Chapter Text
One second he was standing atop a ledge looking down upon the bay and the next he was being shoved off of it and into the water below.
Most of the others had already taken the plunge but, this was different the current was pulling him towards the sea floor. Scratch that it was a clump of seaweed that had tangled around his foot. The plant was thick and kept his limb in a death grip just feet above the surface.
Noah tried to scream out something, anything but, the water muffled any sound; only bubbles rose from his efforts.
Was this how he was going to die? No, he didn’t want it to end like this. He grabbed desperately at the plant, clawing at it with his nails to no avail. The stem was thick and, it had somehow managed to knot tightly around his leg. He was running out of time some of the other contestants were jumping in but, no one was noticing that he wasn’t surfacing. Figures that someone would shove him in and then forget about him.
He had to think, physically he knew he couldn’t escape the plant so maybe there was something further down? It was risky but, Noah didn’t have time to consider what would happen next as his lungs were burning for air.
With the last of his strength he began swimming downward towards the ocean floor. His vision was blurring the deeper he went until he could feel the slimy sand between his fingers.
Blindly, he reached around for anything, a sharp rock or even a shell to attempt to cut himself free, but he came up empty.
“Damnit!” He yelled, only bubbles rose up as he began to take on water.
From all the accounts he had read drowning wasn’t a pleasant way to go; it was a lengthy process, one that involved feeling every inch yourself slowly stop working until you finally passed out.
This was all Chris’ fault he should have been paying attention and now he would die, for real. After a loosing battle Noah began to shut his eyes feeling all the strength leave him as more and more water went straight towards his lungs.
Screw you Chris was his last thought before the current finally carried him away.
___________________________
“….ah….Noah can you hear me?” A voice called out.
Was he dead? He could have sworn that he was with his last moments being water filling his lungs.
Yet here he was.
Noah jolted up. His body shook with coughs, water coming out of his mouth and onto the sand below him. His throat burned from the salt in the water, hand padding the sand to hold himself up.
Noah took greedy gasps of air as the water left his lungs. He could feel his heart beating out of his chest, eyes finally observing the people circling around him.
It was his fellow competitors, Alejandro standing over him; hovering. He quickly backed up, linning up with the rest of the crowd.
Noah wondered if he would be able to explain himself having just coughed up an entire lake onto the sand below him.
He tried his best anyways, unintentional smile gracing his features; he was just happy to be alive.
“What did I miss?” Noah asked, brushing the hair that had fallen in his face. It was stuck to his head by the salt water that had clouded his vision.
“Are you okay amigo?” Alejandro asked, finally speaking of his weird staring. Had he been the one to save him? No one was telling him and Noah wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer.
“We thought we lost you..”Alejandro added as Noah nearly disregarded the rest of his words.
Alejandro was worried about him? Maybe he was dead.
“Oh..well I’m fine.” Noah said, destroying his reliability by coughing again. His chest still felt like it was being pressed but, at least he could breathe. The burning sensation in his chest had also dulled.
“I just-“ Noah wheezed like he was on his dying breath.
“-need a minute.” Noah said as Alejandro stepped closer. It was a subtle step but, it was hard to ignore the guy given the speedo he was wearing. He looked worried. Like he hadn’t just saved him to gain his trust.
Noah didn’t feel like playing chess with Alejandro when he had nearly died so he decided to ignore it for the moment.
He almost welcomed the voice that broke the uneasy silence that involved Noah staring up at the rest of the cast.
“Little buddy are you okay? I’m so sorry!” Owen yelled, running towards him and pulling him into a hug. Owen was a good friend but, Noah wished that he would use context clues.
Mainly noticing that Noah had just been revived and, was struggling to inhale air correctly.
“Hey- no ..dude I’m fine..clearly..” Noah said trying to avoid getting his bones crushed. He would survive. It was nice to see Owen, the thought of never seeing him again sent a very real jolt of fear through Noah.
The more he thought about it the more he threatened to freak out. There was a time and a place. In front of everyone was not the place he had in mind.
“Oh sorry..”Owen said realizing that Noah was unresponsive to his gesture.
“They told me to stay back but, I couldn’t just watch.” Owen said guiltily.
“It was all my fault I’m the one that pushed you I didn’t mean to I didn’t know you were behind me!” He said sobbing.
Noah gave him a pat on the back, mustering up a semi-comforting face.
“Hey it’s fine dude I would have been fine if I didn’t get a piece of seaweed tangled around my ankle.” Noah said, finally noticing the dull throbbing he had been feeling in his leg. The plant hadn’t released him easily, it had left behind a red mark that gave the impression of someone tying him up with rope. The injury was red, blood pricked at the edge of the skin forming spots.
“Oh I’m just so glad you’re okay!” Owen said. The rest of his team and the others all nodded along.
“Well did anyone end up winning..?” Noah asked remembering that it was in fact a challenge. Everything felt surreal after seeing his life flash before his eyes. Noah wasn’t sure how to feel about that.
“No when Al realized you were drowning everyone started freaking out..you looked dead..” Owen said looking like he was close to sobbing again.
“Right.” Noah said, choosing to ignore the latter half of the sentence and focus on the fact that Ale -freaking- jandro had been the one to save him. Noah had predicted that maybe Alejandro had taken over as someone had dragged him to shore but, apparently he had led the rescue. Noah wasn’t sure how to feel about that either.
“Well this was fun but, I think I need to go lay down.” Noah said, attempting to stand up before a hand went to his shoulder.
“No you need to stay sitting..you’re injured and the ambulance I called isn’t here yet.” Courtney explained, grip firm yet with a tinge of genuine care.
“And hey give him some space he was just resuscitated..he could still have delayed symptoms or be suffering from secondary drowning.” Courtney explained as they all took a step back.
“I think I’m fine..” Noah said to Courtney’s disapproving face.
“You are not fine until you get checked out by a professional.” Courtney snapped.
“Let me guess…you?” Noah quipped to distract himself from the reality of the situation.
That earned him a couple snorts, mainly from Gwen who was hiding in the back of the crowd.
“You know I meant the medics but, with my training as a CIT I can perform a preliminary examination of your injury.” She said, kneeling down and lifting up Noah’s ankle.
Pain immediately shot through his leg, causing him to flinch back.
“Maybe don’t touch it..”Noah snapped, eyes staring at her wide.
“It’s supposed to hurt because of the salt water but, it could be infected or you could have gotten stung by something that lives in the seaweed.” Courtney rambled. Noah really wanted to lie down hearing her talk a mile a minute.
He must have been disassociating as he didn’t realize Courtney was no longer talking, snapping her fingers in front of his face.
“Hey Noah are you okay.” Courtney asked.
Noah simply laid back, hands clasped together.
“I’m tired…my body hurts..can you please stop talking.” Noah said bluntly, the sun nearly blinding him.
Courtney seemed to have gotten the memo as she drew back, whispers echoing around him as he felt less suffocated.
It was silent for one shinning moment before someone else had to break the silence.
“Guys Chris is here!”Izzy said pointing over towards the direction of the plane.
Chris strolled down the beach like he was taking family photos for one until he stopped, hovering right over Noah.
“Hey buddy..glad to see you aren’t dead that would be killer for the ratings.” He said, flashing finger guns.
“Now due to your contract with the show you can’t sue us but, I will have you checked out by the finest medical personal and then we will be on our way..” Chris explained.
“You mean I’m still in the competition?” Noah asked, baffled. He hadn’t expected to stay. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to.
“Of course…you’re a fan favorite I cant just have you disappear on me.” Chris said.
Noah felt like jumping back into the lake and finishing the job.
“Now we just have to wait for the ambulance and-“
Chris looked up, seeing swarms of red and blue nearing their secluded destination.
“Oh here they are now… everyone else head back to the plane we’ll have to find a new place to land as a replacement challenge.” Chris said, looking more depressed about that than one of his contestants almost drowning.
“Oh..be safe little buddy I’ll see you back on the plane.” Owen said.
“Get better man.” Tyler said, finally speaking.
Noah watched them all leave apathetically. He also watched the ambulance pull up, people rushing out of the car with a stretcher ready. Noah barely even blinked as he was lifted onto it, firm hands digging into his arms. It hurt vaguely but, he was in a daze.
That was until one of the nurses stuck a needle into his arm.
“Ow.”he winced, recoiling as another lifted his ankle up to treat it.
“Im sorry but, please hold still.” One of them said, causing Noah to nod wearily. It wasn’t like he could do anything else.
He let his eyes simply drift out of the ambulance, towards the lagoon where he had nearly died. Thinking about it made his stomach twist. He was scared, really scared. Every time he closed his eyes he thought back to that moment. He had accepted it -briefly- that he was going to die. While he was glad he hadn’t he had already taken the final step. Noah hadn’t expected the competition to get so real.
His stare with the water was broken by Alejandro. He was hovering, eyes peaking through the doors that had slightly closed while medics rushed around him.
Noah doubted Alejandro could see him staring but, having the guys eyes on him still unnerved him. There was a genuine look of worry in his face, like he didn’t want to go back without first seeing if Noah was okay. It was weird.
What was he up to?
Noah decided to leave things alone for the moment lest he drive himself insane.
Alejandro wasn’t heartless, he probably was worried like all the others. Noah wanted to hope that he had no alternative intentions but, he wasn’t sure. He never was sure with Alejandro.
Noah winced again as one of the nurses spilled some rubbing alcohol on his leg. He had forgotten about that momentarily; being too lost in his thoughts.
“I’m sorry just another second I have to ensure that the wound is disinfected before I bandage it up.” He explained.
Noah didn’t bother telling him that he already knew that.
“Alright all done- we checked your vitals no breathing trouble and only minor bruising on the chest I would prescribe a day of rest and then you should be good to go..you got lucky this time but, I would be more careful…oh and replace the bandage on your leg every 24 hours for five days and you should be fine..” One of the nurses explained reading off her clipboard.
“Okay..can I go now?” Noah asked with no emotion in his voice.
“Yes but, don’t over exert yourself.” She said as he stepped down from the stretcher.
“Thanks..” Noah said softly, stepping down from the stretcher onto shaky legs. He was surprised that he was managing to stay upright as he hobbled up the small hill where the plane sat; crashed.
This sucked. Everything about the situation sucked and Noah was done with it. Maybe he would purposely lose the next challenge. He just wanted to go home, away from the show and it’s contestants.
Why did he ever think Total Drama was a good idea?
Noah pondered that question as he arrived back at the plane, along with what the hell he was going to do now.
___________________________
“Hey look at this its edible!” Izzy said biting into the headrest of one of the first class seats. Perks of almost drowning- the only benefit really- was that they had been given first class for his trouble. Chris probably let them have it before Noah got any ideas about rereading his contract and finding a loophole in it.
“I suppose everything’s edible if you try hard enough..” Noah said in response, sparing Izzy a concerned glance before going back to his book.
They had been given a day and a half to relax while the plane change course for their next challenge. Noah wasn’t complaining as he knew he needed the rest; his leg hadn’t stopped aching every time he walked and he still wheezed like he had mucus in the back of his throat.
Other than that things were back to normal- on par with Total Drama standards- aside from one thing.
The stares.
He could see the way everyone looked at him as he passed them. Noah knew they were worried, he understood that, but he wished they would talk to him instead of sending chills down his spine.
The stares didn’t cease when he was in the safety of first class either, Noah could feel Owen’s eyes on him with every page he turned. Noah was done playing koi he wanted to be left alone.
Noah shut his book, glaring at Owen. “If you have something to say just say it I’m tired of all the stares.”
“Oh uh sorry little buddy..I didn’t mean to I just wanted to know how you’re doing?” Owen asked sheepishly.
“Oh please tell us the fans are dying to know!” Sierra said, popping out from a vent above him. Noah nearly dropped his book, startled at her sudden appearance.
“Fans? Please don’t tell me Chris broadcast that..” Noah said, feeling more annoyed by the second. He would have thought that drowning was a private event, he supposed not when the event could be monetized.
“I’m not sure but, I may have posted an update to my story..” Sierra admitted.
Maybe Chris wasn’t as heartless as he thought but, Sierra certainly was.
“Seriously?” Noah asked, trying not to show his worry. He was a reserved person, he didn’t want that up for everyone to see; he didn’t want strangers asking how he was. Why couldn’t anyone understand that he wanted to be left alone?
Noah cleared his throat, causing even more heads to turn.
“Since everyone apparently cares all of a sudden I’m fine..and I’ll keep being fine if you leave me alone!” Noah said, voice raising near the end as he failed to hide his discomfort.
Noah finally addressed the eyes that had been on him for longer than Owen’s, ones that he could have sworn he had been hallucinating.
“That means you too Al you’ve been staring at me for the past hour and a half, what do you want?” Noah snapped.
Alejandro almost looked startled at being called out, smile quickly rising to his face.
“I apologize I -like the others- was simply worried about you.” He explained to everyone in his usual smooth voice. To Noah it sounded like nails on a chalkboard.
“Hey don’t be so hard on Al little buddy I know you’re tired but, he was the one that saved you.” Owen said carefully, looking torn between the both of them.
“Yeah I realize that and I don’t know why..”Noah said, softer this time. It was a second too late before he realized that he was sounding suspicious of Alejandro.
“Should I have some sort of ulterior motive for wanting to ensure my team' survival?” Alejandro asked innocently, picking up on his words like a shark would to blood. How was it that he managed to turn everyone against him in a matter of seconds.
“Nevermind..”Noah said quickly, standing up with his book shoved under his arm.
“Just…leave me alone.” Noah said quietly, running away with his tail tucked between his legs.
Noah paused as his hand reached for the curtain, eyes narrowed.
“And if you really ‘care’ do me a favor and lose the next challenge so I can go home.” Noah said, then he was gone; hobbling down the secluded hallway. It was a real walk of champions, he thought sarcastically as he headed towards the confessionals.
He could hide out there until the next challenge; given that the lock would hold.
It better. He didn’t feel like talking to anyone.
___________________________
Owen sat in the confessional, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.
“I’m worried about my little buddy.” he began, eyes downtrodden.
“I know he’s usually sarcastic..but, he doesn’t usually act so mean..”
“I hope he’s okay but, I know he doesn’t want to talk to me.” Owen lamented.
……..
“So I don’t know exactly what’s up with Noah but, have you seen the rats that live in the vents they’re building an army..if I were Chris I would be worried..” Izzy said whispering into the camera.
……..
Sierra sat in the stall, giggling to herself as he snuggled in phone chirped.
“Hehehe the fan blogs are going wild asking for updates about Noah’s condition.” Sierra said while typing.
“Chris was right about Noah being a fan favorite this season..no one even knew his name last season but, now there are at least fifteen rival blogs who talk about him…there’s so much fan art I think I’m going insane!” Sierra said, sticking her tongue out as she hit send.
Sierra dropped the phone to her side, finally staring into the camera.
“Between you and me I hope he doesn’t see most of it..ever since I snapped a photo of Alejandro giving him CPR the internets been going crazy..”Sierra explained.
“I mean I don’t blame them, Alejandro x Noah is the brand new thing, I even tried to draw some art myself but, it’s just some stick figures..but look this one had pecks so it’s clearly Alejandro..not that I care about that I only have eyes for Cody’s pecks.” Sierra said sighing to herself.
“I’m sure this whole thing will die down in a little while…in the mean time I’m going to fan the flames a bit..”Sierra said, typing an update on Noah’s condition onto her device.
“Perfect…take that CodyLover67 who loves Total Drama more than me!” she said, smiling wide.
……..
Alejandro rubbed the bridge of his nose, groan echoing throughout the cramped stall.
“What will it take to get Noah to trust me?” he asked, extending his hands out.
“ I’ve tried everything..appealing to reason, saving his life, not asking anything of him yet he still suspects me.” Alejandro began pacing back and forth, only able to take small steps.
“What else does he want..I need to know..” Alejandro said making a fist with his hand.
“I must talk with him later..find a way to salvage this.” Alejandro said.
“I will not waste this opportunity.” Alejandro said with a straight face.
___________________________
Finally, peace and quiet; as peaceful as it could be when he was stuck on the Total Drama aircraft.
Noah would take the silence even if he had to sit in the cramped confessional with his book sat awkwardly on his lap.
The smell was also unfortunate but, he would brave it if that meant not having to see anyone’s faces; he especially didn’t want to see them after having a mini tantrum seeing them worried about him. Thinking back on it made him cringe. They simply cared about him and he was getting defensive.
Whatever. It was over and there was no fixing it in the present.
Noah turned back to his book, attempting to read the words printed on the page. It was annoying how they were all blurring together like watercolor paints. Every time he tried to immerse himself in the world the aching of his leg, or the thought of Alejandro, brought him back to reality. It wasn’t fair he just wanted the thoughts to stop.
Noah, having enough, set his book down with a sigh; he glared at the camera that stared at him. He could never truly be alone on the plane, that would be too easy.
“I have nothing to say about what happened so don’t even bother.” Noah said blankly, looking around the stall until he found some extra toilet paper that had been shoved under the sink. Noah was thankful that it had just been restocked as he was able to stack up the rolls to block the camera's view.
“Have fun with that.” Noah chided, leaning his head against the wall and staring forward. If he couldn’t read he would simply allow himself to get lost in his thoughts instead. Anything was better than talking to people or dealing with the pitying glances. He was fine, as fine as he could be for almost drowning in a lake.
Noah’s mind flashed back to the moments before he lost consciousness, the intense fear and anger he felt realizing that he was stuck. It hurt.
He was afraid. Very afraid of the memories stuck in his head.
Noah started to hug himself when a knock drew him from his thoughts.
Noah took a shaky breath, head holding up and arms uncurling from his torso.
Great, it appeared that he wouldn’t be left alone. Maybe that was for the best seeing as his mind wasn’t much better company.
“Who is it?” Noah asked, maybe spit out was a better descriptor.
“Alejandro..” The person on the other end said.
A long pause came after it.
Noah narrowed his eyes, turning up his nose.
“What do you want?” Noah asked carefully, hand hovering over the handle.
“To talk..for one minute and then I will leave you alone.” He clarified.
Noah sighed, slinging the door open to stare at him.
Alejandro’s eyes connected with his, a strange discomfort in them; like looking at him made Alejandro uneasy.
“Well?” Noah asked.
Alejandro’s eyes darted down both sides of the hallway before he leaned in closer to him. Noah could practically feel his breath on his face as he spoke again.
“I was thinking somewhere more…privado.” Alejandro whispered.
Noah wanted to speak but, he was more aware of how close Alejandro was to him; very close.
The delayed panic caused Noah to stumble backwards in an attempt to maintain personal space. His injured leg didn’t like that very much as he felt it bend, throwing his entire body off balance. He probably looked like an idiot – like Tyler- essentially tripping on air.
Noah braced himself for the metal floor of the bathroom stall before arms wrapped around him. They were warm, comforting.
They were Alejandro’s of course, Noah being pressed against his chest as he literally swept him off his feet. The feeling was nicer than it should have been, heat rushing to Noah’s cheeks before he could stop it.
“Thanks..could you let me go please.” Noah said, when Alejandro made no move to release him.
“Apologies..” Alejandro said, ensuring he was steady before drawing back his hands.
“Are you alright I see your leg is giving you trouble?” Alejandro asked, refusing to backup despite his closeness being the cause of Noah’s earlier stumble.
“It’s fine.” Noah deadpanned, tucking it behind his other leg as it throbbed. Maybe fine wasn’t the best word to describe it but, it was healing; slowly.
“You wanted to talk so let’s talk.” Noah said quickly, realizing that he probably looked flustered. The faster he got Alejandro away from him the better even if that meant agreeing to talk with him somewhere else; alone.
Alejandro looked surprised, voicing as much.
“You’ll actually listen to me?” Alejandro asked.
Noah nodded his head, feeling his heart beating out of his chest racing.
“Yeah..where do you want to go.” Noah breathed.
And that was that.
___________________________
Out of all the places on the plane the cargo hold was certainly the last place Noah wanted to be.
Everyone on board had heard rumors that Ezekiel was living with the rats in the dusty old room but, no one was brave enough to go in. Noah didn’t really care but, the dust was bad for his allergies; it left his nose runny and his eyes watery. It sucked, he already couldn’t breathe and now every breath would sound like he was trying- and failing- to blow into a kazoo.
“You know there are still cameras in here right?” Noah asked gesturing to a metal orb secured to the ceiling. There were more examples but, it was the first device Noah had spotted as they walked into the room.
“Trust me my friend.” Alejandro said not offering anything in terms of an explanation.
“Sure because you’re such a saint..” Noah muttered following close to him as his eyes flitted around the space. Noah was thankful when Alejandro didn’t comment on his-well- comment. He just didn’t find it necessary to hide his disdain for him given his plan to find a way off the plane.
Noah groaned as they kept walking, leg dragging more than it should have. It was manageable to walk on as long as he limped but, he had been walking for too long and his other leg was getting tired holding himself up. He should have asked for a crutch, then again they had ordered him to relax for the day and, he was essentially ignoring the advice.
“After you I insist..” Alejandro said, turning up the dial on his charm.
Noah glanced up at the giant box they had come to, it was corralled in the far corner of the cargo hold and looked big enough to fit something double both of their sizes.
“A box..” Noah said looking unimpressed.
“Can we make this quick I have a book to get back to.” Noah lied, cracking open the giant crate and walking inside. This was a stupid idea but, he had agreed to hear him out. He had to admit that hiding in a crate was a smart idea to dodge the cameras; although he would never say that aloud lest he feed Alejandro’s ego further.
“It will not take long I assure you.” Alejandro said, following after him and shutting the crate softly.
Noah took a breath, staring at Alejandro in the dim lighting of the giant wooden box. Sweat was dripping down his forehead from the lack of ventilation and, his leg was shaking as they were both set firmly on the ground. In short Noah was regretting his life decisions.
“So…what did you have to tell me that you couldn’t say anywhere else?” Noah asked as Alejandro stared at him. He looked concerned, worried. Noah hated seeing a pitying expression on his face.
Alejandro took a breath, raising his arm to touch Noah’s shoulder gingerly. It was meant to portray comfort but, Noah only felt more unnerved. What could he possibly want from him, other than a favor? It was an asshole move but, Noah was half expecting Alejandro to say that Noah owed him one for saving his life.
“I simply wanted you to know that there is no angle.” Alejandro said, shattering the pretense Noah had built in his head.
“I can’t have anyone else knowing this… it would ruin the image I’ve worked so hard to uphold to the audience but, saving you…that wasn’t because I wanted anything in return..” he said like he actually meant it. Noah still had his doubts. So he wasn’t being a complete jerk, that was the bare minimum.
Noah sighed. “I don’t care what your motive was..thanks for saving me-I guess- but, you don’t have to act like you care what I think of you.” Noah said pessimistically.
“Besides I want out of this plane so you can go back to whatever long con you’re running..I’ll be sure to stay out of the way.” Noah added.
“¡No, no lo entiendes!” Alejandro sighed.
“I don’t want you to stay out of the way amigo you are an asset to the team you shouldn’t let one small incident-“
“I almost drowned that’s not a small incident.” Noah snapped, brushing off Alejandro’s hand and backing up.
“Perhaps not but, I didn’t pull you out of the water and perform CPR on you so you could sit here and sulk.” Alejandro said waving his hands around to prove his point.
Noah looked away from him.
“Look I’m tired..I can’t breathe correctly and my leg is screwed up..I’m no asset to the team..thanks for the sentiment but, I’m not dealing with this act.”
Alejandro seemed to have given up, drawing back when a rattling over took the plane.
It was more than a rattling it was turbulence. Noah felt his body start to sway, hand flailing out as he was thrown against the wooden side of the crate. The motion did wonders for the pain in his leg, worsening it exponentially.
Noah had to grit his teeth to prevent himself from crying out. He wasn’t about to show Alejandro how much the pain was getting to him.
The second the motion stopped Noah took his foot from his place on the ground, cradling it gently. It hurt, a lot. He wasn’t sure why, maybe it was the fact that it was healing or the disinfectant that had been put on it but, it was stinging.
“Damnit.” Noah said before he could stop himself. He attempted to claw his way to a standing position before a familiar hand came down on his shoulder.
“Amigo allow me to prove that I do not want anything from you.” Alejandro said, looking scarily determined. What was his end goal and, why did he care so much about what Noah thought.
“What are you-“ Noah tried to ask before Alejandro swooped his hand under Noah’s knees and back; effectively carrying him. Bridal style of course.
Noah wanted to speak but, he felt petrified again; his mouth was slightly agape as he tried to process exactly why the crate had suddenly gotten ten times hotter. The ventilation was pretty bad, that was probably it.
“Al wait..I can walk-“ Noah said to no avail. Alejandro was already pushing open the door of the crate and carrying him through the cargo hold as he laid limp.
Noah held onto his body to prevent himself from slipping, injured leg dangling freely in his arms. It felt better as the pressure was relieved but, only slightly. Noah was momentarily distracted from the pain as he was focused on not freaking out staring straight at Alejandro’s chest.
He was better than this. He didn’t crush on anybody, random girls, random guys. It took time for him to feel things for anybody but, apparently Alejandro was special; of course it had to be him. Noah hadn’t recalled feeling a thing for Justin, then again seeing as the universe hated him it made sense that he would fall for the guy who was hot and manipulative. It was a winning duo.
Noah, having accepted his fate, decided to figure out where exactly Alejandro was taking him. He definitely didn’t want to see Chef in a nurses outfit a second time.
“Where are you going?” Noah asked, congratulating himself on not stumbling like an idiot.
“Courtney.” Alejandro said quickly.
“No matter how …demanding….she can be she knows how to properly treat and bandage a wound.” Alejandro explained.
“Unless you would like to take a chance at the nurses office?” he asked raising an eyebrow.
“I think I’ll pass..” Noah said, thankful that Alejandro had thought of Courtney first.
Noah felt like time had slipped away when Alejandro walked through the curtain leading to economy class. Team Victory (maybe calling them a team was a stretch) and Team Amazon all turned to stare at them.
Noah mentally prepared for the humiliation that came with being carried like a child.
“Alejandro?” Gwen asked, alarmed at the sight. A quick flash cut through the room blinding Noah for a moment.
What was that?
Alejandro didn’t waste a second explaining more than necessary.
“Courtney we need your assistance Noah here has reinjured his leg.” Alejandro explained setting him down on one of the benches as people crowded around him.
“I’m fine I just fell.. there was turbulence..” Noah said as Courtney pushed to the front of the crowd.
“I got this please elevate the ankle and I will assess the damage.” She explained barely waiting for Noah to comply before unwrapping the bandage.
“Hm okay I see give me a second..” she said.
Noah sighed and glanced over at the others who’s faces ranged from annoyed to concerned.
“Oh my god this is totally going on my blog the fans will go nuts!” Sierra said-most likely louder than she intended.
In her hand was a phone that she was typing on rapidly. So that was what the light was.
“Delete that!” Noah said realizing what exactly she was freaking out over. He didn’t want his embarrassment posted online, it was bad enough that Sierra had told people about his near drowning, he didn’t need this too.
“Sorry I already posted it..” she admitted sheepishly as a small ding echoed around the room.
Noah wanted to scream but, he bit his tongue. Instead he voted to glare at Sierra with every ounce of venom he could muster.
He didn’t want any to deal with this, not again. The first season of the show was bad enough, one little mistake and everyone went and paired him together with a guy he barely even knew .Now it would be this. Oh he must have really liked being carried by the hottest guy on the show. When were they just going to kiss and get it over with? Why are you denying it your cheeks are clearly red?
Noah tried to contain himself from lunging at Sierra for , once again, reducing him to one stupid joke. Noah knew it was his own fault. He should have never signed up for the stupid show in the first place. That was on him.
“Alright that should be good stay off of it for a while I think you just strained the muscle.” Courtney explained.
“Thanks..I’m going back to first class..” Noah said gritting his teeth and standing up with one hand perched against the wall.
“Do you need any help my friend?” Alejandro asked drawing closer to him.
“No I’m good..” he said glaring at Sierra. Noah had thought she was annoying before but, he now understood why Cody hated her so much.
“I’m sorry Noah I didn’t mean to but, I have to feed the fans..at least you don’t know about the kis-“ she ranted before clamping her hands over her mouth.
Noah, ears straining, felt more rage build.
“What are you talking about?” Noah asked as calmly as he could.
“I didn’t mean to ..to tell you that..” she said shaking her head softly.
“What is she talking about?” Noah asked once again ignoring her. From the glances he was getting the others new about what she was talking about.
It was Cody who spoke.
How ironic.
“I told her to delete it I swear but, she snapped a picture of Alejandro giving you mouth to mouth....” he said uncomfortably.
He should have known. He should have put two and two together the second he was revived. CPR sometimes involved mouth to mouth, he should have known that he was stupid.
“This is not going to happen again..” Noah said, scowling. Yet it already was.
“First it was you and now him why can’t everyone just drop it!” Noah exclaimed eyeing Cody and then pointing a finger over at Alejandro who just looked confused.
The anger was setting in and there was no stopping it. He had nearly drowned, why did he have a feeling no one would focus on that. Noah was angry but, he was also afraid. No one would give a crap about him, they would just tease him for being involved in two suggestive situations.
“Whatever I don’t care enough..just leave me alone.” Noah said sourly, using the wall as a crutch as he slinked away.
Why did he keep running away from everybody? It wasn’t a good look for him.
Noah didn’t particularly care as the next chance he got he was jumping out of the plane.
___________________________
Night had fallen. Noah could clearly see the dark clouds outside the plane window.
Everyone was, hypothetically, asleep as the engine hummed softly. Leave it to chef to save his good piloting skills for when they couldn’t appreciate it.
Noah sat huddled in one of the first class seats reading a book that he had already been over three times. His eyes felt heavy and he was barely keeping them open even with the light he was shinning down on the page. It was useless, he still couldn’t focus.
Noah knew he was being stubborn. He had been ordered to rest but, it seemed like he had been doing everything but that.
It wasn’t that he couldn’t fall asleep, no he was acting paranoid. He didn’t want to risk another Cody incident despite the low odds. He wasn’t doing that again, not with Alejandro’s up in the air motives for saving him and trying to gain his trust.
Noah’s train of thought was broken by Owen shifting next to him.
“More rice please…” Owen muttered, drooling in his sleep.
Noah rolled his eyes; he tried to press himself against the wall so that Owens outstretched arm wasn’t touching him. His efforts were in vain, Owen could still reach him.
“Come on dude..” Noah grumbled poking at his arm.
“Having trouble?” A voice asked. A silky smooth one.
Noah glanced in the direction of the sound and found Alejandro staring at him with one eye cracked open. So everyone wasn’t asleep, great.
“I’m fine so can you stop stalking me..” Noah deadpanned, trying to ignore how Owen was reaching out for something to hold.
“There’s a seat over here if you would like.” Alejandro offered. The way his voice never wavered almost convinced Noah that he wasn’t trying to get something from him.
Almost.
“I’ll pass..” Noah muttered as Owen wrapped both of his arms around him, pulling him into a bone crushing hug.
Why was it always a choice between two terrible options.
“Come on big guy..” Noah said trying to escape his hold as his bones slowly cracked.
Alejandro sounded tolerable compared to being stuck in a choke hold until morning.
“Alright fine…” Noah conceded, struggling in Owen’s grasp before slipping loose. Noah quickly snagged his book which had fallen to the floor, dusting off the dirt on it.
“This doesn’t change anything.” Noah clarified sitting down and reopening his book which now had several wrinkled pages.
“You should sleep you were prescribed rest.” Alejandro commented leaning against the armrest on the golden chair and turning towards him. He looked poised for manipulation; at least to Noah. Which meant that it was even more annoying that he was right.
“Sure yeah I’ll just fall asleep and wake up hugging some guy no thank you.” Noah said, eyes blank. Why had he just said that? Alejandro wasn’t supposed to know that.
Maybe rest would be a good idea, it would stop him from saying anything else stupid.
“Never mind..” he grumbled.
“I suppose you wouldn’t answer if I wondered what you meant by that?” Alejandro asked; because leaving things alone was impossible for him.
Noah set his book down, a low sigh coming from his mouth.
He supposed that he might as well tell him. He could simply watch the first season and figure it out for himself if Noah refused.
“It’s nothing..just an incident from the first season..” he recounted bitterly. It seemed like that was all he was ever known for despite everything else he had done.
When Alejandro raised his eyebrow Noah looked away from him.
“It was during the awakeathon… if the name didn’t give it away we had to stay awake longer than everyone else..” he explained.
“I lost..obviously, but when Chris woke everyone up I was….”Noah trailed off, fist clenching. It was like a bandaid, he just had to rip it off.
“I was spooning Cody and, kissing his ear.” Noah admitted, feeling his cheeks warm. Stupid Chris, that stupid challenge.
“We both freaked out but, Chris ran with it and now that’s all anybody ever thinks about in relation to me..” he said.
Alejandro tried to speak but, Noah took over once again.
“And now it’s all going to start up again with you this time and the ‘hilarious’ thing is no one will bother you they’ll only look at me because somehow it’s always my fault when things like this happen even though I was unconscious and I don’t even know why I bothered to come back I'm not going to win so why did I hope I had a shot..” he said taking a breath. Maybe he had rambled longer than necessary but, he had been running the thoughts over in his head for hours. Who else would volunteer to listen, actually understand his struggle, other than the guy who probably just wanted to manipulate him. How was it that he kept making stupid decisions?
“I am very sorry for Chris’ lack of sympathy.” We’re the first words Alejandro said after listening to Noah’s explanation.
“I don’t think Chris and sympathy should ever be in the same sentence together.” Noah said, trying to draw attention away from how panicked he felt, how bottled up all his emotions were.
“I suppose you’re right..” Alejandro said.
“It wasn’t my intention to make you miserable again..as I said I know it may be hard to trust me but, I don’t want anything from you. I was simply trying to save your life..if I hadn’t I’m not sure who would have..” he said, meeting his gaze.
Noah swallowed hard.
“But, why ..why don’t you want anything that’s not ..it doesn’t make sense.” He said, finally addressing the ear worm in his brain that wouldn’t leave.
Alejandro for once looked a bit uncomfortable.
“I don’t know.” He admitted like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“You don’t know? That gives me so much information..” Noah said sarcastically.
“Unfortunately it’s the truth..I simply want you to trust me..” he said although Noah didn’t quite believe him. Why couldn’t he just make up a lie? Did he really just want Noah to stop suspecting him?
Noah exhaled.
“Well for the record I don’t trust you but, if you can prove it somehow then maybe I’ll consider it.” Noah offered.
“How do you suppose I do that?” Alejandro asked, face curving upwards to form a smile.
Noah thought for a moment before coming up with the perfect idea.
“Vote for yourself next time we are up for elimination.” Noah said, fully serious.
“Then I’ll admit that you can be trusted..” he said. It was perfect. Noah knew that Alejandro wouldn’t take the deal. His sense of self- preservation would win out over any of his plans.
Noah thought all that but, Alejandro still nodded his head.
“Okay..” Alejandro said, holding his hand out for Noah to take.
Noah glanced at it for a moment conflicted before accepting the gesture. Maybe he could be trusted? Noah desperately wanted that to be true or the feelings he had for him would become dangerous. Noah didn’t want to be vulnerable because of some stupid crush.
“I trust you won’t have me voted off.” Alejandro said, playful smile on his face as they shook hands.
“No promises I might get tired of you’re obnoxious face.” Noah said jokingly.
“Ah so you admit that you’ve been staring..it’s okay I understand.” Alejandro responded, self assured smirk staring Noah down.
Noah grumbled something not suitable for television.
“Alright lover boy I’m going to sleep. There’s going to be a challenge tomorrow and I’m not wasting my time talking to you.” Noah said sounding less harsh then he meant to.
“I thought you weren’t tired?” Alejandro asked smugly.
“Talking to you exhausted my energy..” Noah said dramatically turning away from him and reclining his chair until it was comfortable.
“Glad to help.” Alejandro said smugly.
Silence followed as they both laid there in a comfortable quiet.
“Thanks..for letting me talk.” Noah said sincerely. For all of his faults Alejandro was certainly coming across as someone he could potential befriend. It seemed like the portion of people who he actually liked got smaller and smaller each passing day making every one more valuable.
“Of course I understand not wanting to keep things bottled up..” Alejandro said not elaborating further.
Noah didn’t push it, after all forcing himself to stay awake through late night reading sessions meant that he was more than ready to slip away into dreamland.
He just hoped he wouldn’t live to regret what he had done.
___________________________
Noah’s eyes flicked open. Bright light streamed through the plane windows and onto his seat.
Noah looked over to find that no one was sitting next to him.
Where had Alejandro gone, and for that matter Owen.
There was nobody. All the chairs were back in their normal positions and, the food was fully stocked signaling that Owen hadn’t been around to sample it.
“Seriously…they couldn’t have told me where they were going?” Noah grumbled, standing up and limping towards the dinning hall. Maybe he had simply missed an announcement seeing as he was a heavy sleeper.
It looked like he would be getting his answer sooner than expected as Chef suddenly appeared in front of him.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked.
“To find the rest of my team.” Noah said glaring back at him with the same amount of malice.
“Yeah sure you are kid get back to first class you are banned from participating in this challenge.” he explained. Well that answered one of his questions but, he still had follow ups.
“What? Why? If I don’t help I could get eliminated.” Noah protested ignoring the fact that just yesterday he had wanted to be eliminated. Maybe he would stick around for a little while, for no particular reason.
“To bad we aren’t getting sued again so you sit your ass back down.” Noah figured the curse word was a good sign that the conversation wouldn’t be aired on TV. Although something told him that wouldn’t stop Chris if things got interesting.
“Can you at least tell me where they are..?” Noah asked crossing his arms and frowning.
“Look for yourself but you try to leave this plane and we’re going to have a problem you hear me?”Chef snapped.
“Unfortunately loud and clear.” Noah muttered. It was to early for this, or late; he still hadn’t checked what time it was.
“Hey why are you up here anyways.. get stuck with babysitting duty?” Noah asked smugly.
“None of your business!” Chef yelled before stomping away.
He seemed to be in a foul mood. Noah didn’t particularly care why he just needed to figure out what he’d missed.
Noah made his way towards the nearest window to see where exactly Chris had parked the plane. The window may have been positioned poorly but, he could see exactly where they had parked.
Mountain sprawled out across the landscape with trees coating nearly every available opening. Zig-zagging along the top of the hilly landscapes laid a massive wall that spanned as far as the eye could see.
The Great Wall of China.
Noah supposed after a day or so of travel it was a feasible destination. A part of him wondered what hellish challenge Chris had picked this time. He just hoped that his team wouldn’t loose as he had no way of saving himself from elimination.
Leave it to Chris to keep him on the show and then not even bother to give him a fighting chance.
Noah wasn’t exactly sure what was suddenly compelling him to stay but, he figured it was worth a shot to try to win the money even if he really had no chance.
Another part of him recognized that maybe talking with Alejandro was a little bit more enjoyable than it should have been. At the very least he was good company who seemed to understand him on some weird level.
Noah sighed and began walking back to first class. All he could do was wait in the peace and quiet.
He figured he could manage.
___________________________
Noah knew he was screwed the second he saw Owen’s depressed face.
They had lost, that was all that he had been told but, he didn’t know how.
“Dude what happened?” Noah whispered to Owen as they all gathered their things.
“We were close to the finish line but, one of the Amazons tripped up Al and it was all over.” Owen sighed.
“What was the challenge?” Noah asked still at a loss.
“It was a race across the Great Wall so much fun they are all lucky I was blinded by these lemons or I would have won!” Izzy said, weaseling her way in between both of them.
“Uh how did you get lemon juice in your eyes..?” Noah asked already dreading receiving an answer.
“Well I saw that there was a cave person living in the cargo hold and I wanted to connect with them so I decided to attempt to live their life style using only my four senses to navigate my surroundings.. I feel so powerful right now!“ she said giggling and poking at Noah’s face to ensure that he was still in front of her.
“Uh..okay..” Noah said.
“Hey where’s Al anyways...” Noah asked putting his hands in his pockets.
“Oh I think he’s using the confessionals he looked pretty disappointed when we lost.” Owen said glancing over at a platter of chocolates that a flight attendant quickly covered.
“Aw come on why is the world so cruel!” Owen yelled causing Noah to cover his ears.
“I think all of China can hear you.” Noah said.
“Anyways we have an elimination ceremony right?” Noah asked dreading what he figured was coming. It would be the most logical choice to vote him off, snap the weak link.
Noah didn’t want to leave yet. He heal from his injuries (physically anyways) but, he had to figure out what Alejandro was up to; if he was genuine.
For his team.
Not because he actually liked spending time with him. That was stupid.
Noah sighed, following after the rest of his team. They were headed to the elimination room.
If everything went how he imagined Alejandro would break his trust.
He had made his peace with that.
It was probably for the best that he go home before he embarrassed himself further.
Life had an unfortunate habit of hating him.
___________________________
“I cant do this I love my team!” Owen said holding up all of his passports and staring at them all teary eyed.
“I can’t eliminate my little buddy and it wasn’t Al’s fault that Heather tripped him. But, then there’s Izzy and I can’t do that to her..oh no..” Owen said as his eyes scanned over all the passports, landing on Tyler’s face.
“I have to pick somebody.” He said, coaching himself through the action.
It was a second before he stamped the passport.
……..
“I don’t really care who gets eliminated I just made contact with the cave dweller in the cargo hold…he doesn’t speak perfect English but, I can teach him..unfortunately my visions coming back so I need more lemons.” Izzy said blindly reaching for the stamp before falling over and pressing the ink onto a random passport.
“Oops.” She said.
……..
“I don’t know man I’m in an alliance with Al but, he did loose us the challenge..“ Tyler said. He looked over all the passports before his eyes landed on one in particular.
“Sorry man.” He said picking up the stamp.
……..
Noah stared into the camera blankly.
“ I’m probably going home…” he said like it wasn’t obvious.
“I might as well vote for myself…it’s not like I expected to get this far.”
“In other news my ankles finally feeling better so there’s that.. Courtney did know what she was doing.”Noah said, surprised.
“it’s been fun kind of ..okay maybe not.”
“I guess I wish it wasn’t ending this way I would have liked to get further than I did last time but, you can blame Chris for that.”
“Once I get out of here I’m leaving and never coming back.” He declared.
“Except maybe to intern..don’t tell anyone I said that...” Noah said crossing his arms.
“I wish I could say I trust Alejandro but, there’s no way he really wants me to stay in the competition..it was probably some giant ruse to gain my trust before he got the perfect opportunity to kick me out early.”
“I guess I made myself an easy target.” Noah admitted.
……..
Alejandro held up the passport of his face, staring at it.
“Noah is making me stamp this sexy photo..I’m quite proud of it….” Alejandro said, frowning dramatically.
“I suppose I don’t have a choice..I want him to trust me.” Alejandro justified, smile playing on his face.
“I don’t know why exactly-“ Alejandro started before correcting himself.
“It’s unimportant..this ceremony will certainly be…interesting.”
……..
“Figures that Team Chris would loose but, still get an advantage. I mean Noah got to rest the entire time while we were working our butts off building things and peddling across uneven stones.. I swear to God Chris gets more sadistic each season.” Courtney ranted.
“It doesn’t matter since Alejandro lost he’s probably going home that’s just how it works..I personally hope it’s him he’s too distracting to the others they need to focus like I’m doing.” She said slamming her fist into the counter.
“Ahem sorry.” She said sheepishly.
……..
“Yeah I tripped Alejandro serves him right he thinks he can waltz over here and act like he owns the place this is my turf he needs to learn that I’m going to win this game.” Heather snapped.
___________________________
“Well team Chris is Really Really Really Really Hot you’ve wound up here at the elimination ceremony.” Chris said.
“Each of you who receives a bag of peanuts is safe…the person who does not receive a bag will be taking the drop of shame with this handy parachute.” Chris said as Chef revealed a pack covered in glitter and crude drawings of Cody.
“We probably should have just given Sierra some paper she went a little wild last night sleep doodling Cody’s face.” Chris said smiling.
The team groaned.
“Alright the following people are safe…” Chris said, smile on his face.
“Owen-“ Chris said tossing him a bag. He looked relived despite the fact that he wasn’t in any danger.
“Izzy-“ Chris continued. He threw the bag in her general direction but, with lemon juice blocking her vision she failed to catch it.
“Oh oh I got it throw it to me again!” Izzy cried.
Chris ignored her and continued.
“And Tyler!” Chris said throwing the bag which Tyler surprisingly caught.
“Thanks dude.” Tyler said.
“Now the moment you’ve all been waiting for..” Chris said, pausing way more than necessary. Noah was annoyed waiting on him to finish talking.
“The person who will be taking the walk of shame tonight.”Chris clarified like they all didn’t know what they were waiting for.
“Our contenders are Noah and Alejandro..the former being forced to sit the challenge out due to an unfortunate accident and, the other falling just short of victory..who will be tonight's lucky loser?” Chris asked, patting his index cards on his pedestal.
“Well without further ado the person who will be given a free sky diving lesson is..”
Noah stood up before he could finish, frown on his face.
“Just give me the parachute I did nothing this whole challenge I deserve to go home.”Noah explained, trying to reach for the parachute.
Chris looked annoyed at his intrusion.
“Hold it..did I forget to mention that I gave you immunity..whoopsies.” Chris said somehow making an actually nice gesture come across as heartless.
“That and we can’t have someone else sue us..” he mumbled.
“What?” Noah asked confused.
“Why couldn’t you just tell me that?”
“I need my drama and I knew that knowing who was going home would ruin it.” Chris whined.
“Also you can thank your pal Alejandro for convincing me that not giving you immunity was unfair.” He said, giving Alejandro a wink.
“Aw Al!” Owen said.
“Why would you do that now you’re going to get eliminated.” Noah said genuinely confused at why he wasn’t pulling his usual manipulation. Why hadn’t he pulled the rug out from under him. Why was he actually listening to him?
“I didn’t think it was fair and I want to win fairly.” Alejandro admitted, slowly standing up. Even at the elimination ceremony he looked graceful.
“By getting yourself out?” Noah asked baffled at his decision making. Maybe that was the point.
“Alright enough with the drama we are running out of episode here people take the peanuts Noah way to make it anticlimactic..” Chris said hurling them at him.
They hit his chest before Noah could catch them, knocking the wind out of him.
Noah glared at him, sitting back down.
Why did he still feel the dread in his stomach at the news that he was safe? This was what he wanted, it was what was best for his team. Alejandro was an eel. An eel who had suddenly gained his trust.
“Yes Alejandro is eliminated with two votes.” Chris summarized, looking annoyed.
“Seriously..why did you do that you could have let me take the fall?” Noah asked, getting more and more annoyed.
“I told you that you can trust me...” Alejandro said looking sincere. Noah didn’t doubt it this time.
“Alright guys seriously kiss or jump out of the plane I need to compress this into a 20 minute episode and you aren’t making this easy.” Chris said with a smirk.
Noah took the opportunity to flip Chris off.
“Great now it’ll take even more time to edit… enough with the gestures I know you hate me.” He said waving them off.
Alejandro grabbed the parachute from Chefs outstretched hands. The one covered in Cody’s face. Had it been anyone else-other than Alejandro or maybe Owen-Noah would have taken a second to laugh at the sight.
“I suppose this is goodbye I wish you all well..” Alejandro said mainly looking at Noah.
“May I at least have some final words?” He asked Chris, exchanging a smile with him.
“Yeah yeah make it quick preferably a confession of love or I may have Chef throw you out midway.” Chris said.
Alejandro nodded.
“I would just like you all to know that I voted for myself I messed up and cost are team victory.” he said.
“That’s not- you wouldn’t do that.” Noah said, mind still struggling to comprehend his actions.
“I promised did I not?” Alejandro explained.
“And? Promises don’t mean anything..what could you possibly gain from gaining my trust I was almost eliminated …I wanted to go home..I wasn’t much of a threat to you!” Noah said with more emotion than he intended. He rose from his seat, hands outstretched.
“Oh drama.” Chris said grinning ear to ear.
Alejandro’s face dimmed.
“You’re about to jump out of a plane don’t tell me you don’t know I just need it to make sense.” Noah said, taking a breath to recollect himself.
Noah noticed that Alejandro actually looked nervous about something. What could he possibly be hiding. It still didn’t make sense.
“I’m afraid..” he began.
“I..” he continued at a strange loss for words. Noah wasn’t even sure it was possible for Alejandro to have nothing to say.
“I may have developed certain feelings for you…” he finally said, shifting his eyes away from the group before snatching the parachute from chef’s hand. He was trying to flee after dropping that bomb? Noah felt anger bubble under his skin.
Alejandro was causing him to second guess everything, Noah hated doubting himself.
“Hold it right there.” Chef said blocking his path and, threatening him with a spatula.
“Mierda..” Alejandro cursed under his breath crossing his arms as the parachute was taken from him.
“Ha that was some prime TV right there..did I forget to mention that this was a reward challenge?” Chris said trying to suppress a grin.
“What?” They all chanted in unison.
“Come on did you really think I’d kick out my best players?” He asked tossing his index cards aside.
“I see why everyone hates this show.” Alejandro fumed.
“They won’t after they watch this gold.” Chris said gleefully.
“Now go get some sleep in economy class..if you can!” He said chuckling at his own attempt at a joke.
Noah didn’t know what to say he just stared straight ahead at Alejandro who looked even more uncomfortable with what he had just said.
“What?” Noah said, still at a loss.
Alejandro set the parachute down on the ground, rejoining the rest of the team; they stared awestruck at the two of them.
“You followed through because you had a crush on me?” Noah nearly broke down laughing. It was a vain attempt to deny the hope blossoming in his chest.
Alejandro liked him? Why did that make him so happy? He couldn't really have a crush on him.
But, he did
How could he not have seen it, it was obvious.
Noah knew why he had been denying it. He didn’t want to end up as another joke. If an unintentional kiss brought him so much attention how much would a serious one ruin him.
Noah stared back at Alejandro who looked like he was awaiting some kind of answer.
It was either stand his ground or run. Every part of him wanted to end the conversation right then and there; he wanted to ignore it until it went away on its own. That wasn’t going to work, Noah knew that.
He took a deep breath to calm his racing heart.
“You really-“
“Sí.. that is the complete truth.” Alejandro clarified, stepping closer to him like he was unsure.
“In a scenario like this you would respond with a confirmation of feelings or a rejection.” Alejandro added to which Noah scowled.
“I know how to talk Alejandro.” Noah said.
“You’re annoying.” Noah added as a playful smile drew to Alejandro’s face.
“But, I..well I guess I may have felt something when you held me in your arms.” Noah said softly.
“Wait what did I miss?” Owen asked Tyler.
“I don’t know dude..”Tyler said, scratching his head.
Alejandro took a sigh of relief.
“So my dramatic confession was not in vain..” he said keeping a light tone although Noah could sense a weight being lifted off his shoulders.
“Not unless you meant it to be romantic..” Noah said, eyes narrowed as they both stared at each other. Noah could feel his cheeks burning but, he didn’t care.
“Ah I see you are immune to my charms..” Alejandro flirted.
Noah rolled his eyes.
“You think you’re charming? “ Noah asked, appalled.
“Guys uh not to ruin the moment but, we should probably get to economy class Chef is glaring at us…” Owen said ducking his head.
“Right.” Noah said, thankful to break the moment before the weight of what Alejandro had just said sunk in. Before Noah realized how happy he felt.
“Wait..amigo.” Alejandro said, grabbing Noah’s shoulder.
“First there is something I would like to do.” Alejandro said, raising his eyebrow suggestively.
Noah turned to face him, eyes frozen as Alejandro leaned in closer. Like he had back in the confessional only he had a different intent. One that Noah may or may not have thought about a couple times. He would never confess to it.
“¿Puedo” he asked laying on the charm. Noah felt like melting. Spanish was called a Romance language for a reason. The way he said the word sent a chill up Noah’s spine.
He was getting closer and Noah felt petrified, heart racing. He wanted it, he really did.
Noah was the one that leaned towards him, pressing their lips together. It was weird but, not in a bad way. It felt like electricity was traveling through his body as he laid his hand on the back of Alejandro’s neck. Everything was perfect, Noah momentarily forgot his worries and the slight pain in his leg; the fear he felt struggling for air, the embarrassment he felt when Sierra snapped that picture.
He was simply there, kissing Alejandro.
Then they both pulled apart.
Alejandro looked red, Noah felt red in the face.
Silence was held for a moment then Chef interrupted.
“Alright enough with the soap opera get out or you get sprayed!” Chef yelled brandishing a bottle full of some sort of cleaning fluid.
“Uh I’m out of here dude..” Tyler said.
“Onward!” Izzy cheered dragging Owen along.
Noah chuckled.
Maybe things would work out after all. Was it foolish to hope that this wouldn’t all devolve into one big joke?
___________________________
“I cant believe I actually said that on live TV...”Alejandro said as he turned towards the camera.
“Although I suppose I did get a kiss out of it.” He said reminiscing for a moment with a slight blush on his cheeks.
“I do understand why Noah was hesitant to trust me..” Alejandro recounted, frown turning into a smile.
“He's probably the smartest person on the plane, aside from me that is.” Alejandro said.
“Although it looks like he enjoyed my little broadway performance along with the rest of them." Alejandro bragged.
“I would never sacrifice myself like that..they all fell victim to the ploy..really they should realize who I am.” Alejandro said, annoyance on his face.
“Nothing has changed I still do intend to win..at whatever cost.” Alejandro narrowed his eyes.
“I only voted for myself because I knew this was a reward challenge.” Alejandro explained.
“Noah was lucky I knew that or I would have betrayed him like he’s been thinking this entire time.”
“I know what you’re all thinking..why bother gaining his trust he wanted to go home? Well I say that you don’t know him..he didn’t mean it and I can’t predict the future..what if he managed to survive and blab all that he’s seen..I will not leave any loose ends I am perfect.” Alejandro said.
“Unfortunately the only way to control him was to gain his trust..throw him off my scent.”
“When Chris pulled me aside and told me that this was going to be a reward challenge..that was when I decided I had to get him to love me..besides I knew Chris was telling me this because he wanted drama… I figured a dramatic love confession would do the job...” he said recounting his tale.
His smile dimmed for a moment.
“I do regret what I will inevitably do to him..I do care for Noah but, this is a competition and I’m going to win!” Alejandro declared.
“Take that Jose who’s the master manipulator now!” He said crossing his arms proudly.
“Chris should know I’m the only one keeping his show interesting if I don’t leave here with the million dollars he’ll be hearing from me.” Alejandro said sticking up his nose.
……..
“I still don’t fully understand what happened..I guess I’m in love with Alejandro but, who isn't?.” Noah said shrugging.
“I know it’s only been a couple days but, he did do what I said..I think it’s fair to say he earned my trust..”Noah said.
He quickly turned to the sighed and mumbled something that turned his ears red.
“The kiss was nice too..”
……..
“I’m so happy my little buddy got with Al I didn’t know they had so much in common.” Owen said happily.
“I just hope there relationship is as rock solid as mine and Izzy’s.” He said gasping as Izzy bit his arm.
“Ow!” He exclaimed.
“There’s danger..” she said releasing him and putting her hand to her chin.
“Hmmmm it’s probably nothing.” She said shaking her head and smiling.
“Quick let me ride on your back!” Izzy said suddenly jumping onto him and grabbing onto his neck.
Owen smiled towards the camera as she swung around.
……..
“Of course that big flirt started dating the one threat on his team …figures it’s the same thing I would have done..it is so on..” Heather snapped.
……..
“So I guess Al is dating Noah I have to say I didn’t suspect that and I’m very good at predicting who will get together.” Courtney said.
“In fact I made a chart for last season playing out all potential relationships and there likelihood.”
Courtney pulled out a large chart and mulled it over.
“I suppose introducing Alejandro as a new variable makes things complicated.”
……..
“I don’t know why but, Alejandro still makes me weary..maybe it’s because I’m used to it..” Noah said thinking to himself.
The camera didn’t respond but, somewhere later in the editing room Chris smiled
Chapter 2
Summary:
The competition continues.
Notes:
Well this took a while to get out…sorry lol.
I’m decently happy with how this turned out so I hope you enjoyed. Fair warning it doesn’t end happily per se but, it doesn’t end terribly that’s sort of left ambiguous.
There’s plenty of fluff in the meantime so hope you enjoy!
(This is pretty long as well if you couldn’t tell sorry)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Wakey wakey campers or uh..flyers …rise and shine!” A cheerful voice came through the speakers, starling Alejandro.
He was having a peaceful dream about surpassing his brother when he was cruelly grasped from his slumber.
Chris had the worst timing.
Alejandro shook his head, cracking his eyes open to find Noah hooked around him. He was still snoring softly, holding onto Alejandro’s arm like it was a stuffed animal. The sight only served to make Alejandro more annoyed that Chris was deciding to interrupt them.
His mind was still racing with thoughts and, half baked plans—the top of his list was gaining Noah’s trust. He tried appealing to him, even saving him from drowning, and now agreeing to vote for himself. Nothing seemed to be enough for Noah. It wouldn’t be enough if he couldn’t follow through and press a stamp to his face. Alejandro couldn’t vote for himself, not without a safety net.
“I said wake up!” Chris yelled through the speaker.
“We’re up..”Alejandro complained, stretching his feet out as he continued to observe Noah’s sleeping form. He must have been exhausted from the day prior, his face was relaxed for once; he actually looked happy. Seeing Noah happy improved Alejandro’s disgruntled mood, until Owen decided to bother him.
“Aw that is so cute!” Owen squealed with a large grin in his face.
“My little buddies always been a sleep cuddler…I wouldn’t tell him that if I were you.” Owen whispered elbowing him playfully.
“I can assure you that I will not say a word my friend.” Alejandro said slowly sliding his arm from Noah’s grasp. Alejandro half expected him to wake up at the touch but, he simply curled up on his seat, continuing to snore peacefully. Alejandro couldn’t help but smile as the rest of his team slowly awoke.
“Do you think we should wake him up?” Owen asked.
“No… I think it is best to let him sleep a little longer.” Alejandro said.
“Oh okay I’ll go get Izzy so we can all group up!” Owen said walking away before Alejandro could respond.
It was probably for the best that he leave, Alejandro could already feel his eye twitching at the needless enthusiasm Owen had so early in the day.
Alejandro spared a quick glance out the plane window to see the sun rising over the horizon, no wonder he felt so tired he had stayed up late talking to Noah and was unable to sleep even after that.
Alejandro sighed turning to Tyler who was stumbling around, headband pressed over his eyes.
“My friend stop for a moment let me help you.” Alejandro said, gritting his teeth at the Idiocracy.
Noah was really the only tolerable one on the team. Alejandro realized that he craved their conversations, enjoying the way Noah spoke with care— his words were smart and controlled. He would be quite devious if he wasn’t so lazy. Alejandro wasn’t complaining that he hindered himself. It gave him the best of both worlds.
“Oh right I forgot to mention meet me in the dinning hall for the news on this extra early announcement!” Chris announced once more causing Alejandro’s ear drums to practically bleed.
“¿Debes ser tan ruidoso?” Alejandro muttered rubbing the bridge as he helped Tyler out of his predicament.
Tyler was about to thank him when Izzy did a cartwheel past both of them.
What the hell was happening? Maybe he was just out of it.
“Oops sorry I was looking for big O have you seen him?” She asked standing up on her hands like some sort of acrobat.
“He left to find you… perhaps you should meet him in the dinning hall with the others.” Alejandro explained barely managing to hide how badly he wanted to yell at her, his entire team. It was pointless, they didn’t listen anyways.
“Ohhh right thanks!” She said giving him a strange look before cartwheeling away. That girl worried him, Alejandro wasn’t sure if she was smart or just crazy, he figured it was probably both.
“Hey thanks dude sorry I think someone shoved it over my eyes while I was asleep..” Tyler said sheepishly.
That was true, that someone being Tyler, Alejandro had seen how he had fallen asleep the night prior, head practically upside down. How he looked so awake was beyond Alejandro, maybe he was just tired because he had failed to get his normal eight hours. It was a mistake that he regretted dearly.
“Why don’t you head to the dinning hall with Izzy I will stay here and wake Noah up.” Alejandro explained as Tyler observed him vacantly.
“Okay cool dude gotcha I’ll see you around.” He said before waking off.
Alejandro finally relaxed as Tyler exited first class.
Peace and quiet.
“Por fin.” Alejandro said exasperated. Now he was finally alone, alone with Noah anyways.
“It is just you and I mi amigo.” Alejandro said. He turned back to Noah, who didn’t even know he was hovering over him.
Alejandro was tempted to reach his hand out and touch him, before realizing that that would be creepy. He wasn’t about to resort to a Sierra type move— he was Alejandro, not some stalker.
“Apologies for the thought my friend.” Alejandro whispered deciding on simply brushing the hair out of Noah’s eyes when a voice startled him.
“Ah Al my man there you are!” Chris said, not over the microphone this time.
“What can I do for you?” Alejandro asked turning to meet his gaze. Chris looked unfazed by his face despite Alejandro’s best attempt to glare at him.
“I’ll be transparent with you that announcement was a fluke I just wanted you all up so you’d be prepared for the extra special challenge I had to push ahead of schedule thanks to your little crush over there” Chris said rolling his eyes.
Alejandro felt his jaw twitch.
Crush?
Noah wasn’t a crush, in the grand scheme of things Noah meant nothing to him. He was simply something nice, something Alejandro would wanted to have for a while before he was forced to discard him along with everyone else.
“Thankfully Noah is more than out because of his little accident yesterday so you and me can talk privately..I think you’ll like what I’m about to say.” Chris said hooking his arm around Alejandro’s neck.
Creepy.
“What do you need?” Alejandro asked as Chris slowly guided him up towards the pilot quarters. Alejandro was unnerved at how shady he was being, blinding smile shoved in his face.
“I managed to catch your little …conversation…last night in first class…cute stuff but, it seems to have put you in a tight spot..” Chris said.
“Thankfully your pal Chris McLean is here to help you out and keep this show from getting boring.” Chris said, drawing back and pointing to himself like Alejandro didn’t know exactly who he was.
“Is there a reason to any of this?” Alejandro asked, wishing he would get to the point. Chris had a way of saying so much but, really saying nothing at all; it was quite annoying when Alejandro just felt like sleeping, preferably with Noah curled up in his arms.
“Oh right silly me I got off topic I simply wanted you to know that this next challenge is going to be a reward challenge ..no eliminations..of course I wasn’t planing on telling anyone else this I just figured you’d want to know seeing as you have a little deal with Noah over there.” Chris said smiling.
Alejandro looked at him skeptically, the news finally waking him up from his stupor.
“Are you serious?” Alejandro asked with no hint of playfulness in his voice.
“Serious serious..now you know the drill no telling anybody else but, I gotta give favors to my favorite player..you’re certainly making the game more interesting and I want you to keep it that way.” Chris said, it sounded like a threat. Alejandro wasn’t sure how to feel about that.
“Sí you have my word.” Alejandro said.
“Thank you for this helpful information I will be sure to use it wisely.”
“No problem buddy..oh one more thing don’t wake Noah up..I’ve decided to let him sit this challenge out due to legal reasons can’t have a repeat of Courtney now can we?” Chris said chuckling sheepishly.
“Of course..” Alejandro said thinking up a near full proof plan.
“May I ask for one more favor from you?” Alejandro questioned a sly grin coating his face.
“Shoot.” Chris said.
“Can you give Noah immunity when we lose this challenge..and tell him that I got it for him.” Alejandro asked narrowing his eyes.
“What for…?” Chris began before it dawned on him.
“ohh I get it you are too much Al..alright I’ll do it..” Chris said looking way too happy about Alejandro’s upcoming plan. Now all he had to do was sabotage the race somehow, it would be easy as long as he wasn’t too obvious.
“Thank you, you won’t regret this.” Alejandro said firmly.
“Oh I know I won’t now get to the dinning hall before the others notice your gone..I’m going to make them sample some of chefs new cuisine until we arrive at our destination!” Chris said happily.
“Of course.” Alejandro said as Chris let him go.
Alejandro watched him walk away before turning and doing the same, headed back to first class.
This was perfect, all his problems had been solved with one conversation. He felt less conflicted, better even.
His plan would work flawlessly and, he would finally be in control of his team. Noah thought he was smart but, he wouldn’t be able to predict what Alejandro was going to do.
All he had to do was tune up his acting skills. He figured he could practice when he was forced to join the others in the cafeteria. He could pretend he wanted to do nothing more than spend time with them, in fact he had been pretending the entire time.
Alejandro smiled a cruel smile as he passed by Noah. He admired his sleeping form one last time, giving him a quick kiss on the forehead before sneaking away.
He couldn’t resist. He deserved something for all the effort he was going through.
He was practically brimming with excitement of his future plan, now he just had to play it cool.
It would be easy.
Barely even a hassle. He had done it before, who’s to say this time would be any different.
__________________________________________
Noah sighed, arms crossed as he stood outside the door leading to the confessional. He had been waiting for a good while hearing talking on the other side. He couldn’t make out any of the words but, it was clear that whoever it was probably needed the time.
The fact didn’t stop Noah from being annoyed, he was growing impatient.
The silence was interrupted by footsteps. Courtney specifically as she glanced between him and the door.
“Who’s in there?” She asked like Noah had any clue.
“No idea but, I’ve been waiting a good thirty minutes.” He commented. It wasn’t like they were friends, he would have assumed that they were enemies given the way she glared at him.
“I see.” She said leaning against the wall next to him. Noah looked over at her, confusion written all over his face.
“What are you doing?” He asked.
“Waiting in line.” She said nonchalantly.
“Right..”Noah said.
Courtney looked like she wanted to say something. Noah could predict what it was about.
“Just tell me what you want I doubt your standing next to me because you love my company...not when there’s multiple other confessionals.” Noah said trying to call her out before she could attempt to gaslight him into thinking that she really was just waiting in line.
“Fine..I see you don’t care about subtleties.” Courtney huffed. Noah though that was abundantly clear from the various one liners he spewed during the competition. Apparently not.
“How are you and Alejandro together?”she asked like the question was no big deal.
Noah nearly laughed. What exactly was she trying to do exactly, Alejandro was his problem, his ‘boyfriend’ as Alejandro had reminded him earlier.
“I don’t know, ask him…he’s the one that confessed his love for me.” Noah said rolling his eyes. It was a tad bit dramatic for his taste but, he had certainly made his point.
Courtney only wrinkled her brow in disapproval.
“Don’t you find that..strange?” She asked crossing her arms like Noah was doing.
“Not particularly..He knew it was an elimination ceremony..figures that he would make a big show about getting eliminated.”
“Alejandro was the one that got voted off?” Courtney asked, surprise written all over her face.
“Yeah? Don’t tell me you weren’t actually watching …?” Noah muttered annoyed at her lack of knowledge.
“I’m sorry but, I had better things to do..”she snapped defensively.
“Better things to do? Like what?” Noah asked skeptically.
“It doesn’t matter just answer the question.” Courtney barked.
“What? Whether or not I found it strange? Of course I found it strange but, I have no reason to doubt him.” Noah said carefully.
“No reason to doubt him? Have you seen the guy? Do you think he would really turn over a new leaf for love?”
Noah shook his head trying to shake off the doubt.
“I wouldn’t have believed it but, there was no way he could have orchestrated this whole thing..me drowning him saving me..” Noah said.
“I’m suggesting that he took advantage of the situation..you know him he doesn’t care, why would he?” Courtney asked. Where had her suspicions been earlier when Noah was trying desperately to shoo Alejandro off with a stick.
“Can I ask why you suddenly cared because last I checked you didn’t bat an eyelash when he played you all like a fiddle.” Noah asked scowling.
Courtney sighed.
“I’m just suspicious that’s all.” Courtney dug in her pocket for a moment before pulling out a chart with a bunch of crudely drawn people on it.
“I plotted out everyone’s relationships during the show so I could keep track and who they would potentially bond with.” She explained like it wasn’t the creepiest thing in the world.
“Of course we have the established couples like Tyler and Lindsay…Sierra and Cody practically, and Izzy and Owen.” She explained, a red X drawn over Lindsay’s face. It looked foreboding no matter how Noah looked at it.
“Me and Duncan too.” Courtney added before Noah could get a word out.
“Then I have the friend groups and people who might mesh well together and potentially put my team in danger..”she said,pointing to a string of people. Noah noticed that he and Owen were grouped together along with Alejandro and Tyler.
“So what you’re saying if you’ve been stalking people and recording the data?” Noah surmised, Courtney only grumbled.
“It’s called strategy maybe you should try it instead of immediately falling for that eye candy boyfriend of yours!” Courtney said.
“Wow clever comeback how will I ever recover?” Noah asked sarcastically.
Courtney rolled her eyes, drawing something on her list before circling it with a red marker. Courtney was a pretty good artist despite how creepy the thing she was drawing was.
She shoved the paper back in Noah’s face, pointing to something.
“You two are an anomaly..one because Alejandro has already shown interest in Heather and two because you haven’t showed a shred of interest for anyone since we’ve got here..other than Cody but I wrote that off a while ago..”
Noah gave her a glare at the mention of Cody.
“Do I really look like the type of person to openly express any sort of emotions? No offense but, how could you possible predict any of this? Can you read minds?” Noah asked.
“It’s called reading people..I know you can do it too if you weren’t so lazy all the time.” Courtney grumbled.
“Why try when I’m doing pretty well so far..”Noah said, smirking as he shrugged his shoulders.
Courtney wrinkled her brow.
“You are insufferable..”Courtney seethed.
“You do know that you decided to have a conversation with me..right?” Noah asked.
“Yes but-“. Courtney tried to protest before the door to the confessional was opened.
Alejandro walked out, pleasant smile on his face at the sight of Noah.
“Ah mi amor.” He said, smile dropping as he noticed Courtney next to him.
“What were you discussing..?” Alejandro asked. It sounded like an innocent question but, Noah suddenly understood how Alejandro could be perceived as threatening.
“Nothing..I’ll leave you two alone.” Courtney huffed, folding up her sheet of paper and shoving it in her pocket.
Noah thought that was the end of it but, as she walked away she mouthed something to Noah, something that surprised him more than the idea that he would ever be dating Alejandro.
‘Be careful’ her lips said, worry in her eyes. Could she really care? Or was it all for her own benefit?
Noah couldn’t tell as Alejandro was currently in front of him, standing very (he meant very) close to him. So close that he could practically feel his heart beating as he stared at him, eyes gleaming. Alejandro’s eyes had the uncanny ability to draw him in, make him lose his train of thought when he normally couldn’t be shaken.
Noah realized how terrifying it sounded the more he thought about it.
Alejandro didn’t waste a second closing the distance between them, wrapping a stray arm around his waist. He was really getting into it, there in the hallway where everyone could see. Noah wasn’t prude, and sure everyone else basically knew about the dramatic TV worthy moment in the elimination room, but Noah was a private person. That meant not showing the world his love life.
Noah let himself enjoy it for a moment before he pulled back, giving Alejandro a playful glare.
“Can we at least go in the confessional..no offense but, I doubt Heather- or anybody- would want to see this..”Noah said crossing his arms.
“If you insist.” Alejandro said, smiling.
Noah wasn’t sure what Courtney had been talking about, his mind felt fuzzy as they both walked into the cramped space.
Things were going great, wonderful even.
She was probably jealous, her boyfriend had left her because he didn’t want to sing.
That had to be it.
He couldn’t be denying the truth.
He wasn’t that stupid.
Noah decided to put a pin in any further thoughts, letting himself get lost in Alejandro’s very real lips. They were nice, really nice.
Who cared about anything else.
__________________________________________
Alejandro wouldn’t pretend to feel bad about what he was doing.
He might have enjoyed Noah’s company, seeing his eyes light up as he saw him. He also might have felt worry when he had nearly drowned in that lake. It was only natural, it didn’t mean that he couldn’t backstab him.
Unlike some people he could control his feelings. Play things strategically.
Alejandro was good at strategy. It was why he always managed to beat José in chess without fail. It was one of the few things he could say , with confidence, that he was better at than his brother.
That trait was going to be the reason that he won. It was the reason he was winning with no one the wiser to his true motives.
Alejandro reached for Noah’s hand. They were sitting next to each other in economy class, waiting for whatever sadistic challenge Chris had planned next. Alejandro hoped it wouldn’t involve any more incidents, he wasn’t sure he could live through another heart attack seeing Noah on the ground; lifeless.
Alejandro squeezed his hand as Noah turned to stare at him, confused.
Alejandro half expected Noah to comment on the motion but, he didn’t. He was probably thinking over a multitude of plausible reasons. None of which read on Noah’s face. That was what made him so scary; he had the uncanny ability to think of a million things while everyone else was none the wiser. It was dangerous, at least to Alejandro. He wasn’t going to let Noah sweep the rug out from under him. No, Noah was under his thumb now, that wouldn’t change.
Alejandro used Noah’s momentary distraction to tilt his chin up and kiss him on the lips. The way his cheeks blossomed a dark red made Alejandro feel proud. He was good, really good.
Noah didn’t think about much of anything as he faced forward once again.
Nothing much happened as Alejandro and Noah sat in a comfortable silence, the contestants conversing around them. There was nothing much to say at the moment, they were simply waiting.
That was until Alejandro’s nose wrinkled at an ‘interesting’ smell that was coming from across the cabin.
“Ahem..may I ask what that smell is.” Alejandro asked, using his free hand to plug his nose. Why did everyone else have to be so…strange?
“It’s a mixture of tea and bird guano to help with Gwen’s sunburn..I’m sure you’ll survive.” Courtney said, scribbling something on a notebook as Gwen have him a hesitant smile.
“I don’t know what happened somehow only my hand got burnt back in Jamaica.” She said sheepishly.
Alejandro could see Cody visibly shift as she spoke. He probably had something to do with it given his obsession with Gwen.
“Perhaps you could take that mixture out of the general area until we land at our destination?” Alejandro suggested, flashing a smile that even Courtney couldn’t reject.
“Enough Alejandro you stick to your side and we’ll stick to ours..”Heather snapped.
“Of course..I was simply sharing what I assumed to be the general consensus of the cabin.” Alejandro said. What he meant to say was his consensus and his alone. If he wanted to win the next challenge for his team then he needed to be in his prime.
“Leave my team alone you just want us to lose!” Heather accused.
Alejandro only rolled his eyes (subtly of course) preparing for a fight.
“Wait it’s fine I’ll just go sit in the confessional it’s not a big deal.” Gwen said, trying to keep the peace. Alejandro pitied her having to put up with Heather outside of the challenges.
Gwen stood up, holding the bucket with her hand submerged in the mixture it contained.
“Thanks for this it’s really helping.” Gwen said to Courtney as she walked towards the exit.
Courtney gave her a small smile before glaring at Alejandro. She didn’t voice her annoyance again, unlike Heather, but there was disdain there. Alejandro didn’t care. He was in control of everything, she wouldn’t get in the way. He deserved to sit in silence comfortably without his nose being assaulted with that horrible smell.
Noah pulled his hand back from Alejandro’s after the scene unfolded. Spying Sierra doing something mock worthy. Really anything the girl did was mock worthy
“Oh there’s so much going on how to fill it all in 150 characters…”Sierra pondered.
“Must learn how to make a bird poop remedy like Courtney..that will impress Cody.” Noah mocked, exaggerated expressions on his face.
Alejandro could hear the words but, he was more worried about Noah pulling away.
Did he notice Alejandro being cruel? Was he growing distrustful again? He had put in all that work for nothing.
No he was overthinking things, Noah simply wanted to mock Sierra, that was all.
Owen burst into laughter next to Noah as he continued to mimic, holding his stomach.
Sierra scowled at them, ducking her head under her pizza box computer.
“Note to my blog the Cody kissing incident needs to be drudged up..” Sierra grumbled.
Noah paled at the mention, crossing his arms.
Alejandro nearly laughed himself. Noah was clearly on a kissing streak when it came to guys, whether he wanted to be or not.
He didn’t just think about laughing he was laughing, small chuckles escaping him seeing Noah’s face scrunched up.
Then reality came back and, he composed himself before anyone could realize that he wasn’t simply coughing.
Alejandro’s didn’t laugh, at least not at something like that. He was more refined than that.
The recollection of Noah’s incident first season caused Alejandro to think of his own ‘incident’ which was really code for kissing Noah. Really he wouldn’t have called it kissing, Alejandro hated when people associated placing your mouth on someone else’s as kissing. There had to be passion, intent. If that wasn’t there what was the point?
Alejandro could still recall the very real fear he felt unable to see Noah surfacing. He didn’t particularly care about any of his teammates but, for some reason he felt an indescribable dread. Noah was special.. No one else felt that way, clearly.
He had been the one to call attention to Noah’s drowning, jumping into the lagoon without a second thought. He had been the one to crack his eyes open under the salt water and, see Noah floating lifelessly. He had been the one to grab onto his wrist tightly, pulling him free of the kelp tangled around his ankle. He had been the one to pull him to the surface, lay out his body as he performed chest compressions with shaky hands. He had done it all, no one else.
Noah owed him, he owed him a lot. Partnering with him, following his orders, was simply payback.
Alejandro bunched up his fist as he leaned on his hand.
“Oh little buddy you are a hoot.” Owen said, wiping away a stray tear.
“I know I’m hilarious.” Noah deadpanned, smile gracing his features, like he was proud of himself for making Owen laugh.
Alejandro felt a strange sense of jealousy at the sight. Noah and Owen were simply friends but, Alejandro wished he could talk that freely with him, not having to think about undertones or hidden meanings in what he was saying.
It was exhausting no matter how good Alejandro was at it.
Alejandro reached for Noah’s hand once again, taking it without permission. He didn’t care how it came across, he needed some relief. A promise that he had won and things weren’t about to slip through his fingers because Noah finally realized what he had done. Alejandro realized that he sounded insecure.
What was he doing?
His plan had worked, Noah couldn’t have known.
Unless he had heard back in that room with Chris. He had been asleep but, was he really?
Did Chris secretly know?
Alejandro felt Noah grip his hand back.
“Are you okay?” Noah asked, raising an eyebrow.
Alejandro choked back his worries, clearing his throat before mustering up a confident smile.
“Fine.” He said through gritted teeth.
The insecurities were pointless. Noah was apathetic but, he wasn’t a good liar when it came to emotions.
Alejandro doubted he could fake his expression of innocence now.
How passionately they had kissed in the confessional.
Things were fine.
He just had to play this right.
He was letting things get in the way.
Emotions.
He was better than that.
“Ugh you two make me want to barf.” Heather complained, staring at their hand holding.
“We could make out for you if you’d like.” Noah said, blank faced to Heathers shock.
“Please do.” Sierra said, eyes gleaming.
“Shut up Sierra don’t entertain them.” Heather said rolling her eyes.
“Hmm 72 characters left..Oh I know..Relationship update if you haven’t seen the new episode Alejandro and Noah are dating now heart emoji heart emoji…..and perfect!” Sierra squealed, pressing send. Alejandro had never been more grateful that she was crazy. He knew that news of their relationship would get out eventually but, hearing other people talk about it made him shift uncomfortably. It was out there now.
He was just doing this for the money, they would understand. He didn’t really feel anything for him, it was a ruse obviously.
Then Noah turned to look at him, again. His blank gaze, brown eyes that glared daggers into everyone; his nose, slightly crinkled as a smile played on his lips; his hair, thick and swooped to one side of his rather large forehead. Alejandro felt himself melt.
He liked having him around. He could admit that, nothing more.
“Attention contestants..boy do I have an announcement for you.” Chris said, breaking Alejandro’s thoughts.
The plane began to rattle, Alejandro tensing up.
It all went to hell after that.
Like usual.
__________________________________________
Noah hadn’t expected to be clinging to Alejandro for dear life while he fell through the sky. He supposed that he had woken up to weirder but, this would definitely make the list of weird days.
“You can hug me tighter if you like..”Alejandro said, smiling as his hair blew above his head.
“Are you seriously flirting while we’re falling out of a plane?!” Noah screamed over the wind.
Alejandro shrugged, hand poised over the parachute cord.
Noah wasn’t sure what exactly he was waiting for but, he wished Alejandro would hurry up and pull it so he could stop having a heart attack.
Finally, Alejandro decided to spare him and release the parachute above them.
Noah relaxed into Alejandro’s arms, taking deep breaths. He was nice to cuddle with, not that Noah would ever admit it. He wasn’t warm and fuzzy like Owen, he didn’t just admit that he liked cuddling. That would be weird given his M.O. for hating everyone. That and it hadn’t been that long since Alejandro’s grand love confession to him.
It was strange how quickly things had changed; from Noah openly accusing Alejandro of using his near death experience to gain his trust to Noah kissing him in the confessional freely. Was he being rash? Maybe but, who cared. If everything blew up in his face at least he could say that he tried.
He hadn’t expected to get into a relationship on a reality show-not with the guy that was clearly pulling the strings behind the scenes- but Alejandro had showed Noah that he could be trusted. He had to take that at face value. Noah was logical but, he wasn’t about to dissolve into a blubbering conspiracy theorist because he instinctually didn’t trust Alejandro. For some reason Alejandro liked him and, Noah was going to take that for all it was worth. No matter what anyone (Courtney) said.
Thinking about it made Noah less embarrassed to snuggled his head into Alejandro’s chest, arms wrapped tightly around his waist. He held the fabric of his shirt as they glided to the ground, bunching up the fabric. Noah watched as the other contestants floated near them. At least no one was getting a concussion before the challenge, Noah didn’t want to deal with someone on his team getting another screw knocked loose.
Noah took a breath as Alejandro’s feet finally touched the ground. Noah used the opportunity to release him, backing up nearly a meter awayfrom him. He knew his cheeks were red but, he didn’t care. He wasn’t ashamed of what he had done but, now that he wasn’t free falling he realized that no matter what he thought letting other people see him acting all cuddly was embarrassing.
Alejandro slid the parachute off of his back, seductive smirk on his face seeing Noah fumble.
“Did you have a nice ride down?” Alejandro asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah..thanks.” Noah said bluntly, turning his body towards the large double decker bus they had landed next to. Noah assumed that they were going in it due to its strange placement on the bridge they stood on.
“There is no need to be shy..I understand that I am quite-“
“Don’t finish that sentence.” Noah muttered, holding out his hand as the others began to land.
“Phew..I’m glad you and Al could share a parachute..I’m sorry I totally freaked out..” Owen said, landing next to them and beginning to kiss the ground. Noah only rolled his eyes at the sight.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”Noah said, shuffling around Owen towards the red bus behind him.
“All aboard contestants!” Chris said, swinging out from the door and raising his hand up.
Noah sighed, brushing passed Chris onto the vehicle. He could hear the other contestants shuffle behind him but, he kept his eyes straight ahead.
There was a time and a place for dealing with Chris and now wasn’t the time to pick a fight. Noah knew better given Chris’ revenge streak on those who insulted him. For a thirty year old he was pretty insecure.
Noah regretted his choice to go first on the stairs as his leg was aching, every step putting unnecessary pressure on it. Couldn’t he be spared any reminders of what had happened. He didn’t want to think about any of it, he just wanted to move on.
Noah tried to hoist his leg up the remaining stairs but, arms stopped him; arms that wrapped under his armpits and, helped him up.
“Allow me amor.” Alejandro said, walking next to him as Noah hobbled up the stairs. All he could feel was the blush on his cheeks. He should have gotten a crutch so he wouldn’t have to rely on Alejandro for help. His grip felt comforting but, Noah didn’t want to deal with the stares.
“I can walk.” Noah muttered , brushing him off as they arrived on the second story.
Alejandro gave him a grin, leaning in closer to him as the others trailed behind them.
“But, wouldn’t you rather be carried by me?” he asked, breath brushing up against Noahs ear in a way that made every thought stall.
Why did he have to do that. Noah wasn’t used to being flirted with so openly, especially by the guy everyone had had their eyes on since he walked off that stupid bus.
“We should focus.” Noah said to deflect his words, taking a seat in the front row with Alejandro next to him.
“Aw you two are so cute!” Owen said as the others sat down. He leaned his shoulders on the seat, head popping into Noah’s field of vision.
“Yes Noah is rather-“
“Alright shut up.” Noah butt in, holding his hand out in annoyance. All the flirting was getting overwhelming, his brain felt scrambled.
He knew they needed to focus. Alejandro probably knew as much, he was just enjoying teasing him.
“Ah contestants welcome to the magnificent city of London!” Chris said, appearing out of nowhere.
Noah wasn’t surprised, dull expression never wavering.
Chris gave a subtle nod to Chef who started driving the bus, the lull of the motor rocking Noah into a false sense of security. What was Chris planning? The challenge was staring out rather nice for Total Drama standards; aside from the impromptu parachute ride.
“Wait where’s Gwen?!” Courtney accused, standing up a couple rows back.
Chris smiled. What scared Noah was that it looked genuine.
“Oh Gwen? I’m sure she’ll show up..I would be more worried about you at the moment.” Chris said.
“Ugh I can’t believe this..now we’re down a player because of him!” Heather accused, pointing a finger at Alejandro.
“I simply suggested that she sit elsewhere..how could I have known that she would get taken?” Alejandro asked innocently.
The way he said it made Noah stutter.
It was the manor of speaking. He sounded like he knew exactly where he wanted the conversation to go, knowing that he couldn’t be dragged down. He was in control, pulling the strings.
Alejandro may have gained Noah’s trust but, that didn’t absolve him of his past deeds. Noah knew that he needed to keep a reasonable sense of suspicion no matter how kissable Alejandro had become. He was slippery. He may have risked himself but, who was to say that he wouldn’t turn over another new leaf and back stab him down the road.
Noah didn’t want to think about that in the midst of a challenge so, he tuned out the thoughts; the arguing between Heather and Alejandro. He let the words funnel in one ear and out the other.
“Alright quiet you two I would say you should kiss and make up but, it’s to late for that.” Chris said, clasping his hands together.
Heather scowled at him, sitting back down without another word.
“Thank you..now where was I?”
“Right London..”Chris said, clearing his throat.
“Home of Big Ben, the London eye and, some questionable food in the form of fish and chips.” Chris said, probably insulting most of the British population with his last comment.
“Are we going to get some fish and chips please tell me we’re going to!” Owen said, practically drooling at the thought.
“No..this is a half hour show and even if it wasn’t you aren’t here to sight see.” Chris said, narrowing his gaze.
“Aw..”Owen said as Chris continued talking.
“Now as I was saying London is also home to some things that are..not so nice.” Chris said, pulling out a giant portrait that definitely couldn’t have fit behind him.
The frame showed a masked figure, shadows covering their face and a cloak wrapped around their body.
“Mainly a crime spree so twisted that even Scotland Yard couldn’t crack it..” Chris said.
He paused for a moment as the bus traveled through a tunnel. Noah would never admit that he was holding his breath. When did the challenge turn into a horror movies
“Yes..I’m talking about the serial killer..” Chris flipped on a flashlight under his face.
“Jack the Ripper!” he said as thunder crackled. Noah figured it was just special effects but, he couldn’t be sure.
“Are you saying that you let one of your teenage contestants get taken by a mass murderer.” Noah said bluntly as they cleared the tunnel, light returning to the bus. Chef must have flipped the light switch off as they tracked through the dark overpass to make things more ‘spooky’.
“Calm down..I couldn’t hire a real murderer due to legal trouble so I had to make do..”
“Now your task today is to finally put this case to rest..meaning you have to bag the Ripper.” Chris said, pulling out some sacks from somewhere.
“I’ll be given you clues starting at our first destination..the Tower of London!”
“First team to follow them will find the Ripper’s hiding place…but I would be careful if I were you..”Chris began.
“You aren’t the only one on the prowl tonight.” Chris laughed as they all stared at him wide eyes.
Noah voted to ignore the current mental psychosis Chris was undergoing in favor of winning the challenge.
“Well this will be fun..right guys?” Owen asked, visibly shaking from the news.
“It’ll be fine big guy it’s just some guy in a costume no big deal..”Noah said.
“Yeah..we can totally take the guy.” Tyler said, grinning.
“Hohoho I want him to find me..I’ll show him!” Izzy said, boxing the air next to her.
“I would refrain from a frontal assault my friend..perhaps we should all stick close and follow the clues to our final destination.” Alejandro suggested.
“Alejandro’s right..knowing Chris he’ll probably try to bag anyone who strays from the group.” Noah added.
“Let’s just focus on winning..I don’t feel like dealing with Chris and his psychotic elimination ceremony again..” Noah clarified, falling silent as he stared out the window.
“My little buddies right we got this.” Owen said, stilling in his seat. Tyler and Izzy must have had the same idea as the bus settled into a steady rhythm of silence.
Noah wouldn’t be complaining as he was busy watching the world fly by. Maybe that was idealistic as he was staring straight at the river they were passing by.
He wished he could say that he didn’t feel anything but, he felt unease build in his stomach.
Water was in his lungs all over again. The feeling felt recent, like he had just been pulled out. Noah nearly coughed to ensure that he wasn’t inhaling water.
It was nothing, he was okay. It was a stupid river.
Noah turned to stare at Chris, even his face was better than whatever that was.
Why did he let the bus fall into silence?
Noah took a shaky breath, crossing his arms as the bus kept moving forward.
Maybe he should have jumped out of the plane when he had the chance.
__________________________________________
“Well you’re going to have to strip them.”
Alejandro’s eye twitched.
Had he not been keeping up his polite charade he would have let a couple curse words loose.
“Alright my friends we need to-“ Alejandro began.
“Oh I forgot to mention..since DJ is alone I’m giving him a head start..I can’t have the fan blogs coming for me..”Chris took out a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to DJ.
“Here’s the first clue go wild.” He said as the other contestants stared.
“Okay..let’s do this Irene!” DJ said. He still had the fish he had kept back in Newfoundland. Alejandro wondered how he would be able to nab the Ripper when he was carrying a glass bowl. Alejandro knew that he needed to get rid of DJ when he got the chance but, there was nothing he could do if Chris gave him a head start. Alejandro doubted he would even need to put much effort into it, ‘Team’ Victory simply had to lose once and DJ was gone. It wouldn’t be long before he was sent packing.
“Now the rest of you..get to stripping..” Chris said, winking.
“And did I mention you have to sing?” Chris asked with a smirk.
Everyone groaned, Alejandro especially. Why did Chris have to make the show a musical, it was already embarrassing enough having to perform the challenges.
Owen walked over to the guard, face panicked as he started the verse.
Had it not been a requirement Alejandro would have completely refused to sing. He did not harmonize with those who had a less than stellar vocal range.
Alejandro watched the rest of his team (minus Noah) make a fool of themselves. Izzy somehow started singing about dressing in the guards clothes. For a moment Alejandro was glad to have her as she seemed to have no problem stripping the guard for her strange dress up game.
“Socks! Shirt! Pants!” Izzy cried, putting on the clothing that bagged around her ankles and hung over her body.
Alejandro fought the urge to roll his eyes.
The spotlight was directed on the Amazons as Izzy reached for the guards hat.
That was when a small piece of paper fluttered to the ground, from the underside of the garment.
The clue.
Noah snatched it from the ground, opening the seal and scanning its contents.
“Easy..”Noah said, turning his feet towards one of the spires in the Tower of London.
“Amor mind telling your team what the clue said?” Alejandro asked, keeping pace with him.
“We need to go to the southern spire, that’s where the next clue is.” Noah said, pumping his legs as they reached the giant double doors behind the guards.
“Wait for us!” Owen cried, holding Izzy’s waist as she struggled in his grasp. She wasn’t ditching the guards clothes, flailing around with the fabric covering all of her limbs.
At this rate they were going to lose. Heather had accused him of picking off their team but, the Amazons had the advantage of not having to wrangle everyone together.
“Amigo mío, vamos!” Alejandro said to a very dazed Tyler. Could they all just follow the leader, Alejandro couldn’t disguise the low groan that left his mouth as they finally grouped together.
Alejandro found that Noah was already half way up the stairs as they all walked into the building.
They didn’t have time for this.
“Woah look at that painting big-O..put me down come on..!” Izzy snapped. Wasn’t the big oaf trying to break up with her? Alejandro supposed that he had lost his nerve.
“Come on Tyler.” Alejandro said, directing him towards the stairs before he could get distracted too. Alejandro wouldn’t mind if both of them got taken by the Ripper as Tyler was the only one of the bunch he needed—the guy would do anything he wanted and Alejandro wasn’t sure what challenge would await them at the top of the staircase.
“O-oh okay dude.” Tyler said, letting himself be guided up the stairs.
Alejandro took a deep breath, getting into a steady rhythm with his footsteps. He trusted that Noah knew where he was going. He wasn’t an idiot, if he didn’t even blink at the clue it must have been child’s play.
“Took you long enough.” Noah said, small smile playing at his lips as he stood outside of a thick wooden door.
“Where’s Owen and Izzy?” Noah asked, peering down the winding staircase beyond them.
Alejandro cleared his throat trying to absolve himself from any blame. They had gotten distracted and he was simply cutting his losses. Noah would understand.
“They were right behind us.” Alejandro said smoothly.
“Uh didn’t we -“ Tyler began before Alejandro stomped on his foot. It was less subtle than he liked but, he needed Tyler to shut up. Why was he using his brain now?
Noah only gave them both a strange look, trying the door handle when a shrill cry cut through the air.
“Eeeeeeeeeeee!” It was unmistakably Izzy from the high pitch and maniac laughter that followed after.
“Nice try you’ll never catch-“ She cried before the sound was promptly cut off. A loud thump echoed down the hall confirming Alejandro’s assumption of what had occurred.
“Didn’t we agree to stick together?” Noah sighed, facepalming as he pulled the door open. Alejandro was surprised that Noah could even pull it open when he heard the screech of metal against the concrete.
“I’m sure they’re fine.” Noah justified as they walked into the dimly lit room. Alejandro was thankful that Noah wasn’t fighting to backtrack and retrieve the rest of their team. He wasn’t in the mood to put up with either of them.
“Yes Chris wouldn’t hurt them.” Alejandro confirmed, stepping passed both of them and performing a once over of the room. Looking up he nearly stumbled on the uneven flooring, a concrete piece further protruding from the floor.
Alejandro grumbled choice words such as ‘mierda’ and ‘maldito’ under his breath as he rubbed the scuff mark off of his boot. Maybe it was in poor taste to bring his nice footwear to a show that could care less about keeping them in proper condition.
Alejandro ignored the annoyance and scoped the dimly lit room. It was rather plain, mostly stone with a couple lanterns and a strange machine in the middle—it was a torture rack. The kind used for stretching people until they broke. It was a good thing he had brought Tyler along.
“Well looks like someone’s going to have to volunteer.” Noah said, pulling ahead of Alejandro and placing his hands on the wooden device— lazily. He looked tired, probably because they hadn’t had a break jumping from challenge to challenge.
Winning first class again would be sure to make him feel better.
Alejandro put his hand on Tyler’s shoulder, gripping it tightly. It wouldn’t take much to convince Tyler to volunteer, he just needed a small push.
“Perhaps you would like to volunteer, weren’t you captain of your gymnastics team in kindergym?” Alejandro asked.
“Oh yeah..I’m also like flexible to the extreme bro.” Tyler said proudly.
“It’s Moksha Yoga time!” he cried, pulling his leg up with his arm.
Alejandro felt his eyes twitch, again. They didn’t have time for him to show off. Alejandro was fighting the urge to shove him onto the rack forcefully.
“Well it looks like you are perfect for this challenge.” Alejandro said instead, Noah giving him a look. He didn’t seem to mind that he didn’t have to step up.
“Strap me in.” Tyler said, pulling himself onto the rack and extending his hands out.
Noah shrugged, opening the clasp for Tyler’s hands as they got to work.
As far as Alejandro could tell they were making good time. He may not have known where DJ was but, the Amazons hadn’t gotten there yet meaning ,that at the very least, they wouldn’t loose.
It was perfect.
Things were going perfectly and Alejandro couldn’t hide his smile.
__________________________________________
Noah watched as Tyler was stretched out on the torture rack. He never thought he would be thinking such a weird sentence but, they had been in weirder scenarios.
Noah was thankful not to be in his place even if he had a very good reason (an injury) that he shouldn’t be the one stepping up.
“Ow man..are you almost there…?” Tyler asked, sweat dripping down his forehead and teeth gritted. So much for his flexibility.
“We’ve barely started my friend.” Alejandro said, twisting the wheel quickly as Tyler groaned.
“Maybe take it slow before you break him in half..”Noah said, cringing the further he stretched. How much longer did they have to do this before a clue popped out?
Tyler looked like he was seconds away from a hospital visit when a small box opened, revealing a note.
Noah took the opportunity to snatch the next clue, reading it as Alejandro hovered over his shoulder.
“Well?” He asked, not bothering to help Tyler who was pinned to the machine.
“If your teammate can still use their feet bring them down for something to eat.” Noah recited, pocketing the letter and helping Tyler out of his restraints.
“Oh..thanks man that feels so much better.” Tyler sighed, leaning back and stretching his arm up in the air.
“Good let’s go.” Noah said, glancing towards the door. He would have led the way but, climbing up the steps had hurt his ankle and he didn’t want Alejandro to see him struggling to walk down stairs— he would take that as an opportunity to swoop in and help. Noah knew that if he was going to win the competition it was going to be of his own violation.
He had already nearly drowned, what else could the competition possibly throw at him?
“Vamos.” Alejandro said, taking Noah’s hesitance as a sign to regain control of the trio.
Noah wasn’t complaining, trailing behind them as Alejandro brushed passed the large stone door. It was heavy, heavy enough that Noah doubted he could close it on his own.
Maybe he shouldn’t have been so focused on the door as another step caused him to trip— his feet flailed about for a moment before he landed to the ground with a thud.
Noah groaned, hands reaching for his injured ankle. Great, this was great.
Noah pushed himself up to see a small piece of concrete that had been moved. He had fallen on some dumb rock? Maybe life hated him more than he thought.
That was clearly the case when a soft breeze whipped through the room— the lanterns flickering along the walls like some sort of horror movie.
Noah swallowed hard, holding his leg close to his body. His eyes darted around the room, looking out for any movement. He knew that he was vulnerable, seeing as Alejandro hadn’t noticed his absence. If they both didn’t figure out that he hadn’t followed behind them he was gone.
“Who’s there?” Noah asked, arm reaching for the wooden contraption in the center of the room. It was hard to grip with his sweaty palms but, he managed to pull himself up. His injured leg hung limply at his side, slightly poised above the ground.
There was no response to his inquiry. Only the lull of the fire could be heard—until the flames slowly extinguished, one after the other.
The small patter in his chest got faster the dimmer the room got. Whoever Chris had hired to play the Ripper must have liked to play with their food first. Noah wasn’t having it.
While his invisible assailant tried to scare the ever living shit out of him, Noah released his hold on the torture rack. It was a mad dash to the open doorway, injured leg forcing him to limp there. He wasn’t sure if he would make it but, he would try.
His sudden escape caused physical footsteps to manifest behind him, darkness hiding the figure marked only by the flow of their cape.
The light was extending onto him from the torch just outside the room, he was so close.
Then the feeling of fabric covered him, his world going dark.
Noah struggled-tried to anyways- as he body fell to the floor. That was going to leave a couple bruises, if it wasn’t obvious by the aching.
He could hear shuffling outside as he was lifted up and dragged away but, he wasn’t focusing on that.
He knew it was just some stupid game but, the brown threads of the sack pressing up against his face weren’t.
Noah tried to breath, he tried to get a hold of himself.
It didn’t work.
Maybe he was thinking too much into things but, it felt like there was no oxygen left to inhale—like he had been stuck in a void.
In the midst of the sweat dripping down his -well everywhere- and the constant bumps Noah panicked. It wasn’t simply fear, it was more than that.
He couldn’t breath, his lungs were burning the longer he stayed trapped in the sack. He was suffocating.
He was drowning.
Water was going to flood his lungs and there was no hope for him. He would die on the dusty ocean floor and, no one would find him.
He couldn’t even think. Drowning cut off oxygen to the brain, he would spend his last moments in blissful peace— he wouldn’t even be able to comprehend that he was about to die. That he was already gone.
Noah didn’t know what else to do so he curled in tighter on himself. Would it make the drowning quicker? He wasn’t sure but, it was the only thing that muffled the quiet sobs. The fear and panic showing itself where no one would be able to hear it.
He was gasping for air but, he couldn’t find it.
The water was flooding his lungs-
He was dead-
He was gone-
The sand felt nice in between his fingers.
The kelp tickled his feet as he tore at the vine.
The salt water burned his eyes.
He was dead.
No one was there to save him
__________________________________________
Alejandro wanted to smack himself as he and Tyler stared into the room from which they had just exited.
Noah was gone.
That much was obvious as Alejandro treaded up the steps a second time. He had taken too long to realize, attention diverted towards Tyler.
He was rambling about different yoga techniques, Alejandro couldn’t have cared less. Now Noah was gone because he had gotten distracted. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to bring Tyler along. He had fulfilled his purpose, now he was simply a nuance.
“Oh man not Noah..sorry dude I didn’t check to see if he was behind me..”Tyler said, rubbing his arm awkwardly. How dare he care now? Now that Noah was already gone. Alejandro felt like punching something.
It was fine.
He needed to breath.
They still had to win and, Noah was probably fine.
They didn’t have time for him to mope.
Why was he even moping in the first place?
Alejandro didn’t think about it for long, taking Tyler’s wrist and pulling him along. The athletic wannabe would only slow him down if they walked at his pace.
“Woah hang on dude..”Tyler said, Alejandro ignoring any protests.
They were behind now, all thanks to him.
Alejandro’s mood was further worsened when Team Amazon came strolling up the stairs.
They were short a member, notably Courtney. It was nothing compared to his team that had been reduced to a duo. Heather instantly picked up on his annoyance, smile on her face as he tried to ignore her.
“What happened to your team? Too much for you to handle?” Heather asked, talking big game for someone who nearly had the same number of teammates as he did.
“I could ask you the same question.” Alejandro bounced back, not waiting for her response before storming off.
“Ugh rude…”Alejandro could hear from behind him but, he didn’t have time to argue with Heather. They had a clue to find and a mass murderer to catch. Alejandro would become a murderer himself if whoever Chris had hired to chase them around hurt Noah.
Not that he cared about him in any meaningful way. The relationship was a means to an end, a way to gain his trust and lull him into a false sense of security until Alejandro ran out of uses for him. That was all it was, right?
It had to be.
Alejandro’s grip on Tyler’s wrist loosened as they arrived in the dinning hall—a breath left Alejandro as he stepped into the room.
There was a clue hidden somewhere, the only question was where.
Alejandro didn’t waste time shifting things on the wide table that filled the room. Knowing Chris it wouldn’t be somewhere extremely hard to find given the shows half hour run time. That didn’t mean it was going to be easy as Alejandro found, digging through the various bowls of food laid out around him.
“Mierda. ¿Dónde está?” Alejandro grumbled, pulling out flowers from a vase and tossing them to the floor.
“Uh dude look at this..do you think this is real treasure?” Tyler asked, putting on a gold chain.
“Lindsay would totally love this..”he commented, reaching further in and pulling out a small golden egg.
“Hey what’s this-“ he asked, Alejandro’s eyes turning to his.
“The final clue.” Alejandro snapped. He didn’t waste a moment pulling the paper out of the egg, unraveling the scroll.
The words were blurring together, either from his shaky hands or the panic he was feeling. He just wanted the challenge to end so he could be reunited with No-
With his team.
Being separate was not good for team moral.
Alejandro’s vision final focused, allowing him to read the words.
“Hey what does it say?” Tyler asked, setting the egg on the table.
Alejandro shook his head, not wanting to admit that the clue didn’t make much sense.
“It’s not important I know-“ Alejandro began, the sound of barking cutting him off. It wasn’t just one bark that stilled his speech but, a chorus of the sound.
Alejandro looked towards the source, finding fifteen or so corgis staring up at them.
“Oh hehehe down boy.” Izzy said, walking through a side door with a large sack slung over her shoulder.
“Oh who’s a good boy, you’re a good boy.” Izzy said, leaning down to pet one of the dogs on the head.
“Woah did you seriously catch that Ripper guy?” Tyler asked, mouth hung open.
“Oh yeah..he tried to catch me earlier but, you can’t bag Izzy that easily..”Izzy said.
“He managed to get big O but, I bided my time and waited for the right moment to strike!” Izzy said, banging the side of the bag when a low growl came from in it.
“Oh be quiet I caught you fair and square Mr. Murderer.” Izzy said, barring her teeth at the sack. Alejandro didn’t know what to feel at the overwhelming sight in front of him.
“Well you have done well Izzy..if you do indeed have the right man we should take him back to Chris before anyone else tries to steal him from you.” Alejandro offered, stepping through the corgis.
“Oh yeah..we probably should hehehe..you mind holding him I see something mama might want.” Izzy said, shoving the sack into his hand before bouncing through the air. How the girl performed such elaborate gymnastic tricks was beyond him. She had set her sight on a suit of armor in the corner of the room. Alejandro didn’t care about her as he had been handed the key to victory.
A grin overtook his face.
His team wasn’t as bad as he thought.
Now he simply had to reunite them.
__________________________________________
Curling up in Courtney’s lap was not how Noah expected the challenge to end.
Then again he hadn’t expected to be hunted by a pretend serial killer either.
It had started after he was dumped out of the sack, sweet air filling his lungs.
A part of him knew he wasn’t drowning, he knew he was in a sack with more than enough air to breathe, but his brain couldn’t process that. To him all he could associate with the suffocating feeling was drowning. His very recent drowning.
To say Noah was thankful to be broken out of whatever the hell that was was an understatement.
He may have emerged from the sack in a sad lump on the ground, tears on his cheeks and snot running down his face, but at least he was free.
In the typical Courtney fashion she shooed the others away, giving him space to inhale the stuffy air of the plane.
He knew he was fine but, it took him way too long to realize that. By that point he was holding onto Courtney’s hand, eyes turned towards the floor.
One more deep breath and he felt better, for the moment.
He should have simply left when he had the chance, told Alejandro to vote for him when they talked that night. Then he could actually heal from what happened, not be put through constant reminders that his brain helpfully brought up.
Had he been home he never would have been shoved in a sack, never would have had to so much as look at a body of water.
Noah felt miserable.
“Are you feeling better?” Courtney asked, removing her hand from his tight grip.
“Fine..”Noah lied, coughing into his arm to clear the grainy quality his voice had acquired.
“It was just-“ He tried before Courtney shut him down, pulling herself up and placing a hand on her hip.
“You don’t need to explain it..I didn’t want to mention anything but, I was afraid that there may have been some other symptoms due to your accident.”
“So you didn’t bother to tell me that I might have a panic attack because I thought I couldn’t breath?” Noah deadpanned, too tired to put any malice into his words.
“I didn’t want to stress you out..I figured you knew.” She admitted.
Noah looked away from her because she had a point. He had known there was a possibility. He knew that he was probably a bit screwed up from the experience but, he had voted to ignore it.
If he wanted to win he had to ignore it.
“Whatever..”Noah said softly, feeling an overwhelming urge to drop the topic.
He would be moving past what had just happened and no one was going to stop him. He didn’t feel like sitting and sulking. He had already made the decision to stay and he had to at least try. What was the point of securing his trust in Alejandro and, listening to the dramatic love confession if he didn’t plan to milk it for all it was worth.
Noah wouldn’t let anything stop him from trying.
He was only more determined.
“Are you sure because it’s okay to-“
“It’s fine..I’m fine thanks for..doing that.” Noah said bluntly, finally looking up at the other contestants that had been taken.
Gwen gave him a small wave, Sierra was strangling Cody, and Owen smiled wide.
“Hey little buddy!” Owen said, boundless optimism a relief to Noah.
“Hey dude..are you okay?” Noah asked, walking over to him.
“Yeah.. the Ripper totally got me but, Izzy got away…”Owen said, looking over at the monitors displayed on the wall. Noah had nearly missed them, having been a bit… distracted. Noah was thankful Owen wasn’t pushing anything, he didn’t feel like discussing it.
“Chris really splurged on this didn’t he?” Noah commented, eyes drawn to a small blob of red in the corner—Alejandro.
He was walking through the hall, Tyler’s wrist secured in his grasp. His footsteps were urgent, like he was a second from breaking into a sprint.
Noah sat down on one of the chairs Chris had, surprisingly, added to the room.
All he could do was watch the challenge end.
And tune out the voices in his head that made it feel like everyone’s eyes were on him.
__________________________________________
They won the challenge.
Alejandro presented the Ripper proudly to the others awe struck faces.
First class was theirs, it was almost too easy.
DJ had tied with the Amazons for last leaving Chris to kick him out due to convenience. Alejandro would have been worried about the bending of the rules had it not been in his favor. The action left his team in tact and, stronger than ever while the Amazons numbers were dwindling.
The only downside of winning was that he was forced to deal with the others shenanigans for hours before the sun finally set—first class was a breeding ground for chaos.
It was exhausting. The feeling was only made worse by the spiraling thoughts in regard to his boyfriend. (calling Noah that still felt strange but, he had to get into character and repeating it in his head was helping make it sound real—it also sounded nice but, that was beside the point)
Noah was silent, more than usual.
When Chris announced their victory he hadn’t even cracked a smile. He barely even looked at Alejandro as the team cheered. It was like his mind was heavy.
The thought put dangerous worries into Alejandro’s head.
Did he know what Alejandro was inevitably planning to do?
Was he plotting against him?
How did he find out?
Alejandro tapped his foot repeatedly against the padded ground.
He needed to talk to him, get him to spill the beans.
It was hard to focus on anything else- like the TV or the various reading materials shoved in the back of the seat in front of him- when Noah took over his thoughts.
He knew better than to talk to him until the sun set. He didn’t need any interruptions that could potentially shut him up.
In theory it was full proof but, waiting for the sun to slowly set felt like torture— especially when he could be figuring out what had happened in the small amount of time that they had been apart.
Hearing the sound of snores full the cabin came as a much needed relief, along with Noah crawling into the seat next to him. He had been lounging on a couch across the room for hours, never looking up from his book. Alejandro wasn’t sure if he was simply engrossed or doing it on purpose. It was probably both.
Alejandro didn’t waste a second drawing Noah into his arms, hugging him tightly.
Maybe he had missed his physical closeness Noah provided. That was all, and it would make Noah flustered—it was easier to get information that way.
“You’ve been ignoring everyone.” Alejandro said as he settled his head on Noah’s shoulder. He was leaning over onto his seat, invading his space.
Noah didn’t protest his advances, simply setting his book down and letting it happen.
“..I’m tried..didn’t get enough sleep last night.” Noah explained blankly, holding onto Alejandro’s arms. His touch felt fleeting.
Alejandro would make him reveal the truth.
“Yet you seemed very energetic climbing up those stairs earlier.” Alejandro joked, trying to catch Noah in something. He was usually careful but, he had been slipping up ever sense his accident in Jamaica.
“Adrenaline.” Noah said, eyes darting downward.
“You know you can tell me if anything’s wrong mi amor..”Alejandro offered.
“That is what you do in a relationship..no?” he added.
“It’s nothing just… something stupid..”Noah said. The way his voice shook made Alejandro freeze, head drawing back from him while his arms hugged tighter.
There was pain in Noah’s voice, genuine pain. That was hard for even him to fake.
What was he doing?
Noah didn’t know anything, he couldn’t. Alejandro was being selfish thinking that Noah was plotting against him. Something had happened but, Alejandro didn’t think he had anything to do with it—he hoped he didn’t.
Alejandro wanted to hold him and never let go, make sure his voice never sounded like that again.
For an alliance.
That was it.
The warm feeling in his chest was simply a byproduct— latent benefits of his plan.
Alejandro wanted to defend himself further but, he was short on reasons. Everything simply felt right.
“I doubt it’s stupid if it’s effecting you like this.” Alejandro said, drawing Noah into his side—pressing them together in one big hug. One which Noah reciprocated, practically leaning into his chest.
“Tell me what’s wrong..I don’t like seeing you hurt.” Alejandro said, knowing full well the words were ironic given what he had been plotting.
Why did his plan suddenly seem much harsher. Alejandro wasn’t even sure if he could follow through seeing how bad he felt watching Noah suffer.
That wasn’t him keeping his feelings out of things.
No he was jumping in headfirst.
Noah opened his mouth to speak, eyes staring at the blank TV screen on the back of the seats in front of them.
His first word came out choked, indecipherable. The next attempt came out as a whimper, the sound shattering Alejandro’s heart.
He rarely saw Noah at a loss for words and, he’d never seen him cry before. Alejandro hadn’t thought it was possible.
His thoughts didn’t change the fact that Noah was sobbing into his shirt, hands clutching the red fabric as his emotions came unwound in an ugly mess.
Alejandro didn’t speak, hand going to the back of Noah’s head—he started to weave his hand through his hair, holding him close. What else could he do? Alejandro was good with emotions but, he wasn’t familiar with comforting someone. Really comforting someone— not attempting to weave their emotions to his own liking.
Every shaky breath, every tear that rolled down Noah’s cheek, every tightening of his grip on Alejandro’s shirt hurt. Alejandro needed to know what was wrong, then he could make sure things were fixed. He wasn’t going to allow his boyfriend to sob into his shoulder anymore.
“Noah.” Alejandro said, retreating back.
“What happened mi amor.” Alejandro asked firmly, hands gripping his shoulder tightly.
Noah sniffled, wiping his nose with his shirt like he didn’t care enough to grab a tissue. He reached his hand up to his face, wiping his bloodshot eyes with the back of his hand. The tears kept coming but, he ignored them.
“Sorry.” Was the first word out of Noah’s mouth—in a dull tone. He was back nearly instantly, rebounding. He still couldn’t meet Alejandro’s eyes.
Alejandro could barely suppress a laugh at the absurdity of the statement.
“Why are you apologizing?” Alejandro asked, raising an eyebrow.
Noah scowled, drawing away from him and crossing his arms.
“I don’t know.” He admitted, sticking up his nose to make it look like he hadn’t just been crying—wasn’t still crying. Noah was stubborn, it was a personality trait that always caused Alejandro trouble.
“My question still stands.” Alejandro said.
Noah nodded his head, laying back in his seat. His eyes stared at the ceiling, trying to delay whatever he was about to say.
“It is stupid..I mean it.” Noah clarified.
Alejandro didn’t need to speak, he simply gave Noah a look.
“Fine..”he conceded, shifting uncomfortably.
“For the record I didn’t mean to ignore you or well anyone but, I didn’t feel like talking ..”Noah began.
“I-“Noah struggled to continue.
“I don’t think I’m over that whole near drowning thing..”Noah said, forced laughter following. It sounded like nails on a chalkboard with Noah’s scratchy voice.
“I got nabbed back in that room..because you didn’t realize I tripped.” Noah said, glare aimed at Alejandro. It felt defensive, like Noah was intentionally going off topic.
“I sincerely apologize..Tyler distracted me with his..yoga talk.” Alejandro shuttered imagining the conversation.
Noah cracked a smile that wasn’t forced, eyes relaxing onto Alejandro.
“It’s fine..it was the stupid ankle.” Noah said, his leg moving below him like he had suddenly become aware of the pain.
“But, it doesn’t really matter because Ezekiel managed to grab me by extinguishing the lanterns.”Noah explained.
“He tossed a sack over my head and-“ Noah froze, swallowing spit that built up in the back of his throat.
“..I couldn’t breath..” Noah explained calmly, this time it sounded like he was using every inch of willpower to keep emotion out of his voice.
“It was just a burlap sack you know..plenty of space for breathing comfortably.” Noah added with sarcasm aimed at himself.
“But, the second I was shoved in there my airway closed up and..”
“…and I was back in that lagoon with kelp tied around my leg.” Noah admitted with a drawn out sigh.
“I thought it was over..I thought I was fine but, then it all came back so fast and I don’t know what to do about it..”Noah explained. He was no longer merely crossing his arms but, hugging himself tightly.
Alejandro wouldn’t let that stand, taking him back by wrapping his arms around him. Alejandro wasn’t sure why he had let him escape in the first place. The second he pulled back he missed his warmth.
“That’s all…it’s stupid I told you.” Noah said, eyes staring vacantly forward.
“It is not stupid..you have a right to feel afraid..you almost died.”Alejandro comforted , letting his own pain out. He could recall the fear he felt seeing Noah pale on the beach.
“It would be strange if you brushed that off.”Alejandro added, proud of himself for doing well so far. He was simply trying to make Noah feel better, no alternative motive. He could make another plan tomorrow, reroute his initial plot. Right now Noah needed him.
“Yeah but, I don’t want to deal with it..what’s the point of trying if I have to deal with this on top of the drama…it’s not fair.” Noah muttered, leaning into Alejandro like a pillow.
Alejandro’s brain nearly short circuited at the sight of Noah practically snuggling into his chest. How was he this cute? Alejandro wasn’t sure he even knew what he was doing.
Alejandro nearly forgot that he was supposed to respond.
“It’s not.” Alejandro conceded.
“But, you have your amazing, handsome, and lifesaving boyfriend here to help you.” Alejandro said, batting his eyelashes as Noah rolled his eyes. A small bit of guilt cropped up, again.
Alejandro kept backtracking on his plan, he needed to decide if he was trying to play Noah—or if he genuinely enjoyed his company.
The latter reason would only make things more complicated—yet he was still leaning towards it.
“Lifesaving is the only adjective I would use.” Noah commented.
Alejandro didn’t follow up on his comment.
Maybe it was the soft hum of the plane, or the lullaby of Owen’s snores that made Alejandro’s eyes grow heavy. He had more to say but, none of it seemed important.
“Hey..”Noah muttered, curling against Alejandro like a cat.
“Thanks.” Noah whispered, voice fading.
Then he was gone, soft snores soon echoing Owen’s.
Alejandro felt himself beginning to slip away—his mind was filling with troubling thoughts.
Thoughts of what he was going to do with Noah.
A small part of him wished, desperately, that he had gotten to eliminate Noah when he had the chance. On the other hand a large part of him was happy that he had gotten closer to Noah, happy that he had started the charade.
Charade was the wrong feeling the things Alejandro was feeling with Noah snuggled next to him.
The thought of eliminating him sounded impossible. No matter how heartless he came across he had gotten attached.
Damnit.
How could he have missed the signs, the worry he felt anytime Noah was away.
He had fallen in love with him.
For real.
No plan, no eventually backstabbing.
Alejandro wanted to be with him.
He wanted to take him to the final two. Hug him, kiss him, hold his hand like some cheesy rom com.
That was all he wanted.
Maybe he could make it work.
Alejandro began to plot another route, another way to get to the top, sparing Noah.
This would work.
It had to because he wasn’t sure he could let go of Noah so soon.
__________________________________________
Noah wasn’t asleep.
His eyes may have been shut tight but, he was painfully aware of reality.
His mind was racing, shuffling through his small conversation with Alejandro like he was trying to memorize it.
Alejandro had comforted him, a smile on his face while he talked him down from his unintentional sob fest.
It was nice, it should have been.
All Noah could think about was how the situation felt eerily similar to the others. How Alejandro happened to have the uncanny ability to twist his emotions.
A large part of Noah wanted to ignore it. He couldn’t possibly be trying to get anything, he was trustworthy.
What if he had manufactured everything?
What if Noah was simply playing his game, helpless to stop anything?
Noah wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he fell for it. Alejandro’s scheme.
It hurt to think that Alejandro was simply trying to gain his trust, taking advantage of his vulnerability, but it was a possibility. A large one seeing how nice he was acting. Noah had never seen him show such genuine kindness before. Why would he be any different, because Alejandro ‘loved’ him.
Noah hated the discomfort he felt thinking that even the emotions were fake.
The intrusive thoughts weren’t leaving his head no matter what he did.
Alejandro was playing him.
Alejandro only wanted to use him for a vote.
Alejandro didn’t really care.
The more than circled around the more Noah believed them.
How could Alejandro really care about him? Was he even capable of that? Not from what Noah had seen.
Maybe he was lying to himself thinking that anything with Alejandro would work out—that it wouldn’t end in failure.
Noah curled into Alejandro’s chest tighter, head dropping lower the more the thoughts spiraled.
Ignoring the suspicion wasn’t an option.
Noah had to be careful if he wanted to survive.
Courtney was right.
Why would Alejandro willingly confess his love if it wasn’t for some ploy.
How could he have been so stupid?
Alejandro was an eel.
He had to be.
This couldn’t be real.
It was too good to be true.
It was time he stopped denying it.
Notes:
Well hopefully this scratched the itch. I got some requests for a part two so I decided to rewrite the first ‘chapter’ and finish this (the first 2k words have been sitting in a word documents for months)
I didn’t really know how to end the story promptly so I decided to kind of leave it off with an ironic twist (Alejandro finally being genuine while Noah begins to suspects him again)
Thank you for all the support on the first part of this (reading back on that omg it was hard to read the grammatical errors and, run in sentences). Regardless I really appreciate it.
Oh and, the lack of confessionals was intentional seeing as the drama turned inward compared to the obvious external conflict of the first chapter (if that even makes sense).
Anyways, as always, thank you for reading this long part and, hope you have a good rest of your day!
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