before she, as well as the others, left, completely spooked and repelled by the violent vibe.

It didn't take long for the interns to get to the Gaffers, who were obviously surprised .

''What are you doing here?'' Owen asked.

''A fight has erupted at the other party! Completely ruined the mood!'' One of the interns answered. Immediately, out of curiosity or sensation drift, the Gaffers crowded around the TV and were surprised to see Duncan and Trent engaged in a fist fight. Particularly Gwen was shocked.

''Oh good grief!'' Gwen exclaimed before she rushed over to the Grips' beach.

After their fight went on a little longer, the other Grips managed to break them up.

''Attacking from behind, real brave!'' Duncan angrily spat at Trent as a distance was created between the two while Gwen arrived soon after.

''What is going on here?!'' Gwen exclaimed overcome with anxiety before walking over to Trent.

''All of a sudden, Trent and Duncan were fisticuffing!'' Tyler answered.

''Why?'' Gwen asked.

''Like you don't know why! You're cheating on me with Duncan!'' Trent shouted out of the blue, shocking everyone. After the initial shock, Courtney cast a deathly glare at Duncan, who held his hands up in defense.

''No! Why would you think that?!'' Gwen responded, disgusted and shocked.

''Don't think I'm a fool! You were with Duncan earlier right? And you hugged him?'' Trent venomously growled.

''Yes, but-'' Gwen stammered, caught off-guard because Trent knew.

''And let me guess, you probably kissed him after that!'' Trent continued.

Fed up with everything, Gwen pulled Trent along. ''You're coming with me!'' Gwen resolutely declared before they went somewhere with a little more privacy, leaving the others behind.

''Look, Court, I really don't get what Trent was talking about! Nothing ever happened between me and Gwen!'' Duncan submissively explained to a suspicious looking Courtney. ''Why would I cheat when I risk being mauled to death by you if you found out?''

''Duncan, I believe you! I have no reason to believe you did anything.'' Courtney peacefully announced, to Duncan's relief. ''But don't get any ideas!'' She intimidatingly growled immediately afterwards, startling him slightly.

''Why would you think, I'm cheating on you?!'' Gwen asked furiously after they found a little secluded spot.

''You just admitted to hugging him!'' Trent answered, indignant.

''Only a hug and that was purely platonic!'' Gwen insisted.

''Really?'' Trent mistrustfully replied.

''I hugged him because he gave me some great advice I was really grateful for!'' Gwen explained.

''What advice?''

''For our relationship!'' Gwen answered after a short pause, struggling to spit it out. ''I needed advice on how to solve our issues, because even after that hot tub talk, you still seemed very...''

''And you go to Duncan for that out of all people?'' Trent cynically interrupted her. ''The guy who you're so chummy with all the time and all the jokes he makes at my expense started all of our issues!''

''I'm sorry, okay?! That was a serious lapse of judgement!'' Gwen humbly admitted.

''And by the way, if it was such great advice, why didn't you come to me to work it out earlier?'' Trent continued, to Gwen's budding annoyance.

''I don't know why I didn't! I guess because we had challenges to compete in and didn't have any time!'' Gwen answered, legitimately puzzled on why she hadn't.

''That's bull. If it was so important, you'd have made time!'' Trent brutishly remarked.

''Come on!'' Gwen shouted, both because of her own frustration as well as Trent's attitude. ''You are my first boyfriend! I don't know how any of this really works and I didn't really understand what I had to do!'' She angrily reasoned.

''Even so, haven't you learned anything from what Heather tried to pull on us last season?''

''Yes, but I also learned that looks can be deceiving!'' Gwen retorted.

''I've been cheated on before, twice! It feels horrible and so humiliating to see you're being fooled by people you love, who you trust!'' Trent explained a lot calmer yet still holding a grudge to those past events.

Tired of bickering, Gwen relented. ''Look, Trent, I'm so sorry for everything!'' Gwen emotionally apologized as she held Trent's hand. ''But I didn't cheat on you! Nothing happened between me and Duncan! Can't you believe me that I'm telling the truth?'' Gwen pleaded, after which a silence persisted while they looked each other in their eyes.

''No, I can't!'' Trent coldly responded, breaking the silence after what felt like forever.

Trent's answer shocked Gwen deeply, but it helped her decide her course of action, followed by a deep sigh. ''Well, If you can't bring yourself to trust me anymore, the foundation of our relationship, then I don't think we should be in one any longer.'' Gwen solemnly announced.

''What?'' Trent breathed, his turn to be shocked.

''I'm sorry Trent, but I see no other way.'' Gwen calmly declared before she left, secretly fighting tears and leaving a devastated Trent behind.

Trent stomped back to the others Grips, where the party had all but ended.

''Hey Trent, how did it end with you and Gwen?'' Cody cordially asked, genuinely concerned for Trent, but he took it the wrong way as he lunged out at Cody.

''Why? So you can steal her from me as well, you little (Censor)?!'' Trent barked as Cody flinched back in terror. ''It's over! We are over! Are you happy now?'' He added, eyeing his male team members darkly before he stomped off.

''Shouldn't we have told him we lost?'' Tyler guessed.

''Are you going to risk a beat down?'' Cody fearfully answered.

''I think he knows already.'' Courtney sourly predicted.

(Confessional cam. If I wasn't so overwhelmed, I'd have definitely said something about their breakup!)

''Oh wow, I'm actually a little proud of myself how well that worked out! Trent went insane!'' Justin quietly raved. ''I know I shouldn't pick off my own team too often, but it makes me stay a day longer and allows me to set the next part of my master plan in motion!'' He concluded as he prodded a finger in his temple.

''The only thing that bothers me is I still don't know who tried to vote me out last time, but that can wait for a little longer!'' He added with mild concern before he shrugged it off.

(Static)

''Do I really have to say who gets my vote? Trent!'' Courtney stated, nettled. ''He has been a complete nonfactor in the previous challenges and now he blew it for us! I should've organized to vote him off instead of Justin last time, it would've saved us a lot of trouble!'' She added as she crossed her arms.

(End confessional cam.)

Gwen sauntered back to the other Gaffers, whose positively elated cheers starkly contrasted with Gwen's crying.

''Hey Gwen, you're not going to believe it! Chris just came by, he declared us the winner because of the fight at the Grips and-'' Leshawna excitably stated until she stopped talking and noticing the tears running down Gwen's face. ''Hey, what are the waterworks for?'' She asked, immediately her mother instincts taking over.

''Trent and I broke up!'' She creaked as she fell down in the sand, which caught the attention of some of the other Gaffers, particularly the female ones.

''How did that came to be?'' Leshawna cooed sympathetically as she fell down next to her.

''We didn't have faith in each other anymore.'' Gwen mumbled.

''Is there anything any of us can do?'' Sadie asked.

''No, I just need some time to process this first.'' Gwen unsurely stated before they all left the beach.

The award ceremony for the Grips followed later that night. As has become usual, a short montage of Chris played before he appeared on stage and headed for the podium, having put on his blue tux again.

''Another day, another challenge, another team of losers attending the awards ceremony!'' Chris began as Chef joined him, carrying a plate with Gilded Chris awards and wearing a dress and matching chef's hat again, however, the joke had gotten old so it evoked no response this time. ''And just like every other day, you got to vote who of you will become a movie has-been!'' Chris continued before the Grips got their devices and cast their votes.

A short while later, an arm from off-screen handed Chris a card with the results. ''The votes have been cast! Now is the time to decide who has partied out today! The Gilded Chris awards go to Cody and Tyler!'' Chris announced as Chef threw them their awards, after which they smiled and shared a high-five.

''Beth and Lindsay!'' Chris continued as Beth and Lindsay squealed and hugged, completely ignoring the awards thrown at them.

''Harold and Justin!'' He continued as Harold caught his award and wanted to share a high-five with Justin as well, but was left hanging as Justin ignored him.

Meanwhile, the remaining three grew either angry or indignant as Chris took the second to last award of the plate.

''Courtney!'' Chris called. She was happy to be safe, but cast a concerned glance over to Duncan.

''Now Chef, do you know who of the two scrappers is going to beat the other to a punch?'' Chris asked Chef, acting obliviously to annoy them.

''I don't know! Who is it?'' Chef curiously asked, playing along.

''The final Gilded Chris of tonight is going to...'' Chris announced as Duncan and Trent exchanged glares.

''...''

''Trent!'' Chris announced, to the shock and surprise of literally all the Grips. ''No just kidding! Duncan gets it!'' He added before he affirmed it by throwing Duncan the Gilded Chris. ''The eliminations haven't been so unpredictable lately...'' Chris whispered at Chef, a little disappointed.

''Well, not like this day could be any better.'' Trent stated as he rose up from his seat with balled fists.

''Trent, let me warn you first: Furious breakdowns and team fights are fun and rating magnets during the challenge, but our policy during eliminations ceremonies is generally, if we want you to go, we want you to go! Savvy?'' Chris instructed as Chef loaded a tranquilizer dart into a blowpipe and aimed for Trent.

''No, that's cool.'' Trent grumbled. ''At least something is!'' He added before he purposefully walked over Duncan's foot.

''Cram it dude.'' Duncan mumbled as Trent left for the Lame-O-Sine and rode away, leaving his team to watch after him.

''It's sad to see a cool guy like Trent attack one of his teammates!'' Tyler

''That's what chicks can do to you bro.'' Duncan answered.

Later that night, Gwen sullied out of the communal bathroom, ready to go to bed.

''Hello Gwen!'' Justin greeted her, dressed in a bathrobe as he headed for the bathroom.

''Hey.'' Gwen sullenly responded, hanging her head.

''I heard about you and Trent breaking up. So sad.'' Justin stated, though his sympathy was easily described as insincere.

''I bet everyone from here to Baku knows it by now!'' Gwen puffed, not caring for his fake sympathy much.

''I do hope they haven't heard the rumors yet though!'' Justin continued.

''What?'' Gwen asked, puzzled.

''Rumor has it among the interns that you purposefully got very close to Duncan to mess with Trent and our team as a whole! Now I can help you keep this gossip out of your friend circles if you give me some... insight into your teammates!'' Justin offered, searching for the right word.

Gwen glare at Justin before she mistrustfully arched an eyebrow. ''Are you blackmailing me?''

''No, I'm only saying I can help you avoid, unpleasant experiences if you help me!'' Justin suavely

Gwen wasn't sold and inched closer to Justin. ''The last few days of our relationship weren't as peachy as I hoped, but I'm not to blame that he wasn't on his A-game! I don't know what had gotten into Trent that he attacked Duncan, but I owe you nothing!'' Gwen insistently concluded, jerking a finger under his chin as Justin looked completely taken by surprise. ''Now get out of my face!'' She growled before she pushed him aside and left, leaving a taken aback Justin behind, who frowned and looked after Gwen as he pondered on a different course of action.

(Post-elimination clip: Trent.)

''And in an instant, everything ended! Just like-'' Trent moaned as he snapped his fingers once. ''Everything just went by so fast! Just... I can hardly believe it ever happened! Me and Gwen were only a thing for a few weeks, but she was so special! How could I let my own jealousy get the better of me? Like, it was my fault after all! I'm not mad at Gwen, only at myself!'' Trent sadly moaned as he rested his body on his legs. ''Oh, and that I got eliminated suck pretty bad too I guess.'' Trent uninterestedly added.

(End post-elimination clip.)

Don't mess with moody chicks, they got plenty of will left between brooding to bite you!

[1] The bank robber part is a reference to the movie Point Break!

[2] Alludes to David Hasselhoff, who starred in Baywatch and was sorta famous for his slo-mo walk!

[3] As someone who has lifeguard training as well, I can confirm this is actually true!

[4] She actually means the movie Soul Surfer.

Hmm, I'm surprised with so few references made as well!

I ought to explain myself a little for what happened this chapter before you tear down the place in furious anger- hey put that torch away!

From the very start, I wanted to break Gwen and Trent up despite knowing that they still were a pretty popular ship. I wanted that because of why they really broke up in canon; A producer requested they did to teach the lesson that young love doesn't always last, and thinking that that is a wise teaching, I wanted to honor that reason. Besides, I also wanted them to have a rather messy breakup. I only hope I delivered good work with them because one of the reason this chapter took so long was because it was tricky to write them down right! If you don't think they are, feel free to tell me, but stay polite please!

Also, this story is as of today a year old, and I've had no regrets I started with it! I suppose it's popular with the few readers I have and I'm satisfied with what I deliver so far! Though I do hope to up my writing speed because only six legitimate episodes in 12 months feels rather poor. The standard I have now is bimonthly, but I aim to make that just monthly!

So that's it for today! Leave a review or vote for the poll if you like and I hope you'll return when the next chapter comes hot off the press!

:D,

L.W.