Part 9
Ali is getting on my nerves. She's always giggling and flirting with Casey. It never stops. If she wants to ride on Casey's coattails, then fine. I'm not that type of girl. I'll get where I need to be on my own.
Besides, I've got something up my sleeve.
Maddie, Student
Bob leaves next and becomes the first member of the jury. The trips to Exile Island end with the merging of the tribes. Luke has no time to talk to Reid alone before the next immunity challenge which Casey boastfully wins. He wants to talk about the immunity idol still hidden in Reid's pocket, but with everyone hanging around, and the fact that they're supposed to be enemies, Luke never finds the right moment to pull Reid aside to speak to him. However, it turns out alright, because somehow, they get six votes for Bob (Luke really has no idea which of the other team defected) and then it's five against four. The favor is in the old Riau tribe's hand.
Luke really doesn't know what to do with the power. Noah says to vote Reid out next. "It's the logical choice," he explains in a whisper to Luke and Casey as they search the beach for driftwood.
Casey nods and says, "I don't care who it is, as long as it isn't one of us."
Luke doesn't want it to be one of them either, even if 'them' (the Riau tribe) doesn't exist anymore. The Riau and Bangka tribes are gone, merged into the new Bawal tribe. And it's not like Reid's been nice to you, despite his declaration of attraction back on Exile Island, Luke tells himself. Reid is the logical choice. He's the biggest physical threat out of the remaining four Bangka members. He's the one most likely to win the individual immunities. He's the one with the idol, Luke adds.
Yet when it's time for Luke to put in his two cents he says, "I think it should be Henry or one of the girls."
Noah gives him a surprised look. Casey waits for an explanation. "Yes, Reid's the biggest physical threat, but he's also the least liked. The members of his own tribe don't like him, with maybe the exception of Katie. We can vote him out whenever we want. And if the impossible happens and he makes it to the final three," Noah suddenly looks worried so Luke adds, "which he won't- no one will vote for him."
Apparently, he's convincing, because they turn their attention to Henry. "He is really manipulative," Noah says at last.
Henry it is, Luke reconfirms. It's the first decision he's made in a while that feels right.
Except it doesn't go to plan. Vienna wins a car at the following reward challenge, Maddie wins immunity, Jeff reads Henry's name four times from the voting box and Ali's five.
"What the hell!" Casey shouts. Ali turns her head, hiding her tears.
They get back to camp. Everything goes to hell. Casey slams his bag into the ground. "Which one of you is a lying douchebag?"
"And that's my cue to leave," Reid says and heads towards the trees.
Casey whirls on Maddie. "It was you, wasn't it?"
"Why would you say that?" she cries. Her mouth is puckered and her eyes are suspiciously wet.
Suddenly, without a doubt, Luke knows it was her.
"You've hated Ali from the beginning. You just pretended to like her so we wouldn't vote you off," Casey rants.
"Casey…" Noah starts, trying to calm him down.
"Shut up Noah," Casey snaps. His eyes are red and furious. He turns back to Maddie. "You were jealous of Ali and me." He runs a hand through his hair. "God, why didn't I see it before?" Casey shakes his head. His eyes narrow and he says, "I don't like you Maddie. I never will. Get over it."
A sob escapes her lips and she raises a hand to cover her mouth. Casey isn't sympathetic. He just throws his hands in the air, then storms away. Maddie hiccups another cry. Noah goes to her side.
"Hey," he comforts. "Come on. Let's take a walk." Luke watches as the two of them head in the opposite direction of Casey. As Luke turns away he catches Henry staring at the two departing contestants.
"Are you okay?" Luke asks the other man.
Henry glares at him and says, "Fine."
Luke holds up his hands in defence. "Okay then."
Henry just scowls then heads into the shelter. He settles in-between Katie and Vienna.
The tension is driving everyone crazy, Luke thinks. The canteens are empty, so he decides to be moderately useful and go fill them up. I'm glad we chose to stay at our camp. I'd hate to have to learn all new paths. The walk to the water well is uneventful, but when he gets there Reid is leaning against a tree. Luke grinds his teeth and begins to fill the first canteen.
"So what, you're ignoring me now?" Reid's voice cuts across the quiet.
Oh my god, Luke thinks then silently berates himself for sounding like teenage girl. He spins around. "Alright. I give up. I don't understand you."
Reid's eyes narrow before he says, "Well, I am a higher life form."
"First you're hot, and then you're cold. I can't keep up with you!"
"I'm not the one letting other men all over me," Reid growls.
Luke's mouth drops open. "What are you talking about?"
Reid waves his hand. "You know, you and Noah, at the feast."
Luke tries to recall anything that could have seemed the least bit flirtatious. Nothing comes to mind. "Again- what are you talking about?"
The neurosurgeon's eyes narrow and he snorts in disbelief. "Are you really that naïve? He was all over you. And you were just eating it up."
"Reid," Luke steps forward and grabs the other man's shoulders. "I have no idea what you're talking about." Reid opens his mouth to talk, but Luke shakes his head and finishes. "And even if Noah was hitting on me- which he wasn't- I have no interest in him." Reid's lips press together in his classic pout. "Noah's a nice guy. He's a member of my alliance, but that's it. Besides, he's not even gay," Luke throws in.
"Yeah, and I'm a sweet angel," Reid snaps. "Noah is gay."
Luke laughs, because the idea is absurd. "You're wrong. Noah isn't gay. He's got something going on with Maddie- I think."
Reid looks like he wants to argue, but suddenly, his expression shifts. "You know what, it doesn't matter." He leans forward, body pressing against Luke's hands. Luke's muscles strain at the sudden weight. Then Reid moves back and rests his foot and back against the nearest tree. The sudden release of pressure makes Luke feel wobbly.
"Speaking of Maddie," Reid says conversationally, as if they weren't in the midst of an argument. "I think she and Henry are the other pair."
The subject change is so abrupt that it takes Luke a second to catch up. "What? Why do you think that?"
"I've been suspecting it for a while. Henry talks trash about everyone. He's socially inept."
The words make Luke roll his eyes. Yeah, Henry's social inept, Dr. Jerkface.
"Even Katie and Vienna, who he likes. That's just the way he is. But he never really says anything about Maddie. In fact," Reid states, "Henry seems to go out of his way not to talk to or about Maddie. I think he's overcompensating."
Luke wants to make some remark about Reid overcompensating, but he doesn't. Instead, Luke asks, "So what? You think they're boyfriend-girlfriend?" He crosses his arms, because the thought doesn't sit right with him. "I don't know Reid; she's kind of young for him. Not to mention the way he's been with Vienna and the thing with Maddie and Noah."
"I was thinking more like brother-sister," Reid says, tone implying that Luke should have made the connection too.
He might not have before, but once Reid says it, the idea makes perfect sense. "That would explain why Maddie voted with you guys to get rid of Ali."
"That and she voted in a jealous streak."
That leaves Luke feeling worried. He crosses his arms, and stares at the uneven ground. "What should we do?"
"Well, from my point of view, this is a good thing."
Luke's head snaps up. "What?" This is not a good thing.
"Henry is part of my alliance." Reid says slowly. Luke feels the sudden urge to punch the other man in the face. "If Maddie is voting with my alliance, that means I'm going farther in the game."
Luke sputters. "You know what? You are such an asshole. I don't know what I ever saw in you! Good luck playing the game." He wants to say more. Yell and scream, or possibly pummel the other man, but being there is suddenly too much. Standing this close to Reid is too much.
Luke makes it seven steps down the path before a hand grabs his arm. Luke spins around, ready to throw off the other man, but he gets caught in Reid's eyes. They're a stormy blue, holding more fire than Luke could ever imagine.
Reid's mouth slams into his. He grips the back of Luke's hair, tight and unmoving. Luke doesn't think. He just responds. Whatever Reid meant the kiss to be, Luke makes it angry. He pushes back with his lips, fighting for dominance. He feels Reid shift, bringing their bodies closer. Chest presses against chest. Reid's elbow digs into Luke's shoulder.
It lasts until Luke breaks for a breath. It's a tiny reprieve, just a half a second to inhale. Then they're back together. Reid's teeth scratch his bottom lip. Their teeth clink. Luke's knees buckle. He falls forward. Reid eases back as if he was prepared for Luke's sudden unbalance. He rocks backwards, free hand cradling along Luke's back, fingers grasping the fabric of Luke's shirt.
The grip in Luke's hair eases. The pulling fingers begin to massage, sending little waves of pleasure down Luke's spine. The biting kiss gentles. Reid slides a leg between Luke's, using the limb to brace. Then Reid slides the hand on Luke's back upwards until he's cupping Luke's jaw. Luke's whole body tingles. The sensation is reminiscent of stepping out into the snow without a jacket, but Luke's not cold. He's hot, burning hot.
Reid's lips stick to his when the neurosurgeon pulls back for air. The man is breathing heavy, and Luke can feel each exhale brush against his hypersensitive lips and trickle inside his mouth. His head buzzes and his whole body is trembling. "Reid," Luke whispers and follows the other man's lips.
Reid doesn't need to be asked twice. He leans back in for another kiss. This time it's Luke who's holding his partner's face still. He rests one hand against Reid's jaw and the other around his neck. Reid's tongue flicks out and traces the peak of Luke's upper lip. Luke lets him inside. Their tongues touch, a slip and slide of wet muscle, and Luke's suddenly aware of his aching hardness. Reid's own is pressing into his thigh.
A branch snaps behind him and Luke suddenly remembers where they are. He breaks the kiss but can't seem to pull away. He rests his forehead against Reid's. His heart is trying to jump out of his chest and his lungs are working double time.
"It's just a cameraman," Reid says softly.
Luke's brain is still fuzzy. "Huh?"
Reid's words puff against his skin. "I can see him. He's behind you." Luke's neck doesn't want to move, but somehow he forces himself to turn and look. There are actually two cameramen. One behind him and one off to the right.
All of America just saw us making out like teenagers, Luke thinks and his face flushes even hotter. He takes a step away from Reid and tries to pull himself back together. Unthinking, he licks his lips and tastes Reid. Arousal shivers down his front.
Reid reaches out and wraps his fingers around Luke's wrist. "I don't play games," he says, staring into Luke's eyes. "At least, not with you."
Luke really doesn't know how to respond to that. Reid runs a hand across his forehead, wiping away beaded sweat. "Let's get back to camp before we're missed."
If Luke's brain had been fully functional he would have demanded a conversation. As it is, the only thing he could concentrate on is Reid's hand on his shoulder.
###
This game is changing. I'm reconsidering my alliances. It's not all about who I like best anymore. I need to think about who will get me to the final three. Who will help me will a million dollars? Think about the movie I can make with a million dollars.
~Noah, Aspiring Director
Luke goes into the next part of the game bubble headed. His mind is on Reid during the reward challenge. A giant plate of steak and mashed potatoes sits on a small table next to Jeff Probst. Luke can smell it from a dozen yards away as he tries uselessly to figure out the block puzzle before him.
Simple challenge my ass, he recalls the host's words as he tries to forcefully fit the blue block next to the green one.
He's got three of the eight pieces in when Probst shouts, "Stop! Noah wins!"
The only consolation is that Henry has only two pieces finished. Otherwise Luke would have finished last.
Probst cuffs Noah's shoulder and says, "Congratulations! You get to enjoy this delicious meal." The host smiles and for the first time, Luke doesn't find the man's dimples inviting.
Stupid, well-fed bastard, Luke thinks vindictively.
"Choose someone to enjoy your meal with you," Probst adds.
Luke brightens. Hey, even if I didn't win I can share the meal with Noah.
"Maddie," Noah says.
Luke almost takes a step forward then the name filters through. What? Maddie laughs and gives Noah a gleeful hug. Luke feels like he's been hit in the chest by a baseball.
"Alright, the rest of you, head back to camp. Noah and Maddie will join you after their meal is finished."
At least we don't have to watch, Luke thinks. Reid catches his eye as they start their way back. He gives a meaningful glance to the duo eating.
I know, Luke tries to convey with a look. I know.
Noah and Maddie don't return to camp until an hour later. Luke waits approximately five minutes before cornering Noah and saying, "Come take a walk with me." As they head down the beach Luke can feel Reid's eyes on his back.
Luke waits until camp is out of sight then he lets loose. "What was that?" he snaps.
"What?" Noah asks, as if he doesn't know.
"Why did you choose Maddie to share the reward with you?"
Noah looks down. "I don't know. I thought she needed it more."
Anger pulse through Luke's veins. "That's bullshit Noah, and you know it!" Noah bites the inside of his cheek and looks up. "We've been in this together since the very beginning. When did that change?"
Noah throws out his hands. "It hasn't!" he defends. "I've just lately I've been thinking it should be you, me and Maddie in the final three."
Luke has a million things to say to that, but he settles on, "Maddie and Henry are the other pair."
He expects Noah to be shocked, to deny it and throw out a bewildered disagreement. He surprises Luke by saying, "I know. But it isn't a bad thing. It means that we can use Henry to our advantage."
What? "How do you know?" Luke shouts then looks around to make sure no one else heard. There's no one around but Noah, the cameramen and him.
Noah sighs and ducks his head again. "Maddie told me." He looks up and meets Luke's eyes. "Luke, I think she's really trustworthy. She'll take us farther than Casey ever could." Then, as if he thinks Luke isn't getting it, adds, "Casey is a hothead, Luke. He dominates at the physical challenges, and if he's in the final three with us, we won't win."
Luke doesn't know if Noah's really thought this through or if he's just spouting what Maddie's said to him. "Noah, think about what you're saying. Maddie and Henry are going to stick together. No matter what. Do you really think that Henry is going to let you into the final three with them? He's going to take Katie or Vienna." Or possibly Reid. Which would be the smart choice because no one is going to vote for Reid.
Noah shakes his head. "Maddie's really persuasive. She promised she'll talk to Henry and get him to vote with us up until the final four."
Can he really be this stupid? Luke thinks. Henry sure isn't.
Noah catches Luke's disbelief. "Look," he sighs. "There are still four of them. I still want all of them gone before any of us. I promise I won't vote against anybody from our team until they're all gone."
It's not exactly what Luke wants to hear. But from the set of Noah's face he knows it's all he's going to get. "Fine," Luke agrees. "But I hope this won't come back to bite us in the butt."
"It won't," Noah promises with a smile.
Luke's not so sure. Still, Katie wins the next immunity challenge and the votes at tribal council go three to five. Maddie must have done something.
Vienna leaves in a storm of Swedish curses and a murderous look towards Henry.
Reid looks smug.
Noah smiles happily at the only brunette female left.
Casey looks relieved he wasn't sent packing.
Luke feels worried.