"H-Hey, Cigarette?"

  "Hm?" Cigarette turned around. Shoe stood there, and his gaze was flighty. He kept trying to make eye contact, but tore his gaze away not a second later. It was unlike him. "You...look pretty nervous."

  "Oh...you noticed?" Shoe chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah, I look like a mess right now."

  "Well, there's no need to be nervous," Cigarette smiled, "you can tell me anything."

  Shoe nodded. "Well then, I guess... We've been friends for a few months now, haven't we? And you've helped me become a better person and learn how to make friends, but you've always been my first and closest friend. You mean everything to me!"

  Cigarette blushed. "O-Oh, really? Well...thank you..." 

  "Yeah..." Shoe stepped a little closer. "But then, I started feeling things for you, and I got scared! Because...because I was so worried that if you didn't feel the same way, I would lose you and be alone again..."

  "Feelings?" Cigarette interjected. "You mean like...love?"

  Shoe pursed his lips. "Yeah... You don't...have to accept or anything. Y-You know what," Shoe turned around, "I'll just leave..."

  "Shoe, wait!"

  Cigarette had shouted without really thinking. Shoe faced her with big, hopeful eyes.

  "...yeah?"

  Cigarette didn't have feelings for Shoe. Shoe was a great friend and all, and was becoming a better person. Cigarette trusted him enough to tell him she was transgender, and he accepted her. Despite the years trapped in the strange bouncy castle of losers, Cigarette and Shoe made many nice memories together.

  But Shoe was only a close friend. Nothing more.

  Still, Shoe was lonely. Despite having made up with most of the other contestants, Shoe didn't talk to anyone but Cigarette. She sensed that she was the only one who was willing to put the past behind her. And if she were to reject Shoe now...

  "I- Yeah! Let's be in a relationship!" Cigarette plastered on a grin. She just couldn't hurt Shoe like that. And maybe she'd grow feelings for him throughout the relationship!

  And if she didn't...she would have to cross that bridge when she got to it. Unease grew in her stomach.

  It still felt wrong.

  "R-Really!?" Shoe grinned ear to ear. "You don't know how much this means to me, Cigarette! Thank you!" He kissed Cigarette on the cheek and her face went hot. 

  "Y-Yeah... you're welcome?"

  Shoe snickered and nuzzled up to Cigarette, whose feelings were a mess of relief and guilt.

~☆~ 

  It was a clear night, and the stars twinkled down from above. Two months had passed since Shoe's confession, and he and Cigarette laid closely together and gazed at the dark sky.

  "It's actually really easy when you know what you're looking for. Those three stars are his belt."

  "Ehh..." Cigarette squinted her eyes. "I still don't see it."

  Shoe laughed. "You're so silly, Cigarette."

  Cigarette had to admit, nights like these were really nice. It was just her and Shoe, who she felt was the only one who really understood her. She felt as if they were cut from the same cloth- and Cigarette had to admit, she was a bit of a hypocrite. She was awfully standoffish with strangers and acquaintances, but didn't make any effort to change herself.

  Friends didn't come easy, either. And her identity was sometimes a cause for conflict. It was difficult having the stature and voice of a female, but the rough personality of a male. Comments along the lines of 'you sure don't act like a girl' were all too common.

  She frowned. "Hey, Shoe? I gotta vent for a bit."

  "You can tell me anything."

  Cigarette took a deep breath in, and light smoke trailed out. "Ehh, I was just thinking some stuff...about who I am. People judge me way too quickly. They see me and either think I'm some girly wimp or a stupid tough guy, and I'm just..." Cigarette sighed, "really tired of it. I wish people wouldn't make stupid assumptions all the time."

  "You're not...talking about people like me, are you?" 

  "Well-" Cigarette caught herself before saying too much. "I mean, in the beginning, yeah, but you've changed now. I know you accept me."

  "And I do," Shoe said, and kissed Cigarette's cheek. "But those other people sound like real meanies."

  Cigarette cracked a smile. "Yeah, they are."

  "You shouldn't care about those people. You're too good for them."

  "I know." Cigarette's voice dropped to a low whisper. "But it still kinda hurts."

  Silence passed. Cigarette didn't feel any better, but at least it was off her chest. At least Shoe listened.

  "Hey, Cigarette?"

  "Hm?"

  "What do you think about running away together? Away from everyone who judges us. We can be happy together, just you and me."

  Cigarette hesitated before answering. "You serious? I mean- it'd be nice, but-" she laughed awkwardly, "do you even have a plan?"

  "We'll make it up as we go." Shoe's eyes twinkled with enthusiasm. "And we'll go anywhere! Think about it, Cigarette!" Shoe turned to face her. "Away from all the- the naysayers and the people who hurt you. It'll be an adventure, just like you've always wanted, with the person you love the most. Doesn't that sound amazing?"

  "It really does, but that's not a plan," Cigarette countered. "It doesn't sound all that stable. Where would we live? How do we get the funds for this? There's too many open ends, and... it doesn't make me feel secure."

  "It'll be like a giant camping trip! You've always wanted to go camping, haven't you? We'll sleep under the stars and eventually land at a house by a lake, and we'll live there, together! We'll get jobs, and sure, it'll be hard, but we'll have each other, and that's all that matters!"

  "But it's not-!" Cigarette stopped herself when she realized her voice was raised. "Sorry. It's just not secure enough. I can't-"

  "Not enough?"

  Her poor word choice speared Cigarette back in her heart. "I- That's not what I meant, Shoe. I just can't follow through if I don't know how we do this in the first place!"

  "So you think the money is the problem?"

  Cigarette nodded. "Yeah."

  "Then..." Shoe's eyes lit up again. "It's a stretch, but...what if we steal the prize?"

  "Are you-!?" Cigarette stopped herself again. "We can't do that!" she hissed, "what if we get caught? I don't want to go to jail!"

  "Cigarette, listen to me." Shoe cupped Cigarette's cheek in his foot. "You trust me, right? You love me, right? I wouldn't be saying all of this if I didn't love you. In fact- I'll do it by myself if I have to. Just for you."

  "Don't- Don't say that. I trust and love you, but you can't do that!" Guilt and shame filled Cigarette's head. "I don't want you to get caught because of me."

  "Then do it with me, because I can't do it without you. This is for our happiness- your happiness! So? What do you say?"

  Cigarette couldn't answer immediately. It was a massive leap of faith- something she had never quite trusted anyone with. But if this worked like Shoe said, she'd be living her best life. It was like one of those cheesy romantic movies.

  She mentally scoffed at the irony. She hated those movies.

  But with Shoe by her side, she could do anything. He was ultra-smart, and capable of anything he put his mind to.

  "Cigarette...I only need you. I need you, more than ever."

  He needed her. That's the only thing he ever asked of her. He had no one else but her. And she couldn't very well just leave him.

  And they'd be happy together. That's all Cigarette could've wanted.

  "I'm in."

  She really did love him.

~☆~

  "So, a little birdie told me that on the day of the finale, everyone will be gathered at the competition grounds."

  "We're finally gonna be let out of this dump? Sweet relief!" Cigarette bounced on the floor. Shoe beamed at her.

  "Yep! Anyway, I was thinking we-"

  "Hey, Cigarette?" a third voice butted in. Shoe and Cigarette looked up to see Hammer. "I gotta borrow you for a sec."

  "Can it wait? I'm kinda in the middle of something."

  Hammer glanced at Shoe. "No. It's really important."

  "Okay, fine," Cigarette sighed as she stood up. "Sorry, Shoe. Be back soon!"

  "Don't take too long!" Shoe called out after the pair as they bounced to a more private area of the bouncy castle. He shot a glare after Hammer.

  Hammer sighed as he sat down next to Cigarette. "I'm gonna get straight to the point. You can't trust Shoe."

  For a moment, Cigarette was speechless. "...Seriously? That's what you wanted to tell me?"

  "Hear me out!" Hammer whispered. His eyes darted to Shoe, who Hammer swore was watching them. "And keep your voice down. I wanted to say something sooner, but you looked happy with him, so I didn't say anything. But I heard it from everyone on Team Cool, and you're in danger-"

  "How am I in danger? I'm already eliminated."

  "Just-!" Hammer put his finger over his lips. "I don't know how, but it's all because of Shoe. He's the one who's been making the team lose!"

  "What!?" Cigarette hissed, "that's stupid! He wouldn't do that! Besides, he-"

  "He made a robot and replaced Banana!"

  "And where's your proof!?"

  Hammer gripped his head. "Ask anyone on Team Cool! You can't trust Shoe, okay? You have to believe me!"

  "And why should I trust you!? After everything you said about me!"

  "For the last time, I have no idea what you're talking about! Didn't you say you were willing to put it behind you?"

  "You know what," Cigarette turned away, "I'm done listening to you, jerk. I was right the first time, you just want to tear me apart!"

  Hammer clenched his fists in frustration. "Fine then! Don't say I didn't warn you," he said in a low voice. Wardrobe walked over to Hammer while Cigarette stomped over to Shoe. Smoke billowed out of her.

  "What happened?" Shoe asked as Cigarette sat down again, "did he say something mean?"

  "Said some stuff about you being a danger to me," Cigarette scoffed. "He's probably just judging you."

  "Okay," Shoe nodded. He frowned. "Sorry I caused you trouble. You fought with Hammer because of me... Why can't everyone just get along?"

  Cigarette sighed. "It's not your fault at all! And I don't care what Hammer thinks, anway. And hey," she nudged him, "all the more reason for us to get out of here, right?"

  Shoe smiled. "Yeah! So, back to what I was saying before..."

~☆~

  The day of the finale had finally arrived. Excitement swirled about the air, and all of the eliminated contestants cheered for their favorite finalist as they sat on bleachers. All eyes were on the final two.

  Meanwhile, Cigarette and Shoe hid behind a bush, close to the briefcase where the million dollars were stashed. Shoe could almost taste it, the victory he was robbed of from the very beginning. 

  But he wasn't sure if it was adrenaline, or apprehension. 

  He couldn't back down now. This was his moment.

  "You know the plan, right?" he whispered to Cigarette. She nodded, with a twinkle in her eyes.

  "I wait for your signal, grab the case, and get out. We got this in the bag!"

  "Right. But be careful," he found himself warning her. Did that just come out of his mouth?

  "You too," she said, and kissed his cheek. "Good luck." 

  With that, Cigarette ran off. Shoe watched after her, and fear knotted his stomach. What was he feeling? His plan was foolproof, there was no way Cigarette could mess it up!

  But what if she did? What if she got caught, and got in trouble? Shoe shook his head and muttered under his breath. It didn't matter. He'd use the distraction and make away with the million anyway.

  Then he would leave Cigarette to deal with the consequences. Why did that sound wrong to him? This was always his plan. He didn't love her. She was just a mindless, witless pawn in his game. A pawn that continously went to all lengths to serve him, and keep him company, and wasted her time trying to make him a 'better' person.

  She was stupid. And she had played his game perfectly. Why didn't he feel joy?

  There was no way he cared about her, right? The months they had spent together in their fake relationship meant nothing to Shoe. 

  Shoe looked down at the smoke bomb. When he left her, what would he do with the money? He'd get rich, sure, but he honestly forgot what life felt like without Cigarette by his side. What was all the money for? What was he trying to accomplish? It meant nothing without...

  ...without Cigarette. 

  He was going to hurt her. How bad was it going to be? And Shoe felt hurt, too.

  Empathy? Was that empathy he felt? 

  Oh god.

  He couldn't let this happen.

  "Cigarette!" he hissed, and jogged to where Cigarette was hiding. "Cigarette! We can't do this, I'm calling it off."

  "Where have you been?! And- don't we need this money?"

  "Uh-" Shoe paused. They did need the million. The house by the lake, nearby a nice town where they could start fresh. That's the future Shoe wanted, for himself and Cigarette. "Right, sorry. Take it and let's go!"

  Cigarette nodded, gripped the handle of the briefcase in her mouth, and pulled.

  The briefcase scraped the platform it laid on with a terrible sound. Microphone immediately looked to his side and saw Cigarette.

  Shoe's heart stopped in his chest. He forgot the smoke bomb.

  "What do you think you're doing!?" he yelled. His voice stopped the spectators and finalists in their tracks, and they turned to look at Cigarette, who was the only one visible to everyone. Her breath was ragged, as she could only stare back with wide, guilty eyes.

  Her gaze locked with Hammer. He was grim, yet...sympathetic.

  "I'm calling the police," Microphone said, and grabbed the briefcase out of Cigarette's mouth. She winced, her teeth stung from the force. "Somebody, hold her down!"

  "Wait!" Shoe found his voice as Trophy started to move. "Don't arrest her! Arrest me! I was the one behind this!"

  "You!" Trophy spat. The rest of Team Cool regarded Shoe with disgust. "You dragged an innocent person into your revenge game, too!? Especially Cigarette! I thought you two hated each other!"

  "He told me all about it while we were eliminated. Shoe just wanted us to be happy!" Cigarette spat back. "People like you only make him feel more lonely! It's not his fault!"

  "Wh-" Trophy stared at Cigarette, dumbfounded. She glanced at Tulip, who looked just as confused as her. "I have no idea what you're talking about. He's a villain, Cigarette! He was the traitor who made us lose every challenge!"

  "You're lying! Stop-"

  "He was the one who got you eliminated! He replaced your drawing with a crappy one, just so you'd lose!" Trophy screeched, then turned, fuming, to Shoe. "You lied to her, didn't you? Tell her the truth, Shoe!"

  Tulip and Hearty brought Trophy's arms down. Trophy panted, her glare still set on Shoe. Cigarette's gaze also landed on Shoe- who looked awfully guilty- and her faith in him wavered.

  "...Shoe?"

  He only stared at the ground. No matter how much he didn't want to be in this mess, he was the one who made it. It was definitely karma.

  "I...I'm sorry, Cigarette. Trophy's right. I was the one who messed up your drawing, and the team."

  "Well- I don't care about that anymore. The drawing doesn't matter, so-"

  "That's not all!" Shoe burst out. "I- Cigarette, I used you! I wanted the money to myself, and- and I made this whole plan, and I tricked you! But I realized you don't deserve that! And...I'm sorry."

  Shoe was met with silence: the worst answer. Then he noticed the tears in Cigarette's eyes.

  "So...it- it was all a lie? Y-You don't...love me?"

  "I..." Shoe didn't know how to respond. And he didn't get the chance to. The police came in, and Microphone gestured to Shoe and Cigarette while he explained the situation. The two were swiftly leg-cuffed and escorted to the police car.

  "...it doesn't matter, anyways," Cigarette said lowly. "We're done."

  Shoe bobbed his head. His heart ached, but he knew he deserved it. He deserved whatever was coming to him.