Rian woke up to an empty bedroom. It seemed Tai didn’t want to wake her. She wasn’t sure how to feel about that. Maybe he didn’t want to disturb her. She headed to the kitchen to find Camilo making his famous pancakes. AJ was massaging Harry’s shoulders.

“Wow, Rian, you look amazing!” AJ gushed.

“Yea, you look incredible,” Harry said, giving her the once over.

Camilo grinned. “My hero!” He stepped away from the stove to pull Rian into a hug. He smelled like Giorgio Armani, and Rian leaned against him, enjoying his comfort for a moment before stepping away. “Sit down! I made you breakfast as a thank you for saving Iona and me last night.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” Rian said, “I chose the stronger couple.”

“You think we are the stronger couple? That’s so sweet.” Camilo continued as he dished her up some pancakes.

Rian dug into the food, but Harry interrupted her breakfast. “Oh, AJ, don’t stop!” Rian snorted, trying to chew her food before she laughed. “I know you are there, Rian, and I don’t care. Some things are worth moaning for. “

Camilo threw an amused look at the duo. AJ grinned. “Not the first time I’ve been told that, babes. I give these to girls on the team all the time. They call me magic hands. Although one girl does it for completely different reasons.”

“You’re a miracle worker,” Harry said, rolling his neck.

“You’re lucky I’m here. You’ve got terrible posture. You’re going to end up with rounded shoulders unless you stand straight.” AJ chided. She finished up the massage and patted him on the back. “All done.”

“Aw, Just a minute longer?” He asked.

“Nope. My magic hands are too powerful.” AJ teased. “The human body can only take so much. Who’s next? Rian?”

Rian smiled. “Why not?”

AJ beamed and gestured for Rian to sit down. AJ’s hands came to her shoulders, fingers firm on her muscles. Rian had to admit that AJ was skilled as she melted away the tension that had been collecting in her shoulders and back. “Is the pressure, OK?” AJ asked.

“Heavenly,” Rian answered.

Harry cleared his throat, “See, it’s not just me.”

“Sorry for judging you,” Rian smirked.

AJ continued to massage for a few more moments. “There, all done. If you would like some more, you can come to the living room.” She walked out of the kitchen.

Camilo raised an eyebrow as Harry looked at Rian. “I think she wants to have a chat,” Rian said. “Thanks for breakfast, Camilo. I’ll see you guys later.”

When Rian entered the living room, AJ smiled. “I’m glad you came. We never get any time alone.” She patted the sofa. Rian sat down and then shifted to lie down. “Can I lie with you?” AJ asked.

“Yes.” Rian smiled as AJ snuggled up to her. “What’s on your mind, babes?”

“You know, I like boys. I like their big arms and their jawlines and stubbly faces, but it’s hard being with them. I don’t understand them as well. Girls are easy. I am one, so in know what to say, what to do. I know my way around their bodies better, too. Sometimes with boys, I feel like I have to prove myself. Like Bill’s a roofer, I feel like … I don’t know, I somehow gotta be handy.” AJ sighed but then gave a flirty grin. “Or maybe I just got someone else on my mind.”

Rian smiled at her. AJ took the opportunity to press her lips to Rian’s. She giggled before climbing on top of her to straddle her. Rian ran her hands up AJ’s back and massaged her shoulders. She knew that this was probably a bad idea. She liked AJ, but it would never work, and the last thing she wanted to do was hurt her. AJ pulled away. “What are you doing?”

“Didn’t you bring me here for a massage?” Rian asked.

“A ruse so clever, even you believed it…” AJ chuckled. “I’m wasted on sports. Maybe I should mastermind a crime… She planted a last kiss on Rian’s lips. You know, it’s my birthday tomorrow.”

“Then you should get plenty of cuddles,” Rian said, wrapping her arms around AJ… it felt nice, even if it was just for a moment.

“Oh, my favorite.” AJ smiled drowsily.

“AJ, Rian,” A voice called them. Rian didn’t recall falling asleep, but Tai was standing next to them along with Bill.

“We thought you guys got lost.” Bill teased. “But you were taking a nap together, so cute.”

Iona and Camilo stepped into the lounge. “And I missed out. Rian is the best cuddler.” Iona said. Camilo looked at Iona with raised eyebrows. “What? We had a sleepover, and Rian cuddled up with me.”

Rian gently nudged AJ, who was still asleep. “Babes.”

“Five more minutes,” AJ muttered.

“Sweetie, everyone is waiting for us,” Rian said as Yasmin and Seb walked with Nicky and Elladine.

“Fine…” AJ cracked open one eye. Seeing the other islanders, she sat up quickly and smirked. “Guess I needed a nap.”

Harry and Viv walked in curiously as the rest of the islanders laughed. “I never thought I’d see the day when AJ needed a nap.” Seb teased.

“It’s Rian’s fault for being so comfy,” AJ said.

Everyone piled into the lounge and found a spot to relax. Rian looked around to see the bants were flowing, and everyone was happy. She couldn’t help but smile. It seemed like they were all a part of a strange and wonderful family.

The sound of a text notification broke the revelry. Everyone was hushed. “That was me…” AJ pulled out her phone. “It’s time for the recoupling.”