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The camp was finally quiet. After the chaos of the day’s challenge, the climbing and water and jumping and falling. People yelling instructions that made no sense. Along with all the fighting. The contestants had scattered around the shelters and campfires. The sky above the Island was deep blueish green, stars starting to blink into view. Everything was peaceful and quiet.
Everyone had scattered into their shelters, the favorites into the cabin and the fans into their…. Well, shelter. Everyone should have been asleep. Bruno and Benji had definitely fallen asleep after Bruno was asking some questions about something. But now it was quiet.
But that wasn't the case at all. Two people were awake at this specific moment. Not really for any reason other than they couldn't sleep. In fact, one was coming to visit the other. His reasoning was just that he missed his husband. And he wanted to make sure he was still in this game.
Tom sat on the wooden steps of the cabin, arms resting on his knees. His shirt was still a little wet after he had pulled it back on when he got back to the cabin, and he looked exhausted. "Rough day?” Aiden asked, stepping up and speaking quietly and softly nearby him. Tom jumped and looked up, having been startled then he sighed with a smile.
“You mean the part where Alec and I argued and lost for our team, or the part where the team lost because Finn tried getting me to rescue him?” Aiden snorted and grinned before sitting with Tom. He was honestly glad Tom didn't fall for Finn’s dumb charade. He also just hated seeing Finn try to flirt with Tom. Aiden did understand the simping. “Okay, yeah. That's Fair. He'll get the hint eventually."
For a moment they just sat there, the cool night air drifting through the trees. Aiden eventually nudged Tom’s shoulder. “You still did good, you know. That pole carrying part? You carried the whole team. Totally" Tom shrugged, but a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Someone had to. You know Alec wouldn't. Good thing we voted him off.” Another quiet moment passed, them just peacefully chilling and practically cuddling. The campfire crackled faintly in the distance.
Aiden leaned back on his hands now. “You look like you’re about to fall asleep right there.” “I might,” Tom admitted, looking tired. “My legs and arms are done.” “Well, that’s tragic,” Aiden said dramatically and grinned at him. “Guess you’ll have to borrow my expert recovery method.” Tom raised an eyebrow. “Which is?”
Instead of answering, Aiden scooted closer and gently leaned against him. Tom stiffened for half a second, then relaxed. “See?” Aiden said with a soft grin while trying not to chuckle. “totally instant comfort.”
Tom huffed a quiet laugh. “You’re ridiculous sometimes, babe” “Maybe,” Aiden said. “But you’re not moving away. You know you like when I cuddle you.” Tom didn’t respond to that. Instead, he shifted slightly so Aiden could rest more comfortably against him. After a moment, Aiden tilted his head onto Tom’s shoulder. Tom smiled at him again, then wrapped an arm loosely around Aiden’s back.
The warmth was nice after the cold challenge water earlier. “Better?” Aiden murmured. “…Yeah, A lot better honestly” Tom admitted. They stayed like that on the cabin steps, watching the stars appear one by one.
No yelling, No challenges, No cameras in their faces. Just the quiet wind rustling through the leaves of the trees and bushes and stars sparkling. Aiden’s voice drifted out again, softer now. “Next challenge…. Who do you think will win… my team or yours?...” Tom smirked faintly. “I bet we will win again. Unless…. It's a musical challenge.” Aiden chuckled. " Because of my voice?” "Exactly.”
Tom looked down at him, shaking his head, but he pulled Aiden just a little closer anyway. And then kissed his husband on the lips and then smiled more. “We could still have a chance, but… no matter what.. you will always have me.” Aiden smiled and nodded as if saying "same here”.
They now just sat together and practically dozed off there on the steps. They were not leaving until the morning, Tom was gonna make sure the others didn't notice Aiden. He didn't want him in trouble after all.