Alright. It's 10/29 and I'm currently on a 10 hour train to Virginia! Lets get this chapter done baby.

First rest day and I'm very excited. Some SHE-freakin-NANIGANS are about to go down. Muahahaha.

Like with every chapter, I'm going to remind you to vote on the poll on my profile on who you want to join the Aftermaths in the Peanut Gallery. 6th place has 19 votes, and 13th place has 16. It's tight!

Now, get ready for some boozy fun.

It was still the night of Scott's elimination. Everyone had made a habit of turning in pretty early due to the strenuous challenges. It was currently 9:30 PM and everyone was resting or relaxing in their trailers.

"I gotta say," Duncan said from his bunk, "kinda nice not having Dirt Boy underneath me."

"What the hell happened on your team?" Rodney asked the punk curiously, "you got eliminated last challenge and now Scott's gone?"

Duncan smirked, putting his arms behind his head. "Just some damage control and masterful manipulation," he bragged, "it's about time people remembered how good at this stupid game I am."

Noah scoffed from his bunk above the hulking farm boy, "Suuure. Yeah, that's what it is. He probably just swapped spit with Gwen again and she decided to keep him."

Duncan sat up in his bed with a snarl. "Watch your mouth, nerdling."

"Struck a nerve, have I?" Noah drawled.

"Sha-Jeeze! Can you two dummies keep it down?" Lightning whined, "we have a challenge tomorrow, incase your forgot! The Lightning needs his rest."

"Seriously," Shawn agreed, "I'm wiped. Save it for tomorrow you two."

"Yeah, he's wiped from carrying our team," Owen whooped, and the zombie boy grinned at him.

A sharp shriek pierced the air: The big megaphone in the center of camp.

All the boys initially turned to Beardo, but the beatboxer just shrugged his shoulders. "Not me, guys," he told them, "maybe a night challenge?"

"Ugh, I hope not," Lightning complained, "Lightning needs to recharge his batteries!"

Sure enough, Chris's voice rang through the camp. "Hey campers. Heads up, there will be NO challenge tomorrow! Its is a rest day, and you may do whatever you want. Normal competition resumes the day after tomorrow." The megaphone went quiet.

"Cool," Noah said, settling into his covers.

Suddenly, the door got kicked open and a blur of ginger entered the cabin. That blur turned out to be Izzy, grinning wickedly.

"Izzy!" Owen gasped, yanking the covers up over his body even though he was fully clothed. "What are you doing here?"

"Hey there, wee laddies," Izzy greeted them in a terrible Scottish accent, "our host just told us there's no challenge tomorrow. Do you know what that means?"

"Uhh…an extra day to fortify the island from zombie attacks?" Shawn asked, a little unsure of what Izzy was talking about.

"Nope, though that is a good plan," Izzy told him, "it means that Izzy hit up the Tucke Shoppe and spent all her Bux…on this!" She pulled out a big armful of alcohol bottles from who-knows-where.

Noah instantly broke out in a cold sweat, as if the girl were holding bombs instead of bottles. "Izzy…be reasonable here," he pleaded.

"We're moving to the Rec Center, baby!" Izzy told them, "it's party time!"

Surprisingly, Beardo leapt to his feet with a jazzy riff. "Heck yeah, I'm down!"

Owen was excited too. "Alright!"

"I'm in my PJs," Noah whined, "and it's late!"

"It's 9:30, grandma," Lightning snorted, "Personally, Lightning is down to hang out. It's not like we gotta wake up or do anything tomorrow."

"I'm confused, though," Rodney said, "Chris just announced this, how'd you get all that stuff so quick?"

"It's best not to question her," Duncan told him, "alright, it's been a while since I drank, I'm down."

Izzy's grin, if possible, got even wider, "excellent! See you guys there!" In another ginger flash, she was gone.

"What are we getting ourselves into…?" Shawn sighed.

Owen walked over to the still complaining Noah and scooped him up as if he were a baby. "C'mon little buddy, we've got some fun to have!"

(Confessional: Beardo.)

Beardo pumps his fists, "Yes! This is exactly the kind of thing I came back for! Fun, social interactions! I never get invited to parties back home, so I'm totally ready for this!" He smooths his fro back, a little agitated, "also, totally nervous as well…" he gulps.

(End Confessional: Beardo.)

(Confessional: Owen & Noah.)

Owen is still holding Noah like a baby, and is talking over his endless stream of complaints and gripes, "I've gotten especially good at getting Noah to do fun stuff that he doesn't want to do," he explains to the camera, "like that we went and saw the Dancing Girls in Vegas, or went to that wet T-Shirt contest, or-"

"This was before you, honey!" Noah yells to the camera, startling Owen, "Owen, are you trying to get me in trouble!"

Owen looks proudly at the camera, "Aw, isn't that what best friends are for?"

(End Confessional: Owen & Noah.)

"Girls!" Izzy hurtled into the girls trailer, startling the majority of them. "It's party time!"

"Party time?" Jo asked, "What the hell are you talking about?"

"You heard Chris, we have the day off tomorrow!" Izzy told the trailer. Most of the girls were looking a little hesitant, as Sammy, Gwen, Jasmine, Jo and Zoey weren't really the 'party' type. "So let's have some fun!"

Bridgette was one of the few girls who seemed totally onboard with the idea. "Cool," she said with her usual laid-back smile, "where are we going?"

"Rec Center. The guys are already on the way there. Let's go!" Izzy dashed out of the trailer, leaving most of the other girls in silence.

"Meh, haven't really been to too many parties, but what the heck," Jasmine said, hopping down. "Besides," she addressed the rest of the hesitant girls, "what else are we gonna do? Go to sleep?"

"Sleep sounds pretty good," Gwen shrugged, settling back into her covers.

"Aw, C'mon Gwen, don't be a party pooper," Bridgette teased, walking up to the goth and ripping the covers off. This heinous act earned an indignant "hey" from Gwen, but Bridgette ignored her.

Eventually, all the girls were up and out of the trailer and heading towards the Rec Center. Faint voices were heard inside, which meant that the guys had already arrived.

Bridgette, at the head of the group of girls, pushed open the door and entered.

A makeshift table had been set up, with a bunch of paper cups and the bottles that Izzy had produced.

"Oh, hey guys!" Izzy said, bottle of whiskey tipped upside down Rodney's throat. The farm boy was counting down from five on one meaty paw, and when he reached zero Izzy removed the bottle. Rodney wiped his mouth, unfazed.

"Jesus, Rodney!" Jasmine exclaimed, "you're gonna feel that one tomorrow, mate!"

Rodney chuckled, "Nah, it takes way more than that to get me buzzed. I'm a big guy. Duncan didn't believe I could straight chug whiskey for five seconds, and I had to prove him wrong."

"I'm almost impressed," Duncan agreed.

"Okay, is everyone here?" Izzy said excitedly, "cause you can bet your butt Izzy has a plan for tonight…"

"I think so," Sammy said, peering behind her and doing a quick headcount.

"Alright, gather around everyone," Izzy said mischievously, rubbing her hands together. "I want to play a Game…"

"Duck Duck Goose?"

"Shut up, Noah!" Izzy snapped, still smiling, "we're going to play ULTIMATE TRUTH OR DARE!"

Lightning snorted, "Ultimate? What makes it Ultimate?"

"Let's just say there's a price to play for entering the game…and a prize to be won!" Izzy rubbed her hands together. "To play, you must pound THREE WHOLE SHOTS!"

"Three shots?" Noah shook his head, "you're overestimating people's tolerance here, Izzy. We'll all be incoherent within minutes."

"That's the thing, my large-foreheaded friend," Izzy told him, taking a swig from a nearby bottle, "once you enter, the penalty for not revealing a truth or accepting a dare isn't JUST a shot, it can be a shot OR a piece of clothing removed!"

Owen gave a high-pitched gasp, "so it's Strip-Drink Truth or Dare?! Let's get it on, baby!"

"Oh yes," Izzy cackled, "now who's ready to have some fun!"

Against most of their better judgments and after some thorough peer pressure, surprisingly everyone agreed to play the game. Izzy grabbed a stack of paper cups and began to juggle them, scattering them all out and expertly filling them with vodka.

"Wow, Izzy," Zoey said, watching the spectacle with wide eyes, "when did you learn how to do that?"

"Izzy bartended for soldiers back in 'Nam," Izzy said nonchalantly, "tough years, I'll admit, but I learned a lot."

"I don't know why I agreed to this," Sky grumbled as she received her hefty cup of vodka from Izzy, "I'm just gonna embarrass myself."

"Why's that?" Lightning asked, downing his cup without so much as a flinch, "can't hold your liquor, Shorty?"

Sky flushed a little. "No! Uh, I just, get a little…affectionate when I'm drunk…" She told him. "But I'm not gonna let that stop me! I'm winning this Truth or Dare game!" She too downed her entrance fee as flawlessly as Lightning had, much to the jocks approval.

"I think if I shoot this in one go I'm going to puke," Sammy winced, looking at her vodka.

"C'mon girl, let's go for it!" Jasmine said, walking up to the shorter girl, "Cheers!"

The two knocked paper cups and drank. Immediately Sammy began coughing and hacking, but she managed to choke down most of the alcohol.

"Not too bad," Jasmine smirked, gently patting the girl on the back.

"Thanks," Sammy spluttered, wiping her mouth, "drinking and partying is more Amy's thing, not mine."

"Well you're better than her at most things," Shawn said, his cup also empty without a fuss, "so I bet you'll be great at partying."

Sammy beamed at him.

Soon enough everyone had gotten the alcohol down, feeling warm and just a little fuzzy. They all moved and gathered the couches in the middle of the room. Four large sofas facing inward made a square. Lightning, Jasmine, Sammy and Izzy were squeezed on one. Noah, Bridgette, Gwen and Jo were on another. Owen, Shawn, Beardo and Duncan made up the third, and Zoey, Sky, and Rodney were on the last. They put a coffee table in the middle with all the booze on it.

"Okokokok, I'll go first…" Izzy said, looking around at everyone. "But first, everyone take their shoes and socks off! We ain't using any of that wussy crap for clothes punishments!" There was a quick shuffle as everyone adjusted and pulled off their shocks and shoes.

"You're lucky Jasmine makes me shower more." Shawn joked as he wiggled his toes.

"It's true," Jasmine agreed, shooting her boyfriend an easy smile. "They used to smell so bad, they could've been used as zombie repellent."

Shawn chuckled, but was stopped when Izzy smacked her hand on the middle of the table. "I have made my selection!" She decreed. She raised a hand and pointed it at different people as the intense elimination music began to play.

"Hey, where's that music coming from?" Jo asked.

Beardo ceased his noises and chuckled, already a little flushed in the face. "Sorry, just seemed appropriate."

"Ooh yes, I like it," Izzy said, lowering her hand, "keep it up!"

Beardo chuckled again and resumed his tune.

Izzy eventually settled on Noah, who clasped his hands to his face in mock surprise. She narrowed her eyes at the boy, "Noah!" The redhead cackled, "Truth or Dare!"

"Truth," Noah said smugly.

Izzy pouted, "Darn it! I wanted you to pick dare so-"

"So you could dare me to kiss another guy on the ear, yes. You're so original."

Izzy just grinned cheekily at him and shrugged her shoulders. "Fine! If you had to kiss one guy on the ear in this room, who would it be?"

Laughter erupted around the room as Noah rolled his eyes. "Probably Owen," he said, "the guy is practically a brother to me."

"Aww, that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me!" Owen gushed.

"Boo, boring!" Izzy hooted. "Noah, ask someone! And spice it up!"

Noah smirked, "fine…" he looked around the room. "Jo. Truth or dare."

Jo leveled a challenging glare at him. "I'm not a wuss like you. I choose dare!"

"Hey, its your funeral. I dare you to take a big inhale from the inside of Shawn's beanie."

Groans of disgust rang out throughout the room. Shawn looked offended and clutched at his beanie protectively.

"Damn, that's a good one," Jo said, looking annoyed and impressed, "but you already know I won't back down." She held out her hand, "toss it here, Zombie Boy."

Shawn removed the beanie from his head and tossed it at Jo. She braced herself, and then stuck her face in the hat, emitting a very audible inhale. She quickly removed her face and began to cough and hack.

"Wow… that is sick," Bridgette said with a nervous smile.

"God, that is musty," Jo gagged, tossing the hat back at Shawn. "It's called a washing machine, dude." She turned to Noah, "I'm gonna get you back for that, twerp."

He just smirked at her.

"Hey," Zoey asked, "what happens if we don't wanna drink anymore, or take more clothes off, or just stop playing?"

"You can leave whenever," Izzy shrugged, "but then you're a big ol' looooooooser!"

Jo grinned, "looks like I gotta start hitting hard then. Let's get rid of some of the weaklings." She punched her fist and zoned in on the room. "I dare the whole room to take two more shots!"

"Hey! You can't dare the whole room!" Lightning protested, "that's cheating!"

"Hey, I dared the whole room," Jo shrugged, "if you're too much of a wuss to do it and want to hide behind some namby-pamby rules, then go for it!"

Lightning gnashed his teeth but grabbed a bottle from the center and drank.

"I don't really want to drink two shots," Bridgette said, looking very much like she was okay with taking two more shots, "but I'm not gonna let Jo pull one over on me."

Jo barked out a laugh, "so the surfer girl can bite back, huh?" Her laugh died when she saw that everyone had taken more shots, effectively turning some of them rather drunk. Five shots in such a short time was enough to make even seasoned drinkers start to get tipsy. They were in for a wild ride.

(Confessional: Duncan.)

Duncan is shirtless, with a kiss mark on his cheek and obscene marker drawings all over his face. He looks incredibly hungover and seems to be narrating from the morning following the Truth or Dare game. "It all started with those two damn shots, man," he says, holding his head, "aghhh, my damn head is killing me…"

(End Confessional: Duncan.)

Two hours had passed, and the game had gotten quite rowdy. They had made two more runs to the Tucke Shoppe to buy more booze, and a separate trip to buy markers and other things they could use in the Truth or Dare game.

Currently everyone was still in the game except for Zoey, who had gotten sick after being dared to kiss one of Owen's socks, and Noah, who had opted out after being faced with removing his underwear or taking yet another shot. The bookworm was still in the Rec Center in his underpants, watching from the floor as the game raged around him.

Most of them were completely drunk now, though Lightning, Sky, Jo and Bridgette were a little more sober than the others. Rodney had probably consumed enough alcohol to send any of the others to the hospital, but the big guy was just starting to feel the buzz.

Izzy laughed uncontrollably as Shawn leapt to his feet. The zombie nut was noticeably quite goofy when he was drunk.

"You think your weak challenge fazes me?" Shawn bellowed, stumbling a little.

"Go ahead then, show us what your Mama gave you!" Sky taunted.

Shawn turned around so his back was to the others. He had lost his vest and shirt, but still had his beanie, pants and underpants on. He popped his hip and flexed his cheeks, making the guys howl with laughter and the girls give various cat calls.

"I can't believe you dared him to twerk," Bridgette giggled to Jasmine, who was roaring with laughter. "You're an evil girlfriend!"

"Hey Beardo, give the guy some appropriate music!" Duncan called. The beatboxer obliged and began to play some trappy club music.

On the beat drop, Shawn dipped his hips and began to twerk for all he was worth. The Rec Center filled with uproarious laughter as Shawn poured his heart and soul into his booty. Jasmine wiped tears from her eyes and Izzy thumped Jo, who was laughing so hard she choked on her own spit.

With a final sashay of his hips, Shawn walked back to the couch and plopped down. "Boom." Was all he head to say. He wiggled his eyebrows at Jasmine. "You like what you see, Babe?"

"It was very…" Jasmine struggled to find the right words.

"Caucasian?" Noah offered from the sidelines, earning more laughter.

"Laugh all you want," Shawn taunted, "but we'll see who's laughing when I dare the whole room to take off a piece of clothing!"

Lightning, still fully clothed, tore his jersey off to some wolf whistles from the ladies. Owen followed, and he received even more wolf whistles.

Soon everyone had discarded a piece of clothing. All the guys were down to their boxers now except for Lightning and Owen, who still had pants on. The girls were in better shape, as they had been a little more reluctant to take their clothes off. Bridgette had exposed her lacy turquoise bra and Jo hadn't had any problems shedding her pants since she wore some boy shorts underneath. Gwen rolled her eyes with a smile as she discarded her skirt. "Everyone saw my panties in season 1," she shrugged, tossing the skirt behind her, "I don't give a shit!"

"Okay, Beardo can go next," Shawn said, smirking in victory.

Beardo gave Shawn a thumbs up. His afro, in his drunkenness, had gotten somehow poofier. He zeroed in on his next target. "Gwen! Truth or Dare!"

"Dare," Gwen slurred.

"I dare you to let Izzy draw on your face with permanent marker!"

A chorus of "ooo's" rang out at that.

"Damn, that's below the belt," Izzy cackled, eagerly grabbing a marker, "so, what'll it be, Gwennie?"

"Bring it!" Gwen told her.

"Alright, your turn Gwen," Beardo told her as Izzy descended on the goth.

"Ok, Sammy! Truth or dare!"

"Err…I'm gonna go with truth on this one," Sammy said, her cheeks flushed from the alcohol. She was the only one not to select dare yet.

"Haha, you're about to learn that some truths are more painful than dares," Gwen grinned, "Sammy, which boy do you…eeech, Izzy!" Izzy had stuck the corner of the marker in Gwen's mouth by accident and the goth spit out some black spit. "Watch it!"

"Sorry, my hand's a little unsteady," Izzy giggled, drawing a picture of a super swole, roided-out Cody on Gwen's cheek. "Cody's gonna be packing some heat, if you know what I'm saying…"

"I really don't," Gwen told her, "but I'm sure it'll be hideous. Anyways, Sammy…who's the cutest boy here?"

Sammy turned a vibrant shade of pink. Everyone leaned in expectantly and the shy girl covered her face in embarrassment.

"She's gonna take a shot," Jo said dismissively, "she won't say."

"Nah, she's tipsy enough," Jasmine told Jo, her dark eyes twinkling, "though I reckon I know who it is, eh Sammy?"

"Ugh, fine," Sammy said, uncovering her face and looking determined. It didn't help that she was still pink in the face though, but there was a defiant note in her voice as she crossed her arms and mumbled, "I guess I'd have to say…Scott."

Bedlam.

"Oh gross!" Jo howled, miming gagging and retching. Lightning actually was gagging and retching. Owen and Bridgette were wolf whistling and Rodney's jaw was practically on the floor. Duncan was bent over the couch, sobbing with laughter as Beardo mimicked wedding bells.

Sammy buried her face in her skirt, "I hate you guys!" She said, but her smile kind of tainted the venom in her voice. "He's just kinda cute, okay? It's not like I'm crushing on him or anything. Besides, he's gone now!"

Eventually the clamor died down and the game was able to resume.

"Okay, Sky, truth or dare?" Sammy asked Sky.

Sky crossed her arms, "Dare!"

"Okay," a very Amy-like expression appeared on her face, "I dare you to kiss one of the boys here! On the lips!"

Sky laughed, "Fine, easy-peasy!"

Sammy faltered a little bit. Obviously this was not a big deal to Sky.

Sky swiveled her head around, looking at the dudes. Even while hammered, she knew that Shawn and Noah had boyfriends, so she ruled them out. She first zeroed in on Lightning, who was smirking expectantly at her. For some reason, that annoyed her. She had been flirting with him on and off while they had been on the island and he had been ignoring her, and now he expected her to swoop down and smooch him? Hah!

"Hah!" She barked out a laugh. She walked over to one of the couches and plopped down beside one of the boys. "You don't mind if I kiss you, do you?" She asked the boy innocently.

A drunk Rodney smirked at her, every trace of nervousness gone. "It would be my absolute pleasure," he said, his voice oddly deep and suave, "to share a kiss with someone as beautiful as you."

Everyone watched with baited breath. Lightning looked on, bug-eyed.

The two kissed for a solid five seconds before Rodney pulled away.

"Excellent, as expected," he winked at Sky, not even blushing.

Sky fanned herself and smirked, "how was that Sammy?"

Sammy was slack-jawed, as were most of the others. "Wow…I thought for sure you were gonna kiss Lightning!"

"Hah, he wouldn't want me to, he's been ignoring me all season!" She slurred, turning to give Lightning a knowing look. Instead, she was met with an empty couch. Her triumphant expression melted off her face. "Where…where'd he go?"

"He high-tailed it outta here right before you locked lips with farm boy," Noah, by far the most sober person left, told her. "You mighta just screwed up there, hon."

"Pfft, whatever," she slurred, grumpy now. She thumped onto the sofa. "Guess he's out, huh?"

"Out like a light!" Izzy sang, "a light...ning! Haha, get it?"

"Alright, alright," Jo said impatiently, "keep the game moving!"

"Truth or dare, Owen!" Sky said.

"Haha, do you even have to ask?!" Owen said jovially, "gimme a dare, darn it!"

"Now I dare you to kiss someone!"

For the first time that night, Owen faltered a little. He instantly looked at Izzy, who was busy blowing stray hairs out of her eyes. He chuckled nervously. "Well, I have pretty bad alcohol breath, so uh…I won't subject anyone to that." His hands fumbled for his trousers, "guess I'll just lose the pants! Oh well, haha…darn…haha."

Noah sprung up, looking ridiculous in just his boxer shorts. "Owen, a minute?" He gestured out to the porch of the Rec Center.

"Hey, what about the game?" Jo protested.

A drunk Bridgette was piecing it together, "just let them, Jo. Be quick, you guys!"

Noah swiped a bottle from the table and he and Owen jogged out to the porch.

"You are not chickening out," Noah told him in a loud whisper.

"Chickening out? Me? What ever are you talking about, Noah my good man?" Owen said, his attempt at nonchalance absolutely laughable.

Noah focused his eyes on his tubby friend, which was a little difficult for him, "you're gonna go in there and kiss Izzy. Don't think I haven't forgotten our little conversation a couple days ago!"

Owen started to sweat, "I…I dunno, Noah! I'm scared!"

"Scared of what?"

"Scared she won't wanna!"

Noah face-palmed. "Look, dude. Izzy's a free spirit. I can pretty much guarantee she won't mind swapping spit with you for a few seconds. Whether or not that'll lead to something getting reignited…? Who knows! But you gotta give it a try!" With his piece said, he hefted his liquor bottle, stuffed it in Owen's mouth so the Fatboy was forced to take a few gulps, then turned him around. "Now get in there and kiss some crazy!"

Owen, emboldened by the sudden surge of alcohol and his friends pep talk, let out a warrior cry and barged into the Rec Center, startling everyone.

"Izzy," He shouted, bouncing on the balls of his feet with excitement. "I'm gonna kiss you! For my Truth or Dare!"

"Hm?" Izzy looked Owen up and down critically, then smiled and shrugged. "Okay!"

Owen squealed in excitement and practically pranced the rest of the distance to her. He sat down on the couch, not seeing that Shawn was there and squishing the crap out of him. Izzy climbed onto his lap and the two began to make out.

"HELL YEAH!" Duncan whooped, letting out a shrill wolf whistle, "get it, big guy!"

"Ugh, this is uncomfortable to watch," Jo said, using her hand to block out the image of them kissing.

Unfortunately for Shawn, the sound of Owen and Izzy's lips smacking was drowning out his strangulated pleas for assistance. Fortunately for Shawn, his lovely girlfriend noticed his absence. "Oi, you two! Get off him!" She cried, shoving the two off her boyfriend.

Owen and Izzy sprawled on the ground, still kissing.

"Uhh…seems my pep talk worked a little too well," Noah said, walking up to stand next to Sammy as they looked down at the couple. "Guess the game's over."

"Fine by me," Jasmine said, hoisting a dazed Shawn over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "Besides, babe, I kinda dig what they're selling, if y'know what I mean…"

A dazed Shawn could only giggle goofily at his girlfriends implications, and the two left the Rec Center.

"Ugh, I need to leave before I puke." Jo rolled her eyes, "or this game turns into a hormone fest of second base or some crap like that."

"Yeah, I'm starved," Duncan agreed. "Anyone else wanna grab some grub?"

"I think they're cooked," Noah said, jerking his thumb at Rodney, Sky and Beardo, who were all draped over different couches, snoring, "but I could use a snack."

Gwen, Sammy, Jo and Bridgette joined Noah and Duncan in their drunken trudge to the Mess Hall.

"Are we even allowed to make our own food?" Bridgette giggled as they all stumbled very unstealithy into the Mess Hall.

"Who gives a shit?" Duncan told her. The punk flicked on the light switch and the six made their way back into the kitchen.

"We're probably not gonna have much of a selection," Sammy pointed out.

"Whatever. I'll take a PB&J." Jo said.

"Shouldn't we just go to the Tuck Shoppe instead? There's better snacks there," Gwen realized.

Duncan smacked his forehead, "Damn! I completely forgot about that. Good call, Pasty."

"Pasty? You haven't called me that in forever," Gwen smirked, raising an eyebrow.

"Just call it like I see it," Duncan said, nearly stumbling over a chair as he left the kitchen. He stopped and poked her cheek, "I mean look at that. That's pasty as hell."

Gwen laughed and swatted his hand away, "Cut it out, jerk!"

"I just call it like I see it," the punk responded, "like Noah with his—"

"I swear to god if you mention my forehead I will kick you in the nuts." Noah deadpanned.

Duncan just laughed.

As the six exited the Mess Hall and began walking towards the Tuck Shoppe, they passed by Lightning, who was making his way back towards the Rec Center.

(Confessional: Lightning.)

"Ugh!" Lightning whines. He has his arms crossed as he pouts. "Sky just up and kissed Rodney! Like on the mouth! Lightning can't believe it! Shorty is supposed to like the LIGHTNING!" He pauses, as if the camera is talking to him. "Lightning knows he said he probably wasn't ready for a relationship on the show, but…" he pauses again, as if listening, "yes he has been ignoring all of her flirts and advances, but…" He pauses again, then scoffs in disgust. "Whatever! You're no help anyways, stupid camera! I'm sha-OUTTA here!"

(End Confessional: Lightning.)

"Can't believe Lightning forgot his stupid Jersey…" Lightning grumbled to himself, "stupid Sky…stupid Rodney…" Lightning stormed into the Rec Center, ready to collect his jersey and give Sky a piece of his mind, but all he saw were Owen and Izzy steadily making progress towards second base and a bunch of passed out campers, Sky being one of them. His scowl lessened slightly when he saw her snoring loudly on the couch. It didn't hurt that she wasn't next to Rodney.

"Damnit, Shorty," Lightning sighed. He pulled on his jersey as he walked over to her sleeping form, "Why you gotta play with Lightning's emotions like that? Not cool!" He grunted as he bent down picked up Sky like she weighed nothing more than a kitten, "now c'mon, let's get you to bed."

He took her out of the Rec Center and down towards the trailers. The steady movement of his footfalls roused Sky from her drunken daze, and she let out a little groan and tensed. "Lightning?" She whispered, unable to see in the dark.

"Yeah, it's me," Lightning grumbled, unaware that he used the first-person for once.

Sky sighed a little at that and relaxed into his body, placing her head on his chest.

"Hmph, Lightning is still mad at you, no matter how much cute stuff you do like that," he told her sleeping form.

"Mad at me?" She slurred, and Lightning froze. Whoops, guess she wasn't asleep. "Why are you mad at me?"

"Forget it," Lightning told her, "it's whatever. Lightning's just being dumb…as usual."

She perked up a little at his self pity, though the movement made her wince in pain. "Agh..my head," she flopped her skull back against Lightning's chest. They were getting closer to the trailers now. "Hey," she finally got out, her fuzzy brain finally starting to connect the dots. "That…the Rodney? Rodney thing? Is that what you mean?"

Lightning's irritated grunt said it all.

"Don't worry about that," she told him, "I don't like him. I just…ugh, I dunno…talking and thinking is hard right now," her voice got a little whiny, "I should've just kissed you."

Lightning raised his eyebrows at this, not that she could see that in the dark, and he found himself smirking. Aided a bit by the alcohol, he looked down at her, "darn right you should've!" He waited for a response. He basically just admitted his feelings, right? Maybe he'd get a kiss!

He was met with light snoring.

The big jock sighed, a little deflated but in better spirits than he had been minutes before. He finally reached the trailer and opened the door. To his surprise, Zoey was still up, writing something in what was likely a diary or journal of some sort.

"Lightning? What the heck are you doing here?" She asked suspiciously. Her suspicion turned more into confusion when she saw the sleeping Sky.

"Just dropping Shorty off," Lightning told her.

"What, did she fall asleep outside or something?" Zoey asked, "is she ok?"

"She's fine. Just had too much to drink," Lightning assured her, "and naw, she was asleep in the Rec Center, but those couches ain't exactly the comfiest. Where's her bed?"

Zoey pointed at the correct bed, her expression softening as Lightning carefully tucked Sky into bed.

"There, all snug as a bug," Lightning said happily, straightening up and dusting his hands off.

"Did I miss anything good?" Zoey asked.

"Shawn twerked, which was sha-rancid. A bunch of people got their faces covered in Sharpie. There was some kissing…and Sammy said she thought Scott was cute," Lightning said, struggling a little to recall, "there was a lot of stuff that went down. How're you feeling?"

"Ugh, better," Zoey told him, leaning back and closing her eyes, "I'm bummed I missed everything, though."

"There'll be other times," Lightning assured her before letting out a massive yawn. "Anyways, it's sha-late out and Lightning is getting pretty darn tired. See ya, girl!"

"Goodnight, Lightning," Zoey said to his back.

"Okay, but did you see how suave Rodney was?" Gwen laughed.

The six hungry teens had migrated to the Tucke Shoppe to get food, and were now all munching on chips and candy outside in the grass.

"Pfft, you can say that again," Duncan agreed, "Hell, I was about to kiss him!" The two erupted into laughter.

"If he settled his nerves he could be a real lady killer," Bridgette chuckled. The blonde had zipped her hoodie up and was using her undershirt as a pillow as she reclined in the grass.

"Meh, he's been trying to focus on the game," Noah sighed, "I just hope he doesn't read too much into the kiss with Sky. We need him focused on the game. Besides, I'm pretty sure Sky likes Lightning and was just kissing him to make Lightning jealous."

"I know!" Sammy exclaimed, "I gave Sky that dare so maybe they'd get to hook up or something!"

"She sure got Lightning jealous enough," Jo snorted, "Jockstrap bailed faster than me confronted with makeup."

Noah let out a dry chuckle. "Yup. Tomorrow should be good. We're all gonna be feeling pretty shitty."

"Sounds like a good day to just huddle up with snacks and watch movies on the VCR all day," Bridgette said.

"Oh my god that sounds amazing," Sammy said enviously, "just thinking about it makes me sleepy!"

"Yeah, I'm pretty tired too," Duncan said, stumbling to his feet and stretching his arms out over his head. "Night, guys,"

"I'm out too," Noah said. "Later, guys."

Sammy and Jo joined the two guys and after everyone said their goodbyes, it was just Bridgette and Gwen, relaxing in the cool breeze in the dark.

"So," Bridgette said happily, "we finally gonna have that talk? I was worried I wouldn't get to have it and that you were gonna get eliminated tonight! What the hell happened? I was sure it was gonna be either you or Duncan!"

Gwen smiled a little into the blackness. "It's…complicated."

"Bitch, don't test me," Bridgette joked, making Gwen gasp.

"Bridgette! That's a dollar in the swear jar, y'know."

"Bitch bitch bitch bitch," Bridgette teased, "now spill it!"

Gwen settled back down with a smirk. "Fine. Basically, I just had a heart-to-heart with Duncan. I basically begged him not to kick me off, even though he probably should've."

"And he listened?" Bridgette asked, incredulous. "This is Duncan we're talking about, here!"

"Yeah, and he's a total softy," Gwen said fondly, "that's part of the reason why I was initially attracted to him. You ever hear the saying 'every girl wants a bad boy that's good only to her.'?"

"And every guy wants a good girl thats bad only to him," Bridgette finished, and the two laughed.

"Yeah, well Duncan was pretty much that guy from the saying."

"So you guys aren't like… back together or anything, are you?"

"Hell no," Gwen said quickly, "that ship is long sailed, and I think he's okay with that. He wanted to see if there was a chance, but I shut him down. He asked if we could be friends and I said yeah, but…then I screwed up."

"By kicking him off?"

Gwen nodded, then remembered that Bridgette couldn't see her in the darkness of the outdoors. "Yeah. I was having doubts but didn't have the guts to pull the plug on the plan. Sammy, bless her heart, went full steam ahead on ousting him and he was gone. It was pure luck that Brick had to quit."

Bridgette gave a low whistle, "Damn. So where do you two stand now?"

"Well, he told me that I have to be in an alliance with him and vote with him until the merge if he saved me."

"Wow, that's a pretty hefty price," Bridgette said, "leave it to Duncan to play hardball."

"Yeah, I know, but I said yes. It was that or get eliminated. I'm gonna stick to my word though." Gwen heaved a sigh. "Contrary to what he probably thinks right now, I do wanna be friends with him if he's actually okay with being friends. I'm just worried he's gonna catch feelings or something again."

Bridgette reached out and found Gwen's arm. She gave it a comforting squeeze. "Sounds complicated."

"Yeah, but when has anything in this game ever been straightforward for me?" Gwen said bitterly. Her bitterness faded though and she reached out and poked Bridgette in the face, "hey, I shouldn't be spilling my secrets to the enemy."

"Hahaha, yup you've really screwed your game up now," Bridgette said, "you just told the most useless player in our cast all your secrets."

The bitterness in her tone surprised Gwen. "Hey, you are not the most useless person in our cast. You're literally one of the most popular!"

"For what?" Bridgette complained, her voice slurring a little, "all I've done is have boy troubles. On the island I got booted by the dudes because they were worried about me and Geoff. He and I got kicked off at the film lot because we were hormonal and obnoxious, and then I let stupid Alejandro manipulate me into getting eliminated in World Tour!" She scoffed at herself. "I'm pathetic."

Gwen sat up, swaying a bit. "Bridgette, I get it. Believe me. But this is our chance to redeem ourselves! You've got no boy problems this time, so you can finally show people what you're made of!"

"I can't, though!" Bridgette exclaimed, "I'm already screwed! Owen's made friends with Shawn and Jasmine, so the next time we lose I'm the one gone!"

Gwen let that sink in, unsure how to refute that. It did seem like a pretty certain possibility. "Jeeze," she finally said, "that's a bummer."

Bridgette sighed, subconsciously twirling a blonde strand of hair around her finger as she sprawled in the grass, "yup…that about sums is up…"

The girls were silent for a few minutes, until an unmistakeable sound began to fill the air.

"Gwen?" Bridgette asked the darkness, "Are you…snoring?"

All the received in reply was more snoring.

"Oh my god, such a hooligan," Bridgette chuckled to herself. Her eyelids started to get heavy as well. They fell asleep there in the warm summer night.

The next morning, Chris sat at one of the tables in the Mess Hall with Zoey.

"Jeeze-Louise, where is everyone?" Chris asked, "surely they're not all still passed out?" He checked his fancy watch, "It's almost noon for crying out loud!"

Zoey giggled, "Considering Jo and Sammy were the only ones to bring themselves back to the trailer last night, I think they're all in pretty rough shape."

Chris sighed, "welp, if they're all hungover and out of it, I guess it's my responsibility as the caring, doting host to go yell in their ears and see if I can get 'em to puke!"

"Hey!" Zoey gave him a stern look, "I thought you were supposed to be nicer this season?"

"What can I say?" Chris said as he headed towards the door, "I guess it's hard going cold turkey…muhahaha…"

The camera followed the host as he walked through the campground. First he approached the Tuck Shoppe. Bridgette and Gwen were still conked out outside of it, covered in morning dew.

Chris gave his hands two sharp claps, and the girls' eyes shot open. Gwen sat up quickly, and immediately clutched at her head.

"Ohhhh, bad idea, bad idea!" The goth cried.

"Morning, kiddos! You guys have fun last night?" Chris said in an obnoxiously loud voice.

"Chris, shut up!" Bridgette moaned, "why are you being so loud?"

"What did you say, Bridgette?" Chris asked, even louder. "Say, you kids didn't happen to do anything irresponsible last night, didja?!"

Gwen responded by holding her stomach and puking into the grass. The sound and smell of that was enough to get Bridgette to blow chunks as well.

Chris laughed maniacally. "Excellent…excellent!" He walked past the two girls and headed towards the Rec Center. "Y'know, I think I'll give the campers who actually made it back to their trailers a break. Anyone else? Hawho, heuhahwauhehawho…" He entered the Rec Center, where Beardo was still sleeping. Rodney was there too, but he was awake and getting back to functioning normally.

"Hey Chris," the farm boy greeted, "what's up? You need something?"

"Nope!" Chris bellowed, making Rodney clap his hands to his ears and Beardo shoot awake with a scream of his own. "Just checking in on you guys to make sure you're A-OK! But since you seem to be OKAY," his yelling got even louder, and so did his grin, "I'll head out!"

His mission accomplished, he left the Rec Center. "Remember how I said I'd spare the campers in the trailers? Yeah, I changed my mind!" He jogged to the trailers and entered the boys one first.

"THIS IS YOUR NOON WAKE UP CALL!" He bellowed, "UP AND AT EM!" He slammed the door, ran to the girls, and did the same. Satisfied, he dusted his hands off and shot the camera his signature smirk, "I think my work here is done."

All the girls in the cabin had been startled awake. Jo, Sky, Izzy, Jasmine and Sammy all awoke with various levels of violent thrashing.

"Oh no, I've made a terrible mistake," Sammy said instantly, turning a rather horrible shade of green. She got up and stumbled out of the cabin, and she could be heard retching into the grass.

"Crikey," Jasmine groaned, resting an arm over her eyes. "I feel like I just went four rounds with a roided out kangaroo!"

Izzy pulled out a little green bottle and took a quick swig. Instantly, her color returned and she hopped out of bed, looking like a million bucks. "Ahh," she said, "that's better!"

"What is that?" Jo groaned, "and can I have some?"

"It tastes bad, but if you can choke it down, it helps with hangovers! Its a special homemade recipe," Izzy giggled, tossing the bottle to Jo.

Jo took a swig and nearly gagged, but pounded on her chest and forced it down. "Oh wow, that is better. What the hell is in that?"

"If I told you, I'd have to kill you!" Izzy told Jo. "But dang, I must have drank a lot last night, I don't remember anything!"

"Guys, you're all being really, really loud," Sky mumbled into her pillow. "Please, take it outside!"

Jasmine, being tough, had gotten out of bed. This led to another surprise.

"Shawn?" Jo gaped, "oh my GOD!"

A dazed and dizzy Shawn reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a purple wad of something. He popped one into his mouth and chewed down, and he instantly started looking better too.

Sky had sat up when she realized Shawn was there. "Wait, what?" She saw the drowsy boy in the trailer. "Jasmine!" Sky chided, "that's…gross!"

"Easy, guys," Shawn said, handing Jasmine another purple wad. "It's not what you think. I just passed out here."

"Sure it is," Jo said skeptically, "sure it is…"

"Don't be immature," Jasmine said as she popped the purple wad in our mouth.

"When you left last night you were practically drooling over him," Jo told the Amazon, "you expect me to believe you just came back here and fell asleep? A likely story!"

"We weren't that drunk," Jasmine said with a cross of her arms, "besides, if anything lewd like that were to happen, I'd reckon we'd need to look at the other hook up of last night." She turned to look at Izzy, but the girl didn't seem to understand.

"Who else hooked up?" Izzy asked curiously, "I don't remember anything after drawing on Gwen's face with a Sharpie."

"Errr…never mind." Jasmine said, trailing off awkwardly. She looked down at Shawn, who was still relaxing in her bed, "I reckon you better skedaddle, Shawn. The other gals don't like you being here."

Shawn hopped up and realized he was still shirtless. "Crap, where's my clothes?"

The other girls were all in various states of undress too.

"Probably back in the Rec Center," Sky said, her face burning as she covered herself with a sheet.

"I'll go get everyones clothes," The zombie nut volunteered, heading for the door. "Be back soon!"

He exited the door at the same time as Owen. The big guy smacked a hand to his forehead in shock. "Shawn! What the heck, you sly dog!"

Duncan and Lightning stuck their heads out of the trailer at Owen's exclamation. Duncan let out a long whistle and Lightning shot the boy a dirty grin.

"Guys, it's not what you think," Shawn said, embarrassed. "I was just-"

"Clapping some Amazonian cheeks? Hey man, no judgement here," Duncan said, holding his hands up.

"Duncan," Owen scolded, "that's lewd!"

"Agh, that whistle was a mistake," Duncan said, ignoring Owen and holding his head. Shawn finally got a good look at his face and chuckled. "I forgot we drew on your face last night. Looking good, man."

Duncan rolled his eyes. "Whatever." He eyed the sky, which was grey. "Man, is it gonna rain?"

Lightning shrugged his shoulders.

The answer was yes. It was indeed going to rain. It started right around two PM. Everyone was recovering at different speeds. Some, like Shawn and Izzy, had their own cures that they were able to give to some others. Others, like Sky and Duncan, were having a much rougher go of it.

Everyone had regathered their clothes at the Mess Hall and eaten a little bit at the Mess Hall.

"Alright," Bridgette said, "I dunno about you guys, but I'm going to go snuggle up in the Rec Center and watch some movies."

Beardo looked out at the drizzly sky. "Sounds like a good plan to me."

"I'll get some snacks!" Owen said happily.

"Do you even have any Bux left?" Noah asked his friend skeptically.

Owen's face fell. "Aw, snap…"

Noah sighed and stood up. "Fine, you can use mine. I doubt I'll ever buy anything from there anyways. Let's go."

The two left and walked out into the rain, and the camera followed them.

"So," Noah elbowed his friend in the ribs with a smile, "last night was a pretty good night?"

Owen looked a little confused, "uh, I guess, yeah! It was fun partying with everyone."

"No, I mean when you and Izzy made out for a while," Noah told him bluntly.

Owen looked confused for another minute, before breaking out into chuckles. "Oh Noah, your sense of humor is so funny! You'd think after all this time I'd be able to tell when you were joking a little bit better!"

Noah looked confused now too, "Uh, I'm not kidding. Do you not remember?"

Owen shook his head, "I remember a lot about last night, but not that." He scratched his large chin, "maybe you drank too much?"

Noah rolled his eyes, "No way, I was like the most sober person there," he argued. The two neared the Tucke Shoppe, soggy from the light rain. He noticed something and let out a scoff, "dude, you've got hickeys all over your neck!"

"I do? Where?" Owen craned his head around, but was unable to look at his neck. The two entered the Tucke Shoppe and Noah brought him to a sunglasses display where a mirror was. Owen examined the dark spots on his neck with increasing confusion. "Man, I must've fell over last night when I was drunk or something."

Noah smacked his forehead, "Eight different times? C'mon, Owen."

Owen straightened from the mirror and turned to look at his friend, his tone gentle but stern. "Look, Noah. I think I'd remember if I made out with the girl I've been secretly pining after. This isn't funny anymore."

"Owen, do you really think I'd lie to you about this?"

Owen hesitated. "Well…I don't think so…but I've been wrong before!"

"Just ask her yourself, dude," Noah told him, "she'll tell you. Trust me, she seemed pretty into it."

Hope flickered across the big lug's face, "I dunno…"

Noah mentally reeled himself in. He couldn't force Owen to do anything, he reminded himself, and he had to do what he wanted to do. "Look, I'm just telling you my opinion. You do what you want, man," he said, clapping Owen on the shoulder. "I'll support you either way."

Owen beamed at his long-time buddy. "Thanks, Noah. I'll…try to remember, I guess."

"Good. Now let's get some snacks."

Bridgette, Rodney, Lightning and Beardo were all walking towards the Rec Center, ready for some good movie time. They were mostly quiet as they walked.

"How're you feeling, Beardo?" Bridgette asked the boy kindly. Beardo had definitely been on the slower end of the recovery scale.

"I've been better," the chubby boy admitted, "that was my first real experience getting wasted. While I don't regret it…man, I'm feeling the effects." He eyed the blonde up and down, "you seem to be feeling okay, though."

Bridgette put her hands in her hoodie pockets and shrugged. "When you've been dating Geoff as long as I have, you learn to party. If I ever drink too much, I usually just need one good puke to get it all out of my system the next morning."

Beardo wrinkled his nose. "Gross."

"Wait up, guys!" Came a new voice from behind the four. The group slowed and turned to see Sky walking up to them. She probably would've jogged, but she was still looking pretty rough.

Rodney flushed when he saw her. Lightning noticed this and rolled his eyes.

"Hey guys," Sky greeted as she approached the group. Her gaze quickly went to just Lightning, "hey Lightning, can we talk real quick?"

"Sure thing, Shorty," Lightning said, "lead the way."

The two broke off from the other group and began to walk away.

Bridgette noticed Rodney's flush and frowned a little, "Rodney…that whole kiss last night with Sky…"

Rodney's flush subsided as he took a deep breath. "I know, Bridgette," he said, his tone jovial, "she was trying to make Lightning jealous. Still though…" he shuffled his huge feet together awkwardly, "that was my first kiss," he confessed, "and to think it came from someone as pretty as her…well that's just pretty cool, I think."

"Awww," Beardo and Bridgette said at the same time.

"Man, you really have changed," Beardo said happily. The trio continued their walk to the Rec Center.

Lightning and Sky walked towards the edge of the woods.

"So what's up, Shorty? Lightning would rather not be out in the rain too long," Lightning said with a look up at the clouds. "It looks like it's about to get worse."

Sky took a deep breath, as if she was collecting herself. "I…I just wanted to talk about last night."

"Lightning figured," he said with a nod. "Look, it's all cool. You don't owe the Lightning anything."

Sky waved away his words impatiently. "I know I don't, I know I don't. Look, just listen, okay?"

Lightning raised an eyebrow at her but let her speak.

"Everything's a little fuzzy, so I'm just gonna speak from what I feel." Sky told him, her tone a little nervous. "I always thought you were really cool, when I watched the show. You're super athletic, you're hot." She blushed, "I always imagined that if I ever got onto Total Drama and we got on the same season, we'd be a pretty good couple. But I see now that that was kind of unfair of me. I've been trying to flirt with you, but haven't gotten any response back…which is okay!" She started to stammer over herself a bit, "like, you don't owe me anything I mean, like it's fine that you don't like me back, so I just wanted to say sorry…I guess." She hung her head.

Lightning blinked as he took in the information dump he had just been handed. He sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. Sky was very intently studying a rock by their feet, waiting for his response.

"Look, Shorty," Lightning said, "Lightning didn't come here to get a lady friend. He came here to finally win, and maybe make up for his wrongs of the past, and show the world that he had grown up a bit."

"I know," Sky said unhappily, "which is-"

"Ah-ah-ah, the Lightning is talking," Lightning said pointedly, "and to be honest, he was pretty worried that you weren't gonna take no for an answer all season!" Sky flushed with embarrassment, but Lightning pressed on, "I'll be real with you. You're pretty darn cute. And you're tough and skilled. Lightning likes all of that! But he just isn't here to get distracted by things like that."

"I understand," Sky said sadly, "seriously, I don't blame you for that."

"But you don't understand," Lightning's tone got a little whiny, "cause Lightning's thinking he was wrong about all that. When you kissed Rodney last night…I mean damn! It really bothered him! Like, really bothered him! Lightning wasn't expecting that…" he gave her a critical look. "So he's in a pickle. He obviously likes you, but he's worried it's gonna distract his game. So what should Lightning do?"

Sky was smiling a little, and finally looked up to meet his eyes. "Lightning, my last season was plagued with relationship troubles. Keith and I were doomed to fail from the start, and then all that stuff with Dave…yuck. But I like you. I think it's really admirable that you want to change your wrongdoings from the past. And I mean, look at you!"

Lightning grinned and kissed his bicep, "Lightning sees what you mean."

Sky laughed and shook her head. "Look, whatever decision you come to, I'll respect it. But I will say this. If you wanna give it a try…I don't wanna let it affect my game either. Just consider this…maybe you and I could actually end up helping each other out, game-wise." She shrugged her small shoulders. "Just something to consider."

Lightning rubbed his chin. "I'll have to give it some thought." He finally said, "I'll letcha know, Shorty. Either way though, I think we can still be tight, you and I."

"I like the sound of that," Sky smiled, "kick butt no matter what?" She offered him a fist bump.

Lightning accepted it. "Sounds like a plan. Now get back to the Rec Center. Lighting's gonna do a quick run to clear his head. I'll meetcha there."

Sky nodded. "Ok, see you later."

Once she left, Lightning scratched the back of his head and looked up into the rain, obviously puzzled. "Sha-damn," he cursed, "this season is not going how Lightning expected it!"

Gwen, Duncan, Bridgette, Beardo, Rodney, Zoey and Sky were in the Mess Hall. Everyone else besides Lightning, who was mid-run, had opted not to watch movies. Currently there was an argument going on between Zoey and Duncan.

"Be reasonable, Duncan!" Zoey chided, exasperated. "We're looking to relax and watch some movies on a rainy day! It is not the time for slasher horror! It's freakin 4pm!"

"Well I am not watching some froo-froo Disney movie!" Duncan shot back, stubborn.

"Brave is not a froo-froo Disney princess movie," Zoey told him, "it's about a kick-butt Scottish princess that shoots arrows and stuff!"

"Lame," Duncan drawled, "childish and lame. Didn't realize I needed to bring my pacifier and diapers to this movie watch!"

Color began to creep it's way up Zoey's neck as she got angry, something which Bridgette noticed.

"Cool it, Duncan," the surfer told him. "How about we watch a comedy? Everyone loves those, right?"

"I'd be down with a comedy," Rodney shrugged.

"Me too," Beardo agreed quickly.

"Hey, Slasher Camp IV, The Child Strangler has some comedic moments," Duncan said defensively.

"Dude, you need help." Sky told him.

Eventually it was decided that it would indeed be a comedy. They grabbed the VCR tape and put it into the old machine. They turned the lights down and Gwen microwaved some popcorn she got at the Tucke Shoppe.

Just as the opening credits were starting, the door banged open and Lightning entered, sopping wet.

"Hey Lightning, there's a towel by the microwave," Gwen called, not taking her eyes off the screen.

"Sha-sweet," the jock toweled off and approached the couches.

"Saved you a seat," Sky told him, patting some empty couch next to her. The jock took a seat and they all quieted down.

The movie was actually quite funny, but Sky's favorite part was twenty minutes in, when Lightning finally put his arm around her shoulder in a suave, casual manner. She contained her happy squeal as she settled into his side.

It seemed he had made up his mind.

Welp, there you go! Pretty different stuff from my usual style, but I'm pretty happy with how this turned out!

I wanted this first rest day to focus on Owen/Izzy, Sky/Lightning and Bridgette, but not actually wrap up any of their plots. Owen and Izzy had some lovey-smoochy time together, but neither remember it, and that will play an important part in the coming chapters. Sky and Lightning begin their relationship, but it's only the beginning. Bridgette finally gets a little bit of plot that will be explored more in the future, and some of the others get a bit of development as well. I also tried to be pretty funny, so hopefully I made some of you laugh! I especially enjoyed the Shawn twerking bit.

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Be honest with me. Did you care about the stuff that happened this chapter? Are you guys really only interested in the eliminations and challenges? If you are, that's fine! But like I've been saying throughout the early parts of this story, I'm really trying to write a story and a competition story and flesh out the characters a lot.

Leave a review and let me know what you think! I'll try and get another chapter out soon, and the next one will be business as usual, format wise! Someone's gonna get booted! Who do you think it will be?