Neighbor Dilemma (The Big Bang Theory x Male OC) (LGBT)

VII - The Traipse Excursion

INT. APARTMENT 4A - NIGHT

The gang is gathered in Leonard and Sheldon's apartment. Rafael is enthusiastically presenting the hiking plan for their trip to Yosemite he offered to the group last week. The girls are excited, while the guys look less than thrilled.

Rafael: So, I've mapped out a great route for us in Yosemite. It's a moderate hike, with amazing views. We'll leave early Saturday morning.

Penny: That sounds awesome! I've always wanted to do more hiking.

Amy: Me too. This will be a great adventure.

Bernadette: (eyeing Howard) And it'll be good for some of us to get a little exercise.

Howard: (grumbling) I get plenty of exercise... in the lab.

Leonard: Yeah, what if we need to, you know, do some last-minute work or something?

Rajesh: Or, uh, check out that new comic book release?

Rafael: (chuckling) Come on, guys. It'll be fun. Fresh air, beautiful scenery, and good company. What's not to like?

Sheldon: As long as it doesn't interfere with my weekly routine, I suppose I can tolerate it.

INT. APARTMENT BUILDING HALLWAY - DAY - WEEKEND

The gang is supposed to be heading out for the hike, but the guys are procrastinating, finding various excuses to delay.

Amy: Sheldon, we need to leave now if we're going to stay on schedule.

Sheldon: I'm just double-checking my packing list. We can't be too careful.

Bernadette: (to Howard) Put down the soldering iron and get your gear. Now.

Howard: Fine, but if I miss a crucial experiment, it's on you.

Rafael: (exasperated) Guys, we need to go. The longer we delay, the less daylight we'll have for the hike.

Penny: (dragging Leonard) Let's move it, mister. I'm not missing this hike because you're being a baby.

Leonard: Okay, okay! I'm coming.

EXT. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

The gang finally arrives at Yosemite and begins their hike. The guys are lagging behind, complaining about various aches and pains.

Sheldon: My calves are experiencing a distressing level of discomfort. This terrain is highly irregular.

Howard: Why couldn't we do something normal, like binge-watch a TV series?

Rajesh: I think I just saw a bear! We're going to die out here!

Rafael: (trying to keep spirits up) Come on, guys. We're almost to the first scenic overlook. It'll be worth it.

Suddenly, Rafael slips on a loose rock and is struck by a falling tree branch. He falls to the ground, unconscious.

Leonard: Oh no! Rafael!

Howard: We need to get help. Quick, someone call 911.

Penny: There's no signal out here. We have to find help ourselves.

Bernadette: We're in the middle of nowhere. What do we do?

Amy: Let's stay calm. We need to find shelter and tend to Rafael.

Sheldon: My " If Rafael is dead or unavailable" kit is now handy. I shall be now the navigator of this group.

Howard: Sheldon, I rather drown than you take the lead.

Rajesh: I'm ready now Mr. Bear.

Leonard: Hold on guys, I'm sure Sheldon researched about this if he has this backup kit.

Howard: Yeah, I guess.

Penny: Let's just leave Sheldon on what he's doing, we have to build shelter as it's getting dark soon.

EXT. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK - NIGHT

The group is lost (thanks to Sheldon) and has made a makeshift camp. They huddle together, scared and unsure of what to do.

Amy: (sarcastic)Thanks a lot Sheldon, for making us lost.

Sheldon: I am not at fault as a wasp keeps following and it distract me to be focus as the Vice-Navigator.

Howard: You could've help us carry Rafael.

Leonard: Yeah this guy is so heavy.

Rajesh: It feels like I'm carrying a bear, a shaved one.

Penny: And you made me and Bernadette, set up the camp, you twigs.

Upon their bickering, Rafael wakes up groggily.

Rafael: (groaning) What happened?

Leonard: You got hit by a tree branch. We're lost and have no signal to call for help.

Rafael: (sitting up) Okay, don't panic. We just need to stay put until morning. Then we can find our way back.

Penny: This is a nightmare. I'm never going hiking again.

Bernadette: (sarcastically) Great idea, guys. Let's get lost in the woods. Brilliant.

Sheldon: I knew this would happen. Nature is unpredictable and dangerous.

Rafael: I'm really sorry guys, if I thought this happens, I wouldn't have invited you here

Amy: Well, it's not your fault. It was just unfortunate circumstances.

Penny: These dorks made us lost not you and I believe will be out later in the morning, we believe in you.

Bernadette: (pinching Howard's ear) You boys better behave now and let's just sleep.

EXT. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK - MORNING

Morning comes, and Rafael, now more alert, takes charge. He leads the group back to the trail, using his knowledge and the map he brought.

Rafael: Follow me. I remember the way. We'll be back at the parking lot in no time.

Howard: How do you know where we are?

Rafael: I've done this hike before. Trust me.

EXT. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK - PARKING LOT

They finally make it back to the parking lot, exhausted but relieved. The girls immediately start scolding the guys.

Penny: I can't believe you all tried to delay on the way out. Look what could've happened!

Bernadette: If you had just listened to Rafael, none of this would have happened.

Amy: Next time, we're sticking to a plan or a backup one. No more procrastinating.

Leonard: (apologetic) We're sorry. We'll do better next time.

Howard: If there is a next time.

Rajesh: Yeah, no more hikes for me. I'm sticking to flat ground from now on.

Rafael: Come on, guys. It wasn't that bad. I guess. Just a little adventure but I get what you all mean.

Sheldon: Adventure is not a word I use lightly. But I suppose we all survived, thanks to you, Rafael.

Penny: Seriously, thank you, Rafael. You kept your cool and got us out of there.

Rafael: Anytime. And don't worry, we'll plan something less intense next time.

Leonard: Next time, we're picking the activity. Something safe. Like a movie night.

Howard: Agreed. No more hiking. Ever.

The group laughs, their bonds stronger for having survived the chaotic adventure together. Rafael has proven himself yet again, and despite the mishap, they've come out of it with a story to tell and a lesson learned.