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Tristan’s morning seemed to be going great so far. For one, they fell asleep at 11pm instead of starring at the ceiling in their pitch black hotel room for 5 hours. They also woke up very early this morning which means they can eat their breakfast, that Zaid made, hot and fresh instead of Ivy barging into their room telling them “breakfast is in the microwave btw”. Now they are sitting by the pool flipping through the old fashion magazines from 2009 trying to find inspo for some new designs Tristan plans to work on once they get home from the show. Unfortunately they couldn’t find anything so far, out of the 6 magazines they read so far. Only downside of their peaceful morning is that they are still in their pjs and their hair hasn’t been tied up yet so the heat from the sun is making their body pretty sweaty. Hopefully Ivy was up by now so she could tie up their hair.
“Maybe the 7th one will have something go-“ Their thought was interrupted by footsteps, multiple of them, sounded like 2 people, approaching, sounded like they headed towards them, they looked up from their magazine a little frightened to see who was nearby. No one… just them and them outside. Weird… They decided to keep flipping through the magazine to distract them from the fro- “Tristan?”
Their head snapped up from the magazine and turned their body leftwards to see who was talking to them. It was Hannah and Benji. Tristan felt relieved that it was them causing those footsteps but something about the two’s expressions seemed off. Usually when they all hanging out, everyone seems to be happy but now, both of them looked to be guilty of something they couldn’t pick up.
Tristan spoke up concernedly “Is everything okay guys?“
The two brunettes gave each other the look like when you giving a presentation but neither of you guys want to speak first so they just sit in awkward silence for 13 seconds until one finally speaks up.
“We…” Hannah gestures her hand to her then to benji “need to confess something to you.“ The bartender voice seemed to trail off with her words during the end of her sentence.
Their worried smiled dropped. Did they do something wrong? They think they did anything to upset either of them. Whatever they had to tell them wasn’t going to be good. Benji was looking through the window that was attached to the kitchen, then whispered something to Hannah’s ear and the two of them gestured to Tristan to move to a more private place.
Once the three of them to their new spot, Tristan felt more sweaty than the moment before Hannah and Benji arrived, and they couldn’t tell if it got hotter outside or it was just them getting constantly more nervous about the so called “confession”. The two of them were each other the look again. The anticipation was really getting to Tristan now and neither of the brunettes wanted to speak.
Tristan finally decided to speak up to break the awkward tension between them, very softly, “D-did I do something wrong?”
“NO NO” “ITS NOT YOUR FAULT BUT…” the two of them finally spoke up. Tristan felt a little bit relieved however they couldn’t help but think about Hannah response. What could the “but” possibly mean?
“But what?” Tristan responded back. Silence again. They know it was something serious because Benji would have laughed at the but instead they remained still, almost ashamed of themselves.
“Tris…” Benji piped up finally making eye contact with them. Once again gestures to Hannah and himself “We really like you… a lot.”
“That’s it?” Tristan responded confusingly. Tristan enjoyed hanging out with the both of them during the competition, at the motel and hopefully outside the island. But still, something didn’t seem right. “Guys you know I li-“ “No Tristan…” Hannah interrupted “it’s not in the way you think…”
Tristan stood there even more puzzled. What could she have possibly meant by tha- then it clicked. Their eyes opened widely and their mouth curved into a perfect O shape. “Wait what?”
How could this whole time while hanging out had they not noticed both of them have been crushing on him? The whole situation didn’t feel real almost like a lucid dream, they hope this wasn’t a dream because frankly, they both found the bartender and the lawyer quite attractive.
Hannah cleared her voice. “We didn’t want to tell you just yet but we figured it be more awkward if we waited to tell you until after the show” she paused for a moment before continuing “And we wondering… which one of us would you want to date…?” That sentence almost came out as if she was confused by her own question.
“Hannah, we don’t know if Tristan is even interested in dating right now, I don’t think you should have been so straightforward with that question.” Benji whispered to Hannah but unfortunately Tristan overheard the whole thing but they were still thinking about Hannah’s question.
Which one? WHICH ONE? How could they possibly choose. Both of these amazing people have changed them for the better. They always hated making decisions but this…they completely forgot about what Benji said to Hannah about “them not being interested”
“I-I” they felt like they were being suffocated by their own words “I am interested” their voice cracked on the last word. Hannah and Benji turned to look at them with an expression they couldn’t read then back at each other. The awkward silence took over again.
It was Benji’s turn to break the silence. “So which one of us?”
Tristan tried to speak up however they kept stumbling with their own words. The only thing that came out of their mouth was a bunch of i’s and uh’s sounding more like a malfunctioning robot than a human. They hated that the decision was up to them. Tristan didn’t want to choose, they knew that they would end up breaking someone’s heart somehow.
Hannah and Benji looked sympathetic towards Tristan stumbling over their words. “Do you need some time to think about this Tris?” Hannah choked out.
Tristan nodded their head still processing what they told them. Benji and Hannah walked away leaving Tristan alone by themselves.
————————————
Tristan walked back into the motel mind still jumbled from that conversation. They had an important decision to make. They thought they can make a choice by this evening…hopefully. The fashion designer’s noticed their throat gotten really dry since their mouth fell comically open for 1 half of the talk and the other half, well, they could barely talk. They walked towards the fridge just to find some sort of liquid to quench their thirst.
“Well looks like somebody got the worm this morning.” A voice behind them chuckled.
Great, Just what Tristan needed, to be involved in another conversation. Luckily they could recognize the lady’s voice. Their best friend and future roommate, Ivy. She was rambling about something but Tristan wasn’t paying attention because they were so focused on who to pick. They remembered what they said to Benji about “orange and purple do seem to compliment each other well” and is now realizing that purple and blue are basically married to each other, or was she more of a purple than blue, or was Tristan more of a black than purple, do orange and black suit each other better in that case or does blue and black? They didn’t think about that purple and black pairing because they wear that color combo every day.
“Tris…tris?” By now Ivy noticed they weren’t paying attention to what she was saying. Something was off about them today and she was going to figure it out. In one last attempt to get their attention she grabbed both of their shoulders whilst shaking their body back and forth.
“I-I-IVY WHAT WAS THAT FOR?” Tristan yelped out. They regained consciousness and remembered they were supposed to get water to help with their throat; the yelling sure didn’t help…Tristan open the fridge again and actually grabbed a plastic water bottle so they didn’t forgot again or make a foul out of themselves in front of their friend.
Ivy cleared her throat with a worried expression. “Tristan…are you doing okay? I noticed you weren’t paying attention to anything I was saying to you. Well…yeah you wouldn’t understand…yet! Man I’m so excited for you to move in with after the show! The views are far more interesting than that fridge you were starring at.”
“W-what are you talking abou-“ Ofc Tristan’s mind went somewhere else while not noticing they were starting at the fridge like it was their new home in LA. “Sorry I was uh…zoned out…thinking about something.”
“Thinking about what exactly?”
They really didn’t want to have this conversation right now but if there was one thing they knew about Ivy, she will always push for answer. Which isn’t a bad thing because she always finds a way to comfort Tristan. However, Tristan thought she would forget about this by not answering. Oh how wrong was they.
Ivy was starting to get upset because Tristan wouldn’t explain why they were feeling down. She began thinking on why they were feeling this way. Just to get some information she asked them more pushy but still in that concerned calm tone. “Did something bad happen?”
Yeah they were not getting away with this. Finally making eye contact with the actress, still trying to find the right words to say and not stumble. “Well… I…I kinda got confessed to…”
“Wait as in a love confession?”
“BENJI FINALLY CONFESSED!?” A voice that was certainly not Ivy’s yelled from the bathroom then followed by a *SLAM* from the bathroom door which made Tristan jump.
“Jesus Zaid how long were you in there for?” His girlfriend asked.
“That’s not important right now babe, BUT TRISTAN ARE YOU SERIOUS DID BENJI FINALLY CONFESS TO YOU!?”
Tristan couldn’t tell if Zaid was happy, angry or relieved about this news. Technically, the chef wasn’t wrong. Hannah didn’t arrive at the motel after Isabel got eliminated but after that, all of them had another week to stay at the motel until they returned back to their normal lives. That meant Tristan didn’t have a lot of time to spend with Hannah compared to Benji and Hannah didn’t hang out with Zaid or Ivy because there was still a little bit of tension between them from the game. They wished they forgive each other like they did with Benji. They gotten so caught up with their mind again that the couple was starring at them waiting for a response.
“It wasn’t just Benji that confessed.” Their voice going softer after each word like someone climbing down a latter.
“Wait what?”
Both their eyes went completely wide after they said that until Ivy shot up and said “HANNAH ALSO CONFESSED TO YOU DIDN’T SHE!”
“W-w-wait how’d you kno-“
“Oh trust me Tris, I know when people are head over heels for you.” The actress giggled “I mean every time you 2 talked, her pupils would form little hearts, like I don’t think that is physically possible!”
“Wait wouldn’t that technically be a good thing if 2 people are madly in love with you why are you upset about this?” The chef finally spoke.
Tristan took a few deep breaths, they were on the verge of tears. “They are making me choose between which one a-a-and I DON’T KNOW WHO TO CHOOSE.” They could feel their eyeliner starting to run down their face.
Ivy and Zaid looked like they were going to say something but they didn’t. They tried their best to understand how Tristan is feeling about the whole thing.
Ivy took a big step forward towards the now sniffling Tristan and grabbed their hands and interlocked fingers before saying. “Tris… I know this decision seems impossible but believe me… follow your heart and I’ll know you’ll make the right decision, whoever you choose.”
In all honesty the advice was not that helpful but they still wanted to be nice about it.
“Thanks Ivy, I think I’m going to head up to my room for a little bit.”
The two waved goodbye before Zaid whispered into his girlfriend’s ear.
“Was that a musical reference you made there?”
“Dam I didn’t think you’d catch onto that.”
————————————
Their legs were shaking whilst walking upstairs to their motel room. All Tristan wanted was to fall asleep and forget about the whole situation at this point. Maybe their dream will help them pick who to choose.
Tristan’s hand was on their doorknob about to twist it but was interrupted by an unfamiliar voice.
“Got a decision to make heh?”
How many times will this poor kid be interrupted by their own thoughts today. They turned their head around and almost laughed when they saw the guy who was talking to them. He was dressed like a magician of some sort with the black top hat and red leather jacket, but he was also wearing formal clothes at the same time. They couldn’t tell if their style was influential or just silly. He was also very tall and pale with brown curly hair. Emily must have hired this doofus to mess with the eliminated contestants.
“Look I don’t care who hired to…” They gestured their hand up and down on the mysterious guy’s outfit. “But I’m not in the mood right now.” Tristan opened their door in an attempt to avoid this guy until he spoke up again.
“Actually I wasn’t hired I’m kinda from the future.”
Eeesh this guy was a good actor Tristan thought to themselves but didn’t want to play his games. “Yeah whatever you say man.”
“Oh I can prove it.”
“Then work your mag-“ Tristan was interrupted with the sight of blue lights surrounding the two of them before the gentleman grabbed both of their hands squeezing them hard. “WAIT WHAT ARE YOU DO-“
Poof just like that the two of them disappeared into thin air.
Ted appeared from the hallway witnessing the two vanish holding another beer can. He was most definitely drunk again.
————————————
If you told Tristan and an hour ago that the two people from camp they’ve lowkey been crushing on both confess their love to them but they have to choose one or the other to date and this guy claimed he could travel to different dimensions takes you with him to this… where even were they… they could have slapped the shit out of you and told you to shut the fuck up.
They took a closer look at their surroundings in this new world. It seemed they were in the middle of an alleyway on a rainy dark day and hovering above the two of them was a sign with red lights just saying “bar”. They had many questions about… whatever the fuck is going on.
“DUDE WHAT THE HELL IS THIS.” Tristan finally snapped at the magician dressed man.
“Well didn’t you say you did not believe me when I said I could travel through multiverses.”
“YOU SAID YOU WERE FROM THE FUTURE, I DIDN’T KNOW YOU COULD TRAVEL THROUGH UNIVERSES.”
“Eh fair.”
“W-w-ho even are you?”
“Ah that’s going to be a mystery my friend.” He then offered his hand out to Tristan to shake it. “Derek”
“Derek?”
“Mystery, Derek mystery, and no I’m not your ugly host.”
“How did you know I was thinking about that?”
“Maybe like how I know you have to pick between your good friends Hannah and Benji.”
This conversation kept getting weirder and weirder. How come this guy knew everything about them despite the two just meeting this once.
“Look I’m here to help you kid.”
“With what exactly?”
“You know…”
Silence filled the empty alleyway until they remembered, oh…
“A-and how exactly are you going to do that… also WHERE ARE WE?”
Derek sighed like this whole situation was rehearsed. “The year is 2027 in February, the season 4 Disventure camp cast is meeting at this bar for a reunion party, which this bar is coincidentally the bar Hannah works at.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “In this universe we are in, you choose Benji rather than Hannah.”
Tristan chest tightened slightly at the end of his sentence.
The multiverse traveler spoke again reassuringly. “Also you can interact with the future versions of your friends, you and all of them will forget this memory of you visiting the future.” Derek grabbed the goth’s hand again. “Ready?”
“Wai-WHOAHHHHH.” Their words were interrupted by Derek dragging them into the bar’s back entrance. “AGAIN DUDE!?”
————————————
As the two of them entered the bar, Tristan began to notice people from the show. They could see Natalia with her hair in a bun dressed in a black tank top and a long cheetah print skirt, ordering a drink, resting her arm over…they examined the guy who she was with. He was wearing a long sleeved magenta dress shirt and black jeans… OMG IS SHE WITH ALESSIO. They also noticed a woman who looked like Amelie with longer hair in a bun and red glasses getting wine drunk. Tristan was not going to get used to this future thing any time soon.
“Are you seriously still in your pajamas kid?” Derek spoke up.
They were so focused on this universe they are in that they forgot they were still in their sweaty pjs. Tristan’s face flushed red in embarrassment.
“Well you kinda just dragged me here…”
“Look I’ll get you a jacket okay.”
“And how exactly are you going to th-“ The magician pulled a black leather out of his hat. “HOWD YOU DO THAT?”
“Also do you often wear those giant boots to sleep?” At least Tristan was wearing some sort of footwear.
Tristan teasingly responded pointing their right index finger up with “Actually for your information, buster, I went outside to read in my pjs and I can’t stand walking on concrete in my bare feet.”
“You want the jacket or not?”
Tristan snatched the leather jacket out of the multiverse traveler’s hand and put it on themselves amazed on how perfectly it fit them.
“Ready to see?”
“I-I-I”
“It’s okay to be nervous I’ll stay be your side for this okay?”
“O-okay.”
“Oh and don’t use your real name around these people.”
“Wait what?”
“Just introduce yourself as…idk, another name.”
For some odd reason the first name that came to Tristan’s mind was Skyler.
“Okay I got it.”
“Great let’s go.”
————————————
They could feel more butterflies in their stomach by how many people they were starting to recognize.
“You know what the cool thing about alternative universes.” Derek whispered to them.
“What?” Tristan whispered back.
“This whole situation could have been played off differently.”
Tristan gave the magician a confused glance before he continued again.
“What if you told Benji and Hannah that you liked both of them and they were fighting on which one can have you. Or this conflict could have been between 2 different people, like you could be dating Spencer in another universe.”
“EWWW NO.”
“You even could have won Disventure camp for crying out loud.” Derek was eyeing the alcohol bottles on the bar. “Im going to get a drink and you’re coming with me.”
“I can’t get anything though?”
“They have water I’m pretty sure.”
Derek dragged them to the two open swivel bar stools. From the left to where the two of them were sitting could see Ted, Lynda and Richard talking to each other about something.
“Where the hell is this bartender, it’s been 15 minutes.” The poker player announced in annoyance.
“Geez Ted this your 7th one this night slow down.” Lynda clapped back.
“It’s only my 2nd.”
“Whatever you say just remember you have a wife and kid to get home to after this.”
“I DIDN’T BRING MY FAMILY ON THIS TRIP.”
“Going solo I see, doing it the Amelie way.”
“AND WHAT THE HELL IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?” The wedding planner snapped at the house wife with her heavy French accent.
“Do you guys have to do this every event?” Richard finally spoke up through the chaos.
“Well it’s seems a certain couple is enjoying this.” Lynda pointed at the laughing Natalia and Alessio now exposed.
“What? Can a girl and her Italian husband not enjoy women arguing when wine drunk.” Natalia chuckled holding Alessio’s hand.
THEY GOT MARRIED ALREADY??? Tristan thought to themselves. They were looking at Natalia’s ring finger only to see a huge diamond ring on it.
“Okay but seriously is anyone going to address the elephant in the room.” Ted pointed to Derek Mystery.
“Did Emily hire this guy or something?” Spencer yelled across the bar table since he was sitting at the very end.
“Shouldn’t you be with your little boyfriend?” Lynda responded.
Spencer’s head perked up whilst his expression changed from surprised to upset… or was it an upset frustration look.
“Stop it with these jokes Lynda, you know Diego moved on.”
Tristan’s turned their head behind them only to see Diego kissing someone who definitely wasn’t Spencer but still had his scrawny build. In all honesty, it was good that Diego moved on. The future was very weird. Also near the couple they saw Jade and Ivy walking towards them with their arms interlocked together. Ivy grew out hair to a shoulder length height wearing a silver sparkly dress with a white fur coat whilst Jade wore her hair up into a slicked up bun wearing a more casual outfit compared to Ivy’s, a fancy dark green top paired with baggy jeans. At least they aren’t enemies anymore.
“Okay at least Marty is nice to you Spence.” Derek Mystery saying something for the first time sitting on the barstools.
Everyone sitting down turned to look at him confusingly. Until Spencer cleared his throat and spoke up again. “His new boyfriend has never talked to me before…”
“Oh… well you didn’t hear this from me.”
“What’s the deal with this person? Did you pull them out of your hat?” Ted suddenly pointed out looking at Tristan.
Tristan had to think of way to play along with this instead of admitting they were from the past. They began to think on what Ivy would do in this situation. “I-I’m Skyler… his… kid”
“But still can’t drink alcohol yet, so only water for this one” Derek added on ruffling their black hair. It’s weird how this guy they met only… they didn’t even know how long it has been, treat them so much better than their own dad.
“Finally she’s back. Ted whispered but everyone around him heard. “YO BARTENDER GET ME ANOTHER BEER.” Now trying to get the bartender’s attention.
“I have a name you know Ted.” A woman’s voice responded. “And isn’t this your 7th drink this night?”
“KNEW IT.” Lynda shouted.
Tristan looked up at the bartender and their mouth immediately hung open at the sight of this beautiful woman… it was Hannah. Her long brown hair was pulled back into a clip, she was also wearing what looked like her bar uniform but could also be formal, a long sleeved white dress shirt with a black vest and dark red tie overtop paired with black dress pants. They also noticed she still had the same natural makeup look from when they first saw her on the plane. But their eyes were staring at her glossy kissable lips the most.
They were so focused on the bartender’s looks that they didn’t notice that Derek was trying to order them a drink.
“Tris stop staring.” Derek whispered another for Hannah to hear.
“WOAH WAIT WHAT AHHHHHH.” Their face was as red as Hannah’s tie. “I-I-I-I”
Hannah’s cheeks turned pink and smiled. “You want a drink cutie!”
WOAH WOAH WHAT WAS HAPPENING. They felt like they were about to explode.
“Just get them a water.” Derek answered for Tristan.
Hannah poured them a glass of ice water and took orders for the other people. Tristan was still very embarrassed about stuttering in front of Hannah.
“Wait how old is your kid?” Richard asked genuinely.
Derek whispered in Tristan’s ear “wait how old are?”
How come this dude knew about their clothing size and the Hannah and Benji situation but not their age?
“19” Tristan whispered back.
“19” Derek told the basketball couch.
“You do realize your kid can drink alcohol right?”
Of course Tristan was too scared to try alcohol after what their parents would do when they were drunk.
“No the drinking age is 21.”
“You’re in Canada you imbécile.” Amelie said whilst finishing her glass of wine. “Hannah would you be so dear to me and get me another glass of wine, and don’t even think about getting white.”
“Another one? Geez you’re going to start paying for these soon.” Hannah giggled.
Suddenly they felt a large rest on their shoulder. “Don’t worry I-i-i haven’t drank either…too nervous…” The voice of a younger man admitted. They examined the man closely realizing it was Logan.
“What aren’t you scared of.” Amelie pointed out.
Tristan wasn’t paying attention to the rest of their conversations. Everyone seemed different but it still felt the same as in the motel.
“Yo sick Tuxedo Mask cosplay man.” Another unknown voice said. They were probably talking to Derek.
“Wait you watched Sailor moon babe?”
“Benji do you not remember our first date?”
Benji…their voices seemed familiar…NO. They turned around just to find their future self with Benji. Benji didn’t look like he was dressed for an event like this but he still managed to take their breath away. He was wearing an anime T-shirt they didn’t recognize, it almost looked fan-made, and dark blue baggy jeans. His hair was longer but didn’t looked styled and he still was wearing those goofy adorable glasses. Now closely observing the other Tristan. They wore their hair like they did in the musical episode. Their outfit consisted of a purple sweater and a black vest overtop with a purple tie with stars on it, they were also wearing a long black skirt but also wearing the same shoes as the past Tristan. It felt so weird seeing another version of themself, part of them feels like this a fever dream.
They then noticed Derek about to stand up from his chair.
“Wait where are you going?”
“Oh I’m going to play poker with these guys, stay here Sky.”
“W-WAIT WHY?” Tristan tried to call out but he already left. The name sky caught them off guard, they’re going to have to get used to not being called Tristan.
The standing up this whole time Logan decided to sit next to Tristan. They made small talk but the whole conversation was really awkward so they just sat in silence after that.
“Omg we are wearing the exact same shoes!!!” The future Tristan said enthusiastically. At least future Tristan still acted the same.
“Wait me?” Past Tristan asked acting like they weren’t wearing the same exact shoes.
“Yeah you, love the style too!!”
“Hey wait.” Benji spoke up “You two look like you could be siblings.”
“Is that because we both like the goth aesthetic man?” The older Tristan responded.
“Kind of… BUT LOOK AT YOUR GUYS FACIAL FEATURES!”
The two Tristan’s looked at each other then back at Benji.
“Yeah I don’t see it.” Younger Tristan trying not to giggle.
“God you’re such a dork Benj” Future Tristan giggled then kissing him on the lips. This caused more butterflies to fill up past Tristan. “Hey what’s your name anyways?” They asked the younger version of themselves not realizing they were them from the past.
“That’s Skyler right there… your name is Skyler right?” Logan said trying to include himself into the conversation.
“Yeah… it’s Skyler.”
“You know I’ve always had a soft spot for that name.” The older Tristan admittedly chuckled.
“Hey where’s Hannah anyways?” The swimmer asked.
“She’s dealing with Isabel over there.” Amelie pointed to the bartender and the nun. “Isabel is trying to drink but Hannah is refusing to give her anything but a water because of her religion, I mean technically nuns can drink but she is trying to order a Caribou.”
“HEY BABE!!!” Logan screamed across the bar, pretty sure everyone in the bar was staring at him.
Good for Logan getting with someone that isn’t Spencer. They thought to themselves. Tristan was looking at Isabel and Hannah, they noticed Hannah’s cheeks were pink and was trying to not to giggle. Wait a minute…
“ILL GET TO YOU IN A SECOND LOVE.” Hannah screamed back to Logan.
NO, NO, IT CAN’T BE…HANNAH AND LOGAN? Tristan was such in a state of shock that they spat out their water. The people around them were giving them weird looks.
“Sorry… choked on the water”
Not realizing Hannah was standing right in front of them “Guess I’m going to have to clean this up now.” She sighed.
Tristan started to feel ashamed since they were messing up so much already.
Hannah came back with paper towels and started to clean the water. It was only one small spot so Tristan was confused when Hannah brought an entire roll of paper towels.
“Shouldn’t you be playing poker with the rest of those guys over there?” Hannah asked her apparent boyfriend.
“Yeah…you know how it is… Ted beats my ass every time… I hate poker I only do it for Richard” he suddenly smiled “Well at least I get to talk to you some more.” Logan responded grabbing Hannah’s hands both blushing.
For some odd reason, Tristan was starting to get jealous of those two by how happy they were, and by the looks of it, Tristan and Benji looked somewhat disappointed whilst they talked. Could they both be jealous of Logan?
“Do you two need a refill?” Hannah asked Tristan and Benji moving her hands away from Logan’s.
“Uh…Uh… we were actually going to go to the dance floor right babe.” Benji responded nudging his shoulder against Tristan’s.
“Oh yeah see you later Hannah.”
How come to two of them were trying to ignore Hannah now? Were they seriously jealous of Logan? It’s almost like Tristan was regretting their decision.
“I’m going to go to the bathroom I’ll be right back.” Logan said getting off from the chair.
“Okay babe!” Hannah replied whilst she cupped his face and kissed his lips. Tristan turned away not knowing how to feel.
A slow song suddenly turned on and Future Tristan and Benji started to slow dance. Nope, attempted to slow dance, Benji kept stepping on Tristan’s feet and almost fell backwards a few times. They could tell none of them were talking this seriously. They looked towards Hannah but her expression seemed like she was left out, wanting to join them but can’t.
“You’re still thinking about them aren’t you?” Amelie said to Hannah whilst sipping on her red wine.
“W-h… what are you talking about?” The bartender responded but she did know what she was talking about.
Is future Hannah upset that I chose Benji? HOW COME EVERYONE ISN’T HAPPY?
“Hannah, are you feeling okay.” Tristan asked Hannah.
“Yeah? I’m finally fine.”
“Oh wait is this about how Tristan chose Benji over you.” Isabel joining into their conversation with this smirk on face. She sat herself on the chair next to Amelie. Isabel was still wearing the exact same clothes they last saw her in from the show.
“Hannah it’s okay to admit you still like Tristan.” Amelie now trying to comfort her.
“Okay fine I still like Tristan. Do you know how painful it is to watch a person you love dearly dancing, kissing… you know all that stuff with one of your best friends. I know I shouldn’t feel this way because I’ve got an amazing boyfriend now but… I wish in an another universe me and them got together, but how would Benji feel then? Would he feel the things I feel? Ever since that day we asked them if they wanted to date me or Benji, I feel like our whole group dynamic has changed…Sorry I’m rambling to much am I.”
Tristan was listening to her words with their mouth open. They didn’t realize the impact on what their decision would be. They just wanted everyone to smile again… together.
Amelie took another sip of her wine before stating “My question is why did they end up choosing Benji? You are more responsible and strong, plus ready for commitment in the relationship. Benji… oh boy… he’s too immature and lazy. I mean stopping his studies to become a lawyer to become a com-“
“OKAY AMELIE TOO FAR.” Hannah stopping her rant.
“Aww come on we were getting to the good part.” Isabel said sadly wanted to hear more from Amelie’s mouth.
Tristan mouth was hung open for too long that they started to chug their water. God why do they keep doing this? They got very pissed off with Amelie’s agreement, yes he is a little lazy but the poor guy is trying to fulfill his dreams, not his parents. Yeah he’s immature but that’s one of the many things they like about him.
“Well at least you are doing good financially, I mean have you look at the money is their wallets?”
“AMELIE… I’m going to ask someone else if they can cover my shift, I want some time to hang out with Logan.” Hannah said walking away from the 3 of them.
Wait she’s making good money from being a bartender?
“Okay this was fun I’m going to find Jade now” Isabel hopped off her chair trying to find Jade.
They were going to a few more sips of their water but realized it was empty. They heard footsteps behind them.
“Ted beat me ass in poker I’m getting bored.” It was no one other than Derek Mystery. “What’d you think of the future.”
“Uh uh uh uh…”
“We are going to the back again okay.”
“Yeah that’s fine.”
————————————
They walked to the back of the bar building where they first teleported too. Tristan could feel their stomach becoming empty but it was not because they were hungry.
“So did you like this universe at all?” Derek asked them
“Well…” Tristan breathed slowly. “I don’t think I looked much happy in this universe, and neither did Benji and Hannah. I like benji… a lot… but it seemed future me was jealous of Logan dating Hannah… I MEAN WHO WOULDN’T HOW COULD SOMEONE LIKE BACKSTAB- sorry I got carried away. It just felt like the other Tristan made the wrong choice. Wait how did Hannah and Logan get together?”
“In this universe after you chose Benji, Hannah gotten really heartbroken and Logan found this as a chance to get closer with her because he secretly liked her since the clown and Hunter challenge, and soon enough he asked her out and she said yes.”
“Oh… wait a minute are you wearing a habit underneath your outfit?”
“Uh no that’s not important want to see the universe where you date Hannah?”
“Yeah sure.”
Derek held their hands again and the blue lights appeared again. In the course of 5 seconds they disappeared.
————————————
They traveled back to the alleyway of the bar again but something felt different compared to the last universe but they couldn’t pick up on it. Instead of the bar sign glowing red lights, the light was blue. Could dating Hannah in this universe really cause a sign to be a different color?
“I think you know the drill now kid.” Derek said to them. Wait a minute was he wearing a coif now? He is starting to look like Isabel.
“Cmon kid I’m going to get a drink.” He said whilst dragging their arm to the back entrance.
————————————
Immediately when they walked into the room, they could tell some things have changed. For one when they look at Natalia’s finger, there wasn’t a ring on her finger, heck Natalia probably wasn’t even dating Alessio. Another thing they noticed was Spencer and Diego holding hands while talking to Logan.
Oof that relationship sure can’t be healthy, They thought before they heard a man’s voice behind him.
“I didn’t know Isabel had a brother.” The guy clearly talking about Derek. They turned around to see no other than their friends Zaid and Ivy. Coincidentally Ivy was wearing the same exact outfit. Surprisingly this was the first time they saw Zaid in both of the alternative universes. He was wearing a classic black suit with an orange bow tie.
“Dude what is with the nun costume Derek Mystery?” Tristan whispered
“Derek? Who is that my child.”
“What are you talking about.”
“Sister Enigma shall bless that woman’s mocktail.” Pointing to what looked like Jade at the bar table.
“Sister Enigma… WAIT COME BACK.” They turned to look at Ivy and Zaid in confusion. “I’m so sorry I have no idea what just happened.” They apologized before running off to where the multiverse traveler went.
————————————
They followed Derek, or should they say Sister Enigma to where Jade was sitting, her outfit was definitely different from what she was wearing in the other universe, a grey tank top with a little snoopy on it and light blue jeans.
“Derek what the hell are you doing?” Tristan asked concerningly like they were his parent.
“HEY WE DON’T USE THAT WORD HERE, use the language one more time and our father might decide your fate to their.”
“IM ATHEIST DUDE.”
“Oh…I’m going to play poker with those guys over there now.” He said before walking away from a confused Tristan and Jade.
“Pretty sure nuns don’t gamble.” Tristan giggled.
“Unless you’re Isabel.” Jade added on trying not to laugh.
“Omg I’m so sorry for that btw, I don’t know what’s going on with him.”
“No, no it’s okay. He said he was going to bless my mocktail to make ‘the bad alcohol spirits’ go away.” The marine biologist said making air quotes.
“And…?”
“He spat in my drink.”
“Oh my…”
“Which reminds me… HEY HANNAH STOP MAKING GOOGLY EYES AT YOUR PARTNER AND GET ME ANOTHER DRINK, THIS CRACKHEAD SPAT IN IT.”
Tristan totally forgot about the other version of themself and the two cute brunettes. In the exact same seats, they saw Tristan and Benji sitting next to each other whilst Hannah and Tristan were holding each other’s hands talking about something but Tristan couldn’t hear what they were saying. Hannah was still wearing her same work uniform; However Benji was now wearing a brownish gray sweater with an orange jacket, he was also wearing the same pants and shoes from the show. Tristan on the other hand was wearing an old brown skull T-shirt and black cargo pants with a chain on it with their hair tied up into the ponytail.
Hannah quickly jerked her hands away from future Tristan’s and made Jade another drink. Benji looked somewhat depressed scrolling on his phone not making conversation with the two.
“Oh so you’re going to remake Jade’s drink but not mine?” They heard Anastasia yell out.
“Like I told you Anastasia, The stronger the gin depends on the brand not the country.” Hannah said handing Jade her new mocktail.
“NO IT DOESN’T.”
“If it bothers you that much here…” Hannah put another cherry into her drink. “Take another one.”
Anastasia was about to take another sip of her drink before her Fiancé, Marissa grabbed the cherry from the stem out of her drink and held it up.
“GIVE IT BACK MARISSA.”
“Have to catch it first Ana :)” Marissa smirked
Marissa moved the cherry away from her face as Anastasia opened her mouth trying to eat it when all of the sudden she felt a hot tongue enter her mouth.
“MMPH??”
The two ladies french kissed for 20 seconds before Marissa pulled away and smiled.
“God those two make me sick.” Spencer huffed sitting down next to Jade.
“You say this as if you don’t do the same thing with Diego.” Jade replied.
“I don’t think you can being saying that whilst wearing a light pink polo shirt and skinny white jeans.” Tristan giggled on how ridiculous the British’s guy’s outfit looked.
“Touché.”
“Babe…” They overheard Hannah talking to the future version of themselves. “Want to get more of those cherries from the back so we can try that.” Both of them now giggling however they could have sworn they saw Benji tense up after she said that. As Hannah walked away they felt a finger tap their shoulder.
“Omg I love your hair bro, I have it done the same way!” It was the future Tristan.
“Thanks so much… love the style btw.”
“Talking to your twin over here Tris?” Hannah said sweetly making both Tristan’s jump.
“We don’t look that similar babe.”
“Yeah I don’t see it.”
“Hey what’s your name anyways?” The older Tristan asked the younger one
This whole conversation felt so similar to the one in the other universe.
“It’s Skyler… with an e.” They totally forgot to mention this to the Tristan in the other universe.
“Pretty name.” Jade joining back into the conversation. They honestly forgot Jade and Spencer were sitting to the right of them
“You know I’ve always had a soft spot for that name.” The older Tristan admittedly chuckled.
The parallels were killing them. Those were the exact same words the other Tristan said. When the Tristan sitting next to him wasn’t paying attention, Hannah dangled the cherry to their eyes in which they giggled in response.
Tristan stared at Benji noticing the left out expression on his face. They felt bad for him.
“I-UH-UH I need a breather.” Benji immediately snapped up from the chair. The people sitting at the bar were all staring at him as he walked outside to the front. Hannah put the cherry away and sighed.
“Sorry I don’t feel like doing this anymore Tris.”
“Yeah me neither.”
Could they be upset because of Benji perchance? They thought this universe would be different where everyone wouldn’t be upset at each other, but they thought wrong.
Spencer took another sip of his drink before saying “Is this beca-“
“Yeah it is.” Jade responded. She hated when Benji would get upset over the same thing. “We are going to check up on him.” She grabbed Spencer’s arm. “Skyler you’re coming too.”
“Me?”
“Yeah come on.”
————————————
In was in this moment Tristan realized they’ve never seen the front of the bar building yet. Apparently the name of the bar is called “Hot Dave’s Bar” Some 5th grader must have named it that. The other buildings surrounding it all had the same old timey brick design and above them on the roof of the entrance was decorated with gold fairy lights.
They followed the other two to see where Benji went. He didn’t travel that fortunately. They could see him hugging his knees on the left side of the bar about to bawl his eyes out looking at something on his phone. This couldn’t possibly be by…
“A-hum” Jade cleared her throat to get Benji’s attention.
“WHA-WHAT J-J-JADE SP-S WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING HERE?”
“You know exactly why we are here.”
“Uh-uh-uh no?”
“Wait why are we here?” Tristan admitted.
Jade sighed slowly. “You need to move on from them…”
From the looks of it Benji did not want to have this conversation but here he was.
“Wh-what are you talking about… I-i-i don’t like Tristan anymore.”
Jade and Spencer stared at him to admit the truth because they both knew why he was acting like this.
“Okay fine I still like them… I mean how can’t I… they are so perfect in every way possible. It’s just been hard watching the person you love the most date a complete goddess… my best friend, but I’m glad Hannah is happy however… I wish in an another universe me and them got together, but how would Hannah feel then? Would she feel the things I felt? Ever since that day we asked them if they wanted to date me or Hannah, I feel like our whole group dynamic has changed…Sorry I’m rambling to much am I.”
Hold on… didn’t Hannah from the universe say something like this. They replayed both of their confessions in their head in which they were right, word for word at the “I wish in another universe” part except for some of the pronouns and names.
“I didn’t think you were rambling.” Tristan admitted to Benji.
“Thanks…it’s just hard thinking about them twenty four seven, sometimes they are the reason I can’t focus during trials, I mean I always do but…” His voice drowned out as he rambled about his work.
Something clicked into Tristan’s mind again. They remembered the shirt the other Benji was wearing, the anime T-shirt that looked like he drew the characters. In the Benji universe he probably quit law school to become a comic book artist, but in the Hannah universe he probably graduated law school but looked unhappy with his profession. Could the influence on who they change an occupation?
Spencer finally spoke for the first time this conversation “You know I was surprised that Tristan chose Hannah over you. I mean she only talked to them for 2 challenges and targeted me for the rest of the time I was in the game for. Also you and Tristan were clearly meant for each other, purple and orange going well with each other? You knew Tristan better than anyone but of course Han-“
“OKAY THATS ENOUGH SPENCER.” Benji yelled out.
They hated how another person would talk bad about Tristan’s future partner.
“What I’m just speaking my truth.”
Benji stood up from the wall and walked over to the three of them until they heard a young woman’s voice sing. “Oh Jadeyyyyy.”
Jade’s faced flushed pink from either embarrassment or surprise. Spencer and Tristan were trying their hardest not to laugh but Jade noticed either way.
“I swear to god if you guys laugh at that.”
The two stopped in silence. Jade turned around to face a giggling Ivy whilst she put her hands on her hip.
“What did I say about you calling me that.”
“I know I know but I like seeing you so flustered over me calling you that.” Ivy turned to look at the younger Tristan. “Do you know the man who’s dressed up as a nun?”
Oh this couldn’t be good. “Yes why?”
“Basically he got too drunk and him and Isabel fighted over poker. He is currently lying unconscious on the floor in an unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt and light blue jeans.”
“OH MY GOD I’LL HANDLE THIS.” Tristan yelped out before heading towards the bar entrance. The rest of them followed along with Benji staying right by their side.
“You know you’re really pretty by the way.” Benji admitted
“WAIT WHAT?”
“Sorry was that out loud.” His two index fingers pressed together.
————————————
The sight of the poker table when the 5 of them walked in was exactly how Ivy described it. Tristan was praying Derek could send them back to the motel. They crouched down to where the multiverse traveler was passed out and pinched both of his ears.
“DUDE WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” Tristan yelled in attempt to wake him up.
“Wha?”
They noticed most of the cast was looking at them. “I’m going to take him to the back.” They dragged the man from his leg like he was dead.
“I can walk you know.”
“Then walk I didn’t want to drag you.”
————————————
After walking back to the alleyway, Tristan couldn’t help themselves and just sat down on the dirty ground and reflect. The Benji universe felt the most natural but that doesn’t mean The Hannah universe wasn’t. They thought them and Benji would be happy in the first but after seeing Hannah get with Logan, they looked very jealous like they wanted to keep Hannah for themselves. However Hannah didn’t seem happy in her relationship and she said she wished to be with Tristan in another universe. But in the Hannah universe Tristan seemed to be happy with Hannah vice versa, when Benji leave to go outside of the bar both of them seemed to get upset on him leaving. Also Benji wished in another universe he would have ended up with Tristan. They promised to themselves they will make a decision by tonight but they are still stuck. They didn’t want any of the universes to end up becoming cannon, could they choose neither? But they love them both so much.
Derek still wearing coif on his head finally speaking up. “There is still another universe we haven’t visited.”
“Wait what?” If the first universe they dated Benji and the second they dated Hannah, what could happen in this mysterious third one.
“I’m going to assume you want to visit this new universe?“
“Sure…?”
Immediately after they said they saw the blue lights flicker around them as he grabbed their hands to travel once again
————————————
It was no surprise that the two of them traveled back to the same spot for the third time now, the alleyway of the bar. To see if there were any major changes, Tristan looked up at the sign but there was no sign in sight. That could explain why it was much darker here.
“I’m going to get a drink.” He said now wearing a white baseball cap with some grey logo on it that didn’t seem familiar to them.
“Are we going to do this thing every time we travel?”
“What thing?”
“You kno-never mind.” They watched as Derek, or whoever he is now, walked into the bar leaving Tristan by themselves. They needed a break really bad, time to reflect on what they’ve gotten themselves into. They walked into the building trying to find a quiet place to go to. Immediately as they walked in, they noticed they built all gender bathrooms. Sweet! they barely see those anywhere. As they walked into the bathroom, they tried to find a stall farther away from-YEEOUCH
“OH MY GOD I AM SO SORRY.” They apologized after bumping into… wait who even was that. They looked up so to see a person with their hairstyle but cut shorter wearing a mulberry sweater with a black lounge coat over top which had a silver cross pinned to the left side of their jacket. On the bottoms they were wearing simple black dress pants and the same boots. They also wore what looked like an overskirt in a raisin like color. They also noticed they were wearing some heart shaped necklace but there was an image on it, Tristan looked closer at the necklace and saw what looked like a picture of a moon.
“No worries kid…you look really familiar.” The person they bumped into said with a voice that sounded almost exactly like theirs.
*Is that me….with snake bites?* They thought now looking at the person’s facial features noticing they’ve gotten a lot more piercings than the other two Tristan’s.
“Wait hold on…” The person in front of them eyes going wide trying to connect the dots on something. “What’s your name?”
Were they supposed to answer as their fake name or did they know it was them… were they supposed to know who they were. “S-Skyle-“ the younger Tristan was interrupted by the older fashion designer picking them up and squeezing them.
“OH MY GOD IT’S YOU!”
“Huh?”
“SKYLER… or should I say Tristan…” They said excitedly putting them down.
*wait how can this Tristan know my real name but the other two didn’t even recognize me?*
“I still can’t believe it’s actually you, gosh I remember when I was wearing that exact same outfit hopping through universe to universe, I’M IN THE SHOES OF THE TRISTAN WHO CHANGED MY ENTIRE PERSPECTIVE ON LOVE HOLY SHI- sorry I’m rambling too much am I… it’s just I never thought I see the day again?”
“Uh… I don’t understand?”
“You’re here because of the whole Hannah and Benji situation.”
“WAIT HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?”
“Okay so this might sounds crazy but, I remember when I was in your shoes trying to the exact same decision traveling through multiverses, IS THAT MAGICIAN GUY WITH YOU?”
“I don’t even know if he is still a magician at this point… wait so if I dated Benji in one universe and Hannah in another… who do I date in this universe?”
The other Tristan began to smile excitedly “want to see.”
“I guess?”
“Okay I want you to go sit at the bar table and wait for me to come out of the bathroom, got that?”
“Got it?” What could they possibly be planning? But they followed their orders and walked out of the bathroom and sat on an empty red barstool not being surrounded by people. They were getting thirsty again so tried to get the future Hannah’s attention only the bartender did not look like Hannah at all. Did she get fired or something like that. This universe was clearly different, well, they could say that to all of them.
They turned around deciding not to order a drink immediately spotting Hannah and Benji together, getting touchy with each other…? Hannah was now wearing her hair down wearing a purple and blue tank top with blue stars on it and grey baggy jeans whilst Benji was wearing their outfit from the Hannah universe but the one thing that caught their eye was the necklaces they were wearing. They both wore a silver heart shaped necklace but Benji’s had a sun and Hannah had a star on it, sort of like the necklace future Tristan was wearing. Tristan leaned in closer to try to hear the conversation they were having. They observed carefully at Hannah’s lips moving.
“Remember that model from the truth or dare challenge.”
“Yeah what about him?”
“I may or may not have scored him a date with shark boy over there.”
“Shark boy?…OH MY GOD ACTUALLY?”
“Yeah I’m just good with relationship advice.”
“And yet you were terrified when telling Tris-“
“SHHHHHHHHHHH” She was giggling playfully punching Benji’s shoulder.
“Well at least we figured things out.”
*What does he mean by that?*
“Yeah… I honestly couldn’t be happier after that day.”
“Me too” he grabbed the bartender… wait was she still a bartender, hand “Is Tristan still in the bathroom?”
They stop paying attention to their conversation. Could those two be in a relationship together but future Tristan was somehow cool with this? In all honesty, they think the two brunettes would look cute together however, they still yearned for both of them somehow. When they focused back onto Hannah and Benji, they now noticed future Tristan was there two with their arms wrapped around both brunettes shoulders. They focused back into the necklaces the three of them were wearing, they didn’t want to jump to conclusions but there was a chance the three of them were matching.
Tristan observed the trio more limpid. The older Tristan caught their eye and smirked, they removed their arms from the two’s shoulders moving into a triangle format and leaning forward connecting all their lips together in a three way kiss.
If Tristan ended up ordering a drink, it would have shattered against the floor. They were in such a state of shock their dropped so low their mouth started to hurt and dry up.
*WHAT IS HAPPENING D-D-D THEY JUST K-KIS-“
“Keep your mouth open like that a spider might craw into it.” A man’s voice sitting next to them pointed out. They almost jumped out of their chair, the man beside turned out to be Diego wearing a black short sleeved dress shirt with some sort of gold designs, black skinny jeans also with gold on them, and sunglasses… in an indoor bar.
*God how did he into those jeans with that a- my mouth is still open isn’t it* they closed their mouth checks turning pink looking back at the Columbian man.
“Sorry… I-i-i-it just happens.” God why couldn’t they come up with a better excuse.
“OH MY GOD YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN YOUR FACE.” They already knew it was the other Tristan.
Tristan wanted to respond be words wouldn’t come out of their mouth. They were so lost who was dating who.
“A-a-a-are y-you.”
“Yeah am I.”
“I didn’t even say anything though?”
“I know what you’re thinking kid… but yes we are all dating…and you’re still puzzled, I’m dating Hannah and Benji and they are dating each other as well.”
They’ve never thought about it that way. Tristan assumed they had to pick one or the other but the idea of dating them just felt…right. Plus Hannah and Benji dating each other felt almost natural. Could they really just choose both of them?
“Wait I can just do that?”
“Uhm yeah it’s 2027 kid.”
They turned to look at the apparent throuple all smiling and giggling together, no one seemed to be upset, no past drama, they really wanted this.
“Shouldn’t Hannah be working at the bar?”
“Well since you are dating her and Benji, you all end up moving in together in Los Angeles…Eesh you’re turning pink kid.” They observed the flushed face of their younger self.
“Shouldn’t you guys be playing poker?” Benji couldn’t have been talking to them? They looked up to see Ivy and Jade.
*How come Ivy wears the same outfit in every universe, Jade now was wearing a white cardigan, black tank top with blue jeans.*
Jade sighed as she looked at the poker table then back at the group at the bar.
“There was this guy in a Hawaiian who called himself Dominic Concoction and he mixed everyone’s drink into a blender and drank it. Trust me I don’t know where he got the blender from.”
“That’s the guy who traveled with you right?” The older Tristan whispered into the younger one’s ear
“He does this every universe” they whispered back.
“Well he is passed out now.” Ivy added on. “You should have seen Jade, like who this girl can play those cards.” Suddenly she placed her lips on the marine biologist’s cheek. Tristan turned to look at their future self in confusion.
“Well looks like you’re not the only one who’s dating 2 people at once.”
“What do you mean… oh my…” They vaguely remember Ivy talking about other women she was attracted too, after the comeback challenge she told them on the boat that she was blushing very hard when working with Anastasia. Ivy also told them that she accidentally stared too hard at Amelie’s chests and liked it. BUT HOW ON EARTH DID SHE END UP WITH JADE, like didn’t they hate each other’s guts in the show?
“How did they end up together?”
“Well I can’t tell you just yet.” Future Tristan turned to look forwards. “That’s for the viewers to figure out… in an upcoming fanfic… that the author will never finished.”
“Who are you talking to?”
“No one, it’s stupid…”
They heard overheard another conversation between Diego and Hannah so they stopped and listened.
“You think I’ve been giving him enough space?”
“Yeah if two years isn’t enough for you.”
“But what if he’s not ready?”
“Diego…I thought you’d lose these feelings.”
“I-I-i-I don’t know…. I-I- It just can’t, I wish I could move on amiga but… I want my feelings to go away… I don’t want to scare him again.”
“Have you even watched the show after you left the island?”
“Of course I did.”
“HE CLEARLY LIKES YOU AND FROM THE LOOKS OF IT, SPENCER STILL LIKES YOU.”
*Oh it’s Spencer they are talking about*
“It feels wrong to but… I want to talk to him again… do things different from last time…”
“I think I know why those feeling haven’t gone away.” The future Tristan joining the conversation.
“Hmmm?”
“When these two idiots…” gesturing their hand towards Hannah and Benji “both told me they were in love with me, my initial thought was that I had to choose one or the other however, my heart fluttered for the two of them even when the situation is negative.”
“I don’t understand a single word you just said.”
“You still have feelings for Spencer, even though he hurt you.”
“Uhm yeah…”
“Are you trying to say Hannah and Benji confessing to you was a bad thing?” Zaid walking over to where Ivy was sitting.
“OBVIOUSLY I DIDN’T MEAN IT LIKE THAT, I’m just saying if you constantly think about a person, or multiple people in my case, it’s probably fate, the universe wants you guys together.”
“You think so?”
“Ask the universe that.”
“He’s right over there if you want to talk to him.” Benji added on
“You know, I might as well give it a shot.”
Everyone sitting on the barstools cheered him on as he walked over to Spencer timidly.
“Can I ask you a question?” Tristan whispered into their older self’s ear.
“Of course.”
“How come you are the only Tristan who recognized me.”
“Well they say that whoever your pick is going to be, that is the Tristan who’ll remember you.”
“A-are you just saying that?”
“That’s what older Tristan said to me when I was where you were at.”
“Huh? There’s other Tristan’s?”
“You’re traveling in the multiverse what did you expect.”
“So what else happened in the future?”
“I mean what’s the point, we are both going to forget about this interaction. Well you are going to remember this again in like 2-3 years I don’t know what month you came from.”
“Month? Shouldn’t it be year?”
“If you’re 19 it depends on the month you were in… never mind I don’t feel like explaining it.”
“Wait shouldn’t I’ve forgotten about traveling to the other two universes?”
“You forgot about it once you get back to your universe.”
“Ahh.”
Tristan noticed Derek walk over to the bar looking quite puzzled.
“Wakey wakey Derek.” Tristan started to giggle after saying that.
“Derek? NO NO NOT AGAIN?”
“What?”
“My drunk alter ego came didn’t he?”
“Yeah… all three of them did.”
“OH MY GOD… Wait where am I?” He has gotten the attention of everyone else sitting on the bar stools.
“A bar?” Benji responded hesitantly
“I know but… this doesn’t look familiar.”
“Doesn’t everything not look familiar when you’re drunk.” Zaid whispered to Ivy.
“There’s a Canadian flag in front of you if that helps.” Hannah chuckled.
“YOU’RE JOKING.”
“Flags don’t lie my friend.” The older Tristan joked making their partners laugh.
“IM FROM CHICAGO HOW DID I END UP HERE.”
Tristan leaned in and whispered into his ear “you sort of multiverse traveled here.”
“Multiverse traveled how on earth did do that?”
“Okay I think it’s time you two go home, I’ll walk you at.” The future Tristan stood up. “I’m going to be right back guys don’t worry.” They announced to their partners kissing Benji’s forehead then kissing Hannah’s without moving any of her hair. They then walked with Derek and the younger Tristan to the back door.
————————————
“Wait how do we get home?” Derek asked in confusion, at least he is getting more sober.
“Basically you held my hands really tightly and like blue lights appeared around and boom, that’s how it happened Derek.” Tristan patted his shoulder
“Actually my real name isn’t Derek, it’s Jay.”
“Wait what?”
Future Tristan looked at both of them and smiled “Gosh today has been more eventful then a Gubi original.”
“YOU WATCH GUBI TOO?”
“Oh and Tristan…” Their future self took a step forward towards them. “Enjoy the present before worrying about the future, I know you’ll make the right decision… actually no decision is right but choose what makes you happy.”
“Don’t worry, I know my choice and I’m going to stick with it.” Tristan suddenly hugged their older version of them self before they forgot about them.
The other Tristan was a little shocked by this but they held onto to them tightly. “It was so nice to see you.”
“Me too.”
“You should get going now, the people from the present must be worried about you.” They said letting go of the hug.
“You’re right. Come on Jay let’s get going.”
Jay grabbed onto their hands tightly before they both saw the blue lights flicker around them. Tristan shot one last glance to their future self before forgetting about them forever. They smiled at each other before
Poof.
————————————
Jay and Tristan returned back in front of Tristan’s motel room. Everything felt weird for an odd reason.
“So how do I get back to my homeland?”
“Uh? Try squeezing your own hands together?”
“I’ll try that… I guess goodbye?”
“Yeah uh goodbye.”
Jay squeezed his hands together before the lights appeared again and suddenly he was gone.
Tristan opened the door to their room without any interruptions this time. As soon as they walked in, they noticed that the sun was already setting. Yikes how long were they gone for. They moved closer to the window and looked down to see Hannah and Benji in their swimsuits talking about something. This was the moment Tristan was going to them their decision and their stomach was filled with butterflies thinking about it. They grabbed their bathing and quickly put it on, tied their hair up, took off their shoes, before walking downstairs to the pool area.
————————————
Tristan didn’t want to revel their presence to the two just yet. They hid behind a bush and just listened to the conversation the brunettes were having. Surprisingly neither Hannah or Benji noticed they were spying on them.
“You think Tristan is going to pick me?”
“Benji it’s obvious to everyone, you know them more than me, I mean you guys cuddled while watching Naruto together for crying out loud, I barely had any time to talk with them.”
“Hannah, you think me, the guy who didn’t have friends before I meet you and Tristan, has no relationship experience ever, you really think they are going to choose me.”
“YES WHAT DON’T YOU SEE.”
“I mean you gave Tristan the “sit in shit” advice and you know how to handle your relationships, Also did you see the way they were looking at you during the musical challenge.”
“No? Did you see the way they were looking at you during that challenge.”
“Um no?”
“Look I already know they are going to choose you.”
“No they are not, I know they are going to pick someone with experience, I saw this coming from a while ago.”
They couldn’t listen to them argue much longer. It was now or never. They stood up from the bushes and walked towards them.
Well… here goes nothing. They felt their tongue get heavy with each footstep they took towards them. Tristan was also sure that they had 7 splinters on each foot because for once they took their gigantic boots off.
“Hey guys…” They croaked out.
“TRISTAN???” Hannah and Benji both yelped out at the same time.
“Can we talk…”
The two brunettes nodded getting an apprehensive expression on their faces.
“This is about the confession right?” Benji questioned.
“What else could this be about.” Hannah punched his shoulder.
Tristan took a shaky breath moving in the middle between the two with Benji on the left side and Hannah on the right side of them. “So i’ve made a decision, and yes Benji, this is about the confession.”
Both of them nodded slowly thinking they are going to get rejected.
“Sorry if I overreacted earlier, it felt impossible to choice between two amazing people like you guys. At first, I wanted to ignore the whole situation because I couldn’t bear seeing either of you get upset, but eventually I took some thought into and realized something I’ve secretly longed for…” They started to smile just then.
“You definitely didn’t overreact I’ll tell you that.” Benji responded.
“So?” Hannah was starting to get impatient and so was Benji. Both prepared themselves for the rejection looking at the concrete floor.
“I want you guys both.” They blurted out without thinking about what they were going to say.
“WHAT?” The two said in unison looking up from the ground in confusion. Certainly neither of them were expecting this answer. The silence was definitely loud but it felt more comfortable from this morning.
“Tristan…” Benji finally spoke up. Tristan was very red now. They were afraid that either of them like the idea of being in a throuple. “I think this is my time to say I’ve been crushing on both you and Hannah for a bit now.” He started to blush.
“HUH???” Hannah felt like she was about to explode, two of her biggest crushes just admitted they liked her.
“So much for “you’re like a sister to me” Tristan giggled.
“I PANICKED ALRIGHT, I WANTED TO TELL YOU…” Benji now facing a very pink Hannah. “THAT I LIKED YOU BUT I WAS SCARED BECAUSE I THOUGHT YOU SAW ME AS A BROTHER?”
It took a bit for Hannah to process all of this information because she finally responded. “YOU IDIOT, I CLEARLY LIKED YOU TOO, BOTH OF YOU.” Pointing to the nerd and goth.
“WAIT SO WE ALL LIKED EACH OTHER?” Tristan pointed out.
All three of them looked at each other in shock to the realization before Hannah started to titter. “Well I guess it does.”
Benji questioned the two of them “So this does this mean we are in a…. shit what do you call it…”
“A throuple?”
“Yeah that… are we supposed to be a throuple now?”
“Well…” Tristan gestured Hannah and Benji to move closer to them. “Do you guys want to?”
“YES!” “Sure!” All of them were smiling big.
Tristan couldn’t have been happier right now. Not only does the two people they’ve had a crush both like them, but all of them are dating now. Everything was perfe-
Their thought was interrupted with Hannah and Benji screaming and without a warning water splashed their body. They look down at the pool with wide eyes seeing both their partners in the pool know. Someone must have knocked them in. They turned around only to see Ivy and Zaid giggling.
“WHAT WAS THAT FOR GUYS?”
“Sorry, Sorry but that’s not important you little rizzler.” Zaid smirked
“Oh… y-y-you overheard.”
“Yeah we did… also where were you, I tried to invite you to play poker with Ted, Natalia, Logan, Alessio and…ugh, Jade, but I couldn’t find you anywhere.” Ivy said a bit worried
Wait where was I. Their mind went blank, they couldn’t remember anything that happened after Tristan’s interaction with Ivy and Zaid in the motel kitchen.
“I LOST MY GLASSES.” Benji quickly realized.
Thank god he caused a distraction so I don’t have to answer Ivy’s question.
“ILL GO GET THEM FOR YOU LOVE.” Hannah said before going underwater to retrieve Benji’s glasses.
Tristan wanted to join those two in the pool “Hey Benji catch!”
“Wait wha-“ His sentence was halted when he saw a blurry image of Tristan trying leap in into his arms… expect he missed completely so Tristan just belly flopped into the pool splashing water on him.
“YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO CATCH ME DUDE!”
“I CAN’T SEE.”
“Okay let’s try this again.” Tristan climbed out of the pool and order Benji to stay still and hold his arms out like he was holding a tray. Tristan attempted to jump into his arms again. Luckily Benji caught them this time carrying them bridal style.
“Well ain’t this a delightful sight to see.”
Hannah emerged from the water wearing Benji’s glasses making Tristan snort.
“I didn’t know how cute you looked in glasses Barkeep.”
“Wait is she wearing my glasses?”
“Yeah but they suit you a lot more pretty boy.” Hannah swim in front of the two putting Benji’s glasses back on his face.
The three of them were so caught in the moment they forgot Ivy and Zaid were watching them like adults watching their crazy chaotic children. Hannah suddenly got an edgy look on her face when she remembered the actress and chef were watching her flirt with her partners.
She cleared her throat “Zaid…”
“Hmm?”
“I’m really sorry about the things I’ve said about you in the game, that was really not cool of me. Oh and Ivy I’m also sorry about voting you off a while back. I hope you two can forgiv-“
“Okay Hannah you can stop there, we forgave you a while back.” Zaid said reassuringly.
“You did?”
“Hannah we don’t hold grudges… at least I don’t.” Ivy chucked as she hit Zaid’s back.
“But Hannah… wait… Hannah and Benji come here for a moment.”
Hannah and Benji looked at each other before swimming over to the coping of the pool where Ivy and Zaid were standing.
Tristan didn’t know if they should move to them as well but they walked over to the coping questioning why Hannah and Benji swam even though they were in the shallow end.
“Promise you guys will not treat Tristan badly ever, oh and if you do-“
“ZAID.”
“Sorry… I’m just letting them know that if they hurt you they are going to have to go through me.”
“Oh my god…” Tristan chuckled. “Benji cannot and would not fight you.”
“Hannah’s feisty though.” Benji added on.
“I can test that out.” Tristan laughed whilst walking to Hannah.
“Tristan what are you doin-“ Hannah asked confused before Tristan picked her up. “HEY PUT ME DOWN.” She yelped out giggling trying to scramble herself out of their arms.
“Dam you’re right she is a feisty one.” Tristan joked making everyone else laugh.
“Surprised you got the arm muscles to lift her up.” Benji crossed his arms.
“You know everyone is strong in water Benny boy.” Tristan responded letting go of Hannah.
“Yeah like this.” Hannah suddenly swam up behind him and lifted him up which caused Benji to make a confused and surprised sound out of his mouth making him and his partners laugh really loud.
“So what do you think guys? Did Vibe Tribe get it’s 5th member.” Ivy suddenly announced.
Hannah pointed to herself hesitantly. Tristan and Benji got very excited over this news and surrounded Hannah.
“Wait hehe seriously? I-I-I don’t know what to say.”
“Yes, you want to say yes.” Benji spoke softly which made Tristan smile even bigger because they remembered when he those exact same words when Ivy asked Tristan to move in with her.
“Well… YES, YES ILL JOIN VIBE TRIBE!!!” Hannah screamed out in joy.
“OH MY GOD I’VE WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT EVER SINCE BENJI JOINED!” Tristan swam over to hug their gf whilst Benji did the same.
Tristan didn’t realize how dark it gotten since the last time they looked at the sky. The moon was shining bright in the clear dark sky spotted with the twinkling stars. They had no idea what the future would bring to them but they think they will enjoy the present while they still can holding their partners close together. They definitely made the right decision.