Just Bailey.

“Alright! It’s nice to be paired up with you, Bailey. I wanted to get to know everyone. Purple it is then. I’ll take the yellow.” Seb lead the way toward a more private place. He assumed it would be best if no one could hear them. Once they had arrived, he began opening the paint jar and dipped his fingers into, thinking on what his first word would be. “So, if this ever gets weird or even overwhelming, let me know. I figured we could write our words and talk about them as we go? What do you think?” He had already figured out his first word and began writing, “doormat” on his chest.

Bailey followed along quite quickly, but stayed a few steps behind, not wanting to pass the man and come across too aggressive. “Sure go for it.” They answered as the man gave his idea. Raising an eyebrow slightly at the choice of his word, they eventually relaxed and just watched. “So why did you choose that one first?”

Celeste really wished the three hours were up so she could offer Bailey some comfort beyond the words she’d had to offer them. “I think… things are changing, but I’m hoping it’ll be for the better.” She wanted to be clearer with Thomas and how she felt about him, and that also meant being upfront with Xavier too. But that would come once she was out of the costume and felt more comfortable. Standing up and coaxing Bailey to join her, Celeste softly smiled. “It’s okay. Let’s go shake some dino tail!” she said, shaking her hips back and forth in the inflatable costume. “Well I’m glad you took a break from it tonight. Don’t want you overheating in that costume. Or overheating period.”

Bailey chuckled as they came along and kept up with their adopted auntie on the dance floor. This had been a lot of fun. And sure they had been having a few really bad days in a row, but they needed this. And they really needed to get out of this suit so they could start on the drinking. But that would come very fast once they were out. For now they would just enjoy the moment. “Yeah, just want to be careful with it. I just can’t wait to get back to the real world where I have like... a team of physios and doctors monitoring me all the time so I don’t have to think about health stuff.”

“Hm. Must have been something serious? I’ll be careful but he seems pretty harmless.” Frankie already had plans to get to know Raj. For reasons. They had a past too and if it gets dug up here, it may ruin a lot for them. Raj seemed to understand all of that. Frankie chuckled, pulling out of their thoughts at Bailey’s comment and leaned against the bartop before ordering a Coke. “Have you? Let me find out you’re a rebel.” When the drinks arrived, Frankie clinked their glass against Bailey’s. “To dino drinking and making new friends.” 

“I dunno. From what I heard it seemed like Cajun dude asked him a question, he blew the fuck up, and then they got into, but I dunno. I try not to pay attention to drama.” Bailey hated the drama honestly. Even if they were fully aware that might’ve made them a hypocrite as they had been somewhat dramatic recently. “Unless you’re drama of course, then I wouldn’t mind paying some attention to you.” The cocky arrogance danced in their eyes for just a second. A flash of the Bailey of the football pitch out here in the real world. “To making new friends.”

“He is, yeah,” Celeste agreed, thinking back for a moment to the conversation she and Xavier had earlier that evening. After telling Bailey how she’d hoped they wouldn’t leave the island early, Celeste listened to them and admittedly felt some relief wash over them. They wanted good things for Bailey and what Bailey said was true that there was a bit of a familial bond that seemed to be forming. Celeste had certainly embraced her auntie status when it came to them. They returned Bailey’s smile and leaned in to hug them from the side, “Good. I would miss you like hell and how else can I get chance to dance with you in dino costumes if you bail on me?” A that, she grinned, standing up and offering a hand to them, encouraging them to get up and dance.

“I don’t want this little... family we’ve built here to fall apart. And it keeps feeling like we’re about to go to penalties and like... fucking anything can happen in penalties.” They mused for a moment, using the only metaphor that really made sense to them at the moment, football. “Sure. I could use a bit of a dance and cheering up I suppose. I just... might not be quite as energetic as is typical of me.” They replied, a small smile tugging at the corner of their lips. “Fuck this thing would be hot if I had my binder on.”

“Raj! Yes, that’s his name. I like him.” Frankie smiled at the the fact that Bailey was willing to have a drink with them. “Well, I hate to be a disappointment. I’m not a drinker but I will absolutely have something virgin and if you feel like 7, then I’ll make sure you get back in one piece and safely? how’s that sound?” Already impressed by Bailey’s stats, Frankie wondered if their new friend could see their jaw completely on the floor. “No way! That’s freaking amazing. No, seriously. I’m floored. And the pleasure is mine, Bailey. Honest. It’s nice to talk to someone on here and not feel anxious. Mine are also They/Them. Come on, I’ll get you a drink, Bailey. That felt cool to say even if it’s on the show’s dime.” 

“He can be nice for sure. I’d just be careful, he had a whole blow up cause the super rich CEO dude asked about his past so you know...” They trailed off as they began to take a few steps towards the bar. “I’ve ordered drinks from people i trusted less though.” They responded, a bit of a smirk dancing across their face as they continued moving to the drinks. “I’m real glad you feel comfortable with me, it’s a mutual feeling.” They added quickly as they reached the bar. “Aight, I need a shooter and a bomb and a real drink. All on this new person I just met!” They quickly shouted before glancing back at Frankie. “Well, the show’s dime really.”

“That sounds about right for him,” Celeste mused with a few small nods of her head. She looked up at the night sky and then back to Bailey, searching their face when they brought up the promo for the show that had been shown to all the ship-mates. It would air for all the world to see soon and most of its content wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. The end of it did take Celeste aback, but she didn’t really go around asking anyone, nor had anyone asked her if she’d been the one asked. In truth, it had been a while since she’d spoken with the producers via confessional. But she did not expect to be included there and she didn’t expect Bailey to tell her that they were the one who had been asked about going home. Their reason for it made Celeste frown. “I hope you don’t leave.” She tilted her head a little while keeping her eyes fixed on Bailey. “I don’t know who you’ll end up finding in a partner, or when, but… if that person is someone here, or someone who might still be coming here, I would hate to see you miss that opportunity by leaving without knowing. And if that significant other isn’t here on the island, then… I hope you’ll stay and keep building the other connections you’ve made while here.” She gave a pointed, gentle nudge with her elbow and offered them a tender smile.

“Yeah he’s a good guy.” Bailey responded, musing on the moment as they leaned back slightly, placing themselves up against whatever was behind them. “I’m not planning to yet. I’m just taking it as the days go by, you know? Cause I’m not gonna force anything. That’s not who I am.” They answered, thinking better of that statement nearly immediately. “Well except on the football pitch. I force a lot of stuff on there. But I don’t think I’d ever be able to leave all of my friends and this weird little family we all seem to be forming out here. Can’t abandon my auntie like that!” They replied, a small smile tugging at their lips as they looked at the older woman.

“okay baaaabe.” Frankie grinned, still mourning the hour they will be ditching the costume but glad to be making some sort of an acquaintance. Greetings were always awkward. Even with their experience in front of a camera, this was still going to be a lot for them. After all, Frankie was here on a job AND looking for love. The stakes were higher than most. Noticing their company’s gaze shifting slightly, Frankie had to ask, “Want to grab a drink? I’m in this thing for another 5 minutes so I can take it off and hide it for keeping at the bar. The guy there seems pretty cool.” Hearing that Bailey was a footballer made more sense than the scenario Frankie had already come up with. “Oh no shit? That’s pretty cool. The only sport I’ve ever played is bowling in high school so I can’t imagine a high impact sport. You’ve got my praise. Hi Bailey. I’m Frankie. I just got here. Like legit right before this yacht boarded you all so yay for new friends! I want to hear more about your football career though. That’s dope.” 

Bailey hadn’t necessarily been looking for love when they came onto the island, but the time there had certainly warmed them up to the idea. Perhaps had even warmed them up significantly too much, if their mental health had been anything to go by. “Yeah I think Raj is back there. He seems to be pretty decent. And I am always down for a drink or like... 7.” Bailey responded with a chuckle. “Yeah it’s fun. I’m on like... most of the Canada Women’s national teams right now, though I missed the Olympics, I was on the Portland Thorns when I came on the island though I have no clue as to whether or not I got picked in expansion or anything! But enough about me, it’s super cool to meet you Frankie! What are your pronouns? I’m They/Them.”

“Sounds like bullshit. We should get to keep them. You bet your everything I’ll be going back home after all this and getting this at a party store.” Frankie grinned widely at an accomplishment they haven’t even complete yet. The thought was enough to make their night. “That sucks. About your face. Nice faces shouldn’t melt. But uh yeah, what? Should I be concerned? Who the frick is tackling you and why? Do you need me to beat someone up? I’m skinny but scrappy. I will fucking duel someone. No, seriously, you alright?” 

~~ 

Xavier had overheard the small chaos that had started up from the newest promo. He had questions but was also actively avoiding more drama or making people cry. And God, was he stupid? Bailey wasn’t looking so happy either. He had been so wrapped up in his shit that he didn’t notice. How could he not notice? And right before he was going to ask them if they were okay and if they needed to go for a stroll around the boat, Bailey spoke and his eyes widened. Wait, what? Was he going to be cast off? Did he mess up bad? Was he the awful player man that made things worse for everyone? WAIT WERE PEOPLE LEAVING BECAUSE OF HIM!?!? And his heart began pounding harder, tears forming almost as quickly as Bailey’s. “Are you fucking kidding me? I can’t leave you here alone! I just—no way and like…okay listen…” He fought back a few sobs. “Even if I get cast off or whatever or leave or something, you’re my best friend now, ok? My sibling from another parental unit, okay? Nothing will change that.” 

~

Oh yeah, he had been in the montage too. In fact, they had used him as the final moment of it before they had isolated their sigh and played it. Fuck. And like sure they had heard some of the rumors and shit but they hadn’t cared. Xavier was their best friend. He was their brother. “No no no... I know the question wasn’t about you. I know it had nothing to do with you.” Oh fuck, here they went, running their mouth again, trying to comfort Xavier and that meant... that meant everything was going to come out. “I know it had nothing to do with you because it was me! I was the one who they asked that question to. Because... I don’t know man. It feels like so many people just like... come here and get good connections or at least have had those connections at some point through this process. And then there’s me. I’ve been here since day one and... there’s not been someone for me here yet. Like fuck man, even the mean lesbian lady has something resembling a connection. And then I’m here. With all my friends. And no one like that. It’s kinda... it’s hard as fuck man. So when you find that one person, and you two take off... I’m just gonna still be sitting here. Season 2 Bailey and shit.” And there were all the fucking tears. Well shit. Guess it was out there now.

@shipwrecked-startnconfess​

“So... you guys want me to talk about something that’ll be good on tv? Yeah I got something for you. It’s been on my mind a bit the last couple days.”