Lodged Away

TITLE : Lodged Away
AUTHOR : Gomey
RATING : NC-17
DISCLAIMER : I am merely borrowing names and circumstances for my own devilish pleasure. No personal gain (save for satisfaction and expression of desires) is being made from this. All known characters and premises belong to their respective owners. So there.

---------------------

Chapter One

Ryan Seacrest skipped in happily, stopping short while eyeing the disgruntled looks that were being cast in his general direction. He swung around, glancing behind him, just to make sure that such looks were being offered to someone else instead of his pretty-boy being. Offering a sheepish smile, he walked the rest of the way to the judges table, where the three famed personas were sitting, awaiting for the auditions to commence.

“Gentlemen...lady.” He grinned at Paula, content on receiving a small smile back.

“Seacrest...what do you want?”

Ryan put his hands up in defence, not wanting an argument to occur between him and the acidic Brit. “Peace offering from Nigel and Fuller over there.” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder, motioning the two cohorting in the corner. “Look, they think we’ve been working crazy and the season’s barely started, so they’re offering us a little ‘getaway’.” His pearly whites shone, echoing the excitement in his eyes. “We’re going camping!”

All three judges looked at him with disgust.

“Camping?” Paula cringed glancing over at Simon who’s expression mirrored her own; that of distaste and confusion. “How about a spa, or a trip to the Bahamas or -”

“ - something cheaper like bussing us to the local ski resort here in Colorado.” Simon added, folding his arms across his chest, chin pointed high.

“Yeah...well,” Ryan slowly began, “it’s more of an excursion. We get to go trekking a bit, camp for the night in a tent and then head down to the Chalet after.” He shrugged, his child-like enthusiasm slowly dwindling. “I don’t know...sounded like fun to me.”

Simon’s pout fell out, though in mocking stance as the corners of his lips slowly lifted. “Aww, did we wuin wittle Wyan’s fun?”

Paula giggled, slapping Simon playfully on the arm. “Nah, I think it’ll be nice.” She finally admitted, glancing over at Randy who was nodding with acquiesce.

“Yo, it’ll be a chance for us to bond, to renew our friendship.” He spoke truthfully, aware of some drifts that had mustered their way in as of late.

“We work behind a desk for bloody hours - how much more bonding can we do without super glue?” Simon retorted, not liking this idea at all. “Besides, I, Simon Cowell...do not sleep in a tent.”

“Hey, you can become one with nature.” Ryan added.

“Please...he’d probably insult nature and defile her to a point of tears.” Paula grinned cheekily, content on one-upping her antagonist.

Simon grumbled in response, swivelling away from the now-excited group. His eyes sought out something of more interest while his ears still listened to their planning.

“Okay,” Ryan began, handing out a few information booklets, “so we trek through the forest for about a half day, taking in the sights and sounds of the area close to the Rockies.”

Paula hummed in response, actually feeling giddy about this well-needed break from the showbiz scene. “We camp for the night and then head out for another half-day trek towards the Chalet.”

Randy nodded his approval, “definitely sounds like fun - we then have a free-for-all.” He pointed to the pamphlet. “Says here we have our own Lodge, complete with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a hot tub, a fully-furnished kitchen and cook on demand.”

Ryan smiled, happy his friends were getting into the spirit. “Right, and then we’re able to do anything we want for the week - skiing, snowboarding, lounging...there’s even a spa for the pampered, Simon.” He threw a joke over at the brooding Brit.

Simon turned in his chair, casting an unamused glare at Ryan. “You know they’re trying to buy joy from us?” He looked around at the blank stares that popped into view. “And it’s working.” His lip curled with disgust and he casually picked up the pamphlet, his eyes scanning it with contempt.

“So it’s settled. We’re going to Colorado!” Ryan exclaimed, winning chuckles from Randy and Paula. They all looked at Simon, waiting for his famed insert.

“Whoopee.”

«Monotonous and melodramatic...» Paula thought with a warm smile, while regarding him flip through the booklet, «Yup, that’s my Simon!»

–TBC–