Emma: And you two were trying to put up a tent... ;)
Mike: Emphasis on tryin'. ;)
Lauren: Yes, we were! Hey, I looked up how to do it!
Peter: Well, there you go! :D
Lauren: I think I know what I'm doing.
Micky: Oh, that makes me feel better. ;)
Davy: You think? /:)
Emma: (Grins and returns to the trailer to get some shut-eye) Nice knowing you two. ;)
Lauren: Well, I've never pitched a tent before! I've pitched a baseball...
Davy: And that's going to help you put up a tent 'ow, luv?
Lauren: *getting frustrated* Oh, I don't know, Dave! Geez...
Mike: Well, if certain people wouldn't snore loud enough to be heard back in California, they wouldn't be out in a tent! :p
Micky: I never even knew I do snore! How am I supposed to help it?
Peter: (Grins as he goes back in the MonkeeTrailer) Hey, Mike, I liked your idea of recording what he sounds like. ;)
*Micky grumbles something unintelligible.*
Davy: At least 'e'll know what torture he puts us through! (Also returns to the trailer)
Mike: (Sighs) Just be careful, guys, ok? There are wild animals and things out here. We don't need anyone to end up in the stomach of a bear that doesn't have a heart on its tummy. (Goes back in the MonkeeTrailer)
Micky: *aims a razz in the direction of the MonkeeTrailer, then turns back to Lauren* Now if everyone's finished picking on me...
Lauren: *chuckles, unfolding a tarp* I think they're done now.
Micky: (Pouts) I hope so. (Pulls out a mess of poles and tries to figure out what goes where)
Lauren: Okay, Mick, okay... where's the directions?
Micky: Directions? (Looks around) I don't need no stinkin' directions! I once built a gyrocopter in the basement! Surely I can figure out how to put together a little tent. (Returns to the poles)
Lauren: For some reason, I think there's a difference between this and the gyrocopter. You knew what you were doing with the copter.
Micky: I last saw the directions (nods at the pile of poles) under there somewhere, I think. I couldn't make heads or tails of them. They must have been written in at least five different languages! :p
Lauren: *searches under the poles & pulls out a sheet of paper, looks it over, then drops it on the ground* You're right. We don't need no stinkin' directions...because they forgot to include them in English!
Micky: (Still figuring out the poles) Why the heck wouldn't they include them in English? Last time I checked, we weren't Portugese or Japanese! :p
Lauren: *shakes her head, picking up a pole* I haven't the faintest idea. Let's just see if we can figure out how these go together. *tries to thread the pole through the edge of the tent itself*
Micky: (Starts putting poles together) And five a goes in two b...
Lauren: That doesn't sound right, Mick...
Micky: (Looks at the pole - a very large one is jammed in one that's square) No, it doesn't. (Groans) Man, it's too late for this stuff...
Lauren: Well, we gotta figure it out, or else you'll be braving all of nature out here for the entire night. *finally gets her pole threaded* Hey, I think I got it!
Micky: (Grins, in his mad scientist voice) I think we've had a breakthrough, Nurse Miller! ;)
Lauren: *chuckles* Oh, so I'm a nurse again, huh? *picks up another pole similar to the first one* I'll bet this goes in the other side.
Micky: (Takes two more square poles) And I think these look like they go together...I hope.
Lauren: *takes a quick look* I think you may have something there. *threads her second pole* Ah ha!
Micky: (As the poles fit together) Eureka, we have found it! :D
Lauren: Yeah! Now, take 'em apart and thread them through the tent this time. *tries not to laugh*
Micky: (Blushes) Um, oops. (Does so) :">
Lauren: *picks up the last pole* It's okay, Mick. *threads the pole through the top of the tent* Just have to attach this to your poles, and I think we've got it.
Micky: Great! Then I can finally get some shut-eye. It's been a long day. (Sighs as he and Lauren attach the threaded poles) Lauren?
Lauren: *attaches the door flap* Yeah, Mick?
Micky: Lauren...(softly)...how do you feel about...you know...us? The whole marriage deal? Seriously. (Grins) Yes, I know the meaning of that word. ;)
Lauren: *gives him a small smile* Seriously...I'm nervous. I mean, us...feels right, but the marriage deal kinda...really scares me.
Micky: (Nods) Yeah, me too, really. I mean, I love you, but it's all happened so fast.
Lauren: You...don't regret asking me, do you?
Micky: (Quickly) Of course not! I love you! I've never loved any girl more! It's just kind of...weird, that's all. Not bad.
Lauren: *lets out a breath* That's good to know. *pauses* It's really weird. Kinda...unreal.
Micky: Yeah. I never believed in whirlwind romances before, but I guess we just clicked. I don't know how else to put it.
Lauren: *scratches the back of her head, gives a weary smile* I never believed it myself. But I'm glad it happened.
Micky: Yeah, me too. (Takes her hand) If you're not ready to...you know...I can lay off. It's just that you do something to my mind, and after what happened out west...
Lauren: It would be kinda nice if you could lay off it. *pauses* I mean, it won't be much longer, and... *swallows* I don't know how much longer I can keep saying no. *looks away*
Micky: (Grins) Really? (Groans) Oh, man, me and my damn mouth...
Lauren: *rolls her eyes* And that's why I didn't wanna say that. *chuckles*
Micky: I don't know what it is, but I just can't seem to control myself around you. I don't want to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, but we are adults, despite what Mike and Emma say, and...well, it just comes out. (Blushes)
Lauren: Yeah, despite what those two say. *makes a face, then sighs* I'm just old fashioned in that aspect. It's something I've always had decided in my mind. I just never knew how tough it would be to stick with.
Micky: (Takes her hand again) I'll try to be better, Lauren. I'll lay off, if you want me to. (Wiggles his eyebrows) But it won't be easy! You've got curves that make my...parts...stand to attention! ;)
Lauren: *her eyebrows arch* Mick!! *doubles over, laughing*
Micky: (Chuckles) I guess I can wait a few more weeks. (Grins wickedly) But, after the wedding, (sweeps his arm to take in the woods), you, me, a secluded cabin with nobody but us, the wild animals, and our hormones... ;)
Lauren: *laughs again, this time blushing* You got it!
Micky: (Sighs) It'll be beautiful, just beautiful! ;)
Lauren: Of course, we coud ix-nay the wild animals, unless you meant yourself. *winks*
Micky: (Growls and nibbles at her neck) I'm surprised they haven't showcased me on "Wild Kingdom" yet. ;)
Lauren: *chuckles* You'd be a two-part episode!
Micky: (Laughs) Oh, would I? (Starts meowing quietly and doing "scratching", then in an announcer's voice) Next, Wild Kingdom stalks the wild Panther Man, the sleek, slick predator of the Peoria plains. See him attack his prey (kisses Lauren's neck lightly) with lightning speed! ;)
Lauren: *laughs again* You've taken "Mission: Ridiculous" too much to heart, Micky. *pauses* That tickles!
Micky: That's the idea. (Sighs) I'm so lucky. What's a nice girl like you doing with a nutcase like me?
Lauren: Yeah, well, what's a great looking guy like you doing with...me? *lifts her eyebrows, then smiles*
Micky: (Raises his eyebrows) Oh, come on, babe! You probably have to keep the guys away with a stick in North Adams!
Lauren: *sighs* I only wish.
Micky: Why not? (Grins) I can't be the only guy who's appreciated those curves. ;)
Lauren: Did you want there to be someone else? *winks* Sorry, pal, you're the only one.
Micky: (Grins) Good. (Sighs) It's just that I'm...there's the leg, and I never finished college, and I'm just (lowers his head) a clown. No one takes me seriously, even my best friends. (Small smile) I don't even take me seriously sometimes.
Lauren: No one can be serious all the time, and that's what I love best about you. I know you can be serious when you have to be, you've proven that. *pauses* I don't care about the leg. *smiles* It's rather interesting, actually. And college...you know so much more, and you could always go back and finish. I love you the way you are. You got that? *smiles and winks*
Micky: (Grins, almost in tears - salutes her) Yes, ma'am! (Hits his head too hard and rubs it) Ow!
Lauren: *laughs* You're not supposed to hit yourself! *snickers*
Micky: Guess I aimed too hard. (Yawns) We'd better be getting to bed. I assume you and Peter have a full day planned for us tomorrow. (Grins wickedly) So, I guess you joining me is out? ;)
Lauren: Yes, we do have a full day planned. *pauses* I'll make you a deal. I'll stay out here with you until you fall asleep and your snoring makes me leave, okay? *grins*
Micky: (Grins back) Good enough for now. (The two settle down in the tent, Micky's head in Lauren's lap - she's fingering his curls) I am truly the luckiest man on earth tonight. I have everything a man could want - good friends, a good or at least decent home, and the love of the most wonderful creature on Earth. (Sighs contentedly)
Lauren: *now she's almost in tears* Thank you, Mick. Now... *she smiles, looking down at him*
(But Micky has already rolled off Lauren's lap and is snoring louder than most bears growl.)
Lauren: *sighs, shaking her head, and checks her watch* Not bad time. *snickers, then gets up & leaves quietly, headed back for the small, green trailer; she goes inside*
(The next morning at the campsite, only Emma is awake. She is dressed in a white t-shirt with an obviously hand-painted purple flower with a yellow center and green stems on it, jean shorts, and sneakers, her hair up in a ponytail.)
Emma: (Singing) "Sometime in the morning, he will be there..." (Checks the pancake she's cooking over a renewed fire) Not quite done yet. (Goes back to holding them over the fire)
(Emma sighs as Peter emerges, wearing his blue Hawaiian print shirt and jean shorts, along with his ever-present beads and a pair of sandals.)
Peter: (Grins) Good morning, Em! That's right, you're a morning person, too! (Jumps as a loud noise is heard from the tent.)
Emma: Good morning, Peter! (Shakes her head at Micky's tent) How did he end up out here, anyway?
Peter: (Makes a face) We couldn't sleep with his snoring, so we thought we'd put him where he wouldn't wake anyone up!
Emma: (Grins) And leave him to the wolves?
Peter: If they'll stop him snoring, yes! ;) (Micky emerges, bleary-eyed and yawning)
Emma: (Cheerfully) Good morning, Mick! I'm working on breakfast!
Peter: And I've got coffee going in the MonkeeTrailer. (Winks) That should get Mike up, anyway. He absolutely cannot function without his coffee.
Micky: *yawns, waves his hand, and drops himself on the ground* Need food...
Emma: (Laughs and drops the huge pancake on a plate, then indicates a picnic table where butter, syrup, and utensils are set up) Here you go. Have fun, if you can make it to the table without hurting yourself. ;)
Peter: He can barely make it to the kitchen in the pad without hurting himself when he gets up! ;)
Micky: *forces his eyes open* We'll see... *sways after standing up; staggers over to the table*
(Mike staggers out of the MonkeeTrailer, eyes unfocused, coffee in hand. He wears his paisley pajamas, slippers, and a fair growth on his chin. He's muttering to himself)
Emma: (Overly cheerful, in a very fake Irish accent) Top o' the morning to 'ya, Mike! (Indicates the pancakes) Would you be havin' a wee bit 'o the griddle cake and syrup? ;)
*Micky lifts his head sleepily to glance at Emma, then tries to refocus on breakfast.*
Mike: (Muttering) Leave me alone. (Flops down at the table, growling under his breath)
Emma: (Mutters) Well, he's charming in the morning.
Peter: Em, you know better than to tease him this early in the morning. He's always like that before he gets his first cup of coffee. ;)
(Mike downs the cup, then get up)
Mike: Need more....(ambles back in the MonkeeTrailer and returns with a second cup, plus some for Micky and Peter)
*Micky grumbles his thanks and downs the cup. He sets the cup down and already looks more awake.*
(Mike hands the other cup to Peter, who sips it daintily. Peter's cup has Winnie the Pooh on it, Mike's is a simple, old-fashioned green-brown earthenware, and Micky's has an ape scratching it's head with the words "I'm always like this in the morning" printed over it)
*The door to the small, green trailer opens. Lauren stops in the doorway, squinting against the bright morning sun.*
Emma: (Grins) And here comes another cheerful morning person.
Peter: Good morning, Lauren! Em's making breakfast!
Lauren: *waves wearily, then turns back inside* Too damn bright... *re-emerges, this time with sunglasses* Much better.
Mike: (Nods) Good idea, Lauren. I'll get mine. (Goes back to the MonkeeTrailer)
(Emma flips her next pancake, slides it on a plate, and hands it to Peter, who takes it over to the table and sits across from Micky.)
Lauren: *staggers to the table and flops down next to Micky, who smiles at her; she returns the smile sleepily before her head flops down onto the table* Wake me later.
Peter: (Scratches his head) But you're already awake!
Micky: *checks her; shakes his head* Not anymore.
Emma: (Laughs and flips another pancake) Not quite, Pete. ;)
*Micky shrugs and returns to the rest of his pancake.*
(Mike and Davy finally come out. Davy wears his polka-dot pajamas and is yawning. Mike now wears his sunglasses and carries yet another cup of coffee.)
Peter: (Shakes Lauren) Lauren, are you ok? Don't you want to eat?
Davy: (Lets out another yawn) Just let 'er be, mate. We all had a long night.
Lauren: *lifts her head* Huh? Uh, yeah, I'll have something later. *flops her head back down*
Micky: *shakes his head again* She ain't a morning person, Peter, and she doesn't drink coffee. Just let 'er wake up on her own.
Emma: (Nods and hands Mike a pancake) I don't drink coffee, either, unless it's got about 80 tons of cream and sugar in it.
Mike: I don't know how you girls can do that. I can't live without my coffee in the mornin'. (Slathers butter on his pancake)
Emma: It's too bitter for me without the cream and sugar.
Micky: *places his fork on the plate* Lauren doesn't like coffee at all. She'll be up & about soon enough.
Davy: Well, then, Petah, since you're the only camping leadah awake, what's the menu for today? (Emma joins them with plates of pancakes for her and Davy.)
Peter: I thought we could try setting up the badminton net, or maybe play some frisbee, and then practice a little. I've got some groovy new songs I want to try, and so does Mike.
Micky: I'll play badminton as long as no one aims the birdie at my mouth.
Peter: (Grins) Just don't eat it, ok, Mick? If you get hungry, just go get something from the MonkeeTrailer. ;)
Micky: *returns a pained look* Oh, ha ha, very funny, Peter. *sticks his tongue out*
(Everyone chuckles at that, except for Mike, who grunts.)
Emma: (Gobbles up her pancake) Well, what do you think of my gourmet cooking? ;)
Micky: It was great! *points at Lauren* Do you know if she can make pancakes that good?
Emma: (Shakes her head) She says she's not much of a cook, but you'll have to ask her. I know I did most of the cooking when we lived together. :)
Mike: Hey, these aren't bad, for bein' cooked over a fire.
Micky: Oh. *pauses* Think she'd mind if you made them for me once a week?
Davy: (Pours syrup over his) They certainly look all right. (Glares at Micky) Not like some people who can't tell regular flour from pancake flour and made pancakes so flat, you could see through them. ;)
Emma: (Grins) I wouldn't mind, but you'd have to ask her. ;)
*Lauren lifts her head and slugs Micky in the arm, then grins sleepily.*
Peter: Oh, that was when I had the flu, and you all took turns cooking.
Micky: Ow! Hey! *pauses* And my cooking wasn't that bad! I ate it...
Mike: (Grins) Could have been worse, Dave. I almost set the stove on fire tryin' to make chicken and stuffing. Barbecuin' the hard way, I guess. ;)
Peter: I wondered why the house smelled like smoke for weeks...
(Emma nearly falls off the table laughing)
Emma: You guys are seriously not good cooks!
Davy: Mick, you'll eat anything that won't try to eat you back.
Peter: As long as it doesn't try to run away from him. ;)
Emma: Hey, Lauren, you awake enough for a pancake yet?
Micky: *shrugs* Not again with that! So I like food!
Lauren: *nods, still looking a little sleepy* Sure, just make a smaller one. My stomach hasn't completely woken up yet. *grins*
Mike: Well, Mick, face it, you do have one of the most amazin' stomachs on Earth.
Micky: *grins proudly* What can I say?
(Emma returns to the fire and starts mixing up more batter in a steel bowl)
Peter: Hey, Lauren, I thought we'd do badminton today after everyone wakes up. Is that ok?
Lauren: *smiles* That's fine with me. Whose butt do I get to whip first? *grins*
Mike: How about Mick? ;)
Davy: Oh, that should be an interesting match. ;)
Lauren: *gives Micky a look* Well, pardner, whaddaya say?
Micky: I say...I'm in trouble!
(Everyone laughs)
Peter: Aw, Micky, it can't be that bad. She's not Ronnie Farnsworth. (shudders) Thank goodness!
Lauren: Maybe not, but I am damn good, if I do say so myself. *grins again*
Mike: And Mick, you're great at tennis.
Micky: Yeah, that's true.
Emma: (Comes over with Lauren's pancake) I'd say you two are fairly evenly matched. ;)
Mike: (Winks) In more ways than one. ;)
Lauren: *grins* You're goin' down! *starts in on her pancake*
Micky: Was that a threat or a song cue?
Peter: (Grins) Either way, it should be a lot of fun to watch. ;)
(It was a song cue, for as Lauren finishes her food, the others spring to life, get dressed, and do the dishes. Emma, Lauren, and Mike put up the badminton net, occasionally getting stuck in the net. Emma accidentally puts one pole down on Mike's foot, and he grabs his foot and hops up and down comically.)
(Lauren swings her racket confidently; Micky runs out on the "court" with a big grin. We see them both in professional tennis outfits as they rapid-time hit the birdie over the net and the other four watch them.)
Lauren: *as the romp ends; with the birdie in hand for her serve* You're puttin' up a heckuvan offense, Dolenz! I do have a little secret weapon, though. *throws the birdie up and serves in a spike shot. It hits the ground on Micky's side after he tries to run in for it* Heh!
Emma: (Shakes her fist in delight as the others clap vigerously) Woo-hoo! You go, Lauren! :D
Mike: Damn, girl, you're good!
Peter: That was awesome!
Lauren: Why, thank you! *turns back to Micky* You're down 20 to 18. Wanna give up?
Davy: Ain't nevah seen a serve like that! (Grins) Mick, I think you've finally met your match! ;)
Micky: Give up? *narrows his eyes* Nevah!
Emma: (Sighs) This could go on all day...
Mike: (Elbows Emma) And I thought we were stubborn! ;)
*Micky sets up his serve and sends it over. Lauren returns it quicker than he served it. He runs across the court & dives for it. The racket makes contact, sending it back to Lauren. Lauren returns it to the other end of the court. Micky's nowhere close to it when it lands in bounds.*
(More clapping from the group)
Lauren: *jumps up, waving a fist in the air* Woo hoo!!
Emma: Go Lauren! :D
Mike: Mick, I think she's got ya. ;)
Lauren: That's game, Mick.
Davy: Well, who's the next victim? ;)
Emma: (Shakes her head) Whoever plays me, go easy, ok? I haven't played badminton since I was a kid.
Mike: And I'm not even all that great at tennis.
Lauren: Any takers? *puts an arm around Micky's waist as he leaves the court. Micky sits down with the group, pouting*
Peter: (Grins) Valerie taught me how to play. We used to play it together when we dated.
Lauren: Up for it, Peter? *swings her racket*
Peter: (City-lighting grin) Sure! (Jumps off the table and joins her, taking the racket from a still-pouting Micky)
Lauren: *tosses him the birdie* You serve, Peter.
(Peter does so. He's actually quite good, and he and Lauren have a furious match.)
Mike: Damn, I didn't know he had hidden talents.
Emma: Maybe you should talk to him more often, Mike. He's not stupid, just a little on the slow side.
Mike: Yeah. I guess I assume too much about him, just because he spaces out a lot.
Micky: *calls out* Come on, Pete, kick her butt! *Lauren gives him a quick glare*
(Emma throws back her head in laughter)
(Peter finally manages to send a powerful return Lauren can't catch. She goes after it, taking a dive, but misses it within bounds.)
*Lauren punches a fist on the ground.*
Peter: (Frowns) Lauren, you ok?
Emma: (Grins) She just can't stand losing to you, Pete. ;)
Lauren: *props her head in her hand* Em's right. *gets up and extends a hand to Peter* Great game. :-)
Peter: (Winks, accepting the handshake) Not bad for a dummy, huh? ;)
Davy: Aw, come on, Petah, don't start that again! You're not a dummy. Just...unique. :) (Grins) I'll play 'im. I used to play tennis with me sistahs when I was a lad. (But, though Davy is a good athlete, his technique is quite rusty, and Peter has no trouble beating him.)
Lauren: *whoops* Go, Peter!
Peter: (Grins as Davy sits down next to Micky, joining his friend in pouting) Well, who wants to play me next?
Mike: (Frowns at Emma) Shoot you for it, Em. (He does - Emma gets paper, while he gets scissors)
Emma: Oh, man, I haven't done this in years. (She picks up the racket and joins Peter on the court. Though she does fairly well, she's quite slow.)
Mike: I've got to start takin' that girl out on more long walks.
Emma: (Finally misses a return from Peter) That was game. (Smiles and shakes his hand) You're pretty good, Pete. You really learned a lot from Valerie. :)
Peter: (City-lighting grin) Thanks, Em!
Micky: *nudges Mike* You're the only one left, man.
Mike: (Groans) Oh, man, I'm hideous at this game. I think I'd rather try shootin' mountain lions. :p
*Shot of Mike dressed in hunter's clothes, sneaking through the woods, gun in hand. He comes upon Micky dressed in the lion outfit from "Monkees At The Circus." Micky holds his hands up in surrender.*
Emma: (Grins as she joins the others) At least you'll be faster than I am! (Hands him the racket) Get out there and show your best friend a thing or two, Mr. Nesmith! We don't want his ego getting as big as certain others around here! ;)
Micky: Now, who could she be talking about?
Davy: I haven't the slightest. (Scratches his head)
Emma: (Winks) Gee, I wonder. ;)
*Lauren rolls her eyes, smirking.*
Mike: (Groans and heads out to the court) Pete, go easy on me, ok? I'm no good at this stuff.
Peter: (Nods) Ok, Mike. I won't hit anything too hard!
Lauren: This should be good. *Micky nods, grinning*
(Mike really isn't good at the game, as we discover. Peter goes as easy on him as he can, but Mike keeps hitting it the wrong way or not hard enough or too hard. He's getting increasingly frustrated. On his last serve, he slams the birdie so hard, it goes sailing over Peter's head and far into the woods.)
Peter: (Eyes widen) Uh oh. :(
Lauren: *sighs* Man, I lose more birdies that way. *shakes her head*
Mike: (Groans) Oh, damn it!
Davy: What did you do that for, mate?
Mike: I just wanted to hit the damn thing past Peter, not into the freakin' wilderness!
Lauren: Awe, Mike, don't sweat it! I've done that myself many times.
Peter: (Shakes his head and puts up his hand) Peace, Michael. I'll go look for it. (Trots off into the woods)
Micky: Do you know how many tennis balls I've lost like that?
Lauren: I'll help, Peter! *jogs off after him*
Davy: Yes. Babbitt's complain' about findin' them in his garden. He says you've been hittin' his azaelas.
Micky: They make good target practice. *shrugs*
Mike: Hey, guys, come on! This is my fault! (Runs out in the woods)
Emma: Oh, man. Michael Nesmith, get over here! The last time you got lost in the woods, you were captured by two demons and a wizard! (Runs after him)
Micky: Think we ought to follow them, Dave?
Davy: (Shrugs) Why not? The party seems to be movin' out to the woods. (Grins) Besides, the woods can be awfully romantic. ;)
Micky: Good point. *runs after the group* Hey, wait up!
(Which launches us into our next romp, "The Kind Of Girl I Could Love." Everyone ducks around trees, trips over bushes, runs into each other, scares each other, runs into bears that are obviously people in bear suits, and runs away from people in bear suits.)
(Micky finds odd-colored berries and is about to eat them when Lauren shakes her fingers and pulls him away.)
(Davy and Micky mischeviously drops vines on Peter and Mike from the trees. The branch breaks, and they topple into their friends' arms as the romp ends.)
Mike: (Puts Davy down) Hey, where are the girls?
Micky: I thought they were with you guys.
Peter: (Eyes widen and holds Micky tight) We thought they were with you! :o
Micky: *rolls his eyes* Peter... Okay, we'll just look for them, that's all.
Peter: (Whimpers) What if Zero got them?
Mike: (Shakes his head) Em promised no villians this time, remember? They probably found the birdie and are lookin' for us.
Davy: Um, Petah, I think you can put Mick down, before you squeeze the life out of 'im.
Peter: (Quickly puts Micky down on his feet) Oh, sorry, Mick!
Micky: No problem. *coughs*
Mike: (Shakes his head) Pete, you really don't know your own strength. (Frowns) Does anyone know where we are?
Peter: Not really.
Micky: Offhand...no.
Davy: (Throws up his hands and sits on a rotted log) Wonderful! We're lost miles from civilization and we don't know where the one person who knows 'er way around is!
Peter: Maybe we should just stay where we are.
Micky: There's gotta be something around here that'll tell us where we are. *looks around*
Mike: (Sees something white lodged in a tree) Here's the birdie!
Davy: (Sighs) Well, at least we know where that is.
Micky: *starts to climb a tree* Well, that's helpful. *gets up in the tree and looks around*
Peter: Micky, be careful! We don't need you getting hurt before the wedding!
Micky: I'll be fine. Geez, Mike, you sure don't know your own strength!
Mike: Oh, man, Micky! (Follows him much less gracefully)
Davy: Be careful up there, mate!
Micky: *sees Mike climbing the tree* Man, Mike, you don't have to do this!
Mike: Ow. (Manages to swing one long leg over the branch Micky's on, but almost loses his footing doing so) Micky, yes, I do. If I hadn't let my temper get the best of me, we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place.
Micky: That's fine, Michael, but do you seriously think this branch is gonna hold both of us? *his eyebrows arch*
Mike: (Hears a cracking sound) Offhand, I'd say no. (He and Mick scramble to opposite, separate branches just as the branch they were on crashes to the ground)
Micky: *lets out a breath, holding a hand over chest* Mike, don't scare me like that! Lauren'll kill me if I get hurt!
Mike: (Pulls the birdie out from the pine needles in which its lodged) Sorry, man. I just wanted to help.
Mike: (Looks down) Ok, we got this far. Now, how do we get down?
Micky: *sighs* Shouldn't you have thought of that before you got up here? *stands carefully & looks around* Man, I don't see anything or anyone!
Davy: (Faint, calling) Are you two ok up there?
Peter: (Also faint) Yeah, a branch just attacked us! :O
Micky: *calls down* Yeah, we're fine!
Mike: We just did a little bit of prunin', that's all. ;)
Micky: *quirks an eyebrow at Mike* Since when did you start crackin' jokes? *grins*
Mike: What, you don't think I got a sense of humor? ;)
Micky: *shakes his head* No, that just sounded more like something I'd say.
Mike: I'm not the only bad influence around here, son. ;)
Micky: *nods* Hey, Mike, I'm getting worried. I can't see anything around here that looks familiar...
Mike: (Squints, then points at two faint shapes, one green, one red and white) I think I see the campsite over there. (Grins when he notices two figures) And it looks like the girls are already home. ;)
Micky: Where the heck... *squints* I still can't see 'em.
Mike: (Grins) Push that branch out of the way. It's a pain, but not a pane of glass. ;)
Micky: Oh. *moves the branch, shakes his head, then sighs* Heh. Maybe if I had my glasses, I'd be able to see that far.
Mike: You did remember them, didn't you? We don't need you gettin' a headache readin' the music sheets.
Micky: Yeah. They're back at camp, though. *mutters* Didn't think I'd need 'em out here...
Davy: (From below) Well, did you find out where to go?
Mike: (Calls to Davy) Yeah, I think we're goin' a little to the south. (Grins at Micky) And I'm navigatin' this time. Every time we let you use the map, we end up in the middle of nowhere or in the middle of a hillbilly war. We're lucky those hillbillies didn't end up decidin' they liked us less than their kinfolk.
*Micky gives Mike a razz.*
Mike: (Starts down) Come on, Mick. Let's go meet the girls. Em's probably worryin' her head off about us.
Micky: *grumbles* I'm comin'.
(As they do, we switch over to the campsite, where the girls are waiting for the boys. Lauren sips a can of soda at the table, while Emma paces back and forth.)