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“What do you want?” Noah asked looking up from his book. He hated being disturbed, especially by Tyler of all people- whatever he wanted would certainly be a headache.
Tyler only looked at him, swallowing hard as thoughts were clearly forming in his head.
“I Uh..I need your help man…”Tyler stammered, hand instinctively rubbing the back of his head. Noah had noticed the nervous habit long ago, at least it meant that he wasn’t faking it- who was he kidding Tyler wasn’t a good actor.
“My help?” Noah asked after a moment of silence, shock overweighing his annoyance.
“You know there are a million other people that would be a lot more helpful than me..and less annoyed when you interrupt their me time.” Noah asked giving Tyler a bored look, sass becoming evident on his face.
“Please I can't tell anyone else and I don’t know what to do.” Tyler begged, eyes pooled with genuine tears- he looked distraught and Noah was suddenly intrigued. If all else failed maybe he could get a good laugh- Tyler always managed to get himself into ridiculous circumstances.
“Alright I’ll bite what is it?” he asked, doggy earring a page in his book and setting it down next to him. His expression remained the same but, he crossed his arms tightly- waiting for Tyler’s input.
Tyler instantly turned the slightest bit red, ears looking bright pink as he messed with the collar on his tracksuit. Noah wondered when the last time he washed that thing was, it wasn’t looking the best- maybe that was beside the point.
“I think Uh.. I think Al’s flirting with me.”he said.
Noah’s mouth hung open for a moment, he certainly hadn’t expected that.
This was going to be interesting, he could already tell.
•••
Tyler was tired, the bus ride had nearly lulled him to sleep before the bus drivers harsh breaking snapped him back into reality. Tyler simply groaned as his face was pressed up against the padded bus seat, so much for not getting injured- it was too late for that.
All Tyler saw were stars as he sat up and collected his things. To put it bluntly he wasn’t thinking straight.
Little did he know how true that statement would be.
Holding his luggage in his hand Tyler ventured out the doors of the bus, tripping of course, and taking Ezekiel with him. It seemed like he had knocked over a row of dominos as he found himself covered by Bridgette and Izzy as well.
“Ow..”Tyler muttered as Chris continued announcing their arrivals.
“And introducing some new players this season..first up he’s an honor roll student with a diplomat for a dad and the ability to charm the pants off just about any species it’s Alejandro!” Chris said as someone stepped down from the bus gracefully- Tyler could tell hearing the soft clatter of boots on gravel.
“Ladies allow me.” he said holding his hand out for Bridgette and Izzy to take.
“Ohh.” Izzy said.
“Uh I have a boyfriend.” Bridgette exclaimed laughing awkwardly.
“And amigos..”he continued. That was when Tyler really got a good look at him. He was tall, and tan- really tan- his hair was long and his smile was pearly white. Tyler noticed a strange feeling crop up in his gut as he continued to stare at the newcomer, something he didn’t want to address.
That was when he was hoisted to his feet by Alejandro, arms grabbing onto his torso to steady him.
“I Uh..I like girls.” Tyler said backing away slowly, hesitant expression on his face. What was that? Tyler wanted to facepalm.
Alejandro simply smiled, taking off his sunglasses to reveal bright green eyes- eyes that were currently boring holes into Tyler, eyes that winked at him. He only swallowed hard as everyone stared at him. Way to make a good first impression he thought wearily.
“Well that was awkward anyways next to up is Sierra!” Chris said quickly recovering.
Tyler simply sighed and kept walking to where the others were gathered.
He had hoped that this competition would go better than the last one but, clearly that wasn’t the case.
He wasn’t that lucky.
•••
“Wait that’s your evidence?” Noah asked looking skeptic.
“No well kinda…”Tyler began to protest before Noah held his hand up.
“Everyone saw your little freak out.. I doubt that Alejandro even noticed it.” Noah said cynically.
“But, he winked at me.” Tyler said in one breath, recalling the image in his mind. His bright green eyes glued to his, a small motion that made his heart flip.
Noah raised his eyebrow.
“What else do you have?” he asked.
Tyler swallowed hard.
•••
It was their first challenge-in Egypt none the less.
Tyler was busy struggling to climb the giant pyramid they had landed by. Desert sand had gotten into his socks and sweat was dripping down his face, in short he was miserable.Why had he started climbing when he could have gone through? Tyler was sorely regretting his decision with every stone slab he grabbed- hoisting himself further up the towering structure.
“Mi amigo..can I offer you some assistance?” A voice called from behind him.
Tyler glanced around, eyes hazy as he landed on a blob of red.
“Al..?” He questioned shaking his head slowly to see if he was hallucinating.
“Alejandro.” The blob clarified offering his hand out.
Tyler took it immediately, it was better than struggling on his own.
The combined force of his and Alejandro’s pull forced Tyler into Alejandro’s very chiseled chest. His face was touching Alejandro’s bare skin.
That was when his brain really shut down, mouth sputtering out a response as he tried not to make himself aware of how flustered he felt.
Tyler quickly pulled himself back still holding Alejandro’s hand in a death grip. Something about it was comforting, he wasn’t sure what that meant.
“I’m sorry dude I didn’t mean to-“ Tyler began, failing spectacularly at playing it cool.
“Nonsense it happens now come on let’s get to the other side.” Alejandro offered pulling Tyler’s hand upwards as he jumped gracefully. The guy was like a mountain goat, a cute mountain goat. Tyler decided to turn his brain off after that.
The sun made his brain blur and before he knew it they were at the bottom of the pyramid, legs tracking through the sea of sand towards the finish line.
“Ah Alejandro and…Tyler? What a shocking turn of events it looks like alliances have already been made!” Chris announced as Tyler was practically dragged through the finish line.
“Thanks man.”Tyler grumbled as he collapsed to the floor, raising his hand up victoriously.
Maybe a little nap wouldn’t kill anyone, wearing a tracksuit in the desert was definitely a poor idea.
•••
“So he carried you over the pyramid?” Noah asked.
“Yeah man..” Tyler said looking slightly embarrassed as he recalled the memory.
“Well color me surprised I didn’t think the guy had a nice bone in his body but, that doesn’t prove anything..he’s helped everyone at one point to bolster his ‘flawless’ reputation.” Noah said, disdain evident in his voice.
“Yeah I guess you’re right..”Tyler said scratching the back of his head.
“But, I have more..”Tyler said, eyes glancing around the room anxiously.
“Well..?” Noah asked causing him to reminisce once again.
•••
They had landed in Yukon, Canada. It was nice to be home but, the crisp weather was making everyone huddle together for warmth.
“Man it’s f-f-freezing.” Tyler complained, teeth chattering as his arms remained glued to his sides.
“It’s okay Tyrone I’m sure Christian will give us jackets.” Lindsay offered looking unaffected by the cold.
“She’s right I did order jackets for all of you!” Chris said as everyone looked up in surprise.
“But they won’t get here for another month so you’ll have to make do.” Chris said happily as they all groaned.
“Oh.” She said frowning to herself. Tyler only huddled into himself tighter. He and Lindsay had had a rocky relationship ever since Island. He loved her but, she still hadn’t remembered him and Tyler had tried everything. Maybe she was trying to subtly let him down? He understood that he was lucky to have her. All his friends had told him so when he returned home for the brief gap between Action and World Tour.
“This is outrageous!” Courtney demanded pointing a finger at Chris who only smiled.
“Oh quit complaining and start jumping..across this icy obstacle course!” he said gesturing to a large lake filled with various ice chunks.
“I would hurry if I were you the first to get there gets first pick of their sleds for the next part of the challenge.”
“Is it just me or did he get more insane since last season?” Gwen asked as she and Courtney began jumping onto the icy blocks below.
Tyler sighed and stepped closer to the lake, dreading taking the first step. He knew he was clumsy, he knew he was going to fall in the water and he had accepted that.
What he didn’t accept- or expect- was Alejandro to appear behind him, hand placed on his shoulder.
“Are you alright?” he asked gesturing to Tyler’s shaky frame.
Before Tyler even got a chance to respond the ruffle of fabric could be heard and something was draped over his shoulders. It was Alejandro’s maroon shirt, around his neck. Tyler practically froze, and not from the frigid temperature.
“There you shall not remain cold on my watch.” He said as Tyler glanced over at him, seeing him shirtless. What was he doing? How was he not freezing?
“Do not worry my friend I cannot freeze..my Latin blood won’t allow it.” He said flashing a smile.
Tyler swallowed hard.
“Thanks man..”he said knowing how red his cheeks were. He gripped the shirt tighter around his torso as a breeze blew through the area.
“Well shall we win the challenge?” he asked.
Tyler only nodded his head, a million thoughts running through it.
Alejandro was shirtless behind him.
He was shirtless and Tyler couldn’t seem to draw his eyes away from him.
•••
Noah looked on the verge of laughter.
“Hey it’s not funny man..I’m serious about this.” Tyler huffed.
“Sorry he’s just so over the top..”Noah said rolling his eyes at the mental image.
“I guess that isn’t exactly normal teammate behavior but, I wouldn’t call it flirting.” Noah said still skeptical of Tyler’s freak out.
“Besides didn’t he kiss Bridgette later on?” Noah asked.
“He did?” Tyler asked blinking.
“Never mind.” Noah sighed.
“Just keep going.” He said.
•••
Tyler sat, feet stretched out, on one of the economy class benches. His head was pounding and water was sloshing around in his ears.
All that work and they had lost the challenge, lost Noah in Central Park. They were so close, Tyler had tried- head butting the apple towards Alejandro. Maybe that was a mistake as the aching in his head still hadn’t gone away- he figured a bruise was probably forming on his forehead.It was nothing new but, it was certainly taking him out of commission.
Tyler had just flipped onto his side, clutching his head, when someone sat next to him.
“Mi amigo..how are you feeling?” Alejandro asked putting his hand on Tyler’s head. It was a small motion but, Tyler didn’t protest. Alejandro had always been a bit handsy, grabbing onto his shoulder and taking his hand at a moments notice. The more he thought about it the more he realized it was only really him that Alejandro did it to. He didn’t waste much time after that as he was suddenly aware of how close Alejandro was to his face.
“I’m good man just need a second…”he slurred.
“Are you sure because there looks to be a large bruise on your forehead?” Alejandro asked with a pleasant smile on his face.
“Oh..uh yeah maybe my head is hurting a little bit.” He said looking up at him.
“Well let me know if you need anything else I will watch over you to ensure you don’t pass out.” He said. Tyler was slightly confused as to why he cared so much.
Then again Alejandro had been the one to drag him out of the murky water after he felt himself sinking.
“Right..uh thanks man.. for saving me earlier by the way ..I appreciate it....” Tyler said smiling at him, his stomach doing something weird when he looked into Alejandro’s eyes.
“Of course I couldn’t let my favorite teammate drown.” He said flashing a smile.
“Favorite teammate?” Tyler asked sounding more hopeful than he intended.
Alejandro gave him a slow wink, removing his hand to run his fingers through Tyler’s hair. It was still damp from the lake water but, Alejandro didn’t seem to mind. Tyler didn’t mind either he liked the sensation
Tyler found himself slowly drifting off, curling into Alejandro’s side.
That wasn’t exactly normal- at the moment he didn’t care.
•••
Tyler looked over to Noah who only scowled.
“I still can’t believe you forgot me in New York how do I look anything like an actual baby?” Noah asked.
“You are kinda small dude..”Tyler said causing him to make a small ‘tch’ in response.
“Cody’s small.” Noah grumbled bitterly.
“Alright fine maybe Alejandro is ‘flirting’ with you or maybe he’s trying to get on your good side..no offense but the guys an eel.” Noah said illustrating his distaste for him.
Tyler looked away for a moment.
“You believe me already?” Tyler asked.
“But there’s more..”he said looking hesitant to finish.
“What did he confess his love for you?” Noah asked clearly joking.
“Uh..I don’t know man that’s why I need your help..he did something else..”Tyler said looking confused.
“Well…what is it?” Noah asked not knowing that he would sorely regret asking.
•••
It was in Paris. Of course it was.
Tyler felt bad, really bad that he had been the cause of Lindsay’s sudden departure. He had tried his best letting her style him however she wanted but, it hadn’t been enough.
Now he was stuck waiting for the inevitable drop of shame. He didn’t want to look so he was observing the Eiffel Tower away from the group while Chris loaded up all the set pieces.
That was when he was joined by someone from his team.
Alejandro.
He always seemed to be around. Tyler was growing accustomed to him, in fact he enjoyed seeing him- it was weird. Tyler only felt more conflicted when he stood next to him not saying anything.
“Hey Al…or uh Alejandro.” Tyler greeted, scratching the back of his head to clear the awkwardness in the air.
“Are you doing okay my friend I noticed you ditched the group.” Alejandro asked getting right to the point.
“Oh yeah I’m good just don’t want Lindsay to leave..it was all my fault I couldn’t pull the outfit off..” Tyler said sighing.
“Nonsense the judges were biased.” Alejandro said.
“I guess so.” Tyler said shaking his head and sighing to himself.
“I just..I’ll miss her man..”Tyler admitted rubbing his arm.
“Am I to assume that you two are still dating?” Alejandro asked.
Tyler shuffled his feet for a moment before responding.
“I doubt it..she still hasn’t remembered me and I’ve tried..you ask me I think she’s just trying to let me down slowly..nothing against her though I get it.” He said sounding strangely self deprecating.
“Oh I am very sorry about that.”Alejandro said as the wind began to blow around them.
“It’s cool..I knew it was too good to last..I mean I’m not even that good at sports and stuff she could probably do better..”he said shrugging.
“Nonsense she is missing out.” Alejandro offered like he was actually trying to make him feel better. Tyler wasn’t sure exactly what to feel as he turned to face Alejandro. He sounded genuine, he looked genuine.
“Is there anything I can do to help make you feel better mi querido amigo?” Alejandro asked stepping impossibly closer to him. Tyler felt his breathing halt, brain about to lose all train of thought.
“Oh uh..”Tyler began feeling himself lean in closer, almost without thinking. There bodies were practically pressed up against one another
Tyler wasn’t sure what to make of it. Had Alejandro been Lindsay he would have closed the gap- arms wrapping around her waist and enjoying the pleasant emotions flowing through him.
But, it wasn’t Lindsay, it was Alejandro, in the flesh. Staring him down with a playful gaze, like he knew exactly what Tyler was thinking of, like he had had one goal walking over to check on him.
So Tyler did something he would have normally never thought about, something so out of the blue that he would have questioned himself if it didn’t feel so right.
He leaned in and pressed his lips against Alejandro’s, taking a leap of faith.
It was strange, it was nice, it was amazing.
Yet it only left Tyler more confused.
•••
“Why exactly did you come to me for advice?” Noah asked skeptical.
“Cause I need help man does this mean Alejandro likes me or something I don’t know this is weird.” He said freaking out.
“No he just let’s everyone kiss him...” Noah said sarcastically.
“Oh really?” Tyler asked looking relived.
“No I was joking.” Noah snapped.
“I’ll be honest I don’t know what he sees in you..no offense..but, you should just go talk to him and not me.” Noah offered ignoring the offended glare Tyler gave him.
“But, what if I was just overthinking things…I‘ve never liked guys before.” Tyler said holding his fist over his mouth.
“Calm down it’s Alejandro..if there’s one guy anyone would fall for it’s him.” Noah said, annoyance lacing his voice.
“That doesn’t make me feel any better dude..but, I don’t know man he makes me feel like I’m staring at Lindsay again…kind of maybe that sounds weird.” Tyler said.
“Yes you have a crush on him congratulations” Noah officiated.
“Oh..”Tyler said sighing.
“What were you hoping that I would say no after you told me you willingly kissed him?” Noah asked.
Tyler looked away feeling a bit embarrassed.
“I just wanted to tell someone and I didn’t think you would tell anyone.” He admitted.
“Well you have a point but, I doubt it would take any brain power to figure out if people paid attention..”Noah said.
“So he uh..likes me?” Tyler asked trying to summarize his thoughts.
“Yeah I thought that was clear from you two kissing in the most romantic city in the world.” Noah said sighing.
“Right uh..thanks dude I appreciate it.” Tyler said smiling anxiously.
“Yeah now go away we have a day until the next challenge and I am finishing this book for a third time.” Noah said opening the book back up and unfolding the page.
“Okay.” Tyler said slowly backing away from the room.
Maybe Noah was right, maybe he needed to talk to Alejandro. They hadn’t exactly spoken with each other after Paris, almost like they were avoiding thinking about it.
Tyler swallowed hard and walked down the hall.
He would find Alejandro and figure out once and for all if he was interpreting things correctly.
•••
Tyler found Alejandro leaving the confessionals, he stood awkwardly watching him step out, his eyes quickly meeting his.
“Ah Tyler.” Alejandro said smiling mischievously.
“I have a question...” Tyler said trying to remain focused and not get lost in his eyes again.
“And it involves me?” Alejandro asked walking closer to him, hand situated on his hip.
“Yeah.” He said carefully shaking his head as he briefly considered kissing him again. Who was he kidding he had to know what he felt. How he had felt since he had first seen Alejandro.
“Do you uh..what are we exactly?” he asked sounding genuinely confused.
Alejandro only laughed.
“Well my friend I assumed that moment we shared in Paris was answer enough although if I must clarify I do find you attractive .” Alejandro said bluntly like it was obvious and Tyler was being an idiot.
“What?” Tyler asked despite the fact that he knew the answer.
“I assumed you felt the same way seeing as you kissed me.” Alejandro explained casually.
“Right..I’m sorry man uh..I was just confused …I don’t even know if I like guys..”Tyler said trying desperately to avoid Alejandro’s suddenly intimidating gaze.
“Ah but, I see you are blushing.” Alejandro said stepping closer so that Tyler was pressed up against the wall. How did Alejandro always manage to make his heart beat out of his chest?
“If you would like I could prove it to you once again.” Alejandro offered looking like he just wanted an excuse to kiss him again. Tyler really wanted to kiss him again. Maybe he liked guys after all , or just Alejandro. Tyler didn’t really know.
He realized that it didn’t matter as when Alejandro slowly leaned in Tyler knew what to expect.
It was different when Alejandro pressed his lips up against his. It was tender, and Tyler found himself instinctually wrapping his arms around Alejandro- like Lindsay. He relaxed against the wall pressing back with equal force to balance himself out. Tyler felt butterflies flutter in his stomach, it was nice- really nice.
He was slowly becoming lost in the feelings until a sudden bought of turbulence broke them apart- Tyler remaining pressed up against the wall and Alejandro being thrown across the small hallway.
Alejandro couldn’t help by smile as he righted himself, combing his hair back with his hand. Tyler met his gaze, returning the expression the best he could. Maybe he should have just talked to Alejandro in the first place- maybe he was just being dumb. Noah had said as much even if Tyler didn’t believe him.
“Woah man..”Tyler said after a moment of awkward silence.
“You act like you have never kissed someone before.” Alejandro said.
“I suppose I am certainly an experience.” He said winking once again, Tyler could tell exactly what it meant this time.
“So do you want to..uh like are we ..do we…” Tyler stammered still unable to find the right words.
“Are you attempting to ask if I would like to be your boyfriend?” Alejandro asked raising an eyebrow.
“Uh yeah man..sure..”Tyler said internally hitting himself for acting like a fool.
“I would enjoy that arrangement.” Alejandro said.
“As long as it does not interfere with the competition.” Alejandro clarified, growing serious for a moment.
Tyler only bobbed his head, he knew Alejandro was serious about the game and he didn’t care at the moment.
“Okay.” He said scratching the back of his head.
“That was a lot easier than I thought..”Tyler admitted sheepishly.
“Were you really unaware of what the kiss meant?” Alejandro asked looking skeptical.
“I don’t know man you didn’t say anything and I don’t usually go around kissing guys so I don’t know I thought you were weirded out or that was it..” Tyler explained as they slowly walked back to economy class.
“I mean I even went to Noah and asked him but, he said to talk to you dude..” Tyler admitted.
“You told Noah?” Alejandro asked sounding surprised.
“I just figured he wouldn’t tell anyone.” Tyler admitted.
Alejandro only laughed as Tyler stared at him confused.
“Eres tan mono y no tienes ni idea..” Alejandro muttered, hand taking his and gripping it tightly.
“I now see how lucky Lindsay was.” He flirted causing Tyler to turn red all over again.
Maybe it would work out?
It was strange but, not in a bad way- Tyler liked how exciting it felt.
He was almost excited to see what would happen.
So Tyler didn’t ignore the butterflies in his stomach, or his sweaty palms, he simply enjoyed the nice feelings Alejandro provided by simply being next to him.
He wasn’t sure if this relationship would end any better but, he was definitely willing to try.