A/N- Alright, it's finals season! So there's gonna be a brief gap after this chapter so I don't fail out of college. Thanks guys! Enjoy!

In another part of the woods, Gwen and Duncan were still practicing their lines.

"Duncan, I'm serious about this. We're done."

"Fine! If you want to be that way, then fine."

"Fine!"

"I'm really not looking forward to this," he turned another page. "How much time do we have, anyways? Isn't the elimination ceremony, like, right now?"

"Shit, you're right… we should head over. I'm sure Chris will stop us if we do too badly."

"Right… do you know where we are?"

"Um, I think we go that way," Gwen pointed through the trees.

"Eh, may as well," Duncan shrugged as he followed Gwen. She batted a branch out of the way.

"I can't believe Alejandro's leaving…" she murmured. "Now who are we supposed to look at?"

"Scott?"

"Gross."

"Yeah...oomf!"

Gwen had suddenly stopped walking, causing Duncan to crash into her.

"What's wrong?"

"Shh…" Gwen whispered. "Did you hear something?"

"I don't think so…" he looked around. "Fuck, do you think it's a bear?"

"I dunno," Gwen held her arms close to her body. "Let's just be quiet, yeah?"

I'm not dealing with a bear attack right now. No way.

The pair continued walking, taking care to avoid stepping on anything that might make a noise. After a few minutes, Gwen stopped walking again.

"Seriously, what is it?" Duncan asked, really wishing they would keep moving.

"We're going the wrong way."

"What- really? Are you sure?"

"Yep," she answered quickly. "Sorry. Maybe we should try this way?" She pivoted away from the sound.

"...Sure," Duncan was skeptical.

Weird, she knows the woods pretty well by now… Then again, I get lost all the time.

Fortunately, the duo managed to pick the right direction, arriving at the elimination ceremony before Chris started talking.

"Break a leg, Gwen," Duncan smiled.

"Thanks. Try not to cry, yeah?"

"How could I not?" He mock-wiped a tear from his face and sat down next to Cameron.

"Alright," Chris clapped his hands together. "Who are we missing? I'm trying to get this shit started so I can go home, yeah?"

"We're here!"

Duncan looked over to see Courtney and Zoey walking together.

"Sorry," Courtney smiled at Chris. "We went to the beach."

"Hi, Duncan!" Zoey sat on his other side.

Should I say anything? No, Courtney doesn't want me to.

"Hey…" Duncan barely looked at her. He appeared to be lost in thought.

Right, he does have a scene to do right now.

"Alright, campers!" Chris smiled. "Welcome to tonight's elimination ceremony!"

I wonder what those two were talking about…

"Tonight, we have a very exciting ceremony!" Chris kept talking.

Duncan looked at Gwen to see she was looking at him again. Her eyes widened ever so slightly, then she looked away.

"Tonight, the Heroic Hamsters won their challenge, leaving the Villainous Vultures on the chopping block!"

"Wait!" Gwen stood up, reciting her lines. "Chris, I have something to say."

"Oh?" Chris asked, a wide smile on his face.

"Duncan, I have to tell you something!"

Right, showtime.

He stood up.

"Yeah, Gwen? What's going on?"

"We need to talk."

"Like, right now?"

"I can't wait any longer," she insisted.

"Well, alright, what's going on?"

"I think… we should break up!"

"What? What do you mean?"

"This isn't working out."

"How could that be possible? We're so good together."

Ugh, vomit.

"I know, but I can't continue like this anymore. I can't be in a relationship that started with a lie."

"Gwen, you're being crazy. Courtney and I were broken up."

"No we weren't!" Courtney ad-libbed.

"It doesn't matter," Gwen insisted. "It's still wrong."

"Well, if you're going to be like that, fine! We're done!"

"Fine!" She sat down.

"Fine," he hissed before taking his seat.

"Was that alright, Chris? Can we be done with this now?"

"Eh, it was fine," he shrugged. "Not that interesting, really. I was hoping it would be more dramatic. But-" he noticed Gwen was about to protest- "I'll accept it. For now."

"Nie job," Duncan smiled at her.

"Yeah, I think we sold it."

"Anyways, moving on!" Chris beamed. "Today, the Heroic Hamsters seized a victory, leaving the Vultures as tonight's losers!"

Oh, right. Mike's whole plan. Let's see how that plays out.

Duncan glanced over at his teammate to find him staring into space, completely detached from the world around him.

Uh-oh.

"The following campers are safe! Heather, Scott, and Courtney! Gwen and Alejandro, you're in the bottom two!"

Finally, Alejandro's out of here.

"The following camper is safe… Gwen! You get to stay another day! Alejandro, you're going home!"

Alejandro looked genuinely surprised at that.

"What?...Really?"

"Yes!" Heather sprung up from her seat. "That's what you get for trying to get rid of me!" She shrieked in delight.

"...Get rid of you?" Alejandro tilted his head. "Why would I do that, cariña?"

"Oh, please, don't give me that. Mike told me all about your stupid plan," Heather crossed her arms and sneered.

Oh, God. Now it's all over.

Duncan looked again to see that Mike was still out of it.

What? I thought Mike said that Alejandro was voting for Courtney…

The Villains echoed her sentiments of confusion.

"Wait, I thought Alejandro was voting for Courtney…" Gwen scanned her teammates.

"I also thought that," Scott jumped in. "At least, that's what Courtney told me."

"That's what Mike told me…" Courtney trailed off. "Mike told me that Alejandro was trying to get everyone to vote me off."

"Wait, Mike told me that Alejandro wanted to vote me off," Heather interjected.

What? What's going on?

"Well, that can't be right," Chris had to get involved. "Everybody voted for Alejandro, except Alejandro himself. In fact, he voted for Gwen, not Heather or Courtney…"

Everybody looked at Mike, who was adamantly avoiding eye contact with any of his castmates.

For his part, Alejandro was smiling.

"Ah, I see what's going on," Alejandro stood up on his two legs.

"What? I knew it! Your legs were working this whole time!" Heather realized.

"Hmm? Ah, yes, but now's not the time for that," he grinned.

What's going on? Was Mike lying? Why would he do that? Why won't he look at me?

"It seems to me that Mike lied to everybody so I would be eliminated," Alejandro appeared non-bothered as he examined his nails.

No way. No fucking way. This is awesome.

"What? He wouldn't do that," Zoey jumped to his defense.

"Yeah," Cameron added on. "Mike would never."

Don't provoke him…

"Oh?" Alejandro smiled even wider. "I think he would, given the right circumstances."

Come to think of it, why did Mike want him gone so badly?

"The right circumstances?" Zoey parroted.

Why isn't Mike saying anything? What did Alejandro do to him?

Duncan looked at Chris.

Surely he would know. He has all the footage from today.

To Duncan's horror, Chris winked at him.

Oh my God. That can't be good.

"Yes, Zoey, the right circumstances," Alejandro smiled. "Clearly, he wanted me out of here. So much so that he was willing to lie to get his way."

"But why?" Sierra jumped in, absorbed in the drama unfolding in front of her.

"Oh! That's an excellent question, Sierra. Mike, should I tell them why? Hmm?"

Mike looked up at him and narrowed his eyes.

"No answer? Chris, what do you think? Surely you're aware of what's going on."

"Hey, I'm not a contestant," Chris put up his hands. "But I do love what's going on here."

Alejandro did ask me about Mike during the challenge...

"Duncan? Surely you have something to say, yes? Since-"

"Do you ever shut the fuck up?"

To everyone's shock, it was Mike who had spoken.

Not Mike… Mal.

Duncan couldn't help but smile a little bit.

"I… what?" Alejandro stared at him.

"You heard me. Seriously. What does it take for you to stop talking? You're absolutely insufferable."

Nobody was more surprised than Zoey, who stared at Mal with wide eyes.

I've never seen him speak like this to anyone…

"Ah, he finally speaks," Alejandro recovered. "I have to say, I liked your little trick here today. Lying to get what you want. Very impressive, especially in this game. I wonder where you learned that move from?" Alejandro stared at Duncan for a brief moment.

Hmm...

"I'm glad you liked it. Sorry you figured it out a little too late."

"Oh, this is infuriating!" Alejandro huffed. "Chris, can I please tell-"

"Alright, that's time! Alejandro, go take the flush of shame."

"Oh, fine… I guess you won fair and square," Alejandro smiled. Then, the grin was quickly replaced with a look of absolute malice. He sneered, "I can't wait for your world to crumble into tiny pieces, Mike. I'm only sorry that I won't be here to see all come crashing down around you, but I promise, I will get you back for this." Then, he smiled again. "Well, you won fair and square. Chau!"

"Ciao," Mal looked slightly bothered.

"Goodbye, everyone!" Alejandro gave a final farewell before taking the flush of shame.

Zoey fidgeted in her seat.

I don't understand what's happening.

She watched as Alejandro left. She glanced over at Cameron, who looked equally as confused.

"Wow! Ominous! Anyways," Chris clapped his hands tomorrow. "Will the Hamsters win again? Will the Vultures take the next victory? Will Mike's world crumble around him? Lots of questions. But that's all for this week- tune in next time on Total. Drama. All-stars!"

Nobody on the Hero team moved an inch.

Am I missing something? Someone has to know what's going on. What should I do?

I love this. I'm obsessed.

"Um, are you guys alright?" Scott watched the Hero team from afar.

Right… right. You're in public. Get it together.

"Fuck off, Scott," Gwen hissed.

"Aw, I was just asking," he whined.

They're about to corner Mal…Who knows what he'll say… Wait. What am I doing? What did I literally promise myself last night? I'm not getting involved in this. I'm getting invested. I can't let that happen.

"I'm out of here," Duncan stood up suddenly. "I'm going back to the Spa Hotel, I don't care who comes with me."

He started walking. Cameron followed close behind, taking the opportunity to avoid a tense conversation with the Villains. Unwilling to leave him alone, Sierra tagged along as well.

"Seriously?" Heather asked. "We're just not going to mention what happened?"

"I don't care. Not my problem," Duncan shrugged, almost out of earshot.

Zoey stayed behind. She was still in her seat.

What should I do? I can't go with Duncan, I have to stay here.

"Mike, what the fuck's you're deal?" Heather turned on him. "Why'd you send Alejandro home like that?"

But I don't want to watch Heather yell at him… but can I even blame her?

"So now you want him…" Mal sighed.

Gwen snickered in the background before quickly remembering the gravity of the situation.

"Excuse me?" Heather glared at him.

"Look, I'm just playing the game, yeah?" Mal stood up. "Sorry. He would've had to go sooner or later anyways."

"Yeah, but…" Heather fumbled for an answer.

"Look, if someone in this competition was a threat to you, wouldn't you have done the same?"

"He's right," Scott nodded. "You would have, Heather."

"Scott! Shut up!" Heather turned on him. "Why are you even still here? Go back to the cabin."

"What? Why?" He complained. "I'm backing you up."

I don't understand… I don't know. Is Mike ok? Something must have happened, right?

"Well, I think good riddance," Courtney decided. "Better that he's out of here. Alejandro was always a slimeball."

Mal narrowed his eyes at her.

"Um, anyways," she shifted. "That's good. So."

"Hmm. I guess it is…" he trailed off. "Well, Duncan sure ran out of here fast. Weird, huh?" He tilted his head and looked at Courtney. She fidgeted again.

Right, Courtney... Literally minutes after Mike told me that he didn't want anything to do with Duncan, I completely ignored everything he told me and pried. I can't let Courtney tell him anything.

"We should get going!" Zoey blurted out.

The entire cast turned to look at her, surprised by her outburst.

"Um. Y'know, we should head back, I think," she stared at the ground.

Mal looked at her and stared for a moment. Then, he smiled.

"You're right, Zoey," he nodded. "They'll probably wonder where we are."

"Yes...right," Zoey was relieved he agreed.

"And Heather," Mal turned to her. "I'm sorry. Really. But it's not personal, I promise. He was just the biggest threat. You know how it is."

"Well," she bit her lip. "I guess so. But you better watch out."

"Don't listen to Heather," Gwen rolled her eyes. "She just misses her boyfriend."

"Gwen! I said a thousand times, he's not my boyfriend," she sneered.

"Awe, don't worry. Scott's still available."

"Gross! As if."

"Hey!" Scott whined. "I heard that."

"Let's go?" Mal tilted his head and grinned.

"Yes. Please," Zoey agreed quickly. "Bye guys!"

"Hmm? Oh, see ya…" Gwen waved. "And, um, you can always talk to us if you need anything…you know."

"Right," Zoey sighed. "Thanks."

Back in the spa hotel, Duncan yanked open the front door. He hadn't spoken on the walk over, leaving Cameron and Sierra to wonder what was going on.

I need to take a step back from him. I can't do this. I need to put an end to this now.

Once the three of them were inside, Duncan slammed the door shut. He walked towards the kitchen, preparing for what he was going to say.

"Uh, hey, Duncan," Cameron almost whispered. "Are you alright?"

Duncan stopped himself from lashing out.

No, it's not Cameron's fault… It's all on me.

He took a shaky breath.

"I'm fine, Cameron. Sorry. It's just been a weird night."

"Oh?" Sierra latched onto that immediately. "Why?"

"Yeah," Cameron agreed. "This has been a pretty...shocking… night, I think. I mean," he lowered his voice. "The thing with Mike? What's that about?" He looked around as if to make sure that Mike wasn't standing right behind him.

"Who knows?" Duncan shrugged.

"Ugh, I so wish I could blog about this," Sierra complained. "I won't, of course. But I wish I could."

"Yeah… better not," Cameron took a seat at the kitchen table, putting his head in his hands.

Jesus, is he alright?

"Hey, Cam, buddy, you good?" Duncan sat down.

"Yeah…" he trailed off.

"Oh, Cammy-bear! What's wrong?" Sierra begged to know.

"Nothing, Sierra," Cam sighed, genuinely annoyed.

Ooh, frisky.

"Hey, are you sure you're good?"

"...Yup."

"Hmm, for some reason, I don't believe you."

"Look," Cameron uncovered his eyes. "I just don't know if you're the best person to talk to about this. No offense. And… you know…" Cameron gestured with his eyes over towards Sierra.

Cameron seems to be legitimately struggling...I should help him out.

"Hey, Sierra, could you give us a second?" Duncan asked her. "We just need to talk for a bit. You know, man-to-man."

Oh, cringe cringe cringe- I hate that.

"Oh, fine," she huffed. "But I'm asking for details later on."

"Sure," Duncan watched as she left the room, presumably to make sure Cody Junior didn't destroy the entire bedroom.

"Thank you," Cameron whispered once she was out of earshot.

"Yeah, no problem. She can be a lot sometimes. I hope she isn't bothering you too much?"

"She is a lot. I don't know, I don't want to be rude to her, but she seems lonely without Cody…"

"Nah. Tell her to fuck off. She can't just walk all over you. Seriously, someone needs to put her in her place."

C'mon, he has to stand up for himself.

"I don't want her to freak out or anything. And with her blog…I don't know what she'd say about me."

The damn blog…

"I mean, I can talk to her if you'd like?"

"Woah, really?" Cameron lifted his head up. "You'd do that?"

"Yeah, of course. I'm not a middle school bully, you know."

"I know," Cameron blushed. "Still, I just didn't expect you to do that."

"Hey, don't worry about it. And between you and me," Duncan looked left and right for dramatic effect, "Cody doesn't even like her all that much."

"No way," Cameron couldn't believe it.

"Yes way. Don't tell her that, of course. She freaks out."

"Of course I won't," Cameron rapidly shook his head.

"Now," Duncan leaned back. "What's bothering you?"

Cameron eyed him up and down.

"C'mon, you can tell me. I won't snitch. You know the rule."

"The rule?"

"Snitches get stitches. You know. If you snitch on someone for doing something, then they'll beat the shit out of you."

"Well," he spoke hesitantly. "I guess I'm just worried about Mike."

Ok. Neutral. You're a neutral party.

"Hmm? Because of today?"

"Sort of… "

Tell me…No, don't tell me...

"Well, what's going on?"

"He's just been weird lately," Cameron picked at his fingers. "I don't know. Distant. On-edge. I don't know," he shook his head. "I shouldn't be telling you this."

Cameron isn't good at keeping secrets… He told Scott about Mike's DID last season. I'm sure I can get more out of him. But do I want to? Shouldn't I cut myself off?

"Hey, it's alright. I won't say shit. But why do you think he's been acting off?"

"I don't know," Cameron sighed. "I mean, do you remember how he was last season?"

"I didn't watch last season," Duncan shrugged.

"Well, he was nervous sometimes, but… it was nothing like this. And things have been tense between him and Zoey."

Oh?

"Oh jeez, sorry to hear that."

"It's like the friend group is falling apart… I don't know. I think they patched things up, though."

That's a good thing. I'm happy for them.

"Sorry for bothering you, by the way. This was probably a bad idea-" he started to stand up.

"Hey, it's alright. And don't worry, really," Duncan continued. "I won't say anything."

"Thanks, Duncan," Cameron smiled. "And sorry for dragging you into this."

No… I'm dragging myself into it. I need to stop doing that.

"Nonsense," Duncan waved him off. "Really, it's nothing."

By that point, Mal and Zoey had started the walk back to the Spa Hotel. Neither had spoken.

I need to talk to Mike… I can't believe he would do this. Am I upset with him? I've never felt like this before. God, this is such a disaster.

Mal was staring at the ground as he walked.

What do I say? We should talk about the Alejandro thing before we get back to the Spa Hotel. Right? But maybe the other teammates want to talk about it as well. I don't want to exclude them. But is it any of their business? Then again, is it any of my business? Of course it is, we're dating. But then again, this is a competition. Maybe Mike was right to kick Alejandro off. But it's so unlike him. But-

"Hey," Mike was back. "Are you alright?"

"Me? Of course. Of course I am."

"Alright...you just seem nervous."

God, I don't want to go back to the Spa Hotel.

"I don't know," she spoke softly.

"Hmm? What was that?"

I'm upset with Mike, but he's my boyfriend. I'll always trust him more than anyone else in this competition. Right? Yes.

"I think...well, nothing, actually. It's been a long day."

"You can say that again."

I'm going to pretend like that talk with Courtney never happened. No point in ever mentioning it. In fact, I have to keep distancing myself from Duncan. It only causes problems, and I'm just so tired. I can't deal with it anymore.

"You know… they're going to ask about what happened."

"...What happened?"

"Of course," she kept talking. "I mean, it was kind of dramatic."

"Really?" He tilted his head.

"You don't think so?" She almost stopped walking. "I mean, you told Alejandro to go… fuck, himself."

"What?" His eyes widened. "Um… right, of course," he seemed to realize something. "Yes. Well, I'm sure that turned some heads…"

He's being weird.

"Hang on," Zoey stopped walking. Mike did the same. "Are you alright? Forget about Alejandro for a second- is everything ok? You seem out of it."

"No, I'm fine," Mike shook his head. "Sorry. I was just thinking. And I'll explain everything, I promise. I just need a minute to get it together."

"Well, alright," Zoey eyed him suspiciously. "As long as you're ok."

"Of course," he kept walking. "Just give me a bit."

She took a few quick steps to keep up with him.

Alright… see? He's fine. There's a perfectly reasonable explanation for all of this.

When they reached the Spa Hotel, Zoey opened the door, mentally preparing herself for a conversation with her teammates. Mike shut the door behind them and followed her into the kitchen.

Duncan and Cameron were both sitting at the kitchen table, Sierra nowhere to be found.

"Hey, guys," Duncan barely looked up.

Can't act too interested.

"Are they here?" Sierra yelled from her bedroom.

"Hi, Sierra!" Zoey called out to her.

"Oh! Hang on, I'll be right there," her muffled voice echoed.

"What happened after we left?" Cameron asked, a slight tremor in his voice.

"Wait!" Sierra crashed into the kitchen. "Ok, now I'm here. You can start."

She pulled up a seat next to Cameron.

"Nothing really," Mike shrugged. "We left right after you guys."

Hmm… that was Mal at the elimination ceremony. Does Mike even remember what happened?

"Heather was upset, of course," Zoey bit her lip and sat down at the table, leaving Mike standing alone.

"I can't even imagine," Duncan shook his head.

Neutral statements only. I'm not involved in any way. Actually, I'm gonna keep my mouth shut for this one. Don't want to involve myself.

"Mike, why'd you do it?" Sierra asked.

"No reason in particular," Mike shrugged. "I was just playing the game."

"Nah," Sierra insisted. "You've never done something like that before on this show. I've watched every episode several times."

Zoey looked on intently.

I am curious…

"Um, I was also wondering," Cameron spoke up for the first time all evening.

"He was saying some pretty crazy things at the elimination ceremony," Zoey drummed her fingers on the table. "What was he talking about?"

"Yeah, that was really weird," Sierra noted. "What was he talking about, Mike?"

"Well, you know," Mike stuttered. He looked to Zoey for help, but she just looked at him.

I also want to know…

"Who knows?" Mike shrugged. "He's always saying things. You shouldn't listen to him."

"Mike…" Cameron spoke up. He looked at Duncan.

Hmm… What's he going to say?

Duncan nodded his support for whatever was about to happen.

"You know," Cameron cleared his throat. "I don't want to make anyone upset. But I think… um, maybe some of us are kind of worried?"

"Worried?" Mike tilted his head.

"Yeah, like," Cameron stared at the table, "I think you've been acting weird lately. I don't know. Maybe it's just me?"

So Cameron thinks something's up too…

"Does anyone else think that?"

"Actually, I do- well, I did," Zoey started, "but I thought we sorted everything out. But then, with this whole Alejandro thing, I'm not sure anymore…"

"I see," Mike started pacing behind Duncan.

"I also think you've been acting weird," Sierra spoke up. "But, well, I also don't know you. So, maybe you're just a weird guy."

"Sierra…" Zoey sighed.

"What?"

I swear, she's tactless.

As Mike was pacing, Duncan could hear him inhale sharply, just loudly enough for Duncan to notice.

Oh, here we go…

"Look, Zoey," Mal as Mike rubbed his hands together. "Would it help if I just put everything out in the open?"

"I think that would help," Zoey nodded.

Thank God, finally an explanation.

"Yeah," Cameron added on. "I think we all just want to know what's going on."

"Well, alright," Mal took a seat at the table. "I guess I'll start at the beginning. First… I feel really bad about voting him off," he sighed. "And I feel bad for Heather. But… you guys have to promise you won't say anything."

"Of course we won't," Zoey grabbed onto his hand, which was resting on top of the table. Mal rubbed his thumb against hers.

God, that must be torture for him.

"Yeah, we would never," Cameron insisted.

"Sierra?" Zoey prompted her.

"Oh! Yeah, I promise I won't say anything."

"Duncan?" Mal looked directly at him.

"You have my word."

"Well, alright. I trust you guys. Basically… during the challenge today, Alejandro said some things to me."

"What type of things?" Zoey was engrossed.

I swear, if he did anything…

"Um, he… threatened me. You know. Said he would- sorry," Mal covered his mouth.

God, don't tell me he's holding back tears- I can't watch him cry. If he cries, I'll cry.

I don't buy this for a second.

"You don't have to say," Zoey reassured him.

"I'm sorry, I should have told you guys but I just didn't know what to do, and I thought it would be easier to vote him off…"

"Hey, it's alright," Cameron waved off his concerns. "That's a difficult situation."

Thank God Alejandro was voted off, or I would be marching over there right now to give him a piece of my mind.

"Alejandro can be such a jerk sometimes," Sierra huffed.

"Well, he's gone now," Zoey sighed. She rubbed eyes with her free hand.

"Hey, um, can you guys not mention this to the other team? I just don't want this to be a whole thing. They can think whatever they want."

"Of course we won't," Cameron promised.

"Yeah, forget those guys," Sierra agreed.

"Duncan?" Zoey asked him. "I know you have friends on that team, but…"

This is bullshit.

"Hey, I won't say anything."

"Thanks," Zoey smiled at him.

"Well," Cameron cleared his throat. "I can't believe Alejandro is gone. I thought it would be a lot harder to get rid of him."

"I know…it'll be weird without him." Duncan sighed.

"Of course you'd say that," Sierra began tapping at her phone.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

She met his gaze.

"Nothing," she answered quickly. "Just saying."

"Well, say less."

"Hmmph."

For her part, Zoey was focused on 'Mike.'

God, I'm so relieved… Not that Alejandro threatened him, of course. But there's a reasonable explanation for why Mike voted him off. This is something we can move past.

The team sat in silence for a moment.

There's no way any of that is true. Alejandro would never threaten someone unless he knew for certain he could get away with it…

Mal did another sharp inhale that he quickly covered up by clearing his throat, a move so subtle that Duncan only picked up on it because he'd seen it happen countless times before. Mike was back.

"Not to be a bummer," Mike spoke up, "but this was a long day… I'm gonna head to bed," he stood up.

"Of course," Zoey agreed.

"Oh! I have to go feed Cody Junior," Sierra realized as she stood up from her seat. The other members of the team soon did the same.

"Cammy-bear, do you want to feed him with me?" She asked.

"Oh. Um, sure," he smiled nervously. "I guess if it's quick."

"Good night," Zoey kissed her boyfriend.

"Good night," he smiled.

Stop it stop it stop it…

"'Night," Duncan called out as he walked to the guy's bedroom, Mike close behind him.

Duncan shut the door.

"You're kidding me, right?" He turned to Mike.

"What?"

"He threatened you? Seriously?"

"Who threatened me?" Mike asked nervously.

"Alejandro. At least, that's what Mal just told everyone."

"Oh God, did he really?"

"Yep," Duncan shrugged, uninterested in Mike's problems. "Zoey asked why you voted him off, and that's what he told everyone."

"Jesus…"

"Dude, what happened? Why'd you go through all that just to get him voted off?"

I have to ask. I don't care, but I need to know.

Duncan stepped away from the door and sat down on his bed.

Mike stared at the floor.

"I may have told him something I shouldn't."

"About what?"

"You know what."

"How'd you manage that?" Duncan grinned.

"I dunno," Mike sat on his bed. "It's like he just knew what to say to get me to talk."

"He does have a habit of doing that." Duncan laid back on his pillows. He grabbed his sketchbook from his bag. "And that's pretty bad… since you were on camera and all. Chris could show Zoey that footage any time he wants to."

Mike looked up at that.

"What?"

"Did you seriously forget this was a TV show? The problem doesn't just go away because Alejandro isn't physically here. Chris records everything." He purposely ignored Mike and focused on the drawings in front of him.

"Yeah, but…" Mike furrowed his brow. "Would Chris do that? Show her the video?"

"Um, absolutely. He has no limits. He'll do anything for ratings."

"No, no," Mike shook his head. "This is different."

"Oh? How so?"

"This is real."

"Yeah, he doesn't care. I bet he's already making copies. He'll probably play it at breakfast tomorrow," Duncan smiled. "I can see it now."

"Ok, stop it," Mike insisted. "You're just saying that."

"Why would I do that? If anything, I'm giving you a warning," Duncan sighed. "Forget it. I shouldn't have said anything."

"You can't take it back now!" Mike started pacing. "You can't just tell me something like that and then stop talking!"

"Sorry," Duncan mumbled into his pillow. "He's got all the film locked up in his mansion- there's really not much you can do."

Before Mike could respond to that, Cameron opened the door.

"Hey, Cam," Duncan called out from his bed. "How was the gopher-feeding?"

"Um, let's just say that I'm not a big fan of Cody Junior."

"Aw, Cameron, at least Sierra won't bother you anymore."

"I wouldn't be too sure… she already asked me to babysit," Cameron walked over to his bed and collapsed. "I really don't want to…"

"Somehow, I don't blame you."

"Good night, guys," Mike spoke quickly and flicked the light in the bedroom.

"Good night," Cameron answered.

"'Night," Duncan sighed.

Not that I'll fall asleep or anything. I doubt he will either. I wonder what Chris will do with that footage…I'd really rather he not show it to the whole world. I don't think he will, that's probably a lawsuit right there. Not that I could afford to sue him. And I'm not a fucking bitch. But he told me he would be careful with what he broadcasted… I'm sure he'll show it to Zoey, though. Chris isn't above that.

He stared at the ceiling.

Back in the girl's bedroom, Zoey watched as Sierra put Cody Junior on an empty bed.

"There, Cody-kins! Now you can get a good night's sleep," she patted the hairless creature on the head.

What's to prevent it from biting my face off while I sleep?

"Good night, Zoey," Sierra sat down on her bed.

"Good night, Sierra," Zoey was eager to stop talking.

She fell asleep fairly easily. Within the hour, the contestants in the spa hotel were sleeping, ready to face the next challenge.