Gay Island

Day Nine Make A Decision

I woke up early the following morning, I didn't get much sleep during the night. As I started to pull myself up in bed Hayden copied. "You look tired, why are you up?" I whispered. "I didn't sleep well, last night was intense. I thought I could have been going home. Alfie was still my friend regardless of what happened" he replied. "I know, I get that". 

I stayed in bed, chatting to Hayden for a while until he decided to go and work out to calm himself. I went downs stairs to make myself a cup of tea before heading back upstairs to start to get ready. Tyrone was awake by this point as was Colin and Hugo. "Why is everyone up so early?" I asked as I sat down in the dressing room. "Last night was awful, to be honest," Tyrone told me. "Yeah, it was rough" Hugo agreed. "Today should be better," Tyrone said. "Yes, we have the power today. We are choosing our men" Hugo replied happily. "I somehow see arguments with that" I smirked. Tyler walked in, joining us as we were getting ready. "So do we know who we are picking tonight then?". "To be honest. I've spent basically all night thinking about this. Though my mind can still change I think I may get back together with Matt" I admitted. The boys gasp as Tyler looks down. "Oh really?" He replied as Hugo rushed over to sit next to me. "Tell me everything!" he demanded. "There's not much to tell. I like Hayden a lot but I'm wondering if it is more on a friendship level at least on my half of things. The only other guy I have a connection with is Matt" I said as Tyler looked away from me. "Well boys there's no point in cooping ourselves in here all day let's hit the sun!" Tyler called trying to keep us moving seeming to avoid the topic he brought up.

I decided to head to the gym to see if I could chat to Matt. As I arrived I noticed Sam and Hayden were with him. I knew I couldn't ask to talk to Matt alone, it would give away too much in front of Hayden. However, I needed to know where Matt's head was, I needed to know the situation between him and Tyler. If Matt wants to be with him then I'd rather know now, rather than making a fool of myself tonight. "Come on lads we need to impress the boys today!" Matt called as he lifts dumbbells on a bench. Sam points behind him, he turns around seeing me at the doorway. "Oh Jake, coming for a closer look?" Matt asked. "Yes, that and maybe a bit more," I said winking at them all. "Can't blame you for that" Hayden called from his bench. "Come on lads, we have a Jake to impress now" Matt calls as the boys suddenly start to do some reps. "You joining in Jake?" Matt asked. "No, I'm happy to just watch" I giggled. "Surely it's better to get hot and sweaty with us?" He winked. "Maybe I could attempt a little something" I giggled. "I'm going to take a guess and say you're more of a novice at working out," Hayden asked. "Well duh," I laughed. "It's ok, I've been coaching these two. You can't be any worst" Hayden told me as Matt and Sam frowned. Hayden starts to help me do some basic work out exercises such as squats, sit-ups and star jumps. "You know I'd have missed this if I had gone home last night. I'm so grateful the public kept me in" Hayden told us all. "I'd have missed you for sure if you had" Sam replied. "Me too, your still my best mate in here," Matt told him. "Let's just have a laugh today. Let's start with Jake" Matt continued. "What do you mean?" I asked. "Ever been used a weight before?". "I can't say I have, so no" I laughed. 

Matt and Hayden had me lay on the floor flat with my legs crossed. Hayden and Sam helped Matt get me into position as Matt began to bench me over his head. I laughed as Matt continued to lift me, "Jake you literally weigh nothing". He soon puts me down and pulls me in for a hug, "I'm all pumped now" he chuckled. "Shall I get us some water, it's starting to get quite hot" Sam suggested and walked off. "Well to see us in action might have made things clearer for you tonight Jake," Matt told me. 

It became apparent that I wasn't going to get Matt alone whilst he was working out. I decided that maybe I would get the chance a bit later. As I walked out of the gym I saw Tyrone, Colin and Hugo in the pool with there arms on the ledge chatting. I decided to walk into the pool from the shallow end and join them. "Watching the guys work out were you Jake?" Hugo asked cheekily. "You know it hun" I giggled. "Watching men work out is so hot. Gives me tingles just thinking about it" Hugo replied and winked. "How romantic" Tyrone laughs. 

I spent an hour or so chatting with the boys in the pool until I got a little thirsty in need of a cocktail. I got out and walked over to grab a towel from the patio when I saw George and Tyler chatting in the kitchen. I took the towel and walked inside to join them. As I walked inside George was taking some cakes out the oven. "Hey Jake, you're just in time. We just cleared down the kitchen and my cakes are just about done" George explained as he shut the oven door. "I'll grab you some icing sugar," Tyler said as he turned around to the cupboards. " I'm making these for Tyler, he's a bit down today about something. So I'm cheering him up" George whispered to me as he was placing his cakes on a cooling rack. 

Tyler turns around and walks over to me, he tells George he will just be a moment as he takes me outside onto the patio. "Can we talk?" He asked. "Yeah sure". "You've always been there for me and I do appreciate that. I guess I should say that there is a guy in the villa I like and it's a bit controversial" he said taking a moment to pause. "Go on?" I said nudging him to speak up and tell me. Tyler sighs, "I fancy Matt". "Are you serious?" I asked looking shocked. "I am, I like him". "Is there not anyone else in the villa you could maybe go for?" I asked. "But at the moment he's the only guy I feel physically attracted to. Yes, other guys are attractive but at the moment Matt is doing it for me. However, I don't want to upset anyone and I know this morning you said you might pick Matt later on and get back together with him. I won't lie to you Jake, I want to pick him too. How do you feel now I've told you the truth?" he explained. "I can't lie to you Tyler, I still want Matt back". "You what?" He gasped looking annoyed at me. "I just poured my heart out to you in a respectful way and you can't step aside for me? You were with Matt for literally a day, let someone else have him!". "That's not fair Tyler, even you know how gutted Matt was when Hayden chose me. The two fell out over it. I think they have only started to rekindle when the newbies came in. Even that may have been due to a recoupling was on the horizon. It makes me wonder if Matt is making amends with Hayden because he wants me back too. We have a connection, yes we were together a short time but surely that means something if we have both been with other people and still want each other". "Look I'm not an i***t I know Matt is fair game and anyone can have him. But I'm asking you as your friend don't pick him and let me have a chance with him". 

I didn't get the chance to respond as George popped his head out the door calling us inside for his cakes. Tyler looks at the cakes and then starts to blush as he rushes off. "Things didn't go to plan then? It's ok I'll catch up with him and see if I can help" George told me as he walked off after Tyler. 

A few hours later the group was together by the pool. The tops were in the water playing with a football and the bottoms were on towels on the grass tanning beside them. "Did you ever think your life would turn out like this? Being where you are today?" Hugo asked. "No, but then I always knew I deserved great things," I said with a hint of sass. Hugo smiled and looked into space thinking, "Our lives will basically change after this, I mean if you think about it, the show seems to get more popular each year, last year the ratings were something like five million viewers. That's a lot of people, even more, if they rise this year. Especially since they were going to broadcast to the states too" Hugo told me. "That's interesting" I replied as I looked over his shoulder seeing Tyrone sitting on Tyler rubbing cream on his back. Just as Tyrone finished I spoke, "Wow you managed to do that without a single guy making it dirty" I giggled. "They make everything dirty" Tyrone laughed. "I like the attention to be fair" I laughed as Hugo high fives me. 

It was strange to think how far Hugo had come into our group. I felt like he was one of us now, I guess the fight that happened a few days ago was needed. Everyone started to get over the past and move forward. Scars remain but the wounds have healed. 

George then called for us to gather around him as he started to read a text. I came away from my thoughts and moved over to sit with George.

Islanders, before the bottoms choose who to pick tonight. They will have the chance to take a top of their choosing out on a date to get to know them more.

Everyone seems pleased as I received a new message. It told me I would go first and needed to choose my date. "Who are you going to pick Jake?" Hugo asked. I took a moment to think, I had a chance to take Hayden out. Things are fine with him but I really I needed to see where Matt's head was. This date would be perfect to talk to him and see what he wants. If he decided he wanted to be with Tyler then at least I know to stay with Hayden. However, Tyler will be annoyed with me for taking Matt out, not to mention Hayden wouldn't be pleased either. "Jake? You spaced out? Who are you taking?" Tyrone asked. I felt pressured to give an answer there and then. "I would like to take... Matt" I said slowly. Matt seemed pleased, as George and Corey patted him on the back. "I'm excited this will be cute"  Hugo cheered while Tyler remained silent with his arms crossed. "Couldn't help yourself?" Tyler sighed seeming unhappy with me. Matt ignores Tyler and walks up to Hayden. "Everything ok?" He asked. Hayden shrugs seeming awkward, "if you want to get to know each other a little more, I can't stop that". "Cheers mate," Matt told him as he walked me into the villa to get ready for the date. 

After getting dressed and ready to go out, we were driven to a vineyard. We were given a table to sit at next to all the vines growing the grapes. It was beautiful to watch nature and then drink what it produces. We had a bottle of red and white wine on the table. "Everyone knows I'm not really a wine or champagne drinker" Matt sighs as he takes more of an interest in the food inside the hamper on the table. "More wine for me then" I giggled as I crack the red wine open and pour myself a glass. 

Matt pours himself a glass of water and we clink our glasses together. "To our date" I smiled as I take a sip. "One of many to come," he said as he finished his sip. "Why did you choose me for your date? Why not Hayden?" He continued. "I do genuinely like Hayden but I guess you're more for me" I admitted. "You know what's funny? Alfie got kicked out for going behind people's backs. How do you think Hayden feels about you taking me out?". "I don't know, I just hope he's not too hurt. He's an amazing guy". "What is it you see in me then?". "You know what I look for in a guy. Confidence, masculine, good build, having a good body with big arms and legs also helps" I chuckle. "Hmm" he mutters as he looks over his body, "yes I think I'm good" he smirked. "What is it you see in me". "I like petite boys mainly, small framed and not masculine. Your obviously attractive which helps". 

I smile at him as we start picking and eating some of the nibbles in front of us. Olives, cheese and crackers, various nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, chutneys and more. I continue to drink the wine as Matt drinks his water. "I guess we should talk about... the obvious," he told me. "Recoupling?". "That's the one. What are your thoughts?". "I might as well just be straight with you. I want to try again between us" I replied looking at him holding my glass. Matt smiles and leans forward to the table. "I'm glad you said that. Let's make that official then. Let's do it". "Your happy to do that?". "Definitely". "Your not one for feelings are you?" I chuckled. "I can sometimes open up. Definitely as a front no". "You shared a lot when Hayden picked me last time". Matt shrugs, "I didn't get what I wanted. I needed to make that known". "That's fine but what are your feelings towards me?" I asked looking puzzled. "It's hard to say, I find you attractive. I was gutted when Hayden chose you, part of that was maybe pride. Normally I steal other guys, girls or boys, not the other way around. At the same time I thought, the hottest boy in here isn't with me, how did that happen?" He explained sounding honest. 

About an hour later, our date was over and we had to head back. Matt took my hand and lead me to the jeep. Strangely we didn't kiss, I thought it would be something he would have done. Matt really likes kissing too, did this mean something?

As we walked back into the villa and everyone was standing around the kitchen, "looks like we are the last ones back" I replied looking at the group. 

"Jake, come over here. George has made fresh lemonade, it's really good" Tyler told me as he held up his glass. "Have you been doing this all afternoon?" Matt asked as we both approached the drinks tray. "You thought no one picked me for a date? Come off it, I had a great time with Tyler" George told him while smiling. "Actually after hearing everyone come back with their stories it seemed everyone had a nice time with there dates" Tyler explained. "We went orange picking, it was really good," George told us. "Sounds fun, did you guys kiss," I asked giving them a wink. "Oh no. Me and George are just friends aren't we, but I'd go on another date with him. It was great today to be with him" Tyler said as the two hugged. "How was your date?" George asked as Hayden came over, "Yes, let's hear about that". 

Suddenly I could feel everyone's eyes and ears on me, "clearly the two of us had been a topic of discussion this afternoon. "Our date was... interesting," I say looking at Matt who stayed silent. "What does that mean?" Tyrone asked. "It was nice to spend time with Matt. That's all there was to it". "Clearly there's more to it than that" Colin pointed out. "Yes, he's being coy! Which means he's hiding something" Hugo said pointing at me. "Now now, don't pester Jake when Matt is taking the back seat" Sam called from his position. "Jake's right, we just spoke" Matt replied calmly while leaning on the counter. 

The conversation started to fizzle out after that and soon people started to get ready for the recoupling. It felt it wasn't anyone's business what me and Matt did on our date. While getting ready Hugo starts a conversation about tonight. "So I assume Tyrone is picking Sam. But wouldn't it all be nice if everyone got who they wanted?". "It would be nice, but unless someone gets there first," Tyler said looking over at me. Tyler knew if he didn't get to Matt before me, I would take him, but it was first come first serve and we will see who comes out on top. 

I ignored his comment as Colin spoke up, "let's just go out there and do this" Colin said as he started heading out the door, with everyone else soon to follow. "Have fun guys!" Hugo cheered. 

As I was walking out, Hayden took me to one side, "Hey, we haven't really had much time to talk today. I know you went on a date with Matt. I guess I just want to know where I stand" he asked me directly. "We are good but I would like to pick Matt, to be honest," I said feeling guilty for hurting him. Hayden looked down and looked upset, "I...I guess... I'm glad I asked you then. I'll see you downstairs" he replied and walked off. "Hayden, I'm sorry!" I called as he continued to walk away. "We can talk later" he called as he then left my sight. 

I stood alone for a moment, knowing I had now committed myself to picking Matt. If Tyler chooses before me, I couldn't pick Hayden because he will know I don't want to be with him. He would be trapped in a relationship which he would know isn't going anywhere. I wouldn't do that to him, it wouldn't be fair. I felt horrible for hurting Hayden, he has been so kind to me this whole time. I prayed that I would pick before Tyler, if I didn't, I honestly don't know who I'd pick.

Eventually, I join the group being the last one. The tops had lined up by the pool as the bottoms stood in a group in front of them. I saw Matt standing in the line, he smiled at me. I gave him a small smile in return and then quickly looked away. I felt bad enough as it was, I couldn't rub it in Hayden's face. 

Suddenly, someones phone makes a noise and Tyrone announces he is first to choose. 

Tyrone steps forward and begins his speech, "I've been so lucky to meet this guy, he's honestly a dream. He treats me well, we get on great and he's just never anything but a pleasure to be around. Therefore I would like to couple up with Sam". Sam smiles as the other tops pat him on the back, the two kiss in front of us, as we all clap. 

They soon stand to one side and my phone bleeps next. In a weird way as much as I wanted Matt, one part of me wished Tyler chose him first because then I wouldn't hurt people. It's easier to hate someone for doing something wrong than it was to be on the receiving end of it. Which I knew Tyler was going use on me. On the other hand, Hayden was becoming a friend to me, rather than a lover. It's not fair to keep us together.

I realised that everyone was staring at me and I hadn't said a single word. "Are you ok Jake?" George called. "I... Yeah," I replied as I paused for a moment. "A lot has happened over this past week. I've thought long and hard about this moment. This guy is real, he has always been close to me and I like that. We have a great spark and therefore have the heat and the chemistry. After a lot of thought, I have decided that I would like to couple up with...Matt" I said nervously. Matt looked really happy and instantly started walking over to me. "You snake!" Tyler yells as everyone looked either shocked or awkward. Matt looks over at Tyler and frowns, "f**k him" he snaps rolling his eyes. He takes my hand and walks me over to one side avoiding the drama. I saw in the distance that even Hayden looked disappointed with me.

I felt awful but now I need to fight for what I chose. Tyler's phone was next to bleep and he stepped forward looking furious. "The guy I would like to couple up with has been a real friend to me. He puts a smile on my face which I could use right now. Anyway, I would like to couple up with George".

George walks over to Tyler and wraps him up in a hug, "being the second choice isn't so bad" he chuckled trying to lighten the mood. George and Tyler whisper together as they step to one side and Tyler soon glares at me. I decided to ignore him for now, I felt bad enough for Hayden, besides Tyler knew I was going to pick him if I went first. However, Hayden also knew the situation, neither were in the dark. 

Hugo takes his place, stepping forward. "I think this guy is really sweet. In fact he's stunning in my opinion, I think we could be a power couple and really go far. I would like to couple up with Hayden". The group claps as Hayden walks over to Hugo, he glances at me for a moment before he leans down and kisses Hugo on the cheek. 

Colin is the last to choose and he steps forward. "I'm really happy. This actually worked out well for me, believe it or not, the guy standing in front of me is the guy I wanted to couple up with. He's hot, kind, funny and I would love to get to know him more. I would like to couple up with Corey". Corey stepped forward with a smile on his face and kisses Colin on the cheek. 

As the recoupling comes to a close, everyone starts to head inside, some to relax and others... not so much. As I walked towards the house Hayden approached me. "Can we talk?" He asked. "Yeah... sure," I said looking slightly nervous. 

The two of us walked over to the daybeds and sat on one of them. "I can't lie to you. I am hurt that you went back to Matt". "I'm sorry, I didn't want to hurt you. I still think you're a great guy. I think for me, you and I are friends". "It's just embarrassing I guess, it's all in public in front of everyone". "Again I'm sorry. Where does this leave us?". "I mean, me and Matt have made up after last time. I'm not going to get in your way, I should give Hugo his chance. It's the right thing to do". I lean forward and give Hayden a hug.

My eyes got a little watery, which was unusual for me as I didn't usually get upset. I was emotionally very strong. I managed to suck the water back inside my eyes but my face was a little red by the time we pulled away from each other. I stood up and left Hayden to think alone on the daybeds before I shed a tear. 

I head back inside to see Corey and Sam in the kitchen. Suddenly, Tyler storms into the kitchen looking angry as the two quickly leave the room. "You absolute b***h!" Tyler yelled as he rushed over to me. "You only chose him because you knew I liked him!" Tyler yelled as he slapped me across the face. I turned around and grabbed him by the hair and pulling his head and slapping him across the face. I pulled on his hair and shoved him into the counter. We both started screaming at one another whilst gripping onto each other. "I poured my heart out to you!" Tyler screamed as he was trying me make me let go of his hair. The two of us let go, staring at one another. "Look!" I said as Tyler cut me off. "No, you look! You use whatever pathetic excuse you like and shove it up your arse! I'm done with you! Stay out of my way!" He yelled as he stormed out of the room. Matt then comes into the room in a pair of boxer briefs. "I overheard, that's a lot of drama. I felt it was better you both sorted things than me stepping in" he explained. "He's just upset things didn't go his way" I complained. "Sounds like Tyler to me". "But you two had a thing, something that none of us knew about until recently" I replied giving him an annoyed look. "Yeah ok there was. Maybe it's not how Tyler sees it... anyway, this is where I want to be right now. I want to be with you and I'm glad you picked me" he told me looking me in the eyes as he placed his hands on my shoulders. I didn't speak for a moment, I leaned back onto the counter as Matt stepped forward pressing himself against me. "How did Hayden take it? Are we falling out again?". I smiled at his response and then replied, "He's upset obviously but less than Tyler. It's more me than you that he isn't on good terms with". "I feel for him of course but at the end of the day I want to be with you and we found each other first. He was the one that took you away from me". We stood silent again for a moment until Matt spoke. "Look, I'm glad you picked me. Honestly". "How are you going to thank me" I replied giving a small smile. "I'm sure I can think of something" he smirked pulling me in for a hug, kissing me on the lips for a moment. He then took my hand and walked me up to bed. As we enter the room I saw Tyler looking happy. He was pillow fighting with George and laughing as if nothing had happened. The two soon wrestle each other down on the bed and soon Tyler leans forward and kisses George. 

Hayden and Hugo were also giggling in bed, chatting quietly about something, I wasn't sure what. Tyrone blew me a kiss as he caught my eye, I smile and see he is just about to get into bed with Sam. Just as I look over at Colin and Corey, Matt's phone makes a noise. "Guys the hideaway is open and we need to choose a couple to sleep there tonight" he called to the group. I liked the hideaway it was a romantic place to be. It was a building on its own next to the villa. Up until now, the door to it has been locked and no one has seen inside it this season of the show, usually they decorate it every season. "It should be Sam and Tyrone" Tyler called. "No Jake and Matt should have it after everything they've been through" Colin called. "Maybe it's better for Matt and Jake to go" Hugo suggested. "You can go Jake, I don't mind," Tyrone told me. "No honestly you two go. You guys deserve it" I smiled at him. 

The two seem pleased as they ran off out of the room. Matt and I got into bed and waved them off. I laid down on my bed with Matt next to me. Something felt right, Matt and I just seemed to fit really well together, he gave me a kiss on the lips. 

Soon I was asleep.