A/N: Howdy! Just wanted to apologize for not uploading as quickly as I normally do. I recently started up school again so I have had less time to focus on this. Just know that I'm still passionate about working on this and I will work on chapters as much as I can.
As the teams sat inside and ate breakfast, Ike and Cameron moved out into the sun and picnicked in the grass.
"Have you talked to Mordecai yet?" Cam asked him noisily.
"Geez," Ike chuckled, "I feel like I shouldn't. I don't want to freak him out or anything."
Cameron pondered, "I really think you'll regret it if you don't. You never know if you don't try."
"Maybe…"
As they continued to eat, they noticed their red-headed friend exiting the dining hall and heading their way, "Hey guys, what's going on out here?" The two boys looked at each other awkwardly as Mordecai stared back at them in confusion.
CONFESSION
Mordecai: I've been relying on Ike a lot. He's stayed relatively loyal and on top of that he isn't insufferable to be around like the rest of the team. But recently he's been noticeably slipping. I can't help but wonder if Cameron is behind it. That dude better not be putting things in his head.
Ike: Ever since Ivonne left I can't stop thinking about her. I really thought if I made it farther than her, I could prove myself just as strong but now that I'm here… I feel bad?
END
Back in the dining hall, Rosie and Sophie sat with a downhearted Juliette.
"Still sad about Petunia?" Sophie asked.
Juliette nodded, "She was telling me the other day she was excited about the cooking challenge. I wish she could've made it this far."
Rosie lifted her head up, "Wait… today is the cooking challenge?"
"Yeah," Sophie giggled as she stood up from the table, "Too bad about those fish tails. We should probably get going, Bobby wanted us to meet with him at the beach."
CONFESSION
Rosie: I've been dreading this challenge. It's my fault Liam got voted out and I'm sure Bobby and my team are going to make that constant reminder! Like I already don't have enough problems… I don't even wanna hear his name.
END
"Well this is interesting," Bobby started as the teams stood outside with him on the beach, "For the first time in this competition, the contestant that was supposed to get an advantage today has been eliminated prematurely."
"We can still have his advantage, though right?" Addison asked.
Mordecai butted in, "They eliminated him! His advantage should go to us!" The teams burst into argument, interrupting the annoyed host.
Bobby waved his hands to quiet them down, "Hold on. Remember teams, this was not an advantage for the Bass or Gophers, this was an advantage for Liam. Therefore, the only person that can claim the advantage is Liam himself."
Junior sighed in relief, "Okay then no one gets the advantage. Kinda like a pass."
"Slow down Big-Mouth, I wasn't done talking," Bobby continued, "I talked it over with my team and we decided that previously eliminated contestants will be receiving an advantage on their advantage day."
Rosie froze, "I'm sorry what?"
"So, I'd like to introduce you all to the judge for today's cook-off…" A food truck drove on to the sandy beach from a distance. As it parked next to them the sand brushed up into a musky cloud. The hatch of the truck slowly opened to reveal the lengthy teen inside that was much too familiar to the Gophers.
"Liam!" Juliette cried out as she ran towards the truck and wrapped her arms around him, "I can't believe it's you!" As he let his former teammate hug him, he stared through the crowd and made eye-contact with a baffled Rosie.
"Missed me?"
CONFESSION
Rosie: Is Bobby serious?! I was worried about everyone bringing him up but I never excepted I'd have to see his dumb pretty face ever again! I'd almost wish Bobby would just bring our parents back and let them eat the food!
Juliette: It's crazy having Liam back here. He used to hang out with the girls a lot on our team. I remember he and Petunia would have drawing contests in the dirt and they'd let me be the judge. Man, now that Petunia's gone, I've been feeling so out of touch with the team.
END
"Each team will pick a head chef and create a three-course meal for Liam to eat," Bobby instructed, "Team with the highest score wins the challenge for today and will get a special reward. I'm gonna go take a nap in my trailer. Good luck."
Addison started to walk backwards towards the truck while facing his team, "I'm not letting any of you make Junior the head chef! I may not have any cooking skills, but I-" Before he could finish, he collided with Zarra and they both tumbled into the sand. Realizing he's made a terrible mistake, he quickly pulled her back to her feet and smiled at her awkwardly.
"Zarra I'm… I'm so sorry."
She chuckled, "It's not gonna work Addison, you still can't join the bass team." He fell silent and continued to smile in her direction.
As the gophers stared back at their lovesick teammate, Junior broke the awkward silence, "I nominate Landon as head chef."
"Finally, Landon can come out of his shell a little." Sophie giggled.
Rosie sighed, "Fine, let's just get this dumb challenge over with."
As the Gophers ran into the truck to grab ingredients, Zarra brushed herself off and joined her own team, "Who should be our head chef then?"
Jacey raised her hand excitedly, "I want to try to cook!"
"Maybe if this was a competition to see who could burn the kitchen down quicker, sure." Cameron noted sarcastically.
Malik joked, "Well Cam only eats grass and Mordecai probably eats dirt so I wouldn't count on either of them."
Cameron glared back at him while Mordecai added, "Fine, I think Ike should be head chef."
"Really?" Ike blushed.
"As long as we're not being bossed around by Malik, fine." Mavis rolled her eyes and the team ran into the truck to collect their ingredients.
CONFESSION
Addison: Wow so this is crazy. My current best friend gets to assemble a three-course meal for my ex best friend. That's a crazy amount of tension that could happen right there. I hope there's time for them to fight over my friendship.
Landon: So… yesterday I ripped one of my contacts and I didn't pack glasses. Anyway, I'm kinda glad I'm not the one having to cook today.
END
Back in the kitchen the gopher team started setting their ingredients out as Liam watched them from over the batwing door.
"What are you guys cooking?" He asked them curiously.
"Landon's head chef so we're probably making Chinese food," Addison responded as he walked over to his former teammate, "I'll make sure to make all the helpings big so you can get some food in ya."
"Addison, don't talk to him." Rosie sighed as she set down a crate. Liam rolled his eyes and stepped away from the doors.
CONFESSION
Liam: I guess Rosie's still pretty bitter towards me but really only she's to blame. She let her insecurities get the best of her and took it out on me. Can't really say that's something I'm not used to though.
END
After Liam left, Rosie lifted up her head and started discussing with her team, "Luckily, if we're making Chinese cuisine, I have some skill in it too."
"Well I don't know how to make Chinese food but back at my home church I always got to make pasta." Junior offered, "I bet I could make some lo mein."
"Alright fine," Landon instructed, "Junior can make the lo mein for our main dish. Uhh… Sophie and Juliette can make jiaozi and Rosie and Addison can make dorayaki for the desert."
Addison raised his eyebrows and looked at Rosie, "Um, I'm making what?"
She rolled her eyes, "It's like a pancake or bun with red bean paste inside."
Addison laughed, "Sounds gross. I'm in"
CONFESSION
Landon: Well, cooking isn't exactly my expertise but I do know a thing or two about Chinese cuisine. Actually, Aiden used to cook a lot and I'd help him out every now and again. Maybe my mom will finally see that I actually can cook too and I do know what I'm talking about sometimes.
END
As the Bass made their way into the kitchen, Ike started discussing with the group.
"You're all lucky that I'm head chef because I actually know the kind of food Liam likes."
"That dude likes food?" Malik quipped, causing Mavis to elbow him forcefully.
"I was thinking we could do a classic comfort food theme," Ike continued, "Stuffed mushrooms, chili and maybe chocolate chip cookies for dessert."
"Mavis and I can make the appetizer" Zarra offered.
Malik then raised his hand eagerly, "Hey! I'm an expert at making cookies!"
"Great!" Ike exclaimed, "Mordecai and Cameron can make the chili then and Jacey can help with dessert.
"Umm," Mordecai leaned over and pulled Ike aside, "You really think it's a good idea putting crazy and crazier together?"
"I trust my team."
CONFESSION
Mordecai: Ike is extremely genuine. He's willing to risk 100K with these unhinged strangers. I wouldn't even trust my 12-year-old brother with 10 dollars. Man, I wish I could be that naive.
END
Juliette and Sophie stood awkwardly by the counter while Landon brought them a crate of ingredients.
"What exactly are we making?" Sophie asked as he set the crate on the counter beside them.
"Essentially it's pork and veggies in wonton wrappers." Landon explained, "It's really not too hard to make."
Sophie recalled, "Oh like pot stickers?"
"Umm, I don't know what that is either." Juliette chuckled.
"I can help you guys if needed," Landon offered, "Rosie knows what she's doing so I probably don't have to worry about her and Addison."
CONFESSION
Sophie: I hope Landon meant what he said about helping us because I am not very good at cooking. There's a reason I don't go near the oven back home.
END
Back in the Bass kitchen, Mordecai started reading back a list of ingredients as Cameron retrieved them from the crate.
"Red beans, onions, green peppers, ground beef…"
"Wait wait," Cameron paused, "I didn't know chili had beef in it. I don't know how to cook meat."
Mordecai sighed, "What the hell even would go in a meatless chili?"
"Just beans and vegetables and some spices I guess."
"Well, let me brown the beef. You can just chop vegetables and stuff." Cameron gave him a thumbs up and grabbed the produce bags.
CONFESSION
Cameron: At first, I was kinda salty about being teamed up with Mordecai and having to make chili but then I realized my only other alternative was to make cookies with Malik. All in all, Mordecai isn't as bad as he seems.
END
"Ha look at that loser!" Addison quipped loudly as he motioned to Junior, "He's working all by himself."
"Shut up Addison." His tall teammate shot from the other side of the kitchen.
Rosie rolled her eyes, "You know he's just boiling pasta, right? It's not a two-man job."
As Addison started to lay out ingredients, Landon walked over and noticed Rosie with the recipe.
"I don't think this is right…" Rosie handed Landon the recipe as he proceeded to squint at it.
"Looks fine to me."
Addison mocked, "Aww little Landon can't see jack without his contacts."
"I told you not to tell anyone!" Landon snapped as Rosie put her hand up to her face.
CONFESSION
Rosie: I go through… ups and downs with my team. Sometimes they make me happy. We're dysfunctional but it's okay. But then other times, like right now, Liam just shows up and Landon can't see shit and Addison's driving me crazy and I'm just wondering why I'm even trying.
END
As the Bass worked on their meal, Liam stepped into the kitchen to walk around. He noticed Zarra and Mavis standing together by the oven when he headed in their direction.
"You're not gonna spoil the surprise, are you?" Mavis teased as the temporary judge stood behind them.
"Meh," Liam shrugged, "Addison already told me everything they were making."
"What are they making?" Zarra inquired quietly.
"I'm not gonna spoil the surprise, am I?"
"Hey Liam," Ike greeted him as he walked over to the oven, "It's been a while."
"It has…" Liam paused before reaching into his pocket, "Ivonne wanted me to give you this." Liam handed him a small ripping from a sheet of notebook paper. It looked slightly crumbled and was folded loosely in half. Ike stared down at it for a moment before hearing his friend call his name. Cameron was chopping vegetables when Ike walked over to inspect him.
"So… you really know that guy?" Cameron questioned as he motioned towards Liam who was talking with Malik and Jacey.
"Yeah," Ike reminisced, "Though I think he hung out with Ivonne more often but we were still close. He was kinda like a little brother to me. We have good memories."
Cameron chuckled, "I wish I could say the same thing about my actual little brother."
"Well he's only 10 so I'd give it some time." Ike paused for a moment as he looked back at the paper he crumbled in his hand. He opened it and stared at it for a moment.
Cameron caught on to his silence, "Ike what's that-"
"Hey Ike," Malik asked, interrupting the conversation, "Can I go to the bathroom?"
"What?" Ike shot his head up and sighed, "I don't care."
"Are you doing okay?" Cameron asked after Malik ran off and Ike slouched over the counter.
"I'm not sure… "Ike lamented, "A part of me wants to keep fighting. I'd love to be able to win. I just… I just feel like I'm a bad brother." He handed the small piece of paper to his friend who looked at it carefully.
"I'm rooting for you! Make us proud! -Ivonne"
CONFESSION
Cameron: Ike is my confidant. I feel like if he's gonna have an identity crisis in the middle of a challenge I should be the one helping him out. I really think he just needs to get his mind off of Ivonne for a little bit. Something to make him feel good, I guess.
END
Liam continued to make rounds by heading into the gopher kitchen where he noticed Addison and Rosie standing over a skillet.
"You really have to watch him while he cooks a pancake?" Liam asked jokingly.
"Shut up," Rosie scoffed, "I just… Don't trust him to do it alone."
Addison gloated, "She doesn't realize that I've been flipping pancakes since I was like 5 years old!"
"He's been only flipping them well for maybe 3 minutes." Junior added sarcastically from the corner of the room. Addison glared back at his teammate while Rosie finally caved.
"Liam, can we step outside for a moment." He shrugged and proceeded to follow her into the main room of the dining hall. She paused for a moment as he rolled up his sleeves and waited for her to continue.
"Listen, there's a big elephant in the room that I'm the reason you got voted out. I just want you to know that it had nothing to do with what happened between us that day."
"Right, right," Liam deadpanned, "Well it was only really you and your own insecurities so I'm not really offended or anything."
She deflected "I'm insecure? You didn't even offer to go up. I only went up there because you pressured me into it."
"I'm not really sure why you're telling me this. Do you feel bad about voting me out or something?" She paused as she got distracted looking at his inked left wrist. Faded red roses and dark thorns went up to his forearm and wrapped all the way around his thin arm.
"What's with the roses? Are you that obsessed with me or something?"
"Oh?" He looked down his wrist, "Pretty narcissistic to think it has anything to do with you."
She teased, "Oh I'm sure it has some deeper meaning or something right? Meant to remind you of something from your shitty life?"
"Not that you actually care but it does remind me of my 'shitty life'. Back at the old house there was a rose bush out front. I'd get my arm caught in a lot but I just always thought they were beautiful." As she pondered on that for a moment, she heard her name get called from inside the kitchen. The two of them ran back to see Addison trying to nudge his frequent rival away from the stovetop.
"Rosie please control him." Junior complained, "He's trying to steal my pasta."
"I just want to take the credit for it."
"Did you even finish the pancakes?" Rosie asked. Her teammate pointed to the stack of small soft treats on the table.
"I helped him flip them." Landon added from the other side of the room.
"Buzz off Landon!"
CONFESSION
Rosie: As annoyed as I am that he's here, I need to stop focusing on Liam. He doesn't deserve that attention. I have a challenge to win and my team can't go 5 minutes without nearly imploding.
Liam: I don't know why Rosie is so bothered by me. I feel like the second I showed up on the first day she's had it out for me. As much as I would've liked 100 thousand dollars, I'm kinda glad I don't have to deal with all her nagging anymore.
Addison: Earlier today I didn't know how to cook but now I'm inclined to believe I have a Michelin Star on its way in the mail.
END
"Mordecai," Cameron nudged his teammate and walked him over to their friend, "Can you please talk to him." Mordecai looked over to Ike who was still leaning over on the counter with his hand up to his face.
"What's going on Ike." He asked as he helped him up from the counter.
"Umm," Ike hesitated, "Can we go somewhere else to talk?" Mordecai looked around at his team before nodding in agreement.
"Don't worry Ike, I'll watch the kitchen!" Jacey exclaimed.
Mordecai rescinded, "Absolutely not. Mavis and Zarra are gonna have to babysit." The two of them left the dining hall and quietly walked to their cabin. Mordecai sat on the dusty floor between the bunks.
"Listen," Mordecai started before Ike could say anything, "I know you've been buddying up with Cameron for the past couple days. I know he wants to vote off Malik but I still need your help with the vote and-"
"I don't care about that," Ike interrupted before sitting on the floor and burying his face into his knees, "I honestly don't know why I'm here at all to be fair."
Mordecai scooted next to him and placed his hand on his knee, "Hey please don't cry. I don't know how to deal with that. You wanted to talk to me about something, just talk to me." Ike stared at the tan freckled hand that gently touched his leg. As he stared into nothing, he remembered being on the canoe with Cameron and the conversation they had in the cabin that night. As he thought back to this past morning, talking to Cameron and sitting in the grass, he forgot why he was upset to begin with. In the heat of the moment, Ike grabbed Mordecai by the collar of his shirt and pulled him in for a kiss.
CONFESSION
Ike: It's strange but… I don't really know what it is about Mordecai. I've never really met anyone like him in my life. I admire how he holds himself up. I bet his little brothers are really proud of him and look up to him a lot.
END
Back in the Gopher kitchen, Landon sat on the countertop next to the girls as he helped them prepare an appetizer.
"Landon," Sophie called, "We need help folding the wontons."
"I'll fold one to show you." He hopped off the counter and grabbed a piece from the tray to inspect it, "It looks a little overstuffed." He removed some of the filling and proceeded to fold it while the girls watched carefully.
"Wow, you seem like you know what you're doing." Juliette complimented.
"Meh, maybe." He reflected, "Aiden usually was the one that liked cooking. I was mostly good at just taking up kitchen space."
"Don't be too hard on yourself." Sophie chuckled as she attempted to fold a wonton, "Does this look okay?"
"I think so… maybe don't ask me how things look right now."
Juliette stepped over to the stovetop and grabbed a skillet, "I can start cooking them if you guys fold them!" Sophie gave her a thumbs up then passed an unfolded wonton to Landon.
CONFESSION
Landon: I don't remember the last time someone told me I was good at anything. Actually, I've been told I'm pretty good at doing nothing. But either way, it felt… I don't know. It was nice, I guess.
END
As the Bass continued to assemble their meals, Zarra and Mavis were finishing up and placing their appetizer into the oven.
Mavis blushed, "Thanks for saving me from having to work with Malik or Mordecai."
"Well duh," Zarra chuckled, "I don't want to work with them either." The girls stood by the oven for a quick second until their lone-working teammates required their help.
"Zarra," Jacey hesitated, "are the cookies supposed to be brown?"
"How brown are they?" Zarra asked with concern, "They should still be a little soft."
"Ohh I get it." Jacey laughed, "I'll see if they're soft." She ran back to her own corner of the kitchen before Cameron inched towards them.
"Mavis…" Cameron asked dreadfully, "I need help cooking the beef. Mordecai hasn't started it yet."
"It's easy, just throw it on a skillet and break it up with the spatula." Mavis assured
"That sounds horrible."
She rolled her eyes, "Then wait for Morde to come back; he shouldn't be too long."
CONFESSION
Cameron: Mordecai shouldn't have left me alone with the chili because I'm just gonna do it Cam's way. There's a reason why my siblings don't like when I'm left in change.
Jacey: My little sister is usually the one that makes the cookies back home but we always like putting food dye in them and setting the oven on fire. Anyway, making cookies is easier when someone else makes them for you.
END
Liam set up a table in the dining hall and walked into the gopher kitchen. The team was huddled around a table making small last-minute adjustments to their plates.
"Wrap up," he said, "Bobby's on his way back right now." Landon gave him thumbs up and Liam moved into the Bass kitchen. He noticed Zarra and Mavis finishing up their dish, Jacey pulling the cookies out of the oven and Cameron quietly stirring the chili.
"Hey," Liam noticed, "I felt like there were more of you earlier today."
"Malik had to go to the toilet." Jacey laughed, "I don't remember what happened to the other two."
"Oh no," Zarra sighed, "We need Ike for the challenge."
"I can go see where everyone went." Cameron offered before taking off from the kitchen.
"You don't have to come back with Mordecai though." Mavis joked as she called out to him.
CONFESSIONAL
Mavis: This is great. I'm wondering if Zarra and I can vote out all three of them. Honestly, I feel like a team of just me and Zarra could function better than one with Malik, Morde and Ike. Maybe Cam will just not find any of them and all four of them can go missing.
END
Back in the cabin, Mordecai leaned away from Ike falling backwards onto the floor, "Umm… I'm sorry?"
Ike laughed, "Well I think I got that out of my system."
Mordecai looked around confused, "Got what out of your system?! Ike, please tell you just had too much coffee or something."
Ike stuttered as he sat up and helped up his friend, "Listen, I don't really know why but… when we first met I… I don't know man. I like you, okay? I didn't expect anything back but if you want to tell the others and have a laugh about it you can. I don't really care." Mordecai looked back at his teammate and froze.
"I-I don't really know what to say. I'm not going to laugh at you or… tell the others. I wouldn't do that to you. I'm just shocked I guess."
"Well I mean-" Ike paused as he noticed his friend looked back at the screen door. The awkward silence led to him slowly turning around and noticing their rowdy teammate standing in the doorway.
"Malik…" Ike hesitated, "did you have a good uhh... bathroom break?" The teen froze in the doorway and smiled as his teammates became beet red.
"Malik if you say anything I swear- "
"Uhh uhh I wasn't here." Malik chuckled as he slowly backed away from the cabin. The three Bass were alarmed to hear another teammate calling for them from just outside the dining hall.
"Ike, Mordecai," Cameron shouted across the campsite, "The judging is about to start."
"Oh no," Malik fretted from the bottom of the cabin steps, "I haven't finished the cookies!" Mordecai and Ike watched Malik run towards the dining hall and they shared a laugh. Mordecai helped up his teammate and they headed back to the dining hall themselves.
CONFESSIONAL
Mordecai: The weird thing about Ike is that he's a genuinely nice person. I don't really know why someone as kind and caring as Ike would want anything to do with the likeness of me. I know the guy has a lot of insecurities and maybe he feels more confident around me? I don't know. I just feel really conflicted right now; I think.
END
In the dining hall, Landon and Ike set up their portion of the table while Bobby walked in.
"Great," Bobby exclaimed, "Time for judging."
"Took you long enough to get over here." Liam gibed under his breath. As the cooking challenge began the two teams brought out their appetizers. Juliette and Sophie as well as Mavis and Zarra set down their plates beside each other. Liam inspected the two plates carefully.
"What are you waiting for, just eat it." Mavis complained.
"Well it's about the presentation, but fine." Liam sighed before picking one up and taking a bite.
Zarra hesitated as he swallowed the mushroom, "Well…" Instead of giving her a response he quietly wrote in a small notepad.
She turned to Bobby, "Is this how we're going to be judged?"
He shrugged, "He has it worked out on his own. I'm just here to supervise." Sophie then slowly pushed her plate closer to the judge.
"Enjoy!" She smiled as he picked one up and took a bite. He continued to write in his notepad as he chewed to himself.
"It's a close one…" He announced, "But I'm giving the appetizer win to the Bass." Zarra and Mavis high-fived while Juliette looked back at Landon who was standing behind them.
"We still did a good job," She reassured him, "Plus there's two more dishes left."
"Right." He smiled as the girls went back into the kitchen. Junior, Cameron and Mordecai came out of their respective dishes.
"Wow you guys are kinda matching on the presentation," Liam noted, "Last round was finger food and this round you both got bowls." He grabbed a fork and plunged it into the lo mein.
"Hopefully the noodles are fully cooked," Junior chuckled, "I was getting harassed by Addison half the time."
Liam reassured him after taking a bite, "They were cooked fine. Don't overthink it." He then proceeded to look at the Bass' chili and stir it with his spoon before taking a bite.
"How did finishing up the chili go?" Mordecai asked his teammate aside. Cam gave him a thumbs up and they waited for a critique.
"This chili's kinda weird." Liam noted, "Does it just not have meat in it?" Mordecai sighed and put his face in his hands.
"So, is that bad?" Cameron asked.
"Not necessarily," Liam explained, 'But if you're going to make the chili meatless it needs to have more flavors and textures in it to fulfil the lack of that ingredient. Because the chili was mostly just broth, I have to give the win to the gophers."
Junior applauded to himself and patted Landon on the shoulder before heading back into the kitchen.
CONFESSION
Mordecai: I'm definitely an idiot for thinking Cameron could make a decent chili on his own. That tree hugger probably spends more time foraging for fruit than anything else.
Cameron: Here's the deal. I don't… normally cook. I can do anything I set my heart to, but that doesn't mean I'll do it well. I like watching other people cook, so I can make sure they know what I want but other than that… the oven and I are acquaintances at best.
Junior: I'm glad Liam liked the noodles. I guess I do tend to overthink a lot, don't I?
END
Jacey, Malik, Addison and Rosie stepped out of the kitchen and presented their plates of treats. Immediately, Addison tried to steal the attention.
"Liam, you have to try mine first, they're a clear winner!" He persisted scooching the plate closer to his former teammate. Liam shrugged and took a bite of the fluffy treat.
"They're cooked well," He noticed, "But they're not very sweet."
"They're not supposed to be sweet." Rosie explained, "Have you ever even had Chinese treats before? They're not as sweet as whatever you're eating in Detroit."
"Well let's just see how the Bass do." He marked down in his notepad as Malik pushed his plate to the middle, "Why does this cookie have a bite taken out of it?" Malik glanced over at Jacey who had crumbs on her shirt.
"I wanted to see if it was soft."
"It feels like a rock." Liam noted as he held up the treat, "I'm not sure how edible this is."
"It's kinda Ike's fault," Malik blurted, "If he wasn't wasting time kissing Mordecai in the cabin then Jacey wouldn't have been alone for so long in the kitchen." The room fell to an awkward silence as Ike put his hand up to face and chuckled. Addison and Rosie both looked at each other while Jacey just started giggling to herself.
"Well, I guess with that," Liam announced breaking the tension, "The winner of the desert challenge goes to the gophers."
CONFESSION
Ike: I don't even know how to react. My dad can keep his mouth shut longer than Malik.
Addison: So, I guess the Bass team do have some drama going on. I was liking the idiots on the Gopher team but I also kinda want to be a Bass again. I just want a piece of the drama.
END
The remaining team members of each side left the kitchen to join Bobby in the main dining hall, "And with that we have tonight's big winner… the Gophers." Bobby announced while the Gophers team cheered, "Bass, I'll be seeing you at the campfire."
"What's the reward you promised?" Rosie asked amongst the cheers.
"Please let it be good food." Addison cried.
"Better," Bobby explained, "Gophers, for your reward, you will be receiving none other than Liam, who will be re-joining the team as of right now."
"What?!"
Liam looked over confused at the host, "I never said anything about coming back."
"Well," he explained, "we watched some of the footage back and it seems like there's a lot of mixed emotions going on here. Plus, you still have a contract so..."
CONFESSION
Liam: Well this is awkward. I'm gonna have to gain some trust back with my team after they let Rosie backstab me and vote me out. But also, I'd like to see where this goes. Bring it on.
Rosie: Bobby and the producers just hate me, don't they? I was so excited that this challenge was going to be over and then they would've just taken Liam back to loser-land. Now that he's back he's going to have it out for me. This is just… honestly, I'd rather just lose than have Liam on my team again.
Junior: I don't mind that Liam's coming back. Honestly, it'll be nice to not have all the tall jokes directed towards me all the time.
Addison: Alright! Just when I was considering blackmailing Bobby into letting me switch teams, he makes it a little more interesting again. Also, having my tall friend back will make it easier to defend myself from Junior.
END
At dinner, the Bass sat on separate sides of the long table, Zarra sat with Jacey and Mavis to discuss the elimination.
"Listen I know we talked about voting out Malik next but I'm thinking we vote off Ike…"
Mavis debated, "Ike is actually tolerable though."
"I know," Zarra explained, "but we know Mordecai is trying to take us out and his little buddy Ike kinda screwed us today. Plus, we can count on Malik to vote for him after what happened."
"Count on me for what?" Malik asked as he walked over to the table with a plate of food. The girls looked at each other awkwardly as he sat among them.
On the other side of the table, Mordecai, Ike and Cameron sat and ate in uncomfortable silence.
"Sorry that happened Ike." Cameron comforted, breaking the silence.
"Honestly," Ike explained, "I'm not too bothered. It was embarrassing but if I stew over it, I'll only feel worse." He looked over to Mordecai who seemed to be bothered.
"I feel like," Mordecai sighed, "We should vote off Malik."
"Change of heart?" Cameron smirked.
"I just…"
Ike joked, "Wow Mordecai, you don't have to come to my rescue or anything." Cam and Ike laughed as Mordecai put his hand over his face.
CONFESSION
Mordecai: I'd been anticipating the opportunity to watch Zarra climb onto the loser boat. But sometimes this isn't always about what I want.
END
At the campfire ceremony, Bobby stood in front of the 7 Bass by the glowing fire.
"It's been a while hasn't it Bass." Bobby noted as he held up a tray with six fluffy marshmallows.
"When I call your name come up and claim a marshmallow… Cameron." Cameron sighed in relief as he ran up to collect his security. He looked back at his friend as he stood behind the host.
"Mavis….
...
Mordecai…
...
Zarra…
...
Jacey…"
Ike and Malik sat alone in the gallery as the host stood in front of them.
"Malik, Ike. Only one of you will be staying at camp for another night. The other must walk the dock of shame and leave camp. And the final marshmallow goes to…
...
..
…
..
… Ike"
Ike ran up to grab the last marshmallow on the tray. Malik sat shocked while he looked at the team.
"I guess I deserved that didn't I?" He chuckled as he walked up to his team. He stood sadly over by Mavis while she wrapped her arms around him.
"Take it easy, brother."
He said his goodbyes to the others before being taken out of sight by the loser boat.
CONFESSION
Cameron: I feel like the rain cleared in my mind and I can see the rainbow on the other side. Anyway, Malik is finally gone and I won't have to suffer anymore.
END
"Will the Bass drama finally die down with Malik gone? What will become of Mordecai and Ike? How will the teams handle having an old player back into the mix? And is bringing back a formerly backstabbed teammate right before the trust building challenge even a good idea? Find out next time on Total Drama Island."