Killer Lovin: episode 5

Brock poured ingredient after ingredient into the bowl, his eyes darting to Rick.

"Eggs!" Rick handed Brock a carton of eggs. Brock tossed five of them into the bowl, stirring the bowl rapidly before dumping them into a pan.

"BACON!" Rick handed Brock a pack of bacon, his eyes focused on the crepe batter he had been stirring for 12 minutes. He hadn't slept for 7 days. How could he? after what he saw last week. He still remembered that conversation, looking Jackson in his eyes as the truth unfolded.

"I'm not really here as a contestant. I mean I am but I'm not here for a relationship." Gordon would gasp dramatically, Rick wouldn't really react after all so far most of the people on the show didn't seem to be there for romantic reasons. Except him, and Brock, and maybe gordon. Jackson continued making sure Rick and Gordon were the only ones there.

"I'm trying to find my ex." Rick looked at Jackson baffled. Out of all the things Jackson was about to say, that was the last. Gordon looked to Beverly who stood outside with Noah.

"Wait, Beverly's not-"

"OH NO oh GOD NO." Jackson asserted, shaking his head. Rick peered at Marcus' body unable to remove his eyes from the awful scene. Jackson continued.

"don't get me wrong, she's a nice woman and I'm sure one of you will be very happy with her. It's just, she went missing a while back and I think the crew on this show may have something to do with it." Realization came across Rick's face.

"Shelly, the late night tv show host? don't tell me she-" Jackson nodded.

"So you DID know about her? She's my Ex, my kid misses her mom. If I can't find her, I want to find out who and what the sicko responsible did to her."

"What does that have to do with the show," Gordon asked Jackson, looking outside his eyes focused on Noah the smiling man laughed at something Beverly said.

"I've been trying to get in contact with her work to try to find out if they knew anything. This was the only way I could get in contact with her boss." Rick peered at Marcus' body sitting cut open in Jackson's room. Rick pointed to the body trying to avoid the sight. Gordon looked away, keeping himself from vomiting as he sat himself on the floor. Jackson went back in his room motioning the two to follow. Gordon looked at Rick as he motioned him into.

"You go, I have mild hemophobia. You already have a DEAD body, you don't need an unconscious one too." Rick sighed as he followed Jackson into the room, Gordon giving him a thumbs up. The smell of Marcus decaying body hit Rick nose making him feel nauseous. Jackson covered the body before taking a small vial with a strand of Marcus' hair. Rick looked around, he didn't know how but Jackson managed to turn his room into a homemade forensics lab. Jackson handed the vile to Rick.

"Rick what does that look like to you?" Rick looked at the vile with hair inside of it.

"It looks like a vile with hair inside of it." Jackson shook his head with a serious expression on his face.

"wrong, it's LSD." Rick looked at the vile again confused. He didn't know much about LSD but he was pretty sure it wasn't human hair. Jackson sighed as he looked through Marcus' jacket.

"Marcus fell off a cliff right, well I thought the story behind it sounded a little too fishy so I took the liberty of checking to see if there were any traces of alcohol or any other drugs in his system."

"and you found some?" Gordon asked from the other side of the door. Jackson laughed nervously.

"Oh I did, Jesus christ, did I find some. Did you know you can check people's hair follicles to see if they've taken any drugs. People normally don't because LSD doesn't show up unless you've taken A LOT! and let me tell you, I'm surprised Marcus didn't die from an overdose instead. Rick, you're sure Marcus didn't mention anything about an LSD addiction." Rick looked at the vile dumbfounded.

"Of course not, why the hell would he mention taking LSD its illegal." Jackson took the vile from Rick going through a small file cabinet he had in his room.

"But he didn't show any signs of taking it? sweating? lack of appetite? exhaustion?" Rick shook his head thinking back to all his interactions with Marcus when he was alive. Gordon peered at Jackson.

"How do you know all of this? Are you a policeman?" Jackson paused for a moment handing Rick a shot glass.

"Something like that, if you really didn't notice anything off. Rick, you were the last person he was alone with. That must mean it happened some time after he got booted off! Someone drugged Marcus with LSD sometime after his elimination, the driver drove up the hill, Marcus got out of the car, either of his own free will or with prompting, and fell off the edge while hallucinating." Rick looked at Jackson shocked.

"The driver did it on purpose... he killed him." Gordon leaned his head into the room.

"or, he was an accessory, he helped someone else do it. Perhaps someone who already went home, or someone on staff." Rick looked at Gordon, an upset look on his face.

"There's no way, I mean the only staff here are the driver, the camera crew and Noah. None of them would want to KILL us, they wouldn't get anything from it."

"We don't know that, one of them could have a personal vendetta against the show, I read about stuff like that all the time," Gordon responded

"It could also be the cloaked figures," Jackson added. Rick looked between the group. Gordon's eyes went wide with realization.

"oh yeah, the big guy, Cheese? Didn't he see some people heading into the house." Jackson nodded, Rick stormed over to Gordon glaring at him.

"First off, his name is CHAS, second off, when the hell did this happen?" Jackson took the glass from Rick, placing it on the table before shutting his room's door.

"It was when you were talking to Beverly. Chas has insomnia, so I thought maybe he saw something, and he did. Two cloaked figures, walking towards the house. Scared the crap out of him. He didn't see who it was though, it was too dark. Originally, I thought one of them could have been you." Rick looked at Jackson's sight, fear seeping into his heart.

"Why me?" Jackson sighed

"It's nothing personal, it's just, well out of everyone, Beverly seems to like you the most and Noah's been acting weird when you're around lately. I assumed, maybe you were a mole."

"a mole?" Rick asked, Jackson nodded Gordon looked Rick up and down.

"I could see that, I mean, no offense but you kinda stick out like a sore thumb." Jackson glared at Gordon. He was right though, most guys on this show were supposed to look like Chas at most and Gordon at the very least. Rick wasn't much of a looker compared to the other people allowed on the show. Even he was surprised he made it this far as most times guys like him get the boot early.

"That's not what I meant!" Jackson said scolding Gordon.

"I meant it's weird how Noah seems to be off whenever Rick or Mitch are around." Rick shrugged confused.

"I haven't noticed anything." Gordon stood himself back up looking Rick in the eyes.

"That's because it happens when you're not there. Noah's the perfectly normal tv host till you show up. Rick, he literally breaks character around you. I don't know why but it's like, you threaten him or something." Rick had felt like something was off about Noah. He was normally the wise cracker, telling cheesy jokes to lighten the contestants spirits. He hadn't told a single joke since the show started. Not only that, Rick sensed middle-aged woman levels of passive aggression from the cheary looking man.

He definitely noticed the same thing around Mitch when he was on the show. Noah always seemed focused on him, even when he was talking about something completely unrelated. There would-be moments, even days when the two would disappear only to show up way later. Rick looked at Jackson trying his best to match Jackson and Gordon’s intelligent deductions.

"What about Mitch? Did Mitch know anything? about Shelly?" Jackson glared at the host through the window.

"I wasn't able to ask. Noah was always nearby. Even when I tried Mitch would get real quiet all of a sudden. I don't know what's going on, but Mitch is definitely involved somehow." Gordon's eyes looked towards Mitch's room solemnly. That's when it occurred to Rick, Gordon never really talked to anyone outside of Mitch. He may have been his only friend on the show and he was gone now. Rick tried to bring himself to sympathize with Gordon.

"I'm sure he's fine." Rick muttered in an attempt of comfort,Gordon smiled sadly, clearly not believing a word Rick said. That's when Brock charged upstairs grabbing the three of them so they could enjoy dinner. Even now though, Rick was distressed.

"Hash Browns!" distraught

"Baked beans!" confused

"More hashbrowns!" everything he knew about the show.

"sausage" about the things he experienced

"Toast!" was there really something else going on

"Toast!" Something he missed?

"TOAST!" How the heck did he miss how weird everyone was? What if Marcus' death was somehow his-

"TOAST! RICK I NEED TOAST!!"

"I'M SORRY! I DIDN'T MEAN TO!" Brock looked at Rick confused.

"it's cool man, I do need that toast though." Rick snapped back to reality grabbing the buttered slices of bread as he handed them to a hurried Brock. Brock tossed them in the pan as he began to cook them.

"how's that batter looking?" Brock asked Rick looked at the Crepe batter nodding approvingly. That's right, he was baking right now. Possible murders and confusing topics could wait. He and Brock were making the group a nice meal. Chas entered the kitchen, he looked between Brock and Rick confused.

"What are you two doing up so early ?" Rick's eyes focused on Chas, he hadn't told him about his talk with Jackson. He couldn't, not until they figured out what was going on. Chas was dealing with his own issues right now. He would have a heart attack if Marcus’ death was added to his list of problems. In the meantime, he had to be his normal everyday self. Rick forced a smile as he poured the batter into a frying pan.

"We decided to make everyone breakfast." Brock responded, Chas looked at the clock in the kitchen.

"at 5:00 in the morning?" Rick shrugged trying to avoid Chas' gaze.

"better late than never." Rick said jokingly, Chas gave Rick a concerned look.

"are you doing okay? you seem a little scattered." Chas probed, Brock looked at Rick, a similar look of concern on his face.

"Yeah man, you're looking a little pale." Rick shook his head laughing.

"I'm FINE, I just had another nightmare last night." Technically that wasn't a lie. Rick DID have another nightmare, but after the past few weeks each one of his dreams seemed to blend together. Chas took the bowl from Rick, an oddly serious look on his face.

"I'll take over from here, I think you probably need to sit down." Rick felt his heart ache. Rick reluctantly handed the bowl to Chas as he sat himself on a stool by the kitchen counter. He watched as Chas poured the batter into the pan the best he could. Rick sighed, the last thing he wanted to do was worry the other contestants, especially Chas. Gordon trudged downstairs looking worse for wear, sitting himself next to Rick. Brock peered over his shoulder.

"Hey Gord, how'd you sleep last night." Gordon's eyes slowly closed as the book worm's head fell onto the cold countertop. Rick sighed, Gordon told him he was going to figure things out. He didn't think he'd stay up all night doing so. Gordon forced himself to lift his head up.

"I didn't." He admitted, eyeing Rick's coffee. Rick pushed the cup to Gordon who downed the caffeinated drink. Gordon's eyes shot open as he finished the drink.

"Have you seen Jackson?" Rick shook his head, a bad feeling began to build in his stomach. A worried expression made its way to Gordon's tired face. Rick heard the door open. Jackson entered the building wearing a dark blue bathrobe. Chas looked at Jackson surprised. Jackson paused as he met the group's eyes.

"What were you doing outside?" Chas asked

"I was just going for a walk." Jackson said trying to keep a straight face. Chas looked at Jackson skeptically.

"Are you guys okay? you're all acting weird." Brock nodded a smile on his face. Jackson laughed nervously.

"we're fine, Rick and Gordon were just helping me with something last night. That's why they're so tired." Chas looked at Rick ready to respond. The door opened revealing Noah's smiling face. He looked at the group surprised. Rick felt a chill course through his body as he looked at Noah.

"Well, well, aren't we some early risers?" Noah chuckled, his eyes seeming to focus on Rick. Gordon's words echoed through his mind as Noah's stare burned into his forehead. Noah saw Rick as competition? Was that really what was happening? Rick knew he was competing with the other contestants but they we're just that, contestants. Rick stared back at Noah, this seemed to throw the man off kilter as he quickly looked away.

"I just came to let you know Mitch is doing just fine. he should be able to join us for today." The group sighed slightly annoyed. After yesterday many of them had been hoping Mitch wouldn't come back, except Gordon who gave a sigh of relief. Rick wasn't surprised, it was only the fifth episode, they couldn't drop Mitch now, it was too early. Noah stole a piece of bacon from the table. He looked at Brock calmly.

"May I?" Brock nodded happily oblivious to the fear collecting in the room.

"go for it man-" Brock pulled his hand away from the stove quickly. a red mark started to form on Brock's skin.

"Ahhh shi- sorry, I'm fine the grese just got me a little." Noah's eyes seemed to focus on the burn as his smile grew wider. He bit into the bacon effortlessly, taking a second to look at the floor before walking towards the door.

"Well, I suppose I should get going. make sure you're prepared for the challenges today." Chas ran up to Noah grabbing his shoulder.

"Actually, I think it may be better if Rick sat out for the next challenge. I'm pretty sure he's-" Noah grabbed Chas' hand removing it from his shoulder. The air grew thick and heavy as Noah's comforting smile shifted to an annoyed enraged grimace. Chas backed away surprised by Noah's new expression.

"I just, well, Rick was looking a little pale, I just think he needs a little mor-"

"He looks fine to me." Noah interrupted glancing at Rick only for a second. Rick nodded, smiling best he could.

"Yeah, I'm fine" He lied, Chas opened his mouth ready to protest. Noah looked at Chas, his eyes locked with Chas'.

"Please don't speak for the other contestants. they can make decisions on their own. If this becomes a problem, I am more than happy to send you both home." Chas looked at Noah dumbfounded, he closed his mouth and went back to his chair. Noah clapped his hands together, his smile returning to his face.

"I'll leave you boys be, make sure to clean up after yourselves when your done." Noah left the house slamming the door behind him. Chas looked at the group surprised.

"Did I say something?" Rick looked at the door baffled.

"Of course not, that was all him." Brock put his hand in the sink running cold water over the burn.

"yeah dude, he's probably just stressed out. I mean, this season's been a little problematic." Rick nodded but a part of him was unsure. Noah had to deal with plenty of scandals in the past but not once had Rick seen the man break character as much as he had this season. The group ate breakfast trying to ignore the tense atmosphere Noah had created. Chas looked at Rick.

"Are you sure you can handle this? You really don't look well." Rick sighed biting into his eggs.

"I'll be fine, I'm just recovering from last week." Chas looked at Rick unsure. The door opened once again, Jackson peered out at the intruder. Mitch stood in the middle of the walkway, his eyes glazed over as he looked at the wall in front of him.

"Mitch!" Gordon ran over to him ready to greet his friend. Mitch walked past Gordon making his way to the kitchen. Gordon looked at Mitch confused by his silence.

"Mitch?" Mitch came back to reality, turning to see Gordon. A smile shone on Mitch's face as he looked at his friend.

"Oh, hey, Gordon." He muttered softly, Rick squinted at Mitch the loud hostile attitude he was expecting had been completely erased. Not just the anger though, Mitch seemed almost lifeless as he looked at the others in the group. Mitch's eyes settled on Rick for a moment, an uncharacteristically charming smile made its way to Mitch's face. Mitch's eyes moved towards the bacon on the table. Mitch hurried to the table taking the plate and chucking the pieces in the trash. Rick scowled at Mitch.

"I was eating that!" Mitch smiled at Rick an oddly passive-aggressive tone in his voice as he looked at Rick, emotionless.

"of course you were, you sick ****." Rick felt his nerves tense up, this wasn't Mitch. Mitch was loud, foreword, rude, Angry. He didn't know who this man was, but there was no way this was Mitch. Jackson grabbed Mitch's arm pulling him to the side, assumingly to ask a multitude of inappropriate questions. Chas opened his mouth ready to say something only to be interrupted by a multitude of cameras crowding around the group. Rick looked around at the cameras confused. Rick recognized one of the men as the one who drove him to the house on the first day.

"What's going on?" Rick asked, confused by the thousands of lenses.

"We came to get you for the challenge." The driver responded. The group looked confused.

"but Noah just sai-"

"he changed his mind. please make your way to the vehicles." Rick felt dizzy as the cameras surrounded him. Chas put a hand on Rick's shoulder leading him to one of the carts. The drivers followed suit, leading a reluctant Jackson behind them. Mitch knocked on the cart door.

"Open the door dick." Rick opened the door letting Mitch scoot into the seat next to him. Chas smiled, motioning for Rick to trade spots with him. A demand Rick was more than happy to comply with. Mitch chuckled looking between the two.

"wow, what a true man, hiding behind his boyfriend." Rick glared at Mitch, Chas patted Rick on the shoulder.

"He's just trying to rile you up." He whispered Mitch rolled his eyes, turning to face the window.

"makes sense though, the sumo match doesn't start till eight." Rick didn't respond. Chas was right, Mitch was just trying to get under his skin. Mitch looked at Rick slightly dissatisfied with his current results.

"By the way Chas, how's the music career going?” Chas looked at Mitch slightly confused.

“Fine, I guess.” Mitch smiled looking between the two.

I heard that true musicians will do ANYTHING to get what they want. What about you, would you do anything to get what you want?" Chas' face went pale as he turned away from Mitch. Mitch laughed, pure hatred seemed to ooze from each sound that left his mouth.

"of course you would, why else would a f*g like you be here." Rick looked at Mitch surprised, sure Mitch would say some harsh stuff but to call someone THAT! Chas' clenched his fist as he did his best to not lose his temper. Rick turned back to Mitch glaring. If he wanted to fight, that's exactly what he was going to get.

"Shut the hell up! Chas is a wonderful person, and the fact that you'd say that to him. No, that you'd say that to ANYONE it goes beyond villainous. IT'S DOWNRIGHT DISGUSTING." Mitch looked between the driver and the window. He turned back to Rick feigning innocence as his smile seemed to twist into an uncanny look of shock.

"I'm just saying the f*g shouldn't have come here in the first place. what? you want me to say Beverly should marry someone who doesn't like her?" Chas looked at Mitch surprised. Rick thought for a moment as the realization hit him. Mitch chuckled as he rolled up the window.

“You know if this doesn’t work out, two could start your own little sitcom. The fatass and the f*****. Doesn’t that have a nice ring? Maybe you’ll actually sell one of your shitty songs.” Mich chimed happily, Chas looked at Mitch pure horror on his face.

"how did you know that?" Chas managed to say, that's right. Rick was the only one who knew that Chas was gay. Chas looked at Rick as though he just shot him through the chest. Rick shook his head.

"I didn't say anything to him I swear." Mitch laughed with a look of pure wrath on his face. Rick was used to Mitch being mean, but not this mean. It was almost as though Mitch died leaving him an angry shell of who he once was. He leaned towards Rick, unimaginable rage on his face, his rage turned to a fake look of joy as he spoke.

"Of course you didn't, you're not a bad guy. You're just playing the game. None of it's ever your fault. That’s why she loves you so much because you're ALMOST perfect! Wow, I wish I was as almost perfect as Rick!" The driver honked the cart's horn, turning to the three of them annoyed. Mitch took the single quickly, shutting up as he watched the color drain from Chas and Rick's faces.

What did he do? Was Marcus' death his fault, did he really tell someone Mitch was, no, he was sure he didn't. So how did Mitch know? Wait, Mitch knew that he knew. That's what was happening. That asshole was doing this on purpose. Rick looked at Mitch as a pleasant smile came over the awful man's face. Rick opened his mouth to say something. the driver smashed the breaks.

"we're here." Mitch stepped out of the cart smiling as he waved to the two. Chas followed speed walking away from Rick. The driver looked at Rick as he slowly left their mode of transportation. Jackson met up with Rick looking at him confused.

"What's wrong? did something happen?" Rick looked at Chas who was far ahead of the group now.

"I don't want to talk about it." Jackson nodded, putting two and two together.

"Let me guess Mitch is being a Bitch?" Rick chuckled at Jackson's word play quickly switching the topic.

"yeah, did he say anything, about, you know." Jackson shook his head annoyed.

"no, he didn't, he said a lot of things but half of them didn't really make sense. Especially about Beverly and you, Rick. I don't know what happened to him, but I don't think that 'theripy’ did him much good." Rick looked at Mitch confused.

"What was with the air quotes?" Jackson looked at Mitch as he completely ignored Gordon.

"do you really REALLY think they ACTUALLY got him proper help? I mean, look at him, he’s even worse then when they took him off. I don't know what's up with him but I don't think talking about his feelings were involved." Rick had to agree with Jackson. Mitch looked back at the two holding a middle finger in the air, as Gordon desperately tried to get his attention, Jackson sighed.

" just be careful don't forget he tried to hit you with a plate last time." The group made it to today's destination, a large open field. Beverly sat in the middle of it today she was sporting a purple jersey with pink stripes. a purple bat clutched in her hands. Noah was wearing a similar outfit clearly to match Beverly's sense of style. He smiled as he watched half of the tired men's face's go white.

"allright lady and gentlemen, today we're going to be testing your physical prowess with a good ol game of American baseball." Rick sighed as he looked at the field, a little bit of his original stamina coming back to him. He knew he could do this. Beverly looked at Rick concern on her face.

"Of course I'm sure not all of you are, ready for this much physical activity." Noah looked at Rick.

“Especially those of you who don’t get outside as much.” Mitch laughed at Noah’s words. Noah smiled proud of himself. Rick looked back annoyed by Noah's statement. He couldn't be too mad though if anything Noah's behavior was going to make him look even better.

"so we're gonna give you all some time to warm up. Brock, Jackson, you two get to pick the teams." Mitch whispered something to Brock who looked at him slightly disgruntled.

"actually, Mitch should pick the team." Noah laughed nervously as the rest of the group went silent.

"Now Brock you don't have to feel like you ha-"

"nah, its cool man, I'm not really a team leader type of guy." Noah looked at Brock shocked and irritated. Mitch and Jackson stepped forward. Mitch pointed a finger at Rick, only to move it to Gordon, Gordon stepped forward looking at Rick apologetically. Rick sighed, he knew exactly where this was going.

Jackson pointed to Brock who enthusiastically ran over to his side. Mitch pointed to Chas who reluctantly went over to his team. Rick stood alone, as expected. Mitch laughed at Jackson as though he'd gotten the upper hand.

"you get Fuckerson!!" Jackson scoffed at Mitch’s immaturity. Rick rolled his eyes as he made his way to Jackson's team. The teams went through practice. Each of them practiced pitching. Brock, as expected, was amazing, as he managed to hit ball after ball. Jackson wasn't very good at hitting the ball but he was an expert at pitching it. Rick went up to bat next, Mitch watched on as Chas and Gordon actually practiced. This was the moment Rick was waiting for, Rick focused his eyes on the ball clutching the bat.

"throw me a Cutter!" Jackson looked at Rick confused.

"Throw him a fast ball that moves to much!" Brock yelled somehow Jackson knew exactly what that meant as he threw a perfect cutter towards Rick. Rick focused on the Ball following the ball's movements as it reached the right area. Rick swung the bat hard smashing it into the ball sending it flying far out of the field. Mitch looked at Rick shocked. Rick smiled at Mitch's confusion, a confusion that was echoed by Noah and Beverly as they watched the ball fly away.

That's right, what nobody knew, or even bothered to ask about was that Rick used to play a lot of baseball when he was younger. He was one of the head batters in elimetery, junior high, highschool, and the first pitcher in college. He even subbed for a coach he knew in the little leagues bringing them to the game’s finals. Rick had this in the bag from the first moment he stepped off that cart. Rick looked at Mitch with a fire in his eyes as he swung the bat over and over. He waved at Mitch who looked on, baffled.

Noah's face seemed to go pale as he hurried to the area they were practicing in. Motioning the cameramen to stop filming.

"WHAT WAS THAT?!?" Noah screamed angrily, the camera crew put the camera's down, an oddly scared look on their face. Rick shrugged looking at the others on his team.

"A home run, sorry, I'll go find the ball if that's what this is-"

"YOU WEREN'T SUPPOSED TO HIT THAT!" Noah responded Rick looked between Brock and Jackson who shared in the confusion. Rick attempted to apologize again in hopes of shutting down the altercation.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know cutter balls were against the-" Noah sighed calming down a bit as he put his fingers to the bridge of his nose.

"Perfect, this is just, okay, heres whats going to happen, your just going to sit on that bench, no moving, no talking, no breathing, just. SIT!" Jackson looked at Noah confused.

"why, what did he do?"

"yeah, the guy just hit a ball." Brock added Noah looked at the camera crew making sure the cameras were off.

"exactly, he's not suposed to be able to hit that! you are." Noah said point to Jackson. Brock gave Noah a death glare looking at Rick.

"why? it's baseball, you hit the ball, that's the rules!" Brock said Rick smiled at Brock, grateful. Noah opened his mouth ready to rip Brock to shreds.

"If I didn't know better, I'd say your mad he's actually doing a good job." Brock added an annoyed look on his face. Noah turned his head glaring at Brock, who continued shoving his sudden fear of the host back down.

"Is that what you mean? he can't be good at the sport? because he doesn't LOOK like he should be good at the sport? is THAT the thing your trying to say?" Noah paused a look of realization came across his face as he hurried to recollect himself.

"of course, not it's just that, well, Rick you're looking kinda pale. I think it'd be best for you to just watch, after all we don't want you to pass out from exhaustion." Rick looked at Noah's fake smile, the smile that used to make him feel happy after a long day of work, that reminded him he could keep going. That one day he could find love too. That smile became an eyesore, a representation of everything he was never allowed to be. Rick took a deep breath.

"don't worry about it, I'll be fine." Rick said as he looked at Noah. Noah's eye twitched as Rick picked the bat back up. no one was going to tell him who he was, he already knew who he was. Brock smiled, patting Rick on the back, a genuine smile on his face. Beverly glared at Noah who sighed as he motioned for the camera crew to pick up the cameras again. Chas looked at Rick for a moment before returning to practice. Beverly blew the whistle announcing the start of the actual game.

The game went as well as can be expected. Gordon fell asleep at first base as Chas struggled to hit every ball thrown to him. Mitch pretty much carried the team as the pitcher managing to get Jackson out quickly. Rick's swings quickly tied the two teams before Mitch finally managed to get him out. It all came down to Mitch and Brock.

Brock hit the ball sending it a good distance before bolting towards third base, Chas grabbed the ball throwing it back to Mitch who charged towards Brock. Brock landed on third base making him safe. That's when Mitch finally reached him, throwing himself into Brock at full force as he knocked Brock to the ground. The two slammed into one of the camera men, sending all three of them two the ground. The camera lense shattered on impact. Brock let out a sharp scream as his knee hit the camera. Mitch forcefully shoved the ball into Brock's chest pressing it against him.

"OUT!" Mitch screamed, the group ran towards Brock making sure he was okay. Brock winced in pain as he struggled to stand himself back up. Brock smiled as he limped towards the others. Blood dripped from his leg as he hobbled towards them.

"Don't worry guys, I'm fine, just a bruise." Jackson looked at Brock's leg, his ankle was already starting to swell, the glass dug itself into Brock’s knee. Jackson got Brock to sit down as the group looked at his leg. Rick wasn't sure but he swore Noah smiled as Brock tried to shoo the other contestants away, putting on the bravest face he could muster. Gordon looked at Noah.

"Where's the medical team?" Noah looked at the wound before shrugging.

"It's not that bad." Brock nodded in agreement standing himself back up. Chas looked at Noah in anger in his beautiful brown eyes.

"Are you kidding? It's broken, aren't you going to do ANYTHING?!?" Noah shook his head, Beverly looked at him slightly worried. Noah smiled,

"Anyways, congrats team Mitch, you-" Beverly's look of concern turned to anger as her violet eyes met Noah's. Noah sighed slightly annoyed.

"I mean, team Jackson, you won, congrats... well, it looks like it's time to head back." Rick looked at Noah confused, normally this was when the talks with Beverly would start. Mitch screamed before storming back to the carts. Rick hesitated as he and the others found their ways back. Rick grabbed Brock’s shoulder helping him to his feet.

“You sure you're alright, it looks pretty bad.” Brock shrugged

“Hey, it happens sometimes. Besides, there's not much to do about it, so why scare other people?” Rick looked at Brock’s fake smile. He always saw Brock as someone untouchable. In Rick realized the truth, the somewhat depressing truth about the over excited party boy. Brock wasn’t unable to be hurt, he was scared to hurt others. Too the point he’d laugh at his own broken body to keep others from worrying about him.

Brock looked at Rick concern in his hazel green eyes.

“What about you man, seems like things have been pretty rough.” Rick looked at the man, a man who’d rather focus on making others happy rather then help himself. Rick laughed

“Did you see the look on Mitch’s face?” Brock looked at Rick furrowing his brow.

“Dude, Mitch is a person too, he’s probably dealing with something.” Brock said, trying to keep a serious look on his face. It didn’t last though, as Brock bursted out laughing, joining Rick in his sorrowful joy.

“Dude, you freaking GOT HIM bro!” Brock chuckled, Rick smiled at Brock.

“Thanks for standing up for me by the way.” Brock smiled as the two wobbled towards the carts.

“Of course, you're my friend, you're all my friends, even Mitch. I’d eat a freaking BULLET if it meant standing up for you guys.” Rick looked at Brock, his laughter faded out as he possessed Brock’s words. Rick looked down, the second cart's hood was popped open as the driver fiddled with the inside.

“Looks like we’re gonna be here a while.” Rick murmured, Brock looked towards Chas who did his best not to look at Rick.

“Hey, did something happen with you guys? You're normally pretty close.” Rick sighed trying to figure out how to explain everything.

“Chas trusted me with something, Mitch found out, long story short I let him down. He hates me now.” Brock shook his head as he stared at Rick.

“Nah man, I’ve heard the way you guys talk to each other. He doesn’t hate you. He’s probably just upset about, well, everything.” Rick nodded these past few weeks hadn’t been the best.

“It’s not really my place but you should talk to him. He probably just has a lot to get off his chest.” Brock suggested Rick nodded. The sound of a honking horn came through as Beverly sat in the cart next to Gordon. She waved to Brock and Rick Brock smiled.

“I like her, she’s so nice, and she’s really pretty.” Rick looked at Beverly. she was pretty, nice on the other hand. Rick wasn’t so sure about that. Rick put Brock in the seat next to Beverly, she leaned over to Brock seductively. Brock shuffled away, waving to Rick as the cart drove off. Far ahead of the others.

The driver finally shut the hood giving the second group a thumbs up. Chas got into the cart not once looking at Rick. The three drove back in silence as they made their way onto the house. Rick opened his mouth to say something. Chas quickly stood up running back to the house.

"Chas! '' Rick cried running after him. Chas shut the door in Rick's face Rick looked at Mitch who sat calmly in the car pretending he had no idea what was happening. Rick opened the house door. The sound of smashing glass echoed through the house followed by the enraged yelling of a woman. Rick turned to the closet by the entryway. A green hazel eye peered out the crack of the door. Rick grasped the door handle feeling resistance as he pulled it open. Brock sat in the closet crouched under the coats that were hung up there. His blonde hair was a mess and his shirt was slightly unbuttoned, the most concerning thing though was Brock's lower lip which started to bruise. Rick looked at Brock confused.

"bro-" Brock shushed Rick desperately trying to shut the closet door.

"don't tell her I'm here! PLEASE!" Rick looked at Brock confused. It felt like a moment ago Brock was laughing with him on the baseball field

"what are you talking about." Brock looked at Rick, his face went red with embarrassment and fear.

"don't worry about it, actually, do worry about it? whatever, just don't tell her I'm in here!" Brock pulled the door closed. The sound of heels rushed down the stairs. Beverly’s perfect face came into view. Her baseball uniform had been replaced with lavender lingerie. She looked around with anger in her eyes. Anger Rick had never seen before. She looked at Rick immediately stopping her tantrum. Pushing her blonde hair out of her face.

"oh, hey," Rick waved, somewhat surprised how quickly Beverly collected herself. Beverly peered around the entryway before addressing Rick.

"so, how are things." Rick nodded

"good.'' This was so awkward Rick was used to talking to Beverly during the sessions it was weird talking to her one on one. Beverly lifted the hair out of her eyes as she looked at Rick nervously.

"I was just, practicing being, angry. I thought it'd be a good skill."

"like, for acting?" Rick asked Beverly snapped her fingers, a relieved look on her face.

"exactly, I was acting, I figured, to BE angry you have to... ACT angry. that's why I'm rampaging around." Beverly laughed nervously before looking behind Rick.

"You haven't seen Brock have you?" Rick shook his head pushing the closet door a little more shut.

"nope." Rick lied, Beverly shook her head with an irritated look on her face.

"typical... if you see him could you let me know?" Rick nodded, doing his best to not look at the closet Brock was currently hiding in. Beverly smiled at Rick walking down the stairs.

"thank you." Beverly kissed Rick's cheek before going back upstairs, her blonde hair trailing behind her. Rick felt his face go red. He couldn't put his finger on it but something about that kiss felt different then a normal one. Something about it unnerved him. As though it was more of a requirement than an actual desire to kiss him. Brock poked his head out of the closet, tears running down his face as his hands began to shake. Rick looked between the stairs and the shaken up man.

"what happened?" Brock shook his head.

"You'll laugh at me..." Rick sighed

"no I won't."

"Yes you will, they always laugh about it on these types of shows." Rick felt a bad feeling build in his gut. He grasped Brock's shoulders, an intense look on his face.

"Brock did she, you know, do something?” Brock crouched onto the floor unable to answer through his blubbering. Rick held Brock as he cried, his body shaking. Brock took a deep breath gaining the ability to speak back.

"She asked me to, you know, I said no. she asked why I told her I'm sex repulsed." Rick looked at Brock surprised, Brock nodded tiredly.

"That means I hate sex-"

"I know what it means, I'm just kinda suprised you didn't really seem like someone who'd be asexual." Brock looked at Rick, his body shaking. Rick sighed, asexual or not something awful just happened to Brock. This wasn't the time to be confused by broken expectations.

"Sorry I-"

"Its okay, I get that alot." Brock admitted doing his best to smile through the emotional pain. Rick held him tighter, a feeling of sadness, guilt and anger in his heart. How could Beverly do something like this? Brock continued trying to wipe his face clean of tears.

"She didn't know what it meant so I explained it, and she told me I had to try it before I said no. Then she threw a clock at my head! And then she-“ Brock stopped unable to Finish the sentence he took a deep breath. Continuing on as he clutched onto Rick his hands shaking.

“I got scared, so I hid in the closet!" Brock managed to say. Rick began to let go considering the possibility Brock didn't want to be touched. Brock pulled Rick closer. His natural strength pressing the air out of Rick as he began to calm down.

"It was terrifying, I've never seen a living person get so mad before. I though she was going to kill me Rick!" The back door of the house opened and Chas made his way inside stopping as he and Rick looked at each other. Chas' eyes focused on Brock. He sighed walking over to where Rick and Brock were.

"what happened?" Chas asked Rick helped Brock to his feet again looking to the stairs to make sure Beverly didn’t hear them.

"We can talk about it outside." Chas helped Rick carry Brock outside careful to keep Beverly from seeing them. Once outside Rick explained the situation. Each word took a bit more of Rick’ soul and bits of color from Chas' face. Chas looked at Beverly's window. As Brock laid on the side of the pool tired from his panic attack.

"she tried to do the same thing to me. didn't try to throw anything though." Chas whispered trying to keep Brock calm. Rick looked at Chas surprised.

"what? why is she-" Chas shrugged

"you tell me, is this a normal thing on the show?" Rick shook his head.

"no, or if it is, they don't show it on film." Brock calmed down a bit, breathing in and out to keep himself from crying again.

"You don't think this is like an unofficial challenge?" Rick paused at Brock's words he admitted while watching the show the idea had occurred to him. Physical Prowess, was THIS what Noah really meant? No, they didn't benefit from making the contestants scared and uncomfortable, did they. Rick looked at Brock; he didn't know what to believe anymore. Gordon ran out the back door with a similarly distraught look on his face as he sat with the group, soon followed by Jackson who saw everyone in the backyard.

It seemed like Rick wasn't the only one not ready for this as they all hid from Beverly's outrage as she stomped through the house. Rick looked around the group as the sound of thumping as… noises, could be heard upstairs. Rick looked around, Mitch was the only one missing. Rick wasn't surprised that's all Mitch wanted from the start. That's when it started to set in, not that Rick wanted her to, but she didn't even bother to ask him.

Everyone else had an issue with Beverly today except him. As each person reentered the house Rick sat outside deep in thought. Was something wrong with him? Did he do something? or was it... Rick looked in the window mirror at himself, despite his effort to work out, to match up to the people around him. To be the type of person she wanted, he looked like the same old nobody who came here.

Rick sighed as he looked at himself mentally pointing out everything wrong with his appearance. the confidence he had from that baseball game depleted. Chas began to head inside. Rick looked at Chas, Brock was right, he had to say something.

"Wait, I'm sorry, I didn't say anything to Mitch, at least I don't think I did. if I never wanted to-" Chas sighed as he turned to Rick.

"I keep thinking, what if it's all my fault, everything, the wolves, the horse,"

"rick..."

"Marcus, Mitch's aditude, what happened to Brock,"

"stop it." Chas turned around sitting next to rick an irritated look on his face.

"No, I shouldn’t be making excuses, I messed up. That’s all it is. I’m sorry, I understand if you don’t want to be around me any more. I just don't want you to hate me Chas, please don-"

"who said that I hate you?" Chas said, his brown eyes staring at Rick. Pain sat in those eyes. Chas sat back down next to Rick.

"don't get me wrong, I'm annoyed, I'm upset, but I don't hate you." Rick looked at Chas surprised as he continued.

"Everybody's upset all of a sudden, there's something seriously wrong with the show, someone DIED, Noah doesn't give a rat's ass, and to top it off everyone's lying to me." Rick looked at Chas as the feeling of guilt set in once more. Not once had he considered what Chas was feeling. Meanwhile, this whole time, Chas listened to him, he tried to make him feel better, respected him when he didn't want to do something, Worried about him. Rick looked at Chas, all of Chas, not just his eyes or hair but the broken man attached to them. The man who’d hit rock bottom desperate to the point he gave up a part of himself for a hail mary. Only to go through so much more.

"I'm sorry, I should have respected your feelings more, and, I should have been honest, I was scared, I didn’t want to hurt you. The truth is their maybe, more behind Marcus' death than just "an accident."" Chas’ eyes flew open. Helooked at Rick almost unable to process what Rick said. He looked at Rick unsure Rick sighed looking around to see if anyone was watching them. He had to do this, he couldn’t keep quiet, not if it could be true.

"Jackson thinks someone drugged Marcus with LSD." Chas looked at Rick confused and distraught.

"It's a long story. I can bring you up to speed tomorrow, my point is that we've been trying to keep quiet since we don't know who to trust. I mean, I trust you, I just didn’t want you to panic." Chas Chuckled looking at the star lit night.

"Why should you trust me? I'm the secretly gay weirdo who has an openly gay crush on you." Rick looked at Chas, his brown eyes reflecting the night sky.

"... about that," Rick had made up his mind, after tonight, there was no doubt it was no longer a choice for him. If he was going to be honest, he may as well go all the way.

"I actually do like you, Chas." Chas looked at Rick surprised, his face turning red as Marcus’ death was shoved into the back of his brain for a later date.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Rick sighed

"I also liked Beverly, I didn't want to bring it up and make you feel like you had to compete with her. plus I was kinda in shock, I didn't expect someone like you to, well, like me back." Chas laughed, allowing the tense air to finally melt away.

"why not, you're a good person, you're cute, you're a good listener when you're not talking about yourself, sure you can get stuck in your own head sometimes," though he didn't mean it as an insult that last comment admittedly stung a bit. Chas continued looking at Rick, his eyes reflecting in the moonlight.

"But you're fun to be around, you can be pretty smart sometimes, and well, I think you're hot." Rick blushed at Chas' forwardness. Rick didn't know how many of those things were true about him, but her knew one thing, he liked Chas, the man who seemed to be able to see good, who cared so much about everyone on the show. Who was pretty, and sweet, who didn’t care about Rick’s looks or issues, at least as long as he wasn’t being self destructive. Someone who respected him as a person.

Rick looked at Chas, surprised as he found himself an inch from his face. Chas' brown eyes smiled at him. rick leaned further into Chas. Their lips pressed against each other, a spark igniting in Rick's heart. This was the feeling he was looking for, this was why he got on the show, the intense passion and care that came with it. no rules, no expectations, no judgements, just him, and Chas. Noah's voice echoed through the air.

"Attention, the elimination ceremony will begin shortly." Rick snapped back to reality pulling away from Chas. He almost forgot where they were. Rick grabbed Chas' hand rushing towards the benches where everyone was already gathered. Beverly came to the front once more, holding the flowers in her hands. Rick stared at her knowingly, the illusion had been broken, he had seen Beverly for who she truly was. It was just a split moment but it was more than enough to ruin her beautiful marage. Beverly held out the first flower.

"Mitch," Mitch walked forward strutting like a peacock as he proudly took that flower. Rick could feel the judgment emanating from Mitch. Beverly turned to Rick smiling.

"Rick," Rick took Dahlia from her fragile fingers. Rick never noticed before but Beverly's smile was almost like a piranha's, her sharp teeth only visible when she opened her mouth wide enough. Rick hurried to his seat trying to erase his judgment from his head.

"Gordon," Gordon headed to the front taking the flower before going to sit down.

"Chas," Chas smiled, taking the flower. Rick didn't know how he did it but Chas' fake smile almost looked real, almost. Jackson and Brock looked at eachother, knowing one of them would have to leave.

"Jackson, no offense but you've kinda been freaking me out lately. I'm sure the other contestants share the feeling." Jackson laughed trying to hide his annoyance at the comment. Beverly turned to Brock.

"Brock, I'm sorry, but what you did during that game wasn't very nice. Poor Mitch, didn't deserve that." The contestants looked at Beverly confounded by her statement. none more confounded the Brock though who looked utterly broken. Chas raised his hand.

"But Brock didn't do-" Noah stared at Chas, the look seeming to chill the room around them. Beverly looked between the two, finally making up her mind.

"Jackson, congratulations, you get to stay." Jackson looked at Brock concerned, Brock shrugged.

"Its cool man, to be honest, I was starting to miss home..." Rick sighed, he and everyone else knew exactly why Brock was fine with leaving. Jackson wrapped his arms around Brock.

"I'm gonna miss you man." The others soon joined in giveing Brock the best send off they could. Mitch sighed looking away from the group. Rick swore he saw Mitch crying, a part of Rick understood though. He felt his heart sink. He knew why Brock was being voted off, it was pretty clear to everyone there.

Beverly didn't respect his space, and Brock said the one thing Beverly couldn't handle someone saying. No.

Brock smiled tears coming down his face. Beverly looked at Brock, this wasn't a look of pity, or anger. It was a look of fear, as though Brock had shattered her expectations. Rick felt the same. Unlike Rick though Beverly seemed to be horrified by the thought. Rick decided to keep quiet about it though, if he learned anything from the last two weeks it was you don't make Beverly upset.

Noah coughed, pointing to his watch. Brock reluctantly released himself from the others grasp. He felt something slide into his jacket pocket. Gordon mouthed the words 'later' as he let go. Brock walked out the door hesitating as he made his way to the limo. He shut the car door regret sitting in his stomach.

What did he do wrong? should he have just given her what she wanted? No, Beverly didn't respect him, or anyone on the show. He didn’t want to be with someone like that. Brock had learned as much from their interactions. not to mention how everyone else were being so quiet. Something was wrong with her. He didn't know what, but he knew it must have been pretty bad.

Brock shuffled through his pocket pulling out a small note Gordon had placed in his pocket. He felt anxiety coursing through his body as he read the note.

"DON'T DRINK ANYTHING! I poked a hole in the gas tank, when the car stops moving RUN!" Brock looked around the car confused. He lifted the blanket next to him slightly hoping to keep away the chill building inside him. That's when he saw it, blood, not just blood. He noticed something in the back of the car he looked away from the sight, unable to stomach it. A eyeball sat under the blanket. Brock looked at the driver who was wearing glasses. Was it his? it had to be, who else could it belong to? Brock looked at the note again.

He trusted his friends, no matter what they would say about him. He knew they were good people. Even Gordon was a nice person. Brock looked up as the car came to a stop. The driver hit the pedal confused before stepping out of the car.

"wait there." He grumbled as he went to the back. Brock climbed into the front seat taking the keys from the limo as he silently exited the car. The driver turned to Brock indescribable terror in his eyes.

"I SAID TO STAY IN TH-" Brock bolted into the woods not giving the driver a second to react. The driver tried to get in the car before realizing Brock had locked the doors. Brock looked around at his surroundings. He was at the castle. Brock felt his heart pounding, he looked into the water hoping to find some means of escape. Instead he saw Walker's decrepit body floating in the water below. Brock looked at the castle.

A phone, HE NEEDED TO FIND A PHONE! Brock dashed into the castle making sure to lock the door behind him. He ran to the kitchen as a small recollection of a landline in the kitchen sat in his mind. it was better than nothing. Brock got on the phone desperate to dial 911, the line was dead. Brock put the phone back violently. He took deep breaths as Beverly's voice echoed through his mind.

"NO?!? WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO? AM I NOT PRETTY ENOUGH FOR YOU?" The sound of footsteps entered the mansion. Brock shoved himself in the cupboard clutching his knees as the painful flash back continued.

"ASEXUAL? WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN? YOUR A GUY? There's no shame in admitting you're a virgin. I know it’s always scary the first time.” The footsteps came closer. Brock heard the sound of panicked voices coupled with the clanging of open and shtting cuboards. Brock felt his nerves go on end, he had to do something.

"OH STOP BEING A P***K! YOU CAN'T JUST SAY YOU DON'T LIKE SOMETHING!!! AT LEAST TRY! GOD WHY ARE GUYS SO F*****G STUPID! IF YOUR NOT ASKING ME STUPID QUESTIONS YOUR OGGLING SOMEONE ELSE, AND NOW YOUR DOING THIS! S**T!" Brock took a can from the cupboard rolling it past whoever was outside the foot steps went away from Brock.

Brock snuck out of the cupboard charging upstairs as he opened the bedroom door. Something poured over him Brock's skin began to burn as he locked the door. He rushed to the bathroom muffling his screams as he tried to wash away the pain he felt. The water didn't come out! Brock whimpered as the burning pain became too much Brock looked outside, the water, he had to get to the water!

"ARE YOU EVEN A GUY? TAKE OFF YOUR PANTS! RIGHT NOW! I NEED TO CHECK! STOP STRUGGLING YOU D**K! I SAID TO TAKE THEM OFF NOW!" Brock jumped out the window removing his shirt desperate to get rid of the pain. He charged to the water. The driver ran after Brock. Brock let out the pained scream he had been holding in.

"That wasn’t so hard, was it? WHAT? DON'T LOOK AT ME LIKE THIS IS MY FAULT! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING! IF YOU JUST LET ME SEE IT WE WOULDN'T BE HERE! GOD WHY CAN'T YOU JUST ACT LIKE OTHER MEN?!?" Brock dove into the water, the world around him went white as he hit the waves. Brock looked around the empty plane. Walker and Jarvis sat playing chess as Marcus and a man who looked like him played golf. They were here,

Marcus,

Jarvis,

Walker,

They were all here, where was here though? Jarvis waved at Brock, Walker turned around smiling at the terrified man.

"oh, I was wondering when you'd get here, have you ever played chess before?" Brock shook his head confused. Walker smiled, patting the seat next to him.

"well I'll show you then, I'm sure you'll be a natural." Brock looked around his new surroundings. The white plane went on for miles and miles.

"Where am I, where are we?" Jarvis shrugged his shoulders.

"doesn't matter, all that matters is it's safe." Walker nodded in agreement.

"Isn't this so much nicer then being stuck with her." Brock at the group of smiling faces. They really did seem happy. Walker looked at a note on the chessboard.

"oh yeah, your dad stopped by, he said to let you know when you got here." Brock looked at Walker confused.

"My dad?" Walker nodded

"He was going to meet up with you. Apparently he's got a baseball game with your name on it." Brock felt as he began to break down. His dad wanted to play baseball, no surprise there but-

"Did he say anything else?" Walker shook his head.

"no, but hey, he's here right? you never even got a chance to meet him. Now's your chance." Brock looked in the distance a baseball field seemed to form in the white. An older man with a mustache stood at first base swinging a bat as he smiled. He paused, motioning Brock over. He really was here? how? He died from a golf ball to the temple, he shouldn't be here.

No, Brock was the one who shouldn't be here. Brock looked at his dad longingly, he could finally meet the man who inspired him to be who he was today. He looked down sadly, shaking his head.

"No." Marcus looked at Brock confused.

"What?" Brock shook his head as he knelt down on the ground.

"Not yet, My friends, they need me to live, I have to stay alive, if I don't they lose another friend, they're stuck in that hell forever, and she gets to win!" Walker shook his head. Jarvis looked at Brock concerned.

"But you'll be stuck in that hell too." Jarvis stuttered. Walker sighed, laying the queen on the board.

"and it's going to get 10 times worse, trust me." Brock banged on the ground slowly cracking the floor around him.

"Yeah, you knew, didn't you? That's why you were being all weird right? I don't know how you knew, or what you've been through, but I'm not you, I can't just lie down, I have to keep moving! I have something to lose! I have something to prove! I know what being left behind is like! I CAN'T LEAVE THEM! NOT THERE NOT LIKE THAT! I CAN'T LEAVE UNTIL THEIR SAFE! I’M NOT LEAVING MY FRIENDS!!" The floor around Brock broke, Brock's dad ran to his son ready to stop him. Brock waved to his father.

"Bye dad, we'll play ball soon, I promise." Brock fell into the darkness his vision blurred as he woke up quickly swimming to a rock in the water. Brock sat looking at himself. His face was charred and burnt as was most of his body.

The leader looked down at the rock, her violet eyes filled with fear as she looked down at Brock. Good she should be scared. Brock dove into the water swimming away before she could raise the alarm. Brock huddled himself in a cavern beneath the rocks. He looked at the house, his unknown prison.

The leader stormed over to the 9th cloaked figure who looked at her panicking.

"You said his leg was BROKEN!" The 9th figure shook his head nervously.

"IT WAS, I SWEAR! SOMEONE MUST HAVE FIXED IT! I'M SORRY MY LADY." The leader shook her head looking at the pathetic mess of a man. To think she felt sorry for him. She shook her head caressing the 9th figure's cheek.

"I'm sorry, love, I shouldn't have yelled at you, it's not very lady-like." The second figure stormed towards the 9th, the 9th figure backed away nervously.

"I thought you said HE WAS TO STUPID TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!" The 9th figure folded his arms looking at the watery depths behind him.

"Please, I'm sorry, I'll get him back! I promise! Please don't break my legs again." The second figure held up his hand motioning the 9th to be quiet. the 9th figure shut his mouth. The second figure sighed

"I'm starting to think you're being ungrateful, you know, the guy before you was ungrateful too! what happened to him?" The second figure said, his smile spreading wide. The 9th figure sighed.

“Don’t make me say it pl-“

“WHAT HAPPED?” The second figure repeated. The 9th figure's body shook trying to keep himself calm as he uttered the words.

"I ate him, sir." The second figure cackled amused.

"Exactly, you know, you wouldn't even be here if I hadn't decided to keep you around. keep that in mind next time you decide to lie to our godess!" The 9th opened his mouth to protest the second figure turned back to the 9th his smile growing wider as anticipation came across his face.

"Is that going to be a problem, new guy?" the 9th closed his mouth shaking his head as he ignored the desire to tear the man to shreds. The second figure looked away disappointed as he walked back to his car motioning the two after him. The leader looked at the second figure.

"Daddy? Was Brock a girl?" The second figure looked at her chuckling.

"no, but I can see why you thought that." The leader looked at The second nervously.

"am I in danger daddy?" The second figure sighed.

"it's a high possibility."

"but you'll protect me, right?" The leader asked. The second figure didn't respond, keeping his eyes on the road. The 9th looked over at the leader.

"If he doesn't I'll protect you, goddess." The leader forced a smile as she felt the urge to vomit.

"Of course YOU will, my white knight. you've been doing such a good job so far." the leader laughed. the second figure glared back at the two the 9th member inched away from the leader. who pressed into him smiling as the second figure's wrath began to boil to a head. The leader smiled more than happy to cause problems between the two.

"I mean hot bacon grease over every door? That's messed up. how'd the hell did you think of something like that?" The second figure scoffed looking at the leader angrily. The second cloaked figure brought the car to a stop. The 9th figure hurried to escape into the house. The second figure glared at the leader.

"don't think I don't know what your doing." The leader rolled her eyes trying her best to look innocent.

"I have no idea what your tal-"

"he's staying, it's a show tradition, I'm not letting go of him." The leader smiled as she exited the car.

"yet?" She murmured as she and the second figure removed their disguise.

"yet." The second figure confirmed tossing his cloak at the currently annoyed driver. The second figure hugged the leader smiling as they stood in the moonlight. The leader pulled away a more serious look on her symmetrical face.

"and you still love me, right dad?" The second figure smiled, his large grin illuminated by the Dahlias surrounding the house.

"Nothing could make me stop loving you." The leader smiled as she turned to head in the house. The second figure chuckled to himself as she walked away, his eyes being drawn to Rick's room.

"yet." He murmured, the second figure looked at the flowers around him doing his best to calm his nerves. It was fine, he was still on the island,and he signed a contract. Besides, their were more important things to worry about. The second figure looked at one of the flowers. A small horned beetle sat on it it's odd brown eyes staring at him. The figure crushed the beatle revealing an assortment of broken gears and parts.

It was just as he feared, they were being watched.