Chapter 5: Love Hurts
AN from Drum: This chapter is going to either piss you all off...or make you happy. This one is also a tad more serious in tone than the others.
It was about 10PM in the lodge. Everyone else had already gone to sleep save for a couple of racers.
Psymon had tired himself out with chasing around Griff and Yuri, teasing them both about their botched make out session. Drum hadn't returned from Happiness yet. The lodge was very quiet, no one was awake except for Moby and Zoe, who were nicely cuddled on the couch, watching replays from last season's circuit.
"Ya know, I think last year was the best one so far..."
Moby said with a nod, looking at Psymon do a perfect Lukeloo over a batch of fallen trees. Zoe sat awkwardly next to Moby, who was shifting closer and closer towards her.
"Hey, look. There's the snowball fight from last year.." Zoe said, trying to keep Moby's attention off of her.
"Yeah...I remember that.." Moby sighed, scooting closer to her, almost so close that she could feel the air from his blinks.
"Mobes, why so close?" Zoe asked, a bit defensively. Moby looked somewhat surprised at this and turned his attention back towards the TV.
"I just thought you might've wanted a bit of company, love." Moby said dryly, trying to look ashamed. Zoe didn't say anything, she just looked at him curiously.
"I still rememba what happened last season, love...you and me on Thanksgiving..."
Zoe's eyes widened, she remembered exactly what she had did that day.
"Come on, Mobes, you still on that?" she chuckled uneasily.
"Yeah, how could I forget?" Moby smiled, making this is chance to scoot closer.
"Look, I was drunk and I didn't know what the hell I was doing that night." Zoe stated, trying to stop Moby in his tracks.
"Then why did it happen for the rest of the season?" Moby asked, knowing he had her backed into a corner.
Zoe still kept her face straight as she fished around for an answer.
"Stress relief" she said dryly.
Moby wasn't buying it, he rested his hand on her leg and moved in for a kiss.
"I mean, a girl works up a lot of str—mmph!" Zoe was caught off-guard and got a mouth full of unwanted tongue.
Zoe pushed Moby's face away from hers and gasped for breath.
"What the HELL do you think you are doing!?" Zoe yelled, almost loud enough to wake everyone in the lodge.
"I was just given ya some suga, love." Moby smiled, proud of himself. Zoe, however was pissed.
"Look, what happened last season was just a few flings, Mobes. Ever since then you have acted like I'm your goddamn girlfriend or something!" Zoe began to stand up, shoving Moby away from her. Moby looked somewhat offended, but yet still had a smile on his face.
"I like the way you always play hard to get, love." Moby stood up in front of her.
"I'm NOT playing hard to get, what the fuck, Moby!? Cant you get it through your head!?" Zoe yelling louder and louder now, Mac trudging down the stairs slowly.
Moby tried to quiet her down, but Zoe wasn't having any of it.
"Love! Love! Please...you dun wanna wake up the whole bloody lodge, do ya?" Moby tried to no avail.
Mac was standing at the edge of the stairs now, in a pair of pajama shorts and a white t-shirt, even in his sleep he kept that beanie on.
"Yo! People are trying to sleep around here! Take your domestic troubles outside!" Mac shouted at them.
Zoe looked at Mac, then at Moby. She dropped her hands to the side and sighed.
"Look, Moby. Your a nice guy and all...and I still LOVE the accent...but...it's not gonna work out."
Mac and Moby both had a look of shock on their faces as Zoe said this.
"..Wh...what?" Moby looked at her, his shades tilted down so she can see his eyes.
"You...you try to hard, Mobes...you move too fast...and well...you just aren't the same Moby I knew from the other seasons. I'm sorry."
With that, Zoe turned around and headed to the kitchen, it was quite obvious that she didn't want to be followed.
Moby would have been a bright shade of red if he was able to blush; he quickly snapped his head at Mac, who was looking just as shocked as he was.
"Oh no, don't look at me." Mac held his hands out in front of him, knowing Moby was looking for someone to blame.
"I ain't have a damn thing to do with this." Mac turned around heading up stairs, soon as he was out of Moby's sight he began to chuckle under his breath. Moby was all alone in the lobby...he stood there clenching his fists, looking at his board in the corner. He quickly grabbed it and ran out of the doors, heading to let off some steam on Happiness..
~~~~
"So, what made you want to become a boarder?" Elise asked Atomika from across the trolley they were both riding. Atomika was munching hungrily on a hamburger while shoveling fries into his mouth. Elise still had her single hamburger in her hand, she hadn't even taken a bite out of it.
Atomika took a gulp of his soda before talking.
"Well, last season all I did was sit up in Radio BIG studio...no one around. Ever. Just me and the mountain cams. The only time I ever got to see another soul is when I came down the lodge..and that was only for a few minutes." He placed another fry into his mouth.
Elise nodded at his conversation and slide closer to him.
"So, theres no reason...or person in particular that you joined for?" Elise gave a weak smile.
Atomika stared at her blankly.
"Umm...well...not really..." He looked back down at his now nearly eaten burger. Elise looked down at hers.
"Hey...Elise?" Atomika turned towards Elise, looking into her eyes.
"Yeah?" Elise looked into his, their heads moving closer...
Elise knew what was comming, she closed her eyes and puckered her lips.
"...You gonna eat that burger?" Atomika asked.
Upon opening her eyes, Elise could see that Atomika was eyeing the untouched hamburger in her hands. Elise quickly shoved the burger towards his chest and looked out the window.
"I cant believe..." Elise mumbled, she looked upset but Atomika didn't even notice, he was too busy staring out of his window in awe.
"...I was right...." Atomika whispered to himself.
Elise looked over her shoulder to see what Atomika was talking about and saw an amazing sight.
Drum was soaring down Happiness, hitting every turn, every ramp, grinding on everything that let him. Elise pointed at the window.
"That's the same newbie who came second to last place today?"
Atomika nodded. "Yep, I think he just needed time to adjust to the peak...I think he has it fairly well..."
Drum slide along the mountain, letting the flashlight on his helmet guide him along as he hit a particularly long jump.
Atomika stood and yelled.
"HERE IT IS!"
Elise jumped at the noise and looked at Atomika oddly. "Here what is?" she asked.
"His signature trick. Just watch..." Atomika grinned, his nose pressed to the window.
Drum quickly took his board and spun it around his calf, almost imitating Griff's "Sugar Rush" trick, before the board finished spinning he grabbed the tail and of it and spun it over his head sideways, the board spun above his head like a propeller. Drum then aligned his body with the board an spread his arms out, imitating an airplane.
"Oh...my...god..." Elise looked on; she couldn't believe someone of this size was pulling off a trick like that.
Drum flew almost directly under the trolley, before flipping forward and catching the board between his feet, and landing with a little stumble. Drum skidded himself to a stop and pumped his fists in the air, even if there was no one to see him...he was proud of himself.
~~~~~
Farther down the slope, aided by another flashlight helmet, two other boarders were gliding along the peak. Griff held Yuri's hand as they both trekked along on their boards.
"So...why exactly did you change so much?" Yuri asked him, still not able to look him in the eyes since their earlier encounter. Griff shrugged it off and made sure to keep his head forward so the trail was still lit.
"I felt like it was time for a change, I was bored being the same old Griff..." He shrugged.
"What was wrong with the old Griff?" She asked, still looking at him.
"I got tired of everyone coining me off as the 'cute little kid of SSX'. I wanted people to see there was more to me than just being young..." Griff turned the flashlight off; they were approaching the end of the trail. Yuri looked at him, still confused.
"But I thought you liked being the youngest one on the circuit?" she asked.
"I did like it for a little, but then that's all people expected of me. Id say something cute, blow everyone away on the slopes and that would be it. Don't you get tired of having people always expecting you to perform a certain way?" He skidded to a stop and looked her in the eyes. Yuri shuffled around for an answer, not sure what to say.
"Yeah, well...if you didn't want people to make you perform a certain way...why did you even agree to join SSX?" she stared back into his eyes. Griff didn't have an answer for this question; he instead pecked her on the cheek, leaving another black lipstick smear. He turned around towards the trolley when—
"Wait...Griff,"
Griff turned around found himself staring at Yuri once again.
Yuri walked up to him slowly and threw her arms around his neck, burying her face into his chest. It was amazing how she felt so much younger than him...how she felt so weak without him even though she was the older one. It was amazing how he had grown to be taller than her, too.
Griff couldn't help but grin as he wrapped his arms around her and stoked her hair. "For once, you took off that damn bucket hat,"
Yuri blushed and pulled herself away. "And for once, I didn't get any of your make-up on me from hugging you,"
Griff grinned. Hesitantly, he moved forward and brushed his lips across hers. The two closed their eyes, letting the moment escape as the snow slowly fell around them. It was far different from their first kiss in the lodge. This kiss seemed to be...more innocent. Sweeter. And to Yuri, that was truly her first kiss.
"Yuri..." Griff murmured, his hands on her hips, "I think I love you..."
Heat rose up in Yuri's cheeks as she stared at him, astonished at what she just heard.
"Griff...I...."
"Ill see you at the lodge, okay?" he turned around and got on the ski lift, knowing Yuri still wanted to practice.
"Hey...Yuri" Griff said as he boarded the lift, looking at her back as she stared at him. "...Be careful..." He whispered and closed the door.
As the lift went along, passing over the mountain, Griff looked at the single pole that sat in the center of it. He looked around, as if he were checking to see if anyone could possibly see him.
"....Eh, what the hell." Griff stood up, wrapped his arms around the pole and began to spin round it.
~~~~
Back at the lodge, Allegra was relaxing in the hot tub in the back area. She had her hair down and her head tilted back, not wanting to be disturbed. She sat up at the sound of the door opening, her black tank top floating on the water's surface.
"..God, what do you want now?" she sighed and eyed Viggo, who was walking in with a towel over his shoulder.
"What? I can't come chill in the hot tub with you like the good old days?" he asked, dipping a foot in to test the temperature.
"I guess so...just...keep your hormones under control in here, sheesh. You and Jean act like two schoolboys when you are around me." She closed her eyes, leaning back.
"Jean? You mean JP? Bah. The boy band knock off is just trying to add another notch to his belt...I've hear stories about him." Viggo grunted, reaching under the water and taking Allegra's foot in his hand.
Allegra jumped at his touch and looked at him with surprise.
"What in the hell are you doing, Vigs?" she asked, sitting up once again.
"Just a foot rub, you know to apologize for earlier today." Viggo winked and gave a small smile.
"Fine...just...don't try anything okay?" she leaned back once again, letting him rub her foot gently. Viggo just let his hands do the work, rubbing over each part of her foot, givin her a grade A massage, for free!
Allegra didn't want to show that she was actually enjoying it, but before she finally broke down, the door opened again.
"What is zes? Am I interrupting something?" JP grinned, knowing full well what he was doing. Viggo, on the other hand, looked reading to leap out of the water and pummel him in the head. JP walked over and stepped into the tub, right in between Viggo and Allegra.
"So? Nice race today, eh?" JP smiled ear to ear, knowing he just ruined Viggo's chance of getting a little bit closer with his riding partner.
Viggo spoke through gritted teeth. "Just...fine...I would of won if it wasn't for your distractions..."
"Moi?" JP asked innocently, all the moment running his hand up Allegra's thigh.
Allegra jumped and swung her hand at JP's face, giving him a quick slap in the face.
"Back off!" she shouted.
JP looked hurt, Viggo looked delighted. Allegra stood up and flips her hair back.
"God, you're such a goddamn pig!" she kicked water up at JP, and stormed out of the room.
JP smiled at Viggo, who was looking confused now. "Dude, you just pretty much ruined your chances with her for the rest of your natural life, why are you so happy?" Viggo asked, standing up and toweling off.
"It is all part of ze plan...All part of ze plan." JP smiled again and leaned back in the tub.
~~~~~
Yuri frowned as she looked down at the course before her.
Happiness.
It held so many good memories, and yet so many bad memories. When she had first soared down the slopes in a "Newbies VS. The Vets" race and when she had failed to reclaim her throne, which she lost to Griff the previous circuit.
Griff.
The only reason she had continued to practice this late at night was due to Psymon. Psymon and his goddamn pestering...
Why couldn't he just leave her alone?
She sighed miserably as she recalled the Psymon she knew from last circuit. He had been really nice to her, befriended her almost, and yet...this year he was treating her a lot differently. The Psymon she thought she knew was very different. He was quiet and tactic...
Yuri shook her head in disapproval as she prepared to take off, but something stopped her.
A hand.
Yuri almost screamed at the top of her lungs until she heard Moby whisper, "Sh, it's jus' me, love,"
"Moby!?" Yuri let out a sigh of relief. "What are you doing here!?"
"Lettin' off some steam..." he mumbled, his eyes downcast.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?"
Moby shook his head, "Nah...you wouldn't wanna hear of it...what with your relationship with Griff and all..." he managed a wink, "I dun wanna add more stress to yer life,"
"Try me," Yuri smirked as she placed a hand on each hip. "I've had more stress in my life than you'll ever now,"
"Ah, yes...you are a teenager, after all, eh?"
"C'mon, just tell me what happened," Yuri pleaded, whining slightly.
Moby frowned and flung his board over his shoulder. "Whatcha doin here in Happiness, eh?"
"Reliving memories..." Yuri mumbled, her eyes downcast.
"What's eating you?"
"Griff..."
Moby raised and eyebrow, "That buggah? What happened?"
"Nothing. I just...really care for him, you know? He's such a sweetheart...and I don't care what anyone says about his new look. I love him, Mobes. He's like...a drug,"
Moby only grinned and chuckled, "The good ol' days, eh?"
"So," Yuri said quickly, changing the subject, "How are things with you and Zoe, huh?"
Moby didn't respond.
"Mobes?"
"Zoe...and I...had a little bit of a fight."
"What?" Yuri stared at him in horror, "What happened? What are you talking about?"
"It's Drum's fault."
"Drum?"
Moby nodded, "That bastard of a newbie..."
Yuri looked a little taken aback, but otherwise frowned, "Mobes, what are you talking about? What could a newbie have done to—"
"A newbie," Moby said slowly, his voice quivering with anger, "Is just my problem."
"I don't understand..."
"She dumped me, Yuri,"
"Because of Drum!?" Yuri gasped, "I can't believe Zoe!"
Moby smirked, "Well...I know you and Zoe don't actually get along, now, love, but—"
"Get along?" Yuri blinked blankly, "Moby, she hates me!"
"I know, I know," Moby said, putting a hand on her shoulder, "I'm just gonna let off some steam,"
"I can't belive Zoe! The nerve of her!" Yuri growled, "She's always been so mean and so determined to be separated from the rest of us! Can't she just grow up!?"
"Ey, love, it's not Zoe's fault. She doesn't know what she's talking about. It's all Drum's fault," Moby muttered darkly.
"Moby," Yuri murmured, "Just don't do anything drastic, okay? It doesn't take a genius to figure out you and the newbie don't exactly love each other..."
Moby managed a half smile and nodded, "You get to practicing, girlie! I want to make sure this Griff buggah hasn't got you wrapped around his pinkie, eh?" He avoided talk of Drum. He didn't want to make any promises to Yuri he wouldn't be able to keep...
Yuri giggled, "Moby, Griff may look tough, but compared to me, he's nothing!"
"Sure, sure," Moby grinned, "Just don't stay up late,"
"Okay,"
"You sleep well, alright?" Moby nodded to Yuri as he sped off down Happiness, his mind wasn't really clear at all. There was only one thing on his mind. Zoe. He really did love her, even if it didn't seem like it. He couldn't believe that she had just dumped him; he knows it was his fault, but to put his mind as ease, he needed someone to blame. He did a quick tail grab over a small hill as his eyes set upon the one person whom he knew he could blame...
~~~~~
Drum was just peeling into the end point of Happiness, fresh powder and snow still in his face. He didn't see Moby quickly approaching as he pulled his feet out of his bindings.
"Oi! Tubby!" Moby yelled, waving his hands wildly at Drum. Drum looked over, and silently cursed, he was in such a good mood...he didn't want it ruined by the likes of Moby.
"What do you want?" Drum mumbled, slinging his board over his shoulder.
"I wanted to tell you that you might as well not go back to the lodge!" Moby said, walking up to him.
"Why is that?" Drum looked at him, somewhat worried.
"I just lost me girlfriend because of you." Moby growled.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Drum raised an eyebrow, Moby looked at him and gritted his teeth.
"Zoe got fed up with all you goddamn newbs, and she took out her anger on me!" Moby yelled.
"What do you mean all of us newbs? I'm the only one!" Drum said, confused.
"They way she sees it, if you weren't here for the first circuit, you are a newbie!" Moby said, clenching his fists.
"So, wait, how does this make it my fault? I haven't said anything to any of you. If Zoe broke up with you, it might be because you're a cocky asshole." Drum turned his back on Moby, Moby leapt up and tried to push Drum down. Drum didn't even stumble as Moby's hands just bounced off of his back. Drum turned around and looked down at Moby.
"Listen, I don't know what the hell I did to you, but you have been on my back since I got here. Give it a damn rest." Drum growled at him. Moby didn't say a word, he just swung and landed a hard hit on Drum's chest. Before Drum could move his arm to take a swing a Moby, both of their M- Comms beeped.
"You two! Stop it right now!" Rahzel's voiced boomed from the M-Comms. "Don't think just because I'm not right next to you I cant see everything that happens on this mountain! Both of you, back to the Lodge, and Jones, for that little outburst you are suspended from your race tomorrow." He spoke, and then hung up.
Moby looked positively pissed.
"So you cost me my girlfriend...and a race? This isn't ova, tubby." he said to him coldly.
"I'm not interesting in fighting you, Moby. Especially over something that isn't my fault." Drum said, boarding the Trolley back up to the top.
Moby stood there, in the cold. He knew Drum really wasn't the reason Zoe had left him...but he also knew that he didn't want to dare think it somehow could of been his own fault..
~~~~~
Back at the Lodge, Elise and Atomika had just arrived and looked at the Lodge TV.
Atomika grinned wickedly.
"Sweet, the first race is tomorrow."
"Who is racing?" Elise asked, shaking the snow off.
"Well, it seems: Kaori, Zoe, JP, Viggo, Drum, Moby and Mac will be the starters." Atomika answered, going through the list of names that flashed around the screen.
"Wow, it should be interesting, putting the newbie against 5 vets? My money is on Mac." Elise stated.
"Well, in any event, tomorrow is going to be very interesting...."
"Atomika!" Elise gasped, "Look!"
Atomika froze and watched the television as Moby Jones' name suddenly was wiped off the screen.
Atomika and Elise both exchanged looks of dread, "What d'you think happened?"
"I dunno," Atomika murmured, "but you really gotta piss Rahzel off to get kicked out of a race..."
"Well...Psymon doesn't have to try that hard..."
"I'm serious. What did Moby do?"
AN from Drum: This chapter is going to either piss you all off...or make you happy. This one is also a tad more serious in tone than the others.
It was about 10PM in the lodge. Everyone else had already gone to sleep save for a couple of racers.
Psymon had tired himself out with chasing around Griff and Yuri, teasing them both about their botched make out session. Drum hadn't returned from Happiness yet. The lodge was very quiet, no one was awake except for Moby and Zoe, who were nicely cuddled on the couch, watching replays from last season's circuit.
"Ya know, I think last year was the best one so far..."
Moby said with a nod, looking at Psymon do a perfect Lukeloo over a batch of fallen trees. Zoe sat awkwardly next to Moby, who was shifting closer and closer towards her.
"Hey, look. There's the snowball fight from last year.." Zoe said, trying to keep Moby's attention off of her.
"Yeah...I remember that.." Moby sighed, scooting closer to her, almost so close that she could feel the air from his blinks.
"Mobes, why so close?" Zoe asked, a bit defensively. Moby looked somewhat surprised at this and turned his attention back towards the TV.
"I just thought you might've wanted a bit of company, love." Moby said dryly, trying to look ashamed. Zoe didn't say anything, she just looked at him curiously.
"I still rememba what happened last season, love...you and me on Thanksgiving..."
Zoe's eyes widened, she remembered exactly what she had did that day.
"Come on, Mobes, you still on that?" she chuckled uneasily.
"Yeah, how could I forget?" Moby smiled, making this is chance to scoot closer.
"Look, I was drunk and I didn't know what the hell I was doing that night." Zoe stated, trying to stop Moby in his tracks.
"Then why did it happen for the rest of the season?" Moby asked, knowing he had her backed into a corner.
Zoe still kept her face straight as she fished around for an answer.
"Stress relief" she said dryly.
Moby wasn't buying it, he rested his hand on her leg and moved in for a kiss.
"I mean, a girl works up a lot of str—mmph!" Zoe was caught off-guard and got a mouth full of unwanted tongue.
Zoe pushed Moby's face away from hers and gasped for breath.
"What the HELL do you think you are doing!?" Zoe yelled, almost loud enough to wake everyone in the lodge.
"I was just given ya some suga, love." Moby smiled, proud of himself. Zoe, however was pissed.
"Look, what happened last season was just a few flings, Mobes. Ever since then you have acted like I'm your goddamn girlfriend or something!" Zoe began to stand up, shoving Moby away from her. Moby looked somewhat offended, but yet still had a smile on his face.
"I like the way you always play hard to get, love." Moby stood up in front of her.
"I'm NOT playing hard to get, what the fuck, Moby!? Cant you get it through your head!?" Zoe yelling louder and louder now, Mac trudging down the stairs slowly.
Moby tried to quiet her down, but Zoe wasn't having any of it.
"Love! Love! Please...you dun wanna wake up the whole bloody lodge, do ya?" Moby tried to no avail.
Mac was standing at the edge of the stairs now, in a pair of pajama shorts and a white t-shirt, even in his sleep he kept that beanie on.
"Yo! People are trying to sleep around here! Take your domestic troubles outside!" Mac shouted at them.
Zoe looked at Mac, then at Moby. She dropped her hands to the side and sighed.
"Look, Moby. Your a nice guy and all...and I still LOVE the accent...but...it's not gonna work out."
Mac and Moby both had a look of shock on their faces as Zoe said this.
"..Wh...what?" Moby looked at her, his shades tilted down so she can see his eyes.
"You...you try to hard, Mobes...you move too fast...and well...you just aren't the same Moby I knew from the other seasons. I'm sorry."
With that, Zoe turned around and headed to the kitchen, it was quite obvious that she didn't want to be followed.
Moby would have been a bright shade of red if he was able to blush; he quickly snapped his head at Mac, who was looking just as shocked as he was.
"Oh no, don't look at me." Mac held his hands out in front of him, knowing Moby was looking for someone to blame.
"I ain't have a damn thing to do with this." Mac turned around heading up stairs, soon as he was out of Moby's sight he began to chuckle under his breath. Moby was all alone in the lobby...he stood there clenching his fists, looking at his board in the corner. He quickly grabbed it and ran out of the doors, heading to let off some steam on Happiness..
~~~~
"So, what made you want to become a boarder?" Elise asked Atomika from across the trolley they were both riding. Atomika was munching hungrily on a hamburger while shoveling fries into his mouth. Elise still had her single hamburger in her hand, she hadn't even taken a bite out of it.
Atomika took a gulp of his soda before talking.
"Well, last season all I did was sit up in Radio BIG studio...no one around. Ever. Just me and the mountain cams. The only time I ever got to see another soul is when I came down the lodge..and that was only for a few minutes." He placed another fry into his mouth.
Elise nodded at his conversation and slide closer to him.
"So, theres no reason...or person in particular that you joined for?" Elise gave a weak smile.
Atomika stared at her blankly.
"Umm...well...not really..." He looked back down at his now nearly eaten burger. Elise looked down at hers.
"Hey...Elise?" Atomika turned towards Elise, looking into her eyes.
"Yeah?" Elise looked into his, their heads moving closer...
Elise knew what was comming, she closed her eyes and puckered her lips.
"...You gonna eat that burger?" Atomika asked.
Upon opening her eyes, Elise could see that Atomika was eyeing the untouched hamburger in her hands. Elise quickly shoved the burger towards his chest and looked out the window.
"I cant believe..." Elise mumbled, she looked upset but Atomika didn't even notice, he was too busy staring out of his window in awe.
"...I was right...." Atomika whispered to himself.
Elise looked over her shoulder to see what Atomika was talking about and saw an amazing sight.
Drum was soaring down Happiness, hitting every turn, every ramp, grinding on everything that let him. Elise pointed at the window.
"That's the same newbie who came second to last place today?"
Atomika nodded. "Yep, I think he just needed time to adjust to the peak...I think he has it fairly well..."
Drum slide along the mountain, letting the flashlight on his helmet guide him along as he hit a particularly long jump.
Atomika stood and yelled.
"HERE IT IS!"
Elise jumped at the noise and looked at Atomika oddly. "Here what is?" she asked.
"His signature trick. Just watch..." Atomika grinned, his nose pressed to the window.
Drum quickly took his board and spun it around his calf, almost imitating Griff's "Sugar Rush" trick, before the board finished spinning he grabbed the tail and of it and spun it over his head sideways, the board spun above his head like a propeller. Drum then aligned his body with the board an spread his arms out, imitating an airplane.
"Oh...my...god..." Elise looked on; she couldn't believe someone of this size was pulling off a trick like that.
Drum flew almost directly under the trolley, before flipping forward and catching the board between his feet, and landing with a little stumble. Drum skidded himself to a stop and pumped his fists in the air, even if there was no one to see him...he was proud of himself.
~~~~~
Farther down the slope, aided by another flashlight helmet, two other boarders were gliding along the peak. Griff held Yuri's hand as they both trekked along on their boards.
"So...why exactly did you change so much?" Yuri asked him, still not able to look him in the eyes since their earlier encounter. Griff shrugged it off and made sure to keep his head forward so the trail was still lit.
"I felt like it was time for a change, I was bored being the same old Griff..." He shrugged.
"What was wrong with the old Griff?" She asked, still looking at him.
"I got tired of everyone coining me off as the 'cute little kid of SSX'. I wanted people to see there was more to me than just being young..." Griff turned the flashlight off; they were approaching the end of the trail. Yuri looked at him, still confused.
"But I thought you liked being the youngest one on the circuit?" she asked.
"I did like it for a little, but then that's all people expected of me. Id say something cute, blow everyone away on the slopes and that would be it. Don't you get tired of having people always expecting you to perform a certain way?" He skidded to a stop and looked her in the eyes. Yuri shuffled around for an answer, not sure what to say.
"Yeah, well...if you didn't want people to make you perform a certain way...why did you even agree to join SSX?" she stared back into his eyes. Griff didn't have an answer for this question; he instead pecked her on the cheek, leaving another black lipstick smear. He turned around towards the trolley when—
"Wait...Griff,"
Griff turned around found himself staring at Yuri once again.
Yuri walked up to him slowly and threw her arms around his neck, burying her face into his chest. It was amazing how she felt so much younger than him...how she felt so weak without him even though she was the older one. It was amazing how he had grown to be taller than her, too.
Griff couldn't help but grin as he wrapped his arms around her and stoked her hair. "For once, you took off that damn bucket hat,"
Yuri blushed and pulled herself away. "And for once, I didn't get any of your make-up on me from hugging you,"
Griff grinned. Hesitantly, he moved forward and brushed his lips across hers. The two closed their eyes, letting the moment escape as the snow slowly fell around them. It was far different from their first kiss in the lodge. This kiss seemed to be...more innocent. Sweeter. And to Yuri, that was truly her first kiss.
"Yuri..." Griff murmured, his hands on her hips, "I think I love you..."
Heat rose up in Yuri's cheeks as she stared at him, astonished at what she just heard.
"Griff...I...."
"Ill see you at the lodge, okay?" he turned around and got on the ski lift, knowing Yuri still wanted to practice.
"Hey...Yuri" Griff said as he boarded the lift, looking at her back as she stared at him. "...Be careful..." He whispered and closed the door.
As the lift went along, passing over the mountain, Griff looked at the single pole that sat in the center of it. He looked around, as if he were checking to see if anyone could possibly see him.
"....Eh, what the hell." Griff stood up, wrapped his arms around the pole and began to spin round it.
~~~~
Back at the lodge, Allegra was relaxing in the hot tub in the back area. She had her hair down and her head tilted back, not wanting to be disturbed. She sat up at the sound of the door opening, her black tank top floating on the water's surface.
"..God, what do you want now?" she sighed and eyed Viggo, who was walking in with a towel over his shoulder.
"What? I can't come chill in the hot tub with you like the good old days?" he asked, dipping a foot in to test the temperature.
"I guess so...just...keep your hormones under control in here, sheesh. You and Jean act like two schoolboys when you are around me." She closed her eyes, leaning back.
"Jean? You mean JP? Bah. The boy band knock off is just trying to add another notch to his belt...I've hear stories about him." Viggo grunted, reaching under the water and taking Allegra's foot in his hand.
Allegra jumped at his touch and looked at him with surprise.
"What in the hell are you doing, Vigs?" she asked, sitting up once again.
"Just a foot rub, you know to apologize for earlier today." Viggo winked and gave a small smile.
"Fine...just...don't try anything okay?" she leaned back once again, letting him rub her foot gently. Viggo just let his hands do the work, rubbing over each part of her foot, givin her a grade A massage, for free!
Allegra didn't want to show that she was actually enjoying it, but before she finally broke down, the door opened again.
"What is zes? Am I interrupting something?" JP grinned, knowing full well what he was doing. Viggo, on the other hand, looked reading to leap out of the water and pummel him in the head. JP walked over and stepped into the tub, right in between Viggo and Allegra.
"So? Nice race today, eh?" JP smiled ear to ear, knowing he just ruined Viggo's chance of getting a little bit closer with his riding partner.
Viggo spoke through gritted teeth. "Just...fine...I would of won if it wasn't for your distractions..."
"Moi?" JP asked innocently, all the moment running his hand up Allegra's thigh.
Allegra jumped and swung her hand at JP's face, giving him a quick slap in the face.
"Back off!" she shouted.
JP looked hurt, Viggo looked delighted. Allegra stood up and flips her hair back.
"God, you're such a goddamn pig!" she kicked water up at JP, and stormed out of the room.
JP smiled at Viggo, who was looking confused now. "Dude, you just pretty much ruined your chances with her for the rest of your natural life, why are you so happy?" Viggo asked, standing up and toweling off.
"It is all part of ze plan...All part of ze plan." JP smiled again and leaned back in the tub.
~~~~~
Yuri frowned as she looked down at the course before her.
Happiness.
It held so many good memories, and yet so many bad memories. When she had first soared down the slopes in a "Newbies VS. The Vets" race and when she had failed to reclaim her throne, which she lost to Griff the previous circuit.
Griff.
The only reason she had continued to practice this late at night was due to Psymon. Psymon and his goddamn pestering...
Why couldn't he just leave her alone?
She sighed miserably as she recalled the Psymon she knew from last circuit. He had been really nice to her, befriended her almost, and yet...this year he was treating her a lot differently. The Psymon she thought she knew was very different. He was quiet and tactic...
Yuri shook her head in disapproval as she prepared to take off, but something stopped her.
A hand.
Yuri almost screamed at the top of her lungs until she heard Moby whisper, "Sh, it's jus' me, love,"
"Moby!?" Yuri let out a sigh of relief. "What are you doing here!?"
"Lettin' off some steam..." he mumbled, his eyes downcast.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?"
Moby shook his head, "Nah...you wouldn't wanna hear of it...what with your relationship with Griff and all..." he managed a wink, "I dun wanna add more stress to yer life,"
"Try me," Yuri smirked as she placed a hand on each hip. "I've had more stress in my life than you'll ever now,"
"Ah, yes...you are a teenager, after all, eh?"
"C'mon, just tell me what happened," Yuri pleaded, whining slightly.
Moby frowned and flung his board over his shoulder. "Whatcha doin here in Happiness, eh?"
"Reliving memories..." Yuri mumbled, her eyes downcast.
"What's eating you?"
"Griff..."
Moby raised and eyebrow, "That buggah? What happened?"
"Nothing. I just...really care for him, you know? He's such a sweetheart...and I don't care what anyone says about his new look. I love him, Mobes. He's like...a drug,"
Moby only grinned and chuckled, "The good ol' days, eh?"
"So," Yuri said quickly, changing the subject, "How are things with you and Zoe, huh?"
Moby didn't respond.
"Mobes?"
"Zoe...and I...had a little bit of a fight."
"What?" Yuri stared at him in horror, "What happened? What are you talking about?"
"It's Drum's fault."
"Drum?"
Moby nodded, "That bastard of a newbie..."
Yuri looked a little taken aback, but otherwise frowned, "Mobes, what are you talking about? What could a newbie have done to—"
"A newbie," Moby said slowly, his voice quivering with anger, "Is just my problem."
"I don't understand..."
"She dumped me, Yuri,"
"Because of Drum!?" Yuri gasped, "I can't believe Zoe!"
Moby smirked, "Well...I know you and Zoe don't actually get along, now, love, but—"
"Get along?" Yuri blinked blankly, "Moby, she hates me!"
"I know, I know," Moby said, putting a hand on her shoulder, "I'm just gonna let off some steam,"
"I can't belive Zoe! The nerve of her!" Yuri growled, "She's always been so mean and so determined to be separated from the rest of us! Can't she just grow up!?"
"Ey, love, it's not Zoe's fault. She doesn't know what she's talking about. It's all Drum's fault," Moby muttered darkly.
"Moby," Yuri murmured, "Just don't do anything drastic, okay? It doesn't take a genius to figure out you and the newbie don't exactly love each other..."
Moby managed a half smile and nodded, "You get to practicing, girlie! I want to make sure this Griff buggah hasn't got you wrapped around his pinkie, eh?" He avoided talk of Drum. He didn't want to make any promises to Yuri he wouldn't be able to keep...
Yuri giggled, "Moby, Griff may look tough, but compared to me, he's nothing!"
"Sure, sure," Moby grinned, "Just don't stay up late,"
"Okay,"
"You sleep well, alright?" Moby nodded to Yuri as he sped off down Happiness, his mind wasn't really clear at all. There was only one thing on his mind. Zoe. He really did love her, even if it didn't seem like it. He couldn't believe that she had just dumped him; he knows it was his fault, but to put his mind as ease, he needed someone to blame. He did a quick tail grab over a small hill as his eyes set upon the one person whom he knew he could blame...
~~~~~
Drum was just peeling into the end point of Happiness, fresh powder and snow still in his face. He didn't see Moby quickly approaching as he pulled his feet out of his bindings.
"Oi! Tubby!" Moby yelled, waving his hands wildly at Drum. Drum looked over, and silently cursed, he was in such a good mood...he didn't want it ruined by the likes of Moby.
"What do you want?" Drum mumbled, slinging his board over his shoulder.
"I wanted to tell you that you might as well not go back to the lodge!" Moby said, walking up to him.
"Why is that?" Drum looked at him, somewhat worried.
"I just lost me girlfriend because of you." Moby growled.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Drum raised an eyebrow, Moby looked at him and gritted his teeth.
"Zoe got fed up with all you goddamn newbs, and she took out her anger on me!" Moby yelled.
"What do you mean all of us newbs? I'm the only one!" Drum said, confused.
"They way she sees it, if you weren't here for the first circuit, you are a newbie!" Moby said, clenching his fists.
"So, wait, how does this make it my fault? I haven't said anything to any of you. If Zoe broke up with you, it might be because you're a cocky asshole." Drum turned his back on Moby, Moby leapt up and tried to push Drum down. Drum didn't even stumble as Moby's hands just bounced off of his back. Drum turned around and looked down at Moby.
"Listen, I don't know what the hell I did to you, but you have been on my back since I got here. Give it a damn rest." Drum growled at him. Moby didn't say a word, he just swung and landed a hard hit on Drum's chest. Before Drum could move his arm to take a swing a Moby, both of their M- Comms beeped.
"You two! Stop it right now!" Rahzel's voiced boomed from the M-Comms. "Don't think just because I'm not right next to you I cant see everything that happens on this mountain! Both of you, back to the Lodge, and Jones, for that little outburst you are suspended from your race tomorrow." He spoke, and then hung up.
Moby looked positively pissed.
"So you cost me my girlfriend...and a race? This isn't ova, tubby." he said to him coldly.
"I'm not interesting in fighting you, Moby. Especially over something that isn't my fault." Drum said, boarding the Trolley back up to the top.
Moby stood there, in the cold. He knew Drum really wasn't the reason Zoe had left him...but he also knew that he didn't want to dare think it somehow could of been his own fault..
~~~~~
Back at the Lodge, Elise and Atomika had just arrived and looked at the Lodge TV.
Atomika grinned wickedly.
"Sweet, the first race is tomorrow."
"Who is racing?" Elise asked, shaking the snow off.
"Well, it seems: Kaori, Zoe, JP, Viggo, Drum, Moby and Mac will be the starters." Atomika answered, going through the list of names that flashed around the screen.
"Wow, it should be interesting, putting the newbie against 5 vets? My money is on Mac." Elise stated.
"Well, in any event, tomorrow is going to be very interesting...."
"Atomika!" Elise gasped, "Look!"
Atomika froze and watched the television as Moby Jones' name suddenly was wiped off the screen.
Atomika and Elise both exchanged looks of dread, "What d'you think happened?"
"I dunno," Atomika murmured, "but you really gotta piss Rahzel off to get kicked out of a race..."
"Well...Psymon doesn't have to try that hard..."
"I'm serious. What did Moby do?"