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Heather/DJ
Only - Nine Inch Nails
Heather was losing her edge. She just knew it. Jamaica was doing her no favors, with weather too hot and too humid, thinning her patience. DJ was looking like her ideal ally by this point, but he was under Alejandro’s control. It was upsetting.
Did she care for DJ? She certainly respected him more than any other competitor, even above Harold and Leshawna. He played friendly and never got on her nerves. She even didn’t like the dumb animal curse gimmick the producers were making him act out, because he was so much more than what they gave him credit for.
“Hey, Heather. Don’t tell anybody I’m saying this, but can I ally with you?”
That was confirmation.
Izzy/Katie
Erase - MIKA
Katie couldn't do it. She hovered her finger over the button that would erase Izzy from her contacts list forever, but she couldn't do it.
When Izzy would inevitably call again, she figured she would recognize the phone number anyway. Katie wanted to know when it happened.
She couldn't erase the feeling, the excitement, that being with Izzy made her feel.
She hadn't known how it happened, but she'd woken up a week prior without her virginity and Izzy snoring, sleeping side by side with her on her own twin bed.
Then, she learned from Sadie that Izzy was bad news.
She wanted to be with Izzy again. But, Sadie knew what was better for her.
Ezekiel/Tyler
Jumpin' Jumpin' - Destiny's Child
The rest of the people at the party felt distant to Tyler. The popular kids hung out in groups, as did the unpopular ones, somehow leaving him with only Ezekiel as company.
Ezekiel sipped his glass and soured, like he’d just sucked on a lemon. "This is just punch, eh?"
"I think Geoff knows how to get alcohol," he replied, drinking his. "Owen definitely does."
"Woah," said Ezekiel. "My folks are gonna get so mad at me."
He looked mischievous. Tyler found it hilarious. He didn't often look like that either.
"What's so funny?" Asked Ezekiel, alcohol on his lips.
"'Cause, you're like, a dweeb, man."
"You sound drunk too."
"Heck no I ain’t. Prove it!"
Without thinking, Ezekiel kissed him, wanting to prove himself right.
Tyler cried "Ezekiel!" in shock.
Bridgette/Cody
Jack-Ass - Beck
Bridgette liked the meadow Cody had chosen for their picnic. She’d dressed up for the occasion, wearing a flowy dress for the sunny weather.
"Wow, you're a wiz at the strings," said Cody. He loved her playing. "You should bring that thing to my house. We can start a band -- I have a keyboard."
She continued to strum on the ukulele to a tune she’d made herself. Well, it was tweaked from an album of ukulele hits she owned, but he didn’t have to know that.
She began hitting the ukulele like a drum. He followed along, tapping his foot on their picnic blanket.
"Man, you seriously rock at this!" Said Cody.
"You think so?"
“Yeah? Why would I not?"
Bridgette tsked. "Were you underestimating me before?"
Eva/Sierra
Please Do Not Go - Violent Femmes
Sierra was a great kisser. She got the underside of Eva’s chin and, wetly, smooched the side of her mouth. Eva returned the favor, less forcefully, to Sierra's own.
Sierra grabbed the side of her hip and dug her fingers into her skin. Eva, unsure of where she was going with this, dug her fingers onto the inner softness of Sierra’s thighs.
Sierra pushed Eva to the wall, rubbing her back against the wet rock that was next to the ocean. She didn't want her to go anywhere, it seemed.
It hurt, but she didn't mind. Revenge would be rough and rewarding.
Trent/Noah
While I'm Waiting - Steve Miller Band
Trent hadn’t been expecting a response. Noah Kurian, famous author and sarcasm extraordinaire, had responded to his voicemail not long after he’d sent it. Trent's failed music career looked meager in comparison.
Noah had agreed that meeting up again was a good idea and suggested they could do it at a bookstore he liked.
They hadn't talked in a little over a year. Their trajectories changed so quickly, and Trent hadn't kept track. He figured Noah would be the same. Lonely heart to lonely heart, he supposed.
Maybe, they could even write a song together. Maybe, they could be more.
Bridgette/Ezekiel
Living On Memories of You - Dolly Parton
Ezekiel had loved the Playa. The weather had been fantastic for being on an island in Ontario, and the staff had provided him with basically anything he would ever want for free. The atmosphere was unlike anything Ezekiel had experienced before. In a way, he felt like a retiree on a cruise ship.
Of course, their life often got slow when the weather wasn’t so kind to them. They’d stay indoors and each do their own thing. But, when the outdoor pool was open, Ezekiel would never not notice when Bridgette happened to be there with him. He knew he wasn’t all that, Cody had taught him well, but Bridgette brought out special feelings in him.
It all seemed so far away, now that he was sleeping in the hangar of an airplane.
Eva/Heather
When the World Was Mine (From 'The Count of Monte Cristo') - Brandi Burkhardt
Eva wanted to fall asleep and never wake up again. She'd fallen hard and bad.
Heather was the meanest son of a bitch she'd ever had the misfortune of being around for more than a minute. She'd only chosen her as her partner in the game since she believed she was more muscle than brain. They weren't friends.
She'd caught Heather making out with that Justin guy after practice not long afterwards. Heather looked like a good kisser. Eva closed her eyes and imagined her giving her tips with real-world experience.
Eva was just thankful she knew how to get over this. There were many Heathers in the sea, and eventually, one was bound to give her a chance.
Cody/Noah
Everything I Said - The Cranberries
Noah felt lonely, looking outside of the window as he headed home on the train. He knew Cody wouldn't be going anywhere, but it would be a while before they could hang out again. He felt a sickening sweetness, being sentimental about this sort of thing.
He turned the volume up on his headphones and leaned against the seat. It was getting so bad that even holding hands made him self doubt. Cody was just an average kid, he hadn't known how it happened, but the boy was sickeningly sweet himself. It was probably rubbing off on him.
It was a miracle Cody had been accepting to try something new after so many failures with some of the girls in the grade.
Their kiss had been great, but yet, Noah still feared it would never happen again.
Sierra/Tyler
Piece of Your Heart - Natasha Bedingfield
Sierra woke up snuggled next to her boyfriend in bed. Tyler looked much less troubled when he slept, which was strange given how he wasn’t the type to think a lot.
She nudged him awake.
"You're going to miss the morning. Come on out of there!" She teased.
Tyler pulled the covers over his chin.
"Your loss," said Sierra.
She heard the birds outside as she cooked breakfast for two: scrambled egg and sausage. She knew Tyler would appreciate the protein as much as she did.
Eva/Izzy
Photographs & Memories - Jim Croce
Izzy had loved taking Christmas card photos with Eva earlier that day. Of course, Eva had disliked it, as she wasn’t the photogenic type, but she’d gone with Izzy because she’d insisted. Izzy wanted everyone who knew they were together to know that they meant business.
She'd been looking forward to doing the bells and whistles of post-matrimony life for a while.
In years to come, she hoped they would be able to take many more photos and look back on them with fondness. One day, they’ll both wear down and become self-conscious about how soft they’ve gotten. It would probably happen before they knew it.
Trent/Tyler
Go To Sleep - Radiohead
Trent had thought it was a little silly, but Tyler had insisted on dueling him at guitar. Turned out, Tyler was better at the instrument than he let on. Probably due to his ability to bench 80 on just his fingers, thought Trent.
Objectively speaking, Trent had more skill in pure technique. He was confident Justin would find his playing superior to his.
They got into the rhythm in no time, not letting the other get an edge. Even though Trent was tired from touring, he didn't want some jock to take his thunder.
If he were any more energized, Trent would pull out Free Bird and smoke him. But, he was patient, admiring how hard Tyler was trying to win. He had a charisma that was somewhat charming, no wonder Lindsay liked him, he thought.
Once they were finished, Justin said that he hadn't even listened because it would, “damage his precious eardrums,” if he did.
"You. Are. In. A. Band, Justin!"
Cody/Izzy
Blue Dress - Depeche Mode
Cody felt dread with every floor they went down on the elevator. His partner, Agent Brennan, didn't fidget in her outfit. Cody figured blue was a good color for her, but worried it was a little flashy for the job. She looked great in the dress.
"Mr. Gahan is the party's host. He’ll probably be making a scene out of himself with his goons, even before it starts," she explained, standing side by side with him. "I’ll play the party animal character. You just need to get cozy with Gustavo."
He swallowed his spit. This was a lot for a first proper mission. He hadn't even met his partner before he’d been assigned to infiltrate a local mob joint with her.
She looked nervous as well. Probably because he was her partner for the night, thought Cody.
"Don't stress yourself stupid about it,” she said, “just follow my instructions and you'll be peachy."
Their descent ended. Some guys in suits on the bottom floor shook their hands. They provided them with fake invites, and the most intense day of Cody’s life had just begun.
Katie/Bridgette
Home - Kells
Katie and Bridgette weren't pro dancers by any means. Bridgette thought it was impressive that she'd even stayed upright for this long. They'd been dancing together for a couple of minutes before Katie grabbed her by the waist.
The two of them kicked their feet to the beat of the DJ's song.
Bridgette thought Katie had some impressive, toned legs. She surfed for fun, so hers often felt tired and utilitarian. Had she’d been younger, the thought would’ve made her feel too ugly to dance proudly.
Bridgette hadn't noticed until Katie succeeded that both of her hands were now on her waist. Letting Katie lead, the two continued to fumble about.
Katie laughed. "I'm assuming you and Geoff don't know how to tango, huh?"
She was caught by surprise. "Do you?"
"Not even a little!"
DJ/Noah
Love Shines - Fleetwood Mac
DJ felt comfortable sleeping on Noah's shoulder. He was smaller than he was, and he would be upset about it later, but DJ couldn't help himself. The day had exhausted them both.
To make things better, Noah looked peaceful sleeping. He shined in the sun, and DJ figured he did too.
"Ugh... DJ…?"
He hadn't expected him to wake up so early. "My bad, I'll--"
"You kidding me? You’re free to keep on doing what you’re doing..."
DJ, wanting to go for broke, wrapped his arm around Noah’s back. He could feel the effects of their shared workout regiment with how toned his back was. It made DJ all warm and fuzzy inside.
Noah's eyes were squinted in the light. "It's like I'm some sort of bag of meat to you," he said, seemingly annoyed, but full of fondness.
"I mean, you're not exactly the most comfortable pillow," said DJ. "But I'm willing to make do."
They eventually fell asleep, snuggled next to one another.
Katie/Trent
Band on The Run - Paul McCartney & Wings
Trent thought the view was amazing. "You're the best at finding the good spots, Kate."
Katie got up on the roof before he did, with it creaking when she sat down. "Don't you tell anyone about it, though."
"'Course."
It was hard moving around with his guitar, which was awfully big when he wanted to appear small, but he made do and joined her. "Good town," he said.
"Totally. We've been to so many cities that I've really missed it out in the sticks," said Katie, leaning back.
"This ain't the sticks," he replied with a chuckle. "I mean, look, there's the highway and all the fast food places for truckers right next to it."
"The view's kinda ugly. Means this place is the sticks," she said, grabbing a bowl from her bag. "You didn't bring snacks, did you?"
Trent knew where this was going. Night was settling in, so it was unlikely anyone would cause a ruckus over them smoking up here. "Nah, unfortunately."
She handed it to him and they cheefed it.
Heather/Sierra
Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
Heather found herself reconsidering. She was using a nice purse and in a good pair of sneakers, making her stick out on the hiking trail Sierra had taken her on.
"I know I should've warned you about all this," said Sierra as they weaved their way through thick foliage, taking them up a mountain. "But, c'mon, we need to get out more anyway.”
Heather had grown up pampered in the middle of Toronto. Her family wasn't the type to go camping. Sierra, meanwhile, had stories.
"One time, I caught a squirrel on my own when it got close to my tent. If I were any hungrier, I would've had squirrel as a midnight snack!"
Heather was appalled, but the other hikers they'd encountered just laughed.
She felt everyone could tell she didn't fit in. She supposed it was humbling, given how her life had been up to that point.
As they got higher, Heather could feel the air become thinner. The trees got shorter and more spread out. "There's a meadow to the west of us, if you want to check that out,” suggested Sierra.
"Nah. I want to see the top," said Heather. "You wouldn’t shut up about it earlier.”
When they approached the summit, Heather found the sight beautiful.
But, the journey had been far more memorable.
DJ/Ezekiel
Bad Wings - The Glitch Mob
Ezekiel ran up to DJ excitedly, a bunny in his hands. "I caught another one!"
DJ appreciated how much Ezekiel was trying. "Impressive. Though, you should take it back to its bunny family."
"Of course," said Ezekiel. He seemed somewhat anxious, and so DJ thought he would be a nice guy and follow him to the field he found the bunny in.
The Matskevich family farm was vast, even somewhat eerie for DJ's liking, but Ezekiel knew where to take shortcuts. He let the bunny back into the wild a couple minutes later, with it hopping away soon afterwards.
However, Ezekiel still looked anxious. "Something wrong?"
"I think it's just a little chilly," he replied. "It's nothing to worry about."
"Ain’t it a little odd to be spooked out by your own farm?" he replied, scratching the back of his neck. He'd grown up in a city, nothing like this, and admittedly, he was guessing.
"I think farms are kinda scary at night. It's like, built in," said Ezekiel. "And--um, yeah. You know, you hear all these stories..."
DJ thought he was still acting funny. His cheeks were flushed, and he seemed to have something on his mind. "I'm here to help, if it would make you feel better."
The kiss was unexpected, but DJ appreciated it.