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Chapter Text

Toronto Pearson International Airport was abuzz with activity on a warm midsummer morning. A steady din of engines filled the air, from airplanes taking off and landing as well as the countless vehicles navigating the labyrinthine streets. Among them was a long coach bus that pulled into a large open space in one of the parking lots – a space that had been reserved specifically for said bus, as well as the other vehicles that would be arriving shortly.

On board, Chef Hatchet brough the bus to a stop. Chris McLean stood from his seat at the front and turned to face the sixteen teenagers that sat congregated in couples and small groups.

“Alright, players!” Chris said in his Host Voice™. “It’s been a fun season, but it’s time to get you out of hair and get my vacation started. Anyone that’s taking a flight home, follow me to the terminal. The rest of you will wait here for your designated rides.”

“We know, McLean,” MK said flatly. “This is our third time doing this.”

“Yeah, but it never hurts to get a recap. Now let’s move, people, you’ve got planes to catch. Everyone else; thank you once again for another great season and for all of those sweet, sweet ratings.”

Chef opened the door and Chris stepped off the bus, followed by a little less than half of the contestants. Nichelle wished everyone a goodbye, casually let it drop that she’d be flying straight to her next movie shoot. Wayne, Raj and Bowie left as a trio, but not before giving Emma a group hug goodbye. Damien got a handshake from Caleb and a hug from Millie, and Priya got a goodbye hug from both, her boyfriend throwing in a kiss.

“I’ll text you as soon as I land, babe,” Ripper said, sitting beside Axel. He held her hand tight, their fingers intertwining as he looked deep into her eyes. “And don’t worry; I’ve already sewn my underwear into a makeshift parachute and stashed it in my carry-on. You know, in case there’s a zombie outbreak on the plane and I have to jump.”

Axel’s eyes twinkled in amusement, her smile small but proud. “I’ve taught you well.”

They shared one last kiss, and Ripper stood to leave. Before disembarking, he turned to give Chase a fist bump and accept a bro hug from Zee.

“Later, dweebs!” He said cheerfully. “We’re totally all getting together at the beach house at some point, right, Pretty Boy?”

“You know it, loser,” Chase said, smirking with a click of the tongue. “We’ll make it a 3GiaBH #totaldramareunion special. The views will be through the freakin’ roof!”

“I’m always down for hanging out in-person,” Zee said with his usual easy-going smile.

As Ripper pulled away from Zee, he locked eyes with the girl sitting beside him. It was strange after all this time to look at Lauren AKA Scary Girl and not feel contempt and/or creeped out. (Okay, maybe her unblinking blue eyes still creeped him out a little.)

“Take care, Scary,” he said evenly. He smirked at Zee. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t, you two.”

“You mean anything you and Axel wouldn’t do?” Lauren asked. She smiled, tilting her head in amusement. “From what we saw on season two, that doesn’t exactly limit us.”

“… Touche,” Ripper said, and nodded to her in respect. Chase snorted back a laugh, Axel snickered with a faint blush, Lauren giggled, and Zee chuckled bashfully.

With that Ripper took his leave, bringing up the rear of the group catching flights home. The remaining nine contestants all either lived in Toronto itself, or the general lower Ontario region. As such they were set to be picked up for the rides home, either by friends, family, or ridesharing services.

As they waited, Zee and Lauren settled in their shared seat. Zee had his arm slung across her shoulders; Lauren leaned against him with her head resting on his chest. Warm sunlight streamed in on them through the bus window.

“Mmm, we haven’t even said goodbye yet and I already miss you,” Lauren said softly to her boyfriend. She felt his chest steadily rise and fall as she listened to the rhythm of his beating heart.

“It’s gonna be bummer not being able to see you every day,” Zee agreed. He inhaled slowly through his nose, taking in the faint scent of Lauren’s lilac shampoo. “But hey; we got each other’s numbers and socials, and we only live about two hours apart. Let’s get settled in, then we can start making plans to meet up soon as possible. Once I head back to work, I’ll pick up some extra shifts for like, gas or bus tickets.”

“Same here,” Lauren said. She craned her neck to smile up at Zee, who gave her a tender smile back. “You’re the sweetest, Bubbles. Must be all that soda.”

As if on cue, the hand on Zee’s free arm produced an orange soda seemingly out of nowhere, which he opened one-handed with practiced ease and took a long pull. Lauren giggled, amused, and leaned in when he pulled the can back. She felt a jolt run up her spine as they came together in a kiss, faintly tasting the lingering citrus fizz on his lips.

“So what are you guys doing when you get home?” Zee asked Chase and Axel after pulling back from the kiss.

“Getting in touch with the boys and heading to the beach house,” Chase said right away. “The channel always gets a surge of viewers after I appear on Total Drama, gotta capitalize on it. Have a few solo projects I plan on getting off the ground too. Expand the personal brand, you know.”

“Numbers on the internet, how important,” Axel snarked. “Still, at least a beach house can be made defensible and offers an escape route via water in case of zombie attacks. Good choice, I’ll give you that.”

“Yeah, that’s why we chose to film there,” Chase snarked right back. They shared a chuckle. “What about you, Axel? Gonna retreat into your basement bunker to wait out that apocalypse that’s totally coming any day now?”

“No, I’m still working on getting land to build a real bunker on,” Axel said matter-of-factly. “Since I didn’t win Total Drama, that’s going to take a lot longer. I landed a warehouse job in the meantime. Mostly grunt work but keeps me moving and in shape. And the plant can be converted into a fortress in the event of zombie outbreak, which is a nice bonus.”

“Man, you guys got some sweet jobs,” Zee said. He paused for another swig of soda. “I just work the cash register at the convenience store down the street from my house. But after my next birthday, I was thinking about making an upgrade to manning the cash register at the dispensary.”

“Nice, dude,” Chase said, popping up from the seat behind him. “So what I’m hearing is you’re totally bringing the party favors the next time we all get together?”

“I’ll pass if you do,” Axel said. “No judgements, but I need to keep my senses sharp in case of danger.”

“You’re good, brah,” Zee said, nodding. “Always helps to have someone that’s good to drive too, just in case.”

From there the conversation drifted to general discussions of the threes’ home lives and future plans. Lauren listened in silence, content to cuddle with Zee. In just a short while they’d be going from seeing each other every day to living two hours apart. She knew it would be quite the adjustment and wanted to make the most of their remaining time together.

That time turned out to be shorter than Lauren expected. Glancing out the window, she saw a silver hatchback pull into the reserved section of the parking lot, followed by a beige van.

“Oh! There’s my ride, now,” Lauren said.

Zee looked over and perked up at the sight of the van. “And there’s my mom.”

Lauren watched both vehicles roll to a stop near the bus, and a light bulb went off in her head. “Hey, Zee?”

“Hmm? What’s up?”

“Sorry if this is too soon but since they’re here… wanna meet my parents?”

Zee smiled. “I’d love to. And I can introduce you to my mom.”

They rose, exchanging goodbyes with Chase and Axel. As they made their way down the aisle, Lauren found herself nervous at the prospect of stepping off the bus. Not only would she be introducing her boyfriend to her parents for the very first time, but she’d be meeting his as well. Logically, she knew this would happen sooner or later, but now that the moment was here, she found her heart hammering in her chest.

“See you later, lovebirds,” Julia said playfully as Lauren and Zee strode past her and MK’s seat.

“Send us a postcard from your honeymoon in Transylvania,” MK teased, smirking in response to the look a faintly blushing Lauren shot her way.

Zee and Lauren stepped off the bus onto the concrete of the parking lot, a pleasant summer warmth washing over them. An older man and woman were stepping out of the silver car. Upon seeing them, Lauren smiled and ran ahead.

“Mom! Dad!” she said cheerfully, throwing herself into a group hug.

“There’s my little dove!” Lauren’s father said. He and his wife beamed with pride when they pulled back from the hug. “You were amazing this season, sweetie.”

“Your father and I are so proud of you,” Lauren’s mother said to her, who smiled bashfully at the praise.

Zee watched the reunion for a moment, until the sound of a car door opening caught his attention. He turned to see a woman stepping out of the van and jogged up to her. Zee’s mom opened her arms and he stepped into the embrace.

“Hello, my little wildflower,” she said, hugging him tight. “Look at you, making it all the way to the finals. I’m so proud of you, dear.”

“Thanks Mom,” Zee said. He pulled back, and his smile dropped slightly as he glanced around. “Dad couldn’t make it, huh?”

“I’m afraid not,” she said, a resigned tone in her words. “He had some ‘prior business obligations.’ You know how it is. He said he’d call later once you’re back home.”

A brief look of disappointment flashed in Zee’s eyes, but he shook his head and smiled once more. “Alright then. So, the new season’s already premiered, right? I thought I heard Chris mention it was airing while we were all chilling at the loser’s hotel.”

“That’s right, the finale premiered just last night. You did wonderful making it all the way to the final three.”

“Thanks! I may not have won the million, but I walked away with something just as good.”

“So I noticed,” Zee’s mom said, looking past him.

He turned as Lauren approached, flanked by her parents. Both were fair-skinned, dressed in dark clothing, shared their daughter’s blue eyes and had jet-black hair peppered with strands of gray. Lauren’s father was barely taller than his daughter, with a thin mustache and spectacles perched on a narrow nose. Lauren’s mother, by contrast, towered over her husband and daughter; even Zee, no slouch in the height department himself, had to look up to meet her gaze.

“Mom, Dad,” Lauren said, a hint of nervousness in her tone, “this is my boyfriend, Zee.”

“Ah yes, the famous Hezekias himself,” Lauren’s father said with a beaming smile, offering Zee a hand. “I’m Raul, and this is my wife, Angie. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, young man.”

“Same to you sir, ma’am,” Zee said. He shook Raul’s hand and tipped his hat at Angie. “Nice to meet you both.”

“Likewise, Zee,” Angie said, a small smile gracing her delicate features. “Raul and I have been dying to meet our daughter’s new beau.”

Lauren watched the exchange, then looked towards the woman who stepped up beside Zee. She had a thin build and a sun-kissed complexion, wearing an orange bandana, vest adorned with strings of colorful beads and a peace medallion that glinted in the morning sun.

“You must be Lauren,” Zee’s mom said to her. “Or do you prefer to go by ‘Scary Girl’?”

“Just Lauren is fine,” Lauren said and curtseyed with a smile. “Pleased to meet you, ma’am.”

“Likewise, Lauren.” Zee’s mom gave Lauren a polite smile and a small nod, then turned towards her parents. “And you as well. I’m Crystal…”

Lauren watched their parents exchange pleasantries. Though Crystal’s demeanor was easy-going and friendly, there was a subtle intensity in her deep brown eyes whenever she looked Lauren’s way.

“It seems our children have grown quite close this season,” Raul said once the greetings were done. “I admit, it was surprising to see things progress so quickly between them.”

Lauren giggled as the three adults looked towards her and Zee. “What can I say? Zee and I got to know each other as friends early in the season, started spending time together, and things just kinda snowballed from there.”

“So we saw,” Angie said with an amused chuckled. “To have your first kiss in a graveyard surrounded by zombies… I might be a little jealous, sweetie.”

Lauren found herself flustered at being reminded of her spontaneous decision to kiss Zee during one of the season’s challenges. In her defense, watching Zee blow away Zombie Robot Caleb with a paint shotgun had been very hot.

“From the looks of it, you two had quite the eventful season,” Crystal said amiably. “I look forward to hearing about it. There’s only so much they showed us on TV.”

Her eyes glanced towards Lauren, and there it was again; that sensation that Zee’s mother was staring right into her soul.

For the first time in what felt like forever, Lauren was finding it hard to meet someone else’s gaze.

“Speaking of which,” Raul spoke up, looking towards Zee and Lauren, “now that the season is over and everyone is going back to their lives, what does that mean for the two of you?”

“Oh, me and Lauren already talked about that,” Zee said. “She tells me you guys live down in Oshawa, and I live over near Kingston. It’s a short drive, so we figured we could drive or take the train or whatever to meet up every now and then. If that’s cool with you guys.”

Raul shrugged. “I don’t see why not. Angie and I would be happy to have you.”

“Just give us a head’s up first,” Angie added helpfully. “We run a funeral home, and it would be just a little awkward having our daughter’s boyfriend show up in the middle of a service.”

Crystal was quiet for a moment, then nodded. “If that’s how you want to do it, you have my support. I look forward to getting to know you, Lauren.”

She was smiling when she said it, but something about the look in Crystal’s eyes made Lauren’s skin itch.

“Alright! Thanks everyone,” Zee said.

Lauren felt Zee take her hand, and she turned her head as he turned towards her. Looking into Zee’s soft brown eyes and seeing his kindly smile, Lauren felt her anxiety slowly melt away like an icicle in the spring thaw.

“On that note,” Crystal said, getting everyone’s attention, “Zee and I do need to get going. It’s a long drive back home.”

“Guess that means we’ll be taking off too,” Raul said, he and Angie exchanging nods.

“We’ll give you two a minute,” Angie said to the teens.

With that the adults made their way back to their respective vehicles.

Lauren pouted, then sighed as she looked towards Zee. “Guess this is goodbye then.”

“Just for now,” Zee said. He smiled and reached up with his free hand to brush his thumb against Lauren’s cheek. “I’ll call you later when I get home, and we’ll start making plans to meet up as soon as possible. Okay?”

Lauren sniffled, but smiled and nodded. “Okay. I’ll talk to you later. Take care, Bubbles.”

“You too, Doll.”

Zee and Lauren hugged each other tight. Sparks raced up their spine as their lips came together in a tender kiss, their bodies growing warm and hearts hammering in their chests. Zee inhaled the sweet scent of Lauren’s shampoo, and Lauren tasted the faint remnants of soda on Zee’s lips.

After what felt like an eternity they finally pulled back. Zee’s soft brown eyes stared deep into Lauren’s icy blue eyes as they wordlessly, reluctantly pulled away.

Lauren climbed into the back of her parents’ car while Zee climbed into the shotgun seat of his mom’s van. As the vehicles pulled out of the lot, they caught a glimpse of each other through the windows, sharing one last wave before the cars broke off and drove away.

Chapter Text

Lauren stared out the window of her family’s hatchback as it rolled down the 401 Express. Cars and trucks zipped around them, the sound of rumbling engines and wheels rolling on asphalt filling the air. She turned towards the rear window to look back at the distant Toronto skyline, with its tall buildings stabbing upwards at the crystal blue summer sky.

It always felt strange, going back to normal life after competing on a season of Total Drama. Especially this year, after everything that had happened on Total Drama Level Up.

“So from what we saw on TV, you had quite the eventful season,” Raul said from the driver’s seat, getting Lauren’s attention.

“Oh yeah, it was pretty wild,” Lauren said, turning back around. “Helps that I wasn’t voted off within the first couple of episodes this year. Good thing, too, or I probably never would’ve gotten together with Zee. The challenges were a ton of fun, too.”

“They seemed very exciting,” Angie said, nodding. “Which challenge was your favorite?”

Lauren hummed for a moment. “I’d say the zombie apocalypse in episode eight.”

She saw her mom smiling at her in the rearview mirror. “Because it was when you had your first kiss with Zee?”

Lauren giggled, a hint of red coloring her cheeks. Her lips tingled at the memory of pressing them against Zee’s for the first time. “That was a big part of it, yeah. But the challenge itself was a ton of fun too, getting to shoot down all those robot zombies.”

“It sure looked like it,” Raul said. He merged into the lane to the left to pass a semitruck. “What about the haunted house? That looked like it was right up your alley.”

“Oh yeah, from episode eleven! It had some pretty good production values and scares. Fun challenge, even if I didn’t win.”

Lauren fell silent for a moment, reminiscing about the various challenges she’d participated in during the season. Zee had been at her side for most of them. She pictured his easy-going smile and felt a pang in her heart. Thinking of doing challenges with Zee brought one in particular to mind.

“Oh! The fantasy game dungeon crawl challenge was a lot of fun too,” Lauren said with a wistful smile. “That was the first challenge Zee and I competed in as boyfriend and girlfriend. Good times.”

“Traversing a dungeon and fighting a dragon is one way to kick off a new relationship,” Angie said. She smirked playfully at her daughter. “Still, not the worst thing you could’ve done with his pants off.”

Lauren choked on air, and her cheeks flared bright red. “Mom!!”

Angie snickered while Raul laughed heartily.

“I mean, she’s not wrong,” he said. “So, what other friends did you make this year? Maybe those girls you were allied with for most of the season?”

“You mean MK and Julia?” Lauren asked. She pursed her lips and held her hand out, palm flat in a ‘so-so’ gesture. “Eh, not really. I think Julia is cool when she cuts loose, and I respect MK’s craftiness, but wouldn’t go so far as to call us ‘friends.’ We were alliance partners for the game, but that’s all.”

“I see,” Angie said, nodding. “What about Zee’s friends then? He seems to have a fairly robust social circle.”

“Yeah, he gets along great with pretty much everyone. But he mostly hangs out with Chase, Ripper and Axel. I didn’t get much chance to interact with them during the season, but Zee and I hung out with them at the loser’s hotel afterwards.”

“And how did that go?” Raul asked.

Lauren hummed and shrugged. “I got along well enough with Chase and Ripper. I may not have the best history with them, but they’re Zee’s friends so we were all civil with each other. Now Axel though, she’s a cool girl. She’s super hardcore and I like her style.”

“Sounds like you had fun,” Angie said. “Zee lives near Kingston, right? What about the others?”

Lauren thought for a moment. “I think Ripper lives in Winnipeg. Chase I know lives right in Toronto, and Axel is from… Hamilton, was it? No, it was Oakville.”

“So Toronto or the metro area,” Raul said. He exchanged a sidelong glance and nod with his wife. “You know, kiddo, I know you’re going to keep seeing Zee, but you could always hang out with his friends too.”

“We’d be happy to have Axel if you ever wanted to invite her over,” Angie added.

Lauren fell silent as she considered her parents’ words. She’d planned on meeting up with Zee in person, but the thought of continuing to hang out with Zee’s friends hadn’t crossed her mind. Now that the possibility had been brought up, she found that she didn’t completely hate the idea. She definitely enjoyed Axel’s company and could picture herself hanging out with Chase and/or Ripper alongside Zee.

Her phone buzzing in her pocket snapped Lauren out of her thoughts. She pulled it out and looked at the screen.

“Oh, that’s actually Chase now,” Lauren said. “Looks like he’s… inviting me to a group chat?”

Curious, Lauren tapped the notification, opened her messenger app and agreed to the invite. She was taken to a new screen.

Lauren has joined Ferocious Trout Five

Lauren: Uhhh hello?

Chase: welcome to the club SG

Chase: since you’re Chase’s gf, figured I should add you to our group

Zee has logged on

Zee: Hi Doll!

Lauren: ::heart emoji:: Hiiiii Bubbles!!

Lauren: So

Lauren: The Ferocious Trout Five? We a superhero team now?

Zee: ::laughing emoji::

Chase: lol at first it was just the Trout Trio when it was me, Zee and Ripper

Chase: then Axel came along so we became the Ferocious Trout Four. now we’re Five

Zee: It was Chase’s idea.

Chase: a good name is the key to good branding! all the best influencers know that

Zee: Wait what happens if we get one more?

Lauren: Then one of us will have to be sacrificed! ::candle emoji:: ::skull enoji:: ::knife emoji::

Zee: ::cry laughing emoji::

Chase: lmao

Chase: anyways this is where we just hang out and shoot the shit. and plan for us all to get together. usually a few times a year

Chase: speaking of which once I get more content filmed for 3GIABH we are SO throwing a party while we still have the beach house

Zee: Can’t wait!

Zee: You’re coming too right Doll?

Lauren stared at her phone. She remembered from their conversations about their home lives that Zee had met up with Chase and Ripper (and later Axel) in person a few times between seasons, usually at the former’s beach house rental. She’d even heard them talk about it back on the bus.

The idea that she’d now be invited to such gatherings honestly hadn’t occurred to her until just now.

Lauren hummed thoughtfully. Spending time with Zee in person was always good. And she didn’t hate the idea of hanging out with others. It was a strange, alien feeling, looking forward to seeing people her age that weren’t Zee.

Strange, but not entirely unpleasant.

She typed up a reply: Sounds like it could be fun! Keep me posted!

Crystal navigated her van down the busy eastbound 401 Express. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her son looking at his phone in the passenger seat.

“What’s up?” she asked.

“Just chatting with the guys,” Zee said. “Chase is talking about getting us all together at the beach house sometime soon.”

He smiled fondly at the memory of the last such get-together earlier this summer, both to celebrate them all graduating high school and being invited back for a third season of Total Drama. Chase had sprung the cash to fly Ripper out and hosted him, Zee and Axel at the beach house he rented for his web series. It had been a weekend of delicious food, video games, the occasional crazy dare, shared joy and laughter.

“Sounds like fun.” Crystal said, bringing him back to reality. She thought back to the times Zee had taken those trips to the beach house, as well as the rare occasions he’d driven into Toronto to visit Chase, or vice versa. “Let me know the next time you’ll be having Chase over. Axel too, if she wants. Your friends are welcome anytime.”

“For sure, it’d be sweet to have them over.” Zee said. “And Lauren too.”

“Of course, her as well. I look forward to getting to know this Scary Girl.” Crystal flicked the signal, glanced over her shoulder, and merged into another lane. “Speaking of which, what’s the story with you two? I saw it play out on TV, but let’s hear the behind-the-scene details.”

Zee took a moment to think back on his many interactions with Lauren, back to the beginning. “Let’s see, everything started in episode… three? No – it was four. Me and Lauren bumped into each other one morning, and she asked for one of my trademark ‘lost my leg’ stories…”

With that, Zee launched into a recap of his time on Total Drama Level Up as it related to Lauren. He told of how they’d gradually started hanging out during their downtime: eating together in the mess hall, watching movies in the rec room, and working together during the challenges themselves. Crystal had already seen most of it when the episodes themselves aired, and occasionally interjected to ask for details the cameras hadn’t shown.

“… and it was around episode eight when I started realizing just how much I liked spending time with Lauren,” Zee explained. He smiled wistfully, looking out the passenger window. “When we watched Halloween III and she was telling me trivia, all I could think is ‘man, she is super cute when she talks about her interests’.”

Crystal hummed, nodding. “Yes, like a ‘haunted porcelain doll’ I believe were your words. Speaking of which, you know Lauren overheard that confessional?”

“Hm? Oh right, the whole deal with her crawling around in the vents. Yeah, I know; she explained it all to me after we officially got together.”

“I see, I see. That was quite an… unorthodox strategy she employed for the game.”

Zee chuckled. “Yeah. But Lauren’s an unorthodox girl. And hey, it worked for her; she almost made the finale.”

Crystal nodded again. “That she did.”

A silence settled over the van as it rolled continued east down the highway. Zee looked back at his phone. During the conversation with his mom, Axel had joined the group chat. She and Chase had been regaling Lauren with tales of their last beach house trip.

Axel: And that’s why Ripper isn’t allowed to use the grill unsupervised

Chase: good thing the pool was RIGHT there lol

Lauren: ::cry laughing emoji:: Wish I coulda seen that!

Chase: you can! got it all on camera. I upload clip compilations of our reunions to my Patreon as 3GiaBH bonus content. theyre always a huge hit! normally its reserved for gold tier patrons, but I’ll you have access for the price of a silver

Zee: Bruh

Chase: lol jk! I’ll send SG a link when I get home

Lauren: Can’t wait! Especially if there’s plenty of clips of people getting hurt ::smirking devil emoji::

Axel: That’s from our last trip, right? Wasn’t that when Zee once lost his trunks diving into the pool?

Lauren: ::shocked emoji::

Zee: ??

Axel: Heh

Axel: jk

Lauren: ::sobbing emoji::

Chase: LMFAO

Lauren: WHY WOULD YOU TEASE ME LIKE THAT??

Chase: Rippers rubbing off on you Axel!

Zee: ::laughing emoji:: You had me REAL confused for a second. I was like Wait when did that happen?

Zee chuckled under his breath, leaning his head against the window. The van rolled along the highway, passing a small bay to their left. In the distance, small boats sailed through choppy waters.

The sight of the deep blue waves made Zee think of the view of Lake Ontario from Chase’s beach house. He thought of the trips taken there over these last two years. He thought of the junk food feasts, soda-chugging contests, video game marathons, dares issued and performed. First, it’d been him, Chase and Ripper. Axel had joined following season two as Ripper’s plus one.

Now he’d be going again, this time with Lauren.

Zee smiled and made a mental note to ask Chase how long he’d be filming for his web series.

Located in downtown Oshawa, the Addams Funeral Home was a repurposed two-story manor built in late Victoreon style with stone-gray walls and sloping black roofs. The ground floor had been converted to hold services and memorials within its parlors. The upper level housed the family of the owners/proprietors, who had just pulled up in their hatchback.

Lauren retrieved her suitcase and followed her parents up the wooden stairs to the second story. She looked around, taking in the familiar sights of her neighborhood: cars rolled down the street, pedestrians lined the sidewalks and various small businesses. As she reached the top of the stairs, Lauren could look southwards over the buildings to see the azure waters of Lake Ontario far off in the distance.

Angie unlocked the door, and Lauren followed her parents inside. As she passed over the threshold into the kitchen, Lauren found herself hit by a wave of nostalgia. She looked around at the stove where she’d watched and helped her parents cook over the years, at the breakfast nook in the corner where they’d shared countless meals, through the archway into the living room where they held family movie nights.

She’d only been gone a few weeks, barely a month. But after everything she’d been through this season, it felt like a lifetime.

“Home sweet home,” Angie said, getting Lauren’s attention. “Bet it feels good to be back.”

“Totally,” Lauren said with a nod, her twintails bobbing. “Being on TV was fun, but I’m ready for things to get back to normal.”

“In that case, I’ll get dinner started,” Raul said. He opened the fridge, humming thoughtfully. “What are you in the mood for, Sweetie?”

“After two weeks of Chef Hatchet’s cooking, I’m fine with anything.” Lauren yawned and stretched her arms behind her. “Think I’m gonna relax for a bit if that’s okay.”

“You’re good; we’ll call you when dinner’s ready.” Angie joined her husband at the fridge, looking over his shoulder. “We just bought ground beef yesterday. We could do meatloaf, maybe some hamburger helper…”

Her parent’s voices faded behind her as Lauren left the kitchen and made her way down the hall. Her footsteps echoed on the hardwood floor as she approached the second door on the left, peppered with hazard symbols and “KEEP OUT” signs.

Lauren’s bedroom was dark, the only illumination coming from the thin strip of sunlight streaming in through the narrow gap in the window curtains. She flicked one of the light switches next to the door, turning on the blacklights mounted on the ceiling. The florescent tubes came on to bathe the room in soft purple lights, revealing a desk with a laptop computer, a canopy bed, and walls lined with over a dozen horror movie posters, both vintage and modern.

Dropping her suitcase and kicking off her shoes, Lauren crossed over to the bed and plopped down on her back. She let out a long sigh as she sank into the familiar softness of her blankets. The mattresses had been lumpy and the blankets scratchy on Total Drama, and while the ones at the losers’ hotel were far more comfortable, they lacked the comforting familiarity of her own bed. Laying in her bedroom with the blacklights humming softly overhead, Lauren almost fell asleep right then and there.

Instead, she pulled her phone out of her pocket. She ignored the group chat that had been ongoing for the last half hour, opting instead to send Zee a private message.

Lauren: Hiiii Bubbles!

Zee: Hey Doll! Hows it goin?

Lauren: Not bad. Just got home. HBU?

Zee: Me and mom will still be on the road for a while. It’s a bit of a drive back home.

Lauren: Ugh don’t remind me. ::single tear emoji:: I miss you already.

Zee: Me too. ::hug emoji:: Can’t wait to see you again.

Zee: But hey, just cuz we’re not seeing each other in person for a while doesn’t mean we can’t spend time together. Wanna stream a movie on Cacophony latr?

Lauren: oooo sounds good to me! Got anything in mind?

Zee: Surprise me! You always pick the best movies.

Lauren giggled and sent him a blushing emoji in reply, her own cheeks tinted with red.

She bid Zee farewell with a promise to be in touch later. Then she logged into her Shivers account and started scrolling through her custom lists of favorite horror movies, eager to already have plans with her boyfriend.

The sun was just beginning to dip towards the western horizon when Crystal pulled off the highway, heading south. After several more minutes of driving, she pulled into the driveway of a single-story Cape-Cod style home flanked by tall spruce trees and gardens of vibrant flowers. A chorus of insect chirping filled the air as Zee and his mom made their way inside.

Zee had barely passed beyond the front door threshold when a gray blur came rushing towards him.

“Whoa!” Zee cried out, dropping his suitcase. He beamed at the furry form that landed in his outstretched arms. “Hey girl! Did you miss me?”

Olivia Von Trashpanda chittered happily in response. She rubbed her forehead against Zee’s cheek, making him laugh. Crystal chuckled at the sight.

“You should’ve seen it; she sat down with me to watch every episode of the new season,” she said.

“Aww, were you rooting for me, Livvy?” Zee asked. His hand came up to scratch her behind the ears. She purred and nuzzled his chest. “Did I make you proud? Made it to the final three, got a girlfriend… not half bad, right?”

“Not half bad at all,” Crystal said, her smile small but proud. “You can kick back and relax for a bit while I get dinner started. How’s lasagna sound?”

“Sounds great!”

Olivia chattered excitedly in Zee’s arms at the mention of food. Zee felt his own stomach rumble as he started down the hallway. The hotel grub had been all right, and Chef’s dishes were great this year as always, but he’d really been missing some home cooking.

Zee stepped into his bedroom and flicked on the lights. He stood in silence for a moment, drinking in the familiar sights of home: the skate- and surfboards on the wall, the speakers flanking his bed, the drums repurposed as tables, the turntable next to the lava lamp on his dresser.

“Home sweet home,” Zee said to himself, content.

He sat down on his bed, springs squeaking beneath him. Oliva curled in his lap as he removed his prosthetic with practiced ease. One of Zee’s hands began to pet her; the other idly ran across his blanket. Zee inhaled deeply through his nose, listening to Olivia’s satisfied purring and the insects chirping outside his window.

“Man, it’s good to be back,” Zee said to Olivia. “Lemme tell you girl, this season was nuts. The challenges were wild, I made it farther than I ever thought I would… and I also met someone special. Can’t wait for you to meet Lauren; you’ll love her.”

Olivia let out a curious chitter, and Zee shrugged. “Dunno when yet. Gotta see when we’re both free, if she’s coming to me or I’m going to her. Plus saving money for gas or bus tickets. Eh, we’ll figure it out. Right now I just wanna get settled in and chi-”

Zee’s phone buzzed in his pocket.

Curious, he pulled it out. Read the name on the glowing screen.

Paused. Then tapped accept.

“Heeeey, Dad,” Zee said casually.

“Heya, kiddo! Sorry I couldn’t welcome you home in person. In the process of closing a very lucrative merger deal.”

Though his father couldn’t see it, Zee nodded and shrugged. “No problemo, I know how things get.”

“But hey, I’ve saw all of the new season! Congrats on making it to the finale!”

“Thanks. I think I did pretty good this year.”

“And congrats on the new lady friend! Lauren, right? Smart girl; played one hell of a game this year.”

Zee chuckled, glancing to the side. “Yeah, Lauren’s a super cool girl. She’s fun to hang out with, and I like being with her.”

“Good to hear. Got any plans with her now that the season’s over?”

“She lives near Toronto, so we figured it wouldn’t be much of a hassle to keep seeing each other. We’re both getting settled in, then we’ll start talking about who’s visiting who.”

“Planning for the future, that’s my boy. Toronto, huh? They’ve got some good schools out here. You looked into any of them?”

Zee nodded, sitting up straighter. “I’ve been looking into it, yeah. Just been a little busy with the whole ‘being on TV’ thing.”

“Understandable. Well, when you do find something, just let me know. You may not have won the million to pay for it yourself, but my offer is still good anytime.”

“Don’t worry, I will. Thanks again, Dad.”

Olivia felt Zee the muscles in Zee’s petting hand tense and his motions stiffen slightly. She looked up at him, curious.

“Don’t mention it! Gotta plan for the future, just like you do with Lauren. And land a good job so you can treat her right.”

“Right, yeah, totally.” Zee let out a yawn. “Oh sorry. Been kind of a long day.”

“Heh, I hear that. I’ll let you go then. Tell your mother I said hello.”

“Will do. Good luck with the whole merger deal.”

“Thanks! If this goes through, we’re absolutely going to Hawaii to celebrate.”

“Yeah, sounds great. Later, Dad.”

“Later.”

The call ended. Zee closed his eyes and let out a long, slow exhale through his nose.

When he opened them, he saw Olivia looking up at him with a tilted head. Zee gave her a small smile and started petting her again. Feeling his soft fur beneath her and hearing her happy chitter, Zee felt his tension slowly melt away.

His phone gave a brief notification buzz. He looked at his screen, and his eyes brightened at the name displayed and attached message.

Lauren: Heeeey Bubbles! You home yet?

Zee kept petting Olivia, typing out his reply with one hand: Hey Doll! Me and mom just got home. She’s making dinner rn.

Lauren: Cool, my family just finished eating. Think you got time for a movie? Found one I think you’ll love.

Zee: Totally! Hang on I’ll hop on Cacophony.

Lauren: I’ll get it synched up! Talk 2 u soon! ::heart emoji::

Within a few minutes, Zee had moved from his bed to his desk and turned on his desktop. Still petting Olivia, he pulled up Cacophony, joined the private chat he and Lauren had made when they exchanged socials, and clicked the call button.

“Hi Zee!” Lauren’s bubbly voice said from the speakers. It was like music to Zee’s ears.

“Hey SG,” Zee said, smiling warmly. “How’s it feel being back home?”

“Great seeing my folks and sleeping in my own bed again. Only think that’s missing is you.”

“Same, brah. At least we can still do our movie night. Whacha got lined up for us?”

“Okay, so! I’m feeling old school tonight, so I found us a classic from the golden age of sci-fi horror. It’s about these ants mutated by atomic radiation…”