Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Welcome to Season Three!

Total Drama: WORLD TOUR!

Gonna get pretty liberal with this one because I refuse the bastardized of characters in my house.

Some things are gonna stay canon, for plot reasons, but otherwise don’t count as this being as canon as the previous two.

Buckle in bitches.

Chapter Text

Reese was completely absent from the bus ride.

“Are you sure you guys haven’t heard from him?” Duncan asked, last he heard from him was a PM on MessageWorld saying that he couldn’t take for a bit.

Before that they mostly talking about how much they missed each other, how much they loved each other, their families, Reese’s recovery from his top surgery….

And that had been two and half weeks ago.

The two new contestants didn’t seem worried in the slightest, but they were definitely curious as to why he was missing.

“Last I heard from him was that picture he posted from the pre production.” Gwen shrugged.

“Oh the one where he was getting facials with Chris!” Bridgette laughed.

That was a pretty funny picture.

Reese was wearing a neon pink headband to hold his hair back and had green paste all over his face, sipping a cup of coffee through a straw while throwing up a peace sign.

But that had been weeks ago.

“I’m sure he’s fine!” Courtney reassured “he’s Reese!”.

“Totally!” Lindsay agreed “He’s like, so strong!”

“I dunno…”Duncan scratched his head, they had talked on an almost daily basis.

His parents hadn’t even raised a fuss about the higher internet bill.

“He’s probably with Chris!” DJ waved a hand “and he’d never let anything bad happen to him…again.”

“And after all that trouble he went through to get those two numbskulls back?”Heather added “no way he’d just NOT show up after that fuss he made.”

Even though Heather would deny it to her grave, even she was a bit worried.

She and Reese weren’t exactly FRIENDS, but they didn’t exactly hate each other.

Anymore.

Reese respected her strategizing (even if he thought it was playing dirty) and she liked the fact he never backed down and wasn’t scared to take her on.

The others weren’t as close to him as the ones who competed in ‘Total Drama Action’, but even they were exchanging looks.

Reese had, eventually, told them all the WHOLE story, and in hindsight all of it made sense as to why he acted the way he did.

He’d been broken down and was building from the ground up.

Even if some of them didn’t like him, they definitely weren’t going to poke the metaphorical bear.

He was just starting to get his life back on track, he’d finished his GED and was looking at colleges.

Maybe even a CAREER.

Alejandro slid into the seat behind Duncan “so this novio of yours. What IS he like?”

Alejandro had scoured the internet, but aside from a couple interviews and clips from the show, there wasn’t much to go off of, he couldn’t get a good read on him.

The guy didn’t have much social media, and the ones he DID have he hardly posted anything USEFUL on.

Duncan was so caught up in the letter that he almost jumped out of his skin.

“Pretty much what you see is what you get. He’s pretty open.”

There were murmurs of agreement.

Reese was pretty blunt and didn’t shy away from telling others what he thought.

It should’ve gotten him the boot earlier to be honest, but the dude always managed to pull through.

He probably would’ve won season one if he hadn’t gotten sabotaged

Alejandro pressed on.

“Is he fluent in Spanish?”

Duncan nodded “his family’s from Spain, uuuh…Pamplona?”

Alejandro forced a smile and nodded.

That threw a bit of a wrench in his plan, having someone understand what he’s saying, but he’d make do.

“I hope he’s as cute as he is on TV!” The purple haired girl gushed.

“Uuuh…you know he’s into..dudes right?” Tyler asked slowly.

She nodded “Doesn’t stop a girl from DREAMING!”
——

They couldn’t get off the bus fast enough.

By the time they managed to PRY Owen out (he was still really terrified of flying) Chris had already approached them.

“Now I see you all realize Reese wasn’t with you guys. That’s ‘cause he was with me.”

Duncan looked around, if Chris was here that meant Reese was nearby.

A figure in the distance, coming towards them was talking on the phone and gesturing to it.

The figure angrily shut it and took a deep inhale and continued walking towards them.

Not necessarily aggressive but definitely a ‘I know where I’m going’ style.

“Ugh you guys would NOT believe how much I hate these damn producers. Sorry I wasn’t on the bus, we missed it because SOMEONE didn’t set the alarm.”

They all just stared in confusion.

The voice and face were kinda familiar…but they couldn’t place it.

“Uh you guys okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” The guy waved a hand.

“Do we…know you?” Bridgette asked, still on the ground with Ezekiel, Izzy and Tyler.

The guy flipped his shades up “uh guys? It’s me? Reese?”

Duncan’s eyes scanned him, brain not really computing what he was seeing.

Those were definitely the same shade of brown eyes he knew and loved, same soft smile. Same freckles.

“Introducing the new and IMPROVED, REESE ORTEGA!” Chris gestures to him.

“New? Sure. Improved? Debatable.” Reese laughed.

“No way this guy is Reese. Reese is a string bean.” Leshawna waved a hand.

This guy had a bit more muscle definition and a decent haircut and looked older.

“I’m pretty sure I’m Reese. Last I checked anyways.” Reese laughed “do I look that different?”

“If you’re REALLY Reese…”Heather crossed her arms “ tell us something only he would know.”

Reese thought back and shrugged “I know Duncan has a picture of me in his wallet, behind his student ID.”

As if to prove the point, Duncan showed them.

There was, in fact, a picture of Reese.

“Oh ridges of Regina it IS HIM!” Owen scooped him up in a hug.

“You look amazing!”

“I’m loving what you did to your hair!”

They all chattered over each other, well the ones who were close to him, the others just laughed as Reese was trapped in a group hug and..he grinned.

A genuine one.

Reese’s tension had finally unwound and now he was laxer than they ever seen.

He looked good now that he wasn’t stressed.

“I can’t believe I didn’t recognize my own boyfriend.” Duncan laughed.

“This is a bit of a change.” Reese laughed “last time you saw me in person I still had bandages on and I hadn’t started T yet.”

“You’re looking AWESOME little dude!” DJ clapped him on the back.

Reese just laughed “I missed you guys too! But I missed YOU most!” Reese hugged Duncan tightly “god it’s so good to see you mi faro.” He pecked his cheek.

“Missed you too babe.”

“Alright enough of the love fest!” Chris rolled his eyes, but there wasn’t malice behind it, just a little annoyance that they were taking too long “you can all catch up later. Time to introduce the NEW contestants, an honor roll student with a diplomat for dad, and an amazing ability to charm the pants off most species- Alejandro!”

Reese felt a presence behind him.

“Hola.” A suave voice came from behind.

No one had time to warn him before Reese whipped around before, but to everyone shock, he wasn’t holding a fist out in self defense, just had a look of mild annoyance on his face.

“You really shouldn’t sneak up behind people. If you did that last season, I’d have knocked your lights out.” Reese crossed his arms “Alejandro is it? Glad to have another Spanish-speaker on board.”

The Spaniard grinned “that is correct, and might I say, it’s an honor to meet you., you’re just as great as your novio says.”

Reese shrugged “…thanks.”

The guy seemed nice enough…but there was something off about his demeanor.

Charming…but he reminded him of a nicer Heather.

Definitely keeping an eye on him.

“Oh! Is Al from where you family’s from?” Owen asked “you two have similar accents and stuff.”

“I don’t think so Owen. Spain’s pretty big. Lots of different regions.” Reese laughed.

Alejandro’s eye twitched “and do NOT call me Al.”

“What why?”

Before anyone else could jump in to press why, Reese smoothly cut in “because it’s not his name. He doesn’t want to be called that, so don’t.”

The TONE Reese used let them all know he was being dead serious.

The kind that left no room for further discussion.

“But-“

Reese held a hand up to silence Owen “You guys wouldn’t call me by the name I don’t want, so don’t call him that. Capiche?”

Owen nodded.

“Good.”

Alejandro turned to the people who were still lying in a heap on the ground and helped them up.

The girls looked flustered, but Tyler’s comment set off a small bell in his head.

“I like girls.”

Kind of unnecessary to say if you asked him, but it wasn’t his business.

“Now we introduce the NEXT contestant- SIERRA!”

Reese was only half listening to the introduction (he was already aware of because he was THERE when the players were decided), the girl was clearly extremely excited to be there, but he was swiftly brought out his thoughts by Sierra nearly trampling the others to get to Cody.

His eyes shifted to Cody’s face, who was trying to hide uncomfortable he was with her comment about her dream about him being shirtless.

He was shifting in place and trying to look for an escape.

Before Reese could interject, the plane pulled up.

It looked like a death trap, but Reese knew it was safe. That had been one of the stipulations of Reese coming back.

Chris just liked scaring them.

Owen seemed to be on the urge of a panic attack after seeing the plane.

“Owen, deep breaths. This plane is completely safe!”Reese patted his arm “lots of tests flights and stuff. Even Chris could fly this thing blindfolded!”

“Hey!”

Reese ignored him “besides, I’m going to be on the plane and as if I’d let anything bad happen to you guys. Nothing gets by me.”

That seemed to calm him down bit.

“And if will make you feel better, I’ll sit beside you during takeoff.” Reese nudged him “but I’m going to sit with Duncan right after.”

“Thanks Buddy.”

“Now get your behinds on the plane! We got a brand new season to start!”
——
“Singing? Really?” Gwen groaned “I thought Chris was joking.”

Reese sighed “tell me about it. But the producers wanted it and this was one of the only ways they’d agree to let them stay.”

“This sucks.” Duncan mumbled.

“I don’t have a problem with that.” Courtney shrugged “and Reese has a good voice too.”

“Yeah but I don’t want to sing EVERY episode.”

“I don’t sing period.” Duncan crossed his arms “not even for my boyfriend.”

“Oh please.” Courtney rolled her eyes “you’d jump out the plane if he asked you.”

“Nah.” Reese shook his head “he wouldn’t. But just for that comment we’re going to be extra lovey dovey and do cheesy duets.”

Courtney rolled her eyes.

“And singing reality shows are HUGE and the worse the singing the higher the ratings. Except when the people really seem to dig the TRULY exceptional singers. Like Reese.” Chris added.

Reese sighed.

Fucking therapy teaching Chris about ‘positive affirmation’ and ‘boosting confidence’.

“There will be no vocal coaches, no rehearsals, or warning! Completely spontaneous!”

Chris smiled as they groaned.
——

“This is the dining area, where you’ll enjoy inflight meals.”

“Not for long eh? Prepare to lose to the ZEKE!” Ezekiel fist bumped the air.

“Not trying to be mean, but you do know you got voted out first? And then didn’t get to join the second season?” Gwen raised a brow.

“Eh. We’ve grown. Let him have his moment.” Reese shrugged.

ZEKE, while definitely better than first season…was still pretty sheltered.

But Reese was kinda hoping he’d make it a bit further this time.

“Word! I’ve spent all my time since making sure that don’t happen again! I’m stronger, faster, smarter!”

“Chattier.” Chris crossed his arms “now let me finish so we can get this bird in flight!”

Leshawna raised a hand “Is there a ladies room?”

“Yeah, just over there but-“

Leshawna took off before he could finish.

“..It’s the confessional.” He sighed “another season of no one letting me finish a sentence before running off. Great.”

——
The economy class was pretty bare bones, just the seats crammed together.

The producers wanted nothing but straps and a BENCH to hold them in place during flight.

Which Reese had nixed immediately, instead offering up to get rid of the special treatment THEY wanted him to have.

Which he probably would’ve ignored anyways because it wasn’t fair.
——

The first class cabin was pretty swank, and only for the winners.

“If we’re on the same team, we’d be sleeping here every night.” Duncan whispered.

Reese snorted “god I missed you. Wasn’t the same without you ya know.”

He turned his head to see Tyler looking pretty bummed, then followed the line of sight to see Alejandro hitting on Lindsay.

Oh shit.

“Uh…Imma check on him.”

“You do that. Just don’t get pulled into relationship drama this early on.”
——
“Tyler, right?”

He nodded, a bit taken back that Reese seemed to remember him, “yeah?”

“Sorry about Lindsay. You okay dude?”

He sighed “She’s suppose to like ME.”

“Well, she was pretty bummed with you got eliminated, and she hasn’t really seen you since. Try-“

“Showing off! I can do that!”

“What? No! Don’t-“

“HEY LINDSAY! I CAN DO A HANDSPRING!”

Before Reese could stop him, he managed the handspring, but not the landing.

He cringed and walked over to help him up.

Lindsay didn’t even remember Tyler’s name.

“Sorry dude.” Reese sighed “Alejandro’s got her attention.”

Tyler glumly took his hand “don’t worry about it. She fell for you once, she can again. Probably.” Reese patted his back sympathetically.

“Yeah! I just got to show her I’m better than him!”

“Yeah…or alternatively you could be yourself? It worked the first time.”

“That works too!”

——
Then there was Chris (and Chefs) quarters, which were swanky and decked out, but off limits.

“Is REESE going to be staying with you?” Heather crossed her arms.

“Nope. I’m with you guys. It’s in HIS new contract that unless it’s an ABSOLUTE emergency, I’m not allowed to be pulled out of the game for ANY reason.”

“Shame too. They were going to have him co-host with my replacement but he turned it down and gave up the privileges to keep me, his spectacular father, as host. Ain’t that grand?”

“You gave up being a co-host for your dad? That’s so SWEET!” Sierra hugged him.

“Uh…Personal space please?”

“Right! Sorry.”

——
“As for the elimination ceremony, if you don’t receive a barf bag full of airline issue pretzels.”

Sierra raised her hand “aren’t peanuts standard issue?”

“Good question! Yes. But we’ve got allergies that might end in death and we can’t handle any more lawsuits! So pretzels it is!”

Ezekiel looked a bit relieved.

Must have been one of the ones allergic to them.

“Oh and if you’re eliminated you’re getting thrown out the plane.”

They all looked horrified.

“CHRIS!”

“Kidding! You’re just going to the cargo-hold. Until we land.”

“That doesn’t seem that bad.” Ezekiel shrugged.

—-

Reese felt Owens grip tighten on his hand as they took off.

“Deep breaths. It’ll be over before you know it. Think of stuff you like!”

“You’re a good Buddy.” Owen closed his eyes tight and muttered different types of foods to keep his mind occupied.

The sound was a bit grating, but Reese just kept his eye on Owen.

“Doing okay big guy?”

“Mhm.” Owen kept his eyes shut.

——
They sat around the dining area, bored.

DJ sighed “every second we’re getting closer to adventure and further from mama.”

Reese smiled sympathetically “yeah, but imagine all the amazing stories you can tell her from traveling!”

“Cody Emmet Jameson Anderson! I also happen to know your birthday is April first! You’re my very own April fool.”

How would she know that?!

“Sierra that’s-“

A bell dinged cut him off and Reese sighed deeply.

Always with the interruptions!

A spotlight shined on Chris, who was dressed up in a suit, hat and cane “whenever you hear that friendly little bell, it’s musical number time! So let’s hear it!”

“But..what are we suppose to sing?” Courtney asked.

“You have to make it up as you go. Wouldn’t be a challenge otherwise would it?”

Reese wasn’t good at singing on the spot, much less making a song UP on the spot.

Courtney began the girls chorus of ‘up’ wild Harold started the boys “sing”.

The song wasn’t THAT BAD.

Then it was Reese’s turn.

SHIT.

Uh…

“Just come fly with us! So much to see and so much to learn, Duncan mi faro it’s your turn!” Reese gestured dramatically.

Duncan rolled his eyes “Fine- this SUCKS~”

“Yeah!” They chorused.

Reese held back laughter.

This was so dumb.

But after two seasons of nothing but drama he could use some nonsense fun.

Egypt….here they come.
——

“You guys ready for a little fun, huh? Wow. It’s a scorcher out here. I call todays challenge Pyramid Over Under!”

“An eleven hour flight, Chefs in flight cuisine, a forced musical number, NOW we got a challenge?”

“Don’t you love this game?”
——-

Reese wiped his forehead, man was it hot…

He sighed as Leshawna and Harold fussed back and forth.

Chris bashed symbols to get their attention, “man! That’s satisfying! Now Pyramid Over Under means you choose how you’ll get to the finish line, either over or under the pyramid. Now ready, set!”

“GO!”

He took off.

He’d risk going over the pyramid. He’s seen movies, there’s probably a tone of booby traps in there!

He rubbed his chin, unaware of the small crowd forming behind him.

He reached to the bottom of his shirt and tugging it over his head, couldn’t climb restricted in a form fitting shirt like that.

“Reese! You look..good.” Bridgette smiled.

“Huh?” Reese turned around.

The small groups eyes widened.

Reese was more…defined than they remembered.

And two parallel scars running under his chest.

“So how are we going this babe?” Duncan asked before his eyes flicked down to the newly acquired abs and his brain stopped functioning.

Reese hummed.

“I’ll climb up, and toss you guys a rope. You can use it to help you climb up.”

“Sounds amazing!” Lindsay agreed “let’s do that!”

“But I was a-“

“A CIT.” Reese nodded “but if something goes wrong, I’d be the fastest to get down.”.

Courtney shook her head “I’d rather do the belay.”

“Fine by me.” Reese shrugged and tossed a bundle of rope over his shoulder “but I’m going to climb and feed the rope down.”

Reese rubbed sand on his hands to get a good grip, and started climbing.

His newfound muscles flexed as he pushed his way up.

Once he was out of earshot, the group went crazy.

“He’s so HOT.” Lindsay squealed.

“And totally sweet.” Bridgette added “you’re SO lucky Duncan.”

Only Duncan wasn’t listening.

He was just staring into space with a big grin and a slight blush.

“Duncan?”

“Huh?”

“I believe your novio had a few admirers.” Alejandro forced a smile.

The girls hadn’t looked his way since Reese had, inadvertently, caught their attention.

Alejandro scowled, he had to get this guy out and FAST.

“Don’t blame em!” Duncan laughed “Just look at him! GO BABE GO!”

Reese waved a bit from his position and resumed climbing.

There was a small sign at the top that he secured the line to, and with a strong arm, threw down the other end.

He gave it a harsh tug, and it stayed put “ONE AT A TIME!”he called down.
——
Reese offered a hand to Alejandro, who grinned and took it.

Reese, with an amount of strength that he hadn’t calculated, hauled him to the top with ease.

Duncan was staring at Reese with a big smile.

Boyfriend. Sweaty. Abs. Strong.

“Babe? You okay?” Reese kissed his cheek.

“Uhuh.”

“Hot.” Lindsay giggled.

“..what?”

“The sun!” Alejandro cut in “the sun is too hot!”

“Oh.” Reese pushed his hair back “why don’t you take Lindsay and Bridgette down? I’ll help Courtney and Gwen…and I think Duncan’s getting heatstroke.”

He nodded.

“How? It’s pretty steep.” Bridgette peeked over the edge.

“You’re a surfer right?” Reese pried the sign out of the ground and took hold of the rope “surf down.”
——
Reese rubbed his temples as he walked down with Duncan, Courtney and Gwen squabbling behind them.

Three hours.

Three hours of fighting.

Chris hit a button that dinged.

Oh no.

That seemed to snap Duncan out of his trance.

“YOU SAID ONE SONG PER EPISODE!”

“AND THIS IS A REPRISE. NOT A NEW SONG! SO IF YOU DONT SING, YOU’RE OUT. NOW LETS HEAR IT.”

“You can’t be serious….” Reese groaned in song form “this guys delirious.”

Duncan narrowed his eyes and stormed down the pyramid.

This couldn’t be good.
——
Reese bolted down the pyramid in way that shouldn’t have been possible, Courtney and Gwen at his heels.

“-I QUIT.”

What.

Duncan stormed passed them, not even paying Reese any mind.

“What the fuck just happened?”

“He didn’t want to sing.” Chris shrugged “so he quit.”

Reese blinked in disbelief.

“I’m…going to go check on him.”
——

Duncan was in First Class, eyes closed and fuming, trying to calm down.

“Hey…you okay?” Reese sat next to him.

“I’m fine…”

Reese scooted closer “babe, I’ve know you for like a year. We’ve been dating most of that time. I can tell when something’s up…Do you want to talk about it?”

“It’s just..I don’t want to sing.”he crossed his arms.

Reese nodded understandingly “yeah, I get it. Performing isn’t for everyone.”

Reese bit his lip and continued “and it’s totally up to you if you want to leave…but I’m gonna miss you.”

Duncan sighed “it’s not that I WANT to leave. I just don’t wanna sing some dumb song every episode.”

Reese slid his hand over Duncan’s and squeezed “If you do leave…I’m fine with that.”

Reese wrapped him in a hug “I just wish I could join you.”

“You can’t?”

“I was suppose to be the replacement co-host. But I said I’d walk out if they didn’t rehire Chef and Chris. I was suppose to have a ton of privileges and stuff, but I refused to do it.” Reese sighed “and don’t blame them. Chris doesn’t LIKE signing competitions. He’s just doing what the producers are telling him to….and the only way I’M leaving is if I’m voted out or injured. If I quit then they’re fired.”

“That…sucks. Like bad.”

Reese laid his head on Duncan’s shoulder “yeah but I’ll get through it. I’ve been through worse. Promise you’ll cheer for me?”

“It’ll be just your luck to win two seasons in a row…but yeah. I’m rooting for you babe.”

Duncan kissed him gently, and Reese returned it.

Chapter Text

Reese was pretty bummed out that Duncan wasn’t going to be there…but he could get why.

This wasn’t his thing and Reese wasn’t going to force him.

“Sorry about that…which team am I on?” Reese asked.

“Team Amazon.” Chris pointed his thumb behind him.

Izzy, Gwen, Courtney, Cody and Heather.

He shrugged.

“Oh thank god I’m not the only guy.” Cody sighed in relief.

“Cody right?” Reese greeted “glad to see ya again. Sorry you got mauled in the first season..and blown up.”

Cody shrugged “alls fair in love and war.”

Reese grinned.

This wasn’t going to be so bad.

They had a CAMEL!

“I can’t believe Duncan got disqualified! Just cuz he won’t sing!”

“Maybe he CANT sing.” Heather pointed out “Reese?”

He shrugged “I’ve never heard him sing. But I’m sure he’s not terrible.”

“But now he’s stuck on the plane, waiting for a ride home! Is he okay?”

“He’s…fine. Gonna suck without him though.” Reese glumly kicked a pile of sand.

Sierra scared the shit out of him because girl was QUIET when walking.

“I’m sure you’re just DEVASTATED! You could’ve been the TOP couple!”

Reese narrowed his eyes “we aren’t breaking up.”

“Are you SURE?”

“Pretty sure.” Reese nodded “just because he isn’t competing doesn’t mean we aren’t together anymore.”

Sierra shrugged “I guess Owen and Izzy take the number one spot!”

Reese crossed his arms “you do know we’re actual people right? Not just shipping fuel?”

“Yep! I did SO much research! You were SO cute by the way, but not as cute as CODY. Did you know he slept with a stuffed Emu named Jerry until he was…well okay he still does.”

Reese’s eyebrows shot up “how do you even KNOW that?”

“I called his aunt once, I pretended to be a telemarketer!”

“SIERRA!” Reese was horrified “that’s stalking! What the actual fuck?!”

Chris rang his symbols to get their attention “this isn’t over.” He pointed to her.

“As for you SECOND challenge, the amazing Camel race! As in singular. Because there’s only one.”

There were groans because the prizes were admittedly not fair right now.

Okay…get to the Nile and get the camel to the finish line.

Could camels swim?

“Alright. Hop on.” Reese boosted Heather up.

“Uuuh…why?” Cody asked.

“Unless you want to WALK the entire way to the Nile, I suggest we RIDE this thing.”

——

It was kinda painful to hear Cody try and flirt with Gwen.

But even more so to hear the girls laughing at him as he shrunk in embarrassment.

Poor dude.

“Eh guys lay off him.” Reese took the reins “I’m not listening to my team arguing for the entire season again.”

“Why can HE be bossy and I can’t?” Heather grumbled.

“Because you’re a control freak.” Gwen shrugged “and we like him.”

“I AM NOT!”

(Confessional w/Chef)

“So…this is going to be an interesting season. Am I upset Duncan’s leaving? Absolutely. But I feel better knowing he’s going to be cheering me on. As for the newbies…I am a bit worried. Sierras giving me bad vibes and Alejandro…how can I put this without seeming…mean?”

Reese sighed “he’s a total sand viper. Lies in hiding and then attacks you when your backs turned. I don’t know if I could trust him…or Sierra but,” Reese shrugged “first impressions could be wrong.”

He really hoped he was wrong.

——

“Alright, Niles that-a-way! Kinda big, blue and watery. Can’t miss it. Oh and watch out for scarab beetles.”

“…those weird things from The Mummy?” Reese raised a brow.

“Correctamundo. It’s mating season and they get a little…bite-y.”

“Thank goodness there’s none out here. Those things are NASTY.” Leshawna cringed.

Chris grinned “don’t let them hear you say that.”

Chef tipped over a big jar and a SEA of scarabs poured out.

Leshawna screamed, and the others joined in as they tried to avoid them.

“RUN!” Reese grabbed the reins.

There was a ding.

You GOTTA be kidding.

Reese sighed.

This was going to be a long season.

By the time the song got to him, he was annoyed.

“It’s mating time, but it’ll be fine. Just keep moving on! If you stop then they’ll eat you up, we’re running out of time.”

Reese looked down “watch where you step, don’t kill their mate, or you’ll definitely seal your fate. It’s lovin’ time…”

Just as they were about to make their escape, Ezekiel managed to mess up, breaking them out of the trance.

“RUN!” Reese yelled.

———

“Cmon, cmon camel.” Courtney called “faster!”

“That is NOT how you talk to a camel.” Heather rolled her eyes and cleared her throat “FRICKIN MOVE IT!”

“I WILL TURN THIS THING AROUND!” Reese turned his head “it’s too hot for this shit.”

“Maybe you should take your shirt off again.” Courtney snickered.

“Actually, good idea.” Reese let go of the reins to pull the sweater back off.

Unaware of the stated he was getting as he took back the reins.

Until he realized it was too quiet.

“You guys okay back there?”

“Heathers TOTALLY blushing!” Izzy laughed.

“I am NOT!”

“So is Courtney!” Izzy added.

Reese sighed “my team has heatstroke. Great.”

“Reese!” Alejandro called.

He turned to see Team Chris right behind them.

What did he want?

“I can see why Duncan is so intrigued by you. You’re MUY inteligente.”

“…thanks?” Reese raised a brow “Heather! Can you see the Nile?”

She shook her head “not yet.”

“Such a shame he’s a quitter. You deserve someone who can match your…skills.”

“I’m gonna stop you right there man. Me and Duncan are VERY happy. Justin’s pretty boy act didn’t work on me and neither is yours. So buh-bye. We have a river to find.”

Alejandro looked taken aback.

Had he been…rebuffed?!

——

Reese had handed the reins to Izzy, because frankly he was exhausted.

And the arguing was giving him a headache.

“You doing okay Cody?”

“Yeah I’m good!”

The arguing intensified and Reese’s temper was starting to flare.

“Izzy? Do you speak animal? Tell this thing where we can find WATER.”

She gave a thumbs up, whispered something to the camel and they were off.

——

Reese jumped off the camel and stretched.

“I guess we have to get this thing across the River. Izzy, keep and eye on the camel. Heather, Gwen and Cody? Get the reeds. Me and Courtney will weave them.”

“I didn’t agree to this plan.” Heather crossed her arms “who died and made you Pharaoh?”

“My patience.” Reese retorted “if you want to win, then me and Courtney are your best shots are weaving.”

And there went Cody, fleeing from Sierra.

Who had apparently switched teams with Izzy.

Wait.

This was a good chance to nip this whole Cody thing in the bud.

“Alright, Heather, you’re in charge. I have a little DISCUSSION that needs to be had with Sierra.”

——

He led her away from the prying ears and the eyes of cameras.

“What is it? Relationship issues? Break up? Are you quitting!?”

Reese shook his head “no. I’m telling you to stay AWAY from Cody.”

“But..I love him..and we’re on the same team now!”

“No. You don’t love him. You’re STALKING him. You’re being SUPER creepy and you keep invading his space and making him uncomfortable. You called his AUNT. I don’t want to know HOW you managed that, but it’s NOT okay.” He crossed his arms at her “and I’m not going to stand by and let you harass him.”

She narrowed her eyes “you can’t tell me what to do! You’re not my mom or my therapist!”

“I can’t, but I’m telling you now. If you keep it up, I’m telling Chris and HE will have you booted off.”

“Are you THREATENING me?”

“No. I’m looking out for my teammate and my friend. So I’m telling you now, leave him ALONE. If I ever hear or catch you harassing him again, I’m going to tell Chris.”

“…fine.”

“Glad we agree. You have ONE more chance Sierra.”

——

Not long after they both returned, Sierra managed to RUSH build an entire canoe, with a HUT.

Maybe this swap thing won’t be so bad.

Except…

Cody couldn’t get the damn camel in the boat.

“Oh for fucks sake…”Reese sighed “I got it.”

Reese stretched a bit before getting under the camel, and pushing up.

It wasn’t easy, but he managed to lift the damn thing into the boat.

“Let’s go!”

——

Not anther song.

Reese sighed “watch out for the crocodiles, they lurk down below. They probably won’t attack us, but you never know! Just let us reach the shore and we won’t bug you anymore. It’s rowin’ time.”

They reached the shore and Reese was relieved.

This was the worse day ever.

But luckily they didn’t have an elimination, because Ezekiel lost Team Victory’s stick.

“Yeesh Reese dude…you aren’t looking so good.” DJ cringed.

Reese sighed “I’m just…going to go…lie down.” He pinched his nose.

This was going to be a long season.

A really long season.

As soon as he was out of ear shot, Leshawna pointed to where he disappeared into the plane.

”Is it just me or is homeboy super buff now?”

Chapter Text

Reese rubbed his temples.

Winning or not, he wasn’t ready to listen to the girls arguing all the time.

And he had to keep an eye on Sierra to make sure she left Cody alone!

He leaned back in his seat when he heard rustling and turned his head.

Sierra had taken advantage of Reese’ headache and was going through a backpack.

Cody’s backpack.

WAS SHE SMELLING HIS SHOE?!

“What the FUCK do you think you’re doing?”

Reese’s voice boomed out, catching her off guard and causing the others heads to turn.

“I was just- I-“

“I don’t want to hear it!” Reese stood up, turbulence be damned.

“I WARNED you! Get up.”

Sierra just stared at him blankly.

“I said, GET UP.”

She stood and he grabbed her by the arm.

He was just about to drag her to the cockpit, when Chris’ voice came over the intercom.

“This is to your captain speaking! It’s time for everyone to join me in the common area and I mean EVERYONE.”

“Perfect timing.”
——-

Reese none too gently deposited Sierra in front of Chris.

“Tell him what you were doing or I will.”

“I wasn’t DOING anything!” She defended.

“What did she do?”

“She was going through Cody’s stuff. She was SMELLING his shoe.”

Heads turned to her and gave her disgusted looks.

“I wasn’t! I just-“

“We ALL saw you!” Gwen pointed out.

“But-“

“No buts! I told you if you didn’t stop I’d tell Chris. You didn’t even last A DAY.” Reese crossed his arms “and the STALKING?”

“Sierra. Dude.” Chris pinched his nose and sighed “I can’t kick you off for this but that’s seriously creepy.”

“What do you MEAN you can’t kick her off? She’s STALKING him!”

“That happened outside the show so it’s out of our hands…and while we CAN sideline her for a bit we can’t just kick her off…”

“So…what’s going to happen?” Cody asked.

“She’s staying, but until she stops this whole…thing she’s going to be separated from you.”

Cody looked relieved.

Sierra looked defeated.

“But if she keeps it up, then she gets disqualified. Now take a seat we NEED to get this meeting started.”
——
Reese sat next to Cody to give him a buffer, and Sierra was by Heather on the opposite end of the table.

The other two teams noticed the frostiness, but given Reese’s expression they definitely weren’t going to butt in.

Except no one seemed to tell Alejandro that.

“What’s got you in a tizzy?”

“None of your business.” Reese crossed his arms “it’s between Chris and my team.”.

Before Alejandro could respond, Chris spoke.

“Welcome to todays challenge! It’s-“

“Is it a reward or elimination challenge?” Harold raised his hand.

“Good question! Not gonna tell ya.”

“What do you think Reese?” Cody asked.

“Duncan and Ezekiel got out last time…but Chris likes to keep unpredictable, so it’s anyone’s guess. But I’d have to say…elimination.”

“Hope you guys like monsters that destroy cities because our next stop is JAPAN!” Chris grinned.

“Sweet!” Reese smiled but frowned “Duncan would’ve loved it here.”

“Sorry bout your boyfriend dude. That sucks.”

“Thanks Cody...” Reese smiled.

He didn’t catch Sierras furious gaze.

Chef pushed the door to reveal himself dressed in a orange robe and pants holding a sword between his teeth.

“Gosh you guys that’s clearly a CHINESE outfit.” Harold pointed out.

“Yeah.” Reese nodded “he’s right.”

Chris looks the outfit over again and sighed “this wouldn’t have happened if you were an intern. Anyways! Anyone who doesn’t sing is immediately disqualified. Now let’s get you guys down to the target!”

“Wait what?”
——

Reese looked down and sighed.

“You said theres a SOFT target right?”

“Have I ever lied to you?”

Reese sighed “no. If I die tell Duncan I love him!”

He jumped out the plane.

Freefalling was terrifying.

The cliff had been EASY but this was out of a plane!

People did this for FUN?

Then he heard the bell as the others joined.

He hummed along to get the tune before the others turned to him for his turn.

He was getting the hang of improv!

“There’s so much I want to do before I die! It may seem a little funny, but I want a little family, and not just the one I found!”

His hand was grabbed by Noah and he grinned as they all formed a circle around Owen.

“There’s still so much to do before we die!”

He inhaled as he made contact with the comically large bowl of rice.

“Everyone okay?” Reese called.

There were groans as the others surfaced.

Reese shook his shirt to get the rice out and helped the others climb down.

Mostly by catching them as they jumped down.

“Cmon Cody! You’re the last one!” Reese held his arms out.

Sierra narrowed her eyes at him, but he shrugged it off.

Cody landed safely in his arms “whoa. You really are strong.”

Reese laughed.
——
“Alright! First challenge is inside a Japanese games show studio! Bow down before Super Human Mega Pinball Smash!”

“Try saying that ten times fast.” Reese mumbled to Cody, who snorted behind his hand.

Harold and Tyler seemed excited about this, and apparently they watched Japanese game shows.

Which Reese didn’t.

Chris banged the gong to get their attention “I’m going to need one volunteer from each team to climb into these giant hamster balls, then your teammates are going to beat you around the game board, scoring points by bouncing you off bumpers and posts. Most points wins, and I have a special local prize for each of you to share your little ball shaped paradise with. So teams, select a ball guy or gal.”

“I think Reese is our best shot.” Courtney pointed to him “he can take a beating! No offense.”

“None taken. Think you guys can score us some points?”

“Totally!” Sierra waved a hand “this should be SUPER easy.”

He didn’t like the tone she used.

“And make sure Sierra doesn’t kill me. I want to live to see who wins this nightmare.”

“You got it man.” Gwen face him a smile.

“Let’s do this! All in!” He put his hand in and the others followed suit “Team what?”

“Team Amazon!” They threw their hands up.

Okay so Chris gave them pandas.

Live pandas.

Luckily not ANGRY pandas.

No biggie!

“And Team Amazon?”

Reese raised his hand “that’ll be me.”

“Of course it is.” Chris sighed “you’ll be with SIERRA.”

Dammit.
——-

Reese couldn’t really see where he was going, but he kept pumping his legs.

The only way he knew he was making contact was this ding of his ball hitting the targets.

“So.” Sierra lifted her nose “steal any boyfriends lately?”

“What are you on about? I didn’t steal a boyfriend.”

“Yes you DID. You’re keeping Cody and my apart!”

“Because you’re invading his PERSONAL SPACE!”

“What’s space when it come to LOVE?”

“Sierra, now REALLY isn’t the time!”

“It sure was the time when you were ALL over Duncan when Courtney liked him!”

“I didn’t KNOW and we were TOGETHER!”

“Boyfriend stealer!”

“Sierra you REALLY don’t want this.”

“Try me! I will FIGHT for Cody’s love! You two timer! Duncan deserves BETTER than you-“

Reese’s temper has finally erupted.

“THAT’S IT!”

He jumped in top of her and the two started to wrestle, screaming over each other.

Their ball made contact with the wall outside the game and popped open, but that didn’t even stop them.

They were both swinging at each other and rolling on the ground.

And by the looks of it Reese was winning.

“WHOA! WHOA! WHOA!”

Reese was lifted off by Owen and held in a tight grip, and Sierra was held back by Gwen and Bridgette.

“What happened?!”

Reese was most definitely cursing her out in Spanish and Sierra wasn’t backing down either as they both tried to escape their confines.

“What happened dudes?!” Chris was over in a flash.

“HE’S TRYING TO KEEP CODY AND ME APART!”

“THAT’S BECAUSE YOURE INSANE!”

“IM NOT INSANE! AT LEAST MY FUTURE BOYFRIEND ISNT A QUITTER!”

“AT LEAST I HAVE A BOYFRIEND YOU STALKER!”

“Everyone just CALM DOWN!” Chris got between them.

It took a good twenty minutes for them both to calm down, but they were separated.

Turns out Reese wasn’t bluffing when he said he knew how to fight.

Sierra had barely landed a hit, and she was covered in bruises and marks.

“Okay this obviously isn’t going to work in the long term.“ Chris sighed “one of you is going to switch teams.”

“How about the STALKER switches back so she’s away from Cody?” Reese hissed “besides. She’s the one who started it. I threw the first punch but SHE said I was a two timing boyfriend stealer!”

“Reese would NEVER cheat on Duncan.” Courtney crossed her arms “and he isn’t a boyfriend stealer.”

“I think this girls finally snapped.” someone whispered.

(Confessional)

Reese glared at the camera “I don’t know WHAT is wrong with this girl, but she chose the wrong person to pick a fight with. Cody’s my friend and I’m not going to stand by and let someone hurt him.” He pointed a finger to the camera “I got my eye on you Sierra.”

(End confessional)

“Chris. Sierra had been a liability to Cody’s safety. She has to go,” Reese crossed his arms “or I do.”

Chris looked to be really thinking about it.

“You three meet me after the challenge. We’ll talk about this later. Until then, Sierra go wait in the plane.”

“That’s SO unfair!” Sierra stomped her foot “I didn’t DO anything!”

“Tell it to the judge back home.” Reese glared.
——

Team Chris had won the first challenge, and Reese couldn’t find it in himself to be mad about that.

Reese had his arms crossed as he watched a dub of the last season.

“I say bad words and kiss lover who I love so much.” On-screen Reese said in a scarily deep voice.

“I don’t sound like that. Why did they dub the English version with ENGLISH.”

“Turns out they just don’t like the sound of y’all.” Chris shrugged “hope you were paying attention because you’ll be producing your own Japanese commercial from scratch, for Chefs ‘Total Drama Yum Yum Happy Cool Time Candy Fish Tales.’!”

“That’s a mouthful. Are they any GOOD?” Reese inspected the bag.

The words were bright and hard to read, not that he COULD read Japanese.

Chris shrugged “I don’t eat sugar. Bad for the skin. Anyways! You can use anything you can find in the plain storage area for props. Since Team Chris won the first challenge, they get first dibs. Then Team Victory and then lastly Team Amazon.”

They probably would’ve gotten first if SIERRA hadn’t picked a fight.

Good thing she wasn’t going to be participating until the meeting.
——

Reese sighed at the leftovers “okay. This isn’t IDEAL but I’m sure we can make do.”

Something flashed in his vision as he looked up “did you guys see that?”

“Uh huh…”

“Hmmm…”
——-
“We have the candy fish swimming in the fish tank, then it breaks out a sand plays basketball!”

“Not a bad idea Heather. Anyone else?”

“Spinning masks! We toss candy into their mouths and-“

Courtney cut Gwen off “insane! Flashing lights and fireworks! Chef wants to be dazzled!”

“You guys they’re all good ideas and-“

“Overruled!” Heather crossed her arms “fish tank!”

“Hello! The only way we are winning is with the spinning heads! And lots of them!”

“You people are impossible I’m SO-“

“WOULD YOU ALL JUST SHUT UP?”

They all turned to Reese with wide eyes.

“It’s fucking season two all over again! I am NOT listening to you guys fight this season. Either we AGREE on what to do or we LOSE.”

He inhaled “I’m sorry for yelling I’m just really pissed off at the moment. Either you guys get over this bullshit or I’m DONE.”

“what do you mean done?” Courtney yelled.

“I mean DONE. I’ll quit.”

“But you worked so hard to be here!” Gwen raised her hands.

“And ever since I got here all you three did was shriek at each other, Sierras stalking Cody, my boyfriend quit, and I’m up to HERE with this. I’m going for a walk and when I come back, you guys had BETTER sorted this shit out.”

He stormed off behind some boxes.

“We can’t afford to lose him guys.” Cody added while it was silent.

They all looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

Reese had taken charge last season, and would’ve won either way.

He was the road to victory.
——-

Reese inhaled and exhaled.

“Geeze dude you okay?”

Reese sighed “I’m fine Noah.”

“Team issues?”

“Mhm.” Reese pinched the bridge of his nose “Sierras stalking Cody, and the other girls keep fighting. It’s a migraine.”

“She’s…what?”

“I caught her smelling his SHOE and she said she pretended to be a telemarketer and called his AUNTS HOUSE.”

“Jesus Christ…”

“We’re meeting tonight and one of us is getting moved or leaving.”

“If it’s any consolation, I think you’ll be the one to stay.”

“After I beat up Sierra and tore into my team? Doubtful.”

“Sounds like she deserved it from what I heard.” Noah shrugged.

Reese sighed “I don’t know. I might just quit.”

“You can’t quit.”

“And why not?”

“Because you’re not a quitter. You don’t know when to quit. Duncan’s probably cheering his heart out for you and you’d never want to disappoint him like that.”

Reese smiled “didn’t think you knew me so well. We barely talked before.”

“Eh” Noah shrugged “new beginnings and all that, besides as if I’d win knowing you gave up before you began.”

“Alright fine, I won’t quit. Do me a favor though.”

Reese nodded towards the confessional “keep an eye on Alejandro.”
——

Reese approached his team, having cooled off since his walk “okay, so what’s the deal?”

“We can’t agree on what to do.” Gwen admitted.

“Fuck it. Let’s do all of it then. We have ten minutes.”

Reese thrust the camera to Cody “roll and no matter what happens, KEEP rolling.”

He nodded.

“And…action!” Heather clapped.
——-
Team Chris did a pretty good monster movie theme.

Team Victory did a dramatic one…which was kinda boring.

Reese sighed “we did our best.”.

(Commercial that begins with Reese acting out a cheesy soap opera with Courtney and just as she goes to slap him-

“AND CUT!” Heathers’s voice cut in from off screen “that’s a wrap everyone!”

Reese on screen sighs and brushes his hair back as he walks away, camera following him as he sits next to a bag of the candy.

He smiles at the camera “after a long day of work, I pick up a bag of ‘Total Drama Yum Yum Happy Cool Time Candy Fish Tales’!”

He opened the bag and popped one into his mouth, while it wasn’t…great…it wasn’t that bad.

“Total Drama Yum Yums get the A plus from me! Fun times for everyone!”

(Commercial cuts out)

Everyone looked to Team Amazon, and Reese bit his lip.

“Creative…Chef?”

“I have to go with…”

They held their breaths.

“Team Amazon. Made it seem like an everyday product!”

They cheered “Reese you’re a GENIUS!”

“It’s all Cody’s idea!” Reese deflected.

“Cody! Cody! Cody!”

Cody turned pink and Reese winked at him.

“Congratulations Team Amazon! Now Chef, who bit the biggest?”

He pointed to Team Victory “those guys with their sad donkey thing. I don’t want my snack know for sad!”

“Well that says it!”

“Told you it wasn’t a reward.” Reese laughed.
——-

Cody, Reese and Sierra met Chris in the storage area.

“Okay, now Sierra. You go first.”

“Cody and I are absolutely SOULMATES and HE-“ she pointed angrily to Reese “is trying to break us up so he can have him to himself!”

“Reese?” Chris turned to him “what’s your side?”

“Firstly? She makes Cody uncomfortable. She’s stalks him. Harasses him. Invades his personal space…and I’m pretty sure she’s been sniffing his deodorant. Secondly? She called me a two timing boyfriend stealer. Which I’m NOT. Thirdly?” He turned to her “He isn’t your boyfriend. He never AGREED to be your boyfriend. You called his house pretending to be a telemarketer jus tot get information on him!”

“Cody? What do you have to add?”

“I…uh…”

His eyes flicked to Sierra and then to Chris and then to Reese.

“Does she do all that?” Chris asked.

“I mean…yeah..but…It’s fine! It’s not like a big deal…”

“It is.” Reese crossed his arms “it’s sexual harassment.”

“…excuse me?”

“She stalks and spies on you, takes your stuff, follows you around, invades your space and touched you when you don’t want it.” Reese pointed out “she, is sexually harassing you.”

“It’s not-“

Sierra was cut off by Reese

“It may not be SEXUAL but your intentions are clear and he doesn’t reciprocate.”

“Cody? Is this true?”

Cody fidgeted “yeah.”

“Then that solves it.” Chris pointed to Sierra “pack your bags.”

“What?!”

“You’re hereby disqualified from this show.”

“That’s not FAIR!” She shrieked.

“It is. Pack your bags we’re calling you a taxi to the airport.”

Sierra turned her furious gaze to Reese “this isn’t OVER.”

“Is that a threat?”

“HE assaulted me!”

“According to the mics and cameras, you DID egg him on.” Chris raised a brow.

She furiously growled and stormed away.

“You gonna be okay kid?” Chris looked to Cody.

He nodded “I’ll be fine.”

“If there’s any trouble tell Reese and he’ll come to me.”

“You got it.”

Chris went to make sure Sierra was packing, and Cody turned to Reese.

“Thanks…for everything.”

“No problem dude.” Reese smiled “consider me the big brother you never had.”

“Ya know I always wanted a brother.”

“Me too. Wanna go raid the snack bar in first class?” Reese pointed his thumb behind him.

“You bet.”

Chapter Text

Reese waited until everyone else fell asleep to sneak into the cargo hold.

He silently pocketed a few snacks and a drink and slowly tip toed past everyone.

He slowly pushed the door closed behind him and peered into the dark, ears peeled for any noise.

Nothing but the soft lights for the elimination ceremony lit up the room, but even then it was faint and barely enough to illuminate it.

“I know you’re in here.” Reese said above a whisper.

Nothing.

“I have food.” Reese held up the sandwich and chips.

Then quiet rustling.

A figure emerged from the boxes and Reese held his breath.

Then the figure stepped into the glow of the lights and Reese let it out.

“Ezekiel! What the hell are you doing here?” Reese whispered.

“I was SO unfairly eliminated yo!”

Reese shushed him.

“I know that but you can’t BE here? HOW are you here?”

“I stowed away!” Ezekiel grinned proudly.

Reese sighed “I figured.”

“You’re…not going to tell anyone are you?”

“Zeke. You’re probably labeled as MISSING right now. You aren’t home or with the other eliminated contestants and the people here think you ARE.”

“Oh…”

“I have to tell Chris. Your family is probably worried sick about you!”

It was dark but Ezekiel at least looked a bit ashamed.

“I don’t think they do yo.”

That was the quietest Reese had ever heard him.

“What do you mean?”

“I never got any letters or nothin’…I don’t think they care.”

“Zeke. If there’s something going on that we aren’t aware of, Chris will put a stop to it.”

He fiddled with his thumbs quietly.

“If you don’t want to talk to me that’s fine, but you should tell Chris and he’ll get you help.”

“They’re going to be mad...”

“Don’t worry about how they feel. Worry about you.”

“You wouldn’t get it…”

“Zeke. I was thrown out of my house and almost died. I was suicidal for the longest time. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. If there’s anyone who’s understands hurting? It’s me. And let me tell you, it’ll get worse if you don’t ask for help. I don’t want you or anyone else to get hurt.”

Ezekiel was avoiding eye contact.

“I care about you guys. I shouldn’t given some of the stuff a few of you have pulled, but I do. I’m here for them and I’m here for you dude.”

Ezekiel nodded.

Reese sighed “if you don’t want to talk about it, it’s fine…that’s not what I’m here for anyways.”

“So why ARE you here?”

Reese held up the food “figured you were hungry.”

“Im starving! Thanks man!”

He must have been because he devoured the food in minutes.

Ezekiel paused his chewing “why are you being so nice to me?”

“Because you’re a little misguided, but you’re not a bad guy.” Reese smiled.

Ezekiel looked down and swallowed “I never said sorry.”

“You didn’t have to. You’re trying to be better. I can see that.”

”I am but it’s HARD.”

”Yeah…it is. But apologies are a good way to start fresh. I’m sorry for kicking your ass in Season One.”

“I’m sorry for...everything. Calling you a girl…saying all that stuff…you’re lucky man. People like you.”

“I like you Zeke. I do. I wouldn’t call us best friends, but I do care about you. No one deserves pain. There’s blankets in the box in the corner. Stay safe alright? I’ll take you to Chris in the morning.”

Reese stood up.

“Thanks for the apology. Now I have to get back before the others realize I’m gone and come looking for me. See you in the morning.”

Just as he turned to leave, arms wrapped around him.

Ezekiel was hugging him.

He was shaking.

He was…crying.

“It’s okay.” Reese returned the hug and patted his back “I got you man.”.

———-

Reese crept past everyone and climbed back into his seat across from Cody.

Just as he settled in, Cody stirred “isskay?”

“I’m fine.” Reese whispered “go back to sleep.”

“Mkay…”Cody mumbled.

Reese leaned back into his seat and sighed.

Poor Zeke….who knows what’s happened to him?

Reese had a pretty good idea, considering he was homeschooled and lived on an isolated farm in the middle of the Canadian Prairies.

He rubbed a hand over his face and through his hair.

First Duncan quit, then everyone started  being super weird around him, the girls on his team were constantly arguing, Alejandro was setting off an alarm in his head, Sierra had stalked Cody until Reese got her disqualified and now Ezekiel was in trouble?

He closed his eyes.

Morning.

He’d deal with this in the morning.

Chapter Text

Reese snuck back into the cargo hold to get Ezekiel before breakfast, and speedily ushered him to the room where Chris was staying.

He rapped his knuckles on the door and got no response.

He knocked again, louder this time “Chris, wake up, we have a problem.” Reese called out.

There was the sound of footsteps and a very disheveled Chris opened the door.

He blearily blinked “what is it? Is something….

He when he saw Ezekiel.

“Oh shit.”
———-
Chris had yanked them both into the room and shut the door.

He pointed to Ezekiel “You. Explain.”

“I didn’t even get a fair chance to win! So I hid.”

“He was hiding in the cargo hold.” Reese explained.

“Oh my god I am so fired.” Chris gripped his hair “we’re so screwed. We CAN’T come back from this!”

“Actually…it wouldn’t be on you. Technically speaking…It would be on his parents and the producers.”

They both just looked at him.

“When I was kicked out, my parents didn’t report me missing. Zeke’s parents didn’t report him missing either and while YOU are in charge, it’s in the contracts you’re not liable for anything that happens outside challenges. So while HE broke the rules and stayed aboard, the producers had time to realize he was gone. He’s not on the show and he’s not with the contestants and he sure as hell isn’t home.”

“So?” Ezekiel shrugged.

“So…If we keep you on the show, the producers can’t object without making it look like THEY screwed up. Tell them there was something wrong with the votes or something.”

“Reese you are a genius!” Chris sighed in relief “I don’t know what goes on on that brain of yours but you’re so getting an allowance boost.”

“Please don’t….”

“So…does this mean I’m back on the show?”

“It sure does dude. I’m going to fill in Chef. Think you can handle the others?”

Reese gave a thumbs up.

——

The others looked a mixture of shocked and furious to see Ezekiel as they made their way through the cabin.

“What’s HE doing here?” Leshawna crossed her arms “didn’t we eliminate you?”

“Unfairly!” Ezekiel reminded.

“YOU LOST OUR STICK TO A CROCODILE!”

“And for that, I am sorry.”

“Zekes rejoining the game.” Reese explained “he stowed away in cargo. The producers didn’t catch it so…”

“Chris is trying to cover his butt?” Bridgette sighed.

“Technically yes. But this is actually on the producers. Chris isn’t going to be held responsible for him stowing away, because that was OUTSIDE eliminations and challenges. If Zeke had gotten HURT he would, but he’s not. This is more of a ‘we’re going to fix this for you but you owe us one’ thing.”

“Aw man…” DJ sighed.

“I’m going to really really TRY! Team Victory!” Ezekiel pumped his fist.

“Cmon guys! Give him one more chance?” Reese smiled.

They all looked at each other.

“No.” They said in unison.

“Dudes a liability.” Leshawna crossed her arms “No dice dude. Sorry.”

“Okay…Guess you’re with us on Team Amazon Zeke.” Reese shrugged.

“Is that allowed?”

“You’re back in the game but they never said WHO’S team you had to be on.”

“Geeze Chris is right! You ARE a genius.”

——
His team didn’t look to happy about Ezekiel joining them, even after Reese explained what happened.

“Oh come on Reese! He’s a walking curse!” Heather groaned.

“He’s going to drag us down like he did his team!” Courtney added.

Reese crossed his arms at them “He’s not leaving.”

“We CAN just vote him off if we lose.” Gwen shrugged.

They went back and forth a bit, and it was little awkward.

“Reese, man…Are you sure?” Cody asked.

“Guys. Trust me. Have I ever steered you wrong?”

“Well…no. But-“

“Then it’s settled.” Reese cut Courtney off “he’s staying and that’s final. Cmon Zeke. You’ve been in those clothes forever, I have a few I can spare until we get them clean.”

Reese and Ezekiel went to look through his bag, and the four talked amongst themselves.

“Why is he so insistent he stay?” Courtney whispered.

“That guys gonna cost us our win streak!” Heather narrowed her eyes.

“Didn’t he have an issue with him in Season One? Why’s he acting so chummy now?” Gwen scratched her head.

Cody looked between Reese and Ezekiel.

Reese was looking through his travel bag and handing folded clothes to him.

And Ezekiel looked grateful…relieved.

Something was happening that Reese wasn’t telling.

And he probably wouldn’t because that guy would take a secret to the grave.

“-dy? Cody!”

“Huh?”

“If we lose you’ll vote Ezekiel out right?”

“Oh. Yeah…”

“As much as I trust Reese’s judgement…” Courtney looked over at them “he CAN get in over his head when it comes to helping people.”

“But he did get Sierra out for messing with Cody.” Gwen pointed out “dudes super protective. He’s not going to let it go if we vote the guy out for no reason.”

“It’s Ezekiel. We’ll have a reason in no time.” Heather scoffed.

“I’m not so sure.” Cody jumped in.

The girls looked to him.

“Look.” Cody pointed to where Reese was leading Ezekiel somewhere to change.

Reese had packed on some muscle, and he wasn’t hunched over anymore.

Dude was a small but strong wall of protection as he blocked the room from the others entering.

“Look at how he’s standing. That’s pure defense.”

“From what? We aren’t going to JUMP him.” Gwen leaned back.

“I’m not sure…but let’s give it time eh? Maybe Reese is right.” Cody shrugged “I trust him.”

“Trust who?”

Reese’s voice made them jump.

“Just saying we trust you know what’s right!” Courtney explained nervously.

“But if he messes up?” Heather pointed her nail file at him “he’s SO on the chopping block and YOU’RE next.”

“Deal.” Reese shrugged “now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to feed the guy who’s been eating like a mouse for a week.”

Ezekiel followed him out the door and towards the chow.

“You’d get rid of our greatest asset?” Courtney hissed.

“It’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

They couldn’t afford to lose Reese, but Reese had pulled a liability onto the team.

Cody hoped they could keep this streak going with Ezekiel…

They were screwed if they voted Reese.

He sighed.

Couldn’t they have one normal day?

Chapter Text

It was only an hour after Ezekiel joined that Chris called them up for the next challenge.

He didn’t say WHERE but he did say it was interesting.

Everything had been going smooth until they hit turbulence.

Reese and the others hadn’t paid it any mind, but Ezekiel had gone deafly quiet.

Reese peeked out of the corner of his eye to check on the guy next to him “you okay Zeke?”

He shook his head.

“Scared of flying huh?”

“Just..don’t like it.” his hands were claws and holding the seat tightly.

He probably hadn’t really flown before. He WAS pretty isolated from what he’s told them.

“Yeah, I’m not much of a fan either.”

It didn’t help they could hear Owen screaming in the room over.

“Want to hold my hand?” Reese offered.

“…why?”

“Because it might help a bit. It helps me too.”

“I’m not scared!” Ezekiel insisted “and you have a boyfriend!”

Reese was puzzled for a second “dude. Holding hands isn’t cheating. We’re teammates. Might even say friends.”

“…friends?”

“Yeah.” Reese grinned “friends. And friends help each other.”

“He holds Owens hand during take off.” Cody pointed out.

“It’s not…gay?”

“No. It’s not.” Reese shook his head “you’re allowed to platonically hold hands with people.”

Patience…

He was clearly weighing the options, and the others had the decency not to comment on it.

Not even Heather.

But that might of been because they knew that if started something they wouldn’t hear the end of it.

“You don’t have to.” Reese assured and put his hand on the arm rest and went to focus on his book again “but I’m here.”

He was halfway through the first page when a rough, calloused hand slid over his.

Reese smiled at him softly and he returned it.

“What‘re ya readin’?”

“To Kill a Mockingbird.” Reese responded “by Harper Lee.”

“Only YOU would read that willingly.” Heather rolled her eyes.

Reese ignored her “it’s a story about a girl and her family set in Alabama during The Great Depression. Covers a lot of interesting stuff.”

Ezekiel leaned over to peek.

“No pictures?”

“It’s a NOVEL Zeke. Not a book for -“

Courtney promptly shut up at the murderous look Reese shot her, ‘kids’ dying on her tongue.

“-not a book for the faint of heart.” Reese finished “lots of depressing stuff. Not for everyone.”

“Can you read it?”

“Out loud?” Reese raised a brow.

Ezekiel nodded.

Reese shrugged “Sure, why not. Might take your mind off flying.”

The others groaned but Reese cleared his throat and started from the beginning.

“When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow. When it healed, and Jem’s fears of never being able to play football were assuaged, he was seldom self-conscious about his injury. His left arm was somewhat shorter than his right; when he stood or walked, the back of his hand was at right angles to his body, his thumb parallel to his thigh. He couldn’t have cared less, so long as he could pass and punt. When enough years had gone by to enable us to look back on them, we sometimes discussed the events leading to his accident. I maintain that the Ewells started it all, but Jem, who was four years my senior, said it started long before that. He said it began the summer Dill came to us, when Dill first gave us the idea of making Boo Radley come out….”

——

They’d been so entranced by the story that they hadn’t even noticed they’d landed.

They were mostly through the book, up to the part where Tom Robinson’s trial, when Noah poked his head in.

“You guys coming or forfeiting?”

The sudden intrusion startled them, but Reese stood “yeah yeah we’re coming. Where ARE we anyways?”

He stretched and popped his back.

He looked out the window and dropped the book “you got to be fucking kidding me.”
———

“Welcome to the YUKON!” Chris gestures out the plane door.

It was FREEZING.

Chris at least let them borrow jackets for warmth, only they were one short.

“I wasn’t counting on having an EXTRA person.” Chris sighed “one of you guys wanna sit out?”

They all looked at each other and it looked like no one was budging.

Reese unzipped his and offered it to Ezekiel “I’m used to cold. Take it.”

“Not surprising. Reese, on the-“

“Oh no. I’m still playing.” Reese grinned.

“H..how are you going to play?” Bridgette shuddered “it’s F-f-freezing!”

“I’ll be fine. Been through worse than a little snow.”

Chris deeply sighed “not surprising. Like at all. Just. At least put on a hoodie?!”

Reese laughed as he went to retrieve one.
——

“Crossing the icy river in Canadas frozen tundra used to be easy. Back when it was completely froze . But thanks to global warming, the river is pretty deadly.”

Izzy cheered excitedly.

“Todays challenge is to make their way across the watery chasm on the ice floats. First team member across that makes it to the dog sleds pulls it. Then you’ll sled all the way to the top of the mountain, gathering their team along the way at the mark medium points. Sleds are first come first serve. IF you fall into the water, pull THIS cord on your jacket.”

Chris pointed to the Pom Pom handing from the hood “this will activate the flotation device and sound an alarm for us to get you out.”

“What’s the reward?”

Chris ‘tsk’ at Heather “who said it was a reward?”

“We’ve had THREE elimination challenges! WE ARE SO OVERDUE.”

Reese looked across the water and nodded “I think our best bet would be Zeke.”

His teams heads whipped to him.

“ZEKE?”

“Yeah ZEKE?” Ezekiel parroted.

“Yes Zeke. You said you grew up on a farm?”

He nodded hesitantly.

“Was there water nearby?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m guessing it snowed and you did winter chores and stuff?”

“…yeah?”

“Then you probably have the strength and endurance to get across the water first.”

“Reese!” Heather hissed “he’s going to RUIN it!”

Reese ignored her “I believe in you man. You can do this!”

(Confessional)

Reese smiled and crossed his arms “I have full confidence that we can win if we play to Zeke’s strengths. We can work on weaknesses later.”
——-

Chef blew the horn and they took off.

Reese almost slid off the ice as he stepped on, the shoes Chris insisted on had barely any grip to them.

He took a deep breath and jumped to the next chuck.

He was making good progress when he heard cracking and Gwen scream.

Cody had too apparently and they both rushed back to her.

Cody had run into Owen, who almost knocked them both off the ice.

Reese almost knocked Gwen off trying to stop “stupid shoes.”he grumbled.

“Hold still.”Reese lifted Gwen by the waist and carefully set her on the block next to them.

“Thanks man!”

“No prob-“

The ice cracked under Reese’s weight and his eyes widened as he leapt off.

“We really should get going before global warming kills us…”

“Don’t have to tell me twice.”
——

They were almost to the end of the river when Cody screamed.

Reese whipped around and saw Cody in the water.

SHIT.

Cody HAD managed to activate the flotation device in time, and his head was barely above water.

He was bounding back across the ice kneeled to pull him out.

Dude was soaked and shivering.

“You okay?”

Cody shivered and nodded.

“I’m going to get you to shore, alright?”

Reese lifted him up and started to cross the river again, finally making it shore.

Chris met him at the shoreline with a heavy blanket.

“We got it from here dude.”

Reese nodded and set Cody on his feet before he ran to mountain.

Heather and Zeke had made it to the sled before anyone else, so they were coming for them.
——

Reese sighed in relief as he jumped into the sled with the rest of them, apparently he’d been the last one they had to get.

“Reese! How are you not cold?”

“You get used to it. Let’s head back. Cody fell through the ice earlier.”

“Oh my GOD is he okay?!” Gwen covered her mouth in horror.

“He’s okay. He wasn’t under long enough to get seriously hurt.” Reese reassured.

“That makes FOUR time you helped someone today.” Courtney shook her head “a new record.”

“Let’s just get this over with before we all get hypothermia.”

“You heard him Ezekiel! MUSH!”

“YOW!”

“Heather stop whipping him! I can’t believe I have to say that!”
——

It had been smooth sailing, Ezekiel wasn’t even breaking a sweat and was only egged on by his teams cheering.

Then he saw Bridgette and his eyes widened “what the fuck happened to you?”

She mumbled something he couldn’t understand, because her tongue was stuck to a POLE.

Reese had forgotten all about the song part until he heard the dinging as Chris pulled up beside them with Cody, who wasted no time in getting back on the sled with his team.

“Chris! Nows not a good time for singing! We have a situation!”

“Oh come on it’s my favorite part!”

At least it was just backing vocals…which was kinda hard given they could barely understand Bridgette.

“In all seriousness we should get her off before she loses her tongue to frostbite.” Reese pointed out.

“FWOSWITE?!”

“Yeah yeah.” Chris pulled a warm water bottle out “hold still. You guys go on I got this handled.”

They didn’t have to be told twice and Courtney pulled Reese back onto the sled and they took off “SORRY BRIDGETTE! HOPE YOU GET UNSTUCK!”.
——

They were almost home free!

Until Owens force of gravity sped his team up enough to put them last.

Ezekiel was really looking exhausted as his knees buckled, landing until the snow.

“I KNEW IT! I KNEW HE’D RUIN IT!” Heather shrieked “you’re so DEAD homeschool!”

“Back off Heather!” Reese got between them “it isn’t his fault!”.

“All you did was scream and whip him the entire time.” Gwen agreed.

“Actually! Team Amazon is in second place. Team Victory crossed without Bridgette.”

Leshawna facepalmed.

Well at least they weren’t last…

Poor Bridgette though.
———

Reese helped carry in warm drinks for everyone as they settled back onto the plane.

He was gonna miss First Class, but now he got to see the others!

Bridgette still didn’t have feeling in her tongue, and couldn’t really be understood.

But Reese nodded and assumed it was a thank you for the warm cocoa.

He paused in front of DJ, whose eyes were still froze shut from crying.

“You okay?”

All that did was set him off again.

“He’s been having bad luck with animals.” Leshawna sighed “and now he thinks he’s CURSED.”

“Sorry dude.“ Reese handed him a drink “I’m sure it’s not a curse. Any God that would curse you isn’t a smart one.”

That got a chuckle “thanks man.”

“No problem dude. Good luck at the elimination. I have drinks to pass out.”

——-

Poor Bridgette had been eliminated.

“Can we finish that book?” Ezekiel asked excitedly “that guy is TOTALLY innocent! I know it!”

“What book?” Leshawna asked.

“To Kill a Mockingbird.” Reese shrugged.

“You guys were READING in first class? Boring!”

“Reese has a REALLY good voice!” Gwen shrugged “the book is boring but he makes it not boring.”

“Guys I don’t think they want to listen to me read it.” Reese pointed out.

“Oh no, I want to hear this AMAZING reading voice of yours!” Leshawna laughed.

“Me too!” Lindsay squealed “I bet it’s just as good as the rest of you!”

“Okay…then..well…” Reese rubbed his neck and pulled the book out “where were we?”

“The trial of Tom Robinson.” Courtney reminded.

“Oh right!” Reese cleared his throat and began to read-

“So serene was Judge Taylor’s court, that he had few occasions to use his gavel, but he hammered fully five minutes. Atticus was on his feet at the bench saying something to him, Mr. Heck Tate as first officer of the county stood in the middle aisle quelling the packed courtroom. Behind us, there was an angry muffled groan from the colored people. Reverend Sykes leaned across Dill and me, pulling at Jem’s elbow. ‘Mr. Jem,’ he said, ‘you better take Miss Jean Louise home. Mr. Jem, you hear me?’ Jem turned his head. ‘Scout, go home. Dill, you’n‘Scout go home.’ ‘You gotta make me first,’ I said, remembering Atticus’s blessed dictum.Jem scowled furiously at me, then said to Reverend Sykes, ‘I think it’s okay, Reverend, she doesn’t understand it.’ I was mortally offended. ‘I most certainly do, I c’n understand anything you can.’ ‘Aw hush. She doesn’t understand it, Reverend, she ain’t nine yet.’ Reverend Sykes’s black eyes were anxious. ‘Mr. Finch know you all are here? This ain’t fit for Miss Jean Louise or you boys either.’ Jem shook his head. ‘He can’t see us this far away. It’s all right, Reverend.’ I knew Jem would win, because I knew nothing could make him leave now. Dill and I were safe, for a while: Atticus could see us from where he was, if he looked.As Judge Taylor banged his gavel, Mr. Ewell was sitting smugly in the witness chair, surveying his handiwork. With one phrase he had turned happy picknickers into a sulky, tense, murmuring crowd, being slowly hypnotized by gavel taps lessening in intensity until the only sound in the courtroom was a dim pink-pink- pink: the judge might have been rapping the bench with a pencil. In possession of his court once more, Judge Taylor leaned back in his chair. He looked suddenly weary; his age was showing, and I thought about what Atticus had said—he and Mrs. Taylor didn’t kiss much—he must have been nearly seventy…”

Chapter Text

Cody was still sick by nightfall.

Poor dude had finally turned to a normal color, but he was still pale and shivering.

“It’s freezing in here…are you guys not cold?”

It was actually pretty warm in the plane, especially with them crammed together.

Reese felt his forehead and his eyes went wide “God you’re burning up. Zeke, hand me my carry on bag would ya?”

It was handed over and Reese dumped not onto the aisle.

Nail polish. Hair brush. Hair ties. Assorted hygiene products..

Medical kit!

He popped it open and fished around for the thermometer, and held it out to Cody.

“Open.”

Cody complied and while they waited Reese went to get another blanket from the trunk on the opposite side of the wall.

Everyone was just watching in silence as he worked, not even skipping a beat when the thermometer beeped.

“38.3°C.” Reese sighed “at least it’s not bad enough for a hospital visit. Chris should’ve kept you out of the game when you fell in the river. Coming back outside so soon made it worse.”

“I’m fine! Really! Just a sniffle.”

“Cody, you look like death warmed over.“

Reese was inspecting him for any signs of frostbite or hypothermia, which luckily didn’t seem to be the case.

“Seems fine to me. All you need is some rest and medicine. Maybe something warm to eat.”

Reese pulled the extra blanket over Cody’s  shoulders “I’ll get Chef to whip you up something and get some medicine to bring down that fever.”
——

No sooner had Reese been out of earshot did the chatter start.

“Is it just me or was that really attractive?” Leshawna asked.

“Oh thank god you see it too.” Lindsay sighed in relief “I thought it was just ME.”

“Little dude comes back all shedded and now he’s flexing those caregiver muscles?” Leshawna fanned herself “he was cute back in beginning but that boy is a MAN now!”

“A man with a BOYFRIEND.” DJ reminded.

Oh. Right. DUNCAN.

”We’re allowed to think he’s cute!” Leshawna defended “and I still like Harold!”

“Guys, keep it down!” Courtney hissed but made sure that Reese hadn’t heard them “but he TOTALLY is cute now.”

Ezekiel, Cody and DJ just looked at each other as the girls squealed about him.

Heather excluded, but she was definitely listening to the conversation.

“I love me a man that can be sweet but look fine while doin’ it!”

“He’s SO cute!”

“Totally romance book material!”

Even Gwen, to Cody’s dismay, joined in.

“He’s totally boyfriend material. Duncan’s SUPER lucky.”

“You know what makes it HOTTER?” Courtney giggled “he doesn’t KNOW.”

“Doesn’t know what?”

Reese’s voice made them scream.

He just stood there in confusion, holding a cup of broth and a bottle of fever reducer.

“HEATHER HAS A CRUSH ON ALEJANDRO!” Courtney blurted, hoping that the lie plausible enough to bluff.

“COURTNEY!” Heather glared.

“Oh..well…he’s cute but he’s not Duncan. Not my type, but if he’s yours who am I to judge.” Reese shrugged.

Lindsay squealed “see! That’s why you’re so great!”

“Thanks Linds.” Reese laughed “you guys are pretty great too. As for YOU.” Reese sat beside Cody and deposited the cup into his hand “this should make you feel better.” He shook a couple pills out into his hand.

“Thanks man…”
——-

After he’d eaten and taken the meds, Cody was pretty much knocked out.

Reese was finishing up ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ and everyone else was in the same boat as Cody.

“Why is his voice so mesmerizing?” Gwen yawned through a whisper.

“So soft and nice and could TOTALLY keep you safe. Like a nice warm blanket.” Lindsay agreed, sighing contently.

“This boy has it all, If only he liked girls, I’d snatched him up in a second.”

“Oh please. He’s not THAT great.” Heather rolled her eyes.

“You were drooling over him too when we were on that camel!”

“THAT WAS THE HEAT!” Heather shrieked.

Cody’s head shot of of Reese’s shoulder and Reese turned to her with a raised brow.

“It’s nothin’ go back to sleep.” Reese whispered to Cody, who mumbled and closed his eyes.

She slumped down in her seat and Reese shook his head and went back to reading the book aloud.

The girls just shook their heads at her.

Dammit.

Was she that obvious?

Alejandro was HOT and fierce, but REESE had her down since day one and never held back when going against her, even if that was the rare occasion.

And he was a good leader to boot, so that was definitely a plus.

…Well she obviously had a type.

Her ears perked up to the last bits of the book.

“…’He guided me to the bed and sat me down. He lifted my legs and put me under the cover. ‘An‘ they chased him ’n‘ never could catch him ’cause they didn’t know what he looked like, an‘ Atticus, when they finally saw him, why he hadn’t done any of those things... Atticus, he was real nice...’ His hands were under my chin, pulling up the cover, tucking it around me. ‘Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them.’ He turned out the light and went into Jem’s room. He would be there all night, and he would be there when Jem waked up in the morning.’….”

He shut the book, checked on Cody one last time and pulled his own blanket over him and went to sleep.

They were all so screwed….

Chapter Text

SEASON ONE

Reese

Reese Swimsuit

Reese Pajamas

Reese Binder

SEASON TWO

Reese and Duncan Height Difference

Reese Costume

SEASON THREE

Reese (Updated)

Reese (Shirtless)

Reese and Duncan Height Difference

!!!!EXTRA!!!

Reese (Pre-Transition)

Updated VA:  Brent Morgan

Chapter Text

“Stupid economy section…”Heather grumbled “and WHAT is that horrible smell?”

“Defeat?” Gwen tried.

“Ugh! I KNEW having Ezekiel pull the sled was a mistake!”

“He could’ve run faster is you hadn’t started WHIPPING him.” Reese argued “which, again, I can’t believe I have to say that.”

“We ALL know that’s not true!” Heather threw her arms down “I do NOT get why you insist on bringing the harbinger of DOOM onto the team without ASKING, but he’s SO gone!”

Courtney scoffed and crossed her arms.

“First chance we get I’ll totally help you vote her off.” Gwen laughed.

“Gladly! Can we WHIP her off?” Courtney grinned.

Reese shook his head and leaned back next to Cody and Ezekiel.

“How you feelin’ Cody?”

“Pretty good. That soup really put the pep back in me!”

“Now that’s what I like the hear.”

“That Bea Ridley? Was he REALLY innocent?” Ezekiel asked.

“Boo Radley.” Reese corrected “and yes, that’s the general consensus.”

A shadow cast over them “hey buddies!” Heather greeted “have I EVER said enough  how much I value our friendship?”

Reese looked around the cabin of the plane.

“What are you looking for?”

“Whoever the hell these ‘buddies’ you’re  talking about are.” Reese crossed his arms “cuz I know DAMN well you aren’t taking to us.”

“I thought we were on better terms?!”

“Better terms doesn’t equal friendship. You called me a butch and a dyke for two months. I think I’ve earned the right to not like you.”

“I said SORRY and that was like a year ago.”

“ A year or a week doesn’t matter. Just be glad I don’t make up a cheer about how mean you are like I did Leshawna. I’m sure I can get REALLY creative with everything you’ve done.”

That was actually a fair point.

“And this is like, the third time you’ve spoken to me?” Cody added “and you’ve never even TALKED to Zeke.”

Heather opened her mouth to object then closed it.

They WERE right…

“But,” Reese continued “I do value you as a person and a teammate so there’s that.”

“That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me!”

Reese couldn’t help but smile.

“Reese!” Alejandro called “I heard through the grapevine that you like chocolate! I got this just for you.”

Reese eyed the candy bar “no thanks.”

“I assure you, it isn’t poisoned.” Alejandro waved it.

This was NOT going the way he thought.

“That’s not the reason.” Reese raised a brow “The reason is I don’t know WHERE you heard that, but I don’t like chocolate. It would be wasted on me. Heather might though.” He winked to Heather.

Oh that little….

“Heather?” Alejandro offered it out.

“I don’t take offers from the enemy. Especially not the excessively disgustingly flirty ones!” She snubbed, turned her head back to her team “I’ll totally talk with you guys later!”.

Heather turned on heel and walked back to the girls.

“Ignore her she’s always like that.” Reese chuckled “so. Alejandro. What brings YOU to Total Drama?”

“I should be asking you that. You won last season, should you be out enjoying your million? Having a grand party?”

Reese shook his head “My share of the money is in a bank. I’m not going to just blow through it.”

That had taken him by surprise.

“Your…share?” Alejandro asked slowly.

“I split the money with Duncan, Beth and Owen. Half with Duncan and then three ways with Beth and Owen.“

“That’s AWFULLY generous of you.” Alejandro complimented “but why are you HERE.”

“Mostly because of MY contract.“

“Your contract?”

“I made a deal with the producers. Keep Chris and Chef and I’d stay on the show or else I’d walk.

The question being WHY?

“You seriously didn’t hear?” Cody sat up “Reese is like, a total badass! They were going to FIRE them!”

This was definitely interesting.

“For what?”

“Some bullshit.” Reese waved a hand “someone outed them online and the producers were going to fire them for it.”

“But Reese totally stormed onto that office and showed them who’s boss!” Gwen cheered.

“He threatened to walk out on the show if they did! He’s APPARENTLY really popular.” Courtney added “and I threatened to use all the lawyers in my contacts to sue them to oblivion.”

Wow.

“So..you’re saying you’re very protective of the once’s you love. A very admirable trait!”

Reese slid away from him “yeah… Still not working on me. But I’m very flattered.”

DAMMIT!

(Confessional)

Reese was scratching his head “I don’t get it. That fiasco was all OVER the news! How couldn’t he have heard about it? Dudes being super weird with all these questions.” Reese looked at the camera and waved “and if my family is watching this, Chef wants that recipe for Tía Carol’s hot cocoa. He’s going INSANE trying to recreate it.” Reese laughed “and Duncan? Say hi to your family for me! Miss you, love you, I can’t wait to see you!”

——-

“Take a seat, strap in and grab a handle!” Chris announced as they climbed into a raft “then I’ll tell you where we’re going!”.

He tossed them life jackets, which Reese had to help Zeke with because he couldn’t figure out the buckles.

Once everyone was ready, Chris yelled out “HIT IT CHEF!”

The floor dropped beneath them and they went falling to the Earth.

It wasn’t that long of a drop, but that had landed harder than he’d liked.

Reese cringed upon impact, but was sure he was fine.

No one else seemed hurt either, just a bit shaken by the sudden drop.

He opened his eyes and his smile went big.

“New York City….”

“Correct! Also known as, ‘The City that Never Sleeps’!”

——

“You’re first challenge is a carriage race to  Central Park!”

“Am I going to have to be the horse again?” Zeke raised his hand “not against it just askin’…”

“It’s a baby carriage race! Which you’ll have to retrieve from the TOP of the Statue of Liberty.”

“What?”

Reese pushed Ezekiel’s chin up.

“Aw man!”

“Don’t worry it’s totally safe. We can’t use explosives on a national monument. Lots of safety measures. Climb the rope to Lady Liberties crown and pull the rope to get your team up faster. Once everybody’s up, grab the correct carriage off the spike and get back down to your boat and follow the buoys to Central Park!”

“We SO got this!” Gwen pumped her fist “Reese can climb this easy!”

“This is a bit…high.” Cody pointed out.

“But he IS the only one who can pull us all up.” Courtney added.

They nodded. Reese was first.

Reese gave the rope a tug before grabbing it and pulling himself up “meet you guys at the top!”

——-

Reese was just ahead of Alejandro, who decided this was the PERFECT time to grab his rope and start a conversation.

“Dude. Now isn’t the time!”

“I’m worried about Chris! Do you ever get the feeling he misses his glory days, back when he was a huge star?”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“That he feels no one remembers or cares about anymore?”

Reese rolled his eyes “Doubtful. One, he doesn’t like talking about that stuff and two, he has people who care.” He pulled harder on the rope “and before you try that reverse psychology shit on me I know I have people who care too. I just don’t care about FAME. I’m here for my family, my friends and my boyfriend.”

“Who abandoned you! Aren’t you hurt that he got disqualified because he didn’t SING?”

Reese shook his head.

“Not even a little? I mean, if I were you I’d be furious! You two could’ve been cozying up together this entire time, and you never got the chance.”

“Dude. I’m serious. You don’t want to go there.” Reese warned.

“It’s just heartbreaking to see is all. Not to mention the whole fiasco with Courtney and Gwen-“

He was cut off by Reese grabbed him by shirt in one hand and bringing him face to face.

“Don’t you EVER talk about my dad, my boyfriend or my friends like that. EVER. I’m not scared of YOU and I’m not falling these stupid mind games you’re trying to pull. You think I don’t see the effect you have on people? I know what happened to Bridgette happened because of YOU.” He pulled him nose to nose with him “I’ve got my eye on you and if think you’re going to hurt anyone here? You’re sorely mistaken. So back the FUCK off before I make you food for the BUZZARDS.”

He let go and continued climbing the rope, leaving Alejandro behind in shock.

What the hell just happened?

——

Reese sighed in relief as he finally reached the top.

He would’ve made it sooner had ALEJANDRO not slowed him down.

He pulled the rest up no issue, only CODY was missing.

“Goddammit. Where is he?”

He was RIGHT behind them!

“WOO! TEN POINT LANDING DUDE!” Tyler’s voice came from below.

Reese looked over the edge and deeply sighed.

“You got to be fucking kidding me.”

Cody had fallen INTO the Statue of Liberty.

He took the rope and jumped down, swung next to Cody, grabbing his ankle and pulling him out of the cleavage of America.

He landed roughly on his feet next to his team and deposited Cody onto the ground “can’t believe you got distracted by giant fake tits.” He shook his head with a smile.

“Thought I was going to die for a second..” Cody laughed nervously “What a way to go though eh?”

Reese whacked him in the head gently “let’s just get this dumb challenge over with.”

“I’ll get the carriage!” Heather offered, not even waiting for a response “which is something only a really valuable teammate would do!”

Well at least she was being proactive?

“BE CAREFUL!” Reese yelled.

“Why do you care?” Ezekiel asked “aren’t ya mad at her?”

“Eh…”Reese waved a hand sideways “kinda but not really. Being called a name isn’t the worst thing that’s happened to me. What I mad at her for is that she was  whipping you.”

“God Reese, you really do care!” Courtney smiled with a sigh “no wonder Duncan’s always bragging about you.”

“I think the term GUSHING would be more appropriate.” Gwen sniggered.

“He doesn’t gush!” Reese crossed his arms.

That really set everyone, including Chris off, into a fit of laughter.

“Oh you can’t both be in denial!” Noah snorted.

“He like, NEVER shuts up about you.” Izzy cackled.

“It’s frankly sickening…”Noah coughed “but at least he’s not being an ass anymore.”

“TA-DA!” Heather stopped the carriage in front of them “like I said! VALUABLE!”

“Go Heather! Now that’s what I’m talking ‘bout!”

“Team Amazon takes the lead!” Chris announced.

“How do we get back down?” Courtney looked around.

“Fireman’s pole. And YES there’s a soft landing. It’s a thirty story drop. What do you take me for?”

His team turned to him and Reese sighed “of course. Fine. Don’t fall on my head of some shit. I’ll call up when I’m down.”

He gripped the pole and he was suddenly plunged down.

This. Was. AWESOME.

“WOOOOOOOOO!”

He landed on the soft mattress and laughed “ALRIGHT! SEND THE NEXT PERSON!”

One by one, they descended, Cody carrying the carriage down.

“Hell yeah! Let’s go!” Reese pumped the air.

“Uh…is he okay?” Ezekiel asked as Reese rushed out with the carriage.

“It’s the adrenaline, forget it, let’s get to the boats!” Courtney dragged him behind her.

They were all aboard, the sped off, none the wiser that Cody had fallen out until Ezekiel hesitantly pointed it out and they had to turn around.

Reese fished Cody out and frowned “sorry man.”

“It’s fine. Let’s do this!”

They sped after the others into a…sewer.

“DONT BREATH THIS IN!”

They all inhaled and they hit the threshold.

It was pitch black, outside of the few beams of light from the manholes above.

Then they made impact on something.

Something BIG that launched them into the air.

“WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?!”

“I dunno. It felt big….” Ezekiel scratched his head and peered over that back.

Only to come face to face with a VERY BIG and VERY pissed off alligator.

“FUCKING STEP ON IT!” Reese yelled.

Courtney went full throttle, but the alligator persisted. Reese saw a pole “get behind me!”

Those boys did NOT have to be told twice.

Reese raised it above his head.

“STAY!” Bonk! “THE!” Bonk!“FUCK!” Bonk! “AWAY!” Reese whacked it twice for good measure, but it STILL chased them.

“CHRIS IF YOU’RE BEHIND THIS YOU’RE SO DEAD!”

———

The force of the alligator knocking their boat, kicked them just barely ahead of the others.

“CHRIS MCLEAN YOU’RE SO DEAD!” Reese clambered out of the boat.

“Geeze what’s got your…IS THAT A ALLIGATOR?!”

The alligator had gotten stuck in the drainpipe and hadn’t been able to follow them.

“We were almost GATOR FOOD!” Reese threw his arms up “WHAT THE HELL MAN?”

“CHEF! Get animal control on the line! Oh my god…is anyone hurt?!”

“Luckily, NO. What the hell made you think going through the SEWER was a good idea?!”

“Kids got a point.” Chef pointed out.

“Dudes. I seriously had NO idea. This one was the producers idea! I thought they were KIDDING!”

Reese went dark in the face as he ranted and raved in Spanish as he paced around, and it was clear he was cursing the producers out pretty violently and explicitly by the way Alejandro was looking at him with wide eyes.

“What’s he saying?” Tyler whispered.

“I…I believe it’s best I not say. Mierda…”

“Okay I think Reese needs a minute, why don’t we get a head start and he meets us in central park?” Heather offered.

“Just a second!” Reese yelled, kicking the boat a hard kick “¡CARAY! ¡ODIO ESTE MIERDO ESPECTÁCULO! ¡A LA MIERDA ESTOS MALDITOS! ¡A LA MIERDA ESTE ESPECTÁCULO! ¡ESTO ES LO MÁS PELIGROSO QUE HEMOS HECHO JAMÁS!”

Reese inhaled “Okay I’m better now. Who wants to be the one in the carriage?”

They all stepped back, leaving Ezekiel, who turned and sighed with a frown.

“Aw man…”

——

Reese gripped the carriage and his eyes followed the line they’d been assigned.

“How about a little MUSIC to lighten the mood?”

Reese gripped the handle “it would be my PLEASURE.”

They took off.

Reese had DEFINITELY worked out since the last time they saw him, because he was FAST and they were having trouble keeping up as he whipped around corners.

They didn’t even have time to admire him while his back was turned because were trying keep pace!

This time, REESE took lead of the song.

“You’re never really lost in New York City! It’s a big old, bad old, tough old town, it’s true! What’s not to love about New York City? It’s the place where all your dreams come true!”

His tone was dripping in sarcasm.

They all looked at each other as they followed him, no one daring to say a thing lest he turn that rage onto them.

——

Reese hadn’t even hesitated to get into the water, swiftly biting into the stem of the apple and dragging it back to shore.

Just a hair behind Alejandro.

“That DOES it. Everyone get on the fucking carriage. He wants to play hard ball? Let’s play hardball.”

Heather nodded “you heard him! Follow the leader!”

They all balanced on it and Reese shot after him.

Reese caught up in no time and even Team Chris saw just how pissed off he was.

“Dude what did he say to make you so mad?” Cody asked.

“I don’t want to talk about it. I handled it. Let’s leave it at that.”

Reese overtook Alejandro and gave him the finger over his shoulder.

It was no surprise they made it in first place.

“And the winner of the New York Challenge is TEAM AMAZON!”

They cheered and high fived each other while Reese kicked the carriage.

“Team Chris! For the first time ever, you would be up for elimination…luckily this is a reward…challenge…”

Reese looked murderous.

“Hehe…how about a little mystery? You like mysteries!”

Chris made a mental note to tell the producers to watch their backs in case Reese came full force for this one.

——-

Reese brought the mallet on the ceramic apple down hard.

First one had been a horde of candy, which Cody and Courtney took advantage of.

The second was just apples.

Which only added fuel to the fire.

“Okay how about we give someone else a turn?” Courtney laughed nervously as she took the mallet “you go relax!”

“You totally earned it!” Gwen quickly agreed.

Reese inhaled “if anyone needs me, I’ll be in the confessional.”

(Confessional)

“Okay so I might have lost my temper there….let’s just hope this smoothed over. I can’t have my team thinking I’m a liability. And (BLEEP) Alejandro. I know what he’s doing! God he’s worse than Heather.”

——-

Reese inhaled and exhaled deeply with his eyes closed and earphones in “I am calm. I am zen. I am relaxed. The ball of rage is loosening…I am calm….”

“What’s he doing?” Cody whispered.

“Chris is making him do meditation. This was apparently the worse his anger has ever been.” Courtney explained “best steer clear until he’s done.”

Reese wouldn’t willingly hurt any of them, but they saw what he’d done to the paid actor in season one and weren’t willing to risk it.

Chris had been on the phone since they’d returned to the plane, yelling something about how they could’ve died, putting them in danger (he didn’t sign up for) and while range of different things.

“We could have almost died…” Gwen pointed out “and you know how he gets.”

“I say it’s a liability. He can’t just be angry all the time!”

“I don’t think he’s been angry for a while. Something must have set him off besides the alligator.” Cody scratched his head.

“Who’s going to break it to him the third prize was a meat grinder?” Ezekiel rubbed his arm nervously.

Heather crossed her arms “I’ll talk to him.” She walked over and stood next to him and tapped him on the shoulder.

He opened his eyes and pulled out and earplug “if this is about today, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” She leaned in close “I know we aren’t friends and I don’t know what that sleaze ball said to you. But I don’t like him either. I came to make you a deal.”

“What KIND of deal?”

“The alliance kind.”

“I don’t really DO alliances…”

“Look, I KNOW I’m being voted out next time we lose. I need your help. If you can get the guys on my side..”

“I would NEVER betray Courtney and Gwen like that. And you got me fucked uo if you ever thought I would.”

She smiled “good. Because it’s was a test….for LEADERSHIP! You’re SUCH a great leader but I’m…WE’RE worried it’s taking its toll on you!”

Reese relaxed but didn’t look convinced.

“I was wondering if you would let ME take the reins for a bit?”

“Fine by me. My last advice for leadership? Don’t let Courtney near the sugar. I’m not having a repeat of that puke-fest in season one.”

“You got it.” She gave a thumbs up “oh. And by the way. Third prize was totally  lame. It was a mean grinder! I SO tossed that thing.

Reese sighed “Figures…Now if you’ll excuse me I have…” he read the tape “..’Rhythmic Chants to Calm the Mind and Crush the Anger.’. to get back to.”.

Heather turned on heel and sat next to the girl’s, Reese retuning to his tape and continuing what he was doing.

Even without Reese’s help or knowing what Alejandro had said to make him pissed off, she was SO taking that snake down.

Chapter Text

Reese eyed where Cody was shoveling candy into his face like no tomorrow and raised a brow.

“Maybe you should take it easy? That’s A LOT of sugar!”

Cody’s reply was muffled through the mouthful of sweets.

“Oh he’s fine!” Heather waved a hand “he said he could handle it.”

“Cody. Dude. I’ve seen what sugar does to people, namely Courtney.” Reese pointed his thumb at her.

“HEY!”

“Besides,” Reese continued “you can have a blood sugar spike and I don’t want to ask them to make an emergency landing to take you to the hospital.”

Cody swallowed “I’m fine! Really! I can totally handle my sugar!”

“Famous last words.” Reese shook his head with a smile as he stepped over the pile to get to his bag.

He bent over and dug through it “has anyone seen my sketchbook? I could’ve sworn I put it in here.”

There were a chorus of “no’s” from his teammates.

“Weird.” He stood, scratching his head “Maybe I left it in economy? Be right back.”

The curtain shut behind him and they all turned to Heather.

“I still can’t believe he put YOU in charge.” Courtney sulked “I’m obviously the better choice here.”

“I’d have to agree with Courtney.” Gwen shrugged.

“Hey, Reese needs this. You saw what he’s capable of. What if he finally snaps? Personally I want to take as much pressure off him as possible to increase our chances of WINNING,” Heather pointed her nail file at them.

She didn’t want to admit she cared for him, but she knew she did.

He was the only one on decent terms with her after the past year.

“but you can always take it up with him. Let him know you don’t trust his judgement.” She shrugged.

Oooh…

“I DO trust his judgement! Dudes like, wicked smart!” Gwen defended “it’s just…”

“It’s you?” Cody finished.

“You don’t have the track record for being the nicest person…”Courtney agreed “or as understanding and supportive.“

“Says the one who tried to wreck his relationship?” Heather scoffed “at least I told him when Duncan was being a jealous jerk who was sabotaging him and Matthew.”

“He forgave me for that and I REALLY am over it now! Those two are totally made for each other!”

That was definitely a sore subject. One that was pretty much avoided, unless they really wanted to see Reese get mad.

“Maybe that’s what Alejandro brought up! That would explain why he got so upset!”

“No no…” Heather raised a hand “he was beyond angry on that rope. It had to be WORSE than Matthew….”

The question was…what?

What HAD Alejandro said to him?

“It must of been bad…” Gwen agreed “something that means a lot.”

“Duncan?” Courtney shrugged “they ARE getting pretty serious.”

“No no…think BIGGER.” Heather waved her hand, trying to think “something bigger than even Duncan. Who does he care about the most?”

They all looked at each other “Chris.” They chorused.

What they had wasn’t necessarily father-son. Chris WAS parental, but he wasn’t that much older than Reese was. If anything he was more like an older brother.

BUT Reese had called him dad before. Chef too.

So they were definitely close.

“Think! What could Alejandro have brought up about Chris?”

“None of your damn business.” A voice interrupted.

Reese had returned, sketchbook in hand.

They opened their mouths and he raised a hand “I told you guys. I HANDLED it. Let’s leave it at that.”

“We just want to know …what happened?” Courtney sighed softly “you were so upset!”

“You’re always listening to US!” Gwen agreed “when was the last time someone listened to you about YOUR problems?”

“I think I manage just fine in therapy.” Reese shook his head in exasperation.

“Reese Cmon! We’re your team! Your FRIENDS and also Heather.”

“HEY!”

“We want to know what’s going on.” Gwen put a hand on his arm “we care about you dude. If something happened, we want to help.”.

Wow he was muscular.

No! Don’t focus on that! HELP REESE.

Reese sighed “fine. What do you want to know?”

“Did Alejandro like…threaten you or something?” Cody asked.

Reese laughed “He was trying to do…something. That’s for sure.”

“What do you mean?”

“He kept bringing up how he’d feel abandoned and shit if he was in my shoes, with Duncan quitting. He tried bringing up Chris and his film history, past movies and shows and even that boyband he was in. Then he tried bringing you two into it.” He pointed to Gwen and Courtney.

“And that was strike three.”

“He..what?”

“Well he thought Gwen liked Duncan, and vice versa. And you,” he turned to Courtney “openly admitted to wanting to wrecking things between us.”

Courtney sheepishly rubbed her neck.

“But I told him to fuck off or I’d make him food for the buzzards.”

“Wait what.”

“He brought my friends, my family and my boyfriend into it. You’d think I’d let that stand?”

That…made sense.

“And I know what happened to Bridgette happened because of him.”.

Their eyes went wide.

“HOW do you know that?” Ezekiel asked.

“Isn’t the footage like, top secret?” Cody added.

“Oh it is. I didn’t see the footage. I know because people tend to melt went around him and act like they have no sense.”

“So like you and Duncan around each other?” Heather grinned.

“Haha.” Reese rolled his eyes “hilarious. But sure. He manipulated her into kissing a pole and if it hadn’t been for Chris she’d probably would’ve been stuck to it for awhile.”

“Oh my god he’s an evil genius…”Heather sighed.

At their blank looks and Reese’s big grin she turned red “NOT THAT I LIKE HIM! Anyway! So what you’re saying is…”

“Whenever he talks to you, don’t listen. Don’t take anything he gives you. You can be friendly, but not friends with. Not until I get a feel for what’s going on here.”

“Reese you can’t fix every person you meet.” Courtney crossed her arms.

“Guys I’m serious. Someone always has something going on. Until I’m eliminated or I make it to the finals, I’m going to feel out the situation. Get some information. Until then…get as much as you can out of him.”

“Reese…” Gwen began “are you suggesting…manipulation?”

That wasn’t his usual style.

Which meant they wouldn’t be expecting it.

“You say manipulation, I say…infiltration. They won’t expect it. He picked the wrong fight with the wrong person. Watch your backs. Don’t let him get the drop on you. Oh. And guys?“ he crossed his arms with a grin “as much as you hate this, Heather IS the leader now. She’s smart and knows the game. So we’re gonna take orders from her for a bit. Let her lead.”

“So unfair…” Courtney grumbled.

“I love you guys, but Heather is more cut throat. No way she’d get distracted if winning was on the line, and she won’t fall for Alejandro’s mind tricks. Besides….” He nudged her “I’m willing to put faith in her abilities to lead. Consider it a do over. Just don’t lock her in the fridge if she gets pushy.”

“I mean…if Reese says she’s good?” Ezekiel shrugged.

“He’s hardly been wrong before.” Cody agreed.

“Ugh fine! But if she chokes can I be the leader?” Courtney asked.

“Sure. Why not.” Reese shrugged “now we’re team what?”

”Team Amazon!”

“Team WHAT?”

“TEAM AMAZON!”

“And what does Team Amazon do?”

“KICK BUTT!”

“Hell yeah! Now that’s what I’m talking about!” Reese pumped the air.

“If we stick together we TOTALLY have this in the bag!” Courtney cheered

“Those other two don’t have a CHANCE. Team Victory is totally blowing it.” Gwen agreed “but Team Chris? We HAVE to watch out for them.”

“Me and Heather have that handled. Just tell us if you see anything suspicious.”

“I gotta good feelin bout this!” Ezekiel grinned.

Keep an eye on Team Chris.

They could do that.

Chapter Text

From the most AMAZING friend ever on discord!

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Chapter Text

Reese was in the middle of reading Frankenstein to the team, well most of it.

Cody had conked out on a sugar crash and was snoring.

Gwen and Courtney were enjoying bonbons and talking about winning having perks.

And Heather was doing her nails.

Ezekiel seemed to be the only one actively paying attention.

“So, Reese. Who do you think is going to get the boot next?” Heather asked.

He shrugged “by the way things are going, I’d say someone on Team Victory, but I’m all for the underdog story.”

She hummed in acknowledgment.

“I have to say that I agree with you. They’re SO blowing it.”

(Confessional)

“You know, I gotta say. This whole ‘taking it easy’ thing? Not that bad so far. Besides it’s not like I’m not going to pull my weight. I just thought that Heather could use a shot to redeem herself. Six episodes so far and we haven’t eliminated anyone! I don’t want to jinx us but (BLEEP) is this going great! The team is getting along pretty well. But the girls are acting weird…”he scratched his head then shrugged “I guess I’ll figure that out later. Right now I’m concerned about Alejandro. In more ways than one.”

——-

They all stood around the cargo hold, where Chris asked to meet them for their challenge.

He’d heard Noah mention the Alps, so this should be good.

“In about ten seconds I’m going to drop the floor from under you.” Chris nodded as he handed out jackets.

Ezekiel raised his hand “Wait is that ten seconds starting now or ten seconds starting on three? Cuz-“

He was cut off by the floor opening beneath them, sending hurtling to the snow.

Which apparently caused Reese to become a magnet by the way his team grabbed him.

They hit the snow, which was thick enough to break their fall.

Reese shook the snow from his hair “what the hell guys? I am NOT a parachute!”

“Sorry…may have overreacted.” Courtney helped him stand “just a little.”

“No kidding.” Reese chuckled and looked around “Germany huh? Not bad.”

Chris was whispering to them to keep it down, because this was avalanche country.

“What does Eva’s lunch mean?” Ezekiel cocked his head.

“Avalanche.” Courtney corrected “it’s when snow travels down the mountain at ridiculous speeds. Really dangerous. Quite deadly in fact-“

She trailed off at the look Reese gave her.

“Don’t worry Zeke. As long as we keep quiet we should be safe.”

The bell quietly dinged, alerting them to start the song of the challenge.

Reese quietly swore but bobbed along to the song as they went.

“Don’t you worry, I’ll always have your backs. Just keep quiet, we’ll be done in a snap!”

Things were going well, until Tyler screamed in joy about Lindsay remembering him.

Which was GOOD don’t get him wrong.

“Should we run?!” Ezekiel panicked.

Reese shook his head “can’t outrun an avalanche.”

They all screamed as they were swept up and landed in a heap at the bottom of the mountain.

Reese coughed as he climbed his way to the surface.

“Everyone alright?” Reese coughed, he was pretty sure snow went down his throat.

There was groans of agony, but everyone seemed fine.

“Figured. Goddammit Chris.”

———

They all trudged up the mountain, and for once Ezekiel was the one leading them and not having trouble.

“It snows like this all the time at home! This is nothin!” He said proudly.

“Woo! Go Zeke!” Reese cheered as he trudged through the snow.

The others joined in to cheer him on and it really seemed to boost his confidence because the guy was practically beaming.

“See?” Reese grinned nudging Heather “a little support goes a long way.”

She rolled her eyes but nodded.

——

Reese pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Chris. I mean this with all the love in the world but….What the fuck?”

There were HILLS raw ground meat and Reese was trying to hold Owen back from EATING it.

“These are your building materials! Over 1500 species of sausage call Germany home, hence the theme of our most efficient challenge yet-“

“Shut up and Stuff It!” Chef yelled.

“Danke Chef! Each team must make a giant German sausage by shoveling meat into into the grinder. Push it down and grind the mixture out into an oversized sausage casing. And YES it’s perfectly safe. No chance you’ll lose anything important.”

“Glad you felt the need to make that statement.” Noah mumbled.

“I’m sorry..sausages? This is the most DISGUSTING challenge yet!”

“Just be glad it’s not hot dogs.” Reese laughed “once you know what’s in those you won’t wanna eat them again.”

She wrinkled her nose.

“Shovel fast! You’ll need a full sausage to ride down the hill.” Chris laughed as he pointed down the slope.

“Of course…” he continued “if you had an electric meat grinder just plug it into the portable generator and wallah! Sausage stuffed in seconds.”

Everyone turned to Heather who was turning pink “oopsie..”

“UGH!” Courtney groaned “if Reese had been the leader he wouldn’t have thrown it out!”

“Well you agreed at the TIME!” Heather argued.

“What kind of self-involved, lazy, useless, formerly bald dimwit thinks a reward won’t EVENTUALLY come in handy!”

“Courtney that is ENOUGH.” Reese barked “it was an honest mistake! Should she have kept it? Yeah. But you don’t get to tear her down over ONE mistake. Heathers been a good teammate!”

“But-“

“No buts about it! You shouldn’t throw stones from a glass house! If I recall, didn’t YOU refuse to take us with you when we thought Chris was about to explode that building we were in last season? Unless we split the prize money? You have NO room to talk.”

“…fine.” She turned on heel.

“Wow. I’ve seen you lose your cool but that was…wow.” Cody whispered.

“Let’s just get this dumb thing over with. Who wants to help me fill this damn thing up?”

Everyone had been so caught up in watching Reese and Courtney they hadn’t even started the challenge.

“Oh…and for one member of the losing team, you get to wear the loser-hosen.”

Great.

———

They looked at the machine then to Reese “Heather?” He asked “who’s working what?”.

She was still stunned from the fact Reese had stood up for her “I…I’ll fill the machine. Gwen and Cody can hold it steady…Courtney and Zeke can shovel…”

“So I’m on grinding duty. Got it. Cmon, let’s try to keep this win streak.”

——-

They were making good progress, even if the sausage left more to be desired in looks.

“Heather! What’s going on up there!?”

All he heard was gagging in response.

“Cody! Take over! Zeke get down and start grinding like your life depended on it!”

Reese climbed up and started whacking the meat down with all the force he could.

“You good?”he asked.

Heather covered her mouth and waved a hand.

“Yeah raw meat isn’t great. Told you karma was going to come back to bite you. I guess this is what you get for that joke you made in season one.”

At her confused look her reiterated.

“The Brunch of Disgustingness challenge. You said and I quote word for word ‘You big boys can’t handle a little meatball? Reese sure can. But…considering his preferences I bet he’s an expert in handing meatballs.’.”

“You…remember that?”

“Of course I do. And I told you that ‘at least I can swallow.’.” He shrugged.

“I..I didn’t think…”

“The things you say can really hurt people. You’ve hurt ALOT of people.”

She fiddled with her hair.

“But as much as you do and say really shitty things, you’re not a bad person.”

“…what.”

“You’re not a bad person. You’re not evil. I don’t get WHY you’re mean and feel the need to make others feel shitty, but I don’t think you deserve to be treated like shit either.”

She blinked at him.

“We can talk about it later, alone. When the others go to bed. But-“

Reese was cut off by screaming as his team frantically tried to climb onto the grinder.

“What the FUCK-“

“ANGRY GOAT, MAN!” Zeke screamed “IT HAS THE DEVIL IN IT’S EYES YO!”

Reese peeked over to see a small but angry goat eating their supply that hadn’t been cased yet.

“Well. That’s not good.”

——

The goat luckily had gotten full and bored and wandered off and they all climbed down.

“Now what? We BARELY have anything!” Courtney kicked the mostly empty casing angrily.

Heather cocked her head in though before brightening.

“I have an idea! Stomp on it!”

“Well. We already lost. Might as well look like idiots.” Gwen shrugged.

They all stomped on it, and Reese could now see what Heather was going for.

“A snowboard! Heather you’re a genius!”

“We have to GO! Move move move!”

——-

Going down the mountain was easy enough, until they crashed into a rock and were sent tumbling down the mountain.

When they finally STOPPED…

They had lost.

They actually lost. Last place.

Chris poked his head into view “you guys alright?”

Reese gave a thumbs up.

“Good. Too bad you lost. Now onto part zwei! Competitors must learn and perform a traditional German dance on this very platform. The mats are rigged to deliver small jolts for every wrong move. Last team standing wins.”

“Where’s the reward you promised?” Leshawna pointed angrily.

“Patience! Team Chris is first to arrive, first to get a reward.”

Biker helmets?

Team Victory got furry hats.

And they got Alpine hats.

Reese sighed and out it on.

This was so dumb.

Ezekiel was just looking at his “do I HAVE to wear it?”

“Yes. Yes you do.” Chris nodded.

“Aw man…” he slowly and sadly took his toque off and replace it.

Reese patted him comfortingly on the shoulder.

“And since the teams are VERY outnumbered…only three from each team will compete. The rest of you sit out.”

Cody and Heather stepped forward.

“I seriously can’t dance.” Reese reminded “I’d lose for sure.”

“Cmon the last time you danced wasn’t bad!” Courtney reassured “left more to be desired, but not bad! Besides this is DIFFERENT! It’s not ballet.”

“I mean…I can give it a shot but don’t say I don’t warn you…”

“Now, who on the losing team wants to wear the loser-hosen.”

Reese shrugged “I’m game.”.

——

Reese stepped out of the changing room and rejoined his team.

Who looked like their brains has just imploded on themselves.

“Reese…you look…”

“Didn’t think anyone could pull that off.” Chris scratched his head “figures you can.”

Reese crossed his arms and grinned “as if THIS would be where my regrets started. Bring on the challenge man.”

—-

The dance was simple in theory, but hard when you haven’t practiced in years.

Reese was really rusty.

“Cmon Reese!” Heather whispered “you can do this!”

“I seriously don’t think I c-“

“YOU are Reese Ortega! You’ve done harder things than a stupid dance! Just copy whatever your scary dad does and you’re GOLDEN!”

Reese just stared at her.

Did she say what he thought she said?

“Wow. That’s a good pep talk.”

“ I DID learn from the best.”

“Okay…you’re right. Let’s do this! Team Amazon!”

“Yeah yeah Team Amazon just GO!”

(Confessional)

“Heathers not that bad. I’ve met WAAAAY worse than her. I think she’s starting BG to realize that being the ‘mean girl’ isn’t working anymore…the encouragement is a nice change.”

——

Heather had gotten distracted talking to Leshawna, trying to warn her about Alejandro, but all she got was zapped.

“No one’s going to listen to you. They’ll just think you’re jealous.” Reese whispered, trying to focus on his own dancing.

“Ugh! He’s such a SNAKE! I hate him!”

Heather stomped her board and Chris pressed the button, sending a shock through all of them.

They switched platforms, which now had been raised.

And with all the rotten luck in the universe…

He got ALEJANDRO.

“Mi amigo! I’ve been wanting to have a word with you.”

“Uh huh.” Reese crossed his arms as he danced around.

“I do! I just wanted to apologize! It was very wrong of my to bring up such personal matters.”

“Mhm…” Reese hummed “I’m sorry for talking you I’d make you buzzard food.”

“All is forgiven.”

Reese took the opportunity and swiped his legs from under him, sending Alejandro crashing into the snow below.

“Not on my end.”

——

It was Heather vs. Leshawna and Reese vs. DJ.

Poor guy looked to be in tears.

“You okay?”

“I HURT THE GOAT!” He wailed.

“That insane thing that eat our meat supply?” Reese asked “sorry man. That sucks.”

DJ sniffled “I keep hurting or killing animals! I don’t want to! I love animals!”

“Of course you don’t! I know that, everyone knows that.” Reese assured “when did this all start?”

“After I broke that mummy dog in Egypt…”

“Oh…oh that’s bad. The Egyptians loved their pets. That’s really not good Deej.”

“I knooooow!”

“YOU HAD THIS COMING FOR THREE SEASONS!”

They both turned to see Leshawna beating the absolute SHIT out of Heather.

“DJ. Really sorry about this.”

“I get it man.”

Reese gently pushed DJ off the platform into the snow.

“AND TEAM AMAZON WINS!”

Reese rushed down and pulled Leshawna off of her “alright alright! Break it up!”

“Come ON Reese! She’s had this coming!”

“Yeah but I can’t have you killing her. If anyone’s earned that it’s me.”

“HEY!”

“Shush. We should get you iced up. You’re kinda bruised…everywhere.”

——

Reese relaxed into his seat.

This had been a pretty stressful day and strudel is just what the doctor ordered.

“Reese. Please say you’re rethinking Heather being leader?” Courtney sighed.

“Nope. Sorry.” He took a bite of strudel.

“Figured. Pass the strudel?”

He handed her the plate.

“Where’s Heather?” Cody asked, plopping beside him.

“Getting checked out by Chef. Leshawna knocked a tooth out.”

“Ouch.” He cringed.

As if on cue, Heather returned with an ice pack the face and slumped down.

“Now that we’re all accounted where did we leave off in Frankenstein?”

“Oooh! The part where he’s making friends with the old blind man!” Ezekiel raised his hand.

“Good memory Zeke!” Reese complimented “…’I ought to have familiarized the old De Lacey to me,and by degrees have discovered myself to the rest of his family, when they should have been prepared for my approach’.” he began.

“…’But I did not believe my errors to be irretrievable; and, after much consideration, I resolved to return to the cottage, seek the old man,and by my representations win him to my party. These thoughts calmed me , and in the afternoon I sank into a profound sleep; but the fever of my blood did not allow me to be visited by peaceful dreams. The horrible scene of the preceding day was forever acting before my eyes ; the females were flying, and the enraged Felix tearing me from his father's feet…’…”.

Chapter Text

Reese sighed as his phone went off for the third time that morning.

“For fucks sake this number just won’t leave me ALONE!” Reese hit ignore “this is like the 17th time they called since the show started!”

“Why don’t you just answer it?” Gwen leaned into her palm.

“If I don’t know the number, I don’t answer. Producers can reach me through Chris. Job offers go through him too. Everyone I care about is already programmed in. It’s probably just Sierra. I’ll have Chris change my number later.”

“How would she even KNOW your number?”

“I wouldn’t put it past her to get it out of the others.”

Gwen hummed in agreement.

The intercom squealed to life and Chris voice came over it.

“Brace for landing! We’ve arrived at our NEXT destination….The AMAZON!”

They all buckled up.

“Team Amazon in the Amazon? That’s GOTTA be a lucky sign!”

Reese shook his head “don’t jinx it Gwen. It’s bad juju to say stuff like that.”

“I didn’t mean-“

Reese shushed her gently “bad juju.”

——

The landing was pretty rough.

Reese was patting Ezekiel’s back as he vomited into some nearby bushes “just let it out man. I told you to go easy on the pizza.”

All he got was a thumbs up before he continued hurling.

“Welcome to PERU! Birthplace of the mighty Amazon River. This challenge is called- the Am-AAAAAH-zon Race. Teams must hike along an ancient Inca trail, through the Peruvian jungle and all the way to Machu Pichu. Hidden in the ruins of Machu Pichu, a golden treasure awaits discovery.”

“I swear to god if it’s chocolate coins or something I’m gonna kill him.” Reese muttered as they rejoined their team.

“Find the treasure to win first class passes to our next destination. Last team to arrive will have to send someone home. Oh, and please be careful and stay on the trail. The jungle is full of dangerous insects.”

Chris held up an epi-pen “and yes Cody we have your epi-pen. Try not to lose it.”

“I can’t inject myself if I’m UNCONSCIOUS! Do any of you guys know how to use one?”

Reese raised his hand.

“Of course.” Cody shook his head.

Reese slid it carefully into his pocket “don’t worry dude. I got this. Besides, with me around we probably won’t need it. If we ALL stick to the trail.”

Reese, without looking, pulled Ezekiel back from wandering off.

“There is also an ancient tribe that we have very clearly been told not to contact. Do NOT engage with them. But if you’re in the trails you shouldn’t have to. But if you do radio us and we’ll send someone to find you.”

Chris handed them each a knapsack of supplies to canon with and walkie-talkies.

Courtney was in charge of the supplies and Gwen the walkie-talkie.

After making sure EVERYONE had been accounted for, Heather looked between the trails.

“I think Gwen should decide. She’s feeling LUCKY after all.”

“You’re parents must LOVE this show. It’s gets YOU out of the house.”

“Uncalled for.” Reese crossed his arms “now which way?”

“Right! Because left is a bit LUCKY don’t you think?”

Reese sighed.

This was going to be a long 18 hours.

——

“So how do you USE an epi-pen?” Gwen asked from behind them.

“Simple really. You pop the cap, put the injector on the thigh, and press the button. Or as they say in the Scouts Medical Training ‘orange to the thigh blue to the sky.’.”

“You really are a skilled person. No wonder Duncan’s impressed with you!”

Reese blushed “oh I’m sure he’s not THAT impressed. Besides. Anyone can do it if they’re told how.”

“As a matter of fact I think you should handle it. Don’t wanna drop it in case I need to play hero again.” He handed it to her.

“Thanks! I totally can handle it!”

——

Reese stopped the group “everyone. Don’t. Move.”

There were two men in masks by a fire next to the trail.

They all stood behind Reese as he formed a shield.

Only for Cody to scream when one turned their head to look at them.

Then they had the issue of having spears pointed at them.

“Chris isn’t answering!” Gwen whimpered softly.

Okay so maybe they were totally screwed.

“Maybe…try speaking to them?” Courtney whispered.

That wasn’t ideal but worth a shot.

Reese cleared his throat “Hola. Sólo somos viajeros amigables. No pretendemos hacer daño y simplemente estamos de paso.”

The spears got closer.

“Okay so talking this out isn’t working.” Reese raised his arms, prompting the others follow suit.

——

So they were tied to a tree and couldn’t contact Chris.

No biggie.

If it weren’t for Ezekiel having and absolute panic attack next to him.

“Hey..hey..it’s going to be okay.” Reese comforted “we can get out of this. I promise. I won’t let anything bad happen to you.”

Reese stood higher “Me gustaría hablar con el líder de tu tribu!”

The two meant came over to investigate the yelling only to stop when they saw the look of anger on Reese’s face.

“Déjalos ir. Llévame a mí en su lugar.” Reese told them confidently.

The two men looked at each other then back at Reese.

“Yo ocuparé sus lugares. Si los lastimas, me aseguraré de que te arrepientas del día en que me traicionaste.”

They both dropped to their knees and bowing before him.

“Okay so this is new.”

——-

The others had been left tied up and Reese was quite literally being put on a pedestal.

Well, a throne.

With a flower crown.

From what he gathered he looked like a long lost king or something.

Which he definitely was NOT.

Something was up…

Chris wouldn’t EVER put them is actual danger.

They HAD to be in on it.

“Ustedes son actores, ¿verdad?” Reese asked.

The two looked at each other and nodded.

“Lo supuse. Chris no nos pondría en peligro.”

He looked over at his team and Gwen was gesturing to the walkie-talkie and looking relieved.

She got Chris!

“Te seguiré el juego si lo haces.”

The bell dinged and Reese grinned.

“¿Te importaría una pequeña serenata?”

The man nodded and pulled out a guitar.

“Bienvenido al Amazonas, tenemos criaturas en abundancia. Nos perdimos en el Amazonas, pero ¿para qué más sirve un rey aquí? La ayuda está en camino, porque siempre estoy aquí. ¡Bienvenidos al Amazonas no hay nada que temer!”

The others didn’t know much Spanish, so they just hummed the backing vocals and butcherly parroted lines back.

He turned to the two men and pointed to the two.

“Has disgustado a tu rey. ¿Es así como tratas a los invitados? ¡Conozco muy bien a estos viajeros y sé que no harían daño a nada! ¡Déjalos libres o si no!”

The two men rushed to the group and were stammering apologies in Spanish.

“Reese! What did you say?!”

“That they displeased me by tying you up and….”

He looked at Gwen and his eyes widened.

Gwen was tripping hard.

“Oh my god…what the hell happened?!”

“She stabbed herself with the epi-pen!” Courtney whispered.

Gwen let out a giggle and Reese set her on the ground “okay why don’t we just take a seat huh? Help IS on the way right?”

“Chris said he’d send out a search party.”

“HAHAHAHA! Search party?! That’s hilarious! Why would we need a search party?!”

Reese patted Gwen “yeah you’re tripping hard. Just gotta ride it out.”

——-

Gwen had crashed hard and the others had been served food they were all too happy to scarf down.

Reese didn’t have the heart to tell them it was grubs and fruit.

When the search party (I.e. Chef) showed up, he looked surprised to see Reese on the pedestal.

“Finally! Let’s get the hell outta here.” Reese tossed the flower crown to the side to everyone’s horror.

“Uh Reese. I don’t think they’re gonna let you go so easily.” Cody pointed out.

“Oh they will. Cuz they’re actors.” Reese chuckled.

“You KNEW? REESE!”

“Oh come on. I hardly ever get to have fun! Besides, if we were in any real danger I could’ve laid these guys out and we could’ve booked it.”

“That’s true.” Ezekiel shrugged.

The others mumbled in agreement.

“But we really should get Gwen checked out.” Reese lifted her up with help of Heather “she stabbed herself into accident with Cody’s epi-pen.”

“And you lost the challenge.” Chef sighed “you’re voting someone off.”.

“Aw man.” Ezekiel sighed.

——

Reese hesitated in the confessional.

Everyone really had tried this challenge.

“Oh god this is the worst day ever.” He slumped down “this sucks.”

He held up a passport and stamped it.

——

Reese raised a brow at Alejandro’s appearance.

“Oh. Yay. You’re here. What a fantastic ending to this spectacular day.”

“Reese you wound me.” He sighed dramatically “but after all you went through today it makes sense you are in such a bad mood.”

“Go. Away.”

“I mean you must be furious. If it hadn’t been for Heather’s poor navigation…you would have WON.”

Reese rubbed his temples “Alejandro. You have ten seconds to back off before I hurt your OTHER eye.”

He raised his hands and backed off with a grin “of course. I know you like personal space.”

——-

Gwen voted Heather.

Courtney voted Heather.

Heather voted Gwen.

Ezekiel voted Heather.

Cody chose Ezekiel at random.

(Reese popped up on the screen, and he looked contemplative.

“I…vote myself. I should’ve kept a better eye on everyone. Should’ve come clean earlier about them being actors. Totally get if they’re mad at me.” )

They all looked to Reese and he shrugged “no rules against voting yourself.”

“Oh my god can you not be selfless for five minutes.” Gwen groaned.

“As much as I’d love to see Heather eliminated…this isn’t an elimination round.”

Reese sighed in relief.

——-

He leaned in his economy seat and pulled out a book.

“Hm. I thought you reading to your team was just a silly rumor.” Alejandro commented.

Courtney shushed him “we’re about to start a new book!”

“What kinda book are you reading?” Noah peeked over his seat.

“The Velveteen Rabbit.” Reese answered “it’s about a stuffed rabbit's desire to become real through the love of his owner.”

“Sounds lame.” Tyler crossed his arms.

“You’re free to not listen.” Reese shrugged “but this is our teams routine.”.

He opened the page and cleared his throat.

“..’There once was a velveteen rabbit and in the beginning he was really splendid. He was fat and bunchy, as a rabbit should be; his coat was spotted brown and white, he had real thread whiskers, and his ears were lined with pink sateen. On Christmas morning, when he sat wedged in the top of the Boy's stocking, with a sprig of holly between his paws, the effect was charming. There were other things in the stocking, nuts and oranges and a toy engine, and chocolate almonds and a clockwork mouse, but the Rabbit was quite the best of all. For at least two hours the Boy loved him, and then Aunts and Uncles came to dinner, and there was a great rustling of tissue paper and unwrapping of parcels, and in the excitement of looking at all the new presents the Velveteen Rabbit was forgotten. For a long time he lived in the toy cupboard or on the nursery floor, and no one thought very much about him.’….”

Reese’s melodic voice melded with the hum of the plane, and as usual his team began to drop off.

It had been a pretty exhausting day.

Reese didn’t even seem to mind Cody and Ezekiel curling up in the seats next to him, even looking at either of them out of the corner of his eye every so often.

It was as if Reese had taken on…a de facto parent role….

And suddenly his behavior up until now made sense.

Interesting…

Even Team Chris had began to drift off to sleep, leaving Alejandro as the only one awake besides Reese.

Reese eventually marked his place and gently pried himself from the two boys.

Where was he going?

Reese opened a shipping container and lifted out a massive stack of blankets with ease, pausing to cover each contestant as he passed by again.

Even Alejandro, who he did scowl at, but offered the blanket nonetheless.

“…Gracias.”

“Mhm.” Reese nodded and slid into his seat, and grabbing his sketchbook from his bag, using a small attached reading light to see.

So Reese cared about these…friends.

Not just his team.

Alejandro smiled.

This could actually work in his favor.

Chapter Text

For once, Reese slept in the next morning.

Like, actually deep sleeping. Wearing an eye mask and slightly snoring.

And no one wanted to be the one to wake him up.

“Shouldn’t wake him up?” Owen asked “it’s not like him to sleep in.”

The Amazon’s looked at each other then back to Owen.

“He needs the sleep. Don’t bother him.” Heather pointed her nail file at him “guys been stressed to hell and back since this thing started. You are NOT waking him up.”

“How uncharacteristically kind of you.” Noah scoffed.

“Shut up Twiggy.”

“Do YOU want to be the one to wake the guy who beat an ARMED guy three times his size?” Gwen snickered.

That caught Alejandro’s attention.

“He did what?”

“Season One?” Heather scoffed “the LAME horror movie challenge? Reese went INSANE on this actor guy because he thought Gwen was in danger.”

“He shoved me out the door and barricaded it.” Gwen added “faced him on his own and beat the absolute crap outta him.”

“In his defense,” Cody held up a finger “he DID think it was life or death at the time.”

Ezekiel nodded in agreement.

“It was SO brave. Very stupid. But BRAVE.” Courtney sighed softly “but damn if it isn’t attractive as hell.”

“You weren’t even INTO him season one and you didn’t LIKE him last season. What gives?” Noah rolled his eyes “nothings changed. He’s still the biggest self sacrificer ever which is still pretty dumb if you ask me.”

“Good thing we’re not asking you.” Courtney crossed her arms “not that it’s any of your business or that you’d get it, but if you hadn’t noticed he’s-“

“A grade A HOTTIE.” Izzy nodded excitedly “totally get it! And he’s SOOO smart. He can make explosives out of-“

“Izzy!” They shushed.

They couldn’t tell people how Reese knew how to make a bomb out of a bottle of medical alcohol, a washcloth, tape and a lighter.

“Anyways! He’s so cute but not as cute as OWEN!”

Tyler wrinkled his nose “doesn’t he have a boyfriend?”

“Duncan? Yeah. But if you haven’t noticed, he isn’t here and Reese is clueless about this whole we-think-you’re-hot-now thing, so we can look, just not touch. Besides Reese has been kinda depressed about Duncan quitting.”

Reese?

Depressed?

“Oh come on. He’s practically made of steel! Reese said it was fine he left!” Noah rolled his eyes

“ Well he told US that Duncan leaving so early kinda stung.” Courtney shrugged “he won’t talk about it, because he doesn’t like putting his problems onto us, but when you’ve known him for as long as WE have then you’d see it. He’s really bummed out.”

Okay that was harsh, but fair.

“Okay but did you SEE him in that lederhosen? Duncan probably lost his MIND.” Gwen giggled “he’s gonna be so mad he missed it!”

“Oh for SURE.” Courtney agreed “his  smart, sweet and protective boyfriend in a cute little outfit? I’d be on that in a second! If only he was into girls.”

“About that. This whole ‘protectiveness’ thing. Where DID that come from?” Alejandro leaned next to Heather.

“As if I’d tell YOU.” She scoffed “it’s not your business.”

“And you’d know if you ever watched the show.” Courtney added.

“Or just asked. Reese doesn’t lie most of the time.”

“Most of the time?”

“He DID lie in the beginning. But that WAS for good reason.” Gwen shrugged “he lied so his team wouldn’t keep him on out of pity. But he totally proved himself. If Beth hadn’t literally forced him to take it, they would’ve tied last season.”

Alejandro raised a brow “and how do you know he’s not lying to you now?”

They all looked at each other and burst into laughter.

“Reese is ALOT of things.” Courtney snorted “but a manipulator isn’t one of them!”

“He’s so honest it’s scary. But he’d take your secret to the grave. We were all clueless about Chris and Chef getting together. Duncan only found out because he’s dating Reese.”

Said man mumbled something incoherent and shifted in his seat before continuing his sleep.

Alejandro struck.

“I mean, you’d think he’d be more upset. His first boyfriend abandoning him on day one?”

Courtney snorted “Duncan isn’t his first boyfriend. That would be MATTHEW.”

At the name, they all made faces.

Except Alejandro who was just confused.

“I do NOT get what Reese saw in him. He was a total weirdo.” Heather shook her head “and he WAS totally making eyes at that James guy who worked in sound.”

“Me either? He was kinda cute but…ugh.” Courtney wrinkled her nose “Reese has such poor taste. Duncan is the clear winner here. I don’t know WHY he agreed to go out with Matthew.”

“It was because he was the first guy to ask me.”

Not going to lie, Reese’s sudden voice made them jump and some to scream.

He was wake now, and had a grin on his face that said he’d been listening.

For how long? They didn’t know.

“Stop DOING THAT!” Heather swatted him.

Reese chuckled “you know I would’ve told you if you had asked.”

“I thought you hated talking about what happened?”

“Does it suck? Yeah. Was it fair? No. But I’m past that, and I have the most amazing boyfriend in the world now.”

“Why did you go out with the walking equivalent of bread?”

They all looked at him expectantly.

Even Alejandro had to admit his curiosity was peaked.

“Alright alright….it all started that day by lake after that cooking challenge. You guys were off doing your own thing, I was drawing in my sketchbook. Some guy I’d seen around came up to me, and introduced himself. He was an intern and he said he was impressed by me.” Reese shrugged before continuing “I asked what he wanted, and he said he wanted to ask me out.”

Reese leaned back in his seat “which, after confirming that I was a TRANSmale, you wouldn’t believe the guys who stopped being interested after that little tidbit, he said he didn’t care. I guess I was so stunned a guy actually asked me out that I said yes.”

“Wait…”Tyler asked slowly “if any of US had asked you first…you would’ve said YES?”

“Not anyone on my team, that would’ve been awkward. It WAS pretty awkward last season sharing a trailer with the guys while me and Duncan were together…but yeah. If one of the Gophers guys had asked me, I would’ve.”

That was some new information.

“Wait…wasn’t Duncan a BASS?” Alejandro asked.

“Yeah. But we didn’t get together until after we got voted off. Duncan DID confirm he had feelings for me before I was sabotaged, but at the time I didn’t know WHAT I was feeling. No I had to let him down.”

“It was super sad to see.” Courtney sighed “Duncan looked really bummed when you said no….”

“And he got super sad when you got sabotaged.” Owen pointed out “didn’t let us mess with any of your favorites on the snack bag.”

“In my defense, I was going through some shit and so was he. A sudden sexuality crisis I didn’t mean to cause? I didn’t want to hurt him. I loved Duncan as a friend back then. My first REAL friend. He was, is, my best friend. I didn’t know what to do because I didn’t want to lose him like I lost everyone else I loved.”

Silence.

“Reese are you sure that you wanna go there?”

Reese shrugged “Everyone who watches the show knows. What’s one more person?”

“Look. These guys are all caught up on this but you aren’t.” He addressed Alejandro “but my parents were really REALLY shitty to me. High expectations and standards. I was miserable being their ‘daughter’. I wanted to a son. But instead of loving and embracing me like a parent  should, I got thrown out into a Hurricane and almost died. I wanted to die because I couldn’t take it anymore. I was just so…tired. I was alone. The only family I had left was in Spain, but I thought that my aunt was the only one who’d love me as I was.” He fiddled with the indalo around his neck “I get pain and hurt more than anyone. I protect the ones who can’t protect themselves because I want to the be the person who I needed most. Hell. If it wasn’t for me being accepted onto the show I probably would be dead. Never thought I’d make friends on the show. It at all really. Had a crew back home but I wouldn’t count us as GENUINE friends, more like we watch each others backs. Take care of each other. It was up to ME to watch the younger ones. So I guess that’s where that ‘protectiveness’ comes from Alejandro.”

They all just looked at him.

“Yeah it’s a lot to take in. But it lets you know I’m not one to be messed with. I was on the streets since I was 14. Duncan was the first person to ever show me genuine friendship and I’ll be damned if you try to break us up like she did.”

Courtney avoided eye contact sheepishly.

“Matthew treated me well. It wasn’t until he told me to stop being friends with Duncan that we had an issue. I told him that. I told DUNCAN that. If it ever came down to it, I was going to pick my friend. Matthew had no right to tell me who to hang out with, feelings be damned. I guess that backfired on him because me and Duncan have been steady for almost a year now.”

The others didn’t look surprised.

But Alejandro was flabbergasted.

“I…didn’t..”

He was at a loss.

That was A LOT to process.

So much valuable information.

But even he knew that using that against him would be a step too far.

Holy shit…

Reese’s phone beeped and he sighed “that would be Chris. I promised I’d make something for Team Victory for breakfast.”

——

The teams had dispersed, going about their own things.

Cody and Ezekiel were playing with a deck of cards.

Gwen and Courtney were discussing where they might end up next on the show.

Owen was talking about Izzy to Noah.

Izzy had pretty much vanished and Noah was pretty sure she was in the vents.

DJ and Lindsay were in First Class.

Reese was making them breakfast.

Which left Alejandro and Heather.

“I’m warning you now Alejandro.” Heather crossed her arms “Reese stands by his word and doesn’t back down. If he SAYS he’s going to beat your ass, he will. I don’t like you, but I also don’t want to see you in the hospital.”

“I didn’t know you cared!” He laughed lowly.

“I don’t. I really don’t. But watch yourself. Reese has two dads and a bunch of friends who WILL make your entire career a nightmare. I want to be the one to take you down.”

He smirked.

Maybe getting this guy out, as much work as he would have to put in, wouldn’t be as hard as he thought.

He just had to play the long game.

Chapter Text

Reese was kinda getting worried about DJ.

The guy was still distraught about the whole ‘curse’ thing, so much he’d gone vegan.

No matter how much Reese said it was probably just in his head, he wouldn’t believe him.

Tyler sighed “I’m glad Lindsay’s team won the last challenge and everything…but her being in first class and me being back here? It SUCKS.”

Reese nodded “yeah. But at least she remembers your name now.”

“I know exactly what you mean! When I’m..uh- away from Izzy for too long I get really-“

“Happy? Because your girlfriend is a complete and total nut job? And I’m not talking tiny peanuts that girl is a Brazil nut size nut job.”

Reese threw a pencil at Noah “she’s not a nut job. She’s just… eccentric. Creative.”

Izzy was a bit insane, but she did have a charm about her.

A probably deadly charm.

But charm nonetheless!

“Hey where is Izzy anyway?” Owen looked around.

Reese paused. He THOUGHT it had been too quiet.

“I saw her go to the cockpit to talk with Chef.” Alejandro replied.

Reese buckled up because that was NOT news you wanted to hear.

‘Izzy’ and ‘cockpit’ shouldn’t be in the same sentence unless ‘BANNED’ is in between.

An alarm alarm blared and the few who hadn’t buckled up went to the floor.

Ezekiel and Owen were screaming in terror as the planned bounced them around.

Once the plane settled back, Heather smirked at Alejandro “having some trouble controlling your team Alejandro?”

Owen was rocking back and forth, sucking his thumb.

Tyler was puking into an overhead bin.

Noah was stuck in the box where they kept the blankets.

“Your attempts to insult my team are…cute.”

Heather rolled her eyes “whatever. My team is going to win. We don’t get distracted by anything. Especially boys.”

Cody snorted and Courtney whacked him to silence him. Luckily Reese was distracted trying to coax Ezekiel into his seat after he hid in an overhead bin.

Alejandro raised a brow and a smirk “not distracted?”

“Shut up!” Heather stomped her foot and went to help get Ezekiel down.

“Cmon Zeke, Izzy had her fun! The worst is over.” Reese crossed his arms “it’s all clear.”

“No way man! I ain’t comin’ out!”

Reese easily pulled him down, lifting him by the shirt and plopped him in his seat before returning to his, making sure his team buckled up.

After the whole incident yesterday with all the revelations, Alejandro was feeling a bit conflicted but more determined than ever to get Reese out of the game.

He was the glue holding his team together, if he managed to get him out, the rest of them, even Heather, would be a cake walk.

But it couldn’t be physical, Reese could apparently take him in a fight.

He couldn’t use psychology, Reese had proven to be pretty hard to manipulate.

He couldn’t use his attractiveness since Reese was only attracted to Duncan.

And he couldn’t even use THAT.

He had to get inside Reese’s mind…

But HOW?

——-

“AFFIRM. THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING. IF YOU LOOK OUT YOUR WINDOW YOU’LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PLANE DOES A SUMMERSAULT!” Izzy’s voice came over the speaker.

There was the sound of Chef trying to get the microphone back.

“UH…YALL MIGHT WANT TO HANG ONTO SOMETHING.” Chef announced as an alarm blared.

Ezekiel clung to him in terror and Alejandro’s team held onto Owen, since they hadn’t been strapped in.

The impact was HARD and Reese lurched forward in his seat, luckily strapped in.

“That’s..gonna bruise.” He wheezed “you guys okay?”

They groaned.

Ezekiel and Owen were looking pretty shook as Chris stormed by and threw open the curtain to the cockpit.

“You said we were landing by the Eiffel Tower!”

“Well YOU said you were going to replace that curtain with a LOCKED DOOR.”

(Confessional)

Reese sat with Ezekiel still clinging to him for dear life.

“Okay so today has had a rough start. Pretty sure that Noah got concussed on that landing…Alejandro’s been quiet..”

Reese scratched his head “still missing Duncan. Paris is the most romantic city ever….if you’re watching mi faro? Love you! I’ll get you a souvenir.”

His eyes looked down to Ezekiel “after I get him off me.”

——-

“Okay so I didn’t exactly get a chance to prep my introduction, what with the unexpected water landing and all…so here’s the highlights. France. City of love. Art gallery…filler…lots of artwork…priceless priceless artwork…”

Lindsay squealed in excitement “Yay! Paris! There’s only ONE guy I want to share this with! The guy I’ve been dreaming about since we’ve been apart! Where’s my Tyler?!”

Reese smiled. That was sweet…

“Sorry Duncan isn’t here.” Gwen patted his back “I’m sure he would’ve LOVED to take you on a romantic date here.”

“Yeah…”Reese sighed “but it’s fine.”

Lindsay squealed about taking Tyler shopping (which he looked less that stellar about) and Chris shushed her.

“There’s no time for shopping! The first challenge is about to start! Everyone! Inside the loave!”

“I believe you mean..louve?” Courtney corrected Chris.

He shushed her.

——-

Each team got their own famous sculpture.

Which Reese was all over by the look of excitement on his face.

Team Victory got “The Thinker” by Rodin.

Team Chris got “The Venus de Milo”.

Team Victory got…

“Statue of David!” Reese grinned.

Ezekiel peeked at it and turned bright red “he’s all like…exposed!”

“Artistic nudity.” Reese explained “it’s not sexual, it’s artistic.”

He shook his head “I don’t get art man…”.

“Here’s how it works! It’s up to you guys to find your statue hidden somewhere in the lo-vu-ruh…”

“That shouldn’t be too hard!” Courtney put her hands on her hips “the statues are big! And I’m an expert at reading brochure maps!”

“And I’ve actually been here before.” Reese shrugged.

They all turned to him.

“I told you guys my parents wanted culture. Culture invoked hours of walking around museums around the world.”

“We so got this!” Courtney high-fived him.

“Yeah, about the ‘statues being big’…Chef has broken the statue into pieces and hidden them.”

Reese sighed and rubbed his face.

“First team to find their pieces, race to the pyramid court and reassemble them wins!”

“But ‘The Thinker’ isn’t located in the Louve…and the ‘Statue of David’ isn’t even IN France!” Alejandro pointed out.

“Replicas, Alejandro. I don’t think this show has the budget for the REAL thing.” Reese replied.

“Correct! Chef here made some copies! Oh and for some added motivation…”

He pressed a button on a remote and the crate opened to reveal three guard dogs.

“Well shit.”

Chris laughed as they ran, being pursued by the barking dogs.

——-

“Come on guys! There’s no way I’m letting ALEJANDRO beat us! We have to get these to the pyramid court and fast!” Heather lugged the abs of David.

“We’re looking! We’re looking!” Reese rolled his eyes as he helped Gwen and Cody look around a large statue.

Ezekiel was looking in the vases with Courtney.

A growling sound form the guard dog sent them running behind the statue.

Reese stood in front of them.

“No! Bad dog! Shoo!”

The dog stopped advancing.

“That’s a good doggie! Who’s a good doggie?” Reese reached out for it.

It sniffed and licked his hand “oh you’re such a a good boy! Yes you are!” Reese gushed and pet him.

(Confessional)

“I never really had a pet of my own. Chris has the parrot and there’s the horse in Spain…but those are more their pets. I’ve always wanted a dog…Duncan likes dogs…”

——

The dog eventually scampered off and they sighed in relief.

“You really need to stop doing that.” Heather adjusted her grip on the piece.

“Yeah yeah, I get it.“Reese grinned.

The bell dinged and they groaned.

“I’ll take the lead on this one.” Reese sighed.

“Paris is the City of Lights, Paris is the City of Love…it’s beautiful in the spring time, brighter than the stars above. Streets and boulevards of beauty, roads that are rampant with romance…”

“I’m sure Duncan would be here if he had the chance!” Cody cut in.

Reese paused “I know he would, but he isn’t….so-“

“Can you imagine a serenade by starlight? A stroll down to the Eiffel in the day? It’s just enough to make you melt, we’re in the City of Love today!” Courtney squealed.

“Oh! A lunch at the most romantic spot!” Gwen added.

“Uh guys…maybe we should really-“Cody was cut off,

“Can you really not?” Heather agreed “Duncan isn’t here anyway!”

“We’re in The City of Love today!”

“How romantic!”

“How amazing!”

“How cool!”

“How bright!”

Reese had stopped singing.

“Uh..guys I don’t think Reese is alright.“ Ezekiel pointed out.

Reese, was in fact, not alright.

The song had ended, and he was just standing there.

“Uh..Reese?” Courtney tapped his shoulder.

“Huh? Oh…yeah… City of Love…”

His voice was strained “let’s get the challenge done.”.

His team shared glances.

“Are you sure-“

“I’M FINE! EVERYTHING’S FINE!” He answered quickly “let’s just build the statue….where do we start Heather?”.

——

They stared at the statue in confusion.

“This doesn’t look right.” Courtney commented.

It really didn’t.

They quickly swapped body parts with Team Chris, and finished just before them.

“Reese! We WON! Aren’t you happy?”Heather commented.

“Yeah..I’m..fine. Great.” Reese nodded.

——

Okay so Chris pulled a fast one on Team Victory and announced a Walk Off.

Lindsay had chosen Tyler and DJ…

DJ had picked Reese and Reese hadn’t even objected.

Something was up.

——

“Okay man I’m going to level with you. I’m trying to lose here. I WANT to go home!”

“Yeah..sounds good.” Reese responded.

That wasn’t like Reese.

“You okay man? You’ve been out of it lately.”

“I’m fine. Really! Let’s get you home, huh?”

——

Whatever Tyler had worn caused laughter.

Reese sighed as he stepped onto the catwalk when Chris announced his name.

Which was just DJs clothes that swallowed him whole.

Tears burned his eyes as he walked.

He stood at the end of the stage and posed.

“Duncan would’ve found this hilarious!” Owen whispered.

That was the final straw.

To everyone’s shock…

Reese burst into tears.

“I don’t think it’s that bad…”Chris commented awkwardly.

Reese ran off the stage and past DJ.

——

Reese was still actively crying when his team came backstage to find him.

“Oh come on Reese it isn’t ugly! His shirt looked good! He won!”

“I don’t think that’s why he’s crying…”Cody pointed out “he was upset when we were singing earlier.”

Reese was crying into his hands.

“Okay his crying is really putting me off…”Ezekiel rubbed his arm.

Reese hadn’t really shown much emotion besides affection and anger around them.

Him sobbing was uncharted water.

“Is this about…Duncan?” Courtney asked.

Reese nodded.

“Told you.” Heather hissed.

“I’m in the most romantic city in the world…and I’m alone. This fucking SUCKS. Out of ALL the places we could be? It had to be HERE?”

Cody patted his back as he started to cry again.

What do they do?

——

Reese was glumly staring out the window.

He had broken down on international television.

Twice.

“Cmon Reese. I’m sure if Duncan knew how much this meant to you he would’ve stayed!”

Gwen elbowed Courtney.

“As if he’d break your heart.” Heather agreed “you two are so in love it’s sickening.”

“I don’t think that’s making him feel better.” Cody commented.

Reese leaned against the planes window.

“It’s going to be okay.” Gwen patted his knee.

“How about a story? You love telling stories!” Cody held up ‘Gone With the Wind’.

Reese just looked sadder.

“Okay maybe not that one…Geeze you own a lot of romance books…uh…how about ‘Fahrenheit 451’?”

Reese sighed and nodded.

He took the book and started to read out loud, his voice a but strained from crying.

“…’IT WAS A PLEASURE TO BURN.

IT was a special pleasure to see things eaten, to see things blackened and changed.

With the brass nozzle in his fists, with this great python spitting its venomous kerosene upon the world, the blood pounded in his head, and his hands were the hands of some amazing conductor playing all the symphonies of blazing and burning to bring down the tatters and charcoal ruins of history.’…”.

Chapter Text

Okay so Reese hadn’t moved for three hours.

No big deal.

They could handle this.

“Reese. C’mon man.” Gwen poked his arm “you’re starting to freak me out.”

He just continued staring into space with a depressed look on his face.

“Gwen, leave him alone.” Courtney sighed.

“We broke him by bringing up-“

Courtney covered Gwen’s mouth with her hand “don’t say his name! He’ll start crying again!”

“Who? Duncan?” Ezekiel asked.

Reese muttered something incoherent, but lucky didn’t burst into tears.

Again.

“Okay I think he’s getting over it.” Cody patted his arm “c’mon dude. Snap out of it.”

Reese didn’t even respond to Heather being in the vents or Gwen and Courtney gossiping about her possibly having a crush on Alejandro.

“-little heart thawing out, lighting up with love?” Courtney grinned mischievously.

Before realizing what she said and sighing.

“Sorry Reese.”

He hummed in response.

“I am NOT in love.” Heather poked her head out of the vent “I am thinking about our TEAM! You guys broke Reese. I am trying to sneak back into Loser Class to eavesdrop. With DJ back there with him, Alejandro had free rein to make an alliance. I will NOT let that happen! There’s only room for one popular Spaniard here and it’s Reese!”

“First of all? You also broke him.” Courtney pointed to where Reese was staring out the plane window.

“Secondly?” Gwen grossed her arms “why do you care so much?”

Heather glared “none of your business.” She groaned “why did we have to win in dumb Paris?”

Ezekiel looked confused “I thought we were suppose to win, eh?”

“We are. Heather is just being difficult.” Courtney shook her head.

“We can always STOP trying.” Gwen called up to Heather.

“Heather have you considered maybe  chilling out?” Courtney asked.

Heather stuck her head back down “I can ‘chill out’ when I’m sipping virgin Mai-Tais on a yacht in the Caribbean. Now shut up and LET ME WORK.”

Reese didn’t even try to step in as they argued.

“Cmon guys focus! Look at him!” Cody pointed to Reese.

“Cody, there isn’t anything we CAN do. He’s depressed.”

“I thought only girls got that?” Ezekiel cocked his head.

Before anyone could admonish him for THAT, a “that’s not how it works Zeke.” came from Reese.

“Oh. Sorry.” Ezekiel shrunk down.

“It’s fine.” Reese sat up a bit more “and I’m not depressed. Just thinking.”

“About what?” Courtney asked “how Duncan totally- OW!”

She rubbed her arm where Gwen smacked her.

“Actually? Yeah. A bit. It sucks he isn’t here, but crying isn’t going to bring him back.” Reese said.

“Dude. You’re allowed to be sad. It sucks majorly.” Gwen patted his arm.

“I’d be down too if I went to the most romantic city in the world without my boyfriend.” Courtney agreed.

At the glares she received from Gwen, Cody and surprisingly Ezekiel, she added “which I’m sure he’s totally beating himself up over.”.

Reese just shrugged “even if he was here I don’t think he’d enjoy Paris that much. It’s a bit artsy for him. Still…would’ve been nice having a cliche date at a French cafe.”

(Confessional)

Reese looked at the camera “Duncan, if you’re watching this? Don’t beat yourself up over the Paris thing. It sucks we didn’t get to do it together though. I miss you…okay?”

———-

The plane landed harshly in the water, and Reese felt a hand tighten on his.

“Zeke it’s okay. Just a water landing. See?”

Even if he was the one in crisis, Reese took his self proclaimed role of protector seriously.

“ATTENTION ALL ‘TOTAL DRAMA’ PASSENGERS. IN ACCORDANCE WITH EMERGENCY LANDING PROCEDURES, YOU WILL NOW BE SHOWN THE NEAREST EXIT.”

“Emergency?!” Ezekiel squeaked.

“It’s not real.” Reese assured him “it’s just part of the challenge.”

“I’m not that good of a swimmer…” Ezekiel admitted.

Being around Reese so much had pretty much scrubbed the sense of false bravado away.

Which made Ezekiel a bit more tolerable to the others.

But it was still a work in progress.

Reese looked around “see the seat cushion? Take it. It’s standard to have them dual as a flotation device.”

“A what?”

“The seat will keep you above water.” Courtney simplified, taking her own seat out and heading to the door where the others were waiting.

It took a bit of coaxing, but Ezekiel wouldn’t budge.

Chef got a bit impatient and pushed him out the plane and he landed next to Reese, arms secured tight around the seat cushion like a scared cat.

Heather tossed hers to DJ, who was trying to keep himself afloat, and swam over to him.

He didn’t notice Alejandro was next to him until he spoke.

“She is quite the charmer isn’t she.”

Reese hummed in acknowledgment.

“I saw what happened in Paris. Are you okay?”

Reese raised a brow “why do you care?”

Alejandro shook his head “are you always so suspicious? Can I not ask how you are after a public meltdown?”

“I’m fine.” Reese sighed.

“It is a shame. Being alone in the most romantic city in the world. After your boyfriend quit on day one.”

“Alejandro.” Reese warned.

“It is not a surprise, all the pain inside of you surfacing. If you ever need a private chat, I am here for you.”

Wait. This could be his chance.

Reese raised a brow “thanks. I really could use someone who would understand.”.

Alejandro’s eyes widened.

‘Gotcha.’ Reese smiled.

A green boat pulled beside them and blew its horn.

“Hey there, ya gowdy angishores! Ever been to sea?”

“What with the what now?” Cody asked.

“Chris stop calling people broke and miserable.” Reese sighed.

“How do you know what he said?” Heather questioned.

“Because I’ve lived with him for like a year? Chris is from the Blow Me Down Highlands.”

“The what?” Ezekiel asked.

“Newfoundland.”

“Oh.”

“Aye! It’s a bonny homecoming for Buddy McLean! Canadas’ beautiful East Coast! It’s just a hop and a skip that away.”

Chris pointed to the distance to a trio of boats.

“First part of todays challenge, swim over to teams host and start paddling. To keep this interesting…Team Victory, since your team is only one man, your boat had been set up with and outboard motor.”

Team Amazon regrouped.

“Okay listen up Amazons! If we swim in a v-formation, we’ll be faster.” Courtney informed.

“Fine. Any objections?” Heather looked at them.

“Courtney is bossing us around and you don’t have one?” Gwen asked.

“Only to losing.” Heather replied.

“Reese?” Gwen asked.

“Kinda preoccupied keeping Zeke alive.” Reese pointed to the guy clinging to him for dear life.

“Let’s go!” Heather began to paddle.

——

Courtney and Heather argued over who was the point, and Gwen tried to break it up.

“Zeke, you’re going to be fine.” Reese assured “just don’t let go.”

The swimming was a bit more difficult with the added weight, but they made it easily enough.

Reese shook the water from his hair and pushed it back out of his eyes, only to see everyone staring at him.

“What?”

“Nothing! Ignore them!” Courtney laughed nervously.

Chris pulled the boat around and grinned at them “hi there, contestants. Ready to row row row your boats? The first two teams to get their dories to the shore will take part in the final challenge. IF you land some seafood along the way, you’ll get a special reward.”

Cody and Ezekiel raised their hands, saying they were allergic to seafood.

“On your mark! Get set…” Chris blew the foghorn “now go!”

Ezekiel and Cody tried to paddle, but their efforts weren’t really moving them.

Heather muttered something about DJ and jumped into the water, calling that Courtney was in charge.

“Alright this is getting us nowhere.” Reese sighed “Courtney?”

“You. Scoot over. Reese? Take an oar.” Courtney waved her hand, and Ezekiel moved.

He took one “and, GO!” Courtney yelled.

In almost perfect synch, they started rowing as fast as their arms could go.

——-

Reese inhaled at sound of the ding. Music time.

Great.

“Don’t even THINK about quitting Reese!” Courtney warned.

“I wasn’t!” He laughed “DJ might though.”

“I can’t get a thing to bite so we better get their first.” Gwen sighed.

“Harder, faster Reese! Losing is the worst!” Courtney yelled.

Reese laughed a little “Team Chris is in first! I’m going as fast as I can, but you better look behind you man.”

Reese jerked his head to the island, and was about to steer past it when something caught his eye.

Was that…Duncan?

That didn’t make sense. Why would he be in the Newfoundland of all places?

Courtney turned “Could be? Can I see? Yes! I really can! PULL OVER!”

—-

They were lost.

Well that wasn’t good.

“You just HAD to check out the rock formation.” Reese sighed.

“It looked like Duncan!” Courtney defended “You’re the one who pointed it out!”

Reese nodded “because it’s weird. Why would there be a rock formation of Duncan’s head? And I didn’t say stop. I was telling you to go AROUND it.”

“Oh.” Courtney responded. “Oops.”

(Confessional)

“I mean, it is weird right? I totally miss Duncan. Like a whole lot. But why would there be a carving of his bust on a rock formation?”

“God maybe I finally snapped.” Reese sighed.

——-

He could hear them whispering to each other about how he probably missed Duncan a lot and was seeing things.

“Courtney and Gwen saw it too.” Cody pointed out.

“You guys aren’t into Duncan. Are you?” Reese asked.

“EW! No! That’s like so gross!” Gwen made a face “he’s like a brother!”

“I have my sights set on someone of a higher standard. No offense.” Courtney waved her hand.

“Ouch.” Reese laughed as he took his oar “tell me how you really feel. We should really get going though. We’re in last place because of this.”

They all groaned.

“Yeah yeah. But on the bright side, you don’t have to meet Uncle Gerd if we’re late enough.”

“…who?” Cody asked.

“Chris’ cousin. He’s from around here, a maritimer. He’s weird. Kinda hard to understand ‘cause he has a thick accent.”

“LAND!” Ezekiel interrupted.

They all looked and cheered as they paddled faster.

——

Most of them were out of breath when they finally made it.

Reese peeked in to see DJ and Tyler holding a fish in their hands.

“What the fuck-“

“Rays’ mah b’y! Whatta y’at!” A short ginger man greeted warmly.

“Uncle Gerd!” Reese grinned “Dissisit! How ya gettin’ on!?”

“The arse is gone out of ‘er! Me cos issa bit touched ya?”

Reese laughed “True! Chris issa lil sleiveen!”

“Hey! I am not!” Chris sulked “Chef! Babe! Back me up here!”

“You kinda are.” Chef snickered.

“What are they saying?” Heather whispered to Alejandro.

“I think they’re making fun of Chris.” He whispered back.

——

Heather was admittedly peeved at them getting lost, and Reese backed her up on that one.

It was his fault for getting distracted.

“Cmon guys. This one is on me.” Reese shrugged “I got distracted.”.

“Always with the self sacrificing.” Chris patted his shoulder “you guys are in luck! This is a reward challenge! No elimination. Team Chris and DJ are tied for reward. Clam and fish chowder supper!”

Lucky.

——-

Reese sat in the sand and looked out into the water.

“Rays! ‘owshe cuttin me b’y?”

Reese shrugged at Uncle Gerd.

He patted Reese on the head “don’ let ‘er get ye down.”

Reese grinned “If only ‘twas dat easy, Uncle Gerd.”

Gerd grinned from behind his beard, but let the matter lie and left, passing Alejandro, who was coming towards him.

“Reese! Just the man I wanted to see.” He greeted.

Reese nodded at him “hey. You need something?”

“I noticed you are a bit…”Alejandro waved his hand side to side “out of sorts. Losing that edge.”

Reese laughed a little “it’s probably the lack of actual danger and stress. Maybe a touch of love and care.”

Alejandro chuckled and sat beside him.

“What are you looking for?”

“Nothing really.” Reese shrugged “we saw a weird statue on a rock formation and got distracted.”

Alejandro raised a brow in curiosity.

“It looked like Duncan. Courtney wanted to stop just in case. We lagged behind.”

“That must have made you miss him more.”

Reese laid in the sand “yeah. A bit.” He admitted.

“You…have been through a lot.”

“I have.”

“Why put yourself through this for three seasons?”

“I’m only here for my friends and for Chris and Chef. When they got outed a year ago the network wanted to fire them and replace them. I was apparently a fan favorite, and they wanted me to co-host.”

“That is amaz-“

“I said no, as you can tell.” Reese laughed.

Alejandro thought out his next choice of words carefully, lest he start a repeat of what happened in New York.

“You are very strong. I can see why Duncan loves you.”

Reese looked taken aback.

“You are strong. Capable. Very attractive qualities. Besides Heather you are the only one here who can match wits.”

“Thanks….I guess.”

“It is true or my name isn’t Alejandro Burromuerto.”

Reese froze.

Burromuerto.

That was a VERY familiar name.

Wait a fucking SECOND .

“Oh my fucking god I know where I’ve heard your name before.” Reese rubbed his face “your dad. He’s a diplomat right?”

Alejandro nodded.

“Your dad works with my family in Spain. My Tito specifically.”

“Who is your abuelo?”

“Mateo. Mateo ORTEGA.”

He looked just as surprised as Reese did, and looked closer at his face and he backed up a bit.

The Ortegas were a VERY prominent family. A bigger name than the Burromuertos, but they ran in the same circles.

“You were….”

“Well. This is awkward.” Reese laughed “I never ran into someone who knew me as…“ Reese trailed off.

But then he laughed again “I was wondering why your name was familiar. Nice to see you again.”

“I have to go.” Alejandro stood up quickly.

He all but ran back to his team, leaving Reese in confusion on the shoreline.

“What the fuck? Alejandro!”

——

Alejandro closed the door behind him and took a deep breath as he sat in the confessional.

This was bad. He really did pick the wrong person to mess with.

Reese was formerly known as Natalia Ortega.

So he hadn’t made the connection.

Reese was an Ortega.

He’d only met the Ortegas a few times, and it was usually at boring dinners or parties.

He only met Natalia a couple times, being HEAVILY encouraged by his family to win her hand and secure a spot in the family.

That didn’t go anywhere, they worked much better as acquaintances.

Then Natalia disappeared off the face of the Earth and he never saw her again.

Until now.

She was now HE.

HE was REESE.

“Estoy tan jodido.” Alejandro put his hands on his face.

He’d been trying to get inside Reese’s head.

His old best friends’ head.

Chapter Text

Reese was kind of glad the two other teams were in First Class.

Now they couldn’t see the absolute internal mental breakdown he was going through.

No one knew what had been said between him and Alejandro, and he planned to keep it that way for now.

He didn’t like the guy but he couldn’t help but think back to when they were younger.

He’d changed so much since he last saw him.

Reese had changed too, but while it seemed HE went up…Alejandro had taken a nosedive straight into his shitty family’s beliefs.

He was NOT the guy he knew as a kid.

HE had changed a lot since they’ve last seen each other too.

So they were pretty much avoiding each other as much as they could on a plane that was over 3 kilometers in the air.

“Alright Reese spill. What did he say to you?” Heather crossed her arms “is he threatening you again?”

“No…no.”Reese waved a hand “we just talked. Really.”

She made a noise and rolled her eyes.

“Okay moving on from whatever drama is going on between you two…Courtney what the actual HELL was the deal with YOU GUYS NOT EVEN SHOWING UP TO THE CHALLENGE?”

“This again? I told you, we thought we saw DUNCAN!”

“AS IF DUNCAN WOULD BE IN NEWFOUNDLAND! ON AN ISLAND!”

Reese sighed.

At least she was distracted now.

He leaned back and glanced over to where Cody and Ezekiel were playing cards.

Sort of.

It was more of a memory game. Cody would show Ezekiel the cards, put them face down, and Ezekiel would try and remember where they were.

It wasn’t really going well, but it was nice to see how excited he got when he DID get a pair.

“This SUCKS.” Gwen grumbled.

“It could be worse.” Reese laughed “it could be leaking all over us.”

“True…” she smiled with a laugh before her expression turned soft “you okay?”

“Yeah? Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You’re acting weird. I’m not going to pry, but I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m fine Gwen. Really. It’s sweet of you to look out for me. But-“

“I know you can handle yourself. You’ve DEFINITELY proved that. Just want to make sure you’re not going to, like…get all depressed again.”

“If this is about Duncan? I’m fine. I miss him, but I know he’s rooting for me. If this is about Alejandro? I’ve got it handled. His ‘powers’ don’t work on me. If I win? Great! If I’m eliminated? I get to see Duncan anyways. Win-Win.”

“You sure got a weird mentality. I like It.”

Reese laughed, snorting a bit “thanks.”

——-

Everything had been going fine, until they hit what they assumed was turbulence.

Until they hit it again not long after the first time, and the plane began to sway a bit.

“Buckle up. All of you.”

They all looked confused at the sudden demand.

“Why?”Cody asked.

Reese pointed to the outside of the plane outside the windows.

“Because we’re about to have an emergency landing. It’s going to be very sudden and you’re going to get hurt if you’re not in your seat.”

They didn’t have to be told again.

Reese’s intuition was almost never wrong, and when it WAS, it was understandable how he’d come to his conclusion.

It was better safe than sorry.

——-

So Reese had been right.

The sudden emergency landing had been preceded by Chris on the intercom, telling them what Reese had.

The landing was HARD.

REALLY HARD.

It didn’t help that Ezekiel was practically crushing his hand and screaming in his ear.

“Ezekiel! We’re okay! YOU’RE OKAY! We’ve landed!” Reese patted his shoulder.

The boy stoped screaming “we’re alive? WE’RE ALIVE!”

“Barely! What the HELL was that?!” Heather struggled to unlatch her seatbelt in her anger.

“I’m sure we’re going to find out.” Reese sighed.

———

Okay so bad news. They had no money, no gas, the plane was busted and Izzy and Owen had gotten sucked out of the plane (to their team’s testimony, Izzy had opened the door and jumped out with a parachute, and OWEN had gotten sucked out before they managed to close it.).

Oh and Chef and Chris were arguing.

So this was just great.

But at least they crash landed in Jamaica.

Where they were suppose to be anyways.

Sorta.

They WERE suppose to be in Ochos Ríos….but this was close enough.

Reese sighed deeply as the ambulance drove Izzy and Owen away.

This wasn’t going to be good.

But the show must go on…I guess.

“What HAPPENED to the budget?” Reese questioned “the season is BARELY halfway over. There’s no way you blew through the entire thing.”

Chris scratched his head “that’s the thing. We didn’t. Well I didn’t. But trust me guys we ARE working on it! Until then-“

They all groaned.

“-Grab your board shorts and meet us at the water front in fifteen minutes.”

——

Reese was oblivious to the stares he was getting when he re-emerged from the plane.

Everyone BUT DJ were wearing their swimsuits.

But the one who stood out most was Chris and Reese promptly lost his shit the minute he saw him.

DJ was in the same boat, and they were snorting and laughing.

The others were trying to bite back their smiles.

“Pretty blouse.” Noah snickered.

“It’s a DASHIKI!” Chris corrected proudly.

DJ wiped his eyes “a WOMENS dashiki.”

Reese was bent over and crying from laughing so hard.

“WHAT?!” Chris sounded surprised then muttered something under his breath.

“Can we PLEASE get to the challenge?” Courtney asked annoyedly.

Chris was all too happy to bulldoze over this interaction “I’d like to call this first challenge…The Treasure Hunt of Death.”

Reese finally managed to stop laughing and rolled his eyes.

Chris was so DRAMATIC.

“We were SUPPOSE to do this at Duns River Falls. I guess this will have to do.”

“So…”DJ began “it’s another water challenge?”

“Yeah. ‘Fraid so. Wanna say any prayers?”

“No need! I came prepared.”

He did indeed.

He had a life jacket under his shirt.

“Huh. That’s actually pretty smart DJ.” Reese grinned.

“Thanks man!”

——

“Your challenge begins with a dive off beautiful where-ever-we-are-falls, into the lagoon far below.”

“Which is full of what? Sharks?” Noah asked sarcastically.

“Nope. What do you take me for?” Chris shook his head.

They sighed in relief.

“Sharks are totally last season. It’s electric eels AND sharks!”

“Chris!” Reese hissed.

Ezekiel had gone pale.

“KIDDING! Geeze kid. Take a chill pill. You JUST have to hold your breath for as long as you can while searching for the treasure. Aka the gold chains Chef always wears on karaoke night.”

“Oh you’re definitely sleeping on the floor.” Reese peeked over the edge of the cliff into the water “if Chef doesn’t kill you first.”

“Oh please! He loves me! He’s totally going to be fine with this.”

Reese just hummed “I’m not popping your back back into place after you spend the rest of the season sleeping on the floor.”

“Okay so how about we hurry this up! Team ME, since Owen and Izzy are gone you’re going to have to work twice as hard to make up for their absence.”

“Okay Ezekiel can’t swim well. So that leaves us.” Reese looked at them “who wants to jump first?”.

Surprisingly, Cody raised his hand.

“Good on you dude.”

——-

Cody didn’t make it, but that was fine.

Heather was up next.

“You have beautiful form!” Alejandro commented, which distracted her long enough for her to lose her balance and land HARD in the water.

Reese glared at him.

“What? Nothing personal.”

THAT was the first thing he said to him?

Reese just shook his head.

Definitely not the guy he was friends with years ago.

It didn’t take long for Heather to tag in Reese.

The jump was an adrenaline rush and the water hurt his eyes, but otherwise he was fine.

He looked around the floor of the lagoon and started paddling.

It felt like forever and the chains were nowhere in sight and his lungs were burning.

He shot to the surface and shook his head up at his team.

——

He was so busy tagging Gwen in that he didn’t notice how the others were looking at him.

Only to see Gwen resurface with the chains in hand victoriously and cheering.

Gwen tossed them to Heather who handed them to Chris.

“TEAM AMAZON WINS!”

His team cheered and Reese kinda like to see the smirk wiped off Alejandro’s face.

Chris was announcing the break and Reese high-fived Gwen “that was AWESOME GIRL!”

“Thanks! You look awesome too! I mean your jump was hot! I UH-“

“She MEANS you did great too! Lasted longer than the rest of us under water!” Heather covered Gwen’s mouth.

Weird.

“Thanks!”

A CD case knocked Chris upside the head and to the floor.

Looks like Chef found out about the chains.

He sighed “be right back.”.

As soon as he was out of earshot Heather took Gwen by the shoulders “STOP THAT.”

“Stop what?!”

“You KNOW what. He JUST got over Duncan being gone this season. We don’t need YOU getting inside his head by telling him we think he’s hot now!”

“Heather, as much as I HATE saying this, is right.” Courtney pointed out “if Reese knew that we find him…attractive. Then it would totally mess with his head. He had NO idea how to respond to flirting and he’s so loyal to Duncan he’d lose his mind, and we’d be down one of the smarter guys. No offense.”

“None taken.” Cody shrugged “Reese is definitely the smarter one.”

Ezekiel wasn’t even paying attention.

Alejandro smiled deviously.

Interesting.

———

“Team Amazon! As winners of the first challenge, you win this advantage for challenge number two.”

He pointed to the silver helmet on Chef’s head.

That couldn’t be good.

“I like to call this…The Bobsled of DEATH!” he threw his arms up “TADA!”

That…that didn’t look safe.

“I assure you it’s been tested! We can’t afford bobsleds, so you’ll be using these longboards in teams of two, bobsled style. Three runs.”

Poor DJ.

——-

Owen was back, which was nice to hear.

No sign of Izzy, but Reese HAD seen a helicopter earlier so, knowing Izzy’s record?

That was probably for her.

——

ROUND ONE

Cody and Gwen made it out in decent time, 47.36 seconds.

Alejandro and Tyler had 58.49 seconds.

DJ made it out with 45.01 seconds AND had stuck the landing AND caught the fishbowl he’d been carrying around with him.

——-

ROUND TWO

Heather and Courtney were next, and had landed pretty damn hard in the empty pool at 56.28 seconds.

Owen and Noah, after freeing themselves after Owen got stuck in the tunnel, clocked in at 55.16 seconds.

DJ was actually looking like he was having fun now, instead of worrying about the curse.

Which now that he mentioned it, he hadn’t mentioned in awhile.

He clocked in at 44.37 seconds, keeping him in the lead and even beating his own score!

———

Round Three

Ezekiel and Reese were up next, so were Tyler and Alejandro, and of course DJ.

“This looks pretty steep man!”

“It’s fine Zeke. I’ll be right there the entire time.” Reese strapped on his helmet.

Until Alejandro dropped the bombshell that he painted the symbol on DJs fish to make him think he wasn’t curse anymore.

“Dude! What the fuck?!” Reese crossed his arms “that’s so-“

“and Reese!” Alejandro out a hand on his shoulder “I’m sorry to be the one to tell you. The reason Courtney and Gwen are acting so strange? They are into yo-”

“I’m going to stop you RIGHT THERE.” Reese glared “because I don’t believe a word out of that mouth of yours you serpiente. Talk shit about me all you want. Don’t bring my friends into this. They wouldn’t do that to me. They are NOT into Duncan like that.”

Oh God…Reese really was dense.

“Oh but my friend…it is not HIM they are attracted to. It’s YOU.”

“….What.”

“Team Amazon! Ready?!”

Reese got on the board with Ezekiel, “hang on Zeke.”

The alarm bleeped and they shot off.

Ezekiel was screaming the whole time and the loops were making him dizzy.

They landed roughly, and Reese groaned in pain.

“Fifty three point four one seconds.”

Not that bad…

Added up that was two minutes and thirty seven seconds.

Heather reached a hand to help them out of the pool.

“Courtney. Gwen. I need to talk to you two later. Privately.”

They looked surprised, then they looked at each other “what’s going on?” Gwen asked.

“Alejandro said…something. I don’t believe it. But I want to hear your sides before I decide to kick his ass or not.”

——-

Alejandro and Tyler had two minutes and thrifty FIVE seconds.

If DJ pulled through, he’d be in First Class again.

Reese watched in horror as DJ sailed through the air, completely off course.

His eyes went directly to Alejandro.

He and Tyler were the last on the course.

Tyler was too nice to do something like that.

It HAD to be Alejandro.

Reese clenched his fists as Chris announced Team Chris as the winners.

DJ was out.

———-

(Confessional)

Reese crossed his arms at the camera “Okay. So I just KNOW Alejandro is behind DJs malfunction. God what is this guy’s PROBLEM? He was NOT like this when we were kids. I’m going to talk to Gwen and Courtney about this…accusation? I don’t trust a word out of his stupid (BLEEP) (BLEEP) (BLEEP) (BLEEP) MOUTH!”

———-

Reese had pulled them into cargo after the elimination ceremony.

The plane was still grounded, but the shuttle had taken DJ to where she was going to be picked up.

So it was empty.

“Alejandro said something…and I just want to know whether it has any weight to it.”

Gwen and Courtney looked at each other nervously “what do you mean?”

“Look. You guys have been acting weird…and he said that it was because you find me…attractive?”

If the looks of absolute horror and guilt were people? They would be Gwen and Courtney.

Reese was just…shocked.

They didn’t HAVE to say it.

“Oh my fucking God.” Reese muttered.

“We are SO SORRY!” Gwen covered her mouth “we weren’t trying to sabotage you and Duncan! We swear!”

“She’s right! We were just…how can I put this without sounding bad?”

“Looking? We weren’t going to ACT on it!”

Courtney nodded “and it’s not just us!”

“COURTNEY!” Gwen shrieked.

“It’s basically me, Gwen, Heather, Leshawna, Bridgette, Izzy…maybe Tyler and Owen?”

Reese just blinked.

That was A LOT of people.

“And Duncan of course.” Courtney added.

Reese didn’t say anything.

At all.

He was just staring into space.

“Reese?” Gwen put a hand on his arm “we weren’t going to do anything to break you guys up…honest.”

Reese just sighed “I know…but I’m the reason you guys have been so distracted?”

“Yeah….” Gwen admitted.

“How…long?”

“Since we saw you when we stepped off the bus?” Courtney shrugged.

“That was- WHY?! Why didn’t you SAY anything?”

“Because you’re so dense about this kinda stuff and were so focused on Duncan that we didn’t think you’d NOTICE!” Courtney sighed.

“You’re like, so smart. But c’mon man? You have to say it took a long time and it took ALEJANDRO telling you for you to notice.” Gwen pointed out.

They were right.

“You’re not…mad are you?” Gwen asked after a bit of silence.

“Admittedly….a bit. I have a boyfriend. What made you think it was okay to ogle me?”

“We are SO sorry….”

“I’d hope so. God Duncan’s going to be so upset with you guys and he’s NEVER going to let me live this down.”

“He was doing it too.” Courtney pointed out “he was so smug and happy that he landed you before we could.”

Reese laughed a bit.

“Promise things won’t be weird now that you know?” Gwen asked

“I’m very flattered you guys like me. That some of the guys might like me. But I’m loyal to Duncan and ONLY Duncan. No one can change that. It’s going to be weird. Half my team was eyeing me without me knowing.”

Gwen and Courtney sighed.

“But trust me. This will blow over. Let’s just keep it under wraps. I’ll talk to Owen and Tyler later.”

“Why not all of us at once?” Courtney asked.

“Because this is National TV. If someone gets outed it will be the situation with Chris and Chef COMBINED with what happened to me. But you CAN tell Heather and let her know that I know now.”

“You got it man.” Gwen gave a thumbs up.

The two girls left him alone in the cargo, and Reese sat on a crate.

“Fuck.”

Chapter Text

They were STILL stuck on the ground.

But it was Jamaica and Chris said as long as they stayed within sight of the plane they had free rein.

The awkwardness on the team had been palatable but it didn’t stop them from enjoying the sun.

Reese wasn’t mad per-say…he was a bit ticked but mostly confused as to WHY.

“Dude. Have you not looked in a mirror?” Gwen pointed her pencil at him from where she’d been drawing in her sketchbook.

He raised a brow “yeah… Why?”

“For the guy who can see through people’s BS….you’re one dense guy.” Heather shook her head “you had what we’d call a ‘glow up’.”

“A…what?”

“Glow up. You got hot since the last time we saw you.”

“Not that you weren’t cute before!” Courtney added.

“All I did was start T, get a haircut, change my outfit and work out.”

“And it WORKS for you. Combine your new looks with that attractive PERSONALITY? It’s a wonder why no one snatched you up before.”

“Has EVERYONE felt this way?”

He remembered a lot of his friends had said at Playa de Losers in season one that they had crushes on him at one point.

“Trent is straight, so’s DJ and Harold…. Zeke?”

“I like girls.” Ezekiel nodded.

“Yeah other than that? Pretty much everyone at least to what I know.”

Reese looked down at himself “why?”

Heather shrugged “beats me. You’re good to look at and you have a amazing brain, but you’re SO not my type.”

“I’m guessing your type is taller and broader with what I can only call a mullet?”

Heather threw her nail file at him and he laughed as she went pink “Shut up!”.

“You just have this…effect on people.” Courtney continued as she waved her hand “there’s something ABOUT you that draws people in.”

“Reese is pretty cool.” Cody pointed out “if he wasn’t taken and if I was into guys?”

Reese rubbed his neck sheepishly “that’s so nice of you to say.”

He was so…flattered.

Hardly anyone expressed interest in him and the ones who did usually had ran for the hills once he said he was trans.

Duncan hadn’t…and he was grateful for that.

“Dude, you’re like…an icon. People LOVE you. Duncan really hit the jackpot.” Gwen nudged him.

“And he liked you back when you weren’t practically the next star on Baywatch.” Heather smirked “back when you were a ball of indestructible rage.”

Reese laughed “Baywatch?!”

Heather just smirked and pulled out her backup nail file.

“If anyone’s lucky, it’s me. Duncan’s like…so amazing.” Reese smiled.

Courtney just shook her head “you two are practically made for each other.”.

Reese leaned back a bit “yeah…we really are. God I miss him. Wonder what he’s doing right now…”

“Probably waiting for you like a lovesick puppy.” Heather muttered.

Gwen snorted and Courtney gently elbowed her to shush her.

Reese didn’t pay it any mind, but he rolled his eyes.

“Can’t believe I never saw it. It’s so obvious in hindsight.”

“No one ever came forward. Can’t blame you for being blind to love.” Gwen shrugged.

“Especially MATTHEW.” Courtney wrinkled her nose.

“Oh come on. He wasn’t that bad.”

“He looked like a HOBO HIPSTER.” Heather scoffed.

“He was SWEET.” Reese shook his head “the only issue was that he was jealous of Duncan and didn’t want us to be friends.”

They were WELL AWARE of that spectacular blowout.

“Dude. He was SERIOUSLY upset when you got voted off season one.” Gwen reminded “he was so MOPEY when the cameras were off.”

Reese smiled softly “I missed him too. He’s my best friend.”

Courtney ‘aw’ed.

“Now onto something more serious…are you guys SURE about Owen and Tyler?”

He was always a bit suspect of Owen, based on the comments he’d made over the past few seasons or in passing.

He never got to chance to talk to him in privately about it, and it was really none of his business if he was.

Until now.

Tyler?

He was pretty sure was going through the same crisis Duncan had gone through.

“Pretty sure. What are you gonna do?” Gwen asked.

“Talk to them. Chris will make sure they edit anything that could get them into…trouble at home.”

The implications were there.

Reese spotted Tyler heading back to the plane “speaking of which…catch you guys later.”

He stood and chased after Tyler “hey Tyler! Wait up!”

The guy turned and waved back, stopping for Reese to catch up.

Tyler was pretty fast for a clumsy guy.

“Hey man! What’s up!”

Reese smiled “just wanted to catch up. Been awhile since we got to hang out.”

They WERE on different teams.

“I’m not giving up team secrets!”

“Yeah. I know.” Reese nodded “wouldn’t ask you to do that. Besides. That’s not why I wanted to talk to you.”

Tyler was trying to act casual, but it was clear he was curious to what Reese was saying.

“There’s no cameras out here…so you can be honest.”

“…okay?” Tyler raised a brow.

“Some…information. Has come to light. About me.”

“Really? What?”

“The girls may have said you might be…attracted to me?”

Tyler tripped over his own feet and went flying into the sand.

“Holy shit, are you okay?!”

“I’m fine!” Tyler blurted and tried to scramble to his feet, his face turning bright red.

“Tyler-“

“I wouldn’t break you and Duncan up- I mean I LIKE GIRLS!”

Reese just raised a brow at him.

Tyler folded like a lawn chair.

“OKAY FINE I ADMIT IT!” he wailed “DON’T KILL ME!”

“Dude. I’m not mad.” Reese sighed.

“You’re…not?”

“Nope. Because I get what you’re going through. Sorta. You didn’t know liking guys was an option.”

Tyler brushed the sand off, relieved that Reese wasn’t going to throttle him “not til’ you.”

“Am I just giving a sexuality crisis to every guy I meet?” Reese laughed.

“Just about-“ Tyler covered his mouth “I wasn’t suppose to say that.”

“Tyler. It’s FINE. You’re allowed to be attracted to guys.”

“But I have a GIRLFRIEND!”

“Who was also into me.” Reese pointed out.

“Oh…yeah.”

“But Lindsay never acted on that. Because she likes you. Attraction and LOVE are different.”

He got a blank look in return.

“Attraction is like sprinting, while love is like a marathon. Connected, but not the same thing.”

Tyler made an ‘oh’ face.

“So…it’s okay that I like to…”

“Look at guys? Yeah. As long as you’re not a creep about it. But I think you should focus on Lindsay.”

“I can’t believe she forgot me…”he said sadly.

Reese patted his shoulder comfortingly “if it makes you feel better it took two seasons for her to call me the right name.”

——-

He managed to find Owen raiding a buffet at a nearby resort.

“Owen. Can we talk?”

Owens reply was muffled but he nodded.

“Look. I’m going to be frank about this.”

Owen swallowed “I thought your name was Reese?”

“That’s not what I…to be frank means to be upfront!”

“Oh. Okay!”

“Do you like guys?”

Owen almost choked on the macaroni salad he was eating “WHAT?!”

“Are you into guys?” Reese repeated.

“I heard you! It’s just! Why would you think that?” Owen began to laugh nervously.

“I’ve kinda had my mind on it since the first season.”

Owen looked like a deer caught in headlights.

“You can talk to me dude. I’m not mad if you’re into me.”

Resignation came over his face.

Then confusion.

“But I’m…not?”

Reese was surprised “what?”

“I’m not into you. I admit it, I like guys, but not you.”

Reese raised a brow.

“I mean, don’t get me wrong! YOU’RE AWESOME! But you’re a…bro.”

“Oh thank fucking God.” Reese sighed in relief.

Owen looked equally relieved.

“Wait. You knew THAT long and NEVER told me?!”

Reese shrugged “didn’t have evidence and didn’t want to assume. I’m only here because it had recently come to light that people find me attractive.”

Owen laughed loudly “REALLY?! That’s HILARIOUS! You didn’t KNOW?”

“Apparently not man.” Reese laughed.

“That’s hilarious. Absolutely hysterical!”

“Yeah yeah I’m an idiot. Reese can’t tell when someone’s flirting. Spread the word.” Reese rolled his eyes.

“God. Noah’s going to LOVE this.” Owen wheezed.

“Noah?” Reese questioned.

The two didn’t really hang out that much, but he’d like to think they were on decent terms.

“He’s my best Buddy! He thinks you’re so cool how with little you care about what people say about you.”

Reese grinned “such high praise from the King of Sarcasm.”

“I know right!? I have to tell him! BYE!”

Owen was off, taking the vat of macaroni salad with him.

The worker behind the table was making a face.

“I’ll pay for that.”

——-

6000 Jamaican Dollars later he rejoined his team in Loser Class.

“How’d the talks go?” Gwen asked.

“Tyler’s fine and Owen isn’t into me.” Reese leaned back “so pretty good I think. Wonder why Alejandro brought this up. He knows I’m into Duncan.”

His team shrugged. But Heather was glaring.

“He was TRYING to manipulate you. He thought you’d get ANGRY.”

Reese laughed lowly.

“He really underestimated how caring you are.” Courtney shook her head.

“He should’ve watched the show, eh?” Ezekiel sniggered.

Gwen snorted “yeah. It’s all right there.”

“Speaking of the snake…” Heather stood “Reese. Any information for the plan?”

“Nothing useful. Alejandro is smart…but he’s getting too comfortable. When you get comfortable, you start to slip up. Keep an eye on him. He thinks I’m totally pissed at you guys? Let him. Owen’s been talking his ear off. He’s going to crack and show his true colors. And YOU,” he pointed from Heather “will be the mail in the coffin. He LIKES you. He’s going to keep you around.”

“As IF.” Heather scoffed.

“He DOES. He led the others on, but he’s really into you. I’m not saying lead him on…but when the merge happens?”

“Are you suggesting….”

“You want us to VOTE OUT the others? Our FRIENDS?” Gwen’s eyes widened.

“No no. Just the ones he can sway. Noah’s against him. If we band together? We can take him OUT by getting rid of any leverage he has.”

“But we out number him! When the merge happens we can just-“

“No no. If we do that and it’s a REWARD? He’ll be onto us and work to pit us against each other. Wait until Chris has no CHOICE but eliminations.”

Cody laughed.

Courtney, Gwen and Heather joined in.

“It scares me how smart you are sometimes.” Courtney grinned,

“But damn am I glad you’re on our side.”

Chapter Text

The other contestants had worked their magic and raised some money (Chris had let it slip that Geoff and Bridgette were doing the ‘Aftermath’ show again) and they were FINALLY off the ground!

Heather groaned loudly “why are we in LOSER CLASS? We WON last time or…didn’t lose anyway.”

“Technically DJ won, but he didn’t finish the course. So he’s eliminated.” Reese explained “so we kinda DID lose…and Chris said he needed the First Class.”

Heather rolled her eyes.

“Don’t look at me. Chris has been acting WEIRD. Well…weird-er. He was all giggly and stuff.”

“Well THAT can’t be good.” Cody sighed.

He wasn’t wrong.

Chris being giddy out of nowhere wasn’t usually a good sign.

Either he was off his meds (which Reese knew he wasn’t because he still took his medication with him) OR he was planning something.

Gwen’s sudden shriek of pain had hem all turning “SUNBURN! OW!”

She clutched her arm in pain.

“I told you to wear sunscreen.” Reese shook his head.

“I was in the SHADE!”

“Doesn’t matter. Sun rays are pretty strong. A measly umbrella isn’t going to stop the radiation.” Reese dug through his med-bag.

“Dude do you carry EVERYTHING with you?” Noah commented more than questioned.

“Yep.” Reese popped the ‘p’, “never know when someone’s going to get hurt. I think there’s Aloe Vera in here.”

“No need Reese!” Courtney approached Gwen with a bucket of…something.

“What the fuck is THAT?”

“It’ll cool the burn!” Courtney explained “it’s a mix of green tea and bird guano.”

Bird….what.

“Are you telling me…”Reese was shaking from a mix of disgust and laughter.

Gwen, who had already stuck her hand in a desperate attempt to relieve the pain, realized a second too late what she said.

“Well shit. Literally.” Reese chuckled.

Heather snickered too “a nice name for poop.”

“Poop that is made of HEALING ingredients. I learned to make it at CIT First Aid Weekend.”

“Gwen for the love all that is good and holy please go wash that off.” Reese coughed through a laugh.

“Oh come on! It’s gross but it helps! Right?”

Gwen sighed “sorry Courtney. Thanks for being nice but I’m going to take actual medicine.“

Courtney sighed in disappointment “yeah. I get it. Wouldn’t want to stick my hand in guano either.”

Gwen, after washing her hands free of doo-doo, came back to her seat.