A/N- Nothing to say, enjoy!
Chapter Six:
"I'm not talking about this," Mike stepped away.
No weakness.
"About what?" Duncan feigned ignorance.
"Oh, you know what," Mike crossed his arms and frowned.
"Hmm, let me think for a second...oh, right. You're lying to Zoey."
"No I'm not," Mike insisted.
"Seriously?" Duncan raised an eyebrow. "Because I'm pretty sure you're leaving out some key details about your life."
"It's none of your business. Don't get involved."
"I wasn't involved until I had to start lying for you. You know, you really should be nicer to me," Duncan smiled. "Who knows what I might feel like saying?"
"Yeah, right. You wouldn't dare," Mike stared him down.
Maybe he HAS gotten more confident… No, don't be crazy. He's bluffing.
"Oh? Watch me," Duncan put his hand on the cabin door knob.
"Wait," Mike grabbed onto his arm.
Yup, there we go.
"Yeah? Something wrong?" Duncan tilted his head.
"Fine," Mike hissed. "Let's talk." He let go of Duncan's arm.
"Wonderful," Duncan smiled.
Back in the girl's cabin, Zoey was dealing with a completely different crisis. Sierra was curled up on the floor muttering to herself, while Cameron fiddled with her broken cellphone.
"Please tell me you can fix it…" Zoey looked over his shoulder.
I can't deal with Sierra having a breakdown, not after the whole Sam incident…
"I don't know," Cameron prodded at the device. "It looks like someone crushed it with something."
But who did it? Obviously one of the Villains, but which? Maybe Scott?
"Is there anything you can do?"
"Well, I need to take the screen off…" he observed. "And then I have to look at the wires."
"If she's this crazy with her phone, I can't imagine what she's like without it."
"I know," Cameron sighed. "She's been all over me."
Awe, poor guy…
"You can tell her to stop, you know, if she's bothering you," Zoey advised.
"It's fine," Cameron shook his head. "I don't want to upset her. She would have a meltdown."
He shouldn't worry so much about upsetting her. I mean, she barely knows him.
"Maybe she'll surprise us?" Zoey offered.
"Hmm… I really don't think so. Oh! Hang on, I found out where to unscrew the screen…"
"Do you need any help?"
Not that I'd be able to help…
"I think I'm good. But thanks, Zoey! I actually have a book somewhere in my bag that might help with this. Would you mind keeping an eye on her while I grab it?"
"Sure, no problem. I don't think she's gonna do much anyways."
"I'll be right back…" he left the girl's cabin.
Zoey took a look at the cellphone, which Cameron had left out on an empty bed.
I know there's nothing I can do… I never understood computers or anything.
"Can he fix it?" Sierra whimpered from the floor.
"I'm sure he's trying his best…" Zoey tried to reassure her. "Cam's a smart guy. He's good with technology."
"Cody's like that too."
"Ah. Well-"
"He always knew how to fix things."
"Sierra, I know you're upset, but he's not dead, so-"
"Without my phone, he may as well be…" she started to cry again.
Zoey awkwardly crouched down and tried to comfort her teammate.
"It's just so hard, Zoey, to be here without him," Sierra sobbed.
Alright, she has to stop.
Back in the guy's cabin, Duncan and Mike were sitting on opposite beds. Mike rubbed his hands together while staring at the floor.
Oh, this'll be good.
"Well?" Duncan asked. "What's the deal?"
"I don't know where to start."
"Fine," Duncan sighed. "How about this. What does Zoey know?"
"She knows enough."
"And I was worried you wouldn't be specific."
"Fine," Mike grumbled. "She...knows. The very vague details, at least."
I actually didn't expect him to tell her anything. I have to say, I'm impressed.
"And how does she feel about it?"
"Look," Mike rubbed his eyes. "She's really great. But she doesn't like talking about it. I think...she doesn't know what to say. So she's never going to bring it up."
I can understand that. I'd probably be the same way.
"So," Mike kept going. "Please, don't bring it up to her. It'll just make her uncomfortable."
I mean, I see where he's coming from. I don't want to drag her down. And I hate to admit it, but Mike has all the power on this team. They all seem to love him. If I were to come in and start causing problems, he could turn all of them against me. Not that I care about staying in the game, of course. But I don't want a bunch of random people to start bothering me. And Zoey seems genuinely great- I shouldn't ruin her happiness. I'll be the bigger person. It's the right thing to do.
"Fine. I won't say anything," Duncan agreed.
"Thank you," Mike let out a sigh of relief.
"Hmm…What happened to Sierra's cell phone? And Sam's GameGuy?"
"Yeah," Mike rubbed the back of his neck. "I think we both know. Um. Don't say anything about that either, yeah? Everyone already thinks you did it. So. Best to leave it alone."
"Alright," Duncan narrowed his eyes. "Fine. But that's all you're getting from me, yeah?"
"Fine," Mike nodded. "It's a deal."
Back in the girl's cabin, Cameron opened the door to see Zoey pacing.
"Oh thank God, you're back- where's your book?" Zoey noticed he was empty-handed.
"Um. Well. So, I was thinking. Um. I don't think I need it? I can probably fix it without the book," he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Cam, you're not a very good liar."
"Um," he looked panicked. "So, I just don't think it matters."
"Did something happen?" Zoey asked.
"I mean, it's none of my business-"
"Cam. I won't be mad or anything. But you have to tell me what's going on."
"Fine," he sighed. "I heard Mike and Duncan arguing. I think. I don't know, someone was upset or something. So I didn't go in."
What? Mike told me he would be nice! Unless Duncan started something?
"What were they arguing about?" Zoey was intrigued.
"I couldn't hear clearly," Cameron shook his head. "Their voices were too muffled. It just sounded like an argument. You know, through their tone of voice."
"This is a huge step backwards…Maybe I should go in there?"
"No, I'm sure they'll work it out. It's not worth getting involved."
"What's going on?" Sierra asked from her spot on the floor.
"Nothing, Sierra," Zoey spoke quickly.
"Oh! Cammy-bear! You're back!"
"Um, yup. And I think I know how to fix your phone. It's more of a temporary solution, but-"
"Oh, Cammy! I knew you could do it!" Sierra sprung up from the floor and clung onto Cameron.
"Ok, you're going to have to let me go so I can fix it."
She dropped him onto the ground.
"Ah, thanks." He picked up the broken phone. "So, you need to hold the antennae at this angle, or it won't get any reception. Also, you have to tape this part here, and…"
Zoey wasn't listening to any of this.
Maybe Cam misheard what was going on… After all, sometimes people sound like they're arguing, but they're actually not. Isn't it a guy thing? To insult your friends, but not really mean it? I think that guys do that. I just can't imagine Mike starting a fight, and Duncan already knows he's on thin ice with the team. I'm sure Cam just misheard.
"So you see, Sierra, that's how you can still use your phone."
"Thank you thank you thank you! You're the best, Cody-bear!"
"It's Cameron…"
"Oh, right. Sorry Cammy-kins!"
It just doesn't make any sense…
"Zoey?"
"Hmm? Oh, sorry Cam! I just zoned out for a second," Zoey shook her head.
"I'm going to bed."
"Oh, sure. Good night!"
"Good luck with… her."
"I'm sure I'll manage," Zoey smiled. "See ya tomorrow! Um, good luck with the guys?"
"Thanks. I'll just come back if they're still… talking."
Wait, what? You can't just invite yourself to sleep here!
"Sure, no problem!"
She watched as Cam left the cabin, wondering if he'd run into any conflicts.
It's not that I have anything against him, but I need to sleep… I can't be expected to hang out with him all night.
Zoey sat down on her bed. Sierra picked up her phone and stared at it, determined to find a way to make it work.
"Good night, Sierra," Zoey sighed.
"Good night, Zoey! Thank you for getting Cammy-bear to help me!"
"No problem, Sierra."
I really hope he doesn't come back here tonight.
Back in the guy's cabin, Duncan and Mike were still talking from their respective beds.
"Anyways," Duncan explained, "someone snitched on my manager, so he was arrested for fraud. Then we hired a new manager- well, they promoted another Sandwich Artist to manager-"
"Sorry, that's what they call you guys? Sandwich Artists?"
"Did I not tell you? The people who make the sandwiches at Subway are called Sandwich Artists."
"Would you consider sandwich-making to be an artform?"
"Oh, absolutely," Duncan spoke sarcastically. "We poured our blood and tears into those things."
"Thank God. For a second, I was worried you didn't take your job seriously."
The cabin door opened. Cameron was standing in the doorway, staring cautiously into the darkness of the room.
"Hey Cam," Mike spoke easily as his friend opened the door. "What's up?"
"Nothing. I was trying to fix Sierra's phone…"
"Oh? How'd that go?"
"Fine. I think she'll be able to use it."
"Thank God," Duncan leaned his head against the wall. "I wasn't listening to another breakdown."
"Hmm," Cameron didn't know what to say. "Well, I guess I'll get some sleep, then."
"Is this your way of telling us to stop talking?" Duncan raised an eyebrow.
"What? No, it's fine-"
"We're just messing with you," Duncan waved him off. "Going to bed is probably a good idea."
Not that I'm going to…
"Oh!" Cameron was relieved to see that nobody was upset with him. "Well, ok then. Good night, guys."
"'Night, Cameron," Mike answered his friend.
"Yeah, good night," Duncan added on.
Let's see here… There's no way I can sleep after that. So…
He grabbed his sketchbook, knowing it would be a long night.
The next morning, Zoey woke up in the girl's cabin having barely slept. Sure enough, Sierra was a wreck all night. She spent hours trying to fix her phone, and she didn't even try to be quiet.
"Oh, good morning, Zoey," Sierra noticed Zoey woke up.
"Yeah, good morning."
"Did you sleep well?"
Not at all, thanks to you…
"Fine, Sierra. How's your phone?"
"Ok, so, I got it to work if I hold it just like this, but I need to be super careful with it."
"Wonderful…"
"Sorry if I got a little crazy last night. Hehe."
That's an understatement.
"Well, it's fine," Zoey shrugged. "I'm probably not the one you have to apologize to."
"Hmm? Duncan? Nah, he's fine."
Speaking of which, a knock at the door signalled that the guys were awake.
"Come in!" She called out.
The male contestants trailed into the room.
It's possible I slept three hours last night. What else was I supposed to do?
"Good morning," Mike smiled at his girlfriend. "How'd you sleep?"
"Oh! Cammy-bear, thank you so much for your help! I spent all night doing what you said, and now my phone works!"
"I can see that," Cameron took in her haggard appearance.
"Does that answer your question?" Zoey tilted her head and smiled.
Hmm, it doesn't seem like they're fighting… Although, Duncan looks exhausted. But maybe it's unrelated?
"Ah. Sorry," Mike gave her a sympathetic look.
"Duncan, why didn't you sleep?" Zoey asked him, noticing the dark bags under his eyes.
"I did. This is just my face."
"Oh. Sorry."
Nice one, Zoey.
"Well, you don't have to apologize," he smiled. "But thanks for the sentiment."
"Zoey, I hope I didn't keep you up too late?"
Duncan zoned out, completely disinterested in Sierra and her phone.
Maybe now she'll finally calm down… I wish Mike talked a bit louder in his sleep. He's just at the border of being too quiet. So annoying. It's like you have to be right next to him to hear anything interesting.
"Duncan?" Zoey interrupted his train of thought.
"Hmm?"
"Aren't you going to eat anything?"
Apparently, Chef had left a few buckets of gruel on the porch.
"Ah. No."
"Really? You're not gonna eat anything?"
Don't push it…
"Nope. I can't say that gruel makes the list of my favorite breakfasts."
He has to eat something…
"I'm going apple picking later," Zoey offered. "You can come if you want?"
What? Why would she invite me to that? Does she actually want me to go, or is this just a courtesy, and she's praying I stay here?
"Sure," he said just so she would stop talking. "Sierra, let's see how your phone works?"
Anything to stop talking about this.
"Sure!" Sierra lit up. "Here, so you have to press this, and tilt the antenna like this…"
"Zoey," Cam whispered.
"Hmm? What's up?" She stepped closer to him so the others wouldn't hear. "Something wrong?"
"Just about last night. Everything seemed to be fine when I went in there last night, but I swear I heard something before."
"So weird… I don't know what they could even argue about."
"Who knows. Maybe Duncan knew I was coming, so he was just pretending when I walked in the room?"
"You know I can hear you saying my name, Cameron," Duncan didn't break eye contact with Sierra's phone. "What's up?"
Cameron looked at Zoey with panicked eyes, begging to know what he was supposed to do.
"Just say it…" she knew there was no point in denying they were talking about him.
I guess that's what I get.
"Nothing," Cameron tried to cover up what he said regardless.
"Cameron thought he heard you guys arguing last night," Zoey explained.
Nice. Ok, Mike isn't cool enough to pull this off. Showtime.
"Oh?" Duncan asked, completely disinterested. "What about?"
Mike better have a straight face right now. If he's learned anything…
"I don't know," Cameron shrugged. "I'm probably wrong. Just thought you guys were upset."
Duncan risked a glance at Mike, who looked like a deer caught in headlights.
Oh, great…
"Well, Mike," Duncan started talking. "I had no idea we were fighting! You should've told me. I would've made it really dramatic."
Idiot, pick up on what I'm doing…
"Oh! Um, yeah. I had no idea. Cam, you should've come in! You could've joined us."
"I get it, I heard wrong… Sorry," Cameron blushed.
"You're fine, Cam," Mike reassured him.
At least Cam was wrong. The last thing this team needs is more problems.
"That's good to hear," Zoey smiled. "I think I'm gonna head out now- who wants to come with me?"
Please not Sierra…
"No thanks," Sierra declined. "I need to make up for lost cell phone time! Cammy, won't you stay with me?"
"...Fine, Sierra," Cameron looked like he wanted to say no but didn't know how.
"I'll go," Mike smiled.
"Duncan?" Zoey asked.
"Oh, sure. I can see if Gwen wants to come?"
No way am I third-wheeling with those two.
"Sure, go ahead!" Zoey beamed.
This'll be so fun! I feel like I haven't had a chance to talk to Gwen yet.
"I'll go brave a trip to the Villain team and find her," Duncan agreed. "It shouldn't take too long!"
He opened the cabin door and left with no intention of finding Gwen.
What's the rush? I need to walk around for a bit first. I haven't been alone in a while.
Duncan took the long way to the Spa Hotel. He could've followed the dirt road, but he wandered through the woods.
Why did I say yes to going? Maybe I can back out. Say that I need to sleep for a bit. Aren't we supposed to have a challenge today? Why hasn't Chris announced it yet?
He observed as a few squirrels scrambled through the bushes. For a second, he envied them for not having to go pick apples.
That's stupid. Would I rather be a squirrel?
He passed the cave he usually hung out in.
I can't go in there, it'll take too long and that'll be suspicious.
So, he sucked it up and made his way towards the Spa Hotel, knocking on the front door. Of course, Alejandro had to be the one to answer.
"Oh, Duncan, what a surprise!" Alejandro beamed. "I didn't expect to see you here!"
"Hi, Alejandro! Oh no, I see your legs still aren't working?"
"Hmm, I hadn't noticed. What do you want?"
"I'm just here to see Gwen."
"She's in the kitchen. Why don't you come inside?"
"I'd rather not."
"Please," Alejandro smiled. "I insist. Don't you want to catch up with your old teammates?"
"Fine," Duncan gritted his teeth. "That sounds wonderful."
He's the worst…
Duncan followed Alejandro through the Spa Hotel. He hadn't really bothered to explore the place before-hand, so he was unaware of most of the building's rooms. He hated the thought that Alejandro could get them lost on purpose, and he would be none the wiser.
"So, you're on the Hero team now?" Alejandro inquired.
"Yep."
"Wow," he smiled. "Chris must really have it out for you."
"What-"
"Here we are!" Alejandro kicked open the closest door, revealing the Villains sitting in the kitchen. "Hello, everyone! I brought a guest!"
What did he mean by that? Chris having out for me?
"Hey Duncan! What are you doing here, venturing into enemy territory?" Gwen smiled.
"Alejandro convinced me to visit- you should thank him."
"You're not even on this team," Heather narrowed her eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"Well, I wanted to ask Gwen something, but now I'm kind of curious about how it's going here," he pulled up a seat at the kitchen table. "Seems a lot quieter without Jo and Lightning, hm?"
"Much better, I say," Heather declared. "Those two were insufferable. The entire new cast seems to be kind of a pain, actually. No offense, Scott."
"It's fine, you're probably right," he sighed. "At least I'm not on the Hero team, I couldn't put up with those guys."
"Nah," Duncan smiled. "It's a party over there. Right, Courtney?"
"Hard pass. One night of Sierra and her blog and I was ready to leave."
"Well, someone broke her phone, so she spent the entire night in tears. It's a pity you missed it."
"Hmm?" Heather was intrigued. "Someone broke it?"
"Apparently," Duncan shrugged. "I assumed it was one of you guys."
"Really? But we're all so trustworthy!" Gwen gasped.
"Gwen, is this your way of telling me you did it?"
"I wish, but I'm not that smooth. What was it you wanted to ask me?"
Well, I can't ask her in front of everyone. I would just be excluding people.
"Come with me?" He offered.
"Sure," she raised an eyebrow.
"Well, it's been fun everyone," Duncan stood up from his seat. "I'll see you guys later."
Gwen followed him out of the room.
"What's going on?" She asked.
"Hmm? Oh. Zoey wanted to know if you wanted to go apple picking with us."
"That's it? Sure, I'll go. Better than hanging out with these guys."
"Heard that!" Scott yelled from the other room.
"But um… maybe Courtney can come with us?" Gwen asked in a quiet voice. "I know she isn't having the best time…"
Is that ok? Would Zoey mind? I'm sure she wouldn't…
"Sure. Good idea," Duncan opened the kitchen door. "Courtney? Your presence is required."
"How exciting," she deadpanned as she stood up, following Duncan and Gwen away from the kitchen. "Where are we going?"
"Apple picking," Duncan answered.
"Gross."
"I know, right?" Gwen agreed. "I'd never eat fruit grown on this island."
"I can't say I would, either," Duncan added on. "Also, some of the Heroes are coming."
"Please not Sierra," Courtney spoke immediately.
"Nah, Cameron's been holding her hostage."
"We got into a fight last night," Duncan spoke matter-of-factly.
"You and Cameron?" Gwen was taken aback. She opened the front door of the Spa Hotel.
"Nah. Me and Sierra. Don't say anything, yeah?"
"Of course not," Courtney was hanging onto every word.
"Who am I gonna tell?" Gwen remarked.
"Ok, so we get back to the cabins after the challenge last night," Duncan started to recount. "And she notices her phone is broken. So immediately, she thinks I did it. And then she freaks out, threatening to say all this stuff, accusing me of some conspiracy against her… I actually screamed at her so she'd stop talking. It was terrible."
"I'm not surprised, she's always pulling shit like that…" Courtney observed. "I knew talking to her in World Tour wouldn't fix anything."
"It was so awkward. Maybe Zoey will bring it up. But just so you guys know, that's where we are."
Back at the cabins, Zoey and Mike were waiting for the others to show up.
"So, it's been pretty crazy lately," Zoey pondered.
"Yeah, definitely. With Sierra and all…"
"Yup. I hope Cam's alright in there."
Why do I not have anything to say?
"I hope you get more sleep tonight…" Mike noted.
"Thanks. Me too."
I don't know what to say… Why is this awkward?
They both sat in silence for a few moments.
Thankfully, Duncan showed up to rescue her.
"Heyo! I brought some stragglers!" Duncan knocked on the cabin door.
Oh, thank God…
Zoey opened the door to reveal Duncan standing on the steps, Gwen and Courtney in tow.
He brought Courtney? Great…
"Hi guys!" Zoey smiled. "Let's get going before Chris has us do another challenge."
Duncan, Gwen, and Courtney stepped aside so that Zoey and Mike could descend the steps.
"I gotta say, Zoey, it's brave that you eat anything grown on this island," Gwen noted. "I thought the soil was contaminated with toxic waste."
The group followed Zoey through the trees.
"Oh! You have to tell us about last season," Courtney remembered. "I can't imagine doing this show with all of those creatures running around."
"Well, it wasn't too bad. Right, Mike?"
"Hmm? Yeah, it was fine. Besides the mutated racoons. That was a problem."
He's always nervous around new people…
"Remember when Cody was attacked by a bear?" Gwen reminisced.
"Can't believe Chris dodged that lawsuit…" Courtney pondered.
"Ooh! Is Sierra still obsessed with him?" Gwen wanted to know.
"Yes. Definitely," Zoey answered. "Even I can tell you that. Although, she's moved onto Cameron recently. I think she, like, projects Cody's image onto him?"
"I love it," Gwen smiled.
Why does she find that funny?
"At first, we thought it was an act she put on for the cameras," Courtney explained. "But apparently it's real."
I haven't seen Courtney since she gave me that warning…
"I see…" Zoey understood. "Well, I hope it works out for them."
"I don't," Duncan shook his head. "I think Cody hates her."
"I thought they were friends, but he doesn't like, like her," Gwen contemplated.
"Thank God," Courtney smiled, "at least he still has a chance with you, then."
"No way. That was the absolute worst. Did you know I actually had to give him one of my bras? Like, Chris didn't bother to go out and buy one as a prop."
"Those are expensive," Zoey observed.
"Exactly! So, I give him one of my bras, and he's like, 'What am I supposed to do with this.' And I was like, 'just act like you're really happy.' It was so awkward."
"It felt really awkward. Watching it, at least," Courtney shuddered.
"Mike, you don't talk a lot, do you?" Gwen observed.
"What?" He looked surprised. "Ah, sorry…"
"Oh, don't apologize. I don't give a shit," Gwen shrugged. "Just making sure we weren't leaving you out."
"Nope, I'm fine."
It takes a while for him to trust people…So I'm sure he'll be quiet around them for a while.
"So, like, I hope this isn't offensive, but what's...the situation?" Courtney prompted.
"The what?" His eyes were wide.
How dare she? She can't just ask that!
I better step in- no, I shouldn't. Should I? That's not my job. But Zoey looks like she's about to freak out. Would it be weird if I said something? Would Zoey be upset with me? Like, I'm doing her job for her?
"I'll just say it. Scott hasn't been presenting a… nice, depiction of you on the Villains team," Duncan quickly explained as he ducked under a tree branch.
That should be fine. Nice and neutral.
"That jerk," Zoey hissed.
Gwen snickered at that.
"What's so funny?" Zoey glared.
"Woah, jeez. I just thought it was funny you called him a jerk. I would've called him something else, like… a rat bastard."
Shit, why did I snap at her?
"And Mike, of course you don't have to answer if you don't want to," Courtney jumped in. "Sorry, I shouldn't have asked."
I love how it's awkward now, and Mike didn't even say anything yet. Zoey needs to let him fight his own battles sometimes.
"It's fine," Mike quickly reassured Courtney. "First, where are we going?"
"We're almost there," Zoey was staring at the ground.
"Ok, well… yeah, I'll explain it. So, um," he wrung his hands together. "I have Dissociative Identity Disorder, so I have different alters, personalities?, that take over sometimes." His voice shook ever so slightly. "So, it's like there are different people in the same body, if that makes sense."
"Oh, like in Fight Club," Gwen nodded.
"I… what?"
"You know. How they're two totally different guys in the same body. And one doesn't know what the other is doing when he's, like, blacked out."
"I guess it's kind of like that?"
Yeah, but Edward Norton's character didn't have it stemming from childhood trauma, which is one of the key markers- damn, I can't believe I remember that.
"That was such a good movie," Duncan nodded.
"Of course you would like it," Gwen rolled her eyes. "You're a male manipulator."
"I am not! I don't meet the criteria," Duncan insisted.
"Sorry," Zoey spoke up. Duncan noticed she was holding Mike's hand. "What's a male manipulator?"
Nice, she literally has to hold his hand.
I'm so proud of him for making it through that.
"Exactly what it sounds like," Courtney explained. "But they watch certain movies, listen to certain music…it's quite complex."
"Oh, we're here!" Zoey noticed as the group reached a sparse field of apple trees.
"Exciting," Duncan didn't pay her too much attention, "but I just want to establish that I'm not a male-"
"Fine, you're not," Gwen sighed. "You're right, you miss several key factors."
"God, can we just pick some apples?" Courtney was past the debate. "And Zoey, you have to tell us about the drama from last season. Something entertaining. What were the contestants like?"
I don't know how I feel about these guys… The three of them seem very close. And they aren't too nice to Mike. But maybe they just act like that to make us feel like we're part of the group? Because they aren't nice to each other, either…
"Something wrong?" Gwen looked at her.
"Nope, not at all," Zoey quickly shook her head. "Let's see… last season. Well, it was alright."
Mike has to chill out. When he doesn't talk, Zoey gets anxious.
Duncan caught his eye. Mike tilted his head in confusion, but Duncan just smiled.
He better be grateful for that, I rarely smile on this show for real.
"Hey," Gwen wouldn't drop it. "You guys know, we can dial it down if you want."
"You see," Zoey started, "it's that-"
"You guys are fine," Mike smiled. "Seriously. Here, I'll tell you stories."
There we go.
He seems to be more comfortable now… Maybe he saw that Gwen and Courtney aren't trying to be malicious.
"Aw, yeah Mike!" Gwen smiled. "Tell us. What went down?" Gwen reached up and plucked an apple off a branch.
"Let's see… on my team, we had this CCO kid, right? You know those guys who are, like, devoted to the military? It was this guy. His name was Brick. And anyways, he was a nice guy, really into honor and justice and all that. But there was a catch."
"A catch?" Courtney looked enthralled.
"Yup. He had, like, a thing. Where he would piss himself constantly."
"Hot."
"I guess for some. But you never knew when he would do it. Like, we would go into a cave, and he would piss himself. So you didn't want to get too close to him, because, you know…"
"The piss?" Gwen supplied the answer.
"Exactly. We had no idea if he was washing those shorts or not. But it goes deeper. Jo had a thing for him, right? And she would belittle him. But I think he liked it?"
He's slipping…Zoey's not gonna like that.
"Oh!" Gwen understood. "So it was like a master slave BDSM thing combined with a piss fetish?"
"That's what I was thinking," Mike shrugged. "But who knows? Maybe I'm wrong."
"That's fascinating," Courtney was intrigued.
Zoey, however, was horrified.
I've never seen him act like this. Why would he say that about Brick? Someone who was always so nice to him? It really bothers me, but I don't want to call him out in front of everyone...
Now this is more like it. Finally, he doesn't look terrified to speak.
"I don't think we had anything like that going on in the original cast," Gwen pondered, "but I wouldn't be surprised. Who knows what Heather and Alejandro get up to in their spare time?" She smirked.
"Ugh, don't put that image in my head. Hey, that's a good find, Zoey!" Courtney pointed to the apple she was holding.
"Oh. Thanks," she smiled.
Was this a mistake?
"Alright, campers! Time to get ready for your next challenge!" Chris' voice echoed through the trees, making the group jump.
"About time," Courtney narrowed her eyes in the direction of his voice. "Well, guess it's time to suffer."
"Maybe he'll make us kill each other?" Gwen suggested. "Like a fight to the death?"
"Ooh. You better watch your back, Gwen. I won't go down easily."
"Campers!" Chris yelled again. "Let's get moving!"
"Guess we're running," Mike smiled.
"You can say that again," Gwen started to jog. "Come on, I don't want to deal with him freaking out."
"Trackstar Gwen, leaving us all in the dust!" Duncan grinned.
"Not my fault you can't catch up!"
The group broke into a run, hurrying to get to Chris before he yelled again.
"We should do this again sometimes," Courtney spoke, not even out of breath.
"Yeah, let me get there without collapsing first," Duncan tried not to look like he was weezing.
"Duncan, having trouble there?" Mike smiled.
"Oh, shut up."
I don't know…
Zoey ran quietly.
Maybe he only said that because they pushed to do it. Peer pressure. Can I blame him? It was just out-of-character. Right? I don't think that's something he would say. I guess I'll have to talk to him about it.