Archive of Our Own

Truth be told, Noah didn't even want to return to Total Drama - especially after all the bullshit that Blaineley put him through during the Second Chance Challenge.

The only reason why he did end up winning, securing a spot back on the show, was a newfound motivation he had, fueled solely by the hatred he held for none other than Alejandro.

Apparently, wanting to see that man fail was somehow more motivating than the prospect of winning a million dollars. He wanted to see Alejandro humiliated, stripped of that perfect smile, maybe even groveling just a little. Noah pushed that thought into the deepest corners of his mind, right next to the realization that he would very much prefer Alejandro to grovel at his feet specifically. There was definitely some unresolved tension in that fantasy, but… that was a problem for Future Noah.

Still, he powered through the side challenge, winning himself a spot back on Total Drama... right as they were in the middle of a very gendered, wedding-themed episode. Great.

And of course, knowing his luck, the girls-to-boys ratio was uneven. He ended up grouped with the girls, pulling levers so that they could "pick their lovers". Eventually, it was his turn, and as he pulled a lever, he fully expected to be shackled to someone like Duncan (as thankfully, Alejandro was already taken).

Instead, he was rewarded with a bone-crushing hug. Being paired with Owen was a sign that apparently, the universe wasn't totally against him. Noah missed his friend so much that he didn't even mind the underlying ache the squeeze left in his ribs.

What he DID mind was that he ended up wearing a dress, a goddamn wedding dress, veil and all, as part of the challenge. He didn't even have a chance to argue as staff pushed him into a changing room and shoved the garment over his head. He was surprised they remembered to take off his shirts first, given how rushed they seemed. And yet, they still had time to tighten the straps of the dress enough that, even with his somewhat average figure, he achieved the ghost of a snatched waist. If he could breathe, maybe he would've appreciated the split-second confidence spike he felt as he saw himself in the mirror.

It all disappeared, of course, as soon as they went back on air. Duncan took one look at him and started to cry-laugh. The girls joined in immediately after, quiet giggles hidden behind their hands - with the exception of Heather, who sounded like a hag stirring a cauldron as she laughed at his misery. Even Cody and Owen joined in after a few seconds, laughter seemingly contagious.

The only person who didn't laugh was Alejandro, as instead the man simply looked at Noah with burning intensity, eyes full of hatred and… something else?

Whatever that something was, Noah refused to play into his games. Not now, not ever. He had to survive this challenge so he could plan his strategy to get the other man off the show - not get distracted by his stupid, sexy face. His shallow thinking was the only reason it took him so long to see through Alejandro initially. But not this time. Now he saw right through him - and he was here to stay.

Unsurprisingly (or surprisingly, from the perspective of their opponents), Noah and Owen breezed through the challenge. Despite a few hiccups at the beginning, the tasks were all about trust - something Noah and Owen actually shared, compared to the others.

The pair secured immunity and a promise of wedding cake in the first-class suite. A perfect victory; made even sweeter by the scowl on Alejandro's face. Noah couldn't help but flip the other guy off, not even flinching as Chris swatted at his head, nagging about the unnecessary editing they'd have to do later.

Noah didn't really care; he knew he'd thrown a wrench into Alejandro's plans, and that was what really mattered.

When the challenge ended, the contestants got some time to themselves before the elimination ceremony. Noah ventured to the confessional, eager to let his feelings be known, now that he was sure he was there to stay.

He didn't realize he was still in the wedding dress until he saw his reflection in the bathroom mirror.

All Noah could do was groan and tug at his sleeves, until he quickly reminded himself that even if he wanted to undress, all his clothes were still in the changing room.

He sighed. For now, this had to do.

Still, he didn't immediately sit down. Instead, he stood in front of the mirror, taking himself in.

He… he really didn't look half bad. The white of the dress was a nice contrast against his dark skin, and the v-neck at the front, despite his obvious lack of boobs, remained somewhat alluring.

Huh. Not the revelation he expected today, but… well. Stranger things have happened to him.

At least he was alone to witness this little epiphany.

That was, until the bathroom door opened.

Another figure walked in- and stopped mid-step in the doorway.

They both blinked. Noah's dark eyes locked onto Alejandro's olive ones, and for a moment, his brain short-circuited.

Alejandro. Of course. Because who else would catch him in such a position?

They remained frozen for a few seconds, as a dark blush crept across both their faces. Noah could feel the heat rising to his cheeks, and if Alejandro's expression was anything to go by, he wasn't alone.

Eventually, Noah cleared his throat, the sound breaking whatever spell they were under.

"Um, do you mind? I was here first." He gestured with his head toward the door, hands busy trying to cover himself. He probably looked like an actual bride, forbidden to be seen before the big day.

Alejandro opened his mouth, then closed it again, looking away. Noah had never seen the man at a loss for words. It was… unsettling.

Alejandro didn't speak, but he moved - taking a step forward and closing the door behind him. He even made sure to turn the lock. Noah raised an eyebrow, his expression equal parts annoyed and worried.

"Dude. If you want to have some epic confrontation right now - seeing as in the eyes of the public I'm your archrival, or something - can you at least let me get changed? I don't want to be on camera in this for too long." Noah continued, hoping his voice didn't waver as he took a step back, pressing his back against the plastic sink.

"Noah," Alejandro finally said, his voice low. Noah felt goosebumps prickle across his arms. "I didn't expect you to come back so soon… especially in such style."

A pause. Alejandro's eyes lingered on the dress, then traveled back up to Noah's face.

"It… suits you."

He wasn't looking away this time. His eyes met Noah's, and there was nothing playful in them.

They were dangerous. Intense.

Noah swallowed. He let out a chuckle, trying to ease the tension. Out of everything he'd expected from Alejandro, flirting was not on the list. It wasn't like Noah was out - and it wasn't like Alejandro had ever done this with boys before. At least, not that anyone had seen.

He wasn't sure how to act, and the uncertainty made his skin prickle with nerves.

The dress wasn't helping.

"Yeah, well, I am back," Noah retorted, regaining some of his feistiness. He crossed his arms over his chest.

Then he laughed, for real this time. It was almost freeing, dropping the pretense and just... coming clean.

"And you know what? I came back just for you. I'm gonna use every dirty trick you pulled on the others, and I'll make sure you don't stay here long enough to see the finish line.” Noah held his head high, eyes locked onto Alejandro's as he spoke.

At first, the other simply stared back, expression lax, before licking his lower lip. He took another, tentative step forward, and reached out to touch the frilly fabric of the dress's hem.

"Just for me, huh?" Another hand came to rest on Noah's hip, finger trailing the dip as it ventured up and down, rubbing almost possessively. "And unafraid to play dirty… well, this dress speaks for itself. You can't blame me for looking. Did you plan this? I must admit, I'm impressed.”

Noah's brain sounded an alarm, red and blue lights flashing behind his eyes because NO, he didn't. He didn't even consider- never would have considered using this as a strategy.

Even now, he wasn't sure if Alejandro was lying. If this was just another lousy trick.

But then again, that intensity in his eyes… he'd never seen it before. Not even when Alejandro was luring others into his traps. It seemed unabashedly raw, and Noah was genuinely unsure - no, afraid - of what to do.

Especially as he felt his arms slowly drop to his sides, letting his guard down. His body was surrendering even as his mind fought to keep the walls up.

"What if I did?" He found himself saying, playing into the charade. "What if I already outplayed you at your own game?"

His hands ventured up, locking behind Alejandro's neck as he shifted his weight, angling himself to look up at the other with the slyest expression he could muster despite his racing heart.

Alejandro's grin only widened, fingers that previously gently caressed Noah's sides tightening.

"You're detectable, mi amor.”

And really, Noah could only blame himself for not seeing the kiss.

He felt himself gasp into Alejandro's mouth. The other man took immediate advantage, deepening the kiss, tongue darting across Noah's teeth, asking for permission. Then Alejandro hoisted him up, settling him further onto the sink so he could step between Noah's legs.

The plastic felt cold against the thin fabric of the dress. Alejandro was warm everywhere else.

Eyes fluttering closed, Noah let himself be manhandled. His hands gripped Alejandro's hair - loosely at first, then tightening - just as the other pressed closer, their chests flush together, just as their-

Another muffled moan, more shifting of fabric.

The two came together like waves clashing against a rocky shore - still fighting, but this time the battle was grander, more passionate. The thin line between loathing and loving became almost invisible.

Of course, loving in the purely physical sense.

No one in their right mind would love Alejandro for his personality.

The thought pulled Noah from the clutches of desire, and as his brain finally overrode his baser instincts, he froze.

Because kissing Alejandro directly contradicted his entire plan. He was supposed to destroy him, not make out with him in the goddamn confessional.

Alejandro noticed Noah's lack of engagement and pulled back. His expression was questioning - borderline concerned - as it met Noah's shocked, enraged stare head-on.

They were both flustered, mouths glistening with spit and red from where their teeth were pulling mere seconds ago. Their breaths came out in small, white puffs, the air between them blending together. They remained intertwined, despite the lack of physical contact.

With a frustrated groan, as he wasn't sure if he was more angry at Alejandro or himself, Noah untangled from the other man, pushing him off with weak arms.

Surprisingly, Alejandro allowed himself to be pushed, searching for the right words to say. He ran a hand through his silky hair, just as Noah tried to frantically iron out the crumples of his dress.

"This," Noah said through gritted teeth, feeling betrayed by his own body, "means nothing. I'm still taking you down, eel. Your good looks will not win me over."

His eyes met Alejandro's for a mere second - he didn't trust himself to hold them any longer.

Without another word, just a scoff as he didn't intend to wait for an answer, he exited the confessional. His boots stomped loudly against the floor as he left Alejandro behind, frozen in place, one hand still raised like he'd been about to reach out.

The door slowly closed, boxing Alejandro into the stall with only the distant hum of the jets for company. He eventually let his hand fall to his side, slumping onto the closed toilet lid as he stared straight at the camera, deep in thought.

A few seconds later, a chuckle echoed through the enclosed space as the puzzle pieces in Alejandro's mind shifted. His initial plan changed in real time as he came around to the thought of finally having a worthy rival.

Someone he wouldn't mind facing off in the finals.

"Well played, Noah. Well played.”