Work Text:
“Aw man..”Tyler groaned, stretching his arms up in the air.
He had almost escaped the challenge unscathed before Cody landed right on top of him, feathers scattered everywhere and back cracking like a twig. Tyler was surprised he hadn’t broken a bone with now often he got injured. He knew he was clumsy but, he didn’t know how much more pummeling he could take.
To make matters worse they had lost the challenge, they were so close. Tyler had almost reached the metal when the wax holding his wings together melted and he fell. It was his fault for volunteering in the first place, hadn’t he dealt with enough? Courtney had already nearly knocked him out with one punch.
It didn’t matter in the present. Tyler was sitting on a rock, observing sprawled out hills and houses that dotted the horizon line like an oil painting.
Chris had kicked them out of the plane to fix some repairs that had cropped up due to their rather sudden change of course. He had claimed that they were too noisy and still had some day light to hang out around the set. Tyler didn’t mind as he had nothing better to do. Greece was a pretty nice place despite all the crumbling temples.
His serenity was interrupted by the sound of sobbing.
It was Courtney, distraught over the secret he had spilled without thinking. She had been sobbing on and off into Heathers arms- calling Gwen a variety of troubling nicknames. Tyler felt guilty but, he owed Alejandro and they had an alliance. It wasn’t his fault Duncan decided to kiss Gwen, at least he didn’t think it was.
Tyler set his arms back down, crossing them against his chest as a breeze blew through the temple. He was still wearing his outfit from the tiebreaker. Chris had ‘lost’ his tracksuit and they weren’t allowed back on the plane so he was stuck wearing the lackluster piece of cloth. It was humiliating, one of the reasons he had snuck away from the others- Duncan teasing him about it.
It felt like every episode he got humiliated in some vein or another. He dealt with it but, it certainly wasn’t fun being a life sized punching bag.
He sighed observing the setting sun, it was pretty- beautiful even. He knew that Chris would call them back to the plane soon enough and he would once again be back in economy class- sitting around and staring at the wall. As the numbers on their team dwindled Tyler found the conversation lacking, no one really wanted to say anything. What was there to say when they would eventually be voting someone off, it was only a matter of time.
Tyler’s thoughts were broken by a sound.
“Squawk.”
The shrill noise caused him to jump, eyes instantly widening.
What was happening? Had that really been-
No it couldn't be.
Tyler glanced around, ignoring his shaky hands.
Nothing was there, it was like the sound had just appeared out of thin air.
“This isn’t cool man is anyone there?” Tyler asked standing perched on the rock he had been sitting on. His senses were heightened simply hearing the sound, so much for relaxing.
He got no reply- unsurprisingly.
Tyler looked around for a couple more seconds before a sigh of relief escaped him. He must have been hearing things, it had been a long day and he felt like his brain had been knocked loose from Cody using him as a landing pad.
He relaxed back onto the rock, using his cape as a makeshift jacket as he stared back out on the horizon line. He enjoyed sightseeing, it reminded him of how amazing nature was.
Tyler tried to focus on the sight but, the sound of small footsteps on the dirt made him tense up once again.
It was nothing he tried to tell himself but, it was no use.
“Show yourself..”he said a lot less confidently than before, cape inching slightly over his head like a shield.
“Squawk?” Another sound came from behind him. Tyler was almost afraid to look but, he didn’t want to be ambushed.
He slowly lowered his cape, eyes glancing over his shoulder at the origin of the sound. He really hoped he was just going crazy, that the noise was nothing more than a stress induced hallucination. Tyler knew he was never that lucky.
Behind him stood a chicken, not one but, three. They were relatively small with cute little heads and big black eyes. Their beaks were a bright shade of yellow and their feathers varied from speckled to pitch black. Tyler barely noticed any of the details, brain going into fight or flight mode.
“No!” he said stumbling backwards as the birds stared at him.
“G-get away man.” He said waving his cape in the wind like a bull fighter offering up a challenge. He felt like a bull fighter as a bull stared him head on.
The chickens didn’t respond, blinking at him slowly- however chickens blinked. They looked blood thirsty, ready to peck his eyes out at the slightest notice- one wrong move and he was a goner.
Tyler wanted to curl in on himself and rock back in forth, he couldn’t do this he felt terrified.
“Please..p-please dude..”he said softly, voice not carrying over to the birds. They only moved closer, hopping up on the rock that he had once been sitting on.
Tyler wondered vaguely where the birds had even come from, there was nothing but, temple for miles. Had they ventured all this way just to torment him? Tyler would have believed it, he couldn’t catch a break.
With no one coming to his rescue Tyler backed up further, covering himself completely with his flowy red cape- turning the world black. It was a small comfort even though he knew the birds were right outside. He could hear their tiny footsteps and muffled squawks regarding him curiously.
They were blood thirsty demons, Tyler wished he had the courage to kick them back. He was so close to them but, he wasn’t sure he would be able to move his legs if he had to. His whole body was shaking and he squeezed his eyes shut despite the shadows surrounding him.
“Not again..please.”He whispered over and over again.
The sound of small footsteps suddenly stopped, causing Tyler’s breathing to halt.
“¡De vuelta, alimañas!” A distinctly Spanish voice yelled as the sound of heavy footsteps surrounded him.
“Squawk!” The birds protested before Tyler could hear it flapping its wings.
“My friend are you okay?” The voice asked. Tyler swallowed hard, why wasn’t the guy laughing- everyone else had back on the island.
Tyler peaked his head out from his cape to see Alejandro staring at him with a relaxed smile- hand outstretched. The chickens were no where in sight having been scared off. He took a deep breath to calm his racing heart.
“Thank you so much dude.”he said taking his hand and standing up- feet shaking dangerously.
“They ambushed me..I don’t know where they came from.”he tried to explain, eye flitting around the vacant temple. He was safe, there were no chickens anywhere in sight yet he still felt his body quaking.
“I know it’s stupid..”he admitted hanging his head in shame. He had thought he had seen the last of those stupid birds after they were the cause of his last elimination- clearly the show couldn’t stop torturing him.
“It is okay I completely understand.” Alejandro said with a comforting look on his face.
Tyler was still conflicted by his reaction, everyone else had mocked him back on the island. Even now he couldn’t escape the chicken puns, Duncan making one every once in a while just to see him squirm. Tyler hated it but, he couldn’t stop the drop of terror in his stomach at the sight of the birds. He knew the fear was irrational but, something about the birds scared the crap out of him- made him want to curl up into a ball and sob.
“Are you sure you are alright?” Alejandro asked raising an eyebrow when Tyler stood there a little too long.
Tyler met his gaze giving him a hesitant grin.
“Sorry man..uh yeah I’m good.”he said trying to subtly wipe the tears that had formed in his eyes. Stupid chickens and stupid Greece.
“How did you find me anyways?” Tyler asked trying to change the subject before he could further humiliate himself in front of the guy he had an alliance with.
“I was simply taking a walk around the temple to pass the time.”he said tucking a loose strand of hair out of his face. Tyler noticed his hair was still in the ponytail from earlier. Somehow the dude pulled it off.
“Oh cool..”Tyler said feeling the awkwardness settle in the air, he attempted to drape his cape back around his neck to fill the silence.
“May I ask why you are so terrified of the small fowl?” Alejandro asked stepping closer to him. He looked sympathetic enough, Tyler trusted him.
“I don’t really know..”Tyler said scratching the back of his head.
“It’s just something about their beady eyes and those sharp beaks.”he said, shuttering as the image of a chicken briefly crossed his mind.
“It doesn’t really matter I’m out of here anyways before they come back.” Tyler said bouncing on the balls of his feet. He wasn’t sure if he could handle seeing another one of this birds. If he wasn’t afraid of chickens back then he certainly was after being attacked by them on the boat home. He still had a couple scars in the form of claw scratches on his chest. He could even see one on his shoulder with his limited attire.
“Squawk!” Another sound suddenly came from behind a pillar- tormenting him further.
Tyler jumped, feeling frozen once again. He knew his eyes were wide as Alejandro turned towards the sounds
“I can’t do this man.” Tyler said crossing his arms tightly and trying to breathe. The sound of footsteps echoed throughout the stone temple before someone stepped out from behind the pillar..
“Haha..the look on your face is priceless dude..I can’t believe you’re still afraid of chickens.” Duncan laughed holding his stomach as tears practically poured down his face.
“Hey..not cool man.” Tyler said feeling his cheeks burn. He should have known someone was targeting him- Duncan made sense after what he had done.
“Call this pay back..”he said reaching behind the pillar and picking up a small black bird- petting it as it cooed.
Tyler stared at it- refusing to blink.
“Got this little fella along with its buddies at a farm over there..if you’re going to ruin my relationship then I’m getting revenge.” He said smirking victoriously.
“Is this really necessary?” Alejandro asked, eye twitching.
“Aw Come on it’s just a little bird he should man up a bit.” Duncan said stilling his laughter and stepping closer to Tyler.
Tyler stepped back, stumbling on a rock and falling. The pain didn’t distract him from the bird currently in front of him, he was paralyzed all over again.
“Get it away!” Tyler yelped
“Let’s calm down..there is no need to terrify him.” Alejandro said stepping in front of him.
“Why do you care so much dude let me have some fun.” Duncan scowled.
“I need to blow off some steam after Courtney let me have.”he said sighing.
“Come on just pet it dude and I’ll leave you alone it’s a bird get over yourself.” Duncan snapped looking pissed off as Tyler was cowering.
“N-no way man come on..”he said said. He had just wanted to relax before the next challenge, maybe think about seeing Lindsay again.
“Parada.” Alejandro snapped snatching the small bird from his hand and releasing it in the air. It squawked softly as it glided towards the ground. Tyler’s eyes were glued to it as it slowly walked away.
“Aw come on that was the only one I could catch after you scared them away.” Duncan grumbled crossing his arms.
“Why are you defending the guy anyways he caused us to lose!” Duncan said pointing an accusing finger at Tyler.
Tyler simply watched blankly as they continued arguing. Those stupid birds, his mouth felt dry and he began hugging his knees breathing shallowly- it was the only thing that stopped him from freaking out further. The irrationally placed fear was embarrassing, he should have known he wouldn’t have been able to escape facing his fear a second time.
“Because he is our teammate..your teammate whether you like it or not and this is not beneficial to the team.” Alejandro snapped, venom dripping into his voice.
“So stop being childish and go sulk somewhere else.” Alejandro said really letting him have it.
“Whatever..you can deal with him then.”Duncan huffed turning around- after flipping Alejandro off.
Alejandro only rolled his eyes rubbing the bridge if his nose in annoyance.
“Estoy rodeado de idiotas.” Alejandro grumbled under his breath, turning back to Tyler. Tyler could barely see him, vision blurring with tears- this would certainly tank his reputation.
Alejandro kneeled down next to him, hand placed on his back. “Take a deep breath I scared them all away.” he comforted.
Tyler tried even if it felt like his lungs were constricting- his head was cloudy but, he couldn’t let Alejandro down- so he breathed. He wheezed, chest heaving up and down in a uniform motion over and over again.
“I’m good man I’m good.” he said feeling less like he was breathing through a straw. He almost felt as bad as he did back on that boat surrounded by those birds- now that he thought about it Chris had gone easy on him. The only chickens he had to face back then were in a small box meters away from him.
“I think I’m okay..”he finally said looking up at Alejandro. Tyler wondered briefly why the guy was helping him, he wasn’t even sure if they were friends despite his various attempts to get on his good side. He had thought an alliance was the furthest he could go.
“Thanks dude..for helping me out.” Tyler said turning back to the sunrise.
“It’s humiliating..no one will let me live this stupid fear down.” He said sighing.
Alejandro placed himself down next to Tyler, legs stretched out and arms leaning back.
“Nonsense you can admit your fear while many others pretend it doesn’t effect them..you faced it quite well.” Alejandro assured him giving Tyler a strange sense of pride for reducing himself to a sniveling ball on the ground.
“I guess so man…”Tyler said stringing his hands together.
The silence was nice, Tyler found himself at peace finally uncurling and returning to his relaxed posture. It was nice, it was what he had been doing before being bothered.
Alejandro tapped the ground softly, almost like a nervous habit, Tyler ignored it until he cleared his throats.
“This may seem sudden but, I have a favor to ask my friend.”Alejandro asked, lip curled up in a relaxed smile.
“Another one.” He added inching closer to him.
Tyler wouldn’t deny that his heart sped up.
“What is it?” Tyler asked softly feeling strangely vulnerable- why did it feel like he was staring down a chicken all over again.
“I need you to vote for Duncan with me…and then after that Owen…I have a plan and as long as you stick by my side we will make it to the merge.” He said narrowing his eyes.
Tyler swallowed hard, drawing his eyes away from the sunset
“Sure..you don’t need to tell me twice man he just harassed me with chickens..” Tyler said shaking his head. Getting rid of Duncan meant he wouldn’t have to worry about anymore of his revenge plans, he ignored the fact that Alejandro was the reason he was on Duncan’s bad side in the first place.
“I assumed as much..I just wanted to assure that you knew what was best for the team..for us.”he said with a strange sparkle in his eyes.
Tyler nodded feeling unnerved by the way Alejandro was staring at him.
“Yeah..”he said as another shrill scream cut through the air- Courtney.
“Don’t you dare I’m not going back on that death trap with him!!!!!” Courtney yelled, pain could be heard in her voice from kilometers away.
“I suppose we should head back my friend..”Alejandro said standing up and offering his hand to Tyler.
Tyler swallowed hard looking at him with wide eyes, something was off- something he couldn’t put his finger on.
He grabbed his hand, hoisting himself up.
Alejandro smiled and turned around hands releasing his hair from the pony tail he had kept it in.
He began walking, Tyler following after him.
The foreboding feeling didn’t go away- in fact it only worsened.
Things weren’t going to end well, that was a given.
He didn’t know it but, things never ended well when they involved Alejandro.
People didn’t end well.
Tyler tried to smile as he walked, tried to shake off the thoughts- the fear that lingered behind.
It was a small consolation when he had already willingly given himself up to a wolf.
____________________________________
Alejandro hummed to himself, eyes watching Tyler’s sleeping form. He was sprawled out- limbs flailed in every direction as he snored softly. It was endearing in a sense- Alejandro wouldn’t deny that he enjoyed observing him. How exactly was he comfortable?
The lighthearted questioned followed many more in his mind, a spiral of thoughts as he sifted through a variety of topics he still needed to give thought to.
The current one was the dilemma of choosing someone to take with him to the merge. Most of his team was disposable but, he knew he needed a close ally to ensure his victory- someone who wouldn’t sway to Heather.
Duncan was his first option but, his delinquent persona was annoying and revealing his kiss with Gwen had failed its intended purpose- only stirring up more drama. Alejandro was annoyed but, he could make do.
In fact, he had learned from the experience that Duncan was too much of a loose cannon- unable to be trusted in the grand scheme of things (He wasn’t about to change his mind just because he survived the elimination ceremony). No, what he needed was a follower, and Duncan was the opposite.
Owen wasn’t that either no matter how much he acted like it. Alejandro had considered him briefly but, Owen wasn’t blind- Alejandro had just eliminated his friend and he knew that he would be coming up next. Beside that he was annoying and Alejandro didn’t do annoying.
That only left one option, the person he had been leaning towards since the beginning of the competition. The one that he had developed a small amount of feelings for- call it a fondness.He wasn’t sure why or even if it was swaying his decision but, it didn’t matter the plan made sense.And when the time came, he would dispose of him just like everyone else.
Alejandro sighed to himself not wanting to think about the future or the small shred of worry he had felt seeing Tyler on the ground panicking. He was thankful he stepped in when he did or Duncan may have dealt a devastating blow to the team. Tyler was more sensitive than people realized- than he himself realized. Duncan risked putting Tyler out of commission for some petty revenge- it infuriated Alejandro. How dare he. How dare he make Tyler suffer when it was his own fault that his girlfriend hated him.
He couldn’t disguise the way his fist clenched up. It was his fault for getting too invested he had to stay focused, Duncan had survived the elimination ceremony on sheer luck- next time would be different- he had plans big ones.
Alejandro would relish in the fact that he would get his petty revenge.
It would teach him to mess with his votes, his alliances….
Tyler.
He couldn’t wait to see Duncan jump off the plane.
Then he could focus once again.