Week 4- Sweaty And Fat, All In One
#4 of Gainer's Paradise 2
The day starts with Joe pacing in his and Boomer's room with the latter sitting on their bed. They just lost their only allies in the game and they're down to seven pairs. Soon enough, people are going to realize that they've been on reality shows before and they'll become targets. "Will you please stop pacing? You're scaring me," Boomer says to break the silence.
"You think I ain't scared?" Joe asks. "I'm scared to death that were completely toast and that we're gonna lose yet another game show."
"I know that, but just please stop," he pleads. Joe sighs and sits next to Boomer. They wrap their arms around each other and kiss.
"We're still gonna make it through this. Besides, on the plus side, even if we lose, we're still gonna be together."
"True." But something still itches in the back of the bear's mind. "However, this week, it's either go big or go home. Literally."
"I'm aware," Joe says. Since last week was a vote off, this week, a pair will be eliminated based on how much they gain or lose. Joe doesn't have any doubt that Boomer is good at getting bigger, but Joe isn't the best when it comes to this stuff.
The door to their room gets knocked on. Joe yells for whoever to come in and it's James and Monroe, the best friends. "Hey, what're you guys doing all by yourself?" James asks, shutting the door. They sit on the bed across Boomer and Joe.
"Yeah, the rest of us are having a movie night," Monroe says. "Except for Alex and Sandy, I think they're busy in the hot tub."
"Again?" Joe asks.
"Yep. Those two are pretty much inseparable."
"Ok, well, I see a bigger issue when it comes to that."
"What?" James asks.
"They're on different teams. Not only that, but they're on different pairs. A romance forming between them means an inter-team alliance. And I'll bet my bottom dollar that Albert and Johnny are also aboard." As Joe speaks, James and Monroe look at each other, unsure of what to say.
"So what're you asking?" Monroe asks after a minute.
"I'm saying the four of us should look after each other. If we lose this week, we need to hope that one of them lost weight, if we lose next week..."
"We'll vote them out?" Boomer suggests. Joe nods. "But they're out teammates, shouldn't we be trying to work them to gain more weight so none of us have to worry about goin home?"
"He makes a valid point," James says. He lies back, stretching his arms and legs.
"I can see your point, but either way, they need split up," Joe says.
"I couldn't agree more," Monroe says. "No one messes with our team!" He sounds like some sort of surfer dude or something. Joe looks at Boomer with gleaming eyes. He think he just found them another alliance.
In the kitchen, Albert, Johnny, Joel, and Victor sit at the counter, being careful not to widen the crack that already sits there. They wait for the oven to be done with their pizza and crescent rolls. "How much longer? I'm starving over here!" Joel complains.
"Again? You already eat like four meals a day!" Victor says.
"And three per night." The two laugh at that. Albert rolls his eyes and turns to Johnny.
"So, have you talked to Alex lately?" Albert asks. Johnny shakes his head no. "Well, I think that you ought to."
"I know," Johnny says. He gets up and leaves, leaving Albert alone with the jokesters.
"Hey, Al, I've got a question for you," Victor says.
"It's Albert," he says a bit coldly, "and what do you want?"
"Well, seeing as how you're partner has ditched you for a wolf who can't even see his legs, I'm assuming you need a new partner."
"I'll admit Sandy has a thing for chubby canines, but I'm sure his head is still in the game."
"Dude, you're talking about someone who hasn't stopped face with Alex since they had sex," Joel says. "I mean, look at them now." He points to the window. Albert gets up and looks outside. Alex and Sandy sit in the pool, cuddling and giving each other the occasional kiss. They flirt with each other but Albert couldn't pick up what they were saying exactly. He turns back to Joel and sighs. He has Johnny as a good friend, and they do have an alliance, but maybe they should add a few numbers.
"Ok, I believe you," Albert finally says. He takes a seat back next to Victor.
"So, what do you say, pal?" Victor asks. He throws his arm around him and pulls him in tight.
"I'll have to think about it," Albert says. He gets up and leaves the room with the intention of talking to Johnny and Alex about the new alliance.
***
"Go!" Blake says. Scott has a few sugar cookies balanced on his nose. On cue, he tosses them the air and munches them all.
"How'd I do?" Scott asks.
"Awesome!" Blake says. "My turn!" Scott gets a few more cookies and carefully balanced them on his friend's nose. The two aren't alone in the bedroom. Walter sits in his bed reading MAD magazine, using his exceptional ability to ignore other people. He wasn't really in the mood to talk; just read. Maybe cuddle with his husband later.
The grey team was down one pair, but it was a pair Walter didn't mind sending home. Anthony and Tom were too good at this game. With them gone. Walter and Roger have a better chance of winning the million. Roger never really explained what he'd do with the money, but Walter's plans were simple: he wants to go with his husband to Paris for a long time. Or maybe to Japan; he's heard they have great food there. Either way, he wants to travel, but not Amazing Race style.
"Come in!" Scott says when the door knocks. He gets a few more cookies into his muzzle. Roger comes in and closes the door.
"Hi honey!" He says. Walter sets aside the magazine and opens his arms. Roger hops into the bed with him and cuddles up to him. Their chubbiness squishing against each other and it felt good for both of them.
"What're you doing?" Walter asks, smiling.
"Nothing," Roger replies, "I just had a big breakfast and I needed someone to cuddle with."
"Awwwwww," Blake says as he tries to get more cookies. They ignore him. Scott tries again, but Blake catches him stuffing cookies under his fat to save for later.
"What do you want to do today, honey?" Roger asks.
"Not sure, baby. Why don't we just snuggle for now," Walter says. Roger resta his head on his husbands chest. Blake and Scott quietly get up and leave the room, clearly knowing when someone doesn't want to be disturbed. They go into the living room and sit on the couch.
"Wanna try that again?" Blake asks.
"Nah," Scott sighs, "let's do something else." The reaso they were balancing cookies on their noses earlier is because they were bored. They wanted something fun to do while also eating at the same time. Scott came up with it a while ago. "Why don't we play cheese checkers?"
"Sure," Blake says. The go into the kitchen for cheese. At the same time, Alex and Johnny walk down the hall and go into their bedroom, which is the other green one.
"I wanted to talk to you, bro," Johnny says when he closes the door.
"Oh? What is it?" Alex asks. He takes a seat on the bed and lies down. Johnny stands over him, not sure how to phrase his wording.
"Well, I was wondering, since you and Sandy are a couple, that the four of us should have an alliance." Alex's ears perk up and his tail swishes a little.
"Oh? Would made you want to do that?"
"Well, I think you two make a great pair and me and Albert have been getting a bit close lately."
"I see." Alex narrows his eyes and smirks.
"Not that way!" Johnny defends himself. "We're just good friends, ok? That's all we are!" He ignores Alex's eye roll and continues. "Anyways, how about the four of us, and maybe..." He thinks back to Albert's conversation to him last night. Joel and Victor want in on the group. If they say yes, it's more weight to carry. However, saying no could mean that they'll tell the rest of the house and they'll be exposed.
"What is it, little bro?" Alex asks. Johnny snaps out of his thoughts and focuses his attention on his fatter brother.
"How about Victor and Joel join?" The question makes Alex's head tilt and his face look confused.
"Why them?" He asks. "Why not Boomer and Joe or Blake and Scott?"
"Because they're on the same team as Sandy and they're nice folks." Johnny tries to think of any excuse he can think of.
"Yeah, but they're also nuttier than a nut house." Alex couldn't help but think of peanuts, which made his belly rumble for the third time today and it isn't even noon. He gets up and pats his brother on the shoulder. "Albert and Sandy, yes. Joel and Victor, no." Alex leaves the room, leaving Johnny with one thought: what am I going to do?
***
The next couple of days were quiet in the house. Alex and Sandy didn't even have power sex in days. Everyone just felt like lying down, sitting there and doing nothing. This was all mostly because it was in the middle of a heatwave and the A/C is broken. "It's so fucking hot!" James whines. Him and Monroe sit on the couch with Alex, Sandy, and Boomer. Joe went outside for a dip in the pool for while since everyone was hot and sweaty. Some of the contestants couldn't believe how fast clothes came off when the sun rose and it started to warm up. Those like Blake, Scott, and Walter who didn't feel the heat at first had to put their clothes in the laundry because it was soaked in sweat.
Currently, the five in the living room are all in their boxers. The temperature feels as if it's burning them. "Why did the A/C break today out of all days?!" Sandy asks.
"Sometime, I think that it's Toner doing this," Boomer says. "Torturing us to make our time here as miserable as possible."
"I wouldn't be surprised," Monroe says. Scott comes in from the kitchen with a glass of water in paw. The five of them look up at him.
"What?" Scott asks. "You guys didn't think to get any water during hundred degree heat?"
"We did! It's just this heat makes it hard to move!" Alex says. "And how the hell aren't you hot after this?"
"I grew up in Arizona, one of the hottest places you can imagine. I think," Scott says. Despite the sweat all over him, he looks fine. "Either way, I'm used to the heat so I'm ok. Want me to get y'all water too?"
"Yes!" They all says. Scoot quickly gulls down his water and goes back into the kitchen. He gets out five empty water bottles and turns on the cold water. He opens the bottles and spends the next few minutes filling them all to the brim with fresh, ice cold water. Blake comes into the room wondering what Scott's doing.
"I'm just getting water for the guys, they don't feel like moving," he says.
"Dude, you're so awesome," Blake says. "Here, I'll help ya." Blake takes three full bottles while Scott takes the others and they go back to the living room. They pass out the water which earns them a thank you.
"You're absolutely welcome," Scott says. The five of them pretty much chug half the water down in seconds, immediately feeling relieved because of the heat. Alex even shivers a little from the sudden cold.
Meanwhile outside, Joe sits outside in the pool with an ass-naked Roger. The two of them converse as those inside heat up. "I don't understand why people can't just come outside and enjoy the pool," Joe says. "There's plenty of room for everyone."
"I know," Roger says, "I guess they're lazy enough that they don't want to move in heat because it'll seem hotter than it really is. What doesn't help is that we're all obese... except for you."
"I mostly came on this show for Boomer. But we seem to be doing ok."
"Yeah. Maybe you won't get cut fourth this time."
"I sure hope not," Joe laughs. "I'm hoping that we can walk home with the money."
"Me too. Walter and I haven't always been the best when it comes to financial stuff, but with this money, it can help make our lives easier. And plus, to win it we get to do what we love best: eating."
"True," Joe says. Like most 18-year-olds, he enjoys a good munching session and lying on the couch doing nothing or playing video games. Up until he became in love Boomer, he mostly did this on a regular basis. Now the new regular is the old "too much". "So what do you want Walter plan on doing with the money if you win?"
"Oh there's so many choices..." Roger thinks for a second. He recalls Walter mentioning once that he wanted to see Paris or Egypt. "But I guess we'd go traveling. We've always wanted to see the world so much."
"You should sign up for the Amazing Race," Joe says. The two crack up at that. "Where is Walter, by the way? I haven't seen him since breakfast."
"He's taking a cold shower," Roger says. He carefully flips so he's onto his back, his fat wobbling like crazy as he does. He puts on his sunglasses and closes his eyes, but doesn't cut the talk with Joe. "So, I have a question. Are you and Boomer gonna get married one day?"
"Hmm..." The question really hit Joe. He's been with Boomer for almost a year. Marriage hasn't really been on his mind that much. Although, it isn't out of the question. He turns to the house where Boomer sits inside and smiles to himself. "Maybe we will."
"I can definitely see you two having a great life together," Roger says, giggling a little. "You two just give off a cute, positive vibe that I love."
"Awwww, thanks."
"You're welcome." Joe breathes heavily out his nose and looks inside again. He glances over at Roger's left paw and squints when he sees the gold ring on one of his fingers. He tilts his head and finds himself rubbing his own paw. His mind wanders to what it'd be like if him and Boomer were married. They'd have the best life ever. Maybe he'll let Joe move into his place after high school. He turns back to Roger and asks, "How do you do it?"
"Huh?" Roger asks, lifting his sunglasses.
"How do you propose?" Roger struggles to get back onto his stomach but he eventually does.
"Like... proposing advice?" Joe nods his head. "Well, there's a couple things."
"I'm listening." Joe perks his ears up.
"First, the perfect moment. It has to be somewhat romantic like outside during a sunset or at your house or in a restaurant. Either way, timing counts. Second, you should practice what you're gonna say. You know, slowly introduce to your partner that 'Hey! I'm about to propose to you'. Classic lines like 'I know we've been together for a long time' isn't very original so it doesn't make the proposal unique. Lastly, stay calm. Even though it's nerve-racking, it's just your partner. It's not like you're talking to him for the first time. Just stay calm and cool and he'll more likely say yes. Though, I wouldn't know why Boomer would ever say no to you."
"Thanks, Roger," Joe says. He slowly gets out of the pool and gets his towel. As he dries himself, he can't help but wonder, "What if he does say no?" Roger looks up at him and looks for a moment. With each second that ticks by, Joe seems to start panicking. Before he does, his friend says something that's the honest truth for him.
"He won't."
***
All 14 players sit in the living room and wait for Toner to arrive. Joe holds Boomer's paw and Roger gives him a wink. Blake and Scott throw their arms around each other's shoulders like bros. Alex kisses Sandy's cheeks when Toner finally appears. "Hello," he says.
"Hi Toner!!!" The house says.
"Well, this has been a crazy week. Heatwaves, cuddles and cookies. What else will this game throw at you guys?" The contestants look at him, clearly annoyed. "Anyways, I've got some questions. Scott, you seemed to be the man of the house during the heatwave. Any thoughts?"
"Well, I wasn't really trying to be the man," Scott says. "I was just looking out for my fellow players. I've been through heat back home and it sucks so I figured why not step it up?"
"Good point," Toner says. "Alex, you and Sandy seem to be growing closer by the minute. Literally; I'm surprised Sandy hasn't burrowed in your fat yet."
"Key word being 'yet'," Sandy giggles as he pays Alex's oversized belly.
"I'm not gonna lie," Alex says. "Sometimes I feel as if I'm getting smaller."
"Probably because you're draining yourself in Sandy's ass!" Walter chimes in. The house and even Toner laugh at that. When the laughter dies down, Toner gets back to business.
"Ok, time for this week's weigh in," he says. "And keep in mind: the pair who gained the least amount of weight on the losing team will be packing their bags. Blake, you're up first." Blake gets up and walks into the hallway. He steps onto the scale and it reads 534; 4 pounds bigger than he was last week.
"Radical," he whispers. He gets off and his best friend Scott comes in. He gets on.
"Oh no!" he exclaims. He now weighs 512 pounds; a loss of two pounds.
+10 pounds: Joel
+9 pounds: Albert, Roger
+7 pounds: Sandy, Walter
+6 pounds: Joe
+5 pounds: Alex, James
+4 pounds: Boomer
+3 pounds: Johnny
-2 pounds: Victor, Monroe
"Weigh-in complete," Toner says. "Just kidding, I'm not an AI. Anyways, the results are in. This week, immunity goes to..." Both sides tense up. Grey team has been dominating for a while but the green team recently struck back. "... the grey team." The eight members still on the grey team cheer in victory. They're still safe. Boomer & Joe, Alex & Johnny, and James & Monroe groan out of frustration. They get to face elimination. Again.
"Why does this keep happening?" Joe whispers.
"Ok. As for you three pairs, it's time to send one of you home. As for who, it all depends on how much you've gained." The six of them hug their partners tight. "This week, with a total gain of 3 pounds, this week's losers are..." Alex and Johnny surprisingly hold paws. Joe cuddles up to Boomer and James and Monroe just look at each other.
"Well? Who is it??" Walter asks, impatient.
"Don't rush me!" Toner says. "The audience loves a good dramatic wait!" Walter slumps into his seat, annoyed. "The losers are...... James and Monroe."
"Awwww, man!!" James exclaims. Monroe just pats him on the back.
"Besties, you're going home," Toner says. "Hasta la vista, boys." James and Monroe get and they quickly hug their teammates. They walk to the front door and they open the door. The house gives them one last goodbye before the exit and shut the door behind them.
"Well, this sucks," Boomer says. The green team is down to only four people against the grey team which is double that.
***
James and Monroe walk down the porch steps and up to Toner, smiles on their faces. They shake paws with him and they both take a seat. "How's it going, boys?" he asks.
"Not much," James says. "Even though we were just eliminated from one of our favorite TV shows."
"I'll bet. You two don't look upset at all. Aren't you sad that you lost the chance at winning a million dollars?"
"Not really," Monroe says. "We mostly joined to spend more time with each other and, even though we're sitting here right now, I'd still call this experience a success."
"Yeah," James chimes in. "I think that even though we lost, it just made our friendship stronger."
"I've got to ask this but what the heck is happening with the green team?" Toner asks. "I've seen failure last week but this is just insane! You guys are just dropping like flies."
"We don't know," James says. "I guess we're not gaining enough in this game to keep going. As for the 12 still left in there, they have a good shot but as for who might win, I have no idea."
"But for our teammates," Monroe says, "if they don't start packing on the pounds soon, they're gonna go home and there's nothing they can do. Someone get these guys a buffet!" The three of them laugh a little at that before Toner continues.
"One last question: you guys formed an alliance with Boomer and Joe. Obviously that isn't gonna work now, but how do you think it would've went?"
"Hmm..." James looks at his friend and says, "I'm not sure. I guess we could've made it far. After all, they've have reality TV experience before and they did pretty good, despite being cut 15th place."
"Well, it's been good seeing you guys play this game, but unfortunately, you're going home," Toner finally says. Before Jame or Monroe can pin their ears down, Toner reaches into his pocket and gives them two $500 gift cards to Olive Garden. "You get to keep these as a gift for trying your hardest. Good luck boys."
"Thanks, Toner." They shake paws and the eliminated pair walk away.
"Four pairs down and only six remain," Toner says. "Which duo will get shot down next? Find out next week on... Gainer's Paradise."