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After a long day of grueling challenges the sadistic host put everyone through, one could be understandably tired. I could almost just pass out where I’m standing right now. But, I managed to drag myself over to the dock and sit down.
I sighed, looking up at the stars. It must’ve been a new moon, since one couldn’t see the moon without squinting. Whatever, I thought, the speckling of stars amongst the never-ending sky would be enough for my viewing pleasure.
I put my hands behind my back to keep myself from accidentally falling backwards and consequently hitting my head. I bet Chris would laugh at that, I caught myself thinking. “Why did my thoughts go to him?” I ask out loud, laying down to have my back against the dock. What I didn’t expect to see behind me, was the host of the show, Chris McLean.
“Who’d your thoughts go to?” Chris teased as leaned over to show me his taunting smile.
“Eep!” I yelped as I sat up fast, hitting my forehead against his accidentally. I lay back down, holding my forehead since it hurt.
“Oh relax, you’re fine.” Chris huffed and rolled his eyes, sitting down beside me.
I raise an eyebrow but I don’t ask out loud why he’s sitting beside me. He must have his own troubles to worry about, as hard as it is to believe. I turn my attention back to the boundless night sky, looking at the stars and getting lost in my thoughts. Like, how did the guy find out milk was drinkable and safe for humans, do it? Did he just slurp it straight from the udder?
Eventually, Chris speaks up, “why are you out here so late? Aren’t you supposed to be back in your cabins or something?”
I sit up and look at him. He looks tired, the bags under his eyes standing out more due to the illumination of the moon. His black eyes stare into mine, wanting an answer to his question. The stubble on his face looked as if he was trying to grow out a beard but never could, so he resigned to his fate of forever having just stubble. His hair looked fluffy, as opposed to his usual hair doused in hairspray. His hair was jet black, with some signs of early graying hair. At least he didn’t seem to be affected by early male pattern balding.
“I’m waiting for an answer you know, or were you too busy admiring my beauty?” Chris taunts, taking me out of my thoughts.
“Oh, sorry. I was just tired I guess. You know, from the challenge you made us do.” I explain, yawning almost as if on cue.
Chris let out a small chuckle, stifling a yawn. “Yeah that challenge was awesome.” He smirks.
“Sometimes I’m surprised at how childish you can be despite being so old.” I tease, smirking back.
“I’m not that old! I’m only, like, 7 years older!” Chris protests, making me snicker.
“Anyways, why’re you out here?” I ask, directing the question towards him.
“Cause if you get lost, or maimed, or killed, I could be dealing with a lawsuit.” Chris sighs, exhausted by the mere thought of a lawsuit. I shrug and accept that answer, not asking anymore questions.
I looked back towards the water, the edges between that and the sky blurred in the dark of night. My eyes grew heavier as I watched slow ripples cascade through the water, caused by my shoes grazing against it.
I looked over to Chris only to find him drifting in and out of sleep. His head, bobbing slightly, trying and utterly failing to stay awake. I turned my attention back to the sea, only to feel a soft bump against my shoulder. I turn to see what bumped against my shoulder and see that Chris has fallen asleep on my shoulder.
What a dickwad, but, I mean, maybe it’s just for views? I don’t know what to think. And why does my heart flutter so as he rests on my shoulder? It’s all so confusing.
My eyes drift to the sky once more. I let my eyelids grow heavy as I drift to sleep resting alongside McClean.